Janette was a doll. She might have been happily spending the money from her divorce settlement but she had excellent taste and was a good client. They'd done a house and a half for her, were still working on the second house and she'd referred his studio to two other clients with as much if not more money. And given him these tickets after she'd splurged on an impromptu trip to Brazil (if Eiryk ever got divorced he could only -hope- to make out as well as Janette). It was the first time Nachton had held this hike and taste event and tickets were highly sought after.
It was new, it was different, it was outdoors and Eiryk -really- hoped Alex enjoyed it. It had seemed right up his boyfriend's alley and so he'd kept the tickets rather than given them to one of his other designers. And he'd bought a new pair of hiking boots, from Roughing It on Alex's recommendation of course, for the occasion. They went brilliantly with his silver gray sweater and dark jeans. It took a lot for Eiryk to get cold, and even then he liked it so he wore no other outer wear.
As excited as he was about this he did miss the cabin, but he consoled himself by remembering there would be snow up there the next time they went. Which was good as there were only a couple of weeks left in the sailing season. He needed to work on that, after all back home you hadn't stopped going out on the water until the storms were unmanageable, or the water had turned to ice.
Out of habit he looked up and took in the position of the stars before they started their little excursion. They were one thing that never changed. Feeling Alex's hand in his as he looked up at the night sky made him smile and Eiryk was hard pressed not to kiss the snot out of the lovely man next to him right then in there. Instead he took a deep breath and agreed.
"It does and it will be.â€
They started hiking, Eiryk very careful about where he was putting his feet not wanting to trip any one up.
"I heard a rumor there was a meadery out tonight.â€
There was a competitive, predatory lilt to his voice as he considered possible competition.
"I wonder if they are any good...â€
You Are Tastefully Invited
Alexander tucked his hands into his jacket pockets. It was a little chilly for September. Not really cold, but chillier than they had been used to for the past few weeks, so people seemed to be overcompensating a bit. He was dressed in jeans, a black tee, and a sweater. He had on a dark green jacket, fairly lightweight.
He and Eiryk stood at the head of a trail leading into the Park and Preserve. The way was lit with bright lanterns hanging from the trees, guiding people into the woods where they would get to taste several wines both local and not, and sample gourmet foods made by a number of well-known Nachton chefs.
Pulling one hand back out of his pocket he slipped it into Eiryk's and laced his fingers with his boyfriend's. They had recently taken a trip to Vermont to the cabin Eiryk had bought them both for Christmas last year and Alex felt it was pretty safe to say they still felt the happy glow of having been at the magical place. Just remembering that hot tub made him relax some. Why didn't they have a hot tub? They might need a hot tub.
Alex was very slowly beginning to loosen up about Eiryk's bank account. It didn't make him bristle quite so badly when Eiryk bought something, and Alex had even made a suggestion or two. Eiryk had made it plain that he enjoyed making purchases that they would both use and even Alex wasn't pig-headed enough to continually repel Eiryk's offers.
So here they were, with a couple of very expensive exclusive tickets that Eiryk had gotten through his connections at work. Apparently some of his clients were so happy with him that they kept him on the list of events that most of the high society went to. Alex found that intimidating, but it was part of being with Eiryk. He could deal.
He'd worried that jeans were too casual for this kind of affair but Eiryk had assured him they would be fine. He had even dressed down for the occasion, too, which Alex appreciated.
As they began walking up the trail, taking it slow and simply enjoying the scenery like everyone else, Alex turned to Eiryk. "This will be fun," he said. "Thanks for getting us in. It already smells great."
Indeed, the scent of something grilling was wafting gently through the trees.
Eiryk
12 years ago
Alex Aristos
12 years ago
Alex laughed at Eiryk's tone. He squeezed his partner's hand. "And if there is, you'll smile and be complimentary anyway because we both no no one makes it better than you do," he said.
He didn't for a moment think Eiryk would be unkind. It was just fun to tease him a little bit. For all that he could come across as a bit of a clown, Eiryk had some incredible skills that he'd been practicing at for hundreds of years. Living with Evenhet had taught Alex to look past the surface of most people. You wouldn't guess just by looking at Eiryk that he enjoyed knitting and brewing mead. Rowan, too, was wickedly fast and agile with a sword in spite of his height and musculature. Cris had a wonderful sense of humor and a little streak of mischief that you'd never guess from looking at him.
They approached the first tasting station, where there was a little tasting bar set up as well as a cooking area. Visitors were given a little sample of the food prepared and a wine to pair it with. In addition there were brochures wih the recipes and vendors in them.
"That looks good," Alex said as they approached.
The first station had a little salad on it, of mango and jicama, with a lightly spiced and fried duck meatball. It was a little bit sweet, and little bit tart, fresh and crisp and very light on the palate. Alex had never had jicama before but he liked the crunchiness of it. The meatball was tender and juicy, with a blend of savory spices that hit just the right note. Alex couldn't pin them all down but he would look it up in the recipe list. It was a great opener.
From this point they could go in three different directions. They all led to different tasting stations. He turned over the brochure in his hand and found a little map on the back that explained what was where, so they could pick and choose their next direction.
First though there was the wine to be paired with the meatball and the salad. Alex saved some of his food so he could try them together, and they waited until they could take a glass. He was surprised to see them serving in actual glassware, small glasses, very cute. Alex was immediately on guard, however. Eiryk and glass weren't always the best of friends.
He didn't for a moment think Eiryk would be unkind. It was just fun to tease him a little bit. For all that he could come across as a bit of a clown, Eiryk had some incredible skills that he'd been practicing at for hundreds of years. Living with Evenhet had taught Alex to look past the surface of most people. You wouldn't guess just by looking at Eiryk that he enjoyed knitting and brewing mead. Rowan, too, was wickedly fast and agile with a sword in spite of his height and musculature. Cris had a wonderful sense of humor and a little streak of mischief that you'd never guess from looking at him.
They approached the first tasting station, where there was a little tasting bar set up as well as a cooking area. Visitors were given a little sample of the food prepared and a wine to pair it with. In addition there were brochures wih the recipes and vendors in them.
"That looks good," Alex said as they approached.
The first station had a little salad on it, of mango and jicama, with a lightly spiced and fried duck meatball. It was a little bit sweet, and little bit tart, fresh and crisp and very light on the palate. Alex had never had jicama before but he liked the crunchiness of it. The meatball was tender and juicy, with a blend of savory spices that hit just the right note. Alex couldn't pin them all down but he would look it up in the recipe list. It was a great opener.
From this point they could go in three different directions. They all led to different tasting stations. He turned over the brochure in his hand and found a little map on the back that explained what was where, so they could pick and choose their next direction.
First though there was the wine to be paired with the meatball and the salad. Alex saved some of his food so he could try them together, and they waited until they could take a glass. He was surprised to see them serving in actual glassware, small glasses, very cute. Alex was immediately on guard, however. Eiryk and glass weren't always the best of friends.
Eiryk
12 years ago
Eiryk preened at Alex's compliment, pretty much visibly. He didn't mind having his ego fed here and there, especially when it came to his mead and especially not when the compliment came from Alex.
"I solemnly promise on my honor to be polite and encouraging and offer a few subtle hints if the brewer proves worthy.â€
It was a trade that not many people took up any more and for all his vanity Eiryk did want to encourage people, bring mead to a wider audience. He could do it but it would require a lot of time and effort and to be blunt it just wasn't something he felt like doing. Maybe in his next life, if there was one. Right now he was content to design and spend time with Alex. That's all he really wanted.
"It is almost to pretty to eat.â€
It really was. But some one had once said 'We eat first with our eyes'. Oddly enough Eiryk found that applied to most vampires as well. He didn't know any one who really -wanted- to feed from some one they found repulsive. Before, however, he could consider how delicious Alexander looked though he quickly snagged them each a very small glass of Sauvignon blanc.
"I guess they don't want any one falling down on the trail.â€
The disappointment in his voice was easy to hear. Eiryk did like to have a drink, or ten, now and then. But not everyone was a vampire and a lot of wine would leave a lot of tipsy people hiking through the woods.
"I wold have thought it was getting a bit cold for a sauvignon blanc but I'm going to guess they know what they are doing.â€
That said he swirled and sniffed. Letting the nose tell him about the wine before he tasted it. The nose was crisp and elegant, it smelled like late summer lazy with the smell of recently cut grass hanging in the air with some citrusy notes floating above it. It He took two sips before pronouncing judgment.
