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 Posted: Sat Jul 31, 2010 5:10 pm
 Narrow, tired eyes, followed Martufe's gentle finger tips as they swirled about the prepared piece of leather. Patterned trails left in their wake that turned the treated leather into a true work of art. The indented scene of swirling clouds and cranes taking flight upon a messenger bag flap the product of years of practice and days of sketching and planning. That of course not counting the treatment of the leather or the creation of the bag itself. To Martufe...the construction was just that. It didn't take much for him, but the creation of the designs...the leather etching and burning...was his life.
The rays of the setting sun began to pervade his work space. The constellation squinting his eyes at the bright painted sky through his window. It would have been easy enough to just close the curtains and continue his work, but then he wouldn't be able to look out the window and see if anyone was coming down the path. Grumbling softly about time he would waste putting his work down for the night, Martufe leaned back in his chair and stretched after the long hours of hunching over his work space.
He looked back down to the leather, the sun causing the design to stand out even more. It almost made him want to smile, almost. Rising from his chair, he walked over to his front door and picked up an old weathered lantern, hanging it up on a elaborate wooden hook on the porch. Swiping a match against the post, he lit the rather sad looking wick with mounds of melted wax around it. The faint shapes of stars showing on the ground and porch from the lantern as the night moved closer. "Light the way old friend..." He leaned against the post...just watching the shapes with a gentle sigh.
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Posted: Sat Jul 31, 2010 6:23 pm
 “Who ever said nerds were weak never had to carry the books” he took a deep breath. Joey always had trouble with his arms being weaker than his legs amused Sun to no end. Joey was heading to the fabric store looking for the usual outdoor stalls. “Oh my, it seems that I spent more time among the books.” Joey looked around finally realizing how late it was and wondering if it was best if he went home. Joey crossed his arms over his chest as he turned to head home but then again I could find something along the way.
He turned and looked around to see which path he would take. There weren’t many lights on in this bazaar alley which limited his option. He saw the prettiest lightly red light coming from half way down he ran his fingers through his hair the ears perking up a bit. Arriving at the store ‘oh I heard of this bakery The Black Rose, it is as lovely as they say” the people that came to Iah spoke of this place often. He studied the outside the name was a mural of ‘black rose’ in stained glass. The door was a sliding door made of cherry wood as he slid it open he heard a chime go off to alert the staff.
As he opened the door the smell of exotic aromas filled his nose drawn to the glass near the back of the store front. Joey smiled at the pastier behind the counter pointing out some cream puffs, cigarette shaped cookies, and the signature black rose dish. The pastier smiled and handed Joey his order in a box then placed it in a cotton black bag with the shops name on the bag. Joey waved as he headed out the door with his treats wondering where to head next. Looking for lights he started walking and noticed a soft yellow light in the distance around the corner. He headed towards it turning the corner there was a man next to the light. He wondered if this was a shop he meekly walked over to the man his ears going back slightly. “Greetings sir..” he paused not really sure to ask him.
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Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2010 4:51 pm
The sound of scrunched earth reached the constellation's ears and Martufe found his gaze leaving the lantern to shoot to the path. A small lump in his throat, red orbs landed on the man coming down the path only to have the shape and colors swirled. Could it be them? Any of them? His body went stiff on the pole as he waited for his mind to stop superimposing his last memories of his brothers on the person coming up the path. He had to be realistic...the odds that it was them..
Blinking several times as the constellation spoke, he shook his head until he was able to see the true form. Not them. Of course it wasn't them. He pushed himself off the post and looked pleasantly down at the guest. At least this quest might quell his loneliness for the time being. After all today had been a very slow day. "Greetings...and welcome to my brother's shop. Just about anything you'd ever want that has to do with leather...or leather murals. Those are my specialty. Please...come in." he waived his hand towards the door and bowed slightly before moving to open the door for his fellow constellation.
A distinct aroma of leather filled the air, warm candle light painting the porch inviting them inside. Inside the shop the walls were covered with shelves and hangers that held anything imaginable that could contain leather. Shoes, boots, belts, belt buckles, book covers, journals, hair sticks, bags, wallets, lighters, lanterns...and of course, Martufe's murals. His masterpiece of the starry sky spanning several feet each way framed directly across from the doors opening.
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Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2010 5:44 pm
Joey smiled happy that it was a store he was always nervous, about meeting people like the kind Iah gets in his store. He took a deep breath and smiled. "Oh.." he didn't know how to say it without sounding rude. He bowed in greeting to the young man before him. Walking past the man into the store what might be faint to others was strong. The smell of leather went strongly up his nose as he walked in. He has never been in a leather store and it was beautiful. Joey smiled his ears perking up a bit as he looked around his eyes closed on the mural.
