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 frowned at the idea that Alex wouldn't be hungry for a while. Granted he'd grown up when there were simply times you didn't have enough to eat no matter how rich you were so Eiryk knew full well you could go several days without eating very little and be just fine. Still, he did worry.
"Should he eat any way? Should we freeze it?"
It took some effort but Eiryk did manage not to ask a hundred questions and stick to just the two. Christian was a bit more positive and Eiryk perked right up, some how managing not to snicker at the idea that any one in the room was a bad patient.
"No one is whacking any one with a wooden spoon with out my prior written connect."
While he was generally open minded and had learned how to share there was a time and a place to be playfully possessive and Eiryk was taking it right now.
He was slightly taken aback that the soup had been finished so quickly. Eiryk had assumed it would take longer, and privately wondered if Cris had followed the recipie. Granted the security chief might have his own recipie... but he did wonder.
Again doing his deer in headlights impersonation Eiryk had to admit he had no other ideas.
"Maybe I'll just pop up and check on Alex really quick."
They really needed to work on this moderation thing, with Eiryk. Rowan finished the vegetables and set them in the fridge, picking up the cutting board and knife and putting them in the sink before returning to the table and taking another sip from his mead.
When Cris asked what they wanted to do for an hour Rowan was hard pressed not to offer a completely candid opinion, which involved Cris, that apron, and taking it off. He could strive for a little bit of class, even if it was just Eiryk there. Rowan considered. "Wii? Board games? Cards? Get Eiryk hammered and send him to bed? That one might be fun."
Eiryk's suggestion, however, had Rowan leaping to block the doorway out of the kitchen. Cris had the same idea, backing hastily up as they both emphatically said, "No," at the exact same moment.
Rowan took the opportunity to slip his arm around Cris's waist, steadying his partner but also holding him tight for a moment before releasing him. Then he pointed an accusatory finger at Eiryk.
"Just in case it wasn't clear enough," he said sternly, "you are to leave poor Alex alone. Let him sleep. How many times can I tell you he needs rest? Uninterrupted, peaceful, quiet rest!"
He was moments away from a lecture on how Eiryk had pretty much brought this situation upon himself but he bit his tongue. "When Alex is ready for company he'll let us know. MARI is available to him, and I'm sure she can give us an update. Until we know he's awake, Eiryk, you're stuck here."
Rowan sighed, tempted to pinch the bridge of his nose. Instead he settled for rolling his eyes at his friend. "Leave him be," he reiterated. "It's the best thing you can do for him right now."
He cleaned off the utensils he had used and put them in the dish washer while Eiryk and Rowan discussed what was good for Alex. Oh, to eat or not eat...that depends on who's for dinner. Or what, but that sounded less exciting.
Cris had just hung his apron back up on the peg when Eiryk suggested that he go make a quick check on Alex. He had promised the man that he would see to it that he had a chance to get some sleep and that had already been compromised once, for a good cause, by Rowan. He wasn't letting anyone else disturb Alex even the elders themselves.
So he backed up to block Eiryk's path so that they could tell him to wait a while longer. That was how he backed right into Rowan who apparently had exactly the same reaction. Glancing down at the arm that wrapped around his waist, Cris smiled. [My protector] He wasn't in a hurry to leave Rowan's embrace and continued to lean against his partner even after Rowan released him.
The doctor was explaining in very clear terms his prescription for Alex's recovery and it didn't involve a worrying vampire. Once Rowan had finished, adding that MARI could tell them if Alex needed them. He pressed a button on his watch which alerted the AI that he was looking for her and that she was allowed into the house; it was a mobile version of the one at the door. A lab tech had built it for him ages ago with some other nifty features as well. It was the swiss army knife of watches done up in Evenhet style. "MARI, could you check on Alex Aristos for us?â€
"What am I checking specifically, Cris?â€
"Whether he is awake or asleep. His temperature. Does he appear to be in distress?â€
"Alex is sleeping soundly and has just entered R.E.M. Sleep if his eye movements are any indication. His temperature is slightly elevated past human norms; however, he does not appear to be in any immediate distress. Is there a medical emergency that you need help with?â€
"No, thank you. Dr. Murphy here has already diagnosed Alex as having the flu and has recommended rest and plenty of fluids.â€
"That is sound advice from what my data suggests. Home remedies that have been proven helpful additions include chicken soup, a humidifier, a warm compress, gargling with salt water and breathing in the steam from a hot pot of water.†There was a pause. "Some also suggest a drop or two of peppermint or eucalyptus in the water.â€
Cris smiled at the overly informative AI. "Thank you, MARI. Could you stay with us for a while and occasionally give us an update on Alex?†He looked over at Eiryk to see if that would be satisfactory to him. "She can watch him far more quietly than we can and can alert us if anything is wrong.â€
He turned around and looked up at Rowan. "The wii, board games or getting Eiryk drunk... We could play the wii games and get Eiryk drunk at the same time. There is wii resort in there if we would like to try our hands at drunken swashbuckling.â€
"OK OK I get the idea."
