Grilling Time

[troellwr]

Who: not_as_factual nowonderland Stephen and Christian
Where: The Duplex
When: About a month after Christian visits the Hub
Rating:



Several weeks after giving Christian the grand tour of Cardiff, Jack feels like the weather is warm enough to warrant grilling, which is one of his favorite out of doors (in the suburbs) activities. Alice is over, trying her hand at making potato salad, and Stephen is toddling around the backyard playing with Myfanwy, who's remarkably good with kids. Jack has invited Christian over, if he has the time, but he isn't sure if such a domestic scene is really Christian's style.

Christian remarkably agreed to coming over and getting a chance to meet Jack's family. Of course this includes gifts, which he's loaded down with when he rings the doorbell.

Alice, of course, has heard all about her father's new friend and has already decided that the guy is trying to fuck her dad. Which Jack doesn't believe in the slightest. "I'll get it," Jack says when he hears the doorbell, prompting Alice to move toward the back door to keep an eye on Stephen. When he opens the door, Jack smiles. "Glad you could make it."

"So am I," Christian says, his arms loaded with things. By now, Jack will be well use to Christian's tendency toward gift giving. He has money and likes to spend it on his friends and Jack is a friend.

Jack is used to it, but he'll still chide Christian lightly. "You really shouldn't have," he says, reaching to take some of Christian's burden.

"I know, but I couldn't help it," Christian replies. "And I only got you beer this time." Expensive imported beer, but beer.

"You're a prince," Jack answers with a laugh. "Now I don't feel so bad springing for filet."

"Nice," Christian says with a smile, moving to step in. "I have to admit I've been looking forward to this."

"See, I thought it was a little too domestic," Jack says, stepping aside to let Christian in. "But I'm glad to hear it."

"Well, I admit, its not something I would normally do," Christian says stepping in. "But I think that’s exactly why I'm looking forward to it."

"Well, would you like to meet Alice?" Jack wonders.

"Yes," Christian agrees, setting down his packages and selecting the one that belongs to Alice..

Jack smiles and leads the way into the kitchen, where Alice has brought Stephen and Myfanwy in to continue their playing where she can watch them and her cooking.

Christian follows behind and will pull the bone out when he sees Myfanwy, who he's already met. Christian is making sure the dog associates him with something nice.

Myfanwy loves bones! She barks happily and wags her tail and will take the bone from Christian to flop down on the floor and gnaw on it happily. Stephen laughs and flops down onto the floor next to her to pet her while she noms. "Alice," Jack says, "this is Christian. Christian, this is my daughter, Alice."

"Hello Alice," Christian says, offering Alice his hand. "Its good to finally meet you."

Alice smiles politely and accepts Christian's hand for a shake. "It's nice to meet you. My dad's told me so much about you."

"I hope it hasn't been too bad," Christian says.

"Only a little," Alice answers with a laugh.

Christian laughs, "Good."

Alice smiles, then reaches down to pick up Stephen. "This is my son, Stephen."

"Hello Stephen," Christian says, taking his hand and shaking it. "I've heard about you as well, only good things though."

Stephen smiles, but turns to hide against his mom's shoulder, shy around strangers. "I do only have amazing things to say about him," Jack agrees and Alice rolls her eyes. "When you cop to being a grandpa, yeah."

"He does seem a bit young for it," Christian points out. He smiles, "I do have something for you young Mister Stephen." He'll set the package he was carrying on the counter and go get the biggest of the lot.

When Christian announces he has a present for her son, Alice gives Jack a look, questioning whether or not that's okay. Or even appropriate. Jack only shrugs a little.

He comes back, carrying it and well the box advertises a toy fire truck scooter (complete with bell). "Here we go."

"Wow," Alice says. "Christian, that's very nice of you."

"You're welcome, I got you a little something as well," He indicates the other package that he had set on the counter. "No reason to leave you out, when I'd given everyone else something."

Alice blushes a little. "I, uh. I hope my potato salad is a good enough thank you."

