theangellies

[theangellies]

Another touch - and Aviel feels almost spoiled by it. How far have they come, that fingers against his elbow mean so much to him?

"Then you know me very well." Sometimes too well. And the teacher seems to deliberate for a moment before he slips ringed fingers over Jin's, laces them together, and pulls him gently away from the big crowd. Just to the side, behind some of the food trucks.

He's glad for Junie being a bit tired, so he can keep one arm around her and put his other hand on Jin's arm. Look him in the eye. "A confession... you got mugged by three men who were then killed by one person... and now you suddenly have a knife wound on your hand from a trouble confessioner." Aviel's eyes beseech him. "I'm going to worry. Because you're... my Jin, and... priests don't usually face these types of dangers. I thought, even if it was difficult, even with such a change, that at least you'd be safe." And he's worried. So worried that he's not.

Jude had been reminded quite acutely recently that he was still just a man. Jude cared deeply about people. Always had. Cared about how to help lost souls. In one way or another. Probably because he had never felt right in the world himself. But that had never meant that he hadn't loved. That he hadn't understood the importance of touch. And perhaps he had needed it in that moment. Also an apology to Avi. For the man he'd been when they'd met. For the person he had to become. For not understanding.

The Priest looked at Avi and chuckled. Opening and closing his bandaged hand. "I can still toss a bean bag or a ring. I can even still throw a dart. If it was a leg race you'd be on your own."

It had felt right to tell Avi. To make sure that the other knew that next to their confessor in the Catholic church Avi was still someone that he felt he could tell things too. But he also knew that Avi was an intelligent man. And Jude had imagined that the next question was coming. He looked at the other man with a soft, sad smile. Jude thought about lying. Or hedging his answer so intently that it might as well have been a lie. Instead he reached out and touched Avi's elbow. "Someone who needed my help. You know I can't discuss confessions. I am alright. I didn't want you to worry. I can hear the worry even when you are silent."

[theangellies]

Aviel leans to give her a quick peck on the cheek, an easygoing smile as he sees the young children she has with her. His eyes flit to a two year old with a cast, another with a pacifier. Curious as he fixes his granddaughter against him.

"Beau and Lilou... lovely to meet you both." He says to them with a sweet bow of his head. "This is Juniper! My granddaughter. We were discussing a little stroll to find some frozen lemonade. What are you three up to? Care to join us for the walk?"

⏤ Elizabeth was helping her son drinking water, since one of his arm was with a cast, and picked up a kleenex to wipe his wet from sweat, and cleaning his mouth. Once she finished to help her two-years-old, and his twin sister, she picked him up in her arm, and hold Lilou's hand. The blonde of 5"6ft / 1,68m tall, that was taller due to her high heels saw Avi in the crowd going towards her direction with a cute baby on him. ❛ Aviii! Hey mate! ❜ She chuckles, shaking her head. ❛ Thanks, and so are you, and this fantastic outfit, and who's this cutie? By the way these are mine. Beau and Lilou, my twins. ❜ Lilou was sucking her pacifier, looking at the taller man, and Beau looking at Avi and the baby, with a curious glance, and having his tiny fingers inside of his mouth.

[theangellies]

A 10 month old granddaughter is tough enough to corral without Aviel's need for something to eat. He's got her on one hip while he stands - a bit striking at 6'4" in a matching shirt with Juniper, a shock of silver hair as he searches behind dark-rimmed glasses for something to eat. And then, he's being asked a question that's all too relevant.

"I was just wondering the same exact thing - Miss June here has been hankering for a fried dough but I was hoping to find some beignets. And if I follow my nose, I may be able to locate them through this crowd. Are you game to join us in our quest?"

where: queens block party

who: open to all

As much as she knew she'd be on edge at such an event, Korra couldn't bring herself to stay inside. She had grown restless over the course of her recovery and now, all she wanted was to be out of her home. That didn't mean she felt comfortable doing so -- especially not around so many people.

She tried her best to appear relaxed. A water bottle in one hand as she smiled to the people that made eye contact with her. She wore a cross body purse where she stored her medications along with some protection. Not that she'd need to use it but Korra would rather have it on her just in case.

"What do you think is the best food here?" She asked the person nearest her. Korra had no intentions of drinking but she definitely wanted to eat.

[theangellies]

Jin has surprised Aviel many times before, of course. But the hand that settles over his stuns him just a bit more. An ache settles like a ball of lead in his chest - the itch to let fingers slot through Jude's, to take his hand and kiss the palm in reverence, in affection...

