Why was his alarm going off this early? His first class today wasn't until 11:00... Hitting the off button he rolled back over in bed pulling the covers over his head. The need for sleep tugged at his eyelids beckoning him back into the world of unconsciousness.
The first image that took form in his mind as he drifted back into that wonderful world of rem sleep was a scene from the day before. The student with slate blue eyes and blond hair, his blue and gray checkered scarf wrapped around his neck offering warmth in the brisk winter weather.
Remembering the reason he had set his alarm so early today, Aiden eyes snapped opened. In one fluid motion he tossed the covers off himself and jumped out of bed careful not to whack his head on the bunk above him. If anything he was thankful for the central heating units that kept the dorms warm, it made getting out of bed difficult when the rooms were cold and the bed was just so inviting.
Digging through his drawers he pulled out a black turtle neck and a pair of jeans.
It took no more than 10 minutes for him to be fully ready to head out. Unfortunately Aiden had no way of knowing if the other student would be out there again today, but hoped none the less. Remembering to grab his blue and black winter jacket and a black scarf he made his way down the stairs before putting them on.
Pulling out his phone he checked the time before stepping outside, 8:20. Aiden had no intention of jumping up and over the wall today, he had no desire to almost land on anyone like he did the day before. Instead, he'd pretend to be 'normal' and walk around the retaining wall and access the elevated area like everyone else.
Rounding the corner Aiden scanned the area, bringing his hands up to his mouth he breathed warm air into his fingertips to warm his cold digits. Gloves, always forgetting the gloves. He scanned the area along the perimeter of the grassy area. A pleased smile spread across his face when he spotted the student from before. Closing the distance between them he approached the other "Glad I decided to take the long way. May I take a seat?"
Alexandre had been up early, really early, and taken his morning run before walking Cadha and feeding the little terrier. With the dog handled and himself washed and dressed, bundled up, Alexandre had left for school early. Stopping off along the way at his favorite little coffee place for a hot drink to warm him.
His school bag with him Alex was again out on the cold snow coated ground, this time he had some water proof material under him, as he worked on a sketch before his classes later in the morning. The hot drink was in one hand, sketch pad using his bent legs as something to lean on, and his right hand holding a pencil as he sketched from memory. He was adding to what he'd started the previous morning. His gloved left hand brought the steaming drink to his lips where he took a sip, long and slow as he savored the sweet drink.
The voice which spoke up broke him from his work and brought his cold eyes onto the dark haired male. "This is a public place." Or at least public as far as other college students went. The cup he held tightly in one hand was from his favorite little place, The Witches Cauldron, and had someones writing, somewhat messy, decorating it as it proclaimed the beverage contained within the cup to be an espresso, large, with pomegranate syrup and cream. There was a bit of sugar as well but nothing else. It was an odd combination, nothing Starbucks served, but it wasn't from there. He disliked there bitter brews anyway.
"Had you again hit me I would be displeased." The words were calmly, perhaps a bit coldly, spoken as he turned his nose up, just a bit, and went back to his own work. Either he was uninterested completely, or a stuck up snob, or the blond was just some very cold person. Maybe he was some combination even; but he was good at giving attitude.
"Public or not, if you'd prefer to be alone, I'll leave." Aiden walked over to the spot next to the blond haired student, using his foot to move the snow aside so he had a relatively 'dry' place to sit. He looked at the cup in the others hand, taking mental notes of what he was drinking.
Worse case scenario and he decided to send Aiden away, that he would prefer to be left alone. But that wouldn't stop him from waking up early tomorrow, or the day after, to come out here to find the slate eye colored boy again. Regardless how today went, next time he'd remember to bring a peace offering.
"Is this your first year here?" He asked as he took a seat on the frozen grass and shoved his hands into his coat pocket for warmth.
Glancing at the other, pencil stilling, he slid the thing between the spirals of the sketch book. “Yeah, first year second quarter.” Truth be told he didn’t look his age, something he had long since known, and so most would figure him a couple of years younger, a high schooler visiting perhaps. It didn’t help when you didn’t know the person you were speaking to, at least by name since they had met briefly at the masquerade, and most people here looked a bit on the young side.
