Cris did not look very mollified with Rowan's answer but he let it go for the moment. The thing that his partner needed most was sleep and Rowan seemed to agree with him on that. Doctors made notoriously bad patients though just as Security Chiefs couldn't sit at home and do nothing when there were people to protect. For now he would watch Rowan and make sure this test of endurance came to an end soon. He might need ask Gary to come by the the taser.
"Good, It will be nice having you here." He told Henri when the man agreed to stay with them. At least it would be as nice as it could be with someone trying to kill Rowan.
Henri mildly requested to know what was going on and then clarified that he wanted to know the truth without the hedging, charm or outright lying that Rowan was exceptionally capable of. Thankfully he did not often find himself on the receiving end of anything but Rowan's charm and Cris found that, well....charming.
[I think I like him already.] Cris gave Rowan's leg a supportive squeeze. This story was not going to be an easy one to tell but Rowan would not have to go through it alone. [I hope you are not upset with me for letting him know.] That he should talk to Rowan and that he, Cris, was worried about Rowan.
Cris turned and wrapped his arms around his companion, hugging him close for a moment. He could see that his lover was having a very hard time keeping his eyes open so they needed to finish quickly.
Settling back against Rowan once more, he shook his head. "I am guessing that these spies are of the cat, rat, bird, raccoon or something similar variety.†Cris looked over at Henri. "We have attached cameras to Alfarinn's birds in the past. They are quite adept at telling him things either way but this way they were very useful for all of us.†Gary could talk to his mice and to a lesser extent their larger cousins. Rowan would be happy to know that the hospital does not have an infestation of rodents. (Save the one Gary brought with him in his pocket)
"I wish we had something that was able to help us watch while we are at the hospital.†He had himself ,Sullivan and the team in the van monitoring the cameras but they stayed with Rowan and those in the van only saw what the cameras saw.
"This werewolf can blend.†Cris pointed to his face and brought up a point Rowan had mentioned in the course of explaining events. "MARI watches the hospital and the people in the van tell her who they see on the screens. I do not know if this ability works like ours but I hope that it does and MARI will see him where the people in the van do not. Then we would have him identified.â€
Looking thoughtful, he shook his finger in the air and mused out loud. "Gary brought back the clothing that the wolf left behind. What if we used a savant who could speak to dogs or wolves? Or any animal with a good sense of smell but a dog would be best. Then we have the savant go through the hospital with a dog that could pass for a service dog and see if it can pick up on the scent?†Cris looked hopefully at Henri. "Your friends wouldn't happen to be canine would they?â€
Avon Calling
Cris groaned softly and tried to sit up. It hurt. The drugs had worn off by now and things were mending in the steady certain way of all vampires, especially ones with a ready supply of blood. He made it to an upright position though and then sat there working through the pain and trying to decide what he wanted to do now.
"Do you want to go downstairs?â€
He glanced over at the IV rack and then to the tube in his arm. Carefully he unhooked himself and then turned back to his companion.
"Or we can perhaps try a shower?†While he did feel more stable, he did not think he was up to showering by himself. He would need to be careful with his back and the last thing he wanted to do was slip and fall in there.
Peeling back the bandage on his face, he found it warm to the touch, raised and somewhat swollen but entirely closed. If he were human then it would have made an interesting scar, but thankfully it would be totally gone by tomorrow.
His ribs were still sore and probably at least still cracked. It still hurt when he breathed, from the tear in his lung and the broken ribs. The gashes in his back had been sewn closed by Rowan and the skin layer might be knitted together by now with that bit of outside aid. What was underneath was still healing.
Standing carefully, Cris reached out and steadied himself with a hand on the headboard and waited for his partner's opinion on what they should do. After all, Rowan was the doctor and Cris had promised to be good.
Christian Bern
12 years ago
Henri
12 years ago
Henri did not miss the battle of the stubborn happening on the couch. It was intriguing. Rowan could be a mule about some things, but apparently so could Christian. This whole scene was an interesting look into the life of his child, who had been notoriously single until now, and Chief Bern, who was notorious for many things, single status notwithstanding. Maybe he wouldn't immediately get a hotel room tomorrow night.
