Drew Thornton
Ministry of Magic
Auror-in-Training
I didn't do it and you can't prove otherwise...
Posts: 14,114
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Post by Drew Thornton on Apr 14, 2009 0:06:07 GMT -5
"Then I think we'll just have the check," Mark told the waiter in an undertone, glancing over at Felicity and smiling. It was most definitely all right with him and he knew it was also quite fine with his wife. It would give them a chance to meet her parents and hopefully calm a few lingering concerns they had. The Thorntons were also a bit curious to see if the Hjorts had some concerns of their own...
"You helped with dessert?" Lolly asked, looking over at her son. She wasn't sure whether to be pleased he was being polite and helpful, or upset he was getting too comfortable and being too forward.
"Yeah," Drew answered back and while he noticed the tense look his mother gave him, he couldn't help but smile back, pleased with himself for making a whole cake without a box. Not counting the pudding part of course...
Drew's mother didn't have much of a chance to answer as the waiter brought the check. Mark glanced at it briefly before slipping a couple of notes into the billfold and handing it back. "I'm assuming you're joining us in the car?" he asked, standing up to help his wife out of her chair. Drew also got up to pull Felicity's chair from the table. "Yeah... right?" he answered, looking at Felilcity for verification. It only made sense and they'd probably have to tell his folks where the house was anyway.
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Post by Felicity Hjort on Apr 14, 2009 20:37:15 GMT -5
Returning Mr Thornton's smile, Felicity decided she really did like Drew's dad. His mum was nice enough as well, but she still seemed to be a bit off to the girl. Listening to Mrs Thornton and Drew, Felicity almost answered the question as well, but stopped herself in time, knowing the question wasn't directed at her and Drew had answered. Her tone sounded pleasant enough, and so the blonde decided to volunteer a bit more information. "Drew actually helps with dinner and dessert quite often. Mum absolutely adores his company and enjoys having him help her in the kitchen when he stops by; especially when she's working on cleaning out the refrigerator."
Grinning at Drew, she couldn't help it. He was kind of like a human garbage disposal, but she was more or less the same.
Blushing slightly as Drew helped her from her chair, she knew she wouldn't ever be able to get used to it, no matter how long she lived and whoever did it. When he did little things like that, it made her happy, and it was extremely nice to know he'd do that for her.
Glancing up at Drew, she nodded affirmatively, hoping that had been the plan and she and Drew weren't intruding on his parents.
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Drew Thornton
Ministry of Magic
Auror-in-Training
I didn't do it and you can't prove otherwise...
Posts: 14,114
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Post by Drew Thornton on Apr 18, 2009 23:45:51 GMT -5
Drew would have much rather taken a walk with her back to her house and gotten a few more moments alone (he knew there wasn't going to be another chance unless he was really really lucky) but he knew it would be pretty awkward if his folks go to the house before he and Felicity did. Plus, who knew what both sets of parents might start talking about without them there to buffer.
As Drew guided Felicity out of the restaraunt, Lolly Thornton couldn't help but notice her son's hand on the small of the girl's back. They were definitely too young to be so serious and he was obviously getting much to comfortable at the Hjort's house. She'd most certainly be having a conversation about all of this once they got home.
"The car should be waiting just outside," Mark told them and as the exited the building, sure enough, it was. It was a simple black sedan and most likely without any sort of Magical enhancements. Drew was pretty sure he'd be sitting in the front seat.
"Are you okay, or do you want my coat?" he asked, leaning over to whisper in Felicity's ear. The night was mild, but she had bare shoulders. Besides, he really kind of liked it when she wore his stuff.
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Post by Felicity Hjort on Apr 19, 2009 1:13:05 GMT -5
Nothing felt odd to Felicity, actually leaving the restaurant she felt more comfortable than she had through dinner, and she'd been mostly at ease then. Perhaps it was because there was no longer the formality in the atmosphere, or it could be the night air, or simply the fact Drew was finally closer to her again. Even if it was just a touch of the hand, it made her feel more relaxed. Following his lead, she made a more graceful exit than she had entrance to the table, glad to not trip over the sandals which adorned her feet.
Oblivious to nearly everything, Felicity barely heard Mr Thornton speak, instead more entranced with looking up at Drew from her position just slightly in his arm. And when he whispered in her ear, though it was nothing particularly romantic nor lovey-dovey, the blonde blushed furiously. It was just the feel of his warm breathe, the sound of his soft words, the little concern over her well being. It made her feel loved.
"I think I'll be all right, love," Felicity answered with a smile, daring to touch his cheek with a kiss before he could pull away. "But thank you for offering."
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Drew Thornton
Ministry of Magic
Auror-in-Training
I didn't do it and you can't prove otherwise...
