Not bad if I do say so myself. A bit on the casual side, but perfect for a stay-home date. I did tell him it was casual, so there shouldn't be any surprises. It's funny; I almost feel a few butterflies over this date. There's something that hasn't happened in a long time, not even with Sterling. Hmmm. Well, nothing to it but to do it, I always say.
Doves were crying over the HC's speakers as Edgar stood in front of the wine rack, choosing the perfect red to accompany the lamb chops. Head bobbing in time to the beat, he pulled a bottle of Barolo Riserva. The well-aged red was a great wine for lamb chops, the strong tannins blended with the protein in the meat, neither overwhelming the other. The traditionally-run vineyard aged its Barolo at least ten years before selling it; this particular vintage had been aged twelve years. At this age, the wine had a rust-red tinge, especially around the edges of the glass. The description of an aroma reminiscent of tar and roses put off some people, but Edgar knew the wine was superb.
He decided on the Barolo Riserva and put it in the chiller as Prince gave way to Springsteen's growly voice asking, "Hey little girl, is your daddy home?" The wine was best served at about 65 degrees Fahrenheit and the chiller would accomplish that with much better accuracy than the 'fridge. It would have to be decanted for at least an hour before dinner was served, but that could also be done in the chiller. Edgar grabbed another glass of water and settled on the sofa to select the perfect herb and prep a bowl for the evening's icebreaker. Jamaican Blade was out, this was a date date and the Blade would have them naked and rutting like bulls in less than a half hour.
He considered Mars Red, but decided it was a bit too intense. Red would certainly break the ice, but it would likely leave the two sitting on the sofa staring into space or lazily discussing the meaning of life. While such stoned cosmological conversations could be a lot of fun, they weren't ideal for getting to know each other.
He finally settled on a nice, mellow Blue Dream, an indica/sativa hybrid. It was a specially-bred cross of Blueberry and Haze, a perfect blend of indica body high and cerebral sativa. It was the perfect selection for a pleasant evening of happy chatting. He carefully cleaned the Stradivarius vaporizer and filled the bowl.
The view from the living room window showed a darkened sky filled with roiling clouds. Edgar went to the window and looked out over the Park. Already, trees were whipping in the strong wind and the few people left in the Park were running for cover. Edgar watched for a few minutes more as the pregnant clouds released the first fat drops. He looked at the time readout and saw that it was three-forty. Maddi had almost made it without needing to face the rain; the magna would arrive at three-forty-five and he'd have to walk to Highland House in the downpour. "Music off," he ordered the HC, preferring the sound of the rain.
Edgar was setting out several white candles around the room, lighting them, when he caught the first flash of lightning out of the corner of his eye. Moments later, it was followed with a loud booming noise. The sky had darkened considerably in the last few minutes and the cheery glow of the candles lent a happy warmth to the room.
The rain was coming down in earnest now, driven against the large window by the wind. The staccato beat filled the otherwise quiet room with a soft white noise. Now and again, a tiny piece of hail pinged off the window, breaking the beat. Even this high up, Edgar wasn't worried about the storm. A true "head-for-a-shelter" storm, to borrow the weatherman's term, was highly unlikely on the west coast, especially given the strength and defenses of most modern high-rises.
The worst storm on record in the region was fifty-two years ago and its strongest sustained wind was clocked at fifty-five miles per hour with the occasional sixty-eight mile gust. The Highland House's windows were rated to withstand sustained winds of fifty mph before the building's weather defense net activated the storm shields, inch-thick deltonium plates that slid and locked into place over all the windows. Between the storm shields and the building's general construction, Highland House could rebuff an F5 tornado as easily as Edgar could rebuff an unwanted advance.
Maddi, on the other hand, was not built to sustain high winds and driving rain. Edgar looked, somewhat nervously, at the wall readout: three-fifty-six; Maddi was in the thick of the storm, heading for Highland House. Fortunately, he was likely only minutes away. If he'd suited up before getting off the magna, he'd be fine. Otherwise, the poor boy was going to be soaked to the bone. Just in case, Edgar went to the linen closet and pulled out a thick sky-blue towel and a dark navy blue robe and took them to the laundry center to the left of the apartment's entrance.
