InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "Put it on me...I want you safe"

Hestia Jones (meandmsjones) wrote in thegossipwitch,
@ 2009-03-03 11:29:00

Entry tags:

char: bill weasley, char: hestia jones

Who: Hestia and Bill
What: Hestia's annoyed and needs to vent
Where: Leaky Cauldron
When: Tuesday, March 3.

Status: In-progress.

Hestia had been both annoyed and off balance since yesterday's owl exchange with Donaghan. It's like the man's brain completely disconnected when faced with someone saying no. She didn't understand why he kept pushing. He was the one who told her to get her act together and to come to him when she was ready, so why the constant reminders? It wasn't like she could snap her fingers and make everything just like he wanted, because they weren't and she didn't appreciate the gestures. She was sure he didn't mean it to annoy her, but he should've just let it go when she sent back the roses.

Her off balance kept on during the morning, especially manifesting when she almost literally ran into Arthur. Thankfully, the collision yielded no casualties, just some friendly catching up and the information that Bill was back from Morocco. Well, since she was in the neighbourhood (and needed a bit of a vent to assure herself she wasn't going crazy for feeling this way or conversely, a smack upside the head if it turned out she was over reacting), she decided to swing by Gringott's.

Once alerted he had a visitor waiting and came out to greet her, she smiled genuinely when she saw him. "I'm taking you to lunch, Weasley. Let's go."

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pasunloup
2009-03-03 12:05 pm UTC (link)

Both eyebrows went up, and he grinned for a moment, almost in challenge (because he'd be damned if he'd let some gossip mongering witch rule his behaviour) as he pulled her in for a hug and a smacking kiss on the cheek. "Perfect timing, since I didn't think to pack one this morning."

He motioned for her to move ahead of him, out of Gringott's, one hand light against her shoulder. "It's good to see you, Hes."

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	meandmsjones 2009-03-03 12:18 pm UTC (link)
	She'd returned the hug eagerly and was finally feeling better now that she'd seen him. Hestia led the way out of Gringotts and said, over her shoulder, "It's good to see you too. Seems Morocco's agreed with you." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	pasunloup 2009-03-03 03:59 pm UTC (link)
	"I love my wife, and I love my family, but I hate being behind a desk," Bill admitted. "Site work's like coming alive, peeling the curses apart and getting my hands dirty." He flexed his fingers. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	meandmsjones 2009-03-03 04:18 pm UTC (link)
	"You're very hands-on. I admit the days I have to come into head office for admin and meetings are the longest I have. What're you in the mood for? It's my treat. Personally, I could do with a nice stew. Warm and comfort the insides so I'll suggest the Leaky." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	pasunloup 2009-03-03 05:44 pm UTC (link)
	"The Leaky sounds good," Bill agreed, shifting direction to head that way along the street. "So what do I owe this treat to? Just couldn't wait to see me?" He grinned at her, knowing full well it wasn't that. If she'd pulled him out like this, something was on her mind. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	meandmsjones 2009-03-03 06:53 pm UTC (link)
	"Can't a mate just take another mate out for lunch?" she asked, but at the look Bill gave her, she relented. "Oh alright. Natch, I couldn't wait to see you but I've-- I reckon I just need a sounding board? Need convincing that I'm being daft and making too much of something." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	pasunloup 2009-03-03 07:13 pm UTC (link)
	"Always willing to tell you when you're daft," Bill agreed. "Or convincing you you're not if that's the case. What's on your mind, Hes?" (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	meandmsjones 2009-03-03 07:20 pm UTC (link)
	She hooked her arm with his as they walked. "It's about this bloke. Donaghan." Then she added, "Tremlett. He's a musician, mate of Charlie's. We've had a few dates...." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	pasunloup 2009-03-04 08:41 am UTC (link)
	"So the Gossip Witch said." He glanced over at her, comfortable walking linked down the street. "Although you never can tell with her what's true or not. Since she implied he's shagging Charlie as well. So. Good dates?" (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

meandmsjones
2009-03-04 09:04 am UTC (link)

"Aye, good dates," she said, nodding her head. "It's not the dates I'm having issues with. It's everything surrounding the dates. Okay, so. Let me set the stage, so to speak." They arrived at the Leaky and found a booth.

"We went on a few dates. Spectacular, impressive dates, really. Like, he'd show up in limousines and sports cars and whisk me off to exotic places, kind of dates. Definitely fun, no sex, but you know. Fun nonetheless. Then, he mentioned something to me about how he'd ask me to go on stage with him -- to feel how cool it was to have all these people there cheering -- but that the last person he'd asked that was his ex-wife."

