[Event]walks out of class and pulls out phone, hesitating before texting Søren. [Hey, that Hans Christian Andersen class is in two days.]
groaned as he lifted his head off a table in the library and checked the text. He was instantly awake when he read it and smiled. [Seriously?! I'll totally be there. This'll be awesome!]
starts heading to the library to drop off some books. [I can't promise it will be the most interesting class. He could make anything dull and boring.]
yawned and rubbed his eyes. [I will never fall asleep if it involves HCA. Even if he just talks about his life. I really love HCA....]
steps inside and drops the books in the return bin before heading to the literature section. [You even make up nicknames for him? Ah, you must be a fangirl.]
rolls his eyes. [It's just his initials. Not much of a fangirl.] He checked his watch and sighed, starting to pack up. He wanted food.
smirks faintly at her phone. [Being a fangirl is nothing to be ashamed about.]
chuckled. [It is when ye're a grown man whose goin' into the medical world. But I'm not ashamed. I grew up with his stories, and I admire him more than my far.]
picks a book off a shelf and heads to the check out desk. [Well if you go into pediatrics it might actually be useful.]
walked with his bag on his back, smiling a bit. [That'd be a great idea. I might work with them once I graduate, it depends on if I have the marks to get to the real tough stuff.] He yawned again and almost
walked into her, but managed to stop just in time.
glances at his text and doesn't notice him right away as she steps away from the desk and nearly runs into him. "Oh... hello."
smirks a bit. "Hej. Long time no see..." He stepped back to give them some space. "Tak for the warnin', seriously. It kinda made my day."
shrugs. "I figured you'd want to know."
nods a little. "Ja..." He ran a hand through his hair and sighed. "So what're ye up to?"
puts her book in her bag. "Just picking up my next book for another class."
hums. "Well... do ye have some time now? We could go out for lunch or somethin'. Get off school grounds."
blinks at him and shrugs. "I guess I could, I don't have anything planned right now."
smiles. "Awesome. Where do ye wanna go? Or should I pick? I know a great place that makes awesome homemade soups. A nice treat compared to some of the food here."
starts walking out of the library. "That sounds good. I don't know of too many places around here."
walked beside her, glad she didn't seem to mind. "I've mostly been told by people. But I have checked this place out, and it's awesome. Do ye wanna drop anythin' off in yer room, or just go now?"
shakes her head. "I've just got some books and my place is on the other side of campus."
nodded as he headed towards the place. "Awesome. I'm starvin'." He was glad to get out of school, even if he'd worry later about studying.
thought he seemed so careless, it was weird thinking of him as one to spend all his time studying. "You should probably eat more small meals then so you aren't starving."
shrugs. "I have snacks now and then, and sneak food into classes. I do try my best... it just isn't good enough."
eyes him. "It sure doesn't look like you are going starving." She realizes that she's kept her eye on him a little more than usual and she quickly looks away.
glanced at her and smiled. "I don't know if I should take that as a compliment or insult. Either way I should start eatin' better and actually have proper meals." He thought the way she acted was a little cute.
stares at a few buildings as they pass them. "That's always a good goal to stride for."
sighs. "Ja. It'd be nice to have home cooked meals. I can't just keep goin' to this place though, sadly..."
"Do you live on campus? I know some of the dorms have kitchens you only share with a few other people."
nods. "Ja, I do. But I don't have a kitchen. I just have a basic bedroom, bathroom, and a tiny room for all my study things. Some times I try to get to others rooms though, ones who have kitchesn."
glances back at him. "Maybe you could try getting one next semester? I like having mine, it's pretty convenient."
smiles. "Ja, that's a thought. I'd enjoy cookin' my own stuff. I just wish I knew how to cook well. I was never taught, and I'm a bit too busy to read up recipies..."
shrugs. "It's not that hard to make some of the basic stuff."
hums as he opened the door of the restaurant for her. "I can make spaghetti. That's 'bout all."
steps inside with a small nod. "That's better than nothing."
asked for a seat for two and the waitress brought them to a window seat. He glanced through the menu, really wanting soup...
glances over the menu and occasionally looks outside. She figured she'd get some soup since he had recommended it.
decided on that too, going with a heavy and warm soup. He gave his order once the waitress returned, eager to eat.
places her order as well and reaches into her bag to pull out a book.
watched her as she did that. "Ye gonna catch up on some work, or read up for the next class?"
blinks at him before putting the book back away. She wasn't used to eating with other people. "I'm going to read it when I get back later."
smiles and shakes his head. "I wouldn't be offended if ye wanted to read. I'd never discourage anyone from wantin' to get ahead of their class."
shakes her head. "No, I should just focus on this right now."
nods at that. "Whatever 'this' is, afterall. It'll take them a bit to make the food. So what do ye wanna talk 'bout?"
shrugs and glances out the window, watching a few people walk by. "'This' is lunch."
smirked a bit as he glanced outside as well. "Ja, that's true. Just lunch."
turns to watch him instead.
continued to watch the people outside, watching how they interacted with each other. He found it interesting...
