Astoria Greengrass (maidenstar) wrote in reduxpitch, @ 2016-04-19 16:52:00 |
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Entry tags: | !thread, character: astoria greengrass, character: graham montague, location: hogsmeade |
who: astoria greengrass and graham montague
where: Hengist Brewery
when: late afternoon, Tuesday 19th
what: astoria needs help practising lines… no ulterior motives about kissing here...
status: complete
Astoria had known about this for at least a day now and she was still as nervous as the moment she’d been told. She hadn’t ever considered doing voice acting and certainly hadn’t ever really had any theatrical aspirations. Yet she’d been asked, well more like asked very vehemently, if she could take over from the lead actress after she’d came down with something. She tried telling them she didn’t know a thing about acting, but none of it mattered since apparently (according to what they’d told her) she was already familiar with the script and the people producing the show were convinced that although different her voice wouldn’t be too jarring to the audience. Still even though everyone else seemed to have confidence in her she was still panicking. She kept dreading the idea of actually getting on air and then being too scared to say anything. Astoria had more or less come to terms with the fact this was happening and unless she got sick too it would still be happening. Even she had enough smarts to know it was incredibly ridiculous to make herself purposefully sick just to get out of something. After any sort of nervous entry on the journal network she’d normally have gone to Daisy for help. Except she was currently still in Hogsmeade and she’d already found herself walking to the brewery across the way. Astoria knew he was the kind of person who didn’t mind helping people out. However, she still wasn’t entirely convinced he’d want to help her run through the lines before the upcoming read-through (that she was dreading) before they started production (and dreading even more). But there she was standing in front of the door and staring at it, before shaking her head and telling herself to stop being so silly. So she opened the door and went inside nervously fidgeting with the rolled up copy of the script. For a moment she wondered if Graham had some sort of alarm or alert spell on the door so that it’d chime or make some sound whenever somebody entered. It would make sense if he was further out back where he couldn’t necessarily hear the door. And pondering about silly things like that wasn’t going to accomplish anything, Astoria. “Graham?” she called out, whilst trying to listen for where he might be. Graham had been working in the back, stacking barrels in their racks to leave them to age when he heard the door go. He hadn’t been expecting anyone, but it wasn’t that unusual for someone to stop by without letting him know ahead of time. It was getting quite common, actually. He finished the one he was working on before starting toward the front of the brewery, raking his hand back through his hair to push it back from his forehead. Seeing Astoria there was always a welcome sight, far better than most other people who might stop by unannounced. Graham offered her a smile as he drew closer, brushing his hands off on the sides of his trousers. "Well hello," he said, his head tilting slightly as he studied her, because something seemed off. Not in a bad way, just a different way. Maybe a nervous way, but he wasn’t about to draw attention if that was the case. "To what do I owe the pleasure? Hiding away from work, or just wanting to see me be slightly sweaty and gross?" Astoria had been about to reply with the first thought that had popped into her head but then thought better of it. If she started commenting about possible lack of shirts they’d get side-tracked into a completely different conversation, and she’d entirely forget about why she originally came here. She’d almost lost track just thinking about it. “Hi,” she greeted happily, still nervously holding onto the script. “Uh neither? Well, it’s sort of to do with work and I’d like to hide away from it, except I’m not sure this time I can.” Astoria chewed nervously on her bottom lip. It wasn’t even the fact that Graham could possibly say no that had her feeling nervous. It was the very thought of having to perform on radio when she’d never done anything like it before, and although the show’s audience wouldn’t be able to see her it was still pretty nerve-wracking. “It’s not anything bad - not really anyway. I… I just thought that maybe if you weren’t too busy if you could help me with something?” Alright, it was definitely a nervous way. Graham had been around Astoria plenty long enough to be able to tell when she was nervous, and the way she was chewing on her lip was enough of a sign for sure. He gave a little nod when she mentioned needing his help, because of course he would if he could, though when it came to what she did for work he wasn’t entirely sure he could help at all. "What is it?" he asked, an eyebrow quirking up slightly. "I mean, I can tell you right now I’m not at all good at coming up with stories. How you all manage to do it, I don’t know..." “I’m sure you’re not that bad at it,” she said. “But don’t worry it’s not that. I mean it is to do with the script, but there’s no writing involved with the help I need...” She paused a moment to tell herself it wasn’t actually going to be the end of the world if Graham did actually say no. She still had the read through and other rehearsals for one - it was just she was hoping to get some practice in even before that so she didn’t feel so self-conscious for the rest of the time. “Uh, you know how there’s that bug or whatever that’s been going around? Well, one of the lead actresses caught it and can’t do the show for a while,” she explained, trying her best not to tear into the script nervously. “I really don’t know why, but um… the producers apparently decided I was the best option for replacing her until she comes back. Even though I have no idea when that is… or if I’ll still have to do my writing and researching as well as this…” Astoria sighed and took a calming breath. “I’m just really nervous about the read through and the