"I Consecrate my Soul to Thee" Witch/Demon AU

[zauberdecke]

[ There was a very specific reason why Essek was here at this moment.

All around him was gathered components, and within his hand he held chalk with which he was drawing the familiar pentagram that would assist in his mission. For his entire life, he had been gatekept, he came from a long line of witches, all of them female; the power passed down through matriarchal laws and blood-- from woman to woman.

However he was the black sheep, the one who had been given far more power than was comfortable for the bloodline in which it had been strictly locked up. Because of this, no female line could inherit and even right now etched into his chest was a binding spell that was unbreakable though oh, how he had tried. It had been placed there by he who he had been given in marriage to; locked until at which point a female was conceived which would then continue the line downward.

There was nothing more vengeful than a cat who had been caged, and right now Essek Thelyss was out for blood and perhaps even a healthy dose of revenge. There was that intrinsic longing for freedom to do what he wanted, not wanting to be bound by tradition to a familial coven who cared more about the line than him. He wanted to put a stop to it, perhaps even get this angry scar of a sigil on his chest removed, wanting night upon night of assault to end.

He did not care what he summoned, the only thing he wanted was for whatever power he could bid to rise to invoke retribution, to free him. Logically he knew that he would be entrusting his fate into the devil he did not know-- but at this point in time, that seemed far preferrable.

And that was how he had roped Alex into this. Someone who was well versed in the rituals if not well practiced; he could not do this alone because there was so much that could go wrong. Best to have two hands in it, even though he knew that it was not Alex's job to intervene but rather to 'watch' but he was desperate, and Alex knew how much he hated Adeen.

Desperate times called for desperate measures, and it was then that Essek finished the circle and then set his chalk down gently. ]

The circle is complete, the components are gathered.. it is time.

Comments

[internationalrelations]

[Bren turned into Essek to let his lips leave a kiss against one sharp cheekbone, following it with a nuzzle, all sweetness in affection. Very demonic, of course. He looked undeniably pleased at Essek's agreement.

He followed along with the drow, close enough to not break contact until he had to just long enough to let his pactkeeper undress.]

Of course, Schatz.

--

Yeah, miracles of modern tech.

[An amused little huff.] For the ancient demonic prince of Hell. Gotta give you credit for keeping up with the times, grandpa.

[Alex was relaxing, and needling at his demon for fun. It was done with full affection though, especially at those latter words. He opened his eyes to look up at Henry, taking in his features from his current vantage point. He was beautiful, like something from a painting by one of the old masters made flesh. Everything about him made Alex's heart struggle to remember that it's job was beating and not fluttering like a twitterpated bird caught in the cage of his ribs.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Perhaps there was a little bit of seductive flourish to it; because Bren made him feel like a sensual creature-- someone who was powered by something other than logic. Unveiling a part that had been long buried, so buried that even Essek had not known it existed.

The same Essek that had danced against Bren, letting the music guide him.

First the shirt discarded, and then the tight leather pants that was shoved down hips, and then he stepped out of them with a little shimmy-- very soon revealing an expanse of skin-stars. ]

--

If Henry wasn't so intent on driving, he would've preened in a way that was very much suited to the Prince of Hell; but instead he was keeping his eyes on the road and for the most part managing to keep within the lines. There was only a few swerves, but only because of the people who rudely used their brights. ]

It is my experience that gives you orgasms, so perhaps you shouldn't knock it.. Whippersnapper.

[ Yes, he just did-- his voice absolutely answering to the tease in Alex's. ] It seems as if you are rebounding quite nicely from whatever it was that Miguel did to you.

[internationalrelations]

[Bren was entirely too happy to be part of Essek's awakening as a sexual creature who understood just how alluring he truly was. The demon was a fool for him, though that was true whether Essek was stripping seductively or curled up in a chair with a book with a lap that was perfect for a wayward orange cat to curl up in.

So maybe Bren was a little distracted by the shimmying. It was a very nice shimmy.

He shook himself out of the reverie enough to turn on the water and get the shower to warming up. Bren moved to step beneath the spray, holding a hand out towards Essek, beckoning him to join him.]

--

[Alex had apparently chosen to trust in Henry's driving skills entirely because he was entirely relaxed leaning up against his demon. His shoulders shook with a laugh at Henry's retort. He liked it, the easy banter that they'd found themselves falling into like a second nature.

Henry was a challenge in the best way.]

Mm... that is a good point. And you are good at that.

