Once Joseph is gone Mois finally manages to get a spoon full, bringing out Alexi's full pout mode, however a soft apologetic look from his brother is enough to bring him down from his pout. “So, what was that about anyways? He normally doesn't go that low when you two are alone.”

Alexi sighs gently. “He was just apologizing for misreading all these years, thinking me worse than I really am.” Alexi takes a bite, sipping his tea to wash it down. “Though I take it more as a compliment. Being able to trick him has to be one of my highest achievements since he has always managed to catch on to just about everything else I have ever hidden from him. It is amazing how a few well placed orders can keep such a big secret from one so observant. . .” His eyes go a little glassy as he adds, “Though, as I pointed it out to him, I am selfish. . .”

Mois nods, in no way able ti disagree. [i]'At least through your own eyes brother. No matter the amazingly selflessness of the act you are going to commit, in your own mind you are doing ti for selfish reasons'[/i] Mois lets out a sigh, turning to watch his breakfast come in with his usual inexpressive look when he's thinking. “Thank you Joseph.” he murmurs, setting into his breakfast quickly. Alexi is curious at this, but as it's Mois' day off he doesn't question it, especially after the day and night he had yesterday.

“Would either of you like anything else, Masters?” Joseph inquired, topping off the younger brother's orange juice.

Alexi thanks Joseph and shakes his head. Mois copies the action, already halfway through his meal. Eating a little more slowly Alexi indulges in telling Mois about how Riley has been redecorating his room, a faint twinkle in his eye as he speaks of the vines now growing across the ceiling. He suddenly pauses and asks, “Mois, can I join you this evening for exercise outside?”

While this is not a completely unheard of request, it has been some time since Alexi has wanted to do anything more than his normal workout every two weeks in his own room. [i]'I wonder if he's afraid of looking foolish in front of his “guest”. Would make sense. . .'[/i] “Sure. After dinner?” Alexi nods with a smile, launching back into talking about Riley.

~*~*~*~*~

The quiet in the computer room would be deafening if it wasn't for all the clickity clack of fingers and claws on keyboards. Elaria slips around the room quietly, looking at all the magicals working diligently on a mix of chores and personal projects. [i]'It's a wonder they all haven't caught on already. Maybe they're just so use to how well they are treated here that they've forgotten how bad it use to be. Master Alexi is a good actor, but I think he's gonna have a harder time now that he's. . .Well, he's willingly letting someone actually inside. He's been so distant from even the ones he loves for so long, I'm not sure how he'll survive this as long as he hopes to without slipping up. . .'[/i]

Elaria wandered to a closet in the back of the room where the extra laptops were kept and pulled out a sturdy but inexpensive model. If Master Alexi's guest only needed this for some kind of research, he did not need any powerful hardware. And her program worked at an OS and browser level anyway. On the way out, she stopped to speak with a few of her friends working in here, though she claimed she needed the computer for a small personal project she was working on, to avoid arousing suspicion. 

Taking the laptop, she headed back to her office in the back of the garage and began working. Thankfully, she already had a similar program written, so it was just a matter of tweaking it for extra functionality. After she had been working for about half an hour, her new friend walked up in his human form, dressed in his clothes from the day before.

“You know, we'll need to find something in your size for your human form,” she commented blithely, smirking a bit. Though the younger drake did not understand human speech very well yet, she knew that speaking to him normally was the best way for him to start to catch on. 

Without being asked, almost seemingly out of boredom, he began rubbing her back and neck as she worked. The rubbing was less like a human massage and more similar to their dragon form, but it was still lovely.

“Mmmmm,” she muttered, “Where were you when I was learning to code and trying to fix all those stupid bugs?” 

~*~*~

Meanwhile, Joseph left and set about his work for the day. He finished drafting up the schedules and personally delivered lists of options with respective department heads' names for the new slaves, while taking the time to check up on them and answer their questions. Then, he set about cleaning the North Wing until lunchtime. Overall, it was a lovely day, and he was relieved to finally have some time to catch up on his work.

After breakfast Alexi spends his time until lunch locked in his study, pouring over everything from the attack the the previous day before moving on to the auction deals. He sighs at the sight of needing to arrange a meeting with Orion but smiles at the discount it got him. [i]'The more I save now the more I will have to donate'[/i] he muses with a faint smile, his slow typing interrupted by a knock at the door. “Come in.” He calls out, pressing the button on hi desk that unlocks the door. For a handful of seconds. An elderly female steps in, her name taking a moment to form before he smiles and gestures her closer. “Claudia, what do you need?” he asks the sprite gently.

