Watching Joseph go Alexi sighs silently on the inside. [i]'He is such a good man. . .I would call him a vampire, but that makes it sound like I am speaking of a puppy, and he is a man by gender. . .'[/i] Shrugging to himself he heads back into his room, letting Erik alone to do whatever he's doing. Sending a text to Mois about moving the exercise to before dinner he gets dressed in some comfy sweats and heads to his office to work until them. Mois meets him outside at the appointed time and together they do Mois' light routine, parting at his house where Alexi gives him a hug and jogs back to the mansion. The smell of food hits him as he comes in but despite his moth watering he makes his way up to his room and slips inside.

Once the door is closed he does a few cool down stretches before stripping out of his now slightly stinky outfit and into something more satiny. The nightgown is slick without being feminine, lacking the frill and frock normally associated with the nightgowns of the time it was based off of. Letting out a light groan he ruffles his hair and flops carefully on to the bed as to not aggravate his wounds. “I need to see Riley after dinner, then a good night sleep before tomorrow's big event.” He smiles over at Erik.

Erik turns away from the paperwork and lays into his supper. “You smell terrible,” he teased. “Go take a short bath.” After pausing for a moment, he clarified. “It's not that bad really. A human would hardly notice unless they were right next to you. Riley is the new slave, right?” In a motion that seemed almost common now, he pulled up a chair next to Alexi's bed.

Alexi pouts but nods, slipping out of his gown and heading for the bathroom. Pausing in the doorway he replies, “Yes, he is just down the hall. He is the reason I am so holey right now.” He pokes gingerly at the bandage on his face. “This will be interesting.” he murmurs, wandering into the bathroom to do as Erik demanded. [i]'Funny how he feels so comfortable ordering me around now. . .Like I am one of his troops, heh'[/i] Rummaging around he manages to find the sponges and a bucket. Filling the bucket carefully he takes a seat and begins carefully trying to scrub without getting his bandages wet. [i]'He probably meant me not to do this, however if I am offending his senses, and I do like to be clean. . .'[/i]

As the human went to the restroom, Erik realized quickly that he had spoken without thinking, and without remembering the human's condition. He was still accustomed to species who healed much more quickly. “Alexi, I was just kidding. I didn't think you'd actually listen to me. Here, if you insist on doing this, how about you just clean the stinkiest parts of you so that we can avoid your bandages, okay?”

Looking over at the bathroom door Alexi blinks slowly. “It has been a long time since my last human anatomy lesson, so I am not sure other than armpits. . .However I do know there are other areas. . .” That last part is said to himself mostly as he looks down at his own body. [i]'I think it has something to do with where the most sweat glands are, but where?'[/i]

Erik saw Alexi's confusion in his eyes and groaned. “Pits and groin, on most humans. Wash your face too. It's not smelly, but you'll feel better. I swear Alexi, you're so privileged, you seem to lack simple knowledge. Now hurry, before Joseph comes in and kills us both?”

Alexi returns to pouting before sticking out his tongue. “I know more about you anatomy than my own. My business is magicals, not humans. . .” With a huff he scrubs up quickly and returns to the room, throwing his towel on the bathroom floor before slipping into his gown and retaking his bed. Rolling a little he seems almost like a cat, snuggling on to his sheets with his back. “Also, He would kill you, not me. Thank you for the remind though. About human stink. . .” He says this while on his back, looking at Erik in a way that makes him appear up side down.

Erik rolled his eyes, “Well, thanks for washing anyway. You smell much better now. What is happening tomorrow- besides- Oh my God. It's time to take the next dose, isn't it?” he asked, a flash of fear crossing his features.