"Was there anything you wanted to talk about?"
shakes his head. "Not really. Just thought it'd be nice to eat, and then I bumped into ye. Seemed like a good idea to invite ye."
nods slowly and looks back out the window.
crossed his arms lightly on the table. "Do ye miss home?"
glances at him and shrugs. "Every once in a while. But I need to focus on school right now so I try not to think about it."
nods a little. "Ja, me too I guess."
tilts her head a little. "Do you go back often?"
shakes his head. "Nej. It's a shame, but it's also a blessin'."
watches him for a bit before drinking some water. She had remembered how fondly he had told her about it before.
did love living in the country... just not really with his family.
figured that was probably the situation.
smiled when the food came, licking his lips. "This'll be delicious. Fresh veggies, meat, everythin'."
lets her soup cool a bit before starting to eat.
blew on his lightly each time he took a spoonful. He hummed happily, hoping she liked this place as much as he did.
thought it was pretty good. She hadn't had really good soup in a while, she usually just made herself canned soup to save time.
thought a meal like this was needed once in a while, just to escape school life and worries, even for just a few moments.
tried to make nice meals but usually ended up too busy or tired from studying.
hummed a little. "What if we made meals for each other? Not like a date or anythin', but small study groups. One could study while the other cooked, then studied after."
glances at him and raises an eyebrow. "Trying to get a free meal out of me?"
blinks before shaking his head. "Nej, nej! I'd learn to cook too. Nothin' too fancy, but I'm sure I can learn how to cook some traditional Scandinavian meals... it'd be good I think. Then neither of us would
be alone."
brings a hand up to her face to hide a brief smile. "I was joking. I could probably show you how to cook a few dishes if you would want."
chuckled to that as he ate a bit more. "I'd... I'd like that. It'd be nice to know there's someone to chat with occasionally for non-homework related things."
nods and eats some more soup. "I wouldn't mind that."
smiled as he stired his soup. "M'glad... really..." It was something that would really brighten his spirits.
shrugs. "It'll save me some cooking so it's really no trouble."
nods. "I'll pay for my ingredients too, so ye don't have to worry 'bout that. We'll have awesome dinner study parties... I can't wait." He finished off his soup as well as his water.
hides another smile. "And it'll keep you from starving hopefully." She finishes her own meal. "You were right, this was pretty good soup."
nodded, glad that she was happy with it. "This can be our treat once a month. Just to escape the busy life of school. " He pulled out his wallet as he asked the waitress for the bill.
nods slowly as she reaches for her own wallet as well. "I will look forward to it."
hums and nods as he paid his half. He'd generally want to pay for both, but figured that'd seem too much like a date.
pays her half. She didn't mind paying and wouldn't have let him pay for her.
got up once they were done and headed out, holding the door open for her. "I guess it's back to school now, eh?"
steps outside, nodding a small thanks and heading back towards the campus. "I guess so. Back to studying."
walked beside her and nodded. "Ja. Can never study too much, eh?" He liked her company.
sighs a little under her breath. "I guess not." She liked his company as well and was starting to feel comfortable around him. "Though if anyone does, it's you. Are you constantly studying or something?"
nods. "Not that I like it, but I need to. The more I study the more confident I feel. I guess it helps myself mentally more so than anythin' else."
shrugs. "Well I guess if it works for you. I don't know that I could spend that much time studying."
chuckles. "I don't seem to burn out, which amazes me. Besides, as much as I'd enjoy a social life, I don't fit in."
tilts her head. "Really? You seem to be very social, why wouldn't you fit in?"
shrugs. "I guess it's 'cause I don't socialise a lot, so if or when I get out I just go to the extreme."
blinks at him, a slight expression of disbelief on her face. "Did you socialize a lot when you were an undergrad?"
shakes his head. "Nej. I was focused on my marks. If I hadn't, I'd not be where I am today." He didn't feel like he missed out really, but he didn't mind the party life.
had trouble seeing him as the type to stay home and study. She just figured anyone who was bold enough to talk to strangers would obviously be an annoying, party happy person. "Hmm."
just really liked to talk to people who talked to him. He sighed as he stopped walking, needing to head another direction to get to his room. "So... I'll see ye again, ja?"
blinks up at him before shrugging. "You'll be in class for the... HCA lesson, ja?"
smiles and nods. "Ja. I made sure to keep that time open from studyin'. I'll be there right before it starts. I promise~"
nods and gives a small wave. "You don't have to promise me anything."
shrugs as he waved back. "Regardless. I'll be waitin' for ye~" He watched her a bit before leaving for his room. He wanted to nap a bit before studying.
watches him for a bit as well before turning to head to her own place to study.
got to his room and dropped his book on the floor before crashing onto his bed. He hadn't felt this good in a while. He had a full stomach and just felt warm.
gets to her room and tries to read a book for class but keeps getting distracted.
couldn't even seem to fall asleep to nap. He pulled out a book to study, but he wasn't able to concentrate on it...
tries to focus but eventually gives up and packs her book into her bag before heading out to take a walk.
gave up and got out of his room, heading outside to have fresh air. He wasn't used to this...
starts walking through campus, watching a few other people walk by as she makes her way towards a garden.
