"They are kind of cute when they know it, are they not?" Cris looked over at Eiryk and Rowan and gave his dashing tuxedo wearing husband an indulgent smile. He and Alex didn't seem to spend nearly as much time in front of the mirror, luckily their significant others liked them well enough without the added prep time.
He sighed softly and then smiled. "Alright no hot tub wedding then. How about a hot tub reception? Perhaps you could rent a bathhouse or some mountain top retreat with a series of outdoor hot tubs." Cris was being silly really but the idea wasn't exactly a bad one. Hot tubs under the stars were rather romantic and it would be easy enough to set up a reception area out of doors with cake and mead and decorations all out in the clear mountain air. It would be a little bit of Alex's world mixed with Eiryk's, poetic really.
Thankfully his friend liked the outdoors. If they had done the same for their wedding they might have had the
reception in the hospital and the room would be partially filled with ear piece wearing people dancing with nurses in scrubs. No, Eiryk and Alex's worlds better suited the whole marriage ceremony much better. Raising his eyebrows, he grinned. "Think about it. If everyone is in their scivies then they would have a harder time chasing you both don when you go to make your get away."
Which was still something he and Rowan needed to sort out themselves. There was a hot tub and a pool outside on the roof top, along with the landing pad. However, it was not big enough for the number of people currently at the party which meant even if they could manage to convince some of their friends to get naked and wet there would still be plenty to chase them down. Some of them would do it even naked and wet.
Rowan told him what was wrong with Eiryk. Cris figured that it was something like that and wished there was something that they could do to help. [He will get his day. They both will. I am sure of it.] They would one way or the other. Aishe had told him what Alex had told her and if something happened and Alex was in danger of dying before getting past this disease then he would offer to turn his friend himself. They should have their happy ever after also and Alex should live a very long time to enjoy it. Perhaps it would be better to offer now but Cris thought that Alex preferred waiting so that he could make the choice from a place of strength and calm. Plenty of people chose to be a vampire when death was looking them straight in the face from a few inches away and no one would fault Alex for that choice but if his friend could make it after having beat this illness then so much the better.
They couldn't exactly tell Eiryk that though. That was Alex's place and no doubt Eiryk would want to save him the pain and the suffering that he was currently going through. From so close to Alex it would be difficult to see why waiting mattered so much to him.
They changed the topic to what to bring home from Switzerland. Alex said he wanted them to have a good time and to bring home lots of pictures. "There will be plenty of those, rest assured." If they ever managed to get out of the house. "I will find something." He smiled serenely and then looked over once again at their companions. Maybe they could find them something warm for this Vermont wedding.
A little glowing ball went skittering past about a foot away from his foot and a furry little bundle of mischief chased after it followed by a long slender fuzzy ivory shape. "I see my grandson has met my...brother..." Cris pointed to the ferret with a smile. "That is Scoop. He is just as much trouble as the other one." Maybe even more so considering who he belonged to.
The Fugitives
The reception was being held upstairs in the penthouse that had once belonged to Meghan. It had been redecorated for tonight's purpose, and everyone was invited. There hadn't really been any way to host all of their friends and family for the actual ceremony, so many of their friends had watched it here, televised by MARI, since the bridge between the Towers simply couldn't fit as many people as needed.
When Rowan and Cris arrived there were already a number of people in attendance... in short, the place was packed. They entered the penthouse, with Alfarinn and the rest of the wedding party, to a chorus of cheers and whistles and playful catcalls.
The decorations were simple but elegant; the living area of the penthouse had been cleared to create a decently sized dance floor. All around the suite there were tables and chairs, but none labeled. There would be people coming and going throughout, and because of that they'd opted against the formal dinner in favor of something easier, something buffet-style. Cris and Rowan had decided they wanted to be sociable and visit with everyone, too, not confine themselves to a table of 'special' people. Everyone who came to celebrate with them was special tonight.
Along one wall was a beautiful table set with a large cake. It had six tiers, a series of squares decreasing in size and set at angles to create a diamond effect. The cake itself was white with delicate silver trimmings and a fall of white, silver, and crystal leaves along one side. The topper was a silver heart, engraved with the letters C and R. Henri had made it, but in addition he'd done something that Rowan had found touching, when they'd mentioned they wanted everyone to be able to share.
There was no way to make a cake huge enough to account for the (literally) hundreds of people living and working in the Towers, so Henri had created little tiny versions of the same cake, each one decorated by hand in a similar fashion. Once they finished cutting into the big cake, they would distribute the little ones to everyone in the Towers, including random passers-by. Just because.
Rowan was looking forward to tasting it, himself. In honor of their meeting (outside of Barney's, over coffee), Henri had made a chocolate cake with a filling of hazelnut and cappuccino cream and a thin layer of rich chocolate ganache just beneath the white buttercream icing.
The rest of the decorations were lovely; white tablecloths, sprays of flowers here and there accented by little falls of crystal and white and silver ribbon. In place of centerpieces each table had its own personal fondue pot; cheese on one side, chocolate on the other, and a circular tray with breads, fruits, and other tidbits to dip which were constantly being refilled by the hired help. Music was being played through the penthouse-wide speaker system, an assortment of songs and artists both Rowan and Cris enjoyed. Eiryk had provided mead for the occasion, in a quantity that had to have taken him a very long time to brew.
In lieu of wedding presents, which the couple clearly didn't need, they'd asked for donations to be made to various charities in their names. In short, they had tailored their wedding to be an event with things they loved, people they cared for, with enough pomp and festivity to be a fitting reception but without the blatant formality some people seemed to desire and require for their weddings.
As the cheers died down both Rowan and Cris were enveloped in a swarm of well-wishers, and Rowan had to cling tightly to Cris's hand to avoid being separated from his new husband. They managed to get in the door and move slightly to the side so they could greet everyone who was already present. There were people Rowan hadn't seen in years, friends and family from ages long past.
When the crush finally organized itself into a more or less civil line, Rowan stepped close to Cris and slipped his arm around his partner's waist. Leaning down, he murmured, "Getting away might be harder than we anticipated. Who invited all these people?"
It was difficult to say with a straight face; he didn't try. They both knew damn well that Rowan had been responsible for inviting a large number of people. Not that Cris's guest list had been countable on one hand either. Secretly, Rowan suspected that many of his friends had shown up just to see if the rumors of his marriage were true. He was proud to prove that they were.
Christian Bern
10 years ago
Rowan Murphy
10 years ago
Rowan smiled and nodded when Eiryk said he could take a night off from worrying. "Indeed there is a doctor here. Don't think for a moment I would even hesitate to help if I were needed, regardless of what night it is."
After they spun and Eiryk accused him of being brave or Crazy Rowan laughed. "How about both? I'll take both."
He grinned wickedly at Eiryk. "I know exactly how I intend to spend my wedding night. It involves that handsome man in a tux over there, a ridiculously luxuriously appointed chartered jet, and membership to the mile-high club. Probably a decent amount of champagne too, not necessarily obtained from a glass."
He eyed Cris hungrily. Nope, no glass needed when he could delicately lick little droplets of fizzy beverage from Cris's... um... yeah. Everywhere. He pulled his attention back to Eiryk. "Speaking of champagne though, or sort of - the mead you made for this was incredible. You've never made anything like it before, that I've had. Thank you."
They danced until the end of the song, joining their respective partners afterward. Rowan returned Eiryk to Alex and slid his arm around Cris's waist. Then he bent to kiss his new husband, lingering the way Cris had just a little while ago, deepening it with a soft moan. He heard someone give a little cat-call whistle and heard the click of cameras and camera phones, but he ignored them to continue what he was doing. He finally pulled away, breathless, and looked at Cris with the same hungry expression as before. Turning his head a little, he touched his mouth lightly to Cris's ear.
"Sorry, love, you just look so handsome. And tasty. And I want you. Right now."
Given that they were standing in the midst of a veritable sea of friends and family, that last bit was just going to have to wait. Maybe they should have another drink. Some fondue. Another slice of cake. Anything to keep him from doing something terribly inappropriate right there. Rowan was a very patient man, but he was growing less so by the minute.
After they spun and Eiryk accused him of being brave or Crazy Rowan laughed. "How about both? I'll take both."
He grinned wickedly at Eiryk. "I know exactly how I intend to spend my wedding night. It involves that handsome man in a tux over there, a ridiculously luxuriously appointed chartered jet, and membership to the mile-high club. Probably a decent amount of champagne too, not necessarily obtained from a glass."
He eyed Cris hungrily. Nope, no glass needed when he could delicately lick little droplets of fizzy beverage from Cris's... um... yeah. Everywhere. He pulled his attention back to Eiryk. "Speaking of champagne though, or sort of - the mead you made for this was incredible. You've never made anything like it before, that I've had. Thank you."
They danced until the end of the song, joining their respective partners afterward. Rowan returned Eiryk to Alex and slid his arm around Cris's waist. Then he bent to kiss his new husband, lingering the way Cris had just a little while ago, deepening it with a soft moan. He heard someone give a little cat-call whistle and heard the click of cameras and camera phones, but he ignored them to continue what he was doing. He finally pulled away, breathless, and looked at Cris with the same hungry expression as before. Turning his head a little, he touched his mouth lightly to Cris's ear.
"Sorry, love, you just look so handsome. And tasty. And I want you. Right now."
Given that they were standing in the midst of a veritable sea of friends and family, that last bit was just going to have to wait. Maybe they should have another drink. Some fondue. Another slice of cake. Anything to keep him from doing something terribly inappropriate right there. Rowan was a very patient man, but he was growing less so by the minute.
Alex Aristos
10 years ago
Alex followed Cris's gaze to Rowan and Eiryk and then he nodded. "Mmm-hmm. They are. Just don't let them know we think so."
The hot tub wedding was dashed away in favor of a hot tub reception. Alex chuckled. "More plausible," he conceded, "although still slightly difficult depending on how many people Eiryk invites. My guest list is pretty small. Just a few people from here."