performing, even if people will only be hearing my voice and… I could really really use some practice before all that. If you’re not too busy...” Graham slipped his hands into his pockets as he listened, patiently waiting for her to get to what she was actually trying to ask him. He’d been glad to avoid getting sick, but he didn’t consider it luck so much as that he wasn’t around people that much. His eyebrows raised when she mentioned that she was going to be replacing the actress on the show, but otherwise didn’t react until she was done, giving a slow nod. "Hey, it’ll be alright," he said soothingly, stepping over to her and bringing an arm around her in a gentle hug, pressing a kiss against her forehead. "I’m sure you’re going to be great. If you want me to read it with you, I can. I can’t promise I’ll be any kind of good at it, but I can do it." In appreciating the comforting move Astoria couldn’t help leaning into Graham as he hugged her. It certainly went a long way of calming her nerves even further (and okay it also meant they were close, but that wasn’t on her mind right now). Astoria smiled as she looked up at him. “Thank you, I really hope so,” she said. Astoria held up the almost battered rolled up script. “It might need a bit of smoothing out before we start. Well, I don’t know if I’ll be any good either, but I’ll definitely appreciate any help at all. I’d like to know if I can, before I actually need do it in a roomful of people or on air to even more.” Graham stepped back slightly to look down at the script she was holding, letting his hand move down to take hers that wasn’t holding the papers and give a little tug to start her on the way to his office with him. It was quieter there, at least, and the chairs were comfortable and it made a better spot for reading than anywhere else on the floor. "Did you want a drink to steel your nerves?" he asked, only partially joking. There was, of course, plenty of beer if she wanted any. Or tea could happen, as well. Astoria didn’t mind being lead to the office and happily sat down, letting herself sink back into the chair. For a moment she briefly pondered answering in the affirmative but decided against it. Although she’d certainly like to steel her nerves she’d rather have a clear head for the time being. Though she appreciated the offer anyway. “Thanks but I think, at least for now, I might stick with tea,” she replied, as she unrolled and started trying to smooth the script in her lap. “Besides, I doubt I’ll be allowed alcohol to steel my nerves during the read-through itself. Though I suppose I could always just hide it in a thermos, if I was desperate…” Graham chuckled softly and grabbed down a mug from a shelf behind his desk, quickly making her some tea before setting it beside her and pulling his own chair around to be alongside hers, so they didn’t have his desk between them. "Wouldn’t want you slurring your way through the script..." Leaning against the arm of the chair, he furrowed his brow slightly as he looked down at the script. "I feel bad admitting to it, but I’m not actually that familiar with your program. Is there anything I should know? Am I, for instance, evil?" “No, that would probably turn out bad,” she managed to say with a chuckle. She imagined if that were to happen she likely could end up with no job at all. Though she found the mental imagery of the situation amusing enough despite that. Astoria honestly wasn’t disappointed to learn that Graham wasn’t familiar with the show. She knew that it had a somewhat particular demographic and wasn’t to everyone’s enjoyment. She was just happy that he was willing to help her with reading lines. “That’s alright, in this instance I don’t think it matters much anyway,” she said with a reassuring smile. “Well, the show is set during the 18th century so the wording of the dialogue might seem a little odd. And no the character, Theoderic Raines, isn’t evil, a little aloof perhaps. Or as Evan, a friend of mine, put it he’s a prissy manly bitch.” Somehow she’d managed to get her explanation of the character out without too much giggling happening. Not that she was able to help it much, because as soon as Graham had asked she was reminded of the time Evan and herself had discussed the show and his succinct description of the lead male. Graham looked up to her as she spoke about the show, giving a nod of understanding as she explained it. He was about to repeat ‘aloof’ but barely had time for his lips to part before she went on and instead he snorted at the more specific description, laughing and letting his chin drop down to his chest as he grinned before looking over again. "An aloof prissy manly bitch," he repeated, as though it were the most normal description in the world. "I will certainly do my best." Scooting his chair closer so it would be easier for them to share the script, he cleared his throat. "Right then - where do we start?" Astoria couldn’t help but smile at the way Graham tended to drop his head down as he grinned. It was just one of many quirks about him that she’d noticed ever since Valentine’s and she loved it. It was probably her favourite, or at least number one in the top five maybe. She chuckled as Graham repeated the description she’d given him - she could’ve gone for more detail but the description Evan had once given her was obviously still stuck in her mind. For a brief moment, there was a niggling thought about feeling like she’d forgotten something about the script; which was impossible since it was a finished script and all the mistakes and everything else had been fixed. After flipping open the script she turned a few pages before stopping. "We could start from here?" she suggested, pointing to a paragraph at the top of the page. "It’s a little way into the episode, but I figure since it’s more about getting used to saying them it doesn’t quite matter so much where we start." Graham ran his hand back through his hair as he waited for her to find the spot where she wanted to start. He wasn’t sure if he would be able to appropriately channel an aloof prissy manly bitch, but he would try. If nothing else, he was sure it would make her laugh. Maybe that wouldn’t be the best for rehearsing her lines, but it may very well help calm her nerves