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Post by mcnutt on Jan 13, 2009 2:41:07 GMT -5
Oh sure, the weather could behave right up to the very two hours prior to when Dustan was supposed to be meeting Abigail outside, for a picnic. But nooo, the horrendous storm couldn't wait another few hours, it just had to start pouring, lightening, and thundering when he thought things were going to run smoothly for them. Having spent the last two days in the kitchens, trying his best to prepare a meal fit for the two of them according to her taste buds, he finally had something down pat, with a lot of help, and he had the right outfit. Unfortunately, he made the mistake of stepping outdoors to try and pinpoint the perfect location for the two the them to have a picnic, and just as he was settling into an area, thinking it would work as there wasn't too much shade and just enough light, all of sudden the clouds opened and rain showered down upon him, in the outfit he had chosen for their date. Could it get any worse?
Returning to his dormitory, he quickly showered, this time with soap and shampoo, put on clean clothes (khakis and dark green polo) that worked though weren't his first choice, slipped his sneakers on as his dress shoes were soaked, made sure to use necessities, and then headed up to the owlery to send Abigail a letter of apology for the weather (though it wasn't his fault) and ask her to meet him elsewhere. Afterward, he ran down the stairs to get his food, only to find another students snacking on what he had planned for just him and Abigail. To say the least, he reprimanded the student, sat down in the corner, and hid his face in his hands. What was he going to do? But the House Elves assured him not to worry, they'd have something for him in a jiffy, only thing was, he had less than forty minutes to race Abigail back up the stairs.
So, he left the House Elves to their own devices, knowing he'd hinder more than help in the kitchen anyway, and instead returned to his dormitory to retrieve the small bouquet of flowers he'd chosen and asked him mother to specially mail him. The flowers were ones he didn't think would scare the lovely young woman he was to picnic with, as their meaning, given to them, was that of friendship. Roses were too romantic and he didn't want to send a wrong message, but he enjoyed her friendship and was sure she enjoyed his. Besides, they were a lovely flower, Alstroemeria, and he wanted to be sure to give her something he thought she'd like.
With his flowers in hand and bag over his shoulder, Dustan returned to the kitchens, praised the House Elves for the food without actually looking to see what they'd made, and rushed to make it up to the tower he'd specified for her to meet him at.
Arriving to an empty area, he quickly set his things down, pulled out a blanket his mum had sent, telling him it was what was used for picnicking and laid it out on an area of the floor. Pulling a couple of pillows, he laid them off to the side, figuring the floor may not be all that comfortable to sit on. Next came laying out the food.
Opening the basket the House Elves had shoved in his hands, he pulled out a container of spaghetti with tomato sauce which contained meatballs and mushrooms, as well as peppers and onions; foil wrap which contained garlic bread (maybe not the best choice for a date food, but he not the Elves obviously thought of that); a couple of plates and silverware which he set up for the two of them, extra napkins between both, a small jar of Parmesan cheese; and a couple bottles of water; as well as salad and three kinds of dressing, oil and vinegar, ranch, and honey mustard.
Setting the flowers down in the center of the blanket, he walked over toward the window and looked out at the dismal display. Things had looked so well, right up until two hours before. Dustan just hoped Abigail would receive his message about the change of location. Surely she would know that he wasn't about to continue to keep their date outdoors in this weather.
