Life at Crale Manor (in progress, part eight)

CHAPTER EIGHT

The Party

The morning of Joven and Callahan’s anniversary began like any other. Joven was the first to wake and promptly left for his morning jog. Aurich was up second; he had a full day of work in the kitchen to prepare the sumptuous dinner he had planned, and the night before he’d resolved to get an early start. Callahan and Laguna both rose at nearly the same time, so they dined together for breakfast before beginning their day. Nate shuffled into the dining room shortly afterward, rubbing his eyes, Dakota right behind him. As usual, Zave was the last to rise; the raccoon grunted a noncommittal sound when Nate asked him how he’d slept.

Once the mansion’s residents had all enjoyed their staggered breakfast, the residence began to buzz with activity. Laguna had given everyone a long list of chores to do, and neither Callahan nor Joven realized that their lists had been tailored to keep them out of the house for much of the day.

Callahan had been ordered to go into town to drop a package off for delivery on Laguna’s behalf, then he was to visit a catering company and set up an appointment; Laguna was planning on hosting a pool party for some of the EverTech executives at the end of summer, and so Callahan was told to have service assistants brought in to help Aurich with the food preparation and presentation. Afterwards, he was to pick up one of Laguna’s suits from the tailor; the jacket’s lining had torn slightly and it needed to be repaired. Lastly, he was to stop at the grocery store and do the manor’s shopping as usual.

Meanwhile, Joven’s day consisted of washing the driverless car, supervising the crew who were coming in to repave the driveway later in the morning, and then working in the garden. It sounded like a day of strenuous work, but the nanobots in Joven’s body would prevent fatigue easily enough.

As soon as Joven and Callahan were out of the house, the rest of the staff tossed away their lists and began their real work: turning the enormous game room into an incredible party venue and preparing Laguna’s extraordinary gift for Joven and Callahan’s use.

The staff worked quickly. Zave, in a twist that surprised everyone, was eager to be helpful. Though the racoon was certainly lazy and oftentimes self-centered, he’d come to really appreciate Callahan’s kindness and Joven’s work ethic, and he wanted to show the pair that he really was happy for them on their anniversary.

Nate and Dakota worked diligently to put up the decorations, while Aurich carefully and precisely iced the three-tiered red velvet cake he’d baked early that morning. Even Laguna helped by setting the dinner table and assisting Aurich in the kitchen as he worked on the extraordinary meal he’d prepared.

At last, the group’s efforts were complete. The game room had been completely transformed and was virtually unrecognizable, and Aurich was putting the last of the dinner preparations in place. The group disbanded to shower and clean up from their efforts.

Joven brushed the soil from his paws and entered the mansion, surprised to note that nobody seemed to be around. He was surprised and irritated that not one of his co-residents had remembered his and Callahan’s anniversary. He wouldn’t have expected Zave to know since he’d only been a resident in the manor for a few months, and he wasn’t terribly surprised that Nate hadn’t said anything either. But he was disappointed that neither Laguna nor Aurich had shown the courtesy to at least congratulate the pair on their milestone anniversary.

Joven lowered himself onto the couch tiredly. The nanobots had prevented fatigue from setting in, but his mind was tired from the day’s exertion nonetheless. He closed his eyes and let his muscles relax, and without meaning to he quickly fell into a light sleep.

The dinner bell woke the badger from his nap with a start, its pleasant ringing startling him awake. He yawned and stretched, then rubbed his eyes. He could hear the other residents of the manor beginning to make their way into the dining room. Joven stood and walked over to the downstairs bathroom to wash his paws. He dried them on a hand towel and then stepped back into the living room, where he encountered Callahan, who was just about to step into the dining room.

“There you are,” Callahan said with a smile. “Happy anniversary,” he said as he strode over to Joven. “I feel like I haven’t seen you all day long.”

“You haven’t,” Joven replied with a grimace. “I spent all day outside. The driveway is resurfaced and I got most of the gardening done, but that’s not exactly how I hoped to spend today.”

“Still,” Callahan said hopefully, “the rest of the evening is ours. We’ll have dinner and then retire early. Maybe we can snuggle up in bed and watch some dumb romantic comedy on Netflix. And you know our chastity cages will be retracting at midnight, so don’t think I’m not going to have my filthy way with you before the night is through.” The otter smiled happily and kissed Joven on his cheek.

The pair stepped through the door to the dining room together, paw in paw. “Surprise!” the rest of the household shouted as they entered. Joven’s eyes grew wide, and Callahan’s jaw went slack. The dining room lights were low, and the table was set with the good silk tablecloth and was covered in cheerfully flickering candles. The rest of the household was standing behind the table, clapping and smiling. Joven was surprised to see only two of the places had been set.

“What’s going on?” Joven asked, confused and bewildered.

