#in the end it fits on the revised timeline lamao

[randomoranges]

Perfect Cities

Vive 375

 May 17th, 2017

 Morning

Étienne sat up in bed, contemplating. Today was finally the day – his long awaited for birthday and he could only hope that it would be a spectacular day. It was strange, sitting here in this apartment, with modern day conveniences, when he thought back to how it had all started out, centuries ago.

 Beside him, a pretty woman with long auburn hair blinked grey eyes at him and he smiled warmly at her.

 “Good morning,” He greeted. She stifled a yawn behind her hand and rolled over, exposing her bare chest, tempting him.

  “’Morning.” She replied, shifting again until she had her face pressed up against his thigh. Étienne ran a hand through her hair and she sighed, getting comfortable. “You’re up early.”

 “In more ways than one.” He teased and she laughed, kissing the warm skin she found.

 “Couldn’t sleep again?”

 “Yeah. Got stuck thinking.” Étienne slid back down to be at level with her and she moved until her head was now resting in the crook of his neck. Étienne pressed their bodies close and placed a kiss to her scalp.

 “Hmm? About what?” She asked, drawing lazy circles on his chest.

 “Life. It’s my birthday today.” He replied calmly. The woman stilled and then sat up abruptly, covers falling off her shoulders, and looked down at him, her long hair cascading from the side of her body.

 “And you didn’t tell me?”

 Étienne laughed and pulled her on top of him, kissing the side of her jaw when she grumbled. “It wasn’t important.”

 “Maybe for you, but I think they’re worth being celebrated.” She said, jabbing a finger in his chest. Étienne squirmed and she continued, tickling his side. “Well, now that I know it’s your birthday, would you mind a little birthday present?” She murmured in his ear, placing one leg on either side of his body and eliciting a low groan from him in response.

 He had a faint idea where this was going and he already liked it. “Absolutely not.”

 --

 Étienne puttered around his kitchen, getting the bagels ready. He took out various spreads and placed them on the table, while he waited for his friend to join him. She emerged moments later, dressed in nothing but his shirt; sleeves rolled up to her elbows and the first few buttons undone, slowing off her cleavage, and a nice pair of light coloured, frilly lace panties that hugged the curve of her bottom just so. Étienne couldn’t help himself and took a moment to drink in the sight.

 “Don’t you look nice.” He placed the carafe of coffee on the table and pointed to the empty seat across from him.

 “Everyone deserves to have a special someone dressed in a pleasing way on their birthday.” She winked at him and sauntered off towards the table, taking a moment to look at the pictures displayed on the wall.

 “Then in that case, I’m glad it’s you.” He paused, taking a mug and filling it with coffee. “Milk, sugar?”

 “Both. Any plans for the day?” She took the mug from him and blew on the still hot beverage.

 “Yeah, meeting up with some friends, going out, wishing my sister a happy birthday as well; the usual.”He shrugged.

 “Your sister?”

 “She’s the one next to me in a few of the pictures you’re looking at. She’s the one with the glasses.”

 She looked at the pictures and shook her head. “You could have said she’s the one who looks like you. You look identical!”

 Étienne laughed and walked up behind her, placing his arms around her waist. “We’re twins. I guess it’s normal.”

 She turned around and smacked him lightly on the chest. “No shit Sherlock. But wow – she’s gorgeous! You both struck gold in the looks department. D’you think I could have her number? I would definitively like to get to know her better, if you know what I mean.”

 “I’m sorry,” He started, suppressing a laugh. “But my sister is not interested. She doesn’t swing that way – or any way – for that matter.” He added, imagining Élyse on a date or kissing someone. He laughed. He would have to tell her when he saw her later.

 “What a shame. Well, if she ever changes her mind, or wants to experiment, let me know, yeah?”

 “Okay, will do.”

 Before Lunch

Étienne leant against the wall with his back to it, observing the people walk by. If he closed his eyes, he could almost think that he was in a different place, what with the eclectic mix of languages that tickled his ears. Being in Little Italy always gave him that feeling.

