heartbeat {Nill & Allen} || Closed
Tap. Tap. Tap.
The smell of food wafted throughout the apartment. Nill had taken it upon herself to come over to her friend’s house and cook for him, she didn’t do much after school anyway, and it was nice being able to actually eat with someone else for once. He had a pretty big appetite and it was surprising to find out he didn’t really eat much. That worried her quite a bit, he worked so much and barely ate.. she couldn’t allow herself to just ignore that. She hadn’t been at it for very long, maybe for the past couple weeks, but it was nice to see him when he came home. When it came close to dusk she’d usually be out and on her own way home, having already prepared something for breakfast for him in the morning so he wouldn’t have to worry about it.
Lately however, he’d been getting later hours, so she’d accommodate by cooking a little later in worry of him having to come home to cold food. That’d be embarrassing on her end. He often gave her an idea on when he’d be home around with a text but just in case she would wrap the food to keep it fresh longer. Of course, she also bought the food despite him offering to. In which case she’d puff out her cheeks and insist that it’s okay, she doesn’t mind it at all since they’re friends.
He gave her permission to enter his apartment and where the location of the spare key was placed, whenever she entered she’d put the key back and lock the door behind her. He was pretty late today..she didn’t receive anything from him and wrapped the food up a little extra hoping to keep it warm, but she was getting pretty tired. Too worried about leaving, she ended up setting up the table and the wrapped food at the table for when he did make it home, pulling out a chair for herself and sitting. She didn’t mind waiting.
She felt her head bob, barely managing to keep her eyes open. She thought that she managed not to fall asleep but was startled awake with a hand shaking her. Unsure of how late it had gotten, she smiled up at him to show she wasn’t upset about it, signing:
{.. Welcome home. ..}
If he didn’t have to work this job, God knows he wouldn’t. Allen never expected to have to get an actual job at such an early age in his life. He doesn’t mind it though, as it’s for his father after all. It gives him something to do other than lead a boring life of just going to school and returning home as well. Working in an office wasn’t exactly the most exciting thing in the world. All he did was sign off on paperwork and take calls from people who needed one thing or another shipped out of Kairos and into Paralia. Big companies relied on things like this and the pay was of substantial grounds. It’s not like he was complaining, but if he had a choice in whether he’d want to work or not..he’d want to wait until he was of age to do so. 'Walker, it's time for you to go home.' he’d hear his boss say now. He gives a nod before getting up to stretch and gather up his belongings. What time was it now? 10 PM, great. Nill had probably gone home by now and he didn’t blame her. He wouldn’t wait for himself either. He hadn’t even gotten the chance to text her that he’d be home late.
Whatever, he’ll explain to her later when he gets the time. His main focus is getting home right now. He waves goodbye to his coworkers before going to stand out at the bus stop. The bus doesn’t take long to arrive thank goodness and it doesn’t take long for him to be dropped off in front of his apartment complex. It’s quiet and you can only hear the chirps of the crickets at this time of night. It’s peaceful and he likes it this way. He steadily makes his way up the stairs to which held his apartment, taking his key out of his pocket when he steps in front of the door. With a sigh he pushes it open, takes off his shoes and hangs his coat at the front.
"I’m home.." He says to no one in particular until he stumbles into the kitchen only to see Nill seated there. His eyebrows furrowed now. He’d made her wait longer than she should’ve. “Welcome home” is what she signed. He walks over to her now, placing a hand on her shoulder.
”You didn’t have to wait, you know.” His voice is gentle towards her, he could never be upset. “It’s late..you should stay the night. I wouldn’t want anything happening to you if you tried to walk home.” Though he could walk her, he didn’t want to take the risk. It’d be better for the both of them if she just stayed. His hand slides off of her now as he goes to take a seat across from her at the table. “I’m sorry I didn’t text you.” His eyes then move to the food that was carefully wrapped on the table. He wasn’t hungry, so he’d save it for later. He’d much rather sit here and talk to her until she falls asleep. "How was school today? You look tired..or is that because you tried to stay up long enough to wait for me?"
She really didn't mind waiting for him, even if her falling asleep at some point was unintentional. Oh, but, she didn't expect him to ask her to stay over. She didn't bring a change of clothes or her toothbrush or..anything else, really. Not that she had any objections to it, it's her friend's home after all.
She shook her head towards his apology, she kind of figured he was unable to text her and she was fine with it. He was busy the majority of the time, it never made her angry. To be honest, she rather admired that about him. He was the most hardworking person she's met so far. It was that kind of self-driven determination that kept her up on her own feet whenever she had her own troubles. He gave her hope and motivation to push forward even when something seemed too difficult to. Even if she hasn't been met with any overwhelming hardship since meeting him, he still gave her an abundance of energy and the feeling that things would be okay.
{.. It was nice. I met with my teacher after school to talk about some extracurricular activities so I have a little more to do. ..}
A pause. Admittedly, she did try to stay up for him. That turned out well for her, didn't it? Here he was!
{.. I waited, but..I'm really happy to see you. How was your day? ..}
Talking to Allen was comfortable usually. The tone of his voice was always soft, caring, gentle. If voices could fit people, his fit him perfectly. ..She wondered if she'd get her own voice back someday.
