Orion
35
Unmarried
Marquis | Tutor
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Post by Pearce Lockheed on Jan 17, 2021 20:09:46 GMT -5
He almost succeeded at a nap before dinner, even with Briella's company. Eyes closed, arms folded over his chest, he had just drifted off when Zander returned to collect him for dinner.
Dinner was steak and various roasted veggies, which, normally, the marquis quite liked. The problem was that using a fork and a knife involved a lot more effort and concentration than soup did, for example.
Normally, he would have rather put off the conversation with his cousin, but he needed to wake up somehow and he would rather be dinner be a different sort of awkward. He was actual grateful Briella was here, to hopefully keep the conversation...as pleasant and possible. "Percival," he began softly, swallowing. Okay, so it was still really awkward but he had to start somewhere. "I want to apologize for the other day. That won't happen again." For quite a few reasons, it would not happen anywhere other than his own bedroom. "However, this is my home and Zander and I are very close. While I don't care if you approve or disapprove, I simply prefer we all be able to talk civilly."
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Post by Percival Lockheed on Jan 17, 2021 20:46:17 GMT -5
Looking at the food Percivals stomach did growl but he had very little appetite. He watched the redhead push around his own food a bit which was odd. Wouldn't he normally be happily eating? Still, Pearces voice caught his attention. His stomach was already tied in knots and he didn't want to be reminded of what happened. "I really don't want to think about that, cousin." Though he hadn't been able to stop thinking about it.
Hearing that Percival might not approve of the soldier and Pearces relationship made the blonde girl look up at him. A very confused expression on her face. "You don't like Zanny and Mr. Lockheed being together? Why?" Did she really not see a problem with it? Of course she wouldn't. She was being raised by one of them. His nose wrinkled in disgust and as he opened his mouth to speak he caught the soldier glowering down at him. A glint in his eyes daring Percival to say what he wanted to say.
"Their relationship is...wrong." This answer only seemed to confuse the girl more. There even seemed to be a flash of anger that crossed her expression. "Why is it wrong?" Her usually sweet and soft tone held an edge of anger he'd only heard from the soldier before. "Zanny you love Mr.Lockheed don't you?" As the soldier looked from Percival back to his sister his expression immediately softened. "I do, but save this conversation for another time alright? Eat your dinner."
As the girl relented and returned her attention to her food Percival sighed. "I don't really understand how you can so openly...express this in front of a child." He grumbled seeming to earn a frustrated growl from the redhead. "Leave her out of this and listen to what Pearce needs to say to you." He commanded through clenched teeth. He watched as the blonde girl placed her small hand on her brothers arm with a sweet smile.
"Save the conversation for later alright? Eat your dinner." Having his words thrown back at him seemed to amuse the soldier as he ruffled her hair playfully. "You're right." Though Percival noticed he didn't actually eat the food so much as he cut it up to make it appear like he was eating.
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Orion
35
Unmarried
Marquis | Tutor
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Post by Pearce Lockheed on Jan 17, 2021 21:26:25 GMT -5
He didn't feel any need to talk further. This wasn't a discussion but an announcement. Perhaps not an overt one but he would make sure he could live his life without interfering in his cousin's and he expected the same courtesy. That was that.
"And I love Zander," he found himself saying openly. Briella's confusion didn't surprise him. And while Zander seemed to prefer to accept that their relationship was 'wrong,' Pearce was endeared by the girls question. "No, I'd like to hear your answer to why, Percival. It's important that children understand love doesn't have borders. Have you ever been in love, dear cousin?" They had both spoken about their precious engagements and how those had worked out.
At the suggestion he had something else to say, Pearce shook his head minutely at Zander. He did not have anything else to tall about. If the redhead meant his health, he would rather not give the man a reason to think even less of him. He put some vegetables in his mouth instead. If Zander wanted to talk about it, he could bring it up. Not that Pearce would be happy about it.
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Post by Percival Lockheed on Jan 17, 2021 21:52:21 GMT -5
As Pearce asked him to elaborate Percival bit his lip. It wasn't that he didn't want to. It was that he feared what the redhead might di. Though he doubted the man would become violent in front of the little girl. "This is not love!" He insisted with a huff. Reitterating the things that had been taught since he was a child.