 Ludovico, his long time friend, had texted him to let him know that he would visit this area of town before joining him and the others for the show tonight. Étienne had agreed to meet him on his way to City Hall to catch up for a bit.

 “Étienne, ciao bello, come stai?” He heard and opened his eyes to see the other man a few paces away, waving at him.

 “Bene, e tu?” He asked, greeting his friend with a kiss on both cheeks.

 “Bene, bene, I’m sorry I’m a little late. I got caught up at the bar. It’s good to see you haven’t completely lost the old way.”

 “Ah, well, you know, it’s not entirely up to me. My people decide whether or not they want their children to learn their mother tongues.”

 “I suppose, but it was nice to catch up with them. So tell me, how does it feel to have reached another milestone?” Ludovico asked him as they started walking about the busy streets of Little Italy.

 “Sometimes, I find it hard to believe I’ve made it this far.”

 Beside him, Ludovico laughed loudly, clapping him on the shoulder. “Wait until you reach my age! Then, you’ll really wonder and then we’ll talk. You are still young, Étienne, don’t be so cynical.”

 “And yet I find myself surrounded by all these young cities who call me old. It does a thing to a man’s head.” Étienne replied, a little dry. If he had a nickel for every time one of his peers had called him old – well, at least Samuel was older. He would always have that.

 “Never lose your sense of humour, my friend; it will help you when you are as old and wise as I am.”

 “Please, you mean old and senile.” He grinned and Ludovico rolled his eyes. This was what he liked about his friend – the easy banter and the counsel hidden behind it. It felt good to have someone to turn to who was older and who had seen things he could never even imagine. It reminded him that there was still good left in life and that he could always bounce back from whatever problem he was in.

 “So, do you have time for a coffee or are you already being whisked away somewhere else?” Ludovico asked, eyeing the sports bar across the street.

 “You mean you want brown coffee?!” Étienne asked incredulously, pretending to be surprised.

 “Please,” Ludovico said a pure look of disgust on his face. “None of that American garbage. I have it on good authority that there are still places that make good espresso in your city.”

 Étienne laughed, linking his arm with the other man’s. “You’re right. Let’s go, I can spare a few minutes for a good coffee.”

 Ludovico beamed as they crossed the street to the bar.

 Afternoon

After his little outing with Ludovico, Étienne had left his friend to mingle with the locals, as he made his way to the Old Port. It was an annual tradition that on his birthday, he would meet his current mayor at City Hall for an official, but very quaint, celebration. It usually involved cake and some formal picture taking and then he was left to do whatever he wanted to. Élyse always attended and it was nice to spend some time, just the two of them, before the chaotic mess his birthday normally turned into. And this one would be grander and even bigger than usual.  

 When he was done with the mayor and full from too much delicious cake, Étienne stepped out of City Hall and took a moment to observe the bustle of people going about. It was a good thing the renovations to the building had finished a few months back, for it would have been a shame to celebrate this special day with everything in a state of disrepair.

 After a full year of planning, his birthday had finally arrived and being here – in this particular area of the city – where it had all started for him – felt symbolic. From the steps of City Hall, he could see the dome of the first ever church built here, the buildings that had withstood fires and floods alike and that could keep up with him and his tales of the past, if they could talk.

 As much as Étienne loved walking around old Montréal and the old port, he also avoided doing it, always assaulted by the ghosts of his past and floored by how much things had changed and also hadn’t. Sometimes, when he walked through the quieter streets, he could almost convince himself that it was a different epoch where he hadn’t lost everything.

 It was disconcerting at best and a sobering experience. Scenes from his life flashed before his eyes – merchants selling their fares, children running, horse-drawn carriages bringing people from one place to the next. All gone now. Dead, really. They had been replaced, naturally, with other merchants and other children, but to think that so many of the people he had interacted with had died left him with a strange feeling of unease. He was still here. Evolving and changing – witnessing every little thing, while still here – much like the buildings.

 If walls could only talk, he wondered if they would have the same stories he did.

