The Eye of the Storm

[Zander Brogthamon]

Zander was known to be rather grouchy when woken up abruptly, even by a nightmare. Though after talking through things with Pearce he wasn't feeling that as much. Though it was rather strange to be up early and not jogging. His legs itched to run but he wanted to be next to the noble. Though he could certainly tell Pearce wasn't in such a good mood. He could understand why but that was also why he felt bad about keeping the man awake.

Zander would have to make it up to him later. The ideas of how he would do that exactly were a bit more intriguing than going for his morning run. While the boy had always loved touching Pearce and being touched by him there was something that just felt right about having his arm wrap around his waist. Perhaps it was because they'd finally settled on a word that fit them better than just friends. It was easy to just lean into his touch now. "I'll make it up to you after work." He purred playfully with a soft smile.

That's when he stepped in a puddle that startled him. He didn't remember it raining. Zanders brows furrowed together in confusion. "Did it rain?"

[Pearce Lockheed]

Pearce was pretty sure he would live through his slightly off color mood. He blushed at Zander's declaration.

"I do not doubt it." But that wasn't a requirement nor an expectation. Of course, he imagined that, just like himself, Zander didn't need a reason to make the others morning. Or evening. Or night. This was a convenient excuse for next time if Pearce tried to complain. Not that he would.

The ideas of how Zander might do that exactly were a bit more intriguing than going back to sleep. As much as he wanted to ask now, he liked the notion of 'after work.' It felt even more exciting for the wait. And for not knowing.

Zander's question about the weather steered them immediately away from that, however. "Th-th-thunderstorm," he forced out along with a nod, instantly nervous. Because he was pretty sure now that the weather shifting he had noticed wasn't a coincidence only he wasn't sure he wanted to have that conversation because he would habe to tell Zander his guess but he didn't wish to make the young man uncomfortable if he didn't want to talk about it right now.

[Zander Brogthamon]

Hearing him talk about a thunderstorm made Zander even more confused for a split second. There ad been a thunderstorm? Then the realization hit him. Of course the boy had realized long ago that any of his emotions could influence the weather. That included when he was unconscious. The light weight of the bracelet on his wrist suddenly became much more noticeable as he bit his lip nervously. Normally it was easy to just chalk strange weather around him up to a coincidence. That's what everyone did. If a small rain shower suddenly appeared or it became randomly windy it was no big deal.

Zander hadn't talked about his magic to anyone. Not even Briella knew about it. "Oh..." Was all he could manage out for a moment as he chewed nervously on his bottom lip. The idea of telling Pearce about his ability was scarier than anything else. "It didn't scare you did it?" Though he tried sounding teasing and playful there was a hint of genuine concern in his tone.

[Pearce Lockheed]

Pearce was nervous of a lot of things. But most of them involved people. Weather could be mildly scary on the 'sudden loud noises' front, yes. He was a little jumpy. But nature wasn't such of a concern for the man.

If Zander was content to have that conversation another time, however, Pearce had already pushed two tonight. He wasn't sure he could handle another. As exciting and butterfly inducing as the second one had been, he was still rather high strung and it was all draining. He needed the walk to relax, not to add more stress.

But he could tell the young man was nervous and he couldn't not ask. Pesrce pulled Zander closer against him. "N-no. I was a little distracted by some more concerning screaming. Takes a little more than freak st-storm to wake me up," he reassured Zander. "You?"

[Zander Brogthamon]

The idea that the more concerning screaming had been coming from him made Zander inwardly groan. Nightmares were something he dealt with on a regular basis. Though it was normally nothing more than having him wake up in a cold sweat or slightly panicked. Never really a cause for concern.

When asked if the storm startled him the boy shrugged his shoulders. Though he was happy to be closer to Pearce. "I didn't really notice it. I was too caught up in figuring out what was real and what wasn't." He said with a soft, slightly nervous, chuckle. Apart from being startled by loud sudden thunder storms had never bothered Zander. Of course having influence over the weather helped with that. "Weather is a finicky thing."

[Pearce Lockheed]

Two out of three awkward topics was enoigh for one late night and early morning, he supposed. And he wasn't including his own family life in that list. But he supposed they were both entitled to avoiding awkward conversation topics. It would be hypocritical of him to demand anything. Not that he very much liked demanding anything if he could help it.

