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[sup] A [@Hedgehawk] & [@SouffleGirl123] post
Featuring [color=DC143C]Miles Price[/color], [color=EE4B2B]Aloysius Leighton[/color][/sup]
[hr]


Still in his work attire Miles once again arrived at Husker's bar. Once upon a time it’d be his prime spot for getting drunk and finding an overnight lover but these days it seemed more apt for meetings. Aloysius had left a number with his mother in case she ‘wanted to get in contact’. At the time the pair both scoffed at the man, Miles never expected he’d be the one to use it first. He’d moved into the Montgomery household a couple of days ago and figured it was better to tie off as many loose threads and unknowns as possible so he could focus more single-mindedly on Lilith and their unborn children. So here he was, at the bar already with a drink in hand awaiting the man who did none for him par contributing in his creation. A queasy feeling swept over him. Miles was very rarely nervous, he could probably count all the times he was on one hand but this was one of those times. He took another sip of beer, already ready for this to be over.

Aloysius was equally nervous if not more so than Miles. Their last interaction had not gone well at all, and Salem had well and truly made him look like a fool. She was doing everything in her power to make sure he couldn’t get a single bit of happiness. Thankfully she had left for New York, but Aloysius still felt out of place. Seeing that message from Miles confused him: was the man getting in touch just to let off some more anger at him. The fact they had chosen a bar was both a good and bad omen.

Entering the bar, Aloysius took a second to look around, pulling at the collar of his long overcoat as he scanned for Miles, see him over at the bar, Aloysius moved in, sitting on the stool next to him, debating whether or not to order a beer. [color=EE4B2B]”Hey, Some places never change.”[/color] Aloysius remarked.

Miles felt himself tense up as the anger that had visited him each time his father was in his vicinity washed over him. He was curious as to whether it was still around, or as to if it would ever go away. Maybe it never would. Regardless, this time he made like a true Price and pushed it down. Miles held a lot of repressed rage for a lot of reasons but he never expected the thing to piss him off most this year to be the resemblance he held to his father. No matter how this whole situation went, even if it ended on the worst of terms and the man disappeared into the abyss for this whole situation to become only a memory of a weird thing that happened that one time Miles would have to hold the knowledge of that resemblance forever. As the man speaks, Miles gives a small huff. [color=DC143C]”Is that so?”[/color] he asks gruffly, seems like suppression could only hold in so much. [color=DC143C]”’Spose I haven’t seen anything change ‘round here except more housing. Think they tried to open a second Mickey D’s but it was kinda pointless.”[/color] 

Aloysius tensed up slightly at Miles' reply. He clearly was suppressing something. Still, at least he hadn’t been punched in the face. Maybe he had brought him to flog him infront of everyone. Still Aloysius needed to act like an adult. He ordered a Gin and Tonic and looked over to Miles as he awaited his order. [color=EE4B2B]”I must admit, getting a message from you was something I did not expect. Your mother maybe, but not you. How is she doing?”[/color]

Miles sighed as his mother was mentioned, swirling his beer in its glass bottle. His eyes were yet to actually look at the man next to him and they still failed to. Instead they flickered from the beer bottle to the TV. [color=DC143C]”I think she’s struggling with this whole thing more than she’d ever admit but that's my ma for you. I would say you know what she’s like but I don’t know if you do.”[/color] Miles shrugs as he takes another sip of his drink. In all truth that line wasn’t as much of an attack as an admittance Miles was unsure what she was like before he came along, or before his memories started at that but he knew there was a chance Aloysius may take it the wrong way.

[color=EE4B2B]”Mary is a strong soul. She is capable of bearing so much. I know that me arriving considering everything else is going on is far from ideal. But if I am being honest, I don’t really have anywhere or anyone I can go to.”[/color] It was a sad admission from Aloysius, but it was true. His sister was no longer interested in him, and there was no way he was going to stay within Salem's clutches. [color=EE4B2B]”So why did you get in touch? I am curious. If not a little scared at what your intentions are”[/color] Aloysius proclaimed as his hand clasped around the newly presented gin and tonic glass.

