Days at the office and nights with Josh had not been conducive to getting his apartment in order for receiving guests. It was almost there but there were some rooms that he had yet to finish. Gris didn't like revealing something half done.
For that reason Kiyo and Evan were coming to Josh's and the four of them were going to eat some dinner and play some games. He had brought over the more traditional fair in a large stack of board games which included trivia pursuit (probably not the best game to play with a vampire on the other team) pictionary, munchkin (Not strictly a board game but still fun) arkham horror, magic realm, inkognito, and settlers of cattan. Most of what he brought could be played as a team, some could be played with everyone together against the game and a few were simply a free for all. They also had a large supply of video games stacked up to choose from as well. His laptop was settled next to Josh's computer in case they wanted to play some computer games together. That should cover all the potential gaming scenarios.
He had to explain Kiyo's eating habits to Josh and he hadn't been sure about Evan's eating habits so he had to ask. Evan said that he would eat for the sake of company. Gris was not entirely sure what that meant but he hoped that is friend wasn't doing something hurtful to his body or anything. Perhaps eating anything but blood had an adverse reaction on a vampire. He really didn't know.
Josh's house was spotless, Josh was spotless and looking very sexy. Gris smiled and moved closer at his boyfriend's little tug on his hand. "I am sure they will.†He looked thoughtfully at the door. "Evan seems to enjoy himself everywhere he goes and I think Kiyo will have fun with a small group of people.†He had already warned Josh that his friend was painfully shy. The good thing about tonight was that Kiyoshi already knew Gris and Evan which left Josh as the only unknown person; that was much easier to deal with than a full group of strangers.
Gris watched Josh glance around the room and then ask if they had forgotten anything. He checked the table, the games, the drinks, his boyfriend and then himself, dressed casually in a charcoal grey henley beneath a button down plaid shirt in shades of faded greens and grey over a pair of faded and artfully distressed jeans. "Yes, you forgot to kiss me.†Gris smiled and brought his other hand to Josh's hip and pulled him even closer. He didn't want to go several hours with Josh so close and not have one of those kisses that made his blood race and his heart pound. It might not be good for concentration but he would call it good for luck.
Friends and Neighbors (invite only)
Josh looked around his apartment with satisfaction. He had offered to host Gris's friends at his place tonight, partly because Gris's apartment wasn't entirely put together yet but also because he wanted to be hospitable to his boyfriend's friends. He had spent time when Gris wasn't around polishing it until everything was shiny, organized, and perfectly in its place. Of course, it was brand new so it wasn't exactly messy but he'd done his best anyhow.
He had a selection of drinks although he wouldn't presume to mix any of them with two bartenders coming to visit. There was a variety of food as well, things Gris had told him Kiyoshi and Evan liked. Kiyoshi in particular seemed like a particularly picky eater but although Josh couldn't exactly explain why to Gris, he was pretty used to that. His own Alpha, for example, ate nothing but raw food. Several of his sisters, too. Josh didn't bat an eyelash and just made arrangements for a local Japanese restaurant to deliver shortly a platter of freshly-made sushi as well as a few things Gris (and the rest of them) would like.
He had arranged everything he could think of beforehand so as not to spend his time with Gris cleaning or organizing or any of those things. He was looking forward to meeting Gris's friend and had told him so several times. Now, with Gris right there, Josh felt a little thrill of happiness, to be doing this again after a few years. He had forgotten how enjoyable it felt to have someone around to host parties, even small ones, with.
He slipped his hand into Gris's and tugged his partner close. In the past few weeks they had spent a great deal of time together and Josh couldn't be happier about that. The more he learned about Gris the more he liked him, and he didn't think it would be difficult for 'like' to become much more. He held those thoughts close though; he didn't want to push Gris too far too fast although Gris hadn't shown any regret for their current situation.
Still holding onto Gris's hand Josh leaned in and kissed him softly. "I'm glad your friends will be coming over," he said. "I hope they enjoy themselves here."
They were due to arrive very soon so Josh would just have to behave himself. He was so comfortable with Gris, it was easy to forget himself and relax. Even now, meeting new people, he had opted for jeans instead of a suit. He couldn't quite get too casual though, so he did have on a pale blue button down shirt with a darker blue pinstripe on it. Beneath that was a navy tee that hugged his muscular frame like a second skin.
He looked around his apartment quickly, glancing at the clock on the wall. "We didn't forget anything did we?"
Greer Grayson
12 years ago
Kiyoshi Salinas
12 years ago
Kiyo stared up at the huge building that contained Josh's apartment. "Wow," he said softly. He tried to figure out which one they were heading to but of course it was impossible from the outside. "That's kind of... impressive."
He stuck close to Evan as they entered the lobby of the building, surreptitiously sliding his hand between Evan's arm and his body. He wasn't terribly nervous to meet Josh but there was a tiny bit of anxiety on his part since they wouldn't be going to Gris's apartment or Terminus or any of the places Kiyo knew. Mostly he was eager to meet the person who had captivated Gris, the man who smelled like the faint echoes of soap and aftershave he'd smelled on Gris before.
They entered the elevator and headed up to the top floor of the building. During the short trip Kiyo rested his head against Evan's chest, leaving his backpack on the floor. Gris had mentioned that they might bring along their laptops; they all played games but they had yet to do so together. It could be fun to hang out and play, although Kiyo had never sat around with a group of friends just to play video games. He figured any activity would be fun; with the exception of the unknown variable, Josh, he always enjoyed his time with Evan and Gris.
It was winter in Nachton, so while Evan seemed comfortable in a hoodie and jeans Kiyo was much more bundled up. He had on heavy, baggy cargo pants (with long pants under those), an undershirt, a long-sleeved shirt, a tee shirt over that, a sweater on top of that, and his coat. And gloves. And a scarf. And a hat. Any more layers and he would have looked like a marshmallow.
The elevator came to a stop and they located the correct apartment once they'd gathered their things and stepped off of it. Kiyo lifted his gloved hand and knocked at the door. The noise was muffled so he repeated it, making sure it was loud enough.
He heard a murmur from inside although there hadn't been much noise before and then more noise approaching. The door opened to reveal Josh, who Kiyo recognized from Gris's pictures, dressed in jeans and a nice shirt. Gris stood next to him. Kiyo would have known he was at the right place, really, even without the pictures or with Gris standing there; Josh smelled like Kiyo expected him to smell, with a soothing undercurrent of 'Gris' that was familiar to him.
"You must be Evan and Kiyoshi," Josh said, stepping away from the door. "Welcome. Come in, please."
He spoke with a very distinct, though not heavy, German accent. He wasn't smiling but Kiyo didn't get the impression that he was displeased. He glanced up at Evan and stepped inside. "Nice to meet you," he said softly. Then he turned to Gris. "Hi, Gris."
He stuck close to Evan as they entered the lobby of the building, surreptitiously sliding his hand between Evan's arm and his body. He wasn't terribly nervous to meet Josh but there was a tiny bit of anxiety on his part since they wouldn't be going to Gris's apartment or Terminus or any of the places Kiyo knew. Mostly he was eager to meet the person who had captivated Gris, the man who smelled like the faint echoes of soap and aftershave he'd smelled on Gris before.
They entered the elevator and headed up to the top floor of the building. During the short trip Kiyo rested his head against Evan's chest, leaving his backpack on the floor. Gris had mentioned that they might bring along their laptops; they all played games but they had yet to do so together. It could be fun to hang out and play, although Kiyo had never sat around with a group of friends just to play video games. He figured any activity would be fun; with the exception of the unknown variable, Josh, he always enjoyed his time with Evan and Gris.
It was winter in Nachton, so while Evan seemed comfortable in a hoodie and jeans Kiyo was much more bundled up. He had on heavy, baggy cargo pants (with long pants under those), an undershirt, a long-sleeved shirt, a tee shirt over that, a sweater on top of that, and his coat. And gloves. And a scarf. And a hat. Any more layers and he would have looked like a marshmallow.
The elevator came to a stop and they located the correct apartment once they'd gathered their things and stepped off of it. Kiyo lifted his gloved hand and knocked at the door. The noise was muffled so he repeated it, making sure it was loud enough.
He heard a murmur from inside although there hadn't been much noise before and then more noise approaching. The door opened to reveal Josh, who Kiyo recognized from Gris's pictures, dressed in jeans and a nice shirt. Gris stood next to him. Kiyo would have known he was at the right place, really, even without the pictures or with Gris standing there; Josh smelled like Kiyo expected him to smell, with a soothing undercurrent of 'Gris' that was familiar to him.
"You must be Evan and Kiyoshi," Josh said, stepping away from the door. "Welcome. Come in, please."
He spoke with a very distinct, though not heavy, German accent. He wasn't smiling but Kiyo didn't get the impression that he was displeased. He glanced up at Evan and stepped inside. "Nice to meet you," he said softly. Then he turned to Gris. "Hi, Gris."