 There were placards on some of the buildings; mementos of what had happened before, letting the new generation know about the history of the place. On this day, such and such a thing happened and so on. But it was only a small fraction of everything else that had been forgotten, left out, or deemed unimportant.

 He remembered though, he had been here.

 Yet now there was an air of celebration in the city and he wasn’t here to reflect on lost opportunities or events of the past. The future was ahead of him and he could make whatever he wanted of it.

 Evening

Even though his citizens did not know what he really was , sitting in the Bell Centre with thousands of other people as well as most of his friends, while they watched comedians and singers alike pay homage to him – to the city – warmed his heart.

 The gags had sent him reeling, stomping his feet with tears in his eyes. The show had been a success and he was glad he had gone and that his friends had equally enjoyed it, momentarily forgetting some of his previous more grim reflections.

 From there, after the show, they had made their way to a nice club close by, which Étienne loved. It seemed everyone had been set on buying him drinks and Étienne hadn’t turned a single one down. Even the other patrons, who didn’t know him, ordered some drinks for him, when they found out that it was his birthday and Étienne honestly felt like a king. He had his closest friends here with him, having fun, enjoying the night, the music and the alcohol.

 He was tickled pink when one by one, his friends pulled him to the dance floor, making it a point to cause as much of a scene as possible, being ridiculous and over the top. Étienne had laughed as he spun from one pair of arms to the next and he hoped this feeling of being wanted and loved never ended.

 He had just spun out of Emma’s arms, laughing as he near stumbled along, when Edward stepped forward from the circle and easily caught him around the waist.

 “Well, hey there partner.” Edward pulled him close, grinning widely and speaking directly in his ear. Étienne shivered, feeling a jolt of electricity run through his body. Even after all these years, even when Étienne told himself that he was totally over Edward Murphy, being this close to him sent his body craving for what they once had. It was annoying, really.

 Luckily, he was in a good mood and didn’t feel like ruining it.

 Therefore, he grinned and draped his arms around Edward’s neck, dancing. “Well, hey there yourself, hot stuff. Haven’t seen you in these parts of town in a while. You sure know how to make a man feel lonely.” He pouted, moving his body against his friend’s. They looked at each other for a moment and then laughed it off, Edward spinning Étienne.

 “I’ve changed your rules, I’m afraid.”

 “And what a shame it’s been.” Étienne replied, smirking.

 “Your solution is simple, Maisonneuve; find yourself a special someone and you won’t find it so lonely.” Edward teased, his hands on Étienne’s hips. “Maybe even someone who can put up with your idiotic ideas.”

 Étienne pretended to look hurt and mock gasped. “But that’s no fun. Think of all the adventures I’d miss out on!”

 “And yet here you are, dancing with me.” It was a probing tease, one that Étienne was not sure how to take.

 “In case you haven’t noticed,” He started, poking Edward’s chest. “Everyone here has danced with yours truly, since, y’know, it’s my birthday and all.”

 Edward took Étienne’s finger and placed his friend’s hand back on his shoulder where it had been. “I have and I really wish you all the best.” He added, softer, putting the joking aside. Their gazes met once more, lights bouncing off Étienne’s glasses, reflecting shades of blues, greens and purples, as they slowed down a bit, before Étienne hugged Edward close, taking him by surprise.

 “I’m really glad you came to my party, Ed... it means a lot to me.” The words slightly stuck in his throat, he wanted to convey more – things he had kept to himself for far too long, emotions he knew were unwanted, but just like every other time, he struggled with his thoughts and didn’t want to ruin whatever it was that was going on between them now. It was too late anyways and he was relieved he could at least have Edward in his life as a friend.

 Edward brushed away a lock of Étienne’s hair from his face and tucked it back behind his ear. His hand lingered there for a moment, his touch soft and Étienne leant a little closer into it. “You know I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.”

