Starlight, Starbright, First Star I See Tonight...

[Felicity Hjort]

Felicity's heart had nearly stopped when her dad told her what he'd asked of Drew. Really, her jaw did drop, completely taken aback by the fact her dad of all people would ask Drew to do such a task. Though, in all honesty, it made complete sense, but she still had a hard time believing it. He wanted Drew to watch her mum and the family while he was at his last night of the convention? It was a mandatory business weekend for the grocer managers, he was required to spend the weekend playing golf, listening to a couple of lectures, playing golf, taking in dinners, playing golf, learning more about the pesticides placed on their crops of fruits and vegetables, playing golf. Really, it was normally a much looked forward to weekend, but with Meadow in not such great health, there was nothing to look forward to. And as she wasn't ready to tell people outside of her family what was happening to her, he couldn't come up with a good reason why he shouldn't attend.

But Drew?

At first the seventeen year old laughed, it was a joke. He was only getting her hopes up because he knew she wanted to see Drew and being she was home only twenty-four more hours, he knew that time was precious to her. Sure, Drew was supposed to be stopping by for dinner, but staying? Ha!

Over the phone the oldest Hjort reiterated that Drew would be spending the night and Felicity was rather hurt he'd pull such a mean joke on her, but she let it go. After all Drew was supposed to be arriving and bring Snowflake with him to visit. While the blonde spent a fair amount of time over at his Aunt's house now, she still missed not taking care of the puppy constantly like she had for a small amount of time in the beginning of the summer. The little bundle of fur had grown and was nowhere near being done and it made Felicity sad that she wouldn't be around to watch her grow any bigger, but she'd all ready made Drew promise to take pictures and send them to her.

That morning she was to collect her last pay check early and deposit it in her savings account, which she did happily, glad that Harry had given into giving her the check early rather than letting her dad pick it up for her and deposit it. In all fairness though, she'd only broken three plates, four glasses, and a fork that summer. Not to mention, she'd only been asked thirty-six times for her phone number, on five dates, was given a poem, was left twenty-seven nasty messages by female customers who were often with boys, and made at least seven times the amount in tips she'd made the year before. It wasn't such a bad summer all in all, though she knew Drew didn't like when she told him about some of the boy customers, especially those who she wasn't sure were being nice or not.

But that afternoon she had to take Cherry school shopping so she had had to call Drew and ask him not to come until later because Cherry refused to go shopping with him. For some reason, since the summer last, she'd grown an attitude with Drew for really no reason at all. At least none that Felicity knew of.

By the time she got home, her mum had gone to lay down, leaving dinner to be whatever anyone grabbed out of the fridge and put on their plate first. Around six o'clock and Felicity was expecting Drew and his puppy to arrive soon.

[Closed]

[Drew Thornton]

Talk about being nervous. It wasn't often you got an invitation to spend the night at your girlfriend's house, much less by her father himself. He had been more than just a little shocked and was still wondering what the catch was. He knew darn well he'd be sleeping on the couch downstairs while everyone else was in their own rooms, but he still thought he'd still get in trouble for something this night.

When he mentioned it to his parents... okay, even though he was 18, he still asked permission... they, as well as his Aunt Abigail, balked at the suggestion. There were lectures on impropriety and questions to Felicity's character, the later which prompted Drew to raise his voice angrily at his mother. Lolly Thornton stopped her accusations, but only after Drew's father had something to say about his son's improper tone with his mother.

"You're an adult. Do what you want," his mother announced, throwing her hand up and leaving the room quickly. Drew knew she didn't want him to know how badly he had upset her, but he thought it was kind of too late for that. It was probably best if they all took some time to cool off before he tried to ask again.

After chasing Snowflake around the garden for an hour or so, Drew tried again, finding his parents speaking in hushed tones in the library. It took a bit of convincing, but his parents finally relented, recognizing that he probably was needed to spend the night, given the situation. No, they still weren't happy about it, but were at the same time felt a little pride that their son had gained enough respect from Felicity's father to be asked to watch over the family while he was gone.

