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.



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[prince_of_nymphs]

"Then something else. Just- Come. ...Please," he added gently.

[just_hex]

He let Fin tug at him and he found his feet moving, though the scowl stayed. He left the pizza, left the beer, left the game- and without so much as a goodbye or a thank you to Winter.

"He's a good bloke," he said, his own mind making the leap from here to there without Fin being aware. "It was just a few beers. He didn't even drink much. You shouldn't be hard on him."

[prince_of_nymphs]

"I'm not being hard on him, I'm being hard on you, because you clearly need it right now," Fin assured him, putting the kettle on even though Hex had said he didn't want tea.

"When did you start again, Hex? Was it just tonight, or..."

[just_hex]

"Fin, don't," Hex sighed, going to the man's sofa and flopping down. He laid his arm across his eyes. "It's not just tonight, it's not Winter, it's not anything, alright? I wanted a drink so I had one and I'm fine so I got some lager tonight for the pizza. It's not a big deal, alright?"

[prince_of_nymphs]

"Have you told your sponsor?" Fin pressed. "Even if it's not, as you claim, 'a big deal', this seems like something you should be talking about."

[just_hex]

"I don't want to talk about it, Fin," he huffed. "I don't need all the same old bullshit that doesn't mean anything when it all comes down to it."

[prince_of_nymphs]

Fin shook his head, but said nothing. He wasn't Hex's keeper, he couldn't make the man get help if he didn't want it.

[just_hex]

Hex laid there a long moment, waiting for more questions, more concern, and when it didn't come he uncovered his eyes and looked at Fin.

"What?"

[prince_of_nymphs]

"I said nothing," Fin replied. "I'm not your mother, I'll not nag. I've voiced my concern, you'll either take it to heart or you wont, Hex."

[just_hex]

"I'm not hurting you. I'm not hurting anyone! Why do you even care?" Hex asked as he sat up from where he'd flopped. He looked at Fin...and didn't much like the look on the man's face.

[prince_of_nymphs]

"I care because I love you," Fin replied. "I wont fight you though, if that's what you're hoping for."

The kettle began to whistle, and Fin turned away to fill the teapot.

[just_hex]

That only served to make Hex feel low. He sank back into the cushions and covered his eyes again. This...he hadn't missed feeling like this. That was letting people down. It was made a hundred times worse by hearing Fin say he loved him.

A hundred hundred times worse because he believed him.

[prince_of_nymphs]

Hex had turned down tea, but Fin made two cups anyway, carrying them both over and putting one in front of Hex before sitting down with his own.

"Have they said when you'll be allowed to work again?" he asked after a long stretch of silence.

[just_hex]

"They said six to eight weeks...but now that Winter's..." he started, then paused. "No, showing them I'm healed would only raise questions. So, well, another month or more, I reckon. "

[prince_of_nymphs]

"You could do some videos though," Fin suggested gently.

[just_hex]

He thought on that a moment, then nodded.

"I reckon I can. Once I explain to Danny how I'm alright again. And Stanley, too. Think he'll take it alright if I tell him a fairy touched me?" he asked, just a bit sarcastically.

[prince_of_nymphs]

"I'd prefer if you didn't tell anyone about Winter," Fin said quietly. "Perhaps just a small fib about healing faster than expected..."

[just_hex]

"Fin, we both know this is all but a miracle. Magic, miracles, all the same. You know I can't let anyone know. I can go back to the gym, but work and videos is right out...and I won't tell Danny what really happened. I'll make something up. He already thinks I'm nutters," he replied.

[prince_of_nymphs]

"And what about the drinking?" Fin asked, reaching over to stroke Hex's hair.

[just_hex]

It was Fin's gentle touch that reached in through the buzz of the beer and made him calm and more centered.

"What about it?" he asked, though not hostile as he'd been.

[prince_of_nymphs]

"Maybe just slow down a bit," Fin suggested gently. "Just until you're certain that you're not slipping into bad habits."

[just_hex]

"I'm not out of control, Fin. I know me limits, alright? I know. But I'm fine. Please don't worry. I'm good, yeah?" he said, giving the other man a heartbreakingly sweet smile as he patted his leg.

[prince_of_nymphs]

"I can't help but worry," Fin sighed, stroking Hex's hair again, then shaking his head.

"I love you, I just want you to be happy and well."

[just_hex]

"I love you, too, Fin. Look...I'm happy, yeah? ANd I'm sorry I was a twat. I was just having some fun with Winter. First fun I've had since...Well, since I got shot," he said, reaching to take hold of Fin's hand and bring it to his lips to kiss his fingers affectionately.

[prince_of_nymphs]

Fin sighed. He didn't have it in him to be cross with Hex, and he nodded a little.

"Alright, alright. Look, I'll call you an Uber, my treat. Have your tea in the meantime. It'll make me feel better if you do."