It didn't feel right though.
He brighten up when Cris had MARI look in on Alex, that was something he hadn't thought of. She looked in on Alex and Eiryk had no reason not to trust the information the AI gave him. It was the best of all possible worlds, MARI could keep an eye on Alex when needed, Eiryk would know his boyfriend was OK, and best of all Alex would get the rest he'd need. Why hadn't he thought of that? Although he did wonder if MARI get annoyed if asked to look in on Alex ever five or ten minutes. They'd worry about that in a second.
"He doesn't like the eucalyptus."
Eiryk informed MARI as well as Christian and Rowan.
All this talk about drinking made Eiryk thirsty and he found he still had his glass and took a nice drink, but not one of the big steadying gulps he had earlier. No, he was feeling a lot better.
"Well we can get Eiryk drunk, but let's not think about taking advantage of him. His days of wild oat sowing are over, he's spoken for and all that."
It was teasing, and silly because, obviously the same could be said of Cris and Rowan. Other than that, one never had to twist his arm too hard to get him at least a little tipsy. It was one of his favorite hobbies, he did tend to moderate his intake a bit, a little bit, since Alex had come into his life but no one would ever mistake him for a tea totaler.
[I do try, dear one,] he sent back, [even if you don't think you need it.]
Rowan laughed outright at Eiryk's caveat to drunkenness. "I don't recall ever having to take advantage of you in that state," he drawled.
He didn't think the comment would bother Cris. His partner was well aware that he'd had many lovers in his life, and if he felt any insecurity at all, well, Rowan was an open book where Cris was concerned. The desire he and Eiryk had ever felt for each other had long since cooled and become a close friendship. The only person Rowan wanted or needed was Cris, and he knew that was readily apparent in his aura. Not only that, but Rowan tried to make it obvious in every other aspect of their lives as well.
"Is there anything else we can help Alex with while he sleeps, that we could do from down here?"
Rowan didn't know what he had going on in the next couple of days. "What about his store? I'm at loose ends for the moment. Does he have someone to watch it for him? I can take care of it, if he needs help."
He hadn't told Eiryk or Alex or anyone but Cris, really, that he had quit his job at the hospital and become the new doctor here at Liefde but the fact was unimportant. What was relevant was that he could mind Alex's shop for the next couple days if need be; he'd just have to get there early and cover the front windows.
"For now though," he said, leaning over Cris and kissing his partner happily, "let's work on getting you more relaxed."
He let go of Cris and retrieved the bottle of mead from the kitchen along with his own glass. As he passed Eiryk he raised his eyebrows at Cris, indicating that his partner should send to him with a slight widening of his eyes. It wasn't that the expression was special or anything, just that Cris was astute enough to realize Rowan had something to say in private.
When he could, he sent to Cris, [I suppose you've probably already thought of it, love, but is there a way to keep Eiryk in here if his drunken ass decides to go wandering before Alex is awake?]
Not for nothing, but Cris was the Security Chief after all. Perhaps it might be an abuse of power to lock Alex inside his own apartment to keep Eiryk out but this was their home. If Cris wanted to lock the door and let it open for no one, he certainly could.
[I'm just thinking it might require some sacrifice on our parts to get Eiryk good and wasted... we may not be in shape to battle him away from the door.]
Rowan had no idea of Cris would or could do anything like that but he knew he cared for both their friends and in particular, had what was maybe a soft spot for Alex. He would come to no harm being left alone for a while, and it was, in fact, the best thing for him currently.