So at half past five, he set out for the Hjorts', his backpack slung over one shoulder and Snowball on leash next to him. He had packed all of the puppy's things, pretty sure Felicity would want to fuss over her, and had also stuffed a change of clothes and his blanket into his pack. He was pretty sure Mrs. Hjort had blankets for him to use, but still felt like his own was something he needed to bring. Perhaps it was childish, but Drew didn't let that bother him too much.

Snowflake seemed to know where they were going, alternating between prancing ahead and trying to run around Drew's ankles as he walked. Occasionally she'd investigate a tree, bark at butterflies, or sit to take a scratch, but for the most part she seemed determined to move forward and keep Drew moving as well. Perhaps it was just her regular puppiness, but she seemed awfully excited to be taking the trip.

As the climbed the steps up to the Hjort's front door, the puppy barked happily, recognizing where they were. Drew hushed her but laughed as he reached down to scratch her behind her ears. He wasn't sure if he still needed to ring the bell after Snowball had already announced their arrival, but did it anyway, feeling nervous but excited about what was to come.

[Felicity Hjort]

Digging through the refrigerator, Felicity searched for something that was suitable to serve Drew since she knew he was expecting dinner as that was why he was stopping by that day. Despite what her dad said, she knew he'd never really ask Drew to state, even if Harold was with him and most everyone else was over at Meridith's playing some new game station she had boughten for her children. There was almost a weeks worth of leftovers, half of her last two lunches from the diner, and fruits. Pulling out the chicken breasts from a couple of nights before, she grabbed one of her styrofoam containers which contained baked ziti, found a jar of sauce, and had begun slicing some block cheese to lay across the chicken in order to make chicken parmesean with what was left over of her lunch from the day before.

It was only a second later the blonde had sat the knife down and was running through the hall to get to Drew. Snowflake's bark had given their presence away and Felicity was trying to catch her boyfriend before he woke her mum by ringing the doorbell. But just as she reached the stairs in the living room, she heard the melodic tone.

Grabbing the knob and eagerly pulling the door forward, the Gryffindor didn't even invite him in, or give him half a chance to step in before her arms were secure around his neck and her legs wrapped around his middle. Touching her nose to his, she giggled and pecked his lips.

"Evening darling," she greeted, not even noticing his bag, but glad to have seen the puppy she'd given him earlier that summer. The little girl seemed to be doing well and she was still ecstatic Drew loved the gift. The blonde was also proud he'd gotten his letter from the Academy finally, even if he hadn't found a job, she didn't mind so much anymore. While she wasn't fond of knowing he didn't have to work and he'd be taken care of for a while, she dind't mind he hadn't gotten a job that summer. "You're just in time. I was just getting our plates ready for dinner."

[Drew Thornton]

Her greeting caught him by surprise and he had to remind himself not to let go of Snowflake's leash in order to catch her with both arms. His backpack though, got no such consideration and as she lept at him, it fell to the ground so he could grab on to her. Hopefully none of the neighbors would report to her father about his arrival.

As she giggled and kissed him, he had to answer with a low giggle of his own, and with her wrapped around him so nicely, he took advantage of the position to just admire her gorgeous brown eyes and the adorable freckles on her nose.

"Dinner?" he echoed, getting an odd 'playing house' kind of feeling. He liked it.

[Felicity Hjort]

"Mmhmm," she answered with a quiet hum, gazing back into his pretty blue eyes. It was almost able to beat the want of kissing him out of her, but not quite. Though his eyes were something she loved, often chanced at glancing at him for, and quite often was the last things she thought of before falling asleep, they just weren't nearly enough to kick the want of kissing out of her. "That's what you're here for, isn't? Dinner and spending time together before I have to go back tomorrow?"

At least she knew he planned on returning early in the morning to take her to the train station. Then she could say goodbye to him properly without being improper in front of her parents. They'd never stand for her kissing him goodbye in their home, and she knew it. When she dared to kiss his cheek, she got many talkings to from her dad after he left and sometimes before he left, and she got talkings to from her mum if she pecked him on the lips in front of her.