Rolling slowly Alexi shift on to his stomach, his face calm and the look in his eyes gentle. “Yes Erik, it is.” He points to a stack of papers, some very ancient looking, setting on his coffee table. “I brought those, as you asked. It is all I have. The old script and their translations along with my own personal research. Sorry I did not get it to you sooner however you seemed so keen on the other documents I forgot.” His nods as a way of bowing in apology before crossing his arms and settling his head upon them. After a moment he whispers, “I am a little frightened too Erik. I trust you no longer hate me as you once did, however I have felt the strength of your emotions and to the greatest degree I am capable of, I fear feeling so strongly. However, I started this, and I will stick with it, no matter what.”

“Great, more paperwork,” Erik muttered, grimacing slightly. “I don't know what you should expect. As far as my feelings towards you, I'm not completely over what you almost did. You still tortured me for three days, and you would have been willing to continue until you broke me and got me to take this stupid potion to force your emotions into my head. I never had any choice here. But I do appreciate that you changed your mind. I still resent you, still resent the control you have over me, and the fact that I'm still not allowed to leave, but not to the degree I did, the echoes that you are feeling now. And that's just how I feel towards you. The rest of my emotions haven't just gone away. I'll finish reading these documents tonight.”

Alexi listens silently, simply watching Erik talk like he's the most interesting thing in the world. When at last he is done Alexi doesn't move. Only his eyes shift, moving down to stare at the floor. The gripping pain of emotions inside his chest throbs, the fear that this will be just as unpleasant as the first dose making him have to focus on breathing. “I understand.” he says softly, his voice distant. [i]'A part of me wishes I could tell him I had nor have plans to break him. But, I can not. . .The suspicions would grow. . .'[/i]

Erik shifted his chair closer to Alexi and took his hand on impulse. “I'm sorry,” he muttered. “I don't mean to upset you. I just wanted to warn you. I cannot help my resentment, but it is no where near as strong now. I think you will be better off.”

It was just then that Joseph walked in, carrying two heavily laden dinner trays, a feast for kings. “Would you like this in your bed or on the table, Master Alexi?” he asked.

The sudden contact startles Alexi out of his thoughts and he simply stares at the joined hands as Erik speaks. At last he smiles and looks up at Erik, before responding to Joseph he says softly, “I have already taken your worst, and I take you at your word it will not be that again. If I could survive that, I should be able to survive something less. . .” Taking his hand back gently he sits up, groaning. “I had better take it at the table else I will simply want to curl up after I eat.” He sighs and slips out of bed, taking a seat on the couch.

Joseph nodded and set the large meal out before Master Alexi. Then he set out Erik's, which was identical, except for the addition of a tall glass of animal blood. “I thought you might want an extra dose after all of that studying today.”

“Thanks, Joseph,” Erik muttered. [i]God, you're perfect. Too damn perfect. If I didn't despise slavery so much, I'd practically want a servant like you myself[/i], Erik found himself thinking. His embarrassment at those thoughts was, thankfully, hidden from view, as he dug into his food.

Smiling at the gusto with which Erik downs his food Alexi takes up his utensils and begins eating at his own pace. It is a little more hurried than usual, knowing he wants to get it done, see Riley, and get to bed in under an hour so he is at least near top form come the morn. Just in case Erik gets once more distracted Alexi says softly, “By the way Joseph, Erik has a request of you.”

The reminder snapped into Erik's mind quickly, and he looked up at the elder vampire.

“What do you know about this potion that Alexi is having me take?” he asked curiously. Joseph simply looked away for a moment. He knew that the lord would not mind him revealing his information now 

“I found time to do a little bit of research on it, after I realized what it was. It was invented by ancient vampires. Its primary usage was in the vampire heyday, and began tapering off at least a century or two before my time. Originally, when two vampires fell in love and wanted to share their souls, obtain a truly empathic connection with each other, they would take the seven doses. Some took the first or the last dose as part of their marriage ritual. It allows two people to share each other's emotions, almost as if they were two halves of the same being. But at some point during the Great Magical War, an alchemist found a way to concentrate the potion and use it as a tool of oppression. By changing the ingredients slightly to focus on the oppressor's hate and mistrust, and on the drinker's loyalty it was turned into the hard breaking tool. A similar process created soft breaking. But both of these are a far cry from the original potion that you and Master Alexi are drinking. That is meant to be shared between lovers, or occasionally friends and family, as equals. It is a way to share pain and strength, not to suppress the desires of another. Those are the highlights of what I learned.”