He shrugged and smiled. Alex had no one to invite to a wedding that wasn't already on Eiryk's list, really. He would have liked his grandmother to be present, but that was impossible. She'd have been happy for them, though.
Alex was happy to follow Cris's train of thought, to escaping from his reception from a bunch of wet naked hot-tubbing guests. "That does sound a little easier, doesn't it. Plus everyone knows you can't run near hot tubs. Too much risk of slipping and falling. So at best, it'd be a pretty slow chase."
Cris said they would find something for a souvenir and Alex just shook his head and gave Cris a soft smile. He'd told him what he wanted, and he was satisfied for them to have a lovely time. If Cris and Rowan brought something back that was all well and good but they didn't have to.
Alex was distracted from voicing any further argument by the antics of two animals and a flashing toy. He watched Shawe chasing it and then saw the paler fur of a weasel-like animal following along.
"Scoop? Cute. So, Grisha's friend?"
He tried to follow them to see what might happen next but aside from the parting sea of dancers and a very small crash on the other side of the room there was no fallout.
When the song ended and he was back again with Eiryk Alex leaned against his fiance, watching shamelessly as Rowan and Cris shared another kiss. It probably should be illegal for them both to be that good-looking and kiss like that. He, like everyone else, whipped out his phone and managed a very nice close-up shot of the two of them together.
Then he turned to Eiryk. "Let's go sit down a little," he said with a tired smile. "I could use a drink, but I still want a couple more dances."
He was going to sleep like a baby later, that was for sure, but this was too much fun to miss out on. Alex was going to milk it for all it was worth.
The hot tub wedding was dashed away in favor of a hot tub reception. Alex chuckled. "More plausible," he conceded, "although still slightly difficult depending on how many people Eiryk invites. My guest list is pretty small. Just a few people from here."
He shrugged and smiled. Alex had no one to invite to a wedding that wasn't already on Eiryk's list, really. He would have liked his grandmother to be present, but that was impossible. She'd have been happy for them, though.
Alex was happy to follow Cris's train of thought, to escaping from his reception from a bunch of wet naked hot-tubbing guests. "That does sound a little easier, doesn't it. Plus everyone knows you can't run near hot tubs. Too much risk of slipping and falling. So at best, it'd be a pretty slow chase."
Cris said they would find something for a souvenir and Alex just shook his head and gave Cris a soft smile. He'd told him what he wanted, and he was satisfied for them to have a lovely time. If Cris and Rowan brought something back that was all well and good but they didn't have to.
Alex was distracted from voicing any further argument by the antics of two animals and a flashing toy. He watched Shawe chasing it and then saw the paler fur of a weasel-like animal following along.
"Scoop? Cute. So, Grisha's friend?"
He tried to follow them to see what might happen next but aside from the parting sea of dancers and a very small crash on the other side of the room there was no fallout.
When the song ended and he was back again with Eiryk Alex leaned against his fiance, watching shamelessly as Rowan and Cris shared another kiss. It probably should be illegal for them both to be that good-looking and kiss like that. He, like everyone else, whipped out his phone and managed a very nice close-up shot of the two of them together.
Then he turned to Eiryk. "Let's go sit down a little," he said with a tired smile. "I could use a drink, but I still want a couple more dances."
He was going to sleep like a baby later, that was for sure, but this was too much fun to miss out on. Alex was going to milk it for all it was worth.
Eiryk
10 years ago
That Eiryk didn't doubt for a second. Rue had is faults and quirks, as they all did, but not helping some one in need wasn't one of them. Who knew a vampire doctor could take the Hippocratic oath so seriously, but perhaps the centuries Rowan had under his belt gave him added perspective on the fragility of human life.
"That I'll agree to pirate."
They might both be brave and slightly crazy.
Glancing around, following Rowan's gaze Eiryk couldn't help but admire how well Alex looked. You almost wouldn't guess he was sick. Almost. To Eiryk he looked a bit drawn, worn and tired, but still wonderfully tall and lean and handsome.
Playfully he growled at Rue.
"You had best be talking about the blond. The other one is -mine-."
Joking or not, scared or not, Eiryk loved Alex more than he could even conceive. He knew that Rowan only had eyes for Cris but he couldn't help the little tiny twinge of jealousy that shot through him.
"Providing you are into the blond, let me know what I can do to help get you out to that plane."
Eiryk didn't -want- to make a scene or break anything, or anyone, but for a good cause, and this was one, he'd do it.
From growling to preening. Eiryk was never shy about compliments.
"I'm glad you like it. I've never made such a quantity before and I've stashed a few bottles for you. I thought you might like to have them for your anniversaries."
He only had half a dozen stashed and they wouldn't age for centuries or anything but if they stored it well it should seem them through maybe a decade. He'd have to come up with something new after that.
Once the dance ended he and Rowan made their way back to the table and Rowan it rather clear he was eyeing the blond rather than his Alex. Eiryk softly held Alex against him.
"Voyeur."
He accused softly while doing his best not to try and make sure Alex was okay or urge him to rest. Undoubtedly Alex wanted to be out, using one of his good days to its fullest. But without another word he settled them back in their chairs and had to grin when some how a ginger ale and two meads showed up. They were -so- using this caterer.
"I think that sounds like a plan. You haven't danced with Aishe yet either, of course, I'm perfectly happy to keep you all to myself as well."
Although Eiryk thought that perhaps his fiancée might enjoy dancing with her. She'd been such a big help with Alex' classes it would be a sweet gesture.
"That I'll agree to pirate."
They might both be brave and slightly crazy.
Glancing around, following Rowan's gaze Eiryk couldn't help but admire how well Alex looked. You almost wouldn't guess he was sick. Almost. To Eiryk he looked a bit drawn, worn and tired, but still wonderfully tall and lean and handsome.
Playfully he growled at Rue.
"You had best be talking about the blond. The other one is -mine-."
Joking or not, scared or not, Eiryk loved Alex more than he could even conceive. He knew that Rowan only had eyes for Cris but he couldn't help the little tiny twinge of jealousy that shot through him.
"Providing you are into the blond, let me know what I can do to help get you out to that plane."
Eiryk didn't -want- to make a scene or break anything, or anyone, but for a good cause, and this was one, he'd do it.
From growling to preening. Eiryk was never shy about compliments.
"I'm glad you like it. I've never made such a quantity before and I've stashed a few bottles for you. I thought you might like to have them for your anniversaries."
He only had half a dozen stashed and they wouldn't age for centuries or anything but if they stored it well it should seem them through maybe a decade. He'd have to come up with something new after that.
Once the dance ended he and Rowan made their way back to the table and Rowan it rather clear he was eyeing the blond rather than his Alex. Eiryk softly held Alex against him.
"Voyeur."
He accused softly while doing his best not to try and make sure Alex was okay or urge him to rest. Undoubtedly Alex wanted to be out, using one of his good days to its fullest. But without another word he settled them back in their chairs and had to grin when some how a ginger ale and two meads showed up. They were -so- using this caterer.
"I think that sounds like a plan. You haven't danced with Aishe yet either, of course, I'm perfectly happy to keep you all to myself as well."
Although Eiryk thought that perhaps his fiancée might enjoy dancing with her. She'd been such a big help with Alex' classes it would be a sweet gesture.
Christian Bern
10 years ago
Alex agreed that the hot tub reception was a better idea but lamented that it might not be plausible since Eiryk was likely to have a lot of people at the party. He said that his own list would be very small and that they were all from here. That was a sad commentary on Alex's human relatives but the tactical part of Cris's brain noted that it would be easier on him later. There would be no one from his family that was going to notice that Alex stayed eternally young, nor were there close ties that would need breaking.
"I promise we will sit on your side at the wedding.†Cris leaned forward and gave Alex a gentle kiss on the cheek. "You are part of this family now.†He looked around at the large party of friends, most of whom were Evenhet. Some were not, like Claire from Anantya and Rowan's friends from the hospital but most were family, like Alex. "Which means you are stuck with us and if you think we're going to let you just move off somewhere...†Like Alex's parents had. "Then think again...you would have some party crashers when ever we got a chance to show up unannounced on your door.†Cris smiled and knew that it was true; he and Rowan would find Eiryk and Alex even if they decided to move away somewhere.
"Of course I hope you will stay here for a decade or two first.†Having friends and being social was new to him, after so many years of not doing it, and he would be much happier if his closest friends stayed near enough to visit often.
The furry duo disappeared from sight and Alex asked after his little four legged brother. "Yes, that would be the case. He is normally around in the bookstore somewhere but he goes unnoticed quite often. Little spy...†Cris muttered softly but without malice. Scoop came by his name for his tendency to poke his nose into everything and for Grisha's habit of using that curiosity to listen to conversations that were none of his business.
At the end of the song he found himself back in Rowan's arms. Cris smiled up at his new husband but that expression was quickly covered. He leaned his whole body into returning the kiss that Rowan began. His arms tightened around Rowan's back, clutching his partner tightly as he gladly invited Rowan to deepen the kiss they shared, even demanding more, his lips and tongue did their own exploring and Cris stubbornly held onto Rowan a little longer when his lover started to pull away.
The whispered comment in his ear earned Rowan a hoarse breathless laugh in response. "The feeling is mutual, Love.â€
Cris clasped his hand in Rowan's and pulled his partner toward the table they had claimed before. Alfarinn was seated there feeding his birds little chunks of bread, occasionally taking a bite for himself.
"We need to seriously consider that escape plan.†Cris murmured softly as they sat down along with Alex and Eiryk.
"Not just yet.†Alfarinn said calmly, not looking up from the black feathery head that was gently tugging on the tidbit held by his fingers. "Have some more mead.†As if that were an order, and perhaps it was, a server leaned down and handed him and Rowan another glass. She also took Alfarinn's empty one and gave him a freshly filled drink as well.
