|
|
Post by oliver on May 20, 2008 18:57:03 GMT -5
Pudding Lane carried on as it always had, carried by time on the heels of passing people that streamed from almost every part of the town. But should one manage to take pause by the tea shop, they would notice a sort of presence beckoning from what would seem to be nothing more than another alley.
And if they felt like being brave?
Down a cobbled street lit by nothing but what little could escape through the mercy of taller structures, and just a turn to the left, one would find the narrow pathway that led straight to the door of 'Galworthy & Son Tailors'. The fresh gold lettering glinting in welcome across polished glass, the deep burgundy drape hiding what lay behind...
---------------------------------------------------
"Oh Pye, do try and restrain yourself."
Chiding words did nothing to make the ruddy-furred feline any more sorry than he was... Which in this case, he wasn't at all. Instead the Somali merely purred and curled up neatly upon the seat of the armchair he'd been rolling about on.
"Don't bat your eyes so, I'm not fooled for a minute." but even as he said this, Oliver contradicted himself by reaching down to gently scratch behind a tufted ear. "I should have you strung up by your whiskers just to teach you a lesson, brazen hussy."
The cat just purred louder, his eyes closed in smug satisfaction despite the threat of painful punishment. Besides, they both knew Oliver meant nothing by it, there had been no sting to the affectionate tone nor did he cease in the loving touches.
A final pet on the head and the vampire continued his earlier perusal of the finished store. Sharp eyes taking stock on the materials carefully folded and rolled up on sturdy shelves, he didn't bother hiding any of the merchandise he had to offer like most tailors did these days. Oliver trusted his intuition when it came to the clientele and their needs.
Rich walls of mahogany glowed warmly under the dim lighting of strategically placed lights, giving the store an air of vintage class without looking overly antiquated. A few striped armchairs set amidst the standing rolls of cloth and bedecked mannequins, deep green plush carpeting giving the interior a sense of depth. More burgundy draped from the high ceiling leading up to an elegant chandelier which had been a gift from one of his more wealthy patrons of the past.
As he made his way towards the window ,he picked up his furry companion who'd been watching the slight man wander about the shop making final adjustments here and there until he deemed them perfect.
Not passable, but perfect.
"I've really done a number on this place haven't I Pye, father would be proud."
A guileless smile graced his lips as he looked out towards the night-darkened street, petting the contented feline in his arms.
"Wonder if anyone will even think to drop by at this time of night..."
|
|
|
|
Post by hayaki on Jun 20, 2008 10:21:47 GMT -5
Hayaki walked slowly down the street, studying the buildings. He'd asked careful directions and sorted himself out before he'd started on this little journey, knowing he was going to be walking alone at night. Again. I'm an idiot. But I didn't want to take a cab...it feels better, for some reason, to walk there. Maybe because I'm still thinking of a tailor as a anachronism; something from the past. I'm so silly, sometimes...
He paused, pulling out the card he'd been keeping so carefully tucked into his shirt. Reading the address, he flicked his eyes over the street again and then stopped. Delight filled him; he could see it. He stepped across the street, smiling widely at the display window. The deep burgundy curtain...he almost nervously brushed his fingers through his hair and then started to open the door, but found himself hesitating.
Get a grip, Hayaki. he scolded himself. It's a business; you walk into a business. But the night, and Oliver's odd words about not telling anyone about it, made it seem...weird, somehow.
Finally, he took a deep breath and pushed the door open, stepping inside.
|
|
|
|
Post by oliver on Jun 20, 2008 11:07:29 GMT -5
Pyewacket stiffened in his arms as he made his way back to the large oak work table, the cat already sensing the footsteps of someone approaching the shop. Intuned with his pet's body language ,Oliver paused and let the cat leap out of his arms to prowl the wooden surface of the desk while he watched the door.
Two pairs of feral eyes brightened as the man walked in; one in curiosity and another in delight.
"Well if it isn't Sir Hawk himself who's flown in this evening, please, do come in my good man."
Ever the gracious host he walks forward and bows low before gesturing towards the shop's interiors, "Welcome to my humble abode Master Hayaki, while I may not have expected your company this evening, it is most surely not un-welcomed."
He pauses a moment to quickly look over the shop once more, just to make sure that everything was in order before he let the mortal go any further.
