"OK then. I can live with that."
Eiryk let himself be soothed. There really was no reason to doubt Alex' annswer. It had just been an unsettling thought at the time.
While Alex was certainly enjoying the movie and the jokes, good and other wise, it seemed that his own comment about movie night was even more amusing. Since it got him a kiss he really didn't care if it was funnny or not. He just grinned rather stupidly and appricated it. Eiryk didn't -think- that he'd ever taken Alex for granted, but he vowed to never do so. That soft kiss on his jaw... It was special and always would be, no matter how long they had together.
He chuckles lightly himself at the cliche.
"There isn't always a vow of silence. And even when there is laughing doesn't send you to hell. I don't think..."
Eiryk had done thoses vows and they were more complicated then one might think, but they were also refreshing. He should really consider trying one again. Or maybe just a weekend where he and Alex had to express everything nonvverbally... That could be very sexy. With that in mind he nuzzled Alex' neck.
"You are hot all the time."
He meant it too. Even sick and weak and basically ravaged by poisen he still found Alex hot. It was probably because he saw Alex for who he was, not just the surface appeal.
The hand on his thigh and that soft back and forth motion was going to have a very definate result. He hummed both content and tempted. Very tempted to tackle Alex and have his way with his fiance. He didn't want this evening to end and so worked hard to control himself.
As it turned out listening to and watching Alex do the dialog just made things funnier and provided the perfect distraction.
"Do you do Jack Benny too?"
He said with a soft smile.
A Comedy Tonight
Alex had given up on working his own shift at the store. Marie, finished with her classes for the semester, had come on full time for a little while to help out while he interviewed a new hire. The process was exhausting.
Personally, he was sick of being sick. Normally incredibly healthy, Alex was having a very hard time adjusting to life as a near-invalid. He was trying to stay focused, stay healthy, stay motivated, but more often than not he retreated onto the couch with a blanket and a cup of water.
He was still managing to give lessons, something that gave him a measure of comfort. He couldn't demonstrate everything but bless her heart, Aishe had become a sort of personal assistant in those cases. He had thanked her (and Cris, for giving her the time) multiple times and she seemed happy to help. She came and got him in the evenings and they drove to his studio, where he talked his classes through their lessons with Aishe flowing through the vinyasa like Alexander normally would have. She was getting good at tai chi as well. That one, and some of the beginner yoga, Alex didn't have any problems doing but he was just hammered with exhaustion after.
Fortunately Aishe drove him back to the Towers again and saw him home safely before heading to work herself on the days she did work. His classes at the Towers continued, too, and it was plenty to keep him busy and employed. His store was doing well enough now that he could afford a second hire. All in all, he supposed it could be worse. He was trying very hard, too, not to get his feathers ruffled about being dependent on everyone for everything. He was grateful for all the help he got from his friends and he definitely remembered a time when he had no one who'd have helped.
Tonight was a night off from all of that. He hadn't gone to the store, he had no classes. He was snuggled up on the couch; the medications Rowan had adjusted for him were working and he wasn't nauseous all the time, which was a blessing. It did hit him now and then and for a day he'd be miserable. Today wasn't one of those days. Yes, he was beat, but he had his Kindle, his blanket, a little bowl of soup with some oyster crackers, and a glass of ginger ale, which was growing on him. Thora was curled up on the blanket at his feet, nose tucked under her tail.
Eiryk would be up soon. His fiance was wonderful; he understood how Alex felt and he'd been attentive and sweet and helpful. Alex knew it bothered him that he couldn't be up all the time and with Alex all the time. Eiryk had driven him to meet Aishe at he studio several times, when he was up for it, but on days like these Alex knew he could look forward to having his partner's full attention and why shouldn't he? He could be spoiled... a little.
Eiryk
11 years ago
Eiryk
11 years ago
"OK then. I can live with that."
Eiryk let himself be soothed. There really was no reason to doubt Alex' annswer. It had just been an unsettling thought at the time.
While Alex was certainly enjoying the movie and the jokes, good and other wise, it seemed that his own comment about movie night was even more amusing. Since it got him a kiss he really didn't care if it was funnny or not. He just grinned rather stupidly and appricated it. Eiryk didn't -think- that he'd ever taken Alex for granted, but he vowed to never do so. That soft kiss on his jaw... It was special and always would be, no matter how long they had together.
He chuckles lightly himself at the cliche.
"There isn't always a vow of silence. And even when there is laughing doesn't send you to hell. I don't think..."
Eiryk had done thoses vows and they were more complicated then one might think, but they were also refreshing. He should really consider trying one again. Or maybe just a weekend where he and Alex had to express everything nonvverbally... That could be very sexy. With that in mind he nuzzled Alex' neck.
"You are hot all the time."
He meant it too. Even sick and weak and basically ravaged by poisen he still found Alex hot. It was probably because he saw Alex for who he was, not just the surface appeal.
The hand on his thigh and that soft back and forth motion was going to have a very definate result. He hummed both content and tempted. Very tempted to tackle Alex and have his way with his fiance. He didn't want this evening to end and so worked hard to control himself.
As it turned out listening to and watching Alex do the dialog just made things funnier and provided the perfect distraction.
"Do you do Jack Benny too?"
He said with a soft smile.
Eiryk let himself be soothed. There really was no reason to doubt Alex' annswer. It had just been an unsettling thought at the time.
While Alex was certainly enjoying the movie and the jokes, good and other wise, it seemed that his own comment about movie night was even more amusing. Since it got him a kiss he really didn't care if it was funnny or not. He just grinned rather stupidly and appricated it. Eiryk didn't -think- that he'd ever taken Alex for granted, but he vowed to never do so. That soft kiss on his jaw... It was special and always would be, no matter how long they had together.
He chuckles lightly himself at the cliche.
"There isn't always a vow of silence. And even when there is laughing doesn't send you to hell. I don't think..."
Eiryk had done thoses vows and they were more complicated then one might think, but they were also refreshing. He should really consider trying one again. Or maybe just a weekend where he and Alex had to express everything nonvverbally... That could be very sexy. With that in mind he nuzzled Alex' neck.
"You are hot all the time."
He meant it too. Even sick and weak and basically ravaged by poisen he still found Alex hot. It was probably because he saw Alex for who he was, not just the surface appeal.
The hand on his thigh and that soft back and forth motion was going to have a very definate result. He hummed both content and tempted. Very tempted to tackle Alex and have his way with his fiance. He didn't want this evening to end and so worked hard to control himself.
As it turned out listening to and watching Alex do the dialog just made things funnier and provided the perfect distraction.
"Do you do Jack Benny too?"
He said with a soft smile.
Alex Aristos
11 years ago
Alex wasn't overly familiar with Jack Benny, that comedian having lived and even died before Alex's time. He shook his head at Eiryk. "Not in my repertoire," he murmured, nestling closer, letting his hand continue to wander.
He could tell the effect he was having on Eiryk but his fiance didn't move, which was nice. Alexander didn't want to rush anything. He knew he was going to be down and out after whatever they did next, so he wanted to draw it out as long as he could. Fortunately, the movie wasn't that long... just under an hour and a half.
When it had finished, Alex realized they hadn't touched their puzzle. He wasn't even sure if Eiryk had remembered to get one. He wasn't all that concerned about it; after an hour or so of stroking Eiryk's legs and stomach gently he suspected both their minds were elsewhere. Still, he stayed resting in Eiryk's arms, happy his partner didn't exactly suffer from cramps or pins and needles, or anything like that. Eiryk had seemed more than content to hang out and be cuddly.
Turning onto his stomach, Alex crossed his arms over Eiryk's muscular torso and rested his chin on them. Looking up into Eiryk's blue eyes Alex smiled, his fingertips gently sliding Eiryk's shirt around.
"So what do you want to do now? We have all night."
Well, they had most of the night, he supposed, before he passed out for real. Alex wished things were different right now, but he forced himself to think positively. He would get past this, and then things would be better. They had a wedding to plan and a home in Vermont to visit.