Looking up, he smiled at Eiryk "I hope you made a lot of this. It is too good to stop drinking.†And to prove that point, he lifted the glass and took a healthy swallow.
"I promise we will sit on your side at the wedding.†Cris leaned forward and gave Alex a gentle kiss on the cheek. "You are part of this family now.†He looked around at the large party of friends, most of whom were Evenhet. Some were not, like Claire from Anantya and Rowan's friends from the hospital but most were family, like Alex. "Which means you are stuck with us and if you think we're going to let you just move off somewhere...†Like Alex's parents had. "Then think again...you would have some party crashers when ever we got a chance to show up unannounced on your door.†Cris smiled and knew that it was true; he and Rowan would find Eiryk and Alex even if they decided to move away somewhere.
"Of course I hope you will stay here for a decade or two first.†Having friends and being social was new to him, after so many years of not doing it, and he would be much happier if his closest friends stayed near enough to visit often.
The furry duo disappeared from sight and Alex asked after his little four legged brother. "Yes, that would be the case. He is normally around in the bookstore somewhere but he goes unnoticed quite often. Little spy...†Cris muttered softly but without malice. Scoop came by his name for his tendency to poke his nose into everything and for Grisha's habit of using that curiosity to listen to conversations that were none of his business.
At the end of the song he found himself back in Rowan's arms. Cris smiled up at his new husband but that expression was quickly covered. He leaned his whole body into returning the kiss that Rowan began. His arms tightened around Rowan's back, clutching his partner tightly as he gladly invited Rowan to deepen the kiss they shared, even demanding more, his lips and tongue did their own exploring and Cris stubbornly held onto Rowan a little longer when his lover started to pull away.
The whispered comment in his ear earned Rowan a hoarse breathless laugh in response. "The feeling is mutual, Love.â€
Cris clasped his hand in Rowan's and pulled his partner toward the table they had claimed before. Alfarinn was seated there feeding his birds little chunks of bread, occasionally taking a bite for himself.
"We need to seriously consider that escape plan.†Cris murmured softly as they sat down along with Alex and Eiryk.
"Not just yet.†Alfarinn said calmly, not looking up from the black feathery head that was gently tugging on the tidbit held by his fingers. "Have some more mead.†As if that were an order, and perhaps it was, a server leaned down and handed him and Rowan another glass. She also took Alfarinn's empty one and gave him a freshly filled drink as well.
Looking up, he smiled at Eiryk "I hope you made a lot of this. It is too good to stop drinking.†And to prove that point, he lifted the glass and took a healthy swallow.
Rowan Murphy
10 years ago
Rowan found it nearly impossible to stop kissing Cris but he did. He agreed emphatically when his partner said it was nearly time to consider an escape plan. he could feel his own temperature rising; it was only going to get harder and harder to hold back. Cris was his husband now. They had celebrated with their friends, and now he desperately wanted to celebrate with Cris alone.
Alfarinn stalled them though, now seated at the table they'd vacated previously. Rowan smiled at the glass of mead that was deposited in front of him and glanced at Cris. He drank, enjoying the sweetness of the honey beverage. He was glad Eiryk had thoughtfully saved them a few bottles. Alfarinn asked about it as well and Rowan cocked an eyebrow up at Eiryk; if his friend wanted to offer a bottle of it to Alfarinn that was all good. Otherwise Rowan would give him one after they returned.
He saw Henri approach only because he was facing right at him as he came up behind Alfarinn. Silently his Creator placed a small dish in front of the Elder, which appeared to contain a mix of sweet tidbits besides bread for his feathered companions. Rowan saw what looked like dried fruit, some nuts, and some seeds. Even the birds got fed when the Frenchman was around. Rowan didn't doubt there was something for Shawe and Scoop as well, once Henri found them and ascertained their dietary preferences.
Under the table he slid his hand onto Cris's leg, and then up further, resting it high up. He held it still before moving it inward minutely, so the tips of his fingertips just brushed Cris's inner thigh. Oh yes. They had to figure something out soon.
Alfarinn stalled them though, now seated at the table they'd vacated previously. Rowan smiled at the glass of mead that was deposited in front of him and glanced at Cris. He drank, enjoying the sweetness of the honey beverage. He was glad Eiryk had thoughtfully saved them a few bottles. Alfarinn asked about it as well and Rowan cocked an eyebrow up at Eiryk; if his friend wanted to offer a bottle of it to Alfarinn that was all good. Otherwise Rowan would give him one after they returned.
He saw Henri approach only because he was facing right at him as he came up behind Alfarinn. Silently his Creator placed a small dish in front of the Elder, which appeared to contain a mix of sweet tidbits besides bread for his feathered companions. Rowan saw what looked like dried fruit, some nuts, and some seeds. Even the birds got fed when the Frenchman was around. Rowan didn't doubt there was something for Shawe and Scoop as well, once Henri found them and ascertained their dietary preferences.
Under the table he slid his hand onto Cris's leg, and then up further, resting it high up. He held it still before moving it inward minutely, so the tips of his fingertips just brushed Cris's inner thigh. Oh yes. They had to figure something out soon.
Alex Aristos
10 years ago
Alex smiled at Cris's words. He shook his head. "I don't want to leave you. Any of you. Not for a while yet. I finally feel like I belong here. I want to stay here."
With all his friends and family, the ones who mattered. Alex didn't want to move. Vacation, yes. Move, not at all.
When he was back with Eiryk and being accused of voyeurism Alex grinned at his fiance. "It's not considered a kink on someone's wedding day. Schmoopy pictures are expected. Besides, if any of them come out really well they might like a copy."
He had gotten a very nice shot or three of that steamy kiss, at just the right angel to catch both of their friends' expressions, blissful. Needy. Loving. Someday soon that was going to be him with Eiryk, and he definitely hoped Cris or Rowan would capture that expression on their faces too.
At their table, ginger ale in hand, Alex leaned against Eiryk and nodded when he mentioned dancing with Aishe. "Yeah. I would like to dance with her."
He remembered doing so at the New Year's gala, when she'd helped set him at ease. Alex enjoyed her company and would gladly dance with her again. Then he looked at Alfarinn, who'd joined them.
"And you, too. If you want."
He had told Eiryk that Alfarinn had helped him out a few weeks ago. He hadn't elaborated on the nature of his assistance since it probably would only have made Eiryk feel worse for not being able to be awake to help Alex when he needed it. Talking to Alfarinn had been good. Alex liked him a lot and, considering how close he and Cris seemed to be, he wanted to know him better. He seemed to have a good relationship with Aishe as well, and Alex had also seen him joking heartily with Kem, who didn't often do a lot of that. Not where Alex could see, anyhow. He got conflicting reports from other friends.
With all his friends and family, the ones who mattered. Alex didn't want to move. Vacation, yes. Move, not at all.
When he was back with Eiryk and being accused of voyeurism Alex grinned at his fiance. "It's not considered a kink on someone's wedding day. Schmoopy pictures are expected. Besides, if any of them come out really well they might like a copy."
He had gotten a very nice shot or three of that steamy kiss, at just the right angel to catch both of their friends' expressions, blissful. Needy. Loving. Someday soon that was going to be him with Eiryk, and he definitely hoped Cris or Rowan would capture that expression on their faces too.
At their table, ginger ale in hand, Alex leaned against Eiryk and nodded when he mentioned dancing with Aishe. "Yeah. I would like to dance with her."
He remembered doing so at the New Year's gala, when she'd helped set him at ease. Alex enjoyed her company and would gladly dance with her again. Then he looked at Alfarinn, who'd joined them.
"And you, too. If you want."
He had told Eiryk that Alfarinn had helped him out a few weeks ago. He hadn't elaborated on the nature of his assistance since it probably would only have made Eiryk feel worse for not being able to be awake to help Alex when he needed it. Talking to Alfarinn had been good. Alex liked him a lot and, considering how close he and Cris seemed to be, he wanted to know him better. He seemed to have a good relationship with Aishe as well, and Alex had also seen him joking heartily with Kem, who didn't often do a lot of that. Not where Alex could see, anyhow. He got conflicting reports from other friends.
Eiryk
10 years ago
"Let's wait until after we get the pictures back from our wedding before we commit to that 'not a kink' thing. Or maybe we should just confiscate all cameras at the door."
He didn't mean a word of that. Eiryk doubted that he'd have enough pictures of their wedding once the time came.
"If that one or one of the others comes out really well we'll get it mounted and framed for them."
Maybe two small copies in matching frames, they could each keep one in their office, or one for their apartment. He had some good ideas but there was no sense in going over board now. Not when Alex was leaning against him.
He couldn't help but grin as Henri found some nibbles for the raven. He really was starting to think they should have brought Thora. Poor girl hanging out all alone. He'd make it up to her, take her to the park or something tomorrow night. She was turning into a good hunter and with the weather getting warm she should be able to find something to go after.
Rowan and Cris both seemed ready to escape and Eiryk wasn't going to hold them back. He'd be just as anxious to escape with Alex had their positions been reversed.
Eiryk smiled hugely at the elder who was at their table. Although they hadn't formally met before this, he was already predisposed to like the man for helping Alex, having good taste in mead was icing on the cake. Laughing he shook his head.
"I made a great deal, but this crowd seems to be going through it quite well. I've promised the only stashed bottles to the newly weds but if any remain from this evening they are yours. Failing that, I have a new one just about ready to open. You're invited to the unveiling."
Not that he was exactly sure when that would be, a week or two, probably before Cris and Rowan got back but he might wait until Alex could try some. Of course, there was almost always a new one ready to be opened, Eiryk enjoyed his mead and he could go through quite a bit. He enjoyed sharing it and went through it even faster.
He really was thinking about opening a shop now. He wasn't sold on the idea and it would have to wait until Alex was well but it wasn't the worst idea he'd ever heard. Now that he knew that he could deliver quantity without sacrificing quality it was under even more serious consideration.