“If that's true, then why did Alexi here want to force me to take it without him? And why are we taking it now? We aren't lovers. We are barely friends,” Erik retorted, temporarily forgetting his manners and speaking almost as though the human were not there. Joseph merely sighed.

“I can't answer that, Erik. I can guess, but even if I'm right, I won't betray my master's secrets,” he replied, looking back at Master Alexi's form for a moment. “When he is ready to tell you, he will,” he said, with an air of finality. “Do you need anything else, Master Alexi?”

Alexi eats silently as Joseph talks about the potion's history and evolution, along with it's uses. [i]'This is very accurate. You do good research Joseph, though, I have always known that'[/i] He smiles softly, thinking of how amazingly useful the vampire has been in all this unintentionally, including this research which will hopefully calm Erik down on the subject a bit. [i]'He seems to move naturally to make my life easier. It is quite a fantastic thing. . .'[/i] He has to admit he wonders strongly how Joseph will manage without him, but he also knows he is not a god. Joseph will recover, and that makes him happy.

When it comes to Erik's question Alexi almost feels like he shouldn't be there. It is an odd sensation he's not felt since his parents were around and would speak of him and Mois as if they were furniture. It is odd, but not entirely unpleasant. It reminds him of his own humanity in a way, along with how, in some peoples eyes, how even a man as powerful as he is not all that important. He smiles at Josephs reply, giving him one of his most winning honest smiles. “You are the best Joseph. . .” He murmurs before continuing his meal, wondering if Erik will then turn the question on to him.

Unfortunately, Erik knew better than to bother turning the question on Alexi. In fact, he knew it was silly to have even asked the man's most loyal slave any information that was not permitted by the lord. “Well, I doubt you're going to tell me until you're good and ready, so what's the point?” he pointed out, rolling his eyes slightly as he looked back into Alexi's. 

His job clearly finished, Joseph bowed once more and left the room.

Alexi smiles back at the vampire, his eyes almost sparkling but with a touch of sadness behind the glee. “You will find out around the fourth dose. Definitely some time after that, I promise.” He says softly, watching Joseph leave. Still looking at the door he asks, “Anything else you wish to ask?”

Erik started picking at his food, not eating as quickly as he had been. “I should. But I think I'm still processing all of the information from before. Not to mention, these documents are still driving me nuts. I wish I had Nirale here to help me, or Aeji. Thanks though, really. I know I'm bitching, but I do appreciate the intel, more than you know.”

Alexi's face sours at the swearing but he doesn't comment. Mostly due to what he's about to say. “I will though. Understand it I mean. Eventually. Just like you will come to understand me. . .” He sighs softly. “I wish you luck with them. I will pick up one of those head lamps for you this evening after I have seen Riley.” Having finished what of his large meal that he can Alexi pats Erik on the arm and heads out. At Riley's door he carefully composes himself before opening it. Closing it quickly he waits for the inevitable pounce. . .That doesn't come. After a few minutes he follows a faint cooing sound through the mostly dark room to a glowing patch in the middle of the largest pile.

Climbing up carefully as to not hurt the plants too badly, he shifts up just high enough to peek into a little crater in the pile. He smiles warmly at the sight of Riley, curled into a little ball, a ring of faintly glowing blue flowers around him, with the odd green one here and there mixed in. Not wanting to disturb the little guy more than he already has, the grumpy looking eye peeking out from behind a wing making him chuckle, he slowly exits the room, closing the door gently. [i]'So cute'[/i] He smiles and makes his way to one of the utility closets at the end of the hall. It takes some searching but eventually he finds what he's looking for.

