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Chapter 44: To Please My Lord

Faelen sat watching Nathanial cook and talk to Liam, struggling to stay in control. He desperately wanted to cry and hug Geoff in relief, to pound the living daylights for scaring him like that, and to do just what he was doing, punish him for running away like that and putting people in danger. Again. But to see Geoff so miserable was just tearing him up inside. He dedicated his whole being to making sure his boss was safe and happy, and to have to put him through this physically hurt. Why couldn't Geoff just stay put? Let him do his job? Sure it must get annoying sometimes, but was Faelen really so hard to get along with that Geoff felt it necessary to run off like that? If something was bothering him, couldn't Geoff just run to him, not from him? He'd do whatever he had to, he'd run off Nathanial, or even Liam, if Geoff told him to... though he'd better have a damn good reason afterwards. Nathanial was talking and ended with, "Why don't you two call your homes and let them know?"

Faelen suppressed a sigh and reached for his phone, noting Nathanial looking past him to Geoff and slightly shaking his head. He could smell the pain coming off Nathanial, too; the pup was used to hurting himself to punish his brothers, Faelen was sure his own expression was betraying how he felt. Geoff's scent indicated he was going into one of his downward spirals. Faelen called his father, Dirk picked up on the second ring, "Hi, Faelen."

"Da. Nathanial says Mr. Marks will be here in ten and food will be ready in fifteen, if you want to head over." He was trying to make his tone normal, but he bet it sounded flat.

Dirk's voice became concerned, "Geoff or Liam? Never mind, I can guess. You taking care of it or is Conor going to have to get involved?"

"I haven't decided. It's..." He growled, "I'll talk to you when you get here." Geoff smelt like he was getting really depressed. 'How low should I let him get? I don't want him getting stuck, again. The last time I let him get in a deep funk, I couldn't snap him out of it for a week. He kept blaming himself for everything, from a rain shower to his favourite TV show getting cancelled. Of course he was eleven at the time, but while he's grown a lot, physically, he still has some growing to do emotionally. Maybe it'll do him some good to dwell on this a bit.' An image flashed before Faelen's mind, of Geoff in the shower with a knife, then Geoff with that light pink fur covering his arms and torso lying cradled in Faelen's arms, ice cold. Faelen could tell Nathanial and Liam were talking but he couldn't hear them, and a sudden sob broke out from his throat as he buried his head in his arms and started crying. He smelt, and felt, a surge of fear coming from Liam before fading away into concern. Liam pulled his head onto his shoulder, and cuddled Faelen as well as he could while they were on stools. Geoff jumped to his hindpaws at the first sob, but hesitated, unsure if he was allowed up, but wanting to go see Faelen. Faelen could smell that very familiar, sour, stench of guilt pouring off Geoff. His boss' pain and sorrow seemed to be escalating even faster than before. "Stop it, Geoff! Just stop! Please!" His voice faded into a whimper, "Please, just... don't hurt yourself. Why can't you talk when your upset? Why do you have to run or lash out? Haven't I been good enough? Haven't I been here for you all this time? Trying to keep you safe and happy? Why...?" He was interrupted by a loud hiccup from behind him, Geoff was crying, too. "Why don't you trust me? Or even just respect me or my job?" He lifted his head up from Liam's shoulder to look at Geoff. Geoff was standing a pace away from the corner Nathanial had sent him to, hiccupping as tears streamed down his face.

Nathanial sighed, "Liam, take them into the sitting room, please. They have some talking to do, I think, and some hugging, too."

Liam nodded, "Indeed. Up you go, Faelen, love." Faelen let himself get chivvied from his stool, and herded, along with Geoff, into the next room. Liam got them to sit on a love seat, half facing each other, and started humming as he posed them. Their inside legs were folded under the outside leg, and then Liam put their outside legs so that Geoff's ankle was touching Faelen's. Geoff's paw was put palm down on Faelen's, with Faelen's other paw placed palm down on that one. Geoff's free paw was on Faelen's shoulder. They both looked at him incredulously. Liam just smiled and turned their heads back so they were looking into each other's eyes. Faelen could tell Geoff was just as confused as he was. "Oh, come on. Where is the anguish, the love, the drama?"