The smallest of smiles played on the younger man’s lips at Aloysius’ first statement. [color=DC143C]”Stronger than you’ll ever know. Honestly I don’t know the half of it and probably never will.”[/color] he replies. There were times he was convinced she could hold the whole world on her shoulders and still live her day to day with such grace and there were times he was convinced that was exactly what she was doing. Miles paid no mind to the second half of that statement, he’d get back to that soon enough. At the man’s question Miles raised an eyebrow, finally giving into the temptation to turn and look over the man. For a moment his soul felt ignited once more with every little resemblance the man held to him, Miles was sure he looked much more like his father than his mother and he hated that. Getting his emotions under wraps once more, he sips his beer again. [color=DC143C]”My attention needs to be elsewhere real soon, guess I’m just trying to wrap up some loose ends while I can. Get some answers, y’know. I read a handful of your letters. Ma read every single one but 300 is a lot. I mean, I know you never got responses cus she never got them but why didn’t you stop writing. I mean, it woulda been pretty fair to assume she was ignoring them on purpose.”[/color]

Aloysius let out a sigh, taking a stiff drink as he looked back at Miles. [color=EE4B2B]"It's going to sound cheesy. But your mother meant the world to me. She still does, even if things have changed. She is all I have left of my life that hasn't completely gone into free fall" [/color] Aloysius knew his answer was very selfish in his regard, but he really wasn't lying. Mary had been the one thing he wanted to protect all along. 

[color=DC143C]”How does not replying to your letters for 25 years then attacking you on sight count as ‘not going into free fall?”[/color] he asks curiously before taking another drink. Aloysius was right. It sounded cheesy, completely cheesy. Miles obviously got it from somewhere but hearing it about his mother almost felt odd. [color=DC143C]”I mean you had nowhere to be so you could start all over. You didn’t have to come here, you still chose to. You coulda set yourself up anywhere, you obviously had the money. You actively [i]chose[/i] here. So why did you [i]really[/i] come?”[/color]

[color=EE4B2B]"Because when someone doesn't reply to your letters for 25 years you start to wonder if something else had happened. I wanted to come here. Make sure that everyone knew the truth. As it was clear Amanda had been hiding it. I also wanted to see you. Selfish of me I know. But I wanted nothing more to see you grow up. But more than that, I wanted you to be safe."[/color] Aloysius was clearly not as adept at hiding his emotions as others. He clearly looked hurt as he spoke about wanting to see Miles. Being separated from them both was the most painful experience in his life. 

Miles sighs, taking another sip of his beer. [color=DC143C]”Well she’s alive and doing- well she’s alive and here I am grown up. Ta-da, all done. But you’ve seen that a few times already. What do you want from us Al? What do you want from me and what do you want from her?”[/color] For a few reasons Miles was glad he got to Al before his mum did. She was indeed a strong woman but Miles did want to scope out the man beforehand. He supposed it was a way of pretending he was doing his part of protecting her even if he knew it was equivalent of him being 5 years old attacking box dragons with a plastic sword to protect her in his world of fantasy once again. Unlike Aloysius, Miles seemed an expert in keeping a straight and blank face, only the slightest clues shining through his eyes.

