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Tweak says, "Oh, sweet mystery of life..."

Rufus Byrne (riotous_touch) wrote in halcyon_houses,
@ 2008-12-10 01:18:00

Entry tags:

kate, rufus

Week Twenty-Three- Monday
Who: Kate, and Rufus
What: Early birthday dinner?, and conversation
When: Monday evening
Where: Starting out in their room, and then...

In two days time, he'd be twenty. Twenty, and already married. Legally, or so he supposed. Was it legal, if it hadn't yet been consummated? He was sure it was... at least, he hoped. Why would that be such an important step? Yes, the point of most marriages was for the purpose of starting a family, but they weren't to that point yet. Likely wouldn't be for some time. They had made a huge commitment, yes, but that didn't mean they had rushed the progress of all aspects of their relationship. They hadn't dated long before, and neither were very knowledgeable about the whole physical relations thing. He also didn't want Kate to feel rushed, or obligated, just because they were married. He'd married her, because he loved her, not because he wanted automatic access to her knickers. He was strange in that sense. Most boys his age were obsessed with sex. He saw it more as a fact of nature... one that still made him blush.

Rufus was thankful that the school required them to separate the week before the full. As where meditation used to be able to keep him in line, now with the temptations of a wife, he found it more difficult to control himself. You didn't become fond of someone's scent, their kisses, their touch, and not have the animal within you take notice. That wasn't to say that he would ever let it get the better of him, but, until he had more study behind him, he didn't want to tempt it. He was happy with what progress they'd had so far. Full blown snog sessions, and heavy petting. He wasn't complaining. Besides, he wanted that first time to be special, to have some sort of meaning. Not just the result of a make out session gone crazy.

After class, he'd logged in a couple of hours at work. There was no show till the following night, so, he got everything set up, that way there would be less to do the following night. After work, he'd stopped by, and bought a shadow box from one of the local stores. He needed something to put his painted guitar picks in, and thought a shadow box would be perfect. He didn't want to use them, for fear that the paint might chip. Even though Wes said he'd sprayed them enough that it wouldn't come off. Still, there was always the chance he could lose one of them, and he didn't want that at all. Pushing open their door room door, his eyes scanned the room, coming to rest upon his wife. "Hiya." He said, crossing the distance between them, and placing a kiss to her lips. "You haven't been waiting too long, have you?" He questioned, setting his purchase down on the computer desk.

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straight_shot
2008-12-15 09:12 am UTC (link)

It was a good thing that both of them seemed keen on moving at their own pace, regardless of what those around them or tradition itself might dictate. They'd married on their own time, in a manner that suited them, and she could only assume they'd continue with things in that way. Things were gradually progressing towards a more physically serious stage and though Kate's lack of experience made her a bit intimidated by the whole notion of actually consummating her marriage to Rufus, she also loved him enough to be thrilled by the aspect of taking that final step in things between them. Getting to this stage might have been born of an impulsive move back in London, but it had turned out to be one of the best decisions she'd ever made. There hadn't been a moment in which Kate had regretted their decision to wed, though she wished her father would be the kind to share in her happiness. Not telling him was difficult and not only because she didn't truly like lying to him but because Rufus was not something she wished to hide. She wasn't ashamed of what she had done and she hadn't wanted her husband to think that she might be, not even for a moment.

But now, there were more important things at hand....like Rufus' birthday. It was only a few days away now and they hadn't seen each other as much lately as they might like, which meant something special was in order. It had taken a bit of work to track down a caterer who seemed to have an impressive skill-set with Indian cuisine. She'd run into town not long ago to pick up their meal for the evening, arranging it on the little table in the dorm room they shared. Romance wasn't Kate's stongsuit, but her husband was definitely worth the effort. She'd even dimmed the lights, letting the room instead be illuminated by a number of candles she'd picked up, spread about the room and carefully lit. And, of course, to make the evening truly special, she'd changed into the sari Rufus had given her when he'd come home after their last break. Tonight was to be a celebration of his birthday, she was going to make it as close to perfect as she could.

"Hello birthday boy," Kate smiled, leaning up to meet him halfway in the kiss. "No, I haven't been waiting long at all. Besides, I've had a bit of work to keep me busy." Hopefully he would enjoy everything she'd pulled together. She was in no way an expert of Indian cuisine, what she had picked up smelled amazing, so she hoped that it tasted the same. "Hungry?" she reached over to take his hand in hers, nodding towards the spread that awaited him on the nearby table. "Obviously I don't have the slightest idea what you might like, so I took a few suggestions from Wes' girlfriend and found a place in town that's supposed to be quite talented with Indian food."

