#Thavier | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

beyondedenton · 3 years

Text

Wedding Bells || Charleson + Torstwyn + Thavier + Vindrik + Cameron + Lucien + Leslie || March 12th, 2020

Charles: Charles could not be certain what he was going to feel upon waking the morning of his wedding. His past experiences with the entire business did not lend much confidence. And Mason's past relationships alone ought to have been enough to feed any apprehension he might have been feeling.

But there was none to be found. Quite aside from the unpleasant emptiness of their bed, Charles rose as serenely as he ever did. He grumbled through the early morning as always, naturally. And he was keen to the quiet enthusiasm of the minds making preparations around him. But the telepath himself only felt an anticipatory happiness as the time passed. He'd meant what he'd said to Mason days prior. The two of them were bound in all but title, already. Whatever disaster might occur today could never change that. Not that he was expecting anything of the sort.

When Mason returned from wherever he'd hidden himself away, he would be greeted immediately by a familiar mind brushing against his own. That much was allowed pre-ceremony, right? 'Ready?'

Mason: The morning in New Orleans was uneventful. Unexpectedly quiet for the bustling city. No tempting mind to exploit. There was no contract of concern out there. Only the intended waiting patiently in New York.

Clothes had been left ritualistically on the guest bed. Every article of clothing painstakingly smoothed and fastened. He was ready for this. He should have been ready years ago. This man was more than an angel. He was actually something good. He was selfish and selfless and worth the eternity to find and fall in love with all over again. Did he deserve him? Probably not. Would he cherish him? Beyond the rational of mortal men.

A black handkerchief was pressed to his nose upon arrival. The brush of an expected mind put a smile on his face.

'So long as you're keepin' your eyes t'yourself, darlin'.' What he'd wanted since their parting goodbye; warm invisible hands caressed down Charles' spine, over his ribs and around his waist. There was nothing better in this world.

Charles: Charles snorted softly and waved away the answering glance of curiosity from his son. He'd been busying himself with getting the boy dressed, and presently smoothed down the lapels of his sharp little suit.

Rather than hum aloud, he offered the pleased sound to his oh-so-nearly husband mentally. 'Surely, we can afford to loosen the rules a bit, now. It's almost time.' Charles knew better, and it had him chuckling. 'Fine. I won't spoil it. We've come this far.'

Mason: Demons, as so often said by their own, were creatures of integrity. He refused himself the pleasure of Charles' presence until the appointed time. He would not be the bringer of misfortune upon this relationship. Not more than he already had.

'You feel me. That will have to be enough.' Such as his thumb gliding across Charles' lips.

Charles: 'It's more than enough.' A beat. His mental voice was still alight with gentle amusement. 'For now.' Sensation threaded through with eagerness had him practically thrumming. He was beyond ready to be married.

With a brief word of warning to his son about mussing his clothes, Charles sent the boy off in search of his Papa. The telepath himself took a final glance in the mirror, careful not to share as much with Mason. There was nothing left to fuss over; Charles was as polished as he ever was. As expected, it was far too cold to force anyone to endure an outdoor ceremony, however brief. One of the school's grand rooms, its view of the sprawling grounds quite lovely, would do well enough for their purposes. He made his way downstairs, only just managing to keep his pace measured. 'See you soon.'

Mason: This was an out of place sensation of happiness. Something from a bygone era. A whispering ghost in his ear.

Mason shrugged the feeling like a cold draft, and headed in the direction of his son. How proud, he declared, raising his son to his arms. To have kept his suit so clean! Less than half an hour, but Rory was grinning from ear-to-ear.

Cynthia understood the significance of today more than her brother. Nonetheless, he was excited, and ready to ride his father's shoulders from place to place.

'Do you have a best man? Should we have some?'

Charles: 'Bit late for discussions of wedding parties, no?' He passed a smiling friend in the hall and gave her a careful embrace. 'My son is my best man. And I'm dragging our nephew up there, as well.' The blue one, as he'd yet to so much as meet the younger, who'd be officially family in less than an hour. Would the child be in attendance? Charles couldn't guess.

Mason: It was indeed late, and his only consideration was Kurt. How terrible that he doubted his own brother's willingness. Terrible for whom he couldn't pin.

He didn't expect Devlin at all. All expectation was bordering on non-existent.

But, reluctantly, his mind retreated from his moments-to-be husband to search for Xavier.

Xavier: Mason wouldn't have to search for long.

As promised, Xavier was properly dressed and in attendance, and so was someone else.

"Okay, lovey, do you remember what we talked about?" he asked.

Devlin, also properly dressed in his very own bespoke suit, nodded his perfectly combed little head. "Yes, Daddy."

"Let's hear it then."

"No squirrels inside."

"Good, what else."

"No worms inside either."

"That's right. Where do the worms go?"

"In their houses in the dirt."

Theodore: Theo watched Xavier and Devlin, dressed just as nicely as the two beside him. He listened quietly, with a hand over his mouth, and tried not to giggle while Xavier coached their son. This was very serious business.

"And birds, lovely, where do those belong?" He added and crouched down beside Devlin to straighten his jacket and tie.

Charles: Talk of nephews had the professor searching for Kurt. He found the boy waiting just outside the doors and grinned at him. Soon.

Mason: 'My brother is here.' Even telepathically, Mason's tone seemed almost human. Trapped in a standstill in thought and action, lasting several seconds before forcing himself forward.

That same extrasensory which reached for Xavier, like a hand on his shoulder in greeting.

Xavier: Devlin looked like he'd been caught doing something he shouldn't. Xavier tried not to smile; the birds had obviously been on his son's mind.

"In the trees," he sighed, resigning himself and watching his Papa fix his clothes.

Meanwhile, Xavier's attention shifted to the attention shifted to him.

'Why hello, brother.'

Theodore: "That's right, sweet pea," Theo cupped Devlin's face and placed an approving kiss on his forehead. "They have to stay in their homes too." Carefully he stood again and placed his hands on his hips. "You clean up quite well there, Devlin," He poked the tip of Devlin's nose with his finger before offering Devlin his hand. "Shall we find our seats? Did you want to go find Mason, Xavier?"

Charles: Mason would be able to feel his answering smile. He spilled warmth into his beloved's mind and urged him gently forward with an encouragement that did not require words. 'Of course he is. He said that he would be.'

Mason: There was an odd sort of comfort in having these two simultaneous conversations. His hand on Xavier's shoulder and his lips in Charles' hair. Some confessions to be made to both.

'I wish I had your optimism. Only sometimes.'

Rory was carried out grand double doors towards the sensation of his brother's mind.

'I wish we could have had a proper conversation before this moment.' Too late now. There was a small child Rory had never laid eyes on before. He was going to wave.

"Hi!"

Xavier: Devlin giggled and beamed up at his Papa. "Uncle Abel said I look like millionbucks!"

Xavier looked around until he spotted his brother. "I don't believe I have to, darling. My brother has at last graced us with his presence.

Now in each other's eyeline, Xavier gave Mason a nod in greeting. 'We still can. There's time before the ceremony begins, yes?'

Meanwhile, Devlin was enthusiastically returning the wave and shouting, "Hi, I'm Devlin, what's your name?!"

Theodore: "Well, Uncle Abel was right!" Theo chuckled and gave Devlin's nose another tap. He glanced up as Xavier mentioned Mason's approach, but his attention quickly returned to Devlin as soon as he started shouting. "Remember to use your inside voice Dev, they're on their way over here and can hear you just fine if you use your inside voice too." He gave Devlin's shoulder an affirming squeeze, to show he wasn't in trouble for shouting, and then joined him in waving to Rory as they approached. He straightened up and smiled at Mason after his wave.

Charles: Those lips were always welcome, even the ghost of them. And not a strand knocked out of place. He shared the faintest hint of amusement; not quite a laugh, but the sense of one. 'You can borrow mine, for a bit. He's your family, Mason. Go on. Talk to him. I'll still be here when you're done. I don't think they'll begin the ceremony without us.'

Mason: Rory was ready to make a new friend. Only feet apart now, but yelling still seemed necessary.

"My name is Rory!" He seemed proud of this. Now he wanted off his father's shoulders. A few taps to Mason's forehead later and he was brought to his feet.

"This is your cousin, and this is your uncle Xavier." There was a palpable moment of consideration before adding, "And this is... your uncle Theodore."

The little boy waved to the adults, the least of his interest with Devlin in his line of sight.

Theodore: Ah well, Theo tried, and he smiled as the children greeted each other. Something tensed in him as he heard Mason try to introduce him, and for a moment he was worried he'd be insulted. Instead, the title made him smile and he nodded to Mason in gratitude. After another pause he looked down at the children, and then he crouched so he was at eye level with them.

"Hey Rory, could you show me and Devlin where the nearest bathroom is?" Theo asked, hoping to give the two men at least a moment alone. He pressed his mind to Xavier's, as I'd asking if that was something he wanted.

Xavier: Xavier had also wondered how and if Mason would introduce Theo, but he suspected that rather like himself, Mason had been asked to be on his best behavior today.

"Delightful to meet you, Rory," he said, returning his new nephew's wave with a warm, genuine smile. He seemed a bright, happy little boy; he and Devlin would get on just fine.

Devlin was of a similar mind, though he thought there were far more important questions to ask Rory than where the bathroom was. Such as,

"Do you like frogs? I have one at my house!"

Xavier chuckled at his son and reached for Theo's hand to give it a brief squeeze in wordless response to his question. He and Mason would be fine.

Mason: "Be good," would be the final warning given as Rory became the smallest usher on the grounds. He didn't want his son to leave his line of sight, but there was not one but two watchful minds.

So, it would be just the two of them.

"Surprised... ya made it."

Theodore: Theo squeezed back, and he let his hand linger in Xavier's as he looked between the two brothers. A quick kiss on Xavier's cheek followed before he ushered the two boys off to 'find the restroom'.

Xavier: "Of course. You invited us." And there was still enough brotherly bond between them for Xavier to make an effort for his brother's wedding.

"I took the liberty of assuming the invitation extended to Devlin as well."

Mason: "The kinda trust I wouldn't have believed a year ago," he said carefully. "Nor the lack of prejudice. I don't--" Two fingers gestured to his temple. "Crowley's work."

Xavier: "I've always kept the door to Devlin open for you." Perhaps not overtly, but the opportunity had always been there.

His brow furrowed. "I'm a lot of things, Mason, but that's never been one."

Mason: "Well, I know now. Your Father isn't my Father. They take different things from us."

Xavier: "Such is the way of the pit. In any case, congratulations on your wedding day."

Mason: The many things he could say, wedding day or not. The jabs and twist of the knife. So easy to point out Xavier's past. To warn him against following another tantalizing scent. After all, Bronwyn would be here.

But his tension dispelled with his next exhale.

"Ta very much. D'ya want a tour?"

Xavier: Xavier fully expected his brother to take a jab at him--or three, or four--before the day was up. Scarcely had they had an interaction where it hadn't happened in some form or another.

And Xavier had done his own share of jabbing back, but for the sake of the day, he was determined to restrain himself. Time would tell if Mason would hold himself to the same expectations.

"I'd love one. After you."

Mason: Then a tour of the grounds. Only the superficial, of course. All significant areas tucked neatly behind a brick wall in his mind's eye. This was, after all, Charles' sanctuary. Some habits could not be broken.

"There is a constant debate on staffing. He refuses t'be spoiled. Still debatin' on summonin' a servant."

Xavier: It was just as well; Xavier had no intention of poking around, mentally or otherwise. His interests lay elsewhere.

He felt himself stiffen and consciously forced himself to relax. "I recommend hiring a Druid," he said quietly.

Mason: There might have been something to that subtle body language, but their relationship was not one of questions.

So he shrugged. "You're right. How much could I trust another demon? Even one broken in by Shore." A brow arched. "Speakin' o'Druids, one I love most is gonna be here. Goes without sayin' but I'll say it," gently, mind you, "please be on your best behavior with her."

Xavier: Even breaths, carefully schooled expression. He'd give nothing away if he could help it.

"You needn't concern yourself. I do not intend to go near Bronwyn MacAllister and I seriously doubt she intends to come near me."

Mason: "If we can get along, surely somethin' might come of it. I hold grudges longer than her."

Xavier: "She's Scottish." Which was his way saying that no one could hold a grudge longer than she could.

Mason: "I'm a man of the North. N'demonic." A small smile twitched and disappeared. "You're still not forgiven from me, but we all have our faults."

Xavier: "I'm under no delusion that I ever will be." By either of them. For anything at all.

Mason: "But ya are my brother. I don't say it," he paused, staring between them in order to gather strength. "I appreciate your bein' here." Not exactly the declaration he intended, but a start.

Xavier: Perhaps not what was intended, but a surprise nonetheless. A rather...pleasant one.

And a definitely departure from what had become the norm for them.

"I wouldn't have missed it," he said, mouth curved in the barest hint of a smile.

Mason: "And nether will I yours, when the time comes."

A full circle of the grounds. They were brought to a halt nearby the offensive elder oak. A topic of conversation to keep the pleasantries rolling. He explained its use by the recent addition in Charles' life. A Verbena, of all things, now a constant figure.

"Last Verbena I laid eyes on had aligned itself with Pestilence. Charles takes him in. One day his telepathy is gonna miss somethin'. I won't allow it."

Xavier: Utterly fascinating, and yet another surprise. He hadn't expected to find magic so out in the open here. Most humans didn't care for it.

"You do realize Verbena witches are essentially Druids? And by and large more trustworthy than demons? This is an asset." Perhaps some type of jealously or possessiveness was at play here.

Mason: "Don't drink the Kool-Aid, too. The only ones I've seen spread themselves like a virus. Quite literally. He is an exception. Not the rule."

Xavier: "The same applies to the two of us, no? Even if this witch did have some sort of ill intent, you are a demon, mate. The matter can be easily resolved."

Mason: "Havin' a child has made ya soft." Xavier was given a quick and amicable punch to the chest. "Time t'get married."

Xavier: "Says the man whose best friend is a Druid. Go on, then."

Mason: "She is my warrior." But he would turn away, towards the small crowd, on the lookout for his future husband.

Xavier: For his part, Xavier went off in search of his family. He had to make sure their seats (mainly him) were out of the line of Druid fire.

Theodore: By the time the two brothers had finished, Theo had wrangled the boys into the seats reserved for their family of three. Theo listened silently with Devlin in his lap, sitting sideways so he could easily talk to Rory. Rory sat in a seat beside them, legs dangling off the edge of the seat in a way that kept Theo on high alert, as if waiting for the moment Rory might lean too far and fall.

Charles: He wouldn't be terribly difficult to spot. A promise made and kept. He was indeed the one standing at the head of the room wearing the tux and chatting animatedly with his nephew. His gaze flitted occasionally to Rory, but he wouldn't interrupt the cousins getting to know one another. It was precisely what he wanted.

Xavier: Xavier smiled to himself as he approached, pleased to see Devlin enjoying himself. His little boy deserved to have more people to love and love him in return, especially if they were family.

"Hello, Charles," he said as he took his seat. "Congratulations on your impending nuptials."

Charles: He paused to offer a smile to his almost brother-in-law. It was bright, as it could be nothing less, at the moment. Happy was too subdued a term. "Thanks. And thank you for coming! I'm thrilled to have all three of you here."

Xavier: Impossible not to offer a smile in return. Charles seemed so genuinely elated to be marrying Mason, and at the end of the day, wasn't that what everyone wished for their sibling?

"We wouldn't have missed it. I see you're getting to know Devlin."

Mason: Mason was on the lookout for the last of the invited. For Cameron Dockstader and Bronwyn MacAllister. For those familiar faces deserving of the experience and a warm welcome.

And then he laid eyes on his fiancé, and the world did indeed quiet and still.

'I'm gonna remember for the rest of eternity what you look like in this moment.'

Theodore: "We're happy to be here," Theo smiled and nodded to the boy in his lap, still talking to the boy in the chair beside him. "These two have not stopped since we left to 'find the bathroom'." He reached for Xavier's hand.

The last wedding Cam had been to was Lucien's, and while his outfit then was a little more obnoxious than the outfit he wore today, his hair always made him stick out. A black button up and slacks, bright green bow tie, and a dark green suit jacket he already had over his arm. He glanced around once he entered, a little unsure of where he should go from here. Seat? A seat- how did all this work again?

Charles: "I certainly hope to. It seems the boys have become fast friends. Perhaps we'll all--"

In an uncharacteristic show of distraction, Charles looked up and beamed at Mason. No time at all, now, provided his bloody heart didn't burst in his chest. The risk was high. He briefly considered dragging his fiancé out to the garden, but it wouldn't do. They had guests. 'And you'll have my heart for just as long. Cam's here.'

He turned back to look at Theo and Xavier with an almost apologetic smile. "Sorry. We can all chat together over dinner. Cynthia is around here, somewhere."

Mason: Charles was made for his beautiful surroundings. Ivy, tulips, warm lighting. He was a picture. He was a mile away. Mason allowed his soon-to-be husband a different perspective to admire.

Do ya see what I see? Husband. Look at ya. Look at us.

And then his mind was his own again, and Mason turned in the direction of the lost green mutant.

"Lookin' like a criminal, sneakin' in," he called.

Xavier: Xavier just smiled. Yes, this was exactly what one would wish for their sibling.

"Yes, of course, go on. Don't let us keep you from Mason."

Just as Xavier was doing his part to stay away from Bronwyn, Bronwyn was doing her part to stay away from him. It was lucky that he was so tall and easy spot, thus making it easy to keep away from him.

But she wasn't looking at him just now. She was busy watching Charles and Mason look at each other and having her heart grow ten sizes. She was so glad that they had found each other. They were so well suited.

Theodore: "They're both quite the chatter boxes! We all will do so many things in the future, there's plenty of time ahead of us all. Go on," Theo beamed at Charles with a wave of his free hand before his fingers found Xavier's and gently tugged his love into the seat on the other side of him, opposite Rory.

Cam jumped as he was addressed, and he flashed Mason a grin at his comment.

"Technically, I am a criminal so at least my reputation will still stand..." He shrugged and approached his friend, giving a him a slow once over.

"Damn, you clean up nice," he teased and tilted his head at Charles. "Your husband, too. Y'all are making me sad that threesome didn't happen." Perhaps an inappropriate comment for a wedding day, but the wink that accompanied it was only good-natured teasing. They looked great, absolutely in love when Cam caught them gazing at one another, and it made him happy to see two so well suited, and deserving of each other's love. A twinge of unease in his chest, one he didn't realize was there until now, melted away. He reached over and gave Mason's arm a squeeze and a warm smile. "In all seriousness, you look amazing. You ready?"

Then Cam caught sight of Bronwyn and started to move in her direction with a parting wave to Mason. "I'll be claiming a dance later from you both!" And to her side he went.

"Might I accompany you to your seat, beautiful maiden?" Cam asked her with a grin and offered her his arm.

Charles: For a telepath, seeing the world from another's point of view wasn't exactly novel. But Charles could not deny the surrealism of seeing himself through Mason's eyes. Surely, any scene would look lovely, painted with such emotion. 'It's perfect,' he acknowledged. There was really no other word for a setting in which his smile refused to dim.

He spotted his daughter and beckoned for her to join the rest of her family; her pale blue dress still neat as a pin as she scurried over. A wave and a grin were offered to Bronwyn and Cameron both.

Mason: Inappropriate and enough to put a smile on his face. A quick hand brushed over his cheek, offered a pleasant-sounding slap as they passed like two ships in the night.

"Somethin' beyond ready. He's already mine." The mutant was waved off.

Attention returned to Charles, now with their daughter, and caught sight of Bronwyn along the way. Radiant and expected and welcome.

'What a vision,' he greeted. A warm invisible kiss pressed to her forehead. 'I don't see your giant anywhere. Your invitation was for a plus one.'

Bronwyn: Bronwyn smiled at Cam's approach, taking his arm after kissing his cheek. Every time she saw him, she was reminded just how grateful she was to have him back. "You certainly may, especially since you look so handsome."

She turned that smile on Mason. 'You're a vision yourself, darlin'. Practically glowing. Torsten's right behind me, he had to take a call.'

Cameron: Cam grinned at the playful slap, and he nodded to Mason as they parted ways.

He made sure to try and catch Charles' eye, give him a wave, and mouth 'looking good' with an approving nod before moving to Bronwyn's side.

His smile turned into a beam at the kiss to his cheek and Bronwyn's compliment.

"Well thank you! I tried to be a little less obnoxious today," he started to guide them towards a set of open seats. "You look absolutely amazing, per the usual. Where's Torsten?"

Charles: He snorted a soft laugh, though Cam was too far away to hear it. Brushing nonexistent lint from his jacket, he dipped his head with a silent 'thanks.' He'd continue to chat with Kurt and Cynthia, giving Rory a bit more time with his cousin.

Mason: Wedding superstitions be damned. They'd already crossed every splintered bridge to get to this point. They'd kept their distance long enough. Only a handful of people remained on Charles' side. Probably outside if not lost down some corridor.

Torsten felt eyes on him. Some child with platinum hair to rival that of his sister. Probably her first time ever hearing Icelandic. A notion which humored him, and had him speaking in full voice for her amusement.

His phone was returned to pocket. His audience remained. The revenant smiled and bent to her height.

"Shoo."

As far as Cynthia was concerned, her father magicked from nowhere. She was all smiles despite being startled, clinging to Mason's arms as he scooped her up for a kiss.

Bronwyn: "Goodness, I'm goin' to get spoiled to so much flattery." She took the middle seat so her men would be on either side of her.

"He had to take a call. He should be along in a wee."

Cameron: "Well you deserve it," Cam smiled and took his seat beside her.

Charles: Charles smiled his eye-crinkling smile at the pair. His family. His heart stumbled painfully in his chest. He reached up to smooth Cee's hair, his other hand coming to rest on his fiancé’s arm. "Are you ready to get married, Mason?"

Mason: "Ready is too pedestrian." Cynthia dangled in his hold, lulled by the feeling of security.

"Shall we begin?"

Charles: He laughed, softly. "Whatever phrase you prefer, then." With that impossible smile refusing to fade, he caught Rory's eye and beckoned for him to join. "Yes. It's time."

Mason: There was a part of Mason that felt no inclination towards a traditional verbal offering of vows. To stand in presumed silence with Charles with an audience of confused eyes, confessing every passing loving thought since night one.

Such intimacy could wait for their bedroom.

"After you." Cynthia was lowered to her feet and gently nudged.

Charles: He couldn't deny that the thought was appealing. So many of his cherished memories took place between just the two of them. Or the five of them, he amended, waving to snag Kurt's attention, where he was chatting with Jubilee. But he truly loved the people in this room, and it was just bad manners to run off before the ceremony.

His mind spread out like a net, ensuring that there were no stragglers as he took his place at the head of the room.

Naturally, there was no altar, but Ororo was waiting there for them, her starkly white hair piled prettily atop her head. Smiling as the little group approached, she glanced down at a nonexistent watch and tisked.

"It's about time."

Mason: "Forgive us." Mason bowed his head, humor just there in his calm eyes. A rather large and unorthodox pile in front of her. The most unusual wedding Mason had ever attended. Very Charles, without a doubt.

Cynthia was given a gentle pat, before searching for Charles' hand to grasp.

'Last chance to run,' the demon finally grinned.

Charles: He gave a soft little laugh, a sound anyone else might mistake for a response to Ororo, but Mason would know better.

'Only if you're coming with me. '

His hand slid home into Mason's, its heat a familiar comfort. He looked down at perfectly polished shoes to try and collect himself. Impossible. He looked up only when Ororo cleared her throat and began to speak. As ever, her presence commanded the room.

"We gather here today, in the presence of family and friends to join Charles Xavier and Mason Atlas in matrimony. We celebrate the coming together in love of these men. We remember that marriage is a time when growing love is made public, when two people share mutual promises. We join in our support of them as they offer themselves to each other. We celebrate their joy, their love and their expectations."

Mason: What a thought. To flee their own wedding. Would certainly shake things up, being a mutual decision, and one of loving mischief.

