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Tweak says, "Keep refreshing."

Alice Eliana Longbottom (askalice) wrote in landing_rpg,
@ 2008-10-15 00:09:00

Current mood:

cheerful

who; Bryce Ambercrombie and Alice Longbottom
when; Valentine's Day. Around 10 o’clock when she excuses herself from the ball.
where; The Entrance Hall and then probably the grounds.
what; Because Alice doesn’t want to be at the ball and Bryce invited her to go on a walk and it sounded so lovely…
rating; TBD upon further discussion.
status; Closed/in progress

Alice was more than ready to retreat from the ball by the time 10 o’clock rolled around. She was having a fairly good time with Rosalie, but it was still a dance for couples, and she still felt as though she shouldn’t really be there. Not to mention that she was rather looking forward to taking a walk with Bryce. If she could just let everything go, and not think about studying and all the things that were laying just at her feet, she’d be happy. The way that Bryce had described this late stroll was so enticing. She couldn’t help but say yes, despite the fact that she knew her brother would be less than pleased should he find out. Frank just didn’t like Bryce much.

She excused herself under the pretense of heading back to her dorm, though she left a little room for an excuse if Rosalie were to return to the dorm before she did. She wasn’t sure how long her friend would stay, so she just left a vague ‘or something’ on the end of her statement and gave a small wave as she retreated. She really felt overly fancy in the dress that she wore, but it seemed to fit among a lot of what the other girls were wearing. She felt a bit like Cinderella with no Prince Charming, really. Except for the fact that she had Bryce waiting outside ready to go for a walk with her. Well, he might not have been a date, but he was certainly a good friend and she was looking forward to that peace and quiet.

She wasn’t sure what he would bring her, but he said that he wanted to see her in her dress, so she was going to allow that. Of course she would. Why would she say no? She walked out, leaving the couples and music behind her, scanning the Entrance hall for Bryce, finally spotting him. She walked over with a smile, “Hey, Bryce.”

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badgerking
2008-10-15 06:52 pm UTC (link)

It had been a long few weeks for Bryce, studying, keeping his Quidditch team in order, and living a life only a student of Hogwarts could. It didn't offer him much free time as of late and that was something he sorely missed. It had taken away from being with the people he cared about, mingling with friends and just enjoying the time he had with them. Merlin only knew where they all would wind up after their final year. Of course, Bryce wanted nothing more than to play Quidditch, but if that didn't pan out, he did have some idea of what he wanted to do, perhaps open his own Quidditch store. Still, that was in the future and he was here in the now. The night of the Ball left the castle quiet and empty. It was wonderful. Though he missed the busy sounds of everyday life, the pressure he had put himself through had warranted a need for a little quiet. It did help too, that he was heading off to meet with one of his dear friends, Alice. She was one of if not the sweetest girl he'd ever met and a night with her would instantly lift his spirits.

Never one to fret over such things as not finding a date or having a girlfriend Bryce was fine without attending such events. It was hard to deal with during holidays though. He really didn't have anyone to share them with except his friends and even though he was happy in doing that, there was always the want of having a romantic connection to someone. Checking the time, Bryce closed his book and eagerly readied himself. It was nearly 10, which meant it was close to him seeing Alice and catching up with her. Gathering the bag of clothes he had promised to bring, Bryce slipped on a Hufflepuff Quidditch jacket and made his way out of his dorm and through the empty halls and towards the agreed rendevous.

As he waited, Bryce listened through the doors of the Great Hall at the chatter and music of the Ball. It was tempting to take a peek but he managed to resist. In the next moment he heard his name being called out. Turning around, Bryce saw Alice approaching him. As always a smile lit up his features and the dress she was wearing..... she looked marvelous. "Hey, Ally." He greeted her. "Wow, you look great. Breathtaking. Maybe I should have forgotten to bring your change of clothes." He teased a little, still holding his smile as he handed the bag of her clothing over. "It's really good to see you again. It's been far too long.

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askalice
2008-10-15 08:56 pm UTC (link)

Alice knew that to get very far in life, she'd really have to step up the game. Yes, she was in Ravenclaw, but that didn't mean that she enjoyed doing her work. In fact, essays and such things seemed a bit boring to her. She'd much rather be working with people, doing hands on things. Part of her still wasn't sure what she wanted to do, while the other half of her was leaning toward something in the medical field. She loved playing Quidditch, but she didn't really think that it would take her very far in the long run of things. She was good, but she wasn't that good. Plus, she wasn't competitive enough to play professionally. Life would probably lead her where she could help people...where she would have interaction with others all the time. She'd thought about running her own business like her mother, but she wasn't sure if she would really be that great at it. Most thoughts of the future, however, were lost for the moment. She just wanted to live in the present and catch up with her friend. It wasn't every day that she had a chance to hang out with Bryce. She was definitely looking forward to having just a little bit of quiet, even if it was only for a while. The twirling couples and the music about love was starting to make her just a tad bit envious, something that was rare for her. She was sure that if she could just get away for a while and relax, it would allow her to put on that easy smile and just enjoy the evening. Bryce was good at that, making her feel at ease.

