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Post by lizareese on Mar 27, 2008 19:36:51 GMT -5
Saturday July 22, 2008
For weeks Liza heard about the Music Festival and for weeks she knew she was the lucky pick at the Ministry to be on the watch for illegal pets and underground marketing on magical creatures and their parts. How had she known? It was a little bit of fate, destiny, and being an outsider. For over a year she worked in London, quits enjoying the peacefulness of the Ministry and she was still known by many as the German woman. An outsider.
However, since the end of February Liza had requested every other Saturday off, mainly for one reason. And this Saturday fell on her off-day, so she did not have to work the Festival all three days, though she would spend the entire weekend there. And while she did not have to work all three days, she chose to. A few hours in the early part of the Festival that day, but she left enough time to return home and freshen up.
The very reason she chose to attend the Festival was the very reason she had requested every other Saturday to be her leisure day and was likely one of the reasons she remained stationed in London. Nick Taylor, wand shop owner extraordinare, was a wonderful reason.
Late dinners, a few drinks shared, a couple of ventures into muggle London for fun, were all a part of her last few months. He was extremely charming, humorous, intelligent, witty, easy to get along with, and those were only a few of his many qualities. There were a number of others she enjoyed greatly, and had yet to find annoying habits or quirks of the man. Amongst all of his qualities, he was rather good-looking as well.
And while they had been seeing one another quite often, nothing had been made official. At least, not until then.
(Nick)
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Post by Nick Taylor on Mar 28, 2008 22:34:44 GMT -5
It was something Nick Taylor associated with the Hogwarts years, but he and Elizabeth Reese had decided that the Stonehenge Music Festival would be their first date as an "official couple." Not only had the woman been occupying more and more of the wand maker's time, but she had been occupying more and more of the man's thoughts, as well. The progression of their relationship was exciting to the Ollivander's store keeper, but it made him self-conscious, as well.
Standing in his apartment above his shop, Nick smiled at himself in the mirror. The purpose of this smile, however, was not be polite or express happiness. Rather, the intent was to check for food stuck in-between teeth; thankfully, he found none. Satisfied that his breath smelled well his his hair was in place, the man prepared to apparate to the music festival.
With a loud POP, Nick stood near the Stonehenge monument, surveying the scene. Despite this event being the first time he had ever been to Stonehenge, the man felt very comfortable from the previous day of festival attendance. However, this previous experience did not help him find his companion, as the place was swarming with wizards and witches.
Pushing his way through the crowds of people, Nick realized that they should have established a meeting point. Smiling politely here and there and stopping to say a quick hello to those he knew, the man continued to look for his date. He was beginning to think it was going to be impossible.
Finally, however, Nick saw her from across the crowd and began smiling broadly...
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Post by lizareese on Mar 29, 2008 19:26:33 GMT -5
Indeed it was to be a first official date. While they had spent many hours together since meeting one another in his shop, it seemed time did not go as slowly as it needed to. There had been much shifting in her own schedule to accomodate for him, and she did not mind one little bit. He ran his own shop and she worked the "normal" shift at the Ministry, therefore most of their hours correlated, but there were times when she wished he did not have to necessarily spend that extra hour at his shop, or she did not have to take the whole day to catch up on paperwork. However, things were working out well enough she thought. They spent time together, seemed to enjoy one another, and things were not bad or wrong. Things between them, to her at least, felt right.
Lightly curled hair, just enough make-up to be subtle yet obvious, and the smallest hints of perfume and she waited in one spot after another looking for him. They should have decided where to meet, an exact spot, it would have been easier than trying to find one another in the mass crowd that seemed to be everywhere.
Passing by one person after another, a couple, a family, vendors, musicians, and Ministry workers alike, she thought she saw a few others she knew but could not rightfully speak with. They were those she associated with on her own terms, or rather, on Shaw's terms. The only way she was able to recognize them were from the briefest of glimpses of before their masks were donned. However, she knew of nothing occurring this round, this was really a safe area, for now.