Posts: 14,114
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Post by Drew Thornton on Apr 19, 2009 1:41:32 GMT -5
Lolly didn't miss the kiss and even though it was fairly harmless, she still let out a small huff of disgust. "Let it go," Mark told her in a lowered tone. The boy was nearly 19 and all they could hope was that they had raised him right. Even so, Mr. Thornton was planning on having a lengthy discussion with Drew about Felicity. Smirking at his wife, he had to add, "... for now."
Even though he knew it was a common term for her, Drew melted a little everytime she called him "love," feeling like it was special, just for him. He felt his face warm as her lips caressed his cheek, but a wide smile broke out across his face. "If you change your mind, you let me know, right?" he asked her, making sure she got into the car properly after his mother.
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Post by Felicity Hjort on Apr 19, 2009 13:27:20 GMT -5
"I will," she promised. The night was nice in her opinion, not at all chilling, so she doubted that it would be a promise she couldn't keep. And really, it was a rather short drive to her home so she knew there wouldn't be much time to chill on the drive unless his parents blasted air conditioning, which she doubted they'd do. Drew often enough dressed for colder weather even when it was warm enough for shorts and a t-shirt, which she still sometimes had a hard time getting over, and she rather thought his parents would likely be the same.
Settling into the backseat, beside Mrs Thornton, Felicity tried to sit in a more proper lady-like way than usual--keeping her hands on her lap, sitting up straight, mostly being uncomfortable.
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Drew Thornton
Ministry of Magic
Auror-in-Training
I didn't do it and you can't prove otherwise...
Posts: 14,114
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Post by Drew Thornton on Apr 23, 2009 20:37:45 GMT -5
After a short discussion with his dad, Drew slid into the back seat next to Felicity while Mark took the front next to the driver. Drew leaned over to tell the driver where they were going before finally settling back and taking a quick moment to grin at Felicity. he knew hi mom was right there, but he still slid his hand next to her thigh, poking her lightly with his pinky. If her hands hadn't been so primly placed on her lap he could hold one, but he wasn't quite bold enough to grab one with his mom right there.
The car pulled away from the restaurant and Drew figured it was all for the best. Within moments, they were pulling up to the Hjort house anyway.
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Post by Felicity Hjort on Apr 23, 2009 21:05:51 GMT -5
Listening to Drew give directions, she realized there wasn't anything for her to say. He had them down pat, perfectly. But what made her slightly uncomfortable was the driver, never actually having sat in a vehicle with an extra person other than the immediate company. It was odd. But Drew's easy grin set her a little at ease, and his little touch made her swallow a giggle and nearly swat his hand until she thought twice of it.
When the car pulled alongside her family's house, the blonde sent up prayers that everyone would behave and was ready. So far everything had been pleasant, but anything could change the atmosphere from what it was to what it could be. Hopefully nothing would though. If hers and Drew's parents got along, that would be good, it would actually be for the best. But with her dad, the chances of that happening were not good.
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Drew Thornton
Ministry of Magic
Auror-in-Training
I didn't do it and you can't prove otherwise...
Posts: 14,114
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Post by Drew Thornton on Apr 24, 2009 0:10:29 GMT -5
The driver put the car into park and hopped out to open the door for Mrs. Thornton while Drew and his dad let themselves out on the passenger side. Drew held the door for Felicity, offering his hand to help her out even though he was quite sure she could get herself out of a backseat without assitance. He just really liked treating her special and besides, it gave him a good excuse to hold her hand as they walked up to the door.
"Are we really sure we still want to do this?" he asked her in a low voice, but his smile told her that he was teasing. Sure, there were a million things that could go wrong, but he knew that this meeting was probably well overdue and putting it off any longer would probably make things worse.
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Post by Felicity Hjort on Apr 24, 2009 0:19:06 GMT -5
Taking Drew's hand, she let herself out of the car, an appreciating smile on her face. Drew did treat her awfully well, and she knew she didn't deserve it, but wouldn't deny how much she loved what he did to make her feel special. And even if his parents were there, it felt like they were all alone, in a small part of the world with nothing in the world that could matter more to her than him.
"No," she answered with a quiet laugh. This was not something she wanted to do, but thought it may be better to be present while the parents made niceties. Hearing what they were going to say was better than not knowing, and yet, perhaps it would be better not to be present amongst the talk was sure to ensue in the following time of the Thornton's visit to the quaint Hjort home.
Keeping her hand in Drew's, she waited until his parents were ready before she lead the way to her home and gently pushed the door open. "Mum? Dad?" she called out for both of her parents before she heard rushing footsteps making their way upstairs, and her mother's soft steps toward the door. Stepping aside, Felicity allowed room for the Thornton's to enter before shutting the door and turning to see her mum standing before them.