[color=EE4B2B]"I haven't quite figured that out yet in all honesty. I know realistically it is far too much to ask anyone to let me into their lives given the extreme length of time…" [/color] Aloysius would then take a deep drink and finish off his gin and tonic, shaking his head as he looked away [color=EE4B2B]"Despite how much I really want it. It's selfish of me to be able to ask for that"[/color] 

Miles gave a sigh, playing with the glass bottle in his hands. [color=DC143C]”Ma said something to me last week that I guess kinda stuck. That as much as you wanted to be here it doesn’t change the fact that you were never around to be my dad as it’s unfair for you to expect that. She kinda has a point, y’know,”[/color] Miles replies before downing the rest of his beer. [color=DC143C]”You really left a mess behind with us, y’know that right? Even more so for her than me. By coming here and justifying you’re kinda taking away the crutch we had in having someone to blame.”[/color]

[color=EE4B2B]"I get that. It is far easier for everyone to blame someone that just admit that life is grey and complicated"[/color] Aloysius sighed, rubbing the back of his head. [color=EE4B2B]"Right now Miles I don't know what I want. Or even need. This is the first time in like 25 years I have actually had the freedom to go somewhere. It's strange"[/color] Aloysius rubbed his shoulder before looking over at Miles. [color=EE4B2B]"I know I left shit behind, caused alot of damage. None of it was intentional. I was doing it to keep everyone safe. I wanted to be a part of both your lives. That's why I kept writing letters."[/color]

[color=DC143C]”Not that I’d get myself in that position of my girlfriend being clueless about what I am, cus funnily enough as soon as I knew I was magi she was the first person I told, but if something like this happened I’d walk through the nine hells to get back to her. Would rather die trying than waste away waiting for permission or whatever to go home. But that’s just me I guess.”[/color]

Aloysius buried his head on the bar. Clearly he was either upset or frustrated [color=EE4B2B]"And what would that have achieved? Yeah I could have broken away from Salem. But in doing so I would have revealed where you and Mary were when I came running back. Then you both would have been killed. In all honesty, I didn't think I would be under guard for this long. Normally Salem would get bored and just walk away. Not this time though"[/color] 

Miles sighs, not completely sure how to respond. [color=DC143C]”I at least woulda warned her about who I was, at least then they'd have a clue. We always assumed you were just living the high life in England or Korea."[/color] Miles flags down the bartender, ordering another beer. [color=DC143C]”Woulda at least saved a few of my current problems honestly."[/color] Miles fell back into silence for a moment, playing with the empty beer bottle in his hands. [color=DC143C]”How many times have you done this? Do I have siblings floating around somewhere?"[/color]

Aloysius shook his head [color=EE4B2B]"No, no one else. I had things before your mother, but after her. No. I wouldn't have dreamt of it"[/color] Aloysius replied. He knew that Miles had a low opinion of him, and this conversation was just helping dig that grave deeper and deeper. [color=EE4B2B]"I had planned to tell your mother about the real me before you were born. Amanda put a stop to that. She pressured me into having her child and then when I said no, called Salem on me. I intended to get somewhere safe and then send a letter explaining everything. Obviously that letter never arrived to your mother"[/color] 

Miles took his new beer bottle and held it toward the bartender thankfully before taking a drink. [color=DC143C]”Y'ever think that maybe my ma moved on? 25 years is a long time."[/color] Miles was somewhat toying with Al at this point, he knew what he was doing by bringing this possibility up. In truth he'd never seen his mother in love, if he thought about it hard enough he was sure he'd never seen her go on a date. 

[color=EE4B2B]"Well yeah. I had considered it. Alot actually. Was one of the things that kept me up at night y'know. Everyone always looked at me as a bad person. Always judged me, always speaking about me behind my back. Your mother was never like that. I know she didn't know who I was. But it was such a breath of fresh air."[/color] Aloysius would order another drink, casually looking at Miles, trying to get a read on the younger Miles intentions. Was he trying to get under Als skin? 

[color=DC143C]”And maybe that wouldn't be the way she acted if she knew [i]who[/i] you were?"[/color] Miles spits back, looking up at the man. He knew that wouldn't be the case. There were very few people his mother lacked sympathy for, even for Al's shortcomings she'd find some good in him but he was banking on Al not knowing that. Maybe that's why her and Claire were always so close, Mary would be a reminder of kindness and Claire would make sure the other woman wasn't getting herself into dangerous territory. At this point Miles wasn’t quite sure what he wanted anymore. He wasn't sure how this would go. He wanted answers but he honestly wasn't sure what answers. Maybe he just enjoyed toying with the man.

