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Tweak says, "walking fast faces don't pass"

Theodore Nott (nottfinished) wrote in finnigans_rpg,
@ 2015-05-25 19:03:00

Entry tags:

character: charlie weasley, character: theodore nott, status: complete

Who: Charlie & Theo
What: Another bout of somnambulism
Where: The streets near Wingbeat
When: Late Saturday night
Rating: R - language, mentions of bad things

Things hadn't been going too badly for Theo lately, so he was due for a setback. He'd moved out of the hovel he'd been in before to take over the room offered to him by Milly, looking after his friend's house while she was away, and that alone had helped him feel a lot more settled. He'd been unsettled with the situation with Greg and the idea of anything happening to his friend in the same way that something had happened to him had made him sick to his stomach and had probably kick started his latest bout of insomnia. His paranoia had been higher than usual, although he hadn't realised it. He hadn't been able to sleep very, well too keyed up to relax and plagued with shapes and shadows that moved in the corner of his eye but weren't there when he turned to look, voices that spoke to him nonsensically that stil managed to make him feel threatened.

He'd been up for three days by the time his body finally called it quits and he more collapsed down and lapsed into unconsciousness than fell asleep. It wasn't a restful disappearance from the conscious world at all though and he was up and walking around in a bout of somnambulism like he hadn't had since the previous year. It led him to wander around Milly's house, mercifully avoiding tumbling headlong down the stairs, and out into the night dressed in soft black pyjama bottoms, a heather grey hoodie and nothing else, his feet bare against the floor and bleeding by the time he'd made it from Milly's into town. He wandered like he was high or drunk, bumping into objects and rebounding off them from time to time, his tearing feet leaving little footstamps of blood in his wake.

There was no rhyme or reason behind his sleeping decision to make his way towards Charlie's club, unless his sleepwalking worked on some weird remembrance of the last place he'd Apparated to. It hardly mattered where he was physically though, as in his mind he wandered through the halls and corridors and rooms of the Nott House, made even more monstrous and dark in his dreams as they had been in reality, looking over his shoulder in utter sweat-soaked terror for the man who had tyrannized him in childhood and could strip him of any feeling of security even now. Even as he stumbled down the nearly empty street towards the club he still looked over his shoulder like he was being pursued.

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hopalongcharlie
2015-08-29 09:24 pm UTC (link)

When Theo actually let out a chuckle Charlie had paused and given him a huge smile, mightily relieved that he'd managed to get a positive sound from him. It only lasted a second or two though and he carried on with his story and his task.

"Oh, it will, I just haven't used any in a while, and I was always more likely to need burn cream anyway, and that shit smells awful," he said, scooping some onto his fingers and beginning to apply it to Theo's feet before they started bleeding too much.

"Anyway, when I first got Echo he wasn't exactly used to the whole human with only one real leg thing, and since I don't always put my prosthetic immediately sometimes in a morning had three legs and yet he still liked to wind himself around them in search of food. I managed to trip a couple of times." He paused and looked up, remembering how Theo had reacted to his fall in Diagon Alley. "I was completely fine, just a couple of bruises to my arse and my ego, but there is almost no way you can stay angry at a cute kitten for more than about twenty seconds. Well, I can't anyway, so my flatmate appeared more than once when I'd crashed down and she was worried by thump to find me sitting on the kitchen floor telling my cat off in a silly voice."

Applying salve was easier, quicker and less potentially messy for the floor than the cleansing potion and Charlie moved easily from one foot to the other. He might have missed a few of the tiniest cuts that weren't actively oozing blood any more, but all the bigger ones had been dabbed. He grabbed the cloth he'd discarded and wiped his fingers clear of the last of the salve.

"He's used to the prosthetic and the crutches now though, so that's okay. I could do without him deciding my head is the best place to sleep though. It's warm, sure, but a touch too warm really, and sometimes breathing gets a bit interesting." Mostly Echo managed to be at least part on the pillow, but once in a while Charlie awoke inhaling cat hair and had to push him out of the way.

"Bandages next?" he suggested brightly.

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ooc: I'm sorry it's only a small one :s

nottfinished
2015-08-31 01:13 am UTC (link)

Theo was a bit concerned even in the midst of sleepy terror to hear that Charlie used burn cream more often. He twitched a bit as Charlie began to rub the salve into his feet, but it was just a small automatic reaction and Theo was pleased he hadn't yanked them back and fired a Hex at Charlie - not that he had his wand - or something equally embarrassing and rude. Charlie was distracting him with tales of his cat again though and Theo's mind was happy to focus on that even if Theo's curiosity and concern thought otherwise.

That concern did overtake his concentration when Charlie mentioned falling though, but Charlie reassured him - a little anyway. He was a little amused to imagine the image Charlie painted but he couldn't find it too funny when Charlie had fallen. He wondered what Charlie's cat looked like and he nodded to the bandages in favour of asking. "What's he look like? Your cat?" he clarified, as though he needed to. Charlie had absolutely done the right thing by bringing Theo's curiosity into the equation.