Henri, however, was determined that Rowan should not leave the apartment without feeding. As he was a far lighter sleeper than Rowan, it didn't seem likely that his offspring would be able to sneak out without his knowledge. So he could be patient.
"Thank you," he said with a smile to Christian.
All the niceties he'd have liked to add seemed almost awkward... of course he had been looking forward to learning the identity of the lover Rowan had been hiding from him for so long, but he had not expected this. Certainly not someone he already knew, and definitely not his own superior. Yes, he was looking forward to getting to know Christian in a different light, but it seemed wrong to say just then so he remained silent.
"If it wouldn't trouble you," he added after a moment, "might I have use of your kitchen later on?"
Henri was used to making things. Baking for his host was hospitality, in his opinion. To have the skill and not use it would be criminal. In addition, he knew many of Rowan's weak spots. His friend might not enjoy the heat of the kitchen but he certainly indulged in the results. It wasn't blood but it might provide some measure of comfort.
Perhaps it was fortuitous that Rowan had become Christian's partner. Henri had known Chief Bern to go after a target with almost obsessive determination, and he was gratified to see how quickly Christian began to discuss the situation at hand. He listened quietly, still absorbing everything Rowan had told him. It didn't surprise him that this killer was a werewolf; while Rowan had made some enemies in his sordid past they were definitely in the past. Henri would have been shocked to find him singled out for any reason other than being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
It did worry him to see Rowan looking so stressed out over it. It was difficult to shake the redhead's good cheer and spirit, but this wolf seemed to have found every button and pushed it. Henri wasn't used to seeing this haunted look on Rowan's face, and it filled him with anger. Rowan was a good man; that was why he had turned him to begin with. He might have made mistakes over the years, but he was a better man than Henri had ever been.
"I have no canine friends," Henri said apologetically. "I can track, though, if you think such a talent might be useful for locating this man. And I have many little spies, as Ruan says. They are bats. Very small, very numerous, and very observant. But, I think, you would need a very tiny camera."
Henri would gladly serve as the scent hound here. With his combination of blending and tracking, and his small army of flying spies, he might just be able to find this killer without him knowing Henri was there.
It was generally how he worked, after all.
Henri, however, was determined that Rowan should not leave the apartment without feeding. As he was a far lighter sleeper than Rowan, it didn't seem likely that his offspring would be able to sneak out without his knowledge. So he could be patient.
"Thank you," he said with a smile to Christian.
All the niceties he'd have liked to add seemed almost awkward... of course he had been looking forward to learning the identity of the lover Rowan had been hiding from him for so long, but he had not expected this. Certainly not someone he already knew, and definitely not his own superior. Yes, he was looking forward to getting to know Christian in a different light, but it seemed wrong to say just then so he remained silent.
"If it wouldn't trouble you," he added after a moment, "might I have use of your kitchen later on?"
Henri was used to making things. Baking for his host was hospitality, in his opinion. To have the skill and not use it would be criminal. In addition, he knew many of Rowan's weak spots. His friend might not enjoy the heat of the kitchen but he certainly indulged in the results. It wasn't blood but it might provide some measure of comfort.
Perhaps it was fortuitous that Rowan had become Christian's partner. Henri had known Chief Bern to go after a target with almost obsessive determination, and he was gratified to see how quickly Christian began to discuss the situation at hand. He listened quietly, still absorbing everything Rowan had told him. It didn't surprise him that this killer was a werewolf; while Rowan had made some enemies in his sordid past they were definitely in the past. Henri would have been shocked to find him singled out for any reason other than being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
It did worry him to see Rowan looking so stressed out over it. It was difficult to shake the redhead's good cheer and spirit, but this wolf seemed to have found every button and pushed it. Henri wasn't used to seeing this haunted look on Rowan's face, and it filled him with anger. Rowan was a good man; that was why he had turned him to begin with. He might have made mistakes over the years, but he was a better man than Henri had ever been.
"I have no canine friends," Henri said apologetically. "I can track, though, if you think such a talent might be useful for locating this man. And I have many little spies, as Ruan says. They are bats. Very small, very numerous, and very observant. But, I think, you would need a very tiny camera."