took out his phone to text Gjertrud, but decided against it since he didn't want to seem desperete. He sighed and just wandered around the grounds, wondering if he'd meet anyone new.
sits on a bench next to the garden, enjoying the smell of the flowers. She liked to come here to help herself relax and hoped she'd be able to focus. A buzzing comes from her bag and she quickly reaches for-
her phone and checks it, sighing in annoyance when she sees it was just a text from her roommate. She puts the phone back and pulls out the book. For some reason she had hoped it would have been a text from-
Søren.
sighed and gave in. He pulled out his phone and texted her. [Hey... ye... are ye busy? Or are ye studyin'?]
sighs again and grabs her phone, annoyed. She blinks at the message in surprise. [So I can only be busy or studying?]
smirks a bit. [Nej... I was just curious. I'll text ye later.]
frowns to herself. [I'm not busy or studying. You can text me now.]
smiled a little at that. [Awesome... I just couldn't study. Or rest. Not sure why. Just overall unable to concentrate.]
stares at her phone for a bit. [So... what did you want to text me about?]
frowns a little as he had no reason to. [... I have no reason. I just wanted to. Sorry...]
makes a small laughing noise under her breath. She thought it was kind of cute that he thought of texting her when he couldn't focus. [No reason to apologize, I don't mind. It just seemed like there was-
something specific.]
bit his lip a bit. [... Do you wanna hang out some more? Unless you have other plans tonight. I just figure... maybe we can talk about HCA?]
stares at her phone for a bit before replying. [Sure, I guess I could but don't you have studying?]
wiggled a bit at her response. [I can afford a night of not studyin'. Or I could idle study with ye...]
[So when do you want to meet up and where?]
hummed/ [How 'bout now? And... I don't know. Outside? It's a nice night. We can maybe see the stars tonight.]
glances around. [Meet me at the garden next to the physics building.]
smiled and put his phone away as he walked towards the area. He knew even if he brought his books he wouldn't study, not with her around.
puts her phone away and sits back on the bench, looking at the sky and watching as a few stars started to appear.
showed up not long after, smiling a bit. "Ye sure were here quick. Were ye waitin' long?"
glances at him. "No, I was here when you texted me."
blinks a little and nods before sitting beside her. "I can't blame ye. It's a great night. Not cold, no bugs, and no clouds. What else would make it perfect? Besides the Northern Lights, that is."
watches him for a bit before looking back to the sky. "Maybe a little bit of snow would be nice. Just enough to dust the ground."
smiles. "Ja. I love snow. So much fun, and perfect 'cause to keep warm it's best to cuddle with someone."
..."Or wearing warm clothes or sitting around a fire or staying indoors."
chuckles. "Ja... that too. But I'd prefer cuddlin'. Body heat is the best kind of heat. But that's just me.
*"
glances at him from the corner of her eye. "I'm sure you have plenty of people to cuddle."
shakes his head. "Nah. Ye're pretty much the only one I've talked to her. Other is a squarehead who's got his mind full with law, and the other is a teacher. And reminds me of myself, so that's kinda not a an
option."
tilts her head. "An option for what?"
smirks. "Cuddlin' with a teacher. M'not like that. I wanna keep my public and private life as far apart as possible."
stares. "But... I would be an option?"
froze for a moment. "Well... to be honest, ja. Ye would be." He figured it was better to be honest than to try and lie his way out of this.
didn't know how to react to that. She didn't like the way he put it but she was flattered. She watches him for a bit before looking back at the sky, glad it was dark out.
didn't mean to be so forward and awkward about it. "Sorry... A little outta my place to say such a thing, eh?" He laughed it off and looked to the sky. "What a great view of the night."
shrugs and follows his lead, staring at the sky. "Ja... This is beautiful."
Søren
was
glad she didn't seem too creeped out by what he said. "Have... have ye ever wished on a shootin' star?"
kind of liked the idea of cuddling with him. "I guess when I was little. I haven't recently."
nods a little. He'd never pass up a cuddle buddy. "I guess that's good... at least ye're hopeful when ye're young. As long as reality isn't cruel, ye'd have no reason to doubt yer wish or dreams..."
"What about you? Have you ever wished on a star?"
smiled faintly. "Way too many to even count."
glances at him. "Did you see a falling star just then?"
shakes his head. "Nej. I've kinda given up. Ye can't wish for things in life. The only way ye're gonna get somethin', is if ye work yer heart and soul into it..."
shrugs. "That doesn't mean you can't wish for something. Wishing alone won't do anything but it will give you more determination."
hums. "I wish to be a great doctor." He looked to her after with a smile. "How's that?"
blinks at him before nodding. "I guess that will work."
nods. "S'the only hope I have now. Which is why I'm always studyin'. I need to do good, so I can start my life..."
frowns faintly. "I'm sure you can do it. You seem very dedicated and passionate about it."
wiggles a bit. "M'glad ye think so. I really wanna do my best. No one's had faith in me, so I've had to live off my own determination."
glances at him. "You know what you want to do and you have a plan on how to do it. That's already better than most other students here."
sighs. "Ja... I guess. It's still hard to know what I have to go through though. Or what I had to go through."
shrugs. "I'm sure you'll figure it out."
nods a little as he kept his eyes on the sky. He didn't know what else to say.
