2025-03-23 - Of Lifted Couches and Reading Dates

It’s a lazy Sunday afternoon and Garrett finds his way into the coffee shop and for one he isn’t working on something. It’s just a lovely day off that he doesn’t have to stare at his computer and write magical words. Of course, the coffee lured him to look at books on the second floor, and the allure of used books took him up further. His cup tea sits forgotten on a nearby table as he studies the book spines as he passes them by.

He’s dressed in a light sweater, with a pair of neatly pressed slacks. There is a jacket near his rapidly cooling teacup, and his favorite satchel. Presently he has his fingers on a history book and idly thumbs through the pages.

Lucien needed a little bit of time to himself to just be away from the mass of animals and people in the apartment that he shared with Rowan, August, three cats, three snugglebunnies, and an otter. And so he is tucked at the very back of the third floor used book section, curled up on the couch with a book in his lap, a mug of coffee from downstairs on the small table next to it. It's been a few hard weeks of training, and soon he'll be catching a flight out to New England. But he's been training all day and now he is taking a little bit of rest while he can. When he notices Garrett standing over at a shelf nearby, he offers a little smile from where he's taken up his spot.

The history book doesn’t keep Garrett’s attention long, and he leaves that section to hunt down something more entertaining. It’s when he’s going between rows that he spots the figure skater and returns the smile. “Afternoon.” He says softly, not wanting to disturb others. “Do you company or shall I continue to look. I would hate to tear you away from an enticing chapter.” It’s clear that is something that goes against every fiber of the author’s being.

Lucien smiles and then nods toward the little seating area, welcoming Garrett to join him. "Just kind of chilling. Needed a little break. Not really in the middle of anything." He lifts the book to show Garrett the cover. It's a collection of modern re-imagined fairytales, a number of small short stories gathered together in an anthology. "How's it going?"

Garrett peeks at the book Lucien is reading and nods approvingly. "There are some great stories in there." He sinks into a chair opposite of Lucien and gestures to the books around him. "This is the perfect place for it. There is something about how sound is dampened in a room full of books.' Nodding at the question, he smiles. "Rather good actually. I'm gathering stories where I can, but in my free time, I have free time. It's a bit of a novelty actually. I haven't stopped since I finished my degree so it's a little strange to slow down like this. How about you?"

"Yeah," Lucien agrees, both about the book and the quiet that can be found up here. "I have two roommates and between us there are a lot of animals in the aparment and while they're great, and so are the animals... sometimes I just need to be somewhere that's surrounded with books." His smile skews just a little crooked as he closes the book, leaving one finger tucked between the pages that he'd been reading. "That's great," he says, both about gathering stories and having free time. "So what are you doing with your free time?" he asks. "Me? I've been training hard. I fly out Tuesday to Boston for the World Championships, which will hopefully earn me qualifications for 2026. So.. you know. Psyched up about that."

Garrett whistles at the thought of all the creatures in Lucien's place. "That does sound like a whole lot to deal with. I can see why you'd come here to hide out. I just have the one roommate and he's pretty self contained. Far better than some of the roommates I had in college." There is a haunted look in his eye as he recalls some of the unfavorable ones, and he shakes his head to push those thoughts away. "Usually reading. Or partaking in the park when I can. I've tried ice skating." He smirks at that one but hearing the news his face lights up. "Oh that's fantastic! I'm sure you'll do great. Is that something they're televising? I wouldn't mind watching and cheering you on from afar."

Lucien grins when Garrett mentions his roommate. "Mine are actually pretty cool. They're like complete opposites of one another. One is the quiet goth boy and the other is the ray of sunshine surfer dude." He then asks, "Oh yeah? What else have you taken in since I saw you at the rink? Have you been back?" He's curious if Garrett's continued skating since that one time or if he hasn't been back to it. But when Garrett asks if the competition will be televised he says, "I think it's streaming on one of the services and then NBC will have some coverage of it." Then he grins and says, "Not that you have to watch at all.. but if you do, I will totally appreciate the cheering on from afar."

"That must be absolutely fascinating to watch them interact." Garrett says thoughtfully as he makes a mental picture of what that might look like. "Honestly, it's been the restaurants. However there was a lovely evening at the butterfly enclosure that turned into a fantastic light and music show. Not sure how the butterflies did that but you know.. the island." Despite him trying tt wave it off, it's clear by the sparkle in his eye he found the whole thing exciting. "Yeah I've been a few times, but I don't think you were there. I've almost healed the bruise from the last time I feel on my arse." At least he can laugh at himself. "Oh good. I don't mind watching, figure skating is fantastic to watch. Unlike tennis. I always get a neck ache from watchin the ball bounce about between people. I'll cheer as loud as I can."

"Honestly it's like watching a little old man who is very concerned about budgets and how their cat feels about everything walk around a store with a young kid who wants to buy all the ugliest things in it," Lucien says, of watching his two roommates interact with one another. "On the one hand, boundless energy and enthusiasm and on the other, a very concerned expression at all times."