[Alex would give him that accolade because it was incredibly deserved.]

I guess so. I feel like I can think clearly again. [And then quieter.]

I don't know what would've happened if you hadn't found me. [Yes he did. He knew, and he didn't like thinking about it at all. But he didn't have to, because Henry had found him.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek was now naked, clothes discarded to the side where they had no use. Then he glances at Bren from just underneath those lush snow lashes before he then took the hand held out to him and then stepped into the spray, though in front of Bren.. free to be held within the circle of those arms.

It was easy to press up against that body, to feel the warm steam spray engulf him.

Bren with those dark red waves plastered to his cheeks and to his forehead, those blue eyes that made him feel safe and protected. He wants to stay there forever if at all possible-- but he has so much time, at least he thinks that he may. ] I want to spend forever with you... [ Those words come unbidden. ]

--

I would always find you, there is not a world in which I wouldn't.

[ He says this, there is intent there underneath the surface, and if he had not found Alex in time-- then Miguel could very well have signed his own death certificate. In fact the jury was out on how long Miguel's expiration window was. All depending, it would not be very long at all.

But he was looking for Miguel to grow bold, so that he could make it worse for him.

There were now two others watching his every move-- he would not get very far. ] Because I love you madly and deeply.

[internationalrelations]

[Looking at him that way was not even remotely fair. Bren was transfixed by him, by the way he moved. He wrapped his arms around Essek once the other man was close enough, urging him close once more. His hands splayed against his back, running up the curve of his spine.

The water was hot and exquisite against his skin, and Essek was perfect in his arms.

Those words had his eyes widening though, arms tightening around him.]

I only ever want to be by your side. As long as you will have me.

--

[Alex had never in his life felt so... protected. Taken care of. There went his heart again, fluttering and tripping over itself. He turned his head to press a kiss to Henry's shoulder, through the fabric of his shirt, burying his face there because he was more than a little overcome.

This was what love felt like, wasn't it? Simultaneously vast and incomprehensible and small and simple enough to tuck straight into his chest and make itself a home.]

I love you too.

[zauberdecke]

[ There was no easy way for Essek to say that he belonged to Bren.. with Bren. So instead he turned in those arms so that he was resting back to front, allowing himself to lean against the other man, and he was at a height where the top of his head tucked rather neatly into that curve of neck.

He'd never thought that he could ever want something like this and yet here he was. And Bren's hand rested right against his navel now, palm flat and just underneath that little pearl of something that glowed with energy. ]

Then you shall never be rid of me.

--

[ Henry's heart was no proof to it, and there was truth to the matter that Alex had paved the way quite adeptly; he'd been in love and entranced before Alex even knew of his existance. Like one of those Princes who had been shown a picture of a potential bride and had been enchanted before the initial meeting.

And it only got better from there. ] You cannot say things like this, I may crash because you made my eyes flush with feeling.

[ He warned, though me managed to turn on the road to Alex's apartment building-- he was managing well enough, and so far no light poles had been run into. ]

[internationalrelations]

[Bren loosened his hold just enough to not hamper Essek turning in his embrace. He turned to press a kiss through wet strands of white hair, letting his eyes shut for a moment.]

Good. I would never wish to.

[Ever. He'd been waiting for his entire life to find Essek. He was certain of that, that every choice he had made had somehow led him here, to this brilliant, complicated, beautiful creature.

His hand had indeed settled against Essek's abdomen, and after a moment he realized there was something else just beyond his touch. Something small but already powerful, something that was in the process of becoming and oh. Oh Hells.

Bren stiffened. He... oh what would Essek say? Would he hate him for this? Even if the idea of creating a child with this man made something in his own chest ache with a yearning that he couldn't hope to quell.]

--

Shut up.

[King of romance, Alex Claremont-Diaz. But he was flushed and smiling, hiding the expression against Henry's shoulder.]

You started it anyway.

[I love you madly and deeply, Henry had said. And he'd meant it. To Alex! Of all people!] Besides... look, we made it.

[zauberdecke]

[ There was always the possibility of pregnancy with drow men though it was rare; that had not stopped Adeen from attempting though. But if Bren felt the energy, it definitely held vestiges of both Bren and Essek, fire and gravity forming into one-- coalescing into a shell of a child.

This was undoubtedly Bren's.