"Liam?" Faelen couldn't figure out if this was Liam or one of his other lives talking. It felt like Liam.

Liam sighed, "I was going to take a picture, but the primary reason was to accomplish what I have done, already. Geoff has stopped hiccupping, and you feel confused, not overwrought. You may speak of your feelings in a more rational fashion, as rationally as you can considering the subject matter. I must ask, however, why you told Geoff not to hurt himself. What did you see, in your mind, that caused you to suddenly break down and say that?"

Faelen felt tears welling up again, and another sob. "I-I..." He stopped to sniff, "saw Geoff in the shower with a kn-nife." Geoff looked horrified, and Faelen looked down at their paws, still clasped together. His paws were shaking, "Y-you..." He took a deep breath, "You were going on one of your emotional spirals, I wanted you to think on what you did, so I was going to let you be, b-but you get really depressed and..." He tried to swallow around a huge lump in his throat, "Th-the knife, y-you were in my arms, under the shower, so cold. Your fur was pink." He reached out with the paw Liam had put on top to brush at some of the pink fur on Geoff's bicep, where it was poking out from his bright blue t-shirt. "I-I see you, in my dreams, so often. In my arms, dead, because I've failed you. Th-this was the f-first time you killed yourself. The one thing I'll never be able to stop, no matter how strong I become. You. If it's a knife in your paw, or someone else's, I can't stop it if I'm not there. If you don't let me be there." That sour stench was there again, the bile-like smell from this close was making Faelen's stomach churn. Guilt.

Geoff pulled him into an awkward hug, the way they were seated didn't make it easy, "I'm sorry."

Faelen laughed without any humour, "I know. You say it every time you do something like this. You mean it every time, but here we are, again. When there's a problem, come to me. Don't make me chase you. I can't keep up. I'll do whatever it takes, run off whoever you want me to, even if it's Nathanial, or..." He stopped as he realized what he was saying, eyes growing wide as his stomach fell.

Liam cleared his throat, "Or Liam?" Geoff met Faelen's eyes, his own eyes getting wide. Faelen reluctantly nodded, and Geoff's expression of surprise turned to horror, "Good." Their jaws dropped, "I would be most disappointed in you, Faelen, if you did not admit it. That is part of why I love you; you understand duty and honour, even if you do not have it codified. I am the same way, few in this culture understand it. I have killed a lover because I was ordered to and it was my duty." Faelen thought their necks were going to break, as Geoff and he turned their heads so fast to stare at Liam. "I may even tell you the story, one day. It is very painful to recall, and not a story for a day like this. I truly loved him, my lord Kaoru-sama." Liam's voice grew softer as he said the last sentence, it sounded like he was saying 'my lord Kaoru-sama' to this lord, not to them. Liam shook himself, "Sorry, I should not be speaking of past loves to my true love," An evil smile crossed his face, "particularly when the past love died by my paws." Faelen could see the mostly hidden, but sharp, pain that crossed Liam's face. "Now, it is your turn, Geoff. Why does the thought of the Taint scare you so? It is a frightening thing, to be sure, but it seems more to you. Nathanial seemed to indicate that it triggered something very... traumatic in you."

Geoff hung his head, "It's because of what I am, a Dark Spirit, a Demon, or one step away from one. I've heard it so many times, I'm highly respected by Spirits, but whether it's from fear or jealousy, some of them seem to like telling me how I'm seen by the outside. And when the Hunters started chasing me last year, they called me 'Demon' constantly, telling me of all the harm 'my kind' has done. How I need to be put down before I 'crack' or 'reveal my true nature'." Faelen knew that it bothered Geoff when other Spirits pretended to joke about how stupid the outsiders were, and it was jealousy, no doubt about it. Rolph, Geoff's uncle, and his cronies were the worst. Faelen had even paid some of them a 'visit' when Geoff was busy at home, which kept things quiet for a while. He didn't know Geoff was carrying it around like this. "And the Taint, it turns you. I've heard so many stories of how Mages go evil, become something grotesque and unrecognizable when they get Tainted. And it spreads. I-I'm afraid, I can't see it, I can't stop it, I can't even fight it. If I become Tainted, it wouldn't take much for me to go from near-Demon t-to... I don't want to hurt anyone. I hurt you so much, Faelen, so often. I-I'm afraid I'd..."

