London Has Your Eyes

Chapter 7. Alex

At first I was a bit worried that we wouldn't have anything to talk about, but it was in vain. We talk non-stop for the whole walk, and there are no communication problems like language barriers. He waits patiently while I search my memory or Google for the right words, trying to speak more slowly, which is nice of him.

We leave the station building and move slowly towards Camden Town. I probably look really funny, reacting so emotionally to everything that comes our way, but honestly, I don't care. I'm too absorbed in the walk, new pictures and emotions.

After filling up on sandwiches and drinks at Kosta, we move on. I can't say that this semi-residential-semi-working-class neighbourhood that we pass through evokes a storm of emotions in me, but thanks to Daniel's funny comments and amusing stories, even these grey walls are painted in bright colours.

We reach a chic promenade covered in green, flat lawns. The locals sit on the grass, talking to each other, just having fun. It's quiet and noisy at the same time. It's almost as if time has been paused.

- A break,- Daniel says as he sits down on the grass. - Considering we still have a lot of walking to do, I suggest we get some rest.

- I agree,- I nod, pulling off my shoes and enjoying the touch of the soft grass on my bare feet. - You could stay here for a long time.

- I wouldn't recommend it. It's not the safest place to be at night. But we can stay here for a while,- he says, stretching out on the lawn.

- So, football. How well do you play it? Is it just a hobby? Or could it have been your profession if it wasn't for cinema? - I just want to get to know him better. Not the guy in the picture, but the real person sitting next to me.

- Hmm, football... Football is my passion, I spent my whole childhood on the field, running the ball. I knew all the players, and to this day, meeting some of them will probably trigger the same set of emotions that a letter from Hogwarts would trigger for you,- he says, laughing. - I wanted to be a football player, but I got injured, so I forgot about the sport. Football has remained just a big hobby.

- It's a pity. Although, on the other hand, it has given millions of girls from the age of 13 the object of dreams and fantasies, which isn't a bad thing either, eh? - I tease.

- Oh, come on. I don't consider myself a celebrity or anything. I just do what I like to do. I'm very pleased that the films have shot and are such a success, but I still try to live outside of work the way I used to: going to my favourite bars, walking around London, meeting friends and stuff, playing football again on free pitches. Of course, sometimes people stop me in the streets and ask me to take photos, but I'm used to it and don't pay much attention. I guess I'm lucky, nobody jumps on my neck, and I do meet a lot of cultural fans,- Daniel says.

- On the web, though, you've been picked apart. I had the time, I looked on social media. Every look, every eyebrow movement. It's so cute. They're dreaming about you. Not really about you, though, I guess. It's more about your character, isn't it? They've read the books, they know his character, but what do they know about you exactly? I don't think you're like your character,- I continue. I think back to all those comments about how hot he is, how good he is, and a bunch of lights out.

Daniel shrugs his shoulders, thinking, and charming dimples appear on his cheeks.

- Very remotely. It was one of the most frequently asked questions during the promotions.

- Well, I haven't re-watched your interviews,- I lie, of course I've watched them. - And who would you like to play when these films are over? There will probably be calls for romantic hero roles, but everyone will compare you to your Sam that audiences love so much.

- Honestly? I'd like to play some kind of superhero,- he says, slightly embarrassed. I turn around and stare at him silently.

- What? What are you doing? - He asks, smiling.

- Trying to picture you in tights and a hero's cape behind your back,- I jump and he starts laughing too.

Two young girls come up to us and awkwardly ask him to take a picture with them. Daniel politely agrees, his face taking on a 'work expression'. Then he turns and whispers: "Welcome to my world."

We hurriedly leave the promenade and move on. Bars, pubs, more bars, shops selling doubtful stuff, pubs again. Quite entertaining.

- I remember you were reading something this morning. If you like books, here we go,- Daniel says, pointing to the door of an authentic old bookshop. This is our last stop.