"Very nice. There is just enough bite to hold up to the sweet and not over power anything. Don't you think so?â€
He didn't bother picking up the recipe sheets or the wine notes or a bottle. There was no point in taking two of everything. Eiryk, of course, hadn't realized he'd not actually eaten anything yet. He was so focused on the wine.
"I solemnly promise on my honor to be polite and encouraging and offer a few subtle hints if the brewer proves worthy.â€
It was a trade that not many people took up any more and for all his vanity Eiryk did want to encourage people, bring mead to a wider audience. He could do it but it would require a lot of time and effort and to be blunt it just wasn't something he felt like doing. Maybe in his next life, if there was one. Right now he was content to design and spend time with Alex. That's all he really wanted.
"It is almost to pretty to eat.â€
It really was. But some one had once said 'We eat first with our eyes'. Oddly enough Eiryk found that applied to most vampires as well. He didn't know any one who really -wanted- to feed from some one they found repulsive. Before, however, he could consider how delicious Alexander looked though he quickly snagged them each a very small glass of Sauvignon blanc.
"I guess they don't want any one falling down on the trail.â€
The disappointment in his voice was easy to hear. Eiryk did like to have a drink, or ten, now and then. But not everyone was a vampire and a lot of wine would leave a lot of tipsy people hiking through the woods.
"I wold have thought it was getting a bit cold for a sauvignon blanc but I'm going to guess they know what they are doing.â€
That said he swirled and sniffed. Letting the nose tell him about the wine before he tasted it. The nose was crisp and elegant, it smelled like late summer lazy with the smell of recently cut grass hanging in the air with some citrusy notes floating above it. It He took two sips before pronouncing judgment.
"Very nice. There is just enough bite to hold up to the sweet and not over power anything. Don't you think so?â€
He didn't bother picking up the recipe sheets or the wine notes or a bottle. There was no point in taking two of everything. Eiryk, of course, hadn't realized he'd not actually eaten anything yet. He was so focused on the wine.
Alex Aristos
12 years ago
Eiryk's disappointment was palpable, but it didn't take any time at all to realize that it was with the size of the drink offered. Alex had to laugh softly.
"Remember, there's plenty more," he said to his boyfriend. "Plenty of time to get you wasted. Then I can bring you home, undress you, and... put you to bed."
He raised his eyebrows suggestively as he said it, his tone low so no one could overhear and become offended. Alex was not a demonstrative partner in public. He loosened up very rarely, his preferences having been declared taboo at a very young age and his parents impressing upon him the importance of fitting in and being 'normal.'
He wasn't opposed to putting a tipsy Eiryk to bed though. Or even a drunk Eiryk. Both were adorable and fun. He was more into the food here than the wine anyway, which made them work well together as Eiryk was definitely more into the wine.
Alex sipped at the little glass handed to him, giving it a sniff first and trying to get a sense of the wine as Eiryk had shown him, but he was hopeless. To him, wine was wine and he would never be a connoisseur. He sipped at it, swallowed, and shrugged.
"It tastes nice with the salad," he offered weakly, having nothing else to really go on. Alex wasn't sure he'd ever understand the pairings. He sniffed the wine again. "It smells... like paint thinner."
He said it quietly, well aware that plenty of vintners would take exception to his lack of flowery prose to describe their product. After that preliminary sip he surreptitiously emptied his glass into Eiryk's, taking care not to let anyone but his boyfriend see. Then he took one of the bottles of water being handed out and tucked it into his jacket pocket. He liked the water better but he didn't want to draw too much attention. He did notice there were others who weren't drinking all of the wine in their glasses.
Sliding his hand into Eiryk's pocket he relieved his boyfriend of his car keys. Although Alex didn't own a car by choice, he did have a license and knew how to drive. By taking Eiryk's keys he was giving his boyfriend tacit permission to drink as much as he liked; it did take a lot to get Eiryk drunk, but there didn't seem to be a shortage of alcohol here tonight. Alexander did not doubt that more than one person would have to stagger to his or her car for a ride home.
"Remember, there's plenty more," he said to his boyfriend. "Plenty of time to get you wasted. Then I can bring you home, undress you, and... put you to bed."
He raised his eyebrows suggestively as he said it, his tone low so no one could overhear and become offended. Alex was not a demonstrative partner in public. He loosened up very rarely, his preferences having been declared taboo at a very young age and his parents impressing upon him the importance of fitting in and being 'normal.'
He wasn't opposed to putting a tipsy Eiryk to bed though. Or even a drunk Eiryk. Both were adorable and fun. He was more into the food here than the wine anyway, which made them work well together as Eiryk was definitely more into the wine.
Alex sipped at the little glass handed to him, giving it a sniff first and trying to get a sense of the wine as Eiryk had shown him, but he was hopeless. To him, wine was wine and he would never be a connoisseur. He sipped at it, swallowed, and shrugged.
"It tastes nice with the salad," he offered weakly, having nothing else to really go on. Alex wasn't sure he'd ever understand the pairings. He sniffed the wine again. "It smells... like paint thinner."
He said it quietly, well aware that plenty of vintners would take exception to his lack of flowery prose to describe their product. After that preliminary sip he surreptitiously emptied his glass into Eiryk's, taking care not to let anyone but his boyfriend see. Then he took one of the bottles of water being handed out and tucked it into his jacket pocket. He liked the water better but he didn't want to draw too much attention. He did notice there were others who weren't drinking all of the wine in their glasses.
Sliding his hand into Eiryk's pocket he relieved his boyfriend of his car keys. Although Alex didn't own a car by choice, he did have a license and knew how to drive. By taking Eiryk's keys he was giving his boyfriend tacit permission to drink as much as he liked; it did take a lot to get Eiryk drunk, but there didn't seem to be a shortage of alcohol here tonight. Alexander did not doubt that more than one person would have to stagger to his or her car for a ride home.
Eiryk
12 years ago
Eiryk wanted to pull Alex to him and nuzzle his neck at that comment. But he did his best to respect his partner's desire for a bit more restraint in public. Not that he flaunted their relationship but Eiryk was a bit more open. It was a combination of years and years and years to become comfortable with himself and the fact that any time you told some one you were an interior designer they automatically decided you were gay anyway so there was no point in pretending otherwise.
"Maybe you should make sure I get a nice hot shower too. I'd hate to go to bed all... dirty.â€
He leered a bit. Maybe they should move out of the towers. He'd love to have hot tub to climb into after a night like this. It had been -so- nice turning their recent trip to the cabin. It was something else to think about, but it was a big idea and he'd think about it later.
For now he was happy enough to watch Alex. His boyfriend was making an effort he was clearly thinking about the wine, he was trying to pull all the flavors out and understand. He got some of it as he at least appreciated how it went with the salad.
Oh! The salad and the duck. He took a bite and had to agree with Alex it did enhance the flavor of the wine, most people would think of it the other way around, but not Eiryk.
He laughed at Alex's comment, a discreet chuckle.
"Maybe the next one will tickle your fancy more.â€
Catching Alex adding to his own tiny glass of wine Eiryk wiggled his eyebrows, that quickly changed to one raised eyebrow as he felt Alex's hand in his pocket. Granted it was totally innocent, nothing suggestive about it, but it never took much to get Eiryk going, at least not when it came to Alex. Unintentionally he gulped the rest of his wine, it burned the back of his throat.
"If you wallow it wrong it tastes that way too. Maybe we should try the next station? Which way shall we go?â€
"Maybe you should make sure I get a nice hot shower too. I'd hate to go to bed all... dirty.â€
He leered a bit. Maybe they should move out of the towers. He'd love to have hot tub to climb into after a night like this. It had been -so- nice turning their recent trip to the cabin. It was something else to think about, but it was a big idea and he'd think about it later.
For now he was happy enough to watch Alex. His boyfriend was making an effort he was clearly thinking about the wine, he was trying to pull all the flavors out and understand. He got some of it as he at least appreciated how it went with the salad.
Oh! The salad and the duck. He took a bite and had to agree with Alex it did enhance the flavor of the wine, most people would think of it the other way around, but not Eiryk.
He laughed at Alex's comment, a discreet chuckle.
"Maybe the next one will tickle your fancy more.â€
Catching Alex adding to his own tiny glass of wine Eiryk wiggled his eyebrows, that quickly changed to one raised eyebrow as he felt Alex's hand in his pocket. Granted it was totally innocent, nothing suggestive about it, but it never took much to get Eiryk going, at least not when it came to Alex. Unintentionally he gulped the rest of his wine, it burned the back of his throat.
