Theodore's keys jingled pleasantly as he unlocked the front door, letting them fall into a pocket and closing the door behind him. His cane was folded, hanging from his side, and so, as his fingertips trailed the wall he was mildly surprised to find them brushing against cloth, withdrawing his hand with a murmured apology.
He made to sidestep around him, before realizing that the man was one he had not meet before, a new breathing pattern, a new a voice. He smiled softly, offering a hand. "Sorry, about that. Are you new here? Or visiting someone? I'm Theodore, I just moved in a short while ago. Do you need a hand?"
The subtlest of smiles leaped across Levi's face as the stranger's hand drifted across his chest, and was immediately tugged away, stung. He looked down at the boy, a head shorter, and tilted his head in confusion while rolling up one sleeve.
"Oh yes. Sorry, I truly did not mean to startled you," his french thickly laden across his words, "I am new here. As it happens. No idea where I'm supposed to be, though." He jingled the keys a little in his hand, and as he did so he leaned down to peer into Theo's eyes, startled to find them rather empty.
"I don't mean to be rude, of course, I am only curious. But are you able to see me?" He felt a little hurt that he couldn't speak to someone and have them read his face. He was terribly offensive with his words most of the time, and it was only his face that made anything seem reasonable.
The light seemed to dim slightly as Levi peered leaned closer, and at the question Theodore understood what had happened. He gave a small smile, running a hand through his hair and shaking his head. "No, not really. Just where you displace the light," he said, used to the question, and no longer offended by it. It was a perfectly reasonable thing to ask really.
"Do you know which flat number you are?" he asked, head turning as though to survey the halls, pulling up his mental map. He knew his way about the building fairly well now, and was certain he could deduce where the man needed to be.
Levi struggled with his pockets and the keys and his case before pulling out a rumpled and water-stained piece of parchment. He wrinkled his nose as he tried to study it, smoothing it over his thigh to flatten the writing.
"Lets see. Oh. One A? Sounds simple enough. Might you be able to direct me? If it's not too much trouble, of course." He pushed the page haphazardly back into a pocket and extended his hand, slipping his fingers into Theodore's with little hesitation lest he offend his new acquaintance.
"I'm Levi, by the way. It's a pleasure to meet you in my time of need." He grinned, but was still a little put-off that his enjoyment could not be displayed.
Theodore chewed lightly on his lower lip a moment before giving a grin and pointing. That would be on the main level here, on the left side. I'm one floor up on the right. You're lucky; no lugging things up the stairs."
His hand tightened round Levi's with a pleasant smiles, eyes lighting up, almost as though he could see the man's grin. "It's nice to meet you Levi. Do you need any help moving things in?" he asked, head cocking slightly.
Levi's eyes flickered to the building and the window nearest them with a surprised smile. And it well-suited his needs for the current day, being as worn-out and depleted as he felt. Surely he could feel a little self-indulgent on such a day, as he wasn't ready to be lugging three bedrooms upstairs.
"I'm actually not sure. You see... this trunk. Well. It's a bit heavy. I wouldn't want to be trouble, but the doors maybe? Would you mind holding them open?" He offered up a hopeful smile and fingered his wand in his pocket. Surely a blind boy wouldn't notice a bit of magic?
Theo nodded, with a smile. "Yes, of course," he said, moving back along to open the door, holding it wide. "You should like it here," he offered conversationally, hoping to hear more of the man's lovely accent, trying to imagine a face to match it with a vaguely shy expression.
Soft features likely...with pale skin? Hair...that was harder...at first he pictured blond, a pale, gold colour, softly framing his face. Then a dark, rich colour replaced it, though he couldn't settle on a length. He was tall; he knew that much from hearing him speak, perhaps a head taller then himself. This was a ritual Theodore had much fun with when meeting new faces, though it was times like these, with young men, close to his own age, that he especially wishes he was in possession of sight to confirm his guesses. To ask such questions seemed odd to him, and so he kept his mouth shut, letting Levi pass through the doors and then hurrying ahead, hand along the wall to find the next door.
With a subtle flick of his wand, the trunk was floating inches from the ground, and with a lot of carefully placed grunts of exertion he maneuvered it through the door and set it back down.
