mythandmagic (mythandmagic) wrote in valarlogs, @ 2016-04-25 15:00:00 |
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Entry tags: | !complete, groot, merlin |
Who: Merlin and Gabe
What: Boys night in
When: Mid April
Where: Merlin’s house
Warnings: Low/None
Status: Complete
Merlin was glad the girls were getting out to have a relaxing evening together, while he and Audrey shared the looking after of Ben he did worry about her still having fun away from their child. He knew it was important for a mum to have adult girl time, he’d read it somewhere. And honestly he was looking forward to showing Ben ‘Dangermouse’ with somebody who also appreciated it. And Gabe was just that person.
“Hey” he said as Gabe arrived, “Come on in. Beer in the fridge or juice or whatever you like. Audrey left us pastries too” he grinned. “How have you been?”
“Hey!” Gabe grinned as the door to Merlin’s house opened; he pulled his friend into a manly hug, slapping him once on the back before stepping in. “I’ve been good. Fullerton’s doing all right, mostly recovered from that whole disaster in February.” The blood rain episodes had taken a toll on the plants, but he and his coworkers had managed to nurse most of them back to health, which, with California’s strict water codes, was a feat all in its own. “Easter was fun. Never had to take over hosting something like that at the last minute.” He chuckled. He gravitated slowly to the kitchen as they walked until they were at the fridge. He pulled it open and glanced inside. “I dunno about a beer. Feel weird drinking that around Ben, y’know? Doesn’t feel right.” He’d grown up in the inner city, and visited cousin’s apartments where that sort of thing had gone on, and it’d never sat with him well. Gabe procured a bottle of pomegranate grape juice. “This’ll be fine. How’ve you been? Another kid on the way, man. You’re gonna have your hands full now.” He winked.
“I’m glad the plants have recovered, no doubt thanks to your expert care. And Easter was a lot of fun, you did very well. They should have you host more, everybody very much likes you Gabe” Merlin told him as they walked to the kitchen. “I know what you mean, I don’t drink but if others want to then I won’t stop them” he admitted. “Yeah, things will definitely be busier that’s for sure but we’re happy about it. Beyond happy” you could see that from the way he lit up when he spoke, Merlin liked fatherhood and had fully embraced it.
“Thanks, but it’s not just me. The whole crew at Fullerton did an amazing job.” Gabe hated to take all the credit. He’d learned a lot by working there. He chuckled at the praise for Easter. “I’m glad you guys enjoyed yourselves. It was fun. Just glad everything worked out. The kids were better behaved than I expected during the Easter Egg hunt.” He laughed then took a sip of the juice he’d poured into a glass.
Gabe smiled warmly at his friend. Parenthood suited Merlin and Audrey so well, Gabe was almost jealous. Almost. He wasn’t quite ready for kids yet, but babysitting was definitely good practice. “You guys totally deserve it. You’re great parents.”
Merlin kind of love that about Gabe, he was so humble just like Nina was too about her work. They were a sweet couple. “It was great and you’re right the kids were great” It had been very sweet how some of the older ones had wanted to make sure Ben found some eggs too, even though he couldn’t eat chocolate yet.
“Thanks Gabe, that means a lot. You and Nina make a pretty awesome aunt and uncle you know” he moved them into the living room now they had drinks. Ben waving as soon as he saw Gabe and calling his name.
“Hey little monkey!” Gabe cooed, and scooped him up, lifting him high before hugging him. “Gettin’ into trouble? Gonna give your old man grey hairs ahead of time?” And he kissed the top of Ben’s head.
“So, Dangermouse, huh?” he turned to Merlin. “I haven’t seen that since I was a kid. My brothers thought I was weird for liking a British show about a mouse and a flying car.”
“Yep” Ben said, he had no clue what his Uncle was on about but yep was a good word lately for Ben. He was an agreeable child, for now anyway.
“I loved it, and I think you had exceptionally good taste as a child” Merlin told him, “I’m determined Ben will have a better childrens TV education than the rubbish on nowadays”
Gabe laughed at the little boy’s response. “Atta boy.” And with a big hand he ruffled Ben's hair.
“Parenting: you're doing it right.” he grinned. “When I have kids, I'm gonna do the same thing. Nothing but 80s cartoons and shows.”
Merlin smiled, “I take it Nina is on board with that plan?” he said, “Have you guys talked about that kind of thing?” he couldn’t help his curiosity from wanting to know. Audrey hadn’t said anything but he couldn’t imagine the women not talking about it.