Minutes later, the HC announced Maddox Bristow and Edgar approved his entrance. He waited in the entryway as the HC chimed announcing Maddi's arrival; Edgar tapped the door panel and it opened to Maddi's smiling face. The smile was remarkable given Maddi's drenched state. Apparently, he hadn't suited up; his hair was plastered to his head and his clothing was soaked. As Edgar stood aside to allow him entrance, the boy's shoes squished and water actually bubbled out around his ankles.
"Aww, you poor guy!" Edgar said. "Follow me; we need to get you dry and warm." Edgar led the way into the laundry center. "No rain suit?" he asked.
"Not anymore," Maddi replied. "The magna was full so I thought I'd put it on in the waiting area. Right about the time I unfolded it, a huge gust of wind came along and my rain suit was gone. Just like that," he snapped his fingers. "So I set out without it and here I am! Well, actually, I said a few choice words and then set out," he smiled.
Edgar laughed. "At least you're in good spirits over it. Strip."
Maddi complied, kicking off his shoes, which Edgar picked up and emptied into the nearby sink. He held his hand out and soon had all of Maddox' dripping clothes. He handed the shivering boy the thick towel. As Maddi was drying himself, Edgar put the clothes and shoes into the dryer unit. Fortunately, the shoes were cloth, otherwise they'd have been a total loss. When he turned back to Maddi, the boy was wrapping himself in the towel.
"No, use this," Edgar said, handing him the robe. "It's warmer and much more comfortable."
"Thanks, Edgar," Maddi said and donned the proffered robe. "Th-this is so not how I wanted the evening to begin." The smile faded and Edgar could tell the nerves were back.
"No worries, Maddi," Edgar said, smiling. "C'mere!" Maddi closed the distance between them and Edgar embraced the younger man, who quickly returned the hug. Edgar noticed two things immediately: One, Maddi was shivering, his skin cold and two, he smelled like home. Not Edgar's current home, but one from long ago; the scent a curious mix of spice and old wood. Edgar closed his eyes and breathed deeply, enjoying the sensation of Maddi in his arms and the memories brought back by the boy's cologne.
He broke the hug sooner than he wanted to, knowing he needed to get Maddi warmed up. He looked down into Maddi's brown eyes and smiled. The boy smiled back, relaxing a bit. "Th-thanks for the towel, E-Edgar," he stammered, whether from nerves or cold, Edgar couldn't tell.
"You're very welcome," Edgar said. "Come with me. We'll save the grand tour for later; right now, we need to get you warm." He led Maddi to the living room, hand on the boy's back. Rather than take him to the sofa facing the vid-screen, Edgar chose the loveseat on the opposite end of the room, right in front of the fireplace. "Light fire," he instructed the HC and the fireplace was soon filled with gently rolling flames.
"Have a seat, Maddi," said Edgar. "I'll get us something hot to drink. Do you prefer coffee or tea? Maybe cocoa?"
"C-cocoa would be gr... awes... good," Maddi tripped over the words. This time Edgar could tell by the look in Maddi's eyes that it was nerves. He went to the kitchen for the cocoa, returning with two steaming mugs just a moment later.
"Will you excuse me for just a second?" Edgar asked Maddi.
"Su-sure," Maddi replied, looking like he thought Edgar might be going to another room to laugh at him. He wanted to disappear, to just fade away into thin air.
"Be right back!" Edgar said cheerfully and headed for
his bedroom. Once there, he stripped completely and put on a rich, hunter green robe. He walked back to Maddi and noted the boy's stunned reaction upon seeing his host in a robe.
"I thought it'd be more comfortable if we were both in robes," Edgar said, sitting next to Maddi and taking the boy's hand. "Please don't be embarrassed, but I can tell you're nervous. Honestly, I have a few butterflies myself." He was about to go on when he noticed the questioning look on Maddie's face.
"B-butterflies?" the boy asked.
"Sorry. It's an old twen-cen expression meaning nervous. The whole saying is 'butterflies in my stomach' and it refers to the fluttering feeling we get with nerves," Edgar explained. "I'm kind of an amateur historian," he added.
"Oh! I get it!" Maddi said. "That's cool! So, you're nervous, too?" It came out sounding like the boy was asking God himself about nerves.
"Yeah, I am," Edgar replied, giving Maddi's hand a squeeze before letting go and taking a drink of cocoa. "I don't usually date much, but there's something about you that made me change my mind."