"It's getting a little colder outside."
frowns a little and nods. "Ja... I guess we better get inside."
...sighs under her breath. "I guess so. It's still nice here, though."
kept staring at the sky before slowly putting his arm around her.
freezes but doesn't move away, glad he picked up on the hint eventually.
just wasn't sure if his mind was wandering or if she wanted it. He was glad she didn't move away, and in fact shifted closer to her to hold her against his side.
leans into him a little. "Hm, maybe we can sit out here a bit longer."
smiles. "Ja. I didn't wanna go in anyways. Not yet..." He tightened his hold on her a little, though was still gentle.
hums faintly. "Me neither." She barely holds back a smile, enjoying the closeness.
found this somewhat foreign, but overall needed. He was silent after, not wanting to ruin the moment. It was too nice to pass up.
wasn't used to it but she figured that Soren was. It was nice, though and she liked it more than she thought she would.
leaned his head on hers a bit, his eyes still focused on the sky.
blinks in surprise but smiles, bringing a hand up to cover it.
glanced down to her and smirked. "Are ye smilin'?"
elbows him gently and lowers her hand, a faint smile still on her face.
chuckles quietly. "I like it... makes me think m'not oversteppin' yer boundaries."
glances at him. "Of course you aren't. If you had, trust me, you would have known right away."
smiles. "Good. The worst thing I'd wanna do is make ye uncomfortable."
hides another smile. "I will let you know if that happens."
nods. "Please do..." He let out a long sigh, not getting cold yet.
hadn't gotten cold yet, either though his arm was keeping her warm.
sighed quietly. "It's gonna be cold in my room when I get back."
glances at him. "Do you not have heating?"
shrugs. "Not anythin' decent. I have to put it up all the way and it takes hours to heat up a tiny side of the room."
tilts her head. "Maybe you should talk with someone in the dorm staff about it."
nods. "Ja, I've been meanin' too. Just too busy with school and what not."
sighs faintly. "You should probably tell them before it gets any colder. You can't just spend winter cuddling to keep warm."
shrugs a bit. "I might not need to... I might find a cuddle buddy before it gets too cold."
"Even though you are supposedly too busy to ask dorm staff about the heating?"
hums. "Well, a cuddle buddy would be warmer. It'd mean I'd not have to talk to the dorm staffin' people. And two people would be happy instead of one, right?"
pinches at his side. "But you and your cuddle buddy would both be warmer with working heating."
jumped a bit at that and rubbed his side. "True... But then I can't use the excuse that all I need is a cuddle buddy."
sighs. "Well I certainly wouldn't be your cuddle buddy if you don't have any heating."
frowned instantly at that. "I see..."
blinks at him, a little surprised that he looked so upset over it. "So are you going to do something about it, then?"
"If it means ye'd be my cuddle buddy, I'd go talk to 'em right now."
sighs under her breath. "Then I suppose I will have to agree to that to keep you from freezing this winter."
chuckles quietly as he rubbed the side of her arm. "Ye don't have to agree to anythin'. It's fine, I'll just talk to 'em tomorrow and get proper heatin'."
blinks at him. "I know I don't have to agree but I am anyways."
looks back to her. "So... ye'd actually wanna be my cuddle buddy?"
shrugs and looks away, not wanting to admit it outright.
took the silence as acceptance. "My place or yers?"
glances back at him quickly. "Just cuddling... But my roommate's out a lot...."
nodded. "Ye have my word it'll be nothin' more than cuddlin'... and if ye're not comfortable at yer place, we can go to mine. But it's a bit messy..."
"My place is... cluttered." She kept it immaculate but her roommate was always complaining about the amount of books she kept around.
shrugged. "We can go to my place then... but we should decide soon. M'actually gettin' cold... either way, we'll have to go to someone's first for clothes."
starts to stand up. "My place has heat. But I don't know that I'd have a sweater that you could wear on your way back."
stands up with her. "Let's just go to yer place. I can handle the cold to get back to my room."
frowns faintly. "Are you sure?"
smiles and nods. "Ja. I'll just run if I have to. But even if it's icy out I'll be fine. I'm used to it..."
sighs quietly but starts walking towards her dorm. "Fine, but if you get frostbite, it's not my fault."
shrugs as he started following her. "I know how to treat it, so I'd be fine. Don't worry 'bout me~"
"Hmm, maybe you'd get extra credit in a class for successfully treating it." She leads the way to a building and holds open a door for him.
chuckled and walked in. "If ye say so. Or I'd just be a practice subject for other students to see where I went wrong."
steps in behind him and heads for a hallway. "Well if you aren't going to be able to do it properly, I don't know that I could let you go out in the cold."
laughed quietly. "I'll be fine, don't worry 'bout me. I'll manage..." He looked around as he walked with her.
pulls out a key and starts to open a door. "Like I said, it won't be my fault either way."