at least a little. He’d seemed to have good luck making her laugh in the past, at least. "That’s as good a spot as any," he said with a shrug when she picked a spot, leaning against the arm of the chair a little more to be able to see the script. "And these ones are mine?" He pointed down to the name on the page he assumed was for the character he was reading, and at her affirmation he was right he gave a nod and read off his line at the top of the page to start them off. Astoria ducked her head as she bit down on her lip trying to not let a giggle escape her lips as Graham read his lines. Although not a dramatic scene, the tone of it was still serious, and so it was just funny to hear Graham’s delivery of it. Though it possibly couldn’t be helped given the character description he had to go by. She tried to make out she was clearing her throat so that she could speak her lines, rather than her attempt at composing herself so that she could give the lines without giggling them out. Somehow she had managed to do so and even managed to not stutter over the lines either. Though after a couple more exchanges of lines the next time Graham spoke his character’s lines she tried her hardest to not laugh, except she wasn’t entirely successful. In trying not to laugh her sound of amusement came out as a snort rather than a laugh, which only made her giggle more, even as she clamped her hand over her mouth in order to stifle it. “I don’t… I’m not laughing at you. Okay, maybe partly I am?” she tried to apologise in between the dying giggles. “Sorry, I couldn’t help it.” Maybe Astoria hadn’t made the right decision in choosing him to help her run through her lines. At least, that was what Graham was starting to think from the snort she gave after he read one of the lines. To be fair, he had been reading them in what might be considered a fairly silly way, but he was only going off the description she’d given him. He gave her an amused look, an easy grin turning up the corners of his mouth. "You are laughing at me," he said, sighing in mock offense. "All I’m doing is trying to be the person you explained to me, and you laugh..." “I’m sorry,” she said, and without laughing. However, it didn’t stop her from smiling in a way that looked as if she’d start laughing at any moment. “I couldn’t help it, and I suppose the description didn’t help none either. It was just…” Astoria had to bite her lip suddenly again so that she didn’t start laughing at the memory of his line reading. A move that was sure not to go unnoticed at all. “Have I mentioned enough yet that I really appreciate the help?” she asked sheepishly, looking up at him through her eyelashes. It wasn’t his fault that the character was a prissy manly bitch, or at least was described best that way. Graham was merely trying to do his best to put that type of character into the lines he was reading. At the very least, he assumed whoever would be reading them opposite of her for real would do a much better job than him, and so making her laugh in the moment was really helping get that out of her system before she had to do it for real. Or so he was telling himself. Really, he simply liked making her laugh. “Yes, you have,” he replied with a grin, and poked a finger down at the spot on the page where they’d stopped. “Your turn.” Astoria smiled and looked down at the script to where Graham’s finger was on the page. She carefully read over the line and was about to read it aloud when her eye caught the next line. Except it wasn’t anything to do with dialogue. No, in black type ink it clearly stated how Theoderic would kiss her character, Eusebia Herbertson. As such she let out a quiet little ‘Oh’ upon reading it. Not that she had any qualms about kissing Graham, even with an excuse such as rehearsing not even being necessary. No, she felt just a little bit silly for having forgotten that part of the episode - particularly when considering the time spent having proofread it and all. Well, there may have been a slight panic in her head at the thought of having to kiss Theoderic’s actor when the time came. Mostly because she wasn’t entirely sure how on air kisses happened, as she usually didn’t need to be around when they were actually producing. Also she wasn’t entirely sure how she felt about kissing someone else, even if it was just for a show and even though she and Graham weren’t… well, they hadn’t exactly labelled themselves as anything yet… but still. Graham had taken his gaze away from the page for a moment, to glance at his desk for the mug of tea he’d left there earlier in the day, and had been reaching over for it when he heard her quiet ‘oh’ rather than whatever line of dialogue she was supposed to be reading. His brow furrowed as he picked up the mug from the desk and glanced back down to where they’d stopped, skimming over the lines of text to try and find what gave her pause. And there it was, or what he assumed it was. “Well you’d better read that so I can kiss you, because I’m certainly not going to do things out of order,” he said teasingly, taking a sip of his tea - lukewarm, but still alright. “It would make the story very hard to follow.” Astoria, in response, ever so maturely stuck her tongue out at Graham. It wasn’t much of one, but he did have a point even though it was just one line and wouldn’t exactly make it that difficult to follow. So she read her line as she had been doing previously, even though part of her was sorely tempted to do so in a more put upon tone of voice. Upon finishing she turned to look at Graham rather expectedly. “Well?” she asked expectantly. Graham didn’t bother to look down at the page again, rather watching her read it instead. He couldn’t help but grin at the look she gave him, and carefully set his tea down near the edge of his desk to avoid accidentally spilling it before he leaned in and kissed her. It was soft, light, and a bit short, but still long enough to enjoy the press of her lips against his. He let his nose nudge against hers before he pulled back, his gaze dropping down to the page to see where they were. “My line again?” It was next to impossible for Astoria to feel anything but good when kissing or being kissed by Graham. Even when the kiss was as short as it had been it was