Aaron

[eliot_thespectacular]

Eliot had weird feelings about being back in Fillory. It wasn’t trivial to go back and forth, and Margo wasn’t even sure how to make it happen again. Eliot has considered, briefly, insisting that Q go back in his place. But no, he couldn’t do that to Aaron. And this was his responsibility. Fen was so relieved to see him, too. They’d had sex the next night; she was ovulating.

He missed Aaron immediately though, and a few days later he went to King’s to spend time with him. Also like… apparently the king had been murdered? Things seemed remarkably peaceful under those circumstances.

Comments

[quitollis]

"Are you in love with him still - a little?" Aaron asked then, because he had the feeling that might be the case.

[eliot_thespectacular]

"No," said Eliot without hesitation.

[quitollis]

Aaron couldn't help but smile at that. Perhaps he wouldn't have minded too much, but he liked that Eliot didn't have to think about it.

"I er... talked to Eliza."

[eliot_thespectacular]

"Yeah?" Eliot said, frowning a little. "About what?"

[quitollis]

"Do you want a drink? I have wine at the farm," Aaron said and pointed. This is where they met these days.

[eliot_thespectacular]

"Oh no, that kind of conversation was it," Eliot said with a wry smile. "Sure, wine is good."

[quitollis]

Aaron nodded. "That kind of conversation," he confirmed. However, the wine was because he had to preface the conversation with what Alcuin had done. He needed a bit of wine for that.

[eliot_thespectacular]

"Got it," said Eliot, and knew just where to go. He even knew where the wine was. "I'll pour, you talk," he said.

[quitollis]

Aaron nodded and sat down at the table. "I suppose I should first explain what brought it on. Because I don't think I would have summoned up the courage if it weren't for him," Aaron said and paused thinking of the way to put it. "A friend of mine... seduced her. While we were on Earth."

[eliot_thespectacular]

Eliot blinked at him. "For... fun?"

He put two glasses in front of them and poured.

[quitollis]

"Well, I don't think he minded, but he aimed to make a point," Aaron replied. "About pleasure and what to do when it isn't found in one's future husband. Though I don't think he said as much. The focus was on her."

[eliot_thespectacular]

Eliot looked at him for a second and then tilted his head. "And it worked? Well. That was... kind of smart, actually." Must be a good friend, though Eliot didn't say that right away. "Did it work?"

[quitollis]

"I wouldn't have liked knowing it in advance, but... yes, it worked," Aaron said. "We talked. Frankly - mostly frankly. For the first time. I told her my heart was elsewhere. And she said she knew - or suspected. And that she couldn't hold that against me."

[eliot_thespectacular]

Maybe she and Fen should be friends. "You didn't tell her you're gay though," Eliot said, assuming.

[quitollis]

"No, of course not," Aaron said. "I'm looking for acceptance, not a trip to the dungeon."

He sighed. "I'll ease her into it. We're talking now, at least. We've never talked before now, not really. I'm getting to know her. I have no idea what she might think of who I prefer."

[eliot_thespectacular]

"Well, I suppose that still went as well as could be expected," Eliot said. "Also..." He picked up one of the glasses of wine. "That's quite a bold friend you have."

[quitollis]

"He meant well," Aaron said. Then, after a sip of wine. "It was Alcuin, in fact."

[eliot_thespectacular]

"Alcuin," said Eliot, and it did take a moment for the name to register, but then - "The guy you used to.... ?" Pay to fuck?

[quitollis]

"Yes," Aaron said. "He's always been very concerned for me. Or... probably for Eliza and her miserable fate of a futile husband."

[eliot_thespectacular]

Eliot's expression softened. "I think Eliza is going to be just fine," he said. "Maybe we should introduce her to Fen. They can commiserate."

[quitollis]

Aaron nodded. "Yes, that might be good. Once I've told Eliza about...being gay."

"He's not just the 'man I used to pay to fuck'. We've become friends."

[eliot_thespectacular]

"Well he must be very fond of you," Eliot said. He wasn't jealous really, but it was a bit strange.

[quitollis]

"I think so, as am I of him," Aaron said. "I er... used to be quite taken with him." He couldn't quite say 'in love', though that probably was what he would have called it.

[eliot_thespectacular]

"But you're not still sleeping with him?" Eliot clarified.

[quitollis]

"No, no," Aaron clarified. "Last time I paid him it was to talk, really. He assured me that wasn't needed," he added with a chuckle. "So, we're friends. In fact, I'd like him to meet you. Would that be strange?"