Searching from one end to another, she was about to give up and sit in one spot near the welcome booth when her icy blue eyes landed on someone familiar. Unable to hide the broad smile that formed, Liza slowly walked toward him from the side, unsure of whether he had spotted her or not. He really was rather a handsome man.
"Mr. Taylor," she called softly in her prestige tone. It was really nice knowing his name, not to mention being on a date with him, or at least what she could rightfully call a date.
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Post by Nick Taylor on Mar 30, 2008 0:41:06 GMT -5
Making eye contact, Nick couldn't help but smile. The woman truly was gorgeous, and he had no problem remembering how lucky he was. Glancing over her slender body, the man noticed random details regarding her appearance: the curl in her hair, the way her robes complimented her eyes, the way her smile made her cute and seductive at the same time. Elizabeth really was a beautiful woman.
Pushing his way through the crowd, Nick was now mostly disregarding the people he passed. Paying attention only enough not to run into someone or knock an ice cream cone out of a child's hand, the wand dealer focused more on getting himself to Elizabeth rather than smiling politely or saying hello to those he might know.
Finally through the crowds and within hearing distance of his "official date," he smiled and spoke. "Ms. Reese, it is a pleasure to be here with you."
If he was with any other woman, this might be an awkward situation, being that this was the first of a new experience, not to mention a milestone of sorts in their relationship. However, the shop owner had spent so much time with the Ministry official, participating in late-night discussions, getting to know each other over dinner, and other similar activities, that this felt completely normal and logical to Nick. Regardless, he was just happy that this was where their relationship was headed, awkward or not...
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Post by lizareese on Mar 30, 2008 20:15:47 GMT -5
That smile of his was on she had become accustomed to, and rather enjoyed seeing. The taller man was an interesting specimen, and seemed to usually be cheerful about something or other. Elizabeth had bad days, but had yet to see this man have one, which made her wonder if he ever did have them or if he was just extremely talented at hiding them. However, seeing a smile like that, she could not held but let her day wash away and just enjoy the time she had to spend with him.
Wearing her much preferred prescription lenses on that day, despite being on an official date with the man she had been dining casually with since the end of February, Elizabeth had donned comfortable clothing under blue robes that day. If they were going to be walking and standing she preferred not to be in heels or clothing that could be too cool or warm, depending on many factors that day. So, in a lightweight, knee-length lavender skirt and white t-shirt and white tennis shoes hidden beneath the robes, she figured she was dressed well enough. Nick had seen her in a number of outfits, and there were many still packed away in boxes she had yet to open. Why not dress comfortably, even if it was their technical first date?
"The pleasure is all mine," the woman joked with the shop owner. It was her pleasure though, she enjoyed seeing him and spending nearly any amount of time she could with him. There were so many things about him that made her day everyday she did get to see him, which was more often than not as of late.
Maybe it was just those blue eyes of his? Could they be what made her feel as giddy as a schoolgirl when near him? It was possible, anything was possible in the wizarding world.
"And may I inquire as to how you are doing on such a beautiful day as today?" she requested, holding her hands behind her back though she would not have minded hugging the man at least. Kissing had yet to be negotiated, and being their first date, even a peck on the cheek seemed too forward.
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Post by Nick Taylor on Apr 6, 2008 20:40:00 GMT -5
Nick considered himself a very happy and upbeat person, for the most part. However, no man was without at least an occasional bad day, and this included the wand maker. Simply put, there were just those days where he wasn't in the best mood, where he was just all-around grumpy, or where he was just frustrated at everything. None of these days, however, were ever spent with Elizabeth -- he just enjoyed being with her too much to be in a bad mood.
Standing close, but not too close, to his date, Nick's arms dangled awkwardly at his side. The day was bound to be clumsy, as this was their first official date as a couple. Despite this, the shop owner continued to smile broadly. The woman was intriguing, interesting, and incredibly irresistible: how could he do anything but smile?
When she inquired as to how the man was doing, only one response seemed appropriate. Of course, Nick used it: "Much better, now that I am with you. May I ask how you are doing?"
