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rosalindsutton · 5 years ago

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a romantic boat ride | ritz

fitz and rosalind go on a boat together. they also go shopping.

Rosalind thought it was crazy how she was just suddenly dating Fitz. They were dating, right? Or were they just going on dates? She wasn't sure, but she was pretty sure they were dating. It certainly felt that way. It was nice. She liked him so much. On some level, though, she still couldn't believe it was real. She had told him to meet her at this tea shop in muggle London, and had gotten there a bit early so he could know he was there when he found her.

Fitz had so been looking forward to this date. They weren't exactly an official couple now but he sure was trying to steer things that way. He fancied her so much. He wanted to be able to hold her and kiss her whenever he wanted. She'd left that strong of a mark on his heart. He found the tea shop she'd suggested they meet at easily and wandered inside. A bit distracted by the decorations, he took an extra few seconds to look for her. The minute he spotted Rosie he grinned. "Hello. Have you been waiting long?" He leaned down to kiss her cheek.

Rosalind had told the cashier she'd order tea after her date got there, and went to find a seat. She hadn't been there for too long when she spotted Fitz just as he spotted her. She smiled, smiling a bit wider when he kissed her cheek. "Oh no, not at all," she said reassuringly with a smile to match it. "Do you want to order something to go, or would you rather drink it here?" she asked curiously, despite them having planned on taking the tea to go.

Fitz felt so lucky to be with her. It was lovely that she'd make time for him like this. "Let's take the tea with us. We can walk and sip at the same time," he said with a smile. "We want to make it to the boat sooner rather than later, don't we?" he asked. He led the way to the counter so they could order and let her go first. Once they were rung up, he handed over the money. "It's a beautiful day for a date."

Rosalind nodded, thinking that made good sense. "Sounds perfect," she smiled. She got in line with him, nodding along. "Oh yeah, I'm really excited. It's a bit nippy out, but I think it'll be fun anyway," she smiled over at him. She ordered, moving aside so he could, smiling a little to herself as he paid. He certainly saw it was a date, which made her feel even more excited. That feeling only swelled when he called it that. "It is, isn't it?"

Fitz glanced over to make sure she was dressed warmly enough. He knew they could use spells to keep from getting too cold and he wanted to be prepared. "The temperature is dropping quite a bit," he agreed. When their tea was ready he took her cup and handed it to her before getting his own. "It truly is. It's beautiful and so are you," he said with a smile. He took her hand and laced their fingers together. "Ready to go?" he checked.

Rosalind had noticed that herself, but she didn't mind it terribly. She liked the cooler weather, even if she tended to get chilly fast. "It really is. Crazy how quickly the cold comes in," she said, glancing over at him. She thanked him and took the tea, taking a small sip but being careful not to burn herself. "Thank you," she said bashfully, smiling at him. She took his hand, holding it tightly. "I am. Let's go," she smiled.

Fitz nodded thoughtfully. "It creeps in on you, doesn't it? One day you're perfectly fine and the next you're cursing yourself for not wearing an extra layer," he smiled. "You look like you'll be warm enough and very beautiful." His eyes twinkled a bit with a hidden sort of mischief and he took a sip of his tea. "To the boats!" he exclaimed as he led her outside. Her small hand was warm in his and he liked the way it fit just so. "I love this time of year. Everything is crisp."

Rosalind could definitely agree with that. "Oh, yeah. I don't know what muggles do," she said with a small chuckle. "They must just keep a jacket in their car when it gets towards cooler weather," she said. She smiled fondly, laughing quietly. "You're just full of compliments," she grinned. She smiled brightly at him, walking out with him. He was everything she could want, and she'd never even realized it, really. "I do, too. The air smells nicer, too. And the cool is so refreshing after the heat."

Fitz mused upon that. "I suppose they must. Maybe they like it that way. I don't mind being prepared most times but where would I keep an extra jacket?" he wondered mostly to himself. He smiled at her, giving her hand a squeeze. "I only say the things that I mean. They aren't just compliments, Rosie," he promised. He didn't think it was too chilly out but he pulled her closer to him just in case she was. "It does! It'll be Halloween soon. I love how crisp everything gets."

Rosalind shrugged a little. She wasn't sure if they liked it that way, or if they just had no other options. She knew her mum kept extra jackets around, but she had to admit she didn't. "You could put it in an enchanted bag, I suppose," she said with a shrug. She squeezed his hand back, moving into him with ease. "You're very sweet. I appreciate it an awful lot," she smiled back at him. She loved autumn. She liked winter, too, but autumn was much nicer. "And all the colors change on the leaves. It's so beautiful."

Fitz thought about that but then he'd have to carry a bag. "I'd have to have a variety of enchanted bags. I can't be ruining my carefully selected wardrobe," he teased playfully. "Imagine a bag with this outfit!" he winked at her. He didn't think being honest and genuine was much of a sweet trait. He thought it was a rather basic one that everyone ought to possess. He knew that wasn't how life worked, though. "You're welcome." He looked around a bit, trying to spot if any leaves had changed yet but it was still too early. "It is beautiful," he agreed. "I bet your mother makes delicious autumn treats."

Rosalind laughed at him a bit, shaking her head fondly. "I'm sure you of all people could pull it off," she grinned. His outfits were rather put together, and she imagined it would throw off his look a bit. She took a sip of her tea as she walked, holding him close as she did. "Oh, she does. She also makes the best soup. It's so warm and delicious," she said with a small grin.

Fitz shrugged casually. He'd have to really rework out he planned his outfits if he was trying to match a bag to them. He wasn't even sure how to go about it. "Simone would be better at it," he decided with a smile. He tried to imagine a nice bowl of soup and let out a hum. "Will she be willing to make it for me sometime?" he wondered. "I'm such a fan of her food. It must have been wonderful growing up with it. I don't think my mother cooked once."

Rosalind nodded in agreement, smiling over at him. "Doesn't she carry a bag sometimes, anyway?" she asked with a small laugh. She did, though not very often. "Of course she would!" she smiled at him. She turned to him a bit, looking at him with surprise. "Your mum never cooked? What did you eat?" she asked, a bit confused. As much as she adored the food the elves made, she had always missed her mum's cooking when she left for school.

Fitz nodded with a chuckle. "Well, of course. I just meant she can accessorize better than I can. She'd know how to match bags to outfits. I'd end up clashing somehow," he teased. "You always match your bags very well as well," he added on. He couldn't remember a time where she hadn't looked beautiful to him. "We had, what do you call them here? House elves? They did the bulk of the work around the house," he explained. "After school started, I'd bring home food I'd bought on trips to the small village nearby but my mother took it away if she found it."

Rosalind thought that was a funny thought. He was quite fashionable, she was sure he would find a good way to match something. "Good thing you don't need to carry a jacket, then, hm?" she teased. "Oh, thank you," she added with a smile. She frowned a bit as he spoke, nodding a little. She couldn't imagine her mum not working. She nearly asked what it was his parents did all day if they didn't do anything around the house, but she decided against that. They must've had money and prestige, which was the story as she had understood it. "But she didn't enjoy cooking at all? Or your dad, even?" she asked curiously. "Your schools had dormitories like ours, though, right? So you could do what you wanted during school?"

Fitz grinned at her. "I suppose so," he agreed easily. He wasn't too fussed talking about his childhood. He just knew he had certain limits on what he could talk about. Those limits extended to things that pertained him. This seemed safe enough. "No, she didn't. I don't know that either of them even know how to," he admitted easily. "Yes. We stayed at the school during the year. I wouldn't have been able to get away with half of what I did if that hadn't been the case," he grinned. "I'd just try and bring treats home during breaks," he elaborated. "I wasn't too fussed either way."

Rosalind wondered what that was like. Cooking wasn't even difficult, really. "How did you learn how to prepare food?" she asked curiously. She was glad he'd had that experience at school. Maybe he wouldn't even be here if he hadn't experienced live outside of what his parents wanted of him. "You're very laidback about it all. I probably would have cried if I had gotten in trouble with my mum for anything. Or even if I weren't in trouble, but perceived that I was," she admitted.

Fitz shrugged slightly. "I picked up bits from the elves or from the village or from friends," he explained. "I had quite a lot of people to learn from. It's not so hard once you pick it up," he said with a smile. He waved it off and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "It's just the way I am. It takes a lot to bother me," he smiled. "Maybe I'd be better off if it didn't. I would have saved myself quite a lot of trouble over the years if I'd actually been afraid of it."

Rosalind figured that made sense. It was just crazy what different lives they lived. She felt like some people would envy him, and maybe it was because she had seen how that lifestyle affected Wren, but she didn't envy it at all. "That's true," she smiled. She held his hand tightly, letting out a soft breath. "I think it's actually good that it takes more to bother you. You probably would've just been more upset."

Fitz likely wouldn't be the person he was today if he was easily bothered. He wouldn't take any risks. He never would have found his passion for writing. He was glad that he wasn't bothered. "Very true. I would have. I worried more about Simone being upset than myself. I think that's why I didn't mind being the troublemaker," he smiled. "I bet you were always very well behaved as a child."

Rosalind smiled fondly, finding that easy to believe. He cared about Simone more than anything, and she thought that was just as it should be. Her siblings meant the world to her, too, and she couldn't imagine that any other way, either. "Did your being troublesome ever take the heat off of her?" she asked curiously. She laughed a bit. "Not at school or anything. I knew from fairly early on that I wanted to be an Auror, and I knew there wasn't much messing around there. But at home was another story. Nik and I got into all kinds of trouble, we just were pretty sneaky about it."

Fitz smiled over at her. He shrugged his shoulders gently once before letting out a chuckle. "Only all the time. I think that's more why I did it. If they were focused on me being a problem, she looked like the perfect child. I only hope that didn't cause more harm down the line. Though, now," he trailed off with a shake of his head. He didn't want to talk about sad things on his date. "Ah, causing a ruckus at home instead, hm?" he smiled. "So, you always got away with it? What kind of trouble are we talking about here?"

Rosalind thought that was awfully sweet of him. She would like to think in the same situation, she would've done the same thing, but she honestly didn't know if she could say that. Whether she would ever admit it or not, she had a big desire for approval, and she didn't know if she could sacrifice that. She hoped. "It was well intentioned, regardless," she smiled. "I don't know that I'd call it a ruckus, per se. We just got into things we shouldn't have. We were always outside exploring, or inside sneaking food. We didn't really do much that our mum disapproved of, just stuff that was probably a bit crazy. I never snuck around in school or took food that wasn't mine to take. It just didn't seem worth it."

Fitz wondered if he'd ever have the chance to tell her everything about his time in Paris. He wanted to be able to take her there someday but he knew it'd have to wait until she knew the circumstances that had caused them to leave. "It was really well intentioned," he agreed. He listened to her explain and found the story so charming. She didn't seem the type to really ever get in trouble. Hearing about it was just so exciting. "I would have loved to see you as a troublemaker. I wish you'd kept up with it more in school," he teased gently. "But I don't think I could even picture that."

Rosalind couldn't imagine him having a negative bone in his body. He was just such a nice person. She could see that he got into trouble, though. He was adventurous and followed his instinct. It made for a great journalist, and a great friend, but she could see it causing trouble as a kid. "Yeah, I'm a bit strait-laced now, huh?" she said lightly. She knew that. She tried to be more fun. She wasn't sure what exactly had made her change so much over the years. There were a lot of factors, probably. "You weren't even there! How would that have been fun for you?" she teased.

Fitz laughed quietly to himself and let go of her hand so he could wrap an arm around her shoulders. "You are pretty strait-laced. It's quite alright, though, love. It makes you who you are. If you do want to get in some trouble though I'm always down for some mischief. We could even start small and prank a friend or your brother," he teased. He let out a louder laugh this time. "Because I think you and I would have been great friends, even if we weren't sorted into the same houses as your school chose for you."

Rosalind nearly made a face, but she didn't. She hoped he still thought she was fun and didn't go bored once the thrill of this was over. He didn't seem the type, but then again, did she really know all that much about him? "I'll let you know," she said with a smile. She made a face and shook her head. "We would've been friends anyway," she said honestly. "Dom was a Ravenclaw, Nik was a Gryffindor, I dated a Slytherin. I played Quidditch. We would've been friends."

Fitz hummed thoughtfully. He wasn't too sure of the houses. Each Sutton was so incredibly different that of course they would be in opposite houses. "Where would I have been? With Dominic do you think? He's a little too smart for me. Maybe with Nik. Wren was a Slyther... something, right?" He didn't think he'd fit there either. "Even with the age difference we would have been friends?" he wondered. Hogwarts sounded so interesting.

Rosalind gave it some thought and then shrugged. "It's hard to say. Maybe with Nik. Possibly with me and Dot, honestly," she explained. She could see him in either of those houses. It was hard to not stereotype sometimes, though. "Not terribly close or anything, probably, but I don't see why not. I dated a guy in your year. It's not a largely populated school by any means. And you're not all that much older than me."

Fitz considered that. He wasn't too sure what house meant what. Hogwarts was so different from Beauxbatons. "I bet Simone would have been with you and Dot. Maybe with Dom. I bet she would have liked that," he said lightly. He pulled her closer, tightening an arm around her as the wind picked up. "You dated an older man? How scandalous. I want all the gossip from you Hogwarts kids," he teased her.

Rosalind nodded at that. Those were the only two houses she could see Simone in, really. "I would have loved if she was in my house. I can easily see her in Ravenclaw, though," she added. She moved into him easily, smiling a bit. He was warm and she liked him so much. She laughed a bit. "I dated a man even older than me later. And I'm pretty sure that actually was against the rules," she admitted. "Dom didn't date in school. He was far too oblivious. Nik did more than date in school. He's lucky I never caught him, because I would've had quite a battle deciding whether or not to rat him out," she teased.

Fitz thought it would have been good for them if they'd attended school with their friends. He'd had plenty at his school but there was something different about his English friends. "She's very smart. I'm sure the two of you would have been friends. Especially if she was in Dom's house and I was in yours." He found himself daydreaming about what life would have been like. "You did? How much older?" he asked, surprised. "I'm not surprised he's oblivious. I don't know how he hasn't noticed Sim pining after him," he teased. "You should have ratted him out. It would have been a laugh."

Rosalind didn't know why they wouldn't have been friends, unless they just hadn't happened to meet. But she was sure they would have. Fitz' love of quidditch alone would've made them friends. "It would've been lovely. But it's just as lovely knowing you now," she said with a smile. She nodded a bit. "Mm, maybe seven or eight? He was one of my bosses during auror training," she explained. She thought it best to not mention that she thought they were sort of into each other, as she figured Simone must've not told him. "Yeah, he's quite oblivious. Very in his own world," she grinned. "I never caught him!"

Fitz wondered how different life would have been if he'd attended their school. He felt like he would have caused more trouble at this Hogwarts, especially if he knew this group of people. "It is lovely knowing you now. We might not even be doing this if we'd known each other sooner. I'm quite oblivious myself," he grinned. "Well, well, well. That sounds like quite the scandal, Rosie," he teased. "Do you still work with him?" He nodded a bit, not surprised by that information at all. "I find it hard to believe he was so sneaky."

Rosalind thought that was a fair point. She couldn't be sure that she would have had a crush on him then, or that she'd have a crush on him now had she known him then, so maybe this was for the best. "I suppose this worked out for the best then," she said with a smile. She laughed a bit. "I suppose so. See, I'm not all boring," she said. "No. I mean, not regularly. He mostly does training and the like, and I'm not anywhere near there," she said with a shrug. "Trust me, he can be sneaky if he puts his mind to it."

Fitz had to agree. They might not even be friends now if they'd known each other back then. He wouldn't have stayed in England if his parents lived here. He would have probably taken off for Paris. "I think it did," he agreed with a smile. "I never said you were boring! I just always imagine you as more of a rule follower. Nothing wrong with that, of course, but I should know better than to judge a book by its cover," he said playfully. "Ah, I see. Probably for the best." He hummed a little. "He was quick to show off his new paramour though."

Rosalind shrugged casually before smiling up at him. "I don't think it really matters how long we've known each other so much as it matters what we do with our time now that we do know each other," she said softly. She laughed a little and rolled her eyes. "That's just a fancy way to say boring," she teased. "I'm plenty interesting, trust me," she said with a wink. She nodded in agreement. She didn't think it would matter if she did work with him, but she was glad she didn't. "Well, can you blame him? Who wouldn't want to show her off?" she teased.

Fitz liked that. The past was the past. All that they had was the future and he hoped his included a lot of Rosalind. "I enjoy every minute I spend with you," he promised. "So I think I'm making the best of my time with you." He shook his head quickly. "Rule followers are not boring! Simone was a rule follower!" he insisted. "It's not boring at all. It's structured and organized. It's enviable." He chuckled. "That's fair enough. She's quite delightful, that Anastasia."

Rosalind smiled over at him, feeling all soft and warm. She enjoyed every minute with him, too. She had liked him from the moment they met, but the more time they spent together, the more she liked him. "I enjoy every minutes with you, as well," she smiled. "Enviable," she laughed, shaking her head. "You're really pushing it here," she teased. "She is. I like her a lot. I hope she sticks around for a while."

Fitz noticed they were coming up to the boats and he smiled. He was so excited for this next part of their date. "I'm glad to hear that." He kissed her cheek. "Yes, enviable! I wish I could follow rules and stay organized. It would have made my life much easier," he grinned. "I like her too. I think she's good with Nik. I'm just surprised he's dating a muggle," he admitted. "Figured that'd be Dom."

Rosalind couldn't help but smile fondly when he kissed her cheek. She liked him so much, it really hardly seemed fair, and she knew he liked her, too. "You seem to be doing just fine, and no one ever would dare to call you boring," she teased. "And I know you didn't, I'm just saying," she said with a smile. "I think so, too. I doubt any of our group would be against dating a muggle," she said honestly. "I did tell you about how he dated a muggle once, didn't I? If he wasn't so smitten right now, maybe he would."

Fitz shrugged slightly. "Maybe not but they'd call me other things, I'm sure. I could think of a whole list," he told her. He'd been called things before. It didn't bother him much, really. "No, I don't think so either. I'm sure everyone would be willing. We're good people," he said with a smile. He loved that about this group of friends. They all were so accepting. "You did. Still, I just was surprised that Nik was. He is rather smitten, isn't he?"

Rosalind figured that was fair, but he never seemed bothered by the things people thought of him. "Well that's not necessary," she said lightly. She couldn't imagine any one of them not dating someone because they were a muggle. That'd just be silly. "Here we are," she said as they arrived at the dock. "He is real smitten. I like it on him. Not his usual look."

Fitz knew that. He just wanted to reassure her. Maybe that had been the wrong way to do it. He looked at the boats on the dock and smiled. "How exciting! I can't wait to get on," he grinned. Dom did have a different way about him lately. He liked it. It was nice that most of their group seemed so happy. Almost everyone had somebody. He walked with her to the boat and let her get on first.

Rosalind smiled at how excited he was to get on the boats. He was so cute. "Have you been on a boat before?" she asked curiously. She realized they hadn't talk about that before. She walked with him, nodding her head at him a little as she got on ahead of him. Once he was on again, she took his hand. "Where do you want to stand?" she asked him curiously.

Fitz shook his head. "Not really. I've never had the need to. They just always look like such fun," he admitted. He waited until she was safely on deck before following her. Their fingers entwined easily and he smiled at her. "Oh, wherever you'd like to. I'm most excited just to share this experience with you," he admitted. "Plus, you're the boat expert. Not me."

Rosalind didn't really have much need, either. Except back when she was in Hogwarts. "We took a boat to Hogwarts our first year, and then back our last year. That was fun. But not like this. Those were much smaller," she explained. "My mum had taken me on a boat before Hogwarts, though," she said. "Let's go by the edge. Better view. And then if you need to get sick, you can do it over the edge," she teased.

Fitz thought that sounded wonderful. "How exciting! Your first experience of school was riding a boat up to the castle! I bet it felt thrilling. And ending your journey that way really closed the chapter beautifully." He liked to listen to her talk about her past and her mother. It was really lovely how she just warmed up and glowed. "The edge sounds excellent. I won't get sick!" he insisted playfully. "This is rather romantic."

Rosalind nodded excitedly. "It was so much fun. Especially since Dom had already told us all about it. The crisp air and the water. It was lovely. And it was such a beautiful way to close that chapter. Such an innocent time," she said with a smile. It wasn't for everyone, but it was for her. "It'll definitely be more romantic if you don't get sick," she said with a warm smile. As they settled there, she leaned on the edge a bit, a bit on him. "It's lovely weather for this, too."

Fitz wondered what it was like to have an older sibling. He always imagined they'd give good advice. He had his sister, though, and he felt privileged for that. "I bet it was so hard to have him gone for so much of the year when you were little," he frowned. "Simone and I were lucky to have been born twins." He let out a laugh and bumped their arms. He really liked her. She brought this warmth to him. It just felt meant. "I won't get sick," he promised. He followed her lead and looked out over the water. "It is. I can't believe it's nearly the holidays."

Rosalind let out a soft sigh and nodded. "It was. I was nine when he went off. It was rough, but I think it was harder for Nik. He was younger still, and then I left, too, and he was alone. It wasn't so bad for me, because I had him at home and Dom at Hogwarts," she said with a shrug. "You were. You're lucky to be so close, too," she smiled. She laughed a little and nodded. She didn't think he would get sick, but she had fun messing with him. "Neither can I. They always sneak up on me."

Fitz thought that sounded terrible. He couldn't imagine having been left home while Simone went to school. He also didn't want to picture her there on her own. He'd truly lucked out. "Oh, wow. It must have been quite the change for him to suddenly be, well, an only child." He couldn't think of a better way to phrase that so he grimaced. He couldn't imagine being without his sister. She'd always looked after him. He owed her a lot. "We are very close. I'm so happy she lives with me," he smiled. He leaned over the railing to peer at the water below. "They sneak up on me, too. Birthdays as well. I need to go shopping. We should go together!" he decided happily.

Rosalind nodded a bit, making a sort of sad face. "I think it really rough for him. I know I missed him terribly. He's my best friend, honestly. It was hard not having him around," she said honestly. "He did get super close to mum, though. He's her favorite. I know she'd never admit it, but you can just tell. Not that she doesn't love Dom and I," she said, trailing off a bit. She thought it was so lovely that he and Simone were so close. They both deserved having each other in their lives so much. "I'm glad she does," she said honestly. "For birthdays or holidays?" she asked.

Fitz couldn't imagine it. Nik had gone from having his big brother and sister around all the time to only having his sister and then it was him and his mother. It sounded lonely. "Well, you could write to him, yes? And I'm sure you made friends. When did you join the quidditch team?" he wondered. "Parents always have favorites. Mine certainly do. They liked to make sure we knew it," he shrugged. "I suppose it's natural? Like in a group of friends you have some you like more than others but you love them equally. Or, how Nik is your favorite brother," he hummed thoughtfully. He let out a musical laugh. "For both, darling!"

Rosalind smiled and nodded. She wrote Nik a lot back when she was in school and he wasn't, and then she wasn't and he was. "I did. I joined as a reserve my second year and then got to play my third year. Of course, by that time Nik was there, too," she said with a soft laugh. "Well, that's sort of shit, though," she said lightly. "My mum tries to hide it. My dad, too," she said honestly. She laughed a bit at that and shook her head. "I never said he was my favorite brother!" she said, grinning still. "We just have different relationships. Dom is more reserved. Nik is just the opposite," she said with a shrug. She smiled brightly at his laugh, a bit mesmerized by him, really. "I feel like you're cheating."

Fitz thought that must have been so exciting for her. He'd been so thrilled to even have a chance to try out, despite the fact that he'd broken a bone when he had. "Did you know you wanted to be a keeper when you tried out?" he asked. "Or was that just one of the only open spots that year?" He shrugged. It didn't matter much to him. "Who's your dad's favorite?" he wondered. He shook his head with a playful grin. "You didn't have to say it, love. I notice things. Perhaps the relationships are different but he's your favorite," he smiled. He bumped their joined hands against her hip. "How's it cheating to go present shopping with a pretty girl?"

Rosalind thought for a moment before nodding. "Yeah, I did. I didn't think I'd get it, though, but I was so thrilled to have gotten it. I loved playing so much," she said honestly. She wished she could play now, but she didn't know she'd even find the time to. "Dom. They're practically the same person. Dad's just more eccentric, whereas with Dom, it's all in his head," she said with a slight shrug. She shook her head, smiling still. "Absolutely not," she said lightly. She leaned into him a bit more, enjoying his warmth especially. "Because you're just getting my help shopping for things!"

Fitz found that awfully lucky. "That sounds like a lot of good luck then," he smiled at her. "You must have had the best time. I bet you were the best keeper." He wasn't too surprised. He knew their father was a professor so it made sense he had quite a bit in common with the eldest son. "Perhaps the eccentric passed on to his other two children," he joked. He shook his head a bit, quite amused with her. "So Dominic is your favorite, then," he said playfully. "You'll be getting my help as well! It's a mutual thing. We both win and we get to spend time together."

Rosalind shrugged a little, turning to smirk at him. "I'd hardly call my being the best keeper luck," she said with a wink. "I did. I think I was pretty damn good," she said with a small smile playing on her lips. She gave him a surprised look, turning to him suddenly. "Me?! I'm hardly eccentric. You're more eccentric than I am," she said with a laugh. She shook her head. "No. They're different to me. I'm probably closer to Nik, though," she said with a shrug. "It sounds to me like you're pulling something here, but alright, I'm game."

Fitz shook his head quickly. “No, no. I meant it was luck that the keeper position opened when it did!” he insisted. “I imagine you were. You’re quite good at flying. I imagine you’re good at everything,” he admitted. He shrugged a bit. “I’m more eccentric than everyone,” he reminded her playfully. “But you have your moments. Nik does too,” he added. He figured that made Nik her favorite but he really couldn’t grasp the concept of not having a favorite. It had been such a thing in his family. “If you say so,” he smiled. “I’m not pulling anything!”

Rosalind laughed and nodded. “Good,” she said, glad that he wasn’t doubting her in that way. She was an incredible quidditch player back in the day. “You’re cute,” she said with a bright smile. “Mm, exactly,” she said. “Sure, sure. Nik more than me, but sure,” she agreed, albeit a bit reluctantly. She could acknowledge that, though. The boat started to move, and she smiled excitedly. “Oh, look. We’re leaving the dock!” she smiled. She turned to better face him, thinking to herself that this was quite the date. “I’d be happy to go shopping with you,” she smiled.

Fitz looked around as the boat moved, a little surprised by how it felt. “Oh! Look at that,” he let out a delighted laugh. He turned towards her when she looked at him and pulled her a bit closer. “Merci,” he said playfully. “We’ll have the best time. We can get tea and spend the day exploring and shopping! We’ll find presents for everyone!” He’d pick her present up at a later date, of course, but he liked the idea of the two of them doing something so sweet together. He leaned in unexpectedly and pressed a kiss to her lips.

Rosalind smiled, her eyes crinkling a little. He was so, so cute, and nice, and adorable. He made her heart beat quickly. She liked him so much, and she couldn’t believe how lucky she was to have his affection. “It’s fun, isn’t it?” she said, moving against his side with ease. “I look forward to it,” she said with a sweet, close lipped smile. She looked out at the water, letting out a content smile. She turned back to face him, a bit surprised when he kissed her. Her eyes fluttered shut as she kissed him back.

Fitz was really looking forward to it. He just loved spending time with her. She was so unlike anyone else he knew. Somehow she was everything he wanted. He was just so happy with her. “It might even take us two or three trips! More time to spend together!” he said brightly. He held her close as they kissed, brushing a bit of her hair from her face. He wondered vaguely why more people didn’t go on dates on boats. It felt so romantic to hold her close as the ground swayed.

Rosalind couldn’t help but let out a laugh at that. He acted like they couldn’t just go out. She appreciated that enthusiasm for life, though. She didn’t know anyone quite like him. “Sounds like a fun way to buy gifts. Though wouldn’t it just be easier to ask me on another date?” she teased. She moved an arm gently around his neck, holding him close, but loose. She was enjoying the softness of this night so much. Tea and a late night boat ride with Fitz of all people. What more could she ask for?

Fitz waved a hand a bit. “Oh, there will be plenty of other dates too. Don’t worry about that,” he smiled. “Some of them will just involve shopping! We have a lot of friends, you know,” he said playfully. He kept her as close to him as possible without being too much. He stayed like that for a minute or two, just kissing her softly. When he finally pulled away he took her hand again. “May I have this dance, Rosie?” he asked with a charming smile. He thought that was the only thing that would make this more romantic.

Rosalind smiled playfully and nodded a bit to show she trusted him. She looked forward to lots of dates with him. She looked forward to any date with him. Every second with him felt like an adventure, and that was really the only way she could describe it. “We do have a lot of friends. I’ve also gone Christmas shopping with my brothers, so I certainly hope it’ll feel different,” she teased. She tightened her grip on him ever so slightly, liking how warm he felt against her. She pulled away when he did, smiling when he held her hand. “It’d be my pleasure.”

Fitz laughed musically. He didn’t doubt that. He’d been shopping with Simone in the past and he didn’t expect this to be the same at all. “I promise I’ll make it magical,” he said playfully. “I’ll hold your hand and kiss you under the mistletoe. And I’ll buy you all the cocoa that you’d like,” he promised. He smiled brightly when she agreed and quickly gave her a twirl. “I was hoping you’d say that,” he grinned as he pulled her close to him again. Maybe there was no one else dancing but he paid that no mind.

Rosalind smiled brightly. She liked the idea of holding his hand and walking through shops and down streets and kissing. “I do like cocoa,” she said simply. It was especially good spiked, but she was content with ordinary cocoa, too. She took his hand, twirling with ease and smiling widely. “You’re so much fun,” she admitted. She moved close to him, wrapping an arm around him as they danced. She liked him even more than she thought she did, which was saying something.

Fitz grinned at her. She was so cute. He was so lucky he’d found her. “Who doesn’t like cocoa? It’s quite the treat,” he smiled. He chuckled a little when she called him fun and simply shrugged. “What’s the point of life if you’re not having fun? Isn’t that the key to happiness?” he asked playfully. He held her close as they danced, smiling down at her. “Is this not what people do on boats? We’re getting some looks,” he whispered teasingly. He wasn’t bothered.

