by Crook, Amy
“Should I go first?” asked Julian, heading straight for his usual locker to undress. He and Alex would share, with whoever was first taking the key.
“I’ll go last,” said Father Stephen. “Why don’t we send Alex first, so he’s not tempted to spend all day listening to the wards?”
“I like your wards, they give me good ideas,” said Alex, but he nodded. “Do you want to wait to undress, love?”
“It’s a bit cold,” said Julian, “but then we couldn’t really share a locker.”
“True, true,” said Alex. “Well, you’ll get warm in the middle bits, anyway.”
Julian smiled and kissed him, warmed in a different way by his concern. “I’ll be fine, I’ve done this before, you know.”
They kissed one more time, then finished undressing. Alex went in first with the locker key around his wrist. Julian couldn’t help but laugh at the face Alex made as he sank into the cold mineral bath, covering his mouth to hide it.
“He always does hate the cold bath,” said Father Stephen, voice full of rich amusement.
Julian relaxed. “He does, but he comes anyway because we both feel better, after,” he said, sitting on the bench by the blue-tiled archway. “I can’t really blame him, I hate the cold part, too.”
Father Stephen chuckled. “You do like it here, though, other than the cold part.”
“I do, though I’m not ready to give up…” Julian paused, eyes straying to where Alex was dunking himself back under the water again.
“You’re not suited to that part of our life here, it’s true,” said Stephen, unperturbed. “Alex never was, either, though he finds a great deal of peace when he does visit.”
“I’ll have to get the story of how you know each other out of you later,” said Julian. “I have a feeling this conversation’s got a different point.”
Stephen smiled. “It does, yes. I was wondering if you’d be interested in doing more work here, in lieu of monetary donations. I’ll ask Alex as well, though his schedule is more fluid than yours, generally.”
“Is my talent really that valuable to you?” asked Julian dubiously. “I mean, I’m barely an apprentice at this point. I’ve still got a lot of learning to do.”
Father Stephen patted his knee. “Of course it is, especially the variation you have which enhances not only the health and beauty of a plant, but its magical potency.”
“Oh,” said Julian, ducking his head and smiling. “I’d love to help, you can work out a schedule with Mary Margaret,” he said, then he chuckled. “I might be helping with the Agency’s medical greenhouse, too, so I guess that’s three of you that have to learn to share.”
“I’m sure we can manage,” said Father Stephen.
A chime sounded, and Julian stood. “That’s my cue,” he said, shivering a little in anticipation of the cold bath.
“I’ll see you on the other side,” said Stephen, his voice as warm as the water would be chilly.
Julian smiled, and went into the purification with a light heart and full mind.
CHAPTER 9
Alex was sitting half-dressed by their locker, cradling Julian’s amulet with his listening face on, the one that meant his attention was on an entirely different sphere for the moment. Julian dressed without worrying about interrupting him; he used to try to tiptoe, until he realised Alex wouldn’t notice if a chorus of naked dancing boys went by unless they were wearing magical tassels. He was glad to get proper clothes on again, feeling quite shivery in the airy atmosphere of the Temple, and he snuggled right up to Alex and tucked his cold hands up under Alex’s shirt.
That managed to break his concentration.
Alex yelped and laughed and put his arms around Julian, kissing him warmly. “Sorry, I was just making sure yesterday’s fixes were still fixed. It’s as good as new, though, possibly better.”
“Good,” said Julian, “though you’re pretty good protection all by yourself.” He stole a kiss, then guided Alex’s hands to put the amulet back on him, tucking it away before helping Alex to get buttoned back up himself.
“It’s good to see you two so happy,” said Stephen, as he emerged from the green archway. “Alex had a lot of turmoil before he accepted you properly into his heart, you know.”
Julian smiled fondly. “I know, he kept trying to pretend he was only in it for the case.”
“I was trying to be only in it for the case,” said Alex, getting his shoes and socks on. “Good thing you didn’t let me succeed.”
