[It's the middle of the night when Elias wakes up, still feeling a little loopy, but maybe a little less noodly. Or at least he thinks he's feeling a little less noodly until he tries to stand up and his knees wobble. Thankfully, they only wobble a little, and he manages to get to the bathroom, where he realizes he's super, super hungry while he's going.
His wobbly legs manage to get him all the way down the stairs where he stands swaying, trying to remember where the kitchen is. This feels like being drunk. Profoundly drunk. Except the bad version of drunk. At some point he registers that there's a light on in the living room, where Vincent is probably studying or something, and there's no light on in the kitchen.
That decides it for him, and he wobbles his way into the living room, blinking groggily, expression vulnerable because he's feeling vulnerable.]
Vincent? I'm really hungry.
[It comes out embarrassingly whiny, but he's too wobbly and loopy to care in the moment, all he really wants is a little comfort. Preferably from the very handsome young man in the living room.]
He is in denial of this fact, because he is supposed to be studying, and his biology textbook is sitting open on his lap. But the fact is that he has been reading and re-reading the same paragraph over and over again, absorbing none of it. His mind keeps wandering in an unhelpful way, going over the events of the day. None of it had gone the way he expected; first with Elias showing up with Ginger trailing along after him, then with the weird flying witch who kept calling him bro, then with Elias getting covered in aconite, the fight, their retreat.
Vincent frowns and returns his eyes to the top of the paragraph, determined to focus on whatever it's trying to say about migration patterns. But before he even gets a sentence in, a small noise has him looking up and seeing Elias, looking rumpled and woozy, wandering in.
Before he even realizes it Vincent is getting up, letting his textbook slide to the couch as he reaches out to steady Elias. He's sure something's wrong - a further complication from the aconite, another attack, more nonsense... but just as he's gearing up for the newest crisis of the day, Elias says he's hungry. ]
Oh.
[ Vincent comes to a halt, hand on Elias's arm to steady him. It's possible that everything that's happened since Elias first showed up has made him a tad jumpy and paranoid. Perhaps. But he's not going to think about that right now. He looks at Elias, who has little imprints on his cheek from where the pillowcase had gotten creased beneath it. Vincent remembers, with a rush of heat to his face, how Elias had nuzzled against his hand as he was falling asleep.
Another thing for the not-thinking-about-it-right-now pile.
Food is simple. Food he can do. Vincent has seen how transforming and using her werewolf abilities has made Malaya ravenous in the past, and a very small smile tugs at one corner of his mouth. ]
I'll make sandwiches.
[ He keeps a hand at Elias's arm, steadying him as Vincent directs them both towards the kitchen. It's dim, with the moonlight coming in through the window. Vincent steers the groggy werewolf to the table, gently pushes him down onto a chair, before he sets about making the food. He turns on the light above the stove, which casts a dim, warm yellow light across a small corner of the kitchen.
As he opens the fridge and starts pulling out ingredients, Vincent asks: ]
You're nice. That's how I'm feeling. I'm feeling like you're nice.
[Elias is still feeling a little loopy, but not enough that he says 'you're nice' and 'I like you' in the way he had when he was falling asleep. This is a little different, though remniscient. Vincent's hand is so warm on his shoulder, strong and steadying and confident in a way that Elias really is not, and it's so comforting.
God, Vincent is just great.
Elias manages to not say that, though it's a near miss, and settles down in the chair Vincent directs him to, putting his elbow on the table and his chin in his elbow, staring groggily at Vincent as he moves around the kitchen. Still confident, but now also domestic in a way that just manages to make him a little more appealing. Stupid Vincent.]
But aside from that, still uh...a little groggy, I guess. Hazy. And wobbly for sure, I feel like I'm made of wet noodles.
[Lifting his hand, Elias allows it to sway back and forth on his wrist, a prime example of his floppiness.]
[ Vincent has his head turned away from Elias when he calls him nice over and over, and he's glad for that, because he's got no idea what his face must be doing in that moment. He chews at the inside of his lip, fighting against the internal surge of happiness he feels at the words.
Elias is effusive with his praise, Vincent reminds himself. He is a warm person who likes being taken care of, and Vincent should be careful not to let himself read too much into it, or get a big ego over compliments. Anybody in the same position would do what he's doing, and more. Vincent would be grateful to them in just the same way, if not moreso. ]
You're not useless. You're up and walking and it's only been a few hours.
[ Vincent thinks he knows what Elias means - that he wouldn't be helpful in a fight, if one showed up to their door - but he persists. Even if he understands the meaning behind Elias's words, he isn't going to stand here and enable Elias's low self-esteem. ]
If you ask me, being a werewolf your whole life has skewed your expectations when it comes to healing. You just need some patience.
[ Vincent pauses, then. That might have come out harsher than he'd meant. It was intended as reassurance, rather than criticism... but perhaps it didn't come out sounding entirely that way. He lets his hands run on autopilot as he speaks, prepping three sandwiches with all the fixings - if Elias doesn't end up eating all of them, he can save the leftovers for tomorrow. As he preps the food, he tries to figure out what he can say to soften his own words, and lands on: ]
And in the meantime, while you're... noodly, I'm here to help.
[ He finishes the sandwiches, piling them all on a plate and bringing it to the table, setting it in front of Elias and then taking the chair to his right, sitting in it with a sigh. He might feel awkward just sitting there, on a normal day, but exhaustion - physical and emotional - wipes that away, and it's nice to just be still, and quiet. ]
[When Vincent says he's not useless and then that being a werewolf has skewed his expectations about healing, Elias makes a face.]
It's not skewed, it's normal for me.
[It's a mild protest, but his feelings aren't really hurt or anything. He's too noodly and too engrossed with watching Vincent being domestic in a kitchen to bother with having hurt feelings. It looks like Vincent is making him just so many sandwiches and his stomach growls in anticipation.
He's about to speak again when Vincent says that he's here, in the meantime, to help while he's feeling wobbly and noodly, which sends a rush of warm tingly something through Eli. What is it about Vincent that just gets him like this, every time he says something nice like that. For a moment, Eli can't speak or anything, so he just watches Vince come over with a plate piled high with sandwiches. Once he finds his voice again, he continues the conversation.]
Well, thanks. For all the help. And letting me have your bed.
[Reaching out with slightly shaky hands, he picks up one of the sandwiches, and distracts himself from both his crush and from thinking too much about what had happened that day by biting into the sandwich and making a long groan.]
[ He can't help a little smile at Elias's reaction to the sandwiches. Really, they're nothing special and the boy is acting like he's eating the most delicious thing on earth. It's like he's on some kind of a mission to give Vincent a puffed-up ego.
Rubbing at the back of his neck, Vincent shrugs and says: ]
It's no problem. I really don't mind the couch.
[ Vincent manages to sell it pretty well; the part about him not minding giving up his bed for Elias is true, after all. But the couch isn't exactly comfortable, and Vincent is pretty sure he's not going to get even an hour of sleep. He'll just end up napping in the library on campus tomorrow, most likely. Still, Elias's need is greater than his own. ]
I called my professor earlier to tell her about finding the warbler nest. I said we had to cut the search short because my friend had had an allergic reaction - figured that was close enough to the truth, right?