"I'm sure it will be," Christian assures, smiling at her.

Jack smiles. "Well," he says. "I was about to throw our steaks on the grill. Christian, do you want to join me outside?"

"Sure," Christian agrees, going to follow Jack out.

Once outside, Jack pulls a seat out at the patio set for Christian. "Beer?"

"Sure," Christian nods as he settles into the chair. "Can I do anything to help?"

Jack retrieves a beer from the cooler under the table and uncaps it for Christian. He's drinking a German import, but no doubt nothing quite as good as what Christian brought. "Just your company," he answers, setting the beer down and heading for the grill, where he has a plate of covered steaks waiting to be put on.

No, it isn't, but Christian won't complain. He takes a sip. "Your daughter seems very nice."

"She is," Jack agrees with a smile. The steaks sizzle when he puts them on the grill, which has a top rack already dedicated to cooking foil-covered potatoes. "She's great."

"I hope she likes what I got her," Christian replies, referring to the canvas.

"What did you get her?" Jack wonders, taking the seat across the table from Christian once the grill is closed.

"Some canvas, you said she was an artist, so I figured that would be appropriate and well some of artists I've met are very picky about paints and brushes, so I didn't want to get into that mess."

"That's very generous of you," Jack says, smiling. "Thank you."

"Your welcome," Christian says, smiling at him.

Jack opens himself a beer and settles back in his chair, pretty happy with the day so far. "So, how's work?"

"It’s been good, I'm thinking of getting of trying to acquire a hotel and branch out."

"Very posh," Jack agrees. "I think the hotel business is always pretty lucrative. Especially in tourist traps."

"Though I doubt any would sell before the game."

"The game?" Jack wonders.

"Games, Sorry I misspoke." Christian says. "Olympic Games."

"Oh," Jack says, laughing. "I almost forgot. I guess living in Wales makes it easier."

"Its all a buzz in London, people are looking forward to it, I know where I'll be for those two weeks."

"Watching the games from really posh seats?" Jack teases.

"Not all of them, but some, certainly the ceremonies," Christian agrees.

Jack laughs softly. "At least you have a house in London and don't need to look for a hotel."

"Yes, " Christian agrees. "Certainly will save some money as well."

Jack laughs at that, because the idea of Christian saving money is a little ridiculous. "True."

It is and Christian smiles at Jack's laughter.

Jack's laughter quiets down into a soft smile. "I think I found a new manager for the club."

"Did you?" Christian asks, perking up.

"Mmhm," Jack answers between sips of his beer. "She worked for the competition, but she came highly recommended."

"Oh really?" Christian arches an eyebrow. "Who did she come recommended by?"

"A former manager," Jack says. That's the easiest way to explain it. "He worked for the other club for a while."

"So you're stealing your competition's managers?" Christian asks.

"Well," Jack says, "the other club closed down."

"Oh," Christian considers this and then nods.

"So I'm not being totally ruthless," Jack teases.

"More like a softie," Christian teases.

"Yeah," Jack agrees. "I'd never cut it in your sector."

"I'm sure you'd manage," Christian assures them.

"Maybe so," Jack says with a laugh, getting up to return to the grill and flip the steaks.

"Are you sure I can't help?" Christian asks.

"You're my guest," he teases. "Unless you want to know the mysteries of my grilling..."

"I don't grill very often, maybe I'd like to pick up some pointers from a master," Christian offers.

"All right," Jack agrees with a laugh, offering Christian his spatula.

Christian moves to stand up and take it, enjoying that he also gets to be close to Jack as well.

Jack smiles, enjoying the moment for other reasons entirely. "To be honest, I don't really know any pointers. I do mostly zen grilling. How do you like your steak cooked?"

"Medium rare," Christian answers. "Zen Grilling?"

"Mmhm. I just know when a steak is ready." He grins. "It's probably just my years of experience."

"Well, then you'd make a horrible teacher," Christian teases.

"Oh, I know," he laughs, then points at one of the steaks. "That one needs turned."