"Being a good shot? I mean, it's hot, don't get me wrong... but I wouldn't want you to pull a muscle or something, babydoll."

He walks with him, though. Of course he does. They're in step together as they usually are - and he listens, almost flattered that Jin comes forth with the nature of the injury without Aviel having to ask. Little things, right? But he remembers the little odd feelings he's had about those muggers before. And suddenly, this...

"And who was holding the other end of the knife, my dear?" His voice is quiet but audible as he slows his steps and rubs Juniper's back, warm brown eyes meeting Jude's from behind his glasses.

Jude feels the press of lips to his cheek and closed his eyes for a moment. He felt guilty. For not telling Avi about the things happening to him. His personal struggles. But he knew it would be dangerous to share. And seeing the other man holding his granddaughter. Jude knew he would do a great deal to keep Avi and his beautiful family safe. Though the Priest had a feeling that Avi wouldn't exactly agree with Jude's thought process. He reached up and gently laid a hand over the hand Avi had placed on his face for just a moment.

He shook his head, "One of the few things all that basic training is still good for." He paused, "I will just have to win two then. One for her and one for you."

Brown eyes looking at the other. Knowing that Avi had to have seen the bandage but that he had said nothing about it. Waiting for Jude. The Priest looked back over to Juniper in her grandfather's arms, smiling warmly at the child. "That sounds like a wonderful day." Before looking at Avi again. "They are lucky to have you come to the rescue." He paused, "Come on. Show me which game has the prizes you and Junie want and I will make a very manly display of hand eye coordination to win you them." Ambling with Avi and his granddaughter as they looked at the games and prizes. "It's a cut. Needed some stitches. A cautionary tale why you never grab a knife by the sharp end. I was careless but I'm alright." Every word was true. More honest than he'd even been at the VA clinic.

[theangellies]

He takes the opportunity, when so close, to press a fond kiss against the man's cheek. Jude just looks like he needs it. And Avi needs it too. When he pulls back, a ringed hand sits on Jin's cheek sweetly and he chuckles.

"Such a superman, showing off, aren't you? The problem is, Jin, if you win me some cute stuffed animal, I'll look like an absolute jerk when my grand-daughter wants it and I keep it selfishly for myself."

It's nice to see Jin ramble a bit. He does seem excited to be out and about, and that's comforting. But Aviel notes the bandaged hand that moves about a bit stiffly. Something the priest hasn't mentioned yet. And he wonders if he will. Yet another thing he's keeping hidden. Another wedge. He'd gotten hurt somehow... it looks bad enough to have been a hospital visit, possibly.

But Aviel's the charmer, the jokes, the positivity. Maybe he's not the one Jude wants to go to any more for concerns. Advice. Help. Comfort. "I'm wonderful, of course. As usual. Juniper here is my guest of honor. Zakkai and his wife had a full day today so I offered to snatch her up. It's been an exciting little Grandfather- Granddaughter day."

Jude smiles when he sees that Avi is holding one of his grandchildren. And a small pang of loss hits him just a little. Because that was something else he giving up for the Church. No marriage. No family. No kids or grandkids of his own. But he did feel like part of many families in his Parish. Still seeing Avi walking towards him Jude couldn't help but smile. The smile turned a little bashful at the compliment. He looked down at his worn black shoes before looking back up chuckling. "If you want me to win you something you just have to ask." Jude opens his arms to accept the hug, careful of the 10 month old Avi was holding. Jude looks at the little girl and smiling waves at her not thinking about his obviously bandaged hand, "Hi, Junie. It's nice to meet you. Aren't you pretty all dressed up to match your grandpa?" He chuckled looking at Avi, nodding, "It does. Or a bluegrass music group." He looked at Avi, "I'm good. I rarely get to come out to these things. But Caleb, who runs the Pantry is a friend and it felt wrong not to show support." Jude realized he was babbling a little bit and stopped himself to say, "How are you?"

[theangellies]

( @elizabeaufort )

"Could it be?" It's a bit dramatic, but then again, so is Aviel. With a 10 month old baby on his hip and a hand blocking out the sun over his eyes, he acts as if he's a captain seeing land out in the distance. "Do my eyes deceive me? Miss Eliza herself?" He calls, already smiling as he walks closer - all 6 feet 4 inches of him wading through the crowd, parting the seas as Juniper plays with his shirt's collar and tries to grab at his glasses. "Oh, darling, you look like you could set a cat's tail on fire without a match. Absolutely stunning."

