| Sam McGregor |
| (Fledgling) |
| 07/10/09 09:34 PM |
| 98.226.142.2 |
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Summer Showers (Aimee)
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Sam adjusted his jacket as he exited the Ministry of Magic. He'd been in and out of the building ever since his arrival to London, but it never ceased to amaze him how intense the schedules were that the aurors and hitwizards kept. Back home, he was considered a diligent worker, but when the sun began to set, it was time to head out. This was much of the case for Sam on this particular day. He had wandered the building, observed the current cases of the DMLE, and kept his fly-on-the-wall status as hush-hush as possible. A few people had approached him, and were easily deflected with a quick explanation that he was Jack's cousin, here for a visit and a tour.
His 'tour' had lasted several weeks by now, and those people he had met on the first go 'round were beginning to look at him funny. He knew sooner or later, he'd have to talk with someone of authority about getting himself set up with a job. But for now, Sam was content to snap on his 'visitor's' badge and wander the 2nd level with little to no attention pulled to himself.
Outside the Ministry, Sam was just about to start his daily search for a decent pub, when he felt something cold and wet smack against the back of his hand. He looked down. Just a raindrop. It took a moment for it to set in - plenty of time for another drop to hit. He glanced up. There weren't too many clouds in the sky, but enough to warrant a light, summer shower. Sam pulled his jacket a little tighter out of instinct. He was only a few steps past the facade of the Ministry, glancing down one side of the sidewalk and then the other.
A smile spread over his face. A little rain? A man like Sam wasn't going to let a little water get in the way of his evening stroll to discover London. Even after a few weeks, he felt as if he had only scratched the surface on the secrets of this strange town. He didn't know how Jack did it. Sam shoved his hands into his pockets and took his first few steps out into the open air. Softly falling raindrops struck his face and body, but Sam just kept on walking. His pace was slow, face slightly upturned to allow a greater area of his face to be exposed for possible targets. His eyes closed briefly. It was moments like these that he wished he could bottle.
| Aimee Lawson |
| (Neophyte) |
| 07/10/09 10:23 PM |
| 98.228.109.122 |
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Re: Summer Showers (Aimee)
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Aimee had, for once, gotten off work early - and she planned to take full advantage of it, if she could. Unfortunately, Dallas and Carter weren't going to be a part of that equation. Neither of them had been fortunate enough to be released from that lovely marble
She'd driven Blitz to the nearest Muggle parking garage to the Ministry's visitor entrance. It wasn't normal for her to use that way in, but there were some days when she would just as soon take Muggle means to work as Magical, and she never passed up the opportunity to ride her motorcycle. It had been a lovely morning, free of clouds and with a nice, lovely breeze. It was one of the rare days that happened in London that were actually balmy instead of being drab and rainy. She loved her city, but sometimes the weather even wore on a native.
Unfortunately for the poor Auror, who was much looking forward to the late afternoon being the same as the morning, the sky had opened up and started to do its usual business. Aimee stepped out onto the sidewalk and was taken completely unawares. "Serious?!" she muttered, looking up at the clouds. She loved rain usually, but there were some days when she just wanted a sunny, warm reprieve on the back of her bike. There was absolutely no way that she would bring her freshly-cleaned, still practically brand-new Yamaha.
Shoving her hands into her back pockets and heaving a sigh, she wandered down the sidewalk at her normal, quicker-than-most pace. Despite having been disappointed by the weather, she had a spring in her step. Looking up, she saw a not-quite-familiar, but recognizable, brunette man. Aimee went through her mental file-away of people, trying to figure out just who this fellow might be. She remembered that McGregor had a cousin visiting - maybe this was him? She made a point of walking past him, at her normal pace. Just to make sure she wasn't going to be saying hello to the wrong person, she stole a glance at him over her shoulder.
Her eyebrows raised and she slowed a bit. Her suspicions were correct. Aimee never forgot a face. She never forgot anything, actually - but that was beside the point. Once she was slowed enough to match his pace, she cleared her throat. "It rain as much back home as it does here? You're phased as little as any native Londoner," she offered, coupled with a half-cocked grin.
| Sam McGregor |
| (Fledgling) |
| 07/11/09 02:48 AM |
| 98.226.142.2 |
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Re: Summer Showers (Aimee)
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Sam was so caught up in his enjoyment of the light rain, that he jumped a little when he heard a feminine voice so close. He opened his eyes and looked down, his smile breaking into a much larger grin. "Aye, but I ain't the sort to get bent out of shape about it. There are some days when a good rain can clean your soul." His accent was obvious, and was carried with pride. Sam tilted his head just slightly at her. "You work in there, right? Auror with my cousin. Aimee, right?" He'd always been one for observation. This was a period that was more like a gathering of intel until he could asses the situation.
He kept walking, not sure if she just happened to be headed the way he was wandering. "I'm Sam by the way. Sam McGregor." He didn't offer a hand, just a smile. He turned his gaze briefly to the sidewalk in front of him before letting it fall on the blond girl once more. "But you probably already knew that." Something about her screamed 'more than meets the eye'. Sam marveled at the fact that Jack could work side-by-side with such beautiful women and not seem effected. Back home, his colleagues were mostly men, and if they weren't, they were relatives. Most of the DMLE employees he had met were neither, and it stirred a part of himself that Sam had thought was long forgotten - or at the very least, buried.
At first glance, she was a puzzle, and Sam's first internal question was 'Where do the pieces fit?' He found himself studying her as if she were a suspect in some crime of circumstance and opportunity. Her smile caught him most off guard. It was rare to meet a woman so at ease with herself. It was refreshing, intriguing, and something he wished to know more about all at the same time.
"Might you be a native Londoner, then?" He asked, coming to the end of one block and pausing to wait for the crosswalk. "They breed them beautiful on this island, don't they?" His passive flirting was second nature, and something he didn't even notice until it was already out in the air. Even now, he knew he had paid her a compliment, but for a woman who seemed so comfortable in her own skin, surely she knew just how beautiful she was. The crosswalk beeped, signaling it's change, and Sam stepped off the curb. He wondered how far she might follow him. How long would coincidence guide their paths together? Or had she abandoned her usual route already in exchange for conversation with a stranger?
| Aimee Lawson |
| (Neophyte) |
| 07/11/09 07:04 AM |
| 98.228.109.122 |
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Re: Summer Showers (Aimee)
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She chuckled, noting that he'd jumped a little. She obviously caught him off-guard. "Sorry to startle you," she offered, giving him an apologetic grin. The moment she heard his accent, she knew that her memory of him around the office, what little there was, had been correct. He was Jack's cousin, there to visit. Longest bloody visit she'd ever heard of, as she recalled his time of arrival, but it wasn't her business and she had no reason to question him. He seemed to be a decent guy, and there wasn't any reason for her to think anything other than that. Aimee smiled warmly in agreeance. "Yea, it's refreshing every once in awhile. S'like... when it does this every day, you start to notice which days it seems to fit with. What's good, what's bad. It's not just rain anymore. It's something else." er smile widened a bit and her eyes sparkled with an attentive cheerfulness that would let him know that she wasn't just spouting hot air - she really did understand what he was talking about.
Her face lit up when he remembered who she was, and she grinned. "Yea, Aimee Lawson." She kept his pace, though naturally she would be walking about three times as fast. "And you're-" she cut herself off as she realized that he'd started to introduce himself at the very moment she'd gone to confirm who he was. "So I've heard," she grinned, giving him a sly wink. "Jack's not exactly quiet - and even aside from that, people are starting to wonder if you're here to stay, You've caused a bit of a stir," she chuckled. He offered Aimee a smile, and she returned it with a wink. "Not that a stir's a bad thing."
As she walked, she freed her hands from her back pockets long enough to stretch them long and hard above her head. "Yea," she said, her voice strained in a half-groan from the stretching as her arms slowly dropped back down to her sides. "Well, sort of. Haven't always lived in the city proper, but yea. Londoner born and raised," she cracked another wide grin, shoving her hands back into her pockets and glancing at him out of the ccorner of her eye for a moment or two. Quirking a brow at his compliment, Aimee found herself flattered. With a chuckle, she rotated a bit to face him as they waited for the walking green.
"Right, what little darling thing were you lookin' at when you pulled that one out?" she said, looking around her for some gorgeous thing or other. The right side of her lips curled upward, leaving her with an arched brow and a half-smirk upon her lips. "'Cause I know you don't mean me." Aimee hadn't really had any intentions to go anywhere in particular... just wander until the rain stopped long enough for her to go back after her bike.
It seemed, however, that the weather had made other plans for her. By distracting her from Blitz, she'd run into this semi-stranger, and it was obvious that they were going to be talking for a time more - because when the light changed, Aimee's path didn't change. She just kept on right alongside him. "And what about you?" she asked, "Where, exactly, is it that they make such handsome fellows?" She meant it, too - but it wasn't just his looks. No, it was much more than that. There was something in the way he carried himself, and in the way that he spoke, that piqued her curiosity. The fact that he was dashing and had a charming Irish accent just happened to be extra bait for Aimee. No, it was something she couldn't quite put her finger on that prompted her to follow along with him.
"You walking anywhere in particular?" she asked. It wasn't at all related to where he was from - but she saw no reason to stall the conversation. Besides, if he was new to London, she could certainly show him around. She turned her head just enough to look at him as she walked, a smile lingering on her lips as she studied him carefully out of the corner of her eye. He carried himself confidently, but with enough of a relaxed stance that Aimee wasn't at all worried about whether or not he'd be one of those insufferable arrogant types. No, this one wasn't like that. She wondered if he'd continue to put up with her pestering him like this.
| Sam McGregor |
| (Fledgling) |
| 07/11/09 12:07 PM |
| 98.226.142.2 |
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Re: Summer Showers (Aimee)
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Sam might have sworn he felt the sunshine in her laughter. He was a romantic like that, though. Everything a woman did was magical, regardless of her ability to work a wand. Sam couldn't help but feel his smile stretch. "Exactly." One hand pulled free of his jean pocket to come up and rub his chin lightly. It was then that he noticed just how long his facial hair was getting. His hand felt a bit like it had been rubbed with sandpaper. Internally, Sam chided himself for looking so unkempt at his cousin's place of work. This, along with several other poorly planned instances, would do nothing for international cooperation.
"A little rain does a lot of good, my mother always says." He looked off fondly into the distance while checking for stray cars that felt their right of way was more important than that of himself or this lovely female companion. "It amazes me how people seem so put off by it." He let his hand open, palm up to catch a few drops of water. They rolled down the deep creases, pooling at the center. "S'just a bit of water." He let his hand fall, wiping it against his jeans.
"Have I now?" He asked, feigning ignorance on the questions that had arisen since his arrival. "All the trouble you British folk seem to be into these days, the family just wanted me to come check up on Jacky." It was true, but not the whole truth. "Your Ministry is like another world compared to where I come from, but I didn't know I looked as painfully out of place as I felt." He let out a deep, rolling laugh. It was the kind that shook his whole body briefly before he settled, head shaking as the rain drops struck lightly against the back of his skull.
He glanced back up just as she tried to deflect his compliment. "Now, what are you playin' at, lass? Y'know damn good and well that I meant you. Met a girl on my first day in who knew better than to play dumb. Y'girls are all much too smart to act like you've got your heads buried in the sand. Modesty is one thing, but take pride in it! My cousin's a lucky man to work side by side with such strong, intelligent, stunning women. I envy him." Sam winked at her, both hands shoving deep into his pockets. He knew she wasn't putting on a false modesty, which was a god-send, but Sam had a way of putting someone in their place in the nicest way.
Sam tilted his head just slightly at her question of his origin. "Hard to say exactly. I claim all of Ireland as m'home. The family spreads all over, and any McGregor house is home to me, but if your askin' where my hat hangs in an official sense, then I'd claim Cork, though I really lived just outside of the city limits." He smiled fondly. "A little house, a bit of land. It's all a man needs, really." And even as he said it with a smile, there was a sadness in his eyes. The house he owned was the one he had shared with his late wife. it was hard to think of the home without thinking of her, and all the parts of life that they'd miss living together.
Sam was shaken from his daze by her next question, and chuckled lightly. "You just don't quit, do you? Not in particular, exactly." He paused, "You know? Maybe you can help. I've been desperate for a decent pub, and not this British mockery of a pub you lot seem to think is close enough to count. No, no I want a good, strong Irish sort of pub. I need a little taste of home, and I don't just mean on my tongue." He glanced around, realizing that by now they were in an area of London he had not previously explored.
"Know of any places that could help me find a source to quench the thirst of body and soul?" Sam was always a bit of a poet, especially when it came to talking about family. He thought words were beautiful, and only the best should be used to describe the beautiful things in life. Home, rain, women. He loved to weave his way through his own language, painting a picture with each letter. He smiled down at her, finding that he had the strongest urge to brush a wet curl from her face, to tuck it behind her ear. She was tall for a woman, but still smaller than him, and thin enough around to make him quite certain his arms would fit around her twice.
