"You're lucky we have magical places to put this," said Julian, eyeing the triple slices of cake.
"We're lucky you're such a good cook," added Alex, digging in shamelessly.
They hadn't had much to say during the meal, too intent on eating and the time ticking away until they were expected. They'd already made sure Alys and Nat would be fine without their idiot humans for a few days, possibly to the point of annoying them, and there was no more to be said about the disposition of house or expectation of their return.
All there was left was, well, leaving.
The fruitcake was heavy, yes, but laden with good dried fruit that had been soaked in tea and rum before baking, giving everything a lovely flavour that went well with the creamy custard, which proved to have a bit of ginger and spice in it, as well. It was a very rich dessert for a very rich meal, and a sign of Alys' worry for them, that she'd load them up like they were off to be mages rather than guests.
Alex rather adored the unspoken concern, as no one else in his life had ever cared much about what he ate, other than Lapointe making sure he didn't fall over on a case.
Again, anyway.
"All right," said Julian, once the last bite was gone and the tea with it this time, no longer magically refilled. "I suppose that means we've got to go dress."
"Ugh," said Alex. "Dressing up."
But he still went upstairs after Julian. At least the view was good.
They left their work clothes in heaps on the floor and shared a quick, refreshing shower to get off any unlikely dirt they might have picked up. Then there was nothing for it, and Alex layered on the suit with the purple pinstripes, which Alys had chosen as most appropriate for the early festivities. He'd have to make use of both of his dinner outfits and then swap them around during the party, but he refused to buy more clothing for one single event.
Julian, of course, had plenty of clothes, because he actually enjoyed that sort of thing.
They checked each other over and put on the suggested jewellery, Alex with his watch and fob and the amethyst set of cufflinks and tie pin. Julian had his own gems, peridot this time to go with the greens in his suit, especially the pop of bright colour in the embroidery on his waistcoat. His listening bracelet hid itself on his wrist under the cuff, but his wedding ring, like Alex's, was on full display.
Alex kissed the twine of gold-and-platinum vines and emeralds, then he kissed his husband as well. "You're gorgeous as always."
"With a gorgeous husband," Julian replied, smiling as they moved apart to check pockets for the various small magic items they often carried, Alex's insight stone and the water-conjuring vial he'd made for Julian.
Alex's new cashmere coat also had its own stash of this and that in the pockets, because Gerard had kept his promise and put in a literally magical number of them, which meant Alex actually wore the thing willingly.
Julian had his own new coat in camel-coloured cashmere, which fit him beautifully and fashionably complemented his colouring and clothing.
Alex's was, of course, black.
Fully outfitted, they headed down to find Jones just coming back inside from loading up their luggage, a grin on his face and Horace on his shoulder, the bird dusted with snow and looking triumphantly tired after having to go visit Cody in the oncoming storm. He flew over to Alex and burrowed into his overcoat, broadcasting his intention to sleep it off and avoid the early part of the festivities.
Alys handed Jones a thermos of something and a lunch tin as well.
"You always take good care of me, ma'am," said Jones, doffing his cap at her with a cheeky wink.
Alex chuckled. "No flirting with my brownies, or I'll tell Jenny."
"She's still gonna move in when the house is done," said Jones. Work had slowed for winter but not stopped entirely, and everyone involved was hoping it would be fully updated and refurnished by April. "You can't change her mind now that she's seen the house."
She'd also grown tired of the life of a waitress, and was ready to let Jones whisk her off to the country.
"What's she going to do all the way out there?" asked Julian curiously, coming up beside Alex.
"Oh, they're going to have her work up at the house, serving meals, and let her have the rest of the time off to keep up at the house. Everyone's hoping for a baby once we're, you know." Jones had proposed and been accepted, but they wanted the house done before they actually tied the knot.
Alex grinned. "Well, more power to you both, then. I hope to become a doting distant uncle to whoever you two produce."
Julian laughed and tucked his arm in Alex's. "I'd say he doesn't mean it, but he does."
"Are we ready, or does Alys have more food to burden you with?" asked Alex.
"Ye'll do," said Alys, after giving them a once-over. "Bring 'em home in one piece," she told Jones, and then the door opened on its own, letting in a swirl of wind and a few stray snowflakes.
