Jason Hiller
Ireth
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
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Post by Jason Hiller on Nov 16, 2009 16:29:25 GMT -5
Jason jumped a little as Zeph shuddered beside him; seeing the fear in Zeph's face, Jason wrapped his arms around his boyfriend and rubbed his back soothingly. "It's okay, Zeph. I'll make sure we aren't out past sunset at all. Much safer that way. Plus we'll have no chance of breaking curfew," he grinned. "Father will be pleased."
He leaned against Zeph in silence, reflecting on how things were going so far. His father didn't seem to have much of an objection to Zeph at this point; their only direct prohibition was making love (not that they ever would have anyway), though Jason thought it would be safest to err on the side of caution and downplay displays of affection when his parents were around. He highly doubted his father would appreciate him sharing a bed with Zeph, even if it was just to sleep. Jason made a mental note to approach his father in private and ask what was explicitly taboo, and what wasn't.
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Zephyros Aetai
Kitty Kat
Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
Posts: 1,380
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Post by Zephyros Aetai on Nov 16, 2009 20:43:56 GMT -5
Zephyros held himself close to Jason, nodding slightly. He shifted closer, nuzzling Jason's chest a little. His arms were pressed between his chest and Jason's stomach as he huddled close to his boyfriend. He couldn't think of anywhere he would be safer than right here in Jason's arms. His eyes closed and he sighed slightly, in contentment. "Definitely want to keep your father happy... I didn't mean to insult him at the hospital... I just didn't want to to pay, especially after his reaction to the cost..."
Something he'd brushed off as if it were nothing. He should probably be careful not to insult Casper with this...
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Jason Hiller
Ireth
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
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Post by Jason Hiller on Nov 16, 2009 20:53:55 GMT -5
"I think you shocked him more than you insulted him," Jason replied calmly. "He's not used to taking orders from others who aren't his elders or superiors. His father was a soldier, and Father later became one himself, so he kind of got that lifestyle drilled into him. And you might be able to tell he passes it on."
He sighed softly. "Sometimes it's a bit much, though, you know? Like when I was bitten by a werewolf, or when I came out as gay, it completely blew his mind. He's had longer to adjust to the werewolf thing than the gay thing, though, and it was easier because the bite wasn't my fault. Me being gay was just the icing on the cake. Thankfully, having me away from home for almost a year seems to have helped him clear his head a bit. We'll just have to tread carefully and see how this plays out, I guess."
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Zephyros Aetai
Kitty Kat
Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
Posts: 1,380
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Post by Zephyros Aetai on Nov 16, 2009 21:09:16 GMT -5
Zeph nodded slowly, still hugging Jason close. "Well, I guess I'm a little too used to giving orders. I mean, I live with servants, I really usually am obeyed... And I really didn't want to let him pay when I had money for that very reason. I hope I made myself understood..."
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Jason Hiller
Ireth
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
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Post by Jason Hiller on Nov 16, 2009 21:13:36 GMT -5
Jason nodded. "I think so. He let you pay, didn't he? And he didn't even argue." He smiled. "I can see this being really awkward for all of us... hopefully it'll be okay."
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Zephyros Aetai
Kitty Kat
Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
Posts: 1,380
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Post by Zephyros Aetai on Nov 16, 2009 21:51:47 GMT -5
"More awkward than you know..." Zephyros said softly. "I'll try to keep those impulses down. I really don't want to mess this up..."
He cuddled close again, his stomach twisting a little. He licked his lips, blinking. "What time is it...? And when do you think I could get away with talking your family into going out for dinner my treat?"
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Jason Hiller
Ireth
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
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Post by Jason Hiller on Nov 16, 2009 22:02:35 GMT -5
Jason looked at his watch. "Quarter after five... like I said, we usually have supper at six. But since you're taking us out, I think we might just end up going when everyone feels hungry. Maybe we should head downstairs and see what everyone thinks." He didn't move right away, waiting for Zeph's consent.
