#trisxrojas

“Kneavle!” Millie squeaked as she toddled forward toward a cat on the playground. Levi was still wrapping his mind around how sure on her feet she was, even thought that wasn’t really new anymore. 

“Leave the kitty alone, and you can come play with your kneazle,” he said with a small smile as he waved her stuffed plushie to lure her back over. Levi had packed a lunch for the park in between errands, but with so many things to explore, he knew it would be a trick to get her to sit still long enough to actually eat. 

Motion out of the corner of his eye, and Levi looked up, surprised to realize the man walking the path was one he knew or at least that he’d briefly worked with before. “Hey! Rojas, right? It’s good to see you.”

“Why are siblings so difficult? This is terrible. Everything is terrible. Do you have ice-cream?” In French.

Knowing how much of an anti celebratory person his own sister was when it came to birthdays, Vanja had to consider the possibility that perhaps Tristan could be like that as well, not one to really want to do much. While it was the complete opposite of how he had spent his won birthday, Vanja wouldn’t force the man to do anything. What he had decided to do, however, was show up to Tristan’s flat with a decent amount of takeout food from a nearby restaurant, and also a birthday gift, though that was concealed away for the time being. 

Not mentioning Tristan’s birthday right off the bat would be tricky, but Vanja thought it might be best to wait it out a bit, act like he was only there to see the cat. To watch the cat, and eat dinner. “I’m here for cat-sitting,” Vanja announced his presence as he entered, immediately dropping the food off first. Rather than coming over in his elaborate outfits that he was normally known for, Vanja had dressed rather comfortably, and much more casual than he would normally. Had he not said anything at all and just waltzed in, perhaps his identity wouldn’t have even been recognizable at first. “Oh, and I brought food as well.”

Although it technically wasn’t his turn to watch the cat, Vanja had hardly anything else to be doing, and figured that Tristan wouldn’t mind him taking over earlier than anticipated. That being said, he cleaned up his sketch book and pencils, and went to get dressed. For whatever reason, Xio’s advice had drifted through his thoughts, that he shouldn’t have to dial down his wardrobe for someone. Fuck it. If he was going over there, he might as well look nice. Dressing fairly quickly, he pulled on the leather jacket that Tristan had let him have, grabbed his wand, and left. Normally he might not carry it, but with all of the recent news regarding the war, it made sense to carry it at all times. 

Apparating over to the flat just made sense, as it was the quickest way to get there. He knocked twice before walking in, smoothing out his skirt as it had gotten messed up from apparating. It was a bit of a surprise not to see anyone at first, though he chalked it up to Tristan or Xiomara likely being in another room. For all he knew, one of them might not even be home. “I know I’m early, I figured that would be fine,” Vanja announced, walking further into the flat.

Vanja had never been an overly enthusiastic about pets. When other people had them, he enjoyed playing with them, but he had never really taken care of one of his own. However, it wasn’t because he didn’t want a pet, but rather he figured he had other things to worry about. According to some people, Vanja couldn’t even take care of himself, let alone a pet. Though arguably, he’d likely take care of a pet before taking care of himself, since he had an instinctual nature to look after others, no matter how hard he tried to play that off. 

When he found a seemingly lost and confused kitten among the aftermath of the chaos that had happened the night before, Vanja couldn’t ignore it. A tiny thing, the little black creature had been hiding in a pile of rubble when he found it, scared and likely unsure of anything in the surrounding environment. Thinking on his feet, Vanja was able to transfigure a bit of milk for the kitten with a flick of his wand, holding it out to him or her as a peace offering. Thankfully, it had worked, and Vanja was able to scoop it up after and bring it to someone who might be able to help. 

He had confirmed on the way there that the kitten was indeed a male, and though names weren’t the first thing on his mind, it did cross it briefly that they would need to give him one. Vanja took the kitten to Tristan’s flat, knowing that he was good with animals and might be able to help. It didn’t appear that he was home yet, by the looks of it, though that had never stopped Vanja before. Letting themselves in, Vanja set the kitten down to wander, fetching some more milk from the kitchen and a small bowl. He had no idea how to care for a cat, though, so he had hoped Tristan would be back soon.

@trisxrojas​

Throwing them into a bag, he slung it over his shoulder before apparating out of the apartment and outside. It was considerably warm for a day in England, and for a moment he said a silent prayer that it would stay that way. He enjoyed the warmer weather, but never liked when it was too hot. Fortunately, he had worn capris that day, rather than full length leather pants, which was a frequent look for him. It wasn’t long at all before he found himself at the door of the familiar grumpy Brazilian, whom Vanja referred to as such lovingly, even if he didn’t quite appreciate it the same way. Letting himself in, he didn’t automatically see any sign of Tristan, though he knew that eventually the man would come out of wherever he was hiding and probably grumble about how Vanja had even managed to get in, so instead of worrying, he sat down on the sofa and started to draw.

Vanja never liked to waste time doing things that weren’t worth his while, as he tended to get bored easily and move on from one thing to the next. However, a street fair seemed like something that was right up his alley. It seemed like the perfect excuse to go out and have fun. Plus, it was likely a sure fire way to get muse for a new project, even if it only resulted in a few quick sketches. Stores were reopening, and thus the stores surrounding them would likely be partaking in the festivities of the fair as well. 

The weather was nice, for a street fair as well. Nice for England, anyway. He often missed the weather back home, and with the seasons changing and the cold weather approaching, it was starting to feel like he was back in Bulgaira. Oddly enough, even though he had left for a reason, it felt nice to be reminded of home every now and then. England was home now, but there were times it didn’t really feel like home. Valerija was what made it home. 

Without much thought, Vanja soon found himself standing outside Tristan’s flat, knocking twice on the hard wood, waiting for him to answer. Normally, he might have just apparated into the apartment, or just walked in, but he was at least trying to give Tristan a reason not to entirely hate him. Leaning up against the wall, he smirked when he was met with the familiar brown eyes of the tall Brazilian. “There’s a street fair down by Diagon Alley. Let’s go.”

Vanja Novak && Tristan Rojas 1/?

It’s in the eyes. Always the eyes.