He never knew a person could make a mural out of leather he has seen many tapestries. He reached out his head to tough it slightly running his finger tips over it. Pulling his hand away quickly he had forgot he was in a store. He turned to face the man "Oh I am so sorry" he bowed dropping his bag in the process. Joey turned red as he picked up his bag nothing spilled out he thought hopefully. But the cream puff hit the floor "I am so sorry" his face was even redder than before.
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Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2010 6:18 pm
Martufe followed the other into the store, leaving the door open to let in the cool evening air. Hands clasped gently behind his back, he walked across the room in an attempt to try and busy himself behind the counter. Despite his loneliness he didn't want to smother the potential customer. He shuffled a few papers and couldn't help but pause in the slightest as he saw the hand reach out to touch the mural. His lips twitched ever so gently, the smile barely noticeable, but it was there.
As the constellation pulled his hand back and started to apologize, only to drop his things, Martufe waved his hands in light dismissal. "Oh...Oh no please. Really its all right."
He walked over to the mural before the young man and let his own fingers trail over the sealed leather. "Please...it honors me that you felt the need to touch it. Whether you intend to buy means naught. It is the appreciation that quells an artists soul." His eyes scanned the leather as if it was a dear love and he turned back to the guest.
"I do hope you're creme puff is all right."
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Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2010 7:05 pm
Joey nodded and looked up from the mess he made following the young man. He giggled slightly "it so different" he spoke to himself trailing off. He could only think of all the things Ren made and never wanted anyone to touch. They were gorgeous but she hated if anyone touched them.
Speaking aloud but really to himself "the work here is lovely but I have always been fascinated by the night sky." Turning back to the pastry on the floor he scooped it up it was pretty much ruined. "To make something so lovely from leather has amazed me." He held it in his hand scanning the room "I am sorry but is there anywhere I can throw this away?" He blushed his ears were back from embarrassment.
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Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2010 7:29 pm
Martufe listened to him and could almost blush at what he said. Compliment anything...his looks...charm...and he would simply ignore it. Oblivious to that kind of connection...but to say his art was amazing? He swallowed lightly and pulled his hands back behind his back. "T-thank you. Though it is a mere pale comparison to the real beauty i wished to capture...the fact that I could create something to...amaze you? Well it only drives me to do better. Here...there's a trash can in the shop. Just back here."
Turning towards the shop. he pushed back a thick green curtain to reveal his work space and all of the in progress works. The trash can was on the left of the room and had naught but a few pieces of leather and paper in it. Fastidious in his cleaning, the rest of the shop was spotless. All except his work table that he just abandoned. His eye twitching slightly, he rushed to it, organizing his tools and then grabbing a towel for the customer. "Here...you probably need to wipe your hands off. I'm sorry your puff was ruined. Perhaps I can buy you another since it met its end in my store."
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Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2010 8:04 pm
Joey nodded "when people put there heart into there work it is always great" he smiled and nodded. His fluffy ears moved forward facing slightly. He waved his hands in protest and forgot that he had the pastry in his hand. Quickly moving he ended up squashing it more but only a little spilled on his hand. He blushed slightly realizing he almost made another mistake.
Joey followed him looking back at the mural he knew who would love it. His love of the night came from her and he knew she would need somethings for her room. He turned almost bumping into the man but catching himself before he did. He sneezed slightly the smells in the room were stronger out there it caught his nose. He looked around the room his ears perking up Joey would love to see him work he loved seeing people work.
He threw away the mess that was once a beautiful dessert into the trash. He hesitated slightly before throwing it in you never know what could be in there. He turned to face him and blushed taking the cloth. "Thank you, but that is to much really I shoudl be the one asking you if I need to replace anything." He had touched his hand to his chest out of habit only smashing some cream onto his shirt. His face went beat red trying to cover it with the towel "is there some place I could clean up, perhaps" his ears went as bac as they could go.
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Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2010 9:40 pm
Martufe shook his head lightly and brushed back his hair out of his face. "No really...I would like to do something for you. That was from a very coveted shop and you have complimented me beyond my skills." He watched painfully as the cream then found its way onto the guest's shirt and he cringed. "Oh dear...Please...come up to the studio. You can use the bathroom and get that cleaned up."
Turing to the back of the room, Martufe lead the way up a thin spiral staircase. The studio was quaint. Four small beds against the far wall only one that seemed mussed in any way. The blankets wrinkled and half shoved to the side. The corner kitchen was somewhat messy as well. A few dishes in the sink and a loaf of fluffy bread freshly sliced with crumbs on the counter. There was a rather large and comfy looking chair, a book on the art of leather working laying open on its worn spine. He lead the way to the bathroom and opened the door for him. "There you are...you can get the cream off your hands and shirt..."
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Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2010 10:27 pm
Joey was beat red and nodded "no really I am only saying what is on my mind. It is truly selfish on my part when I am simply wanting to convey my opinions and have them acknowledged." He nodded and took a deep breath walking behind him bumping into things along the way.
