I am 49, going on 50....

[patriotqueen]

It was not a surprise party. Today was Anthony’s birthday and it would hardly come as a surprise that Guy would hold a party for him on the day. It was a tradition, an unspoken agreement. Cambridge, London or Tabula Rasa; Guy would host a party for Anthony every year, just as Anthony had always done for Guy.

Nor should it be a surprise to the

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[will_you_see]

Alcuin was pleased to attend any gathering at Guy's invitation, and though he and Anthony were but acquaintances, it seemed an occasion worth celebrating. He was in good spirits, and batted about a sinking balloon idly as he took the measure of the partygoers across the gallery.

[patriotqueen]

Guy made it a point to greet everyone there. He had to. Anthony was very unlikely doing so himself. He never did. "Acluin, good of you to come," Guy said, and greeted him with a kiss on his cheek. "How have you been?"

[will_you_see]

"Very well," said Alcuin politely, and brushed his lips across Guy's cheek in return. "What a nice party you've thrown for Anthony."

[patriotqueen]

"It's a tradition. And since he's from a time in my future, and he has to miss my presence at home, I thought I'd make up for it amply!" Guy cheered, but in a sardonic tone of voice. "It's my one regret in life, but I'm glad to be able to make amends."

[will_you_see]

Alcuin reached for Guy's hand and squeezed, before releasing it. "I'm sure he's grateful for it. I'm rather fond of your presence myself."

[patriotqueen]

Guy smiled, but more genuinely. "Well, it's the reason you're here," he said. "Have a drink, I've brought out some good wine, but it's a secret. A poorly kept one, I grant you, but a secret none the less."

[will_you_see]

"Really?" Alcuin reached across him and plucked up a glass. The wine he'd shared with Nikola had been the best he'd had in a long while. "Mmmm you spoil me," he appraised after he had a drink. Then laughed. "Well, Anthony."

[patriotqueen]

"No, no. I will take full credit," Guy said. "One of the army boys came to the island with a cellar full of wine. There isn't much left, but for happy occassions we bring out the - as the American put it - 'good stuff'. Ever eloquent, Americans."

[will_you_see]

Alcuin smiled. "I meant that Anthony is the one you're spoiling... though perhaps I should get into your good graces now for the occasion of my next birthday."

[patriotqueen]

"It's my bloody wine, I get to spoil whomever I chose. You seem the perfect object of such spoiling. Come on; wine becons!" Guy was in a good mood and impossible to bring down. He hadn't been in quite some time. It felt good.

He took Alcuin's hand and lead him to the drinks table.

[will_you_see]

Alcuin laughed and let Guy lead him along. "Now, no matter how good it is, don't let me overindulge as I did with the palm wine."

[patriotqueen]

"Why on earth not? The outcome was certainly pleasurable," Guy said, with a teasing wink.

[will_you_see]

Alcuin smiled. "Well. I dare say the outcome would have been the same regardless... unless it was my, ah, particular lack of inhibition that you enjoyed?"

[patriotqueen]

"I enjoy variation," Guy assured."Though I would never complain about any verbalized encouragement. And there is a definite aphrodisiac in hearing dirty words from a beautiful mouth."

[will_you_see]

Uncharacteristically, a sweet pink flush rose to Alcuin's cheeks. "You are very inspiring."

[patriotqueen]

Uncharacteristically, perhaps, but beautiful in completion of a perfect picture. Guy shook off the thought. No one was helped with pointless lyricalness.

"I strife to be," Guy said suggestively. "Of course, it had been too long, so I would have had you even if you had had a gravel stone for a head, but that's by the by."