still wonderful. Rather than answering Graham affirmatively, Astoria instead reacted instinctively, because though she may have forgotten there was a kiss in the script she otherwise knew exactly how it all went. “That’s not how the script says they kiss!” she suddenly exclaimed, as if she hadn’t even heard Graham’s question. There was a moment of pause before Graham looked up from the script, his eyebrow raised and a very amused expression on his face. He hadn’t paid particular attention to the how of it when he’d glanced over the instruction, just that there was a kiss. Mostly he was trying fairly hard not to laugh at how nearly outraged Astoria sounded that he hadn’t kissed her properly - or at least, properly as it was written in the script. “My apologies,” he said slowly, glancing down a moment to read over the line about the kiss again before bringing his hand up to cup her jaw, leaning over the arm of his chair to kiss her again. Now that he knew he was needing to kiss her in a certain way, he would try his best to do so. That time, he let the kiss linger, his lips moving against hers and catching her lower lip between them with a light nip before he pulled back from it. Astoria felt as if she could melt into a puddle at any moment from that kiss. Then again she had that feeling nearly any time she kissed Graham or even when they weren’t kissing and he just happened to smile in a certain way that if she wasn’t careful would most likely cause her to sigh girlishly. Which luckily in this instance wasn’t the case. “Hmmm, you know I’m not entirely sure that was quite right,” she said in a pondering tone. Though it was obvious she wasn’t being entirely serious, considering the grin currently on her face. “I think we should try it again.” Forgetting about the script Astoria let it fall from her lap, as she leaned across the arm of the chair, reaching up she cupped either side of his face before kissing him deeply. The whole rehearsal was going to have to wait since they clearly couldn’t get the kissing down like it should have been. That’s what Graham would have said if he’d had the chance, but he was perfectly fine with the fact that he didn’t since she leaned over to kiss him like she did. His hand shifted back from her jaw, cupping the back of her neck as he returned her kiss, more than happy to kiss her as long as necessary to get it to the point where she was happy with it. It was a very convenient excuse to kiss her, but he would have been glad to even without a script telling him when or how. He let it deepen a little more as he hummed against her mouth, his fingers lacing up into the hair at the nape of her neck. Astoria was more than happy to continue kissing Graham for as long as possible, especially when he happened to hum against her mouth. Unfortunately things like needing oxygen or other annoyances often got in the way of that. Not that she had yet voiced that particular complaint in all the time she’d known Graham - though she’d certainly thought it often enough. In a not at all surprising move, whilst still kissing Graham, Astoria shifted one hand to the back of his head and letting her fingers entangle themselves amongst the curls. She honestly wasn’t sure what it was about his curly hair that made want to constantly play with it. Sadly even good things had to end, and unfortunately she was in need of air. Astoria hadn’t let either of her hands drop even as she slowly pulled away from Graham just a little. “I think that went better,” she murmured, biting her lower lip as she smiled at him. “Though I don’t think I’ll be putting that much effort into the performance itself…” Graham tilted his head back into her touch against his hair once she pulled away from the kiss, his own fingers scritching gently where they were in hers. Had it been deemed still not quite right, he gladly would have spent the rest of the afternoon trying to get it perfect, but there were other things that should probably be done. Like the rest of the script, or work, or something. He wasn’t really particular about trying to think of anything else. He offered her a soft smile and lifted his chin to be able to brush a kiss against her forehead. "Is that not how the script said it should be done?" he asked in a murmur, looking at her innocently. "I thought that was what we were trying for..." “Maybe not quite like that,” she replied, ducking her head as she smiled sheepishly. “I may have started to have a slight ulterior motive and gotten a little too into the uh performance?” It really had been about doing the kiss right… at first. Thing was the more time she spent in Graham’s company the more she felt at ease in stealing moments like that or teasing him or joking around with him. Her only experience in dating, if it could be called that, was in attending a couple of Hogwarts Quidditch matches and a not so great Hogsmeade weekend date. Although she wasn’t entirely sure what they were, if not dating, it had been the reason why she’d been as reserved as she had been (and still was on occasion). Astoria had been entirely unused to the idea of a guy enjoying time with her and not finding any of her quirks annoying or teasing her about them either. “Shall I be forgiven?” she asked cheekily. "Oh did you?" Graham asked with a grin, watching as she ducked her hair down. He had been fairly certain the second kiss had been to get it right, but the third was purely just for the sake of it. It wasn’t like he was about to complain, whatever the reason may be. He let his fingers slide out of her hair and along her jaw until they reached her chin, gently tilting it up so she would look at him. "I suppose I can forgive you for that," he said, kissing the tip of her nose before going on teasingly. "See, you’re a natural actress, look how easily you give yourself over to the performance..." Astoria’s face lit up as he kissed the tip of her nose; it didn’t make her want anything else but it was just one of those cute little innocent things that made her fall for him just a little more. She chuckled at the teasing way Graham claimed she was a natural at acting. “I think having the right p… company helped a good deal,” she said, her fingers stilling at the slip up. “Somehow I think when it’s time for the kiss