Evan Talkingwater
12 years ago
"Looks nice." He agreed when Kiyo mentioned that the building looked impressive. It wasn't an airport transformed into a nightclub/gaming complex but not everyone could live in one of those.
They made their way up to the correct floor. With Kiyoshi's head on his chest, Evan thought the elevator ride was entirely too short.
He followed Kiyoshi at an unhurried pace toward the door. Evan wrapped a casual arm around his lover's shoulders as they waited for the door to be opened.
A lot had changed in a brief time. He had learned that his long time online friend was a werewolf. His own werewolf was becoming more at home in his pack and with what he was. Kiyoshi explained to him that Gris knew about them. It was a risk that they took with the people that were close to them. He figured that it was only a matter of time before others knew about them as well. He was happy that his friend took his nature and his intimate association with his pack mate very well. It made Kiyo happy to have someone accept him and who he could be totally honest with. His little wolf was good at keeping secrets but no one liked keeping them from true friends.
"I hope you plan on taking some of this off." Evan murmured softly and tugged on Kiyo's cloak. "I would like to be able to find my partner in there somewhere instead of hugging a stuffed version of him." He leaned down and kissed Kiyo's cheek to let him know that he was teasing.
His own attire was much more lightweight. Evan wore a black zippered hoodie with the Terminus logo emblazoned in electric blue and white on the back. Underneath that he wore a tee shirt with a red circular logo that had the words 'Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense' around it and a pair of comfortable jeans. Really, the hoodie was a nod to the weather and mostly worn in case Kiyo got cold while they were inside.
Entering after Kiyoshi, he shook Josh's hand and gave Gris a friendly slap on the arm. "Hi, Kiyoshi" He pointed to his companion. "And Evan. Good to meet you."
They made their way up to the correct floor. With Kiyoshi's head on his chest, Evan thought the elevator ride was entirely too short.
He followed Kiyoshi at an unhurried pace toward the door. Evan wrapped a casual arm around his lover's shoulders as they waited for the door to be opened.
A lot had changed in a brief time. He had learned that his long time online friend was a werewolf. His own werewolf was becoming more at home in his pack and with what he was. Kiyoshi explained to him that Gris knew about them. It was a risk that they took with the people that were close to them. He figured that it was only a matter of time before others knew about them as well. He was happy that his friend took his nature and his intimate association with his pack mate very well. It made Kiyo happy to have someone accept him and who he could be totally honest with. His little wolf was good at keeping secrets but no one liked keeping them from true friends.
"I hope you plan on taking some of this off." Evan murmured softly and tugged on Kiyo's cloak. "I would like to be able to find my partner in there somewhere instead of hugging a stuffed version of him." He leaned down and kissed Kiyo's cheek to let him know that he was teasing.
His own attire was much more lightweight. Evan wore a black zippered hoodie with the Terminus logo emblazoned in electric blue and white on the back. Underneath that he wore a tee shirt with a red circular logo that had the words 'Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense' around it and a pair of comfortable jeans. Really, the hoodie was a nod to the weather and mostly worn in case Kiyo got cold while they were inside.
Entering after Kiyoshi, he shook Josh's hand and gave Gris a friendly slap on the arm. "Hi, Kiyoshi" He pointed to his companion. "And Evan. Good to meet you."
Joshua Wesson
12 years ago
When Gris said Josh forgot to kiss him shortly after he'd kissed him Josh felt a flicker of a smile cross his lips. "Again?" he said, raising his eyebrows. "Demanding, aren't we."
He sighed in pleasure at the feel of Gris so close and slid his arms around his partner's slim waist. Leaning in close he kissed Gris much more thoroughly than he had just a minute ago, enjoying what would most likely be the last taste he got of him until later. Josh didn't want to offend Gris's friends by being grabby and tacky in front of them. Closing his eyes and holding Gris tightly he took great joy in kissing him; Gris was not a submissive partner and Josh loved that. He wanted a give and take, an equal lover in bed. He might be possessive and frequently aggressive but he was not usually dominating and there was a huge difference. There was nothing, really, that he could compare to Gris's kiss. While his list of lovers was not a long one, Josh could at least say with absolute certainty that none of them had ever kissed like Gris.
He had to tear himself away at the soft knock on the door followed by another louder one. He turned to go open it then, losing his usual cool composure for a moment, turned back and with a soft growl kissed Gris one more time. "Too much," he groaned softly. "You're too tempting. I might have to run upstairs to find something later. I might need help."
With a soft, wicked smile he did go to the door this time, glancing down at himself, thankful his shirt was untucked and his jeans were thick enough to help cover up the effects of Gris's kiss. He let their guests in, shaking Evan's hand and offering his own to Kiyoshi afterward. He closed the door behind them, saying, "Nice to meet you both, too. Feel free to make yourselves comfortable."
There was a coat rack on the wall in the entryway now; both his coat and Gris's were there, their shoes placed neatly against the wall. Evan might like to leave his sweater there, and Kiyoshi would almost certainly need a hook - or two. They made an interesting couple; Evan, clearly of Native American descent, taller than Josh and Gris by several inches. He was handsome, with long black hair worn loose, falling around his shoulders and down his back. He had deep dark eyes but he seemed, like Gris had said, pretty cheerful.
Kiyoshi, on the other hand, was the most diminutive member of their party, several inches shorter than he and Gris. He was small in stature but not scrawny at all; at least he didn't seem to be as he peeled off layers of clothing to reveal a dark red tee-shirt over a black long-sleeved shirt. His own hair was very long, too, but it was held back in an artfully messy ponytail tucked in on itself. Several strands of long coppery red-gold trailed down his back in wisps. There was a slim, neatly-trimmed line of facial hair along his jaw line, accentuating his angular face and high cheekbones.
Gris had told him Kiyoshi had an unhappy past. He did seem much quieter than anyone else there. Josh could sympathize; often it was he who was the quiet one. He looked from Kiyoshi to Evan ad gestured to the kitchen.
"Can I get you anything to drink? We ordered some sushi and it should be here soon, but there's plenty of other food to eat as well."
He had been informed that Kiyoshi had a big appetite. Looking at him, Josh couldn't see how. Maybe he had a hollow leg or something. Standing next to Gris Josh waited to see if their guests had any requests. He wanted to put his arm around his boyfriend but he didn't know how Gris's friends would feel about that so he refrained from doing so and let Gris set the tone there.
He sighed in pleasure at the feel of Gris so close and slid his arms around his partner's slim waist. Leaning in close he kissed Gris much more thoroughly than he had just a minute ago, enjoying what would most likely be the last taste he got of him until later. Josh didn't want to offend Gris's friends by being grabby and tacky in front of them. Closing his eyes and holding Gris tightly he took great joy in kissing him; Gris was not a submissive partner and Josh loved that. He wanted a give and take, an equal lover in bed. He might be possessive and frequently aggressive but he was not usually dominating and there was a huge difference. There was nothing, really, that he could compare to Gris's kiss. While his list of lovers was not a long one, Josh could at least say with absolute certainty that none of them had ever kissed like Gris.
He had to tear himself away at the soft knock on the door followed by another louder one. He turned to go open it then, losing his usual cool composure for a moment, turned back and with a soft growl kissed Gris one more time. "Too much," he groaned softly. "You're too tempting. I might have to run upstairs to find something later. I might need help."
With a soft, wicked smile he did go to the door this time, glancing down at himself, thankful his shirt was untucked and his jeans were thick enough to help cover up the effects of Gris's kiss. He let their guests in, shaking Evan's hand and offering his own to Kiyoshi afterward. He closed the door behind them, saying, "Nice to meet you both, too. Feel free to make yourselves comfortable."
There was a coat rack on the wall in the entryway now; both his coat and Gris's were there, their shoes placed neatly against the wall. Evan might like to leave his sweater there, and Kiyoshi would almost certainly need a hook - or two. They made an interesting couple; Evan, clearly of Native American descent, taller than Josh and Gris by several inches. He was handsome, with long black hair worn loose, falling around his shoulders and down his back. He had deep dark eyes but he seemed, like Gris had said, pretty cheerful.
Kiyoshi, on the other hand, was the most diminutive member of their party, several inches shorter than he and Gris. He was small in stature but not scrawny at all; at least he didn't seem to be as he peeled off layers of clothing to reveal a dark red tee-shirt over a black long-sleeved shirt. His own hair was very long, too, but it was held back in an artfully messy ponytail tucked in on itself. Several strands of long coppery red-gold trailed down his back in wisps. There was a slim, neatly-trimmed line of facial hair along his jaw line, accentuating his angular face and high cheekbones.
Gris had told him Kiyoshi had an unhappy past. He did seem much quieter than anyone else there. Josh could sympathize; often it was he who was the quiet one. He looked from Kiyoshi to Evan ad gestured to the kitchen.
"Can I get you anything to drink? We ordered some sushi and it should be here soon, but there's plenty of other food to eat as well."
