Cris smiled up at Aishe when she hopped out of her chair and came around to kiss his cheek. The smile grew wider when she walked around to the other side and gave Rowan one as well.
He gazed at her thoughtfully when she said that Rowan was her hero today. He knew what she was likely to hear from the people around the Towers about him and also knew that it might be hard to listen to without commenting. In some ways though Cris assumed that some of what was right. He had warned Aishe about his lack of parenting skills when he made her a vampire. He was not the most affectionate person. She seemed to love him despite all that and Cris was grateful for her; she meant more to him than he could ever adequately say. It had never really occurred to him that the nicknames and harsh words about him would have bothered her so much when they did not upset him.
Foolish of him. Cris berated himself for not being very understanding. The things that he had overheard about Rowan had bothered him and he would have cut those short himself had his partner's speech not done it quite effectively for him. If they had been talking about Aishe that way then he was likely to have a private meeting with the unfortunate individual(s) on one of the top floors of the Towers and offer them a speedy descent should they wish to continue maligning his daughter. Perhaps he would be calmer...it depended on what they chose to say. The point, that he just now realized, was that his family had a harder time with the gossip about him because they cared about him. It made him feel guilty and loved all at the same time.
Reaching out across the table, he took Aishe's hand. [I am sorry. I should have realized it bothered you. They have not been discussing you have they?] He regarded her levelly as he added. [If so you just tell me who and we'll take care of it.] He released her hand and took up his coffee. Taking a sip, he watched her over the rim of the mug with amused eyes.
Aishe explained that they had been discussing Kem and Rowan and the fact that the two of them had yet to meet. He considered the situation for a moment and then shook his head.
"Perhaps we could do it sooner than Christmas Eve but probably not today. Rowan does not have a lot of time before his next shift." And I would like to monopolize it. The last part remained unsaid but his daughter was a smart girl and he knew that she could figure it out. Normally he might have been willing to share the small amount of time they had but not right now. He wanted to comfort Rowan and let him know that he was not upset in the slightest with what had been said. The only thing that bothered him was the fact that Rowan needed to say anything at all.
Cris released Rowan's hand and slid his arm over his lover's shoulder, pulling him closer. He tilted his head up and placed a gentle kiss on his partner's temple. "What would you like to do, Love?" His voice was quiet, above a whisper but not by much. Rowan appeared subdued after the very public scene of a few moments ago and Cris was somewhat concerned. [Is everything alright, Rue? We can go home if you like. I will take you in to work myself so we have some extra time together.]
He scanned the other people in the coffee shop, finding surreptitious glances here and there but not one more word spoken openly about them. Of course there were two people, at the far end of the seating area that were furiously texting...and, from the chiming of their phones, obviously to each other. Cris waited until one of them looked toward their table and gave her a knowing look and a raised eyebrow. She set her phone down, appearing both horrified and slightly awed. Honestly the deduction was not that difficult to make. Her companion looked up at her when the phone left her friend's hands and then glanced over at him. Cris raised the other eyebrow and then she too set her phone down, perhaps not so much because of his look but because her companion seemed disinclined to continued their texted gossip.
Turning back to Aishe, he asked. "Does he at least have a bed down there? Do you want him to go home and get some sleep? I can have a detail march down there and haul him out if need be. I'll even do it myself."
It Might Be A Conspiracy (PM for invite)
Rowan had some time between this shift and the next. It wasn't much, just a few hours, and without Cris at home he was too worried about waking up on time to sleep. So he had come up to Meridian's mall, in his scrubs, ready for work, to snag some coffee and engage in some people-watching. And, he'd admit, he was hoping Cris might at least be able to stop by.
Interestingly, Rowan felt like the tables were somehow turned. Instead of watching people, they appeared to be watching him. He hadn't spent a huge amount of time up here, preferring to go out into the city to socialize, but he'd been here a few times and couldn't recall drawing such attention. He didn't particularly mind, but he did surreptitiously check for the obvious things - food on his face, a stain on his scrubs, gum or worse stuck to his shoe... nothing hit a note.
