InsaneJournal

Thursday - December 11th, 2008
Who: James, Will and Devon later
When: Late Morning
Where: The grounds then his apartment on campus
What: Will is a teenager again


In spite of how uncomfortable the idea of leaving his now eighteen year old son to wander the grounds alone in the midst of this chaos made him, James and Devon had split up in their attempt to find Will. It would make this whole search faster. Of course that was if he was even on campus. If he wasn't, however, there was nothing to really worry about. Apparently only people who had been on campus at the time that this whole.. incident had occured had been affected. But James just had a feeling. And soon enough he found out that his feeling was right.

Will wasn't difficult to spot, even with the blond hair. He was gangly and odd looking, like most teenagers were, but he was still quite obviously himself. And Will spotted him just outside of the stables, wandering about in the cold. Now to determine how to approach him. James' steps faltered. He knew very little about the person Will was at that age so he wasn't sure how to even speak to him. But he had to say something. "William Grey," he finally called out, waiting to be heard and acknowledged.
~~~
The moment he had woken beneath the boughs of a large tree Will had known something was wrong. It wasn't the distinctive New York air but something foreign to him. He instantly thought he'd fallen asleep in the back of a cart or wagon that was going somewhere, but the question was - where excatly? The grounds displayed an asylum, or what was left of one. After investigating Will had realised that these folk were incredibly strange and used things he'd never seen, spoke in a way that was completely beyond him. 'Like what's going on?' he heard a fair few times. They couldn't even form proper sentences.

He needed to get out and as luck would have it, he found the stables. If only he could acquire a horse.... but then Will heard his name, carried on the wind. His real name. Snapping his head around his blue eyes frowned, searching for the person who apparently knew him. Maybe it would be a way back to the city. "What of it?" he challenged, suspicious, in his thick English accent.
~~~
This was going to be fun. James could already tell. Why was it he had volunteered to track down Will again? Right. Because the whole thing where he was still technically his husband and the co-parent of his son and he basically still loved him and all that.

"My name is James McCafferty." It was odd introducing himself to Will in this way. "And it's imperative that I speak with you. Do you have a moment?" And now to formulate precisely what he was going to say.
~~~
Those very suspicious blues scanned James like an x-ray machine. Though he was only seventeen in age he was much older in mind and he knew that nobody was to be trusted. Stepping away from the stables, wondering whether he would regret this later, he met James halfway. "I might, depending on what you need to speak about."
~~~
This was at least a start. But now came the hard part. He could tell Will the truth, but Will was suspect by nature. He wouldn't believe it, at least not right away, and right now he needed to try to convince him that the best course of action to take was to go with James. It would be the easiest way to keep him safe while all this got sorted out. So he decided to concoct a lie and use logic that he felt could work given the current circumstances.

"I've been told that you too are a believer in magics." James felt so odd speaking this way, but he wanted to make sure he used a language which Will would first of all understand and second respect. "And I am certain it has not escaped your notice that things are a bit... odd here." He said a silent plea that the angel would buy the explanation that he was about to give.

"I too am a user of magics, and so I've come to let you know that something has gone awry and you've been transported to a time and place that isn't your own." To tell him that he had reverted in age wouldn't work. Will was far too vain a person to believe that there was something wrong with him. But hopefully, and James thought he was right on this point, he would buy that there was something wrong with the world instead. "Additionally I have hope that you will accept my offer to serve as your guide until such a time when this mishap can be resolved."
~~~
Will gave James a very long, stern look that was almost unreadable. When this funny looking man stopped speaking the angel took several long moments to digest what he was trying to tell him. Magics, a time and place that wasn't his own... slowly Will's lips curled into a smile and finally he laughed, mirthful. It may appear slightly odd to James but to Will was clearly happy about this. Everything made sense. He saw it as a challenge, a mystery. Perhaps it had been a spell gone wrong, or perhaps he was just wanted out of somebody's way.

"I love the underworld," he smirked, looking around the campus with a new frame of mind though a moment later "So I have not been taken via a stinking cart to the far reaches of Connecticut. Lead on, then, guide. I want to know more about this strange place somebody wanted me to see."
~~~
There was a moment when James just knew that Will wasn't going to buy that line of bullshit AT ALL. And when he laughed, it was pretty impossible to read, the other man's shoulders slumping slightly. It looked like he would be going back to the drawing board. But the comment caught his ear and he quirked a brow slightly.

"Massachusetts," James replied. "But close enough. Though you didn't arrive by cart." Thank fucking God, or whoever was out there, that he knew Will's ego well enough to know what to say. Had anyone else found him, they would have failed all together at obtaining his... cooperation."And before we go, you should know that you're not the only one. There are quite a few.. strangers here today. You may hear or see some very odd things."
~~~
Will knew nothing apart fom bullshit and foreign circumstance but in this situation he actually believed what James was saying. Everything was strange and unexplainable, though his guide might put a few answers to it, and it was a very odd place he'd found himself in. Plus he wouldn't put it past his enemies to design something along these lines to get him out of the way though he had to give them credit - this was both novel and entertaining.

"I was counting on it,." he responded, striding forwards abandoning the horses and only half waiting for his guide to follow. "You have the honour of knowing my name... and as I refuse to call you squire during my stay here you need to tell me yours." There was something funny about this man, something Will couldn't put his finger on. Something in the feelings.
~~~
Great. Now he knew how he was going to be spending his day, following Will around. And not just Will, but teenaged Will who seemed about a million times more self-important than the Will he had grown to know and love ever had. This was bound to be entertaining, to put it mildly.

Falling into step behind the other man, he couldn't help but to make a face at the suggestion of being called "squire". "Pease don't," he replied with a slight laugh. "James. James McCafferty. As I mentioned before." Of course he had probably been too wrapped up in the moment to actually hear him the first time he had mentioned it.

