As he was putting the soup in the fridge, no point in having it out since Alex was asleep after all, Eiryk totally missed his boyfriend getting up and disappearing into the bedroom. He did, however, hear a door close and assumed Alex had gone to the bathroom. So he sat back down on the couch to wait, more or less. He did make a new hot water bottle and as long as he was at it did make a hot toddy and set it next to the tea, which was getting cold.
It took a few minutes for Eiryk to start to worry. He first went to the bathroom, Alex wasn't there. He wasn't in the guest room. Surely Alex wouldn't leave the apartment in his present state. He did finally notice the door to the master was closed. Although they shared the room Eiryk felt him might be intruding if he just walked it. That bothered him and he couldn't explain it but there it was.
Finally he knocked lightly on the door three times.
"Alex?"
Not getting an answer he repeated the knock.
"Alex?"
And one more time.
"Alex?"
When he did finally answer Alex sounded stuffy and tired. Of course he was tired, he was sick, Eiryk reasoned.
"Do you need anything?"
The answer was no, nothing but sleep. Eiryk went away and tried to concentrate on some work. He came back a while later and he got the same answer. Going away again, Eiryk became more and more convinced that Alex couldn't not need anything, more to the point he didn't like not being able to help his partner. It felt, wrong.
At that point he was told in no uncertain times that he needed to knock it off and leave Alex alone. Feeling very very dejected, hurt and confused, Eiryk did leave the apartment. He stood outside the door for a while staring trying to figure out what to do. Finally though he wandered down stairs to Christan and Rowan's and knocked on the door. He didn't even know if either of them was home. If they weren't, he could talk to Pak. God he hoped that Cris or Rowan was in.
Flu Season (Private)
Alex attempted to pay attention to the book in his hands but it was a useless pursuit. He felt like crap today. He thought he'd just had a little head cold for the past day or two but when he'd woken up this morning from a night of very little sleep he knew he'd been wrong on that score.
His muscles were achy and sore and his energy level was existent. His morning yoga routine had been impossible to complete. It was difficult enough when your nose kept running every time you bent over, but with the room spinning it was even worse.
Ugh. The chill he felt under his skin was hint enough. Flu season. After taking his temperature and grimacing at the triple digits on the thermometer he dragged himself to the phone and made a quick call to Marie. Fortunately she was willing to mind the store for him for the next day or two. It meant shorter hours since she had to close it to go to class in the evening, but Alex knew better than to try and work retail when he was sick.
Normally wild horses couldn't make him take a sick day but he didn't want to spread this. Eiryk couldn't get sick from it; he could stay at home until he got over it. That was the responsible thing to do. Next he called Aishe. She wouldn't mind running his yoga and tai chi classes for him, thank goodness. He'd never asked her to do anything like that before but she'd been one of his first students and she knew the steps he asked her to go through. Nothing difficult, just a light workout in each class would suffice until he was able to get back to it.
With those chores done he dosed himself with medicine and curled up on the couch with his book, a glass of water, a box of tissues, and the garbage pail. He'd been sitting there for the entire afternoon now, and he didn't think he'd either napped or read anything. He should probably eat something, but his stomach recoiled at he thought. He didn't think he was going to be sick but he sure didn't want to chance it. On top of that he was running out of tissues and his nose and throat felt raw.
Hooray flu season.
Eiryk
12 years ago
Rowan Murphy
12 years ago
Rowan tried and tried but no matter what he did he couldn't stop licking Cris.
That's right, licking him.
Nice long ones, short tickling ones, sucking ones, it didn't really matter. As long as his mouth was on his partner's skin. Even now, after they had spent their evening off (well, Cris's evening off. Technically Rowan hadn't quite started his new position yet and was still on leave from his old one) reconsecrating their bedroom and were happily tangled around each other, disheveled and sweaty and thoroughly thrilled, he still wanted to taste Cris.
And then there was a knock at the door. Rowan continued to slide his hands all over Cris's body even as his partner pulled up the rumpled sheet for some modesty while he asked MARI who was at the door. Not something they normally did but in this case, well, they weren't really fit for company. The response had Rowan pausing, Cris's earlobe in his mouth, eyebrows raised. He mumbled a little sound of curiosity. Why would Eiryk be knocking on the door alone at midnight?
He pulled away from Cris and said, "I'll get it, love, if you want to put some clothes on."
Then he grinned playfully. "Or, if you don't, I'll make it as fast as I can."
Teasing, he yanked the bedsheet from Cris (MARI had gone, as she wasn't a regular here. Cris's home was for Cris and Rowan and no one else unless invited) and wrapped it around his naked self. Sliding from the bed he blew Cris a kiss and trotted down the stairs with a train of white sheet behind him.
Blushing bride, however, he was not. He pulled the door open, mindful of the fact that Eiryk had certainly seen him wearing less in the past, and stuck his head into the hallway.
"You knocked? What's up?"
He stood away from the door so Eiryk could come in.
That's right, licking him.
Nice long ones, short tickling ones, sucking ones, it didn't really matter. As long as his mouth was on his partner's skin. Even now, after they had spent their evening off (well, Cris's evening off. Technically Rowan hadn't quite started his new position yet and was still on leave from his old one) reconsecrating their bedroom and were happily tangled around each other, disheveled and sweaty and thoroughly thrilled, he still wanted to taste Cris.
And then there was a knock at the door. Rowan continued to slide his hands all over Cris's body even as his partner pulled up the rumpled sheet for some modesty while he asked MARI who was at the door. Not something they normally did but in this case, well, they weren't really fit for company. The response had Rowan pausing, Cris's earlobe in his mouth, eyebrows raised. He mumbled a little sound of curiosity. Why would Eiryk be knocking on the door alone at midnight?
He pulled away from Cris and said, "I'll get it, love, if you want to put some clothes on."
Then he grinned playfully. "Or, if you don't, I'll make it as fast as I can."
Teasing, he yanked the bedsheet from Cris (MARI had gone, as she wasn't a regular here. Cris's home was for Cris and Rowan and no one else unless invited) and wrapped it around his naked self. Sliding from the bed he blew Cris a kiss and trotted down the stairs with a train of white sheet behind him.
Blushing bride, however, he was not. He pulled the door open, mindful of the fact that Eiryk had certainly seen him wearing less in the past, and stuck his head into the hallway.
"You knocked? What's up?"
He stood away from the door so Eiryk could come in.
Christian Bern
12 years ago
The reconsecrating of the bedroom had gone quite well. Cris was contemplating moving on to other rooms of the house. (Just to be safe) They had made the most of his time off, which meant spending it all without leaving the apartment.
At some point they might need to consider doing something useful or productive like get out of bed but for the moment neither of them seemed motivated in that direction. Rowan seemed determined to stay a little longer, if his loving attentions were any indication. He was good with that, more than good. Who needed to be responsible anyway? This was nice, far too nice to interrupt...
And then there was a knock on the door.
Rowan paused his attentions as he asked MARI who was on the other side. He couldn't exactly tell work to shove off even if he might currently want to. It would have to be dire indeed for them to show up at his door instead of calling or sending when he was not at work. It could have been Aishe or someone else stopping by. They did have friends and relatives. They even occasionally saw them.
As it turned out, they were having company in the form of Eiryk. Cris made only a soft sound of protest when Rowan pulled away from him, after all they had been enjoying each other's company for hours so he could share his redhead for a bit.
"Thief!†Cris called after Rowan when his companion grabbed up the sheet and took it with him toward the door.
He sighed contentedly and stretched fully before climbing out of the bed. Finding a pair of sweatpants, Cris slipped them on and headed down the stairs. He stopped before reaching the bottom and settled himself on one of them and waited to hear what was going on.
It could be nothing; Eiryk could have stopped by to invite them out or to borrow a cup of sugar or any number of things but it did seem a little odd that he hadn't called and that he was without Alex. Perhaps it was simply those two things together that seemed passing curious. Either way, he supposed they would soon find out.
At some point they might need to consider doing something useful or productive like get out of bed but for the moment neither of them seemed motivated in that direction. Rowan seemed determined to stay a little longer, if his loving attentions were any indication. He was good with that, more than good. Who needed to be responsible anyway? This was nice, far too nice to interrupt...
And then there was a knock on the door.
Rowan paused his attentions as he asked MARI who was on the other side. He couldn't exactly tell work to shove off even if he might currently want to. It would have to be dire indeed for them to show up at his door instead of calling or sending when he was not at work. It could have been Aishe or someone else stopping by. They did have friends and relatives. They even occasionally saw them.
