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visings (visings) wrote in 20somethings, @ 2022-02-27 17:58:00

Messages: normal is good.
Who: Vi ("Lottie") & Fred
What: messages via the dating app
When: 02/25/28
Warnings: None
Completion Status: Complete

Lottie N. sent you a message!

Hi Freddie! I hope you don’t mind my messaging, I’m new to this whole ‘online dating’ thing and I’m not sure of the etiquette. Anyway, your profile made me so curious… You mention being previously career focused and if it’s not too personal a question, I was wondering what made the change for you?

Well, I hope I haven’t been a bother, and I hope you’re having a good day!
~ Lottie

Freddie: Hi Lottie! You're not a bother at all, and if I'm being completely honest, I'm new to the whole dating thing entirely, not just online dating. Well, other than the few dates I went on during school, but I have been very focused on my career since then, so it's been a while. I am still career focused, but I've realized recently that I do want more than just a career. I am hoping to find someone I can share my life with, even if turning to a dating app feels a bit empty. I've heard that it's worked for some, so why not give it a go? How has your day been?

Lottie: You know, I’m here for the same reason. And also have very little dating experience in general. And am also career focused. I’ll be upfront and let you know that my career is a bit… odd. There’s a lot of travel involved (though not all the time) and thanks to my profession my life can be a bit, well, bizarre? My day has been good, I’m home in London these days and working on a couple of pretty solitary projects, so my days tend to blend together at the moment. But hearing from you was a bright spot :)

Freddie: You're being awfully vague about your career. Is there a particular reason for that? If you're not comfortable talking about it, I won't push! I'm not sure there's much higher of a compliment than to be the bright spot in a stranger's day.

Lottie: Maybe once we’ve gotten to know each other a bit better? I’m sorry. It’s nothing nefarious, I’ve just got to be careful. I understand if that’s not something you want to bother with though…

Freddie: Whatever your reasoning, you're not obligated to tell anything you're not comfortable telling, I think. I suppose since we're both new to this, we ought to be able to decide the rules for ourselves, don't you? I won't deny being curious but I'm not scared away. There's plenty to learn aside from careers, after all. Let's see… if it's a Saturday morning and you don't have work or other obligations, how do you spend the morning?

Lottie: Oh goodness, I don’t remember the last time I just had a free Saturday morning. I do love to relax with a cup of tea if I have the time, and visiting my parents would probably be high on the list. If there’s an early quidditch match I might go, I have friends and family in the league, but I’m a casual fan mostly due to wanting to support those I love.

I don’t know if that really answers your question. Does “relaxing” count? 😂

My turn: if you could do anything in the world besides what you currently do, what would it be? I had a phase as a kid of wanting to be an astronaut.

Freddie: Relaxing definitely counts! And high value for family is imperative, I think. I'm really close with mine. And I'm only a casual fan of Quidditch too, much to my parents' chagrin.

Oh goodness, that's a thinker, as I wanted to go into my field from a rather young age. I think if not this, then I'd have wanted to go into some kind of non-profit administration. Maybe something to do with underprivileged kids.

Lottie: I think family is important, too! There are four of us kids so when we can get everyone together it’s a great time and something we try to do whenever we can.

That’s really lovely, that you’d want to help those who need it most. My mother works in non-profits and helps kids, too :)

Do you have any siblings?

Freddie: Oh that's fantastic! I would ask which ones she works in, but I imagine that would be too identifiable? Either way, I think being charity-minded is so important.

I only have a sister, but I have loads of cousins, and we all grew up rather close. My sister and I are really close in age and even though we're quite different, she's one of my best friends.

Lottie: You’re good at this; I would indeed ~not tell you ;) We have a lot of cousins and aunts and uncles and you-name-it, too. I’m the baby, with some distance between me and the eldest, but besides being a bit too protective as a kid, I never really minded being the baby. Though, I’m an adult now, and sometimes they still treat me like it *rolls eyes* Are you the eldest or the youngest?

It probably isn’t fair of me to be unbelievably curious about what you do, right?

Freddie: Fair is subjective, isn't it? I don't mind sharing though. I'm a junior barrister for the Ministry.

Lottie: That is a fabulously normal job, if I may say, and... I like that.

Freddie: See, you say that, and it just makes me all the curiouser about what it is you do. It is quite a normal job, even if it feels extraordinary at times, if only because it can have such an impact on very real lives.

Lottie: So, you’re still helping those who need it. That’s so admirable. And I’m sorry to stoke your curiosity - for a barrister, is the mystery a good thing or a bad thing?

Freddie: Time will tell, I think. Can I ask what you're looking for with this dating app thing?

Lottie: Of course you can. I’m new to this, like I said, but I... I’m a romantic, I’ll admit. I’d love to... fall in love, I suppose. To have ~that person in your life, you know? I’ve never had that, though I’ve dated, and while I’m still young, I feel quite ready to find that. And you?

Freddie: The same, really. I know I mentioned that I haven't dated much, but I'd like to start. And I'm definitely looking for love. You mentioned your job has you traveling quite a bit, how do you think love and romance would fit into that?

Lottie: If I’m honest, I’m not entirely sure. The traveling happens in blocks - six weeks here, two there. And then otherwise I’m home in London. I think it could work with the right person, someone understanding of the demands, you know? Do you think that would be something you could work with?

Oh, that’s probably assuming a lot, isn’t it?

Freddie: Considering we've started talking through a dating app, I imagine those sorts of questions are entirely appropriate. Lifestyle matters quite a lot, and knowing what sorts of demands would be on it upfront can save a lot of heartbreak in the long run, I would think. That said, I'm not sure how I would feel about that, if only because my experience in relationships is so lacking. But my own job can come with schedule constraints of its own, with long hours when a big case is in the works. While my schedule is sometimes a consistent office sort, there are stretches when I only see my house to sleep. I think that, with the right person, all of those sorts of schedule issues can be worked through.