"You can't even have children together. How do you expect to provide an heir? Who's going to take over head of the family when you die?" The comment seemed to make the redhead tense. Out of the corner of his eye he saw the soldier pause and simply stare at his plate. The blonde girl tilted her head curiously as she stared up at him. "Why is having babies so important? Shouldn't it be important that your family found someone who makes him happy?"
Percival sneered down at the girl who just stared back up at him. Her expression unchanging. "It's easy to learn to love someone. If he would just spend some time with a woman-" She cut him off before he could even finish his sentence.
"But he shouldn't have to learn to love anyone! He loves Zanny now without having to try. They make each other happy!" Percival flinched at the sudden passion and anger in her voice. "You shouldn't cut off adults when they're talking."
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Orion
35
Unmarried
Marquis | Tutor
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Post by Pearce Lockheed on Jan 17, 2021 22:10:14 GMT -5
He wasn't fazed by the man's narrow minded opinions. It was more the way he treated it as fact that bothered the marquis. And the fact that it was the same shit their parents had drilled into them. "Says the man who has no idea what love is," Pearce observed quietly, tone matter of fact and clearly amused. Some part of him realized this wasn't his usual self.
When. When he died. He tensed too briefly. Pwrcival was right. And wrong. "No, I don't have an heir. Unfortunately, no matter how much I need one-" he cut himself off with a glance at Zander. "I have plenty of time," he said instead. He could adopt, even if that didn't mean the same thing.
Pearce stiffened more at the tone his cousin applied to Briella. "That tone might be how your father treats you in his house, Percival, but should you presume to reprimand Briella again, you and I are going to have a lengthy discussion about how to speak to others. Briella, that applies to you as well." Interrupting and being loud were not tolerated but it wasn't his cousin's place to take matters into his own hands. While there was no real threat there, Pearce clearly wasn't in a mood to deal with any shenanigans.
He took another bite of food and tried to calm down. "Cousin, have you met any new friends in the city? Any lady friends, perhaps?" The subtext being 'if it is so easy to learn to love any woman, cousin, let's see you do it.'
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Post by Percival Lockheed on Jan 17, 2021 22:28:02 GMT -5
The sound of thunder outside and heavy wind shook the windows a bit as some debris clattered against the glass. Percival jumped then stared out of the window confused. Hadn't the weather just been clear? "Sorry Mr.Lockheed." The girl spoke a bit sheepishly before quickly shoving some potatoes in her mouth.
"Shouldn't you be calling him marquis?" With that another crack of thunder sounded outside as the redhead quickly stood up. "Briella, c'mere please." The girl looked up at him seeming a bit worried and confused but stood up nonetheless.
He watched the redhead switch their plates then nudge her into the seat he'd just been in before taking the seat next to him. "Keep speakin' ta my sister like that. I dare ya." Though his tone was even and calm there was something about the way he spoke that made Percival shudder.
The question on if he'd met any women in the city made Percival bite his lip nervously. "I've met a few ladies." It wasn't a lie. Though he wouldn't say he was interested in any of them.
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Orion
35
Unmarried
Marquis | Tutor
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Post by Pearce Lockheed on Jan 17, 2021 22:59:38 GMT -5
The thunder also made Pearce jump in surprise, his heart lurching painfully in his chest and he seemed to realize what he had said with a wave of embarrassment. That was...he didn't enjoy how he had sounded in his head. Sire he hadn't stammered but...the reactions from Briella and Percival were not at all want he wanted.
He closed his eyes a moment and breathed, pressing a hand to his chest. His cousin's blatant disregard for his words, however, made him frown. He pushed himself up at the table and pegged Percival with a sad frustrated look.
"All of you. That is enough," he said firmly. "Did I not just say n-not to reprimand her? Consider your allowance...halved," he forced, a bit less convincingly, struggling to get the words out.
Pearce felt dizzy again and wondered why the hell he had thought standing was a good idea. His grip on the table was tenuous at best.
"Can we...p-p-please just...eat?" He felt like he might faint.
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Post by Percival Lockheed on Jan 18, 2021 0:50:18 GMT -5
Percival and the girl both flinched as Pearce suddenly stood up at the table. Though it didn't seem to have the same effect on the redhead. He watched the soldier quickly stand and rush over to his cousin. "Easy love, don't get so worked up." Was there something wrong with Pearce?
