Alex shook his head modestly at the applause from their guests. He really had caught the spoon so neatly only by accident, and he had been aware of a potential misfire with it because he was encouraging it with his hand. Well, he supposed that and because Eiryk was Eiryk no matter what Alex was doing under the tablecloth.
"Is that so?" Alex grinned back at Eiryk. "How unusual. Thank goodness they realized how unsuitable spoons were for the purpose."
He kept his hand on Eiryk's leg, tempted to continue his bad behavior but he'd only just convinced himself to be good... he had to at least mind himself for a little while before falling off the wagon.
As Eiryk jested about his own cooking and then commented on Alex, Alex laughed softly. He wasn't going to let Eiryk get away with that regardless of how much he deserved it. Alex's natural response to things like this was sarcasm, and that served him in good stead now.
"Barefoot is just natural," he said, quirking an eyebrow up at Eiryk, "and of course I'll be in the kitchen. If I did leave the cooking to you, we'd starve."
He gave a little melodramatic sigh. "You should tell them about the game hens."
"Oh yeah," Michaela said, "tell us about the game hens."
Everyone at the table looked at Eiryk expectantly, including Alex.
A Nice Dinner... Maybe (Attn: Alex)
It was supposed to be a nice evening. Just a quiet dinner, with Alex a few of his senior designers and some of his best clients. Eiryk had reserved a private room at a very new Italian restaurant that was getting rave reviews. He was quite looking forwarded to trying everything and wanted the night to be just perfect for everyone.
He'd been involved with the décor so that was, of course, perfect. It seamlessly blended Old World Italian with modern European design with just a pinch of camp, just enough to make you smile when you noticed a subtle detail. He was quite proud of the flow too, this didn't feel like a restaurant it felt cozy and intimate. It was two of the other designers on his staff that deserved massive praise though. The acoustics were amazing, this would -never- be a noisy restaurant. Eiryk was so fascinated by that he'd been doing a great deal of reading about it and had been experimenting in their apartment. Of course, moving things around at home also meant he'd been falling flat on his face more than usual, but such was the price of learning and he'd not broken any of the furniture, only his wrist... once.
But he was looking forward to showing everything off to Alex. OK and he was also looking forward to showing Alex off, the place was more than a bit up scale so one did have to dress and he loved the look of Alex in a suit. It was just like a Christmas present and Eiryk was having a hard time not drooling or visibly licking his lips.
He also had a ring in his pocket. Eiryk still hadn't talked to Alex about getting hitched and he wasn't sure he would tonight, but as he had been for some time now, he did have the ring. Seriously, it had been easier to explain the vampire thing, it had been after Alex had accidentally tried to roast him any way. Eiryk was starting to realize when it came to Alex he had a lot of trouble -starting- important conversations.
After half falling out of the car as the valet took it Eiryk very casually walked over to Alex and straightened his partner's collar. Not because it was crooked, but because he could.
"I hear the mussels are excellent.â€
He said, completely forgetting his allergy, again, that or he was possibly not talking about seafood. It was anyone's guess. They were a bit early so they could greet everyone as they came in and to ensure that the maître d' had made all the necessary arrangements. But until others joined them he got to flirt shamelessly. He'd probably flirt after their guests arrived too, but it would be a touch more discreet.
Alex Aristos
12 years ago
Eiryk
12 years ago
Eiryk gave Alex his best 'I'm old and I was there' sort of look but he was fairly certain he'd not been any where near Kitty Hawk or even the North American continent at the time. He'd have to check his journals to be sure though, it could be very difficult to keep track of when you were where after so many years. He would, however, never forget when and when he was with Alex, not if he lived to be ten thousand. He frowned momentarily thinking of a time without Alex, but didn't let himself dwell on it.
It was easy enough to fall back into a light hearted mood and smile sheepishly at Alex's casual, and completely accurate, bashing of his culinary skills. He noticed Kyle's date subtly needling him and Michaela giving John the same kind of jab. Apparently having one half of a pair being less than able in the kitchen was not uncommon.
He laughed at the expectant looks and shook his head. It was slightly embarrassing but Eiryk didn't mind telling a story against himself.
"It really was Alex's fault.†Two could play this game after all. "It was... what our third date? Fifth? At any rater I thought it would be a lovely romantic dinner and well I had some problems with the recipe. Step two for instance just didn't make sense and once Alex had rescued me from that there was a bit of an issue with the timer, like we didn't hear it, and the oven temperature being set to something just short of volcanic.â€
He chuckled at the memory of the timer and the smoke alarm and the smoke. It really was amusing in retrospect.
"It is a minor miracle that the towers didn't burn to the ground.â€
Glenn laughed aloud and dis make a quiet comment that he was glad he hadn't loved there at the time. "I had no idea some of my neighbors were so dangerous.â€
It was easy enough to fall back into a light hearted mood and smile sheepishly at Alex's casual, and completely accurate, bashing of his culinary skills. He noticed Kyle's date subtly needling him and Michaela giving John the same kind of jab. Apparently having one half of a pair being less than able in the kitchen was not uncommon.
He laughed at the expectant looks and shook his head. It was slightly embarrassing but Eiryk didn't mind telling a story against himself.
"It really was Alex's fault.†Two could play this game after all. "It was... what our third date? Fifth? At any rater I thought it would be a lovely romantic dinner and well I had some problems with the recipe. Step two for instance just didn't make sense and once Alex had rescued me from that there was a bit of an issue with the timer, like we didn't hear it, and the oven temperature being set to something just short of volcanic.â€
He chuckled at the memory of the timer and the smoke alarm and the smoke. It really was amusing in retrospect.
"It is a minor miracle that the towers didn't burn to the ground.â€
Glenn laughed aloud and dis make a quiet comment that he was glad he hadn't loved there at the time. "I had no idea some of my neighbors were so dangerous.â€
Alex Aristos
12 years ago
Alex looked at Eiryk with wide, incredulous eyes when his partner tried to outright blame the game hen disaster on him.
"Are you smoking something?" he asked with a grin. He turned to look at the rest of their companions. "He thought he needed to impress me my first time over to his apartment, so he bit off way more than he could chew and didn't admit he'd never actually cooked before."
Alex glanced back at Eiryk, not managing to feel horribly guilty about defending himself.