"It is f-finicky," he agreed, not sure what else to say. "R-reality is a lot n-nicer, I hope," he mumbled awkwardly. He felt like he was stammering all over the place and his cheeks were a bright red in the dark.

Pearce glanced up at the sky. It was starting to get a bit brighter but still much too early. He kept his arm around the boy, a bit more possessive that before. He coukd tell Zander was nervous. Maybe as nervous as he was. O ly he wasn't sure how to fix that for either of them.

[Zander Brogthamon]

"It can be much nicer with the right people." He said softly before glancing up at Pearce with a soft smile. "Or more particularly the right person." He let out a soft chuckle as he looked up at the sky. The colors turning from black to shades of purple and pink. Zander would need to get to the training yard soon but he didn't want to leave just yet.

"I need to leave soon." A small pout crossed his lips as he spoke. It was the first time Zander didn't look forward to going to the yard. Of course he'd also want to check on Briella before he left for work.

[Pearce Lockheed]

A lot nicer with the right person. Especially if that person was someone you loved. And if that person could control the local weather. Pearce could only blush and nod to Zander's words. He didn't like feeling so uncomfortable but he didn't know what else to do.

He knew Zander had a stricter schedule than the noble did. He was a soldier after all and had training sometime in the morning.

"B-breakfast first?" He asked. Somehow he doubted the young man ate breakfast. Briella...Pearce would bet the girl had a lot of breakfast suggestions. He understood Zander's sentiment was more from not wanting to leave him amd not any notion of food. "Regardless, I'll p-probably be here when you are done for the day." He smiled and pulled the boy into a soft kiss on the forehead and a hug.

[Zander Brogthamon]

The idea of breakfast made him want to chuckle. Zander didn't particularly eat breakfast. Occasionally he'd eat some bread or fruit but it was never more than that. Just enough to get him through early morning training. Though he could at least take the time to sit a bit with Pearce and eat.

"I should go wake up Briella. She loves breakfast." To be fair his sister loved anything to do with food. And he knew she certainly wouldn't want to miss having a moment to eat with her older brother before he went to work.

As they made it to the place he and Briella were supposed to be staying. Her soft snoring sounded from in the loft as Zander quietly made his way up. As he ran his hand over her hair Briella grumbled tiredly and stirred as she let her eyes flutter open. "Time get get up." She groaned as he lifted her out of the bed and carried her down the stairs. There was a much more gentle and genuine side of himself that he showed when caring for his sister. A wall that he let down. His crooked grin dropped and was replaced by a softer one. When her tired eyes landed on Pearce she mumbled a small "Good morning, Mr. Lockheed."

[Pearce Lockheed]

Pearce quite enjoyed breakfast food even if he didn't always eat breakfast. While he didn't really know much about cooking or kitchens, he did know how to make eggs and some other breakfast foods. And pancakes. Anything else...muffins and bagels and scones and everything else he just liked to eat and couldn't begin to cook or bake or whatever the word was. Not that he would be cooking this morning. The point was they probably could both benefit from more meals.

He smiled and nodded when Zander mentioned his sister. He stayed just inside the house while Zander went to collect her. Yes, it was his house, but he wanted the siblings to feel like they had their own space too. It was still rather early, but he supposed that meant plenty of time for breakfast.

"Good morning, Miss Briella. D-did you sleep alright?" he asked hopefully. "What would you like for breakfast?" He glance between the pair, leaving it up to them.

[Zander Brogthamon]

When asked if she'd slept alright the girl muttered something incoherent into the crook of her brothers neck. Though her interest was piqued when asked what she wanted for breakfast. "Eggs? And sausage...and scones." Zander snickered at his, very food motivated, sister as he carried her back to the main house.

There were a few servants already up as well going about their morning routines. Though seeing Perce up and about as well seemed to cause some surprise second glances. Zander set his sister down as she began rubbing the sleep from her eyes and looking around curiously. "I'm going on a quick jog. I'll be right back." Without putting much thought into it the redhead pressed a quick kiss on Pearces lips before turning and ruffling Briellas hair.

