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Unbreakable Curse [Saria and Clementine]

Alarmed by the growl, Grayson hastily took a few steps back in confusion. No. It couldn't have been a growl. Maybe Vincent was just clearing his throat or something. Awkwardly, Grayson shoved his hands into his pockets, eying Vincent curiously. He wouldn't have pegged the man as a historian, but he obviously saw the similarities.

"Ah, that would be me," Gray replied with a little laugh. "I was waiting until the funding went through and you had the pictures before I started anything major. Obviously I'll be starting with the Japanese language and then cross referencing it with the known languages in the area of the artifacts." He wasn't going to say it out loud, but Grayson was the best linguist that the University had. He even did freelance works for other Universities when they were stuck on particularly hard project. "Of course I'll be starting right away now."
 
Vincent glanced back at Grayson in surprise. He was doing the translating? Oh, right. Linguist. He hadn't actually given any weight to that before, though it should have been one of the first things he'd considered when he'd first seen the photos on the phone. "I'll help," he said. "Ancient Japanese texts are a bitch." He should know. He'd spent a hundred years studying all the texts he could get hold of, especially those related to the Tao, kitsune, and even branching into some of the Indian texts when one of the myths followed the kyuubi there. He'd given up around the turn of the century though and focused on science instead in the hopes it would bring more luck. His Japanese was rusty, but he still had all his language books, and the ability to take classes free online at several Universities. It wouldn't take him long to brush back up.
 
Gray blinked and burst out laughing. "God. Yes. They are. I'd be happy for the help. I would have never thought of you as a linguist, Vincent. My apologies." Feeling a bit more at ease now, Gray leaned against the desk, folding his arms over his chest in an easy manner. "I've already began gathering some texts that might prove helpful. Um... I heard you dislike leaving your home often. I don't know if that's true or not, but having a secure, quite place to study would be perfect. I'd offer my own home but...it's kind of a mess." He winced at the words, mess being an understatement. He had many things he was in the process of finishing and he didn't want this new, very important study to get all cluttered up.
 
Vincent stared at Grayson when he laughed, feeling...annoyed that he couldn't get a read on this guy. One minute he was happy, the next he was rude, and then he was laughing. He bit his tongue before he could ask if he had a drug problem. He wasn't quite that mean. At least not to someone he barely knew. He blinked as Grayson seemed to be asking to...use his home...? Well, he certainly wasn't shy, was he? His palm tingled again with the memory of the other male's touch and he rubbed his thumb against it. "I... am busy during the days... The only free time I have is at night..." This was a bad idea and he knew it. His instincts knew it very well. There was a reason he didn't often invite people over, especially if there was any chance they'd overstay their welcome until sunrise.

But this... The more he thought about it, the more he felt this could be his chance. He'd felt that way before, had gotten his hopes up and crushed numerous times, but all he could do was try again. After all, that was why he kept funding Universities, wasn't it?
 
Grayson wasn't usually so off kilter. It was because of Vincent he was acting strange. He was awkward with new people in general, but it felt like Vincent made it ten times worse. He had made another faux paus yet again and he only knew it from Vincent's reply. Groaning, Grayson rubbed the back of his neck, his smile turning sheepish. "Er. Sorry. That was really rude of me. I can eject one of the interns and just use an office space here instead. You'll come to learn I get very selfish when working on big projects like this." He paused, letting the silence settle between them before he spoke again more quietly.

"And I'm really sorry about last time too. I shouldn't have touched you so casually. I didn't mean to make you upset."
 
Vincent kept his mouth shut and watched Grayson several moments as he processed that. He was...apologizing? For touching him..? "I wasn't upset," he blurted, crossing his arms and slouchingin his chair with a touch of a sullen expression. Even if he was a few hundred years old, sometimes he couldn't help acting like the age he looked. "I was annoyed that you ran off after getting what you wanted. You didn't even finish eating." He wasn't that bad of company was he? He knew he rubbed people the wrong way but he couldn't help it. "Doesn't matter anyway," he muttered, sitting up and stuffing the photos in the book. "Don't kick someone out of an office they need for their work. You can use my place."