It was his turn, Faelen shifted first, leaning back against the armrest, before pulling Geoff onto him. He gently licked Geoff's ears as his boss cried, "Shh, you doof." He nipped one of Geoff's ears, making the white Wolf jump a little, "You aren't a Demon, or a near-Demon. The Taint doesn't work that quickly, and Liam is here to burn or freeze, whatever that cleansing stuff does, it out of you if you somehow manage to get Tainted. The Marks aren't Tainted, Liam can confirm it. You aren't Tainted. Sure it's frightening, everything about Demons is frightening and evil. That's why we fight them, that's why even Hunters will team up with us to fight them. But it isn't so instant or guaranteed. People can be Tainted for a long time with no ill effects."

Liam cleared his throat, "I do not recommend testing that. The Marks are quite... unusual, if not unique in that respect. Garret Marks should have succumbed long ago to the Taint he had, given the sheer virulence of it and how much of him was affected." Liam shuddered, making Geoff and Faelen stare at him. "Oh, my apologies. This is probably not helping. Faelen is right, however, I will not allow you to acquire any Taint. I will cleanse you as soon as I discover it."

Nathanial poked his head in from the kitchen, alarm on his face, "Turn? What the hells do you mean turn? You told me I would die!"

Liam shrugged, "I did not wish to alarm you. Even then you were suffering great stress. Besides, it often does kill, and if it did not, you still would have died. By my paws, or someone else's. "

Nathanial's jaw dropped and he spluttered before getting out, "A-alarm me!? Ack! The spring rolls!" He ducked back into the kitchen. Geoff snuggled in a little closer to Faelen, the first, faint hints of arousal starting to drift up in his boss' pheromones.

Faelen poked Geoff in the side, "Don't get too comfortable, supper is soon." He leaned in and whispered very quietly, "And Nathanial won't appreciate you walking in with a hard-on." He leaned back quickly as Geoff jumped upright, blushing. Liam gave them a... look, Faelen couldn't really decipher it. It certainly had a 'knowing' element to it; he'd bet all of them knew that Geoff was still attracted to him, including Nathanial. He just wasn't sure how much of it was physical and how much was emotional. Faelen was kicking himself for kissing Geoff that day the four of them played with Nicholas and Micah, that couldn't have helped things. Faelen heard the intercom buzz, someone just opened the gate. "We should probably wash our faces, sir. You should put on a long sleeved shirt, you don't want anyone asking why you have bloodstains all through your fur." He shook his head, "I can still smell your blood."

Geoff looked surprised but nodded, "Okay. Is it strong?"

Faelen shook his head again, "No, but I don't know if Conor would be able to smell it or not. I think the sensitivity of his sense of smell is close to mine." Geoff looked really surprised by that, "He can smell pheromones, too. It's probably a reason he's so good at negotiating. You can learn to control your expressions, but not your scent."

Nathanial called out, "I have some cologne downstairs, or you can ask Dad if he has some."

Garret was walking into the kitchen, and, yes, he had cologne. It was a really nice one; usually Faelen found them very cloying or overpowering, but Garret's was subtle, and worked well with his natural scent. It wouldn't be nearly as nice on Geoff, but not bad. Faelen tilted his head, "Let's go wash and then check Nathanial's cologne."

Geoff sighed and nodded. Garret was in the kitchen talking to Nathanial, "Smells great, Son. Why are you asking about cologne?" They walked in as Garret let Nathanial go from a hug and a lick on the forehead. Nathanial seemed really happy as he looked up at Garret. He could smell a mixture of arousal, happiness, love, and a hint of jealousy suddenly come from Geoff as his boss looked at Nathanial. "Great Zeus! Are you guys okay?"