"He set the oven to preheat by turning it to 475, not turning it down, and then didn't even know what the timer on his own oven sounded like. I refuse to take the blame for it. My only role was as a distraction."
He wiggled his eyebrows at Eiryk a few times. He wouldn't have teased Eiryk by making light of their first dinner if they hadn't both laughed about it many times since then. He honestly didn't mean to hurt Eiryk's feelings, but they had been together long enough that Alex didn't think this particular occasion would do that. It was, he thought, more of a good memory for them both. He remembered leaving Eiryk's apartment with a promise he'd fulfilled the next evening, and look at them now... they had been living together for several months now and Alex had never been so happy.
He did do what he could to help Eiryk save face though. "To be fair, though, the big success of the evening was the mead and Eiryk is completely responsible for that. It was delicious. We just drank it with omelets instead of chicken. No harm, no, uh, fowl."
He ducked his head at his shameless pun, but it drew a laugh and a groan from their company.
"Are you smoking something?" he asked with a grin. He turned to look at the rest of their companions. "He thought he needed to impress me my first time over to his apartment, so he bit off way more than he could chew and didn't admit he'd never actually cooked before."
Alex glanced back at Eiryk, not managing to feel horribly guilty about defending himself.
"He set the oven to preheat by turning it to 475, not turning it down, and then didn't even know what the timer on his own oven sounded like. I refuse to take the blame for it. My only role was as a distraction."
He wiggled his eyebrows at Eiryk a few times. He wouldn't have teased Eiryk by making light of their first dinner if they hadn't both laughed about it many times since then. He honestly didn't mean to hurt Eiryk's feelings, but they had been together long enough that Alex didn't think this particular occasion would do that. It was, he thought, more of a good memory for them both. He remembered leaving Eiryk's apartment with a promise he'd fulfilled the next evening, and look at them now... they had been living together for several months now and Alex had never been so happy.
He did do what he could to help Eiryk save face though. "To be fair, though, the big success of the evening was the mead and Eiryk is completely responsible for that. It was delicious. We just drank it with omelets instead of chicken. No harm, no, uh, fowl."
He ducked his head at his shameless pun, but it drew a laugh and a groan from their company.
Eiryk
12 years ago
"I think what I did to the hens qualifies as smoking."
Eiryk deadpanned. He really had no issues with his lack of culinary prowess. After all he didn't need to eat and when he did, Alex cooked, as it were. He might be pushing his actual meals a bit further apart than strictly necessary, not to the point of starvation or putting himself at risk though, because he preferred home cooking. He was rather hoping that Alex had not noticed that.
It was hard not to laugh at Alex and his eyebrows as his lover teased him. It really was a good memory. Occasionally wondered if the whole helpless and adorable vibe had helped him win a place in Alex's heart. If it had he was grateful and would continue to cook.
"Distraction? Is that what you call it?"
He teased back. It would have been a leer if they weren't in public. This was a good group to start Alex in on, with the exception of Margaret and her issues with humans, none of them would have any issues with he and Alex as a couple and all of them had excellent senses of humor. In fact, Eiryk took some ribbing from Eve, John and even Margaret about his 'smoked' game hens.
"How do you not know what your own oven timer sounds like?"
"Thank God there is something, other than walking, he isn't good at!"
Alex's pun drew universal groans as the main course was served. The minor distraction gave Eiryk a second to lean over and kiss Alex square on the lips and whisper,
"You might have to pay for tonight you know..."
This time he did leer, just for a second before there were inquiries about his mead. Only Kyle, who had been with him for a while, had had it. Eve knew about it but had never sampled.
"I did bring a couple of bottles tonight. I thought they'd go well with desert."
Bob and Esi had been a big help there. Not just any one was allowed to bring in their own alcohol. Lord knew Eiryk had no issues calling in favors and on a night like to night where he was spending a fair bit it wasn't much of a problem.
Eiryk deadpanned. He really had no issues with his lack of culinary prowess. After all he didn't need to eat and when he did, Alex cooked, as it were. He might be pushing his actual meals a bit further apart than strictly necessary, not to the point of starvation or putting himself at risk though, because he preferred home cooking. He was rather hoping that Alex had not noticed that.
It was hard not to laugh at Alex and his eyebrows as his lover teased him. It really was a good memory. Occasionally wondered if the whole helpless and adorable vibe had helped him win a place in Alex's heart. If it had he was grateful and would continue to cook.
"Distraction? Is that what you call it?"
He teased back. It would have been a leer if they weren't in public. This was a good group to start Alex in on, with the exception of Margaret and her issues with humans, none of them would have any issues with he and Alex as a couple and all of them had excellent senses of humor. In fact, Eiryk took some ribbing from Eve, John and even Margaret about his 'smoked' game hens.
"How do you not know what your own oven timer sounds like?"
"Thank God there is something, other than walking, he isn't good at!"
Alex's pun drew universal groans as the main course was served. The minor distraction gave Eiryk a second to lean over and kiss Alex square on the lips and whisper,
"You might have to pay for tonight you know..."
This time he did leer, just for a second before there were inquiries about his mead. Only Kyle, who had been with him for a while, had had it. Eve knew about it but had never sampled.
"I did bring a couple of bottles tonight. I thought they'd go well with desert."
Bob and Esi had been a big help there. Not just any one was allowed to bring in their own alcohol. Lord knew Eiryk had no issues calling in favors and on a night like to night where he was spending a fair bit it wasn't much of a problem.
Alex Aristos
12 years ago
Alexander chuckled at Eiryk's threat and responded in kind, also a low whisper. "I promise to finish what I started at the first opportunity. I love you, by the way."
Dinner was served and Alexander looked down at his plate of homemade cavatelli with vodka sauce, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes. it looked delicious. Homemade pastas were exciting to him. He made up his mind to try making his own very soon.
The conversation died down a bit as everyone sampled their food and then it quieted completely as they enjoyed it in silence with the occasional noise of approval. Alexander turned to Eiryk and offered him a little of his cavatelli, putting a spoonful on his partner's plate. It didn't seem like anyone was bothered by the openness of their relationship; maybe because it was sort of obvious that they were gay. Anyone who might have an issue with it probably wouldn't be invited to a gathering like this.
