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 Posted: Sun Feb 04, 2024 5:32 pm
“I can make it fun for you, I’m sure of it.” He’d make a game of it somehow or maybe he could see if that thing about espresso was true. Either way, he’d have fun helping stock things up, he didn’t really have much space in his apartment or store for things like that.
“Sounds nice, being able to have the space to paint or work from home. I don’t really have that luxury for now, at least until I get things settled a bit more and maybe one day get to that last step of my papers… but that’s a long way away.” Something like five or more years if he remembered correctly, he had it marked on his phone calendar with all the little reminders of when he had to renew things. As much as he liked flitting to and fro and moving along as he pleased, he couldn’t risk ******** up his paperwork. Even more, now that he had a very good reason for staying.
“I remember a bit about that, from paintings and the churches back home but otherwise… I like the idea of things maybe more so in art.” Pretty blondes, just as he always liked. But Alexandre had a lot more depth to them than the paintings and stories he knew. “You have a lot of cousins it seems, are they all blonde?” Laughing a little, he wondered how many of them stopped by the other’s home besides the one that apparently lived here as well.
“I wouldn't say because of you completely but… I never had seen ivy with thorns before. I had wondered if it was because you had endured a lot, with all those scars. Now I figure it has to do with what you were talking about yesterday though I’m still a bit fuzzy from it all.”
Shopping, museums, cafes, they were all things he was perfectly fine going along with. “I think those all sound really fun, considering we met at a museum. We can find a few new ones or exhibits to go to maybe during the weekends when I’m not working?” Gardens weren’t something he knew much about but he figured he could look up some information on that during work to help kill the time between customers.
“Much like that little cafe, you brought me espresso from all the time? I never really did like Starbucks but I think it’s because their espresso always tastes so burnt or bitter, not even in a good way. I never really knew the stores were open late here, at least other than the restaurants. It sounds pretty hectic otherwise, I mostly ordered things online to be delivered to my place or my shop. It sounds like you don’t really like those other people, it’s cute.” Teasing as they had that little bit of annoyance in their voice.
Kissing them again, slowly, he really never thought they would be the lazy type but it seemed a bit fun. “Maybe I can join you for runs here and there after everything stops hurting though. Sounds like most things are a lot less stressful than most others have it, at least at home maybe? I think it sounds pretty nice and maybe I’ll steal you away for company at my shop more often? I think I would really like it, I’m a bit nervous with the string of bad luck I’ve had on that doorstep.” It was something he was going to be nervous about for a bit, even if they said he had power of some sort. That phantom pain of a hand in his chest was sure to come back every time he went to work, at least for a while.
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Posted: Sun Feb 04, 2024 5:32 pm
“So you would, once you have everything settled, want a place where you could paint from home? A large in home studio?” That was something most people wouldn’t think about or want, a library maybe but an art studio was a whole different thing. It wasn’t anywhere near common and he knew that. So for the other to want such a thing stuck out and was interesting, something he could appreciate.
“I’ll let you use this small studio of mine and you can try and make learning about wine fun for me, because I have really not much of a vested interest in them.” He really only cared so much as getting what others would find good, and what he could cook with. He didn’t need to get something he liked because he didn’t like wines at all, he didn’t need to try one to find out, he simply didn’t like them because he didn’t drink…it was as simple as that.
Looking up at the other, quite a bit serious, he nodded his head. “I do have a lot of cousins…how do you know we’re all blond? Or rather nearly all of us are blond.” He said seriously, because it was true. Almost everyone, not just his cousins, were blond. The rare brunettes, or redheads, were a sight to see amongst the sea of blond that gathered for holidays. Blond hair and blue eyes, just like red hair, were recessive traits but in his family they were a common occurrence just like in certain countries where it was common. Some might find it creepy, in a way, and others might find it intimidating to come against what looked like a very large army of a united family. But it was how it was for them and they were used to it, so much so that many married similarly colored people.
“The tattoos…most of my family is clueless about it. I don’t hide it on purpose but I also don’t go flaunting it. It would…turn some heads at some gatherings, especially with the older members, but the thorns are for myself what they are for plants - protection from outside dangers.” because he’d faced enough and been hurt by more than enough things - people - and he didn’t wish to continue to be hurt. He would keep himself safe…only he’d failed when it came to Rene and the month away from the other. He’d done it to himself though. But he was bettering that now, soothing the hurt away, as he rested in the other's hold.