Rosalind shrugged, smiling a little. “People who don’t like sweet things?” she suggested. She smiled at his laugh. He sent shivers up her spine and gave her butterflies. It was so wild. She’d never experienced anything like Fitz before. “That’s certainly a good way to view life,” she said. She laughed softly and shook her head, but continued to dance with him. “No, not really. Maybe they’ll assume it’s a French thing,” she teased. “I’m quite enjoying myself, though.”

Fitz couldn’t imagine that. “Who doesn’t like sweet things? What kind of a life is that?” he asked playfully. Sweets, fun, happiness. Maybe he viewed life in a rather childlike way but he truly thought those were all important to a good life. “It’s just how it should be,” he smiled. He stepped back a bit so he could twirl her again. “Ha! The French? Being overtly affectionate in public?” he scoffed playfully. “I’ve never heard of something so wild.”

Rosalind was sure there were people who didn’t. She didn’t know any of them personally, but she knew they excited. “Probably one filled with veggies,” she teased. He was so cute and sweet. What an upbeat person. He was just full of so much love and light and happiness. He practically was glimmering all the time. How fortunate that she knew him. She laughed a bit as she twirled, so free and happy. “Sounds silly, doesn’t it?” she teased.

Fitz pretended to shudder in horror at the very thought. “I enjoy vegetables but I could never live my entire life based around them,” he said playfully. He watched the way she lit up as she twirled around. He wished she always looked this happy. He loved the way her laughter sounded. “Terribly silly. I can’t imagine anyone I know making such a spectacle of themselves,” he winked. He pulled her close and then dipped her.

Rosalind thought he really was so much fun. Even in little ways, he just exuded joy. “I don’t know that’s a healthy way to live,” she teased. She smiled at him, so much enjoying him. “They aren’t really enjoying life then, now are they?” she smiled. She was a bit surprised by the dip, but she liked it. She liked all of it. “Do you know you’re charming as could be, or is it just the way that you are?”

Fitz simply smiled at her. "Ah, who cares much about healthy?" he teased back. "I have Simone to fix me up if I get sick." He didn't think they were at all. Life was supposed to be about making a spectacle. Blending in was just so boring. Why not have fun? "I think it's just the way I am, Rosie," he smiled as he straightened them back up. "But I'm glad you find me so charming. That's all I'm concerned with."

Rosalind laughed a little, shaking her head. He was so silly. She really enjoyed it. She didn't think that was the best plan, but she knew he was only messing around. She couldn't imagine being so effortlessly cool and fun and exhilarating. Without even trying, he was the most interesting person she had ever known by a long shot. What must that feel like? He must be so confident. "I find you quite charming indeed. Among other things," she said as she flipped back up. She found him to be a lot of things she rather enjoyed.

Fitz didn't feel as if he were the most charming person alive but knowing she thought he was even the least bit charming delighted him so. "What other things?" he asked teasingly. "Good things, I hope," he added on lightly. He twirled her again before smiling. "I take it you're enjoying the date as much as I am. I'm thrilled," he said with a smile. He continued to dance with her, though his attention drifted over to the view off the side. He was having the best time.

Rosalind held him close as they danced, letting out a delighted dance as he twirled her again. "Only good things. You're so handsome, and confident, and, and, intoxicating," she said with a small laugh. "I am. I'm glad that you're enjoying it, too," she said. Sometimes she worried she was so caught up in him, that she'd miss something. She stayed close to him as they danced, smiling mostly to herself at what a wonderful time she was having.

Fitz smiled at the sound of her laugh. She was such a delight. He couldn't get enough of her. "That's an awful lot of compliments, Rosie," he teased her. "I don't know that I'm very intoxicating." He leaned down to kiss her sweetly. "I'm having a marvelous time with you," he promised. He was enjoying dancing with her like this, on a boat, surrounded by muggles who paid them no mind. It was romantic. "I should buy a boat," he decided.

Rosalind laughed softly and shrugged a shoulder. She thought very fondly of him. She was just so consumed and enchanted by him. It was unlike anything she'd ever known before. "Is it?" she said playfully. "You say that, but I know that I'm quite intoxicated by you," she promised. She kissed him back, smiling into it a bit. "Good. That's good. I'm glad," she smiled. She slowed down her dancing a bit, leaning into him more. "Oh yeah? That would be fun."

Fitz found her to be so lovely. She thought far more highly of him than he deserved. He was thrilled, though. "If you say so, Ro," he smiled. "I just hope you don't end up getting tired of being intoxicated." He slowed down when she did, mostly just swaying now. "Wouldn't it? I bet they're expensive," he mused. "Maybe we could just borrow one. Get everyone out on the water. That's something, right? People do that?"

Rosalind shook her head a bit, still close to him. She pulled back a bit to look at him and smiled. "I could never tire of you," she promised with a smile. "They probably are. It's practically a water vehicle, and land vehicles are expensive," she said with a small frown. "I'm sure we could borrow one. That would be fun. Everyone would love it. And we could dance without people looking at us funny," she said, laughing a little bit.

Fitz wasn't so sure about that but he liked that she seemed certain. "I hear I get rather annoying," he said playfully. He wasn't surprised by that. He'd never be able to afford one. He frowned. "I suppose borrowing one for the day will have to do. We'll have a picnic! Can you call it a picnic if it's on the water?" he wondered. "Seeing as everyone appears to be coupling up, I'm sure there will be no objections to dancing."

Rosalind made a face at him and nearly pushed him, but decided not to. "Why on earth would I find you annoying? Stop that. I like you, Fitz. I like you a lot," she promised. "Hmm, I'm not sure. It will be just like that, though, and it will be lovely," she said with a smile. She laughed a bit. It did seem like everyone was coupling up. It was sort of odd, but also kind of nice. She hoped it was more than cuffing season. "Sounds like a lovely time," she smiled."

Fitz shrugged the tiniest bit but he offered her a kind smile. "Just saying, love. Most people seem to reach that conclusion sooner or later," he said breezily. He wasn't too bothered. "It sounds like a splendid time. I can't wait! Everyone will have a great time, I'm sure of it." How could they not? Boats were incredible. "It does, doesn't it?" he asked. "We'll just have to find the perfect time for everyone. You talk to your siblings, I'll talk to my sister and to Dot and Wren," he smiled.

Rosalind didn't like that. She didn't like that people though he was annoying and she didn't like that he was certain she'd eventually find him annoying. She grabbed his shirt in a fistful and pulled him closer, kissing him hard on the lips. "Don't you doubt when I say I won't ever find you annoying," she said, looking him in the eyes. "They will. It sounds like a great time. We should do it soon, before it gets too chilly," she said decidedly. "Sounds perfect!"

Fitz was surprised by her action. He hadn't even slightly anticipated it. He had absolutely no complaints, though. "Okay," he said, a bit dazed when she pulled away. "I don't doubt you," he promised. He leaned in for another kiss, stopping the dancing to really involve himself in it. "Yes, we should! After Wren's birthday, I think," he suggested. "That's coming up rather soon and we can have our boat party after."

Rosalind nodded once, sternly. "Good," she said. "You never should," she added for emphasis. She fluttered her eyes closed when he kissed her again, a bit surprised herself now. She liked kissing him a lot, she had to admit. She nodded in agreement, thinking that sounded perfect. "Sounds like a plan to me," she said with a smile. She would enjoy being on a boat again with him, and with all of their friends, and they would enjoy it a lot, too. "I bet everyone will have a lot of fun."

Fitz smiled. She was something else. He grew fonder of her every second he spent with her. She was so sure of herself, it was one of his favorite qualities in a person. He kissed her for a long moment before pulling away with a grin. "Thank you for the dance." He kept his arms around her though. "Of course they will! They'll love it. I can't wait to tell them," he admitted. He thought it'd be a good chance to get together and have fun.

Rosalind wrapped her arms around his neck loosely, letting herself melt into the kiss. She smiled back at him when he pulled back, still standing intertwined with him. "You're welcome. And thank you," she smiled. "It's a really good idea. I love getting to hang out with all of them. It's always nice being surrounded by so much warmth," she smiled. "Oh, I think the ride is coming to an end," she noted as he it headed back towards the bay.

Fitz stayed close to her, enjoying the feeling of her body pressed against his. It was such a sweet moment. He didn't want it to end just yet. "Of course," he smiled. "I do too! They're good people. We always have a blast together. It's been a while since the whole group got together," he realized with a frown. What had they been doing that they hadn't made time for each other? He needed to know. "Oh, I suppose it is. What a pity."

Rosalind nodded a bit. They'd all be together for Wren's birthday, but it had been a while. Everyone was busy with jobs and relationships and what not. It was wild, but it was how it went. She'd seen both her siblings, together and apart, and some of her friends, but it was more work to get them all together. "It has been a bit, hasn't it?" she said thoughtfully. "It's alright. We can always do this again sometimes. And you still have to walk me home," she smiled.

Fitz nodded. The more he thought about it, the more he realized he hadn't even seen much of some of their friends. He felt like he saw Dom the most but after that? He wasn't sure. Maybe Nik since he was always working but that hardly counted. "It's been forever. Dom is the only other person I see regularly!" he exclaimed. He smiled at the thought of doing this again. "We can take the long way home."

Rosalind definitely thought that needed to be changed. It was hard, but they could certainly work on hanging out with one another more. Of course, as she said that, here she was spending her evening with Fitz and not all of their friends. She couldn't bring herself to be bothered, though. "We'll have to change that," she said with a smile. She liked that he was on board with that. She wasn't quite ready to say goodbye, yet. She was enjoying him so much. "Sounds like a good idea."

Fitz thought so too. He'd have to make more of an effort. He decided then that he'd spend time tomorrow at the bar in the hopes that he saw a few of their friends. If he was lucky, Dot or Wren would crawl out of their flats and make an appearance. "We definitely will. I'm going to go to the bar tomorrow and sit until I see our friends," he told her with a smile. "Doesn't it? I don't want to wish you a goodnight just yet. I'm having such a lovely time with you."

Rosalind laughed a bit at the imagine; him just sitting there, all day, waiting to ambush their friends. What a fun thing to picture. "Good luck to you," she said, smiling. She turned to him and smiled. She felt like he could see right through her. She felt like she couldn't conceal anything. "I'm having a lovely time with you, too." She leaned in, pressing her lips to his softly. She wondered just how strongly he felt for her.

Fitz had a feeling it'd be quite fun. "You could come along if you want. I'll take any excuse to talk to you more, spend more time with you," he smiled. "Plus then we can corner them together and demand they come on our boat outing!" he said excitedly. He pulled her into his side a bit more, arm wrapping tighter around her body. He kissed her back just as softly and pulled back with a smile.

Rosalind smiled softly, a bit amused by him, but mostly so fond. “You will, huh?” she teased. “Maybe I’ll have to come along, then. I would enjoy cornering them, too,” she said playfully. His tight, warm grip on her made her feel so soft and safe. She liked him even more than she knew she could. She never would have guessed this little crush was going to go anywhere, and yet here she was, on not even her first date with him, but her second.

Fitz nodded seriously. "Oh, absolutely. Truth be told, I cannot think of a single thing I'd like more in this world," he smiled at her. "I'd hoped you'd come along," he added with a wink. He'd had such a wonderful time on this date of theirs. He couldn't wait to go on many more with her. He was so fond of her; his feelings ran deep. "Want to play a game?" he asked suddenly. He turned to her with a bright smile.

Rosalind loved how he was being serious, even though she’d only been teasing. She was feeling all flustered, and the wink didn’t help. “Oh really? Why not just ask me to come outright then?” she teased. She always wanted to spend time with him nowadays. It was kind of hard not to. She looked up, a bit surprised by the sudden question. “What kind of game?” she asked curiously, raising an eyebrow at him.

Fitz thought about that and then shrugged. "More fun this way, isn't it?" he said playfully. He tugged her closer. "Besides, you enjoy it when I play coy," he winked. He looked out across the water, eyes narrowed as he scanned for something in particular. "There! That couple walking along. What do you think they're talking about? Where are they going? Are they a couple?" he asked.

Rosalind rolled her eyes playfully, a contradictory wide smile on her lips. “I suppose so,” she teased. She laughed, shaking her head. “You’re certainly silly, but it is fun,” she agreed. She looked out across the water when he did, not really sure what she was supposed to be looking for until he pointed it out. “Yeah, I see them,” she said. She hummed a bit. “I think they are a couple, and not a new one either. They seem too comfortable with each other. I think they’re going home. What about you?”

Fitz leaned his free arm on the railing, keeping the other tight around her. He watched the pair walk alongside the waterbed and hummed to himself as she described them. "Oh? Really? I was assuming something more clandestine. He's a professor, that's his student, and they aren't from London, maybe from Manchester, and they're on their way to a hotel for a private rendezvous," he decided. "Guess we'll never know! You pick someone next!"

Rosalind turned to give him an amused, but baffled look. “How could you possibly tell such a thing?” she asked with a laugh. She rolled her eyes fondly. “What a strange game you’ve made up,” she said. She decided on a woman walking with a kid and pointed to them. “Okay, what about them?” she asked him. “The woman with the child,” she amended, making sure he knew who she was talking about.

Fitz turned to smile brightly at her. "That's the beauty of the game. They can be whoever we want them to be. I used to play this all the time at parties my parents hosted or dragged us to. It made the people better," he admitted with a smile. He scanned for who she meant and frowned as he thought. "Ah, yes. That's very obviously a widowed single mother, taking her child to meet her new beau for the first time. She's been seeing him quite a while, you see, but she's been waiting to be sure that he was right before she introduced them."

Rosalind thought that made sense for him. It was quite fitting. It figured he didn’t want to sit still and look pretty at the parties like his parents would have wanted. It didn’t surprise her at all. “Well, this is hardly one of your parents’ parties,” she teased. She nodded a little at his description, humming quietly. “Ah, see, I think she’s just left her husband and child’s father. She’s a bit rushed, trying to get to her sister’s house for the night. She’ll figure out what they’re going to do moving forward tomorrow.”

Fitz turned to smile at her fully. It certainly wasn't, but the game had become a nice way to pass the time ever since. It was just something he did for fun nearly every day. "It is very much the opposite of one of those parties," he smiled at her. He tilted his head, considering that. "Bit sad of a thought. She does seemed rushed, though, I'll give you that," he said. He looked for someone else. "Okay, what about the older man standing alone?" he asked, pointing him out.

Rosalind glanced at him, smiling when she noticed he was smiling at her. “Glad to hear that,” she said simply, smiling still. She thought this was a funny game, but she was sort of having fun with it. It was an odd one, though. Fitting for him, she figured. “Hm. He’s out by himself for the first time since his wife passed. His kids gave him suggestions about what he could do, but he wanted to come watch the boats like he used to with his wife when they were young.”

Fitz considered her for a moment, listening to what she thought. She had such interesting stories to assign to these strangers. He liked hearing how her mind worked. She was so incredible, he thought. "Another sad story. At least this one seems a bit hopeful," he commented. He watched the man, wondering about him for a long moment. "Yes, I think you're right about him. It's healing for him to come here. Bittersweet, of course, but he cherishes her memory."

Rosalind shrugged a bit at that realization. “I’m good at sad stories, I guess,” she said, laughing a little. “I think they’re both happy,” she admitted. She looked at him a bit surprised. “You’re agreeing with me?! I didn’t think that was how this game worked,” she said with a laugh. “Very healing. And he has a good support team, so I’m sure he’ll only improve from here.” She looked up as the boat came back to the dock. “I think it’s time we get off.”

Fitz wondered why that was. "Hm. I suppose you are," he said with a smile. "Everyone deserves their happy ending, I think," he replied. He shrugged slightly. "There are no rules to this game. That's what makes it so fun," he teased with a wink. He watched the man for another moment before smiling at her. "Yes, I'm sure he will be," he agreed. He stepped back from the railing, taking her hand and tucking it into his arm. "Shall we?" he asked with a twinkle in his eye.

Rosalind thought so, too. “Most everyone,” she agreed. She laughed a bit at him and nodded. “Okay, no rules then,” she said with a grin. She liked him a lot. He was so much fun. She watched the way he kept gazing out at the man. He had a very kind, compassionate heart. He was great. She smiled when he tucked her arm under his, nodding. “We shall,” she smiled softly, letting him lead her off the boat and onto the dock.

Fitz glanced over at her. He didn't question the way she'd changed the words to most everyone. He knew she saw a lot in her career as an auror. "No rules," he said again with a grin to match hers. He held her close to him as they disembarked. "What a lovely evening this has been," he said with a smile. "I'm so pleased you suggested we go on the boat. I would have never been had you not invited me," he smiled.

Rosalind liked that. Her life was filled with so many rules, and really always had been. She liked that things with Fitz could be off the wall if she wanted them to. He was good for her, she decided. “I’ve had a lovely time,” she said with a smile. “I’m glad you came! I think boats are such a fun experience. And now you know that you like it, and we can invite our friends,” she said, laughing a bit.

Fitz had enjoyed his night immensely. He always had the best time with her but tonight had been special. They'd shared some lovely moments while dancing on the boat. He'd cherish the memories forever, he knew. "I have too," he smiled back. "They really are! Who knew?" he smiled. "Yes! Exactly! I can't wait to gather everyone for a day out on a boat. I hope they agree to it."

Rosalind laughed a little, nearly stating that she knew, of course. She bit her tongue, though. His excitement was so cute and palpable, she didn’t want to potentially crash that by being what could be seen as rude. “I know! They’re quite nice, aren’t they?” she said with a smile. She couldn’t wait either, and she was sure they’d all say yes, so long as they had the time. “We’ll have to make sure we can get a time they all can attend.”

Fitz nodded. He'd loved it. He couldn't wait to convince the others to come out on the water with them. He wasn't sure how it'd all work but he was certain they would make it a day to remember! "We will! I'm sure we can work around everyone's schedules. It's you and Simone that have the toughest ones, I'm sure! Dot as well, I suppose. We'll find a day and a time and convince Nik to have the same day off as Dom."

Rosalind thought that was probably true, especially since she and Simone didn’t have the same schedule. Dot’s schedule had a tendency to switch up a bit, too. “I’m sure we can work it out. I feel like we manage to get the lot of us together for other occasions, so I don’t see why we couldn’t for this,” she said with a smile. “Plus we can always pull the sibling card and I can get my brothers to come and you can get Simone,” she said with a laugh.

Fitz felt like that was a strong point. They had gathered the entire group before. Why shouldn't they be able to do it again? "Fair enough! We'll be able to find the time. We'll make a strong case for how exciting it is!" he insisted with a grin. He chuckled at the sound of her laugh. "Yes, we can definitely force our siblings," he teased. "And that would mean Nik would talk Ana into going! The only challenge now is Wren and Dot. I'm sure they'll be easy enough to convince."

Rosalind did think they could make a good case. Aside from the fact that she enjoyed boats and thought they were a good time, they could have music and food and just make it a day out. She grinned at his laughter and nodded. “That’s the best part about sibling hood,” she laughed. “I’m sure we can get them to come along. Plus, once we get one of them, then we just have to say that everyone else is coming and the other will cave.”

Fitz hadn't really used that tactic too much, he had to admit, but he'd definitely start to more often. Simone would be easy to convince to make time for him. He didn't even have to stress it. "It certainly is," he agreed with a grin. Seeing everyone together enjoying themselves would be such a treat. "That's another excellent point. They'd feel so left out if they didn't come along with the entire group! They'll have to make time. Why, Rosalind, you may be the smartest person I know!"

Rosalind couldn’t help but smile a bit, feeling sort of proud of herself. He was so cute. He really thought she was so smart. And he wasn’t the kind of person that made her feel like he was just messing around or teasing her. She really appreciated that about him. “Oh, definitely not, but it is a solid idea, innit? Who do you think will be easier to convince then?” she asked him. “Did you wanna do anything else tonight?” she asked curiously.

Fitz nodded. He couldn't see how her plan wouldn't work. If the entire group was going, that last hold out of their friends would have to give in. It was the perfect plan. "Oh, Dot. She'd be so easy to convince, don't you think? And if anyone can convince Wren to come along it'd be her," he reasoned. He thought about that as they walked, checking the time on his watch. "It's getting rather late," he showed her. "But I'm happy to walk you home and maybe make a stop along the way."

Rosalind had actually been thinking the opposite. Dot was always busy. Honestly, neither of them would be particularly hard to get on board. “I suppose so, yeah! I don’t feel like he’ll really say no, anyway, though,” she said matter-of-factly. She was good with going home. She just wasn’t sure if he had anything else in mind for the night. “Sounds good to me,” she smiled. “Where are we stopping?”

Fitz shrugged slightly. "I don't know, maybe he'd want to enjoy a quiet day with his creatures instead of being surrounded by us," he said playfully. "Do you think Dot would say no?" he wondered. She seemed to disagree with his answer. He nodded a little bit, pulling her slightly closer to him. "I'm not sure. I thought we'd see what we stumbled across on the way back to yours," he said with a warm smile. "How does that sound?"

Rosalind laughed a bit and nodded to the side, raising an eyebrow. “That does sound like Wren,” she said. “I can see her having more going on,” she said simply, shrugging. She laughed softly but nodded, a soft smile on her lips. He was cute. He didn’t even have anything in mind, he just wanted to see. She felt like she lived much more rigidly than he did. “Sounds perfect,” she said, smiling up at him.

Fitz realized she had quite the point. "That's true but I happen to be able to access the Harpies' schedule. And England's!" he added quickly. "So we can make it on a day that she can't use quidditch as an excuse," he winked at her. He strolled slowly with her, not in any hurry at all. "Doesn't it just? We'll find something exciting along the way, I'm sure. We'll keep our eyes open."

Rosalind laughed a bit at his cleverness. It was a solid plan, she had to give him that. “Then it looks like we’ll have no reason to not get everyone together,” she said with a smile. She had really thought he had something in mind, but she more than happy to just stroll until, or if, they found something. She liked spending time with him. “What do you want to do next time we go out?” she asked curiously.

Fitz smiled at the sound of her laugh. Drawing that out of her had easily become his favorite thing to do. The sound just filled him with so much joy. "We absolutely will pull this off. All thanks to your cleverness," he said with a genuine smile. He walked along with her, enjoying everything about the moment. The fresh air, her warmth next to him, it was all his favorite kind of magic. "Next time? I think I should cook you dinner. I'm not the best chef but I'm sure I can figure something out."

Rosalind laughed again and shook her head. “I don’t think I deserve sole credit for this plan,” she said honestly. She raised an eyebrow a bit at that idea. “Oh yeah? Well, I’m not one to turn down a home cooked meal, even if you aren’t the best chef,” she said playfully. She was sure he wasn’t half bad. After all, he and Simone must eat something at home, and she was certain he didn’t make Simone make the food all the time.

Fitz waved it off. "You do get all the credit. You introduced me to the boats in the first place. You've also come up with the way to get our siblings on board. This is all you, Rosie," he grinned at her. He really wasn't much of a cook at all but he'd do his very best. "It might not be the most delicious," he warned her. "There's a likely chance we'll have to go out to get something," he added playfully. He paused in front of a shop, eyeing the trinkets in the window. "Shall we go in here?"

Rosalind didn’t think so, but it was sweet that he did. She smiled a bit then nodded. “Okay, alright. I’ll take the credit for this one,” she said playfully. She laughed when he said it wasn’t going to taste good and they’d have to eat something else. “Do you want me to teach you how to make something?” she asked, wondering if that sounded like something he’d be interested in. She stopped when he did, still holding his hand, and looked in the window that had caught his attention. “Sure!”

Fitz smiled at her warmly. "Perfect. You deserve it," he insisted. He never would have come up with this on his own. The whole idea had sprung from her. He brightened at the suggestion. "Oh, would you? That'd be an even better date! We'll get to make it together and it'll be delicious, I'm sure," he grinned. Having her teach him a skill sounded like the absolute best way to spend an evening. Anything with her sounded wonderful, though. He opened the door to the shop, letting her walk in ahead of him.

Rosalind was sort of amazed by him. He was unlike any man she’d ever known, aside from her brothers. All the men she’d known always wanted to step on her and take credit for the things she did. She’d spent so much time trying to get men to listen and take her seriously, and Fitz just did it. “I’d be thrilled to. I’m an excellent cook, if I don’t say so myself. I don’t get to it that often, though,” she admitted. “Later you can cook for Simone, too. She’ll be impressed,” she teased. She walked in ahead of him but stood back to wait for him.

Fitz simply couldn't wait for this next date they had planned out. He thought it was rather magnificent that this date hadn't even ended and he was already nearly bouncing off the walls with excitement of seeing her again. And to do something as fun as cook a meal together? It sounded like the perfect. "I'm certain you are. Your brother is and your mother is a wonderful baker. How could you not be good?" he asked with a smile. "Oh! She'd be so surprised I didn't burn the place down."

Rosalind smiled and shrugged a bit, playing it off. “They are both pretty good, aren’t they?” she said with a grin. She laughed quietly and nodded. “And that the food tasted good!” she teased. “You won’t even have to get anything else.” She looked around a bit once they were inside, touching a few things. “Do you like these sort of things?” she asked curiously, looking over the thing in her hand.

Fitz nodded sincerely. "It's so fascinating to me that they're so talented at it. My parents never cooked. I've learned a few basic, almost edible things over the years," he shrugged. "But I've made do," he added with a playful sort of smile. "That might surprise her most of all," he agreed with a chuckle. He wandered through the store with her, picking up a little statue of an animal he didn't recognize. "Sure," he said with a smile. "I like interesting things."

Rosalind shrugged as they walked. “Well my mum isn’t magical, though muggles can be poor cooks, too. She sort of has to make food, though. No magic way through it,” she said with a shrug. “I reckon Nik and I are good at cooking because we learned from her. She smiled a bit, hoping he did cook for Simone later. She looked at some of the little trinkets, thinking they were pretty cute. “Do you want to get one?” she asked him curiously.

Fitz understood that completely. "She could just go out to eat! That's my solution almost always," he said brightly. He ate almost every meal out. That was likely the only reason he stayed fed. "Is Dom a good cook as well?" he wondered. It would make sense. He set the little statue down that he was holding and picked up another. "I might. What about you? This little dog with a hat would look quite cute on your desk, don't you think?"

Rosalind laughed a bit at his solution. “For a family of five?!” she teased. She shrugged. “He’s okay. He survives. But if we’re all getting together, he isn’t cooking,” she said with a small laugh. “Does Simone do much cooking?” she asked curiously, realizing she didn’t really know. She smiled fondly at the way he looked over the statue. He was cute. He really thinking about getting her a statue for her desk. She didn’t like the dog as much as he did, but she liked the idea anyway. “It would! What’s catching your eye, though?”

Fitz supposed that made sense. It would add up. "Well, she doesn't have to feed five right now, does she? She could eat out if she wanted to!" he declared. It sure was easier than cooking, after all. "She does a little. Not much but she is better than I am. She's cooked eggs for me before," he said with a smile. He looked at the little dog, flicking its hat. "Looks a bit like Eclair," he said with a smile. "Oh, I don't know. They'd all look lovely on my desk. I might get this little turtle."

Rosalind shrugged, smiling brightly. He was so cute, pushing for her mum to get food. “I’m sure she does now,” she conceded. She thought it was wild what a different life they’d lived. She understood how it happened, but it was wild. Eggs weren’t even hard. “It’s good that she can cook, even if not a lot,” she smiled. She nodded. It would be nice to have a dog that looked like his on her desk. “It does! I guess that settles it,” she said playfully, taking that dog statue into her hands so they could get it. “I do like the turtle for you.”

Fitz couldn't say much about Simone's cooking skills without going into a territory that wasn't his to speak of so he brushed over it easily. "You'll have a little Eclair on your desk! Perhaps I should get the real Eclair a hat to match," he mused. It was just a matter of getting his pup to wear it. He picked up the turtle after Rosie took the dog and examined it. "Yes, I think he'll look just marvelous on my desk at the cottage. He'll sparkle when the sunlight hits him," he said with a smile. "I'll buy them. Should we look at anything else?"

Rosalind thought that sounded like a nice idea, really. “I could knit him one, if you’d like. That way it could match,” she suggested. She mostly cheated and used charms to finish her knitting, but she thought it still counted. She smiled a bit, looking him over. “Aw, he does have a bit of glitter on him, doesn’t he? Cute,” she said honestly. “Do you want to? Oh, we could get something for Wren! His birthday is coming up,” she noted.

Fitz brightened exponentially at the idea. "Oh, could you? Then it could be a perfect match!" he grinned. He was so chuffed at the idea that he bent down to kiss her on the cheek. "What a marvelous idea. I can't wait to see it! He'll be the best dressed dog in town." He held the turtle close to him as he glanced around the shop. "Oh! What a perfect idea. Let's do that. He loves little animals. Maybe we can find him a cat that looks like his."

Rosalind thought it was adorable how excited he was at that idea. It wasn’t even the most original idea, but he acted like she’d just found a way to hang the moon in the sky. He was such a happy person, it was so refreshing. She giggled a little when he kissed her cheek. “I’ll make it as soon as I can, then,” she said with a bright smile. She nodded along, looking around with him. “He does love animals,” she agreed. He could probably animate them, honestly. “Oh, that’s clever. He’d like that.”

Fitz couldn't wait to see it. He thought it sounded like the cutest thing. She was just so delightful to him to think of something so small and so perfect. "Excellent! I can't wait to see. I just know he'll look beautiful," he grinned. He walked around the shop a bit, picking up little objects here and there. "There's just so many, it's hard to know which he'll like best," he admitted after a moment. He found what appeared to be a unicorn and laughed at how vivid the colors were. "Is this really what muggles think they look like?" he asked playfully.

Rosalind could probably start on it tonight, if she had the supplies she needed. “He always looks beautiful,” she said with a smile. She nodded a bit, shrugging a shoulder. “That’s true. But on the other side of that, there’s so many, I’m sure he’d love any of them. She laughed quietly and nodded, putting her finger to her mouth. “Shhh,” she teased. “Yeah, I mean, it’s a wonder they know about them at all,” she said honestly.

Fitz wouldn't disagree. He had quite the pretty pup. "He does. I'm so lucky he found me," he smiled back. "He's a good companion," he added. He realized that was quite the fair point. Wren seemed to love all manner of creatures equally. They certainly couldn't go wrong. "Well, we'll have to get him a few then," he grinned. He laughed delightedly when she shushed him. "No one can hear me!"