 Étienne knew all of that, but hearing Edward say it made him smile just a bit wider. “Still... I’m glad. I know I wasn’t always easy to be around and I’m just – really grateful that we can be here like this.” Étienne admitted. He looked away from his friend for a moment and then looked back, catching a flicker of surprise in Edward’s eyes. “I don’t know if you realise it, but you’ve been at every one of my last major birthdays...” He trailed off, thankful that the lights weren’t too bright so that Edward couldn’t see his cheeks pink.

 “I did?”

 “Yeah... In ’67, for Expo, then in ’92 for the 350th, but really, from 1980 to the turn of the century... and now today.” He offered a shy smile and Edward was taken aback by the revelation, having never realised it before.

 “Well, I hope I’ll be there in twenty-five years.” He admitted truthfully.

 “Me too.”

 They continued dancing, absorbed in their little world, impervious to the others or the music that was playing. It felt nice, being like this with Edward without the heavy tension or the gut wrenching inadequacy he had felt for a while. For now, things were fine and he felt content.

 “You probably don’t remember, but –”

 “I made you a promise many years ago?” Edward offered, cutting him off.

 Étienne seemed surprised, but nodded.

 “Yeah, I remember. I know things have changed between us, but a promise is a promise.”

 “Are you sure Calvin won’t mind?” Étienne asked cautiously.

 “It’s just a kiss, Étienne. I’m not making out with you, I hope you understand.”

 Étienne nodded and remembered, years ago, when he and Edward were still new and the thrill of being together hadn’t settled yet, when Edward had made him the promise, half-drunk and half-high, that for as many years as he wanted, at every important milestone, and every other birthday, he would kiss Étienne. For close to twenty years, Étienne had gotten his birthday kiss from Edward, when they were in the same city (and somehow or other, it had happened more often than not) and for almost twenty others, he had gone without.

 “Happy birthday, Étienne.” Edward cupped his cheek, hand warm and solid against his skin, and tilted his face ever so, before brushing the softest of kisses to his lips. It was over before Étienne could properly react and he felt his heart thud wildly in his ribcage, fluttering.

 “To be honest, I wish your promise would have been a kiss for every decade...” He muttered.

 Edward gave him a sad smile and picked up the pace of their dancing. “I know.”

 Étienne looked at him, puzzled, but before he could give much thought to it, before he could even prod Edward for answers, his friend spun him one last time into the awaiting arms of his next friend who wanted to dance with him. He made himself a mental note to ask later, but as he twirled, laughed, and had another drink, the earlier moment slowly faded away.

 Night

When the club closed, Étienne led his friends to the last of the stops of the night. They walked to the waterfront, back to the place where it had all started, and they watched the now officially illuminated Pont Jacques Cartier twinkle merrily. The light show pulled oohs and aahs from every one of them and for another moment, Étienne forgot about the cost of the lighting up of the bridge, mesmerised by its beauty.

 They parked and draped themselves close by, half-leaning on railings or nearly passed out on benches, as they picked up previous conversations. Étienne watched his friends for a moment, before he made his way back to the ledge, further away, where his sister stood, observing the bridge, her own friends a few feet away.

 “Penny for your thoughts?” He asked, leaning beside her.

 She didn’t bother looking away from the sight before them, but she leant closer to his warmth as he circled his arm around her shoulders, her head a comforting weight against his chest.

 “The penny no longer exists.” She murmured, a smile tugging at her lips.

 “Nickel for your thoughts?” He offered instead, getting an actual laugh out of her.

 “It’s a great city we have, despite its flaws.”

 He squeezed her arm a little tighter and nodded.

 “I’m glad we get to celebrate this one together. Happy birthday, Étienne I hope we get to do this again.”

 “And to you, Élyse; you deserve the world.” He placed a soft kiss to the top of her head as they kept observing the lights dance on the water, telling their own story of what had transgressed in three-hundred-and-seventy-five years.

 FIN 43

 Started writing: April 24th 2017, 9:9am

Finished writing: April 24th 2017, 9:06pm

Started typing: May 8th 2017, 3:11pm

Finished typing: May 8th 2017, 7:17pm