Essek was the mother of his child-- something that perhaps the other demon had never thought would happen? As it was Essek leaned back in those arms, a soft purr of contentment as he felt the hand press warmly there. ]

--

[zauberdecke]

[ There was always the possibility of pregnancy with drow men though it was rare; that had not stopped Adeen from attempting though. But if Bren felt the energy, it definitely held vestiges of both Bren and Essek, fire and gravity forming into one-- coalescing into a shell of a child.

This was undoubtedly Bren's.

Essek was the mother of his child-- something that perhaps the other demon had never thought would happen? As it was Essek leaned back in those arms, a soft purr of contentment as he felt the hand press warmly there. ]

--

You are a brat and I will not shut up.

[ Henry said as he wisely steered the car to a spot that was not near any other cars, best not to test his luck. Once done, he raked his fingers through his hair-- turned the ignition off and then jumped out... but so he could open the door for Alex.

Like a true gentleman. ]

May I see you home?

[internationalrelations]

[Bren had not anticipated this. That was on him, really. Now his mind was racing as he tried to figure out what he was going to do, how he was going to break this to Essek, explain it to him.

This was his doing, and he had to be honest about it. To the mother of his child.

Bren pressed a kiss to his temple, holding the pressure of his lips there a long moment.]

My treasure... there is something I need to tell you. [If he sounded scared, it was because he was.]

--

Yeah but you love me.

[Alex argued back, settling back into his seat and unfastening his seatbelt. He was about to reach for his door to open it when he found it opened for him instead. Looking up there was his prince charming, standing right in front of him.

Ducking his head with a laugh, he reached for Henry's hand and got himself out of the car. A dizzy sway, but he kept his feet.]

Are you going to try to kiss me goodnight at the door and everything?

[zauberdecke]

[ What Bren did not account for was that it took two to make a child, that it was not wholly his doing that the drow was pregnant with his child, it was a combination of intrepid seed and receptive fertile land.

And it had not occurred to him to use any sort of protection because Adeen never did in the hopes of just this.

But back to the moment, to Essek-- the kiss was nice, he liked the faint pressure of warm lips against his skin. It was hard not to lean instinctively in to catch more of that kiss, more of that pressure for his own; it made him ridiculously affectionate here in the shower where he found himself gravitating toward the Demon's very warm body that promised all sorts of things-- not just pleasure, but safety and warmth. ]

Mmmmmm? [ He said as he rested his head back and arched his spine but only so that he could be pet some more by those skillful hands. His words like a cat's tail formed a question mark. ]

--

[ No fear, Henry was there with his princely arms to wrap around that waist. They were of the same height but that didn't necessarily mean that Alex didn't deserve the chivalry treatment; also remember-- this was the man who lived through the knights of eld.

He would've made a great knight, dare we say 'one hell of a knight'.

Ahahaha, not funny at all. ] I do love you and I have a feeling that is going to fill me with a lot of joy and a lot of chagrin. [ Every time they each said something lame, the other could mentally calculate who was truly the lame; the loved or the lover. ]

[internationalrelations]

[To hell with Adeen. But Bren knew without a doubt that the little life he could feel taking root inside the drow had nothing to do with that awful excuse for a man that called himself Essek's husband. This was his spawn, his and his pactkeeper's, and there was that yearning in him at that thought again, of wanting something that he couldn't possibly have. Demons were not meant to love and be loved. Demons were not meant to have happy little families.

But oh Bren wanted it.

And he wanted to fold Essek into his arms and lavish him with affection while the drow was being so thoroughly adorable and affectionate and instead, he was splaying his hand flat against his abdomen, his other moving to settle against his chest, above his heart.]

I have done something to you without your permission. It was not my intention. I did not even stop to consider... but it's done. And you need to know, Essek Thelyss.

--

[Wow. But okay accurate. Henry would have indeed made one Hell of a knight. He was still doing a pretty good likeness of one, all the chivalry that Alex had never in his life had directed his way before. He found himself surprised just how much he liked it, but he was also certain much of that was because it was Henry. He couldn't imagine not liking anything about the demon, even when he found him infuriating there was a charm to it, a draw. A pull.

He leaned into the other man, enjoying the solid presence at his side, the arm around him.]

Yup. All part of the services I offer. Joy. Chagrin. [He started ticking them off on his fingers.] Whimsy. Endearment. Fury. [Sheer dumbfounded how is this idiot still alive?? moments. Feral chaos gremlin energy.] Sex. Cuddles. Occasional breakfast in bed. Basically full service, you know?