Geoff nodded, "Yeah. It's just been... an emotional day."

Garret stared at him in disbelief, "That looks like one hell of an understatement. Nathanial didn't look that bad after everything that happened the day of Lily's funeral! Why is your fur...? Oh, gods." Garret clapped a paw over his mouth and put the other on the counter as his eyes started to roll back and his stomach heaved.

Liam darted over to catch Garret, "Faelen, take Geoff and clean him up. I will assist Mr. Marks." Liam slipped under Garret's arm, the one he was using to prop himself up with, and wrapped an arm around his waist, "Come along, if willing, young father. To bed, yes? There to rest and get massage." Song Li helped Garret head off to the second floor.

Faelen smiled and sent Geoff downstairs ahead of him, as Nathanial called out, "Supper will be ready in five! Don't be too long! Faelen, send Nick and Mike up, would you?"

Faelen waved over his shoulder and followed Geoff downstairs, and was greeted by a chorus of growling stomachs. Nicholas and Micah were barely paying attention to their homework as they rubbed their noisy bellies. "Nathanial wants you two upstairs, probably to set the table. Supper is in five minutes."

Geoff looked over his shoulder at Faelen, as he walked toward the bathroom, "Can you grab my shirt while I wash up a bit?"

Faelen shook his head, "No. I still don't trust you out of my sight, and I need to wash my face, too." Geoff looked hurt, but just nodded.

The intercom buzzed as Nick stepped onto the stairs, Micah was halfway up already. "Excuse me, Mr. Marks or Nathanial, this is Jake." Nicholas stopped.

Nathanial's voice came over the intercom, "My brother is on his way to bring you up, I'm just finishing supper." Nicholas' shoulders slumped as he turned around and went to the laundry room door. Geoff and Faelen walked into the bathroom and started washing their faces. Faelen heard Nick lead the contractor upstairs.

Geoff was smelling guilty, again. What a horrible smell. "I'm sorry."

Faelen sighed, "I know. Just stop it. I don't want or need you to beat yourself up. It makes life miserable for the both of us, just let me do my job, all right?" Geoff wanted to ask a question, he was fidgeting ever so slightly, and his scent indicated it was something hard for him to ask. Recent conversation would indicate one of two possibilities that would cause him to act like this: Faelen indicating he knew Geoff was still attracted to him or that he would choose Geoff over Liam if forced to. The complete lack of arousal scents would say the latter. "Yes, I would. I love Liam. I'm bound to him, and always will be, but I swore to serve you, until one of us died. Neither of us are dead, yet, so I'm still bound by that oath. Nothing will or can change that." Geoff jumped, he really seemed to hate it when Faelen did that. It made Faelen want to laugh.

Geoff was getting ready to yell, so Faelen reached over and poked him in the belly. Geoff exhaled sharply in surprise and made a squawking-yelp noise, making Faelen laugh out loud. Geoff rubbed his belly and frowned, "Jerk. How can you say that? How can Liam say what he did?"

"It's my duty. Liam understands that. What else can be said?" Faelen dried his face and started to dry off the counter as Geoff dried his own face.

"Fuck your duty, Faelen. I've said that before, and I mean it even more now than I did then."

Faelen turned and snarled at Geoff, "Stop it! Telling me to fuck my duty is the same as telling me to fuck off! I am my duty! I wouldn't be me without it! That's why Liam said he'd be disappointed if I didn't say what I did, because I wouldn't be the person he fell in love with, I'd be a fraud. It's worse than telling you to cut out football or running," he cocked his ears, but the contractor was still too far to hear them, "Or, better, to tell Nathanial to get rid of all of his magic and anything relating to magic. There wouldn't be anything but a hollow shell left. I can't stop being who I am, even if it's an order."

