Rowan raised his eyebrows at Eiryk as he almost took out the drum set and himself but managed to stay upright for a change. They had played for a while, and many drinks had happened. Rowan had consumed more than he'd expected, particularly toward the end of the playing, when it had seemed more entertaining to watch Cris than to play his music. Unusual for him, until he realized that between Eiryk's abilities and Cris's voice in his head they had successfully managed to drag his attention away from what he was supposed to be playing. Well, wasn't that clever. Eiryk had always said suggestion mostly worked when you were trying to make someone do something they really wanted to do anyway - and Rowan couldn't deny that Cris was always appealing
Sneaky damn Viking. Turnabout was fair play, he supposed, so he had taken his shots like a big vampire. He certainly wasn't drunk by any means but he was definitely feeling warm and relaxed.
When Eiryk suggested going home though, Rowan went after the blond and carefully took him by the upper arm, steering him back into the living room. There had been a break or two for soup-making, so he was pretty sure it was done or close to done, but Cris would be the ultimate judge of that.
When he had the opportunity, he sent to Cris, [I think Alex wouldn't mind a visit from you, love, if you're up to it. I can have a chat here with Eiryk and try to explain the care and maintenance of a sick human to him in terms he'll understand. I can draw it in crayon, maybe.]
In the meantime he said to Eiryk, "Maybe we should just sit here a bit. We should probably go over a few things so you know what to look for if Alex gets worse."
That should be sufficient motivation for Eiryk to hang out for a little bit, at least. Rowan would hopefully be able to convince him to stay the rest of the night. He didn't know that Alex would sleep until morning, but he did know Alex would certainly ask for Eiryk if he woke up and missed him. So far, the human hadn't made a peep.
((ooc: Permission for suggestion. Also assumed that Cris and Rowan have been keeping up a pretty steady conversation via Sending as per the norm but if not, let me know.))
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.
Rowan Murphy
12 years ago
Christian Bern
12 years ago
The rock band jam session had become more fun after a while when they settled down and got to the playing. Eiryk had worked with him to help even the odds on their very talented guitarist and Cris did his best to send suggestive comments of his own at every spare opportunity, beginnings of songs, guitar and drum solos, endings of songs, whenever. Truthfully by this point, he probably would have been sending such things to Rowan anyway.
It did, however, make him want to grab his partner and run away somewhere private to act on those suggestions.
They had paused not long ago to finish making the soup. It was now cooking with all its ingredients, healthy vegetables now included. He figured that it was probably done but it could also stand a few more minutes of cooking if they wanted to do another song or two.
However, Eiryk decided they were done. He stood up and nearly toppled himself and the drum kit but managed to break neither. Perhaps he really was more graceful drunk. Cris figured that he might now be truly dangerous with the wii sword. Eiryk suggested that he could take the soup up to Alex which sounded like an extremely hot accident waiting to happen, even if he sent him up with the pot with the lid clamps. Those wouldn't hold up if Eiryk took a tumble and the pot fell to the floor.
[Well, Doctor, what do you think of this idea?] Rowan steered Eiryk back toward the living room and Cris took the opportunity to slide past the two of them and into the kitchen. He found some tuperware containers and started doling out soup into manageable portions. These he stacked one on top of the other, placing a few into their refrigerator and stacking the rest up together to be taken up to Alex and Eiryk's place. While he was in the kitchen Rowan sent to him and said that he thought Alex wouldn't mind a visit from him while he talked to Eiryk about dealing with a sick human. [Alright, Love, it would be a shame to lose the soup anyway.] He was sure Rowan would understand his concerns there.
Cris blended and went back through the living room and up the stairs. He grabbed a shirt and then made his invisible way back downstairs and into the kitchen. Now properly attired, he picked up the stack of soup containers and quietly slipped out the door.
When he got upstairs, he sent to Alex. [Mind some company? My feelings will not be hurt if the answer is no. I promise.]
It did, however, make him want to grab his partner and run away somewhere private to act on those suggestions.
They had paused not long ago to finish making the soup. It was now cooking with all its ingredients, healthy vegetables now included. He figured that it was probably done but it could also stand a few more minutes of cooking if they wanted to do another song or two.
However, Eiryk decided they were done. He stood up and nearly toppled himself and the drum kit but managed to break neither. Perhaps he really was more graceful drunk. Cris figured that he might now be truly dangerous with the wii sword. Eiryk suggested that he could take the soup up to Alex which sounded like an extremely hot accident waiting to happen, even if he sent him up with the pot with the lid clamps. Those wouldn't hold up if Eiryk took a tumble and the pot fell to the floor.
[Well, Doctor, what do you think of this idea?] Rowan steered Eiryk back toward the living room and Cris took the opportunity to slide past the two of them and into the kitchen. He found some tuperware containers and started doling out soup into manageable portions. These he stacked one on top of the other, placing a few into their refrigerator and stacking the rest up together to be taken up to Alex and Eiryk's place. While he was in the kitchen Rowan sent to him and said that he thought Alex wouldn't mind a visit from him while he talked to Eiryk about dealing with a sick human. [Alright, Love, it would be a shame to lose the soup anyway.] He was sure Rowan would understand his concerns there.
Cris blended and went back through the living room and up the stairs. He grabbed a shirt and then made his invisible way back downstairs and into the kitchen. Now properly attired, he picked up the stack of soup containers and quietly slipped out the door.
When he got upstairs, he sent to Alex. [Mind some company? My feelings will not be hurt if the answer is no. I promise.]
Alex Aristos
12 years ago
Alex had gotten a few hours of sleep but the eventual sniffling and coughing woke him up and he couldn't really get back to bed again. He moved himself back out onto the couch with his Kindle and read quietly after taking some more medicine. Briefly he wondered if Eiryk was still with Rowan and Cris. He felt bad about hurting his boyfriend's feelings; he knew he had, but he'd done his best to be kind about it and Eiryk had simply refused to listen.
Just thinking about it frustrated him again. How was it his fault? He was sick, damn it. Of course he hadn't meant to be hurtful toward Eiryk, but he'd just wanted some quiet company!
He practically jumped off the couch at the sound of Christian's voice in his head. Talk about quiet company. Rowan had mentioned Cris might come visit later and Alex had to admit, that prospect was appealing. He would prefer Eiryk's company, but given the slight strain between them right now Alex was happy for their friends' intervention. Cris's presence was always welcome. Alex enjoyed the smaller man's company.
[I don't mind,] he sent back to Cris after organizing his thoughts for a moment. [I might not be very good company though.]
Okay, so maybe his feelings were hurt that Eiryk's feelings were hurt. It all felt very high school. But Why couldn't Eiryk just have listened to him? Then none of this would have happened. Alex didn't mind being tended to... lightly. He didn't need the pampering and constant twitchy unsettling annoying frantic behavior that Eiryk seemed to think was warranted.
[Door's open,] he added as an afterthought. He hadn't wanted Eiryk to arrive back home and find himself shut out, even though he had a key of course. So when he'd woken up he'd unlocked the door.
Just thinking about it frustrated him again. How was it his fault? He was sick, damn it. Of course he hadn't meant to be hurtful toward Eiryk, but he'd just wanted some quiet company!
He practically jumped off the couch at the sound of Christian's voice in his head. Talk about quiet company. Rowan had mentioned Cris might come visit later and Alex had to admit, that prospect was appealing. He would prefer Eiryk's company, but given the slight strain between them right now Alex was happy for their friends' intervention. Cris's presence was always welcome. Alex enjoyed the smaller man's company.