It seemed most people had good genetics and looked younger than they were, or the right age, few looked older than they were - less you looked into the eyes of some people or at their bodies and saw scars. Scars told tales and in this city it could be a rather nasty one. Either way it was cause for some people to look older than they were, but only to those looking or who understood and saw the looks in eyes and the marks which kissed otherwise smooth skin..
“Yours?” After a moment he closed the sketch book, for now he’d give into the need to be social which all people suffered under. Wouldn’t it be easier if people weren’t such social creatures? Maybe it would have cured them of some wars, plenty of misunderstandings and who knows what else...while causing even more issues his mind supplied after a moment. Always a double edged sword - good and bad. Just like he was...touched so by chaos and yet he’d helped senshi and knights and had even died in the future for helping them.
“What are you doing here so early?” Had the other come out here because he too had an early class, needed some exercise or what? Not to see him, or with the hope of seeing him, right? Surely not - that only happened in those annoying romance movies which meant it wasn’t real. Those scenarios were highly improbable and that was why women loved them, as far as he was concerned.
“I wanted to apologize for yesterday. That and maybe offer to take you to get something to drink since it’s so cold out.” Even with two layers of socks on he could feel the tips of his toes beginning to freeze. Perhaps it was a bit forward of him to offer to take the blond out to get coffee especially since this was the first time they had met, or so he thought, but it seemed like the logical course of action when seeking someone’s favor.
Plus, Aiden made sure to give the other enough personal space just incase his company really wasn’t wanted.
Startled by the rather forward offer he stared at the other, silent, for a moment. “It was an accident landing on me, I doubt you planned that as I’m sure it was less than pleasing for you as well.” And finding someone down there, him, must have startled the other terribly. So he didn’t feel there should be a reason for the apology and all but said as much.
“Coffee…” Was the other trying to pick him up? He wasn’t sure what to make of it, wasn’t that what people offered or asked when trying to pick someone up? But he doubted that was the case and so nodded his head. “Coffee sounds good - it’s cold out.” When spring came it would be both a relief and a burden. He had plants to tend to and prepare but also the bugs would return and he disliked that, spiders would come with all things spring. But the flowers blooming, sprouting and coming to life would be nice. He liked winter though for many reasons but he supposed they may have had enough of winter for this year. “Any particular place in mind?”
“Well, unless you’re comfortable riding on the back of a motorcycle may I suggest the one on campus? Unless you know of one nearby that isn’t Starbucks or Tully’s” Aiden flashed him a half smile noting the cup he had been drinking from was not one he recognized.
It wasn’t a Starbucks cup that was for sure, he tended to avoid that place as much as he could. “I could handle a motorcycle.” Though he’d never been on the back of one. “Anything in order to avoid Starbucks and Tully’s.” He disliked the first and had heard about the second place not being all that good and thus didn’t want to take a chance there, plus they likely wouldn’t have what he’d want. He knew his taste in drink was a bit unusual or different, the place he went had a menu full of options and always was willing to blend special things and even add them to the menu - with interesting names given to the blends. “The one on campus I don’t care for either.” Nope, he was picky and he knew it.
Bringing his almost empty cup to his lips he drained it of the cooling liquid, as he did so he shifted and turned the cup in his hand. In some unplanned way showing where the drink was from - Witch’s Cauldron. It wasn’t too close to campus but it wasn’t that far away either.
“Fair enough.” Aiden rose to his feet in one fluid motion; evidence of years spent doing dancing - something he would never admit to outloud to anyone and would openly deny if brought up.
He extended one hand out to the ashen blond to either help him up or offer to hold his things, which ever he took the gesture as meaning. “My bike is in the north parking lot next to Marion Hall” one of the several dorm rooms on campus.
Offering his things to the other he climbed to his own feet with ease. Once on his feet he offered to take his things back from the other and glanced about. If he happen to miss his class he’d just make some excuse, he had good attendance and could afford a skipped day.