Even individually it was a pretty easy call. Alex could probably pass as straight if he kept his mouth shut, but when he spoke even he thought he sounded, well, less than masculine. He couldn't help it. That was just his voice. And when it came to being slightly more effeminate, well, Eiryk was a little more obvious in that department. It was that he was girlish, but certain hand gestures and ways of standing that made Eiryk Eiryk also did not scream "jock."
Maybe that was a good thing, though, Alex mused. People didn't expect anything more of them. They saw a gay guy and another gay guy, and they were less surprised to see them together. He ate in relative silence while he pondered, exchanging soft comments about the food and generally enjoying it.
"Can't wait to open them," he said when Eiryk claimed to have brought some mead along. He really did enjoy Eiryk's mead and was actually getting a handle on some of the knowledge behind it.
Dinner was served and Alexander looked down at his plate of homemade cavatelli with vodka sauce, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes. it looked delicious. Homemade pastas were exciting to him. He made up his mind to try making his own very soon.
The conversation died down a bit as everyone sampled their food and then it quieted completely as they enjoyed it in silence with the occasional noise of approval. Alexander turned to Eiryk and offered him a little of his cavatelli, putting a spoonful on his partner's plate. It didn't seem like anyone was bothered by the openness of their relationship; maybe because it was sort of obvious that they were gay. Anyone who might have an issue with it probably wouldn't be invited to a gathering like this.
Even individually it was a pretty easy call. Alex could probably pass as straight if he kept his mouth shut, but when he spoke even he thought he sounded, well, less than masculine. He couldn't help it. That was just his voice. And when it came to being slightly more effeminate, well, Eiryk was a little more obvious in that department. It was that he was girlish, but certain hand gestures and ways of standing that made Eiryk Eiryk also did not scream "jock."
Maybe that was a good thing, though, Alex mused. People didn't expect anything more of them. They saw a gay guy and another gay guy, and they were less surprised to see them together. He ate in relative silence while he pondered, exchanging soft comments about the food and generally enjoying it.
"Can't wait to open them," he said when Eiryk claimed to have brought some mead along. He really did enjoy Eiryk's mead and was actually getting a handle on some of the knowledge behind it.
Eiryk
12 years ago
"You have no idea how much I love you."
He whispered back. Alex might occasionally think that Eiryk was old, and worldly and experienced but this, being really truly in love with Alex, was something he'd never experienced it was utterly foreign to him and Eiryk had no idea what he'd do about it.
Eiryk had done the obvious things. He'd told Alex how he felt, he'd shacked up with him, he'd gotten them a very special vacation home. Perhaps that last one wasn't obvious, but he'd done it any way. It was the after that puzzled him. For the most part Eiryk tried not to think about the inevitable. Rue was right though, he had to eventually talk to Alex about things. But, they had time. Alex was young and short of a terrible accident (and though rare that could even happen to another vampire) they would have lots of time together. It would just go too fast for Eiryk's taste.
If they had been at home, or even with Rue and Christian he might pull Alex into his lap, but even with an understanding and accepting group there were limits.
The mead would be served after desert but there were enough questions about it that he stood to go and get one of the bottles from the sideboard. In a moment of 'grace' and misfortune that seemed to only happen to him, Eiryk's feet some how got caught in both the chair and table cloth, and when he reached out for the table to steady himself he felt that start to slide. Just like some demented magician's trick. In an effort to keep from destroying everyone's dinner he lifted his hand off the table. That, however, did not stop his downward decent.
Ah face first into the floor, something all too familiar to Eiryk.
He whispered back. Alex might occasionally think that Eiryk was old, and worldly and experienced but this, being really truly in love with Alex, was something he'd never experienced it was utterly foreign to him and Eiryk had no idea what he'd do about it.
Eiryk had done the obvious things. He'd told Alex how he felt, he'd shacked up with him, he'd gotten them a very special vacation home. Perhaps that last one wasn't obvious, but he'd done it any way. It was the after that puzzled him. For the most part Eiryk tried not to think about the inevitable. Rue was right though, he had to eventually talk to Alex about things. But, they had time. Alex was young and short of a terrible accident (and though rare that could even happen to another vampire) they would have lots of time together. It would just go too fast for Eiryk's taste.
If they had been at home, or even with Rue and Christian he might pull Alex into his lap, but even with an understanding and accepting group there were limits.
The mead would be served after desert but there were enough questions about it that he stood to go and get one of the bottles from the sideboard. In a moment of 'grace' and misfortune that seemed to only happen to him, Eiryk's feet some how got caught in both the chair and table cloth, and when he reached out for the table to steady himself he felt that start to slide. Just like some demented magician's trick. In an effort to keep from destroying everyone's dinner he lifted his hand off the table. That, however, did not stop his downward decent.
Ah face first into the floor, something all too familiar to Eiryk.
Alex Aristos
12 years ago
Alex blinked at the intensity of Eiryk's words. Then he smiled; maybe Eiryk had enjoyed his previous playfulness. he didn't doubt Eiryk loved him though. When they'd first met he had feared he was just the flavor of the week for this man who was so handsome, so charming, open and friendly. He didn't worry anymore though. Eiryk made it very clear to him that he was interested in him for being Alex, and not for any other reason.
As Eiryk stood to get the mead, or so Alex assumed because that was where the conversation had meandered to, it was immediately obvious to Alex that something very 'Eiryk' was going to happen. The tug of the tablecloth gave it away. Alex was fortunate to have been looking right at Eiryk; as his boyfriend released the tablecloth Alex yanked it away at the same time. He then lunged forward, wrapping one strong arm around Eiryk's waist and locking it as he leaned back and lifted.
Eiryk was no lightweight. Oh sure, he was smaller than Alex and didn't have an ounce of fat on him, but muscle weighed more anyhow. Alex nearly went over with Eiryk, who was still tangled up in his own chair. He braced himself, however, and added his second arm, and managed to stabilize them in an upright position, Eiryk's feet off the floor, the chair dangling from one of his ankles.
"Hi," Alex said, cheek to cheek with Eiryk, his boyfriend's back pressed against his front. "Care to try that again?"
They managed to disentangle Eiryk's feet from the chair and Alexander set him down gently, with an extra squeeze around his middle. "You all right? Did you hurt yourself?"