“It’s your anniversary,” Laguna replied happily. He stepped forward and shook Joven and Callahan’s paws. “We all wanted to do something special to mark the occasion. Aurich has magicked up an incredible dinner, and you are going to sit here and enjoy it, just the two of you. The rest of us are taking our dinner to the living room to eat so you can have some romantic privacy. And after dinner, there will be cake and punch and gifts.”

“Oh wow, thank you so much!” Callahan replied. “We thought you’d forgotten!”

“That’s what we wanted you to think,” Aurich said as he entered from the kitchen, holding two appetizer plates. “Sit! Eat, drink and be merry!”

Laguna steered Joven and Callahan to their seats, then departed with a wink, the rest of the household following him into the living room after words of congratulations with the happy couple.

Callahan and Joven took their seats, bemused. Aurich smiled and placed their appetizer plates. “Your hors d’oeuvres tonight will be cheese and caviar stuffed mini squash with roasted red peppers. I recommend pairing it with the Sauvignon Blanc, the bright citrus notes really bring out the flavors.”

The otter and the badger exchanged a glance. “Sauvignon it is then,” Joven replied. “Thank you so much, Aurich. This is all just too wonderful.”

“Happy anniversary, my loves,” Aurich said, kissing each of them gently on the cheek before pouring their wine. With a happy smile, he vanished back into the kitchen.

The mini squash was exquisite. Callahan finished his appetizer first and placed his paw gently on Joven’s knee. “We live a strange life,” he said happily.

“We do indeed,” Joven replied. “I don’t think many people in our position have such extraordinary dinners made in their honor.”

Aurich returned just as Joven was taking the last bite of squash. The gold-striped skunk held two still-steaming plates. “Seared scallops topped with a lemon zest butter infusion, shallots and roasted garlic, and beef wellington with mushroom duxelle,” he said proudly.

“I don’t even know what half of those words mean,” Joven said, “but it smells outstanding.”

“It is,” Aurich replied simply. He placed their plates down and departed with a bow.

Callahan laughed. “Okay, now he’s just showing off,” he said happily. “His cooking is always good, but this is next-level. I hope everyone else is enjoying all this as much as I am.”

“Aurich’s cooking is outstanding,” Joven said, “but it isn’t my favorite thing at this table right now.” He put his paw on Callahan’s chin and turned his head, kissing him lightly on the lips. “Happy anniversary.”

“Happy anniversary!” Callahan echoed, lifting his wine glass.

The appetizers had been good, but the main course was surreal. The beef wellington was so tender and buttery that it practically melted in their mouths, and the topping on the scallops brought out the most delicate symphony of flavors. Joven mentally decided that this was the best food he’d ever eaten in his life. Again he considered how much his life had changed since he came to belong to Laguna Crale. The pair happily enjoyed their sumptuous meal, gazing at each other adoringly between bites.

Callahan looked at his now empty plate and seriously considered picking it up and licking it clean, as uncouth as that might be. “I’m going to have dreams about those scallops tonight,” he proclaimed. “I can’t believe they did this for us.”

Joven nodded, content. “If I were to die tomorrow, I’d die happy knowing that I enjoyed this meal with you first.”

Just then, the door from the living room opened, and the household began filing into the room. “Time for cake!” Nate called happily.

“Cake! Cake!” Dakota repeated in his giggly baby voice.

Joven and Callahan’s eyes grew wide as Aurich and Zave entered from the kitchen, carefully carrying a stunning three-tiered cake between them. The cake was topped with an adorable figurine of two teddy bears in top hats holding paws with each other. Aurich guided Zave to the table and the pair lowered the cake, setting its tray gently on the table’s surface. Laguna stepped into the kitchen and returned holding a silver cake knife.

“Before I cut the cake,” the pink-and-white badger said, “I just want to say a few words. Callahan, when you came to live here, you were the most frightened and awkward man I think I’ve ever met. Being gay was a deep, dark secret you were desperate to hide from the rest of the world, and from yourself. You were miserable and unhappy and you accused me repeatedly of ‘stealing your future’. But what sort of future was it? I’ve been in the corporate world a long time, and I’ve seen way too many closeted men burn themselves out by trying to hide behind their work. I know coming to live here and serve me wasn’t your choice, but in the last few years I’ve watched you bloom into a much happier, more open person.”

Callahan looked up at his master happily, and he was surprised to feel a hot, wet tear roll down his cheek.

“And Joven,” Laguna continued. “My favorite grumpy, grumbly badger. You were so confused and uncertain when you first got here. I remember the first meal we shared at this table, when you stared at all the forks and spoons in confusion. You looked so terrified to make a social gaffe that I had your nanobots pick out the right utensil for each course for you.” Everyone laughed at this comment, except Joven who wore a look of mock horror. 

Laguna chuckled and continued. “You’ve come a long way from that meek, timid accountant I saved from the auction block. To both of you, happy anniversary. For five years now, you’ve loved each other and supported each other. And I can honestly say that I’m truly happy for both of you that you’ve found love together.”