The slightly jumpy female smiles a little, holding out a tray with a telegram on it. His eyes narrow a little, knowing only a handful of people who would send him such a low tech message. Taking it he dismisses her, waiting for the door to close behind her before reading it. If Alexi was a cursing man, he would be doing so as he reads the short message. Letting out a long sigh instead he tucks the sheet of paper into his pocket and races out to of the room. [i]'That weasel, he knows I hate meal meetings. He is so lying about forgetting about a prior arrangement for after lunch, he just wants to see me scramble. Well, jokes on him. My staff are masters of the last minute!'[/i]

Whipping out his phone he informs both Joseph and the kitchens that the lunch menu has to stretch to six people, and needs to consist of stuff that can be eaten while handling important documents. He sends a second message right after to both Joseph and the cleaning staff that the staff room needs to be outfitted for a meal and to open the windows a bit to let it air out. He'd planned on meeting them in his public hosting study but with the addition of his extra guest and a meal the staff room would be a better choice. [i]'I am [b]so[/b] glad that Joseph set up those groups on my phone, making a lot less work for me when I have to text a lot of beings'[/i]

He pulls up to his room just as he presses send and darts inside. Without even a glance at anything else in the room his eyes lock on his wardrobe and in record time, he is naked. Muttering to himself he grabs one of him more conservative outfits. Raising his voice just a little he mutters, “I am going to look like a man in black in this, but what the who, it will be intimidating at the least. Maybe express how much this is not okay to do to me. . .” His voice is low, sounding slightly irritated. However as he goes on, an odd note comes to his voice. “They do not really care, doing stuff like this to me. They think it is funny, well it is not! They need to learn some respect. I sign their paychecks and they still think it is okay to go behind my back like this. . .” Realizing he rambling Alexi bites his lip and continues getting dressed.

Joseph's phone vibrated and he looked down from polishing a wood table to read the text. He knew full well that the lord of the house never texted unless it's a complete emergency. So he jumped up and ran to the kitchens to speak with the head chef and make sure they had everything worked out, though he smelled like cleaner and was wearing his cleaning outfit. Next, he sent a text message to Master Alexi, asking if he wanted him to work the meeting. Sometimes the master liked having him there, to hear what was going on with the business and even give advice afterwards, in private of course.

~*~*~

Erik looked up as the usually calm human ran into the room. He decided he could take a short break and turned to listen to the man's rambling. “Care to tell me what happened?” he asked curiously, crossing the room to stand near the other man. “Sounds like if you sign their paychecks, they should try not to irritate you so much.”

Alexi huffs. “It is Louis, one of father's old friends who knows I can not really replace him because much of his business only works because he is the one running ti. Old money, all the right connections . . .” Pulling up his phone only half dressed he texts back a quick -Yes- before tossing the phone on to the folded clothes on a shelf and pulling out one of his few plain white button-ups. [i]'Good, he can keep an eye out, impress them a little. Most have not met Joseph save in passing for tea and coffee. I know Joseph is a bit of a legend at this point, it should take away from the obvious shortcomings that are inevitable in situations like this'[/i] He silently thanks anyone who is listening for Joseph and expertly does up his tie in a fancy knot.

“I had a meeting today with my accountants for Gorgon International, and he slid himself into the schedule without checking, convinced them to move it to lunch for some selfish reason, and now. . .” He takes a breath, grabbing his phone and starts the transfer of all the notes he will need on to it while he pulls out his suit jacket. “This probably has to do with the attack yesterday, and I am sure everyone is on edge, having him take charge likely eased their nerves a bit.” He turns to Erik, straightening his tie. “See, he is a bit like me and my family. There was never a question of him spending his life rich and entitled, however unlike me, he takes it all for granted.”

As almost and afterthought he adds, “I am only sad that it will take a revolution for such living to bite him in the behind. . .” Shaking his head he smiles. “How do I look?”

