(no subject)

[wanderingsin]

Sin rushes home to shower and change his clothes, texting Athelstan as he goes.

Sorry, long night at school. I'm on my way to you now. <3 Sin

He looks at himself in the mirror, noting the bags under his eyes. He hesitates a moment before grabbing a bag out from under his sink. He hasn't worn make-up in a while but he still has some stashed somewhere. He manages to find some concealer, using just enough to tidy himself up.

Dressing a clean outfit, rather more casual than normal seeing Athelstan won't care what he wears, he dashes downstairs, a slice of toast between his teeth as he pulls his jacket on.

A quick bus across town and he's standing outside Athelstan's building, tapping the buzzer lightly.

Comments

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan buzzes him up, already having a good idea of who it is.

[wanderingsin]

Sin comes bouncing up the stairs, looking much refreshed. That coffee might have kicked in finally. He knocks on Athelstan's door, smiling warmly. "So sorry I'm late."

[athelstanthescribe]

"These things happen", Athelstan says easily. "I might just keep you later if that's all right."

[wanderingsin]

"Oh, of course, Athelstan." Sin smiles, shedding his shoes by the door. "You can have me for as long as you need. I have my day cleared for you."

[athelstanthescribe]

He smiles back.

"Then you'll be free for whatever you want when we're done."

[wanderingsin]

"An afternoon off. What an odd concept." He tries very hard to sound serious. "You know, I'm not actually sure I'd know what to do with myself."

He shakes his curls. "So, where and how do you want me today?"

[athelstanthescribe]

"I'd like to work a bit more on this one", he says, indicating the picture on his easel. "Just the finishing touches."

[wanderingsin]

"You'd like me back in that pose?" He nods, stepping behind a curtain to undress.

Despite the fact he trusts and likes Athelstan, there's always that moment of trepidation as he undresses. Pushing past it, he steps out and onto the little podium.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan has noticed, and never rushes him.

He moves to start work.

[wanderingsin]

And Sin appreciates that greatly.

Normally Sin can sink into a distance headspace, just drift off into his own thoughts. But today his thoughts seem to roil, tangling around those two chance encounters with the mysterious Dr. Fell.

[athelstanthescribe]

The silence continues for a while, as Athelstan goes between focusing on his painting andoccasionally glancing over it at Sin.

[wanderingsin]

Silence is fine. Sin knows he's here as Athelstan's model, not his friend. He's being paid to be a shape, a texture, a colour. And fortunately, he's good at it. Even if a frown slips across his features every now and then as his mind replays this morning's conversation.

[athelstanthescribe]

Conversation can - and will - come later, but for now he's in the zone.

Right up until he sets his paintbrush down.

[bigarmy_strangepants]

As he is dashing, he dashes almost into Ragnar -- big and grumpy and smelling of sweat and engine oil.

"Moin," he says, which is probably an approximation of 'morning'.

[wanderingsin]

"I really have to stop running into you like this." Sin smiles, taking his slice of toast out of his mouth. "Did you vanquish whatever mechanical dragon had the audacity to challenge you?"

[bigarmy_strangepants]

"That bloody boiler," Ragnar says. "It stopped working at eleven last night, and I've been mollycoddling it ever since. People need their shower water hot in the morning, after all. I relit the bloody thing at least a dozen times. She should get a proper professional."

[wanderingsin]

"Would it help if I pointed out you're my personal hero?" He bats his lashes sweetly, the effect rather ruined by the spot if Nutella at the corner of his lips.

"I'll try talking to Mrs Dallas if you like. She might listen to me." Sin's not above using favoured status to everyone's advantage.

[bigarmy_strangepants]

"Yep," Ragnar nods, "I can only babysit the boilers, not really sustainably repair them."

[wanderingsin]

Sin rests an gentle hand in Ragnar's sleeve in a rare moment of touch. "Get some rest if you can, Ragnar. I'll talk to her as soon as I get home. Thank you for looking out for us."

[bigarmy_strangepants]

RAgnar yawns hugely. "Good thing I've got today off."

[wanderingsin]

"I get paid today. How about I cook you dinner tonight to say thank you?"

[bigarmy_strangepants]

"No need to thank me," Ragnar says. "But. Erm. Yes please!"

He looks very happy and hopeful again.

[wanderingsin]

Sin chuckles softly and nods. "I owe you for the coffee the other day. A meal I can do." He flicks his hair back. "I really must go but I'll see you this evening. We can eat on the roof, under the stars." Because there's no way there's enough room in his flat.

[bigarmy_strangepants]

"Ring my bell when you're ready," Ragnar says. He smiles gratefully at Sinric, says "Thanks," and slouches off, still weary from the night of boiler-sitting, in the direction of his own apartment and bed.

[wanderingsin]

{ooc: adorable. Poor Ragnar.}