Pillow-Fort for Two! (Walther)

[Darian Barker]

There wasn't a whole lot that got Darian to let his feet dry off. But making a recent friend was absolutely among those things that could. So when he got out of class, he went straight to his dormroom, bundled up nice and tight as always. It was hot, but it at least kept him dry. The room seemed to be empty at the moment, on quick surveillance, and he had no real way of knowing if Walther was going to be able to meet him here. Or, what his class schedule was, really... or if he was even going to be here today. 

He decided that he had to come here at least once today. Else, it would be perfect timing for an opportune and potentially awkward introduction with either of his other dormmates, or a lack thereof. The boy took a seat at the edge of his bed, which was bare. As was his wall.... everyone probably had at least something. Maybe he'd have to spend more time here? In the meantime, he'd have nothing to do at all! 

---

In not even twenty minutes, he'd gathered up pillows and blankets and cushions, and had piled them into a nice and lopsided fort. This seemed to actually incredibly amuse him, by the big grin on his face, displaying utter satisfaction with himself. It was actually quite likely this would piss somebody off, but he didn't seem to care. He was in his own world.

[Walther Ebersbacher]

Classes, classes, classes. Now that he was in them, he found them absolutely exhausting sometimes. English, in particular, was where he faulted most. While he thought that he'd obtained some sort of mastery of the English language, this class summarily proved him wrong. Ruined his perception of his accomplishments. Essays, essays, and more essays. Book reports where he failed to 'hook an audience' or 'summarize' in an easy-to-read manner. Walther found it hard to be proud of himself.

Solitude in the lounge was luck enough, where he could drown his sorrows in some television. Some comedy that was inappropriate for his age, some of the Food Network, an episode of Will & Grace (It was on a marathon, why not?), and then he'd settled on some re-ran sitcoms. But even those couldn't satiate him for too long. Blue eyes settled on the popcorn-textured ceiling more than it did the television. There was /something/ that had to be done. He was bored!

And then it hit him. His new friend. Darian Barker, they shared dorms! Their meeting at the lake was great, with some sort of bond being struck from the very start. To think that the older boy had been on his thoughts since they'd met, culminating to some doodles of mermen and mermaids. Maybe he could have finally come around, held a conversation besides a basic meet and greet.

After some hallway wandering, internally complaining that they needed to differentiate design, so that it didn't appear to be one big circle, Walther arrived in front of the door to the room where he slept every night. A sudden nervousness stilled his pale hand just over the copper knob. Why was he nervous? What did he have to be nervous about? Nothing... He took a breath to break the stillness of his body, swinging the door open, stepping in, and re-shutting it behind him.

A smirk tugged at his lips. A pillow fort, and a fairly large one. Curiosity got the better of him, and he climbed inside of the open entryway, to see none other than the former merman right there with him. Right in this little fort with enough space for two.

"Hello, Darian. How are you?"

[Darian Barker]

It was really so nice in this fort. He'd kept the lights off and with the central heating systems warming the room, it was starting to feel a bit like a sauna. Bundled up in some blankets, head against a few pillows propped up on the bed behind him, he actually started to drift off. Ideally, he would be vigilant about his fort, but not now. He wasn't seeming to have much of a choice.

When the light switched on, he didn't even notice. It took the voice of the boy who'd joined him to get his attention. Lids lazed up and eyes turned down on Walther, tired and suspicious. He wiped either side with his hand, resituating himself upright and groaning, mumbling a little "Hello there, Walther. Welcome to fort-pillows."

He did know how silly it seemed, and how childish. But hey, it was one of his favorite things to do as a little child. It was somewhere along the lines of his siblings' and his own other favorite activity, which involved bundling blankets up on the staircase and forging a blanket empire. Needless to say, it would doubtlessly annoy some people at his age.

Walther didn't seem like that kind of person, however. Why, the way he'd greeted Darian in his merform earlier was somewhat of a testament to that. Kicking him in the face set aside, it was a general curiosity and whimsy rather than cynical suspicion. That was what made a good friend of his, in his opinion. But then, they were both something like 12 or 13. They might as well have been kids.

"I really hope nobody comes in here and messes this up..." he remarked with an honest concern, doing little else to explain the fort or greet his friend, "I'm glad you came, though. Sitting around in a fort made of pillows when you're the only one feels kind of... silly."

He was peeking through an opening in the front of the fort, facing the door, made up of folded blanket ends.

[Walther Ebersbacher]

He'd never done anything like this before. An ultimate testament to childishness in general, the pillow fort was indeed something that one could only enjoy with others. The closest he ever really came to it was sticking his box-fan back home underneath tightly packed blankets, to make the most comfortable reading dome anyone could ever ask for. But that wasn't really so much for fun, than it was to combat the hot nights that Stuttgart sometimes faced.