Their ceremony had been rehearsed only once. The children, Rory especially, had been in no mood for standing and listening to adults, no matter the context and auras. Cynthia was in her own world, though engrossed in the moment between her fathers. She was busy imagining the potential timelines of her own future. Admiring Ororo's dress, her own, her shoes, the flowers. She was at peace.

Rory wanted a piece of cake, and to return to Devlin.

Mason turned to face his husband, now giving both hands a squeeze. He shared with Charles their first night. Their first kiss. The random afternoon of Charles' scar and its healing. Their first argument as an unspoken couple. Their first confessions.

Charles: Despite whatever clichés existed about crying and weddings, Charles steadfastly refused to shed a tear before an audience, especially one that was not privy to the exchange between two men practically wed. Still, it would be difficult to miss how his blue eyes had gotten even brighter, shining with moisture, barely kept at bay. Of course they'd have this private moment, even when surrounded by others. It couldn't have happened any other way. He offered Mason the first moment he'd realized he'd fallen, how heady and terrifying the feeling had been. He hadn't said a word. But he would, now, even as Ororo carried on, oblivious.

"May you always need one another, not to fill emptiness, but to help each other know your fullness. May you want one another, but not out of lack. May you embrace one another, but not encircle one another. May you succeed in all important ways with each other. Look for things to praise, often say 'I love you', and take no notice of small faults. May you have happiness, and may you find it in making one another happy. May you have love, and may you find it in loving one another."

Mason: All of that and more. He too had recognized the first night of realized love. He had understood the squeeze in his chest as more than lust. Mason had known from that night the stygian depths he would descend and compassion's mountain he would relearn for the sake of equal companionship. The differences between them were as wide as their passion for each other. This shouldn't have worked, and yet it did, and it would. Charles had managed the impossible taming of a beast where others failed. Others that were forgotten as he squeezed his husband's hand.

"Can I kiss him now?"

Charles: Charles didn't bother to stifle his answering laugh, eyes crinkling warmly at the corners. This was their wedding, damn it. He'd be as happy as he pleased. There was scattered laughter, to mingle with his own, including from their officiant. She shook her head at the pair.

"You keep us waiting all morning, and now you're in a rush? In due time, Mason." Ororo was one of the few comfortable using his first name. She grinned.

"I guess it won't hurt to move things along. We'll start with you. Do you, Mason, take Charles to be your husband? Do you vow to love him, comfort and keep him, and forsaking all others remain true to him as long as you both shall live?"

Mason: The vow was absolutely tailored to Charles, and alien just the same. This adventurous pair. This uncommitted man, now standing with chest proud, eyes locked on his possession and possessor. His husband he would love above all others, forsaking Fate and his future. Damning mortality not once, but twice in his existence.

"I do."

Charles: Though he'd known in his very atoms that it was coming, the answer still had Charles' face splitting into a sunshine-bright smile, his eyes still a touch too watery to go unnoticed. He couldn't look away from Mason as Ororo turned her attention to him.

"And do you, Charles, take Mason to be your husband? Do you vow to love him, comfort and keep him, and forsaking all others remain true to him as long as you both shall live?"

He nodded, before recalling that actual words would be required of him. "Of course. Of course I do."

Said as firmly in Mason's mind as it was aloud.

Ro, smiling almost as broadly, continued. "Now, before you exchange rings, do you have any additional vows to share with one another?"

Charles shook his head. He'd had something prepared, but it felt so superfluous, now. Perhaps he'd share when they were alone together. "There's nothing I could say that hasn't been said a thousand times before. I'm already yours in every conceivable way."

Mason: Sharing of personal vows when alone was precisely what Mason intended. He too shook his head. Not yet. Not here. He was too swollen with emotions. Yes, this was their wedding day, but just like Charles, he believed some things were for privacy.

"Ya know what you've done to me. You're a thief, n'we're gonna have words." He couldn't kiss those lips yet, but he would kiss those hands. "Just not here."

Charles: Charles laughed softly; a tiny huff of a sound meant only for Mason.

Smile still in place, Ororo dipped her head. "Very well. May we have the rings?"

Ready as ever, Kurt fished them out of his coat pocket and handed them over with a toothy grin.

"Thank you," she continued, seamlessly. "These rings have no beginning and no end. They represent the eternal nature of real love. They will mirror the love and trust that Charles and Mason promise to each other this day.

Mason, will you take this ring and place it on Charles' finger, and as you do, repeat these words:

'I give you this ring, as I give you myself, with love and affection. Wear it always.'"

Mason: Such a simple phrase, repeated with the weight of promise behind each word as Charles' ring was gently fitted.

"I give you this ring, as I give you myself, with love and affection. Wear it always, Charles."

'Else you'll get a red handprint on your ass.'

Charles: 'Don't tempt me.'

Surely, it wasn't possible for his smile to get any brighter, tinged with amusement and an impossible amount of affection as the ring slid into place.

Ororo echoed the words for his benefit, and he filled them with meaning.

"I give you this ring, as I give you myself, with love and affection. Wear it always."

Careful fingers slipped the ring onto Mason's hand. It held a short inscription that he'd confess to later. Swept up in this shared moment, he barely registered that their officiant was speaking.

"Inasmuch as you Charles and you Mason have thus consented in matrimony and have witnessed the same before family and friends, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the state of New York, I now pronounce you married." She paused to grin. "Now, you can kiss him."

Mason: Mason could feel Rory squirming between them. Their son knew these words; they had been explained to him days before. This much he retained, and understood its importance.

Charles' hands were brought to Mason's chest and squeezed again. Lips crushed to his husband's, mindful of their audience. Their first official kiss. A new life awaited them outside of this room. A life he could not have predicted for himself. This path was not refined. There would be pain, and he welcomed the experience.

'I'm yours, Charles. No excuses, no apologies, no regrets. I will never again insult your resolve by questionin' your commitment t'me. Ya know what I am, n'I know what ya are. From this life t'the next one, I will give you myself.'

Charles: Like so many promises sealed in similar fashion, before, but this one felt deeper. Staining his soul. He gave a watery little smile, nodding at Mason's private oath. His chest ached with a fullness that could not be translated into words. He settled for mouthing a silent "I love you."

Though he steadfastly refused to release his husband entirely, he did free one hand to rest on Rory's little head. There was more to be done. A celebration to be had and gratitude to offer, but they were allowed a quiet moment to ignore the hubbub that rose around them. Charles couldn't hear a thing.

Cameron: Once the moment was appropriate, Cam grinned, rose to his feet with the rest of the group, placed two fingers against his lips, and let out a shrill, ear piercing whistle that cut through the cheers around them.

Theo rose as well and lifted Devlin on his hip so he could see over some of the heads in front of them. He carefully clapped while keeping their son supported, and he glanced at Xavier with a small smile.

Bronwyn: Xavier returned Theo's smile and clapped with him. There was a look of unmistakable fondness on his face. For his brother, for Charles, for their family, everything. Mason was married. His big brother was married.

Bronwyn's joy and excitement was far less subdued. She was crying and laughing as she cheered, elated that her best friend in the world was finally married to the man he loved. The man who loved him. She was so, so happy for the pair of them and their family. They'd both been through so much; they deserved this.

Mason: Mason frowned good-naturedly in Cameron's direction. Rory whipped his head around to find the source of the sound. Without prompt he was off, ready to return to Devlin's side, as he was the only one near his age he could relate to in the sea of formality.

"Time to make our rounds as husband n'husband, is it?" Charles' hand was gently kissed. Cynthia took to his other hand for equal treatment.

Charles: "Mm," he agreed, amusement lifting the corners of his mouth and brightening his eyes. "The least we can do is thank them for sitting through that cavity-inducing display."

He grinned at his husband (his husband!), happiness practically spilling into the air around them. He'd have to take care not to unintentionally influence anyone else's emotions. Giving Mason's hand a squeeze, he gently tugged him toward where Bronwyn and Cam stood.

"And then food. I'm famished."

Bronwyn: Bronwyn was all but sobbing as they approached, but she was still smiling, too. She was feeling about ten emotions at once, all positive, and all centered on them.

"Congratulations!" she said, squeezing them both in turn. "Ye're both so lovely and so perfect for each other and I'm so glad that ye're finally married. I wish ye all the happiness in the world."

Mason: "Cavity? I think we were quite sober," Mason smirked. He could feel the restraint Charles self-enforced, and in the moment had to withhold his encouragement. He could imagine how his elation would influence others. Not the worst fate, but.

"Ta very much." Torsten be damned, Bronwyn was getting a kiss to her cheek.

The giant made no move, no indication of discomfort. Rather, offered his hand to his second host.

"Congratulations," he said, voice thick with Icelandic accent.

Charles: Charles returned her embrace with enthusiasm. "Thank you, darling. I'm so happy you're here. You look beautiful."

He was very much all smiles when he turned to the imposing figure, taking his hand firmly for a shake, the other coming to rest briefly on the man's elbow. "Thank you. Charles. It's a pleasure."

Cameron: Cam waiting until the intro finished and Bronwyn gave her hugs before moving in for his own. "Congrats to you both on making it official," he winked at them both as he pulled back, grinning from ear to ear. Y'all better save a dance for me at the reception!"

Bronwyn: "I wouldn't have missed this for all the world." She pulled a handkerchief from her clutch and dabbed at her eyes. "Thank ye, darlin, but never mind me, look at the pair of ye! Handsome as ever."

Mason: Cameron was given a gentle love tap to the cheek from the groom. "Ya mistake me for someone with any shred of dancin' skills. Charles is lucky t'get one." Bronwyn, of course, would have her dance if she chose.

Charles' hand was given a squeeze in return.

"Torsten. Thank you for allowing me witness to your experience."

Charles: "Of course! Bronwyn is a dear friend. You are more than welcome."

Between the man's accent and the figure he cut, Charles had several questions dancing on the tip of his tongue. Under any other circumstances, he would have asked them, but Mason still occupied the bulk of his attention. He filed them away for later as he released the man's hand and gave his new husband a nudge.

"Oh, dance with the man, love. It'll be the most entertaining part of the evening." For Charles, anyway. He smiled his Cheshire Cat smile and tried to stifle a laugh.

Cameron: The grin that flashed over Cam's lips beamed with Charles', and he turned to Mason with a tilt of his head.

"Don't worry Mason, we won't do anything fancy, we can just sway in place if you can't pick up the simple steps. I'll save the actual dancing for Charles!"

Bronwyn: "Oh god, yes, I'm so sorry, I didn't even introduce ye properly." Too many emotions getting in the way of her manners.

"Charles, this is my fiancé Torsten. Torsten, this is Charles, Mason's brand-new husband and a lovely dear friend to me and to Vincent." And hopefully to Torsten one day.

Mason: "N'that dance'll be recorded for blackmail purposes." This stoic figure of academia making a go at the dance floor with the Green Boy Wonder would be a sight never to forget.

Torsten smiled at his tiny druid. "Is everyone here...?"

Mason adjusted Rory's crinkled suit as he ran past. "I'm a mutant t'these people. We're all... mutant."

"Ah." Torsten's brow tightened as he nodded.

Charles: "There will be no collecting blackmail on the groom on his wedding day. Fairly certain that's a written rule, somewhere. And if it isn't, it ought to be."

Charles waved a hand, the other reaching over to snag Mason's, again. "It's simpler. Speaking of Vincent," he turned to Bronwyn, tactfully switching subject with a smile. "Where has the little bird gotten off to?"

Cameron: "Guilty!" Cam raised his hand to confirm he too was a mutant, although he had a feeling Torsten already knew that, granted Bronwyn had told him after they had encountered each other in passing. Cam realized he'd never sat down and had a real conversation with Torsten before.

"And it can't be blackmail if we look like we know what we're doing Charles, it'll be fine!" Cam chuckled, and glanced around the floor, with the change of subject, to see if he could spot any familiar faces of his own.

Bronwyn: Bronwyn smiled back, slipping her hand into Torsten's and giving it a squeeze. "Aye. We're all mutant today." And would be, until the children either discovered the supernatural or Charles and Mason told them otherwise.

At Charles' question, she looked around for her familiar. "I have no earthly idea. Probably in the back somewhere, especially if that's where the food is."

Mason: Mason glanced over the group's shoulders. Indeed, the familiar was hugging to the arm of a gargantuan man.

"D'ya plan on dancin' with everyone before midnight?" Cameron's hair was given a ruffle.

Torsten still dwelled on the mutant subject. "If it keeps people safe," said under his breath to Bronwyn. Torsten couldn't say he felt one way or another. His ancient tribalism said no; modern sensibility rather indifferent to the blanket title.

Cameron was given a smile, revealing the barest hint of fangs.

"I will dance with you, after Bronwyn."

Charles: "And after me," he amended, following his husband's gaze to spot Vincent and Adrik. "Well, dinner will be served soon. We should say hello before I lose him entirely."

Adrik: "Perhaps, it is polite to congratulate the grooms before we seek out food?" Adrik suggested as he led Vincent by the arm towards the sounds of gathered voices. They had missed the ceremony, but the massive werebear had assumed it was intentional- as sitting still for an extended period did not seem to be a skill Vincent had unless he was napping, or cuddling.

"You make it sound like a challenge now, and I'm not the kinda guy to lose! I didn't bring a date, so any dance partner is welcome." Cam's cheeks warmed as his hair was ruffled and he swatted the hand away. "Oi- I spent a long time makin' that look nice!" he protested, and his eyebrows rose as he spotted the fangs. Then he grinned and nodded. "After Bronwyn and Charles, then."

Bronwyn: "It will," Bronwyn whispered back to him, bringing his hand to her lips.

She couldn't help grinning at the mental image of Torsten and Cameron dancing together. It was sure to be a moment worthy of being recorded and sent to Lucien, and she planned to do just that when the time came.

"Well we're just all goin' to be dancin' with ev'ryone, aren't we? We'll revel the night away."

Vincent: Vincent looked to the small crowd surrounding the couple. He looked to Adrik. To the food. Truly, a little bird trapped between indecisiveness.

"That's far too optimistic, even for a weddin'." Mason shook his head at Bronwyn. Gently, Charles' hand was brought to his chest.

"Time to continue the rounds."

Charles: He agreed with a hum and a private, happy little smile. A gentle press of lips to the corner of Mason's mouth was all he would allow himself, with so many watching eyes.

Vincent needn't have worried; Charles was going to make the decision for him. With his hand still tucked into his husband's, he approached the couple. "Vincent, Adrik. I'm thrilled you both could make it."

Adrik: Adrik chuckled, and he ran a thumb across Vincent's cheek.

"My love..." He rumbled, his tone gently scolding. "The food will still be there, I promise you." He looked up as Charles and Mason approached, and he nodded to them each in turn. "Congratulations to you both. Thank you for the invitation."

Cam tilted his head as he caught sight of Vincent. He was very distinctly missing the man who was supposed to be Cam's date for the evening.

"Oi- Vincent!" Cam called to the bird in question, his brow raised as he started his approach. "Did you forget someone, bud?"

Bronwyn: Bronwyn beamed at Mason. "If there was ever a time and a place to be optimistic, it's at a weddin'. Especially yers."

She looked from Cam to Vincent and back again. Had she missed something? "Was he supposed to bring someone?" she asked Cam.

Vincent: Vincent leaned his weight against Adrik's chest in quick response as their hosts approached. Charles successfully rescued Vincent from a rock and a hard place. His smile was bright and relieved.

"Yes, thank you! May your days be bright! You looked so bright up th - cheese and crackers! The cat!" Hand smacked to forehead. The bird disappeared in a blink. Leaving behind a silence which Mason had to laugh at.

"Speaking of forgotten people," Mason muttered. A certain witch stood awkwardly in the foyer. Adjusting cuff-links and tie and looking for his married friend. Muscles ached from hours of relentless driving. Determined not to interrupt Charles' wedding with the thunderous crack of old magick.

Charles: Charles blinked at the empty space that had been Vincent a moment before, confused smile frozen in place as he attempted to piece together what was happening. Without enough information to see the full picture, he shook his head and joined his husband in soft laughter. "I suppose I'll be told what that was all about, eventually."

His smile blazed when he noticed the witch. He'd kept the ceremony Leslie-free for Mason's benefit, but there was no denying that his friend's presence was a welcome one, to Charles. He lifted his husband's hand to his mouth, pressing a kiss to his warm palm. 'I'm going to say hello. You can stay here with everyone. I won't hold it against you.'

Either way, he was going to slip through the crowd toward where the witch stood, with a quiet "pardon me" to their friends. He grinned up at Leslie. "There you are, Jolly Dimpled Giant. I'm so happy you're here." He was happy, in general, and it showed. "Nice suit."

Cameron: "Someone- and by someone I mean Vincent- forgot my date," Cam explained loud enough for the curious parties to hear before Charles slipped away.

Adrik blinked as Vincent suddenly disappeared, but he'd grown used to Vincent's preferred mode of transportation long ago. So, he turned to silently face those around him.

His gaze stopped on the green haired one, and he tilted his head as something about him seemed... familiar. Of course, he'd never met this green haired man before, he wouldn't forget a striking appearance like that, but his energy... Adrik couldn't place it. He decided not to dwell on it, and his expression did not change.

Bronwyn: Bronwyn's face lit up with delight and excitement. 'Cat' and 'date' were all she needed to hear to figure out exactly who her familiar had disappeared to get.

"Lucien's yer date?!"

Mason: Mason remained behind. Watched Charles' approach with controlled neutrality. The witch had followed instruction. He would not disturb his husband's gliding elation at the sight of his friend. What a bitter tasting word in his mouth. A demon on his wedding day had no room to judge, short of an angelic apocalypse.

Leslie stood taller at the approach of his host. The depth of his eyes caught by light from the window across the great room. Dark suit and shirt highlighted the gray-blue of his tie. Fitted from the hotel he had paused to change in.

"You look..." Absolutely radiant. He'd never seen Charles with such an obvious glow.

Never mind the subtle glossing and warmth blushing his cheeks. A hand was offered for a formal shake. Not at all what he wanted to do, but mindful of the second groom.

"Congratulations, Charles."

Vincent returned with the softest whoosh. Werecat in tow, hair unusually kempt. Firmly belted dark azure top coat hiding an immaculate dress uniform. Trained instinct snatching at his flight cap when noticing his surroundings.

Charles: "Thanks. You're not half bad yourself, prince." He was grinning, his spirits too high to be dampened, despite the formality of the greeting. "Thank you. I suppose that makes the not-subtle boyfriend the not-subtle husband. Officially. Cam and Bronwyn are here, of course. Did you arrive just now? I didn't hear the tree."

Adrik: Adrik rumbled as soon as Vincent reappeared, and he tugged the little bird back to his side. He tried to remember the last time he'd seen Lucien. "Kitten. You clean up well."

Cam's breath caught as Lucien appeared, and he had to take a moment to reel himself in. Lucien looked very, very nice in his uniform, and Cam had to take a moment to consider just how black out drunk he was going to have to get himself after this entire evening was over. Another moment and a smile, one that was a little too bright, eased over his lips. He was determined to make what he could remember of his night an enjoyable evening for those involved.

"Yeah," Cam replied to Bronwyn, and he raised a hand to wave Lucien over to them. "I asked him, and he said yes! I figured he could use a relaxing evening of dancing and good food." He shrugged. "Plus, and I guess it's more of a selfish thing for me- but- inviting him meant I'd get the chance to dance with both of you like I should have on his wedding night, too." He only wished his outfit could even remotely match the look of Lucien in his uniform. "I couldn't really go wrong on the invite. Celebrating Charles' and Mason's wedding, and getting to share some dances with everyone.... was a pretty easy choice of a date."

Bronwyn: There was a pang in Bronwyn's chest as Vincent reappeared with Lucien. He looked so grown up. Light years away from the angry, broken teenager she'd met all those years ago. She couldn't be prouder.

"It'll be good for both of ye," she said softly, taking Cam's hand and squeezing it. "The dancin' and the food. It's no' selfish to make up for lost time and make some good memories while ye do it. I want ye to have as lovely a time as humanly possible."

Leslie: Leslie glanced down at his suit. Over Charles' shoulder at the mass of guests talking amongst themselves. He had more or less the right color. Didn't want to stand out above his beloved host.

"Not-subtle husband will be his official name change." Deep breath. Don't cry. "Ah, yes. Sort of. I drove. Got the nearest hotel. More like a bed and breakfast. I didn't want to disturb your guests with a bang."

Lucien heard and felt the familiar rumble, knowing and surprised to find Adrik Ivanov. Something squeezed like a fist around his heart. More than hearing his pet name; seeing the man that had helped shape his successful life was almost overwhelming. He slapped Adrik's shoulder in greeting.

"I di - I didn't have a uh... civilian... suit. Is it too much?"

"You're fine, mate," said Mason, caught off his guard by the uniform and its consequent nostalgia. Not a face he had seen in years. A glimpse of the boy from Bronwyn's New Orleans home. Of course. Cameron's contract.

"Thanks." Lucien couldn't place some names with faces. Recognizable faces, but there were so many of those these days. Too many to keep track. "Excuse me." Seeing Cameron and his mother, Lucien gave a final nod to the bird and turned, wrapping Bronwyn into warm hug.

"Mama B! It's been too long." A grasping hand released her to slap at Cameron's ribs.

Charles: Blue eyes widened to the size of dinner plates. "You drove for eight hours? Nearly--" he paused, for a rapid calculation. "Nearly 500 miles to attend my wedding? Leslie, you absolute madman! I would have sent someone to fetch you, if I'd have known. And you know that you can always stay here, if you need. We're leaving tonight, and there's more than enough space. At least allow me to pay for your room."

He pulled the witch into a hug, brief but fierce. "Ridiculous man. Thank you. Come on. I'm sure Cameron will want to see you. I know that Ruby and Ester will."

Adrik: "It certainly is not," Adrik agreed, very obviously impressed. Well- obvious for Adrik meant a slight rise of his brows. Lucien was far different form the days he worked in his shop all those years ago.

"Damn Lucien, if you weren't a married ma-oof!" Cam grunted as the hand collided with his ribs, and he hunched over, feigning injury from the impact. "What a way to greet your date!"

Bronwyn: Bronwyn positively squealed in delight as Lucien approached, squeezing him with all her might.

"Oh, I'm so happy to see ye, love! It's been way too long, it's been a bloody ice age!" She beamed at him. "Ye look a picture in that uniform. I missed ye."

Leslie: Leslie was laughing. This, despite catching a runaway tear from reaching his cheek. "I enjoyed the drive, I swear! The place I'm staying is small and quaint. I'm well taken care of, dear, I swear. This is your day. I don't want to distract you."

The mention of Ruby and Ester brought a smile to his face. Doubling as their home, this must have been quite the occasion. "How many students attended the ceremony?" The smile faded into formality with the approach of Charles' not-subtle husband.

"Congratulations to you both," said Leslie, hands kept to his sides.

Lucien smiled at Cameron from his mother's shoulder.

A rather large hand slapped firmly against his back. A strength to rival Adrik's, and no surprise it was his mother's vampire-thing.

"Hey, uh, Torsten." His warmth returned between Bronwyn and Cameron. "Y'all been away from Wash too long. Gotta come n'see the kitten."

Charles: "Only if you're sure. I'm serious, Les. You say the word and I'll have accommodations prepared for you. And I swear I won't lift a finger."

His smile grew to match the witch's. "Most of them. They had the option to decline, but I think they love to celebrate, no matter the occasion. Most of the staff is here as well."

He saw Mason's approach reflected in Leslie's expression, before he felt it. His own smile didn't dim as he reached out to take his new husband's hand. He gave that hand a gentle but firm squeeze, encouraging just a hint of courtesy from the other groom. "Hello, love."

Cameron: Cam stuck his tongue out the tiniest bit at Lucien from between his lips from over Bronwyn's shoulder. He wondered if Lucien's wedding was the last time the three of them had been in a room together.

Bronwyn: The small bubble of hope that always made its appearance whenever her son and Torsten interacted in any way appeared right on cue. They weren't all that close, but one day maybe they would be. She could dream.