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Zephyros Aetai
Kitty Kat
Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
Posts: 1,380
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Post by Zephyros Aetai on Nov 16, 2009 22:28:03 GMT -5
Zeph pulled away a little, running a hand through his hair. "Let's go ask. Because I'm starving..."
And I WILL keep it down this time, curse it. He stood up and reached for Jason's hand again.
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Jason Hiller
Ireth
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
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Post by Jason Hiller on Nov 17, 2009 0:07:27 GMT -5
Jason nodded, standing up and taking Zeph's hand. "Me too."
He let Zeph lead the way downstairs, glancing around the living room as he walked. Helen and Ariadne were sitting together on the couch, and his father and mother soon came walking in from their bedroom. Jason approached his father, looking up at him.
"When were you thinking of having Zeph take us out for dinner, Father? I know it's not six yet, but if people are hungry we might as well eat."
Casper nodded, looking around at his wife and daughters. "Are either of you hungry?"
The women all answered in the affirmative. Casper smiled. "Well, that settles that. Shall we?" He walked toward the closet just off the kitchen, taking down his coat and shrugging it on. Jason and his family followed suit, filing toward the door, putting on their shoes and climbing into the car. Jason held Zeph's hand and smiled at him quietly. So far, so good.
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Zephyros Aetai
Kitty Kat
Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
Posts: 1,380
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Post by Zephyros Aetai on Nov 17, 2009 0:31:38 GMT -5
Zeph smiled back, his hand squeezing Jason's slightly. He was huddled in what was more of a coat than a jacket, not used to the cool air. If he'd been fresh from Dunehelden it would have been heavenly in its warmth, but not after being at home in the near tropical weather there. He wanted to lean against his boyfriend again, but knew it would put him to sleep and that wasn't a good idea. Though he almost desperately wanted to get enough sleep to make up for what would be sleepless nights.
Sighing, he kept his eyes on the road. He was starting to get motion sick... something new for him, but he was getting used to everything being different from what it had been. Maybe it was the control issue most people said it was. But he trusted Casper... didn't he?
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Jason Hiller
Ireth
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
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Post by Jason Hiller on Nov 17, 2009 18:00:17 GMT -5
Casper pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant, parking and getting out of the car as his family followed suit. He led the way inside, getting them a table for six, following the waiter to their table and seating himself. Heidi sat at his side, with Helen beside her. Jason sat across from his father and beside Zeph, with Ariadne on Zeph's other side. The waiter handed them menus (bilingual, luckily for Zeph) and left quietly.
Jason fidgeted a little with his hands in his lap. This could not get very much more awkward than it already was, and they still had the whole evening ahead of them. A lot of the standard polite conversation was out of the question, as they all knew -- hearing his parents or sisters asking "How did you enjoy your time in Greece?" would not go over well. Jason sat silently, one hand slipping into Zeph's under the table, and his eyes on his menu.
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Zephyros Aetai
Kitty Kat
Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
Posts: 1,380
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Post by Zephyros Aetai on Nov 17, 2009 18:10:46 GMT -5
Zeph held his hand tightly, feeling the tense atmosphere tighten his shoulder blades and stomach. He bit his lip a little, and his eyes brightened as he thought of an idea. "So, Mr. Hiller... I'll be honest; I was so excited about coming I forgot to ask these sort of things. What do you do for a living?"
That was safe. No memories attached, the question was honest and completely innocuous.
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Jason Hiller
Ireth
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
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Post by Jason Hiller on Nov 17, 2009 19:12:02 GMT -5
Casper smiled, pleased that Zeph was taking an interest in him. "I'm an accountant at the moment. I used to be a soldier, but that was many years ago. My father and grandfather were both soldiers as well. I have an entire study filled with artifacts from the wars..."
He trailed off and coughed, realizing he was going off on a tangent. "Excuse me. I know you didn't come here to hear nothing but war stories."
