25 Nov 2020, 13:37
Sweet to Me
It was mid-week, the day held no particular significance. It had simply been on his mind, and he had considered it from several angles. Despite his previous writing off of the idea, it had grown on him like lichen. Dating, as strange of a concept as it was, was something that could be practiced and perfected, like anything else. Since the begginning of the school year, he had been struggling to maintain a sense of normalcy to his daily life, mosty swinging from one extreme to another, but his acquaintance with Anastasia had been a respite from it all. His time spent with her was like curling up beside a fire after getting caught in a storm, and he continued to find himself coming back for more warmth.
It had nagged at his mind enough that he finally reconsiled to do the deed. Though he wasn't immune to the fear of rejection, or the embarrassment of vulnerability, he was also beligerently confident. He had read about such a thing countless times before, courting rituals weren't beyond him. At least, in theory they weren't.
Flash greeted Anastasia normally that morning, his wardrobe now consisting of much heavier coats as the pinch of winter nipped in the air. His smile might have been a bit bigger than usual, perhaps wrinkled to one side, the way he smiled when he was about to unravel a meticulous plan of his.
Once they had started walking, he suggested they take a different path. He spent most of his first year investigating the grounds and jogging different paths through it. There were ones that stood out in beauty, particularly during a sunrise. It would set the mood for the question he was about to ask, and the day was thankfully not too cloudy or rainy. The endless rains of the season were finally letting up, perhaps getting ready for snow.
He led her to an outcropping, a bit of a cliff that looked out over the lake in the distance. He hoped the water's surface might reflect some of the pinks and golds in the sky, but it wasn't as though he could control everything... yet. With the natural lull in conversation as she looked out at the scenery, Flash held his hands, clinching them tightly as he took the leap.
"You know... something's been on my mind." Once he had the attention of her gaze, his steeled resolve melted a bit, his smile looking a tiny bit more unrefined. "I wrote you something, it's a bit of a poem..."
Flash reached into his pocket where a crinkled, creased paper was fished out. He had toiled over it the night before, reading and re-reading each verse to make sure it encapsulated his feelings in both a respectable and flattering way. Not too gushing as to be embarrassing, and not too chaste as to be boring. He was quite satisfied with the end result, sure that it would spell out his intension with perfect eloquence.
"I hope you'll allow me to read it to you." Although he asked permission, he already knew she would be alright with hearing it. She did not often tell him 'no'. He flattened the paper a bit in his hand, a redness creeping onto his face once he realized what he was about to proffer.
"Golden like the sun, a ray upon my once-cold heart,
The light of your smile is a song on repeat in my mind,
I would hear your laugh into eternity before I tire of it,
The fi--"
Abruptly, a rush of freezing Scottish wind rolled over the way, ripping the sheet clean from his hands. He could do little but watch in silent astonishment as it tore through the sky like any piece of mundane litter. Damn. He still hadn't learned the summoning charm, as much as he had been studying. That hadn't exactly been a part of the plan.
Giving a short pause to mourn the loss of his creative work, though his mourning would likely last all day, he finally wrenched his eyes away from the twisting leaflet back to the girl for whom it was written. His face was mostly blank, but the lack of emotion was telling-- he was in shock. How exactly was he supposed to recover from this?
"Uh..." He blinked slowly, though his mind was racing. "Well. It was quite moving, I assure you. Let me... hmm... paraphrase..."
Flash rubbed his brow with one of his hands, trying to crease out of the frustration and remain positive. After all, the poem wasn't the point, really. The point was to expose his feelings, and start down a new, uncharted path alongside her. He couldn't let one setback take it all away from him, and he wasn't about to back down now that he had started.
"I have really enjoyed getting to know you, Anastasia. I would like to know you even better, spend even more time beside you. I was wondering if you would... do me the honor of..." Certainly these words were not not perfectly procured, he needed to parse them out as he said them, "... being my girlfriend?"
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For we dreamed a lot//And we schemed a lot//And we tried to sing of love before the stage fell apart
Sta: 9 ★Eva: 5 ★Str: 7 ★Wis: 15 ★AP: 3 ★Acc: 15
25 Nov 2020, 19:59
Sweet to Me
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Interacting With: @Flash Holmwood
Mentioning: N/A
Hex Color: #FF4080
Her outfitReducio
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Despite the considerable difficulties that had punctuated her summer and the beginning of the school year, Ana felt like she was starting to actually get a handle on things. She was on somewhat decent terms with most of her friends and had generally avoided punching random people. It wasn't like the death of her mother or the equally painful loss of her father didn't steal hurt horribly every moment, but she was beginning to get used to it. The pain hadn't lessened or gotten better like her books and aunt had said it would, but she could live with it without completely drowning. In the months since July, she had been forced to bear burdens that were far too heavy for any child, and certainly any child by herself.