With a sound of triumph he exits the closet, pausing just long enough to click it on then back off, checking to make sure it works, and then with a spring in his step he makes his way back to his own room. Humming slightly he closes the door an looks around for Erik. Once he spots the vampire he calls out “Heads up!” before tossing the headlamp to him. Still smiling he adds, “The band is adjustable, and again, please, keep it pointed away from my bed while I sleep.” With a chuckle he wanders over to his bed and carefully flops down on to his belly, his body angled so he's facing Erik, once more assuming the pose of a stereotypical teenage girl on the phone.

Erik caught the hat gratefully and put it on the desk. But he decided he had earned himself a continued break from his work and sat down next to Alexi. “So, I guess I'll return the question. Do you have anything you want to ask me? I am curious about how much you already know.”

Shuffling to the side so he can look right at Erik, Alexi lets his head fall onto his crossed arm, feet flopping on to the bed as he tries to think. With a faint hum he says, “Well, honestly, I know very little beyond a few exploits where you went a bit out of your way to spare lives, and how on major missions you were smart, but right there with your men rather than standing back to give orders. Like a lot of them. . .” He smiles. Then, just as before, a random thought hits him. “What kind of music do you like?”

“I always try to spare lives, but often the casualties can't be helped. It's a war. But I've taught my successor well. I know she will do the same." Erik replied. But he did not want to dwell too long on his lost position, so he quickly switched to answering the question.  "What music do I like? Skipping to the really important things about my life, hmm? Honestly, I like a lot of types, and the answer depends on my mood. But often classical or instrumental music helps me focus.”

“You are a kind person.” Alexi murmurs, smiling softly. [i]'He seems so sure he has lost his position. Well, even if that turns out to be true, he will have a new one to fill anyways, however my sources tell me that there has been no major changes in activity so as far as we can tell nothing has been settled'[/i] His smile widens at the music selection, several files jumping to mind he'll have downloaded tomorrow for Erik to listen to while he works. “Naturally I enjoy classical as well, along with some nature based and some ancient ditties. Oh, and I am particularly fond of Celtic and old stuff from the orient.” He chuckles lightly, smiling like a goof as he stares at the vampire.

Erik turned away from the stare, slightly embarrassed. “I wouldn't call it kindness. Simply pragmatism. I don't want to act like some of the other leaders and kill those we are trying to defend just by being careless. As far as avoiding killing civilians, many humans don't own slaves for whatever reason. I don't see the point of punishing them and making us look more like the psychotic villains than we already do. The media already paints us as the enemy. I choose not to conform to that belief.”

“That is called kindness, silly.” Alexi murmurs, yawning slightly. “You care, no matter your reasoning, and that is one of the things I like about you. . .” His smile widens as he thinks of another question. “Do you have any children? Of any kind. Adopted, turning, biological. . .”

“No children. I don't want to raise children in this messed up world. I don't like the idea of asking a child to live in fear of being turned into a slave. As far as turning, well... I've turned a few humans over the years, but I don't think of those that I turned as my children,” the vampire replied calmly.

“Makes sense. . .” Alexi muses, rolling on to his back to his head is dangling off the edge of the bed. Yawning again he smiles languidly up at Erik. “Do you have someone to make kids with? I mean, after the war and all. Once true freedom reins.”

Erik was silent for a moment, pondering the question. “I don't know. That feels too far away right now. I don't really know what kind of father I'd be, and honestly, there's a good chance I'll die before I find out. Even after you turn off the devices, humans aren't just going to hand magicals their rights just because their chains are broken. I just haven't thought about a world beyond that. Children, and for that matter, romance, just aren't on my mind,” he replied, looking into the human's eyes.

