Learn your place (book 1)

Mind your manors

As the music changed to a less hyper piece and a softer gentler tavern tune, Diana sat next to the man she paired up with, have a friendly chat. Meanwhile Alexander was sitting with Peter and Clara. "So you just followed us here, thinking you wouldn't get caught?" Peter slammed his fists on the table. Clara added in. "Did you think we're stupid, and that we couldn't spot you out? You're six feet tall, and plated in gold, stealth is not your best quality." He sighed, looking down at his hands. They narrowed their eyes at him. "How much did you hear?" Peter asked, putting his pint down from his lips a layer of foam still on his face. "Just that she can't read, and that she fancies Benjamin. Honestly! What's he got that I haven't." Clara explained. "Sure, your men didn't have manners before she broke her arm, and the nurses fixed it. Benjamin however did send her roses and... gave her a kiss."

Alexander snarled and slammed his fist so hard on the table it nearly toppled over their drinks. "I knew those flowers were from him. They have his bloody charm written all over them. That's why he was leaving her damn room. Why can't the boys just learn-" Peter grabbed his vest, and yanked him forward. "STOP TELLIN PEOPLE TA LEARN THEIR PLACE!" His accent was thick and threatening. "MAYBE YOU NEED TA LEARN SOME MANNERS!" The band stopped playing when there were too many raised voices coming from one table. The bartender walked over trying to check on them. "Is everything alright over here?" He asked, worried about the rising tension. Alexander looked away not wanting a scene. Peter slowly lowered himself, and calmed down. He nodded making sure they didn't cause any more drama returning to the bar. Clara sighed. "Alexander, I want you ta just close yer eyes...err sockets." He groaned and did as told. "Now forget all about staying in place. Let's pretend that you're just like us. If you were like us, would you desire to date Diana?" He opened his eyes, and looked in her direction, she was listening to another maid resting her cheek on her good arm. He bit his lip, and gave a deprived groan. "If I said yes, would that be unsophisticated?" He asked. Clara shook her head. "No." He shook feeling bad. "Now, I hate Benjamin, but I hate myself for feeling this way, too." Peter snickered. "That's jealousy, lad." They wondered if this is the first time Alexander experienced the pain of not getting everything he's ever wanted.

"Ya know... if I didn't know any better, I'd think she finds you pretty handsome too." Clara said trying to get the ball rolling. "You should go talk to her. Not now of course, because she's piss drunk" They said watching her fumble back toward them. He glanced at them. "I can't. It's not just Diana. I can't bed any woman, in my condition." They were about to ask what his condition was, but before he could explain their guest of honor came back to the table. "Hey, guys. I love this place." She didn't see any seats, so instead sat herself on Alexander's lap. "Hello, sir. You're cute. WhatNs your name?" She couldn't recognize him in his borrowed outfit. "Uhh..." The others gestured him not to tell. She leaned forward. "Guys, I'm tired. Can we go home?" She asked feeling drowsy. Peter helped her up. "Come on, Diana. I'll pull the carriage around." Alexander decided it was time for them to all head back. He went to change back to his former clothes, and hitched Penelope onto the carriage that the other three took there. He came out in his black disguised clothes, and kept Diana close to him as she fell asleep on the ride back.

Peter took the horses back to the stables, and they all were about to head inside, then there was a loud crash of lightning. Diana looked worried. "It's going to rain! Hurry!" She pulled Clara and Alexander inside. When they got in, Diana huddled up to Clara like she was frightened. "Stay close. Share body heat." Alexander wondered if this was connected to her homelessness. Getting hypothermia must've been common on the streets. "Don't worry, Diana. I'll grab us some blankets." He said patting her shoulder. He got changed into some proper clothes, and checked a hall closet pulling out some blankets. As he carried them downstairs he passed Benjamin and felt himself get angry. "You think you're so bloody handsome., don't you?" He hissed as he made his way back. When he returned Clara was already gone, giving the pair some privacy, just in case Alexander took her advice. Diana took a blanket and covered up in the loveseat, pulling Alexander down on it as well. She covered them both up in it. The drunk mess leaned against Alexander having now lost all consciousness. He gulped trembling as she laid against him. It had been so long since he had woman's flesh against him. Then he shook his head. No more shyness. Time to be a man. He pulled her close and wrapped an arm holding her close. She felt so warm and nice against him. Soon enough it put him to sleep.