"Aye, we have," she said, reaching for Torsten's hand again. "We should make the trip up, I miss her so much. And Salem and ye. Phones are just...inadequate."

Leslie: Mason cut an intimidating figure. Leslie was sure the majority of his unease was due to his species. This did not negate his nearness to the groom. But it was reason enough to omit a handshake.

Charles' hand was returned to Mason's chest. This belonged here. "Was quiet. Your doin'?"

"Yes. I drove."

"Good." A pause. "Ta very much."

Leslie managed a smile. This was Charles' day. Despite his choice in husband, Charles' happiness was easily his own.

"I'm going to say hi to some choice faces."

Lucien knew his mother's desire. Reason enough to tolerate. Cameron was a blessed distraction.

"Think Vincent's tired of bein' my Uber. How y'all doin'?" A question asked to both Cameron and his mother, looking between them as said bird returned to the warmth of Adrik's chest. Face buried in his suit.

"I'm hungry." Muffled, borderline exhausted plea to his companion.

Charles: "By all means. Mingle. Dinner will be served soon." Charles wouldn't watch him go. His world had narrowed down to him and his husband once more. The hand pressed to Mason's chest gave a gentle tap. "Thank you."

Cameron: "I'm good, glad Vincent actually picked you up even if he did need a reminder," Cam chuckled and hooked an arm around Lucien's from the side where Torsten did not stand.

Adrik chuckled and wrapped an arm around Vincent's shoulders, while the other gently pet his head.

"Would it please you to find our seats and wait for dinner to start?"

Bronwyn: "He prefers his method o' transport to flyin', but maybe we should fly to give him a break like when we went to Iceland." She remembered the plane ride not being Vincent's favorite experience in the world but she couldn't help the twinge of guilt at him having to teleport so often.

Something to think on later.

"I'm as lovely as can be, darlin'," she said brightly. "What about ye? Takin' care o' yerself? Eatin' well? Drinkin' water? Plenty o' sleep?"

Mason: Mason shook his head. "Don't thank me on our weddin' day. S'bad luck." The unfortunate causes of Charles' happiness were not his to decide. Not today, anyway. Not here. They could debate the pros and cons of witchcraft some other night in private.

"D'ya know him?" Charles' hand was used to point to the man in uniform. The one wrapped around Cameron's firm grip.

The man in question, if one were to listen closely, was purring. Having to suppress every workday was stifling. Being surrounded by trusting company was liberating.

"M'fine, Mama. Everyone's fine. Got asked for another deployment. Turned it down. Some people ain't even gone yet. They can fuckin' wait."

Vincent seemed to be having an argument with his heavy eyelids. "Yes. Sit. Please." Between the pass transport of his mistress, her family, and Adrik, Lucien had tapped the last of his energy. Nothing a banquet couldn't mend.

Charles: Charles gave the softest snort of laughter. "Is it? You're going to have to make a list for me."

He followed the direction of the gesture, before gently tugging their joined hands down.

"I do not. But it seems that everyone else does."

Cameron: Cam had known Lucien long enough that he could catch his purr in a room more crowded than this one. Of course, he was also fairly sure he could feel the tiniest vibration through his grip on Lucien's arm, and it made him smile to know Lucien was so comfortable. It was the right choice to bring him, even if it meant becoming familiar friends with the bottom of a bottle once everyone had parted ways for the evening. It was worth it regardless, and with the way things were starting out, it was hard for Cam not to contain his happy grin.

Adrik chuckled and with a movement that made Vincent appear weightless, he bent over and scooped the little bird up into his arms. "We shall sit." And off to locate their chairs he went. Once he found them, Adrik took a seat but kept Vincent in his lap to hold him to his chest until the food would be served.

Bronwyn: Bronwyn frowned mightily. "Why would they even ask ye to go back if they know full well there are some that haven't gone at all? Doesn't make any bloody sense."

Mason: "Someone new for ya t'obsess with. You'll see a tail or furry ears n'a minute. Bronwyn's adopted son."

Vincent clung to Adrik with no evident surprise of Adrik's strength or audacity. If there was someone hellbent on complaint, so be it.

"Our unit's small. They'd rather ask for 'em that wanna go, then get t'the voluntold folks. Some people'd rather be out there than in here. Bigger paycheck."

Cameron was given a smack to the chest. "Good weddin'? What I miss?"

Charles: Charles shot Mason a reproachful look, one which lost some of its heat with the way that his lips twitched with a barely-suppressed smile.

"I do not obsess, Atlas. I take a healthy interest in the unique and novel."

But Mason would recognize his expression of curiosity easily enough. The boy looked quite baseline, from distance.

"We should say hello."

Cameron: "Ah!" Cam grunted as he took another hit to the chest. Then he pouted at Lucien. "What'd I do to deserve all this?" And then he dug his elbow, with the arm latched around Lucien's, subtly into Lucien's side.

"It was a ceremony. Pretty standard."

Adrik did not mind the stares, there were a few, and he pet Vincent's head as he clung to him.

Bronwyn: Her frown was less mighty but still in place. "Well, that's a fine system to put in place after ev'ryone's gone at least one. For the fairness and balance of it all."

She chuckled and shook her head at the pair of them. For all that they were grown, there was still youthful camaraderie between Lucien and Cam.

"We should find our seats. Dinner probably isn't far off."

Mason: Charles was led to the small crowd, waiting for an opening to land similar treatment on Lucien's back.

"Don't want someone goin' if they ain't ready. Some of em are babies. Just got in, still gettin' their bearins." Babies, as opposed to a twenty-four-year-old heading towards his third year.

"They get em eventually, Mama, don't be offe - een!" Goddamn demonic strength. "Sup, Mace?" Not his favorite person in the world. On par with vampires as far as he was concerned. Today wasn't about his opinions.

"Uh, you're the groom? The other-other groom?" An offered hand. "Pender - Lucien Pendergast."

Leslie softly pinched at Bronwyn's arm, smiled in greeting.

Charles: His expression bled from disapproval to amusement as Lucien greeted Mason. He couldn't fight a grin. 'Mace? That's precious.'

He took that hand, giving a firm shake.

"That would be me. Charles Xavier. It's a pleasure. You're Cameron's date?"

Cameron: Cam blinked as Lucien greeted Mason.

"Mace?" he asked with a tilt of his head. "Ya'll know each other?" Cam was sure the deal he'd made to save Lucien didn't involve Mason meeting the werecat, but then again- he knew Bronwyn, so it made sense that they'd met. Seeing them next to each other, made Cam actively have to resist the urge to look at a watch and wonder when this night would be over. He may have miscalculated his feelings, as he swallowed a painful knot in his throat.

"Yeah, we're childhood friends!" he shook off the tension in his shoulders and forced a determined smile. This night was going to be a good one! He was sure of it, and he used his own hand to give Lucien's chest a good thump in return. "We're both basically Bron's kids, and I figured he could use a break from the hubby and kid for a night of dancing and fun. He was almost forgotten by our resident ferry-bird. He's resting with that big dude somewhere."

Bronwyn: The frown melted away as Bronwyn once again beamed with pride. Damn right they were both her kids.

"And a lovely thought it was, Cam. We're all goin' to have a wonderful time."

She turned at Leslie's silent greeting, returning it with a good hearty squeeze. "Hey you. It's been an absolute age."

Mason: 'Don't even start.' Charles' hand was given a squeeze. Yes, he'd seen the boy a handful of times. Bronwyn the center of every meeting. The defiant lost boy a grown man with a child of his own. Absolutely Cameron's doing.

"He knows Mama B. Ain't that how ya - or d'ya know each other first?" A question asked with a pointed thumb between Charles and Cameron. The more he relaxed, the more his accent began to slip. That limbo of Louisiana French.

"Three months is much too long," Leslie whispered, offered a kiss to Bronwyn's cheek.

Charles: 'If you think for a moment that I'm letting this go you're mistaken.'

His smile was a touch too bright to be merely polite.

"We had... mutual acquaintances," he explained. Quite diplomatically, considering the individuals that he and Cameron shared. Mutant circles really weren't all that large.

"But our paths crossed again when I met Mason, yes."

Cameron: "We are!" Cam agreed with Bronwyn, and he hoped his belief in that would help to manifest it throughout the night. He caught sight of Leslie and gave him and little wave.

"Yeah... acquaintances," Cam reached up to rub the back of his neck as he thought of the last time he saw their mutual acquaintance. Cam was not eager to encounter him ever again, if he could help it.

"Yeah, and I help at the school now, teaching gym classes mostly. 'N helping with the younger kids."

Bronwyn: "Christ, has it been three months already?" she said with a disbelieving chuckle. "Year's movin' far too quickly for my likin'. How've ye been? All well in Edenton?"

Mason: Mason, for his part, remained relatively silent. Kept a passive eye on the blond witch. Not that he expected cataclysmic magick from his fingertips; Bronwyn was plenty capable of defending herself. A subconscious habit, it was, to watch those with the least developed trust.

"Mon dieu," Lucien laughed. "You're a gym coach? Pourquoi? Puta - pourquoi?" Cameron was given another of those healthy slaps to the chest. "Gonna call you Coach Green from now on."

Leslie chuckled at the group, curious of the unfamiliar face.

"All is well in Edenton, from my perspective. What about... New Orleans, is it?"

Charles: Charles gave Mason's hand a gentle squeeze. None of that. There was only one man he should be watching, today.

"He is. And a fine one. The kids adore him."

Cameron: "Hey now, 'ya don't gotta sound all confused!" Cam huffed defensively as a blush crept up his neck and cheeks to the tips of his ears. This time he caught Lucien's hand as it thumped against his chest, and he trapped Lucien's hand in his own to give it a squeeze. "'S not like I could teach anything else, outside of maybe some basic English- I was good at that in highschool- but I'm really good with being active. That I can teach." And his blush deepened with Charles' compliment.

"Don't go calling me that around the kids," he said to Lucien, "they've already started calling me 'Coach D' since Dockstader seems to be too long a name for 'em." The way he spoke always changed slightly when Lucien was around. He didn't have the same accent, he'd grown up in the same area as Lucien at a later age, but he couldn't help the slight slip in some of his words. At least he'd lived there long enough to know the French when Lucien spoke it.

Bronwyn: Bronwyn nodded. "Aye, New Orleans. Ev'rythin's lovely. Shop's doin' well, all is its usual level of chaotic calm. Never thought I'd enjoy livin' in the heat so much."

She smiled over at Lucien. "Or that I could be this happy."

Mason: Absolutely right. Seemingly from nowhere, Charles' hand was brought to his lips. Four fingers given special attention with brief little kisses. A little more socializing, and you're all mine, those eyes said.

"Coach D?" Lucien's laugh was loud and full body, his head thrown back. "I like that better! Let's go with Coach D."

Leslie shared her smile.

"I'll have to make my way to your shop after this, if you'll have me. Have you known Charles and Mason long?"

Charles: Charles' eye-crinkling smile was a silent response. I'm already yours. He'd opened his mouth to join in Lucien's gentle teasing, when a pointed thought snared his attention. He was being summoned. "Dinner is ready. We should find the kids. There's no assigned seating, so you ought to move quickly."

Charles met Mason's eye and gave a subtle nod toward the door. A moment?

Cameron: If Cam wasn't already bright red and gently scowling in his embarrassment, he would have turned another shade darker with Lucien's laughter.

"Alright, alright- it ain't that funny!" He gave Lucien's hand a subtle squeeze meant to be a little more than too tight. Then he relaxed and started to tug Lucien towards the dining room.

Bronwyn: "Of course I will, ye're always welcome."

She turned her smile on the newlyweds and felt her face soften with fondness. "Oh, aye. I've known Charles about four years now, Mason nearly seven.”

Mason: A moment to themselves? Of course. Charles was led away after a quiet nod of regard to their little crowd. One given in return by Lucien.

"Aw. Don't be like that," the werecat chuckled, following along without resistance. Only a glance back to his mother and whoever-the-fuck.

"Seven years? How does a druid meet a demon?" whispered Leslie, for her ears only.

"I'll find us seats near Vincent." Leslie was given a pointed look by the revenant. Not quite taller, but such a look could shrink a man.

"Perhaps I'll save my question," he corrected.

Charles: True privacy here was scarce at the best of times. Now, groups of two or three were spaced randomly throughout the corridor, chatting amiably in the way people so often did at celebrations. Charles didn't feel too guilty about slipping past them with little more than a smile as greeting. Brisk as it was outside, the garden was blessedly vacant. The chill meant nothing, with his husband at his side. First, a kiss. One far less tame than the kiss that had sealed their union. "Better. I wanted to ask you something."

Cameron: Cam tugged Lucien to a table, making sure that it was wherever Bronwyn would be sitting so they all could visit.

Bronwyn: Bronwyn gave a soft little laugh and took Leslie's arm, following Torsten.

"Probably best for now. It's a long and intense story. Fancy a visit to New Orleans? I've love to tell it to ye and give ye tea and show ye my shop."

Mason: Hands rested on Charles’ waist; his mind to himself. For now, at least. Nothing here to hinder whatever confession his husband demanded of him. Indeed, there was something.

“Ask me.” When Charles could find the time, that is, in between relentless leisure kisses to his lips and jaw. The reception could go on without them for all he cared.

“That’s exactly what I want,” Leslie smiled. “If agreeable by all.” This was Bronwyn’s decision, ultimately, but in such close proximity to her partner, he felt it necessary to include him.

Lucien’s attention was split between Cameron and a watchful eye of the new faces. Too many to memorize. Too many he’d never see again, but a handful stood out. His mother was in good hands, her own. Adrik and Vincent made a strange fucking pair. A deep breath. Someone smelled like potpourri.

“Ya live here, with these people? Where’s your room?”

Charles: Not a confession. A request. One he was having a difficult time making, with Mason being as distracting as he was. "I--" he paused, laughing, as his mouth was claimed. He could spare a moment for another kiss or twelve. "I wanted to ask if you'd take a photo with me. Before dinner. I know you don't like being in front of the lens, but I'd like to have one. If not, that's alright. I can figure out something else."

Cameron: "Yeah, when I'm working I stay here. I've got a room in the section of the mansion where the other teachers stay," Cam wiggled his eyebrows suggestively at Lucien. "Why, you wanna see my digs? Get some alone time with-" he made a soft gagging noise to express his disapproval, "-Coach Green?"

Bronwyn: "Oh, good!" She smiled as she turned to Torsten, reaching for his hand. Maybe to reassure him that Leslie was someone safe, maybe just to feel connected. But it felt important.

"What do ye think of a visit, love?"

Mason: Twelve? They were steadily heading towards twenty. No excuse, no drama. To imagine how far they had come. His elation so he almost didn't hear the horrible, horrible request from his brand new husband.

"You're sure, Charles? It's not... me."

"Coach D ya mean. Abso-fuckin'-lutely I do. I'm buying you the dumbest lookin' outfit I can find. High up shorts and socks n'everything." Their chairs were scooted for an additional. Vincent would eventually get off the werebear's lap. This was a formal setting. Even a cat had to behave.

Torsten held her chair, staring hard at the stranger. Bronwyn had mentioned this man once before. A good face could easily fool, but not a druid.

"It's your home. You have final say in America," the revenant smiled.

Charles: It was the "me" Charles woke up to every morning, but he could not, would not, stomach seeing that happy expression fall away. He quickly swallowed the disappointment and shrugged. A kiss and a smile were offered in apology.

"No, it's fine. As I said, I'll figure something out. We should go inside. They won't start without us."

Cameron: Cam scoffed and shook his head, but the smile was bright and easy.

"Alright, I'll show you my room later. It's nothing crazy but it works for me 'n Zeus." He laughed and flashed Lucien a grin. "You can try! I promise to make it look waaaay better than whatever goofy look you think you're going for. 80's basketball shorts make my ass and thighs look great, just sayin."

Bronwyn: "And ye have it in Iceland," said Bronwyn, smiling back at him and tugging him down for a kiss. She appreciated so much that he trusted her judgment, just as much as she appreciated his protectiveness and caution. Her giant, lovely Revenant.

"Well, Leslie. Ye name the date and I'll be happy to have ye."

Mason: Mason couldn't manage to disregard Charles' thoughts, felt them, he believed, more profoundly on a day like today.

"One. Ya get... one. Alright? I don't wanna look at it, but it's yours. D'ya want the children in it?"

Lucien just laughed. "I don't think ya can make what I got in mind better, but I want ya t'prove me wrong."

A glance was given around the room. "How many of these people ya actually know?" asked for Cameron's ears only.

Torsten settled in after Bronwyn's chair was pushed to the table. Listened as Leslie agreed to a date with his companion.

"I think we're overdue for some spells together. I'd love to tend a garden with you. I haven't made potions in months."

Charles: He met his husband's gaze, searching. "Honestly, Mason. This is as much your day as it is mine. Your happiness is my priority. It's fine. I'm fine."

Cameron: "At the table, or at the party altogether? Cause I know a good chunk, there's a lot of the other teachers here, but there are still some I don't know, like the big guy across the table." He meant Adrik, who raised a brow and glanced at the two of them, despite how softly Cam had replied. Cam blinked and his cheeks warmed as he realized the other must have enhanced hearing to be able to hear him.

Bronwyn: Bronwyn beamed and said, "We can do all three! I've been wantin' to make a little seatin' area under this copse of crepe myrtles on my property and freshen up my flower beds. I also want to make an exotic fruit orchard."

Mason: Charles would find in his search an honesty. He was not entirely comfortable, but that was less important today. It was one little request to endure for five minutes in the span of eternity. Surely, he could give his brand-new husband this one photograph.

"We share priorities. Children or no children, hmm? Before or after dinner?"

Lucien glanced at the big guy and laughed. "Y'all were both at my weddin', coach. I think he was with the bird then, too." Seeing their conversation was caught, the bear was given a wink. "Worked at his tattoo shop until Basic. He's good people."

Leslie practically beamed. "I'd love to participate."

"You tend to her flowers while I make the seating," said Torsten.

Charles: Careful fingers brushed against Mason's cheek, and he pressed a kiss to his lips. He'd take that honesty, share the deep gratitude he felt in response. "Children. Before dinner. I'll go and fetch them."

Adrik: The smallest smile and nod was given to Lucien in return.

"Oh! That's where I recognize you from!" Cam confirmed with a nod, but a part of him felt he knew the burly name from somewhere else. Oh well.

Cam elbowed Lucien in the side with a grin.

"Coach? That's gonna be the running thing now huh?"

Bronwyn: Excitement and joy all but radiated from Bronwyn. This day just got better and better and she sincerely hoped it continued. “We’ll do a lovely job of the garden.”

She kissed Torsten’s cheek. “Can it look like I pulled it out of a Jane Austen novel?”

Mason: Mason leaned into the kiss, eyes closed, just living in the moment while they still had their privacy.

"Who's gonna take the picture?" he called to his husband's back.

Cameron's elbowing was retaliated with a fork too the hand. Not too rough. "Mhm. Ya dug your own grave, tellin' me this shit. Your coach, now."

Torsten shook his head. "I'll construct, it is you who paints them, Thistle."

Charles: Charles halted in his path and turned. "Anyone with a camera. Would you like me to ask someone specific?" He reached out to their children, urging them to slip away and meet him in the foyer.

Cameron: "You're gonna put weird ideas into my head," Cam grinned, and he leaned back in his chair to watch those across the table from him, and the rest of the party.

Bronwyn: "That works, too," Bronwyn laughed. "And in that case, I request two chairs and somethin' the size of a loveseat. And maybe a wee table."

Mason: Mason hesitated, but knew his decision before Charles verbally asked. "Bronwyn." Because he trusted her with his life and his image. She would understand as much as his husband.

Slowly, he followed behind to the foyer.

"Weird ideas?" Lucien scoffed. A sip of tea later, joining Cameron's posture. "Weird ideas sound fun. I wanna know weird ideas."

"Your wish is my command," Torsten smiled. One muted in comparison to those given alone. Perhaps given present company. Leslie, for his part, softly smiled, admiring their image.

"I'd like to invite you both to dinner sometime. My house isn't suited for formal parties. Something a little more... relaxed. I make wonderful bonfires."

Charles: "Sure." If it would make his husband feel a bit more comfortable, he had no complaint. He reached out again, with the telepathic equivalent of a knock at the fringes of Bronwyn's mind. 'Can we borrow you for a moment, dear? We're in the foyer.'

If she cared to, she could follow the children through the door. Charles pulled one of his teachers aside to murmur in her ear. She smiled and nodded in reply. If he was only going to have one photo to immortalize this day, it was going to be a nice one.

Cameron: Cam smirked.

"Oh we can talk about them in my room later," he snickered just loud enough for Lucien to hear, and he sipped at a glass of water to try and muffle part of his response.

Bronwyn: Her face lit up again. "I love bonfires! Casual parties are just as lovely as formal ones, and just as fun." She was sure they'd be able to attend, but she was also fairly certain Torsten would be a little reluctant. Her Revenant wasn't terribly social.

Bronwyn was about to say more when something appeared to distract her. She looked around for Charles, having heard his voice in her mind. 'Of course, darlin'.'

She smiled at Leslie and Torsten as she got to her feet. "I'll be back in a wee, excuse me."

Mason: Mason touched on his lapel. Subconscious release of tension. Masking emotion would be a vain effort with Charles in regard. Long since the days of concealment. But by Hell he would display an air of calm.

"Weird, hmm," Lucien mused, staring hard while he sipped his tea. Was everyone waiting for the grooms? Where did they - and now his mother. He watched her back until out of sight. She had an audience of three. Two of which smiled, one honest and subdued, one blatantly formal.

Charles: Rather than push the matter any further, Charles would shoo things along. The sooner they were done, the sooner Mason could put it out of his head to make room for happier things.

The teacher returned a short while later with an expensive looking camera in tow. She handed it to Charles who murmured his gratitude and waited for Bronwyn and the children to arrive to greet them.

"Bronwyn! Hi. Sorry to interrupt your conversation. We were hoping you'd take a photo of us before dinner. In the garden, perhaps? Just one. Lisa said the camera's not overly complicated. Just point and click. Would you mind?"

Cameron: Cam winked at Lucien, and then turned his gaze forward as he relaxed back in his chair.

Bronwyn: Mason and Charles were greeted with a smile. “Hey, ye two. Don’t worry about a bit, was wondering where ye got off to.”

At Charles’ request, her smile morphed into an expression that was both pleasantly surprised and incredibly touched. She knew how Mason felt about pictures, knew the weight and importance of the request.

“I wouldn’t mind at all,” she said softly, accepting the camera from Charles. “I’d be honored.”

Mason: Bronwyn was greeted with a kiss to her forehead. Pulled into a gentle hug. He knew neither need say a thing regarding the camera. His affection contrast to those more cautious guests. A sense of authority well placed.

"Ta very much. Rory, stand here between us. There's a lad. Cynthia, here."

So caught in the moment, overflowing with exceptional emotion. Both daughter and son were given quick kisses to their hair. They were the light. For this one singular moment in time, he could pretend.

Xavier would feel a pressure against his shoulder, a commonplace warmth.

'I want to see you outside. When you see Bronwyn return. Please.'

"Have you been to many weddings?" Vincent asked Adrik, sneaking a bite of whatever that tiny pastry was on Adrik's plate. "I've been to one. No, two? Two. The cat's yes, and one of my mistress' sisters. Flowers everywhere. In the woods in spring. Couldn't get the smell out of my feathers for a week."

Charles: Charles fussed over his children. This small, precious token was one he'd treasure for the rest of his life, though he knew he'd do so alone. His smile was blinding, but his gaze was on his husband as the shutter clicked once and only once.

Lips brushed lightly over Mason's, the most affection he'd offer with the kids present. 'Thank you.'

He'd claim the camera from Bronwyn with a more outward show of gratitude, and only after removing the memory card would he set to returning the device to its owner.

Theodore: Theo held Devlin to his hip, and gave his forehead a little kiss as they found their seats for dinner. He set Devlin into his own seat before taking his own.