It was rather endearing, honestly, how Darian looked after just waking up. It made his smile almost permanent. This was pretty fun and whimsical, after all. He set hand on the pillow-and-blanket wall, to test the integrity of it. A tiny shove, and the only budging that happened was the stuffing in the pillow deflating a little bit. "Impressive."

When Darian did, however, vocalize his hopes, he had to poke his head out and check the other beds. Tomer's? Bare. Erik's? Bare. His own? Bare. He didn't really know his other roommates well, not yet. But it was just an assumption that they would want their pillows, blankets, and sheets. He knew that he would want his at the end of the day, when the lamps clicked on, and the lights off.

"I think they're going to take it apart when they are tired of laying on bare mattresses." He replied with a bit of a giggle. "But I would not mind sleeping in here, too much." Ugh, how awkward was that? Again, with really no clue but the fluttering pit of warmth in that was his stomach was influencing his mind, and he was analyzing the way he said things.

Before, when he felt odd, when he couldn't quite explain things, he'd go ahead and ask his mother. She always had answers for everything. But, with several countries and an ocean between them, that was no longer an option. And who was there to ask, now? Would Darian pick on him? Would the people like the school psychiatrist understand? Maybe, maybe not.

Neck stiff and warm, with hairs standing on end, he gave it a rub with a cupped hand. "But, until then, this fort is ours to sit in, and they are none the wiser!"

[Darian Barker]

He was perfectly content with that. Tugging the blanket down over the little slat in the blankets, it left them both in the dark. It was actually kind of toasty in here; but understandably so. The lack of ventilation was to blame, and their shared body heat and closeness.

It had only really occurred to him now that one of those people whose blankets and pillows he'd stolen was Walther. He frowned and cocked his head, "Hey, some of these are yours... I'm sorry. I'm not sorry about the other guys, though, since I don't know them."

If anything at all, he was honest. But Walther did seem to be enjoying himself, and this fort, so he didn't feel terrible, per se. So instead of waiting for a response of forgiveness, he leaned back against the back of the cushion wall and asked, "So when you were making music... you can make it outside of water, right? I'd kind of like to hear some of it now."
He paused, "... If it doesn't hurt too badly."

[Walther Ebersbacher]

He didn't mind one bit. In fact, he was rather glad that his bedding could make a pillow like this. "Oh... It's fine. I am very proficient at making my bedding, so it is going to be no problem." Really, this day was pretty slow. Pretty tedious, so he didn't even mind having to take that extra few minutes! Besides, this was really just harmless.

When he asked about the music, he furrowed his brow for a moment. Yes, it would have hurt a bit, but he heard a piece recently, thanks to the internet, that he really fell in love with. Peace Be Revenged, it was called. He knew it had to be some sort of political commentary, but he really didn't worry about any of that. All he knew was that the music perfectly complimented the voice. But, here he was, unable to do voices. From outside of the tightly packed pillow fort, some music began.

A long, gloomy introduction, followed by some light percussion. He'd cleverly replaced the voice of Serj Tankian with the background instruments that normally accompanied it coming in to the foreground... He managed about a minute of the song, before shaking his head, and having it dissipate. There was a bit of wincing pain played out on his face, but he forced a smile.

Part of him just really wanted to impress Darian. He didn't know him for more than a day or two at this rate, but he really felt this strange... Enamored feeling. Something he couldn't describe. Oh, but he wanted to describe it. He wanted to scream it from the rooftop of the institution. But at the same time, he didn't. Such a strange feeling.

"Was that good..?"

[Darian Barker]

Darian had never been much of a musical savant, so he didn't recognize the song at all. Still, it sounded beautiful. Different from when it was underwater... It sounded more like proper music. Though, it was clearly at a price. He saw the way that it made him wince, and picked up on how much it must have hurt. That much couldn't keep him from feeling a little guilty.

But it was his choice to make the sound, and to continue doing it, so the least that Darian could provide was a captive and grateful audience. To be honest, he was a little jealous. It sounded so beautiful, and he could just... make it happen, all around him, whenever he chose. This boy was a walking Karaoke bar.

... He decided against using those exact words, however, in favor of 'quite gifted'.

When the music ended, he could see the redness on the other's face; the stress he must have been going through to offer such a presentation. His very sincere applause came almost immediately, face lit up with a very impressed smile.
"That was really beautiful, Walther!" he had to remark, though still he scooted up quite close to the other boy and set a hand against his left temple, "Youuu... probably should take a break though. You don't look okay."

It was actually an honest concern, however grateful he was for the demonstration. Not being a medical professional himself, he quirked a brow and suggested, "Pillow fort's pretty comfy if you wanna lay down. I can move my legs."