Rosalind knew how much he loved Eclair, and he was really glad he had him. “You are. Animals are such a joy in life, truly,” she said honestly. “They make the best companions,” she agreed. She couldn’t help but laugh a bit when he said they’d have to get more than one. Of course that was the way he went with that. “No harm in getting a few, I suppose,” she said playfully. She smiled fondly at the sound of his laughter. He was so cute. It was so nice. “You never know!”

Fitz had to agree. He'd been rather lonely when he'd first moved to London. Finding Eclair had given him someone to spend time with in the beginning. "They really do. They always listen, never judge. No wonder they're rather universally liked," he smiled. He picked up a few little statues, really examining them to see if they were just right. "He'll have a whole little family by the time we're done," he said playfully. "No one's around!"

Rosalind thought that was an excellent point. “Yeah, that makes sense to me,” she said with a small laugh. “No one wants judgment,” she agreed. She let out another laugh, picking up another statue. “He’ll thank us profusely,” she decided. He’d be so thrilled to accept their gifts. He truly did love creatures of all kinds with all his heart. It was very sweet of him. He was a pure person. She was glad they were friends with him.

Fitz hoped so. He wanted Wren to like the presents they'd picked out. He deserved to get something he enjoyed for his birthday more than most people. "He will! And we can just assure him it's not needed and we just wanted to see him happy. I bet our presents will be the best!" he decided. How could anyone do better than cute little animal figures? He didn't think it was possible. It couldn't be.

Rosalind grinned a bit. It was endearing how much Fitz cared about Wren enjoying his gift. She thought it was really nice that he cared that deeply about something like his friend’s birthday. “I don’t think much else can top it!” she agreed. “Except real animals,” she added with a laugh. “I think I’ve decided,” she said, a little hummingbird in one hand and a jaguar in another.

Fitz realized she had a point. Real animals were the only thing that could top it. “Maybe we should get him an animal!” he declared. He very quickly realized that wasn’t a great idea. It’d likely be better if Wren picked out his own pets and creatures. “Maybe not,” he corrected himself. “Let’s just stick with these little treasures.” He looked at the two in her hands and smiled. He still held the turtle and dog for them but he also had a small giraffe and a penguin for Wren. “I’m not quite sure what these are but they look funny.”

Rosalind raised an eyebrow at him and smiled playfully. “I’m positive that’s not a great idea,” she said with a laugh. “I think these treasures are perfect,” she agreed. She couldn’t help but let out a little laugh when he said he wasn’t sure what they were. Wizards really only studied magical creatures, and then knew of the ones that were in their life. “That’s a giraffe, and that’s a penguin. Giraffes live in Africa, and penguins live in Antarctica. Have you never heard of them?” she asked curiously. “I’ll have to take you to the zoo.”

Fitz understood that. It still could have been fun, though, perhaps if he were a more adventurous person. "Maybe another time," he shrugged. "But likely not. Wren would likely be a little stressed out," he admitted. He'd table it for now. He looked down at the creatures in his hand, studying the giraffe. "Wow. This is a real animal?" he asked. "It certainly doesn't look like one!" He almost wanted to get one for himself. "Really? You'd go with me to the zoo? I've heard about zoos before!"

Rosalind had to agree with that. Wren had plenty of animals as it was, and if he needed or wanted another one, she was sure he could get one himself. She laughed and nodded. “It has a long neck so it can reach the leaves at the tops of trees,” she explained. She nodded eagerly. “Yeah! Of course! My grandma used to take us every summer. The one in London has penguins and giraffes,” she said with a slight smirk. After they paid, she took the bag with their goodies, walking back out onto the street with him.

Fitz thought that was just the most clever thing he'd ever heard. "Longer necks to reach the leaves! How precious is that!" He could hardly wrap his mind around it. He held the little giraffe up higher to get a better look. "I have to see a real one. Oh, can we please go? I'd love that so much," he practically begged. He wanted to see all the muggle animals he could. He hadn't quite learned enough about them yet. "What was that like? Going to the zoo every summer?" he asked as they left.

Rosalind smiled fondly at him. It was so cute, the way he lit up when she taught him about things he didn’t know. “Very precious,” she agreed. She nodded and smiled. “Of course. We can go this weekend. And then we can again when it’s warmer, in case some of the animals aren’t out,” she suggested. “It was really fun. She’d always buy us a treat, and I always got an ice cream. And then sometimes she’d let us get a souvenir. I have countless plushes from zoo trips.”

Fitz thought that sounded like an excellent idea. He couldn't think of anything he'd rather do than spend a day at the zoo with her. Actually, just spending time with her doing anything would be excellent. "Really? That sounds like the perfect day! That would be so lovely! I'd absolutely be thrilled," he told her. He thought that sounded sweet. He wondered what it felt like to grow up with family who wanted to take him to the zoo and buy treats. "Oh? Do you have a giraffe?"

Rosalind didn’t think she’d ever get over the enthusiasm and zest he had for life. She hoped he never stopped expressing it. “We can maybe get a bite to eat, too,” she suggested. She shrugged a little as she thought it over. “Oh, hm, I might, actually. I liked the zebra ones a lot. Oh, and the sting ray. The next time I go back home to my parents’ I’ll bring it back for you to see,” she suggested. They were getting close to her place.

Fitz thought that would be wonderful. He simply couldn't wait. He wanted to go right now but he knew the zoo was probably closed. "That sounds lovely. It'll be my treat!" he promised. He nodded a bit, pretending he knew what that was. "I bet that's cute. I'd love to see whatever you have to show me. I'd like to see everything you're willing to share with me," he told her with a smile. "I'm sad we'll have to say goodnight soon."

Rosalind couldn’t wait. She liked that there was so much she could introduce him to. It made her feel excited, getting to help him light up the way that he did. “I’ll bring them all, then!” she said with a smile. She nodded in agreement. That was the worst part of every date with him. She still couldn’t believe she was dating him. She’d had such a crush on him since they met. “As am I. It’s the hardest part,” she said honestly.

Fitz loved that she was so willing to do that. She was going to go out of her way to show him all of her plushies. He was so charmed. It just seemed so thoughtful. "I'd love that!" he said brightly. "I can't wait to see your collection," he added. He sighed a little as they neared her place, lips settling into a frown. "It really is. I hate saying goodnight. I wish there was a way we could extend nights but work and life seem to get in the way."

Rosalind smiled brightly and nodded. She was excited to show them to him. She hated saying goodnight, too. But it had to happen. There was plenty to do in every day, but the current day had to come to an end first. “Saying goodnight tonight just leads us one day closer to the next day we see each other,” she offered, giving him a small smile. She stopped as they reached her place. “I had a really good time tonight,” she said. She leaned in and kissed his cheek. “Goodnight, Fitz. I can’t wait to see you again.”

Fitz still regretted that he couldn’t extend the day. There was no spell for that. He supposed he could use a time turner but those were impossible to come by. “You’re right. We’ll be seeing each other soon enough,” he agreed. He smiled at the kiss on the cheek and then moved his hands to her waist to pull her close. “I was hoping for a goodnight kiss more like this,” he said. He dipped his head down and captured her lips with his tenderly.

Rosalind half smiled, half smirked when he put his hands on her waist, raising her eyebrows at him a bit. “What’re you doing?” she asked with a laugh. She leaned into him a bit, closing her eyes as she kissed him back. She pulled away after a moment, taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly. She smiled at him a bit, touching her lips softly. “I was trying to be coy,” she said playfully.

Fitz didn't much feel like being coy. He wanted to kiss his girl. He half smirked at her and leaned down to kiss her on the forehead. "No need to play coy. You've already got me wrapped around your fingers," he said, unsure if that was the right saying or not. "Have a good night, Rosie. I'll see you soon," he told her before kissing her again. When he pulled back he walked down the steps, heading to an alley to apparate home.

Rosalind smiled a bit, letting out a laugh in a breath. “Good to know,” she said. She always wanted to kiss him, and if he felt the same way, there was no reason to not kiss him. She kissed him back, a little harder that time. “Have a good night, Fitz.” She smiled to herself as she went into her apartment. That was maybe the best date she’d ever been on to this day.

#10

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rosalindsutton · 5 years ago

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first date | ritz

fitz and rosie go on their first official date. romance and stuff.

Rosalind was terribly nervous. She wasn't sure why, but she was. He had said he wanted to get her dinner as a thank you for the flying before, and they ate lunch together plenty, but something about this made her nervous. She felt like it was a date, but she reminded herself that she had no reason to think it was, and tried to relax. She half dressed up, half dressed down, trying to make sure she wasn't over or underdressed. She decided to stop thinking about it, as she'd end up late, and simply apparated to the location he gave her.

Fitz had to admit, he wasn't used to being this nervous when it came to going out to eat with Rosie. This was a date. Or, at least, he intended it to be one. He couldn't pinpoint exactly when he started to develop feelings for her but at this point they were so strong it was hard to deny they existed. He got dressed, picking out one of his favorite suits, and picked up a flower for her. He didn't want her to have to fuss with too many all night. He was waiting for her when she arrived and he greeted her with a warm smile. "Hello. You look beautiful."

Rosalind felt like her heart was going to beat out of her chest. She had butterflies all through her body. She was so nervous, and even though she knew she liked him, she still didn't know why she was so on edge. She smiled when she saw Fitz and walked over to him. "Oh, thank you. That's very sweet of you," she said with a small smile. "You look very handsome," she added honestly.

Fitz smiled back at her. He hoped this went well. He had a feeling that it would but he was still pretty nervous. If it didn't, he wanted them to still be as good of friends as they'd become recently. He wasn't going to think about that now, though. "Thank you," he grinned. He offered her the flower. "I got this for you. It reminded me of you," he added. "Shall we go in?" he asked.

Rosalind tried to tell herself that this was just like any other time that she had been eating with him. After all, he had said that he was going to buy her dinner since she taught him how to fly, and if she told herself that was all that this was, she felt a lot better. “You’re welcome,” she smiled. She took the flower from him, smiling softly. He was sweet. “Thank you. It’s beautiful,” she said softly, smelling the flower and smiling fondly. “Oh, yeah, let’s go in.”

Fitz thought this was going well so far. Granted, they'd only just spent a minute together and they had the whole night to get through but for now, he had a good feeling. "It is your favorite, right?" he asked with a sweet smile. He watched her smell it and noticed the smile that accompanied it. He opened the door for her, letting her go in first. Once they were inside they were led to a table rather quickly and he pulled out her chair for her. "How was your day?" he asked after she'd sat.

Rosalind smiled and nodded, her eyes lighting up a bit. "It is. You remembered," she said with a smile. She thanked him, walking in and waiting for him. She couldn't believe they were on a date. She could hear her heart pounding in her chest. She followed him to their table, thanking him again when he pulled her chair out. She sat down, setting her flower to the side. "It was good. It was good," she said again. She left out the part about being nervous about tonight all day. "How was yours?"`

Fitz was a bit surprised. "Of course I remembered! I remember everything you tell me," he said with a smile. He helped her into her chair and moved to sit across from her. For a moment, he simply looked at her, admiring her beauty in the candlelight. She fit in perfectly here, with the soft string music and the murmured conversations of other patrons. How had he not noticed before just how absolutely perfect she was? He was a bit distracted by the thought when she spoke and blinked once, clearing his throat. "That's good. My day was good. Nothing exciting happened. I was mostly just killing time waiting for tonight," he admitted.

Rosalind couldn't imagine that he actually remembered everything she told him. That had to be overwhelming. Did he remember everything everyone told him, or just what she had told him? She was so curious, but she bit her tongue. "It's sweet of you," she said honestly. She smiled a bit when he said he was killing time all day. She felt so confused about how all of this had happened. He still overwhelmed her so much, she didn't know how she'd even ended up here. "Did you do anything fun while killing time?"

Fitz smiled at the compliment. He didn't think it was particularly sweet of him at all or anything but he'd take the compliment. He was rather nervous and hearing her say something kind helped with that. Especially since he knew she meant it. "Thank you," he said back. He hummed a little as he looked over the menu and thought. "I cleaned a fair bit. Edited a few articles here and there. Played with my dog," he smiled fondly. "I ate some of the sweets I had left from your mother's bakery," he chuckled. "What about you?"

Rosalind nodded a little, a small smile still on her lips. "You're welcome," she said honestly. She nodded a bit as he talked about what he did. Cleaning sounded pretty boring, but the others sounded fun. "Sounds like it was a productive, but enjoyable day," she said honestly. "I'm glad you're enjoying them," she smiled. She thought quietly, humming a little. "I did a bit of work. I wrote my dad a letter. I napped," she laughed quietly. "Nothing spectacular."

Fitz thought that he'd had to make the most of the day or he'd have ended up going stir crazy waiting to see her. He wasn't used to that kind of thing. It was strange and different but in a good way. He'd just never felt so anxious about a girl before. "It was nice. I used it to my advantage," he smiled. "They're the best sweets. I don't know how she can make everything taste so incredible. I wish I could bake," he admitted. "Oh? Sounds like your day was both productive and fun as well. And now we're here together," he smiled.

Rosalind thought her mum was sort of magical with her ability to bake things, especially since she wasn't using magic, which she felt like should have made a bigger difference than it did with those sorts of things. Maybe some things were just so simple, they didn't need magic. "Maybe you can get a muggle how to book," she said playfully. "It was, yeah. Not as exciting as this, but, yeah," she said, not really thinking. "I still feel like I didn't really earn this, seeing as the flying lesson didn't go that terrifically."

Fitz didn't know if that was the best idea but he was definitely intrigued by it. He could try getting a book. He could maybe put something together without magic that way. He just didn't think he'd have the patience. "I'm sure I wouldn't have much luck. It'd probably turn out terrible and the dog wouldn't even eat it," he teased. He smiled when she said this was exciting. He liked that she thought so. "Oh," he realized when she spoke again. "Well. It's not just because of the flying lesson but I thought that went well enough. Until, you know," he waved a hand.

Rosalind laughed a bit and shrugged. "I'm not sure dogs are to have much sugar in the first place, but I'm sure it couldn't go that terribly. Maybe I'll ask my mum for some tips," she suggested. She didn't think it'd gone well, really. It was kind of a disaster, really. It had gone terribly, but, she was also a bit hard on herself. She smiled a little, looking down. "Why is it then?" she asked quietly, only looking up when the waiter came over. He asked if they wanted wine before handing them the menus, which Rosie graciously accepted.

Fitz considered that thoughtfully. "You're right about that. It's not good for them. Probably best to keep the sweets on a shelf, even if they're bad," he smiled. "But definitely ask her for advice for me." He paused a little at her question, realizing rather suddenly that he didn't quite know what to say to her. He licked his lips before he started to form a sentence but the waiter interrupted him before he could. "Oh, thank you." He looked at the menu for a few seconds before clearing his throat. "I... thought it would be nice to get dinner with you."

Rosalind smiled and nodded a little. It probably was best. "Probably," she agreed. "I can do that for you. Maybe you'll end up making something you really like," she smiled. She realized wine probably wasn't actually going to help her, but she liked the comfort of it. She felt a bit braver, maybe. Or like she had something to hide behind. She looked at the menu when he did, looking up when he spoke. "Like the lunches, but dinner," she said, nodding a bit.

Fitz wasn't too sure about that but he'd give it a shot. "Maybe you can help me. I'm sure you have some experience with baking," he smiled. "I get the feeling Simone wouldn't want me using an oven alone. She'd probably worry I'd get distracted and burn the place down," he admitted. It was a real possibility. He looked back down at his menu when she looked up at him, feeling his face fall a bit at her words. "Well... not... exactly like that," he said, a bit unsure.

Rosalind smiled a little, feeling sort of fluttery at the idea. He really made her lose her cool. She didn't think she could handle him for long periods of time. "I have a bit of experience. I'm sure between the two of us we could figure it out," she said, though she wasn't sure that was a fair assessment of them. "Maybe Dom can help. He probably knows how to use ovens all on his own," she said. They'd need him to make sure no one kissed anyone's necks and caused them to burn things. She felt like she was going to be sick. She frowned a bit, looking down. Why was he like this? "Why did you invite me then?"

Fitz nodded slightly. Someone with a bit of experience was better than him doing it all on his own from a book. "Maybe we could. Two people trying something new is probably safer than the one. Or more dangerous, really. Depending," he said thoughtfully. "Oh, yes. I'm sure he could definitely help us. Good thinking. Or Nik!" he suggested. "Ana seems like a good girl for him," he added after a moment. He looked up at her again, noticing her looking away. He didn't know how to answer that. "Because I wanted to take you out. To dinner." He was not being smooth at all, he realized.

Rosalind thought that was a fair point. But she would hope that they could interpret the words well enough to not burn everything. "I'm sure we could figure it out. I don't know that Nik has much experience with muggle things, honestly, even with Ana," she said honestly. "She does seem like a good fit for him, though. I like her," she said honestly. She still wasn't sure if he was saying what she wanted him to be saying, so she smiled up at him a bit. "Well, thank you."

Fitz hummed thoughtfully. "I suppose you're right," he frowned. "Dom is our best bet. Do you reckon he'd help us?" he wondered hopefully. He'd really like to learn to bake. "Maybe Simone could be there too in case we get burned," he added. "I like her too. She was fun. They seem to bounce off of each other well. They have the same kind of energy," he decided. He watched her lips curve into a smile and felt himself relax a bit more. "Oh, you don't have to thank me."

Rosalind nodded a bit. She couldn't imagine Dom telling her he couldn't help her. "I do think he will," she said honestly. She knew a few basic spells, but she figured it would be useful to have Simone there, too. Then again, she knew Simone liked Dom, and if Simone and Dom were distracted, and she was and Fitz were distracted, no one would be focused. "It's beginning to be quite a lot of people. Maybe we'd be best off learning from my mum herself," she laughed a bit. "They do have the same kind of energy. They seem to get on quite well. I really like her for him," she said with a smile. "I'm glad you asked me to come with you. Thanking you feels like the appropriate way to show that."

Fitz figured it'd be fun having Dom help them out. Maybe a bit hard to try and gauge how his flirting was working on Rosie but it'd be nice. When she switched it to just having them ask her mother for help he raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Really? You switched ideas rather quickly," he remarked curiously. He wasn't too concerned about it, though. It was just interesting. "He seems to really like her. I like her for him as well. She seems interesting." He looked at the menu again, still unsure if she knew this was a date or not. As he was about to bring it up the waiter appeared to take their orders. He let her go first before doing the same and then thanked the waiter. "I've been thinking."

Rosalind shrugged a little, thinking it over still. "I just think, trying to get me and Dom to help when we don't really know what we're doing, and have Simone to make sure we don't get too hurt, it's all rather complicated, isn't it? It'd be much easier to just ask my mum, who actually knows," she said with a soft smile. She nodded again. "It's interesting he's dating a muggle. Not that interesting, I suppose. Dom did. But I don't know. I wouldn't have predicted it," she said honestly. She placed her order when the waiter came, taking a sip of her wine after he left. Her eyebrows knit together when he spoke, nodding a bit. "Yes?"

Fitz realized she made a very good point. That could all get rather messy really quickly. Plus, there would be far too many of them in one space to really get too much done. It'd probably be more distracting. "We'll ask for her help, then," he agreed with a smile. He made a thoughtful sound as he thought. "Sure, but it makes sense that Dom would. He loves them. I don't think I'd ever really thought about Nik dating one before," he admitted. He paused for a moment, taking a sip of wine. "Well, I was thinking maybe this... would be like a date."

Rosalind would have to talk to her mum about working that out. She was sure the woman would be happy to do it, excited even, but she would still have to plan it all out. "He does really like them. And he spends more time with them than any of us. It's kind of cute that Nik is dating her though. I think she puts him on his toes more than any witch ever has," she admitted. She watched him, waiting for him to speak, and smiled bashfully when he did. "I was sort of hoping you'd say something like that."

Fitz knew that. It was one of his favorite things about Dom. He was fairly certain that was why the two of them had become friends in the first place. He'd wanted to know about muggles and Dom had been willing to talk to him. "Maybe he'll still meet a nice muggle to settle down with. Then you'll have two brothers with muggle girlfriends," he smiled. He watched her for a moment after he spoke and felt himself relaxing a bit at the sight of her smile. "You were? Really? I wasn't sure."

Rosalind hoped he didn't meet a nice muggle and settle down, but she was almost positive Fitz didn't know Simone had a bit of a crush on Dom. "Maybe, but maybe not. I think whoever makes him happy will be good by me," she said with a smile. She nodded a bit, meeting his gaze and smiling. "I was. I didn't think you intended it that way, though," she said honestly.

Fitz thought that Dom would be perfect to settle down with a muggle. He actually couldn't imagine him with anyone else. "I think that'd be great. I think he'd love it," he admitted. "But you're right. Whoever makes him happy is who he should be with." He smiled at her for a long moment. "Why didn't you? I thought I'd been making my... feeling for you very clear lately. Maybe not at the most appropriate times," he admitted. "But I was trying."

Rosalind didn't care who he ultimately chose to settle down with, so long as he was happy, but she really did hope that he would at least date Simone for a while. She liked the idea of them. "Whoever makes him happy," she agreed with a smile. "It was an impulse, not necessarily a reflection of a feeling. Was it that, though?" she asked curiously. She wasn't sure how much she wanted to put herself out there, honestly.

Fitz agreed. It was only important that he found someone that made him happy. He didn't think much else mattered when it came to settling down with someone. "He deserves someone who does that," he smiled. He considered her question with a slight frown. "It wasn't just an impulse. I'd thought about it some before. Not necessarily how I did it but," he realized he was a little lost for words. "I just mean it wasn't just a spur of the moment thing. It didn't not mean anything."

Rosalind frowned softly as he did. He'd thought about it before? For how long? When? She felt confused. "You had?" she asked curiously, her voice soft, sort of withdrawn. She didn't know what to say. "Mm. I see," she said quietly, though she was still a bit confused. "This is really a real date then, huh?" she asked with a small smile. She didn't know what to make of all this, but she was happy.

Fitz felt like he might be messing this up. He couldn't really tell with her reactions. He didn't know what she was thinking and it made him nervous. "I'd thought about kissing you. Maybe not on the neck like that but I had thought about it," he tried to explain. "Should I not have said that?" he asked after a moment. "I had hoped it would be a real date," he added with a smile. He felt like his palms were sweating a bit.

Rosalind was honestly so taken aback by him. He'd thought about kissing her? She felt like she didn't really understand anything. "When did you start thinking about me like that?" she asked curiously. "No, you're good," she said with a soft smile, touching his hand softly from across the table before pulling her hand back again. "I like it being a real date," she said honestly.

Fitz shrugged a bit, trying to think. "It's hard to pinpoint," he admitted. "I just realized how much I liked spending time with you. I was looking forward to our lunches more than anything," he explained. "I don't know when it changed or when I realized that it had but it happened." He smiled when she touched his hand, even if it was fleeting. "I'm glad to hear that. I do too."

Rosalind took a small drink from her glass and tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. "I like you, too. Just, to put that out there," she said honestly, smiling up at him a little. "You fluster me. You did even before you kissed my neck," she admitted. She didn't really know what it meant, them putting their feelings out there. He still flustered her.

Fitz was beyond thrilled to hear that. He hadn't really been sure. He'd never really been all too great at reading women. He was kind of oblivious to what they felt about him. "I'm glad to hear that," he promised. "I fluster you?" he repeated with a smile. "Is that so? When did I start flustering you?" he asked. She'd asked him when his feelings had changed, he thought it was a fair thing to ask.

Rosalind smiled softly, letting out a small laugh. "Yes." She didn't really want to tell him. She didn't like being so vulnerable, and he made her vulnerable. Liking him so much made her vulnerable. She didn't want to give him more. She took another drink, clearing her throat a bit. "Um. Well. Honestly? If we're being honest. You've always flustered me," she said honestly. "Woo, been holding that in a while," she said with a soft sigh.

Fitz waited patiently while she seemed to think it over. He wasn't sure if maybe he should tell her not to worry about it because she was starting to seem rather flustered in the moment but his curiosity was piqued. He felt his eyebrows raise the tiniest bit and he smiled at her. "Have I?" he asked, surprised. "I never would have guessed that at all," he admitted. "You hid it very well, if that helps at all," he offered with another sweet smile.

Rosalind nodded a bit. How had he not noticed at all? Had no one noticed? She felt silly still, even if she maybe need not feel silly. She did, though, she couldn't help that. She just hoped he wouldn't start getting smug or weird or anything. "It does help, though only slightly," she said with a small laugh. "We haven't always talked so much, though, which likely made it easier."

Fitz wondered how he'd missed the signs that she was interested in him. He didn't think about it for too long as honestly, he missed cues like that all the time. Still, he wondered if he simply hadn't been paying enough attention to her until recently. "You're right. We haven't. We haven't really hung out much besides a group setting until recently," he admitted. "Maybe I would have noticed sooner."

Rosalind wasn't sure he would have. He hadn't until she told him now. And she wasn't sure it would have been a good thing if he had. But maybe he would have. It was hard to say. "Maybe you would have," she shrugged a shoulder. "It's not a big deal that you didn't notice sooner, though," she said honestly. "Now you know I like you and I know you like me," she said with a small smile.

Fitz didn't think he would have noticed sooner at all, actually, the more he thought about it. He just wasn't good with things like that. He never knew how to pick up clues. "Well, I'm sorry that I didn't," he said with a smile. "I do. And you do. So that leaves us... here. On a date," he smiled sweetly at her. He picked up his glass of wine. "A toast to us, then. To our first date," he smiled at her.

Rosalind shook her head, smiling at him. "I didn't want you to," she said honestly, tucking her hair behind her ear. "I guess it does, huh?" she said with a smile. She felt all fluttery again. She couldn't believe this was happening. She picked up her wine, clinking it against his glass lightly. "A toast to us, and our first date," she smiled, bringing the glass to her lips.

Fitz wondered why she didn't want him to notice. Had she not been interested in dating? Or was she glad he hadn't noticed and had developed feelings for her? He was so curious but he didn't want to bombard her with questions. He was more interested in sharing this moment with her. She looked so beautiful when she was smiling at him the way she was. He smiled and sipped his wine before putting the glass down again. "I hope you enjoy this restaurant. Maybe after we eat we can go for a bit of a stroll?" he suggested. "It's such a lovely night."

Rosalind felt like she could tell Fitz's mind was churning with questions for her, but for some reason, he wasn't just asking them the way he usually did. "I've liked all the food you've brought me yet, so I'm sure I'll like this, too," she smiled. She nodded a little, swirling her wine in her glass. "I would like that," she said, taking another sip. "It is. I love when it's nice out like it is tonight."

Fitz nodded a bit. He wanted to make sure that he was doing this right. He'd channeled himself in, determined to not voice every thought into his head. He wanted, no, he kind of needed this to go well. "That's good. Though, I've brought you less fancy food than this," he teased. "This is a bit more." He nodded slightly, a smile on his lips. "I love it too. It rains a lot here. I'm happy we have a clear night."

Rosalind smiled softly and nodded, tucking her hair behind her ear. "Yeah, that's true. But you have good taste," she added. "Seeing as this is the first technical date we've been on, I would hope this would be a bit more," she teased. She actually rather liked the rain in London, but she could imagine it wasn't everyone's cup of tea. It was lovely for her garden, though. "It's nice. You can see the stars."

Fitz smiled charmingly at the compliment. "I like to think I'm cultured," he said, taking a sip of wine. "But most of the French do. I think I just know food because I eat out a lot," he admitted. He smiled at the use of the word date again, liking it from her lips. "It is a bit more. Only the best for you," he insisted. He knew that not only was this a pricier place, but the food was exquisite. "I love being able to see the stars," he sighed happily, sipping his wine.

Rosalind personally thought the French were cultured, but she wasn't really sure why. It was just a stereotype, really, she realized. But he seemed rather cultured to her. "Maybe," she said with a little laugh. "But I would say you are cultured, and know food," she added. She felt a bit bashful again. Did he really like her? Was this going to end up being more than just a date? She felt a little bit warm, but she took a sip of her wine and took a deep breath. "Do you? Did you like astronomy in school?"

Fitz thought that was really sweet of her. "I do my best. I am trying to impress you as well," he added on. He wished he'd realized before just how much he liked her. He felt a bit like he'd wasted time. "You've traveled more than me, though, so you could technically be more cultured," he teased. He nodded, his face going dreamy slightly. "I did. Did you like it?" he wondered. "What was your favorite?"

Rosalind couldn't believe this was happening. She couldn't believe he was on a date with her, trying to impress her. It wasn't the sort of thing that happened to her. "You're doing well," she smiled. She shrugged a bit. "It's not quite the same," she said with a smile. She nodded along. "I did, yes. I think my favorite was charms, though," she said thoughtfully. "What did you like about astronomy so much? Was it your favorite?"

Fitz was glad to hear that. Personally, he agreed. The evening was going rather swimmingly. Everything had, at this point, gone off without a hitch. "Thank you," he smiled. "Is it not? You see more culture than I do," he reminded her. "I only travel around the UK for interviews with the teams. Though, I suppose, I do explore a bit," he admitted. He nodded with a smile. "Charms? I would have expected Defense," he admitted. "I loved being able to look up at the sky and study it. I've always been fascinated by it," he admitted. "It was."

Rosalind thought he was so cute. She nodded, smiling at him. "You're welcome," she said genuinely. She shook her head. "No, I don't really see much of it. I don't get to really stop by and do much," she admitted. "I think you see much more of the world than I do," she said honestly. She laughed a little, realizing it sounded funny. "I did like Defense. I just feel like Charms is so practical. I use charms every day," she said with a smile. She thought that was interesting. "I always liked that it was always reliably there."

Fitz thought he wouldn't like that much. He, too, didn't get to spend a lot of time exploring when he traveled for work, but he usually could experience a bit of culture. He made sure to eat at one cafe every time he traveled. "Maybe you should. It's worth it," he smiled at her. "I see a lot of cafes and bistros. And quidditch pitches," he chuckled. That made sense. Charms had ended up being one of the most useful classes after school. "Not a day goes by without some kind of charm," he agreed.

Rosalind nodded a bit. She would like to, it just didn't usually make sense. "I'm not usually by myself. I'm sort of small, and you now, feminine, so I work really hard to make sure everyone at work takes me seriously. I'd feel silly if I told them I wanted to stop and look at the local flowers," she said, feeling a bit embarrassed that she was too proud to enjoy things. "It's silly that I'd feel silly, but," she said, trailing off, and shrugging. "Charms are useful. And kind of fun."