Alice hadn't really worried about finding a date, but she surely didn't want to go to the ball without one. Of course, Darcy had found a way to talk her into it. Darcy could find a way to make Alice do almost anything that she didn't want to do. She had a hard time saying no to anyone, whether they were her close friend or not. Still, being around everyone, and not having a romantic interest of her own got her a little down. She just kept waiting, hoping that the clock would strike 10 that much sooner. Then, she could escape and have that walk with Bryce. She had barely been able to stand it by the time it came around. The night seemed to be moving so slowly.

She was happy to see his smile. Knowing that she could put it there made it even better. She liked it when she could make people happy. A flush took her cheeks when he complimented her. It wasn't every day that someone called her breathtaking, "Thanks, Bryce. It feels like a bit much, though...really, who wants to get dressed up like this for absolutely no one?" she asked, speaking the words that had been so hard to say before that night, but at the moment, she wasn't really worrying. When he handed her the bag, a relieved smile came over her face, "I owe you for this. But it really has been too long. I missed talking with you," she said. She gave a quick grin as she looked over her shoulder, "I'll be right back," she said, gesturing with the bag to what she knew was an empty classroom. She disappeared there for a few minutes, changing as fast as she could, letting her hair down in it's soft waves, and slipping into the comfortable jeans, t-shirt, and Ravenclaw Quidditch jacket. It was much more comfortable than that dress. Sticking it in the bag and sending it to her room with a flick of her wand, she came back out with a bit more bounce in her step, happy to be dressed normally again, "I'm ready when you are!"

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badgerking
2008-10-16 08:42 pm UTC (link)

Bryce knew she would look positively gorgeous but even he wasn't expecting the sight before him. Alice had always been a beautiful girl and tonight it was clear. The dress didn't wear here, nor was it too fancy, instead, she wore the dress and looked so radiant he half imagined he was dreaming. As she took the bag of clothes and disappeared Bryce went as far as even pinching himself. He knew Frank wasn't that big of a fan of him, but it wasn't as if Bryce himself had done anything to deserve the treatment. He could understand though, being a brother himself it was natural for him to be wary and hate any boy that come near Bryn. It was just one of those things and he didn't figure he could do much of anything besides be her friend and show Frank that he wasn't the type to try anything. Besides, they were just friends, even if there had been a small crush developed on Bryce's behalf over the years.

When Alice finally come back, Bryce stood there, still smiling, still happy that she had agreed to walk with him. Even if the two didn't say much the company of another would be very welcome and refreshing. "Don't mention it, love. It's always nice spending time with a dear friend. And as always, I'm honored to spend a night with you." He'd speak, offering her a small bow before moving to link his arm in hers and began walking towards the exit. Once outside, the fresh air almost immediately rejuvenated him. Bryce stood still for just a moment breathing in a few lungfuls of the crisp cool oxygen letting out a refreshed sigh with each exhale. "Beautiful, isn't it?" He'd ask, looking at her more than he was around the grounds. Sure, he may be a little too obvious, but he hoped she wouldn't take it in any way but flattering and/or endearing. "I have to admit. When I found out you'd be coming with me, I took the liberty of making a few small plans. I couldn't resist." Bryce said as he started walking again, leading her towards the gardens. It was such a lovely place and though she wasn't his date for the evening, it seemed fitting. "Anyway, I do hope you like it. And thank you. It does me good to spend time with you. How is everyone? Professor Longbottom, Frank, the family?"

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askalice
2008-10-16 09:22 pm UTC (link)

Alice never truly saw herself as the gorgeous girl the guys paid attention to. She knew that she was pretty, but she never really gave herself much credit. Perhaps it was part of where she cared for others more than she did for herself. It was hard for her to do something just because she wanted to. People always said she didn't see herself clearly. She tried to be good and please others, most of all her brother and parents. It was hard for her to do things that they didn't approve of...but maybe for once she was going to do something for her. What if she was going on a walk with Bryce? At the moment...Frank was having his fun, and she was going to have hers. She deserved that, didn't she? She'd always thought Bryce was a good person, and quite frankly, she always thought of him as something more. Of course, she'd never let herself say it without his encouragement...she was terrified of rejection.