He had been informed that Kiyoshi had a big appetite. Looking at him, Josh couldn't see how. Maybe he had a hollow leg or something. Standing next to Gris Josh waited to see if their guests had any requests. He wanted to put his arm around his boyfriend but he didn't know how Gris's friends would feel about that so he refrained from doing so and let Gris set the tone there.
Greer Grayson
12 years ago
"Again." Gris smiled and replied to Josh's accusation of being demanding. "I warned you that I was high maintenance." His grin grew until his boyfriend covered it with a kiss. One absolutely amazing kiss to remember until he could request another one just like it. Gris lost himself in Josh's embrace. He barely heard the soft knock at the door. He was even less inclined to do anything about it for another moment.
That probably made him a bad friend.
He smiled knowingly when Josh growled and came back for another kiss. It was a sentiment he shared. So far he couldn't seem to get enough of Josh, there didn't seem to be time enough in the day for him to enjoy doing everything he wanted to do with his boyfriend. Gris wanted to be social; he wanted to introduce Josh to his friends. He also wanted to drag his partner upstairs and shag him rotten and then lay in bed and talk about nothing and everything for the rest of the night.
Tonight he could share; tomorrow he would keep his boyfriend to himself.
Gris followed Josh to the door. He hugged a thoroughly covered Kiyo and then helped him out of a few layers, hanging garments on the hooks by the door. Afterward he gave Evan a hug also, smiling at the soft words whispered in his ear. "You are good for him." He affirmed when he was thanked quietly for being understanding about Kiyo's relationship with the tall man in front of him.
Backing up to join Josh again, he smiled and wrapped an arm around his boyfriend. "We have non-alcoholic drinks if you guys are sick of the other kind....though we certainly have the alcoholic variety as well." Gris looked at Kiyo who seemed to find the weather not at all friendly. "We can make some hot tea. I have some stashed in Josh's cabinets." As well as at home, at the office, at Shady Pines and perhaps a few other places he had forgotten.
"Would you like some tea?" Gris smiled at Josh.
His friends had brought their laptops as he suspected. Gesturing toward them, he said. "We can play after dinner if you would like. Otherwise, I have some board games brought over and there is some console choices as well."
That probably made him a bad friend.
He smiled knowingly when Josh growled and came back for another kiss. It was a sentiment he shared. So far he couldn't seem to get enough of Josh, there didn't seem to be time enough in the day for him to enjoy doing everything he wanted to do with his boyfriend. Gris wanted to be social; he wanted to introduce Josh to his friends. He also wanted to drag his partner upstairs and shag him rotten and then lay in bed and talk about nothing and everything for the rest of the night.
Tonight he could share; tomorrow he would keep his boyfriend to himself.
Gris followed Josh to the door. He hugged a thoroughly covered Kiyo and then helped him out of a few layers, hanging garments on the hooks by the door. Afterward he gave Evan a hug also, smiling at the soft words whispered in his ear. "You are good for him." He affirmed when he was thanked quietly for being understanding about Kiyo's relationship with the tall man in front of him.
Backing up to join Josh again, he smiled and wrapped an arm around his boyfriend. "We have non-alcoholic drinks if you guys are sick of the other kind....though we certainly have the alcoholic variety as well." Gris looked at Kiyo who seemed to find the weather not at all friendly. "We can make some hot tea. I have some stashed in Josh's cabinets." As well as at home, at the office, at Shady Pines and perhaps a few other places he had forgotten.
"Would you like some tea?" Gris smiled at Josh.
His friends had brought their laptops as he suspected. Gesturing toward them, he said. "We can play after dinner if you would like. Otherwise, I have some board games brought over and there is some console choices as well."
Kiyoshi Salinas
12 years ago
Kiyo smiled at Evan's teasing; it had been a long time since it had caused him any insecurity. He understood Evan much better now. He returned Evan's kiss on the cheek with one of his own and said softly, "Just think of it as something to unwrap later."
He shook Josh's hand firmly (but not too firmly) when it was offered, and thanked Gris as he helped him off with his coat, enthusiastically returning his friend's hug too. They were offered something to drink and Kiyo wished he'd had something to bring with him. He enjoyed brewing his own ales but had not set up a space for it here in Nachton.
"I wouldn't mind a beer if you have one... but anything is fine," he said. He'd drink tea now and then but mostly it tasted like grass to him.
He cautiously peered into Josh's apartment; it was very wide and open and there were floor-to-ceiling windows everywhere. "You have a very nice home," he said to Josh. It was always courteous to compliment your host's home, wasn't it? But in this case, he meant it. It looked very impressive and also neat and well-kept.
He adored his home at Terminus but it wasn't as if he could throw open the windows and let the sun in on a nice day. He didn't miss it really; he could go outside any time. But this was quite nice.
Having taken a quick look around he glued himself to Evan's side. He wasn't really nervous but if no one here was going to mind him sticking to Evan then stuck he would be. Gris had similarly attached himself to Josh, who must have been pleased about it because he slid his arm around Gris's waist in return and his lips twitched up microscopically. Kiyo wasn't even sure he'd have noticed the change if he didn't have super-wolf-vision.
He shook Josh's hand firmly (but not too firmly) when it was offered, and thanked Gris as he helped him off with his coat, enthusiastically returning his friend's hug too. They were offered something to drink and Kiyo wished he'd had something to bring with him. He enjoyed brewing his own ales but had not set up a space for it here in Nachton.
"I wouldn't mind a beer if you have one... but anything is fine," he said. He'd drink tea now and then but mostly it tasted like grass to him.
He cautiously peered into Josh's apartment; it was very wide and open and there were floor-to-ceiling windows everywhere. "You have a very nice home," he said to Josh. It was always courteous to compliment your host's home, wasn't it? But in this case, he meant it. It looked very impressive and also neat and well-kept.
He adored his home at Terminus but it wasn't as if he could throw open the windows and let the sun in on a nice day. He didn't miss it really; he could go outside any time. But this was quite nice.
Having taken a quick look around he glued himself to Evan's side. He wasn't really nervous but if no one here was going to mind him sticking to Evan then stuck he would be. Gris had similarly attached himself to Josh, who must have been pleased about it because he slid his arm around Gris's waist in return and his lips twitched up microscopically. Kiyo wasn't even sure he'd have noticed the change if he didn't have super-wolf-vision.
Evan Talkingwater
12 years ago
Evan would definitely be thinking of Kiyo's many layers of clothing as something that he got to unwrap later. He was already thinking about it and that made it difficult not to sneak his hands up underneath all those clothes and run them over his lover's toasty warm skin.
It was a good thing that he had plenty of practice in restraint.
He smiled when Gris offered Kiyoshi some tea, remembering exactly how well that had gone when Guillaume had made some of his native brew. Their room mate probably had no idea that Kiyo didn't really like it. As he recalled Kiyo tried to drink...very slowly.
Torn between sharing tea with Gris and drinking something exceptionally warm, he decided to go with the tea. After all, blood, if drank properly, was warm. "I will share some tea with you." He drank and ate only with friends or when some specific custom demanded it. To him the tea would be special because he was sharing it with Gris, and Josh and Kiyo.
"Oooh, kickin it old school." Evan grinned at the stack of board games on the table. "Settlers! A game that explains so much about what is wrong with white people." He grinned as he said it. "Snatching up all the resources around and building on everything in sight. It is a lot of fun though." Evan hoped that Josh understood that he was kidding and did not take his comment as a slur against anyone present, pale or otherwise. He had been around long enough to come to terms with the inevitable change in his people. Long before European settlers there were other things that had changed the customs he remembered when he had lived as a human. Every vampire he knew mourned the loss of the home and way of life they one knew.
Setting his laptop bag down by the door, Evan moved further into the room. He nodded with Kiyo's assessment of Josh's place and then wrapped his arm over his partner's shoulders.
"How do you like Nachton so far, Josh?"
It was a good thing that he had plenty of practice in restraint.
He smiled when Gris offered Kiyoshi some tea, remembering exactly how well that had gone when Guillaume had made some of his native brew. Their room mate probably had no idea that Kiyo didn't really like it. As he recalled Kiyo tried to drink...very slowly.
Torn between sharing tea with Gris and drinking something exceptionally warm, he decided to go with the tea. After all, blood, if drank properly, was warm. "I will share some tea with you." He drank and ate only with friends or when some specific custom demanded it. To him the tea would be special because he was sharing it with Gris, and Josh and Kiyo.
"Oooh, kickin it old school." Evan grinned at the stack of board games on the table. "Settlers! A game that explains so much about what is wrong with white people." He grinned as he said it. "Snatching up all the resources around and building on everything in sight. It is a lot of fun though." Evan hoped that Josh understood that he was kidding and did not take his comment as a slur against anyone present, pale or otherwise. He had been around long enough to come to terms with the inevitable change in his people. Long before European settlers there were other things that had changed the customs he remembered when he had lived as a human. Every vampire he knew mourned the loss of the home and way of life they one knew.
