Fred Weasley II (![[info]](https://www.insanejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} firmlyfred) wrote in ![[info]](https://www.insanejournal.com/img/community.gif){kind=small} 20somethings,@ 2022-02-27 19:07:00 |
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| Entry tags: | c: fred weasley, c: violet nott, d: 2027 02, ~ complete, Ω: rp |
RP: Coffee Date
Who: Vi & Fred
What: Meeting someone new.
When: 02/27/28; afternoon
Where: Muggle coffee shop near the Ministry
Warnings: None
Completion Status: Complete
Violet arrived a few minutes early to the coffee shop Fred had sent her information on. It was in her nature to be early, which she had learned annoyed a lot of people, but she couldn’t help it - especially when she was nervous. It was the polite thing, anyway, right?
She searched through the menu wondering what to get - they had a great selection of fruit teas - and wondered if she should get her own? Should she assume he was going to get her something? Oh, this was all very strange. She’d not been on a ‘normal’ date, after all. Was that weird at her age? Most people went on Hogsmeade Weekend dates while in school, right? Oh gods, Fred was going to think she was a total freak.
Having arrived at the coffee shop a couple minutes early, Fred hadn't been sure whether Vi would be there yet. He was pleasantly surprised when he spotted her next to the queue, looking up at the menu. A small smile stretched across his lips, he crossed over to her, wearing a soft, dark gray, knit sweater with black trousers. He hesitated when he reached her, though, unsure if it would be inappropriate to touch her, even casually. Probably best to err on the side of caution, consent being a major factor in his mind.
"Violet? Hi, wow. I wasn't sure you'd be here," he admitted, lifting a hand to rub the back of his neck awkwardly. She was taller than he expected, but every bit as lovely as she'd looked in her picture, and he kind of couldn't believe that she'd agreed to meet up with him.
She turned and - wow, he was really good looking, even hotter than his pictures. “Fred?” she asked, feeling shy suddenly, despite how long they’d spent chatting in the preceding days. “You weren’t?” The concern etched on her face echoed her feelings - why would he assume she wouldn’t show? Had that happened to him before? Was that common on dating apps? That was awful.
“It’s really nice to meet you,” she added, biting her bottom lip in her nerves.
That she looked so worried at his comment made Fred feel bad for making it in the first place, and he offered her a reassuring smile. "Just because this whole dating app thing is new to me, and my brain is wired to run through all sorts of 'what if' scenarios," he told her with a touch of self-deprecation. It truly was a double-edged sword, that aspect of being a lawyer.
"Shall we get in the queue? If you know what you'd like? My treat," he offered. It was kindness, though, and not expectation of anything in return that had him offering.
The worry lines on her face smoothed into her usual shyness at his explanation. “I’m new, too, my Mum made me send her screenshots of your profile (sorry about that) ‘just in case’.” She rolled her eyes. “I think some of our parents’ generation still don’t quite get it, though, and she can be overprotective.” Which is probably where her siblings got it, she thought with a mental groan.
Her smile grew a little bit at his offer to treat, and she told him she’d like a hot blackcurrant tea, “That’s very sweet of you,” she added, a light blush highlighting her cheekbones. She followed him into the line to order and hung back just a bit as he ordered, ready to follow him to where they would wait for their drinks.
“This place is lovely by the way - they have a huge selection, though, I must have looked cross-eyed trying to look through it all when I arrived,” she said with a laugh as they waited.
Even though she apologized, implying it was something she thought garnered an apology, Fred smiled warmly at her, happy for her that she had people who cared so deeply for her. "I didn't tell anyone, but only because I didn't want to jinx it," he said lightly. He would probably call Roxy and update her on his dating app adventures later.
"It's one of my favorites," he admitted as they moved to join the queue. "Their pastries are quite delicious too, if you'd like to try one," he offered. When they got to the counter, he ordered their drinks and a pastry, glancing at her to give her the chance to add anything to the order she might like before he paid.
She felt strangely relieved to learn he hadn’t said anything to anyone about their date (she still wasn’t totally sure if the first meeting was considered a date when you meet someone on an app?). She wasn’t sure how she felt about the idea of her being dating getting out... She wasn’t worried about Wes’ reaction - he’d encouraged her to join the app after all and was very ‘open minded’ in general about ‘relationships’ - but she didn’t want to be mobbed about it, either, especially in her app profile.
She thought with a hum. “I’ll try what you’re having, please?” She figured that was polite enough, right? He had offered, after all.
When their order was set on the counter, they took their things and she followed him to a small table for two. She took off her shawl and draped it on the chair back. Once she had settled in she gave him a thoughtful look, “Can I ask you a question?”
At her words, Fred asked for a second plate, deciding that they would split the pastry. Perhaps it would be more romantic to share the plate? He wasn't really sure, and he was seriously starting to doubt whether he had any natural romantic instincts. Time would tell, he supposed, and when it came down to it, he wanted this, and so he was willing to try and work at it.
Once they were settled at the little table, he took a sip of his drink, surprised that she asked that rather than the question she had in mind. "You can always ask anything," he assured her. That was the whole point of this thing, right? To get to know one another and see if there might be some sort of connection there?
Her smile became a little less shy when he answered that way - there was just something open and trustworthy about him that she appreciated so much. She really liked him so far, though she didn’t want to jump to any conclusions - look at how developing ‘feelings’ for Wes had gone.