He didn't mean a word of that. Eiryk doubted that he'd have enough pictures of their wedding once the time came.
"If that one or one of the others comes out really well we'll get it mounted and framed for them."
Maybe two small copies in matching frames, they could each keep one in their office, or one for their apartment. He had some good ideas but there was no sense in going over board now. Not when Alex was leaning against him.
He couldn't help but grin as Henri found some nibbles for the raven. He really was starting to think they should have brought Thora. Poor girl hanging out all alone. He'd make it up to her, take her to the park or something tomorrow night. She was turning into a good hunter and with the weather getting warm she should be able to find something to go after.
Rowan and Cris both seemed ready to escape and Eiryk wasn't going to hold them back. He'd be just as anxious to escape with Alex had their positions been reversed.
Eiryk smiled hugely at the elder who was at their table. Although they hadn't formally met before this, he was already predisposed to like the man for helping Alex, having good taste in mead was icing on the cake. Laughing he shook his head.
"I made a great deal, but this crowd seems to be going through it quite well. I've promised the only stashed bottles to the newly weds but if any remain from this evening they are yours. Failing that, I have a new one just about ready to open. You're invited to the unveiling."
Not that he was exactly sure when that would be, a week or two, probably before Cris and Rowan got back but he might wait until Alex could try some. Of course, there was almost always a new one ready to be opened, Eiryk enjoyed his mead and he could go through quite a bit. He enjoyed sharing it and went through it even faster.
He really was thinking about opening a shop now. He wasn't sold on the idea and it would have to wait until Alex was well but it wasn't the worst idea he'd ever heard. Now that he knew that he could deliver quantity without sacrificing quality it was under even more serious consideration.
Christian Bern
10 years ago
Cris raised his glass silently to Alfarinn before taking a sip of his drink. He then leaned his head against Rowan's shoulder and enjoyed the scene in front of them.
Rowan's hand slid up his leg and Cris parted them slightly to allow his lover better access. Somewhere along the way that became a normal response to Rowan, even out here in public with all their friends and family around them. Perhaps some of Rowan's exhibitionist tendencies were rubbing off on him but he thought it was more the secret of it that thrilled him. [Keep that up, Love, and the strategy will be to gather you and make a break for the door. Not very subtle.] But as he became more and more interested in being alone with Rowan the more that idea had merit.
Alfarinn looked up and smiled at Henri, murmuring a soft 'merci' in response to the food for his birds. He told both of the crows to say thank you. They hopped down to the table and bobbed their heads in unison before looking expectantly at Alfarinn with occasional glances at the plate. He smiled at them and gestured, perhaps silent words were spoken. They both turned and enjoyed the food Henri had set down, delicately picking at this and that, holding larger pieces up with one foot while they nibbled on it.
The elder nodded to Eiryk in understanding about the mead. "There is plenty here." And much more that wasn't mead. Alfarinn wasn't going to go without alcohol at this party; they had made sure of that. Of course that seemed to mean that he and Rowan were obligated to drink a large quantity of it as well. With Rowan and Eiryk for friends he was doing better at staying upright while consuming large quantities of the stuff but he still didn't have Rowan's stamina at the game. Taking another swallow of mead, he sent to his partner while inspecting his glass. [On second thought, maybe you will be carrying me out.]
Alex stated that he wanted to dance some more and Aishe was mentioned. He then said that he would be happy to dance with Alfarinn also. The Norseman smiled and agreed, saying something about at least they were already at the top of the stairs.
"So the fire alarm, hmm?" Alfarinn asked next and raised his eyebrows at Rowan. "Old school." It was unclear whether or not he believed that plan. As usual Alfarrin was impossible to read and he was allowing nothing to flow into their bond save some mild amusement.
Rowan's hand slid up his leg and Cris parted them slightly to allow his lover better access. Somewhere along the way that became a normal response to Rowan, even out here in public with all their friends and family around them. Perhaps some of Rowan's exhibitionist tendencies were rubbing off on him but he thought it was more the secret of it that thrilled him. [Keep that up, Love, and the strategy will be to gather you and make a break for the door. Not very subtle.] But as he became more and more interested in being alone with Rowan the more that idea had merit.
Alfarinn looked up and smiled at Henri, murmuring a soft 'merci' in response to the food for his birds. He told both of the crows to say thank you. They hopped down to the table and bobbed their heads in unison before looking expectantly at Alfarinn with occasional glances at the plate. He smiled at them and gestured, perhaps silent words were spoken. They both turned and enjoyed the food Henri had set down, delicately picking at this and that, holding larger pieces up with one foot while they nibbled on it.
The elder nodded to Eiryk in understanding about the mead. "There is plenty here." And much more that wasn't mead. Alfarinn wasn't going to go without alcohol at this party; they had made sure of that. Of course that seemed to mean that he and Rowan were obligated to drink a large quantity of it as well. With Rowan and Eiryk for friends he was doing better at staying upright while consuming large quantities of the stuff but he still didn't have Rowan's stamina at the game. Taking another swallow of mead, he sent to his partner while inspecting his glass. [On second thought, maybe you will be carrying me out.]
Alex stated that he wanted to dance some more and Aishe was mentioned. He then said that he would be happy to dance with Alfarinn also. The Norseman smiled and agreed, saying something about at least they were already at the top of the stairs.
"So the fire alarm, hmm?" Alfarinn asked next and raised his eyebrows at Rowan. "Old school." It was unclear whether or not he believed that plan. As usual Alfarrin was impossible to read and he was allowing nothing to flow into their bond save some mild amusement.
Rowan Murphy
10 years ago
Rowan happily caressed Cris's thigh, thrilled at his partner's response. Knowing his gestures were safely hidden by the white tablecloth as well as the angle of his body he slid his long fingers up and inward, boldly stroking through the smooth material of Cris's tuxedo pants. [If you like, my love,] he sent with amusement, [we can absolutely fight our way out with swashbuckling flair.]
There was more mead to be had first though. Rowan smiled and chuckled when Alfarinn's little companions thanked Henri. That was adorable. Cris was drinking like a good soldier and Rowan had to laugh silently at the next words from his partner. [We'll call a halt to it before you get that far, a ghra. I'd love to carry you, mind you, but there will be no forgetting tonight. Not a moment's fuzziness, please.]
He planned to etch every detail on his own memory. Perhaps he would even write them down in his journal. His first and only wedding (and subsequent) surely warranted his longest entry yet. It would be the first time he ever described the act of lovemaking in detail as well, and he thought that might be something to preserve.
Alex was practically glowing, looking tired but eager for the prospect of dancing with his friends. He and Alfarinn seemed to get along well which was pleasing. Rowan's respect for the Elder had grown immeasurably when Alfarinn had come to the clinic with Alex, clearly committed to getting their friend home safely. It was just one more reason to like him, when Rowan already thought he was a fantastic person.
"Don't overdo it," he warned Alex gently, not able to completely shelve the doctor for one night. Alex just gave him a soft, tired smile and nodded.
Rowan was questioned about the fire alarm. He returned Alfarinn's gaze. "Not old school," he said, "old classic. Never fails to work. Would have been helpful to have one on the boats, really. Nothing like a pirate fire drill to ease the way for looting and pillaging. Can you see it?"
In the meantime, his fingertips continued to stroke and caress, teasing his husband mercilessly. Rowan didn't think he'd ever tire of driving Cris crazy. Not in a hundred, a thousand, a million years.
There was more mead to be had first though. Rowan smiled and chuckled when Alfarinn's little companions thanked Henri. That was adorable. Cris was drinking like a good soldier and Rowan had to laugh silently at the next words from his partner. [We'll call a halt to it before you get that far, a ghra. I'd love to carry you, mind you, but there will be no forgetting tonight. Not a moment's fuzziness, please.]
He planned to etch every detail on his own memory. Perhaps he would even write them down in his journal. His first and only wedding (and subsequent) surely warranted his longest entry yet. It would be the first time he ever described the act of lovemaking in detail as well, and he thought that might be something to preserve.
Alex was practically glowing, looking tired but eager for the prospect of dancing with his friends. He and Alfarinn seemed to get along well which was pleasing. Rowan's respect for the Elder had grown immeasurably when Alfarinn had come to the clinic with Alex, clearly committed to getting their friend home safely. It was just one more reason to like him, when Rowan already thought he was a fantastic person.
"Don't overdo it," he warned Alex gently, not able to completely shelve the doctor for one night. Alex just gave him a soft, tired smile and nodded.
Rowan was questioned about the fire alarm. He returned Alfarinn's gaze. "Not old school," he said, "old classic. Never fails to work. Would have been helpful to have one on the boats, really. Nothing like a pirate fire drill to ease the way for looting and pillaging. Can you see it?"
In the meantime, his fingertips continued to stroke and caress, teasing his husband mercilessly. Rowan didn't think he'd ever tire of driving Cris crazy. Not in a hundred, a thousand, a million years.
Christian Bern
10 years ago
[That has potential.] Cris sent to Rowan about them fighting their way out of the building and to the helicopter. He had a brief vision of them backing away from angry party guests throwing silverware at them and yelling for Rowan to "get to the chopper†before being brought back to reality by Rowan's hand moving further up and stroking him under the table. Cris reached over and clamped his hand down on his husband's leg, squeezing none too gently as he tried not to moan and squirm in his seat.
He was happy to hear that they would not be drinking themselves into a stupor tonight. That was good because he would like to remember his wedding night, which seemed to be the same thing that was on Rowan's mind. Not only that but he would like to remember that he hadn't been sick.
The crows were cute, Cris watched them absently while he considered their options for escape. [Do you think we could have MARI put together some of our pictures and make an impromptu slide show on one of the walls? They could dim the lights and perhaps we can escape while everyone is focused on the screen.] They would have to stay for the first few pictures obviously but maybe six or so into it they could quietly ease their way out. [We would have to take care of the few who didn't fall for it...] Alfarinn and Henri came to mind. He hoped Renee wouldn't be too angry with him for knocking Henri over the head with something. Or maybe Rowan could glamour him...Henri was older so that would be difficult. If only they knew where Kem's loyalties were in all this. Grisha might help...then again he might not.
