Archive of Our Own ^beta

Alva had nearly missed his alarm as he scrambled out of bed and into his washroom. He could feel his nerves electrify the entire time he followed his morning routine. The man hurried to dress himself, putting on a worn wool short coat over his button up, slacks, and work boots. He hurried to stop in front of the mirror. Alva looked down at the blue ribbon in his hands and carefully braided his hair. Once finished, he stared at his reflection and swallowed weakly. He was going out to spend the day with a classmate! Classes had been in session for three months but being in a city he had never been in before and at quite a prestigious university, Alva had barely left his dorm room at all to see the sights. He’d leave to go to class, go to the same fairly cheap bakery nearby for food or the small marketplace, then back to his dorm room. The truth of the matter was the blond man was extremely nervous about going out. He was at this university on a scholarship he had worked tirelessly to achieve as he knew well his parents would not be able to afford such a pricey school, and what little money they could save was given to him alongside a small allowance each month he was enrolled. Seeing all the students around him Alva knew well that money was most definitely not an issue for his classmates.

To his surprise, one of his classmates in several of his classes and his year had sat down right next to him and happily began to chatter away with him. The man by the name of Herman Zeeman made him nervous beyond belief and just sitting next to him made Alva want to grab his things and move a row over. Herman was clearly extremely knowledgeable and clearly gifted enough to be here.

Alva shook his head and made his way to his door. He grabbed his gloves and scarf on the way out, pacing himself through the dormitory halls with his head down. The blond weaved through groups of students while murmuring pleasantries when talked to and maneuvering down the hall to the stairs that led to the large oak doors. His classmate had said he'd meet him outside the dorm gates. Once outside the slight cool air made the blond man pause to take in a deep breath. He loved fall…

“If you wanted to take a leisurely stroll, you could have said so.”

Alva gave a small jump, quickly spying his classmate standing on the other side of the gate.

“A-Ah, Herman!” He gave a small pat to his chest to calm his heartbeat.

He began to walk towards the gate but as he got closer he paused to look the brown haired man over, noting his outfit. He wore a nice long coat, neat slacks, dress shoes, a plaid green scarf, leather gloves, and a top hat. In that moment Alva became hyperaware of just how underdressed he was compared to his classmate. It seemed his face had shown his embarrassment as Herman laughed.

“Why the long face, Alva?”
“Oh nothing… Good morning, Herman.”

Alva hurried his pace to where the man waited and squeezed past the iron gates to be out on the sidewalk. The brown haired man began walking as the blond man scurried after him.

“So where are we going?” Alva spoke.
“Well since it's morning, I think some breakfast would be a good start. I know of a lovely cafe not too far from here.”

Herman effortlessly pushed forward on his set path. Alva watched as the city spanned in front of him- a city he hadn’t really explored. The longest and most ‘scenic’ outing Alva had was from the train station to the college grounds. The trees, the people, the carriages, the hustle and bustle of the city… All were so much to take in. Alva reached up to tuck some of his hair behind his ear in a nervous habit. Herman’s eyes caught sight of the man’s gloves- a worn woolen brown set that seemed to nearly expose all of the blond’s wrist.

“Aren’t your hands cold? Those gloves are quite ill fitting.”

The blond blinked and looked down at his hands.

“Ah, they were my father’s but he gave them to me before I left as he had gotten a new pair.”
“Oh? So they’re not yours? That would explain it.” Herman gave a nod.
“Oh, they’re mine! My father just gave me them-”
“They are a hand-me-down, they were not made specifically for you though. Come, my usual tailor shop is right before the cafe!” Herman beamed.
“W-Wait…! Herman…” I don’t have the finances for such things…!

Herman had practically tugged the man right into the shop. A petite blond woman stood abruptly from a sewing machine and moved towards the door.