The redhead helped ease Pearce back into his seat before moving, seemingly reluctantly, back to his own. Percival looked between the two other men before back down to his plate. What on earth was going on? After a long silence and eating most of his food Percival finally turned his attention to his cousin. "Are you...alright?" The girls head turned up aswell as she turned her attention on Pearce as well.
"Whisky is worried about you." Whisky? The dog? Percival turned a confused look to the girl almost ready to ask a question though he thought it might be best not to address her at all at this point.
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Orion
35
Unmarried
Marquis | Tutor
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Post by Pearce Lockheed on Jan 18, 2021 1:07:12 GMT -5
Pearce very nearly melted in Zander's grip. "S-sorry..." he mumbled. He wasn't sure what had gotten into him tonight. Whatever happened to just wanting to relax in the bath? He groaned as he was sat back down, leaning back in his chair. The ensuing silence felt like no time at all as he tried to gathering his bearings again. Nothing hurt, he simple felt...weirdly out of place.
He didn't seem to hear Percival's or Briella's concern for a long moment, as if it took longer for the words to process. Or maybe it was less that and more he wasn't sure how to answer. He didn't want to lie to either of the, especially Briella. But it was embarrassing to admit he needed help, especially to his family. Of course, that was exactly who he should be talking to. "No," he admitted glancing at Zander for comfort and support and wishing he hadn't sat back down. "I...I'm not well. I had a st-stroke. Yesterday," he said very softly, trying not to swallow the words.
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Post by Percival Lockheed on Jan 18, 2021 2:00:03 GMT -5
The words seemed to catch Percival completely off guard. He was silent for a long moment as he stared at his cousin confused. A stroke? Hadn't that been what his uncle had died of? Was his cousin going to be okay? It seemed...wrong. Surreal and fake in a way. He didn't think Pearce was lying but it couldn't be true could it? "What's a stroke?" The girl asked curiously.
The soldier turned to his sister and bit his lip. "I'll talk to you more about it later." He stated softly. But Percival still wasn't able to speak. Everything felt far too strange. One of the few times Percival was left silent. He stared at Pearce a bit longer in shock before looking at his mostly empty plate. His cousin would be fine. He had to be.
It wasn't much longer after that before the plates were picked up and he watched the redhead stand. "I'm gonna take Briella back to the carriage house and walk Whisky then we can go upstairs." It seemed the soldier completely ignored him as Percival watched him pressca quick kiss to Pearces cheek before taking his sisters hand and whistling for their dog. It seemed the earlier freak storm outside had calmed down. "Weather here is strange." Percival murmured.
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Orion
35
Unmarried
Marquis | Tutor
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Post by Pearce Lockheed on Jan 18, 2021 2:17:00 GMT -5
The stunned silence wasn't exactly what he expected from his cousin, but he was more or less sure it meant Percival knew what it meant and believed him. Pearce honestly wouldn't have believed it either if it hadn't of hurt so damn much.
The silent staring though...that made him a little uncomfortable. He wasn't dead yet, nor was he dying and while he was positive he didn't look all that great, he was working on it. "We can talk about it later, if you like, Briella," he said, voice still much softer than it had been earlier. Not that he needed to be there, but he didn't want her to feel like she couldn't ask him questions too, just because he wasn't feeling well.
"I'll see you in a bit, Zander," he said with a nod and a forced smile. He could have done to eat more, but dinner with everyone was stressful as usual. And besides, he wasn't sure he would keep it all in once they tried the stairs again.
Pearce turned his attention back to Percival at the comment on weather. "Yeah. Everything is strange here," he breathed, closing his eyes for a moment and letting out a sigh before looking back to his cousin. "I...ap-p-pologize for earlier. Your personal life is not my b-business." Whether the sentiment would ever be returned was his business either.
He was positive he would never be ready for stairs tonight, but he was at least ready to try when Zander returned.
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Ollie
19
Dating a nobleman
Infantry Soldier
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Post by Zander Brogthamon on Jan 18, 2021 2:31:48 GMT -5
Zander took his sister with him as he walked Whisky. It seemed she really enjoyed walking the pup which was nice. "Is Mr. Lockheed going to be alright?" The redhead tensed a bit at the question. Every fiber of his being was determined to make sure he would be. There was a nagging thought on the back of his mind though. His mothers voice insisting he couldn't save everyone.