“I don’t know where that hall is.” Since he didn’t dorm here he’d never looked into all the dorm buildings. He knew the one Quenton had been in but that was it, and for all he knew it could be the same one. He hadn’t paid attention to which hall the other had been in, no reason to pay it any mind. He knew where it was and that was all that was needed, he could remember how to get there and wouldn’t have needed to ask for directions. “You’ll have to lead the way.”
Aiden nodded his head, more than happy to oblige and after they were all set and Alex’s lead him across campus to where his bike was parked. Unhooking his keychain from his belt loop on his pants he unlocked the helmets that were in the bag attached to the back and handed one to his new riding companion. “If you’d like you can either hold onto me or there are these” he patted the handles on the back of the seat “you can hold onto. Don’t worry I won’t go too fast. Just make sure to point me in the right direction to where you want to go”
Alex had never been on a motocycle but the idea did have some appeal even if it also had him wondering if he should use the handles or go with the easier thing and wrap his arms about the other. The bike was nice he noted, well taken care of and a nice color combination, the helmets even matched. Taking one of the items offered and slid it over his head while looking for a place to put his school things.
“Where can I put my things?” He questioned wondering where he should store his things, it didn’t offer nearly the amount of storage as his suv did. It seemed an unwise choice, to own a motorcycle, for a person who might own their own place or did grocery shopping or anything else where they may be purchasing a lot or big things. At least it seemed unwise if the bike was all they owned and there was no car, suv, or truck to be owned as well. He said none of this of course, it didn’t need to be said as there was no reason to voice these thoughts.
Aiden leaned over then to pull down the passenger foot rests then mounted the bike. “You can put your things in the side bags I pulled the helmet out of. There should be enough room for your things there” The artbook he carried seemed to be standard size, the leather textured vinyl bags would protect them should it start raining before they got back.
“My name is Aiden by the way.” He added, realizing he hadn’t actually properly introduced himself then closed the visor on his helm.
Pulling down on part of the helmet, so he could speak, he offered a hand out. “Alexandre.” And once they had shaken he waited to know where to put his things before he would get on behind the other.
“Just so you know if you have a class early you’ll likely miss it or at the very least be late.” Even now he had a feeling there would be a wait for coffee at the Cauldron. It gained a line out the door on Friday and Saturday evenings as it was a popular and busy place which wound up with customers staying for a good while as they ate, drank, and socialized.
“Eh,” Aiden shrugged. “I don’t have class on Thursdays just my part time job helping teach at the parkour club down town at four.”
The bike roared to life then settled into a pleasant purring sound “Lead the way,” he said while backing up out of the parking spot then turned the handles so they could head out to the main road.
His arms had wrapped about the others waist as he leaned in close, pressing himself to the others back, as he was perhaps a bit nervous. He could handle a battle but this? This was something new and while he was sure he’d enjoy it he was also somewhat nervous.
“Will do.” He answered even if the other didn’t hear he did answer. He’d lead them where they needed to go with fingers pointing in the others face to tell him which way to go whenever they had to change their course, he did hope the other didn’t mind a pointing finger in his face.
It took maybe ten to twelve minutes to finally get to the coffee shop; not bad considering they hit a few red lights along the way. Parking was easy though considering it was a small vehicle and could easily fit between two parked cars that were a** holes in taking up more space than necessary but not leaving enough room for even a compact car to fit.
After taking his helmet off Aiden combed his fingers through his deep navy blue almost black colored hair.
“I’ve never been here before” he admitted out loud. The atmosphere inside seemed dark but lively; more like it was mood lit rather than practically lit which wasn’t a bad thing. “It looks interesting.” He added while dismounting the bike and clipping his helmet to the back of the bike.
Alexandre meanwhile was removing his own helmet and looking up at the place. He came here whenever he could for coffee and was known to treat people to coffee, tea, and baked goods
“here. They had, from what he’d heard and observed, delicious cakes and cookies, brownies and other sorts of goodies. This was a place of many good things and a very odd style to it, not something most who knew him would figure him to go to much less frequent like he did. The staff knew him, and well, as he was a regular who spent time here at random. he didn’t come just on weekends not just on weekdays. It was whenever he wanted a good hot drink, or two, that he would come here.
