Alfarinn leaned closer and smiled at the picture of the young man who looked cheerful and full of life. He wondered how many people in Anantya had bothered to speak to the man and get to know him. The clan policy of a distance from humans was of course part of what seperated their two clans but even when he was a part of it, Alfarinn had always had the tendency to get to know everyone around him, perhaps that is what made seeing people pass away so difficult. He would still rather be involved than to have never known someone in the first place but he only let people get -so- close to him in the past before he pulled away.
"He's charming. I bet you had your hands full when he was younger. You'll have grandchildren soon enough and the spoiling rotten may commence." Alfarinn smiled at the thought. " Genetics is only a small part of what makes a child your own. I have learned that much in my life. It is what leaves hope of having someone eventually who will survive you and remember your name, tell stories of you to their children and so on."
Chuckling at the comment, he shook his head, no.
"Of course not. Parents have a right to be proud of their children and wish to show them to others. The grandchildren will probably make you feel young again. I enjoy seeing things from a child's perspective, they have such a refreshingly truthful view of things. I spend as much time as I can spare in the company's day care rooms at the tower playing with the kids. Shirking my duties, no doubt. Perhaps you'd be willing to tell me a story or two about your son? I'd love to hear them."
Waiting
Alfarinn wandered about Thaddeus's quarters or perhaps it would be more accurate to say he prowled like a caged cat. It was better than being in his own home though, at least here there were things of interest that would cause him to pause and smile.
Thaddeus had quite the collection of books and Alfarinn stood in front of the bookcases for a while taking in some of the titles. He smiled at the rows of books that looked similar to Thaddeus's current journal and wondered if by the time his companion reached several thousand years of age they'd have to get him his own library for them.
There was no use picking up anything to read, He knew he'd simply stare blankly at the pages. Heading upstairs, Alfarinn paused at the grand piano and reached out a hand to touch it lightly on the cover, the image of his lover came instantly to his mind, hands playing over the keys with an easy grace, head tilted to the side and eyes partly closed as the music carried him away to a place of peace. Alfarinn could almost hear the music, he sighed and felt more at ease.
He decided it would be better to try and continue on with something that would be more relaxing, or at least stop his pacing. Wandering into the large bathroom Alfarinn was glad to see Thaddeus had a tub as well as the shower he had mentioned briefly.
Sitting on the edge, he leaned over and began to run the hot water. Alfarinn made sure that a towel was handy and then undressed, folding his clothes neatly and setting them on a counter. Looking around for something to hold up his hair, He finally reached back into his pocket and pulled out his pen. Tieing the hair up in a loose knot, he secured this with the writing utensil now made hair accessory.
Alfarinn turned off the water and slid into the tub with a sigh. While his mind was still miles away wondering how his companion was faring, his body at least was starting to relax. He hadn't been aware of how tense he'd been until the warm water began to loosen his limbs a tiny bit at a time. Eventually, he leaned back and closed his eyes, images of Thaddeus doing the very same caused him to smile briefly before his mind wandered back onto possibilities he'd rather not contemplate.
'He'll be back soon' Alfarinn told his wayward thoughts firmly before leaning up and finding the soap and a washcloth.
Alfarinn
18 years ago
Butler
18 years ago
The Butler shook his head, chuckled low, and picked up the bottle of scotch. Who would have thought; a vampire that likes little kids. Go figure. You, sir, are determined to have a story from me. He topped off Arin's drink and poured a thumb's width for himself. Very well; I propose a bargain. I shall tell you a story of my son, and -you- can tell me a story about your adventures on the high seas.
He took a sip of his scotch and set the glass down. In fact, speaking of sailing brings a story to mind. He smiled, remembering for a moment, then spoke again.
We had a little lake near our home, 'we' being my wife, my son, and me. He smirked up at Arin. Well, ex wife now; I preferred living in a house with vampires, begging your pardon, to that woman. He chuckled. No real bitterness there, that's just my little joke.
Alright, maybe there was a little bitterness. Most of it had faded over time into simply not missing the old ball and chain.
But at any rate, we had a little pond, and when Jason was...oh, six or seven, he and I used to go out on windy days and make little paper sail boats to put in the water. We went to the library and everything to learn how to make our crafts more seaworthy and just generally had a grand old time watching them go.
Well, one day, when we were doing just that, when along comes a catfish. He held his hands about two feet across. Must have been about that big. Maybe not; certainly seemed that big to us, but you know how memory changes such things. So this catfish, which for all intents and purposes really should have been at the bottom of the lake, minding its own business, this catfish swims by and just clobbers our poor little boat. Takes it under with him and everything. Now I could see what had happened, but little Jason was convinced that the fish had swallowed the boat whole and insisted on catching the fish to get his boat back! No explanation would suffice, and I didn't have the heart to argue with those big shiny eyes looking back on me.
So, we went and rented ourselves a little rowboat and some fishing poles and fished until Jason fell asleep in the bottom. For the whole summer we fished nearly every day for that catfish. I figured he would give up on it eventually and forget all about it, but no.
To this very day he remembers that story. I called him on the phone just last week, and he jokingly asked me when we were going to go fishing and get his boat back. I imagine some day he'll tell that story to his own son.
He chuckled softly. Maybe that sort of thing is only funny to the people who were there. If I could explain just -how- determined he was to get that boat back, how much he truly believed that if he caught that fish, everything would be set right...that just cut right to my heart.
He set down his glass of scotch and looked to Arin once again.
Alright, fair is fair. Your turn.
He took a sip of his scotch and set the glass down. In fact, speaking of sailing brings a story to mind. He smiled, remembering for a moment, then spoke again.
We had a little lake near our home, 'we' being my wife, my son, and me. He smirked up at Arin. Well, ex wife now; I preferred living in a house with vampires, begging your pardon, to that woman. He chuckled. No real bitterness there, that's just my little joke.
Alright, maybe there was a little bitterness. Most of it had faded over time into simply not missing the old ball and chain.
But at any rate, we had a little pond, and when Jason was...oh, six or seven, he and I used to go out on windy days and make little paper sail boats to put in the water. We went to the library and everything to learn how to make our crafts more seaworthy and just generally had a grand old time watching them go.
Well, one day, when we were doing just that, when along comes a catfish. He held his hands about two feet across. Must have been about that big. Maybe not; certainly seemed that big to us, but you know how memory changes such things. So this catfish, which for all intents and purposes really should have been at the bottom of the lake, minding its own business, this catfish swims by and just clobbers our poor little boat. Takes it under with him and everything. Now I could see what had happened, but little Jason was convinced that the fish had swallowed the boat whole and insisted on catching the fish to get his boat back! No explanation would suffice, and I didn't have the heart to argue with those big shiny eyes looking back on me.