[Walther Ebersbacher]

He loved to perform, he really did. It was fun to entertain others. He found that to be true ever since he came here. Many people really liked listening to their tastes in music, without having their music players. Perhaps while indisposed. He knew that it relaxed him plenty of times, probably annoying the crap out of his roommates. When there was classical at that just-soft enough point. He saw that guilt in Darian's eyes, he wished he could convince him to not feel it!

It was really his own fault. He knew his own limits, and, in the quest to impress and make friends, pushed them. Walther gave himself plenty of headaches, and plenty of extra hours of bedtime. It wasn't Darian's fault. He really didn't understand the jealousy plenty of people expressed, and plenty more probably felt. He had control of the power, but not of the consequences.

When Darian complimented him, Walther managed a big smile. And when that proximity was closed, when the advice was given, he stiffened up a little bit and blushed, nodding slowly. "I agree... Well... I don't think Tomer or Erik will be back for a while. I may just have to catch a little sleep..." That sounded nice, right about now. And he didn't even really consider the fact that he'd be sleeping right next to somebody. Tucking his glasses in to his shirt, he reclined.

As he looked up at the blanket ceiling of their little pillow castle, a feeling of comfort and warmth overtook him. He set a hand on Darian's knee. "Don't worry too much about me. I think I will be okay in... an hour or two..." His voice held quite the tone of sleepiness toward the end of the sentence.

[Darian Barker]

Throughout this whole exchange, Darian had caught on to the subtle blushing, the stiffness in his shoulders. He was, again, a bit oblivious as to the cause; that of which could be so easily pawned off on the fact that the boy had just expended himself in song and really worked his abilities. Darian didn't understand how that was, after all, he didn't get headaches from his own power. The worst thing he experienced -- aside from the constant fear of being inopportunely soaked -- was the dryness of his skin, and restlessness in his legs.

So when Walther reclined on the floor, he was glad to see that the boy was so receptive to the idea of actually sleeping off recovery. Otherwise, he'd have to just keep suggesting it out of guilt, and he knew plenty of people who'd just refuse to get any shut-eye out of principle. He was among them at times, unfortunately.

Instead of sleep, as a result, he simply set a hand on Walter's shoulder and scooted forward a little closer to the slat in the blankets, pulling back some of the covering and peeking through. His slim legs were crossed, and folded up a bit so as not to be in Walther's way as he watched the door to the dormroom, vigilant.

"I'll stay guard. Keep you safe." he teased, slapping his chest with his other fist much like a knight accepting oath, followed by a good chuckle, "You just rest."

[Walther Ebersbacher]

He looked around, every time his eyes re-opened. Darian did indeed keep his oath, he got to sprawl out a little bit, and not bump in to him. Who knew this fort here would be that big? Big enough to contain two guys. They really did just look like little singlets that someone as big as a standard teenager would be sticking out of. Darian really had pretty good pillow architecture.

He fell asleep soon after that, mind fairly active. He dreamed as soon as he was out and napping, dreaming mostly of that boy next to him. Oh, that was just so unshakable. Darian was /so/ unshakable. Ever since he met him. It was almost as if some force was driving his mind, his thoughts. Too many times he doodled in class, little notes in German, little pictures and hearts.

Then, occupying his mind next would be how and when to say anything about it. He wasn't going to scare away his friend, or weird him out. He wasn't going to turn his best friend here in to his enemy. Given that they shared a dorm, a bully would be the last thing he needed. Subconsciously, he just rested a hand on Darian's leg throughout his nap.

And when he'd woken up, a smile formed on his face. "You have been watching this whole entire time, hmm?" Was he too surprised? Not truly. Anyone who built a fort of this magnitude had to have a lot of time to kill.

[Darian Barker]

To be honest, the atmosphere was a lot to deal with. It was warm, it was cozy. He only kept watch for a brief while before he actually started to doze off as well, and away, indeed, he was in moments. Chin turned down, eyes closed, breathing softly. He... he didn't dream so much of Walther, he dreamed of pillows. And sitting on them. It... wasn't actually a very exciting dream, but it definitely put a smile on his face.

He was awoken by Walther's voice, actually having slept for around the same amount of time. He'd snuck a hand around Walther's around the same time as it was set down on his leg, and didn't seem to be moving it free now, though he woke up with a smile on his face. Squeezing his hand, he shrugged, "I'm jusht... -yawn- ... super alert."

It was so impressive to him, at this point, that the fort still survived. It was really a testament to its durability as a fortress of its own. Could -- probably use a few more pillows, however.

"How'd you sleep? Feel better?"

[Walther Ebersbacher]

Oh, did he ever. Whenever he laid down for a nap, it took a moment to fall asleep, but that pounding headache disappeared. Every single time. In a pinch, of course, he'd have to rely on over the counter medicines (A little handy bottle of Ibuprofen sat underneath his underwear inside of his little bedside dresser). But this, this was just the better option overall. And especially inside this fort. While a little warm, the flap-door provided some much needed circulation.

