InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "I'm incapacitated with fear."

Lisa Turpin (bookshop_mama) wrote in finnigans_rpg,
@ 2014-10-18 23:20:00

Entry tags:

character: lisa turpin, character: percy weasley

Date: Lisa & Percy
Who: Lisa & Percy
What: Date time! Archery and massages oh my!
Where: Devonshire Arms
When: Sunday afternoon
Rating: SFW probably

Lisa had taken her time getting ready for this afternoon; it had been far too long since she'd even had a drink with an attractive member of the opposite sex, let alone spent and entire afternoon with a man she found both attractive and interesting. So, if she had little butterflies it could mostly be chalked up to being rusty, and hoping that someone of Percy's background would be okay masquerading the day as Muggles.

She'd sent Christopher off with Mrs. Kettlering for an afternoon in the country, visiting Mrs. Kettlering's grandchildren, and spent far too long deliberating what to wear. It was a silly female thing, but Lisa quite enjoyed silly female things from time to time. She's settled on casual, as anything else would look ridiculous on an archery range.

By the time they'd arrived at their destination, she'd calmed somewhat. The easy way Percy had Apparated them there, and his rather surprising comfort in Muggle clothes, had done a lot to ease her initial nervousness. The hotel was gorgeous, and she had to call her her early childhood not to gawk overly much. It had been awhile since she'd been surrounded by such luxury; her grandparent hadn't put much stock in places like this the way her parents did.

They were shown back to the archery range, and equipped with the proper tools. "I'm glad there were no child-related emergencies for either of us," she said, as the instructor set up the targets.

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abidingpercy
2014-10-19 04:03 am UTC (link)

It wasn't often that Percy wore Muggle clothing but it did happen on occasion. Of course even in Muggle-wear he was his usual Percy-ish self in black denim trousers and a button-down shirt, with a light jacket just in case a chill took over. He had spent the time before meeting his 'date' attempting to relax after his trying morning - visits with Allegra were trying at the best of times let alone when he had news to impart.

He was thankful, however, that his raffle had been won by someone he knew and had a lovely afternoon with on a previous occasion. It was also nice that as she had a child of her own, she understood his schedule in that regard. He hoped today would be a nice day, and one he planned to use as a practice for when he would have to live like a Muggle on a daily basis.

He picked her up at her place then brought them to the Devonshire Arms. It was magnificent, someplace he'd often imagined himself going to as a youth when he one day would be Minister for Magic. They were met and escorted to their first challenge, and he couldn't help smiling a little nervously at the sight of the archery field.

"Thank M-" He quickly stopped himself, remembering that Muggles probably would look askance at him giving praise to Merlin. "Thank goodness," he corrected, his eyes meeting Lisa's with an apology for his near faux pas. "Have you used a bow and arrow before? I must warn you, I'm far from athletic on occasions such as these."

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bookshop_mama
2014-10-21 12:32 am UTC (link)

She just raised an eyebrow at the look, not sure what it was for. Shrugging it away, she said, "I had a friend back in San Francisco who was mad for bows, so we went once. I'm...not very good. Better with a sword." She grinned. "Don't worry, there's not much more than a steady and a sharp eye needed for this, after a little practice. At least, that's what Becks always said."

The instructor led them through some beginning instruction, then once they had the basic handle on things left them to practice for a bit. "Breathing's the most important part, I think. If I'm remembering correctly," Lisa said once the instructor had gone. "But I don't remember if it's release on exhale or inhale." She shot an arrow experimentally, but it only grazed the target. Shrugging, she turned to watch Percy take his first shot.

Privately she thought he looked really cute with the bow and a serious expression.

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abidingpercy
2014-10-21 05:05 pm UTC (link)

Percy watched warily as the instructor showed them how to knock the arrow and aim the bow. He was thankful there were small, leather bands to protect one's arm from the bowstring - he was afraid he would have to slip away to cast a protection charm. Thankfully, the instructor moved on once they were done their spiel, leaving only Percy and Lisa.

Whatever Lisa thought of her first shot, Percy privately commended her for making any sort of connection to the target. He moved to his own target and did his best to stand the way the instructor had said, holding the bow in his leather-clad hand and knocking the arrow. He raised the bow, doing his best to look along the arrow's path. The biggest problem came, however, when he tried to draw back the string as it took more strength than he had anticipated. He drew back, partially afraid that the bloody thing would snap and smack him in the face, took a breath, then let go.

The arrow planted into the ground half-way between him and the target. His face flushed bright red as he lowered the bow and tried to look as dignified as possible as he turned toward Lisa. "I believe it's your turn," he announced, managing a small smile despite his embarrassment.

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bookshop_mama
2014-10-21 11:00 pm UTC (link)

Lisa giggled, but it held no malice or thought of humiliation. "Harder than it looks, isn't it? Orlando Bloom makes it look so easy in the Lord of the Rings movies." She was pretty certain Percy would have no idea what to make of the reference, but if he asked she'd explain it to him. "You should have seen my first try; I missed the target by a mile and then the next one went way past. It takes awhile to find the right amount of strength."