"I'm sorry!" He exclaimed, slapping a hand to his forehead, "Here I am going on and on about pubs and home, when you've surely got someplace better to be than leading a man around by the nose until he catches the scent of real beer." He laughed and shook his head. "Forgive me, lass. It's just been too long since I've had proper company. Don't let me keep you in the rain and away from your business."
| Aimee Lawson |
| (Neophyte) |
| 07/11/09 02:10 PM |
| 67.150.84.212 |
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Re: Summer Showers (Aimee)
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"It's hard to appreciate it," she murmured, looking up at the sky with a slight squint, "When it's a near-daily occurrence, you know? But there are days," she looked at him, tilting her head a bit and smiling at the way he conducted himself, "Like today, for instance... When it's impossible to go on all ruffled about. S'not always beautiful like this. Sun's even peeking through a bit - might be a rainbow. This right 'ere is a rarity." She followed suit, bringing a hand out and cupping it toward the sky. The little droplets gathered and formed a perfectly clear little puddle in her hand. Rolling it back and forth for a minute, she smiled and took a deep breath. The air was crisp enough for a summer day. Sometimes the rain washed away the smell of city smog; it was a wonderful feeling. Gaia never failed to amaze her.
The young Auror found herself unable to stop stealing glances at him. Perhaps it was in the way he smiled, or maybe it was that little twinkle in his eyes... Maybe it was the way he talked, or the way words just seemed to dance from his lips; or perhaps it was even the way he looked like the beautiful words coming from him were completely effortless. One way or another, Aimee couldn't keep from looking over at him every few moments.
For as straightforward as he was, he was also mysterious - and she couldn't help but wonder what he was really in London for. It was, undoubtedly, part of what made him tick. Aimee found herself wanting to know what it was. Just what did make this handsome Irish gentleman work? Aimee could tell that there was more to him that the surface show, much as it was an honest one. There was more there than that.
"Yea? I don't think we've ever had a fighter quite like him before," she leaned her head back a bit, looking over at him sideways with a grin. "Haven't met a soul yet who would offer to grapple with him in the training room. S'Always assigned." Aimee chuckled, biting her bottom lip a bit. "You don't look out of place so much as everybody knows you're not a regular occurrence, right? You look like you'd fit in just fine, but that pesky visitor's badge makes people wonder." Turning her gaze toward him, she righted herself and winked.
His laughter was deep and hearty. It was precisely the sort of laughter that was infectuous; the kind that made everyone else in the person's presence feel warm and like there should be nothing but smiles all around. Not many people could just laugh like that anymore. It seemed that this man might just be as much a rarity as the beautiful rain he seemed to love so much. Aimee hardly noticed that her hair was starting to collect wetness, her once-bouncy curls starting to lose their life and luster. One particularly irritating curl had plastered itself to her face with the rain - but she just didn't seem to mind much.
Her eyebrows flew up as she received a lecture from this man she barely knew. "What? A girl can't be modest about herself?" It was Aimee's turn for a good, shoulder-shaking laughter. It was darling how adamant he was about the subject. She knew she wasn't just an ordinary, plain Jane type of girl - she'd receive enough compliments in her life from a large number of various sources. However, she didn't have to agree when someone complimented her. Shaking her head, she moved her arms to fold over her chest and gave him a sidelong glance. "Jack's not interested in anyone in the department," she chuckled, "Rumor on the street's that he's been sorta involved with this singer at some pub..." Aimee shrugged. The gossip mill at the DMLE hardly ceased to be false. She figured this was no exception.
The way he talked about Ireland was touching. Aimee glanced back in front of her from time to time, just to make sure she wasn't about to run into anything. Mostly, though, she kept her gaze on him. She found that she enjoyed watching him when he talked just as much as she did listening. Aimee lit up with interest as he spoke, finding the endearing way he explained his connections to the entire Island fascinating, somehow. She felt very at home in London, and she loved her country very much, but she knew that she would never be able to claim it as her home in its entireity. "Must be nice," she grinned, "To gain a place you can call home that seems to be so...." she searched for a word, wrinkling her nose a bit, "universal, I s'pose would be the right term."
She'd taken a moment to focus on not running headlong into a tree planted in the sidewalk grate, but when she returned her gaze to focus on him, she noticed that there was a sense of melancholy lingering in his expression. Aimee knew that even through the smile, there was more. She could tell. She didn't know how, but she could tell. There was so much more to it than just a house and land. She wondered if, perhaps, he was lonely in that house. Maybe that was what had brought him to London. Loneliness. Something within the compassionate Galliard wanted to reach for his hand, if only to give it a comforting squeeze... but her better judgment told her that this man was still barely an acquaintance and that such an action would be inappropriate and peculiar.
She felt the need to push on to the next subject, and asked him about where he might be going. His expression seemed to soften, returning back to its normal cheerful from the forlorn pensiveness that it had taken on moments prior. "Well!" she said, flashing him a grin, "There are a few places, but we're all sorts of on the wrong side of town for it." Aimee shrugged up her shoulders. "So unless you feel like walkin' for hours on end through the city I can't much help you from here. I can give you names, though. Or..." she pondered, bringing a hand up to tap her chin, "Well, I've got a car. We'd have to walk to my flat and all, but it's not too far from here." Holding her hands out she gave him a look that would let him know that she was all for spontenaeity - and that it didn't much matter to her which method of transportation they took. "There's always the tube, but on a Friday evenin' just after work it's bound to be a right madhouse."
Aimee found the manner in which he spoke to be incredibly beautiful and poetic. It made her stomach flutter a little bit to hear something so simple turned into a beautiful piece of art like that. Words that flitted for naught more than moments wrapped themselves into her ears and mind and enveloped her senses for the duration of their short lives. Here, right in front of her, walking down the street with her, was a modern Shakespeare - completely natural, not even trying to create the lovely web of words he was weaving.
For the brief moment that their eyes met, Aimee noted the complicated ways in which his were beautiful. There was an emotion behind them that many people lacked, and that, combined with the stunning hazel and how it met with the small blips of sunlight mingling with the rain, was enough to pique her interests. He really was a work of artistic brilliance. "Y'don't have to apologize to me for talking," she chuckled, giving him a reassuring smile. "I don't much mind listening to you talk..." Shrugging her shoulders, she tilted her head to the side a bit and beamed. "I've no business to attend to. Was going to go for a spin on my bike, but I just cleaned 'er and I didn't want to bring her out in the rain. I've got all the time in the world right now. Let's find you a pub. That is, if you don't mind my following you about and talking your ear off in return."
| Sam McGregor |
| (Fledgling) |
| 07/11/09 03:32 PM |
| 98.226.142.2 |
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Re: Summer Showers (Aimee)
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Sam thought to let the subject of her modesty drop to a simple laugh and a shake of the head, but with some people, he felt a need to press a lesson to be learned. He slowed his steps even further. "Girls can be modest, coy, and deflecting, but a beautiful woman should not only be aware of her radiance, but embrace it as a gift to be shared." His hand escaped his pocket and reached over to tuck the wet curl behind her ear. His fingertips slid easily along her skin, slick with rain water. His smile was soft. It wasn't even flirtatious, just a warm, soft smile that showed the genuine nature of his statements. "Y'can't hide behind girlhood insecurities forever, lass." His hand dropped, realizing that the touch might have been unwelcome.
"Sorry." He murmured, hands shoving themselves back into his pockets and eyes skirting the ground before dragging up to look around. He was mentally mapping London each day, and this was an addition to his map that had not existed previously. "My cousin is a fool if he's ignoring all the lovely women right under his nose, but he was always a bit off." Sam gave a half smile. "Singer at a pub? Aye, the boy's been holdin' out on me. I'll give him a what-for later. You be sure to come by an' watch. Where d'you think ol' Jacky learned his moves?" Sam winked, puffing out his chest slightly. "He always did look up to me, after all." He pulled his posture back down to a more natural stance, chuckling. "Always saw him as more of a little brother than a cousin, y'know? Always kept my eye on him." He paused and looked at her, a question in his eyes before it left his lips. "What else can you tell me about Jack's time here? Anything I should know of?"
Sam knew that he was bound to give more away than he intended to, but something about Aimee kept him talking. He was comfortable around her. She had the sort of smile that made him want to continue seeing it, and a wit about her that he'd missed from the women back home. He was distracted by the way the skin of her nose bunched up as she sought a proper way to end her phrase. It was one of the most innocent expressions he'd witnessed in so long. He found himself grinning, nodding as she finally completed her thought. "Aye, it's nice to feel that where'er I go, there's a piece of home to linger."
As she looked away, he did as well, and inhaled sharply as she dodged a tree at the last second. Instinctively, both hands had left his pockets and reached for her. One hand rested on her shoulder. He quickly dropped it and muttered an apology, along with something about how he'd been worried about the tree. Even the most poetic of souls could fumble with their words. He left his hands free from his pockets, though. Sam preferred to be more prepared for a situation in which he'd need to react quickly.
His eyebrows shot up in surprise, "So this town isn't simply deprived of a decent pub atmosphere. I've just been starting on the wrong end? Been here weeks and you're the first to correct me. I just may start callin' you my good luck charm, gorgeous." He laughed and stopped in his tracks. "If you've got nothing better to do than bring this horse to water, I'd like nothing more than to sniff out a good pub with you." He leaned down just slightly to bring them eye to eye, "But you'll have to lead the way." His face was much closer to hers than before, and it was only now that he could see just how beautiful her eyes were, or the way the corners of her mouth seemed to instinctively twitch upward. His eyes lingered on her lips. A few drops of rain ha fallen on them, leaving them wet in some areas, and dry in other. Without realizing it, his own tongue briefly darted out to lick his own lips to even their moisture.
Realizing that he was much too close and noticing much too much for such an innocent encounter, Sam straightened up and coughed. "It'll be a test of your patience to see if you feel the same once I've had a few beers in me. The family jokes that I'm a regular chatterbox while under the influence. I say they're all just jealous that so many people want to hear me speak." He laughed, "Or I count myself lucky that they bother to put up with me at all. It's a toss up, depending on the day." He shrugged his shoulders, a smile still on his face to denote the joke that he meant for the statement to be taken as.
He waited for her to right their course so that they could head for her flat, then followed obediently. "So tell me, Aimee," He liked the way her name rolled off his tongue. He wondered if all London women were so easy to talk to, or if it was the rain that washed their thoughts together until they mingled as one. Surely it was not natural to meet someone that just seemed to draw him in with each breath. "How long have you worked with the DMLE?" He'd found that most Aurors had a story to tell when it came to how they had come to the department. It was so much more interesting than his own, inherited destiny.
| Aimee Lawson |
| (Neophyte) |
| 07/11/09 09:22 PM |
| 98.228.109.122 |
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Re: Summer Showers (Aimee)
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It happened so quickly that she barely noticed that he'd stopped. Her eyes widened a little and a blush came to her cheeks as his hand came up and took care of that stray curl she'd neglected. The fact that he'd even noticed something so small made Aimee wonder just where people like him had been hiding all her nearly-23 years. She watched his facial expressions, focusing on that sweet smile of his for a moment or two before looking up and catching the beautiful colours in his eyes. She'd noticed that they were nice before, but up close they were nearly enough to make her breath catch in her throat. "I suppose I can't.." she murmured quietly, offering a small, shy smile in return.
An eyebrow raised as he apologized and she shook her head, laughing a little. "Nothing to apologize for..." Her reply was quiet to match his apology, but she meant it. She hadn't minded the contact at all. It was a simple gesture, done with such a sweet innocence that she'd hardly be able to find fault even if she were to dig for it. Aimee laughed lightly, shaking her head. "You'd be surprised how bristly some of us DMLE girls can be," she turned to look at him and cracked a mischievous half-grin, offering him a wink. "I know if I were him, I'd avoid dating any of us," she shrugged her shoulders and tilted her head a bit. "When you're bunched up in a building with women like us all day wth no means of escape, a breath of fresh air is likey a welcomed one."
A blush spilled over her cheeks at his confidence. It was incredibly attractive, and for him to be so flirtatious without thinking much about it only drew out Aimee's counter-flirting that much more. Reaching over without much thought, she tapped his chest lightly a couple of times as he puffed it up. "Obviously from you," she chuckled, her lips curled mischievously upward at the corners without actually having her smirk. "Though so far there's no comparison and it's obvious who the pupil is, versus the professor." A blush at her own thought, and she was listening intently to him once more. "Well, we've had some pretty bristly happenings - all starting right around October. One thing after another - the Head Auror accused of murder, her case being allowed to go cold... She resigned, and then in February there was a massive attack launched at the Ministry.. Mungo's.. the Prophet. One of our own went missing for a month, came back barely hangin' by a thread. Jack's been forunate enough to help out without much repercussion. He's a tough one."
She knew that it was likely more than he actually wanted to know, but he'd asked... and for some reason, she didn't feel a need to filter much between her mind and her mouth when talking to him. It was this strange ability to be totally comfortable, washing over her - but she didn't want to wonder why. She decided it would be best if she just went with it. Aimee smiled and moved her hands back to stuff in her front pockets this time, her eyes twinkling with warmth as she watched him speak. "Helps you from being homesick, yea?"
She was so busy dodging the tree that she didn't notice right away that he'd reached out to catch her were she to have run right into it, face-first. The feeling of his hand on her shoulder brought a brighter blush to her cheeks, but she offered nothing short of a smile. Her eyes crinkled at the sides, her entire face lighting up. Aimee thought it was absolutely darling the way he constantly apologized for nothing. "Would you stop apologizing? I appreciate that you're looking out," she winked, lightly nudging an elbow to his as she weaved toward him for a split-second.