Geoff pouted and 'harrumphed', "Or stop being gay. You could pretend, but that's all it'd be, pretence, and you'd be miserable the whole time. Fine. That doesn't make it easier."

"Try being on this end." There was that pain and guilt. He shouldn't have thrown that last comment in, "Come on, sir, let's get you dressed and smelling pretty."

"Stop with the 'sir'. I hate that." Geoff couldn't meet Faelen's eyes and led him out of the bathroom to Nathanial's room.

"You are my master, sir. It's... hard not to call you sir, even though I know you don't like it." Geoff flinched like he got slapped when Faelen said 'master', "That's also why Dirk and I call you two 'boss', because we know you hate 'master' even more. But you are."

The pain was sharp and acidic, how can people not smell it? "I-I don't own you! No! Not a-a chance! You might work for us, be we don't own you! Don't say that!" Geoff looked close to a panic, again. He was facing away, with a paw on the doorframe to Nathanial's room.

'What happened to the regulators on my tongue? I knew better than to say that.' Faelen reached forward and pulled Geoff backwards into him. He put his head on Geoff's shoulder and wrapped his arms around Geoff's stomach and waist. "I'm sorry, but with my duty, yes I know you hate that, do you think that'd really matter? As long as we had food and shelter we'd be there." He avoided saying 'virtually self-made slaves', knowing that would really set Geoff off. "If it makes you feel better, think of it as a knight and his lord." Pretending to joke he dropped to one knee and lowered his head, fist over his heart, "I have sworn to protect you, my lord, as have all members of my family for centuries." The scent of guilt, embarrassment, fear, uncertainty, sorrow, and a hint of arousal washed over Faelen as Geoff turned around to see what he was doing. It appeared part of Geoff liked seeing him on his knees in front of him.

Geoff backed away from Faelen, "Please, don't. Don't do that or say things like that. I-I don't want that. I want you to be my friend, my brother, not... not a... slave."

Faelen stood up with a self-deprecating smile, "Vassal is the proper term, my lord."

Geoff paled even more, "Shut the fuck up, Faelen! I-I'd rather it if you were still mad at me than to..." He broke off with a slight whimper.

Faelen grinned evilly, "Who says I'm not still mad at you? I am, and will be, for a long time. There are other ways to make you suffer than yelling at you or embarrassing you. I know you, my lord, and I know how to be the most respectful and dutiful vassal you could wish for while rubbing salt in your self-inflicted wound."

Geoff growled as his brows pulled together, "You bastard."

Faelen lowered his head, "Yes, my lord, my father sired me with an unmarried woman, that he might have a son to serve his master. I apologize if it displeases you." Geoff flinched before growling and walking fully into Nathanial's room. "I recommend the coal coloured shirt, my lord, the green one would clash with the pink highlights you've added to your fur. They probably won't turn brown for another ten minutes or so." He stood up and followed Geoff into Nathanial's room, Geoff grabbed the coal shirt. Faelen picked up the cologne on Nathanial's dresser, it was almost completely full. No wonder Faelen didn't know what it smelt like, Nathanial never seemed to wear it. It was nice, but not a good scent for Nathanial. It was better for Geoff than Garret's, but still not a great match. On Liam it would work perfectly. Well, the best out of the group of them, but the herbal smell on Liam's fur was the nicest scent Faelen could think of for his love. "Here, my lord, this will be better than Garret's. Allow me to sprits this for you, the adventure you went on without me must have tired you greatly." Geoff flinched and growled slightly. Geoff was getting annoyed, but punishing him this way didn't seem to be sending him into that destructive spiral. Faelen shivered and tears came to his eyes as he thought of the 'vision' of Geoff lying in his arms.

Geoff carefully put his paw on Faelen's shoulder, "You okay?" Faelen sniffed and nodded. "I'm sorry, I know it scared you, I... well. We've been through this, already. Please, can we just be friends again?"

