moving i n {erik/open}

[potter]

Elliot balanced a smaller one of her boxes on her hip, the downside to living in a muggle apartment complex was that she needed to move all her things manually. She had needed to borrow a coworker's old pickup truck to cart her things over, and had found that she didn't care much for driving. It wasn't the easiest thing in the world to do, at least not for her, there was a lot of multitasking which she wasn't particularly good at. Elliot sighed, glad that she had decided to wear shorts that day (it was pleasant outside, but she was getting warm lugging in her things), although the t-shirt she was wearing revealed her two-week old injury. It had been a nasty burn, but it was healing, and now itched like crazy.

She began climbing the stairs, now that she was moving her things pondering the wisdom in accepting a third-floor flat. At least she didn't have too much stuff, but it was still going to take her a while. Elliot shifted the box so she could hold it in both hands as she got to the second flight of stairs. At least she would be getting in her exercise that day, perhaps enough to allow herself some Chinese takeout. Although she was progressing in her anorexia, restaurant food still seemed like the forbidden fruit. Loaded in salt, fat, sugar, and calories, she still wasn't sure if she could stomach it, but Elliot definitely didn't feel like cooking. Even if she did, she had yet to get any groceries.

Elliot was grateful when she got to the last flight of stairs, glad that her flat wasn't too far down the hall after that. She bent at the waist to set her box on the floor so she could unearth her key in her pocket. After a moment Elliot found her key, fitted it into the lock and pushed open the door before stooping over to pick up her box again. Elliot was about to walk in when she heard the sound of someone going to the door next to hers. Unable to deny her curiosity, Elliot looked over her shoulder at...

[erikoliver]

Erik was anxiously running a hand through his hair, Muggle court book under his arm. It was going to be a long process, but he wanted everything to be right when he had the proof he needed to take the Castel family to court and save Nat. Erik wanted nothing more than that sweet girl out of harms way into his custody, even though it meant he needed to get a job. He'd just been to an interview down at the local cafe the day before, and it looked promising. Though it was as a waiter and he'd make menial money, he figured it'd be good enough when paired with his music checks.

All his actions seemed rushed and frantic, and it took him a few tries to properly stick his hand in his jeans pocket to retrieve his key. Erik was in his own little world, fidgeting with his hair and itching at his tattoos, alternating the court book from one hand to the next as he jiggled his key into the lock. Pushing the door open with his foot, he slipped the key back into his pocket and adjusted his white t-shirt with the slight v-neck, looking up. It was then he saw Elliot, struggling with boxes and attempting to open the door next to his. "Elliot?"

[potter]

"Erik," Elliot said in surprise, he of all people she had least expected to see here. He couldn't possibly live there, too, but why else would he be there? Now she was beginning to regret the decision to move out after all, or at least the one to come to this particular flat. She should have taken that one in Abigail's building, even if it was only a cramped studio and this was a roomier one-bedroom. But she had been trying to move on, and now that he was going to be right next door... Elliot used her knee to balance the box so she could adjust her grip.

"I, erm, suppose you live there, then?" said Elliot, tilting her head in direction of the door beside hers. Now things could go either one of two ways; they could go on living their lives and casually exchange pleasantries, or things could be incredibly awkward from then forward. Elliot was vaguely aware of little things that she might never notice, the mending wound on her arm, the fact that a couple beads of sweat had formed on her brow, and that she had neglected to put on makeup that morning. Why was she caring about these things? She wasn't supposed to like him anymore, not after the way things had ended.

[erikoliver]

Erik could tell she was anxiously debating whether or not to bolt. He didn't blame her. Truthfully, he wanted to bid her farewell and lock himself into his flat, never to come out and see her stunned, beautiful face again, so long as things were still awkward between the two of them. Erik stepped inside and laid the heavy court book just inside the door, then stepped back out, jumping forward immediately to take the top box from the stack in Elliot's arms. "Let me help you there, balancing boxes by yourself isn't ever easy," he replied with a soft smile.

Erik suddenly wanted the awkwardness between the two of them to dissipate completely. He missed Elliot terribly, she had been a great friend before they'd dated. Still, a part of him wished that they could return to their happiness as a couple, but Erik doubted Elliot would ever allow him to get that close. Not that he blamed her at all, Erik still hated himself for what he'd done to her. Erik hoped that, maybe, he'd find some way to make it up to her, now that they were going to be neighbors.

[potter]

"Oh, um, thanks," said Elliot, she hadn't expected any help from Erik after he had gone into his flat with some sort of heavy-looking book. She only half-wondered what it was that he was planning on reading, but right now she was needing to haul in all her stuff and get herself set up the muggle way. It would look awfully suspicious if her furniture was assembled and her things all put away the day she moved in. She would just have to do it little pieces at a time when she wasn't working. Elliot had taken two full days off, but if she had to do everything by hand it was going to take a long time, especially on her own.