"Behave." He instructed her causing the girl to mock him playfully as he turned to walk out of the door.

[Pearce Lockheed]

Lord Lockheed didn't sleep in exactly, but certainly he wasn't usually awake before dawn and even when he got up around that time, he didn't always get out of bed. He definitely didn't ask for an organized sit down breakfast. But breakfast itself was already being made since everyone in the house had to eat. Pearce employed a lot of servants, but it was less about rank in Aralore and more about money. He had means to prove homes and meals and pay. All he asked in return was work.

Pearce had thought that might wake Briella up a bit. She had seemed very interested in food the other day. Hearing Zander still intended to get some alone time didn't surprise Pearce but he was a little concerned for it. Hopefully their talk had helped a little. Pearce's mouth was half open to wish the young man a pleasant jog when he kissed him and in the presence of staff and Briella, the nobleman blushed and was subsequently unable to make words as Zander left. He'd get over that eventually, he hoped. It was more surprising than anything.

Heather had been quickly alerted to the fact the head of the house and his guests were seeking breakfast and no sooner had Pearce had a moment to collect a breath and reorganize himself did she step into his field of vision. "Heather. G-good morning." He smiled, still feeling a little awkward. He glanced at Briella and then back to the head servant. "We'd like eggs and sausage and scones for breakfast. In the courtyard, please." He ran a hand through his hair, suddenly conscious he was not at all properly dressed. trousers and a tunic were hardly presentable.

"Of course, my lord," Heather acknowledged. She was a little surprised by the attire, more that it was unusual for the nobleman to be caught less than immaculately dressed, even in his own home. She wasn't worried just yet, but she did make notes. As for Zander and Briella, she was more than aware they were part of the house.

[Zander Brogthamon]

It wasn't so much that Zander needed space to be alone, it was more so an anxiety around breaking his routine. The boy had been going on jogs every morning since he was six years old. There'd been pin pricks running through his body since he'd woken up to get out. To hear the gravel and dirt shift and crunch under his feet. Feel the morning mist in the air on his face.

Briella was a curious child. While she knew her brother was interested in boys she hadn't seen him with one since catching him in the barn. Once he was gone and the other lady, she believed her name was Heather, were gone her big green eyes turned on Pearce. "Do you like my brother?" Her voice was filled with genuine curiosity as she seemed much more awake than she had just a moment ago.

"Zanny likes boys. Daddy used to get real mad when he saw Zanny with other boys but I don't know why." Was it far too early for her to be rambling? Yes. Did that matter in her mind? No.

"You think it's okay that he likes boys right?"

[Pearce Lockheed]

Well, so much for not doing anything in front of Zander's little sister. Sure, it was just a kiss but... Pearce jumped slightly at the question. And so much for trying to be cool about it. "Y-yes," he answered. He wasn't about to lie to her, even if he could. That wide eyed stare didn't help.

He felt his cheeks grow warm again as Briella talked about her brother with the rambling and carefree air of a young child. Not to mention hearing her use that nickname for her brother only made Pearce more an more aware of the age gap between himself and the young man. Daddy used to get real mad when he saw him with other boys... Pearce stiffened a little at the familiar words. He had to force himself to breathe.

Maybe this was exactly why he had wanted to avoid anything in front of the girl.

"Y-yes," he stammered again. So much for intelligent conversation.

[Zander Brogthamon]

It barely occurred to Zander that he'd kissed Pearce in front of Briella or other servants. It'd been more of a subconscious action. Though it wasn't something he was currently thinking about either. The boy didn't think about much when he went on his morning jogs. It was a chance to clear his head and let himself just be.

Hearing that the man did in fact like her brother made Briellas face light up. "Really?" The girl didn't entirely understand the difference between romantic and friendly affection but she knew enough to be excited for her older brother. "I'm glad, I don't like Zanny feeling lonely."

Briella rambled a bit more about nothing in particular until Zander walked back into the house. Shirtless with sweat running from his face and down his neck he certainly didn't seem even as presentable as Pearce but it wasn't something he thought about. As her brother walked in Briella gave him a big smile before Breeze caught her attention. "What did I miss?" He asked playfully with a smile.