She reached for the bowl of peanuts and popped a few into her mouth. When she was nervous or stressed, she always had to do something with her hands. "That's when the problems started. I told him that I did not want a relationship and that all I was looking for was something casual. Casual only. No couply things, no romance, just fun and some sex. He agreed..."

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	pasunloup 2009-03-04 04:23 pm UTC (link)
	"And now he's changed the rules?" Bill supplied, stealing a few peanuts for himself. Mentioning Hes in the same breath as his ex-wife made Bill think it sounded serious before that, at least in Tremlett's head. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

meandmsjones
2009-03-04 05:02 pm UTC (link)

The server came by for their orders, and once all that done, drinks and food requested and on their way, she pressed on. "He keeps insisting they haven't, but he does things like-- Well, one time I had a date with someone else and he kept pressing for information. The latest thing is...we had a falling out? We were on our way to getting things to a physical level, so to speak when he mentioned things like how beautiful our music together was. I, natch, promptly freaked out. Probably more than I should've -- and that's on me -- but nevertheless, it happened. He said, again, that he was agreeing to the rules and not looking for more -- things about how he'd never marry me or have children with -- and to call him when I've figured out my own commitment issues."

Hestia popped more peanuts into her mouth, chewing thoughtfully. "He left, saying that his door was always open and to come to him when I'm ready. All fine and dandy, aye? 'Cept, he started sending me anonymous chocolate roses. When I returned the roses to him, saying thanks but I need space, he sent a rose back with a key to his bloody house, Bill. Tell me I'm blowing this way out of proportion."

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pasunloup
2009-03-04 09:36 pm UTC (link)

"How beautiful your music together was?" That was a unique turn of phrase.

Bill leaned his elbows on the table, looking across at her. "Sounds like he's pressing and driving you mad, Hes. Can't say you're not blowing it out of proportion somewhat; anonymous roses and a key don't necessarily mean he's looking for committment. But he's being an arse and not giving you the time he said he'd give."

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meandmsjones
2009-03-05 07:19 am UTC (link)

"Aye, aye. I know I'm blowing things out of proportion. He mentioned his ex-wife in relation to me and things went downhill from there, on my end, with me being hyper-sensitive to anything that might be considered a relationship behaviour. That's me, not him. I know I've over reacted. It's just--"

The server interrupted, bringing over their drinks, and letting them know the food wouldn't be long.

"It's more so the persistence that's driving me mad. I say something and he keeps pushing to get his way. It's like we're always vying for control. Nothing wrong with relinquishing control here and there, but for me it would have to be with a certain type of someone, and with him...I just feel like any small amount of control I hand over and he'll start taking over and I'll be lost."

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pasunloup
2009-03-05 09:34 am UTC (link)

Bill took a sip of his drink, his frown only deepening as Hestia continued to talk. "He's crowding you. And any bloke who'd do that hasn't taken the time to get to know you, since that's the surest way to see you dig your heels in and head in the other direction. And I'm assuming you've made it plain that you're displeased."

As if he'd expect anything else out of Hes.

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meandmsjones
2009-03-05 09:52 am UTC (link)

"I think me telling him that I need space to think should make that clear enough. Or you'd think." She sighed. "I don't know, Bill. I like him, he's fun. If it weren't for the fact I have loads of male mates, I'd almost say that being mates with a man isn't possible without all that additional crap. I think with him, that might be the case, though. It feels like he's trying to woo me. I don't want to be wooed; I just want to get laid. Is that too much to ask?!"

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	pasunloup 2009-03-05 11:33 am UTC (link)
	Bill snorted. "Most blokes? Not a bit. Most blokes'd be all over you for the idea of getting laid without commitment." The laugh didn't change the sour expression; he really disliked the idea of someone pressuring Hestia. But. "Sounds like you've got some interest in him, though, since you haven't just told him to fuck off completely." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	meandmsjones 2009-03-05 11:40 am UTC (link)
	She shrugged. "He's fit and he makes me laugh. When we're hanging out with no pressure or expectations, it's fun. But, like I said: I'm so hyper-sensitive to the whole thing. I'm surprised he's not just cut and run, frankly. I've been coming off as a bit nuts in that respect, the insistence on being casual, I mean. I just cannot take another Richard situation." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

pasunloup
2009-03-05 12:03 pm UTC (link)

Bill was thinking more and more that he wanted to talk to Tremlett, find out just what was going through the bloke's head. "Unless he asks you to marry him, and you say yes, it isn't going to be Richard all over again. You've your head about you, and you can pull the stops any time you want. But if he's making you uncomfortable, then it sounds like he has his own issues to deal with." He took a long drink, mentally adding "owl Tremlett" to his list of things to do for the week.