Joey looked around the room and wondered why it seemed lonely in the room. The chair looked comfy he bumped into one last thing as he entered the bathroom. It was the door jam it seemed impossible to turn any redder. "Thank you" he closed the door as he took of the scarf.
A collar could be seen under the scarf as he closed the door placing it on the sink. He took a deep breath as he turned the faucet on washing his hands. He took his shirt of happy it was only cream and not something of deeper color. He stopped for a second "How rude of me coming in you home without tell you my name or asking yours. I am Joey" he stuck his hand out the door afraid his body and collar might be seen. His arm up to the red marking on his shoulder were visible. However, if you were at the right angle you could see his whole body.
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Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2010 1:54 pm
Martufe leaned up against the wall as the constellation shut the bathroom door. It had been so long since another person had been up in this studio with him. It almost felt...weird. As if he was bringing someone into their space. However...he couldn't simply ignore the needs of a fellow being. After all...he had only soiled his hands and shirt from nerves brought about by himself. His brothers would have to forgive the intrusion...
Sighing softly, Martufe ran his fingers through his hair as a few tiny shavings of leather fell from it. Lovely, he really should brush his hair out more often. "Hmm?" Turning his head back to the door as he heard the young man's voice, Martufe got closer to a smile as the constellation stuck out his arm through a tiny crack in the door and introduced himself. His eyes caught the red marking and maybe a hint of a collar. Interesting...though however so, it was not for him to inquire about. Privacy first.
"Well what an honor it is to meet you Joey." He stuck out his hand to grasp the others gently and shook it. "I am Martufe, and you are quite welcome in my brother's home. Please don't feel rude at all."
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Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2010 5:03 pm
Joey shook the man's hand slowly pulling it back and shutting the door. He was sure his hand felt cold for a person it was just his nature. Joey had noticed there was a some strings from leather on his hand. Also the faint scent of leather was left on his hand which most wouldn't be able to detect but he could.
He was more nervous than anything he felt an uneasiness with the fellow beyond the door.
"I am sorry for intruding" he moved quickly to scrub the stain from his shirt placing the undershirt on. He disliked the look of his undershirt greatly but felt it would be necessary to ware. He cracked the door a little embarrssed to be seen in his undershirt. Then opening it all the way he had forgot his scarf which was a first. "Many thanks I am overly clumsy and I hope I didn't ruin anyting."
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Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2010 10:45 pm
A small shiver running down his back, Martufe noted the chill coming from the other constellation. He wondered what his handshake was like. if there was any lingering leather aspect. Perhaps one day he would ask someone, though...it could be taken as a rude question. He furrowed his brows in slight disappointment of his own forward thoughts and went back to leaning against the wall as the the other shut the door. If he wasn't careful he would probably insult the shy constellation.
Was it strange that he wanted him to stay a while longer? That he was glad that he may have to wait for his shirt dry? Perhaps...no ...most certainly. Martufe couldn't help it though, it had been ages before he had hosted any company at all or even seen his brothers. It wasn't like he had tome to go out and meet people. Taking care and stocking the shop all by himself took up most of his time and so he had just gotten used to the monotony of his own company.
Jumping slightly as he opened the door, Martufe sighed softly. "No...really you aren't intruding in the least and I'm quite sure you haven't ruined a single thing." he tried his best to smile at hm, knowing he'd been out of practice for years. It probably resembled a grimace but maybe Joey would understand the sentiment. His eyes looked over him for a moment taking in how embarrassed he seemed. "Um...I do believe one of my brothers was...is...your size. I'm sure I can find a shirt for you to wear if you are uncomfortable."
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Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2010 11:37 pm
Joey thought the constellation was pushing himself to make Joey feel comfortable. He giggled as the man spoke about his size for he had the same problem which is why he made his own clothes. Almost forgetting that he shouldn't have him bother "Oh no don't worry about it really, I can't take something from your brother." He nodded her was about to grab his scarf when he realized it wasn't there.
He gasped and darted into the backroom to grab it shutting the door behind him. Joey wrapped the scarf around his neck tightly leaning against the door. His ears were back and almost in tears in fear of what Martufe might say about seeing the collar.
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Posted: Fri Aug 06, 2010 2:46 am
Martufe's lips pulled up a bit more as he heard the giggle and shrugged gently. Reaching up to rub the back of his neck he let out a nervous laugh. "Well...he hasn't been home since I can remember. I don't really think he'd be missing it. He might even be displeased that I didn't offer you one sooner..." He looked over to the dresser for a moment and then turned back to see empty space, Joey having darted back into the bathroom.
"Um...I..." he stumbled over his words and turned back to the door. "Joey? J-joey did I say something to upset or alarm you? I'm terribly sorry...I...shall I take my leave? i could go down stairs and ...work."
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