“Good morning, Sir Zeeman! Y-You are a bit early, father hasn’t finished your suit-” She began.
“Oh no no, I know it is too early for that. My friend here is in need of gloves.” The brown haired man grinned.
“F-Friend…?” Alva swallowed weakly.
“Oh! I can do that right quick!”

The woman quickly went to the tall blond man and with no hesitation took his hands.

“These gloves are too small, sir. Let me measure your hands to assure the new ones will be just right.”

She practically dragged the man towards her work bench, removed his gloves, and took a tape measure. Alva stiffly watched the woman measure his hands carefully. She made sure his fingers, palm, and wrist were measured and written down before guiding the man’s hands down to a sheet of pattern paper and drawing around them.

“You have such long and slender hands! I would have asked what instrument you play but I can see callouses on some of your fingers.” The woman chirped.

Alva gave a small jump.

“I-I do not know much personally about playing instruments but the callouses are from some of the machinery back home-” He began.
“You’re a laborer, sir? You are dressed so nicely and are friends with Sir Zeeman.”
“Is that strange?” The blond man awkwardly asked.
“We are classmates, Juliet.” Herman cleared his throat.

Alva blinked, completely lost in the conversation. What was so strange? As Herman and Juliet continued chatting, Alva opted to simply watch the woman as she grabbed her materials, cut the fabric, and began to sew the gloves. His brown eyes locked on the diligent movements of her hands guiding the leather under the sewing machine’s needle with such carefulness that he was mystified at it. A well honed craft! Before he realized it, Juliet was calling for his attention.

“Sir, your gloves are all done. Please try them on.”

Alva blinked down at the woman and then at the gloves she held out to him. They were a sleek dark brown leather set. They looked expensive… he anxiously took them and slid them on. The gloves fit perfectly and even flexing his fingers didn’t cause them to ride up on his hands and expose his wrist and bottom of his palm.

“Oh they fit perfectly, Miss Juliet. Your craftsmanship is astounding!” Alva smiled at the woman.

Juliet gave a bashful smile with a wave of her hand.

“It is all a part of a job well done. Since they’re quite a simple pair, 160 guilder is the total.”

Alva went stiff hearing the price knowing well he didn’t even have a fraction of that.

“A-Ah… Well-...” He muttered weakly.

The brown haired man stepped forward, pulling his wallet from his coat pocket. Alva stared as Herman easily pulled it open and pulled the money amount out to hand to the woman.

“Here it is. Thank you for such quick work.” He hummed.
“H-Herman-” Alva gasped.
“It’s my pleasure!”

Alva looked from the petite woman to his classmate in what could only be panic.

“Come now, the cafe is not so far.” Herman waved at the woman before guiding Alva towards the door.
“Have a good day, Sir Zeeman and company!” Juliet bowed.

The blond just anxiously followed after the other, trying to keep up with his pace.

“I’ll pay you back as soon as I can.” Alva meekly spoke.

Herman paused before releasing a laugh.

“Do not fret, it wasn’t expensive at all. I brought you to this shop, it’s the least I could do.”

Despite his assurance, Alva couldn’t shake his nervousness, not even feeling a tiny bit better with his words. He swallowed weakly as he continued after the man.

Both men continued forward until Herman stopped in front of a restaurant with a few tables outside surrounded in flower plots. Alva looked up and spotted the wooden sign hanging off to the side. It was a blue crescent moon with little flowers at the base with the name of the cafe on the bottom.

La jardin de lune

“The moon garden?” Alva said aloud.
“Oh? You know French? Very impressive, Mr.Lorenz.” The brown haired man hummed, giving a little clap as he spoke.

Alva could feel a slight blush rise to his cheeks.

“It’s nothing impressive… I partially taught myself when I was younger. I had some help from a woman who always bought eggs and milk from us and sometimes would bring us baked goods. She saw me struggling to read a French children's book so she offered to teach me for a few extra eggs. Do you know other languages?” The blond asked.
“English, Dutch, Latin, French, and a bit of Spanish. It all came so naturally my tutors struggled to keep me seated during lessons.” Herman grinned.