So, we went and rented ourselves a little rowboat and some fishing poles and fished until Jason fell asleep in the bottom. For the whole summer we fished nearly every day for that catfish. I figured he would give up on it eventually and forget all about it, but no.
To this very day he remembers that story. I called him on the phone just last week, and he jokingly asked me when we were going to go fishing and get his boat back. I imagine some day he'll tell that story to his own son.
He chuckled softly. Maybe that sort of thing is only funny to the people who were there. If I could explain just -how- determined he was to get that boat back, how much he truly believed that if he caught that fish, everything would be set right...that just cut right to my heart.
He set down his glass of scotch and looked to Arin once again.
Alright, fair is fair. Your turn.
Alfarinn
18 years ago
Alfarinn laughed quietly. "I have no doubt that he was very serious about getting the boat back. Such a determination is likely to carry him far in life."
He thought back through his life to an appropriate story of travels.
"Hmm, well there was this one time when I was out supposedly fishing." He smiled sheepishly. "Back in my days as a human, at any rate, the sun was nice and warm and I dozed off. I thought it was only for a moment or two but when I woke up it was night time and I was a good deal further out to sea than I had expected to be."
Alfarinn thought about that panicked moment with a smile, He had been most concerned by what his father was going to say when he got home with no fish than whether he would get home at all. It was odd to remember how that had seemed so important to him at the time. The memories of his human existence were centuries ago and yet he could see some things so very clearly. He wondered whether it was the same for all of his kind, that the brief time as a mortal was etched indelibly within the core of their being.
"I.. hmm, well I made my way back to shore eventually but much further down than my village by a good long way. Fearing the wrath of my father, I spent some time fishing each day and traded those at the first village I managed to come to. I found a skilled what you would call a blacksmith these days and acquired a new sledge hammer for my father because the old one had broken while taking down a crumbling rock wall and then the top portion had been lost." He blushed slightly making it apparent that he was the one who was responsible for this event. " And a new iron pot for my mother. I made my way back up the coast keeping it in sight this time and walked back into the village."
He smiled, remembering his return, sisters grabbing him about the waist and his mother's look of relief. It had not occurred to him that they would be so worried. He was a grown man, who should be able leave for days at time without cause for alarm, his father went hunting for months bringing back food for the long winters. Of course, Alfarinn had not understood then that to a mother your age was not important, you would always be her child.
" I handed her the pot and looked rather contrite. It was then that my father walked up behind me and said.
"That was thoughtful of you, Alfarinn, but you forgot the fish."
He chuckled and shrugged.
" I was so interested in making a good impression when I came back that I forgot there was a specific reason I had been out in the first place."
" You've been very kind to spend time with me, Rupert, I thank you for keeping me company despite your busy schedule."
Alfarinn nodded to the man in genuine gratitude. He could sense his companion getting closer and knew Thaddeus would be home soon. He was not certain Rupert would be comfortable with the very affectionate homecoming greeting he was likely to witness if he stayed much longer but Alfarinn had no wish to be rude to his guest when it was he that insisted on company.
He thought back through his life to an appropriate story of travels.
"Hmm, well there was this one time when I was out supposedly fishing." He smiled sheepishly. "Back in my days as a human, at any rate, the sun was nice and warm and I dozed off. I thought it was only for a moment or two but when I woke up it was night time and I was a good deal further out to sea than I had expected to be."
Alfarinn thought about that panicked moment with a smile, He had been most concerned by what his father was going to say when he got home with no fish than whether he would get home at all. It was odd to remember how that had seemed so important to him at the time. The memories of his human existence were centuries ago and yet he could see some things so very clearly. He wondered whether it was the same for all of his kind, that the brief time as a mortal was etched indelibly within the core of their being.
"I.. hmm, well I made my way back to shore eventually but much further down than my village by a good long way. Fearing the wrath of my father, I spent some time fishing each day and traded those at the first village I managed to come to. I found a skilled what you would call a blacksmith these days and acquired a new sledge hammer for my father because the old one had broken while taking down a crumbling rock wall and then the top portion had been lost." He blushed slightly making it apparent that he was the one who was responsible for this event. " And a new iron pot for my mother. I made my way back up the coast keeping it in sight this time and walked back into the village."
He smiled, remembering his return, sisters grabbing him about the waist and his mother's look of relief. It had not occurred to him that they would be so worried. He was a grown man, who should be able leave for days at time without cause for alarm, his father went hunting for months bringing back food for the long winters. Of course, Alfarinn had not understood then that to a mother your age was not important, you would always be her child.
" I handed her the pot and looked rather contrite. It was then that my father walked up behind me and said.
"That was thoughtful of you, Alfarinn, but you forgot the fish."
He chuckled and shrugged.
" I was so interested in making a good impression when I came back that I forgot there was a specific reason I had been out in the first place."
" You've been very kind to spend time with me, Rupert, I thank you for keeping me company despite your busy schedule."
Alfarinn nodded to the man in genuine gratitude. He could sense his companion getting closer and knew Thaddeus would be home soon. He was not certain Rupert would be comfortable with the very affectionate homecoming greeting he was likely to witness if he stayed much longer but Alfarinn had no wish to be rude to his guest when it was he that insisted on company.
Butler
18 years ago
The Butler chuckled merrily at the charming story, finishing off the last of his drink with a smile. Somehow he could almost picture the scene, having had enough experience with a teenage boy to know just how their minds had a tendency to wonder. He found it rather touching that this dignified vampire had once been so concerned with pleasing his family. Not all that different from his own son, really, though he hoped by now Jason understood that he would -always- have his father's pride and approval.
That, sir, is a more than fair trade.
He lifted the empty glass and set it back on the tray.
The pleasure was all mine, Arin. This is the most pleasant and engaging conversation I have had in this house for weeks.
Alas, all good things must come to an end, and I do have duties to attend to.
Standing up carefully and taking the tray in one hand, he lifted up the bottle of scotch and looked to Arin questioningly.
Shall I retrieve this later?
In the course of their talk, the Butler had managed to forget just whose quarters they were currently in, and he found a part of him wanted to clear out the evidence. Another, more perverse part, felt just a little smug about the fact that he sat down in the snot's chair and had a pleasant chat over a drink, but even the fine scotch did not completely rid him of his senses. It was likely prudent to make his escape before Lord Grey returned.
That, sir, is a more than fair trade.
He lifted the empty glass and set it back on the tray.
The pleasure was all mine, Arin. This is the most pleasant and engaging conversation I have had in this house for weeks.
Alas, all good things must come to an end, and I do have duties to attend to.
Standing up carefully and taking the tray in one hand, he lifted up the bottle of scotch and looked to Arin questioningly.
Shall I retrieve this later?