Though Aimee laughed right along with him, she couldn't stop the blood from rushing to her cheeks. She was certainly blushing a lot more than she would prefer to, as it was likely obvious that she found his compliments flattering. "Good luck charm? Hardly, but if you insist," she said, shrugging. She'd learned in the few short minutes that they'd spoken that being hard on herself would likely wind up in another talk about how she should appreciate and be proud of her better qualities. Grinning at him, she bounced on her toes a little bit. "Yea, we can wander around until we find something," she replied, shrugging her shoulders again and giving him a sweet, cute little innocent sort of grin.
Her stomach flipped as his face neared hers, and her eyes widened a little. "I... erm.. I can do that," she said softly, her voice little more than a husky whisper. Aimee studied his face - the way his eyes seemed to tell so much more than his smile, how the right side of his mouth seemed to curl up, the roughness of his unshaven five'o'clock shadow... He had very subtle little creases where she suspected, perhaps, dimples might reside. Despite the ruggedness of who he seemed to be, his lips looked very soft - soft enough that she almost wondered what they'd feel like. A little surprised when she saw his tongue dart over her lips, her focus returned to his eyes. Gulping, she stepped back and cleared her throat, looking toward the ground.
Laughing, she shook her head. "I can ingest more alcohol than any Irish fellow, but I can't hold it. I get drunk so fast... and you likely won't be able to get me to shut up, either. Quite a pair, huh?" she laughed, tossing her head back and weaving a little bit, back and forth. "I'm sure it's just jealous. I get the same from my brothers," she shook her head a bit, nudging him with her elbow lightly. She was enjoying spending time with him much more than she thought she would with some random stranger she'd run into on the street. She loved people, but this was almost unnaturally comfortable.
Rounding a corner, she figured they wouldn't either one of them mind walking at least a few more blocks. "I think we'll stop off and get my car... otherwise, by the time we walk 'cross town, it'll be closing hour," she winked. "'Bout five more blocks this way." Nodding, Aimee quirked a brow as he started to ask his questions. She loved the way her name sounded coming from his lips. "Me? Ever since graduation... Four and a half years, give or take... Started school, already knowing what I wanted to do," she shrugged, "Just seemed natural for me to go into this field. Though, lately... I've been wondering if I should be an Unspeakable, too..." she trailed off, feeling that she talked too much about herself. "What about you...? What's your story?"
| Sam McGregor |
| (Fledgling) |
| 07/13/09 07:07 PM |
| 173.9.198.117 |
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Re: Summer Showers (Aimee)
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Sam scoffed, "Bristly? From what I've seen, I'd describe your lot as anything but bristly. No, a bit rougher than the average lass, but still with an elegance." He shrugged, "Jacky and I always did have different tastes in women." He mused with a touch of a smile. But even the words made him stop and wonder. His Jessi hadn't been rough at all. She'd been delicate and soft, a treasure to be protected. He hadn't been able to protect her, though. Perhaps that was why Sam didn't seek the wilting flower any longer. For as much of an instinct he had to protect those near him, he knew that he couldn't always be there, and the idea of losing another woman was too hard. Maybe that was why he had started to look at women who were more... capable of protecting themselves.
Lost in the thought, he realized he was staring. He almost laughed at himself. What was he thinking? It wasn't as if this beautiful young woman was... Was that a blush on her cheeks? Sam felt the corners of his mouth turn up. Maybe this old man wasn't losing his touch? Sam enjoyed the way her cheeks pinked up. He felt he urge to reach out and run his fingers over the blushed skin, but resisted. He knew he'd be overstepping with such an action. He barely knew the girl after all, but there was something in how innocent she seemed while speaking wisdom far beyond her years. It was fascinating. It was intoxicating.
"Up to your eyeballs in trouble, ain't ya, gorgeous." He shook his head slowly, chuckling. "And not a word of it from Jack to those of us back home. Typical." He glanced at her every now and then as they walked towards her place. Sam clucked his tongue against the roof of his mouth. "Your own Head Auror, hmm? I think I heard 'bout her. Jacky wrote back once or twice, told us the lay of the land. Had a fishy surname, didn't she?" The Rahls influence stretched far enough that he recognized them, but sometimes it was better to play dumb, especially when he was trying to fly under the radar. "Jack seemed to like your Head Auror well enough, though. Never gave any word that she was one to watch out for." He rubbed his chin, thoughtfully.
His thoughtful expression quickly vanished at the mention of liquor. A smile spread over his face, lighting up all the way to his eyes. "Oh, you just need more practice!" He grinned wide at her and felt a renewed spring in his step. "But I'll keep an eye on you wherever we end up. Won't let you get too out of control on my watch." He was serious, even with the large smile on his face.
He listened and nodded along as she explained her past, leading up to the DMLE. Quick math in his head made him groan inwardly. He suddenly felt very old. Four years since her graduation? He was at least ten years her senior. With all the creepy notions of being a perverted old man, Sam did his best to stop glancing at her like he had been before. He chided himself for not realizing that any woman so energetic and beautiful had to be so much younger than him. He was, however, intrigued about the way in which she was considering a second career. "Those are the lads who decipher prophecy for your Ministry, yeah?" He rubbed at his chin. "Seems a bit... spooky."
Sam sighed and shook his head, "Oh, you don't want to be bored with my story, lass. Trust me. It's not too interesting." He was so open about talking, so free to discuss anything, but talking about his career usually led to discussing his late wife, and Sam just wasn't sure if today was the day for something like that. "Not much to tell, really. The whole family seems to find trouble. Jacky was always the best at it. I was usually good at getting him out of it. Which might just explain a bit more why I'm here." He winked at her and laughed in that deep, rumbling way.
He glanced around, noticing how the streets had turned to a more residential view. "Nice neighborhood." He commented and glanced at her before turning his attention back to the view. "Better than Jacky's. Been crashing on his couch the last few weeks. As much as I love family togetherness, there's only so much a man can take." He knew that sooner or later, he'd have to find a place of his own. He'd been looking, but he wasn't open with non-family members about his permanent residence in London, and this semi-stranger surely wouldn't care to hear that he was in the market for a flat.
| Aimee Lawson |
| (Neophyte) |
| 07/15/09 01:47 AM |
| 98.228.109.122 |
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Re: Summer Showers (Aimee)
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Aimee found herself completely intrigued, and flattered, by the way he seemed to describe the myriad of females in the DMLE. She'd always found that they were rougher than most women - and that they generally had attitudes to match it. At least, that had been her experience. She was bossy, and a little pushy at times... but some of the girls were just outright bitchy, and pretending like that didn't exist confused her. However, this was a compelte stranger to 'the system' - someone who didn't know the usual mannerisms of the girls. This was someone with no biased, from the outside looking in, who found them - and by association, her - elegant. She'd never been called elegant before.
She caught the little smile out of the corner of her eye and found that it was quite infectuous. Somehow, however, she knew that there was way more to him than met the eye. Underneath that laughter, underneath that smile, there were thoughts that she couldn't possibly hope to decrypt on her own. There was no way that she'd be able to without asking him directly what he was really thinking, but she'd only just met the man and didn't want to be rude. Instead, Aimee just went with the flow. She tried to hide her blush by looking the other direction, feigning a dodge of some piece of trash or another... but she could feel him looking.
Her eyes lifted from the sidewalk just in time to catch him, and she smiled. Was he actually looking at her? And, beyond that, was he seeing her? Drawing in a deep breath, Aimee drummed her fingers on the sides of her thighs. Shaking her head, she chuckled. "Yeah, I guess. We're all swimming in it lately. It's been quiet for the last ten years. Some sort of twisted tradition - lures us all into a false sense of security, and then... Well," she shrugged, "It's our job to figure out why they tick the way they do, so that we can stop them. But every time we get close..." Wrinkling her nose, she let out a frustrated sigh. "It's tiring."
She ran her tongue over her lips, wiggling her jaw back and forth a little as she thought. "Yeah, Naomi Rahl... We're still at a complete loss on her case. No proof one way or the other. That bloody family... Never seen a group of people so good at coverin' their tracks and evading justice. I know they're all scum, hopefully save Naomi. Gets more hopeless by the day. Jack always did like Naomi, though. Never thought she actually did it. Fought tooth and nail for her, too, when things got heated. Still thinks she's innocent, too, unless he keeps it to himself. And it's Jack..." she laughed a bit, shaking her head. "Well, you probably know him better than most... If he had an opinion that changed we'd all know. I try not to be optimistic or pessimistic, either way, in a situation like this. I liked working with her, and she seemed like a decent person - but facts are facts. I just try to look at the reality of it and take things as they happen." Aimee patted her hands on her thighs a bit and shrugged her shoulders up, a tiny sigh mingling in with her actions as her thoughts swirled about.
Truth be told, she was happy for the change of pace in their conversation. Much as she knew it was an issue that wasn't likely going to be resolved anytime soon, she always got a little uneasy talking about the situation with Naomi - especially out in public like that. She didn't much talk about it at all, really. She furrowed her brow for a moment. What had made her spill to him like that, then? Aimee preferred to keep her opinions on matters that involved to a work-only environment. She didn't much like talking about them on a personal level... but he'd just drawn it out of her, somehow.
Bringing a hand to her lips, Aimee attempted to stifle the girlish giggle that escaped them. "I dunno, I've been at it awhile... You'd think I'd be able to handle it now, hmm? 'Course, if you're willing to help..." She turned to him, walking backwards for a moment or two as she gave him a mischievous half-grin and a cute little wink. "I'd be a more-than-willing student." Without a glance or word more she turned back so that she was walking side-by-side, not looking at him at all. Her hair fell around her face enough to hide the blush on her cheeks that began to burn with her own initiation of a bit of flirtatiousness.
She was very excited about his interest in hearing about what had guided her to her chosen career. She didn't really talk to many people other than her family members about what made her choose what she did, or what made her interested in the things she enjoyed. For as much of a social butterfly as Aimee was, she just didn't see fit to dump her life story to people who probably couldn't have cared less. Sam seemed to actually give a damn, although they'd only just met. "Mmhmm," she nodded, chuckling a bit. "Spooky for some, a natural talent for others. I speak ... 13 languages, I think...? Five fluently, the other eight proficiently... I could be a lot of use up there, probably, if I really wanted to do it. Lately, I've been wondering if I'm better suited splitting my time. Weird things happening all the time, y'know? I can use my experience from one with the other, integrate it, all that."
Aimee stopped herself from going too much further. She didn't really know yet what the strange stones meant, or why they were there. She thought it best if she didn't say too much, especially just walking down the street in the open where anyone could hear. "Why would I ask if I didn't want to hear it?" she asked, furrowing her brow. "I mean, if you don't feel like relayin' in that's fine, but I am curious. So, y'know, if you ever feel like tellin' a story, you've got an interested party." Shrugging her shoulders up - it seemed she was doing that a lot lately - she cocked her head at him and offered him an inviting smile. "Get Jack out of trouble, and get unsuspecting Auror women into it... Fascinating one, you are."
His wink made her stomach flutter a little, and her cheeks pinked immediately. Swallowing a bit, Aimee grinned. She didn't live in a bad neighborhood at all - she'd been well taken care of by her parents, and she took it from there and really grabbed life by the horns. She'd been doing pretty well for herself, living as frugally as she could without sparing too much of her fun loving lifestyle. The little two-story townhouse condo and its garage came into view, and Aimee grinned widely. "Thanks... I try, y'know?"
Walking up to the garage door, she flipped open the keypad and punched in a series of numbers. She turned back to him as the mechanical door whirred and started to open slowly, and grinned. "Yeah? I have an extra room. Don't know you very well or anything, but y'might as well be a coworker - and I tend to let people know that they've got a place to go if they need it." Shrugging, Aimee ducked under the mostly-opened door and sighed happily at the cherry-red beauty before her. "Alright," she said, grabbing a rather feminine little keyfob, set to match the car. "This is Scarlett," she grinned, patting the hood lightly, "And you'll be hopping in on the left side of her today to go to a pub."
Talking like a tour guide, she waved her hands in mock-gestures to go with the tone. Winking at him, she bound over to the driver's side and hopped in. Plugging the key into the ignition, she drummed her hands on the wheel in anticipation of showing off her baby. Mixed with her excitement over going out with this absolutely darling newcomer to London, Aimee couldn't have been more sunshiney - despite the opposing weather. After he was in and settled, she backed out and shut the garage, pulling out into the street. "Crosstown drive's about thirty minutes, give or take... So you're stuck in this little metal box with me, no escape," she looked over to him briefly, giving a wink before accelerating and heading toward the city centre. The Irish pubs were on, of course, the opposite side of town from herself. It was an excuse to talk to him more, however - Aimee couldn't complain.
| Sam McGregor |
| (Fledgling) |
| 07/15/09 03:57 PM |
| 147.226.164.15 |
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Re: Summer Showers (Aimee)
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Sam thought he was impressed by the way she carried herself. Then he was further impressed by the neighborhood she lived in. Looking up at the townhouse, he was mentally chiding his cousin for not living in such means, but then again - Jack had only been in town long enough to just barely get on his feet. Not that the family hadn't sent him with a little help, but still, it was hard to compare. He followed her to the garage, wondering if she really meant her offer of the spare room. She didn't seem the type to say things just say them, but Sam didn't want to impose.