"We could go to my home," James suggested, though he would of course have to locate Devon before they could do that. At least the boy had a cellphone so he could simply call him. "You would be safe and comfortable there." Though he wasn't so sure about taking him off campus, to Godric's house. Granted, it would be safe, most likely, but he had no idea the state of the others in that place just yet so that could be a horrible idea. It may be best to go to the apartment on campus instead, as much as he dreaded the thought of it.
~~~
William shrugged. "Names are water, they trickle away," he said randomly, looking at his surroundings and taking in the trees. He would be quite happy to stroll along, taking in the cool winter air, because it was clearly winter, and enjoy the moment but it seemed James had other ideas. He was being a little over protective for a guide. The angel wasn't sure he was comfortable with that.

"That's how it all starts." A knowing glance was shot to James as Will continued to stroll, almost daring him to contradict him. "An invitation. An ambush, either of affection or of a more sinister nature. I've yet to decide what you would give to me, you have potential of both within you."
~~~
James could barely stop himself from rolling his eyes. It was a good thing Will had toned down before he came to TJS. If he had been this level of pretentious when James first met him, they never would have gotten anywhere together. It was almost a miracle that that had as it was. But yes, he was protective. He didn't want Will, or someone else for that matter, to get hurt because of this.

"It was only an invitation," James replied flatly. "I thought perhaps you may be hungry or in need of freshening up. But if you'd rather just walk," he gave a slight shrug of his shoulders. He needed to let devon know what was going on, but he wasn't sure it would be the best idea to pull out his cellphone right now. And most especially since he wasn't sure quite where they were going to end up.
~~~
Will was most unimpressed with this man's behaviour and he showed it by a frown. Back in London, back in New York even, the Enabler was treated with the greatest of respect and admiration, mostly out of fear - but still he was revered all the same. They knew what would become of them if he was displeased, and he was on the verge of being so right now. "You don't respect me, do you?" he said simply. "I could be offended. But I recognise your malady. You respect only but yourself. I admire that."

Sort of. If James didn't walk the thin line and keep on the right side Will might turn. His stomach gave a grumble. "I am hungry.... take me to your.... eatery."
~~~
James quirked a brow slightly as he glanced over at the other man. "I am perfectly capable of respecting others, I just don't appreciate having my own motives questioned when I've given you no reason to think anything of the sort." He looked forward once more. "I made the offer only because I felt you may need a safe haven, a place to collect your thoughts. That is all. I have no interest other than that."

To say that he was relieved when Will gave him an in, an opening, for taking him back to the apartment, was an understatement. He was sure there was still something there that would pass for a decent meal. It wasn't as though they'd been moved out of the place for all that long. There was sure to still be a few things in the pantry and freezer. "Follow me then, Mr. Grey." He tried to keep his tone even on that, and not allow any degree of potential sarcasm to pour through.
~~~
"Your motives are questioned because I do not know you. You have not given me any reason to believe that you are completely on my side. I have been in this situation before. I request no forgiveness for my behaviour towards you as I do no wrong. I am sure you would feel the same if someone had used magics to transport me to an unfamiliar place and time. I question your motives as I question others. Constantly. But if you feed me - I may regard you in a better light."
~~~
James was quiet for a moment, simply taking the lead toward the path that would take them to the building where they had both lived not that long ago. After a long moment, he said simply, voice soft, "I have no ill intentions toward you, Will." The familiarity of the way he spoke to him may have caught the other man off guard, and James realized this after he'd said it. So he added quickly, to try to shift the focus, "I'll feed you. But we have to go to my home in order for me to do that. There are no eateries convienently nearby."
~~~
The way James spoke to him was surprising but proved what Will had believed; there was something in his core, this man was different. Not too different to humans but altered all the same. He could smell it on him. Will stared at him for a long time, not fooled by the detached response he got tagged on to the end. "I may trust you yet, James McCafferty," he said quietly, knowing that he had an advantage of affection here. "Your home is fine. I am used to having a host."
~~~
Those words were almost scary. They took him back to a time when Will had been reluctant but had eventually given in. It was a bad idea then, and it was probably an equally bad idea now. But he said nothing about any of this, instead choosing to remark only on the latter. "It's not far now." The building was already in sight. And James chose to say nothing further as he led the way. Did he have his keys on him? He checked his pockets. Yes, he did. And soon enough they were entering the building and then heading into the apartment which held an instant heaviness, at least as far as James was concerned.

"Feel free to explore, have a look around. I'll find something to cook." He headed into the kitchen. "If you decide you'd like to.. bathe or anything, let me know. I can show you how our plumbing works." Will was really old. He doubted they had indoor plumbing back when he was a teenager.
~~~
Will said nothing but continued to watch both James and his surroundings as he was lead to his home for the forseeable future. This was completely fascinating. He could see metal shells in the distance almost like steel caves with windows, multicoloured and shining beneath the sun. Did people truly live in those? And then he heard zooming, distant sounds of rumbling. Perhaps it was thunder. The building was an odd one and Will found his hand trailing the wall in complete awe. Everything was so - clean. Almost sterile. It was nothing like the inns he was used to frequenting but a little similar to the ones newly built in the city. When he entered the apartment everything was foreign but he was struck by how empty it felt. There was an underlying sadness here, his senses picked it up almost immediately.

Will stood in the doorway, almost as if he were scared to enter. Everything was so - weird. Coupled with the intense hurt he felt in this house, the echoes of screams, he wasn't sure he wanted to be here. But then he was William Grey! Unafraid! Nothing would effect him! And so he finally stepped over the threshold, clearly tense.
~~~
While he had a moment, he shot Devon a quick text message, letting him know that he had found Will, he was affected by the spell, and that they were at the apartment on campus. He was bound to show up soon. He then scoured the pantry to look for something he could cook and found ingredients enough to throw together some pasta. He set the water to boiling on the stove and put the sausage in the microwave to defrost before heading out to check on his guest.

