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Post by Quinn Starling on Feb 10, 2016 20:04:20 GMT
Quinn shrugged. "I mean, sometimes I miss them I guess. But, I think I've found much better company here at the facility with you, Booker, and Walltur." She smiled at Charlie before finishing her meal. Especially you...
She sat back for a moment, contemplating his question. "Carving, huh? That's awesome. I'd love to see some of your work sometime! Hmm I guess I mainly like exploring things. I've danced, I've performed fire twirling, I've fought, I've done all sorts of sports. I think I mainly just like listening to music and just experiencing different types of lives, different cultures and stuff. That's why my room is sorta...eccentric?" She laughed. "The tapestries and art are all from the market. I've spent a lot of time there, getting to know shop keepers and performers. And, I like hanging out with kids so sometimes I sorta help out like an unofficial daycare or nanny gig when the kids in the streets have parents that don't give a shit. We hang out together and play around with hoops or check out some artists."
She looked back down at her empty plate. "This was really delicious. So, do you want me to pick up the bill or...?" She wasn't sure what Charlie had in mind, either of them paying or going dutch. "Then, onward to this circus!"
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Post by Charlie Bertani on Feb 10, 2016 20:23:46 GMT
Charlie contemplated what that sort of relationship with parents must be like. He didn't miss his parents, and he wished he didn't have to see them, but there were appearances to keep up. His parents were all about appearances. He smiled at Quinn, "I-I agree."
A blush crept up on Charlie's face as Quinn listed all the things she's done. He couldn't help but imagine Quinn doing those things as she mentioned them. Dancing... Fire twirling... She's traveled so much from the sounds of it. I've never even left this town before. She's so interesting. How can she like someone as boring as me? Of course she would like kids. She's such a kind person. I'm doomed. She's going to get bored with me and then what? Well, we would still work together. Seeing her every day would be enough... I'd like to see her dance...
Charlie startled as Quinn mentioned paying. He cleared his throat, "O-Oh, uh." He started to search for his wallet.
"You better not be trying to pay again, Charlie," Carl's voice came from the bar, where he looked every part the barkeep as he polished a glass. He pointed a finger sternly at Charlie, "No."
Charlie sighed and grumbled, "Th-They still treat me like a kid. I'm in m-my twenties for peat's sake." He looked over at Quinn, "Ready to go?"
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Post by Quinn Starling on Feb 10, 2016 20:36:22 GMT
Quinn laughed as Charile's uncle forbid them from paying. "Well, thank you very much for the meal. Everything was amazing. I'll be sure to tell my friends about it!"
She looked at Charlie. "Yep!" She wiped her mouth one more time, stood, and followed Charlie out of the cottage. As they walked down the street, she grabbed his hand and wrapped her other hand over his bicep, leaning in close to him as they walked. "Thanks for dinner, Specs. I'm really enjoying talking to you." She blushed slightly. Damn. Why am I nervous?" They passed the fountains and gardens on their way to the circus, which was easy to identify with the red and white striped tent.
Again, she wasn't sure who was supposed to be buying tickets so she'd reached for her wallet, when she recognized someone...The girl looked about 18 and was wearing a bright polka-dotted dress with flashy tights and had tiny feet. "Pru!" She dragged Charlie to the head of the line. "Pru! I didn't know you were with these guys now! That's great! This is Charlie." She blushed again. Damnit. She realized Charlie might be a bit confused, so she added, "Charlie, this is Pru -Prudence. She walked tightrope with the group I traveled with for a bit. She'll get us in!"
Pru hugged Quinn and answered, "Yeah, Georgie went kinda nuts there for a bit so I did a solo act for a while and these guys picked me up. They're great!" She led Quinn and Charlie to some seats in the middle of the stands. "Enjoy your evening, you two!" She gave Quinn a wink and ran off.
Quinn smiled at Charlie. "Looks like the best things in life are free!" She winked at him and laid her head on his shoulder as she sighed. Everything is perfect...oo, he smells nice.
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Post by Charlie Bertani on Feb 10, 2016 21:45:18 GMT
Charlie slipped some money under his empty plate when he was sure Carl wasn't looking before leaving the cottage.
As they walked, Quinn grabbed Charlie's arm. He was starting to become more used to the affection Quinn used. After the cottage, Charlie was starting to feel a bit more confident with himself. He playfully hip-checked Quinn a little as she leaned in close to him, "N-No problem."