“I’m not surprised, a lot of people don’t.” And that was both a blessing and a shame. The place had a good amount of people who came here, considering they were open till almost one in the morning even on weeknights, but they only seemed to attract a certain group of people - dedicated as they were. Though he did suppose that other sorts of people might ruin the atmosphere in the place and that would ruin a crucial part of what made the Cauldron what it was.
“It’s more than interesting.” The other would see. It had a witchy sort of feel without being overwhelming in the mood. The wood floors creaked and the decor was mismatched with open bulbs, no shades, and tables, chairs and couches that seemed like people had pulled them all off the side of the road from random locations or perhaps bought them all at various garage sales - which may well be the truth. It hardly mattered to the blond as he dismounted the bike and offered the helmet to the other whilst he headed for the doors. Opening and holding it for the other he was glad to notice only a few people looking over the cakes and baked treats - no line for seating. This was good. “No line - that’s good.”
Aiden stepped to the side and let Alex go first “Go ahead and order what you want. It’s on me.” Now if this had been like the fourth or fifth time they had hung out he may have winked but instead he just smiled and politely waited.
“We don’t just go to the front and order. They seat us and give us a menu and then take orders.” He stated with a shake of the head. “Those people.” Gesturing to those looking over the baked goods. “Are looking over it all and deciding what to order.” So while it was all on the menu, everything they were looking at, it was likely they wanted to see what was most appealing to them at the moment.
The server who approached couldn’t be even five foot tall, shorter than he was, and with dark hair and dressed in black and dark purple the petite, very petite, female had menus and was greeting Alexandre by name while greeting his friend and ushering them off to a table while commenting on how he’d only been here an hour or so ago. “I know. However, someone offered to take me for coffee - and who am I to turn down such an offer?” He questioned with a smile flashed both to her and Aiden, though it lingered on Aiden. “You know what I’ll take so no need for a menu for me, you can bring it out with his order when he decides.” And he did pity the other a bit, eight pages worth of a menu with strange names for all the drinks. While she wrote down his order she lead them to a nice red velvet couch with a low coffee table in front of said couch. “Comfortable.” And normally for groups but with few here it was theirs. Seating himself he smiled and crossed one leg over the other even as she was handing the menu to Aiden.
“Take your time and decide on what you’d like, the deserts here are good as well and all made here.” He stated while watching the female go off to check on the few other occupied tables.
Aiden skimmed over the first two pages trying to find something he could at least identify before settling on a pumpkin spice vanilla latte. Typically a fall season drink but if you asked him it was good any time of the year, winter especially.
After taking the menu the waitress retreated to the kitchen area to get the drinks ready and aiden leaned back against the maroon couch cushion enjoying how comfortable the seating actually was. “So tell me, how did you find this place?” Small chit chat never hurt anyone and it was far better than ‘so... how’s the weather?’
Typically in season in the fall didn’t mean much here, nor did typically winter season or anything else. The menu was a standing thing here and what they had they had all year round. What customers came and ordered often joined the menu and it would update to have the new item, or items, for all to try.
Leaning back in his seat and the waitress went off to make their drinks, he turned his attention on the other now. “Something of an accident really. I can’t remember what brought my mother and I to this part of the city, it was a few years back, but it was cold out and I wanted something hot to drink. Someone told us that if I wanted a hot drink my mother should take me here.” it had been back before he’d had his license so he’d been out with his mother, plus he was fairly sure it had been something his mother had been doing in the area.
“At my mothers asking if I wanted to try the place I decided we might as well try the place. It’s better prices than Starbucks, which I only tried once, and better taste over all. I’ve come here ever since...provided I have my say in where I’m going.” And that was why he came here and they knew him so well. His mother, and father, knew if he was going for coffee or told them he was out having coffee that he would be here.
Just as he was about to ask another question the waitress returned with a serving tray containing both of their drinks as well as a few others for the table beside theirs. “Thank you” Aiden said with a smile as the waitress nodded her head and said a quick ‘Enjoy’.
The drink was hot, as it should be, perhaps a bit too much though because he burnt the s**t out of his upper lip when he went to take a sip “Mm aah ow.” He winced putting the cup down on the table till it cooled a bit. “Out of curiosity, what were you working on yesterday?” What class could possibly require their students to sit outside in the snow to complete an assignment.