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riotous_touch
2008-12-17 12:43 am UTC (link)

The more time that passed, the more difficult it became to keep the secret from their parents. His father didn't seem to have the slightest idea, which is how he wanted it. There was no telling what sort of hell it would cause, it the old man knew. Thus far, his grandmother had been willing to keep the secret as well. So long as Rufus promised to call her once a week, and listen to all the marriage advice she had to offer. It didn't hurt that she never had really cared for his father. Yet, he would put it past her to one day mention it to the Doctor, just to piss him off. His grandmother had spunk, deeply engrained in her DNA. Rufus only wished that he had inherited a quarter of her bravery.

"Did you?" He asked curiously, finally noticing all the work she had put together for the celebration. "Color my oblivious, how did I miss this?" He said with a chuckle. "I think I might be able to blame my height, and my line of eye sight being a bit higher than most." More a case of his head being in the clouds, and him simply not paying attention. That was normally the case when he wandered around. "Oh, I like pretty much everything." He said with a smile, inhaling the scent of the meal spread out before them. "Macher Jhol. Ah, it smells amazing." It took him back home, to the birthday celebrations that Janka, and his family would throw for him. The entire family would spend the day preparing all sorts of meals for them to dine on in the evening. It was always a feast, and it was always amazing.

His mouth was officially watering, "Khichdi, and Paratha. Kate, you're the best." He said sincerely, pulling her into a hug, and placing a kiss against the top of her hair. His excitement, and happiness, over the prospect of dinning on his favorite sort of food, was evident in his features. If the dishes were any good, they might have to visit this restaurant on a regular bases. If Kate enjoyed it as well, that was. "This reminds me, break is coming up soon, and... well, I was thinking." Moving around to the table, he pulled out her seat for her. "What do you think about going to India?"

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straight_shot
2008-12-17 08:52 am UTC (link)

If keeping the secret hadn't been so important to the two of them and their shared happiness she never would have lied to her father, and she'd wager that Rufus wouldn't have made that choice either. She wasn't a fan of deception, but sometimes it was necessary. She didn't know Rufus' father well enough to guess at his reaction, but she knew that her own would have a coronary - and the guilt trip that followed would be legendary. Telling him would surely bring a swift end to her happiness and she couldn't quite give up this little honeymoon period that she and Rufus were living in just yet. She knew the day would come when they each had to confess to their parents exactly what they'd done, but she wasn't looking forward to it. She rather liked this little bubble of ignorant bliss they were living in. And tonight, while they celebrated his birthday, was definitely no time to worry about such things in the future.

"I did, well I tried," she admitted with a smile, glancing around at the work she'd done to put together this little evening for him. They'd each been busy with school and she'd been job hunting, which had left her little time to plan something, but she wasn't about to let his birthday pass without doing something special for him. "Well, come down here with the rest of us and enjoy your birthday celebration," Kate teased, leading him over to the little table that held the spread. She wasn't very knowledgeable when it came to Indian food, but Cat's recommendations smelled amazing. She was sure her husband could explain to her what everything was - she might have to make a note of what she enjoyed for next time. "Good, then I hope it's nearly as good as you remember." Nothing would come near home cooking, but hopefully this was a close second.

She leaned into his embrace, her arms slipping about his waist to hold him against her. It was nice to see him so excited about this little celebration, she was hoping he'd enjoy it. There would be no argument from her about patronizing the restaurant in the future if they enjoyed what they tasted. She stepped back as the pair moved to eat and lowered herself into the chair he offered for her, "Thank you." Once he was settled next to her at the table, Kate glanced over everything she'd picked up. She couldn't decide where to start! And he was definitely going to have to tell what things were, it all looked so interesting. With everything going on, she'd nearly forgotten about break coming up until he mentioned it. "I'd like that," she assured him with a smile. Of course, she'd have to stop home for at least a day, lest her father get suspicious, but a trip to India sounded amazing.