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ooc: Noo problem. I'd got a bit wordy!

hopalongcharlie
2015-08-31 03:27 pm UTC (link)

The flinch at the start of the salve hadn't been entirely unexpected, but it hadn't continued so Charlie had just continued as if it hadn't happened.

He picked up the first of the bandages and managed to miss the end the first go around, causing him to frown for a couple of seconds before he found the end with a little triumphant sound. He started wrapping from the top of Theo's foot making sure not to wrap too tight. These bandages were more of a covering than the sort of compress and support that might be needed for a twisted ankle.

"He's mostly black, with a couple of white patches. I've managed to not make him fat yet, so he's still all sleek. He's just about full-grown now, I think, but only just. I adopted him from a litter Luna Lovegood rescued," he said, wrapping carefully. He did have to wrap around Theo's ankle too, just to make sure his heel would be covered.

"I have Nebula too, of course," he said. "She's my owl and she's great, but she'd probably not be pleased if I left her out." He knew he'd sent a note to Theo once, but he couldn't remember if it had been by journal or by owl. He finished the first foot with the quick application of the provided magical grips that would keep it secure.

"Because I lived so far away I got a big owl, so she's an eagle owl, and she's never minded long flights, but she seems to be okay with city life, and I think she's pleased with the lack of dragons to beware of unless I send her out to one of the people I know out there," he said.

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ooc: that's why I love you and you are better than me

nottfinished
2015-09-04 12:14 am UTC (link)

Theo was relieved and grateful that Charlie hadn't said anything about his flinch, choosing to carry on as though it hadn't happened, as though Theo was a normal person who had just happened to sleepwalk until his feet were burger. He watched as Charlie methodically and neatly wrapped his feet in bandages while he spoke. Theo's infinite curiousity was exacerbated when it came to animals and he soaked up the details, smiling at the picture Charlie made; that was one cat that had fallen on it's feet though.

Theo wasn't sure if the owl Chalie had sent to him had been via Nebula, but he was interested. He flexed his toes a very little when Charlie finished bandaging one foot, impressed at the job Charlie had done even if the experience of having someone else care for him like that was a strange one. "I've always liked eagle owls." he mused. "I've got a melanistic barn owl though; he's got a bad temper but he's fast and stealthy and he does a good job."

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ooc: Pft. I just had a lot of stuff to write about.

hopalongcharlie
2015-09-04 04:44 pm UTC (link)

"Oh, very nice," he said admiringly when Theo mentioned his owl. "I've got to admit that barn owls are gorgeous, but I'll stick to Nebula. She can be a bit stuck up though, I'll admit. Well, stuffy. She's perfectly content as long as you treat her right, which I do."

He wrapped the second bandage with the same efficiency as the first, all the while telling another story or two about his animals. When he finished for the second time he smiled and resisted the instinct to give Theo's foot a gentle pat as he would when ministering to most beings or beasts he had just finished patching up.

"All done," he said brightly and looked at the small amount of collected detritus before vanishing the bloody cloths he'd used to catch the cleansing solution with a quick, verbal spell. "Feel free to take your feet down. I doubt that position is all that comfy." The salve pot still had a certain amount still in it and he made sure it was properly closed. He'd already stoppered the cleansing solution so that was ready to pick up.

After a few seconds of debate Charlie decided the easiest way for him to get up was to slide off his stool and onto his knees before grabbing the stool around to help him stand. He did it carefully, one leg at a time, but easily enough.

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ooc: yeah, but also you're awesome!

nottfinished
2015-09-04 11:37 pm UTC (link)

For some reason, Charlie's approval of his owl made Theo feel like he'd done something good and was being praised for it. He was immediately uncomfortable with the pleasure and concentrated on what was happening to his feet instead. "I'd definitely have an Eagle Owl if I didn't have my boy." he agreed. "If you have a mouse half for him he'll let you stroke his head until he's finished eating, if you want, if I send him over." he offered a little awkwardly.

He found himself listening to Charlie's voice and fighting the urge to fall into a kind of sleepy doze, the sound of it soothing and making him feel secure which was unheard of for him, especially when he was so vulnerable. He was surprised when Charlie had finished, drawing his feet back and testing them out. They were sore but in a vague and distant way, definitely not bad enough that he couldn't walk. He pressed them to the floor and gingerly added weight to them, standing slowly until he was upright and shifting his weight from one to the other. By the time he'd finished Charlie was getting up and as much as he wanted to lend a hand he didn't want to humiliate Charlie or make him feel inadequate, although he certainly didn't see him that way. "Thank you for doing this for me." he said again, his expression a bit amazed like he couldn't quite believe that he'd been helped. "I'm really sorry that I put you out. I'll pay you back for the salve and the bandages and things."

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ooc: And so are you! :)

hopalongcharlie
2015-09-05 12:33 am UTC (link)

"Well it depends on how he feels about cat-caught mice, which are what most of the ones I have around are these days. Mostly I freeze the ones Echo catches and presents to me, which makes for a handy treat for visiting owls. Nebula refuses to eat them, but like I said she's stuffy." He shrugged, the intricate dance of his two animals and their unique personalities didn't bother him in the slightest. "But he's welcome to come over," he said.