Fitz felt himself frowning slightly. "They wouldn't take you seriously if you wanted to stop and look around because you're a woman?" he asked, incredulous. "Perhaps you need new coworkers," he said easily. "There's nothing wrong with spending a bit of time looking around." He stayed quiet for a moment, simply sipping his wine. "Then I'll take you on a weekend. We'll go when there's no quidditch and stop and smell the flowers," he smiled brightly at her.

Rosalind shrugged. Maybe they still would. She just didn't really want to risk it. "They probably still would, I just am always all business," she said with a shrug. "I just don't want to give anyone a reason to doubt that I'm perfectly capable of my job. I've been working for it since I was like twelve. I worked much harder than either my brothers ever did in school, and I did training after that neither of them did. I'm tough and I want people to know it," she said, realizing it probably sounded silly. She was short and soft, though. It was easy for people to dismiss her. "That would be lovely," she smiled.

Fitz wasn't surprised by that. He'd seen her at work when he'd stopped in. He'd surprised her that one day and he could remember how completely focused she'd been before he dropped in with food. He had to wonder if she even made time for lunch on days he didn't come by. "If they know you're a hard worker, a dedicated one, someone who has worked for this for her entire life... I don't think wanting to do a bit of exploring will make people think you're incapable. Everyone knows you're tough. I do," he smiled. "You're the toughest of your siblings. Maybe of our friends," he reckoned. "I'm glad you think so," he smiled. "Just tell me when you're free."

Rosalind took a small drink, thinking over what he said, before shrugging again. "Maybe so, but I think I'd rather just explore on my time off when I can relax and enjoy myself and really get into things than when I have work on the back of my mind, anyway," she said honestly, smiling at him. She laughed a little, taking another drink. "I'm definitely the toughest of my siblings. They're both soft," she agreed. "I absolutely will. Maybe you can show me some things you've seen before that you've liked?" she suggested.

Fitz figured that made sense. "Why be rushed when you're exploring, anyway? I'm sure you'd feel the pressure to come back too early. It's better to go on a day off," he smiled at her. He watched her as she laughed, a fond smile on his lips. "They are soft. That's a good word for it. You're the one I'd most want on my side in a tough situation," he told her. He nodded, liking that a lot. "I'd be more than happy to revisit my favorite places with you," he smiled.

Rosalind nodded along, glad that he understood, even if she felt like it all seemed sort of silly. "Exactly. I'd much rather go on a day off and make the most of my time," she smiled. She half smirked when he said she was the one he'd want on his side. Smart, she thought. She could kick anyone's ass, honestly. "Smart of you," she grinned. "Sounds like a plan, then," she smiled.

Fitz nodded with a smile. "That sounds like a much better idea, then," he told her. "There's no sense in being stressed about work when you're trying to explore and enjoy yourself," he added. He let out a low chuckle. "I can be smart from time to time," he teased. He nodded again. "It's a date." He looked up as their food was brought over and thanked the server for bringing it. "Looks delicious."

Rosalind nodded in agreement. He was really lovely. Not like that was news to her. She'd thought he was lovely since she met him, he only just continued to confirm that for her. "I think you're plenty smart," she said with a small laugh. "It's a date," she repeated. Another date. She liked that. When the server brought the food over, she moved back a little, breaking her sort of trance. "It does," she agreed, filling her wine before she took a bite.

Fitz smiled at her again. He'd noticed that while he had always been a rather smiley person, he definitely caught himself smiling nonstop when he was around her. She brought something else out in him. "Thank you." The word date sounded even better when she said it. He took a small bite of food before taking a sip of wine. "Is it good? Do you like it?" he asked after she'd taken a bite.

Rosalind took a drink after she tried her food, nodding to his question. "Mm, yeah. It's delicious. I told you you had good taste," she said with a smile. She thought it was really good, actually. She would come here again, even if it was by herself. "How do you like yours?" she asked curiously, taking another drink of her wine. She hadn't been on a date like this, or in general, in a while, and she was really enjoying herself.

Fitz let out a quiet chuckle. She had said that. It was cute that she'd referenced it. "Just making sure," he smiled. "My tastes might not all be the same as yours," he shrugged. He took another bite of his before smiling. "It's very good. You can try some if you'd like?" he offered her. "This is nice, isn't it?" he asked as he took a sip of his wine. "I'm having a really wonderful time with you."

Rosalind smiled at him, shrugging a little. "I guess not, but you have good taste, so I'm sure I can always find something to enjoy," she said with a smile. "Only if you try some of mine, too," she said. She smiled and nodded. It was really nice. How could she not think it was nice? "It's lovely," she said honestly. "I am, too. I'm glad we're doing this."

Fitz thought about that and smiled. "I'm glad you have so much trust in me. Not everyone is the same," he told her. It was just food, but it still made him happy. "I'll definitely try some of yours," he agreed. He pushed his plate closer to her, letting her try his first. "I'm glad we are too. I'm glad you decided to come out with me," he added with a warm smile.

Rosalind wondered if he meant not everyone trusted him, or if he meant not everyone liked what he liked. She decided not to ask. She moved her plate over a little, too, taking a bite of his food. "Oh, that's good. See, good taste," she said playfully. "I'm glad you asked. I'm much more capable of handling that than you kissing my neck out of nowhere," she said teasingly.

Fitz waited while she tried the food. Her reaction had him smiling. "I suppose I really do have good taste," he laughed. He took a small bite of her food next, considering it. "That is incredible. I think you must have good taste too," he teased lightly. He let out a chuckle and took a sip of his wine. "Ah. Did you not like the kiss?" he asked with a smile. He already wanted to ask her on another date but he decided to wait.

Rosalind felt like it was so much easier being around him when she wasn't trying to hide that he made her heart beat fast. At the same time, it was sort of nerve wracking, but she felt like she was doing a good job. "I guess I must," she laughed softly. She grinned when he laughed, turning her head to the side a little. "Uh, no. I did. I think that was sort of half the problem," she said with a soft laugh.

Fitz grinned at the sound of her laugh. He really felt like this whole thing was going rather smoothly. He almost wondered why he'd been nervous in the first place. "Ah, that makes sense. I apologize for my poor timing," he grinned. "I promise the next time I do it we won't be on a broom," he said playfully. "I realize it was an unsafe thing to do. I just got a bit swept up in you."

Rosalind raised an eyebrow slightly when he said next time. She wondered when exactly he was planning on kissing her neck again. She didn't mind it, per se, but she would like a little more warning next time. "That's all I ask," she said playfully. She laughed a little, almost nervously. He got swept up in her. That was so funny, for some reason. Maybe because that was exactly how she felt about him. "When, then, are you planning on kissing my neck again?" she asked curiously, looking down for a moment before meeting his eyes.

Fitz knew he'd have to think up an interesting idea for their next date. He had some time, he supposed, as this one hadn't even ended yet. Maybe he'd ask Simone for an idea, or perhaps Dom. "I'll behave, I promise," he grinned. Her laugh sounded a bit nervous and he raised an eyebrow, hoping he hadn't upset her in any way. "I more so meant the next time I kissed you in general I would do it in a better setting," he admitted. "Do you not want me to?" he asked, still unsure.

Rosalind twirled her hair a little, looking down still, but nodded a little and smiled when he said next time in general. "Oh, yeah, that would be nice," she said with a smile. She laughed again and shook her head. "No, no. I actually would rather like it if you kissed my neck again," she said, shrugging a little, glancing at him for a moment to see what he thought of that.

Fitz would make sure their next kiss was in a better situation, whether it was on her neck or her lips. He wanted things to go smoothly and he was rather hoping this might go on for quite a time. "I think so too," he smiled. Her laugh had him relaxing slightly. "Oh, well, I'm glad. I was just making sure it was something you liked before I did it again. I wouldn't want to make you uncomfortable."

Rosalind shook her head, leaning forward a bit. "Oh, no. It doesn't make me uncomfortable at all. I really rather like you. And I would tell you if something made me uncomfortable," she added. She took a sip, and then a small bite. She really did like him. She felt so strange being so forward after having kept it all to herself for so long. It was strange.

Fitz smiled when she leaned closer. "I really rather like you too," he promised. "I still just wanted to check," he smiled. He'd hate to ruin things between the two of them before anything had a chance to really start. He just felt like this had a chance. They'd been friends for some time now and it felt like such a natural progression into something more, even if they'd had some stumbles along the way. "Would you like to go on another date soon?"

Rosalind smiled and nodded, taking a drink of her wine to try and mask just how big of a smile she had on her face. She took another bite, thinking over his question. "I wouldn't mind it. But, I don't want you to think we can't just hang out, too. Every time we spend time together doesn't have to be like this," she said, hoping she made sense. "I like seeing you at lunch. And at the bar."

Fitz listened as she spoke, still eating his food slowly. He felt like his mind was running so quickly to try and be able to really absorb all of this. She liked him, he liked her. She wanted another date. "You wouldn't mind a date or you'd like to go on one? I think there's a difference," he teased. "I know not every time has to be a date but I just want to make sure I haven't overstepped a bound," he explained with a smile.

Rosalind tucked her hair behind her ear, humming quietly. "I would like that," she nodded a little, smiling at him. "No, no, you haven't. I just really like how nice things feel with you, and I don't want everything to have the pressure of a date," she admitted, hoping that didn't sound weird and made sense. She was worried it would come off wrong.

Fitz realized he still wasn't very good at the dating thing and he had to let out a quiet chuckle. "I have to apologize. I've never really been the best when it comes to dating. Simone always said it's because my head lives in the clouds and I don't pick up on flirting well but I don't think that's it," he admitted. "I just get a bit nervous and tripped up. I don't really know how to be smooth when it comes to this sort of thing." He smiled at her and took another bite of food. "I just thought you should know in case I fumble a bit," he told her. "I hope you can be patient with me. I really quite fancy you," he admitted, searching her eyes as he awaited a response.

Rosalind frowned a little, but the smile on her face remained, when he said he needed to apologize. "What for?" she asked. She thought it was odd he was bad at dating. He was so handsome and charming. She couldn't imagine him ever struggling with women. "You're the most charming man I've ever met," she said with a small laugh. "I don't know what you're talking about," she admitted playfully, smiling still, the smile reaching her eyes. She felt her smile soften a bit and her cheeks turn slightly pink. "As it happens, I'm a rather patient person, and I've fancied you since the moment I laid eyes on you," she admitted, ducking her head and laughing a little. "I'm not always the best at dating, either, so we're in this together," she said with a smile.

Fitz felt a bit silly having to apologize for how poor he was at the dating thing. He just wanted to make sure she knew he liked her and he didn't know if it was coming across as well as he hoped. It was tricky to navigate through dating; he always felt a bit like he was underwater and fumbling to get air. "Oh, well, I suppose I am a bit charming," he smiled. "But being charming and being good at asking women out aren't mutually exclusive. I get nervous around women I'm interested in. I'm especially nervous around you. I just want everything to go smoothly," he admitted. He smiled when she said she was patient, relieved. "Since you laid eyes on me? Truly?" he asked with a smile. "See what I mean about being a bit oblivious when it comes to this?" he chuckled. "We'll navigate our way through it. It's nice to know we're in the same boat," he smiled, reaching across the table for her hand. "That way if we mess up here or there, we can fix it with a laugh."

Rosalind smiled when he said he was charming. He was cute. She thought he was cute. She couldn't imagine a reason in the world for him to be nervous around her, but the fact that he was kind of make her heart flutter a little. She honestly couldn't have ever predicted him showing any interest in her, especially not like this. "I think you're doing a good job," she admitted. She laughed a little and nodded. "I didn't tell anyone for a long time, but my coworker figured it out when you kept coming in and I got all flustered. I suppose you are a bit oblivious, but like I said, I didn't mind it," she added with a smile. "No worries. It takes more than fumbling to scare me off," she smiled.

Fitz relaxed a little bit when she said he was doing a good job. He'd admit, he felt a bit like he was out of his element and he'd been worried it would affect her feelings for him. "Oh, well I'm trying my best," he smiled. "I just thought you should know I'm no expert when it comes to this." He smiled fondly when she said she hadn't told anyone and only a coworker had figured it out. "You must be quite good at hiding things then if only one person knows about it and it was only by accident," he chuckled. He nodded with a soft smile. "Well, I hope I don't do anything to scare you off in the future, fumbling or otherwise," he told her.

Rosalind thought that was odd still, but she wasn't going to push or anything. "Then you're doing really well," she said playfully. She wasn't the worst at dating, honestly. He just, in particular, flustered her. She didn't know what it was about him in particular, but he did overwhelm her a lot. "Oh, I'm quite good at hiding things. I actually told your sister, and she was the first person I told. I wanted to tell Nik, but I was worried he'd tell you," she said with a small laugh. "I doubt that you will. I'm going to run to the toilets and wash up, if you want to take that walk still."

Fitz let out a quiet chuckle. "Well, thank you. I appreciate it," he responded, his tone just as playful. He had so much fun with her, it was insane. How had it taken so long for him to notice that they had such a connection? They felt kind of meant to be more than just friends. It was odd. "Oh? Is that so? Simone knew and didn't tell me? How dare she," he teased. "She'd never betray your trust. Nik, however, I'm not so sure about," he chuckled. "I told Wren a bit that I was seeing you differently," he admitted. He nodded at her suggestion. "Oh, absolutely. Take your time. I'll settle the bill."

Rosalind nodded a bit. She was sort of surprised Simone hadn't told, but mostly she wasn't. Not only did she know she could trust Simone, but Simone had told her a little secret, too. "Girls have to keep each other's secrets," she said with a small laugh. "He would have ever intention of keeping my secret, but just get too excited about knowing something and tell," she laughed. "Oh yeah?" she said with a small smile. She hadn't really suspected they were all that close. "I'll be back soon," she promised. She went to the stall, using a bit of magic to freshen her breath, just in case she maybe kissed him later. Then she washed her hands and touched up her makeup a bit before going back out. "Are you ready to go?"

Fitz thought that was sweet. "You know, I don't think I've told you this but I'm really glad Simone has you as a friend. You're exactly the kind of person she needs in her life. I know your friendship means a lot to her," he said with a smile. He let out a laugh. "That does sound like Nik. He can hardly keep his wizarding words to himself around his girlfriend. I don't know how she isn't constantly confused," he chuckled. He nodded. "He's one of my best friends. I think he helped me figure out how I felt," he admitted. He nodded as she went off, taking out his wallet when the bill was brought over. He paid and left a tip and had just stood up when Rosalind returned. "I am, yes. Let's go," he smiled, offering her his hand.

Rosalind smiled a little when he said that. "I really like having her as a friend. She's a good friend, and she's really nice. You can never have too many friends," she said with a smile. She laughed when he did. "I don't know either. She probably just thinks he's a little odd but ignores it because it makes no sense," she laughed again. "I'm glad he could help you, then," she said with a smile. She was glad that he had Wren. She didn't entirely understand their dynamic, but she was glad they had each other. She smiled, taking his hand. She liked this. She liked it a lot. Once they were outside the restaurant, she stopped, turning and kissing him on the lips. Not too hard, or too light, but just right. "Okay, let's walk now," she said after she pulled away.

Fitz nodded in total agreement. "She is nice, though I'm biased. She is my favorite person," he smiled. "I got lucky having her as a sister. You have some really great brothers," he added with a grin. "Dom is one of my best friends, too." Really most of the group were best friends of his. He just loved them all. "She probably does but maybe she likes him so much she lets it slide," he laughed. "He did. I don't know if I would have realized I liked you if I hadn't talked to him. I was questioning him about how he'd kissed Dot after a game and somehow it pivoted to me spending time with you," he shrugged. He held her hand tightly and walked out with her. He was about to suggest they head to an ice cream shop but then she was turning him and kissing him and he was caught completely off guard. When she pulled back he was smiling brightly and he shook his head. "In a moment," he grinned, leaning down and kissing her again.

Rosalind smiled fondly when he said she was his favorite person. "You guys are so close. It's quite beautiful," she said honestly. "I do have some really great brothers. I love them a lot. Dom is a great guy. He's so much more wonderful than I think he gets credit for, mostly just because he's quiet," she said with a shrug. She laughed and nodded. "That's probably it," she agreed. She was feeling all warm and soft and then he mentioned him kissing Dot and frowned a little. "Woah, what? Wren kissed Dot?" she asked. They'd spent a lot of time together lately. And they'd kissed? If she didn't know any better, she'd think something was going on there. Maybe there was anyway. She smiled at the way he smiled at her, feeling her heart beating like mad in her chest. She giggled quietly when he kissed her again, her hands moving to his face as she kissed him back.

Fitz felt himself smiled at her words. "Well, we are twins. We grew up together as best friends. I think we balance each other out well. We were always looking out for each other," he explained. "He is a great guy. He's one of the nicest people I've ever met. And the most patient," he added with a smile. "Quiet people often don't get as much credit as they deserve." He thought it was interesting that she found that odd as well. "Yes, he did. After the game, he followed me to the locker room. He got to her before I did and he kissed her. I found it strange but when I asked him he just said he'd been excited. I think he won a fair bit gambling on the game," he shrugged. He didn't know. He wrapped his arms around her as they kissed this time, pulling her a bit closer to him. He liked feeling her in his arms.

Rosalind smiled and laughed a little. "I know. But that doesn't necessarily guarantee that you'd get along the way you do. I like that you get along, that you balance each other, that you care so much," she smiled. "He is rather patient," she agreed. She nodded in agreement. That was very true. She frowned a little, humming quietly. "Odd. That's really very odd, I believe," she said softly, mostly thinking to herself about it. Maybe she'd bring it up. She whimpered softly when he pulled her close. She felt like the world around them had melted, and it was lovely.

Fitz figured she had a point there. "I guess so. I'm sure there are plenty of sets of twins that aren't close," he mused. "Thank you, though. I like how well you and your siblings blend. I can see similarities in the three of you but you're also all different. I like that," he smiled. "He is." He shrugged slightly, not really caring about the matter very much. Normally he was all about a bit of gossip but right now he had one focus and that was Rosalind. He didn't want to think of anything else. He wanted her to consume him. She just felt so right in a way that he didn't understand just yet. It didn't matter in the moment, though. He didn't want to push her too far or make this moment too much so he kept every touch gentle. His arms only held her softly against him. Their lips touched with just the right amount of passion. After a few long moments, he pulled back, brushing the hair out of her face. “Le seul vrai langage au monde est un baiser.”

Rosalind nodded a little, smiling still. "Of course. Aw, thanks. I've always thought that, too," she said honestly. She liked the way he held her, so softly, but so strongly. She really genuinely felt like he was the only person in the world right now, and it was such a lovely feeling. She pulled back only when he did, a soft, fond smile on her lips, the softness touching her eyes. She felt like she melted a little when he spoke French, and she had no idea what he was saying, but it was beautiful. "What does that mean?"

Fitz shrugged a bit, leaning down to kiss her on the cheek. "It's a bit romantic that you don't know, is it not?" he asked with a teasing smile. "Let's walk," he decided, stepping out of the embrace to take her hand again. Once their fingers were linked he started to lead the way down the road. He wondered if she was planning on telling anyone that they'd been on this date. He hoped, but he didn't want to make her talk about it if she didn't want to.

Rosalind let out a small, exhaled laugh. She liked to know things, but she wasn't going to push him. "Mm, I suppose so," she said, though she still wondered what he said. She hoped it was romantic. She moved away, taking his hand when he reached for hers. She followed him as they walked, just enjoying his company. She liked that they'd taken walks before, but it was different than it was now, and yet sort of the same.

Fitz walked with in her a comfortable silence. He realized he was often talking or asking others questions to get them talking. It wasn't often he was in silence with someone. It was rather lovely. After a few quiet minutes, he turned to her again. "What should we do on our second date? Would you like to pick or should I?" he asked with a warm smile. He didn't mind one bit either way.

Rosalind looked up at him when he spoke, frowning a little in thought and licking her lips. She sort of liked the idea of just letting him pick and not having to think about it. She felt like she thought about everything all the time. At the same time, she didn't want to make him pick all the time. "You can pick if you'd like. Otherwise, maybe we could go to the river? Take a boat ride?" she suggested.

Fitz considered her idea for a moment. He thought that could be a lot of fun and it was something that he had been meaning to do but he simply hadn't had the time to yet. "What a lovely idea!" he smiled. "I've always wanted to go on one of those. Good thinking," he told her, tugging her a bit closer to him as someone passed them by. "We can get a cup of tea to bring along since it's getting cooler every day," he added. "And some of your mother's cookies! It'll be a little picnic but... not exactly."

Rosalind smiled when he seemed to like her idea. "Oh, I think it's quite lovely. It's very pretty," she said with a smile. She felt a bit fluttery when he pulled her closer, though she knew it was to make room. It was funny. He knew she liked him, but she still felt her heart beat faster in her chest around him. "That's a good idea. We can get tea in a togo cup and take it with us," she smiled. She laughed a little and nodded. "I'll definitely get some of her cookies."

Fitz thought it sounded like a wonderful time. He couldn't think of anyone he'd rather go on his first boat ride on the river with. He thought it could be a bit romantic too. He hoped, at least. "I love the idea," he smiled at her. He was already getting a good picture in his mind of how lovely this would be. "Yes, absolutely. Do you have a favorite place you get tea from?" he asked curiously. "I tend to go to one by my office," he added. "That sounds wonderful! Tea and cookies on a boat. You've picked a lovely second date."

Rosalind smiled. She was glad he was on board. She wasn't sure it was a great idea, but she liked the river. "I do. I have a favorite place in muggle London, and in wizarding London," she said honestly. "Have you gone anywhere else, or just the one place?" she asked curiously. She smiled a little, shrugging a shoulder. "I'm glad you like it. I look forward to it already," she said with a smile.

Fitz nodded a bit. He needed to expand his horizons more, he thought. "I'd like to try both. Let's go to one of your favorites before the boat ride," he smiled. "I like to try a new place once a week but it's not always easy to do that. And sometimes I forget," he explained with a chuckle. "I do too. When would you like to go?" he asked. "I'll make the time whenever you're free."

Rosalind nodded and smiled. She'd like that a lot. "Sounds perfect. We can stop by the muggle one. It's closer," she said with a smile. She thought that made sense, and sounded like him. "At least you do get to new ones sometimes," she smiled. She hadn't intentionally gone somewhere new for tea in a while. "How about this Friday? If that works for you?"

Fitz found that idea very appealing. "I'd love that. I haven't been to too many muggle shops," he admitted. "I'm still exploring the city. I've been here quite some time now but there's so much to do," he chuckled. He'd been making such an effort to see all that he could but it could be hard to find the time. "I really like seeing new places. It's one of my favorite things about being here," he smiled. He thought for a moment before nodding. "Sounds perfect. I'm looking forward to it," he promised as he gave her hand a squeeze. "Did you want to get tea now?" he wondered. "Or are we wandering aimlessly, just seeing where the streets take us?"

Rosalind thought that was sort of surprising, and yet, it made sense. "They're quite nice. Muggles are as passionate about tea as we are," she said playfully. "There is a lot to do. It's a big city," she said with a nod. She hadn't even explored the whole city. "I noticed. You took me to lunch quite a few times at new places, remember?" she teased. She smiled, squeezing his hand back. "Me, too," she smiled. She shrugged a shoulder. "If we run into tea, sure. But I'm good just walking with you."

Fitz liked knowing that they had a lot in common with muggles. He'd spent so long hearing about how different they were. Moving to London only solidified how wrong that was. "It is a big city. I don't know that I'll ever see all of it but I'm having fun trying," he smiled. "I did, I remember," he chuckled. "I was just saying. It's fun to try new things, isn't it?" he asked with a smile. He squeezed her hand back, enjoying how it had made him feel. "I'm very glad." He glanced around slightly, not quite sure where they were but not caring. "Well, let me know if you see anything. Otherwise just walking sounds just as lovely."

Rosalind smiled, letting out a small laugh. "You likely won't. I've lived here my whole life and I don't feel like I've even seen a fraction of the city," she admitted with a smile. "As long as you're enjoying yourself, that's all that matters," she said honestly. She nodded in agreement. "It is. I like it," she agreed. She also liked the comfort of things she knew, but really, there was no reason not to have a nice balance of the two. She nodded, smiling at him.

Fitz hummed quietly. "I like that, actually. Knowing I won't ever get to see everything. It makes it more exciting when I see something new," he decided. "I'm having a great time. It's better exploring with you," he added on with a smile. It was nicer to be able to share the experience with someone. It made more of an impact, he thought. He kept her close to him as they walked, just enjoying the closeness. "Tell me more about you in school," he suggested. "I feel like I don't know much about little Rosie."

Rosalind thought that was interesting. She didn't like that she'd never get to see everything. Every time she learned something had closed that she hadn't been to, she felt a bit disappointed, even if she knew reasonably that she never would have gone there anyway. "Then I suppose you'll always be excited in London," she said with a smile. "I think so, too. I like doing new things with you," she said honestly. She liked having the memory of the thing they did tied to him. She hummed a bit as his suggestion. "Um, hm. Well, I was captain of our team after Dot left. And I was a prefect, and then head girl. I followed most of the rules, really. I took a lot of O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s because I decided when I was a second year that I wanted to be an auror. My current partner was actually my best friend and roommate through school. We still get on quite well. I had a cat in school and used my brother's owl to send letters to our mum. My first boyfriend was when I was a fifth year. He also played quidditch, but he was in a different house. I don't know. I think that's a pretty good summary, yeah?" she said with a small laugh.

Fitz had figured he would be. That's why he was so thrilled he'd picked London when he'd been looking for jobs outside of Paris. His first instinct had been to just take the first job he was offered but he'd loved England's teams and wanted a job here. He was so lucky he'd made this decision. "I hope so," he smiled. "I'm glad. I know I can be a handful at times," he admitted. He squeezed her hand as she started to speak. She was such a fascinating person, he didn't think he'd ever tire of hearing her talk about herself. He nodded as she spoke, making notes in his head. "I would have liked to see you play quidditch," he admitted. He wasn't surprised that she was a serious student, one that had become head girl. She was like Dominic in that way. "You knew from second year you wanted to be an auror?" he asked, surprised. He had so many questions but he didn't want to overwhelm her. "It's nice that you have your best friend still. What was your first boyfriend like?" he added on curiously.

Rosalind nudged him gently, turning to look at him as they walked. "You say stuff like that a lot. Stop it. I don't think you're a handful, and even if you were, I enjoy that about you," she said, smiling at him. She'd always liked that about him. She smiled to herself as he squeezed her hand. "Not to toot my own horn, but I was pretty damn good," she said with a small laugh. She nodded a bit. "I had already learned a lot about aurors on my own and through my dad, and I really admired how much they did for the wizarding community, how much they protected people. I knew I wanted to do that. And I knew that I would have to work really hard for it," she said with a small shrug. She smiled and nodded. "It is. She's great. He was a bit more fiery than me. He was nice, though. Smart. We got along pretty well, and we dated into sixth year. I think he was just a bit too much for me at the time. Plus, I was never really looking to be in a serious relationship when I was younger," she admitted.

Fitz turned to her with a curious look when she nudged him. "Oh, do I? I hadn't noticed. It's a bit of a habit, really," he admitted. "I won't say it anymore." Not to her, at least, as he knew others still thought of him as such. He didn't mind it. It had never really bothered him. "It's nice that you enjoy it, though." He chuckled when she laughed. There wasn't a doubt in his mind that she had been excellent. "I wish I'd seen it." Being an auror had never appealed to him so it baffled him slightly that someone so young would be so interested in it. He thought it was cute. "That's really noble. You knew from the age of twelve you wanted to help protect people. It's a really impressive feat," he said with a smile. He nodded as she explained. "Ah. That's quite a time for a school romance. You were too serious a student for relationships?" he teased.

Rosalind smiled and shrugged a shoulder. "Only a bit. It's okay that you say it, you just don't need to. I like you, remember," she teased lightly. She smiled a little. She really did like him. She hoped she didn't come on too strong. She was trying really hard not to. "There are pictures around I'm sure," she said. She wished he could have seen it, too, though. She smiled a little and shrugged. "Well, aurors had a really important job during the war, and then the Harry Potter went on to become one, and I just thought it was so cool," she said with a small laugh. Maybe she also wanted to know she could protect herself. Hard to say. "He's my boss now," she said, laughing again. She nodded in agreement. "Mm, I know. I don't really know why we lasted that long, admittedly. It was never my concern, but I wasn't against it. I had another boyfriend seventh year, but I went to train to be an auror, and he didn't like sharing my time with work. I haven't really had a boyfriend since then," she admitted. The right guy just hadn't come along.

Fitz smiled to himself. She liked him. It still nearly didn't feel real. Everything had gone so smoothly. "I'll stop saying it," he promised. "I remember. And I like you." He'd definitely have to ask her brothers about the pictures. Or maybe Dot, he reckoned. He'd have to check. "That's true. They did. We read about that in school and I remember my parents talking about it." They'd been on different sides, though. He wonder how she felt about that. "You're working for one of your heroes then?" he asked with a smile. "That must be exciting." He let out a thoughtful hum as they walked and glanced around slightly. "Dating in school was such an odd thing anyway," he admitted. "Why haven't you had a boyfriend since then?" he wondered. He hoped she was interested in pursuing a relationship now.

Rosalind looked down as they walked, smiling brightly when he said he liked her. It made butterflies fill her chest. She didn't think she'd ever felt this way before, now that she thought about it. "They were so cool and fearless. And strong. I wanted to be all of those things. I guess, technically, I am now," she said with a soft laugh. She smiled and nodded. "I am. It's pretty exciting, but, now he's more just my boss. I don't even see him regularly. But at first, it was really exciting," she said with a quiet laugh. "I think so, too. What did I know about relationships at fifteen?" she said, shaking her head a bit. She shrugged. "I don't know. I did see this guy for a while back when I was training, but it wasn't serious. And then I was busy for a while, and I just never met anyone, I guess. When was your last girlfriend?" she asked curiously.

Fitz hadn't really thought much about aurors, he'd admit. He'd been focused on a career involving quidditch for the longest time. He couldn't remember ever wanting anything else. "You are all of those things," he promised. "They'd be among beautiful and smart as the first adjectives I'd describe you with." He figured that made sense. He'd started thinking of some of his quidditch heroes as friends, of course she saw Harry Potter as just her boss. "Still, it must have been exciting on your first day." He let out a quiet chuckle. "I don't think anyone knew anything about relationships at that age. They just wanted someone to kiss." He hummed softly, rubbing the side of her thumb with his. "I haven't had a serious one for a couple of years. I became too invested in work and trying to find a place to take it. Then I was working on getting a job here in London," he admitted. "I was never really good at dating."