In the course of their talk, the Butler had managed to forget just whose quarters they were currently in, and he found a part of him wanted to clear out the evidence. Another, more perverse part, felt just a little smug about the fact that he sat down in the snot's chair and had a pleasant chat over a drink, but even the fine scotch did not completely rid him of his senses. It was likely prudent to make his escape before Lord Grey returned.
Alfarinn
18 years ago
Alfarinn smiled and stood, reaching out to shake the man's hand. This had gone much better than waiting alone and he was very glad that Rupert had joined him.
"I know I'm hardly in a correct state of dress and all that but I agree that it has been a pleasure. I do hope we get a chance to talk again at some later date."
Looking down at the glasses, he finished the last of his scotch and set it on the tray.
"No, I think it is probably wise to not remind Thaddeus that I drink. I do believe it worries him."
Alfarinn smiled a little self consciously and shrugged slightly. "Its been a long night so hopefully he won't judge too harshly."
"I know I'm hardly in a correct state of dress and all that but I agree that it has been a pleasure. I do hope we get a chance to talk again at some later date."
Looking down at the glasses, he finished the last of his scotch and set it on the tray.
"No, I think it is probably wise to not remind Thaddeus that I drink. I do believe it worries him."
Alfarinn smiled a little self consciously and shrugged slightly. "Its been a long night so hopefully he won't judge too harshly."
Butler
18 years ago
The Butler quickly put the bottle of scotch on the tray and accepted Arin's handshake with a smile, being careful not to upset the burden in his other hand.
Yes, quite; I should hope you return to the Manor if for no other reason than because the observatory should not be missed. And consider me at your service should you stay again.
He frowned a little at the mention of the snot getting worried and judging too harshly. That was certainly a kind way of saying "getting worked up into a self righteous little snit"Â?. The brat was bound to get upset no matter what anyone did; it simply could not be helped.
There was, however, no way to warn the kind gentleman without being hopelessly indiscreet, so he simply nodded and turned to go.
Very good sir.
And with that he passed through the curtain and out of sight, full tray in hand and feeling more than a little cheerful overall.
/ooc Butler out!
Yes, quite; I should hope you return to the Manor if for no other reason than because the observatory should not be missed. And consider me at your service should you stay again.
He frowned a little at the mention of the snot getting worried and judging too harshly. That was certainly a kind way of saying "getting worked up into a self righteous little snit"Â?. The brat was bound to get upset no matter what anyone did; it simply could not be helped.
There was, however, no way to warn the kind gentleman without being hopelessly indiscreet, so he simply nodded and turned to go.
Very good sir.
And with that he passed through the curtain and out of sight, full tray in hand and feeling more than a little cheerful overall.
/ooc Butler out!
Alfarinn
18 years ago
Alfarinn smiled at the touch of Thaddeus in his mind once more.
[I am glad to hear that everything went well.]
[i] He walked back upstairs and found the mouthwash in the cabinet. Not wanting Thaddeus to have to kiss him while he smelled of scotch, Alfarinn poured a capful and tossed it back. Heading back downstairs, he sat back down in the chair to wait.
[I've been very comfortable, thank you.]
Alfarinn pondered various ways of waiting for Thaddeus that might be of interest to his companion before deciding that his graphic visual images could prove a bit distracting. Standing in the center of the room with his hands on his hips, he thought for a moment longer before heading back up the stairs.
Sitting on the edge of the tub, he began to run another bath and laid out two towels. Thaddeus was quite likely tired, Alfarinn knew he was just from the stress of the evening and he had sat here for the duration, there was no telling what all Thaddeus had been through tonight but if there was one thing he had learned in their association together so far, it was that his companion would want a bath before he went to bed.
[I am glad to hear that everything went well.]
[i] He walked back upstairs and found the mouthwash in the cabinet. Not wanting Thaddeus to have to kiss him while he smelled of scotch, Alfarinn poured a capful and tossed it back. Heading back downstairs, he sat back down in the chair to wait.
[I've been very comfortable, thank you.]
Alfarinn pondered various ways of waiting for Thaddeus that might be of interest to his companion before deciding that his graphic visual images could prove a bit distracting. Standing in the center of the room with his hands on his hips, he thought for a moment longer before heading back up the stairs.
Sitting on the edge of the tub, he began to run another bath and laid out two towels. Thaddeus was quite likely tired, Alfarinn knew he was just from the stress of the evening and he had sat here for the duration, there was no telling what all Thaddeus had been through tonight but if there was one thing he had learned in their association together so far, it was that his companion would want a bath before he went to bed.
Alfarinn
18 years ago
Alfarinn smiled at Thaddeus's message that he was on his way and turned off the water. Heading downstairs he waited for his companion to arrive. Seating himself back in one of the comfortable chairs, he pondered pretending he had fallen asleep just for the shameless joy of being kissed awake but he didn't want Thaddeus to think he had been bored and feel guilty for simply doing his duty besides Thaddeus was well aware that he was awake.
He did close his eyes briefly letting the relief and anticipation wash over him as he felt Thaddeus getting closer.
He did close his eyes briefly letting the relief and anticipation wash over him as he felt Thaddeus getting closer.
Thaddeus Grey
18 years ago
Thaddeus walked briskly down the hall, past the butler's office and around the corner to the west wing, keeping an eye out for passersby. Seeing no one, he made it to the door without incident, and slid his key into the lock. He opened the door quietly and slipped inside, locking, then checking, the door behind him. Not bothering to sit down at the bench, he slid off his shoes and pushed them with one foot to the side, then moved toward the curtain.
Sighing at the force of his own habits, he turned back, picked up his shoes, and put them in the closet where they belonged, right next to Alfarinn's. Satisfied that he would not wake up in the middle of the night and remember that he had not put his shoes away, he hung up his jacket and turned once again, pushing the curtain aside and stepping into his study.
He regarded Alfarinn quietly for a moment, taking in the sight of his companion wearing one of his bathrobes and sitting comfortably in the chair. He tried not to think of what a mess he must look, though he was admittedly slightly self conscious now.
He finally approached, treading lightly over a sheepskin rug, and sank to his knees in front of Alfarinn, resting his hands on the tops of his thighs where the terrycloth robe covered skin. He looked up at his lover, eyes smiling.
I am back.
Sighing at the force of his own habits, he turned back, picked up his shoes, and put them in the closet where they belonged, right next to Alfarinn's. Satisfied that he would not wake up in the middle of the night and remember that he had not put his shoes away, he hung up his jacket and turned once again, pushing the curtain aside and stepping into his study.
He regarded Alfarinn quietly for a moment, taking in the sight of his companion wearing one of his bathrobes and sitting comfortably in the chair. He tried not to think of what a mess he must look, though he was admittedly slightly self conscious now.
He finally approached, treading lightly over a sheepskin rug, and sank to his knees in front of Alfarinn, resting his hands on the tops of his thighs where the terrycloth robe covered skin. He looked up at his lover, eyes smiling.
