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 Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2016 8:24 pm
3am russian roulette
It's 3am again when Chris knocks on the door to Thorne's new place, bag slug over his shoulder and looking for the world like he would like a drink or two. He's running on three days lack of sleep again, but it doesn't really matter. He's here just for the company and the knowledge that Thorne probably isn't asleep himself is what brought him here.
"Thorne?" He tries, wondering if he can be heard through the door. "It's just me. I have stuff to grade and well. You know"
I just wanted someone to be there is unspoken, but present all the same.
elkbones 200 words or less for this one goooo~
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Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2016 8:39 pm
3AM russian roulette
Thorne has resigned himself to laying on his newly moved bed that hasn't quite made it out of the warehouse space surrounded by plants into a designated bedroom yet, cat on his chest, head aching something fierce, when Chris knocks on his door. At first he thinks he's having a hallucination. That happens, right? After how many hours?
Real or false? he thinks, because he's hallucinated on no sleep before.
But then Chris speaks.
Thorne crosses the space of the warehouse, Millie wrapping herself around his shoulders, a towel of fur. His hands work the latch and he pulls it open, illuminated by nothing but the glow of track lights on the dimmest setting.
"Just you?" He responds, his voice low and rough from lack of sleep, but there's something gentle in his tone. "I'm glad you're here. I still haven't found any alien vodka, but I've got Absolut if you need to forget how terrible those papers are later on." He brushes one hand up against Millie on his shoulders, and gestures with the other, stepping backwards into the new space.
"Come on," he says, "It's all a mess, but it's yours if you want it."
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Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2016 8:47 pm
3AM russian roulette
He's considering just turning away right as Thorne opens the door, backlit by the cat and something in him loosens, breathes a little easier.
"Please," Chris says, and then steps in. He treads tentative steps across the room, finding his way to the couch before he settles on it in a slump. There's a moment of two where he considers not moving at all, but there's papers to be graded and handed off in the morning so he opens his bag.
Sitting there, coiled among all his things and looking far more smug than any cat should is Bergamot.
Chris stares at the ceiling and sighs. "You know, actually, just kill me now." Bergamot takes his time to move out of the bag, moving into Chris' lap like it's planned and still managing to look smug while purring, plants beginning to grow behind his ears like laurels. "I hope you don't mind an unplanned intruder. Meet Bergamot, goes by Bergie."
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Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2016 8:56 pm
3AM russian roulette
Thorne follows Chris with leisure, sliding a hand over one of the hanging leaves near the kitchen space as he does. He hums a slow soft sound that treads laughter but doesn't quite breach.
"Rough few days?" he asks, his voice low and easy. There is no probe there though. If Chris doesn't want to speak, Thorne will let it go.
Bergamot is - a surprise.
Thorne pauses as he's approaching the couch, eyes widening slightly. Millie sits up around his shoulders, large and fluffy, and makes a sort of intrigued noise deep in her throat. She's used to other cats, Thorne knows, but he wonders how these two will get along.
"I'm afraid I'll have to decline," Thorne said with a smile, moving to perch on the couch next to Chris. "I'm selfish and sleepless and I like the company too much." To the cat, he offers his fingers. "It's fine," he adds, fond, "There are never enough cats in my life." To Millicent, he adds, "Play nice."
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Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2016 9:08 pm
3AM russian roulette
"Sort of," He sighs, "I don't mind helping grade papers, I don't, but... sometimes I just wish I hadn't bothered."
"You wound me," He sighs, tilting his head back forward and giving Bergamot a rather stern stare before a rather reluctant pat. Bergamot himself turns in Chris' lap, pleased, before finally spotting Thorne and Millie. He gives an inquiring purr to the pair - he's more used to his fair colored siblings, Millie is a delightful change.
"I will admit though, I would miss the company too. As for this one... he enjoys tagging along far too much when I tell him to not."
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Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2016 9:18 pm
3AM russian roulette
Thorne settles comfortably on the couch and tilts his head as Millie crawls down from his shoulders and he runs his tattooed arms against her fur.
"Let me know if I can help," he only offers, mild and understanding. "It must be exhausting. Unfortunately all I can offer is this and shots." He smiles, gives Millie another long pet.
His eyes flick up to the track lights, the night sky reflected outside of the warehouse windows. Millie decides she is tired of him and steps off of his lap, sticks her nose close to Bergamot with decisive curiosity, a deep sound like a rumble in her throat.
Cats are strange, Thorne decides for the thousandth time.
"A grievous offense, I'm sure," he retorts in response to Chris, "How shall I make it up to you?"
His smile is light and sleepless. The dark rings under his eyes say a lot about how badly he's been sleeping lately.
