~Redfield Curiosity & Apothecary~

Name: Aiden Redfield
Age: Unknown, but appears to be in his late 20's
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 145 lbs
Hair: silvery blonde, mostly long with shorter layers on top, wears the long part in a ponytail
Eyes: dark red-brown, wears glasses
Bio: Aiden runs the Redfield Curiosity and Apothecary. He spends all of his holidays traveling to various places and collecting all manner of things from the magical to the mundane. He is a bachelor, and he's not very social, so he's generally regarded as a mysterious and sometimes suspicious character. There are even rumors in some circles that he traded his soul to a demon for immortality. Even so, his shoppe is fairly popular and does good business.

Name: William
Age: thirty three
Height:6'
weight:170
Hair:Charcoal black, long down his back and almost always pulled back.
Eyes: light blue.
Bio: William is very rich, very posh, very stuck up. He has a taste for pretty things and a taste for rarity as well as a taste for things he's not supposed to have or not allowed to have. He challanges everything as well as life itself and often is considered rude because of this. He's very attracted to the young shop keeper Aiden Redfield and will not stop his quest to conquer him as he has many others.

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"Thank you very much for your patronage, my dear, and I do hope you come back to my shoppe soon." Aiden Redfield peered suggestively over the top of his glasses at the lady, who giggled and blushed, then hurried out the door. He wasn't interested in her. It was just a matter of policy to try to woo as many customers as possible in order to get them to return to the shoppe. He had ways of making his male customers return as well, but they weren't as obvious and flirtatious as his strategies for the girls. He had a very diverse clientele, however. Redfield Curiosity and Apothecary sold many odd things, as well as ordinary things, and Aiden kept odd hours for his store. He was more or less always open, unless he was gone on holiday. Even through the latest hours of the night, the lamp over his door always burned brightly, and the door was not locked. This led many of his customers to inquire as to when he slept, but he only laughed it off and told them that he slept in between the times he heard the bell over the door chime. This was mostly true, except that he didn't add that most of the time he was awake anyway. A curious creature, Aiden Redfield was, and he played the part well. But since it was growing darker and later, the number of customers would be greatly diminished, and he disappeared into the back of the store to organize some of his more recently acquired wares.

"Flirting with the ladies? I should be jealous." This was the statement made by William Veyard, a regular visitor to the shop owned by Redfield. A saucy swish of his hips and he was leaning against the counter. "Really, you shouldn't tease them so, they must know you're very much always going to be a bachelor if I have anything to do with it. That is, unless of course, you end up with me, a fairy tale ending if I say so myself." He reached for a quill and absently began to nibble the feathered top as he eyed his favorite shop-keeper. He looked around after a moment of savoring his favorite vision and a rather pretty ring caught his eye. "Oh my, you've gotten quite the treasure. Is that a platinum ring?" He sauntered over to it and studied it carefully. He wouldn't dare touch it. He knew his lovely clerk collected things that had the ability to sometimes harm the ones handling them.Rare and magical items. He also realized he hadn't even given the other a chance to speak or if he had spoken he hadn't listened and decided to grant him his full attention. "So, love, what new things have you acquired?"

"But William, flirting keeps them coming back. You keep coming back, don't you? But then again, you flirt with me far more than I do with you." Aiden chuckled behind a gloved hand, and looked around his shop. "As far as new things go, that platinum ring is certainly new, as well several books that I have yet to display, and some other miscellaneous jewelry. One of the pieces of that jewelry is a rather interesting necklace, actually. Would you like to see it?" The necklace was actually on his person, rather than in a display box. It was hidden beneath his scarf at the moment. He leaned across the counter toward William, and steepled his fingers in front of his face. "But really, William, what about you? Do you have anything new and interesting to share with me?"

William looked at the other calculatingly a moment. "I have nothing too interesting. Just a few things you've not acquired yet. But of course.. if you let me see that lovely necklace, I may make a deal. Maybe." William said as he leered suggestively at the other. "In fact, I have a necklace of my own, and I'd really like you to try on. It would compliment you." The perversion in his words was thick and he wondered if the other would catch onto the meaning of them.

Aiden smiled and retreated from the counter a few steps. "I suppose I could show you the necklace, whether you want to make a deal or not. But dear William, pearls really don't suit me." He fluttered his eyelashes over the top of his glasses, letting them slip down his nose a bit. He unwound the long silk scarf from his neck and laid it on the counter, then pulled a small blue pendant on a silver chain out of his shirt. "This necklace...grants magical protection to whoever is wearing it. I have been wearing it to test its authenticity, but I'm afraid no opportunities for proof have prevented themselves. I don't know exactly how it works, and I don't want to test it on purpose, exactly." He fingered the teardrop-shaped pendant for a moment, then dropped it back into his shirt. "All right, I've shown you mine, now you show me yours, hm?"

"I think pearls would actually look rather nice on you." William said with a smirk. He admired the pendant on the other. "And that looks lovely as well. Protection you say?" He asked, reaching out and grasping the pendant to give a menacing tug in his direction. "Oh, look at that nothing happened..." He said, the other merely an inch from him. He went to kiss the other, something he'd not done before, only to find himself rather harshly propelled back into a wall. "Then again.. perhaps it works very well." He said with a grunt, dusting himself off. "Now, my items are a little less abusive." He took from his bag at his side a long dagger, a small wand-like object, a ring, and some cuffs. "These.. are from Persia actually, Persian priests had them before I got ahold of them." He laid them out on the table. "The dagger is said to make cuts that never stop bleeding, so I've got it sheathed...I might not let you have that one. The wand thing is said to be some kind of inspirational object that gives the holder the best ideas, I think it works, I hold it often and well... I've got some rather nice schemes to use if a few things don't turn my way. and this ring is simply made of the most pure metals and therefore is worth more than a fortune, and these cuffs.. well.. I may just keep those too."

Aiden smiled in satisfaction and pushed his glasses up his nose. "I did say I didn't know how it worked, so do forgive the necklace's rudeness. But how exactly would those cuffs be of any use, except to hold someone in bondage? I didn't realize you were into that sort of thing." He laughed, something he didn't have much occasion to do, and it was a sweet, melodic sound. "So, William, are you hoping I'll initiate some kind of bargain with you for these things? Because it seems you would rather keep all of them, and I think there is only one thing you would be willing to part with them for." He walked around the counter and sat on its outside edge, facing William, with his legs crossed. As an afterthought, he added, "Those books that I have acquired are the grimoires of various witches, you know. Would you like to see them? They are...particularly dangerous."