Rosalind smiled softly when he said she was those things. She felt like she was pretty strong and fearless. She didn't know how cool she was. She smiled wider when he also added beautiful and smart. "Thank you," she smiled fondly. She grinned and nodded. "Oh yeah, it was a really cool first day. I was so over excited," she laughed quietly. "Mm, I'm inclined to agree with you," she said with a quiet laugh. She leaned into him a little. She really liked him. "I understand. Am I the first girl you've been interested in in London?" she asked curiously. "How so?" she asked. He had said that earlier, too, but she wondered what exactly he meant by that.

Fitz smiled the same soft smile at her before leaning over to kiss her on the cheek. She was so pretty and she made him feel so warm, he couldn't help it. "You're welcome." He laughed when she did. "I can imagine. It's always exciting to meet someone that you admire." He thought for a moment before smiling. "You are the first," he told her. He frowned slightly, trying to find the right words for it. "Well, I don't really notice when people are interested in me. I tend to just think people are really friendly," he admitted. "I don't pick up on flirting very well."

Rosalind smiled, her cheeks turning a light pink when he kissed her cheek. She was so into him, it was insane. "That's true, it is. It was a very big year for me," she admitted. She thought that was interesting. She supposed he hadn't been here that long, but it did make her feel kind of special. "Is that all though? Just that you don't pick up on flirting? That doesn't sound like you're that bad," she said with a soft smile.

Fitz had a feeling she had been thrilled. It sounded like such an incredible time for her. He wished he had been involved somehow in it. He knew that was beyond unreasonable but he would have liked to have seen it. "I'm very glad that you were able to achieve this dream of yours," he smiled. He hummed thoughtfully, squeezing her hand without realizing it. "I suppose I'm also just not really good at knowing when things are appropriate. Like kissing you on the neck while we were flying," he teased. "I've asked women out at not the best of times."

Rosalind thought he was so sweet and nice. There was just something about him that was so lovely. "Thank you," she said, smiling widely up at him. He was so sweet and soft. She smiled to herself when he squeezed her hand again. She laughed quietly, but shrugged a shoulder. "I don't know. I think that's not the worse. I mean, you did almost kill us, but," she trailed off. "It seems to me like it can't get worse from here, then. You've already been inappropriate and you already asked me out, so I think you're in the clear."

Fitz hummed gently. He wasn't too sure. It felt like he was rather awful at women in general, but then again maybe he just saw himself differently. Plus, he'd been so used to the parade of women his parents had tried to set him up with always being annoyed with him. That wasn't quite fair, he realized. He'd also been rotten at picking up on cues from women he wanted to date. At least Rosie wasn't bothered by him. "I don't think you would have let us die. You're far too levelheaded to have allowed that," he teased gently. "I do apologize for being so inappropriate with you, though," he added after a beat. "I'm glad you still wanted to go on a date with me after all of this. And that you're still interested in me even now," he smiled. He lifted their joined hands and placed a kiss to her knuckles. "I'm thrilled that we're doing this. Perhaps, sometime, we'll be on a double date with your brother and his lady."

Rosalind obviously wouldn't have actually let them die, but it had startled her a good bit. "Well, lucky you there, hm?" she teased lightly. She shook her head and smiled. "It's okay. It threw me off, but I think we both recovered," she said, still light in tone. She thought it was so silly that he would think she wouldn't want to go on a date with him. "One little mishap isn't enough for me to lose interest. I told you I liked you for quite a while. At first you were just so handsome and charming and French, but now that I know you, I like you even more," she admitted, shrugging a shoulder. She didn't look at him, feeling like she'd get flustered if she did. She smiled when he kissed her knuckles. Were they going to become something more? The idea made her stomach flip. She wasn't sure why though. "Nik? I think he'd like that," she said with a smile.

Fitz grinned. "I'd say very lucky me. Not just because you kept us from dying." He was lucky that he knew her, that she liked him, that something was brewing between them. He didn't want to overwhelm her with all of that, though. Not right now. "We did recover," he agreed. "Though, I've fallen from many brooms. Simone could have fixed us up," he added playfully. Her list of compliments took him by surprise but he was delighted. "I didn't know me being French played such a part," he teased. "You're very sweet, thank you. I like you more and more every moment I spend with you," he promised. He kissed her knuckles again before letting their hands drop back to their sides and his arm went around her this time instead. "Yes, Nik," he chuckled. "Unless Dom has a lady that I don't know about," he teased. He kept her close to his side but his grip was loose in case she wanted to pull away.

Rosalind smiled a little, feeling a little bashful, honestly. She shook her head and laughed. "I didn't mean physically," she teased. She laughed again, her cheeks turning slightly pink. "It's just the accent, the words you use. It's cute," she said with a shrug. "You're welcome," she said with a smile. She was glad he liked her. She couldn't really believe that he did, honestly. She smiled again when he kissed her hand, smiling even wider when he wrapped his arm around her. She felt so many butterflies. She couldn't believe this was happening. She laughed and shook her head. She thought Dom and Simone had something brewing, but she wasn't going to say anything. "That would be really fun."

Fitz glanced at her again with a curious smile. "Oh?" he asked. He wasn't sure how cute his accent was or the words he used and he found himself trying to think about what he said that was so different. "Do I use different words than everyone else?" he wondered. He noticed that she seemed alright with him having his arm around her and he felt his grip tighten slightly for a moment. This felt right. He wasn't sure how to explain it other than it felt right. How had it taken him so long to realize that she was what he wanted? He felt like a fool. "A date with Nik and Anastasia it is," he smiled. "Perhaps we should let them pick, seeing as she is a muggle."

Rosalind nodded a little and shrugged. "You just have this charm about you," she said, not really sure how to describe it, but feeling very vulnerable. "Mm, not really. I don't know. You're just cute," she said with a small laugh. She couldn't wrap her mind around this happening, honestly. She liked him so much and here she was walking with him with his arm around her. It was so nice. "That's a good idea. I don't know how Nik is doing so well. It's hard to be so convincing, I think."

Fitz thought about that. Did he have a charm? He didn't feel particularly charming. "I think you just like French people. You're close to my sister, you like me," he teased. "I think you're rather cute too, for the record," he added on. He wasn't quite sure where they were but he was really enjoying walking like this. He felt close to her in a way and it wasn't just because he was holding her against him. "I don't know either. I'm sure he could always ask your older brother for help," he shrugged. "I don't think I'd be good at dating a muggle but if you were a muggle I'd certainly try."

Rosalind laughed at that and shook her head. "Two French people and I just like French people," she teased. "More like I just like you and your sister," she said with a grin. She smiled, leaning into a bit more. She felt bashful, but that made her feel silly. She liked walking with him like this, all close together. No question that they were together if people saw them. "I think he does a lot," she said honestly. "I'm gonna have to pry information out of him. I want to know more," she added. She grinned when he spoke, glancing up at him. "See? Cute."

Fitz gave her a grin. "It's seeming that way more and more," he teased. "Ah. That might make more sense," he relented playfully. He didn't mind either way. When she leaned into him, he rubbed her arm arm a bit. Everything felt so at peace. "I wonder how that goes," he chuckled softly. "I'm sure if anyone can get him talking, it's you," he said fondly. Nik and Rosie seemed to be very close, he had no doubts they'd have a good conversation about it. "Well, thank you."

Rosalind smiled at him. He was so funny and cute and playful. She liked him so much. It was crazy. It nearly overwhelmed her. "I'm sure there's lots of teasing and educating on Dom's part," she said with a laugh. "I would agree with you. He likes talking about things anyway," she added. "You're welcome," she smiled. "Thank you for asking me on a date. I never would have brought it up if you hadn't."

Fitz let out a chuckle. He didn't doubt that. "Probably. I bet he loves it, though," he grinned. "Teasing is always fun." He was surprised to hear that. "He doesn't seem to like talking to me about things," he joked. "So I wouldn't know." He looked down at her with a soft smile. "You don't have to thank me for asking you," he told her. "I just wanted to spend some time with you like this." He was so thrilled it had all worked out.

Rosalind nodded and laughed. "If anything, he just likes having more reasons to talk about Anastasia," she said honestly. "Nik? That's odd," she said honestly. She smiled a little, shrugging her shoulder slightly. Maybe she didn't need to thank him, but she was glad that he had asked her out. "I'm glad that you asked anyway," she said honestly. "I'm really enjoying my time with you."

Fitz laughed a bit. "I wouldn't be surprised to hear that at all," he told her. He nodded a bit before smiling. "I think he usually worries I'll have a lot of questions about everything. It's a fair assumption to make. It doesn't bother me," he added with a shrug. Her words had him smiling when he turned to her. "I'm glad that I asked as well. I'm having a wonderful time with you," he smiled.

Rosalind laughed a little when he said Nik was worried he'd ask more questions. "Yeah, Nik isn't as patient as Dom and I. Probably a result of him being the youngest," she said with a laugh. "I like your questions," she added with a softer smile. She leaned into him a little, holding his hand tighter. "Spending time with you is quite lovely," she promised.

Fitz hadn't thought of it as being because he was the youngest. He just always assumed that Nik just simply didn't have the patience in him. "That makes sense," he admitted with a smile. "I'm glad that you do. I ask you a lot of them," he teased gently. He held her close to him, smiling to himself. "I wholeheartedly agree. We should spend more time together," he suggested with a grin.

Rosalind smiled fondly when he said he asked her a lot. "I like it. I think it shows you care and you're interested in me and my life. And I'm happy to tell you things I know," she said honestly. She'd be happy to do that. She wasn't entirely sure where this was going, but she didn't terribly mind. It made her a little tense, but for the most part she could ignore it. "We should," she smiled.

Fitz liked that she thought of it that way. He wanted her to know that he cared and it seemed it was working out that way. "I'm very interested in your life. I'm interested in anything you want to share with me," he told her with a genuine smile. He hummed a little bit to himself, thinking of all the things he wanted to do with her. "I'm already looking forward to the next time I get to see you," he admitted with a smile.

Rosalind felt like such a boring person. She didn't know what she could possibly share with him, but maybe that was why she liked the questions. "You're welcome to ask me anything," she said honestly, smiling at him. She nodded a little, looking out at the city as they walked. "I'm looking forward to it, too," she said, turning to smile at him. She was excited to take him on the boat ride, but she'd likely see him before then, too.

Fitz found that offer to be an excellent one. Anything he wanted to ask he could? He was smiling brightly when he looked at her again. "That's very kind, Rosie. I'll have to think of some questions now," he teased. He'd come up with something soon enough, he was certain of it. "Are you going to tell Simone we went out tonight?" he asked. "I only wonder if you want to tell her or if I should. I'm not very good at keeping secrets," he admitted.

Rosalind smiled a little when he asked about Simone. "Is that the question you came up with, or should I expect those later?" she teased. "I probably will. You can if you'd like. I've talked to her about you before," she admitted. She would probably tell Simone before she'd tell her brothers. She wanted to talk to Nik about it all, but she just hadn't found a good time for it yet. "It's not a secret."

Fitz shrugged a bit, flashing a smile at her. "You should expect them later but this was the question I came up with," he teased back. "Have you now? What have you been saying about me?" he wondered. "Oh, no, if you want to tell her first that would be fine with me. I just wanted to know if you wanted to be the first to mention it," he admitted. He chuckled. "I know it isn't, I only meant it as I'll probably tell her before you had a chance. If I know you want to tell her, I can wait to say anything. I'll tell Wren instead," he smiled.

Rosalind laughed a little and nodded. "Okay," she said playfully. "I have. I've mentioned that I find you attractive. She thinks it's great," she said with a small laugh. "Again, I don't mind. If you see her before I do, you're welcome to bring it up," she said with a grin. She laughed and shook her head. "No, you don't have to not tell her when you see her. You can tell her," she said honestly.

Fitz wished Simone had told him about that. He knew she wasn't the type to do something like that but still, it might have resulted in him asking Rosie out sooner. "I'm not surprised," he smiled. "She has good taste then." He nodded a bit, certain that he'd see Simone first. "I'll tell her when I see her then," he said. He squeezed her hand a bit as he glanced around. "Which way should we go next?"

Rosalind liked the idea of dating Fitz and being friends with Simone and Simone dating Dom. How cute. She didn't like the idea of any of them breaking up, but she and Simone would stay friends if that happened. "You should," she said with a smile. She shrugged a little. "Whichever way you want, if you have a preference. Or we could turn back."

Fitz liked knowing that his sister wasn't bothered by the idea of him dating her best friend. He would have understood if she wasn't and he would have backed off. He was thrilled that he didn't have to. "I will," he grinned. He looked around a bit more before shrugging. "Let's keep going this way," he suggested. "Seeing as we can always apparate ourselves home from wherever we are," he smiled.

Rosalind thought that was a good idea. She knew they'd have to duck before they could apparate, but that didn't mean it wouldn't be simple enough. "Have I ever told you about the time Dom dated a muggle?" she asked curiously. She realized that was sort of odd date conversation, but she remembered being in this area once before with them.

Fitz thought about that for moment before shaking his head. "No, I don't think I know this story," he realized with a chuckle. "That makes a lot of sense. He seems more of the type to date one," he admitted. It seemed more likely that he'd date one than Nik but that was life, he supposed. Not everything made sense. "You have to tell me about it now."

Rosalind laughed a little when he did. "It does make sense, doesn't it? I'll be surprised if he doesn't marry a muggle," she said with another laugh. "Well, he was working with this muggleborn witch he met, getting to know more about her life before Hogwarts and magic and all, and she just knew more about the muggle world than he did, even with a muggle mom. And she happened to have a sister who was not a witch, and they dated for a little while."

Fitz chuckled quietly. "I'll be surprised as well," he admitted. "I can envision him with one far more than I can with a witch," he laughed. He found that very interesting. "He met her through a friend? Did she know he was a wizard? Why did they end things?" he wondered. "I'm surprised I haven't heard this story before. I must not be asking the right questions," he chuckled. "Have you ever dated a muggle?"

Rosalind could see both, really. But she did feel like, of all the wizards she knew, he'd be the one to marry a muggle. And yet, right now he was interested in a pureblood, and Nik was dating a muggle. So maybe it really didn't matter when it came down to it. "He did, yeah. She knew, because her sister was a witch, so she knew all about our world," she explained. "I don't know. They just broke up the way most relationships end," she said with a shrug. She laughed a little. "You must not be!" She shook her head. "No. I dated mostly in school, and then I dated a person I knew from work. No muggles. I suppose you haven't either?"

Fitz thought that had to be the easiest way to date a muggle. "Ah, so she already knew about magic from her sister. He didn't have to lie to try and hide it. That makes sense," he hummed. He nodded slightly, though he did wonder if Dom still talked to either of the girls. "So it wasn't a messy break up?" he asked. He was just so intrigued. "I understand. I think with your line of work, it'd be a bit of a challenge." He shook his head. "I have not, no. I didn't really meet many muggles until I was out of school."

Rosalind nodded along. "Yeah, it was really easy. He just got to learn about her life, which he enjoyed, as I'm sure you can imagine," she said with a laugh. She shook her head. "No, not particularly. I think the worst part about it was that he felt a bit weird talking to her sister after that," she said honestly with a soft smile. She nodded. It would be hard. She would manage it, but she didn't even know that she'd have ever really had the chance to meet a muggle. She usually stayed on the wizarding side of the bar anyway. "It would. I don't really talk to many muggles anyway, honestly," she admitted. "I didn't really, either. Except my family, but I don't feel like that counts," she said with a laugh.

Fitz could definitely imagine that. It seemed like a dream for Dom. "He probably learned a lot from her," he mused. "Is he still friends with the sister?" he asked curiously. "Or was it too weird to talk to her even now? How long ago was this?" he frowned, realizing he wasn't sure. He tried to think back to the first time he'd met a muggle and found himself drawing up a blank. It must have been at a muggle shop he wasn't meant to be at. "I think I've spoken to more since coming here than I ever did in all my years in France."

Rosalind nodded. She remembered him coming to her with all kinds of crazy information. "Oh yeah, a lot," she said honestly. "I don't think so. It was weird, and I think they'd mostly stopped working together anyway. It was, well it was pretty soon after Dom finished school, so it's probably been at least eight years now," she said and then shrugged. "I'm not entirely sure," she admitted. She watched as he thought, glancing at him a few times. "I believe that. Especially with Nik's bar," she said with a smile. Based on the stories she'd heard from both him and Simone, and what she knew of Wren's family, she wasn't surprised.

Fitz hummed thoughtfully. It was strange at times to realize how much information about his friends there was that he didn't know. That was one of the main reasons why he had so many questions. He hadn't been a part of the group for very long, he had so much to catch up on. "Eight years. That's a long time." He nodded a bit, aiming a smile at her. "I've learned a lot from the bar. I never knew muggles were so fascinating," he admitted. He thought for a moment, breathing in the fresh air. "Let's switch the subject to you. If you weren't an auror, what would you be doing?"

Rosalind nodded along. It was a long long time ago. It wasn't something she even thought of really. "It is," she said honestly. She nodded in agreement. "They are quite fascinating, aren't they? I love their world. It's troubled, but so is ours," she said with a shrug. In a lot of ways, they had the same problems, just in different lights. She laughed a little at his question and shook her head. "I honestly don't know. Teaching? Maybe I'd own a store. Maybe I'd be playing quidditch. I don't know. Maybe I'd be working in the muggle world," she shrugged. "What about you? What would you be doing if you weren't a journalist?"

Fitz nodded again. He wondered why so many people he'd grown up around had been so reluctant and against muggles. They were simply people. People without magic. "I love their world too. I love exploring it. I feel like I'm learning so much. People are so kind," he said, his smile easy. He listened intently as she went on about her options, spending a few moments picturing her in each scenario. The only one he could really see was quidditch. Or even perhaps a store. "I could see you as a quidditch player! Maybe we would have met sooner," he smiled. "What kind of store?" When the question was parroted to him he frowned, thinking deeply. "I'd probably still be in Paris. I'm certain my parents would have found something for me, a job in the ministry perhaps. Maybe then they'd be proud of me," he teased.

Rosalind knew not all people were kind, just like not all wizards were kind. But she loved their world anyway. She loved her world anyway, too. A few bad things weren't enough to ruin an entire existence. "There is a lot to learn from them. And they're so interesting," she said honestly. She smiled and shrugged. "I maybe could have done that, but I don't know. It wouldn't have fit just right," she admitted. "I don't know," she said with a laugh. She frowned a little when he spoke, offering him a sad smile. Maybe he was being playful, but it felt sad. "Simone is proud of you."

Fitz wondered what muggles would think of their world. He knew what his parents feared about them but surely not all of them would be afraid of them? Surely some would understand. Otherwise how could there be half bloods? How could the Suttons exist if their mother hadn't understood. "You're sounding like Dominic," he teased gently. "It wouldn't have been right for you. You're doing what you were meant to do. It's obvious to everyone who sees your work," he promised. He shrugged it off with another easy smile. "She is. That's what matters and I'm very proud of her too. That's enough for us, I think."

Rosalind laughed softly when he said that. They were alike, after all. "Well, he isn't wrong. Muggles are interesting. My mum for example. She's the most magical woman I've ever known, and she's as muggle as they come," she said honestly. She wished she knew more about the muggle world, but it was harder to be part of it when you were magical. "I appreciate that," she said with an honest, soft, sweet smile. "The same goes for you, y'know. I think you're the most perfectly suited journalist I've ever known," she said with a smile. "I'm glad that you two can be happy with that. I have to admit, I can't imagine not having my parents support in everything I do."

Fitz liked the way her voice changed when she talked about her mother. It went a bit softer. He'd noticed it with all of the Sutton siblings. They had such a fondness for the woman. It was nice. "She definitely has some magic in her sweets. I don't think any witch or wizard could bake any better," he smiled. He pulled her a bit closer, kissing her on the cheek. "It's probably because there's no question I won't ask," he admitted with a chuckle. "But I do really appreciate that." He stayed quiet for a moment, thinking of what to say. "I had their support until it became apparent I couldn't fly. I had no interest in any other respectable careers. Journalism is a bit beneath the Monet name, especially since it's quidditch. It was different for Simone. That's her story to tell you, though," he told her with a soft smile.

Rosalind laughed a little and nodded. "She does, doesn't she? She's the most incredible baker ever," she said honestly. She smiled when he kissed her cheek. She really liked him. "I think that's it," she said honestly, laughing a little. "You're a wonderful journalist," she added. She frowned a little. She couldn't imagine not support your child over something like flying. "So they wanted you to know how to fly, but don't like quidditch? That seems silly. The whole thing does, honestly. No offense. I just can't imagine not loving my child for something so trivial. You don't deserve that," she said honestly. She would never expect Fitz to tell Simone's story.

Fitz smiled with a nod. "She has a real talent. I've never had anything like what she made. I even shared some with Simone, though not many," he admitted with a chuckle. "I'd like to go visit her again someday." He turned to her with a smile. "Well, thank you. I do appreciate it. I always wonder if anyone even reads my articles," he admitted. "But I have such fun writing them." He shook his head a bit, trying to figure out how to explain it. "They wanted me to be able to play quidditch. Writing about it, to them, is an admission of defeat," he shrugged. "It's alright. Family is more than blood. Family is the people who you can rely on. The ones who always have your back. I found my family in London."

Rosalind grinned when he said he even shared with Simone. "I'm glad you both like her so baked goods so much. I'd be happy to take you again sometime soon," she said with a smile. She laughed when he said he wondered if people read his articles. "Well I do. I can't say for sure if anyone else does, but I do," she said honestly. She thought that was a strange thing. "Well, I think writing is wonderful. It's better than quidditch, in a lot of ways, if you ask me," she said with a smile. "I'm glad you're here."

Fitz smiled brightly. "I'd be thrilled to return. I'll pick up some more flowers for your mother. She's such a bright and kind woman," he said with a smile. He glanced at her, giving her a gentle nudge. "I appreciate you taking the time to read them. It means a lot to me," he promised. He knew his family life was far different from what she was used to and talking about it could be a bit dark and hard to understand. "I enjoy it. I get to see most teams play which is quite the perk," he grinned. "I'm glad I'm here too. I'm glad I'm with you."

Rosalind smiled at him. He was so kind. She loved that he liked her mum so much. "She'll very much appreciate that," she said honestly. "She is. I quite adore her," she said with a small laugh. "Why wouldn't I? You're a talented writer. And I need to know what's going on. Though I like it better when you tell me directly," she admitted. She nodded. Getting to watch games and meet players was quite a perk. "You're very lucky," she smiled. "I'm glad you're here with me, too."

Fitz thought that settled it then. He would pick up flowers for her mother before returning to the bakery. "It's my way of thanking her for her excellent treats," he smiled. "I don't blame you. It seems nice having a mother like her," he admitted. "Well, not everyone wants to read about the teams that they don't like. Personally, I prefer writing about my favorite teams so it wouldn't bother me if you skipped some," he admitted with a shrug. "I'll tell you all the news personally then," he promised. He felt lucky. He couldn't play but writing was the next best thing. "There's no place I'd rather be."

Rosalind laughed a little, but shrugged. "I think she'd accept thank you," she said honestly. She nodded a little. "It is. She's everything you could imagine in a mum. Do you want to come to our home for the holidays? I know it's a bit out, but, maybe it might be nice. Simone, too," she suggested. She hoped it didn't sound weird. She thought that made sense. She liked to know everything about everyone though. "I'm a fast reader. I like to be informed," she said honestly. "I look forward to that," she smiled. She stopped walking, turning to him and putting her hand on her face, leaning in and kissing him. She pulled back after a moment and smiled.

Fitz shrugged. "It's better to give a gift. She did give me free sweets. And she did seem to like them so much when I gave them to her the last time," he said with an easy smile. He was a bit surprised by the offer but was delighted. "Truly? I was expecting to just spend it with Simone at the cottage with Eclair. Could we really come? I bet your Christmas is so warm and friendly. It sounds like such a treat." He was so excited, his words were running together a bit, his accent thickening. He had to remind himself to slow down. "I'll tell you before the article comes out and then you can read it," he suggested playfully. The sudden kiss took him by surprise but he leaned into it eagerly, his arms wrapping around her. He cast a quick charm, causing snowflakes to fall around them.

Rosalind thought he was rather sweet. He was more than just polite. He went above and beyond. It was so sweet. "She did like them. She talked about you later. She thinks you're quite charming. She isn't wrong," she said with a slight smirk of a smile. She nodded. "You can be part of the family. My mum never turns down anyone. More people to eat and compliment her," she smiled. "It is warm and friendly. We'd all be so happy to have you," she promised, laughing softly at the way his accent came out. She was so fond. She nodded, laughing a little. "I'll get the inside scoop before I buy it," she said. She moved her arms around his neck, holding onto him. She pulled back for a moment when she noticed the snow. "You did that, didn't you?" she said, a soft smile on her face. She nearly giggled as she leaned back in and kissed him again, the sound bleeding into his mouth.

Fitz was pleased to hear that. Delighted, even. "Did she? Oh, she's too kind. She's the charming one with her bakery and giving free treats to friends of her daughter," he smiled at her. He couldn't believe she'd made such a nice offer for him to spend the holiday with her family. "We would love to come. Is there anything I can bring? Gifts, of course I'll bring gifts, but you'll have to help me shop for your parents. I assume they wouldn't like the same gifts my parents do," he chuckled. He smiled at her charmingly. "You will. You'll be the first to know." He kissed her tenderly, not wanting it to be too much. He liked the soft, romantic atmosphere and the snow had added to it. "I did," he admitted with a smile. He leaned into the kiss, pulling her tight against him.

Rosalind found it rather ironic that he thought she was the charming one when he was the most charming person she'd ever met. "She is charming, but not like you," she promised. She nodded along, smiling at how excited he was. "You're welcome to bring gifts. I'll help you find things. You'd really be better off going to a muggle shop for both of them," she admitted. She felt herself smiling into the kiss. He made it snow for her. What a romantic man. She held him close, wrapping herself up in him as they kissed.

Fitz disagreed. He didn't really find himself all that charming. Her mum, though, had been quite the charming woman. And that charm had been passed down to Rosie, that was for sure. "Of course I'll bring gifts! We'll go shopping together. I'm glad that we have some time before Christmas so I can really think about it. We'll go to every muggle shop in the city!" he exclaimed excitedly. He held her close, kissing her softly and gently but with as much passion as he could muster. He pulled back a little, brushing some snow from her hair.

Rosalind smiled fondly, watching his face as he spoke. She loved how full of expressions he was. He was so excited. And he really went all out. Every muggle shop in the city. He clearly had no idea how many there were. "We can sure try to go to all of them. We'll shop together, though, for sure," she agreed. She liked how warm she felt in his arms. She liked that muggles would be so surprised by the snow, but she knew what it was. She liked the way he held her, and touched her so softly. She could feel his affection, and not because she was reading it. She pulled back when he did, opening her eyes and looking up at him. "You're quite the romantic," she said quietly, smiling at him.

Fitz couldn't wait to get started. He'd have to make a list of everyone he needed gifts for. He'd probably consult both Rosie and Simone about that. "I wish it was Christmas already. I'd gladly skip over my birthday just to get to the holidays," he admitted with a grin. "I almost want to shop now." He held her close, not really caring if he'd caused a scene or not with the snow. He wasn't sure anyone else had even noticed. It felt like the two of them were the only people in the world at this moment. "I thought you deserved some snow. Just a little dusting. A kiss of snow," he murmured, leaning down to press his lips to hers once more.

Rosalind laughed joyfully at how excited he was. He was adorable. She enjoyed him so much. "Your birthday? When is your birthday? I haven't heard of this!" she said with a smile. She laughed again, shaking her head. "You can if you'd like, but you'd probably get excited and give the gifts away early," she teased. No one had ever made her feel this way. It was incredible. She could really lose herself in him. What a freeing feeling. She grinned at his pun, leaning in to kiss him again.

Fitz shrugged slightly. "I didn't want to make a big deal about it. It's my first one without my family, minus Simone. And Wren's is first," he shrugged. "And I don't know that Simone wants any celebration. It's October the twenty-first," he told her. "Maybe you can talk to her and see what she wants to do," he suggested. Simone loved Rosalind. If she brought up a party, his twin might go for it. "I probably would," he admitted. "I just want to hand all of the gifts out." He kissed her again, making the snow stop so muggles didn't get confused.

Rosalind smiled sweetly at him. "I would like to do something for it, even if it's just the two of us," she admitted. "Yeah we all know about Wren, his party is planned, don't worry," she teased. She made a mental note anyway. "I'll talk to her. Maybe she'll be down if I insist," she said with a smile. She thought it'd be nice for the two of them to have something. She thought it must be sort of fun, sharing a birthday like that. "I know you would," she said with a small laugh. She kissed him back, pulling away. "This has been the best first date ever."

Fitz found that sweet and he leaned down to kiss her on the head. "We can do something just the two of us," he promised. "Oh? Is it a surprise? Is that why I didn't get told?" he teased. He smiled at her. "I'm certain she would. Likely something small, just the group. Maybe Anastasia as well," he mused. He hoped she could convince Simone to have a party even if it was small. "I want to give out gifts all the time," he admitted. He kissed her one last time before pulling away. "I completely agree."

Rosalind closed her eyes when he kissed her head. She liked him a lot. Even more than she knew. "That sounds lovely," she admitted. "Yeah, it is," she teased. "It's not a hue deal, though," she said honestly. She smiled a bit, nodding a little. "How else were we gonna do it?" she teased. She was excited to do something for the two of them. Of all the people she knew, they really deserved it. "You're sweet like that," she admitted. She smiled when he pulled away. "I should probably go home soon."

Fitz laughed when she said it was, in fact, a surprise. "Best not to tell me then," he grinned at her. "I hope things go exactly to plan, then," he smiled. He shrugged a bit. "I'd say invite her friends from work but I don't know how close she is to any of them," he admitted. "She doesn't talk about them much. I think she'd prefer it just be us," he explained. He shrugged it off with a smile. "It's not that big of a deal." He nodded a bit. "Should I walk you or apparate you?" he asked her.