As it turned out, they were having company in the form of Eiryk. Cris made only a soft sound of protest when Rowan pulled away from him, after all they had been enjoying each other's company for hours so he could share his redhead for a bit.
"Thief!†Cris called after Rowan when his companion grabbed up the sheet and took it with him toward the door.
He sighed contentedly and stretched fully before climbing out of the bed. Finding a pair of sweatpants, Cris slipped them on and headed down the stairs. He stopped before reaching the bottom and settled himself on one of them and waited to hear what was going on.
It could be nothing; Eiryk could have stopped by to invite them out or to borrow a cup of sugar or any number of things but it did seem a little odd that he hadn't called and that he was without Alex. Perhaps it was simply those two things together that seemed passing curious. Either way, he supposed they would soon find out.
Eiryk
12 years ago
Eiryk was still a little stunned at the turn of events and, frankly, rather looked it. He had a lost puppy quality about him, despite still being dressed as he had been for work with the exception of his suit jacket and tie, both of which he'd taken off somewhere along the line after getting home. He didn't think, he hoped, being told to leave wasn't permanent. It didn't -feel- permanent so he wasn't exactly worried about that. Of course, this also didn't bode terribly well for the decades to come as Alex got older and needed more care. Eiryk had the distressing thought he would be told off and to leave more and more often. But they had years before that happened so that was just a faint worry too.
When Rowan opened the door the sheet he was wearing trigged something in Eiryk's mind. He probably shouldn't intrude, after all people didn't wear sheets as a fashion statement, they wore them because they were handy. He did actually open his mouth to say he'd come back later, but it didn't quite take. Instead with an unintentional flair for the melodramatic he simply stated the facts.
"Alex threw me out."
It wasn't intended to cause alarm or any such thing, it was just what had happened. Besides, the two of them knew each other well enough that the fact that Eiryk wasn't completely distraught, a puddle on the floor, or walking into the sun should pretty much clue Rowan into the fact that this wasn't world ending, just a minor tectonic shift, a large swell rather than a tsunami was probably the better metaphor giving both of their sailing backgrounds.
Rather aimlessly Eiryk wandered in and looked about. The reason for the sheet finally rather clicked into place and he half turned around and made for the door, he could lick his wounds somewhere else.
"Or I could be intruding."
But then again Rowan was a doctor wasn't he. Alex could use a doctor! All in all Eiryk was thoroughly confused and rather stuck and couldn't get seem to move or get a full sentence out.
When Rowan opened the door the sheet he was wearing trigged something in Eiryk's mind. He probably shouldn't intrude, after all people didn't wear sheets as a fashion statement, they wore them because they were handy. He did actually open his mouth to say he'd come back later, but it didn't quite take. Instead with an unintentional flair for the melodramatic he simply stated the facts.
"Alex threw me out."
It wasn't intended to cause alarm or any such thing, it was just what had happened. Besides, the two of them knew each other well enough that the fact that Eiryk wasn't completely distraught, a puddle on the floor, or walking into the sun should pretty much clue Rowan into the fact that this wasn't world ending, just a minor tectonic shift, a large swell rather than a tsunami was probably the better metaphor giving both of their sailing backgrounds.
Rather aimlessly Eiryk wandered in and looked about. The reason for the sheet finally rather clicked into place and he half turned around and made for the door, he could lick his wounds somewhere else.
"Or I could be intruding."
But then again Rowan was a doctor wasn't he. Alex could use a doctor! All in all Eiryk was thoroughly confused and rather stuck and couldn't get seem to move or get a full sentence out.
Rowan Murphy
12 years ago
Rowan thought this was getting more and more curious. Eiryk was dressed as if he'd just gotten home from work so unless he'd left his coat and tie in his car they were upstairs. Why would he go home, shed his clothing halfway, and come down here? Was Alex missing?
Before he could get too alarmed Eiryk entered and bluntly stated the problem. Rowan closed the door, his eyebrows raised, and glanced over at Christian who had joined them, sitting on the stairs. That did explain a lot. Eiryk was friendly, charismatic, and cute. He wasn't used to being rejected.
"Any particular reason why, or did he just get tired of mead?"
They knew Alexander... he wasn't prone to temper tantrums. In fact, he was one of the most remarkably level-headed human beings Rowan had ever met, which meant there had to be a reason Alex didn't want Eiryk around. He was even willing to bet Eiryk knew exactly what the reason was, too.
His friend finally seemed to notice his state of undress. Rowan looked down at himself, then at Eiryk, who was looking sort of confused, and then at Cris, shrugging his shoulders.
"Not interrupting," Rowan said easily. "Simply joining in the afterglow."
He put his hand on Eiryk's shoulder. "Kitchen," he directed, turning Eiryk in that direction and propelling him forward. "Sit."
He knotted his sheet around his waist, feeling very Grecian, and pulled a bottle of Eiryk's mead down with a few glasses. He handed the bottle to Eiryk, as much to give him something to do as for any other reason. "Open that and pour it," he said. "And while you're drinking it, explain to us how exactly you happened to be on the wrong side of a locked door."
Before he could get too alarmed Eiryk entered and bluntly stated the problem. Rowan closed the door, his eyebrows raised, and glanced over at Christian who had joined them, sitting on the stairs. That did explain a lot. Eiryk was friendly, charismatic, and cute. He wasn't used to being rejected.
"Any particular reason why, or did he just get tired of mead?"
They knew Alexander... he wasn't prone to temper tantrums. In fact, he was one of the most remarkably level-headed human beings Rowan had ever met, which meant there had to be a reason Alex didn't want Eiryk around. He was even willing to bet Eiryk knew exactly what the reason was, too.
His friend finally seemed to notice his state of undress. Rowan looked down at himself, then at Eiryk, who was looking sort of confused, and then at Cris, shrugging his shoulders.
"Not interrupting," Rowan said easily. "Simply joining in the afterglow."
He put his hand on Eiryk's shoulder. "Kitchen," he directed, turning Eiryk in that direction and propelling him forward. "Sit."
He knotted his sheet around his waist, feeling very Grecian, and pulled a bottle of Eiryk's mead down with a few glasses. He handed the bottle to Eiryk, as much to give him something to do as for any other reason. "Open that and pour it," he said. "And while you're drinking it, explain to us how exactly you happened to be on the wrong side of a locked door."
Christian Bern
12 years ago
They were given a reason for Eiryk's arrival in short order. He said that Alex had kicked him out. It was a reason but not an explanation. That appeared to be something that was going to take a little time to sort out.
Rowan steered his friend toward the table near the kitchen and pulled out some mead. He handed that to Eiryk and asked how the kicking out had happened.
Cris decided to go straight to the source. It was the best way to get to the bottom of a situation. At least they would have both sides of the story. He sent to Alex and was promptly told to be quiet.
That was...unexpected.
He sent again in a questioning tone, explaining that they had a befuddled Eiryk down here. Alex was a little more reasonable this time and answered with an explanation that he was sick and only wanted some peace and quiet so that he could sleep. Cris assured him that they would keep his boyfriend occupied so that could happen.
[Alex is sick] He sent to Rowan. [We can let Eiryk explain but I -might- have promised Alex that we would entertain his boyfriend so he could get some sleep.]
Smiling, he came up behind his partner so that he could accept his drink. Cris wrapped his arms around Rowan and kissed his companion on the shoulder blade before leaning around him so that he could better be a part of the conversation and hear Eiryk's side of the story. [So you might want to find some clothes because I do not think the naked kind of entertainment is what he had mind.]
After a moment, Cris felt compelled to add. [However, you do look quite fetching in the sheet.]
((OOC: Alex's comments with permission ))
Rowan steered his friend toward the table near the kitchen and pulled out some mead. He handed that to Eiryk and asked how the kicking out had happened.
Cris decided to go straight to the source. It was the best way to get to the bottom of a situation. At least they would have both sides of the story. He sent to Alex and was promptly told to be quiet.
That was...unexpected.
He sent again in a questioning tone, explaining that they had a befuddled Eiryk down here. Alex was a little more reasonable this time and answered with an explanation that he was sick and only wanted some peace and quiet so that he could sleep. Cris assured him that they would keep his boyfriend occupied so that could happen.
[Alex is sick] He sent to Rowan. [We can let Eiryk explain but I -might- have promised Alex that we would entertain his boyfriend so he could get some sleep.]
