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Post by Arthur Kirkland on Jun 19, 2011 7:06:04 GMT
Smiling at the offer, Arthur looked at Alfred. He wondered if he was more creative than he thought and just hadn't had a chance to express it before. "Well, people have different talents. I can't draw people, and you're a lot better than I am am at talking to people. I'm sure we can find something for you to do, though." He reassured him.
"I was thinking around that age." Arthur agreed with a nod. "I just don't want a kitten that I'll have to litter train or will destroy all my stuff." All right, perhaps he just didn't want a cat that would be too much effort, but he would love the cat that he got more if he did it that way. He glanced at Alfred at the comment, and then smiled. Alfred would be cute with a cat on his lap. He seemed like an animal person. He guessed that he was more of a dog person than a cat person, though.
As they reached the new house, Arthur fumbled for the keys. Pulling them out, he unlocked the door and held it open so the young man could get in easily despite the box. "Um. You can just dump that in the kitchen for now and we'll deal with it later." He suggested, before remembering the sketches and leaning in to grab them off the top. "Are you sure you'll be okay doing the second coat in my room while I start on this?"
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Post by Alfred Jones on Jun 19, 2011 8:24:25 GMT
Either way, once he finished the painting, while the coat was drying he'd go down and wash the cupboards and kitchen before putting the stuff away. He'd be making himself useful that way! Smiling at the thought, he hummed as he listened to Arthur.
"Lazy." He pointed out, but he was teasing him very obviously. Once they arrived, Alfred just waited as Arthur opened the door before following him in, nodding. "Hmn? Oh, yeah, I'll be fine! It'll be really fast, I promise." He smiled at the other, and then carried the box on in to the kitchen, setting it on the counter.
Once done with that, he brushed off his hands then headed on into the living room, getting the paint color that Arthur had chosen, and smiling at him. "I'll Join ya in a bit then! " And with that he was up the stairs, into Arthurs bedroom and getting the paint ready to be put on the wall.
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Post by Arthur Kirkland on Jun 19, 2011 20:01:27 GMT
"You don't have to rush." Arthur reassured him. He didn't want Alfred to make any mistakes. Or get any paint on the carpet. Then he would have to replace it and that was an expense he hadn't counted for. As he didn't need to get anything from the sitting room, he headed upstairs with just a pencil, a rubber and his sketches, though when Alfred came up the stairs, he peeked his head round the door to look at him. "If you need me, just yell." He reassured him, before heading back inside.
Arthur started with the trees themselves, setting them out so they were nicely spaced, then started to work on the details in between. He'd realised he'd need the ladder to finish off the ceiling, but he planned on waiting for Alfred to do that, not sure that he wanted to stand on a stepladder and draw on the ceiling when he was still feeling a little light headed. At least if Alfred was there he could... catch him or something. Hopefully.
Just getting the trees in took a couple of hours, though, since once he was happy with where they were placed Arthur went back and started to add in detail. He was actually focusing for once, singing softly as he concentrated, lost in his work and not really paying attention to what Alfred was doing.
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Post by Alfred Jones on Jun 26, 2011 23:15:23 GMT
"I won't, I'm just fast at painting 's all cause I've done it so much." He smiled as he called back, but then settled to his work. Of course, halfway through he had an idea...It wouldn't be hard to fix, but he thought he should show Arthur that he could do something artsy too! With that in mind, he headed down and, amazingly, found some saran wrap in one of thedrawers, left by the people before.
Sneaking back upstairs, he finished with a wall, then stuck the saran wrap on. It took around twenty minutes, but then slowly the wrap was pulled off..Perfect. Smiling, he stood, the trotted on out and then into Arthurs room. "Hey Arthur, look at this thing I did!" He said, eyes bright and looking a bit like a child.
Once Arthur was following him, he smiled a bit nervously, like hemight be told off for doing it. "If you don't like it, I can just paint over and fix it easily, but theres only one wall done right now anyway..." And once they got there, he showed Arthur the wall which, with the use of the wrap...It looked like water reflecting onto the wall, a rather pretty effect.
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Post by Arthur Kirkland on Jun 30, 2011 11:36:44 GMT
Arthur jumped when Alfred reappeared in the room and looked at him. "Oh?" He said, surprised. He couldn't think of what Alfred could have done, but he finished off the branch he was doing before putting his pencil down. He tucked it behind his ear, then trotted over to him, letting Alfred lead him through to his room.