"May I interest you in some refreshment? Some tea perhaps?"
|
|
|
|
Post by hayaki on Jun 20, 2008 11:14:04 GMT -5
Hayaki blushed, smiling at Oliver. He had been worried, a little, that Oliver wouldn't be glad to see him. Just my insecurity talking again... He glanced around the shop, his eyebrows rising in admiration. "Yes, please. That would be nice. This is...amazing, Oliver." He said, his voice warm with delight. "Everything's so beautiful!" He'd never been in someplace as elegant as this.
He glanced at Oliver, as if for permission, before moving to inspect one of the mannequins, making soft sounds of appreciation. "Oliver...you're fantastic!" He wanted to touch all those beautiful fabrics, but he kept his itchy fingers firmly in check. The last thing he needed to do was leave grubby fingerprints all over Oliver's beautiful clothing.
He tipped his head up and sighed. "I wish..." stopping himself, he blinked, then smiled sweetly. "This is such a nice place, Oliver. It fits you..." he said, his voice absent as he once again inspected the clothing, his eyes picking over the stitching and details.
|
|
|
|
Post by oliver on Jun 21, 2008 21:24:05 GMT -5
He really couldn't help the glow of pride that swelled up in his chest as Hayaki gushed over the shop and its contents, walking around and openly admiring his work. Oliver wasn't arrogant by nature, he'd always believed that modesty allowed the effort he put into his work shine brighter than had he openly advertised... He hasn't been wrong so far.
Ah but to have someone sing praises like that, how could he not let his chest puff out just a bit?
"Feel free to inspect the materials," he said as he went to collect the kettle that had been on a low simmer since he'd awoken, "You won't be finding anything synthetic I assure you."
That was his way of giving Hayaki permission to touch and test the garments on display, the twitch of those fingers were not too hard to miss. Oliver understood the compelling need to feel something for himself, whether it was the slightly rough texture of tartan wool to the sleek gloss of silk, to him it was like making his introductions to the fabric before he cut them up and shaped them into something new.
Artists were tactile, it's what made them want to touch, experience everything that life had to offer so they could capture their favorite moment in film, on canvas or even in dance and song.
"I wish..."
The tailor barely paused as he stirred the mixture of tea leaves and flower petals into the water, the gentle aroma already wafting from the porcelain teapot. That wistful tone however, and the sigh... Oliver carefully tucked that tidbit away in his mind, it might prove useful later.
"This is such a nice place, Oliver. It fits you..."
Two more stirs and he closes the pot lid, setting it on an intricate silver tray along with the cups, saucers and a plate of assorted biscuits. Not that he lived off those himself but he always believed in being prepared, not all his clients or guests were blood-drinkers after all.
"I'm glad you approve Master Hayaki."
He offers a genuinely grateful smile and places the tray on a small table.
"It has taken me a while to set it up again before it's previous... condition."
He was glad that he'd been looking away from the man, or he might have seen the momentary haze that passed over usually sharp eyes. He didn't need the mortal facing his less sane self, the very idea was just... unthinkable.
As if sensing his master's stress, Pyewacket leaps up onto his lap with a comforting purr and offers him the distraction he needs to remain in the right state of mind.
"But please, you must tell me how you've been faring since your last adventure by the wells where we met."
One pale hand pets a purring feline while the other gestures towards the seat just opposite in invitation.
"I'm sure you've had many more adventures since."
|
|
|
|
Post by hayaki on Jun 21, 2008 22:19:44 GMT -5
Hayaki grinned as Oliver gave him permission to touch; he started to gently smooth his fingers over the fabrics, his eyes falling half-shut in pleasure. So wonderful. The smooth feeling of the cotton, the slightly rough nappy texture of the wool. The delicate stitching; he carefully turned a hem to look at the intricate stitch-work, marveling at it's perfect evenness. Clearly, Oliver was an artist in his own right.
When Oliver returned, he turned and smiled happily at him, letting his fingers linger a moment longer before sliding them away. Walking over, he walked over, eying the cat with interest. He liked cats-abstractly; he'd never gotten the chance to own one. But he really did like the idea of cats. At Oliver's offer, he wrinkled his nose and slid into the seat, taking a deep, appreciative breath and then sighing happily.