Loosening her grip from around his neck, she gently let her fingers run through the bristles that were now his hair. It tore at her heart when he'd cut it down, gotten rid of the curls she loved so much. His hair just didn't have the same feel to it, it was foreign in her touch. Really, she couldn't remember his hair being quite so short since she first met him. And even then he cut his hair regularly, but never quite this short.

[Drew Thornton]

"Uh huh," Drew answered back, starting to get lost in the sensation of having her so close and looking in her eyes. He had already forgotten that they were still out on her front porch and it was only a matter of moments before he forgot that her mother was just inside.

She played with what was left of his hair and as her hand brushed the short bristles by his neck an enjoyable shiver ran up his spine. He had grown his curls out for the sheer pleasure of having her fingers run through them, but once he got accepted into the Academy, he had virtually shaved them off in an attempt to at least appear official. Felicity hadn't been happy, and by extention neither had he, but it was something he felt he needed to do.

Much like staying in London while she went back to school. For two years now, he had barely gone a day without seeing her: in class, in the halls, at meals, hanging upside down in trees. He had spend a week here and there at home in California, and there had been that week he had been banished from the Hjort house, but even during vactions, it wasn't more than a few days between chances to see each other. He was trying to be strong about it (real men didn't get this worked up over stuff like this, did they?), but it was killing him inside.

"Lots and lots of time..." he added, so thankful his parents had okayed him staying over.

[Felicity Hjort]

Giggling softly, she loved hearing his voice and his answers to things she said. And when coupled with staring in his eyes, it was quite the combination. Of course, him helping to hold her up made it near impossible hearing Snowflake whine since no one was paying any attention to her. Though, when Felicity slowly nudged closer, going in for another small kiss, all attention was broken from Drew at the sound of her mum's voice.

"Felicity Edith Hjort!" the older woman called out, completely at a loss of what to do about her daughter. "Get off of Andrew before you hurt his back! Can't you hear your puppy crying? How in the world do you expect to one day take care of any creatures with Andrew around if you get like this?" Surely the two didn't expect to be able to properly take care of anything if all they did was stare at one another. At least neither of them seemed to forget about eating. How many times had Meadow walked in on them sitting up right against one another, whispering and laughing, ignoring everything around them? Too many times, and with as many times as she'd walked in on them trying to steal kisses, it was a wonder Ib hadn't thrown the boy out for good. Not that Meadow truly minded as she liked her daughter's choice of a young love, but sometimes enough was enough.

Face lighting up like a bad Valentine's day light, the blonde turned to look at her mum, but didn't drop off of Drew right away. Usually the woman was more lenient than her dad. Though, she supposed it was normal for her mum not to want her all over Drew like she was, but Drew didn't seem to mind at all when she lept at him normally, unless he was in a bad mood or sore from Quidditch practice and even then he wasn't ever mean to her about asking her not to play.

"Yes ma'am," she said quietly after seeing her mum's expression, which wasn't playing with her daughter...or softening any. Perhaps it was because her dad wasn't around that her mum was taking a stance about complete propriety with Drew. Releasing her hold, the blonde instead took up his hand, hiding behind him slightly, and only then noticed his bag.

"Drew? Why did you bring your bag? You know you don't always have to bring Snowflake's things when you come over, right?" she asked, sure he knew they had toys she could play with, as usually Pahndah didn't ever seem to mind sharing with the little ball of white fur. Reaching down, she placed it over her shoulder, still slightly hiding to his side. Snowflake on the other hand was pressing to get inside where she knew there had to be someone who'd pay attention to her.

[Drew Thornton]

He was starting to get the light-headed giddy feeling when her mother's voice brought him back down to earth. She was scolding Felicity, but he knew he was just as much to blame as well. While he had no concern about her hurting his back, neither of them had thought of Snowflake. "Sorry, Mrs. Hjort," he mumbled sheepishly as he reluctantly let her down, his own ears heating up in his embarassment. He hoped the woman would forgive his indescresion, but really didn't need any of this to get back to Felicity's dad.