Jason couldn't help but grin at his father. "You never know, Father. He might like to hear about how Grandfather went against the Nazi regime."
Casper smiled. "Perhaps, but that isn't appropriate for table conversation. If you like, Zeph, I could tell you all about it later this evening."
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Zephyros Aetai
Kitty Kat
Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
Posts: 1,380
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Post by Zephyros Aetai on Nov 17, 2009 19:23:59 GMT -5
Zeph smiled back, squeezing Jason's hand a little. "I would, sir. I've always loved stories. Especially ones handed down through the generations. Most Greek myths were told by word of mouth for tens of generations before ever being written. It's why there are so many conflicting versions. As an example, there's a myth of my namesake, where he fell in love with a young Spartan prince. One or two versions incorrectly identify the young man as a young woman. It's really quite fascinating how stories change through the tellings."
Zeph paused. "Not that I'm saying your stories have changed from the original version. It usually takes a number of generations for that to happen..."
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Jason Hiller
Ireth
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
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Post by Jason Hiller on Nov 17, 2009 19:37:25 GMT -5
Casper smiled and nodded. "I have an old journal of my father's that holds accounts of his experiences of World War Two. It ends rather abruptly in the middle of an entry -- he died while writing. You can still see the stains on the pages... ach, I'm sorry, there I go again," he laughed. "You can take the man out of the war, but you can't take the war out of the man."
"We can dress him up, but we can't take him anywhere," Heidi spoke up teasingly beside him, her pale blue eyes twinkling.
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Zephyros Aetai
Kitty Kat
Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
Posts: 1,380
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Post by Zephyros Aetai on Nov 17, 2009 19:40:46 GMT -5
Zeph just grinned. "Aritha's father is the same way, though it's not war stories for him. He can go on and on about all the different places he's been. I can go forever on myths, especially those involving the Winds and Death and Sleep. I know quite a few about the various Olympians, too. It's amazing how my ancestors explained what they didn't understand. I even know one or two Norse myths, though I'm a little iffy on those."
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Jason Hiller
Ireth
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
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Post by Jason Hiller on Nov 17, 2009 23:57:08 GMT -5
Casper grinned. "I was never too interested in those myths until I met Heidi. She would always end up talking about one god or another, and I could never dissuade her. She has a book full of several of the myths, and we'd take turns reading to our children when they were young. You've probably guessed by now what inspired their names, too." He laughed. "How strangely fitting that Jason wound up falling for a Greek."
"And one named for a god, no less," Jason grinned. "Along with the rest of his family."
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Zephyros Aetai
Kitty Kat
Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
Posts: 1,380
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Post by Zephyros Aetai on Nov 18, 2009 0:34:07 GMT -5
"The only insane thing is, who would have thought quadruplets named after the gods of wind would be such perfect physical matches for their namesakes?" Zeph said dryly. He wasn't sure if he should mention being a wind mage, though they probably had some idea. He looked at Jason, then shrugged. Well, if they happened to ask... he wasn't going to lie.
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Jason Hiller
Ireth
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
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Post by Jason Hiller on Nov 18, 2009 1:00:04 GMT -5
Casper's eyebrows lifted slightly as he smiled. "You do resemble the god Zephyros perfectly, without the wings he often has in the myths. I take it your brothers are the same? And does the resemblance go beyond your appearances -- do you have power over the winds?"
Jason had written home often from school, his letters full of vibrant descriptions of the Academy's inhabitants -- vampires, mages and "mortals" as well as other werewolves. Zeph had been mentioned more than once, numbered among the mages. A werewolf, Professor Harrows, had also been a prominent character, along with her mortal boyfriend, Professor Hawk, and the mage healer, Miss Ellie. And then there was Ian Harris, and the enigmatic Jonathan, whom not even Jason knew much about. It was... interesting reading, to say the least.