Shit. He hadn't meant to say that, but he couldn't ignore the spark of excitement at working on a possible solution with his own hands again.
 
"You...weren't?" Grayson asked, his tone hushed in awe as he cocked his head and peered at Vincent. Thinking back to the scene at the restaurant he supposed he had run out of there pretty quickly. And while he'd merely been embarrassed, Vincent was thinking he was just a total ass the entire time. "I was just embarrassed I guess. Please don't think so poorly of me that I'd run off on someone like that normally."

Grayson broke into a full blow smile when Vincent agreed to let him use his house. "This is perfect Vincent. Thank you! And I'm sure some poor intern will thank you as well," he added, still smiling. He liked seeing Vincent acting his age with that pouty look on his face. His first impression of the man was that Vincent was just a little too serious. "Let's celebrate. I also want to prove to you that I can sit through a meal with someone without running off. My treat. Okay?"
 
Vincent stared at the book rather than looking at Grayson, rubbing his thumb along the edge as he tried to find a way to fix the shithole he'd just dug for himself. He opened his mouth to tell Grayson he shouldn't get the wrong impression - he had his own reasons for working on this project, but when he glanced up at the other male the words stuck in his throat. The offer of treating him to a meal had him snapping his mouth shut. Other than the women and sometimes drunk man at the clubs he visited on occasion had offered to treat him. Then again, it wasn't like he had a normal life and could meet people during the day.

"Look, don't-" he started to say before closing his mouth again and sighing in a defeated sort of way. He ran his fingers through his hair, somehow messing it further. "Let's just start over... I'm Vincent Drake, I'll be supporting your research, and I'm older than I look," he said with a wry twist of his lips, holding his hand out.
 
Grayon watched the emotion flicker over Vincent's face, wondering if he'd overstepped himself again. He only smiled in relief when Vincent offered his hand, which Grayson immediately took with a firm, friendly shake. "Grayson Bell, Mr. Drake. I assure you it will be a pleasure to work with you on this project." Playfully, Gray tugged on Vincent's hands, hoping to get him onto his feet.

"Now. Are you going to let me treat you to dinner as my colleague now? There's this great cafe around the corner with the most delicious pies." He wasn't sure what Vincent had wanted to say during the earlier pause, but Grayson decided not to think on it further. They were starting over and he'd readily do just that. Perhaps he'd find a friend in Vincent, despite the odd pair that they'd likely make.
 
Vincent smiled faintly and followed the tug to his feet, stomach growling at the mention of pies. He'd grabbed a snack as soon as he'd changed back, though he was always as hungry as a teenager in his last growth spurt. That likely had something to do with the drain of both the curse on his body and the old magic he had access to. "Sure." He nodded and glanced to the books and photos. "Should we take some of this with us or save it for later?"
 
Grayson glanced at the books and photos and laughed. "The first thing to learn about work in this field, is when to set it aside and relax. Right now, we're gonna go relax. Maybe we can work out times good for both us when it comes to the research tonight and get started on everything this weekend." Grayson walked and talked at the same time and only when he was at the library exit did he realize that he still held Vincent's hand. The curve of his own fit snuggly with Vincent's and the absence of contact shouldn't have upset Gray at all...and yet it did.

"Sorry," Gray said with another one of his sheepish smiles as he headed from the library. "It's just up the street. You don't mind walking do you?"
 
Vincent blinked as he was tugged after Grayson, eyeing their still-joined hands with a slight twinge of annoyance and...something else, though he couldn't bring himself to pull away after Grayson's reaction last time he'd touched him. What a strange one... He raised an eyebrow and wiggled his fingers as his hand was released. It suddenly felt cold without the warmth of another hand against it. "Ah... no, I walked here from home, so it's fine," he replied. Walking was his only method of transportation outside of when he'd stayed in one place too long and needed to move, so he always made sure he was within a couple miles of his donation choice.