Setting his laptop bag down by the door, Evan moved further into the room. He nodded with Kiyo's assessment of Josh's place and then wrapped his arm over his partner's shoulders.
"How do you like Nachton so far, Josh?"
Joshua Wesson
12 years ago
Josh felt a little surge of happiness when Gris sidled up to him and wrapped his arm around him. He laced his around Gris's waist and squeezed gently. If he couldn't kiss Gris this would have to do for now.
Of course they couldn't stay like that. Josh gave Gris one more squeeze. "I'll get it started," he said softly to Gris so that his boyfriend could remain here with his friends if he wanted. He and Gris had had tea enough over the last few weeks that Josh knew how Gris liked to brew it.
He also nodded to Kiyoshi. "Weihenstephaner Hefeweiss," he said, "will that do?"
Kiyoshi nodded at him, his eyes lighting up a little, and Josh went to the kitchen which was fairly open anyway so he wasn't missing anything. Apparently his guest knew his brews; Weihenstephaner wasn't a terribly well-known name unless you did. Then, it was pretty easy to come by in the US, Josh had found. You just had to go to the right store for it.
He set the tea kettle up before getting out two bottles and two glasses. Opening the beers he let them air for a moment while he set up the teapot and two mugs as well. Then he topped off each glass of brew and handed one over the bar to Kiyo, keeping the second for himself.
Meanwhile Evan had discovered the board games and commented on them. Josh inclined his head in acknowledgement of the tall man's words, taking no offense at them. He may be white but he had absolutely no connection with any sort of invasive behavior on this continent or any other. Not only as a Kadzait but as a Lichtensteiner, his people had been settled in their own country for a very long time. Josh's own family had a very long, traceable lineage. He was the only member in generations not to already be Amaroq.
"I have to say I like it very much, although present company has likely sped that process up a bit." His grey eyes lighted on Gris before looking back to Evan.
"I've always enjoyed traveling but my bosses have chosen to settle me and my partner here for the time being and that makes me happy."
He turned toward Kiyoshi. "I understand you're relatively new here too? How do you find it?"
Gris had warned him that Kiyoshi had a rough past; therefore Josh, with typical diplomacy, had already decided not to ask him anything that might bring up reminders of a painful past. Josh hadn't been given any details but the gentle warning had been all he needed.
Of course they couldn't stay like that. Josh gave Gris one more squeeze. "I'll get it started," he said softly to Gris so that his boyfriend could remain here with his friends if he wanted. He and Gris had had tea enough over the last few weeks that Josh knew how Gris liked to brew it.
He also nodded to Kiyoshi. "Weihenstephaner Hefeweiss," he said, "will that do?"
Kiyoshi nodded at him, his eyes lighting up a little, and Josh went to the kitchen which was fairly open anyway so he wasn't missing anything. Apparently his guest knew his brews; Weihenstephaner wasn't a terribly well-known name unless you did. Then, it was pretty easy to come by in the US, Josh had found. You just had to go to the right store for it.
He set the tea kettle up before getting out two bottles and two glasses. Opening the beers he let them air for a moment while he set up the teapot and two mugs as well. Then he topped off each glass of brew and handed one over the bar to Kiyo, keeping the second for himself.
Meanwhile Evan had discovered the board games and commented on them. Josh inclined his head in acknowledgement of the tall man's words, taking no offense at them. He may be white but he had absolutely no connection with any sort of invasive behavior on this continent or any other. Not only as a Kadzait but as a Lichtensteiner, his people had been settled in their own country for a very long time. Josh's own family had a very long, traceable lineage. He was the only member in generations not to already be Amaroq.
"I have to say I like it very much, although present company has likely sped that process up a bit." His grey eyes lighted on Gris before looking back to Evan.
"I've always enjoyed traveling but my bosses have chosen to settle me and my partner here for the time being and that makes me happy."
He turned toward Kiyoshi. "I understand you're relatively new here too? How do you find it?"
Gris had warned him that Kiyoshi had a rough past; therefore Josh, with typical diplomacy, had already decided not to ask him anything that might bring up reminders of a painful past. Josh hadn't been given any details but the gentle warning had been all he needed.
Greer Grayson
12 years ago
A little thrill of pleasure coursed through him as Josh returned his casual embrace. His boyfriend was plenty demonstrative when they were alone but he was restrained with other people. Gris wasn't planning on groping Josh while they had company, at least not where anyone could see, but he was glad to know that a small display of affection was okay.
The tea did not seem to suit Kiyoshi, Gris looked at his friend and then up at Evan who said he would take some tea. "If you would prefer to have a beer I assure I can drink my quaint English beverage later." However, Evan shook his head so it would be tea for two. Gris wondered if Kiyo disliked tea and, if so, did that come from his nature as a werewolf. To him, it was very aromatic; he could taste and smell the different flavors of the leaves and brew. A werewolf with detection would probably find that incredibly potent and if that werewolf only ate meat then maybe it wouldn't be potent in a good way.
Josh moved away to start the tea and grab the beers and Evan walked over to the board games. Gris chuckled at the immediate recognition of Settlers and his friend's statement based on the rules of the game. He shrugged. "I grab all the land and resources I can for the betterment of my people. I am a benevolent, magnanimous, selfless overlord with no thought for my own gain. It is all for my loyal followers...I mean subjects...countrymen!"
Evan asked about Josh's time in Nachton and Gris felt the corners of his mouth tilt up at the answer. "I have to say that the place has been very agreeable for me too."[i] He had friends in his pack, real friends outside his pack, a nice office, a nice home and very importantly, Josh. Gris pulled out a seat at the table for Kiyo and gestured to it as he waited to hear what his pack mate had to say. They had a conversation at a gathering not long ago and he knew that Kiyoshi was finding Nachton to be more friendly than other places in his past.
The tea did not seem to suit Kiyoshi, Gris looked at his friend and then up at Evan who said he would take some tea. "If you would prefer to have a beer I assure I can drink my quaint English beverage later." However, Evan shook his head so it would be tea for two. Gris wondered if Kiyo disliked tea and, if so, did that come from his nature as a werewolf. To him, it was very aromatic; he could taste and smell the different flavors of the leaves and brew. A werewolf with detection would probably find that incredibly potent and if that werewolf only ate meat then maybe it wouldn't be potent in a good way.
Josh moved away to start the tea and grab the beers and Evan walked over to the board games. Gris chuckled at the immediate recognition of Settlers and his friend's statement based on the rules of the game. He shrugged. "I grab all the land and resources I can for the betterment of my people. I am a benevolent, magnanimous, selfless overlord with no thought for my own gain. It is all for my loyal followers...I mean subjects...countrymen!"
Evan asked about Josh's time in Nachton and Gris felt the corners of his mouth tilt up at the answer. "I have to say that the place has been very agreeable for me too."[i] He had friends in his pack, real friends outside his pack, a nice office, a nice home and very importantly, Josh. Gris pulled out a seat at the table for Kiyo and gestured to it as he waited to hear what his pack mate had to say. They had a conversation at a gathering not long ago and he knew that Kiyoshi was finding Nachton to be more friendly than other places in his past.
Kiyoshi Salinas
12 years ago
Kiyo left the shelter of Evan's strong arm only long enough to retrieve his beer from Josh with a soft thank you, and then he was back next to his boyfriend. He wasn't feeling particularly meek or nervous at the moment, it was just that being next to Evan was where he wanted to be. He sipped the beer slowly, giving a hum of appreciation. The hefeweiss was a favorite of his, and he didn't think he'd had this one since he'd last been in Europe.
Gris indicated he should have a seat so he did so, slipping out from under Evan's arm but lacing his fingers in with Evan's to tug his partner along with him. The table was along one of the walls with the windows. Kiyo sat on one of the sides that let him look out over the city; it was a great view. Evan and Gris obviously knew some of the games that were out already; Kiyo didn't know what Settlers was but maybe hey would play it.
Josh claimed that he was enjoying Nachton and Kiyo nodded in support of his Packmate. Gris had made Nachton much more pleasant for him, too, although Evan got most of the credit there.
Josh addressed his question to Kiyo just as the werewolf was taking another sip of hefeweiss. Kiyo swallowed, set his glass down, and answered with a little smile. "I love it here. I don't ever want to leave."
He couldn't be any more sincere. As long as his friends were here, Kiyo wanted to stay in Nachton. Josh leaned against the bar top and nodded at Kiyo, obviously waiting for the kettle to boil. Trying to make an effort to come out of his shell and not be so quiet Kiyo channeled his inner bartender; he never had trouble making small talk with patrons at work. On informal ground he was far shyer but he wanted to be welcoming to Gris's boyfriend. He chose the obvious to ask about, since he was pretty sure no one had missed the big gorgeous piano in the middle of the living room.
"So you like to play piano?" Kiyo asked. He did not play anything musical, and wasn't particularly musically gifted in any way that he knew of. He did have a slight fascination for those who did; music was definitely a foreign language to him. "How long have you played?"