"Thank you for being so well behaved for the ceremony Dev," he reached over to run gentle fingers through Devlin's hair. "We're gonna eat here in a bit, and after that I'm sure you'll be able to play with your cousins!"

Adrik shook his head.

"No, this is the first I will have been to in many years," he chuckled. "Outside of Lucien's, that is."

Bronwyn: "There's absolutely no need to thank me. Ev'ryone ready?"

God, they were such a beautiful family. Bronwyn was no photographer but dammit, this was probably the only photo she was ever going to take of her best friend so she was going to make it a good one.

Inside, Xavier's attention had turned from his family in favor of staring at the door Bronwyn had stepped through only moments before.

'Very well,' he thought back to his brother.

Meanwhile, Devlin had hopped off his chair and scooted it as close to his Papa's as possible before he hopped back on.

"Can we eat now? I wanna play pirates and color and go outside. What are we eating?"

Mason: Mason had not realized. Attention on the straightening of Cynthia's ribbon. His husband looking to him, looking to Cynthia, smiling at her brother, oblivious and all teeth to Auntie Bron.

A kiss returned in kind. 'If I don't appear obviously demonic... ya should frame it.'

"I'll be back with y'all in a moment." A show of gratitude to his favorite druid with a kiss to her forehead. "Start eatin' 'fore Rory eats his shoe."

And he would wait, eyes to the ground, for that familiar presence. Forcing the rigidness of his stance to relax at the sight of Carl's brother. His brother.

"They took the camera. We... had a family photo." Stiffness was rolled from a stubborn shoulder. "What a strange thing to say. For us. What strange lives we lead."

He then felt for his phone. The slim device tucked and silent in his coat pocket.

"I would like a... I want a photo. The two of us. I realize it's not the same, but this is what we have to work with."

Charles: 'I'll find some place to keep it,' he assured. Out of Mason's sight and hopefully out of mind.

"All right. We'll see you inside." He ushered the children along with him, handing off the camera with great gratitude and greeting everyone in the dining hall with a smile before brining the kids to where Theo and Devlin sat. He did notice Xavier's departure with a raised eyebrow, but said nothing of it.

"Hi, Devlin. Theo. How would the new cousins like to sit together for dinner?"

He flatly refused to begin the meal without his new husband, but he waved the head caterer over to begin passing out bread and butter to the guests.

Theodore: Theo's heart nearly burst at the sight of Devlin moving his chair, and once he was finished another affectionate hand smoothed through his hair.

"Well, sweet pea, we have to be patient and wait for the food to be ready, just like at home. We'll have to wait and see what it is, but afterwards I'm sure you can go play pirates or color. If you want to go outside you need to let me or Daddy know first." Theo had brought small bag with them, a few snacks for Devlin later in the evening, and coloring books for Devlin and the other kids should they want it.

He looked up when Xavier rose from his chair, and he reached up to gently touch his demon's hand.

The question on his lips cut off as Charles approached, and Theo beamed up at him with the suggestion.

"I think that would be lovely! What do you think Devlin?"

Devlin: "Okay, Papa." Devlin was about to protest about dinner and say that at home Chef Christine always gave him a taste of the food before everyone else, but was quickly distracted by the approach of his cousins.

Chef Christine said that was their secret anyway. He probably shouldn't tell Papa.

"Yeah! Does Rory like to play pirates? Rory, do you like to pay pirates? I have an eyepatch!" He produced it from his pocket. How did it get in there? Why he'd snuck it in after his parents dressed him.

Xavier smiled and gave Theo's hand a reassuring squeeze as he walked by him. Whatever reason Mason was asking for him, he doubted it was anything to worry about. It was his wedding day; the mood all around was cordial and festive.

He, too, forced himself to relax as he approached his brother, although his attempts at keeping his expression light were immediately thwarted by surprise at Mason's declaration.

Like Bronwyn, he understood precisely how much weight there was behind a photo for Mason Atlas.

"And what a normal thing for everyone else," he said quietly. "...I'm glad. You should have something to commemorate your wedding day, just like normal people do."

He was surprised once again as Mason pulled out his phone. If a family photo had weight, then this was just...

Xavier took a deep breath. They hadn't been photographed together since they were children, since their relationship was still happy and peaceful and loving. A full century had passed since then. So many lifetimes, for both of them.

He didn't know how long he'd stood staring in silence, but eventually Xavier gave a single nod and a soft, "All right, Mai."

Mason: Mason's chest swelled with a held breath, caved once his brother agreed. An answer which he had not prepared for.

Easier to say he'd tried and leave his attempt where it fell.

He opened his arm, beckoned Xavier closer.

"This being the new norm of photography, I think for this one instance we can pretend to like it. A little closer." Xavier's large form was admired. Near the height he used to be. Both of them.

"I suppose Carl took after his mother. Did you ever take a gander?" His camera was held between their difference.

"Say bangers n'mash, brother."

Both Torsten and Leslie rose to Bronwyn's return. Her chair pulled and waiting.

Charles: Charles grinned at the two, delighted to see them getting on so well, already. Rory did like to play pirates, and he knew where to find a ship! The professor was quick to redirect from that line of thinking.

"Perhaps, after dinner you both can go play by the lake, but not without an adult and certainly not before you've eaten."

A smartly dressed waiter came by with a bread basket. Perfect timing.

Theodore: Oblivious to the little secret between Chef Christine and his son, Theo was proud that Devlin continued to choose to listen so well. Of course, what immediately followed had him wondering.

His son's current pirate fixation was not to be stifled by a suit, apparently, and Theo did have to stifle a giggle with the way the eye patch made its entrance.

"Dev, put the eye patch away until after dinner, please," Theo asked politely. He only gave Devlin a look that was gently scolding, one that would be familiar to Devlin because Theo was obviously more amused by his antics.

"That sounds like fun! I could certainly take you all out there if someone can show me the way," Theo offered, and he gave Charles a pointed look. This was Charles' day to be the center of attention, he could easily watch the kids for a while. "What about you Cee, do you like pirates as well?" Theo asked her with a soft smile.

Adrik passed the bread basket brought to their table to Vincent first, after taking a piece for himself.

"Did you enjoy the weddings you went to?" Adrik asked. When Torsten and Leslie rose at the other side of the table it drew his attention, and his eyes paused on Torsten. The smell followed shortly after, as he focused his nose, and it occurred to him that both men beside Bronwyn smelled... odd. In very different ways.

Xavier: Something tightened in Xavier's chest as he embraced his brother, in a good way that brought a soft smile to his face. "You were bigger than me the last time we did this. How the tables have turned."

He smoothed his hair with his free hand and shook his head. "Can't say I did. Only ever saw their father, and even that was only a photograph. Christian here was his spitting image."

The smile got a bit bigger. "Bangers and mash."

"Oh!" Bronwyn gave a surprised little laugh as she approached the table. "No need to stand on ceremony, it's just me. But ye're gallant gentlemen nonetheless." She took her seat again. "What did I miss?"

Devlin knew that look. It was the same look Daddy gave him when one of the maids screamed on laundry day and found worms he forgot to put back in the garden in his pockets.

He'd look for some after dinner. They could be their treasure. "Yes, Papa," he said, putting his eyepatch back.

Mason: "M'still that ginger tree. Don't ya forget it."

Bangers and mash. They had a photo. He forced himself to look, sighed. "It'll never be as it was. Just as well." Never liked my face anyway.

The single photo was sent via text. A moment of consideration before sending to Charles as well.

An overly warm hand clasped to Xavier's back. "Let's go play gentlemen."

Torsten pressed kissed to Bronwyn's temple. "Nothing of importance."

Leslie's mind began to wonder; roaming the room of new and familiar faces. Of the giant he had met Christmas. The Fera creature brazenly in his lap. Oh, he'd been watched. He smiled in return.

"Never seen a bad wedding. Is there such thing?" Asked Vincent through a mouthful of bread.

Cynthia shook her head. 'I like the ocean,' she signed. Not so much pirates.

Charles: Charles cared little about being the center of anyone's attention. Anyone other than his husband, that was. It was a party, at the end of the day. The guests would have fun with or without the grooms. He lifted a shoulder.

"I'll show you after dinner."

Rory translated for his sister before Charles had the chance.

The professor pulled out his mobile when it buzzed and raised an eyebrow at the photo. A day full of surprises, it seemed.

Theodore: "Thank you sweetling," Theo kissed the top of Devlin's head.

Theo waited patiently for the translation between the other two children, and made a quiet mental note to look up some courses on sign language. It would be a good tool for Devlin (and Xavier) too, and he also filed that away for later.

He nodded to Charles with a small smile. If Charles wanted to show him the way, Theo wasn't about to argue. He wouldn't mind the guidance, or the company.

Adrik nodded to Leslie when they made eye contact, his face stoic as it was with anyone other than Vincent, or Lucien.

"There is," Adrik nodded. "Some marry for circumstance. They are... Uncomfortable to watch, when those being wed are not in love. Very different from a wedding like this."

Xavier: Xavier patted Mason on the shoulder. "It won't but it's decent enough. We even have a family photo now, just like normal siblings." Like proper siblings. They'd once been that, hadn't they? Perhaps they were on their way back there.

He offered another smile. "I don't have to play, brother dear. I'm a perfect gentleman."

Bronwyn smiled at Torsten's kiss. "Nonsense, ev'rythin' is important today. So! Leslie, when shall we get together for that tea?"

Devlin was fascinated by Cynthia's signing. He'd never met anyone who signed before. "Can you teach me how to talk to Cynthia?" he asked Rory, all eager smiles.

Mason: "Ha!" His smile was returned, equally genuine and almost familiar. Too much beard, darker eyes, smaller nose. Little details and yet the same outline. The same exposure of predatory teeth passing as mirth.

"Get back t'your table, kid."

And he would get back to his husband, which happened to be the same table.

Bronwyn's question tore Leslie's gaze, his smile just as bright for her.

"Tea and a bonfire in the next two weeks? I feel I should be delicate with my next question, but, do you hunt by chance?"

Vincent considered, tore a piece of bread for the bear. "Wouldn't they be less formal? They don't care about each other.

Rory: "Yeah!" Rory's grin was just as enthusiastic, and even Cynthia had a tiny curl of a smile in response. Yes, it seemed the children would get on swimmingly.

Charles absently smoothed his daughter's hair and nudged both kids into their seats. When Mason arrived, he was greeted with an eye-crinkling smile. "Why, hello."

He scanned the room for the caterer, again, and gave a single nod when he met her gaze. No fanfare or announcements necessary. Now that Mason had returned, waiters with trays piled high with fragrant food would file inside and begin to serve. Dishes were laid family-style in the center of the long tables, and he was quick to set the example by scooping potatoes onto his son's plate.

Theodore: "I would love to learn as well!" Theo agreed, and he reached for Xavier's hand once he returned to the table.

Adrik chuckled and shook his head. "Not when the two wish to appear happy. Some feel pressured. It is difficult to explain exactly, but sometimes people believe appearances are more important."

Bronwyn: "We hunted with my Da and his family quite a bit when I was younger." The normal type of hunting, which she was going to assume Leslie was referencing. "I make a verra good venison pie. Why do ye ask?"

Devlin bounced excitedly in his seat. He wanted to ask if Cynthia could talk in her head like his Daddy could but Uncle Ro said he couldn't ask that out loud. He would ask in secret later.

Xavier smiled and squeezed his husband's hand, settling in his seat once more before making a plate for Devlin, who was quick to reject anything that had uncooked spinach in it.

Mason: "Hello again." He wasn't going to mention the photo; Charles had it, that was all.

Cynthia's plate followed in priority. He eyed the students, assured they were all seated and situated. Not his children, but his children nonetheless.

"They are everywhere, I guess," Vincent sighed. "Presence matters more than shiny clothes, but! shiny clothes are nice." Speaking of appearances, "I should sit in a chair like a human." Should, but he wasn't moving.

"I haven't been hunting in years. I'd love your company. I'd rather hunt with someone honorable."

A genuine smile from the revenant, subtle fangs included. "She would honor every part of the animal."

Charles: Charles, too, would remain silent on the subject. At least while surrounded by loved ones on their wedding day. In silence, he watched as Mason looked after his students. Were he prone to grand, emotional displays, he might've re-professed his love right then and there. True to character, though, he lifted a glass of water to his lips to mask a private smile and let one hand rest surreptitiously on his new husband's knee.

"I can send you a few links to resources, if you're interested," he said to Theo, as though his heart was not about to burst. Once the kids were seen to, he began dishing out his own food. "We're learning more all the time. Of course, face-to-face works just as well."

Theodore: An appreciative squeeze to Xavier's hand was given before Xavier started to create a plate for their son. Theo paused before he started to make a plate for himself, and he smiled eagerly at Charles.

"We would love that! We can learn some on our own," he nodded to Xavier and Devlin, "and maybe arrange some face-to-face lessons. I know immersion and doing it regularly can be really helpful for learning new languages." Theo grinned. "Plus, it's a perfect excuse for us to get the kids together more."

"Mmmm... you should," but Adrik was also not moving.

Bronwyn: "Ye both flatter me," Bronwyn said with a smile. "I'd love to go huntin' with ye, Leslie. And make ye my venison pie. Ye look like a man that hasn't had proper hot water crust in far too long. How are ye with a bow and arrow?"

Xavier gave an affirming nod and smile. He was happy to learn how to best communicate with his niece, and it was apparent that Devlin was more than happy. He'd leave the specifics of lesson arranging to Theo.

Mason: Mason just listened, keeping to himself and to his children as they conversed. His left hand toyed with his husband's fingers. He couldn't remember his first wedding. A mercy, he believed, meant by father to be a torment. Now there was only one. The only one that mattered from this day forth.

So, they'd stated the obvious, but Vincent remained perfectly settled in Adrik's lap. A plate split between them.

"I only have pastry like that in winter. I've been craving."

Torsten observed, sipped at his wine as Leslie continued.

"I haven't touched mine in so long. I'll need a refresher."

Cynthia waved and waited for Xavier and Theo's attention. She pointed to her uncle's plate and to her lips.

"She's teachin' ya the word for 'eat'. My daughter's way of sayin' shut up."

Eyes wide, Cynthia frantically shook his head. 'No! No no!'

Charles: "Yes," he agreed, just as enthusiastic about the prospect as Theo seemed to be.

Quietly, privately, he relished the feeling of Mason's wedding band as it brushed against his hand. He turned that smile on his husband for a moment, before explaining to Theo the various ways they'd learned and practiced signing as a family.

At Mason's explanation, Charles looked to him with disapproval furrowing his brow. "Mason!"

Theodore: Theo pulled out a small book from his pocket and began to jot down some notes from Charles' suggestions, and he made a mental note to look into them in more detail at a later date.

When Cynthia caught his attention, he turned it towards her, and had to stifle a giggle at Mason's translation.

"Well regardless," Theo smiled, "it's a good suggestion Cynthia, thank you. If Charles lets me, I'll ask him questions about this until the sun sets!" He took a few bites of his food and checked to make sure Devlin was eating everything Xavier had put on his plate.

Bronwyn: "I'm happy to give ye one! I built an archery range at my old house in Montana and I made an even better one at my house in New Orleans. Maybe we can get some practice in when ye come for tea. It's been an age since I was out there."

Xavier gave his niece his full attention, studying her movements carefully and filing the sign away for future use.

His brother's tease had him dramatically rolling his eyes for her benefit. "Pay your papa no mind, darling. He's making an attempt at being funny." He offered her a grin and a wink before repeating the sign for her approval.

Mason: Mason's chin lowered, only to hide a genuine smile he hadn't meant to give. A demon with his emotions on his sleeve. In Xavier's presence, such honesty was of little concern, but this day and these emotions were not usual.

'He thinks I'm not funny.'

'He wants to learn!'

'You want to teach him?'

'Yes!'

"Cynthia wants t'give y'all lessons."

Leslie's smile deepened. "I think I can make it out to New Orleans. Have to see with my porter."

Charles: Charles laughed into his water glass. "Until the sun sets, possibly. I'm not certain how long after that."

How impatient were they for their honeymoon? He gave Mason's hand a squeeze and covered a smile with a bite of potato.

"That can certainly be arranged."

Cameron: "Most definitely!" Theo agreed with Charles with a nod. "We would love to learn from you, Cynthia."

Bronwyn: That piqued Bronwyn's interest. "Been a while since I've seen a porter. I'm spoiled to Vincent."

Xavier's smile only grew. Just like Devlin, Cynthia and Rory would get the whole of his sincerity and warmth. "We would indeed. We'd be delighted. I give you my word that we'll be dedicated students."

Mason: "Mm. Alright. Thousand bucks an hour."

'No!'

"Right, right." Mason nodded in understanding. "Two thou-"

'No!'

"Three thousand!" Rory chimed in.

"Vincent - your familiar?" The... yes. The man sitting in the other man's lap. An image which threw his mind to Tristan.

"How long has Vincent been in your service? Feels like the other way around with familiars, but," he chuckled.

Charles: Charles merely shook his head until Rory chimed in. "Son, we don't price-gouge family. It's bad form."

Bronwyn: Bronwyn's smile became just a little sad, as it always did when thinking of Poe. "Doesn't really feel like he's in my service at all. He's been with me for about...five years now?"

"Quite so, young Rory. Price-gouging is for strangers only," Xavier added with a wink before smiling at Cynthia again.

"But seeing as Cynthia will be the one teaching, she gets to choose what she'd like in return. Anything at all and it shall be yours, my dear."

Mason: Mason watched his daughter's wheels turning in real time, looking to both fathers as though for the answer, but she knew what she wanted. It was a matter of saying so.

'I want to see you. I want visits.'

Her father straightened and breathed deeply. Charles would have to be the translator this time. Nothing incentivized denying her, and he couldn't explain their history to someone so young. Xavier was once more a permanent fixture.

"Not truly her servant; not a pet; he is the best friend always in the next room." The look in Torsten's eyes was that of a tease... somewhat.

"I would love one, but I've yet to be presented. I can pretend my Opal is and that'll be enough," Leslie laughed.

Charles: Charles tried to hide his amused expression, without much success. It was one the elder Atlas brother was quite familiar with.

"Allow me to clarify, son: we don't price-gouge anyone. Your uncle is a terrible influence. If an astute businessman," he added, biting down on a smile.

He was only too happy to translate for his daughter, smile growing with undisguised warmth. "She says she'd like to visit you all. I think that's a wonderful idea, sweetheart. Would that be alright with you?" His gaze flitted between Xavier and Theo, even as he gripped his new husband's hand beneath the table.

Theodore: Theo glanced to Xavier to catch his eye, and after a brief pause, he turned to Charles and Cynthia with a warm smile.

"I'm no businessman, but I'd say that's a very fair price, and one that can certainly be arranged."

Xavier: Oh, would that she had asked for a castle and a pony and a castle for the pony. They would've been hers in a trice and with Xavier's blessings, but alas.

It appeared that he and his brother were a part of each other's lives once more.

"Of course," he said warmly, not letting his smile diminish one single bit (or glancing in his brother's direction). "You can come see me as often as you like."

Bronwyn gave Torsten a playful squint before smiling at Leslie again. "If my experience is anythin' to go by, ye'll get one when ye least expect it."

Mason: Charles' subtle smile would always brighten the demon; amused by his needless efforts. Made his translation of their daughter's request bearable.

His thumb slowly circled Charles' hand in response. He was fine. Everything was fine. There would never be a better day than today.

"Vincent was a surprise to you?" Leslie asked, finally catching the familiar's attention. He craned his head for a better view, aided by Adrik's lap.

"Someone getting a surprise?"

Charles: Charles didn't know Xavier well enough yet to decipher his subtle expressions, but he was satisfied with the reaction from both Atlas brothers. Progress! "Wonderful. We'll have to plan something for after Mason and I return." He looked to Theo. No doubt, the two of them would be responsible for any planning that took place.

Happiness was too mild a term for what he felt, dining with his family, both new and old. He suffered graciously through a number of toasts that ranged from crass (Logan) to touching (Kurt), frequently reaching out to touch his husband on hand, or forearm, or knee. Clearing his throat, Charles addressed the room as a whole. "If that's everyone, we can head next door for music and sad attempts at dancing." After which, he and Mason could slip away to begin their honeymoon.

Theodore: "We definitely will!" Theo gave Charles a knowing smile, already following a similar train of thought.

Cam watched the speeches with mild amusement (a lot of amusement during Logan's), and he decided to leave them to his fellow coworkers. Neither Charles nor Mason needed a gesture like that from him to know he was happy for them, and when Charles suggested moving to the next room Cam rose from his chair to offer his arm to his date. "Shall we, Luce?"

After a reluctant pause Adrik rose from his chair, and lifted Vincent to his feet.

Bronwyn: Bronwyn nodded at Leslie before turning her smile on her familiar. "I did, darlin', when I got ye."

She explained to Leslie about getting Vincent as a gift from a dear friend while they finished dinner. It was a poignant topic to be sure, but in honor of the day, she kept the story short and simple.

There was so much joy to be had and so many beautiful things to celebrate and that was as it should be, from the meal to the speeches to the dancing.

It was all for Mason and Charles and their family. For their happily ever after.

#wedding bells #askprofessorx #masonatlas #vincentcorvidae #lucienrhyspendergast #thehighlandhealer #changingthelights #thehangeddemon #xavieratlas #adrikivanov #camerondockstader #theobrandr #discord rp #closed

2 notes · View notes

flashforwardbbs · 7 years

Text

All In // Thavier

Not bothering to knock Xavier walked into Thomas’ room holding a bottle of champagne and two glasses “This can either be a celebration or an angry fuck him session” he said “just no crying on top of me”

#c:thomas

10 notes · View notes

changingthelights · 4 years

Note

Theo: Truth! Do you approve of Xavier's hunting?

“Of course not. Having gone through it myself, I wouldn’t want anyone else to experience that, and by rights, I should have killed Xavier a long time ago purely based on what he is and given my profession.

Now I’m engaged to him, and have had plenty of time to accept that I love him and it makes him an exception for me as a hunter. I’ve suggested Xavier pick targets deserving of death, not innocents like I had essentially been, but I’m not about to police what he does.

I’m also not going to waste time examining and beating myself up over the hypocracy of it. I guess I’m breaking some sort of unspoken code as a hunter, but at least I’ve accepted that. I wouldn’t have accepted his ring, or given him one of my own if I hadn’t accepted that already. He loves me and makes me happy, and I enjoy who I am with him around. I don’t approve, but it stops there. That’s enough for me.”

#thavier #xavier #theo #thehangeddemon #truth!meme #meme #ask #ask meme #ask!meme. truth meme #truth #Anonymous #xavieratlas

2 notes · View notes

thehangeddemon · 4 years

Note

Fine. What objects and colors do yous associate with Theo? Don't eat me.

“This I will answer, although I reserve the right to eat you if I so choose.”

*sips wine*

“For colors, jewel tones. Deep reds and purples and blues and greens. For objects...books. Cafes. The Eiffel Tower. Silk. Hoodies. Sunsets. Candle light. Magic. Dinner.”

#anonymous #Thavier

1 note · View note

thehangeddemon · 3 years

Photo

♔ John Ramsay ♔

❖ Full Name: John Andrew Ramsay ❖ Nickname: Ramsay ❖ Age: 46 ❖ Date of Birth: April 17, 1977 ❖ Birthplace: London, England ❖ Current Residence: Seattle, Washington ❖ Hair: Dark brown with hints of gray; wavy, short ❖ Eyes: Clear blue ❖ Sexuality: Kinsey scale 1 ❖ Relationship Status: Single ❖ Height: 5′10″ (1.78 m) ❖ Species: Human (Witch, Porter) ❖ Occupation: Chauffeur, mechanic ❖ Characteristics: Wears beaded bracelet on right wrist; two leather necklaces and one Japanese coin necklace; moon ring on left middle finger; rune ring on left thumb; stag ring on right middle finger; emerald ring on right index finger; ruby ring on right pinkie finger, speaks with a cockney accent, smokes

♔ History ♔

Ramsay was born in the East End of London. The third of seven children, he spent the majority of his youth getting into trouble and wreaking havoc with his siblings. Although his family was poor and had their struggles, home life was never anything but happy.