Rowan pointed out that he had never taken advantage of his friend while he was drunk. "Intoxicated or wasted?†He couldn't imagine a time when the two of them got together in the past that did not involve drinking at least something so their tumbles together would have to have been few indeed if Eiryk had always been stone cold sober.
He nestled comfortably in his partner's arms as Rowan considered what else they could do for Alex while he was sick that did not involve waking him up. "Later we might be able to do the laundry and any household chores that need doing.†Cris shrugged, he suspected that there would be very few chores that absolutely needed doing but they could make sure dishes were washed and trash was taken out.
His partner suggested that he could keep the store which was a good idea also and currently very doable. Cris twisted around and gave Rowan a quick hug. [Very thoughtful, Love]
As they headed back into the great room, Rowan gave him a little meaningful look. [I trust there is something on your mind.] His partner then explained his concern about Eiryk getting drunk and wanting to go check on Alex. Cris considered the problem. [I had not planned on getting that incapacitated, Love. I cannot hope to keep up with you or Eiryk in the drinking department. Warm and toasty is plenty for me and that will leave one of us more level headed should Alex need something.] He could not imagine what might require one of them to be able to drive but he could stay mostly sober just in case. Besides, they might not be able to take advantage of drunk Eiryk but he was plenty willing to take advantage of drunk Rowan. [However, I think I will have MARI lock the door just in case.] They could fall asleep watching a movie or something later and Eiryk might decide to wander home and go to bed. Possibly simply out of habit.
Cris put the game into the player and set the tv to the right setting. "So, shall it be viking versus pirate in round one?†He handed one of the wii remotes to Eiryk and the other to Rowan. "Sadly there is not an axe graphic in the game but if it is some small consolation you can wield the remote two handed.†The weight wasn't there. It was easier for him to think of it as a fencing foil than anything else because there was no actual blade to make the balance feel right for any other type of sword. It suited him just fine since he preferred light weapons anyway but Alfarinn would be out of luck.
Hmm, perhaps he should invite his friend down to play some time....
Eiryk said with an almost convincing amount of regret.
It was more like Rowan hadn't had to get Eiryk into that state to take advantage of him, and visa versa. But that was long in the past, he didn't regret it. In fact it was something that had worked out quite well really. It was always good to have some one you could be yourself with especially in a time and place that wouldn't necessarily let you be yourself, vampire or same sex oriented. Their past had lead to a very solid friendship, one where they could still be themselves just not screw around.
"What happened to the hospital? Are you off for a few days?"
That was handy, it was something that had more or less crossed Eiryk's mind. He hadn't really expected Rue to be home, he did tend to be busy. But they had to let him out some time, so it didn't seem totally strange nor did the idea of being at loose ends send up any major red flags, just little question marks.
"You know I'm not sure who's handling the store. Marie can't possibly be doing it on her own and I know she can't do the classes."
The apartment was pretty clean and didn't need much work. Eiryk did have a service in on a regular basis, just once a month or so though not often.
"Some one should at least pick up all the tissues. That can't possibly be sanitary."
And would undoubtedly aid in Alex's recovery.
Taking the wiimote out of habit Eiryk made certain the wrist strap was securely fastened. He didn't want to do any damage to Christian and Rowan's home. While it wouldn't be deliberate, it would almost certainly happen.
"Why is there never an ax?"
Discrimination, that was Eiryk's thoughts and one he would never let go of. Perhaps he should learn how to program games at some point.
"If we do pirate and viking where do you come in? Ninja?"
He supposed he should apologize for being such an insatiable partner but he couldn't help it and the apology wouldn't change the fact that in spite of the fact that he had spent more time with Cris than any lover in his life, he still wanted him. Always. Making love to Cris was Rowan's favorite hobby, and they would return to it later when they had taken care of their friends.
Rowan snorted at Eiryk, who he had known for centuries and centuries and... centuries, and still hadn't done more than a one-off with every few decades. "Yeah it was a close thing there," he said with a grin.
When Eiryk asked about Rowan's job at the hospital Rowan didn't even blink. The lie was ready; he always had lies ready for every occasion, every circumstance, every possible scenario. In this case, it suited him to be mostly honest.