[I don't mind,] he sent back to Cris after organizing his thoughts for a moment. [I might not be very good company though.]
Okay, so maybe his feelings were hurt that Eiryk's feelings were hurt. It all felt very high school. But Why couldn't Eiryk just have listened to him? Then none of this would have happened. Alex didn't mind being tended to... lightly. He didn't need the pampering and constant twitchy unsettling annoying frantic behavior that Eiryk seemed to think was warranted.
[Door's open,] he added as an afterthought. He hadn't wanted Eiryk to arrive back home and find himself shut out, even though he had a key of course. So when he'd woken up he'd unlocked the door.
Eiryk
12 years ago
He had started out sitting on the couch, really he had, but in very little time Eiryk had kind of melted and was more laying or sprawling on the sofa. He wanted to get up and go see Alex, he -really- wanted to but his whole body felt heavy right now. A side effect of drinking more than his fair share, one he recognized and one he could over come in a moment or two. It was just a matter of gathering up his thoughts and energy. Damned Rue for stealing his momentum any way.
Hearing Christian rattling around in the kitchen was satisfying. They were doing something, he'd be going home. Oddly enough that relaxed Eiryk a bit more and if he wasn't careful he wouldn't move from this spot all day and that would be bad.
His eyes, which had been closed, flew open and he sat upright with more speed than he would have thought, and more speed than was good for him given the sudden dizzy spell. But the idea of Alex getting worse was more important than any dizzy spell.
"Worse? You said rest and fluids and he'd be fine in a few days... a week. Why would he get worse, what do I look for?"
The intoxicated, yet highly alert, thing he had going on right now was probably not the state Rowan and Cris had hoped to lull him into. Eiryk didn't know how long it would last either, there had been a lot of drinking and even he couldn't hold all the effects at bay. He was a vampire not a doctor... or something like that.
"When do I panic and when do I leave him alone?"
Eiryk did know that was the crux of the issue. During the course of the evening he'd worked that much out and if he could master it then Alex wouldn't have to throw him out again. For the one thing that Eiryk had never done was blame Alex for more or less shoving him out the door; yes his feelings had been hurt and he'd been upset but he didn't blame his partner for it.
Hearing Christian rattling around in the kitchen was satisfying. They were doing something, he'd be going home. Oddly enough that relaxed Eiryk a bit more and if he wasn't careful he wouldn't move from this spot all day and that would be bad.
His eyes, which had been closed, flew open and he sat upright with more speed than he would have thought, and more speed than was good for him given the sudden dizzy spell. But the idea of Alex getting worse was more important than any dizzy spell.
"Worse? You said rest and fluids and he'd be fine in a few days... a week. Why would he get worse, what do I look for?"
The intoxicated, yet highly alert, thing he had going on right now was probably not the state Rowan and Cris had hoped to lull him into. Eiryk didn't know how long it would last either, there had been a lot of drinking and even he couldn't hold all the effects at bay. He was a vampire not a doctor... or something like that.
"When do I panic and when do I leave him alone?"
Eiryk did know that was the crux of the issue. During the course of the evening he'd worked that much out and if he could master it then Alex wouldn't have to throw him out again. For the one thing that Eiryk had never done was blame Alex for more or less shoving him out the door; yes his feelings had been hurt and he'd been upset but he didn't blame his partner for it.
Rowan Murphy
12 years ago
[Thank you, dear one. I'm sure Alex will be grateful. He enjoys your company.] Rowan knew Alex had gotten more comfortable with him, particularly because they fenced together regularly, but he and Cris had seemed to hit it off quite naturally from the start. If Rowan weren't so secure in Cris's love for him and Alex's for Eiryk, he might have felt a little bit worried. As it was, though, he was very happy they got along so well.
Rowan waited until Cris had left quietly to point a finger at Eiryk. His words had done the trick and his friend was focused on him for more information that he was sure he needed. As Cris closed the door behind him Rowan heard it click and knew they still had their Viking trapped.
"You don't panic," Rowan said. "I just made that part up to keep you from breaking your nose on a wall in your haste to get to the door."
He moved over to the couch and pushed Eiryk gently, hoping he'd sprawl back onto the soft cushions and lie still. "You need to relax, is the problem in general. Alex is a human and they get sick. I happen to know."
He tilted his finger up in a fact-delivering sort of gesture, implying that his many medical degrees and certifications had given him, at the very least, some sort of insight into what a sick human looked and acted like.
"The trouble is, dear, you need to listen to him. Alex knows what being sick feels like. If he wants you to let him be, then let him be. Your boyfriend doesn't like to be smothered and I suspect you were doing just that."
Rowan nudged Eiryk aside and flopped down next to him, placing his hand on Eiryk's leg and patting it gently. "He wanted to sleep but when you kept checking on him, or trying to do little things to help, all you did was wake him up. Sometimes, love, you just need to keep him company. That's all. And listen to him."
He arched a brow at Eiryk. "Honestly, if you're too jumpy about him being sick you should have just come here from the start. Or you could have let Alex hang out here. Both of you, even. You're going to have to get used to this kind of thing though, Eiryk. Alex can't be perfectly healthy all the time. And eventually, you know... it will get worse."
Someday, Rowan thought to himself, Eiryk wouldn't be able to help at all. Alex would go the way every human inevitably went. Something would break, something would stop working, and all of Eiryk's love, all of Rowan's considerable medical skill, all of Cris's conscientious care, would never be enough to bring him back. That time, however, was not now. And Eiryk was just going to have to deal with the flu like a big vampire.
"It was nice of you to get him supplies," Rowan said, "and the soup was a sweet idea. But maybe next time, until you know a little more, you could just ask him if he needs or wants anything. I'm sure he'd have been happy for you to run to the store for him and then come back and keep him company.
"For now, I think we should just let him have his rest, hmm? Stay here today. You're not really fit for nursing anyone. Cris will make sure he's got something to eat if he wants it, and a little company, and he'll come back with a full report I'm sure. Let Alex cool off for a few more hours then you can go back and sit quietly with him while he gets better. If he doesn't seem any better in four days or so, then we'll worry a little... but at no point will we panic. Got it?"
He watched Eiryk carefully, hoping his words were sinking in. If they weren't then perhaps he'd consider drugging the Viking until Alex was better. It would be easier.
Rowan waited until Cris had left quietly to point a finger at Eiryk. His words had done the trick and his friend was focused on him for more information that he was sure he needed. As Cris closed the door behind him Rowan heard it click and knew they still had their Viking trapped.
"You don't panic," Rowan said. "I just made that part up to keep you from breaking your nose on a wall in your haste to get to the door."
He moved over to the couch and pushed Eiryk gently, hoping he'd sprawl back onto the soft cushions and lie still. "You need to relax, is the problem in general. Alex is a human and they get sick. I happen to know."
He tilted his finger up in a fact-delivering sort of gesture, implying that his many medical degrees and certifications had given him, at the very least, some sort of insight into what a sick human looked and acted like.
"The trouble is, dear, you need to listen to him. Alex knows what being sick feels like. If he wants you to let him be, then let him be. Your boyfriend doesn't like to be smothered and I suspect you were doing just that."