It had been a hail mary save... Alex wasn't too sure how many more of those he could pull off in an evening. He'd keep trying though; he considered it his job to keep Eiryk on his feet as much as possible. Eiryk did so much for him, after all.
He had knocked his own chair over in his haste to rescue the resident vampire; Alex righted it with a modest smile when his efforts were met with approval from their guests.
"The mead is worth it," Alex said, flashing a grin at Eiryk.
Truthfully, he'd rather just grab Eiryk and take him someplace safe and padded and private... but they'd get there soon enough.
As Eiryk stood to get the mead, or so Alex assumed because that was where the conversation had meandered to, it was immediately obvious to Alex that something very 'Eiryk' was going to happen. The tug of the tablecloth gave it away. Alex was fortunate to have been looking right at Eiryk; as his boyfriend released the tablecloth Alex yanked it away at the same time. He then lunged forward, wrapping one strong arm around Eiryk's waist and locking it as he leaned back and lifted.
Eiryk was no lightweight. Oh sure, he was smaller than Alex and didn't have an ounce of fat on him, but muscle weighed more anyhow. Alex nearly went over with Eiryk, who was still tangled up in his own chair. He braced himself, however, and added his second arm, and managed to stabilize them in an upright position, Eiryk's feet off the floor, the chair dangling from one of his ankles.
"Hi," Alex said, cheek to cheek with Eiryk, his boyfriend's back pressed against his front. "Care to try that again?"
They managed to disentangle Eiryk's feet from the chair and Alexander set him down gently, with an extra squeeze around his middle. "You all right? Did you hurt yourself?"
It had been a hail mary save... Alex wasn't too sure how many more of those he could pull off in an evening. He'd keep trying though; he considered it his job to keep Eiryk on his feet as much as possible. Eiryk did so much for him, after all.
He had knocked his own chair over in his haste to rescue the resident vampire; Alex righted it with a modest smile when his efforts were met with approval from their guests.
"The mead is worth it," Alex said, flashing a grin at Eiryk.
Truthfully, he'd rather just grab Eiryk and take him someplace safe and padded and private... but they'd get there soon enough.
Eiryk
12 years ago
Gravity was just not his friend, and Eiryk had been fully prepared to surrender to the inevitable. Alex was something of a miracle worker when it came to preventing disasters, Eiryk might not admit that to Alex very often but he knew, but this one might be even beyond his boyfriend's ability to save it. There had been an audible gasp as he started downward, that was something of an indication of how bad and how noticeable this could be.
Somehow though he wound up in Alex's lap instead of in a heap on the ground. He grinned broadly and so brightly he could have lit the room at Alex. If they had been alone he would have pulled the man into his arms and kissed the hell out of him, but even with this group Eiryk wouldn't push things that far. He must have done something very right at some point in his life to have Alex now, that is all he knew.
"Yes, I rather thing a mulligan is in order don't you?â€
Eiryk said, totally cool and composed as if nothing had ever happened. Although, truthfully, he was quite happy where he was in Alex's lap.
"No, I'm fine thanks to you. You didn't get hurt in all that did you?â€
That was something of a worry these days. It would be better if he fell a few million times than if Alex seriously hurt himself. A few bumps and bruises were part of life but something serious ...
Even as he was set back on his feet there were calls of, "Amazing.†"Hire him!†and "Bravo!†as well as one of "I don't even want to know how he did that.†The last one made Eiryk laugh.
"I don't know how he does it either. It is a very special super power I think.â€
Temporarily a bit leery of his sea legs Eiryk looked at Alex questioningly.
"Would you get one of the bottle please?â€
They weren't going to open them just yet but Margaret had asked to see it before hand and Eiryk didn't feel like risking the bottle and not having enough.
Somehow though he wound up in Alex's lap instead of in a heap on the ground. He grinned broadly and so brightly he could have lit the room at Alex. If they had been alone he would have pulled the man into his arms and kissed the hell out of him, but even with this group Eiryk wouldn't push things that far. He must have done something very right at some point in his life to have Alex now, that is all he knew.
"Yes, I rather thing a mulligan is in order don't you?â€
Eiryk said, totally cool and composed as if nothing had ever happened. Although, truthfully, he was quite happy where he was in Alex's lap.
"No, I'm fine thanks to you. You didn't get hurt in all that did you?â€
That was something of a worry these days. It would be better if he fell a few million times than if Alex seriously hurt himself. A few bumps and bruises were part of life but something serious ...
Even as he was set back on his feet there were calls of, "Amazing.†"Hire him!†and "Bravo!†as well as one of "I don't even want to know how he did that.†The last one made Eiryk laugh.
"I don't know how he does it either. It is a very special super power I think.â€
Temporarily a bit leery of his sea legs Eiryk looked at Alex questioningly.
"Would you get one of the bottle please?â€
They weren't going to open them just yet but Margaret had asked to see it before hand and Eiryk didn't feel like risking the bottle and not having enough.
Alex Aristos
12 years ago
Alex made sure Eiryk was safely on his feet and then pulled his partner's chair back upright, settling it beneath him while he seated himself. He smiled at Eryk's concern and shook his head.
"No, I didn't. I'm just fine."
He waved his hand and shook his head at the comments from everyone around them. Alex just continued to smile quietly. "Just a lot of practice," he said.
It was true; he constantly looked out for things that would reach out and grab Eiryk. He couldn't move air out of the way, but he could get plenty of other things.
Nodding at Eiryk's request he turned and went to where Eiryk had set aside several bottles of mead. He retrieved one and brought it, with the accompanying bottle opening implement, to his partner. He placed it on the table in front of Eiryk with a little bow.
"There you go... just, aim away please."
Not that they'd ever had a problem, but Alex didn't want anyone going home with a black eye.
"No, I didn't. I'm just fine."
He waved his hand and shook his head at the comments from everyone around them. Alex just continued to smile quietly. "Just a lot of practice," he said.
It was true; he constantly looked out for things that would reach out and grab Eiryk. He couldn't move air out of the way, but he could get plenty of other things.
Nodding at Eiryk's request he turned and went to where Eiryk had set aside several bottles of mead. He retrieved one and brought it, with the accompanying bottle opening implement, to his partner. He placed it on the table in front of Eiryk with a little bow.