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riotous_touch
2008-12-18 12:57 am UTC (link)

The truth was, when it came to his father, Rufus could really care less about being honest with him. He felt as if the old man had no rights to him. He hadn't put much effort into raising him, aside from signing checks here, and there. That's what made a parents, as far as he was concerned. His mother had done most of the work, then, when she went, Janka had taken over the job. Tony thought he could invest so little time into his relationship with his son, and still expect the kid to listen to what he had to say. Which was crazy. It didn't matter to him, whether or not his father ever found out about the marriage. All it would do, would be to cause hell. Rufus wasn't sure he wanted to corrupt this beautiful relationship the two had, with all of this drama. How long could they keep it a secret though? One day, their folks would find out, and they would have to answer for it. He only hoped that it was later, rather than sooner.

"It looks great, I mean that." He was really touched by all the effort she had put into everything. From the gift, to the menu. It all fit him, and showed that she really had thought about everything. Rufus chuckled, "I suppose I should. I might have to duck though." Some things were just more fun to blame on the height. Especially if you could make a joke out of being oblivious. Truth was, that was pretty much just his over all personality. Well, with some things. Things involving other people anyway. "I'm sure it will be." He would gladly answer any question that she might have. After all, some people were iffy about eating exotic foods, especially when they used ingredients not often used in other cultural dishes. "Macher Jhol is a spicy fish dish, rohu, to be exact." He said, pointing out one of the main courses. "It's fairly traditional, and very good. So long as you don't mind warm food." It it wasn't the Chiles, and onions in the dish, it was the other spices. He loved it though.

"Khichdi, this is sort of considered a snack food. Rice, and lentils. It's... sort of like rice, and pickles." He couldn't help but laugh. "It's better than it sounds, I promise." Offering her a plate, he took his own in hand, before filling it with the gathered foods. "Paratha, that's this flat bread here. It's good to have when you eat the Macher Jhol, it helps cut out some of the heat." There were also a few sweets present, but he'd explain those a bit more, once they got to them. "Yeah? I really think you'll like it there. I'm pretty sure Janka's family might try to talk us into moving in with them. They did that last time I went to visit." He already knew that they would throw them a big marriage celebration... Say, there was an idea, a big Indian wedding. The whole event. He'd have to talk with Janka about it, but, that might make for a nice surprise for Kate.

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straight_shot
2008-12-18 06:55 pm UTC (link)

Kate knew that she couldn't, that she shouldn't, keep the news of her marriage a secret from her father forever. It wasn't right and it certainly wasn't fair to any of them. She deserved to stop hiding, to share her happiness with him even though she was positive he wouldn't be anything near to supportive about the revelation. Of course, it wasn't something she wanted to do over the phone or via e-mail. No, this was something that needed to be admitted to in person. Perhaps seeing how happy she was with Rufus would help ease the blow, though she truly didn't want to put him into that situation. She was used to how unpleasant her father was, she wouldn't put anyone else through not - especially not Rufus.

"Good, I'm glad you like it. I was hoping that you would," Kate guided him to the table and they took a seat, her attention turned to the dishes before them as Rufus took the time to begin explaining them. She truly was a novice to Indian cuisine and watching him as he prepared things seemed the best way to learn exactly what went with what. If it tasted as good as it smelled, then she wasn't going to be too worried. Thankfully, she was a fan of spicier foods - perhaps it was because much of England's popular cuisine was so heavy and bland. She was sure that she'd enjoy at least one of the many things she'd picked out for his celebration.

A trip to India did sound amazing, she'd never been anywhere even remotely close. But there was something she felt the need to do first, before she could go and meet his amazing family to celebrate their marriage, she needed to tell her own. "Do you think we might stopover in Brighton on the way? I do need to tell my father about this, I want to, but it needs to be done in person." It clearly wasn't something she was eager to get to, but it needed to be done. "You don't have to come with me if you'd prefer not to, I'd completely understand. I do want him to know though, I'm not quite enjoying keeping all of this a secret." And she didn't see why she had. She was happy and perhaps it was time for her father to deal with that or go about his own life. "Besides, I'm so excited to meet your family, I'd rather not have that hanging over my head," Kate admitted with a smile. His family must have been amazing, look at how he'd turned out.

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riotous_touch
2008-12-19 11:56 am UTC (link)

Perhaps because his own relationship with his father was so similar, he had expected her to carry the same sort of wishes about keeping the secret. Then again, she didn't have the same venomous feelings towards him. It wasn't the same, not at all. Only the men were truly of the same breed. Kate had always been loyal to her father, had done as he wished. Rufus on the other hand, had always rebelled against his own. They had, had opposite reactions to nearly the same situation. Even if he might not understand completely, it wasn't his place to try and convince her otherwise. It was obvious she didn't wish to sever ties from her family, and he would never push for such a thing. If Kate needed to tell her father, he would support her completely.