{Abigail Greenwater only... please}
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Abigail Greenwater
Gryffindor
Fifth Year
Don't cry for us, we're free and we're young[on:Nevermore][of:Forevermore]
Posts: 67
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Post by Abigail Greenwater on Jan 13, 2009 12:16:04 GMT -5
Was that rain Abigail heard from her dorm room? Standing in front of her bed trying on clothes she sighed quietly at the window. Wearing a nice, but not too nice green dress she took a few steps toward the window and looked out. Leaning against the window she flattened her nose against it, looking out. Rain marred the grounds. Then she started to panic. Where would she meet Dustan? She had no idea where the Slytherin common room was so she couldn't just go there and find him. Abigail could have gone outside to make sure he wasn't there waiting for her. Seeing that as her only option she started to change back into her everyday clothes. As she pulled on a jacket something tapped on her door. An owl! Quizzically looking around for anyone else that would be getting an owl she walked back over to the window and opened it. The small owl flew in from the hell storm. Hopping over to her it held out it's leg, showing her the note for her. Abby relived the owl of it's note and gave it a treat for it's good work. The owl hooted quietly and nipped at her fingers. Then she felt a bit of pain. Pulling her finger back quickly she looked at the small cut she had there. As the owl hopped over to the open window she gave it a sour look. "Thanks, little bugger." Hooting happily the own flew out of the window and left her to her note. Before she could even open the note she had to go down to the bathrooms and clean the cut. Abigail washed her hands twice and put on a band aid, a unicorn one. Was that all she had? Unicorns? How embarrassing. Nothing she could do about it now. Rushing back up to her dorm she grabbed the note and read it, forgetting to close the window. It was from Dustan. He said that they were going to have to have their date inside due to the weather and that he was sorry about the weather. She couldn't help but blush. She was just happy that he wasn't outside waiting for her. If he caught a cold on her account she wouldn't forgive herself for a good month or two. Everything back in order she got back to getting dressed. Feeling a bit special she decided on her favorite dress. A green sundress that her cousin gave to her. It might have been a little too dressy but it felt right when she wore it. On her legs and feet she wore sheer tights and black Mary Janes. Over her dress she wore a light sweater but brought with her a heavier one, just in case. Now she could do her hair and make up. Abigail may not have been on any dates but she had been to galas and balls before. The dress was enough, so little to no makeup worked for her. No eyeshadow, but a little eyeliner and mascara was nice. Her lips were alright a light rose so just gloss for them. Abigail spent most of her time on her hair. After a good twenty minutes staring in front of the mirror she put her hair up into a loose bun. Feeling everything looked fine and nothing she was wearing was stained she left her room. No one was in the common room so she left without waving or any nods, but before she left she ran over to the bookcase near the fire. Hidden behind the books was the desert she made in the room of requirement. Hiding there didn't sound sanitary but she made it earlier and brought it in there to cool. A plain vanilla cake with vanilla frosting and blackberry sauce. Dustan did say he liked blackberries and she loved to bake. Holding the box in one hand and her sweater in the other she set out to the tower where he asked her to meet. Since she was in the towers already she didn't have to walk long to find the one he picked out. Abigail stood outside for a few minutes, trying to not hyperventilate. Now she knew what it felt like for him when she asked him to dinner. It wasn't a fun feeling. Once she got her breathing down to a normal rate she knocked quietly.
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Post by mcnutt on Jan 15, 2009 2:31:07 GMT -5
Everything looked nicely laid out from the angle by the window, but he suddenly wondered if the pillows looked presumptuous. All he wanted was to provide a comfortable atmosphere, and he wanted to make sure her tush didn't tire from sitting on the floor, so he thought pillows would work well. However, now that he thought of it, he wondered if the pillows looked like he was trying to get something from her that he wasn't trying for. All he could hope was the date itself went well and she'd like to try another with him, but that was it. Going for more, especially on a first date of all things was not proper, nor was it how to treat a young lady. Slowly walking around the area he'd laid out, he took in every angle, becoming more and more nervous about the pillows he'd set out. There was still time, he could easily store them away, but what if she did tire of sitting on the hard floor? And he brought pillows out of his bag? Would that look more presumptuous on his part? Burying his face in his hands, he wished his father had time to tell him more about this sort of thing. Treat a lady right and make her a priority were his famous words. That's what he lived by when it came to woman, they were always right unless it would do harm to themselves or others, and always keep them at the top of your list and do everything in your possible grip for one. Even if she's not the love of your life, always make her feel like one. No, his dad wasn't a player, just a good guy. Taking in the scent of the Alstroemerias and looking them over, he thought he'd chosen the correct flower to give her. A small bouquet, made up of grapefruit and lemon colored flowers was just right. They complimented each other lovely, and he rather thought they'd compliment Abigail as well. Running his hands through his hair, hoping it wasn't frizzing with the weather, as his curls had a tendency to do, he clamped his mouth and hoped for the best. The only thing missing so far was the girl, who he hoped hadn't gone outdoors in this weather to find him. If that blasted owl knew anything, it would know enough to deliver the message before she made it nearly so far or he'd have something to tell that bird. Nearly going out of his mind, Dustan spun around, almost loosing his balance when he heard the tapping on the entryway frame, his mouth went dry, and a smile graced his lips. There she was...
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Abigail Greenwater
Gryffindor
Fifth Year
Don't cry for us, we're free and we're young[on:Nevermore][of:Forevermore]
Posts: 67
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Post by Abigail Greenwater on Jan 15, 2009 22:46:04 GMT -5
She was too nervous to look inside fully so Abigail peeked in. What did he have planned for her? Was it a huge dinner and she was severely under dressed? Or was she severely overdressed? Either way she was nervous about the dinner. Finally finding the courage to walk in she couldn't believe what she saw.