on the show it won’t quite be the same.” “Well it’s a good thing whoever plays Theoderic won’t know the difference,” Graham said, his thumb brushing lightly against her cheek as he let his hand move away from her face, resting it on the arm of his chair as he tilted his head to look down at where the script had landed on the floor. “So were there bits after that, or were you mostly concerned with the kissing part?” “Yeah, it probably is,” she said, finally bring her hands away to rest in her lap. “Uh no… I mean, yes there were other bits, and no, I wasn’t totally concerned about the kissing.” Astoria wasn’t sure why she stumbled over that last part since Graham either hadn’t noticed her slip up, or he had and was just being nice not saying anything about it. For which she was grateful, even if she did feel the teeniest little bit silly for feeling nervous about having nearly used as innocent a word as ‘partner’. But she really liked Graham… a lot. Though they’d spent time together, also talked with each other and there wasn’t a lack of kissing, they’d not really talked about that - not that it ever came up in conversation. Even if she did think about that subject now and again Astoria was happy enough to just spend time with him, whether there were labels or not. “If it’s still okay, we can continue?” she asked as she reached down to pick the script off the floor. “Unless you need to get back to work?" Graham had mostly been teasing about the kissing part, though he could see Astoria being nervous about that in such a situation. He wasn’t sure there was anything he could do to help with that, though, because sure he could keep kissing her, but that didn’t change the fact that she’s have to kiss someone else when she did the actual performance. He leaned back into his chair as she reached down for the script, giving a little shake of his head at her second question. "Work’s not anything that can’t wait," he said with a shrug, offering her an easy smile. "We can keep going with this." “Oh good, I think I still need a little more practice” she said, smiling back at him. “I wasn’t too sure how much time you might have with being the only one working here. So… thank you.” Astoria flipped through the script until she was back at the page they’d been on before it had dropped. After laying the script in a way so that Graham could read the page easier she quickly found where her next line after the kiss was. “Ready to start again?” she asked. "Being the only one working here means I can take whatever time I want," Graham replied, because putting it at its simplest that was true. As long as he got done in a day what he’d planned to, it didn’t matter what breaks he took along the way. He could always stay later than he planned to get things caught up - it wasn’t like he had any grand plans for his evening. "Ready," he agreed with a nod, looking down to the script between them and finding where they’d stopped. He waited for her to start them off then followed suit with how he’d been speaking before, working through the lines and doing his best not to just be reading them, because without trying to say the words in a way that wasn’t just reading, he didn’t think he would be helpful. As they exchanged lines sometimes Astoria would pause to ask Graham if he thought the way she was saying it sounded right or not. Because like him Astoria didn’t want it to be seen as just reading the lines the same way someone would read a report aloud. Especially since she would eventually be saying the lines on air where hundreds, if not more, people would be listening in. So even though she was still kind of terrified about this experience she really did want to try and do a good job and not screw things up. She had just finished reading a line when she happened to see, out of the corner of her eye, a mug sitting on the desk, and instantly she felt a little guilty for having forgotten about the tea that Graham had gotten her. Though Astoria was fairly sure Graham wouldn’t really mind that she hadn’t drank any or even finished it - so she wasn’t too worried, it just didn’t stop her from feeling a bit guilty about it. “So I’ve just noticed that I’ve totally forgotten about the cup of tea you got me,” she admitted sheepishly. Graham wasn’t sure if he was being much help or not. There was the hope that even just giving her a chance to read through would be helpful, even though he wasn’t exactly some kind of actor himself. He was just him, who worked with his hands not with his words, but he could read off the sheet for her at the very least. His gaze moved over to his desk when she mentioned the tea, and he grinned a little. "Well, if it’s cold, I can certainly warm it up for you. Unless you don’t want it anymore, which is also fine." “Although I suppose since I have a wand I could probably do that myself? But warming it up would be nice, thank you” she said with a chuckle. “Besides I think we deserve a bit of a break now, don’t you?” Okay so at least part of the work had turned into not really being anything to do with the script, but they had been reading lines for a while now and she was pretty sure that deserved a bit of a break; it didn’t even need to be a long break it just had to be long enough to just breathe and relax a little. "You could, but I felt it was right to offer since you’re my guest and all," Graham teased, reaching for where his wand was on his desk and picking it up to cast a quick warming charm on her tea. "A break sounds good, though." He leaned back in his chair with his own tea, after warming that up as well, and looked over at her. "So are you feeling any better about it? I’m no expert, but you’ve sounded fine to me." After picking up her freshly warmed cup of tea she let the warmth seep into her hands a moment before gently blowing on it and taking a few sips. Astoria smiled shyly at the praise. Not that she thought she’d done a terrible job of it at all, but thinking that yourself and getting praise were two entirely different things. Besides she was happy to get Graham’s opinion. “I think so? I mean, I’m still kind of terrified about the whole prospect,” she replied with a shrug. “But I think being able to practice in a safe environment like this without any judgement? It’s definitely