William moved to where he stood in front of Aiden, his hands arms on either side of him. "And what is it you think I would part with them for? Perhaps those books? Maybe there's a few useful things in them. Have you ever looked through them, Aiden? Are there naughty things in the text?" He asked, looking in the other's eyes. "Is that what makes them dangerous?" He whispered his words, getting closer and closer to the other.

Aiden narrowed his eyes and smirked, leaning back just a bit to escape William's invasion of his personal space. "What makes the books dangerous is the fact that they are filled with black magic. You, William, are dangerous because you're naughty." His own dark eyes stared into William's icy blue ones, attempting to read him for his intent. "But I take it you have no interest in the books. I have read them, though, if you really wanted to know that." One of the books, actually, was not new at all. It was his personally, and it was very dear to him. That wasn't to say that he was a witch, but rather that he had acquired the book some several years previously, and had found it incredibly useful.

"Are you threatening me with magic, Aiden?" William asked, letting his hands inch closer to Aiden's thighs and hips. "They do sound very interesting though. I've got a few of my own as well that you should probably come back to my place to view.." And in truth it wasn't just a pick up line that the books had to be viewed at his house, but their magic would destroy those who tried to take them from their land, and his house was on their land. "Now, how about we go look at those books, hmn?" As soon as he let his fingers finally touch those firm thighs and slid them up to grasp those slender hips he was thrust backwards by the protection activated in Aiden's necklace and yet again launched into a wall. He sighed and fixed himself again, "Please remove that thing!"

This time, Aiden didn't bother to hide his mirth, and laughed openly at William. "I'm sorry, William. Allow me to remove my wonderful protection device so that you are free to molest me." He chuckled and unclasped the necklace, putting it in a drawer behind the counter. "Really, it must be easy to win everyone over with your subtlety." He fixed William with a gaze that did nothing to veil his sarcasm, and daintily pulled his white gloves off of his hands. "Though you have put quite a lot of effort into trying to woo me. I've often wondered what makes you so interested in me, rather than someone else that might have been so much easier to win. Perhaps that's it? You enjoy the thrill of chasing me?"

"Certainly chasing you is a wonderous thing, but I will have you one day, and that is why I am not giving up. You seem to doubt my abilities." William replied, watching the way those white gloves slid off of Aiden's fingers. "And besides, what reason would you have not to be mine? I am rich, I am handsome, I am sweet, and I am a gentleman. I am caring, considerate, and I am rather un-boring. Wouldn't you agree?" He asked, re-advancing on his 'prey'. "And besides, you took your lovely necklace off, obviously that means you appreciate my advances.." He stated as he resumed his earlier position only this time his hands were on the other's hips to begin with and were steadily moving up to unclasp where it could be unclasped and unbuttoned where there were buttons.

With a smirk seemingly fixed permanently on his face, Aiden replied, "But William, I think you seem to doubt my abilities. Just because I don't have a necklace that repels you into walls, doesn't mean I can't make you...stop." He chuckled to himself as he spoke that final word. It was the trigger word for a spell he had been reading earlier in his own grimoire, and it wouldn't have as violent an effect as the necklace, but it would make William halt in his advance, so to speak. "Now, William, if you were truly a gentleman, as you say, you wouldn't be attempting to undress me in the front of my own shop. Those are rather large windows, and I do keep the panes fairly clean. What would people say if they saw that?" He took advantage of William's immobility for the moment and wrapped his legs around his waist, then abruptly released him and slid off of the counter. "So now then, just let me know whenever you would like to be able to move again..." Which he could not do, and it made Aiden laugh again. He wouldn't leave him that way for too long, though. He rounded the back of the counter and took his necklace out of the drawer, replacing it around his neck. 

William was utterly confused. At least he could still feel, and the feeling of those legs wrapped around his waist had almost been his undoing. Not that he could do anything about it of course. As he saw the other put his necklace back on he inwardly groaned. How was he supposed to come onto and 'molest', as it was termed, the other if he was always being blasted away or frozen in place?

Standing safely on the opposite side of the counter once more, Aiden snapped his fingers, and the spell on William was released. "I'm sorry, that was terribly cruel of me. I hope you'll forgive me. Though it may not seem like it, I do enjoy your chasing of me. It makes my life interesting. Well, more interesting, at least." He shrugged. "Would you like some tea? You're more than welcome to stay here for a while and look through those books, if you'd like." He began to ascend a staircase that looked as though no one should have been touching it, let alone walking on it, and called over the banister. "Please excuse me for a moment. I am going to change into my night shirt, as I think you will probably be the only person here this evening."

How William wished he could follow after the other. "Tea would be fine." He said a bit tersely. "If you're going to be in your nightshirt then, sure, I will look in those books." He said, taking a seat behind the counter where the other had just been. "If I am the only person here, how about you close early and come out with me for dinner?" He asked aloud, wanting to wine and dine his beautiful obsession.

Aiden sighed, halfway through removing his shirt in his upstairs room, and tucked it back into his breeches. "Fine, I suppose that's fair. I'll be down in a moment," he called. He slipped into his waistcoat, then shrugged his coat back on. Many had accused him of dressing like some sort of clergyman, since he was fond of the color black, but he was far from holy. He found a pair of black gloves to put on, rather than the white ones he had left on the counter downstairs, and quickly descended the stairs again. "Would you mind terribly if we came back here after dinner, though? Or were you hoping I would accompany you to your estate?" Aiden smirked again, wrapping his scarf around his neck.

"Wherever you wish to go is where we will go. It is our first date after all, bringing you to my estate would prove disastrous if I wish for a long-time commitment." William said as he held his arm out for the other to take. He couldn't wait to treat the other to whatever he should wish. "And where would you like to go? I know a small place, it's quiet and out of the way and we can sit near a fountain if you'd like."

Aiden regarded William's arm for a moment, before taking it hesitantly. "That sounds lovely, William. Let's go there, then." He decided to ignore the comment about long-time commitment. Did he plan to ask for Aiden's hand in marriage or something absurd like that? "So, you've finally got me on a date with you, and yet you think that taking me back to your estate would be disastrous. I would like to know, my dear friend, how returning with me to my own living quarters is any different. I do, after all, live above my shop in an apartment. Though...I don't think you've ever seen it." He covered his small smile with the back of his hand.

