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Post by Charlie Bertani on Feb 7, 2016 20:05:05 GMT
Charlie walked to Quinn's room a few hours after the game carrying flowers, a small stuffed animal, chocolates, and some pain pills and bandages. She got hit a few times during the match and she seemed to be in some pain so he thought he would pick up a few things from the market and see how she was doing. He knocked on her door, self-consciously smoothing his hair to make sure it looked good. After a few moments he looked down at the basket full of stuff.
Maybe this is over-kill? What if she doesn't want any of this stuff? It's not like she's some delicate princess. She's tough. Those hits were probably nothing to her. What if she laughs at me and slams the door in my face?
Charlie started to grow nervous.
Maybe I should just go...
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Post by Quinn Starling on Feb 7, 2016 20:48:01 GMT
After the Quidditch test match Quinn had showered off and headed back to her room to rest up a bit. This game was more brutal than I'd imagined. I just wish some people wouldn't use such personal attacks...damn. She didn't even mind losing, considering it was meant to help hash out the official rules anyway, and it helped to know that, while her team wasn't as lucky today, they had the best bond of pretty much any team in the history of Vester's tests.
While in her room, she looked in the mirror and noticed a black eye forming, with a scrape on her cheek from the last bludger hit- during which she'd barely protected her face with her shoulder. Fuck. The date with Charlie...I look like shit. She scrambled to find some make-up to cover it with, when there was a knock on the door. She opened the door and was surprised to see Charlie with a basket full of things...What the-chocolate? Flowers! Fuck I hope he didn't see my other stuffed animals -how did he know I liked- ...pain pills and bandages? Oh my god he is so precious. She hid a small laugh with a big smile and let him into the room, forgetting about her beat-up face. His hair always looks so nice...I'd kinda love to mess it up...
"Come on in, Specs." She took the basket from him, placed it on the desk, and immediately popped a few pain pills. "Wow. So, you're a proper gentleman, huh? Thanks...this is sweet." She gave him a kiss on the cheek before sitting in her desk chair and propping her feet up. Receiving these types of gifts seemed so foreign to Quinn. She'd dated before, but no one like Charlie. She was especially impressed with the pain pills and bandages...they said a lot more to her than any flowers or chocolates ever could.
"Sorry you didn't get to play much. I know you love being out there, and this was a quick and shitty game. You looked good first quarter, though..." Is there a time he DOESN'T look good? "Thoughts on tonight?"
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Post by Charlie Bertani on Feb 7, 2016 22:32:54 GMT
Charlie's heart fluttered as the door opened and Quinn took a look at what was in the basket. His face flushed. He wasn't sure if the expression on her face meant she thought it was funny or that she actually liked it. He still wasn't sure as she led him into the room, but the kiss on the cheek distracted that train of thought.
"I saw th-the stuffed animals earlier and th-thought you might like one wh-when I w-was out at the m-market. I m-meant for the f-flowers and chocolates to be for later, but I f-forgot to stop at my room," Charlie rubbed the back of his neck in nervousness. "I-It's okay if you don't l-like them..." He trailed off. He had never dated before. Most of what he was doing was based off of movies he'd seen and books he'd read. Although, his parents were fond of the classics, so maybe he was getting this all wrong...
Charlie looked to Quinn for a reaction, but instead noticed the black eye and scrape. "Quinn! Your eye! A-are you all r-right? D-do you want m-me to put a b-bandage on that?" As he moved to get the bandages, he vaguely remembered her other questions, "I m-messed up m-major the first quarter." He shrugged, "B-But what are you g-going to do? S-Sometimes you win, s-sometimes you lose. I-I'm just glad I g-got to be on the pitch. Y-You were amazing out th-there," he turned to give her a big grin. "Well, f-for tonight, I overheard th-that there was a cir-circus troupe performing tonight. I-If you're i-interested in that kind of th-thing..."
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Post by Quinn Starling on Feb 7, 2016 23:04:34 GMT
Oh fuck, he saw those animals... Quinn looked at the corner of her room, where she'd tossed them last night and her eyes got wide. Hopefully, Charlie didn't realize she was embarrassed by it. "Naw Specs, I do like chocolate and flowers. I just...wasn't expecting them. Plus, anything coming from you would pretty much be a win." She smiled at him.
"Eh, my eye's alright. I could use the bandage on my knee, though...it got pretty banged up by a club first quarter. I think that new chick's got it out for me." She turned to Charlie and pulled up her pant leg to reveal a large purple bruise and deep scrape on her knee. Thank god I shaved my legs recently... "And thanks. I played just as lousy first quarter, so I had to make it up somehow...I hope your first quarter problems weren't because of what happened earlier...?" She bit her lip, feeling a bit guilty for making such an aggressive move on such a shy boy. But...she'd been holding back for so long. It was just all so new and exciting to her.