"If you wallow it wrong it tastes that way too. Maybe we should try the next station? Which way shall we go?â€
Alex Aristos
12 years ago
Alex couldn't help flirting back with Eiryk - just a little. When his partner bent close he murmured, "But I do like you dirty." He knew he was pressing Eiryk's buttons, but Eiryk had never pushed him to be demonstrative in public although Alex suspected his boyfriend would happily engage in any kind of PDA Alex could devise.
They did get through their first tasting, Eiryk downing the double portion of wine perhaps a bit faster than he'd intended. When Eiryk asked which way they should go next Alex glanced down at the menu and map.
"It looks like everything is connected one way or another. Let's just go that way and keep going until we hit it all."
Eiryk seemed to be fine with that so they headed off in the direction of the next stand. The crowd had dispersed a great deal, since there were multiple avenues of exploration, and they were no longer in the press of a crowd. There were plenty of people around but their voices were low, and it was a pleasant walk through the lamp-lit woods.
"This is gorgeous," Alex said with a soft sigh. "I never imagined anything like this in Nachton." He gave Eiryk's hand a squeeze to indicate he didn't mean just the scenery.
As they came upon the next stand Alex could smell the food here. It was sweet and savory at once. There was a van parked between two trees, clearly the home for a generator which was running a small cooking space. Many of the vendors were doing it like that. It was incredibly cool to see, and amazing that they could cook on such small surfaces in such small areas.
"This is the pear and cheese pastry," he said, taking a deep breath. "Smells great."
Slices of warm, juicy pear and carmelized onion rested on top of a golden baked puff pastry. There was a tiny bit of sharp gorgonzola cheese on each, melted until it was soft, and the flavors wafted together deliciously.
"I could make these at home easily," Alex said. The construction was not at all difficult, and he could use phyllo dough as well, which would be tasty.
They did get through their first tasting, Eiryk downing the double portion of wine perhaps a bit faster than he'd intended. When Eiryk asked which way they should go next Alex glanced down at the menu and map.
"It looks like everything is connected one way or another. Let's just go that way and keep going until we hit it all."
Eiryk seemed to be fine with that so they headed off in the direction of the next stand. The crowd had dispersed a great deal, since there were multiple avenues of exploration, and they were no longer in the press of a crowd. There were plenty of people around but their voices were low, and it was a pleasant walk through the lamp-lit woods.
"This is gorgeous," Alex said with a soft sigh. "I never imagined anything like this in Nachton." He gave Eiryk's hand a squeeze to indicate he didn't mean just the scenery.
As they came upon the next stand Alex could smell the food here. It was sweet and savory at once. There was a van parked between two trees, clearly the home for a generator which was running a small cooking space. Many of the vendors were doing it like that. It was incredibly cool to see, and amazing that they could cook on such small surfaces in such small areas.
"This is the pear and cheese pastry," he said, taking a deep breath. "Smells great."
Slices of warm, juicy pear and carmelized onion rested on top of a golden baked puff pastry. There was a tiny bit of sharp gorgonzola cheese on each, melted until it was soft, and the flavors wafted together deliciously.
"I could make these at home easily," Alex said. The construction was not at all difficult, and he could use phyllo dough as well, which would be tasty.
Eiryk
12 years ago
It was a damned good thing Eiryk had already downed that last little bit of wine because if he hadn't Eiryk would have most certainly choked on it with that comment. It was all but a taunt and Eiryk had to temporarily shove his hands in his pockets to keep from getting grabby right there and then. They could at least wait until they were w bit further down the trail and there were fewer people around. He didn't want to make Alex uncomfortable, even if he was a bit
They headed down the trail and he was glad the crowds thinned a bit. Closing his eyes and inhaling deeply Eiryk could smell not only the food but the start of fall. But before he could reflect on that too closely his foot caught on a rock and he stumbled badly. Fortunately Alex had his hand and didn't let him fall. That was a small miracle and one Eiryk had become surprisingly used to.
"Nachton is full of surprises.â€
Eiryk softly squeezed Alex's hand back. He'd not suspected or even considered the possibility of meeting such a wonderful man when he moved here. Certainly nothing so serious and any event the city could put on would pale in comparison to that.
"Oh, it does.â€
This time Eiryk remembered the food and, after making sure Alex had one, he bit into it quite enthusiastically. It was wonderful, not just the flavor but the texture.
"I think you could and they would be wonderful. Are we planning another Thanksgiving?â€
He then gave the wine his whole attention. It was a Sauterne, silky, sweet with honey and apricot flavors. In some ways it reminded him of mead, which made it that much better as far as he was concerned. This one he'd be buying a bottle of five of to keep on hand.
"This one you might have more luck with. There is a nice acidity to balance out the sweet but you don't loose the sweet.â€
They headed down the trail and he was glad the crowds thinned a bit. Closing his eyes and inhaling deeply Eiryk could smell not only the food but the start of fall. But before he could reflect on that too closely his foot caught on a rock and he stumbled badly. Fortunately Alex had his hand and didn't let him fall. That was a small miracle and one Eiryk had become surprisingly used to.
"Nachton is full of surprises.â€
Eiryk softly squeezed Alex's hand back. He'd not suspected or even considered the possibility of meeting such a wonderful man when he moved here. Certainly nothing so serious and any event the city could put on would pale in comparison to that.
"Oh, it does.â€
This time Eiryk remembered the food and, after making sure Alex had one, he bit into it quite enthusiastically. It was wonderful, not just the flavor but the texture.
"I think you could and they would be wonderful. Are we planning another Thanksgiving?â€
He then gave the wine his whole attention. It was a Sauterne, silky, sweet with honey and apricot flavors. In some ways it reminded him of mead, which made it that much better as far as he was concerned. This one he'd be buying a bottle of five of to keep on hand.
"This one you might have more luck with. There is a nice acidity to balance out the sweet but you don't loose the sweet.â€
Alex Aristos
12 years ago
They bit into the pear pastry together. Alex closed his eyes briefly and let the flavors hit his tongue; sweet pear, savory onion, the bite of the gorgonzola cheese. He supposed this was how Eiryk felt about wines, which was why Alex never gave him any trouble over it, and in fact had attempted at least a few times to understand it. He didn't - understand it, that is, but he was sure he might be able to figure it out eventually.
He sipped the white wine in the little glass after giving it a sniff. He could smell something fruity, he thought, and that might be pleasant. It tasted a little bit like something Eiryk might make. Not exactly like it, but sort of reminiscent. He liked it much better than the previous red, but he still didn't understand all the vernacular. Nose, bouquet, all that.
"I do like it," he said to Eiryk when he had swallowed and was searching for the sweet finish... he didn't get it. He got tasty caramelized onions though.
"I do ant to do Thanksgiving again," he said, smiling at the thought. "It's a good thing we upgraded the apartment. There are more friends to invite. Maybe instead of the traditional turkey dinner we can do a whole bunch of little bites like these. I can use traditional Thanksgiving ingredients in them so all the flavors are still present. What do you think?"
Alex loved to cook. Since meeting Eiryk and moving in with him he had actually had the luxury to pursue that hobby a little more. Something about not having to worry about bills. Alexander still took care of his building, of course. He kept the store running, his studio above it, and also paid to keep everything on in his top floor apartment. It had come in handy, and now and then he and Eiryk did like to sneak off and spent a night or two there. Home away from home, as it were. Or was that the cabin? Well now he was just starting to feel downright spoiled.
But... hot tub...
Amazing things happened under the water when your partner didn't have to breathe, that's all he was saying. Alex quickly turned his attention back to the map in his hand before his body could get too sidetracked with that notion. He ate his last bite of pastry and almost absently poured the remainder of his wine into Eiryk's glass again while he considered their next stop.
"Look, next on this trail is a take on oysters rockefeller," he said. He glanced at Eryk and flashed a smile. "Do I get yours this time?"
No way Eiryk was eating an oyster. Alex had an epi-pen on him, though, as he almost always did when they went out nowadays. If Eiryk absolutely had to have an oyster, Alex was prepared for the consequences.
He sipped the white wine in the little glass after giving it a sniff. He could smell something fruity, he thought, and that might be pleasant. It tasted a little bit like something Eiryk might make. Not exactly like it, but sort of reminiscent. He liked it much better than the previous red, but he still didn't understand all the vernacular. Nose, bouquet, all that.