Faelen looked into Geoff's eyes, "How can you show so little respect for me and say that? I'm supposed to protect you! If you get scared and run to where I can't follow, what does that say about how you really feel about my skills or my worth? You're supposed to run to me! It was only this far," He pointed his finger back and forth from the bathroom to the bed, "And you chose to jump planes instead!" The intercom buzzed, someone else must be here. "Even if you can't respect me enough to run to me, go to Da or Conor, instead. Go somewhere safe, that's all I'm asking. Is that so hard?"

Geoff's eyes filled with tears, "I love you, Faelen. It isn't lack of respect or, or, anything else. I don't think, I just do. I run or lash out, I don't mean to, I don't plan or think or anything. I just... react. How can I stop my instincts? How can I change something I have no control over?"

Faelen shook his head, choosing his words with care, "I love you, too, little brother." He slightly emphasized the word 'brother', "That's why it hurts so much. If it's control you need, then Liam is the one to talk to, or Mr. Ryhorski. But you need to learn how to control yourself. Now, we're spoiling your boyfriend's birthday, so let's get you prettied up for him. Your lover has a nice cologne, so step back and walk through the cloud of fragrance." He held up the bottle and sprayed a cloud of it out and Geoff stepped through it. Faelen sneezed and stepped back, "Whoa, strong stuff." He put the bottle back on the dresser, "Now, let's step out and get a smell of you." They stepped into the main room, Faelen had to get pretty close to smell the blood, at this range Geoff would have to bathe in cologne to cover it up. He fixed Geoff's shirt and smoothed out a tuft of stray fur, "Good enough. Up we go." Geoff just looked way to miserable to keep tormenting. "Try not to look so gloomy, or your Da will ask questions." Geoff nodded and smiled. It looked like he'd swallowed several live squiggly things and they got stuck halfway down. Faelen slapped his backside as hard as he could. Geoff jumped up and forward with a very loud yelp, Faelen couldn't help but chuckle at his expression. He smiled, "You don't look so depressed, now." Geoff still looked incredulous as he rubbed his rump.

They went upstairs to see Nathanial negotiating with the contractor, a short and muscular Bulldog. They stopped, still on the staircase. Nathanial was shaking his head, "I understand that, Jake, but we've saved you four days of work. I've also heard Mrs. Geist happily exclaiming that she's managed to get you in to do some work for her, even if she's had to pay a little extra to do so. That 'little extra' will more than cover the amount I'm asking for, and your crews will still get the money promised doing the kitchen for Mrs. Geist. Nick, be careful with this, it's very hot." He pulled one of the dishes out of the oven and put it on the stove. Nick took the oven mitts from Nathanial and carefully carried the dish out of the kitchen.

Jake looked at the food in amazement, "A contract is a contract, Nathanial. Did you make all of this? Your mother must be really proud."

Nathanial flinched, his voice barely a whisper, "Yeah, proud."

Jake winced, "Sorry, I didn't mean..." Nathanial shook his head and turned back to the stove, his shoulders shaking slightly. Jake was thinking, unaware it was out loud, though it was very quiet, "Marks. Marks. I didn't hear about a divorce." He raised his voice to a conversational level, but his voice stayed kind, "Was it something recent?"

Nathanial nodded, his voice shaky, "Yeah. On the seventh. She- she died, right where you are. I s-saw..." He stopped, unable to continue. Nathanial smelt upset, but not that upset.

Jake hastily moved away from where he was standing, the realization of who Nathanial was hitting him like a bolt out of the blue, "Good Lord. You... oh, sh- um, I'm so sorry, pup. I didn't know, I'm sorry." Jake looked mortified at the obvious pain he'd unknowingly brought up. "You're right, you saved us a lot of time and I'm going to more than recoup the profits I'll lose by cutting the price. Twenty-seven thousand it is. Just let me go to my truck and make some calculations."

Micah walked into the kitchen, "Nats? Are you okay?"