"Heavy." he breathed, wiping his brow with mock exertion and glancing about him suspiciously for any kindly gentlewomans who might be out for a walk with the cat. "Don't suppose you know where the nearest grocer is, do you?" He stumbled over the word grocer slightly and he hid an embarrassed smile behind his sweater as he stripped it off and threw it over his shoulder.
"I've not set myself up with anything yet, you see. So I should be shopping soon." He fiddled with the key against the bright blue door and pushed against it. As the door flew open he was assaulted with perfect white walls and the sharp smell of fresh paint.
"Um..." Theodore paused, not sure how to reply. He himself did most of his shopping by floo, purchasing his groceries from wizarding shops. He'd yet to learn the majority of muggle shops round his flat, and could hardly explain this wit out giving himself away.
"It's...rather difficult to describe," he said, with a forced blush, as though his blindness were the cause of his directional difficulties, "All though I'm sure I could walk you there some time if you wished. In the mean time I can offer you what I have in my own cupboard."
"Oh, wait there is the little shop just down the street where I buy my cigarettes," he recalled with a smile, "I'm sure they have some staples there."
"I'm sorry, I didn't even think." Immediately Levi was distraught, a distracted flush of embarrassment rising over his neck and ears. He placed a hand tentatively atop Theodore's head in apology. He was going to have to be more polite. Muggles here were probably even sadder and more on-edge than at home. He couldn't afford to hurt feelings so early in these relationships.
"I'd dare not raid your own stock, Theo. I'll take a gander down to the shops now in a bit. After I-" he stopped to give a wide yawn, and push on the trunk, easing it loudly into the front entrance of his flat and letting it bang against the floor rather by accident, "-take a nap. Setting up bed is quite important. I'm rather addicted." He glanced back to the boy and petted his hair again, amused, before pulling out his wand and levitating the trunk into an empty white space that could be described as the living room.
"I know it's custom to offer tea here, and I know you were on your way somewhere, but I can only push my hindrance that much more. Would you like a
( ... )
"No, no; it's perfectly all right," Theodore assured, giving a small laugh at the hand on his head. He felt badly, though, for lying to the man and making him feel poorly about himself, "Directions can be difficult sometimes, but generally I'm quite good with them, so long as I have my barrings."
An eager smile grew on his lips, which he tried, without much success, to banish, and he nodded. "That would be lovely, if you know where they are. Are you sure I wouldn't be imposing? I'll understand if you want to unpack, or nap, or whatever the case may be," he offered.
"I know where I've packed everything." he said a little off-handedly, already wandering away to stare into the kitchen. Here was nice. The room was fabulous, and were those stairs? He tried to hide his giddiness and managed it rather well.
"I have to be truthful. I didn't know much going into this. I just... it was very quick. A rushed decision, and I had no idea. This is beautiful." He pressed a hand to a wall and took a healthy gulp of his own glass.
"Bed. Yes. If you're ever fortunate enough to find me out of bed, you're welcome to spend some time here." his eyes had not missed the handsome jaw and thoughtful expressions. It couldn't hurt to have a beautiful young man in his home more often.
And as he mussed over this, he waved his wand again, and his mattress slowly unfolded into the middle of the room, silent. Eagerly he eyed it. Looking for work could come tomorrow. He was going to sleep for a couple days and be refreshed and powerful and ready. In the middle of an empty
( ... )
Theodore smiled into the glass, letting the sweet scent waft up before taking a smile, arching an eyebrow with an impressed look.
He looked with a sympathetic grin. "Likewise for me," he offered, "But it's lovely here, I'm sure you'll get on splendidly," he assured, fingers tracing the edge of his glass absently.
Who says I want to find you out of bed... he mused with a coy smile, giving a laugh and nodding. "I'd like that. I don't really know too many people 'round here. I left everyone who could tolerate me back in Ireland."
Levi's eyebrows raised, and his gaze swiveled back to the boy. And Irish, then. So surely he was a bit tougher under that soft exterior implied. Might even have a bit of perception in him for a good fine wine, then.