"I do like it," he said to Eiryk when he had swallowed and was searching for the sweet finish... he didn't get it. He got tasty caramelized onions though.
"I do ant to do Thanksgiving again," he said, smiling at the thought. "It's a good thing we upgraded the apartment. There are more friends to invite. Maybe instead of the traditional turkey dinner we can do a whole bunch of little bites like these. I can use traditional Thanksgiving ingredients in them so all the flavors are still present. What do you think?"
Alex loved to cook. Since meeting Eiryk and moving in with him he had actually had the luxury to pursue that hobby a little more. Something about not having to worry about bills. Alexander still took care of his building, of course. He kept the store running, his studio above it, and also paid to keep everything on in his top floor apartment. It had come in handy, and now and then he and Eiryk did like to sneak off and spent a night or two there. Home away from home, as it were. Or was that the cabin? Well now he was just starting to feel downright spoiled.
But... hot tub...
Amazing things happened under the water when your partner didn't have to breathe, that's all he was saying. Alex quickly turned his attention back to the map in his hand before his body could get too sidetracked with that notion. He ate his last bite of pastry and almost absently poured the remainder of his wine into Eiryk's glass again while he considered their next stop.
"Look, next on this trail is a take on oysters rockefeller," he said. He glanced at Eryk and flashed a smile. "Do I get yours this time?"
No way Eiryk was eating an oyster. Alex had an epi-pen on him, though, as he almost always did when they went out nowadays. If Eiryk absolutely had to have an oyster, Alex was prepared for the consequences.
Eiryk
12 years ago
Knowing how many of their friends were on liquid diets that sounded like a very sensible idea to Eiryk. Everyone would get enough, it might possibly be less work for Alex and most important less waste. Of course, to Eiryk it also meant they could splurge a bit. If you didn't need as much in the ingredients department you could buy some more specialized ones. He wondered if Alex would like to play with truffles and saffron and the like.
"I like that idea. We can do that for Thanksgiving or for maybe... New Year's we could just do an open house and let people come and go as they please.â€
He didn't suggest Christmas as he had other plans for Christmas. Any excuse to disappear up to the cabin really and he wanted to celebrate that anniversary properly. He was already working on Alex's present, but at the studio so there would be no accidental reveals.
Alex took the last bite, there was a tiny crumb left on his lip and seeing that no one was really paying them much attention stepped Alex back into the shadows a bit and kissed it off his lips.
"Mmmmmm.... Pastry and.. onions.â€
Ostentatiously Eiryk licked his lips and finished off the wine.
"It is a wonderful pairing don't you think?â€
As they started down the trail Eiryk looked at Alex genuinely puzzled. He didn't understand why Alex would want his wine. Certainly he wasn't going to deny Alex anything he wanted, -anything-, but Alex wasn't a fan of the grape. After a second you could see the tumblers click into place.
"Oh... well yes I suppose you can have mine in this case. I don't want to cause a scene.â€
Eiryk did forget about his allergy on a regular basis. He hadn't even thought to look at what the stations were serving to see if there was shell fish in any of them. He was extremely lucky Alex took such good care of him. Who knew a vampire needed some one to look after him?
They approached the next spot and Eiryk left Alex to take care of the oysters of doom and he picked up two of the little glasses of wine. He didn't even have to make an effort to , the seductive aroma of black cherry, currant and slightly mineral earthiness wafted up to meet him. It was probably a young wine as it was a lovely garnet color. He applauded the vintner for taking a bit of a risk and serving a red with sea food . It almost made him want to try the oyster, but he'd be good.
Handing a glass to Alex though he couldn't help but flirt some, or possibly a lot. Taking a sip he let the light body, silky texture or the wine cost over his tongue.
"Its a pinot noir. I think you'll like it. You know what they say about pinot noir don't you? Sex in a glass, should go wonderfully with oysters...â€
He might not be able to eat shell fish but he knew they were considered an aphrodisiac. Lord they were never going to finish the trail at this rate.
"I like that idea. We can do that for Thanksgiving or for maybe... New Year's we could just do an open house and let people come and go as they please.â€
He didn't suggest Christmas as he had other plans for Christmas. Any excuse to disappear up to the cabin really and he wanted to celebrate that anniversary properly. He was already working on Alex's present, but at the studio so there would be no accidental reveals.
Alex took the last bite, there was a tiny crumb left on his lip and seeing that no one was really paying them much attention stepped Alex back into the shadows a bit and kissed it off his lips.
"Mmmmmm.... Pastry and.. onions.â€
Ostentatiously Eiryk licked his lips and finished off the wine.
"It is a wonderful pairing don't you think?â€
As they started down the trail Eiryk looked at Alex genuinely puzzled. He didn't understand why Alex would want his wine. Certainly he wasn't going to deny Alex anything he wanted, -anything-, but Alex wasn't a fan of the grape. After a second you could see the tumblers click into place.
"Oh... well yes I suppose you can have mine in this case. I don't want to cause a scene.â€
Eiryk did forget about his allergy on a regular basis. He hadn't even thought to look at what the stations were serving to see if there was shell fish in any of them. He was extremely lucky Alex took such good care of him. Who knew a vampire needed some one to look after him?
They approached the next spot and Eiryk left Alex to take care of the oysters of doom and he picked up two of the little glasses of wine. He didn't even have to make an effort to , the seductive aroma of black cherry, currant and slightly mineral earthiness wafted up to meet him. It was probably a young wine as it was a lovely garnet color. He applauded the vintner for taking a bit of a risk and serving a red with sea food . It almost made him want to try the oyster, but he'd be good.
Handing a glass to Alex though he couldn't help but flirt some, or possibly a lot. Taking a sip he let the light body, silky texture or the wine cost over his tongue.
"Its a pinot noir. I think you'll like it. You know what they say about pinot noir don't you? Sex in a glass, should go wonderfully with oysters...â€
He might not be able to eat shell fish but he knew they were considered an aphrodisiac. Lord they were never going to finish the trail at this rate.
Alex Aristos
12 years ago
Alex gave an 'mm' of pleasure as he was taken advantage of in a convenient shadow beneath a tree, but he laughed, turning his head away a little self-consciously. "Not on my breath it's not," he said, covering his mouth with his fingers lest Eiryk get another face full of onion.
As they walked back down the trail, heading toward the next station, Alex watched with amusement as Eiryk completely missed the point regarding the next stand. A moment later Alex could practically see the light bulb over his head as it occurred to him. He laughed again and squeezed Eiryk's hand.
When they arrived at the oyster station Alex and Eiryk went with the divide and conquer, which worked given that Alex was planning to eat Eiryk's oyster and would most likely give Eiryk most of his wine. They rejoined each other and Alex quickly ate one of the oysters to free up one hand for wine. It was delicious, a crispy baked-crust topping with an herbal green sauce around the perfectly-cooked oyster. He closed his eyes and gave another soft moan of happiness... the oyster was incredible, and it was hard to blush at Eiryk's innuendo when he was enjoying it so much.
"I wish you could taste this," he said regretfully. It would not do for Eiryk to swell up like a puffer fish in the middle of the park.
He did lean in close and kiss his partner again, first glancing around to make sure there weren't a ton of people watching. He lingered, gently flicking his tongue against Eiryk's lips, a long moment before pulling away. "Maybe that will do for now," he said.
He did try the wine after that, but it was much like other wines in spite of Eiryk's thought that Alex might like it. It wasn't that he disliked it; it was good. But he didn't understand the flavor profile the way Eiryk did. He sipped it carefully, nodded, and handed it back to Eiryk. He would rather eat the other oyster.
The next station had a lot of promise. Alex looked down at their map. "Oh, this one you can try," he said. "Bacon wrapped salmon with arugula. Sounds good."
He smiled at Eiryk, and reflected that he was glad they'd skipped dinner before coming out. They were going to be stuffed after this.
As they walked back down the trail, heading toward the next station, Alex watched with amusement as Eiryk completely missed the point regarding the next stand. A moment later Alex could practically see the light bulb over his head as it occurred to him. He laughed again and squeezed Eiryk's hand.
When they arrived at the oyster station Alex and Eiryk went with the divide and conquer, which worked given that Alex was planning to eat Eiryk's oyster and would most likely give Eiryk most of his wine. They rejoined each other and Alex quickly ate one of the oysters to free up one hand for wine. It was delicious, a crispy baked-crust topping with an herbal green sauce around the perfectly-cooked oyster. He closed his eyes and gave another soft moan of happiness... the oyster was incredible, and it was hard to blush at Eiryk's innuendo when he was enjoying it so much.
