Cheeky piece

[serpentinthegarden]

[ Its a video call of one Anthony J. Crowley stepping out of a posh building eating a vanilla and chocolate swirled cone. ]

When you think about it sixty-five million isn't really so much to ask for a place like this in the middle of New York. Especially with all those terraces. Parking space for two cars. Concierge. More bedroom space than I'll ever need. And... ha! This might be the best part!

[ He laughed and attached a quick image to the post. ]

They don't want to take that painting with them so it would come with the place! You're an art restorer, what do you think of it, Mr. Fell? Cheeky piece. It's a bit like that play we saw last week, the one where you got all annoyed with me for magically upgrading our seats. I didn't hear you complaining when we ended up with that private box though did I?

[ He paused for a thoughtful lick of chocolate before it ran down the cone. ]

I never even dreamed of owning a place like this one before so of course I signed. What is the point of magic if you can't indulge?

Comments

[serpentinthegarden]

Yeah, sure, whatever...

[ A grumble that was practically a growl. ]

Every time you tell me not to worry that's when I know I should be.

[scotch_egg]

Sorry.

[he didn't know what to say to that either. But eventually... Anthony really would have nothing to worry about]

Thanks for coming over...and trying...

[serpentinthegarden]

I'm still having dinner with you.

[ He spoke in a voice that bode no arguments. ]

I'm hungry and it will give that lot time to clear the streets. Then I can head back and you can do whatever you like.

[scotch_egg]

Don't be like that I'm not kicking you out. I'm just...tired.

[serpentinthegarden]

Good.

[ The pillow was collected and Alec's head given a sound whack with it. ]

Cause I'm not leaving yet.

[scotch_egg]

[he grunted and grabbed the pillow back, whacking him in the arse with it since it was close enough]

Wanker. [but said with gruff affection]

[serpentinthegarden]

You know it!

[ He owned the title before flopping that pillow whacked bum of his back onto the sofa. ]

And you're a arse!

[ Anthony smirked faintly as he spoke the insult but while it was more animated it was as full of affection as Alec's remark had been. ]

[scotch_egg]

Yeah yeah. [he relaxed a bit too, shifting to flop his legs over Anthony's and folded his arms. Across the way the man across the street started to do the naked parade back and forth across his living room. Seemed to be doing some sort of workout]

You ever think about moving from the city one day.

[serpentinthegarden]

[ That was certainly a thing... Jumping jacks. A poor choice for a naked workout really. ]

Yeah... Or buying curtains.


You? Even if you stayed in the city you could find a better place than this.

[scotch_egg]

[it was impressive in a grotesque way]

Not me. [not because he loved it, he hated it. But there was no point moving somewhere for just another year or two. May as well stay where he was used to for now and keep an eye on some ginger idiot.

At Anthony's words he snorted]

Can I talk about this without you pushing me about your bloody flat.

[serpentinthegarden]

Did I say anything about my bloody flat? Did I say one word!

You don't want any part of it, fine, but you could still find a nicer place than this. Not every building is so run down.

[ Hmph. Toe touches... There was another exercise move one shouldn't do pant-less in front of a huge window. ]

Or has such neighbors!

[scotch_egg]

And how do you think I'm going to afford it? [he wasn't even sure how he was going to keep affording this one but he knew better than to bring that up]

[serpentinthegarden]

[ Details... ]

You have medical leave, don't you?

[ A shift away from the window as he didn't even want to guess what was happening over there now! ]

I could help...

[scotch_egg]

It's enough for me to keep this place. I'm fine here. I've been fine here for a while.

[serpentinthegarden]

[ His head rolled across his shoulders until Alec was in his direct line of sight. ]

I'd like you to be more than 'fine'.

[scotch_egg]

[he met that gaze dryly]

I don't think I'll ever be fine enough for you.

[serpentinthegarden]

[ He wasn't taking that bait. He just met those eyes with an unblinking gaze. ]

Familial hazard. Comes with giving a damn about you.

[scotch_egg]

[he wasn't going to blink either.]

What are you thinking of? Giving me an allowance? Putting me up somewhere? If I'm going to ne a kept woman I should at least know the details.

[christ, Anthony, did you forget how to blink?p

[serpentinthegarden]

[ Staring contest! ]

I thought of that, it's why I offered you a room in the new place... but you won't take it. Too much like charity.

New idea. You wanted to do some work down at NYBG. We just lost our back desk man. It's answering phones, light paperwork, digging a few holes now and then. I could upgrade you from tree tender to back desk man. It might help with the financials.

[scotch_egg]

[he sighed. Rolled his eyes.]

Fine. But let me pay rent, or groceries or utilities or something, alright? After this lease is up. [which was near mid August]

If I do that and take your bloody job do you promise to get off my arse? [he held out his hand to shake on it]

[serpentinthegarden]

[ This positive reinforcement for the very bad habit of wheedling away at something until he got what he wanted was exactly why he was the brat he was today! But he did try not to look too smug about this as Alec could still back out. ]

Rent, utilities, food, you're going to pay for all that.

[ Not even half of course but a reasonable and affordable amount. ]

You won't regret it. It'll be fun. Like an extended sleepover.

[ He reached out to shake on it, a far too pleased demon making his first deal. ]

[scotch_egg]

You keep on smirking like that and you can live by yourself. [he dragged him closer, got him in a headlock and gave him a noogie because he was still the older cousin here]

Don't make me regret this, you little shit.

[serpentinthegarden]

OW! Hey, no! Not that!!

[ And any pretext of him being cool was thoroughly debunked. ]

You won't! You'll love it, even has it's own terrace!

[scotch_egg]

I'll hate it. [he let him go] I'll hate every moment of it. But that's family.

[serpentinthegarden]

Whatever, you'll hate it!

[ Alec probably would the dour guy. Anthony however saw it as a perfect solution. He felt like he needed family more than ever and most of his side was still living in England. Phone calls home were fine but in-person was better. It might have been a touch selfish but... demon, deal with it.

Wanting Alec to move in had nothing at all to do with looking after him. There was no kind concern here! ]

The elevator works consistently for a start...

[ None at all! ]