helping and it’s definitely appreciated.” "No judgement at all," Graham said, taking a slow sip of his tea and offering her a smile. "And I’m glad you find it safe." It was really one of the best compliments he could receive, that someone felt safe around him - or in his space, be it the brewery or his house. He knew he certainly felt safe in those places, but he’d designed them for that. "I think you’ll be great. They wouldn’t have asked you if they didn’t think you would do well." “I do. I think it helps that I’ve never felt anything but safe around you,” she added. “I mean, nothing’s happened to make me think otherwise…” Astoria smiled brightly and managed to blush only just a little, instead of turning completely tomato coloured, at the compliment. She had been feeling better about how it might go since practicing with Graham but there was still niggling little bits of doubt. Though she was sure that after the read through and then the production of the episode itself she would feel more comfortable in the role. However, she was already planning to avoid any of the reviews in the Prophet or Witch Weekly. She’d rather feel accomplished, for however brief a time, than have it be tainted by the opinions of people she didn’t even know. “Thanks, I hope so. I know it’s not a permanent thing, but I really do want to do it well,” she said. “It’s kind of a lot of trust they’re putting in someone when they don’t even really know if I can act or not.” Graham settled in against the back of his chair, an easy smile spread across his features as he looked over at her. Of course she had no way of knowing that her words meant so much, but better that she didn’t and still feel inclined to say them, unprompted. Most things were better that way, he thought. Plus he didn’t see Astoria saying something she didn’t mean, especially with her propensity for blushing when she said such things - which he always hoped wasn’t a sign she was uncomfortable, but she never seemed uneasy, so he liked to think she wasn’t. "Of course you want to do it well," he said, holding his mug in both his hands and letting its warmth seep through his fingers. "And you will. I’ll have to start listening to hear." “I’ll let you know when it starts airing and, at least, you’ll be familiar with the first episode I’m doing,” she said, before sipping at her tea. “Though I think there’ll be a smidge less kissing in the episode than we’ve had during the reading today.” Although she knew of the actors in the show she wasn’t entirely familiar with them. Which made the thought of possibly having to kiss Theoderic’s actor a little daunting - especially since she wasn’t entirely sure how you got a kiss across on radio. Thankfully the wizarding world hadn’t yet decided to move along technologically and start producing tv shows; because the thought of everyone actually being able to see the kiss was even worse. “I know you say you’re not busy but I should probably let you get back to work, so you’re not stuck her until the wee hours of the night,” she said. Astoria was a little disappointed to end things, but she knew how important the brewery was to Graham and she’d hate for him to get behind. However, she did have one idea and she’d decided it would make for a nice change for all the times Graham had offered her dinner. “Though if you don’t mind me sticking around whilst you work... I could go get us both dinner and bring it back here?” she suggested hopefully, trying not to chew nervously at her lip. “Seems only right and I figured it’d make for a nice change for all the times you’ve taken me to dinner.” "I’m sure the actual actor will be able to get it right the first go round," Graham replied solemnly, but with a little grin twitching at the corners of his mouth. "And to be fair, it probably wouldn’t make for good radio if there was quite that much kissing going on." It wasn’t like he could deny what she was saying when it came to the work he needed to do, because she was right, he did have things to get done. He was more than happy to sit with her and read through whatever, but it just meant he’d be there later - which was fine. It was nice, though, that she was thoughtful about that, and he truly did appreciate it. He took the last sip of his tea as she spoke, and slid his mug onto his desk once it was done. "I like that plan," he said, smiling as he leaned over to press a light kiss against her forehead. "As long as you don’t care that I’m going to be out there doing stuff, you can stick around all you want." “Oh, I’m sure he will. Still I think you managed well enough and you managed to make me laugh, which I think I really needed,” she said with a smile, setting her unfinished cup of tea back on the desk. Astoria chuckled knowing it likely wouldn’t make for good radio, particularly given the hour the show was on air. “Well, I doubt I’ll be wanting to kiss him as much as I do you.” Astoria wasn’t entirely sure why she’d that, only that it had been the first thought in her head after what he’d said. And she couldn’t exactly unsay it either, least of all because of it being true. Though she was slowly learning that even if she might feel nervous about saying things that it didn’t mean she didn’t have to say them. “Good, and I don’t mind at all,” she said happily. “I’m only worried you might forget to feed yourself until breakfast in the morning or something.” Graham couldn’t help but smile at what she said, both at that it was good he’d made her laugh and about her wanting to kiss him. That had been part of his goal, after all - the making her laugh. It seemed a good way to calm nerves, to make things less scary than they might have appeared otherwise. Plus he wasn’t sure what other option he’d had considering the character description he’d been given. "You never know," he teased. "What if he turns out to be this amazing kisser and then I’m the rubbish one..." He raked his hand back through his hair and gave her a good natured grin. "I promise I would remember to eat either way, but I’m always glad for company." Astoria knew he was only teasing So she wasn’t sure why she decided to take his words so seriously or why she decided to go ahead and say the first thing that popped into her mind. Though she did know she didn’t