“Runs sound nice, as does time in your shop, perhaps I’ll find some things I’d like to bring home…aside from you, seeing as I’ve already got you.” He stated before pressing his lips back to the others. “You know the French term sans souci…without care. You know where it comes from. Well, that is something like my family. We can do as we please for education and seek out a job doing whatever pleases us. We are not held down by any strings when it comes to what we wish to do or where we want to go. We can enjoy life a bit more than most and take pleasure in more things which life, and the world, has to offer.” Because they were not as chained to this city as he allowed himself to be. Another kiss and his raised his hand to run his fingers through the others dark hair.
“Though it seems you may know that life, just as well as I do, as well as my family does.” Though perhaps the other had no idea just how large a family he had, or how close they were, he certainly wouldn’t expect the darker, shadowy, parts of his family. But he didn’t need to know those parts - yet.
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Posted: Sun Feb 04, 2024 5:34 pm
“Paint or work, either way. I like my shop but I feel like maybe once things are a bit better and more people know of it I can work by appointment and do a lot of my customs and things from home. Not that I mind working from my store but I can’t say that I’m not a bit nervous about it for now. I think I’d like using the studio here if I don’t put you out of it too though.”
Laughing a bit as they answered his question in part about their family. “Well I didn’t assume but I figured at least if one was blonde maybe a few more might be. All of my family had brown hair for the most part.” They were all gone now but he was fine with that, to be honest, he never really fit in with them and their ways. But it would be funny to meet all the other’s family at some point and see if it was better than his family had been.
“Oh… mine are from my family. At least the one…” Showing them his wrist, he thumbed the small fleur di lis that lay beneath the winding filigree that wrapped up and vanished under the shirt he was wearing. It had hurt when his father had brought him to have it done nearly a decade ago, the rest didn’t hurt as much when it boiled down to it as he’d decided to get it on his own. “Well, maybe I can help a bit now too?” Moving his arms back around them, he didn’t mind the closeness at all, not after everything.
“I wish I could come home with you more often but I need to figure things out with my shop with how far it is from here. I usually stay at my place which is just a few minutes walk from the shop or I sleep at the shop which…. I’m not really supposed to do but nobody has said anything yet. I think it used to be part of the residence above it but I really don’t know how they do things like that here. But if you do see anything you like let me know?” Rubbing their cheek with his thumb as he spoke, he knew those words and wanted to get back to that way of life again one day. He’d always wanted to break free of the chains his family had bound him with and now that they were gone and he’d broken off that arranged marriage, it was something he was working towards. Money really wasn’t an issue after everything, it really was all this red tape and bureaucracy he had to deal with for now.
“I know it a bit, at least as much as I could between things. My family was… very traditional but maybe I’ll tell you later. It makes my head hurt thinking about it all and… I still have a bit of damage from that too that you seem to like digging into when you get into things.” Teasing a bit as he nipped at their bottom lip. “I’ll show you it later in better light but my tattoo hides it pretty well.”
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Posted: Sun Feb 04, 2024 5:35 pm
“I don’t mind lending you the use of my studio, I’ll provide a key so you can put it to use when you like.” He didn’t figure the other would steal from him or do anything else he might disagree with, as if he couldn’t find the other if something were to happen anyway. “You won’t put me out of my own studio.” Or his own home really, it wouldn't be a bother really, “I’ll accompany you to work for a while, till you feel safer walking into, and out of, your shop. I can’t let someone attack you again anyway.” Not a chance. Anyone who tried would find out just what he was capable of…as would Rene.
Raising a brow he drew back for a moment. “Your family had you tattooed….that sounds too personal. Considering it is ink under the skin and it lasts for life I would think it too personal for family to be involved in, at least in that manner. I’m glad you are here and not near anyone who could make such a choice for you.” It certainly seemed to polar opposite between them when it came to the ink they each carried. One had a choice and the other had not….but it looked good on them both. “Why all the filigree, not that I mind, I rather like it but why?” Actually he more than liked it, filigree was something he found very appealing in fact. It wasn’t something he’d get inked onto himself, he was too covered anyway, but he would decorate a home with it if he could.