[ Telling little white lies to excuse away werewolf nonsense isn't anything new to Vincent. He's had a lifetime of practice with Malaya, and he knows that the closer to the truth, the better.
With a wry, self-deprecating twist in his voice, Vincent adds: ]
She mostly seemed surprised to hear I had a friend and brought him along, so I think we're in the clear.
[Right in that moment, as hungry as he is, the sandwiches do taste like the best thing he's ever eaten. There's something special about the hunger that comes from wearing yourself out as a werewolf that makes food just...spectacular. It's probably the only thing he likes about it.
Elias gets through the first sandwich in about 6 bites, and then pauses to take a break, still chewing, looking over at Vincent with a sort of dopey, fond expression. When he says he doesn't mind the couch, Eli's brows raise and his eyes get a bit bigger.]
Are you sure? Sleeping on couches is the worst.
[For a few moments, he chews on the inside of his lower lip, wrestling with himself over whether to say it or not, but eventually the complete lack of inhibition from being exhausted and the leftover wolfsbane in his system takes over.]
We could always share. There's lots of room. Or I could take the couch back over.
[Then, cheeks flushed, he's all too happy to change the subject.]
Oh, that's. Yeah, that's a good explanation. It's sort of like that, I guess, though different symptoms and all that. But close. And a good excuse.
[Another pause, and he takes a bite of the next sandwich with another little groan of pleasure at the taste of it - just the right amount of mayonnaise!]
Mm. You know, now that I know what the warblers smell like, and the cowbirds, we could always go look for more later. Maybe without Ginger this time?
[ Vincent barely finishes for Elias to finish his sentence before he's insisting, firmly: ]
You are not taking the couch.
[ There is absolutely no way he's switch places with Elias like that. Sure, he'd only ended up in Vincent's bed initially because it was the closest, but Elias needs to rest. He needs to heal. And he deserves to do so somewhere he can be properly comfortable. Him taking the couch is a non-starter.
But... the other option. At first, Vincent wants to dismiss it automatically. He should be a good host and just take the couch. But... Elias had offerent. And it is quite a big bed. It is the sort of bed that had been designed for two people, even if it's only ever had one in it before. Vincent stares down at the plate of sandwiches, idly plucking at a bit of lettuce sticking out from one as he considers.
The whole idea behind inviting Elias today was that he wanted to try getting closer to him. Push himself out of his comfort zone a little. It's been a wonder lately, seeing his older sister growing, trying new things. Vincent feels a little inspired by her, which is why he clears his throat, not looking at Elias as he says, halting and hesitant. ]
Uh, about sharing the bed, I mean... if you're absolutely sure me being there wouldn't be uncomfortable?
[ Vincent carefully doesn't specify what kind of uncomfortable he means. He doesn't think he snores, but he hasn't shared a bed with anyone, so maybe he kicks in his sleep or tosses and turns or who knows what. He darts a look up at Elias. Elias's cheeks are flushed, but he seems just a bit awkward rather than unhappy or nervous.
It suddenly occurs to Vincent that if they do share, it almost certainly will inspire a few questions, or a few jokes, among their friends. Goodness knows Joy has been making plenty of cracks about how he should ask Elias out. But he realizes, sitting in that dim kitchen, just the two of them in the quiet house, that he doesn't really mind all that. People can think what they want, say what they want. As long as Elias is fine with it, it's the best option. ]
I- uh, yes. Yeah. That would be good, so long as it doesn't mean running into that other pack again. Maybe we should make sure we know what all that's about before we- try it. The warblers aren't going anywhere. Once we're sure it's safe, though, um. Yes. I'd like that.
[Elias lets out a nervous little laugh when Vincent insists that he's not taking the couch. For all that he'd suggested it, he really doesn't expect Vincent to take him up on his offer to share the bed, so he just takes another bite of his sandwich, expecting the status quo to continue as it is.
Except Vincent doesn't turn down his offer. In fact, Vincent says that if he's sure it wouldn't be uncomfortable to have him there, he'll do it. And he says it in an adorable uncertain way that sends a surge of hope through him, wild and impossible and thrilling.]
No, no way, it wouldn't be uncomfortable, it'd be fine! Or I wouldn't have offered!
[Elias is too excited to think about all the comments and jokes that might come if they share a bed, but thinking ahead has never been his strong suit. When it happens, he'll be embarrassed, but frankly it'll be worth it dealing with the cracks and commentary to have shared a bed for a night with his current big crush.]
Right, right, you're right. Once we get all this figured out, it's a date.
[It comes out before he thinks about it, and then he's almost immediately picking up the sandwich again and stuffing it in his mouth, cheeks flushing even more, eyes a little wide. Why does he have to be so awkward?!]
[ Vincent watches, with interest, the way Elias cheerfully says it's a date, realizes the double meaning of his words, and gets flustered. He notices, with a kind of detached surprise, that his own heart is beating quicker in his chest. Is it out of embarrassment? Hope? Fear? Vincent has never been all that good at interpreting his own emotions in the moment. He thinks that Elias is cute like this, eating too quickly and squirming in his seat. Is that bad, for him to think that?
He isn't sure what Elias's obvious awkwardness means, or what he wants it to mean. ]
That's what today was supposed to be, you know.
[ The words are quiet; Vincent says them in a matter-of-fact way, lacing his fingers together and resting his chin on them. He looks at Elias, steady, his expression unreadable as he admits it. Maybe it's the wrong call, but there's no way he's ever going to get less confused about this thing between him and Elias if he dodges the truth and avoids talking about it entirely. ]
That's kind of why I was so surprised when you showed up with Ginger. Also the kidnapping thing, obviously.
[ Vincent rolls his shoulders in a shrug, watching Elias for his reaction to the information that Vincent had tried asking him on a date. ]
[Elias almost does the most disgusting spit-take known to man when Vincent laces his fingers together like that and rests his chin on them and casually says that today was supposed to be a date.
Instead, he chews quickly and swallows hard, his expression an absolute picture of surprise, eyes wide and mouth slightly open, jaw slack.]
What?!
[Blinking a few times, Eli tries to process what he's just heard. Vincent had meant today as a date, and he'd somehow completely missed that?! Vince had wanted to spend the day with him all by himself, and he'd brought Ginger along?!! This is just the absolute pinnacle of being awkward and dumb.]
I can't believe I missed that. Oh man, Vince, you gotta tell a guy these things. I would've been happy to go on a date with you!
[ Vincent is grateful, then, that sound doesn't carry too far in this house. Elias's reaction is definitely a lot louder than he'd expected, and he really doesn't want any of his family waking up and coming down to ask what's the matter. He can feel the heat on his cheeks, even as he schools his face into a blank, neutral expression. It's so obvious from Elias's reaction that he'd had absolutely no idea Vincent had meant his invitation that way. So... that's one thing he's established. A tiny part of his mind might have been wondering if Elias brought Ginger deliberately, to avoid the possibility of being on a date with Vincent. Apparently, the possibility never crossed his mind.
