Who: Noah Vael, Aedan Vael, Tony Stark When: Current Where: Stables, Craigcrook Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland What: Noah's going down to the horses, and Tony's a little tired. Aedan's reeling from his big "breakup" and they all hang out. Rating/Warnings: Status: Complete
Aedan’s finishing up with grooming Cassim at the moment, leaning against the gelding a moment while he studies him fondly. “Good turn out today, you.” He reaches over to scratch under the horse’s chin. “The workshop Noah sent us to REALLY improved my hands and your extensions, eh?”
Noah peeked around the door. "Hey. I'm back from work. Do you mind if I shove some broth near you, and sit and talk? Sebastian's having serious talks with Meghan and I don't want in on that."
“Please.” Aedan smiles, waving him in. “And that’s a good idea for them both I think. They’ve not really and...if anyone gets what it’s like to feel the way she seems to...we talked enough about that sort of thing, him and I, back when I’d first gotten here, when I got into trouble the first time. He wanted me not to feel as though no one wanted me here because he kent too well what that was like.”
Aedan looks a little tired, like he’s had a few long days but not as if he’s on the verge of anything blowing up either. “I’ve got drinks in the tack room fridge if you’d like. Gatorade, water bottles and I want to say there’s a few sodas but don’t quote me on the last one.” There’s also energy drinks, but since he’s technically not supposed to use those, they’re pretty well hidden under snacks and horse medicines.
“How was the bakery then, today? Anything in the way of jobs from your demanding client?”
"New commercial client? Basically orders for rolls and mini loaves for dinner service as well as basic white bread for breakfast. Which is good for us." Noah slides the mug over and snags a stool to sit on. "I might go grab a water too. It went all right. I got sent out because we had a full shop of folks and I might go back on night shifts again."
“Sounds simple and straightforward enough. And dining service. Always steady, eh no?” Aedan snags the mug and considers it a moment. “Thanks.” he adds. He hadn’t thought about grabbing anything for a little while yet.
“Too bad about the night shifts. It’s been nice with everyone roughly the same.”
"I'm tempted to say I like the day stuff, but -" Noah shakes his head. "See how we're doing, no?" He sips his mug. "Hux was a mess. I'm pretty sure he's - you know the kind of man who's like a box of mouse traps because he's spent his entire life in danger, but you'd not want him serving you wine or in your room at night? I kind of wanted some - peace like this."
"Am I interrupting -" Tony hesitates like he isn't sure how he should approach. "Oh, he's lovely. He's a he, right? I brought food. I don't know if that's bad, but -"
Aedan winces a little at the description.
“Oh aye, I know that feeling far too well. I work with several I’d have to say THAT about, truth be told.” Aedan’s not going to name names, but honestly… “Dated one for a while.” he adds, shaking his head a little. But it’s said lightly enough, like he’s not looking to talk about it, or reassuring himself that he’s over that bit of nonsense anyway.
“I see what you mean, though. There’s times I get that with Grandmaster Kenway when we have our little crossover episodes too, and that man was one of the top organizers who rescued me and probably I owe him my life, but….” He shakes his head. “Terrifying.”
And he’s grinning, waving Tony over. “Tony, hey. So THIS is my firstborn.” he beams at Cassim and does look like a proud parent. Then again, he DID deliver him. Well, assisted. “How’re you feeling now? We’ve got drinks in the tack room if you’d like.”
"I think Hux could be a better person, if not a good one, but he's still learning, and hello." Noah waves as well.
Tony scrubs his face with one hand. "God, I'd love a drink, but I've been sober for almost a year and I know I won't just have one." He carefully steps closer. "Your firstborn is lovely. I'm kind of - I don't know. I'm officially shutting down early at work, and kind of coming over because you said I could. I think I'm okay, just not great, if that makes sense."
“Oh I didn’t…” Aedan laughs a little. “Sorry, that was a bit of a mispeak. THOSE are back in my rooms. Or well technically I’m right next to the wine cellar. It’s sort of a catch all but no one really uses it. Out here we’ve got water, gatorade, I’m pretty sure there’s a few sodas...other...items that I doubt you’re supposed to touch. Because I’m technically not and I haven’t had issues in a couple years...” He eyedarts a little guiltily.