"Is everything okay?" He asked, noticing that Will hadn't moved too far from the door and he looked tense. "I know it's probably strange for you here but... this is a safe place. I promise." He had no idea that he was picking up on memories of all the things that had gone wrong here. Why couldn't he just sense all the things that had gone right instead?
~~~
Heartbreak and anguish held a lot stronger resonance than happiness. Happiness never needed to be expelled, happiness did not linger like a film or moss growing on wood. The energy was intense and left shit around like a nuclear explosion. Will was always keen to pick up on this. It was how he sensed danger but there truly was none here. As James busied himself he walked through the room, one hand drfiting over the material of the sofa.

"You were unhappy here," he said simply, as if reading the room. "I have no doubt you kept a good home but the last moments in this place are far from euphoric."
~~~
James watched Will, curiosity clearly written upon his features. When the man spoke, he wasn't quite sure how to respond. But after a moment, he settled on the truth. "I was married. My husband and I lived here together." Shocking? Perhaps. He doubted gay marriage was common back when Will was young either, much less being so direct about such a taboo preference. "It didn't work out," he concluded, then glanced toward the kitchen as the timer on the microwave dinged.

"Another man may show up here in a bit," he forewarned him as he started back into the kitchen. "Well, a boy. He's about your age. His name is Devon. He's..." James did not look old enough to be Devon's father, but he wasn't going to tell his son not to call him dad just because it might confuse the other man. "Well he's my son. It's.. kind of complicated to explain how I have a son his age but... Let's just say this is not the first time I've seen magic go awry here lately."
~~~
The angel didn't react to James' confession. There was barely anything that could shock him right now. He nodded, instead, gravely. "I can imagine the persecution you faced for marrying him," he said, not quite sympathising but to show that he was at least listening. He expected that to be the cause of the break up but he was just sorry he hadn't been there to feel the sins pouring trom them.

As James mentioned another man Will snapped his head up, following James to the kitchen with a frown but he paused. This kitchen was like something from another world, completely... amazing. After several seconds of staring at the contraptions he'd use to cook he finally registered what had been said. "He is your son? But a man... you truly live a strange life, possibly stranger than mine but keep that to yourself."
~~~
"Hmm," James smirked a little. "I'm sure you can." There was persecution, though not because of their genders but because of who Will was before he and James had gotten together and how quickly they had rushed into things. If he had it to do over, he would have waited. Maybe then they wouldn't all be in the mess they were in right now. But unfortunately, he didn't get any more do overs.