~*~*~*~*~

Slipping into the kitchen for a snack before lunch Mois pauses as he notices everyone racing around. He is careful to stay out of the way until he can escape without his snack. Pulling out his cell he texts Joseph.
-What's going on?-

“Well, if one of my subordinates did something intentionally disrespectful to me, I would first discuss it privately with them to see if there was truly a good reason. If there wasn't, I'd demote the heck out of them, or have them scrubbing toilets for a week. But, clearly that's not an option here,” Erik replied, smirking a bit. “Though, it sounds like some toilet scrubbing would do this guy a world of good. I'm sure you'll be fine. And you look okay. Fix up your hair a little.”

~*~*~

Joseph got the reply as he was walking back to his apartment to change into his fanciest butler's uniform. He had already been sure that Master Alexi would want him there, even though he secretly despised being around the master's coworkers. Last minute meetings like this usually required a bit of personal oversight anyway.

At the image of Louis scrubbing toilets Alexi lets out a sharp laugh before reaching out an laying his palm on Erik's cheek gently. There is a faintly fond look in his eyes and he murmurs, “If only.” The moment is over an instant later and Alexi is sitting at his vanity, brushing out his hair, tying it in a low pony. “I will be back after lunch to change.” With a smile he stands, straightens everything one last time before waving and racing out of the room to check on everyone's progress before heading to the front door to await his guests.

Erik was surprised by the hand on his cheek and the look on Alexi's face at such a silly and mostly facetious comment, but he smiled and took it in stride. Unfortunately, there was not much to be done besides getting back to his paperwork, as he had eaten his breakfast earlier that morning. He would have almost been willing to scrub some toilets himself just to get away from it, but this had to be done. Otherwise, all of Alexi's research would be for naught.

~*~*~

Joseph changed quickly and checked back in on the kitchens, who had called in some more staff from their off hours and had done a wonderful job of getting everything up to speed. A simple four course meal was already planned, with salad, an appetizer, the main course, and dessert. He himself had even worn gold cufflinks and white gloves for the occasion. Though he did not personally care for them, it reflected well on Master Alexi for even his slaves to be dressed in gold. He had also managed to find three other slaves who were well-versed in the art of serving for fancy dinners to help him out. After the places were set in the dining room, he texted the master to let him know that everything was ready and that they were all in position. Given how much there was to do, it was only in the last second that Joseph remembered to reply to Mois, briefly explaining the situation.

Mois returns to his house after sending out the text, deciding to look through his own collection of duties Alexi needs him to do over the next few weeks. About half way through his closet in his hunt from some folders that had escaped his picket vibrates with Joseph's response. Reading it his expression darkens and a few choice words pass through his lips. He stays crouching, almost looking frozen for several minutes as he tries to think of anything he could do to help out his brother. With a final cuss he goes back to rummaging, hoping that Alexi won't go on one of his rants in front of the accountants.

~*~*~*~*~

Only stopping long enough to peek into the kitchen, not wanting to disturb them, Alexi is flits off to the staff room next and watches for a few seconds before adding a few extra instructions about the arrangement. As soon as the orders are out a gong sounds through the whole house and around the grounds letting everyone know that guests have arrived at the front gate. With a soft sigh Alexi makes his way to the front room, arriving just in time to open the door and watch the firs man step out of his car. The sleek new aged thing would normally make Alexi wrinkle his nose however in this case he is careful to remain presentable at all times.

Greeting each man he smiles that usual greasy smile that they've come to expect of men in Alexi's station. [i]'I wonder what Erik would think if he could see me like this. I my have pretended to be evil at first, but not sleazy like I have to around these men'[/i] Under normal circumstances for other men, this smile would not be an act, it would be real. In fact, Alexi is convinced that after attaining a certain station a human naturally becomes corrupt if they are not careful. [i]'Absolute power corrupts absolutely, right?'[/i] Keeping his thoughts to himself however he leads the way to the staff room, and is glad to see everything as it needs to be. Waiting for the rest to take their seats he takes his last and glances at Joseph. [i]'You know what to do'[/i]

At a small gesture from the vampire, Joseph's three helpers strode off in a line to the kitchen to retrieve the appetizer dish, while he himself began to take drink orders. Naturally, he kept a neutral expression around the guests, but he could not help but feel somewhat slimy inside speaking to these people, just like he had at the auction. Though he had been around snobs of different shades for five centuries, he had never completely gotten used to it. Maybe it was that he knew it would be over soon. Or maybe it was just that he hated seeing this persona in Master Alexi.