“Well, um, it’s awkward and I don’t mean to sound.... egotistical? But the reality is... I’m a celebrity, which is a bit strange, I know... Can I ask how you feel about that? About the possibility of dating someone like... that?” She wasn’t used to talking about this. Her best friends - Coira and Rae - were also celebrities, her family didn’t treat her any differently but then Thad had been famous long before she had been, so maybe they were just used to it. She’d... well, not dated, but been ‘seeing’ Wes for months but he was also a celebrity (honestly much more than herself) so they just had that in common and besides the gossip Winstas, there wasn’t much issue. This was new territory.
Fred paused, head tilted slightly as he gave her question the consideration it deserved. It would be easy to say that it didn't bother him at all and simply move past it, but it felt dishonest to brush it off in that way. "Well, considering I've not really dated at all in a long time, it's hard to say how I feel about it," he finally said.
"I don't love the thought of the tabloids, of course. Does anyone really?" he asked rhetorically, finding it impossible that anyone would enjoy the tabloids poking into their life. "But I'm of the mind that if the relationship is solid enough, it's worth it to work through those external influences."
She didn’t know she’d been holding her breath, but she released an exhale when he answered honestly and with a measured, thoughtful way about him. She smiled, a small, tentative thing, but a smile. “Honestly, I don’t like them either, and I do a lot to keep my private life private, if that helps any.” It was true. “And anything you may have seen or heard about from the gossip rags is patently false, I promise,” she even held up the ring she wore that they’d thought was an engagement ring. “Family heirloom, nothing more.” She didn’t know if he would understand that but she figured if they began dating, he’d certainly hear about that piece in particular.
Her smile turned tight-lipped, “Like I said, I’m not comfortable with the fame part of my life, my work, but it’s a... necessary evil, I suppose. I love my work, the actual work of it, but the... External influences make me question it sometimes.” She was glad she could be honest about this with him, it wasn’t something she had much chance to talk about with anyone.
It definitely fit with the impression she'd given him over their messages, and he smiled reassuringly at her. He had no idea what the point of the ring was, though in context he could assume that the tabloids had speculated that the ring had been from someone romantically. "I haven't looked anything up and don't intend to," he promised her. "I think I mentioned that I really want to get to know you from you, not the assumptions and speculations strangers make of you."
Fred nodded at that. "Tell me about the part of it you love most, then," he suggested. "Like, do you play any instruments, or is it just writing and singing?" He remembered that she'd mentioned she started out as a songwriter for others first.
“You did mention, and I really appreciate that.” A mild blush worked its way up her neck and to her cheeks. His next question surprised her, though, she guessed she hadn’t assumed he’d be interested in the less glamorous parts of it - but then, Fred didn’t seem like anyone else she knew, and she liked that about him.
“Oh, um, well, I play guitar and piano and took lessons in violin and bass as a child, too. And the singing and writing, of course,” she added with a chuckle. “I love writing, that’s how it started with me, as a kid, and that’s still my favorite part. But I’ve really come to love the performing - recording an album is a lot of work but even just being in a booth and working out the kinks of a song with just me and a mic... There’s something almost therapeutic of it?” She wasn’t sure if that was right, because it wasn’t like she needed therapy, but it was very... soothing. “But performing, for a crowd, they give you energy like I couldn’t have even imagined. It’s like an exchange, almost like magic.” Her voice was wistful.
The passion shone in her eyes and voice, and there was something utterly enrapturing about it. Music was clearly more than just her career; it seemed as though she'd had raw talent and the encouragement and tools along the way to nurture it. "I think I understand what you mean. I do a lot of research for my job, and I thrive on it, but gods, the first time I argued a case in court? It was the biggest thrill, such a rush!"
He couldn't be certain they were in any way similar, but he had a feeling that they were, with the way she'd talked about it.
“Right?” she asked with a giggle and a big grin, so glad he understood, and actually really glad for the comparison it made. It felt perfectly apt.
“I bet you’re amazing at it - other than being thoughtful and brilliant, I can’t imagine anyone wanting to side against you,” she said suddenly, and then shut her lips tight in embarrassment - that had probably been too much. She could certainly be too much with her feelings, which is one of the reasons she wrote music in the first place, to have a place to put them all.
The compliment had his expression turning this side of bashful, and he lifted a hand to scrub over the back of his neck for a moment. "I always appreciate the vote of confidence, but what makes you say that?" he asked curiously, wondering what it was she saw in him that made him seem like a formidable prosecutor.
Violet’s eyes widened, but she thought for a moment, trying to steady her breathing from how her embarrassment had made it jump. “Well, other than being thoughtful and brilliant,” she repeated herself, “you’re articulate and personable and charming, and I can see all of those going far in any case. Plus,” she added, her blush deepening, “It helps that you’re incredibly good looking.” It was true that it was much harder to say no to a handsome man, right? Or was that just her? She looked down at her hands, holding her tea.
He appreciated her perspective, though he wasn't sure how being good looking would help in the courtroom. It wasn't worth fixating on, though, he thought, not with the way she seemed embarrassed. "Well, thank you," he said, quietly graceful about it. "You mentioned your mum does charity work. I guess now that I know who you are, maybe you could tell me about it now?" he asked, thinking the change in subject might put her back at ease.