The room was gorgeous. From the blanket to the pillows Dustan brought everything was perfect. Taking a step in Abigail's mouth was open in a small 'o'. Remembering to breathe she took a breath in. Letting her eyes wander she found Dustan. He looked better then the room. Cheeks flushing in nervousness and anticipation she took a few more steps in. "H-Hi Dustan," she said meekly. Not sure what to do now she put her sweater down on the blanket and the dessert she made next to it. It wasn't awkward in there, just...more then she could ever hope for.
Now that her arms were free she walked closer to Dustan. He looked quite handsome in his outfit. Abigail couldn't help but stare for a few seconds at the Slytherin. He was quite good looking. His features were pleasant to look at. Finding herself staring she looked away quickly, not wanting to seem rude. "Y-You look very nice tonight." Did she just say that to him only stuttering once? Heart beating a tattoo in her chest she pushed her luck, trying to speak more without stuttering. "A-And the place looks f-fantastic. I like the pillows especially."
Abigail wasn't entirely sure what to do now. Should she sit? Or should she lead the small talk. She didn't want to have small talk tonight. It may have only been a first date but she wanted to speak to Dustan, really get to know him. She wanted him to know here.
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Post by mcnutt on Jan 23, 2009 0:22:43 GMT -5
The look on her face was priceless and he suddenly wished he'd thought of a camera. After all, who wouldn't want to capture her beauty in such a moment? That look, the surprise, the wonderment, of her taking it all in, was likely one the times he'd seen her where she'd looked so pretty. A blush tinges his own cheeks as he took in her face. Upon first look, not only did she look beautiful, she looked as nervous as he felt. So maybe it wasn't all bad. There were no funny looks for the pillows, she wasn't turning her nose up at the only other thought he had to pull off their date (as the Great Hall didn't sound like a great first date and a raincheck might take too long).
"Yo--you look ni--nice," he said, just as her words came out about his looks. Blushing, his face crimson at this point, he couldn't believe he'd just said her words. Maybe he should have told her the truth? "I--I mean, yo--you look beau--beautiful."
Okay, the place looked nice, he looked nice, she was more than he could have thought of. So, they were golden. "Oh, I--I just tho--thought mayb--maybe, the fl--floor migh--might be un--uncomf--comfortable." he definitely didn't need her to think the pillows were for something more than a bit of cushion against the hard floor. Or, well, for more than just sitting on, rather.
"I'm so--sorry it's n--not out--outside, like planned. But I--I wante--wanted to still...still have our pic--picnic, an--and, well, this was all I--I could real--really think of." Hopefully she liked it.
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Abigail Greenwater
Gryffindor
Fifth Year
Don't cry for us, we're free and we're young[on:Nevermore][of:Forevermore]
Posts: 67
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Post by Abigail Greenwater on Jan 25, 2009 15:52:41 GMT -5
Beautiful? Did she hear that right? Replaying what he said in her mind she assured herself that he did in fact say beautiful. Cheeks turning bright red she glanced back at him. Unable to form words of any sort she let out of muffled laugh that sound happy. Silence crept between them for a few more seconds until her tongue became unstuck. "Th-Thanks. I-It's my favorite d-dress." Her left hand reached down and touched the flowy fabric.
Abigail nodded quickly as Dustan explained the pillows. He seemed nervous about something else, something she didn't think of. She grinned nonetheless at him.
"I-It's not you-your fault," Abigail said sweetly. "T-This is perfect. B-Besides, n-now there is l-less of a chance of s-someone s-sitting near us." He didn't need to apologize for the change of venue. He needed to know it was perfect, that it was more then she could ask for. Slowly she walked over to him until she was standing next to him. Reaching out with her left hand she touched his arm lightly. "I love it."
Herr heart fluttered as she looked at him. The fact that she said something to him without stuttering didn't even register. Nothing really registered at the moment. Everything was whizzing by her as she stood there with him. If their date consisted of just the two of them there in utter silence it would have been perfect.
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Post by mcnutt on Jan 25, 2009 23:54:36 GMT -5
"I can... can see wh--why," Dustan told her honestly. It looked stunning on her, but it wasn't even the dress that did him in. It was just the girl, she was amazingly pretty, standing right there in front of him. Looks weren't everything, he could really care less about how someone looked (well, he thought he could), but she was just a beautiful person. Her personality was like none other, she was shy and timid, yet outgoing and funny, friendly, personal and yet open. She was like a book that had been sitting on the shelf and he hadn't yet read, not because it was boring, but because it was so precious he was afraid of finding the end of the story.
