Eli likes puzzles. (dashdotdash) wrote in valarlogs, @ 2014-01-02 20:49:00 |
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Entry tags: | !complete, !trigger warning, brother athelstan, eli |
Who: Eli and Athelstan.
What: Meeting his parents.
When: Backdated to 12/20 when Eli was human.
Where: A restaurant.
Rating: PG-13.
Trigger Warning: Homophobia.
Status: Complete!
Athelstan was in something approaching terror. Even though Eli was still a human. Even though he’d wished for his parents to accept her, and everyone else had gotten their wishes. He’d prayed for seeming hours before their arrival time, and now they would be here any minute. So, hopefully, would Eli. He would rather have her here before his parents, just in case. They could prepare together.
Eli raised a shaking hand to ring Athelstan’s doorbell. She’d worn her longest dress in pale blue, and her long dark hair was pulled back into a modest braid. She seldom wore makeup anyway, and hadn’t for this occasion, hoping his parents would prefer that in lieu of someone too vain.
He jumped when the doorbell rang, but breathed easier when he looked through the fisheye. Athelstan yanked it open, smiling nervously. “Hello, my dear. They aren’t here yet; come in.” He hugged her as soon as she came through the door. “You’re very ... warm.” It was a compliment, as weird as it might seem.
She hugged him tightly in return, smiling brightly. Her teeth were just barely crooked - orthodontia weren’t as regularly used in Sweden as they were in the US - but they were human. “I am! It’s wonderful, is it not?” She took his hands and squeezed gently. “Are you very scared?”
“Terrified.” Athelstan blurted, laughing from adrenaline. “I want so badly that they think well of you. It will not stop me if they do not,” he added sternly. “But I want it. They ought to be here any moment.”
“I hope they do as well, but if they do not, I hope it will not be because of something I did.” She chewed a little on her lower lip, remembering the practice she’d done in her head last morning before she’d slept.
“If they do not, it will be because they cannot recognize an angel in front of them.” He kissed her gently. “I’m afraid, but I don’t know, Eli; it’s rather ... liberating. Knowing my mind is made up no matter what.” He managed a sweet smile.
She reached up to stroke his cheek. “You flatter me,” she murmured. “By being so gracious and kind. No, if they do not care for me, that is their own opinion. You are the one who is the angel, Athelstan. I hope they honor you by respecting your choices, for you are a grown man.”
“It seems very strange to think so,” he said, smiling a little. “But it’s true. I will be twenty-two in four days!” He would have said more, but then there was a knock on the door, and Athelstan quite frankly jumped.
He took a breath and opened it to reveal a couple, both dressed plainly, in browns and reds. The woman’s hair was pinned back in a tight chignon that pulled at her forehead, and the man’s hair was turning over into grey like an autumn forest. Neither of them were smiling, but their eyes were satisfied. “Hello, Athelstan,” his mother said, nodding. “May we come in?”
“Of course, Mother.” He hurriedly stood aside, hugging his mother once she and his father came into his (spotlessly clean) flat. “How was your trip?”
“Surprisingly acceptable,” his father replied, speaking for the first time, in a baritone going soft. “We were seated next to a holy Sister on the flight, and had a very revivifying discussion. She was en route to Los Angeles to start a ministry there. Are you going to introduce us to your caller, Athelstan?” He had seen Eli standing behind them, and peered at her.
“Yes, of course.” Athelstan had to will himself not to get flustered. “Mother, Father, this is Eli Howlett.” He didn’t add the ‘girlfriend’ appellation, if only because he frankly had no idea if they’d accept it or not.
“That’s an unusual name,” Athelstan’s mother commented. “May I ask where it comes from?”
Eli smiled, loving that Athelstan hugged his parents, that he seemed to have a close relationship with them. Her hands were behind her back, and she nodded at Athelstan’s mother. “It is Swedish for ‘God’. My father was in the Air Force in Sweden, but until he was in his late teens, was planning to be a minister on the base.”
“Ah, Sweden. It’s a very lovely place. Even if it is difficult to find a proper Mass, I must appreciate God’s handiwork in its beauty.” Athelstan’s mother commented. “My name is Eadyth, and my husband’s name is Thomas. Athelstan has no doubt informed you that we are his parents.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Miss Howlett,” Athelstan’s father added. “Our son has spoken very highly of you.”
Eli smiled and shook each of Athelstan’s parents’ hands in turn. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Wilder. He speaks highly of you as well.”
“He keeps the Fourth Commandment well.” Athelstan’s mother smiled faintly. “He’s a good boy. I admit I was disappointed when he didn’t wish to become a brother - his sister is in holy orders in Italy - but his intentions are good.”