Vincent clears his throat, dropping his gaze from Vincent, like the half-eaten plate of sandwiches has suddenly gotten fascinating. ]
I- suppose I didn't make that as clear as I meant to in my text.
[ He can feel the heat of his blush making its way to his ears, now. It's true, he hadn't mentioned anything about it being a date to Elias, or given any other signals. It had been so obvious to him, his mind had been so preoccupied with the idea of going on a date with Elias, that he hadn't even realized he would need to specify. What an idiot he'd been.
Vincent shrugs, again, and he's the one squirming in his chair now, feeling entirely more vulnerable than he's comfortable with. ]
My bad. I haven't asked anybody out before, so... I guess I need practice.
[ After the prickling hot wave of initial embarrassment subsides, however, it sinks in to Vincent that Elias had said he would've been happy to go on a date together. That his answer would have been yes even if he'd known. Vincent exhales shakily, picking up one of the halves of a sandwich and taking a bite, more out of nerves and a desire to stall than because he's actually all that hungry. When he's bought himself a little time chewing and swallowing, he plucks up the courage to say: ]
Maybe we. Can try again. Sometime. If you want. Maybe somewhere we won't get attacked by a witch, this time.
[Vincent looks serious and calm as always and that's serving to fluster Elias a little more than he might otherwise be flustered. It's crazy, how fast and hard his heart is pumping because Vincent had asked him out on a date and it sounds like he's not taking that back just because Eli had screwed up and brought along a third wheel. A third wheel who'd perpetrated a kidnapping on his date and kept him in a basement for way too long.]
It wasn't. I'm sorry. If I'd known I would have definitely, definitely not brought Ginger along. And...it's okay. You can, uh. You can practice asking someone out on me anytime you want.
[His own face is flushed, and the red is creeping down from his face to his neck and to his chest, which is thankfully mostly hidden by the t-shirt he's wearing. When Vincent picks up the half a sandwich and takes a bite, Eli takes another bite of his own sandwich, and it's good. It gives them both a few minutes to gather their wits and think about what to say and where to go from here.
Eli knows where he wants all this to go. It's just a matter of what Vincent wants. So it's a huge relief when Vincent says that they can try again if he wants, that they can go somewhere they won't get attacked by a witch.]
Yeah! Of course I'd like to try again sometime. The uh- the only issue is where we're gonna go that we don't get attacked by witches.
[ Vincent can't help a smile when Elias offers himself up for practice... any time Vincent wants. He covers the smile with his hand, but it still shows, in the brightness of his eyes, the way his face changes. It's all so knotted up and complicated in his head, how he feels about Elias. He doesn't know how it's so easy for other people to know when the fondness they feel for someone is romantic and when it is platonic - but he is increasingly sure that whatever type it is, he feels intensely, warmly, fervently fond of Elias.
And so, because he's tired, and because he keeps thinking it over and over, and because earlier today he sat on the forest floor and cradled Elias's head in his hands, terrified that any moment he was going to see Elias stop breathing, Vincent murmurs into his hand: ]
You're cute.
[ His pulse is roaring in his ears, and it feels dangerous, saying it. Because he doesn't know for sure yet how he means it. It could be that Elias is cute, and Vincent recognizes that, but in the abstract. He sits up straighter, looking away from Elias, half-regretting saying it at once. This isn't like him at all, what is he doing? It all feels out of control, and too fast, and terrifying, and fun. But mostly terrifying. Clearing his throat, Vincent suggests, in a more business-like way: ]
I feel like somewhere public in the middle of the day should be fine, right? They aren't desperate enough to attack us somewhere they might be seen by security cameras or, hell, people with cellphones. Maybe a- a museum or a sports game or a movie.
[ He taps at his chin, feeling a little steadier now. This is reasoning out where will be safe. This is planning. This is more comfortable territory than telling a cute boy that he thinks he's cute. ]
Hmm. Maybe not a movie. Too dark, could be asking for trouble.
[ And then Vincent's mind is spinning, thinking about how if a movie theatre is dark enough to avoid scrutiny, it could mean other things for a date as well. Elias leaning over and whispering something into his ear, or reaching out to hold his hand, or kissing his neck. He feels flustered at the suddenness of his mental image of it, and hastily shoves the thought aside. ]
But, um, we could watch one together, tonight, if you want, I mean I'm not getting much studying done.
[There's a little shock of excitement that twists up from his gut to his heart when Vincent smiles and hides it with his hand and then mumbles that Elias is cute. Vincent called him cute!
The little internal celebration is cut short when Vincent stiffens up and looks away from him suddenly, and he's not sure what the whole change in attitude is. Vince still looks flushed, but he's business-like when he starts the planning process for this proposed date, and Elias isn't sure what happened. Did he do something wrong? Did he make a stupid face or act too excited or something?
He can't help but wilt just a tiny bit.]
Oh, yeah. You're right, uh. We could go to a baseball game, maybe? Museums are good too, or...walks in the park? No, that's boring. Restaurant maybe? You're right about movies, the dark is...not so great.
[Some of the enthusiasm is coming back, at least, and then Vincent says they could watch a movie tonight, and Elias brightens visibly.]
That'd be great. If you're sure you want to give up all your studying time, and all that.
[But he can't help picturing it - cuddled up under the blankets in the bed with Vincent watching something on a laptop, bodies close...or maybe on the couch, bundled up with some blankets and pillows, watching something on low volume to not wake anyone up...]
[ Vincent had invited Elias to come help him find bird's nests, after all; it's possible that his idea of boring isn't quite what most people's would be. But then, he isn't most people, and Elias isn't, either. Carefully, Vincent risks a glance up at Elias once again, trying to will his heart to stop pounding so hard. ]
I like the museum idea. There'll be plenty to talk about, but we can leave anytime we want, and it won't be so noisy. I always liked playing sports better than watching, anyway.
[ It's strange, the new significance he feels now, telling Elias these little details about himself. It is somehow more deliberate: not just mentioning something in passing, but opening up. Sharing himself, who he is and what he thinks, and hoping that Elias will like the person he sees. Maybe that sort of thing ought to be simple, but for Vincent, it never has been. He doesn't know if that's from growing up with such a big secret at the heart of his life, or if that's just how he is. Probably the latter. Malaya, for all that the secret is about her, has never struggled with expressing herself the way he has.
Vincent smiles softly when Elias takes to the idea of watching a movie together so well. He waves off Elias's concern about his studying: ]
I've been stuck on the same page for like 20 minutes, at this point I'm just wasting time trying.
[ Vincent picks at the half sandwich he'd taken, wondering if he ought to say why he's had such a hard time focusing. Tell Elias that he keeps seeing it over and over in his mind, the way Elias had dropped like a stone after that aconite hit him. How still he'd been. How scared Ginger had sounded. How helpless he'd felt.
But he doesn't have the words for that, any of it. So he gives a little shrug and says, simply: ]
Oh. Right. Nature! And talking to you, that's interesting too.
