claude-rains-blog

[claude-rains-blog]

I know. Can I use yours for class? I'll pay you back or something.

l lost my textbooks.

  Those are kind of important you know.

[claude-rains-blog]

Let's do it now then.

  Whenever is good for me, I usually don’t have plans.

[claude-rains-blog]

I think you'll be just fine. 

Give me a day, and we can work on it together.

  I might be a terrible student though, just a heads up, haha.

[claude-rains-blog]

When you have a mind like mine, everything is under risk to be lost.

l lost my textbooks.

  I’m sorry, but how does one lose their textbooks?

[claude-rains-blog]

l lost my textbooks.

God damn it...

[claude-rains-blog]

I know, people are just kind of iffy about people asking them about their personal lives, let alone their sexuality..

If you understand what I'm saying.

[claude-rains-blog]

Although Claude was not directly looking at Liam, he knew that there was something off going on within Liam. A sort of tug and pull in his being. Claude eyes darted to Liam occasionally as he saw his hand tense and his eyes darting around the city as people passed. Claude did not think it was weird, or he was weird, he was just slightly worried for Liam. Something was going on in his head that was making him worried, and Claude sincerely hoped it was not him that was making him anxious.

"Yeah, it's this one right here." he said, pointing to a small coffee shop. They walked across the last street before finally arriving at their destination. Making sure that Liam was behind him, Claude gave a reassuring smile and patted him lightly on the shoulder. "I'm glad you were able to come out with me. I really appreciate it." He grabbed the rusty door and opened it, walking inside the coffee shop.

Claude walked to the back of the shop, where it was slightly more empty. He sat down on one side of the table and pushed a chair out for Liam with his feet. His eyes watched his body language carefully, not wanting to make him more anxious or nervous than he already is. "The reason why I like it here is because it feels so homey. And everything is really cheap, but extremely good." 

Hanging Out || Claude & Liam

  Liam inhaled sharply when their gazes caught and he was given a wide smile. It was hard to resist the urge to turn and look behind him and see who that smile was really for. But he did resist, and even managed to push a little more life into the one resting on his lips. See, not so scary. He mentally tried to chide himself, though the man’s next words made it apparent that Liam’s nerves were as obvious as he feared. Flushing slightly, he hurried to follow the other down the stairs, previous bravado failing as they walked away from the only building he knew. “To die for” kept bouncing around in his head and he was desperately trying to ignore it. There was no coffee in the world he wanted to die for. He knew it was just an expression, but his nerves had latched on and were bolting with it.

Falling silent, he kept a careful eye on their surroundings. He was wary of being led anywhere too dark or narrow or past anything that looked like it might be hiding people. It was irrational, Liam knew it was. There was no reason in the world for him to be suspicious of his new acquaintance, but he couldn’t shake it. Talking would probably help but he couldn’t come up with a single topic to toss out. His mind wiped blank in his focus to keep an eye everywhere all at once. Though he’d enrolled in self defense classes before coming here, he was still only 5’ 9”ish (stretching slightly) and of fairly slight build. All the holds, kicks, and jabs in the world probably wouldn’t hold up against a couple of athletic guys. Sighing slightly in relief when he noticed something that looked vaguely cafe like approaching, he started mentally hoping that that was in fact where they were headed and that he could pass his nerves off as the same any would have in an unfamiliar location. Or something.

This time when his gaze flicked left, he caught the profile of the man walking next to him. As much as he didn’t want to even go there - somewhere along their walk he’d stopped keeping an eye on every one of his moments. Which was just about as relaxed as Liam got around people these days. He’d probably still startle embarrassingly if a sudden move was made his way, but Claude’d become less a threat than everyone else around them already. “Are we close?” he finally forced out, resolving to ask more later. Like if it was safe around campus or if … why didn’t he remember that open displays of tolerance were also double edged swords. People could flock to protest. Did anybody in the surrounding area hate the school, students, and what it stood for? Were there shops and such he should avoid? Oh, God. What if - no. What ifs were bad. Liam needed four walls and a door, now-ish. His nerves were starting to temper into panic and that was …. not the impression he wanted to make. 

[claude-rains-blog]

I understand. I just was wondering why you preferred Gender Neutral housing instead of regular housing.

And, I don't know how to ask this, are you.. into guys or girls or.....? Help me out here..

[claude-rains-blog]

I have a question for you. I really hope you don't get offended.

Why are you in gender-neutral housing?

[claude-rains-blog]

Well that sucks a lot. I'm sorry.

Maybe I should tone down the weird around here a little bit.. At least until I have some friends. 

In other news, I hear there’s a roommate for me. That means I don’t get to walk around naked. Mixed feelings about this. 

[claude-rains-blog]

Claude stood in the noiseless entrance, watching as car after car passed the big gated school. His eyes watched each car intently, imagining the sounds of their engine revving, tho sound of the cars coming to a full stop, the sound of the wind hitting Claude's face. After a few moments, Claude sighed and sat down on the steps of the entrance, holding his head up with his arm. People longed for a moment of quietness all of their life, Claude longed for a moment of noise. One sound, whether it be a footstep or an explosion. Just one sound.