She breathed another sigh of relief when he changed the subject and gave him a small nod of thanks. And then she brightened, “Oh, my Mum runs Literacy Flourishes. My parents own Flourish and Blotts. I actually performed at their gala last year, to raise funds, and it was a great time. She held a date auction, and thankfully did not try to convince me to join in,” she said with a laugh, “though my older brother Thad joined with enthusiasm,” she chuckled. “You mentioned having an older sister?” She was so grateful to be on easier ground, now.
Recognition sparked in his eyes at the name of the charity, and he smiled. "Oh, that's fantastic! I wasn't able to make it to the gala last year, but I donated a bit to the cause," he admitted, the words out of his mouth before he realized they could be taken as bragging or just trying to score points. That wasn't who he was, though, and he hoped she would realize that.
"Younger, actually, but not by much. We're about a year and a half apart," he answered. "Her name's Roxanne. She works at McLaggen's, tinkering and… stuff. I don't really understand the sort of tinkering she does, honestly, but she seems quite good at it," he said proudly. He wouldn't expect Roxy to really understand his job any better than he understood hers.
She nearly ‘awww’d out loud, “That’s really kind of you, thank you. Though I’m sure you got a thank you note from my mom, she’s big on that,” Pansy had even sent Vi one for donating her time and during the dating auction. She smiled at the memory.
“I’m sorry, I got that wrong” she had gotten the detail wrong, and that felt awful, but if she could blame anything it was her lack of experience or how discombobulated he made her in general. “Tinkering?” Vi had no idea what sort of tinkering might happen at a sports shop, but she knew very little about sports in general, so she didn’t actually question the idea. “Isn’t it funny how different we can be from our siblings? I have a jock older brother, a Healer older brother, and an older sister who’s a visual artist... Pretty sure between the four of us, we cover all the subjects,” she said with a chuckle.
His brows furrowed as he thought back. That had been what, nearly eight months ago? But he thought he remembered getting a thank you card for the donation. "I think you're right," he said a moment later. He could imagine how both wonderful and exasperating it might have been to have been raised by a woman like that. His own parents were far less taken with formality than all that, though his mum had instilled good manners in him and Roxy despite their dad's mischievous tendencies.
Fred waved her apology away. "We've just met. I don't expect you to remember every detail right off," he assured her. It would be awfully demanding and arrogant of him, after all.
"And parents!" he agreed with a chuckle. "Both of mine were big with Quidditch in school and mum even went pro for a while there. And of course my dad is George Weasley, owner and inventor at Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. Practical jokes and mischief are in his blood. But both Roxy and I are more serious minded. And Roxy was good enough at Quidditch to go pro like mum, but she was far more passionate about the mechanics than the playing, I think. And of course, I went into law, which I think baffled them both." Or perhaps not. Perhaps they'd known him better than he gave them credit for.
Vi gave him a grateful smile when he waved off her faux pas, “As long as you never tell my mother, if we get to that part, she would be very disappointed,” she said with a chuckle, letting him know she really was kidding, and not already planning such things.
“You’re mum was a Quidditch pro? That’s so cool,” Violet wasn’t into the sport, per se, but she did think it great when anyone reached the pinnacle of their passion. “She must be so good,” there was a bit of awe in her voice as she said it. “And growing up with famous parents must have been something different,” his father was known for more than Wheezes, of course, being a war hero and all that. “Is it true he once pranked all of Hogwarts?” All students had heard the tall tales of the Weasley Twins in the halls of Hogwarts, but she was sure some of the stories had grown from the truth over the years. That’s right, he had said his sister worked for the McLaggens... Tinkering, he’d said, she remembered. “What made you choose law? You mentioned you’d sort of always wanted that?” She hoped she’d remembered that right.
"You have my word," he said with joking seriousness. He didn't think she was hinting at wanting to introduce him to her parents, seeing as they had only just met.
"Uh, yeah, she was a chaser with Puddlemere United for about ten years," he said. He remembered going to some of her games as a child, cheering for her in the stands, and she'd been good enough that the team kept her on during her pregnancies even though she couldn't play. But after Roxy was born, she'd got back to it with enthusiasm.
Fred nodded at the question about his dad. "Yeah, he and Uncle Fred, the famed Weasley Twins, right? They did a lot of pranks at Hogwarts. Are you referring to the swamp one though?" There'd also been the fireworks during exams prank. Maybe that was the one to which she was referring.
Fred grinned, pleased that she'd remembered that detail. "I did, yeah. I'm not really sure there's any one thing that made me choose law," he answered. "It's just always interested me, and there's a lot of satisfaction in the work. I specialize in victim's rights, though as a junior barrister, I help with a wide range of cases," he explained.
Violet thought back to her time at Hogwarts - not really all that long ago, in the grand scheme - and cocked her head. “I thought I heard about fireworks, but honestly I didn’t believe the older Slytherins who told me that during first or second year. I thought they were messing with me.” She laughed. “Honestly, though, to this day I don’t know a lot of what was fact or fiction told to me by older students those first few years, everyone always seemed to love to pick on us ‘Puffs, especially us quieter ones.” Her smile was indulgent, as she didn’t hold any animosity toward anyone for it, but it was an observation she had made more than once to herself over the years.
“It sounds like a lot to live up to, though - fact, fiction, or Quidditch,” she added quietly.