"That I do," James replied, almost feeling inclined to laugh about it, but he didn't quite manage that. He took the meat from the microwave and began to work on heating it up in a skillet now, prepping for the sauce. "Devon is quite confused, also, about everything that's gone on." Yes, he had told the boy not to say anything to Will that could set him off, but that didn't mean he would listen. "Try not to pay too much heed to the things he says."
~~~
Will watched James cook quietly, choosing not to comment. Only he could decide what he believed. He went on feeling and not word alone. It was his instinct that had kept him alive for years so there was no point in ignoring it. Instinct told him that James was fine, that this meal would be good and he was safe for now, but that it wouldn't be long until he left this place.

"Devon. That is a place in England, not a person's name."
~~~
"His mother picked it," James replied simply, then glanced over at Will for a moment, a small smile forming before he asked, "Wanna taste?" The sauce was just starting to bubble a bit so he grabbed a spoon to get a bit into it, blowing on it a little before he held it out toward the other man. "Let me know if it's missing anything."
~~~
James was regarded him with a suspicious glance before the angel stepped forwards, leaning forwards to taste it like a witches' brew. The flavours danced on his tongue, sensations he had not experienced before all in his mouth and for a second his eyes lit up. "It is missing the meat," he said simply.
~~~
"Leave it to you to notice that," James remarked with a smirk, then caught himself before he added, "I mean.. of course you would. Anyone would. It's cooking. I'll add it after it's done." He nodded toward the doorway into the kitchen and said, "Why don't you go rest a bit? You're probably tired after... everything." It was difficult to not say things that he shouldn't just because, in spite of how different he was, the eyes were the same. And it was easy to get somewhat caught up in that.
~~~
The apparent knowledge of Will's personality was taken with a narrowed gaze in James' direction but he relaxed it after a moment. He wasn't wrong, then. The demon - for that is what he felt like to Will - had a fondness for him. No other man would take this much care. Will wouldn't mind, he could use it to his advantage, like eating his food. "I meant it does not need anything but the final nourishment. You missed my compliment. But I will rest...." With a lingering look at James, studying him, Will then brushed a strand of blonde hair from his face and exited the kitchen, sinking onto the sofa with awe.
~~~
James could feel Will studying him and it unsettled him slightly. He shifted a bit uncomfortably then breathed a sigh of relief once the man had finally taken his advice and headed into the living room. He focused on the food for a moment, which wasn't long from being done, before he decided to go and provide Will with some entertainment. Picking up the remote, he turned the television on. "This button here changes to a different set of pictures." He showed him the channel button. "This one turns the sound that comes from it up and down." The volume button was demonstrated. "Have at it." He passed the remote over and then headed back into the kitchen. That should keep him out of trouble for a while.
~~~
The second the box was alive Will gave a noise of surprise and stood on the sofa. Images, like someone's mind, were playing out infront of him. He gripped the wall, glaring at the television. It was devilry, but while he was normally fine with that, this was new. The visions were controlled by some stick that you pointed. A wand. Perhaps James had magic too. It was far more complicated than a shadow puppet show. And you could control someone's speech! Will stared with a growl at the television as James exited the room. He daren't touch the stick, but curiosity got the better of him and he eventually setlled, pressing random buttons all over.
~~~
James had to fight with himself not to laugh at the other man until he'd made it out of the room. He was sure he would adjust to it eventually. If not, he'd break it. And if he broke it, so be it. He'd buy a new one later on. It wasn't as though he was making much use off this one at the moment. But it wasn't long before he heard the channels being changed, the sound turning up and down, Will experimenting with it like a child with a new toy. He smiled, then checked his phone to see if he'd received word from Devon. Nothing yet. He sent another text and put the phone back in his pocket, draining the pasta and then tossing it into the sauce. The timer went off for the bread just after that and he took it out, setting the table as it cooled before moving to call out to Will. "Dinner."
~~~
Will was busy. Though the smell of food was amazing Will had found a new plaything, despite the tricky people in this box. Did they live there? Why did the pictures change? Where did the music come from and what were they talking about? Strange American accents, men with supremely white teeth. He flipped to a music channel where black people were shouting at him - he gasped and turned over. This was just... fascinating! A button was pressed then and he saw what looked like this - home. A corridor. A voice similar to his own. Were they were? Will looked about but nobody was walking around. Odd.... but food! Will left the tricky box alone and then made his way to the dining table, seating himself. Will scooped the first forkful into his mouth, made a long sound of contentment.
~~~
"You were hungry," James remarked when Will sank into the food and let out that sound. Of course he imagined that, in spite of his lack of stellar culinary skills, he probably made damn good food compared to the time that Will thought he'd come from. The demon was seated as well, digging in also though he wasn't nearly as hungry as Will was. He just thought it would be impolite for him to not join him. "Would you like something to drink?" He asked after a moment, after a few bites were taken from his own plate. He pushed himself up to his feet to move to the fridge, grabbing out two cans of Coke. He opened Will's for him and placed it on the table. "Drink from the hole. And be forewarned, it bubbles. It might tickle a little." He took his seat once more and had a drink of his own just so Will would trust it more, hopefully.
~~~
Drink from the hole - seemed simple enough. But when it came to it, having drank from the hole as instructed, the bubbles fizzed, he burps into the can and it spluttered and popped all over his nose and face making him splutter. The indignity of this drink! It was like beer but sweet. Wiping himself he placed it back down, gasping at the metallic taste and grimacing. "I will keep with what I know. Water will be acceptable." And he once again attacked the food to cover any embarassment.
~~~
James had to bite his lower lip to keep from laughing knowing that Will wouldn't take that well. But when the other suggested drinking water instead, James quirked a brow slightly. "Oh come on, William. Where is your sense of adventure?" He knew that would get him if nothing else did. "Though I can gladly get you some water if you'd like."
~~~
Will shot him a very stern Look which wasn't very different to the one he had shot him during their relationship, before he glared at the can. Challenge accepted. Once again he raised the can and drank - slowly - to sip at. He still burped. "This is a strange place you live in."
~~~
"And it only gets stranger," James remarked, then smiled as he nodded at the plate. "Eat." Already he was nearly full. He never had much of an appetite. He ate perhaps a fraction of the food that was on his plate before he resorted to just waiting on Will to be done, keeping him company. He was trying to think of the last time they'd sat at this table and had dinner. He couldn't remember. It felt like forever ago even though he knew it hadn't really been that long since they had last been here together. Of course things hadn't been really normal between them for a much longer time than that.
~~~
This was far too amusing and Will was a little disappointed when it stopped. He liked James, and he didn't always say that within one hour of meeting someone but this man was fun. He had enabled Will to feel safe in a foreign world and though he hated to admit it, he was quite comfortable. James was entertainmnet for the surreal time he was here and he was a damn good cook too. After a moment Will shifted his belt. "You have a good physique. Pleasing to the eye," he commented idly, a smirk on his lips, and then decided to wander. "Where is the bathroom?"
~~~
James tensed slightly at the compliment. Normally he would relish in it, but right now, things were complicated and having a sixteen year old version of his soon-to-be ex-husband complimenting his body wasn't something he needed on top of everything else. "Down the hallway. Second door on the left." He moved to ensure that the DVD was taken out of the player and stashed safely away where Devon wouldn't find it, hopefully.
~~~
Will took the bathroom in his stride; anything was better than the holes and squats he was used to int he city. He took his time in relieving himself, washing his hands which were surprisingly clean in the funny little taps that James had. There were several minutes spent on studying his face - he hadn't seen it so clean in - well perhaps ever. Strolling to the living room a few moments later Will felt much better - but hungry once again. A side effect of being a growing angel.
~~~
While Will was gone to the bathroom, James was at a loss as to what to do with himself. It felt... odd being in here. Glancing around, he couldn't help but feel out of place in this apartment now. This wasn't his home anymore. He didn't belong here anymore. Nothing in this place fit any longer. He was just about to head back into the kitchen to clean something when he first heard Will heading back into the living room and then the apartment door opening as Devon finally made an appearance, looking flushed and slightly annoyed. "Never send me out there alone again," the younger man stated, then looked in Will's direction and smiled. "Blond. I like it. It's different."
~~~
The angel stalled at this new person's sudden appearance. James' son, that was no question. They looked almost identical but the boy was darker and had stronger eyes. He was cocky, and flushed. Will blinked. "No different to how it usually is..." he frowned, gangly body draping itself over the sofa.
~~~
Devon frowned slightly as he said, "It's usually bla-" He was interupted by James clearing his throat and then asking in a tone that would indicate a certain degree of urgency, "Can I talk to you in private for a moment?" The boy looked confused. "Yeah, I guess so..." James led the way down the hallway with the other man following behind him, casting a smile in Will's direction before vanishing from sight.
~~~
Whilst father and son made a very obvious show of privacy and headed away Will's suspicion grew. There was only so much trust he was willing to put in any person and his behaviour was starting to wear thin. Will picked up the remote and pressed the buttons again, making the tricksy box spring to life.
~~~
The pair of them weren't gone all that long before Devon was returning to the living room in a bit of a huff. He flopped down onto the sofa next to Will who had turned on the television. "So this is some crazy shit, isn't it?" He was trying to make conversation. And he didn't agree with his dad about telling Will anything other than the truth but he didn't feel like arguing with him right now. When he got a chance, however, he'd probably go behind his back and tell him what James didn't want him to know. It wasn't like he wouldn't figure it out if he left this apartment. "So how old are you now?" James was still out of the picture, deciding to busy himself with doing some cleaning up in the rear part of the apartment.
~~~
Will glanced to Devon when he sat down choosing no to comment because he had no idea what he'd just said to him. He knew the swear, he also knew crazy, but combined? The angel's brow furrowed. "I'm seventeen," he said simply, choosing to stare ahead and only half watch James as he busied himself. It was fascinating really, the contraptions they had here. Snapping his gaze back he spared Devon a quick glance. "You look like you are a smiilar age, though perhaps people here age backwards."
~~~
"Eighteen," Devon replied with a grin. "I'm older than you are now," he added, and James cleared his throat again to indicate that Devon shouldn't say things like that. The kid rolled his eyes and then informed James, "I found Wesley. He's, uhm, not himself right now." He glanced over at Will as he added, "The guy totally hit on me. It was kind of funny but.. weird."
~~~
"He hit you?" Will looked between father and son a moment, thinking that they were complete lunatics. "Yes I can imagine that was hilarious...." To indicate this was over now, Will stared back at the television though he remained acutely aware of this boy's presence beside him. That he was older didn't bother him. That he was attractive as James, did. His scent was pleasing.
~~~
"No," Devon replied and then laughed, glancing over at James. "He really doesn't get it, huh?" James gave Devon a look and then nodded his head. Devon shifted to sit facing more toward the other man. "It's slang. It means he came onto me. He flirted." That had to be pretty clear, right? "He tried to get me to have sex with him." They must have had sex back when Will was young, right? That had been around, well, since forever.