"Awh, you're a sweet thing to offer, but I'll be alright. Jacky and I are used to livin' under the same roof. Lived next door to one another growin' up. We might as well as been attached at the hip when we were younger." He grinned, waiting for the garage to open. He stepped forward, but stopped at the sight of her car. A low whistle came from him. "Now, you've got some surprises, don't you lass? Aye, I haven't seen a ride so sweet in... Well, possibly never." He laughed and walked to the passenger door and sat himself down. He buckled quickly before taking a good look around. The inside of the car seemed to be in just as good condition as the outside. He nodded in appreciation.
"Trapped in a box with a beautiful woman." He mused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "I think I'll survive." He chuckled and reached over to give her knee a pat. "Trust me, lass - I've got no complaints about where my evening has led me." He pulled his hand back before he crossed a line. With women, it was hard to tell how much physical contact was allowed. Something about Aimee made him want to reach out and touch, though. Nothing perverted, just the small contact like they had experienced so far. Unfortunately, she had not really returned the brief touches, which was leading Sam to the belief that his contact was unwanted. It didn't upset him - just made him a little more conscious about watching himself.
"S'what's you're story, gorgeous? I mean, y've obviously got more t'you than a job and second career in the wings. Hell, with a car like this, I've got to wonder just what sort of trouble I've gotten into this evening." He grinned at her. "Not complainin'. Let me make that clear. I rather like a bit of trouble."
| Aimee Lawson |
| (Neophyte) |
| 07/15/09 09:30 PM |
| 98.228.109.122 |
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Re: Summer Showers (Aimee)
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"Well, if you change your mind," she said, looking over her shoulder at him for a second or two and offering a smile, "Offer stands." The whistle illicited a huge grin from Aimee, who was more proud of her car than almost anything else in the entire world. She got in an situated herself comfortably. "If you think this is surprising," she chuckled and pulled out, buzzing down the street. "You should see my bike." She thought that the way men seemed to melt over her car was very endearing - but more than that, it was quite a thrill. She knew that cars had a bit of sway over a man. To some, cars were even more coveted than women. Knowing that made her feel excited. Her love for cars put her on the same level as her male peers, and gave her something to bond with them over.
Quirking a brow, she half-looked over at him and smirked a bit. A blush lit her cheeks as his hand found her knee and she freed a hand to fall upon his, her fingertips brushing over the backs of his knuckles lightly. "I do drive fairly well. Don't think I'll kill you that way," she chuckled. Swallowing lightly, she looked over to him as they pulled to a stop for a minute or two. Slow lights drove her insane, but it gave her an opportunity to make eye contact. She didn't have to watch the road as closely. Aimee smiled widely, giving a devilish wink. "Can't say that I disagree with that. No complaints here... none at all."
Her brow knitted as he pulled his hand away. It seemed like, perhaps, he thought she didn't like that he was making contact with her. As if trying to reassure him that the little touches were not unwelcomed, Aimee reached over and ran her fingers down his arm lightly before bringing her hand back to the wheel and pulling away from the intersection. She drummed her fingers lazily on the wheel, slowly but surely making her way through town to reach the little pub she had in the back of her mind.
Her eyebrows raised, and she looked at him out of the corner of her eye. A chuckle escaped her lips, and she shrugged. "My story? No story, really... Grew up with two older brothers, little less than a year older actually, and just... I dunno, was always more of a tomboy. Cars fascinate me. They're so intricate, and yet we've managed to get them to the point where you're considered a dolt if you don't know how to use one! I mean, save for most magical society, you know? Muggles," she waved a hand in the air in a little circle, "Can't bloody do anything without at least knowing how to operate one, seems to me." Aimee realized she was babbling, and went silent for a moment or two.
"I," she laughed nervously, "Love to race. Love the thrill of driving at breakneck speeds, always with that risk of losing control - but never actually having anything bad happen. I love the rush, the adrenaline... the feeling of melding with the car and the pavement and just blazing down the road." Aimee didn't seem to have much of a threshold on keeping herself to a talking minimum around him. She didn't feel the need to. He wanted to know more, as it appeared, and she certainly wasn't going to hold out on him. "I'd hope you're not complaining. I'd feel like a right prat if you were," she laughed, looking over at him as she rounded a familiar corner. "What about you? I feel like a git, babbling about myself... Know next to nothing about you. Seems to me this isn't fair." Winking, she rounded another block. They were getting much closer.
| Sam McGregor |
| (Fledgling) |
| 07/20/09 12:05 PM |
| 147.226.162.156 |
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Re: Summer Showers (Aimee)
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Sam's gaze was directed to his arm when Aimee's fingers touched him. There was a warmth that followed her touch, and involuntary goosebumps rose on the surrounding skin. He avoided the obviousness of a sharp intake of breath, but there was something about this girl that made him feel things he hadn't in years. Slowly, his eyes pulled up to her, but the light had turned and she was pulling away from their position. Sam sighed quietly, kicking himself for hesitating. There was nothing to be done about it now, and he had no intentions of coming on strong to make up for lost time. He gave Aimee and smile and nodded.
"Never had the money to buy one so pretty, but I've restored a few." Sam lifted himself up off the seat to reach for his wallet. He flipped through a few pictures of family members, pausing at a picture of his Jessi before finding the one he was looking for. "Found her fallin' apart in a junkyard. Engine worked just fine... with a little elbow grease, but y'should have seen her before. Would have made your soul weep to see a car like this let go like that." He handed over his wallet, the picture facing up for Aimee to see. "Took me nearly a year to get her back in proper shape. Had to leave her back home, though." He shook his head and sighed, taking back his wallet.
He was taken aback by her love of racing, and it showed. He laughed in the same deep way as he had earlier. "Y'just keep amazing me, girl." He gave her a grin and motioned to the road. "So why not show me what this ol' girl can do, huh? Don't slow yourself down on my account." He sat back and folded his arms over his chest, motioning once more to the open road, before giving her another short laugh and a wink. He knew that city roads dampened the experience, and they couldn't be too far from their end destination anyway. He was teasing her, and hoped the point was adequately given.
"Y'don't want to hear about me! Nothing to tell. Born and raised in Ireland right alongside Jacky boy. Kept an eye on him. Graduated from Hogwarts with all the proper credentials to make it as an Auror, but I came home, joined up in the family business." He paused, not sure if he should explain it. Had Jack explained to his London friends about the Wolfhounds? It wasn't as if they were secretive, but they weren't exactly official. "My family is part of an organization of sorts. Glorified neighborhood watch when the times are good, but when they aren't..." He trailed off and took a deep breath. Something in him trusted Aimee Lawson, and he wasn't sure what.
"I don't really get paid much for it, and my years of experience mean nothing to most people, but in Ireland, there's a group of us. My family and two others started up their own means of protection for the country. Now, it's... bigger than you could imagine from such meager means, but we hold true to family values. It's how Jack got sent over here. We caught word of all your trouble and sent him in to lend a hand. When things didn't get better, they sent me to keep an eye on him. He was set up as an Auror. They're hoping to keep me out of that title if we can avoid it. I can do much more without a badge." He wasn't smiling, but the humor still lingered in his eyes, briefly.
He paused, gaze dropping to his lap. "I shouldn't have told you that. Last person who knew..." He sighed. He blamed himself for Jessi's death, so much that he thought it was to do with her mere knowledge of his life. Sam reached over and took one of Aimee's hands, wrapping his much larger one around hers and squeezing gently. "I'll have to keep an eye on you from now on, girl. Just the way it has to be." He knew he was talking too cryptically, and that it raised more questions than answered them, but it was too painful to explain.
| Aimee Lawson |
| (Neophyte) |
| 07/20/09 03:27 PM |
| 67.150.84.221 |
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Re: Summer Showers (Aimee)
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Aimee could scarcely believe that any of this was happening the way that it was. He became less and less of a complete stranger as they drove, as they talked - but that didn't mean she knew him well. She couldn't for the life of her figure out why she opened up to him so easily, or why the filter between her mind and her mouth seemed to disappear completely in his presence. She wasn't afraid of what he would think, for some reason. She didn't worry about what an idea of hers might stir in him, didn't wonder whether or not he'd just get out of the car and walk off at the next stop sign. Something about Sam put Aimee completely at ease, with him and with just being herself. Unfamiliar as it was, she couldn't complain. It was nice.
Her eyebrows flew up at his mention of having restored cars. "Really?" she said, her tone obviously excited. Rounding the corner, she came to yet another light - and it was one of the slowest lights she'd ever been at. However, she didn't make a fuss of it or seem to mind much. It gave her time to look a the photograph he presented. Aimee caught a glimpse out of the corner of her eye as he flipped through his wallet, and her heart sank a little as he seemed to pause quite awhile at one. She couldn't be sure, but from what she could see, it was a woman... a beautiful woman, at that. What had she been thinking? There was no way a man like Sam could have been unmarried. She could be wrong, however - it could have been anything, so she shook off the negative emotions, disguising the act of doing so by making it look as if she were simply trying to get a stray hair out of her face.
"It's beautiful!" she said. Instead of taking the wallet from him directly to look at it, her hand closed lightly around his and she pulled it closer to her face. The feeling of her fingertips against his skin gave Aimee butterflies. "You did a bang-up job, I'd say, if she was in piss-poor condition when you found her. She's gorgeous! Wonder how she drives..." she trailed off a bit. To be so bold as to ask if she could go back home with him sometime just to drive his car was a little much, even for her. When he took his wallet back, his hand went with. Wrinkling her nose a bit, she looked up at the light. The bloody thing still wasn't changing. "This light has got to be the [/i]slowest[/i] light in all of London," she muttered.
At this displeasure, it seemed the fluorescent menace could read her mind, and the red gave way to green. Aimee's lips curled into a wicked little smirk as he seemed a little floored that she loved racing so much, and she couldn't suppress a chuckle. "Do I?" she smiled, turning down a street to a long stretch of road that wasn't much inhabited or populated. She could drive a little faster here. "Hang on, handsome." Shifting the gears in the car, her foot slowly lowered more and more on the gas. They accelerated rapidly, flashes of buildings turning into blurs as she blazed down the street. Her little chuckle turned into a pointed and delightful laughter. Driving that fast always made her feel nearly euphoric. Sadly, however, the little stretch was coming to an end. She had to shift gears again, and slow down. Heaving a sigh, she leaned her head against the back of the seat and looked over at him. "Hard to do on city streets, unforunately, unless it's later at night. Maybe we'll have to go on a drive out to the middle of nowhere sometime - find a long stretch of highway, or some country road... I'll show you how she really flies."
She made her way back onto the normally-paced London streets. Only a few blocks more and they'd be outside of the little Irish pub, and it was likely that Aimee would be fighting for a place to park. Friday nights were like that. She didn't mind, though. She'd drive around the block fifty times if she had to, so long as the promise of good company and a good time were there. That seemed to be the case tonight, and unwavering at that. As Sam spoke, Aimee listened intently. She wanted to know so much more about him; she wanted to know anything he was willing to tell, to be perfectly honest. She wasn't sure what it was, exactly, that made him so fascinating. Regardless, she found herself constantly wishing he'd tell her more.
Her nose wrinkled and her brow furrowed slightly. Jack had never mentioned anything like this before. Of course, for as friendly as he was, he also wasn't the type to just go flouncing around and spouting his personal business all around the Ministry. "Jack's really been quite a godsend," she smiled, "Good man, great Auror, and really a breath of fresh air." Aimee liked having McGregor around, particularly when business as usual was slow and the rest of the department took themselves far too seriously. Lately, however, he showed his merit time and time again. Death Eater activity was on the rise, and Jack would have none of it. It made her feel safer, and brought a smile to her lips, to know that more than one man like him existed.
"Hard to fly under the radar for too long, though," she nodded, looking over at him briefly. "Dunno, if you talk to Gibbs - the big Boss-man, I mean - he might be able to set you up unofficially. You can make your semi-permanence a little more comfortable but not have to worry about as much." Aimee shrugged. "Might be worth a shot, right?" Truth be told, she just didn't want him to leave. If avoiding being an official Auror sent him home sooner, she didn't want it. Her ideas, as selfless as they truly were, also had a slight hint of personal plea tangled within them. She couldn't put her finger on a reason why, but the thought of him going back to Ireland made her just the tiniest bit sad.
They approached the building, which was surprisingly not quite as bustling as normal for a Friday night - perhaps because it was so early. Pulling into one of the parking places across the street, she turned to look at him. Her brow knitted in concern as his tone became more solemn. He looked so sad. Aimee squeezed his hand gently, and brought her free one to close around the back of his. Her thumb ran gently over the skin, feeling the slight pulse of his veins, before she allowed herself to reach up and gently tilt his chin more toward her. "Hey," she said gently, "Hey... What's all this?" She gave his hand another squeeze and let her free arm fall as she looked into his eyes. "I'll be fine. Never leaves the car, yea?" She offered a meager smile, her mind working furiously to try and understand just what he meant.