Gris indicated he should have a seat so he did so, slipping out from under Evan's arm but lacing his fingers in with Evan's to tug his partner along with him. The table was along one of the walls with the windows. Kiyo sat on one of the sides that let him look out over the city; it was a great view. Evan and Gris obviously knew some of the games that were out already; Kiyo didn't know what Settlers was but maybe hey would play it.
Josh claimed that he was enjoying Nachton and Kiyo nodded in support of his Packmate. Gris had made Nachton much more pleasant for him, too, although Evan got most of the credit there.
Josh addressed his question to Kiyo just as the werewolf was taking another sip of hefeweiss. Kiyo swallowed, set his glass down, and answered with a little smile. "I love it here. I don't ever want to leave."
He couldn't be any more sincere. As long as his friends were here, Kiyo wanted to stay in Nachton. Josh leaned against the bar top and nodded at Kiyo, obviously waiting for the kettle to boil. Trying to make an effort to come out of his shell and not be so quiet Kiyo channeled his inner bartender; he never had trouble making small talk with patrons at work. On informal ground he was far shyer but he wanted to be welcoming to Gris's boyfriend. He chose the obvious to ask about, since he was pretty sure no one had missed the big gorgeous piano in the middle of the living room.
"So you like to play piano?" Kiyo asked. He did not play anything musical, and wasn't particularly musically gifted in any way that he knew of. He did have a slight fascination for those who did; music was definitely a foreign language to him. "How long have you played?"
Evan Talkingwater
12 years ago
Evan laughed at Gris's reasoning for his pursuit of land and resources. It was good enough for the game's purpose and he knew that his friend was not truly greedy or wasteful. He wondered if Kiyo would like the game. There was a certain amount of trading and friendliness in the beginning and then toward the end it tended to become a little more cutthroat. Hopefully his partner would be okay with that amongst friends; who knows perhaps Kiyoshi would surprise them all and be an excellent settlers player. He was excellent at hoarding and quiet by nature which just might make him the most dangerous competitor of the bunch of them.
He followed Kiyo to his seat, pulling out the chair next to him. The view out the windows was lovely and familiar; he often had a bird's eye view of Nachton and it must be nice living right in the middle of it.
Josh answered his question, saying that Gris had helped speed up his enjoyment of the city. Gris said that he was enjoying Nachton also, apparently for similar reasons. His little wolf said that he never wanted to leave. Evan leaned over and gently kissed Kiyoshi on the temple. "I am relieved to hear it." Of course Kiyo had said as much to him before. He whispered softly so that only his boyfriend could hear. "Some day soon we should travel, just the two of us but I am glad this is home." There was competitions that he could fly Kiyo to but he wanted to also have some time for just enjoying someplace new.
Kiyoshi asked about the beautiful piano in the center and he turned to hear the answer. Josh obviously played; it was a rare person indeed who bought such an expensive instrument as just a decoration. How much Josh played or how serious he was about it was a different story.
"Did either of you have a game preference?"
He followed Kiyo to his seat, pulling out the chair next to him. The view out the windows was lovely and familiar; he often had a bird's eye view of Nachton and it must be nice living right in the middle of it.
Josh answered his question, saying that Gris had helped speed up his enjoyment of the city. Gris said that he was enjoying Nachton also, apparently for similar reasons. His little wolf said that he never wanted to leave. Evan leaned over and gently kissed Kiyoshi on the temple. "I am relieved to hear it." Of course Kiyo had said as much to him before. He whispered softly so that only his boyfriend could hear. "Some day soon we should travel, just the two of us but I am glad this is home." There was competitions that he could fly Kiyo to but he wanted to also have some time for just enjoying someplace new.
Kiyoshi asked about the beautiful piano in the center and he turned to hear the answer. Josh obviously played; it was a rare person indeed who bought such an expensive instrument as just a decoration. How much Josh played or how serious he was about it was a different story.
"Did either of you have a game preference?"
Joshua Wesson
12 years ago
It seemed agreed upon by all that Nachton was a great place to live. Josh smiled at Kiyoshi's enthusiastic response, following so closely on the heels of Gris's statement. He knew he had at least a small part in making Nachton so agreeable to his boyfriend and that made him quite happy. He still harbored a fear that the enchantment of being committed might wear off for Gris and in a few weeks or a few months Josh would be on his own again. Josh wasn't the sort to worry needlessly about what might be, though, so he just had to give it time. He would do his best to be a good partner to Gris, a loving boyfriend, and if that wasn't enough he wasn't sure what else he could provide.
The tea kettle whistled. Josh pulled it off the stove and poured water into the teapot to steep. He walked over to the table and placed two empty mugs at Evan's and Gris's seats then glanced at his piano when Kiyoshi asked about it.
"I've been playing since I was a little boy," he said with a smile. "At one point I thought I wanted to be a professional pianist but you know how it goes." He shrugged his shoulders. "Things rarely work out the way we plan them. Now I still play and write in my free time."
Heading back into the kitchen he brought his beer out and set it at his seat, turning to Evan when he asked if anyone had a game preference. "Shall we play this Settlers game? You both seem familiar with it. I've never played it but it sounds interesting, if you don't mind teaching it to me."
There were many games he'd have to be taught to play. Board games had not been something his family played a lot of. Trivial Pursuit, Monopoly, those he knew. Anything else was new to him.
Retrieving the teapot from the kitchen Josh headed over to the table once more. It was custom in Japan to express your welcome of a guest by pouring tea or sake for them. Over the years Josh had picked up many habits, influenced by his love and study of different cultures, and this was one he particularly liked. So he deftly poured tea into Evan's mug and then moved around the table to do the same for Gris. He set the teapot to the side.
Just then there was a knock at the door. Josh answered it; it was the delivery man from the Japanese restaurant. He thanked him, tipped him generously, and brought the food inside. He unpacked it and arranged it on the kitchen counter. There was a variety of food to choose from; stir-fried vegetables and noodles, fried rice, assorted sashimi and sushi, skewered chicken and scallions with sweet teriyaki sauce, miso soup, shrimp tempura, and a few different sushi rolls. It was a lot of food but he figured four grown men could probably handle it.
Taking out some plates and chopsticks he said to his guests, "Please help yourselves."
There was no sense in formality; if Gris had wanted formal for his friends he would have said so to Josh. Josh was more than willing to stick to casual.
The tea kettle whistled. Josh pulled it off the stove and poured water into the teapot to steep. He walked over to the table and placed two empty mugs at Evan's and Gris's seats then glanced at his piano when Kiyoshi asked about it.
"I've been playing since I was a little boy," he said with a smile. "At one point I thought I wanted to be a professional pianist but you know how it goes." He shrugged his shoulders. "Things rarely work out the way we plan them. Now I still play and write in my free time."
Heading back into the kitchen he brought his beer out and set it at his seat, turning to Evan when he asked if anyone had a game preference. "Shall we play this Settlers game? You both seem familiar with it. I've never played it but it sounds interesting, if you don't mind teaching it to me."
There were many games he'd have to be taught to play. Board games had not been something his family played a lot of. Trivial Pursuit, Monopoly, those he knew. Anything else was new to him.
Retrieving the teapot from the kitchen Josh headed over to the table once more. It was custom in Japan to express your welcome of a guest by pouring tea or sake for them. Over the years Josh had picked up many habits, influenced by his love and study of different cultures, and this was one he particularly liked. So he deftly poured tea into Evan's mug and then moved around the table to do the same for Gris. He set the teapot to the side.
Just then there was a knock at the door. Josh answered it; it was the delivery man from the Japanese restaurant. He thanked him, tipped him generously, and brought the food inside. He unpacked it and arranged it on the kitchen counter. There was a variety of food to choose from; stir-fried vegetables and noodles, fried rice, assorted sashimi and sushi, skewered chicken and scallions with sweet teriyaki sauce, miso soup, shrimp tempura, and a few different sushi rolls. It was a lot of food but he figured four grown men could probably handle it.
Taking out some plates and chopsticks he said to his guests, "Please help yourselves."
There was no sense in formality; if Gris had wanted formal for his friends he would have said so to Josh. Josh was more than willing to stick to casual.
Greer Grayson
12 years ago
Gris hovered halfway between the table with his friends and the kitchen where Josh waited on the tea. When the kettle whistled, he went ahead and took a seat, knowing Josh would soon come and sit with him.
He looked over at the piano in the room that was getting much less attention these days than it might ordinarily receive. Gris felt a little smug for a moment and then a little wistful; he wanted to hear Josh play. It was on his list of things he wanted to know about his boyfriend.
Evan asked for a game preference and Josh suggested Settlers of Cattan since he and Evan were already fond of it. Gris looked at Evan to explain while he went about setting up the board.
Josh poured their tea neatly into the two mugs that he had set out for them; Gris gave him a quiet thank you and then reached for the milk and sugar, adding just a little of each to add a smooth mellow flavor to his drink.
"Do you need cream or sugar? Honey?"