"The restaurants are pretty good," he has to agree, having tried a number of them, himself. "What happened at the butterfly house?" he asks curiously. "I've been over to Starlight a couple of times, just wandering around, but that was closer to the holidays."

There's a faint wince and a grin when Garrett mentions his skating casualty. "Oh no. Clearly you should let me know when you go so I can give you some more coaching." It's clear that he's just teasing though. "You should send me a video of your cheering so I can watch it while I'm there."

"A modern day odd couple then? I can see how that can be entertaining and exhausting in the same breath. Though at least it sounds like you all get along, which is always a bonus." He pauses before a random thought hits him. "Maybe I should get a cat. This is the first time I've had a solid address and it might be fun to have a pet."

"Oh, yes well I suppose that was a whole magical thing. I was reading in the butterfly house because it felt very fancy to do so. Of course if you sit still enough they visit you. All of a sudden they start shimmering, and growing. Their wings started to look like stained glass, and they were making this pleasant sound. Finally they all floated to the top to make this fantastic work of art." Garrett fishes about for his phone and pulls up a few pictures. "My worders aren't doing it justice. It was all very romantic and sadly all I had was a gritty crime novel as a date."

"I didn't want to bother! Besides, I need to learn to fall so I can get back up. At least my bum is returning to a normal color." He says thoughtfully before he nods his head. "Of course! But I'd need your number first."

"Yeah," Lucien laughs. "We all get along well enough. They're great roommates. It's just a lot sometimes." And when it is, there's an entire island to escape out into to get a little breather before going back home. "I have two. Salt and Pepper." He pulls out his own phone and pulls up a picture of the two sleek short-haired cats -- one white, one grey, both with bright green eyes.

Then he sets the phone down on his book to listen as Garrett describes the butterfly house and what happend inside of it. "Oh, wow," he says, genuinely surprised. Then he leans over to look at the pictures that were taken. "That's amazing. Kind of a shame. That does sound.. really romantic, actually; something that you'd expect to read about in a book."

He glances up from the phone and then laughs, "Well I'm glad you're recovering." But he reaches over and steals Garrett's phone while the butterfly pictures are still on it, and opens up his contacts, putting his name and number in it before handing it back. "Now you have it."

"Fair enough, everyone needs their solace after all." Garrett leans over to peek at the cats and smirks. "They're adorable, and aptly named. Their eyes are striking!"

"Right? That's what I thought as well. I'll probably steal that for my own books. Only making it actually romantic instead of it being an odd back drop to the crime novel I was meeting. I've thought of bringing potential dates there on the off chance it happens again. Granted I'd have to date first, and I haven't found the time for that yet."

"Yes, it was an arduous recovery, touch and go for a moment, but I prevailed." Garrett says dramatically. Though when Lucien adds his number to the phone he nods. "Very good. I'll do my best to be a solo cheering section, while sitting at my computer watching the stream. I do wish you luck. Or is this a break a leg situation?"

"Aren't they?" Lucien grins. "They're the best. Super sweet. They love everybody."

"It'd make a good passage in a book, too," Lucien agrees. He pulls out a receipt from his pocket and sticks it in the book he's holding instead of his finger and sets it down next to hm, his phone on top of it. He then smiles a little wryly and says, "Well, you've got free time now. Maybe take a little of that reading time and ask someone out?" Then he admits, "Though I'm not really one to talk. I had one guy kiss me once a couple months ago and then disappear since I've been here, so my track record on the dating front is non-existant."

"Definitely not a break a leg situation," he laughs. "That'd be among the worst case scenarios. I will take all good luck wishes, though."

"That's the best sort of pet. I've had friends who have cats who hide under couches and it's very difficult to snuggle them that way." Garrett says sagely.

"I just hope I can do it justice. The imagery was almost indescribable, but also seared into my memory." Also he has pictures so that should help. "Take away my reading time? Surely you jest." Garrett teases. "I'm sure I'll get there, I'm still learning my way around and meeting people." Hearing his tale about the kiss he frowns. "That's too bad, it's rude of someone to kiss and disappear into the ether. Though I'm sure it happens in a place like this."

"Good call, good luck then. Dazzle them so they have no choice but to give you high marks."

"Stilts," Lucien recommends. "Put the couch on stilts." But he's clearly kidding as he laughs and finally reaches for the coffee that's been sitting next to him, lifting it and taking a sip from it. "I bet you will," he opines, of Garrett being able to do it justice. But then he says, "Hey, you could just find someone who likes to curl up and read with you. Date and reading time."

Shrugging his shoulders, Lucien says, "Yeah, probably," about things like that happening in a place like this. "It's fine. At least someone wanted to kiss me," he laughs, "Even if it was just once. I'll take it." He then lifts his coffee in a little salute and then sips from it.

"That's the idea," he grins. Then he admits, "I'm not gonna lie; I'm nervous."