It was clear that Aloysius was hurt by Miles remark. He wasn't wrong. But alot of Aloysius's mental state relied on him believing that at least one person didn't hate him. [color=EE4B2B]"I would like to think she wouldn't. Everyone else does. Even your leader chewed me out after the dinner. Was dressing me down about being lucky I wasn't getting kicked out"[/color] Aloysius took his new drink and took an opening sip [color=EE4B2B]"I am sure you want to ask something. So just ask. Don't hold back"[/color]

[color=DC143C]”I dunno,"[/color] Miles mumbles, finding a sudden interest in his beer bottle. He had questions, so many questions, but in the heat of the moment and his emotions he couldn't catch any of them. [color=DC143C]”I guess I just want to know you really did hurt knowing what you did. And not because my ma screamed at you or hit you in the face or whatever. I want to know you spent 25 years understanding the state you put us in. To be honest, Al, she can give you all the speeches under the sun and I don't think she'd truly tell you what she went through to keep me alive. Y'know she used to send me to Korean lessons? Every Saturday or Sunday for 15 years she shuttled me to and from Seattle to pay the little we had so I could learn what she thought was your heritage. [i]"Miles Price"[/i], she'd say,"[/color] Miles tries his best to mimic her voice. [color=DC143C]”[i]"You can hate your father all you want but this is still part of who you are, it's important you learn this."[/i] She wanted me to be so much in spite of you."[/color] His voice drops as he raises his bottle to his lips, [color=DC143C]"And it turns out we're not even Korean."[/color]

[color=EE4B2B] I took a lightning bolt from Salem, at maximum power. The whole state of New York power grid shot into a single shot. It was excruciatingly painful. But that was nothing compared to knowing what I had left behind. I would rather get hit by that bolt again. I am sure Salem would be happy to oblige"[/color] Aloysius finished his drink and placed down his glass. [color=EE4B2B]"My biggest regret was being away from you and Mary. Even though it protected you. It destroyed me not being here"[/color]

[color=DC143C]”Not like it didn't destroy us either."[/color] Miles grumbles, taking another swig of his beer bottle. [color=DC143C]”You say you wanna make it up to us but how do you plan on doing that?"[/color]

[color=EE4B2B]"Well I originally planned to use my wealth to make sure you and Mary were at the very least set up for the rest of your life. I am guessing by the fact the house is exactly the same as how I left it, the money I kept sending each month was taken by Amanda."[/color] Aloysius shook his head as he carried on [color=EE4B2B]" But your mother is stubborn, and wouldn't accept it even if I offered it. So I don't quite know how I am going to make it all up. I guess by being here incase either of you need anything"[/color] 

It seemed there was only so much Mary had changed through the years, the woman was still as stubborn as a mule. It was a trait Miles had undoubtedly inherited from her. [color=DC143C]”And what could either of us possibly need from [i]you[/i]?"[/color] the man asks venomously. Who did Aloysius think he was pretending he'd be needed. Miles and his ma did fine for 25 years without him. What could the man add now?

Aloysius could hear the venom in his voice. It was clear that Miles clearly didn't want his help. He didn't want him around. [color=EE4B2B]"Look if you don't want me around, I can leave. You just have to say. I can take a train to somewhere and be out of your hair."[/color] Aloysius wasn't happy about bringing it up, mostly because he was sure that Miles would simply tell him to get lost. 

[color=DC143C]”Honestly, Al? I want you to leave my ma alone."[/color] Maybe this is the reason he dragged Al out, the reason he got to the man first. 