The food arrived and Josh was gone again to retrieve it. Gris selfishly considered gluing Josh to his seat briefly but he was grateful that his boyfriend was willing to play the host of this little party. In truth he felt guilty for not helping more. He was entertaining his friends but that seemed more fun than function; he hoped that Josh enjoyed the evening and liked Evan and Kiyo.
Getting up to grab a plate of food, Gris paused and grabbed his boyfriend instead. Hugging Josh briefly, he whispered another soft 'thank you' in his ear. With a final squeeze, he let him go and went to quickly fill his plate so that he could go back to setting up the game and being next to Josh.
He looked over at the piano in the room that was getting much less attention these days than it might ordinarily receive. Gris felt a little smug for a moment and then a little wistful; he wanted to hear Josh play. It was on his list of things he wanted to know about his boyfriend.
Evan asked for a game preference and Josh suggested Settlers of Cattan since he and Evan were already fond of it. Gris looked at Evan to explain while he went about setting up the board.
Josh poured their tea neatly into the two mugs that he had set out for them; Gris gave him a quiet thank you and then reached for the milk and sugar, adding just a little of each to add a smooth mellow flavor to his drink.
"Do you need cream or sugar? Honey?"
The food arrived and Josh was gone again to retrieve it. Gris selfishly considered gluing Josh to his seat briefly but he was grateful that his boyfriend was willing to play the host of this little party. In truth he felt guilty for not helping more. He was entertaining his friends but that seemed more fun than function; he hoped that Josh enjoyed the evening and liked Evan and Kiyo.
Getting up to grab a plate of food, Gris paused and grabbed his boyfriend instead. Hugging Josh briefly, he whispered another soft 'thank you' in his ear. With a final squeeze, he let him go and went to quickly fill his plate so that he could go back to setting up the game and being next to Josh.
Kiyoshi Salinas
12 years ago
Evan leaned over and very softly said words that made Kiyo's cheeks flush light pink. He turned after Evan kissed him and gently rubbed his nose against Evan's in a little Eskimo kiss, then rested his head on Evan's shoulder with a soft, happy sigh. He couldn't think of living in Nachton without thinking about how much happiness Evan had brought to his life.
"I would like that," he murmured back to Evan. "Anywhere you want to go."
He would be happy, very happy, to go away with Evan. A little time for just them. He loved to live with his partner, but they shared space with Guillaume and although that space was very big they still had to be careful not to alert him to their relationship.
Evan turned to listen to Josh's answer about the piano so Kiyo lifted his head from his boyfriend's shoulder and also turned, but he slipped his smaller hand into Evan's and squeezed. Josh spoke of a childhood dream that never came to be and Kiyo nodded his head. He wasn't sure he'd ever had a dream to follow; he'd been very busy at a young age handling the strangeness of becoming a werewolf and then dealing with his adopted brother.
"Will you play something later?" Kiyo wanted to know. He had never met anyone who wrote their own music, he didn't think.
The arrival of the food perked him up a great deal. When Gris headed into the kitchen Kiyo didn't hesitate to follow. He watched Gris hug Josh and heard the very soft thanks. It was sweet to see his friend so very happy; not that Gris came off as unhappy by any stretch. There was always a 'new relationship' glow, though, and both Gris and Josh had it.
He scanned the food sadly; there was a good deal of sashimi there but Kiyo didn't want to be a pig and take all of it. The sushi looked delicious but he wouldn't eat the rice or nori. The rest of it he ignored; none of it appealed to him. He carefully chose a decent selection of sashimi and then plucked a few sushi rolls from the platter too. He could maybe nibble around the rice and not be wasteful; since being with Evan Kiyo had a much bigger appreciation for eating everything he took.
He returned to the table, sat down, and quieted his growling stomach by quickly snapping up some mackerel followed by a piece of delicious, fatty salmon. Nearly forgetting his manners he turned around and said, "Thank you for the dinner. Can we pitch in a little?"
It only seemed fair that he, at least, gave some money toward it. Evan would probably not eat much but Kiyo was a self-admitted pig. He would be happy to help pay.
"I would like that," he murmured back to Evan. "Anywhere you want to go."
He would be happy, very happy, to go away with Evan. A little time for just them. He loved to live with his partner, but they shared space with Guillaume and although that space was very big they still had to be careful not to alert him to their relationship.
Evan turned to listen to Josh's answer about the piano so Kiyo lifted his head from his boyfriend's shoulder and also turned, but he slipped his smaller hand into Evan's and squeezed. Josh spoke of a childhood dream that never came to be and Kiyo nodded his head. He wasn't sure he'd ever had a dream to follow; he'd been very busy at a young age handling the strangeness of becoming a werewolf and then dealing with his adopted brother.
"Will you play something later?" Kiyo wanted to know. He had never met anyone who wrote their own music, he didn't think.
The arrival of the food perked him up a great deal. When Gris headed into the kitchen Kiyo didn't hesitate to follow. He watched Gris hug Josh and heard the very soft thanks. It was sweet to see his friend so very happy; not that Gris came off as unhappy by any stretch. There was always a 'new relationship' glow, though, and both Gris and Josh had it.
He scanned the food sadly; there was a good deal of sashimi there but Kiyo didn't want to be a pig and take all of it. The sushi looked delicious but he wouldn't eat the rice or nori. The rest of it he ignored; none of it appealed to him. He carefully chose a decent selection of sashimi and then plucked a few sushi rolls from the platter too. He could maybe nibble around the rice and not be wasteful; since being with Evan Kiyo had a much bigger appreciation for eating everything he took.
He returned to the table, sat down, and quieted his growling stomach by quickly snapping up some mackerel followed by a piece of delicious, fatty salmon. Nearly forgetting his manners he turned around and said, "Thank you for the dinner. Can we pitch in a little?"
It only seemed fair that he, at least, gave some money toward it. Evan would probably not eat much but Kiyo was a self-admitted pig. He would be happy to help pay.
Evan Talkingwater
12 years ago
It was nice to be able to be affectionate with Kiyo without hiding it in quick glances, stolen touches and soft words. Those things, when you have an accepted relationship were nice, perhaps even tantalizing. When the relationship had to be kept secret all of those little moments made you long for something more.
At least he did. Most of him wanted it for Kiyoshi. He wanted to hold and support his partner no matter who was around. Kiyo deserved to be loved and accepted and it killed him that he could not do that for him.
That made tonight more special than he could express to Josh and Gris. Their friend probably had at least some understanding of their situation. Perhaps he invited them over knowing that it would be a nice change, or perhaps he just wanted to show off his own handsome man. Evan wasn't really sure and he doubted it mattered; the results were satisfactory to all involved. He wrapped one long arm over Kiyo's shoulder and along the back of his chair.
Josh explained that he had wanted to be a pianist at one time but that career path had changed. Evan smiled and glanced at the piano. "Perhaps it will come back to you in time." The two career paths could merge in some way, perhaps he could use music in what he currently did or perhaps another opportunity would open it up to him again. Or maybe in a decade or so Josh would decide to pursue his original dream. He just hoped that whatever the path the dark haired man found himself on there was also a blond beside him. Gris could really use a home and a family.
Gris asked him about the tea and he considered his choices. "Honey sounds perfect." He had not tasted the sweet golden goodness of honey in....a very very long time.
Food arrived and the setting up of the game was interrupted by the gathering of food. A small smile lifted the corners of his mouth as his Little Wolf vanished from his side almost as soon as the plates settled. Evan found Kiyo's never ending hunger adorable; it reminded him that his boyfriend was full of life.
He gathered a piece of everything onto his plate and then a few more pieces of the things that Kiyoshi would be willing to eat. Evan figured that at some point he could just slide his plate over and let Kiyo eat the rest of his. It saved his shy companion from having to go back for more too many times. He knew Kiyo wouldn't want to look too greedy.
Once everyone was settled, Evan looked over the little game tiles of the board. "As we mentioned the idea is to gain resources and build settlements. Those help you purchase or gain victory points. The first player able to get to ten points on their turn wins the game."
Evan pointed to the various kind of tiles. "Each tile gains you a different resource..." He went on to explain what each of them were and how those combined to help you build roads and settlements. He explained that trading was allowed and encouraged. Then he explained a few of the finer details like the robber and the longest road and largest army cards.
Once he was done he looked at Kiyo and Josh. "Honestly it is a deceptively easy game. You both will pick it up in no time. Settlers is entertaining because the board changes every time you play which changes the circumstances. You might find one person is your biggest friend this game and your most dangerous opponent the next." Evan smiled. "So are we ready to give this a try?"
At least he did. Most of him wanted it for Kiyoshi. He wanted to hold and support his partner no matter who was around. Kiyo deserved to be loved and accepted and it killed him that he could not do that for him.
That made tonight more special than he could express to Josh and Gris. Their friend probably had at least some understanding of their situation. Perhaps he invited them over knowing that it would be a nice change, or perhaps he just wanted to show off his own handsome man. Evan wasn't really sure and he doubted it mattered; the results were satisfactory to all involved. He wrapped one long arm over Kiyo's shoulder and along the back of his chair.