"Are you sure?" Christian asks.

"If you want it medium rare," Jack answers.

"Alright," Christian goes to turn it then.

Jack grins. "Alice and I like ours medium, so those two will be next. Stephen gets his well done."

"Alright, tell me when," Christian replies.

"You have a few minutes," Jack assures, reaching over to grab his beer off the table.

"Alright," Christian nods.

Jack grabs Christian's beer, too, and brings it over. "So, we have an abundance of potatoes. I put these on to roast before Alice told me she was making potato salad, so I hope you like starch."

"I do like them," Christian promises.

Jack laughs softly. "We've also got salad, so it might not be that bad."

"So we have regular salad and potato salad?" Christian asks.

"Lots of salad and lots of potatoes. Clearly, Alice and I aren't communicating well about dinner."

"Good thing I didn't decide to just bring a macaroni salad."

"Good thing I didn't make a fruit salad for dessert," Jack agrees.

Christian laughs.

"She did make sweet tea, though," Jack goes on. "Have you ever had the American bastardization of tea?"

"No," Christian shakes his head.

"It's good," he assures.

"I'm sure," Christian sounds doubtful though.

"Really," Jack insists. "It's refreshing on a warm day." Not that it's all that warm right now.

"Its warm out?" Christian asks. "Granted, I fully agree its warmer"

"Are you sure you're not Welsh?" Jack laughs.

Christian huffs, "English, through and through."

Jack laughs at that, amused by the huffiness of the answer. "Oh, I'm sorry."

Christian glares at the laughter, he grumbles, "You better be."

"Quite," Jack answers, sounding apologetic.

"Good," Christian is semi-mollified by that.

"It's just I've noticed the Welsh find fault in a lot of things," Jack teases.

"I like to think I'm optimistic," Christian frowns, "But I suppose I do look for faults that way I can make it better."

"I'm teasing," Jack assures, giving Christian's shoulder a quick squeeze. "You're a lot more optimistic than me."

"I think you've had the harder life," Christian decides, though he doesn't know everything about it. He just gets that feeling, especially with Jack's business partner taking his life and the lives of the others.

Jack's smile fades a little and he shrugs. "It's not that bad. You should turn those steaks now."

"Alright," Christian goes to flip them, letting the subject drop.

Jack is quiet for a moment, then finally agrees, "I guess it's been a little hard. I try to think about it positively."

"And you do handle it well," Christian promises.

"Thanks," Jack answers. "Sometimes I think I'm a little unhinged, but. Well, no one's had be committed yet."

"You're not nearly that bad," Christian replies. "You're a good man, its why I like spending time with you."

Jack does think he's that bad, from time to time, but he doesn't want to make a bad impression with Christian. It's nice having a friend. "You're very complimenting, but that's not the only reason I like spending time with you."

"I know it’s for my money," Christian teases.

Jack laughs. "As if."

Christian chuckles along with Jack.

"You can go ahead and flip that last one," Jack urges after he has his laugh out.

Christian flips it, "You don't have anything for poor Myfanwy?"

Jack pauses, then laughs. "Shit. I didn't put hers in the marinade. Hang on." He puts his beer down and hurries inside to get, well, a much bigger steak than the filets.

Christian laughs, watching Jack's ass for a moment as he hurries inside.

When he comes back, it's with a large steak on a plate, which he puts on the grill with a sheepish smile. "She didn't see me forget it, so it's all good."

"Good," Christian agrees.

"Thanks for reminding me."

"No problem, I'd hate for the poor girl to go hungry."

"She's distracted by that bone you brought right now, but she'd feel left out if we all had steaks without her." Oh, Myfanwy is definitely Jack's baby.

"She's a beautiful girl," Christian says, sensing that.

"I feel like I'm gone too much," Jack admits. "I can take her to work with me a few times a week, but I bet she's lonely when she's here by herself."

"Maybe you could find someone to stay with her in the evenings, a doggy day care?"

"I might see if Alice is interested. Stephen loves Myfanwy."