Aloysius let out a long, drawn out, depressed sigh. It was clear the words had stung him. Shuffling in his seat he pushed his glass away. [color=EE4B2B]" If that's what you really want Miles. I can do that. It's going to hurt to do it"[/color] 

Miles could see his words stung the man but he honestly couldn't care less. Part of Miles knew it wasn't his place to be making calls like this for his mother but he had made her life hard enough, he wanted to do something to make it easier. In a way Miles was a little scared she might fall for him again. Miles wasn't against his mother finding love but he was against her finding it with his estranged father. [color=DC143C]”And you've hurt her more than enough for a lifetime. Call this karma,"[/color] he shoots back before taking another sip from the bottle.

Aloysius looked down [color=EE4B2B]"Don't you think I know that, I know how much pain I caused and how much I fucked up. But you have I understand Miles. I did it to protect you and Mary. I didn't do it because I wanted an affair, or I wanted to cause harm to Mary. I am sorry I am not this big evil bad guy that you want me to be"[/color]

Miles narrows his eyes at the man. [color=DC143C]”Oh [i]please[/i],"[/color] he snaps. [color=DC143C]”Don't pretend you're completely innocent in this. You may not be as guilty as we thought but your hands are still stained red. You're not this perfect victim. Well I'm sorry I can't suddenly decide to be your son after 25 years of abandonment and I'm sorry my ma doesn't love you anymore."[/color] Miles throws back, his voice becoming increasingly louder at every word. He finished his line with a slam of the beer bottle on the table. 

[color=EE4B2B]"Really now?"[/color] Aloysius states as Miles began to raise his voice. [color=EE4B2B]"I am far from perfect  and it was my past that ripped Mary and you from me, but that didn't mean I never stopped loving or caring Miles."[/color] Aloysius hit back. He wanted to build bridges with Miles, but also he wasn't going to let himself be entirely stepped over. [color=EE4B2B]"I never expected you to just suddenly want to be my son again, and I never expected Mary to just take me back. It would have been nice. But I am a realist. I knew it was going to be a long term thing. You are just getting mad because I am guessing you blamed alot of your failures on the fact you had a deadbeat dad. But now you have seen said dad, that theory no longer fits, and you can't make peace with yourself"[/color]

[color=DC143C]”Well congratulations, [i]dad[/i],"[/color] Miles replies sarcastically. [color=DC143C]”What do you want? A medal? A trophy that says 'World's number one dad'? Good job caring about your son. You must be the best of men."[/color] Miles huffs, folding his arms over his chest as he looked his father squarely in the eyes. Nothing the man was saying seemed to help calm him. Quite the opposite actually. Miles could feel himself ignite, he swore he was redder. [color=DC143C]”No, [i]Aloysius[/i], last I checked you were absent in my life. As much as you wanted to be here and wrote letters  or whatever you were absent. Last I checked, that covers the definition of a deadbeat dad right there!"[/color]

[color=EE4B2B]"And it's not like I did by choice Miles. I get that I did wrong but maybe, just maybe, I could have a little bit of understanding, rather than just being mentally tortured by you by thinking I am being strung along."[/color] Aloysius huffed. Miles was starting to grate on him. Miles was just not trying to understand Aloysius at all. [color=EE4B2B]" I can't believe I let myself think that you invited me here to actually get to understand me and maybe lay down some foundations"[/color]

[color=DC143C]”Just be grateful that I didn't bring you here to knock you out."[/color] Miles growls, knocking back the last of his drink. [color=DC143C]”I feel like I'm really coming to understand you. The real you who sits up on his damn high horse thinking he's above other's experiences. I never said I was here to build foundations."[/color]

[color=EE4B2B]"Knock me out? Really. So that's the kind of person you really are?"[/color] Aloysius retorted. This was going nowhere now. He gave a deep sigh to center himself before speaking, trying not to let the anger get the better for him. [color=EE4B2B]"I don't sit on a high horse. I admit that I did terrible things, but I didn't do them for shitty reasons, I did them for noble ones. I did them for you. As I said, growing up without you was the single most devastating and painful thing in my life"[/color]

[color=DC143C]”You wanna go, old man?"[/color] Miles growls at his first response. That was when Al kept speaking. Miles couldn't help but curiously cock his head. [color=DC143C]”"So are you not on that high horse or do you still think you're a noble person?"[/color] Miles shoots back. This time his works were more menacing, almost waiting for a mistake to be made. 