Josh explained that he had wanted to be a pianist at one time but that career path had changed. Evan smiled and glanced at the piano. "Perhaps it will come back to you in time." The two career paths could merge in some way, perhaps he could use music in what he currently did or perhaps another opportunity would open it up to him again. Or maybe in a decade or so Josh would decide to pursue his original dream. He just hoped that whatever the path the dark haired man found himself on there was also a blond beside him. Gris could really use a home and a family.
Gris asked him about the tea and he considered his choices. "Honey sounds perfect." He had not tasted the sweet golden goodness of honey in....a very very long time.
Food arrived and the setting up of the game was interrupted by the gathering of food. A small smile lifted the corners of his mouth as his Little Wolf vanished from his side almost as soon as the plates settled. Evan found Kiyo's never ending hunger adorable; it reminded him that his boyfriend was full of life.
He gathered a piece of everything onto his plate and then a few more pieces of the things that Kiyoshi would be willing to eat. Evan figured that at some point he could just slide his plate over and let Kiyo eat the rest of his. It saved his shy companion from having to go back for more too many times. He knew Kiyo wouldn't want to look too greedy.
Once everyone was settled, Evan looked over the little game tiles of the board. "As we mentioned the idea is to gain resources and build settlements. Those help you purchase or gain victory points. The first player able to get to ten points on their turn wins the game."
Evan pointed to the various kind of tiles. "Each tile gains you a different resource..." He went on to explain what each of them were and how those combined to help you build roads and settlements. He explained that trading was allowed and encouraged. Then he explained a few of the finer details like the robber and the longest road and largest army cards.
Once he was done he looked at Kiyo and Josh. "Honestly it is a deceptively easy game. You both will pick it up in no time. Settlers is entertaining because the board changes every time you play which changes the circumstances. You might find one person is your biggest friend this game and your most dangerous opponent the next." Evan smiled. "So are we ready to give this a try?"
Joshua Wesson
12 years ago
Josh allowed one corner of his mouth to tilt up when Kiyoshi asked if he would play later. "If you like," he said. To Evan he lifted one shoulder, trying to smile a little bit bigger so Gris's friend would not think he was being harsh. "It may or it may not," he said, perfectly accepting of his current role in life. "I grew up. It's enough for me that I can play for myself and my friends when they wish it."
Everyone served themselves a portion of food, Gris with another hug and a soft 'thank you.' Josh drew Gris close and kissed him softly upon his lips before letting him go with a little nod and a much more relaxed smile. Once everyone had gotten some food Josh did the same, helping himself to a little bit of everything except the sashimi, which Gris had said was Kiyoshi's favorite.
The shorter man had turned around in his seat to ask if he could help pay for the meal and Josh shook his head and gave a dismissive wave of his hand. "Thank you, but there's no need. It's my pleasure; I'm happy to have you here."
Josh genuinely enjoyed hosting small gatherings like this, and he was even happier that it was Gris's friends who were here. Providing food was one of the responsibilities of any host and Josh was glad to do it.
When he returned to the table Evan began to explain the basics of Cataan. Josh listened closely, although he did reach out under the table and rest his hand on Gris's leg. One part of him wanted to be proper and polite and perfectly well-mannered, but the other part of him just wanted contact. To know Gris was there he slid his hand up a little, caressing, and then left it where it was.
As Evan finished his explanation Josh nodded. "I think I understand how it works." He looked at Kiyoshi, who also nodded. Josh didn't doubt that Evan and Gris would help out as needed. "Maybe you should go first?"
If Evan took the first turn then he and Kiyo could at least see how he played first and take their cues from him. First, though, they had to apparently place their villages and one road each on the board in turn. When it came around to Josh he chose carefully, trying to get as many resources as he could. He managed to get one of each, two of the wheat resource. He wasn't sure if that would be a good strategy or not but he supposed he'd find out.
Everyone served themselves a portion of food, Gris with another hug and a soft 'thank you.' Josh drew Gris close and kissed him softly upon his lips before letting him go with a little nod and a much more relaxed smile. Once everyone had gotten some food Josh did the same, helping himself to a little bit of everything except the sashimi, which Gris had said was Kiyoshi's favorite.
The shorter man had turned around in his seat to ask if he could help pay for the meal and Josh shook his head and gave a dismissive wave of his hand. "Thank you, but there's no need. It's my pleasure; I'm happy to have you here."
Josh genuinely enjoyed hosting small gatherings like this, and he was even happier that it was Gris's friends who were here. Providing food was one of the responsibilities of any host and Josh was glad to do it.
When he returned to the table Evan began to explain the basics of Cataan. Josh listened closely, although he did reach out under the table and rest his hand on Gris's leg. One part of him wanted to be proper and polite and perfectly well-mannered, but the other part of him just wanted contact. To know Gris was there he slid his hand up a little, caressing, and then left it where it was.
As Evan finished his explanation Josh nodded. "I think I understand how it works." He looked at Kiyoshi, who also nodded. Josh didn't doubt that Evan and Gris would help out as needed. "Maybe you should go first?"
If Evan took the first turn then he and Kiyo could at least see how he played first and take their cues from him. First, though, they had to apparently place their villages and one road each on the board in turn. When it came around to Josh he chose carefully, trying to get as many resources as he could. He managed to get one of each, two of the wheat resource. He wasn't sure if that would be a good strategy or not but he supposed he'd find out.
Greer Grayson
12 years ago
Gris smiled at Josh who said that he grew up and was okay with not being a pianist professionally. "So long as you are happy and find fulfillment in what you currently do." He knew all too well what it felt like to have a career that was not his first choice. "So often people speak of not pursuing their childhood dream with regret because they are not satisfied with their career path." Josh did not seem to have that problem. From what Gris could tell, Josh actually loved his job and he treated his partner like a sister. He had found out that they grew up together and Gretta really did seem to treat Josh as a brother as well.
He was happy that Josh agreed to play for them later. For the first time he might have hoped to listen to Josh play when just the two of them were around but Gris felt he could share his boyfriend and his talents with his friends, especially if Josh was willing.
Kiyo expressed the willingness to pay for the food and Gris immediately shook his head. Josh had a much calmer, more dignified answer. He was a gracious host and deserved much thanks, very private and enthusiastic thanks, later.
Evan explained the nature of the game while he set up the little tiles, flipping them over once they were laid out so they could see what the first little world map looked like.
Josh's hand on his leg was a pleasant distraction. When it gently caressed his thigh he lost all ability to concentrate on what Evan was saying. It was a good thing that he already knew the rules. After the brief bit of attention, Josh seemed content to simply leave his hand there. Gris reached under the table and gave and a small squeeze and then traced feather light lines and swirls on Josh's hand before smoothing his long fingers over the top and down along his boyfriend's fingers.
He was paying so much attention to what he and Josh were doing that he totally missed putting down his settlements until he realized that the instruction had stopped and Evan while smiling at him for the other side of the table.
Busted.
Gris quickly perused the board and picked a couple of places. One on the shore line but at a spot with high roll potential and one inland with three different resources on some relatively common numbers. He saw Josh's strategy and gave his boyfriend a nod of approval. It was very smart. Having gone behind most everyone had given him slimmer pickings than he would have liked. He would just have to wheel and deal for the brick would need while being careful who he gave his surplus wool and grain to.
He was happy that Josh agreed to play for them later. For the first time he might have hoped to listen to Josh play when just the two of them were around but Gris felt he could share his boyfriend and his talents with his friends, especially if Josh was willing.
Kiyo expressed the willingness to pay for the food and Gris immediately shook his head. Josh had a much calmer, more dignified answer. He was a gracious host and deserved much thanks, very private and enthusiastic thanks, later.
Evan explained the nature of the game while he set up the little tiles, flipping them over once they were laid out so they could see what the first little world map looked like.
Josh's hand on his leg was a pleasant distraction. When it gently caressed his thigh he lost all ability to concentrate on what Evan was saying. It was a good thing that he already knew the rules. After the brief bit of attention, Josh seemed content to simply leave his hand there. Gris reached under the table and gave and a small squeeze and then traced feather light lines and swirls on Josh's hand before smoothing his long fingers over the top and down along his boyfriend's fingers.
He was paying so much attention to what he and Josh were doing that he totally missed putting down his settlements until he realized that the instruction had stopped and Evan while smiling at him for the other side of the table.
Busted.
Gris quickly perused the board and picked a couple of places. One on the shore line but at a spot with high roll potential and one inland with three different resources on some relatively common numbers. He saw Josh's strategy and gave his boyfriend a nod of approval. It was very smart. Having gone behind most everyone had given him slimmer pickings than he would have liked. He would just have to wheel and deal for the brick would need while being careful who he gave his surplus wool and grain to.