While the other burnt himself taking a sip Alexandre mixed the whip cream into the hot liquid. With the drink and whip cream mixed, slowly so he didn’t spill anything, he lifted the drink to his lips and took a slow and hesitant sip. He knew it would still be hot and didn’t care to burn himself as the other had. “You should always wait for a drink to cool before going right to drinking it.”
“I was working on a sketch that I’m going to work off of for a painting. I was doing a winter landscape.” Thus being outside watching nature and not what was actually around him and alive and moving, making noise, that could land on him - like Aiden.
So he’s an artist, Aiden mused. Not just someone who took the class for a required credit, but by the sounds of it someone that truly loved the subject and devoted time to it just as he did the same with math and physical education. “If it’s okay with you I’d enjoy seeing some of your art later.” Either when they got back to campus since Alex’s stuff was still in the side bag, or the next time, if there was a next time, they met up.
“Umm...sure.” Most people didn’t ask and it was rare for him to agree to showing people hit art, it simply wasn’t something he did. Normally it was nature and landscapes but he had been branching out some, he had to with his course list, but he was still working on getting used to different mediums and so he wasn’t keen to show much of those pieces. At least all he had on him now was a sketch book and that he was good at. he often sketched out ideas before putting them to canvas and paint.
“I only have sketches with me right now.” Sketches for class, things done in class, and ideas he was working on or would be later working on. Some were rough while others were detailed but no paint or pastels colored any of the books pages. Everything was black and white and sprayed so pencil didn’t get on a person's fingers, he didn’t need black fingers all the time.
“Sketches or finished pieces, I bet they look amazing.” Flattery rarely got a person anywhere in life but in truth he meant what he said. Yesterday when he had jumped over the wall he had caught a glimpse of what the blond had been working on and he had to admit, Alex was no ameture.
Aiden reached out to pick his cup back up now that several minutes had passed allowing it sufficient time to cool; even so he hazarded a sip before taking another. Oh man, this place is amazing his thoughts could be clearly read on his face by the way his eyebrows raised in enjoyment and smile lifted the corners of his lips in a pleased manner.
Feeling his cheeks warm he shook his head. “Some are rough, very rough.” With notes even written in for colors or other ideas, lighting and such. He was critical of himself but who wouldn’t be? He was sure every artist was and some likely their own worst critic and sometimes he knew he could be his own worst. He would doubt an idea or question if he shouldn’t add or remove something, change a placement of something, he’d done it plenty of times before and was sure to do it many more times.
Watching the other drink, wondering if he’d someone burn himself again, he wasn’t surprised by the others reaction but he did laugh. “That good?” He questioned with laughter in his voice. “Now you see why I come here so often they know more order.” Though it did vary some from day to day. Cherry syrup sometimes and other times pomegranate whilst other days it was both. It was always some combination of the two things.
“Oh yeah,” Aiden chuckled before taking another sip. “This is by far the best late I’ve had to date.” Not that that was saying much since he wasn’t exactly a coffee connoisseur.
“Is this just an elective you’re taking or are you looking to major in fine arts?” Aukward silences was something he was actively trying to avoid but playing 21 questions seemed to not be the best choice either. Ugh, i hope he doesn’t think I’m pressuring him or being too much of a busy body. That would suck since he didn’t exactly wish to be perceived as a stalker or anything.
“I’m glad I could provide you that then.” By leading the other here and thus to the best late he’d had so far. That was a good thing, not that it surprised him too much. He liked to think this was one of the best places for coffee and tea in the city, but he also left room for it to not be as he knew there was always that chance plus it was an opinionated thing as well.
“I’m looking to major in art.” But he didn’t know what he’d do with the major. He could take up teaching or a few other things but he wasn’t sure just what he planned to do with a degree in art but he would do something! That much he knew. Now he just had to get that degree...and take a ton more classes and expand himself to other forms of art and subjects. “What are you majoring in and what classes are you taking? Since you were headed to class yesterday.” When the other had nearly landed on him.
