Evander Macmillan is rolling his eyes at you. (![]() ![]() @ 2013-01-16 15:15:00 |
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Evander wasn’t always the most reliable of people. He generally intended to be, for he didn’t like to not be a fan of his word, but sometimes promises flew by the wayside. Mostly because he forgot. He was easily distracted that way sometimes. It was easy to lose track of time when you were spending loads of it napping. And this time of year was really rather good for napping. But truly, Evander often felt bad about it, so he was extra sure to make sure that he followed up on the promised walk with Felicity. It didn’t hurt that he actually rather enjoyed her company, and she was certainly easy to look at. The weather on Wednesday didn’t seem like it would be too dreadful, and he had the day wide open, so that seemed as good as any. Perhaps a walk down by the lake would be lovely, if it wasn’t too muddy. So with his hands stuffed in his pockets, he waited for Felicity at the entrance hall, thinking it would be an enjoyable afternoon. Felicity had a lot on her mind as she headed to meet Evander. After her talk with Amaltheia about blood purism and the well-meaning accusation that she would be polluting his blood if she ever married him, and that she could be no more than a secret snog with him, there was an element of wariness about her as she walked down the corridors. After all, she did like Evander and she was hoping that he liked her. It wasn't that she wanted to marry him, but she didn't want to be told that she wasn't good enough for anybody, especially when she worked so hard to be worthy of those with pure blood. But, there had been nothing to say that a walk would not just be a walk. And if it turned into something more, well, Felicity had decided it would be all right. She would manage what happened afterwards well, no matter what they might be. "Hello," she called to Evander cheerfully. "Having a nice day?" She was, as it was her birthday and the weather was cooperating for her to have a nice day out with Evander. She knew that Amaltheia was planning something for her birthday so how could she not be in a good mood. "Lovely day outside." “It is, isn’t it!” Evander chimed with a smile. “I was really thrilled to see that the weather was going to cooperate. I was afraid that it might not, and then I’d miss out on this walk.” And now that he was there with Felicity, he was looking forward to it very much. “And I’ve been having a lovely day. Wednesdays are nice and relaxing for me. But how are you doing today, Felicity?” Evander took a step before opening the door and then offering an arm out to Felicity. “Shall we?” "Wednesdays are lovely days," Felicity said, taking his arm. After all, she only had Ancient Runes and it was nice to have such a relaxing day in the midst of the week. "Not many classes for you, I assume?" She tried to bite back a smile but, in the end, she couldn't. "Well," she said softly. "Actually, today is my birthday. And I've found it a very agreeable day so I have no complaints. I think Theia is planning a party for me after dinner, although she won't give me the slightest of details, and so I think that today is going to be altogether lovely." Evander might have chimed back about how his schedule was rather lovely this year and how his Wednesdays were entirely free, though that did always risk the topic of what on earth he’d do with his hodge-podge of classes, but that was a topic far more likely to be broached by Helena than anyone else. But the confession of new information (A birthday! How lovely!), changed the topic entirely. “Today is your birthday?” he asked with a grin, looking over at Felicity. “I’m afraid I hadn’t a clue, I hope you’ll forgive me. Had I realized, I would have gotten you a present.” It was a pity it was winter. If it had been spring or summer, he could have picked her a flower or something. Though if they went by the greenhouses... “I’m sure Amaltheia is planning something lovely for you. She’s rather good at planning delightful things, I think. If he way she manages Choir is any indication.” "Yes, it is," she said happily. "I've left the golden 'of age' year. And now this is the year I'll leave Hogwarts and... Well, go off and make my fortunes, I suppose," she said jokingly. "At least become a Ministry worker bee." She smiled at him. "But you're younger," she said. "You haven't had your birthday yet, have you? Still in that golden year. It's been good to you, I hope? And you're right about Amaltheia. She's so wonderful at organizing things. She really has a flair for parties and that sort of thing." “Not until March,” Evander said. “But I’m happy to continue basking in that golden year until I positively have to leave it. Not that the following years won’t be lovely, of course. I’m sure they will be as well. Are you actually planning on becoming a Ministry worker bee?” The idea sounded pretty dreadful to him, but he wasn’t going to let that show. Evander did fairly well at hiding his opinions when he wanted to. “I thought we might walk down by the lake if it’s not too muddy. Unless there’s somewhere else you’d like to go? As its your birthday after all.” She actually knew it was March. Sure, she was fuzzy on the date, but one remembers things when one is attracted to another. Never mind that he didn't remember her birthday. That didn't have to mean anything at all, Felicity decided. "I hope the end of your 17th year is full of wonderful things," she told him, a bit over-eagerly. "And the rest of your years, too. I am, actually," she said. "Either in Wizengamot Support or the Office of the Minister if I'm lucky. Those are the only jobs I really see worth having in the Ministry. Of course I'll never neglect my horses," she said, as though she thought Evander might think she was considering abandoning Helios and Hermes. "What about..." she said. "What about the greenhouses?" For if he was going to kiss her, it would likely be there. And although she wasn't altogether sure what would