Aimee drew in a deep breath. She didn't want to pry, to press him to answer any questions she might have, so she simply reconciled to offer gentle words instead. It wasn't her place to ask. "Sam," she started, pausing long enough to collect what she wanted to say and make it coherent, "I don't know... What happened before - but I assure you that I'm perfectly capable... And you don't need to worry, alright?" She moved her hand from his, only to place it atop his as it had been on hers not moments prior. She gave his hand a gentle squeeze, and glided her fingertips along the back of his slowly, trying to be comforting, or reassuring - or something. "Whatever happened before... It's not happening now."
Unsure of whether or not either of them were ready to get out and go into the pub just yet, Aimee simply sat, and watched him carefully. He was beautiful, there was no denying that - but something inside of him wasn't right... There was something aching there, something painful. For some reason, all she wanted to do was make it go away... but she couldn't.
| Sam McGregor |
| (Fledgling) |
| 07/22/09 12:03 AM |
| 63.254.230.195 |
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Re: Summer Showers (Aimee)
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Sam closed his eyes as she drove, but not in fear or anxiety. If he closed his eyes and tilted his head just right, he had the feeling of flying. It was a thrill. He only wished it wasn't raining so he might have rolled the window down to feel the breeze. When she slowed, he was almost a bit disappointed. "Not bad." He remarked with a grin. "For a girl." The way he said and the laughter that quickly followed made it quite obvious that he was joking. "Aye, gorgeous, I haven't had this much fun in awhile, and to think! I haven't even begun to drink yet!" He laughed again, almost able to forget about the hole in his heart that ached from the sight of Jessi's picture.
"Jacky sent me the same way when I first showed up. Pointed out 't'Boss' as he called him. Strange to think that one man could hold so much authority, isn't it? I should bite the bullet and have a chat with the ol' man, but I've been havin' too much fun havin' my way with London town." He gave her another bright smile, this one accompanied with a wink. "D'ya think he'd give me a job? Filled your Irish quota with m'cousin. Room for more, yeah?" He knew that the Wolfhounds had strings to pull that would make it easy. He was just dragging his feet to get himself roped into rules and regulations. Sam liked the freedom of civilian life.
As they pulled up to what Sam could only assume was their destination, he let out a relieved sigh and leaned towards the dash to get a better look. "Now that is what I've been missin', my girl!" He turned his head to catch her gaze and smiled. "Little taste of home, little taste of heaven." He could tell she was troubled, probably from his behavior earlier. Leaning back in his seat, he opened his mouth to reassure her, but she was too fast for him. Before he knew it, her hand was wrapping over his. He looked down, a twitch of a smile coming to his lips when he noticed how small her hand looked in comparison to his. For all her Auror training, her hands looked thin and dainty to him - a woman's hands. His free hand rested on hers, fingers slowly tracing down, mapping her hand.
He pulled his eyes up to hers when she spoke his name. It was only one syllable, and a familiar one at that, but something in the way she said it made it sound so... new. He couldn't place it, but he liked the way it made him run hot and cold all at once. He nodded silently as she reassured him that she'd keep his words safe. He knew he could trust her. But even still, he worried. It was his job to protect those that could not protect themselves. Aimee didn't exactly fall into that category, but he felt compelled, regardless. He gave her hand a pat just before it left his.
"You're a doll." He managed after a moment to pause. Letting out a long breath, he reached for the door handle. "Shall we?" He opened the door and popped out, stretching his back and reaching for the sky. With a long groan, he seemed very satisfied with himself. "How'd a little thing like you learn about a place that this, huh?" He felt so comfortable with her that he didn't think twice about meeting her on the other side of the car and looping an arm around her waist. "Y'got a nose for places like these? Is there a touch of green in ya yet?" He was teasing, but it remarkable how much being with Aimee reminded him of so many girls he knew back home.
He tugged her close to him and looked down both sides of the busy street before leading the both of them across. Large windows were lit with an orange glow. It was the closest to candlelight that the modern world would see. Everything was half-shadowed. The wood of the bar, tables, and chair was dark and a bit less polished than the more up-to-date establishments. Sam felt right at home. He pushed open the large door and was met with music, shouts, and the sound of glasses clinking. Immediately, a waitress carried a large tray full of pint glasses by and gave them a smile.
"Well, don't you just look like drowned rats!" She said, flashing them a smile. "Sit, sit! Someone'll be by soon." Sam gave her a nod and glanced around the room to survey just where they could find a place to sit. There were a few tables here and there, but mostly in the thick of the crowd. Sam hoped that even in a loud environment like the pub, that their conversation wouldn't have to dwindle. Talking to Aimee had become the highlight of his week. As much as he'd wanted the pint before, he'd gladly give it up for an hour or two more of conversation.
He spotted the table and let out a sigh of relief, though it was unclear if she heard it or knew just what it was about. "I think I see one." He said, leaning down to get closer to her ear so that he didn't have to raise his voice. He gestured, but kept his arm around her waist and led her towards the little table near the window. For the most part, the patrons of the pub seemed to have themselves under control. They were having a good time, but nothing so obnoxious or anything that Sam felt the need to worry about. Only one man seemed to have wandering hands, and a stern look from Sam made sure that he kept his hands and eyes to himself.
He paused when they reached the table and let his hand slip away from her waist long enough to pull out her chair and gesture for her to sit. He was raised to be a gentleman, and knew how to treat a lady. Before he sat, he waved to the waitress so that she knew where they had found themselves comfortable. She gave a quick smile and nod and he dropped his hand. Sam settled in the chair across from her and slid his wet jacket off to hang dry. He hadn't realized just how much the rain had soaked through until his exposed skin hit the air. A chill ran through him. His first thought was that Aimee might be too cold, since she had been rained on just as much as he had.
"Y'cold, gorgeous? They may have something in the back. Company jackets or something. Want me to find out?" He leaned on the table slightly, noticing how the waitress was heading their way. "Or we could just warm y'up with liquor. He chuckled and cast his eyes up to the girl who had greeted them at the door. "Whatever y've got on draft will do me." He waited for Aimee to order and send the girl away before continuing. "See, I've got this way of knowing if a pub is worth a second visit. I take their draft and give it a go. If it's worth drinking, they must be alrigh'." He laughed, but the system was tried and true.
| Aimee Lawson |
| (Neophyte) |
| 07/22/09 09:29 PM |
| 67.150.82.88 |
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Re: Summer Showers (Aimee)
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"For a girl?" she laughed, giving him an inquisitive and attitude-packed eyebrow quirk, accompanied by an almost challenging curl of her lips into a half-pursed little smirk. "For... a girl." she repeated, mostly to herself, wrinkling her nose as she peeled around a corner. "well, maybe I'll just let you drive some other time, and you can show me how a man does it." Aimee half-winked at him, mostly keeping her gaze on the road but occasionally allowing her eyes to flit over toward him. "Glad I can make your night, handsome," she retorted sweetly. "For the record, same's goin' for you." Honestly, she was having a wonderful time already. He was a brilliant conversationalist with a sense of humor to die for, and a down-to-Earth personality that was incredibly refreshing for the fast-paced, work-drowned little Auror.
"Gibbs carries his authority well," she nodded, sliding her palms along the slick steering-wheel. "And you'd be surprised at how understanding he might be... Comes off as abrasive, but there are times when I wonder just how much softness one can hide under a shell like his. He's like a marshmallow with rock coating. Really rough rock coating. But there are few people in the world I trust more, y'know?" Aimee's eyes ticked over to look at him just in time to catch that dazzling, knee-weakening smile being made even more powerful by an adorable, mischievous wink. "I think you've got a better chance at a job than some of the London natives, to be honest. Can't hurt to try, at the very least, right? Besides, we all take ourselves way too seriously. Need a little more of that Irish humor dancing around the office." Pausing, she realized that her wishes for him to stay were just the tiniest bit selfish - but it wasn't like he could read her mind or anything, so she didn't worry too much. "Definitely room for more. I've got a decent-sized little office space. You could always use keeping me company as an excuse." She was only half-joking, but masked it well with a laugh and a playful little wink.
Pulling up, she smiled at how excited he seemed to get. At least she'd chosen a destination that he enjoyed; she hadn't misfired, at any rate. "I'm glad," she chuckled, tilting her head to the side and watching his facial expressions carefully as he spoke. "Was worried you'd tell me I was way off target." Shrugging her shoulders up cutely, she scrunched her nose and gave him a genuine, friendly grin. It was a shame that the cheerful mood had to be dampened by talks of past dangers... but Aimee wouldn't have willed the conversation in any other direction. It just seemed to flow so freely between them - who was she to stop it?
Aimee's eyes searched his face, though for what she couldn't be certain. As their hands touched, she slowly committed each little feeling to memory. His hands were large, warm, and rough - a workman's hands, no doubt... Someone who possessed a strength that she could only wish to touch. She was certain that his inner strength could only match if it didn't, in fact, exceed the outer. Their eyes met, and she felt her stomach tighten a bit. A blush came to her cheeks as her fingertips lightly caressed along his skin, making certain to memorize each and every centimeter. In all truth, her heart sank a little when their hands parted, even if it was only because they needed to get out of her car.
She nodded silently, opening her door and stepping out onto the street. Her body twisted this way and that, popping her back and opening herself back up from being in her car. It was a brilliant little beauty, but sometimes she just needed to be able to extend every single muscle in her body. Peeking over the car at him as he stretched, she was unable to stifle a little giggle and a wide grin. He was so fascinating, so intriguing... She couldn't help herself. Aimee shut her door and smiled up at him as his arm came around her waist. Her heart lifted a bit again, and she pushed the button on her key fob to lock her car.
"Can't say that I've got any Irish heritage. Not that I know of, anyway. So... No, no green in me." Her brow furrowed only slightly, and she leaned against him a little, looking directly up at him. "Hope that's not too disappointing." Aimee's voice was friendly enough; it even sounded humorous, but her eyes twinkled with just the slightest bit of worry that there was even the slightest, most minuscule chance of disapproval from this man who had somehow, in less than two hours' time, captivated her almost completely.
The bar smelled of half-finished drinks and stale cigarettes mixed with a various number of perfumes and colognes. Her sensitive nose picked up every separate scent, and while she didn't enjoy all of the scents, the musty combination that culminated from their mixing was actually rather pleasant. Aimee noted, however, that the most pleasant smell was the one coming from the man who presently had her in his gentle grasp. She grinned at the waitress and found herself unable to stifle a warm-hearted laugh. Something about the woman's cheerful demeanor was infectious, and Sam only amplified her good mood.
She hugged a bit closer to him, looping the arm nearest him around his middle and turning herself inward, toward him, in an effort to combat the few octopi in the crowd. Some men were far enough along in their drinking that it didn't much matter to them whether or not a girl was already on the arm of someone else. Aimee paused for a moment and took the time to step back on the toe of a man who made a grope for her arse, stomping rather forcefully and shooting him a challenging, threatening look over her shoulder. Not many were foolish enough to cross her at such a charge.
"Yea?" she said, only half-hearing him over the noise. Her focus returned to him and she shuddered, realizing just how close to her ear he was. His voice was so calming - and yet, it had this way of sending her head spinning just the slightest. The mixture of conflicting, though equally pleasing, emotions and feelings was intoxicating. He was intoxicating. Aimee grinned over her shoulder at him as he pulled the chair out for her, sitting. She wished he could've just kept his arm around her for the whole night, but that would've been impossible and rather bold of her to ask. His gentlemanly ways were enough to distract her, though, and she couldn't help but wonder just what had made him so sweet.
She cocked her head to the left, looking at him and noticing that he was visibly chilled. "No," she said, "I'm fine - but why don't you go ahead and see if they can get something for you." Aimee reached over and ran a hand along his arm, squeezing at the wet sleeve of his shirt. "You're soaked to the bone." Her brow knitted in a mild amount of concern for only a moment - and then he cracked another joke. Her lips broke out into a wide, welcoming smile and she winked. "That works for me, if it works for you," she chuckled.
The waitress came back, and Aimee took a few moments to decided what she wanted. "You know, I'll actually have what he's having?" she nodded, turning only her eyes toward him. Her face remained turned in the direction of the waitress, but she didn't make an effort to look him full in the face just yet. A devilish little grin overtook her mouth and she tapped her chin, "And a shot of the strongest whiskey you've got in house." The girl took it all down and walked off. She laughed at Sam's methods of assessing a pub as she turned back to look him on directly. "Yeah? Well, I hope it's damn good, because I followed your lead there. I'll hold you fully responsible if it's not delicious." She was only joking, of course - and somehow she knew that he would understand that.