There was a soft chuckle at the mention of the fireworks, and he nodded his head slightly in acknowledgment. "I would imagine a lot of it was true about my dad and his twin," he offered. From his understanding, they'd worked hard to build up their reputations, carrying it over into the shop, and his dad had honored Uncle Fred even after the war by not giving up on their dream. And, of course, by naming him after him.
"Oh! You were a 'Puff? So was Roxy! I was a Ravenclaw, naturally," he said with a soft note of self-deprecation. He didn't have any hang ups about having been sorted into that house; it had been a wonderful, natural fit.
Fred studied her for a moment at her words, wondering what was going on beneath the surface. Had she felt pressured from her parents' achievements? "It can be, yeah, but I think I've always taken the mentality that I'm carving out my own path, if that makes sense?"
Violet brightened, “Wait a second! Roxy. Roxanne Weasley! She was a few years ahead of me, but I remember her.” Roxanne had always been a kind housemate. Violet hadn’t had many friends - many people she considered herself close to in school. She’d always been in her own head, after all. But she remembered the kind classmates fondly all the same.
“And of course you were,” she said with a bright smile; it made perfect sense to her. She nodded at his next thought. “That does make sense. My parents had certain reputations, but they always gave us space to make our own way, and supported us through any mistakes or missteps. I think they may have thought I was insane when I told them I wanted to be a professional in music, but they gave me a steady place to fall if I ever needed it.” She appreciated her parents so much.
Fred chuckled at her enthusiasm at placing his sister in her mental archives. "That would be her, yes," he confirmed with a nod. The pastry had sat in front of him ignored, but he seemed to remember it then, cutting off a bite with the side of his fork before taking the bite. It was just as delicious as he'd remembered.
"Oh, that's wonderful of them. It's always so fortunate to have that security." He'd always known he had that in his parents if he needed it, as well, though he also knew there were plenty of people who didn't have that, whose parents weren't nearly successful enough to provide a safe place to land should they fail, and his heart had always gone out to them.
“Yeah,” she answered, nodding happily and somewhat thoughtful. “So,” she started, knowing they were still getting to know each other here. “What are things you like to do when you have free time? I know free time can be hard to come by, but everyone has interests, and hobbies, even if they don't get to them very often, right?” She found herself wanting to know everything behind his gorgeous smile. She wanted to reach out and hold his hand, but she didn’t, feeling shy and unsure.
It was such an obvious question to ask, and yet not necessarily an easy one to answer. He glanced down at his cup, swirling the liquid around inside it before bringing it up to his lips for a sip. "I can't say as I have any major hobbies, which probably makes me seem dreadfully dull. I'm a voracious reader, though I don't have as much time for fun reading after all the work reading I do. I work out, mainly because it helps keep the mental health up," he told her honestly, feeling terribly awkward.
She nodded along to his answer, “Any favorites? Books, I mean.” She wasn’t much for working out so didn’t really know how to discuss it. It was nice that he did, and somewhat obvious - now that she thought about it - based on how hot he was. Wes worked out, she knew, because his body was just... exquisite. Goodness, that train of thought led her to wonder about Fred’s thoughts about sex and love making and all the other wonderful things they might do together. If they progressed to that, at least. It wasn’t like she knew how dating moved into sex - she and Wes hadn’t exactly ‘dated’, after all.
"Oh, too many to name!" Fred answered with a soft chuckle, his dark eyes brightening a bit. He could easily bore her to tears prattling on about his favorite books, he was sure, and that wasn't something he wanted to do. She was so lovely, and he found himself hoping that things would go well. Boring her would not lend itself to that goal.
"Maybe I should pick up a new hobby or two. Any suggestions?" he asked, wondering if it would seem strange to suggest trying something new together. It seemed like a great way to get to know someone, to see how they took in new information and how they handled perhaps not being able to do something very well at first.
She laughed and answered with a twinkle in her eyes, “I know where you could find a really patient, hopefully very cute, guitar teacher.” And then she grinned - she was just joking, though if anyone she knew had ever wanted to learn an instrument, she was the sort who was happy to try and help.
“You know, I’ve always wanted to learn how to cook. Like, properly cook, something really elegant and high brow.” It sounded so silly. “I mean, I can cook, but not like a chef, if that makes sense? I’d just love to have one really amazing dish I can pull out of my head to, I dunno, impress someone or pamper myself, you know? What about you? Anything you’ve ever wanted to try?”
Fred grinned back at her. It was promising that she would suggest that, even if in jest, right? "That could be fun, definitely. Not sure I'd be a good student though." He didn't have any natural talent in music, as far as he knew.
He listened with interest as she told him of her long-standing desire. "That's an admirable desire," he told her. "I bet they have cooking classes somewhere." Hadn't he just been wondering at doing something like that together? "What do you think? A good idea for a second date?" he asked, perhaps with a bit more confidence than he felt. He wasn't entirely sure if what he was feeling was genuine chemistry with her, but he enjoyed her company and wanted to see if there could be something there.
Vi looked up through her eyelashes, shy and surprised at his suggestion. “You’d like a second date?” Despite her nerves, her smile was radiant. She would certainly like to see him again. And a cooking class sounded a lot of fun, even if it seemed a little... couply.
“I’d like that a lot,” she added somewhat quickly, hoping he wouldn’t change his mind thanks to her disbelief.
Fred's smile was warm and bashful all at once, and he nodded slightly. "I'd like to get to know you better, so yes, I think I would like a second date," he answered. He wasn't actually sure what the protocol for this sort of thing usually was. Did people typically plan their next date whilst on their current one? Or was that a social faux pas?