And with witches for parents, it was never boring.

Never one sit still for very long, Ramsay eventually left London behind and moved to the United States. He went from city to city, practicing and using his magic for conventional and unconventional purposes, some more savory than others.

It was during one of those less savory ventures that he met Xavier Atlas. They took an immediate interest in each other, swapping stories and knowledge and the occasional artifact.

Eventually Xavier offered a position on his payroll and an open invitation to join him in his magical pursuits. Ramsay’s been taking him at his word ever since.

♔ Threads ♔

Family Gathering (Thavier, Charleson, Hamilton, and the children)

Breaking the News (Xavier, Rohan, Abel, and MJ)

#A Demon's Coterie #John A. Ramsay #johnramsay

1 note · View note

thehangeddemon · 4 years

Text

The Manor || Thavier & Vincent || July, 2019

Theo: On one of his rare days off, Theo sat nestled into his favorite armchair in the manor. The chair was notably large and a brilliant shade of sapphire blue, and next to it rose an equally large paned window, now propped open to let in the warm summer air. In Theo's hands was a small book of poetry, a rare change from the books he typically used for research.

Vincent: On a nearby window across the room sat Vincent, watching and keeping utterly still with confusion. Had he seen this gentleman before? Was he a gentleman, or some stranger invader in this house he needed to rid Xavier of? Hmm. He should do something, say something and catch the lad off guard.

"Nevermore!" screamed the bird. Remaining perfectly still after his little outburst, all of his will was utilized in not laughing.

Theo: "Ah!" Theo jumped as someone shouted, abruptly disrupting his lazy afternoon.

The book fell to his side and in an instant he was on his feet, drawing a long black scythe from a cloud of smoke summoned from the tips of his fingers.

With his senses on alert he pinpointed the source of the unfamiliar voice and frowned- surprised to find a bird, rather than a person or creature.

"How'd you get into my house?" Theo asked, his grip tightening on the long staff of his weapon. Xavier's defenses were flawless, so either this was someone invited- or someone to be feared.

Vincent: Your house?! I beg to differ! In fact, I'll say it out loud!

No, no. Don't let it ruffle your feathers. Stay still, like a toy. Oh, but boy he had some things to say.

Theo: "Answer me," the iris of Theo’s eyes expanded, enveloping his eyes in darkness for a moment before retreating to their regular size. A second of confusion followed as his brow furrowed, and his suspicion surrounding this little bird only grew.

"I don't know what you are, but I know you aren't human, and we're about to have a problem if you don't speak."

Vincent: This man was going to come into Xavier Atlas' house and boss him around as though the brick and mortar belonged to him? Absolutely not. The raven's breathing came to a sudden halt, its feathers becoming duller and void of life. If Theo were to touch, he would find it made of wood.

Theo: Theo frowned and slowly approached the little bird. This being wasn't a raven, not an ordinary one at least, and after this little display Theo's brown knit further in confusion. He nudged the wooden bird with the blunt end of his scythe, and after a moment it disappeared in another puff of black smoke and he stepped closer still. He was curious now, rather than afraid, and the researcher in him wanted some answers.

"What are you?" He asked as he crouched to examine the little bird more closely, and touched the hardened feathers with the tips of his fingers.

Vincent: What it was, was nothing more than a little wooden figurine with a heavy aura of old magic. The actual creature had reappeared on the other side of the house, human, and very much as ruffled as his raven form. He wanted to know who this was, and was going to find his host for answers.

Theo: {Text to Xavier} So do we have a pet bird that can turn into wood? If not, there's something in the house that should not be.

Theo: Theo picked up the wooden figure and turned it over, examining it curiously as he felt the old magic emanating from it.

Curious....

And Theo was headed to the library to do some research. He'd never heard of a bird like this- so it had to be something else... out of his pocket came a little notebook, and notes of the encounter were quickly scribbled onto a fresh page.

Xavier: Xavier was in the dining room. Photos and other documents of what appeared to be several properties were strewn on the table in front of him, and he was in the middle of examining them when his phone went off.

He stared at Theo's text with a furrowed brow for several long moments before it dawned on him.

{Text} No we don't. I probably should've mentioned we have a houseguest. Sorry, darling

{Text} The bird is Vincent and he is a familiar. Not mine of course. He's a friend

Vincent: No sooner had Xavier sent his message did the familiar appear by his side in a huff. He had some words to say in regard to this creature claiming Xavier's manor as his own!

"And to threaten violence when all I did was speak!" he continued on. "Nothing can get into your house without permission! I watch you add protections and have helped you with new spells! Can I turn him into a coin? I want ice cream."

Theo: {Text} Ah- yeah, that would have helped to avoid the confrontation I had just now, my love. I may have threatened him after he shouted so rudely at me while I was reading!

{Text} A familiar???!!! Like Abel? Or different? You'll have to help me convince him to do an interview- I have so many questions for my book! I've never seen Abel do anything like turn into a wooden bird.

Theo took a break from the books he had splayed over his desk in the library to text Xavier- and then he was back to the shelves, looking for books that would contain info on familiars.

Xavier: Xavier heard his phone go off again but he wouldn't dare look away from or interrupt Vincent's tirade. It was truly a thing to behold, both in its power and truly incredible conclusion.

"Yes, I agree that was quite rude, canary. You'll have to forgive Theo, he's just come off a hunt and is no doubt still tired and a bit stressed. However, I would ask that you refrain from turning him into a coin as he is my fiancé and I rather like him in his current form. I do apologize for not warning you of his presence."

That being said, he got up to fetch Vincent some ice cream from the freezer and respond to Theo's texts.

{Text} Ah yes, so he has told me

{Text} He's a bit different from Abel but I wouldn’t count on him agreeing to an interview any time soon. He's quite distraught

Vincent: His mind was too exposed from his emotions. He felt everything, read everything from Xavier's mind without regard to privacy. "I'm not saying - I'm saying he's the coin I would use to buy the ice cream! I don't need it right now. But I can always eat." Too much of a fuss to notice Xavier's disappearance into the next room, and no realization of how ridiculous he sounded. Weeks without command had created the sudden tantrum. His fingers ached for purpose outside of his free will. The chairs surrounding the long dining table began to float; the candlesticks danced in time with the miscellaneous items in the kitchen.

Theo: {Text} In my defense- I didn't know he was granted permission to be here! If I'd known I would have greeted him like a guest!

And back into the new selection of books, he went.

Xavier: "My dear, you'd be hard pressed to find anywhere that'll sell you ice cream for a coin, magical or not." Maybe he'd crush up some cookies and put them on top of the ice cream, add whipped cream.

According to Devlin, there was very little in life that wasn't improved by cookies and whipped cream.

He returned with his creation, a bit surprised but mostly unfazed by his floating furniture.

"Do be careful, canary, those chairs were a nightmare to find. Come eat your ice cream." He set the bowl on the table and grabbed his phone again.

{Text} The wards take care of any intruders, darling. If anyone is inside, it's safe to assume I tolerate their presence.

{Text} Unless it's my brother in which case his presence is merely accepted.

{Text} In your true defense, however, I should have warned you both. I apologize

Vincent: The chairs were (carefully) placed back. What else had he - oh yes, that too.

"I - Are you not having any?" This won't do. A large shard of cookie was used to scoop whipped cream. An offering to its maker.

Theo: {Text} I know, my love. That's why I was concerned. I'm always worried something bigger and badder is going to show up one day that's somehow managed to get past them. I suppose can't really help that paranoia.

{Text} Are there any treats he likes? I could try to soothe some of the ruffled feathers with a peace offering.

{Text} Your brother is quite the arse

Xavier: Xavier accepted the cookie with a smile. "Thank you, canary. Now, other than the unexpected encounter with my fiancé, what has you so riled up this day?"

He grinned at his phone.

{Text} Are there any? Yes. All of them

{Text} I think a peace offering would go a long way

Vincent: Vincent stared into the bowl while he nibbled. A shrug followed the silence. "I dunno. I need release. It's not that mistress is neglecting me. She's busy. Her little one is growing. She's...in love. That is just - he's just - but then you're a dear friend. Must I judge him? Yes. She deserves great things." Oh dear, he was floating again. A gleam in his eyes, he pulled himself back down. "I'm glad we had this talk. I feel much better."

Theo: Theo set his pen and paper aside, a new set of notes already started and hurriedly scrawled. A few more pages marked, and Theo disappeared from his chair in a puff of black smoke. About 15 minutes later and Theo reappeared just outside the kitchen with two small bags with something in Italian printed on the outside. One had little boxed pastries tied up with a gold ribbon, and the other had series of gourmet chocolates all neatly wrapped in unique, individual gold packages.

He knocked on the door frame to announce himself once he heard a lull in the conversation.

"Sorry to interrupt, but I thought I should come give my apology treats sooner rather than later. Perhaps you two could enjoy some with your ice cream?" he set the bags on top of the kitchen counter and pulled out the delicate little treats so they were all visible to everyone.

"They're from one of Xavier's favorite places in Italy, which I also absolutely love. I hope they'll suffice as an apology for earlier." He turned to give Vincent an apologetic smile. "I didn't know you were a guest, and my job requires a certain level of paranoia. I'm sorry."

He cast a quick glance at Xavier and tried to hold back a proud grin. He hadn't told Xavier he'd attempted travelling a distance like that before, and now was as good a time to surprise him with the reveal as any.

Xavier: He smiled softly at his put upon, floating friend. "Well, I'm certainly glad I could be of service. If you're itching for a task, why don't you help me with this?" He gestured toward the various documents and photographs.

"I'm in the market for a new property. A chateau in the French countryside. Seems a natural next step. What do you think of all these?"

Xavier spent the next few minutes showing Vincent the various properties and listing their attributes, looking over as he sensed Theo's presence.

He was already smiling by the time he knocked. A smile that turned into a full grin at his fiancé’s explanation.

"Well, this is as good a time as any to make proper introductions. "Vincent, this is Theo, my fiancé and Devlin's other father. Theo, this is Vincent, a very dear friend of mine."

Vincent: Vincent looked towards the various papers with mild interest. He missed handmade art. These would be from a device unlike anything from his realm. Interesting, but not beautiful.

"Are your bones becoming brittle?" His smile was unmistakable. A clear tease of his unrelenting power becoming sedentary.

Each chateau was scrutinized. The one with the largest kitchen and handsome windows would win his attention.

The cloud above his head had cleared in time for Theo's arrival. The scent of sugary confections and pastry a welcome interruption.

"No surprise parties for you. You'll kill all the guests!" He pointed to the bags. "Those peace offerings would like to rest on the table. They're telling me."

Theo: "Well, as long as Xavier is among them, I think I'd find it safe to assume he gave them permission to be there," Theo chuckled, and he picked up the sugary confections to place them on the table near where Xavier and Vincent were examining homes, as instructed. He wasn't a fan of surprise parties, (he'd never had one, but they didn't sound like as much fun as people played them up to be) so he was fine with creating a reputation where surprise parties, for him, were probably not wise.

"Then they belong on the table. A wise choice, as now they're closer to what you're working on," he glanced over the papers as he approached Xavier for a kiss, and Theo slipped an arm around his waist to hug to his side. "Looking for a new vacation home?" He asked and inclined his head towards his fiancé.

Xavier: Xavier couldn't help chuckling softly to himself, glad the tension was dissipating. And really it was no surprise; food was always a winner with Vincent.

He gave his fiancé a sweet kiss and pulled him close. "Indeed. Vincent was helping me evaluate my estate agent's offerings. We spend so much time in France it just makes sense to have a place there. Vincent likes this one." He showed Theo the photographs of the chateau with the lavish kitchen and floor to ceiling windows. "What do you think?"

Vincent: Vincent kept to himself, appeased with chocolate, cream, and sugar combinations. Quietly, he returned to his study of this creature. He felt like his master, and yet not. Something he could not quite put his finger on.

Theo: Theo leaned into the kiss, wrapping his arms around Xavier's waist with a happy hum as he was pulled close.

"That's an excellent choice," Theo nodded, letting go of Xavier's waist with one arm so he could shift the papers around and examine the pictures. "It'd be nice to have a place there."

He glanced at Vincent with a small smile.

"Do you like what I picked out?" He asked, referring to the sweets.

Xavier: "There's quite a bit of land that comes with it as well. Perfect for farming apparently, but that's not an avenue that piques my interest. I'd rather reinstate the forest." For privacy more than anything else.

Vincent: "I love caramel. Whoever discovered its creation should be given sainthood."

He glanced to the papers. "We should see them in person. A photograph isn't enough. Neither is a painting!"

Theo: Theo looked up at Xavier and tilted his head to the side as he gave Xavier a playful grin.

"Can we?" He asked, matching Vincent's level of enthusiasm despite already knowing the answer.

Xavier: "All of them or just the number one contender?" Xavier asked, already reaching for his phone to send a message to the estate agent.

Vincent: "Top...three?" What was a big thing in this world. The podium. The best three to shame all others. "Are you going to take us?"

Theo: Theo looked at Xavier. "He'll definitely have to be the one to- I only had enough juice for the trip to get sweets."

Xavier: "Yes, I'll take you," he chuckled. "I'll even take us for a lovely dinner afterward so we may discuss the many merits and flaws of the properties we see."

Vincent: Gasp! "Where? Where are we going? Are we eating in Italy? France? I'm so hungry!" Despite shoving food in his mouth between questions.

Theo: Theo chuckled and looked at Xavier expectantly.

Xavier: “How does a shellfish tower in Brittany sound?”

Vincent: "How does that sound?" he asked Theo.

Theo: "That sounds lovely," Theo nodded and took Xavier's hand in his.

Xavier: “Seafood in Brittany it is. There’s also a lovely little patisserie there in case you find yourselves in want of some more dessert.” He squeezed Theo’s hand and smiled at Vincent.

“Which property shall we see first?”

Vincent: "The best! No, the worst. Let's see the smallest kitchen."

Theo: "Agreed." Theo piped in with a chuckle.

Xavier: "Is the size of the kitchen really how you would have us make this decision? What else is important?"

Theo: "Xavier, the size of the kitchen is very important!" Theo declared as he gave Xavier a very serious look, as if it were silly for him to treat that as something their decision shouldn't hinge on. It was an attempt to get on Vincent's good side, but also- "you know colleen deserves a properly sized kitchen if she were to stay there."

Vincent: "Nothing is more important. A proper potions room would do you some good! Room for a garden, but not more important!"

Theo: Theo nodded in agreement.

Xavier: Xavier smiled, seeing the attempt for what it was and not faulting it one bit. "I'll grant you that a properly appointed kitchen is important, but I can't say we have need for a potions room. None of my staff or Rohan work with them."

Vincent: "Potions are just as important as spells. Shame on you all."

Theo: Theo nodded, trying to hold back the smile that threatened to give away the laughter in his eyes.

Xavier: He laughed softly. “You know I prefer my spells and enchanted objects. Devlin’s nanny somewhat dabbles in potions, rather like your mistress does. Salves and tinctures and such.”

Vincent: "Then she deserves the best potions room you can afford!"

Theo: "Exactly! So the question still remains, which has the largest kitchen? We should start there."

Xavier: “Colleen doesn’t do her brewing in the kitchen now and I imagine Christine wouldn’t appreciate it if she started. So we shall seek out the larger kitchen, and we shall also seek out an auxiliary kitchen.”

Vincent: "Well," several sweet treats were stuffed in his mouth, "leth go!"

Theo: Theo pressed to Xavier's side and nodded in agreement. He'd leave a few sweets for their return.

Xavier: "What did we say about talking with your mouth full, Vincent?" Xavier chided, gathering the information sheets for all the properties so he could have the addresses at hand. "Everyone take an arm."

Vincent: He took his arm, though he'd debated on riding shoulder as a magpie. Perhaps on their return.

Theo: Theo took the other arm with a chuckle and leaned his head against Xavier's shoulder. "Take us away, my love."

Vincent: "You didn't say anything about talking with my mouth full," he whispered.

Xavier: "I'm almost certain I have at some point." At the very least he'd thought it.

After double checking the address on the paper, Xavier transported them across the sea to....a castle.

The grand, massive villa was surrounded by acres of beautiful countryside. Warm light shone out from massive arched windows, balconies looked out over the drive, and if they listened closely, they'd hear a fountain somewhere on the grounds.

"Stunning," said Xavier, looking up at what could soon be his.

Theo: "Holy shit...." Theo blinked, taking in the site. He squeezed Xavier's arm.

Vincent: Vincent just smiled. Of course Xavier had. Plenty of times he'd been told by multiple people to slow down, swallow, all sorts of manners which meant nothing to him.

Their travel was brief, as it always seemed, but across the world they landed, and the bird was all gasps.

"It's extravagant. Of course it is!" He would expect no less from the demon.

"Does every house have a fountain? Is that something all rich people require?"

Xavier: "Unofficially, yes," Xavier chuckled. "But I also just really enjoy fountains."

The house--if it could even be called that--was absolutely extravagant. It was everything Xavier had dreamed of in his youth. He was in love with it.

"Now, this is by far the largest estate we will potentially look at. It has a sixteen car garage, a huge pool and hot tub, a gym, a spa, a wine cellar that doubles as its own winery, a home theater, an elevator that accesses all three floors, and the considerable amount of land also comes with a barn."

Theo: Theo slipped his hand into Xavier's and squeezed, at a loss for words other than a wide-eyed stare. It was beautiful, and it felt like a fantasy to be a place where they might live. Xavier's current home felt like that for Theo at first, and he was feeling it all over again.

Vincent: "Shall we to the kitchen...s? Was it two? Kitchen and potions room." But he paused only a foot towards the villa. "Are you going to make your own wine? I think you should. You should!"

Xavier: Xavier couldn't help but smile and kiss Theo's hand. It was kind of nice that he could still surprise his soon-to-be husband with his extravagance. And perhaps a little amusing.

"There is an auxiliary kitchen, yes. Perhaps it could become a potions room one day if someone shows interest."

Xavier led them inside, where they were greeted with a massive foyer and double staircase that was just this side of gaudy. "I own stock in several wineries, my dear. It's been very profitable. The kitchen is through here, to the right."

Theo: As they entered Theo could only smile and follow, because the further in they wandered the more it felt like exactly something Xavier would purchase.

"Don't tell my mother that, she'll start expecting wines as gifts on a regular basis," Theo chuckled.

Vincent: Vincent had already disappeared once, having returned in the foyer out of breath. "I dunno about all that, but you should make your own here." He was admiring the ceiling now, arms out in true namesake, doing a little spin to test the castle's energy.

Xavier: "If she wishes them, she'll receive them." Simple as that.

The ceiling was tall and cathedral like, accentuated with a domed skylight in the very center. There were others like it throughout the house, each one beautiful and adorned with stained glass.

No one had enjoyed them in years. This palace had been passed over by many.

"Perhaps a venture for a few years down the line. Making wine takes work."

Theo: "You're going to spoil my mother," Theo laughed, although she definitely deserved it. "Not that she will mind of course." He glanced around the manor, admiring its beauty with a soft smile. "You already have so many ventures, wine making sounds like something for down the road."

Vincent: Vincent would weep at the unused space. Perhaps he would make it his own! Somehow, with something.

"What are these "so many ventures" you have?"

Xavier: "No one minds a little spoiling." Or a lot of spoiling, as Xavier was prone to do with those close to him.

He led them further inside. "I'm a businessman, canary. I deal in art and antiques and wine. I own several investment properties, stocks."

Theo: Theo smiled at that. His mother could use a little spoiling, she deserved it.

"He's very talented," Theo added as he followed at Xavier's side.

Vincent: "I thought you were just a thief!"

Xavier: "You heard, Theo, I'm very talented." He grinned. "At making money, legitimately and non-legitimately."

Theo: "Both are true," Theo grinned and gently squeezed Xavier's hand. He couldn't act like he opposed any of it, as a hunter he'd stollen more credit cards and used more forged IDs than he could count.

Vincent: "Why do you have so many?"

Xavier: "I like money. And stealing. Win-win-win."

Theo: "This place has plenty of space for all the stolen parts of that..."

Vincent: "Just money?" He couldn't decide if that sounded truthful.

"Can you paint?" Asked to the demon while doing another inquisitive spin.

Xavier: "Money, art, wine, magical artifacts. You're not the only magpie," he added with a smile.

Just off the massive kitchen--which boasted five refrigerators--there was a family room, doors to the patio, one of the entrances into the wine cellar, and a glass elevator that led to the other floors.

"I can't, no. Those who cannot paint appreciate those who can."

Theo: "My god..." Theo squinted as they passed and he noticed the 5 fridges, but he didn't linger more than a beat with the rest of them.

"That would be an adorable activity with Devlin though! Painting- finger painting!" Theo smiled, suddenly warmed by the potentially messy idea.

Vincent: "Can you play an instrument? What about sculpt?" The bird squinted. "Can you write a sonnet?" He was crafty with spells, but he realized he didn't know much of Xavier outside of their antics.

Xavier: "No, no, and maybe. I've never tried my hand at it but perhaps I have a hidden talent."

Xavier smiled. "I'm sure Devlin will love that. We'll have to paint-proof the house beforehand to spare the maids the unholy mess."

Vincent: "How many parties will you have here?" As though this were the winner.

Theo: Theo chuckled at that and looked at Xavier expectantly.

Xavier: “I don’t have parties now, canary, I don’t plan to start when I purchase a new property.”

Vincent: "Why would you need five chilling boxes?"

Theo: Again, Theo looked expectantly at Xavier, and he was clearly very amused by the conversation.

Xavier: "There are nine bedrooms in the house not including the servants’ quarters. They all need to be fed and that large amount of food requires adequate storage."

Vincent: "Will there be a garden?"

Theo: "I'd imagine so," Theo replied. "If there isn't one already, I'm sure we'll make one. Devlin would be devastated if we moved somewhere without one."

Xavier: Xavier nodded. "He would indeed. However, there is in fact a garden, along with a large pool."

Vincent: "I think what this land calls a pool is not what I know as a pool."

Theo: "What do you consider a pool?"

Vincent: "Where wood nymphs bathe."

Xavier: “Absolutely no nymphs of any kind. Modern pools only.”

Theo: "I've never met a nymph before. Do they bathe in ponds or something?"

Vincent: "Pools are cleaner."

Xavier: “Pray you never meet one.” Did he sound bitter? Probably a little.

Theo: Theo raised a curious brow in Xavier's direction, detecting the tone in his voice. Then his fingers found Xavier's and he gave them a gentle squeeze.

Vincent: Vincent turned away, distracting himself as easily as breathing.

Xavier: Xavier squeezed back, offering Theo a reassuring smile.

"I'm fine," he mouthed. Nothing to worry about. The past was the past; it happened, it was done.

"So tell me, Vincent. Does the kitchen meet with your approval?"

Theo: Theo nodded slightly, and made a note to inquire further, a little later. For now he leaned his head on Xavier's shoulder, and looked to Vincent and his answer.

Vincent: "And this is not a forever home?" In need of a reminder. He peeked over his shoulder. Was their little intimacy over?

Xavier: The coast was clear; he and Theo were back to their normal level of affection and closeness.

"It's not, no. The estate in California will always be our forever home. This would simply be a holiday home."

Vincent: "It's extravagant. It's perfect," the familiar smiled.

Theo: "Agreed," Theo nodded in approval. "It'll be a lovely getaway."

Xavier: "A perfect for the very first one?" he chuckled. "Who knew the size of kitchen could hold that much power."

Not that he disagreed. The estate was beautiful and very well maintained. It had plenty of space for any luxury they could ever want and then some. And now that it had been endorsed by Theo and Vincent, there wasn't any reason Xavier could see not to buy it.

Still, "I feel we should at least tour it in its entirety, just to get a full picture."