He smiled warmly at Theo as he stood, recognising that Theo was standing easier. "You're welcome, but it really wasn't much trouble. And there's no need to pay me. Really," he emphasised. "It's the club's supply. Better used on you than some annoying bastard who manages to catch a glass just as the unbreakable charm's wearing out and makes a fucking mess because he got in a fight or was too drunk to hold his glass." Charlie winced. He was definitely getting tired if he was talking crap about the customers to people not on the staff.

"Now," he said, "I believe I said you were welcome to the Floo." He gestured to the small fireplace in the corner. It could be used for travel but he usually only used it for meetings or deliveries. Anyone flooing in when the office was empty would find themselves stuck unable to reach another part of the room (thus foiling theft attempts). "I have powder around here somewhere. Although I'll be fucked if I can remember where," he muttered, scratching one cheek slightly as he thought. You're welcome to either floor away or ask someone to come and help you home from outside the doors."

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ooc: you make me happy when skies are grey

nottfinished
2015-09-05 12:49 am UTC (link)

Theo laughed. "I don't think he minds where the mice are from as long as they're mice. He's a bit of a mean-spirited guy though, once that mouse is gone fingers are free game." he warned.

He nodded that he wouldn't pay Charlie back per se, but if a new box of bandages and salve turned up for the club from an unknown benefactor later on, well, Theo wasn't going to say anything. He wasn't happy to hear about the kind of jerks that frequented the club though, not when it put Charlie in danger. He was already concerned about his friend's wellbeing and didn't like the idea of him being near anyone ready to glass another person upside the head.

"Thank you." he said first. "Were you going to Floo home? I can walk back if it's trouble." he offered sincerely; he'd managed with worse before, and Charlie had looked after his feet well enough that he didn't think the walk home would be too taxing.

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Re: ooc: you make me happy when skies are grey

hopalongcharlie
2015-09-05 10:00 am UTC (link)

"Oh, I wouldn't worry," Charlie said, holding up his already scarred hands. "I've been bitten by worse than a grumpy owl," he said. "Hand weaning dragons is no joke, little bastards bite through gloves if you've not got decent ones on!" His hands weren't heavily scarred, but there were a few old puncture marks here and there which had persisted. The ones from gnome throwing as a child had thankfully all long faded.

He scrubbed his hair ruefully. "Sorry, I'm getting grumpy," he muttered as he realised he was complaining. "They're mostly not so bad, and I've only had one person actually get as far as attacking anyone with a broken glass so far. Unfortunately full body bind doesn't discriminate about the fact you're holding a broken glass when your arms snap in," he said. "Makes a bloody mess. Literally."

Shaking his head Charlie grabbed his coat and swung it back on. "No, I've gotta go back through and put the wards up again. I mostly have stuff incoming through the floo rather than outgoing. Works fine though." Suddenly he remembered where he had hidden the floo powder and grabbed a small, wooden box from one of the shelves and offered it to Theo triumphantly. "Here. Well, assuming your house has a connection."

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nottfinished
2015-09-05 09:40 pm UTC (link)

Theo wasn't happy to see Charlie's scarred hands, even if it was caused by animals Charlie had been trying to help. "I'll scold him if he bites you." he assured.

He smiled a little bit as Charlie apologised for getting grumpy; he hadn't even noticed. "I think you're entitled to complain about rowdy patrons causing problems in your own bar." he pointed out.

"Thank you." he said, taking he little box of powder. "There's a Floo I can come through, yeah. Are you sure you don't want some company on the way out?" he was a little worried about leaving Charlie out on his own this late at night, mindful of what he'd said about the area, and guilty about parting without walking Charlie out as well.

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hopalongcharlie
2015-09-05 10:18 pm UTC (link)

"Oh, I'm sure I'll survive," he said. And probably not tell Theo if the owl bit him. It was possible, in theory, to train owls out of biting, but it could be a tedious process and a bit hit and miss in how effective it was sometimes.

"Yeah, I try not to though. Not the best business practice really."

Charlie smiled and shook his head. "No, I'll be fine. Once the wards are done I apparate home anyway. It's a bit past walking time, and I only do that to start winding down anyway," he said. "Thank you for the offer though."

He flicked his wand at the fireplace to light the fire, just enough so it would flare for the Floo and then be easy to put out again.

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nottfinished
2015-09-22 08:51 pm UTC (link)

Probably, but the owl needed telling from time to time. It wasn't that it was ill-trained or antisocial per se, just that it had been through the wringer even before Theo had gotten him as a small fledgling and it had never really recovered from that; Theo was happy with him as long as he was limiting his biting to his owner and not his owner's friends though.

He was relieved that Charlie wouldn't be walking home and nodded that it was okay. He hesitated before he took a pinch of Floo powder, visibly tired from having been up and about while asleep and still ginger on his healing foot. "Thank you for everything. For being so kind." he said one last time, before he put the powder box down, stood in the fireplace and Floo'd home.

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