“Of course, I understand. So come whenever you want, once you map out how to get here, I doubt it’ll take you long to figure out a route here. I imagine the idea of spending more time here is enticing enough reason to map out a good route to get here from work, that way you don’t need to go home nor sleep in your shop.” And if need be he could pick the other up if he had to, if the other was too tired to make it on his own.
“My family is traditional but not in the sense you’d think. We have our own traditions which we’ve kept for a long time, we’ve written our history down as a reminder of why we keep our traditions, and we do hold to them even now…even with technology and even if they seem silly or immature. They have served us well and continue to do so.” Despite not seeming to it all worked to bond them tightly together, to allow them to pass on information and help one another and the family, so they did things without others within their social circle seeing or knowing what they were doing. It also meant they kept skeletons in the closet rather well also…so no one could go parading them about for everyone to see and to know.
“Spend enough time here and you’ll get to know some of them, it can’t be helped.”
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Posted: Sun Feb 04, 2024 5:36 pm
“Okay, that works and I can maybe see about getting another key for my shop made too if you ever want to meet me there when I’m coming from my place to work though the meter maid is merciless. I would like that though… you’ve been good at helping make sure I’m alright with all the magic and oddness that’s here in the city… ” It had really made an impression on him and even now he really liked that idea of someone keeping him safe for once, for actually caring about him as a person and not the money or family name he was chained to.
Getting very quiet he nodded and rested his chin back on top of their head as he spoke soft and very hurt little words. “Tattoos are permanent enough to…. identify a body, we all had the same one just in case my father always said. I really didn’t like it though, but the rest, I always liked the way filigree looked and wanted a bit of it for myself. It took a long while to get done, I don’t really remember how many sessions I snuck out to but they weren’t too happy about it. Turns out the tattoo thing only worked when it was what they’d chosen and not what I had to say about it. Makes a bit more sense why I scattered to the wind as soon as I could though, doesn’t it? Not that I mind where I ended up, especially now.” Running and evading all those chains from his family as soon as the death certificates had been signed. They’d been sick for a while and he’d gotten enough time to plan his escape.
It had been a complicated story, one he really wasn’t feeling up for telling as he started to feel the aching all over again. It was probably time for some more pain medication, more wine, and maybe a bit more ice. “I can understand that, it’ll be nice to meet them. Probably once I don’t look like I’ve been hit by a car or spent one too many nights living in a bar. I want to shave so bad but I know that’s going to be a mistake if I try with my straight razor with all the bruising and swelling. I’m not really sure how steady I could hold it now either, still a bit fuzzy feeling. I hope this one isn’t as bad as the one that put me down for a month.” Swaying with them again in small little increments, he tried not to think about it too much more. It had been a long time ago when he got into trouble frequently to get a chance to see his parents.
“Maybe we can head to a bed or the kitchen? I want to rest a bit more if that’s alright, maybe not sleep but just a bit more laying down.” He wanted more than that but he wasn’t sure how well that would go with how hard she’d gotten him with that knee into his stomach. It was honestly surprising he wasn’t worse off but he guessed Alexandre had gotten there just in time and the thought that they might not have come before he’d blacked out made a shiver go down his spine.
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Posted: Sun Feb 04, 2024 5:37 pm
“That’s….a bit dark of a reason to get a tattoo, in my opinion, I may like it on you but to think it was forced on you and for that reason. I wouldn’t miss it, you have the filigree anyway.” That was really dark in his opinion, and he liked to kill people so that said a lot, but to identify a body by a forced tattoo was a whole lot of morbid and dark s**t. His own family would never do something like that; thankfully. “I didn’t let my family know, only a few have ever seen mine. I cover them at family events and watch how far I roll my sleeves up.” Lorcan knew, Hudson knew, but he kept his sleeves covering them even in the summer at family gatherings he managed it. ”As much as I love my family I would not be pleased if they forced something so personal on me. I would run as well; as far as possible.” Even if the very idea hurt, because he adored his family.
