Dark Chaos Alternate Universe Pansy Charlie -- first meeting

Dark Chaos Alternate Universe -- AU!Pansy and AU!Charlie's first meeting at a social gathering thrown by Molly Weasley, early July, evening.

PANSY: *mingling happily, takes a sip from her glass of wine, looking around at all the faces around her with a smile* *laughs along with a joke that her friend told and then pauses, stepping away from her friends to look across the crowd at someone who just tripped on their robes* *raises an eyebrow and takes a step toward him, amusement flooding her as she watches him trip again* *bites her lip and heads for him, completely intrigued* *from a few feet away* It works better if you don't step on them, did you know that?

CHARLIE: *gives up on trying to step anywhere, and just sort of shuffles his feet for several steps as he eases uncomfortably through the crowd -- he hated when his mother threw parties when he was home; it always meant he had to dress up in these bedamned dress robes, cut to show off the highest fashion...and use up as much expensive cloth as possible* *trips again when he forgets he's supposed to be shuffling, cursing under his breath, miserable -- he really really hated dress robes, really really hated them, could never quite move as freely in them as he did in the trousers he was used to on the dragon reserve* *jerks around and blinks at the elegant young lady who speaks to him, startled to be addressed directly when he's been doing his best to be unnoticed in the crowd* Err... what?

PANSY: *sets her glass of wine down on the nearest candlelit table and heads even closer to him, noticing that he's got to be the eldest Weasley son with that red hair* With the way you wear those robes, I'm guessing you don't often wear them. *it's not a question and she continues smiling at him* What do you do that doesn't require robes?

CHARLIE: *eases back a step, feeling wrong-footed and flustered at suddenly being the focus of a lovely young lady's attention* I... I work with Dragons. *gives an unconscious, irritable tug at his robes, yanking the hem out from under his left foot....AGAIN* *flushing slightly, almost apologising, but half smiling all the same* ... usually, I wear trousers. Robes can snag and slow you down....that's not usually a good thing when you work with Dragons, cause they are really quick and mean -- especially if things flap in their faces. *pauses* *a bit lamely, suddenly self-conscious for having spoken so much* ....you know? *can't keep his eyes from doing a quick survey of her, cheeks flushing as he avoids her gaze when he realises what he's done...and how pretty she is*

PANSY: *smile widens when she notices he's done a once over on her* Dragons? That's fascinating. It must be rather dangerous and I'm glad to hear you wear trousers because these robes? You'd never survive a moment. *examines him without being obvious, liking the way his hair tickles at his neck, her fingers curling in when she wonders if it's soft* *holds her hand out to him suddenly* I'm Pansy, Pansy Parkinson.

CHARLIE: *startled when she understands* *smiles, warming to her instantly* ... I'm Charlie. *takes her hand in his and hesitates, then, with a quick, roguish grin, brings her knuckles to his mouth, brushing soft lips across her skin and bending in a half bow over her hand before smiling up at her, releasing her hand with warm reluctance* I'm...pleased to meet you.

PANSY: *feels her cheeks heat up a bit and prays it doesn't show, reluctant to let go of his hand when he releases her* *looks out on the party with a thoughtful expression on her face* If you changed into something else, I bet you could take a walk with me. *examines his robes again* Lovely as those are, you'll really need something else if I'm to walk with you though. *waits for his decision wondering if he'll be put off by her being forward*

CHARLIE: *grin suddenly ramping up to a radiant smile, eyes lighting up at the thought of getting OUT of the stifling crowd and the horrible strangling robes (he swore one of his brothers had to have charmed the damned things to constantly trip him up) and go for a walk OUTSIDE....with a very lovely young lady* ....I think that's a brilliant idea. *smiles at her, then nods toward the door to the kitchens* ....I think that's a really brilliant idea. ....shall I meet you on the back veranda? *tips his head, looking at her* ... would you like a place to change? I can show you to a vacant guest room, if you like...?

PANSY: *chuckles lightly at his enthusiasm* I do hope that eagerness is at least in part directed at our walking together and not entirely wasted on being rid of those robes. *smiles at her own boldness* I suppose I could manage to be rid of these robes myself. I'll meet you on the veranda. *doesn't wait for him to respond to her and turns on her heal, letting him watch her walk away, finding the vacant guest room with the help of a house elf*

CHARLIE: *watches her go, grinning, then ducks his head and grabs a handful of his robes -- to hell with propriety, he's getting OUT of here! -- and heads for his own room to change* *changes into tight, slightly worn jeans (Ok, so there's a hole in the knee, doesn't mean its not a perfectly good pair of jeans! Covers all the important bits, doesn't it?), a poet-style shirt of emerald raw silk his mother had given him for his birthday, and pulls a leather bomber-style jacket over top of it all* *runs fingers roughly through his hair, pushing it back off his forehead as he hurries through the house, carefully avoiding his mother, and emerges on the rear veranda* *swallows against the sudden feeling of butterflies in his belly, shoving his hands into his pockets, leaning on a post as he waits*