After he had taken all of the orders, he strode off to the kitchen and filled the drink orders, returning at the same time as the appetizers.

Without asking Louis immediately lights up a cigar as soon as Joseph is out of the room. After a few offhanded comments about the room, the staff, a bout being sorry to suddenly moving the meeting, the actual meeting gets under way. The time almost flies for Alexi as he focuses on the actual work. He eats a few bites here and there, sipping at his tea laced with brandy so it at least smells like the pure alcohol most of them are drinking, having some actual perfectly brewed hot tea with the main course. It isn't until it's time for dessert and once more Joseph is out of the room that Louis begins on his normal tirade about how Alexi needs to expand and create actual breaking devices.

With a sigh Alexi smiles at the man. “I have told you many times, I have my hands full with what I already have. I ca-”

Louis waves a hand dismissively. “That's nonsense and you know it lad.” Alexi refrains from replying, knowing that he has a further point to make. The others look to the now slightly intoxicated man, wondering if he's alright. “I have seen you build whole new businesses from the ground up, and with all the fine slaves you got working for free here, you could make more than your whole house is worth in two short years! The innovation you show when you put your mind to it!” Leaning in he look hard at Alexi. “And even that mess yesterday has hardly put you back. I heard from Souchez's legal department, you're barely out a few million.”

Alexi seriously has to fight back the urge to mention the lost lives that are worth more than any money one could begin to imagine. [i]'Men like this can put a price on life, and apparently it is a very low number. . .'[/i] With a sigh he smiles at the delicate dessert that gets served, giving him a few moment's reprieve before having to come up with an answer. “So, you have been talking to the legal department at Souchez?”

Lois nods. “Yeah. After the attack they were a bit worried, and since I have a hand in the paperwork that goes through there they were more than willing to give me a little sneak peek.”

The ice beneath Alexi thins, this poorly veiled show of power of Alexi's own something a lot of people would rise to challenge and providing a tempting target for the young rich kid. He is indeed young for having such a fortune at his fingertips, however it is in these cases that not being able to feel anything intensely comes in handy. Sure, the near threat upset him, but he simple smiles it off, raising his cup in salute. “A man who knows what he needs and how to get it. I am honored you are looking out for me Mr. Lanchester.” The rest of the room relaxes and Louis visibly bites his lip, clearly hoping Alexi would take the bait.

Instead of staying on the point however, he moves on to a new track. “I plan on sitting in on that meeting next week. I hear it's going to be riveting.”

At this Alexi stares at his cup, going over all the plans for the upcoming week and pinpointing what he's talking about. [i]'Well, I planned on skipping that one. It's a menial thing, however after the attack, the last thing I need is him alone in a room with those people. . .If he gets going on safety after the missile attack he could really mess things up. . .'[/i] “Oh really? You know, after the attack, I think I should show my face around a bit, inspire some confidence. I may own the places, but I would rather not simply be a ghost behind the machine, know what I mean?” The accountants laugh and Louis does a poor job of hiding a glower.

By the end of the 90 minute lunch, Joseph felt like he could use some brandy himself, or at least a long drought of blood. The sight of such annoying, sleazy men was frustrating to him, and worse was seeing his beloved Master playing along like he was truly one of them. It made his skin crawl. He did enjoy seeing the look on Mr. Lanchester's face, but it was a small consolation. Still, he and the other three slaves did their jobs perfectly, bringing the plates, refilling drinks, and otherwise standing and remaining silent and invisible.

Soon enough the dessert is gone and the last few bits of paperwork are sorted through. Ever the good host Alexi sees the men to the door, shaking their hands on the way out and standing in the doorway until they are all in their vehicles. As soon as the door is closed however Alexi looses his hair and slumps slightly. “Oh, I feel ill. . .” he murmurs and from a little ways away he hears a concerned noise. Looking up he spots Uwin, the haunted look on his face making Alexi wince on the inside. Motioning for the elf to follow he straightens up and leads the young man into a small room normally reserved for when an engineer needs to work away from others. 

Once inside Alexi is a little confused as Uwin gives him a quick hug before stepping back and bowing. The elf is quick to explain. “I am sorry Master Alexi, I just, after spending time with other drivers, especially the one who cam with the bright silver car, I just felt so grateful, I just needed. . .” He glances up at Alexi who smiles and nods in understanding.

