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Post by hayaki on Jun 22, 2008 20:03:27 GMT -5
Hayaki blinked before rising to follow Oliver. Stepping onto the platform, he glanced at the mirrors, then looked away. He didn't spend a whole lot of time admiring himself normally; a quick glance to make sure the clothes looked alright and his hair was decent. To be in the center of a three-way mirror like this was kind of awkward.
Then Oliver started to brush him and Hayaki found himself, much to his horror, blushing brightly. This was...really weird. And...ok, just weird. Nice, but weird. It was by far the most personal thing he'd ever let anyone do to him. He fought to conquer his blushes, nibbling his lip and holding his arms out as instructed, trying not to fidget.
He took the brush wordlessly from Oliver and watched in the mirror as Oliver repeated the motions with the other brush, and then his hand...dear and precious gods. Hayaki closed his eyes, biting harder on his lip. That was just...too...much. And Hayaki was having a completely inappropriate reaction to all the touching. It had been a long time since his last lover.
Oliver's voice startled him; opening his eyes, he glanced in the mirror, noting that he was beet red. He was about to answer Oliver's statement about the cat when Oliver startled him again, this time with the question about the fray.
His blush notched up a bit; embarrassed now, he shook his head wordlessly, then realized he was going to have to clarify that head-shake. "N..no." He stammered. "It wasn't on p..purpose. But you d...you don't have to fix it. It's fine..." he protested softly, hoping Oliver wouldn't notice the fact he was panting just a bit. "It's ok. I'm used to it...I can't really afford great clothes. I just buy off the rack; professors don't get paid much." He was babbling just a bit, trying to cover his awkwardness, his eyes fixing on the reflection of the shop window rather than looking at Oliver.
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Post by oliver on Jun 23, 2008 10:17:09 GMT -5
Vampiric senses could be both a blessing and a curse. For even as they served him well in his work which required the most keen of sight... It supplied other things as well. As Oliver absently traced the torn material with a finger, something sharp and spicy-sweet hit his nose like a punch to the face, though nothing as painful or unpleasant. It left him heady ,giddy and completely disoriented, as if he'd inhaled the strongest of liquor in gaseous form and could oh so easily get drunk on it. At first he had no idea what kind of scent this was, it was almost alien to him... until his mind pulled him back many, many years ago...
***** "I cant get that darn double lace thingy you do with the thread." "Be still Adrian or you risk me poking you by accident." "Poke away Oli."
The vampire paused in his sewing of Adrian's shorts and snapped his head up at the mortal in shock at such a brazen tone, it just wasn't proper. And there was that darned smile again and all Oliver could do was roll his eyes behind the rims of his glasses and shake his head.
"Sometimes Adrian I think you provoke me deliberately." says the tailor in a huff, continuing his steady weave of needle and thread. Trying hard to ignore that scent that was practically clouding his vision... ***** Pheromones.
That's what it was, and like those many years ago Oliver looks up sharply into wide eyes and a red face... Surely not? Perhaps he was just misreading it all, but no, the tell tale signs might have been images projected on a screen for all the bells they were setting off. His heart sped faster than a rabbit racing across the moors. His pupils dilated slightly ,making them seem almost dreamy. His lips were parted, flushed like his cheeks and swollen with blood. And his breath came out in shallow half-pants, too soft for any mortal ear but loud to the vampire who still knelt there on one knee, nearly drowned out by the rapid thump-thump of his heartbeat.
Even through the fabric of his pants, Oliver could feel a soft wave of heat emitting from the very body he was so close to and suddenly instead of Hayaki, he thought he saw lightly stubbled cheeks and a crooked grin...
"N..no.. It wasn't on p..purpose. But you d...you don't have to fix it. It's fine..."
"B-beg your pardon?"
"It's ok. I'm used to it...I can't really afford great clothes. I just buy off the rack; professors don't get paid much."
"No." His answer came too quickly and Oliver cursed himself for it, looking away momentarily as he stood up and took the brush from Hayaki, returning both tools to their box. A deep breath to clear his head and lungs before he turned to face the mortal man again, getting his reeling senses under control. His face serene and his smile friendly, as if nothing had ever happened. He was back to being the polite tailor once more.