Henri would gladly serve as the scent hound here. With his combination of blending and tracking, and his small army of flying spies, he might just be able to find this killer without him knowing Henri was there.
It was generally how he worked, after all.
Rowan Murphy
12 years ago
Rowan leaned against Cris, the position almost too comfortable. He jerked his head upright and shook it quickly, hearing Cris's voice in his head. Then he smiled. [I'm not upset,] Rowan sent back. [I should have told Henri myself but sometimes, maybe stubborn gets the better of me. He can be a big help, I think.]
Why hadn't he asked Henri to come before this had become an issue? Rowan didn't have abilities that lent themselves well to this situation but Henri did. He had the experience too, and Rowan didn't doubt for a second that Henri would have come if he'd actually been serious.
[I do hope you like him,] Rowan told Cris. [I didn't realize what it was like before... to be concerned that everyone you care about got along.]
He'd never really experienced this before. Yes, he remembered his slight nervousness when talking to Aishe, hoping to win her approval. And now he felt a little anxiety that Henri and Cris should get along. He didn't see why they wouldn't; Henri had a very mild personality. Unlike Rowan, who sometimes opened his mouth to let out something brash and opinionated, Henri knew when to remain diplomatically silent.
As they began to discuss various strategies, Rowan closed his eyes briefly. He felt safe. He felt secure. Cris was here, and Henri was here, everyone was in one piece. And, with the three of them working together, with all of a Clan working together as well as more than half the mammalian and avian population of Nachton, he almost felt sort of sorry for the wolf.
Almost. Bastard still needed to kick it, and soon.
"We have his letters too," Rowan pointed out. "Just in case the clothing won't do."
He didn't see why it wouldn't, but they had more resources just in case. The room spun a bit and he leaned back against the couch. In a short while he would sleep, but he wanted to be a part of this conversation.
Why hadn't he asked Henri to come before this had become an issue? Rowan didn't have abilities that lent themselves well to this situation but Henri did. He had the experience too, and Rowan didn't doubt for a second that Henri would have come if he'd actually been serious.
[I do hope you like him,] Rowan told Cris. [I didn't realize what it was like before... to be concerned that everyone you care about got along.]
He'd never really experienced this before. Yes, he remembered his slight nervousness when talking to Aishe, hoping to win her approval. And now he felt a little anxiety that Henri and Cris should get along. He didn't see why they wouldn't; Henri had a very mild personality. Unlike Rowan, who sometimes opened his mouth to let out something brash and opinionated, Henri knew when to remain diplomatically silent.
As they began to discuss various strategies, Rowan closed his eyes briefly. He felt safe. He felt secure. Cris was here, and Henri was here, everyone was in one piece. And, with the three of them working together, with all of a Clan working together as well as more than half the mammalian and avian population of Nachton, he almost felt sort of sorry for the wolf.
Almost. Bastard still needed to kick it, and soon.
"We have his letters too," Rowan pointed out. "Just in case the clothing won't do."
He didn't see why it wouldn't, but they had more resources just in case. The room spun a bit and he leaned back against the couch. In a short while he would sleep, but he wanted to be a part of this conversation.
Christian Bern
12 years ago
"Not at all.†Cris smiled. "Perhaps tomorrow I will even join you.†He would be feeling much improved by tomorrow but he doubted Rowan would let him go back to work. However cooking seemed less dangerous, except perhaps to Rowan, so there was a chance that his doctor would let him putter around the kitchen.
Rowan explained that he had been stubborn about not telling Henri about the danger he was in. Cris would add optimistic; his partner seemed to believe that everything would be alright if he kept his positive attitude. It certainly was better than doom and gloom but there was still the real possibility that something very bad could happen. He did not like thinking that way himself but he felt that Henri would have wanted to know and have the chance to help his son. If it were his child then he certainly would have felt that way.
[I am sure we will get along famously.] Cris gave Rowan's leg a reassuring squeeze. [We have two very important things in common already. ] A fondness for one redheaded pirate and their work. It gave them common ground and plenty to talk about.
