#kc_necropolis

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So it is, that they meet, and for once not at the club, but rather at a nice restaurant, private area. "Stealing ideas for the Emberclub menu?" Caesar asks with a smile as he looks over the offerings.

He chuckles. "Always."

"Keep the popular classics, try new things...."

"Well, why not? " A nod "Mom loves cooking with you...but you know that. Mmm never had that before" Finding something he likes

"She's a remarkable woman." Warmly. "But you, now.... you know she'll ask me. What shall I tell her about you and your ladies?"

"I'm back on the mostly mortal diet" He says with a shrug

He nods. "Nothing wrong with that."

"Anyone special?"

"Thanks..." he says "Some screaming rants on my facebook account, but no sign of Siu otherwise..." at the mention of someone special, he says "Well.. mm no...well, I have a friend who...I'm not sure it will ever go further than friend with benefits. But don't worry about it. Mom will just try to help and I love her, but I'm a grown man and I'm good, honest"

He nods. "Very well." He sips his merlot. "Caesar.... I have a matter on my mind that I am unsure about, and I'd like to ask your thoughts, but... I find it is difficult to voice."

"I thought this had to be about more than my love life," A look, "You're at a loss for words? Sorry, shouldn't tease, but normally you handle eloquent well.take a moment, find the best angle you can, and then try to land it. If you go in flames I'll try to be helpful."

"Well, firstly.... can we keep this confidential? From -everyone-?"

"wow, even mom? You maybe the bravest man I ever met." He frowns, "You're not thinnking of dumping her are you? Because, forewarning, if you plan on doing that I may not tell her why I'm kicking your ass, but it would probably happen. She loves you."

He's quiet a moment, then says softly. "Yes. Even her. Your word?"

A frown, then a deep breath "This is the problem with being the size of a troll.... "Then "Word given."

He nods, sips his wine, and pauses to think.

"What do you think of me, Caesar?"

"I think you've got more secrets than I have hairs on my legs" A raise of his glass, "But you'e done right by me, and you love my mom, so that's what matters. I think you're incredibly smart, and probably could read anyone in this room after 5 minuts and not just because of your ith"

He nods, staring into his glass. "You are more or less correct on all counts."

Another longish pause.

"Would you object to my long-term presence in and around your life?"

"why would I..." A raised brow, then "No, I wouldn't object. I mean, I wouldn't want you on my couch for more than a two weeks."

He chuckles. "No, I had other sleeping arrangements in mind, myself."

"Would you go so far as to say you'd welcome me, though?"

Caesar smiles, "Of course. I like your company. I'd like to think even if you weren't with mom, you and I would get along fine. "

"Well, that's quiet a compliment, and I thank you for it." He clears his throat. "Caesar, I am... considering... based on things that have happened and been said.... asking Callidora to 'formalize'.... our relationship." Softly.

A WIDE grin, "About time I'd say. Seriously, how many childlings call you Mister CC anyway?'

He clears his throat again and shifts in his seat. "Yes, well... it doesn't bother me. I find it rather... complimentary, anyway."

The little boggan actually looks... nervous. A bit. "You'd approve, then?"

"Of course, man. She's been hoping you'd pop the question for months." He pats the smaller man on the shoulder "not that she's said so to me, but I could tell. She loves you..." Caesar then says "that said, before you jump in- that lack of fidelity in the bedroom can be doubly hard to stand if you're spouses."

"you gonna to be able to ..adapt to that?"

He looks stunned. "She ... did? What... why didn't she say!??" He waves off questions of fidelity. "Caesar, I've known she is a satyr for some time now. Her physical fidelity is not an issue at all, never has been."

"I figured, but didn't want yo uregretting..." And a shake of his head "Why didn't she say? Because guys are supposed to be telepaths I suppose, or she wanted to make sure you were ready when you did ask. "

A puff of amusement. "Very like her, on both points." He shifts again, then adds "Caesar, I'm not sure I -am- ready. But.... it is good to know I have your approval. My uncertainty is why I wish for this to remain between us."

"I hear you, you don't want it slipping and then having her grow frustrated," he lowers his voice, "Between you and me? Mom doesn't always handle frustrated well"

That makes him actually laugh aloud, perhaps drawing a glance from the patrons around them at whatever distance.

"Well put." Amused.

"Hey, our family line is passionate. Think of it s a feature not a bug" a grin, "Honestly, I think you're good together, and if you do go for it, I'll be your biggest cheerleader, but no worries. I won't spill"

He exhales. "Well. It is certainly something to ... ponder."

"You'd stand with me, yes? Whatever... public display is needed?"

"Whatever you need." He nods "I'm there."

He nods with a small smile on his lips, which fades slightly as he sits up. "This is .... a most unusual situation. For me."

"Well, if it was too usual I'd suspect bigamy"

Another chuckle, and he sips his wine. "I meant, it is not something I have pondered doing." Then, dry, "And there is very little I have not pondered doing."

"Ah, Caesar...." He looks into his glass again. "Close friends often refer to me as 'William.' I would be obliged if, in private, you were to do the same." He looks up at the satyr. "You understand, however, in public.....?"

"More secrets than I have hairs on my legs," he repeats, then nods "Got it William... Emerson..." voice quieter on the first ,"i'll try to remember." And he adds "And my, dear step dad to be perhaps, if I may say-- the fact mom may have totally derailed your plans and corrected your course towards her? Depending on on how you put that? It would delight her no end to hear about. " He raises his glass "Now, let's order and eat."

He nods, and they do.

(End scene)

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