As she reached out and touched his arm, he felt his face burn up. What was with this girl? Dustan knew it wasn't his fault, yet felt the need to apologize anyway, as he felt bad that this wasn't how he'd planned or saw it. But she was right, less chance of another sitting too close by, or invading their picnic. No ants, possibly a pet or two here or there.
Suddenly, he moved, reaching over to grab the flowers, hoping to hide his face away from her so she wouldn't see the building blush on his cheeks and neck. "The--these are fo--for yo-you," he told her, holding out the small bunch of flowers. he thought they matched her perfectly, bright, fun, and brought a smile to one's face.
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Abigail Greenwater
Gryffindor
Fifth Year
Don't cry for us, we're free and we're young[on:Nevermore][of:Forevermore]
Posts: 67
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Post by Abigail Greenwater on Jan 26, 2009 1:35:08 GMT -5
Her cheeks felt like the Sahara. If she kept up like this her cheeks might burn off from the heat. Abigail's mouth became the Sahara when Dustan said he too liked her dress. Covering her quick intake of air with a cough stepped away for a second, not wanting him to think she was rude by coughing near him. Getting a hold of her respiratory system she moved back to her original position next to him.
Just as she was getting used to being next to him he moved away quickly from her. The move was so sudden that she really didn't have the time to worry about her touching his arm. As fast as he moved away he was back there now with a bouquet of flowers for her. She reached out to take them from him, heart beating fast when her hand touched his. Bringing the flowers closer to her she looked at them from ever angle.
"Oh...Dustan. Th-They're lovely. I-I've never s-s-seen anything li-like them before." The flowers were cradled in her hands like a holy relic. "No one h-has ever gott-gotten me something th-this nice before." In all of Abigail's years alive she had never felt so special before. Bringing the flowers closer to her face she smelled them. She had no idea what kind of flowers these were but they were gorgeous and their smell wasn't over powering.
All of these things in one night amazed the Gryffindor. Worried she was destined to be alone for her whole life, now she could see that she wasn't so alone in this world. All of this was due to a boy with plants who fell into her compartment on the train. Things like this only happened in books and fairy tales.
While she was studying her flowers, Dustan's bright red face was also noticed. Features that were usually more of a cream color were now a reddish color and it was clear he was just as nervous as she was. Part of her knew some of his nervousness was brought on by herself but she wondered what else was he nervous about? Everything seemed to be going great.
What was she missing?
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Post by mcnutt on Mar 1, 2009 19:06:54 GMT -5
Doubting she'd never received something so simple, yet he thought quite beautiful, he was glad she made point to say so. In a way, watching her react to the flowers gave him a funny feeling inside, one of great hope and joy. Was it strange to feel such a way to the reaction of a gift? Hoping not, he smiled as she inhaled the scent, one he was reminded of in her presence. It was airy, not strong and potent, but like a gentle breeze bringing the smell of something delicious as a freshly baked pie sitting upon a window sill to a hungry fellow.
"I'm..." he cleared his throat, hoping for a formation of words which were not hindered. "I'm gl..glad." And so he was.
Smiling in return to her look, he wondered exactly what a picnic entailed. Besides eating. he'd never gone on a picnic with just a girl before, and while this wasn't exactly the ideal picnic, he didn't think it was taking shape too badly. There were things he thought he could've done better, such as cook the food himself, but it'd have to do.
"Ar..Are you hungry?"
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Abigail Greenwater
Gryffindor
Fifth Year
Don't cry for us, we're free and we're young[on:Nevermore][of:Forevermore]
Posts: 67
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Post by Abigail Greenwater on Mar 12, 2009 21:12:34 GMT -5
She could hear the happiness in his voice when he said he was glad. Her eyes moved over to him again. She didn't want to look him directly in the eye, for that may send either one of them into shock. For the few seconds she had she just looked at him. Abigail couldn't wrap her head about the fact he wasn't seeing anyone. How could he not be? He's pretty perfect. Sweet, caring, kind....wasn't that what every girl was looking for? Tonight she would count her stars for this. The first boy she met this year and he was having a nice dinner with him.
In that instant she stopped feeling nervous about everything. About Dustan, about looking good, about doing something wrong. She had already stuttered enough and he hadn't walked away. She didn't think he would now. They were in the same boat when it came to social skills. Same with the opposite gender. If nothing else she felt safe with him. Being around him was like a blanket. it kept you warm and unafraid about what was to come. She hoped he felt like she felt about him.
Hungry? Abigail forgot about food. Forgot about everything actually. Grey eyes going over to food she noticed how hungry she was when he stomach made a grumble. Cheeks blushing she glanced over to Dustan. "I...I gu-guess I am hungry." She wasn't nervous, just embarrassed about her stomach making that noise. "Are you?"