She watching him thoughtfully for a moment or two before an idea dawned on her. "If you don't like it though... that's not to say we can't try another pub out tomorrow or something." Shrugging innocently, she grinned. Aimee loved the subtle ways that she was able to slip her desire to see him again into a task as innocent as finding a pub with better draft. "That is, you know, if you'd let me tag along." She pushed a slowly-drying little bunch of curls away from her forehead and leaned with an elbow on the table, her chin resting gently in her hand. "If I don't get on your nerves too much tonight, yea?" One leg crossed over the other and she bounced it, just the slightest bit nervous.
| Sam McGregor |
| (Fledgling) |
| 07/23/09 06:40 PM |
| 173.9.198.117 |
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Re: Summer Showers (Aimee)
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The waitress left, which gave Sam the opportunity to take a good sweep of London's best try for an Irish pub. He was mildly impressed, though for as close as it was to home, there was no substitute. He brought his gaze back to Aimee. In terms of company, however, Sam did not feel lacking. He took a moment to drink in the way she carried herself. A glance at the clock just over her left shoulder and across the room made his jaw drop slightly. Had it truly been only an hour since they first began to speak outside the Ministry. Time flew, as they said, when you're having fun. Sam felt like hours, days, even weeks might have passed. He felt like he knew Aimee and that she knew him. He wondered if meeting new people in a foreign land was always so easy. If it was, he should think to travel more often. He rather liked the feeling of flying that she gave him.
"Oh, you don't have to act tough on my account. You're just as soaked as I am!" He said, motioning to her soaked blond curls. "But if you say you're fine, then we'll leave it at that." Already, he could feel the atmosphere of the pub taking it's effect on him. He didn't feel the cold, not when he had so many lively people around him and such a beautiful girl to look upon. He was proud of her for taking his challenge, for ordering the beer on tap to judge the pub by it's true merit. He was further impressed that she'd gone ahead to ask for whiskey as well. In his family, a girl that could handle whiskey was immediately worth her weight in gold, but those that requested it were treated like queens.
He smiled at her, content in the silence for a moment. It was another anomaly that came with the strangeness of their entire evening together. He didn't feel the need to fill the silence with idle chatter. What was said wa. s worth merit and what was left unspoke was understood. And in the few moments of silence, the golden momets when he could just take in her beauty and the way that she laughed off the world just as he did - he was in awe of her.
"I should think I'll have you along to every pub this cold little island has to offer." He said, a smile on his face but all seriousness in his eyes. "Though," He paused and pretended to be seriously contemplating the situation, "I suppose I shouldn't get ahead of myself. Haven't seen if you even know you're liquor." He grinned at her, nudging her slightly. "And that's to say that you'll want to drag my arse up and down London-town, lookin' for a suitable place to have a pint."
"Well what're you two doin' lookin' for a thing like that when you've got perfectly 'suitable' beer right under your noses?" The waitress returned with their two pint glasses and Aimee's shot. She seemed rather amused with herself. Sam held up both hands in mock innocence. "Not a bit of disrespect, miss. Just plannin' for the worst while expectin' the best." He gave her a lopsided smile that she seemed to only half-buy. "I've got my eye on you two." She gave them a wink before heading off to handle business elsewhere.
"Now why'd you have to go and do that? Gettin' me in trouble with that fine server?" He shook his head, trying to hide the laughter that bubbled beneath the surface. Picking up his pint glass, Sam took a slow drink, testing and savoring the first taste of what was supposed to be the closest thing to real beer that he was going to find tonight. He paused and glanced into the glass. For a moment, he was silent, studying the liquid. He looked back up to catch Aimee's eyes, locking gaze with her for a moment longer before finally speaking.
"Not bad." He smiled with lips closed, though his eyes shone bright. "Y'gonna take that shot or do y'need to take it dancin' first?" He asked, nudging it towards her. As if on cue, someone turned on a bit of music. It wasn't traditional of any pub he'd ever been in. Something modern and muggle, but it had a beat and didn't break the atmosphere enough to cause him to leave. A few of the couples began to lift themselves from their seats and pushed the tables and chairs to the side, creating a dancefloor that hadn't existed when they first walked in. Sam laughed in the big, body-shaking way and slapped at his own knee while taking another large drink of his beer.
"Y'dance?" He asked, not really asking if she wanted to dance now, but just the preliminary musings of it she happened to find herself in a position to dance at some point in her life. Sam's toe tapped in time with the music. He wasn't anything spectacular on the dance floor, but he knew his way around it well enough to show a girl a good time.
| Aimee Lawson |
| (Neophyte) |
| 07/23/09 09:07 PM |
| 67.150.80.173 |
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Re: Summer Showers (Aimee)
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"Act tough?" she snorted, raising her chin and nose up confidently. "Who said I was acting, huh? Maybe I just don't mind being drenched!" Aimee laughed, leaning back and taking a moment to give him a friendly little wink. She wasn't as cold as she may have appeared to be; she'd always been a resilient little thing. She couldn't help but wonder, though, if she would feel half as warm were she not with Sam. Something about him just made her feel comfortable, regardless of the fact that she was soaked to the bone. It was a warmth that came from within her, and one she didn't want to go away. A tiny little happy half-sigh left her lips and she couldn't help but study his face.
They didn't need to speak, not always - and the fact that their silence was not an uncomfortable one further made Aimee's stomach fill with butterflies. She found that she adored just watching him, noticing the little nuances of his movements and the way his eyes sparkled when he smiled. She wasn't entirely sure that she'd ever met someone like him before. In fact, she had to dig in her memory to even try to find a basis for comparison, and there was none. He was one of a kind, this man. Something inside of her knew it.
Her offers were met with a positive response, and her face lit up immediately. A wide grin spread over her lips and she seemed to bounce back with a bright, almost child-like innocence in her excitement. "I'd be more than honored," she beamed. Her face melted into a more sarcastic, challenging little smirk as he spoke. "Doubt my knowledge, do you?" she said, rolling her eyes and lightly drumming her fingers against her own cheek. Nudging him back, she chuckled. "I'll drag you street by street, if you'll have me." Aimee meant it, too. She wanted to spend more time with him, and if pub-hopping was an excuse for that, it was as good as any other.
The waitress returned, and although Aimee had a chuckle, she didn't speak in response. Instead, she simply monitored Sam and how he handled himself. The way he seemed to find the humor in every situation was so wonderfully refreshing for her. Her eyes danced over his face, making a note of every crinkle in his skin and every little twinkle in his eye. Regardless of whether or not they actually spent an evening together again, she never wanted to forget exactly how he'd been. He made her feel like the Earth beneath her feet were made of clouds; like she was lighter than air, and all he'd really done was be himself.
She could recall only one other time where she'd felt anywhere remotely near as lighthearted and warm as she felt around Sam. She was only twelve, and the boy's name was Vance. He shared a bite of his candied apple with her at the Halloween feast, because she got there late and the rest of them were all gone. It was a completely innocent kindness, but because of it, she'd become convinced in her naivety that he was the boy she was bound to marry. Typical of a little girl, but this was different. Sam was different. He gave her butterflies and this strange tingling in her fingertips and toes that could only be explained as... Well, they couldn't really be explained - but they were good. Very, very good.
It was her turn to hold her hands up in innocence, and she made a face that spoke only of her surprise at the accusation. "You're just as guilty as I am!" she laughed, reaching for her pint and taking a swig as he did. The amber liquid was thick, thicker than most brews she was used to, and dark. A bit of the foam that lay on top hung on her upper lip, and her tongue darted out to catch it quickly - hopefully before Sam noticed. She ran her fingers up and down the sides of the glass, blushing a little at her blunder as she looked up to meet his eyes. Her heart jumped.
"Not bad at all." She nodded in agreement, her eyes moving from being locked with his to dance over the bit of glistening liquid on his lips. They'd only been talking for an hour, and she already wondered what kissing him might be like. Truthfully, Aimee was very innocent for a woman of her age. She'd only ever been in one relationship that lasted for any span of time, and that was for two months when she was in her fifth year at Hogwarts. That boy had been her second kiss; her first was the candied-apple boy. But she'd only kissed her boyfriend - Thomas, had been his name - a scarce four or five times in the entire length of their relationship. Since, her only kisses had been family or the occasional drunken peck here or there. It wasn't like her to allow her thoughts to linger on what the feeling of someone else's lips might be.
Quirking a brow, she smirked at his challenge. She gripped the shot glass between her middle, forefinger, and thumb. Lifting it to him, she grinned. "I might just take it dancing," she winked, giving it a little swirl before tipping it back. The warm liquid burned all the way down, as whiskey always did, but it certainly took her mind off of the wet clothing that clung to her form. Aimee smiled, giving her head a toss to shake off the effects of the very strong liquor she'd just downed. The music started, and she couldn't help but tap her foot in rhythm. A moment or two later, she looked down. A blush spilled over her cheeks as she realized that he was doing the same thing.
She took a big swig of her beer in time with his, almost challenging him to see who could gulp the most down at one time. Aimee's eyes sparkled with mischief as she watched the couples all over the makeshift dance floor. Sam's question seemed to come just as the thought of dancing with him sprang into her mind. It was as if he knew exactly what to say, or what she was thinking. It was as if he knew... as if he understood. They seemed to click so well; it wasn't something she was used to, but she could get that way. She could handle a repeat of all of this without the tiniest bit of trouble.
"Bit," she smiled, shrugging her shoulders, "When the music's right and I've got someone to dance with." She wasn't an amazing dancer by any means, but she knew a trick or two. She'd learned over the years. Being an only daughter meant that at all of the family weddings, she was always Daddy's girl. He taught her how to dance, and she had been one of those little girls who sometimes, when nobody else was looking, would dance alone in her room as if she were with some prince. It just so happened that tonight, there might be a prince yet, instead of just her imagination. "Do you?"
Her mind wandered a little more as she took another long drink of her beer. She wondered what it would be like to dance with him, to feel the strength of his hands holding her. Aimee wondered what it would feel like to have his arms around her, spinning her about, but keeping her close when the time was appropriate. A little sigh left her lips as she pondered, and she beamed at him. She couldn't have imagined a better way to spend her evening.
| Sam McGregor |
| (Fledgling) |
| 08/06/09 09:13 AM |
| 147.226.161.168 |
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Re: Summer Showers (Aimee)
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Sam looked around as more and more patrons took to the 'dance floor' that had only existed for the last few minutes. There was a pang of homesickness, but it quickly passed when he caught sight of Aimee out of the corner of his eye. He smiled warmly and took another long drink of his beer, foot still tapping as the song continued. It neared its end and the dancers applauded, demanding more. The staff complied, letting the stereo roll over to the next song in the line up. Cheers erupted and Sam could not resist the opportunity to join in on the fun. He set his pint glass down and grabbed Aimee's free hand. As he stood, he pulled her up as well. There was a large grin spreading over his face.
"Do me the honors?" He asked, but there was little room for refusal in the way he urged her out of her seat and closer to him. He waited just long enough for her to make the right decision before leading her out to the dance floor. He kept one hand holding hers, and the other rested comfortably on her hip. Sam had danced since losing his wife, but mostly with family members or friends that he'd never been attracted to. Those were the sorts of dances a man did just for the fun. The way he held Aimee was the way a man held a woman when he wanted to make sure he was the only one she paid a lick of attention to on the dance floor.
He was thankful for her height. His hands fit easily where they rested. It was a comfortable position - one that he might not be opposed to taking again in the not-so-distant future. The song was lively and upbeat, and Sam easily fell into a rhythm with the rest of the patrons. He moved the both of them in large, swooping circles. This was the sort of dancing he enjoyed - the sort that got your blood pumping and the laughter flowing. Leaning down slightly, he got close enough to not have to shout over the music.
"How's that for dancin', eh?" He chuckled and pulled away. He wanted to linger. There was something about being close to her that felt so natural, but he was cautious of overstepping his boundaries. He'd be warned of London girls being prudes, and although at the time, he hadn't cared one way or another - now he was concerned about scaring Aimee off with a few too-forward mannerisms that came second nature to him.
Despite his own worries and concerns, his hand seemed to have other plans. As he pulled away, he simultaneously pulled her closer. The hand placed on her hip slid around to rest at the small of her back. There was little space between them in this position. Sam glanced down, trying not to gulp as he caught the smallest glance of the view down her shirt. He hadn't meant to leer, and felt like a pervert for doing so, even by mistake. He felt his face flush with warmth. To cover it, and his embarrassment, Sam picked up the dancing with a bit of flair, twirling her twice and weaving the both of them through the other couples.
People on the sidelines were clapping along in time with the music. The whole room seemed to move on beat. Sam felt his head swim with liquor, music, and something else just as intoxicating. He let his gaze move down (carefully), and stopped when his eyes locked with Aimee's. A smile twitched at his lips and all embarrassment disappeared. He felt his heart stutter over a few beats. How could a girl like this not realize how beautiful she was?
And how could a many deny the effect a beautiful girl had on him. He was infatuated so quickly by her. A guilt rolled about in his stomach, but the feeling of butterflies gave such a similar sensation, that Sam couldn't tell one from the other. His dance steps slowed, still in time, but less extravagant. The song ended and a new one began. This one was slower. More couples joined the floor, rocking slowly in time. Sam might have noticed how crowded the dance floor had become, but all he could do was wonder at the girl in his arms, and how he had come to this place so quickly with her.
| Aimee Lawson |
| (Neophyte) |
| 08/10/09 06:00 AM |
| 67.150.84.116 |
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Re: Summer Showers (Aimee)
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Her question was answered just as soon as she asked it, but not with words. As he took her hand, she gave his a squeeze and help on firmly as he pulled her to her feet. A wide grin on her lips, Aimee allowed herself to be tugged close to him. Her eyes lifted to focus entirely on his face. "I'd love to," she said, leaning forward for a moment to make certain that he would be able to hear her over the loud music and the accompanying patrons that rather vocally expressed their enjoyment of the environment. The feel of his hand on her hip brought a warm tingling sensation right along with it, and she couldn't stop herself from smiling. The hand that remained free from his slid slowly up his arm, brushing lightly here and there until it finally came to rest at the back of his neck.