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Post by lizareese on Apr 6, 2008 21:14:25 GMT -5
The creeping blush yet again could not be hidden. Pehaps those around them would merely think she was sunburned, as long as none watched, too avidly, the couple. Better now that he was with her? How could she not deny the same feeling? Since February and it was now July; five months and everyday just seemed to become better and better when in close proximity of the shop owner.
"Quite well," she answered, the large smile, not sure about being as forward as Nick had been. Yes, they had been seeing each other, to put it to terms, but this was their first official date. And although his words had lit up her face like none other, she did not feel comfortable enough to say something so forward back. Completely at ease with him as she was, a relationship with him, at least one such as they were trying, had to be done carefully.
"Where should we begin today?" Elizabeth asked, her native tongue urging to be spoken with the accent she had. And seeing his arms at his sides, the way he was holding them, she could not help herself but to close off the little space between them and slide her hand into his.
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Post by Nick Taylor on Apr 7, 2008 13:59:56 GMT -5
Hogwarts.
It was the last time Nick had really felt like he felt now -- excited, giddy, and nervous, all rolled into one. When Elizabeth slipped her hand into his, he couldn't help but worry that his hands were sweaty. Regardless, he curled his fingers slightly into the most perfect hand-holding position possible, and smiled even more.
Seeing someone he had once sold a wand too in the distance, Nick was once again reminded that they were now an "official couple." To anyone passing them at the music festival, it would be clear by the holding of each other's hands that they were dating. This realization was oddly exciting to the man, as if he had not realized this until that very instance. Being with the woman inspired happy feelings in the wand maker.
"Hmm," the shop owner said, still smiling, as he glanced around. A nearby stand was set up, selling assorted beverages, and a cold drink sounded good to Nick. "Could I buy you something to drink?"
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Post by lizareese on Apr 7, 2008 22:38:19 GMT -5
While Nick was ten years older than herself, she really did not think about the age difference between them too often. Why should she? Did the fact they got along so well not matter as much as the space of years between their ages? Elizabeth was quite sure what mattered most was that they got along so well. Otherwise, what was keeping them together for the time being? He was humorous, good looking, charming, witty, knowledgable, interesting, everything good that was supposed to be.
A smile formed on her lips yet again when he held her hand back, which was nice. Comfortable setting, the onyl person she could think of to be with, and many interesting scenes before them.
"Alright," she answered. "Maybe a lemonade?" Seeing where the stand was, Elizabeth started walking toward it, since Nick asked, she figured that was where they were going.
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Post by Nick Taylor on Apr 11, 2008 21:03:16 GMT -5
Nodding his head after the suggestion of lemonade, Nick was pleased with the choice. He, too, would enjoy a nice cool drink of lemonade on the hot day. However, no agreement was actually necessary because Elizabeth simply started walking towards a stand where lemonade was sold. Seeing as they were hold hands, the shop owner naturally followed, a grin on his face.
"A lemonade sounds great," Nick said, although he realized the discussion was pretty much over. This thought made the man smile even more, which was convenient anyways because they were approaching a plump, smiling woman at the stand.
"Two lemonades," the wand maker said, standing with Elizabeth before the woman at the stand, "please." Using his free hand to feel his pocket for gold, he realized that all of his money was in his other pocket. Untwining his fingers with those of his date, Nick pulled his hand out of hers to pull out a few coins. As soon as he laid them on the booth in front of the couple, he quickly grabbed the German woman's hand again.
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Post by lizareese on Apr 26, 2008 15:40:34 GMT -5
A lemonade did sound wonderful. It was warm enough that something carbonated would not do well on ones stomach nor would something warm suffice. But a nice cool drink, something that would not melt nor scald a mouth worked well enough for the Ministry worker. And when he placed their order she did not think anything of him letting go of her hand. However, as he took it up again, it made her feel like a school-aged girl. The nerves did not want to settle in her stomach like they should, but she did not really mind.
Giving a big smile to the man, Elizabeth was not really sure what to say. But thankfully the wait was not long as the woman soon returned with their order. Now the next question was what were they going to do?