“I know what you mean Uwin, it is no bother.” Patting the elf on the head he shoos him back to work which he does happily. Feeling quite filthy despite the hug Alexi decides on a quick swim before his next bit if business. Sending Joseph, the cleaning staff, and the kitchen staff a text of thanks, along with a note for Joseph to thank those who helped serve, Alexi makes his way to his room. Once inside he lets out a soft groan and begins shedding his clothes like a python sheds his skin. “If I did not know of the waste it would be, I would have my clothes all burned after a meeting like that. . .” Glancing over at Erik as he reaches the doorway to the bathroom he asks, “Join me for a swim? You do not have to, but I thought I would offer.” He smiles softly, shedding off the last bit before making his way quickly across the tiles, diving into the tub carefully as to not hit the bottom. It is deep around the middle, but unlike some beings living in the house, he can't launch himself out that far even at a dead run.

Joseph could not have been more relieved when he meeting was adjourned. He took one or two compliments on the service and ignored the curious eyes, and finally, he was able to clean off the table in peace. When that was finished, he took off the gloves and the cuff-links and went up the stairs to give Erik his lunch.

~*~*~

To be honest, Erik was more than happy for a bit of time off from his studies, and immediately nodded. Without even considering it, he shed his clothes and climbed straight into the first tub, smiling contentedly.

“How did your meeting with the rich jerks go?” he asked Alexi sarcastically, treading water to sit next to him.

After popping up Alexi paddles around a little, flowing around atop the water with his eyes on the ceiling. At Erik's question he lets out a long sigh and actually settles down along the tub wall beside the vampire. Careful to keep his eyes forward he lets out a groan. “As it always is. Tiring, tedious, and has left me feeling like a man who crawled through sewage. . .” Glancing over at Erik he add sadly, “Uwin was so upset by having to hang around their drivers, a collection of quite misused slaves, that he came to see me after and needed a hug to feel better.” After all the rushing around he decides to actually bathe, grabbing up one of the scrubbing stones it suddenly hits him that Joseph is going to kill him for getting his bandages wet. In his rush, he'd entirely forgotten them. Looking at them now, the water directly around them turning red, he mutters “Drat. . .”

Erik listened to the human's answer, finding it rather interesting. But it was not long before he began to smell the blood.

“Goddamnit Alexi, I didn't notice either. Get out, and sit down on the bench. I'll wash you. I mean, if you want. Otherwise, you should just call Joseph to do it, but I think he'd kill us both for letting you get in the water without more help.”

Crawling out Alexi pouts. “I like my baths. . .” With a sigh he plops down on a bench with his back to Erik. “You can do it if you want. Joseph will be up soon with your lunch and you can trade off then if you feel like it. I need to get washed up quickly seeing as I still have a ton to get done today. . .And do not fret, I will tell him it was my own fault.” Pulling off the bandage on his cheek he runs his fingers over the scratches, looking at himself in the wall mirror in front of him.

Erik strode over to the closet and pulled out two large bath sponges and some liquid soup. Then, he filled a pail of water in a nearby sink and stood behind Alexi. Squirting the liquid into the sponge, he began washing the human's back. It was pretty easy as the vast majority of the cuts were on the front of Alexi's body. 

“You're an idiot, you know that Alexi?” he commented sarcastically as he washed the back of the man's neck. “I mean, you're brilliant. But you're also a freakin' idiot.”

~*~*~ 

Joseph silently enter Master Alexi's room and looked around. It was not difficult for him to figure out that the two men were in the bath house, so he set the tray down and headed over there. Immediately, he smelled Master Alexi's blood in the water and looked down, and saw where Erik was washing the lord. He glared at his master.

“I know being around those... individuals... probably makes you feel horrid, Master Alexi. But did you really have to ruin your bandages?” he asked.

Alexi watches Erik work, flinching now and then as it's becomes quite clear that the vampire isn't use to dealing with such a delicate creature. He does his best to ignore the fact that Erik is nude, but after about a the third flinch he finally begins turning a little rosy “I know I can be foolish sometimes. However, I have always had someone around to clean up when I forget stuff. Case in point.” He points towards Joseph whom he'd caught sight of out of the corner of his eye. Cringing down into his shoulders he murmurs, “Sorry Joseph.” Normally he would have more to say, but at this moment he's simply proud that he hasn't actually moved beyond rosy into somewhere around beet.