[Elias feels a little sheepish for not having pinned that one, but it's okay, he's been embarrassed before, he can handle it. Vincent seems to like the idea of a museum, and Elias can feel his excitement swelling again already. He takes a bite of his sandwich to mask the enthusiasm because Vincent already seems a little uncertain and the last thing Eli wants to do is scare him off. But he still chews and swallows pretty quickly.]
Me too. About the sports, I mean. I guess I have a hard time sitting still for that long, too, so a museum would be great. Walking. Talking. Maybe we could grab a coffee afterward, at a place that isn't Red Moon...
[One final bite of the sandwich and he's done, watching Vince while he chews and swallows, trying to read his unreadable face. Mostly, Vincent just looks a little flushed and serious, calm about the whole thing in a way that Eli can't manage. He's always been too easy to read, something that's definitely not going to come in handy when he has to do more werewolf diplomacy.]
Okay, if you're sure. Do you wanna go in bed, or sit in the living room...? I mean, I'm mostly done eating now.
[ Vincent feels a fluttering warmth in his chest when Elias talks about not being good at sitting still. He'd noticed that, when Elias was first shadowing him to his classes on campus. That boy couldn't seem to stop fidgeting. It had made it impossible for Vincent to forget that Elias was there, at his side. Watching out for him. Protecting him.
It's not something Vincent had ever thought of himself as wanting, before. But, then, he hadn't ever been kidnapped before. Even if Ginger and the rest of them turned out to be not so bad after all, it had an impact. ]
I know just the place.
[ Elias has been in town for a little while now, but Vincent grew up here. He knows all the best places to eat in town, and there are several that he wants to show Elias.
Vincent sets down his half-eaten sandwich portion and considers, his cheeks feeling hot once again. The answer is easy, but it still takes a moment for him to awkwardly figure out how to say it without it sounding... wrong. ]
The uh... if we watch the TV down here it'll definitely wake my parents up. But I thought, in bed, on my laptop, sharing headphones?
[ He can't quite look Elias in the eye as he suggests it. It seems inherently... well, like something that a couple would do. They will have to sit close, to keep the headphones from falling out of their ears. And honestly, it sounds kind of nice. Vincent likes his bed, it is comfortable and warm. And he can't help thinking how much more comfortable and warm it will be with Elias cuddled up against his side in it. ]
[Eli knows, embarrassingly enough, that Vincent knows he can't sit still, and it's nothing he would've predicted that Vincent would feel warm about. Maybe the protecting, but not the fidgeting.]
Yeah? For coffee?
[His voice is a little low, maybe a little flirty, he can't help it. Because Vincent had asked him on a date and wants to try again after he'd ruined it. And then he says that the TV down here would wake his parents so they can listen in bed, sharing headphones, and Eli feels a thrilling little flutter of excitement and anticipation and pure infatuation. It's so fun and exciting and scary at the same time, wondering what this could turn into, what he and Vincent could be together.
But still, he tries to tamp down on the enthusiasm, just in case. He doesn't want to lose this just because he's too Eli.]
That works for me. Um. It really works for me. Are you- are you done your sandwich? Should we go? Or I could do the dishes first.
[ Vincent doesn't pick up that the way Elias's voice changes is him being flirtatious - not quite. Or, at least, flirtatious isn't the word he would choose for it if asked. He just picks up that Elias seems happy, and excited about the future, and playful. And that makes him respond in just as flirty playful a way: ]
Mmm, something like that.
[ There's not all that much to be mysterious about - the place he wants to show Elias is a tea shop, rather than a coffee shop, but it feels fun to keep that a secret. It will be fun to see Elias's reaction. Fun to share something a little different with him.
Vincent is turning all that over in his head as he gets up and starts clearing away the dishes, waving a hand at Elias as he threatens good-naturedly: ]
Don't you dare try to get up and help, you're supposed to rest.
[ It's not much to clear away: a cutting board, a butter knife, some scraps of discarded lettuce. Vincent wraps the remaining sandwiches in plastic, sticking them in the fridge and then coming back to where Elias is sitting at the table. He offers a hand to help him up - he had seen how wobbly he was on the way down. ]
[Vincent might not have picked it up, but Elias does, realizes he was flirting and then realizes that maybe, just maybe Vincent is flirting back whether or not he means it that way. It's thrilling, just like everything seems to be thrilling when it's positive and from Vincent, and Eli lets out a deep sigh when the other man gets up and starts clearing dishes.
He offers him a little pouty face.]
Aw, come on. Wouldn't it be nice to do something domestic together?
[But he doesn't make any moves to get up or anything - he's mostly teasing when he says it, though the idea of maybe cooking or tidying a kitchen with Vincent is way more appealing than either of those options on their own.
When Vincent finishes and comes over to offer his hand, Elias takes it without thinking, heaving himself to his feet by offsetting his weight from Vincent's. Once he is standing, he has every intention of bearing his own weight, but finds his knees to still be wobbly and noodly, so he lets himself reach out and take Vincent's arm, tucking himself in close beside him.]
Mmmm. You won't get any complaints from me. Especially if you don't tell anyone.
[The trip up the stairs is a little perilous, but thankfully there's not far to go once they've gotten to the top, and Elias makes it from the stairs to Vincent's bed. Flopping down on it, Eli lets out a little groan, his eyes sinking shut. For a few moments, he's tempted just to go back to sleep, but the promise of watching a movie cuddled up against Vincent sharing headphones is too tempting. So he pushes himself up on an elbow and pulls his feet up, crossing his long legs and turning to rest his back against the pillows.]
[ When Elias rambles something about being domestic together, Vincent glances over his shoulder at him, still washing a dish as he does, and gives a quizzical eyebrow. Is Elias really serious that he wants to wash dishes together, as a romantic thing? Such a thought wouldn't have occurred to Vincent. Is that something that's generally thought of as appealing in a romantic context, or is this a particular quirk of Elias's? He wonders, but he can't think of any way to ask it that wouldn't come out sounding rude or like a rejection.
So he keeps it to himself; when he's uncertain what to say or of the impact of his words, Vincent often defaults to silence. It's led plenty of people in the past to think of him as cold, or snobby, or stoic - though he's really not any of those things. But at the least, Eli never seemed to think that. Not from the very first...
Vincent doesn't hesitate as he steers Elias upstairs, taking as much of his weight as he can and keeping an eye on him, on his color and how he's holding himself. Elias might not complain, but Vincent can see it's a struggle for him. He waits for Elias to get settled in the bed, and then tucks him in, pulling the sheets and blankets up to cover Elias's crossed legs. ]
You're good where you are. Just stay there and I'll get it set up.
[ He props a spare pillow just by Elias's legs and goes to get his laptop from his desk, opening it and checking there is enough battery, pulling up a streaming site and plugging in his headphones. Only then does he get onto the bed himself, slipping under the covers and scooting in close to Elias's side, their shoulders just touching.
Vincent gestures to the screen and the various movies it is suggesting, asking: ]
Any preferences? I don't really know what kind of movies you like...
[It's just one of those weird things, that doing dishes or cooking together and being domestic is kind of romantic.