On their own, seemingly without any prompting from Aimee herself, her fingers gently curled into the wet little tendrils at the back of his neck. They seemed t ofit so naturally like this, without the slightest hint of apprehension or inhibition. Normally, Aimee would have been quite timid when dancing with someone for the first time. But there was something about Sam that just made her feel completely at ease. Their conversation had flowed so freely and delightfully, and they seemed to complement each other so well... This was just another instance in which that seemed to be the case.
He was the perfect dance partner.
As he twirled her about, she tossed her head back a bit. Aimee found it much more enjoyable to relax in the arms of a skilled and trustworthy dance partner, and the music was such that she simply couldn't help herself. Her eyes closed for a moment, and she laughed audibly, a wide smile fixating itself on her lips and remaining there. As their circles slowed to a stop, her eyes opened again and she looked up at him - though the height difference wasn't too glaring. It seemed she was unable to look anywhere else. A chuckle rose from her throat and her smile curled up more on the right than the left at his question.
"That," she breathed, laughter in her voice, "Is most impressive, Sam." A part of her was wondering just why he seemed to back off a bit from time to time; wondering if, perhaps, she came off as nervous or off-putting... But Aimee quickly dismissed these irrational worries and simply explained it as a general inhibition due to the fact that they'd only just met an hour or two earlier, and now they were in a pub together, dancing as if they'd been on several dates before.
A small pout played on her lips as they slowed, "And I certainly hope that it's not over yet." Aimee practically giggled as she spoke, painfully close to the similarity of a cupid-smitten fool, or worse - a cupid-smitten schoolgirl. The answer to her wonderment came quicker than she expected as she felt the tug, bringing her closer to him. She could feel her pulse quicken as his hand moved around her body, bringing her closer still. Her gaze lifted to fix on his, smile fading only slightly into that shy, sweet sort of smile that's always accompanied by a blush upon the cheeks.
It seemed she wasn't the only one. She noticed that his cheeks had reddened just slightly, and it brightened her smile to think that she might just have the same effect on this man that he was having on her. It was flattering to imagine just what might have been running through her mind. Was he wondering what she was thinking, perhaps, just as much as she wondered what he was? The sudden twirling brought a near-bark of laughter from Aimee's lips and she tugged herself closer to him, to prevent slipping right out of his grasp from the speed and the centrifucal force of their spins. He really was very good, particularly in comparison to some of the dances she'd had in the past.
Her eyes never left his face, except for once or twice when she looked to his hair, or his neck, or his shoulders. She found herself unable to keep from wondering what it might be like to lean against him; she could tell that he was strong, and that he would feel strong to be close to. She imagined that if she rested her head on his shoulder at some point, it would be rather comfortable. Aimee secretly hope that the opportunity to do so would present itself... and if not tonight, she hoped that in the future, it might.
To hide her flushed cheeks at the boldness of her assumption that there would be more evenings like this, she grinned widely. Aimee noted his smile, as well. It was a handsome smile... and the way his eyes sparkled made her stomach flip and flutter like a million butterflies had replaced it. They were beautiful, his eyes - and there was so much feeling behind them. She wondered what sort of mysteries he might be keeping there, and she wanted to solve each and every one.
The music slowed, and she drew in a deep breath. Stepping cautiously closer, her eyes met his directly for a brief few moments. She wanted to speak, but she didn't know what to say. The hand that hadn't yet moved to rest at the back of his neck freed itself from his hand and did so slowly, her fingertips and palm brushing gently along his arm as she went. The feel of his muscles elicited a soft, content sight from her lips as she inched just a bit closer to him, swaying gently with the slowing music. With a mischievous little glint in her eye, she finally found herself able to gather a word or two. "Seems the music can't keep up," she breathed, leaning close enough that he could hear her. "Though a change of pace never hurt anyone."
Maybe, just maybe, the opportunity to feel what her head was like against the strength of him would present itself yet.
| Sam McGregor |
| (Fledgling) |
| 08/18/09 10:21 PM |
| 98.226.170.27 |
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Re: Summer Showers (Aimee)
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Sam was sure the sound of his heart had to be audible, and prayed that the slow beat of the bass would cover the hammering in his chest. Sweat had broken out over his brow - a combination of the crowded pub, the frantic dancing, and the nerves that had sparked while he held the feisty blonde so close. His smile still came easy, though, and mirrored her own bright face. His hand left hers to travel up her arm, barely touching until he neared her face. He hesitated before pushing back a few curls gently, and tucking them behind her ear. His smile softened, and head tilted just slightly. His hand fell away to cup the side of her face.
"I get the feelin' there's not much that can keep up with you." He chuckled softly to himself, rocking the both of them in time with the music, his hand still resting on her cheek. He pulled her closer, letting his hand fall to her shoulder. His chin rested lightly on top of her head. It was strange the way they fit. He knew the song, and he began to hum along. He closed his eyes against the lights and sounds of the pub - closed his eyes against the guilt that twisted in his belly. There was nothing but the feel of her in his arms, the way she fit so nicely against him. There was nothing but a low humming vibration that passed between the two of them.
He pulled away after a moment, just enough to look into her eyes again. The words of the song came to him subconsciously, mouthed in sync as the sounds echoed around the pub. The song was ending. He felt himself moving and wasn't sure why or how to stop it. He realized what his body was aching to do - to kiss her - too late to stop it.
Fate, it seemed, had other plans. A sharp, loud sound cracked through the air and caused him to jump back slightly, ruining what might have been the most perfect (albeit quickest) moment he'd had in a long time. He blinked, smiled, and leaned close to her ear. "I think that's enough for now?" He gently guided her back to the table, one arm around her waist. The crowd danced a path for them, returning the both to their table quickly. Sam held out Aimee's chair before taking his own seat. He collapsed into it and leaned back, elbow resting on the back of his chair. he looked out at the dance floor and shook his head.
"Just don't have the stamina for it anymore." He turned towards the table and grinned at her. "But I hope yeh had fun. I know I did." Picking up his pint glass, he noted that the waitress had refilled (or perhaps retrieved him a brand new glass) while they had been dancing. The night was going his way on all fronts, it seemed. He gulped down the beer, relishing in the cool temperature.
"Are you sure you want to spend your evening with an old horse like me? Surely a beautiful girl like you could find a strapping young man in any club - much more age appropriate as well." Not that he was trying to get rid of her, but Sam didn't want her hanging around out of obligation or because she felt sorry for him. "Though, you've made all the lads in here jealous of me, haven't you?" He gestured to the men of various ages eyeing her from different tables around the pub. "Don't worry - I'll keep them at bay unless you find one you like." He winked and laughed, hiding the insecurity that she really would get bored with him and head off to find a younger man, one who could keep up.
| Aimee Lawson |
| (Neophyte) |
| 08/19/09 05:31 PM |
| 67.150.83.110 |
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Re: Summer Showers (Aimee)
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Aimee wondered if perhaps, should her heart stop pounding in her ears, she'd be able to hear the sound of his... but the music surrounding them might have drowned it out anyway. The fact that she found this curiosity in herself was almost alarming. Why was she so preoccupied with what this man was feeling? She barely knew him, after all... but something about him drew her in. Something about him made her wonder, made her curious. She wanted to know him, to get to know him... She wanted to know him well. She shivered just slightly under his touch; his gentleness was nearly enough to weaken her knees. She leaned lightly into his hand as it cupped her cheek, her eyes still fixed on his and her smile still intact. The unmistakable pink of a blush permanently settled on her cheeks. She felt warm.
"You have done quite a splendid job so far," she murmured back, a tiny chuckle escaping to mirror his own. She settled closer to him at his prompting and allowed her head to rest against his neck, and his jaw. Aimee felt him relax his chin atop her head and smiled. Her eyes slowly drifted closed and she swallowed - that nervous sort of swallow that a young girl feels compelled to allow when butterflies have completely replaced her stomach - as he began to hum. He had a warm, inviting voice. His tone was sweet and mellow, like velvet. She moved her arms to loop under his, curling up and around his back to rest her hands at his shoulders from behind, rather than draping her arms around his neck. Whatever was happening to her, whatever these feelings were bubbling up within her... She liked them. She liked them very much.
She almost let out a low whimper of disapproval as he pulled back, but stifled it when she made eye contact. His eyes were beautiful. Smiling, her arms moved back around so that her hands rested at the back of his neck, her fingers locking together as if to keep him from slipping out of her grasp. The words on his lips and the words in the song that enveloped them were the same, though the young blonde couldn't have put them together at the moment if her life depended on it. Her focus was elsewhere. Aimee could feel him moving toward her, and it seemed that she wouldn't be protesting - for she moved back toward him. They would meet in the middle, she knew - and her heart began to pound at the thought of his lips against her own. She imagined they would be sweet, but mingled with his own taste and that of the pint he'd earlier consumed...
Her eyes widened a little at the sound of the popping speaker, and she jumped a little as well. Her heart was hammering at a million miles per minute - from the electricity between them as well as the sudden, startling noise that had fallen upon her ever-sensitive ears. As he leaned closer, Aimee almost hoped that he would try to kiss her again. Alas, he did not - but, for some reason, she didn't feel her heart drop at this as she might have. Something about him made her realize that, although the moment had been ruined and lost, it wasn't because of her or any other reason. Deep down, she guessed that he might just be the perfect gentleman: waiting for her cue, rather than taking a guess at the timing himself. She smiled at the feel of his breath, the sound of his voice, against her ear. Nodding in agreement, she followed his lead, leaning just slightly against him. "I think you might be right."
She beamed at how chivalrous he was, pulling her chair out for her, as she sat down. A quiet thank you left her lips, and she smiled at him. Watching his movements and hearing his words, Aimee shook her head just slightly. "Quality over quantity, you know," she smiled, her eyes dancing across his face. "You were brilliant... It was wonderful." Her voice was lower than it had been before, just barely audible over the sounds of the bustling pub. Aimee found that she, too, had a refreshed pint - and she took a long, cold swig. The tawny flavor pleased her and the cool soothed the heat in her body, if only slightly.
Her eyebrows raised and she looked surprised as he spoke. "You're under the assumption that I'd want to find a... strapping young man, as you put it," she retorted, leaning forward with her elbows on the table. She rested her chin in her hands and tilted her head at him a bit, offering a grin. "Believe me, I've found the company I want." She blushed at his mention of the jealousy of the other men in the pub, but she didn't look away from him. She didn't need, nor did she have any desire, to see the rest of these men. Aimee had come to this pub with Sam. She'd be spending the evening with him, leaving with him, and had absolutely no interest in anyone else - not even so much as to steal a glance. Her eyes stayed fixed on his face. "Let them be jealous, to their heart's content," she smiled, moving one hand from her chin to bring the glass to her lips again for another long swig or two. "That's about as close as they'll come, in any event."
His warm laughter brought a smile to her face and a twinkle to her eye. He just livened her up... made the room seem brighter. He made everything seem warmer. Just who was he, though? She'd been learning about him little by little throughout the night... but she was infinitely curious, and she wanted to know everything. Aimee moved her other hand under her chin and shrugged her shoulders up around her face a little, giving him a sweet little grin. "Have I bored you so much that you want to pawn me off on some annoying half-grown thing?" she chuckled, a playful wink following her question so that he'd know it was all in fun, "Because I would certainly hope that you've enjoyed yourself just as much as I have so far. The night's still young, you know. Very young... and I don't intend on freeing up your arm for some other woman to latch onto."
| Sam McGregor |
| (Fledgling) |
| 08/25/09 10:31 AM |
| 147.226.161.15 |
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Re: Summer Showers (Aimee)
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She was so different than what he had expected. Sam had expected a stuck up, prissy little thing - someone who didn't know how to take a joke or down a pint. But Aimee handled both like a pro. He wondered if all London girls were like this, or if it was something to do with her family life that had influenced her friendlier traits. She was the type of girl he knew would fit in with his friends and family back home.
Back home? What was he thinking? Sam caught himself and felt his mind race with wonder at how he had let himself get wrapped up so fast? Closing his eyes briefly, Sam took another long drink of his beer. It was just a night of fun, just a bit of flirting and dancing and drinking. Tomorrow they'd go back to their separate lives, catching glances and smiles across the office Sneaking off into closets to- No! Sam mentally scolded himself, but it seemed he couldn't help it while looking at her sweet face.
"Not bored of you, beautiful. Not even a little." He said, though it was a little quiet as he tried to get a wrangle on his emotions and hormones. He checked his watch. "Aye, you're right, but young nights have a habit of slipping out of our fingers when we're distracted by such beauty." It was like he couldn't stop himself before the flirtatious words flew out of his mouth. Sam knew better. He knew that many women were easily wooed with a few compliments and a smile. He knew, and yet he continued to pay such close attention to Aimee. He glanced down at the pint glass in his hand. Sam could hold his liquor, true, but it made him reckless. It gave him notions that he would not be held responsible for his actions, and for the respect he had for this young woman, he knew he should hold off on getting rip-roarin' drunk just yet.