Vincent: "Lead the way, then!" He was tempted for a shoulder ride, but would withhold for the time being. Sooo tempting!

Theo: Theo nodded in agreement. "Lead the way, love."

Xavier: Showing them the entirety of the estate would be an endeavor and a half. It was a never-ending treasure trove of things to explore, from the grander things like the home theater and spa to the small details like the ironwork and stained-glass skylights.

The bedrooms were large and lavish, many of them accompanied by an en suite bathroom and impeccable views.

The master suite was the size of the average single-family home, with various rooms branching off from a small vestibule.

All in all, it was a space far too expansive for even Xavier Atlas. It demanded to be filled with beautiful things and life and voices and chaos. His family and his coterie would do the job very nicely.

#The Manor chapter #theobrandr #vincentcorvidae

3 notes · View notes

beyondedenton · 4 years

Text

Wedding Invitation || Charleson + Thavier + Coterie || February, 2020

Charles: The telepath took a deep breath, held it, and released it on a sigh. His optimism wasn't failing him, precisely. But he recalled his last meeting with the younger Atlas brother vividly. And Mason hadn't even been present, then. Mustering a smile, he slipped a hand into his demon's and nodded. "Let's go."

Mason: It seemed as though Mason had made an effort. Wearing an English cut suit of gray, black, and red. Attire unearthed from a closet in New Orleans that morning. No effort had been made in regards to facial hair. As untamed as the hair Charles could probably band had he a mind to.

As distraction, lips pressed between Charles' eyes, lingering as they appeared a quarter mile from Xavier's gate.

Charles: Another deep breath, this one to ward off the vertigo that he'd come to accept as inevitable. He hadn't strayed from his usual uniform: a thick, ribbed cardigan of a deep grey, pale blue shirt, and slacks several shades lighter than his sweater. His lips twitched at Mason's gentle affection, but he didn't pause to relish it for long. He gave his hand a gentle tug and turned in the direction of the grand house. No sense in delay.

"Did you tell him we were coming? Is it possible he won't be home?"

Mason: "Someone will be here. There's always someone here." Something he might have pondered years ago, but now was just an accepted fact.

Charles: "Just like home, then," he smiled, and gave Mason's hand a firm squeeze. "How close can we get before someone knows we're here?"

Mason: "Well, he won't use blood magic. I can't say." To the gate at the very least. The iron gate like that out of a novel. The gate he could not touch with his bare hands. He looked for a call button, not bothering to attempt with a code.

Lydia: The call button would be found on the keypad below a small screen. A screen that turned on before either of them could lift a hand, for they'd already tripped the sensor.

"Good morning, Atlas resi--oh!" The maid whose voice floated out of the speaker exclaimed softly in surprise. "Hello, Mr. Atlas. Mr. Xavier."

Charles: A part of him was slightly relieved to hear the maid's voice. She'd been pleasant and professional last he'd met her. Still, he didn't drop Mason's hand. "Hello, again. We're here to speak with the other Mr. Atlas. Is he in?"

Lydia: "Just one moment please." She sounded a bit flustered as the speaker turned off. The other Mr. Atlas was in fact not home; he was in San Francisco on business but this couldn't wait. He had to be called.

And since it was Hamilton's day off, this task was relegated to Xavier's agent Rohan.

It took some doing, but at long last Rohan managed to persuade Xavier to let his brother and his partner past the ward.

"I apologize for the wait," Lydia's voice said as the speaker came back on and the gate swung open. "Please, come in."

Charles: He waited in silence, staring at nothing in particular. His grip on his beloved was unwavering. There was a very real chance that they would be turned away. So real, in fact, that Charles released an audible breath when Lydia's voice returned. He glanced at the open gate, and then at his demon. "Ready when you are, love."

Mason: Mason's thumb was doing circles over Charles' palm, also staring off into space, remembering younger years of a face he'd never see again.

Charles' exhale equaled Mason's inhale. Time could balm wounds, but not erase them.

"Right."

Several feet later. "Ya don't have t'be here for this."

Charles: Charles looked over at Mason, expression briefly incredulous before it softened, gentled. He leaned over to press a kiss to the corner of his demon's mouth, beard tickling his own smooth face. "'For better or worse,' no? I'm with you." Another gentle squeeze of that hand. "It's only a conversation."

Mason: "Yes to all," he sighed. Charles deserved a kiss when this was all over and done with. His hand intentionally tickled and scratched over his beard affectionately.

Charles: He gave a soft breath of laughter. "It'll be good." There was that optimism. He had no expectations whatsoever about Xavier's willingness to attend the wedding, but he was cautiously hopeful that the invite would go smoothly enough. It didn't need to take long. That thought in mind, he approached the massive house with an air of perfect calm.

Rohan: Rohan and Lydia would be waiting on the front step when Mason and Charles came into view, ready to greet their guests.

"Good morning," Rohan said pleasantly as Lydia opened the door. "Terribly sorry about the wait, his lordship and Mr. Brandr are in San Francisco on business. Lord Blackthorne sends his apologies, he won't be back for about half an hour or so. In the meantime, he's asked that you be shown into the drawing room."

Mason: Oh, the hundred things Mason could say. Instead biting his cheek and returning a terse smile.

"There's no need for all that, young master. There is no Lord Blackthorne when I changed his diapers."

His smile, an inch more honest, was given to Lydia. "N'how are ya?"

Charles: Off to the loveliest of starts, it seemed. Charles himself was fighting laughter at the use of the title, and Mason's reaction to it. He gave him a look that said 'play nice' that didn't need a thread of telepathy behind it. He turned a polite smile onto the maid. "Lydia. Lovely to see you, again. And--" A pause, to offer her companion a smile, as well. "I don't believe I've had the pleasure. I'm Charles."

Rohan: Rohan's smile never wavered, but inside he was shaking his head. The use of his title had been Xavier's condition for allowing Mason and his partner inside so he would continue to go with it.

"I must apologize again. I'm Rohan, Lord Blackthorne's agent. Please, come in."

In contrast to Rohan's unshakable calm, Lydia was very nearly beside herself. The house was so chaotic this morning. "I'm very well, thank you, Mr. Atlas. It's nice to see you, too, Professor. Can I offer you both some tea or coffee?"

Mason: If only to keep her hands busy. "Some tea, please."

Rohan was given a once over. He was a good sport, Mason would give him that.

"How many of his estates are you agent of?"

Charles: "Lovely to meet you, Rohan," he smiled, polite as ever. He gave the smallest shake of the head as they followed the two inside. "Nothing for me, thank you."

Rohan: "Two estates and all of his other holdings."

They were led into the drawing room, where a lovely, inviting fire had already been lit and was waiting for them.

Rohan waited for them to sit before taking a seat himself. "Bring us a tray, please, Lydia. And some petit fours."

Lydia nodded and disappeared off to the kitchen.

Mason: Sitting was a stiff affair when he would rather stand by the fire. This would last all of thirty seconds before he was stretching his legs and back on his feet.

"Devlin still takin’ naps?"

Charles: Charles would sit. Sit and watch his demon in polite silence, posture erect but not outwardly uncomfortable. His mind brushed warmly over Mason's.

Rohan: Rohan nodded. “Yes, in the afternoons. He’s a very active little boy.”

Mason: Invisible fingers caressed the back of Charles' neck.

Mason explored the house with his mind, unyielding in his subconscious hunt for minds, sensations, wards, and perhaps his nephew. He wanted to feel for himself his wellbeing.

"Sounds like an Atlas," he muttered.

Charles: Xavier was not his brother, and so Charles would not follow Mason's lead. His only mental connection would be with his fiancé. Wanting for something, anything to do to pass the time, he let his gaze sweep over the room's ostentatious decor, though he did not leave his seat.

Lydia: The warded energy in the house would be unmissable for someone like Mason. Every inch of the house, and particularly the second floor, was heavily protected.

He'd be able to feel the maids scattered throughout, each attending to their tasks and even one or two of Devlin's hidden pets, but notably, not Devlin.

Lydia returned a few moments later with the tea service and a plate piled high with freshly baked scones.

"Are you sure I can't offer you a cup of tea, Professor?" she asked Charles.

Mason: And didn't that just make his blood boil. The implication of Devlin's absence tightened his mouth.

His mind returned to Charles, giving to him all information as second nature.

Charles: Rude, to decline a second offer. Good manners came to him without thought. "I wouldn't mind a cup. Thank you, Lydia."

Charles did not need the information, but he accepted it without complaint. He didn't bother to remind Mason of how cautious he might be with his own children. He had every right to feel insulted. Charles, for one, knew he'd slaughter anyone who harmed a single hair on his nephew's head, and that was without the privilege of meeting the child, himself. He knew his fiancé. To his core. The mental touch he offered in return was soothing and gentle. Let the man be overly protective of his child. It was fine. They were fine.

Rohan: The atmosphere of the room felt...tense, for reasons Rohan could not quite decipher. Surely Xavier's temporary absence during an unplanned visit wasn't the cause. There had to be something else.

Cups of tea were handed to all three of them, along with a scone and jam if they should desire them.

"...Is everything all right?" Rohan asked carefully. "I'm sure Xavier won't be much longer."

Mason: "Never assume yourself to be the source of any tension, young master. I assure ya, we are just fine." A nod of acknowledgement and gratitude was given to Lydia. "That goes t'ya, too." He managed to smile.

Charles: Charles nodded his emphatic agreement, smiling kindly. "We're perfectly well, thank you. And thank you," he repeated, accepting the cup of tea with a dip of his head. He took a small sip, before cradling the cup in his lap. It was nice to have something to do with his hands.

Rohan: "But there is tension, yes?" Rohan hadn't missed the emphasis on the word 'we', implying that someone or something wasn't fine.

"If there are concerns, I'm sure I can allay them. Unless of course it's something outside my direct knowledge."

"I fail to see why we should make any haste to get back when they didn't call ahead to announce their visit," Xavier said to Theo, frowning mightily. His intention in coming to San Francisco this morning had been to check on his warehouses and spend time with his fiancé, not go back home and play host to his brother and Charles.

"This is the risk you run when you don't call and it's an important life lesson. Really, it would be highly irresponsible to keep them from learning it."

Mason: "There will always be tension. That doesn't translate to anything dire or out of the ordinary."

Theo: The tiniest eye roll from Theo followed that mighty frown, but he squeezed his fiancé’s hand to show that he still empathized despite the dramatics.

"Well, what if it's something important that couldn't wait?" Theo suggested as he leaned into Xavier to show he wasn't making these suggestions because he wasn't in Xavier's corner, but trying to be a point of perspective. "Or they didn't believe you would answer a call had they made one ahead of time?" He gave Xavier a pointed look, knowing full well how tense the discourse could be between the two brothers.

He lifted Xavier's hand, tangled fingers with his own, to kiss the back of it gently.

"We can come back to San Francisco tonight, or even tomorrow, baby," he leaned up to steal a kiss, "I don't have any plans or hunts for the rest of the week. We really should go meet our guests."

Charles: Tension. That was putting it mildly. But it was nothing unexpected. He was there for a singular purpose, one that did not involve unloading frustrations about the issues between two brothers to a perfect stranger. He maintained his silence and took another sip from his cup.

Rohan: For this household, tension was most certainly something out of the ordinary. But Rohan understood that that was not the case when it came to Xavier's relationship with his brother.

Now if only the man himself would appear to dispel some of it.

Xavier accepted the kiss and pressed his forehead against Theo's, heaving a long sigh. He was perfectly within his right to ignore calls if he wanted to, and in all honestly, probably would have done so had there been one today.

Nothing for it then.

"Fine. We'll go back."

Xavier took Theo's hands and, after giving him a moment to brace, took them back to the manor and kissed his pleasant day goodbye.

Mason: Time was filled by idly stroking Charles neck and jaw with warm telekinesis. Such drop-ins, once upon a time, had not been a source of dread. Not when human. So long ago now it felt as though he'd read his own life from a book.

The tea was set aside. The last minutes before his brother's arrival would be silent, standing by his fiancé’s knee, whispering sweet nothings and reassurances via telepathy.

Theo: "I've got you," Theo promised, and he gave Xavier's waist a squeeze. "Please be on your best behavior? When we're alone again, I promise to find every way I can to make the rest of our evening nothing but me showering you with attention." He nuzzled into Xavier's shoulder as he braced himself for the trip back home.

Charles: Mason's touch, physical or otherwise, was always welcome. But Charles would have exuded serenity, regardless. There was no good reason this visit could not go smoothly and swiftly. At least that's what he was telling himself.

Xavier's arrival would have the telepath setting his nearly-full cup of tea aside and rising from his seat. The younger Atlas and his unfamiliar companion would be greeted with a smile from Charles. "Hello. I must apologize for our dropping by unannounced." Not his usual M.O., to be sure. "We shouldn't take too much of your time."

Xavier: "I'm always on my best behavior." Most of the time. If the spirit moved him and being on his most demonic behavior didn't suit the situation.

Their brief trip through time and space landed them in the foyer, where their presence was immediately felt by Rohan.

"It would seem his lordship has returned. Lydia, if you would."

The maid hastened out of the room and went to greet her employers.

"Your guests are waiting in the drawing room, my lord."

Xavier sighed. "So I've been told. Thank you, Lydia."

He placed a hand at the small of Theo's back and gently led him into their drawing room, making a small effort not to look grim or put out when he spotted Charles and his brother.

"Pardon our tardiness. We were unaware we were to have company. Hello again, Charles. Mason."

Mason: "As is the nature of surprises, and we've come to announce another, so hold onto your hat."

He felt no pressing need to linger. Neither of them were comfortable. This was beyond the brothers but for the sake of those by their side. Some semblance of what once was.

Their joined hands were raised, as though evidence enough of what he intended to say.

"Charles and I are to be married. In March. We want ya t'attend the weddin'."

Theo: Theo squeezed Xavier's hip at that.

The next moment they were in their home, and Theo exhaled a small breath he'd been holding. He prayed to the gods that this would go smoothly and painlessly.

"Hello Lydia. Thank you for buying us some time," he nodded to her and gave her arm a squeeze. The tension in the air was thick enough to cut with a knife. "You and Rohan are a blessing his lordship and I don't deserve," he gave her a playful wink before he returned Xavier's side.

He let Xavier guide them to the drawing room and smiled softly as they entered. It came easier for him in this moment, so he tried to overshadow the tension with a warmth extended to Charles at the least.

He nodded to Rohan as they entered, and made a mental note to thank Rohan for holding down the fort until their return.

"Mason, nice to see you again," he nodded to the demon and then approached Charles with a smile and extended hand. "You must be Charles! I've heard about you, I'm glad to finally meet." Then he returned to Xavier's side, and took Xavier's hand in his own. He blinked at the sudden announcement and the pair of rings held up for them to see, and Theo was suddenly hyper aware of the weight of his own ring against his finger.

"We would be honored to be there," he answered after a small beat off silence. A second later he wondered if accepting so blindly would upset Xavier, but Theo was not about to turn something down that he saw as a potential gesture to mend whatever tension lingered between the two brothers. Even if that wasn't the exact intent, Theo was content to believe it was.

Charles: Charles, for one, was grateful for Theo's greeting. If they weren't going to be formally introduced, they could certainly speak to each other. He accepted the offered hand with a smile that crinkled the corners of his eyes. "Hello! It's a pleasure."

He gave Mason a sidelong glance. Straight to the point, then. "Yes," he agreed, because there wasn't much else to do. "We'd love to have you both." Theo's ready acceptance was unexpected, but not unwelcome. The man was a complete stranger to him, but he seemed kind enough. Charles offered his warmest smile. Part of him, though, was still poised for Xavier's reaction. "Wonderful!"

Xavier: There was no upset, only genuine surprise and then only some of which he allowed to show on his face.

Xavier couldn’t see Mason inviting him out of a pure desire of having him there, nor could he see Charles particularly wanting him there for Mason’s sake.

It was all simply...surprising.

At a loss for anything enlightening to say, he settled on, “Congratulations. Where is it being held?”

Mason: Mason cast a glance to his fiancé. Given his brother's history, he was hesitant to divulge that information. Still, he took a breath. Held.

"Upstate New York. The 12th of March to be exact. I'll mail you the details when we have them. Something more formal."

Theo: "We'll make sure to keep a sharp eye on the mail," Theo nodded. He gave Xavier's hand an appreciative squeeze, and his thumb trailed small circles against the back of his palm. A beat later he looked to Charles. "I should also ask, seeing as we're in the same room, would you mind giving me your number, Charles? Xavier mentioned the two of you have children, maybe before- or after the wedding- you and I could grab coffee, maybe take the kids to a park?" Theo smiled, hoping that for a first meeting he wasn't about to make Charles uncomfortable. Whatever the estrangement was between Mason and Xavier, it didn't have to extend between the two of them, or the children. "It might be nice for Devlin to meet his cousins."

Charles: Charles' smile grew from warm to positively sunny, dropping Mason's hand in order to fish his mobile out of his pocket and unlock it. He crossed to Theo and offered the open contacts page in a matter of seconds. Family was far too important to him. He'd seize the opportunity and be grateful. "Here you are. Enter your information and I'll text you. I'd love that. It'll be good for the kids, I think. And I'd like to get to know you, as well. Things will likely be mad for the next few weeks, but spring break is after the wedding. We can get together then."

Xavier: Xavier nodded. "We'll be there." It certainly would have been pointless for Mason to invite him if he didn't want to actually tell Xavier where the wedding was.

While Theo exchanged information with Charles, Xavier helped himself to a cup of tea and turned to his brother. "Semi-formal or formal attire? And do you have a gift registry or should I get creative?"

Mason: A glance was given to gauge his fiancé. A public declaration of promises already made in the privacy of their bedrooms. No matter his assistance, this day would be in honor of Charles.

"Upper semi-formal. I don't ask for gifts. Only your presence."

Theo: "That sounds perfect!" Theo agreed with a grin, and he dropped Xavier's hand to approach Charles and take his phone. He typed in his number and name, and he added a little skull emoji at the end for some memorable flair before handing it back to Charles.

"I promise to explain that part when we get together," he chuckled, practically beaming now as well. The eagerness Charles had to share was heartwarming, and it made this tense situation feel a little less stressful.

Charles: Charles lifted an eyebrow as he scanned the entry, the corners of his mouth twitching just slightly in amusement. "Please do. I'm looking forward to it."

Truly. With a quiet sort of eagerness, he sent a quick message to Theo, with his name. "There. The children will be thrilled to meet their Uncle Theo." Said with the brightest smile, one he turned onto Mason as he pocketed his phone. As far as Charles was concerned, this venture was a success.

Xavier: "If not for yourself, then for Charles. Decorum demands it." As did his own principles. Whatever else Xavier Atlas could be accused of, he never showed up to a formal occasion without a gift that was second to none.

Mason: A hand briefly waved over Charles. Then the decision belonged to the professor. He was still coming to terms with the fact that his brother had yet to deny the idea of Devlin's presence.

Theo: Theo quickly added Charles into his phone, and his own eagerness could be seen in his smile when his gaze returned to Charles.

"I'm sure Devlin will be thrilled to meet his Uncle Charles and his cousins as well!"

Theo returned to Xavier's side and wrapped an arm around his waist to give him an appreciative squeeze. He sent Charles a quick return text with a smile emoji, and he was already trying to plan something fun for the children to do.

Charles: Charles shook his head, still beaming. "Honestly, there's nothing either of us needs. If you're insisting, then a charitable donation to the organization of your choice will suffice. Or to the school, if you prefer."

Xavier: Xavier gave Theo a quick smile in response before letting it fade as he sipped his tea.

“Will two million do?”

Mason: A flashback to their childhood, of first stealing and then later buying sweets for his brother on birthdays and holidays. Of the protests to new clothes and books. He couldn't recall once of his baby brother showing interest in art. Perhaps shards of memory withdrawn from Crowley. Moments where the demon was nothing more than a stranger.

"Yes, Charles. Is two million enough for ya?"

Theo: Theo's grip tightened on Xavier's hip at the suggested amount, and it took all of his willpower not to roll his eyes. The amount didn't matter, but to Theo it held the same tone as his request for Rohan to address him as "Lord Blackthorne". He kept silent and smiled politely, almost apologetically at Charles.

Charles: Charles lifted an eyebrow. It was not the figure, but the source that had him bemused. "More than," he began, after a beat of silence. "That's a very generous offer. It will be put to good use. Thank you."

Xavier: Theo might not have rolled his eyes but Xavier could feel how much he wanted to. Under different circumstances, it would have delighted him and made him laugh. Today there was only silent satisfaction.

“Put it to whatever use you like. Is there anything specific your school needs? A helicopter? A new dormitory? Some sort of lab or theater?”

Theo: Again, Theo had to resist the urge to visibly react to Xavier's antics with an eyeroll, but instead Theo squeezed Xavier's hip, verging for a moment on a pinch as his own cheeks warmed with embarrassment. A helicopter?!

Charles: Charles only barely resisted the urge to snort, himself. "Nothing so grand as all that." The sub-basements were, after all, state of the art. "We've been looking to expand. Perhaps hire more staff."

Xavier: Xavier smiled pleasantly and turned to kiss Theo's temple, looking utterly pleased with himself in the most childish of ways. Being extravagant was its own petty, satisfying rebellion.

"Well, if I come across any qualified instructors in my travels, I'll be sure to send them your way."

Mason: "Ya meet qualified instructors in your travels, Xavier?"

Theo: Theo relaxed a little with the kiss, and his hand smoothed over Xavier's hip. He knew Xavier enjoyed extravagance, but it still overwhelmed him sometimes.

"How long have you been running your school, Charles?" Theo asked, deciding to initiate a conversation of their own. He couldn't tell where Mason was leading with his question, but he hoped the two brothers were not about to start something when pleasant conversation could be had.

Charles: Charles crossed back to his fiancé, slipping a hand into his and giving a squeeze that was equal parts gentle and reproachful. None of that. "Also very generous of you. I'd appreciate it." His smile was kind, and he turned it onto Theo with as much warmth. An ally! He was liking this fellow more and more. "About a decade, all said. We had a rather... unsteady period with low enrollment, but I'd like to believe we're quite well established, now. I'd be happy to give you a tour, some time."

Xavier: "I encounter all manner of people in my travels, brother dear. The instructors I meet are usually experts in art history or antiquities but it's only a matter of time until I meet some with other areas of study."

Mason: No, you haven't always called me that.

Charles' hand pulled him at his thoughts before they could escape. His hand squeezed in return.

"I suppose an art teacher would be appreciated. Rory would never be the same."

Theo: "I would love one! Perhaps I could bring Devlin when I do and the children can play while I get the tour?" He offered a warm smile in return. As a hunter, Theo had few friends of his own, and fewer still that reminded alive throughout the job, so the idea of a friend in Charles was very appealing. He hoped they could make it through this visit with a generally positive note, and he was grateful it seemed to be going well so far.

Charles: The corners of his eyes crinkled with delight. "That would be perfect! The kids would be overjoyed. Rory especially. It'll be good for him to have a boy nearer to his own age to play with. He's incredibly bright, but full of energy. I can hardly keep up, most days."

Xavier: True, Xavier hadn't always called Mason that, but there was no time like the present to try out a new nickname for his brother.

"I'll let the two of you know if I find any acceptable ones so you can personally vet them."

Mason: Every little thing felt petty. He didn't want to let this go, but he would have to. This attempt at stitching their mangled relationship was, perhaps right now, more for their significant others than themselves. He would have to take what he could.

"So, the children can meet?"

Theo: "Of course," Theo answered and turned his blank expression back to Mason. Something about the way he said it put Theo on edge, but he tried to swallow what he assumed was paranoia. This was a nice conversation; they were all having a pleasant conversation. "There's no reason they shouldn't, especially now."

He turned back to Charles and the smile returned. "Devlin could use more friends his age too, especially someone who could keep up with his own boundless energy! He's very curious and rambunctious- I can't tell you the amount of times we've had to return a critter to the wild because Devlin decided to bring it inside. We'll certainly need to keep our eyes on them."