I am back.
Alfarinn
18 years ago
Alfarinn smiled down at his companion and simply watched him a moment, fully taking in the fact that he was back, present, safe and sound. Breathing out a long sigh as he felt himself truly relax once more, Alfarinn reached down to the hands in his lap pulling them gently to his chest. He then leaned over for a slow delicate kiss, savoring the feel of warm lips against his own.
"So you are."
He stood slowly and brought Thaddeus up with him unable to restrain himself from the need to have Thaddeus in his arms any longer. Seeing no reason to deny the impulse, Alfarinn gave in to it willingly. Holding his companion close, he smiled and said.
"I'm very glad."
Alfarinn felt it worth demonstrating, not that his feelings left any doubts, but the words weren't adequate to describe just how happy he was to see Thaddeus. The night didn't go as they had planned by any stretch of his imagination. There was less trouble with acceptance than he expected but it was still trying, it seemed like days ago that they had spoken with Simon out in the limo and he told them of Marthinus and the need for the ring. There was still that concern, for all they knew the Tacharan could be walking into a trap. Then Morrigan explained to them that this Wolf, this killer of vampires, murderer of Emma, was in fact Emma's child, Thaddeus's brother. It was something more to weigh heavily on his partner's mind and then his companion was needed to help his clan and despite his personal troubles, which were great indeed, Thaddeus went without a word of protest and if their success was any indication, managed to do his duties quite well. Amidst all the relief and pleasure of having his lover back in his arms, Alfarinn felt an affectionate pride. His companion was so strong, so focused and yet so thoughtful, Alfarinn could hardly forget that Thaddeus made certain that his needs were taken care of while he waited.
With one hand still around Thaddeus's waist and the other resting gently on the back of his neck, Alfarinn kissed his returned companion more thoroughly, hoping to convey with its strength and lingering touch, the depth of his emotion. Eventually he broke away enough to lean down and speak quietly
"You are extraordinary, in case I have failed to mention lately"
He then trailed his lips softly over Thaddeus's neck, giving him a teasing nip just once to break the seriousness of his greeting.
"But you are even more amazing without all these."
Alfarinn gestured to Thaddeus's clothing. He took his companion by the hand and led him up the stairs silently and into the bathroom before turning back to him.
"Besides you wouldn't want your bath to get cold would you?"
"So you are."
He stood slowly and brought Thaddeus up with him unable to restrain himself from the need to have Thaddeus in his arms any longer. Seeing no reason to deny the impulse, Alfarinn gave in to it willingly. Holding his companion close, he smiled and said.
"I'm very glad."
Alfarinn felt it worth demonstrating, not that his feelings left any doubts, but the words weren't adequate to describe just how happy he was to see Thaddeus. The night didn't go as they had planned by any stretch of his imagination. There was less trouble with acceptance than he expected but it was still trying, it seemed like days ago that they had spoken with Simon out in the limo and he told them of Marthinus and the need for the ring. There was still that concern, for all they knew the Tacharan could be walking into a trap. Then Morrigan explained to them that this Wolf, this killer of vampires, murderer of Emma, was in fact Emma's child, Thaddeus's brother. It was something more to weigh heavily on his partner's mind and then his companion was needed to help his clan and despite his personal troubles, which were great indeed, Thaddeus went without a word of protest and if their success was any indication, managed to do his duties quite well. Amidst all the relief and pleasure of having his lover back in his arms, Alfarinn felt an affectionate pride. His companion was so strong, so focused and yet so thoughtful, Alfarinn could hardly forget that Thaddeus made certain that his needs were taken care of while he waited.
With one hand still around Thaddeus's waist and the other resting gently on the back of his neck, Alfarinn kissed his returned companion more thoroughly, hoping to convey with its strength and lingering touch, the depth of his emotion. Eventually he broke away enough to lean down and speak quietly
"You are extraordinary, in case I have failed to mention lately"
He then trailed his lips softly over Thaddeus's neck, giving him a teasing nip just once to break the seriousness of his greeting.
"But you are even more amazing without all these."
Alfarinn gestured to Thaddeus's clothing. He took his companion by the hand and led him up the stairs silently and into the bathroom before turning back to him.
"Besides you wouldn't want your bath to get cold would you?"
Thaddeus Grey
18 years ago
Thaddeus sighed and leaned into the kiss, letting his eyes fall closed as tension and worry faded to the background. He kept his eyes closed as Alfarinn pulled them both to stand, wrapping his arms around his lover and resting his head on his chest, content to be held and feeling inexpressibly loved.
When his lover leaned down to kiss him again, he surprised himself with his own exuberance, pulling Alfarinn tightly to him and returning the kiss with an energy he hadn't known he possessed. He shivered when Alfarinn moved to his neck, amazed that even after this day his lover could still evoke such response from him. And further amazed that even with their familiarity, Alfarinn could still make him blush with just a comment. At a loss for words, he followed Alfarinn almost meekly up the stairs, undoing the top button of his shirt as they went. Passing through the bedroom, Thaddeus hesitated for a moment before realizing that Alfarinn was continuing to the bathroom. He could not help but smile in relief at that; the evening had left its mark on his hands and he had in truth been someone torn in his desire to touch Alfarinn and his reluctance to do so in his current condition. It would be good to get cleaned up; in fact, what would be perfect right now would be...
He turned to Alfarinn with a mix of surprise and awe. This night had certainly had its ups and downs to say the least, but to find in the end he could come back to his lover and be so well understood was enough to make him truly realize just how much it meant to have Alfarinn in his life.
You have me all figured out. You and a warm bath...he shook his head...I am a lucky man.
And in spite of it all, he could not have been more truthful. Chryseis had been through some sort of hell and there was still no telling what would come of that, his own blood wanted him dead and he had given the thing that could reveal him to a man that may or may not be entirely sane, he was tired and dirty and the world made no sense at all, had been turned upside down and shaken like a snow globe one too many times, and still Thaddeus felt more blessed than any man had a right to.
He lifted his chin and carefully undid the buttons on his shirt, leaning forward to kiss gently along Alfarinn's jaw line and nuzzle his neck as he undressed. He shrugged the shirt off and pulled back long enough to strip away the one underneath, then slid one hand to the small of Alfarinn's back as he unfastened his pants and pulled away the last of his clothing with the other.
It was somewhat difficult to pull away and ease into the bathtub, but he reminded himself that he would feel much better once he was clean and could feel truly comfortable touching Alfarinn's bare skin without worrying about getting the other man dirty. Even so, he held onto his lover's hand as he stepped in and sighed, sinking into the warm water and feeling tension slip out of his shoulders and dissipate.
Care to join me? I imagine we both can fit.