Athelstan blushed. “It’s no sin to recognize one’s failings. I don’t think I’d be a very good brother.” Not least of all because of Eli, but also because of what manner of brother he’d become in his dreams.
“He still can help bring people to God.” Eli smiled and looked at Athelstan proudly. “What better influence than a virtuous man?”
“Indeed.” Athelstan’s mother did smile as well. “Sometimes I’ve worried about him remaining a virtuous man, in this mad country. It’s so debauched.”
Athelstan had to look away, though he was pleased that his voice came out calm. “Would you like to go to lunch, Mother? Dad? Are you hungry?” Now that Eli could join them, of course.
“Some food would be excellent, thank you.” His father nodded, shifting his weight from foot to foot. “How thoughtful.”
Eli smiled, then bowed her head. “May I join you, or should I leave you to family time? It is most important.”
“Thank you for asking. But you are welcome.” Athelstan’s mother nodded at her. “We have been curious about how Athelstan spends his time and who his friends are.”
Athelstan murmured a quick prayer that they wouldn’t ask her anything too offensive. “With respect, Mother, if you want to know that, you may ask me.” He smiled.
His mother gave him a look, but nodded. “Nonetheless, Miss Howlett is welcome to accompany us.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Wilder.” Eli smiled and reached out to gently squeeze Athelstan’s hand for half a moment before returning it to a place behind her back. “One of the few things I like about this place is that there is a great bit of healthy foods, lots of fish. It reminds me of home.”
“That is true of Sweden, isn’t it. So much fish.” Athelstan’s father said thoughtfully. “We’ve only been once on holiday, I’m afraid. But we did appreciate it. So many of the disciples were fishermen, after all. It almost makes up for Sweden’s Protestantism.”
“At least it’s Christian,” Athelstan’s mother said.
Athelstan just sighed inwardly. How had he ever been so ... narrow-minded, once upon a time? “Well,” he said aloud, “there’s a very nice, quiet seafood restaurant nearby, if that will suit.”
Both his parents nodded their assent, and soon they set off. Athelstan walked next to Eli as they set off down the street, trying to take pleasure in the fact that she could walk next to him like any other girl. He wouldn’t have traded her no matter what he was, but this was very pleasant.
She knew it was too good to last, but she was enjoying it for the time being. Her eyes closed for a moment as they walked, and she simply enjoyed the sun on her face, even as there was snow on the ground. She was cold, but she delighted in the fact.
His parents were discussing the buildings, and Athelstan managed to whisper to Eli. “Are you well?”
She nodded, smiling at him. “I am fine, thank you for asking.”
“They’re ... difficult.” That was as critical as he felt he could be. They were still his parents, and he honored them - but not if they directly went against him. “You’ve done well so far.” He smiled at her.
“They’re your parents. So I love them too.” She smiled, squeezing his hand again, trying to do it quickly and unnoticed by said parents.
He very much doubted that, but he wasn’t about to question how well anything was going. Athelstan directed them all down the block and across the street, pointing to the restaurant’s awning, which became visible as they walked. “Here it is, Mother. Best fish I’ve had since being here.”
“I will take your word,” his mother replied, nodding a thank you as her husband held the door for the rest of the party.
The place was indeed quiet, and Athelstan spoke for them all, getting a corner table away from traffic. “Mother and Dad live very close to the seaside,” he explained to Eli once they were all seated. “So fish was a staple of our diet growing up.”
“I did as well when my family was in Sweden. Do you fish as well, Mr. Wilder? I find many people don’t appreciate their food as much as they should unless they experience the effort that goes into catching it. That, and the lakes and rivers in Sweden were lovely. It was so humbling, being outside there.”
“I do fish, and taught Athelstan at one point,” his father replied. “I’m sure he’s forgotten, as it’s my understanding that the waters here are not good for fishing, but it’s very peaceful to do so off the North Sea.”
“Actually, Dad, there are areas where fish can still be caught.” Athelstan piped up, mustering a small smile.
“Oh? I was unaware. Perhaps Miss Howlett learned how to fish, as well as you?”
“We do go on occasion, yes sir. There is a camping site that has a lovely spot for fishing, sometimes we take short trips up there, so we don’t have to have an overnight stay.” It was actually so they could be back before sunrise, but that didn’t need to be said.
“Is it very far?” Athelstan’s mother sounded conversational, but Athelstan knew that look. If he had to jump in to save Eli a lecture on Godliness, he would.
Eli shook her head. “Oh, no, that is why it is perfect. We spend a couple of hours fishing, then we may return to our home and continue studying. I am in university as well,” she murmured, hoping that answer would satisfy Athelstan’s mother.