He nodded as Henri explained that his friends were not canines but bats. It was very stereotypical vampire for someone who looked so very unlike a movie vampire. Cris was always amused by what the human populous thought of them and how disappointed they might be in the truth. Henri was not running around in a cape and a top hat. He did at least have a nice accent for women to swoon over. Perhaps they could catch him going to the opera and then he might be more in proper form. Of course somewhere out there might be an Anantya who could turn into a bat. That guy, whoever he was, had cliché written all over him. Cris felt sorry for this imaginary vampire. He could hear any conversations with future familiars already. 'Yes, I can turn into a bat. No, not every vampire can. No, the crosses don't work... what the hell?!?!' As he cleaned holy water off his face.
"We actually have cameras small enough but I think we have plenty of surveillance outside with cameras so I do not believe we would need to create robo-bats for now.†Henri could station them around the outside of the hospital though and they would tell him things that the cameras might not notice. It would be nice if they could manage to have their surveillance inside but a sudden infestation of bats would hardly go unnnoticed.
He nodded to what Rowan said. "True. We tried tracking him with the first letter.†Before they were certain that Rowan would be a target. Cris had not wanted to give the man a chance to even think of noticing his partner and besides the killer had still been a vampire killer and therefore needed to be caught. "Unfortunately, it had been too long in the possession of the other vampire and not long enough in possession of the werewolf.†Cris sighed. "Perhaps we would have more luck with the newer ones and the clothing.†Alfarinn would get back to them on what useful information the clothing might give them from a psychometry perspective and then they would be free to use them for tracking.
"Your assistance would be greatly appreciated. Now that we know we are dealing with a werewolf instead of a vampire that makes a big difference in who we can use of our own.†It was harder to track an ancient murdering vampire with someone who was only a few centuries old. They did have access to older vampires with tracking but not many had been ancient and had blending as well. Had it turned out that they were dealing with a vampire then they might have called on Henri eventually anyway just for his age and particular skill set. "We can begin work on that...†Cris glanced sideways at Rowan and then sent to Henri. [Whenever the good doctor wishes to declare me fit for duty.] "soon.â€
Turning full around to Rowan, he raised a hand to his lover's cheek. "Come on, Love, I think we should go to bed. I am in no condition to carry you upstairs tonight and I think if we stay here much longer that might be necessary.†Of course Henri could get Rowan to bed but somehow that was less romantic.
Rowan explained that he had been stubborn about not telling Henri about the danger he was in. Cris would add optimistic; his partner seemed to believe that everything would be alright if he kept his positive attitude. It certainly was better than doom and gloom but there was still the real possibility that something very bad could happen. He did not like thinking that way himself but he felt that Henri would have wanted to know and have the chance to help his son. If it were his child then he certainly would have felt that way.
[I am sure we will get along famously.] Cris gave Rowan's leg a reassuring squeeze. [We have two very important things in common already. ] A fondness for one redheaded pirate and their work. It gave them common ground and plenty to talk about.
He nodded as Henri explained that his friends were not canines but bats. It was very stereotypical vampire for someone who looked so very unlike a movie vampire. Cris was always amused by what the human populous thought of them and how disappointed they might be in the truth. Henri was not running around in a cape and a top hat. He did at least have a nice accent for women to swoon over. Perhaps they could catch him going to the opera and then he might be more in proper form. Of course somewhere out there might be an Anantya who could turn into a bat. That guy, whoever he was, had cliché written all over him. Cris felt sorry for this imaginary vampire. He could hear any conversations with future familiars already. 'Yes, I can turn into a bat. No, not every vampire can. No, the crosses don't work... what the hell?!?!' As he cleaned holy water off his face.
"We actually have cameras small enough but I think we have plenty of surveillance outside with cameras so I do not believe we would need to create robo-bats for now.†Henri could station them around the outside of the hospital though and they would tell him things that the cameras might not notice. It would be nice if they could manage to have their surveillance inside but a sudden infestation of bats would hardly go unnnoticed.
