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

Comments

[alittleofboth]

Anthony had become increasingly resigned to this parties. No matter that he didn't want to remember how old he was getting (Forty-nine, good lord), no matter that he had been on the island for far too many years - every year, Guy had a party ready and waiting for him, and every year, Anthony did the same for him. It was retaliation, of a sort.

But there were advantages: food and drink slightly above the usual island standard, decent company, the manufactured whiff of home. He didn't like it, no, but if he was going to be forced to live through the day marking his forty-ninth year, his sixth birthday to pass on the island, there were worse ways of doing so.

[patriotqueen]

It was two friends giving each other a birthday party as bloody well they should. Retaliation was a needless and sardonic word that didn't belong between friends.

That hadn't stopped Guy from painting the exact age onto canvas and it didin't stop him from greeting his friend in the following manner. "Oh, god, you're getting old! It must be so hard to be you today. Such a good sport for attending. I wouldn't have blamed you if you had chosen to stay at home with a pillow over your head."

[alittleofboth]

"And deny you the pleasure of mocking me?" Anthony shot back with eyebrows raised. "I would never dare." He gave a sigh. "Thank you for the party, Guy."

[patriotqueen]

"You're too kind," Guy said, and gave him a big kiss. "You're also very welcome. Any excuse for a party is a good one. Anything to keep me away from Charlie and her forms..." Because the school term had started again, and this meant forms, files and papers.

[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."

[mdidiusfalco]

At least this time I technically wasn't crashing the party. True, I was still showing up unannounced and uninvited, but at least I knew the guy throwing it by now. I didn't, however, know the evening's man of honor. Oh well. You can't have everything.

As was customary I was circulating with a drink in hand, pretending to look at the art on the walls when I was really looking at my other party guests. Old habits die hard.

[patriotqueen]

"Usually people attempt to mingle with the guests, not the art on the wall," Guy teased in greeting.

[mdidiusfalco]

"I try not to be usual, Burgess," I said with a smile. "Besides, you know me by now and you should know I'm just here for the wine."

[patriotqueen]

"You know, that almost sounds hurtful... had it not sounded bloody familiar," Guy said back, amused. "And is the wine to your liking?"