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	meandmsjones 2009-03-05 12:08 pm UTC (link)
	"Well. It might all be moot anyroad. The anonymous chocolate rose owls have stopped. So, unless he starts sending me dozens upon dozens of roses, I think it might be done. I just needed a vent, really. I swear, men drive me round the bend." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	pasunloup 2009-03-05 12:54 pm UTC (link)
	"Maybe it's time to switch to women?" Bill teased, nudging her foot under the table. "I've always found them to be perfectly sane, rational creatures, compared to us mad men." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	meandmsjones 2009-03-05 01:05 pm UTC (link)
	She smirked. "I've been considering it." And, nudged his foot right back. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	pasunloup 2009-03-05 02:30 pm UTC (link)
	"Really?" Bill's grin was wicked as he leaned forward. "Got anyone in particular in mind?" (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	meandmsjones 2009-03-05 02:35 pm UTC (link)
	Hestia pretended to think, face scrunching up. "Well, there is this cute little redhead at head office..." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	pasunloup 2009-03-05 02:38 pm UTC (link)
	Another nudge from his toe. "Got a thing for redheads, do you?" (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	meandmsjones 2009-03-05 02:40 pm UTC (link)
	Suddenly, Hestia felt all of fifteen again, and could feel the flush at the back of her neck, thankful she'd worn her hair down today. She'd have handled that smoothly enough if Bill hadn't asked that just as she was taking a sip, therefore almost choking on her fizzy drink. "Er. What?" (Reply to this) (Parent)

	pasunloup 2009-03-05 02:46 pm UTC (link)
	His eyebrows went up. "The redheaded lass? Your best mate? Myself?" He spread his hands, still teasing. "If I didn't know we Weasleys had adopted you ourselves, I might say you've been collecting redheads." (Reply to this) (Thread)

	meandmsjones 2009-03-05 02:48 pm UTC (link)
	"Oh, right." Hestia laughed awkwardly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I see what you meant. Then, yes. Absolutely. Is it warm in here?" (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	pasunloup 2009-03-05 03:00 pm UTC (link)
	"No, but you're flushed." He couldn't help but ask, curious. "You serious about that redheaded lass? Because I'll stop teasing if you are." He considered that. "Well, mostly," he admitted, still grinning. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	meandmsjones 2009-03-05 03:02 pm UTC (link)
	"No, I'm not serious about the lass! I think I'm just having a hot flash. I'm not as young as I used to be, you know. Eat." 'For Merlin's sake, just eat,' she thought to herself. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	pasunloup 2009-03-05 03:07 pm UTC (link)
	"You're too young for hot flashes, Hes." He picked up his fork, watching her, thoughtful. She was lying. The question was why. As it struck him, he laid the utensil back down again. "Oi, do you have a thing for Charlie after all?" It made sense why it'd be coming up now, with Charlie and Adrian. Which reminded him, he owed a conversation with his brother as well. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	meandmsjones 2009-03-05 03:17 pm UTC (link)
	This time she choked on a piece of bread. After coughing and a quick gulp of drink, she covered her eyes, head shaking, now with full on flush going. "Oh my God, Bill. Just. Stop talking." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

pasunloup
2009-03-05 03:22 pm UTC (link)

"You're gorgeous when you blush, Hes." He wasn't able to resist pointing that out; he might be married, but he wasn't dead. "And why? What's got you so flustered?" Food was set aside for the moment because he hadn't forgotten that she'd put him off last time they talked, about how she wasn't brave at all when it came to love. And he didn't think she was talking about Tremlett then. But he couldn't really imagine her having a thing for Charlie and never letting on, either.

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meandmsjones
2009-03-05 03:26 pm UTC (link)

She saw that he set his food aside and her stomach dropped slightly, because she knew he was getting serious and wasn't going to let go. Hestia desperately needed him to let it go, especially when he said things like how she was gorgeous when she blushed.

Hestia looked down, spoon swirling in that once looked appetizing, but now she couldn't think of swallowing a bite. "Drop this, please, Bill." There was a slight pleading edge to her tone.

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	pasunloup 2009-03-05 08:37 pm UTC (link)
	"You've gone scared again." He tore off a piece of bread, dipping it into his stew. "Same reason as last time?" He wasn't pushing, voice quiet. Concerned. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	meandmsjones 2009-03-05 11:15 pm UTC (link)
	"It's complicated. Trust me when I say it's better if we drop this and just not talk about it again." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

pasunloup
2009-03-09 12:52 pm UTC (link)

That wasn't for the best, he was sure of it. But pushing Hes never got anywhere, which was something Tremlett obviously had never learned. So that was it, he set it aside, dipping another chunk of bread into his stew, sopping up the thick broth before eating it.

"Did Fleur tell you Vic's been nattering on about trolls or some such lately? Seems she's been listening to a certain aunt a good bit." A change of subject would let it all go.

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