Morningstar Manor

The honeymoon was over but Charlie had wanted to have one last little party before they left. So all his available friends, plus Mum and Dad had come to lunch to empty the fridge and drink the last of the beer and wine.

Then they washed up and spent ome time lounging about, chatting, walking in the garden and generally amusing themselves while they waited for the minibus driver to come and pick them all up to take them to Heathrow.

Nick took a swig from his beer bottle and looked over the fields with a sigh. It was too peaceful here. He couldn't wait to be back in the City.

As stag nights went this was shaping up to be a good one, Nick thought as he followed Charlie to the gents, and he looked over his shoulder to tell Andras .

"That curry was fantastic," he said. "At least as good as Raj's in the City. Not too sure about the cider though."

"You sorta have to be brought up with that," Charlie said, taking a stance at the urinal. "And process it fast before it can eat its way through your bowels. Scuse me."

Nick felt guilty - an unaccustomed and uneasy feeling for him. He didn't normally regret much about his actions. But sometimes he acknowledged that he could have done something a little differently, or not at all, and this was one of those uncomfortable times.

It wasn't that Seth was annoyed exactly - what else could Nick have done - but fighting his way through a thicket of illegal greenery every time he wanted to get into his studio must have been irritating.

So Nick made breakfast, to the best of his ability, and took it through to Seth and said yet another contrite, "sorry."

It was taking a while to get used to the new routine. Jane wasn't entirely used to having two days to herself, and consequently she'd done all her housework and laundry yesterday, and was now wandering about the gardens with a hot cup of tea and wondering what she should do with herself for the rest of the day. She did have her phone on her, just in case there was a daycare emergency, but so far everything was very quiet. She didn't feel like baking, and besides, there was only so much sugar you could give kids before their parents got cranky about it, so Jane was bored. An unusual feeling for her, and not one she wanted to admit to either.... in all honesty, she felt a little lonely without the people she'd cleaned for to talk to, and she just wanted some company that wasn't under ten.

At lunchtime Nick had been listening to the radio and had heard potentially very bad news indeed.

There was a cold front coming in from the north-west bringing with it frost and a possibility of snow.

The Manor was well geared up for this and Nick had no fears for the tenants but it had occurred to him that with Charlie away there could be a disaster on their hands.

As soon as he could he went up to the roof and crossed the roof garden to round the side of the pool house. Yep it was getting colder.

Now he just had to figure how to cram his bulk through the tiny gaps in the piping to the little area where the best weed in four states was in peril!

Anastasia was down in the gym on the tredmill in a pair of retro blue running shorts with white stripes going up the side and a white tank top. There was a look of sad concentration on her face as she ran mile after mile and thought about her husband. What he'd accused her of, how much merit there was to it, and all the accusations that she could have thrown at him, but didn't.
She sighed as she cleared the eight mile mark, breathing heavy and sweating as she finally turned the machine off and sat down, pressing a bottle of cold water to her forehead. She should think about something good, like what she wanted to do with her new studio.

Niles lay on his back under Piglet in the garage, changing the oil. His white t-shirt had grease splatters all over it and his hands were black, but he didn't care. He liked taking care of his girl. She was distracting in a good way and loved him unconditionally as long as he took care of her. All women should be so simple. Then again, if they were that simple he'd never hold interest. 
He sighed, wishing he were as simple as his car too.

Isabella sat in the Mocha in a cream colored sweaterdress, her cell phone in front of her and a blank expression on her face. She'd gotten a call from her father of all people. She hadn't talked to him in over seven years and he'd call to tell her that her mother was in the hospital with some sort of kidney infection. She marveled at how he still sounded the same. It was a voice she hadn't heard in several years, but she could still pick out of a crowd anywhere. She missed him. She worried about her mother. Pinching the area between her eyes, she took a sip of coffee and pondered what she should do.