As he took in the effect that Alfred had made, Arthur gasped. It was beautiful! "Alfred, it's gorgeous." He murmured, going to get a closer look. "How did you do it?" He asked, glancing back at him. He almost reached out to touch it, but then realised it was probably still wet. He wondered if it would look as good if it was on all of the walls, but then decided he liked it on just the one. "Thank you." He murmured, brushing his fingers over Alfred's arm as he moved away from the wall.
"Come and see what I've done in the other room." He said, leading Alfred back into the other bedroom so Alfred could see his sketching so far. "I know it's not done yet, but what do you think? Do you want me to change anything?"
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Post by Alfred Jones on Jul 7, 2011 23:13:28 GMT
"Uh, it's basically a painters trick. It's really easy to do, but not many people really like the effect for something on walls. Usually it's used in actual paintings...But, I thought I could show you it, and if you like it I could leave it there, or paint over it and put it on the ceilin' for you. Thought that it might be a cool trick." He smiled, rambling a bit, a show of his nervousness about doing something not told.
That Arthur seemed to like it did relax him though, and he perked before nodding with a smile, following him. Moving in closer to see the pencil strokes better, he looked along the area, not really finding anything that needed to be changed. "No, it's really cool, Arthur...You could probably sell landscape paintings pretty easily, you know that?" He asked, eyeing him with a smile before he paused at one of the thicker trees. It was on a wall near a corner where it'd be good to place a headboard against. "...Actually, could you make this one like...A really, really old tree? Like really stout and large." He requested a bit meekly, glancing at the other like asking for that would cause a horrible reaction.
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Post by Arthur Kirkland on Jul 9, 2011 22:11:51 GMT
"I'd like it on the celing." Arthur said, instantly, eyes lighting up. That would be nice to lay in bed and look up at, like there was water beneath him. It was a little cute to hear Alfred's nervous rambling too. He liked it best when Alfred spoke for himself, though it was nicer when he was more confident. Arthur trusted in Alfred (mostly) it would be nice if Alfred could do the same.
Shaking his head at that comment, Arthur looked at what he'd done. "I'm not that good." The suggestion made him smile, and he gently patted Alfred's shoulder, trying to reassure him. "I think that's a good idea." He agreed. Stepping forward so he was shoulder to shoulder with Alfred, he eyed the tree that was already there, then moved in. He started to sketch around what he had already, so the original outline was inside the new one. "There, something like that?" He asked, looking back at Alfred.
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Post by Alfred Jones on Jul 13, 2011 10:26:56 GMT
The reaction admittedly made Alfred smile, and he nodded. "I'll paint over that and then get everything done then.." He murmured before he smiled to see the trees. The closeness made him a bit tense, but after a few minutes he did relax a bit, at least enough to faintly lean himself against the shoulder on his own. Once the new outline was done, he looked it over and smiled, nodding. "Yeah, that's perfect."
He figured Arthur could make it look older when he painted it anyway...Looking at the other, he smiled again. " Anything you need me to do or help with before I head on back to the other room then?" He asked, moving back just a bit. It was still an odd sensation to have someone even close to him, so he was still trying to get used to that it seemed.
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Post by Arthur Kirkland on Jul 17, 2011 8:12:06 GMT
Arthur felt Alfred tense against him, but figured it was about time that he got used to at least some contact. Arthur wasn't hurting him, and Alfred could move away if he really needed to. He was more pleased to feel him relaxing, though. Maybe one day Arthur would be able to hang out with Alfred without constantly having to worry where he was putting his hands.
Pleased by Alfred's approval, Arthur smiled, and tucked his pencil back behind his ear. "I will need your help to do the ceiling and some point." He said. "But go finish the other room first, and hopefully by then I'll have got all the detail done where I can reach." He let Alfred step back, turning round to face him. Glancing at his wristwatch briefly, Arthur realised that it'd be lunchtime by the time they finished, but had no intentions of pointing that out to the other man. Maybe he'd forget about it.
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Post by Alfred Jones on Jul 18, 2011 16:00:18 GMT
Eyes moving around the room, Alfred nodded a bit before looking at him and smiling. "I'll use the step-ladder then and make sure to get over here as quick as possible. " He paused when he glanced at his wrist watch and made note to check what time it was on his phone in a bit before he turned and headed out to get the step ladder and get started.