Alfarinn called Rowan out on the fire alarm thing. His partner went with it and defended his earlier statement with creative ease. Cris smiled and sent to Rowan. [ I hope you bought that tux. If you keep it up I cannot guarantee that you will still be wearing it once we get to the helicopter.] Much less the plane. [I am definitely seeing zip ties and an airplane seat in someone's future.]
The blond across from them nodded thoughtfully. "I don't think it would help on Viking raids but for pirates, definitely. Vikings needed the "look there's Elvis" distraction technique in some form."
He was happy to hear that they would not be drinking themselves into a stupor tonight. That was good because he would like to remember his wedding night, which seemed to be the same thing that was on Rowan's mind. Not only that but he would like to remember that he hadn't been sick.
The crows were cute, Cris watched them absently while he considered their options for escape. [Do you think we could have MARI put together some of our pictures and make an impromptu slide show on one of the walls? They could dim the lights and perhaps we can escape while everyone is focused on the screen.] They would have to stay for the first few pictures obviously but maybe six or so into it they could quietly ease their way out. [We would have to take care of the few who didn't fall for it...] Alfarinn and Henri came to mind. He hoped Renee wouldn't be too angry with him for knocking Henri over the head with something. Or maybe Rowan could glamour him...Henri was older so that would be difficult. If only they knew where Kem's loyalties were in all this. Grisha might help...then again he might not.
Alfarinn called Rowan out on the fire alarm thing. His partner went with it and defended his earlier statement with creative ease. Cris smiled and sent to Rowan. [ I hope you bought that tux. If you keep it up I cannot guarantee that you will still be wearing it once we get to the helicopter.] Much less the plane. [I am definitely seeing zip ties and an airplane seat in someone's future.]
The blond across from them nodded thoughtfully. "I don't think it would help on Viking raids but for pirates, definitely. Vikings needed the "look there's Elvis" distraction technique in some form."
Rowan Murphy
10 years ago
Rowan smiled impishly when Cris squeezed his leg hard. However, it was not accompanied by a request to cease and desist so Rowan continued to let his fingers drift up and down along the growing evidence of his lover's enjoyment. They would definitely need to dim the lights at this rate; it wouldn't be appropriate for Cris (or him, for that matter) to stand up like this.
[That isn't a bad idea, love,] he sent. [And then we can set off the fire alarm!]
He gave a little mental hum when his partner speculated about the people who would see through such a ruse. [Them, we might have to get crafty and evade. If we have enough people between them and us we can make a break for it before they can catch up.]
Sometimes, running was the best option. Not always the best strategic move, but definitely not always the worst. Then came Cris's comment about the tux and his apparent daydream for the plane trip and Rowan glanced at him, raising his eyebrows. [You want me to zip tie you to an airplane seat and finish what I started here, sweetheart? I'd be only too happy to. Or perhaps you'll sit down and I'll wear the zip ties.]
Oh yes, there were any number of ways those two things could be incorporated into both their futures. [I certainly see my mouth all over you in both our futures.]
When Alfarinn commented on Rowan's distraction idea and it's effectiveness on Vikings, Rowan laughed. "Is that how they did it to you?"
Well, if you were looking to distract someone who was willing to discuss the topic, why not get their take on what would adequately distract them? He knew the Viking thing was after Alfarinn's time, but a raid was a raid.
[That isn't a bad idea, love,] he sent. [And then we can set off the fire alarm!]
He gave a little mental hum when his partner speculated about the people who would see through such a ruse. [Them, we might have to get crafty and evade. If we have enough people between them and us we can make a break for it before they can catch up.]
Sometimes, running was the best option. Not always the best strategic move, but definitely not always the worst. Then came Cris's comment about the tux and his apparent daydream for the plane trip and Rowan glanced at him, raising his eyebrows. [You want me to zip tie you to an airplane seat and finish what I started here, sweetheart? I'd be only too happy to. Or perhaps you'll sit down and I'll wear the zip ties.]
Oh yes, there were any number of ways those two things could be incorporated into both their futures. [I certainly see my mouth all over you in both our futures.]
When Alfarinn commented on Rowan's distraction idea and it's effectiveness on Vikings, Rowan laughed. "Is that how they did it to you?"
Well, if you were looking to distract someone who was willing to discuss the topic, why not get their take on what would adequately distract them? He knew the Viking thing was after Alfarinn's time, but a raid was a raid.
Christian Bern
10 years ago
Cris unclenched his hand from Rowan's knee long enough to pat it gently at his husband's deliberate misunderstanding of his sending about zipties. If his lover kept doing what he was doing then there would be retaliation later, in some form or another, most likely testing the limits of Rowan's ability to withstand some teasing as well. Maybe not the first time around, maybe he would simply jump Rowan at the first opportunity, fast and furious, full of need and passion. But the second time would be different.
Alfarinn raised his eyebrows at Rowan. "No, Elvis meant very little to us. Not our kind of music."
He unfolded himself from the chair and then disappeared for a minute, coming back with three drinks in his hand. Cris groaned inwardly when Alfarinn set a glass down in front of both him and Rowan. He had noticed several people walking around with these drinks and had wondered what they were. It was pretty whatever it was; he had to admit that. The top couple of inches of the glass were coated in sugar so that they looked much like the crystals on the cake that Henri had made. The liquid inside the glass had a golden hue with just a touch of rose that made it seem to glow from the inside out. A careful taste revealed lime juice, champagne and something else. When he raised his eyebrows at Alfarinn, his friend supplied the extra ingredient which turned out to be gin. The little bit of colour was a tiny splash of grenadine. Alfarinn waved a hand toward the bar area where several of the drinks awaited a server to pick them up. The bartender was industriously making more.
"Tasty." He smiled and decided that they absolutely needed to hurry with the photo presentation plan. Cris sent to Ume and gave her the details, fairly pleading with his familiar for her support. It wasn't necessary, she was definitely willing to help and on their side of the getaway plan. She slipped out, swiping one of the pretty drinks before she left.
All that was needed now was a text to MARI to make sure the AI knew that Ume had authorization to access his personal photo files and computer. Generally speaking he was not a fan of placing things on the combined 'cloud' that belonged to Meridian, especially not personal things, but when it came to pictures of him and Rowan that he would rather not ever lose Cris was willing to risk a little privacy for the sake of a backup copy on their secured ethernet. Only the most personal, and potentially compromising, pictures had not been uploaded; however, those weren't the pictures that he was willing to share with anyone but Rowan anyway.
Pulling out his phone to send a text to MARI, he paused when he felt a light tug on his pants leg. Cris looked down to find Shawe there next to him, his ball cradled against his chest with one arm and the other reaching up to him as soon as he looked down. He leaned over and picked up the raccoon.
Shawe held up his ball. Cris held up his phone. Apparently the new shiny toy trumped the old one for a moment. The raccoon set the ball down on the table and the raised himself up to get a better look at Cris's toy.
Cris tried to type a quick message to MARI but he had 'help' pushing the buttons. [Give me a moment, Schnuffel and then you can play with it.] If he hadn't been a little drunk and distracted then he wouldn't have tried to 'send' to his furry little grandson. Even drunk he didn't expect it to work.
Alfarinn raised his eyebrows at Rowan. "No, Elvis meant very little to us. Not our kind of music."
He unfolded himself from the chair and then disappeared for a minute, coming back with three drinks in his hand. Cris groaned inwardly when Alfarinn set a glass down in front of both him and Rowan. He had noticed several people walking around with these drinks and had wondered what they were. It was pretty whatever it was; he had to admit that. The top couple of inches of the glass were coated in sugar so that they looked much like the crystals on the cake that Henri had made. The liquid inside the glass had a golden hue with just a touch of rose that made it seem to glow from the inside out. A careful taste revealed lime juice, champagne and something else. When he raised his eyebrows at Alfarinn, his friend supplied the extra ingredient which turned out to be gin. The little bit of colour was a tiny splash of grenadine. Alfarinn waved a hand toward the bar area where several of the drinks awaited a server to pick them up. The bartender was industriously making more.
"Tasty." He smiled and decided that they absolutely needed to hurry with the photo presentation plan. Cris sent to Ume and gave her the details, fairly pleading with his familiar for her support. It wasn't necessary, she was definitely willing to help and on their side of the getaway plan. She slipped out, swiping one of the pretty drinks before she left.
All that was needed now was a text to MARI to make sure the AI knew that Ume had authorization to access his personal photo files and computer. Generally speaking he was not a fan of placing things on the combined 'cloud' that belonged to Meridian, especially not personal things, but when it came to pictures of him and Rowan that he would rather not ever lose Cris was willing to risk a little privacy for the sake of a backup copy on their secured ethernet. Only the most personal, and potentially compromising, pictures had not been uploaded; however, those weren't the pictures that he was willing to share with anyone but Rowan anyway.
Pulling out his phone to send a text to MARI, he paused when he felt a light tug on his pants leg. Cris looked down to find Shawe there next to him, his ball cradled against his chest with one arm and the other reaching up to him as soon as he looked down. He leaned over and picked up the raccoon.
Shawe held up his ball. Cris held up his phone. Apparently the new shiny toy trumped the old one for a moment. The raccoon set the ball down on the table and the raised himself up to get a better look at Cris's toy.
Cris tried to type a quick message to MARI but he had 'help' pushing the buttons. [Give me a moment, Schnuffel and then you can play with it.] If he hadn't been a little drunk and distracted then he wouldn't have tried to 'send' to his furry little grandson. Even drunk he didn't expect it to work.