It's also obvious Vincent doesn't get it from the fact that he stays completely quiet, doesn't really respond. Eli is learning, slowly but surely, that one of the reasons Vincent doesn't say things is because he's not feeling sure of what he wants to say, isn't sure how to respond. It's a little disappointing, thinking that maybe Vincent doesn't think domestic things are romantic, because Eli really likes those kinds of things. Maybe it's from seeing Marin and Marisa so much lately, the way they move in and out of each other's space and coordinate so seamlessly when they do things around the house, each playing to their strengths and so in sync with each other.
That's something they can talk about later, though. 'Domestic' is a few steps beyond where they are right now, which is vaguely talking about the possibility of maybe dating. Exciting, but not quite domestic.
Once he's settled in, though, he gets a little hit of domestic when Vince leans over and pulls the blanket up over his crossed legs, tucks it in to one side of him, and then crawls into the bed with him and the laptop. For a moment, Eli is completely silent, his cheeks red just from proximity and being in bed with his crush and the heat from his body and just all of it really.
He makes a point of leaning in so he can look at the movie suggestions, head spinning a little from wolfsbane and infatuation, hoping his hair will hide his face so Vince can't see how red he probably is.]
I...have a guilty pleasure for romcoms. But I like a lot of things. Just no werewolf movies, those are so bad.
[A pause, and he points to "The Princess Bride."]
Or we could do one of the classics that we won't feel guilty if we fall asleep in front of.
[ Vincent notices the flush on Elias's face, of course, but he's not sure if it's from the exertion of climbing the stairs - that really seemed to take it out of him - or if it's because they are so close. There's a little flutter of excitement in his stomach that it might be the latter, and... well, that's interesting. More data to file away for later study. ]
Don't worry. I wasn't about to suggest Twilight.
[ He is smiling, the warmth of it reaching his eyes. ]
Malaya hates werewolf movies, too. You should ask her sometime so you get to experience the full rant.
[ It hits him again, the way it does sometimes, how much more comfortable his big sister has been with her identity as a werewolf since Elias came around. She tried to hide it, but Vincent could see the shame and anxiety it caused her, how it restricted her life so severely.
And, well, he might not be all that sure about other people's definition of what is and isn't romantic, but the fact that Elias had been able to help someone he loves that much? It's a pretty damn huge mark in his favor.
When Elias suggests "The Princess Bride", Vincent tilts his head, considering. ]
Hmm, never actually seen it. I know it's supposed to be good, just never got around to it. But you shouldn't worry about falling asleep, no matter the movie. Alright?
[ He hovers the cursor over the film, glancing at Elias with eyebrows raised, a silent question of "shall we?" ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
aconite
His wobbly legs manage to get him all the way down the stairs where he stands swaying, trying to remember where the kitchen is. This feels like being drunk. Profoundly drunk. Except the bad version of drunk. At some point he registers that there's a light on in the living room, where Vincent is probably studying or something, and there's no light on in the kitchen.
That decides it for him, and he wobbles his way into the living room, blinking groggily, expression vulnerable because he's feeling vulnerable.]
Vincent? I'm really hungry.
[It comes out embarrassingly whiny, but he's too wobbly and loopy to care in the moment, all he really wants is a little comfort. Preferably from the very handsome young man in the living room.]
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He is in denial of this fact, because he is supposed to be studying, and his biology textbook is sitting open on his lap. But the fact is that he has been reading and re-reading the same paragraph over and over again, absorbing none of it. His mind keeps wandering in an unhelpful way, going over the events of the day. None of it had gone the way he expected; first with Elias showing up with Ginger trailing along after him, then with the weird flying witch who kept calling him bro, then with Elias getting covered in aconite, the fight, their retreat.
Vincent frowns and returns his eyes to the top of the paragraph, determined to focus on whatever it's trying to say about migration patterns. But before he even gets a sentence in, a small noise has him looking up and seeing Elias, looking rumpled and woozy, wandering in.
Before he even realizes it Vincent is getting up, letting his textbook slide to the couch as he reaches out to steady Elias. He's sure something's wrong - a further complication from the aconite, another attack, more nonsense... but just as he's gearing up for the newest crisis of the day, Elias says he's hungry. ]
Oh.
[ Vincent comes to a halt, hand on Elias's arm to steady him. It's possible that everything that's happened since Elias first showed up has made him a tad jumpy and paranoid. Perhaps. But he's not going to think about that right now. He looks at Elias, who has little imprints on his cheek from where the pillowcase had gotten creased beneath it. Vincent remembers, with a rush of heat to his face, how Elias had nuzzled against his hand as he was falling asleep.
Another thing for the not-thinking-about-it-right-now pile.
Food is simple. Food he can do. Vincent has seen how transforming and using her werewolf abilities has made Malaya ravenous in the past, and a very small smile tugs at one corner of his mouth. ]
I'll make sandwiches.
[ He keeps a hand at Elias's arm, steadying him as Vincent directs them both towards the kitchen. It's dim, with the moonlight coming in through the window. Vincent steers the groggy werewolf to the table, gently pushes him down onto a chair, before he sets about making the food. He turns on the light above the stove, which casts a dim, warm yellow light across a small corner of the kitchen.
As he opens the fridge and starts pulling out ingredients, Vincent asks: ]
How're you feeling?
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[Elias is still feeling a little loopy, but not enough that he says 'you're nice' and 'I like you' in the way he had when he was falling asleep. This is a little different, though remniscient. Vincent's hand is so warm on his shoulder, strong and steadying and confident in a way that Elias really is not, and it's so comforting.
God, Vincent is just great.
Elias manages to not say that, though it's a near miss, and settles down in the chair Vincent directs him to, putting his elbow on the table and his chin in his elbow, staring groggily at Vincent as he moves around the kitchen. Still confident, but now also domestic in a way that just manages to make him a little more appealing. Stupid Vincent.]
But aside from that, still uh...a little groggy, I guess. Hazy. And wobbly for sure, I feel like I'm made of wet noodles.
[Lifting his hand, Elias allows it to sway back and forth on his wrist, a prime example of his floppiness.]
See? Useless.
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Elias is effusive with his praise, Vincent reminds himself. He is a warm person who likes being taken care of, and Vincent should be careful not to let himself read too much into it, or get a big ego over compliments. Anybody in the same position would do what he's doing, and more. Vincent would be grateful to them in just the same way, if not moreso. ]
You're not useless. You're up and walking and it's only been a few hours.
[ Vincent thinks he knows what Elias means - that he wouldn't be helpful in a fight, if one showed up to their door - but he persists. Even if he understands the meaning behind Elias's words, he isn't going to stand here and enable Elias's low self-esteem. ]
If you ask me, being a werewolf your whole life has skewed your expectations when it comes to healing. You just need some patience.
[ Vincent pauses, then. That might have come out harsher than he'd meant. It was intended as reassurance, rather than criticism... but perhaps it didn't come out sounding entirely that way. He lets his hands run on autopilot as he speaks, prepping three sandwiches with all the fixings - if Elias doesn't end up eating all of them, he can save the leftovers for tomorrow. As he preps the food, he tries to figure out what he can say to soften his own words, and lands on: ]
And in the meantime, while you're... noodly, I'm here to help.