Was this was growing up meant? Just getting used to being exhausted and overwhelmed? She hoped not. Whether or not she had grown accustomed to it, the events of her summer hurt her as if she had a hole in her actual heart. Still, there were times that things seemed less bleak, almost hopeful. Many of those times were her walks with Flash. He seemed to be a lighthouse in a storm and their acquaintance was one of the few purely good things that had happened to her that year.
She definitely liked him as more than a friend or acquaintance, and their brief time together at the Ball had lead her to hope he might share her feelings. So why hadn't she said anything? In every other area of her life, she fiercely pursued what she wanted. If she was being honest with herself, which she wasn't at most times, the idea of vulnerability terrified her. With all that had happened with her parents, not just in the summer but really her entire life leading up to the summer, she had gotten this nagging feeling that everyone was looking for an excuse to leave her, any reason to cast her aside.
The morning, Flash seemed brighter than usual, although Ana couldn't pinpoint exactly what it was that made her think that. Her leather jacket had been abandoned that particular day in favor of a blue collared shirt and a heavy cable-knit sweater. It was definitely different from the Ana of years past, and yet it wasn't the same as some of her more recent style. In any event, she was glad for the warmth the garment provided, with the beginnings of winter in the air. There had been a time when she had enthusiastically anticipated winter, as it brought her birthday, Christmas, and most of all, an end to one year and a chance for a fresh start in the next. While she had been worn down, winter still meant something to her, and while she had learned that there wasn't any such thing as a fresh start, the promise of one gave her hope.
If someone were to ask Ana what they discussed that morning, she likely wouldn't be able to give an exact answer. Truth was, weeks ago, the subjects of conversation had ceased to matter to her as much as the person she was sharing the conversation with. Between them being in different years and houses, these mornings were the only times she was guaranteed to see him, and she deeply treasured them. They could have well been reciting the dull History of Magic textbook and those mornings would have still been her favorite part of the day. As the pair walked, Ana's eyes flitted about, drinking in the beauty of the nature around her. Having grown up surrounded by perfectly groomed gardens, one would think she would have grown immune or at least used to the charms the outdoors offered. Still, it seemed to her that there was something to be said for the wild, untamed beauty of the Hogwarts ground. The path Flash had suggested for that day was no exception.
When he spoke, she glanced his way and tilted her head slightly to indicate she was listening. The smile he gave her warmed her from the inside out, but that was no preparation for what came next. The idea of someone taking the time to write a poem for her made her literally speechless. While she projected absolute confidence, truth be told, she was completely surprised most times anyone did anything to show her they cared. Maybe it was because her parents rarely did, or maybe it was because deep down, she wasn't entirely convinced she was actually worth caring for.
She couldn't stop smiling as he spoke, her cheeks reddening more with each word. She was certain that she matched her sweater by now, but she was definitely going to try and blame it on the cold. Flash seemed more vulnerable and less poised than she had ever seen him and the sight was striking. Her heart was in her throat as he continued when a gust of wind that ruffled her loose hair decided it was also fond of the poem. Pity, she would have quite liked to hear the rest of it. Flash seemed to share her sentiment, the look on his face one of complete shock. "I'll certainly take your word for it," she said warmly, thrilled that she had now remastered the art of speaking. "And for the record, the part I heard also happened to be quite moving." She definitely wanted to see where he was going with this, even if she already had an idea of what he was getting at.
Despite the fact, her treacherous brain had managed to put two and two together and somewhat anticipate what he was about to say, that didn't mean she was remotely prepared for it. Her breath caught in her throat as her brain took a moment to fully process what he was saying. "Oh, goodness, yes, Flash," she said, taking one of his hands as she spoke. It wasn't quite as put together as she might have liked, but that didn't do a thing to diminish the bubble of emotion rising in her. While she might have flirted and had crushes before, this was entirely new territory. For someone who so loved control, the idea of the unknown was almost as daunting as the idea of vulnerability. Still, it couldn't be that hard to figure out, since practically every book she had ever read contained some sort of relationship. Granted, she was beginning to learn books didn't have all the answers, but hopefully, they would have some...
Long story short, I survived
Stats - Strength: 5, Agility: 6, Control: 12, Stamina:7
1 Dec 2020, 16:20
Sweet to Me
Thankfully, it seemed Anastasia was willing to give Flash the benefit of the doubt. Really, she was so easy-going most of the time, we wondered whether he could do any wrong in her eyes at all. She even complimented the two sentences he managed to get through before the tempest ripped it away from him. Not sure if she was being honest or placating him, he didn't think to question it. He would rather go one believing that she truly enjoyed it, or his nearly non-existent artistic ego might have been broken before it had a chance to grow wings. He was never all that creative, but he was good with words. He was starting to learn how to use it in his own way, instead of the way that his family told him to use it.
Still... the poem... all that work... oh well.