He nodded to what Rowan said. "True. We tried tracking him with the first letter.†Before they were certain that Rowan would be a target. Cris had not wanted to give the man a chance to even think of noticing his partner and besides the killer had still been a vampire killer and therefore needed to be caught. "Unfortunately, it had been too long in the possession of the other vampire and not long enough in possession of the werewolf.†Cris sighed. "Perhaps we would have more luck with the newer ones and the clothing.†Alfarinn would get back to them on what useful information the clothing might give them from a psychometry perspective and then they would be free to use them for tracking.
"Your assistance would be greatly appreciated. Now that we know we are dealing with a werewolf instead of a vampire that makes a big difference in who we can use of our own.†It was harder to track an ancient murdering vampire with someone who was only a few centuries old. They did have access to older vampires with tracking but not many had been ancient and had blending as well. Had it turned out that they were dealing with a vampire then they might have called on Henri eventually anyway just for his age and particular skill set. "We can begin work on that...†Cris glanced sideways at Rowan and then sent to Henri. [Whenever the good doctor wishes to declare me fit for duty.] "soon.â€
Turning full around to Rowan, he raised a hand to his lover's cheek. "Come on, Love, I think we should go to bed. I am in no condition to carry you upstairs tonight and I think if we stay here much longer that might be necessary.†Of course Henri could get Rowan to bed but somehow that was less romantic.
Henri
12 years ago
Henri smiled at Christian. "I would enjoy that, monsieur." Some chefs might get possessive about their space but Henri did not. He enjoyed baking with someone else. Collaborative efforts usually bore the most fruit.
It seemed they had a preliminary plan in mind, which was good. Christian might be on the bench for the moment but it didn't mean he'd stopped working. It didn't surprise Henri; everything he knew of Evenhet's Chief of Security matched with the man sitting on the couch before him. Everything except the infamous robotic lack of emotion. He didn't think Christian lacked emotion at all. He seemed somewhat reserved, but in his interactions with Rowan it was very clear that he cared about Henri's brother.
Also very clear was the fact that Rowan was about to pass out on them. Henri had seen him push himself before. He was amused to hear Christian's voice in his head. [He will not get the chance to declare anything if he is unconscious,] Henri sent back.
He stood, smoothed down his shirt, and said, "If you would show me where I might sleep, I will take a short nap. It was a very long flight." He looked at Rowan. "And you will not fall asleep until you are in your own bed, or else I promise you I will spend every waking moment here telling Chief Bern embarrassing stories about your childhood. Particularly your favorite bedtime story."
He smiled innocently at Rowan, who was up off the couch in about half a second with a horrified expression on his face. Not long after that Henri was looking around the little guest room with satisfaction, taking in the whimsical beach theme and thinking it would be a very nice place to stay for a little while. If his stay grew too long he would find another room somewhere so as not to overstay his welcome but for now, it was good to be in Nachton. Even better to be under the same roof as Rowan again. He loved living with Renee, but Henri would admit to himself that he had always loved the time they had all spent in the same home.
If he had any say in it, there would soon be no one left to threaten that eventuality.
((ooc: Henri out))
It seemed they had a preliminary plan in mind, which was good. Christian might be on the bench for the moment but it didn't mean he'd stopped working. It didn't surprise Henri; everything he knew of Evenhet's Chief of Security matched with the man sitting on the couch before him. Everything except the infamous robotic lack of emotion. He didn't think Christian lacked emotion at all. He seemed somewhat reserved, but in his interactions with Rowan it was very clear that he cared about Henri's brother.
Also very clear was the fact that Rowan was about to pass out on them. Henri had seen him push himself before. He was amused to hear Christian's voice in his head. [He will not get the chance to declare anything if he is unconscious,] Henri sent back.
He stood, smoothed down his shirt, and said, "If you would show me where I might sleep, I will take a short nap. It was a very long flight." He looked at Rowan. "And you will not fall asleep until you are in your own bed, or else I promise you I will spend every waking moment here telling Chief Bern embarrassing stories about your childhood. Particularly your favorite bedtime story."
He smiled innocently at Rowan, who was up off the couch in about half a second with a horrified expression on his face. Not long after that Henri was looking around the little guest room with satisfaction, taking in the whimsical beach theme and thinking it would be a very nice place to stay for a little while. If his stay grew too long he would find another room somewhere so as not to overstay his welcome but for now, it was good to be in Nachton. Even better to be under the same roof as Rowan again. He loved living with Renee, but Henri would admit to himself that he had always loved the time they had all spent in the same home.