"Devon," James said, a bit of warning in his tone. "Where did you leave him? Wesley, that is?" He should probably try to track him down and check in on him himself but... Well he could at least let someone know that he was on campus and safe.

"He was out near the infirmary." Devon gave a slight shrug of his shoulders, still sitting facing toward Will, looking him over carefully. "I can't get over how different you look," he remarked in a soft voice so that James wouldn't hear. "It's.. so strange."
~~~
Will turned his head to meet Devon's gaze, remaining resolutely in his chair, unmoving. He did not know who Wesley was, but that he had tried to acquire sex from Devon did not surprise Will. Lots of people did it. It was the oldest profession and the angel took it that Devon was involved with it as such. "I hope he offered more than the rate you charge," he commented, meaning it as a compliment. If he'd been his 111 year old self, he would have facepalmed.

After that he took delight in watching some strange man peel potatoes on a cooking show before he heard the softness of the boy next to him. Once again his attention was drawn. Very pretty eyes, he noted. He'd be useful.... "I look no different to what I did yesterday, but over the years I have grown. I am growing still. And yet you - have never known me til now."
~~~
Devon didn't get what Will was implying so he frowned a little, confused. James nearly dropped what was in his hand when he heard what Will said, glancing quickly at Devon who thankfully seemed to just shrug that remark off.

"Devon!" James said loudly, giving the boy a look once more when he heard the response that Will made. Devon huffed and looked at his dad. "It's not like he's not going to figure it out." James was still against the idea though. "Devon, I said-" He was cut off by Devon's voice as the boy turned toward Will and said simply, "My dad lied to you. He knew he had to lie to you to get you to come here but now you're here and I think you should know the truth about what's going on."
~~~
This was certainly a turn up for the books - Will sat there staring at Devon blankly to determine whether this boy was telling the truth but then he had no reason to lie. There was nothing for him to lose and his father certainly seemed against the idea of filling the angel in on the finer details. He turned his gaze to James slowly, shooting him an ambiguous glance before he gave one nod.

"The truth it is."
~~~
"Devon, I told you not to say anything!" James was obviously annoyed. But the damage was already done and so he moved to take a seat, a sigh parting his lips.

"You're in the year 2008, that much is true, but.. this is where you're supposed to be only.. Well a spell went wrong and it turned a bunch of people into teenagers." Devon gave a slight shrug of his shoulders as he took it upon himself to explain. "We actually both know you. Rather well, in fact. You're... kind of married to my dad."
~~~
The angel lsitened to Devon, taking it all in, apart from the end. He had kept his composure but that made him visibly flinch in surprise. Will was not married. Will would never get maried. It was a fool's game, absolutely ridiculous ploy for the Church to garner money from rich and poor alike, and it was total folly. Besides! Men binding their relationship, however bizarre, was still forbidden and outcast from the church. This was not real. And yet what James had said earlier and the famliar energy he'd felt...

Staring at James Will then rose from the sofa. "I do not pretend to know your ploy, demon, but it hasn't been a good one."
~~~
"Look, Will, it's... This is why I didn't want to tell you." And James looked to Devon as he said this, moving to his feet as well. "I knew you wouldn't believe me. I know you well enough to know that you.... It was never something you thought of before but.. the situation was complicated." He glanced toward Devon, as though looking for some help and the kid just shrugged. He was going to strangle him later. "Devon was little then, and they were trying to take him away from me, away from us, so you decided that we should... get married so that he could stay with us." He hadn't wanted to get into this conversation AT ALL.

Devon decided to pipe up just because he didn't want Will to take off and get lost or something. "He didn't mean anything bad by it, Will. He was just trying to keep you safe. Don't get mad."
~~~
Though he was sure that their attempts to gain his trust again were failing the angel couldn't help but continue to listen to them. Will kept stepping backwards and then hit the edge of something, feeling an object tip which stopped him from responding. He picked it up slowly, looking at the picture inside the frame that had fallen - James, smiling in a nice suit, and a much older, black-haired smiling Will, holding each other outside a white tent. It was unmistakably Will. There was no question of that. They looked very happy. Will's stomach felt like it was going to fall out of him.

After staring at the image the angel didn't replace it but kept it in his hand. It was too surreal. "I am this.... man," he said finally, voice quiet. "If you are to be believed I am this - person... here. In this photograph." He showed it to James, needing him to verify it.
~~~
James was going to say something else, but then Will picked up the photograph, and it only took him an instant to realize which picture it was. It was from their wedding. Devon, with a small smile on his lips because his plan seemed to be working, moved to his feet to excuse himself, heading down the hallway to his room to leave the adults to talk.