"I'm considering a career change," he said simply. "I want more time with Cris and the hospital is killing that potential. So I took my vacation to think about it."
He hadn't mentioned recent events to anyone who hadn't been involved. It was over and in the past now. No need to rehash it or bring up bad memories, and no need to cause retroactive worry. It was done and they were better off for it. If people thought they were being overly mushy and clingy, they could do so. After coming closer to death than he wanted, Rowan had been particularly attached to Cris, more so than usual, and Cris didn't seem opposed to it. So he continued.
Moving on he accepted the wiimote from Cris with an elaborate, courtly bow and an elegant sweep of his arm. He glanced at Eiryk with a raised eyebrow. "Because it's fencing, Viking. Now en garde."
He flashed Eiryk a salute, wiimote vertical in front of his body like a foil or saber, and then sank into a traditional guard in six. Just because. Naturally, it wasn't necessary but Rowan didn't think anything of a little bit of extra show. If nothing else, perhaps Cris would enjoy it.
He should have taken his shirt off first.
He listened impassively as Rowan told Eiryk part of the story for why he had time off. The fires, Brand and everything that happened since then was far more personal to Rowan than it was for him and so he felt that it was Rowan's story to tell, how and when he chose. "The good news is that Alex was sick at a convenient time....if such a thing is possible.†Certainly there were inconvenient times to get sick so perhaps the reverse was true, at least partially true.
Eiryk asked which part he was playing in the battle and Cris grinned. "I am the mercenary...so if you want to hire me to help you kick his ass...†He turned to Rowan and smiled charmingly. "Then we can talk. I am open to negotiations.†He suspected that Rowan could make the most compelling offer but if Eiryk offered and he accepted before Rowan made a counter offer then he would, of course, have to honor his wii-contract.
Right now he was content to watch the battle that was about to commence. Cris picked up his drink and settled himself down on the sofa. "Careful, I am pretty sure he's not left handed.†Actually Rowan was either handed which made him more dangerous in an actual fight. Sadly, the wii did not let you fight Florentine which was a style he also preferred.
The battle should be pretty amusing to watch. They had to get enough hits on their opponent to knock them off balance and to push them back enough to knock them off the big platform that they were currently standing on. In the case of a tie the outer rings fell away making a tiny platform that someone was bound to be pushed off of.
Not that even Eiryk would go that far without reason, and he wouldn't blame Alex for getting upset about if he went that far.
Eiryk nodded fully understanding wanting more time with some one. He had occasionally toyed with the idea of shutting down his studio, or just retiring and let the others run it. But he did have to have something to do or he'd go slightly crazy. If Alex thought he was hovering now, try him when there was absolutely had nothing else to think about.
"Well good. Let me know how things turn out."
He returned the salute with the wiimote, clocking himself in the head as he did so, not hard just noticeably. He did assume a classical stance, but it was done in a rather mocking way as Eiryk had always found the flourishes and delicate little swords rather amusing. Sure, he'd learned how to do it but it had always seemed absurd.
It had taken Eiryk a second or two to think of a good offer for Christian's services, he suspected he was at a disadvantage but he did make an effort.
"I can get you the name of my tailor and all the French Country jobs you want, there might even be a bonus involved if we win."
At Cris' comment Eiryk did look down to see which hand he had the wiimote in. While he did get the joke and grin, the way the wrist strap was fastened meant there would be no tossing of the 'sword' back and forth if he started to lose.
"So long as no one has six fingers on their left hand."
To Eiryk, he said, "Yeah, I will. Maybe I'll apply as a part time decorator. You know, spice things up with a little pirate flair. Eyepatches and barrels of rum everywhere."
He grinned at Eiryk. Rowan had no interest in being an interior decorator. He would leave it to those who had the knack and the drive for it. He enjoyed doing his own personal spaces but beyond that, no thanks.
He couldn't resist a laugh as Cris went all mercenary on them. He considered not playing along; after all, he was a pirate. He didn't need to hire a mercenary to win. He was underhanded enough for the three of them. But it was all in fun.
"French Country. What an offer," he mocked lightly. "I'm afraid I can't come up with anything that exciting."
Well, really, all the more compelling stuff was stuff he was planning to do to Cris later, anyhow... or have done by Cris. So he thought of a different temptation. "I can offer you two tickets to the automaton exhibit that's coming to the museum this weekend," he said.