Felicity's question caught him off guard and he gave her a slightly puzzled look. maybe he had misunderstood her dad's invitation? Had that awful argument with his folks been for nothing? "It... it's... my stuff..." he answered cautiously, afraid to look at Mrs. Hjort for fear that she'd be shocked and apalled by what he had expected.

[Felicity Hjort]

"Children, I'm sorry, but if any of the neighbors happened to see and said something to your father, Felicity, you know you'd both be in for a whirlwind of trouble. I'm trying to help as best I can, but you two are making it awfully hard sometimes," Meadow scolded as kindly as possible. She knew Felicity believed she was in love, and at times believed her daughter really was, but they couldn't go around flashing it all about constantly as they were if they wanted to stay together a while longer. Ib was all set to take bets on how long they'd last together when they weren't so near to one another.

Nodding to her mother that she understood, Felicity turned her attention to Drew to find out what he was talking about. What stuff did he have to bring by? Raising an eyebrow at him, once more her attention was drawn to her mum when she started speaking.

"That's right dear, I have clean sheets and pillows and blankets all set for you to use tonight. They're hiding up in our linen closet, I just cleaned them fresh this morning so they'd be cozy for you tonight."

An odd expression came over Felicity's face as her eyes traveled between her mum and Drew, not sure what was going on. It sounded like he was staying, but she knew that'd never be an option, not when, especially not when her dad wasn't home to keep an eye on him at all times. "You're not really...? Mum, Drew's not...is he?"

With a short nod, Felicity's eyes grew huge as she jumped up and down squealing with excitement. "You're really staying? Dad said it was all right? He wasn't lying on the phone when he said you were coming for the whole night?"

[Drew Thornton]

Drew understood the reasoning and was actually kind of surprised Mrs. Hjort seemed so cool about the PDA. It was just that sometimes it was really hard to remember he wasn't supposed to do stuff like that. It was doubly hard when Felicity jumped on him like she had done, smelling all vanilla and everything. He couldn't be blamed. There was really no way he could resist.

He was still confused by the exchange between Felicity and her mother. If Mrs. Hjort had all that stuff for him, then he was starting to think he actually had gotten the message right, but why was Felicity so surprised? Had she not known? Drew was pretty sure her dad wouldn't be the kind to tease about something like that, so her not knowing had to be the only explanation.

Drew nodded back, a nervous smile crossing his face. He didn't think he did anything wrong, but wasn't a hundred percent sure about it. "Is... that okay?"

[Felicity Hjort]

Excitement flowed through her every vein as the utter surprise of what she heard. Was it possible, that though he hadn't joined them on their camping trip this year, he was being allowed to stay the night? At her home? Without her father home? It didn't make sense but Felicity wasn't about to question it if he really was being allowed to spend the entire night and not just a few hours of it with her. Of course, she knew they wouldn't be sleeping in the same room, but he was still staying under the same roof as she was!

"Oh! It's more than all right Drew!" she shouted, spinning around in a little twirl, Snowflake pouncing in on the excitement by making little barking noises and jumping up and down along with the blonde. This was almost more exciting than when he gave her his ring on Valentine's Day, almost.

"Mum, dad really wants him to stay the night? And he actually wasn't teasing when he said he asked Drew himself? And that you were all right with the arrangements of it all?"

How could she have said no to that bundle of thrill standing before her? It never ceased to amaze the woman how Felicity had so much energy over something so small, but maybe not quite so insignificant. It was just overall amazing that she could be excited over seeing someone a few more hours than she normally would have when Felicity'd been spending nearly all summer with the boy.

"Yes Lissy, Andrew will be staying over, but..." the woman started, ready to lay down a few rules, and maybe a few more. "I will not have you cozying up too close, like I just found you. You're father isn't here and I need you to respect his rules in my words. You will be staying upstairs, Andrew will have the sofa in the living area. And you will go to bed on time tonight, no begging for a few more minutes, understood?"