He let the silence carry between them then for a few moments, thoughts lingering on Theodore's last words, eyes on his figure. It felt a little embarrassing to be so unabashedly staring, but it was easy to when he couldn't be caught. There was the barest hint of stubble along his new friend's jaw, and it's placement, and Theo's soft voice and just the overall picture of the boy had a fond, silly smile jumping to Levi's lips.
"Is it good?" he asked, stepping closer and leaning against a white wall near the door. His body was turned to Theo, his voice inviting.
"The wine, I mean. It's from home." It was rather spectacular and he would never be modest in that regard. Mama and papa had worked their whole lives to build the vineyard and perfect their recipe. And to this day it was still theirs, unchanged. Thinking about it,
( ... )
"Best I've had," Theo answered honestly, a smile on his lips as he finished it off, "And I've had more then my fair share of wine in these last few years. I'm impressed. We didn't spend as much time in France as I would have liked; clearly we should have made more time."
He tucked his dark hair behind his ear. "Is this what you do?" he asked, finger fiddling with the chain round his neck, unable to keep still as his nerves flared up, a faint flush growing on his cheeks.
Levi smiled into his glass, combing a hand trough his messy hair.
"I... bake. Actually. I own a vineyard in Languedoc, but I am first and foremost a pastry chef." He said this with slight trepidation. He never got used to the bubbling laughter that usually came back from his answer, and his lips pursed to prepare for it.
There was nothing wrong with baking. It was a calming and healthy thing to do. As opposed to chasing dark wizards, or mixing dangerous and vile substances, or fitting robes to whiny, bratty children. Baking allowed one time to think and feel and consider.
He made to sidestep around him, before realizing that the man was one he had not meet before, a new breathing pattern, a new a voice. He smiled softly, offering a hand. "Sorry, about that. Are you new here? Or visiting someone? I'm Theodore, I just moved in a short while ago. Do you need a hand?"
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"Oh yes. Sorry, I truly did not mean to startled you," his french thickly laden across his words, "I am new here. As it happens. No idea where I'm supposed to be, though." He jingled the keys a little in his hand, and as he did so he leaned down to peer into Theo's eyes, startled to find them rather empty.
"I don't mean to be rude, of course, I am only curious. But are you able to see me?" He felt a little hurt that he couldn't speak to someone and have them read his face. He was terribly offensive with his words most of the time, and it was only his face that made anything seem reasonable.
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"Do you know which flat number you are?" he asked, head turning as though to survey the halls, pulling up his mental map. He knew his way about the building fairly well now, and was certain he could deduce where the man needed to be.
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"Lets see. Oh. One A? Sounds simple enough. Might you be able to direct me? If it's not too much trouble, of course." He pushed the page haphazardly back into a pocket and extended his hand, slipping his fingers into Theodore's with little hesitation lest he offend his new acquaintance.
"I'm Levi, by the way. It's a pleasure to meet you in my time of need." He grinned, but was still a little put-off that his enjoyment could not be displayed.
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His hand tightened round Levi's with a pleasant smiles, eyes lighting up, almost as though he could see the man's grin. "It's nice to meet you Levi. Do you need any help moving things in?" he asked, head cocking slightly.
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"I'm actually not sure. You see... this trunk. Well. It's a bit heavy. I wouldn't want to be trouble, but the doors maybe? Would you mind holding them open?" He offered up a hopeful smile and fingered his wand in his pocket. Surely a blind boy wouldn't notice a bit of magic?
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Soft features likely...with pale skin? Hair...that was harder...at first he pictured blond, a pale, gold colour, softly framing his face. Then a dark, rich colour replaced it, though he couldn't settle on a length. He was tall; he knew that much from hearing him speak, perhaps a head taller then himself. This was a ritual Theodore had much fun with when meeting new faces, though it was times like these, with young men, close to his own age, that he especially wishes he was in possession of sight to confirm his guesses. To ask such questions seemed odd to him, and so he kept his mouth shut, letting Levi pass through the doors and then hurrying ahead, hand along the wall to find the next door.
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"Heavy." he breathed, wiping his brow with mock exertion and glancing about him suspiciously for any kindly gentlewomans who might be out for a walk with the cat. "Don't suppose you know where the nearest grocer is, do you?" He stumbled over the word grocer slightly and he hid an embarrassed smile behind his sweater as he stripped it off and threw it over his shoulder.