Rowan Murphy
10 years ago
Rowan chuckled when Alfarinn claimed Elvis wasn't their thing and then stood up, offering no more assistance with distraction techniques. Well, it was always worth a shot. The Elder was back soon, however, and had with him three more drinks. Rowan glanced at Cris, grinned, and drank with him, wondering how his love was holding up under the alcoholic onslaught. They'd been drinking pretty steadily since arriving here. There had been a non-stop stream of mead since they'd walked through the doors, and now this delightfully fizzy and sweet drink. Rowan was all in favor of being a little wobbly on their feet but he would definitely draw the line before either of them went further and he knew Cris would too. He was starting to feel a tiny little bit of that pleasant tingling buzz, though, which meant Cris was probably a little bit further gone.
His exploration of Cris's tux pants was interrupted when Shawe appeared under the table, requesting to be picked up in the rather adorable manner Aishe had taught him, arms stretching up, bouncing on his hand feet a little. He had his new toy hugged against him but he was perfectly able to make himself understood with one little paw-hand. Rowan leaned in and rested against Cris's shoulder, his hand transferring to Shawe's thick shiny fur while he watched Cris send his text. With help.
Shawe had surprisingly dexterous little fingers, and even with his neatly-trimmed little nails he managed to delicately hit the buttons on Cris's phone with his little pads. He had clearly played this game before. He turned to Cris and gave a little squeak, as if speaking to him. It was adorable, the way Cris had taken to the raccoon. His lover had mentioned on several occasions that he wasn't much of an animal person, yet he did seem to have an affinity for Alfarinn's birds, Grisha's little Scoop, and now Shawe. Rowan fuond it amusing and endearing. Really, he simply couldn't see how anyone in their right mind could ever have considered his husband even the tiniest bit unfeeling. Cris had always been anything but.
****************
Shawe sat on Cris's lap and watched with eager interest as he pulled out a shiny-box and started to play with it. This was a game he knew! He played it with the Kiamhaat all the time, and sometimes with Aishe. he heard Cris's voice, very clearly, talking silently the way Aishe did. It didn't occur to him that there was really anything unusual about it. So he responded in kind the way he would have if it had been Aishe.
[Play later, yes. Play with Rowan-toys now.]
Shawe turned and remained sitting on Cris's lap but reached up to gently bat at Rowan's earrings, which were silver hoops with a bead on each. Rowan chuckled and let him play, the dangling jewelry tapping together gently. He had learned early on that the piercings were not to be tugged at but if he was very soft with them, he would be allowed to tap and poke at them.
In about ten seconds he turned back to Cris and placed both paws on Cris's chest. Pushing his little nose against Cris's cheek he said, [Play now?] And then he reached out for the phone again.
His exploration of Cris's tux pants was interrupted when Shawe appeared under the table, requesting to be picked up in the rather adorable manner Aishe had taught him, arms stretching up, bouncing on his hand feet a little. He had his new toy hugged against him but he was perfectly able to make himself understood with one little paw-hand. Rowan leaned in and rested against Cris's shoulder, his hand transferring to Shawe's thick shiny fur while he watched Cris send his text. With help.
Shawe had surprisingly dexterous little fingers, and even with his neatly-trimmed little nails he managed to delicately hit the buttons on Cris's phone with his little pads. He had clearly played this game before. He turned to Cris and gave a little squeak, as if speaking to him. It was adorable, the way Cris had taken to the raccoon. His lover had mentioned on several occasions that he wasn't much of an animal person, yet he did seem to have an affinity for Alfarinn's birds, Grisha's little Scoop, and now Shawe. Rowan fuond it amusing and endearing. Really, he simply couldn't see how anyone in their right mind could ever have considered his husband even the tiniest bit unfeeling. Cris had always been anything but.
****************
Shawe sat on Cris's lap and watched with eager interest as he pulled out a shiny-box and started to play with it. This was a game he knew! He played it with the Kiamhaat all the time, and sometimes with Aishe. he heard Cris's voice, very clearly, talking silently the way Aishe did. It didn't occur to him that there was really anything unusual about it. So he responded in kind the way he would have if it had been Aishe.
[Play later, yes. Play with Rowan-toys now.]
Shawe turned and remained sitting on Cris's lap but reached up to gently bat at Rowan's earrings, which were silver hoops with a bead on each. Rowan chuckled and let him play, the dangling jewelry tapping together gently. He had learned early on that the piercings were not to be tugged at but if he was very soft with them, he would be allowed to tap and poke at them.
In about ten seconds he turned back to Cris and placed both paws on Cris's chest. Pushing his little nose against Cris's cheek he said, [Play now?] And then he reached out for the phone again.
Christian Bern
10 years ago
[Thank you] Cris sent automatically in response and then sent his text. It then occurred to him what just happened. He set the phone down slowly and looked over at Rowan, who had a little raccoon paw swatting at his earrings.
[I think I just sent to Shawe...] Cris frowned thoughtfully and then looked up at his redhead. [and I think he understood me.] That seemed highly unlikely. Picking up his latest drink, he peered into the mostly gone golden beverage. [I must be more drunk than I thought.]
He could have sworn Shawe agreed to play with the phone later and then said that he would play with Rowan's toys now...which he was currently doing. Cris couldn't deny that his furry little friend had stopped poking at the buttons of his phone when he had 'asked'.
After a few minutes of clicking Rowan's earrings together, Shawe turned back to him and requested to play with the phone now. Either the delusion was continuing or he really had understood the raccoon the first time.
[Okay] Cris sent back to the raccoon in his lap, more than a little bewildered. He picked up the phone, turned the keypad sounds on and handed it to Shawe.
[Uhm...What do you think?] He asked Rowan thoughtfully while rubbing his cheek gently against Shawe's back.
Tentatively, he sent another thought to the raccoon. [Thank you for the shinies from the basket.] Cris smiled softly at the memory of it. If he really could speak to his furry little grandson then he would thank him personally for the little surpise.
[I think I just sent to Shawe...] Cris frowned thoughtfully and then looked up at his redhead. [and I think he understood me.] That seemed highly unlikely. Picking up his latest drink, he peered into the mostly gone golden beverage. [I must be more drunk than I thought.]
He could have sworn Shawe agreed to play with the phone later and then said that he would play with Rowan's toys now...which he was currently doing. Cris couldn't deny that his furry little friend had stopped poking at the buttons of his phone when he had 'asked'.
After a few minutes of clicking Rowan's earrings together, Shawe turned back to him and requested to play with the phone now. Either the delusion was continuing or he really had understood the raccoon the first time.
[Okay] Cris sent back to the raccoon in his lap, more than a little bewildered. He picked up the phone, turned the keypad sounds on and handed it to Shawe.
[Uhm...What do you think?] He asked Rowan thoughtfully while rubbing his cheek gently against Shawe's back.
Tentatively, he sent another thought to the raccoon. [Thank you for the shinies from the basket.] Cris smiled softly at the memory of it. If he really could speak to his furry little grandson then he would thank him personally for the little surpise.
Rowan Murphy
10 years ago
Rowan chuckled when Shawe turned away from the phone and began to play with his earrings. Aishehad explained to the raccoon on several occasions that gentle playing was fine but harder poking and pulling would hurt. It had taken a few tries but Shawe did learn to play nicely and Rowan didn't mind when the little raccoon toyed with his jewelry.
When Cris sent to him again Rowan looked from Shawe to Cris and then back. [You could be,] he sent to his husband, [but I don't think you're that far gone. Maybe Shawe's grown used to having someone sending to him?]
If the raccoon could understand a spoken command from any human, like 'sit' or 'no,' then perhaps after a while they could 'learn' to hear different senders too? Rowan had no idea how that might worked; even to their own kind, many of their abilities were still a mystery.
In the meantime, another round of drinks was delivered to their table. Having only just finished the last one Rowan chuckled and looked around for who might have been responsible for this round, but he couldn't figure it out from where he leaned against Cris and he was reluctant to move.
[I think you should have another drink, love,] he sent playfully. [We can always solve this case a little later.]
He didn't doubt what Cris had said; his partner didn't get drunk quite this quickly, and when they'd been drunk together Cris hadn't been prone to delusions of raccoon conversations. Clearly something was going on, but it didn't seem to Rowan to be anything to be concerned about. A minor mystery.
The image before him of Cris rubbing his cheek against the raccoon's sleek fur was too sweet to resist. Rowan leaned up a little and pressed his lips to Cris's neck, kissing him softly, letting the tip of one sharp canine scrape very gently along his skin. He tilted his head back a little and murmured softly against Cris's ear, "Does it bother you? Talking to him? I think it's pretty adorable."
Rowan hadn't kept out of the medical loop; he read studies about both humans and vampires. Plenty of their kind experimented upon themselves in order to understand how they worked. Just because you were a vampire didn't mean you stopped being a scientist. If Cris was developing a new ability altogether, or if his sending was somehow overreaching its own known limitations Rowan was fascinated and pleased for his husband, but only if it didn't bother Cris. In all things, how Cris felt about it would always be Rowan's first concern.
*************
Shawe was rewarded with the shiny box for his willingness to wait. He happily pressed buttons, listening to the sounds they made. Cris spoke to him again and Shawe hardly batted an eyelash. He just kept poking away at buttons in a random order.
[Shiny things for special happy-times,] he sent back. [Shiny things make raccoon-people happy. Make Cris feel happy.]
Shawe only thought of a few people in terms of names. He understood Aishe and Kiamhaat by name, of course, and Rowan and Cris and Pakpao as well. Other people were a little more nebulous to him. Some, he was on the verge of connecting with a specific name, like Alex and Eiryk and Alfarinn, but hadn't quite cemented them in, still referring to them in descriptive terms as well as by name.
He did remember having brought shiny toys to Cris when Aishe told him Cris was hurt, and Aishe said they had made Cris happy. Shawe liked making Cris happy, and Rowan too. Cris and Rowan were both raccoon-people, so it only followed that they would prefer a basket of shiny things to a basket of inedible flower petals. Shawe did not understand why he was supposed to throw them about on the floor but he wasn't about to argue, and besides, they had sparkled in the light and made a lovely sound when they'd hit the ground.