"Absolutely. It was a really sweet thing to do." It showed that she put thought into it, seeing as it wasn't just any old meal, and a cake. He enjoyed those little touches, that showed a person actually took interest in you, paid attention to you. He tried to do the same with her. As cheesy as it sounded, sometimes it wasn't the gift, but truly the thought that was behind it. You had to be a bit adventurous with foreign foods. He'd learned that. Which was admittedly a hard lesson. A boy from Scotland who refused to try anything that he couldn't distinguish by simply looking at it. It seemed he had lived off of pb&j for the first two weeks he was there. Finally, he'd been talked into trying some of the food, and found that he loved it. Hadn't looked back since.

Rufus didn't say anything right away, as he processed what it was that she was asking, and what all it would mean. He dabbed at his food for a moment, before nodding, "Yeah, I don't see why not... it's important to you." He was anxious about the whole thing. Afraid that if they got around her father in person, that he might actually be able to talk her out of the whole thing. He would never admit this fear to Kate, because he knew that she would never do it. But, you really couldn't help those deep seated fears that could come true in just the right situation. "No, I'd like to come. If I don't then... it might seem like I'm a coward. I want to shake the mans hand, so he can see why you married me. You telling him won't be the same as him seeing for himself, will it?"

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straight_shot
2008-12-20 05:45 pm UTC (link)

Kate had been raised by a man who had, for all intents and purposes, made her feel as though she was eternally indebted to him, as if bringing her up had been some great favor he'd done her. It was impossible to be told such a thing for your entire life and not eventually start to believe it - even a little. Besides, it was her downfall that she was simply too kind-hearted to cut the ties between herself and her father. Before Rufus, she'd never had family other than her father and had been hesitant to let that little remainder slip away. Of course, now that Rufus was in the picture, there was no telling how things might change. He was, after all, the first person who had ever come into Kate's life and truly cared about whether or not she was happy, what she enjoyed, what she thought and felt about things...it was a huge adjustment but one that she wouldn't readily let go of. It was hard to tell what the outcome might be if she was forced to choose between her father and her new husband.

"I would have liked to do more, but everything's been so hectic lately..." She'd hoped that he'd enjoy what she had managed to do, that it would be enough. She did want his birthday to be special, after all. The menu had been the easiest thing to put together and planning such a thing meant she had to be ready to try it, right? What good was putting together such a special meal if you were going to sit there while the other person ate it. No, Kate was definitely willing to try things, especially when they smelled this good.

"It is important to me that he knows about you, yes," Kate nodded lightly, reaching over to cover his hand with her own. "I'm not ashamed of you, Rufus, or of what we've done and I want him to know that. Keeping this a secret forever just doesn't seem fair...to him or to you." Something that made her this happy shouldn't have to be kept quiet anyway. It was something she wanted to be able to talk about. If her father couldn't accept it...well, then they'd cross that bridge when they reached it. Which, she had a feeling, might be sooner than later.

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riotous_touch
2008-12-22 12:12 am UTC (link)

If there was one thing that he could wish for, it would have been for Kate to have more time with her mother. Or to have had someone around, other than just her father. It would have done her wonders to have some around, telling her that she was so much more than just a tool to train, and win championships with. It was heart breaking to think that he was really the first person to see her as something more. Someone should have told her long ago that her father was in the wrong. There was no changing the past though. All he could do, was to continue to love her, and show her everything that she should have seen from the start. Rufus felt beyond blessed to have her in his life. He couldn't imagine for a moment, how anyone could think of her as anything less than that.

A smile touched his lips then, "Kate, really... this is amazing." He didn't want her to think she had to go on apologizing. Especially when there was nothing to apologize for. "It has been hectic." He agreed. "I feel like I haven't seen you much at all lately... I hate that." If he wasn't working, or in class, he was studying for finals. She herself had been job hunting, so the mix of everything had kept them apart. He enjoyed working though. It made him feel more adult, more worth something, now that he wasn't living off his dad. They would just have figure out a way to set time aside for one another.