Smiling, he came up behind his partner so that he could accept his drink. Cris wrapped his arms around Rowan and kissed his companion on the shoulder blade before leaning around him so that he could better be a part of the conversation and hear Eiryk's side of the story. [So you might want to find some clothes because I do not think the naked kind of entertainment is what he had mind.]
After a moment, Cris felt compelled to add. [However, you do look quite fetching in the sheet.]
((OOC: Alex's comments with permission ))
Eiryk
12 years ago
Eiryk did as he was told, and went where he was steered without much question. He was still a bit on the perplexed side. After all he'd only tried to help, hadn't he? Perhaps he hadn't done it right. He pondered how one helped differently while pouring the mead and taking a long drink of it rather than sipping and savoring and analyzing how he'd done with it and the more subtle flavors. Nope this time he just drank and it did help to get him a bit together, if nothing else he noticed Christian who had at least put pants on, but since Rowan had taken the only wearable sheet (no one could make a fitted sheet look good) that made sense.
"Evening Cris."
He greeted the other blond in the room a little absently.
"I'm not quite sure how it happened."
Eiryk answered honestly. After all, in his mind, he hadn't done anything to warrant being kicked out he'd only been trying to take care of Alex. After all his partner looked and sounded so miserable that -of course- Eiryk wanted to do something, anything for him. He desperately wanted to be useful and get Alex better faster.
"Alex wasn't feeling well today and so he didn't go into work. So I only took one consult and came home early to be with him and on the way home I got soup, well I was going to make the soup but he talked me out of that so I ordered some instead, and cold medicine, and a hot water bottle, and tissues and whatever the pharmacist said might help and then after he got up off the couch and went to bed he told me to leave.â€
The wonderful irony in all this was when he had been alive Eiryk had much the same attitude as Alex, 'Go away leave me be I'll be fine'. Granted he'd never had the flu, but he had more than his share of battle wounds, and still had the scars to prove it, but he hadn't been terribly tolerant of mother hen, hovering behavior. It just seemed different now somehow.
"Evening Cris."
He greeted the other blond in the room a little absently.
"I'm not quite sure how it happened."
Eiryk answered honestly. After all, in his mind, he hadn't done anything to warrant being kicked out he'd only been trying to take care of Alex. After all his partner looked and sounded so miserable that -of course- Eiryk wanted to do something, anything for him. He desperately wanted to be useful and get Alex better faster.
"Alex wasn't feeling well today and so he didn't go into work. So I only took one consult and came home early to be with him and on the way home I got soup, well I was going to make the soup but he talked me out of that so I ordered some instead, and cold medicine, and a hot water bottle, and tissues and whatever the pharmacist said might help and then after he got up off the couch and went to bed he told me to leave.â€
The wonderful irony in all this was when he had been alive Eiryk had much the same attitude as Alex, 'Go away leave me be I'll be fine'. Granted he'd never had the flu, but he had more than his share of battle wounds, and still had the scars to prove it, but he hadn't been terribly tolerant of mother hen, hovering behavior. It just seemed different now somehow.
Rowan Murphy
12 years ago
Rowan smiled as Cris entered the kitchen behind him. When Cris wrapped his arms around him Rowan put his hands over them and hugged him close, smiling at the soft kiss on his shoulder. The night may have taken an unexpected turn but there would be more reconsecrating. Everyone needed a break now and then right?
As he sipped his glass of mead he listened to Eiryk while Cris spoke to him his way, having gone straight to Alex. Rowan was quiet for a moment, adding up what he knew of Alex and what he knew of Eiryk (which was a great deal more, obviously). He pulled out the chair across from Eiryk and pushed another one out for Cris, too. Then he rested his glass on the table and raised an eyebrow at his friend.
"So all you did was order him some soup and some things to help him out?"
Rowan knew Eiryk. If that was what he'd done, well, maybe he had the flu too because that was pretty damn restrained for Eiryk. He'd seen his friend do some pretty outrageous things over the years, and Alex didn't seem the type to overreact. But on the other hand, none of them had ever witnessed Alex during an illness and they all knew he had a proud streak about ten counties wide. So in Eiryk's defense Rowan wasn't ready to blame it all on the Viking just yet.
Sending back to Cris Rowan replied, [Sounds like maybe I should pay Alex a house call first. And thank you, but don't you think maybe we should get some green sheets, or maybe a nice teal? White makes me look so washed out.]
He looked at Eiryk again, who resembled a sad and lost puppydog at the moment. "Would you feel better if I went and checked up on him? Depends on what's wrong with him, but I may be able to prescribe him something effective."
Not if Alex had the flu, however, like so many of the humans Rowan had seen sick in the last few weeks. Unfortunately, the only cure for that was time and patience. Rowan suspected the issue between Eiryk and his boyfriend might have a great deal to do with that, but he wouldn't know anything at all unless he took a look at the patient in question. Fortunately, he was uniquely qualified to do so.
"Let me go ditch the toga party getup and I'll run upstairs."
Rowan took very little time getting dressed; it was his day off after all and he was more or less doing this unofficially so he didn't feel the need to look all formal and correct. He was incredibly well-equipped for house calls already due to his status as a rescue diver and first response provider. It meant he had a lot of the things he needed in portable form ready to pick up and go, and those were some of the few items he'd actually unpacked to keep at Cris's.
In about five minutes, record time for Rowan, he came back downstairs dressed casually in worn jeans, a dark blue tee, and a baggy blue sweater over it. His black medbag was over one shoulder. He picked up his glass of mead, took one more small sip, and set it down. Leaning down to Cris he kissed his partner softly on the lips, then reached out and ruffled Eiryk's hair playfully.
"Sit tight, I'll be back soon. In fact I can even give you the update before I get back if Cris doesn't mind."
He knew Cris wouldn't mind, but nonetheless he flashed his partner a brilliant smile as he headed out, along with a wave of love and gratitude. Since meeting him, Cris had rolled with so many punches. He dealt with Rowan's hectic work schedule, his enjoyment of social scenes, his many and varied friends, and he never complained. Never seemed to mind. Rowan adored Cris for it and let it show as often as possible. It was Cris who kept him smiling as he patiently rode the elevator up to Eiryk and Alex's floor.
As he sipped his glass of mead he listened to Eiryk while Cris spoke to him his way, having gone straight to Alex. Rowan was quiet for a moment, adding up what he knew of Alex and what he knew of Eiryk (which was a great deal more, obviously). He pulled out the chair across from Eiryk and pushed another one out for Cris, too. Then he rested his glass on the table and raised an eyebrow at his friend.
"So all you did was order him some soup and some things to help him out?"
Rowan knew Eiryk. If that was what he'd done, well, maybe he had the flu too because that was pretty damn restrained for Eiryk. He'd seen his friend do some pretty outrageous things over the years, and Alex didn't seem the type to overreact. But on the other hand, none of them had ever witnessed Alex during an illness and they all knew he had a proud streak about ten counties wide. So in Eiryk's defense Rowan wasn't ready to blame it all on the Viking just yet.
Sending back to Cris Rowan replied, [Sounds like maybe I should pay Alex a house call first. And thank you, but don't you think maybe we should get some green sheets, or maybe a nice teal? White makes me look so washed out.]
He looked at Eiryk again, who resembled a sad and lost puppydog at the moment. "Would you feel better if I went and checked up on him? Depends on what's wrong with him, but I may be able to prescribe him something effective."
Not if Alex had the flu, however, like so many of the humans Rowan had seen sick in the last few weeks. Unfortunately, the only cure for that was time and patience. Rowan suspected the issue between Eiryk and his boyfriend might have a great deal to do with that, but he wouldn't know anything at all unless he took a look at the patient in question. Fortunately, he was uniquely qualified to do so.
"Let me go ditch the toga party getup and I'll run upstairs."
Rowan took very little time getting dressed; it was his day off after all and he was more or less doing this unofficially so he didn't feel the need to look all formal and correct. He was incredibly well-equipped for house calls already due to his status as a rescue diver and first response provider. It meant he had a lot of the things he needed in portable form ready to pick up and go, and those were some of the few items he'd actually unpacked to keep at Cris's.
In about five minutes, record time for Rowan, he came back downstairs dressed casually in worn jeans, a dark blue tee, and a baggy blue sweater over it. His black medbag was over one shoulder. He picked up his glass of mead, took one more small sip, and set it down. Leaning down to Cris he kissed his partner softly on the lips, then reached out and ruffled Eiryk's hair playfully.