It really didn't take all that long to cover up the remaining wall and then start on the ceiling, though it was a bit of a lengthy process because he'd have to keep moving the ladder. He also ended up getting paint on his cheek, arms, and hair. However, he finished soon enough, and picked up the ladder to take into the other room, smiling brightly at Arthur. "Done~ How's it coming along?"
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Post by Arthur Kirkland on Jul 19, 2011 11:49:50 GMT
Looking up when Alfred emerged, Arthur took in his messy state and sighed. "You're an absolute mess. I hope you haven't got it on the carpet." He said, though he didn't sound too annoyed and there was a trace of amusement in his eyes. "You're not going to be any help like that. Go and wash up." He glanced up at the waterfall, which he was almost finished with. "By then I should have finished what I'm doing and I'll be ready to start the ceiling."
He turned back to go back to work, but then stopped, and looked back at Alfred. "If you'd put the kettle on for some tea I'd appreciate it." He added. He didn't want to eat, but tea sounded good right now. A nap sounded better, but tea would do for now.
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Post by Alfred Jones on Jul 20, 2011 20:41:10 GMT
"I'm a mess because I was keeping paint from dripping!" The younger man replied, still just honestly looking like a puppy who had rolled in mud and was so proud of itself it had to show it's owner. Pouting, Alfred stuck his tongue out at he said that, but turned. "Alright, alright." He'd heard the thing about tea at least.
Once in the kitchen, the kettle was fished out and filled with water before set on the stove. While it was being heated, he used the somewhat large sink to wash himself, not caring about getting his shirt wet. It'd dry, after all! He finished getting mostly cleaned up by the time the kettle was whistling, so he just got a teacup out. "Arthur! The waters ready!" He called, wanting him to take a break from his work as well.
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Post by Arthur Kirkland on Jul 25, 2011 15:14:45 GMT
Blinking when Alfred called up to him, Arthur tucked his pencil behind his ear, looked around once again to make sure he really was finished, then headed downstairs. "I know that you know how to make tea." He said, frowning a little at Alfred. Still, he moved forward to make up a pot of leaves, pouring the water into that and setting the tea cup to one side for now.
Once that was done, he sat back and looked at Alfred. "Aren't you cold?" He asked, eyeing his wet shirt, then made a noise. He squirmed out of Alfred's hoodie and held it out to him. "Here, put this on instead." He didn't really need it inside the house anyway, and he could always take it back once Alfred's shirt was dry.
"I've finished everything that I can reach." Arthur said, as he looked at the pot, waiting for it to brew, then started to move around, putting a tiny drop of milk in the bottom of his tea cup and finding his tea strainer. He poured himself the cup, then leant against the counter, waiting for it to cool now. "I don't know how you want to do the ceiling? I might... get a little dizzy." He said, flushing. Luckily there wouldn't be too much to do. "Will you be all right with staying close so I won't fall?"
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Post by Alfred Jones on Jul 25, 2011 21:08:30 GMT
"Yeah, but we brought a few different teas so I didn't know which one you would like." He pointed out with a smile, watching the process as Arthur got his tea all ready. Still, he accepted the hoodie back and stripped his shirt off, setting it on the counter to dry. "Better." He murmured, giving Arthur a smile.
"No problem, I don't mind holding the ladder and stuff and being near incase you need savin' again." He chuckled, smiling at the older man. "As far as the ceiling though, what do you think of treetops and stars?" he asked, curious. It was a vision he had in his own mind, the top already turned to night while the western side of the room's sun would be starting to set.
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Post by Arthur Kirkland on Jul 26, 2011 19:23:00 GMT
That was a fair enough point, and Arthur nodded. "If I don't specify, then any will do." He told him, and he was pleased to see Alfred take the hoodie. At least he wouldn't have to worry about him getting cold. "Good. Keep it if you want." He told him, with a small smile.
Glaring at Alfred when he remarked about being saved, Arthur huffed. "I won't!" He just wanted Alfred there in case. He was pretty sure he could manage it, but... Still feeling lightheaded he wasn't sure of anything. "I think that sounds great." He agreed. "I'll draw the treetops in first, then we can see what's there space for." He offered.
Picking up his tea, he sipped from it now, and looked at Alfred. "Don't you want a drink?" He asked, surprised. He was a little surprised - but grateful - that he hadn't mentioned eating either. He might have told Alfred to eat something if he hadn't been worried that he'd make him eat if he did.
