(1941-08-05) Cigarettes and Dimples
Details for Cigarettes and Dimples
Summary: Daniel pauses for a smoke outside the Leaky Cauldron and meets Laurence.
Date: Friday, August 8, 1941
Location: Charing Cross
Related:
Characters
DanielLaurence

The Leaky Cauldron door swings open, admitting a brief flare of the jovial din within and Daniel, dressed in as equally muggle a fashion as Laurence. He pauses a pace from the door to pull a cigarette from his pocket. It's a small wizarding world and so Daniel nods to the Broom Master with a hint of recognition. Lifting the unlit cigarette, his smile widens with a hint of good-natured mischeif. "You s'pose if I lit this without a match anyone would notice?"

Laurence's eyebrow raises as he looks Daniel over for a moment and then he smirks gently, looking around and shrugging a shoulder. "I think I'd be watching…but I'll keep an eye out for. Mums the word." He winks and then looks around thoughtfully, exhaling softly as he adjusts his straps again and rolls his shoulders.

Daniel laughs and nods. "Thanks, mate. That risk's not worth it though." A match appears in his hand and he holds it up between two fingers. No magic there - must muggle sleight of hand. He steps over towards Laurence and strikes it across the lamppost. His eyes linger on Laurence as he lights the cigarette. "Been alright then?"

Laurence leans against the lamp post, bending a knee to rest a foot flat against the base as he shrugs a shoulder and smiles softly, studying Daniel quietly as he idly toys with a toothpick. "Been okay, studying abroad you could say…or two or three…" He drawls softly before chuckling to himself and coughing to himself. "You been okay? Besides having to go through the rigors of lighting your own cigarettes?"

Daniel cants his head with mild surprise as Laurence mentions he's been away. Laughing, he nods. "Exhausting work. Don't know how these muggles survive." Pausing for a proper drag of his cigarette, he exhales and adds, "Haven't been by your shop in a while. Where've you been studying? Oh- I'm Danny, by the way. Danny Smith."

Laurence idly slips the sliver of wood between his lips and idly nibbles on it with a tilt of his head at the question, lips curving in a wry smile. "Twas a joke, you know, I was out trying to see about new supplies. Woods, plants, saps." He lists thing off on his fingers before offering a hand. "Laurence Toulson, a pleasure to meet you."

Daniel laughs with a proper head-tilt-back and a broad smile. Stepping in, he accepts Laurence's offered hand with a slap of a firm grip. "Likewise," he says with a nod. Lifting his cigarette, he adds, "So you were off about supplies, eh? Thought you'd clear out from under the Blitz? Seems to have quieted by now."

"Eh, I thought the Blitz would be the perfect cover actually to slip out and about. See if I could do anything to help…" Laurence trails off, squeezing that hand before releasing it thoughtfully. A quick shake of his head. "But yeah, quieted down. We'll see how long that lasts. Muggles are capable of amazing things sometimes you'll find…amazing and sometimes terrible all at once." A pause. "But sweet Merlin I love 'em."

Daniel inclines his head, studying Laurence with surprise and growing interest. "A rare sentiment among most of us. You're risking a boycott with that sort of talk. But I can't help but agree. Must be all my muggle blood. Got much of that yourself?"

Laurence blinks a few times and shrugs a shoulder. "Eh, I've had few issues over the years but…there's something about…" He trails off. "Nah, none of that in me that I know of. But I'm a lover…and I can't dictate who I love or how I love 'em based on their proficiency with a wand." He murmurs softly. "Unless it’s in a good way…" He drawls with a waggle of his eyebrows.

Daniel's smile widens, briefly casting his dimples into stark relief. But with a slow drag on his cigarette, he studies Laurence with a measuring gaze. "I think it's a shame we've met only just now, Toulson. Are you back for long now?"

Laurence's icy gaze sweeps back over Daniel as he notes the dimples and idly chews on his toothpick, meeting that study with a quirk of an eyebrow. "Mm, for a while yet. All the kiddies have to head back to school and I had so many owls left for me from Quidditch players. So I figure I might run a few specials and see what I can do about everything else. Don't see myself heading off anytime soon." A tilt of his head. "And what of you handsome? You have plans to be around…funny you should know more about what I do then what I know about you do."

"Ah, your shop's always been worth a glance. Though I guess it shows how often I pass if I didn't realize you'd been gone. Not much of a broom flyer, I guess. As for me, well, you might have seen me now and again at the Natrix." Daniel pauses to exhale smoke with a mischievous grin. His murky green eyes linger with keen interest on Laurence's piercing gaze of ice-blue.

"That shows how much attention I've been payin'. Haven't..slipped by there in a long time. Its all fancy and what not, but the music's not half bad. I'll have to stop by then…see if I can't catch a glimpse, or two, or three of you in your natural habitat." Laurence thumbs the side of his nose and flashes a grin.

Daniel chuckles, watching Laurence with a keen glint. "Can't say I stand out as much as some of our bouncers." He lifts a hand, indicating height far more intimidating than his. "But now that you're looking I'm sure you'll find me. And if you see me 'fore I see you, I'll buy the first round." He flicks away his cigarette. "I'll be watching for you, Mr. Toulson." He nods with a tip of his hat. "Until then."

"Oh…trust me dimples, ye cannae blend in even if you wanted to." Laurence lets a hint of his natural Scottish accent slip in there with a wink before pushing off of the lamp post and nodding slowly. A hand moves up to tip his own hat. "And I you Mr. Smith." Then the nods towards the entrance of the Leaky Cauldron which is where he is headed, turning around to toss a wave.

Daniel had half-turned to go, but snags on the unexpected sobriquet. Or perhaps it's the subtle Scottish brogue. It stops him and leaves him staring with a half-bemused smile. He inclines his head at the tossed wave as Laurence goes from where Daniel has just come. And once gone, Daniel lingers, running a hand through his untidy waves and rubbing the back of his neck. He bows his head, checking the silver pocket watch from his waistcoat. With a sigh, he heads off at a pace of purpose.

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