He could tell the effect he was having on Eiryk but his fiance didn't move, which was nice. Alexander didn't want to rush anything. He knew he was going to be down and out after whatever they did next, so he wanted to draw it out as long as he could. Fortunately, the movie wasn't that long... just under an hour and a half.
When it had finished, Alex realized they hadn't touched their puzzle. He wasn't even sure if Eiryk had remembered to get one. He wasn't all that concerned about it; after an hour or so of stroking Eiryk's legs and stomach gently he suspected both their minds were elsewhere. Still, he stayed resting in Eiryk's arms, happy his partner didn't exactly suffer from cramps or pins and needles, or anything like that. Eiryk had seemed more than content to hang out and be cuddly.
Turning onto his stomach, Alex crossed his arms over Eiryk's muscular torso and rested his chin on them. Looking up into Eiryk's blue eyes Alex smiled, his fingertips gently sliding Eiryk's shirt around.
"So what do you want to do now? We have all night."
Well, they had most of the night, he supposed, before he passed out for real. Alex wished things were different right now, but he forced himself to think positively. He would get past this, and then things would be better. They had a wedding to plan and a home in Vermont to visit.
Eiryk
11 years ago
Pity, Jack Benny was funny. Eiryk might have to look up a couple of his old shows and leave them for Alex to look at. Even if he didn't start doing an impersonation he thought that his partner would enjoy them, they had a good mix of slap stick, dry wit and word play, much like this movie.
Although he was trying to concentrate on either the movie or old comedians Alex's attentions were quickly taking the forefront in his thoughts. He held perfectly still, as if he was going to scare off Alex' energy and desire. Well, he tried to hold perfectly still, it was hard not to occasionally offer a small caress or quiet sigh, he wasn't made of marble after all. For the most part though neither of them got too aggressive and mostly watched the movie. This wasn't like that first movie they'd watched together, Eiryk wasn't sure Alex had seen the Maltese Falcon from start to finish, they certainly hadn't that night. But at least tonight there was nothing in the oven to burn.
When the movie ended though, especially when Alex rolled over, right between his legs and looked up at him it took a monumental effort not to just... even Eiryk was slightly surprised by how dirty his thoughts were. Rather than worry about it though he just reached down for the hem of Alex' shirt and slowly slid it up, not off, not yet, just enough that he could feel the warm skin on his back.
"Hmmmm... all night? That is a long time. Are you sure you don't have a curfew or something? I really don't like to rush things you know.â€
That was something of a lie, sometimes he did like to rush things, they both did. He'd tried to sort out which was less taxing for Alex, slow and leisurely or quick and dirty, but like so much else these days it didn't seem consistent. They just had to go with the flow and with what Alex' body would let him do. Tonight though seemed like a slow night.
He'd been gently massaging Alex his hands firm but gentle and rather than working up to Alex' shoulders working down toward his ass. When he suddenly paused.
"I thought we were going to do a puzzle?â€
He said with a grin. There was no way Alex would for a second thing he was serious about that. it was rather obvious his mind wasn't on jigsaws.
Although he was trying to concentrate on either the movie or old comedians Alex's attentions were quickly taking the forefront in his thoughts. He held perfectly still, as if he was going to scare off Alex' energy and desire. Well, he tried to hold perfectly still, it was hard not to occasionally offer a small caress or quiet sigh, he wasn't made of marble after all. For the most part though neither of them got too aggressive and mostly watched the movie. This wasn't like that first movie they'd watched together, Eiryk wasn't sure Alex had seen the Maltese Falcon from start to finish, they certainly hadn't that night. But at least tonight there was nothing in the oven to burn.
When the movie ended though, especially when Alex rolled over, right between his legs and looked up at him it took a monumental effort not to just... even Eiryk was slightly surprised by how dirty his thoughts were. Rather than worry about it though he just reached down for the hem of Alex' shirt and slowly slid it up, not off, not yet, just enough that he could feel the warm skin on his back.
"Hmmmm... all night? That is a long time. Are you sure you don't have a curfew or something? I really don't like to rush things you know.â€
That was something of a lie, sometimes he did like to rush things, they both did. He'd tried to sort out which was less taxing for Alex, slow and leisurely or quick and dirty, but like so much else these days it didn't seem consistent. They just had to go with the flow and with what Alex' body would let him do. Tonight though seemed like a slow night.
He'd been gently massaging Alex his hands firm but gentle and rather than working up to Alex' shoulders working down toward his ass. When he suddenly paused.
"I thought we were going to do a puzzle?â€
He said with a grin. There was no way Alex would for a second thing he was serious about that. it was rather obvious his mind wasn't on jigsaws.
Alex Aristos
11 years ago
Alex made a little noise of protest when Eiryk slid his shirt up, tugging it down a little. He was definitely conscious of the port that was there. Granted, Eiryk hadn't pulled his shirt up far enough to expose it, but Alex would rather make love with his shirt on than feel like the bionic man or something while they did it.
He was distracted easily by Eiryk's statement. He arched an eyebrow and pushed himself up from his fiance with a little snort. "I'll believe that when I see it," he said. Eiryk had been all for jumping into bed after the first date. Didn't like to rush things, his ass.
Eiryk's hands were conducting a little exploration of their own, which Alex was enjoying thoroughly. As his partner reached his ass, Alex gave a little grunt of discontentment when Eiryk stopped.
"Fuck the puzzle," he said concisely. Then he shook his head. "No no... I didn't mean that. Fuck me instead, please."
He could be blunt tonight. Especially when he was just as likely to feel crappy tomorrow after getting his medication as anything else. Before either of them could really act on his demand, though, there was a knock at the door. Alex sighed. Fortunately, they hadn't exactly been too hot and heavy. He sat up further and tugged his shirt back down.
"Be right there," he called. Dropping one last kiss on Eiryk's lips he smiled and moved away so they could get decent. To his fiance he said, "Hold those thoughts. We're totally going to revisit that topic."
He figured he could answer the door without drawing too much attention to his physical state, so he crossed the room and opened it, not entirely surprised to see their visitors. He'd had regular knocks on the door by friends, all of them concerned about him one way or another. It was pretty nice to know they cared.
He was distracted easily by Eiryk's statement. He arched an eyebrow and pushed himself up from his fiance with a little snort. "I'll believe that when I see it," he said. Eiryk had been all for jumping into bed after the first date. Didn't like to rush things, his ass.
Eiryk's hands were conducting a little exploration of their own, which Alex was enjoying thoroughly. As his partner reached his ass, Alex gave a little grunt of discontentment when Eiryk stopped.
"Fuck the puzzle," he said concisely. Then he shook his head. "No no... I didn't mean that. Fuck me instead, please."
He could be blunt tonight. Especially when he was just as likely to feel crappy tomorrow after getting his medication as anything else. Before either of them could really act on his demand, though, there was a knock at the door. Alex sighed. Fortunately, they hadn't exactly been too hot and heavy. He sat up further and tugged his shirt back down.
"Be right there," he called. Dropping one last kiss on Eiryk's lips he smiled and moved away so they could get decent. To his fiance he said, "Hold those thoughts. We're totally going to revisit that topic."
He figured he could answer the door without drawing too much attention to his physical state, so he crossed the room and opened it, not entirely surprised to see their visitors. He'd had regular knocks on the door by friends, all of them concerned about him one way or another. It was pretty nice to know they cared.
Eiryk
11 years ago
Eiryk only barley noticed the port, really. It was just part of Alex. It was new and so it caught his attention now and then, but he looked at it just like he would if Alex had gotten a tattoo, you either loved it and thought it was sexy or you just moved on. Eiryk was moving on and rather frowned when Alex got selfconscious, but he didn't press the issue, there were other equally delicious parts of Alex to pay attention too.