She tilted her head to look at the label on the side of the box that Erik had taken from her. "That one goes to the kitchen, just set it anywhere there's room," said Elliot, "but be careful, they're dishes in that one." Elliot had charmed the box to cushion the contents if dropped, but she didn't want to risk breaking her dishes. She then took her box over to the living room, as it was marked "misc." and she couldn't recall what exactly she had put into it. Elliot would have to go through the contents later.

[erikoliver]

Erik nodded, holding the door open for Elliot with his foot an allowing her to enter the building first. Once she was clear, he stepped inside. The flat was nearly identical to his, but was reversed. He headed into the kitchen and carefully set the box on the countertop, pushing them back against the wall so they had no chance of falling to the ground on accident. Erik walked back out into the living area and awaited Elliot to set down the box she had in her hand. Once on the ground, he walked up to her. "How much more have you got?" he asked curiously.

"I'll help if you need... or want... me," Erik added, running a hand through his hair and pushing the black phonies up the bridge of his nose awkwardly. He'd love for Elliot to accept his help, he'd rather they be neighborly than hostile or afraid of one another... actually, he'd prefer another chance with Elliot... Wait, what? he thought suddenly, playing back the thought that had momentarily crossed his mind. It took all his energy not to outwardly blush, though he did feel his ears go hot.

[potter]

"Quite a bit," said Elliot with half a frown, reflecting on what was left in the back of the borrowed pickup truck. Probably a dozen boxes, plus she had her bed frame, mattress, and a two chairs for the living room. She still had a dining set left to buy, but she figured that if it was just her she didn't need a table to eat at. Though she did want a desk because at times she brought work home with her and needed a surface to work at. She looked at her empty living room, there were six boxes in it already, four of them containing only books.

Elliot had been unaware of the library she had amassed over her lifetime until she had needed to move it. But her books were some of her most cherished possessions, she simply couldn't get rid of any of them. She straightened up when Erik asked if she needed help, that was generous of him to offer. And with another set of hands she could get done twice as quickly. She wanted to repair things between them, even if they did become just friends, though she couldn't help but want more... "That would be great," said Elliot, "otherwise I'd be at it all day."

[erikoliver]

Erik grinned. "Happy to help," he replied, heading out the door with Elliot behind him. The two began down the hallway, but not before Erik stopped at his own door, taking his key out and turning it inside the lock. It wasn't smart to leave his door unlocked, what with this being a Muggle residency. Who knew what idiot would break in, and what they'd find? He wasn't good at lying, and would just as soon as erase the poor sap's memory before he or she found out too much... granted, Erik wasn't too good with memory charms either, and would end up turning the Muggle's brain into mush...

The pair then traveled to the staircase, descending. "How's the job?" Erik asked curiously, eying Elliot's arm quickly. He wasn't a fool, and had noticed the rather large burn almost immediately, but didn't want to pester. He quickly look up at Elliot's face, and he couldn't help but smile. Even without makeup, even with her hair in slight disarray, she still looked lovely. Swallowing nervously, his hand went up to run through his hair, a nasty awkward habit of his. Erik quickly masked the movement by bringing his hand to his left forearm, itching his tattoos.

[potter]

"I appreciate it," said Elliot truthfully, her father and some of her coworkers had offered to help, but she had turned them down, not wanting them to have to cancel their days' plans. Of course, then she had been regretting not taking anyone up on their offers, but Erik was here now. Elliot waited as he locked his own door, taking the opportunity to make sure her own flat was secure. Elliot would be putting some protective spells on her flat before the night was out. Nothing that would attract the attention of muggles, but things to prevent people from apparating in or unlocking the door or windows by magic, that sort of thing.

She fell into pace with Erik as they went down the hall and to the stairs, only then feeling that she had missed him. She shoved those thoughts out of her head, he probably didn't want anything with her anymore, Erik was likely just being polite in offering to help. "It's great," said Elliot, it had been her career ambition her entire life to be an Auror, even though injury was inevitable she loved it. Though she was vaguely aware that Erik hd noticed her mending burn. She didn't really want attention drawn to it.

[erikoliver]

Erik grinned as they reached the second floor and began descending to the first. "I can imagine. What an exciting job," he replied enthusiastically, rubbing his hand up his arm slightly. Tugging at his shirt, he adjusted it so it was placed over his wand. Erik had forgotten to put it back inside his flat, and he slightly regretted it. He'd have to slip inside when given the chance to return it inside, he didn't need the item getting in the way, and he certainly didn't want any Muggle to find it should it fall out of his pocket.

The pair reached the first floor and Erik hurried forward to hold the door to the street open for Elliot, smiling gently at her. He wasn't sure what to make of anything anymore, since his emotions were running wild. On the one hand, he desperately wanted to become friends with Elliot again, or acquaintances at the very least. Still, there was something inside of him that longed for the rekindling of their romantic relationship, though Erik doubted that would ever become a reality. Elliot was too good for him anyway, it was unlikely that she even wanted him back.