When Cris sent to him again Rowan looked from Shawe to Cris and then back. [You could be,] he sent to his husband, [but I don't think you're that far gone. Maybe Shawe's grown used to having someone sending to him?]
If the raccoon could understand a spoken command from any human, like 'sit' or 'no,' then perhaps after a while they could 'learn' to hear different senders too? Rowan had no idea how that might worked; even to their own kind, many of their abilities were still a mystery.
In the meantime, another round of drinks was delivered to their table. Having only just finished the last one Rowan chuckled and looked around for who might have been responsible for this round, but he couldn't figure it out from where he leaned against Cris and he was reluctant to move.
[I think you should have another drink, love,] he sent playfully. [We can always solve this case a little later.]
He didn't doubt what Cris had said; his partner didn't get drunk quite this quickly, and when they'd been drunk together Cris hadn't been prone to delusions of raccoon conversations. Clearly something was going on, but it didn't seem to Rowan to be anything to be concerned about. A minor mystery.
The image before him of Cris rubbing his cheek against the raccoon's sleek fur was too sweet to resist. Rowan leaned up a little and pressed his lips to Cris's neck, kissing him softly, letting the tip of one sharp canine scrape very gently along his skin. He tilted his head back a little and murmured softly against Cris's ear, "Does it bother you? Talking to him? I think it's pretty adorable."
Rowan hadn't kept out of the medical loop; he read studies about both humans and vampires. Plenty of their kind experimented upon themselves in order to understand how they worked. Just because you were a vampire didn't mean you stopped being a scientist. If Cris was developing a new ability altogether, or if his sending was somehow overreaching its own known limitations Rowan was fascinated and pleased for his husband, but only if it didn't bother Cris. In all things, how Cris felt about it would always be Rowan's first concern.
*************
Shawe was rewarded with the shiny box for his willingness to wait. He happily pressed buttons, listening to the sounds they made. Cris spoke to him again and Shawe hardly batted an eyelash. He just kept poking away at buttons in a random order.
[Shiny things for special happy-times,] he sent back. [Shiny things make raccoon-people happy. Make Cris feel happy.]
Shawe only thought of a few people in terms of names. He understood Aishe and Kiamhaat by name, of course, and Rowan and Cris and Pakpao as well. Other people were a little more nebulous to him. Some, he was on the verge of connecting with a specific name, like Alex and Eiryk and Alfarinn, but hadn't quite cemented them in, still referring to them in descriptive terms as well as by name.
He did remember having brought shiny toys to Cris when Aishe told him Cris was hurt, and Aishe said they had made Cris happy. Shawe liked making Cris happy, and Rowan too. Cris and Rowan were both raccoon-people, so it only followed that they would prefer a basket of shiny things to a basket of inedible flower petals. Shawe did not understand why he was supposed to throw them about on the floor but he wasn't about to argue, and besides, they had sparkled in the light and made a lovely sound when they'd hit the ground.
Christian Bern
10 years ago
Rowan suggested that he have another drink and that it might be a part of his sending ability because maybe Shawe was used to someone sending simple commands to him. That would be true but he was not used to getting responses from animals and Shawe's response hadn't been a simple answer.
He didn't sound overly concerned that Cris had lost his marbles. True, Rowan wasn't a psychiatrist but still he would probably have some idea what might be physically wrong if his new husband started having serious delusions of Dr.Doolittle grandeur.
"No, I'm not concerned about it overly much."
Alfarinn looked over at him and raised his eyebrows. "Concerned about what? And you and your little trouble maker -are- pretty cute."
"I sent to him..." Cris clarified but still looked somewhat mystified. He should tell Aishe about it. She should definitely know and then Grisha who might have some ideas on what was going on. He just wondered if now was the time; after all they were trying to escape.
"And did he answer?" Alfarinn looked mildly amused. They both knew that plenty of senders had tried to speak to animals before.
"Yes" Cris said quietly. "More than once."
"That isn't sending then." He tilted his head toward a bird perched on his shoulder. "That would make you an animal savant in the making." Alfarinn looked clearly amused by the prospect, even more so when Cris scowled at him.
"I am not an animal lover and we all know that."
"I think you love one particular animal quite a bit." His friend said, unconcerned and undeterred by his objection. "and I know you sneak tidbits of food to that furry little spy of Grisha's."
He smiled at Shawe's response to his thanks and explained it to Rowan and Alfarinn, determined not to try and sort it out any more tonight. "I thanked him for his little gift earlier today. He told me shiny things were for happy times and he wanted to make us happy." Cris hugged his furry little friend again, nuzzling him while he played. "Apparently we're part of the family." They had always said Shawe's was his grandson but it would seem that Shawe actually thought of them as family as well.
His little raccoon pal happily mashed the buttons on his phone and Cris wondered idly who was about to get a phone call from a furry little prank dialer. Leaning over the phone, Cris got a mischievous idea. [Here, press this button] He pointed to the icon with his daughter's face in miniature on it which was his quick dial for Aishe. [and now this one.] The big green button with the white little telephone in the center. Yep that one. [Now, make some noises with me to say hello to Aishe.] He had practiced raccoon noises for ages for his daughter's toy. Cris never knew they would ever come in handy again. He happily squeaked and chittered at her with help.
Nothing like getting drunk dialed by your dad and his furry little accomplice.
He didn't sound overly concerned that Cris had lost his marbles. True, Rowan wasn't a psychiatrist but still he would probably have some idea what might be physically wrong if his new husband started having serious delusions of Dr.Doolittle grandeur.
"No, I'm not concerned about it overly much."
Alfarinn looked over at him and raised his eyebrows. "Concerned about what? And you and your little trouble maker -are- pretty cute."
"I sent to him..." Cris clarified but still looked somewhat mystified. He should tell Aishe about it. She should definitely know and then Grisha who might have some ideas on what was going on. He just wondered if now was the time; after all they were trying to escape.
"And did he answer?" Alfarinn looked mildly amused. They both knew that plenty of senders had tried to speak to animals before.
"Yes" Cris said quietly. "More than once."
"That isn't sending then." He tilted his head toward a bird perched on his shoulder. "That would make you an animal savant in the making." Alfarinn looked clearly amused by the prospect, even more so when Cris scowled at him.
"I am not an animal lover and we all know that."
"I think you love one particular animal quite a bit." His friend said, unconcerned and undeterred by his objection. "and I know you sneak tidbits of food to that furry little spy of Grisha's."
He smiled at Shawe's response to his thanks and explained it to Rowan and Alfarinn, determined not to try and sort it out any more tonight. "I thanked him for his little gift earlier today. He told me shiny things were for happy times and he wanted to make us happy." Cris hugged his furry little friend again, nuzzling him while he played. "Apparently we're part of the family." They had always said Shawe's was his grandson but it would seem that Shawe actually thought of them as family as well.
His little raccoon pal happily mashed the buttons on his phone and Cris wondered idly who was about to get a phone call from a furry little prank dialer. Leaning over the phone, Cris got a mischievous idea. [Here, press this button] He pointed to the icon with his daughter's face in miniature on it which was his quick dial for Aishe. [and now this one.] The big green button with the white little telephone in the center. Yep that one. [Now, make some noises with me to say hello to Aishe.] He had practiced raccoon noises for ages for his daughter's toy. Cris never knew they would ever come in handy again. He happily squeaked and chittered at her with help.
Nothing like getting drunk dialed by your dad and his furry little accomplice.
Rowan Murphy
10 years ago
Alfarinn contributed to their conversation with the only other logical explanation for Cris's sudden ability to communicate clearly with Shawe. Rowan smiled at the back and forth between the two men; it was clear how comfortable they were with each other and Rowan had never had any reason to envy them such closeness. On the contrary; he was happy Cris had someone to keep him constant throughout the years.
"Of course we're part of the family," Rowan chuckled. "Who else would he scatter around his precious collection for?"
He reached out and gently scratched Shawe behind the ears. The little raccoon rubbed up against Rowan's hand for a moment but did not stop playing with the phone.
Rowan laughed into his hand when Cris had Shawe call Aishe's phone and then spent the next several seconds making perfect raccoon noises into it. He hadn't heard Aishe's phone ring, so she wasn't anywhere nearby. He did, however, hear her voice.
"Cris? Cris, is that you?" There was a muffled, odd-sounding thump. Rowan's keen ears could hear it clearly but he couldn't identify the sound. "Shawe? Is that you? If you stole Cris's phone... and somehow managed to figure out how to call me... that would be, well, pretty unbelievable."
There was a moment of silence during which Shawe's little ears flickered back and forth and he poked his nose up over the phone to look around. Then he dropped the phone like a hotcake and pushed his head under Cris's coat.
From the phone came some more thumping noises and a muffled curse in a voice and a language that were definitely not Aishe's. Then a little snort from Aishe, as if she were trying not to laugh. "Cris, did you forget my little angel is ultimately loyal to me? I know you're there. Stop teaching him to operate a cell phone or I'll make sure I buy him one that has only one number on it, yours!"
Her words were strict but her tone was amused; clearly she found the idea of Shawe and Cris on the phone very entertaining. That, or she thought getting Shawe his very own Cris-phone would be delightful. Maybe both.
"Of course we're part of the family," Rowan chuckled. "Who else would he scatter around his precious collection for?"
He reached out and gently scratched Shawe behind the ears. The little raccoon rubbed up against Rowan's hand for a moment but did not stop playing with the phone.
Rowan laughed into his hand when Cris had Shawe call Aishe's phone and then spent the next several seconds making perfect raccoon noises into it. He hadn't heard Aishe's phone ring, so she wasn't anywhere nearby. He did, however, hear her voice.
"Cris? Cris, is that you?" There was a muffled, odd-sounding thump. Rowan's keen ears could hear it clearly but he couldn't identify the sound. "Shawe? Is that you? If you stole Cris's phone... and somehow managed to figure out how to call me... that would be, well, pretty unbelievable."
