Lavender Brown

lavenderisblue @ 2007-09-16T20:15:00

2007-09-17T00:18:55Z

Who: Lavender & Charlie
What: sometimes shields break in a good way
Rating: NC-17

LAVENDER: *can't believe the amount of dust and mud she can feel clinging to her skin* *she'd had to dress well, being the boss on site, and her clothes cling to the sweat on her body now after the ground breaking's begun* *pauses long enough to say hello to both dogs on her way into the flat, kicking off her shoes by the sofa and padding on bare feet to the dresser to collect clean denims and a t-shirt, as well as clean knickers and bra* *pads straight into the bathroom, turning the water in the shower up nice and hot*

*strips quickly, kicking the dust muddy clothes off to the side while she reaches up to undo the twist in her hair* *blond strands fall lank and heavy against her shoulders and she makes a face into the mirror* *unwilling to feel like this a moment longer, she steps into the shower and stands under the water, enjoying the feel of it coursing over her*

*it doesn't take long to come clean, rejoicing in the heat and the scent of her soap and shampoo (which have long since managed to take up residence here)* *once clean, stands for a long moment in the water, letting it beat down over her head, then finally, feeling clean at last, she twists the water off*

CHARLIE: *frowns as he moves up the steps to his flat, two at a time -- trying very hard not to swear under his breath* *he was late to start dinner for Lavender, and his ill temper wasn't helped by the finger he'd smashed fixing the fence...the repair of which was what had made him late* *Lavender wasn't due home for another hour, to the best of his knowledge, based on how late she'd been getting in, but the roast hadn't even started marinating yet, and he still had the potatoes and carrots to peel, and he wasn't sure he had the right wine for the roast and -- * *not breaking stride, he burst through the door to the flat, toeing off his boots and closing the door all in one gesture, tossing his jacket expertly at the hook (it always landed right and this time was no exception) as he headed for the loo -- he'd find the chillpad in his first aid kit and put it on his hand to help the smashed finger, then get started on dinner*

*he didn't even hesitate when he found the door to the loo closed, too distracted by his thoughts to even wonder why the door was closed when it was usually left open -- instead, he simply opened it and all but fell into the steamy room, looking up just in time to see the shower curtain get swept aside to reveal a slick, wet, and very naked Lavender Brown*

*he freezes, staring*

LAVENDER: Oh! *startled as soon as she realises the door's open but it's Charlie and she relaxes instantly* *suddenly warmer than the room should be making her, tingling from her head right on down to her toes* Charlie. I... *uncertain what to say* *takes a first step forward, mouth opening slightly, staring at his, then smiles shyly* Could you pass me my towel?

CHARLIE: *the question breaks his freeze, and he suddenly flushes, brilliantly scarlet from nose to ears, and throat to hairline...and the rush of heat into his groin was almost painful, the tight throb of his suddenly accelerated heart beating through delicate tissues as his eyes catch on, and then flinch from, wet, pink nipples, slick, pale skin, delicious lines and soft curves* *looking away desperately, he reaches blindly for the towel, then thrusts it at her -- flushing again as he's forced to glance at her to aim...and his eyes catch again, moving only reluctantly away from her body and back to focus on the counter in front of the mirror* *gruffly* ...sorry. ....I didn't realise... *the tension in his groin wasn't fading and it only added to his embarrassment -- as did the fact that he couldn't seem to keep his eyes off the glimpses of her he saw in the mirror* ...I was just.... *his mind blanked* ...ehm. *his eyes locked on hers in the mirror, and he fell silent*

LAVENDER: *takes the towel and wipes her face with it first, then rubs her hair a bit to take the worst of the water out* *can't miss the glances, the sudden fluttering against her silks of his rising emotions* *flushes, fair skin staining rose from head to toe* It's alright. I don't mind.

*wraps the towel around herself finally, holding the ends in one hand rather than tucking it in* *steps forward, touching his shoulder lightly as she came up behind him* *softly* You burst in here quickly. Everything alright? *looks past him, meeting his gaze in the mirror* *tries to keep her breathing under control, but every inch of her body is screaming, begging for her to drop the towel again*

CHARLIE: *can't take his eyes off her in the mirror -- though he manages to keep them locked on her face, at least, feeling the sudden well of shame rising at the pleasure he's taken so rudely, the way he's come in on her, and intruded so intimately on her* *then her question brings his mind back to his hand and he suddenly flinches, curling his hand up, against his chest -- the renewed pain throbbing against his bones with a vengeance, as if to punish him for his illicit pleasures in the past, as well as his current unwanted intimacy with her* *he hissed through his teeth, closing his eyes and forcing himself to get hold of his emotions, his arousal, and lock it down, hard and fast -- then he opened his eyes and reached for the cupboard* ....smashed my hand with a log when I was fixing the fence. *he let his eyes catch hers in the mirror again, briefly, and very carefully keeps them from straying* ...and I'm late to start dinner. *briskly, he tugs the first aid supplies down, digging out the spelled chilling pad, and triggering it, slapping it onto his hand, where it wraps and sticks, beginning to go cool almost instantly*

*with careful haste, he put the first aid supplies away, then turned toward her, hesitating, then quickly giving her a friendly peck on the forehead before heading for the door* ....I'll wash my hands in the kitchen sink while I'm peeling the potatoes and carrots. *flustered, his only thought was to put some distance between himself and her, and allow her to have her privacy back* ....dinner should be ready in an hour.

LAVENDER: *watches him go, disappointment in her heart even as she relaxes and lets her silks go for the moment, tasting the remnants of arousal, fear, and shame after he's gone* *arousal far more than anything, spice mixed with it in her nose, her skin shivering and aching as she finally towels dry and slowly dresses* *pulls on her knickers and denims, then the soft t-shirt, tossing the bra back into her pile of dirty laundry as just too much against her skin right now*

*it takes time to brush through her curls, untangling them until her damp hair lies against her back* *finally tosses the laundry into the hamper and steps out of the loo* *stands for a long moment, quiet and watching and wanting to say something but uncertain how far she can push him* *softly* Charlie.

CHARLIE: *the time and space had let him settle again -- the meat was marinating, and the potatoes and carrots peeled and set on to boil -- and he'd relaxed enough to take off the flannel, leaving just his turtlenecked shirt* *he heard her come out, as he was ripping lettuce for a salad, and automatically tipped his head and smiled at her, feeling warm inside* *the fresh scent of her, lavender and Lavender, filled the kitchen, and he relaxed even more, breathing it in* *softly, hands still busy with the lettuce though his eyes were on her* ....you came home early. *a faint flush crept up his neck, turning his ears red, but faded quickly, leaving just the tips of his ears coloured with heat*

LAVENDER: Yeah. *smiles shyly, nodding* We broke ground today, and I was filthy head to toe, so bad I swear my mouth tasted like dust. *moves closer into the kitchen, standing where he can see her, arms crossed* I'd been craving a shower since we started this morning. *shyly* I don't mind that you walked in.

CHARLIE: *listening, he smiled and nodded as she spoke about the ground breaking -- then her last words brought the arousal back in rush, so acute it hurt* *his breath caught, the scent of her filling his lungs and holding there, as his hands faltered, and he looked away from her, the flush burning its way up his throat and face again -- less embarrassment for what he'd done than a sudden sharp shame for how he'd felt, how he was feeling about his intimate glimpse of her* *gruffly, he apologised for it* ....I should have looked. ....I mean, I shouldn't have -- I -- it was an accident. ....I didn't mean --

*he broke off, flustered, and concentrated on ripping the lettuce into smaller shreds* *the arousal simmered through him, and unsettled him -- it'd been so long since he'd felt anything like it, it was hard to understand, to work with and around, and confused him desperately* *....not to mention it was uncomfortably tight in unfamiliar places, and the pressure from his jeans was maddeningly distracting every time he shifted his weight -- he hoped, frantically, that Lavender didn't notice as he turned into the counter a bit more*

LAVENDER: *chews on her lower lip, uncertain about what she's doing but just about shaking from the force of him slipping over her silks, caressing her with feelings that she doesn't dare let in for fear of losing all control to the want of him* *closes her eyes a moment, flush with desire* It's alright. I mean. I like *catches her breath in a soft sigh, pushing forward* Sometime I want you to see me naked. All of me. On purpose. And touch me. And *raises her gaze to his face, flicking to his lips before meeting his eyes again* I want to kiss you, Charlie. A lot.

CHARLIE: *eyes going wide, he paled, the arousal vanishing in the beat of a heart, leaving him uncomfortably pinched, physically, and emotionally shaken as he dropped the lettuce into the bowl and backed up, shaking his head* *raggedly, he denied her, echoing the words hissing in his head as he retreated* ...no. No, no you don't, you won't, please -- you don't know -- *and the heat of shame rose again, washing out all the other emotions as he crossed his arms, backed into a corner, eyes averted as he started to tremble, just a little* *desperately, softly* ... please, Lavender -- you don't.

LAVENDER: *doesn't know whether she should touch him or not, terrified that she's done something wrong* *fervently* I do, Charlie. You attract me in ways no one else ever has. I can't stop myself wanting you and *small smile, heart in her eyes* I don't want to. I just hope you'll want me.

CHARLIE: *the words washed warm through him, and the shame burned after them, as well as the knowledge and the fear of her reaction -- of her rejection -- when she found out and realised how badly She had corrupted and perverted him* *he couldn't bear to look at her, to see the expression on her face as he spoke* ....you don't, you don't know. *he hugged himself harder, suddenly feeling dreadfully exposed and vulnerable, as if he were stripped bare and hung spread-eagled again in front of her, in front of dozens, again* *his voice was soft, his heart breaking, as he spoke again* .....you don't know what....I... *what I did, what I've done, what I liked, what She did to me, what I wanted Her to do to me -- the words failed him and he struggled after them, stumbling, before settling on* -- what happened.

*he yanked in a breath, feeling strangled, then forced the words out, harshly, temper rising with his frustration -- at himself for his cowardice, for his perversion, at Her for haunting him, for bringing his flaws to bright, harsh reality, for taking advantage of them, at Lavender for wanting more than he could give, for pushing him to share the secrets he'd been trying so hard to hide* You don't know what happened. You don't know -- I liked it! *the temper pushed through for one, sharp instant, cutting a terrified glare at Lavender before he retreated again, hugging himself hard as the trembling started again* I liked it. I liked what She did. I -- when She -- She.... touched me, I -- *and his voice broke* *he buried his face in his hands, scrubbed once, hard, and straightened, dry eyed, to stare at the bed they'd been sharing the last several nights* *hollowly, but firmly, each word carefully pronounced and strictly controlled -- lest the tremble of his body come out in his voice and make it break again* ....She has photographs -- proof -- that She was going to send to my mother. *and the waiting for the photographs only made it worse, kept the reminder there, in the forefront of his thoughts -- What would your family say if they knew you enjoyed the touch of a Death Eater? What would your friends say?* ...and....witnesses.

LAVENDER: *moves to come up beside him, touching his shoulder, leaning into him* *whispers* I know what you've told me. I know what I know of you. And I'm not going anywhere, Charlie. No matter what she says, no matter what she did, no matter anything. *leans her head against his shoulder and lets the words slip out* I love you, Charlie. You.

CHARLIE: *when she touches him, he flinches, as if expecting a blow -- then freezes as she leans on him before he can retreat* *instead, he simply braces to hold her weight, and closes his eyes, turning his face away* *the last words send a violent tremble through him, and his breath catches, then releases, almost in a sob* *denying* ....you can't. You don't understand. She was a Death Eater. *his eyes open and he turns back toward her, settling for staring slightly ahead of them, at the space off the point of his shoulder, when her face proves too close for visual comfort* *voice ragged with horror and shame* She was a Death Eater, and she was hurting me -- and I liked it. *eyes closing again as he flinches away from that admission, horror and disbelief thick in his voice* ....it wasn't just the touching, the comfort, Lavender -- not -- not just that. She... touched me. She.... put her hand -- on me. And I.... *the words suddenly ran out, leaving him stranded*

LAVENDER: *slides her arm about his waist, holding on while she leans into him* *watches him, feeling all the emotions battering against her but refuses to let her silks open to let it wash over her and into her* *this is his and she won't help him if she tries to steal it away* *healing doesn't work like that*

*has to think about what he's said, and what he's not saying* *rubs his other arm lightly with her hand* *tries to finish his thought for him, to see if she's understood* She forced you to orgasm?

CHARLIE: *every muscle was locked and tensed in an effort not to tremble under her touch as she thought, braced against the coming rejection as Lavender realised what he'd meant* *his breath jerked in at her words -- but all he said was, simply, raggedly* ...yes.

LAVENDER: *softly, with emphasis* Forced. She made you do it.

CHARLIE: *eyes opening, he stared into the space straight ahead of him, clearly not seeing the flat -- or much of anything else -- mind cycling through the horrifying experience: the hood, the strangling cloth across his face, the ache in his arms, the cold terror he felt every time she'd asked him a question -- how he'd scrambled to answer, desperate to please -- then her touch, so gentle at first, soothing, a hopeless comfort in the midst of fear and pain...then the...touches, the denials, the agonizing pleasure raking through him even as he strangled on his own breath, heard the click of the camera, the soft laughter of the watchers, burn of mortified embarrassment and shame -- and Her sudden fury* *despairing* ....you don't want me, Lavender. ....no body should. *his shoulders slumped as he turned his face away*

LAVENDER: *softly* Charlie. *wiggles her way around to his front, so her hands rest at his waist, leaning back to look at his face* *lightly touches his cheek, cupping his face, sighing at the feel of him* I do. I won't let her ruin you for me, or me for you. She forced you to do things, made you think things. But that was all her. *hesitates a moment, then says* If you want to know how I feel, you can kiss me. I'll open up, and let you feel what I feel. I can't lie that way, Charlie. Not to you. But this is your choice, and I won't force it on you, either the kiss or my emotions.

CHARLIE: *at the touch on his cheek, he turns and meets her eyes, searching the lavender-blue for the truth of her words, trying to hide the despair and misery in his own green-gold, mouth set and unhappy* *automatically, his arms drop from their crossed, defensive posture, hands coming to rest on her hips, letting her in without thinking* *for a long moment, for several, long, moments, he just looked at her, feeling the surge and burn of his own emotions flooding through him, wanting to believe her but convinced of his own degradation and worthlessness, his own contamination -- but desperately wanting to believe her* *finally, hesitantly, his lashes fall, his gaze dropping to her mouth, lingering on full, soft lips before flicking up, silently, to meet her eyes again -- tentatively, he leans forward, just a little, his hands trembling against her hips as he struggles to accept* *breathing in, breathing out....he falters, eyes flicking down...then up again before he leans forward once more, ever-so-tentatively leaning to touch his lips to hers*

LAVENDER: *watches the war in his expression, keeping her gaze even on his, calm and soft, heart in her eyes* *soft sigh when his lips touch hers and she lets the silk slip* *not too far, opening her mouth under his, tongue flicking out to taste his lips* *emotions slip through, love, desire, need, and love all over again mixed with the wanting of him and hope for more* *and after that first small slip, she let's him control how deep the kiss goes, letting emotions slip a bit more when he deepens it*

CHARLIE: *his eyes close as her mouth opens, and her emotions start to trickle in, a long, soft sigh easing out of him in wonder at the sensation* *her mouth is warm and soft, and sweet with the taste of her, and he starts to sink in, easing closer as he opens to her, physically and mentally, unable to resist the taste of her* *the emotions are uniquely not his -- warmer, somehow, and....and sweeter, somehow, tasting different to his mind, richer and fuller than his own* *the warmth soothes, slipping into his heart and easing the ache there -- with a sudden sob, he presses closer, deepening the kiss, wanting more, even as the tears start to fall* *the terrified ice of his heart melting under the soothing touch of her love and desire -- the aching loneliness suddenly easing as he realises she really means what she'd said, that she was sincere and honest and ....and loved him* *arms coming up around her, pulling her close, hugging her tightly against himself as he breaks the kiss and buries his face against her neck, too overcome to kiss her -- terrified to let her go, terrified that if he did, she'd vanish on him, and none of this would be real -- tears flooding his eyes as he clung to her, feeling the warmth of her regard flowing inside of him, shattering the distrust and forcing him to believe in her*

LAVENDER: Oh. Ohhhh. *wraps her arms around him, holding him tight, letting her love flow in light waves over him* *strokes his back with one hand, cradles her head with the other, her hand tangled in his hair, caressing him lightly* *as open as she is, can't help but breathe back in some of his release, and she fights back tears of her own, kissing his cheek and whispering nonsense noises just to be there and hold him as he cries*

CHARLIE: *it broke him, the love, the reassurance, the sheer safety and comfort she offered -- it broke him, completely* *gratitude and grief, fear and devotion, love and love in return all erupted, breaking the walls he'd been keeping all his insecurities and doubts behind, flooding out of him in a sudden fury of emotion, drowning him in tears as he clutched her hard, clung tightly to her, refused to let her go* *he could feel her inside, feel her understanding and her reassurance, her conviction and her affection, and the sheer wonder of it floored him -- and he couldn't even disbelieve it, because it was there, inside of him....every time his mind tried to counter, his heart tried to reject, to doubt, it was there -- unbreakable, unshakable and unavoidable, drawing his own devotion to her into the light with it, and tangling in his heart until he couldn't tell how to separate them from each other*