Julian rewarded him with a kiss, and once they got themselves all put together and the keys back in the locker doors, Julian asked shyly, “So, where’s this plot in need of some gardening, anyway?”
“Just this way, we should have time for you to get the plant in the earth before we have to head over to the nursery,” said Stephen, leading them through yet another doorway and through a few passages to another dirt-floored space like the meditation room, but smaller and bare of life, for now. Julian’s plant and a trowel and watering can were waiting for them, though no sign of the acolyte.
“Oh, it’s lovely in here. Will you want grass, or a path?” said Julian. He slipped off his shoes and socks and walked on the soft earth, feeling it ready and waiting for new life in a way he couldn’t explain.
“I was thinking a path and a few benches,” said Father Stephen. “More room for other plants that way.”
Julian smiled and nodded. “We’ll put the clover here, then,” he said, stopping just where it felt right.
Stephen brought him the tools without being asked, and Julian knelt down, using that strange sense of his to be certain when he’d dug enough, to put the plant in the earth just so, and pack the earth around it exactly right. He poured on a nice little shower of water, until the plant told him it was happy and would be happy here, and then smiled up at Father Stephen. “It likes your garden.”
“Thank you, Julian,” said Father Stephen warmly, giving him a hand up. “It’s a very good start.”
“You should have fairy flowers in here, too,” said Julian, glancing around. “I don’t know if they could get in, but it just feels right.”
“I’m happy to bow to your expertise,” said Father Stephen.
Alex knelt in front of the bench by the doorway with a bowl of warm water and a cloth to wash Julian’s feet. “Someone brought them by, but I said I’d take care of you,” said Alex. His fingers were warm and sure, and he dried Julian’s feet carefully, then let him put on his own socks and shoes.
“You always take good care of me,” said Julian, something he felt like he said a lot but bore repeating. He’d realised today in his meditations that Alex looking out for him in all the ways he did, large and small, gave Julian the freedom and courage to explore his life more than he might have otherwise. He could say yes to all of these opportunities and their risks because Alex made it safe for him at home, as his family and Cecil had before this.
“You’re easy to care for,” said Alex, his expression showing that he’d had some revelations of his own, and they were good ones. They shared a quick kiss, then they both stood.
“Just leave those,” said Father Stephen, gesturing to the bowl and dirty towels. “One of the acolytes will be by for them.”
“Thanks,” said Julian, filled with a sense of peace and purpose, even more than usual. “Shall we?”
“Our chariot awaits,” said Alex, gesturing.
“Actually,” said Father Stephen, amused, “it’s this way.”
They were all smiling as they emerged into the sunshine, and Father Stephen traded the bag he’d collected from another of the ubiquitous acolytes for the first cup of coffee from Jones. “Mmm, that smells good, anyway,” he said, taking a sip. “Oh, that’s delicious, you said this place was nearby?”
Jones grinned. “Yeah, they’re over in that little cul de sac off Breverton,” he said, putting the bag away and closing the trunk. “Don’t worry, yours are safe and sound,” he added, when Alex gave him puppy eyes.<
br />
“Good,” said Alex, getting into the car and exploring cups until he found his and Julian’s both. They all got settled and Jones made sure the coffees were securely held before he pulled out into traffic.
“I’m going to let her know we’re on our way,” said Julian, pulling out his phone. He was relieved when there wasn’t a single message on it; he’d called Emmy last night before bed, and been forgiven for being too busy to do so beforehand. Thankfully there were no new murders to distract them.
Alex’s phone pinged with a couple of messages, but Julian ignored them in favour of texting Mary Margaret. She replied right away that things were all set up and requested, and nothing untoward had happened overnight.
“She’s all set,” reported Julian with a smile.
“Lapointe’s there waiting, she’s going to escort us to the crime scene afterward,” said Alex, pocketing his phone, “And Thomas wishes us to know the last of the cake made an excellent breakfast and we can have our tin back.”