When his lover leaned down to kiss him again, he surprised himself with his own exuberance, pulling Alfarinn tightly to him and returning the kiss with an energy he hadn't known he possessed. He shivered when Alfarinn moved to his neck, amazed that even after this day his lover could still evoke such response from him. And further amazed that even with their familiarity, Alfarinn could still make him blush with just a comment. At a loss for words, he followed Alfarinn almost meekly up the stairs, undoing the top button of his shirt as they went. Passing through the bedroom, Thaddeus hesitated for a moment before realizing that Alfarinn was continuing to the bathroom. He could not help but smile in relief at that; the evening had left its mark on his hands and he had in truth been someone torn in his desire to touch Alfarinn and his reluctance to do so in his current condition. It would be good to get cleaned up; in fact, what would be perfect right now would be...
He turned to Alfarinn with a mix of surprise and awe. This night had certainly had its ups and downs to say the least, but to find in the end he could come back to his lover and be so well understood was enough to make him truly realize just how much it meant to have Alfarinn in his life.
You have me all figured out. You and a warm bath...he shook his head...I am a lucky man.
And in spite of it all, he could not have been more truthful. Chryseis had been through some sort of hell and there was still no telling what would come of that, his own blood wanted him dead and he had given the thing that could reveal him to a man that may or may not be entirely sane, he was tired and dirty and the world made no sense at all, had been turned upside down and shaken like a snow globe one too many times, and still Thaddeus felt more blessed than any man had a right to.
He lifted his chin and carefully undid the buttons on his shirt, leaning forward to kiss gently along Alfarinn's jaw line and nuzzle his neck as he undressed. He shrugged the shirt off and pulled back long enough to strip away the one underneath, then slid one hand to the small of Alfarinn's back as he unfastened his pants and pulled away the last of his clothing with the other.
It was somewhat difficult to pull away and ease into the bathtub, but he reminded himself that he would feel much better once he was clean and could feel truly comfortable touching Alfarinn's bare skin without worrying about getting the other man dirty. Even so, he held onto his lover's hand as he stepped in and sighed, sinking into the warm water and feeling tension slip out of his shoulders and dissipate.
Care to join me? I imagine we both can fit.
Alfarinn
18 years ago
He smiled slightly at his companion's words, tucking a piece of hair self consciously behind his ear.
"Mmm, well, I'd have thought I was the lucky one. Especially getting to watch you."
And that he did enjoy, watching Thaddeus undress, torn between helping him with the clothing and simply beholding the tantalizing sight of those graceful hands slowly revealing more beautiful skin underneath. There was also something to be said for the discipline of waiting, granted he didn't restrain himself often, but he did feel that on occasion it heightened the pleasure of the moment when you actually gave in and did the thing that you had been keeping yourself from. He found simply watching kept him more focused on the event itself, on Thaddeus, his feelings and his words.
It wasn't long before Thaddeus was kissing him and there was no need for restraint, Alfarinn placed his hands on his companion's hips and tilted his neck to the side sighing with pleasure at the warm touch of Thaddeus's lips and cheek against his skin as he moved lightly along his jaw and neck.
With the last of his clothing removed, his companion felt blissfully tempting, naked, standing in his arms, and Alfarinn had to fight the urge to pull him back for another kiss that would led to another and another...and then the water really would get cold.
He watched Thaddeus climb carefully into the bath and smiled at his words. Casting a glance at the two towels set out, Alfarinn turned back and gave his companion a sideways grin.
"I had thought I might."
He pulled off the bathrobe and set it on the counter and the moved back to the bath. Finding a porcelain pitcher on the table, Alfarinn set this within reach before stepping into the tub.
Alfarinn slid in behind Thaddeus and put his arms around him, kissing him gently on the neck before reaching for the pitcher.
"Don't think for one instant you're not letting me do this."
Smiling, he filled the pitcher and gently titled back his companion's head, pouring the water carefully in order to keep it out of his eyes. Alfarinn then reached for the shampoo, running his fingers through the short silky strands, massaging gently as he went until he felt that it was clean enough to be rinsed away. Once he was done, he set the pitcher aside and pulled Thaddeus against his chest for a moment. He'd get him clean shortly but first he simply wanted to relax here in the warm water with the comforting weight of his lover against his chest.
"Better?"
"Mmm, well, I'd have thought I was the lucky one. Especially getting to watch you."
And that he did enjoy, watching Thaddeus undress, torn between helping him with the clothing and simply beholding the tantalizing sight of those graceful hands slowly revealing more beautiful skin underneath. There was also something to be said for the discipline of waiting, granted he didn't restrain himself often, but he did feel that on occasion it heightened the pleasure of the moment when you actually gave in and did the thing that you had been keeping yourself from. He found simply watching kept him more focused on the event itself, on Thaddeus, his feelings and his words.
It wasn't long before Thaddeus was kissing him and there was no need for restraint, Alfarinn placed his hands on his companion's hips and tilted his neck to the side sighing with pleasure at the warm touch of Thaddeus's lips and cheek against his skin as he moved lightly along his jaw and neck.
With the last of his clothing removed, his companion felt blissfully tempting, naked, standing in his arms, and Alfarinn had to fight the urge to pull him back for another kiss that would led to another and another...and then the water really would get cold.
He watched Thaddeus climb carefully into the bath and smiled at his words. Casting a glance at the two towels set out, Alfarinn turned back and gave his companion a sideways grin.
"I had thought I might."
He pulled off the bathrobe and set it on the counter and the moved back to the bath. Finding a porcelain pitcher on the table, Alfarinn set this within reach before stepping into the tub.
Alfarinn slid in behind Thaddeus and put his arms around him, kissing him gently on the neck before reaching for the pitcher.
"Don't think for one instant you're not letting me do this."
Smiling, he filled the pitcher and gently titled back his companion's head, pouring the water carefully in order to keep it out of his eyes. Alfarinn then reached for the shampoo, running his fingers through the short silky strands, massaging gently as he went until he felt that it was clean enough to be rinsed away. Once he was done, he set the pitcher aside and pulled Thaddeus against his chest for a moment. He'd get him clean shortly but first he simply wanted to relax here in the warm water with the comforting weight of his lover against his chest.
"Better?"
Thaddeus Grey
18 years ago
Thaddeus smiled at the sight of Alfarinn removing the too-small bathrobe, then moved forward to make room for his companion before leaning back into the offered embrace. He gave another contented sigh, closing his eyes at the feel of Alfarinn's lips grazing his neck. Allowing his worries to stay just beyond conscious thought, he let his hands slide under the water and run down the tops of Alfarinn's thighs to rest on his knees.
He turned and raised one eyebrow at his companion upon hearing Alfarinn's intentions, though he was quick enough to comply. In truth he had not thought of putting up even the smallest protest until Alfarinn had mentioned it, and he wondered vaguely if he should have said something for the sake of propriety before dismissing the idea. There were more important things to worry about, and much better things to expend energy on.