LAVENDER: *nonsense whispers slowly slide into words of love, telling him with words as well as feelings, with soft kisses on his cheek, hands touching him, needing him close as she feels his feelings returned* *caught in the wonder of it, the joy, slowly draws him to the bed so they've a place to sit, to lie down, to simply collapse and relax into this shattering of walls*

CHARLIE: *when she started to move away from him, he clutched at her, suddenly terrified, desperate not to lose her again, lose the comfort and the contact and the warmth she brought him -- but when she held on to him back and gently urged him to the bed, he gave and let her shift them, blindly dropping onto the bed, pulling her after him until she was sprawled out on top of him, covering him, protecting him as he clung to her* *desperately, now, he sought her mouth again, hushing her whispers with a sudden, urgent kiss, both hands sliding up into her hair, cupping her skull as he pressed the kiss hard and deep* *mouth opening, he drew her in, biting down on her lower lip almost savagely before opening again, thrusting his tongue demandingly deep to taste and stroke and tease as his fingers fisted lightly into the golden curls, a soft whimper of terrified desire and absolute devotion finding its way free of his throat before shifting into a low, desperate groan as her emotions surge within him again*

LAVENDER: *suddenly moans, a flood of pleasure through her senses, aroused abruptly and giving in to his kiss* *settles her hips over his, pressing down against him, rocking forward, wanting more contact, more touch* *slides her hands to his waist, teasing at the turtleneck where it tucks into his jeans, wanting to feel skin against skin*

CHARLIE: *the pressure against his groin -- against his sharply filling cock, grinding down into him -- makes him gasp and arch under her, lifting his body into her hands as she reaches for his shirt, his own hands sliding down to cup her neck, her shoulders as he draws her back down to him, pressing his mouth against her throat, wanting more -- more contact, more of her heat, her emotions, more of her* *the sudden touch of her fingers dipping into his waistband shocks him back to himself, and he freezes, the shame and embarrassment hitting him like a dash of ice water, drawing back slightly into the mattress as he gasps, desperately*....no, no, Lavender, please.... *the sudden flush catches even him by surprise, the sheer embarrassment over the thought of her seeing him, seeing the marks left on him, the badges of his shame, blocking out even the feed of warm affection and hot desire from her*

LAVENDER: *heat darkening her lavender eyes, purple around dilated pupils* I want to be as close to you as I can. *softly, sliding her hands up along his chest, feeling the ridges of the scars hidden by the shirt* All of you, all of me. Please? *when, after a long moment, he reluctantly nods and turns his head away, she sits back just long enough to skin her own shirt over her head, baring small breasts with taut nipples* *touches his cheek, turning his face towards her and kissing him, diving into the taste of him as her hands glide up under his shirt, edging it up even as she presses down against him, warm skin to warm skin* *she breaks the kiss long enough to help tug the shirt over his head, then bends to start kissing at his shoulder, finding each scar and touching it, tasting it, tracing it with tongue, lips and fingertips*

CHARLIE: *the kiss is almost enough to distract him from the touch of her hands against his skin -- the heat of her own skin against his hands burns him and it takes him several long moments, several feather light, hesitant strokes of his hands against her, before he gives in to the sensation, both hands cupping her shoulders, kneading the soft, warm skin as he opens to her, physically and emotionally, letting her lead the way here, and now* *when she tugs his shift off over his head, he closes his eyes, unwilling to look -- then jerks and gasps as her mouth comes down on him, a soft cry escaping as her tongue traces the length of the ridged tissue, his eyes popping open again, fingers tightening on her shoulders as if to push her away.... only he doesn't, he just holds her, trembling slightly under her touch for a long moment* *finally, hesitantly, one hand slips up her back, up the back of her neck to cup her skull through the curls, and he begins to relax, watching her taste him, watching her trace the marks on him*

LAVENDER: *takes her time, making sure no scar and no healthy skin is left untouched on his torso except that which might be hidden by their position* *nips gently at first one nipple, then the other, fingers gliding over his ribcage, taking every part of him and worshiping it, making it belong to them and there and NOW* *finally moves back up to find his mouth with hers, lying against his chest, breasts pressed against him, whimpering softly with need*

CHARLIE: *by the time she's pressed against his chest again, mouth feasting on mouth, he's relaxed, both hands buried in her hair, fisting, kneading gently as he pulls her into himself* *one hand shifts, sliding down her back, down her spine -- drawing off her body to duck under her arm and slide up her ribs again before sliding down, into her denims, into her knickers even, to cup her buttock, flesh to flesh, pulling her into himself as he groans into her mouth, eyes closing as he feels her need washing through him* *the hand still at the back of her head fists hard into the curls, pulling her away almost sharply as he met her eyes with his own -- the green gold is almost lost in the wide, black pool of pupil -- and then, abruptly, he ducks and presses his mouth to her throat, raking the tendon down the side, just over the pulse, lightly with his teeth* *pulling his hand out of her trousers, he braces it on Lavender's hip, shifting over, pushing her back until he's on top, settling himself between her thighs, his arms shifting to curl under her shoulders, cupping them from behind as he lowers his head to her throat again, nibbling his way along her collarbone, brushing his beard tenderly across the skin of her throat before lightly biting her again, gripping the tendon over her jugular gently with his teeth*

LAVENDER: *gasps, soft whimpers of pleasure, wriggling beneath him* *legs come up, sliding over his, hips lifting to meet him and cradle him against her soft wet warmth* *her head drops back, granting him access to the tender skin, baring her throat to him and him alone*

*fingers glide down over his back, tasting the scars there, memorizing the feel of them* *finds her way slowly to his waist, frustrated by the barrier there which lies between her and him* *fingertips duck under the edge, teasing his skin, skirting around to his belly and dipping under the edge of the button* *tugs at it, opening it, then pushing the zipper down, fingers slipping inside to find only bare skin and the root of his hard cock* *something between a purr and a growl, low in her throat as her hands slide around to his buttocks and start to push his jeans down even as her hips arch up again*

CHARLIE: *feels her surrender to him as she bares her throat -- the move sends a heady surge of lust and power through him, and he rocks his hips into her in reaction, thrusting against her, enjoying the teasing frustration of the double barrier of their jeans between them as he releases her throat, nuzzling against the soft skin with a purring sigh of pleased delight* *as her hands wander into his jeans, though, fingers curling around the hardness of him, he can't stop the sudden flash of memory, the surge of fright -- Her hands on him, Her hands tightening around him, pulling and stroking his sensitive flesh as She whimpered and moaned into his ear, imitating the sounds of lust and mating, the strangling effect of the cloth across his face, the sudden, terrifying click and whirr of the camera, even as he protested, even as he tried to deny....even as he climaxed, violently, painfully, under Her hands... -- and he surges up, and away from Lavender, raising himself over her as he scrambles for her hands, catching them by the wrists, dragging them up, pinning them to the mattress by her head as he looks down on her* *face inscrutable, calm, confident, almost demanding as he pants, breath and heart still surging with arousal -- feeling her twist under him, against him, her scent in his nose, rich with musk and want, feeling her emotions, still, stroking inside of him -- hiding the sudden surge of fright and insecurity, even as the green-gold of his eyes surges, his pupils contracting sharply in response to the adrenaline surge* *hesitates, watching her, her wrists gripped firmly but gently, restraining her with his hands and his weight, holding her down.....waiting to see if she lets him have the control, gives him the power over her -- or denies him, and takes control for herself*

LAVENDER: *surprised as he pulls back, lavender eyes wide and startled* *tastes his emotions, tests the arousal still there, the fear slipping away behind it, her own love and arousal a heartbeat counterpoint to everything else* *stretches beneath his grip, gathering in her breath, staring up at him with full trust as she lets control go and, heart hammering in her chest, aroused beyond belief, she waits to see what he'll do*

CHARLIE: *it surprises him, how much of her emotions he can still feel -- he feels her surprise, her curiosity....her understanding..........and her submission* *the release of control to him brings back his arousal, sending it surging through him, burning a heat from his groin to his heart -- breath he hadn't realised he'd started to hold surges out of him -- and his confidence suddenly surges along with the arousal, his eyes dilating again as he feels her trust and answering arousal*

*he looks down at her for one more, long moment, savouring the sight of her spread beneath him -- hair tossed golden across his pillows, her mouth wet and red, pert nipples raised and hard, her body pale and just slickening with the sweat brought on by their exertions* *nose flaring, he draws in the scent of her again, lowering his head to breath deeply of the smell of her skin, sniffing along the curve of her neck, brushing her skin with his beard again as he slowly relaxes* *eyes closing, he lowers his head slightly, nosing into her armpit once, inhaling the musk and pheromones brought on by her arousal -- he shudders slightly and turns his head, teeth nipping lightly along the edge of her breast before he noses into her nipple, rubbing it gently with his beard before taking the hard nub into his mouth, teasing it with his teeth, as his body settles over hers again, pinning her down with his weight, still restraining her with his hands as he tastes, scents, and suckles the sweet flesh of her breast* *sucks hard on the nipple, drawing it deep, then lets it out of his mouth again, raking the sensitive skin gently with his teeth before he opens his eyes to study the wrinkled, wet, pink skin* *grins up at her, and blows across the wet surface for a moment before he closes his eyes and takes the nub of flesh into his mouth again, reveling in the taste of her, the smell of her -- the feel of her, the surge of her emotions inside of him, every surge of her arousal, of her love, soothing him and making him more confident in himself and in her* *takes his time, savouring her submission to him, working on first one nipple, then the other, biting and nipping, sucking and licking, then blowing cool air across the wet skin before sucking and biting again*

LAVENDER: *soft whimpers and moans, keening soft sounds as he tastes her breasts* *whispers his name, arches under his touch, unable to keep from moving* *lifts her hips, pressing against him, crying out all over again* *each touch, each lick brings another whimper, another wiggle of pleasure wanting more* *shivers under him, skin quivering on the edge of desire, soft cries growing louder, small startled shrieks for each new rush of pleasure* *hips press against his with a loud moan, then again, crying his name loudly with the shock of orgasm rushing through her body, tensing her all over before returning her to the knife's edge of pleasure, soft and supple under his hands*

CHARLIE: *tightens his grip on her wrists as she moves -- not in alarm, just holding her, restraining her firmly as she moves under him, giving her something to push against -- each reaction of her body serving to heighten his own arousal, each soft cry driving his desire higher and hotter* *as she presses her hips into him, he shifts his weight, pressing back, giving her weight to press up into as he focuses his mouth on her breast again, listening for the sounds that tell him what touches she likes the best* *as she suddenly cries out under him, her body almost convulsing under him, he can feel the racking pleasure of her orgasm in himself and it nearly drives him over the edge with her -- only the surprise of feeling it keeps him in control, shocking him out of his arousal just long enough to head off his own climax, then ratcheting his passion back to full surge as she slowly goes limp under him* *bending, he kissed her gently, easing his hands off her wrists and sliding down her body* *gently, he undid the waistband of her jeans, then eased them cautiously off, tossing them aside before he stretched out on top of her again, settling his own still-clad hips between her thighs as he began to nuzzle and kiss her throat, waiting for her to begin to respond again*

LAVENDER: *her arms remain over her head as he moves, crossed slightly at the wrists* *takes the moment to relax, watch him, wanting him, wanting to touch him but trying not to, realising he needs this* *whispered whimper of pleasure when he kisses her* Charlie... oh, love... *fresh burst of love and warmth in her heart, hips cradling him* *lifts, pressing against the rough denim, soft whimper wanting to feel him skin to skin with her but still, her hands stay as they are and trust in her eyes mixed with desire as she looks at him* *head falls back, giving herself over to his touch, his kisses, sliding past words and into heartfelt moans*

CHARLIE: *slowly, he slides his hands up her arms, stroking the soft skin, until he can press his palms to hers, interlacing their fingers, gripping her hard -- the heat of unfamiliar passions runs raggedly through him, burning him from the inside out with the kinds of desire and arousal he's not felt for years* *hungrily, demandingly, he kisses her again, taking her mouth almost savagely as he draws her hands down to shoulder height* *breaking the kiss, he rubs his face along Lavender's cheek, her throat, head turning to nip at the soft flesh almost as if he cannot help the actions, cannot stop them, running solely on instinct and desire now as he whispered to her, between nips and kisses* ....Dilly... Lavender... *suddenly, sharply, he nips her collarbone, and when she cries out in reaction, he can't stop the hard thrust of his hips into her, body arching over her for a moment, rigid and trembling with the effort of maintaining control, before relaxing into her again, panting softly* *he nuzzles into her breast again, teeth teasing the flesh as he drags his hands away from hers again, drawing her hands down sloppily in the process* *both hands come up to knead her flesh, fingers tweaking her nipples, palms wrapping around her ribcage as he slips further down, taking his time as he tastes her skin, pausing occasionally to swipe his beard and jaw against her -- almost like a cat, chin-marking its possessions*

LAVENDER: *when he releases her hands, she follows his path, fingers gliding into his hair with soft touch, resting for a moment to see if he objects, then tangling and tasting the texture of the soft strands* *wants to feel him under her fingertips, another point of connection, knowing him deep inside of her and feeling him outside her* *manages to keep the empathy from becoming a feedback loop that takes them over, grounding herself in his presence, in him being both other and part of her all at once* *but each touch is a break of pleasure, soft waves from his strokes over her skin, shivers from the brush of his rough beard*

*hesitates as his lips brush over the rough ridge of scarring on her left hip, feels him more than sees him look up her body* *manages to lift her head, stroking back the hair from his forehead, eyes on his, then falls back limp again with a soft whispered moan of assent, only pleasure in her answering whimper as he tastes each ridge of her rough scars, taking them and claiming them*

CHARLIE: *the touch of her hands grounds him as well, settling the electric surge humming across his skin and soothing it into a more manageable glow of pure satisfaction and sensual pleasure* *he turns his head slightly, nuzzling into her palm, arching his neck to press into her touch, encouraging, before returning his attention to the scars at her hip* *they fascinate him, drawing him in, and he takes his time exploring them, tracing each line of flesh, each mark and groove and ridge, with his fingers, with his tongue, with his lips and his breath, exploring them, accepting them and reveling in them, in the life they represented, as he could not his own, not yet*

*finally, almost reluctantly, he moves on, shifting down, nudging her thighs apart as he settles his shoulders more comfortably between them* *the scent of her rises, a hot, warm spice that fills his nose and sends a hard surge to his cock, and he turns to nuzzle the soft meat of her inner thigh in response, sucking in a deep breath, and holding it before slowly exhaling* *teasingly, he grins up at her before mock-biting the thick muscle on the inside of her thigh, opening wide and making as if he's going to tear a chunk out of her, then only biting lightly, barely raking his teeth along her skin before turning away, stroking his cheek up her thigh, eyes closed, then turning his head and doing the same up the opposite thigh, frankly luxuriating in the scent of her, the feel of her skin against his face*

LAVENDER: *breath catches in a soft squeal of pleasure, hips lifting with a warm rush of scent and arousal at the bite* *whispers, finding the few words she can manage now* I want you, Charlie. *soft gasps, wriggling at his touch, vibrating all over with rising pleasure* Oh dear god, I want you.

CHARLIE: *eyes opening at her words, he gazes up the length of her body, expression somber -- it takes him a moment to process the words, as lost as he is in the surge of her emotions, his own emotions, the sea of sensation he was creating around them* *as he drifts back, he turns and noses into the crease of her thigh, inhaling deeply at the new rush of scent* *hesitantly, he brings his fingers up touch the soft, golden curls at the juncture of her thighs, petting them lightly, feeling the dampness seeping through them with wonder and pleasure* ....Dilly.... *reluctantly, he draws away from her, reaching for the wand in his pocket, then hesitates and settles again, leaving the wand where it is* *eyes brightening with a wicked gleam, he tastes her emotions -- then leans forward and, without warning, tastes her, sliding his tongue up the crease of one thigh, then turning and nuzzling, nipping at the tendon that tensed on the other side* *softly, he whispered* ....come for me again? *before shifting to bring one hand up between her thighs, slipping hesitant, but confident, fingers into the slick folds of her sex* *he strokes, once, gently, learning the topography of her body, before lifting his fingers to his nose, to his mouth, scenting her, then, delicately, tasting -- the sharp slick peppery taste is intoxicating, and he shudders, eyes going darker, voice lowering roughly as the surge rockets into his cock* ...Come for me again, Dilly....I want to see you come again...!