If he had any say in it, there would soon be no one left to threaten that eventuality.
((ooc: Henri out))
Rowan Murphy
12 years ago
Rowan smiled once again at Cris's voice in his head, but witty comebacks were quickly growing further and further from his reach. [Two things?] he asked. [I'd say those were a remarkably sexy ass and a talent for being sneaky, but to be perfectly honest I have no desire to test Henri's ass.]
He nearly made a face but held it back; Henri would only wonder what they were talking about behind his back (or, really, right in front of him). Instead he turned his head and kissed Cris softly, listening as attentively as he could while plans were made and the room still spun slowly. Cris's hand touching his face only made him lean into it with a tired murmur of agreement. Right. Bedtime.
Henri's voice snapped him out of his sleepy fog. "No way," he said, standing as quickly as he could without dislodging Cris too abruptly. Then, to his profound amusement, he felt his cheeks grow red.
"There's nothing wrong with my favorite bedtime story," he snapped quickly, narrowing his eyes at Henri. "You really should go to bed now. You look horrible. Kind of pasty, and definitely out of sorts."
Henri was chuckling as they left him downstairs. Getting back up to their own bedroom wasn't exactly torture, but they certainly didn't bound up the steps like kids either. Rowan looked at the large, inviting bed and uttered another sigh. Then he turned to Cris and gently pulled his partner into his arms.
"You are probably the sweetest person I know," he said, lowering his head to kiss his lover softly. "Thank you for inviting Henri to stay."
No words could truly convey his deep gratitude, that even feeling less than one hundred percent Cris was generous and understanding of this surprise visit. So Rowan simply shared with Cris, a blanket of warmth and comfort, the thankfulness he felt that Cris was the man he was.
He was already dressed for sleeping; pajamas worked just fine for now. Nude could happen later. "Can you sleep with me? Or are you still too sore?"
Rowan hadn't been able to sleep snuggled together with Cris earlier, and he admitted to himself that he missed it even for such a short time. Of course if Cris was too sore they must sleep apart, but only Cris could tell him how he felt.
He nearly made a face but held it back; Henri would only wonder what they were talking about behind his back (or, really, right in front of him). Instead he turned his head and kissed Cris softly, listening as attentively as he could while plans were made and the room still spun slowly. Cris's hand touching his face only made him lean into it with a tired murmur of agreement. Right. Bedtime.
Henri's voice snapped him out of his sleepy fog. "No way," he said, standing as quickly as he could without dislodging Cris too abruptly. Then, to his profound amusement, he felt his cheeks grow red.
"There's nothing wrong with my favorite bedtime story," he snapped quickly, narrowing his eyes at Henri. "You really should go to bed now. You look horrible. Kind of pasty, and definitely out of sorts."
Henri was chuckling as they left him downstairs. Getting back up to their own bedroom wasn't exactly torture, but they certainly didn't bound up the steps like kids either. Rowan looked at the large, inviting bed and uttered another sigh. Then he turned to Cris and gently pulled his partner into his arms.
"You are probably the sweetest person I know," he said, lowering his head to kiss his lover softly. "Thank you for inviting Henri to stay."
No words could truly convey his deep gratitude, that even feeling less than one hundred percent Cris was generous and understanding of this surprise visit. So Rowan simply shared with Cris, a blanket of warmth and comfort, the thankfulness he felt that Cris was the man he was.
He was already dressed for sleeping; pajamas worked just fine for now. Nude could happen later. "Can you sleep with me? Or are you still too sore?"
Rowan hadn't been able to sleep snuggled together with Cris earlier, and he admitted to himself that he missed it even for such a short time. Of course if Cris was too sore they must sleep apart, but only Cris could tell him how he felt.
Christian Bern
12 years ago
Cris liked the way his fellow security man thought. [You make a very valid point.] If Rowan stayed up much longer then he would be out of it for quite a while. His partner was exhausted and also healing, even if those injuries were not as severe; that made for a very comatose Rowan.