"No, of course not, for what kind of host would I be if I were to let you leave my shop with that tear on your pants? The very idea is preposterous, it would be an insult to my profession as much as a doctor letting a patient out without tending to his wound..."
From around his neck he pulls out what looks like a small elongated locket, but a quick twist at the middle and a needle falls out into a pale palm. "Now if you would be so kind as to adjourn to your left, just behind the mirrors there are a few dressing chambers, you may remove your pants. Call me when you are ready and I will see to their fixing..."
They needed the space, both him and the mortal to save them both from what could be a potential embarrassment too big to get over. For Oliver, he hadn't sought out the comforts of the flesh in what could have been decades. Never able to trust himself with anyone to even allow such intimacies. To know that he might even be the least bit appealing to his guest was just... Overwhelming.
I never thought myself the attractive sort... He thought to himself as he went through his mini library of threads, trying to find the right shade of brown to match with his trousers. Curiouser and curiouser.
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Post by hayaki on Jun 23, 2008 10:28:57 GMT -5
Hayaki continued to nibble on his lips, blushing, as Oliver refused to let the frayed edge go. He knew Oliver had a point; this was a tailor's shop, after all. Still...it was embarassing.
No, really, the real ebarassment was the fact that he was reacting to this all like a nervous teenager...
He shrugged, giving up the fight. and silently moved to the dressing chambers. He flashed Oliver an uncertain smile as he slipped into one, closing the door behind him.
Then he buried his face in his hands, resisting the urge to moan, and tried to get control over himself again. This was ridiculous! All the poor man had done was brush his clothes off. Why was he reacting this way? He managed to get his breathing under control and scrubbed away the tears that welled in his eyes. Utterly ridiculous. Good thing poor Oliver hadn't noticed; Hayaki would have had to die on the spot. Just...drop dead.
He sighed and slowly began to remove his pants, trying to figure out why he was reacting so extremely. Maybe it's just the setting; this could be one of the starter scenes to one of those books....or maybe it's just me loosing my job. I'm unsettled and uncertain, and he's so nice and charming...and good looking and those eyes...
That's not helping.
He removed his pants, then hesitated, cracking the door just a little. "Uhm. Oliver?" He called softly. "I'm ready for you."
Oh, god. Worse and worse. That line just sounded wrong, coming from his overly sensative brain. He found himself blushing again and sternly repressed the desire to make a break for the door. That wouldn't be fair; Oliver had no idea and even less blame for Hayaki's stupidity. Deep breaths, calm down, just relax. This isn't some stupid movie. He's a kind, sweet man who's trying to make you feel at home in a foreign place. So don't make him feel weird. He closed his eyes a moment and forced himself to take deep breaths. By the time Oliver came back, he'd be able to greet him with a smile and mean it.
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Post by oliver on Jun 24, 2008 18:03:55 GMT -5
Thundering hoofbeats soon simmered down to a steady pace once more, and Oliver tugged off his glasses for a good polishing, his way of distracting himself from thoughts of the man just behind the doors... And was it so bad to admit that perhaps it was possible for the mortal to like him in such a manner? While he doubted himself to possess the allure most of his kind seemed to have, he could allow a certain acknowledgment that he wasn't unpleasing to the eye... Otherwise he wouldn't be living for the rest of his life in his cursed cage of undead flesh.
Fingers ran down the many spools of different thread until he settled on the exact shade he needed, all the while his mind kept wandering back to flushed cheeks and wide eyes. It had been years since anyone showed any other sort of interest in him besides the typical interest of a client or customer... And for the vampire, who had seen many humans come and go in his long life, Hayaki was indeed attractive. Soulful gaze and soft smile, the kind one could get used to seeing after a hard day's work...
But no.
Oliver decided to firmly stake his beliefs that the human's sudden release of pheromones was just a sympathetic reaction to the brushing... It had to be.
"Uhm. Oliver? I'm ready for you."
"Coming!" He plucked the chosen thread from its resting place and went over to the dressing rooms. "Won't take a moment sir, I promise you." And he sticks his hand through the crack of the door, keeping the rest of himself out of sight and his gaze away from the room to give his nervous guest some privacy. Once he acquires the garment, he takes advantage of his vampiric ability to sew up not just the torn area, but other frayed parts as well, with near unnatural speed, precision and skill. The stitching was done to mimic the original line, and by the time Oliver was finished it looked as if the pants were never torn at all. The vampire itched to iron and press the garment but he had a feeling this wasn't the time to prolong the man's pants-less state.