[color=EE4B2B]"I might be an old man, but I could floor you with a flick of my wrist"[/color] Aloysius sighed, trying not to go for the bait. [color=EE4B2B]"I am far from noble Miles. I have done terrible things in my past. Stuff I have to love with every single day of my life. Some days are easier than others. But leaving to protect you and Mary was a good decision. No matter how much I wanted to escape and drive back.[/color]

[color=DC143C]”And I can disarm you with a single word, looks like were at a stalemate,"[/color] Miles threatens, lowering his voice as he leans in. Miles could feel his eyes sting as hot tears threatened to rise to the surface. He was unsure if they were angry tears or sad tears for a life lost. Maybe even frustrated tears. He pushed them back, stoic as ever. [color=DC143C]”Well I've should get back to the Ranch before Lilith starts to worry. But I am my mothers son, I'm not her but she's given me some of her heart. I'm not forgiving you or whatever but I'll give you this. Do you have any questions for me?"[/color] Miles knew he was exploring dangerous territory putting himself out there like this but he had there was part of him who couldn't leave the man without something. Maybe it was curiosity or kindness that forced those words. He'd never know.

[color=EE4B2B]"I do have some questions. Why did you actually call me here? Because I don't think you called me here to have a go at me"[/color] Aloysius decided to ask. He didn't know what answer he was going to get. But this might be the only way to get closer to Miles. 

To be honest Miles was slightly taken aback with this question being the man's first. He was expecting more along the lines of Al asking if the pair had a chance of getting closer, if Miles would ever call him son or his mother would ever not shutter and shake in his presence. [color=DC143C]”Honestly? The other week made my life a whole lot more complicated for a lot of reasons."[/color] Miles gives a sigh fidgeting with the empty glass bottle. [color=DC143C]”To put things simply, my girlfriend’s pregnant, I guess I'm trying to wrap up and sever as many loose ends as possible so I can focus on looking after her."[/color]

[color=EE4B2B]" Ah, well. I remember finding out about the pregnancy. Mary had to stop me from trying to just to attack Salem and try and stop her getting near your girlfriend"[/color] Aloyisus mentioned. He wasn't quite sure what to ask next, but settled on another question. [color=EE4B2B]"So, your girlfriend… Do You love her?"[/color]

Of course [i]Aloysius[/i] knew. Why did everyone seem to know? Miles didn't press that though, instead he simply gave another sigh, rubbing his eye. Al's next question surprised him more. What was the man playing at? He wanted questions about his life, not so much this but he obliged regardless. [color=DC143C]”Lilith and I have- a precarious history,"[/color] he replies, carefully thinking through every word. [color=DC143C]”But of course I love her. More than anything."[/color]

Hearing the final sentence, Aloysius smiled rather proudly. Seeing Miles admit he loved someone somehow made Aloysius feel happy. [color=EE4B2B]"It's good to see passionate. I want you to be everything I never was"[/color] Aloysius said with a sigh. 

[color=DC143C]”And that's exactly what I plan on being,"[/color] Miles replies almost instantly. [color=DC143C]”I don't really know how to be a dad, honestly don't really have anyone to ask about that, but I can at least try and be better."[/color] He takes a moment, his eyes drifting back to the TV. [color=DC143C]”Look, I know you were only there for the start of it but what was ma's pregnancy like? I've tried asking her but she gets weirdly guarded about it. I guess I just wanna know what to expect."[/color]

[color=EE4B2B]" It was sweet. Mary wouldn't slow down. So I had to get creative to get her to unwind and actually rest up. So nothing really changed."[/color] Aloyisus let out a soft sigh and then carried on asking questions of his own. [color=EE4B2B]"I know the answer, but I have to ask. Did you ever consider trying to locate me?"[/color]