Charles: Another gentle squeeze to that hand. It seemed apparent. Xavier had yet to raise any protest. But Charles understood his fiancé's hesitance, even if he did not share it. They were making progress, and that was reason enough to be content. He gave a soft laugh and shook his head. "He sounds rather like I was, at that age. He'll enjoy exploring the grounds with Rory, I think. There's quite a lot to take in. We've got stables, and a lake. It's still much too cold for swimming, but you all could visit in the summer. There'll be no shortage of wildlife for him to chase after."

Xavier: He nodded as he refilled his cup. Whatever reasons he might have come up with for refusing, it was out of his hands now.

"Of course. I'm sure they'll have a splendid time together."

Mason's concerns were perfectly valid; with Xavier, most things /were/ petty. And although his choice of nickname could potentially fall into that category, he had told Theo that he would behave and be pleasant. So that's what he was going to do.

Mason: Theo had every right to be on edge. He was right, after all. It was a call out to the last conversation he'd had with his brother. To see so little of each other, they knew more than they cared to admit. The reality was simple: Charles and Theo were in command of this meeting. They, great demons, were to nod and obey.

And so he would do just that.

Theo: "Perfect! We'll have to arrange some visits after the wedding, I'm sure Devlin will be ecstatic to have new grounds to explore." Theo was grateful that the petty jabs from Xavier were minimal, when they did happen. He'd asked Xavier to be on his best behavior because he knew how quickly this situation could deteriorate, and yet they'd gotten this far without a fight. It was something to be proud of, in a way.

Then Theo paused, and he glanced over at Xavier as a thought crossed his mind.

"And..." another pause and he turned to look back at Charles, "Xavier and I will have to talk about it further, we have no set plans, no date, and are not even sure how much we want a ceremony- but if we have a ceremony at all, I'm hoping you both would accept an invitation to ours. We've been engaged for some time now." He held up his own hand to show off his ring with a smile. "I 'm usually busy with work and we're really in no rush, but like I said- if it happens."

Charles: Proud, indeed. He could, and did, appreciate the restraint his soon to be husband was showing. Already, this meeting was more successful than their last. Charles could only hope that the trend would continue. He grinned at Theo. "That's wonderful news. And congratulations are long overdue, it seems. If and when you decide to have a ceremony, we'd be deeply honored to attend."

Xavier: Xavier could see doom in that glance, and though to some Theo's announcement would seem perfectly normal--expected even--it was not so for Xavier. He'd lived his life independently of his brother for so long that everything felt like it should be private and sacred. Telling him anything felt...foreign.

A conscious effort was made to appear relaxed and comfortable and smile, however reservedly. This was not only his news to share at his discretion, it was Theo's as well, and they'd discussed it.

He just couldn't get over that foreign feeling.

Mason: This was better than he could have hoped, however inappropriate the word, but still, the brothers were of like mind. Keeping silent seemed the better option, and indeed he would have remained taciturn if not for Charles' nearness. Like silent encouragement.

"N'you'll have t'tell us if gifts are optional."

Theo: "Thank you, I appreciate it! We don't really have many people to tell so we've been fairly private about it," Theo smiled to Charles before answering Mason. "They'd definitely be optional for me- I have not expectation for a gift," he glanced at Xavier to indicate he couldn't speak for him, "but if we're allowed to give you gifts, you'd be welcome to do the same in return, or not, if you wanted."

Charles: "Gift it is, then." Even if he had to select it himself. Figuring they'd stretched Xavier's patience for long enough, Charles reached out a hand for his fiancé to take. "Well, we've delivered our news. We'll let you get back to the rest of your day. Thank you so much for welcoming us. It was so lovely to officially meet you, Theo. I'll call you soon."

Xavier: Xavier would make no comment on the topic of gifts. If Mason and Charles felt so inclined to give them anything, so be it. If not, Xavier had more than enough talent for that particular area. He'd shower gifts on his future husband regardless.

"Of course," he said with a nod. "We shall look forward to attending your wedding."

Mason: "What Charles said." He took his hand and squeezed. "We'll be seein' ya. Contactin' ya sooner than that." And without ceremony they would disappear, returning across the country to Charles' school. No one had died. No threats had been made. Mason would call this a successful outing.

Theo: "It was lovely to meet you too; I look forward to hearing from you!" Theo waved as the two departed, and once they were alone, he turned to smile softly at Xavier. "Was that so terrible, Lord Blackthorne?"

Xavier: Though subdued, Xavier did manage a smile for his fiancé. He could be difficult for the sake of it with anyone else, but not Theo.

"It could've been much worse, but I still hold no confidence that future meetings will go as smoothly."

He sank into the nearest chair and sighed. "I guess this means we need new suits."

#askprofessorx #theobrandr #changingthelights #thehangeddemon #xavieratlas #masonatlas #wedding invitation #discord rp #under read more for length #closed

2 notes · View notes

thehangeddemon · 4 years

Photo

♔ Rohan Dalca ♔

❖ Full Name: Rohan Dalca ❖ Nickname: Ro ❖ Age: 61 ❖ Date of Birth: September 14, 1961 ❖ Birthplace: Bucharest, Romania ❖ Current Residence: Paradise, California ❖ Hair: Chocolate brown ❖ Eyes: Silver blue ❖ Sexuality: Bisexual ❖ Relationship Status: Dating Ariel Cassidy ❖ Height: 6′0″ (1.83 m) ❖ Species: Druid, calls himself a witch ❖ Occupation: Agent and man of affairs to Xavier Atlas ❖ Characteristics: Perpetual scruff, wears ankh bracelet on left wrist, appears no older than 30, speaks with a Romanian accent

♔ History ♔

On the outside, Rohan Dalca’s family was just like any other working class family in Bucharest. His father worked in a factory while his mother raised him and took care of their home. They were quiet and kept to themselves, they got along with their neighbors. No one thought twice about them or noticed anything strange.

On the inside, Rohan’s family was quite a bit different.

Rohan’s mother was a witch and his father was a Seer. They practiced their crafts behind closed doors, only revealing what they were to those most trusted. They were successful until Rohan was born and things became more complicated.

All their caution couldn’t hide the unearthly glow of their infant son’s blue eyes or diminish the effects his magic had on the space around him. It became increasingly difficult to pretend everything was normal, to laugh off comments about how odd their son was and how curious it was that...things always seemed to happen when he was around.

With Rohan due to start school soon, they feared their secret would be discovered. The decision was made to pack up their things and move as far away as they could. They wanted a place where no one knew them and where rumors about them and their son wouldn’t reach or affect them.

They ended up moving to the United States and settled in Spokane, Washington.

By the time Rohan was finally allowed to begin school, the glow in his eyes had disappeared and he could pass as a completely normal child. His mother told him the truth about what he truly was--what she truly was--and made sure he knew how important it was to keep it a secret. He was told that what they were would only bring trouble and hardship, that their magic had to be separate from this thing that neither of them had any control over.

So it was that Rohan grew up believing that being a Druid was something he had to hide and deny. He learned magic from his parents in tandem with his schoolwork, electing to devote himself to it when he graduated.

He moved back to Romania and lived there for a number of years before moving back to the U.S., this time to Northern California, studying magic and calling himself a witch all the while.

Xavier Atlas came into his life by pure chance, after being referred to Rohan in a search for a magical artifact. Rohan agreed to help Xavier find it and the two became fast friends, keeping in contact and helping each other with magical pursuits.

Eventually Rohan would become Xavier’s agent and move into a cabin not far from Xavier’s estate.

♔ Threads ♔

A New Acquisition (Xavier and MJ)

Interrupted Introductions (Thavier and MJ)

Needy (MJ)

Trick or Treating (MJ)

Christmas 2017 (Various)

Doom Cloud (MJ, Pete, and Abel)

Three Stories (MJ, Lawrina, Quintane, and Luke)

Christmas 2018 (Various)

Dreamwalker, Pt. II (MJ, Xavier, and Abel)

Reborn Unlife (MJ, Xavier, Devlin, Hamilton, and Colleen)

Christmas 2019 (Various)

Cleanup (MJ)

Christmas 2020 (Various)

Impulse (Xavier and MJ)

Breaking the News (MJ, Xavier, Abel, and Ramsay)

New Chapter One (Xavier and Mason)

Just Because (Xavier, MJ, Abel, and Holden)

Three Days Later (Xavier, Rohan, Abel, and Holden)

Five After Three (Xavier and Holden)

Christmas 2021 (Various)

The Moon by Necessity (Holden and Vincent)

Halloween Carvings (Holden)

Christmas 2022 (Various)

#A Demon's Coterie #Rohan Dalca #rohandalca

2 notes · View notes

thehangeddemon · 4 years

Text

Reunited Revelations || Thavier

Xavier: "WHO IS SPOONING MY BOYFRIEND?!"

Xavier: -Xavier grabs his Theo and carries him off-

Theo: "Oh so barbaric." -Theo laughs and wiggles in his arms-

Xavier: "Not barbaric. Perfectly reasonable. She can get her own boyfriend to spoon."

Theo: "It's only spooning, my love, I'd say someone is just jealous?"

Xavier: "Jealous? Nonsense. I'm simply the only person allowed to spoon you for the rest of eternity."

Theo: "Oooooh, it all makes sense now!" he giggles, a hint of sarcasm in his voice. "All of eternity is quite a long time."

Xavier: "Easy with the sarcasm, you," he chuckled, nipping Theo's ear.

"Eternity is a long time. And I intend to love you for all of it."

Theo: Theo giggled again at the nip and returned it with a kiss to Xavier's chin. "And I you. I promise, you're the only one I wish to spoon at night."

Xavier: Xavier smiled. God, but he needed to hear that after the day he'd had.

"In that case, I'm taking you home so we can do just that. It's been eons since you were in my arms."

Theo: "It has," Theo agreed and placed a few more scattered kisses over his jaw and cheek. "What have you been up to lately?"

Xavier: He leaned and nuzzled into all of them, not wanting a single bit of affection to go unacknowledged.

"Too many things. I've wanted to share them all with you but between them and these back-to-back hunts we haven't gotten much time together." He held Theo closer. "I've missed you so much, love."

Theo: Theo's arms wrapped around Xavier's neck and squeezed gently as Xavier pulled him closer. He nuzzled into Xavier's neck and placed a few more kisses.

"We both have been busy, but now we have a few days to recharge and catch up," Theo grins and wiggles excitedly for a moment, "I have a new trick to show you."

He stills again and pulls back from his nuzzles to look up at Xavier. "I've missed you too, my love. All I could think about was getting back home to you and our son."

Xavier: That had Xavier turning to Theo with a smile. "You don't have another hunt any time soon? I get to take you home and hole up with you and the baby in our sitting room?" Just the thought of that earned Theo a proper kiss.

"You're here now. Tell me about this trick you have to show me."

Theo: "No, I don't, and yes, you get to do just that," Theo smiled happily into the kiss, and his hands tenderly cupped Xavier's face.

"Well, I... I can actually...summon weapons now," Theo said slowly after their lips parted. It sounded a little ridiculous, or at least Theo thought so. "I.... it appeared during a hunt- in this… black smoke, it was strange, and awesome at the same time."

Xavier: "The gods have truly blessed me," said Xavier, sighing in relief and giving Theo another kiss.

He grinned. "You can summon weapons when you need them?" Have another kiss. "That's fantastic!"

Theo: Theo returned each kiss, and his thumbs traced Xavier's cheeks affectionately.

"Yeah, it is," Theo agreed, but his brow furrowed briefly. "The weird part was the first thing I summoned was a scythe- like the kind Death carries. The stereotype that is." Theo shook his head slightly.

Xavier: He hummed, nuzzling into Theo's hands. "Weird and stereotypical perhaps but very fitting. You are part reaper, after all. Did anything strange happen when you touched it?"

Theo: "Yeah, actually," Theo nodded. "I wrapped my hands around it and felt this... surge--of power. Everything went slower--or maybe I was faster- I don’t know- but it was the easiest kill I've ever made."

Xavier: "That must mean your powers are getting stronger," he said, unable to keep the pride from his voice. His beautiful hunter had come a long way from helping a random ghost pass on to the afterlife. "And you being stronger means you'll be better protected on your hunts."

He hugged Theo to him again. "How do you feel?"

Theo: The pride in Xavier's voice warmed Theo from head to toe.

"I feel great. Not powered up necessarily, but it'll be interesting to see how it develops, I have no idea what the extent of my powers are." Theo wrapped his arms around Xavier's neck and leaned up to give him a proper kiss again. "But enough about me- fill me in about your time."

Xavier: Xavier hummed against Theo's lips. "I guess we'll just have to wait and see. But I have every confidence that whatever they are, you'll master them in no time."

He smiled. "I can never have enough of you. But first let's go home. Hang on tight."

As soon as Theo's grip was secure, Xavier transported them back to the manor.

Theo: "Well I suppose it's a good thing you get to indulge in me all night," Theo replied playfully against Xavier's lips. "And I you, I've missed your kisses." Theo's grip tightened for a moment when they were transported, and he sighed happily at the familiar surroundings. "I missed home, it's so great to be back."

Xavier: "I've missed yours. Along with everything else about you."

He sighed in contentment the moment they arrived home. At last, peace.

"I don't believe great even begins to cover it," said Xavier, starting up the stairs to their sitting room. "Hungry? Thirsty?"

Theo: Theo normally would protest somewhere long before this point for Xavier to let him down. He was perfectly capable of walking on his own, but Theo knew it was just something Xavier did when Theo returned home. Truthfully, Theo had stopped hating the gesture when he realized It wasn't because Xavier found Theo weak, but to satisfy certain needs after so long apart. Theo needed it too, and he placed a kiss along Xavier's jaw when they finally entered their home.

"Both," Theo admitted with a contented sigh.

Xavier: "We shall see to both." Halfway up the stairs, Xavier turned and called for the nearest maid, which turned out to be Susana.

"Yes, my lord?"

"Have a tray of food, a bottle of wine, and a pitcher of tea sent up to my sitting room. And I want no disturbances for at least a week. No calls, no visitors."

She nodded. "Yes, my lord. Welcome home, Mr. Brandr," she added, already moving toward the kitchen.

"Thank you, Susana."

Xavier continued to the sitting room just off their bedroom, sinking onto the giant, comfortable sectional with Theo still in his hold.

Theo: "Thank you Susana!" Theo called after her, and then he looked up at Xavier with a small smirk, "a week? Not that I'm complaining love, but that is quite some time to be holed up together." He draped his legs over the armrest once they were seated, and he leaned into Xavier once it was comfortable.

Xavier: "Holed up doesn't have to mean a week-long sex marathon," Xavier said with a chuckle. Although, for them that was usually what it meant. "We can just spend time together and watch things on that Netflix thing and spend time with Devlin. And have sex."

Theo: "True," Theo mused, and he smiled warmly at Xavier. "Which of those things should we do first?"

Xavier: Xavier pulled Theo close, nuzzling him. "Well, since dinner is on its way we should probably refrain from getting ourselves into a compromising situation."

Theo: "But those are your favorite kind!" Theo giggled, and he nuzzled happily back. He inhaled Xavier's familiar scent and let it relax him, chasing away the final tendrils of tension from his spine. "There was a time you'd have your way when you'd have it- it was like you enjoyed having the maids walk in on us!" Theo remembered how flustered he'd get when they were interrupted, and he also remembered how pleased with himself Xavier seemed each time. "You were terrible," he added with a fondness that only he could feel for Xavier, a pleasant warmth blossoming in his chest.

Xavier: Xavier laughed. "I like flustering you! And they've never actually walked in on us." That he could recall. "They've heard us, but never actually seen us. There was just that once, and she didn't realize she'd walked in on anything since you were under the desk." He nipped Theo's shoulder. "And trying to make me cry out and give us both away, I might add."

Theo: "They have definitely walked in on us," Theo insisted, and he shivered as Xavier bit his shoulder. He turned sheepish as he remembered that day hiding under the desk, "I have no idea what you're talking about." Teasing Xavier was far too fun for Theo, especially in those compromising situations.

Xavier: Theo's shoulder was nipped again. "They've perhaps made it to the door before, or around the corner, but none of the maids have actually seen us naked together." That he knew of.

He grinned and arched a brow. "Oh, you don't, do you? Because I distinctly remember you finding my glasses sexy and proceeding to jump my bones."

Theo: "Well, seen or heard, both are embarrassing!" Theo shuddered again when he was nipped.

"And I definitely don't recall that," Theo loved those glasses, and he remembered how small a thing made him want Xavier so quickly, "I could never be swayed by a trick so simple." He stuck an indignant nose gently into the air.

Xavier: "And both make you turn that delightful shade of red," said Xavier, grinning with all the satisfaction of a cat that just caught a canary. "Which I can assure you I thoroughly enjoy."

He gave a dramatic gasp. "A simple trick? It was a discovery of vital importance, like those silk scarves sitting in that lovely box in our bedside table."

Theo: Theo's cheeks flushed and he gave Xavier a playful scowl, like that of an embarrassed little canary that was about to try and fight a cat.

"What silk scarves? What box? I have no idea what you mean," Theo purred and shifted to straddle Xavier's thighs. He placed a hand on the back of the chair on either side of Xavier's head, and for a moment he crowded Xavier as if he were trying to look larger and intimidating, but it faltered and he smirked. "I remember that time you accidentally turned yourself into a raven... someone was quite desperate to touch me when he finally became human again..."

Xavier: "Oh, I think you do," Xavier laughed, wrapping his arms around Theo's middle and grinning up at him. "Those scarves are intimately acquainted with each and every single inch of you."

Now Xavier was the one who looked a little flustered, a miracle in and of itself. "I still say you should've put that book somewhere less precarious! And I was merely expressing my gratitude for you turning me back."

Theo: A knowing shiver ran down Theo's spine as he recalled just how intimately he knew those scarves. "I... might recall that..." Theo admonished with coy embarrassment.

His smile curled into a smirk as Xavier protested.

"I didn't think you'd still be so embarrassed over the whole thing, it was quite amusing, and you were such a cute little bird," Theo teased gently, and he nuzzled his nose affectionately to Xavier's. "And I warned you not to go snooping, but someone didn't heed my warnings."

Xavier: Now what sort of boyfriend would Xavier be if he didn't savor that shiver? If he wasn't determined to see Theo well fed after his hunt they'd be in a very compromising situation indeed.

"Embarrassed?" Xavier scoffed. "I was not embarrassed, I was simply...aghast over the situation. And I was most certainly not cute. I make a very dignified looking raven, thank you very much."

He couldn't help but smile, nuzzling Theo back. "I was not snooping, the book fell off the coffee table. Could happen to anyone."

There was a knock at the door, prompting Xavier to gently ease Theo off his lap to avoid one of those compromising situations. As soon as Susana had left the tray, however, Theo was immediately returned to his lap.

Theo: "You were adorable, and very cute when you fluffed up to try and make yourself look bigger," Theo giggled and waited patiently for Xavier to return. "So dignified, especially when you were definitely snooping."

He settled back into Xavier's lap once they were able to settle, and Theo reached for food right away.

"I'm always so happy when I don't have to eat fast food."

Xavier: "I was not snooping!" Xavier laughed, nipping Theo's shoulder the moment he was in range. "It was an accident and it could happen to absolutely anyone. It just happened to happen to me that time." And he was most certainly not adorable.

"Well, there is absolutely nothing fast about this food. Rack of lamb over a bed of wild rice and potato bread with herb butter. Christine outdid herself. Want some wine or tea?"

Theo: Theo laughed and shivered as Xavier nipped his shoulder, and this earned Xavier a kiss.

"Wine, definitely wine," Theo hummed, and he took a bite mixing the lamb and rice. He offered one to Xavier afterwards.

Xavier: Xavier gave Theo an approving smile, taking another kiss. "Marvelous choice, darling." He uncorked the bottle of wine and left it to breathe while Theo fed him.

"Mmm. She's definitely outdone herself. And earned a nice bonus into the bargain."

Theo: "I feel like you're always giving her bonuses, obviously well deserved," Christine deserved every penny Xavier gave her, and it was obvious by Theo's hum of approval. that he wholeheartedly agreed. Theo took another bite for himself, and as he fed Xavier another he took the bottle with his free hand and drank straight from it. Glasses were obviously more appropriate, but after so much time holed up in a hotel room with other hunters, eating nothing but fast food and caring little about the little pleasures in life, Theo wanted wine and he wanted it in his mouth now.

Xavier: "They are indeed. If she ever agrees to make fish and chips and Yorkshire pudding I might just buy her a diamond mine." He chuckled. "But apparently English food is beneath her."

Xavier couldn't help but laugh. Forget pretentious swirling and sniffing and whatever else self-professed wine lovers did; this right here was true appreciation for wine.

"Looks like someone's had their fill of cheeseburgers and filling station beer."

Theo: "If I could cook I'd attempt it for you," Theo grinned, and he set the bottle to the side. "If I could avoid that combination for the rest of my life, I would be happy to," Theo sighed and placed his hands gently on Xavier's shoulders. He squeezed softly, and gave Xavier a look that was contemplative.

"I missed you..." he finally said after a brief moment of silence. his thumbs pressed circles into Xavier's collarbones. "And... I... I was thinking about some things while I was gone this time..."

Xavier: "You could, you know," said Xavier, wrapping his arms loosely around Theo. "I could always come and get you at meal times and take you back afterward. Not only would you avoid eating fast food, we'd get to spend time together during your hunts, even if it was only for an hour or two."

He smiled softly, pulling Theo close so he could nuzzle and kiss him. "I missed you, too, love." He tilted his head. "Oh? What were you thinking about?"

Theo: Theo gently shook his head.

"While I'd love that, I'm not around for mealtimes on a regular basis. Depending on what we're hunting we may not eat for a day or more- or we'll eat things at weird hours so I don't think it'd work logistically. Plus-" Theo kissed Xavier affectionately on the nose, "-you would fuss every time I look like I've missed sleep or a meal, and that's just distracting my love."

Theo nestled into the kisses and the nuzzling, and he returned the affection by wrapping his arms around Xavier's neck and squeezing.

"I..." Theo hesitated, and his lips remained open as if his words had been stolen from his lips, "I... I was thinking... I love you- you love me and- we've been together for some time and I guess... would you... ever want to be... married?" Theo tensed slightly and waited as his thought hung in the air.

Xavier: "I'm the king of keeping weird hours. And I'm a demon, I can poof in and out any time, in the blink of an--" Xavier frowned. "You go days without eating? Theo! You have to take proper care of yourself!" Under any other circumstances it would probably be demoralizing for a demon to be accused of fussing, but this was Theo. His Theo. He'd fuss as much as he had to in order to keep his hunter safe and healthy and whole.

Xavier waited patiently while his boyfriend gathered his thoughts, quietly encouraging to say what was on his mind with more affection. Theo could take an hour as long as Xavier got a chance to keep touching him.

He blinked. That...wasn't what he expected to come out of Theo's mouth. Certainly not fresh off a hunt.

Still....there was no mistaking the soft, affectionate smile that curved his lips at the thought of being married to this gorgeous, wonderful, loving man.

"Yes, love," he said softly, bringing Theo in for a kiss. "I would. And I've a mind to ask you properly one of these days."

Theo: Theo rolled his eyes while an affectionate smile warmed his lips. It was to be expected, Xavier's reaction to knowing Theo sometimes skipped meals while on the job. It was just a part of his work, and as much as Theo appreciated the concern, he wouldn't make excuses to try and cover his ass or appease Xavier's fussing.

"Trust me love, I make up for all of the terrible or missed meals when I'm home. If I have to go on another long hunt like this again, I'll let you poof me to a proper meal okay?" Theo cupped Xavier's face in his hands as he gave his demon kiss. "And you know," he kissed Xavier again with a cheeky smirk on his lips, "you're proving my point about the fussing. It'd only be distracting while on a hunt."

While Theo gathered his thoughts, it was almost difficult to think over Xavier's touch and affections. After a long hunt and so much time apart, it was like they both were starved for each other, and Theo wanted to melt into each nuzzle and kiss.