"Sit tight, I'll be back soon. In fact I can even give you the update before I get back if Cris doesn't mind."
He knew Cris wouldn't mind, but nonetheless he flashed his partner a brilliant smile as he headed out, along with a wave of love and gratitude. Since meeting him, Cris had rolled with so many punches. He dealt with Rowan's hectic work schedule, his enjoyment of social scenes, his many and varied friends, and he never complained. Never seemed to mind. Rowan adored Cris for it and let it show as often as possible. It was Cris who kept him smiling as he patiently rode the elevator up to Eiryk and Alex's floor.
Christian Bern
12 years ago
"Good Evening, Eiryk.†Cris smiled and accepted the glass of mead. He swallowed it much more slowly than their viking friend, who obviously needed the effects more than the taste. Between their recent activities and Rowan's renewed good spirits, he, personally, was plenty relaxed. The mead was too good not to savor whenever it was brought out.
It was apparent from Rowan's line of questioning that he was dubious about Eiryk's claims of only buying a few things. Cris had not known the other blond for nearly as long so he could not say one way or another but Alex did sound rather perturbed when he had sent to him.
His partner suggested that he should go pay Alex a visit. [You are walking into danger, Love. Go armed...or at least wear a helmet.] Rowan would be fine, so long as he could duck and weave. Alex's throwing arm was probably weak at the moment anyway.
[The white looks perfectly fine on your golden ass but if you would like some teal sheets then that could be arranged.] The teal would match the accent colour in the bedroom so at least they would be functional as well as fashionable. Cris decided to go out and get a set next time he was running errands.
Rowan disappeared after suggesting to Eiryk that he check on Alex. He reappeared dressed in more clothing and carrying his medical bag. Cris smiled and tapped a finger to the side of his head. [Be safe]
"Of course not.†He would happily keep the sending going enough to relay the prognosis back to Eiryk.
Once Rowan had left, Cris turned to Eiryk. "So since it sounds like you have the evening somewhat more free than originally planned, what would you like to do?â€
It was apparent from Rowan's line of questioning that he was dubious about Eiryk's claims of only buying a few things. Cris had not known the other blond for nearly as long so he could not say one way or another but Alex did sound rather perturbed when he had sent to him.
His partner suggested that he should go pay Alex a visit. [You are walking into danger, Love. Go armed...or at least wear a helmet.] Rowan would be fine, so long as he could duck and weave. Alex's throwing arm was probably weak at the moment anyway.
[The white looks perfectly fine on your golden ass but if you would like some teal sheets then that could be arranged.] The teal would match the accent colour in the bedroom so at least they would be functional as well as fashionable. Cris decided to go out and get a set next time he was running errands.
Rowan disappeared after suggesting to Eiryk that he check on Alex. He reappeared dressed in more clothing and carrying his medical bag. Cris smiled and tapped a finger to the side of his head. [Be safe]
"Of course not.†He would happily keep the sending going enough to relay the prognosis back to Eiryk.
Once Rowan had left, Cris turned to Eiryk. "So since it sounds like you have the evening somewhat more free than originally planned, what would you like to do?â€
Eiryk
12 years ago
"I did try to make the soup first."
Eiryk clarified, it did seem important. It didn't seem like there was anything wrong with that, after all it just indicated that he wanted to take care of Alex and there wasn't anything wrong with that. The constant attempts to make Alex comfortable and help and anticipate his boyfriend's needs just went out of his head, they seemed perfectly normal and like something any one would do.
"I didn't want to bother you but I was kind of hoping you would. He doesn't seem to be too worried, just annoyed, but better safe than sorry."
Away from Alex it was a lot easier to remember that humans were both fragile but surprisingly resilient. Not only that but Alex was very healthy and took good care of himself and would be more able than some to recover from just about anything. Not to mention that this was the twenty first century not the twelfth and medicine had come a long ways.
So while he did take another long drink of his mead, and pour another, Eiryk was able to grin and stop looking quite as worried as Rowan tousled his hair and left. It really was no wonder they had been friends so long given what a good sort Rue was. It was some what surprising they'd not fallen in love, but honestly, given what Eiryk had seen of Rue's relationship with Christian they were both better off. Eiryk -knew- he was; he really couldn't imagine his life without Alex.
Rather startled he looked at Cris and his mind went totally blank.
"You know I hadn't thought that far ahead. I would have been at work all night but I don't want to go back. And then I was going to spend the night taking care of Alex but that isn't working out."
All his knitting and illumination equipment was upstairs as well so he couldn't even indulge in those hobbies. He couldn't brew either. Well this was going to be a terribly long evening wasn't it.
"I don't suppose you'd care to teach me how to make chicken soup would you?"
It was half humor and half serious. Eiryk had no idea if Christian knew how to cook at all, let alone chicken soup. But the man had proofed to have quite a wide range of talents and interests, so it wasn't the strangest idea ever. That and they did have MARI and the Internet, even if neither of them had a clue it was possible they could learn together, so why not.
Eiryk clarified, it did seem important. It didn't seem like there was anything wrong with that, after all it just indicated that he wanted to take care of Alex and there wasn't anything wrong with that. The constant attempts to make Alex comfortable and help and anticipate his boyfriend's needs just went out of his head, they seemed perfectly normal and like something any one would do.
"I didn't want to bother you but I was kind of hoping you would. He doesn't seem to be too worried, just annoyed, but better safe than sorry."
Away from Alex it was a lot easier to remember that humans were both fragile but surprisingly resilient. Not only that but Alex was very healthy and took good care of himself and would be more able than some to recover from just about anything. Not to mention that this was the twenty first century not the twelfth and medicine had come a long ways.
So while he did take another long drink of his mead, and pour another, Eiryk was able to grin and stop looking quite as worried as Rowan tousled his hair and left. It really was no wonder they had been friends so long given what a good sort Rue was. It was some what surprising they'd not fallen in love, but honestly, given what Eiryk had seen of Rue's relationship with Christian they were both better off. Eiryk -knew- he was; he really couldn't imagine his life without Alex.
Rather startled he looked at Cris and his mind went totally blank.
"You know I hadn't thought that far ahead. I would have been at work all night but I don't want to go back. And then I was going to spend the night taking care of Alex but that isn't working out."
All his knitting and illumination equipment was upstairs as well so he couldn't even indulge in those hobbies. He couldn't brew either. Well this was going to be a terribly long evening wasn't it.
"I don't suppose you'd care to teach me how to make chicken soup would you?"
It was half humor and half serious. Eiryk had no idea if Christian knew how to cook at all, let alone chicken soup. But the man had proofed to have quite a wide range of talents and interests, so it wasn't the strangest idea ever. That and they did have MARI and the Internet, even if neither of them had a clue it was possible they could learn together, so why not.
Rowan Murphy
12 years ago
When he entered Eiryk and Alex's apartment Rowan looked around, but he didn't see Alex. Eiryk had said he'd locked himself in the bedroom and the door was still closed. So he went there and knocked lightly, trying to figure out what the odd smell in the air was.
"Alex? It's Rowan. Will you let me in, please?"
He didn't have to wait long. He heard a noise within and then Alex was there opening the door and peering out. He was blinking in the light of the hallway and Rowan could see his bloodshot eyes, his face pale beneath its golden tint, a flush of fever upon his cheeks.
"Man. You look like shit."
Alex just coughed in response. When he caught his breath he looked up, frowning. "Did Eiryk send you? Seriously Rowan, I'm okay. I just want to sleep, is it that difficult to understand? How detached from humanity can you be?"
He walked down the hall to the living room, frustration evident in the set of his shoulders as he made his way to the couch, sat down, and pulled a blanket from the back of it.
Rowan followed, unperturbed. "Well me somewhat less than most, but I work with you all the time don't I? And no, Eiryk didn't send me. He's downstairs for a visit because he was told to leave and didn't know what the hell to do with himself."
He plopped down on the couch next to Alex, who was turning toward him looking repentant. "Rowan, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be like that. It's just..."
Rowan waited for it... the dam was totally about to burst... and burst it did, amidst a storm of sneezes, coughs, snotty tissues, and sniffles.
