How Green Becomes Wood

"It is tedious, but it looks impressive when it is done. You have had it many times before," Dark glanced over at Alec, "You should know to cook more than one thing. What if there is a period where you find yourself living alone?"
 
"I'd be too busy feeling lonely and wondering where everyone went to bother with food," Alec said without missing a beat. "And once I figured out what terrible life choices I made to end up living alone, I make very good French toast, and I am fond of cereal."
 
"You intend to go from here, to living just with Xander, to being married?" Dark asked, taking the pot off the stove, "What if Xander has some temporary opportunity somewhere and you cannot follow? If he is offered some... distant fellowship to guard over a rare horse population for a year? You will only eat French toast and cereal all year?"
 
"Hmm, actually, I was semi-planning on just staying here until I got married," Alec replied. "Although living with Xander is also a very nice option that I am not opposed to. But if he headed off to look after rare horses and I couldn't come... I'd just ask to come back home."
 
"Of course you are welcome to stay here for as long as you like," Dark told Alec, and meant it, getting a serving platter from the cabinet. He was a little surprised, though, that he did not plan to move out with Xander, since he presumed Xander did not share the same desire to stay in the family home, "Ivy would certainly be glad. I think it is going to be very difficult for her when you or Xander move out."
 
Alec smiled, pleased. "We'd thought about moving out and getting a place of our own," he admitted, leaning against the counter. "I like it here. I love being around family. I like the stability. I think Xander wants his own space, but I can't see him going too far."
 
Dark feel quiet for a little while and then squeezed Alec's shoulder firmly, "It makes me glad to know that." They had been a family so long, maybe it shouldn't have meant quite so much to hear, but it did.
 
"She has her own room," He said, keeping his hand on Alec's shoulder, "She does not need two." For a few moments, he held eye contact with his son and his piercing gaze gave way to true tenderness. Being able to call someone his son had not ceased to pull at him more deeply than he knew how to articulate. "Thank you for helping me cook dinner."
 
"Thank you for teaching me," Alec said. His tone was still light, but his gaze said he meant it. "It is an important life skill, and not everyone has the patience to teach it. Thanks for always having patience."
 
Dark considered this carefully, "I think it may be too messy to eat in the living room, but if he cannot be helped into the dinning room, then we can probably manage to eat from bowls with him."
 
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