Reaching across the table, he placed a hand on her arm and locked his eyes on hers. "I've been a fool, you know that? And I thank yeh for indulgin' an old man, but just what was I thinkin'? I come all this way and tell m'self that I'm goin' t'see London with new eyes - and what do I do? I find a pretty young girl to show me the closest thing to home I can find." He leaned back and pulled his hand off of her arm. "Ah, you're a good lass for findin' this place, but when in Rome, we do what Romans do. So what d'ya say we get out of here and you show me London for what it's really worth?"
| Aimee Lawson |
| (Neophyte) |
| 09/08/09 10:09 AM |
| 147.226.199.205 |
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Re: Summer Showers (Aimee)
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"Well, I'm glad to hear that," she smiled, her eyes twinkling with excitement. A flattered blush splashed her cheeks and she shrugged her shoulders up around her cheeks cutely. "I may just be heartbroken if you tire of me." Aimee leaned her chin in her hand and drummed her fingers against her pinked cheek, her eyes flickering over his face, taking in every endearing little detail of his handsomeness. He was rugged - rough, and older than she. It gave him character. She found herself unable to stop the thoughts of what it might be like to introduce him to her brothers, to her family... She should have been kicking herself for thoughts like that. They'd only just met!
Pondering his words, a little purse-lipped smile placed itself on her face. "Well, we shouldn't allow this one to slip away from us. The minutes going past may be beyond our control, but what we do with them is not." Her response was a little quiet, and while she heard the compliment, she did her best to avoid acknowledging it. He must have been blind, or crazy, or both. She knew she was a pretty girl, and didn't have any qualms about when people told her so, but beautiful? Every woman shies away when she's called beautiful, and Aimee was no exception.
Her fingers danced lazily along the rim of her glass before she gripped it and brought it to her lips for a refreshing chug or two. She was a taken a little off-guard when his hand grazed her arm, but not in a negative manner. It was pleasantly surprising, to say the least. The chuckle that roused in her in response to his musings was laced with mischief and a child-like playfulness. Aimee shook her head a bit. "First of all, you really aren't an old man. Call yourself what you will, but you are far from being old. I'd call you..." she paused, bringing a finger to her lips and tapping them a couple of times, looking toward the ceiling in thought. ".. Experienced?"
The smile on her lips curled into a wicked little smirk, and as her eyes met with his again, she gave him an alluring wink. "However, if you insist that I take you out to a place that I normally frequent, I'm afraid you may be slightly disappointed. It's not a far cry from this place. I usually go out with my brothers. They prefer this sort of atmosphere to the multicoloured laserlights and disco-balls on the ceiling with light-up floor squares in every colour of the spectrum. Pubs and little side-street bars... Small places, fun atmospheres. Makes you feel comfortable, right at home, on the spot. Some of 'em with a bit of dancing, karaoke frmo time to time... Billiards. Lots of billiards." Catching herself in the middle of this far-too-lengthy description, Aimee paused and lifted her glass again, glancing over the rim at him before polishing off the last of it.
She pushed back from the table as much as she could, what with the crowd surrounding them. Hopping to her feet, Aimee jutted a hand out toward him. "You'll have to hold on tight if you don't want to get lost on your way to the door, I imagine. Come on, then!" Her heart was hammering in her chest from excitement. He actually wanted to go out with her, to other places- and not just because she'd found him this pub. He wanted her to show him around the city. It was flattering, and sweet. She found everything about this man to be endearing and the butterflies in her stomach seemed to be at a constantly fast pace.
As she tugged him toward the exit, her back to him as they weaved through the crowd, Aimee looked back over her shoulder and gave him a wide, bright grin. Her whole face seemed to glow with warmth and a delight that could only come from good company like what she'd found in Sam. Truthfully, she couldn't wait for the car ride back across town - to get into another bar, to sit down with him elsewhere and continue to talk to him. He was fascinating, and no matter how foolish it seemed because of how little a time they'd known each other for, she was enamored with him.
| Sam McGregor |
| (Fledgling) |
| 09/10/09 09:17 AM |
| 147.226.161.161 |
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Re: Summer Showers (Aimee)
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She had a way of making him feel light and young. There was something about the way she said the word experienced that made him shudder as a spark jumped down his spine. She was a wildcard, and he enjoyed that about her. He was quiet, letting her go one about her normal haunts. She mentioned brothers, and part of him wondered if they were the sort to get up in arms with a stranger whisking their beautiful sister all around town. He assumed, of course, that the brothers were older - brothers always were. Sam was content to listen. Even with the noise of the pub, he did not strain to hear her. Perhaps it was how close they were sitting, or the way he was ignoring every single other living person in the room - but Sam thought it had to do with some tuning of the ear to the pitch of her voice. He was quite certain he could have listened to her talk all night.
But Aimee seemed to have other plans, and Sam was only enthused to oblige. He stood just as quickly, only a half step behind her. He took her offered hand gently, squeezing just enough to assure her that he would not break contact as they wove their way through the bustling pub. He waved goodbye to the waitress, nodding to the money he had pulled out and placed on the table just before leaving. The waitress smiled knowingly, laughing as she turned away. Sam blushed, guessing what she assumed they were off to do next. It caused his mind to wander. He was suddenly aware of the soft skin of her hand under the callouses of his own. Without realizing it, his thumb began to stroke the back of her hand.
He managed to get an arm above his head, outstretched to press against the door a few seconds before she had a chance to reach it. Sam was grinning down at her, shrugging innocently as he did his best to be a gentleman, even while she led the way. There was a light breeze outside that chilled the sweat on his face that still lingered from the exertion dancing had brought. His eyes closed briefly to enjoy the fleeting moment, but his feet moved obediently along until they'd reached the car. He tugged on her hand to turn her and draw her closer. The lingering echoes of music from the pub could be faintly heard, and Sam was not one to let go of an opportunity.
"One last dance before we go?" He asked while pulling her into the comfortable fit they had mastered earlier. He had a feeling she wouldn't deny him such a simple request. The song was slow, but he wasn't in the mood to compare neck-breaking moves. One hand rested easily at the small of her back, while the other shifted to lace his fingers with hers. The street lamps created patches of light, but Sam was content to dance along the edges, were the softness in Aimee's eyes could be seen without outshining the sparkle. A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. It was hard not to smile when he looked at her, he had found.
"Not so surprising that London's so known for it's magicals, I think. Seems you've done a fair job enchanting me." He laughed softly before lifting his arm to twirl her slowly. Bringing her back, Sam had to once again fight the urge to kiss her. "But I think I like this kind of spell. It's the sort a man could get used to." He rocked the both of them in time with the music. "But you'll have to be careful, beautiful." He smiled down at her. "Or I'll cast one of my own, and then we'll both be in a heap of trouble." The song drifted off, but Sam kept moving slowly on the pavement. "I always thought trouble was more fun with company."
| Aimee Lawson |
| (Neophyte) |
| 09/10/09 10:32 AM |
| 147.226.192.130 |
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Re: Summer Showers (Aimee)
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Looking up, and ever so slightly over her shoulder, she beamed at him. Even when she took charge, it seemed he was hell-bent on being the perfect gentleman... At least, to the best of his abilities. It wasn't exactly easy to move freely once Aimee Lawson got ahold of someone and decided a path to follow. She was bound and determined to continue spending her evening with this dashing Irish bloke, showing him all around London. Or, at least, everywhere that she could before closing time. Her eyes glimmered with excitement and hope for the continued enjoyment of the evening. She was being swept off her feet without even really knowing it - at least not on the surface. Deep down, she knew. Somehow...
A wide smile accompanied the all-new blush that rose to her cheeks as he pulled her toward him. She turned to face him fully, and looked up at him. She could definitely get used to being near him this way. Aimee was surprised that he'd ask something like that in the middle of the street, with the sidewalk being damp from the rain, puddles all around them like mines... but she had absolutely no objection to the idea, and was quite flattered that he enjoyed her company so much as to ask while they weren't even in a dancing atmosphere. "Last dance for here," she murmured quietly in return as she settled in against him.
Her heart was pounding in her chest, and now that they were outside, no music would be there to drown the sound out. She was embarrassed by the fact that it was almost certainly audible to anyone with a keen ear. Her eyes fluttered closed involuntarily for a moment, and a small, shallow breath left her lips as she leaned into him. The feeling of his hand on her back was so comfortable... And even more natural to her was the way their hands just seemed to fit. Her fingers glided easily along his, the tips caressing his hand before they laced together and seemed to lock in a perfect fit, much like a puzzle piece would with the snug match it was meant to be paired to. She felt like she was on a cloud.
Swaying with him, she got as close as she possibly could. She just wanted to be close to him, music or no music, dancing or no dancing... Aimee just loved the nearness of him, how his warmth seemed to be completely enveloping. His smile was infectious; it was like she couldn't stop feeling happy while he was around. And the words that poured so smoothly from his lips weren't just spoken to please her... Somehow, she could tell that every single word he said was genuine. Her heart thumped, and her stomach fluttered, and her cheeks burned with redness. A small giggle left her throat as he spun her out, and she obliged artfully before returning to him, her eyes locking on his. They were so stunningly beautiful, so mesmerizing... "I wasn't even aware that I was casting a spell, Mister McGregor," she spoke softly, mischief lingering behind her sparkling hazel eyes.
Slowly, and rather timidly at first, she grew closer to him yet. Her head lowered a bit, and she closed her eyes as she allowed herself to rest it against his shoulder. It was as if no other people in the world existed at that moment. It was just the two of them. Perhaps she should tell him, though... that he'd already cast a spell. A spell so powerful that she was almost certain that her knees would buckle and she'd become a smitten puddle of jelly at his feet. "I can't keep myself out of trouble, it seems," she said quietly, "Because I think you've already cast that spell." The phrase trailed off, quieter at the end than it had been in the beginning. Aimee, for all of her cute flirtatiousness, simply wasn't all that experienced with the opposite sex.
The music was long gone, and yet he continued. She was glad for it. She didn't want to let go of him; not yet. "Are you offering to join me in my mischief-making, Sam?" Aimee slowly lifted her head so that she could see his face. The dark street, illuminated by so few streetlights, gave a soft glow to his features. He had such a strong jaw, such a wide and inviting smile. She wished she could kiss him - but it would seem so improper, and forward on a first... outing, Aimee decided, was the best word for it. After all, it wasn't really a date... was it?
After some time, she pulled away from him reluctantly. However, her fingers remained locked with his. She didn't want to let go of all contact with him, after all. "I hope I don't bore you to death," she smiled, "This is another lengthy cross-town drive we have waiting for us, and it's Friday night. The streets won't exactly be clear." She tugged him toward the street, over to her car, unlocking it in the meantime. "I promise I'm not too drunk to drive." But she would be. Unless what she'd already had wore off before they got to the second bar, by the time they were done there, she'd be calling a taxi or taking the Underground. Neither option seemed appealing, but she had Sam with her - and if push came to shove... she knew he'd protect her. She climbed in, sitting down and starting the engine up. "Make a note of this place, and its name. I'd like to come back here some night. Not by myself, of course." Boldly, she grinned over at him, before pulling away from the curb and beginning the congested and lengthy traffic-navigation toward their next stop.
| Sam McGregor |
| (Fledgling) |
| 09/11/09 09:40 AM |
| 147.226.161.155 |
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Re: Summer Showers (Aimee)
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Sam tried to cover the disappointment in his expression when they parted. He noticed how she kept hold of his hand, though, and felt a small smile creep over his face. It seemed that his natural charm was still intact. Sam was pleased for that, but knew they'd have to break away completely if they planned to get into the car. "I trust ya, beautiful." He said without a moment's hesitation. "Besides, I was there when Jack first learned to drive. If I can survive that, I can survive anythin'." He laughed in that deep way while moving around to the passenger side and opening the door. After buckling his seatbelt, Sam leaned back in his seat and glanced over at his lovely driver.
"Duly noted. Now, let's see what else London has to offer us, yeah?" The words had barely left his lips before she was shifted into gear and pulling out into the street. She was a take-charge girl - something Sam had never been so attracted to before. She was the polar opposite of the damsels in distress that he'd fallen for in the past. Before his wife's death, his family had all poked fun at him for it. After, though, the jokes were no longer funny, but the sentiment still rang true. Was there time to change the pattern? It seemed that he couldn't help himself but to take the unbeaten trail tonight. Here he was with a smart, beautiful, capable woman - letting her drive him around town.
Glancing out the window, Sam took a moment to appreciate the lively city he had found himself in. For months, he'd looked for an excuse to join Jack. For as much as he loved home, the urge to break away and have an adventure of his own was too strong. London was a gravitational pull for filth. Already, he'd gained an intense respect for the Aurors and Hitwizards who dealt with the underbelly of the beast. It was strange to think that the lovely woman next to him brought in the same sort of scum that his family dealt with on a daily basis. Sam struggled with the double image of her in his mind, but it somehow made her all the more alluring.
"So y'hit the town with your brothers usually? Big fellas? Am I goin' t'have to watch my back after t'night?" He grinned at her, certain that he could handle himself, but curious about the sort of family that she came from. "Best point them out to me sooner rather than later. To be safe, that is." He winked at her and chuckled to himself.