PANSY: *removes her outer robes, and tosses them toward the house elf* *turns to the mirror to check her reflection deciding on impulse to shake her hair out of its bun* *nods at herself and steps out of the guest room heading for the veranda in her black dress cut just mid thigh, thin double straps over her shoulders, dipping down in the back to reveal some skin* *pauses and admires the view of the young man waiting for her, liking the jeans better than the robes immediately* That was fast. Are you always so eager? *watches him, her eyes sparkling*

CHARLIE: *flushes and ducks his head, scuffing a toe against the wooden boards of the veranda* *glancing at her out of the corner of his eye, half smiling as he takes in her dress* .....I had incentive? *smile teeters on the edge between shy and mischievous, but his eyes are amused as he pushes his hair back off his face again*

PANSY: I like that. *admires his shirt, wondering if it's as soft as it looks...and then back to his hair as he shoves it back, wondering if the shirt or his hair is softer* *slips her hand around his arm at his elbow* Where to?

CHARLIE: *hand coming out of his pocket as she reaches for his elbow, arm automatically crooking to offer to her* *smiles at her as he straightens, moving away from the post and toward the steps* Would you like to walk in the gardens, Ms Parkinson? *other hand comes out of his pocket and, without thinking, reaches across to grasp the hand that is caught at his elbow in a gentle, warm grip* Mum has some lovely iris.

PANSY: That sounds lovely. *moves her fingers against his hand, a shiver running up her spine at the warmth, and the roughness of his skin* *moves in closer to him as they walk, her other hand crossing over in front of herself to touch his arm softly* Are you only home for the weekend? *turns her head to watch him as they walk, letting him guide them as he will*

CHARLIE: *watching the path* *takes a breath to answer, then pauses, inhales again, deeply, before glancing at her, realising the delightful scent is coming from her* *after a moment, remembers she's asked a question* ... the weekend? *steps sideways into her, gently guiding her around a hole in the path, putting himself between her and it* No, I'm back for two weeks, actually. *half grins at her, then returns his attention to the path, guiding them into the garden and slowing as they approach the blooming iris* Came in on Thursday and won't be leaving until Friday next. *glances at her again, unable to quite keep his eyes off her, but not comfortable just LOOKING at her, either*

PANSY: Your mother must be pleased to have you home. I don't think I could blame her. *keeps her eyes on him, finding the garden and his company intoxicating in the moonlight* *after a heartbeat, finds her voice* I'm home for the summer myself.

CHARLIE: *dropping her hand from his arm as he turns to face her...but keeping her hand lightly in his, fingers very gentle on hers as he holds them* Oh? *head tipping slightly* From?

PANSY: Hogwarts. I'll be returning for my seventh year next term. *watches him and realises she should clear something else up first* Oh, don't worry. I'm perfectly of age. *squeezes his fingers, so that he won't drop her hand* No one will think you a horrible cad for walking with me in the garden.

CHARLIE: *starting to pull back when she says she was going into seventh year, feeling dismayed but relaxing and smiling at her as she clarifies her age* When's your birthday? *fingers tightening automatically, returning her grip, then, unconsciously, brings up his other hand, turning hers over and gently holding it between them, one hand on top of hers and fingers very lightly stroking the back of her wrist, the back of her hand* Have you decided what you are going to NEWT in?

PANSY: My birthday’s in June. *steps closer to him, her skin tingling at his attention to her wrist* I'll be taking my NEWT's in Potions, Arithmancy, Care of Magical Creatures....the usual. *purses her lips, pausing* But I do ballet and I will continue when I'm done, I'd think. *reaches a hand up to push his hair back as the breeze picks up, smiling when she finds it soft and lovely under her fingers* *eyes search his, feeling like she knows him even without knowing him*

CHARLIE: *looking down at her, meeting her eyes finally, firmly, and smiling as he realises they are a lovely, rich brown* *gaze warm as she searches his eyes* *freezes, breath catching, as her hand brushes his hair, then cannot help but tip his head slightly into her touch as her fingers withdraw, almost as if following her touch* *lets his breath out with a faint stutter, then swallows again,f feeling the butterflies return with a vengeance and begin doing a wardance in his belly* I -- *hesitates, then swallows again* *ducks his head slightly, but doesn't take his eyes off hers* Its very rude of me, but... *hesitates, then, a bit lamely* ....would you hate me terribly if I kissed you, just now? *eyebrows go up as he cannot help a wry and embarrassed grin* *easing back just a breath, so as not to be intimidating over her, cheeks flushing just a little* Its just... you are so lovely and you smell so nice and... *meets her eyes, embarrassed, but a little mischievous as well* .. I'd like to find out if you taste as good.