[zauberdecke]

[ There was a solemnity to Bren's voice that Essek had noticed, it caused him to still within the frame of his rare playfulness. Those eyes that had almost been slow-blinking up at Bren had opened until the demon could see the seriousness held within those galaxy eyes.

What could Bren possibly have done that he did not consent to? That could not be possible nor could it be right, he turned but only halfway-- the hand could still remained splayed, as well as the palm to his chest just over his heart.

He did not pull away. ] As I recall, everything that has happened between them.. I have given my consent to.

--

[ Breakfast in bed? Henry had never once in his life had breakfast in bed-- Pizza had been a new revelation for him too, but it had been delightful; extra pineapple, thank you. But he imagined Alex doing that for him, and it made him melt in such a warm and drippy way. He was a candle and he was melting, because Alex had lit him.

Nowhere in the Hell Handbook had he been prepared for this.

He kept his own arm firm and steady, likely the drugs would still be flowing through Alex's bloodstream for the rest of the evening; best to make him as comfortable as possibly while they waited it out. ] ]

Dare I ask what your specialty for breakfast in bed is?

[internationalrelations]

[And Bren kept his arms around him, secure and firm, yes, but the moment Essek moved to pull away, to push him away, he would release him. He was expecting it to happen. After all, what right did he have to do what he'd done? Unintentional as it may have been. The guilt was worsened by the echo in his own heart of how much he desired it anyway.

Blue eyes met the star-flecked sky of Essek's twilight gaze, and Bren made his confession.]

We've kindled a life within you. You are carrying the spark that will become our child. I didn't think... ah. Ja. That is it. I did not think. I did not think to take the proper precautions. It's so rare for it to even be a possibility that... [He stopped talking, not wanting to begin making excuses for what he had done and not done.]

--

[Alex, more and more, found himself awash in just how much he adored this drippy candle of a man that he'd handed his heart and soul to. He let Henry support him more than he normally would have wanted to. Being so vulnerable was not usually his strongest suit. The Talamasca did not permit shows of weakness, not with their business. That was how agents died. Or were forcibly retired.

But then he'd bargained with a demon, decided to embrace the repressed blood of his witch ancestors that course through him, thrown all caution to the wind -- he was already running down a checklist of how to get fired from the Talamasca. He would be fortunate if he weren't disappeared and kept to be studied at this point. It was fine. He'd burn that bridge when he came to it.

For now, he grinned.]

I've got a couple. I make a mean huevos rancheros. [Of course, putting salsa on most things made them immediately amazing so not a high bar there.] My Abuela taut me her recipes for tamales. And my blueberry pancakes are, if I say so myself, pretty epic.

[zauberdecke]

[ At first Essek paid attention to the nuance of Bren's tone, the way that he seemed almost nervous-- the faintest of trembling of fingers right against his stomach-- a flutter. Then came the words that sank into his psyche and settled there. A life within and wasn't that a very poetic way of putting it; that had to sink in.

Adeen had attempted to get him pregnant, but to no avail; did not stop him from trying of course. He had actually thought it would not be possible, and he had been quite content with that. But Bren told him that he was breeding in so many words, and he knit his brows together. ] How.. how do you know that I am...?

[ He had not pushed Bren aside, that was a good start. But he was asking questions, because as a scholar it was natural instincts to. ]

--

Huevos... Rancheros?

[ You must pardon him, Alex-- however he had not had any proper mexican food aside from what Alex had made in the apartment for the past few days; he was so out of the loop that it would be one new experience after another. ]

I am familiar with blueberries and pancakes, just not together.

[ Man Alex, you were going to open this Demon's world in so many ways. ]

[internationalrelations]

[Bren was honestly surprised that Essek hadn't wrested away from him yet, but he did not dare hope that this would last. He knew it must be a lot to take in, that the drow was probably wrapping his mind around it all.

Still, the question drew a soft, tender brush of his thumb against the other man's navel where it rested.]

I can feel them. Small but already so strong. Their life, their power... a mix of yours, and of my own.

--

[Oh. Oh Henry. Alex turned to look at him as best he could while still walking and still relying on Henry to help him keep his balance as they made their way back into his apartment.]

Eggs. Tortillas. Salsa on top. Little bit of pico de gallo, maybe an avocado slice or two.

[And not even blueberry pancakes?? A sigh.]

You are a babe in the woods, Grandpa. I have so much to teach you.

