[ 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.
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.
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Date: 2025-03-27 02:57 am (UTC)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.
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Date: 2025-03-27 03:20 am (UTC)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]
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Date: 2025-03-27 12:14 pm (UTC)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? ]
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Date: 2025-03-28 01:31 am (UTC)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.]
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Date: 2025-03-28 01:44 am (UTC)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. ]
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Date: 2025-03-28 02:30 am (UTC)His hands slide over water-damp skin, down to grip at slender hips, to urge them closer. Yeah, no cleaning was happening in here. Oh well. Dirtying was more fun anyway. They could worry about clean later.]
--
Sure, yeah. Breadbox. Should we get a butter churn too? Some jello molds?
[Alex couldn't actually think of any other old fashioned kitchen things. He'd struggled on that last one, going from colonial times straight into the 1950s. Either way.]
We can go to the market though. Whatever you want, Baby.
[He was not inclined to say no to Henry. Besides, he really really liked the idea of doing something so purely domestic with the other man.]
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Date: 2025-03-28 02:39 am (UTC)Perhaps that was what had caused this child growing within him, that unalterable heat that had translated it to something that had made all of the stars align. He had been absolutely pliant to Bren's body to the point where he had needed very little preparation at all, just a slide and Bren could be inside him.
And gods, he ached for him in a way that defied all reason. ]
--
[ Simp...
Also Henry did give Alex a look at the term butter churn though he said matter of factly, as he turned on the oven-- after all a proper english cheese toast was done underneath the broiler of the oven. Of which he was spreading the cheese rather generously over the top of it, along with a little salt and pepper. ]
You can make butter in a jar too...
[ He set the pan on the top of the stove, six pieces of cheese toast because well-- drinking made one hungry and also it would do to get Alex something inside his stomach to soak up those drugs. ]
This time confuses me a little, so many... gadgets I guess is the word for it?
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Date: 2025-03-28 03:12 am (UTC)He broke away from Essek's lips to let his mouth wander down and along his jaw, his neck, slow and savoring each taste of skin, tongue lapping the water from the shower spray beading there.]
I want you, Schatz.
--
Seriously?
[Learn something new everyday. He was not well versed on butter making, so he would have to take Henry's word for it. Wandering closer, he peered over the demon's shoulder to see what he was doing.
Then he wrapped his arms around Henry's waist from behind, setting his chin right down on that shoulder. Sorry, Henry. Were you trying to do something? Because Alex was feeling needy and clingy.]
Do you have a cellphone? Because we should totally get you a cellphone. So I can send you in appropriate text messages when you're in important demon royalty business meetings or whatever.
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Date: 2025-03-28 03:28 am (UTC)For anyone else, he would balk at this being made vulnerable-- but this two was an aspect of love for he trusted Bren enough, trusted him to invade his space like this. He gripped that hair tighter as he spoke, and those words were husked with pleasure like wine. ] Please, Chathtiu-- fill me, make me yours.
[ With an effortless grace, he adjusted gravity slightly so as to make it easier up against a wall; his own body weighing less so as to ease whatever it was that Bren was planning on doing to him up against a wall. ]
--
[ Alex would have no complaints here, especially since Henry found he liked this intimacy and Alex invading his space-- he was absolutely a puppy person and so if he didn't want to be constantly cuddled then he would've gotten a cat of a human. But Alex was Alex, and the oven did have to heat up. ]
A cellphone? Is that the thing that everyone holds while they are walking-- to the extent that they cannot see what is in front of them?
[ Though he managed to catch the last part of that statement, the one just before demon royalty. ] Inapporopriate?
[ Listen Alex, he could not fathom the concept of sexting-- congratulations, you've netted yourself a GILF. ]
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Date: 2025-03-29 03:05 am (UTC)You are already mine, Liebling.
[But he would happily make that claim again and again. His fingers slipped in to tease a slow circle around Essek's entrance.] But I will lay my claim again.