"I am the aggressor in this relationship, and I pursue you avidly. In your own living quarters, as a gentleman that I am, I am required to follow your rules and obey your every wish, for it's your place. In mine.. well.. in mine you better just keep that necklace on." William replied, not in the least bit ashamed at how open he was with his feelings for the other. He hailed a carriage and opened the door for his Aiden. "After you, my dear."

Nodding politely, Aiden climbed into the carriage and sat on one of the uncomfortable bench seats. He continued their conversation once they were both seated. "I still don't exactly see the difference. You did still try to touch me in my store. I think you would probably have better luck catching me if you just gave up being a gentleman around me. After all, I'm not some delicate lady that you're trying to woo. If I don't like what you're doing, I can always...stop...you." He grinned. This time, the word wouldn't do anything. He only wanted to say it to make William nervous.

"That was your store, not your actual housing part, not that I considered it at least. In fact, you never have actually told me your boundaries both in reference to your home and your personal... bodily boundaries. " He tensed just a bit when the other said 'stop'. "However, if you wish me to quit being a gentleman then you wouldn't want me to 'stop', now would you? See my restrictions? Such a cruel thing you are, toying with me." William said dramatically, sitting close to the other.

Aiden rolled his eyes. "Such things you say, William. But you're right, I am cruel. However, I can say honestly that I have no idea what my boundaries are, bodily. They have never been tested, per se. As far as my home goes, if I invite you to my apartment, then you are welcome there. It is as simple as that." Silently thankful for the darkness inside the carriage, Aiden managed to slip the repellent necklace from his neck and into his pocket, where it would be harmless. He rested his chin in his hand and looked out the window of the carriage. "And perhaps I want you to stop being a gentleman, and simply take what you want..."

"You just want to see me get repelled through the carriage wall." William said with a snort, having not seen the necklace disappear from that lovely neck. "Magic.. bah!" He looked out the window a moment, and then back to the other. "Was that an invite to your apartment?" He asked, the realization the other probably didn't mind him so much dawning on him.

"I don't know, William. Was it? I'll admit that seeing you repelled out of the carriage would be rather entertaining, but I won't do that to you if you don't do that to yourself." Aiden smiled, keeping up the pretense that he was still wearing the necklace. "There are simply things in those books that I would like to show you that would probably be best demonstrated away from public eyes. My store is never truly closed, you know, and anyone could walk past the front windows and see us using magic. You know how dangerous that could be, don't you?"

"Certainly. We'd be burned at the stake or hung. Either way, not pleasant. Worse things could happen also." He said, eying him. "It is very strange they've not seized your shop for such a purpose." He said, wondering how it was the other wasn't in trouble yet. "Well, we're here. And what precisely in that book were you wishing to show me that's so secret?" William continued, his question true and curious.

"Silly William, all of it is secret." Aiden gave him a wink and climbed out of the stopped carriage. In truth, he hadn't been caught yet because he only sold the magical items in his shop to certain people, and he was very, very familiar with all of the faces of the law enforcement. "I'm just very careful, but I can't say that a little magic doesn't contribute to the continued secrecy of my shop as well." He was not yet ready to disclose what he wanted to show William. In truth, it was the summoning circle and ritual required to bring forth a demon. And not just any demon, but a demon that Aiden was quite familiar with. He wanted to show William his own personal grimoire, after all. He had just left that part out.

William was more than curious what the other might be plotting but decided to pretend uninterested. "We'll talk about it when we return later then." He hooked arms with the other again and walked in, when he was recognized by the host of the establishment, he was promptly seated and given menus. "Well, that was fast." He was of course showing off his obvious influence over others and his popularity. "Well, what would you like?"

Aiden scanned the menu, and set it down in front of him on the table. "I hope you don't mind, but I'm not terribly hungry. I think I would just like something sweet, and some wine." He smiled rather charmingly at William. Unfortunately, the alcohol would have little effect on him. He wasn't a lightweight, surprisingly enough, and he thought it might be amusing to see if William would try to get him drunk. "You certainly are a popular fellow, though, aren't you? You're not the least bit worried about what would happen to your reputation if you were to win me?"

"You may have whatever you want." William replied to the other's ordering preferences and when he heard of his popularity he smiled a bit. "Yes, I am. And no, I don't care what they think. If they think me less of a person just because I am after someone lower station than mine, they're not worth my time anyhow." He said, rather hungry for a juicy steak. "Oh, I'll be having this steak." He said as the chef himself came to take their order. "And you, my dear, what sweet thing did you want?" He also nodded as the cook pointed to a rather expensive wine on the menu.

Aiden pointed to some sort of cake on the dessert menu, and turned his thoughts back to the conversation at hand. "I didn't mean anything to do with my station, William. I meant that this is England, it's the eighteenth century, and we're both men. You think people will leave that alone?" He raised an eyebrow. Aiden did not particularly care what people thought of him or his sexuality. He was a bachelor, anyway, and it was rare for someone of his age to have no girl, no fiancee, no wife. There were surely rumors anyway. But he did worry about William and his reputation. He had a lot to consider. "Are you sure I'm worth all of that trouble?"

"I am more than sure." William said, shrugging. "Besides, I have money, money makes people shut up after a while." He said, hoping he could give the other that kind of security. It wasn't just money, he was powerful with the authorities and often had a hand in the on-goings. They wouldn't oppose him. "I have some authority, mind you." He insisted, hinting that his influence was much more than he appeared to have. "You worry too much." He said, sipping his wine as it was brought to them both and poured his Aiden a glass.

Aiden sighed and pushed his glasses back up as they slipped down his nose. "I suppose you're right. I do worry too much." He sipped at his wine, then pinched the bridge of his nose. "I apologize, I must be making myself into such an obnoxious date." He wondered how William could possibly think him worth all of this effort, considering how unlikely it was that William would get what he wanted when the date was over. But if that was the case, then why did he take off the necklace? He was confusing himself, and decided to take another sip of wine.

"You're quite charming, caring about my well being is something I don't hear about often." William said, genuinely touched at the other bothering over him. "Besides, you wouldn't worry so much if you weren't interested in me. And I can tell you like more than my money." He said boldly, unfolding his napkin as his steak arrived and his Aiden's dessert arrived. He grabbed his knife and fork and began to cut his steak into small pieces, savoring the taste as he began to chew it. "I really do love this place, they make great food."