"I saw, looks like Alice has done a good job of teaching Stephen how to be nice to her."

"She really has. He's such a good kid, too."

"He seems like it, a little shy, but good."

"He is a little shy," Jack says. "But just around strangers. Once he knows you better, he's a real sweetheart."

"Understandable, I am the new face around here," Christian agrees.

"You'll just have to come over for dinner more often."

"I'd like that."

"Me, too," Jack agrees.

Christian smiles at that, he likes the idea of spending more time with Jack.

Presently, Alice comes out with Stephen and his new toy, setting it down on the grass and putting him down next to it so he can climb on himself. "Thank you for the gifts, Christian."

"You're welcome, I hope you both enjoy them." Christian says with a grin.

"I know Stephen will enjoy his," she says, watching Stephen climb into the fire engine happily. "The canvas was great. Dad's been asking for a painting for the living room, so I think I'll use it for that."

"Well, glad to hear you have a use for it," Christian says. "Do you know what you're going to paint?"

"I have no idea. I'll have to ask my client." At that, Jack laughs. "I'll take anything you paint, Alice."

"So the question goes back to you," Christian says, amused.

"Flowers," Alice decides with a cheeky grin.

Christian laughs, "Jack seems like such a flowery man."

Jack looks affronted. "Hey, I'm manly!"

"Of course, you are," Christian agrees, smiling at him.

Jack pouts a little. "I so am. Alice, I want a tiger. Jumping through flames."

"Because that's not overcompensating," Christian teases.

Alice laughs softly. "I'll figure something out. That isn't terrible. Or flowers."

"Wouldn't flowers being considered terrible?" Christian asks.

"Compared to a tiger jumping through flames? No."

"Point," Christian agrees with a chuckle.

"Well," Jack says, "now that we're done insulting my manhood, should we get ready to eat?"

"Yes, I'm starving," Christian agrees.

"Well, have a seat," Jack insists. "I'll get everything."

"Alright," Christian relents, going to take a seat at the table. He'll take his beer with him.

Alice smiles and takes a seat at the table, too. Meanwhile, Jack heads inside to gather up the plates and utensils they need. It takes him several trips, but he eventually has the table set, along with the salad(s) and iced tea. He even brings a highchair out for Stephen.

Christian will attempt to help as he sees Jack heading in again, "Are you sure you don't need any help?"

"If you want to serve the steaks," Jack agrees.

"Anything to help out," Christian says, moving to stand up and serve up the steaks.

"Thanks," Jack says when he comes back out with the last bit of stuff. Alice has already poured them drinks and started fixing a plate for Stephen.

"It all looks good." Christian states, looking at the table.

"Thanks," Jack says. "Alice did most of the work."

"Well, I can't wait to try it all."

Jack puts Stephen in his high chair and makes sure he has a cup of juice, before moving to help Christian with the steaks.

Christian has them all off and offers the plate to Jack to pass them out.

Jack accepts the plate and does just that, placing two on Alice's plate so she can feed Stephen and eventually laying half the largest steak in Myfanwy's bowl for her to eat.

Christian waits for the steaks to be passed out and then will take some salad and pass it to the other man.

Jack seats himself once the steaks are distributed and accepts the salad bowl when it's passed over. "Thanks."

Christian will continue scooping and passing things until they all have had an opportunity to place their food on their plates.

"You should try the tea," Jack urges once their plates are full. Across the table, Alice rolls her eyes and offers Stephen a bite of potato salad.

"I will," Christian agrees, "Just a little bit, in case I don't like it, that way it doesn't go to waste."

"He's obsessed with iced tea," Alice excuses.

"Tea should be hot," Christian states, "But Jack is American..."

"And he can't be blamed for that," Alice agrees.

"No, he can't," Christian replies with a chuckle.

Jack rolls his eyes and pointedly sips his tea. Thank you.

Christian huff in amusement at that.

"How is everything?" Jack wonders after a moment, cutting into his steak to try a bite.