*deliberately, he kept his eyes on her face as he slipped his fingers into the slickness again*

LAVENDER: *moaning as he touches her thigh, hips lifting as he strokes her curls so carefully* *faint whimpers as he draws away, not wanting him to go and then he's back and his fingers slide into her and all thought flees in a rush of sensation and a soft shriek as that nearly pushes her over the edge right there* *wordless sounds, hips lifting to meet his touch, shivering all over as he strokes her from the inside* *little whimpers and moans to tell him when he reaches just the right spots, entire body on knife's edge* *fists her hands in the covers, twisting them as she moans, her head thrown back, body arching, begging, reaching* *stiffens, then screams out her pleasure, a rollercoaster of emotions rocketing through her with love, passion, desire, want, and love all over again* *cant breathe, can't relax, rolling through the long orgasm*

CHARLIE: *the smug, masculine pride and satisfaction slides through him as she goes over the edge -- and then her emotions hit him as well and he gasps, twist and groans as her orgasm shudders through him as well, blinding him briefly with the power of the sensations and emotions -- love and arousal and desire and love* *he drags in a breath, and focuses, grinning madly as he manages to stroke her again, sending her shuddering, before he pulls back* *frantically yanking down his jeans, he pauses only long enough to snatch the wand from the pocket and cast anti-procreation charms on himself, hesitating, then casting a soft, warm, anti-conception charm on Lavender before tossing wand and jeans aside and stretching out on top of her, settling his hips between her thighs, before the last shudders subside, pressing her down with his weight as the aftershocks slip through her, and though himself* *before she recovers, he's kissing her throat again, nudging her hips with his, his hips responding to each damp touch with a gentle, instinctive, urgent thrust -- not entering her, not yet, but desperate for it* *his kisses are frantic and urgent, peppering across her throat, her mouth, her face, as he cradles her head in his hands, whispering her name softly, over and over* ....Dilly.....*kiss* ...Dilly...*kiss* ....Lavender.... *he kissed her mouth, pressing deep and urgent before retreating to pepper small kisses across her jaw and throat again* *the desperation rises sharply, anxieties catching up to him, and he begs, softly* ...tell me again, tell me, Dilly, tell me again....! *the urge is hard on him, but the anxieties keep him back, keep him waiting for her permission, suddenly*

LAVENDER: *arms slide around him, holding him as he comes up and over her, neck stretching to grant him access to her skin with soft moans* *feels the shift in his emotions, his need, his desperation and looks at him, cradling his face in her hands* *whispers softly, emotions pulsing in time with each word* I love you, Charlie. And oh dear God, I need you, I want you so much right now. *hips lift, gasping as his heavy cock brushes against her curls* Please, Charlie. Please.

CHARLIE: *its enough, its more than enough -- the emotions sliding out of her and into him, out of him and into her, leave no leeway for misunderstandings* *without hesitation, he shifts, hooking one hand under her left knee, pulling it up, spreading her wide under himself -- and thrusts, sheathing himself into her slick warmth, backing out slightly, then thrusts again, burying himself hard and deep into her soft, hot body* *as he does, his eyes close and he groans, long and deep, pressing his face into her throat as the sensations overwhelm him -- hot and slick, tight and pulsing, dragging his very soul into his belly, into his groin and right out of himself and into her* *desperately, his hips thrust against her, his arms coming gracelessly around her shoulders, clutching her tightly as pure mating instinct takes over and he pounds his body into hers, driving hard and deep, over and over, without thought -- just feeling, just being* *the heat gathers in his belly, hot honey, sticky and sweet inside him, the electricity sliding up from his toes and down from his fingers, dropping into her as his muscles begin to tighten almost convulsively, sending wave after wave of the burning honey out of his belly and into his groin, sliding down his cock with every thrust until suddenly, desperately, almost painfully, it erupts out of him -- and into her*

LAVENDER: *low moan as he slides into her, soft cries with every thrust* *both legs twine around him, wanting to be closer, wanting to touch him with every part of her skin* *strokes his back, moaning, whimpering as she meets him, need still making her skin shiver, want still letting her feel every touch and stroke as if it were a thing alive wrapping them in desire* *cries are nonsense sounds mixed with his name as passion builds unbelievably quickly all over again, brought along by his rising need as she takes him into her* *his orgasm triggers hers with a scream, clinging to him, pressing into him, needing that touch as he is a part of her all over at that moment*

*she has no words right away when it is over, only soft kisses and touches, murmured nonsense sounds of pleasure, of love*

CHARLIE: *when the climax releases him, the lassitude takes him hard, turning his bones to water, and dropping him onto her for several long moments, face pressed into her throat as he pants, chest heaving for air, the last pulses of his orgasm dragging out of him in response to the sporadic clenching of her body around him* *finally, slowly, his strength comes back, but he stays still, only shifting slightly to better cradle her against himself as he draws in a breath carefully -- almost afraid to move, as if it would shatter the moment and make it not real* *eventually, he shifts, raising up slightly and drawing out of her, heedless of the dampness on his cheeks, the salt of the unknown tears in his beard* *carefully, he shifts over, wordlessly tugging a blanket loose from the bed, then slipping under it* *just as wordlessly, he tugs her over on top of him again, guiding her to sprawl out across him once more as he tugs the blanket up around them both with a soft sigh* *only then does he look at her, long and soft, with no words to explain the emotions swirling inside -- deep gratitude, for her, for her love, for the freedom she's given him and continues to give him, for the safety she provides him -- soul deep admiration and devotion for her* *and love -- the realisation almost surprises him....but its so comfortable, so familiar and warm....* *softly, he strokes her hair, drawing her down for a soft kiss to the forehead, then wrapping his arms around her, hugging her close*

*it takes effort, but finally he manages, softly* .....all right? *its not what he wants to say -- thank you, I love you, thank you, you're amazing, thank you, thank you -- but its all he can manage, feeling the exhaustion dragging at his edges, trying to pull him into sleep despite his best efforts*

LAVENDER: *limp and exhausted, purely pleasured and content to hold him, feeling his skin all along hers, lightly stroking his skin with fingers that can barely move* *moves with him when he moves her, stretching out all along him, curled in perfect trust and comfort, kissing the skin in front of her, tasting the sweat on his skin and inhaling his scent, memorizing him and holding him in her heart*

Perfect. *whispers in response to his question* Absolutely perfect. I love you, Charlie. *wants to say it again and again, reveling in the freedom to say those words, how sweet they taste on her lips* *how wonderful he feels here with her* *nuzzles his shoulder, sighing happily, lassitude spread through her bones in pleasant ways* You, love? *it takes effort to lift her head, looking down at him, one hand stroking through his hair* *her smile grows, love in her smile in her eyes, in her heart large enough to burst* *softly* All right?

CHARLIE: *the feel of her against his skin, her hand in his hair, her soft voice in his ears, her scent in his nose and her warmth soaking through him -- is bliss* *he meets her eyes, his own sleepy and satisfied and, for once, unhaunted* *he draws in a breath, feeling her contentment curling inside him like a sleek cat....and then his eyes widen and he stares at her, startled* *hesitantly, he probes the feeling inside -- his own contentment, warm and comfortable....and hers, curled all around him, like a cat wrapped around her kit, soft and strong and warm within warm* *a faint, incredulous smile teases the corner of his mouth as he looks at her, baffled, startled....and oddly relieved and delighted all at the same time* ....I...I can still feel you.... *his voice is soft, breathless, almost inaudible with wonder* ....inside....you're still there. *it was oddly bolstering to find her there, still, her love and affection supporting him now, as it had before, lending him confidence and conviction...and keeping his mind blessedly clear of doubts and fears and memories* *hesitantly, he reached up and stroked away a golden curl, his touch tender and soft* ....its...warm...

LAVENDER: *smiles shyly down at him, pleased that he's pleased* I've been able to feel you through my shields, just a bit, for a long time. You're... *searches for words to describe him* *softly* Spicy. Warm. Loving. Comfortable. You're like a flannel shirt that holds me with that perfect warmth and not too tight. You don't constrict. Are you alright with it? *cups his face, searching his eyes for the answer, feeling the pulse of his emotions sliding over hers, slipping through the threads of her silk to keep her safe and warm*

CHARLIE: *slips his arms around her, giving her a gentle squeeze, then beginning to stroke her back with long, soft caresses* ...it....feels good. *nudges his head back into the pillow for a moment, settling more comfortably before letting out a soft sigh* ....feels.... *he hesitated, then just said it, because it was true* ... safe. *smiles, just a little shyly* ....I think...I think I love you. *the colour came up in his cheeks, suddenly self-conscious and feeling awkward* ....say you'll stay?

LAVENDER: *soft blissed sigh at his touch, and even more at his words* *soft purring sound of complete happiness low in her throat* I'll stay. As long as you want me, as long as you'll have me. *can't stop touching him, fingers lightly exploring, stroking his skin* I love you, Charlie.

lavenderisblue @ 2007-08-01T21:59:00

2007-08-02T02:02:39Z

Who: Lavender & Charlie
When: Wednesday, 1 August
Where: his flat in Holyhead

(...you could stay here....)

lavenderisblue @ 2007-07-29T15:30:00

2007-07-29T19:33:09Z

*just finishing dinner, casts a glance at her books scattered over Charlie's sofa* *realises that if she's to get home at a reasonable time, she probably ought to pack up soon, and sighs at the idea* *instead, turns her attention back to Charlie and can't help the smile when she looks across the table at him* This was incredible. You're spoiling me. On the other hand *smiles shyly* I always forget to eat when I'm working on a site. You might make it so I don't lose ten pounds like I usually do.

lavenderisblue @ 2007-07-09T14:12:00

2007-07-09T18:19:10Z

Who: Angie & Lavender
When: Thursday, 5 July
Where: the hotel

(He did what?! When!? Why didn't you call me?!)

lavenderisblue @ 2007-07-05T10:24:00

2007-07-05T14:29:52Z

*she hesitates in the doorway, has to force herself to take that final step into the hotel* *feels the resonance of the wards jangling in strange ways, not feeling at all like the ones she'd originally put in place* *there is a scent of construction lingering in the air, the final cleanup in the wing where--* *cuts off that thought (and tries not to see the images of blood still etched on her memory)* *wavers just inside the door, glancing up as a patron stops and asks if she needs help, pointing her towards the stairs and the office*

No, well, yes, I do need to speak with Angie, but I'm not climbing those stairs, not today. I don't suppose you'd be willing to pop up and ask her to come down? My hip's not able to do it. *which is a lie, but the stagger steps she takes to a waiting chair give truth to it, even though the weakness in her legs is more memory than pain*

*she falls into the chair, trying not to let herself be cast back nearly a month of memories* *a month tomorrow, she realises suddenly, a whimper rising in her throat* *she leans down, putting her face in her hands, elbows on her knees, and breathes deeply*

lavenderisblue @ 2007-06-10T15:26:00

2007-06-10T19:28:51Z

Who: Lavender, Charlie, and Melody
When: after the funeral, Saturday, 9 June

(Do hugs hurt?)

lavenderisblue @ 2007-06-07T20:33:00

2007-06-08T00:35:23Z

Who: Lavender & Marcus
When: Thursday, 7 June
Where: St. Mungo's
Why: Marcus came to see her

(I don't hate you, and Seamus is always my first priority.)

lavenderisblue @ 2007-06-06T20:53:00

2007-06-07T00:56:17Z

*reluctantly lets go of both Seamus and Charlie, watching as they walked off in different directions, to do different things* *she knows Charlie will be back shortly, and both Doog and Shanpen rest by her feet, but still, she feels alone*

*at the soft sound, she looks up to see her sister* *offers a small watery smile, and points to her lap* I'd offer a place to sit, but I'm afraid it might hurt.

lavenderisblue @ 2007-06-05T16:03:00

2007-06-05T20:03:39Z

Who: Lavender
When: Tuesday, 5 June, dinnertime
Where: The Hyde Park Inn
Why: something's wrong with the wards

(She puts her hand on the door, and feels a whine in her ears, something from the earrings.)

Who: Lavender & Ethan
When: several hours after this thread
Where: St. Mungo's
Why: Lav's hurt

(And oh gods, Ethan, I can't feel my toes? Why can't I feel my toes?)

lavenderisblue @ 2007-06-04T15:07:00

2007-06-04T19:12:49Z

*she dozed, lying under a light sheet of imagined silk, her shields well enough place after two night's restful sleep that she no longer panics when Charlie leaves the room to go to the loo* *Doog nozes her hand where it hangs off the bed to reassure her that he is still here with her* *even dozing, she automatically moves to scritch him right behind the ears*

*he tenses at the knock on the door, and she comes fully awake, touching his head to ask him to stand down as she calls out* Come in?

*the door eases open and then she tenses as well when she sees Marcus* *uncertain what he wants, she cannot help but be wary, trying to pull the emotions back within her silk even as quickly as they escape* *she can't sit up, but Doog rises, growling low in his throat* Shhh. *she hushes, trying to reassure the large dog, before offering a quiet* Hullo.

[complete]

2007-05-30T17:15:54Z

*awakens slowly, climbing out of a pleasant place of darkness and no sensation into a world where she can't breathe from the shock of pain in her hip* *eyes flutter open, blinking at the bright light, whimpering under her breath as she instinctively tries to move* *and can't*

*remembers what happened in a sudden rush of images and sensations, and fear slams through her heart, shredding her silks, slipping out from her in soft waves* *fear, anguish, grief, and fear again on top of that* *another whimper, soft and low and terrified* *flexes her feet, thinking to swing them off the bed in order to stand* *feels the toes on the right foot spread, her foot pull back, but from her left -- nothing* *frantically tries to work herself up onto one elbow to look down her body, crying out when the movement that would bend her at the waist is stopped by bandages and immobilization* *her foot unseen, tries frantically to wiggle her toes and starts to bleed waves of panic when she can't*

[solo rp -- complete]

2007-05-30T01:12:51Z

*walks home from the tube, enjoying the night air rather than apparating directly in, Shanpen loping by her side* *has two bags over one arm, Lynx's birthday present in the one, and a new pair of shoes in the other because she simply couldn't resist* *in her other hand she carries dinner, the heavenly scent of Lynx's favourite takeaway curry giving a spring and speed to her steps*

*when they reach the hotel, Shan stops in front of the door, a low growl in her throat* What is it? *she puts her hand on the door, and feels a whine in her ears, something from the earrings* *eyes go wide as she realises that's what warning Fred put in, that the wards have been breached in the hotel*

*shoves the door open, calling out as she bursts in* Lynx? Lynx!!!

*too many things to handle all at once* *the lobby filled with people, one hurriedly scribbling something on a piece of paper, a frantic owl dancing on the table nearby* *panicked Muggles, eyes wide and uncertain* *the loud crash from the left, upstairs* *swears under her breath* The Krums.

*the boy is out; she saw him leave with a mate from school and his mate's parents* *but the elder Krums were in last she knew, and in trouble* *takes the steps two at a time -- the anti-apparition wards won't allow her to simply pop up* *can hear growling, barking, and a faint roar as she goes*

*no need to burst through the door into the suite; it hangs on torn hinges, shoved to one side* *Mrs. Krum lies on the bed, limp and bleeding from a horrific tear to the gut* *her husband still stands, facing off against a great bear and a lionness* *a lynx -- her brother lynx -- stands by Krum, a low snarl coming from his mouth*

*she screams* *Lynx's attention snaps to her, and the bear pounces as soon as he is distracted, swiping a large paw at Krum's head* *the older man ducks away, catching a glancing blow* *his wand is already out, but the reducto misses, taking a chunk out of the wall*

*Lynx growls, trying to force her back, standing in front of her* *the lionness paces closer and closer, as she tries to fumble her wand from her pocket all the while wondering how this could be happening* *under her breath* The wards...