He'd actually purchased them already, but Cris didn't know that. With his partner's love of mechanisms and clockworks, Rowan had thought it might be nice to see some historical pieces. Yes, Cris had lived through the age of the automaton but he'd thought it might be nice to look back on some old classics, as it were, the way car enthusiasts reminisced over old Fords.
Rowan wasn't sure if Cris had known about the exhibit, since he was back to his busy work schedule once again. He'd hoped it would be a pleasant surprise.
"But of course if that isn't enough there's the standard earth-shaking sex, amazing oral pleasure, blah blah blah. You know, the usual."
He flashed Cris an equally charming grin as the one his partner had gifted him with. He considered making a lewd comment and wordplay on "bonus" but even Rowan had limits. Sort of. He'd save it for later.
Rather than begin the bout he waited for Cris to choose, if he so desired.
When they settled down to play and Eiryk made him an offer for his services Cris was a little confused. Why did he need a tailor? He sent to Rowan [Do my suits look like they don't fit?] His size and girth hadn't changed in over a thousand years and his tailor, here in The Towers, was well aware of that fact.
The French Country jobs had more appeal. "Would you be profiting off these jobs?†Because if he would be working for Eiryk then it would be a poor negotiation on his part. He would be helping Eiryk win and then helping him make money. Well Vikings weren't known for their negotiation skills. "Because I am pretty sure that would mean I would be working for you twice.â€
Cris looked at Rowan who declared he couldn't come up with anything nearly as exciting as interior decorating. He arched one eyebrow and decided that if Rowan wasn't even going to try then he'd help Eiryk on general principle. However, his partner then brought up that he had two tickets to the automaton exhibit at the museum.
Cris grinned like a kid. "It is here in Nachton, finally?†He suspected that Rowan would have mentioned them sooner or later but he could choose not to. "A couple of my older pieces are actually in it.†The exhibit didn't know that; they had borrowed them from a private collector in Switzerland who happened to be a family member. One of his favorite great, great, great...nieces who actually made watches and the occasional whirligig of her own and collected older mechanisms as a hobby.
Rowan then casually added the standard earth shaking sex and oral pleasure. "Hmm, standard huh? Could you try for something a little different? Bonus shower sex or something?†Cris expected that by the time they got to showering they would both be pretty exhausted but he was trying to at least give the appearance of bargaining.
"Okay, interior design or tickets to the museum with a side order of sex...†He turned to Eiryk and shrugged. "I am sorry Eiryk but I will have to take his offer. Its the tickets that really sold it.†Cris turned to Rowan and gave him a wink. Of course the standard sex, shower or otherwise, was always amazing and that would be impossible to compete with but he was glad that his partner came up with a different bargaining chip.
"So this means, Eiryk is up for a lot of wii fighting and drinking.†Well that was for the best. They were more likely to get him drunk this way. Unlike Mario Kart, this was his game so he had practiced and fencing, although this was only vaguely like actual fencing, was his sword style of choice. At least this was more about fighting, any hit you can actually get in could potentially throw your opponent off balance, and less about scoring actual touches. "The point of the game is to knock your opponent off the platform."
He'd seen people do some truly hideous things to their homes, he'd even been part of it, and so Eiryk was completely unphased by Rowan's decorating threats.
There was no comment to Rowan's counter offer. Although even Eiryk had to concede that it sounded better than his. He just shrugged at Christian's legitimate concern/inquiry about whether or not he'd be profiting from the jobs. Perhaps, it might be minimal but perhaps. Just because he had been a viking didn't mean he didn't have a rather profiteering streak in him. It just wasn't as well developed as some peoples.
As the bribes... er offers, played out much Like Eiryk suspected he was quickly able to give his attention to the game. It didn't go well, at least not by his standards. It was very much random flaying about. It wasn't until the third guy that Eiryk made any kind of a showing at all and that was half hearted at best.
"They really should have an ax option for this. No finesse at all."
There wasn't it, at least none that Eiryk could see. It was just a matter of being faster and better coordinated and possibly having a better angle on the sensor bar.
"That or you cheat. Shall we rotate out? Loser gets a drink."