--
[It was good that Henry liked it because Alex was an affectionate thing, given to touch and closeness when he was allowed, when it was welcome. He was a puppy of a human being, one that was currently nuzzling his way into the crook of Henry's neck, taking in a deep breath to bask in the scent of him.]
Mmhmm. But we can skip the screen zombie phase.
[A slow smile at the next question.]
That's right. Totally inappropriate. Scandalous. Salacious even. The sort of messages you wouldn't want anyone else getting a look at. Maybe accompanied by a picture or two.
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Date: 2025-03-29 01:03 pm (UTC)He was very aroused and a spark of that heat remained, certainly enough that it would be possible for Bren to put another jewel within him, to glow alongside that pearl.
His fingertips played alongside the back of Bren's neck, and then he arched at the very intimate touch-- a touch that he would only allow to Bren. ] I like being yours, I crave it-- [ he leaned in and nipped the corner of that mouth, trying to get as much contact as was feasibly possible. ]
Everything of mine is yours. [ how to say I love you without saying those exact words? Well Essek had just said it in his own way. ]
--
[ Technology was a mysterious things and he had not walked enough in this human realm enough to have interacted with its nuances including of course cellphones. But here was Alex plastered up against him and saying the most distracted things. ]
What sort of pictures?
[ He was intrigued especially when it came to Alex. He had to shift to put the pan of cheese bread in the oven and then he could devote his entire attention to Alex while his mental timer started. ]
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Date: 2025-03-30 02:47 am (UTC)And oh those words that threatened to undo him.]
Mine... my treasure. My love.
[A vow of sorts made directly to Essek's lips as he slowly worked him open.]
--
Depends on my mood. Could be of my cute face. Could be of my touching places I wished your hands were. Could be me pretending a popsicle is something else I'd like to get my mouth on. Lots of possibilities.
[Alex just murmuring this all directly to Henry's ear the way he was draped all over him in this moment.
Until Henry had to move to cook. Alex would let him do that, stepping back until he was leaning back against the nearby counter.]
What kind of pictures would you want, sweetheart?
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Date: 2025-03-30 02:57 am (UTC)In response, Essek applied his mouth to the water-slick column of Bren's neck-- teeth lightly nipping while his body arched primed and ready for Bren's every touch.
--
[ The cheese toast was in the oven and he could use a bit of time to rake his eyes over Alex's though it was respectful; honestly he knew that Alex was under the effect of the drugs and he did not want to do something that may make him sick though he could be convinced. ]
But what are the point of pictures when I could have you touching places for me while you are right there with me?
[ The concept of being apart hadn't occured to him though it would happen eventually-- after all he could not follow Alex into the Talamasca Headquarters, at least not as he was. ]
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Date: 2025-03-30 03:14 am (UTC)You undo me, Schatz...
[Fingers slipping free, he instead positioned himself at that entrance, seeking out those eyes, star-flooded gaze.]
--
[Alex laughed, eyebrows lifting, and he shrugged one shoulder.]
There may come a time we're not in the same room, you know.
[He reached a hand out towards Henry to beckon him closer. Alex was still shrugging off the drugs, yes, but he was at ease and comfortable, safe with Henry. He also knew that he wanted his demon who had swept in and rescued him, who was taking care of him even now.
So he wanted to see what he could do to make that rake of those eyes significantly less respectful.]
But... I like it better when we are.
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Date: 2025-03-30 03:40 am (UTC)Heavy lidded eyes that did not steer away from Bren's.
He wanted to nip against Bren's lips and so he did, a plea coming from his mouth. ] Fuck me... hard, I need to feel your weight for days.
--
[ A moth to the flame, that was Henry, and so he found himself follow that beckoning though he was careful to keep counter watch on the oven. ]
Well, I have seen the trouble that seems to follow you so maybe following you is a good idea. [ Trouble followed Alex, not necessarily that Alex caused it. ]
But I think you could surprise me
[ arms wrapped around Alex's shoulders ] When I get a phone... eventually]
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Date: 2025-03-30 04:04 am (UTC)He met those lips, an answering bite, catching that plus lower lip between his teeth, worrying it until it was flushed and reddened before soothing his tongue along it.]