[potter]

"It is," said Elliot, a bit annoyed that there were muggles all over the place, she couldn't discuss specifics with muggles milling about. Not that she had a lot of specifics to discuss in the first place, a lot of the things that she dealt with were confidential. "A bit dangerous," said Elliot, reflecting on how bad the burn had been before she had gone to see the healer, "but I can't see myself ever doing anything else." It was the truth, no other career on the planet seemed to have the same appeal. Not that she actively sought danger, but because she knew her work was making a difference. With every person she caught the streets became just a teeny bit safer.

Elliot lead the way over to the borrowed pickup truck, and reached over into the bed to select a box. It was extremely heavy, no doubt filled with even more books. It was all she could do to heave it over the side of the truck and set it down on the ground before dropping it. "Nobody's watching, are they?" Elliot asked in a slow tone as she reached for her wand. She had sewn in a strap on the inside of the bermuda shorts she was wearing, so she wouldn't be without her wand. It was part of being an Auror, slight paranoia, but it was useful to have her wand on her at all times.

[erikoliver]

Erik grinned. "You always did like the thrilling things," he replied, remembering Elliot to be the most daring Ravenclaw, or even student, that had been in his year at Hogwarts. Of course, she also had to be pretty daring to date someone like him, what with her status and fame, but he'd gotten lucky. Erik was now realizing just how lucky he'd been, reflecting back on the past experiences he'd had dating Elliot. When she'd asked him about anyone watching, he peered around. The street was empty at the time, and he nodded. "No one, you're clear," he replied, dropping his voice slightly.

Erik went to the back of the truck, grabbing a few boxes and stacking them on top of one another. They were all marked "Kitchen," and were fairly light. He waited for Elliot to do whatever she was planning on doing with her wand, standing on the curb as a lookout. It was then he noticed that there were no groceries in the bed of the truck, nor had he seen any food in Elliot's apartment. "Haven't gone grocery shopping yet, have you?" Erik inquired, eyes scanning Elliot quickly before flicking back up to watch the street.

[potter]

Elliot smiled a bit, although she felt that she had been anything but daring in her school years. She hadn't done anything outrageous, except perhaps taking every last subject Hogwarts had to offer. She felt that going out with Erik was probably the most out-there thing that she had done while she was in school. He had been her connection to a somewhat normal social life. Elliot quickly slipped out her wand and performed a charm to make the box featherlight, and then immediately stowed her wand away again before someone would see her. Elliot then straightened up, pretending that the box was heavy should someone look her way.

"Not yet," said Elliot, she didn't have any food in the house whatsoever, "I was planning on getting takeout tonight, and stopping for a couple of things to hold me over until I've got the time." She would probably offer to buy Erik something to eat for dinner, it would be the least she could do after he had offered to help her out. Of course, that might turn things awkward. Elliot would have to think of a casual way to go about offering that wouldn't be too weird for the two of them.

[erikoliver]

Erik followed Elliot back into the complex, grinning softly to himself. "You're quite the actress," he whispered as he held the door open for her, eyes twinkling. He said nothing more, climbing the stairs after her. In his head, he was trying to find a way to ask Elliot to his place for dinner that night without it sounding too forward or awkward. The pair reached the third floor in relative silence, and Erik was still trying to make sense of his jumbled thoughts. Setting the boxes on the floor, he unlocked his own door and slipped his wand ontop of the large court book, then slipped back outside.

Locking his door, he slipped the key in his pocket and stooped down to pick the boxes gently from the ground, careful not to jostle anything out of place. "Well, if you'd like to put shopping off until tomorrow, I'm making spaghetti tonight," he finally said nonchalantly, hoping she'd get that he was trying to ask her to dinner. Erik shifted his weight anxiously from foot-to-foot, nervously awaiting her answer. He desperately hoped he hadn't made a fatal mistake and made things incredibly awkward between the two of them.

[potter]

Elliot chuckled a bit, she needed to be at the moment, the box was clearly marked "BOOKS" on the side, she couldn't not struggle with it- that might get odd looks. She certainly didn't appear physically strong, but rather on the weak side. Magic was where her strength came from, she was physically sort of weak, but she had yet to come across a spell she couldn't do without a little bit of practice. Elliot lead the way up the stairs and back to her new flat. She set the box down to retrieve her key, and it was then that Erik mentioned he would be making spaghetti that night if she wanted to hold off on shopping.

She paused a moment, her key in the lock though she didn't turn it, was Erik inviting her for dinner? It seemed like she should reject him out flat, but he had been so kind to her, she didn't want to be rude. Elliot did want to spend time with him, though at the same time she would rather forget what had happened between them and move on with her life. But all the same... "That would be great," said Elliot, "though I'll be buying some wine so we're even." She should be the one feeding him, not the other way around since he was helping her move in her things.