His lover's return was amusing and he found the small insights to Rowan's relationship with his Creator to be intriguing. [I would have said we had a love of you in common and our work but if you wish to concern yourself with our asses then you can explain to Henri why you wish him to strip.]
It was clearly coming very close to the point of no return for Rowan. Cris watched his lover lean into his hand, a look of comfortable lethargy spread over his features.
That lazy complacency ended rather quickly when Henri spoke. Rowan stood very quickly at Henri's words and, unbelievably, his cheeks turned a nice shade of crimson. Cris's eyebrows rose as far as they could go. He looked from Rowan to Henri and back again. "Bedtime story?â€
His partner was busy bustling Henri off to the guest room, claiming his Creator obviously needed some sleep himself. Cris watched with fond amusement. Before they headed to their own room, he smiled at Rowan and spoke to Henri. "Have a good rest. We'll have to talk more tomorrow.â€
Then he went with Rowan, who kindly helped him up the stairs. Cris would admit that the bed looked very inviting.
He found himself pulled into Rowan's embrace and Cris went willingly, sighing softly as he wrapped his arms around his partner. He harumphed in mild protest at Rowan's kind words but they still put a small smile on his face. "He's your Creator; there is no question that I would invite him to stay.â€
Cris was about to comment about Henri being able to tell him all kinds of interesting things about Rowan's past when his lover sent his unspoken gratitude and love to him through a glamour. He decided now was not the time to be witty and let the matter go with a tight hug and a small kiss to Rowan's chest.
"Of course I can sleep with you.†Cris tilted his head up and looked at Rowan as if he had grown another head, even though he understood his partner's concern. "Short of a full body cast, and maybe not even then, I plan on sharing the bed with you.â€
Easing out of Rowan's embrace, Cris went to the railing and leaned over it. "MARI?†He waited until she appeared on the television screen. "Please tell anyone that comes looking for us that we are sleeping. Let them determine whether their visit is important enough to wake us up.†That would leave the discretion up to whoever might be wanting to see them. If it was important news then he would certainly wish to be woken up but if they wanted to see if he was doing better then, he hoped, they would let him sleep and visit again later.
"Now, let's get some sleep.†He climbed carefully into the bed and settled down next to Rowan. "So, what is this about a bedtime story. Perhaps you could tell it to me?"
His lover's return was amusing and he found the small insights to Rowan's relationship with his Creator to be intriguing. [I would have said we had a love of you in common and our work but if you wish to concern yourself with our asses then you can explain to Henri why you wish him to strip.]
It was clearly coming very close to the point of no return for Rowan. Cris watched his lover lean into his hand, a look of comfortable lethargy spread over his features.
That lazy complacency ended rather quickly when Henri spoke. Rowan stood very quickly at Henri's words and, unbelievably, his cheeks turned a nice shade of crimson. Cris's eyebrows rose as far as they could go. He looked from Rowan to Henri and back again. "Bedtime story?â€
His partner was busy bustling Henri off to the guest room, claiming his Creator obviously needed some sleep himself. Cris watched with fond amusement. Before they headed to their own room, he smiled at Rowan and spoke to Henri. "Have a good rest. We'll have to talk more tomorrow.â€
Then he went with Rowan, who kindly helped him up the stairs. Cris would admit that the bed looked very inviting.
He found himself pulled into Rowan's embrace and Cris went willingly, sighing softly as he wrapped his arms around his partner. He harumphed in mild protest at Rowan's kind words but they still put a small smile on his face. "He's your Creator; there is no question that I would invite him to stay.â€
Cris was about to comment about Henri being able to tell him all kinds of interesting things about Rowan's past when his lover sent his unspoken gratitude and love to him through a glamour. He decided now was not the time to be witty and let the matter go with a tight hug and a small kiss to Rowan's chest.
"Of course I can sleep with you.†Cris tilted his head up and looked at Rowan as if he had grown another head, even though he understood his partner's concern. "Short of a full body cast, and maybe not even then, I plan on sharing the bed with you.â€
Easing out of Rowan's embrace, Cris went to the railing and leaned over it. "MARI?†He waited until she appeared on the television screen. "Please tell anyone that comes looking for us that we are sleeping. Let them determine whether their visit is important enough to wake us up.†That would leave the discretion up to whoever might be wanting to see them. If it was important news then he would certainly wish to be woken up but if they wanted to see if he was doing better then, he hoped, they would let him sleep and visit again later.