"And circus, you say? Sounds right up my alley...I traveled with one, once. Didn't perform, though. Just got a ride for a bit and helped out with some stu-" She realized how crazy she sounded, so she stopped talking abruptly. Fuck. Does he even know my background? I guess it's never really come up...hopefully he's more concerned with current Quinn... "So um...wanna head out now then? Or hang out here a bit first? You're in charge, Specs."
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Post by Charlie Bertani on Feb 8, 2016 3:50:46 GMT
Charlie looked in concern at Quinn's leg. He immediately went over and tenderly started to wrap it. He was never good at the aggressive parts of Quidditch, so he made up for his lack of contribution in learning some basic first aid. He blushed at Quinn's mention of earlier, "W-Well, it w-was on m-my mind, b-but I was j-just rusty, I g-guess." He had been a bit distracted by the kiss earlier, but he wasn't about to admit so readily just how much. He finished wrapping her leg and stood up, feeling proud of his work, "Th-there. Hope th-that helps."
As Charlie put away the bandages, he noted that Quinn stopped abruptly as she was talking about her past. She hadn't really brought it up before and he was a bit curious, "Y-You t-traveled with a circus? Y-You should tell me m-more about it! We can g-get some food b-before the show?"
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Post by Quinn Starling on Feb 8, 2016 3:56:12 GMT
Quinn watched as Charlie wrapped her leg in the bandage. He was pretty skilled at it. She smiled as his stutter got a little worse as he talked about the kiss.
"Sure, wanna go to Leo's again or somewhere new? I won't make you drink beer..." She laughed. "And I'll tell you about the circus thing on the way..."
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Post by Charlie Bertani on Feb 8, 2016 17:22:10 GMT
Charlie pursed his lips as thought about where to go for dinner. Oh, we could go there! His face brightened and smile adorned his face.
"I-I know a place!" Charlie held his finger up to his lips and winked, "I-It has to b-be a secret, though." Grinning, he went to the door and held it open with a slight bow, "A-After you. I-I hope y-you like seafood."
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Post by Quinn Starling on Feb 8, 2016 19:59:25 GMT
Quinn stood as Charlie opened her door for her. Shit, hope my face looks alright... She grinned at his bow and responded, "Well, thank you, sir. And I do! Solid choice." She led the way down the hallway and into the beginning of the market streets, hoping to avoid any of her teammates or any other test subjects for now. She wanted some private moments with Charlie.
As they walked, she decided to give Charlie a bit of her background, "So, yeah. I was raised by Gypsies. We don't call ourselves that but I've learned that it's the most common term for us. We traveled a lot, growing up. I didn't have brothers and sisters from my parents but we sorta kept in a group, so everyone was like they were related. We worked odd jobs since we had to move a lot, and one time we hitched a ride with a circus. I helped out with animal care and with the performers' kids. I guess I'm pretty good with 'em." She smiled a bit and shrugged. I don't think he saw me with Sharlot...I wonder if he'd think I'm good with kids...or like that I'm good with them..
"The circus life was...interesting. Haha! We were only with them for about a month, but that was like...10-15 shows for them? The ringmaster was an alcoholic, the trapeze artists were sleeping together but both were married -one to another performer and one had a wife and kids somewhere else. But, I think I got a new sense of acceptance for myself and others -the clowns were born small and the freak show-type people were born that way. Just different types of people, you know? But society wouldn't accept them to fit in so they joined a circus. They were pretty talented, though. And really, if you look around, the whole world's a fucking circus."
She realized she'd been rambling. "Oh, sorry. Um. Tell me more about yourself?" She looked down at his hand. I kinda want to hold his hand, but what if he doesn't want to hold mine? She walked a little closer to him, her shoulder nearly touching his as they continued down the road.
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Post by Charlie Bertani on Feb 8, 2016 20:26:14 GMT
Charlie listened to Quinn attentively. As she talked, he absentmindedly took her hand lightly to guide her away from the main marketplace area closer to the river. It was quieter in this part of the city. The busy streets gave way to a garden setting. Flowers and shaped bushes lined the walkway. Fountains appeared occasionally along the way.
Charlie almost ran into a few people along the way as he was listening to Quinn. He couldn't help but stare at her. She's amazing.
Charlie was shaken out of his revere as she asked him about himself. "O-oh, uh," he rubbed the back of his neck, "I-I'm not th-that interesting." He laughed nervously as he glanced over at Quinn. She told me so much about herself. It would only be fair to tell her about me, but would that change things? He sighed and looked at the ground, his face turning grim.