"That's you," James replied softly. "Us. That... that was the day we were married." He didn't know what else to say.
~~~
Will seemed to be moved by the picture because he looked at it again, staring down intently at it. Though he had an intense look on his face it was clear his mind was turning and he remained still, yet also tense. He could not believe it was him and yet it made - almost - perfect sense.

He said nothing, then without warning placed it back on the table as quick as if he was scared of being burned. "What I felt here...." It was what he encouraged, what he believed every marriage to be and if it was true he'd been right. He shook his head. "I was like that man? And because of a spell I am now turned?"
~~~
James watched his face, trying to read him, but he was much harder to read this way. He didn't know this version of Will well enough to know what was going on behind those light eyes. But he remained quiet, giving him time to process it and exhaling a sigh when he put the picture down and turned his attention toward James. "Every adult that was on campus at the time this happened was affected. I was at home, in the house we've been staying in off campus, so I wasn't, but you were here for... some reason." He wasn't really sure why he had come to TJS that night.
~~~
"If we are seperated, and used to live here, then why do we reside together now?" He was trying to piece together everything to have a better understanding but it was proving a little too much at the moment. "And... am I to remain this way? Because my thoughts, memories, everything is up to and from my seventheenth year. Not - however many inbetween then and 2008. That just seems... wrong." And then an extra, subtle confession that he directly idly to the room. "I never expected I would live so long."
~~~
"That's.. complicated." James exhaled a bit of a laugh, a hand running fingers through his hair. "Because of Devon. He's very.. attached to you and he's been going through some changes, recently, and he's needed us both around." As for the question about whether or not he would remain as he was now, James gave a small shrug of his shoulders. "They are working on it. Typically they've been able to fix things when things like this have happened in the past but... I've heard nothing of a remedy just yet." The confession warranted a small smile as James admitted, "You nearly haven't a time or two."
~~~
A moment to digest things and then Will was walking up to James, studying their height as if comparing it to the picture. He paused, then and looked at his future-current-soontobe-ex-husband, meeting his eyes. "We have mated," he said simply. "That is what marriage does, encourage mating. Makes people believe it is ok to be fucked by somebody. I always told myself it would not happen."
~~~
The close proximity of Will to him made James tense ever so slightly. He inhaled a breath which he didn't exhale until he answered the question that the other man posed. "Yes, we have." He paused, considering whether or not he wanted to add this part before he just went ahead and said it, "You didn't, not for a long time. I was your first."
~~~
This made Will frown again but he didn't move. James was interesting and the angel wanted answers, so he would remain here until his curiosity was satisfied. Perhaps that would take a while. "What made you so special?" For he had to be, if Will had chosen to forgo everything he believed in and fornicate with this man.
v
James shifted somewhat uncomfortably, an attempt to put a slight bit of space between himself and the angel who, even at such a young age, was still quite striking. Sue him for noticing. He was a homosexual man with a healthy libido after all. And though his son was now older than Will, that didn't mean that he felt... wrong for noticing, necessarily. "I don't know," James replied honestly. "I think.. I think a part of it was that you just wanted to get it over with."
~~~
Will laughed at that, genuinely too. "No, that is not me," he said earnestly. For once he didn't seem on edge. "I do not do things for the sake of them. I would not step into this lightly and forgo everything I've believed in for what - " He paused, counting. "A century? Ancient..." A hand graced the hairline of James' head, stroking along it as if inspecting some new species. "I broke my bond for you. Odd."
~~~
James inhaled a breath, his eyes closing for a moment as that hand stroked along his hairline. "I wanted you," James added in a softer voice. "And I am nothing short of persistent when it comes to the things I want." He opened his eyes and smiled a little. "That could have had something to do with it."
~~~
Will's full lips curled, humoured and just a slight bit proud. "Of course you did," he soothed, not removing his hand. "And of course you are. You are true to the carnal instincts we are all born with. Want, take, have. Need, take, have. It is inbuilt to take whatever we want or need just so we can say we have it..."
~~~
"What's not to want, right?" James smirked a little, then turned his head so as to press a soft kiss against the other man's palm. But then he closed his eyes, thoughts going back to the conversation he had had not that long ago with Fisher. He added in a soft voice then, "Instincts often times get me into trouble." A hand came up to take hold of Will's by the wrist and pull it away from his face. "I'm trying to do better with that."
~~~
James' touch tingled and Will shivered, tingles shooting up his skin. He hadn't long turned from his angelic state and opposite races effected him. "Instincts are survival," Will countered, turning his wrist around in James' grip so that he could take hold of his hand. His eyes didn't move. "You should do well to take heed of them." But this was getting a little bit samey, and as much as Will liked reading those eyes he turned. "So. Future current husband who is a soon to be ex. Where is that son of yours. He is quite attractive and I wish to tell him so."
~~~
James scowled when Will's attentions turned toward Devon. "He looks at you like a father, whether you remember that or not. You'll do well to not cross any boundaries with him." Jealous? Maybe a little. But moreso than that, he felt protective of his son.
~~~
"Boundaries," Will repeated, turning to face James. "I had boundaries of my own, which I broke for you. Some people are work shattering the normality you are used to. I can see the jealousy in your eye, do not worry. He is just as attractive as you are...."
~~~
The demon's eyes narrowed at the accusation that he was saying such a thing because of jealousy. Granted, the thought had crossed his mind, would perhaps always be there, any time that Will looked at a man that wasn't himself, but he had to get over that. He had no right to it now. But with Devon, it was different. It was driven by another place. "If you won't behave yourself around my son, then you won't be welcome around him until after this is resolved."
~~~