Joseph just sighed and removed his butler's jacket so that he would not ruin it from the soapy water. Though his expression remained passive, he could not help but notice the color of Master Alexi's face. [i]Well, that's worrisome. He would pick the absolute most illogical person here to be attracted to. But, that's a problem for another day.[/i] He walked over and took the soap out of Erik's hand and began gently scrubbing Master Alexi down himself. Even if his master might have secretly preferred the younger vampire's touch, he was afraid that Erik's roughness would aggravate the wounds.

“Master, these will be healed enough for you to swim within 36 hours,” he commented. “Until then, just please call me in to give you another bath, when you are ready.”

Meanwhile, Erik jumped back into the nearest pool, grinning brightly. He could not find it in himself to worry for Alexi when he brought half his injuries on himself. Besides, he adored swimming.

The sigh issuing from the vampire's lips makes Alexi feel like a child again, that sound reminiscent to all the times Joseph found him doing one fool thing or another. [i]'Or of all the times I would show up after the fool thing and needed patching up'[/i] He smiles happily at Joseph, knowing he only does it because he cares. With a sigh of his own he settles into the far gentler scrubbing, his eyes closing softly as he lets Joseph's kind hands do an amazing job of scraping off the dirty feeling from before.

~*~*~*~*~

Mois looks up at the faint knock at his door. Glancing at the clock he closes his laptop and calls out for whoever it is to enter. [i]'Must be lunch'[/i] He muses, wondering how the meeting with Alexi is going. [i]'Unless it's over already. I know some business people like eating early. . .'[/i] He nods at the young werewolf who delivers the meal, trying to not look as irritated as he feels. The work he's been doing has him quite on edge. Despite his efforts the youth still flees quickly, closing the door softly behind him. The smell of food helps him relax a bit and he wonders vaguely if the soon to be ex-slaves won't try and kill him on the spot after they are released. He knows Joseph will defend him, but. . .Joseph is only one vampire. . .

Joseph finished washing his master and gently dried him with one of the soft towels. Then, he began to re-bandage each of the wounds. Taking one of Master Alexi's robes from a hanger on the wall, he held it up to allow the human to put it on.

“Thank you for finding a way for him to trust you, Master. It is much better to see him like this than the way he was two days ago. I can see the pain it is causing you. But thank you for sparing him the deprivation.”

Erik spent the time swimming around the largest pool, eternally grateful for the excuse to take a break. It was around the time Joseph finished that he decided to get out and put on a robe of his own, though he had not paid attention to anything Joseph had said. He sat down next to the servant and his master, but did not say anything.

Having Joseph dry him as well really makes Alexi feel young and he just revels in the feeling for a time. Even the feeling of being patched up simply adds to the impression of being a child and he doesn't open his eyes, letting reality back in, until Joseph moves off to grab a robe. Standing slowly he moves over to Joseph. As he slips into the fuzzy green thing his movements slow slightly as he listens to the vampire's words, his eyes locked on the subject of Joseph's thanks.

He keeps watching as Erik approaches, tying his own robe with a soft look in his eyes. “I will suffer this gladly Joseph. I too am glad it is being done this way, though it may make some things more difficult. . .” Smiling warmly he kisses Joseph on the forehead and pats his shoulder. “I thank you for you assistance Joseph. Thank you for putting up with my foolishness all these years.” He chuckles, glancing at Erik, waiting to see if he has something to say about this.

Erik smiled slightly at the sight before him. “You two are really adorable,” was all he said, before standing up to grab himself his own fluffy robe. Then, without another word, he wandered back to the desk to change clothes and get back to work.

Joseph smiled and put his own coat back on. “Do you require anything else, Master Alexi?” he asked, bowing slightly and sounding exactly as he had the other thousands of times he had asked the same question

Alexi smiles at being called adorable and watches the younger of the two vampire return to their now shared room. [i]'Heh, I was sure he would say something to Joseph about my “foolishness”, but I guess he has more important things on his mind'[/i] “I am good for now Joseph. When you have time send me the security reports from Souchez and get me all my files and notes on 4118 Filing Co. I need them by the end of the week.”

“Of course,” Joseph muttered, striding off to get back to his own work.