londoncallingrpg | Gathering Post

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Gathering Post

The Queen's official birthday celebrations might wait for the better, brighter weather of June, instead of the actual date just passed, but there was no lack of things to do in London this week, even if it was cooler and damper than the week before. St. George's day festivities were scattered throughout the city, competing with celebrations of the four hundredth anniversary of Shakespeare's death. Getting around the city could be even more difficult than usual on Sunday, with multiple streets closed off for the London marathon.

There were exhibits - everything from graphic design to a survey of Sicilian history to the influence of underwear. And the same level of diversity could be found whether you were in the mood for music, theatre, good food, or late night fun. There was something for everyone, and no matter your plans - or lack of plans - you never quite knew what you were going to find, or who might find you.

[Week long gp! Tag in, tag others, and check in daily to see who's joined in.]

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"Sometimes," said Alcuin. "But this is my home now. There's nothing left for me there but memories, and the same kind of beauty I can appreciate as a tourist. Hannibal and I went together last year. It was interesting to share pieces of our pasts."

"That sounds lovely. You're both so lucky to have been able to share that with one another," Fin said sincerely, offering a small smile. "I know I enjoyed seeing Will's childhood home. It was enlightening, being connected to a part of him that I'd never known."

Alcuin was smiling, though something about that statement made it falter briefly. The amount that he knew about Hannibal's childhood, or his past, was still so terribly limited. Particularly compared to how he knew so much about Alcuin's life (and the rest of the world knew far more than Alcuin would like, too).

"Yes, I can understand that," he said, small smile back. "Every little tidbit makes me feel as if I know Hannibal so much more. He's... an intensely private person."

"Defence mechanism, perhaps?" Fin asked, pausing to take a long drag. "I mean, given all those secrets he has to keep for his patients, and the work he does with the police... Makes sense he'd be a bit reserved on that front."

Though Alcuin didn't necessarily think that was true, it was still a reasonable theory. He did know that Hannibal was very good at keeping secrets. He just wished he didn't feel as if he were keeping them from him.

"I'm not sure I even realized that you knew Hannibal that well," he said with a little smile. He wondered if Fin had ever been a patient, not that it was any of his business.

"I don't really, though I'd like to think we're friends, even if I don't get to see him often," Fin replied.

Alcuin smiled at Fin and said, "I'm sure you are." Suddenly, his expression lit a bit. "Oh, we really ought to do something together - the four of us, as I've yet to properly meet your - Will, isn't it?"

Fin hesitated, aware that organizing Will for a night out was sometimes like herding cats, but then smiled and nodded.

"That would be nice."

"Yes, that would be lovely," Alcuin agreed. "Maybe we could have you for dinner - Hannibal is a seriously amazing cook. And I'd like to meet Will, he must be great if you're so fond of him."

"Only if you're sure it wouldn't be an inconvenience. Will's mostly vegan. Once in a blue moon he'll have an egg, but he never touches meat," Fin warned, pausing to stub his cigarette out as they reached the pub.

"Oh, Hannibal's cooked for vegetarians before," Alcuin said fondly. "Not his preference, but he can handle anything." They walked into the pub, and Fin was right, it was a bit of a dive - though Alcuin didn't really mind.

Fin waved at the barman, gesturing for two pints before leading Alcuin to his favourite table near the back.

"Alright, then I'll speak with Will about it," he smiled. "Hopefully he'll be keen."

As they walked to the table, Alcuin thought he felt eyes on him, and glanced to see some customers staring at them. It took him a moment to realize that, unlike what he'd been accustomed to particularly a couple of years ago, they likely weren't staring at him, but rather Fin, simply because he was famous.

He shook it off and looked back to Fin.

"You're living together, aren't you?" he asked, realizing that he was uncertain and wanting to clarify.

Fin didn't seem to notice the attention, and he smiled as he nodded.

"We do, have been for a while now. Actually, before we were even a couple, back when I was still living rough, Will took me in quite a lot. It seemed natural to simply share a space the moment things started to get serious."

Alcuin nodded as he settled into a seat at the table. "And it's been good? Living with him?"

He couldn't say it hadn't crossed his mind, that he spent as much time at Hannibal's home as his own. But he couldn't imagine Hannibal ever wanting that. It was just a feeling he got. Part of the "intensely private" thing.

"It's wonderful. Our flat's right next door to his brother's, which he shares with, um, a mutual friend of theirs. Though our places may as well be connected, we all share the space really. Though I suppose the way we live wouldn't work for everyone," Fin shrugged. "But for Will and I, it makes sense that our home would be as open as it is. I think we're both very free and wild spirits."

"That sounds nice then," Alcuin said with a little smile. "And the two of you have an, mmmm... open relationship, yes?"

"We do," Fin nodded, smiling warmly, pausing as their drinks arrived and waiting until they were alone again before continuing. "Will doesn't seem terribly interested in taking advantage of the arrangement, but he also doesn't seem bothered that I do."

"That's lovely that it works so well for you," Alcuin said sincerely. "I'm not certain that monogamy would suit me either, but I also have never tried." He picked up the glass and held it towards Fin. "Cheers."

"Cheers," Fin replied brightly, clinking his glass against Alcuin's, then taking a long swig.

"I do think I'll eventually settle down you know," he admitted as he put his glass down. "I love Will with all my heart. I think one day I'll tire of taking on lovers, but I'll never tire of him. He's- He makes me feel things no one else does."

"That's... really beautiful," Alcuin said sincerely, even though he knew it sounded a bit silly. And he may have sounded a bit wistful, too.

He drank, wondering if he would use those same words to describe how he felt about Hannibal. Or if he would have, about Anafiel.

Fin smiled then shrugged.

"It's just the truth," he replied. "Do you see yourself getting more serious with Hannibal? You've been together a while now, haven't you?"

"For some definition of more serious," Alcuin said with a little smile, and took another drink. "I know he loves me. That, in itself... that's pretty huge, for me."

"It does feel good to know someone cares for you," Fin smiled.

Alcuin was far down into the pint already.

"It does, it really does. And I'm not the jealous type, I guess. Well, if I thought he had real feelings for someone else, maybe? But he really only has one other lover as far as I know, and I don't think it's um, you know, serious."

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