come after it, she still wanted the chance to finally have her first kiss. And on a day that was magical, too. “The greenhouses are lovely at the moment,” Evander agreed, starting to steer the two of them in that direction. He was certainly happy to go with that, for the greenhouses were some of this places in all of Hogwarts. While he wasn’t necessarily the epitome of hard work and dedication in any of his subjects, really, Herbology was as close as he tended to come, and he actually got enjoyment out of that. Sometimes he thought that if his tentative plans to become an actor didn’t work out, he could become a gardener. Not that his parents would particularly approve of that, either. “Some of the plants that are out are truly worth seeing, I think. Plus it is a bit brisk out here, isn’t it?” he asked, before adding, “and I can’t imagine you’d ever neglect your horses. But I’m sure a job in Wizengamot Support or the Office of the Minister would be truly worthy of you. I could see you doing quite well.” "I haven't seen them in ages," she admitted. "But I imagine they would be. You'll have to show me all that your class is working on." She leaned a little against his arm as they walked. "You do love Herbology, don't you?" she said. "I thought the subject was interesting enough, but I'm afraid I don't have a green thumb. Animals like me well enough, but not plans." She had to nod about the coldness. While the sun was out, there was still snow everywhere. Her boots and some spells kept her from getting wet but that didn't change the temperature. She smiled at the compliment he gave. "Thank you very much," she said. "I do hope so. I know I'm all horses this and horses that but I think that one must also do their part for government if they are suited for it. And I would like to make a difference in the world, somehow." She paused for a moment. "Have you decided what you want to do after Hogwarts?" Felicity asked. “Ah, see, the animals didn’t like me nearly as much as the plants do,” Evander replied, deciding to answer that part of her questions first so he could ponder an appropriate response to her last. There were times when he wasn’t sure he was even going to go through with his plans to pursue acting, or even necessarily how to go about it. But while it was something he’d confessed to his sister and even a few friends, he wasn’t sure Felicity would really approve of such things. But he didn’t have an interest in lying to her either. “I think it makes plenty of sense to love your horses but still want to explore other possible opportunities,” he said, before pausing for a moment and directing her toward one of the greenhouses and heading inside. It was instantly so much warmer inside, though a humid sort of warmth. “I haven’t decided,” he finally said, addressing her last question. “I might think about something with Herbology, because I do enjoy it more than most subjects. But I’m entertaining other ideas, too.” "Then we're switched," she said. "Opposites of a sort." She took off her gloves as they reached the inside of the greenhouse. It was nice inside, a warmth that made her feel more comfortable and relaxed than she had outside the greenhouse. She was enjoying her time with Evander quite a lot. Felicity thought of telling him but even she, with her inability to properly communicate at times, realized that that would probably be too much. "Herbology would be good, if you like it," she said. "There's always coming up with new sorts of plants. Not to mention everyone needs a good herbologist if they're going to brew potions correctly." She was curious about the other things he was thinking about and almost didn't ask. But she wasn't sure if he was hoping she would ask or not, so she finally said, "What sorts of other things? If you want to share, that is." “That’s very true. I was never much for potions really either, but taking care of the plants for the potions, that’s something I daresay I could manage,” he replied. Evander wasn’t sure he wanted to share because he rather liked the fact that Felicity seemed to be fond of him, so he didn’t want to disappoint her, necessarily. And he wasn’t necessarily so sure of himself, either. “Sometimes I ponder the idea of running about and pursuing an acting career,” he replied after a moment. “It’s a bit of a lark, really. Hardly practical. But I like the idea of doing something a touch more interesting than the family business. Cleaning supplies isn’t really the most fascinating of industries.” Glancing about the greenhouse, Evander walked away from Felicity to the opposite wall, reaching out and taking a cutting of one of the plants, before walking back over and holding out a lovely little purple flower. “For your birthday. I apologize I don’t have a more proper present.” "I'm sure you could manage it," she said encouragingly. "In fact, I have no doubts about it." Although Evander might have thought that she would not approve of his doing acting, she did, in fact, think that was an admirable way to go. Of course, Felicity did not think of his acting in small parts and fighting to become top of the heap. If Evander wanted to become an actor he would surely be the best actor that there was, and he would be starring in roles immediately. "Oh, that's wonderful," she said. "You have such a good voice, for singing and speaking, and you're very handsome and charming. I'm sure that you would make a tremendously good actor, Evander. I would come and watch you perform. I'm sure it would be a treat." She took the flower and blushed a little. "No, don't be sorry," she said. "This is lovely. Really." “You’re exceptionally kind, Felicity,” Evander replied with a smile. He was pleasantly surprised at her response, as he hadn’t been sure she would really approve of something so unconventional. It was nice to get reassurance. It really, truly was. “I do hope you realize how lovely a person you are.” In fact, Evander really didn’t understand why more people didn’t like Felicity Fletwock. "Oh," she said. "Nonsense." But she drank it in, pleased