Christian is just taking a bite of the salad and hold up one finger to indicate he's chewing. Once he's done, "So far, so good."

Jack smiles and digs into his food. "Stephen likes it," Alice says, offering him a tiny bite of his steak.

Christian will just dig in, taking the edge off his hunger, so he turns to look at Alice. "So, Jack, says you're taking classes, how are those?"

Alice is busy feeding Stephen, taking bites off her own plate when she has time. "They're all right. Art major."

"What are you taking this semester?" Christian asks.

"Basics, really. Plus some art history classes and a great human anatomy class."

"Do your art history classes take you to any of the museums to see the actual paintings?"

"Unfortunately not," Alice answers. "I think Tim's planning to take me to London soon, though."

"Tim?" Christian repeats, glancing at Jack. "Have you mentioned that name to me?"

Jack laughs a little. "It's not my place to talk about my daughter's love life to my friends." Alice doesn't blush, though. "Tim's my boyfriend," she explains.

"Oh," Christian nods. " Well, London has some excellent museums. Have you been to London before?"

"Once or twice," Alice says. "I'm actually from Bristol. I grew up with my mum there and came to live here in Cardiff with my dad within the past year and some change."

"Well, I'd be happy to offer some advice on what museums to visit," Christian offers. "Though you may already know that."

"Thank you," Alice answers with a smile. "I was thinking about The National Gallery. They have Van Gogh's Sunflowers and Da Vinci's The Virgin of the Rocks."

"Excellent choice," Christian replies.

Jack smiles proudly at Alice. "Well, whenever Tim wants to take you, I'll baby-sit Stephen."

"Not that it would be any chore for anyone to care of him, at least the way Jack tells it," Christian comments.

Alice grins. "Well, dad hasn't had to look after him while he's teething, but otherwise he is a pretty good kid. Right, cutie?" She offers him carrot from the salad on her fork and Stephen wrinkles up his nose and shakes his head because carrots are gross.

"Aren't there teething rings that go in the freezer to numb their mouths?" Christian asks.

"There are," Alice says, "but he keeps biting them. He has too many teeth now. So I just give him ice chips and some numbing gel."

Christian nods, "Probably better than what my parents did, which was mix in a bit of rum in drink."

Jack laughs. "I tried to do that once and she went a little livid. It's an old school method."

"Did you strike fear into your father's heart?" Christian asks with a teasing smile.

"I did," Alice answers. "I can't abide by that method."

"Well, he's your son and you have a right to tell your father 'no' and raise him how you'd like to."

"She does," Jack agrees.

Christian smiles at Jack.

Alice glances between the two of them, then down at her plate before wondering, "So, dad, how's Ianto doing in New York?" That should turn the hose on Christian smiling like that, right?

The fabled competition who Christian has yet to meet. No, the hose has not been turned on him as he's curious about the man who left a guy like Jack all alone. Christian has a word for that - Idiot.

Jack takes a sip of his tea to keep from flustering, then smiles at Alice. "Fine, as far as I'm aware. Busy working. He got an offer to extend his stay another few months a couple weeks back."

"He's going to be away longer?" Christian asks.

"Yeah," Jack says simply enough. Alice, meanwhile, wishes she hadn't asked.

"I'm sorry to hear that," Christian feigns disappointment.

"It's all right," Jack answers.

"Well, maybe I can think of some things to do to distract you while he's gone," Christian offers.

God, that sounds like a cheesy proposition. Alice looks over at Christian. "Some things like what?" she wonders mildly.

"Maybe another rugby match or a football game?" Christians suggests glancing at Jack.

Jack laughs a little. "Sure." Alice, meanwhile, isn't pleased by this, but keeps quiet.

Christian turns and smiles at her, "You'd be welcome to join us."

"I might," she answers. "Thank you."

"Do you a preference for football or rugby?" Christian asks her.

"I prefer football. Dad just likes rugby because of all the guys tackling each other." Jack laughs, not really that embarrassed to be called out on it. "There's good fundamentals, too."