Alexi humms softly at this. He is not a fool as to think there is no way Erik will die during the war, however the way he phrased it sounded less like a worry and more like an inevitabily. Keeping his eyes locked on the vampire's he rolls back over, his smile turning into a kind of stern line. “I know it will take time, and death is one of the facates to war, however, you never actually answered my question.” Propping himself up on his elbows one eyebrow rises curiously. “Just because it is not on your mind does not mean it simply can not be there. If you would rather not talk about whatever lovers or lovers you may or may not have, I can accept that, but to say just because there is a war to fight that romance is completely removed from reality I find a very silly way of looking at things.” He smiles. “Some of the greatest fighters in the world took to the battlefield either for their love of another, or even with that love at their side. Romance is a part of war as much as any other aspect of life is.” Looking down at his hands he adds, “Besides, it never hurst to plan for the future, and I think it is nice to have something to look forward to. . .”

Erik just sighed, meeting Alexi's eyes. “Maybe I would consider children if I could be sure that they would grow up in a safe environment. But honestly, even then, I think I'd be a horrid father. I don't want to screw them up, you know?” He thought for a short moment. “As far as romance, it's just not my thing. I have to be focused on my work, so I don't have time for romantic trysts,” he explained. Of course, that was only part of the truth, but he was not eager to explain that to Alexi.

Alexi rolls his eyes but says nothing. He himself can not claim to be much different. He's been so busy for so long, and never really had an interest before then, that he's never even experienced a tender touch that was not given by his family. He counts Joseph as family of course, and the only time the vampire was anything but cordial with his touches is when he was sick or injured and the slave felt bead for him. [i]'But even being too busy, if I actually planned on surviving this I would think there be no other way for me to go in my life but to find someone to love and who would love me. I know that my work now is too important, and truthfully everyone I have ever met has either been family in my eyes, or too foul to even think of considering. . .I think my only reasons, should I have actually found someone I cared for that way in the past eleven years whom I loved, to not follow through would be I know how soon I will die and would not want them to suffer. Though I also know a part of me would likely give in anyways and pray they would not suffer too much. . .I am a fool in so many ways. . .'[/i] 

His own internal tirade does not show on his face as he drops his head back down to lay on his arms. “Forgive me. I speak on subject I have no true understanding of. I must admit I have a bit of a romanticized notion of, well, romance and love making. But, for someone who gets all of his facts from books, I can excuse myself at least for being so naïve.” He idly draws designs in his covers, wondering if Erik will understand what he means.

Erik's eyes widened slightly at Alexi's words. “One of the wealthiest and most eligible bachelors in the country, and you're a virgin?” the vampire replied, smirking a bit. “Not surprising, I suppose, given the massive undertaking you've been working on and the kinds of people you've been stuck around. And I'm sure a kind man like you would never want to take advantage of his slaves, even if they were willing. It makes sense.” The rebel leader was not judging in the slightest, and his tone made that quite clear. In fact, he found the sacrifice understandable and even noble. “Besides, love impairs judgment, and that's downright dangerous on the battlefield. Granted, people need affection, especially in these tough times, but you can get that from friendships.”

Though not agreeing in the slightest about how love affects one's judgment, knowing at the least that his love for his foster father and his brother drive him to greatness, even as he sends his brother off on such dangerous undertakings almost monthly, the eccentric billionaire keeps his thoughts to himself and instead focuses on the disturbing that that though he seemed ready to tease the human for his virgin status, he somehow seemed to switch immediately into finding it understandable, and even respectable somehow. “You are correct. I know a few slaves that would not mind, but as I do not love any of them that way, I would not even dream of it. . .” he replies softly, keeping his gaze on the covers. His brows furrow a bit. “As to laying with friends. . . .while I do not disapprove of the practice, I know some people are just that way with their affections, I can say with absolute certainty that I have no desire to lay with anyone but someone I am truly in love with.” A soft sigh leaves his lips and he carefully shifts over so he can burrow under his blankets. Snuggling in he looks over at Erik with an apologetic expression. “Forgive me, but tomorrow is an important day and I think perhaps I should sleep a little early. Would you care to lend me a hand and get the main light for me?” He points to the switch on the wall while reaching for his bedside lamp.