Smith sat on a bench in the conservatory in a grey t-shirt and a pair of dark jeans, hiding out in there mostly because he figured it was the last place anyone would look for him. His cell phone was opened and he'd just finished listening to Laura's voicemail for the fifth time.
She'd called him sweetie. She'd sounded understanding. Fuck, he hated doing this to her. To them.
With a weary sigh, he decided to text her back: Busy all weekend.

Bea was out in the garden with Pippa, huddled into a long, grey, grandpa-looking fuzzy cardigan. It was almost longer than the black slipdress that she'd been running around in all day. She'd been in a creative frenzy, working on fixing the final draft of her second comic. She'd only been reminded to come up for air when Pippa had let out a yowl that she'd come to understand as "take me the fuck outside before I shit on one of your shoes." Bea loved her shoes, so she didn't fuck around with that.

Declan was up by the pool again in his white linen shirt and olive green swim trunks, mostly because it was emptier this time of year and it let him get out of his apartment and still smoke. He had a lot to think on, so he did, letting the curls of smoke waft up toward the ceiling.

Olivia had been wandering the halls. She walked when she was upset, and she was definately upset now. Had been since Monday. The Manor was big enough for her to suitably work out all her neurosis without freezing her ass off, which she would definately do outside. She huddled into herself, pulling the sleeves of her pale green sweater into her palms and crossed her arms over her chest as she walked.

The wind outside was chilly but it was lovely and warm in the Lamb tonight, its lights shining invitingly out onto the sidewalk, lively Irish pub music, laughter and the clinking of glasses drifting out each time the door opened.

It was a good night and Kara was smiling as she went about her duties. She helped with both the tables and the bar and if she looked up a tad hopefully each time the door opened... well who could blame her?

***

Though he was promised a night off when he wanted it Jack had decided to come in tonight. Phil was on call at the Manor, Nick was likely spending time with Seth and Jack didn't much feel like getting shit faced at a club tonight. And bartending here was a pretty easy job. He was happy to lend an ear or flirt unashamedly with the customers and was making some great tips.

***

Jason - wonder of wonders - was taking a night off himself and had a booth to himself near the back where he was sipping a pint and nibbling on a plate of cheese fries.

***

Demitri had taken over a pool table and for the moment was playing a solitary game.

***

Hugh had heard about the pub and decided to check it out and now sat in a booth going on his second pint and feeling much more relaxed. It reminded him of a pub he'd spent a good deal of time in during his youth.

Wanted

Reliable dog sitter
from 21st to 25th October inclusive

If interested please call Nick in Maintenance

Vincenzo had just come of duty and, since it was a pleasant morning, took his coffee into the garden to drink to get a breath of fresh air before turning in.

~

Leo bought a cup of rather insipid coffee and took his notebook down to the conservatory. This wasn't because he was thirsty but because he had a problem he needed to think over and found it easier to do when there was something to look at rather than his own 4 walls.

~

Nick was swearing in the basement because he had just dropped a container of pool cleaning fluid and it had splashed all over the tool room floor. "Shit," he said and hastily picked up the swathed armature of bone and skin so the poor mummy's feet wouldn't get wet.

Then the fumes hit him and he flung open the door and dived out into the passageway and stood there coughing. "Sorry pal," he said to the dead man under his arm.

~

Andy was in the gym trying to use the weight machine that exercised her thigh muscles. She gritted her teeth, going white as the pain from her damaged knee hit her, and managed one last lift. If she was going to stand at Deacon's side when the day came she didn't want to be lopsided.

Furniture and most all of his possessions had already been delivered but Hugh still had plenty with him when he stepped through the doors to the Manor lobby. Dressed in jeans, trainers, tshirt and a blazer and messenger back hanging round his shoulders, Hugh dropped his bags just inside the door and watched the taxi driver unload a couple of boxes.

"Ah yes thanks," Hugh mumbled and headed for the front desk, patting his pockets in search of his wallet. The man behind the desk seemed rather forboding and Hugh took note of his features and manners and stowed it away for future reference without really thinking about it.