*she gets her wand out just as Lynx looks up at her, then back at the lionness, and it snaps all into place* *Lynx fell for another animage* *who is right there, about to --* *rolls to one side, with a shrill shriek, as the lionness pounces at her* *Lynx gets in the way, rolling over and over with the lionness as she bites at him, snarling* *he doesn't fight back, doesn't RESIST and she starts screaming his name until he DOES something* *oh dear gods, he loves her and that's her and she's betrayed us and is Mrs. Krum dead?*

*scrambles to her feet, wand out, trying to ignore the growls of pain as Lynx and his lover fight with sharp claws and teeth* *fires a spell at the bear, catching him a glancing blow on the shoulder, ducking when he turns around* *tries to back up, but the bear barrels into her, wrapping its thick arms about her waist* *teeth bite into her hip and she shrieks, feeling and oh dear gods hearing bones crunch*

*the bear drops her, rearing back, blood dripping from its teeth* *her leg collapses under her, hip mangled, and she hits the floor with another hoarse shriek* *fires blasting hexes at it, forcing it back until it turns on Krum who bends over his wife* *it sweeps a large paw at him, catching the side of his head*

No! *rolls over, pushing herself to her knees, firing as hard as she can, as fast as she can, ignoring the lionness and cat and the sounds which have gone from growls to whimpers of fear and pain* *can't do anything to stop it, as the bear wraps heavy arms around Krum and squeezes, until it drops him like a broken doll and turns its attention back to her*

*the fight off to the side is over, and the lionness backs away from Lynx's body, looking to her* *she can't get a breath, can't seem to think past the blinding pain in her crushed hip* *falls and drags herself backwards, her left hip so much meat and crushed bone, unable to feel her foot at the end of the leg*

*ducks, even though she's already down, as a blasting hex comes through the doorway, striking the bear squarely in the chin, taking him down in a spray of fur and blood* *just barely sees the lionness leap for the window, shattering glass as it escapes* *hears someone yelling that the woman on the bed is alive, that the blond on the floor is the bunny-girl from Halloween who came through the Ministry with Thomas* *she'd laugh if she could, but it hurts so god-damned much, and the pain washes over her in a red haze and she can't help but let go and sink into the soft quiet darkness that folds all around her* *after all, they're Aurors* *she'll be safe*

*and then everything goes away*

lavenderisblue @ 2007-05-22T11:49:00

2007-05-22T15:55:34Z

Who: Lavender, Charlie, and Fred
When: Friday evening, 18 May
Where: Charlie's flat
Why: Lavender visits on Friday nights

Charlie: *considers what he has in the kitchen, what he's gotten at the market, what he needs... then shrugs* *chicken, rice, white wine, broth, potatoes, spices, fresh peas, carrots -- leftovers.... and decides to try that chicken in wine sauce again; that had been pretty good* *starts fixing the broth, popping the chicken into the oven to start it cooking* *almost decides on the potatoes, this time, instead of the rice...then shakes his head and starts the rice instead -- he wanted to roast the potatoes for dinner on Sunday, instead* *finishes setting up the meal, turns and looks -- and frowns* *moves to the corner and grabs his broom, beginning to sweep up the dust, pick up the clutter and generally clean up his flat, moving with brisk, easy motions -- intent on having everything clean and neat before Lavender arrives*

Lavender: *apparates in and climbs the stairs to the flat, Shanpen racing up ahead of her and into the flat* *calls out, knowing that it doesn't matter, Shanpen's already announced their presence* Charlie, it's Lavender. *steps in through the open door, backing up out of the way as Shan and Doog go back out the door, clattering down the stairs* *soft whoosh of breath as she starts to laugh* I think Shan was disappointed that he wasn't outside and waiting for us.

Charlie: *looks up from where he's sweeping, greeting her with a warm and pleased smile* ...I was cooking. ...he was hoping for some scraps. *head tips, and he sets the broom aside, moving over to hug her in welcome, inordinately pleased to see her* *arms wrapping around her, pulling her close as he nuzzles into her hair, breathing in her scent, finding the smell of warm woman and faint lavender comforting and pleasant* *lets out his breath softly, murmuring* ...you smell good. *pulls back, looks down at her, at the boots in her hand, and smiles* ....those jeans I gave you are in my trunk -- want I should get them?

Lavender: *can't resist, sinking into his embrace, kissing his cheek* *the feel of him is familiar now, his arms around her, the solidity of his body within her arms* *pulls back when he does, her cheeks warm and flushed* Oh, yeah, I rushed out when I left. Shan made sure I remembered my boots, but if I'd waited to change I was afraid I'd be pounced again by another person wanting tour information. I was out all morning, and the afternoon was hideously busy.

*looks down and tugs a bit at her slacks* If you wouldn't mind, I'd like to borrow them again? *quick flash of a grin* I'll go barefoot, though, until we go outside later.

Charlie: *keeps an arm around her for several more moments, reluctant to release her -- the warmth of her is comforting and very pleasant, and the feel of her against him is oddly grounding and comfortable* ....I'll get them. *shyly* ...they're your's -- you don't have to 'borrow' them. *finally lets go, moving to dig out the jeans from his trunk, shifting his leather coat aside and lifting the small denims out* *brings them back to her, handing them over, and a shirt, as well* ....here.

Lavender: *takes the clothes and pulls them in to her chest, inhaling the spicy scent of him* *soft smile, as that isn't such a bad side effect of her things stored with his* *then she flushes brightly at the thought of these are her things, and of them here, and...* I'll just pop into the loo and get changed, yeah? *hesitates a moment longer, then quickly ducks away, closing the door to the loo behind her*

Charlie: *quickly finishes sweeping, then, hearing the rain start outside, moves to start a fire in the hearth* *moves to the door and whistles to call Doog in, sending he and Shan to the corner by the bed as he closes the door* *moves to add the sauce to the chicken, and pull the rice off the stove, adding the last handful of almonds to it, fluffing it, and leaving it to steam as he pours the last of the wine into a couple of glasses, setting them on the table*

Lavender: *changes quickly into the jeans -- her jeans -- tugging them on and buttoning them up* *skins off her blouse, letting the silk fall to the floor before she pulls the soft cotton t-shirt over her head, spice enveloping her senses as it slides past her nose* *inhales deeply, sighing for a moment, wrestling with the mixed sensation of comfort and complete awareness of feeling surrounded by Charlie* *folds up her silk slacks and blouse, and carries them out when she opens the door*

*glances at the damp dogs, smiling, then sets her clothes on the sofa* *pads over on bare feet to stand by Charlie* Everything smells lovely, hon. You're spoiling me again.

Charlie: *turns to smile at her as she comes out of the loo -- the sight of her in his shirt strikes hard, taking the smile from his face, though his eyes warm sharply* *looks away, finding the glasses, and quickly picks one up to offer to her, silently -- can smell her, here, standing next to him, and the smell of dragons twines with the lavender in his nose; he inhales, deeply, nostrils flaring slightly as he pulls the scent in* *the scent goes deep, warming him from the belly out, and his fingers tremble on the glass of wine as he offers it, feeling the rush of heat filling him so unexpectedly -- so pleasantly*

*abruptly realises she's spoken, and he blinks* *gruffly* ...no more than myself. *shyly* ...wine?

Lavender: *takes the glass, fingers brushing against his* *gaze darts from the glass to meet his, her second hand coming up to cup the bowl of the goblet so that she doesn't drop it* *lifts it and tips gently to take a sip, staring at him, how his eyes have widened and dilated* *finally drops her gaze, hiding her smile behind the glass* *has utterly lost the thread of the conversation* Thank you. The wine is lovely.

Charlie: *the touch of her fingers shivers through him, a shock of heat and soul-deep warmth surprising another smile from him* *releases the glass, eyes caught by the golden curls falling across her brow* *tentatively, he reaches up and pushes one particularly errant curl back -- then goes still, face paling as he realises what he's done* *quickly retreats, moving away to add another log to the fire, stoking it up* *after a moment, after he's settled a bit, offers, quietly* .,,,..I've more wine tonight, if you like. ....got two bottles this time. *glances at her, and smiles tentatively* ......or I've some sweet cider. ....Jonas went to the Farmer's Market in Holyhead this morning -- gave me a jug, for fixing the fence.

Lavender: *can't quite breathe, eyes going wide and startled at the unexpected touch* *doesn't need to read him to understand that body language, the way he pales and his eyes narrow slightly before he steps back* *watches him go, staying perfectly still, the wine glass held loosely in her hand* The wine is lovely for now, but I'd love to try the cider later, perhaps? I don't want to drink too much wine before I apparate home. *glances at the now-closed door* It doesn't look like we'll be taking the dogs out for a run later, unless we want to go roll in the mud. *starts giggling* Although that sounds awfully childish... and fun.

Charlie: *smile relaxes some at her giggle, and he straightens* *gestures to the table* ...we've got about fifteen minutes before the food's ready. *moving toward the small, narrow bookshelf wedged into the space between the hearth and the sofa* .....Fred found me a new book on dragons. *hesitantly, pulling the book out and offering it toward her, not quite meeting her eyes* ....would you like... *clears his throat as his voice falters, tries again* ....would you like to look at it? *hastening to add* ...for your hotel?

Lavender: *eyes light up* Oh, yes, most definitely! I've been putting together my plan for Papa, although I'm not quite ready to present it. I'm supposed to go to Brighton the weekend after Lynx's birthday, and I want to surprise Papa with a full plan that he can't possibly refuse. *walks over to join him, taking the book with both hands and then moving to the sofa, patting the spot next to her even as she opens the book to start looking* I told Seamus about my idea when I saw him this morning.

Charlie: *hesitates a moment more, then obediently moves to sit next to her, easing down onto the sofa* *after a moment, he tentatively reaches to touch the book, nudging back a few pages toward the table of contents* ....there's a section in this one about dragons in art. *relaxing, just a bit, as he starts to get into his topic* ...they've got examples and a dissertation on the differences and likenesses of dragons in Muggle and Wizard art.

Lavender: *nudges in close to him, leaning half against the sofa, half against him as they share the book* Are there Muggles who's done true-to-life depictions of dragons? I'd love to be able to include Muggle art in the hotel decoration. These are the first hotels that won't really be for Muggles as well, since we can't very well let them see dragons are real. *soft sighs* Papa will be disappointed in that. He also might be worried about the dangers of dragons. Shay was.

Charlie: *hesitates for a moment, then, even more hesitantly, lifts his arm, letting her snuggle up against his side, lowering his arm around her shoulders to tuck her close* *quietly, focussing on the book, instead of the heat and warmth of her against his side -- and the mingled pleasant warmth and frightening chill seething through him* ....some, yes. *prods a few pages over and points out an image that is oddly still in the Wizarding book* ...see, here? ....I don't know where this Muggle saw a Welsh Green, as he's from the colonies, but this was painted about twenty years ago. *half smiles* ....for a book cover. *glances at her* ....you don't intend to have the hotels on the Reserves, do you?

Lavender: *sighs as his arm slides over her shoulder, shifting a bit closer on the sofa, her hip pressing up against his* *surrounded completely by his touch and his scent, she breathes in both and exhales her stress in a soft whoosh as it goes and leaves her relaxing against him* Well, no, of course not, but I'd like them close enough that people get a feel for where the dragons live. A taste of the wild, without exposing them to danger. I want them to have a total experience of how wonderful they are, how beautiful and wild and dangerous, but without ever being afraid.

*admits* I'm rather hoping people will want to donate more than just the half the hotel profits that would go to the Reserves. And if even a few young wizards learn something that makes them want to help dragons, rather than hunt them, that would be excellent. *small fond smile* Shay just worries, and he knows how I feel about -- *small hesitation, almost unnoticable* --animals of almost any sort. I've never had a lot of fear where they are concerned.

Charlie: *relaxes even more as she relaxes against him, taking his cue from her body language against him* *quietly, voice rumbling slightly in his chest as he flips another page to look at the next set of art images* ....have you contacted any of the Reserves? *the hand draped over her shoulder touches her arm lightly, almost stroking, very faint touches sliding from the sleeve of the over-large shirt to just touching the skin of her arm before pulling away and touching the shirt again, testing, feeling, touching* ....they'd have information on safety distances and views and such and might have some programmes already in place that you could integrate with your ideas. *one finger prods an image, and he smiles when the dragon within flames a protest*

Lavender: *shivers in an oh-so-pleasant way, something like a soft purr rumbling under her breath* *nuzzles his shoulder with her cheek, then settles in again* *one arm slips behind him on the couch, settling with light touch at his waist, anchoring her lightly as she curls into him* I've not contacted them yet. *giggles at the flaming dragon image* *reaches to gently poke the same image, fingertip brushing against Charlie's as she moves in while he withdraws* I didn't want to get their hopes up, about help, until I've some approval from Papa to go ahead with it. That felt like it would be horribly cruel.

Charlie: *the nuzzle sends warmth surging through him, and he flushes faintly before turning to rub his cheek affectionately across her curls in a soft, tentative nuzzle of his own* *quietly* ...inquiring about their programmes won't get their hopes up -- they get inquiries all the time. *voice deepens slightly, growing less hoarse and softer somehow, as she prods at the dragon image to make it flame* ...and knowing what they have in place can help you sort out what and how to integrate with them, so you've a basis for your proposal. *turns his head again to nuzzle her curls, inhaling the scent of her as he does so, his eyes fixed on the book, on her fingers on the pages*

Lavender: *fingers slip on the page as she tries to catch up the edge to turn it* *more aware of him than the book, of the touch of his fingers against her arm, the feel of him nuzzling her* *doesn't think, can't think and certainly can't do what comes instinctively* *catches herself as she turns momentarily, face pressed against his chest, almost about to press a kiss to the spot just above his collarbone* *breathes in deep, instead, the sweet and spicy scent of Charlie and dragons, taking it into her lungs and holding it there for a long moment, before she lets it out slowly in a whispered warmth* *blinks and manages to turn the page, sliding her fingers across the picture there, jerking a little when the dragon pictured snaps at the trail her fingers make*

Charlie: *stills as she turns into him -- not quite a freeze, but certainly a startled and wary stillness -- catching his breath as she inhales against him, then exhales* *exhales along with her, a faintly shaky breath that turns into a shaky laugh as the dragon snaps at her fingers* *reaches down and pokes at the dragon, grinning as the creature in the image flames at him* ...proddy little beast, isn't it? *suddenly leans forward slightly, examining the image intently* *quietly* ....ah... *delight and pride in his voice* ...I see. *head turning to Lavender, nearly brushing noses with her -- breath catching, going still at her proximity* *green-gold eyes widening slightly, then darkening as they catch on lavender-blue* *stares at her for a long moment, then, softly* ....it's... *licks his lips, losing his train of thought, his eyes flicking down...his nostrils flare as he inhales sharply, catching the warm scent of her... then abruptly he's pulling away, sitting up, drawing back -- nearly dropping the book in the process* ...I-I... *alarmed, faintly disoriented and suddenly uncertain of himself* ...i-it...she...

Lavender: *soft exhalation as they come nose to nose* Ohhh. *stays perfectly still as he withdraws, automatically reaching to catch the book before it falls, her heart hammering, warmth climbing up her ears and into her cheeks* *soft wonder and apology* Oh.

*then a quiet questioning yelp from Shan startles her, and she turns, shifting on the sofa as she looks at the dogs, both of them bounding to the door* *Doog barks twice, deep and growling, while, encouraged by his activity, Shan barks in her higher pitched voice, sharp and questioning* *tries to pull her mind around, away from Charlie* Shan, shush. *can hear the footsteps beyond the door, climbing the stairs* *apologetic* She doesn't get this loud at home. She must feel the need to protect your flat more.

Charlie: *comes to his feet as Doog alerts -- automatically putting himself between Lavender and the door* *listens, heart pounding -- already on edge from the....encounter with Lavender, and very nearly alarmed by Doog's reaction, he jumps when there is knock on the door, followed by the door shoving open -- his wand is in his hand and very nearly aimed at the door before he jerks it upright again with a thoroughly disgusted word* ...Fred.

Fred: *shoves his way into the room, laughing at Doog as he knees the dog aside* Oi! Charlie, mate! Look, I know its late, but I -- *breaks off, jerking to a startled stop as he spots first the golden retriever, then, looking sideways, Lavender, on the sofa.... red-faced* *blinks, then looks at his brother's very aggressive stance, wand in hand* *blinks again, then half smiles* ....sorry, bro. Didn't realise you had comp'ny. ...Busy, then? *tries for his 'wicked mischief' smile, though his eyes have caught on Lavender, and the brows cant worriedly, despite his efforts* *suddenly sniffs* ...what's burning?

Charlie: *sniffs himself, then curses and leaps for the oven to save the chicken, leaving Fred staring curiously at Lavender*

Lavender: *stands more slowly, calling Shanpen over, then sinking back onto the sofa as the dog seems to sense something and climbs up onto the sofa, head falling into her lap* *leans down to scritch her behind the ears, nuzzling the soft fur until the warmth flees from her skin and she can look back up again with a smile* Hullo, Fred. *pretending an ease she doesn't feel, between Charie's startlement as Fred burst in, and her own wariness at the look Fred is giving her, gives Shan a final scritch behind the ears then gently shoves her from the sofa so she can stand*

*offers first to Charlie* Do you need another pair of hands? *then retrieves her glass of wine and takes a sip, crossing her arms, glancing sideways at Fred*

Fred: Hullo, Lav. *looks between the two of them, his eyes lingering on Lavender for several long moments as Charlie shakes his head at her, pulling something out of the oven, and serving up two plates* Oh, dinner time? Brilliant. *snorts faintly, amused, as Charlie very deliberately places only two plates onto the table and sends him a fairly annoyed look*

Lavender: *catches Shan as the dog moves forward to sniff at Fred* Stop it, Shan. You know Fred, and I doubt he's going to make anything else explode just now. *the dog sits at her feet, leaning against her calves, and she sighs* At least I don't think so. *gives him a friendly smile, then takes a sip of her wine* What's up, Fred?

Charlie: *looks up in curiosity, wondering himself why his exuberant brother had abruptly appeared at his door*

Fred: Mmm? *looks back at Lavender, then grins* Oh! Nothing. All's well. *looks back at Charlie, his tongue starting to take off as he tries to avoid thinking about what he must have just interupted* Just stopped by to hand return a couple of things I borrowed from Charlie earlier -- *pauses and digs out a paper bag, nervously moving forward to give it to his brother* -- and to ask him to try this new drink a bloke at work showed me. *pulls out a bottle from his pocket -- it's half full of a clear liquid -- and looks curiously at his brother* Got a mo'? Just a taste, mate -- it's brilliant, really! *grins over at Lavender as he starts to pull out glasses without waiting for approval* Here, you, Lav... put down that wine and come taste this. Its fantastic!