Erik stood and turned off the room light. “I can understand that. I used to lay with friends, if we were both willing for a fun time, but it was a practice of my youth, not something I can easily justify now. Leaders tend to be held to a higher standard, and I can't afford to even appear to show favoritism. But alas, that's a discussion we can finish another time. Goodnight, Alexi.”

“Good night Erik.” Alexi murmurs, already nodding off before the lights flick off. Snuggling into his very comfortable, very expensive bed, Alexi lets his mind settle on the man's words, and he wonders idly why anyone would choose the things they choose if said choice would not bring them happiness. [i]'Can you really be happy, shunting love to the side like that? I wonder. . . .Though I doubt he has a care about being. . . .happy. . . . .for now. . . .'[/i] And with one finally yawn, the master of the house falls into a sound sleep.

~*~*~*~*~

On the other end of the grounds the elder Vandros has a much harder time of it. His planning and figuring taking him well into the wee hours of the morning until at last he forces himself to bed so he can have enough sleep to face the following day with at least a few hours under his belt. Unfortunately even his own extremely comfortable bed does not allow him to claim sleep for some time, his mind all abuzz with so much worry and sorrow that it is a miracle he sleeps at all. It isn't until his own exhaustion reaches it's peak that he finally passes into the land of dreams, but not before gazing long and hard in the direction of his brother, his sorrow clear but hidden in the dark.

Erik donned his light hat and turned back to his desk to work again, but not before writing a short entry in his diary.

[i]I don't normally write in diaries. In the Resistance I didn't have the time. Besides, can you imagine the scandal if the Leader's diary was found? I'd have to write it as though it could be found and read by anyone, which kind of defeats the purpose. There's not a lot of privacy there, even for me. Yesterday, I asked for this essentially because I was bored to tears. Now, I'm still bored to tears, but its from doing something productive, which is no where near as horrid. It would have cost us months of man-hours to gather the kind of intel Alexi gave me, most of which he probably got because he is supposed to be trusted, supposed to be one of them. But I'm believing that he's not. If anything, he's the best spy ever. He has everyone fooled. It's rather remarkable. 

He asked me about children today. Ha! I haven't thought about them since Pyrra and I decided we would be the worst parents alive. Gods, I miss you Pyrra. Your smile. Your laugh. The way we used to spar. Even that time you burned the hell out of my arm on accident. I miss your touch. You tried to teach me to carry a tune... but I never quite got that down. I miss the way we would draw together, and write our stories. Neither of us were great artists, or writers, but we had an excellent time. I should have never let you leave after we separated. If you hadn't, then maybe... DAMNIT!! I hate this. I hate thinking of where you are now. I don't even know if you're still alive. I just hope this eccentric human's plan will free you as well. I hope its not too little, too late. Damnit Alexi... there's a reason I don't think about this stuff![/i]

A single tear dropped onto the page, and Erik slammed the notebook shut. He quietly stormed across the room to the bathhouse, tore off his slave's robes, and jumped into the coldest pool, letting the cool water relax his frayed emotions.

Alexi wakes with a jerk at the sound of the notebook being slammed, his heart jumping to his throat as he hears hard footsteps in the dark and it isn't until the door to his bathroom swings open to pour in some light that he actually has the courage to look towards the sound. However all he sees is a silhouette for a second, then it's gone. He remains frozen in fear until he hears the faint sound of a splash and with wide, frightened eyes glued on the doorway he slides out of bed. Feeling very much a coward at the moment he stops in the doorway, looking into the room while hidden half behind the frame.

He doesn't know what's wrong, or if anything actually is, but at the sight of the torn clothing he can feel a faint ache as if he's done something horribly wrong. [i]'Did I. . . .Am I the reason he is upset? I did not mean to upset him. . .Maybe I should have kept my mouth shut. I do not need to know these things, and though he offered to answer my questions, perhaps I just. . . ..shouldn't. . . . .'[/i] Slowly he walks into the room, his eyes staying off the vampire, instead focusing on the now ruined clothing.