As you wish, anything you wish...
[Bren would give Essek exactly what he asked for, a slow, painstakingly, achingly slow drawing back before he thrust forward, hard, pinning Essek to the wall with each crash against him, deep, filling him fully again and again and again.]
--
[Henry coming back closer to him softened Alex's expression into a smile, a heat turning whiskey-dark eyes molten as he watched the other man.]
Right yeah, we've established you're a stalker. I forgot.
[Alex teased. He settled his hands at Henry's hips, slipping slowly beneath the hemline of his shirt so he could brush fingertips against warm skin. He looked at the demon's handsome face, the strong, sharp lines of his jaw, of cheekbones that were so perfect they could certainly draw blood without much effort. Very pretty thing, the man he'd given his soul and then his heart to.]
Mm... we're totally getting you one asap.
[So the texting could begin.]
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Date: 2025-03-30 08:58 pm (UTC)Forehead to forehead as Bren pumped into him; his mouth parted slightly so that they were sharing gasping breaths. With each thrust, his back pressed against the wall and accepting Bren into himself. Those sweet low moans that were soft and like a caress that was very near physical.
---
Well, I am a stalker but only for you-- because you were always the only one worth trailing. [ There was a considering look as he remembered some people from the far past. ] Well it's been so long that I hardly count Christopher Marlowe and Oscar Wilde.
[ But those two were absolutely out of his mind as he watched Alex slowly infiltrate his space (in the best way possible) and then the handsy started. Of course he was going to check in on Alex because he needed to-- he leaned in to rest his forehead against the other man's. ]
You are feeling better?
[ Please tell him, because after cheese toast there may very well be fucking involved. Especially when Alex was acting like a slithering snake around his form, in the most metaphysical way possible. ]
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Date: 2025-03-30 10:27 pm (UTC)Bren murmured encouragements and praise, promises that this was real and true between them, that he would do anything for Essek, to keep him safe, to make him happy.]
Oh my treasure... I am close... I am going to fill you, mark you as mine again.
--
...am I seriously going to have to be jealous of the Dorian Gray guy?
[Alex grumbled, mostly teasing. Mostly. Maybe there would be a tiny little flicker of jealousy when he saw certain novels and plays. It was fine.
He stilled as Henry leaned against him and decided to go and continue being sweet, looking after him. Looking out for him. Alex smiled, warm and beamingly affectionate before he tilted his chin up to brush his lips against the demon's, even as his hands slipped slowly around and up against the small of his back.]
Much, yeah. 'm home. I'm with you. I'm good.
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Date: 2025-03-30 10:51 pm (UTC)[ It was the possessive word for love, but it was love professed. It was deep and passionate, it was dark and all consumming. Nothing tender or gentle, it was made of blood offerings and it was for Bren.
Trembling and then he came, hard and fast against Bren-- his walls clenching hot and unceasing while rivulets of thick come pearled against Bren's abdomen to mingle with the dew of shower water. ]
--
My love, he is a literal corpse now.
[ Henry said as he pressed a soft kiss to Alex's temples as they stood their twined up in each other, but there was another shadow to it as well. ] Also I love you, whereas I was only fascinated by the Dorian Gray guy. So I think you have the leg up on that.
[ Alex had indelibly marked his territory and Henry would never forget him, would never forget that his love had always been for this bright and incandescent man. ] Good, I will never take advantage of you unless I have consent.
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Date: 2025-03-30 11:17 pm (UTC)Bren came with an almost startled cry, as if the pleasure was strong enough that it physically shocked him. His hips rutted and jerked fitfully against Essek's ass as he spilled himself, painting the inside of his lover with his seed.]
My love...
[He stepped closer to keep him pinned and propped against the wall.]
--
...probably a hot corpse though.
[Alex muttered, but the laughter slipped into his voice betraying the fact that he was being deliberately bratty now. He shut his eyes at the kiss to his temple, trying to keep his heart from fluttering its way out of his chest at being called. My love. At hearing Henry say he loved him.