Nodding her head, Felicity scooped up Snowball in her arms, grabbed Drew's hand, and led him directly to the sofa. If he was her guest, she was going to treat him right, and follow her mum's rules while at it to prove she could listen...even when Drew was around. Her dinner was forgotten for the moment as she pulled him down beside her on the cushion, cradling the puppy in her arms and rubbing her belly. She could pay attention to another while Drew was around, it was just really hard to ignore him any bit.

[Drew Thornton]

Drew nodded, first in answer to Felicity's giddy excitement and then in understanding to Mrs. Hjort's rules. He already knew he would be sleeping on the couch downstairs while the family, including Felicity, slept in their own rooms. He hadn't expected anything other than those arrangements. Drew had kind of been hoping that Felicity would be allowed to stay up a little later, but he wasn't going to argue that rule any either. He was just happy to be able to spend any time at all there with her.

She pulled him through the front door and into the sitting room and he dropped his bag with a thunk against the wall before sitting down next to her. He felt a tinge of jealousy as she fussed over the puppy, but knew he really couldn't say anything about it. They had both been scolded for ignoring Snowflake, so it was probably for the best that the pup was getting the attention at that moment.

[Felicity Hjort]

In Felicity's opinion, they were pretty easy rules to follow, especially since her mum didn't seem to mind she and Drew sitting close to one another, as long as she wasn't in his lap. And as long as she didn't catch them kissing, then there shouldn't be much of a problem, at least Felicity didn't think so. Her dad might have rules, but her mum loosened them a bit, knowing it must be difficult to pursue a relationship if you couldn't hardly talk to one another.

As soon as Drew was settled in next to her, Felicity scooched closer, getting herself in the crook of his arm and still cuddling Snowflake. The puppy seemed to be enjoying it as her leg moved when Felicity scratched just the right spot on her soft belly and she wasn't fighting to get away, at least not yet.

Meadow shut the door behind the two and paused momentarily in the living room entrance, watching the two interact with their dog that Drew seemed to insist was still partially Felicity's though it was his gift. Honestly, the woman didn't mind, it was good practice, sharing something that was so precious with another before having to share something even more precious. Heading back up the stairs to continue her nap, she let the two alone, knowing eventually Freddy would turn up around them, or Matthew would as he had been grounded and wasn't allowed to go to Meridith's with the rest of them.

"We'd make for a really nice picture right now, wouldn't we?" Felicity asked once she heard the top stair squeak with her mum's weight shifting to the landing and going toward her room. "You, me, and Snowflake? Almost like a little family portrait..."

[Drew Thornton]

Felicity snuggled up to him and with one arm around the girl, Drew reached over with the other to join in the puppy belly scratching. Snowflake seemed to be enjoying the attention and Drew felt a little bad about neglecting her on the front porch. Snowflake was always well taken care of, but when they had gotten to the Hjorts', Drew had gotten wrapped up in being with Felciity... literally.

He sighed happily, grinning at her obsoervation. It had been almost what he had been thinking on the porch a few moments earlier. He still liked it. "Yeah..." he answered, leaning his head on hers. "We'll need to remember this for our Christmas card."

[Felicity Hjort]

Feeling him so close made it awfully hard to resist the urges she had to set Snowflake down and push Drew back against the sofa and attack him with little kisses. But she managed, barely. When he agreed with her, she smiled, feeling warm sensations spread through her blood. Again, they were speaking of a farther future together, one that included both of them with the other, sharing Snowflake and treating her as their own. It made her heart burst with feelings and just his intoxicating scent when he leaned against her made her breath catch.

"And when we have an addition we'll need to expand on the idea of how to sit," she teased lightly. Though honestly, she hoped one day he would want to add an addition with her if they were together. Gently brushing his hand before continuing playing with their puppy, she wondered. Did he want children some day? How many? Boys or girls? And did it matter when they were together right then and much too young to think about that kind of thing seriously?