She moved back to take her next shot, but like the first it missed the target by an inch. She sighed, and shrugged. "Of course, it doesn't matter how much strength if you can't bloody sight the target the right way." She was still grinning though, unembarrassed by her second failed attempt. It had been a long time since she'd been concerned with being perfect all the time.

"So, how was the trade off this morning? You said Lucy was going back to her mother, right?"

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abidingpercy
2014-10-21 11:27 pm UTC (link)

Once, Percy would have bristled at the laughter, immediately assuming it was at his expense. Now, however, he was not only more at ease with family humour, but hearing Lucy's laughter on a regular basis had disabused him of that bout of paranoia. "I haven't seen any 'movies' in quite some time, so I'll have to take your word on that. Though perhaps I'll need to start going soon." It would behoove him to be more involved in Muggle culture if he was to interact with them on a regular basis.

"I believe reaching the general vicinity of the target is the first step, at least. Compared to me, you resemble Robin Hood." He smiled and lifted another arrow to the bow, knocking it and raising the bow to take aim.

The arrow shot out far off his aiming as she asked her question. He winced at both of them. "Yes, the trade-off was civil, though we usually make the effort for Lucy's sake." He also happened to have been asked to father another child, but that was beside the point, and definitely not something to be discussed on a date or any sort. "We had a bit of a discussion because I've just accepted a new position that will begin in November - but don't tell anyone, I haven't spread the word yet," he added with a smile.

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bookshop_mama
2014-10-23 07:17 pm UTC (link)

"I've promised to take Christopher to see the new Disney movie that comes out next month. Something about superheroes I think. You and Lucy are welcome to join us." She was very much in favor of the Wizarding world embracing more of Muggle culture, and if that didn't include Disney movies it would be a very sad world indeed. "Even though it's aimed at children, Disney's usually pretty good at making it interesting for parents as well."

She grinned at the compliment. "Maybe that's who I should dress as for Halloween," she said, watching as his arrow flew wide. "Stance was better that time. I bet you'll be hitting the target before we're done here." Suddenly she wished she'd taken Becky up on the offer of lessons, if only so she could help Percy correct his stance. As it was, she had no idea what he was doing wrong.

"A new position? That's exciting." She couldn't remember exactly what Percy did, something at the Ministry she thought, but a promotion was always exciting. "If I promise not to tell, will you tell me more about it?"

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abidingpercy
2014-10-24 12:26 am UTC (link)

Percy would have liked to have taken her up on her offer, generous as it was, but there was a huge snag that prevented him from accepting. "I'm sure Lucy would enjoy it very much, she quite liked spending time with Christopher. Unfortunately," he said with a small bit of shame, despising this particular issue, "Lucy's mother isn't exactly fond of Muggle culture, and I've promised her not to taker her into that part of the world until she's old enough to make up her own mind." But then wasn't that one of the prices he paid for the mistake of sleeping with a Rosier?

He grinned at the idea of her dressed as Robin Hood. She certainly had the charm for it.

He glowed a little at her encouragement to talk about the job. He had yet to tell his siblings, though he privately wanted to simply avoid the matter - the past haunted him still, and he hadn't quite been able to tell any of them about his promotions ever since they'd reunited after the war. "Well, it isn't anything that prestigious," he said with false modesty. "I shall be the Minister's official liaison with the Prime-Minister, working alongside Muggle ministers and cabinet members, getting to know them and consulting with them on matters that may have an influence on our people, though only the Prime-Minister would know that I'm a wizard."

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bookshop_mama
2014-10-26 03:23 am UTC (link)

"Oh. That's..." A lot of words went through Lisa's head: terrible, prejudiced, fucking stupid, but she didn't say any of them. She quite liked this man, and insulting the mother of his child hardly seemed like the way to go about things. "Generous of you, to respect her wishes." That was about the only positive thing she could think of. "Well, when you're ready to bring her out, if you want company Christoper and I would be happy to tag along."

She took another arrow, notched it, and after a breath let it fly. This time it hit the target in the second ring; far from a bulls eye but respectable enough.

"Not that prestigious," she said, arching a brow in amusement at him. "Oh, certainly. It's just another office job." She elbowed him playfully, and grinned. "That's excellent, Percy. Congratulations."

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abidingpercy
2014-10-26 03:16 pm UTC (link)

Lisa wouldn't have been the first to have choice words about Allegra - Percy heard them all the time at Weasley family dinners where Lucy wasn't present, not to mention half the times he visited his parents and siblings - but thankfully, Percy wasn't forced to explain any further or, Merlin forbid, have to defend the woman. He didn't agree with her on so many things, but she was Lucy's mother and thus was afforded some respect. Lisa's response, in fact, rose her in his estimation by quite a bit. "Thank you. And may I offer an alternative, that should you and Christopher wish to do something in our world with Lucy and I, we would be more than happy to have the company."

He smiled and made a small clap at her achievement. "Well played. You are getting much better with every attempt."