"There you go... just, aim away please."
Not that they'd ever had a problem, but Alex didn't want anyone going home with a black eye.
Eiryk
12 years ago
Taking the bottle Alex had retrieved with a few helping hands it was passed down to Martha.
"Just how much practice do you have?â€
She asked shrewdly as Eiryk handed her the unopened bottle for examination. Eiryk raised an eyebrow at her half warning one of his biggest clients to tread carefully. He didn't know what she was up to, it might be perfectly harmless, but Eiryk just couldn't be sure with her. Far too often Martha was impossible to read.
"Goodness time flies... Year and a half two years worth of practice?â€
Eiryk turned to look at Alex looking for confirmation or contradiction. That time line seemed right to him though. The time seemed both like forever and like no time at all, Eiryk wondered if Alex perceived it differently.
For now though he was more worried about the fact that Martha was looking at Alex a bit like a cat looked at a mouse. Eiryk had no idea what to make of it either, she had at least one familiar and was a capable hunter. She also respected boundaries, she had to know that Alex as his partner was part of the clan.
The main course was cleared away and desert brought in. Worry about Alex caused Eiryk to set his hand down right in the middle of his Lemon Ricotta cake. With a sigh that was part self deprecating and half long suffering he just picked up his napkin and tried to undo the damage.
"Just how much practice do you have?â€
She asked shrewdly as Eiryk handed her the unopened bottle for examination. Eiryk raised an eyebrow at her half warning one of his biggest clients to tread carefully. He didn't know what she was up to, it might be perfectly harmless, but Eiryk just couldn't be sure with her. Far too often Martha was impossible to read.
"Goodness time flies... Year and a half two years worth of practice?â€
Eiryk turned to look at Alex looking for confirmation or contradiction. That time line seemed right to him though. The time seemed both like forever and like no time at all, Eiryk wondered if Alex perceived it differently.
For now though he was more worried about the fact that Martha was looking at Alex a bit like a cat looked at a mouse. Eiryk had no idea what to make of it either, she had at least one familiar and was a capable hunter. She also respected boundaries, she had to know that Alex as his partner was part of the clan.
The main course was cleared away and desert brought in. Worry about Alex caused Eiryk to set his hand down right in the middle of his Lemon Ricotta cake. With a sigh that was part self deprecating and half long suffering he just picked up his napkin and tried to undo the damage.
Alex Aristos
12 years ago
Alexander did a double take at Martha's somewhat blunt question. He looked at Eiryk and then back at Martha. Was she really asking what he thought she was? It seemed odd. Eiryk didn't seem outwardly concerned though, so Alex just followed his partner's lead.
"Something like that," he said with an easy smile at Eiryk.
Inside, he had to wonder a bit at the ramifications of someone else's interest. Was Martha, like Eiryk? Eiryk hadn't mentioned it if she was. Alex sighed and ate his tira misu slowly, trying to pay attention to all the conversation around them which was getting back to normal now that the excitement of Eiryk's near disaster was fading.
He did, however, notice Eiryk's sudden decision to attempt to finger paint with his dessert rather than eat it. An interesting choice, and clearly not voluntary. Eiryk's sigh was one of tolerance. Alex laughed softly; usually Eiryk didn't seem to mind his own quirk but every once in a while, like now, Alex had the sense that maybe he'd have preferred a little more ability to avoid accidents.
Had they been alone Alex might have come up with a more creative way to clean up Eiryk's hand but since they were in polite company and he was behaving himself now, he just settled for discreetly placing his hand back on Eiryk's leg and patting it gently.
When everyone had their desserts and was about halfway through Alex got another bottle of Eiryk's mead and handed it to his partner to open and share around. He figured he'd save Eiryk the trouble of attempting another face-plant, at least until later when it was bound to happen again. Always did.
"Something like that," he said with an easy smile at Eiryk.
Inside, he had to wonder a bit at the ramifications of someone else's interest. Was Martha, like Eiryk? Eiryk hadn't mentioned it if she was. Alex sighed and ate his tira misu slowly, trying to pay attention to all the conversation around them which was getting back to normal now that the excitement of Eiryk's near disaster was fading.
He did, however, notice Eiryk's sudden decision to attempt to finger paint with his dessert rather than eat it. An interesting choice, and clearly not voluntary. Eiryk's sigh was one of tolerance. Alex laughed softly; usually Eiryk didn't seem to mind his own quirk but every once in a while, like now, Alex had the sense that maybe he'd have preferred a little more ability to avoid accidents.
Had they been alone Alex might have come up with a more creative way to clean up Eiryk's hand but since they were in polite company and he was behaving himself now, he just settled for discreetly placing his hand back on Eiryk's leg and patting it gently.
When everyone had their desserts and was about halfway through Alex got another bottle of Eiryk's mead and handed it to his partner to open and share around. He figured he'd save Eiryk the trouble of attempting another face-plant, at least until later when it was bound to happen again. Always did.
Eiryk
12 years ago
She was fishing Eiryk finally decided. Trying to work out if Alex was a vampire or a familiar. The idea that Alex was a human and an equal partner in this relationship wouldn't even cross Martha's mind. But at least she wasn't interested in Alex, at least he didn't think so.
Even if he was wrong it was enough to reassure Eiryk and allow him to rejoin the conversation. There was a suggestion for an outing on his boat now that the weather was starting to warm up. Eiryk didn't see a problem with that and promised to look into it and keep every one posted.
"Maybe a clam bake or a lobster boil?â€
Kyle suggested hopefully.
"I think that can be arranged... or catered.â€
Alex had brought the other bottle, for which Eiryk was grateful. One near death experience per evening was quite enough for him. At least, it should of it been.
Leaning forward, just a bit, to refill some of the glasses and without warning his center of gravity shifted seemingly of its own accord. There was no time to recover or even attempt to regain his balance. Eiryk hit the table more of less face first quite suddenly. Even he couldn't tell you how he did it, but one hand smashed though at least one glass cutting him noticeably but at the same time he managed to twist in such a manner to protect the mead. He might be damaged, and his suit might be stained beyond repair but he hadn't spilled a drop of the mead. Practice apparently made perfect.