Rosalind laughed a little and nodded. "Yeah, you're right about that," she said playfully. She was planning on only having it be them. She wasn't even necessarily going to invite everyone, but she would. She thought it'd be nice for Simone to see that they all cared about her and liked her. And Fitz, too. But she'd make it more about Simone than Fitz, honestly. He would like it that way, she thought. "Don't worry. I'll talk to Nik and get the whole thing worked out," she smiled. "You're just a nice person, Fitz. Admit it," she smiled. She thought for a moment but shrugged. "Apparating would probably be better. We're sort of far out. But not right to my door," she said with a smile.

Fitz liked the idea of them having a birthday party. He wasn't even sure the last time he'd enjoyed his birthday. It had to have been at school, he realized. "Nothing formal. Just the group at the bar. Simone can't say no to that," he smiled. "I think it'll be the best birthday she's had in a long time." It felt like he shouldn't have said that so he quickly moved on and changed the subject. "I never said that I wasn't!" he laughed. "I just like seeing other people happy. I've already started my Christmas shopping," he told her. "And I've had Wren's present for weeks! It's killing me to not give it to him now." He nodded a bit and tugged her into an alley. He apparated them back to the bar, knowing she lived relatively close. "How's this?"

Rosalind nodded along, making mental notes. She'd remember. "Noted," she smiled at him. She smiled a bit wider at that, but didn't say anything. She'd be thrilled to give Simone such a great celebration. She grinned a bit at him, but shrugged a shoulder. "I suppose that's technically true," she teased. She wasn't surprised by that, but she did find it pretty amazing. "Wow, how very organized of you. I don't have much even planned, let alone purchased," she said with a laugh. "Well, what did you get him then?" she asked curiously, smiling at him. She held onto him as he apparated back, smiling as they arrived. "Perfect." She was glad this had gone so well.

Fitz laughed quietly. "I just like buying presents. I see something I think someone will like and I buy it for them. I might have too many gifts for everyone for Christmas." He let out a thoughtful hum, considering her. "I don't know if I can trust you to keep a secret," he teased her gently with a nudge. He started walking with her towards her place, glancing at the bar as they passed it and wondering if any of their friends were inside. "Thank you for accompanying me out tonight."

Rosalind smiled fondly. He was so sweet, so kind. She was so glad their group had adopted him. He deserved good things and kind people and he was just wonderful. "Giving feels good, doesn't it?" she said with a smile. She laughed a bit, raising her eyebrows at him. "Fitz! I would never tell your secrets!" she laughed. She thought it was wild how in such a short time, they'd gone from friends, to a little bit more. It was kind of nice. "Thank you for inviting me out tonight."

Fitz nodded sincerely. "It really does. I've always liked giving gifts. It drove my parents crazy when they'd send me money and I'd spend it on other people," he admitted. "But I never needed much. I spent most of my money for myself on quills. I have a tendency to lose them." He shrugged a little bit and gave her an easy smile. "What if you copy my gift and give it to him first?" he teased her. He gave her a little squeeze and smiled. "I'd been wanting to for a while. I just didn't think you'd say yes."

Rosalind frowned a bit at that, finding it sort of odd. "What does it matter what you choose to the spend the money on?" she asked. "That doesn't surprise me," she said with a small laugh. "You should keep one behind your ear. You won't lose it then," she teased. She laughed, shaking her head. "Why would I steal your gift idea!" she laughed. She smiled to herself at the squeeze, leaning into him a bit. "You have? That's so funny. I've wanted you to ask me for a while."

Fitz shrugged slightly. "My parents are very particular people. They didn't approve of many of my friends and didn't like me spending money on them. I always figured, once the money was in my hands it no longer meant they had any say in how I used it," he explained. He never let them get to him. "I'm sure I'd find a way," he winked. "Because it's a great gift idea! It might be the best I've ever chosen for him," he said proudly. He held her closer when she leaned in. "It seems we were wasting time not doing this sooner."

Rosalind laughed a bit. "They'd hate that you're on a date with me now then," she said honestly. She hoped that wasn't playing any part in why he was with her tonight. "I think you're right though. They gave the money to you to spend as you saw fit, and you did," she said with a shrug. She laughed, smiling fondly at his wink. "Alright, alright. I'll just have to see when he opens it!" she gave up. She nodded, raising her eyebrows a little. "It does. But nothing to be done now. At least we're finally doing this."

Fitz didn't care about that. "They'd hate that the only pureblood I hang out with is Wren. Surprisingly, they still adore him. I suppose his profession wasn't that much of a disappointment to them. I've scorned them pretty badly, though." He shrugged. "You all have become my family. Friends are the family we choose anyway, right?" he smiled. He laughed a bit. "You'll be impressed by how great of a gift it is," he teased. He rubbed her arm and leaned down and kissed her cheek. "The timing is perfect, I think anyway."

Rosalind found that a bit odd. Wren had been not very pureblood like for a while now. "They probably just don't hold him to the standards they hold you to," she said with a shrug. "Exactly," she smiled. She laughed and nodded. "I'm sure I will be," she said honestly. She smiled at the kiss on her cheek. She liked him so much. She nodded in agreement. "I think so, too," she agreed. She couldn't believe she'd had a crush on him for almost a whole year and now they were on a date.

Fitz wasn't sure. He didn't think it was that big of a deal in the end. He'd long since stopped caring what his parents thought of him. Especially after what Simone had been through. "Perhaps," he shrugged. He was really looking forward to Wren's party, and the one for him and Simone shortly after. "It's an excellent gift. No one else will have picked out a better one," he grinned. He held her close to him as they walked, just enjoying having her with him. "I'm glad it's happening now."

Rosalind shrugged a bit at that, smiling over at him. "I don't know. I bet Dot could have. They have been spending an awful lot of time together," she teased. She liked the way he held her close as they walked. It was so nice. No one had really touched her like this in such a long time, it was so refreshing, and so different than it had been the last time someone had held her close. "Me, too," she agreed.

Fitz brushed that off. "Well, everyone has been pairing up recently. You and I, Simone and Dom, Nik has Ana. It makes sense they're doing the same. I asked Wren about it, anyway, after I caught him kissing her and he said it was just out of excitement. I don't think anything is going on between them," he admitted. "But let's not waste the rest of our night gossiping. And you do know how much I love gossiping." He rubbed the side of her arm, taking a deep breath of the fresh air. He knew they'd have to say goodnight soon and he wasn't looking forward to it. "When shall we go on our boat date?"

Rosalind wasn't sure about that. It really felt like they were together all the time, but maybe she was wrong. She wasn't always around, anyway, and she didn't pay that much attention. "I suppose not," she said with a smile. She laughed a little and nodded. "No more gossiping," she agreed. She walked with him, slowing down as she saw her building ahead of her. "Whenever we're both free?" she suggested.

Fitz wanted to focus the last few minutes he had with her completely on her. He didn't know if he'd bump into her tomorrow or not and he wanted to get his fill just in case. Besides, this was their first date. They could gossip the next time they saw each other. Right now, the main thing on his mind was getting his lips on hers again. "Perfect plan," he teased. "This weekend, perhaps? Are you free at all?" he asked. He turned to kiss her temple just because he could.

Rosalind thought it over, trying to picture what her calendar looked like. She thought she would be free. "I think I will be, yes," she said with a smile. "This weekend sounds good to me if you have the time, then," she added. She was very excited about going on their little boat date. It would be fun and she was going to enjoy showing him some muggle things.

Fitz waited patiently while she thought. He knew his schedule was a bit more flexible than hers as he could finish his articles at any time. He had deadlines, of course, and he also had interviews that were scheduled but other than that? His time was his own. "I have the time. No interviews to conduct. Besides, I'm ahead on my articles for next week's issue anyway," he promised. "I already can't wait to see you again," he admitted with a boyish grin.

Rosalind smiled at him, the smile having a hint of a half smirk in it. "Look at you, working ahead," she said playfully. "Proud of you," she said with a grin. She smiled, a bit more bashfully this time. "Me neither. Though I'm sure I'll see you before at the bar, or for lunch, if you still want to do that," she said with a smile. It wasn't the same as a date, but she looked forward to it anyway.

Fitz let out a delightful chuckle. "Well, I like to stay on top of things. That way if there's something spontaneous I'd like to do, I don't have to worry about falling behind. I was that way in school, too," he admitted. "I'm glad to know you're proud of me," he grinned, though the words were genuine. "We'll definitely see each other before. I can't imagine not. Plus, I'll take any excuse to see your smile. I'm quite hooked on it."

Rosalind laughed a bit. "How responsible of you. I was like that in school, and I suppose I am now, but I don't really work ahead," she admitted. "Of course I am," she said playfully, smiling at him. She laughed a bit, feeling sort of bashful. "I'm sure we will. I'd be happy to get lunch with you and allow you the opportunity to see my smile," she teased lightly.

Fitz smiled at her. "As long as you stay on top of things, there's no problem in not working ahead. Getting behind is what you have to watch out for," he winked. He'd have to think of somewhere for them to go or maybe they'd just wander around for a while until they found something. "Lunch it is. Don't be surprised if I drop by your office tomorrow or the next day, then," he said playfully. He really just wanted to spend most of his time with her. It was quickly becoming his favorite thing.

Rosalind thought he was right about that. It was sort of hard to work ahead on her work now, anyway. "Oh, I never get behind," she said with a half grin, half smirk. She smiled fondly and shook her head. "I promise I won't be surprised," she smiled. She was sort of excited. And she admittedly kind of liked that he stopped by at her work and after he left she got to talk about him a little. She stopped when they got to her door. "I guess I have to say goodnight now."

Fitz had a feeling she was the type to stay on schedule. She was put together like that. He doubted she'd ever been late to anything in her life. "I can't wait already," he told her. He felt his smile fall when they reached her place. He knew the night had to come to an end but that didn't mean he was pleased about it. "I suppose you do," he agreed. "I'd like to kiss you goodnight, though," he told her with a half smile.

Rosalind couldn't wait either, honestly. Since she'd started to let her feelings for him out and not bottle them up, it was sort of hard to not think of him all the time and be excited nonstop. "Me neither," she smiled. She could tell he was disappointed they were at her place, and she was too, so she couldn't blame him. "I would like it if you kissed me goodnight," she said with a soft smile.

Fitz stepped closer to her when she spoke. He loved how delicate her smile was. His hand moved to her cheek and his thumb brushed over that smile gently. Then he leaned down to press a soft, sweet kiss to her mouth. The whole night had been so seamless. They'd skipped the awkwardness that typically happened when moving a friendship into something more. He was thrilled about it.

Rosalind felt her eyes flutter shut when his hand moved to her face, the ever so soft smile still present on her lips. She kissed him back, moving a hand instinctively to his side, holding him close as she kissed him. What a night tonight had been. She kept kissing him for a moment longer than he had probably intended before pulling away reluctantly. "Thank you. I had a wonderful time," she smiled. She leaned in and pecked his lips once more. "Goodnight, Fitz."

Fitz reveled in her every response to him. This was a perfect goodnight kiss, he thought. Their first date had been perfect too. That had to mean something, he thought. He held her close to him as they kissed, just as reluctant as she was to pull away. When they finally did, he smiled. "I had a wonderful time too," he promised. "Goodnight, Rosie." He took a step backwards, watching her still to make sure she made it inside.

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rosalindsutton · 6 years ago

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nikolaisutton‌:

Nik let out a laugh. “No, she didn’t tell me that herself. I just was wondering the same thing myself as I left the bakery. Those were the only two logical reasons I came up with. I’m a Gryffindor, leave me alone,” he grinned. He took another bite of his pasta before sipping at the wine. He nearly spit it right out when Rosie said Fitz randomly kissed her neck but he managed to swallow and then cough a bit. “That was a lot of information thrown at me at once,” he managed. “Hold on. He kissed you while you were flying and then you went on a date? Are you two a couple now? Why am I always the last to know these things?” he asked.

Rosie gave him a look, rolling her eyes at him. “I’m not saying you shouldn’t tell her, but I doubt that’s why mum told you you should tell her sooner rather than later. I think it’s more of a, if you don’t tell her sooner, and then you do tell her, she might get mad or something. When did dad tell mum?” she said, thinking out loud mostly. She looked at him with concern. “You okay?” she checked. She widened her eyes and nodded. “I know. Isn’t he insane?” she said. She shrugged a little. “I don’t know if we are or not. I don’t think we are. No, we definitely are not. I’ve only told one person before you! Last to know. What are you on about?”

#gc: nik #she's not angry #the gif looks it but she isn't lol #gc #nikosie1

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rosalindsutton · 6 years ago

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nikolaisutton‌:

Nik shrugged a bit, taking a sip of his wine. “That’s what I thought,” he teased. He took a bite of the pasta and smiled. “Very good. I’m impressed.” He thought for a moment before rolling his eyes. “Not sure. I think it’s probably so she doesn’t get excited about the girl I’ve brought around only to have her disappear. Or maybe it’s as a way of making sure I actually do tell Ana the truth,” he shook his head but he was smiling. “What about you? What’s going on with Fitz?”

Rosie didn’t really know why her food wouldn’t be good, but she smiled anyway. “Thank you,” she said, mildly sarcastically. That seemed a bit silly to her. “Mum told you that herself? I thought you were just deciding that on your own. She must be trying to make you tell her the truth,” she said with a laugh. That was the only thing that made sense to her. “I don’t really know, honestly. He kissed my neck one day while I was trying to teach him how to fly, and then we went on a date. It’s interesting.”

#nikosie1 #gc

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rosalindsutton · 6 years ago

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nikolaisutton‌:

Nik moved to the table with the bottle of wine in his hand. “How dare you imply that I would show up without your favorite wine?” he countered in the same tone. He poured the glasses full of wine before taking a seat. “I did. I told her all about my muggle girlfriend.” He smiled fondly with the words. “She reckons I should tell her sooner rather than later about the magic and that as soon as I do I ought to bring her to the bakery.”

Rosie made a face before letting out a huff. “Alright, that’s fair,” she conceded. She took a seat as he poured the wine, trying a bite of the food as he talked. He was so excited about Ana, it was adorable. “Well she’s not wrong. Why do you have to wait until after you tell her to bring her to the bakery, though? Mum’s not magic,” she laughed.

#nikosie1 #gc

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rosalindsutton · 6 years ago

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nikolaisutton‌:

“This isn’t new information, Rosie,” he teased her. He walked into the kitchen fully, the bottle of wine tucked into his arm. “I brought your favorite wine, yes. I only hope that you’re cooking the right pasta to pair it with.” He set it down on the counter, popping the cork out with magic. “I’m doing alright. How are you?” he asked.

“You’re telling me,” she said sarcastically. She glanced at him, giving him a scoff. “How dare you imply I wouldn’t make food that pairs properly with wine,” she said playfully. She moved the plates to the table as she got the glasses out for the wine. “Good, good. Did you talk to mum about Ana?”

#nikosie1 #gc

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rosalindsutton · 6 years ago

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nikolaisutton‌:

Nik was really looking forward to seeing Rosie. He felt like they had a lot to talk about and he wasn’t even sure where to begin. He just wanted to tell her everything about Ana and his relationship. He stepped through the fireplace after using the floo and rolled his eyes at the question. “No, I brought the one you don’t like,” he joked as he walked in.

Rosie rolled her eyes when she heard his voice. “You’re a pain,” she said, going back to her cooking. “I meant did you bring that one that’s my favorite,” she said, fixing her question. She liked quite a few wines, but he had one at the bar that was the best. “How are you? Other than annoying,” she said, putting food on a plate.

#nikosie1 #gc

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rosalindsutton · 7 years ago

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Honestly, Rosie loved spending one on one time with her family, but she really loved spending one on one time with Nik. He was just one of her best friends. She was nearly done with the pasta when she heard him come in. “Did you bring that wine I like?” she called from the kitchen.

#nikosie1 #gc

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rosalindsutton · 7 years ago

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apologies and new feelings | ritz ft. anolai

fitz and rosalind say sorry. they meet ana. fitz asks rosie on a date.

Rosalind still felt bad for losing control with Fitz before. He really stressed her out a ridiculous amount. She had managed to compose herself shortly after he left, and now knew she had to make a bigger effort to keep herself composed when she was around him. She realized that him thinking about her like that could mean he maybe liked her, too, but she was pretty sure he had just gotten wrapped up in the moment. She wanted to keep spending time with him, though, as she'd grown to really enjoy his company. She had a sneaking suspicion he'd be at the bar, so she apparated there to look around for him. She found him at a table and went to sit with him. "This seat taken?" she asked with a smile.

Fitz didn't really know what to make of what had happened with Rosie. He'd really thought that things were going well. He'd had a feeling that maybe she had more than friendly thoughts for him but once she'd noticed he had them for her she'd sort of shut down. He hadn't meant to be so inappropriate but in his defense, he was only thinking about it. She wouldn't have known if she hadn't looked into his head. He let out a sigh as he sat at the bar, swirling his drink in his glass before taking a sip. He'd been people watching for the most part as he waited for Dom's shift to start. Rosie appearing took him by surprise, though. "Hm? Oh, no it's not. You can sit if you'd like."

Rosalind could tell she surprised him, but slid into the seat next to him anyway. "Thank you," she smiled. "Are you watching muggles again, or are you here for something else?" she asked curiously. She needed to go get herself a drink in a moment, but for the time being, the two of them could just chat. She hoped he wasn't too upset or bothered or irritated with her.

Fitz hadn't thought Rosie would want to sit with him after the way things had ended the last time they'd seen each other. "I'm watching muggles for the most part. I was actually playing a game of deciding who was a muggle and who wasn't. It's surprisingly easy. If they don't have one of those phones, they're likely a wizard," he explained with a smile. "And I was waiting for Dom's shift to start but I don't actually know if he's working tonight."

Rosalind laughed quietly. "What a funny give away. Sometimes I feel like we're behind them, but I don't know I actually want one of those phones. They just seem so into them," she said with a shrug and a smile. She nodded a bit, trying to remember if he was supposed to be in tonight. "I'm not sure. I think he maybe is? But maybe later," she said, though she honestly wasn't sure.

Fitz didn't think he'd be able to understand a phone very well at all. They seemed too small to be so complex. "They don't make much sense. Dom has tried explaining them and I saw that Nik has one now but I don't want one," he agreed with her. "It seems to take up all of their time. Even when they're sitting with someone else, they're never really looking at each other. Just the phones. What kind of a life is that?" he wondered. "Oh well. If I don't see him tonight I'll see him tomorrow, I'm sure. He's easy to find."

Rosalind had to agree with that. She knew that magic things could be consuming, too, but she didn't think it was the same. "It's a bit complicated, honestly. I don't know. I mean, they obviously like them, and find use for them too, but I feel like I'm okay without one," she said with a shrug and a smile. "I don't know," she added, looking over him for a moment. She couldn't imagine hanging out with him and not admiring his beautiful face. "That he is. Have you been busy?"

Fitz still thought they seemed a bit superfluous. Maybe if he understood them better he would want one but he wasn't sure. He didn't like the idea of looking at a little box all day long. "I think if we've made it this long without use for one then we definitely don't need to convert to them," he smiled. He liked having conversations face to face, anyway. Or at least with letters which seemed personal. "Oh, no more so than usual. I've just been working," he explained. "And yourself?"

Rosalind agreed there, too. She was sure that there was use for new things, and maybe overtime they would get worked into wizard society, but for the time being, she just didn't need it. "I agree," she smiled. "The same, mostly. I visited my mum recently, which was nice. Not at her work, too," she added with a chuckle. "I feel like I rarely see her at home, anymore, which is a shame, because I love that place."

Fitz thought that was interesting. He smiled at her as she spoke, really taking her in. Things had changed recently in how he felt about her. He'd thought they'd changed for her as well, that she felt something for him, but with her reaction the other day still fresh in his mind he was unsure. "You should go home and visit her more often. I'm sure she'd enjoy that. And you would as well. It must have been nice to see where you grew up," he said with a smile.

Rosalind nodded in agreement. She really should. "I know. I think I mean to, but then she's so much closer here in town," she laughed a bit. "But when I go home she makes me tea and it's somehow different," she said with another laugh. She got to walk around and go in her old room, which was all lovely, too. "Plus, she has a lovely garden, and she always sends me home with things, even though I have one, too," she added.

Fitz figured that made sense. "And you get the pastries when you visit her at the bakery," he said with a smile. "That must be a bonus to visit her there if I've ever heard one." He wondered what it'd be like if he went home for a visit. He doubted he'd get a cup of tea. "It sounds like you had a lovely visit with her. I quite like your mother, she was very kind to me," he said with a smile. "What did she give you today?" he asked curiously.

Rosalind laughed quietly and nodded. "I do. She likes to spoil us," she said honestly. She nodded along. It was a lovely visit. She had a wonderful time chatting with her mum. "My mum quite likes you. She's kind to you because you're great," she smiled. "She gave me a flower and some carrots," she said with a small smile. "Most of the good food is out of season now," she said with a laugh.

Fitz smiled at her when she laughed. He grew fonder of the sound every day. "That's sweet of her." His words were genuine. He chuckled a bit and shrugged a shoulder. "I'm glad she likes me. That's all I wanted," he admitted. He'd been a bit nervous that she wouldn't. "What kind of flower did she give you?" He hummed thoughtfully, having not known that. "That makes sense. Do you like carrots?"

Rosalind nodded, still smiling about her mum. "She's a rather sweet lady," she agreed. "Honest, why wouldn't she like you?" she asked with a small laugh. He was a likable person, and it wasn't particularly common that her mum disliked someone. "It's called a Little Carlow. It's pretty and purple," she said with a smile. "Well, yeah. But they aren't nearly as good as strawberries," she chuckled.

Fitz liked the idea of Rosie's family as a whole. He liked how much they loved and cared for each other. It was a different kind of magic, one he didn't think he'd ever understand. "Not everyone likes me," he teased with a grin. "Little Carlow," he repeated. "It sounds pretty." He chuckled a little bit when she said carrots weren't as good as strawberries. "Vegetables often aren't as good as fruit," he agreed. "But you could make a stew or something."

Rosalind shrugged, still smiling. She took a small sip from her glass. "I can't think of a reason not to like you," she said honestly. "It's nice. Very simple and cute," she added with another smile. She laughed quietly when he did. "It's a shame, really," she laughed. She nodded a bit. "Yeah, I probably will. They also make for a nice, easy snack. Well, I cut them small, and then they do," she added.

Fitz rested his chin on his hand as he looked at her. "I can think of a few," he mused. "I'd like to see it sometime if that's alright," he smiled. He still wasn't sure where they stood after their last encounter. "Oh, sure. They do make a nice snack," he agreed. "You could take them to work with you for lunch," he suggested. He paused for a moment, considering her. "Rosalind... are you upset with me?"

Rosalind honestly couldn't think of a single one. Maybe that he stressed her out and made her stomach ache, but that was hardly his fault. Anyway, she sort of liked the butterflies. "Sure, yeah. I can show you my whole little garden," she smiled. She liked doing that. It was easy to just eat them and not really think. "Good idea," she smiled. She frowned a bit in concern when he used her full name, frowning further at his question. "No, not at all. Why?"

Fitz thought that sounded nice. He'd like to see her garden as he thought it would offer more insight into her as a person. He liked learning about her. He wanted to know everything and he thought knowing the plants she kept would tell him something. "I'd like that." He shrugged a bit, suddenly a bit unsure and looked down at his glass that had been empty for some time now. "I was out of line the other day and I feel like I've upset you. It wasn't my intent. I apologize."

Rosalind felt all flustered again, but waved a hand and smiled. "It's okay. Don't worry about it. I was way out of line, myself, and you didn't upset me. Overwhelm me, yes, but not upset me," she said with a smile. "I'm really, sorry, too," she added. She felt bad that he thought she was upset with him, but she understood how he had reached that conclusion. She had had a pretty big reaction.

Fitz wasn't quite sure if he believed her or not. He knew he shouldn't have overstepped his boundaries the way that he had but he simply had been unable to contain himself. He was drawn to her in a way he couldn't explain. "It was my fault," he insisted. "I tend to not think before I act. Though, really, my thinking got me in trouble this time," he admitted sheepishly. "You have nothing to apologize for. I'm truly sorry for what I did. I shouldn't have done it."

Rosalind blushed a bit, but smiled at him. "It's okay. You caught me off guard, and it threw off my focus. That's all. I shouldn't have reacted the way I did," she said honestly. "It's really okay Fitz. I promise," she said with a smile. She finished off her drink, setting it down. "Do you want another one? I'm going to go get another one," she said honestly.

Fitz still felt bad about the whole thing. He didn't want to make her uncomfortable in any way. He just wanted... well, he wasn't entirely sure. "I'm sorry I made you uncomfortable," he said quietly. "Your reaction was justified." He nodded a bit when she seemed okay with it but he still was a bit nervous. "Oh, sure. I could use another drink," he said with a smile.

Rosalind shook her head a bit. She hadn't really been uncomfortable, just flustered. She didn't really know how to explain it to him without just spilling everything. "Don't worry about it, okay?" she promised. "I'll go get you one, too," she said, smiling at him. She stood up, grabbing both of their glasses. As she walked away, she put the image of her kissing him in his head. Hopefully that could better explain what she meant, since her words were failing her.

Fitz nodded a bit. He'd trust her at her word. He didn't think she'd lie to him. At least, he sincerely hoped that she wouldn't. And in any case, she could stand up for herself if he did make her uncomfortable. "Okay," he agreed. "Thank you, love," he smiled. He watched her walking away when suddenly he could clearly see himself kissing her. The image took his breath away and he treasured it for a fleeting moment before it was gone. Now he wanted more than ever to know what it felt like to kiss her.

Rosalind smiled and nodded. "Of course," she smiled. She got his drink, and a new one for herself, and took a sip before she carried them back to their table. She set his down, then set her own down. She hoped he understood that she hadn't been upset with him now. She just didn't know how to say things to him. She was pretty sure she could never get the words out to tell him she liked him so much. She was still waiting for it to just go away, honestly. "So, any plans for the rest of your week?"

Fitz took his drink when she set it down. His mind was whirling with thoughts and he kept an interested look on his face. For once, he found himself at a loss for what to say. He just watched her for a minute before her question registered with him. "Pardon? Oh, the usual. Work mostly." He nodded a bit, taking a sip before realizing he hadn't returned the question. "What about you? Are you busy this week?" He wanted to ask her to do something but for some reason the words weren't coming to him.

Rosalind raised an eyebrow slightly at the way he seemed distracted. She smiled a bit when he spoke again, nodding. "Yeah, work sure is time consuming, isn't it?" she agreed. She smiled a bit and nodded. "Mostly the same. It shouldn't be any busier than usual. I feel like it might be tiring though. I don't know why. Just a vibe I get," she said honestly.

Fitz nodded a bit, though his head was a bit clouded with thoughts. "It is. The season goes into full swing soon and we're profiling the players for England's team for the Cup. I get my assignment tomorrow," he explained. He nodded a bit and took a long sip of his drink. He didn't know why he was so nervous. "Do you want to go to dinner with me then? This week? If it isn't too busy for you?"

Nikolai had been waiting for Anastasia to show up at the bar for a bit. His shift had ended but he'd stuck around the bar for a few minutes, mostly watching Fitz and Rosie talking. They were spending an awful lot of time together. He decided to walk over and say hello, deciding that he could introduce Ana to them once she came in. "Hey guys. What's going on?" he asked with a smile.

Rosalind thought his work was about to pick up an awful lot. She wouldn't see him around as much, she bet. "Oh, that sounds exciting. Any chance you'll get Dot?" she asked with a small smile. She was about to answer him when Nik came over, and she didn't think fast enough to respond to him. Of course she wanted to go to dinner with him. She'd have to find a way to let him know later. "Hey! I thought you'd be long gone by now. What're you still doing here?" she asked, smiling back at him.

Anastasia was running a bit late, or at least, later than she preferred, but she hoped Nik wouldn't be too upset. She stepped into the bar, brushing her ear behind her hair and straightening out her clothes. She looked around, spotting Nik over with two others. The girl looked like she could be his sister. Maybe that was her. She waited for a moment so they could finish whatever they were saying, before going over and putting a hand on Nik's shoulder. "Hey," she smiled.

Fitz shrugged slightly. He wasn't sure. "It's likely I might because I have a friendship with her already. I really hope I can," he smiled. He waited, feeling a twist of nerves in his stomach as he waited for her answer. And then Nikolai appeared. He glanced up at him, fixing his regular smile on his lips. He waited while the two talked but then his attention was on the girl who had appeared beside Nik. "Oh, and who is this?" he asked with a charming grin.

Nikolai grinned at his sister and gave a half shrug. "I decided to stick around a bit. I'm waiting for someone but I thought I'd come and say hi to you two first. You look cozy," he grinned. He looked over when he felt a hand and smiled at Ana, moving his arm to wrap around her waist. "Hello love. This is my sister, Rosalind and our friend Fitz," he told her. "And this is Ana," he answered Fitz's question with a laugh.

Rosalind thought it would be nice if he could work with Dot. That would be nice for the both of them, really. She nodded a bit as he explained. She decided to ignore his comment about them looking cozy. "Just come over to say hi?" she asked with a smile. When Ana joined him, she smiled a bit. Ah, he wasn't just coming over to say hi. She really felt Nikolai deserved the best, and from what she heard, Ana made the mark. "Hi, nice to meet you. I've heard loads about you," she smiled, standing up and giving Ana a half hug.

Anastasia smiled when Nik wrapped an arm around her. She thought his sister and friend looked sweet. She laughed quietly when his friend asked about her. She hugged Ana back. She was sweet. "Pleasure is all mine. I've heard quite a bit about you, as well. Nik speaks fondly of you," she said with a smile. She smiled a bit at Fitz. "I've heard about you, too. I hear you ask a lot of questions," she teased. "You haven't proven Nik wrong yet."

Fitz thought it was nice to see the way Nik slid his arm around this Ana girl. He wasn't quite sure who she was, as he hadn't heard her name before but Rosie seemed to know who she was. "Oh? You've heard about me?" he asked with a smile. "I do ask a lot of questions," he admitted. "It's lovely to meet you, Ana," he said, standing up and reaching out to take her hand and kiss it. "What is it that you do?"

Nikolai shrugged slightly with another grin. He kept his arm around Ana, though he loosened it slightly when she hugged his sister. He watched the way she interacted so seamlessly with his sister and Fitz and thought that there was really something special about her. "Well, she is my favorite sister," he teased. He laughed a bit at Fitz before rolling his eyes. "Alright, knock it off," he said, tugging Ana closer to him and away from Fitz playfully.