"Mum, this is Mr and Mrs Thornton," she immediately greeted the older woman. "Mr and Mrs Thornton, this is my mum, Mrs Meadow Hjort, and my dad, Mr Ib Hjort," she added when the tall male appeared just behind his wife.
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Drew Thornton
Ministry of Magic
Auror-in-Training
I didn't do it and you can't prove otherwise...
Posts: 14,114
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Post by Drew Thornton on Apr 25, 2009 14:16:46 GMT -5
Drew loved her laugh and he was so tempted to kiss her right there on her door step in front of his folks. He settled for a squeez of her hand and a wide smile as she opened the door and led them all in.
It wasn't the biggest of houses, nor the fanciest, but as Mrs. Thornton stepped foot over the threshold, she could tell it was a good house, well taken care of and full of love. That was more important than anything.
"Mrs. Hjort... Mr. Hjort," she greeted the girl's parents with a smile and an offered hand. "So nice to finally meet you."
"We've heard so much about you from Drew," Mr. Thornton added, offering his hand as well to the couple. His grin was in part from meeting the two, but also in part from hearing the thunderous footsteps rushing upstairs as they entered. Drew had mentioned it was a big family.
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Post by Felicity Hjort on Apr 25, 2009 23:33:12 GMT -5
"It's a pleasure," the older woman returned in answer, swift to take the woman's hand in hers. How many mother's had she met in the course of her lifetime? Too many to want to really count, but thankfully all of her children had settled early enough so she didn't have to remember too many faces and names. Raquel had been the oldest to marry, and she'd only had to meet three mother's for that child. Actually, she could really only recall meeting one mother for each of her other children as well, lucky her. "And please, call me Meadow."
Formalities had always been slightly distasteful to the older woman, except in particular situations, and this wasn't one of those. It was a meeting with another couple, which would hopefully run pleasantly, and very well could lead to great possibilities of friendship if the course ahead was smooth.
Taking the hand of each, Ib Hjort smiled gruffly, which looked more like a grimace. His wife had told him he was to be pleasant, despite any prejudices he had against what they were. American was what she had in mind, wizards was what was in his. "I wish we could say the same," the man answered in response. The boy preferred to spend his time lallygagging with his daughter rather than being respectable and speaking of his family, inviting them to meet his parents before now. However, the elbow from his wife refrained him from saying more than, "it's a pleasure. Please, come in."
Stepping aside, Mrs Hjort lead the way into the living area, set up in a slightly different arrangement to accommodate all of them. A few arms chairs were added to the small space, which surprisingly looked larger than usual, and Felicity suspected her mum had used some magic, especially since she couldn't remember seeing those chairs before. Bringing up the train, Ib walked with his daughter, waiting for her to bolt, saying she couldn't stand those people. He hoped she'd say it soon.
"Please make yourselves comfortable," Meadow offered, gesturing toward the available seats and tea before them. She had sent Matthew out for some coffee a bit ago, though it was something that hardly graced the Hjort household, wanting to have something more to offer in case tea wasn't to the Thornton's liking. "Felicity? Join me in the kitchen?"
It was more of a demand than a favourable request, and the young blonde obliged, smiling briefly at the Thornton's, lingering on Drew, before hoping into the kitchen with her mum. The poor dear had just wanted a bit of help with the cake, but also to ask about her opinion on the family, whether she had liked them or not so far.
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Drew Thornton
Ministry of Magic
Auror-in-Training
I didn't do it and you can't prove otherwise...
Posts: 14,114
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Post by Drew Thornton on Apr 26, 2009 15:40:24 GMT -5
Lolly decided as soon as she took the woman's hand, that she liked the girl's mother. She obviously kept a good house, seemed genuine and warm, and really seemed to like Drew from all he had said. Lolly was still going to speak to her son about getting too comfortable, taking advantage, and overstaying his welcome, but it was good to know he had associated himself with a good family.
Or so she thought until Mr. Hjort spoke. The man's words were harsh and rather insulting to the woman. The standard response to nice to meet you was usually not wish we could say the same. She looked over at the man with a bit of surprise, thinking that perhaps this was not the proper kind of family after all. The only saving grace was the small elbow nudge she saw Meadow give her husband. Whatever the man's problem was, his wife was trying to be nice.
Mark was a little surprised at the man's words as well. Mr. Hjort was obviously trying to speak against Drew, implying the boy had never spoken of his own family to them. Mark was pretty sure that wasn't completely true, and even if it was, Mark was sure it was not his son's place to talk about himself without being asked. He could have made some comment back about the kind of man who would allow his daughter to go off with boys he knew nothing about, but decided to keep things pleasant. Mark approved of Drew's girlfriend and didn't want to end up insulting her in the process.