“That sounds very nice.” Athelstan’s mother still looked suspicious, but her tone was perfectly pleasant. “The outdoors are there to be enjoyed, after all. Don’t you think, dear?”
“Certainly.” Athelstan’s father replied. “The outdoors is God’s greatest treasure. And I can imagine that there are areas in this state that are beautiful. As long as your studies aren’t neglected, of course. What are you studying, Miss Howlett?”
“History, actually. It is my goal to eventually get a doctorate so I may be free to study Skaldic poems. It is my dream to do my own translation of the Eggja stone.” She flushed a little, knowing that they’d probably think those things fanciful and useless.
“I confess I am unfamiliar with that. What is the Eggja stone?” Athelstan’s mother actually looked interested. “Learning is an extremely worthy thing with which to occupy one’s time.”
Eli’s blue eyes shone, never as happy as when she was talking about something she was passionate about. “It is a stone that was found in 1917 over a man’s grave. A farmer stumbled upon it, not knowing there was someone from the time of the Vikings buried on his land. Only small bits of it have been translated, so I would love to work on the parts that have not.”
“Ah, I see.” Athelstan’s mother nodded. “I don’t much hold with the Vikings - they raped our land and murdered good English people - but I do appreciate that history must be studied.”
“Otherwise, of course, it will repeat.” Athelstan’s father added. “Though I can’t think the Swedes would sail an armada over to Newcastle anytime nowadays.”
Athelstan smiled. Had his father actually made a joke? This had to be the Christmas influence.
“I do not think they have one,” Eli laughed. “Besides, there is no good snowboarding or skiing there, so you are safe enough.”
“Those look so dangerous.” Athelstan’s mother shook her head. “I’m rather glad there usually is no snow here for my boy to risk his neck on!”
“It’s quite all right, Mother.” Athelstan bent his neck to look at the menu. If only she knew some of the things he’d been through to risk his neck!
Soon they were waited on, giving their orders and settling back. Athelstan’s mother looked after the waiter, though, with a disapproving glance. “I think that boy was a heathen,” She said abruptly, shaking her head. “Did you see those nails?”
“Coal black. It’s very feminine.” Athelstan’s father shook his head. “He seemed a bit fey.”
Eli shook her head. “It seems to be normal for young people to feel different and to want to look as different outside as they think they are inside. I did not have time to do that, alas - I lived in too many countries to worry about so many trivialities.”
Athelstan noticeably winced at his parents’ casual homophobia, but he had to be grateful that Eli responded so calmly. It was proving a bit of a trial to keep a poker face.
“Are you all right, boy?” His mother had noticed.
“Yes, Mother, just a hiccup.” He said the first thing that came to his mind.
She paid him no mind, thankfully, turning back to Eli. “There are ways to express individuality without offending God.”
Eli simply nodded. “I found myself reflecting more upon my thoughts. I was fortunate to have the structure of the Air Force bases.” She smiled and sat up a little straighter. “It was odd for me to see people who did not get up before six am, I thought everyone did that!” When in doubt, deter, deter, deter.
“Athelstan must find it strange not to.” His mother said, mustering a faint smile. “We rose promptly at six during his childhood. His sister apparently rises at five, to face the sun with the rest of her sisters.”
“I have to rise a bit later, if only because I have an evening class and I would fall asleep in the middle if I didn’t.” He smiled gamely. “That would never do.”
“I’m lucky, my papa is an early riser as well. I go jogging with my dog and see the sun rise.” Or so she’d been doing while she had a bit of humanity. Her dog loved it.
“How very nice that must be.” Athelstan’s mother actually chuckled. “We never had any animals at our home, but only because my husband is allergic to most pet hair.”
“We all have our little trials,” Athelstan’s father said, sitting back. “Animals are a gift; they are God’s purest expression of unconditional love. I’ve had to find my joys elsewhere, that’s all.”
“I am so sorry,” Eli murmured. “My biological father has the same trial. He keeps a parrot for that reason, and dotes on it like it were his own child.” Eli chuckled and shook her head. “They live for so long, though, and can be very temperamental.”
“A parrot, truly?” She had them both interested now, Athelstan was pleased to see. His mother went on. “Surely the bird makes an infernal amount of noise, though?”
“Very much so. Though it does sleep whenever he puts a blanket over the cage. But growing up, I remember I’d go outside for walks just to escape the shrieking.” Eli laughed, hand over her mouth, as if she’d confessed something wicked.
Athelstan watched his mother actually laugh, and it was hard not to marvel.
They got their food not long after that, and though Athelstan had a nasty moment when his mother insisted on saying grace - loudly - the meal passed without incident. The food was good and he actually enjoyed himself. His parents both seemed pleased, and he took the risk of excusing himself to use the lav.