That’s so many languages to know. The man motioned for the door and entered, holding it open for Alva. Alva hurried in, pausing to look around inside. It was a cozy looking cafe with a fireplace, knick-knacks on the walls, and a few plush sitting chairs in a section away from tables.

“Oh, how beautiful…” Alva said.

Herman smiled as he went in further. An older man with mostly gray hair came right up to the pair.

“Oh Herman, it is so good to see you!” He excitedly chattered.

The brown haired man took off his top hat while releasing a chuckle.

“It is good to see you, Manus. Table for two, please.”

Manus looked over at Alva, blinking.

“I see I see, companionship is always good, I’m happy to see you making friends in college. Willemina is always so worried about her son making friends and yet here you are!”

The man clasped Herman on the shoulders while releasing a hardy laugh before he rushed off to a table, waving the pair over to one near the fireplace.

“It’s getting quite chilly already. Come, come!”

Manus eagerly awaited the two men to come and sit at the table as he hurried to bring two menus and place each in front of the men. Alva picked up the menu, eyeing just how many items on the menu there were. His eyes quickly scanned the breakfast items and then to the different coffees and teas. Watching the blond man, Herman couldn’t help smiling at the way his classmate’s eyes practically glittered.

“See anything that catches your eye?”
“The eggs benedict with toast and a cup of fruit sounds very good… Earl gray creme also sounds nice for a drink.” Just the thought alone made his mouth water.
“Quite simple.” Herman chuckled.
“Ah, I’m used to simple. What do you usually get?”
“Grilled fish with bacon, and eggs over easy. Coffee as a drink.” The man placed his chin in his hand.

Manus hurried to the table and clasped his hands together.

“So what will it be, gentleman?”
“Eggs Benedict over toast, a cup of fruit, with an earl gray creme, please.” Alva smiled.
“Any meat?” Manus asked.
“I don’t want anything too heavy so early in the morning.” The blond laughed softly.
“Of course, of course!” The older man nodded.
“I’ll do my usual.” Herman handed the menu back to the man.
“Fantastic, everything will be out soon. Elise, my wife, works quite fast.” He smiled happily at Alva, bowed and turned back.

Alva perked up and turned to Herman.

“His wife makes everything herself?”
“Her and two or so friends who help if available, but yes, she is the primary cook.”
“That’s astounding…! How long have you been coming here?”

Herman closed his eyes to think for a moment before nodding his head.

“When I was a child. I was probably about 10 or 11. The years have passed quite fast but of course the food has always been amazing.”
“I've rarely been able to eat out, especially at a place like this.”
“Your cook's food must have been good enough to keep you in.” The brown haired man mused.
“Cook? M-My mother was quite good! She'd let me help a bit too.” Alva couldn't help smiling at the memory.

Herman blinked at the man.

“Your mother was the one cooking? Interesting.”

The blond paused for a moment at Herman's words, fidgeting nervously with his cuff. Soon the older man was back with several plates on his arms and in his hands. He placed each plate and cup down in front of the two men before giving a bow.

“Enjoy your meal.” Manus smiled and left.

Alva peered down at his plates- the smell filled his nose and was enough for his stomach to growl. He picked up his silverware and dug into his eggs and toast. The food was amazing, definitely the food at the college dining hall couldn't even measure. For a split second the food did trigger the blond man to feel a pit in his stomach missing his mother's cooking. He hadn't even been at college three months, he couldn't start being homesick already! Alva looked up to see Herman watching him intently. There was a pause as a light heat rose to the man’s cheeks.

“I-Is there food on my face?” Alva awkwardly tucked some of his hair behind his ear.
“Ah, no no. You just seemed to really be enjoying the food.” Herman shook his head and continued his meal.

The pair fell into a comfortable silence as they ate their meal. Alva had been happily drinking his tea as Manus came over.

