"..." He could only gape, the phone still pressed to his ear, unable to fully register Raphael's response on the other end. His gaze was fixed on the man in front of him, who, in turn, smiled charmingly.
"Surprised, Eli?" Louis asked in a smooth tone, bending down to pick up an apple that had rolled out of the grocery bag after Elias dropped it. He held it out to him, a charming smile on his face. "Hm?"
Elias gulped. He disconnected the call, staring at the hand holding out the apple. "...Louis? What are you doing here?"
"Waiting for you, of course," Louis replied simply, his gaze sharp and focused, yet his tone was sweet and charming. He hummed, taking Elias's phone, his hand lingering on the other's for a few moments longer than necessary. He had half a mind to glance at the caller's name, to know just who Elias had been talking to so fondly, but he stopped himself. He couldn't do that...yet.
Tucking the phone into Elias's coat pocket, Louis met his eyes coldly, though a charming smile remained on his face. "You shouldn't walk while on the phone, Eli," he said in a chastising yet caring tone, even as his gaze stayed sharp. He pushed the bouquet of roses into Elias's arms, startling him slightly with the sudden weight as the blonde scrambled to hold them properly in one hand.
Louis' gaze was contemplative as he bent down again to pick up the bag. His hand gently wrapped around Elias', pulling it outward, long fingers slowly opening Elias' palm. He placed the bag strap into his hand, drawing out the action, almost as if savoring the moment. "There," he said, his fingers lingering as he closed Elias's hand around the bag, patting it before finally letting go.
"So? Care to invite me in?"
"I-" Elias stared for a moment, too dazed by Louis's actions. After a beat, he registered the question and hurriedly nodded, "Of course. Please, come in."
Louis nods in satisfaction, a smile playing on his lips. He could practically laugh at how dazed and flustered Elias looked. He's good at this. He's good at making him act like this. Good at making him flustered. He still had it. Following Elias into the apartment, Louis' gaze was sharp, taking in every detail as he carefully studied the space.
Even he had to admit, the apartment was tastefully done. It was organized enough to avoid being considered messy, yet homely enough to avoid seeming annoyingly perfect. The walls were painted light saturated pastels, with an array of house plants scattered around. Right- Eli always loved plants. How could he forget? They seemed well-maintained too, like someone took regular care of them. An image of Elias, coming home from work and tending to his plants, flashed in his mind, and Louis couldn't help the warm feeling it gave him. He made a mental note to tell his assistant to but different houseplants for him too.
His gaze flickered from the surroundings back to Elias, who stood beside him. The silence was heavy, and he noticed Elias shifting uncomfortably, still clutching his phone unconsciously. Louis chuckled internally. 'He probably wants a verbal confirmation as to why I'm here. He doesn't like the silence', he though. Elias looked... nervous, like a cute little bunny. And that made Louis feel...
..possessive.