[for alcuin] a quiet celebration

[karmic_darwin]

It had taken some doing, arranging a meal for Alcuin's birthday without Alcuin himself either making plans or being aware that Mohinder had anything planned. He supposed he might simply have told Alcuin, but he thought, perhaps, Alcuin would fret over whether he meant to invite Rupert - he didn't, as it happened

Comments

[will_you_see]

"Holiday?" Alcuin repeated, having found himself temporarily distracted by the soft touch and the buzz of wine. "I suppose, the Longest Night... even if we don't celebrate it here, since the seasons hardly seem to match the days. But the midwinter masque was a sight to behold."

He was still so content and pleased by the evening, touched by the trouble that Mohinder had gone to for his birthday, which had passed with little fuss the previous two years on the island.

[karmic_darwin]

"Perhaps we might. I see no reason you shouldn't attempt to organize a Longest Night masque. The island seems to love a party and sharing the tradition would keep it vibrant for you, would it not?"

His fingers still smoothed over Alcuin's back, but he made no effort to lift his shirt. It was, after all, Alcuin's birthday they celebrated. He would leave the matter of sex in Alcuin's capable hands, leave it utterly to his desire.

[will_you_see]

"Well..." Alcuin looked thoughtful for a moment. "Perhaps next year, if we have a month of winter. It would feel a bit wrong in the summertime."

He tipped his head back, resting against Mohinder's shoulder. "Thank you," he said softly, "for this. It is a pleasant change. Last year..." He sighed. "My birthday came just after I found out that James was gone, which was on the heels of Giacomo's disappearance. It was a lonely time."

[karmic_darwin]

He would remind Alcuin of the masque in November, if they were both still here, a thought he did not want to pursue at this time, especially given the direction of Alcuin's conversation. Instead, he bent his head over Alcuin's and kissed him softly, more affection than invitation, although with Alcuin desire always waited in the wings.

"I had hoped the situation with Rupert might be resolved in time to invite him, as well, but considering how things went on New Year's, it seemed prudent to ensure you a pleasant birthday and out that reunion off a little while." It wasn't, perhaps, his most graceful conversational gambit, but then no one had ever accused him of social grace.