That and Alex had gotten rather blunt. OK not rather but very. Since it was where his mind was Eiryk chuckled, a low throaty sound. He wondered how Alex would take it if he were to be covered in mead and Eiryk lick every little bit off him. If he couldn't bite, he could still lick, nibble and suck. Then of course that would have to be followed by a hot shower and he had a few ideas about that as well, they had some lovely oils.
But before he could say 'Fuck yes' some one knocked at the door. It didn't immediately penetrate Eiryk's brain what the sound was or what it meant. Alex was moving away though, he made a futile grab for his fiancée but it was too late, and he wound up on the floor for his efforts. Face first. Of course.
Muttering darkly into one of their Persian rugs Eiryk was glad they were at least dressed. He really did like visitors at any time, almost any time, and truly appreciated the number of people who had been stopping by to check on Alex but, damned it, Alex in the mood to screw around was rare these days and he wanted to... it was fairly obvious what he wanted to do actually.
"If that is a floral arrangement send it back. If it is a fruit basket, I'm getting my ax!"
But his moment of temper passed fairly quickly. Eiryk rolled to his back and to his feet, he'd learned a few things from Alex, and wandered to the door. One visitor was more or less expected, the other was a surprise. Looking at the rather petite Asian he felt a bit guilty. Alex had wanted to keep things fairly low key, as a result Eiryk hadn't told Pak anything and had been rather scares on top of that. He probably qualified as a rotten friend, but also figured under the circumstances got a pass as well.
"Yes, you are interrupting but come in any way."
He said cheerfully, from behind Alex who was no slouch in the host department and had also greeted their visitors and invited them in. Eiryk was just saving them all the inevitable question.
"Coffee? Mead? Something else?"
That and Alex had gotten rather blunt. OK not rather but very. Since it was where his mind was Eiryk chuckled, a low throaty sound. He wondered how Alex would take it if he were to be covered in mead and Eiryk lick every little bit off him. If he couldn't bite, he could still lick, nibble and suck. Then of course that would have to be followed by a hot shower and he had a few ideas about that as well, they had some lovely oils.
But before he could say 'Fuck yes' some one knocked at the door. It didn't immediately penetrate Eiryk's brain what the sound was or what it meant. Alex was moving away though, he made a futile grab for his fiancée but it was too late, and he wound up on the floor for his efforts. Face first. Of course.
Muttering darkly into one of their Persian rugs Eiryk was glad they were at least dressed. He really did like visitors at any time, almost any time, and truly appreciated the number of people who had been stopping by to check on Alex but, damned it, Alex in the mood to screw around was rare these days and he wanted to... it was fairly obvious what he wanted to do actually.
"If that is a floral arrangement send it back. If it is a fruit basket, I'm getting my ax!"
But his moment of temper passed fairly quickly. Eiryk rolled to his back and to his feet, he'd learned a few things from Alex, and wandered to the door. One visitor was more or less expected, the other was a surprise. Looking at the rather petite Asian he felt a bit guilty. Alex had wanted to keep things fairly low key, as a result Eiryk hadn't told Pak anything and had been rather scares on top of that. He probably qualified as a rotten friend, but also figured under the circumstances got a pass as well.
"Yes, you are interrupting but come in any way."
He said cheerfully, from behind Alex who was no slouch in the host department and had also greeted their visitors and invited them in. Eiryk was just saving them all the inevitable question.
"Coffee? Mead? Something else?"
Aishe
11 years ago
Aishe and Pak had been chatting as Aishe made rounds. She had gotten the habit from Cris and while he couldn't do it invisibly as he could, she was getting pretty good at being unobtrusive, she'd thought. However, she didn't always need to do it that way so when she'd bumped into her friend she had walked along with her, and then suggested they drop in on Alex and Eiryk together.
Alex opened the door, which was a pleasant surprise. Aishe had stopped by several times in the last few weeks and usually Alex had simply called to her to open the door, laid up on the couch or in his bed. Once or twice, from the bathroom, poor thing.
Aishe smiled at him, loving his expression, which was pain free, nausea free, and tired but happy. She checked his aura out of habit and found herself chuckling softly as Eiryk confirmed what the fading colors of red and pink around Alex told her.
"Sorry, sorry," she apologized. "I just wanted to check on Alex and see how he was. And make sure you knew I was available to bring you to the studio tomorrow."
She stepped inside when they were invited, determined to keep their visit short but eager to tease Eiryk just a little. Reaching up (and up) she hugged Alexander tightly, then did the same to Eiryk. She shook her head at Eiryk's question, wrinkled her nose a little, and then widened her eyes as Alex also shook his head at his partner.
"We have hot chocolate. The real kind," Alex told her with a smile.
"Oooh. That's hard to resist. That's not going to shorten my stay any," she pointed out, more than just a hint of mischief in her grin.
Alex opened the door, which was a pleasant surprise. Aishe had stopped by several times in the last few weeks and usually Alex had simply called to her to open the door, laid up on the couch or in his bed. Once or twice, from the bathroom, poor thing.
Aishe smiled at him, loving his expression, which was pain free, nausea free, and tired but happy. She checked his aura out of habit and found herself chuckling softly as Eiryk confirmed what the fading colors of red and pink around Alex told her.
"Sorry, sorry," she apologized. "I just wanted to check on Alex and see how he was. And make sure you knew I was available to bring you to the studio tomorrow."
She stepped inside when they were invited, determined to keep their visit short but eager to tease Eiryk just a little. Reaching up (and up) she hugged Alexander tightly, then did the same to Eiryk. She shook her head at Eiryk's question, wrinkled her nose a little, and then widened her eyes as Alex also shook his head at his partner.
"We have hot chocolate. The real kind," Alex told her with a smile.
"Oooh. That's hard to resist. That's not going to shorten my stay any," she pointed out, more than just a hint of mischief in her grin.
Pakpao
11 years ago
Pak had been looking for a distraction, she was avoiding a personal problem in IT. She really hated issues with staff, she wasn't very good at them. It was something she generally delegated down the chain, unfortunately this one was far enough up in things that she had to be involved. But luck had been with her and she'd run into Aishe and hadn't so much been asked to join her on rounds, but rather just decided to join her.
The suggestion to visit Alex and Eiryk was quickly seized upon, she hadn't seen or heard from Eiryk much lately. She knew something was going on and he was rather stressed but Pak didn't know why. She wasn't exactly trying to be nosy, but she was faintly worried about the two of them.
Eiryk wasn't exactly shy about things and Pak snickered a bit, but she also made a note to send a fruit basket soon. It wasn't everyday that some one told you exactly what would annoy them. Pak was slightly jealous of Aishe's easy ability to show affection, and hung back giving each of the men a little wave.
"He doesn't really have an ax here does he?"
She asked Alex. It wouldn't surprise her at all if Eiryk did but Pak just couldn't tell.
Alex gave his consent for them to stay a bit by offering chocolate. She'd never known Aishe to turn that down and as Eiryk had already moved into the kitchen she decided that he'd assumed the same. Nothing seemed -too- wrong with either of them, maybe she was concerned over nothing. But she doubted it, Eiryk was just not acting like himself.
"Coffee please."
Eiryk and Kem both made great coffee, much better than she did and it was hard to decline the offer.
Looking between Alex and Eiryk though and deciding that neither she or Aishe would want to over stay their welcome she added.
"You could put both in a 'to go' cup... or we can just bring the mugs back later."
The suggestion to visit Alex and Eiryk was quickly seized upon, she hadn't seen or heard from Eiryk much lately. She knew something was going on and he was rather stressed but Pak didn't know why. She wasn't exactly trying to be nosy, but she was faintly worried about the two of them.
Eiryk wasn't exactly shy about things and Pak snickered a bit, but she also made a note to send a fruit basket soon. It wasn't everyday that some one told you exactly what would annoy them. Pak was slightly jealous of Aishe's easy ability to show affection, and hung back giving each of the men a little wave.
"He doesn't really have an ax here does he?"
She asked Alex. It wouldn't surprise her at all if Eiryk did but Pak just couldn't tell.