"I told him I really just wanted to sleep. I mean there's nothing to do for it but rest right? I know he was just trying to help and I didn't mean to hurt his feelings but every fifteen minutes it was something else. If he wasn't banging around the kitchen he was feeling my forehead, like that would help anything, or making more tea, or some other helpful useful thing. And then the oils... ugh, God, the oils. Eucalyptus makes me sick and it stank like crazy. I told him it would be nice if he just sat with me and read his book but he just couldn't. He has vampire ADD or something, I swear, Rowan." Alex gestured with his most recent tissue, and Rowan noticed his eyes were bright. He really was upset. "I would have liked it if he'd stayed... quietly... and just kept me company. That's all."
When Alex had finished, Rowan reached out and pulled him close, hugging him around his shoulders. "It's okay," he said. "I get it. Let me take a look at you and see what's going on, and then we'll figure out where to go from there, okay? But I promise it will involve you having a nice long night and several days of rest and relaxation."
With that, he picked up the thermometer that rested on the table. "Now say 'ah,' dear."
"Alex? It's Rowan. Will you let me in, please?"
He didn't have to wait long. He heard a noise within and then Alex was there opening the door and peering out. He was blinking in the light of the hallway and Rowan could see his bloodshot eyes, his face pale beneath its golden tint, a flush of fever upon his cheeks.
"Man. You look like shit."
Alex just coughed in response. When he caught his breath he looked up, frowning. "Did Eiryk send you? Seriously Rowan, I'm okay. I just want to sleep, is it that difficult to understand? How detached from humanity can you be?"
He walked down the hall to the living room, frustration evident in the set of his shoulders as he made his way to the couch, sat down, and pulled a blanket from the back of it.
Rowan followed, unperturbed. "Well me somewhat less than most, but I work with you all the time don't I? And no, Eiryk didn't send me. He's downstairs for a visit because he was told to leave and didn't know what the hell to do with himself."
He plopped down on the couch next to Alex, who was turning toward him looking repentant. "Rowan, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be like that. It's just..."
Rowan waited for it... the dam was totally about to burst... and burst it did, amidst a storm of sneezes, coughs, snotty tissues, and sniffles.
"I told him I really just wanted to sleep. I mean there's nothing to do for it but rest right? I know he was just trying to help and I didn't mean to hurt his feelings but every fifteen minutes it was something else. If he wasn't banging around the kitchen he was feeling my forehead, like that would help anything, or making more tea, or some other helpful useful thing. And then the oils... ugh, God, the oils. Eucalyptus makes me sick and it stank like crazy. I told him it would be nice if he just sat with me and read his book but he just couldn't. He has vampire ADD or something, I swear, Rowan." Alex gestured with his most recent tissue, and Rowan noticed his eyes were bright. He really was upset. "I would have liked it if he'd stayed... quietly... and just kept me company. That's all."
When Alex had finished, Rowan reached out and pulled him close, hugging him around his shoulders. "It's okay," he said. "I get it. Let me take a look at you and see what's going on, and then we'll figure out where to go from there, okay? But I promise it will involve you having a nice long night and several days of rest and relaxation."
With that, he picked up the thermometer that rested on the table. "Now say 'ah,' dear."
Alex Aristos
12 years ago
Alex felt exhausted after he poured everything out to Rowan. He had been a little surprised, but not terribly, to see the redhead. Figured; if Eiryk couldn't be here he'd send a doctor. But he couldn't fault his boyfriend. Eiryk had good intentions.
He got a grip on himself as Rowan promptly popped the thermometer into his mouth for him like he was a kid. He raised his eyebrows but stayed where he was as Rowan became a doctor. Alex watched quietly; he'd never seen Rowan work before. Always they were messing around, playing games, fencing, drinking. Suddenly Rowan became professional and deft, very intent as he listened to Alex's heart and lungs and then, once the thermometer was done and a few moments had passed for him to calm down, took his blood pressure.
Rowan sat back and hung his stethoscope around his neck. "Well," he said, smiling, "the good news is you're going to get that rest. The bad news is, you're going to have to put up with your boyfriend."
Alex winced, feeling guilty again. Rowan reached out and patted him gently on the shoulder. "Don't worry. We'll help you out," he said with a grin.
"Easy for you to say. You don't live with him." Alex sighed. "I really am sorry. I didn't want to hurt him. I don't know why he just couldn't understand."
Rowan glanced up, tucking his stethoscope into his bag. "It's hard," he said, "to watch someone be injured or sick and not be able to help them out. Especially when you yourself are so strong and tough to break."
"But I even told him what I wanted," Alex said. "I love his company... just... "
Rowan nodded, still smiling. "It's okay," he said again. "We get it."
And Alex suspected he did... and Cris, who was surely the other one in the 'we' equation. He slumped back against the arm of the couch. Rowan did what Eiryk had done earlier; he finished packing up, put his bag aside, and tucked the blanket up around Alex's shoulders. Then he went to the kitchen and got Alex a glass of water. Setting it down on the table he said, "So... oils? Is that what that smell is?"
Alex closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Yes," he said. "It was a good idea. Only, the eucalyptus... I don't like it. Once he put the mint in it was nice. I told him that. I was hoping he'd settle down and let me be."
Rowan chuckled softly. "We'll hang onto him for a little while," he said. "I promise, when we give him back he'll be a good vampire. He's just worried."
Alex nodded, closing his eyes. "I know."
"Do you want one of us to stay with you? I can hang out, or I'm sure Cris would be happy to come sit with you for a bit."
Alex shook his head, although he opened his eyes when Rowan mentioned Cris. He wouldn't mind either man's company really, but he particularly enjoyed Cris's. Rowan's manner, too, was soothing. But who he really wanted was Eiryk. A calm Eiryk, not the frenetic Eiryk who kept setting Alexander's nerves on edge.
"I'll be all right," he said. "For a few hours."
He got a grip on himself as Rowan promptly popped the thermometer into his mouth for him like he was a kid. He raised his eyebrows but stayed where he was as Rowan became a doctor. Alex watched quietly; he'd never seen Rowan work before. Always they were messing around, playing games, fencing, drinking. Suddenly Rowan became professional and deft, very intent as he listened to Alex's heart and lungs and then, once the thermometer was done and a few moments had passed for him to calm down, took his blood pressure.
Rowan sat back and hung his stethoscope around his neck. "Well," he said, smiling, "the good news is you're going to get that rest. The bad news is, you're going to have to put up with your boyfriend."
Alex winced, feeling guilty again. Rowan reached out and patted him gently on the shoulder. "Don't worry. We'll help you out," he said with a grin.
"Easy for you to say. You don't live with him." Alex sighed. "I really am sorry. I didn't want to hurt him. I don't know why he just couldn't understand."
Rowan glanced up, tucking his stethoscope into his bag. "It's hard," he said, "to watch someone be injured or sick and not be able to help them out. Especially when you yourself are so strong and tough to break."
"But I even told him what I wanted," Alex said. "I love his company... just... "
Rowan nodded, still smiling. "It's okay," he said again. "We get it."
And Alex suspected he did... and Cris, who was surely the other one in the 'we' equation. He slumped back against the arm of the couch. Rowan did what Eiryk had done earlier; he finished packing up, put his bag aside, and tucked the blanket up around Alex's shoulders. Then he went to the kitchen and got Alex a glass of water. Setting it down on the table he said, "So... oils? Is that what that smell is?"
Alex closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Yes," he said. "It was a good idea. Only, the eucalyptus... I don't like it. Once he put the mint in it was nice. I told him that. I was hoping he'd settle down and let me be."
Rowan chuckled softly. "We'll hang onto him for a little while," he said. "I promise, when we give him back he'll be a good vampire. He's just worried."
Alex nodded, closing his eyes. "I know."
"Do you want one of us to stay with you? I can hang out, or I'm sure Cris would be happy to come sit with you for a bit."
Alex shook his head, although he opened his eyes when Rowan mentioned Cris. He wouldn't mind either man's company really, but he particularly enjoyed Cris's. Rowan's manner, too, was soothing. But who he really wanted was Eiryk. A calm Eiryk, not the frenetic Eiryk who kept setting Alexander's nerves on edge.
"I'll be all right," he said. "For a few hours."
Rowan Murphy
12 years ago
Rowan wasn't surprised when Alex said he just wanted to rest alone, although he did notice that he perked up at the mention of Cris's name. He couldn't blame him; Cris's cool, calm manner inspired confidence. It didn't matter what he was doing, Cris just seemed like he could do it all. Rowan decided that his partner should, perhaps, be the next one to check on Alex.