If he had thought he was as relaxed as he was going to get this evening, Alfarinn certainly proved him wrong. Threads of concern broke and floated away as Alfarinn washed his hair, and while he knew that everything he was resolutely not dwelling on would come back later, he rather felt that his problems would be there, neither worse nor better, when he got back to them.
Feeling better simply for having Alfarinn's arms around him, not to mention newly clean hair, he turned and smiled up at his companion before twisting around to kiss him properly. He moved one hand up to rest on his lover's chest as he softly brushed his lips over Alfarinn's, then deepened the kiss, showing him just how much he appreciated the consideration given him.
He eventually pulled away and moved back to a slightly more comfortable position against Alfarinn's chest.
"Much."Â?
He laced his fingers through Alfarinn's and pulled his lover's hand up to his chest, kissing the inside of his wrist with a smile.
"As much as I am enjoying this, though, and believe me, this is absolutely ideal...I might prefer to skip the night leading up to it next time."Â?
He rested his cheek on the cool skin of Alfarinn's chest, his eyes once again shut.
"Thank you. This is just what I needed."Â?
He turned and raised one eyebrow at his companion upon hearing Alfarinn's intentions, though he was quick enough to comply. In truth he had not thought of putting up even the smallest protest until Alfarinn had mentioned it, and he wondered vaguely if he should have said something for the sake of propriety before dismissing the idea. There were more important things to worry about, and much better things to expend energy on.
If he had thought he was as relaxed as he was going to get this evening, Alfarinn certainly proved him wrong. Threads of concern broke and floated away as Alfarinn washed his hair, and while he knew that everything he was resolutely not dwelling on would come back later, he rather felt that his problems would be there, neither worse nor better, when he got back to them.
Feeling better simply for having Alfarinn's arms around him, not to mention newly clean hair, he turned and smiled up at his companion before twisting around to kiss him properly. He moved one hand up to rest on his lover's chest as he softly brushed his lips over Alfarinn's, then deepened the kiss, showing him just how much he appreciated the consideration given him.
He eventually pulled away and moved back to a slightly more comfortable position against Alfarinn's chest.
"Much."Â?
He laced his fingers through Alfarinn's and pulled his lover's hand up to his chest, kissing the inside of his wrist with a smile.
"As much as I am enjoying this, though, and believe me, this is absolutely ideal...I might prefer to skip the night leading up to it next time."Â?
He rested his cheek on the cool skin of Alfarinn's chest, his eyes once again shut.
"Thank you. This is just what I needed."Â?
Alfarinn
18 years ago
Alfarinn returned Thaddeus's kiss with pleasure, enjoying the feel of him pressed against him, kissing him in earnest. His eyes closed and his relaxed more fully under the tender attention.
He smiled at the light brush of his companion's lips against the sensitive skin of his wrist and wrapped his free hand around Thaddeus enjoying the weight of him against his chest, funny that he seemed to breath easier with it there than without, Alfarinn inhaled and sighed deeply as if to demonstrate that very point to himself.
"I agree and I am sure I don't even know the half of it." Alfarinn ran his hand lightly along Thaddeus's back and neck in long soothing patterns.
"You simply amaze me. I don't think I know anyone who's ever remained so well put together through so much. You are an asset to your clan and on a more personal level, I am...quite proud."
He was pretty certain there was more to say but now wasn't the time, no need to remind his companion of all the stresses the day had brought even if it was to tell him how well he handled the situation.
Alfarinn smiled squeezing Thaddeus to him gently in a one armed embrace, still not willing to let go of the hand entwined with his own.
"While you still surprise me quite often, Thaddeus Grey, I find one thing consistent and that is your habit of cleanliness." He kissed his companion gently on the top of his head.
"I am glad it helps."
He smiled at the light brush of his companion's lips against the sensitive skin of his wrist and wrapped his free hand around Thaddeus enjoying the weight of him against his chest, funny that he seemed to breath easier with it there than without, Alfarinn inhaled and sighed deeply as if to demonstrate that very point to himself.
"I agree and I am sure I don't even know the half of it." Alfarinn ran his hand lightly along Thaddeus's back and neck in long soothing patterns.
"You simply amaze me. I don't think I know anyone who's ever remained so well put together through so much. You are an asset to your clan and on a more personal level, I am...quite proud."
He was pretty certain there was more to say but now wasn't the time, no need to remind his companion of all the stresses the day had brought even if it was to tell him how well he handled the situation.
Alfarinn smiled squeezing Thaddeus to him gently in a one armed embrace, still not willing to let go of the hand entwined with his own.
"While you still surprise me quite often, Thaddeus Grey, I find one thing consistent and that is your habit of cleanliness." He kissed his companion gently on the top of his head.
"I am glad it helps."
Thaddeus Grey
18 years ago
Thaddeus enjoyed the feel of the warm water and Alfarinn's hands running softly over his skin for a long moment, his eyes closed and his shoulders relaxed. Indeed, Alfarinn did not know the half of it, and most likely did not want to know specifics. In their similar lines of work and common abilities, they had likely both seen enough that no explanation was required; Alfarinn understood well enough what it could be like sometimes.
Coming home to you helps a great deal, Alfarinn. He titled his head to one side, slowly and somewhat reluctantly opening his eyes. He was sincerely touched by Alfarinn's remark of pride, though he felt his composure was as much motivated by an opposition to instability as it was by any sort of inner strength. People tended to be as strong as they were required to be, and Thaddeus felt he was no different; he simply knew how terrible it was to fall apart, and kept it together because the alternative was much worse to him. Perhaps, though, that was all strength really was.
He sighed, shaking his head. Trust him to over think a compliment, especially one that meant so much to him.
Thank you...your good opinion means a great deal to me. It was wonderful to be appreciated as he was when he and Alfarinn were alone. That Alfarinn's regard extended to his work as well was deeply gratifying to Thaddeus, both as an indicator of acceptance and simply because his clan, and his place in said clan, was such a large part of him.
He chuckled at the remark about cleanliness. I suppose I really am predictable in that regard. He reached over the side of the tub and picked up a washcloth and soap. And yet, here I sit, languishing in the tub while the water cools instead of getting clean as I ought.
Smiling at the feel of soap sliding over his hands and between his fingers, he shook his head self depreciatingly as he commented offhandedly to Alfarinn. I've been waiting to do this since we arrived at the museum, if not before; I managed to misplace my gloves somewhere.
That annoyed him more than it really should have, but he was normally very careful with his things and losing something bothered him just as much if not more than going without his gloves for the evening. He mentally admonished himself for worrying about something so insignificant and went back to getting clean.