As they waited in line for the circus, Charlie notice Quinn starting to reach for her wallet. He was about to protest when Quinn suddenly shouted out someone's name and he found himself being dragged to the front of the line. He gave a wave to Quinn's friend, Prudence, as he was introduced. He noticed Quinn blush. Is she embarrassed of me? His look of concern was washed away as they were led to their seats. He smiled at Quinn's comment. As Quinn laid her head on his shoulder, Charlie could feel himself relax more. He put his head against Quinn's as the show started. I don't know how this nigh could get any better.
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Post by Quinn Starling on Feb 10, 2016 23:25:24 GMT
As the lights dimmed, Charlie had rested his head on Quinn's. Could this BE any more perfect? Quinn smiled as the ringmaster came out and welcomed everyone. The trapeze artists were up first. They flipped and flew in time together, tossing each other through the air. What amazing teamwork...reminds me of past team challenges with Charlie. Wonder if he's noticed we work well together...I hope we'll be on the same team this next Quidditch match! Quinn beamed at the performers, appreciating their art form and freedom of expression.
Next up, the clowns came out and did typical jokes and tricks. A fire-eater came out next, and Quinn leaned forward in her seat. Fire was always so exciting. Quinn liked when things had a sense of danger to them, sometimes. Then, Prudence came out for her tight-rope walking performance. Quinn was enjoying the show, until...
"And now ladies and gentlemen, I'd like an audience volunteer! You, there! In the vest! Yes you! Come on up!" A spotlight shone down on Quinn and she blushed intensely. Oh god Charlie must be mortified. Still, I can't really say 'no' at this point...Wish I was boozed up... Quinn mouthed "sorry" to Charlie as she headed out onto the stage. Pru continued, "Welcome our brave volunteer to the stage!" The crowd clapped and Quinn just looked at Charlie with a half-apologetic and half-embarrassed expression. "Alright, little lady, hop on up just like I did and I'll show ya anyone can do this!" Two stagehands brought out a shorter tightrope, only about 3-4 feet off the ground. The rope was much tighter than the one Pru had performed on. Well thank god for that... Quinn stepped up, stepped onto the rope, and crossed easily. She knew Charlie was watching, and the evening had been going so well that she felt a rush of confidence and pivoted at the end to walk back. The audience seemed to love it. I'm not used to this much attention...but I'll take it. Quinn smiled a little as she made her way back across the rope.
Finally, Pru thanked Quinn, and Quinn was allowed to return to her seat. She sunk down a little and blushed as she laughed at herself. She buried her face in Charlie's shoulder as she laughed. The show continued, and Quinn was feeling more and more comfortable with Charlie. How was I ever so nervous? This is great.
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Post by Charlie Bertani on Feb 11, 2016 19:29:09 GMT
Charlie watched the trapeze artists in awe, his mouth slightly open. He enjoyed the clowns, laughing along with Quinn. He missed most of the fire-eaters performance, though. When Quinn sat forward he couldn't help but shift his gaze to her. He smiled at her rapt attention. He quickly averted his gaze back to the ring as Quinn sat back.
Charlie's heart pounded at the tight-rope walk. He was never fond of watching this part. He was always afraid of the person falling and hurting themselves. His amped up emotions made him think for a split second that the spotlight was for him. He quickly calmed as he realized Quinn was getting. He could still feel the gazes of the audience shifted their direction. He tried his best not to think about it as he gave Quinn a warm smile and mouthed "No problem." He clapped with the rest of the audience.
Charlie sat on the edge of his seat as he watched Quinn. The rope was only a few feet off the ground, but he couldn't help but be a little nervous. She seemed to enjoy the attention, though. She looked like she belonged on stage.
Charlie stood up and clapped as Quinn walked back to her seat. He laughed as she buried her face in his shoulder, feeling a rush of warmth as he kissed the top of her head, "I n-never took you for one to get embarrassed. Y-You looked g-good up there!"
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Post by Quinn Starling on Feb 11, 2016 20:05:02 GMT
Quinn felt something light on the top of her head as she was laughing into Charlie's shoulder. Did he just kiss my head?! She looked up at him and smiled. "Oh, thanks...yeah, I'm used to only performing for like a handful of people when I do stuff like dance or spin fire. I mostly do it for myself, so the large crowd attention is kinda new to me. Sorry I got pulled away. I missed sitting next to you, while I was up there." She looked Charlie in the eyes for a moment, until she realized she was missing the next act.