"I'll look into cooking classes and let you know what I find. We'll sort out a time that works for us both," he offered, liking the idea more the more he thought about it. A cooking class would give them a low pressure way of getting to know each other better without any strict social expectations, something he had a feeling they would both appreciate.
She searched through the menu wondering what to get - they had a great selection of fruit teas - and wondered if she should get her own? Should she assume he was going to get her something? Oh, this was all very strange. She’d not been on a ‘normal’ date, after all. Was that weird at her age? Most people went on Hogsmeade Weekend dates while in school, right? Oh gods, Fred was going to think she was a total freak.
Having arrived at the coffee shop a couple minutes early, Fred hadn't been sure whether Vi would be there yet. He was pleasantly surprised when he spotted her next to the queue, looking up at the menu. A small smile stretched across his lips, he crossed over to her, wearing a soft, dark gray, knit sweater with black trousers. He hesitated when he reached her, though, unsure if it would be inappropriate to touch her, even casually. Probably best to err on the side of caution, consent being a major factor in his mind.
"Violet? Hi, wow. I wasn't sure you'd be here," he admitted, lifting a hand to rub the back of his neck awkwardly. She was taller than he expected, but every bit as lovely as she'd looked in her picture, and he kind of couldn't believe that she'd agreed to meet up with him.
She turned and - wow, he was really good looking, even hotter than his pictures. “Fred?” she asked, feeling shy suddenly, despite how long they’d spent chatting in the preceding days. “You weren’t?” The concern etched on her face echoed her feelings - why would he assume she wouldn’t show? Had that happened to him before? Was that common on dating apps? That was awful.
“It’s really nice to meet you,” she added, biting her bottom lip in her nerves.
That she looked so worried at his comment made Fred feel bad for making it in the first place, and he offered her a reassuring smile. "Just because this whole dating app thing is new to me, and my brain is wired to run through all sorts of 'what if' scenarios," he told her with a touch of self-deprecation. It truly was a double-edged sword, that aspect of being a lawyer.
"Shall we get in the queue? If you know what you'd like? My treat," he offered. It was kindness, though, and not expectation of anything in return that had him offering.
The worry lines on her face smoothed into her usual shyness at his explanation. “I’m new, too, my Mum made me send her screenshots of your profile (sorry about that) ‘just in case’.” She rolled her eyes. “I think some of our parents’ generation still don’t quite get it, though, and she can be overprotective.” Which is probably where her siblings got it, she thought with a mental groan.
Her smile grew a little bit at his offer to treat, and she told him she’d like a hot blackcurrant tea, “That’s very sweet of you,” she added, a light blush highlighting her cheekbones. She followed him into the line to order and hung back just a bit as he ordered, ready to follow him to where they would wait for their drinks.
“This place is lovely by the way - they have a huge selection, though, I must have looked cross-eyed trying to look through it all when I arrived,” she said with a laugh as they waited.
Even though she apologized, implying it was something she thought garnered an apology, Fred smiled warmly at her, happy for her that she had people who cared so deeply for her. "I didn't tell anyone, but only because I didn't want to jinx it," he said lightly. He would probably call Roxy and update her on his dating app adventures later.
"It's one of my favorites," he admitted as they moved to join the queue. "Their pastries are quite delicious too, if you'd like to try one," he offered. When they got to the counter, he ordered their drinks and a pastry, glancing at her to give her the chance to add anything to the order she might like before he paid.
She felt strangely relieved to learn he hadn’t said anything to anyone about their date (she still wasn’t totally sure if the first meeting was considered a date when you meet someone on an app?). She wasn’t sure how she felt about the idea of her being dating getting out... She wasn’t worried about Wes’ reaction - he’d encouraged her to join the app after all and was very ‘open minded’ in general about ‘relationships’ - but she didn’t want to be mobbed about it, either, especially in her app profile.
She thought with a hum. “I’ll try what you’re having, please?” She figured that was polite enough, right? He had offered, after all.
When their order was set on the counter, they took their things and she followed him to a small table for two. She took off her shawl and draped it on the chair back. Once she had settled in she gave him a thoughtful look, “Can I ask you a question?”
At her words, Fred asked for a second plate, deciding that they would split the pastry. Perhaps it would be more romantic to share the plate? He wasn't really sure, and he was seriously starting to doubt whether he had any natural romantic instincts. Time would tell, he supposed, and when it came down to it, he wanted this, and so he was willing to try and work at it.
Once they were settled at the little table, he took a sip of his drink, surprised that she asked that rather than the question she had in mind. "You can always ask anything," he assured her. That was the whole point of this thing, right? To get to know one another and see if there might be some sort of connection there?
Her smile became a little less shy when he answered that way - there was just something open and trustworthy about him that she appreciated so much. She really liked him so far, though she didn’t want to jump to any conclusions - look at how developing ‘feelings’ for Wes had gone.
“Well, um, it’s awkward and I don’t mean to sound.... egotistical? But the reality is... I’m a celebrity, which is a bit strange, I know... Can I ask how you feel about that? About the possibility of dating someone like... that?” She wasn’t used to talking about this. Her best friends - Coira and Rae - were also celebrities, her family didn’t treat her any differently but then Thad had been famous long before she had been, so maybe they were just used to it. She’d... well, not dated, but been ‘seeing’ Wes for months but he was also a celebrity (honestly much more than herself) so they just had that in common and besides the gossip Winstas, there wasn’t much issue. This was new territory.