While Alex closed his eyes and relaxed Rowan quietly set about doing the things Eiryk had tried to do. He set the vaporizer back up nearby with a touch of mint in it and then left the supplies Eiryk had brought nearby within reach, except for the vicks infused tissues. Those he replaced with a regular box of tissue he found in a closet. He'd bring the others to the clinic, as Alex would never use them and Eiryk would hardly have any use for them either.
"You know, he did get you a lot of useful things. Use them in moderation, and get yourself better."
Alex opened his eyes a little and nodded. "I know he did."
Rowan patted Alex gently on the shoulder and dimmed the light. "Leave the night light on please," Alex murmured from the couch.
"Okay." Rowan did as Alex asked, then picked up his medbag. "Let MARI know if you need us for anything," he said. "We'll be downstairs."
"Thanks, Rue."
"Of course."
Before he left the apartment Cris got in touch with him, asking him to bring the ingredients for the soup that Eiryk had bought. While he gathered them all up Rowan gave Cris his diagnosis so Eiryk wouldn't have to wait. [Alex is fine, love, just a flu virus. He needs to rest and drink lots of fluids and just stay nice and quiet. I think he might like your company... later. He's going to sleep now while we entertain the beast. Apparently Eiryk has a little too much mother hen in him. I'll be back soon.]
While Alex closed his eyes and relaxed Rowan quietly set about doing the things Eiryk had tried to do. He set the vaporizer back up nearby with a touch of mint in it and then left the supplies Eiryk had brought nearby within reach, except for the vicks infused tissues. Those he replaced with a regular box of tissue he found in a closet. He'd bring the others to the clinic, as Alex would never use them and Eiryk would hardly have any use for them either.
"You know, he did get you a lot of useful things. Use them in moderation, and get yourself better."
Alex opened his eyes a little and nodded. "I know he did."
Rowan patted Alex gently on the shoulder and dimmed the light. "Leave the night light on please," Alex murmured from the couch.
"Okay." Rowan did as Alex asked, then picked up his medbag. "Let MARI know if you need us for anything," he said. "We'll be downstairs."
"Thanks, Rue."
"Of course."
Before he left the apartment Cris got in touch with him, asking him to bring the ingredients for the soup that Eiryk had bought. While he gathered them all up Rowan gave Cris his diagnosis so Eiryk wouldn't have to wait. [Alex is fine, love, just a flu virus. He needs to rest and drink lots of fluids and just stay nice and quiet. I think he might like your company... later. He's going to sleep now while we entertain the beast. Apparently Eiryk has a little too much mother hen in him. I'll be back soon.]
Christian Bern
12 years ago
Cris chuckled as it became clear that Eiryk still didn't have an idea of what to do with himself now that he had time on his hands. He drank some more of his mead as his friend sorted it out. After a moment Eiryk came up with a very practical idea. If they made the soup down here then they wouldn't be bothering Alex while he slept. Eiryk would get to do something helpful for his sick boyfriend and it would keep him occupied with something that required some attention so he could fret a little less.
"Okay, we can do that.†Cris stood up and headed into the kitchen. He opened the pantry door and pulled two aprons down from the hook just inside. Looking at them both, he handed one to Eiryk. His was black with a skull and crossbones in the center with white letters spelling out "Do not upset me. I am the one preparing your food.†Eiryk's was white with black silhouettes of cutlery on the front and the words "Choose your weapon†beneath them. They were both given to him at the same time for some holiday party. "Here you go.â€
Bending down to one of the lower cabinets, he pulled out a large stock pot and lid. They didn't need a pot this big but this particular one was made for transporting your culinary masterpiece from one place to another. Its lid had two clamps that could be synched down to secure the lid to the pot. Considering his partner in crime for this endeavor, Cris thought it was a wise choice.
"Rowan says Alex will be fine with some rest and plenty of fluids. He is bringing down the ingredients that you bought and will be here in a few. Alex is going to get some sleep for a bit.â€
Cris went back to the pantry and pulled out a couple of potatoes. "Here wash these and then we can peel them and cut them into bite sized chunks.†He set another smaller pot on the stove to puree some tomatoes. If they were going to make a large amount of soup then it should be done right. They might all be eating soup for the next day or two. He reached in the drawer and set the potato peeler down next to the sink for Eiryk. Giving the viking a conspiratorial smile, he said. "We can get Rowan to chop vegetables since he is not a fan of the cooking portion of cooking.â€
"Okay, we can do that.†Cris stood up and headed into the kitchen. He opened the pantry door and pulled two aprons down from the hook just inside. Looking at them both, he handed one to Eiryk. His was black with a skull and crossbones in the center with white letters spelling out "Do not upset me. I am the one preparing your food.†Eiryk's was white with black silhouettes of cutlery on the front and the words "Choose your weapon†beneath them. They were both given to him at the same time for some holiday party. "Here you go.â€
Bending down to one of the lower cabinets, he pulled out a large stock pot and lid. They didn't need a pot this big but this particular one was made for transporting your culinary masterpiece from one place to another. Its lid had two clamps that could be synched down to secure the lid to the pot. Considering his partner in crime for this endeavor, Cris thought it was a wise choice.
"Rowan says Alex will be fine with some rest and plenty of fluids. He is bringing down the ingredients that you bought and will be here in a few. Alex is going to get some sleep for a bit.â€
Cris went back to the pantry and pulled out a couple of potatoes. "Here wash these and then we can peel them and cut them into bite sized chunks.†He set another smaller pot on the stove to puree some tomatoes. If they were going to make a large amount of soup then it should be done right. They might all be eating soup for the next day or two. He reached in the drawer and set the potato peeler down next to the sink for Eiryk. Giving the viking a conspiratorial smile, he said. "We can get Rowan to chop vegetables since he is not a fan of the cooking portion of cooking.â€
Eiryk
12 years ago
It didn't phase Eiryk at all that Cris had aprons readily available. Some vampire did cook, they enjoyed it, they enjoyed eating. He did enjoy eating on occasion but until Alex came a long had given up on food preparation. It was a bit hazardous from his perspective. Eiryk did, however, look at the choice of 'weapon' on the apron handed him and shook his head, there was no ax. Not that an ax would have fit the theme, but still. Regardless, he slipped it on and died it.
"I do hope blood will come out of this."
He said, but only half in jest. His fingers, and occasionally his wrist, had suffered more than a little although there had yet to be an amputation. Alex couldn't prevent all potential disasters but he did limit them and ensured Eiryk was never in a position to do something totally catastrophic.
The news that Alex would be fine and he just needed rest and fluids was something of a relief. Eiryk smiled and nodded as if he had known it all the time. He wanted to know exactly how long it would take Alex to get well and what to do for him. But he didn't bombard Christian with those questions, no he'd do the sensible thing and wait for Rowan. Rowan the doctor who had looked in on his partner and had all the details.
Eiryk only dropped/knocked to the ground a few potatoes, nothing major and he was going to have to clean them any way so he wasn't doubling up his work or anything. But the faucet was quickly turned on he started cheerfully scrubbing spuds.
"Perhaps if it was more of a challenge, if the vegetables fought back, or were at least armed, he'd enjoy it more."
Actually, he was and wasn't surprised that Rowan wasn't a fan of cooking or at least the prep work. It really took Alex to make Eiryk enjoy it, so he figured that Rowan would have or possibly did enjoy it more with Cris. Not that enjoying it more meant you looked forward to it or wanted to do it but it was a start.
"I do hope blood will come out of this."
He said, but only half in jest. His fingers, and occasionally his wrist, had suffered more than a little although there had yet to be an amputation. Alex couldn't prevent all potential disasters but he did limit them and ensured Eiryk was never in a position to do something totally catastrophic.
The news that Alex would be fine and he just needed rest and fluids was something of a relief. Eiryk smiled and nodded as if he had known it all the time. He wanted to know exactly how long it would take Alex to get well and what to do for him. But he didn't bombard Christian with those questions, no he'd do the sensible thing and wait for Rowan. Rowan the doctor who had looked in on his partner and had all the details.
Eiryk only dropped/knocked to the ground a few potatoes, nothing major and he was going to have to clean them any way so he wasn't doubling up his work or anything. But the faucet was quickly turned on he started cheerfully scrubbing spuds.
"Perhaps if it was more of a challenge, if the vegetables fought back, or were at least armed, he'd enjoy it more."