"Perhaps I like your interest in magic, rather than your money. Or perhaps I do like your money, since you do come to my shop quite frequently. I may just be holding out hope that you'll actually buy something from me, someday." Aiden chuckled. "My point is that, yes, I do like you. You'll just have to find out how much." He smirked and cut a piece of cake with his fork, letting the sweet baked confection melt in his mouth. It was truly quite good, and he silently agreed with William about the food. Even the wine complimented his dessert, which was a difficult thing to do with such sweet things.

William looked at the other through a glance that said he was more than paying attention and more than trying to figure him out. "Aiden, has anyone ever told you how confusing you are, dear?" He asked, taking another bite of steak. He found himself growing curiously warm as he watched the other obviously savor that little piece of cake. He might have to cut their meeting short if he kept this up. He frowned slightly as he watched him. "Beautiful thing, is your cake good?" He asked, rapturous in his gaze. He'd give anything to take this younger man back home and ravish him.

Aiden finished the piece that was on his tongue, and set his fork down. "Yes, I have been told many times that I am confusing. You are not the first to notice. And yes, it is delicious. Would you like to try some?" He scooted the plate closer to William to offer it to him. He eyed the other man curiously, noting that he seemed to be very interested in the way that he had been eating his cake, and it made his smile a bit. It wasn't so difficult to tease William. He practically set himself up for it, most of the time.

William smiled and took just a small piece of cake and tasted it. "It is very good. I've had this kind before.." He watched the other's lips suddenly and wondered how sweet it would be mixed with the salt of that kissable mouth. He wished he could openly be affectionate with the other, or be affectionate with him at all, but he smiled instead and went back to his steak. "It suits you." He said, referring to sweet, soft, delectable things.

"Thank you." Aiden slid the plate back in front of him and continued to eat his cake, glancing at William from time to time, just to see if he was watching him. Once, just to tease him, he ran his tongue slowly over the tines of his fork, removing all traces of cake from the utensil. It was cruel, he knew, but he was curious to see just how far he could push William before he would lose his gentlemanly composure.

William was glad he'd finished his food or else he may have choked on it. He blushed a little at the way the other's tongue slid along his fork and he narrowed his eyes. "Are you.... doing that on purpose?" He asked, motioning to his mouth movements. He grew warmer as he thought of that tongue making those same movements on.. another part of his anatomy and he inwardly groaned. And there was so very much of that cake left it seemed, even if in reality there was only a few small bites.

"And if I am?" Aiden took another bite of his cake, but this time he was quick about it, rather than trying to tease William with every single bite. That would have been mean. "Does it bother you? Are you entertaining impure thoughts about me, William?" A very light blush spread across Aiden's cheeks as he realized that to ask William such a thing, he also had to have been thinking along the same lines. Well, now, that took some of the fun out of it. Teasing wasn't as fun when it backfired.

"It bothers me greatly. You tease me so well and yet I know better than to touch you. I'll be thrown into the nearest wall. I'll get you back, lovely." William said, sending the other a wink. "You blush prettily.. I can imagine what you'll do beneath my lips." He said, warning the other. He looked a little askew as light suddenly caught on a rather shiny gem and then he realized the other wasn't wearing the necklace and he smirked. "Oh, darling...perhaps I am willing to risk a little abuse for you yet." He said, raising a hand for his check.

Inwardly, Aiden cursed for ever having taken off the necklace. It was still in his pocket, but it would seem rather rude to put it back on now. After all, he had been teasing William rather mercilessly. He was trying his best not to panic, and he was sure it wasn't showing on his face, but his heart was beating madly in his chest. For once, he actually had nothing witty to say, and his face flushed a little more at the promise of things to come.

William paid as he was supposed to and rose from his seat. "Now, I do believe you wished to go back to your place." He said politely, his intentions more than sexual, but he wasn't going to act on them. As much as he craved the younger male, he wouldn't dare ruin any possible relationship with him. He loved the way the other blushed at his expense however, and felt he could at least return some of that teasing. It was a bit of a ride back to Aiden's shop after all.

Aiden cleared his throat awkwardly. "Thank you for treating me to dinner." He felt the necklace in the pocket of his waistcoat, part of him wishing that it worked without being around his neck. It did not, however, and he sighed inwardly. He wondered exactly how William would repay him for all of his teasing, and found that his thoughts were leading him places he didn't want to go at the moment, and he blushed again. Damned dark carriages.

William lead the other to a carriage stopped on the street. After giving the driver directions he hopped inside the thing, sitting on the bench. As his counterpart sat down it took all William had not to pull Aiden onto his lap and kiss him and touch him, and he wanted to so badly. "So, what is so important about that book you wish to show me?" He asked, crossing his legs to hide what the tight pants of their time would show.

Thankful for the change of subject, Aiden smiled. "I think it would be better if I didn't discuss it here. I know the driver can't hear me over the horses, but I would feel more comfortable telling you at the shop. The book is, uh, a personal object of mine. I've had it for a long time." He thought William was probably clever enough to understand what he was saying, without him saying it outright. There were very few people that were aware of Aiden's level of involvement in magic, especially dark magic.

William nodded in understanding and let his eyes search the shadow that hid his love. He frowned. "Aiden.. " He began and dropped his words a little, deciding to see what the other would reject from him. He went to the other side of the carriage, sitting on the carriage floor, "Are you attracted to me as I am you?" He asked, unable to think about the book right now, all he wanted was to be mischievous and sexual to the other. He placed his hands on Aiden's knees. "I'm obvious.. but you.. you flirt, but never act..." He said, looking up as the light caught his object of adoration's eyes.

Aiden was caught off guard and turned his head away, biting his lower lip nervously. Quietly, he offered, "If I wasn't attracted to you, do you think I would bother to tease you so much? You don't see me doing that to any of the girls..." He looked down at William's face, the lines and planes of it accentuated by the shadows that he was now sitting on. "Are you finally tired of playing my games, then? You're being very straightforward."

"Oh yes, as fun as your game is, I much would like to win now." William replied softly, pressing a kiss to Aiden's knee. "If you'll let me at least..." He whispered more, kissing higher on now, on his thigh. "I've been wanting you, Aiden...surely I've not had another as I met you. You consume me." He said quietly, easing those strong legs apart to nibble the inside of his thighs through the fabric of his breeches, he wouldn't stop unless the other stopped him, and so far he didn't see them stopping and let his hands go so far to unbutton and untie his affection's pants. "Oh Aiden, the things I am going to do to you." He said clearly, returning his attention to kissing and teasing Aiden with small nibbling.