Rowan nudged Eiryk aside and flopped down next to him, placing his hand on Eiryk's leg and patting it gently. "He wanted to sleep but when you kept checking on him, or trying to do little things to help, all you did was wake him up. Sometimes, love, you just need to keep him company. That's all. And listen to him."
He arched a brow at Eiryk. "Honestly, if you're too jumpy about him being sick you should have just come here from the start. Or you could have let Alex hang out here. Both of you, even. You're going to have to get used to this kind of thing though, Eiryk. Alex can't be perfectly healthy all the time. And eventually, you know... it will get worse."
Someday, Rowan thought to himself, Eiryk wouldn't be able to help at all. Alex would go the way every human inevitably went. Something would break, something would stop working, and all of Eiryk's love, all of Rowan's considerable medical skill, all of Cris's conscientious care, would never be enough to bring him back. That time, however, was not now. And Eiryk was just going to have to deal with the flu like a big vampire.
"It was nice of you to get him supplies," Rowan said, "and the soup was a sweet idea. But maybe next time, until you know a little more, you could just ask him if he needs or wants anything. I'm sure he'd have been happy for you to run to the store for him and then come back and keep him company.
"For now, I think we should just let him have his rest, hmm? Stay here today. You're not really fit for nursing anyone. Cris will make sure he's got something to eat if he wants it, and a little company, and he'll come back with a full report I'm sure. Let Alex cool off for a few more hours then you can go back and sit quietly with him while he gets better. If he doesn't seem any better in four days or so, then we'll worry a little... but at no point will we panic. Got it?"
He watched Eiryk carefully, hoping his words were sinking in. If they weren't then perhaps he'd consider drugging the Viking until Alex was better. It would be easier.
Christian Bern
12 years ago
Cris tucked the containers against his hip long enough to open the door and let himself in. He gently shut it behind him then turned toward Alex.
"Beware Swiss bringing gifts.†Holding up the tuperware, he smiled. "It was Eiryk's idea. He wanted to be helpful and thought that maybe the soup would still be a good idea.†Making it downstairs where the clanging of pots and pans and the potential cursing and accidents wouldn't have disturbed Alex had been a very good idea.
Sitting down on the edge of the sofa, he smiled at Alex. "He might be an overzealous vampire with no memory of what being sick was like.†Which wasn't surprising at Eiryk's age. Cris couldn't personally remember being sick either. He knew what it was like to be less than healthy but there was a difference between injured and ill. However, he and Rowan were both empaths and that helped them understand and empathize with what people were feeling, whether they had gone through the experience or not. "But he was thinking about you.â€
He smiled at Alex and teased softly. "Rowan is teaching him how to not go overboard with the care and feeding of sick humans. I am sure he will figure it out. He just seems to do everything with all his heart.†Cris shrugged, there was no excuse for not listening to what your partner said he wanted but then perhaps Eiryk thought Alex was not telling him he needed anything because he didn't want to be troublesome. "Perhaps next time he will also use his ears, hmm?â€
Cris didn't want to upset Alex or make him feel guilty for needing some space. He just wanted to let his friend know that his boyfriend had been thinking about him and had done something nice. It had certainly been Eiryk's idea and it had gotten done with Eiryk's ingredients and Eiryk's help. He acknowledged Alex's reasoning and believed that it might be for the best if he had a few more hours to rest before having a discussion about illness and hurt feelings.
"Anyway, we will keep you both company.†Cris looked down at the containers in his lap. "So, about this, would you like a small bowl while it is warm or do you want me to put it all in the refrigerator?â€
"Beware Swiss bringing gifts.†Holding up the tuperware, he smiled. "It was Eiryk's idea. He wanted to be helpful and thought that maybe the soup would still be a good idea.†Making it downstairs where the clanging of pots and pans and the potential cursing and accidents wouldn't have disturbed Alex had been a very good idea.
Sitting down on the edge of the sofa, he smiled at Alex. "He might be an overzealous vampire with no memory of what being sick was like.†Which wasn't surprising at Eiryk's age. Cris couldn't personally remember being sick either. He knew what it was like to be less than healthy but there was a difference between injured and ill. However, he and Rowan were both empaths and that helped them understand and empathize with what people were feeling, whether they had gone through the experience or not. "But he was thinking about you.â€
He smiled at Alex and teased softly. "Rowan is teaching him how to not go overboard with the care and feeding of sick humans. I am sure he will figure it out. He just seems to do everything with all his heart.†Cris shrugged, there was no excuse for not listening to what your partner said he wanted but then perhaps Eiryk thought Alex was not telling him he needed anything because he didn't want to be troublesome. "Perhaps next time he will also use his ears, hmm?â€
Cris didn't want to upset Alex or make him feel guilty for needing some space. He just wanted to let his friend know that his boyfriend had been thinking about him and had done something nice. It had certainly been Eiryk's idea and it had gotten done with Eiryk's ingredients and Eiryk's help. He acknowledged Alex's reasoning and believed that it might be for the best if he had a few more hours to rest before having a discussion about illness and hurt feelings.
"Anyway, we will keep you both company.†Cris looked down at the containers in his lap. "So, about this, would you like a small bowl while it is warm or do you want me to put it all in the refrigerator?â€
Alex Aristos
12 years ago
Alex smiled wanly at Cris when he entered, furrowing his brow at the tupperware containers his friend held until Cris explained what they were. Then he let out a little 'oh' of surprise and understanding, and felt a little stab of guilt for having hurt Eiryk's feelings at all. He glanced down when Cris joined him on the sofa.
"It was a good idea," Alex said, looking back up. "Thank you."
He wanted to thank Eiryk too, but he was the one who'd pushed him away so there was nothing to be done about that. "He's always thinking about me," Alex said, tugging the blanket Eiryk had made for him closer around his shoulders. "He's so sweet to me."
Cris's light teasing made him feel guilty again although he knew that wasn't the intent. He just coughed a dry laugh and nodded. "I did try to tell him."
Cris offered him a bowl of soup and Alex considered for a moment. Then he nodded. "Please. Just a little." He wasn't very hungry but Eiryk had gone through the trouble (along with Cris and Rowan, of course) of making it and he wanted them to feel appreciated. He was sure he should eat something, too. He didn't want to wake up from another nap ferociously hungry.
"Is Eiryk okay?" Alex asked from the couch when Cris moved away. "I didn't mean to hurt him."
Only, his feelings were hurt too. He'd get over it, though. It was probably a flu thing. He was just being oversensitive or something.
"It was a good idea," Alex said, looking back up. "Thank you."
He wanted to thank Eiryk too, but he was the one who'd pushed him away so there was nothing to be done about that. "He's always thinking about me," Alex said, tugging the blanket Eiryk had made for him closer around his shoulders. "He's so sweet to me."
Cris's light teasing made him feel guilty again although he knew that wasn't the intent. He just coughed a dry laugh and nodded. "I did try to tell him."
Cris offered him a bowl of soup and Alex considered for a moment. Then he nodded. "Please. Just a little." He wasn't very hungry but Eiryk had gone through the trouble (along with Cris and Rowan, of course) of making it and he wanted them to feel appreciated. He was sure he should eat something, too. He didn't want to wake up from another nap ferociously hungry.
"Is Eiryk okay?" Alex asked from the couch when Cris moved away. "I didn't mean to hurt him."
Only, his feelings were hurt too. He'd get over it, though. It was probably a flu thing. He was just being oversensitive or something.