He could use a bit more alcohol and Eiryk figured it would be entertaining to watch Cris and Rowan go at each other. Not giving either of them much of a choice in the matter he tossed the wiimote very gently at Christian and flopped on the sofa with his mead.
He was wondering how exactly Cris intended to participate in this mercenary coupling when the game was one on one, but that didn't mean he wasn't thrilled to have won the bargaining. Cris was his, damn it. Whether he actually needed his help at Wii swordplay or not, Rowan would have had a hard time letting Cris play for Eiryk's team in that kind of scenario.
He had suspected some of the pieces in the exhibit might be Cris's, in fact, and had hoped for it. The grin on Cris's face was so worth the reveal. He looked gorgeous and, for a moment, almost youthfully boyish. It was adorable.
He continued to tease out loud this time when Cris asked him for something besides standard. "Now now, let's talk bonus when Eiryk here is good and drunk. I'll try not to bore you to death with mundane every day sex though. I promise."
With that word given and a cocky, impish grin at his lover, Rowan watched the bout count down. When it began he dropped all pretense of correct fencing style, gripped his wiimote in both hands, and proceeded to pound the ever-living shit out of Eiryk's mii.
It really had more to do with practice, and as this was Rowan's wii, he figured he had a leg up on Eiryk. Either way he won the first match pretty handily, sending the Viking over the edge of the ring every time. When Eiryk accused him of cheating Rowan only grinned and bowed to Eiryk with a flourish.
"Pirate," he pointed out. "Drink up, loser."
Eiryk proceeded to do just that, handing his controller to Cris. Rowan raised an eyebrow at his partner. "So how exactly does this partnership work out now?"
Was Cris going to take the loss and drink for him or something? He'd never played mercenary wii before. This could be a whole new twist on it.
He smiled when Rowan said he would try not to bore him with mundane every day sex. "There is nothing boring about our every day sex, Love.†Cris smiled. "I could never say that.†Nor would he.
The first round was over pretty quickly. Rowan pounded on poor Eiryk while the viking was trying to figure out the dynamics of the wii remote/sword balance and over he went. The next two rounds lasted longer but Rowan still battered his opponent right off the ring.
Rowan proudly claimed to be a pirate and demanded that Eiryk take a drink. Which happened but the other blond also came and sat down on the sofa, tossing the wii remote in his direction.
The mention of Rowan being a pirate brought back the talk of Rowan becoming an interior decorator and doing everyone's home with some pirate flair. The idea of Rowan, dressed up in Jack Sparrow-esque finery, and staggering around people's expensive homes to tell them out to decorate like a true pirate was pretty amusing.
"You know, Rowan, perhaps you want to consider this interior decorating thing. Pirates are still pretty popular in the media. I can see it now...†Cris stood and crossed the room, teetering first left then right until he stood next to Rowan. He pointed limply toward an imaginary decoration as if he couldn't be bothered to drum up the energy for a full extended finger. "No, no, Darlin, you want to hang the ropes over the curtain rod with a anchor hitch knot not an overhand knot. Let's not be tacky shall we?†He rocked his head backward and stared at Rowan wide eyed for a moment. "Hmm, perhaps I should see what else you've done...†Looking down at the immaculate cedar flooring, Cris added. "Not right at all, Mate, you'll be wantin more grime on this deck....to make it authentic.†He grinned and then hugged Rowan. "On second thought, steam punk is really starting to eclipse the pirate thing....hmm, maybe I should start decorating. I could make a small fortune designing things with wheels, gears, steam and buttons, most of which go to nothing in particular. Like†He brought both of his hands up in front of him, encasing an imaginary item between them. Then he spread them wider. "a light switch with a row of ten different blinking buttons and knobs but only one actually switching the thing on and off.†He would much prefer to make working things which had function as well as aesthetic value.
Turning to face the screen, he answered Rowan's question. "I guess I am standing in for Eiryk at the moment. If I lose, he takes a drink. If you lose then you do. When he is ready to play another round he can be himself again and I can fight for you or drink if you lose, if you wish, but I don't think that is the best use of my assistance.†[And either way, him or me losing he takes a drink. And if you lose you can choose which one of us drinks. Makes perfect sense to me and it will go a long way toward the desired result...which of course is bonus sex.]