nodded as he waited. "I won't hold ye accountable, don't worry. It's my own risk for what'll happen. I'll still consider ye a friend~"
sighs dramatically. "So I would be demoted from cuddle buddy." She walks inside and sets her bag down. The walls were covered in bookcases and piles of books were strewn neatly around the room.
blinked and flailed. "A-ah, if ye'd want I'd still be yer cuddle buddy..." He blinked some more and looked around. "Woah."
follows his gaze and looks at the books. "Ja.... A little cluttered..."
smiles and shakes his head as he went to go look at the spines of the books. "Nej. This is awesome. My place is a mess. This place is just full of knowledge."
walks over to a small kitchen area and shrugs. "I like it... my roommate does not appreciate it as much. You like coffee, ja?"
ran his finger down some of the books. "Mm? Oh, ja. I do."
starts to make some coffee. "You can borrow a few if you'd like."
hummed. "I'd only be interested in the children's book ones... and maybe a few Nordic stories."
walks over and glances over a few stacks. "I don't remember where I put the children's books..."
shrugged as he took his hand of the books and looked to her. "It's okay, I don't need them now. It's just awesome to see so many books here... have ye read 'em all?"
shakes her head. "The piles over there I haven't read yet. But I've read most of the other books."
nodded and chuckled after. "That's impressive. I wish I could have read this much. I'd probably be acin' classes without issue."
"There aren't many medical books in here." She heads back to the kitchen area and starts finishing up the coffee.
followed her to the kitchen. "Either way. I'd still be better off..." He smiled at the smell of the fresh coffee.
pours two cups of coffee. "Hmm, it's only been useful to me in my literature classes."
thanked her for the coffee and sipped it. "I like this environment. It just feels nice... bein' surrounded by books. S'nice."
nods slowly. "'S why I brought all of them." She watches him for a bit before sipping at her own coffee.
walked around a little, checking out the rest of the apartment. "This place is nice. I could get used to it."
watches him over the edge of her cup. "You aren't moving in."
smirks and nods. "Ja, I know. But it's still nice to see another persons place..."
shrugs and walks over to him. "You've obviously never visited one of the frat dorms."
hums. "I don't get out much. I'm either in the library, or in my room. Sleepin' and studyin'... that's it."
blinks at him before sipping at her coffee again. "You need to get out more." Not that she was any different...
sighs. "I would. But... m'just paranoid 'bout school." He sipped more coffee. "This is good. And it's nice and warm."
moves a few books off the couch. "Ye can go out every once in a while and still do well in school."
nods a bit. "I guess that's why I'm here, isn't it?" He smiled and walked over to the couch, helping her move some books before taking a seat."
takes a seat next to him. "I mean, more than just this even."
sighs. "I know I can... but I don't feel comfortable. It's terrible, once I'm out I regret it 'cause I feel like I should be spendin' my time studyin'."
stares at the ceiling. "Hm... maybe try planning times to go out? If your grades slip, you can cut the time."
smiles. "Ja... that's a good idea. But ye realise I'd be spendin' all that time with ye, ja?"
turns to blink at him. "...Really? I'm sure there's plenty of other people on campus to socialize with."
shrugs. "There might be, but no one in my field has the same mentality as me. I like to talk and have fun, and talk 'bout stories. They're pretty much only into medical games and keepin' to themselves."
"I keep to myself and usually only read books, I'm not any different from that."
nods. "Ja, but ye talk to me. I've never hit it off so well with someone before..."
blinks at him before looking away and sipping at her coffee, hiding her embarrassment.
sips a little more of his coffee. "Besides, I wanna get to know ye a bit more..."
coughs faintly to cover up the fact that she nearly choked on her coffee.
frowns as he looked to her. "Sorry... am I talkin' too much?"
shakes her head. "No. I just... I've never had anyone say that to me before."
smiles a little. "Ah... I'm just bein' honest..."
blinks at him before slowly leaning on him.
smiled more as she did that and allowed her to. He had a little bit more coffee before putting his arm around her again.
tries to act casual and finishes her own coffee.
hums quietly. "Ye can kick me out whenever ye want... I don't know when yer classes are tomorrow. I have one 'round noon."
shrugs. "It's my slow day tomorrow."
smiles as he looked to her. "So we can have a late night then. Awesome."
glances up at him and nods. "Yes, we can."
finishes off his coffee and put the cup on the table. "And I'm energised now. Got any good stories to tell me?"
blinks at him before setting her cup down as well. "I'm not very good at telling stories..."
shrugs. "Well, ye can practice with me. I don't mind, I love hearin' stories either way."
fidgets. "I can go find a book to read to you."
chuckles. "If ye want... it'd be kinda nice."
hesitates before standing up and looking through a stack of books.
smiles a little. "Tak... I feel like I'm askin' a lot of ye..."
shrugs. "I'm just not used to reading out loud."
hums quietly. "Well, I can read the next story for ye. That way it's more fair."
finally finds the book she was looking for and pulls the fairy tale anthology out. "Hm, but you like talking so it's not quite fair."
smirks. "How 'bout I read the next three stories then?" He couldn't seem to take his eyes off her as she found the book.
glances over her shoulder at him. "Hmm, maybe. We'll see."
realised he was staring at her for a bit longer than normal and quickly looked away. "... I can cook ye dinner tomorrow too or somethin' to make up for it?"