Actually, he was and wasn't surprised that Rowan wasn't a fan of cooking or at least the prep work. It really took Alex to make Eiryk enjoy it, so he figured that Rowan would have or possibly did enjoy it more with Cris. Not that enjoying it more meant you looked forward to it or wanted to do it but it was a start.
Rowan Murphy
12 years ago
Rowan arrived home soon, as promised, with Eiryk's bag of stuff. He could only assume they were going to be using it; why else would Cris have asked him to bring it? He did not return his medbag to its nice neat spot; Eiryk was here and in the kitchen. Rowan figured they might need it at some point.
"Honey, I'm home," he called out in a singsong voice as he peered into the kitchen. He left his medbag at the door and brought the groceries inside, putting them on the kitchen table.
Cris was standing at the stove wearing his sweats and the black apron. Eiryk had the white one. Only, Eiryk was dressed and Cris, just barely. Rowan suspected his partner had not bothered with boxers since they'd literally just rolled out of bed. He sighed softly. Well, they needed a break eventually, might as well happen now.
Still, he crossed the room to where Cris stood and slipped his hand around Cris's waist to rest on the plane of hard lean muscle of his stomach. Bending down he kissed Cris softly on the neck, murmuring into his ear, "That's too hot to be legal."
Then he straightened and said, "So what can I do to help?"
He already knew. The same thing he always did when someone needed help prepping any meal. Here's a knife and a pile of vegetables, do something with them and don't kill yourself. He waited to be asked, however; just because he knew how to do it didn't mean he wouldn't avoid it if possible. Maybe Eiryk would want to do the knife work.
Then again...
"Need something chopped?"
Blood was really hard to wash out.
He did need to have a chat with Eiryk but that could wait. They could have some mead and a little fun and hopefully get Eiryk to crash in the guest room to give Alex plenty of naptime. Before they sent Eiryk home Rowan would explain a few things to him. Like how to care for someone without being obnoxious.
"Honey, I'm home," he called out in a singsong voice as he peered into the kitchen. He left his medbag at the door and brought the groceries inside, putting them on the kitchen table.
Cris was standing at the stove wearing his sweats and the black apron. Eiryk had the white one. Only, Eiryk was dressed and Cris, just barely. Rowan suspected his partner had not bothered with boxers since they'd literally just rolled out of bed. He sighed softly. Well, they needed a break eventually, might as well happen now.
Still, he crossed the room to where Cris stood and slipped his hand around Cris's waist to rest on the plane of hard lean muscle of his stomach. Bending down he kissed Cris softly on the neck, murmuring into his ear, "That's too hot to be legal."
Then he straightened and said, "So what can I do to help?"
He already knew. The same thing he always did when someone needed help prepping any meal. Here's a knife and a pile of vegetables, do something with them and don't kill yourself. He waited to be asked, however; just because he knew how to do it didn't mean he wouldn't avoid it if possible. Maybe Eiryk would want to do the knife work.
Then again...
"Need something chopped?"
Blood was really hard to wash out.
He did need to have a chat with Eiryk but that could wait. They could have some mead and a little fun and hopefully get Eiryk to crash in the guest room to give Alex plenty of naptime. Before they sent Eiryk home Rowan would explain a few things to him. Like how to care for someone without being obnoxious.
Christian Bern
12 years ago
Cris glanced at Eiryk and the white apron and then down at his black one. Perhaps he should have swapped that around. "That is what bleach is for.†He certainly hoped they did not have to test the stain fighting power of their laundry detergent against Eiryk's blood but he was pretty good at getting his own clothes cleaned and those occasionally came home bloody as well.
He laughed at Eiryk's thoughts on why vegetable chopping would not be a fun chore and then shook his head. "No, I meant that Rowan does not like to be around the stove. I am sure he will be fine with chopping the vegetables if we ask him nicely and perhaps promise him another glass of mead for his cooperation.†And other things later if necessary...not that Rowan wouldn't get that anyway but he could still bargain for some food prep before later happened. "I suppose if he feels that it needs to be more challenging then I can present him with a moving target.†Cris held up a tomato and moved it around in front of him in illustration. "I might want some protective gear before we start if we are going to chop things in the method of fruit ninja.†Which seemed like a pointless little game but it made Ume laugh. The real life version might be more entertaining but he would rather they do it in someone else's kitchen.
They were busy with the beginning chores of the soup making process when Rowan came back down stairs, singing out his arrival. He soon joined them in the kitchen with the bag of groceries.
An arm snaked its way around his waist and Cris smiled not looking up from his tomatoes. He hummed softly at the little kiss on his neck and then chuckled at Rowan's comment. Pretending to misunderstand, he said. "No, I promise it is just hot enough to cook the food, perfectly legal, and if not, I know the fire marshal.â€
When Rowan asked if he could help, Cris turned and smiled. "Yes, actually.†He looked for where his partner had placed the bag and then was going to request the vegetable chopping when Rowan asked about it. "Yes. Perhaps you can hand them to Eiryk so that he can wash them since he is already at the sink.†They could make an assembly line out of the process. The kitchen wasn't very big after all and with three adults in here it was crowded and if they weren't careful they would get in each other's way. It was best to have a strategy to keep that from happening, luckily he was pretty good at strategy.
"Once I get these done then I can help or start on the cutting up the chicken.†Cris wasn't sure whether Eiryk had bought chicken breasts which would be easy to cut up into bite sized chunks or a whole chicken which would need more prep work.
He laughed at Eiryk's thoughts on why vegetable chopping would not be a fun chore and then shook his head. "No, I meant that Rowan does not like to be around the stove. I am sure he will be fine with chopping the vegetables if we ask him nicely and perhaps promise him another glass of mead for his cooperation.†And other things later if necessary...not that Rowan wouldn't get that anyway but he could still bargain for some food prep before later happened. "I suppose if he feels that it needs to be more challenging then I can present him with a moving target.†Cris held up a tomato and moved it around in front of him in illustration. "I might want some protective gear before we start if we are going to chop things in the method of fruit ninja.†Which seemed like a pointless little game but it made Ume laugh. The real life version might be more entertaining but he would rather they do it in someone else's kitchen.
They were busy with the beginning chores of the soup making process when Rowan came back down stairs, singing out his arrival. He soon joined them in the kitchen with the bag of groceries.
An arm snaked its way around his waist and Cris smiled not looking up from his tomatoes. He hummed softly at the little kiss on his neck and then chuckled at Rowan's comment. Pretending to misunderstand, he said. "No, I promise it is just hot enough to cook the food, perfectly legal, and if not, I know the fire marshal.â€
When Rowan asked if he could help, Cris turned and smiled. "Yes, actually.†He looked for where his partner had placed the bag and then was going to request the vegetable chopping when Rowan asked about it. "Yes. Perhaps you can hand them to Eiryk so that he can wash them since he is already at the sink.†They could make an assembly line out of the process. The kitchen wasn't very big after all and with three adults in here it was crowded and if they weren't careful they would get in each other's way. It was best to have a strategy to keep that from happening, luckily he was pretty good at strategy.
"Once I get these done then I can help or start on the cutting up the chicken.†Cris wasn't sure whether Eiryk had bought chicken breasts which would be easy to cut up into bite sized chunks or a whole chicken which would need more prep work.
Eiryk
12 years ago
"Bleach or a good dry cleaner.â€
He quipped back feeling a bit more optimistic and less lost; like his usual self. Eiryk did feel for his dry cleaner, but they were brilliant and had gotten out just about any stain imaginable. And his tailor was second to none, the man had mended things that Eiryk had thought totally ruined. You'd think that their professions were reversed given the amount of damage Eiryk did to his wardrobe. He should recommend his tailor to Christian.
Ah, yes, the stove. Eiryk should have thought of that. Oh, mead, that was a more interesting thought than Rue and the stove and Eiryk glanced about for his glass. There it was. He was going to have to send Rowan and Cris a few more bottles, both because he liked them and they seemed to enjoy his handy work but also because he liked to have some stashed in places he frequented.
"I'm sure we can scrounge up a mask and some gloves, although your kitchen might suffer more damage than any of us.â€
He grinned at the idea of them chopping al a fruit ninja. There was no way Eiryk would want to clean up after that.
Taking a great deal of interest in his potatoes Eiryk gave the couple a second or two of privacy. But once greetings were exchanged he looked up with almost an injured expression.