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek was thinking clearly about what was being revealed; that he was pregnant and it was not Adeen's child; that already made it far better than if he had thought it had been-- he placed his hand over Bren's almost delicately. The complete opposite of drawing away, more to keep Bren there, he looked down at the wet hands joined over his navel and then he took a deep breath. ]

But Adeen does not know that it is anyone's child but his, this child.. our child can be used to keep me from visiting Adeen's bed. [ That was a mercy, such a beautiful mercy-- and he could almost feel the mist welling up in his eyes; that meant that he could be free from Adeen's bed.

Forever.

It also meant that they would have to work within a set time frame now. ] Eight months to make him pay and then make our escape.

--

I am...

[ He said as kept Alex steady, he would not point out that it was him that was keeping the other man steady while they walked. Though it was true that Alex was going to teach him so much about things, food, places-- all of the things that he had been missing out. ] I suppose you could say that I spent most of my time reading classical literature in hell; I've had very little time to go out-- and the last time I truly did was the late 70s, early 80s.. and that was a different beast.

[internationalrelations]

[Bren reflexively tightened his arms around Essek as that hand settled over his own. Our child was what drew tears into his own eyes and he turned to press his face into Essek's wet hair, steadying himself to not dissolve into as much a mess as he felt himself to be.]

Our child.

[He agreed.] Adeen will not touch you again. This will make certain of that, ja.

[And beyond that.] I will take care of you. Of both of you.

--

[Alex managed to fish his housekey out from his pocket and fumbled a few times to jab it into the lock and get the door open. It was not his finest showing given his current state of being.]

Wow. You're such a nerd.

[But the words sounded fond, endeared even. He was a smitten fool of a man in love right now. Likely always would be.]

That's all right. I'll show you everything. Starting with huevos rancheros.

[zauberdecke]

[ He could think strategically about it; it was yet another protective barrier around him and one that was invaluable; he had not yet really thought about what it would mean to be a mother but it would fill his waking moments, his fingers curved over Bren's nevertheless. ] I am not unhappy about this, I did not expect to become a mother.. or even to want to become a mother, but I do not mind it if it is not Adeen's.. if it is yours.

[ The more he sat with it, the more he would be enamored with the thought of having a child, and that protective instinct would surge within him. ] Now, I do not mean to veer from the conversation but I think that the fact that I shall never have to have sex with Adeen again bears some sort of celebration...

--

You are not going to show me Huevos Rancheros now though, I do not think that I trust you to be in the kitchen; you will let me cook for you. [ Toasted Cheese, it would be better if Alex did have something to settle the stomach. ] How are you feeling, dizzy? Nauseous?

[ He was inquiring as he pushed hte door open and then guided Alex into the quiet house, and he was the one who shut the door behind them-- firmly and securely locking it. ] You should have some water, that will also help flush the drug from your system.

[internationalrelations]

I... I am glad. Very glad. I never hoped to have children of my own, but I...

[He would have hoped if he'd been braver, if he hadn't expected he didn't deserve anything even remotely like that.]

This child is a piece of you. I will love them as I love you, with every beat of my heart until my existence ceases.

[Oh yeah by the way, Essek, he loved you. A lot. Truly, madly, deeply. Full Savage Garden.]

--

Yessir.

[Alex gave a very woozy little salute at that order.]

You're the chef tonight.

[He looked surprised at the question. How did Henry know? ...oh right because he was drugged and it was not remotely subtle what had happened.]

I'm a little dizzy, but I'm fine. Nothing to worry about. Just a bit woozy.

[zauberdecke]

[ Wait.. what?

Essek looked up at Bren with those wide eyes that did not know how to comprehend this. Tell him he was pregnant and he could take it with a grain of salt, could accept it-- perhaps even with far more grace then he would've if it was anyone elses. But Bren just.. did he? His fingers clutched against hand, because just like Bren-- he did not think himself worthy of love.

Desire yes, many desired him and he ignored so many of them.

But love? His voice spoke. ] You cannot possibly be.. in love with me? [ He knew he was beautiful, but that was not the same as being loveable now was it. ]

--

You are also not leaving my sight.

[ Henry said as he very carefully steered him toward the kitchen. ] You will mark it against a counter and avoid all open flames, knives and heaven objects. [ This was a direct order and Henry could be push and autocratic, he was not afraid to throw his weight around.

[ Because I won't let you do anything remotely fun, you are free to tell all the horrible jokes you want, without fear of reprisal.