"There you are Master Hayaki, it s done." This time when the hand returns through the door, it holds out a perfectly repaired pair of pants. "Why don't you uh, get dressed and I'll meet you back at the table, I do believe our tea has gotten cold."
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Post by hayaki on Jun 25, 2008 9:52:36 GMT -5
When Oliver came to take his pants, Hayaki indeed greeted him with a smile. Then, while he waited, he leaned against the wall, his eyes closed, trying to calm himself more. You don't know him at all...what if he's not interested in men, even? After all, the 'touching' was all professional. He would have done that for any client... Hayaki couldn't admit to himself that he felt a pang at that thought.
It's just been...so long.p The mental picture of Hayaki's first, last and only lover rose in his mind and a gentle smile curved Hayaki's face. Sweet, supportive, protective Andrew...he'd shown Hayaki everything-and saved Hayaki's soul in the process.
i wonder where he is now? Theirs had never been a love meant to last. Andrew had came into his life during the horrible years when he'd been at the Art college, and he'd met him the night Hayaki had been standing on the edge of the cliff...he'd pulled Hayaki back in more ways than one. When he was ready, Andrew had kissed him and left, leaving Hayaki to live a much happier life...
But he'd been the only one. Passing attractions since then, but Hayaki had always been too shy or too awkward to act on them and they'd seldom been returned anyway. And you don't even know if this one is either, he reminded himself firmly. So behave...
When Oliver brought the pants back, he took them with a shy smile, but the brush of their fingers as he took back his now perfect-pants brought another blush to Hayaki's face. "Ah...thank you, Oliver." he said softly, fingers moving over the spot where the tear had been and finding absolutely nothing. "Amazing..." he sighed, smiling. "I'll be out in a moment..."
He slipped the pants back on, buttoning them up, then took a deep breath. Nothing he could do about the blush, really. Then he opened the door and stepped out, intent on heading for the table.
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Post by oliver on Jun 25, 2008 10:32:21 GMT -5
Boiling water was poured into the teapot, stirring up aromas and flavors once more, he takes a deep breath of it and sighs, releasing a breath he didn't even know he was holding... Not that vampires needed to breathe much these days, but it was habit from his living days.
A soft chuffing noise alerts him towards his feline companion, furry grin in place and smug as ever. Oliver raised a brow as a russet brown tail swung back and forth like a pendulum, folding his arms and pursing his lip to the side.
"Don't get sassy with me young tom, it's bad enough that he's so distressed..." If the vampire didn't know any better he could have sworn he'd smelled a slight saltine scent in the dressing room. "I won't have him thinking that I have, agendas."
No, not at all. Unlike many of his ilk, Oliver just never found the same joy in tormenting their living counterparts. No fun to be had in seeing the pain and bloodshed, no thrill of the hunt. He was just as much an anomaly as he was when he had a beating heart.
But such things didn't matter in the face of a job well done. Like he could live with being the black sheep of all vampire-kind so long as he did what he was gifted to do, and did it well. In a way it soothed a part of him that felt like he'd never quite made it as either a human or nosferatu. Hayaki's soft exclamation of admiration put a warmth within that not even a full dinner of blood could provide. Not just an empty flowery praise or comment, but a genuine compliment. Simple. It made the tailor grin a little.
Until he heard the approaching footsteps and quickly toned down his pleased look with something more amiable. Gesturing once again to the seat opposite, he smiles apologetically and shakes his head. "Forgive Pyewacket, when he likes someone he has a tendency to want to leave his mark..." he cuts his gaze towards a completely unrepentant cat, "... On everything. That's your cue to make yourself scarce for a bit Pye."
A long stretch later and the feline makes his way out via the small pet flap at the front door, off to do some exploring and roaming of his own. Shaking his head again ruefully, Oliver settles down into his own seat, toying with the needle case hanging from his neck idly as he looked at the young man thoughtfully.
"Aubergine..."
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Post by hayaki on Jun 25, 2008 10:43:02 GMT -5
Hayaki laughed softly at his comments about the cat, shrugging a bit. "I've never had a cat...but I've always liked them." And still did, furry misadventure not withstanding. Besides, a mischevious voice spoke up in his mind, it got Oliver to put his hands all over you...