"I'm glad," Thorne responds. His eyes lower to Bergamot, soft with tease. "I'm sure Millie is pleased with this company too. I get quite boring after awhile. I'm glad he came. I've been meaning to introduce myself."
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Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2016 10:46 pm
3AM russian roulette
"You can hold this stack then, while I find the rest and the rubric," Chris says, digging out a rather thick group of printed essays that are binderclipped together and dumping them on Thorne's lap. "I don't even think alcohol will help this mess."
Bergamot replies to her with something a little softer, a little lighter and then gives her a tentative lick as he steps into her space. He likes her enough that his flowers bloom, small pink blossoms against his ears.
"Hm," Chris thinks, digging out a pen finally and tapping it against his chin, it leaving green ink smears unbeknownst to him. "I think trapping you here is enough to make it up. Can't be too quiet though. And any baked goods you've made wouldn't hurt."
He manages to give Thorne a smile back, noting the rings. They're both in rough shape.
"Well he'll be certainly pleased to meet you, I assure you. Might even try to take residence up in your lap, if not in some of your plants."
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Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2016 11:08 pm
3AM russian roulette
Thorne feels the weight of the papers transfer and makes a face down at them.
"This looks like a nightmare," he says, flipping the page of the first essay up and cringing, "Should I just imprint this onto your gravestone?"
Millie flicks an ear, eyes wide and curious at the blooming flowers and the friendly cat. She steps up onto Chris's leg to get a closer view, nudging against the blossoms gently before deciding that this one is good and giving a pleased lick to Bergie's face.
Thorne tips his head at Chris, amusement in his eyes as he gropes and finds a pillow, stuffing it into his lap and wrapping his arms around it so he can fold over onto the overstuffed thing.
"Trapping me?" He responds, sounding wry. "What makes you think you aren't setting me free, as the poets say?" He makes a vague gesture with one hand, laughing softly, but the truth nettles deep inside of him, hidden. "I've been trying to figure out a lemon tart recipe recently, and there's banana bread, somewhere."
With a laugh, he adds, "Either of which he's free and welcome to. The plants could use a friend."
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Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2016 12:50 am
3AM russian roulette
"If you put this on my gravestone I will come back from the grave to haunt you," Chris says, completely deadpan as he levels a glare at Thorne. But he's found the other stack of papers and his pen (still giving himself something of an ink beard), so he takes them back from Thorne.
Bergie gives a pleased purr back, deciding to move off Chris' lap entirely to settle on the couch, deciding to leave Thorne alone for the moment and hope Millie will follow.
"There is no such thing as freedome when you're grading papers," Chris says, still somewhat deadpan, but his face lights up at the mention of sweets. "Oh god you are truly something divine on this earth. I'll nab a tart soon. Or both."
He hums a little absentmindedly, finally taking up a stack of papers and unclipping them, reclipping the clip in his hair. "You say that now, but when he purrs, he gets flowers and moss everywhere. It's a trait of him and his siblings, annoying as hell to clean up. Like an extra layer of shedding."
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Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2016 12:59 am
3AM russian roulette
"Oh, then I definitely will," Thorne responds lightly, "After all, I'd miss you too much in death." His smile is toothy, toeing a line between serene and mischievous. He allows the papers to be retrieved and leans further forward on his pillow.
Meanwhile, Millie decides to follow indeed, settling like a gigantic fur towel next to Bergie, tail rolling back and forth. A deep purr settles in her belly. She sticks her head against Bergie's and stretches all four legs out in a show of cat-like grace.
"Chain and ball?" Thorne responds, clicking his tongue. He smiles though, laughter curling in his throat. "I'll take a compliment where I can steal one. Baking isn't a cure for insomnia, but it certainly passes the time. What's mine is yours, feel free."
Thorne can't help watching the motions Chris makes, something fond unfurling in his stomach at the clip now in the others hair. His fingers tap restlessly against the pillow. He stomachs it as best he can.
"At least it leaves a trail if he ever gets lost," Thorne responds with amusement, tilting his head against the pillow.
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Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2016 1:31 pm
3AM russian roulette
"You're too cruel," Chris muttered, but he still gives Thorne a crooked smile. He stretches out on the couch, shoving one of his socked feet in Thorne's lap, the other tucked against him. His shoes had long been dropped at the door.
Bergie is content to nestle beside her, purr starting to rumble as well. There is fine layer of moss starting to grow near him, easily swept off the couch but still there.
"Yep," Chris sighs, but it's less tired and more amused now. "Thank you. Maybe I'll bring some stuff I cook myself sometime. I'm not a baker but I feel it's still good and I always make a little too much."
He's starting to mark the papers now, rubric rested on one knee and the paper in his hand. He huffs his bangs out of his face (hair down and not in it's usual gelled style), before pausing to use the clip to pin it out of his face.