Even if he was wrong it was enough to reassure Eiryk and allow him to rejoin the conversation. There was a suggestion for an outing on his boat now that the weather was starting to warm up. Eiryk didn't see a problem with that and promised to look into it and keep every one posted.
"Maybe a clam bake or a lobster boil?â€
Kyle suggested hopefully.
"I think that can be arranged... or catered.â€
Alex had brought the other bottle, for which Eiryk was grateful. One near death experience per evening was quite enough for him. At least, it should of it been.
Leaning forward, just a bit, to refill some of the glasses and without warning his center of gravity shifted seemingly of its own accord. There was no time to recover or even attempt to regain his balance. Eiryk hit the table more of less face first quite suddenly. Even he couldn't tell you how he did it, but one hand smashed though at least one glass cutting him noticeably but at the same time he managed to twist in such a manner to protect the mead. He might be damaged, and his suit might be stained beyond repair but he hadn't spilled a drop of the mead. Practice apparently made perfect.
Alex Aristos
12 years ago
Alex listened to the plans in the making, the idea of a clam bake or lobster making him smile. Eiryk readily agreed to it, which didn't surprise him at all. He leaned over and tapped Eiryk on the shoulder.
"Lobster, clam, and something non-shellfish," he reminded him.
He might have been getting better at catching Eiryk's fumbles but he wasn't prepared for the completely spontaneous one that happened next. Even he didn't know what happened; just that suddenly Eiryk's chair slid out from beneath him and his hand was bleeding and there was glass on the table.
"Eiryk," Alex said in shock. "You're bleeding. Here, quick."
He grabbed one of the napkins on the table and quickly bound it around Eiryk's hand. Then he took Eiryk's arm and pulled his boyfriend out of his chair.
"Excuse us," he said to their guests. Already a waiter was rushing over to clean up the mess.
Alex pulled Eiryk out of the room and down the hallway to the men's room. Once there he took Eiryk to the sink and began to rinse his hand off. It was already healing but he wanted to make sure there was no glass in it.
"You got yourself good. How did you manage that? You have to be careful," he chided while he cleaned Eiryk's hand.
Alexander used some towels to pat Eiryk's hand dry. It was almost healed now, anyway. He tugged the handkerchief from his suit pocket and folded it into a triangle, then wrapped it gently around Eiryk's hand and tucked the ends in. Leaning close he did what he'd been wanting to do all night and gently pressed his lips to Eiryk's.
"You really should be more careful," he reiterated, then he framed Eiryk's face in his hands and proceeded to kiss the crap out of his boyfriend. It was long, deep, and aggressively tender... and perfect.
"Lobster, clam, and something non-shellfish," he reminded him.
He might have been getting better at catching Eiryk's fumbles but he wasn't prepared for the completely spontaneous one that happened next. Even he didn't know what happened; just that suddenly Eiryk's chair slid out from beneath him and his hand was bleeding and there was glass on the table.
"Eiryk," Alex said in shock. "You're bleeding. Here, quick."
He grabbed one of the napkins on the table and quickly bound it around Eiryk's hand. Then he took Eiryk's arm and pulled his boyfriend out of his chair.
"Excuse us," he said to their guests. Already a waiter was rushing over to clean up the mess.
Alex pulled Eiryk out of the room and down the hallway to the men's room. Once there he took Eiryk to the sink and began to rinse his hand off. It was already healing but he wanted to make sure there was no glass in it.
"You got yourself good. How did you manage that? You have to be careful," he chided while he cleaned Eiryk's hand.
Alexander used some towels to pat Eiryk's hand dry. It was almost healed now, anyway. He tugged the handkerchief from his suit pocket and folded it into a triangle, then wrapped it gently around Eiryk's hand and tucked the ends in. Leaning close he did what he'd been wanting to do all night and gently pressed his lips to Eiryk's.
"You really should be more careful," he reiterated, then he framed Eiryk's face in his hands and proceeded to kiss the crap out of his boyfriend. It was long, deep, and aggressively tender... and perfect.
Eiryk
12 years ago
Eiryk was too surprised by his own mishap to even think of protesting. He let himself be whisked away by Alexander, only stumbling once as they disappeared to the restroom. Fortunately, it was deserted.
Obviously the cut wouldn't need much tending but Alex still seemed intent on fussing. Eiryk couldn't help but smile as he watched although as Alex tucked the ends of the handkerchief around his wrist Eiryk swore.
"Damned.â€
The cuff of his shift had been stained with blood despite Alex's quick action. The shirt had been custom made for him, and it irritated him to see it damaged. Well his dry cleaner had dealt with blood stains before maybe they'd be able to save it.
"Honestly I have no idea how that happened. I did save the mead though. That should count for something.â€
Eiryk said but with a bit of pride and a good deal of cheer. He could find a positive in just about anything, even a disaster with this. Alex proceeded to show him another positive. Without any hesitation Eiryk kissed him back. The memory of Alex's teasing earlier in the evening hadn't faded from Eiryk's mind as he wound his arms around his partner's neck.
His own kiss deepened and became provocative. There was no way that Alex could miss fangs and the fact that Eiryk was subtly steering him back against the wall. After pushing and encouraging and teasing, Eiryk suddenly backed off. Turn about was fair play after all.
"So should you.â€
With a wicked grin he continued.
"Should we go back and chase them off?â€
Obviously the cut wouldn't need much tending but Alex still seemed intent on fussing. Eiryk couldn't help but smile as he watched although as Alex tucked the ends of the handkerchief around his wrist Eiryk swore.
"Damned.â€
The cuff of his shift had been stained with blood despite Alex's quick action. The shirt had been custom made for him, and it irritated him to see it damaged. Well his dry cleaner had dealt with blood stains before maybe they'd be able to save it.
"Honestly I have no idea how that happened. I did save the mead though. That should count for something.â€
Eiryk said but with a bit of pride and a good deal of cheer. He could find a positive in just about anything, even a disaster with this. Alex proceeded to show him another positive. Without any hesitation Eiryk kissed him back. The memory of Alex's teasing earlier in the evening hadn't faded from Eiryk's mind as he wound his arms around his partner's neck.
