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

[eliot_thespectacular]

"I think you shouldn't move quite so fast with Eliza," Eliot said quickly. "Fen and I... are fine. Hell, had another shot at knocking her up the other night, maybe it took."

Alcuin took a drink of his wine. He felt quite sorry for her, but also for Eliot.

[quitollis]

"I think no one could ever accuse me of moving 'too fast' with Eliza," Aaron teased, good-naturedly, to keep the mood lighter.

Deep down this conversation didn't sit too well with him. It wasn't that Aaron was jealous of Fen, but... a bit jealous at Eliot perhaps, for being able to have sex with his wife without too much trouble.

[alcuin]

"It's interesting that the two of you ended up with such similar ... challenges," Alcuin commented, then added lightly, "Mine on the other hand are quite different."

[quitollis]

"Lecter," Aaron said, and couldn't quite keep a tone of disapproval from his voice. He didn't particularly like the man. And he suspected he must have had some hand in his dismissal from the kingsguard.

[alcuin]

Alcuin looked to him sharply. "What makes you think that Hannibal is a challenge?"

Eliot coughed uncomfortably and offered Aaron an arched eyebrow.

[quitollis]

"Is he not your lover? I thought you meant him," Aaron said, confused. "I imagine breaking through his cold facade would be a bit of a challenge." Understatement.

[alcuin]

"You were both talking about the people you didn't choose," Alcuin said after a pause. "I have plenty of those."

Then - "I'm sorry, that was very defensive. Yes, it has been a bit difficult to break through."

[quitollis]

"Ah, right..." Aaron said, feeling very self-conscious about having been a client of his.

"But I'm certain it'll get better for you. We'll, you're a free man now."

[eliot_thespectacular]

"They're already better," Alcuin assured him, relaxing a little.

Trying to lighten the mood a little, Eliot said, "Well I think Hannibal is kind of hot."

Alcuin laughed. "I didn't know you'd met him."

"Just seen him from a distance," Eliot said pleasantly.

[quitollis]

Aaron didn't particularly think so, but his type was, well, at this table.

The conversation went smoother from there and they chatted pleasantly. "Oh, but the pastries of Earth are... exceptionally good," Aaron said at some point, looking at Eliot to agree.

[alcuin]

"Don't forget the coffee," Eliot said cheerfully. "God I miss coffee."

"It sounds like you had quite an adventure," Alcuin observed.

[quitollis]

"You would have loved it, I'm sure," Aaron said. "The freedom was... well, frankly daunting at first, but once I let it go, it was easier getting used to."

[alcuin]

"You held hands in public," Alcuin said fondly.

"We did more than that, "Eliot said with a grin.

[quitollis]

Aaron smiled. Yes, they did. A lot more. And Gods, that had been hot. "Well, we were drunk, but yes."

[eliot_thespectacular]

Alcuin smiled a little, though he also felt a glimmer of guilt, knowing that Hannibal had once watched the two of them without Aaron's knowledge. He had a feeling he wouldn't have been so pleased about that.

"I see you're doing an excellent job at keeping your relationship fresh," he teased.

"I guess it's hard to be in an old married couple rut when you're still having to sneak around," Eliot snorted.

[quitollis]

"That's why this place is so nice," Aaron added. "I know it looks dull, but it's nice not to have to look over our shoulders the whole time."

[eliot_thespectacular]

"A long term solution?" Alcuin asked.

Eliot didn't respond to this; he honestly didn't know. But it was rather depressing, actually.

[quitollis]

Aaron would have said 'yes' if not for Eliot's facial expression. "A solution. It suits us now."

[alcuin]

Alcuin felt like he should offer something. "It's a shame how things are here," he said quietly. "Hannibal is still seen regularly in public with Phedre, but... not with me."

"Who's Phedre?" asked Eliot.

"My very hot sister," Alcuin said with a little smile. "Well, sort of sister. We spent some time in an orphanage together."

[quitollis]

"Maybe that'll change? The King is dead; stranger things have happened," Aaron suggested.

[eliot_thespectacular]

Alcuin picked up his glass again and took the final swallow of wine, then said something that he hadn't dared to voice to Hannibal.

"I think that the new king is sleeping with one or both of his advisor and the wizard."

Eliot's eyebrows show up. "Seriously? Now that is some tea..."

[quitollis]

Aaron's eyebrows shot up as well. He didn't trust that pirate King, but... well, there were possibilities here. "So, that might be beneficial? Unless he's dethroned. It's a tumultuous time to be King."

[eliot_thespectacular]

"Tell me about it," Eliot muttered. "There was another attempt on my life last week." Which he hadn't mentioned to Aaron. Actually he rarely mentioned any of them. It was just sort of par for the course at this point.

"Does that happen often?" Alcuin asked him.

Eliot shrugged.

[quitollis]

"It happens often?" Aaron said, shocked and a bit surprised - annoyed even - that Eliot had never mentioned it.

[eliot_thespectacular]

"It's picked up a bit," Eliot said, not quite looking at him. "Apparently my brief absence spurred some conversation among Fillorians if they ought to try to wrest the throne from the children of earth."