The gathered anthros applauded. Nate giggled and said, “stop with the speechifying and start cutting that cake before we’re all dead of old age!”

Laguna expertly sliced into the top tier of the red velvet cake, serving the first two slices to Callahan and Joven. It was Aurich’s secret recipe, one he guarded jealously, and it was extraordinarily moist and rich. The rest of the household took their normal seats while Aurich ladled glasses of fruit punch into crystal glasses.

Once everyone was full to bursting with Aurich’s extraordinary cake, Laguna proclaimed that it was time to give presents, much to the astonishment of Joven and Callahan. “This has already been too much!” Callahan protested.

“I’m glad you said that,” Aurich responded with a grin, “because my gift was your dinner. I didn’t have time to shop for anything with all the meal prep I’ve had to do to make tonight happen.”

“And I am eternally grateful,” Joven said laughing, “even though I’ll have to do some extra jogging for the next month to work off that meal.”

“Well then, who wants to go first?” Laguna asked. “I’m saving mine for last, and you all know why,” he added cryptically, puzzling Joven and Callahan.

“I’ll go first,” Zave said. He quickly stepped out of the dining room and returned a moment later, holding an envelope. “This is a gift for both of you guys, but mostly for Joven,” he said, passing the badger the envelope awkwardly.

Joven took it and tore it open carefully. He pulled out a small slip of paper. “Redeemable for one day of no chores, because I will do them for you so you can have a day off, love Zave,” he read out loud. “Awww, Zave… does that mean you’re actually going to start doing work for a change?” he laughed.

“Don’t get too used to it,” Zave replied with a smirk. “But I figured if you wanted to spend a nice day together, I could help pick up the slack. Master Laguna already said it was okay,” he added.

“I will treasure it. And probably cash it in on bathroom-cleaning day,” Joven said, grinning.

“Our turn next,” Nate said. “Dakota, go get their presents from the living room and bring them back,” he said, patting the kobold’s diapered bottom. The reptile scurried off and quickly returned with several neatly wrapped packages topped with bows.

“Presents!” Dakota declared. “And none of them are pencils or strap-on penises,” he added proudly. Nate erupted into giggles while everyone else looked on confused. Dakota gently placed the presents onto the table and then settled into Nate’s lap.

Callahan began unwrapping the present with his name on the tag, while Joven did the same with his. Callahan was the first to reveal his gift. “Oh! It’s the whole ‘Murder for Dinner’ series! How did you know?” he asked in glee.

“I have my methods,” Nate said, squeezing Dakota. “They’re signed by the author.”

Callahan pulled out the first paperback in the boxed set and opened the cover. Sure enough, there was August Fillmore’s signature. “WOW! Thank you so much Nate, Dakota! This is awesome!”

Joven pulled the last of the paper off his package, revealing an unmarked cardboard box. He popped the tape holding the box closed with a claw, then opened it. “What is…” he asked slowly. He reached inside the box and pulled out a pair of powder blue plastic pants. He instantly began blushing.

“There’s seven pairs there, one for every day of the week,” Nate grinned. “They’re the same as the ones you’ve been wearing lately. I figured that’d save you having to do laundry all the time. But keep digging under them, there’s something else in the box.”

Joven frowned and visibly squirmed, but he reached inside the box and continued pulling out pairs of plastic pants, setting them in a stack on the table. When he reached the bottom of the box, his frown vanished. “Paper Mario! Oh, I’ve been wanting to play this but I hadn’t had a chance to pick it up! Thank you!”

“There’s one more gift there in that envelope,” Nate said. “It’s for both of you.”

Callahan tore open the festive, glittery envelope. “Oh wow! Tickets to the theater, and a dinner reservation at Catalina! We’d talked about eating there!”

“Dakota and I thought you might enjoy a date night,” Nate said, smiling.

“Date night!” Dakota echoed happily.

“Thank you so much,” Joven said as he stuffed the embarrassing plastic pants back into the box.

Laguna smiled. “My gift is in the game room. I felt like it would be better to set it up there. Shall we move the party now?”

Joven shot Callahan a meaningful glance. What could the Master have gotten them that needed to be ‘set up’? They rose from their seats and, leaving their lovely gifts on the dining room table, followed the rest of the household out the dining room door and through to the game room.

“Surprise,” Laguna said as they entered. The game room had been completely redecorated, and a huge banner hung from one side of the room to the other, proclaiming “Congratulations!” in sparkly paper letters. Bright, festive streamers hung from the ceiling and were strewn across nearly every available surface. Someone had set the light projector to shoot rotating beams of colored lights all over the room. The transformation was extraordinary, but that wasn’t what stopped Joven and Callahan in their tracks. It was the enormous gift box sitting in the middle of the room and topped with an equally enormous bow that startled them both into wordless amazement.

“Happy anniversary,” Laguna said. “Open your present.”