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Post by mcnutt on Mar 17, 2009 18:17:38 GMT -5
Averting his eyes, allowing a small, but timid, smile to cross his features, Dustan did his best to pretend he didn't hear her stomach's input on whether or not she needed feeding. In a way, it was oddly relaxing, that though he could tell she was nervous, she wasn't nervous enough to let the food go to waste, food he still wished he could've made himself.
"I ca--can eat at an--ny point in t--time," he answered calmly, glad his own nerves weren't failing him any. It would be a huge waste to allow it to fail, considering the time and favor the House Elves put into their little dinner. "I'm just mmm...more excited that I-I get to eat wit--with you."
Admission of the truth. he was excited about the thought, of course he knew some students jumped tables and ate with others where they didn't technically belong, but he stayed at the Slytherin table, a duty he believed to be as a Prefect, to be visible at all times in support of his House, his family.
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Abigail Greenwater
Gryffindor
Fifth Year
Don't cry for us, we're free and we're young[on:Nevermore][of:Forevermore]
Posts: 67
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Post by Abigail Greenwater on Apr 5, 2009 12:57:41 GMT -5
"I'm just mmm...more excited that I-I get to eat wit--with you."
Her cheeks flushed once again. Was this all that she could do? Blush and feel like she was floating? If so, then the night was going better then she could have imagined. Looking down at her stomach she felt that pang of hunger again. Finally she gave into her bodily needs and took a step toward the blanket. "W-Well lets e-eat then!" She then sat down on the blanket and looked at everything he brought.
They had...well...everything! She'd never seen someone work so hard to make something perfect. The foods were exactly what she likes. Taking a few seconds to look at everything Abigail's heart thudded quietly in her chest. "D-Dustan. This looks fantastic! You must have spent d-days working on all of this." Her eyes brightened as she spoke. He was almost too much for the Gryffindor. Going into this year she didn't expect to meet anyone or make friends. Least of all find someone like her who actually liked her!
Not sure if she should serve herself or wait for him to tell her which food to eat first she put her napkin on her lap and smoothed it out. In the back of her mind she was going over everything she was taught about proper etiquette when eating. No elbows on the table (not that that mattered here), don't eat with your mouth open, take smaller bites as to not have food fall out of your mouth, no slurping, the list went on. She was glad she listened to her family now. These things were the proper way to eat with someone.
"I h-hope you like the cake. I th-thought a plain vanilla with blackberries would g-go well with dinner." With a small hand she pointed over to the box she brought with her. "Th-the house elves a-almost rioted when I t-told them I wanted to m-make it myself."
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Post by mcnutt on Apr 8, 2009 0:21:58 GMT -5
Letting a deep chuckle rumble in his throat, Dustan wondered if there was anyway to get around telling her he hadn't made their dinner, not even the tiniest bit of it. All he'd done was ask the House elves to kindly replace what had been lost while he went in search of getting every detail set for his date with Abigail. But when she complimented him on something he had nothing to do with realistically, he couldn't just sit be and take credit, it didn't feel right and he knew if she found out she'd likely not be too pleased knowing that he'd lied, even if by omission.
"Well, to te--tell the hone--honest truth, I--I did--didn't mmm--make d--diinner," he replied bashfully, the color setting in on his cheeks while he spoke. "I--I wanted t--to, don't get mmm--me wrong, but I--I could--couldn't. I--I don't rea--really co--cook all t--too well, but I--I had an i--idea... unfort--unfortunately th--that i--idea we--went into the sto--stomach of anoth--another student a--and so the elves we--were nice... nice enough t--to whi--whip up som--something mmm--more for us t--to eat." Directing his hand to point over the scrumptious looking food, Dustan ducked his head. "This wa--wasn't exac--exactly what I--I had planned, b--but it was awf--awfully nice of th--them to fix it... it up for us."
Trying a smile, he hoped she'd understand. He could cook, if the occasion really, really called for it, but he was best off leaving the cooking to someone who knew the difference between a spider and a boiler.
"It lo--looks delicious," he told her, eying the lovely cake when she described it. Vanilla was a perfect choice for cake, and berries were a nice touch. Another chuckle erupted when she explained about the house elves, at least he hadn't really encountered that problem. Thankfully.
As the Gryffindor spread her napkin in her lap, he quickly retrieved the plates, dishing a little of everything onto one and carefully handed the loaded dish to the girl. At least it would have good flavor, the house elves were always careful their food tickled the taste buds of everyone.
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