"I-I'm the oldest in m-my family. T-two younger b-brothers. I-I kind of come f-from a wealthier f-family. Wh-when I was b-born I was expected to t-take over the f-family business. Wh-when it became clear th-that I wasn't," Charlie blushed and glanced over at Quinn before looking back at the ground, "exactly g-good at stuff, th-they put a lot of p-pressure on m-me. M-My therapists th-think th-that's where I get m-my stutter." He laughed bitterly, "Wh-when my middle brother was born, it was like I n-no longer existed. I-It was a relief, b-but hurt at the same time. I-I finally got to do wh-what I liked, and m-my brother became the heir." Charlie went quiet for a few moments, lost in thought.
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Post by Quinn Starling on Feb 8, 2016 21:34:36 GMT
Quinn was surprised when Charlie took her hand. Oh! He's...taking the lead? That's...hot. She smiled at him, as he began to talk about his own life. His hands are so soft, but he's got a good grip.
She nodded at some points, but kept thinking in her head, Wow his parents sound shitty...what would happen if they ever met me? Would he like, introduce me to them? Oh god, they'd hate me. Gypsy trash in some nice home...fuckkk. She shook her head of these thoughts and continued to listen. Suddenly, Charlie was quiet. "Wow, Specs. I'm...sorry? Sounds like you're kinda better off this way, though. I mean, your stutter is just a part of who you are. I don't think it's like, a bad thing. And at this point, I dunno that it's worth trying to fix it if it's been there so long. It's just part of you. And, I like you." She blushed a little.
"Plus, if you had run the family business, you'd never have ended up here. And, you're pretty useful and interesting as far as this place goes. I'll bet you're good at a lot more things than you think." She looked around at the flowers and fountains around them. Shit. How have I not been here before? It's beautiful! Guess I'm just drawn to the shady underbellies of cities... "So, where is this secret place?" She smiled as she remembered his wink when he had mentioned it. He was so freaking cute.
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Post by Charlie Bertani on Feb 8, 2016 23:30:26 GMT
Charlie couldn't help but laugh at Quinn's insincere apology, "N-no need to apologize. C-Could you n-not mention it to Booker and Walltur? I-I don't want th-them to think d-differently of me." Her response was exactly what he would have expected of Quinn. It made him relax about sharing that part of himself. He didn't like talking about it much. He blushed when she said he liked him the way he was, but noticed that she did as well. He smiled at that. I didn't think anything could make Quinn blush. She's cute when she blushes. Does she really like me that much?
"I-It's this way," Charlie said, squeezing Quinn's hand a bit more firmly as he sped up the pace a little, eager to get away from the conversation. Charlie almost hesitated. Wait. When did I grab her hand? Charlie glanced down at their hands before quickly looking up again, trying to hide a bit of panic in his face. Relax. If she didn't like she would have let go by now. Charlie took a deep breath to calm himself down.
Soon, they arrived at a place that looked like a cottage. "B-Best fish and chips around!" Charlie said with a grin as he led them inside where there was a cozy bar and seating area. The place was warm and smelled of cooking.
"Charlie!" A woman's voice shrilled from the kitchen. "Oh, Carl, Charlie's here!"
"Charlie? Haven't seen that boy in ages," a man's voice said from behind the bar. Charlie laughed. After a few moments a middle aged couple appeared. They embraced Charlie as he tried to introduce them to Quinn.
"Quinn, th-this is my Aunt Becky and Uncle Carl. They own this place. I'v been coming h-here since I was old enough to leave the house on my own."
"Bah. You could have left sooner. Not like your parents would have cared," Carl grumbled.
Becky elbowed him in the ribs, "Carl! Be nice. Well, Charlie. You've never brought a girl here before," she said in an awed tone. "She's pretty! Here, let me get you two the best seats in the house," Becky said with a wink as she started to seat them at a table near a window that overlooked the nearby gardens and river.
Carl grumbled, "Damn, that woman. Bruising my ribs. Hey, Charlie, come here. Want to talk with you a moment, boy."
"O-Okay," Charlie glanced at Quinn. She would be in good hands until he got back. Carl lead them out of earshot. "Now, Charlie boy. Remember what I told you about girls?"
Charlie sighed, "B-Be kind. Be proper. Be a gentleman. I-I know. I know." Charlie couldn't help but smile. His uncle had been telling him how to treat woman since he first arrived at the Cottage.
"And if the night goes good," Carl's voice drops low and conspiratorially, "don't be afraid to... you know." Carl nudges him in the side playfully. Charlie looked at him for a few moments, confused.
Wait. Is he suggesting...?
"Uncle!" Charlie shouted, indignantly.