"May I help you?" Jason said.

"Yes, yes, um, Hugh Davis. Moving in?" Hugh finally found his wallet and produced his ID and Jason looked it over then nodded and gathered up the welcome packet.

"Pleasure to have you here, Mr. Davis," he said. "Here's your welcome packet and your keys and I'll ring for someone to come help you with your things."

"Brilliant thanks," Hugh said, signing the form Jason had pushed towards him to show he'd picked up his keys and then went to wait by his bags.

Technically they shouldn't have put it in the pool, but the Manor could afford to replace it if necessary and it had to be admitted that a genuine floating pirate ship was a lot more fun than one on the grass.

Nick tied it off securely at one side of the pool so the prow was in the shallow end and the stern over deep water for jumping in, and wondered who would be the first to find it. There were plenty of posters up, that was for sure.

{Standard party post - get your pups' scantiest swimmers on and come and say 'Aaaaar'}

First thing in the morning, Charlie paused on his way to open the gallery and looked at the sky. There was something in the air - just a little chill - that warned him to make the most of the good weather. Then he walked on, resolving to get the winter woollies out of storage that very weekend.

#

Around eleven Andy crossed the Square with her shopping list, Erik's suit, neatly bagged, over her arm and she too paused. But she was smiling as she watched a pigeon land on the head of the bronze angel. "Go on," she said. "Poop. You know you want to."

#

At noon Nick was at the other end of the Square, just coming out of a tatty little plumbing supplies shop that was nevertheless the only place within walking distance that stock a particular type of European metric dimension washer. Trendy French style bathrooms might look chic but they were a bugger to repair.

#

Lunchtime at the Auberge was part of the routine for Leo on working days and he sat and sipped his coffee while he waited for Paula to bring his salad. He was at a table outside, feeling he might as well make the most of what remained of the summer.

#

"May I?" Fin had asked as the tweedy Englishman had left the table and had got both somewhere to sit and that days local paper. He read it with as much relish as he ate his red onion quiche.

#

Vincenzo waited near the dance studio trying not to feel self concious about the bunch of pink rosebuds he was carrying. He glanced at his watch, then along the road hoping to see Emily but no, he was still a bit early.

#

Amarie romped through the Square on her way home from work. She had new shoes and had picked up pizza for dinner and all was right with the world, yeah, man. She paused at the lights, thumb busy as she sent a text to a friend, but took a moment to wonder at the scraps of mildewed ribbon tied to the upright by the crossing.

#

Del waited near the entrance of the Flamingo Lounge. He was carefully dressed, had a pale yellow rosebud in his lapel and was carrying a London Times. Sometimes customers liked a little intrigue and there was no way he'd say they couldn't have it.

They were late.

#

Jimmy had a bone to pick but the guy had fled. Much good it would do him. He OWED Max and Jimmy would collect. He'd give him one more chance and if he didn't pay up then Jimmy was happy to take payment in body parts.

Meanwhile he ambled along the sidewalk, killing time until he had to get to work.

#

Close to midnight and a horrible shriek disturbed the peace in the alley at the back of the gallery. Two bodies tumbled on the filthy paving, kicking and gouging, spitting curses, until one broke free and fled leaving quantities of ginger fur and a very pleased Palug. He rubbed a paw over a bloodied ear licked it and grinned. Just because he was off his usual patch didn't mean he wasn't still top cat.

There were some days when Seth just couldn't believe his luck. Living in a building like this, being able to paint for a living - and being in a relationship with Nick.

Today was one of those days. He'd watched Nick doing work in the garden - hot, sweaty work. That always got Seth a bit hot himself. That this big, gorgeous, kind man saw anything in little average Seth was still a mystery to him. But oh he was glad Nick did.

Of course a big man like Nick needed to eat so when he got home from work Seth had dinner ready - steaks and baked potatoes and salad and bread and beer - and if he was being a bit doting well, who could blame him. Sometimes he liked to dote on Nick.

