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.]

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[winter_wisp]

"I am the only Winter Wisp, that's probably why," Winter assured him, settling in close beside him as he happily chowed down on pizza.

[just_hex]

"That probably is why," Hex agreed. One more bite, then he sipped on his beer. It really was all he wanted. The pizza was good, but, well, he was enjoying his buzz.

[winter_wisp]

Winter ate one slice, then another, and another, only stopping when there was a tap on the door.

"Winter?" came Fin's voice as the door opened. "Oh, you've got dinner. ...Oh, Hex," he added, smiling brightly- A smile that faltered as he spotted the beer.

[just_hex]

Hex was just drunk enough that he didn't care about being caught. He took a swallow and then nodded at Fin. Another sip to wash down the bite and he smiled.

"Fin! Do you know what Winter can do? He touched me wound and healed me up. Just like that," he grinned.

[prince_of_nymphs]

"Yes, he's, um- He's very talented," Fin said, frowning a little. "Winter, could you do me a favour? It's just us tonight, and I'm a bit worn out from work. Would you take Keats out for a quick run?"

The pixie nodded eagerly, getting to his feet and rushing off to get the dog.

Alone, Fin turned a hard look on Hex.

"I can't believe you're drinking," he scolded. "After all your hard work..."

[just_hex]

"Oh, don't be like that," Hex replied. "It's just a few beers with pizza. I'm not even drunk."

But there were four cans in front of him to Winter's one that wasn't even finished.

"We're just having some fun."

[prince_of_nymphs]

"...Look, I can't tell you what to do, but if your drinking was enough of a problem that you had to get clean, then you don't do it around Winter," Fin said firmly. "Do whatever you like when you're with Danny, but I don't want Winter being exposed to it. It's been hard enough convincing him not to drink himself stupid when he goes out."

[just_hex]

"You know, maybe if you weren't so hard on him he wouldn't want to drink. He could have fun in other ways. God knows you're making me want to get drunk right now," he said, turning the blame onto Fin rather than accepting any himself.

[prince_of_nymphs]

"Hard on him?" Fin replied flatly. He wasn't a pushover, but he was all to aware that they were all far too soft on Winter.

"Whatever Hex. You can wait in my flat while I call you a cab," he said, willing himself not to get annoyed with the other man.

[just_hex]

"I'm not leaving. Winter and I are having fun. We're playing Mario Kart," he said, gesturing to the paused television. "Just go home, Fin. You've no business here. You can't tell me what to do."

[prince_of_nymphs]

"It's my business when it comes to him, it's up to me when it comes to this flat as well," Fin replied. "I'm telling you to get out, now. Don't fight me on this, Hex. Just don't."

[just_hex]

Hex huffed and rolled his eyes, but got up and pushed past Fin.

"You don't have to call me a cab. I'll take the bloody tube," he said rudely.

[prince_of_nymphs]

"Hex. Hey, stop," Fin said, his tone softening slightly as he caught the other man's arm. "Come on. I'll make you some tea, and then we'll call you a cab. ...I don't want to fight. Please."

[just_hex]

Hex didn't really want to fight either, but he had drank just enough to be belligerent. A few more beers and he'd be downright hostile.

He felt Fin's cold hands on his arm and scowled at him.

"I don't want tea," he replied sourly. .

[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.