Sweet was far from the way Mary seemed to describe it in her short form answers blowing off his questions but he knew Aloysius missed a lot, maybe it all got bad after he left. Still, he couldn't stop himself from mumbling, [color=DC143C]”Sweet for her or sweet for you?"[/color] more to himself. Not slowing down indeed sounded exactly like her. At his next question Miles gives another sigh. [color=DC143C]”For the most part? No. I guess I kinda just accepted you weren't here. But there was a time when I was in college I got curious and did try to find you. Turns out Johnathon Park's a pretty common name in England. I know ma tried, as much as she didn't want me to know. Overheard Claire talking her out of getting plane tickets to London and Seoul to try and find you when I was like 5 or something. I don't know what she would have done when she did."[/color]

Aloysius gave a nod as Miles responded. It was a perfectly acceptable response. Aloysius decided to try and ratchet up the intensity of his questions, pushing himself into questions that Aloysius didn’t exactly want the answers to, but needed to ask anyway. [color=EE4B2B]”Okay, So what do you know of the Magi rebellion at the end of the millennium? How much do you actually know about the real me, I guess is what I am asking.”[/color]

[color=DC143C]”Very little, honestly. Magi 101 didn't really hold my attention much despite how entertaining Ty is, didn't think it needed to. I know the main players and that it happened. I've read a handful of letters, that you think your ma primed you for it. Why, is there something I should know despite the fact Salem probably wants me more dead."[/color]

Aloysius was half way through ordering a drink when he heard a name he hadn’t heard in a long time. He almost froze. Spinning back to Miles with a slightly concerned look on his face. [color=EE4B2B]”Ty… as in Tiberius DeLamar?”[/color] Aloysius asked, hoping to god that Miles had misspoken in some way.

Miles' brow furrowed at the man's response. Did he know Ty personally? The information Ty gave seemed textbook, he never weighed in with his own stories or thoughts, never mentioned Al as if he was any more than a figure in a story. Miles' generation made bets on where he fought, honestly Miles thought he sided with the guild. [color=DC143C]”You know him?"[/color] he asked.

[color=EE4B2B]" More than know him."[/color] Aloysius remarked as he grabbed his fresh drink and downed the whole thing in one. [color=EE4B2B]" We have a complicated history from when I was younger"[/color] Aloysius finished. Placing the glass back on the counter, he looked back over at Miles. [color=EE4B2B]"Is he doing okay?"[/color]

Miles raised an eyebrow in response. [color=DC143C]"Fine I guess. He was on the council until Serena stepped up. I guess he's why ma thought I and Lil's and my babies are fine in the magi's eyes."[/color] Miles continues to toy at his bottle for a moment. [color=DC143C]”Why, is he your ex-boyfriend or something?"[/color] he jokes

Aloysius didn't quite know how to respond to Miles joking comment. Mostly because actually it was true. With a rub if his head, Aloysius decided to tell the truth. [color=EE4B2B]" Actually yeah he was. Back in the war. Well kind of. We were never official. More casual. I wanted more. He didn't. Was my second in command during it all. Always thought Salem killed him in the final battle since he went quiet in the aftermath."[/color] 

A simple [color=DC143C]”Oh,"[/color] was all that escaped the man's lips. It was honestly an unexpected answer but Miles wasn't sure if he was more shocked at his mother and Ty sharing a connection in his father, especially [i]that[/i] sort of connection as Ty and his mother were two very different people, or that Ty was indeed in the Dark Shadows. [color=DC143C]”Yet you're not chasing Ty around like a lost puppy. The magi war was only a couple of years before I was born, right? Ty wouldn't have been much longer ago than my ma."[/color]

[color=EE4B2B]"Ty was an interesting person, but over the time of the war it became clear that while I saw him as a friend, he was more interested in going drinking with Emily than me."[/color] Aloyisus sighed, he didn't expect to dredge up old feelings tonight. [color=EE4B2B]"Yeah the war was a few years before I met your mother. As I said before. Mary was different. We clicked. We had genuine connection. Unlike Salem and Ty where it kinda felt like I was trying and they weren't."[/color] 

Miles pursed his lips, unsure who this was quickly becoming more awkward for. There was only so much about his parents’ love life he could handle hearing. [color=DC143C]”Of course you dated Salem too,"[/color] he mutters. Picking around his fingernails nervously.