"There's ice cream for desert if you want it," he said, beginning to clear the empty plates from the table.

Re: Hallowe'en

Dear Sirs,

It has come to the notice of the Morningstar Manor Tenants' Association that you are members of the band known as Arcane. Sirs, you rock! Play a set for us - just a little one - at the Hallowe'en Ball this year and we might even pay you!! Can't say fairer than that, can we?

Let me know, huh?

Charlie

Nick offered coffee around to the rest of the team. They sighed with satisfaction as they stood sipping and admiring their handiwork.

Bunting and lights, in the most tasteful colours, had been strung. The wedding areas had been roped off. Screens and awnings had been erected in case the wind got up or - God help us - it rained.

"Well that all looks pretty damn lovely," Charlie said and gave a huge yawn. "Remind me to buy Mary-Ann some chocolates for helping out with the flower arranging."

"Yep, the ballroom looks gorgeous. So many flowers. Thanks for that. I think, on the whole, we done well all round," Nick said and gave a yawn of his own. "But as soon as Phil turns up I'm off to bed. Ah, speak of the devil."

Phil, the only live-out handyman, hurried out of the conservatory and stared around him at the arrangements in the garden while they cat called and whistled.

"Jeez," he said. "You've put some hours in."

"That we have," Charlie said, and drained his cup and tossed it in the trash. "Bed time. Who's coming?"

"Too fucking tired," Nick said. "Though thanks for the offer, I'll take a rain check."

"Saucy," Charlie said and plodded off towards the Manor.

"She's all yours," Nick said to Phil and they left him in charge.

It was just after eight that morning when the lobby doors opened and two men walked in - followed by a rather lot of luggage and boxes. Gabe, as usual, was on the phone coordinating something or other and dressed in what he considered casual clothes - but then Rock and Republic jeans and Affliction t-shirts were the kind of casual that cost good money. But they were jeans and t-shirts so - casual.

Snapping his phone shut Gabe looked around the lobby and whistled.

"Oh I think this will do quite nicely," he said. "Or it would if they weren't putting us in the basement."

Jack had thought that the major work of getting the new daycare area was done and that meant they could go back to their usual routine. He'd been wrong. Ruprecht had them down in the basement now and it looked like they had a good amount of work cut out for them.

"Here's the plans," Ruprecht said, handing him and Nick a rough floorplan. "We'll have contractors in to do the plumbing and some of the work but right now we need to get these rooms cleared out. And by we I mean you."

Jack just barely managed not to groan.

The walls had been made good, a new bathroom area installed and decorated and the walls painted in pleasant pastel shades in washable paint. The carpet, also fully washable, was laid and now it was time to bring in the furniture.

It could have been a nightmare but Ms Pascuale, the manager, was a very sensible woman and had made a floor plan so all they had to do was carry the pieces in and, in some cases, assemble them.

Sunday was technically Nick's day off but helping out was fun especially when Seth and Charlie were along to get involved.

"Pass me that allen key," Nick said. "No that one. The little one. yeah, that one."

Andras was at the bar in the Lamb, with a pint of cider, and his wonderful old Leica camera, still loaded up with the roll of Kodachrome from the camera shop.

He had decided to make a photographic wake for the legendary material of it.-

The flight had been horribly early, which meant getting to the airport even more horribly earlier, but they had done it, just one small carry on bag between them, and were now leaving the airport and looking for the lift Bella had assured them would be waiting for them.

Inevitably they saw the driver first - Nick head and shoulders over most of the others waiting - but it was Nia's piercing squeal that drew their attention to him in the first place.

"Oh wow," Charlie said, trying for a cynical detachment not matched by the light in his eyes, "the family has turned up mob handed!"

Deacon looked up and smiled then gave Charlie a nudge.

"Well go on. Cuz if you don't I'm gonna." ( Read more... )