Hayaki blushed brightly and slid into his seat, averting his gaze for a moment until he could control his face better. "Ah." he said, watching the cat leave. God, this was hard. He absently fumbled with the teacup, then raised his eyebrow as the cat left-as if he'd understood exactly what Oliver had said. A very smart cat! He was about to comment on it when Oliver's strange word jerked his attention.
Turning to face him again, he blinked, his mind trying to catch up and wondering if he'd missed something important. "E..excuse me?" he asked slowly, testing the strange word in his mind. He had no idea what it meant. He smiled a bit quizzicly, his eyes studying Oliver's face closer. "What was that?" he asked again, his smile stretching a bit. A very odd word...
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Post by oliver on Jun 25, 2008 11:10:32 GMT -5
"What was that?"
"Aubergine." He says again, this time with a decisive nod of the head as if he'd said the most logical and obvious statement in the world. But upon seeing the way dark eyes search his face for some sort of clarity, he starts to explain. "In actuality it's the French or British word for eggplant, but I'm not so much referring to the fruit as I am to the colour." Right leg crossing over his left, he rests his elbow on his knee, leaning forward and just looking over the man with a tilted chin. Mindfully careful to make sure that his gaze wasn't too intrusive. He gives a contemplative hum and taps the corner of his lip.
"Your skin ,while fair, still has a certain amount of olive in its tone. Just the perfect match for a shade of aubergine, or maybe even indigo." there is a soft, almost wistful quality to his voice, his eyes glowing under the light of the chandelier. "You do have a lovely natural skin tone Master Hayaki, not too pale..." Oliver stops himself just as he is about to reach out and touch something that would set off another panic attack, instead taking Hayaki's tea cup and refilling his drink.
"Forgive me do, I tend to ramble at the most inopportune moments." A sigh and he returns a now full cup to its place in front of the man. "You must be an expert in colour, doing what you do. I'm ever so curious to see your interpretation of the world in your eyes. It must be so vivid."
At least that's how he imagined it would be. Hayaki himself was such an expressive man, from every shift of muscle across his temples to the subtle twitch of slender fingers... Fingers that belonged to a man who could create and give life to things of the inanimate world.
He said he wanted to paint me... Would he give life to my unbeating heart through paints and canvas?
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Post by hayaki on Jun 25, 2008 11:19:12 GMT -5
Hayaki blushed, but he leaned forward a little, smiling. "Mmm. I do look good in blue. Darker shades tend to suit me better, I think." He shrugged, his eyes twinkling. "The world is so full of colors..." he paused, then tipped his head to the side. "I think..." he hesitated, then nodded. "I think I'd like you to...make me something." It was said quietly, but with a slightly hopeful lilt, as if he was afraid he was inconveniencing the other man. "I have all the painting money...and you make such lovely things. I would love to have something you made with your own hands..."
He blushed, but continued to smile, his fingers moving to gently circle the cup. "And I'd trust you to choose for me." It was clear that Hayaki was starting to trust Oliver a lot. More than he should, considering that they only just met. But still. There was something about the other man that drew Hayaki, some kind of invisible string that tugged him. More than just a physical attraction although, clearly, that was definitely part of the package....maybe it was another lonely soul.
Hayaki tipped his head to the side. "And I still want to paint you..." he'd have to get supplies, but he was determined to do it before he went back to New York.
If I go back...
That thought startled him. He realized, in a sudden flash of clarity, that he didn't really want to go back. It wasn't Oliver that lured him here, either. He wasn't sure what it was. But he didn't want to go back to New York.
He tucked that away for later consideration and waited for Oliver's response, wondering how the other man would feel about his requests.
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Post by oliver on Jun 25, 2008 18:55:56 GMT -5
"I think..."
That pause, that hesitation was more than a pregnant moment for the vampire who somehow managed to sit so calmly in his seat with barely a twitch. Like he knew what was coming, just waiting at the edge of a cliff, waiting to see if he'd take flight or plummet to the ground... He could only hope.
"I think I'd like you to...make me something."
