'Will you be back late? Should I leave the back light on?'Corvus paused, his body heaving with a soft sigh before he turned with a smile - forced although hopefully it didn't look that way. He really had to move out of his parents' house. It had been bad enough before, but now he'd had a taste of living in his own space and by his own rules. His parents didn't follow a routine. They got up at different times - sometimes they worked through the night and slept through the day - sometimes they vanished for a few days on some kind of exploration or project - sometimes the house became a jungle of plants as they worked on something particular, or there were potting tools in the kitchen sink, seeds on the dining table and drying herbs hanging from the bathroom ceiling. But Corvus quietly ignored these things, tidying along behind his parents, excusing their mess as a product of their enthusiasm for their craft.
But his mother's caring inquisition was harder to ignore. It came from a place of love, Corvus knew that. She would never judge him, never try to impose upon him. But she always wanted to know where he was going, who he'd be with, what time he'd be back, would there be alcohol there and
did he really think that was a wise idea? Corvus had to bite back his snappy replies. The whole world contained alcohol and potions. He couldn't avoid them completely. She had to trust him.
Although half the time he didn't trust himself.
"Probably not too late, I have work in the morning," he replied, leaning instinctively back as she closed in for a cheek kiss. She tched and he let her. And then, with a sigh of relief, he escaped from their Georgian terrace house, out onto the street that he knew so well. He could apparate, of course, but the walk gave him time to think, breathe and steady himself for the evening ahead. A meal out with Tegan - a chance to catch up with his friend and relax. Corvus didn't really do relaxing. He remained highly strung throughout everything. Yes there would be alcohol at the restaurant, but he would order a soft drink - he'd already researched what options they had.
Reaching Tegan's apartment, he knocked five times on the door, straightening out his shirt as he waited, picking invisible fluff from his sleeve.
@Tegan Bane
