[Neroli] house calls - [Ether]

It had been a while since Nikodim had seen Alain around the Council. The large Russian had known the younger Typh since he was a child so he felt a kind of uncle-like protectiveness about him. Besides, with the rumors flying around about increased rogue activity, the Incin wanted to make sure the young man was safe and sound. Besides, an excuse to visit France was always welcome. He liked the more balmy weather. Of course, only a man born in the dead of a Russian winter would call Neroli in March balmy.

Nikodim was dressed smartly as always. Around Inverness or in the confines of his own home, he rarely left the comfort of sweat pants, tank tops, and bare feet even in the bitterest cold. Out and about, he looked like an aristocrat from an Tolstoy novel; all shiny brass buttons and sharp collars. He strode confidently down the street, people moving without comment to let him pass. It wasn't that Niko was pushy or rude, more that he moved with the long stride and easy assurance of a man who expected people to let him pass. The sheer muscled bulk and height of him didn't hurt matters either.

He made it without much difficulty to Alain's door, which he banged on with a large fist; the knocking loud enough to wake the dead, which Niko would need to do if Alain had been out carousing the previous night. "Alain!" he called. Niko was speaking Council Gaelic, which was one of two languages he and Alain could actually converse in. Niko spoke not a whit of French and as far as he knew the younger Typh had never bothered to learn either Russian or Chinese. "Alain, this is Niko. Are you home?"

A few more loud knocks produced the desired result of the door opening, and Niko was ready to let loose with a speech about keeping your elders out in the hall like common salesmen. Before he could, he registered that the man in front of him was most certainly not his friend and fellow elemental. He blinked at the young man, well young to Niko, who looked just as surprised to see a mountain of a Russian standing at the door. Niko gave a crisp bow and polite smile. Switching to a language he prayed the other man spoke, he began in English, his voice a pleasant rumble with a thick Russian accent.

"My apologies," he said, his smile sincere but puzzled. "I was looking for Alain St. Clare. It appears I have the wrong address..."

@Ether Vandross

Ether Vandross was probably not the type you’d expect to be singing in the shower, and yet — there he was, singing away as hands ran through freshly shampooed hair. He was in a good mood, a very good mood, after his night with Alain. They’d gone out, dinner and conversation and some strolling through Neroli. Ether was on his turf for once, which was a welcome change of pace. Ether was in Alain’s world, his room, his bed. The roommate wasn’t around either which made it all the more fun.

And when Alain had to be up early for a work related errand, he didn’t even care if Ether stayed behind. It was surprising, though welcome to the curse breaker. Alain was usually so guarded, protective of his inner world. But here and now, Ether was roaming freely, shutting off the faucet and toweling off. He wandered back into the bedroom, running an idle hand along the mattress. This was weirdly satisfying, being around Alain’s things. He felt like he belonged there and Merlin almighty it felt good.

Until there was a thundering knock on the door.

All at once he was panicked, as if he’d been caught robbing the place or something. Who was here? Alain wasn’t expecting anyone, at least no one he’d warned Ether about. He waited, quiet as a church mouse, figuring whoever it was would just go. If no one was home, why bother? But the knocking continued, louder, a strange voice and a strange language calling from the outside. Ether was fearing the worst, some sort of law official, some sort of tragedy. In a frenzy, he threw a black sweater over his damp chest and hiked up some underwear before running two hands through his wet hair and slicking it back.

Cautiously, he cracked the door open, peering around and seeing a very tall, very imposing blonde. He looked like a children’s action figure personified, and though Ether was tall and broad in his own right before this man he felt small. The man’s demeanor changed quickly when he saw Ether, and the wardmaster responded in kind. “No no, you’re — this is Alain’s place,” he said, suddenly feeling extremely awkward. It dawned on him that this stranger would now know there was a freshly-showered, half dressed man running around Alain’s apartment. What if this made Alain mad at him?

He had to be kind, cordial, smooth this over. “I’m, well — here,” he said dumbly, “and Ether, that’s my name, I’m Ether. Alain’s Ether. Friend, I mean. Alain’s friend Ether,” he rambled. Oh, Christ. “Did you, erm, want to… come inside?” he said nervously. It felt like the right thing to do, but then again, he was half-dressed and not exactly supposed to be here. This was uncharted territory. He’d do the best he could.

The man who was not Alain seemed flustered to be confronted with a visitor. So, not one of Alain's room mates. Ether, as he said his name was, seemed to be having trouble collecting himself. It was rather disarming. Niko's smile relaxed into something a little less distant and more friendly. There was hint of a chuckle in his voice as he responded, "I would like that, Ether. Thank you."

He stepped inside, grateful that Alain had insisted on tall ceilings since he was as tall as Niko though nowhere near as large. "I apologize for dropping by unannounced. I forgot that Alain keeps more reasonable hours when he works." In truth, Niko sometimes forgot that other people actually had to keep down regular jobs. He had hired people to make sure he needed to see to his family business as infrequently as possible.

Realizing he had yet to properly introduce himself, he lightly slapped his forehead with the flat of his hand. "I'm getting forgetful." He held out a large hand for Ether to shake. "My manners have almost completely escaped me. My name is Nikodim, but any friend of Alain can call me Niko." His handshake was firm and warm but not aggressive. A lot of men liked to size up others with a tight grip, but the burly elemental preferred to come in with less hostility. He took a moment to look Ether over, and his smile widened just a fraction. A man, not a room mate, mostly naked in Alain's place. Flustered, babbling a little. Niko almost wanted to tease him a little, but he didn't want to assume. Besides, he would not hear the end of it if he managed to insult one of Alain's lovers.