"That is useful," Chris remarks, giving him a thoughtful look. "Although he seems to never want to leave... except with me."
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Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2016 4:21 pm
3AM russian roulette
Thorne laughs.
"Oh," he says, "You have no idea how wicked I can be." He tilts his head and touches one of the thorns of his tattoos, the delicate flowers beneath. He catches Chris's foot with ease, laughing at the shared space, and runs a finger over the bony bump of his ankle before adjusting slightly and letting go.
Millie seems content with her new friend, and even the moss doesn't seem to bother her. She settles, easily entangled with Bergie, and closes her eyes to the rest of the world.
"I can always use more food," Thorne says mildly, "I only bake when I'm sleepless, and living off of cupcakes and pocket coffee is a terrible way to live."
Thorne fiddles with Millie's ear for a moment, looks up at Chris and feels the fondness in him grow at the bangs and the clips.
"So a cat charmer and an insomniac. How charming," Thorne says, but there's a warm presence in his tone. "Well then, if you ever get lost, I'll know how to find you too."
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Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2016 4:50 pm
a pair of boxcutters & a blond
"I would say they cannot be that bad," Thorne remarks, "But I remember the papers I was forced to save from the brink of death in academy. You are a blessing to this earth, believe me." His eyes flick to Chris, wry and amused. There is something wickedly curved at the edge of his smile.
"The kind of horrors and past crimes a teacher like you would be very offended by," he teases, ruthless, "as for the others - well. You'll have to buy me a few shots to unlock those."
Thorne runs a hand through his hair, pulling at the growing bangs. The sides are shaved close as usual, the fauxhawk in a usual state of deterioration from constant restless fingers. He watches Chris brush his hands against the plants but doesn't comment. His mouth only sways gentler, milder. He has always been fond of others with green thumbs.
The plants themselves whisper back at Chris in happy tunes. Thorne is a good gardener in a city setting. He keeps them happy, healthy. And they grow and grow and grow in his care.
Thorne shakes his head and laughs.
"You'll see," he retorts, amused, and leads Chris inside.
It's a mess that he's willing to live with, this crazy place that smells of soil and growth and a faint underlying aroma of paint and ink. He rubs one hand, self-conscious, over the back of his neck, glances to Chris with a bashful expression, as though he's curious to see what the other thinks. The truth is that he likes the teacher. That he wants him to come back, even though coming back means this place and not the tamer apartment he'd moved out of.
Still - gorgeous was not what he expected to hear. He lets out a soft, startled breath of laughter.
"Well, maybe you can help me with that," he says, clicking his tongue. "I think you're the first one to tell me that this place is gorgeous," Thorne adds, glancing at Chris, wicked at his edges.
"Yeah, the grandpas, right?" Thorne laughs. "Figures they would have magical cats."
He points to the rooms inside, the plants, the empty spaces meant to be filled.
"Here," he says with a dare, a tease, a gentle amusement, "I'll trade you. One secret for your help telling me which one should be the bedroom. Good trade off, yeah?"
He steps further inside, into the verdant green. His palm extends, an offer.
"Come on, let's have some fun."
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Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2016 5:06 pm
3AM russian roulette
"That sounds like a challenge," Chris says, but laughs himself. He wiggles his foot in Thorne's lap one last time, a bit of a challenge, but he lets it settle as Thorne lets go.
"So you bake a lot then," Chris replies, a curve of a smile on his face. "But I'll see about bringing stuff by. Do you have issues with spicy food?" He hoped he didn't - most of Chris' food wasn't spicy but the few things that he liked and made in bulk tended to be hotter than the rest.
He marks something off on paper again, turns the page. Gives a glance up at Thorne and feels something in him go at ease once more.
"You know it," Chris says, "Hmm. I wonder how I'd find you, if you were lost. You seem hard to find. Maybe from a trail of pastry crumbs?"
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Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2016 5:29 pm
3AM russian roulette
"Maybe it is," Thorne responds, voice dipping, eyes flaring. He drops one hand so that his knuckles curl against the edge of Chris's ankle. A point of contact, warm and grounding.
"More than I should. Sometimes I off-load it on Algie, when I know Jeremiah won't come after me with a butter-knife." He tilts his head, hums, laughs. "I love spicy food. I think I've chased enough people away because of it when I actually do cook." He gestures with one hand, amused, head tilting into the softness of the pillow. "No one wants a boyfriend who accidentally leaves your tongue on fire, apparently."
He hums another soft-sweet melody at the question.
"Does that mean you would come looking?" He asks instead of answering, eyes flickering to Chris. And it's a tease, of course it's a tease, but there's something else at the end of it.
Thorne closes his eyes.
"I've been told I'm good at disappearing," he says. "But I've also been told I hum a lot. Follow the sound of my voice."
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