The elephants and their trainers were just finishing up as Quinn directed her attention back to the ring. A few more acts came and went, and Quinn did thoroughly enjoy then all; however, she was a bit distracted because of the way the stage lights just barely caught Charlie's face in them. She'd catch herself sneaking glances at him throughout the show, careful not to let him see. She didn't want to seem like a creep.
Suddenly, the show was over. The ringmaster thanked everyone, the house lights were brought up, and Pru ran out to give Quinn her contact information in case they wanted to catch up while she was in town. Outside the tent, the sun was nearly all the way down, and Quinn hoped the walk home would be as beautiful as the walk there had been. She wondered if Charlie would make a move to kiss her goodnight or anything before heading to bed. He's been much more comfortable with affection since this morning, I think... She smiled at the thought.
Before standing up, Quinn looked at Charlie. "That was such a great show. Thanks for suggesting it! So...was there anything else you had in mind for tonight? Or should we start our walk back?"
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Post by Charlie Bertani on Feb 11, 2016 21:16:10 GMT
Charlie blushed as Quinn said she missed sitting next to him. They held each others eyes for a few moments. He considered kissing her, but turned a deep shade of crimson at the thought of kissing her with all these people around. He turned his head quickly to focus on the ring again, but his thoughts kept drifting elsewhere.
The night's almost ending. Will she expect a goodnight kiss? I can do that, right? No problem. I mean, after this morning...
The final acts were a blur as Charlie obsessed over the proceeding of the end of the night. He was vaguely aware as Quinn asked him if there was anything else he wanted to do. Truth be told, I barely managed to think through this far.
Charlie was not good with dates. He had never planned one before. He wasn't sure what to do at this point. He rubbed the back of his neck, looking uncertain, "I-I'm not sure. W-Was there something y-you wanted to do? W-We have another game t-tomorrow so I understand if y-you want to head back."
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Post by Quinn Starling on Feb 11, 2016 21:35:07 GMT
Quinn nodded. "Yeah....I do think we should probably head back." She led the way out of the tent and down the road. The sun was just barely still out, and the sky was clear. Quinn felt a slight breeze and smiled as she looked up at the stars for a moment. The streetlights were on, which made the fountains glow along their walk back to the testing facility.
She held Charlie's hand as they walked. "For being a newb at dating, you sure planned a great one, Specs. Have you dated much? Like, at all? You just seem so shy...which is adorable, by the way, but I'm still kinda surprised you planned this one for me. Maybe I'm just special?" She playfully pushed him with her shoulder.
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Post by Charlie Bertani on Feb 11, 2016 21:59:28 GMT
Charlie was enjoying the moment of Quinn's hand in his and the beautiful night when she asked a question he had been dreading. It was a subject that he was pretty embarrassed about. After all, everyone was expected to have dated at least a few people by their age, right? He sighed and looked down at the ground. Might as well tell the truth. Even if it makes me look like a complete loser...
"I-I haven't, actually. D-Dated. At all. N-Not much of a d-dating pool for someone who's shy a-and stutters," he shrugged, still not looking at Quinn. "Really, I-I'm mostly going off of m-movies and wh-what my friends have done. Y-You are special, though, Quinn. I-I really like you." I can't believe I just said that. His face turned red, "Uh. Wh-What about you're dating life? I-I bet guys are fawning over y-you left and right!" He smiled at Quinn, giving her a nervous chuckle.
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Post by Quinn Starling on Feb 11, 2016 22:31:48 GMT
Quinn was actually a bit surprised that Charlie hadn't dated at all. "Really? But...you're awesome! You're smart, funny, sweet, interesting, and pretty damn hot." She shoved him with her shoulder again. "I just never spoke up cause I was sure you wanted some preppy scientist girl in knee socks and cardigans or some shit."
Then Charlie called her special, and she grinned from ear to ear before contemplating his next question to her. "Hmm. Well, I was cute as hell in my teens. So, that got me into a bit of trouble. My first kinda serious boyfriend, we were out late despite my parents telling me to be home early cause we were leaving town that night. I pulled some bullshit stunt and missed my ride on purpose, so I stayed with his family for a few days, on the couch, and then had to hitchhike my way back to catch up with my folks. But, that's what being a teenager is, right?" She shook her head. "Anyway, I grew up. Got less cute and made better choices. I've only had like 2 or 3 fairly serious relationships. Traveling so much kinda makes that hard to do. I mean, yeah I guess lots of guys were interested, but I guess I'm picky."