care one bit whether the actor was an amazing kisser or not; she really liked Graham... and not just for the kissing either. “Well, for starters, I don’t think I’d feel the same about him as I do you,” she said, without realising at first what she’d admitted. However, after she’d said it, she realised she hadn’t felt embarrassed saying it; even managing to smile when she thought back to a chat she’d had with Evan earlier in the month. Back then, at the time, she hadn’t exactly been able to answer the question properly but she had at least admitted that Graham made her happy. And although they weren’t the words she used; she had at least admitted how she felt even if it wasn’t in so many words or great detail. Though, admittedly, she was a little nervous now about how Graham would react. It was interesting, Graham thought, that they’d only really known each other a couple months but he felt like he knew Astoria quite well. Maybe not things others might consider good to know, like about her family, childhood, favorite color, any of that, but more so her mannerisms, how she responded in different situations or conversations. That was part of why he had no reservations about teasing her, joking around, because it was never from a place of unkindness, and also because he could see how her responses to it had changed from the first time. Less blushing, for one, and not stumbling over her words as much. And actually responding, like she just had. He watched her for a moment, gauging her own reaction to what she’d said. She didn’t look like she hadn’t meant to, didn’t look embarrassed, and those were all good signs. "And how’s that?" he asked, his tone quiet but warm. Not wanting her to feel like she was being questioned, he added, "If it were me, I don’t think I’d feel... the comfort I feel with you." Not that Graham knew yet but she felt the same; sure, she was curious to know more about Graham, even though it was important it just didn’t feel all that important that they had to talk about it. She knew he was kind, funny, sweet and caring, and he never once teased her or got annoyed at the way she worried or got nervous about some things. For now that was completely enough for her. “I suppose I wouldn’t feel as safe… or as happy as I feel when I’m with you,” she quietly replied, smiling shyly. Astoria found it strange being able to say that without feeling completely nervous - she still was a little nervous, but she knew if there was anywhere she could admit to feeling anything without being judged cruelly for it it was around Graham. Graham supposed he could have said safe rather than comfort, because to him the feeling was similar, but he felt they probably meant it in slightly different ways. Still, it was that sense that nothing bad was going to happen, which was a feeling he had come to treasure in his life. "Right, happy too," he agreed, glancing down to his hands a moment, his thumb rubbing absently over the back of his other hand as he thought over his words. "I like you, Astoria. That feels silly to say because of course I do and you probably, hopefully, know that, but I guess I’ve never... told you?" He glanced over to her, offering her a smile. "But I do. Like you, quite a bit." To say Astoria was smiling would be a bit of an understatement. Although she was trying to stay composed, she was practically beaming at hearing those words. And the way he said them was terribly endearing in her opinion, and quite adorable. Though she thought against saying so since it might sound too much like teasing, which didn’t seem like quite the right response at the moment. "It’s not silly at all, and I did... I mean I do," she said, stumbling over her words. Not because she was nervous but because she was happy and it felt like everything was trying to be said all at once and getting mixed up. "I like you too and I’m not just saying that because you did... I really mean it, I... I like you a lot, Graham." Graham still felt silly for the fact that he hadn’t said it before - it just… hadn’t come up? Much like learning about her family, childhood, favorite color, all those things. Except unlike those things, it felt like it had been implied by his actions, by what was between the lines of words he actually said. Much like he’d known Astoria liked him without her having to say it. But maybe it was good to actually say the words, even if they felt implied already. “Well that’s quite fortunate for the both of us,” he murmured, leaning over and brushing a kiss against her cheek before pressing his lips to hers, his hand moving up to cup her jaw. His thumb stroked along her jawline lightly as he pulled back, resting his forehead against hers and letting out a slow exhale. “I have another silly thing to say, I think.” Fortunate indeed. It may well have been rather awkward or embarrassing if the feelings were only one-sided or not fully reciprocated. She was certainly glad that that wasn’t the case, because she wasn’t sure what she’d have done had he not felt the same. Astoria’s eyes fluttered closed as Graham pressed a kiss to her lips and only opened when she felt him resting her forehead against hers. “I don’t know that anything you’d have to say would be silly,” she murmured, as she reached up to place her hand comfortingly against his cheek. That was very debatable, Graham thought. He was quite certain there were plenty of things he could say that would be silly - and not in a teasing, playful way, but actually... silly. But that was alright, because like he’d said, there was that comfort he had when Astoria was there, so he didn’t feel like it would be taken badly. "Are we dating?" he asked, huffing out a short laugh as soon as the words left his lips. "I... we go on dates? And I... have never dated someone before so I guess I don’t know how it’s supposed to go. I think maybe I was supposed to ask you at some point or make some declaration but... like I said, um, silly." He shifted back slightly to be able to look at her better, but his head still tilted into the touch against his cheek. "Are we?" Astoria blinked having not expected that particular question. It wasn’t a bad question and certainly not silly at all. Her one, not so great, experience at dating hardly made her an expert on the