[internationalrelations]

[Bren seemed to realize what he had said right about the same time that Essek did, and he could feel the heat rising in his face. He blushed more than one might expect a powerful demon to blush. Honestly he was a terrible excuse for a demon all things considered.

And that cat was out of the bag. Bren would not deny the truth of it, when it was a singular, unassailable truth.]

How could I be anything but? [It wasn't even a possibility. He looked down into those unfathomable eyes.] My brilliant, resilient treasure. I have watched you for so long now. I have seen everything you are, how strong you remain despite what was taken from you.

--

Bossy...

[Alex muttered, but he wasn't really fussing for anything but show. He knew that Henry was right, that he was in no state to be left to his own devices. And that he currently had no business near anything sharp or open flame or well, much of anything.]

Wow. My jokes are great. But fine, for the night, this is Hell's Kitchen.

[And so it began]

[zauberdecke]

[ Not a terrible excuse, a perfect ones.

Essek watched the way that emotion changed Bren; the naked longing that had been imprinted upon those features, the windows to the soul that could only be authentic. Such a strange mixture of hard and soft, he'd seen the way that the Demon had been protective at the club, had seen the sheer possessiveness. But he did not think he deserved nice things, that was clearly obvious by the way that he held himself now-- resembling as a wet bedraggled cat here in the shower.

He slipped his hand from Bren's and then buried those slender skillful fingers in the wet tangled locks of Bren's hair, and then he slipped on his tip toes until mouth met mouth, wet from the misted shower. Essek was not good at words, but he was learning at this, and so he communicated with his kiss and with the body that pressed up so sweetly to Bren's. ]

--

You know, just because of that-- I will up the Ante.

[ Henry said as with one hand he went to reach for a loaf of bread that was twisted and tucked. He furrowed his brows and searched for the twist tie of which there was nothing. ]

But before that, we seriously need to get you a bread box.

[ Once he opened the bag of bread, he unbuttoned his shirt so that Alex could get a nice view of his chest as he cooked; this was the ante of course. It was rather helpful to be a demon of whom flames/oil spatters were impervious to. He then opened the door to survey the cheese options. ] Alright, what are we working with here.

[ Henry already knew he would do the grocery shopping in this household. Where was the Brie? Burrata? Camembert? ]

[internationalrelations]

[Bren didn't need the words. Bren did not expect they would be returned, after all. The fact that Essek had decided not to pull away from him was still a miracle. So imagine Bren's surprise as those fingers sank into his hair and he was being kissed.

Life had never been better, really.

He circled his arms around the drow more securely and kissed him back like he was receiving a blessing from a heaven that he had never dreamed of being allowed to glimpse.]

--

...a bread box? Seriously?

[Alex echoed, eyebrows lifting. Did people still own those? His old fashioned ancient demon. The unbuttoning was not lost on him though, and his interest was quite adeptly piqued.

Cheese options, however, would likely leave Henry disappointed. There were American "cheese" slices in there. And some decent shredded cheddar and cheddar mixes. But nothing more than what one might expect a single bachelor who regularly ate handfuls of said shredded cheese at midnight standing barefoot in his kitchen would have in his fridge.

Alex could cook. Alex just did not often bother, when it was only himself.]

[zauberdecke]

[ There was no doubt about it that Essek felt a great tenderness for this Demon, but he also felt quite a bit of lust that was perhaps inspired by those words. Also lust, because he still was quite a bit frisky from their club expedition; and with the promise of his lover in the shower with him. His fingers clung tightly to Bren while he bit at that lower lip.

Oh yes, he was feeling like he wanted Bren in this moment, such was the very pointed urgency of the kiss-- the biting of teeth and the way that Essek's body all but wanted to melt against Bren's form as if he was the water droplets kissing that skin. ]

--

A bread box is a perfectly valid part of any kitchen. [ And so was such things as a whisk, a hand mixer, perhaps one of those non-electric can-openers where you wedged it against the can and then you pulled back the tin? He was for the most part uncertain of modern conveniences, the fridge and the sound that the ice maker made netted it more then a few rather sus looks. ]

I am going to the market tomorrow, and you are coming with me.

[ He said this with something akin to resolute while he started to coat a few pieces of bread liberally with butter, and thank god it was real butter and not margarine. He would have had a fit. Though Alex did have milk so he could make butter.. and possibly cheese if he was feeling desperate. ]