"Me!?" again, it sounded as though Maddi thought himself a lowly mortal appealing to a god for approval.
"Yes, you, silly!" Edgar laughed and ruffled the boy's still damp hair. "I'm not sure how you see me, but I'm just another guy, nothing super-special," the lie was meant to sooth Maddi. "You just don't see yourself as I - and others - see you. Trust me, Maddi, you've nothing to worry about. Hey, how about a puff? That'll chase away both our butterflies."
Maddi's expression was a mix of disbelief that he was, in fact, something special and relief at the suggestion of some herbal relaxation. He took a deep breath, letting it out slowly before replying, "That would be great, Edgar." It seemed as though he was already starting to relax, the steadying breath having its desired effect.
"Cool!" Edgar said, rising to retrieve the Strat. He was soon back, vaporizer in hand. "I vape; hope that's OK."
"Perfect," Maddi smiled. "I do, too. Nothing against smoking, I just like vaping better."
"Then you'll love this," Edgar said, handing Maddi the Strat.
The boy's eyes widened as he examined the vaporizer. He looked up at Edgar, nerves temporarily forgotten. "It's a Stradivarius!" he exclaimed. "How on earth did you get this? The detail is incredible!" He was turning it over in his hands, looking at it from every angle.
"You know violins?" Edgar asked, a little surprised.
"Oh, you bet!" said Maddi, beaming. "My parents are very musically-inclined. They raised my brother, sister and me to appreciate music - and play it - and I chose the violin."
"Well, you certainly are full of surprises!" Edgar said with a chuckle. "I'd love to hear you play. Personally, I'm more of an appreciative audience than a musician. I tried once, when I was younger, to learn the clarinet; it didn't go well, for me or the family dog. The poor bastard ran for the hills when he saw me setting up to practice. I wasn't any better with the trumpet, either. By the time I thought of drums, my parents suggested I might be better off taking some music appreciation classes. Turns out they were right," he laughed.
"That's cool," said Maddi. "I love playing, especially for people I know. I'd be happy to play for you sometime." Changing the subject, Maddi held out the Strat, pointed to the activation switch and asked, "This turns it on?"
Edgar nodded and sat next to Maddi on the loveseat. "Yep. Just thumb it, wait a four count and enjoy!" He sat back, draining the cocoa as Maddi took the first puff. Once finished, he passed the Strat to Edgar, who followed suit. They sat in silence for a moment, holding their breath, letting the Blue Dream wrap itself around them.
They exhaled at the same time and Edgar passed the Strat back to Maddi. "It's called Blue Dream. It's an indica/sativa hybrid; one of my favorites for relaxing and chatting," he explained.
"It's awesome!" said Maddi. "Such a fruity finish and so smooth."
"Glad you like it, Maddi," Edgar said. "It's a good strain. I have a few others on hand, but figured this was the best one of the bunch. The others tend to have more intense effects," he smiled and winked.
"Mmm... Good choice," Maddi said, as he exhaled his second hit and passed the Strat to Edgar. "I love the body high without the fuzzy, couchlocked feeling. I can see why you chose this one, Edgar." After two hits, the boy already seemed more relaxed and confident. Good choice, indeed.
Edgar exhaled his second hit and smiled at Maddi. "Feeling better?" he asked.
"Oh yeah," Maddi said, smiling back. "Thanks for being so cool, Edgar. I just get nervous around guys I like. And I like you."
Edgar took Maddi's hand again and said, "I'm glad to hear that, Maddi. I like you, too. Like I said, there's something special about you and I want to get to know you better." Maddi smiled, holding in his third hit. He pointed at Edgar and then gave a thumbs up, showing his agreement.
Edgar took his third hit as Maddi exhaled and said, "Me too, Edgar." The younger man looked out at the storm, turned back to Edgar and said, "Please tell me we're ordering pizza and that I don't have to go out in that again."
On the exhale, Edgar said, "Nope, not going out at all tonight. No pizza, though. I'm cooking for you. I figured it'd be a more relaxed, easy-going way of getting to know one another than going to a crowded restaurant."
"I love it!" Maddi said. "That's so cool of you. I really appreciate it. I'm a good kitchen helper, so I'll be glad to lend a hand. You've got a lovely home, Edgar. I'll bet the kitchen is fantastic!"