Certainly, Aiden did not stop him. He could have used the trigger word, all he needed to do was think of the spell specifically and say the word. But he couldn't get his brain to focus on spells, and he wasn't really sure he wanted William to stop anyway. His lips parted in surprise and arousal as his breathing increased a little. "At least kiss my lips before you start putting your mouth elsewhere..." he requested breathlessly. It wasn't really fair, he realized, to ask for something like that, with all of the teasing that he had done. This was probably what William had meant by getting him back, and he was doing an admirable job.

William was rather surprised to hear those words and granted the other his wish, leaning up to kiss him longingly. It was something he'd always wanted to do, to kiss those delicate lips. And now that he'd started he couldn't get enough. "Aiden, you're mine, love." He whispered before catching him in yet another kiss, letting his hands caress the other, dipping down into his pants to grip that hardening length. He could only groan delightedly in response to how it felt in his hand.

Aiden gasped at the sensation, his eyes closed. Why had he waited so long to let William have his way? It wasn't so terrible. He loved the way William's lips felt against his, firm and forceful, but soft and pliable. He was a master, it was no wonder he had conquered so many before Aiden. A soft sound escaped him, muffled by William's kiss, and he leaned back against the seat of the carriage. "The...the carriage is going to stop soon..." he whispered. He didn't want to exit the carriage half undressed, but at least the street his shop was on was mostly deserted.

A glance out the window told Aiden's words to be true. William frowned and tidied the other up. "Well, we'll have to continue this in a moment when we're inside, then, wont we?" He asked seductively, stroking his love's hair after he's fixed it a little as it was mussed from Aiden leaning back in the seat. He instead went to kiss him again, to keep their lustful wishings alive.

Little would have been necessary to keep Aiden aroused and interested. He was lightheaded, and confused as to why he had given into William. And where would this lead? But he didn't care. As soon as the carriage stopped, he opened the door himself and headed straight for the door to his shop. He was happy to see that no one had broken in and stolen anything, and there were no customers waiting. He held the door open for William, too flustered to care that William probably would have wanted to be the chivalrous one.

William walked quickly to the other and scooped him up as one would a bride and carried him into the shop. "Your apartment is upstairs right?" He asked, ascending the stairs quickly, carefully to not drop his lover. He couldn't wait to put him on the bed and begin to ravage him. So long in knowing his lover to be that he'd wanted to do this very thing. He shivered and thought of all of the things he could possibly do to this younger man.

"Uh, yes..." Aiden was rather surprised, not having expected to be picked up like that, but didn't protest. His apartment upstairs wasn't difficult to navigate, either. It was two rooms, one of which was a small kitchenette, the other a room for everything else. Most of the other room was taken up by his bed, which was surprisingly large and stately for his social standing. He had collected it on one of his travels, and it was of Eastern European make, with tall posts on each corner. Aiden highly doubted they would be doing anything with his book for a while.

William had a rather good sense of where to go once upstairs and easily found the bedroom. "Now, didn't you say you had a book you wanted to show me?" He asked, kissing the other as he lay him on the bed. "I don't want to rush you into coupling if you don't want it." He murmured quietly, sensually even which seemed impossible. He kissed his neck gently, suckling on the skin beneath his teeth.

"What...?" Aiden mumbled, confused for a moment. He was distracted since William hadn't stopped with his touching and kissing. "Oh, my book...I...I think I'm a bit too distracted to do anything properly with it for the moment. I'll show you later." He didn't think he really needed to add that he wanted exactly what William wanted, and pointedly removed his glasses from his face to set them on the table beside the bed.

William grinned against the other's neck and ran his hands up his thigh and between his legs, stroking him slowly, and firmly through his clothing. "I think we should undress you now." He whispered softly, unlacing his lover to be's shirt, letting his fingers skim over his skin. He was absolutely thrilled by how soft the other was.

Aiden shivered, and nodded absently in answer. He reached up and let his slim fingers run over the buttons and embroidery of William's coat, over his chest and stomach. He was in surprisingly good shape for all of his affluence, and Aiden too was eager to get William out of his clothing. "William...I want to know something. You're not just going to use me and then throw me away, are you? I know you've enjoyed chasing me, but I want to be sure that's not the only reason you were pursuing me." The thought had struck him suddenly.

William peered down at Aiden curiously. "There is no other I want more than you, Aiden, I'm not going to throw you away. I might keep you locked away in my room or something forever as my personal very handsome, very beautiful pet, but never will I throw you away or hurt you intentionally." He said, wondering if it was okay to proceed. He had absolutely no intentions of leaving his love,not after he'd finally gotten him.

After a small pause, Aiden replied, "All right. I just wanted to be sure. You may continue, then, William." His voice took a sensual turn as he said William's name, and he tugged open the buttons of his soon-to-be-lover's waistcoat. A somewhat familiar smirk was on his face again, but a pink flush was spread across his face. Part of it was because of embarrassment, but the other part was anticipation and arousal. He didn't have his glasses to partially obscure it anymore, either.

William found that blush and soft smirk to be endearing and kissed the corner of his love's mouth that was turned upright. He let his fingers finally remove the clothing from the lovely form he'd admired immediately when he'd seen it. He piled the clothing on the floor on the side of the bed and then helped remove his own clothing from his body. He grinned and leant down, kissing the other passionately now that he finally had him naked as could be. He ground their hips together, electric at both of them touching naked.

Aiden was hardly ever naked at all, except to bathe. He didn't even sleep naked. The sensation of his body against William's, their hips grinding together, was enough to draw a soft whimpering noise from Aiden's lips. It was mostly drowned in the kiss they shared, but he was sure William would hear or feel it. Unconsciously, he arched his hips upward to increase their friction, and wondered why he had denied William for such a long time.

"I always wondered how you would taste, my love.." William whispered as he descended his kisses downwards. "Your lips taste absolutely sweet.. I wonder how the rest of you tastes." He continued, intent on fulfilling the pleasure he spoke of giving him earlier. He nibbled down that beautiful flat stomach and when he finally reached the other's length he simply kissed it all over, letting his tongue dart out to tease and lick here and there.

Aiden gasped and quietly moaned at the attention to his length. The ribbon that was tying back his hair had come loose as he laid on his back, and his hair pooled all around him on the bed. His thighs trembled, and he gripped the blankets beneath him. "William..." he sighed. He was watching him, propped up on his elbows, biting his lower lip in an effort to make less noise. Watching him was fascinating and erotic, and a small moan escaped him anyway.