"What? I was going to say kiss," Carl chuckled. Charlie walked back to the table, shaking his head. He was suggesting more than that.
Charlie sat at the table where Quinn was. "So. Wh-what do you think?"
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Post by Quinn Starling on Feb 9, 2016 2:37:56 GMT
"Of course, I won't mention a thing. Secret's safe with me, Specs." Quinn pretended to zip her lips shut as they continued walking.
When they arrived at their destination, Quinn was amazed. The cottage was beautiful, just like the whole walk there. And everything smelled wonderful. Quinn wasn't used to this type of setting, but she figured she could get used to it. Then, Charlie introduced Quinn to his aunt and uncle. Quinn stuck out her hand to them both, trying her best to seem relaxed and poised. Oh fuck, my face...hopefully they don't think too much of my black eye..I'm sure it's bright purple by now.... "Hi, I'm Quinn. Nice to meet you both. Lovely place!"
Suddenly, Charlie's uncle was taking him away and his aunt was calling Quinn pretty...Oh man...what's happening? Quinn couldn't help but blush and smile at the comments from Charlie's aunt as she was seated with a great view. His aunt and uncle seemed really nice. Quinn was glad Charlie apparently had some nice family members looking out for him. Maybe they're the reason he's so charming and nice. Finally, Charlie returned to her side and sat with her.
"Oh, it's beautiful. I didn't even know this place existed, and I've been around these streets a lot so this really is a hidden gem!" Quinn beamed at him and kissed his cheek. Fuck. Good thing he planned this date. He's so much classier than I am...I probably would've just taken him back to Leo's or something.
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Post by Charlie Bertani on Feb 9, 2016 19:21:37 GMT
Charlie blushed with surprise at the kiss. I'm glad she seems to like this place. She always seems to like the city. He smiled, "I-I used to hang out at the garden a lot as a kid. I didn't notice this p-place until I was in middle school. Carl and Becky aren't related to me. I-I just ended up hanging out here so m-much that sometimes I feel like they raised me. M-Most of the time I wish they had. What about your parents? Where are they?"
Aunt Becky brought out two plates of fish and chips. She reached out and squeezed Charlie's cheek after setting them down in front of Charlie and Quinn, "Charlie's favorite. Behave now." She gave Charlie a wink before disappearing into the kitchen again.
Charlie sighed. They're never going to let me hear the end of this. "O-Oh! S-Sorry! Th-They just assumed you'd want whatever I was having! I-I'll get them if that's not what you want. Th-They have other stuff, too!" He started to frantically look around at the other tables for an unused menu.
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Post by Quinn Starling on Feb 9, 2016 20:37:31 GMT
Quinn smiled and shook her head at Charlie. "No, you're fine! This is exactly what I would have ordered, anyway." She looked at Charile's aunt, "Thank you! Looks amazing!"
She smiled as Charlie's non-aunt (?) squeezed his cheek. Aw. That's so cute. They seem like such great people...no wonder Charlie's so great. Haha! She told Charlie to behave! Oh boy. I couldn't see him misbehaving...that'd be interesting...
Quinn looked down at the plate in front of her. The fish was crispy, and the chips were the perfect amount of golden. She took a bite. Oh god- this is amazing! "Dude! Your aunt and uncle kick ass!" She made an "oops" face and realized she might have just sworn loudly in front of nice, proper people. "Uh. Sorry. They're just...really awesome, and excellent cooks." Damn my mouth.
Charlie had asked about Quinn's parents. "Oh. Well...they're...well, I'm not sure where they are right now. I left when I was 18; it's kinda a thing we do. Go out and explore on our own for a bit. I just decided not to come back. I liked the idea of having a bit more stable of a home, I guess. I got to see places they wouldn't take me when we were together. We call each other every now and then, but they still move around so much that it's hard to keep track. We're not on bad terms or anything, though. Just how it is." She shrugged.
"So...if we weren't on a date tonight, what else would you be up to? I know you're super smart so you must read and stuff, but what else do you like to do -that I don't know about from working together? Other hobbies?"
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Post by Charlie Bertani on Feb 10, 2016 19:55:06 GMT
Charlie chuckled as Quinn seemed to be embarrassed by the fact that she swore out loud, "D-Didn't think you would get self-conscious over something like that, Quinn." He gave her a warm smile. Charlie could hear chuckling coming from the kitchen. "D-Do you miss th-them? Your parents?"
Charlie fiddled with his fork as he finished his plate. "W-Well, I like making things. Carving m-mostly," he rested his head in one hand as he continued to play with the fork with his other. He gazed at Quinn with a small smile on his face. I can't even imagine being anywhere but here right now. "Wh-what about you?"
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