[theangellies]

( @lexxihartwood )

"No, listen, you'll know it when you see it... giant odd fish-shaped cone like thing. And then they fill it with... custard? Ice cream? I don't know. I've only seen very aesthetically pleasing Instagram photos of it. But they stick cookies or treats into the top and it all comes out of the fish's mouth. You know what I mean? And if there's food from everywhere here, then... I need the fish cone, babydoll."

[theangellies]

It's almost cinematic, to see Jude from afar, winning one of the hanging stuffed animals and handing it to a little kid who squeezes it and gets all excited before hurrying away. Almost a scene out of a movie. And Avi's content to watch from afar with his granddaughter on his hip, the 10 month old dressed to match him in a navy floral little sundress and a matching sun-hat to protect her skin. But Jin sees him, and Aviel's already letting his loafers carry him over. The unmistakeable draw to the man, ever-present. "Nothing hotter than a man winning carnival prizes for kids, sweetheart." He teases as he reaches for a hug. "Junie, this is Jin... Junie and Jin! Sounds like a song or a sitcom someone needs to write. How are you?"

@theangellies

Jude was at the balloon dart game. Quietly spending his time winning prizes to give out to the kids later. His hand eye coordination was still impeccable and he didn't mind being a bit of a ringer. Even with his bandages right hand he thankfully still could throw a dart. The third balloon popped and there was a small smattering of cheers as Jude pointed at the prize he wanted. Turning around and giving it away to the little girl that had wanted it. His eyes moved up and saw Avi. He smiled, giving the other man a small wave, not thinking about his bandaged hand for a moment.

[theangellies]

AVIEL GILLINSKI at the BLOCK PARTY

Avi can be seen walking around the Queens Block Party with his granddaughter Juniper on his hip. Regardless, he's in his usual interesting garb, looking for a place to get some really good fried dough and starting up a thousand conversations that he has no idea how to end.

[theangellies]

Lux / Liz + 🤔

Favorite Picture/Gif of your muse:

What color my muse associates yours with:

A song that reminds my muse of the relationship between them and the sender:

Dancing Queen - ABBA "Night is young and the music's high With a bit of rock music, everything is fine You're in the mood for a dance And when you get the chance"

What my muse thinks of yours:

He loves her spirit - Aviel always gets along best with those who can play along with his flights of fancy, and her attitude towards life and how they've spoken in the past always resonates with her. He thinks she's so stunning. Effortless beauty matched with her sweetness.

Something my muse wants to say to yours but can’t:

I think you're better than some of the men you hang around with.

Where my muse sees their relationship with yours in five years:

Not sure! Aviel would like to keep visiting her, maybe go out for drinks or dancing sometime. Have her over for dinner. Maybe go out for a roller disco?

[theangellies]

🍆 Do they maintain an active sex life?

Absolutely, he does. It ebbs and flows, but Aviel's never had an issue finding company to enjoy.

GAY AF MUSES - ASA // OZ // AVIEL

[theangellies]

🍑 For research purposes, do they top or bottom? Exlusively, or preferentially

Avi's a true vers - it really depends on the person. Often, he presents himself as outgoing and enjoys flirtation (including sometimes being the first one to make a move), so sometimes he will take a dominant role almost by default? But Aviel's truly open to either, and has had partners of all sorts and situations in his many years.

GAY AF MUSES - ASA // OZ // AVIEL

[theangellies]

Jude + 🤔

Favorite Picture/Gif of your muse:

What color my muse associates yours with:

A song that reminds my muse of the relationship between them and the sender:

Crying by Roy Orbison "I was alright for a while, I could smile for a while Then I saw you last night, you held my hand so tight When you stopped to say, "Hello" You wished me well, you couldn't tell"

What my muse thinks of yours:

Aviel has residual feelings for Jude that have never fully went away - after being so close to him for ages, after thinking he might even be in love, Avi sees Jin as someone he can be fully open with. He would hate to make Jin feel any guilt about his decision to join the priesthood, so of course Avi doesn’t want to bring such things up. But to Aviel, who doesn’t fully believe in organized religion as a whole, it’s tough. He wishes he could have things back the way things were, but he tries to remain as supportive as possible. 

Something my muse wants to say to yours but can’t:

I miss you. So, so much. Do you ever think about what we had before? Do you ever miss it? 