Eiryk
12 years ago
Eiryk frowned trying very hard to pay attention and take in what Rowan was saying. It was more difficult than usual, but he though he was getting most of it. He might have, he admitted to himself, been over reacting a bit. But in all fairness flu had been and still could be lethal. Eiryk had also started on and off dreading Alex actually dying. It was something he didn't know how he would deal with, or even if he could. So he might be over compensating, a bit, on something minor.
Being temporarily inclined to both irrational anger (even though he wasn't a mean drunk by any stretch of the imagination the alcohol had made him a bit more emotional) and tears Eiryk managed to hold himself together well enough to just sulk. Which was probably a good thing as his other choice was to throw himself into Rowan's arms and sob, and drunk or not, this didn't seem to warrant that kind of reaction.
"He says 'no' a lot."
Alex was very independent, which was a wonderful thing but it occasionally could leave a person feeling un-needed. But he could do this he could be a very quiet hands off kind of mother hen.
"OK rest, don't smother, and don't panic. I can do that."
But he wasn't staying here. With a bit of a heave Eiryk pulled himself up to standing again and looked about for the door. Oh, there it was.
"I'll just go upstairs and go to sleep. I'll be quiet, though... sleep on the couch."
That would be best, he wouldn't bother Alex that way but at least he'd be there, just in case. Not that Alex would be able to wake him up, even if he needed too, but it still seemed important to be there.
Finally catching up with Rue a bit he raised and eyebrow.
"Cris is there and I'm not?"
That wasn't fair at all. And Eiryk started toward the door with a determination that belied his inebriated state.
Being temporarily inclined to both irrational anger (even though he wasn't a mean drunk by any stretch of the imagination the alcohol had made him a bit more emotional) and tears Eiryk managed to hold himself together well enough to just sulk. Which was probably a good thing as his other choice was to throw himself into Rowan's arms and sob, and drunk or not, this didn't seem to warrant that kind of reaction.
"He says 'no' a lot."
Alex was very independent, which was a wonderful thing but it occasionally could leave a person feeling un-needed. But he could do this he could be a very quiet hands off kind of mother hen.
"OK rest, don't smother, and don't panic. I can do that."
But he wasn't staying here. With a bit of a heave Eiryk pulled himself up to standing again and looked about for the door. Oh, there it was.
"I'll just go upstairs and go to sleep. I'll be quiet, though... sleep on the couch."
That would be best, he wouldn't bother Alex that way but at least he'd be there, just in case. Not that Alex would be able to wake him up, even if he needed too, but it still seemed important to be there.
Finally catching up with Rue a bit he raised and eyebrow.
"Cris is there and I'm not?"
That wasn't fair at all. And Eiryk started toward the door with a determination that belied his inebriated state.
Rowan Murphy
12 years ago
Rowan threw his arms up as Eiryk opted to head for the door anyway. "You're not listening," he said, exasperated. "Remember? 'Listen' was a part of the plan too. You wouldn't be in this mess if you'd done that to begin with."
He reached out before Eiryk could get too far and caught his friend's arm. The door was locked so Eiryk was stuck here regardless, but Rowan cared about EIryk's feelings and he didn't want his friend to discover he was trapped. He wanted Eiryk to acquiesce and just stay.
He turned Eiryk around to face him. "Alex's feelings are hurt too," he reminded Eiryk. "Just stay here for now. He's irritated because you kept pushing and pushing; why not hang out here until he asks for you to come back? Let him vent to Cris if he wants. I don't think you're going to have too long to wait."
Rowan sighed. He wished Eiryk would listen to him. Alex did want his boyfriend back, but Rowan wasn't sure he was ready to admit it just yet, and that was all right - he was sick, he was tired, he was annoyed.
"If you never give him a chance to need you, Eiryk, how will you know he does? Make it easy on him this time - stay here until he looks for you. Please?"
Rowan didn't often resort to pleading, in fact, he almost never did. So maybe that would have an impact on Eiryk and convince him to give Alex some much-needed space.
He reached out before Eiryk could get too far and caught his friend's arm. The door was locked so Eiryk was stuck here regardless, but Rowan cared about EIryk's feelings and he didn't want his friend to discover he was trapped. He wanted Eiryk to acquiesce and just stay.
He turned Eiryk around to face him. "Alex's feelings are hurt too," he reminded Eiryk. "Just stay here for now. He's irritated because you kept pushing and pushing; why not hang out here until he asks for you to come back? Let him vent to Cris if he wants. I don't think you're going to have too long to wait."
Rowan sighed. He wished Eiryk would listen to him. Alex did want his boyfriend back, but Rowan wasn't sure he was ready to admit it just yet, and that was all right - he was sick, he was tired, he was annoyed.
"If you never give him a chance to need you, Eiryk, how will you know he does? Make it easy on him this time - stay here until he looks for you. Please?"
Rowan didn't often resort to pleading, in fact, he almost never did. So maybe that would have an impact on Eiryk and convince him to give Alex some much-needed space.
Christian Bern
12 years ago
Cris nodded and got up and went to the kitchen. He quickly found bowls and spoons and it was a speedy and simple task to serve a small amount of soup into a bowl. Finding a little glass, he also poured some juice so that Alex had something to wash the soup down with. Setting the rest of the containers in the fridge, Cris brought back the bowl and drink to his friend.
"Here, you go.â€
Alex asked about Eiryk and whether he was alright. Cris shrugged. "He is worried and his feelings are hurt. After a bit of coaxing from Rowan, we got the more detailed story.†And from Alex after Rowan came to visit. "It sounded like they needed to be hurt, better now than later. Otherwise he would have continued smothering you for days and not understand why you suddenly became angry with all the attention when the truth was you had just finally reached the limit of your tolerance.â€
Leaning back, he settled on the other side of the sofa and hooked his arms up over the side and back. Cris added the sometimes not so obvious point. "He is a big vampire. He will be okay.†Eiryk and Rowan were nearly as old as he was, with only a few hundred years separating them. It was almost always hard for humans to grasp just how old they were and how much they had been through, especially when they still looked like they were barely old enough to be considered an adult. "So long as you love him and forgive him then I am sure he will be right back to being his cheerful, if still concerned, self.†Cris smiled at Alex. "And I doubt you were planning on sending him packing permanently.â€
He reached out and placed a warm hand on Alex's blanketed leg. "And maybe he will understand that not listening was hurtful also now that Rowan has managed to hammer that point into his head.†In the beginning Eiryk didn't seem to understand what he had done wrong. He might still not realize it but hopefully what Rowan had said would get through. "I know you would rather be settled down here on the sofa with Eiryk holding you while you cough, hack, sniffle and sniffle and sneeze.â€
With a mischievous smile he said. "I could go get a horned helmet and we could watch a movie but I don't think it would be the same.†Still he was willing to give that a try if Alex thought it would make him feel better but he suspected being himself would be adequate until his friend was ready for his own blond.
[How is it going, Love?] Cris wondered if Rowan had found it necessary to tackle Eiryk yet.