Fred paused, head tilted slightly as he gave her question the consideration it deserved. It would be easy to say that it didn't bother him at all and simply move past it, but it felt dishonest to brush it off in that way. "Well, considering I've not really dated at all in a long time, it's hard to say how I feel about it," he finally said.
"I don't love the thought of the tabloids, of course. Does anyone really?" he asked rhetorically, finding it impossible that anyone would enjoy the tabloids poking into their life. "But I'm of the mind that if the relationship is solid enough, it's worth it to work through those external influences."
She didn’t know she’d been holding her breath, but she released an exhale when he answered honestly and with a measured, thoughtful way about him. She smiled, a small, tentative thing, but a smile. “Honestly, I don’t like them either, and I do a lot to keep my private life private, if that helps any.” It was true. “And anything you may have seen or heard about from the gossip rags is patently false, I promise,” she even held up the ring she wore that they’d thought was an engagement ring. “Family heirloom, nothing more.” She didn’t know if he would understand that but she figured if they began dating, he’d certainly hear about that piece in particular.
Her smile turned tight-lipped, “Like I said, I’m not comfortable with the fame part of my life, my work, but it’s a... necessary evil, I suppose. I love my work, the actual work of it, but the... External influences make me question it sometimes.” She was glad she could be honest about this with him, it wasn’t something she had much chance to talk about with anyone.
It definitely fit with the impression she'd given him over their messages, and he smiled reassuringly at her. He had no idea what the point of the ring was, though in context he could assume that the tabloids had speculated that the ring had been from someone romantically. "I haven't looked anything up and don't intend to," he promised her. "I think I mentioned that I really want to get to know you from you, not the assumptions and speculations strangers make of you."
Fred nodded at that. "Tell me about the part of it you love most, then," he suggested. "Like, do you play any instruments, or is it just writing and singing?" He remembered that she'd mentioned she started out as a songwriter for others first.
“You did mention, and I really appreciate that.” A mild blush worked its way up her neck and to her cheeks. His next question surprised her, though, she guessed she hadn’t assumed he’d be interested in the less glamorous parts of it - but then, Fred didn’t seem like anyone else she knew, and she liked that about him.
“Oh, um, well, I play guitar and piano and took lessons in violin and bass as a child, too. And the singing and writing, of course,” she added with a chuckle. “I love writing, that’s how it started with me, as a kid, and that’s still my favorite part. But I’ve really come to love the performing - recording an album is a lot of work but even just being in a booth and working out the kinks of a song with just me and a mic... There’s something almost therapeutic of it?” She wasn’t sure if that was right, because it wasn’t like she needed therapy, but it was very... soothing. “But performing, for a crowd, they give you energy like I couldn’t have even imagined. It’s like an exchange, almost like magic.” Her voice was wistful.
The passion shone in her eyes and voice, and there was something utterly enrapturing about it. Music was clearly more than just her career; it seemed as though she'd had raw talent and the encouragement and tools along the way to nurture it. "I think I understand what you mean. I do a lot of research for my job, and I thrive on it, but gods, the first time I argued a case in court? It was the biggest thrill, such a rush!"
He couldn't be certain they were in any way similar, but he had a feeling that they were, with the way she'd talked about it.
“Right?” she asked with a giggle and a big grin, so glad he understood, and actually really glad for the comparison it made. It felt perfectly apt.
“I bet you’re amazing at it - other than being thoughtful and brilliant, I can’t imagine anyone wanting to side against you,” she said suddenly, and then shut her lips tight in embarrassment - that had probably been too much. She could certainly be too much with her feelings, which is one of the reasons she wrote music in the first place, to have a place to put them all.
The compliment had his expression turning this side of bashful, and he lifted a hand to scrub over the back of his neck for a moment. "I always appreciate the vote of confidence, but what makes you say that?" he asked curiously, wondering what it was she saw in him that made him seem like a formidable prosecutor.
Violet’s eyes widened, but she thought for a moment, trying to steady her breathing from how her embarrassment had made it jump. “Well, other than being thoughtful and brilliant,” she repeated herself, “you’re articulate and personable and charming, and I can see all of those going far in any case. Plus,” she added, her blush deepening, “It helps that you’re incredibly good looking.” It was true that it was much harder to say no to a handsome man, right? Or was that just her? She looked down at her hands, holding her tea.
He appreciated her perspective, though he wasn't sure how being good looking would help in the courtroom. It wasn't worth fixating on, though, he thought, not with the way she seemed embarrassed. "Well, thank you," he said, quietly graceful about it. "You mentioned your mum does charity work. I guess now that I know who you are, maybe you could tell me about it now?" he asked, thinking the change in subject might put her back at ease.
She breathed another sigh of relief when he changed the subject and gave him a small nod of thanks. And then she brightened, “Oh, my Mum runs Literacy Flourishes. My parents own Flourish and Blotts. I actually performed at their gala last year, to raise funds, and it was a great time. She held a date auction, and thankfully did not try to convince me to join in,” she said with a laugh, “though my older brother Thad joined with enthusiasm,” she chuckled. “You mentioned having an older sister?” She was so grateful to be on easier ground, now.