They were shown to the sitting room and Drew smiled a little to himself, also noting the rearrangement. He was ready to point out which chair to avoid, but Mrs. Hjort asked Felicity to the kitchen. He really didn't want to leave his folks there alone with Mr. Hjort, but knew they'd be able to handle themselves against him. He looked expectantly over at Mrs. Hjort, about to ask if there was something he could do, but it was his mother who spoke first.
"Do you need help?" she asked, prefering to spend her time getting to know the girl's mother than dealing with her father. Let Mark handle it. He tended to be cooler under such circumstances and definitely more diplomatic.
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Post by Felicity Hjort on Apr 28, 2009 2:31:26 GMT -5
Turning to face the woman who'd asked, Meadow smiled pleasantly. Though she preferred to have a few minutes alone with Felicity, she could use the help from Mrs Thornton, and it would give her a chance to properly apologize for his rudeness. Ib was a gruff man, outright with his thoughts and feelings on a situation, and it was one of the reasons she loved him so dearly, but that man needed to learn not to be so cruel. Felicity really thought very highly of this boy, so did Meadow, and she knew Ib had softened a touch about him. It wasn't right to insult the Thornton's, especially when they had done nothing wrong. But in the lull of waiting for all to arrive for dessert and tea, he had gone on about nothing except how much he couldn't wait to get this meeting over with. Meadow herself was looking forward to the interaction. Yes, she had her own qualms about Andrew and Felicity's relationship, but it was nothing to really be concerned of. She knew the look they gave each other, it was real love, and she didn't want to ruin anything for them because of anyone else's concerns.
"Please," the older woman answered with a soft smile. There was opportunity in asking Mrs Thornton to join her, and she knew Felicity was itching to get out of the dress, which meant she could send Felicity upstairs and talk with Andrew's mother fairly. It really was an ideal situation. Leading the way, Meadow walked through the hall, to her lovely yellow kitchen. It was most definitely her favourite room in the house, held a many great number of memories for her, and far too many conversations to count.
"Felicity, dear? Why don't you head upstairs and be sure to put Freddy to bed, please? He's had a long day and will need a bit of coaxing to change and brush his teeth, and you are his favourite bedtime story reader." The blonde smiled at her mum, figuring she could change while she was at it and then hopefully be able to out whatever fire blazed in the living room with her dad. There wasn't any need for her in the kitchen with both woman, it really didn't take much to collect what was needed and make a presentation with it for the gentlemen.
"Please excuse me," she requested of Drew's mum before slipping up the stairs and telling Freddy to change while she did the same in the safety of her room. Slipping into a pair of jeans that weren't too tattered and a warm black sweater, the blonde removed her jewelry, save her necklace and ring from Drew, the two items she hardly took off. ******************************************** Ib Hjort stood tall as he eyed the intruders. Well, that's how he viewed them, the whole lot. Why did he have to put on a show alongside Meadow? He didn't like them, for a number of reasons, the first of which was their offspring. If it weren't for Andrew, he might very well get along with this other couple, despite the fact they were American and were the lot of witch and wizard. But, if it weren't for Andrew as well, he'd have never had to meet them. That boy was the root of the problem.
"So...have a seat," he tested after the women had left. What was he supposed to talk about with these folk? They had nothing in common save for their children, and Ib wasn't too keen on the boy. Taking up residence in his favourite chair, Ib's blue eyes stared long and hard at Andrew, daring him to bring up a topic for conversation.
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Drew Thornton
Ministry of Magic
Auror-in-Training
I didn't do it and you can't prove otherwise...
Posts: 14,114
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Post by Drew Thornton on Apr 28, 2009 22:16:14 GMT -5
Drew was ready to follow the women to the kitchen in order to help, but his mother gave him a subtle shake of her head and he stayed put. He knew he should probably stay with Mr. Hjort and his dad, but really would have much rather spent time with Mrs. Hjort than stay in the room with Felicity's dad. The man hated him and he knew it.
When Mr. Hjort took a seat in his chair, Mark took one of the others. As much as he had tried to convince Drew that the man's attitude was just the standard "dating my daughter" hard time, Mark was starting to see that it was probably a bit more. The man had been rude and was currently glaring at Drew rather than trying to make polite conversation as one usually did with guests, even those you did not care for. While Mark considered letting the silence linger, knowing it wasn't his job to fill it, he couldn't do that to Drew.
"So, I noticed England's been having a good season," Mark started, thinking football was always a safe bet. He wasn't as familiar with the gave as he was with quidditch, but had made sure he had his facts straight before meeting Mr. Hjort. "You think they have a chance at the Cup next year?"
Meanwhile, Lolly had followed Mrs. Hjort into the kitchen, a warm and welcoming room that seemed to be the geart of the house. It was no wonder Drew spent so much time there. It was certainly better than staying in any room with that awful man. "You do have a lovely home," she stated, hoping it sounded as sincere as it was meant. "So, please, what will you have me do?"
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