Coming home to you helps a great deal, Alfarinn. He titled his head to one side, slowly and somewhat reluctantly opening his eyes. He was sincerely touched by Alfarinn's remark of pride, though he felt his composure was as much motivated by an opposition to instability as it was by any sort of inner strength. People tended to be as strong as they were required to be, and Thaddeus felt he was no different; he simply knew how terrible it was to fall apart, and kept it together because the alternative was much worse to him. Perhaps, though, that was all strength really was.
He sighed, shaking his head. Trust him to over think a compliment, especially one that meant so much to him.
Thank you...your good opinion means a great deal to me. It was wonderful to be appreciated as he was when he and Alfarinn were alone. That Alfarinn's regard extended to his work as well was deeply gratifying to Thaddeus, both as an indicator of acceptance and simply because his clan, and his place in said clan, was such a large part of him.
He chuckled at the remark about cleanliness. I suppose I really am predictable in that regard. He reached over the side of the tub and picked up a washcloth and soap. And yet, here I sit, languishing in the tub while the water cools instead of getting clean as I ought.
Smiling at the feel of soap sliding over his hands and between his fingers, he shook his head self depreciatingly as he commented offhandedly to Alfarinn. I've been waiting to do this since we arrived at the museum, if not before; I managed to misplace my gloves somewhere.
That annoyed him more than it really should have, but he was normally very careful with his things and losing something bothered him just as much if not more than going without his gloves for the evening. He mentally admonished himself for worrying about something so insignificant and went back to getting clean.
Alfarinn
18 years ago
Alfarinn watched Thaddeus for a moment or two before quietly taking the soap and washcloth away from him. Leaning his companion forward slightly, he began to wash his back as he pondered Thaddeus's statement. It bothered his companion and even though it was a small thing to worry about, it was also one they could remedy. Sometimes it took just that one piece extra to be the thing that made it all too much to handle, though he doubted this would be the case for Thaddeus.
"You didn't have them on in Morrigan's office so they must be around here somewhere. We can take a look around once we get out of the bath, if you like. Perhaps they are in the library or the limo?"
Leaning Thaddeus back up against him now that his back was clean, Alfarinn moved his hands around to the front while nibbling gently on one ear.
"Though I am reluctant to leave the room as that will require you to get dressed again."
He smiled, looking down at the sight of Thaddeus naked resting up against him. Alfarinn amended with a smirk.
"I suppose you don't -have- to get dressed again but I'm sure the both of us, as I could not in good conscience let you walk about naked alone, wandering around the manor without clothes would cause the scandal we had expected to receive upon arriving."
The mental image of the two of them wandering around looking for Thaddeus's gloves sans clothing was enough to make him chuckle and his eyes sparkled with the mischief of it for a moment before he turned serious again.
"We can go look though, I understand your wanting to find them but we will need to do it quickly if we must walk outside because it will be dawn soon."
Alfarinn wasn't sure if that was said for Thaddeus's benefit or for his own, He knew that he would be likely to forget the time completely as he enjoyed their current situation.
"You didn't have them on in Morrigan's office so they must be around here somewhere. We can take a look around once we get out of the bath, if you like. Perhaps they are in the library or the limo?"
Leaning Thaddeus back up against him now that his back was clean, Alfarinn moved his hands around to the front while nibbling gently on one ear.
"Though I am reluctant to leave the room as that will require you to get dressed again."
He smiled, looking down at the sight of Thaddeus naked resting up against him. Alfarinn amended with a smirk.
"I suppose you don't -have- to get dressed again but I'm sure the both of us, as I could not in good conscience let you walk about naked alone, wandering around the manor without clothes would cause the scandal we had expected to receive upon arriving."
The mental image of the two of them wandering around looking for Thaddeus's gloves sans clothing was enough to make him chuckle and his eyes sparkled with the mischief of it for a moment before he turned serious again.
"We can go look though, I understand your wanting to find them but we will need to do it quickly if we must walk outside because it will be dawn soon."
Alfarinn wasn't sure if that was said for Thaddeus's benefit or for his own, He knew that he would be likely to forget the time completely as he enjoyed their current situation.
Thaddeus Grey
18 years ago
Thaddeus released the soap and washcloth willingly enough and leaned forward, smiling at the feel of Alfarinn's touch on his back. He had forgotten exactly when he noticed that his gloves had gone missing, and was relieved to find that at least someone was paying some measure of attention.
"At this moment, I am quite reluctant to leave this tub, much less this room."Â?
He smirked at the thought of wandering the Manor naked to search for his gloves, wondering exactly how he might explain that to passersby. 'Well I am -looking- for something to wear' seemed a reasonable excuse if he left off the part where the only thing covered would be his hands.
"Hmm, sounds like a dream I had once."Â?
Chuckling, he ran his fingers over Alfarinn's as he leaned back, before realizing that he was likely getting in the man's way. Instead, he let his hands rest on Alfarinn's knees once more, doing his best to behave as his lover ran the washcloth over his skin.
"In any case, I do have other gloves; I was mostly frustrated at the thought of being so careless as to lose something. I have no doubt they will turn up eventually, there really is no need to add that to our list of concerns right now."Â?
He turned around, forgetting his efforts at being still and cooperative, and kissed Alfarinn softly on the neck.
"I do appreciate the offer though."Â?
Deciding that Alfarinn had quite thoroughly washed everything within easy distance, he took back the washcloth with a smile and took care of what was out of comfortable reach for the other man. Wiggling his newly clean toes, he saw that already they were beginning to prune in the water. Had they really been here that long? Alfarinn had mentioned that it was getting late. He turned around to face his lover, resting his hand on the other man's shoulder.
"Do you mind staying here for the day? I imagine if we left right away we could make it to the apartment if you would be more comfortable there.
"Or"Â?...he ran one foot up and down Alfarinn's calf..."Â?we could stay here. I don't imagine we will be interrupted further."Â?
"At this moment, I am quite reluctant to leave this tub, much less this room."Â?
He smirked at the thought of wandering the Manor naked to search for his gloves, wondering exactly how he might explain that to passersby. 'Well I am -looking- for something to wear' seemed a reasonable excuse if he left off the part where the only thing covered would be his hands.
"Hmm, sounds like a dream I had once."Â?
Chuckling, he ran his fingers over Alfarinn's as he leaned back, before realizing that he was likely getting in the man's way. Instead, he let his hands rest on Alfarinn's knees once more, doing his best to behave as his lover ran the washcloth over his skin.
"In any case, I do have other gloves; I was mostly frustrated at the thought of being so careless as to lose something. I have no doubt they will turn up eventually, there really is no need to add that to our list of concerns right now."Â?
He turned around, forgetting his efforts at being still and cooperative, and kissed Alfarinn softly on the neck.
"I do appreciate the offer though."Â?