More and more licks and kisses were bestowed on his lover, and soon it was brought to kissing and sucking, sucking slow and tight and then fast, sometimes changing the pace while stroking the other tight, wanting him to beg to be taken. He couldn't wait to have himself inside his love's body, and began to prepare him cautiously while being firm. He had two fingers inside of him, moving them slow and curling them to find that spot inside of him that would make him scream in pleasure.

All Aiden could do in response to William's masterful attention was moan and urge him on. He gasped in just a little surprise when he began preparing him, the flush on his cheeks brightening to a vivid red, but he didn't resist. He managed to relax, and he made an embarrassingly high-pitched noise as William's fingers found what they were searching for.

William was very pleased with himself as he heard his lover make such a noise. He relinquished his length from his mouth and removed his fingers, moving up to kiss his lover while he teasingly pressed the head of his length to his love's entrance. "Do you have anything to make this easier? I don't want to hurt you."

Aiden shook his head. "No...I really don't think so..." He looked around his room, but couldn't see it very well without his glasses anyway. He knew there was nothing on the table next to the bed that would help. He smiled wryly. "Won't it hurt anyway? Don't worry about hurting me, I'm not so fragile." He moved his hips to tease William in turn, rubbing himself against his length and urging him to continue.

"Well, suit yourself my love." William whispered, kissing his lips hard. He gently but hard pushed into him, easing in all of the way until he was completely sheathed into him. "Mnnn...!" Aiden felt so very tight to him, so very his and it felt nice to finally be inside what he'd always craved. "Sweet love.."

Aiden tried his hardest to remain relaxed, and forced himself to breathe deeply. There was such a large difference. The stretching and the pressure was very sudden. He cried out, at first in pain, and then it faded into pleasure. "Don't...don't move yet..." Aiden whispered, trying to keep the quivering out of his voice. He was adjusting slowly, and finally nodded and said, "All right, you can move now..."

William was careful when he began to move. He pulled his hips back gently and then lightly snapped them forward again. And continued in the same manner until he simply couldn't take the slow pace anymore. He thrust a little harder, a little faster and began to stroke the other as he did, moaning in sheer pleasure at the feeling. "Aiden..." He whispered the other's name, kissing his lips and neck where he could reach.

When William changed pace, Aiden was more than ready for it. The new pace was causing him to cry out with every thrust, as William brushed that place inside him every time. He forced his trembling legs to do his bidding, and his hips met his lover's thrusts.

It didn't take long for William to move faster with the other, and harder even still until they were rather rough in their movements. He couldn't stop himself, his lover felt so good and tight about his length and he couldn't help but lose himself inside of him. He continuously moaned and called out to the other to let him know how good he felt inside of him, and he stroked him tighter and faster, hoping to give him even more of a pleasureful feel.

"William...!" Aiden cried, his voice taking on a feminine tone that annoyed him and embarrassed him even as it escaped him. He wrapped his legs around William's waist, as he had done to tease him in the shop earlier. He felt so wonderful, and his whole body was hot and eager for more, though he knew somehow that it would be over fairly soon.

William almost came right then as he heard his beautiful love's voice call out to him in such a manner. He drove on as hard and fast as he could without hurting him, amused inwardly by the sound of the bed moving under their movements, and yet feelings so very high off his lover that he barely noticed the sounds at all. He stroked him in time with his thrusts, fast and tight, wanting to keep his lover just at that edge until both of them could no longer handle it.

Aiden groaned. "William...stop stroking...I'll come too soon..." He was so close as it was, he could hardly hold on anymore, and he wanted them to finish together. His mouth was dry from all of his noise-making, and he licked his lips in an effort to wet them, chewing on his lower lip again as he did so.

"Don't worry love, I'm not so far off myself." William said, but slackened his grip just a little, but kept up his haste and strong movements, shivering and groaning loudly. "Aiden.. come now love, let us finish with each other." He begged practically, his thrusts starting to become erratic.

Not much urging was required to make Aiden come. He had been so close, and with just a few more of William's well-aimed thrusts, he was over the edge. He threw his head back against the pillows, his eyes shut tight, as he cried William's name - he hadn't done it on purpose, but he was sure his lover would appreciate it.

William's finishing was as his lover did, he loved that feeling, to be able to hear that sweet voice say his name in a more intimate situation, as this was, he felt it was the most pleasureful thing to hear in his life while he finished harshly inside of him. "Aiden!"

Lazily, Aiden laid against the pillows of his bed, all of his energy spent. He felt limp, and tired. "I think...I'll probably have to show you my book some other night..." He reached for a pocket watch that sat on his bedside table, and clicked it open. The hour was 2:45 AM. "Then again...it's almost the perfect time..." He gazed at William, and even his eyes felt lazy as he let them linger over him, drinking in his disheveled - and quite attractive - appearance.

"Yes, if you would, let us lay here a moment first? Or is there a certain time?" William asked, holding the other close to him after pulling out and laying beside him. "I do wonder what is so terribly important about it. Is it magic?"

Aiden rested his head on William's chest for a bit. "It is magic, and it doesn't have to be done at a specific time, but it helps if it is done between the hours of the 3 and 4 AM. You see..." He paused and lowered his voice much more than was necessary for being inside his own apartment. "I wanted to summon something...a demon. Have you ever witnessed something like it, William?"

"No.. but you do realize that demon summoning can be particularly dangerous, right?" William asked, worried for his lover at the sudden. He began to pet his hair and kiss his cheek. "Surely it's a not-bad demon?" He asked, looking carefully at the other.

"It is a demon that I have summoned many a time, love. Do not worry about me. We have a particular deal worked out...ah..." Aiden's face suddenly colored red as he trailed off. "I forgot about that...I do hope you don't mind too much. You see, the deal we have worked out is not for my soul. It's for my body..." He looked away from William, afraid that he was going to be angry with him now that he had confessed an unholy union with a demon.

William looked at the other with a raised eyebrow. "Your.. body.. hell and here I thought I'd taken your lovely virginity away.. well.... I.. it IS a demon.. as long as I can surpass him in form of a lover, then I am fine with this. ONLY if you don't start summoning it more than you see me, I suppose it's better than having your soul taken away.. then I wouldn't have you at all."

Though he still felt as though he had disappointed William, Aiden gave him a small smile and brushed his cheek with his fingertips. "William, I see you nearly every day. If I summoned Hismael every day, I think I would be in pieces." He chuckled. "The demon is Hismael, the Acquirer. I only summon him when I am interested in something particularly dangerous or difficult to, ah, acquire for my shop. But then I suppose...I probably shouldn't summon him just to show him to you. I don't know if he would like that, and he would probably demand payment just for summoning him..." Aiden frowned. He didn't particularly like the idea of Hismael having his way with him in front of William.