Alex gave his consent for them to stay a bit by offering chocolate. She'd never known Aishe to turn that down and as Eiryk had already moved into the kitchen she decided that he'd assumed the same. Nothing seemed -too- wrong with either of them, maybe she was concerned over nothing. But she doubted it, Eiryk was just not acting like himself.
"Coffee please."
Eiryk and Kem both made great coffee, much better than she did and it was hard to decline the offer.
Looking between Alex and Eiryk though and deciding that neither she or Aishe would want to over stay their welcome she added.
"You could put both in a 'to go' cup... or we can just bring the mugs back later."
Alex Aristos
11 years ago
Alex poked a finger at Eiryk playfully. "Behave." Being interrupted wasn't so bad. It would just make it even better later.
He returned Aishe's hug and smiled at Pak; Alexander didn't know her as well as the rest of Eiryk's friends but she seemed all right. He joined Eiryk in the kitchen, getting out a small sauce pan, cocoa powder, milk, and sugar. Aishe watched wide-eyed and Alex turned to Pak to answer her.
"He does have one. A couple, actually. He keeps them out of sight. Something about it ruining the feng shui or some such."
Alex grinned at Pak and returned to measuring milk into the stove. Pak and Eiryk could drink coffee; he and Aishe could have hot chocolate. Aishe was looking mildly concerned.
"I didn't realize that was what you meant," she said. Alex raised his eyebrows and looked down at the pot. Aishe fidgeted, then joined them in the kitchen, steering Alex away from the stove and taking the pot out of his hands. Damn, she was strong. he realized he wasn't at his best but the woman had a grip of steel. Yes, she was a vampire but still - she was young and tiny.
He sat down, bewildered. "I like doing that," he pointed out to her. "I haven't really been doing any cooking lately."
Aishe just smiled at him and looked down at the pot, the measuring spoons, and the whisk. "I want to learn to do this," she said. "Can't I make it, and you sit there and relax and tell me how?"
Alex sighed softly, but he shook his head and smiled at Aishe, glancing at Pak and lifting one shoulder in a shrug. "Okay," he said, "but don't think I don't see past that excuse, either. When I'm better, I'm going to cook you a ten course chocolate feast."
How could he be upset with his friends when they were taking such good care of him? Rowan had already called up this evening to check in on him, and Alex didn't doubt that he would do it again. Cris, too, was bordering on 'hovering' some evenings. And Alex had even seen both the Elders as well. Kem, Alex expected. He'd seen Alfarinn once or twice too, and the Elder always asked after him with some concern. It was soothing, actually, to know people were watching out for him.
He had even received a couple of messages from Marie's vampire, Ysabel. The first had been a short, polite message of sympathy and well-wishes accompanied by a little gift basket. When he'd determined that he wouldn't be able to run his own store, she had sent Marie in with a list of potential (human) hires for him with a promise that they had all checked out personally and financially.
Who knew. Friendly vampires, everywhere.
He returned Aishe's hug and smiled at Pak; Alexander didn't know her as well as the rest of Eiryk's friends but she seemed all right. He joined Eiryk in the kitchen, getting out a small sauce pan, cocoa powder, milk, and sugar. Aishe watched wide-eyed and Alex turned to Pak to answer her.
"He does have one. A couple, actually. He keeps them out of sight. Something about it ruining the feng shui or some such."
Alex grinned at Pak and returned to measuring milk into the stove. Pak and Eiryk could drink coffee; he and Aishe could have hot chocolate. Aishe was looking mildly concerned.
"I didn't realize that was what you meant," she said. Alex raised his eyebrows and looked down at the pot. Aishe fidgeted, then joined them in the kitchen, steering Alex away from the stove and taking the pot out of his hands. Damn, she was strong. he realized he wasn't at his best but the woman had a grip of steel. Yes, she was a vampire but still - she was young and tiny.
He sat down, bewildered. "I like doing that," he pointed out to her. "I haven't really been doing any cooking lately."
Aishe just smiled at him and looked down at the pot, the measuring spoons, and the whisk. "I want to learn to do this," she said. "Can't I make it, and you sit there and relax and tell me how?"
Alex sighed softly, but he shook his head and smiled at Aishe, glancing at Pak and lifting one shoulder in a shrug. "Okay," he said, "but don't think I don't see past that excuse, either. When I'm better, I'm going to cook you a ten course chocolate feast."
How could he be upset with his friends when they were taking such good care of him? Rowan had already called up this evening to check in on him, and Alex didn't doubt that he would do it again. Cris, too, was bordering on 'hovering' some evenings. And Alex had even seen both the Elders as well. Kem, Alex expected. He'd seen Alfarinn once or twice too, and the Elder always asked after him with some concern. It was soothing, actually, to know people were watching out for him.
He had even received a couple of messages from Marie's vampire, Ysabel. The first had been a short, polite message of sympathy and well-wishes accompanied by a little gift basket. When he'd determined that he wouldn't be able to run his own store, she had sent Marie in with a list of potential (human) hires for him with a promise that they had all checked out personally and financially.
Who knew. Friendly vampires, everywhere.
Eiryk
11 years ago
"They just don't fit the aesthetic that is all."
Eiryk said with a bright grin thoroughly enjoying the look on Pak's face which was somewhere between suspicious and stunned. Alex was, of course, being quite honest about the axes but Pak had no way of knowing. She tended to keep more to herself and so probably wasn't quite sure about Alex' sense of humor either.
He was slightly dumbfounded when Aishe maneuvered Alex out of the kitchen. Ordinarily Alex would have fought harder, but he had been letting people take care of him a bit more since this all started.
"Aishe, Aishe, Aishe.... did no one tell you it is seven years bad luck to come between a Greek man and his kitchen?"
But Alex had settled himself outside of the kitchen and was making cooking related threats so Eiryk wasn't worried. He gestured to Pak that she should do the same and she complied. Two people was more than enough in the kitchen at any one time, especially as they were just doing coffee and chocolate.
Making coffee was an art form and Eiryk took pride in doing it with efficacy. He had the beans ground and in the pot brewing quite quickly and with minimal effort. He then quickly found mugs for both hot beverages and set them on a tray to be carried into the living room, or the dinning room, either would be acceptable.
"Although I like that he is threatening to cook. I -knew- something would get him worked up."
Eiryk was rather blind to the opening he'd left there and how worked up they both had been just a few moments ago. Even though they were being polite and sociable it wouldn't take much for them to recapture that state.
Since he couldn't send Pak would either have to nudge him or pick up from the conversation what had been wrong of late. Alex had put a big clue out there, with a giant red flag. Although she didn't keep company with a humans, or vampires for that matter, Pakpao was astute enough to put two and two together and probably be rather tactful about it.
"How are things in security? Secure I hope."
They could pretend this wasn't people quietly checking up on Alex to make sure he was doing OK. In fact, Eiryk preferred that. It got rather draining to listen to people ask Alex how he was doing all the time, he loved the sentiment and appreciated and even encouraged their friends to stop by or call or however they wanted to check in. He just hated the words, they reminded him how sick Alex was and that scared him.
Eiryk said with a bright grin thoroughly enjoying the look on Pak's face which was somewhere between suspicious and stunned. Alex was, of course, being quite honest about the axes but Pak had no way of knowing. She tended to keep more to herself and so probably wasn't quite sure about Alex' sense of humor either.
He was slightly dumbfounded when Aishe maneuvered Alex out of the kitchen. Ordinarily Alex would have fought harder, but he had been letting people take care of him a bit more since this all started.
"Aishe, Aishe, Aishe.... did no one tell you it is seven years bad luck to come between a Greek man and his kitchen?"
But Alex had settled himself outside of the kitchen and was making cooking related threats so Eiryk wasn't worried. He gestured to Pak that she should do the same and she complied. Two people was more than enough in the kitchen at any one time, especially as they were just doing coffee and chocolate.