Claude closed his eyes. and sighed again. One thing that he really appreciated was that no one even knew, unless he told them. No one knew that he was deaf at all. Apparently, he speaks well, and he understands people almost perfectly. He was adjusting himself into what he thought was a normal lifestyle, but that wasn't enough. The thrill to hear only for one moment was something that Claude longed for.

Claude eyes darted open when he felt small steps coming down the stairs slowly. He turned around and smiled widely when he saw Liam walk down the stairs. Claude saw his hands shake gently, and his Adam's apple in his neck tremble gently. He couldn't help but chuckle at the other's nervousness. It was actually a little adorable.

"Thank you for coming." Claude said. He nodded his head and turned on his heels and began walking down the stairs of the school. "It's this way. It's not far at all, and I promise their coffee is to die for."

Hanging Out || Claude & Liam

Out of all the things Liam had expected to happen on his first night meeting someone who wanted to not only lend him a helping hand, but then…keep hanging out after - never even crossed his mind. As much as he had decided to view this as a clean slate - fresh start- he realized in that moment after his absolute shock had faded that he hadn’t extended the same courtesy to himself. He wasn’t a freak here. The hate he was used to being directed his way was gone. For now, anyway. Maybe it was time to stop looking over his shoulder and bracing for the other shoe to fall. Though he couldn’t ignore the sinking feeling that that was going to be easier said than done. He had to at least start trying.

So he squared his shoulders, held his head high, managed to track down someone for a room and found his roommate either missing or gone when he arrived. Two lucky breaks in one night? Liam was on a roll. Showering quickly because it’d been a long drive and an even longer week he changed back into jeans and a sweater, casual but unsure how cold it could get here once the sun went down. Checking his time, he had a quick moment to text his mom that he’d made it in once piece and he’d call her sometime soon. Which he would. Probably. Pocketing the phone and double checking he had his wallet and his new key, he paused, nerves getting the better of him as he stood in his own doorway.

What was he doing? Keeping his head down and going from school to his car nearly got him killed and now he was going to let a stranger take him out somewhere in an strange town? How stupid could Liam be? Was he that arrogant to test fate twice? Pulling back he closed the door, retreated a couple steps and stared at the door handle for a long few seconds. Here you’re not alone. Claude was taking as much a chance on Liam as he was on Claude. Neither knew the other and yet if Claude could find it in him to throw enough caution to the wind - Liam could match it, right? They’d been talking about coffee so it’d be somewhere public - Liam didn’t want to be alone anymore. That’s why he’d done everything he did to get here. Fear wasn’t going to hold him back anymore. Chin up, he opened the door, raked a hand through his hair and resolutely made his way to the entrance that Claude’d mentioned. Sending a small hopefully not shaky smiley towards the now-familiar face, he waved a little, sticking his hands in his pockets. “So… lead the way?” 

[claude-rains-blog]

I understand, I totally understand. I'm sorry if I got confused.

Coffee sounds pretty sweet. Go pack your things and meet me in front of the entrance in one hour. I know a place that you might enjoy.

Peace old life...

  I didn’t mean- sorry. It just wasn’t a thing that happened at my old school. It took me by surprise. 

Oh. I was trying to … I didn’t mean me, per se. You just said you didn’t like strangers much. And I’ve been trying hard to keep an open mind these days. Especially about new people so I was trying to share my philosophy? But yeah. Is there a coffee shop you like around here or - something else you like to do? 

[claude-rains-blog]

Yeah.. why wouldn't I want to not hang out with you? You seem nice, even though I talked to you for like three seconds.

Well, I hope you're one of the good things that will happen, maybe? We never know until we hang out.

Peace old life...

  … you wanna hang out? With me? 

Ok. I mean. Yeah, sure. Please. Whenever you want. Strangers are kinda like luck though. You never know what you’re going to get, but some will be good and some’ll be bad. Law of probability and all that. 

[claude-rains-blog]

Oh, that's good. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

I was just kidding. My music isn't about anyone in particular, just playing and singing just to do it.

  Not at all, I actually really enjoyed it. 

Well, frankly, I’ve known you for a day. I don’t think were there yet. 

[claude-rains-blog]

Yeah, sure. No problem.

Let's hang out, yeah? Don't be a stranger, I kind of don't like strangers.

Peace old life...

  … that… I’m not quite sure what to say to that. 

But that’s very reassuring. And now I’m trying really hard not to thank you again. I guess I’ll see you around then? I should probably go see someone about my room assignment. 

[claude-rains-blog]

Oh! I.. I didn't hear you walk in. W-was I too loud?

Oh.. thank you so much.

Nope, not anyone in particular. Why? Do you want it to be about you?

-chuckles-

Beautiful. You singing that to anyone in particular?

[claude-rains-blog]

No, you'll find new kids everywhere. You'll never be alone here.

Yeah, it's cool. Cool people are here. Always smiling and stuff. I think you'll like it.

Peace old life...

  Really? That’s a huge weight off my chest. I was afraid I’d be the only new kid.

Thank you for showing me. Are you liking it here so far?