"Here, you go.â€
Alex asked about Eiryk and whether he was alright. Cris shrugged. "He is worried and his feelings are hurt. After a bit of coaxing from Rowan, we got the more detailed story.†And from Alex after Rowan came to visit. "It sounded like they needed to be hurt, better now than later. Otherwise he would have continued smothering you for days and not understand why you suddenly became angry with all the attention when the truth was you had just finally reached the limit of your tolerance.â€
Leaning back, he settled on the other side of the sofa and hooked his arms up over the side and back. Cris added the sometimes not so obvious point. "He is a big vampire. He will be okay.†Eiryk and Rowan were nearly as old as he was, with only a few hundred years separating them. It was almost always hard for humans to grasp just how old they were and how much they had been through, especially when they still looked like they were barely old enough to be considered an adult. "So long as you love him and forgive him then I am sure he will be right back to being his cheerful, if still concerned, self.†Cris smiled at Alex. "And I doubt you were planning on sending him packing permanently.â€
He reached out and placed a warm hand on Alex's blanketed leg. "And maybe he will understand that not listening was hurtful also now that Rowan has managed to hammer that point into his head.†In the beginning Eiryk didn't seem to understand what he had done wrong. He might still not realize it but hopefully what Rowan had said would get through. "I know you would rather be settled down here on the sofa with Eiryk holding you while you cough, hack, sniffle and sniffle and sneeze.â€
With a mischievous smile he said. "I could go get a horned helmet and we could watch a movie but I don't think it would be the same.†Still he was willing to give that a try if Alex thought it would make him feel better but he suspected being himself would be adequate until his friend was ready for his own blond.
[How is it going, Love?] Cris wondered if Rowan had found it necessary to tackle Eiryk yet.
Alex Aristos
12 years ago
Alex took the bowl and the glass from Cris. "Thanks," he said softly. He set the glass on the table and held the warm bowl in both hands for a few seconds, enjoying the feeling and the scent wafting up from it. He could barely smell it with his stuffy nose, but what did register was savory and inviting. He lifted the spoon, blew on it, and sipped. After a swallow or two he could actually taste it, and he looked down at the bowl in mild surprise.
"This is really good," he said. He continued to eat slowly while Cris talked; the bowl wasn't very full and that was perfect. Too much and he'd have felt obligated to try and eat every bit even if he didn't want it, but he could always get seconds.
"I'm sorry for dumping all of this on you and Rowan," Alex said remorsefully. "That wasn't what I'd hoped for. I just wanted a few peaceful, quiet days to get rid of this bug."
When Cris mentioned getting rid of Eiryk permanently Alex's eyes opened wide, even if it was in jest. "Of course not," he said somewhat breathlessly as his nose tried to drip while he groped for a tissue, setting his food aside momentarily. "I love him."
Cris placed his hand on Alex's leg comfortingly and Alex smiled, his hands once more full of soup bowl. "I do want him here," he said, "but I'm glad you and Rue are around."
When he'd finished his soup and put the bowl on the table he smiled at the imagery of Cris in a horned helmet trying to take Eiryk's place. "I think I'd prefer you without horns," he said. He nestled down against the couch cushions and handed Cris the TV remote. "I honestly don't know what's playing," he said, "but... I am glad for your company. I might have been thinking about getting a little lonely."
He sipped at his juice and pulled himself into a lotus seat on the couch. He would have liked Eiryk to be there but he did enjoy Cris's quiet companionship. "I wonder if Rowan will get through to Eiryk. I sure couldn't. Maybe years of friendship have given him some insight."
"This is really good," he said. He continued to eat slowly while Cris talked; the bowl wasn't very full and that was perfect. Too much and he'd have felt obligated to try and eat every bit even if he didn't want it, but he could always get seconds.
"I'm sorry for dumping all of this on you and Rowan," Alex said remorsefully. "That wasn't what I'd hoped for. I just wanted a few peaceful, quiet days to get rid of this bug."
When Cris mentioned getting rid of Eiryk permanently Alex's eyes opened wide, even if it was in jest. "Of course not," he said somewhat breathlessly as his nose tried to drip while he groped for a tissue, setting his food aside momentarily. "I love him."
Cris placed his hand on Alex's leg comfortingly and Alex smiled, his hands once more full of soup bowl. "I do want him here," he said, "but I'm glad you and Rue are around."
When he'd finished his soup and put the bowl on the table he smiled at the imagery of Cris in a horned helmet trying to take Eiryk's place. "I think I'd prefer you without horns," he said. He nestled down against the couch cushions and handed Cris the TV remote. "I honestly don't know what's playing," he said, "but... I am glad for your company. I might have been thinking about getting a little lonely."
He sipped at his juice and pulled himself into a lotus seat on the couch. He would have liked Eiryk to be there but he did enjoy Cris's quiet companionship. "I wonder if Rowan will get through to Eiryk. I sure couldn't. Maybe years of friendship have given him some insight."
Eiryk
12 years ago
"Listen, don't smother, sleep."
Eiryk repeated as he headed to the door. Rowan successfully grabbed his arm and the sudden change in direction caused him to fall backwards, flat on his back in fact.
"Ow."
Having more than his fair share of experience falling in just about any position imaginable Eiryk did manage not to hit his head, but only just. It was a good thing he feel though because the thought that he'd hurt Alex, even unintentionally, got him close to a bit of a break down. It was also a good think Rowan had placed a foot on his chest because other wise he would have gotten up and gone right for the door intent on apologizing and fixing it.
It really did upset him that someone else was taking care of Alex when he should be. But he was finally starting to understand what Rowan was saying. He didn't make any effort to move and just lay there staring at the ceiling.
"He shouldn't get out of bed..."
Eiryk muttered but he wasn't putting up a fight to get out the door, or even up. He did toy with the idea of starting a wresting match with Rue to see who would come out on top and be allowed to leave, but suddenly didn't have the energy.
"If I stay here do I have to stay on the floor?"
There he was willing to listen to reason. But if he wasn't going home he'd at least like to be comfortable, or not on the ground, both had advantages.
Eiryk repeated as he headed to the door. Rowan successfully grabbed his arm and the sudden change in direction caused him to fall backwards, flat on his back in fact.
"Ow."
Having more than his fair share of experience falling in just about any position imaginable Eiryk did manage not to hit his head, but only just. It was a good thing he feel though because the thought that he'd hurt Alex, even unintentionally, got him close to a bit of a break down. It was also a good think Rowan had placed a foot on his chest because other wise he would have gotten up and gone right for the door intent on apologizing and fixing it.
It really did upset him that someone else was taking care of Alex when he should be. But he was finally starting to understand what Rowan was saying. He didn't make any effort to move and just lay there staring at the ceiling.
"He shouldn't get out of bed..."
Eiryk muttered but he wasn't putting up a fight to get out the door, or even up. He did toy with the idea of starting a wresting match with Rue to see who would come out on top and be allowed to leave, but suddenly didn't have the energy.
"If I stay here do I have to stay on the floor?"
There he was willing to listen to reason. But if he wasn't going home he'd at least like to be comfortable, or not on the ground, both had advantages.
Rowan Murphy
12 years ago
Rowan had meant to turn Eiryk around to face him, but apparently gravity intervened and Eiryk decided to go with it. That was fine, and probably even for the better. Rowan could certainly deliver his words of wisdom from his 'victorious' position with one foot on Eiryk's chest. He did just that, feeling very manly and impressive, or trying to. Mostly he just felt bad for Eiryk and Alex.
"He's allowed to get out of bed, but not to go do yoga or anything physical until he's not run a fever for about forty-eight hours," Rowan said. "How about that for a guideline? He's got the flu, Eiryk, he's not an invalid. I think Alex has enough sense not to push himself."