“And sure, you’re definitely welcome around here.” Aedan gives him a nod. “Some days are LIKE that. I’ve been having one most of the last few weeks. I had a really amazing intensive dressage clinic workshop with a guy from, well, the best school in the world for it, and Christmas was fine, but otherwise...it’s been a bit up in the air. You interested in distraction or talking it over?”
"Can I have a bit of column A and B?" Tony grins. "Honestly, I should probably have something caffeinated, just to be safe if I've got some migraine stuff coming, but water's fine. It looks like you're eating. Interested in seeing what I brought?"
“Caffeinated I can do.” Aedan says. “How bad are energy drinks for your heart right now? I’ve got some Monsters, which aren’t bad, lucozades, some Red Bull...If you’re wanting just the caffiene there’s cola...I think Coke, and Irn Bru, but if you’re not familiar with that last one, it’s a little bit of a shock.”
So much for the hidden energy drink stash, huh? It really IS true that the Vaels are BAD at lying.
"I'd guess that Combeferre would say I shouldn't be experimental. Coke, maybe? Thanks for helping out with this. I might take you up on an energy drink if I feel like I need a hit of something. Sometimes it helps hold stuff back." Tony is still looking around. "This is really amazing. I thought horses would be - louder?"
“Mollie’s my loud one much of the time.” Aedan grins, and moves to unclip Cassim. “Let me get this one out to the paddock, which is right over there,” he points. “And then I’ll head to the tack room to grab you that Coke. And you can meet whoever else you like.”
There’s a taller, or at least longer legged horse already hanging around the paddock as Aedan lets Cassim through, who comes around as he approaches, to stick her head in his face, for a weird sort of horse hug, “That’s Glenna… And there’s…” Aedan doesn’t finish his sentence as a..white..grey spotted one with the same nose and face, but longer ears, and bigger eyes tries to butt the horse out of the way, and starts nosing around his pockets, then, finding nothing of interest, starts sniffing at Tony.
“Mollie!” Aedan protests,snorting. “THIS one’s too smart for her own good, I think.” At least she’s not getting out though.
“Fizz is still over in his stall, and Hans keeps his horse, Citron here, but they’re doing jumps right now. We made up more of an outdoor course for that a while ago.” Aedan says, trying to settle the animals down.
Meanwhile, Glenna’s turned her attention on to Noah. She does like him, generally speaking.
Noah pats her carefully.
Tony tries to pat Mollie. "Hello. I don't have apples, or whatever treats you like."
“She’s a sugar fiend. “ Aedan slips around to grab drinks and comes back with a few horse treats to help pass out.
Mollie’s wuffing a little at Tony, flicking her ears back and forth, obviously checking out the strange human. Seems okay, though. So far.
"I'm assuming that noise - oh, thanks." Tony took the cola and carefully fed his treat to the first horse that leaned in. "I see why you love these."
“It’s when she starts braying that things CAN go a little funny.” Aedan leaned against the fence post, after passing Noah a water. “She likes to sing the song of her people. But so, Tony. Besides today, has stuff been all right or...The run up back to work and schedules after this holiday’s just OFF. The station’s been feeling it too. You’d not think interning with police you’d see a lot of change, there’s always someone on and being professional, but...it’s like a TON of letdowns all the once.”
"Huh - like people are just tired or absent minded?" Tony is guessing here as he pulls himself up to sit on the fence too. "And I mean, it makes sense to me. Big holiday stuff, and it takes a while to get things going again. I've never been good this time of year. My . . . holidays weren't great as a kid, which you get used to, but it was also the peak of charity party drive stuff. And then my parents died around now. I didn't think about it until a few days ago, and just woke up all achey and feeling down."
“Mostly that. A few people are definitely low key depressed.” Aedan says “Nothing that...well it’s police. Anything that looked like it was getting dangerous, they’d have one of the resident therapists around to make sure everything was going okay. It’s kind of a...yeah.” he nods.
“Exactly that bad time of year stuff. Mine too. The first one we had here, first New Years was dire in my case. Trauma anniversary.” he adds. “Yours sounds pretty crap too. I’m oddly not too much of anything right now, but I’m on a LOT of medication to get through the month at the moment. I think without it, well. First year I haven’t had to check into the hospital or some kind of treatment or other because I lost TOO many calories, so there’s a start.”