....smirks for a brief second and stands up slowly. "I suppose that will have to do." She walks over to him, taking her time.
glances back to her. "... Unless ye have somethin' else in mind that I can do to repay ye?"
shakes her head. "No, that would be fine. I wouldn't have to cook tomorrow so that's nice." She sits back down next to him.
smiles a little. "Tell me what ye want then. Doesn't have to be tonight, but text me tomorrow and I'll make sure to get all the ingredients." He hesitantly put his arm around her again, getting close and comy.
nestles into him and brushes some of her hair back behind her ear before opening the book. "I don't know what you can make. Surprise me."
chuckles as he looked over the pages. "That might be dangerous. What if I make somethin' that ye can't stand?"
"I still won't have to cook." She moves so that her back was to him and he'd have to look over her shoulder to see the book. "You shouldn't read as I'm telling you the story, you'll get ahead of me."
pouts at that but nods. He put his arm around her waist to keep them close before closing his eyes. "I'll just listen to ye then. Get lost in the story."
glances at him and hesitates before focusing and starting to read the story.
leans his head back on the couch as he listened to her. He liked listening to her voice, finding it almost soothing in a way.
didn't really like reading out loud but she does her best, trying to focus on the story rather than how much she liked the feel of his arm around her.
smiles as he listened to her, getting easily lost in the story. "Ye have a great narratin' voice." He glances shyly over to her. "Just sayin'."
blinks in surprise. "I do not think so. I used to read to my little sister but that was a very long time ago."
shrugs and closes his eyes again. "I guess from not talkin' so much ye save yer voice for what really matters..."
...hides a smile behind her hand. "And reading stories is of vital importance."
smirks. "It is. Stories are like dreams. Ye can just escape and be someone else for a day..."
hesitates before leaning up to kiss his cheek lightly.
blinks his eyes open before looking at her, a blush quickly forming on his cheeks. He was surpised, as well as confused.
just wanted to see what it would be like and how he would react. She blinks and moves away, though, a little surprised herself. "Ah, I'm sorry."
smiles and shook his head, tightening his arm around her. "Nej, don't be... It felt nice."
watches him closely before relaxing again and turning her attention back to the book, her face the lightest shade of red.
took a slow deep breath before relaxing his hold on her a bit, though still kept it there. He couldn't fully focus on the story now, just her voice and what she had done. It made his night.
felt a bit embarrassed about it and wondered if she had been too forward. She wasn't used to holding back when she wanted to do something. When she finishes the story, she takes a deep breath.
pulls her closer before leaning down to peck her cheek lightly. "Ye're a good reader..."
freezes at the peck. "I... thanks." She hadn't expected that at all.
thought she deserved it for the good job she did. "Want me to read a few stories now? I won't keep my back to ye, so ye can read along if ye want."
blinks at him before passing him the book. "Ah... sure. I won't read along though."
nods as he took the book and found a story he recognised. "I'll try not to bore ye." He started reading, making different voices for the different characters.
leans against him as he reads, enjoying the voices but pretending as if she didn't even notice he was making them.
didn't take long to finish one story and glances over to her. "Want me to read another?"
shrugs. "If you want to."
nods and found another to read. He really got into any story easily...
watches his face as he reads. She thought it was nice how invested he was getting into the story.
always believed stories were an escape, and he couldn't get over how much fun he had with them. He never told stories out loud either, but it was fun.
keeps watching him, smiling faintly. She'd never really met anyone who enjoyed reading this much.
just misses talking like this. He did it for a bit, but that was quickly changed. He wanted to relive those moments.
hesitates before sliding an arm around him and looking at the book as he reads.
smiles wildly and didn't skip a beat, though his heart might have. He was really enjoying this, and felt comfortable around her.
can't help but smile as she listens to him and reads along.
finished that story not too long after and smiled shyly up to her. "How was that?"
hums under her breath. "I really think you would make a great pediatrician..."
chuckles quietly as he closed the book for the moment. "Tak... I'll... I'll consider it. It would be nice to brighten up their days, and make 'em laugh... It can really make a difference."
cuddles into him. "You did really well with the reading."
blushes and put his arm around her. "Tak, again. I think it's important that kids are inspired, motivated... or just have an overall positive life..."
reaches up to hold his hand, nodding slowly. "Ja..."
smiles and took her hand lightly in his. "I want everyone to have a positive life... and I'd do almost anythin' to make that happen." He rubs his thumb on the back of her hand, looking down at them.
squeezes his hand lightly, watching their hands as well. "That's very admirable... No wonder you are so driven with your studies."
chuckles quietly. "I had a terrible childhood, so I want to do right for all I can... I work better with kids anyways. So... I guess m'doin' this for them."
frowns faintly. "All the more reason I think you would do well with them."
smiles a bit and tightens his hold on her hand. "Tak... m'glad ye think so... I can at least get along with kids better than adults."
shrugs. "I'm sure you could get along with adults, too."
shakes his head. "Nej. I don't seem to understand 'em as well. I can act professionally, but I can't get along with 'em. S'a reason I was glad to get to know ye so quickly. This hasn't really happened before."