His own kiss deepened and became provocative. There was no way that Alex could miss fangs and the fact that Eiryk was subtly steering him back against the wall. After pushing and encouraging and teasing, Eiryk suddenly backed off. Turn about was fair play after all.
"So should you.â€
With a wicked grin he continued.
"Should we go back and chase them off?â€
Alex Aristos
12 years ago
Alex smiled into Eiryk's aggressive kiss; as his boyfriend walked him back toward the wall Alex countered by simply picking him up and leaning back against the decorative tile. When Eiryk backed off suddenly Alex followed suit.
"Oh I don't know, if that's what it gets me I might not be careful at all," he retaliated.
Gently picking up Eiryk's injured hand, which was probably just about healed by now, he added, "Keep that on. It was the only way I could think of to cover up the fact that you're not still bleeding."
Alex had a first aid kit, of course, but he hadn't thought it necessary to bring to dinner. Lesson learned, he told himself. He should have it along at all time, if for no other reason than to cover up the fact that Eiryk's numerous injuries had no real lasting effects.
"Okay, if you're just about ready to wrap it up," he said agreeably to the suggestion that they bring the night to a close. Alex wasn't going to argue. He'd like to go home and pick up where they'd left off under the table... just, without the table. And the clothing.
They headed back to the dining room where everyone was chatting comfortably. There were various inquiries as to the state of Eiryk's hand and the mess had been cleaned up. Alex left Eiryk to reassure their company that he was all right.
"Oh I don't know, if that's what it gets me I might not be careful at all," he retaliated.
Gently picking up Eiryk's injured hand, which was probably just about healed by now, he added, "Keep that on. It was the only way I could think of to cover up the fact that you're not still bleeding."
Alex had a first aid kit, of course, but he hadn't thought it necessary to bring to dinner. Lesson learned, he told himself. He should have it along at all time, if for no other reason than to cover up the fact that Eiryk's numerous injuries had no real lasting effects.
"Okay, if you're just about ready to wrap it up," he said agreeably to the suggestion that they bring the night to a close. Alex wasn't going to argue. He'd like to go home and pick up where they'd left off under the table... just, without the table. And the clothing.
They headed back to the dining room where everyone was chatting comfortably. There were various inquiries as to the state of Eiryk's hand and the mess had been cleaned up. Alex left Eiryk to reassure their company that he was all right.
Eiryk
12 years ago
Damned he was going to have to step up his game, that or he was losing his touch for Alex to still be able to quip back. He'd have to work on that. Eiryk, however, didn't mind the idea of this practice at all and without thinking about it smiled in anticipation.
Looking down at the improvised bandaged he nodded. It was a good idea and not something he would have necessarily thought of on his own. Some times details like that would just slip his mind.
"Well the blood on the cuff should make it look extra convincing."
He consoled himself about the ruined, or at least potentially ruined, shirt. He was sure the restaurant would have something better than Alex's handkerchief but it seemed a shame to waste supplies when some one might really need them.
Kissing Alex quickly Eiryk chuckled, maybe he hadn't lost his touch after all.
"Somehow I thought I might be able to talk you into that."
When the rejoined the rest of the party Eiryk held up his 'bandaged' wrist complete with the stain on the cuff and everyone seemed quite satisfied.
"No, no, quite all right I promise. Alex and I might stop by the clinic in the Towers and have some one take a quick look at it just to be sure though."
It was a handy excuse if ever there was one. Eve and Kyle easily agreed to take over hosting duties for the remainder of the evening and the rest of the group quite understood. Well... Martha and Glen both gave him an odd look, but they could hardly say anything could they?
Looking down at the improvised bandaged he nodded. It was a good idea and not something he would have necessarily thought of on his own. Some times details like that would just slip his mind.
"Well the blood on the cuff should make it look extra convincing."
He consoled himself about the ruined, or at least potentially ruined, shirt. He was sure the restaurant would have something better than Alex's handkerchief but it seemed a shame to waste supplies when some one might really need them.
Kissing Alex quickly Eiryk chuckled, maybe he hadn't lost his touch after all.
"Somehow I thought I might be able to talk you into that."
When the rejoined the rest of the party Eiryk held up his 'bandaged' wrist complete with the stain on the cuff and everyone seemed quite satisfied.
"No, no, quite all right I promise. Alex and I might stop by the clinic in the Towers and have some one take a quick look at it just to be sure though."
It was a handy excuse if ever there was one. Eve and Kyle easily agreed to take over hosting duties for the remainder of the evening and the rest of the group quite understood. Well... Martha and Glen both gave him an odd look, but they could hardly say anything could they?
Alex Aristos
12 years ago
Alex raised a skeptical eyebrow at Eiryk. "That's what you call persuasion?" he grinned at Eiryk. "What are you going to do when you run into something I really don't want to do?"
They returned to the dining room and Eiryk easily made their excuses. Alex felt a little guilty cutting out early like this but it made sense to do; were Eiryk truly injured there was no way they would hang out and socialize after dinner. Alex would be carrying him off to a doctor if he had to.
He said goodbye to their company, particularly to the people he'd been chatting so pleasantly with all evening. They'd been a lot more fun than he'd expected and it hadn't been the stressful experience he'd feared.
Alex finally stood next to Eiryk, arm around his waist, holding the wrist of his injured hand gently as if it were still open and bleeding. He was starting to understand the whole 'being a vampire' thing. The constant diversions, misdirections, things Eiryk always had to do to stay under the radar. He saw some of them in Rowan too, and even now and then in Christian. They all seemed to have very different personalities though, and that reflected itself in their reactions to the events around them. It interested him.
Not that he was thinking of opening up THAT conversation with Eiryk again.
They returned to the dining room and Eiryk easily made their excuses. Alex felt a little guilty cutting out early like this but it made sense to do; were Eiryk truly injured there was no way they would hang out and socialize after dinner. Alex would be carrying him off to a doctor if he had to.
He said goodbye to their company, particularly to the people he'd been chatting so pleasantly with all evening. They'd been a lot more fun than he'd expected and it hadn't been the stressful experience he'd feared.
Alex finally stood next to Eiryk, arm around his waist, holding the wrist of his injured hand gently as if it were still open and bleeding. He was starting to understand the whole 'being a vampire' thing. The constant diversions, misdirections, things Eiryk always had to do to stay under the radar. He saw some of them in Rowan too, and even now and then in Christian. They all seemed to have very different personalities though, and that reflected itself in their reactions to the events around them. It interested him.