Slowly he kneels, picking it up carefully. Taking it in both hands he stands, not looking away from the black fabric. In a soft voice that would still carry in the cavernous room he says, “I am sorry.” The without another word he turns around and walks back to the room. Chucking the ripped fabric into the trash he uses Erik's light to find a pair of soft pants that would fit the vampire and places it at the end of Erik's bed before setting the lamp in such a way that it would side on the garment and climbing back into his bed, taking a little longer to fall asleep this time around, and into a much less sound slumber.

The vampire's face immediately flushed at the realization that he had been overheard. But just as he turned to apologize, Alexi was already gone. Erik merely rest his head in his hands. “Damnit,” he muttered. He breathed deeply, began to swim around, and soon switched to the warmer pool. It was twenty minutes before he climbed out, dried himself off, put on his robe, and walked back to the other room. He was calm now, and worked on the paperwork for another hour. It would take him at least another day of reading, reviewing, and reorganizing, before he would even be ready to start drafting any kind of plans. Perhaps by then he would have that computer. After the last hour of work, he finally turned off his light and quickly fell asleep.

The next morning Alexi wakes before the vampire, his nerves relaxed a bit from the night's less than soothing end but as he slowly sits up and looks across to the vampire's bed his spirits plummet. [i]'Looks like he does not care for my peace offering. I am so sorry Erik, I did not know I would offend you so. . .'[/i] A tightness rises in his chest, reminiscent of the times he would send his brother on missions and he would return wounded. He never meant for Mois to get hurt, but it was still his orders that had drawn his beloved brother’s blood.

Carefully he climbs out of bed, slipping silently as he can over to his wardrobe. His sadness is hidden, knowing full well that he needs to get over it quickly. [i]'The last thing I want him to get from me this morning is mu hurt and sadness. . .This was my fault, for being nosy. Perhaps I have dealt so long with the vermin of this world a. . .a friend does not suit me. . .Perhaps I am better off not trying to put my twisted self on another'[/i] Touches of his untrusting nature brought on by his madness seeps into his mind as he dresses, a somber gray number circa the 1880s, and they go unnoticed as he tries desperately to get his mind and heart under control. He can feel a catch in the back of his throat as he breaths causing him to swallow repeatedly.

Erik awoke soon after Alexi had dressed, and noticed the pants immediately after he rose “Thanks for these!” he said quickly, assuming that the lord of the house had put them out that morning. It did not occur to him that he could have missed the pair from the previous night. Such oversight, even in the dark, was unlike him. Then again, so was ripping off a perfectly fine outfit in frustration. He donned the pair quickly and strode over to Alexi. 

“Hey, I'm sorry for waking you up last night. I didn't realize how loud I was being. As far as your apology, I didn't get to tell you then, but you didn't do anything wrong. What was up with me, that was all my own issues. Those strong emotions that you volunteered to share. I should have been more careful. I apologize,” he announced firmly, with none of the preamble usually socially expected of such statements.

Alexi is just doing up his white undershirt buttons when he hears Erik call out his thanks for the pants. His mind does a little flip flop and a warmth passes through him bringing an honest smile to his lips. He has no reason to doubt the vampire is truly grateful, his tone lacking all the markers of a lie or sarcasm and he begins humming softly as he continues dressing. “No problem Erik. They should fit though made for me, the fabric stretches and is meant to be loose on me.”

At the next spiel however Alexi tilts his head to the side, his brows furrowing. “Never be sorry around me for expressing your emotions honestly. Truly, I envy you for them, and if I am ever to learn to handle them as well as you, though perhaps not in the same way, I would rather you not feel ashamed of them. I do not judge how one feels. Even when you wanted to kill me, I thought no less of you for it.” He smiles warmly, still a bit fuzzy over Erik accepting the pants. Smirking he plops down on the edge of the bed, dropping his suit jacket and tie down next to him. “I was just tired, and confused. No need for either apology in this case it seems.” He smiles up at the vampire, pure honesty written all over his face.