[color=EE4B2B]"Salem was my first love actually. It was us breaking up that actually led to the starting of the Magi war. In a nutshell, the Magi elders decided that it would not be wise for two great families to date and eventually have children. Super babies and all that. So they asked Salem's father to split us up. I guess that was the point not where my mother started getting her tendrils into me. Enchantment magic is the worst at times"[/color] Aloysius remarked. He hadn't actually spoken about the past for a long time. Lola, his sister, simply shut him up whenever he mentioned it as she couldn't give a damn about family history. 

[color=DC143C]”And here I am, making crossbreed superbabies.”[/color] Miles muses, his eyes catching the bottles on the bar, the TV on the wall, the bartender rushing around doing her job. Anything but Al. He then picks up on another line Aloysius said. [color=DC143C]”Enchantment magic-”[/color] Miles never knew his father was magi, not until last week. All his mother had told him was that his dad was a warlock, that his power type wasn’t important as he likely inherited enchantment from her side of the family as if it wasn’t a random draw most times. [color=DC143C]”Are magi powers hereditary?”[/color]

Aloysius listened to Miles question and then nodded. [color=EE4B2B]"There are certain powers that are more likely to appear in certain families. Our family gets Aero and Hydromancy alongside the world's most powerful enchanters sprinkled in"[/color] He was curious to know how much Miles knew about his Magi powers and Magi society. Maybe it was a way for the pair to bond? 

Miles simply nods, he wasn’t sure if he’d call himself powerful. He didn’t bother telling Al about his powerset, he didn’t ask. [color=DC143C]”And what are you?”[/color]

[color=EE4B2B]"Aeromancy. I am the strongest Aeromancer in the world. In theory. In practice, well I am a little rusty"[/color] Aloysius mentioned, he wanted to be direct and ask Miles precisely what his power was, but he didn't also want to be too direct about it. 

[color=DC143C]”Aren’t you meant to be in your prime at your age or something?”[/color] Miles asks, resettling his gaze on the man.

[color=EE4B2B]"Yeah I am. Thing is, I haven't really used my power in a while. I could still wipe the floor with anyone else, but I couldn't push it to the same level as Salem could"[/color] Aloysius sighed and looked down at the bar. 

Miles sighed, he’d gotten all the answers he’d wanted and he didn’t want Lil worrying when he returned home later than expected. [color=DC143C]”Well, If you’re done I should get back home to Lilith. Can’t have her worrying too hard with the babies I guess. Reckon it’ll almost be as hard as getting my ma to slow down.”[/color] He starts slipping off of his seat.

[color=EE4B2B]"Sadly there isn't any magic that makes raising babies any easier. Well. I suppose you could enchant them to calm them down"[/color] Aloysius remarked as he saw Miles turn on the stool. [color=EE4B2B]"Look after yourself. I don't think Salem is going to come after you now. The fact she has left I think pretty much means you are all safe. I know you won't accept it, but if you need anything, you can just ask."[/color]

[color=DC143C]”I have a hunch Lilith wouldn’t be a fan of enchantment on the babies. What would you know anyway? Have you been around many babies?”[/color] At Aloysius’ last words Miles huff, fishing his keys out of his pocket. [color=DC143C]”Yeah, probably not. And Aloysius? I meant what I said about ma. Leave her alone. The poor woman’s been through enough already.”[/color]