Nathanial nodded, still leaning over the stove, "Y-yeah. Bring Mr. Piper to the front door, please." His voice was quiet and choked with emotion. Geoff walked into the kitchen and pulled Nathanial into a hug as Micah led Jake out. Micah kept glancing back at Nathanial, Jake looked like he wanted to get out as soon as possible. The doorbell rang. Nathanial took a shaky breath, "Well, everyone's here. Jay and Ella won't be by until later this evening, they're just going to be here for an hour or so." He stepped away from Geoff, pulled out a tissue and blew his nose, then washed his paws. He looked back at Geoff, "Faelen's right. You do need to learn how to keep control, even if it's just enough to pick where you run." Geoff blushed, feeling very guilty and embarrassed. Nathanial put his paw on Geoff's cheek, "I love you, Geoff, I don't want you getting hurt like that, again. I don't think you want to put us through that, again, either. But, enough of that." His voice became a bit brisker as he dusted his paws, "Your parents are here, the food's ready, and we're all hungry. Dad seems a little less... unwell, they should be down in a minute or two. I've already told Liam everyone's here. Grab those two and bring them with you." He was pointing at the last two white serving bowls. Faelen's stomach growled, echoed by Geoff's. Nathanial led them to a formal dining room. The large cherry wood table had space for twelve to sit around it, with eleven places set. Ten large plates and bowls were placed in the middle, with some drinks set on the sideboard. Faelen was impressed, the food smelt and looked better than most restaurants he'd gone to, though it wasn't as impressive as the date he'd had with Liam. He didn't think that was a fair comparison, though. That was something far out of the ordinary. Nathanial put his plate of spring rolls up by the head of the table, "Geoff, put that down there, and Faelen that one goes here." He pointed to two empty spots. Micah led the four adults in, "Welcome and thank you for coming. I hope the walk was pleasant?"

Conor nodded, "Yes, thanks for inviting us. It was a very nice walk." He gave Nathanial a hug, "Happy Birthday."

The other three gave him a hug and offered their well-wishes, too. Avery paused and looked into Nathanial's eyes, "You look like you've been crying, Nathanial. Is everything okay?" She gave Geoff a hard look.

Nathanial nodded, "Um, yeah. The contractor was just asking about my mother." Walter winced. "I'm fine. Dad and Liam will be down in a minute, Dad just got home from work and... um, wasn't feeling well." Avery looked angry, Faelen could tell where her mind was going and was about to say something, but Nathanial beat him to it, "No, nothing like that. He... came into the kitchen before I had it cleaned up. There were plates that used to have raw meat on them; he has a serious blood phobia." Avery nodded in understanding. Faelen kept his expression neutral, Nathanial didn't lie, but that was a very heavy implication. "Now, I won't be seating you by formal rules, but Dad will be at the head of the table. If you don't mind, I'd have you and Avery on this side, Conor, and Dirk and Walter over here. That way you adults can converse amongst yourselves."

Liam walked in, "Good day, young father. Greetings, greetings." He chuckled softly, "Most impressive, my boy, yes, yes." Okay, Li walked in.

Walter smiled, "Good day, sir." Faelen was surprised to smell a little... not arousal, but certainly an element of attraction and love. Not the usual type of love he smelt from Walter when Liam was, well, Liam. Liam shook himself, back in control, and the smell vanished. "So, Liam, did you have a good day at school?"

Liam smiled and hugged his father, "Yes, Dad. I guess it could be called good. It was eventful, but it is not yet resolved. Geoff and Nathanial have yet to decide which, if either, of them will be asking Michelle Eiklenboom to the dance next week." Faelen almost laughed at the expressions on everyone's faces. Geoff and Nathanial looked like they'd completely forgotten about it, and the expressions on the adults faces was priceless.

Avery gasped and managed to choke out a, "What!?" before the others.

Garret walked in a little unsteadily, looking pleased, if still pale, "Great job, Nathanial! Both on the food and renegotiating the contract. How'd you manage to talk him down eight thousand dollars? Oh, sorry, my apologies everyone. Hello, and, please, be welcome. Did I interrupt something?"

Avery shook her head in disbelief, "Your eldest son might be taking a girl to the dance next week." Garret's legs gave out and he fell to the floor.