He blinks, just barely containing the excitement at the prospect of another project, one that he'd been thinking of since the night they'd conversed on the well's ledge. His mind reeled with the possibilities, endless possibilities. And when the mention of money was made, the tailor casually waves a hand. "Now now my good man, those figures will come later..."
And from a pocket he produces a coiled up measuring tape, holding it by the end between his finger tips and letting it unravel to the floor, a small smile lighting his face. "These figures come first." So saying, he practically skips back up onto his feet, offering a low bow.
"If you will allow me to steal just a moment or two? I'd like to take a few measurements and see what I will be working on."
He says it with the same courtesy as he would with any of his clients, Oliver was not one to discriminate between species when it came to who he agreed to do commissions for. While he knew that his current 'All may enter' policy was not agreeable by most vampires, he never had more than a few disdainful grumbles from one or two night-walkers. The rest wisely kept their noses out of his business, just so long as he got their requested garments done. That's how he liked it.
Nothing personal, just business.
Offering a smile from beneath jet black bangs, he ducks his chin humbly, "Still intent on capturing me in paints Sir Hawk?" he chuckles softly, "Well I suppose it's only fair, since I will get to create a garment of my own choice."
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Post by hayaki on Jun 25, 2008 19:41:14 GMT -5
Hayaki laughed; Oliver's excitement wasn't obvious, but it was clear to him none the less. He unwrapped his hands from the cup, grinning. "You can steal anything you want from me, Oliver." He said, standing. His tone was gentle and bantering, not overly suggestive, even as he blushed a bit at the words. Perhaps a little forward, Hayaki he scolded himself. What happened to behaving? It was hard to watch his mouth, though, as every moment he spent with Oliver deepened that strange feeling of comfort the other man had wrapped so effortlessly around him. Hayaki felt like he'd known Oliver his whole life and was only now meeting him again after being gone for a time instead of being a near-perfect stranger. He supposed that he should be more careful, but then....
I don't want to be careful he thought, suddenly feeling rebellious. I'm always careful... He tried to push that thought out of his mind but it lingered just at the edges, teasing his mind with possibilities.
Standing, he brushed his hair over his shoulder, waiting for Oliver to direct him on how to stand. He'd never been measured for anything, let alone clothing. Another new experience. Oliver seemed to be bringing out his adventurous side, that was certain.
I wonder what he's going to make for me. As he'd said, he wasn't going to make any requests. He rather thought that Oliver was not only a good tailor but a person with impeccable taste, and he wasn't afraid that Oliver would come up with something horrible. He raised his eyebrow questioningly, his smile lingering.
I must go buy the paints tomorrow...I bet I could get him to sit still for a couple of sketches...I'd love to get him working...that's so integral to what he is...it would be great to capture it on canvas...
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Post by oliver on Jun 26, 2008 11:08:32 GMT -5
"You can steal anything you want from me, Oliver."
**"Poke away Oli."**
A silent sharp intake of breath, that was all too familiar a memory; an attractive person, in his shop... But then again it has been a similar scenario time and time again, so why should this be any different? He cannot say, and for now there was no need to delve into deep thoughts that could lead into another relapse. So instead he smiles warmly, dark eyes crinkling at the corners.
"Then I shall be careful not to take advantage of your generosity Master Hayaki."
Taking a step to the side he demonstrates how he'd like Hayaki to stand. "Arms out by your sides, feet slightly apart. Just about the width of your shoulders...." he waits for the mortal to get into position before taking both ends of the measuring tape and holding them up from his left wrist to his right, mentally taking down the numbers. He then goes on to measure him from his back and all the way down to his heels.
"Your back's done, and now for the front." When he enters the mortal's line of vision he gives a small smile and wraps the tape in a loop around his waist. "No breathing in now." He says softly, peeking at the number before placing one end of the tape against the young man's chest and letting the other end drop down to the ground, with him following its path soon after. There isn't much to be heard but the soft shift and slide of a fingernail down the tape's smooth surface, contact between his hand and the human's body is unavoidable... But he tries not to linger too long in case he makes his guest feel uncomfortable.