His fingertips pressed into Henry's back, nails scraping just lightly.]
Baby, you have so much consent. You want me to sign something? [Nothing sexier than contracts.]
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Date: 2025-03-30 11:37 pm (UTC)He nuzzled his way to just underneath that chin and then rested his head there and perhaps he turned but only so that Bren could once again wrap arms around his torso, could press it against his navel where the now 'two' shining motes lingered. ] What shall we name our little one?
--
There has been no hot corpse in the history of the world, I doubt that despite Demon Lord Bowie's fondness-- he would consent to re-animate him as a hot corpse. [ A smile as Alex tucked into him and then he said almost teasingly in response. ] Do you need a contract, because I can pull up one. That is the one thing about Demons and Devils, is that we are consumate lawyers.
[ Give him five seconds, why don't you? Just threaten him with a good time. ]
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Date: 2025-03-30 11:50 pm (UTC)Ah... I have never named anything besides a cat before.
[Their little one. Give him a bit and he'd realize it was going to be their little two.]
--
Hmm. Good.
[No hot corpse writers. That was fine by Alex. He nuzzled at Henry's cheek, teeth scraping along his jaw.]
Wow, baby... talk legal to me. [A slightly sharper nip before he soothed over that spot with his lips.]
Nerd.
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Date: 2025-03-31 12:10 am (UTC)[ Essek said with a soft husky chuckle as he sank into the embrace that was Bren, and found himself absolutely content; he realized that he didn't need anything other than this. Oh, and freedome. He absolutely needed freedom, but they were going to obtain that together.
Another kiss stolen, his tongue sliding against that lower lip-- as a way to indulge himself though it was a beautiful sort of indulging that would benefit Bren. Though that was broken up by the sound of banging on the door and then that caused Essek to pull back and then he very audibly cursed. ]
--
Henry had to shift to take the toasted bread out of the oven, though he could do that easily; one arm around the other man's waist, and one hand reaching over to open up the oven and take the pan out WITH NO OVEN MITT WHATSOEVER> Then he very carefully placed it on the stove burner to cool and then backed Alex away. ]
You are in luck, I am known for my romantic ways. And I did just make you cheese toast-- and you are not allowed any type of sex until you eat something.
[ Hard rules needed to be established here. ]
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Date: 2025-03-31 12:56 am (UTC)But once freedom and revenge were taken care of, this was what Bren wanted to. He wanted a life with this man, wanted to lavish him in the affection that he deserved, to see him happy and fulfilled. He kissed him back with undisguised eagerness, but still there was something leisurely about it, no hurry to the way they were wrapped up in one another.
Until the pounding on the door. Bren went still as well, frowning, eyes flaring white as he looked beyond his senses to see who was at the door.]
--
[Alex let Henry take out the food from the oven -- with a brief moment where he started to caution him about where the potholders were before, right, yes, demon -- without getting in the way. He did let himself be backed away, winding his arms right back around Henry.]
...are you threatening me to eat with the promise of sex?
[Super effective, Henry. Well played.] Joke's on you. It smells delicious.
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Date: 2025-03-31 01:11 am (UTC)Essek however knew the sound of that banging and then he slowly slid out of the shower to take one of the robes and tie it around his waist, placing his hand on his stomach. ] He is probably here about sex, but I am going to nip that right in the bud. [ Then a much louder voice. ] I am in the shower, you can wait while I dry off.
--
[ If they were having people over, perhaps Henry should not do things like that.. for obvious reasons to which that people would get highly suspicious of Henry's near immunity to fire. But for right now it was not too pressing. ] Yes I am, as a matter of fact-- I am going to withhold all acts of intimacy until you have eaten your cheese toast.
[ He was moving to get Alex something to drink, preferably something water-based and hydrating to further flush out the drugs. He found a water bottle in the fridge and then placed in on the counter beside the stove. ]
There.. this should do.
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