"I'm tempted to get something for the stress stuff, but I suspect I'm not - uh - it'd not work with the heart and the addictive personality issues." Tony reached to nudge Aedan's hand lightly. "Finish your mug. Need to do more stuff out here? You promised me small horses?"
"A horse," Noah says.
“Aye so I did.” Aedan finishes the mug and smiles. “Be prepared for the most adorable thing you’ve ever witnessed. And I’ve seen Baby Yoda memes, so I know what I’m talking about.”
He’s now ready to head back inside, leading the way around the tack room, which is pretty meticulously organized and smells...pretty incredibly clean, for a barn, past empty stalls with nameplates for the other three, then to another stall, but one where a much shorter lead line is neatly hooked on the wall opposite a stable with a shorter door that’s clearly been recently, and quickly made shorter.
“We’ll make a finer job of THAT when it’s warmer.” Aedan says. “But for now, it’s safe enough.” He’s unlatching the door, and carefully and quietly pulling it one, revealing a tiny foal, about the size of a medium sized dog, with tufts of cream and white fur. Currently said foal is curled up and sleeping on a stuffed horse larger than he is. Well, napping anyway. He does look up hearing people.
“Ginger Fizz.” Aedan says, to Tony, with a little flourish. “Hey there, laddie. You want to come out and meet someone? Get some exercise and sun?”
"Oh my. Is he going to get - he'll get bigger, right?" Tony automatically crouches down a bit.
“A bit. He’ll be around dog size when he’s full grown.” Aedan indicates a spot about thirty six inces tall. “At the last hairs of his mane. People breed these for the look, and for a few show classes. Some can pull carts but this lad...he’s hopefully going to grow up into a nice stud. I was looking for something I could do with them all that’d start paying for itself.”
“Showing’s pricy and there’s no way I’d be financing that and the classes to be involved with...well I don’t know for sure yet, if I want to go probation officer or something more like kids’ rehab but...I was a messed up kid and had the help and got better, so I want to do that for other people, where they’ll know I can’t go judging their decisions...but doing that and keeping up the shows...and their upkeep...it’s all getting up there. Just because I COULD get it all financed at the bank of my da doesn’t mean...I never had anything big I got for myself honestly back home. Now that I’ve got the means for that…” he smiles.
"Sounds like a lot of work, but I hope he'll work out. He's very sweet. I guess - he could meet kids, when he's older?" Tony wants to pet Ginger Fizz.
Noah can totally recognize that little finger twitch. "Is there a good way to pet him?"
“Let me get him out here where there’s a bit more room.” Aedan’s clipping the lead on and watching the little foal get to his feet. “If we bring him around here…” he smiles at Tony. “There’s a couple of chairs for polishing and such. Might make him easier to reach. Smoke’s around the corner but he’s far away enough he’s not going to spook. And Meghan’s got him hooded since I was expecting people. I can’t even begin to say I know the first thing about giant birds. They’re pretty but that’s a fascination I don’t share. Da’s got a thing with griffons though.”
As Noah can attest. He’s seen Sebastian’s casual wardrobe after all. Sure, some of it’s taking advantage of the fact they’re from a game universe and grey warden insignia is popular here, but there’s also other fantasy griffon tshirts in the house, a pair of slippers shaped like griffon heads. It goes on, really.
"I was hardly an expert. Most of what I rode was stuff for formal parades who were more picked for look and calmness, and the stuff I used in the army were largely -" Noah looks thoughtful. "They differed, depending on climate, and I rode a lot of swampy marsh ones." He stretches his legs out. "You rode like this, to not get dragged through the mud, and they'd run low and fast. Or you'd fold your knees up high. Smart birds, but they'd also climb in your tent on cold nights."
"I'm picturing ostriches doing that," Tony admits. "Sounds - like you'd get feathers everywhere."
Aedan glances at Noah’s legs there and nods. “THAT would be a bit different. Sounds similar to the camel thing. They do have a camel place, you know. Suffolk does. It might be fun sometime to go and try the difference out. I think you’d have to have the advantage. “ And he laughs at the tent bit.
