tushanshu | Verse 07 -- Voice

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Verse 07 -- Voice

[The feed's just a voice one today. Jehan wants it to be quick and to the point]

I apologize for this announcement, as it could not possibly come at a worse time, but I feel it is my duty as his friend to let others know. If you knew Grantaire, he is no longer here. It is possible that his disappearance is connected to the rapid decay of Asti in these last few days though I do not think that is likely to be the cause.

[Still, you never know.]

It would not hurt to keep in contact with friends here, should this illness lead to more disappearances.

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[Alcuin keeps it up, since Jehan seems to like it. He can sip his tea one-handed and rub with the other.]

Water, truly? I wonder what Anael would think of such a thing... [He can't help a disbelieving laugh. It sounds impossible, but the turtle is full of impossible things.] I don't know if I would want to eat them either.

It is apparently a technique from the future of my home, this "hydroponic gardening". If it is truly something from Earth, however, I wonder if they did not read Frankenstein. It is an entire novel on how man should not play God and what science may do if we do not keep it in check. That isn't to say I am not grateful that they are doing all they can to keep people feed, of course. I simply wish it was not so unnatural and disturbing!

[Jehan has no issues with the natural and disturbing. It's when things get unnatural that he is uncomfortable. He sips at his tea]

It sounds nigh-miraculous to change water so, but you are right. It is important to feed everyone on Tu Vishan, and if we must compromise with things that unsettle us...

[What can they do? They have to eat.]

I will simply forget I ever saw the gardens. Combeferre would find them interesting, but I was just too unsettled by it all.

[He smiles a bit]

They are also sadly lacking in fruit. I will grow tired of potatoes and carrots before too long, I fear.

Potatoes and carrots may feed our bodies, but they do nothing for our souls. It is hard to enjoy a meal when it is so plain.

[The food in restaurants is more edible than what Alcuin could make himself, but it's not really tasty.]

I did see what appeared to be basil growing, but there is only so much that can be benefited from one herb and that, still, will not provide the nourishment my--ah, our spirits need.

[Today is one of the few days that Jehan is admitting that all of this is getting to him. He hasn't much before as he was too busy with Grantaire but now that he's gone...]

I suppose there are other ways to find pleasure, but food is an important one. I wish that Asti were not so ill.

[For Asti's sake as well.]

The poor creature must be exhausted, caring for us and then taking so ill so quickly. I hope we find more warm waters soon so that he may recover. And do not speak to me of other sources of pleasure. I am nearly out of paper and ink and have been without companionship for some time now.

[And he's not talking about the platonic kind. This rationing is killing Dorian's mood and Jehan hasn't seen him in some time. He may be a little sour, though he understands that a man's moods can be as fickle as the weather. (Seriously, though, Dorian's bad mood make Jehan's look positively cheery, and he regularly has bouts of melancholy.)]

Yes, that would be pleasant- even if they were not so kind to us, if they helped him... [Though it was nice to have such a relaxing time there.]

If you need paper, I think I have a sketchbook of Favrielle's that is mostly empty. I'll see what I can find for writing, too. As to the other matter...

[He can guess what kind he's talking about. But Jehan has turned him down before, so.]

I will not speak of it, since it troubles you.

You are far too kind, Alcuin. I could never take something that belonged to a friend of yours, however. But what do you mean? What troubles me?

[He turns a little pink.]

I would offer to remedy at least some of your lack of companionship, but...

Oh!

[Blushing now!]

Ah, it isn't that it troubles me, not really. It is just that, at the time, you and Courfeyrac were intimate. I will admit that I was caught off guard, as well. But...oh, dear, I didn't offend you did I?

Oh, no, I was not at all offended!

[He bites his lip, looking embarrassed.]

Though, truly, Courfeyrac and I are hardly- well, we are not consorts. I am free to choose others, if I like, and I- I do like you very much.

[Jehan's face is as red as his hair]

Yes, I...gathered that much. That you liked me, that is. I simply did not want to lose friends over...sex. It is something rather absurd to lose friends over, after all.

It is, I agree, though I do not think there is any danger in this case.

[Alcuin is feeling rather flustered. It's an odd sensation for him.]

I should not have mentioned it, truly, it was foolish when you were already so tired. I didn't mean to bother you further.

No, no. It is quite alright. It is a...pleasant distraction from other topics. I am rarely bothered by talks of love or romance or even simple attraction. They do not change, after all. They are a constant, or as constant as human nature allows them to be.

[He rests the hand not holding his tea on Alcuin's leg, smiling a little.]

At home in Terre d'Ange, I had a great love that overshadowed any other. Here, I do not have that, and I find... I find it is a pleasure to choose. Not that I choose lightly, or without regard, and it is certainly not that I don't miss him, but I have found there is joy to be found in it.

[He smiles back.]

I do not think anyone would doubt that you miss your Anafiel, even if you took a hundred lovers. All one has to do is listen to how you say his name and it is clear. Those who think otherwise are deaf. And should anyone think they could replace him, they are insane.

[That makes Alcuin smile, very pleased, and he presses a kiss to Jehan's cheek.]

You are sweet. I am glad you are my friend, even if we never become anything more than that- there is so much light and beauty in you.

[He blushes. Or is still blushing, it can be hard to tell sometimes with Jehan]

Flatterer. Perhaps...

[He makes a face of mock-anger.]

I am not flattering you! I speak only the truth. But perhaps what?

The truth can be flattering, you know.

[He smiles]

But...perhaps we may be more than friends. You are already my closest friend here that was not in Paris with me and I would be lying if I said I am not fond of you.

I suppose it can.

[He smiles and shifts a little, moving to a better position.]

May I kiss you, then?

If you'd like.

[His blush is finally fading a little, though he's still pink]

[Alcuin leans in to gently press his lips to Jehan's. It's sweet and light, a taste to see if they both like it.]

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