Making coffee was an art form and Eiryk took pride in doing it with efficacy. He had the beans ground and in the pot brewing quite quickly and with minimal effort. He then quickly found mugs for both hot beverages and set them on a tray to be carried into the living room, or the dinning room, either would be acceptable.
"Although I like that he is threatening to cook. I -knew- something would get him worked up."
Eiryk was rather blind to the opening he'd left there and how worked up they both had been just a few moments ago. Even though they were being polite and sociable it wouldn't take much for them to recapture that state.
Since he couldn't send Pak would either have to nudge him or pick up from the conversation what had been wrong of late. Alex had put a big clue out there, with a giant red flag. Although she didn't keep company with a humans, or vampires for that matter, Pakpao was astute enough to put two and two together and probably be rather tactful about it.
"How are things in security? Secure I hope."
They could pretend this wasn't people quietly checking up on Alex to make sure he was doing OK. In fact, Eiryk preferred that. It got rather draining to listen to people ask Alex how he was doing all the time, he loved the sentiment and appreciated and even encouraged their friends to stop by or call or however they wanted to check in. He just hated the words, they reminded him how sick Alex was and that scared him.
Aishe
11 years ago
Aishe grinned at Eiryk. "He seems to have given me temporary permission. I won't let it go to my head though."
Under Alex's instruction she simmered the milk and then added appropriate amounts of cocoa and sugar. The smell was delicious. "Oh, that is the real stuff," she said to him. "I never tried making it like this at home. I always use a package. Gourmet, of course, but still - this is better."
Alex looked slightly smug as he nodded at her. Aishe glanced at Pak. "You're missing out, sister."
She chuckled at Eiryk and resisted the glaring opening he'd left; no matter how tempting, she just couldn't embarrass Alex. Eiryk, she'd humiliate in a heartbeat - he bounced back from such things with grace and charm and a laugh of his own but Alex's feelings had always been a little more tender.
"Oh security is security," she said with a smile. "With Cris in charge it can't be anything but secure. Though he's planning a wedding of his own. I've caught him humming several times. Even smiling and once, I actually had to ask him a question twice."
To Aishe, these were all good things. Her Creator and his own fiance had been so happy the last few months, it rubbed off on everyone (especially from Rowan, the glamourer... it actually did rub off). She was slightly distracted once more by Alex, fetching heavy cream, a small bowl, and a whisk. He put them down next to her with a little grin. "If you're going to make it you get to make all of it," he said.
And then he directed her to pour the cream into the bowl and whisk it quickly. While tending to the cocoa in the pot. Aishe had definitely never whipped cream before. She'd thought it should always come out of a can. "I don't see how this will work," she said, pausing in her whisking.
Alex simply sat back on his stool at the bar-top counter and crossed his arms, making a little 'continue' gesture with his finger. He had to have gotten that from Cris.
Under Alex's instruction she simmered the milk and then added appropriate amounts of cocoa and sugar. The smell was delicious. "Oh, that is the real stuff," she said to him. "I never tried making it like this at home. I always use a package. Gourmet, of course, but still - this is better."
Alex looked slightly smug as he nodded at her. Aishe glanced at Pak. "You're missing out, sister."
She chuckled at Eiryk and resisted the glaring opening he'd left; no matter how tempting, she just couldn't embarrass Alex. Eiryk, she'd humiliate in a heartbeat - he bounced back from such things with grace and charm and a laugh of his own but Alex's feelings had always been a little more tender.
"Oh security is security," she said with a smile. "With Cris in charge it can't be anything but secure. Though he's planning a wedding of his own. I've caught him humming several times. Even smiling and once, I actually had to ask him a question twice."
To Aishe, these were all good things. Her Creator and his own fiance had been so happy the last few months, it rubbed off on everyone (especially from Rowan, the glamourer... it actually did rub off). She was slightly distracted once more by Alex, fetching heavy cream, a small bowl, and a whisk. He put them down next to her with a little grin. "If you're going to make it you get to make all of it," he said.
And then he directed her to pour the cream into the bowl and whisk it quickly. While tending to the cocoa in the pot. Aishe had definitely never whipped cream before. She'd thought it should always come out of a can. "I don't see how this will work," she said, pausing in her whisking.
Alex simply sat back on his stool at the bar-top counter and crossed his arms, making a little 'continue' gesture with his finger. He had to have gotten that from Cris.
Pakpao
11 years ago
The chocolate was considerably more complicated than Pak had anticipated. She'd seen it done this way, of course, but really hadn't thought Alex would go to that trouble. No one did, not any more, not in her experience. It did smell tempting.
"I'm considering changing my mind."
She conceded, not that she would but it was a very tantalizing aroma.
Alex had said something about when he was better and so Pak looked at him as if she could see him being sick. Although not an expert she could, or imagined she could, see some sings of stress, wear and tear as it were. It would certainly explain Eiryk's absence of late.
[Alex is sick?]
Pak quietly queered her friend. Eiryk didn't even bat an eyelash at the small private conversation but continued chatting pleasantly with Aishe.
[Yeah... cancer. He hasn't wanted to advertise it. I should have said something to you though.]
Eiryk sounded rather regretful, but Pak brushed it off.
[Damned. I'm sorry. Don't worry about it, let me know if I can help.]
[Thanks.]
Eiryk was almost always happy, but shed never seen him as happy as with Alexander. She'd ask for more details later, for now it was enough to know what was going on. She really would sent that fruit basket now and find out what one did for a cancer patient. She just didn't know. That not knowing, made Pak feel old for a second. She wasn't three hundred yet and already she was removed from humanity.
The comments about their chief of security, who Pak didn't know that well, were interesting but she didn't feel she could respond to them. She just hoped Eiryk would. This was interesting. For all she could, and often did, appear rather cold and closed off, safely hidden behind her subterfuge, Christian was something else. She respected him a great deal, but was slightly intimidated by the man as well.
"It works." She assured Aishe instead. "The extra fat in the cream mixes with the air trapping the bubbles in the cream's network of fat droplets."
Pak answered without thinking about it. She liked Alton Brown, she wasn't much of a gourmet or big on cooking but had stumbled across his show and liked the amount of science he added.
"I'm considering changing my mind."
She conceded, not that she would but it was a very tantalizing aroma.
Alex had said something about when he was better and so Pak looked at him as if she could see him being sick. Although not an expert she could, or imagined she could, see some sings of stress, wear and tear as it were. It would certainly explain Eiryk's absence of late.
[Alex is sick?]
Pak quietly queered her friend. Eiryk didn't even bat an eyelash at the small private conversation but continued chatting pleasantly with Aishe.
[Yeah... cancer. He hasn't wanted to advertise it. I should have said something to you though.]
Eiryk sounded rather regretful, but Pak brushed it off.
[Damned. I'm sorry. Don't worry about it, let me know if I can help.]
[Thanks.]
Eiryk was almost always happy, but shed never seen him as happy as with Alexander. She'd ask for more details later, for now it was enough to know what was going on. She really would sent that fruit basket now and find out what one did for a cancer patient. She just didn't know. That not knowing, made Pak feel old for a second. She wasn't three hundred yet and already she was removed from humanity.
The comments about their chief of security, who Pak didn't know that well, were interesting but she didn't feel she could respond to them. She just hoped Eiryk would. This was interesting. For all she could, and often did, appear rather cold and closed off, safely hidden behind her subterfuge, Christian was something else. She respected him a great deal, but was slightly intimidated by the man as well.
"It works." She assured Aishe instead. "The extra fat in the cream mixes with the air trapping the bubbles in the cream's network of fat droplets."
Pak answered without thinking about it. She liked Alton Brown, she wasn't much of a gourmet or big on cooking but had stumbled across his show and liked the amount of science he added.
Alex Aristos
11 years ago
Alex laughed softly about Eiryk's comment about getting him worked up. Plenty of things got him worked up, and yes, often having someone else in his kitchen was one of those things. Tonight he was happy to let Aishe do it if that's what she wanted. He looked for any signs of reluctance but she actually did seem happy to be learning something new.