“I hope your breakfast was to your liking.”
“It was amazing. I will definitely be making this a part of my regular outings.” The blond man smiled.
“I am quite glad to hear it! I will go ahead and do the bill for you.”

Before the man had finished his sentence, Herman had already retrieved his wallet and pulled out the money.

“This should cover it. If my calculations are wrong, put it on my family’s open bill.”
“Alright. Thank you so much for your continued patronage!” Manus nodded as he gave a bow and left.

Alva blinked at the man as his brows furrowed.

“Herman, you don’t have to keep paying for me…” I fear I’ll have no way to pay it all back.

The brown haired man smiled, waving his hand.

“Please do not fret. All for a budding friendship, Alva. I was the one to invite you out.”

Despite his kind words and smile, Alva couldn’t help feeling anxious. All he managed was a small nod as they stood and made their way out of the cafe.

“Please give Elise my regards!” Herman called back.
“But of course.” Manus responded.

The morning had sped by in a blink of an eye. The pair had gone to a gallery, a few shops, and had been winding down by walking through a park. As they walked the park, Alva looked around at all the hustle and bustle. He spotted someone painting, children playing, a couple having a picnic, and of course many people taking strolls.

“There are so many people… The park is so lively.” Alva smiled.
“It seems others agree with us that a stroll is a good way to wind down.” Herman hummed.
“I love fall, the season is just the right temperature and nature changes so beautifully.” The blond sighed wistfully.

The brown haired man couldn’t help watching the man from the corner of his eye. He was quite animated as he talked, even motioning with his hands as he chattered. It was enjoyable to see for a change as the Alva he had come to see in class was typically quiet and meek. When they first began talking it was almost like pulling teeth to get the man to speak more than a few words per lecture. The blond man had even shushed him a handful of times during class, much to Herman’s amusement. Just as Alva had been about to speak again, he froze hearing faint music. He looked around to see if he could spot the source of the sound but with the source nowhere in sight, he began to follow it. It seemed Herman had not picked up on Alva’s reason for hurrying through the park until he too heard music.

“Oh, someone must be performing nearby.”

The brown haired man seemingly moved forward to lead the way. Alva followed behind the man closely, raising his hand to take hold of the back of the man’s coat. His hand froze a few centimeters from his back before anxiously lowering it to his side. Soon the pair found the small group that had been happily playing various instruments. There had been a few people listening, even a few children dancing. Alva listened and couldn’t help smiling at the music.

“It’s such a lively tune. It makes me want to dance.” He laughed softly.
“Well if you want to dance, I surely won’t stop you.” Herman tilted his head.

The blond paused before a wide grin broke across his face. He reached down and took Herman’s hand and pulled him along.

“A-Alva…!” The brown haired man gasped.

Alva pulled Herman along to sway to the tune and gave a few spins before giving a rather harsh, sharp turn that caused Alva’s grip on his classmate’s hand to slip from his own. Both men were sent crashing to the ground- sending a few leaves up into the air. Once on the floor, Alva couldn’t help laughing, falling flat on his back in the grass. A few children stared at the pair before laughing and clapping, even an older woman nearby smiled at the chaotic scene that had just played out. Herman could feel the burn of heat on his face at the stares of the crowd. As a wave of embarrassment began to threaten to swallow him up, his eyes quickly shot to his classmate. The man’s eyes were creased at the corners, his smile so wide it nearly covered his whole face, and the sound of his laugh was so light and sweet… It was such an innocent and genuine joy.

“I-I’m so sorry, Herman- My grip has gotten weak.”

Alva hurried to stand, moving to Herman’s side to help him up.

“It’s fine.” The brown haired man cleared his throat.

His classmate helped dust him off and retrieved his hat, meekly holding his hat out of him.

“M-My apologies for all of this… I got too excited and made a fool of us…” Alva anxiously spoke.
“It’s alright… It’s refreshing to see someone excited over simple pleasures. Everyone around me just seems so stuffy.”