"He'll be fine." He stated with a forced smile. Pearce had to be fine. They'd already discussed how he wasn't allowed to die first. Briella seemed content with that answer. Or perhaps she just sensed how tense her brother was. "You didn't eat any of your dinner." Zander blinked in surprise and looked down at his sister. Damn she was observant. He let out a chuckle before shrugging his shoulders. "I wasn't really hungry." He wasn't about to blatantly lie to his sisters face. She wasn't stupid.
Once he had her in bed and Whisky curled up at her feet Zander returned back to the manor. As his eyes landed on Pearce he gave a small smile. "You ready for the hard part?" He asked almost playfully. He asked a servant to prepare the bath water. Figuring they could use some of the lavender things they hadn't been able to use the dag before. He helped Pearce out of his chair and wrapped his arm back around him.
Once they were at the base of the stairs it was pretty much the same process. He allowed Pearce to lead the way. Going at the pace he was most comfortable with.
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Orion
35
Unmarried
Marquis | Tutor
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Post by Pearce Lockheed on Jan 18, 2021 3:06:08 GMT -5
Luckily for Zander, the marquis hadn't noticed how little he ate. Which was actually surprising. But considering how out of sort he had been, while Pearce would feel bad to know he missed it, it wasn't really a surprise.
While the siblings went for a walk, Pearce attempted to finish another letter. Writing felt...slow. Thankfully spelling didn't trip him up, but he could tell his writing was...a lot tighter than usual. And of course, it felt like it took forever. Thankfully it was only a small missive for one of the foremen in the mines and didn't need to be anything fancy.
"I c-can't walk because of vertigo, not because...because I can't walk," he said, blushing. It sounded stupid when he said it out loud. "But yes. The hard part," he relented, easing himself up. He was more than looking forward to the bath and while he really wanted to share as much with the redhead, it was still a bit too concentration consuming to walk and talk. Up was easier in some ways - looking down seemed to make him more dizzy than looking up, but that was more or less relative. The harder part was that between the walk down and the tea, he was more exhausted than he had been before.
About halfway up, he wobbled against Zander and stopped, panting and struggling to stay upright. "Zander, can you...help?" He wasn't sure how to ask. "I'm too tired...I can't... Maybe sleeping in one of the guest bedrooms would be a...good idea."
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Ollie
19
Dating a nobleman
Infantry Soldier
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Post by Zander Brogthamon on Jan 18, 2021 3:18:05 GMT -5
Zander was more than willing to pause but the mention of sleeping in a guestroom on the main floor made him raise a curious brow. "We're almost there, love." He encouraged softly. Of course he didn't want to push Pearce more than he could handle but at this point it would be just as hard getting back down and to a guest room as it would be up and to the bedroom.
With a soft sigh he tightened his grip around Pearce and lifted most of his weight. "I know we can get up there. Close your eyes." He had a feeling part of the problems had been looking either up or down.
Zander had had vertigo before and trying to guage distances were always both sickening and duanting when it felt like the world was rapidly spinning on a tilt. Keeping up most of the marquis weight he slowly tried for a few more steps. Offering soft encouragments and praises of how well Pearce was doing. He counted down the steps they took so he could guage how far they were from the top without needing to see it. "Six more steps....five more steps..."
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Orion
35
Unmarried
Marquis | Tutor
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Post by Pearce Lockheed on Jan 18, 2021 3:32:30 GMT -5
Right. Almost there. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Yes, okay, half way was halfway he had to go back down too, but...gravity could do that for him. Or help, at least. He whimpered softly as Zander pulled him closer and took more of his weight. It didn't hurt, but it was exhausting and giving up was a whole lot easier physically and mentally.
When Zander suggested he close his eyes he hesitated and then did so, gritting his teeth. It didn't immediately make things better but it did keep him from being distracted and caught up in things moving around him. He was a lot less nauseous, if still only barely able to help move. He tried not to think about tripping or how much further, or the words Zander spoke, but just his tone and the feeling of his arm tight around him and his heart beating against him.
Of course, that meant he nearly did trip at the top since he wasn't paying attention. He gasped in surprise but didn't fall very far considering he had a very capable soldier as a safety net. "I hate you," he panted. "So much...I wanna...I wanna..." He swallowed. "Sit down. And then I wanna kiss you." Pearce smiled as he spoke, clearly glad the achievement, if out of breath, and trembling.
"Where's this damn bath already?" he sighed.
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