"I wish you could taste this," he said regretfully. It would not do for Eiryk to swell up like a puffer fish in the middle of the park.
He did lean in close and kiss his partner again, first glancing around to make sure there weren't a ton of people watching. He lingered, gently flicking his tongue against Eiryk's lips, a long moment before pulling away. "Maybe that will do for now," he said.
He did try the wine after that, but it was much like other wines in spite of Eiryk's thought that Alex might like it. It wasn't that he disliked it; it was good. But he didn't understand the flavor profile the way Eiryk did. He sipped it carefully, nodded, and handed it back to Eiryk. He would rather eat the other oyster.
The next station had a lot of promise. Alex looked down at their map. "Oh, this one you can try," he said. "Bacon wrapped salmon with arugula. Sounds good."
He smiled at Eiryk, and reflected that he was glad they'd skipped dinner before coming out. They were going to be stuffed after this.
Eiryk
12 years ago
Oh... my.... that was not at all expected, not that Eiryk was complaining at all as he leaned into Alex wrapping an arm around his partner's waist. He could indeed get some of the flavor of the oysters, not much just a hint of it and Alex was very probably right about how good they were.
"Luscious. Maybe you should see about having one or two more of those...â€
Although he was also rather worried his lips were going to puff up and he'd look like a blond male Angelina Jolie. Eiryk might be secure in who he was but that was one step too far even for him. Besides, he didn't have the legs for those high slits she seemed to favor.
This wine he lingered over letting Alex savor the oyster. There was just something delicious about watching him eat. There was a certain amount of innocence in Alex's enjoyment of the food, perhaps innocence wasn't quite the right word maybe honest. Oh who cared it was gorgeous.
"Salt cured pig and weeds! Count me in.â€
He laughed while enthusiastically grabbing Alex's hand and taking them down the trail. Mostly down the trail there was a very close call with a tree and another couple as he overcompensated and nearly took them out instead. So far it was a wonder he hadn't dropped a glass or anything more dramatic.
"I wish it was colder. I'd like to see my breath.â€
Eiryk mused allowed as they approached the next station. He could smell the salmon. For Eiryk he smelled the salmon before the bacon, he didn't know if that was unusual or not, but it was a very familiar aroma and something full of memories and comforting.
There was a bit of a wait for the food, not terribly surprising as no one wanted cold bacon, so he picked up two of the tiny wine glasses and handed one to Alex. This time he didn't tell Alex anything about the straw colored wine. It had a very light body, was slightly effervescent but not sparkling and had a wonderfully sweet perfume of honeysuckle and ginger a counter point to the big bold spicy flavors that were promised by the description of the food and it was being served properly chilled. Moscato was sweet, wonderfully light but sweet and very fruit forward. If Pinot Noir was sex in a glass this was summer in a glass, a long lazy Indian summer day.
"You try it first. I want to know what you think.â€
"Luscious. Maybe you should see about having one or two more of those...â€
Although he was also rather worried his lips were going to puff up and he'd look like a blond male Angelina Jolie. Eiryk might be secure in who he was but that was one step too far even for him. Besides, he didn't have the legs for those high slits she seemed to favor.
This wine he lingered over letting Alex savor the oyster. There was just something delicious about watching him eat. There was a certain amount of innocence in Alex's enjoyment of the food, perhaps innocence wasn't quite the right word maybe honest. Oh who cared it was gorgeous.
"Salt cured pig and weeds! Count me in.â€
He laughed while enthusiastically grabbing Alex's hand and taking them down the trail. Mostly down the trail there was a very close call with a tree and another couple as he overcompensated and nearly took them out instead. So far it was a wonder he hadn't dropped a glass or anything more dramatic.
"I wish it was colder. I'd like to see my breath.â€
Eiryk mused allowed as they approached the next station. He could smell the salmon. For Eiryk he smelled the salmon before the bacon, he didn't know if that was unusual or not, but it was a very familiar aroma and something full of memories and comforting.
There was a bit of a wait for the food, not terribly surprising as no one wanted cold bacon, so he picked up two of the tiny wine glasses and handed one to Alex. This time he didn't tell Alex anything about the straw colored wine. It had a very light body, was slightly effervescent but not sparkling and had a wonderfully sweet perfume of honeysuckle and ginger a counter point to the big bold spicy flavors that were promised by the description of the food and it was being served properly chilled. Moscato was sweet, wonderfully light but sweet and very fruit forward. If Pinot Noir was sex in a glass this was summer in a glass, a long lazy Indian summer day.
"You try it first. I want to know what you think.â€
Alex Aristos
12 years ago
There were a few near misses for Eiryk but only near misses as they headed down the trail. Eiryk wasn't always a complete klutz. Often - but not always. Alex experimentally puffed his breath out and shook his head. "Soon you'll see it," he said. "I guess it's just not that chilly yet."
Alex smiled as Eiryk went to get wine for them both upon reaching the next tasting station. He held their place in the short line for the salmon, accepting the little glass from Eiryk when he returned. He sniffed it and then tasted it cautiously, swirling it around in his mouth like he'd been shown and finally swallowing, although he'd also been told that you didn't generally drink it down at a real tasting.
"It's sweet," he said, "but still dry. Is that possible?" He really wasn't sure how to describe most wines yet.
"Maybe, it's a little like your mead I guess. That one you made last year. With ginger in it. But it's not as good."
Maybe Alex was becoming a little spoiled; Eiryk's mead tasted much different than your every day wine. Alex preferred it, and that wasn't just lip service.
In a few minutes they had their salmon, too, two delicately sauteed pieces wrapped with bacon and served on a bed of arugula slightly wilted by the heat of the food on top of it. Alex enjoyed this one a great deal. The salmon was perfectly complemented by the fatty, rich bacon around it. The arugula added a peppery bite to it. The flavors married well, and the sweet white wine was a refreshing hit to the tongue afterward.
"Oh, that is good," Alex said with surprise, tasting the wine right after the fish. "It's different that way."
It had been a lot dryer-tasting alone. After the fish, it seemed much mellower and sweeter. "We have got to do this more. Maybe I could take a cooking class."
In what spare time, he didn't know. but doing this made him want to learn a lot more about cooking. He was a decent cook but he had no technique and only knew very basic methods of cooking. He was sure he could pull this off with instructions, but he wanted to be able to create as well.
Alex smiled as Eiryk went to get wine for them both upon reaching the next tasting station. He held their place in the short line for the salmon, accepting the little glass from Eiryk when he returned. He sniffed it and then tasted it cautiously, swirling it around in his mouth like he'd been shown and finally swallowing, although he'd also been told that you didn't generally drink it down at a real tasting.
"It's sweet," he said, "but still dry. Is that possible?" He really wasn't sure how to describe most wines yet.
"Maybe, it's a little like your mead I guess. That one you made last year. With ginger in it. But it's not as good."
Maybe Alex was becoming a little spoiled; Eiryk's mead tasted much different than your every day wine. Alex preferred it, and that wasn't just lip service.
In a few minutes they had their salmon, too, two delicately sauteed pieces wrapped with bacon and served on a bed of arugula slightly wilted by the heat of the food on top of it. Alex enjoyed this one a great deal. The salmon was perfectly complemented by the fatty, rich bacon around it. The arugula added a peppery bite to it. The flavors married well, and the sweet white wine was a refreshing hit to the tongue afterward.
"Oh, that is good," Alex said with surprise, tasting the wine right after the fish. "It's different that way."
It had been a lot dryer-tasting alone. After the fish, it seemed much mellower and sweeter. "We have got to do this more. Maybe I could take a cooking class."
In what spare time, he didn't know. but doing this made him want to learn a lot more about cooking. He was a decent cook but he had no technique and only knew very basic methods of cooking. He was sure he could pull this off with instructions, but he wanted to be able to create as well.
Eiryk
12 years ago
"If that is what you're tasting, then it is possible.â€
Eiryk confirmed. It was something he tried to do with some of his meads, he didn't always like overpoweringly sweet. Just because it was made from honey was no reason that mead always had to be extremely sweet you could make it to suite just about any pallet with enough practice. It just took a bit more practice and luck than wines.
"Oh that ginger was good.†He agreed, proud without being arrogant about it. "I think I have a bottle or two left we should try that hot with some spices later this winter..â€
Maybe for Christmas, or for what ever they wound up doing for New Years. He'd like to share that one with a few friends.