There was a moment of silence during which Shawe's little ears flickered back and forth and he poked his nose up over the phone to look around. Then he dropped the phone like a hotcake and pushed his head under Cris's coat.
From the phone came some more thumping noises and a muffled curse in a voice and a language that were definitely not Aishe's. Then a little snort from Aishe, as if she were trying not to laugh. "Cris, did you forget my little angel is ultimately loyal to me? I know you're there. Stop teaching him to operate a cell phone or I'll make sure I buy him one that has only one number on it, yours!"
Her words were strict but her tone was amused; clearly she found the idea of Shawe and Cris on the phone very entertaining. That, or she thought getting Shawe his very own Cris-phone would be delightful. Maybe both.
Christian Bern
10 years ago
Apparently they had interrupted something private. [I thought we were the ones who were supposed to be getting lucky tonight.] Cris muttered silently to Rowan. They weren't on the phone long before hearing the sounds of fumbling and muffled cursing that was...most likely ancient Egyptian. He looked over at Alfarinn, who clearly understood and was pretending not to have heard anything at all. His friend was probably all to happy to be completely innocent for once.
Shawe dropped the phone and hid under his coat. [It is okay.] Cris sent to his raccoon partner in crime. [We will find something else to play with.] It was the least he could do after getting him in trouble.
Clearing his throat, he said in his best fatherly tone. "I want her home at a reasonable hour, young man." Not that he would know if Aishe was home or not since she no longer lived at The Towers. Resuming his normal voice, he said. "Sorry to interrupt. We were just having a bit of fun and you seemed the best person to call." He hung up so that they could get back to business.
"Ooops" He raised his shoulders and looked chagrined.
"It is okay, Shawe. We would put other numbers in your phone." His daughter had threatened to give the raccoon with only his number but that was easily fixed. He had those skills and the ones that would make sure the other numbers couldn't be erased either. But he wouldn't start a practical joke war with Aishe that put Shawe in the middle. He already felt bad for potentially getting the poor little guy into trouble and interrupting her personal time with Kem.
Looking around the table for something that would work for raccoon entertainment, he discounted the mugs that were either white or black with a silhouette of the Nachton skyline which had The Towers featured prominently in the middle on the face of the mug and today's date written in small elegant script on the back or the coffee from Barney's specially packaged with the same scene and their wedding information. For the people who didn't love coffee the tables also had a bottle of champagne that listed their names and the wedding date topped with a reusable silver stopper shaped as the twin buildings. Breakable and not fun to play with.
Then he spotted one of the side tables near the entrance which had rows of little bubble bottles for their departure. Picking up his furry friend, Cris got up long enough to retrieve a couple of them and then return to the table. He handed the second bottle to Rowan.
Unscrewing the bottle, he pulled out the wand and blew a few bubbles into the air for Shawe. He was careful not to aim them over anything breakable. A couple of flashes alerted him to the fact that this apparently was another photo opportunity. Cris looked up to see that one of the photographers was his familiar who had just slipped back in the door.
Shawe dropped the phone and hid under his coat. [It is okay.] Cris sent to his raccoon partner in crime. [We will find something else to play with.] It was the least he could do after getting him in trouble.
Clearing his throat, he said in his best fatherly tone. "I want her home at a reasonable hour, young man." Not that he would know if Aishe was home or not since she no longer lived at The Towers. Resuming his normal voice, he said. "Sorry to interrupt. We were just having a bit of fun and you seemed the best person to call." He hung up so that they could get back to business.
"Ooops" He raised his shoulders and looked chagrined.
"It is okay, Shawe. We would put other numbers in your phone." His daughter had threatened to give the raccoon with only his number but that was easily fixed. He had those skills and the ones that would make sure the other numbers couldn't be erased either. But he wouldn't start a practical joke war with Aishe that put Shawe in the middle. He already felt bad for potentially getting the poor little guy into trouble and interrupting her personal time with Kem.
Looking around the table for something that would work for raccoon entertainment, he discounted the mugs that were either white or black with a silhouette of the Nachton skyline which had The Towers featured prominently in the middle on the face of the mug and today's date written in small elegant script on the back or the coffee from Barney's specially packaged with the same scene and their wedding information. For the people who didn't love coffee the tables also had a bottle of champagne that listed their names and the wedding date topped with a reusable silver stopper shaped as the twin buildings. Breakable and not fun to play with.
Then he spotted one of the side tables near the entrance which had rows of little bubble bottles for their departure. Picking up his furry friend, Cris got up long enough to retrieve a couple of them and then return to the table. He handed the second bottle to Rowan.
Unscrewing the bottle, he pulled out the wand and blew a few bubbles into the air for Shawe. He was careful not to aim them over anything breakable. A couple of flashes alerted him to the fact that this apparently was another photo opportunity. Cris looked up to see that one of the photographers was his familiar who had just slipped back in the door.
Rowan Murphy
10 years ago
[I feel plenty lucky already,] Rowan responded to Cris. [I mean, I did just get married for the first and last time in my life.]
He grinned at his partner and listened to the rest of the conversation without laughing out loud; he didn't want to embarrass either Kem or Aishe and honestly, it was kind of hilarious to catch the normally more straight-laced Elder in a moment of complete inappropriateness.
When Cris hung up and appeared to feel guilty about interrupting them Rowan leaned in and kissed him. "Don't worry about it, love. If they're going to get it on in a closet at our reception they did run the risk of being caught." He was still grinning but he felt bad that Cris might blame himself for ruining something that clearly was off the cuff and improvised fun.
Cris got up and found them two of the bubble bottles that had been near the door. Rowan thought that was a fantastic idea and joined Cris in blowing bubbles for the numerous cameras that clicked and flashed away, including Alex's. Rowan treated their friend to a bubble-blowing close-up.
Shawe seemed delighted by the bubbles, but after popping a few with his claws and having them splatter in his face he turned his attention to the actual bubble-blowing itself. He grabbed a bubble-wand in his clever little hands and stuck his nose through the loop which resulted in five or six rapid fire sneezes.
Just then Aishe showed up. She was minimally disheveled but had a deep flush in her cheeks that was quite becoming. Kem was right behind her; he was slightly more disheveled and sank into the chair next to Alfarinn, trying unsuccessfully to hide his own blush of embarrassment. He reached around and retrieved a drink from a server with a tray.
Aishe chuckled at Shawe and Cris. "Now that's a much better entertainment," she said. As she drew close Shawe abandoned his bubble-wand and reached his paws out for Aishe. She lifted him away from Cris, cuddled him into her arms, and rubbed her nose against his. Then she ducked down a little and kissed Cris on the forehead. "You two are adorable and dangerous."
She looked at Rowan. "Aren't you supposed to keep them out of trouble?"
Rowan sat up, looked around, and pointed at himself. Then he blinked at Aishe. "Pirate," he said, turning his wrist so he was pointing at Cris. "He's the responsible one. I think it's in the pre-nup."
He slid his arm around Cris's waist, however, and pulled his husband close. Two more drinks were delivered to them, this time dangerously red at the bottom and bright orange on top. Rowan picked it up and sipped; something fruity. He'd actually stopped trying to identify the ingredients.
Aishe sat down in the chair on the other side of Alfarinn, shooting him a glance. "I've already dragged one tall sexy vampire into a compromising situation," she said cheerfully. "You want to be my next?" She smiled brightly at Alfarinn, looking over toward the dance floor.
He grinned at his partner and listened to the rest of the conversation without laughing out loud; he didn't want to embarrass either Kem or Aishe and honestly, it was kind of hilarious to catch the normally more straight-laced Elder in a moment of complete inappropriateness.
When Cris hung up and appeared to feel guilty about interrupting them Rowan leaned in and kissed him. "Don't worry about it, love. If they're going to get it on in a closet at our reception they did run the risk of being caught." He was still grinning but he felt bad that Cris might blame himself for ruining something that clearly was off the cuff and improvised fun.
Cris got up and found them two of the bubble bottles that had been near the door. Rowan thought that was a fantastic idea and joined Cris in blowing bubbles for the numerous cameras that clicked and flashed away, including Alex's. Rowan treated their friend to a bubble-blowing close-up.
Shawe seemed delighted by the bubbles, but after popping a few with his claws and having them splatter in his face he turned his attention to the actual bubble-blowing itself. He grabbed a bubble-wand in his clever little hands and stuck his nose through the loop which resulted in five or six rapid fire sneezes.
Just then Aishe showed up. She was minimally disheveled but had a deep flush in her cheeks that was quite becoming. Kem was right behind her; he was slightly more disheveled and sank into the chair next to Alfarinn, trying unsuccessfully to hide his own blush of embarrassment. He reached around and retrieved a drink from a server with a tray.
Aishe chuckled at Shawe and Cris. "Now that's a much better entertainment," she said. As she drew close Shawe abandoned his bubble-wand and reached his paws out for Aishe. She lifted him away from Cris, cuddled him into her arms, and rubbed her nose against his. Then she ducked down a little and kissed Cris on the forehead. "You two are adorable and dangerous."
She looked at Rowan. "Aren't you supposed to keep them out of trouble?"
Rowan sat up, looked around, and pointed at himself. Then he blinked at Aishe. "Pirate," he said, turning his wrist so he was pointing at Cris. "He's the responsible one. I think it's in the pre-nup."
He slid his arm around Cris's waist, however, and pulled his husband close. Two more drinks were delivered to them, this time dangerously red at the bottom and bright orange on top. Rowan picked it up and sipped; something fruity. He'd actually stopped trying to identify the ingredients.
Aishe sat down in the chair on the other side of Alfarinn, shooting him a glance. "I've already dragged one tall sexy vampire into a compromising situation," she said cheerfully. "You want to be my next?" She smiled brightly at Alfarinn, looking over toward the dance floor.