He stretched as they stepped outside, resting his arms behind his head and falling into step beside Grayson. "How long have you worked here?"
 
"Oh, that's convenient. I should think about moving close like that too." Grayson wound his brown, tartan scarf around his neck once they were outside. The air was crisp, but not uncomfortably so and Gray was glad for the little walk he'd have with Vincent. "I've worked here for about ten years now I think?" I graduate with my masters from this university, but I've been doing work here as an undergrad since I was nineteen. I can't believe how old I've gotten." He laughed at the idea, forgetting how young and excited he'd been when he'd first come to the university to study. They were good memories to look back on and he'd be forever fond of them.

"What of you, Vincent? Why're you so interested in the programs here at the school? I mean, they're really great, but there are others. Why not Harvard or USCLA or something like that?" They walked down a street that was well lit and mulling with late evening students. A few nodded and waved to Grayson as he passed, to which is always greeted happily.

The cafe Gray led Vincent too was right at the end of the block and even from a distance, it was clear the place was a little busy.
 
Vincent lightly bit the side of his tongue as he considered how to answer that. He couldn't very well admit to having funded them to no avail in the late 1700s, could he? "My family's already donated to them before. They're doing well enough it's not like they need it anyway, so I decided to go with a smaller one. ...Plus some of the towns nearby caught my interest." There was a smaller town that was about 45 minutes away by bus that had a rich history of witches and the like. He'd gone there once, but considering the last bus had broken down and he'd been stuck there a day and nearly got caught in his fox form, he was hesitant to return.

He glanced at the cafe as they got closer, realizing he'd passed by it a few times though he'd never gone in to try it. It always felt awkward eating inside a building alone.
 
"Oh don't tell me you're a tourist! The only mildly interesting town within fifty miles of here is Oak Hallow and their occult history. The rest are just old mining towns" Gray flashed Vincent a knowing, slightly teasing look. "So that's why you're a magician. Not like it matters anyways. I'm glad you're here and donating to our university. You won't regret it, that's for sure." Gray headed easily into the cafe like the regular he was, leading Vincent onto the outdoor patio, his favorite spot. Outdoor space heaters buzzed with warmth, making the area cozy and a great place to sit and eat. Menus were already on the table and it was clear that you went and ordered yourself up at the cash register.

"So. Do you like coffee or tea?" Gray asked
 
"I might as well be," Vincent replied. He'd only been living there three years. Or was it four now? He rarely went anywhere further than the University lately though. Maybe it was a good thing he found something to do other than manage stocks and business deals.

Magician? Oh, right, the flower. Like Grayson would believe he really was a mage. He dropped into a chair and plucked up a menu to flip through it as his stomach growled again. "Mm, both. I'll take a tea though. Do they have mint? Ooh, avocado chicken sandwich..." he murmured, nearly drooling on the menu as he looked through it. Gods, he was starving. "Coconut pie, yum."
 
Grayson laughed at Vincent's eagerness. "Well, you decide and I'll go put our order in. And I'm think they do have mint tea." He pointed out a few things here and there to Vincent, especially all of his favorites. There was a reason he came to the cafe so often. Not only was everything fairly priced, but it was delicious as well.

"So how did you make that flower for the little girl?" Gray asked. "I never got to ask you. Can you show me how to do it too?" As soon as Vincent would decide on what he wanted, Gray would get up and order for both of them.
 
Vincent considered the suggestions in amusement, wondering just how often Grayson came here. Probably as often as he went to Mack's Burgers. He rubbed at his lower lip to discreetly swipe away any drool and finally decided on the chicken avocado sandwich, tomato basil soup, hot mint tea, and a strawberry rhubarb pie. He set the menu aside and stretched, settling into his chair more comfortably.