Recognition sparked in his eyes at the name of the charity, and he smiled. "Oh, that's fantastic! I wasn't able to make it to the gala last year, but I donated a bit to the cause," he admitted, the words out of his mouth before he realized they could be taken as bragging or just trying to score points. That wasn't who he was, though, and he hoped she would realize that.
"Younger, actually, but not by much. We're about a year and a half apart," he answered. "Her name's Roxanne. She works at McLaggen's, tinkering and… stuff. I don't really understand the sort of tinkering she does, honestly, but she seems quite good at it," he said proudly. He wouldn't expect Roxy to really understand his job any better than he understood hers.
She nearly ‘awww’d out loud, “That’s really kind of you, thank you. Though I’m sure you got a thank you note from my mom, she’s big on that,” Pansy had even sent Vi one for donating her time and during the dating auction. She smiled at the memory.
“I’m sorry, I got that wrong” she had gotten the detail wrong, and that felt awful, but if she could blame anything it was her lack of experience or how discombobulated he made her in general. “Tinkering?” Vi had no idea what sort of tinkering might happen at a sports shop, but she knew very little about sports in general, so she didn’t actually question the idea. “Isn’t it funny how different we can be from our siblings? I have a jock older brother, a Healer older brother, and an older sister who’s a visual artist... Pretty sure between the four of us, we cover all the subjects,” she said with a chuckle.
His brows furrowed as he thought back. That had been what, nearly eight months ago? But he thought he remembered getting a thank you card for the donation. "I think you're right," he said a moment later. He could imagine how both wonderful and exasperating it might have been to have been raised by a woman like that. His own parents were far less taken with formality than all that, though his mum had instilled good manners in him and Roxy despite their dad's mischievous tendencies.
Fred waved her apology away. "We've just met. I don't expect you to remember every detail right off," he assured her. It would be awfully demanding and arrogant of him, after all.
"And parents!" he agreed with a chuckle. "Both of mine were big with Quidditch in school and mum even went pro for a while there. And of course my dad is George Weasley, owner and inventor at Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. Practical jokes and mischief are in his blood. But both Roxy and I are more serious minded. And Roxy was good enough at Quidditch to go pro like mum, but she was far more passionate about the mechanics than the playing, I think. And of course, I went into law, which I think baffled them both." Or perhaps not. Perhaps they'd known him better than he gave them credit for.
Vi gave him a grateful smile when he waved off her faux pas, “As long as you never tell my mother, if we get to that part, she would be very disappointed,” she said with a chuckle, letting him know she really was kidding, and not already planning such things.
“You’re mum was a Quidditch pro? That’s so cool,” Violet wasn’t into the sport, per se, but she did think it great when anyone reached the pinnacle of their passion. “She must be so good,” there was a bit of awe in her voice as she said it. “And growing up with famous parents must have been something different,” his father was known for more than Wheezes, of course, being a war hero and all that. “Is it true he once pranked all of Hogwarts?” All students had heard the tall tales of the Weasley Twins in the halls of Hogwarts, but she was sure some of the stories had grown from the truth over the years. That’s right, he had said his sister worked for the McLaggens... Tinkering, he’d said, she remembered. “What made you choose law? You mentioned you’d sort of always wanted that?” She hoped she’d remembered that right.
"You have my word," he said with joking seriousness. He didn't think she was hinting at wanting to introduce him to her parents, seeing as they had only just met.
"Uh, yeah, she was a chaser with Puddlemere United for about ten years," he said. He remembered going to some of her games as a child, cheering for her in the stands, and she'd been good enough that the team kept her on during her pregnancies even though she couldn't play. But after Roxy was born, she'd got back to it with enthusiasm.
Fred nodded at the question about his dad. "Yeah, he and Uncle Fred, the famed Weasley Twins, right? They did a lot of pranks at Hogwarts. Are you referring to the swamp one though?" There'd also been the fireworks during exams prank. Maybe that was the one to which she was referring.
Fred grinned, pleased that she'd remembered that detail. "I did, yeah. I'm not really sure there's any one thing that made me choose law," he answered. "It's just always interested me, and there's a lot of satisfaction in the work. I specialize in victim's rights, though as a junior barrister, I help with a wide range of cases," he explained.
Violet thought back to her time at Hogwarts - not really all that long ago, in the grand scheme - and cocked her head. “I thought I heard about fireworks, but honestly I didn’t believe the older Slytherins who told me that during first or second year. I thought they were messing with me.” She laughed. “Honestly, though, to this day I don’t know a lot of what was fact or fiction told to me by older students those first few years, everyone always seemed to love to pick on us ‘Puffs, especially us quieter ones.” Her smile was indulgent, as she didn’t hold any animosity toward anyone for it, but it was an observation she had made more than once to herself over the years.
“It sounds like a lot to live up to, though - fact, fiction, or Quidditch,” she added quietly.
There was a soft chuckle at the mention of the fireworks, and he nodded his head slightly in acknowledgment. "I would imagine a lot of it was true about my dad and his twin," he offered. From his understanding, they'd worked hard to build up their reputations, carrying it over into the shop, and his dad had honored Uncle Fred even after the war by not giving up on their dream. And, of course, by naming him after him.
"Oh! You were a 'Puff? So was Roxy! I was a Ravenclaw, naturally," he said with a soft note of self-deprecation. He didn't have any hang ups about having been sorted into that house; it had been a wonderful, natural fit.
