It was an interminable drive. Time completely stopped between Oxford and London. If anything, it reversed. What is normally about an hour and fifteen minute drive felt more like three hours. A very long, uncomfortable three hours...
     The flat in Shepherd's Bush is reached at last. A car is parked and keys are slotted into the front lock and turned. And turned until it clicks twice. With an exhale, Balthazar switches on the foyer light and closes the door behind him. He locks it and drags a hand through his hair.
     Pausing in the kitchen, he fetches a Boddington's from the icebox and heads upstairs. Work is coming along in the terrace. The ground floor is all but done and now the second floor is underway. He keeps climbing, past the third storey and up to the top, or fourth, floor. The master bedroom is large, with the terrace leading off from it. There is a greenhouse there now which will be transformed into an enclosed, rooftop garden. The bedroom is well appointed (magically appointed but within 'reason'), in reds and golds and blacks.
     Shrugging off his jacket, Balthazar approaches his bed, opening the can of Boddington's along the way. In his other hand, the Blackberry. He dials a number that reaches across the worlds and slips between the veils of various realities to reach that of his father.
     As the phone rings, Balthazar plops down on the bed and sighs again. He takes another swallow of beer and then sets his can aside, rolling back to lie outspread. So close!

     Your father is sleepily sprawled on his bed after what could best be described as an intimate interlude of his own. He gropes, flails slightly, then finally lands on the device, bringing it to his ear and mouth. His free hand lifts to pinch the bridge of his nose, rubbing his eyes dopily.
     Tiernan sighs, stirs a bit further, then finds words. "Hello." Who it is he's answering hasn't yet penetrated.

     "Sorry to have woken you, papa," Balthazar says into the phone. He sounds as tired as you. His body is very... very awake, however. "Is now a bad time? I can ... call back later..."

     "No. No, it's not a bad time." What time is it? Tiernan gropes for the edge of the blanket, exhaling as he folds it away from himself. "I was asleep, that's all. What's the matter?" He is waking rapidly, now. His son is calling. He might be in trouble. "You are all right?"

     "Oes, I'm alright. I'm in love... so there's no hope really, but... I'm not the only one suffering that. You... asked me to call you when it got serious so... here is your phone call. We... haven't consummated," he blushes at that, "...anything. But... anyway," yeah, you know your sons, that won't take long. "She's wanting to be careful, to take things slowly. I ... think she may even be a virgin. I didn't before tonight but," he smiles with chagrin and sits up to take a swallow of beer. "I think she may be..."

     You're calling after a failed booty call. He lets his eyelids droop shut. You know he's still there by his exhaled sigh. "...All right," Tiernan answers after a noticeable pause. "It is serious, then. What do you wish to do about it?"
     He rises, crossing from the bed to the other room. Give me some tea. If he must be awake and dealing with young love, he can at least face it with something in his stomach.

     "I'm not sure how to answer that really. I want to pursue a relationship with her... I'm in a relationship with her. She's the only one I'm seeing. In fact," he takes another swallow of the Boddington's, "... I haven't seen anyone else since I met her."
     Balthazar lies back against his own bed with another exhale. "Will there be any issues with that, politically? I know I have less pressure than Gruffydd did, to an extent. But I don't want to take anything for granted..."

     "Gruffydd married someone from a small kingdom, bringing very little political benefit to the table. I don't think it's going to be an issue. Assuming you're thinking of marrying her, at any rate. What are your plans, Balthazar?" Tiernan squints as he pours hot water over loose tea leaves with bits of dried citrus. Steep faster. "You make it sound as if you are thinking of marriage. It is a bit soon for it, isn't it? Though I suppose not."
     All of these men know who and what they want all too fast. I would be a fool not to see it coming. Still, we must be careful. He drags back a chair, closing his eyes again. "Tell me what you have in mind. I will advise you, but first you must reveal your heart to me."

     Marriage? You are not with him to see the eyebrows drift upward. "I'm not thinking that far ahead, papa. I love her, I want to be with her. But what that means, I'm not sure yet. It's far too soon to be talking of that. One, she wouldn't entertain it. I am going to commit myself to her... you know, be a faithful, good man to her. Spoil her whenever I can. And... hopefully soon... sleep with her," he chuckles at that, going red-faced. "That's... all I'm thinking about at the moment. All I know is that I love her and I don't like that she lives an hour or more away. But she has her studies, she has her own plans -- none of which call for marriage anytime soon..."

     "I'll look into her." Tiernan does not explain. Explanations can wait. Preferably until he's slept more. "Plans change in the face of love, Balthazar. Especially with your family. I think it is good that you are not thinking that far ahead, though. Take your time. Take time with her. And there are a list of things for you to begin thinking about, if you intend to stay with her."
     He picks up a pen and begins to write. "You should receive the list on your phone in a few moments. Think about the items on the list. You don't need to know all the answers now, but they are things you need to hold in mind if you are going to pursue this."
     "I ... am going away in a couple of days ... I will be back in two weeks. Less for you, of course. But during that time I will be harder to reach..."

     He doesn't inquire. "Do you need me to watch Ani again?" Are you and father heading off for another vacation, he wonders to himself. It is almost released from his thoughts -- Boddington's is like that -- but he catches himself. It's none of his business. "I plan to take my time. Besides which, it's what she wants and needs. I will review the list and will... let you know." Balthazar pauses to take another, longer swallow of the ale. "Travel safely, papa. I don't know if I'll be able to catch you before you leave." You know how time can be. "I will be careful, hmm? She's important to me. I want to be careful. As much as I want her, I want her in the right way... "

     "No, Ani will be in hand. I will be safe," Tiernan assures you with a small smile. He lifts his tea. "I will be traveling to Oannes."
     He does not explain, but he gives you this much. "Do take your time. I will be happier for it, and so will you. The list will reach you soon. For now... I am going back to bed. Yes? If you need me, call, and I will answer if and when I am able..."
     The list begins to scroll across the 'Blackberry's' surface...
     Will you tell her the truth?
     What if she gets pregnant?
     What will you tell her, if not the truth?
     What about your careers?
     How will you sustain any untruths?
     What if she figures something out?...

Posted by rowan at March 07, 2009 08:27 PM