He smiled innocently at the question and shrugged. "A magician never reveals his secrets." Especially when they couldn't be taught except to someone who had an affinity for the elements. He hated that line, but it was oh so handy.
 
"You're really gonna go by that old stand by?" Gray laughed good naturally and didn't pressure Vincent further. Instead, he got up to order for them both, coming back with their drinks and the first course. Gray had gotten a turkey bacon sandwich for himself as well as a side salad. Of course, he'd choosen his favorite apple pie for dessert.

"Dinner, sir," he announced grandly, setting the platter onto the table before eagerly digging in. After a few bites and hums of pleasure, Grayson settled into a more comfortable eating rhythm, one in which he could talk. "So. Research. When is the best time for you? I'm free any time except mornings when I teach class." Gray swiped at a bit of bacon that had fallen from his sandwich, munching the bit happily while looking at Vincent expectantly.
 
Vincent shrugged. "Why not? It works." He smirked and reached for his tea with a 'Thanks,' closing his eyes with a soft hum of pleasure as he took a sip. Mmm, mint tea. He stirred his soup before taking an experimental bite of both it and his sandwich. Better than he'd expected. He could see why this place seemed so popular.

He pulled a slice of avocado out of his sandwich to nibble on and glanced at Grayson. "I'm only able to meet at night. That can't change, but I'm usually available until four or five in the morning. ...I know it's not ideal hours. We can trade the resources off between night and day if it's easier."
 
"No, no. It's fine," Grayson replied, waving his hand negligently. "Perhaps not until five am, but I could go from nine until one or so, depending on how fast we work. I'm kind of a night owl anyways...at least when I'm doing research." He grinned, seemingly completely fine with the strange hours, not even bothering to question them. Who knew what Vincent got up to during the day? He was a rich business man after all so he was probably taking over companies or something.

"That. And I wanna see your home," he teased.
 
Vincent waited for Grayson to ask him why he couldn't meet during the day, relaxing a bit when he didn't. That was a first. He nodded and resumed eating before nearly choking at the mention of wanting to see his home. Shit, he hadn't really thought about the fact he'd need to clean up the place. It wasn't like it was messy, but there was quite a bit of fox hair and egg shells around the place.

He took a gulp of tea and cleared his throat. "It's not that big, just a regular house," he mumbled. Regular to him anyway. Two bedrooms though he always turned one into a library since he never had company. Crap, it would probably take him all night to get things cleaned. Luckily he had a decent vacuum. "Not allergic to animals are you?" he asked hesitantly.
 
Grayson laughed, shaking his head. "No. I'm not allergic to animals. And no, I'm not allergic to clutter or messiness either," he added with a knowing twinkle in his eye. He'd seen that type of panicked looked before when visiting the offices and interns and professors alike. "I could help you clean if you like," he added, seemingly sincere in the offer. "I know how hard it is to get all that mess under control, especially with a full time job." He sighed, knowing all too well what that was like. He was seriously considering hiring a cleaning company to come to his condo once a week, just to get the place cleaned out.
 
Vincent slanted a look at Grayson that was mostly wary and panicked with maybe a touch of insulted. "I can clean it," he muttered. He just hoped he wouldn't make a mess of it again in the few hours around noon when the animal instincts took over almost completely. He finished off his soup and sandwich and picked up his tea to sip the rest of it. "If we're going to be working through the nights, what kind of coffee or drinks do you like?" He might have been rusty, but he could still play a good host when needed.
 
"Can you? I sure struggle with it. My place is a wreck," Grayson replied kindly, not wanting to have offended Vincent. He could just related to the whole messy house issue. "As for coffee or drinks, I mostly drink teas at home. Any will do. I dislike all those crazy energy drinks." He wrinkled his nose and shook his head, not even wanting to think about touching the touch. "I can bring the snacks. What kind do you like? I'm always getting free food from people one way or another. It's kind of weird actually."
 
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