Once he was gone, his mother looked at Eli. “Miss Howlett, may I be frank with you?”
During the grace, Eli bowed her head and mouthed the words alongside her. It was nothing she hadn’t experienced before.
While Athelstan was gone, Eli nodded. “Of course, Mrs. Wilder, I should hope you will always be. You and I both only have Athelstan’s best interests at heart.”
“Of course. You seem a very pleasant, upright girl, and I will be in return. Athelstan has displayed a worrying tendency to be interested in ... other boys.” The woman hesitated. “I am indeed relieved that he seems to have found someone like yourself. I can only hope it means that his phase is over. But I wanted you to be aware of this characteristic, in case he had kept it from you.”
“He had not. I value honesty in all things with my relationship with him. But I appreciate your saying so. His fidelity is strong. So long as we are together, neither of us will stray in our hearts.” She hoped that Mrs. Wilder understood that their bodies wasn’t a question either. Granted, Eli knew that it was, that they’d been intimate, but she hoped that Mrs. Wilder assumed they weren’t going to have sex until they married.
“It pleases me to know you think so highly of my boy.” The woman smiled. “He has strayed from the righteous path on occasion, but he has a pure heart and means well. And, should you eventually choose, I think he will make you a fine husband.”
“Agreed,” Athelstan’s father said gravely. “Better any girl than a boy, but you seem to be exactly what he needs.”
Eli bowed her head and blushed, trying not to giggle with nervous adrenaline. “If I may say so, I’m so glad you both think so highly of me. I always tried to think about what my papa would want for me, if I were in another country, and I try to make sure he has that. That he’s eating right, and that he’s got enough warm clothes and such. It’s what anyone who loves him would do.”
“That makes perfect sense. A wife is supposed to look after her husband, after all.” Athelstan’s mother said piously. “He for her as well, but Athelstan needs perhaps a bit more help than most. He’s a dreamer.”
“I am far too practical, it is one of the things I admire most about him. He is able to see the beauty in all things, where I simply make lists and plan and worry.” Eli chuckled a little at herself. “I think in finding each other, we find balance as well.”
“You may very well be right, I think.” Athelstan’s mother would have said more, but Athelstan reappeared.
Athelstan got the impression that Things had been said, but he played dumb. “Are we ready to be off, Mother, Dad? Shall I see you to your hotel?”
“Oh, no, that’s quite all right. We’ll get a cab.” Athelstan’s father shook his head, and his mother had no choice but to obey. “Best to let you get back to your studies, after you see Miss Howlett home.”
Athelstan could have danced, but it was also sad. It hurt, to look at his parents and see these ... narrow people. “All right, Dad. Shall we, then?”
Eli smiled, offering her hand to Mr. and Mrs. Wilder, shaking them in genuine affection. True, they had some worrisome viewpoints, but they loved their son and wanted him to be healthy and happy. That was good. “Thank you for allowing me to eat with you. I hope you have a lovely Christmas. The mass should be beautiful.”
“I certainly hope so.” Athelstan’s mother shook her hand briefly, letting her husband do the same before they made for the door.
Athelstan had risen to bid his parents goodbye, but as soon as he saw them exit the restaurant and get into a cab, he went over to Eli’s side of the table and kissed her full on the lips.
She laughed as they kissed, wrapping her arms around him and pulling him closer. “Someone got his Christmas wish, yes?”
“I wished for them to stop being so ... horrible.” Athelstan’s breath came out in a rush. “And they seemed better.”
“And I wished to be human.” Eli confessed it quietly, almost feeling guilty for it. “I know it will go away in time, but ... it has been worth it for you. I am so glad you are happy.”
“That helped,” Athelstan said, laughing giddily. “I’m sure it helped! I just ... I don’t even care what they think, and I’m going to have to go to confession five times this week for the lying and the dishonoring my parents, but Eli, I love you.” He sighed, relaxing a little. “I can’t think it ungodly. I love you.”
“May I come with you? I may have lied a little myself.” She looked up at him when he said that he loved her, and she tiptoed up again to kiss him, cupping his cheeks and pulling him close. “Someday,” she murmured, “I am going to marry you even if I am a vampire. Because I want to be with you as long as you are alive. I promise you this.”
“Don’t I get a say?” Athelstan joked, but hopefully his smile gave away his amusement.
“Later,” Eli smiled. “Come. I feel like doing something to make your confession more interesting.”
Athelstan instantly turned beet red, but he had to laugh. “Then I will have to go again!”
“You can do all of it in one trip.” She tugged on his hand, grinning impishly. “Please?”
“All right. You could convince me to do quite a lot, you know.” Athelstan made sure the bill was paid before he allowed Eli to drag him out of the restaurant.