“Tent part’s AMAZING. When I was away at the ranch, there was this thing, we had to go out on a trail and build our own shelters. Had a few horses wander into the lean-to our group came up with one night, when it was raining but nothing like climbing in like THAT. Guess it’d be a problem for someone with an allergy though.”
"I've been trying to learn to ride because it -" Noah waves a hand. "I think Sebastian still feels like it's a rare surprising thing to take a slow ride with someone. It's the least I can do."
“I don’t suppose he much had the time for that.” Aedan muses. “I was only there...less than six months at home, with the version of him from then, and we worked out there was maybe a year in total between our timelines, if that, but the one at home was always busy or stressed or juggling chantry criticism. He took out his group to shoot in the mornings, around first light but that was about ALL he had the time for.” And he winces a bit.
“No WONDER he was so uptight. And any time you’d like to head along or try things out. Glenna adores you, Mollie likes you and Hans is fine with Citron going out. Cassim’s good for anything in here, where it’s controlled.” He stopped jumping with Cas seriously after he decided not to pursue eventing until Glenna’s legs are more developed for it, and he doesn’t like to risk him on outdoor things either. Aedan thinks of his gelding as a dancer. Most dancers don’t run out and do things that risk them not being able to dance again, after all.
"I've ridden with Glenna before." Noah stretches his back. "Do we want to head in, or are you letting Fizz stretch a bit?"
“I’m good for heading in.” Aedan leans over to scratch Fizz’s face. “I’ve just got to pop him in the smaller paddock.” It’s a small section, a yard, really, that they’ve temporarily made for him to hang out in, and close enough the other horses can visit and smell him and things. Later on, they’ll move the fence out, so it’s more his age that’s the issue with separation as opposed to size.
“Are we all okay for heading in? I don’t think there’ll be a lot of dramatic anything here today, but…”
"Hm - is there chairs in the stable building?" Tony asked. "I honestly just kind of want to not feel great and sprawl. Want to see what I brought?"
“We’ve got some. And upstairs there’s actually some space. Could be an apartment but right now we’ve just got a few things up there. Couches and other things.” Aedan nods toward a decent enough staircase. “Interested? I’ve got a space heater too.”
There’d been talk of Hans moving in there once, but he’d wound up in the town instead, since he seems to prefer having a little distance, and, well, Liam had needed a roommate. Aedan won’t pretend he knows half of what Liam’s thing is besides that he’s...kind of like Sebastian in circumstances, and pretty intense, but they seem to get along well enough.
"That sounds good to me. Sorry for being all - weird." Tony waves a hand.
"You're fine." Noah trails after them. "I'm freshly off work myself, so if you don't mind, I wouldn't mind sitting on a couch with a space heater."
“You’re not weird at all.” Aedan’s leading the way. “There’s some ugly throw pillows around too, so it should be comfortable. I mean, look, we all have those days, don’t we no?”
He’s switching on the space heater when they get upstairs, and it’s humming to life. “I do think I’ve got granola bars or something up here if anyone wants. I know you said you’d brought something, Tony, which is awesome.”
"I'm up for that. I mean, I am just drinking a ton of sugar, but - migraine." Tony sprawls out. "I'm - uh - my parents died late in the year. And I'm not going to talk about it with other people, and I had a guy who wanted me dead, and I sort of had - most of Christmas I felt great and didn't think about it. And then woke up sore and just - down."
"You are talking about it. I think Steve might understand." Noah settles in.
Tony fishes out what he brought. "Juice? Uh - various fancy flavors. You can freeze them and make slushies? But I thought it'd be - uh - food like."
“That’s fantastic.” Aedan grins. “The stuff I’m doing to get protein and calories...it’s this sort of tasteless powder that you mix with stuff. And it was starting to get old. That’ll be grand to change things up a little, thank you. And the slushie idea’s a good one too. It’s honestly about the right in between I can hit right now without my brain sending out panic signals.”
"I'm sorry it's been pretty bad." Tony frowns. "Does stuff like this help? People showing up with food? I'm know I'm not the best guy for doing it, but I can ask around. Have you talked much with Yvette?"