Rosalind smiled sweetly at Nik. "Aw, you speak fondly of me. How cute," she grinned. She rolled her eyes when he teased back. "I'm your only sister! Twerp. You're a real pain," she said playfully. She laughed quietly when Nik got all possessive. "Oh yes, what do you do?" she asked, though she was pretty sure she already knew. She couldn't believe Nik was dating a muggle. How mum and dad of him.

Anastasia thought it was cute how Nik was with his friends. She sure did like everything about him. "So I've noticed," she teased. "It's lovely to meet you as well, Fitz," she smiled. She laughed a bit when he kissed her hand, laughing harder when Nik pulled her closer. "It's just the French in him," she teased Nik. "I'm a dancer. And dance instructor. What do you both do?"

Fitz chuckled a bit at the exchange between the two siblings. He liked their dynamic. They were so fun and playful with each other. It was nice to see. "Ah, see, she gets my charm," he said with a smile. He raised an eyebrow slightly as she spoke about her jobs and then glanced at Rosalind before catching Nik's eye. "Oh, well. I'm a journalist," he said simply. He had a feeling she was a muggle.

Nikolai rolled his eyes slightly at Rosie but he was grinning. "You're still my favorite sister," he grinned. "You're the pain." His grip on Ana stayed firm even with everyone laughing at him. "He's trouble, that Fitz," he teased. He waited while she spoke about her job and gave Rosie a look before shooting it at Fitz, knowing he didn't know about her being a muggle. He only hoped that Fitz picked up on the clues.

Rosalind rolled her eyes, shaking her head. What a pain. "She's much nicer than you," she said playfully. "Oh, that sounds like fun! What kind of dance do you do?" she asked curiously. She already knew she was a muggle, she didn't need the nudge. "I'm a police officer," she said with a small smile. "Do you two have plans for the night or are you just hanging out here?"

Anastasia had really enjoyed everyone she'd been introduced to. She needed to introduce him to her brother. "I do a bit of everything. Lots of ballet. I like the more contemporary sort of stuff, but I don't do that as much," she explained. "What kind of journalism?" she asked curiously. She laughed a little when she said she was a police officer. "Really? You don't strike me as such," she said honestly. "I think we have plans, right?" she asked, turning to Nik a bit.

Fitz found everything about this to be delightful. "Ballet? You do ballet? Is that your favorite form? How long have you been dancing?" he wondered. "Oh just qui," he cut himself off with a cough. "Excuse me. Quick reviews of games, player profiles. Who has the best odds that season." He glanced over at Rosie when she answered and said she was a police officer and picked up his drink to hide a smile. "Oh, leaving so soon?" he asked. "Oh, I see."

Nikolai shot a glare at Fitz when he heard him start to say quidditch. Luckily the slip up had been easily fixed. He rubbed his fingers over Ana's side as she spoke to his friends and smiled a bit. "She looks too sweet to be one but she's one of the best," he grinned. He turned to Ana again with a smile. "We do have plans but we can wait if you want to stick around a little longer but we do have a reservation," he said with a shrug. "It's up to you if you want to stick around or head out."

Rosalind wasn't surprised Ana didn't think she looked like a police officer. She felt like auror made more sense, but it was hard to explain how there was a difference when she knew it was the muggle equivalent. "I do my best," she said simply, in response to Nik. "Dancing must be a lot of fun. Maybe we can see you sometime?" she half suggested, half asked. "Oh, go, go. Don't let us hold you back," she said softly.

Anastasia nodded, the smile unwavering on her face. "Yes! Mm, I think it might be. I really do love it. I've been dancing since I was about three. My mum is a ballerina, too. I think she sort of encouraged it, but it all worked out," she smiled. "I'm sure you're even better than you let on," she said to Rosie. "Well, we shouldn't miss the reservation. Do we have time to chat a bit more?"

Fitz listened carefully as Ana went on, a fresh wheel of questions spinning in his head. "Since you were three? That's quite some time. Though you can't be more than twenty, surely. Have you ever done anything else aside from dance?" he wondered. He waited a bit, looking to Nik to answer the question. "Oh, then please, sit down with us." He'd just have to ask Rosie on a date later. If he got up the nerve again.

Nikolai couldn't keep the smile off of his face. Rosie seemed to really like Ana and Ana seemed to really like his friends. He couldn't be luckier. "She's an amazing dancing. She taught me a few steps. I'm practically a professional," he teased. "Rosie's very good at what she does. She's one of the best." He weighed his options. On one hand, he wanted Rosie and Ana to bond but on the other, Fitz was a wild card. "We have a few minutes. We can sit."

Rosalind thought that sounded like something. She was had been dancing since she was three? She hadn't been doing anything for that long. "Wow. You must really be incredible," she said honestly. "She taught you? That's something I want to see," she said with a small laugh. She smiled a bit at Nik, but waved a hand. "Sit, sit," she said, moving over to make room for them.

Anastasia nodded, amused by their amazement. "Mm, yes. I'm twenty-one, so close. I did go to primary and secondary school, and I teach dance a bit now, but for the most part not really. I think I'm quite good," she said with a laugh. She sat down after Nik agreed, sitting next to Rosie. "When did you move to London, then?" she asked Fitz.

Fitz didn't know much about dance but he thought being committed to something for so long had to mean she was rather talented. "I think I'd like to see that as well," he grinned. "That's very impressive, though, Ana." He shifted so Nik could sit by him and took a drink of his beverage. "Oh, I think it's been about a year now. You have better football teams here." That was the sport, right? He was fairly certain he'd said it right. "Did you grow up here?"

Nikolai grinned at his friends. "Maybe one of these days I'll show you but not today. We're in a bar, no one's dancing. It's far too fancy for a place like this," he teased. He let go of Ana so she could sit down and took the spot next to Fitz. His hand went over the table, letting his fingers link with Ana's so they were still touching. "It was a year. Dot brought you in and we couldn't get rid of you."

Rosalind raised an eyebrow, smirking slightly at Nik. "Sounds like an excuse to not embarrass yourself at work, but okay," she teased. She made room for Ana, letting her sit next to her. "You're lucky you're getting the abridged versions of his questions tonight," she said, teasing Fitz lightly. She nodded a bit as she talked. "Oh, that's cool. What is LVMH though?" she asked curiously, hoping she didn't sound really stupid.

Anastasia could dance in any space, really, but she wasn't gonna make Nik dance. She hadn't really taught him that much, anyway. She linked her fingers with his, smiling softly. "That's kind of a while. How do you like it?" she asked him. "Oh, really? I'm sure sometime he'll ask me all his questions then," she said with a laugh. "I did. But I've traveled quite a bit with my parents. My grandfather owns LVMH which is located in Paris, so we used to go there a lot. I mean, my parents still do, but I typically only go for events now."

Fitz thought it was rather interesting that Nik was dating a muggle but he decided he liked this girl. He had so many questions on the tip of his tongue just begging to be asked but he knew better. "I'm trying not to scare her off," he told Rosie. "I like it. It's a good country. And I've made the best friends of my life here," he smiled. He had no idea what LVMH was and was about to ask when Rosie beat him to it. "Do you like Paris? When was the last time you were there?" he wondered.

Nikolai rolled his eyes at his sister. "More like I don't want to cause a scene. And it's not just the place where I work, I do own this establishment," he teased. "I have to set a standard for my employees. What's next? Dom starts dancing between tables? No one wants to see that," he said playfully. "It's fashion, obviously. Ana goes to a lot of shows and the like. It's really impressive. She said she'd take me to one," he said matter-of-factly. "That's why she always looks amazing."

Rosalind laughed a bit at her brother. "Excuses, excuses. However, I for one would love to see Dom dancing between tables," she said playfully. She laughed again when Fitz said he was trying not to scare her off. She knew, of course, that it was just the magic-muggle barrier, but that would go away eventually. She felt her eyebrows go up a bit. She was super curious. "Wow, so he owns fashion companies?" she asked. That seemed intense. "Wow, that's cool. No wonder you're so fashionable," she laughed.

Anastasia smiled at Nik, squeezing his fingers lightly. She thought he would be cute, dancing in his bar, but she didn't push. She could make him dance with her in the bar on a different day. "Don't worry, I think it'll take a lot more than questions to scare me off," she teased. "That's wonderful. I've always loved London," she smiled. "I do like Paris, yes. I was there early March. It's quite a beautiful city," she smiled. "Look at you, knowing all my stuff," she smiled proudly. "It is fashion, among other things. My grandfather also owns Dior, so fashion season is a big time. I'm actually missing fashion week right now, but my parents are there so." She nodded a bit. "Yeah, I mean, I think it's not as like clear cut as he owns it like Nik owning the bar, because it's really complex and old, but yeah, basically. He's in charge of both of them."

Fitz smiled brightly. "Well, I do ask a lot of questions," he warned her. "Nik here gets fed up of me and sends me off to talk to Dom," he chuckled. "It is a beautiful city. I miss it," he admitted. He'd love to go back for a visit but he didn't think that was possible yet. "Oh, fashion? That's interesting. I know the fashion scene in Paris is quite impressive." He didn't, really, but it seemed like the right thing to say. Perhaps Simone knew more. "Oh, why didn't you go?" he wondered. He nodded a little as she went on but didn't have much else to say or ask.

Nikolai squeezed Ana's fingers back. He liked this. He liked showing off their relationship to his friends. It was nice. "That's because you ask too many while I'm working," he told Fitz. "I can't focus on doing my job and answering all of your questions." He watched his friends interact with his girl and smiled to himself. This was going so much better than he'd expected it to. Not that he'd thought Rosie would be a problem but Fitz was keeping his curiosities at bay. "Of course I know your stuff. I listen," he teased. "Oh, you could have gone to fashion week." He hoped she hadn't skipped because of him.

Rosalind thought that was all sort of confusing, but it sounded fun. And she suspected she had quite a bit of money. She looked it. And she knew it could be expensive for muggles to travel. It could be expensive for wizards, too. "That all sounds very exciting," she said honestly. "Maybe you can go next time then. It sounds like fun. I've never been, so I can't say for sure, but it sounds nice," she smiled. She wasn't big on fashion, either, but maybe she could be. "Oh, you guys better get going. You're going to miss your reservations."

Anastasia gave Nik a look. "You send him off! How rude of you," she said playfully, laughing a bit. "You should visit sometime. I'm sure it's just as lovely as when you last left it. It's never gotten less lovely from visit to visit, at least from my experience," she said with a smile. "It is. It's a nice place to go for fashion," she said with a smile. "I know you do," she laughed. "I was going to, but I had a really big audition in the middle of the week and it didn't really work out. Anyway, now I'm here meeting you two, so I think it worked out well," she smiled.

Fitz thought that was interesting. He wanted to go back to Paris but it just wasn't time. It was nice to hear that it hadn't changed, though. The place was far too pretty for that. "I will. At some point," he promised. He nodded along as the conversation continued, trying his best to keep all of his questions at bay. He had so much he wanted to know. He just couldn't ask yet. "Oh, it was lovely to meet you, Anastasia," he said with a smile. "Don't be a stranger. And don't let Nik hog you."

Nikolai rolled his eyes playfully. "I don't have time to explain how beer taps work when we're in the middle of a rush!" he chuckled. He listened to her tell them all about fashion and wondered if they were as confused as he had been. He'd have to ask Rosie later. "Oh, well, when was the audition? How'd it go?" he asked. He was sounding like Fitz with all his questions. "Oh Merlin, I nearly forgot. We better head out," he said, sliding out of the booth. "I'll see you guys later."

Rosalind smiled when she said it was in two days. "Good luck! I'm sure you'll get it, whatever it is," she said with a smile. She stood up, hugging Ana and sort of kissing her cheek. "I'm so happy to have finally met you. We'll have to do something sometime," she said with a smile. She nearly laughed when Nik said Merlin, but thankfully kept it to herself. "Have a lovely night!" she said. She finished off her drink, setting the empty glass on the table. "I should probably be going, too," she said honestly. "Have a good night, Fitz," she smiled. She started to leave, but turned around and smiled at him. "Oh, and, I would love to have dinner with you," she smiled, turning away to leave.

Anastasia thought Nik and his friends were cute. She liked the way they interacted. She could really tell he was the baby sometimes. "It's in two days. I'll let you know," she grinned. She frowned briefly. Merlin. Who said that? Man he was weird sometimes. It was a wonder she was still seeing him. "Oh, we better go then. It was lovely to meet you, too, Fitz. And it was lovely to meet you, Rosalind. You're quite delightful," she smiled. "I won't let him hog me, don't worry," she laughed. "Have a good night," she said to them, taking Nik's hand. "Did you want to get a taxi?"

Fitz watched Nik and Ana leave, thinking they were cute. It was strange that he was dating a muggle but not in a bad way. He'd just expected something like that to happen with Dom. He was obsessed with muggles, after all. He was about to voice that opinion to Rosalind when she suddenly announced she had to leave. "Oh. So soon?" he frowned. "Alright. Have a good night." Her next words surprised him but a wide grin stretched across his face. "Sounds perfect then."

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rosalindsutton · 7 years ago

Text

flying lessons | ritz

rosie gives fitz his first flying lesson. it goes alright mostly.

Fitz had been looking forward to flying with Rosie since they'd first talked about it. When she'd offered to try this weekend, he'd been over the moon. He couldn't wait to get up in the air again. It had been far too long since he'd last been on a broom. He knew it was probably a bad idea and it would be dangerous but he didn't really care that much. He just wanted to learn and he was certain if anyone could teach him it would be Rosie. She had a fair amount of patience. He apparated to the place she'd picked out and looked around for her.

Rosalind was quite certain this was one of her worst ideas yet. She should have just kept pushing it off until it just didn't happen. If he got her, she would blame herself, and it would be awful. She had already gone over many ideas and plans, but she was still nervous. She got there before he did, stretching and practicing. She flew around a bit, working on doing that and using spells at the same time, just in case she needed one. When Fitz came, she landed, smiling over at him. "Are you excited?"

Fitz brightened up when he saw Rosalind land. "I am so excited! I can't believe I'm going to get back up in the air again!" he grinned. He couldn't believe she'd actually agreed to this, really, but he wasn't going to mention it. He wanted so badly to try and fly again and he didn't want her to change her mind. "May I see your broom? What model do you have?" he asked, his grin never once wavering in the slightest.

Rosalind couldn't help but smile at how excited he was. He would be bouncing off the walls if they weren't outside. "I can tell," she laughed. She handed her broom over, nodding a bit. "This one is a Bluebottle," she said, letting him look it over. "It's pretty safe," she admitted. She had another one at home, but this felt like the better option for this particular scenario.

Fitz took her broom and held it carefully. He turned it over in his hands a few times before inspecting the bristles on it. It was a quality broom, one he'd probably own if he knew how to fly it. "It's a good broom. Very sturdy," he commented. He ran a hand over it and then smiled at her as he gave it back. "It is a safe one. I'm not surprised you chose it for today," he teased.

Rosalind watched as he looked over her broom. He was cute. Very interested, too. She wasn't surprised. He loved all things quidditch, including the brooms people used for all kinds of flying. It was endearing. "It is sturdy," she agreed. She laughed a bit and nodded. "I thought it was a good starting point," she said simply. "Do you need something for your head or anything?"

Fitz smiled brightly at her when she laughed. He liked that sound and he liked the look of it on her face. "It is. It's safe and reliable. It's a good choice," he grinned. He looked around the area a bit and smiled again. "No, I don't think so. I'll be fine. You'll be teaching me," he smiled. "Can we go up now? Or are you going to run through safety rules with me?" he teased.

Rosalind wasn't so sure he should be so confident in her teaching him, but she figured it was better than him doubting her. "Yeah, we can go up now. I'm pretty confident you know all the safety rules at this point," she teased back. "First I'm going to fly, and you're going to ride, and I'm going to show you how I do it. And then I'll let you fly and I'll ride, and make sure we don't die."

Fitz nodded enthusiastically. He could recite the safety rules in English and French. He'd heard them more times than he could count. "I can. I know what to do and what not to do. Promise." He nodded a bit and stepped closer to her. "Okay. I'll just hold onto you. I promise I won't fall off. I won't let go," he promised. He chuckled a bit. "I appreciate you looking out for the both of us."

Rosalind had no doubts about that. Not only was he a Quidditch writer, but he'd been obsessed with flying and had tried to have people teach him. She expected him to know all about it. "Please don't let go or fall off," she said with a nervous smile. She nodded a bit. She was happy to look out for them. Plus, she really didn't want them to get hurt. She got on, letting him get on behind her. "Hold on super tight."

Fitz had no intentions of letting go. He also didn't plan on falling off but he couldn't exactly promise that he wouldn't so he simply smiled and nodded at her. "I'll be good," he said solemnly. He hoped he didn't disappoint her. He watched her mount the broom and moved to get on behind her. He moved to hold onto her and smiled. "I'm ready. Let's fly!" He couldn't wait.

Rosalind held onto the broom, lifting up with ease. She felt so nervous, and she really had no reason to. She was an excellent flyer, and she trusted herself. Even if something went wrong, she had a few backup measures she could take to protect them. She still was slightly nervous. "When was the last time you were on a broom like this?" she asked curiously.

Fitz felt the broom start to rise and he leaned over to look down as they went higher and higher. He nearly leaned too far but corrected himself quickly. He hoped she hadn't noticed. "Oh, well," he thought for a moment. "I don't know. It's been a few years." He didn't want to say he'd fallen off the broom so he decided to gloss over it. "It wasn't nearly as fun as this," he grinned.

Rosalind noticed the way he moved a bit, but didn't worry about it too much just yet. If he moved too much when they got higher up, she'd just bring the broom back down. "That's a shame," she said honestly. She wasn't exactly sure how this was any more or less fun than any other time flying must have been, but she appreciated the compliment. "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself," she said with a small laugh.

Fitz readjusted his grip on her, holding on just a tad bit more loosely than he had been while still being secure. "It is. I don't think it was very memorable, to be honest." He closed his eyes for a moment and let the sun wash over his face. He could feel the wind in his hair and he felt such a sense of peace. "I'm definitely enjoying myself. This is incredible. You are incredible," he told her.

Rosalind could feel him relax a bit behind her. He was so sweet. He was like the sun; warm and bright and lovely. She smiled fondly, letting out a small laugh. "Thank you. I'm glad you're having so much fun," she said honestly. She turned carefully, leaning a bit. She tried to take it easy, not going to fast, not doing too much difficult movement, just sort of moving along. "Do you think you could stand to try soon?"

Fitz was surprised to find just how much he liked her laugh. He'd always been fond of it but lately there was things about her that drew him in. He still wasn't sure what was happening but he wasn't against it. In fact, he really liked it. "I'm having a blast," he promised. He laughed when they turned, finding the whole thing rather seamless. She was an exceptional flyer. "Could I stand it? I'd be thrilled to!"

Rosalind wondered what it was about flying that he loved so much. She knew the general appeal to flying. And she had always loved it. But he seemed to love it even more than the average wizard. Maybe it was the very fact that he hadn't done it much. "I'm glad," she laughed. She was a bit nervous about letting him take control, but she slowly lowered them to the ground. She got off, letting him move forward. "Just, take it easy, and be slow. And if you need my help, tell me."

Fitz felt a twinge of sadness when she lowered them but he knew he was about to be the one in control. He couldn't wait. He nodded as she spoke and moved forward on the broom to the proper place. "I know, easy and slow. Nice and steady. Don't get too excited," he chuckled. He'd be repeating that in his mind as he flew. "I've got this, Rosie. You can trust me. I won't mess up."

Rosalind got on the broom behind him, moving her hands around his waist. She made sure she could reach out and take control if she needed to, but she was hoping she wouldn't. "Don't get too excited," she agreed, smiling a little. "Okay. I'm trusting you," she said, though she felt a bit nervous. She was very alert, making sure she could keep them safe if something did happen.

Fitz tried to calm down a bit. Being overexcited would result in him probably sending them both crashing to the ground. If he was on the broom alone, he wouldn't mind it much but since her life was in his hands he had to be extra careful. He was actually a little nervous. "I can do this. I promise you," he told her. He started to raise them in the air and grinned. "I'm flying!" he said brightly.

Rosalind could tell he was nervous, which made her more nervous. It was also good, though. It meant he was aware of the trust and power she was placing in him. Definitely better than overconfidence. "I believe you," she smiled. She grinned wider when he raised the broom off the ground. "Try to stay low," she instructed him. "Ease slowly into turns, and use your body when you do. You're doing a great job."

Fitz didn't want to stay low. He wanted to soar. He wanted so badly to fly high above the ground at a fast speed but he knew he'd just scare her if he tried and they'd both end up taking quite the fall. He didn't want that. "Okay," he agreed reluctantly. He didn't raise them very high but he started moving forward, turning slowly as he did. "Look at me go!" he grinned. "I'm really flying."

Rosalind raised an eyebrow slightly at his reluctance. He must have been a handful as a teenager. "You're doing a great job! You're flying all on your own. Very smooth and controlled," she complimented, leaning against him a bit more. She didn't let her guard down, but she did let herself relax a bit. "You can go just a bit higher, but make it a slow transition, otherwise we'll topple," she laughed.

Fitz brightened at her compliments. No one had ever said he was doing a good job at flying before. He almost couldn't believe that he'd heard the words. "Really?" he asked. "Am I really? I can't wait to tell everyone!" he grinned. He nodded a bit and slowly started to bring them a bit higher. He let out a joyful laugh and started to turn them in slow circles. "Look at this! Look at me! I'm flying!"

Rosalind laughed a little at his amazement. He was as excited as every Hogwarts student learning for the first time. It was like she was with him when he was younger, expect of course, she hadn't known him then. "Don't brag too much or they might ask to see," she teased. She held onto him a bit tighter. She admittedly didn't like riding. "You're doing good. Keep focus," she reminded him.

Fitz thought he'd like to show everyone that he knew how to fly now. He probably wouldn't be able to fly much without Rosie and with people watching but he'd like to give it a try. Sometime. "Maybe I'll be able to demonstrate for them sometime. Probably not soon," he chuckled. He noticed her holding onto him tighter and lowered the broom a little bit. "I'm focused! I promise," he grinned.

Rosalind had to admit, people would be pretty impressed if he was really known to be as terrible as he said he was. "I'm sure you'll have a chance before you know it," she said honestly. She appreciated that he lowered it a little without her having to ask. "You're doing so well. Are you sure you're as bad as you said you were?" she teased.

Fitz hoped she was right. He wanted to show off to everyone. He'd been known for years as a terrible flyer. It had haunted him, but he'd learned to adjust his life accordingly. "I can't wait," he grinned. He let out a chuckle and did another circle in the air. "I'm sure. I have the scars to prove it. This is the longest I've ever been in the air. I think it's because I'm afraid of you getting hurt so I'm being extra careful."

Rosalind thought that was sort of cute. She realized he wasn't actually being cute, but it felt cute, and it made her heart flutter a little. He didn't want her to get hurt. He was being careful to keep her safe. Aw. "Well, I very much so appreciate your efforts to keep me from getting hurt," she said with a small laugh. "Do you wanna keep doing this for a while longer?"

Fitz smiled even though she couldn't see it. "I wouldn't do anything to hurt you. So I'm on my best behavior up here." If he was flying alone, he was certain he would have taken a few tumbles to the ground by now. Maybe all he needed all this time to learn was Rosie. What a thought. "Yeah! Can we? I don't want to land yet. I'm beating my record of longest flight with every second!"

Rosalind found that even cuter than his previous sentence. He was making her a little stressed, but in a good way. "I appreciate it," she said honestly. She nodded, though he couldn't see it. "Absolutely. I'm free all day, remember? You can enjoy yourself some more," she smiled. She leaned into him a bit, letting him fly more. "Next time we can do more."

Fitz grinned when she leaned into him more. He was having so much fun with her. This was one of those things he'd remember for the rest of his life. He'd never forget this day. "Good. I want to stay up here as long as we can. Even if we're not very far off the ground," he teased. "What do you mean do more? Can I go higher? And faster?" he asked.

Rosalind thought it was endearing how much he wanted to fly. She understood it, but it was quite endearing. He was so happy, it was lovely to see. She liked making people happy, but she especially liked making him happy. "You're really enjoying yourself up here. I have to admit, I'm quite glad," she promised. She laughed a little and nodded. "Yeah. Higher. Faster. Over time," she added.

Fitz couldn't imagine not being happy in the air. He figured people took it for granted but he never would. He'd spent too many years stuck watching other people fly to not be over the moon to be able to do it himself. "I am. This is the happiest I've been in a long time, and I think I'm generally a pretty happy person," he smiled. "Over time," he agreed reluctantly.

Rosalind felt like he was a pretty happy person, at least from what she'd seen, and he did seem happier than usual. Maybe that was made her enjoy his happiness so much, the very fact that he usually was happy. He was very cute. "I'm glad I could be a part of this day then," she smiled. She was glad he was okay with taking it slow, even if he maybe wasn't thrilled with it.

Fitz was glad she was a part of it too. He'd had a lot of people try to teach him to fly and not one had been successful. Until her. She'd been the first to actually get him up in the air for more than a minute or two. He was actually turning in circles! "Me too. I really appreciate you. I'm taking you out for the best dinner tonight," he told her. "And dessert too! You definitely get a dessert."

Rosalind smiled fondly. She knew that he had helped him do something he'd always wanted to do, and that was why he was so happy, but it still made her feel all tingly and special when he said he appreciated her. "I'm happy I could help," he said honestly. She laughed a bit. "If you're positive. I'll always take dessert," she said playfully. She hadn't really been out with him properly. It was always between work.

Fitz started to lower the broom a bit more until he could put his feet on the ground. He didn't really want to get off but he also didn't think he'd get to go much higher today and he thought maybe, if Rosie was in control, she'd let them go up a bit more. "You helped a lot! And you definitely deserve a dessert for that," he grinned. "Do you want to take control now? I don't think you like just riding along much," he chuckled.

Rosalind felt bad for him that he hadn't ever really been given a chance to fly before. Flying was one of the most magical things and he hadn't even been able to experience it much. "Maybe one day you can fly all on your own on your very own broom," she smiled. She laughed a bit, letting her feet rest on the ground again. "I can take control if you'd like me to. I, admittedly, don't ride along much anymore, but it's not terrible."

Fitz thought that sounded magical. And he knew his whole life was magical but flying on his own? Something every witch and wizard learned at a young age? That was magic. "I don't know if that'll ever happen. Sim won't allow it. She worries about me. I'm all she has, you know?" he smiled. He let his feet rest and nodded, adjusting position. "Fly away with me, fair Rosalind."

Rosalind laughed a bit when he said Simone wouldn't let him. But she understood, she did. "If you know how to fly well, then she won't need to worry," she said with a soft smile. She readjusted, getting in front of him to lift off. "Hold on tight, Fitz," she said, holding onto the broom as she lifted them into the air. "How much flying have you done on other people's brooms?" she asked curiously, trying to gauge how well he'd do if she went faster.

Fitz didn't think it was that simple. Simone worried. That was her thing. She never stopped worrying. She'd always been that way. "You know Simone. She worries about me when I have both feet on the ground," he admitted. He adjusted and moved to wrap this arms around her tightly. "You're very fit," he said without thinking. It was probably inappropriate. "Not a lot. I usually fall. I've done some but never for this long," he admitted.

Rosalind thought that made sense, but she also thought Simone could come around. Nearly every wizard flew and very few serious injuries were serious. "I still think we could convince her, over time," she said with a small smile. She felt flustered at his comment and laughed a little. "Thanks. You are too," she said absentmindedly. She felt all flushed and embarrassed. She was glad he moved past it. "I'll make sure you don't fall," she promised, moving them higher and faster.

Fitz chuckled lowly and wondered if she could feel it where she was pressed against his back. He was so acutely aware of her every movement against him. He could feel her breathing as she leaned into the turns. It was hard to concentrate. "Oh, thank you," he mumbled, distracted. He caught the scent of her hair and tightened his grip on her, ducking his head slightly to brush his lips against her neck.

Rosalind felt butterflies flutter all through her body and lost her focus for a moment. For a moment, she caught a glimpse of his mind, and she nearly fell off all together. Their broom fell a bit before she gained concentration and caught herself again. "Fuck," she whispered, lowering them to the ground. She couldn't quite process what had just happened, but she knew she shouldn't be flying. She probably shouldn't have been flying just now when he called her fit. "I don't think I should be flying right now, I'm sorry," she said, trying to be polite and professional and not all flustered like she was.

Fitz noticed the room start to falter and held onto her tighter. He was prepared to roll them so he could break their fall if they completely lost control. Once they were back on solid ground he got off the broom and offered her a hand to help her off. "It's okay. It's my fault. Though maybe you shouldn't peek into people's minds without consent first," he winked. "We'll call it a draw."

Rosalind was all warm, and she wondered if he could tell. She nearly told him it was very much so his fault, and she didn't know what the fuck he was doing, but then he spoke and she blushed like I mad. "I didn't mean to," she said honestly, losing her focus even more. "You distracted me a lot," she said. She was never flying with him again. "Do you do this to all the girls who try to teach you how to fly? Because if you do, that's most definitely why you haven't had any luck so far."

Fitz grinned at her when she blushed. She was adorable. He felt it lighting up his features in a slow and easy way. "You looked. It's not my fault you knew what I was thinking," he reminded her. "So it's not really all my fault that you were distracted. I'll happily take the blame though. Can we go up again?" he asked brightly. "No, I don't make a habit of kissing the neck of girls I'm flying with. I also don't make a habit of flying with pretty girls. The point is to not be distracted."

Rosalind scoffed at him, giving him a look. "That kiss was enough to have thrown me off, so I think it's still your fault!" she exclaimed. "I don't mess up, okay?" she said, a touch of seriousness in her voice. She wasn't someone who messed up. She laughed a little and shook her head. "Not right now. I'm not going to be responsible for you getting injured," she said honestly. If they went back up right now, she wasn't sure she could do a good job. She wanted to tell him to stop when he called her pretty. She was going to have a heart attack. "Oh, Merlin. We'll just have to do this later."

Fitz shrugged innocently. "You smelled good, it threw me off. So, essentially, it's still your fault," he teased. "Everyone messes up, Rosie. C'est la vie." He thought she was cute all flustered like this and it made him want to kiss her for real this time. "I promise I'll keep my thoughts strictly on flying if you keep yours out of my head," he pouted but he decided not to push it. He smirked at her a bit and took a step closer, brushing the hair out of her face. "Am I making you nervous, Rosie?" he asked, his tone light and teasing. He let his hand rest on her neck and tilted his head a bit to the side.