[ He finishes the sandwiches, piling them all on a plate and bringing it to the table, setting it in front of Elias and then taking the chair to his right, sitting in it with a sigh. He might feel awkward just sitting there, on a normal day, but exhaustion - physical and emotional - wipes that away, and it's nice to just be still, and quiet. ]
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It's not skewed, it's normal for me.
[It's a mild protest, but his feelings aren't really hurt or anything. He's too noodly and too engrossed with watching Vincent being domestic in a kitchen to bother with having hurt feelings. It looks like Vincent is making him just so many sandwiches and his stomach growls in anticipation.
He's about to speak again when Vincent says that he's here, in the meantime, to help while he's feeling wobbly and noodly, which sends a rush of warm tingly something through Eli. What is it about Vincent that just gets him like this, every time he says something nice like that. For a moment, Eli can't speak or anything, so he just watches Vince come over with a plate piled high with sandwiches. Once he finds his voice again, he continues the conversation.]
Well, thanks. For all the help. And letting me have your bed.
[Reaching out with slightly shaky hands, he picks up one of the sandwiches, and distracts himself from both his crush and from thinking too much about what had happened that day by biting into the sandwich and making a long groan.]
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Rubbing at the back of his neck, Vincent shrugs and says: ]
It's no problem. I really don't mind the couch.
[ Vincent manages to sell it pretty well; the part about him not minding giving up his bed for Elias is true, after all. But the couch isn't exactly comfortable, and Vincent is pretty sure he's not going to get even an hour of sleep. He'll just end up napping in the library on campus tomorrow, most likely. Still, Elias's need is greater than his own. ]
I called my professor earlier to tell her about finding the warbler nest. I said we had to cut the search short because my friend had had an allergic reaction - figured that was close enough to the truth, right?
[ Telling little white lies to excuse away werewolf nonsense isn't anything new to Vincent. He's had a lifetime of practice with Malaya, and he knows that the closer to the truth, the better.
With a wry, self-deprecating twist in his voice, Vincent adds: ]
She mostly seemed surprised to hear I had a friend and brought him along, so I think we're in the clear.
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Elias gets through the first sandwich in about 6 bites, and then pauses to take a break, still chewing, looking over at Vincent with a sort of dopey, fond expression. When he says he doesn't mind the couch, Eli's brows raise and his eyes get a bit bigger.]
Are you sure? Sleeping on couches is the worst.
[For a few moments, he chews on the inside of his lower lip, wrestling with himself over whether to say it or not, but eventually the complete lack of inhibition from being exhausted and the leftover wolfsbane in his system takes over.]
We could always share. There's lots of room. Or I could take the couch back over.
[Then, cheeks flushed, he's all too happy to change the subject.]
Oh, that's. Yeah, that's a good explanation. It's sort of like that, I guess, though different symptoms and all that. But close. And a good excuse.
[Another pause, and he takes a bite of the next sandwich with another little groan of pleasure at the taste of it - just the right amount of mayonnaise!]
Mm. You know, now that I know what the warblers smell like, and the cowbirds, we could always go look for more later. Maybe without Ginger this time?
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You are not taking the couch.
[ There is absolutely no way he's switch places with Elias like that. Sure, he'd only ended up in Vincent's bed initially because it was the closest, but Elias needs to rest. He needs to heal. And he deserves to do so somewhere he can be properly comfortable. Him taking the couch is a non-starter.
But... the other option. At first, Vincent wants to dismiss it automatically. He should be a good host and just take the couch. But... Elias had offerent. And it is quite a big bed. It is the sort of bed that had been designed for two people, even if it's only ever had one in it before. Vincent stares down at the plate of sandwiches, idly plucking at a bit of lettuce sticking out from one as he considers.
The whole idea behind inviting Elias today was that he wanted to try getting closer to him. Push himself out of his comfort zone a little. It's been a wonder lately, seeing his older sister growing, trying new things. Vincent feels a little inspired by her, which is why he clears his throat, not looking at Elias as he says, halting and hesitant. ]
Uh, about sharing the bed, I mean... if you're absolutely sure me being there wouldn't be uncomfortable?
[ Vincent carefully doesn't specify what kind of uncomfortable he means. He doesn't think he snores, but he hasn't shared a bed with anyone, so maybe he kicks in his sleep or tosses and turns or who knows what. He darts a look up at Elias. Elias's cheeks are flushed, but he seems just a bit awkward rather than unhappy or nervous.
It suddenly occurs to Vincent that if they do share, it almost certainly will inspire a few questions, or a few jokes, among their friends. Goodness knows Joy has been making plenty of cracks about how he should ask Elias out. But he realizes, sitting in that dim kitchen, just the two of them in the quiet house, that he doesn't really mind all that. People can think what they want, say what they want. As long as Elias is fine with it, it's the best option. ]
I- uh, yes. Yeah. That would be good, so long as it doesn't mean running into that other pack again. Maybe we should make sure we know what all that's about before we- try it. The warblers aren't going anywhere. Once we're sure it's safe, though, um. Yes. I'd like that.
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Except Vincent doesn't turn down his offer. In fact, Vincent says that if he's sure it wouldn't be uncomfortable to have him there, he'll do it. And he says it in an adorable uncertain way that sends a surge of hope through him, wild and impossible and thrilling.]
No, no way, it wouldn't be uncomfortable, it'd be fine! Or I wouldn't have offered!
[Elias is too excited to think about all the comments and jokes that might come if they share a bed, but thinking ahead has never been his strong suit. When it happens, he'll be embarrassed, but frankly it'll be worth it dealing with the cracks and commentary to have shared a bed for a night with his current big crush.]
Right, right, you're right. Once we get all this figured out, it's a date.
[It comes out before he thinks about it, and then he's almost immediately picking up the sandwich again and stuffing it in his mouth, cheeks flushing even more, eyes a little wide. Why does he have to be so awkward?!]
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He isn't sure what Elias's obvious awkwardness means, or what he wants it to mean. ]
That's what today was supposed to be, you know.
[ The words are quiet; Vincent says them in a matter-of-fact way, lacing his fingers together and resting his chin on them. He looks at Elias, steady, his expression unreadable as he admits it. Maybe it's the wrong call, but there's no way he's ever going to get less confused about this thing between him and Elias if he dodges the truth and avoids talking about it entirely. ]
That's kind of why I was so surprised when you showed up with Ginger. Also the kidnapping thing, obviously.
[ Vincent rolls his shoulders in a shrug, watching Elias for his reaction to the information that Vincent had tried asking him on a date. ]
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Instead, he chews quickly and swallows hard, his expression an absolute picture of surprise, eyes wide and mouth slightly open, jaw slack.]
What?!
[Blinking a few times, Eli tries to process what he's just heard. Vincent had meant today as a date, and he'd somehow completely missed that?! Vince had wanted to spend the day with him all by himself, and he'd brought Ginger along?!! This is just the absolute pinnacle of being awkward and dumb.]
