Back to the Beginning
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ℭaspian let out a breath, steadying his thoughts before answering. “Favourite tea?” He rubbed his thumb along the seam of his sleeve, thinking. The fabric was slightly frayed there; he’d picked at it during a boring day. It was habit from days when he had nothing better to do than pick at the little imperfections in his clothing “Probably peppermint,” he decided. “It’s sharp enough to wake you up, but not so strong."
“Shows, huh,” he murmured when she shifted the topic. The corner of his mouth twitchd. “Can’t say I see myself in the spotlight. I think I’d probably be better at watching than being watched.” He rolled his shoulders back, sinking a little lower in his seat as he spoke. It wasn’t that he hated attention, but the idea of performing for others, of standing where everyone could see him, felt foreign.
Caspian blinked once, adjusting his gaze as she mentioned the bright orange tea. His interest flickered, his head tilting a bit to the side. “Bright orange tea though — never heard of that one.” His head tilted slightly, curiosity flickering through his expression. He didn’t phrase it as a question, but his tone invited explanation nonetheless. “What kind is it?”
When she mentioned the trolley lady having hot water, Caspian gave a slow, deliberate nod, thoughtful. He shifted again in his seat, stretching one leg out a little as the pins-and-needles sensation of sitting too long in one position began creeping up his limbs.
“Honestly? She probably does,” he said, before giving a little shrug. “If not… we’ll figure something out.” He leaned his head slightly against the back of the seat, thinking. He let his gaze drift again to the window, where the countryside blurred past in streaks of green and gold.
He didn’t know why, exactly, but to him, the trolley lady was terrifying. Asking her a simple question feel like a gamble. A gamble he wasn’t sure he’d win, and one he'd probably end up regretting.
His gaze flicked back to the compartment door, as though half-expecting her to materialize right then. Thankfully, she didn’t.
word count --> 352
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Back to the Beginning
"Hmm peppermint? Good choice, that one's really good although sometimes the peppermint flavor is to faint for me." Ellie smiled, this boy she had run into on the us seemed like the perfect distraction from life at the moment, talking about tea instead of thinking about the events of the summer with her Grandmother.
Oh why did she have to think about that for a small fraction of a second, now her brain was hooked. What would he next family gathering be like with everyone? Would Christmas be the same? Where would they even celebrate Christmas? Her house? Caspian's words cut through her train of thoughts, dragging her back to where she was none, the train car, headed to Hogwarts. Ellie took in a sharp intake of breath, clearing her head. "A critic, maybe? The excitement of shows, and pretty much getting paid to watch things..." Ellie laughed softly then stared out her window, why did she keep giving ideas to some who she had no clue of their history?
"It's blood orange," Ellie said simply, no sure what else to say, "It's really bright and sometimes tart, perfect to jolt you awake. And perfect to share with your Grandma as you talk about drama at school.
She followed Caspians gaze the the train door, as if he was waiting for the trolley lady to appear as they where talking about her. "You're right, I wouldn't put it past her not to. Next time, I'll bring some tea and we can ask."
Word Count: 252
Sorry for the wait!