Where my muse sees their relationship with yours in five years:

Aviel just hopes they can stay close. He gets that things are different now- and he’s pragmatic about it all. But he’s already 70, and doesn’t want to lose out on one of the most important people in his life. Hopefully they can stay close, and Jin can still be a staple in his life, even if it’s in a different way. 

[theangellies]

[theangellies]

He can feel his friend, his former lover, his Jin slip away into somewhere far off. Aviel wishes he could center him like he used to. Few things are impossible for the former archaeologist, lecturer, art historian. He's done so much in his life, and wears so many titles.

And yet, the tether he has on Sinjin is threadbare, and occasionally it lurches away. He watches him slip away and come back, all while they walk so quietly, just the soft sound of footsteps and the sounds of Central Park.

He's long since reckoned with losing Sinjin's affections. That this god was more important, that this devotion to a deity mattered beyond anything else. Aviel had outwardly taken it in stride - kind, accepting. But of course, it sits inside like a pit in his stomach on some days.

"Being a grandfather is... a gift. It's like Zakkai and Sadie all over again. And the way my grandkids take in the world... you should've seen Fern learning that she can rip tissues. She loves pulling them all out of the tissue box." He points out a bench. "Want a brief sit, Jin?"

A gentle urging for the other to take a breather.

Jude meant it. Something else to admire in the other man that had let a sad, lost and broken man into his bright life. There had been a time when he'd wondered if there was a way to bottle how Avi approached life. Distill and capture it so he could hold a little bit of it with him. It had been easy to get caught in the gravity of Avi and spin with him. To be given happiness and to offer happiness. And maybe Jude was a comet. A short dance, a beautiful flash of light.

Maybe he should have told the other man not to. To pull away. But that would have been cruel. To both of them. And Avi knew. And would respect the boundaries. He looked at his feet. Remembering other lips. Only months ago. And the guilt hit him like a bucket of cold water. Shame hitting him like a second wave. The abruptness of it nearly stealing his breath.

He drew in a deep breath and let it out softly. Coming up out of the waves to be here. Walking with Avi. Be where his feet were. Be where this good, kind, generous man was. He smiled thinking about Avi's kids and grandkids. "How is being a grandfather by the way?" He smiled at the feel of the other tall man's shoulder against his pressing back briefly. He chuckled and nodded his head, "The endlessly entertaining misadventures of a charming Kindergarten teacher and his Catholic Priest best friend... We should sell the idea to one of those streaming services. Make a small fortune."

[theangellies]

[theangellies]

You are rich in love.

Perhaps Aviel chases it, and that’s why he is the way he is. A people pleaser, a jokester. The happiness of others is paramount. Often, it brings his own. And he’s lucky to have his children and grandchildren, his students. He’s lucky to still have Sinjin in any capacity, too. 

He knows he’s playing a dangerous game by touching his face like that. It’s unfair- to have his ex-lover right there, aged like fine wine, but unable to just… bring him in for a kiss. Cling to him. 

It’s been a long time, but some things are as easy as breathing.

“Now that Zakkai and Sadie are grown with their own kids… yeah, maybe I wanted to be back in that mindset.” He sips from his coffee and leans a shoulder into Jude’s. “Who would’ve guessed where we’d end up, Jin. A priest and a kindergarten teacher. Sounds like the beginning of a sitcom, doesn't it?” 

He'd been a serious man when he'd come back from the Middle East. When he'd come back injured. Something hollow that what had happened to him had carved out. Another reason why Avi had been good for him back then. There was something helping in the structure of the Church, how it had, until a few months ago, always felt so sturdy. His feet on solid ground. Jude knew his place. What he offered. How he helped. What he could give to God and others to make this world a tiny bit kinder. And he had not regretted the sacrifices he'd made for it. Just the hurt it had caused.

Jude hadn't heard that in a long time. 'My Jin.' And even at the kindness and affection in the touch. Something speaks in the back of Jude's head to 'be careful' and to remember that he is wearing his collar. That he represents more than himself. And Jude can feel that his eyes are sad even as he smiles at the comment. "Thank you, Avi."

He drags his finger along the lip of the coffee as he listens happily to Avi explain what it was the drew him to Kindergarten. And just listening makes Jude smile. Not sad. Because listening to Avi talk about the things he was passionate about always lifted Jude's spirits. He paused though at the last statement. "You are rich in love, Avi. I hope you know that." Children, grandchildren, Avi had built his village. Jude was quiet for another beat before he said, "It's one of the things I love. To be part of so many families. To play a small role in some of their happiest most joyous memories. Blessings, holidays, baptisms, first communions, weddings..."