That was, until he heard Cris's name in a hushed whisper from a passer-by and realized, with an amused chuckle, that they were checking out Christian Bern's Man. Maybe he should have dressed up a little bit more. Ah well. Cris's Man worked in a hospital and wore scrubs. Rowan was who he was. He ordered his coffee, tipped the barista, and found a table a little way down from Barney's to stretch out his legs. He had his backpack with him, just in case something interested him enough to keep him out until it was time to go to work. From the front pouch he pulled out his latest book and began to read, paying just as much attention to the conversations around him as he was to the words on the page.
Christian Bern
13 years ago
Aishe
13 years ago
Aishe was surprised when Cris took her hand. She smiled at him, tilting her head as he spoke to her and only her. Then she shook her head. Cris had nothing to apologize to her for. Gossips were gossips, that was all. Everyone needed something to discuss and Cris was so private yet so prominent with his position at the Towers that those two juxtaposed traits created a mill for endless speculation. She took a page out of his book and treated any rumor as he might have, brushing it off, occasionally amused by some of it, every once in a while hinting that she might retaliate by getting someone in trouble if she stumbled upon a conversation she was clearly not meant to hear. Deep down, though, she wanted to do what Rowan had just done and snap out.
[You have nothing to be sorry for Cris,] she sent back to him easily. She was about to replay that she could handle any troublemakers herself but she looked at her Creator's concerned face, the face of the man who had taken her under his wing and yet felt he'd done nothing for her, and she stifled that statement. [I don't think anyone has ever said anything about me,] she amended. [I promise, if I have any trouble I will come straight to you.]
It was probably true. Most things, Aishe felt like she could handle. But Cris was her protector. He had been, even before he'd turned her. She loved him for still keeping her under his wing, and she wouldn't push him away. She didn't want to.
Rowan had become very quiet; Aishe looked at him with some concern but he didn't seem upset, just thoughtful. She nodded at the couple when Cris declined heading to the archives for them both. Her lips turned up in a soft smile. It was really nice to see her Creator like this. With someone of his own, someone special. Aishe knew Cris cared about her, but there was something even more tender when he looked at Rowan, the sort of love he didn't share with her but that everyone needed. Being family was one thing; Aishe loved Cris and she knew he loved her too but what she felt for him was different from what she felt for Kem and now she saw that same thing happening here with Cris and Rowan. It felt good even to her.
"Any evening will work," Aishe said agreeably. She turned to follow Cris's gaze and noted the two texters. She tried to perfect her 'Bern Stare' but she was pretty sure they were focused on Cris instead.
Turning her attention back Aishe smiled as Cris inquired about Kem. "They've got a room sort of off their break room with a couch and a TV in it. He sleeps there when he stays over. He still thinks he can handle both jobs."
Kem was adamant that he could tackle Clan business as well as the archives. Aishe had yet to convince him otherwise, so he spent most of the week at Meridian, returning home for a day or two here and there. Aishe forced herself to be patient; she suspected such a schedule couldn't last and Kem did not neglect her. They spoke all the time, and when he left Meridian he made it a point to be with her completely, without sharing time.
"As much as I would love to see that," she grinned at the image of Cris dragging Kem out of the archives, "He is just about done with the calls he needed to make. I should go meet him, and I'll drag him home myself and make sure he... rests."
Her smile took on an impish quality as she observed the two men in front of her. She stood. "You should get some rest too," she said, her implication clear.
"I'll see you back at work soon," she said, directing the comment at Cris. Aishe's shift was done but she would be in for her next shift tomorrow, and she was pretty sure Cris was scheduled to be there then as well. She loved when her schedule meshed with his. It gave her extra time with him, even if that time was spent being productive and efficient and work-like. She probably spent more time with Cris than Rowan did. It made her all the more adamant that he head off with his partner now, while he had the chance.
And she was holding them up. Picking up her cup she hugged them both once more and wished them a good night. Ignoring any curious glances, Aishe headed out of the mall with a smile on her face, the smile turning into a grin as she heard Kem's deep, mellow voice in her head... asking about the odd rumor he heard about something that had just happened at the mall.