Then he rolled his eyes upward thoughtfully, considering. "Okay, for the most part he's sensible. He might have a little bit more stubbornness and pride than are good for him, but we know that and we can take it into account."
The fight seemed to have gone out of Eiryk for the time being. Rowan supposed he might bolt for the door if he let his friend up but he had a lot of faith in Eiryk's lack of balance and direction and figured either gravity would stop him again if Rowan didn't get to him in time, or one of the massive pillars in the room would.
"No. You don't have to stay on the floor. Go pass out in the guest room. Sleep like the undead for a few hours. I'll feed you coffee and send you back to Alex once you wake up, and you two can start this whole 'sick' thing over again like today never happened. You will be attentive but not overbearing, and you will sit quietly with Alex and keep him company if that's all he wants from you. And you will not flip out, panic, rush out to the market, or otherwise create mountains out of molehills."
Rowan delivered this speech while stepping off Eiryk's chest and bending down to help his friend up. Brushing the slightly wobbly Viking off he then took him by the shoulders and leaned down, pressing his lips to Eiryk's forehead in a soft kiss.
"It's okay, Eiryk," Rowan said with a smile. He next wrapped his arms around Eiryk and hugged him close, holding him for a good long time. "It's all going to be just fine, you know."
When he heard Cris's voice he sent back, [Well I think I have the crazy Viking under control here. He might almost be convinced to sleep in our guest room instead of trying to dig his way out under the door. How is Alex?]
"He's allowed to get out of bed, but not to go do yoga or anything physical until he's not run a fever for about forty-eight hours," Rowan said. "How about that for a guideline? He's got the flu, Eiryk, he's not an invalid. I think Alex has enough sense not to push himself."
Then he rolled his eyes upward thoughtfully, considering. "Okay, for the most part he's sensible. He might have a little bit more stubbornness and pride than are good for him, but we know that and we can take it into account."
The fight seemed to have gone out of Eiryk for the time being. Rowan supposed he might bolt for the door if he let his friend up but he had a lot of faith in Eiryk's lack of balance and direction and figured either gravity would stop him again if Rowan didn't get to him in time, or one of the massive pillars in the room would.
"No. You don't have to stay on the floor. Go pass out in the guest room. Sleep like the undead for a few hours. I'll feed you coffee and send you back to Alex once you wake up, and you two can start this whole 'sick' thing over again like today never happened. You will be attentive but not overbearing, and you will sit quietly with Alex and keep him company if that's all he wants from you. And you will not flip out, panic, rush out to the market, or otherwise create mountains out of molehills."
Rowan delivered this speech while stepping off Eiryk's chest and bending down to help his friend up. Brushing the slightly wobbly Viking off he then took him by the shoulders and leaned down, pressing his lips to Eiryk's forehead in a soft kiss.
"It's okay, Eiryk," Rowan said with a smile. He next wrapped his arms around Eiryk and hugged him close, holding him for a good long time. "It's all going to be just fine, you know."
When he heard Cris's voice he sent back, [Well I think I have the crazy Viking under control here. He might almost be convinced to sleep in our guest room instead of trying to dig his way out under the door. How is Alex?]
Christian Bern
12 years ago
"We are friends and cooking and playing wii games with Eiryk is hardly torture.†Cris smiled. "Though we can try getting together again when you are better and the teams are more evenly matched. Eiryk plays a mean set of drums.â€
Cris didn't need to watch Alex's aura to know the truth of his words when he spoke of loving Eiryk. It was just habit. He nodded and gave his friend another smile. "I know, and better yet, he knows.â€
Alex handed him the remote and he turned on the television and went to the guide. "I am glad we could help.†He said while watching the titles scroll by. Cris turned and looked at Alex. "We wouldn't want you to get lonely. I think the flu is bad enough.â€
He flipped through a series of shows, raising his eyebrows at 'Secretly Pregnant', pausing briefly on 'Cupcake Wars' and then moving on. The conclusion he came to was that there was not much on television at the moment. Eventually, he stopped on a movie called Babylon AD and read the information.
"About a mercenary, hmm?†Cris turned to Alex and shrugged. "Did you see something else more interesting?
Rowan answered his question about how things were going downstairs and Alex wondered whether Rowan could manage to get through to Eiryk where he had not managed. Cris chuckled. "Years of friendship and a sledge hammer.†He sat up and shrugged a little. "Rowan is free to be a bit more blunt than you are. He doesn't want to hurt his feelings either but friends can sometimes get away with being more straightforward. Rowan says he almost has him convinced to stay downstairs tonight and not try to claw his way to the fifteenth floor.†Cris glanced at the movie and then back at Alex. "That's good because I would hate to have to call security about damage to my home. Is that alright, or did you want him to come up? I warn you, he might be a tad drunk.†They had done their best to keep him occupied and that had been most easily accomplished with alcohol. "I can send him or Rowan a message for you, if you like.â€
[He is better. He has had some soup and some juice. Thank you for your assistance. We are about to watch a movie.] Cris really would like to have Rowan to curl up with but he figured that was kind of unfair to Alex and Eiryk. Alex told him what he wanted to relay and so Cris also sent to Eiryk. [Alex wants you to know that he loves you. He says he will be fine for the night and he likes the soup, thank you for you making it. Get some sleep; We will help you watch after him. There are extra blankets and pillows in the guest room closet if you need them.] Cris nodded his head to Alex. "All sent.†He would relay the responses, having become accustomed to being mental message boy ages ago.
((OOC: Alex's messages with Alex's permission.))
Cris didn't need to watch Alex's aura to know the truth of his words when he spoke of loving Eiryk. It was just habit. He nodded and gave his friend another smile. "I know, and better yet, he knows.â€
Alex handed him the remote and he turned on the television and went to the guide. "I am glad we could help.†He said while watching the titles scroll by. Cris turned and looked at Alex. "We wouldn't want you to get lonely. I think the flu is bad enough.â€
He flipped through a series of shows, raising his eyebrows at 'Secretly Pregnant', pausing briefly on 'Cupcake Wars' and then moving on. The conclusion he came to was that there was not much on television at the moment. Eventually, he stopped on a movie called Babylon AD and read the information.
"About a mercenary, hmm?†Cris turned to Alex and shrugged. "Did you see something else more interesting?
Rowan answered his question about how things were going downstairs and Alex wondered whether Rowan could manage to get through to Eiryk where he had not managed. Cris chuckled. "Years of friendship and a sledge hammer.†He sat up and shrugged a little. "Rowan is free to be a bit more blunt than you are. He doesn't want to hurt his feelings either but friends can sometimes get away with being more straightforward. Rowan says he almost has him convinced to stay downstairs tonight and not try to claw his way to the fifteenth floor.†Cris glanced at the movie and then back at Alex. "That's good because I would hate to have to call security about damage to my home. Is that alright, or did you want him to come up? I warn you, he might be a tad drunk.†They had done their best to keep him occupied and that had been most easily accomplished with alcohol. "I can send him or Rowan a message for you, if you like.â€
[He is better. He has had some soup and some juice. Thank you for your assistance. We are about to watch a movie.] Cris really would like to have Rowan to curl up with but he figured that was kind of unfair to Alex and Eiryk. Alex told him what he wanted to relay and so Cris also sent to Eiryk. [Alex wants you to know that he loves you. He says he will be fine for the night and he likes the soup, thank you for you making it. Get some sleep; We will help you watch after him. There are extra blankets and pillows in the guest room closet if you need them.] Cris nodded his head to Alex. "All sent.†He would relay the responses, having become accustomed to being mental message boy ages ago.