“I haven’t much, actually. Emmett likes spending time with her though, a lot.” Aedan says. “And it does help. It’s going to pass at some point. I’m sort of...prepared to ride it out now. This year’s already better than last. I’m not in the hospital, or alienating people and I know what to do. It’s just nice to have other people around too. The break up didn’t help but I’m getting over THAT.”
Tony laughs. "That's - Combeferre wouldn't let me use that as an answer. Is that an 'it's okay to pop by with liquid stuff occasionally' answer?"
“Would he not?” Aedan laughs too. “I suppose I am going into the comparative thing and...you’re definitely welcome. And to keep coming if you like, once I’m feeling more normal.”
Tony grins. "Not in my experience. But I can do that. Worries me, when food's not working for you, but I'm glad on the comparative scale that you're doing better."
"And I can tell you are, Aedan? You seemed a lot more - swinging up and down when I got here, and that was in winter." Noah leans to pass a granola bar over to Tony. "How about you? Have you eaten much? I could bring you some soup to go with the juice. Do you want a refill, Aedan?"
“Aye that was right after everything. I think six weeks or so from when they got me home from the hospital at least. Everything was crazy then and I was... “ He considers. “I guess if I apply the reading I’ve been trying to do, I needed something stable that I wasnae able to push away or influence. And I’m good as refills go, but thanks.”
"That makes sense to me?" Tony sighs. "It's why I don't want to dump this on Steve. He'll think he's to blame or me aching or feeling rough? But it's not him, it's a me thing. Which is why I'm identifying hard when you're feeling like it's your fault, Aedan."
“Sounds like what I know about Steve from what I’ve seen. Like it’s a Captain America thin.” Aedan nods. “And well. Some stuff I do think is...I wish I hadn’t gotten involved with Sh...with my ex now, or had known what I did but realistically I think I just wasn’t good enough for him. And like no one would have been. So...less guilt’s surrounding that one now.”
"You see if you asked me - I think you - may be the first person Sherr got interested in who wasn't uh - his ex?" Tony taps his fingers and rolls on his back on the couch. "Okay, that heater's amazing and I love it. Uh - so like - he was learning how to do the serious dating thing, but he still ran back when his ex showed up because - that's how abusive stuff works? Even if the guy wasn't acting abusive? You get conditioned to think it's what you need and deserve and stuff."
"Which doesn't make anyone good or bad for him, but more that -" Noah frowns. "Landis is like that for me, I think. I desperately wanted home, and never thought how I had changed, and my home had changed, and my yearning for home was just a way of hurting myself."
“I mean, that’s possible.” Aedan nods. “It’s just...one of those things FAR out of my hands now, isn’t it, though? I think that’s the take away. And at least, if it was part of whatever weirdness was happening, it’s not an ongoing situation, yeah?”
"I guess I'm just saying - the yearn to chase something unhealthy sometimes isn't anything wrong with you, or even what he wanted." Noah shakes his head. "Not saying you need to chase him. Just - abuse and trauma can make you pick unhealthy things that were safer options before."
Aedan nods at that. “Aye it’s true enough. It’s why I”m not going to do anything so drastic just now, with all of this. Let things settle before I see if this is good or bad. I’m oddly comfortable enough if it isn’t what I want or need now. Sounds awful, but...It’s how life is, eh? You move onwards.”
"I wanted to meet him." Noah shrugs. "But it is what it is."
“I’m sure you’ll have that chance at some point.” Aedan muses. “I can’t see a world in which we’re not still friends. But the rest...well it’s nothing I can say for certain, I suppose. Still, if it happens, of course. “
"Just don't blame yourself. It's not fair on you to pin all the troubles of his life." Tony reaches to pat vaguely near Aedan. "Don't let me drool on your sofa."
“If you do, it’ll wipe up okay.” Aedan snorts. “Trust me, this is the barn sofa for a reason. It’s clean enough but it’s not a big deal if something gets on it.”
"This is helping though. You had a good idea. Even if I'm not uh - issues talking all over stuff, I feel better. Your horses are amazing." Tony smiles at him. "Thank you."
“It’s funny.” Aedan says. “How much they do. And, well. The equine therapy thing worked for me in the more structured way so…” he smiles. “It seems reasonable it’d help you too. You’re very welcome.”