[I'll tell you about it... at home,] she promised.
((ooc: Aishe out, pending responses))
[You have nothing to be sorry for Cris,] she sent back to him easily. She was about to replay that she could handle any troublemakers herself but she looked at her Creator's concerned face, the face of the man who had taken her under his wing and yet felt he'd done nothing for her, and she stifled that statement. [I don't think anyone has ever said anything about me,] she amended. [I promise, if I have any trouble I will come straight to you.]
It was probably true. Most things, Aishe felt like she could handle. But Cris was her protector. He had been, even before he'd turned her. She loved him for still keeping her under his wing, and she wouldn't push him away. She didn't want to.
Rowan had become very quiet; Aishe looked at him with some concern but he didn't seem upset, just thoughtful. She nodded at the couple when Cris declined heading to the archives for them both. Her lips turned up in a soft smile. It was really nice to see her Creator like this. With someone of his own, someone special. Aishe knew Cris cared about her, but there was something even more tender when he looked at Rowan, the sort of love he didn't share with her but that everyone needed. Being family was one thing; Aishe loved Cris and she knew he loved her too but what she felt for him was different from what she felt for Kem and now she saw that same thing happening here with Cris and Rowan. It felt good even to her.
"Any evening will work," Aishe said agreeably. She turned to follow Cris's gaze and noted the two texters. She tried to perfect her 'Bern Stare' but she was pretty sure they were focused on Cris instead.
Turning her attention back Aishe smiled as Cris inquired about Kem. "They've got a room sort of off their break room with a couch and a TV in it. He sleeps there when he stays over. He still thinks he can handle both jobs."
Kem was adamant that he could tackle Clan business as well as the archives. Aishe had yet to convince him otherwise, so he spent most of the week at Meridian, returning home for a day or two here and there. Aishe forced herself to be patient; she suspected such a schedule couldn't last and Kem did not neglect her. They spoke all the time, and when he left Meridian he made it a point to be with her completely, without sharing time.
"As much as I would love to see that," she grinned at the image of Cris dragging Kem out of the archives, "He is just about done with the calls he needed to make. I should go meet him, and I'll drag him home myself and make sure he... rests."
Her smile took on an impish quality as she observed the two men in front of her. She stood. "You should get some rest too," she said, her implication clear.
"I'll see you back at work soon," she said, directing the comment at Cris. Aishe's shift was done but she would be in for her next shift tomorrow, and she was pretty sure Cris was scheduled to be there then as well. She loved when her schedule meshed with his. It gave her extra time with him, even if that time was spent being productive and efficient and work-like. She probably spent more time with Cris than Rowan did. It made her all the more adamant that he head off with his partner now, while he had the chance.
And she was holding them up. Picking up her cup she hugged them both once more and wished them a good night. Ignoring any curious glances, Aishe headed out of the mall with a smile on her face, the smile turning into a grin as she heard Kem's deep, mellow voice in her head... asking about the odd rumor he heard about something that had just happened at the mall.
[I'll tell you about it... at home,] she promised.
((ooc: Aishe out, pending responses))
Rowan Murphy
13 years ago
Rowan watched as Aishe and Cris looked at each other, their hands together, clearly having a short private conversation. His mind wandered a little bit though and he let it; he was already tired from working a long shift and his little outburst had him slightly worried. Cris excused them both and Rowan smiled a little at that; he had wanted to spend a couple hours with Cris before he went back to work so he couldn't agree more. He did want to meet Aishe's fiance but it could wait a day or two. She seemed to understand.
He felt Cris's arm around his shoulders and shook himself back to the present when his partner asked what he'd like to do, with a soft kiss upon his head. Rowan leaned into Cris's embrace, sliding down in his chair a bit so he could comfortably lay his head on the cool clean black of Cris's suit shoulder.
"Just to spend time with you," he answered with a smile. "Since I just have to go back to work soon anyhow."
[Everything is fine,] he reassured Cris silently, turning to smile up into those kind, concerned blue eyes. [I just hope I haven't made life more difficult for you. Or for Aishe. I should have kept my mouth shut.]