The British have such a nice little thing going here with the tea, he thought with a smile. So much better than coffee-easier on the body, that was for sure. Hayaki had never turned down a cup that was offered to him, but he was much fonder of tea than he was of coffee.
"Well..." He sighed. "Not really." he confessed with a laugh. "I've been doing pretty boring things. I finished my lecture series a couple of days ago..."
He paused, then sighed again. "And I got good news from New York...one of my paintings sold in a gallery for a ridiculously high amount. So I'm flush right now." He said, grinning. Old artist joke; flush now, flushed later. "And...uh. I decided to...extend my vacation in England a bit." he said, his eyes dimming and his smile faltering a bit. "I can stay...as long as I want to, I guess."
|
|
|
|
Post by oliver on Jun 21, 2008 22:45:50 GMT -5
"And I got good news from New York...one of my paintings sold in a gallery for a ridiculously high amount. So I'm flush right now."
"Why Master Hayaki, that's spectacular news! All the more we should celebrate hmn?"
He poured the tea, eyes seemingly on his task as he made sure not to pour too quickly and make the hot liquid splash all over the place. But he could hear the rate of the heart beat slow from its previous excited pulse, he could see the slump in shoulders and the set line of his lips...
Definitely not a look of celebratory joy.
"And...uh. I decided to...extend my vacation in England a bit. I can stay...as long as I want to, I guess."
Oliver says nothing of his observations yet, no need to make the mortal feel anymore uncomfortable than he already was. Instead he fusses a little over the folded napkin which is set before Hayaki.
"Don't want to get any crumbs on your trousers now do we... Sugar or Honey? I don't suppose you want any cream as well?"
When it came to tea, Oliver made sure he was well prepared for the numerous tastes of his guests. His purpose of all this questioning was not just for courtesy's sake... One could tell a lot about another just from how he or she had their tea.
The tailor himself preferred to have none of the trimmings in his own cup.
The Somali arched a little on Oliver's lap, a little unhappy about the fact that his master wasn't paying him as much attention as he should. Once again a hand returns to sooth the complaining feline, and tips his chin in a contemplating manner towards the somber mortal.
"How long do you intend to stay Master Hayaki? You sound as if you have nothing to rush back for..."
|
|
|
|
Post by hayaki on Jun 21, 2008 23:06:51 GMT -5
Hayaki flashed Oliver a quick smile for the congratulations, then fiddled with his napkin, trying to maintain his smile. "Just a little sugar, please." He tried to drink tea without sugar, but he much preferred the sweetness. Especially right now, when he needed to be cheered up. He'd not been thinking about it when he walked into Oliver's shop-his delight in the shop had driven it out if his mind, but it was coming back to him now.
"I don't know." He said, shrugging. He carefully smoothed out the napkin, then lifted his eyes to Oliver and smiled, a real if slightly tired smile. "As long as I feel like staying. The rent on the flat is paid through the end of the year, I don't pay utility bills-it's part of the rent. And...uh. Well...I seem to have lost my job at the university." He confessed, his expression turning wry. "They waited until I was gone to..." He paused, shrugging. "Well, it doesn't matter. So...it appears I'll have more time to explore this charming little country you have here." He said, his eyebrow quirking up.
|
|
|
|
Post by oliver on Jun 21, 2008 23:30:46 GMT -5
The tailor didn't even blink when the man finally revealed the cause for his melancholy. Simply putting in two cubes of sugar and stirring gently, his smile turning up a little more at the corners.
"Well then, I suppose there is more for us to celebrate on isn't there?"
He places the teaspoon on the saucer and sets it down next to Hayaki's napkin,
"Understand that I am not happy that you'd lost your job in such an insensitive and cold manner. No one deserves to be let off that way, it is sneaky, underhanded and downright cowardly." his tone is flat, well controlled indignation simmering under the surface at the mere injustice of the situation.
"I am however happy that your shackles are finally broken. I for one would not have encouraged you to continue to work there if I had a say in it. Not if your fellow colleagues are such scheming bottom feeders and ladder climbers with no sense of decorum. You're better off offering your services to a pack of wild hyenas, and even they have a better code of conduct than that."
Oliver was non-confrontational. He preferred conversation to blows and a metal challenge as opposed to a physical one. But there were just some cases where he ached to test out the true strength this demonic form concealed. But he'd always remind himself that in a world where men would prey on one another like savage beasts, it was wiser to keep to the sidelines until the time came to intervene.