*quickly pours out a portion of the clear fluid into each of the glasses -- sending up a strong smell of peppermint -- then turns to Charlie* Got any cola, mate? That brown fizzy drink that that sprog of Jonas' likes so?

Charlie: *nods and turns toward the icebox* ....I think I've a can or two...

Fred: *beams* Cheers, mate! *whips out his wand* Here, let me -- *gives the wand a flip and a twist without looking -- distracted still by the image of Lavender and Charlie, together, on the sofa -- yanking the door open and whisking the two cans of cola over to the counter, completely oblivious to how Charlie flinches and jerks back as the wand tip zips past him* *heedlessly, opening the cola and pouring it into the glases as he chatters* -- best stuff, really, mate -- delightful for a warm evening --

Charlie: *gasps and cowers, eyes going wide and blind as he sees the tip of the wand point toward him, hears, deep in his mind, the scream of a curse that always follows...* *jerks back, curling in on himself -- though he doesn't go down, remaining on his feet even as he cringes -- and his heart leaps into his throat as he covers his head in an instinctive, defensive retreat, his breath stuttering hard and coming shallow, his stomach knotting and nearly turning inside out as the rush of adrenaline and fright tears through him with ragged feet*

Lavender: *Fred is forgotten as she sees the wand come out, sees Charlie flinch back* *sets the wine glass down on the table, closing the distance between herself and Charlie* *one hand cups his cheek, the other settles at his waist, sliding around, holding him* *low voice* Charlie, hon. *turns slightly, pressed cheek to cheek, for a moment, before drawing back to look at him, and hoping he's looking back at her* *strokes her thumb over his cheek* Charlie?

Charlie: *flinches as she touches him, jerking back, then caught by her arm around his waist* *begins to tremble, the adrenaline flushing out of his system as suddenly as it had flooded it, and leaving desperate exhaustion and a sheen of cold sweat behind* *whimpers, once, very softly, deep in his throat, as his arms come down from covering his head and wrap around her, holding her tight as he burys his face against her shoulder for a long moment before backing off again* *blinks at her, still trembling slightly, voice painfully hoarse and thick* ...Lavender. *ducks his head into her hand and closes his eyes, unwilling to look toward his brother just yet, feeling the surge and flow of trembling and weakness in his muscles, the terrible anticipation hovering just at the edge of his mind, his heart not quite convinced that the scream and the Pain aren't about to spring at him still*

Fred: *turns, holding out two glasses of the fizzy brown drink, smiling cheerfully -- then the smile drops as he sees the two of them clinging to each other* *in bafflement* ...what's up?

Lavender: *doesn't turn around, not yet, her thumb still stroking lightly over Charlie's cheek* *voice is soft, yet firm and fond* Charlie. *small smile, leans into him, letting her body anchor him as she finally turns her head* *she says nothing, not wanting to embarrass Charlie out loud, but her gaze flicks from Fred to the wand, then back to meet his eyes again*

Fred: *frowns, not understanding, following her gaze toward the wand he'd left on the counter, then looking back at her, head cocked in confusion* *in concern, setting the drinks down on the table* Is he ill?

Charlie: *pulls himself upright, though his arm stays around Lavender's body, holding her tightly -- she can feel the tremble in his hand, in his arm, as he speaks, though he doesn't let it into his voice* *softly, roughly, only a little more hesitant than usual* ......no. *shakes his head, swallows, forcing it down* .....you just -- *stops, then shakes his head again, unwilling to cast blame* ...I was -- startled. ....I'm all right. *doesn't meet Fred's eyes, though he tries to be steady and calm*

Lavender: *looks back to Charlie as he speaks, small soft smile lighting her eyes* *her arms settles more comfortably around his waist, not willing to walk away just now, fingers moving very slightly, in soothing motion* *lets the one hand fall from his face, standing simply against his side now* *leans her head in against him* *nods at the drinks, trying to shift the conversation back to normalcy so Fred won't make a big deal out of it* What are the drinks?

Fred: *gives Lavender a sharp look as she caresses Charlie's face and then seems to settle against his brother* *reaches to pick up the two glasses again, offering them to Lavender and Charlie* Don't know if they've a name. Joe just said cola and schnapps -- peppermint. Said you could use lemonade, too, but that he prefers the cola -- the lemonade comes off too cold tasting. *shrugs and turns to grab his own drink, picking up his wand, twirling it cheerfully and putting it away*

Charlie: *flinches again as Fred picks up his wand -- sensitive to its presence, though it doesn't quite point at him this time -- and his drink slops slightly over his hand* *the faint tremble increases slightly, and his fingers press into Lavender's side reflexively, leaning into her*

Lavender: *gentle increase in the pressure of her fingers stroking his side* *instinctively turns her face as he trembles, nuzzling his shoulder with her cheek for a moment before she lifts her head again* *slowly lifts the drink, tasting the sweet cold of the peppermints, then the bubbles fizzing up into her nose* Oh that's interesting.

Fred: *watches with interest as Lavender nuzzles his brother, and his brother turns and nuzzles her back, rubbing his nose in her hair for a moment, eyes closed* *blinks at Lavender, then frowns as she speaks*

Charlie: *takes a breath and lets it out carefully, then tastes the drink himself, warily* *grimaces faintly, finding it almost distastefully sweet after the dry wine he'd been sipping earlier -- but has to admit the drink is cooling, and might not be too bad, if he'd not had the wine first* *notices his brother's frown, and meets it with a frown of his own, shifting, just a little, to draw Lavender a step further away from Fred and to put himself 'between' the pair of them*

Fred: *eyes narrow slightly at this move, then shift to consider Lavender again, carefully, a sardonic eyebrow rising as he meets her eyes, his own mouth twisting into a wry grin* *blithely* It is an interesting drink, isn't it? I rather thought it a nice one to share. *grins*

Lavender: *meets his gaze, not quite certain whether she ought to smile or be wary -- can't read Fred's body language at all just now* It's quite sweet, but very cooling. Mint is a bit different when combined with caramel. I've had a twist of lemon or lime in my cola before, though, so next time I'm at the Nine Ploughs, perhaps I'll ask Zach to make me one with lemon schnapps and see what that's like.

Fred: *smiles slightly* You'll have to tell me how it is. *finishes his drink, turning and dropping it into the sink without rinsing it* *turns back* ...I'm making your dinner cold. *nods to Charlie* Thanks for letting me borrow that stuff, Charlie. It helped. *nods to Lavender* Nice to see you, Lav. *turns and starts for the door*

Charlie: *watches him a moment, nodding at the thanks, then releases Lavender to go wash the glass Fred's left, not bothering to walk his brother out*

Lavender: *echoes softly* Nice to see you too, Fred. *which are polite noises, although it likely would've been nice at any other time, and without the wand having come out* *pauses, then adds, figuring better to get it over with now rather than later* I'll walk you down.

Charlie: *looks up at that, glancing sharply at his brother then curiously at Lavender... but lets it go at the look she gives him* *calls Doog over, instead, and Shan, and sets about feed them their dinner*

Fred: *nods amiably* All right. *holds the door for her*

Lavender: *steps through the door and a few steps down, pausing to wait for Fred to join her before going down the rest of the way* *soft voice* Figured perhaps it was better to let you say what's on your mind, rather than waiting until the next time you stop by the hotel.

Fred: *glances at her, then back at the door behind him* *nods and moves past her down the stairs* *quietly, over his shoulder as he goes* ...you come over pretty often, don't you? *glances back at her as he turns to step into the barn, out of the rain, turning to face her, his face uncharacteristically serious*

Lavender: *crosses her arms, stepping into the barn as well to speak quietly* Enough to know not to pull out a wand and point it at your brother. *chin tilts up a bit* Most Fridays, and some other days besides. Shanpen likes to run with Doog. *glances at the rain* Although they won't get much running in tonight.

Fred: *looks startled, then chagrined* ...Oh. I hadn't -- *sighs* I hadn't realised. *looks up at the ceiling, toward Charlie's flat* ...I should apologise. *grimaces, then looks at Lavender again, eyes still serious*

*contemplates her a long moment, staring at her* *watches as her chin comes up and she crosses her arms...then, suddenly, blurts out* My brother's in love with you. You know that, don't you?

Lavender: *caught flat by that, her skin warms abruptly, and she ducks her head, stepping back* *can't stop the pleased smile, or the hope, or the fear that flickers through her eyes* Oh. I doubt. I mean. Charlie's not. *stops, biting her lip* *softly* He can't be. And if he is, that's his to tell me, not yours.

Fred: *shakes his head, his eyes serious* He doesn't know. *stepping forward, reaching out to grasp her by the upper arm, his grip hard* Lav -- he stepped between you and I when I frowned at you. *intently* I haven't seen him turn to someone like he did to you since -- *cuts himself off, biting back the name with a click of his teeth, changing the subject* *his other hand comes up to cup the back of her head, fingers slipping into her curls, gripping gently but firmly* ...Don't hurt my brother, Lavender. *eyes intent, fierce -- and frightened*

Lavender: *stares back at him, unnerved by how close he is, by the intensity of his gaze and the sensation of whateever he's feeling battering against her silks* *winces, feeling his fingers bite into the soft flesh of her arm, the pull of his other hand in her hair* *quietly* Let go of me, Fred. I'm not going to hurt Charlie, but I'm going to bloody well damage you very soon now if you don't stop manhandling me.

Fred: *stares at her for another long moment, then, softly* I love you, Lavender. *presses a soft kiss to her forehead and releases her gently, stepping backward, rubbing his hands over his arms, trying to fight back the sudden protective urges surging through him* *unhappily looking back at her, his voice not quite steady, but very determined* I love you, Lavender, and I trust you and I believe you won't hurt Charlie....but... *he can't help it, he has to say it and it makes him desperately unhappy -- and, somehow, very relieved -- to say it* ....if you hurt my brother.... *leaves the threat hanging, eyes focussing on hers to see that she understands* *finally, he looks away, his voice going soft* ... please, just don't hurt my brother, all right?

Lavender: *rubs at the spot on her arm where she's sure bruises will be forming soon enough* *hopes Charlie doesn't notice when she goes back upstairs* I don't want to hurt Charlie, Fred. And I can't pretend my track record with anyone has been particularly stellar. But *bites her lip* he's important to me too, yeah? *ducks her gaze, utterly certain Fred might actually understand if she said how she felt but then again, he might not so she leaves out that difficult word that has so many shades of meanings* *softly* Very important. Important enough that if all he ever wants to be is two friends in a puppy pile on the sofa, I'm alright with that. I just don't want to lose him.

Fred: *stares at her for a moment, then, very faintly, starts to smile before ducking his head in a shy gesture oddly reminiscent of his brother upstairs* *she understands* *lets out a slow breath, only then aware he'd been holding it, and looks back at her again, nodding* *steps toward her again, taking her arm gently, offering a hug* ....Cheers, Lav. *wraps his arms around her, holding her close, feeling the tension drain out of himself* I'm sorry. *squeezes gently, dropping a light kiss on top of her head* ...I just... I worry about him, you know?

Lavender: *slides into the hug, squeezing back for a moment* So do I. And of course you do; you love him. *steps back, crossing her arms under her breasts, hunched a little against the wet chill that came with the rain* Go on then. I ought to get back up.

Fred: *releases her gently and nods* All right. *glances up again, then smiles at her* ...take care of him, Lav. *head tipping* He's a good man.

Lavender: *sudden brilliant grin* He's absolutely, utterly brilliant. *kisses her fingertips and waves them at him, then turns and runs back up the stairs*

lavenderisblue @ 2007-05-21T23:19:00

2007-05-22T03:21:44Z

Who: Lavender and Tonks
When: Monday, 21 May
Where: the ballroom at the hotel
Why: because girls talk about boys

(Take it from someone who pays attention to both sides; you're quite fit, hon.)

Monday, 21 May [complete]

2007-05-20T01:42:37Z

*leans against the wall, then slowly lets her feet slide out from under her, sliding down the wall until she ends up on the floor* Tonks, I'm sweating. *gives her a pouty look, then bursts into giggles* It feels fabulous, but ohh, I'm thinking I'll be barely able to walk Shanpen later. *summons the two bottles of water she'd left charmed and chilled off to one side, holding one up to offer it to Tonks*

lavenderisblue @ 2007-05-17T08:52:00

2007-05-17T12:56:29Z

Who: Lavender & Ethan
When: Thursday evening, 17 May
Where: St. Mungo's, his office
Why: Lavender wants to talk to Charlie's healer

(Because you said you're new to mind healing, and his can't be an easy case to start with.)

lavenderisblue @ 2007-05-16T20:27:00

2007-05-17T00:28:01Z

Who: Lavender & Charlie
When: Wednesday evening, 16 May
Where: Holyhead
What: Kissing Horses and Haircuts

Charlie: *carefully brushes the sweatmarks off Hera's sides, working his way forward with the stiff curry brush* *smiles as the mare leans into the strokes with a soft snort, going hipshot and bobbing her head in time to the motions of his brush, clearly enjoying the warm, late afternoon sunlight almost as much as the nicely scratchy strokes of the brush over her shiny hide* *leans into each stroke, feeling the mare lean back, as he works his way up to her shoulder, then he laughs softly as Hera suddenly tosses her head, leaning even harder into the brush strokes on her neck, scratching away the dried sweat under her mane* *brushes out the flaxen mane, then pulls off the halter, dropping it back and around the mare's neck as he switches brushes for the softer dandy brush, gently stroking the soft bristles down the mare's face, almost caressing it across her eyes, down the strong bone of her nose, gently brushing the great round plates of her cheeks and stroking under her chin, rubbing especially well at all the places thick leather straps had been against the glossy copper hide*

Lavender: *calls out softly as she approaches, half not wanting to disturb him, and half not wanting to startle him* Oi, Charlie! *stops a little bit away, soft smile lighting her lips and eyes as she crosses her arms and stands, relaxed, watching him* *soft giggle* She looks pleased as anything to have your attention.

Charlie: *looks in her direction and smiles -- a full, genuine smile -- before looking back at the mare* *softly, shifting to stroke her nose with his hand, rubbing up the side of her face until he's got an ear cupped in his fingers* ....she deserves it. *grinning faintly as the mare abruptly tips her head to lean harder into the ear massage, letting out a low groan of combined protest and pleasure* ....she worked hard today. *looks back at Lavender* ....Hi. *head tipping as he looks past her, then back at her* ....figured it was you when Doog took off. *lips quirking in amusement* ....he and Shan off on their usual mad dash?

Lavender: *walks over, joining him at the horse's side* *slides an arm around his waist, leaning in for a one-armed hug, before letting him go again* Oh, definitely. I expect we'll see them again later, covered in mud and exhausted and looking for a bit of food and attention. Shan's gotten so used to apparition now she doesn't even need to shake it off when we arrive here -- we pop in and she's dashing off before her feet are on solid ground!

Charlie: *leans into the hug, head turning automatically, instinctively, to nuzzle into her hair as he takes in a breath, pulling her scent into his lungs, tasting her presence, his own arm coming around her and drawing her close* *releases her and the breath with a small sigh that becomes a smile* ....Doog doesn't even bark when you come anymore -- he just takes off. *lips twisting with mischief* ...I think he likes you better than me. *looking back at the mare* ....you are more fun. *slants a look at her, eyes bright with wicked amusement* ....or you bring it with you, any road.

Lavender: *relaxes into his embrace, tension slipping from her muscles as she is grounded in this place, in his presence* *soft sigh escapes when she lets go* *wrinkles her nose, grinning* Doog just loves me for bringing Shan to him, I know. And her? She nosed her way into my wardrobe and brought me my boots today at lunchtime. *glances over at him, then ducks her head with a shy smile* Might almost think she was anxious to get here.

Charlie: *grins at her before turning back to the mare to finish up his grooming, reaching behind himself to grab a comb from the tackbox and beginning to comb out Hera's forelock, his free hand gently stroking down the side of her muzzle, soothing her into stillness as he works, one thumb rubbing the satiny soft skin over her lip* *as he finishes, he tosses the comb into the box, then bends and rubs his lips over the spot his thumb had been rubbing, pausing to blow gently into the mare's nostril, then press a gentle kiss against the cool skin just behind it* *smiles at the mare as he straightens, then glances at Lavender* ....had dinner yet?