Herman dusted off his hat and put it back on.

“Do you like music that much?” He asked.
“I do. My parents had a music box given to them and my father played a fiddle and my mother a cello.”
“That’s incredible…! My parents tried to instill fine arts such as a piano or violin, but I could barely hold a tune, much less play anything.” Herman laughed.
“Maybe it’ll be different if you try now?” Alva asked.
“Perhaps. Though I have more important things to fill my time. I must keep up with our coursework if I’d like to be someone more noteworthy out here.”

The brown haired man took in a deep breath before slowly exhaling. He noted his classmate looking at him intently.

“You want to go down in history?” Alva stared.
“Something like that, I suppose.” Herman eventually spoke.
“That’s admirable… I just want to make a difference with what I make and innovate.” Alva watched as a few leaves fell from a nearby tree.
“What are your thoughts on classes so far? To be dreaming of innovating already, surely something has sparked that interest in you.” Herman smirked.
“It’s a lot, but… I like a challenge though! It's fascinating and I love most of what I learn. The professors are all knowledgeable and have so much to teach… Our physics professor, especially!”

The brown haired man grinned, giving a pleased ‘humph’ as he puffed out his chest. Soon Herman had begun chattering about their professor who was avidly involved with some of the big names trying to make history.

“Professor Adams' lesson on kinetic energy was quite interesting, but it caused my mind to wander. What if once something began to move, it continued on making its own power until stopped.” He mused.
“Like always moving… Perpetually in motion.” Alva responded.

The brown haired man paused, eyeing the other.

“Perpetual motion… Do you believe in such a thing?”

Alva grew quiet, raising his head to look up at the tree branches full of green, yellow, and orange leaves. He raised a hand to tuck some loose hair behind his ear and then to place his hand over his chest. The blond man straightened himself out, closing his eyes and taking in a deep breath.

“It is something that's never been done… Yet it is something I would love to prove. Perpetual motion is real, and I want to show the world the amazing things it can do.”

Watching the man, Herman couldn’t help feeling a swell in his chest. Alva looked so determined, so ambitious as he spoke on the matter and in that exact moment Herman knew he had finally found exactly what he had been looking for. Herman stopped in his tracks, causing Alva to go stiff. Had he said something wrong? As he turned to the man, he froze and grew wide eyed seeing him slowly break out into a grin.

“H-Herman?” Alva stuttered.
“I have never talked to someone who shared such a view like my own, nor someone who speaks passionately about inventing. I theorize we will make quite the pair, Mr.Lorenz.” The brown haired man grinned wider, allowing Alva to spy that the man had a snaggle tooth that poked out on his left side.

Alva could feel a feather light feeling go through his stomach all the way up to his chest.

“You want a potential partner to be someone like me?” The blond murmured lamely.
“Not want, Alva, need. You are exactly the kind of partner anyone would need if they were planning to go down in history. That is for me to say you are the partner I need to do just that.”

The blond swallowed, looking away.

“You seem so confident professing we’d go down in history, Herman. There’s a lot of extraneous factors that would say otherwise.”
“Well yes, of course. But you must continue on, fighting to achieve your goal no matter what. If you believe it, you will achieve it. Believe we will prove this theory and our names will go down in history. Be my partner, Alva, let us prove to the world what the future holds.”

Alva knew what Herman said was true, but he couldn’t help feeling a pit in his stomach of fear. What if the entire world worked against them and they would never achieve anything? What if Herman grew bored of him? And yet…

“Alright, Herman. I will be your partner. But if things get difficult, if your resolve wavers, you cannot give up on perpetual motion, you cannot give up on me.” Alva tried to sound stern, but could feel the slight crack in his voice.

Herman looked at the man as if studying his face. Soon he released a light laugh and extended his hand.

“Let’s shake on it, then. Partners?”

The blond paused for a moment before reaching forward and taking his hand firmly to shake.

“Partners.”