The food captured his attention to the point that Eiryk actually shut up. It was delicious. The bacon was nice, unexpected. He had been a bit leery of it with two of his favorite things, worried it would over power the other two but he shouldn't have worried both salmon and arugula were strong flavors in their own right and worked beautifully with the bacon.
"Whoever the somolier are they deserve an award.â€
Eiryk said around a mouth full of salmon and arugula So far each wine had been a wonderful compliment to the food letting each shine in its own right. He nodded at Alex's observation that the food did change the flavor of the wine. That wasn't uncommon, sometimes it was more pronounced than others and it was a fun way to play.
"That would be a wonderful idea. Maybe we could even take it together.â€
Not that Eiryk had any talent or even inclination to cook but it was always fun to do something with his lover. Now that the idea was out there Eiryk started to wonder about it, maybe he could get Alex a class or lessons for Christmas. Oh! Or better yet he could have a chef come to the apartment and do private lessons for Alex. Now if he could just keep his mouth shut and wait until Christmas or Alex's birthday.
"Not that you need them, your food is always wonderful.â€
He quickly covered himself lest Alex misunderstand and think he didn't like what Alex made. Eiryk tried to be as honest about Alex's cooking as Alex was about his mead. He wasn't sure how successful he was, but he tried.
Eiryk confirmed. It was something he tried to do with some of his meads, he didn't always like overpoweringly sweet. Just because it was made from honey was no reason that mead always had to be extremely sweet you could make it to suite just about any pallet with enough practice. It just took a bit more practice and luck than wines.
"Oh that ginger was good.†He agreed, proud without being arrogant about it. "I think I have a bottle or two left we should try that hot with some spices later this winter..â€
Maybe for Christmas, or for what ever they wound up doing for New Years. He'd like to share that one with a few friends.
The food captured his attention to the point that Eiryk actually shut up. It was delicious. The bacon was nice, unexpected. He had been a bit leery of it with two of his favorite things, worried it would over power the other two but he shouldn't have worried both salmon and arugula were strong flavors in their own right and worked beautifully with the bacon.
"Whoever the somolier are they deserve an award.â€
Eiryk said around a mouth full of salmon and arugula So far each wine had been a wonderful compliment to the food letting each shine in its own right. He nodded at Alex's observation that the food did change the flavor of the wine. That wasn't uncommon, sometimes it was more pronounced than others and it was a fun way to play.
"That would be a wonderful idea. Maybe we could even take it together.â€
Not that Eiryk had any talent or even inclination to cook but it was always fun to do something with his lover. Now that the idea was out there Eiryk started to wonder about it, maybe he could get Alex a class or lessons for Christmas. Oh! Or better yet he could have a chef come to the apartment and do private lessons for Alex. Now if he could just keep his mouth shut and wait until Christmas or Alex's birthday.
"Not that you need them, your food is always wonderful.â€
He quickly covered himself lest Alex misunderstand and think he didn't like what Alex made. Eiryk tried to be as honest about Alex's cooking as Alex was about his mead. He wasn't sure how successful he was, but he tried.
Alex Aristos
12 years ago
"That sounds good," Alex said, smiling softly at the mention of winter. "We going to go to Vermont again this winter?"
He loved Vermont. Not that he'd ever been there before going with Eiryk, but for the memories and the cabin and the fact that his partner had first said 'I love you' there, Alex would always love it. He took another bite of salmon and gave an almost dreamy little sigh. Life was so damn good right now. He wanted it to always be this good. Amazing, how it had been so... well, mediocre before. And before that, terrible. Things had come around though. He just wanted this to keep going.
And it could, a little voice said. He could be like Eiryk. And live for hundreds of years and continue to love their little cabin and stay with his partner...
...and never grow old, and watch the world die around him, and drink blood. He took another thoughtful bite of salmon.
Did the pros outweigh the cons in that scenario? He had thought not but here on a night like this, watching Eiryk's happy face, Alex began to wonder if maybe he wasn't wrong there.
In the meantime Eiryk continued to talk, unaware of Alex's thoughts. Alex smiled at the suggestion they take a cooking class together. They could work right next to each other. Alex could keep Eiryk from setting anyone on fire. "We could do that. I love doing things with you," he said.
Where he would find the time, he didn't know. His store was doing very well though, and his yoga classes were popular as well as his tai chi class. He had very nearly paid off all of the expenses from last year's water pipe break and was beginning to see a profit, thanks to Eiryk's insistence that Alex live rent free. He might be able to hire another employee and cut his hours back further. Actually enjoy being a semi-successful business owner. It was something to think about.
He kissed Eiryk again, very softly, on the cheek, when his food was praised. "I'm glad you think so," he said.
As they traveled on, Alex giving Eiryk the rest of his wine again, they talked softly like the people around them were doing. The crowd had thinned out even more as people lingered at certain stations, or branched out to farther ones. The two men stuck to their pre-planned route though. Alex's hand in Eiryk's served the helpful purpose of allowing him to help steady his partner, too, and there were very few stumbles tonight.
The next station smelled familiar as they approached it. Alex sniffed and felt his heart skip a beat. "Dulcia," he said softly before they even got there. "My grandmother used to make them. They're Roman, not Greek, but we always had them at holidays anyway."
Eiryk knew how special Alex's grandmother was to him, and why. "They're dates, stuffed and then cooked in honey and wine."
He looked down at the flyer. That was what they were, all right. These were served stuffed with pine nuts. Alex suspected the wine paired with them might be another very dry one; dulcia domestica were incredibly sweet and he figured another sweet wine pairing would be overload.
He loved Vermont. Not that he'd ever been there before going with Eiryk, but for the memories and the cabin and the fact that his partner had first said 'I love you' there, Alex would always love it. He took another bite of salmon and gave an almost dreamy little sigh. Life was so damn good right now. He wanted it to always be this good. Amazing, how it had been so... well, mediocre before. And before that, terrible. Things had come around though. He just wanted this to keep going.
And it could, a little voice said. He could be like Eiryk. And live for hundreds of years and continue to love their little cabin and stay with his partner...
...and never grow old, and watch the world die around him, and drink blood. He took another thoughtful bite of salmon.
Did the pros outweigh the cons in that scenario? He had thought not but here on a night like this, watching Eiryk's happy face, Alex began to wonder if maybe he wasn't wrong there.
In the meantime Eiryk continued to talk, unaware of Alex's thoughts. Alex smiled at the suggestion they take a cooking class together. They could work right next to each other. Alex could keep Eiryk from setting anyone on fire. "We could do that. I love doing things with you," he said.
Where he would find the time, he didn't know. His store was doing very well though, and his yoga classes were popular as well as his tai chi class. He had very nearly paid off all of the expenses from last year's water pipe break and was beginning to see a profit, thanks to Eiryk's insistence that Alex live rent free. He might be able to hire another employee and cut his hours back further. Actually enjoy being a semi-successful business owner. It was something to think about.
He kissed Eiryk again, very softly, on the cheek, when his food was praised. "I'm glad you think so," he said.
As they traveled on, Alex giving Eiryk the rest of his wine again, they talked softly like the people around them were doing. The crowd had thinned out even more as people lingered at certain stations, or branched out to farther ones. The two men stuck to their pre-planned route though. Alex's hand in Eiryk's served the helpful purpose of allowing him to help steady his partner, too, and there were very few stumbles tonight.
The next station smelled familiar as they approached it. Alex sniffed and felt his heart skip a beat. "Dulcia," he said softly before they even got there. "My grandmother used to make them. They're Roman, not Greek, but we always had them at holidays anyway."
Eiryk knew how special Alex's grandmother was to him, and why. "They're dates, stuffed and then cooked in honey and wine."
He looked down at the flyer. That was what they were, all right. These were served stuffed with pine nuts. Alex suspected the wine paired with them might be another very dry one; dulcia domestica were incredibly sweet and he figured another sweet wine pairing would be overload.
Eiryk
12 years ago
"I'd been planning on it. But we can go any where you'd like, take a cruise, or even stay home. It is your call.â€
Alex was only just beginning to to let Eiryk spoil him. It was hard to hold back and not go overboard, but Eiryk was trying his best. Besides it was wonderful to see how Alex was growing on his own. His business was doing well and he was gaining confidence, striking out on his own a bit it rather wonderful. But it was more fun to watch him eat. And he didn't want to stifle Alex by making him a totally kept man, no matter how much that might make him happy. What good was a relationship if both partners weren't happy after all?
