May 30th

[scotch_egg]

[At some point in the afternoon, Fell will receive a bouquet of summer flowers. The attached note reads:]

I hope these brighten up your day. Also, don't worry about Monday. It's tradition in our family to bitch about everything. They will care for you in the end

[well, Anthony's side would, but that was the only side that mattered in this equation]


********

[Text to Anthony]

I'm here to talk when you need to.

Comments

[scotch_egg]

[for other people maybe]

I don't like sand. It's coarse and rough and gets into everything. Not fond of Eliot either.

[and he knows the only reason he invites Alec anywhere is out of pity. Fell too. And if Anthony meant it that way, at least it didn't come off like it]

You and Fell enjoy yourselves. [since he's pretty sure Fell is going to get asked, if not by Anthony, at least by Eliot.And Alec really wanted to break the habit of being the third wheel]

[serpentinthegarden]

I remember. Sand isn't much fun to eat either...

[ Anthony had said he would ask Alec along because of Fell but he actually did like hanging with his cousin, especially now when some how they felt closer than they had ever been before. This was something he didn't want to risk losing again. ]

Ice balls then, later. Or dinner, just the two of us. We'll leave all the drama behind.

[scotch_egg]

[he still had nightmares about being pulled into the water even now.

And that girl. He wondered if she was part of it. An extension of that fear. But why did he feel such grief and fear when he looked at her bloated face? Why did he feel so much guilt?

Even if the bureau could implant false memories, they couldn't implant emotions... Could they?

He shook his head and tried to push it away]

Ice ball?

A dinner sounds good. Drama free sounds even better.

I am so tired, Anthony.

[serpentinthegarden]

You know! Those mounds of crushed ice people put weird flavors on, like Tiger's Blood, Mango Wave, and Cherry.

[ He was tired. Anthony imagined he could actually hear how tired Alec was just from the way he typed. ]

You can get a rest now that everyone is going home. A proper rest. All the books and tea you want. Don't even look at the network or your phone for a week. It'll be a vacation.

[scotch_egg]

Nah. Not into eating ice.

[and people that crunched it between their teeth always made him wince]

Can't stay off the network but I might-- give it a wee rest.

[he had to know what was going on, but he could at least be passive about it]

Let me know how it goes. The party, I mean. Or anything that's happening.

[he doesn't want to tell Anthony to keep in contact. That he's gotten used to keeping in contact with him.... And looked forward to it]

[serpentinthegarden]

I will, but I'm not sure there will be much to tell. Just some kids hanging out around a fire, us playing chaperone...

[ He was going to hold onto that connection with Alec just as tightly as he could. ]

And we'll still do that 'just the two of us dinner'. You pick the place, wherever you want to go.

[scotch_egg]

[he smiled at that, feeling a bit bittersweet. Who knew that Anthony would be so responsible?]

Don't grow up too quickly.

[it was a joke, but he was surprised how much he meant it]

There's a Pad Thai place that isn't bad.

[serpentinthegarden]

Nahhhh... I'm practically Peter Pan.

[ What he said was - chaperoning the kids
What he meant was - smuggling in some illegal booze and maybe spiriting Fell away under some quiet deserted boardwalk for a cuddle

Look, if the kids got into trouble he would help! But really, what could go wrong at a burn barrel?? ]

Sounds good. I love Thai. How do you feel about motorcycles? I could spin around and pick you up on Tuesday?

[scotch_egg]

I wouldn't argue that. Just leave the tights at home.

[ a smirk, unseen]

No. I'll take a cab.

[they were terrifying]

[serpentinthegarden]

Tights, nah. I was thinking more along the lines of a low-rise.

[ You brought up clothing, you have only yourself to blame! ]

Suit yourself, but you are missing out on an experience.

[scotch_egg]

Low rise?

And no thank you. Are you trying to kill me faster?

[serpentinthegarden]

You haven't been shopping for men's swimwear in a while.

[ Back home he has a laugh over that as he could easily imagine Alec's white knuckle flight down the New York streets. Motorcycles weren't for everyone. ]

Nah, you can taxi, it's cool. I want you to stick around.

[scotch_egg]

Haven't done that since high school.

[because swimming was part of the mandatory curriculum-- but he'd refused to get in the water no matter how much he'd been mocked for it. He also doesn't want to know what Anthony is referring to and glad he wasn't told.]

You too. Wear a helmet.

[serpentinthegarden]

I'm surprised you even did bought one back then.

[ Never a big swimmer Alec. ]

I always do. Cops stop you if you aren't. I do not need a ticket for that.

[scotch_egg]

Wasn't my choice.

And good. Need you around for a long time.