"I'm starting to think you two don't trust me with a knife.â€
Not that he was opposed to washing the vegetables, it would simply be more efficient to divide up the work. Although, he could break down the whole chicken he'd purchased. Eiryk was fairly confidant he still knew how. He'd bought the whole chicken as he did like dark meat, it added more flavor than just white meat.
"I'm guessing you found the chicken and the herbs and everything Rue.â€
The food in the fridge was Alex's. It would probably have been easy enough to find what Eiryk had just brought home, it hadn't been put away with much thought or organization.
Eiryk was also dying to ask Rowan how Alex was and what was wrong with him and what he could do but he did manage to hold off. Of course, that he sounded vaguely anxious about the chicken was probably a bit of a give away.
He quipped back feeling a bit more optimistic and less lost; like his usual self. Eiryk did feel for his dry cleaner, but they were brilliant and had gotten out just about any stain imaginable. And his tailor was second to none, the man had mended things that Eiryk had thought totally ruined. You'd think that their professions were reversed given the amount of damage Eiryk did to his wardrobe. He should recommend his tailor to Christian.
Ah, yes, the stove. Eiryk should have thought of that. Oh, mead, that was a more interesting thought than Rue and the stove and Eiryk glanced about for his glass. There it was. He was going to have to send Rowan and Cris a few more bottles, both because he liked them and they seemed to enjoy his handy work but also because he liked to have some stashed in places he frequented.
"I'm sure we can scrounge up a mask and some gloves, although your kitchen might suffer more damage than any of us.â€
He grinned at the idea of them chopping al a fruit ninja. There was no way Eiryk would want to clean up after that.
Taking a great deal of interest in his potatoes Eiryk gave the couple a second or two of privacy. But once greetings were exchanged he looked up with almost an injured expression.
"I'm starting to think you two don't trust me with a knife.â€
Not that he was opposed to washing the vegetables, it would simply be more efficient to divide up the work. Although, he could break down the whole chicken he'd purchased. Eiryk was fairly confidant he still knew how. He'd bought the whole chicken as he did like dark meat, it added more flavor than just white meat.
"I'm guessing you found the chicken and the herbs and everything Rue.â€
The food in the fridge was Alex's. It would probably have been easy enough to find what Eiryk had just brought home, it hadn't been put away with much thought or organization.
Eiryk was also dying to ask Rowan how Alex was and what was wrong with him and what he could do but he did manage to hold off. Of course, that he sounded vaguely anxious about the chicken was probably a bit of a give away.
Rowan Murphy
12 years ago
Rowan pulled away from Cris and smiled at his lover. "Alright. Legally hot. But still hot."
He let his hand trail down Cris's naked side before turning and bringing the vegetables over to Eiryk. "I found everything, I think, and of course I trust you with a knife. I would just prefer you to be in a different room while you're using it."
Handing the vegetables to Eiryk took about three seconds, since Rowan didn't see the need to give them to his friend one by one... Eiryk could reach into the bag and take them out as he needed them. Rowan headed to where the cutting boards were and pulled one out. This he brought to the table with a knife and a bowl.
As Eiryk washed each one Rowan took it away from him gathered them up, placed them on the cutting board, and then with great efficiency, began chopping them into bite-sized pieces. He didn't like the task, but he could do it. With neat, precise, fast cuts he sliced carrots, cubed the potato, stripped the rough fibers from the celery and sliced that, minced some garlic, and chopped an onion. At least he was out of the way, because after this task was complete he was next to useless. He refused to go near the stove, particularly given recent events.
Thanks to Henri and his merciless training (Rowan was required to assist whether he wanted to or not, or Henri would kill him - with his pinky) Rowan soon had a bowl filled with fresh vegetables. They smelled good, the sort of thing he would have wanted Alex to have, being sick. Even if he had little appetite in the next day or two (he should probably warn Eiryk about that, too. It wouldn't do to hurt his feelings all over again), a little would go a long way.
"This is a nice thing to do for Alex," Rowan told Eiryk encouragingly. "I think he'll appreciate it. Just don't be too surprised if he's not very hungry tomorrow. The flu is a pain in the ass sometimes. He'll be feeling pretty bad for a few days and then you'll see, he'll just perk right up again like it never happened."
He let his hand trail down Cris's naked side before turning and bringing the vegetables over to Eiryk. "I found everything, I think, and of course I trust you with a knife. I would just prefer you to be in a different room while you're using it."
Handing the vegetables to Eiryk took about three seconds, since Rowan didn't see the need to give them to his friend one by one... Eiryk could reach into the bag and take them out as he needed them. Rowan headed to where the cutting boards were and pulled one out. This he brought to the table with a knife and a bowl.
As Eiryk washed each one Rowan took it away from him gathered them up, placed them on the cutting board, and then with great efficiency, began chopping them into bite-sized pieces. He didn't like the task, but he could do it. With neat, precise, fast cuts he sliced carrots, cubed the potato, stripped the rough fibers from the celery and sliced that, minced some garlic, and chopped an onion. At least he was out of the way, because after this task was complete he was next to useless. He refused to go near the stove, particularly given recent events.
Thanks to Henri and his merciless training (Rowan was required to assist whether he wanted to or not, or Henri would kill him - with his pinky) Rowan soon had a bowl filled with fresh vegetables. They smelled good, the sort of thing he would have wanted Alex to have, being sick. Even if he had little appetite in the next day or two (he should probably warn Eiryk about that, too. It wouldn't do to hurt his feelings all over again), a little would go a long way.
"This is a nice thing to do for Alex," Rowan told Eiryk encouragingly. "I think he'll appreciate it. Just don't be too surprised if he's not very hungry tomorrow. The flu is a pain in the ass sometimes. He'll be feeling pretty bad for a few days and then you'll see, he'll just perk right up again like it never happened."
Christian Bern
12 years ago
Cris found a bowl to peel his tomatoes into since the sink was currently occupied. "If it is any consolation, my task is equally unglamorous.†He held up a warm wet tomato in illustration. Once he was done skinning and relieving the tomato of seeds, Cris cut those up himself. No need to hand Rowan squishy tomatoes. Once he was done preparing those, he cleaned and dried his hands of tomato guts.
"If you want to make sure they have taken the insides out, we can wash the chicken and then stick him into the pot.â€
Rowan mentioned that Alex would likely appreciate the soup and the gesture. He agreed. Vampires did not get sick and most rarely were even injured but he was an exception to that case more often than those in more sedate lines of work. When severely injured having someone around to help made a world of difference. He didn't need to eat food but having blood that he didn't have to go and hunt was extremely helpful. Cris figured Alex would feel the same about food he didn't have to cook. Placing a hand on Eiryk's shoulder, he added his agreement to Rowan's. "I think he will love that you were thinking of him and trying to help. Some of us just happen to be grumpy patients.†He coughed and poked a finger in his own direction at an angle where only Eiryk could see. "He'll probably feel a little better after some sleep.â€
He rummaged through his spice cabinet and through the bag that Rowan brought down. Cris caught Eiryk's attention and showed him what he was adding. Bullion, garlic, salt, pepper, sage, rosemary and thyme.
"So long as Alex is not a critic...I would hate to have to whack a sick man with a wooden spoon.â€
Once Eiryk had put the chicken into the pot, he covered it and then turned to the other two. "Well we have some time to kill while that cooks. What do you two want to do for an hour?â€
"If you want to make sure they have taken the insides out, we can wash the chicken and then stick him into the pot.â€
Rowan mentioned that Alex would likely appreciate the soup and the gesture. He agreed. Vampires did not get sick and most rarely were even injured but he was an exception to that case more often than those in more sedate lines of work. When severely injured having someone around to help made a world of difference. He didn't need to eat food but having blood that he didn't have to go and hunt was extremely helpful. Cris figured Alex would feel the same about food he didn't have to cook. Placing a hand on Eiryk's shoulder, he added his agreement to Rowan's. "I think he will love that you were thinking of him and trying to help. Some of us just happen to be grumpy patients.†He coughed and poked a finger in his own direction at an angle where only Eiryk could see. "He'll probably feel a little better after some sleep.â€
He rummaged through his spice cabinet and through the bag that Rowan brought down. Cris caught Eiryk's attention and showed him what he was adding. Bullion, garlic, salt, pepper, sage, rosemary and thyme.
"So long as Alex is not a critic...I would hate to have to whack a sick man with a wooden spoon.â€
Once Eiryk had put the chicken into the pot, he covered it and then turned to the other two. "Well we have some time to kill while that cooks. What do you two want to do for an hour?â€