Hey Now

Roderich Edelstein | 18 | Public Health | Catholic | World U (dependent)

[redandwhiteboy]

Roommates? || Roderich & Matthew

[mrpancaker-deactivated20160707]

He carried the machine over to the fridge with slight difficulty, his energy all gone as his body settled into rest mode. He sat on the floor of his bed, leaning on it as he listened to Roderich speak. He tried to rearrange some items he could see peeking out before getting distracted by a lose wire from his old AM/FM Radio. 

“Mine is in shambles. I have some days where I barely have any breaks but on other days I have a few hours in between lectures,” He spoke as he poked and prodded the thing, unsure if he could just cover it with electric tape and call it a day. He put the player back down on the floor, before getting up to continue his sheets. 

He covered his pillows and duvet with matching, dark colored  sheets and as he did the mattress cover, he forgot about the bear stuck on the side of it which popped out due to a particularly hard pull on the sheets, He felt a silence descend upon them as he stared intently at the bear. “Uh…” 

[redandwhiteboy]

Roderich busied himself with a not-so-thorough examination of the coffee maker. It seemed simple enough but he decided to leave the maiden cup to Matthew; it was his coffee maker after all. He turned around and watched his new roommate try to shove things into order beneath his bed. In truth, Roderich's wardrobe floor resembled the new mountain if things beneath Matthew's bed and he just simply pursed his lips at the sight. Instead of helping his roommate, Roderich watched him struggle with the bed clothes. The sheets were a nice color and they'd fit in easily with whatever theme - people had dorm themes, right? His thoughts were interrupted when a stuffed bear popped out and landed on the floor. There was a moment of silence and Roderich let out a small laugh. This wasn't directed toward Matthew but rather toward the manner at which the bear had made its appearance.

[redandwhiteboy]

Baked Goods || Roderich & Francis

[redandwhiteboy]

He had a small laugh at that.  “Of course I wouldn’t do that, that’s ridiculous,” he said, “Sorry, there was probably a better word to use in place of generosity.”  Roderich felt himself relax as Francis lightly played with his hair, Francis’s hand warm against the skin of Roderich’s neck.  

A light smile brushed across his lips at Francis’s comment and Roderich’s heart beat faster when Francis took his hand and kissed the knuckles on his thin fingers.  For a moment, Roderich was painfully aware of the slightness and femininity of his own features.  Was that what made him attractive? He brushed the thought aside. 

“Oh? That was quick,” he said as he looked out at the street.  Roderich couldn’t tell which building Francis lived in and decided to keep the cordial, obligatory ‘your-home-is-so-beautiful’ compliments for later.

[redandwhiteboy]

Roommates? || Roderich & Matthew

[redandwhiteboy]

“Um, you could set it on top of the dresser or fridge,” he suggested, gesturing to each in turn.  Roderich watched Matthew curiously from his position leaned against his bed.  It was interesting to see him push things as far back as they would go and add more.  Hopefully Matthew would be able to find everything.  

Roderich turned to his own side and smoothed his bed covers.  His side was organized and almost spartan in appearance.  His thought about his closet and the nicely spaced hangers - surely that would be a distant memory in one week’s time.  With his back turned, he failed to notice Matthew’s placement of the stuffed toy and hummed softly to himself before turning back around.

“My schedule is okay, I guess.  I wanted more classes that deal with my major but there are a lot of requirements to get out of the way first.  I think they’re called, um, general education?  Yes, that’s right.  And yours?”

[capitalxst]

"The doors and rooms here make no sense! They all bring you back here!" ((in honor of Rod's awful sense of direction >:) ))

“I wanna say yes, but no dude. You see you’re probably going down the wrong halls. What classroom are you trying to find exactly, maybe I can help ya find it.”

[redandwhiteboy]

“Sorry,” he said.  “Oh? Maybe I should…maybe I should check that out,” he looked at the other nervously.

[capitalxst]

“Alright well, do you want me to take you to your class?” He asked slowing down to a stop. “Or I could take you to the office, your choice.”

[redandwhiteboy]

“Class.  I need that.”

