darker_london | The Quivering Muse (Johan, Werner, Liz, Hope)

The breakfast table at the Kemp Manor was generally a happy place to be, even if not everyone was always in a bright and shiny mood, as often Zoe wasn't. Johan always tried to do his best to make up for it, even through all he was dealing with with watching the man he loved slowly deteriorate. He believed that life was for living while you were here and you might as well make the best of it.

This particular morning, Hope wasn't in a terribly wonderful mood either, but Johan was smiling through it all. In the middle of the meal, he leaned over and whispered something German and quite racy into Werner's ear, while placing his hand into the man's lap. Werner's ears went red and he giggled and Liz, who spoke German perfectly, burst out laughing.

"What?!" Hope asked, instantly interested. "What did he say?!"

Liz cackled and her eyes twinkled and she winked at Hope. "Oh no, I'm not repeating that."

Johan looked whimsical and leaned forward to kiss Werner's cheek. "Just a little X-rated tidbit to entice my lover before he even finishes his breakfast."

Hope snorted, which had the effect of nearly making her choke on her hasbrowns. She swallowed out of necessity and then she grinned because old men were like so cute when they were in love (true they were only in their fourties, but to Hope, this was old). "That's hot." She winked back and continued to watch them closely. It was better than freaking out about Magnus.

"He does this all day!" Werner announced. "And then he locks himself away to fondle his piano and he leaves me all...enticed."

Johan looked quite accomplished and he took a celebratory bite of sausage, which was quite symbolic, really. "You'll never known quite how inspiring it is knowing you're just a few metres away, pining for me." Johan winked. "The music just flows."

Werner kissed Johan's cheek chastely. "Good to know I'm your quivering little muse, Bertie."

Johan giggled and he leaned forward to whisper something else.

"Okay, that one I think I understood!" Hope yelled. "You're a dirty man!" But she was grinning. And she was ever thankful that her family was here for her, even when things seemed terrifying on the outside. In here, it was safe. Even if the breakfast talk wasn't necessarily G-rated.