Kiyoshi Salinas
12 years ago
Kiyoshi nodded solemnly at Josh when he said he would play for them after. "That would be nice," he said, his tone sincere. He wanted to hear it; he thought the music would sound lovely in the big open space that was the two-story living room.
Kiyo tried to eat his sashimi slowly and enjoy it after thanking Josh for the dinner; he was going to be starving later. He had no idea why his metabolism was the way it was. He ate more than most of the Packmates he knew and remained thin as a rail. Not that he'd ever seen a fat werewolf, really, but he did know how to pack it away.
He found himself watching Evan's face as his boyfriend spoke, getting lost in little snatches of daydream. He loved Evan's voice, deep and soothing. His bold profile, deep-set dark eyes with their thick lashes, high cheek-bones, the shimmering soft hair falling down his back that Kiyo loved to run his fingers through. He had to struggle to pay attention to what Evan was saying but he knew if he had to ask repeated questions, his patient partner would answer them for him. He didn't have to place his pieces first, at least, so he had half a clue how to do it.
Chewing his lip thoughtfully he placed his settlement on a tile with bricks and sheep, and what he hoped were good numbers. On his next turn to place something, he wound up with mostly wood and the coast, near a spot to trade in brick at 3 for 1. He wasn't sure how any of this would work out for him but he figured his first game, he was allowed a mistake or two.
He looked up from the cards he'd been dealt when Josh cleared his throat, thinking he'd missed something. Evan was smiling; Josh's pale cheeks were faintly pink and Gris was studying the Cataan board. He glanced back at Evan, hating that he had obviously missed something. He slipped his hand over to Evan's leg and rested it there almost questioningly.
He didn't say anything else; Kiyo was actually much more talkative and sociable at work than he was any other time (with the exception of the times he was alone with Evan). He played a part at work - the bartender was expected to behave a certain way, particularly when he was Kiyo, who had a reputation to uphold as a competitive flairtender. Sure, it wasn't 'Olympic athlete' but he was still fairly proud of his accomplishments. Here with friends, though, he felt like it was all right to be himself, and 'himself' was almost silent. Just looking around him he realized the potential havoc his voice could wreak. How would he explain to Josh if his (hypothetical) uncontrollable laughter busted all the windows in his penthouse?
Talk about awkward.
Kiyo tried to eat his sashimi slowly and enjoy it after thanking Josh for the dinner; he was going to be starving later. He had no idea why his metabolism was the way it was. He ate more than most of the Packmates he knew and remained thin as a rail. Not that he'd ever seen a fat werewolf, really, but he did know how to pack it away.
He found himself watching Evan's face as his boyfriend spoke, getting lost in little snatches of daydream. He loved Evan's voice, deep and soothing. His bold profile, deep-set dark eyes with their thick lashes, high cheek-bones, the shimmering soft hair falling down his back that Kiyo loved to run his fingers through. He had to struggle to pay attention to what Evan was saying but he knew if he had to ask repeated questions, his patient partner would answer them for him. He didn't have to place his pieces first, at least, so he had half a clue how to do it.
Chewing his lip thoughtfully he placed his settlement on a tile with bricks and sheep, and what he hoped were good numbers. On his next turn to place something, he wound up with mostly wood and the coast, near a spot to trade in brick at 3 for 1. He wasn't sure how any of this would work out for him but he figured his first game, he was allowed a mistake or two.
He looked up from the cards he'd been dealt when Josh cleared his throat, thinking he'd missed something. Evan was smiling; Josh's pale cheeks were faintly pink and Gris was studying the Cataan board. He glanced back at Evan, hating that he had obviously missed something. He slipped his hand over to Evan's leg and rested it there almost questioningly.
He didn't say anything else; Kiyo was actually much more talkative and sociable at work than he was any other time (with the exception of the times he was alone with Evan). He played a part at work - the bartender was expected to behave a certain way, particularly when he was Kiyo, who had a reputation to uphold as a competitive flairtender. Sure, it wasn't 'Olympic athlete' but he was still fairly proud of his accomplishments. Here with friends, though, he felt like it was all right to be himself, and 'himself' was almost silent. Just looking around him he realized the potential havoc his voice could wreak. How would he explain to Josh if his (hypothetical) uncontrollable laughter busted all the windows in his penthouse?
Talk about awkward.
Evan Talkingwater
12 years ago
Evan was amused when Josh said he should go first in the game; unknowingly holding up the tradition of the game that the oldest member of the group should go first. He was undeniably the oldest person in the room unless Josh was secretly a three thousand year old vampire or something. Perhaps he was the mythical Methuselah.
He put his piece on the board and then Josh and Kiyo placed theirs on the board. Gris, who had set the game up and had then sat back was looking a little distracted. He silently waited for his friend to realize it was his turn. He hadn't expected his smile at Gris to embarrass Josh even though he suspected who was causing the distraction. Turning to Josh, he gave him a smile and a one shouldered shrug. If Gris's thoughts were elsewhere then so much better for the rest of them.
A light hand was placed on his own leg and Evan looked at Kiyo, his smile much more warm and personal. Giving the hand a little squeeze, he leaned down and gave his partner a quick kiss.
"I have never been to Lichtenstein. Could you tell us something about your country?" They all knew that it was small and mountainous but beyond that he doubted many people knew much about the tenacious little country.
He put his piece on the board and then Josh and Kiyo placed theirs on the board. Gris, who had set the game up and had then sat back was looking a little distracted. He silently waited for his friend to realize it was his turn. He hadn't expected his smile at Gris to embarrass Josh even though he suspected who was causing the distraction. Turning to Josh, he gave him a smile and a one shouldered shrug. If Gris's thoughts were elsewhere then so much better for the rest of them.
A light hand was placed on his own leg and Evan looked at Kiyo, his smile much more warm and personal. Giving the hand a little squeeze, he leaned down and gave his partner a quick kiss.
"I have never been to Lichtenstein. Could you tell us something about your country?" They all knew that it was small and mountainous but beyond that he doubted many people knew much about the tenacious little country.
Joshua Wesson
12 years ago
Gris's hand on his felt nice; Josh should probably apologize to his partner for not being as demonstrative as maybe Gris would prefer but he was trying. He played gently with Gris's fingertips as his partner ran his hand lightly over Josh's. Then he looked up to find Evan smiling at Gris and realized they'd both gotten distracted and it was Gris's turn to place his settlement. Josh hastily moved his hand away, a faint blush rising to his cheeks. Where were his manners?
Evan's little shrug, directed at Josh, only made him blush more. Really, he had more self-restraint than to grope his partner under the table like a horny teen. He picked up his chopsticks and helped himself to some chicken while he looked at his cards.
He wasn't sure if Evan was trying to help him salvage his dignity by asking about his home country but he would take it, either way. He finished his current bite, swallowed, and used his napkin before answering.
"What would you like to know?" he asked, then continued without waiting for an answer, since the question had been mostly rhetorical anyway. "It's only about 24 kilometers long, so it is very small of course. It is relatively warm compared to the rest of the Alpine country. Still, I think, a little cooler overall than here in Nachton. There are many industries, considering its size, and the economy is quite good. There's a lot of wine there, it's a big wine country."
He stopped and thought for a moment, trying to mark the differences and explain them properly. "The land is very different. We are in the Alps, of course, but the mountains there are different than the mountains I've seen here. There's a different shape to them, a different feeling to them."
There Josh paused to take another bite of his food and let Evan or Kiyoshi ask another question if they liked. Josh had been to many countries and he found that in each one the people, at least, were pretty much the same. Just people. Living their lives, going to work, making families. He did love his home, though, nestled in its little bit of the Alps with the Rhine valley in the west. In the summer it was almost impossibly green there. Maybe someday Gris would visit with him.
Evan's little shrug, directed at Josh, only made him blush more. Really, he had more self-restraint than to grope his partner under the table like a horny teen. He picked up his chopsticks and helped himself to some chicken while he looked at his cards.
He wasn't sure if Evan was trying to help him salvage his dignity by asking about his home country but he would take it, either way. He finished his current bite, swallowed, and used his napkin before answering.
"What would you like to know?" he asked, then continued without waiting for an answer, since the question had been mostly rhetorical anyway. "It's only about 24 kilometers long, so it is very small of course. It is relatively warm compared to the rest of the Alpine country. Still, I think, a little cooler overall than here in Nachton. There are many industries, considering its size, and the economy is quite good. There's a lot of wine there, it's a big wine country."
He stopped and thought for a moment, trying to mark the differences and explain them properly. "The land is very different. We are in the Alps, of course, but the mountains there are different than the mountains I've seen here. There's a different shape to them, a different feeling to them."
There Josh paused to take another bite of his food and let Evan or Kiyoshi ask another question if they liked. Josh had been to many countries and he found that in each one the people, at least, were pretty much the same. Just people. Living their lives, going to work, making families. He did love his home, though, nestled in its little bit of the Alps with the Rhine valley in the west. In the summer it was almost impossibly green there. Maybe someday Gris would visit with him.