"Well...I. if you were going to show him off to me anyhow, you may as well show me now. Is he a good lover?" William asked, feeling a little bit pride-wounded. "I mean.. he can't be too horrible I hope?" He asked further, wondering if this demon hurt his love or if he was gentle.

Aiden blushed. "He's not really a lover...I wouldn't call him that. He just...takes his payment in the form of carnal delights exacted from my body. He's rough, but he's never done anything to hurt me seriously, either. He likes my body too much, I think, to do something to damage it..." He kissed William on the cheek. "Don't go comparing yourself to Hismael, William. You're my only lover, and I am simply his toy." He paused and chewed his lower lip in thought for moment. "But...do you want me to summon him? If I do, he'll probably just...do it right in the middle of the summoning circle..."

"Go ahead, I'll watch, I may even get something out of it.. I will be angry if he does it maliciously though." William replied, eying the other, before smiling. "I mean, perhaps I'll even join in. You're only allowed to have sex with demons, not humans, as long as you got that down, then please, by all means, summon him up. I may even learn a few things."

Somewhat sheepishly, Aiden looked at William and answered, "My dear, I hadn't had sex with humans before you, and there will be no one other than you." Aiden climbed out of bed, not bothering to dress himself at all, only taking his glasses from the bedside table. He selected a well-worn book from the shelf across the room, and opened it to a marked page. He grabbed a piece of chalk and began to draw a wide circle on the wooden floor. Inside the circle, he drew an odd-looking symbol - the symbol for Hismael. Then he placed six candles in even intervals around the circle, and sat in the middle of it with the book in his lap. He began to chant words in a whisper.

William watched with curiosity at his lover's movements on the boards in the room. He watched the circle being drawn and frowned as he recognized it for what it was. He kept silent, but was indeed a little worried about how things would happen, what if the monster grew angry at his being there? He didn't want his love to suffer anything.

Suddenly, Aiden stopped his chanting, closed the book, and tossed it well out of the circle. It landed on the floor with a loud thump, just as the atmosphere of the room seemed to change. For a moment, all of the lamps in the room flickered out, and they were plunged into complete darkness. The air felt heavy, and Aiden's pulse quickened. It was just the same as it always was, but it never failed to thrill him. In the darkness, he suddenly felt hot breath against his neck, and he whispered, "Hello, Hismael." And with that, the lamps immediately stuttered back to life, and a tall, imposing figure shared the circle with Aiden.

Hismael the Acquirer had a wild look about him. His skin was a dark olive tone, and his eyes were yellow and cat-like. They mirrored the lamplight as he looked over at William, and grinned, showing a set of shining fangs. His hair was long and black, and shone purple in the lamplight. Chunks of it fell in irregular lengths, and framed his smooth, angular face in a shaggy fringe. He was wearing a shapeless thing, sort of like a skirt, tied around his waist, but nothing else. "It is good to see you again, precious Aiden. You have never summoned me in the presence of another before." He looked at William again, this time with curiosity in his cat eyes.

William didn't know if he should speak or not and simply watched the other a moment. "He wanted to show you to me." William replied to the creature's accusing tone. "Not that I have a clue why..." He said in addition, eying them both curiously. "But all is settled, I've seen you." He said, shrugging, feeling not adequate nor inadequate at the other's form and appearance, he was much more put together than this frightening creature as it was. He did, however, admire that smooth skin.

Nervously, Aiden explained. "Hismael, this is William. He is my lover." He did not think that the demon would be jealous, but he had not had a human lover since he had begun summoning Hismael. He cringed slightly at William's tone, and doubted that all was truly settled now that Hismael had been summoned and presented to a mortal. His suspicions were confirmed only a moment later when the long nails of the demons fingers grazed gently over his cheek, and he looked up to Hismael grinning at him.

"Oh, William, is it? Aiden has told you about our little deal, hasn't he? Now, you haven't summoned me to get anything for you, but it is an awful lot of trouble to travel here. I may have been doing something important when you called..." Hismael's voice was velvety and manipulative, almost like most mortals would imagine the devil himself to sound. "So, dear Aiden, I think you know already that I would like to receive payment for this pointless trip..."

Swallowing his nerves, Aiden managed to whisper, "Yes." He didn't like the way his voice quavered when he spoke. It wasn't usually like that. He usually did such a good job masking his fear and vulnerability when he summoned Hismael. Even his nudity wasn't a problem, since that was the way he generally summoned him. The demon's long fingers grasped his arm and turned him around so they were no longer facing each other, and pulled him flush against his body. "I smell sex on you..." the demon whispered in his ear. "That means I don't have to prepare you this time..." Sharp teeth ghosted over the porcelain skin of his neck and shoulder. He managed to glance at William, though he didn't have enough time to gauge his expression.

William was not happy, and at the same time he was highly intrigued. He didn't like the rude way in which the monster talked to his lover and he debated on making it so Aiden would never summon the creature again. He said nothing, merely watched as the taller grabbed the shorter in such a position. He did feel a surge of pride when the monster had spoken about how Aiden talked of William himself and of how the creature could smell their sexual encounter. It pleased him to no end because he felt he'd gotten there first and had every right to be smelled on his Aiden. "Be gentle." He commanded to the monster "He doesn't deserve your harshness." He didn't know what made him speak out of turn, only that he didn't appreciate his beautiful younger lover being hurt.

Aiden turned his head to look fully at William, his dark eyes wide, and just then Hismael sank his teeth into the juncture between Aiden's neck and shoulder. He cried out in pain and a little pleasure, and his eyes rolled back in his head for a moment. Hismael's bites did funny things to him, made him lightheaded and easy to manipulate, like he was on some sort of drug. Immediately, his face flushed a bright pink, and he was every bit the toy that the demon wanted him to be.

Hismael completely ignored William's comment. The foolish mortal had never seen an encounter between him and his pretty little Aiden. His long fingers caressed the pale human body in his arms, one hand sliding up to play with Aiden's rosy nipple, the other sliding down to coax him back to hardness. The demon himself was becoming rather aroused, and his was an impressive length. He still wore his black skirt, which concealed him, but in a second's time he had untied and let it pool at his feet. He rubbed his bare hardness teasingly against Aiden's behind.