I can't believe I missed that. Oh man, Vince, you gotta tell a guy these things. I would've been happy to go on a date with you!
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Vincent clears his throat, dropping his gaze from Vincent, like the half-eaten plate of sandwiches has suddenly gotten fascinating. ]
I- suppose I didn't make that as clear as I meant to in my text.
[ He can feel the heat of his blush making its way to his ears, now. It's true, he hadn't mentioned anything about it being a date to Elias, or given any other signals. It had been so obvious to him, his mind had been so preoccupied with the idea of going on a date with Elias, that he hadn't even realized he would need to specify. What an idiot he'd been.
Vincent shrugs, again, and he's the one squirming in his chair now, feeling entirely more vulnerable than he's comfortable with. ]
My bad. I haven't asked anybody out before, so... I guess I need practice.
[ After the prickling hot wave of initial embarrassment subsides, however, it sinks in to Vincent that Elias had said he would've been happy to go on a date together. That his answer would have been yes even if he'd known. Vincent exhales shakily, picking up one of the halves of a sandwich and taking a bite, more out of nerves and a desire to stall than because he's actually all that hungry. When he's bought himself a little time chewing and swallowing, he plucks up the courage to say: ]
Maybe we. Can try again. Sometime. If you want. Maybe somewhere we won't get attacked by a witch, this time.
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It wasn't. I'm sorry. If I'd known I would have definitely, definitely not brought Ginger along. And...it's okay. You can, uh. You can practice asking someone out on me anytime you want.
[His own face is flushed, and the red is creeping down from his face to his neck and to his chest, which is thankfully mostly hidden by the t-shirt he's wearing. When Vincent picks up the half a sandwich and takes a bite, Eli takes another bite of his own sandwich, and it's good. It gives them both a few minutes to gather their wits and think about what to say and where to go from here.
Eli knows where he wants all this to go. It's just a matter of what Vincent wants. So it's a huge relief when Vincent says that they can try again if he wants, that they can go somewhere they won't get attacked by a witch.]
Yeah! Of course I'd like to try again sometime. The uh- the only issue is where we're gonna go that we don't get attacked by witches.
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And so, because he's tired, and because he keeps thinking it over and over, and because earlier today he sat on the forest floor and cradled Elias's head in his hands, terrified that any moment he was going to see Elias stop breathing, Vincent murmurs into his hand: ]
You're cute.
[ His pulse is roaring in his ears, and it feels dangerous, saying it. Because he doesn't know for sure yet how he means it. It could be that Elias is cute, and Vincent recognizes that, but in the abstract. He sits up straighter, looking away from Elias, half-regretting saying it at once. This isn't like him at all, what is he doing? It all feels out of control, and too fast, and terrifying, and fun. But mostly terrifying. Clearing his throat, Vincent suggests, in a more business-like way: ]
I feel like somewhere public in the middle of the day should be fine, right? They aren't desperate enough to attack us somewhere they might be seen by security cameras or, hell, people with cellphones. Maybe a- a museum or a sports game or a movie.
[ He taps at his chin, feeling a little steadier now. This is reasoning out where will be safe. This is planning. This is more comfortable territory than telling a cute boy that he thinks he's cute. ]
Hmm. Maybe not a movie. Too dark, could be asking for trouble.
[ And then Vincent's mind is spinning, thinking about how if a movie theatre is dark enough to avoid scrutiny, it could mean other things for a date as well. Elias leaning over and whispering something into his ear, or reaching out to hold his hand, or kissing his neck. He feels flustered at the suddenness of his mental image of it, and hastily shoves the thought aside. ]
But, um, we could watch one together, tonight, if you want, I mean I'm not getting much studying done.
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The little internal celebration is cut short when Vincent stiffens up and looks away from him suddenly, and he's not sure what the whole change in attitude is. Vince still looks flushed, but he's business-like when he starts the planning process for this proposed date, and Elias isn't sure what happened. Did he do something wrong? Did he make a stupid face or act too excited or something?
He can't help but wilt just a tiny bit.]
Oh, yeah. You're right, uh. We could go to a baseball game, maybe? Museums are good too, or...walks in the park? No, that's boring. Restaurant maybe? You're right about movies, the dark is...not so great.
[Some of the enthusiasm is coming back, at least, and then Vincent says they could watch a movie tonight, and Elias brightens visibly.]
That'd be great. If you're sure you want to give up all your studying time, and all that.
[But he can't help picturing it - cuddled up under the blankets in the bed with Vincent watching something on a laptop, bodies close...or maybe on the couch, bundled up with some blankets and pillows, watching something on low volume to not wake anyone up...]
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[ Vincent had invited Elias to come help him find bird's nests, after all; it's possible that his idea of boring isn't quite what most people's would be. But then, he isn't most people, and Elias isn't, either. Carefully, Vincent risks a glance up at Elias once again, trying to will his heart to stop pounding so hard. ]
I like the museum idea. There'll be plenty to talk about, but we can leave anytime we want, and it won't be so noisy. I always liked playing sports better than watching, anyway.
[ It's strange, the new significance he feels now, telling Elias these little details about himself. It is somehow more deliberate: not just mentioning something in passing, but opening up. Sharing himself, who he is and what he thinks, and hoping that Elias will like the person he sees. Maybe that sort of thing ought to be simple, but for Vincent, it never has been. He doesn't know if that's from growing up with such a big secret at the heart of his life, or if that's just how he is. Probably the latter. Malaya, for all that the secret is about her, has never struggled with expressing herself the way he has.
Vincent smiles softly when Elias takes to the idea of watching a movie together so well. He waves off Elias's concern about his studying: ]
I've been stuck on the same page for like 20 minutes, at this point I'm just wasting time trying.
[ Vincent picks at the half sandwich he'd taken, wondering if he ought to say why he's had such a hard time focusing. Tell Elias that he keeps seeing it over and over in his mind, the way Elias had dropped like a stone after that aconite hit him. How still he'd been. How scared Ginger had sounded. How helpless he'd felt.
But he doesn't have the words for that, any of it. So he gives a little shrug and says, simply: ]
I want to.
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[Elias feels a little sheepish for not having pinned that one, but it's okay, he's been embarrassed before, he can handle it. Vincent seems to like the idea of a museum, and Elias can feel his excitement swelling again already. He takes a bite of his sandwich to mask the enthusiasm because Vincent already seems a little uncertain and the last thing Eli wants to do is scare him off. But he still chews and swallows pretty quickly.]
Me too. About the sports, I mean. I guess I have a hard time sitting still for that long, too, so a museum would be great. Walking. Talking. Maybe we could grab a coffee afterward, at a place that isn't Red Moon...
[One final bite of the sandwich and he's done, watching Vince while he chews and swallows, trying to read his unreadable face. Mostly, Vincent just looks a little flushed and serious, calm about the whole thing in a way that Eli can't manage. He's always been too easy to read, something that's definitely not going to come in handy when he has to do more werewolf diplomacy.]