Will laughed. It was very funny to see James behave this way, as if he were now seeing the real demon beneath the fine persona he liked to portray. "I am of the belief that no other lips touch mine and that no intercourse is to be had. Ever. That black haired man may be wily in his ways, but I am not him. I am not trying to snare your son, you realise - I do not snare. But I find it curious that you would see fit to abandon the cause of a lost fallen angel in a time that isn't his own over a weak and feeble threat to your son's honour." Will shrugged, moving to the corridor. "I mean him no harm. But he requires the belief that he is found acceptable by someone."
~~~
"Because I have no doubts that you can take care of yourself well enough, angel. In your time or not." And James wasn't going to allow him to walk off that easily. He turned to follow him down the hallway. "And you're not the person he needs to hear that from," he remarked before Devon poked his head out of his bedroom door and looked at the both of them with a brow slightly arched. "Are you two fighting already?"
~~~
"So who would that be?" Will asked idly, continuing to stroll. It was only when Devon came out of the bedroom that the angel sighed staring at him. "No. We are not fighting." But now the fun of telling Devon he was an attractive young boy was not there any more. "Your father just loves you very much... he looks out for your best interests. And he believes that I can hold my own in this world.... so perhaps I had better leave."
~~~
Devon scowled, looking passed Will to James. "Dad! You can't just kick him out like that. What's wrong with you?" He came out of his room and took hold of Will's hand, pulling him with him toward his room. "You don't have to go. You can stay here. You can even stay in my room if you want. I can sleep on the sofa."
~~~
"You must understand I don't want to inconvenience either of you..." WIll said seriously, allowing himself to be lead towards Devon's room with slouching shoulders. He wasn't sure he wanted to go in there with the beast of Fatherhood behind ihm. "I understand this is difficult. James still has feelings for me and cannot stand seeing me as a lesser man than he married, isn't that right?".
~~~
"You're not an inconveinence," Devon assured him. "If anyone's inconveinent, it's him." He rolled his eyes, glaring in James' direction before the other man simply turned and walked away. Maybe he would just leave. He could go check on his precious Fisher. "If that's what his problem is, then he's even more a jerk than I thought," the boy remarked, letting go of Will's hand and moving to flop down onto the bed. The room looked as though it belonged to a much younger child, and it had. He hadn't been in here since he was six years old.
~~~
Will sat on the edge of the bed, regarding the room with fascination before he turned his attention to Devon. "He did not wish me to tell you that you were attractive." And that wasn't strictly telling him straight, but informing him of his father's wishes, right? "I think he believed that I was trying to manipulate you into bed with me or some such boundary issue. I have no idea why he would believe that - so you must tell me what I am like here, in this time, when a century has aged me."
~~~
Devon wasn't quite sure how to respond to that. A part of him wanted to say that he thought Will was attractive too, in modern times as well as as a teenager. But that didn't seem appropriate. And after Will was back to normal, he might look at Devon funny for saying that so he kept his mouth shut. But he did smile as he replied, "Well you are in bed with me. And you didn't even have to tell me that first." A joke. He was still trying to get used to grown up humor. As for the question, Devon frowned a little. "Well.. you're... amazing." He wasn't sure what else to say about him. "You're funny. You are good at doing hair and makeup. You really can't cook very well but you like to eat. And.. you always help me when something's wrong, even though you didn't really like me much when we first met each other."
~~~
"I do not generally like children," Will agreed, offering him a smile after it. It appeared that he had made a lot of exceptions in this life. Love, marriage, children, even adopting someone else's son as his own. "True enough that I am now in your bed. If I were truly macarbe I would invite James here also." It was a graet joke to him and he laughed heartily. But there were other things he wanted to know and so when he died down he set him with a curious look. "I am good at hair and make up... deception, in other words. Funny, naturally. Cannot cook dosen't surprise me, nor does eating. That has not changed. So I am amazing, in short..." Will pet the part of Devon he could reach, thanking him. "Tell me more. I want to analyse this."
~~~
Maybe Will thought the joke was great, but Devon just made a face. "Eww." The idea of his father being in bed with him was, well, disturbing. But he waited for the other man's laughter to die down before he was asked for more information. Devon gave a slight shrug of his shoulders. "You had a best friend, Haddon, and he died. Sometimes he talks to me. I'm a medium. He's pretty upset right now that you don't remember him." What else could he tell him? "And there's Syn. He's another friend of yours. He's alive. He teaches here. Flight or something. I don't know if he's turned into a teenager or not. He lives with this other man, Ikon, and I think you're friends with him too but he doesn't come around like Syn does." He gave a small shrug of his shoulders. "What else do you wanna know?"
~~~
"You." The response was simple. Devon could tell him everything about Will's past friends, alive or dead, but Will had no idea who they were. There were no faces to the names, no memories. What he was interested in were the people he knew now, which consisted of James and Devon. He was very intrigued. "I would like to know our relationship. Our history. Who you are. What we are, together..."
~~~
"Oh," Devon replied simply, a frown pursing his lips as he moved to sit up a bit more on the bed, crossing his legs beneath him. "I'm, well, like I said, a medium. I was five when I met you. My dad was dating this other man, Fisher, who was a friend of yours, but then the two of you got together and.. Well like I said, you were weird around me. But then something happened to you, I think it had to do with your parents, and you disappeared for a while, then you came back and you were sad and scared and..." He smiled a little as he reached forward to take Will's hand. "I took your hand and told you it would be okay, then we were friends more after that. You taught me how to do hair and makeup and stuff. And we would cook together sometimes and watch Harry Potter together." He laughed. "And you used to pick me up and roar and swing me around and call yourself Glamzilla." He smiled as he added, "It was pretty funny."
~~~
Despite himself, Will found a smile growing increasingly on his face. Mention of his parents made it falter a litlte but as soon as Devon took his hands that was forgotten. His thumb began gently stroking over Devon's skin, fingers entwining in his. He could see why he had become attached to this boy, against his better judgement. He was sweet. And the warmth and gentle action with that hand was comforting. "It seems like we are good friends. But you are eighteen now?"
~~~