[redandwhiteboy]

Baked Goods || Roderich & Francis

[redandwhiteboy]

He smiled at the little name and soft touch.  It was all seemingly superfluous but very comforting.  “Oh, no,” he said before getting in the back of the cab.  Roderich waited until Francis had settled in to finish his thought.  “You’re perfectly fine.  I’m just not used to people, well, I appreciate your generosity.”  Roderich wasn’t sure how to tell Francis that all the attention his crutches brought froom everyone was overwhelming; his former classmates, his family, and former teachers had all grown accustomed to him and now, in this new place surrounded by new, unknown people, the same questions had been popping up: what’s wrong with you?, do you need help?, what happened?.  He hoped Francis wouldn’t pry.

“Moving to a-a new place with all new people means that a lot of them ask questions.  It’s been a very long day of questions,” that would have to suffice.  “You, however, have not contributed to that list,” he added with a reassuring hand to Francis’s arm.

[redandwhiteboy]

Roommates? || Roderich & Matthew

[redandwhiteboy]

Roderich held the door opened and gave Matthew a light smile.  Living with someone was infinitely different than being friends so he’d decided to be on his best behavior and at least put forth a real effort to be nice.  “Well, obviously you know which side is yours,” he said.  There were several light bags and Roderich helped Matthew with one but mostly held the door.  

“Well, I...I hope there’s enough room for all that.”  He was only half joking - there was a lot of stuff.  “Oh? The coffee maker?”  Now that was what he’d been excited about: the fresh aroma of coffee every morning.

“Well, yes, I guess we are,” he smiled a little and looked at the piles.  “Do you want any help?”

[redandwhiteboy]

Baked Goods || Roderich & Francis

[redandwhiteboy]

Roderich took Francis’s hand and stood before letting go to grab his crutches.  He was thankful that Francis had mentioned taking  a cab; the day had been extremely long and he would benefit from the extra rest.  Also, a cab would likely be faster than walking.  “I’m sorry, but do you think we could take a cab?” 

He refrained from getting annoyed when Francis silently referenced his crutches; Francis had been nothing but kind and nothing would ruin the mood more than a scolding in a coffee shop before going home together.

[capitalxst]

"The doors and rooms here make no sense! They all bring you back here!" ((in honor of Rod's awful sense of direction >:) ))

“I wanna say yes, but no dude. You see you’re probably going down the wrong halls. What classroom are you trying to find exactly, maybe I can help ya find it.”

[redandwhiteboy]

“Sorry,” he said.  “Oh? Maybe I should...maybe I should check that out,” he looked at the other nervously.

[redandwhiteboy]

Roommates? || Roderich & Matthew

[mrpancaker-deactivated20160707]

It was a nice day when Matthew hauled his belongings to the hotel lobby and successfully checked out of his hotel. He had a bit of trouble stuffing them in the cab so he could make it to the residences early enough. He still couldn’t believe that he was actually moving in the residences like a proper college student.

He thanked the cabby as he helped Matthew and set his things outside the building. Matthew waved goodbye as he left and turned to his things on the floor. He realized he might have had way too much luggage with him for one trip. He brought the essentials such as his heavy coffeemaker and newly bought grill and trudged on to the hallway and outside the room he presumed was the right one.

He knocked on the door before dropping the things on the floor in front of it and starting back on the entrance where he left his clothes. He took his time, observing the doors before getting to his bags and lifting them off the ground.

He hoped Roderich was in and noticed the things he left rather than mistaking it for a ding dong ditch. He walked back to the direction of the room with a smile stretching across his face. 

[redandwhiteboy]

Roderich had taken his time last night to put away his clothing.  The entire process had taken around four hours due to his ‘breaks’ taken every fifteen minutes.  The room was relatively clean and Matthew’s side was nearly untouched by Roderich’s things save for a missed stray sock or so.  

When the man knocked on the door, Roderich looked toward the sound and walked over and opened the door.  Did Matthew just leave his stuff there?  Was he coming back?  Roderich looked down the hall and saw Matthew walking toward him with a smile.  

“Oh, hello.  I was hoping you hadn’t just dumped these things here.  If so, they’d stay out here - I can’t lift this,” he joked.