PANSY: *her stomach flip-flops at the expression in his eyes, the look on his face, the way he watches her, completely engrossed in every move he makes, every word he says* *lets out a shallow breath at his question, bringing the hand she still holds to her lips, brushing a kiss against his fingers before she places his hand on her waist and nods at him, sliding her hands slowly up his arms to his shoulders, longing to kiss him, the powerful feeling of desire surging through her veins*

CHARLIE: *hesitates, his breath catching again as she touches his knuckles with her lips, then lets it out in a low, ragged sigh as she eases closer, guiding his hand to her hip* *a small, nervous laugh coughs out of his throat before he takes another deep breath and looks at her again, meeting her eyes and going still for a long moment* *gently, he raises his hands to cup her face, fingers ever-so-gentle on her skin as he begins to lean in, eyes flicking down to linger on her lips for a long moment before coming back up to meet hers* *smiles at her, and leans in the rest of the way, one hand sliding around to cup the back of her neck, the other supporting her jaw and cheek as he tips his head and bends to taste her* *mouth opening, just a little, to brush a gentle, warm caress against her lips, testing, drawing back for a breath before easing in and deepening the kiss, pressing lips to lips firmly, opening his mouth and lightly nipping at her lower lip, sucking on it just a little, before pulling back and looking at her, eyes both worshipful and nervous as he smiles* ......*very softly, voice husky* ....you taste even better than I thought.

PANSY: *breath catching in her throat, her heart picking up speed as he cups her face, her eyes never leaving his until they flutter closed at the first brush of his lips, her arms moving around his neck* *sighs and takes a moment to open her eyes, not moving from him, feeling a thrill at his hand on her neck, safe and warm in his embrace* *eyes shining, voice soft and low* Then it's my turn. *moves closer to him again, perhaps not as experienced as he is, but doing her best* *brushes a soft kiss against his cheek, and his ear before looking up at him in silence for a few moments, captivated by him and the way he smells* *her tongue darts out to lick at her lips, wondering what he tastes like one final time before she moves in and kisses his lips, sighing against them before deepening the kiss, her tongue darting out to tease at the seam of his lips, encouraging him to take their kiss further*

CHARLIE: *startled as she moves on him, but pleased, smiling as she kisses him, unable to stop smiling as he tips his head and kisses her back after a moment of surprise and delight* *continues to cradle her neck with one hand, the other sliding down and wrapping around her ribs, hand splaying warmly against her back and pulling her into him as he gently allows her to deepen the kiss... but only a little, not letting her rush the kiss* *pulls back, shifting the kiss into small lip caresses feathered against her mouth and jaw, warm with a raggedly exhaled breath* *pulls back and looks down at her, trying to steady himself as he gently releases her, the hand from her neck shifting up to brush a lock of soft hair back from her face, the other coming around to hold one of her hands* *gently, he brings the captured hand up to his mouth, kissing the knuckles again and smiling at her* *shyly, softly* ...Pansy.

PANSY: </b>*smiling up at him, her eyes shining in the moonlight, shivering but not because of the weather* *touches her free hand to his cheek, wondering where he came from and what she did without him before...suddenly feeling a little silly for that, her cheeks turning crimson to her horror* Yes, Charlie?

CHARLIE: *grin widening as her cheeks colour* *leans in and drops a light, gentle, tasting kiss on her lips before pulling back a step* ....You have a lovely name. *looks around and then leads her a few steps aside to a bench, then sends her a sly, cheerful look* ...pansies are delicious. It suits you well.

PANSY: *laughs delightedly, sitting on the bench and pulling him with her* You eat pansies, do you? *realises how that sounds, but straightens her shoulders, looking him dead on, holding back the laughter that threatens* *moves her hand over his arm, feeling the material of his jacket*

CHARLIE: *settles with her for a moment, grinning, then looks around the garden* *holds up a hand to her, indicating for her to wait, then stands and takes a few quick steps across the garden to a small plot of flowers* *plucks a few and comes back, kneeling onto one knee in front of her and presenting her with a small bouquet of pansies, grinning roguishly* For you, madam. *grins at her* Try one -- just the flower. Its very sweet.

PANSY: *watches him walk away from her, turning in her seat to face the garden, crossing one knee over the other and dangling her foot in her impatience for his return* *beams when he kneels before her and takes the little bouquet, leaning forward to brush her lips over his, smiling at her bold move, wondering what he thinks of it* Thank you, Charlie. Pansies are my very favourite flower, but I've never... *chews her lips thoughtfully while she decides which flower to try, unsure if she can truly eat one, they're all so pretty*

CHARLIE: *startled as she kisses him again, but tickled and pleased* *moves to sit next to her, watching her then grins* *reaches out and selects a flower from her bouquet* Close your eyes. *smiles at her* Go on. Trust me.