Fred studied her for a moment at her words, wondering what was going on beneath the surface. Had she felt pressured from her parents' achievements? "It can be, yeah, but I think I've always taken the mentality that I'm carving out my own path, if that makes sense?"
Violet brightened, “Wait a second! Roxy. Roxanne Weasley! She was a few years ahead of me, but I remember her.” Roxanne had always been a kind housemate. Violet hadn’t had many friends - many people she considered herself close to in school. She’d always been in her own head, after all. But she remembered the kind classmates fondly all the same.
“And of course you were,” she said with a bright smile; it made perfect sense to her. She nodded at his next thought. “That does make sense. My parents had certain reputations, but they always gave us space to make our own way, and supported us through any mistakes or missteps. I think they may have thought I was insane when I told them I wanted to be a professional in music, but they gave me a steady place to fall if I ever needed it.” She appreciated her parents so much.
Fred chuckled at her enthusiasm at placing his sister in her mental archives. "That would be her, yes," he confirmed with a nod. The pastry had sat in front of him ignored, but he seemed to remember it then, cutting off a bite with the side of his fork before taking the bite. It was just as delicious as he'd remembered.
"Oh, that's wonderful of them. It's always so fortunate to have that security." He'd always known he had that in his parents if he needed it, as well, though he also knew there were plenty of people who didn't have that, whose parents weren't nearly successful enough to provide a safe place to land should they fail, and his heart had always gone out to them.
“Yeah,” she answered, nodding happily and somewhat thoughtful. “So,” she started, knowing they were still getting to know each other here. “What are things you like to do when you have free time? I know free time can be hard to come by, but everyone has interests, and hobbies, even if they don't get to them very often, right?” She found herself wanting to know everything behind his gorgeous smile. She wanted to reach out and hold his hand, but she didn’t, feeling shy and unsure.
It was such an obvious question to ask, and yet not necessarily an easy one to answer. He glanced down at his cup, swirling the liquid around inside it before bringing it up to his lips for a sip. "I can't say as I have any major hobbies, which probably makes me seem dreadfully dull. I'm a voracious reader, though I don't have as much time for fun reading after all the work reading I do. I work out, mainly because it helps keep the mental health up," he told her honestly, feeling terribly awkward.
She nodded along to his answer, “Any favorites? Books, I mean.” She wasn’t much for working out so didn’t really know how to discuss it. It was nice that he did, and somewhat obvious - now that she thought about it - based on how hot he was. Wes worked out, she knew, because his body was just... exquisite. Goodness, that train of thought led her to wonder about Fred’s thoughts about sex and love making and all the other wonderful things they might do together. If they progressed to that, at least. It wasn’t like she knew how dating moved into sex - she and Wes hadn’t exactly ‘dated’, after all.
"Oh, too many to name!" Fred answered with a soft chuckle, his dark eyes brightening a bit. He could easily bore her to tears prattling on about his favorite books, he was sure, and that wasn't something he wanted to do. She was so lovely, and he found himself hoping that things would go well. Boring her would not lend itself to that goal.
"Maybe I should pick up a new hobby or two. Any suggestions?" he asked, wondering if it would seem strange to suggest trying something new together. It seemed like a great way to get to know someone, to see how they took in new information and how they handled perhaps not being able to do something very well at first.
She laughed and answered with a twinkle in her eyes, “I know where you could find a really patient, hopefully very cute, guitar teacher.” And then she grinned - she was just joking, though if anyone she knew had ever wanted to learn an instrument, she was the sort who was happy to try and help.
“You know, I’ve always wanted to learn how to cook. Like, properly cook, something really elegant and high brow.” It sounded so silly. “I mean, I can cook, but not like a chef, if that makes sense? I’d just love to have one really amazing dish I can pull out of my head to, I dunno, impress someone or pamper myself, you know? What about you? Anything you’ve ever wanted to try?”
Fred grinned back at her. It was promising that she would suggest that, even if in jest, right? "That could be fun, definitely. Not sure I'd be a good student though." He didn't have any natural talent in music, as far as he knew.
He listened with interest as she told him of her long-standing desire. "That's an admirable desire," he told her. "I bet they have cooking classes somewhere." Hadn't he just been wondering at doing something like that together? "What do you think? A good idea for a second date?" he asked, perhaps with a bit more confidence than he felt. He wasn't entirely sure if what he was feeling was genuine chemistry with her, but he enjoyed her company and wanted to see if there could be something there.
Vi looked up through her eyelashes, shy and surprised at his suggestion. “You’d like a second date?” Despite her nerves, her smile was radiant. She would certainly like to see him again. And a cooking class sounded a lot of fun, even if it seemed a little... couply.
“I’d like that a lot,” she added somewhat quickly, hoping he wouldn’t change his mind thanks to her disbelief.
Fred's smile was warm and bashful all at once, and he nodded slightly. "I'd like to get to know you better, so yes, I think I would like a second date," he answered. He wasn't actually sure what the protocol for this sort of thing usually was. Did people typically plan their next date whilst on their current one? Or was that a social faux pas?
"I'll look into cooking classes and let you know what I find. We'll sort out a time that works for us both," he offered, liking the idea more the more he thought about it. A cooking class would give them a low pressure way of getting to know each other better without any strict social expectations, something he had a feeling they would both appreciate.