If he and Rene lasted till April he would bring the other with him…let him see what a proper family was like - what his much loved family was like. “When and why did you have a concussion which affected you for a month?” Alexandre questioned, staring at the other as if he could pull the answer form the others mind, he really did want to know, as he held onto the other “I can get you some pain medication if you need it…and if you wanted I could try and help you shave, though I don’t have a straight razor.” Because he had no need for it really, he wasn’t blessed with facial hair growing as more than a slight stubble but he’d had that removed. Lasers were a wonderful thing in his opinion.
“How about the living room couch while I wait to make dinner, the chicken should be good enough to use soon.” He wanted it to soak up some of the wine before he tried to cook for the other. “You can put a movie on if you want, I’m sure there is something good, or some tv series.” “I can light the fireplace, for warmth, if you want as well.” And he could light some candles, or a lot of candles, and let the room warm up for the other to give some more comfort for the other. He would, while the other rested in the living room, order some sort of dessert since he could not bake and he wasn’t sure what Hudson had in the kitchen and the fridge. He’d just need to find a place to order from, which wouldn’t be too hard.
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Posted: Sun Feb 04, 2024 5:38 pm
“It’s… complicated…” Trailing off into silence as he held them and just listened for a bit. It really was a lot and not really something he talked about or wanted to revisit, at least not for a while. It was a lot and it might make them run again, something he really didn’t want happening. “Mine is a bit harder to hide, especially considering it wraps around the other tattoo. Probably not my smartest choice.”
Thinking back, he tried to remember when and how the other concussion had happened. “It was during a riot but it was kind of bad so things are a bit fuzzy before and after it happened. A lot was going on, unrest and things like that. I didn’t really stay put like they told me to so it dragged out longer than it should have.” He shouldn’t have been there in the first place but he didn’t want to stand by and just let things happen and he’d gotten reprimanded consistently for it after. It hadn’t been the first or last time he’d gotten into trouble like that but most of that had been swept under the rug because he hadn’t been caught with how big the crowd was.
It sounded nice, really nice but he wasn’t really sure how well it would go with someone else doing it for him. If he jumped or twitched because of being hurt, he’d get nicked up more than he already was. “Pain meds sound nice and so does a fire or something without a lot of bright lights. I think I’ll be okay on the couch, just need to lie down for a bit. I’ll be fine after a bit, especially with you taking care of me again.” Rene smiled a bit as they held onto him. He still felt like s**t and that fatigue was settling back in for a bit as it probably would here and there for the next week or so. It was starting to feel like it would be a week of sleeping in his shop so he wouldn’t be late opening up because he was sure as hell he shouldn’t drive with how he was.
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Posted: Sun Feb 04, 2024 5:39 pm
“A riot…you mean those big riots in France that were all over global news?” He questioned the other, wondering if that was it. “There have been a lot of protests in France on the news, the family has whispered about it. We have a few people like yourself in the family, French citizens.” And for them they talked and whispered a bit more about it, felt more about it, and so the whole family knew about it. Being that many members married people overseas the family, as a whole, kept up with global issues.
“Ok, so pain meds in my bathroom and then downstairs and I’ll finish the food while you rest.” And he’d order desert and whatever else he might need. “You can explain this complicated thing later and I’ll answer what I can about my family…since that is also a lot to take in. I figure if I’m going to ask you to explain something complicated I’ll offer up something perhaps equally complicated and complex in return.”
Shifting in the others arms he pulled away so they could start the trek to his room, and from there his bathroom. “I happen to like your tattoos - both of them. Perhaps now the one you were forced into can take on a better meaning, or something better. You are free and away from those who forced you to take that mark.”
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Posted: Sun Feb 04, 2024 5:40 pm
“Yeah, been in a few of them. However I never really paid much attention to how the rest of the world viewed it. I wonder if maybe I might have met any of your family before during one of them before they were lured away by another cute angel like you.” Kissing them again softly before they started walking away. He followed along slowly and took the wine glass with him, he didn’t want to leave a mess for the other to have to clean up if he could manage even if they were currently trying to clean up the mess that he was still.
“I know I am…” Speaking softly as he stayed close, there really wasn’t much back home for him aside a half-empty house that he had been working on selling items from. Cutting off links in the chain one thing at a time as he could to try and get his freedom.
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