He didn't feel it though... Rowan wasn't good at keeping his mouth shut and he didn't feel half as guilty as he should. He just hoped the repercussions of his words didn't hurt anyone else. [I'd love to go home for a little while. Maybe... maybe I have a cold coming on. Cough, cough.]
Rowan had never called in sick to work. It went against his nature, leaving sick and injured patients to wait at the hospital for a relief doctor while he was taking a night off. But he worked such long damn hours, sometimes... sometimes he needed a mental health night and tonight he felt that more strongly than ever. It was unlikely he'd act on it but he was more tempted than he'd ever been. Maybe...
To his relief Aishe declined Cris's offer to force time off on her fiance by hauling him bodily from the Towers. If anyone was going to be manhandled by Cris tonight he'd prefer it to be himself. The smaller woman excused herself, but not without hinting at where she thought they should go and what activities they should engage in. It made Rowan laugh softly, her straightforward manner and the fact that she so clearly cared about Cris too.
"Good night Aishe. I'm glad we got to talk," Rowan said as she left with a smile and a wave.
He closed his eyes briefly, left alone with Cris at the table in the middle of the mall. Reaching over he wrapped one long arm around Cris's waist, sliding it under his suit coat to feel the warmth of his body through his shirt. He squeezed, sighing as he hugged Cris, and then looked up at his lover with sparkling eyes.
"So are you really going to take me home? I'll admit I feel a little weak. Kind of dizzy... Oh, everything's spinning."
His grin made it clear that everything was most certainly not spinning. Nor was he feeling anything but absolutely horny, if truth be told. Okay, maybe a little concern left over. But mostly, he wanted Cris. Even if they just hung out on the couch and turned the TV on.
He felt Cris's arm around his shoulders and shook himself back to the present when his partner asked what he'd like to do, with a soft kiss upon his head. Rowan leaned into Cris's embrace, sliding down in his chair a bit so he could comfortably lay his head on the cool clean black of Cris's suit shoulder.
"Just to spend time with you," he answered with a smile. "Since I just have to go back to work soon anyhow."
[Everything is fine,] he reassured Cris silently, turning to smile up into those kind, concerned blue eyes. [I just hope I haven't made life more difficult for you. Or for Aishe. I should have kept my mouth shut.]
He didn't feel it though... Rowan wasn't good at keeping his mouth shut and he didn't feel half as guilty as he should. He just hoped the repercussions of his words didn't hurt anyone else. [I'd love to go home for a little while. Maybe... maybe I have a cold coming on. Cough, cough.]
Rowan had never called in sick to work. It went against his nature, leaving sick and injured patients to wait at the hospital for a relief doctor while he was taking a night off. But he worked such long damn hours, sometimes... sometimes he needed a mental health night and tonight he felt that more strongly than ever. It was unlikely he'd act on it but he was more tempted than he'd ever been. Maybe...
To his relief Aishe declined Cris's offer to force time off on her fiance by hauling him bodily from the Towers. If anyone was going to be manhandled by Cris tonight he'd prefer it to be himself. The smaller woman excused herself, but not without hinting at where she thought they should go and what activities they should engage in. It made Rowan laugh softly, her straightforward manner and the fact that she so clearly cared about Cris too.
"Good night Aishe. I'm glad we got to talk," Rowan said as she left with a smile and a wave.
He closed his eyes briefly, left alone with Cris at the table in the middle of the mall. Reaching over he wrapped one long arm around Cris's waist, sliding it under his suit coat to feel the warmth of his body through his shirt. He squeezed, sighing as he hugged Cris, and then looked up at his lover with sparkling eyes.
"So are you really going to take me home? I'll admit I feel a little weak. Kind of dizzy... Oh, everything's spinning."
His grin made it clear that everything was most certainly not spinning. Nor was he feeling anything but absolutely horny, if truth be told. Okay, maybe a little concern left over. But mostly, he wanted Cris. Even if they just hung out on the couch and turned the TV on.
Christian Bern
13 years ago
Cris suspected that Aishe would be much better at convincing Kem to leave the archives and in a much more dignified manner than the one he was suggesting. He smiled up at his daughter and nodded.