Pak said she might change her mind and Alex smiled at her. "There's enough for two," he said, tacitly informing her she was welcome to his, He didn't particularly need it but he would probably enjoy cocoa more than coffee at this point. If Pak really wanted hot chocolate instead, Alex would be just as happy to sip some more ginger ale. His stomach was fine, but why push it?
He did observe Aishe with some jealousy. She was whipping cream with no sign of her arm growing even the tiniest bit tired. When she asked about the process he was about to answer when Pak surprisingly jumped in with it. Alex leaned back on his chair, raised his eyebrows, and whistled at her.
"Wow, bonus points for being a vampire foodie," he said.
He liked the atmosphere in their home right now. He was definitely learning to appreciate nights like these, when so many of his recent ones had been far far worse. Maybe next time he was feeling well enough, he and Eiryk could see if Rowan and Cris were free. They hadn't had a good get-together in weeks. Maybe even more than a month. Oh they'd all seen each other, but it was always a 'checking in on the sick human' thing and Alex would actually enjoy hanging out with his other friends some.
Pak said she might change her mind and Alex smiled at her. "There's enough for two," he said, tacitly informing her she was welcome to his, He didn't particularly need it but he would probably enjoy cocoa more than coffee at this point. If Pak really wanted hot chocolate instead, Alex would be just as happy to sip some more ginger ale. His stomach was fine, but why push it?
He did observe Aishe with some jealousy. She was whipping cream with no sign of her arm growing even the tiniest bit tired. When she asked about the process he was about to answer when Pak surprisingly jumped in with it. Alex leaned back on his chair, raised his eyebrows, and whistled at her.
"Wow, bonus points for being a vampire foodie," he said.
He liked the atmosphere in their home right now. He was definitely learning to appreciate nights like these, when so many of his recent ones had been far far worse. Maybe next time he was feeling well enough, he and Eiryk could see if Rowan and Cris were free. They hadn't had a good get-together in weeks. Maybe even more than a month. Oh they'd all seen each other, but it was always a 'checking in on the sick human' thing and Alex would actually enjoy hanging out with his other friends some.
Eiryk
11 years ago
Eiryk appreciated the offer Pak had made and knew she was serious when she made it, but he was more grateful that she'd kept the discussion about things to a minimum and didn't say anything aloud.
Aishe was working quite well under Alex' guidance and he couldn't help but grin. Maybe his love needed to do more cooking with people and less for people. He seemed to enjoy it.
"Oh? Now my coffee isn't good enough for you? No sir missy coffee you asked for and coffee you shall have. And how in the world do you know that?"
He said quite firmly protecting Alex' coco. The more calories they could get in Alex while he was feeling well the better and it went without saying there was more to be had in coco than coffee.
Disbelief was the order of the day when Aishe reported on her boss.
"Humming? Distracted? Our Christian? Are you sure that he isn't a zombie or a pod person? Maybe the Towers aren't as secure as we all think."
There was no way he was going to -not- tease Cris about this the next time he saw the man. Not that he blamed Cris for being distracted, a little thing like being in love and a wedding could do that to a person.
"I should probably prod Rue about their plans. I might need some recommendations."
Some of the wedding items Eiryk had -excellent- connections for, some he didn't quite know where to start. He wouldn't mind a recommendation or two. Although, if they were going to have their own ceremony in Vermont it might not matter.
"Neither one of them is telling me anything. I think they are afraid I'll try and plan it or something..."
It rankled Eiryk slightly being left out of the loop, but such a mild minimal irritation that even he didn't really notice it and didn't say anything about it. Honestly, half the fun of getting married was all the work that went into it, planning it and making sure that it was how you wanted it to be. There was no challenge or enjoyment in sitting back and letting someone else do all the work and make all the decisions. Still, he might send a toile bedspread or something as a wedding present just because...
Aishe was working quite well under Alex' guidance and he couldn't help but grin. Maybe his love needed to do more cooking with people and less for people. He seemed to enjoy it.
"Oh? Now my coffee isn't good enough for you? No sir missy coffee you asked for and coffee you shall have. And how in the world do you know that?"
He said quite firmly protecting Alex' coco. The more calories they could get in Alex while he was feeling well the better and it went without saying there was more to be had in coco than coffee.
Disbelief was the order of the day when Aishe reported on her boss.
"Humming? Distracted? Our Christian? Are you sure that he isn't a zombie or a pod person? Maybe the Towers aren't as secure as we all think."
There was no way he was going to -not- tease Cris about this the next time he saw the man. Not that he blamed Cris for being distracted, a little thing like being in love and a wedding could do that to a person.
"I should probably prod Rue about their plans. I might need some recommendations."
Some of the wedding items Eiryk had -excellent- connections for, some he didn't quite know where to start. He wouldn't mind a recommendation or two. Although, if they were going to have their own ceremony in Vermont it might not matter.
"Neither one of them is telling me anything. I think they are afraid I'll try and plan it or something..."
It rankled Eiryk slightly being left out of the loop, but such a mild minimal irritation that even he didn't really notice it and didn't say anything about it. Honestly, half the fun of getting married was all the work that went into it, planning it and making sure that it was how you wanted it to be. There was no challenge or enjoyment in sitting back and letting someone else do all the work and make all the decisions. Still, he might send a toile bedspread or something as a wedding present just because...
Aishe
11 years ago
Aishe was happy enough to keep whipping the cream and watching the hot chocolate. It was bubbling gently. Alex reminded her to stir it now and then, and that the same whisk was just fine. So between those two tasks she was pleasantly occupied.
Meanwhile, she did not miss the fact that Eiryk was making sure the calorie-laden hot chocolate went Alex's way. "How about I put some cocoa in your coffee and make it a mocha, Pak? There's plenty of whipped cream too. You can have the best of both worlds."
That was the only way to drink coffee, in Aishe's opinion... with chocolate in it. She nodded at Eiryk when he did a little double-take at her statements, snorting at the idea that he might slack on security because he was in love. Cris didn't know how to slack off. And even if there was a lazy inattentive molecule in his body, that molecule was going to be vigilant for the sheer reason that his beloved Rowan lived in the Towers. Nope, no way there was any insecurity in Security.
Looking down into the bowl she noticed that it was definitely thicker. "Cool," she said with some surprise. She held it out to Alex for inspection. He dipped a spoon in, tasted it, and nodded at her. Then under his direction she added sugar and a little bit of vanilla extract then whipped a little bit more. It smelled wonderful, and it looked nice and fluffy. She was excited. She'd never had real whipped cream before.
Finally she poured the chocolate from the pot into two mugs, adding a generous dollop of whipped cream to each and a tiny sprinkle of cocoa. "It almost looks too pretty to drink," she said.
Alex shook his head at her and proved her wrong by drinking some with a little 'ah' of pleasure. Aishe did the same, making an involuntary little yummy noise of her own. She put her cup down briefly and raised her brows at Alex.
"That's it. I'm going to be forever spoiled after this."
Meanwhile, she did not miss the fact that Eiryk was making sure the calorie-laden hot chocolate went Alex's way. "How about I put some cocoa in your coffee and make it a mocha, Pak? There's plenty of whipped cream too. You can have the best of both worlds."
That was the only way to drink coffee, in Aishe's opinion... with chocolate in it. She nodded at Eiryk when he did a little double-take at her statements, snorting at the idea that he might slack on security because he was in love. Cris didn't know how to slack off. And even if there was a lazy inattentive molecule in his body, that molecule was going to be vigilant for the sheer reason that his beloved Rowan lived in the Towers. Nope, no way there was any insecurity in Security.
Looking down into the bowl she noticed that it was definitely thicker. "Cool," she said with some surprise. She held it out to Alex for inspection. He dipped a spoon in, tasted it, and nodded at her. Then under his direction she added sugar and a little bit of vanilla extract then whipped a little bit more. It smelled wonderful, and it looked nice and fluffy. She was excited. She'd never had real whipped cream before.