((OOC: Alex's messages with Alex's permission.))
Alex Aristos
12 years ago
When Cris asked about the mercenary movie Alex just shook his head, no, he hadn't seen anything more interesting. "Vin Diesel is good," he said. He wasn't sure how much he'd follow it anyway. He was still tired and achy and felt a great deal like a Mack truck was doing laps in his brain.
He did get up to get a glass of water and put his dishes in the dishwasher. He knew Cris would have done it for him but he didn't want him to have to; there was nothing wrong with Alex's hands and feet.
Alex returned to the sofa and the movie began, although they continued to talk to each other softly through the first minute or so. Alex smiled a little when Cris said Eiryk wasn't entirely sober.
"No, it's probably for the best," Alex said. "Thanks for giving him someplace to be. Next time this happens we'll manage better, I'm sure. Once he hits a bed he'll be out, and we won't hear a peep for hours."
Cris relayed Alex's messages and Alex thanked him, as he arranged the pillow beneath him and leaned against the arm of the sofa. He lifted his head and looked at his friend, who he imagined would probably be having a relaxing evening with Rowan if this drama hadn't occurred.
"You don't have to stay if you don't want to," Alex said to Cris. "I mean I'm glad you're here but you and Rowan don't get much time together. I hate to make you spend your night off apart. I'm sure I'll just fall asleep again soon."
In truth, he was happy for the company. Once his irritation at Eiryk had (mostly) faded and he realized he wasn't going to sleep for a long stretch, Alex had quickly begun to realize just how quiet it was without someone else there in the large apartment with them.
He did get up to get a glass of water and put his dishes in the dishwasher. He knew Cris would have done it for him but he didn't want him to have to; there was nothing wrong with Alex's hands and feet.
Alex returned to the sofa and the movie began, although they continued to talk to each other softly through the first minute or so. Alex smiled a little when Cris said Eiryk wasn't entirely sober.
"No, it's probably for the best," Alex said. "Thanks for giving him someplace to be. Next time this happens we'll manage better, I'm sure. Once he hits a bed he'll be out, and we won't hear a peep for hours."
Cris relayed Alex's messages and Alex thanked him, as he arranged the pillow beneath him and leaned against the arm of the sofa. He lifted his head and looked at his friend, who he imagined would probably be having a relaxing evening with Rowan if this drama hadn't occurred.
"You don't have to stay if you don't want to," Alex said to Cris. "I mean I'm glad you're here but you and Rowan don't get much time together. I hate to make you spend your night off apart. I'm sure I'll just fall asleep again soon."
In truth, he was happy for the company. Once his irritation at Eiryk had (mostly) faded and he realized he wasn't going to sleep for a long stretch, Alex had quickly begun to realize just how quiet it was without someone else there in the large apartment with them.
Eiryk
12 years ago
There seemed to be a lot of rule for sick humans. Eiryk honestly couldn't remember if this was how it had always been or if it was new. He only barley remembered how miserable he'd been trying to heal some of his more notable injuries, and those were not the same as the flu. The monasteries that Angus preferred tented to be closed orders and so even in epidemics the brothers didn't have much to do with the general population and so kept fairly healthy and didn't do much nursing.
Sleep and coffee later sounded like acceptable ideas and he nodded at Rowan.
"Have Cris bring back some of the good stuff if you'd like."
Not that Rue and Cris had ever fed him bad or cheap coffee but it didn't hurt to offer something for their hospitality, or hostility as the case may be.
Being put back on his feet Eiryk hugged Rowan rather fiercely, it was a very good thing to have friends like this.
"I'm going to trust you on that."
Eiryk wasn't quite convinced but he was feeling better about things and would probably be able to keep to the advice/directions he'd been given.
"And I think I'm going to sleep now. Wake me up if he needs me or wants me."
That was a tall order considering how out of it both he and Rue could get. But if he could be roused he'd be up to Alex in a heart beat.
As he was shuffling off to bed Cris' voice popped into his head and he smiled a quiet drunken sleepy smile warmed by the idea that Alex was thinking about him and he hadn't totally alienated his partner even temporarily.
[Tell him I love him too. And thanks Cris.]
It was a very restrained message for Eiryk, but he didn't want to ramble and start smothering again. He found the guest room with no trouble and did find all the spare pillows. Eiryk had grown quite accused to having Alex next to him and while the pillows weren't a very good substitute it was something and certainly better than being asleep in an empty bed. Once settled it took no time at all for Eiryk to fall asleep and be dead to the world.
((OOC... and Eiryk out like a light))
Sleep and coffee later sounded like acceptable ideas and he nodded at Rowan.
"Have Cris bring back some of the good stuff if you'd like."
Not that Rue and Cris had ever fed him bad or cheap coffee but it didn't hurt to offer something for their hospitality, or hostility as the case may be.
Being put back on his feet Eiryk hugged Rowan rather fiercely, it was a very good thing to have friends like this.
"I'm going to trust you on that."
Eiryk wasn't quite convinced but he was feeling better about things and would probably be able to keep to the advice/directions he'd been given.
"And I think I'm going to sleep now. Wake me up if he needs me or wants me."
That was a tall order considering how out of it both he and Rue could get. But if he could be roused he'd be up to Alex in a heart beat.
As he was shuffling off to bed Cris' voice popped into his head and he smiled a quiet drunken sleepy smile warmed by the idea that Alex was thinking about him and he hadn't totally alienated his partner even temporarily.
[Tell him I love him too. And thanks Cris.]
It was a very restrained message for Eiryk, but he didn't want to ramble and start smothering again. He found the guest room with no trouble and did find all the spare pillows. Eiryk had grown quite accused to having Alex next to him and while the pillows weren't a very good substitute it was something and certainly better than being asleep in an empty bed. Once settled it took no time at all for Eiryk to fall asleep and be dead to the world.
((OOC... and Eiryk out like a light))
Rowan Murphy
12 years ago
Rowan pointed Eiryk down the correct hallway toward the guest room and waited for about a minute. Then he followed him, turning out the lights and closing the door when he saw Eiryk face-planted in bed.
He returned to the living room and looked around. It might not bother him to have things strewn about but it would kill Cris. Rowan had learned, by threat of pinky-death, to respect the person he lived with. So he cleaned up the rock band equipment and then went into the kitchen to work on that.
[You're watching what movie?] he sent to Cris. [Do you want me to join you? Eiryk is asleep here finally, he won't be up for hours. And hours.] Rowan considered, then added, [And hours.]
He sighed as he washed dishes and bowls. He wanted his Cris back, although he didn't mind sharing him with Alex for a few hours. He'd happily go there ad watch movies with them. He wanted to check on Alex again anyhow, though that could wait until tomorrow or the next day. Cris was with him, and he was fine.
He returned to the living room and looked around. It might not bother him to have things strewn about but it would kill Cris. Rowan had learned, by threat of pinky-death, to respect the person he lived with. So he cleaned up the rock band equipment and then went into the kitchen to work on that.
[You're watching what movie?] he sent to Cris. [Do you want me to join you? Eiryk is asleep here finally, he won't be up for hours. And hours.] Rowan considered, then added, [And hours.]