They walked down the trail and Alex agreed to his suggestion. Well Eiryk wasn't going to have his plans ruined and agreed enthusiastically.
"Good, I'll look around, make some calls. Esi would probably have some ideas.â€
His toothpick think assistant was a voracious foodie. Certainly if anyone knew where to take cooking lessons she would, or at least she'd know who to ask. And Eiryk would make sure that his inquiries took a long time so he could still give his Christmas present.
He was more interested in Alex's reaction to the aroma than in the food itself. The only person in Alex's family that Eiryk wanted to meet, without an ax in his hands, was Alex's maternal grandmother. That was, of course, complicated by the fact that she had passed but he knew how much Alex treasured his grand mother's memory and respected that.
"The Romans were just giant copy cats any way.â€
Eiryk quipped before Alex described the sweet treat. Eiryk thought Alex did it far more justice than the little written description. Eiryk looked to the wine to see what would go with the sweet and absently nodded. An old vine zin. Typically these were big bold flavors, rich and complex and almost everyone would taste them a bit differently. The important thing was that it was not a sweet wine at all it was more apt to have spicy, leathery or even tobacco along with raisin or plum. It would compliment rather than compete, enhance the dates, honey and nuts.
"Food first this time I think.â€
Picking up one of the dulcia and offered it to Alex. His partner could either accept it or let Eiryk feed it to him. Eiryk wouldn't press one way or another letting Alex set the pace.
Alex was only just beginning to to let Eiryk spoil him. It was hard to hold back and not go overboard, but Eiryk was trying his best. Besides it was wonderful to see how Alex was growing on his own. His business was doing well and he was gaining confidence, striking out on his own a bit it rather wonderful. But it was more fun to watch him eat. And he didn't want to stifle Alex by making him a totally kept man, no matter how much that might make him happy. What good was a relationship if both partners weren't happy after all?
They walked down the trail and Alex agreed to his suggestion. Well Eiryk wasn't going to have his plans ruined and agreed enthusiastically.
"Good, I'll look around, make some calls. Esi would probably have some ideas.â€
His toothpick think assistant was a voracious foodie. Certainly if anyone knew where to take cooking lessons she would, or at least she'd know who to ask. And Eiryk would make sure that his inquiries took a long time so he could still give his Christmas present.
He was more interested in Alex's reaction to the aroma than in the food itself. The only person in Alex's family that Eiryk wanted to meet, without an ax in his hands, was Alex's maternal grandmother. That was, of course, complicated by the fact that she had passed but he knew how much Alex treasured his grand mother's memory and respected that.
"The Romans were just giant copy cats any way.â€
Eiryk quipped before Alex described the sweet treat. Eiryk thought Alex did it far more justice than the little written description. Eiryk looked to the wine to see what would go with the sweet and absently nodded. An old vine zin. Typically these were big bold flavors, rich and complex and almost everyone would taste them a bit differently. The important thing was that it was not a sweet wine at all it was more apt to have spicy, leathery or even tobacco along with raisin or plum. It would compliment rather than compete, enhance the dates, honey and nuts.
"Food first this time I think.â€
Picking up one of the dulcia and offered it to Alex. His partner could either accept it or let Eiryk feed it to him. Eiryk wouldn't press one way or another letting Alex set the pace.
Alex Aristos
12 years ago
Alex chuckled at having Eiryk offer him food in such a manner. Normally he would have taken it from him and eaten it himself. On almost every other occasion he had. But he felt flirty tonight, and there weren't that many people around. So he leaned down and drew the stuffed date from Eiryk's fingers, his soft brown eyes twinkling at Eiryk as he looked at him. He softly sucked the honey from Eiryk's fingertips before straightening and chewing the soft fruit.
"Not quite like grandma used to make," he said thoughtfully, "but close. I think she used almonds."
Since turnabout was fair play Alex picked up the second date and offered it to Eiryk as well. He raised his eyebrows a little, knowing Eiryk would take him up on it. His partner didn't have nearly Alexander's level of inhibition. Thank goodness Eiryk understood and respected Alex's preferences though. Public displays were strictly on Alex's time and whim. He felt a little guilty about that but what could he do? He just wasn't used to overtly displaying his sexuality. When he and Eiryk had first started dating he wouldn't even hold Eiryk's hand in public. So, he reminded himself, he had been changing. Slowly, but changing!
"Not quite like grandma used to make," he said thoughtfully, "but close. I think she used almonds."
Since turnabout was fair play Alex picked up the second date and offered it to Eiryk as well. He raised his eyebrows a little, knowing Eiryk would take him up on it. His partner didn't have nearly Alexander's level of inhibition. Thank goodness Eiryk understood and respected Alex's preferences though. Public displays were strictly on Alex's time and whim. He felt a little guilty about that but what could he do? He just wasn't used to overtly displaying his sexuality. When he and Eiryk had first started dating he wouldn't even hold Eiryk's hand in public. So, he reminded himself, he had been changing. Slowly, but changing!
Eiryk
12 years ago
'Must not tackle boyfriend, must not tackle boyfriend.' Eiryk chanted at himself as Alex let Eiryk feed him the date. Eiryk was pleasantly surprised at Alex's forwardness. It made him smile, yup Alex was absolutely growing. It was something of a treat for Eiryk when Alex did indulge in a PDA, big or small.
"We can try our own later and try almonds or cashews or all of the above or a combination.â€
He always had honey on hand and maybe they could just cut to the chase and used mead instead of honey and wine. Well they could experiment how every they saw fit really. Maybe their own efforts would distract Alex from the idea of cooking classes for a bit. Or it could back fire and encourage him. Eiryk decided he'd risk it.
Without a second thought he let Alex feed him his date, he took it delicately and with a minimum of suggestion and flirtation. Oh they weren't fooling any one and he knew it but that didn't mean they needed to throw their relationship in anyone's face. After all Eiryk didn't want to cause any trouble.
He carefully chewed the sweet fruit and analyzed the flavors just like he would a wine. Having mulled the little treat over he pronounced judgment.
"Delicious. I think we can absolutely try to make these. It can't be that hard can it?â€
Of course given Eiryk's attempt at cooking when he and Alex first started dating, that might have been a bit optimistic. But, he reasoned, dates didn't burn like game hens. Did they?
Shrugging it off he handed Alex a little tiny glass of the rich wine. He was getting a bit anxious to find the rumored mead but that was no excuse not to linger over the full bodied wine. No wine like this needed to be savored, must like the date, and must like Alex.
"Have I ever told you you're like a good glass of wine?â€
"We can try our own later and try almonds or cashews or all of the above or a combination.â€
He always had honey on hand and maybe they could just cut to the chase and used mead instead of honey and wine. Well they could experiment how every they saw fit really. Maybe their own efforts would distract Alex from the idea of cooking classes for a bit. Or it could back fire and encourage him. Eiryk decided he'd risk it.
Without a second thought he let Alex feed him his date, he took it delicately and with a minimum of suggestion and flirtation. Oh they weren't fooling any one and he knew it but that didn't mean they needed to throw their relationship in anyone's face. After all Eiryk didn't want to cause any trouble.
He carefully chewed the sweet fruit and analyzed the flavors just like he would a wine. Having mulled the little treat over he pronounced judgment.
"Delicious. I think we can absolutely try to make these. It can't be that hard can it?â€
Of course given Eiryk's attempt at cooking when he and Alex first started dating, that might have been a bit optimistic. But, he reasoned, dates didn't burn like game hens. Did they?
Shrugging it off he handed Alex a little tiny glass of the rich wine. He was getting a bit anxious to find the rumored mead but that was no excuse not to linger over the full bodied wine. No wine like this needed to be savored, must like the date, and must like Alex.
"Have I ever told you you're like a good glass of wine?â€
Alex Aristos
12 years ago
Alex took a moment to chew and swallow his date; it was a reasonably large mouthful. Then he smiled tasted the wine, and answered Eiryk. "I have made them before, actually. They're not terribly difficult."
He didn't like the wine; it was exactly the kind of wine that tasted awful to him. No refined palate, he supposed. He was untrainable, perhaps, but to him it tasted like shoe leather and varnish or something. He almost immediately handed it to Eiryk.
"Not my kind of wine," he said.