[redandwhiteboy]

Baked Goods || Roderich & Francis

[redandwhiteboy]

Despite himself, Roderich tapped his fingers on the table impatiently. Francis obviously wanted to go and his changes in tone reminded Roderich of his fear and absolute vulnerability.  Francis's voice, warmth, and light touch all comforted and excited him.   "Yes, I want this. And if I...feel uncomfortable I’ll tell you.”   He made a point to ignore Francis’s self-serving comments.   This was a new feeling; like something had mixed all his anxieties with all his elations and there was a strange comfort to having everything together like that.  

[attenteselevees-deactivated2016]

improptu nap

[redandwhiteboy]

Roderich steadied himself and pursed his lips.  “Hello,” he replied.  International students were quite annoying to him - he’d worked hard to learn English and try to grasp the disgustingly overcomplicated slang.  But, then again, America was a ‘boiling pot’ or something....’melting pot’?  “Is it okay if I sit here?” he asked with no real intention of moving.

[attenteselevees-deactivated2016]

improptu nap

[redandwhiteboy]

At first, the man just looked rather dazed.  It was still the beginning of the semester but that didn’t stop anyone from having a little too much fun.  However, when the man’s expression changed from confusion to fear and he moved suddenly, Roderich gasped in surprised and flinched.

Was that French?  Roderich hated French - unless it was spoken by a certain baker but that was a train of thought completely inappropriate for the present situation.  “P..Parlez...vou, um...anglais? yes? That’s right, yes,” he said.  After the private school and private music lessons, Roderich’s mother had also enrolled him in private language tutoring.  French was his least favorite and English was something he knew well.

[capitalxst]

"The doors and rooms here make no sense! They all bring you back here!" ((in honor of Rod's awful sense of direction >:) ))

“I wanna say yes, but no dude. You see you’re probably going down the wrong halls. What classroom are you trying to find exactly, maybe I can help ya find it.”

[redandwhiteboy]

“I think I can remember something as simple as a board,” he snaps.  It’s a lie but Roderich doesn’t think he needs a map.  “I’m sure I can find a map somewhere.”

[redandwhiteboy]

Roommates? || Roderich & Matthew

[redandwhiteboy]

Roderich did not want Matthew to move in that day.  There was the matter of his mess of clothes - he’d have to clean before Matthew showed up.  “Not today,” he said with a nervous smile.

“Tomorrow is much better,” he said, relieved.  He brought out a slip of paper and a pencil from his bag and wrote the hall and room number.  “It’s not a suite,” he cautioned, “Just a room.”  Roderich handed the slip to Matthew.  

“I’ll see you soon, no?”

[attenteselevees-deactivated2016]

improptu nap

[redandwhiteboy]

“...”  There was a very large part of Roderich that wanted to immediately leave when the other revealed the sticky note on his cheek.  However, where else would he go?

“Um...hey.  You have a...a thing.  On your face, the ah, the sticky note, yes?” 

[redandwhiteboy]

Roommates? || Roderich & Matthew

[redandwhiteboy]

Matthew seemed very excitable and Roderich smiled awkwardly.  Nevertheless, he shook Matthew’s hand and looked around to see if anyone had been witness to the loud man across from him.  No one seemed scandalized and Roderich withdrew his hand from the shake.  Finally, he could split the room fee with someone.  A double was much cheaper than a single.  

“Well, the term starts rather soon so I suppose you could move in...today are tomorrow?  Unless you have other plans, yes?”  If Matthew took time bringing his things over, Roderich would have ample time to pick up his detritus.  Hopefully he could learn to be more proactive on that front.  It wasn’t likely but he would try.

[redandwhiteboy]

Baked Goods || Roderich & Francis

[redandwhiteboy]

While Francis’s lips were smooth and light, the kisses left Roderich feeling heavier.  He no longer wanted to stand the civility of something as domestic as drinking a coffee; the anticipation had filled his stomach with nerves and speculation.  Roderich was anxious to continue this and took another sip of his drink.  It was already less hot than it had been and felt thick in his throat.  “We could go now,” he said, taking a note of Francis’s breathy tone.  His own voice slightly betrayed him, taking on a softer whisper than the decisive inflection he’d meant.