“Bet he has cold pizza for lunch,” said Julian.
“If he stops gaming long enough to eat lunch,” said Alex. He turned to Father Stephen and explained about their afternoon off yesterday, which segued into the brownie-packed lunches waiting for the three of them for after the blessing and warding.
“You’re a good influence,” said Stephen. “I used to have to twist Alex’s arm to get him to visit me for a cup of tea.”
“I know,” said Julian smugly. “We’re working on Murielle now, too, she’ll have a life outside of work one of these days.”
Alex chuckled. “Especially if Thomas has anything to say about it.”
“Alex has been a good influence on you, as well, it’s good seeing you work and learn instead of whiling your time away to no purpose,” said Stephen, but his tone was gentle enough Julian couldn’t take it amiss.
“He is,” agreed Julian. “Oh! Father Stephen has asked me to do some of my apprentice-work here at the Temple, so I might be taking care of three places, plus home.”
Alex’s smile cut short all of Julian’s worries about his reaction. “That’s wonderful! We might actually have to learn to drive and get you a car, though, if you’re going to do that much commuting.”
“I’d be happy to teach the two of you,” said Jones, proving he was still paying attention. “I’ve taught a bunch of the youngsters at the main house.”
“Do you think I’d be any good?” said Julian dubiously.
“You do like horseback riding,” said Alex, “though I suppose the horses look out for themselves, somewhat. I worry a little about attention issues, for myself, I mean.”
“Oh, you mean like zoning out listening to magic when you’re meant to be paying attention to the road?” asked Julian.
“I’ll show you how to ignore that stuff,” said Jones confidently. “If I can teach a teenager who’s got her best friend on speakerphone to still pay attention to the road, I can teach you.”
“I guess that’s settled, then,” said Alex with a chuckle. “It’ll be a good skill to have, and then we can get something fun and useful, so you can move plants and drive in the country both.”
“But not a huge thing like Thomas’ car,” said Julian. “Something little, for parking in the city.”
“Yeah, you don’t want to park a car like this in the city, either,” said Jones with a chuckle. “You’ve gotta be a pro to park anything big.”
“We’ll leave that to you,” assured Alex. “You can help us pick a car, too, right?”
“I plan to,” said Jones, amused. “I’ve helped buy the last several for the house.”
“It’s good to consult experts,” said Stephen. “Cars and coffee are your areas, obviously.”
“I’m learning mine,” said Julian proudly, “but Alex is already an expert.”
“You’re already good, though,” said Alex. His tone was quiet and honest, rather than the loving way he often spoke when praising Julian’s other assets. “Our plants are beautiful, and Mary Margaret’s always telling me how well the nursery’s doing now.”
Julian ducked his head and smiled. “Thank you,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to having your help at the Temple,” said Father Stephen. “Your talent tested very potent, I think we’ll benefit a great deal from your assistance.”
“Oh,” said Julian, blushing. “Well, thank you, I hope I live up to your expectations.”
“I meant to tell you,” said Jones, “that potted geranium you gave me for Ma is doing really well, she said the charm works a treat and it flowers like the dickens.”
“Well, Alex made the charm,” said Julian, “but I did ask it to flower really well for her.”
“Whatever you did, it’s working, so thank you,” said Jones quite sincerely. He pulled into the parking lot at the nursery and right up to the front. He got the door for them, then opened the trunk while everyone piled out.
“We haven’t enough hands for all this coffee,” said Father Stephen.
“Oh, I’ll go get a tray, hold on,” said Julian, and he unlocked the door and vanished into the nursery. “We brought coffee, can I borrow the tea tray?”
“Of course, dear,” said Mary Margaret, handing it not to Julian but to one of her paid assistants, Raul. “You go help.”
“Yes, ma’am,” said Raul, coming around the counter with the tray. “I’m glad your guys are available so fast, when my uncle’s business needed its blessings renewed they had to wait a month for the appointment.”