“I currently have an associates in Math though I’m considering changing my Bachelors to a degree in computer or mechanical engineering.” Either were more impressive when put on a resume than just Math. Though if he were to really think on what he wanted to do with the rest of his life, physical therapy and nutrition would be pretty high on his list since being active is such a large part of his life.
“Why change to the other?” And an associates in math..what could you do with a degree in math? That seemed even harder to figure out than what to do with a degree in art. “What are you planning to do?” He questioned finally, no use in trying to hide how curious he was about it. “What do you like to do...I mean what hobbies do you have? You must know, by now, that art is something I enjoy doing.” Since it was more than a class for him, it was something he really wanted to do.
Aiden shrugged his shoulders “It’ll be better pay and more job opportunities if I make the switch.”
Polishing off the last of his late he sat back in the seat comfortably, “Hobbies… hmm…Honestly, outside of parkour I do a lot of reading or working out at the gym. I do swim regularly, or rather whenever I get the chance.” As of late the opportunity to use the gym pool has been minimal at best if only because of how cold it was outside. It usually meant more people worked out indoors as more of a safety precaution so they don’t accidently slip on a slick sidewalk which made sense.
“Ah, that is a smart switch then.” Very smart indeed, he really needed to figure out the best paying thing he could do with an art degree. He would look into that, he had to no matter what.
“Parkour?” That was something he was sure he’d heard but he didn’t know what it was. He knew he should know, knew it had to be something popular, but he really couldn’t say he remember when or where he’d heard the term and he didn’t know what it was. So the other liked to swim, that was good - it kept a person in shape. He liked to read though and that had his attention. “What do you like to read?” There were plenty of different types of books people liked to read and he was curious here. Why he was asking so many questions, wanting to get to know the other so much, he didn’t know but he did want to know about him.
“Parkour was what I was doing when I almost landed on you.” Aiden smiled as an embarrassed blush spread across his face. Reaching up with one hand he ran his fingers through his hair and cleared his throat nervously.
“As for what I like to read, just about anything I can get my hands on honestly.” Very few things bored him to the point of falling asleep. And those that did, just took longer to finish reading.
Noting that Alex was nearly done with his drink Aiden leaned forward and propped his elbows on his knees and clasped his hands together. “Once you’re done with your drink I can take you back to campus, I have a feeling I’ve probably kept you out long enough and that you likely have class since you seemed concerned earlier that I’d be late for mine.”
“I do, but I don’t mind being late.” He answered after a moment. He could handle a lateness, as he didn’t have any lates or absentees thus far from the class. The professor might ask and he’d manage some twisting of things in order to get away with it but also not lie to his professor. “It would be nice though.” And he did finish his drink in one large gulping of the sweet espresso drink. Done with his drink he did set the glass down and stood to stretch. “Are you going to do this again? Wait for me, on a morning you don’t have a class and take me out?” He asked even while heading for the door, leaving the other to pay and catch up with him.
Thankful he had long since finished his drink, Aiden had trouble stifling a cough that would have otherwise choked him. Was Alex some how reading his mind? Noo… “The thought had crossed my mind but I didn’t want to come off as being some sort of stalker or anything.”
Looking over his shoulder he flashed the other a smile. “You’re not coming off as such, though I am curious on why you would want to treat me again. Why don’t you tell me when we return to campus.” Was this a friendship or was the other looking for more? The idea for someone dating him was...uncomfortable for some reasons, many reasons. He’d seen a loved one die in the future and he’d lost people already. At the same time it did appeal because he was human and humans were social and wanted such relationships with other people.
“I can do that, as long as you don’t mind me hanging around I’d be happy to come keep you company.” He offered as they approached the bike and he handed Alex the helmet he had worn.
Taking the helmet he climbed onto the bike once the other was on and ready. “That sounds...acceptable to me.” He’d hesitated, pondering what he should answer before speaking.
Hidden behind the tinted visor Aiden smiled a secret smile as Alex wrapped his arms around his waist. He nodded his head once letting the other know that he had heard the last part before revving the engine and pulling out of their temporary spot and heading back to campus. Despite the events that had happened the day before, Aiden was quite sure today made up for it tenfold.
Sleet Tempest Snape