Finally she poured the chocolate from the pot into two mugs, adding a generous dollop of whipped cream to each and a tiny sprinkle of cocoa. "It almost looks too pretty to drink," she said.
Alex shook his head at her and proved her wrong by drinking some with a little 'ah' of pleasure. Aishe did the same, making an involuntary little yummy noise of her own. She put her cup down briefly and raised her brows at Alex.
"That's it. I'm going to be forever spoiled after this."
Pakpao
11 years ago
"You will -not- be doing any such thing! Heathen!"
Eiryk vehemently protested the butchering of his coffee making Pak giggle, which wasn't a common sound. Before Eiryk could get around to threatening to throw Aishe out into a snow storm she declined.
"No thanks. I'll just remember for next time."
That was apparently enough to sooth the savage viking who poured their coffee about the same time Aishe finished up the chocolate. She inhaled deeply and enjoyed. It was smooth and rich and so much better than the crap they had in IT, which wasn't actually crap it just wasn't -this- good, there was no comparison.
"Have you two made any plans?"
Pak asked figuring that a wedding was a fairly safe topic and one Eiryk would very much enjoy.
"If you need any help hitting him on the head or keeping him in line let me know."
Knowing full well how Eiryk could be Pak offered that assistance to Alex. She suspected under the circumstances Alex might need some help if it came to physically restraining Eiryk, not that Alex wouldn't have other means of distracting and persuading the blond. Pak, however, opted not to consider those methods.
Aishe looked far -far- too pleased with the chocolate.
"Am I going to have to drag you out of here or should we just steal the recipe?"
She teased. It was cute how her friend had maintained her love of chocolate after being turned. Pak rather hoped that she'd never lose it, it was such a simple thing, but it seemed very important.
Eiryk vehemently protested the butchering of his coffee making Pak giggle, which wasn't a common sound. Before Eiryk could get around to threatening to throw Aishe out into a snow storm she declined.
"No thanks. I'll just remember for next time."
That was apparently enough to sooth the savage viking who poured their coffee about the same time Aishe finished up the chocolate. She inhaled deeply and enjoyed. It was smooth and rich and so much better than the crap they had in IT, which wasn't actually crap it just wasn't -this- good, there was no comparison.
"Have you two made any plans?"
Pak asked figuring that a wedding was a fairly safe topic and one Eiryk would very much enjoy.
"If you need any help hitting him on the head or keeping him in line let me know."
Knowing full well how Eiryk could be Pak offered that assistance to Alex. She suspected under the circumstances Alex might need some help if it came to physically restraining Eiryk, not that Alex wouldn't have other means of distracting and persuading the blond. Pak, however, opted not to consider those methods.
Aishe looked far -far- too pleased with the chocolate.
"Am I going to have to drag you out of here or should we just steal the recipe?"
She teased. It was cute how her friend had maintained her love of chocolate after being turned. Pak rather hoped that she'd never lose it, it was such a simple thing, but it seemed very important.
Alex Aristos
11 years ago
Alex blinked slowly at Eiryk. "You need recommendations? For planning your wedding, huh?"
He knew Eiryk hadn't meant anything by it, but just because Alex didn't have anyone very special to invite himself didn't mean he didn't want a say in what went on. Eiryk could plan most of it... but Alex wouldn't mind having a little bit of an opinion. Twenty percent, tops. His words hadn't been spoken harshly; just a hint of sarcasm and mostly amusement.
At least Pak included Alex in the planning of the wedding; when she asked, he just lifted one shoulder. "We have a few things in mind. But we were thinking of having the wedding in Vermont."
He didn't have any issues divulging that information; it wasn't like it was a big secret although he wasn't sure how many of their friends realized they now owned their vacation cabin.
"Everyone should be able to fit," he said. "I don't actually have anyone to invite that Eiryk wouldn't already have on his list. None of my family would be caught dead at my wedding."
Alex shrugged, accepting a cup of cocoa from Aishe and ignoring her expression. It mirrored the one he saw frequently on Eiryk's face whenever his family came up, although he'd never seen Aishe look murderous. That was new.
He grinned at Pak's offer to beat sense into Eiryk, too. "Really, he's been very good. He listens to reason pretty well."
Most of the time. Alex smiled at Eiryk, blew him a little kiss, and then took a sip of his hot cocoa. "Oh, nice job Aishe. It's good."
He knew Eiryk hadn't meant anything by it, but just because Alex didn't have anyone very special to invite himself didn't mean he didn't want a say in what went on. Eiryk could plan most of it... but Alex wouldn't mind having a little bit of an opinion. Twenty percent, tops. His words hadn't been spoken harshly; just a hint of sarcasm and mostly amusement.
At least Pak included Alex in the planning of the wedding; when she asked, he just lifted one shoulder. "We have a few things in mind. But we were thinking of having the wedding in Vermont."
He didn't have any issues divulging that information; it wasn't like it was a big secret although he wasn't sure how many of their friends realized they now owned their vacation cabin.
"Everyone should be able to fit," he said. "I don't actually have anyone to invite that Eiryk wouldn't already have on his list. None of my family would be caught dead at my wedding."
Alex shrugged, accepting a cup of cocoa from Aishe and ignoring her expression. It mirrored the one he saw frequently on Eiryk's face whenever his family came up, although he'd never seen Aishe look murderous. That was new.
He grinned at Pak's offer to beat sense into Eiryk, too. "Really, he's been very good. He listens to reason pretty well."
Most of the time. Alex smiled at Eiryk, blew him a little kiss, and then took a sip of his hot cocoa. "Oh, nice job Aishe. It's good."
Eiryk
11 years ago
Eiryk had the good manners and good sense to look slightly abashed when Alex needled him a little bit. He certainly hadn't meant to cut Alex out of the decision making process and absolutely expected Alex to make the big decisions with him, or at least smack him when he'd run off and made them without any consultation at all. He leaned over and kissed Alex softly on the cheek by way of apology, but now turned things into a joke.
"Look at this, one toe out of line and he's Groomzilla. I'm not sure how -we'll- get anything done."
He grinned like an idiot when Alex announced their very recent decision to have the wedding in Vermont. Apparently they had made a decision together. They might not have a date or a minister and he might be shy a ring yet but they'd officially made a start. Next, maybe cake tasting... oh wait, no best to wait until Alex' appetite was a little more consistent.
"Oh we'll rent the whole damned place out for a weekend if we have to. It will be fine."
Catching Aishe's expression, which was much like his own just at that moment Eiryk nodded. If it wouldn't absolutely ruin the day Eiryk was half tempted to kidnap Alex' 'family' and tie them to chairs, force them to witness their boy, a son they didn't deserve, being happy. And if they didn't like it he would explain more forcefully.
"Hey!"
Pak and Alex distracted him from his rather murderous thoughts by talking about him behind his back. Well right in front of him, but the principle was quite the same.
"I listen perfectly well. I just might not always accept the suggestions made in my general direction..."
Honestly Alex was very good at gently nudging him away from whatever obsession he might be dealing with and back to looking at the big picture. Slow and steady won the race, and failing that a frying pan to the head seemed to work just as well.
"Look at this, one toe out of line and he's Groomzilla. I'm not sure how -we'll- get anything done."
He grinned like an idiot when Alex announced their very recent decision to have the wedding in Vermont. Apparently they had made a decision together. They might not have a date or a minister and he might be shy a ring yet but they'd officially made a start. Next, maybe cake tasting... oh wait, no best to wait until Alex' appetite was a little more consistent.
"Oh we'll rent the whole damned place out for a weekend if we have to. It will be fine."
Catching Aishe's expression, which was much like his own just at that moment Eiryk nodded. If it wouldn't absolutely ruin the day Eiryk was half tempted to kidnap Alex' 'family' and tie them to chairs, force them to witness their boy, a son they didn't deserve, being happy. And if they didn't like it he would explain more forcefully.
"Hey!"