When their hands touched, he sighed softly, before threading their fingers together. "I don't think you're ashamed of me.." He assured her. "You're right though, it isn't fair. We should tell him, absolutely." He was willing to make the trip, to break the news to her father. He only hoped that she didn't expect him to do the same with his own. "Kate, I... I'm in no hurry to tell mine. As far as I'm concerned, he's nothing more than my father on paper. So, please don't think I'm ashamed of what we've done, because I don't care to tell him." They would tell him eventually, but not soon. "It's more important to me that you meet my family in India. They actually give a damn about me... just like you do."

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straight_shot
2008-12-22 08:39 am UTC (link)

It would have been nice to have her mother, or any female figure around, really. Not only to provide some sort of alternative to her father but to simply guide her through some of those moments in life where a girl needed another woman. Instead, she'd steered herself - and, while that seemed to have worked out alright, Kate was sure a part of her would always wish she wouldn't have had to. The difference in her life now that it had Rufus in it was immeasurable. He didn't demand anything of her, didn't push her towards things she wasn't sure she wanted and, more importantly, he'd supported her in any and everything she'd so much as mentioned since they'd gotten married. It was a nice change to feel like you were finally enough for someone, that even this little dinner she'd managed to put together was enough. "I don't like not seeing you either," she admitted with a soft smile. The time apart was necessary, but that didn't make it any easier. Maybe they would have to make it a point to have dinner together more often - that seemed like a safe bet.

"Good, because I'm not, not in the slightest." She was still glad to hear he didn't even think as much - those little deep seated fears did tend to sneak up on you. And Kate was glad to hear he didn't mind telling her father, either. Most people in her position wouldn't bother with so much as a visit, she knew that, but he was still her father even after all of the things he'd done or said. Kate would probably forever feel a bit indebted to him, but Rufus was starting to help her realize that her life didn't need to be spent making things up to him, when she wasn't even sure what she was paying the price for. Hopefully telling him what she had gone and done would be the start at separating her life from his. Eventually she would have to go off and have her own life, it might as well start now, on an honest note.

"It's your when when and if you tell him...and I'll support you in whatever you decide," she assured him, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. "Besides, I think breaking the news to one parents who's likely to be less than pleased is enough for this break," Kate joked with a smile. It was his family in India she was a bit nervous about meeting, if she was being totally honest. They had truly brought Rufus into being who he was now, clearly they're opinion mattered to him a great deal. What if they didn't like her? What if they thought he could do better? She'd never voice these, of course, they seemed a bit silly even to her, but they lurked about in her head just the same. "I can't wait to meet them," and she couldn't, truly, even in spite of her nerves. She'd simply have to make sure they saw the Kate that had inspired him to get married so abruptly...and hope they understood.

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riotous_touch
2008-12-27 05:15 pm UTC (link)

Since the moment they had met, he had been struck by her. Something about her that he just hadn't been able to put his finger on. Both a comfort, and excitement came with her presence. She had brought out a nervous side of him, but it was the good sort of nervous. In truth, he had never had the same sort of reaction to anyone else. Kate was more than enough, she was beyond what he had ever expected to find. And so soon in life, it had caught him very much by surprise. It would be difficult not to love her, just as she was. Especially when she cared for him just the same. Never once had she degraded his music, or suggested that he look to a more adult career, as his father so often did. She loved him just as he was, not for what he could, or might be one day. "Glad I'm not the only one." He said fondly, his grin turning lopsided.

Had his mother still been alive, he likely would have taken the same care with her, as Kate had her father. When you were close to a parent, you felt you needed to repay them, for everything that they had done for you. Whether it be with favors, or just your time spent. Of course, to earn this type of devotion, a parent's heart had to be in the right place. He didn't honestly think that was the case with Kate's father. He would never understand why she felt a closeness with him, and he may not like it, but he was still her father. If she wished to maintain a close relationship with him, that was completely her own business.

All joking aside, she made a valid point. "I think you're beyond right about that. Knocking them both out in those two weeks would be a bit much. Hell, they might even join forces, and become some super dad force if we did that." Okay, so joking wasn't all aside. He couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of the two men, scheming together to try, and figure away to separate the two. It shouldn't be funny, but the image in his mind was. "They will love you, I promise. Janka's wife, and daughters will probably fawn over you for the first few days. They will spoil you. Then, Janka will drag us both around, and I'm sure tell embarrassing stories about me." He nodded. Knowing that she was likely going to hear about the first time he walked on hot coals, or caught his hair on fire... it should be completely mortifying. Of course, he couldn't miss it for the world though.

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