Walther laughed, giving him a playful smack on the shoulder when he yawned. "Some bodyguard you are. Some murderer could have come in!" He only teased him that little bit, laying back on the little pile on the floor. "I think that maybe we should rebuild this some day. Get as many pillows and blankets in the common room as we possibly can. That would be fun."

Well, if only that idea didn't rest on the hope that none of the other guys were asses. And he'd seen, or heard of, several of them. Some people with malice in their hearts, who'd love to topple a carefully-constructed pillow fort. But, better to say they did it.

A pillow empire. Hah, he didn't think he would be planning one, today. The great kingdom of fluff. The empire of feathers. The cushy duchy. "For now, let's just relax in this one, though. For as long as we can keep it."

[Darian Barker]

"That sounds like an awesome plan... hope we actually have the time to make it." he mumbled, accepting the true reality of their circumstances. There were very much surrounded by mean people... among the kind ones. One of them even shared their dorm room! Not even counting the ones in the common room. Of course, the trick would then be to build the fort without investing too much emotion in seeing it rise to greatness. It was going to be hard, but it would all have to be about the fun in getting there. 

The people here were a mixed bag for him. Not only in the variety of power, but in personality. Though he didn't seem that way, he found a lot of them rather intimidating to even approach. It really helped that he was the kind of person who didn't come off as to care about such things, but he did get lonely. He got lonely a lot. It was a relatively new sensation for him actually, loneliness. And even not despite the short time he'd spent here, he missed his family. If only he could go back home, just for summer...

He remembered when he first got that representative, who spoke of a school for people with abilities. He both didn't want to leave, and absolutely wanted to leave. Why, Hammel seemed like Hogwarts to him! Some magical place where people made lasting relationships and bonds and where fantastic things happened to generally boring boys. Unfortunately, Hammel was no such place. It was just another school. 

In thought, he reclined beside Walther, unavoidably lying right up against him, on his side with his legs tucked in and his arms beneath his head. Half-frowning, he had to ask, "Do you miss your family...?"

[Walther Ebersbacher]

Really, if he had a choice, he'd have rather remained in Stuttgart, where he got teased end to end. Because at least now, he had a cause to end it non-violently. Really, it was hard to not miss his family. His mother and father were alone, with all of his things, in a room likely untouched. They were the sort to grieve that he was gone, by not changing anything about his life. If he went home now, there would probably be a made bed, all of the clothes he missed folded and sorted...

But on the same token, while there were many mean people here, he also had many more friends here than he ever did. Back home, he mostly played alone. He had a brief friend named Hans, but Hans was bullied in to basically joining in and making fun of him. Walther understood, the people at that school were absolutely awful. Whoever wrote that children were innocent deserved to be branded a liar for the rest of his or her life.

When Darian had laid next to him, asked that question, everything made sense. Yeah... Walther sympathized and empathized in full, he rolled over on his side, to face him. Inadvertently nose-to-nose, inadvertently making his cheeks burn. But it was better to face him when answering something personal like this. Something heartfelt. Something he thought about every day, himself.

"I do, yes. Every day I think about my mother, and my father." His tone hushed, as if someone else would hear them. "But I guess the way I've looked at it, is that we are at Hammel, now... And it's better to just make the best of it. One day I will see my mother and father again, even if I am a grown man, it is better than never..."

[Darian Barker]

There was some time spent in silence on behalf of Darian, and he turned onto his back and watched the ceiling of the fort, lids low, hands folded behind his head. It was hard to think about, the idea that he might not even see his mother until he was grown. No... what he needed was a computer, with Skype or something, something he could have his mother learn, and they would actually be able to interact. Though, knowing mom, she would have the hardest time actually learning.

"I don't know if you've ever read a book called Harry Potter, or if they even have it in Germany, but that was what I thought it was going to be when they brought me here..." he shared his sorry expectations, voice low, taking his time with his words, "I didn't used to be very smart in grade school and I had trouble reading. Still-- have a little trouble reading. Harry Potter was easy except for some of the names, and I always wanted so bad to go there and be a magical hero or something."

He recalled on all the time he spent with those books, seconded only by the time he spent in the pool, swimming. Nobody picked on him in those places, nobody called him stupid and he could retreat to a better place than where he was. Remembering that the Wizarding world didn't exist was soul-crushing enough, but hearing about Hammel, he felt like he was so close. And then, nothing. And then he couldn't go home and see his family on Christmases, like they could at Hogwarts. And they couldn't carry letters between eachother by flying owls. He didn't even know anybody who owned an owl. 

With that in mind, he couldn't keep his eyes from watering just a little. He offered no real indication of this apart from a couple of small sniffs, as his eyes couldn't be seen in the darkness. Lips tightening, voice only just beginning to crack, he mumbled, "I can't wait until we both get to see our families again..."