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 Posted: Wed May 01, 2024 8:27 pm
By the time Alexandre was pulling up in front of his home the blond was ready to fall right into bed, though he knew he’d take a shower beforehand, he couldn’t help it. Forty minutes in the pharmacy for a simple script, though the time had been well spent wandering the pharmacy as René had wandered around taking in what an American pharmacy was. Apparently, medications weren’t sold right out on the shelves, easy access, in France. That was an odd thing to him because it meant having to walk up to someone and tell them potentially embarrassing things like you have diarrhea or something else similar.
But his insurance covered him picking medications up at cvs and so that was where they went. Watching as the single tech was running between filling things and ringing people up while the pharmacist looked totally harassed by someone on the phone. He understood the reason for the long wait, even if he didn’t like it, but at least it wasn’t anything too complicated once they finally got called over the com line to come back to pharmacy the script was ready.
The poor tech was so damn polite, too polite almost, but he’d left with René and went for shaved ice with the other because he still wanted it. He’d gone for one with pomegranate and cherry and raspberry, some new concoction that the place was offering, and it was well worth it. Nearly inhaling the cold treat he was more than happy to spend his time there eating with René, just spending time out with him, he’d ignored some gaggle of girls giggling even as he walked by heading out of the shop after paying for their deserts.
“Did you enjoy the bingsu?” He asked glancing back to René while pulling his keys from his pocket in order to unlock the front door. “You seemed to have liked it.” Or maybe René just enjoyed the time out together.
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Posted: Wed May 01, 2024 8:28 pm
René followed behind with the small bag from the drugstore that held not only the medication but a few things he needed to help cover up the bruising on his throat. It had been an interesting sort of store, full of a lot of things he hadn’t expected that he got to explore during the wait. It gave him time to think about things as he wandered.
The bingsu was good as well, it had been a place they’d gone for the other’s birthday and even if he was already cold it was nice to have something sweet while he sat across the table from Alexandre. Now that they were back home, he looked forward to warming up a bit more. Tonight he’d just focus on this, the normal side of things with them. If anything, the rest could at least wait until tomorrow.
“It was good, though I’m surprised you didn’t get a brain freeze from how fast you ate it.” Leaning on them as they opened the door, he shivered a bit. “I guess this must be what you feel like all the time, isn’t it? Maybe that shower will help warm me up a bit, get me closer to normal.” It was a thought at least, something he hoped might work because he didn’t want to be getting sick on top of this all either.
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Posted: Wed May 01, 2024 8:29 pm
“No brain freeze but a chill I certainly have.” He would suffer for eating so fast, and he knew it while he was even eating it, but he was used to how the cold affected him. “I think you’re feeling what I do whenever it’s too cool out…or when there is even a bit of a breeze. Maybe a bit more but yeah, I think you’re getting a hint of it. Now you know why I gravitate towards warm things.” And this, what René was feeling, was why when winter came he needed heavy bedding because he was normally chilly and winter just made it worse. If he slept without clothing, or little clothing, he would still break out in gooseflesh for a good while till he could manage some body heat.
“A hot soak might be better, you can keep your arm out of the water..unless you want me to help you wash up and we can take the brace off and I can put it back on after the shower?” Wanting to know which was the better idea, which René was more comfortable with, as he unlocked the door and stepped inside, holding it open for the other. “I can get a pillow from the hallway closet so you can sleep with it propped up as well…”
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Posted: Wed May 01, 2024 8:29 pm
“I think I won’t mind more blankets or a nice fire. A pillow sounds good too. Though maybe the bath, I don’t know if it’s good to take it off so soon after it’s been put on.” He really didn’t want to mess with it already if he didn’t have to. Moving inside, he felt a bit better without the cold wind hitting him.
“I do want a bit of help washing up either way though, it’ll be nice.” Smiling as he rested his head on top of theirs. He’d bring the bag of makeup and medicine upstairs to the bathroom so he could use the mirror in the morning. It would mean getting up earlier but he didn’t mind really though he had a feeling he might not open the shop tomorrow because of things. Just a day to rest if he could manage, one here where he felt at home.
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Posted: Wed May 01, 2024 8:30 pm
“I’d offer sleeping on the couch, or the living room floor, by the fireplace but I don’t think either would be comfortable for you. Either option, especially the floor, would likely mess with your shoulder on top of your arm being broken. We could try that another time, especially in the fall or winter when it’s really cold.” And wet and rainy and miserable out. That was when he really appreciated his fireplace and took advantage of it, because falling asleep next to a roaring fire was nice, even if it meant sleeping on the floor just to be closer to the heat.
“That sounds fine to me. We can soak and I’ll help you wash, we can wash your hair as well, and make sure you’re nice and warm before bed. I’ll grab you a glass of water, if you want to head up first, so you can take down one of the pain pills as well…if you think you need it.” Not about to push pills onto the other, especially since pills were not his thing at all, but if it would help René and he needed them then Alexandre wasn’t about to deny them.