Smiling warmly to Hayaki, he pours his own tea while Pyewacket leaves his master's lap to sniff curiously at the mortal man's legs.
"Just like a cat, to seek new opportunities wherever they can. And who knows, you might have just found yourself a whole new adventure with the aid of these backstabbing louts."
He then raises his own cup in a toast.
"So here's to your recent sale for your hard work, and also to your new found freedom."
|
|
|
|
Post by hayaki on Jun 21, 2008 23:38:12 GMT -5
Hayaki silently took his teacup, looking down into the murky brown depths. However, he looked up, a little surprised and rather taken aback by Oliver's rather...vehement...words against his former associates.
It wasn't that they didn't deserve them...and more, to be honest...it was just that....
Why is he so angry on my behalf? Hayaki thought, his eyes widening a bit. He barely knows me... He couldn't deny, however, that it made a small, happy bubble of warmth rise in his heart. Someone cared. It was more than he could say on a normal basis. Most of his friends would have been 'oh, that's too bad...' without any real feeling or understanding of the situation.
He found himself smiling happily back at Oliver, the last of his moodiness falling away. Lifting his own cup, he blushed, then added, "And to finding a new friend, something that's rather rare in this world these days."
|
|
|
|
Post by oliver on Jun 22, 2008 0:07:00 GMT -5
"And to finding a new friend, something that's rather rare in this world these days."
This time ,the faint colour of pink did surface to his cheeks. Due to the meal he had only recently which allowed for a temporary illusion of a living man, and right now when both he and Hayaki were in such close proximity with lighting, it was a good thing.
"Indeed."
He ducked his chin and smiled, touching his cup to Hayaki's in a brief 'clink' before taking a sip of the warm brew. A sated sigh left his lips, eye-lids floating to half mast as the tea took its course and settled warmly in his belly, the floral taste mild but soothing.
Friend.
He hadn't heard that word in a long time. Not with a mortal at least. Vampires made connections wherever they went, be it good or bad. WIth mortals it was another story because they were so frail and so vulnerable in their own way. The last time Oliver even permitted a human to call on him on a non-professional basis was in the forties, back in Hollywood...
Dear sweet Adrian...
"Now."
He broke himself from another potential relapse and offered the biscuit pale to Hayaki.
"Since you are no longer imprisoned in that godforsaken place they call an office, what do you intend to do?"
|
|
|
|
Post by hayaki on Jun 22, 2008 0:21:10 GMT -5
Hayaki smiled and clinked his teacup with Oliver's, smiling and still blushing a bit. He sipped his tea and echoed Oliver's sigh; this was excellent tea. So very good...he'd never tasted this particular kind before. He made a mental note to ask Oliver what kind it was before he left.
He sat the cup down, looking eagerly at the selection of biscuts. Selecting one, he pondered Oliver's question for a moment. What was he going to do? All the freedom in the world, and I'm stuck on it because I never expected this...
"I don't know." Hayaki confessed, smiling again. "I think...I'd like to just take some time, relax...enjoy life a bit. Maybe take in the museums, galleries...soak up a bit of culture. Other than that..." he shrugged, looking rueful again. "Eventually I'll have to go back, or find a new place to live...I think i want to leave New York."
As he said the words, he realized how true they were. New York was a bustling hive of activity. There were way too many people there...but Hayaki had never felt so lonely in his whole life, while he lived there. He'd made a few friends...he made another mental note to call a few people and let them know he was still alive. Other than that....
He sighed and sipped his tea again, then shyly reached down to touch the cat at his feet, wondering if he was going to get a face full of claws for his efforts. "I need a new set of surroundings." He said, smiling at the cat.
|
|
|
|
Post by oliver on Jun 22, 2008 0:48:47 GMT -5
The feline looked up cocking his head as he was petted, then he starts the usual ritual of winding his body against his legs, rubbing and purring as he did so. Once he was sure his scent was clinging to Hayaki's pants he leaped up onto his lap and looked right into his dark eyes, seeming to search for something in them.
"Don't mind him Master Hayaki, it's just his way of getting to know you."
Gentle words of reassurance in case the young man got startled.