Lavender: *watches him, expression caught somewhere between fond and bemused* *softly* Not yet. Shan was anxious to go, and I didn't want to give Lynx the chance to slip out even though he'd promised. Besides *admits shyly* I like eating here. *still watching the horse; reaches out and carefully touchs her, stroking the soft fur*

Charlie: *pushes the hair out of his eyes, tucking it behind his ears -- it seems to have come out of a sloppy que tied at the base of his neck, and he takes a moment to try to pat it back into place, using the action to divert some of her attention, his ears red, though he looks pleased at her comment* *clears his throat, unable to stop the small smile that is trying to permanently affix itself to his face* *glancing down, he watches her pet the mare a moment before he reaches out and catches her hand* *gruffly, softly* ...here. *puts her fingers gently on the cool flesh he'd kissed a few moments before* ...pet her here -- feel how soft? *doesn't look at her, ears burning as he gently strokes her fingers across the cool velvet of the mare's muzzle*

Lavender: *skin warms abruptly as he takes her hand, gentle flush staining her cheeks* *has to take a step closer to Charlie, in order to not lose her balance* *sighs softly at the feel of the skin beneath her fingertips, then a laugh when the mare snorts warm air over her hand* *unconsciously leans into Charlie* *quietly* That is soft. *positive she ought to be saying something else, but whatever else she was thinking has momentarily fled*

Charlie: *nods, pleased* *softly* ....softest part. *glances at her, eyes lingering on her lips a moment before he looks back at the mare* *hesitates, then, very softly* ...'s why I kiss her. *sudden, embarrassed grin, head ducking slightly, ears flushing to match the flush coming up his cheeks* *gruffly* ...she smells sweet, like hay, and the skin is cool there and she's so soft. *holds up his own hand, showing Lavender the callus on his fingertips* ...my fingers aren't as sensitive. *glancing shyly at her* ....it feels nice.

Lavender: *reaches up to catch his hand, sliding her thumb over the calloused pads of his fingertips* *cheeks brighten* *slowly lets go of him and touches the soft spot on the mare's nostril again* *glances at him, lingering on the curve of his mouth, the shape of his shy smile* Ought I try? Here?

Charlie: *lets her have his hand, watching her fingers stroke his* *pulls in a breath when she lets go, not looking at her* *shakes his head as she asks* ...No. *reaches out, taking her hand gently, pulling her fingertips down the mare's muzzle slightly to where the flesh just begins to firm with the muscle of her mouth* *softly, the hoarseness almost completely vanished from his voice* ...here. *releases her fingers, almost reluctantly, and smiles, just a little again* ...go ahead. *eyes flick up to her and he smiles a little more, his gaze warm* ...she likes it. *puts out a hand as she starts to bend* ...but blow in her nose first -- to introduce yourself. ...she'll blow back at you...then you can try it.

Lavender: *glances at him, smiles, then bends in, blowing softly, and laughing a little when Hera whuffles back at her* *presses a kiss to the soft skin, then straightens, stroking the mare's nose as she steps back a bit, almost into Charlie* Oh, sorry. *looks over to smile at him* *still in the midst of her turn towards him, reaches up, touching his shaggy fringe and brushing it away from his forehead* You've got a mane too, hon.

Charlie: *automatically reaches to catch her as she nearly backs into him, arms coming around her lightly, supporting her as she deftly avoids stepping on him* *grins at her, matching her smile, and ducks his head into her touch, without thinking about it* *ears going red as his grin shifts to an abashed smile* ....Mum commented too. *releases her with one hand to shove the fringe aside once more, then sighs* ...won't stay in the que. *releases her with both arms, turning to the mare, slipping the halter over her head again and untying her, taking a step away to lead her toward the pasture* *softly, glancing back at Lavender* ....coming with? *smiles slightly, holding out the hand with the extra bit of the lead in invitation* ...want to put her away? ...'s almost feeding time.

Lavender: Well, we ought to get that trimmed up a bit then, perhaps? *follows him, placing one hand over where his is on the lead, uncertain whether he was offering his hand or the rope, and so takes both* Sure.

Charlie: *hand trembles slightly under hers, and he turns his face away as she comes up next to him, his ears flushing* *mumbling, half under his breath* ....I tried. *clearly embarrassed* ...the wand -- *sucks in a breath and stops short, dropping the leadrope and leaving the mare in Lavender's hands* .... put her in her stall, yeah? *voice stronger* I'll get the feed.

Lavender: *tugs on the lead with a light touch until Hera follows* *makes her way into the stall, turning the mare once inside and pushing against her withers so she backs up and leaves her space to slip out* Thank you, lovely girl. *strokes her neck, then steps out of the stall, raising her voice to speak to Charlie* I could give it a try with scissors, if you'd like. I can't promise anything resembling an expert haircut, but I could certainly get it out of your eyes and make it a bit less shaggy over your neck. *smiles at him when he returns* Although I rather like it a bit long in the back.

Charlie: *tosses flakes of hay into the mangers by the doors, pausing as Lavender suggests scissors* *turns to face her as she steps out of the stall, eyes narrowing curiously, head tipping* *suddenly flushes and grins, ducking his head shyly and turning to finish feeding, as she compliments him -- then pushes past her gently to retrieve the halter and lead from Hera* *gruffly* ...lets go up and eat, yeah? *hangs up the halter, then offers a hand to her* ...I have a pea soup on the stove, or I can make you a sandwich... *glances out the door* ....and I got Doog a meaty bone for dinner. *shyly* ...picked one up for Shan, too -- if you don't mind?

Lavender: *slips her hand into his* Shan would love that, and pea soup sounds perfect to me. *motions for him to lead the way, and call Doog, knowing Shan will follow close behind* *squeezes his hand gently as they walk*

Charlie: *pleased, gives a whistle for Doog and leads her up the stairs to his flat where the air is redolent with the smell of pea soup with ham -- he'd left it simmering all day, under spell, on the stove* *toes off his boots and pulls off the flannel shirt he's been wearing for a coat, hanging it on a peg, pausing to help Lavender with her things before sticking his head out the door and whistling once more* *grins as he sees Doog and Shan racing for the stairs, flattening himself back out of the way with a laugh* ....Incoming!

Lavender: *inhales the scent as they walk in, letting out her breath with a pleased sigh* Smells lovely, Charlie. *only has a light hooded jumper to peel off, leaving a pale lavender t-shirt beneath* *in the middle of pulling off her second boot when she sees the dogs coming up* *pushes back against the other wall with a laugh and a yelp which dissolves into more laughter as Shan firmly tromps a bare toe on the way by* *sinks down to throw her arms around Shanpen, nuzzling her soft fur and ruffling her ears* Haven't you been having a lovely time, eh? Dinner now, so go sit and wait, alright hon? *nudges the dog gently, then sits down on the floor to finish getting her second boot off*

Charlie: *a snap of the fingers and a firm pointing sends Doog to his place by the hearth to await his dinner as his master closes the door* *Charlie pauses to offer her a hand up from the floor* *voice concerned, though his eyes are warm* ....all right?

Lavender: *takes his hand and pulls as she pushes herself up to her feet* *grinning* Completely. There's nothing quite like a doggie hug, is there? Did you mention soup, hon? *reaches up to touch his fringe again lightly*

Charlie: *ducks his head and grins* ...pea soup. ...with ham. *releases her hand only reluctantly, moving toward the kitchen area* *takes the top off the pot, stirring the soup briskly before covering it again and pulling out a loaf of crusty bread* *with a smile, over his shoulder to Lavender* ....if you'd get the bowls, I'll cut the bread. ....got water, milk and ale, if you like. *looks apologetic* ....no wine.

Lavender: I'll get myself water, that's fine. *moves easily around the cabinets, pulling down bowls and silverware and glasses* D'you want that or an ale or milk? *glances over her shoulder, then carries the bowls and silverware to the table, setting them out with serviettes* *pours the water then, and a drink for Charlie as well, and carries them to the table*

Charlie: ...water. ....please. *deftly slices the crusty bread into thick, fragrant chunks, setting them on a plate and putting it on the table* *pulls out his wand and carefully sets the soup to serving itself, whisking empty bowls off of the table and then sending them back full before covering the pot and leaving it on the stove to stay warm* *moves to settle into his usual chair, smiling over at the dogs* *to Doog* ....you and your lady-friend have a treat coming -- just be patient. *to Lavender* ....anything else you'd like? *pauses, then rises to find the salt and pepper shakers, placing them in the center of the table*

Lavender: Oh no, I'm all set. *settles into what has become her usual chair and picks up her spoon to taste the soup carefully before adding a bit of pepper* Mm, good. *happy sighs at the taste of it* This is lovely, as always, Charlie. You spoil me in wonderful ways. *brilliant fond smile at him* *reaches out for a chunk of bread, ripping off a smaller piece to dunk into the soup, then pop in her mouth with another pleased purr*

Charlie: *feels a sudden rush of warmth fill his chest, as she purrs over his food, pushing his back straighter and making it hard to breathe as the emotion floods into him* *averts his eyes, reaching for the salt, completely unable to stop a small, pleased grin from wedging itself firmly in his beard* *dusts his soup with a little salt -- he always did prefer salty soups, but had learnt that most of his guests did not -- he scoops up a bite with a crust from the bread, then tears the soft center into chunks to dunk and scoop with his spoon* *dabs carefully at his whiskers after every few bites, just to make sure nothing's gotten caught, then smiles at her again* *softly* ....it felt like a pea soup day. *shrugs, not telling her that it'd been nearly a year since he'd made it, and that he'd been thinking of her when he'd chosen to start the time-intensive meal that morning*

Lavender: *pleased smile, flushing faintly staining her cheeks* *concentrates on the soup rather than looking up at Charlie because every time she does she gets caught by the pleasure that smile gives her* I love pea soup. Mum used to make it, when we were little, and Lynx always called it "sludge" because Mum's soup was so thick. Then Melody never liked it, so Mum stopped making it so often. It's a treat for me. *falls silent for a moment, soaking a bit of crust thoroughly before popping it in her mouth, then cleaning the soup off her fingertips* *apologetic* I'm never neat with soups.

*finally lifts her gaze to meet his* Did you get the chance to talk to Bill about who'll you be seeing as a Healer?

Charlie: *smiles at her* ....good pea soup is supposed to be thick. *eats another bite, then, glancing at her, picks up his serviette* ...c'mere. *reaches out and deftly wipes a drip off her chin, folding it into the serviette and putting it back on his lap* ....missed a bit.

*goes quiet at the mention of the new Healer -- but its more thoughtful than uncomfortable* *after a long, long moment, slowly, as if choosing his words carefully* ....we met. *stirs his soup a moment, then shakes his head, as if shaking off a fly* ....Sumer -- Summersfly. ....no. *frowns* ....Summersby -- Summersby? *glancing at her, ears flushing, mildly embarrassed he couldn't quite remember -- but he'd been so wrought up when he'd met the man; names were definately not his priority at that time* ...Ethan.

Lavender: *goes still as he wipes her chin, the flush intensifying faintly* *softly* Thanks.

*eyes light up with sudden pleasure* Summerby! I met him at the reception. I liked him right off. He was there with Chad, I think.

Charlie: *at the mention of Chad, the discomfort turns to keen interest* ....Warrington? *glances toward Doog -- which brings a fond smile -- before looking back at Lavender, considerably more at ease* ...he's a friend of Warrington's?

Lavender: *takes another sip of the pea soup* Oh, at least friends. He couldn't keep his eyes off of him, and I'm fairly certain I saw them holding hands at least once. *flushes faintly and returns her attention to the bit of bread in her hands, since that could describe her own behaviour as well* He likes dogs.

Charlie: *head turning to regard their dogs* *quietly* ...Doog liked him. *thoughtfully* *after a moment, he goes back to eating, quickly finishing his bowl* *stands up, putting his bowl in the sink and refilling his water glass, looking pensive for a long moment* *finally, he turns and rummages around in his drawers, moving from one to another, clearly looking for something he's not finding* *eventually, he pulls out a pair of kitchen tongs, draws his wand and neatly transforms them* *keeping whatever it is in his hand, he glances at Lavender* ....you want more soup?

Lavender: *finishes hers up as well, eating more by popping soaked chunks of bread in her mouth than by actually using her spoon* *licks her fingertips, then dabs them with the serviette, and finishes the last bits with a spoon* Oh, no, I'm utterly full. That was lovely, and I've probably eaten enough bread with it to feed a starving nation. *stands and picks up her bowl, carrying it and her water glass to the sink* *kisses his cheek on the way by* Thank you, hon.

Charlie: *flushes, but grins, pleased* *after a moment, his expression sobers and he looks down at his hands, then up at her again* *slowly, he offers a large-ish pair of scissors to her -- transfigured from the kitchen tongs -- trying to keep his fingers still, as badly as they wanted to tremble* ....would -- would you -- ? *flushes again, uncomfortably* ...I can't seem to trim my hair. ...could you give it a try?

Lavender: *looks at the scissors, then carefully takes them* Of course, hon. *with her free hand, brushes her fingers through his shaggy fringe, the back, tugging out the long strands at the back* *frowns as she looks at the top of his turtleneck* I'll need a comb or a brush, and you ought to sit at one of the wooden chairs, I think. Have you a sheet I could put over you, so you're not covered in clippings when we're done? *touches the high turtleneck, at the side, just below his ear* And you might want to take this off, so I don't nick it with the scissors.

Charlie: *eyes close and his head automatically tips into her touch, taking a slow, deep breath almost unconsciously, the caress of her fingers soothing him, draining some of the sudden tension* *opens his eyes again, and nods* ...a sheet, yes -- I've a comb as well... *freezes, though, as she touches his shirt, eyes going wide and worried -- though he doesn't say anything, just nods and, almost reluctantly, moves away* *rummages around in the trunk at the foot of his bed, finally pulling out a flannel winter sheet, holding it up for her approval* *drapes it over one of the wooden chairs by the kitchen area where they'd been eating, and detours into the loo to fetch his comb -- a plain, wooden thing* *brings it back out to her* ...will that work?

Lavender: *takes the comb in her other hand, then moves to set both on the table* It'll do just fine. Do you mind if I use a glass to put water in? It's easier to cut if your hair's a bit wet. I remember from watching Mum's hairdresser do Mel's hair when we were little. Mum always made sure Mel had it done the Muggle way, so Mel wouldn't talk about magic in her school.

Charlie: *nods* ...here. *fetches the glass of water for her, setting it on the table near the chair* *stalling* ...anything else you need?

Lavender: *looks over at him* Shirt, hon. I don't want to cut it by accident. *nods at the loo* Go ahead and change into something else, but it needs to have a lower neck so it's not in the way, alright?

Charlie: *relief floods through him at her suggestion and he nods in gratitude* *moves to the dresser to pull out a couple of shirts, holding them up for her approval, then takes the one she selects into the loo with him, feeling oddly embarrassed both by his own embarrassment and by faint memories of a time when he wouldn't have cared who saw him half-naked in his own flat* *closes the door behind himself, and pulls off the turtleneck reluctantly, not looking at himself in the mirror -- he already knew the patterns of scars left on his torso intimately* *there was only so much Healers could do, and the damage had been extensive -- She had enjoyed marking her 'pet' and had done it in many and varied manners...most of which had left some trace of themselves on his body, even after he'd been released from St Mungo's* *pulls on the thin tshirt, and only then looks at himself in the mirror -- it covered most of the marks...most of the ones that were visible now were dragon-given; the burn down his right forearm, faintly shiny in the light with its slightly fleur-d-lis pattern -- the white of the scar less obvious with his paler skin, untanned yet this spring, under his high-collared shirts; the rake marks coming out from the left arm of the shirt, three of them paralleling down his biceps to be joined by a fourth for an inch or so just over his elbow, given by a juvenile Racer he'd been tracking and that had turned and tracked him instead* *the wand burns on his arms were few and easily mistaken for dragon-fire or other such mishaps.... the worst of it, the most obviously deliberate of it, was hidden under the shirt* *hoists the collar of the shirt up slightly, higher on his neck, to hide the marks there better...then, hesitantly, moves back out into the main room of the flat, dropping his turtleneck on the coffeetable on his way past* *silently settles into the chair she indicates, straddling it, crossing his arms on the back and waiting*

Lavender: *swishes the comb in the water, then gently starts combing out his hair without a word to comment on his switch in clothing* *starts with his fringe, removing tangles and dampening the strands, tugging them back from his eyes* *moves back slowly, taking care of the sides first, then starts with the back, lifting the hair from his neck and combing through it slowly, fingers stroking his hair with light touch, gently massaging his scalp on the way by*

Charlie: *is tense at first, but willingly relaxes under her touch, closing his eyes and letting out a small sigh as she begins combing out his hair, her fingers petting and soothing him* *barely twitches as she touches the back of his neck, nearly dozing now, zoning out on the feel of her fingers stroking him, the soft warmth of her body radiating against his as she moves and shifts around him* *lets out a soft sigh, finally, shifting to get just a little more comfortable, and relaxing completely once he does, chin balanced on his forearms and eyes closed, breathing deep and even*

Lavender: *keeps up the same motion, soft and slow, until she's combed through all of his hair* *takes up the sheet,draping it over his shoulders, wrapping it loosely around, then tugging lightly at his collar so she can tuck it under, tugging his collar down as she does so, fingers brushing against the skin under his chin, over his shoulders down his back* *spots the scar just at the nape of his neck and remembers his reaction when she touched his neck while dancing* *says nothing for the moment and continues tucking his collar down until the sheet is entirely in place*

Charlie: *eyes open as she begins tugging on his collar, and he tenses, just a little, but doesn't move -- obediently, shifting his head as needed for her to tuck the sheet in, his eyes closing briefly as her fingers touch his throat, his head tipping to gather a caress to the cheek as she pulls her hand back from there* *twitches, just a little, as she pulls his collar down in back, head turning slightly....waiting, expecting... something* *when she doesn't speak, but continues on, his collar shifting again as she finishes tucking the sheet in, he begins to relax once more...but the relaxed doze is gone, leaving a waiting wariness behind*

Lavender: *starts to pick up the scissors, pauses, then does pick them up after all* *with a soft smile, digs her fingers in for a gentle massage of his temples before she lifts his fringe and carefully starts to trim it back to a reasonable length* *works the front and sides, carefully moving around him to observe and make sure she matches the length properly and doesn't leave him lopsided* *pauses when she first lifts the strands from the back of his neck* *quietly* How long would you like me to leave it in the back, hon?

