Gathering Post

[lcrpg_npc]

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.]

Comments

[alcuin]

"Well, mine didn't get out," Alcuin said quietly. Though then he offered a weak smile and said, "But you're right, it could certainly be worse. And you're strong, you'll get through it. But I am still sorry that you have to deal with it at all. People are shit sometimes."

[prince_of_nymphs]

"That they are," Fin agreed, closing his laptop and slumping lazily against the wall again, his arm still draped over the back of his chair.

"It's been a while since I've seen you, or Hannibal, come to think of it. How have you both been?" he asked.

[alcuin]

"Oh, we're... fine," Alcuin said with a little smile. And it was true; everything had been nice lately, no drama, nothing bad happening - odd that that had become his standard.

He chuckled. "It feels a bit odd to answer that in the collective. But I imagine Hannibal would also say he's doing fine."

[prince_of_nymphs]

"Oh, sorry, I- Well, I was sort of under the impression that you were... A couple?" Fin suggested cautiously, not wanting to say the wrong thing.

[alcuin]

"Oh," said Alcuin quickly, "yes, I mean... we are. At least - well, we haven't exactly put a label on it. And being public about it is still rather subtle, and new."

[prince_of_nymphs]

"So long as you're happy," Fin smiled softly.

[alcuin]

"I am," Alcuin said immediately. "And I hope I make him happy, too. I know I've complicated his life."

[prince_of_nymphs]

"Oh? How so?" Fin asked, frowning in concern.

[alcuin]

"Well..." Alcuin hesitated. "He had to stop teaching. I was never his student, but there was talk, and the administration asked him to step down." There was more, of course. The bad things that Alcuin had brought to Hannibal's life. The dead man... no, men. The fact that there was more than one was stomach turning.

"I'm just not very good for one's reputation," he added, with a self deprecating smile. "The same is probably true for you, you know. I don't think it would do you any favors if one of those worked up tabloid photographers saw you with me."

[prince_of_nymphs]

"I've a hardcore, drug fueled, bondage sex tape about to be released online, Alcuin, I really don't think I've much reputation left to damage," Fin pointed out. "You're far too hard on yourself, friend."

[alcuin]

Alcuin couldn't really argue with that. "Well," he sighed, "if you ever simply want to fuck with them, I'm happy to drape myself on you for a while." A little smile pulled at his lips. "And... I hope that you're doing well, otherwise."

[prince_of_nymphs]

"Oh, I think I've draped myself over enough people recently," Fin snorted, shaking his head and sipping his tea. "I've been fine, honestly. Really well, actually- Though I do wonder if this is, perhaps, a sign that I ought to slow down a bit. ...I just- I feel as though I missed so much. Like I'm still catching up after years of denying and repressing."

[alcuin]

"You should do what makes you happy," Alcuin said. "I understand a little, how you feel. Like you've missed something. I feel that way sometimes myself."

[prince_of_nymphs]

Fin nodded in understanding, not surprised that Alcuin felt that way, and hoping the younger man was taking his own advice.

"It's more than just the feeling of missing out though," he admitted. "Sometimes I think the end is coming," he said quietly.

He glanced over, then glanced away. "I wrote Reap because I've known for a while that death is coming for me. I'm sure I just sound like some over dramatic tosser, but..."

He trailed off, biting his bottom lip, then forcing a smile.

"Sorry, just- Sorry. Don't listen to me. I'm getting myself worked up over nothing. ...Bugger this tea, do you want to get a real drink? Something strong?"

[alcuin]

That was such a strange statement, about death, and Alcuin wasn't sure the second after he said it how to react. It made him wonder if he had changed his way of thinking himself, because he had come so close to death not once but twice within the past few years. But this wasn't about him - and besides, Fin so abruptly changed the subject that perhaps he didn't want to talk about it.

At the offer of a drink, he smiled, brighter and more sincere now. Maybe it was silly, but he loved that Fin wanted to spend time with him. He'd gone so long without really having friends.

"Yes," he said, nodding. "That's a brilliant idea."

[prince_of_nymphs]

Fin's hair was still quite long and unruly at the moment, and he pushed it back as he got to his feet.

"There's a pub next block over, bit of a dive, but I've always liked it. Good place to write," he added as he shoved his laptop into his bag and slung it over his shoulder.

More importantly, the walk was just long enough to allow him a cigarette. He was desperate for one.

[alcuin]

Alcuin stood up again as well. He was also carrying a messenger bag, and he repositioned it on his shoulder. "No, that's perfectly fine," he said. "I'm up for whatever, really."

[prince_of_nymphs]

"Up for whatever is a dangerous thing to say," Fin chuckled, lighting up the moment they were out on the street. "Up for anything could end with us on the next Eurostar to Paris, spending the night wasted outside a cafe listening to students debate Saussure and Bergeson while I wax poetic about how I should have been a painter instead."

[alcuin]

A smile quirked at Alcuin's lips at that. "I don't know, that kind of sounds like fun. I grew up there, you know. In Paris."

[prince_of_nymphs]

"Do you miss it?" Fin asked, though he couldn't imagine wanting to be anywhere but London.

[alcuin]

"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."

[prince_of_nymphs]

"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]

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."

[prince_of_nymphs]

"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."

[alcuin]

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.