She could be comfortable with him whether they were speaking or silent. It didn't really matter much to her as long as she was in his company. She had missed doing stuff like this. She couldn't help but blush when he called her that endearment...'love', "I can't really think of anyone else I'd rather spend this evening with," she told him truthfully. Who better to spend Valentine's day with than her crush and friend? She offered a little curtsy of her own along with his bow, linking her arm with his and letting him lead her. Could he hear the frantic beating of her heart? As soon as the cold air hit her warm face, it made her feel a little calmer. Taking in deep breaths of the cool night air helped soothe the butterflies in her stomach. She didn't miss the fact that when he said it was beautiful he was looking at her, and it made her breath hitch just slightly as a deeper blush took her cheeks, "It is," she said smally, a shy smile on her lips, glancing up at him. Could he really mean that? When he mentioned plans, it definitely peaked her interest, melting away some of that shyness that had overtaken her so quickly, "Really?" As she looked up at him, her eyes bright and curious, she couldn't help but wonder just what kind of plans they were. She kept walking with him, now toward the gardens, "I'm sure I will. I love the time I get to spend with you...though I just wish there were more of it." She paused for a moment, considering what to say about her family, "Mum has recently gotten addicted to romance novels. Dad's just doing his thing teaching, but I really think it's worth it for him...he's always loved Herbology, and he gets to keep an eye on me, Frank, and Becken. I don't think Frank is freaking out about N.E.W.T's as much as I am...but I guess it's just school life like us for him," she babbled easily. It wasn't hard to talk about her family.

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badgerking
2008-10-16 09:53 pm UTC (link)

Bryce just listened as she spoke, her voice carrying a soothing affect as her words drifted through to his ears. It was easy to keep his focus on her, even with the beauty of the gardens surrounding them. His plans were anything but extravagant, but he couldn't help but want to at least try and give her a Valentines Day she deserved. He still had the hardest time believing she hadn't been asked to the Ball, even if he was somewhat glad she didn't. He may not of had the chance to spend time with her otherwise. It was nice to hear that her family was doing well, the Longbottoms were among the nicest people he had ever had the pleasure of meeting. Even Frank, despite his big burly self, the guy was easy to talk to, despite the sense of not being liked. "Well, I'm the luckiest bloke here tonight, Ally. One would be hard pressed to find another like you. So lovely, kind, caring, sweet, loving. You're one of a kind, Alice Longbottom. Bryce would tell her, grinning a bit as he thought of the small gift he had made for her.

Finally coming to a stop, Bryce made sure to take her to the part of the gardens he thought she'd enjoy the most. A medium sized bed of White Roses lay before them and though it was cold, they still had life, blooming just as radiant as ever. He was lucky as most flowers would not have lived in the frigid weather. Still, even so, there they were, a bed of White Roses shining in the light of the moon. Unlinking his arm from hers, Bryce retrieved his wand, giving it a small flick aimed at the roses. He hoped he wasn't taking it too far, but he just couldn't resist seeing her reaction. It was a simple charm he cast, hoping he had done it right, Bryce watched the flowers intently. Within an instant the roses in the bed began to realign themselves, angling in this direction and that direction. As his magic went to work, Bryce stowed his wand and positioned himself right next to Alice once more. Glancing back at the flower bed, his experiment had seemed to work! Each rose had shifted and moved until they had spelled out the phrase Be my Valentine?. He didn't say anything, just simple took her hand in his smiling as he looked down at her.

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askalice
2008-10-17 01:04 am UTC (link)

It was nice to know that he was actually listening to her words and not just staring off into space, daydreaming about something else. When she spoke, she had Bryce's attention. That was important to her. Really, she hadn't thought that she really deserved any special Valentine's day treatment, because she hadn't had a date, but this was better. She was starting to thank Merlin that she hadn't caught any other guy's attention. It would have been pretty much impossible for her to turn someone down...that's just how she was, "What about your family? Bryn seems to be doing okay, but what about the rest?" Alice loved Bryn to death. She was really one of the kindest people that she knew. The petite blond still wasn't sure how her brother could be so...distrusting and easily judgemental of Bryce. It kind of hurt her...because she couldn't tell him to think differently, but she also couldn't tell Frank that she fancied Bryce. The compliments he gave seemed extravegant...but they made her stomach flip pleasantly. He was definitely charming, "I feel lucky, being here with you," she replied, looking up at him through thick lashes with a smile.

When they came to a stop and she actually looked away to see her surroundings, she couldn't help but gasp just slightly. She never would have thought that it was even possible, the sight that laid before her. She hadn't really gone out to the gardens, because she didn't really think that her favorite flower would have survived...the greenhouses were usually her limit when it was this sort of weather. But there they were...white roses, dozens of them. She hadn't really seen Bryce retrieve his wand, but then they all started moving, rearranging, forming what seemed to be indistinct shapes at first, but then...they formed words. It took her breath away, the splendor that was before her. It was singularly the most romantic thing any bloke had ever done for her before. She felt his hand taking hers, and she couldn't help but look up, a smile crossing her face, "I wouldn't be anyone elses," she said softly, still in awe. It had only been a few moments, and he had made it the best Valentine's day she'd ever had already. Could it get any better?

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