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Zephyros Aetai
Kitty Kat
Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
Posts: 1,380
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Post by Zephyros Aetai on Nov 18, 2009 1:16:04 GMT -5
Zephyros twitched a little. "Y-yes. I do... All of my brothers do. It's... odd. We aren't really sure why. Even my parents have the same names as the gods' parents. Well, my mother is Dawn, but my namesake's mother is Eos, the Dawn."
He winced, thinking of the other ways his life imitated the myths. His free hand moved to his ribs, his other hand tightening around Jason's hand.
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Jason Hiller
Ireth
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
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Post by Jason Hiller on Nov 18, 2009 1:22:00 GMT -5
Casper looked at Zeph in concern, wondering if what he had said had bothered the boy. Perhaps his powers had caused him or others harm that he hadn't forgotten yet. Zeph's ribs seemed to be bothering him as well.
"Are you feeling alright, Zeph? I hope I'm not upsetting you... How are your ribs?"
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Zephyros Aetai
Kitty Kat
Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
Posts: 1,380
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Post by Zephyros Aetai on Nov 18, 2009 1:36:01 GMT -5
"Just... remembering other ways my life reflects the myths..." he looked away a little. "It's... part of what happened in Italy. It was just my luck that we ran into them..."
He licked his lip a little, biting it. "They are fine. It's just... just memories..."
Zeph shuddered, tightening his hand a little around Jason's. The fight that had caused Apollos to hate him, and the fight they'd had earlier that day. Other fights... He swallowed, closing his eyes. Then the ones he'd been trying to stifle for almost a month. Closing his eyes tightly, he shook his head and forced them back. "You aren't upsetting me, sir. It doesn't take much to get me going recently..."
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Jason Hiller
Ireth
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
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Post by Jason Hiller on Nov 18, 2009 13:08:43 GMT -5
Casper nodded, his face solemn. He recalled a few of the legends of Zephyros, how he had loved so passionately, and been betrayed by his lovers. Had Zeph suffered the same heartbreak as his namesake?
And then... ah. There was the other matter, which Jason had asked them not to speak of. It must still have been causing Zeph terrible pain. What horrors had the poor boy endured? There was a long scar across his throat, thin, but clear. Casper had to force his eyes not to keep wandering down to it, now that it had caught his attention. He kept his focus on Zeph's bright green eyes.
"Perhaps we should talk about something else," he suggested gently.
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Zephyros Aetai
Kitty Kat
Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
Posts: 1,380
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Post by Zephyros Aetai on Nov 18, 2009 13:23:50 GMT -5
Zephyros nodded slowly, though he had no idea what else there was to talk about. He noticed Casper glance at his throat and put his fingers to it lightly in confusion. He hadn't really looked in a mirror recently... his hair sort of arranged itself and everyone seemed somewhat against letting him look. It made him wonder if the men had scarred his face somehow that only a clear reflection would show. Zeph knew he was vain, but he wasn't that vain.
Was he? Zeph shook his head a little, feeling his curls fall into his face again and unwilling to use a breeze to get them out of his face. His stomach was tight, and he wanted to lean his head on Jason's shoulder... just for a moment. Taking a quick breath, he gave in and did just that. He didn't intend it for long... it just helped him calm down.
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Jason Hiller
Ireth
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
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Post by Jason Hiller on Nov 18, 2009 13:38:00 GMT -5
Jason automatically reached up and wrapped his arms around Zeph, glancing uneasily at his parents. His father's face was calm, understanding; his mother's eyes were full of sorrow. He rubbed Zeph's back soothingly, wanting to help him calm down, hoping something would come along and distract them.
Thankfully, their waiter returned (with impeccable timing) and asked if they were ready to order. Casper requested a few more minutes (no one had been looking at their menus very much during the conversation), and the waiter left again.
Jason sighed, still holding onto Zeph. He brushed away a golden curl and murmured into his boyfriend's ear. "Will you be alright?"
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