Percy's lips twisted into a smirk at the elbow and the good wishes. "I'm endeavouring to be less boastful than I used to be. But yes, I'm quite proud of having been offered. It will mean many changes, but in the end, I believe it will have more benefit than loss."

He took his bow and arrow and repositioned himself, drawing the string back, and the arrow flew and finally made contact with the target. It lodged itself into the very outer edge, not even on a colour, but it had hit.

"So how has work been for you?"

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bookshop_mama
2014-10-29 05:17 pm UTC (link)

"I heard there's some sort of Wizarding museum?" Lisa turned it into a question, since she wasn't sure what that would entail. "Is it child-friendly? Christopher could do with learning more about things. And I told him I'd take him to a Quidditch game." She made a face, because Quidditch held no appeal to her, but Christopher was starting to be very interested. "We'd love company."

"There's a difference between boastful, and being genuinely proud of your accomplishments. This is a very big deal. What does your family say, or have you not told them yet?" From their conversations thus far, she got the feeling there was some complicated history with Percy and his family. That was something she could understand.

She grinned, pleased with the compliment. On his next shot he managed to make contact with the target, and she applauded playfully. "Nicely done. I might have a rival for Robin Hood before the end of the afternoon."

Always excited to talk about the bookstore, she aimed her next shot as she talked. "It's going amazingly well. We'll be having a Halloween part at the end of the month, and then it'll be the Christmas season. I've taken on another part-time employee, and may have to hire another for the month of December."

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abidingpercy
2014-11-01 02:07 am UTC (link)

Percy lit up at the mention of the wizarding museum. "There is, in Tutshill. I take Lucy there often, though I wouldn't recommend the Harry Potter exhibit - it's full of questionable information from Rita Skeeter of all people. But... it would be nice for us to have company as well."

His face grew tight. He wasn't proud of his history with his family, but it was there, unescapable. "My parents are all right with it - my mother will be helping to educate Lucy while I'm away in the Muggle world. My siblings, well, they'll hear of it eventually." He didn't mean to sound callous, but it wasn't something he was ready to discuss at the moment.

Percy was about to respond on the subject of her work when a representative from the Arms came over to call them to the next item on their 'prize's' agenda, which happened to be the massage. He blushed but tried to put on his best I'm game face for Lisa's benefit. "Shall we?" he asked.

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bookshop_mama
2014-11-05 01:06 am UTC (link)

"Wonderful. We'll set something up for the next time you have Lucy, yeah?" Christopher would be delighted; he'd had a lot of fun with Lucy at the park and had asked Lisa about a playdate. "And really, a Harry Potter exhibit? What does he have to say about that?" She didn't know Potter, but she couldn't fathom why he'd allow such a thing, unless the tabloids were to be believed about his fame-whore status.

There was definitely a story there, she thought, but forced herself not to ask the questions. If he wanted to tell her, he would. "I'm sure your mother is happy for extra time with Lucy. That's the only thing I regret about bringing Christopher here; that my grandparents can't spend more time with him. They're coming for Christmas though, so that's only two months from now." It was a very obvious gambit had moving the subject away from his family, but she hoped it would be appreciated.

Oh, and there he went being adorable again. She really did like a man who blushed; it was refreshing. "We shall." She'd been excited about this part. There was nothing quite like a good massage, and it had been ages since she'd had a proper one. "And don't worry, I'll try not to peek."

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abidingpercy
2014-11-06 04:04 am UTC (link)

Percy smirked. "To my knowledge, Mister Potter is not aware of the exhibit in question... at least until his date, which from what I saw will be at the museum in question, so he is likely discovering its existence as we speak."

He nodded, understanding the sentiment. "Sometimes a better life for one's family means separation, but it is nice that they will come visit at least."

Percy blushed even further at her comment about not peeking - sometimes it was terrible being so fair-skinned - but he ignored it in favour of extending his elbow to his companion for her to take. They were led up toward the building and inside, and were stopped before two doors. The representative of the business explained that they were to enter the rooms and disrobe, dress in a terrycloth robe, and exit through the other door to the room where their massage would take place.

"I suppose this is where we part, if only for a few minutes. I shall see you shortly," he promised as he let go of her arm, made a polite bow, and entered the indicated door.

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bookshop_mama
2014-11-11 01:06 am UTC (link)

"That sounds like it has the potential to blow up quite spectacularly," Lisa said, and was just very glad she wasn't Harry Potter, or anyone close to him. She'd hate to have her personal life on display.

She took his arm rather than remark on his blush, and they followed the staff member to the spa area. She flashed him a grin, finding the bow charming if old fashioned, and headed through the appropriate door. It was a quick job of exchanging clothes for the robe, and she quickly pinned up her hair to keep it out of the masseuse's way.

The massage room itself was something else, the lights were dim but there was enough light to see by. There were candles flickering, giving off a subtle scent that she figured was meant for relaxation. There was soft music playing, and Percy was already waiting. He stood rather stiffly, and she wondered if this was his first experience with massage. Hopefully he would enjoy it.

"Fancy meeting you here," she said, smiling at him. She didn't remove her robe yet, as the room was still empty save for Percy.

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