"Shall we?â€
((OOC: And, yes, he is mimicking Jack Sparrow when he's speaking and walking. A darn fine job of it too...according to him. ))
He was quite enjoying the mead, and starting to wonder if they had another bottle stashed away. After all, he was still sober enough to enjoy it. Once free of his wiimote Eiryk was considering asking MARI to check in on Alex again when Christian went into a Jack Sparrow imitation. He was hard pressed not to laugh, scruffy guy-linered Johnny Depp vs. clean cut Christian it was quite a contrast.
"Oh no you don't if you start stealing my business I'll be forced to start stealing yours. But I might be willing to commission pieces here and there."
That might be interesting, clients did love one of a kind artisan made objects and Cris' work would certainly fall in that category. He probably wouldn't ever ask him though, it was the same reason Eiryk didn't knit throws for his clients or do illuminations when he couldn't find just the right pieces. There were always other ways to get these things and other artists who probably really needed the work. Regardless, it was an interesting idea, he was going to have to make a study of steam punk and see if it would incorporate into some of his more industrial looks, add a bit of whimsy.
Everyone seemed very determined to get him drunk, which he wasn't exactly opposed to but he was a little more reluctant than usual because he really wanted to go back upstairs and be with Alex. Right now Eiryk was convincing himself this was just a little break so he wasn't permanently evicted from their apartment. Reluctant or not though he was a vampire and he wasn't going to have to drive any where and he was a rather experienced drinker, so he did pour another glass of mead.
"I think that we need to work on these contracts, something doesn't seem quite equitable."
But he wasn't too concerned. Instead he just relaxed on the couch to watch Rue and Christian try and beat each other off the platform. He suspected it would take a bit more effort on both their parts to win the little battle. Given his previous attempt perhaps he should ask if this game had any other games. Maybe he'd do better at something with less flailing.
He had no shame. None whatsoever.
Cris's subsequent Jack Sparrow imitation was hilarious, particularly given who it was coming from. Of course, Cris could copy just about any voice or sound perfectly but he also had the movements and the gestures down as well. Rowan laughed heartily at the sight, hugging Cris to him.
"I would think you'd practiced that swagger for hours. Were you just waiting for an opportunity to bust it out?"
Before he could say much more Eiryk interjected, pointing out that Cris might steal business. Rowan chuckled at that. "Isn't healthy competition good for business though Eiryk? Just consider the possibilities."
He did like the steampunk idea. And he had just inherited an apartment just like this one. He considered that for a moment while Cris explained how the mercenary thing worked, which sounded rather lopsided to him, since it involved Eiryk drinking regardless of what the outcome was, really. Or Cris drinking. Rowan couldn't argue this... Eiryk could be good and drunk and potentially Cris could be slightly more than tipsy as well. Then Eiryk would hopefully sleep, and Cris - well, he was sexy either way but Rowan didn't want him falling-over drunk or anything. He'd have to mind his game and make sure their Viking friend was too inebriated to escape.
[You know you were getting the bonus sex anyway right, love?] Rowan couldn't help but grin at Cris, who did, of course, know it. Rowan was hardly chaste... sex, bonus or not bonus, was a natural course for him - like having breakfast when you woke up and dessert after dinner. Of course, if they ate like they made out they'd both be morbidly obese (if they were capable of gaining weight). Maybe the meal thing wasn't a perfect metaphor then.
Eiryk pointed out the imbalance in this plan and Rowan just grinned and shrugged at him. "Cris is a pirate too right now," he said. "Didn't you hear him talking? Oh, hold that thought."
He jogged into the kitchen and returned with shot glasses and a bottle of rum. It wouldn't do to sip Eiryk's mead for intoxication. Rum was much better for wii gaming, and tended to be their poison of choice when they were all together. He poured one shot, set it on the table as motivation, and then nodded to Cris.
"All right, let's do this!"