They took off along the trail, Alex linking his arm with Eiryk's. He was well aware that even though the glasses of wine were fairly small Eiryk had had about eight of them thus far. Probably the equivalent of about three regular glasses. Hardly enough to touch Eiryk's hefty metabolism but still - Eiryk was Eiryk. Just a light buzz could endanger anyone within a mile radius.
Some people might wonder why they had been so excited about this event if Alex hated wine but for them, it was perfect. He loved the gourmet food aspect of it, which for Eiryk was maybe entertaining but pointless. And Eiryk, of course, loved the wine part. They both got something out of it. Alexander loved outings like these.
The dark of the forest around them made the lamp-lit hiking trails seem cozy and warm in spite of the chilly night. Alex knew what was coming up next and was looking forward to it. He didn't often eat red meat, but every once in a while it was perfect. On a cool fall night, he could definitely make an exception.
The next course was a Japanese inspired roll, comprised of rice wrapped around asparagus and shrimp in a light teriyaki sauce. Around the rice were tender, perfectly rare strips of kobe beef. Alex already knew he wanted seconds. Maybe thirds. He could smell the seared beef before they even got there.
"Is it terribly Neanderthal of me to admit my mouth might actually be watering right now?" he asked. "They have got to do this more often. It's delicious. Mind the shrimp, by the way. Take it out before you try it."
He didn't like the wine; it was exactly the kind of wine that tasted awful to him. No refined palate, he supposed. He was untrainable, perhaps, but to him it tasted like shoe leather and varnish or something. He almost immediately handed it to Eiryk.
"Not my kind of wine," he said.
They took off along the trail, Alex linking his arm with Eiryk's. He was well aware that even though the glasses of wine were fairly small Eiryk had had about eight of them thus far. Probably the equivalent of about three regular glasses. Hardly enough to touch Eiryk's hefty metabolism but still - Eiryk was Eiryk. Just a light buzz could endanger anyone within a mile radius.
Some people might wonder why they had been so excited about this event if Alex hated wine but for them, it was perfect. He loved the gourmet food aspect of it, which for Eiryk was maybe entertaining but pointless. And Eiryk, of course, loved the wine part. They both got something out of it. Alexander loved outings like these.
The dark of the forest around them made the lamp-lit hiking trails seem cozy and warm in spite of the chilly night. Alex knew what was coming up next and was looking forward to it. He didn't often eat red meat, but every once in a while it was perfect. On a cool fall night, he could definitely make an exception.
The next course was a Japanese inspired roll, comprised of rice wrapped around asparagus and shrimp in a light teriyaki sauce. Around the rice were tender, perfectly rare strips of kobe beef. Alex already knew he wanted seconds. Maybe thirds. He could smell the seared beef before they even got there.
"Is it terribly Neanderthal of me to admit my mouth might actually be watering right now?" he asked. "They have got to do this more often. It's delicious. Mind the shrimp, by the way. Take it out before you try it."
Eiryk
12 years ago
"Good then we can try them together and see how we do.â€
Eiryk frowned and took the wine from Alex. He was enjoying the full round flavors and was a little disappointed that Alex wasn't. Not that he could fault his boyfriend he just always wanted Alex to be happy and enjoy himself. But as Alex wasn't holding it against him and it meant that Eiryk got some more of the lovely zin he couldn't be too upset.
As they walked he noticed that the evening was cooling off and he wondered if Alex was getting chilly. But he had been clever enough to dress in layers and was probably fine, still Eiryk ha a tendency to worry. He did his best to keep him mother hen instincts in check though, Alex was a grown man and quite capable of taking care of himself.
The smell of roasting meat actually got to Eiryk as well. It was just a flat out tasty smell.
"We could try Neanderthal... some fur and leather might be a fun game.â€
He mused allowed. That was about the only thing that could distract Eiryk from the wine, and a to a lesser degree the food. And it was painting a rather powerful picture right now little loin cloth, furry vest, maybe a club or a spear, messy hair. Yes this had potential. They would have to discuss it, just not here and now.
"Shrimp?â€
He asked distractedly his mind only reluctantly pulling away from the pleasant image he'd conjured. But his brain did catch up and he plucked the shrimp from the roll and bit into it. The flavors and texture cleared his mental fog and he was pretty much licking his lips at this point.
"Oh we can stay here. This is -really- good.â€
Reluctantly he found the wine and was absolutely shocked to find a sake. It was a chilled sweet sake with a bit of a green flavor. Eiryk wasn't sure if he liked it or not. He always had mixed feelings on sake. He was going to have to make a bit of a study of it yet.
Eiryk frowned and took the wine from Alex. He was enjoying the full round flavors and was a little disappointed that Alex wasn't. Not that he could fault his boyfriend he just always wanted Alex to be happy and enjoy himself. But as Alex wasn't holding it against him and it meant that Eiryk got some more of the lovely zin he couldn't be too upset.
As they walked he noticed that the evening was cooling off and he wondered if Alex was getting chilly. But he had been clever enough to dress in layers and was probably fine, still Eiryk ha a tendency to worry. He did his best to keep him mother hen instincts in check though, Alex was a grown man and quite capable of taking care of himself.
The smell of roasting meat actually got to Eiryk as well. It was just a flat out tasty smell.
"We could try Neanderthal... some fur and leather might be a fun game.â€
He mused allowed. That was about the only thing that could distract Eiryk from the wine, and a to a lesser degree the food. And it was painting a rather powerful picture right now little loin cloth, furry vest, maybe a club or a spear, messy hair. Yes this had potential. They would have to discuss it, just not here and now.
"Shrimp?â€
He asked distractedly his mind only reluctantly pulling away from the pleasant image he'd conjured. But his brain did catch up and he plucked the shrimp from the roll and bit into it. The flavors and texture cleared his mental fog and he was pretty much licking his lips at this point.
"Oh we can stay here. This is -really- good.â€
Reluctantly he found the wine and was absolutely shocked to find a sake. It was a chilled sweet sake with a bit of a green flavor. Eiryk wasn't sure if he liked it or not. He always had mixed feelings on sake. He was going to have to make a bit of a study of it yet.
Alex Aristos
12 years ago
At Eiryk's endorsement of the Neanderthal thing, Alexander raised his eyebrows and looked at his partner skeptically. "So let me get this straight - you do want me to club you in the back of the head and drag you off to my cave by your hair?"
He eyed Eiryk critically. "You're going to have to grow your hair out."
They reached the next table and were able to quickly get food and drink. Alex tried to savor his bite of sushi roll but it really was just a bite; he ate it along with Eiryk's rejected shrimp. "Oh God," he said with his mouth full, speaking softly so the other guests wouldn't think him terribly rude.
Swallowing, he nodded his head in agreement. "Do you think they'd notice if we just kept coming around? We can switch clothes. Borrow someone's glasses."
He was pretty sure the meat had melted on his tongue; he could still taste a little bit of the char from the grill along with the sweet teriyaki. He actually enjoyed the sake along with this dish, although he most likely wouldn't drink it all.
"I like this," he told Eiryk. "Not enough to go wild, mind you, but it's not bad. I might hang onto it."
It was cool and had an almost vegetal flavor he liked. It reminded him a little of spingtime, even though it was just the opposite. "Can you brew something like this?"
Alex knew sake and mead weren't the same at all, but in his opinion Eiryk could make any drink taste like any other drink. He really was kind of a magician with the brewing. Alex figured Eiryk could probably make a mead with similar notes.
He eyed Eiryk critically. "You're going to have to grow your hair out."
They reached the next table and were able to quickly get food and drink. Alex tried to savor his bite of sushi roll but it really was just a bite; he ate it along with Eiryk's rejected shrimp. "Oh God," he said with his mouth full, speaking softly so the other guests wouldn't think him terribly rude.
Swallowing, he nodded his head in agreement. "Do you think they'd notice if we just kept coming around? We can switch clothes. Borrow someone's glasses."
He was pretty sure the meat had melted on his tongue; he could still taste a little bit of the char from the grill along with the sweet teriyaki. He actually enjoyed the sake along with this dish, although he most likely wouldn't drink it all.
"I like this," he told Eiryk. "Not enough to go wild, mind you, but it's not bad. I might hang onto it."
It was cool and had an almost vegetal flavor he liked. It reminded him a little of spingtime, even though it was just the opposite. "Can you brew something like this?"
Alex knew sake and mead weren't the same at all, but in his opinion Eiryk could make any drink taste like any other drink. He really was kind of a magician with the brewing. Alex figured Eiryk could probably make a mead with similar notes.