Taking one of the drinks, Elizabeth turned to Nick with a smile. It was nice to be able to know him as Nick, though she liked knowing him as shop owner, Nick had a different feel and it was one she enjoyed.
"Well Nick, where shall we go now?" There were the vendors who were always interesting, but there was also the music which could be fun to listen too.
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Post by Nick Taylor on May 6, 2008 23:06:07 GMT -5
Still surprised at how well their relationship had developed after knowing each other only by their professional titles, the shop owner loved to emphasize the woman's name. "Well, Elizabeth, that is completely up to you. I haven't the slightest idea what vendors are here, and I don't have a schedule of performances either. It's all up to you." Reflecting on his statement, Nick concluded that Elizabeth was a rather nice name, worthy of emphasis.
Looking around, the wand owner realized that he had never been to the Stonehenge monument before this event. He was sure that it looked quite different when there weren't four stage set up, and he was sure that it was normally not quite as busy when it was open to Muggle viewing. Still, it was an impressive sight. He would need to remember to ask Elizabeth, after they decided where they wanted to head to next, if she knew what the prehistoric people used the monument for. She seemed like the type of woman that would know.
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Post by lizareese on May 10, 2008 20:50:34 GMT -5
Laughing lightly at the emphasis of her name, she rather liked how it sounded on his tongue. How the letters melded to form a word in his voice. Not only was the sound somewhat breathtaking, but it was also intriguing. Of course, she had heard other males say her name before, but none had ever sounded quite like the shop owner did while saying her name. "Thank you for the pressure," she answered with a small laugh, her eyes lighting up a little. "Lets go see what is going on at stage number..." she trailed off, thinking of a number. "Three?"
Tugging on Nick as she began walking toward her decided destination, the woman's eyes did not trail as his did, she had not ever seen the area before, but her mind was on other things that did not involve Stonehenge. Taking a drink from her lemonade, Elizabeth looked around as they walked on. While she was not there to work, it was still somewhat her duty to keep an eye on the pets wizards and witches alike had with them.
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Post by Nick Taylor on May 23, 2008 22:17:30 GMT -5
Nodding at the suggestion, the shop owner was perfectly content with checking out stage three first. Responding to the slight tug at his arm, he gladly followed Elizabeth towards the stage. Raising the glass of lemonade to his lips, Nick stole a quick glance at the woman beside him. The man began to grin, but then a thought occurred to him, mid swallow.
Significant others often share resources: families, friends, money, job perks, and the like. While Nick realized that he and Elizabeth were far from this point. Presumably, however, this would eventually happen. Naturally, this begged the question: what would it be like dating a Ministry official? Would he be scrutinized by the government more or less?
"So..." he said, faux-casually, grinning. "Let's say I wanted to illegally breed some dragons behind Ollivander's. Can I get away with that sort of stuff now?"
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Post by lizareese on May 30, 2008 22:19:08 GMT -5
Just holding the man beside hers hand was thrilling. While most would say he seemed to be an average man, she thought much more of Nick Taylor. And just being able to hold his hand while walking through the large crowd at the music festival, Elizabeth could not help but feel overjoyed. This was their first official date of being a couple. With the large number of dates they had had most would have assumed immediately they were together, but those people were wrong. It was not until he had asked her that they were actually together.
"Only if I do not know of it," Elizabeth answered, turning with a big smile to look at the man beside her. "Anyone can get away with something of the sort, as long as they are good at it and know who to pay off, how much payment is required, and the correct kind of buyers. But Mr. Taylor, if I hear any whisper about dragons being bred behind a certain shop in Diagon Alley that belongs to someone I care for, the person doing the illegal deed will not be happy with the charge I make."
While she knew full well he was joking with her, she wanted to make it clear with him that no one got off easy just because of a relationship with her. If she did make exceptions and word got out, that would mean all the worse for her, which was why not for anyone was she willing to make that exception, unless they had more than a lead for her to take on something bigger, but that was exchange, not letting them get away with it.
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