"Good luck with the researcher and the 'resting'. I will see you tomorrow and you can give me a full report." His amused grin suggested he did not want the actual details.
He turned to regard Rowan thoughtfully. "I suspect we might find the time to take your advice."
Cris hugged Aishe when she stood to leave and then watched her exit the coffee shop and head to the elevators. He then turned his attention back to his considerably more quiet companion.
Rowan sent that he was worried about the repercussions of words. Cris sighed softly and held his partner more tightly. [It will turn out fine. I think I can handle a little more gossip. They have been wondering about you since you started living with me.] He leaned his cheek against Rowan's head. [I think you have just given them a small taste of why I love you.] Rowan was compassionate and brave; he stood up for what he believed was right and protected those he cared about. Some of the people would sort that part out of the gossip of the encounter at Barney's and that would not be such a bad thing.
[Things change and if I earn a reputation as a man who is madly and hopelessly in love with you...well, then it would be the truth. Perhaps everyone should see it. I am not entirely sure I could hide it or that I would want to. ]
He looked down at his lover who was suggesting that he might feel 'sick' and smiled slowly. [I promise to take very good care of you.] Cris arched one eyebrow and added [I will take you home and take you straight to bed. No getting out of it either. I might have to stay there to make certain of it.]
Rowan asked if he was really going to take him home. Cris kissed his lover gently on the forehead. "Of course, Love."
Disentangling himself from Rowan, he got up. "One moment. I made a promise." He went to the counter and ordered his assistant her chai and then brought it back to the table. Cris handed it to Rowan. "Here, hold onto this for Ume. Careful, do not spill it." He warned with an amused smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Cris then reached down and gathered his ailing partner up in his arms. He carried Rowan all the way to the elevator and down to the ground level. They stopped only long enough to deliver the cup of chai and then he did as he promised and took Rowan home and put him straight to bed.
He suspected the news of their visit to Barney's had already circulated the Towers by the time they reached the first floor. Cris was too happy to care.
((OOC: Both Out ))
"Good luck with the researcher and the 'resting'. I will see you tomorrow and you can give me a full report." His amused grin suggested he did not want the actual details.
He turned to regard Rowan thoughtfully. "I suspect we might find the time to take your advice."
Cris hugged Aishe when she stood to leave and then watched her exit the coffee shop and head to the elevators. He then turned his attention back to his considerably more quiet companion.
Rowan sent that he was worried about the repercussions of words. Cris sighed softly and held his partner more tightly. [It will turn out fine. I think I can handle a little more gossip. They have been wondering about you since you started living with me.] He leaned his cheek against Rowan's head. [I think you have just given them a small taste of why I love you.] Rowan was compassionate and brave; he stood up for what he believed was right and protected those he cared about. Some of the people would sort that part out of the gossip of the encounter at Barney's and that would not be such a bad thing.
[Things change and if I earn a reputation as a man who is madly and hopelessly in love with you...well, then it would be the truth. Perhaps everyone should see it. I am not entirely sure I could hide it or that I would want to. ]
He looked down at his lover who was suggesting that he might feel 'sick' and smiled slowly. [I promise to take very good care of you.] Cris arched one eyebrow and added [I will take you home and take you straight to bed. No getting out of it either. I might have to stay there to make certain of it.]
Rowan asked if he was really going to take him home. Cris kissed his lover gently on the forehead. "Of course, Love."
Disentangling himself from Rowan, he got up. "One moment. I made a promise." He went to the counter and ordered his assistant her chai and then brought it back to the table. Cris handed it to Rowan. "Here, hold onto this for Ume. Careful, do not spill it." He warned with an amused smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Cris then reached down and gathered his ailing partner up in his arms. He carried Rowan all the way to the elevator and down to the ground level. They stopped only long enough to deliver the cup of chai and then he did as he promised and took Rowan home and put him straight to bed.
He suspected the news of their visit to Barney's had already circulated the Towers by the time they reached the first floor. Cris was too happy to care.
((OOC: Both Out ))