matter and felt she had just as much an idea of how things were supposed to go as what Graham did. There were the stories she read in books or even the show she worked on, but how helpful were they when they weren’t real life. “I… I don’t know? I haven’t really dated either, so I don’t… I mean, there was a time at Hogwarts but I’m not sure I’d have actually called it dating,” she admitted nervously. Astoria managing to smile as she looked across at Graham shyly. “It’s not silly at all. Do y… do you want to be?” They may have just admitted to liking each other a lot, but liking someone and actually dating them were two fairly different things. Not that Astoria thought for a second that she wouldn’t like dating Graham. After all, if it was the same as what they’d been doing already then it certainly wouldn’t be a bad thing at all. That was the thing - it felt like they already were even though they hadn’t said so? Graham wasn’t sure what to make of that. It’s not like he was going out with anyone else, and he didn’t think Astoria was either, though she could have been. To him, it didn’t feel like anything would be changing other than that they would both know where they stood, so to speak. Which he kind of had already, or at least assumed so. "I think that... would be nice?" he replied, not meaning it as a question so much as looking for her agreement. "If you want to be? If not, that’s fine, but... I guess it feels like we already are, kind of..." Astoria reached up with her free hand to place it on his other cheek, her thumb light brushing against it, and pressed a gentle kiss kiss to his lips. “You’re adorable when you’re unsure of something,” she quietly remarked. She wasn’t even trying to tease either, she genuinely meant it. “But I suppose that’s not really answering your question, is it?” “I’d like it… that is us dating, I’d like it,” she said with a bit of a laugh, realising how silly she sounded parroting herself. “And I know what you mean, it did kind of feel like we were even if that’s not what we were calling it.” Graham smiled against her kiss, and no, what she said immediately following it wasn’t an answer to his question but it also wasn’t something that made him feel as though it had been out of place. He brought his hand up to take one of hers down from his face, lacing his fingers with hers as she went on. "Well then I guess that settles it," he said teasingly, a soft grin spreading across his features as he went on. "So now you’d really better not like kissing whoever Theoderic is more than me, or we’ll have a problem." Astoria couldn’t help but giggle at Graham’s last remark, as she finally let her other hand drop to her lap. “I’m sure that’s not going to happen, but still... I’ll be sure to not enjoy kissing anyone except you.” “I want to stay here a while longer but I seem to recall I offered to get us takeaway for dinner,” she said. Although it had easily been forgotten with the direction the conversation had gone Astoria didn’t mind one bit as the seemingly never-ending smile on her face showed. “If you still want do that?” Ah yes, there had been some discussion about dinner - Graham had been far distracted by other things since then. He gave her hand a squeeze and nodded, leaning back into his chair to put a little distance between them to keep from getting distracted again. Apparently it was quite easy for him to do. "I think I remember you saying something like that," he agreed with a soft grin. "And that still sounds great. I can get some work done in the meantime, even." Astoria raised an eyebrow. “I’m not that distracting, am I?” She didn’t mind that Graham had shifted to lean back in his chair - it wasn’t that difficult to figure out why he did. It would probably be far too easy to get distracted again, and she didn’t want to end up being the reason Graham had to work late into the night. “So what do you feel like having for dinner then?” she asked. "You are incredibly distracting," Graham replied teasingly, chuckling as he brought a hand up to rub over his face. He had no idea what he wanted to eat, and he wasn’t even sure he cared. Food was food at that point, and he was bound to eat anything put in front of him. "I don’t really have a preference," he said honestly. "Whatever you’re in the mood for is fine, I’ll eat anything." Astoria chuckled as she stood up from her chair and stretched her legs. “Well, I’ll be out of your hair soon enough.” Hopefully by the time she got into London and was able to look around she’d have some idea of what she wanted. Hungry as she was feeling she didn't know what she wanted to get either. At the moment she was torn between Chinese or Indian… although pizza sounded good too. So hopefully she could make her mind up once she got there. “I’ll try not to be too long,” she said, leaning down to kiss his cheek. Graham watched her get up, smiling at what she said and also the kiss to his cheek. Honestly, she could take however much time she needed, he had plenty to keep him busy while she was gone. By the time she got back, he was sure he’d be more than ready to eat. He turned his head while she was still leaning down, brushing a soft kiss against her lips. "I'll see you when you get back." Astoria smiled and waved as she left Graham’s office. Once she’d left the brewery itself she apparated away to a safe spot in London that she was familiar with. There weren't too many these days with the way Muggle technology was going. Though she could've just as easily apparated to her flat and then walked through the Leaky to get to London, except that would probably bring Bingley out of his hiding place of the day to yell at her. So no, quick way into London it was. In the end, although it took five minutes of going back and forth between the options in her head, she decided on Chinese. Since she didn't know what Graham liked she had ended up ordering a bit of everything really. At least if it didn't all get eaten she’d have leftovers - which she’d be willing to share. As soon as she had the order she made her way back to her apparating spot before heading back to the brewery. And, as much as Astoria knew and understood Graham had to work hard to keep the brewery going, she couldn't deny being happy to spend more time with him. |