Not that he was thinking of opening up THAT conversation with Eiryk again.
Eiryk
12 years ago
Bob caught them on the way out, just to be sure everything had been satisfactory and to make sure Eiryk was alright. Once reassured that Eiryk would recover he did give Eiryk a bit of a hard time.
"How much of my restaurant did you destroy?" the big man asked with a grin.
"Not much just a few glasses. If you're willing to risk a star on your next review you could suggest paper cups and plates."
Bob winced at the suggestion and cheerfully sent them on their way. Things were hopping and it was going to take a bit for the valet to get their car. Which left Eiryk and Alex standing a bit off to the side of a few people also waiting for cars.
Eiryk wondered what Alex would think if he knew that Glen was also a vampire, part of Evenhet in fact. Although, Eiryk didn't know the man well enough to be privy to his back story or even how old he was.
Rather than dwell on that though he leaned up against Alex, a casual, familiar gesture. He loved how solid and warm Alex felt, it always made him smile.
"Did you have a good time? Make any friends? Clients?"
"How much of my restaurant did you destroy?" the big man asked with a grin.
"Not much just a few glasses. If you're willing to risk a star on your next review you could suggest paper cups and plates."
Bob winced at the suggestion and cheerfully sent them on their way. Things were hopping and it was going to take a bit for the valet to get their car. Which left Eiryk and Alex standing a bit off to the side of a few people also waiting for cars.
Eiryk wondered what Alex would think if he knew that Glen was also a vampire, part of Evenhet in fact. Although, Eiryk didn't know the man well enough to be privy to his back story or even how old he was.
Rather than dwell on that though he leaned up against Alex, a casual, familiar gesture. He loved how solid and warm Alex felt, it always made him smile.
"Did you have a good time? Make any friends? Clients?"
Alex Aristos
12 years ago
Alexander smiled politely while Eiryk bantered with Bob. He didn't have to act to seem a little worried and stressed out. Bob didn't need to know it was because Eiryk might have been discovered. He waited until they were safely outside the restaurant waiting for their car before being vocal again.
Eiryk leaned against him and he smiled. The gesture wasn't born of any sexual desire, although he doubted it'd take long to get there. Instead it was just comfortable companionship and he loved the feeling. He slung his arm across Eiryk's broad shoulders, his hand gently stroking the back of Eiryk's head a few times. He tipped his head down to kiss his boyfriend gently upon the tip of his nose.
"Everyone was nice," he said, still smiling. "Whether they decide to come to a class or not, it doesn't matter. I wasn't there to gain clientele."
In truth, he hadn't discussed his own businesses much. He had been there as Eiryk's date, not as Alexander the business owner. When it had come up he'd talked about it but otherwise Alex wasn't about to be tacky enough to try to recruit new clients at a casual dinner like that. He felt it would be tasteless, anyhow.
"How about you, did you enjoy yourself?" He dropped his voice to a murmur. "I hope so."
He'd been a little cruel, maybe, but he thought Eiryk might have liked it.
Eiryk leaned against him and he smiled. The gesture wasn't born of any sexual desire, although he doubted it'd take long to get there. Instead it was just comfortable companionship and he loved the feeling. He slung his arm across Eiryk's broad shoulders, his hand gently stroking the back of Eiryk's head a few times. He tipped his head down to kiss his boyfriend gently upon the tip of his nose.
"Everyone was nice," he said, still smiling. "Whether they decide to come to a class or not, it doesn't matter. I wasn't there to gain clientele."
In truth, he hadn't discussed his own businesses much. He had been there as Eiryk's date, not as Alexander the business owner. When it had come up he'd talked about it but otherwise Alex wasn't about to be tacky enough to try to recruit new clients at a casual dinner like that. He felt it would be tasteless, anyhow.
"How about you, did you enjoy yourself?" He dropped his voice to a murmur. "I hope so."
He'd been a little cruel, maybe, but he thought Eiryk might have liked it.
Eiryk
12 years ago
He'd almost rather walk home with Alex than drive. There was just an easy casual intimacy that came with walking together. Maybe if he had arranged for a driver tonight. Well too late he'd just have to make due.
He smiled as Alex touched him. It was casual, there was nothing over the top or suggestive about things although it was also quite clear that they were a couple not just friends. It rather astounded Eiryk that they had this relationship now. After all, Alexander had tried to hold him off, had played quite hard to get and had been more than a little hesitant. Persistence payed off didn't it?
"You made an excellent host either way. I think we might have to to a bit bigger for our clam, and non-shellfish, bake this summer. We can invite some of your folks as well if you'd like.â€
He'd like to have some of Alex's friends and clients there. And there wasn't any harm in helping Alex schmooze as well. There wasn't a lot he could do to help Alex with his shop and just now Eiryk thought this was an inspired idea.
In answer to Alex's question there was a low suggestive laugh.
"That may have been the most engaging business dinner ever. Not that I'm complaining at all but what got into you? Bored?â€
It was all teasing, no criticism or disapproval. But Eiryk couldn't help but notice that that was totally unlike Alex. It had been exciting and quite -quite- distracting.
He smiled as Alex touched him. It was casual, there was nothing over the top or suggestive about things although it was also quite clear that they were a couple not just friends. It rather astounded Eiryk that they had this relationship now. After all, Alexander had tried to hold him off, had played quite hard to get and had been more than a little hesitant. Persistence payed off didn't it?
"You made an excellent host either way. I think we might have to to a bit bigger for our clam, and non-shellfish, bake this summer. We can invite some of your folks as well if you'd like.â€
He'd like to have some of Alex's friends and clients there. And there wasn't any harm in helping Alex schmooze as well. There wasn't a lot he could do to help Alex with his shop and just now Eiryk thought this was an inspired idea.
In answer to Alex's question there was a low suggestive laugh.
"That may have been the most engaging business dinner ever. Not that I'm complaining at all but what got into you? Bored?â€
It was all teasing, no criticism or disapproval. But Eiryk couldn't help but notice that that was totally unlike Alex. It had been exciting and quite -quite- distracting.