"Thanks, Maddi! That's very kind of you. I'm no chef, but I love to cook, so yeah, the kitchen is pretty great. Warming up?" he asked.
"Definitely. Thanks for the robe and drying my clothes. And the cocoa; it was delicious," Maddi said.
"Glad to hear it," Edgar said. "You're quite welcome, Maddi. I wanted it to be a fun, relaxing evening. I hope you like lamb. I've got loin-cut lamb chops, baby red potatoes, and fresh asparagus, paired with a great Barolo Riserva red and followed by the most heavenly vanilla bean mousse topped with fresh raspberries."
"Damn!" said Maddi. "That's a royal feast! I'm glad I ate a light lunch."
"Sweet!" said Edgar. "Glad you like. Cooking together will be fun, too. Another?" he raised the Strat.
"Yes please," Maddi replied, taking the vaporizer and enjoying a long, deep draw. He passed it back to Edgar, who did the same and then placed it on a small circular table near his side of the loveseat. Maddi was first to exhale, resting his head on the back of the loveseat, closing his eyes. Edgar looked at the young man's face, so peaceful; he had the most beautiful long lashes, clear skin and full lips. Edgar exhaled, feeling the rush of the Dream the way Maddi must be right now and leaned back, eyes closed.
He opened his eyes when he felt as though he was being watched. He turned to find Maddi gazing at him, a smile on his full, kissable lips. "Hi," Edgar said, a smile of his own lighting his face. "Whatcha doin'?"
Maddi's smile grew and he replied, "Watching the most beautiful man I've ever seen relaxing into a wicked sweet buzz. I know you were watching me, too; I felt it."
So much for nerves, Edgar thought happily. "You're very watchable," he said. "In fact, I was going to say the same about you."
Maddi giggled, due more to the weed than the comment. "Oh c'mon!" he said with a goofy grin. "Compared to you? Nah! I'll bet you say that to all the guys."
Definitely no more nerves, Edgar thought, but he said, "Screw comparisons. If you were to compare me to a Thraxian, I'd look like dog food. I don't do comparisons. No point to it. And yes, you! Somehow, we don't see our own beauty as easily as we see that of others." He reached out with his right hand and slowly drew the backs his fingers down Maddi's cheek. The boy's eyelids fluttered and he let out a little moan. "For the record," Edgar continued, "Not only do I not say that to all the guys, but there are very few guys I've actually wanted to say it to; it's the kind of comment reserved for someone special, not just a bedmate. I can't believe you haven't heard it before, as gorgeous as you are, Maddi."
Maddi
actually blushed a little at that comment. He took Edgar's hand in his and said, "Actually, I've heard it from the occasional bedmate; and, with my schedule, they are only occasional. But I've never heard it from someone I wanted to know as more than a bedmate." He looked down at their joined hands for a moment. When he looked up, his eyes held the faintest hint of doubt. He continued, "You probably already know this, but I never really thought I had a chance with you. I know, I know, I need to give myself more credit; my friends say so, too. But I'm so shy and you're so... You're so you! You seem so at ease with everyone."
Edgar waited until he was sure Maddi was done speaking. "I did know that, Maddi." He gave the boy's hand a gentle squeeze. "You may not believe me, but I was all nerves once, too. It took time, but I worked out of it; so can you. As for chances, well... Lemme tell ya, I was a little surprised to find out you wanted more than just a good fuck. It's not often that someone takes such an interest."
"Now you're fuckin' with me!" Maddi said, disbelief all over his face.
"No, I'm serious!" Edgar said. "You'd be surprised at how many guys see me as nothing but a pretty face and a tight body." Edgar was actually somewhat surprised himself at the vehemence of his words and at how much that simple truth bothered him. He forced a calmer tone and went on, "Granted, I don't date much; sometimes life is too complicated, y'know? But it'd be nice to have the option if I wanted it. Aside from you, only one other man has taken me more seriously than a bedmate and that didn't work out. People see me and think 'party boy' and I can't say they're wrong. But there's more to me than just that!" Maddi sat, stunned at the raw emotion behind Edgar's confession. Meanwhile, Edgar was shocked himself and thought perhaps the Blue Dream was proving to be too much of an icebreaker.
Edgar Aeternum, Book 1: Tales of Aeternal Love Page 15