"You were so forward it was difficult not to get to know you quickly."
frowns a bit. "Sorry... it normall drives people off, but I can't seem to help it. I don't have the best social skills, so I guess... since ye didn't push me away, I stuck to ye."
hesitates. "You don't need to apologize. I'm glad you did...."
nods faintly as he pulled his hand from hers and rested both of his on the book. "Me too... m'glad to have a friend I can talk to 'bout anythin' so quickly."
lets his hand go a little reluctantly. She moves a bit away from him to give him some space. "J-ja... it's nice to talk with you."
looks to her. "Are ye okay? Cold? Or tired?"
blinks at him. "No. I just... You are okay with this, ja?"
blinks in return before smiling. "Of course I am. Why wouldn't I be?"
shows a rare moment of awkwardness as she looks away. "Ah, sorry. You pulled your hand away and I thought..."
smiles a bit more and looks down at his hands. "I guess I just don't know what this is. I just planned to come here and keep warm, but... readin' the stories made me happy." He smiles a bit more before
looking at her. "I think I should leave soon."
"Well... what do you want this to be?"
fidgets with his hands over the book. "... Something I can depend on to keep me sane? As well as keep me from thinking too much, or over thinking?"
watches him closely before nodding. "It can be that. If you ever need a break from studying, you can talk with me, I guess."
chuckles quietly and shakes his head. "I need 24/7 supervision. I'm too much for someone I've just met to take care of. The last thing I'd want is to be a burden to ye, especially when ye have yer own worries."
...stands and picks up the empty cups. "I didn't say I'd supervise you, I'd just be there if you need me."
nods a little and kept his eyes down. "I know. Which is why, if anythin', we should just be cuddle buddies... if that." He sighs quietly and sunk more into the couch. "It'd be a hassle to get involved with me."
nearly drops the cups. "That... That is a terrible way to think. I'm sure it wouldn't be a hassle."
slowly got up and put the book on the table, a faint smile on his lips. "It's okay. I told ye, I don't get along well with adults. As long as I keep to my studies, I'll get out of here and deal with kids."
returns to her stoic expression and walks over to the kitchen with the cups. "I had thought that we were getting along well."
nods as he followed her. "Ja... but for how long? I don't want to get any more attatched to ye than I already am. And I just..." He sighs and runs a hand through his hair. "I'm not good at this."
turns to glance at him, staying stoic. "If you want to go, just do it. If you want something without attachment, go find it."
frowns as he looked at her. "So..." He bit his lip a little and nods before heading to the door, not knowing what else to do or say.
sets the cups down on the counter and stares at them. "I..." She takes a breath before looking back at him. She liked him and really wished she could say something but she didn't want to get hurt if he really-
didn't want to be attached or like her back.
liked her too, but was worried she would only like him in the sense of cuddle buddies. He wasn't good with figuring out how to say things to people, especially those he cared about.
didn't want to be just cuddle buddies. If anything, she assumed that was what he wanted. She starts to clean the mugs, listening for the door. It was difficult for her to express herself and she felt hurt that-
she had expressed herself and he had acted strangely in return.
ends up just standing by the door, not wanting to leave. He was trying to go over things in his head, but it didn't seem to work out well. He sighs and walks back over to her. "Look, m'sorry..."
pretends to ignore him as she washes the cups furiously.
fidgets quietly. "I've never really had someone I kinda liked before. So I just don't know what to say in situations like this."
sighs. "Well saying you don't want attachment is not a good start."
nods faintly. "Ja, I know... but... thing is, I do want it. But I don't know how to go about it."
sets the cup down and turns towards him. "Just be honest. I... I like you."
stops fidgeting as he watched her. "Seriously...?" He couldn't help but step closer and hug her, nuzzling into the side of her head.
blinks at the hug before slowly patting his back. "Ja."
"No one's really given me affection before, so I don't know how to react, but..." He hugged her tighter. "I wanna be with ye. Ye make me happy."
slowly wraps her arms around him to hug him back properly. "Are you sure?"
chuckles and nods. "M'positive. Do ye think I'd really wanna take anyone out to a restaurant, then be unable to focus on school work later on? All I could think 'bout was ye."
rests her head against his shoulder to hide the tiny smile on her face. "You kept emphasizing that it wasn't a date... I couldn't focus, either."
hums. "I just didn't wanna seem to forward... Most people don't wanna hook up that quickly."
sighs under her breath. "Ja... but you probably shouldn't express interest and then try to take it back."
pouts as he pulled away a bit. "Sorry... I felt like I might have been too forward... I thought ye just wanted to be buddies, that's it. I assumed ye had a boyfriend or girlfriend or somethin' already."
shakes her head. "I would have told you a lot sooner or you could have asked."
shrugs. "I thought it's rude to ask... besides, I wouldn't wanna hit on someone who's already in a relationship.."