“We’re lucky, Alex has been friends with Father Stephen for ages, and having Alex volunteer to do the magic bits meant we didn’t have to wait for one of the Temple mages,” Julian explained.
They headed to the car and everyone was loaded up, with Alex taking the box of lunches and whatnot, Father Stephen his and Alex’s coffees, Raul the tray of unclaimed cups, and Julian his own coffee and the second pot of clover. Jones grabbed the bags and locked up the car, following them into the building where Lapointe was waiting to lock up behind them.
“No one respects the closed sign,” said Murielle, catching up and stealing a coffee off Raul’s tray.
“Best to lock it,” agreed Stephen. “It would be a waste of energy to have someone interrupt.”
“Have you gotten the new lock installed on the delivery door?” asked Alex, sounding a bit concerned.
“Yep, last week,” Mary Margaret assured him. “Safe as houses now, especially once you’ve warded things.”
“What shall we start with?” asked Julian, as the rest of the coffees were claimed and everyone crowded around the back counter adding milk and sugar.
“Coffee,” said Father Stephen with a wink. “Then we’ll walk the paths, and see where everyone needs to stand, and Alex and I will argue about the ceremony.”
“Confer,” said Alex, disagreeing impishly.
Julian giggled. “All right, do you want me to show you around?”
“Yes, let’s walk, did you want to come, Master Stone?” said Father Stephen.
“It’s Mary Margaret, please, Father. I’ll stay here, you’re in good hands with Julian, he knows this place inside and out now,” she said. “Three’s enough for our little paths.”
“Yes, ma’am,” said Julian. “Here, I’ll take you the way I walk the paths when I’m doing my morning route.” He made sure he had all his work keys ready, and they started off.
Julian talked as they walked about what plants went where, but the first leg of their journey was short. They stopped after the hydrangeas to look at the patch of desecrated earth. Mary Margaret had tilled it thoroughly with fresh potting soil and a pair of potions, one from Alex and one from the Temple, so it looked like any bit of earth waiting for a planting.
“You’re sure nothing else is growing here?” asked Alex, giving Julian a little nudge forward. “Here,” he added, handing off his watch fob.
“I really want one of these,” said Julian teasingly, feeling everything around him
so much more clearly. It was easier to tell what was his own sadness and what came from the plants around them, and he stepped right up to the edge of the tilled patch. He knelt down to put his fingers in the earth and sent his strange sense out, but he got nothing more back than a few opportunistic weeds and what he thought might be earthworms. He took a deep breath, reaching downward, feeling an echo of where the seed had been that was already fading, but no other plant life.
“If there’s anything else here, it’s not a plant,” Julian said, standing up and handing back Alex’s trinket.
“My turn, then,” said Alex, echoing Julian’s earlier pose. He hummed softly and cocked his head, listening to things Julian couldn’t hear. Julian remembered to breathe and took a sip of his coffee instead, waiting until Alex stood and dusted off his hands. “There’s that little echo, but I can tell it’s already fading.”
“And now I shall have my own moment,” said Father Stephen, sounding amused. He slipped off his shoes and stepped right onto the black earth, walking a random-seeming pattern over the whole area and ending up back where he started. “I agree, the binding has failed and the rest of the evil magic will fade once we renew the wards and the blessing.”
Julian relaxed. “Good,” he said, handing Stephen back his coffee so they could move on. The rest of the tour was quicker, though they did linger in the two greenhouses, with Alex and Stephen bickering about what exactly each one needed. Julian didn’t have much to say, except to report on the plants themselves, though he was very happy to see the ones in the virgin plant greenhouse were all thriving, even the poor lilies.
“Will we need to rearrange the plants?” asked Julian. “They’re not, you know, properly virgin anymore, we’ve been in and out too much aside from the bad magic.”
“I’ll discuss that with Master Stone. I shouldn’t think so, but there might be things that would be fine out in the main nursery now, to make room for new deliveries,” said Father Stephen.