"Now, let's get some sleep.†He climbed carefully into the bed and settled down next to Rowan. "So, what is this about a bedtime story. Perhaps you could tell it to me?"
Rowan Murphy
12 years ago
Rowan smiled as Cris hugged him tightly. He was certain Cris would be in the same bed but he didn't know if it would pain him to be as snuggled up as they normally were when they slept.
After Cris informed MARI to take messages, however, they got in to bed together and managed to work out a situation that was pleasant to both of them. Rowan felt exhaustion return to hit him like a sledgehammer and even as he shifted slightly to nestle close to Cris he was falling asleep.
Opening his eyes a crack he looked up at Cris, a lazy smile on his lips. "It's not a bedtime story, exactly," he said. "It's something Henri teases me about. You'd think after a thousand years he'd let it drop but he's like a pit bull with a bone."
He laughed and rested his cheek against Cris's uninjured shoulder, rubbing gently and breathing in his partner's comfortable scent. The action reminded him that while Cris had found his own release previously, he had not. The intimacy of being in their bed shot a spike of heat through him and even tired he responded, albeit with a soft kiss to Cris's neck.
"It's this thing I used to do when I was turned," Rowan said, his voice growing muzzy with sleep. "Henri found out about it and started telling me stories."
He meant to tell Cris. Really. His partner would find it amusing and he didn't mind the embarrassment for the sake of Cris's amusement. But even as he spoke his words slurred into lazy mumbles.
"I was a lil' diff'rent," he yawned. He dragged his eyelids open but they would barely go.
"Globule," he muttered, giving a soft sigh of contentment.
He drifted into silence, almost asleep, pretty sure he was telling Cris all about it. In his dreams he walked into a dark faerie forest. Out loud, he was actually murmuring random bits of words.
"Aos si."
He was totally telling Cris all about it, right? Cris wasn't laughing yet.
"Clurichaun."
His whole body relaxed.
"Keg."
Then, quite clearly, Rowan said, "Henri is kind of a jackass."
That was the last thing he actually said out loud, although to him, he explained everything in precise, intelligent detail. Surely, it would be entertaining to Cris!
After Cris informed MARI to take messages, however, they got in to bed together and managed to work out a situation that was pleasant to both of them. Rowan felt exhaustion return to hit him like a sledgehammer and even as he shifted slightly to nestle close to Cris he was falling asleep.
Opening his eyes a crack he looked up at Cris, a lazy smile on his lips. "It's not a bedtime story, exactly," he said. "It's something Henri teases me about. You'd think after a thousand years he'd let it drop but he's like a pit bull with a bone."
He laughed and rested his cheek against Cris's uninjured shoulder, rubbing gently and breathing in his partner's comfortable scent. The action reminded him that while Cris had found his own release previously, he had not. The intimacy of being in their bed shot a spike of heat through him and even tired he responded, albeit with a soft kiss to Cris's neck.
"It's this thing I used to do when I was turned," Rowan said, his voice growing muzzy with sleep. "Henri found out about it and started telling me stories."
He meant to tell Cris. Really. His partner would find it amusing and he didn't mind the embarrassment for the sake of Cris's amusement. But even as he spoke his words slurred into lazy mumbles.
"I was a lil' diff'rent," he yawned. He dragged his eyelids open but they would barely go.
"Globule," he muttered, giving a soft sigh of contentment.
He drifted into silence, almost asleep, pretty sure he was telling Cris all about it. In his dreams he walked into a dark faerie forest. Out loud, he was actually murmuring random bits of words.
"Aos si."
He was totally telling Cris all about it, right? Cris wasn't laughing yet.
"Clurichaun."
His whole body relaxed.
"Keg."
Then, quite clearly, Rowan said, "Henri is kind of a jackass."
That was the last thing he actually said out loud, although to him, he explained everything in precise, intelligent detail. Surely, it would be entertaining to Cris!