"But you are okay being a cuddle buddy with someone who is in a relationship?"
nods. "Ja, 'cause that can purely be a platonic thing. I'd not cross the boundaries of someone in a relationship, 'cause I'm not that kinda person."
sighs faintly. "Well I would not cuddle someone other than the person I was dating."
smiles and nuzzled her more. "Does that mean I get cuddles tonight and a warm bed to sleep in?"
hums under her breath. "If we are in a relationship, ja."
smiled and finally let go of her. "Then we're in a relationship. Awesome~"
smiles faintly at him before bringing a hand up to cover it.
took her hand in his, wanting to see the smile. "Ye have a really nice smile, Gjertrud..."
blinks but smiles at him, her eyes glancing away the only sign of shyness. "Thank, I suppose."
brought her hand up and kisses it lightly. "M'glad I'll be able to see it regularly." He let go of her hand after, still smiling.
looks back at him. "Why are you so sure I'll be smiling regularly?"
shrugs. "Even if ye aren't, I'll still see 'em. And I like it when people smile, 'cause it makes me happy. So I'll do what I can to keep ye happy..."
reaches up to pinch at his cheek gently. "I can be happy and not smile."
made a face at that, but kept smiling. "Well, I'll just try harder to make ye smile then! But... as long as ye're happy, I'll be happy too."
nods slowly. "I am happy. And I'm pretty sure I will be happy a lot more from now on."
wiggles at that before hugging her again. "Awesome... me too. I know I will be. Ye'll definitely help me by just keepin' me sane."
hugs him in return. "Hm, you still owe me dinner tomorrow."
chuckles and nods. "Ja, I know. I'll make the best spaghetti ye've ever had. ... Maybe." He pulled back after and tilted his head. "As for now, should we sleep?"
"I wouldn't be opposed to helping with dinner." She takes a step back. "Ja, we probably should. I assume you want to stay the night?"
shrugs, figuring dinner could wait until tomorrow. "Ja, if ye don't mind. I mean, I can go back, but I can also be yer warm cuddle buddy tonight~"
"Hm, I guess the alternative would be you freezing in your own place." She sighs jokingly. "Fine, you can stay over."
smiles widely and nods. "Awesome. This'll be the best sleep I've ever had I bet~" He went to look for her room after, enjoying the idea of getting warm.
walks over to her door and opens it. "Go ahead and make yourself comfortable, I need to take care of a few things first." Her room was small and cramped, a few books and a bed covered with blankets and pillows.
smiles and nods as he walked in. "Tak... and take yer time." He flopped onto the bed, enjoying the comfort of it.
nods and steps out, grabbing some pajamas from a wardrobe on her way. She heads to the bathroom to change before turning the lights out and stepping back into her room.
had taken off his shirt by the time she got back, just to get more comfortable. He smirked when she came back and made space for her on the bed. "Come on, m'gettin' goosebumps."
shuts the door behind her and rolls her eyes. "If you are cold, put on a shirt." She walks over to the bed and sits down on the edge.
shrugs and watched her. "It's more comfortable to sleep without one. I find 'em too restrictin'."
lays down and pulls some sheets over herself. "I guess so, but they still are pretty good at keeping people warm."
pulls the sheets over himself after. "Ja... that's true." He smirks and looks to her. "Especially when there's cuddlin' involved."
turns over to face him. "So you still want to cuddle?"
nods. "Why wouldn't I? Cuddlin' was my highlight, and it's nice and comfortin'..."
blinks at him before moving slowly next to him.
smiles and wraps his arms around her. "There. Now everythin'll be alright..."
slides a hand around him. "Of course."
rests his forehead lightly on hers. "Are ye happy... with this decision?"
smiles faintly. "Ja, I am." She rubs her forehead lightly against his.
smiles and held her tightly as he closed his eyes. "Awesome... truly awesome."
hums under her breath. "I really like you. And I really like this."
kisses her forehead. "I really like ye too... and I want to get used to this."
rubs his back lightly. "I think I'd like that, too."
smiles wider. "I hope ye like it. 'Cause I'm dedicated to make this work... well, school comes first, but... ja." He couldn't help but lightly draw images on her back.
nods slowly. "Of course. I don't want to keep you from school."
hums. "We'll figure out a nice balance... it'll be fine."
moves her hand to toy with a lock of his hair. "We can help each other study or keep each other from studying too much."
smiles and leans into her touch a bit. "J... ja. I'll help ye not study too much..."
furrows her brows a little. "I wasn't really talking about me."
chuckles quietly. "I figured... I know I over do it..." He lightly stroked her hair. "But not anymore. Not with ye."
shivers a little and reaches up to hold his hand. "You can still do well if you aren't constantly studying."
interlocked their fingers. "I know. I know I'll do better with ye around though..." He was glad to have found someone to trust in.
cuddles closer to him. "Good. Now get some sleep."
smirks and nods, loosening his hold on her hand but not pulling away. "Right, right... Godnat, Gjertrud."
rests her arm around him. "Godnat, Søren..."
found this comforting, and exactly what he needed. He yawned once before falling asleep, the comfiest he's ever been.
smiles faintly when he falls asleep and closes her own eyes, falling asleep.