"I've not set myself up with anything yet, you see. So I should be shopping soon." He fiddled with the key against the bright blue door and pushed against it. As the door flew open he was assaulted with perfect white walls and the sharp smell of fresh paint.
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"It's...rather difficult to describe," he said, with a forced blush, as though his blindness were the cause of his directional difficulties, "All though I'm sure I could walk you there some time if you wished. In the mean time I can offer you what I have in my own cupboard."
"Oh, wait there is the little shop just down the street where I buy my cigarettes," he recalled with a smile, "I'm sure they have some staples there."
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"I'd dare not raid your own stock, Theo. I'll take a gander down to the shops now in a bit. After I-" he stopped to give a wide yawn, and push on the trunk, easing it loudly into the front entrance of his flat and letting it bang against the floor rather by accident, "-take a nap. Setting up bed is quite important. I'm rather addicted." He glanced back to the boy and petted his hair again, amused, before pulling out his wand and levitating the trunk into an empty white space that could be described as the living room.
"I know it's custom to offer tea here, and I know you were on your way somewhere, but I can only push my hindrance that much more. Would you like a ( ... )
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An eager smile grew on his lips, which he tried, without much success, to banish, and he nodded. "That would be lovely, if you know where they are. Are you sure I wouldn't be imposing? I'll understand if you want to unpack, or nap, or whatever the case may be," he offered.
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"I know where I've packed everything." he said a little off-handedly, already wandering away to stare into the kitchen. Here was nice. The room was fabulous, and were those stairs? He tried to hide his giddiness and managed it rather well.
"I have to be truthful. I didn't know much going into this. I just... it was very quick. A rushed decision, and I had no idea. This is beautiful." He pressed a hand to a wall and took a healthy gulp of his own glass.
"Bed. Yes. If you're ever fortunate enough to find me out of bed, you're welcome to spend some time here." his eyes had not missed the handsome jaw and thoughtful expressions. It couldn't hurt to have a beautiful young man in his home more often.
And as he mussed over this, he waved his wand again, and his mattress slowly unfolded into the middle of the room, silent. Eagerly he eyed it. Looking for work could come tomorrow. He was going to sleep for a couple days and be refreshed and powerful and ready. In the middle of an empty ( ... )
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He looked with a sympathetic grin. "Likewise for me," he offered, "But it's lovely here, I'm sure you'll get on splendidly," he assured, fingers tracing the edge of his glass absently.
Who says I want to find you out of bed... he mused with a coy smile, giving a laugh and nodding. "I'd like that. I don't really know too many people 'round here. I left everyone who could tolerate me back in Ireland."
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He let the silence carry between them then for a few moments, thoughts lingering on Theodore's last words, eyes on his figure. It felt a little embarrassing to be so unabashedly staring, but it was easy to when he couldn't be caught. There was the barest hint of stubble along his new friend's jaw, and it's placement, and Theo's soft voice and just the overall picture of the boy had a fond, silly smile jumping to Levi's lips.
"Is it good?" he asked, stepping closer and leaning against a white wall near the door. His body was turned to Theo, his voice inviting.
"The wine, I mean. It's from home." It was rather spectacular and he would never be modest in that regard. Mama and papa had worked their whole lives to build the vineyard and perfect their recipe. And to this day it was still theirs, unchanged. Thinking about it, ( ... )
Reply
He tucked his dark hair behind his ear. "Is this what you do?" he asked, finger fiddling with the chain round his neck, unable to keep still as his nerves flared up, a faint flush growing on his cheeks.
Reply
"I... bake. Actually. I own a vineyard in Languedoc, but I am first and foremost a pastry chef." He said this with slight trepidation. He never got used to the bubbling laughter that usually came back from his answer, and his lips pursed to prepare for it.
There was nothing wrong with baking. It was a calming and healthy thing to do. As opposed to chasing dark wizards, or mixing dangerous and vile substances, or fitting robes to whiny, bratty children. Baking allowed one time to think and feel and consider.
Reply
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