William was irritated at the demon and still intrigued at the same time and wondered how it was possible for him to feel such things. He watched the creature bite his lover and that made him a little angry, for at first he could tell it hurt his lover greatly and then he saw the pleasure his love felt in it and wondered if he should be angry or no. He moved a little closer to them both, afraid to see the pleasure in his love's features again, but also needing it to be shown his Aiden wasn't being harmed in any way. This was definitely not the fairy tale romance he was hoping for when he became involved with Aiden, but it was for his lover that he was accepting this, albeit diffcultly.

Hismael turned them so that they were at an angle where William would be able to see everything. This was his retaliation for the mortal having tried to instruct him. Not even Aiden was allowed that privilege at the moment. He lifted one of Aiden's legs high, offering an exhibition of everything between them, and mercilessly plunged into him. Aiden let out a strangled noise, but it didn't seem to be one of pain. Without any pause for Aiden to adjust, Hismael began to move at a rather fast pace.

Aiden more or less stared at William, panting and moaning wantonly, showing him rather obviously that he wasn't in any pain at all. He actually quite enjoyed the way Hismael handled him, though it was nothing more than sexual gratification. His glasses had slipped off his nose when the demon had started changing their position, and they lay on the floor in front of him. Over his shoulder, he heard Hismael growl at William. "How about it, human? Care to join me? You'd probably fit in here with me." There was a dark chuckle that followed.

"I'd rater watch." William said, not in any way submissive and felt his lover was being dominated enough to not try and get in the mix. He began to be irritated with the way things were playing out before him. He shivered and shook his head, eventually not watching at all and merely laying back on the bed. He didn't feel aroused, nor not aroused, he simply didn't mind. If his lover was having a good time, then let him have it.

"Suit yourself," Hismael answered, and gave a particularly powerful thrust, which caused Aiden to make an odd, almost pained noise. He changed positions again, without pulling out of his poor toy, forcing Aiden onto his hands and knees in front of him. The whole time, the demons hands stayed on Aiden's hips or his thighs. He never touched his aching length. At long last, the demon growled and then made a cry that sounded more like a roar, and he was finished. At the same moment, Aiden had climaxed as well, spilling onto the floor with a strangled moan. Without waiting for himself to soften, Hismael pulled out roughly - Aiden whimpered - and replaced the black skirt that had been around his waist before. "Thanks for the good time, Aiden. Let me know the next time you need something." And with that, he was gone, leaving Aiden a mess in the middle of the circle.

William was more than glad to have the demon gone. "Love.. would you be angry.. if I forbid you to see him again?" He asked, looking over the mess that was now his lover. He removed himself from the bed and began to help clean up the younger, dressing him and trying to wipe him clean where he could "Let's get into the bath, shall we?"

Aiden didn't answer, he only nodded at the suggestion of getting into the bath. He was shaking all over, and he could feel the bite at his neck bleeding down his shoulder. He sort of wished William hadn't dressed him - he felt Hismael's seed leaking out of him, and it would ruin his clothes. "I'm sorry, William," he managed weakly. He felt terrible for having gone through with that, knowing that was exactly how Hismael was going to behave. He never behaved any differently, in fact. It was actually rather nice to have William there to help him afterwards, though. Usually, he just passed out for a while, then got himself cleaned up when he awoke again.

"I don't appreciate the way that creature used you." He said, looking at the nasty bite on his neck. "And that, needs to be taken care of. Do you have any gems or anything in this store to help you clean wounds?" He asked, kissing his love on the lips, despite everything. "I love you, Aiden." He said quietly, feeling appalled that he allowed the other to summon that monstrous creation.

Aiden shook his head, then hissed in pain when the movement caused the skin at the wound to stretch. "It's fine, it doesn't need to be taken care of. It won't get infected. It never has before. Just...wash it with water." Exhausted, Aiden laid his head on William's chest and sighed. "I love you too, William. And thank you." He was thanking him for being there for him, for not interfering and making it worse than it could have been, for many things. He was tired.

"You're welcome." William said as he began to heat the water so their bath could be appreciatively warm. "I was insanely jealous of that thing.." He muttered, hoping the other would give him reason not to be. "I know it's just sex, and it was.. almost intriguing, but I felt so .. not up to standard."

Aiden shook his head harder this time, ignoring the pain in his neck, and placed a comforting hand on William's cheek. "Is it because of all of the noise I was making...? Or...listen, did you see when he bit me?" Unconsciously, he put his fingers against the wound and winced. "It's like his saliva is some sort of poison...it does odd things to me, and makes me react that way. I...otherwise, I would probably hate it. He always treats me that way..." Aiden looked down, burning with shame. He'd never felt this way about Hismael before, and he thought it was probably because no one else had ever seen it happen, he had never loved anyone before, either.

"Well he is some form of hell spawn, I would think he would have poison in his saliva. What would you expect really?" He asked, noticing the other was ashamed and it pained him to see it that way. He held him a moment. "You don't need to call him anymore. I'm here for you. I'm all you need." He whispered, kissing his cheek and his neck.

"I...I only ever called him to procure difficult and dangerous items for me...that was just how he exacted payment from me..." Aiden sighed, wanting nothing more than to cling to William. "But there is no dealing with demons without paying them..." He shivered, though he was quite warm so close to his lover. He thought he wanted to cry, but there were no tears in his eyes.

"Well.. you simply don't have to anymore, my love." William said, kissing his forehead and stroking through his hair as he held him tight, treating him as the dear and loved object to him that he was. "It's all right, Aiden, don't cry. You can put it in the past now."

Aiden buried his face against William's chest and heaved a heavy sigh. He wouldn't be summoning Hismael again in the future, but he wondered vaguely if the demon would ever choose to visit him without a summoning, seeking to exact more payment from Aiden? He chose not to dwell on that for the moment. "William, I think I'd like to sleep. Stay with me?"

"I hadn't planned on leaving you, my love." William replied, holding the other tight to his chest. "I'm here for you." He said as a thought, stroking the other's hair and his back. "Come on, now, let's get you clean and then we can lay in that lovely bed of yours and simply sleep soundly, I'll be here to help you open when you waken. I actually think you should take the day off."

"I agree. I think I'll just close the shop for a day. I won't lose too much business, I shouldn't think." Aiden stripped out of the clothes that William had put him back in, his hands still shaking as he fought with buttons and laces. He tossed everything but his pants into one pile, and put the pants aside - they were ruined anyway. Warm water would be nice, he was starting to ache.