"That's a good idea. It would also encourage people to clean underneath the couches more often." Garrett smirks at the thought of what might be hiding under his own couch comes to mind. "I have some talent with words." He looks thoughtful at the date suggestion and nods. "That would be nice. Curled up in front of a fire while there is weather outside, with a table full of snacks and warm beverages."

Garrett takes a moment to study Lucien. "You're selling yourself short, you look rather kissable. It's their loss if they only did it once." He chuckles before he salutes with his long forgotten cup of tea.

He looks sympathetic when Lucien mentions being nervous. "I would be worried if you were not. If you were arrogant, it would mean you didn't care about it. Your worry is showing your passion."

"See? Double bonus. Cat snuggles and a clean under-couch," Lucien offers as he takes another sip from his mug of coffee. "See? That sounds like a great date. Cozy. Snacks. Relaxing. You could even read things to each other. Very romantic." He pauses, "I guess depending on what you're reading. But then it could also be hilarious."

Lucien laughs and looks down into the now-empty bottom of his mug, the faintest pink touching his cheeks and the tips of his pointed ears. He wasn't expecting the compliment. "Thank you," he says before he sets the empty mug aside and hugs his book lightly against his chest. "Maybe next time we'll both be more lucky."

He nods slightly, "I like to think I'm confident but not an asshole. Like, I tried hard for this. I know I'm good because I've trained hard to be good. But like, these guys that I'm going to be competing against are among the best -- am I good enough to be among the best? Man, I hope so. I feel like it. But at the same time.. yeah, nerve-wracking. It'll be fine once I get there, I'm pretty sure. The adrenaline and everything will kick in." He grins then, "And I'll have my cheering section. So how can I go wrong?"

"I don't know why anyone hasn't thought of it before. You can probably make some money on that idea." Garrett teases though he looks thoughtful again as the date is mentioned. "That is a fantastic idea. It could be romantic, but I also like the idea of finding the cheesiest bodice ripping story there is and sharing laughs over the flowery language."

"You're welcome." He replies before Garrett gestures toward the bookshelves. "Honestly I'm not used to being in a place long enough to really form a relationship with someone. I haven't slowed down since I left university, so I could be absolutely terrible at dating."

"Honestly Lucien if you were not good enough you wouldn't be there. It's that simple. It wasn't some fluke that got you on the roster, it was your hard work and dedication. I understand imposter syndrome, I suffer from it myself." He gives him a soft smile. "Once you walk in, you'll be so focused on what you need to do that you won't be thinking about if you should be there. And yes I will cheer loud enough that you can hear me from where ever it is you're going."

"Maybe if this skating thing doesn't work out, I'll patent my unique couch-raising technology," Lucien chuckles. "That actually might be even more fun," he agrees on the topic of picking the most flowery prose to laugh over. "Pretty sure it's a date idea you could repeat with different types of books and types of things to do with the reading each time. Versatile date."

"Could be. Maybe not. You won't know til you ask somebody and find out. And I'm pretty sure dating's one of those things that you can get better at. Like skating, or anything else. Just gotta find your balance and the right partner. Assuming you're skating pairs.." he trails off. "I think my metaphor is getting away from me."

But he smiles a little as Garrett reminds him that if he wasn't good enough, he wouldn't be going in the first place, and he runs his fingers through his hair, nodding a little bit. "Okay, fair enough." Then he says, "Thanks. That made me feel better."

"Right? You could make a game of every euphemism used for body parts that do not describe them at all. If I ever wrote a romance novel I have a list of things I wouldn't use." Garrett nods slowly. "I could, but I'd hate to be labeled as predictable. Though the thought of having someone to snuggle up and read with is very appealing."

"I'll let you know how that goes if I end up asking someone." Garrett laughs and nods his head. "Practice makes perfect right? I'm sure I'll find some time but right now I'm just settling into my job and routine."

When Lucien aggress he smiles. "I'm glad I could be of some help. The last thing you need to do is spend the entire plane ride fretting. You belong there and by the end of the night I'm pretty sure everyone is going to know it."

"Yeah," Lucien says with a little crooked smile. "It is." But then he says, "Yeah of course. You gotta do what's right for you when it's right for you. I wasn't saying like, go downstairs and pick the first person in line for coffee or something." He taps his book lightly against his chest a couple of times and then pulls himself up from the couch, reminded of his empty mug, and grabs that too.

"I should probably go back to the apartment, finish up the last of my packing and stuff, maybe catch an early night." He then grins, "It was good to see you again and thanks, for the encouragement, and the talk that didn't involve a bunch of animals climbing all over me."

"That's what I try to tell my aunts when they ask if I am ever going to settle down." Garrett smirks. "Also I haven't had a dare like that since university, I'm sure it'll happen if it's meant to happen."

Once Lucien stands, he does as well and even offers his hand for a friendly shake. "That's a good idea. No need to be stressed and pack last minute. I've got to get back to perusing. Good luck, again. You've got this and I look forward to watching it."