Not that there was any need to since Pyewacket was not a violent cat, but he did have some rather odd habits that one couldn't classify as feline. Feral slit-like pupils study the newcomer for a bit longer before they slid shut and he let out a purr, satisfied by whatever he found in his eyes.
"You'd better make that two friends then, I do believe my small companion has taken a liking to you," he then raises a brow at the cat now rubbing a furry cheek against Hayaki's shoulder, "And as for you young puss, cease your flirting, before you get your hair all over his clothes."
The Somali acted as if he never heard his master's teasing tone, but he did finally retreat from the other man and return to Oliver's chair, where he promptly settled down on one of the broad chair arms, tail twitching behind.
"I think a change of scenery is exactly what you need to be inspired once more," he says as he checks the teapot to make sure it had enough water, "Artists are after all wandering souls, can't stay in one place for too long or you become stagnant. You have all the time in the world to awaken yourself again, it should be fun."
"And I'd be more than happy to be of service to you in any way." he says with a small smile, "Within my power of course."
|
|
|
|
Post by hayaki on Jun 22, 2008 0:55:35 GMT -5
Hayaki was at first startled, then enchanted, by the cat's actions. When he jumped up in his lap, he flashed Oliver a quick, absolutely delighted grin, his whole face lighting up. "You really thinks he likes me?" He asked, his voice hopeful. Then the cat started rubbing against him and Hayaki's smile grew wider, if possible, his fingers moving to gently pet the bundle of fur. When he left, he momentarily pouted, but reached down and picked up his teacup, sipping it and trying to conquer both his delighted grin and his excited blush.
He nodded thoughtfully, his grin remaining but his blush starting to recede, at Oliver's 'words of wisdom'. "Yeah." He sighed, sipping his tea and then setting it down. "Thank you..." he cocked his head to the side and gave Oliver a warm smile. "I should look for a cheaper motel; the one I'm in is expensive. The college paid for it." he couldn't quite keep the bitterness out of his voice.
He looked down, and his grin turned rueful. "And..uhm...do you have a hair remover?" he asked, laughing. "I seem to be covered in cat hair...not that I'm really complaining..." he glanced up, his eyes dancing in amusement.
|
|
|
|
Post by oliver on Jun 22, 2008 19:27:06 GMT -5
"This way if you please my good man."
He stands and gestures towards the three full length mirrors that stood proudly in a corner of the shop. Each gold-plated wooden frame, held intricate carvings of both cherub and demon alike, an odd combination to be sure but they blended in perfectly as if they were meant to be together.
Oliver leads him right in the center of where the three mirrors had formed something of a semi circle, giving one a sense of privacy while being able to see themselves from three different angles. A pale hand waves towards the small platform in front of the second mirror while the tailor looked through his assortment of tools in a lacquered box.
"Up on the platform, and I'll be over as soon as I find... Aha!"
Triumphantly he returns with a few items which he places on the platforms surface, then he flicks on his glasses and steps up behind Hayaki.
"Arms out if you will, and try not to shift too much..."
The lint roller is briskly but meticulously rolled over his arms and down towards the back of his legs. He does the same for the man's front, off the shoulders down the chest and front of his pants. Once the longer hairs had been removed he hands it over to Hayaki.
"Hold this a moment will you sir? You may put your arms down now."
The next implement taken up was a small brush, not unlike the ones meant for personal grooming, and he retraces his previous path from shoulders to feet in long sweeping arc-like motions. This time the brush is followed by a pale hand, smoothing out the material which he brushes over.
"I would normally go for a softer pony-hair brush, but since I know how fur can cling I'm using a yak-hair brush. It's a lot coarser than its cousin, "he says casually as he bends down to get rid of every reddish brown strand, "But at least it gets the job done hmn?"
Oliver raises a brow when he hears a smug-sounding mewl coming from the seating area, "I do hope Pye is satisfied, one would think he did it on purpose. I do hope you'll forgive his antics, he can be such a ..."
And he pauses at the sight of a slight fray in the seam of Hayaki's pants. He cocks his head at it, and blinks up at the man through his spectacles.
"Please pardon my boldness, but... Was this done on purpose as well?" he asks, placing one tip of a finger at the nearly torn seam.
"If it isn't a fashion statement, I'd like very much to fix it for you... free of charge of course."
|
|