What was important was that she said yes, even taking one of his hands. The contact brought an instant rosiness to his face that was unmistakable. He had to work hard to keep up the calm and collected demeanor he was so well known for, since grabbing her hands in his was what he had wanted to do from the start. The whole time. He wanted to hold hands a lot.
It wouldn't shake the feeling that neither of them really knew what they were doing, or what it meant to be dating. In essence, its only real purpose was to confess a desire to be closer, perhaps the desire to be closer than anyone else. To Flash, it was a request he had wished he could ask of nearly everyone-- please pay attention to me. Think about me. Care about me.
"I'm so glad." No scrutiny would be needed, as his expression showed rare genuineness. He took her other hand in his and squeezed them, trying to release some of the pressure from the overflowing excitement of the moment. "I'll write you new poems, better ones."
He laughed lightly at himself, letting the hands drop to a simple one-in-the-other as he looked out across the way. There wasn't much else to say, it seemed the partnership was nearly already sealed before he had even asked. What was there to practice? Dating was easy.
"I can meet you after your classes if you like. On the weekends. We could do our homework together... oh wait, we aren't the same year..." Flash started putting his thoughts into the air, wondering out loud. Being the conversationalist he was, there wouldn't be any time for awkwardness to settle in. They're usual chatter would continue unhindered, except they were holding hands now.
@Anastasia Beckett
Still... the poem... all that work... oh well.
What was important was that she said yes, even taking one of his hands. The contact brought an instant rosiness to his face that was unmistakable. He had to work hard to keep up the calm and collected demeanor he was so well known for, since grabbing her hands in his was what he had wanted to do from the start. The whole time. He wanted to hold hands a lot.
It wouldn't shake the feeling that neither of them really knew what they were doing, or what it meant to be dating. In essence, its only real purpose was to confess a desire to be closer, perhaps the desire to be closer than anyone else. To Flash, it was a request he had wished he could ask of nearly everyone-- please pay attention to me. Think about me. Care about me.
"I'm so glad." No scrutiny would be needed, as his expression showed rare genuineness. He took her other hand in his and squeezed them, trying to release some of the pressure from the overflowing excitement of the moment. "I'll write you new poems, better ones."
He laughed lightly at himself, letting the hands drop to a simple one-in-the-other as he looked out across the way. There wasn't much else to say, it seemed the partnership was nearly already sealed before he had even asked. What was there to practice? Dating was easy.
"I can meet you after your classes if you like. On the weekends. We could do our homework together... oh wait, we aren't the same year..." Flash started putting his thoughts into the air, wondering out loud. Being the conversationalist he was, there wouldn't be any time for awkwardness to settle in. They're usual chatter would continue unhindered, except they were holding hands now.
@Anastasia Beckett
For we dreamed a lot//And we schemed a lot//And we tried to sing of love before the stage fell apart
Sta: 9 ★Eva: 5 ★Str: 7 ★Wis: 15 ★AP: 3 ★Acc: 15
19 Dec 2020, 16:59
Sweet to Me
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Interacting With: @Flash Holmwood
Mentioning: N/A
Hex Color: #FF4080
Her outfitReducio
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Flash's face colored slightly, and Ana could only imagine how pink she was. She had held hands with friends before, but somehow this felt entirely new and exciting. She definitely wanted to hold his hand more. For once, her brain seemed to have concluded that continuing to function was what it would do at that moment, so she was reasonably confident she would be able to speak in full sentences. She had absolutely no idea what this actually meant in terms of what things might be like from now on. She would be the first to acknowledge she had been spiraling and generally having a rough go of things the past few months, but Flash had been one of the few undeniably bright spots.
Ana smiled widely at his offer of more poems. The expression was a rare glimpse of a side of her that she had thought long disappeared. "That sounds lovely," she said, her eyes sparkling. What did calling someone her boyfriend mean really? That Flash was someone she cared about and cared about her? Or that they wanted to get to know one another better? Whichever it was, it didn't mean things would be terribly different than they had been, right? Just more, whatever that turned out to mean.
As happy as she was, there was a nagging voice in the back of her mind. She managed to hurt everyone she cared about, no matter how hard she tried to do otherwise. Hell, the more she cared about someone, the more pain she inevitably managed to cause them. Not to mention the suffering she had endured because of the people she cared about. Biting her lip, she tried to force those unpleasant thoughts away. She had to believe that she could do better, that caring about people didn't have to end in both people wounded. The alternative was simply far too bleak, and holding Flash's hand in that lovely morning, something so bleak seemed like it simply couldn't be the truth.
Their normal comfortable conversation continued as if it were any other morning and them holding hands as they strolled was perfectly routine. Ana's heart fluttered in excitement at the realization that holding hands would become routine. That was definitely something she could live with. As the pair continued on their way with chatter about classes and weekends, Ana allowed herself a rare moment of hope that maybe, just maybe, her future held more than punishment for her parents' failures and choices.
End of thread
Long story short, I survived
Stats - Strength: 5, Agility: 6, Control: 12, Stamina:7