Charlie: *eyes close when she rubs him, his head leaning into the touch as he lets out a soft, silent sigh* *keeps his eyes closed as she works, to keep the hair out of them, trusting her completely -- doesn't open them as she speaks, just taking a moment to consider the question* *voice soft, and relaxed* ....pretty short. *now he does open his eyes, glancing toward her with a very faint smile* ....probably be a while before I get it cut again.

Lavender: Oh? If it doesn't come out awful, I thought you might ask me to do it again. *leans in to give him a quick kiss on the cheek* *then carefully lifts the hair from the back of his neck and begins to trim it up as short as he's asked* *she can see the scar at his nape from this vantage, the size of a ring or so, two dogs and a shield, but she can't tell more than that*

Charlie: *startled by the offer, starts to turn to look at her, but is met by the kiss and settles again, thoroughly distracted* *staring straight ahead, mind still surprised, he doesn't notice when she begins cutting the hair at the back of his neck* ...you'd do it again? *sounds pleased and surprised -- and ever so faintly grateful and hopeful* *then, ruefully* ...I usually forget, until someone reminds me, though.

Lavender: *soft giggle* Well, I might even notice when you're starting to get a bit shaggy again. *tweaks the short locks at the back* I'll let you know. *slides her fingers up the sides of his head, finding the space just behind his ears and massaging gently, thumbs pressing up where his spine joins his skull in gentle pressure* *softly* Do you want to talk about it, hon?

Charlie: *smiles at her comment about him being shaggy, then his eyes close as she begins to massage his head, the slow gentle rubbing soothing and relaxing him until he's nearly ready to doze again -- the shift to the back of his neck almost triggers the alarm ....but then the pressure against the base of his skull feels divine, and he nearly purrs, his head shifting, ducking, neck arching to let her have better access to his skull* *it takes a moment for her words to penetrate -- but the moment they do, he goes stiff, every muscle tensing, nearly shivering under her hands* *only the chair right under his chin keeps the flinch from being more than a reactionary twitch before he freezes*

*the slow motion of her hands doesn't stop, though, easing through his (now much shorter) hair, stroking his head, soothing, not demanding -- her silence is patient and forgiving...and he is almost surprised to hear the words, soft, hoarse and so gruff it feels like gravel scratching its way out of his throat* ....its a....reminder. *the last word is nearly spat out, bitter and sharp -- and frightened*

Lavender: *under her breath makes a soft shhhh sound, fingers moving gently* *carefully slides her touch down, thumbs massaging the muscles to either side of the spine in the centre of his neck, still above the brand, but closer* *softly* So you won't forget her. She's a right bitch, Charlie. *considers the scar, not too far below her thumbs, but doesn't let her touch drop that low* *same, soothing motion on his neck, soft and slow* *stands close enough that she leans lightly against his back* *voice still soft* May I touch it, so I can continue? *shy smile, knowing he can't see the flush in her cheeks* Seems silly to soothe here *draws her fingers back up to the base of his skull* and not here *lowers her fingers again, stopping before she reaches the nape of his neck* *drops back into silence, working the muscles along his neck*

Charlie: *can't stop the shudder, the frisson of .... fear/tension/fear/shame/fear
/anticipation/fear that slides up his spine on a millipede's razored feet as her fingers stroke closer to the mark* ....No. *Her voice slithers through his mind -- I must give you something to remember these lessons. -- and he could feel the icy burn as she presses the spelled ring to the base of his neck, at the junction where the left shoulder meets the throat, he could hear the satisfaction in Her voice -- A punishment for a lie. A reward for a truth. Consequences for actions. -- and another cold, sick shudder rolls up from his belly* ....so I won't forget my lessons. *and he has to swallow back the bile, his fingers clinging blindly to the chair, feeling Lavender behind him -- her warmth soothes, her weight against him reassures -- and he closes his eyes and just tries to hold on to his dinner*

Lavender: *fingers slide up at the first "no" until she realises he was correcting her, not objecting to what she does* *echoes softly* Lessons. *slides her fingers down over his shoulders, fingertips barely skittering over the brand* *settles in with stronger touch , thumbs just behind his shoulderblades, digging in gently* You'll never forget what she did to you. But you already know that she's full of shite, Charlie. *carefully, a part of the same motion she already makes, her thumbs come up to the base of his neck, smoothing the skin under her touch, sliding away, then repeating the motion* *moves as if there is no difference to the feel of the skin under the pads of her thumbs* *stays silent, just smoothing his muscles, soothing his skin, from base of the skull down into his shoulder blades and out to the curve of his shoulders* *makes it all the same under her touch*

Charlie: *can't stop trembling, can't stop the flinching twitch each time her fingers touch the mark, the reminder, on his neck, though it lessens each time -- the skin there is oddly numb, and the change in the sensation of her fingers stroking over the ridges startling and ever so faintly alarming in its difference* *suddenly shifts, leaning back into her slightly as he ducks his head to press his forehead against his wrists -- both giving her more access to his neck and hiding his eyes* *lets out a shaking breath, then another, trying to believe.... but She had proven Her case too many times for him to wholly believe anything else, She had etched Her lessons into his mind and body with pain and magic and fear, making them difficult to erase or write over -- so he just trembles with the strain of it, shakes with the memories and the desires and the fears the war of beliefs draws up, shuddering and shivering, and trying desperately to keep back the tears suddenly threatening in his eyes*

*Lavender's touch soothes, her strokes even and gentle, heedless of the scars and marks her hands slide over, under the shirt and sheet -- even though she had to feel the ridges of scar tissue, had to feel the faint knots and bumps of it under her hands* *the warmth of her, the weight of her against him keeps him here, keeps him now -- and makes the pain that much the worse, because to escape the pain he'd have to escape the here and now and he didn't want to leave her*

Lavender: *doesn't say anything more than soft whispered sounds, as soothing as the touch of her fingers across his skin* *keeps stroking, fingers finally leaving the space closest to the scar behind, drifting back up to the top of his neck*

Charlie: *lets her touch carry him along, trying to blank his mind and just feel -- he liked the feel of her, the smell of her, the warmth of her against him, and tried to let those sensations drown out the memories of rope around his wrists, stretching him out, making him vulnerable, the smell of his own terror strong in his nose, the horrible thirst clawing at his throat, tried to let her presence wash away the presence in his mind, to replace the feel of Her with the feel of Lavender*

*abruptly, he jerks, twists and wraps his arms around her, burying his face against her waist, arms strong around her, holding her tightly* *pulling in a shuddering breath, then letting it out slowly, he tries to find a way to tell her, to say what images are in his mind... but his mind shys away from those images, giving him bits and bites to work with, and refusing to deal with the terrifying whole of it* *finally, raggedly, roughly* .....She's mad. *the capitalization of the word is clear in his voice, the terrified reverence that at any reference to Her invokes* *looking up at Lavender, eyes wide and blank and worried, voice gone painfully hoarse and utterly, terrifyingly convinced* ....She is mad -- *and his voice breaks and trembles on the last word as he hides his face against Lavender's belly once more* -- and She -- *breaks off, unable to say it aloud, to make it that real, again*

Lavender: *startled for a moment when he moves, hands going up to let him and then dropping back down on his shoulders again* *one comes up to stroke through his hair, cradling his head as she looks down at him* *softly* She... what, hon?

Charlie: *is silent for a long time, periodic shudders trembling through him as he tries to find the words -- and the courage -- to speak* *arms tighten around her waist as he burrows, almost unconsciously, into the safety and comfort she offers* *finally his head tips again into her touch, responding to the stroking, and his voice is numb and toneless -- though the trembling in his arms, in his muscles, belies the apparently calm* ....She is mad -- and She enjoyed making me make Her hurt me. *shudders again, a hard, convulsive flinch* *whispering, very softly* ....She... *revolted, memories of the stark, confused terror he'd lived almost constantly in turning his stomach* *swallows* ...She enjoyed it.

Lavender: *soft sigh* Oh hon. She's mad and she's never coming near you again. *with firm emphasis* EVER. I won't let her. None of us will. *slides down, ending up forehead to forehead* You're safe here.

Charlie: *wants to believe her -- wants to believe her, to the point his throat swells with it, half strangling him on the hope of it; but the terror is there, too, clutching his heart tight in its talons, digging in, reminding him of Her madness and Her unpredictability* *then Lavender is face to face with him, her arms around him, her conviction and faith strong in her voice, in her face, in her touch -- and then the tears come, sharp and hard, tearing like thorns out of his heart, burning his eyes....because he wants so much for her to be right, so much to believe her, to be safe, finally, for real, forever again, to have that confidence back that he'd had before -- to believe as thoroughly as she does, that such things won't ever happen again, should never have happened to begin with*

Lavender: *slides her arms around him, snuggling in close, cheek pressed to his* *inhales his spicy scent, then just sinks into being close to him, being right there for him, right now* *and holds on tight*

lavenderisblue @ 2007-05-15T13:56:00

2007-05-15T17:58:04Z

*has made her way through the hallways of St. Mungo's, silk wrapped tight around her against the constant battering this place delivers* *finally reaches the office where she has been told she can locate Ethan when he's not out at rounds* *fervently hoping that he is, indeed, not out on those rounds, she raps sharply upon the door*

Mel/Hestia/Lav (Friday 4 May)

2007-05-04T19:05:36Z

Who: Lavender, Hestia, Melody
When: late morning, Friday, 4 May
Where: Dragonfly Inn

(Wow! Lav said you were pregnant, but you're really pregnant, aren't you?)

Zach/Lav (Wednesday evening, 2 May)

2007-05-02T21:47:52Z

Who: Lavender & Zach
When: evening, Wednesday, 2 May
Where: the Nine Ploughs

(We'd all be bored out of our mind and what's the fun in that?)

Mel/Hestia/Lav (Friday 4 May)

2007-05-02T12:55:12Z

*wraps her arms around Melody, pulling her into a firm hug as they stand in Mel's room in Brighton* Now remember, this sort of trip is rather like being drunk, if you were a glass of water. Hold on tight and please try not to throw up on my shoes, or well, on any flowers Hestia's planted, yeah?

*grins down at her sister, giving her a kiss on the cheek, then apparates them both to just outside the Dragonfly in, in Hogsmeade*

Zach/Lav (Wednesday evening, 2 May)

2007-05-01T23:38:33Z

*wiggles her bottom a bit, settling in on the stool at the bar* *swats at the stray hand that passes by a bit to close when someone leans in past her to call out for a drink* *waits patiently until the bartender is over and occupied with the stranger leaning in next to her before she reaches carefully across the bar and pokes the bartender gently with one finger* Oi. Can a girl get a drink?

Reception's End (Lavender/Charlie, 28 April)

2007-04-28T17:10:14Z

Who: Lavender & Charlie
When: after the reception, and after Lav's conversation with Bill
Where: Hogsmeade
Why: he's going to walk her home

Lavender: *stands on the porch, leaning back against the railing, arms crossed under her chest* *breathing more easily now, calmer, silks back in place* *closes her eyes and tilts her head back, letting the cool evening air flow over her, taking in deep breaths of the spring scents*

Charlie: *rises with his brother as Fred finally declares it time to leave* *the both of them go to give their farewells to Bill, and to Cho, before he looks around again for Lavender* *had seen her talking to his brother earlier -- and she'd gone outside after* *makes his way toward the door he'd seen Lavender leave by, pushing it open quietly and easing out onto the porch in silence* *shifts sideways, leaning back against the wall opposite her, head tipped as he considers her body language* *finally, very quietly* ....nice evening.

Lavender: *opens her eyes slowly, the night air having put a lassitude into her motion* *slow smile* Hey. It was. *uncrosses her arms, stretching, wondering how long she was standing like she was*

Charlie: *just smiles, a little, not moving from his spot as he corrects her* ...is. *head tips, just a bit, and his smile widens ever so slightly*

Lavender: *expression slips rapidly into a brilliant, pleased smile* Yeah. It is. *leans her elbows back on the railing, tipping her face back* It smells like home, being here. Not home, home... that's the scent of the sea. But Hogwarts home. *straightens again, and looks over at him* It sounds quieter in there. Are things closing down?

Charlie: *lifts his head and inhales, smelling the air, at her comment* *lets the breath out slowly, looking a bit sad* *softly* ...there aren't any -- *breaks off as she speaks to him, glancing behind himself at the door* *louder* ...yeah. ...everyone's going home, I think. *looking at her curiously* ....you want a drink or another plate before they shut everything down, or are you ready to go home?

Lavender: *casts a glance at the door, then back to him* I think I'm ready to go home. I'm sure Shanpen is waiting at the door to my suite, just itching to get out for a walk. And Lynx is growling at her like he does, and hoping I get home before he has to take her. *faint giggles* He's so very very much not a dog person.

Charlie: *smiles slightly, then pushes off the wall to take a step toward her* *stops in front of her, looking at her for a moment* ...next time, you should leave her with Doog. *his smile quirks slightly, one side rising higher than the other* ...he's a good babysitter, I'm sure. *offers his elbow to her in a gentlemanly fashion* *eyes warm as he waits*

Lavender: *slips her hand through the crook of his arm, pushing thoughts of what Bill might say if he saw her firmly out of her mind* I don't know about that. Who knows what Doog might let Shan do if he decided to spoil her rotten? We could get back and find they've dug a new pond because she wanted a new place to swim.

Charlie: *the humour rises to his eyes, turning them golden green with amusement* *voice warm* ...you say that like its a bad thing. *turns to lead her down off the stoop, and out into the yard...then keeps walking down the quiet street, making no effort to find a place to Apparate away from*

Lavender: *wishes for a moment to slide her arm around his waist and slip closer, then promptly curses Angie and Bill inwardly for poking at her tonight* *settles into the comfort of walking arm in arm through a familiar place* So, you're saying it's alright for Doog to spoil Shan? *sways a bit, nudging his hip lightly* What'll I do if she decides it's alright to dig a pond in my suite? *soft laugh* Well, other than say "no" firmly.

*remembers walking arm in arm with Vati in these streets* *then remembers that Hogsmeade is no longer as safe as it was, that the pureblood killer (the same one who stole Padma...) struck here* *shivers, and edges instinctively closer to Charlie*

Charlie: *can feel the tension that'd been creeping up on him at the reception beginning to slip away, and his shoulders and posture begin to relax, his head coming up more and his stride easing slightly as they move further away from the Inn* *lets out a slow breath, shifting slightly to tuck her hand against his side, covering it with his own free hand* *glancing sideways at Lavender* *with amusement* ...why would she think she could? ....your suite floored with dirt? *eyes bright with mischief* .....'sides -- digging is only fun when you get somewhere with it.

*feels her shiver and move closer -- turns his head to look at her in concern* ....cold? *hesitates, about to turn down another street* ...want to go home?

Lavender: *leans her head against his shoulder* Not cold, just *more quietly* thinking. Remembering things, like being here with Vati when we were in school. And other things. *small pause* But I like being here with you.

Charlie: *accepts her answer quietly* *walks on for a bit, just enjoying the night, eyes drifting upwards frequently to take in the stars* *quietly* ...tell me what you are thinking about? *doesn't look at her, keeping his eyes on the stars above and ahead of them, down the dark street*

Lavender: *uncertain, not wanting to break the peace of the moment* *lays her free hand on his arm as well, still leaning into him* *almost too soft to hear* The professor who was killed here in Hogsmeade. Overlaid with being so perfectly happy here with Vati and Pads. And just what I said. *shy smile, doesn't look up* That it's good to be here with you. Chases it all away.

Charlie: *goes still and quiet at her words, eyes falling from the stars to the ground* *expression goes somber and his shoulders come up, just a little, before he looks away from her, silent, though his lips curve, just a little, when she tells him it is good to be here with him*

Lavender: *still quiet* *flattens her hand on his arm, squeezes gently* *stays silent to give him time to see how he works past that thought*

Charlie: *glances at her when she squeezes his arm, expression sober, eyes dark* *looks at the ground, then at her again* *finally, roughly* ...I...feel like -- like I should...apologise. *uncomfortably, unconsciously pulling back from her slightly* ...I... *eyes drifting up, focussing on the end of the street, trying to distance himself from the discomfort* *shoulders rising, tightening, hunching slightly, faintly miserable* ...it...I...*swallows, and his voice is hoarse when he speaks again, his hands suddenly coming together, fingers beginning to work at the leather cuffs he wears around his wrists* ...its...not safe. ...I....