Pak and Alex distracted him from his rather murderous thoughts by talking about him behind his back. Well right in front of him, but the principle was quite the same.
"I listen perfectly well. I just might not always accept the suggestions made in my general direction..."
Honestly Alex was very good at gently nudging him away from whatever obsession he might be dealing with and back to looking at the big picture. Slow and steady won the race, and failing that a frying pan to the head seemed to work just as well.
Aishe
11 years ago
Aishe smiled at Pak. "No need," she said. "I have Alex's stamp of approval so I'm armed and ready to go out into the world with my new hot chocolate strategy."
The discussion turned to wedding talk, which was a good thing. Aside from the mention of Alexander's family, this was a topic that made everyone happy. Aishe glanced at Eiryk and noted he too seemed none too pleased with Alex's biological people. Aishe had a hard time referring to them as family, honestly. And Eiryk probably knew much more about them; she couldn't imagine Alex being more open with her than he was with Eiryk. Since the Viking still looked like he'd like to go after them with an ax, Aishe felt certain that the few things she knew weren't just little foibles.
Well, they would be Alex's family. As far as Aishe knew, none of Alex's humans even knew he was sick. He hadn't spoken to them in well over a year, and the last time he had, his father had told him they'd only loaned him money for his store so he would leave and stay away. That had to be a tremendous blow, but he seemed to be holding up reasonably well. All the more reason, though, to love him and love him. It was a good thing he was with Eiryk, who never seemed to really hide any emotions... Alex had to feel loved.
"Oooh. We all get to go see the infamous cabin?" She couldn't help feeling excited about it. They'd both told her about their vacation home and it sounded gorgeous.
Aishe exchanged glances with Pak. "You realize if it's winter, we're going to have to see Egypt on Ice again," she said sourly.
Before Eiryk or Alex could ask for clarification she gave it to them. "Kem," she explained. "For a guy who grew up fifteen hundred years ago in the desert he sure knows how to ice skate. And ski. And snowboard. maybe we can find a winter sport he doesn't do well and practice it so we don't look like complete idiots again."
Her tone was jealous but her lips curved into a smile and her eyes danced merrily; she remembered skating with her friends very well and honestly, Kem had been fun to watch. He bore the teasing with his usual good humor, making a few cracks here and there about harsh winters in Egypt and regaling them with fictitious stories about how they used to go ice skating on the Nile.
The discussion turned to wedding talk, which was a good thing. Aside from the mention of Alexander's family, this was a topic that made everyone happy. Aishe glanced at Eiryk and noted he too seemed none too pleased with Alex's biological people. Aishe had a hard time referring to them as family, honestly. And Eiryk probably knew much more about them; she couldn't imagine Alex being more open with her than he was with Eiryk. Since the Viking still looked like he'd like to go after them with an ax, Aishe felt certain that the few things she knew weren't just little foibles.
Well, they would be Alex's family. As far as Aishe knew, none of Alex's humans even knew he was sick. He hadn't spoken to them in well over a year, and the last time he had, his father had told him they'd only loaned him money for his store so he would leave and stay away. That had to be a tremendous blow, but he seemed to be holding up reasonably well. All the more reason, though, to love him and love him. It was a good thing he was with Eiryk, who never seemed to really hide any emotions... Alex had to feel loved.
"Oooh. We all get to go see the infamous cabin?" She couldn't help feeling excited about it. They'd both told her about their vacation home and it sounded gorgeous.
Aishe exchanged glances with Pak. "You realize if it's winter, we're going to have to see Egypt on Ice again," she said sourly.
Before Eiryk or Alex could ask for clarification she gave it to them. "Kem," she explained. "For a guy who grew up fifteen hundred years ago in the desert he sure knows how to ice skate. And ski. And snowboard. maybe we can find a winter sport he doesn't do well and practice it so we don't look like complete idiots again."
Her tone was jealous but her lips curved into a smile and her eyes danced merrily; she remembered skating with her friends very well and honestly, Kem had been fun to watch. He bore the teasing with his usual good humor, making a few cracks here and there about harsh winters in Egypt and regaling them with fictitious stories about how they used to go ice skating on the Nile.
Pakpao
11 years ago
"Good then you can make it for me the next time I wander over to your place.â€
Pak didn't often go visiting, almost never without an invitation. The only exception to that rule was Kem and Aishe. For better or worse she was comfortable enough with them that Pak had very few qualms just turning up on their door step. Although she did try and ask or give some kind of warning, as Alex and Eiryk had just proven sometimes you didn't want to interrupt. Not that either man seemed worse the wear for she and Aishe stopping by.
Observing the expression on both Aishe and Eiryk's faces it wasn't hard to determine Alex' family was a very sore spot. She made note not to bring it up and wondered about the details. Having been ripped away from her own human family Pak simply couldn't fathom why anyone would voluntarily throw relatives away, cut them out of their lives. It was, in her opinion, contemptible. At least her husband had had a reason, it wasn't a great reason but he'd had one. What could Alex' family possibly be holding against him? He sure didn't seem like a mass murderer or anything.
Aishe seemed excited about seeing the place in Vermont and she would admit to being curious.
"Are you sure we can even call it a cabin?â€
Eiryk had told her something about it and it didn't sounds like something you'd find out in the woods in the middle of nowhere. It sounded down right posh. Before she could say more though Aishe mentioned winter and Kem's odd knack for winter sports and she groaned.
"At least he doesn't charge for tickets.†She snarked slightly. "Just skate next to me and you'll look like Michelle Kwan and you know it.â€
Pak had no talent at all for winter sports and didn't much like the cold. If they did have a winter wedding maybe she'd just stay inside by the fire and watch people. It was hard to move wearing three heavy coats and five pairs of gloves. Besides, her feet got cold and wet and she hated that.
"Are you sure you two don't want to do autumn in New England? The leaves are really very pretty and you can still have a fire in the fire place and I won't double as an ice sculpture.â€
That was as close to begging as Pak would get and honestly she didn't mind. For Eiryk and Alex she'd freeze to death and do it with minimal complaining, even that complaining she'd direct at people other than the happy couple.
Pak didn't often go visiting, almost never without an invitation. The only exception to that rule was Kem and Aishe. For better or worse she was comfortable enough with them that Pak had very few qualms just turning up on their door step. Although she did try and ask or give some kind of warning, as Alex and Eiryk had just proven sometimes you didn't want to interrupt. Not that either man seemed worse the wear for she and Aishe stopping by.
Observing the expression on both Aishe and Eiryk's faces it wasn't hard to determine Alex' family was a very sore spot. She made note not to bring it up and wondered about the details. Having been ripped away from her own human family Pak simply couldn't fathom why anyone would voluntarily throw relatives away, cut them out of their lives. It was, in her opinion, contemptible. At least her husband had had a reason, it wasn't a great reason but he'd had one. What could Alex' family possibly be holding against him? He sure didn't seem like a mass murderer or anything.
Aishe seemed excited about seeing the place in Vermont and she would admit to being curious.
"Are you sure we can even call it a cabin?â€
Eiryk had told her something about it and it didn't sounds like something you'd find out in the woods in the middle of nowhere. It sounded down right posh. Before she could say more though Aishe mentioned winter and Kem's odd knack for winter sports and she groaned.
"At least he doesn't charge for tickets.†She snarked slightly. "Just skate next to me and you'll look like Michelle Kwan and you know it.â€
Pak had no talent at all for winter sports and didn't much like the cold. If they did have a winter wedding maybe she'd just stay inside by the fire and watch people. It was hard to move wearing three heavy coats and five pairs of gloves. Besides, her feet got cold and wet and she hated that.
"Are you sure you two don't want to do autumn in New England? The leaves are really very pretty and you can still have a fire in the fire place and I won't double as an ice sculpture.â€
That was as close to begging as Pak would get and honestly she didn't mind. For Eiryk and Alex she'd freeze to death and do it with minimal complaining, even that complaining she'd direct at people other than the happy couple.