"Well, I'll see what I can do to get football ticket for us, would you want to invite Tim?" Christian asks.

Alice laughs a little. "Well ... I would, but if we're all going, I'm short on babysitters."

"Well, what do you do when your father is at work and you want to go out with Tim?" Christian asks.

Alice smiles. "We take him with us. Tim is really great with Stephen."

"Well, I usually get a box, so you could bring Stephen along if you wanted."

"Get him started on his sports early," Jack suggests.

"Exactly, we may have a future football star in our midst," Christian points out.

"He did kick me a lot when I was pregnant," Alice agrees, reaching out to smooth Stephen's hair where it's sticking up in places.

"Well, then by all means, bring him along," Christian encourages, smiling.

"All right," Alice agrees, smiling a little.

"Is there a day that works better for you?" Christian asks. "I know Jack is fond of Mondays."

"I only have morning classes on Mondays for that reason," Alice answers. "So that or the weekend."

"Jack?" Christian asks.

"That works for me," Jack agrees. "But I can take a day off if there's a game on the weekend or something."

"Alright, I'll get right on it - a Monday or a weekend game of football," Christian promises.

Jack smiles. "Thanks," he says. "You're great."

"I try," Christian replies, giving Jack a smile.

Alice says nothing, letting her dad do all the talking while she feeds Stephen. She'll be calling Ianto after this.

Christian is doing his best to engage Alice them all in conversation, well except Stephen, because he doesn't talk very much, though if he shows sign of it Christian will certainly try to get him to talk.

Oh, Stephen babbles quite readily in baby speak. He has lots to say, just none of it is in any discernible English. Or even Welsh. He also makes funny faces when Alice keeps trying to feed him carrots, especially when he's caught off guard trying to reach for Myfanwy and opens his mouth for what he thinks is a bite of steak.

Christian will speak to Stephan as if completely understands him, with a 'You don't say?' and 'Really?'. He'll laugh when Stephen gets a carrot when he clearly didn't want one.

Jack laughs, too. He loves Stephen to bits and he's just so adorable. Once he's finished with the carrot, Stephen starts trying to tell Christian about the dog. Who he calls My-vy and tries to lean down to pet.

"She's a beautiful dog," Christian agrees completely.

"Later, Stephen's going to help me brush her," Jack says with a laugh.

"She looks like she needs a lot of brushing," Christian states.

"An hour a day every day," Jack says. "It's pretty therapeutic, though."

"I imagine if she behave for it, it could be quite relaxing."

"She does," Jack says. "She loves getting brushed. And getting a bath."

"I thought most dogs hated baths?" Christian states.

"That's cats," Alice says. "A lot of dogs really love the water. I think she gets hot under all that fur, so a cool bath is really nice for her."

"I don't know if I would consider loving the water and a bath the same thing," Christian muses. "I mean, dogs don't choose to bathe, but they do choose to jump into the water at times."

"Well, she doesn't put up much of a fuss having her monthly scrub," Jack says.

Christian nods, "And what about you Stephen, do you like your baths?"

"Uh huh!" Stephen declares with a big nod, then makes a splashing motion. He loves bath time!

Christian laughs, "Somehow I get the feeling that whoever is bathing him gets as much as wet as him."

"I do," Alice says with a laugh.

Christian grins and takes the last bite of his meal. "That meal was delicious, thank you both for inviting me over to enjoy it."

"You're very welcome," Jack answers. "Thank you for coming over to share it with us."

"It was my pleasure," Christian assures. "Excellent company, a good meal, a man can't ask for much more." He's not mentioning the eye candy that Jack is.

"It's true," Jack agrees, settling back in his chair after he finishes the last bite of his own steak.

"And it is a lovely spring day," Christian replies leaning back in his chair.

"I like this weather," Jack agrees.

"Just beginning to warm up and after months spent indoors, you can't wait to get out," Christian muses outloud.

"It's nice," Alice agrees, reaching out to wipe Stephen's mouth.

Christian smiles, he quite likes this and they'll certainly need to do it again.