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Posted: Wed May 01, 2024 8:30 pm
“The couch isn’t too bad, I’ve slept on it before though I was a lot worse off then.” He barely remembered most of those first few nights. At least this time he didn’t have a concussion. “It sounds really nice, sitting by the fire with you and a book. I think I’d love that.” Something else to look forward to in the future.
“I can do that, I think maybe I’ll take one tonight just in case. It still aches even with the brace and when I move my fingers it hurts more. It's not the worst though, not by a big margin. Plus I have a pretty blond to take care of me, one that loves me.” Stealing a kiss, he made his way upstairs with the bag of things and a smile on his face.
After setting the bag down on the counter, he took some time to look over the bruises in the mirror. It was spooky how clear they were but he had what he needed to cover them. Another thought tried to settle in but he pushed it away as he thought of what Alexandre had said, of what he’d thought when he’d done what he had. He had to get home, to get back to them no matter what. Now he just had to stay safe and keep that promise, something he knew he could do if he had to.
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Posted: Wed May 01, 2024 8:32 pm
“I’m not surprised you’d like that, I would as well. But for tonight no couch sleeping, even if it is tempting. It’ll do you no good tonight, or until you're healed at the very least.” Because he couldn’t see it being comfortable on the others already picky shoulder. Laughing he managed a quick kiss in return before René was healing upstairs. “I’m sure you’ll manage to survive, I’m rather good at caring for others.”
Rolling his eyes as the other vanished up the stairs Alexandre headed for the kitchen, to get that glass of water for René, as he came back from the kitchen he headed up the stairs. The bottled water he’d had with him, when visiting his cousin, was still in the car and would remain till morning.
Stepping into the bedroom he took his time in making his way into the bathroom and leaned against the doorway eyeing the other from behind. “If you’re starting to think about it, about what happened, remember this above everything else. They would have had no problem in killing you, they wouldn’t know who you are, wouldn’t care either. They are as cold as ice. The only way to survive is to be prepared to kill them…you can mourn the loss, you can wonder about who they were or who they might have become. But remember it was you or them and they knew it just as well as you did if not better. They risked their life going for you and they knew it.” Just as they always knew it when they went out to gather energy…something so simple, and by now mundane and it could cost them their life. He knew the risk.
Settling his arms about the other's waist he pressed a kiss to the other's back. “You came back, you survived, and you will heal and overcome this. Take the time you need, mourn if you want, everyone handles this in their own way. Just know that I’m glad you came home.”
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Posted: Wed May 01, 2024 8:33 pm
The words that came weren’t comforting, not really, and sent a chill down his spine as they moved closer. Looking over his shoulder as they pressed a kiss to his back, the rest of what they said helped him relax a bit. Wrapping his hand around theirs where they had rested them, he squeezed softly. “All I could think of was getting back here, nothing really else. I don’t know if that’s alright if that’s what you meant about being poisoned.”
That was more of what he was worried about, the fact he might be changing in a way he can’t really control or figure out. Getting tied into things again without his will being considered even if he’d stepped into things because of his own choices. Turning in their arms to face them, he looked down at them. “I was worried that the photo would get out and ruin things for us, that I would have to run and couldn’t bring you along.”
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Posted: Wed May 01, 2024 8:34 pm
“No, because that is natural. People want to live, animals want to live, even plants want to live and will poison animals eating them. Living things want to continue to live. You did what any and every living thing would do - you fought to live and you won.” People didn’t think of plants as active killers, especially not of animals, and yet they did actively defend their lives and kill animals in order to continue living. It was something all living things did, though not all plants did it, but the fact some could and did. René had done just what was in his nature as a human being.
“If you were being tainted you’d know it…I would know it. I’d see it in your eyes and you would know it in your heart and mind. Your thoughts would not be as they are - you would not worry as you do now.” Reaching up to cup the others cheek, smiling up at him. “I know what I am and I know what chaos has done to me. It had been so long and I am stepped so deep that to go forward or back would be equally tedious, and were I to go back I do not know what I would find. I grew up like this, it shaped who I am, so I continue on. But I am aware of how chaos has tainted me. I do not worry or care about killing…I enjoy it even. I admit I am a killer and have blood on my hands, and I will soak my hands in the blood of more before this war is over.” And René was not like that, the other worried and questioned, he did not want to kill. René was not him and he doubted he would be.
René was an adult walking into this where as he’d been a teenager and growing still, learning, and maturing and it had changed him as he’d grown. Twining itself tightly with everything else in his life, influencing who he would become, because he had not fully come into his own and found out who he was. He hadn’t had time.
“Had a photo gotten out, and you were to flee, I would give chase and follow you. I would however worry about social media finding us both…although nothing from this city seems to get out. So I venture that were you to run, and I to chase, that we would be safe outside of this city.”
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Posted: Wed May 01, 2024 8:36 pm
The hand on his cheek felt warm even if the words that came were cold at first. “That’s why Katya called for other help because it would be too much for me if you came wouldn’t it?” There was an uneasiness in his voice as he spoke, trying to mesh together things. It was all a matter of fact, even if the words weren’t like what he was used to from the other. That seriousness and darkness that came from the topic of chaos, it still didn’t sit as well with him but that smile that was offered pulled him back in.