"We are," Devon replied. "But we're more than just friends. We're... family." He glanced down somewhat shyly as he added, "I probably feel safer with you than I do with anyone, that's why I decided to stay with you instead of dad." As for his age... "I made a wish. I wished to be a grown up. So tomorrow, I'll be 20 and then I'll be done." At least he hoped that it worked out that way. It was supposed to, anyway. "You were so sad and angry after you and dad split up. I thought if I was older, I could help more."
~~~
Will had never considered himself to have family so this concept was highly disturbing and odd to him. However the meaningful way Devon was explaining this and generally behaving made him take more notice. He didn't feel anything. There were no memories. No fondness for him, no good times.... no sad times, either, conveniently. But regardless of the little history between them Will still felt connected to this boy. "You love me," he said simply, finding it an odd concept.
~~~
"Of course I do," Devon replied simply."You're... Kind of like my best friend." He then glanced over toward nothing, as though there was someone there speaking to him and he frowned a little before he rolled his eyes. "Best friend that's still alive," he elaborated. "Jack's a little bit touchy," he whispered.
~~~
Will blinked, not phased that Devon was speaking and responding to a ghost, but more that he was considered a friend to someone. Will never had friends but allies. It was an odd concept. "So.... we are friends. Best friends. What of this Haddon person?" Even as he said it he felt cold, shivering slightly. "He was a companion?"
~~~
Devon nodded his head at the question. "You loved one another. Very, very much for a very long time." He glanced over Will's shoulder and then smiled a little sadly. "He misses you." His focus moved back to Will as he added, "I'd miss you too if you stayed this way. I mean not that this is.. bad but..." He shrugged slightly. "You aren't the same."
~~~
After two moments the angel had crossed his legs and scooted up to Devon, studying him. "I dare say you are not the same either, Devon. You seem to be wise beyond your years considering that you were no older than the age of six a few days ago." A hand came up to brush through Devon's hair, taking note of the softness and the way it parted in his fingers. "You still have a child's hair. Fresh. Unworn."
~~~
Devon shifted somewhat uncomfortably as Will scooted so close to him but not so as to put any sort of space between them. The compliment didn't go unnoticed and he smiled, though a bit sadly in fact. "I've been through more than I should have been at the age of six." His eyes closed as the other man stroked fingers through his hair and smiled. "Must be because I skipped through so many years."
~~~
Will's hand then dropped to touch down Devon's face. It wasn't meant romantically but it was more a study. He wondered how alike he was to his younger self, whether he would be as similar as Will looked in the future. "No child should bear that," he said softly, frowning. "I had no childhood. It was taken from me by those who should have protected me. I was exposed to the world too young."
~~~
A small breath caught in Devon's throat as Will touched his face. He could feel.. strange things happening to him and he wasn't really sure how to handle that, what to think of it. "My mother died. It wasn't her fault. She just.. couldn't handle things." He glanced toward the door and then added, "And dad wasn't ready. He still isn't. I don't.. hate him for it but..."
~~~
"But the way he is dealing with it is far from satisfactory... yes?" Will could sense this stirring within Devon though he hadn't quite mastered his understanding on what it meant. "He is young too. He will make mistakes. He is fresh, but old enough to know better. Your body now reflects your mind.... you'll find comfort somewhere." And in a very odd act for the angel being so young, he smiled encouragingly at him.
~~~
Devon nodded his head simply. James had the best of intentions, for the most part, but he failed miserably half the time. He was young. He was impulsive. He was still trying to figure himself out. Devon at six may not have fully understood that but now that he was older, even if the change was mostly a physical one, his understanding seemed to have also increased. "I have comfort. It comes from knowing that my family can turn to me now when they need to."
~~~
Devon certainly had a wise head on his shoulders. For a youngster to ask to be grown up was frequent, but to wish it for the benefit of his family was different. It was accepting a lot of responsibility, and it was selfless. Not traits a young boy was associated with. "They are lucky to have you." He did not say we for he did not include himself in the family.
~~~
Devon noticed that he didn't seem to include himself in that and he frowned. "You're a part of that too, ya know?" Of course there was the possibility that he didn't want to be, a thought which didn't sit well with him in the least. "I hope you still want to be. I know that you don't.. remember us but we still remember you."\
~~~
The offeer was nice and the way he was insistant that he was still included was nice. Will wasn't sure why he believed it to be a nice, comforting feeling but it was generated all the same. "If you want me in your family then I am happy to be in your family." The words were out before he could stop them. To feel included was so different from the normal outcast life he had lead. There was no way he would be comfortable living this life, but he could accept the welcome.
~~~
"Then you'll stay?" Devon asked in a soft voice. "I know dad said.. whatever he said but.. you should stay. You'll be safe here. I mean, you don't have to stay here all the time, but you should come back here, like this is your home, because it is." Or was. And for now, it still would be.
~~~
Will smiled and then nodded. "I will stay. So long as your father sees fit. If he requires me to go elsewhere I will do so." A pause, then a sigh. "I disappoint him at this age. I shall ask him whether he finds any trouble in my staying here. I get the impression he does not like this place."
~~~
"I think you could disappoint him at any age," Devon replied with a small laugh. "He's just one of those people. Nothing is ever quite enough and... Well... I guess maybe he doesn't like it here. It reminds him too much of what he's thrown away, I guess." That was Devon's theory anyway. "And this is my home too so.. he doesn't get to have all the say. If he doesn't wanna stay with you, he can leave. It's not like he doesn't have somewhere else to go."
~~~
Acknowledging Devon's words Will still stood, brushing his clothes down. It was awkward however he looked at it. Devon had grown which was the family's fault. James didn't like that scenario. Now Will was too young. It was not fun whatever way he looked at it. "Nevertheless I will need to request his permission. He gave it before, but things change. It is a custom I need to continue even in this world. You may follow if you like... I am curiously hungry...." Without another word he exited the room, Devon could follow if he wanted, and he strolled to the living room in search of James.
~~~