Okay, if you're sure. Do you wanna go in bed, or sit in the living room...? I mean, I'm mostly done eating now.
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It's not something Vincent had ever thought of himself as wanting, before. But, then, he hadn't ever been kidnapped before. Even if Ginger and the rest of them turned out to be not so bad after all, it had an impact. ]
I know just the place.
[ Elias has been in town for a little while now, but Vincent grew up here. He knows all the best places to eat in town, and there are several that he wants to show Elias.
Vincent sets down his half-eaten sandwich portion and considers, his cheeks feeling hot once again. The answer is easy, but it still takes a moment for him to awkwardly figure out how to say it without it sounding... wrong. ]
The uh... if we watch the TV down here it'll definitely wake my parents up. But I thought, in bed, on my laptop, sharing headphones?
[ He can't quite look Elias in the eye as he suggests it. It seems inherently... well, like something that a couple would do. They will have to sit close, to keep the headphones from falling out of their ears. And honestly, it sounds kind of nice. Vincent likes his bed, it is comfortable and warm. And he can't help thinking how much more comfortable and warm it will be with Elias cuddled up against his side in it. ]
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Yeah? For coffee?
[His voice is a little low, maybe a little flirty, he can't help it. Because Vincent had asked him on a date and wants to try again after he'd ruined it. And then he says that the TV down here would wake his parents so they can listen in bed, sharing headphones, and Eli feels a thrilling little flutter of excitement and anticipation and pure infatuation. It's so fun and exciting and scary at the same time, wondering what this could turn into, what he and Vincent could be together.
But still, he tries to tamp down on the enthusiasm, just in case. He doesn't want to lose this just because he's too Eli.]
That works for me. Um. It really works for me. Are you- are you done your sandwich? Should we go? Or I could do the dishes first.
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flirtyplayful a way: ]Mmm, something like that.
[ There's not all that much to be mysterious about - the place he wants to show Elias is a tea shop, rather than a coffee shop, but it feels fun to keep that a secret. It will be fun to see Elias's reaction. Fun to share something a little different with him.
Vincent is turning all that over in his head as he gets up and starts clearing away the dishes, waving a hand at Elias as he threatens good-naturedly: ]
Don't you dare try to get up and help, you're supposed to rest.
[ It's not much to clear away: a cutting board, a butter knife, some scraps of discarded lettuce. Vincent wraps the remaining sandwiches in plastic, sticking them in the fridge and then coming back to where Elias is sitting at the table. He offers a hand to help him up - he had seen how wobbly he was on the way down. ]
You can lean on me. I won't tell anyone.
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He offers him a little pouty face.]
Aw, come on. Wouldn't it be nice to do something domestic together?
[But he doesn't make any moves to get up or anything - he's mostly teasing when he says it, though the idea of maybe cooking or tidying a kitchen with Vincent is way more appealing than either of those options on their own.
When Vincent finishes and comes over to offer his hand, Elias takes it without thinking, heaving himself to his feet by offsetting his weight from Vincent's. Once he is standing, he has every intention of bearing his own weight, but finds his knees to still be wobbly and noodly, so he lets himself reach out and take Vincent's arm, tucking himself in close beside him.]
Mmmm. You won't get any complaints from me. Especially if you don't tell anyone.
[The trip up the stairs is a little perilous, but thankfully there's not far to go once they've gotten to the top, and Elias makes it from the stairs to Vincent's bed. Flopping down on it, Eli lets out a little groan, his eyes sinking shut. For a few moments, he's tempted just to go back to sleep, but the promise of watching a movie cuddled up against Vincent sharing headphones is too tempting. So he pushes himself up on an elbow and pulls his feet up, crossing his long legs and turning to rest his back against the pillows.]
Want me to scoot over?
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So he keeps it to himself; when he's uncertain what to say or of the impact of his words, Vincent often defaults to silence. It's led plenty of people in the past to think of him as cold, or snobby, or stoic - though he's really not any of those things. But at the least, Eli never seemed to think that. Not from the very first...
Vincent doesn't hesitate as he steers Elias upstairs, taking as much of his weight as he can and keeping an eye on him, on his color and how he's holding himself. Elias might not complain, but Vincent can see it's a struggle for him. He waits for Elias to get settled in the bed, and then tucks him in, pulling the sheets and blankets up to cover Elias's crossed legs. ]
You're good where you are. Just stay there and I'll get it set up.
[ He props a spare pillow just by Elias's legs and goes to get his laptop from his desk, opening it and checking there is enough battery, pulling up a streaming site and plugging in his headphones. Only then does he get onto the bed himself, slipping under the covers and scooting in close to Elias's side, their shoulders just touching.
Vincent gestures to the screen and the various movies it is suggesting, asking: ]
Any preferences? I don't really know what kind of movies you like...
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It's also obvious Vincent doesn't get it from the fact that he stays completely quiet, doesn't really respond. Eli is learning, slowly but surely, that one of the reasons Vincent doesn't say things is because he's not feeling sure of what he wants to say, isn't sure how to respond. It's a little disappointing, thinking that maybe Vincent doesn't think domestic things are romantic, because Eli really likes those kinds of things. Maybe it's from seeing Marin and Marisa so much lately, the way they move in and out of each other's space and coordinate so seamlessly when they do things around the house, each playing to their strengths and so in sync with each other.
That's something they can talk about later, though. 'Domestic' is a few steps beyond where they are right now, which is vaguely talking about the possibility of maybe dating. Exciting, but not quite domestic.
Once he's settled in, though, he gets a little hit of domestic when Vince leans over and pulls the blanket up over his crossed legs, tucks it in to one side of him, and then crawls into the bed with him and the laptop. For a moment, Eli is completely silent, his cheeks red just from proximity and being in bed with his crush and the heat from his body and just all of it really.
He makes a point of leaning in so he can look at the movie suggestions, head spinning a little from wolfsbane and infatuation, hoping his hair will hide his face so Vince can't see how red he probably is.]
I...have a guilty pleasure for romcoms. But I like a lot of things. Just no werewolf movies, those are so bad.
[A pause, and he points to "The Princess Bride."]
Or we could do one of the classics that we won't feel guilty if we fall asleep in front of.
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Don't worry. I wasn't about to suggest Twilight.
[ He is smiling, the warmth of it reaching his eyes. ]
Malaya hates werewolf movies, too. You should ask her sometime so you get to experience the full rant.
[ It hits him again, the way it does sometimes, how much more comfortable his big sister has been with her identity as a werewolf since Elias came around. She tried to hide it, but Vincent could see the shame and anxiety it caused her, how it restricted her life so severely.
And, well, he might not be all that sure about other people's definition of what is and isn't romantic, but the fact that Elias had been able to help someone he loves that much? It's a pretty damn huge mark in his favor.
When Elias suggests "The Princess Bride", Vincent tilts his head, considering. ]
Hmm, never actually seen it. I know it's supposed to be good, just never got around to it. But you shouldn't worry about falling asleep, no matter the movie. Alright?
[ He hovers the cursor over the film, glancing at Elias with eyebrows raised, a silent question of "shall we?" ]