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Post by Alfred Jones on Jul 29, 2011 2:32:52 GMT
Playfully h stuck his tongue out at Arthur, not concerned with the others 'maybe's. Shifting to adjust the hoodie, he smiled at him liking the idea and nodded a little, thinking that of course made the most sense. However, at that being pointed out he blinked then shook his head with a grin. "Nah, I'm fine. B'sides, I'll just have something at lunch."
Oh he had not forgotten, not at all. But he wanted to finish off the basics so it felt like they had goten a lot done today! Smiling, a thread was picked off his hoodie before he stretched out and, lazily, flopped to sit on the kitchen floor. "Mm...Lessee, what were we planning on having for lunch again?" he asked, closing his eyes as he attempted to recall. He'd been concentrating on giving the ceiling the effect so much that it had slipped his mind completely!
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Post by Arthur Kirkland on Jul 29, 2011 22:34:56 GMT
A small frown grew at the mention of lunch, annoyed that Alfred had remembered, but he didn't comment. That would just end in an argument, and he didn't have the energy for that at the moment. Maybe later on he'd be hungrier, but some how he doubted it. He leant on the counter to sip some more from his tea, and shrugged a little at the question. "Sandwiches?" He offered, though he didn't sound sure.
Straightening up, he looked at Alfred, then offered him a hand to help him up. "If you want to stop for lunch we should really go and make a start." He said. He'd be happiest if they got at least the first layer of paint on today, and that meant finishing the sketching as soon as possible.
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Post by Alfred Jones on Jul 29, 2011 23:04:10 GMT
He could see that frown, but he didn't comment either. It was a bit annoying how much Arthur was fighting him on this. However, he hummed, then nodded, smiling up at him. "Sounds good." He praised, and stretched his arms out, playfully poking him on the leg. Well it seemed he was getting a bit more comfortable around the other again, albeit slower than before.
Accepting the hand carefully, he nodded at the statement, and after stretching more he hummed. "Alright then...Lemme go check on your room and I'll bring the ladder on over to you." He said happily then jogged on up the stairs. The paint still needed some time, so he ended up just taking the step ladder out with him into the room, and set it down before looking at Arthur as he entered. "Where d'ya wanna start first?"
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Post by Arthur Kirkland on Aug 4, 2011 22:12:15 GMT
It was nice to see Alfred more comfortable around him again. Eventually he might even get to the point where they could relax together without Arthur constantly having to worry about scaring him off again. It'd be nice to see Alfred in that state. Arthur would be happy to know that he had at least one safe place to go to.
Following Alfred at a more sedate pace, Arthur sipped from his tea. In the bedroom, he was still for a long while, looking around the room, taking another opinion of it now that he'd been away from it for a while. It was difficult to have a good opinion of anything he'd done, but Alfred seemed happy enough with it and he didn't want to redo it now. When Alfred reappeared, Arthur gave him a small smile. "Why don't we start by the door?" He suggested. They could do around the edges and then work into the centre.
While he waited for Alfred to set up the ladder, Arthur set his tea down on the windowsill. He climbed the ladder cautiously, glancing down at Alfred as he did so. He was putting a lot of trust in him for this. He was more scared of falling than he wanted to admit. Taking the pencil out from behind his ear, though, he did relax again after a while, getting to work.
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Post by Alfred Jones on Aug 13, 2011 13:42:38 GMT
A smile was given to Arthur as he returned, and he glanced up before nodding and closing the door. Setting it up, he made sure it was sturdy before he waited for Arthur, rolling his shoulders faintly as he waited, letting Arthur move at his own pace while he kept his hands on the side, steadying it. Once Arthur was up and, apparently, relaxed, Alfred did as well, though he curiously watched as Arthur sketched out the tops of the trees.
The entire process took around another two more hours, and not once did Alfred let Arthur feel like he might fall, remaining sturdy and alert for if something might happen to cause him to slip. Once they had finished though, and Arthur was off the ladder, he stretched his arms out and sighed happily as his shoulders popped faintly. "Lookin' good, Arthur. Lookin' real good." He decided after a long glance around the room.
"..Lunch time though!" he said happily, and smiled at him, tugging him by the sleeve to follow him. "Store time~ And you know you're gonna be eating a bigger meal than you did breakfast this time." He warned him, giving the other a look. Obviously the older man wasn't getting out of his eating this time.
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