Eiryk said he was going to start stealing his business if Cris decided to work in interior design. "You are going to start doing security? Excellent! Would you like the fourth through the twentieth floors?â€
Rowan hugged him close and asked if he had practiced his pirate swagger. "No, actually.†It was how he had learned ages ago, watching a whole person, their moves, their mannerisms, their voice, everything. It was second nature now to observe it all and he had seen the pirate movies, both sober and drunk, several times at least. Johnny Depp's character was so unique that it was actually very easy to remember. Walk like you are on a ship and talk like you have a little too much to drink. "I have practiced my Alfarinn though. I have years of work on that one. And centuries on my Grisha impression...â€
Eiryk complained that the contract wasn't fair and he shrugged. "The point of hiring a mercenary is to have the advantage. At least we both are whacking at you with virtual swords.†He hadn't expected Eiryk to quit after the first game though so he had to do some quick rethinking to come up with how his involvement helped Rowan who had hired him, hence the standing in for Eiryk.
Rowan set up the shot of rum and they got down to the business of the actual duel. He started the fight with the wii remote in his left hand. The two of them whacked at each other for a long time going all over the platform before Rowan knocked him over the edge.
"Haaahaaahaaa!†Cris smiled at his partner and switched the remote to his right hand. "I know something you don't know. I am not left handed!†The next match went for another long round before he managed a jab to Rowan's mii's mid section that sent him over the edge.
Their next battle ended up in a tie and the teeny tiny little circle in the middle raised their mii's high up above the original platform and the water below. This round was going to end quickly because the first person to manage a hit was bound to knock the other person over the edge.
When the buzzer sounded he started swinging and hoping for a hit in there somewhere. Luck was on his side, this time.
"See, now that wasn't so bad.†He turned to Eiryk. "You don't have to take a drink.†Cris looked at Rowan and then at the shot of rum. "Well, Sir, which is it to be? Me or you?â€
"Competition is fine but gimmicks will never stand up to class and style in the long run.â€
He said with a lovely combination of haughty derision while embracing as much of the cliché flaming interior decorator he could just for a moment before settling back into his usual relaxed good humor.
"Four through twenty? Well Pak lives above those.... we might be able to talk.â€
Of course, he couldn't remember where her office was so that could be dangerous. It was worth the risk though. He did still want that ear piece, maybe for Halloween. He could go as Christian! Although he wasn't sure how many people would get it.
"He's not a pirate until he has an eye patch, eye liner or a parrot!â€
Eiryk declared boldly. Apparently, Rowan decided that they needed to be more piratey and brought them rum and not your mellow light mojito making rum either. There would be no easy going sipping here. He just didn't know who they were trying to hep, him relax or Alex rest.
Doing his best to put that out of his mind he watched Rowan and Cris play and was rather impressed. It was better than his failing about, but then again they did own the wii.
"I vote for both of you, I need all the help I can get.â€
When Eiryk commented about the pirate get-up Rowan turned and looked at him with disbelief. "But I don't have any of those," he said with a pained expression. "Are you saying I'm not a pirate? Well, I mean, I've worn an eyepatch. On Halloween once or twice. And I am guilty of the eyeliner, which, by the way, we did not wear as a matter of course. That only got popular because of what's his nuts. And I've never owned a parrot but now I'm inclined to get one, name it Sven, and have it squawk obscure Swedish phrases. Maybe I can get him to scream 'IKEA' at awkward times."
His minor diatribe finished, he and Cris made a reasonable showing at playing their game, and it came right down to the bitter end but Cris got a good swing in at the last second and Rowan took a dive. However, he was well aware that now he got to choose who took a drink. He wasn't out to get Cris drunk; just Eiryk. However, Cris was the one who'd slyly turned mercenary at the last minute. Rowan gave the matter some thought and then grinned and offered the shot to Cris.
"Drink up, love."
He lifted his eyebrows at Cris, hoping his partner trusted that Rowan was certainly not going to have him take too many hits from the rum bottle. A few, yes, but Rowan had counted shots when they'd first gotten together at Eiryk's and he recalled that Alex had hit his limit around seven and Cris upwards of about ten. That, however, had been enough to really waste him. Rowan wouldn't let him drink more than three or four, he resolved to himself, if he was going to be in charge of drunking everyone up. It was mostly for Eiryk's sake. Alex was sleeping, and Eiryk needed to unwind and relax in a big way.
"Eiryk versus Cris now? How does it work? Are you me now, Cris? Or is Eiryk essentially playing against himself? I mean in that case he may as well just take a shot and play me."
Rowan grinned. This could be fun.