By the time she finished her story, they had reached the front doors of the testing facility. She paused before entering with Charlie. "Um. Normally, I'd ask if you wanna watch a movie in my room and cuddle for the night, but I feel like that's probably not your style since this is our first date, and we do have a match tomorrow...and I haven't slept since a day and a half ago cause I was up last night keeping an eye on you." She bit her lip and then laughed. "Though, technically you've already spent a night in my bed, so if you wanna stay over -just to cuddle and sleep- that's cool with me. I might skip the movie though..."
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Post by Charlie Bertani on Feb 11, 2016 23:11:23 GMT
Charlie smiled at Quinn and mumbled out a "Th-thanks" at the compliments. He laughed at her description of the girl she imagined he would be with before playfully shoving her back, "N-Not really my type."
Charlie listened to her dating history with a growing sens of dread in his stomach. Of course she's dated other people. People probably way better at this than I am. How am I going to go through with this? I'm nothing compared to other guys. He snapped back to the conversation as Quinn mentioned what to do from here. He blushed at the thought of spending the night in her room, getting distracted by the lip bite she did. Is that what people do? Is that what we're supposed to do? I guess, if that's what she offered... Should I? I don't know. It doesn't feel right. Gah! Why can't I be better at this? I'm such an idiot.
"I-I'll just let you get some sleep," Charlie said with a lopsided smile and a nervous laugh. "Have to rest up for the big game tomorrow." He glanced down at Quinn's lips as he felt the tension of the moment where they were supposed to kiss good night rise. Now? Should I do it now? Quinn seems to like to take the lead, though... Or do I just go for it? How do people do this? I'm going to get high blood pressure from this. Do I ask? Quinn didn't ask. She just went for it. Man, did she just go for it... Focus! Just go for it!
"C-Can I kiss you?"
No! Nonononono you idiot! Who does that? Who asks?
"I-I mean. W-We a-already h-have. I-I know. I-I j-just thought..." Charlie floundered.
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Post by Quinn Starling on Feb 11, 2016 23:30:20 GMT
Quinn smiled as she found out Charlie's "type" wasn't what she'd imagined. So... Wait, am I his type, then? Shit, I was his first kiss... Oh man. Well, he's good enough to have fooled me. Wonder just what type of movies he's been watching, bringing me flowers age chocolates but kissing like that... Damn.
Then he suggested they just both sleep in their own bunks. Oh. Well I had meant actual sleep, but maybe he thought I meant? Fuck. I'm not as experienced as he probably thinks I am... Oh god he thinks I'm a whore. I shouldn't have even suggested cuddling in my room... Maybe he'll forget.
Quinn relaxed and even laughed a little at Charlie's request for permission to kiss her. She leaned her back against the wall of the building. "I dunno, Specs. Can you?" She smirked at him.
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Post by Charlie Bertani on Feb 12, 2016 0:02:55 GMT
Charlie's heart hammered against his chest as Quinn leaned against the wall and smirked at him. Panic enveloped his mind.
I can do this. I can do this. I can do this. You didn't pass out before, you won't pass out now.
Charlie took a deep breath.
Just go for it.
Charlie reached a tentative hand out and cupped Quinn's cheek as he leaned in and gave her a gentle kiss. After a few moments he pulled back slightly, looking into Quinn's eyes with uncertainty and a question of if this was to be taken further or if she wanted this to end here.
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Post by Quinn Starling on Feb 12, 2016 3:50:26 GMT
Quinn was pleasantly surprised at Charlie's kiss. His hand on her cheek felt perfect, and she briefly wondered whether he'd seen that done in a movie or came up with it on his own. Then, he pulled away with a questioning look in his eyes.
He didn't say anything, but his eyes said it all. Does he want me to do something? He was doing pretty damn good. She smiled and said, "That all ya got?" as she pulled him for another kiss. She ran her fingers through his hair for a moment before letting him go. "Walk me back?"
She grabbed his hand and led the way inside the testing facility, down the dim halls to her bunk. There was an envelope taped to her door with a "V" on it. Uh oh. Game news? She looked at Charlie with a slightly worried expression and opened the envelope. It was a promotion letter moving Quinn to Team Captain status...and a list of the teams for tomorrow's game. She looked at the list in disbelief for a moment before showing it to Charlie.
"Looks like they're finally splitting up the Cuddlepuffs...and we're both seeking." She brushed his hair over his forehead to ease his worry. He must be nervous about opposing me out there... "Don't worry, Specs. I think either way, we both win." She stood on her tiptoes and kissed his forehead. "Goodnight, Charlie. Thank you for tonight. It was perfect."
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