Gabe chuckled, tickling Ben. “I have no idea. No we haven’t talked about it. It’s kinda never really come up.” They’d only been dating for a year and change, yet at the same time it almost felt like they’d known each other for years. When Gabe was with Nina it felt like he was with his soulmate, they were perfectly comfortable with one another; complementary personalities, yet complete in each other’s presence. “I’m still trying to figure out when’s the best time to ask if we should move in together.” He was sure his grandmother would pitch a fit if she found out about that, as her preference for the boys she’d raised would be to marry first, then live together.
Merlin nodded, “I think a lot of couples are like that. Audrey and I didn’t for a long time. Not until after we got engaged I think” he said. He’d seen Gabe and Nina together and they were definitely soulmates in his eyes too, they were a sweet couple and his and Audrey’s closest friends. “I think anytime would work, you thinking of moving here with her or her with you or someplace new for both of you?” he was curious mainly because he knew Nina would be missed if she did move.
Gabe sat down with Ben and sat the boy on his knees while they talked, occasionally jogging his knees to make him bounce. “I dunno. I don't want to take her away from you guys. And a friend has offered me a partnership in a business venture so technically I wouldn't need my in-house greenhouse anymore.” He shrugged. Maybe it would be nice to find a place of their own on the same street or neighborhood as Merlin and Audrey. Or maybe Ninas place would be enough. If that was even what she wanted.
Ben was so happy that he was pretty content to just sit there with his uncle and father and watch them talking. “Well you know if you needed a greenhouse here there is plenty of space” Merlin offered, “But whatever you and Nina decide you can count on me and Audrey to help however we can”
“Appreciate that, but I wouldn’t be able to use it for marijuana. Could get you guys in trouble and all that. I want to go legal, and Rick’s already offered his farmland for it and the guy is legal. He knows his stuff. But hey, if you want some fresh veggies and fruits, or flowers, I’m game.” He grinned.
The offer of their help with Gabe and Nina’s living situation was touching. “Thanks man, appreciate it. You guys are amazing. Right little man?” he then said to Ben, jiggling him and making him dance a little. “You have the coolest dad and mom!”
Merlin could, of course, have made it appear that there was nothing to be seen but it sounded like Gabe wasn’t planning to continue that line of work anyway so he refrained from offering. “Fruits and veggies home grown are always welcome” he smiled, it tasted so much better too.
“Thanks, we’re pretty lucky having such amazing friends like you and Nina you know” Merlin replied laughing as Ben started dancing and nodding.
Gabe laughed along with Merlin as Ben suddenly became the entertainment. “Man, he’s getting so big!” And heavy. But Gabe could handle it. “You wanna see some Dangermouse? Yeah?” He pulled him up into the air by his arms with his big strong hands and then landed Ben safely down on the ground, letting him go to do as he pleased.
Gabe could actually handle Ben better than Merlin could, but then he was stronger and more used to physical exertion. “Yeah” Ben said grinning before toddling off to get his favourite toy and his juice bottle before coming back and getting his dad to lift him to sit on the sofa. “I think he’s ready” Merlin said amused as he went about putting on the cartoon for the three of them.
Gabe chuckled, watching the toddler fetch his things and then get placed on the couch between them like a big boy. Once the cartoon was playing instant nostalgia hit him. And the realization of just how old he and this cartoon was.
“Wow. I forgot how old this was.” As they watched he laughed at the play-on-word jokes and references that were spoken so quickly by the characters, particularly Dangermouse himself. “Man, I don't think I got ANY of these when I was a kid!”
Ben was really good when it came to watching his shows, he was pretty much glued to it and seemed to take everything in.
“Right!?” Merlin nodded, “It’s amazing how much stuff there is when you watch them again that went completely over your head when you were a kid”
“No joke.” The theme song started and Gabe sucked in a gasp of air as further nostalgia washed over him as the familiar tune sang on. “Dude! I totally remember that car! I thought it was the coolest thing! Isn’t that a Lotus or something?” He laughed.
“I have no idea I just know it was amazing and I always wanted a flying car” Merlin said with a chuckle, smiling as Ben waved his arms in happiness.
“Oh me too! That thing is bada-” he stopped himself short and cleared his throat. “Awesome.” He corrected himself. Gabe smiled down at the toddler enjoying the old show as much as they were. Who needed all those new crazy cartoons when the old ones still stood the test of time?
“This was a great idea, man. Thanks for this.” And he smiled over at his friend.
“Thank you, I’m just glad we have similar good tastes” Merlin said as they settled in to watch.