Yet secretly, Oliver enjoyed the initial measuring when it came to the pre-production stage. It allowed him time to get to know his client, in a way that only artists did when working on a live specimen. A kind of intimacy that resembled the discovery of a secret . Observations he made while taking down their waistlines and shoulder widths. The way dark hair curled slightly at the ends, the gentle slope of his nose and the hint of dimples at the corner of his lips. Signs of laughter and smiles despite the pains he went through in life so far. He's even slightly taller than I am. Not by much, but just enough for the tailor to notice. And his body was lean, not too different from Oliver though the vampire was already small even before his sire had stopped his life in place. England four hundred years ago didn't have much nutrition to aid in his growth. But the mortal's lack of too much fat, was probably from the stresses of his career choice as well rather then a deliberate attempt to lose weight.
So much I can do, the choices are endless... The gleeful, inner excitement is kept under control as much as he can, while thousands of fabrics and materials roll across his vision like well laid out plans to be made. He could make a lovely suit complete with jacket and trousers, or perhaps something less lavish like a shirt? Hayaki's skin tone allowed for a wide range of colours, though Oliver decided to settle on his earlier decision for something darker, for contrast. It will be one of his best works yet.
"Well, that's that Master Hayaki... I'll be sure to let you know when your, out fit ,is ready for its first presentation." he gives an enigmatic smile as he rises to a stand once again, "I must say, this will be rather interesting."
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Post by hayaki on Jun 26, 2008 11:16:22 GMT -5
Hayaki silently watched Oliver measuring him, biting his lip. The surge was less strong this time; the shock had been part of the initial reaction. But he couldn't deny that it was still there. Oliver, however, was still giving him no clues, no openings...
He smiled and waited for Oliver to be finished. Instead of stepping away, he remained where he was, but didn't try to close the distance. "I'm glad." he said, smiling, "that my humble request made you so happy." He was teasing, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he grinned at Oliver. "Oliver...can I watch you work, a little?"
He felt suddenly a little shy asking; he hated anyone leaning over his shoulder when he was painting, and he suddenly wondered if Oliver was the same way. "I mean..." He stuttered suddenly, now stepping away a little. "I just wanted to get some sketches..." he trailed off, blushing again. "You don't have to say yes."
He reached up and brushed his hair back again, then absently played with the collar of his shirt, bunching it in his fingers. "I usually sketch before I paint." he added in explanation, his eyes shifting off of Oliver.
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Post by oliver on Jun 26, 2008 11:40:14 GMT -5
"Watch me work?"
The vampire doesn't even pause as he rolls up the measuring tape, cocking his head to the side. It's not disagreement on his face, not yet. Many a time he had insisted to his clients that none were to see him when he was working, that they were only to return to the shop on the time and date given by the elusive tailor. Other then the fact that his working hours were very different from most usual storekeepers, he speed at which he worked was almost inhuman... He didn't want to frighten away his human friend.
But would it be so hard to just slow things down a bit in his presence? To keep up a bit of a charade going while he worked? What price had he to pay for the company of another, except for a need to be more aware of himself. He could already picture it now, indulging himself in conversation with Hayaki while he played both the part of an artist and muse. Funny how he spared no time in wanting to open his doors to a mere mortal when others had been firmly turned away... Oliver cannot place any specific reasons for what made this one man so special. He just was.
"If you don't mind coming in at this hour and putting up with Pyewacket," he quirks a brow playfully, "I'm sure we can work out a small schedule for you."
What he was doing was probably not the smartest thing, having a human linger around and study him so closely. But really, how could he say no to eyes like those?
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Post by hayaki on Jun 26, 2008 11:50:04 GMT -5
Hayaki's whole face lit up in happiness, his face splitting into a smile. "Really? That's great!" he said, dropping his hand and ignoring that his collar was now all wrinkled. "I don't mind Pyewacket at all..." he laughed, blushing suddenly. "You might have to brush me off occasionally..." And I'm not going to complain about a reason for your hands to be all over my body again...
Behave, Hayaki!
He wrinkled his nose. "Why do you work at night, anyway? Not that I'm complaining..." he cocked his head to the side, his mind already listing the supplies he was going to need and wondering where in London one bought artistic supplies. There had to be some shops...he'd have to ask.
His fingers itched to reach out and touch Oliver. He'd always been accused of being too touchy-feely, but he managed to refrain. Instead, he began to play with his poor maligned collar again, watching Oliver's face and already starting to sketch in his mind. Full pouty lips, those gently laughing eyes...he realized he was probably staring, but just at the moment he was too busy to really care.
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