PANSY: *pulls a face and closes her eyes only to open them again* I can't. They're far too pretty to be consumed. I can't. *looks down at her flowers, holding them closer to her before plucking the one he took back from his hand and reuniting it with its friends in her bouquet* *smiles at him, knowing he probably thinks she's mad but she's all right with that* I'm sorry. I'm sure they're delicious, but I can't. *chuckles at herself*

CHARLIE: *looking slightly crestfallen* I understand. *straightens slightly, turning to look out over the gardens again* ....do you like my mother's garden?

PANSY: Aww, I'm sorry. *amused at his expression, she takes the pansy back out and hands it to him* I'll try, I promise I will. *nudges him with her elbow, eyes alight*

CHARLIE: *looks down at the pansy, then up at her again* *hesitantly accepts the flower, then meets her eyes, searching them, eyebrows lifted and drawn together in a slightly worried expression* .... are you sure? You don't have to --

PANSY: *straightens her back and tosses her hair over her shoulder* I can be daring and eat a flower. *looks at the flower from the corner of her eyes and then looks straight at him, closing her eyes and parting her lips slightly, her hands resting in her lap*

CHARLIE: *smiles, delighted* *waits until she's closed her eyes before gently plucking the flower from its stem* *quietly, encouragingly* ...open your mouth a bit more.... *hesitates a long moment, looking at her, then at the flower in his hand* *gently leans forward and places the flower on her tongue, then leans in and slips a finger under her chin, closing her mouth and 'sealing' it with a gentle kiss* *eases back quickly, quietly as he can, and watches her face for any expression*

CHARLIE: *quietly* ...now chew.

PANSY: *corners of her mouth turn up at his kiss, leaving her eyes closed as she chews the flower, not hesitating at all, finding no objection to the light taste* Hmm. *makes a thoughtful noise, keeping her eyes closed until she swallows* *tilts her head one way and then the other, thinking of a proper response, one that wouldn't disappoint him* *opens her eyes and regards him silently for a moment* It's a nice taste...but...you taste better. *knows she sounds a bit corny, but doesn't care, knowing it's the truth after all*

CHARLIE: *just smiles at her* *glances up and around, then looks at her again* So do you. *takes a breath, then, in a bit of a rush* I... would you like to... *hesitates, scrambling for an idea, then brightens* ... would you like to stroll Diagon Alley with me on Monday? I'd be pleased to treat you to some ice cream. *a pause, then, a bit wryly* ...do you like ice cream?

PANSY: *tilts her head, watching him, knowing she'd say yes even if ice cream was something she hated* I'd be delighted to join you for ice cream. Are we comparing more flavours then? *reaches over and slides her hand into his, not caring if anyone sees them even though she can see he's a bit nervous about it*

CHARLIE: *smile relaxes and his fingers lace and tighten with hers as she slips her hand into his* *quietly, shyly* ... I'm very pleased to have met you this evening, Ms Parkinson. *cuts a glance at her, eyes twinkling as he brings their laced fingers up and places another kiss on the back of her hand, lips lingering against her skin* I am enjoying this party a good bit more than I usually do.

PANSY: Does your mother often hold parties? I usually spend a good portion of my summer with my brother in London and miss quite a few parties unless my mother specifically requests my attendance. *brightens, and smiles softly at him* I'm glad I didn't miss this one though. *an image of him tripping over his robes fillers her mind and she laughs* Imagine if you hadn't worn those robes -- you'd probably be making small talk with your parents’ friends, and I'd be entertaining my friends missing a wonderful evening in your garden.

CHARLIE: *chuckles and looks embarrassed* ...usually, by now, I'm hiding in the kitchen and helping the house elves. *avoids her gaze for a moment, looking down at their hands, then out across the garden before glancing back at her* *a bit abashed* ...I'm not particularly fond of crowds. *gives her a shy, wry grin* *shifts, turning his focus on her and gently turning the focus of the conversation upon her as well* ....how are you planning on spending your summer? What sorts of things is there to do in London? *idly, gently, his thumb begins stroking up and down the side of her hand where their fingers are interlaced, absently caressing the soft skin as he waits to hear, curious about her*

PANSY: *watches the shy man in front of her, fascinated to hear him talk more, curious as to how he can be shy when she knows his family and his brothers first hand, but intrigued all the same, loving that he's unique* *shifts a bit closer to him, angling her body so she can face him more easily while she answers his questions* Have you ever been to Muggle London? My brother Peter goes to a Muggle University there. *brightens further at the mention of Peter, the brother she adores* He wants to be a Chef, but he's decided a well-rounded education is best...