Lottie: I agree, on all counts.

...

Can I trust you? You seem trustworthy.

Freddie: I like to think I'm trustworthy. I give you my word that anything you tell me will stay with me.

Lottie: Well, for one, Lottie isn’t my name. I’m sorry about that, but I was sure putting my real name on the profile would have been a bad idea. It’s a nickname of sorts, though, so I wasn’t entirely dishonest.

...

It’s nice to ‘officially’ ‘meet you’, Freddie, I’m Violet Nott.

Freddie: The name rings a bell, but I hope you aren't put off that I don't recognize it fully? I understand wanting to be cautious though. My surname is highly recognizable. And it's lovely to meet you, too. I'm Fred Weasley. I don't usually go by Freddie, but -like you- it seemed like a good idea to do something variable from the norm.

Lottie: Do you prefer Fred, then? I usually go by Vi. And I’m not put off, rather I’m somewhat relieved. I’m a musician, and my life was turned upside down last year when I released my debut album. A world tour, press tour, and now demands for a follow-up. It’s nice to talk with someone who isn’t just about my name or fame.

Freddie: I might have a slight preference for Fred, but I don't mind Freddie. Ahh, I think I've heard some of your music, I just didn't make the connection. That must be a lot to deal with, especially for someone who, and this is just an impression, maybe doesn't care for that kind of attention? I can't imagine having to deal with that level of scrutiny just to do the thing I feel passionate about.

Lottie: Your impression is fully correct. I started as a songwriter for others, and was perfectly happy with that. Sometimes I wonder why I agreed to make an album in the first place - but I suppose I didn’t think it would become what it is, if that makes sense? But, well, I wonder if that’s an issue for you?

Freddie: Do you enjoy the recording and performing sides of it? I'd like to think that it would only be an issue for me if it made you unhappy. I guess I model my thinking after how my parents are with each other? Like, my mum and dad have some shared interests, but they also have their own things that they're supportive of for the other. I remember once when my dad started a project that made him absolutely miserable, he and mum had a row about it until she got through to him that he didn't have to do things that made him miserable unless it was necessary for survival, which of course that project wasn't.

I'm rambling terribly now, aren't I? I'm not even sure I made any sense.

Lottie: No, you made sense, and it sounds like your parents have given you a great example of what supporting each other looks like. And yes, I do enjoy those sides of it, it’s the press and the... ‘fame’ I suppose, that comes with it. Gossip Winstas, photos, the whole deal. That part makes me unhappy, I suppose. But music is really the only thing I’ve ever loved, and somethings are worth putting up with for the thing you love most in the world, right?

Oh. Now I’m the one rambling.

I... Um... Might you like to meet sometime? Now you know my secret, there’s no real need to hide behind the app...

Freddie: My parents are kind of amazing, it's true. Don't tell them I said so, though.

I think I would like to meet, yeah. Where would you feel comfortable doing so?

Lottie: Too early to suggest one of our flats, eh? (I’m just kidding. Mostly). I’m not, like, locked up at home, and I do go out, so really anywhere. Would you want to meet for drinks, maybe? I’m usually pretty good at finding the darkest corner of a bar where I can be left alone (lol).

Freddie: I suppose it probably is, though I haven't got a flat. I've got a house. Is that weird to say? I never loved living in the thick of things with neighbors constantly around. I wouldn't mind meeting for drinks, though I hope you won't find it strange that I don't drink alcohol?

Lottie: Not weird, everyone has their preference. I only have a flat because I didn’t know what to do with more space when I bought it two years ago. Also, the not drinking isn’t weird either, though I hope it doesn’t bother you that I enjoy a glass of wine every so often? I don’t drink to excess, despite the hard partying stereotypes of my vocation, lol. Would meeting up for coffee be better, then?

Freddie: That makes sense. I have plenty of room in my house, though it doesn't have a lot of extra rooms. I wanted it to have the option of adding onto it if I want to someday. It doesn't bother me when other people drink, and I'm not an alcoholic or anything, I just prefer a clear head. Coffee would be nice. How comfortable are you in the Muggle world? There's a shop round the block from the Ministry that has the best imported beans and pastries.

Lottie: I actually do spend a good bit of time in the Muggle world - I volunteer and donate with a bunch of charities in both worlds. I know London pretty well, too, so I should be able to find the address. When would you like to meet? I’m currently free nearly all the time. It’s a very welcome change of pace...

Should I send you an actual picture of myself?

Freddie: Oh that's great! I don't spend a lot of time in the Muggle world, but I do have a few favorite comfort spots. Maybe sometime over the weekend? Though I can always duck out for lunch or a break if you'd rather during the week. I would like for you to send a picture, yes. If only because you've seen my face.

Lottie: This is me. I hope it’s not too disappointing :) Weekends work for me, being blissfully free of anything in particular to do these days.

Freddie: Not disappointing in the least. You're lovely. Sunday then? It shouldn't be quite as busy?

Lottie: Sunday sounds great. And thank you :) You’ve got me thinking that signing up for this thing wasn’t such a terrible idea after all :)

Freddie: That's a high compliment indeed! Should we meet about one? Later, earlier?

Lottie: If one works for you, then one works for me (is that too eager sounding? lol). This coming Sunday?

Freddie: Yes, this Sunday. It's a date!

Lottie: Can’t wait :) Oh, here’s my [number], if you want to talk or text?

Freddie: Thanks! Here's mine [number]