that he thought so. She really wanted him to think she was a lovely person. "Thank you, really, Evander, for those kind words. It's you who are exceptionally kind." She was flushing and twirled the flower round in her fingers as she tried to think of something clever to say. Nothing was coming to her. She seemed a little taken aback and finally Evander just laughed a little, grinning all the same. “Then perhaps we’re both exceptionally kind. Do you like the flower then? Would you like another? I’m happy to cut you a whole grand bouquet, anything you’d like!” He paused for a moment, glancing around. “Except of those ones in the corner over there. I think they’d attempt to kill us if we tried, and I imagine death wasn’t on your list of birthday activities,” he added with a gesture to one of the corners. "I can agree with that, then, if you're accepting my compliment," she said happily. She wasn't sure why he was laughing but it couldn't be for anything bad, could it? She laughed a little too, just pleased to be in his company. "A whole bouquet?" she said, a bit surprised. She bit her lip and nodded. "If you're allowed," Felicity said. "Then, well, that would be positively lovely." No one not related to her had ever given her a bouquet before. "And let's do stay away for those in the corner. I really would like to live to be 19, if that's at all possible the way the Muggles are dropping bombs everywhere." She walked around the greenhouse, examining the plants that didn't seem too dangerous as Evander gathered a bouquet for her. “I do wish the muggles would stop doing that. It’s all rather bothersome, and I get tired of hearing how close the houses come to killing each other every air raid,” Evander remarked as he walked around and took some cutting of various flowers that he thought would look nice together. He wasn’t sure he was actually allowed to be doing this, but nobody else was in the greenhouse to object, so he didn’t much care. Besides, he felt a little bad that he hadn’t known it was her birthday. “I definitely think you had a point when you referred to them as barbarians. It’s hard to see how anyone wouldn’t think of them that way, with the way they’re so intent on bombing each other.” He walked back over to her, holding out her bouquet to her. "One day they'll end up killing each other and that will be that," she said hopefully. Muggles really could do to be gotten rid of. She didn't care for them at all and then they'd stop having Muggleborn children that were such an odious problem at school. "Get rid of the mudbloods as well," she said, voicing her thoughts. She was pleased that he agreed with her. She only wished he'd defended her on the post. But you can't have everything you want. She took the bouquet and smelled it. The fragrance was heavenly. "Thank you, Evander," she said, gazing down at it. "This is the sweetest birthday present I'll probably receive tonight. Something so spontaneous and kind." “I just wish we didn’t have to suffer their bombs and flying whatevers all the time,” Evander said with a sigh. The mudbloods ought to go too, he agreed with that, but rather thought he should move things to happier conversation. Birthdays weren’t the time for conversations about death and mudbloods. “I’m truly glad you like it, Felicity. Though I’m also sure your party tonight will be even more lovely. A lovely day for a lovely person. It’s awfully fitting.” Felicity gently touched a petal of a flower and worried it until, unfortunately, the petal dropped to the ground. She took a deep breath and looked up at Evander. "You really are exceptionally kind to me." She said, standing there and wondering if he was going to kiss her. Now would probably be the moment. But perhaps he didn't kiss halfbloods. She knew he had gone on dates with Rosemary and Morgan, but... “You’ve never given me a reason not to be, Felicity,” Evander said, taking a step closer and looking at her. He wondered for a moment if Felicity would find it proper for him to kiss her. He wasn’t opposed and the moment was appropriate, but then again, Felicity was hardly Gwen and might take it all a touch more seriously. Evander did like to think of himself as a gentleman, the majority of the time. “I do hope you realize that you’re quite deserving of people being kind to you,” he said, before reaching out and taking her hand, giving it a slight squeeze before finally leaning down and giving her a kiss on the cheek. Well, thank you," Felicity said, looking at him with a hopeful, expectant smile. She knew that this was the moment where it would all be clear if she had a chance with him or not. And as he came closer, it seemed as though it were really, truly happening. A Pureblood thought her worthy of him for a kiss. Her hands felt as though they were ready to go wet as he took her hand and squeezed it. She breathed deeper when -- He kissed her cheek. She was so overcome with disappointment that it was a good thing she had just been breathing so deeply and filling her lungs with air. Because everything else felt so deflated that it took her a second to recover and beam up at him, years of hiding how she truly felt about situations and people helping her tremendously as she didn't let on that she was disappointed in what was could have been the best way to begin her 18th year. "You are beyond charming," she told Evander pleasantly, hugging the bouquet to her stomach and giving him the best version of a coquettish smile that she could muster in her disappointed state. If Felicity was truly wishing for something else, Evander was unaware, thinking that he was being an appropriate gentleman. He didn’t truly want to lead anyone on, and it wasn’t like he was courting her, in the moment anyway. He did always have that pureblooded pressure. But they were young, who was truly to say one way or another. In the moment a kiss on the cheek felt fully appropriate. “Happy birthday, Felicity,” Evander said before smiling. “Now, do you want to brave the outside some more, or shall we escape to another greenhouse?” |