What Theo wasn't telling Xavier was that- while he'd been able to summon a scythe for protection at the last second, he'd been in a situation that was deadly without it. It brought a lot of things into perspective, including that he wasn't invincible, and there were things he wanted in his life before it was time to go. Be it via a monster or old age, Theo would prefer the later, there was no telling when that would happen in his line of work.

"Really?" Theo asked. His shoulders relaxed, as if a wave of tension were released from them at Xavier's words. Not that Theo believed Xavier would say no, but it was impossible to be completely void of doubt.

Xavier: Xavier nodded, though the frown remained. "Very well, but rest assured that I am absolutely going to hold you to that, even if it means I have to drag you to a proper meal. kicking and screaming." And he absolutely would. Hell, he might even drag Theo to a nap and a shower.

He gave Theo a dry smile. "I can tolerate myself fussing if it means you're taken care of." Although if Mason could see him now, there was no doubt in Xavier's mind that the mocking would be endless.

A warm laugh rumbled in his chest at Theo's reaction. He had practically felt the tension leave him. "You didn't really think I'd say no, did you?" he asked, grinning as he kissed the corner of his mouth. "In what universe would I not want to marry you, darling?"

Theo: Theo gave a gentle sigh, one accompanied by an affectionate smile. He appreciated Xavier's desire to make sure he stayed safe and healthy, but when Theo was on a hunt he was very focused and needed to be so. He only hoped Xavier's insistence wouldn't be a distraction.

"NO- no it's not that..." Theo's cheeks warmed slightly in his embarrassment and he looked a little sheepish through the kisses. "I guess... when you're surrounded by other hunters all the time- it's hard to shake that idea that a hunter and a demon- us- can even be real. The few I've told took some serious convincing, and they pretty much take every opportunity to tell me I'm crazy but..." Theo looked at Xavier with a soft smile. "I knew you wouldn't say no, I just needed to hear it out loud I guess."

Xavier: People did like doing that, didn't they? Being skeptical about their relationship purely because he was a demon and Theo was a hunter. As if every single human relationship lasted and was happy, or every relationship where all parties were the same species for that matter. People loved finding things to pick at.

"Well they're wrong," he said, holding Theo more tightly to reassure them both. "You're not crazy. And if you are, then I'm crazy too and I have to tell you, I'm perfectly okay with that." He rested his forehead against Theo's. "I'd rather be crazy with you than sane without you, and any time you need a reminder I'm more than happy to give you one."

Theo: Warmth swelled in Theo's chest as their foreheads pressed together, and Theo reached up to cup Xavier's face. His thumbs trailed affectionately over Xavier's cheeks as he quietly admired the demon holding him.

"I love reminders from you. I love being crazy with you- if that's what being with you means," he placed a tender kiss on Xavier's lips. "And if you ever need a reminder- I'll always be here to give you one."

Xavier: "I know you will," he whispered, lips lingering on Theo's. Words couldn't express just how much he adored his man, and he'd never, ever have enough life to show him just how grateful he was that he got to be with him. That alone was worth everything he'd been through in his life. He'd happily go Hell again if it meant Theo would be waiting for him on the other side.

"We should finish dinner before our food gets cold. I have...lots to tell you."

Theo: "Agreed," Theo hummed happily, and he dug into some of the food beside them without moving from Xavier's lap. He was always like this after a hunt, clingy and desperate to stay as close to Xavier as possible. He fed Xavier a few bites between his own.

"What have you been up to?"

Xavier: Xavier would never complain about having Theo in his lap. They had to make up for all the days his hunter spent out of it.

"Well..." He took the bite, trying to figure out where to begin and how to begin. "I saw my brother recently. And a few...unsavory friends of his. In Romania."

Theo: Theo continued to eat and offer his love bites of food,

Theo: But he paused when Xavier started to talk. His eyebrow rose and he eyed Xavier curiously.

"Alright... What were you doing in Romania with your brother and these.... Unsavory friends?"

Xavier: "You know the castle I have there? A while back MJ told me of someone who was living in his hometown in North Carolina, someone who was not exactly wanted by the vampire prince that rules there. I helped relocate this person to that castle in Romania. Things were quiet for several months until this person's friends decided they wanted to come looking for him."

Theo: Theo listened with an inquisitive tilt of his head, and the slightest hint of a frown turned down the corners of his mouth. Worry lingered in his eyes, but he waited for Xavier to go on.

Xavier: That look wasn't exactly making Xavier want to continue his story, but he'd already resolved to tell Theo. He needed to tell Theo. He hadn't felt....centered since it had happened.

"I placed wards around the castle because that's what I do and once Mason figured out where the person was he and his friends went to try to get him and MJ told me and it was just...an annoyance." He sighed. "I ended up releasing the person but not before trying to get something out of it for MJ which...I don't even know how to pull off. And I ended up getting into it with Mason--as usual--because he doesn't believe I'm capable of caring for someone and trying to help them and he threatened me and I just...I've had it."

Theo: Theo's frown deepened and his grip tightened on the fork in his hand. He wanted to be angry at Xavier for not mentioning this to him when it was happening, but something told Theo there was more Xavier wanted to say.

"I... Don't understand Xavier- why would Mason be with the ones looking for this person? Why would he say something like that and threaten you? And I'd say myself and our son are proof enough you are capable of caring for someone..."

Xavier: "Apparently he's friends with one of them, or maybe more, I don't know. And in the interest of full disclosure--" Because they were already this far, so why not? "--One of these people is a reaper of some sort and the other, his partner, is a vampire. So my demon brother, a reaper, and a vampire tried to break past my ward to rescue their friend, who is a spider. A werespider."

Xavier heaved a long sigh and let his head against Theo's shoulder. "I don't know if he thinks I can't care about anyone or if he just thinks I always have an ulterior motive. But he basically said that if I didn't release the spider he might just burn our house down again, which we moved past eventually. He has the world's worst opinion of me and that's never going to change. He's never going to be able to see me any differently, no matter what I do or what I say."

Theo: Theo's eyes widened and his eyebrows rose at the mention of a reaper.

"You met another reaper?" he asked, although he knew that wasn't the point Xavier was trying to make. He'd never met another reaper, so he couldn't help the curiosity that held the potential to meet one.

Theo shook his head slightly and returned his focus to Xavier.

"Why didn't you say anything to me?" Theo asked, and as Xavier placed his head against Theo's shoulder Theo's arms wrapped around him, cradling his head and shoulders.

"I'm sorry..." Theo kissed the top of Xavier's head, and his arms gently squeezed. The hand against Xavier's head pet his hair, carding his fingers through the dark locks as Theo listened.

"Your brother really is an ass... I know you want his approval, but I don't understand how he can treat you this way."

Xavier: "I wouldn't say met him as much as encountered him in a rather unpleasant scenario." Xavier's way of saying that he hadn't taken the time for pleasantries.

"I didn't tell you because I didn't give the matter much importance until my brother and his cronies showed up at my castle. What's more, the people in Edenton? They're all insane. Their whole town is overrun by vampires and mess and I want to keep you as far away from that madness as possible."

He liked to think Mason's disapproval didn't get under his skin as much as it had when he was growing up or even in recent years, but Xavier would never turn down comfort and affection from his hunter.

He chuckled. "Yes he is, but then you're biased in my favor, love. And so am I." He shrugged. "Who knows, maybe I do deserve his low opinion even after all these years. We've never been able to sit down and hash out our problems without shouting and arguing."

Theo: The tiniest crease between his brows gave hint to Theo's concern, but he let Xavier finish before saying anything.

"Xavier... us being together means supporting each other, no matter the dangers. I don't exactly have a safe occupation so I'm very, very good at handling myself. And it's even more so now with all of your help with my powers. What I'm trying to say is that you don't have to handle these things by yourself, and if you're going to be involved in that craziness, I'm tied to it as much as you are by choice. You can try to protect me, but I'm always going to be at your side at the end of the day- and I'd like to keep it that way, protecting you as well.

"I like to think I'm able to handle some biases..." Theo pouted defensively, and he nuzzled into Xavier's hair. A smile shortly followed, "I could be a mediator... but as you said, I may be a tad biased."

Xavier: "I know you can," Xavier said softly. He just wished with all his might that Theo didn't have to. He wished he could protect and shield Theo from all the supernatural things on this earth that could hurt him or maim him or negatively affecting him any way.

But it was as Theo said, wasn't it? They were tied to each other's craziness, and not only that, they were tied to it by choice. There had to be some kind of magic in that.

"I'll always try to protect you, always. I can't not do that, but I can promise that if I do anything that has potential for crazy, I'll try to tell you. I don't ever want us to not be at each other's sides."

How could he not return that smile? "Yes, you are. And I love it." He stole a kiss. "Maybe one day Mason and I will sort ourselves out. Maybe."

Theo: "And I'll always protect you, just please- please let me in. I would never forgive myself if something happened to you and I couldn't be there to protect you," They cupped Xavier's face and gave him a slow, meaningful kiss, and then his arms wrapped tenderly around Xavier's neck, pulling him close.

"I hope you can find a common ground with your brother," he started as he pulled away, letting his hands slide slowly down Xavier's chest, "But for now- how about I show you how much I've missed you?" A playful smirk danced in Theo's eyes and he bit his lip.

Xavier: Xavier had to smile at that. A hunter wanting to protect a demon from harm; wasn't that the height of irony? They really were a crazy couple, and he wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.

He let the meaning and weight of the kiss sink in as he returned it in kind, storing it away in his memory just like he did all the other precious moments between them. "I give you my word," he whispered, nuzzling into his hunter's neck and breathing him in.

Oh, my. He recognized that look and the intent of those hands very well. "I see we're done with dinner and moving on to dessert," Xavier said with a chuckle. "What wicked idea is forming in that head of yours, love of mine?"

Theo: Theo smiled fondly at his demon and cupped his face to give him a tender kiss before Xavier nuzzled into him.

"After weeks apart, dessert is one of my favorite parts of getting back home~" he hummed and peppered a few kisses along Xavier's jaw. His hands moved down Xavier's shoulders and over his chest, and they came to rest on Xavier's hips. Theo started to tug up Xavier's shirt, and he bit his lip as he gave Xavier a cheeky grin.

"I have a couple wicked ideas..." he hummed into Xavier's ear as his fingers dipped under the hem of his shirt to dance teasingly over his skin. "Like letting you take me right here..." he trailed off as his hips shifted over Xavier's, grinding slightly, "or maybe moving to the bed and letting me take you..."

Theo: "Or, we could simply lounge on the couch and make out until we fall asleep." Theo purred and gave Xavier a playful grin. no matter what he wanted, Theo simply wanted to be as near to him as possible.

Xavier: He couldn't help another chuckle at that, although this time it sounded more like a low, rumbling purr. "I must say I'm very inclined to agree." He hummed softly at the affection, obligingly shifting positions so those wandering hands could do as they wished with his clothing. He rather hoped Theo would decide to get rid of it altogether. It had been far too long since Xavier had felt his boyfriend's skin against his, and now that he finally had him in his arms again he couldn't resist returning every touch.

"Only a couple?" he murmured, feeling a delicious tingle race up his spine and marveling at it. Who could've guessed his sweet, easily-flustered hunter would one day be this bold? It simply delighted him. "I have thousands." He pulled Theo closer as his hips started to move. He needed to feel more of him. He wanted to feel him harden and heat, wanted to taste him as he did. "All marvelous suggestions, love. Let's combine them, shall we?"

Suddenly Xavier was tightening his hold on Theo and getting to his feet. "Why don't we move into the bedroom so I can drive you absolutely crazy with lust and make love to you until you're too exhausted to move?" A kiss was given to Theo's neck. "How does that sound?"

Theo: Xavier's shirt did not last long as Theo tugged it off, and a moment later Theo's shirt followed suit. He could easily remove the rest with a snap of his fingers, but it was so much fun to do the removing.

He hummed at Xavier's suggestion of combining Theo's many ideas, and in Theo's mind even just one of them would be sufficient as long as it meant closeness with Xavier. He'd come a long way from the shy hunter Xavier had first met, and the distance when he was out on hunts always made him a little more bold with his desires upon his return.

His noise of surprise at being lifted curled into an approving purr as Xavier kissed Theo's neck, and Theo's hand curled into Xavier's hair at the back of his head to give it a gentle tug.

"Thaaat sounds amazing," he agreed as he wrapped his legs around Xavier's waist for support.

Xavier: Even though their clothes were coming off the old-fashioned way, the same couldn't be said for their journey to the bedroom. Or maybe it could. After so much time together Xavier was certain their staff had seen--and heard--much worse things than him carrying Theo into their bedroom while they were both shirtless.

And besides, it would give him that much more time to enjoy having his boyfriend wrapped around him.

"I'm so glad to hear that," he said with a lecherous grin, giving Theo's lovely sensitive collar bone a little love bite as they made their way down the hallway. "What would you like me to do to you, darling? What have you been dreaming of these many, many nights we've been apart?" Another love bite to the other collar bone. He was taking his sweet time walking to their bedroom. "Tell me everything."

Theo: Theo had many, many ideas on how to spend their evening together, but unfortunately for him Xavier always had a way for scrambling his thoughts. Being this close after so long apart seemed to enhance Xavier's ability to do this, and the first bite to Theo's collarbone sent his thoughts askew. The second sent them scattering. He knew he wanted Xavier naked as soon as possible, and part of him regretted not removing all their clothing and poofing them to the bedroom.

Theo shivered, and the skin over his shoulders blushed a soft pink, heating under Xavier's touch. His freckles stuck out against his pale skin, and he took a moment to try and collect himself as he ran his fingers through Xavier's hair. He always took such took care of it, and Theo loved to play with it.

Shyness crept up the back of Theo's neck as his mind scrambled through the fantasies he'd had alone in his hotel room, separating what he wanted to share with Xavier versus what he was too embarrassed to admit aloud. A frustrated huff was puffed into Xavier's ear after a beat of silence.

"There were a lot of nights apart...." Theo started, trying to buy himself some time while keeping up with the mood. He nipped playfully at Xavier's ear. "Anything in particular you want to hear? All the nights I touched myself, the things I put inside me while thinking of you? I thought about you over me- on me- filling me- your heat around me..." Theo purred into Xavier's ear as Theo's tongue traced the lobe. "Although, i think it's unfair if only I share...." he suggested, somewhere between a smirk and a pout.

Xavier: Xavier gave a heartfelt groan. The mental image of Theo lying in bed pleasuring himself while thinking of him was almost enough to make Xavier want to throw teasing to the wind and just give them both what they really wanted.

He almost wanted to do that, but he wouldn't. All this anticipation was simply too exquisite to waste, and he was so looking forward to turning his beautiful hunter into a whimpering, sated mess. They'd have all night--several nights in fact--to get right to the point.

Tonight was for savoring.

He hummed softly, turning his head to catch those lips. He loved that pout almost as much as he loved kissing it away. "I want to hear it all," he murmured, using his telekinesis to open the bedroom door and then shut it behind them. "Were all those things you put inside you enough, love? Did any of them come close to me?"

Theo: Theo pressed into the kiss, his fingers curling into Xavier's hair as his tongue teased past the other's lips. Each of Xavier's kisses eased tension from the pit of Theo's stomach, melting his anxiety from their time apart into a low, throbbing heat. The words that followed made Theo flush and harden against his jeans, in a way that Theo knew Xavier could feel against his stomach.

"No...." Theo replied, his voice hitching on the edge of a needy whine. He buried his face into Xavier's shoulder. "It was never enough, it only made me want you more- like I couldn't scratch an itch...I" he breathed into Xavier's ear. His fingers uncurled from Xavier's hair to rake down the back of his neck, the other raked across his shoulder.

Xavier: He absolutely could feel it, and he gloried in Theo's reaction to him just as much as he gloried in Theo's kisses.

Xavier felt himself throb at that whine, humming again and feeling a shiver race down his spine in the wake of Theo's questing fingers. He'd missed him so much. He missed him when he was gone for a day; several days might as well have been an eternity.

"My poor darling," he cooed, kissing Theo's shoulder. "You needed me to fill you up, didn't you? Couldn't bear to feel so empty and achy for such a long time without your demon." The other shoulder was kissed, then his neck, then his jaw.

Theo: Xavier always had a way of saying things that made Theo melt and squirm, and to say Theo hated it would be a complete and utter lie. A shudder ran through Theo as Xavier nailed Theo's needs right on the head, and Theo's head tiled back to expose his neck as Xavier's lips traveled over his skin.

"Mhmm..." Theo nodded and bit his lip, feeling his need to finally be filled by his demon swell into an unbearable ache. Substitutes could only do so much for him, nothing was like the real thing, and instead of miles- now Theo was only a few layers of fabric away from what he really needed.

"Please," Theo breathed, a small tremble in his voice, "I don't want to wait any more, Xavier." He tugged gently at Xavier's hair, pulling his head back so Theo could kiss him fully, enveloping Xavier's lips with his own in a desperate plea for more.

Xavier: Those spoken and unspoken pleas were tugging at him, making him want to abandon his plan of loving torment more and more with each passing moment. After so many weeks apart the promise and desire of burying himself in that warm welcoming body were bordering on maddening, as was the need to touch and kiss and savor.

Maybe he could have both. He could definitely have both.

While Xavier's lips focused on devouring Theo's, his hands set to purpose, slowly starting to undress them both, smoothing over that soft pale skin. Would it be easier to just snap his fingers and disrobe them both? Of course. But that would deny him the pleasure of slowly exposing his hunter's beautiful body.

Theo: Theo could do little more than continue to hold himself up as Xavier continued to undress them, so instead Theo focused on touching every part of Xavier he could. With so long apart, he'd missed Xavier's warmth, his touch, his smell, and Theo wanted to drown himself in it until it all was a part of him. Unfortunately for Theo, it didn't seem like Xavier was going to give him what he wanted just yet, so Theo tried to stave off his hunger with the reachable parts of Xavier he loved.

The press of Xavier's chest against his own was just a taste of Xavier's heat, and Theo's fingers eagerly traced the familiar lines of muscle with his fingers. He met Xavier's kisses with needy ones of his own, and he parted from them only for a moment- enough time to kiss Xavier's neck and leave a tender red mark against his skin.

Xavier: Theo was so beautiful when he got like this, needy and desperate for any and everything that Xavier could give him. And Xavier didn't hesitate to give Theo his entire being; he never denied him a single kiss or the comfort of his embrace or his warmth when he was cold, not a single smile, not a single moment of his time or an ounce of his love. All that he was and all that he had was Theo's.

Xavier hummed as his hunter's hands set to exploring, groaning when he was lovingly marked. "Eager, aren't we, love?" Shirts were tossed away, then pants, then boxers. Xavier finally took the liberty of summoning some necessary supplies, if only so he could put all his focus on kissing and licking and nipping his way down Theo's body.

Theo: The only time Theo ever felt truly complete was when he was with Xavier. He was indulgent to Theo's every whim, he showered Theo with praise and attention, and he made Theo feel as if he were Xavier's entire world. Theo was not one to take advantage of that kind of love, and he reciprocated it in any way he could. He wanted Xavier to feel their connection even when they were apart, to know Theo loved him just as tenderly, just as passionately and deeply- and they had that- a connection Theo would never have fathomed before he met Xavier. Times like this brought them even closer together, and it was only easy to lose himself in this because Xavier made it so. He made it safe. In a world where Theo had never truly known what safety meant- Xavier had found the way to calm the parts of him that were always on guard, always ready to defend himself. Xavier had found a way to break those walls and melt Theo's heart, and Theo only wanted to do the same.

"Ngh..." Theo shuddered, his back arching off the bed the further down Xavier's lips travelled. "What- what gave me away?" He asked breathily. It was a little difficult to think now that Xavier’s lips were approaching his half-hard length- but he suddenly tensed and his eyes widened with surprise.

"O-oh! Wait- wait- I- I meant to- this- this may not be the best time but- I can’t wait- " with a snap of his fingers a little black ring box appeared in his hand, following a puff of black, swirling, smoke-like tendrils, and his cheeks flushed as he sat himself up and offered Xavier the box- his cheeks red and his expression a little sheepish.

"I... I wanted be more romantic and give it to you while we were eating but... I got distracted by someone so you’re partially to blame- but- Since I'm wearing mine...." He holds up his hand to reveal his ring, the one given to him by Xavier on his finger. "I thought... Maybe...."

Theo: And inside was a ring.

Xavier: Xavier immediately ceased his movements, concern written all over his face as he looked up at his beloved. Concern that practically melted away and was replaced by pure surprise as the little box appeared in Theo's hand and was extended toward him.

And his first thought was that this was by far the most romantic thing that had ever been done for him. Not to mention fitting; so many of their precious moments happened when they were both naked in this bed.

He cleared his throat against the sudden swell of emotion that seemed to have lodged inside it. He loved this man so, so much. "This couldn't be any more romantic if you tried," he said, chuckling softly.

Xavier held out his hand. "Go on then. We might be naked but it's only proper you put it on my finger."

Theo: The concern on Xavier's face was so adorable that Theo almost felt bad for bringing up the ring, the moments that followed made it worth it.

"I mean- are you sure?" Theo asked with a teasing sparkle in his eyes, "I thought maybe candles, flowers, chocolates...." He set the box to the side after pulling out the ring, and he caught Xavier's as he slipped the ring onto his finger.

"It fits..." he grinned and leaned forward to steal a quick kiss. "I love you."

Xavier: Xavier smiled and nodded. "I'm sure. There is no amount of candles or flowers or chocolates that could ever be as romantic as you pulling a ring from the air while we're naked and I'm about to make love to you after a long absence."

His smile got even wider as the ring slid neatly onto his finger. "It does," he said softly. "Perfectly." Like it was always meant to be there.

The quick kiss wasn't enough. Xavier settled over his hunter and pulled him close to kiss him properly. "I love you, too."

Theo: Theo laughed softly as he was laid back over the bed, and the happiness that swelled in his chest as Xavier settled over him made him feel as if he might burst. He savored the kiss, with the cold press of his own ring weighted perfectly on his finger, and he wondered if this was a dream. How could he be so lucky?

Theo's arms wrapped around Xavier, and his hands slid slowly up his back, drawing him closer.

"Have I ever told you- you make me happier than I ever thought I could be?" He asked against Xavier's lips. Theo had in fact told Xavier this many times, in this exact same way, and he had no intention of stopping.

Xavier: "You might have," Xavier murmured against his fiance's lips. His gorgeous, wonderful, loving fiance. "Once or twice. Maybe." His lips began their descent again, paying special attention to Theo's collar bones, to his nipples. "But I wouldn't mind hearing it again." Lower, to the soft hair above his groin, to the base of his shaft.

Theo: Theo laughed softly and cupped Xavier's face in his hands as they kissed.

"Well I'll say it again and again, until the end of time," Theo's hands shifted to trail through Xavier's hair, and they stopped only when Xavier's lips found his collarbone. He shivered and let out a shaky breath, followed by a moan as Xavier moved to his nipples. The attention made him flush and his length harden, and the skin on his shoulders and cheeks turned a soft pink. His grip in Xavier's hair tightened as heat pooled between his hips, and they arched up the further down Xavier moved.

Xavier: And Theo questioned the romance of the moment. Nothing could be more romantic than the poetic intimacy in the way they knew each other and connected, in the way Theo's breath stuttered or the way his hips moved just so. They knew Xavier's lips as well as Xavier's lips knew them and that? That was the height of romance.

He placed a kiss to each beautiful prominent hip bone and took Theo's erection all the way to the hilt. He needed the taste and feel and heat of him like he needed air. He needed to tease and prepare his body.

Theo: Theo's fingers, carding through Xavier's hair, gripped and tightened as the heat of Xavier's mouth suddenly surrounded him. Theo's length throbbed as he let out a stuttering gasp, and Xavier's name tangled with a moan behind Theo's lips.

"G-gods, I love you," Theo mewled as a perfect warmth swelled in his chest.

#Reunited Revelations #changingthelights #theobrandr #illneverbesohelplessagain

1 note · View note