“There wasn’t blood… maybe that’s why it was ok for me If that’s ok with you. it’s a relief that you would follow me if I messed up and had to run.” Shifting a bit he looked towards the bath as he shivered. “Bath and then maybe I can tell you what I learned from that other General who helped me.”
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Posted: Wed May 01, 2024 8:37 pm
“Chalcanthite and Katya both know me well, Chalcanthite has served a similar amount of time….we’ve seen some of the same things. He came out of it different than I did. Katya made the right call to ask him to come, and it was for that reason. I’ll admit I go for the kill first and worry about the rest later if at all, it doesn’t phase me any longer.” Nodding his head he motioned towards the tube. “You first, I’ll grab an oil or two, it might help in relaxing.” A quick kiss to the others cheek.
“And yes, tell me what my friend has been teaching you, I am curious. He is quite the General, I do still owe him an apology for nearly banging down his door before dragging him into a fight with me in his yard. I really should work on a gift basket of some sort for him…” Tapping his bottom lip as he went to grab a few bath oils and sniff each before deciding what would be best for the night.
“I’d think after what I said earlier, outside my cousins, you’d know I’ll follow you to the ends of the Earth. I don’t think you could chase me off either, you aren’t scary enough.” Holding up a bottle he tilted his head. “How does ylang ylang and jasmine sound?”
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Posted: Wed May 01, 2024 8:37 pm
As the other pulled away to get things gathered, he leaned back against the counter for a moment and finished getting undressed. The rest wasn’t too hard after the shirt and he left it piled on the floor. René didn’t wait long after turning on the faucet to get it, letting the hot water eat away at the chills.
A groan came out as he settled into the bath and left his arm up and out of the water. “Mostly about fixing my magic, he gave me enough notes that it took me a week of reading to get through it. If anything he’s thorough and helped me learn a few things about how to go about fixing it. Katya has been helping me understand what a lot of it means since it’s not like some of the words translate.” It had been interesting filling in the blanks with the mauvian but it worked out in the end.
“I do plan on being careful so hopefully you won’t have to step in but it would be nice to have you with me on patrol, especially after tonight.” Leaning his head back, he looked over the edge of the bath at them with a smile. “It makes me happy that you feel that way. I’ve been wanting to say it for a while but I was worried you would run again.” A bit of sadness came to his smile before he perked back up.
“I think that would be nice, but it’ll be nicer with you in here.”
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Posted: Wed May 01, 2024 8:38 pm
“That does sound like Chalcanthite.” He was the sort to drown you in information, to make sure you understood and knew everything possible about a topic. I’m glad Katya has been helping, though I’m unsurprised, she is good at her job when she isn’t buried in a pile of books.” Because she could, and often did, get lost in the book collection she had.
“I won’t run, I told you that, but I’ll make sure you know that for a fact.” He would work hard to ensure the other knew he wasn’t going to run, as if René didn’t know that after earlier. Approaching the tub he went to pour the oil in, from high up, and watched it pour in and fill the room with a lovely smell. It was heavy in the air and oh so nice.
“I’ll join you on patrols…but just know that if s**t hits the fan I won’t be holding back. You might want to leave if that happens.” Because he was certain the other wouldn’t want to see what he was capable of, and not just because he was a general and had a lot of strength. Setting the glass container onto the counter top he climbed into the water, sighing at the heat - oh it felt great.
“Now you know how I feel with the cold, the chill, and just how it feels in a hot soak after it.” He said teasing lightly. “A short time in my shoes.”
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Posted: Wed May 01, 2024 8:42 pm
Once they got in, he pulled them close. “I’m more sure of that now, you really do have a way with words you know. Such a pretty story you wove, I loved it.” It was a moment he wouldn’t forget, something to hold on to. He couldn’t help but smile thinking about it.
“Well guess I’ll need to get better quickly so I can be warm for you again. It does feel good and not just on my shoulder. Such a nice place to be with all those oils you add.” A relaxed sigh came out as he leaned back a bit more into the water.
“We can figure the magic stuff out tomorrow, I have to go to the castle to solve it if everything in the notes was right. That other place, I’m not sure I want to go there after the wolf incident even with you helping out.”
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Posted: Wed May 01, 2024 8:43 pm
“I can be very good with words when I want to be.” He spoke honestly, letting himself be drawn in close and curling himself into the other's lap and against his chest. “Just another reason to love me I suppose. Whatever will you do…so many loveable qualities I possess.” The blond spoke, staring up at René.
“I think you’ll do just fine keeping me warm even with a broken arm. I’ll just have to turn you into a body pillow at night.” Because the other was comfortable to lay on, he’d honestly say he disliked an empty bed. “I am glad to know you like the oils though, I might just have to look into some other scents when I go next to get my shampoo and conditioner made up.” Because his came from a small boutique that made them right there as needed for each customer made to suit their hair. He also got the oils there and soap there, nothing was from a grocery store or anything of the sort.
“Tomorrow we can talk magic but first health insurance for you. We’ll try and work it out first thing in the morning.”
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