Deciding that Alfarinn had quite thoroughly washed everything within easy distance, he took back the washcloth with a smile and took care of what was out of comfortable reach for the other man. Wiggling his newly clean toes, he saw that already they were beginning to prune in the water. Had they really been here that long? Alfarinn had mentioned that it was getting late. He turned around to face his lover, resting his hand on the other man's shoulder.
"Do you mind staying here for the day? I imagine if we left right away we could make it to the apartment if you would be more comfortable there.
"Or"Â?...he ran one foot up and down Alfarinn's calf..."Â?we could stay here. I don't imagine we will be interrupted further."Â?
Alfarinn
18 years ago
Alfarinn smiled and pretended to consider for a moment, though in all honesty he had no intention of leaving the Manor unless Thaddeus had wanted to. He was calm and content for the moment and his companion was as well, he saw no reason to disturb that.
"It is thoughtful of you to offer but I'm quite comfortable here so long as you are with me."
Chuckling at the assertation that they would not likely be interrupted any further, Alfarinn raised an eyebrow at Thaddeus.
"Why? Mr.Grey, I'm shocked. Won't the relatives be scandalized at this very familiar behavior and the very first time I've been over to meet them no less!"
He ran a hand down his companion's chest and squeezed the inside of one thigh gently before carefully standing up and turning to pick up a towel. Alfarinn offered a hand to Thaddeus with grin.
"I'm beginning to think my "bad boy" nature as rubbed off on you."
"It is thoughtful of you to offer but I'm quite comfortable here so long as you are with me."
Chuckling at the assertation that they would not likely be interrupted any further, Alfarinn raised an eyebrow at Thaddeus.
"Why? Mr.Grey, I'm shocked. Won't the relatives be scandalized at this very familiar behavior and the very first time I've been over to meet them no less!"
He ran a hand down his companion's chest and squeezed the inside of one thigh gently before carefully standing up and turning to pick up a towel. Alfarinn offered a hand to Thaddeus with grin.
"I'm beginning to think my "bad boy" nature as rubbed off on you."
Thaddeus Grey
18 years ago
Thaddeus gave an amused shrug at Alfarinn's suggestion, smiling nonchalantly.
Well if we are destined to create a scandal...he turned to Alfarinn, returning the raised eyebrow...it might as well be a good one.
He accepted the offered hand and stepped out of the tub, still smiling, and offered his own hand in return to Alfarinn. Taking the second towel, he dried his hair with a smirk, then titled his chin up and spoke with a lofty air.
I am simply an overachiever.
He dried off and wrapped the towel around his waist.
And I would contend that you are not the 'bad boy' you claim to be. After all...he began ticking off his points with his fingers....you waited quite patiently for me after I so rudely left you here, you ran us a bath, -and- you washed my back. These are all -good- things. Not to mention...he let his eyes trail slowly over Alfarinn's tall, lean form, shaking his head and grinning. No...not bad at all. Quite the opposite, in fact.
He took Alfarinn's hand and moved closer, reaching up to rest his other hand on his shoulder and standing on tiptoe to kiss him gently on the mouth.
Sinking back to his heels, he looked up to Alfarinn with a raised eyebrow.
You know...the corner of his mouth twitched upward...I do believe I have a chess set somewhere in my study.
Well if we are destined to create a scandal...he turned to Alfarinn, returning the raised eyebrow...it might as well be a good one.
He accepted the offered hand and stepped out of the tub, still smiling, and offered his own hand in return to Alfarinn. Taking the second towel, he dried his hair with a smirk, then titled his chin up and spoke with a lofty air.
I am simply an overachiever.
He dried off and wrapped the towel around his waist.
And I would contend that you are not the 'bad boy' you claim to be. After all...he began ticking off his points with his fingers....you waited quite patiently for me after I so rudely left you here, you ran us a bath, -and- you washed my back. These are all -good- things. Not to mention...he let his eyes trail slowly over Alfarinn's tall, lean form, shaking his head and grinning. No...not bad at all. Quite the opposite, in fact.
He took Alfarinn's hand and moved closer, reaching up to rest his other hand on his shoulder and standing on tiptoe to kiss him gently on the mouth.
Sinking back to his heels, he looked up to Alfarinn with a raised eyebrow.
You know...the corner of his mouth twitched upward...I do believe I have a chess set somewhere in my study.
Alfarinn
18 years ago
Alfarinn laughed out loud at the smug comment of Thaddeus's suggesting a need to achieve.
"Well, by all means I would not hinder such a noble goal. I would hate to be the cause of your loss of status amongst your peers. "
He wrung out the excess water from his hair over the tub, looking back at his companion with a smile at the list of -good- things he'd done today. Trust Thaddeus to find sitting here while he was out doing his duty, quite possibly in danger, to be something worthwhile. The last part of the list went unsaid and Alfarinn found himself quite caught up in the gaze that studied his body with such open appraisal. He lowered his eyes and smiled, willing the flush of pleasure to not rise to his cheeks.
"Well, perhaps you've been that good influence on me that you claimed you'd be."
His toweling off was interrupted by Thaddeus pulling him closer for a kiss but he hardly remembered the towel in his hand. Alfarinn made a small noise of disappointment at his companion's ending the close contact and moved closer, circling an arm around the Anantya's waist.
The mention of a chess set caused him to smile, looking thoughtful, he said.
"I believe perhaps we should pass on chess for the evening. It has been a rough night and I'm would hate to think that either of us were not playing the game to our fullest. Perhaps... there is something else we could find to occupy our time and keep us out of trouble?"
Alfarinn couldn't suppress his own grin any longer and quickly finished drying himself off in order to not be the one holding them up for any distraction they might find.
"Well, by all means I would not hinder such a noble goal. I would hate to be the cause of your loss of status amongst your peers. "
He wrung out the excess water from his hair over the tub, looking back at his companion with a smile at the list of -good- things he'd done today. Trust Thaddeus to find sitting here while he was out doing his duty, quite possibly in danger, to be something worthwhile. The last part of the list went unsaid and Alfarinn found himself quite caught up in the gaze that studied his body with such open appraisal. He lowered his eyes and smiled, willing the flush of pleasure to not rise to his cheeks.
"Well, perhaps you've been that good influence on me that you claimed you'd be."
His toweling off was interrupted by Thaddeus pulling him closer for a kiss but he hardly remembered the towel in his hand. Alfarinn made a small noise of disappointment at his companion's ending the close contact and moved closer, circling an arm around the Anantya's waist.
The mention of a chess set caused him to smile, looking thoughtful, he said.
"I believe perhaps we should pass on chess for the evening. It has been a rough night and I'm would hate to think that either of us were not playing the game to our fullest. Perhaps... there is something else we could find to occupy our time and keep us out of trouble?"
Alfarinn couldn't suppress his own grin any longer and quickly finished drying himself off in order to not be the one holding them up for any distraction they might find.