Lavender: *has to let go of his arm, and for a moment, just stands there, worried and uncertain about what she ought to do or say* Charlie, you don't have to apologise. I mean, I accept it, but you don't have to. It's not any less safe here than it is anywhere else in England, and being here with you *breaks off with a smile* feels safer than it does alone.

Charlie: *feels her withdraw from him, and can't stop the cold flash of fright/dismay/shame that slices into the guts of him, chilling his heart painfully* *fingers twist harder against the cuffs, drawing them tight and tighter around his wrists* *can't look at her* ....I... *closes his eyes, takes a breath and tries -- tries -- to just say what he needs to say without being afraid of punishment for it; its hard, and his words are short and faintly breathless, his voice hoarse and soft* ...c-came back to s-stop -- to make it -- *hands coming up to scrub through his hair, catching and tugging slightly as he fists them into the red locks in frustration* -- its not safe. *looks at her now, eyes pleading* ....I failed. *then he shakes his head, closing his eyes again as he denies his own words* ....I didn't mean -- its not my fault -- here, this. *gestures blindly at the town* ...but I failed. *head bowing as he fists his hands into his hair again, tugging in frustration* ...I -- S-she -- I can't...!

Lavender: *gives up on trying to think, trying to figure out what's right, and just acts on instinct* *moves slowly, putting her arms around him, drawing him in close* Shhh... Charlie, shhh. You're right, what happened here isn't your fault. Me being scared isn't your fault. Me feeling safe with you, though, that's a wonderful gift you give me, hon.

Charlie: *resists for a moment, then curls into her embrace gratefully, arms coming around her as he buries his face against her shoulder, confused and bewildered by the chaotic strength of his emotions, baffled and helpless against the warring of logic and reason and guilt in his mind*

Lavender: *cradles him against her, stroking his back, staying away from his neck* *just whispers soft sounds and his name, holding him*

Charlie: *just rests against her for several long moments, letting his mind whirl itself out, chasing itself in circles until it stops, focussing on only a few things, things he can make sense of, and address, and understand* *sighs, softly, finally relaxing as the mood passes, leaving only the residue of guilt and grief behind* *draws in a soft breath -- her perfume catches his attention again, and he turns into her neck slightly, inhaling again, catching the taste of her on his tongue before exhaling softly and straightening* *not, quite, looking at her, voice soft* ....I make you feel safe? *eyes flicking up to meet hers, to judge the expression on her face, before dropping down again, to where his hands are shifting to find hers, hold them between them*

Lavender: *shivers before she can stop herself, all too thoroughly aware of him so close to her neck* *catches her breath and tries to ease her heart rate, fighting back the flush rising to her cheeks as her fingers curl in his, holding on* *soft shy smile* Yes.

Charlie: *looks up again as she speaks, golden hazel eyes searching her lavender blue* *after a moment, after seeing that she means it, really means it, he smiles, just a little* *roughly, voice suddenly catching* ....I won't -- *swallows suddenly, hard, and continues, throat tight, though both his voice and his face harden with determination and pure Charlie-stubbornness* ...I won't fail again.

Lavender: *squeezes his hands and smiles* *frees one of her hands, just enough to touch his cheek lightly* I know you won't. *tugs lightly at his hand where she still holds him* Would you like to walk with me some more? It's a beautiful night.

Charlie: *face automatically turning into her touch, expression softening as her fingers stroke into his beard* *shoulders relax, and he smiles, unconsciously rubbing his cheek into her palm before straightening up again* ....yes. *turns to nod in the direction they'd been walking in* ...to the end?

Lavender: *presses her hand against his cheek when he presses back, only letting it fall away when he straightens again* *starts walking with a bit of a swing in their joined hands* Sure. And when we get to the end?

Charlie: *relaxing further, cheering in response to her cheer* ...we could keep walking. *grins at her, just a little, shyly, then sighs reluctantly* ...but then Shan might really dig a pond in your carpet. *eyes her for a moment, a wicked twinkle popping into his eye* ...and fill it?

Lavender: *giggles* Oh gods, I would hope Lynx took her out for a walk before she became that desperate. *squeezes his hand* But just in case, perhaps I ought to go home soon. *glances over at him, grin turning shy* Will you take me home, then?

Charlie: *eyebrows going up in surprise, then his ears flush* ....I'd planned on it. *ducking his head slightly, shyly* ...I brought you. *glancing at her* ...weren't you planning on leaving with me?

Lavender: *bites at her bottom lip, holding back a smile* Sure. But, it's been a long day. I wasn't sure if you might rather go back to Holyhead, rather than the hotel, and possibly having to deal with people. And Lynx. *the last said like it's the worst trial in the world* *raises their linked hands, squeezing slightly, and then just smiles* Yeah. *softly* Please take me home.

Charlie: *half smiles* *softly* ...I like Lynx. *giving her a look out of the corner of his eye* ...take you home at the end of the street? *steps slowing slightly, to make the walk longer*

Lavender: *slows her steps down to match his, ambling along, enjoying just being there* Sure. *then she falls silent and just walks alongside*

Dance with me? (Charlie/Lavender, 28 April)

2007-04-28T17:01:58Z

Who: Charlie & Lavender
When: Saturday, 28 April
Where: Cho & Bill's reception, Dragonfly Inn
Why: they came togther, oughtn't they dance?

Lavender: *makes her way across the room to where she sees Charlie sitting once more* *her smile grows as she approaches, settling into a shy grin when she stands by the table* Hey, Charlie. *pulls out a chair and sits, turned to face him* *bites her lip, pausing in the thought she'd had, losing the words, ending softly* Hey.

Charlie: *looks up from the shreds he's making of a paper serviette while waiting for the servers to come round again with another bottle of ale* *smiles at her, eyes soft and warm and just a bit relieved to see her* ...hey. *smile quirks slightly, one side drawing up wryly, lending a faintly mischievous aire to his expression* ....some bang, yeah? *his eyes flick over her shoulder and he straightens slightly, reaching out to accept the bottle of ale, then hesitating and offering it to her* ...would you....?

Lavender: *shakes her head, smiling, hand up* No thank you. I've found I drink a lot less than I used to, *wrinkles her nose* Although -- *gives him an impish look* -- I might want to steal a sip, if you wouldn't mind? *eyes open wide and hopeful*

Charlie: *waves off the server, offering the bottle to Lavender again with a soft smile* ...nah, go on, then. *nods at her* ...'s Brannigan's, so be careful -- kind of strong.

Lavender: *takes the bottle and takes a cautious sip, savouring the taste of it, before handing it back* Mm. Strong, but good. I miss good beer and good drinks. But it's worth it, to help keep my skin from itching quite so badly. *pauses, head cocked, watching him* *glances away for a moment, towards the dance floor, then back* *bites her lip*

Charlie: *accepts the bottle back, taking a good swallow before offering it back to Lavender* ....itch? *tone mild and curious, eyes focused on her, though he does flinch, just slightly, when a woman nearby suddenly erupts in a scream of laughter, knocking over her drink and scrambling out of her chair to avoid the flood of liquid* *gives that table a wary and distrustful look before focusing on Lavender again* ....allergies? *pauses, then, more softly* ...or...what you call it...silk. ....silk?

Lavender: *nods* The silk, yeah. Alcohol makes it harder for me to keep my silk in place, and then all of them -- *gestures at the loud table, then the dance floor* -- start flooding in. So I just don't much, when I'm out, anymore. Especially places like here, where everyone's feeling things so strongly. Least it's all happy here, almost blindingly so.

*glances at the dance floor again* *thoughtful* Hey, Charlie?

Charlie: *taking another drink when Lavender doesn't take the bottle -- unlike Lavender's abilities, the alcohol helped to blunt his own sensitivities, and he was grateful for it* *looks at her as she speaks again, his eyebrows going up in inquiry* ....mmm?

Lavender: *softly, with a small shrug* Want to dance?

Charlie: *chokes on his swallow, eyes going wide in surprise -- though he starts to grin even as he chokes*

Lavender: *reaches out to pat his back* Oi, Charlie, it wasn't that bad a suggestion, was it? *blinks, smiling shyly* Although you're smiling a bit. Is that a yes or a no?

Charlie: *puts his bottle down, and takes a moment to carefully wipe his mouth and hands before rising* *holds out a hand to her, a small, shy smile in his eyes and an amused grin quirking his lips* .....let's call it a yes. *the smile deepens slightly before he glances sideways at the crowded dance floor* *glancing back at Lavender* ....you like this song?

Lavender: *smile growing* I like most music. *slips her fingers into his, squeezing gently as she stands up* Mostly, though, I'd just like to dance w-- *breaks off, biting her lip, faint blush colouring her cheeks* *sees just how crowded it is, and starts moving to a place on the edge, where there's some air to breathe and they won't end up in a crush*

*turns to face him, fingers still interlaced* And I don't get to dance to slower songs nearly often enough. Clubs think if it isn't pounding faster than your heart rate, it's not good to dance to.

Charlie: *follows her as she leads, but when she moves to stop, he takes the lead and pulls her right out the door to the porch* *smiles at her* ....more room out here. *head tipping as she speaks, his smile turning wry* ...yeah. ....and loud enough to burst eardrums, from what I recall. *shifts to face her, moving up close, his right hand gripping hers, his left falling to rest on her hip as he steps toward her, beginning to guide her into a slow, gentle waltz, swaying with the music* *voice soft* .....I like music I can hear better.

Lavender: *hand suddenly warm in his, sways closer as he draws her in* *finds the rhythm and sways with him, her hand cradling his shoulder* *almost curls into him instinctively, but looks at him instead, using eye contact to keep herself from moving in too close* *whispers* I like feeling the music in my bones, but it doesn't have to be loud to do that. Waltzes creep in, like soft whispers over my skin, soft and slow and dreamy.

Charlie: *moves into her, his hands and steps guiding her in small, slow circles on the porch* *enjoys the feel of the cool night air on his skin as they dance, feeling the soft brush of it soothe and calm him* *quietly* ....its the rhythm that gets me. *smiles at her, eyes wide and warm as he looks down at her, grip shifting, pulling her a little closer as he gains confidence and comfort until the warmth between their bodies is replaced by gentle contact along chest, belly and thigh, the waltz he's leading her through slowing slightly, becoming more gentle and subtle*

Lavender: *can't quite breathe and every bit of air she manages to bring in holds the sweet spicy scent she's come to know as Charlie* *fits comfortably to him, leaning in almost cheek to cheek* *follows the rhythm he sets, steps gentling as he does into a gentle sway* *breath eases out in a soft sigh* Dance can be like magic, in it's own way.

Charlie: *hands shifting as they move into more of a sway, both hands coming down to her hips, curling slightly to her lower back* *tone curious and soft, keeping the conversation private* ....how do you mean?

Lavender: *as he releases her hand, she moves to his shoulder, then both hands gently clasped at the nape of his neck* *turns her face to look at him, nearly nose to nose as they sway gently to the music* *faint flush highlights her cheek bones while a soft smile tilts her lips* Just... *the flush intensifies and her gaze drops away for a moment as she bites her bottom lip before returning to meet his eyes once more* *voice soft and husky* Dance is a whole language of it's own. And a whole world, sometimes, with the music all around and the space coming down to just here, just now. *shy* Just this.

Charlie: *relaxing as her hands brush his shoulders, head tipping as he listens, a faint smile on his lips* ...it -- *then her hands shift, coming up to the back of his neck, tightening there, and he goes stiff, breath coming in sharply, holding as his eyes dilate then pinprick at the chill the touch sends slicing through him to pool, ice cold, in his belly, suddenly made aware of how close she is, how much of her touches him -- chest, belly, thigh, groin -- and how very dangerous a position he's in*

Lavender: *sees the shift in his eyes* *loosens her interlaced fingers, touching his cheek with the fingertips of one hand, while the other settles back to his shoulder* *keeps her gaze on him, soft* Charlie?

Charlie: *doesn't see her, doesn't hear her, doesn't... -- caught in the touch at the vulnerable nape of his neck, blind to the here and now as he fights to breathe, to exhale, to tell himself that here and now is here and now despite the slither of Her voice, suddenly in his mind -- ... I must give you something to remember these lessons. A punishment for a lie. A reward for a truth. Consequences.... -- and then a touch on his cheek, and the sound of his name -- his name not 'Pet', not 'Mine', Charlie, his name -- jerks him back* *on a desperate half-gasp, the words jerking out of him uncontrollably, almost inaudibly* ...for actions. *pulls back, blinks at Lavender, then shudders, head dropping as he avoids her eyes* ....god...!

Lavender: *fingers move with his motion, hand flattening against his cheek in light touch* *still whispering* Charlie.

*ducks her head a little as he ducks away, following him* *the edges of whatever he is feeling tickle along the edges of her silk, all the stronger by the contact, skin to skin, body to body* *feels the whisper of her silk gliding over her skin, protecting her* *carefully, one more time* Charlie?

Charlie: *shivers under her touch, suddenly cold -- so cold -- turning his head into her palm, seeking the warmth of it, eyes closing as he trembles* *hoarsely, roughly* ...I'm here. *sucks in a breath, letting it out, then opening his eyes again to look at her, eyes wide and dark, speaking with firm determination* ....I'm here.

Lavender: *soft smile, warmth in her gaze and tilting her lips* *cradles his face with the one palm, pressing back in gentle touch* *keeps her gaze on his, inwardly forcing the silk to stay settled, stay in place* *the smile grows more fond when he speaks* Yeah. You're here.

*with the hand on his shoulder, gives him a gentle tug to pull him closer for a hug*

Charlie: *lips twist slightly in the faintest of smiles, eyes warming, though they are still large, dark and shocked as he turns into her palm, rubbing his cheek into her hand, closing his eyes once more as he uses her touch to ground himself* *leans into the hug, arms sliding up and around her, hesitating, then just clinging, pressing his face into the crook of her neck, inhaling the scent of her hair, her perfume, her, and soaking in the warmth of her body against his, focusing on the comfort she offers as the tremors begin to still and the cold seeps away again*

Lavender: *just pulls him in close, the one hand sliding from shoulder around his back, holding him comfortably, the other drifting up to stroke his hair in soothing motion* *doesn't say a word, just holds him tight until her hand drifts down over his hair, to the nape of his neck, fingers just brushing the top edge of his collar when he flinches*

*pauses, shifting her touch to his shoulder instead* *breathes deep and easy and holds on*

Charlie: *begins to relax, muscles easing -- when her hand hits his collar, and he can't stop the jerk, the flinch away, the stuttered, almost inaudible, instinctive gasp of protest* ...no, d-d-don't...! *and the denial chokes him, a cold knot rising into his throat, too cold for terror, too hard for simple fear, as he starts to pull away, head coming up, eyes wide and startled* *backs right into her arms against his back and stops, caught -- as her hand shifts to his shoulder, he rocks forward again, clutching hard, almost hiding against her shoulder as he buries his face in her hair again, trembling*

Lavender: *soft hushing noises, stroking his back* *whispering* You're here, Charlie, right here, with me.

Charlie: *can't stop the silent rush of tears that rises with the sudden flood of sheer relief at her words, her touch, her comfort -- the sudden, abrupt and unexpected realisation that he's here, and now, and safe, at least for the moment, catching him completely off guard* *shudders, once, hard, clinging to her almost painfully tight as walls, desperately held against the memories, crack and crumble inside, the great, heavy stones of mental defences shifting and realigning in his mind -- and the tears of relief wash the dust away*

*finally pulls in a ragged breath, just resting against her, grounding himself, reorienting himself -- slightly dizzy from the emotional rollercoaster of the flashback -- before he lifts his head, wiping quickly at his eyes with one hand before easing back, releasing her only reluctantly* *roughly, hoarsely, quietly* ...'m all right. *ears and cheeks flushing* ...sorry.

Lavender: *holds him through the storm, whispering the same words softly, doing her best to anchor him as he has anchored her* *when he finally steps back, the chill of the evening swoops in around her, and she has to keep herself from following him and swaying close once more*

*raises one hand to cup his cheek, thumb brushing moisture away from under his eye* T's alright, Charlie. *soft, fond smile* You can cry on me anytime, long as you return the favour and keep on letting me cry on you. *wants to say something else, but knows it won't make sense to anyone but herself, so she keeps it in, watching him, head cocked slightly*

Charlie: *can't help but grin, abashed, shy, at her words, head ducking, then looking at her out of the corner of his eye, trying to hide the grin* *suddenly straightens, hearing the music change inside, picking up into a cheerful, bouncy tune* ....wrecked your dance. *scrubs his face, once, quickly, then reaches out and grabs her hand* ....dance with me?

Lavender: *squeezes his hand and grins* Any time, hon. *steps in closer to him, swaying slightly to the upbeat tune* To the music that's playing, or shall we dance to our own tune?

Lav/Ethan (reception, Saturday, 28 April)

2007-04-28T16:34:50Z

Who: Ethan & Lavender
When: mid-reception, Saturday, 28 April
Where: Dragonfly Inn, Cho's Reception

(There's nothing quite like being part of a puppy pile.)