He sighed as he washed dishes and bowls. He wanted his Cris back, although he didn't mind sharing him with Alex for a few hours. He'd happily go there ad watch movies with them. He wanted to check on Alex again anyhow, though that could wait until tomorrow or the next day. Cris was with him, and he was fine.
Christian Bern
12 years ago
Cris smiled and shrugged "If it happens again then he still has a place to stay if you need some quiet time but I am sure he will get the hang of being calm quiet Eiryk for your sake. He used to live in a monastery after all so surely he has it in him somewhere.†The idea that Eiryk lived as a monk still baffled him; it just seemed so closed in and shut off for the normally very sociable vampire. Of course, they had been a place of learning, at one time one of the only places, so a part of it made sense to him.
"Eiryk says he loves you.†Cris dutifully relayed the message back though such personal messages did lose something going through an intermediary. He was sure Alex knew the truth of it and could envision Eiryk saying it to him personally so this time a personal 'I love you' wasn't necessary.
Alex said that he didn't need to spend his time up here. Cris crossed his arms and looked stubborn. "I am staying.†He turned to his friend and smiled. "There will be more days off but there is not another you.†He wouldn't be a very good friend if he left Alex alone to sniffle and cough himself to sleep. Especially since he knew, and Alex had even stated, that he was getting a bit lonely.
Rowan sent that Eiryk had gone to sleep and that he was going to be out for a while. His partner seemed a little lonely himself and Cris thought that was too adorable to resist. Not that he would try. [We are watching Babylon AD. Supposedly it is a mercenary movie set in the future. If Eiryk is already out then come and join us. Alex said I could leave but he obviously misses Eiryk.] Rowan would know how he knew that and that their friend didn't have to express such a thing expressly for him to know about it.
"Rowan says that Eiryk is sleeping soundly in the guest room and he is going to come up and join us for the movie, if that is okay.†They could both keep Alex company.
"Eiryk says he loves you.†Cris dutifully relayed the message back though such personal messages did lose something going through an intermediary. He was sure Alex knew the truth of it and could envision Eiryk saying it to him personally so this time a personal 'I love you' wasn't necessary.
Alex said that he didn't need to spend his time up here. Cris crossed his arms and looked stubborn. "I am staying.†He turned to his friend and smiled. "There will be more days off but there is not another you.†He wouldn't be a very good friend if he left Alex alone to sniffle and cough himself to sleep. Especially since he knew, and Alex had even stated, that he was getting a bit lonely.
Rowan sent that Eiryk had gone to sleep and that he was going to be out for a while. His partner seemed a little lonely himself and Cris thought that was too adorable to resist. Not that he would try. [We are watching Babylon AD. Supposedly it is a mercenary movie set in the future. If Eiryk is already out then come and join us. Alex said I could leave but he obviously misses Eiryk.] Rowan would know how he knew that and that their friend didn't have to express such a thing expressly for him to know about it.
"Rowan says that Eiryk is sleeping soundly in the guest room and he is going to come up and join us for the movie, if that is okay.†They could both keep Alex company.
Alex Aristos
12 years ago
Alex had to smile through a sniffle when Cris folded his arms with a stubborn expression. Alex recognized the look; he had worn it himself on numerous occasions. "Thanks," he said.
He would rather have Eiryk and he knew they knew that, but even more than 'Eiryk' right now Alex just wanted quiet companionship, no one hovering over him, and Eiryk didn't really seem to understand that. He did have faith in Rowan's ability to use brute force if necessary; he knew the two vampires had been friends for a very long time and he understood that they could probably speak quite bluntly to each other. It might have made him feel insecure any other day but toady he appreciated the fact that Rowan might speak more fluent 'Eiryk-ese' than the rest of them.
He nodded when Cris said Eiryk was sleeping soundly. "I don't think he knows how to sleep any other way," he pointed out with a smile.
Alex was glad Rowan would be coming up to watch the movie too. At least he and Cris would get to spend some time together. They didn't have to keep him company but he liked that they would, and he knew they would be quiet and calm the whole time. That in itself was relaxing.
In the end, Alex fell asleep again long before the movie ended but it was all right. He knew Rowan and Cris wouldn't hold it against him.
((ooc: Alex out))
He would rather have Eiryk and he knew they knew that, but even more than 'Eiryk' right now Alex just wanted quiet companionship, no one hovering over him, and Eiryk didn't really seem to understand that. He did have faith in Rowan's ability to use brute force if necessary; he knew the two vampires had been friends for a very long time and he understood that they could probably speak quite bluntly to each other. It might have made him feel insecure any other day but toady he appreciated the fact that Rowan might speak more fluent 'Eiryk-ese' than the rest of them.
He nodded when Cris said Eiryk was sleeping soundly. "I don't think he knows how to sleep any other way," he pointed out with a smile.
Alex was glad Rowan would be coming up to watch the movie too. At least he and Cris would get to spend some time together. They didn't have to keep him company but he liked that they would, and he knew they would be quiet and calm the whole time. That in itself was relaxing.
In the end, Alex fell asleep again long before the movie ended but it was all right. He knew Rowan and Cris wouldn't hold it against him.
((ooc: Alex out))
Rowan Murphy
12 years ago
Receiving the okay from Alex and Cris, Rowan gave a little cheer and ran upstairs to grab a tee shirt. Tugging it over his head he slipped on his sneakers and left their apartment. He locked the door behind him, although now that Eiryk was asleep he wasn't too worried. If Eiryk did somehow manage to wake up and make his muzzy way upstairs he and Cris could run damage control if needed. He did ask MARI to let them know if Eiryk stirred but he assumed his friend would be asleep for quite some time.
He made his way upstairs and let himself into Alex and Eiryk's home. There he found Alex snuggled under the blanket Eiryk had made for him, Cris on the opposite end of the couch. Rowan smiled at Alex and brought him a new box of tissues then slid himself onto the couch next to Cris, leaning against the arm and wrapping his own arms comfortably around his partner.
Remembering the first time they'd shared this couch Rowan tilted his head down and murmured into Cris's ear, "This is a much better way to watch a movie, don't you think?"
Determined to be good he placed a soft kiss on Cris's neck and then relaxed to watch Vin Diesel in the future. About half an hour later he glanced over to see Alex fast asleep at the other side of the couch; it made him smile. He and Cris were due to leave shortly for their vacation but he was sure Alex would make a swift recovery, and he wasn't terribly worried. A month from now they'd all be laughing about this over drinks and wii swordplay.
((ooc: Rowan and Cris out))
He made his way upstairs and let himself into Alex and Eiryk's home. There he found Alex snuggled under the blanket Eiryk had made for him, Cris on the opposite end of the couch. Rowan smiled at Alex and brought him a new box of tissues then slid himself onto the couch next to Cris, leaning against the arm and wrapping his own arms comfortably around his partner.
Remembering the first time they'd shared this couch Rowan tilted his head down and murmured into Cris's ear, "This is a much better way to watch a movie, don't you think?"
Determined to be good he placed a soft kiss on Cris's neck and then relaxed to watch Vin Diesel in the future. About half an hour later he glanced over to see Alex fast asleep at the other side of the couch; it made him smile. He and Cris were due to leave shortly for their vacation but he was sure Alex would make a swift recovery, and he wasn't terribly worried. A month from now they'd all be laughing about this over drinks and wii swordplay.
((ooc: Rowan and Cris out))