Rosalind felt all fluttery. She ached a little. She thought she might actually fall over. "You're ridiculous," she said instead, not thinking she could come up with better words. "I do not mess up. I can't afford to mess up," she said, raising an eyebrow. She blushed again, running her hand through her hair. "I'll take you flying again, but just not today," she said honestly. When he touched her again and stepped closer, she felt a tightness in her chest. "Yes," she said quietly, swallowing hard.

Fitz raised an eyebrow at her with a smile. "Am I?" he asked. "I think I'm starting to believe you now," he teased. He shrugged a bit. "Everyone messes up. No one really is always perfect," he told her. He watched her carefully for a moment or two and thought. "Not today. But soon?" he asked hopefully. "I'm sorry to hear that," he said, dropping his hand and stepping back again. "Did you want to get lunch still? Or have you had enough of me for one day?"

Rosalind gave him a look, raising an eyebrow. "And you didn't believe me before?" she asked. She was starting to think he didn't want to learn to fly that badly. She shook her head. She was perfect. She was always perfect. She put in a lot of effort to make sure she was always perfect. "Soon enough," she promised. She frowned slightly. Hadn't he known he was making her nervous? Wasn't it clear? She relaxed when he stepped away. "Do you still want to get lunch?"

Fitz shrugged a bit. "I mean, I think I've always known. It's an adjective thrown around about me a lot," he admitted. It didn't bother him though. He liked being different. He liked standing out. He was his own person and he was proud of that. "Okay, soon enough," he agreed. He smiled when she repeated the question before letting out a deep chuckle. "I asked you first, Rosie. You can't throw it back to me. I ask the questions here." He really hadn't known he made her nervous. The fact that she'd almost lost control of the broom had been a shock to his system. She was the most in control person he knew.

Rosalind gave him a look. "I've never called you ridiculous before," she said. She didn't think that was fair. Maybe he didn't want to hang around with her anymore today. If that were the case, she sure as fuck didn't want to make him hang out with her more. "If you still want to get lunch, I still want to get lunch. If you don't, I can go home and eat lunch myself," she explained.

Fitz chuckled quietly. "Not you but many people have. It's probably the second most used adjective to describe me. It's at least top three. Annoying is up there, too," he smiled. He chuckled at her again and gave a fond shake of his head. "Oh, Rosie. Of course I want to eat lunch with you. I offered it in the first place, didn't I? Want to check my mind to make sure?" he teased. "Where shall we go?"

Rosalind didn't think he was annoying. She didn't know what he hadn't believed before. She nearly told him she didn't think he was annoying, but she didn't want to look any stupider than she already did. She laughed and shoved him. "I take that back, I don't want to get lunch with you anymore," she said lightly. But she was too much of a mess right now to probably be able to stand being around him for another hour or so. "Since I fucked up and you had to stop flying, we'll call it even, and you don't to buy me any food. Sound good?"

Fitz frowned slightly when she said she didn't want to get lunch with him after all. He was disappointed as he'd been looking forward to it and it had been his way of thanking her for taking him flying. She'd had him up in the air for far longer than anyone else ever had. He wouldn't push her, though. He just pushed the disappointment down. "It's not your fault we had to stop but I understand," he said with a smile.

Rosalind had to disagree with him there. It was definitely partly her fault. She didn't really feel like today had been the greatest success, so she didn't feel she particularly deserved the lunch. But next time she'd do better and then they could. "Next time I'll do a better job teaching you and then I'll deserve that lunch. We can do it next time," she promised. She just didn't think she could handle it right now, honestly. He was just too much. She was so overwhelmed by him.

Fitz didn't really want to say goodbye to her just yet. He was having such a good time even if they weren't in the air anymore. He was worried that the little peek into his thoughts had scared her off and now she didn't really want to spend time with him anymore. "You did a wonderful job," he promised. "I'll just, ah, be going then. Thank you again for today. I had a lovely time." If only he'd been able to keep his thoughts to himself.

Rosalind smiled at him and nodded. "You did a wonderful job, too. I think you're a much better flyer than you and others have given you credit for," she promised. "Maybe we can fly again next weekend," she added. "Of course. I had fun, too," she said with a small smile. She felt so silly, but she couldn't help it. She already felt so flustered around him, today had only exaggerated that.

Fitz tended to disagree with that. He wasn't a good flyer by any means, she'd just been an exceptional teacher. No one else had ever had the level of patience that she'd had with him. Until he'd messed it up the way that he had. "If you say so," he smiled instead. "Maybe we can. Thank you again, Rosie," he added. He thought about giving her a hug but decided against it because he wasn't sure. "I'll see you." He walked a few steps away and apparated home.

Rosalind smiled and nodded again. "Of course. It was my pleasure," she said honestly. "I'll see you probably at Nik's bar soon," she said with a smile. When he left she let out a sigh, running a hand through his hair. Merlin, he was overwhelming.

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rosalindsutton · 7 years ago

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bakery samples | ritz

rosalind takes fitz to her mum’s bakery. they make plans to fly.

Fitz had spent the majority of his day in a booth at the bar. He had a few articles to write and he hadn't wanted to sit at home alone or in his office. He thought the bar would be a nice place to work. He was scratching away with his quill, scanning over his notes every so often and occasionally glancing around the room to see if any of his friends were there. He was hoping to see Rosie but he didn't know if or when she'd show up. When he saw her, he brightened, waving her over to sit with him.

Rosalind honestly hadn't been too terribly busy today. She didn't normally love slow days, but she'd enjoyed it today. Maybe she was more tired than usual. She didn't know for sure, but she was in a good mood when she got to leave early. She was going to stop by the bar and grab a drink and a sandwich and then go to her mum's. When she spotted Fitz and noticed him waving to her, she put in her order and went to sit by him. "Hi. How are you?" she smiled.

Fitz smiled brightly as Rosie approached the booth. He slid out of his seat to greet her with a hug. "Hi! I'm doing well, thank you. I've just been doing a bit of work here. Turning notes into actual articles," he chuckled. He sat back down after she took a seat. "How are you? How has your day been?" he asked, smiling pleasantly at her. He was happier to see her than usual and he didn't quite know why. It was a nice feeling, though. He enjoyed it.

Rosalind felt flustered when he hugged her, her whole body getting all warm. She wondered if he had any idea how stressed out she got around him. "Sounds productive!" she smiled. "My day has been nice. It was a very relaxing day, really," she admitted. "I'm actually heading to my mum's bakery after I eat. Would you like to come with perhaps?" she offered with a smile.

Fitz nodded a bit. He thought it'd been a productive day, even if he hadn't quite finished everything he needed to. He had plenty of time, though. There was no rush. "A relaxing day as an auror? I didn't know that was possible," he teased lightly. He grinned when she mentioned the bakery and invited him along. "Your mum's bakery? I get to come along?" he asked excitedly.

Rosalind laughed a little and nodded, rubbing the back of her neck. "Mondays are either slow or crazy busy. Today was slow. And I finish all my paperwork before the end of the week, so I didn't have any built up," she smiled and shrugged. She smiled at the way he perked up a bit and nodded. "Yes, absolutely. You wanted to go see it and get some treats, right?"

Fitz hadn't expected that. He kind of figured every day would be busy but he didn't know much about the whole business except what he'd learned from her. "That's good, though, that you didn't have any paperwork built up. I know you mentioned that you don't like it," he said, smiling at her. He nodded. "Absolutely! I would love to go get some treats with you."

Rosalind smiled and nodded. She didn't like paperwork much, so she made herself stay on top of it. It'd be much easier to let it build up and just ignore it until she couldn't anymore, but then it would hang over her. "It is good," she smiled. She nodded a little. "Then you can come. Why not?" she said with a shrug, her smile still in place. When her food came out, she took a bite, then taking a drink. "Have you eaten anything?"

Fitz smiled back at her. He moved his papers to the side a bit to get them out of the way. "I'm glad you had an easy day, then. You definitely deserve it," he grinned. He folded his arms on the table and leaned forward a bit. "I'd love to come," he said again. "Thank you for inviting me along. I can't wait to meet her," he smiled. He checked the time at her question, thinking back to when he'd eaten. "I ate a few hours ago. I've been here quite some time," he admitted.

Rosalind thought he was sweet. She wondered if his effort was conscious or otherwise. Surely he must realize how nice he was, right? She noticed how he moved his papers away. She thought he was cute, but feeling like he was focused more on her also made her feel a bit warm. "You're welcome. She'll love talking with you, I'm sure," she said honestly. She nodded a bit, handing him half of her sandwich. "Would you like some?"

Fitz hoped her mother liked him. He had a lot of questions to ask her, honestly, and he'd do his best to not be overwhelming the first time they spoke. He just wanted to know all about owning a bakery and marrying into a wizarding family. He'd keep it to a minimum, though. "I hope so! I think she sounds fascinating. I don't want to bombard her with too many questions, though, so if I start to, just give me a nudge," he told her. He smiled when she offered him half her sandwich. "Oh, are you sure?"

Rosalind waved a hand, dismissing his worry. "I doubt you will bombard her with questions. She loves chatting, especially with friends of ours," she smiled. "I will, though, promise," she added, though she didn't think it'd be a problem. She nodded a little, nudging it closer to him. "Please," she insisted. She didn't mind. She was going to eat at her mum's after this, anyway. It was mostly sweets, of course, but she still didn't mind.

Fitz shrugged a bit and thought about that. "I don't know. I ask quite a lot of them. It annoys Nik," he chuckled. "But I hope she likes me." He smiled when she agreed, glad that she'd keep an eye on him. He didn't want to embarrass her or himself. He took the sandwich that she offered and took a small bite of it. "Thank you. That's very kind of you," he said. "It's very good."

Rosalind laughed and shook her head. "If our mum was anything like Nik, do you think Dom and I would have turned out the way we did?" she teased. She did think that Nik must have gotten his troublemaker behavior from her, but she was never irritated when people wanted to talk to her. "She will," she promised him. She smiled a little and nodded. "You're welcome. It's not a big deal," she said with a smile. "It is. I love eating here," she admitted.

Fitz considered that for a moment before laughing. "That is a fair enough point, I suppose," he grinned. He thought their family dynamic was so interesting. He'd never known anything like it. How had they all grown up to be so very different from each other but so similar at the same time? "I hope so. I'm looking forward to meeting her." He thought it was still quite kind of her to split her sandwich with him. "I do as well. The food is all very different but it still all ties together."

Rosalind loved Nik, of course, but he just didn't have the patience that their mum did. Maybe he would one day, but for the time being, not so much. "It is, I promise," she grinned. She nodded a bit. She thought their mum would like him a lot, and he would like her a lot. "I'm glad," she smiled. "I agree. Nik did such an excellent job putting all of this together," she smiled, taking a small bite.

Fitz couldn't wait for them to finish eating so they could head to the bakery. It'd be so much fun to look around at the sweets and to talk to her mother. He'd been looking forward to meeting the woman since Rosie had brought her up. "I'm very excited," he promised with a warm smile. He nodded slightly, looking around for a moment before taking another bite. "He did. It's very impressive that he put this all together."

Rosalind ate the sandwich half quietly, thinking as she did. She nodded a little. "It really is. He's done well for himself here," she said with a smile. She finished off her food and took a sip of her drink. "Almost ready to go? Do you need a moment to gather your things up?" she asked with another smile, taking another drink from her glass.

Fitz had to agree. He didn't think he had been as focused or driven at Nik's age. He'd just been writing about quidditch and Nik had opened an entire business. It seemed almost surreal. "Good for him," he nodded. "And good for us," he grinned. He finished his food and then glanced at his things. "Let me just put all of this away first," he chuckled. He formed neat piles of his papers and shrunk them down to stick in his jacket pocket. "I'm ready."

Rosalind was sort of proud of Nik and his bar. It was pretty impressive, in her opinion. She laughed a bit. "Very good for us. I don't know where we'd be hanging out if not here," she admitted. "You do that and I'll take this stuff to the bar," she said, gathering the plate and cups and taking them to the bar to help make the clean up easier. She came back and smiled, grabbing her stuff. "Let's go!" she smiled.

Fitz didn't think he would have met her if it hadn't been for the bar. Sure, Dot would have invited him to meet her friends but he didn't know if things would have worked out this well at the very least. "Your mum's bakery," he teased. He figured he'd do the rest of his work later or perhaps even the day after. He wasn't too worried about it. He started walking with her once she was ready, smiling to himself. "I can't wait."

Rosalind laughed at that suggestion. "I'm sure she'd more than welcome it, but I don't know how practical that would be," she said with a grin. She lead the way, leading him out of the bar and towards her mum's bakery. "Neither can I," she admitted. She was excited to show him all the wonderful sweets her mum had. And she hadn't seen her mum in a few days, so she was excited to see her, too. "I'm likely going to get way too many sweets."

Fitz smiled, a bit of fondness creeping in, at the sound of her laugh. She was enchanting. There was no other word for it. "Is it quite small? The bakery? Suppose it closes a lot earlier than the bar," he realized with a small laugh. He started to walk with her, his hands tucking into his pockets once they were outside. "Should we stop and get her some flowers?" he asked. "Sim and I always take gifts when we meet someone's parents." He let out a chuckle. "Don't worry. I will as well. I love sweets and I'm sure your mother makes wonderful ones."

Rosalind nodded a bit. It wasn't too small, but it was certainly smaller than the bar. And it would be a bit odd playing music there, probably. "A bit small. It's really more of a buy your food and leave place, though she has tables. It most definitely closes earlier than the bar," she laughed a little. Rosalind thought it was awfully charming of him to want to get flowers for her mum. "If you really want to. You don't have to, though. It's not a real formal meeting," she said with a small smile. She was glad she wasn't alone there. "Good. We can get too many together and then I won't feel so bad."

Fitz was glad, then, that the group had Nik's bar to hang out in. They could have all congregated at someone's place but he didn't think it would end up a daily kind of thing. Maybe they would have found another bar but he liked the way this had all worked out. "I'm glad we have the bar then," he grinned. He hummed thoughtfully before shrugging. "I'd like to get some for her. And not just because I know my sister will chastise me if she finds out that I didn't," he teased. "We can pick them up on the way." He walked quietly for a moment before chuckling. "Don't worry. I'll buy far more than I could ever eat," he promised.

Rosalind was glad they had the bar, too. It was her favorite place to be most times, other than her own apartment. It was a comfort. "I am, too," she smiled over at him. She didn't think the flowers were necessary, but if he insisted. Her mum would find them delightful, and him, too, really. "Okay, we can stop and get flowers," she smiled. She laughed a bit and nodded. "That makes me feel better."

Fitz figured that flowers were the easiest thing to get, aside from chocolates, and since Rosie's mother owned a bakery it simply made more sense to do the blossoms. "Good. Do you know what her favorites are? I'd like to get her those," he smiled. He grinned at her as they walked. "I'm happy to be of help. I love sweets. I'll probably get at least one of everything. Whatever I can't eat, I can give to Simone," he decided with another grin. "Do you get something every time you go?"

Rosalind thought the question over. She knew her mum loved all kinds of flowers, really, as she had quite the floral garden at home. "She likes daisies a good bit, but she loves all flowers," she said with a small smile. She thought that made sense. Simone would probably enjoy them, too. "That's a good way to go," she grinned. "Simone will like them, too," she added. She laughed a little and nodded. "Yes. Or my mum just gives me a bag of goodies to take home."

Fitz nodded thoughtfully. Daisies were a good choice, in his opinion. "They're the friendliest flower," he smiled. "I'll get her some of those. There's a flower shop just up ahead. We'll stop in there," he told her. Once they reached it, he pulled the door open, letting her walk in ahead. "It is. Though, I don't think even the two of us could eat that many," he grinned. "Perhaps I'll buy one of half the shop this time, and next time I'll try the other half." That'd make a bit more sense. "She will." He thought that sounded nice. "She seems like a sweet woman."

Rosalind smiled a bit. He was cute. The friendliest flower. What a way to put it. She hadn't ever noticed the flower shop on this path. How interesting was that? She'd never really been looking, though. "That sounds perfect," she said with a small smile. She laughed quietly and shrugged a shoulder. "That's alright. I'm sure no one will be terribly bothered to have extras, right?" she smiled. "That works, too. Then you can enjoy things while they're fresh," she smiled. She hummed quietly and nodded. "Yeah, she's rather kind."

Fitz thought she made a good point. No one ever was bothered by extras. "Unless, of course, there's too many of them. Then it can get a little wasteful. Otherwise, extras are lovely," he smiled brightly. He nodded a bit. "I was thinking along those lines, too," he grinned. He wandered around the shop with her until he found the daisies and picked out a bouquet. "How about these?" he asked. "She does sound kind. I'm very much looking forward to meeting her."

Rosalind nodded a little. "Yeah, that could be troublesome," she smiled a bit. "I've definitely overestimated how much I could eat and ended up throwing things away," she admitted. She walked with him, looking at and smelling flowers. She quite liked this store, she decided. "Those are beautiful," she said with a smile. "You'll like her," she promised.

Fitz smiled over at her. "I've done the same. I always feel a bit guilty, wasting food. It seems a shame that something someone made to be enjoyed should simply end up in the trash." There were other reasons, as well, but that one was important, he thought. "Not quite as beautiful as you but I think they're quite lovely," he smiled at her. "I don't doubt that," he paused. "What's your favorite flower?"

Rosalind liked the way he said that. It was nice to think that everything was made for someone to enjoy it. "I feel the same way. I'd much rather enjoy it, anyhow," she smiled. The compliment caught her off guard, and she blushed suddenly. "Oh," she said, laughing a little. "I don't know about that," she added, having had a moment to collect her thoughts. "I rather like chrysanthemums and zinnias," she said candidly.

Fitz liked that she knew what he was talking about and agreed. "It's a shame to waste things," he said simply. He noticed her blush and found it interesting but he decided not to comment on it. "You're much more beautiful than a flower, Rosie," he promised. He started around the store a bit, smiling to himself. "I half expected you to pick roses," he teased. He found the chrysanthemums and nodded at them. "Would you like some?"

Rosalind agreed with that. She didn't like wasting anything, though she couldn't think of anything that got wasted as frequently as food. Time, maybe, which she didn't like wasting either. When he complimented her again, she felt even warmer, butterflies fluttering within her. "Thank you," she said, looking at a different bouquet to distract herself and him. She laughed a bit. "That'd be too predictable, now wouldn't it?" she teased back. "Oh, you don't have to. You aren't meeting me for the first time."

Fitz smiled when she thanked him. "It's true," he said simply. He looked around the shop, noticing that they were the only customers. It seemed a shame when there were so many pretty flowers. "You're welcome, though," he added a moment later. He chuckled quietly, shaking his head fondly. "It might be, but it'd be quite cute," he told her. He shrugged a bit, picking up a bouquet and handing it to her. "I don't mind. I don't want you to feel left out," he smiled. He started towards the registers, nodding for her to follow him.

Rosalind felt incredibly overwhelmed by him and his words. "Thank you, again," she said with a small smile. She wasn't sure how cute that would be. She would hate to be so typical. "They are pretty, just not my favorite," she said. She took the bouquet from him. Boy, was her mum gonna have a lot to say about this. With her luck, Nik would hear about it, too. "You're too sweet," she said honestly. "I wouldn't have felt left out, but thank you," she smiled at him.

Fitz shrugged slightly, waving it off. He didn't need the thanks. He wasn't being subjective, he was simply stating facts. "Well, I'm glad that I know your actual favorites now," he smiled. He was glad that he did. He thought it would come in handy in the future. "There's no such thing as too sweet," he chuckled. "Regardless. Now both Sutton women have flowers. It's a good day to be one of you," he smiled as he paid for them. "Ready to head out?"

Rosalind was pretty sure there was such a thing as too sweet, and he was that. And to add to it, he was modest. "A little bit," she said lightly, smiling at him. "A little bit too sweet." He was so cute. She was slipping. She took a deep breath and smiled. "You're very kind. My mum will appreciate it, as do I," she smiled. She nodded, holding the flowers in her hands fondly. "Yes, let's go," she smiled.

Fitz shook his head but he was smiling. "I disagree but I'll accept it." He looked her over once before fixing his eyes back on hers. It still baffled him a bit that she hadn't seemed to agree with him calling her beautiful. He found it rather curious. "I hope she does. Everyone likes flowers, though, right?" he grinned. He headed out of the shop, holding the door open for her. "Is there anything else I should know about your mother before I meet her?"

Rosalind didn't think many people wouldn't like flowers, but her mum especially did. "Oh, yes. She in particularly, though, loves flowers. She has a garden, in fact," she added with a smile. She walked back onto the street, heading toward her mum's shop. "Not that I can think of," she said honestly. Her mum knew everything about the wizarding world that had come up. She was plenty nice. She ran a blank. "Is there anything you want to know?"

Fitz hadn't known that. He was especially glad he'd suggested getting her some flowers. She'd appreciate them more, he thought, than other parents he had tried to impress in the past. "I'm glad to hear that. And glad that I thought of it," he grinned. He hummed as they walked, holding the flowers at his side. "Oh, alright." He looked around a bit before smiling at her again. "It's just Mrs. Sutton, yes? She doesn't have her maiden name attached to her surname in any form?"

Rosalind thought he was really cute. He really cared about this. She wasn't really sure why, but she thought it was cute that he did. "It's rather perfect," she smiled. She nodded a bit. "Just Mrs. Sutton," she said with a smile. "She's pretty relaxed, though," she promised. "This is it," she noted, pushing the door open after giving him a second to prepare. "Rosie!" her mum exclaimed when she caught sight of her. "What a lovely surprise, sweetie. I didn't know you were coming in," she said, walking over to her daughter and wrapping her in a tight hug. "Hi mum," Rosalind smiled, hugging her back. "This is Fitz. He's one of our friends. He writes for the newspaper," she said, introducing him. "Fitz, this is my mum," she said, stepping back so they could greet one another.

Fitz nodded slightly. Mrs. Sutton. He could remember that much. "Still, I want to greet her properly," he insisted. "Even if she's relaxed about it." He took a deep breath before nodding and following her into the bakery. He stood a few steps behind Rosalind, making sure he gave the two women room to greet each other. He smiled at the sight, finding it rather sweet. Once his friend said his name he took a step forward, offering the flowers. "Pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Sutton. Fitz Monet," he grinned. "Rosie here has told me all about you and your bakery."

Rosalind knew that. He had made it very clear that he wanted to do this properly. "You're very kind," she said again, smiling at him. She watched for a moment while her friend met her mum. Mrs. Sutton took the flowers, smiling at him. "How thoughtful of you, Fitz!" she said, holding the flowers in one hand and wrapping her other arm around him in a half hug. "It's a pleasure to meet you, too. Why don't you come with me and I'll get you some of the sweets you've heard all about." Rosie smiled a bit, following behind them. "I'm going to put these in some water," she said, stepping into the kitchen and getting a tall glass for the time being.

Fitz smiled kindly as she took the flowers. He was a bit surprised by the hug but returned it graciously. She was every bit as lovely as his friends had claimed. He'd not doubted them. "I would love to, thank you very much," he said, walking along with her. "It's a very beautiful place. I can see why people love it," he told her, glancing at the patrons that were enjoying their sweets. "And it smells even lovelier than the bakeries back in Paris," he added with a pleasant smile. "I can't wait to try everything."

Rosalind thought Fitz was awfully cute, all full of compliments. Her mum was going to eat it up. "Lovelier than in Paris? Quite a bit of flattery there," her mum grinned. "What would you like to try first? I'll pull it out for you," she added. Rosalind came back out after she got her flowers situated, standing near the two. "He's real good at the compliments, isn't he?" Rosie said with a laugh. "What are you going to get?" she asked him curiously.

Fitz shrugged a bit, the pleasant smile still in place. "I speak only the truth, Mrs. Sutton," he insisted. "I've been to plenty of bakeries back home in France and yours is already superior," he promised. He looked at the cases of treats, tilting his head to the side slightly. "How about you let me try your favorite?" he asked the woman, aiming his dazzling smile towards her again. "And then I'd like to try a cookie. This one," he decided, pointing at it. He turned to Rosie. "I told you, I want to try everything," he grinned. "You help me pick things, I trust you."

Rosalind smiled a little. Her mum did seem to like him, and he seemed to like her. "Fair enough, but you should save your decisions for after you've eaten something," she said. She handed him a meringue, her favorite, and then went to get the cookie he wanted to try out and ready for him. "I know, I meant what are you getting now," she teased. "Hm, I really like the almond cakes," she said, pointing to it.

Fitz nodded at that. "I'll do that," he promised. He leaned forward to take the meringue and thanked her politely. "It looks delicious," he smiled. "A meringue!" he told Rosie, showing it to her. "Very French," he grinned. He took a small bite of the meringue and let it melt in his mouth. "It's wonderful. Light and airy with a nice crisp crunch," he grinned. "I'll try an almond cake as well. If Rosie likes them, I'm certain that I will."

Rosalind laughed quietly when Fitz showed her the meringue. "I know," she said with another small laugh. "They're very good," she said honestly. She watched as he took a bite, smiling fondly all the while. Her mum smiled when he complimented the meringue. "Thank you," she said, getting the almond cake on a plate for him. "Here you go, dear," she said, handing him the plate.

Fitz hadn't quite thought it through when he decided he wanted to try everything. He was going to end up very full, very quickly. He took the other cookie that she'd set out for him and had a bite before passing it to Rosie in case she wanted some. "That's exquisite too. You've outdone yourself already!" he said brightly. He had a bite of the almond cake and hummed. "I see why it's your favorite," he said to Rosie.

Rosalind wasn't going to say no to the cookie. She knew it was good, and he was going to end up eating way more than her. She took a bite. She felt so fond watching him interact with her mum. She waited for him to try the almond cake, smiling when he seemed to enjoy it. "It sort of melts in your mouth, doesn't it?" she said with a grin, taking another bite of the cookie.

Fitz honestly was a little bit overwhelmed. The sights and smells of the bakery were delectable and the taste of the sweets had been incredibly decadent. He'd never been so pulled in before by a place like this. "It does. It very much does," he agreed. He took another bite before passing her the cake. He didn't want to eat it all before she'd had a bite. "Another! I want to try..." he looked around. "The danish."

Rosalind really liked how much he seemed to be enjoying himself and the food. She also liked that he and her mum seemed to have hit it off well. "It's excellent, isn't it?" she smiled at him. Her mum got the danish out, handing it over to him before excusing herself to help another customer. "I told you should would like you, now didn't I?" she said with a smile.

Fitz turned to smile at Rosie when she spoke, nodding a bit. Everything about the food was incredible. Everything about the bakery in general was. His smile widened when her mother stepped away for a moment and he moved a bit closer to Rosalind. "I'm glad that she does. I had meant to be extra charming but I got a bit distracted and forgot to be charming at all," he admitted. "So I'm very glad. The sweets are amazing, too! Just like you said."

Rosalind thought he had been plenty charming, but she figured that must be his natural charm that he seemed to not really believe in. "I think you've done just fine," she laughed a little. "What do you think of her?" she asked curiously. "Mm, they really are. I'm glad you're enjoying them," she smiled. She took a small bite of the cake, setting it down on the counter.

Fitz was pleased to hear he'd been doing well. He had been more nervous about making a good first impression than he'd thought he would be. "I'm glad to hear it," he smiled. "She's lovely! She's just as sweet as the sweets she makes," he grinned. He thought she was a wonderful woman. "I don't think anyone could not enjoy them," he laughed. "They're delightful. I can't wait to try the rest."

Rosalind thought the way Fitz described things was sort of outrageous sometimes. If she didn't know any better, she'd think he was exaggerating, but she was pretty sure that he genuinely thought she was as sweet as the sweets she made. "You're cute," she said with a small laugh, blushing a little when she realized what she said. "You're right, unless they don't like sugar," she added. "You'll have to take a box with you," she smiled.

Fitz beamed at her compliment. He hadn't been expecting it at all and it made him feel a bit warm. He wasn't sure what was happening to him, honestly, or what any of it meant. "Oh. Thank you, Rosie," he grinned. "You're very cute as well." He glanced around again, looking at everything in the case in front of them. "Even if they didn't, they'd like these." He nodded. "Absolutely! I have to have Simone try them! I'll eat the majority but she can have a nibble!"

Rosalind smiled a little at his reaction. He was so cute. That was all that she could seem to think. Boy, he's cute. She was amazed by how fluttery she felt around him. "Thank you," she said with a small laugh. She shrugged a little. She didn't know what people who didn't like sugar did or didn't like. She was a fan of sugar herself, so it was hard to say. She laughed quietly. "Not the best sharer, but you are sharing," she smiled.

Fitz chuckled a bit, shrugging a shoulder. He didn't think that mattered too much. All that mattered was that he let Simone have a few bites. "Sim's never been one to eat too many sweets at once. She has a lot of self control," he grinned. "Which means more for me. I'll share with you, though, if you want me to. What else should I try? Everything looks so incredible." He felt like he'd said that already but he wasn't too sure.

Rosalind found that she smiled an awful lot when she was around Fitz. It shouldn't have surprised her, as she knew she liked him, but it did. "I can see that," she admitted. She seemed like a very put together person, honestly. "You don't have to share with me. I'll have my own," she promised. She laughed quietly and shrugged. "You should try it all, really, so just whichever you want to try now," she said. "I can get them for you while my mum finishes in the back," she said.

Fitz thought that was a bit amusing honestly. He smiled over at her again, just taking her in for a moment. He laughed when she said he didn't have to share. "Okay, then more for me," he grinned with a bit of a shrug. "I can eat it all in a couple of days, I think." He nodded a bit, walking in front of the cases. Everything looked so good, it was hard to make any decision. "I think I'll just get all the cookies today. I'll work my way through the categories, how's that sound?"

Rosalind smiled and nodded. More for him. He would enjoy it. And she didn't really need it all, anyway. She wondered just how long she could keep her feelings bundled and tucked away. "Perfect," she smiled at him. "Cookies is a good way to start," she agreed, getting a glove and putting the cookies into a box. She closed the box and put a piece of tape over it, handing it over to him. She threw the glove away, turning to face him. "I'm gonna go say goodbye to my mum, and then we can go walk for a bit if you'd like?"

Fitz watched her put the cookies into a box. They all looked delightful, he thought he'd be sampling each for the rest of the day. He couldn't think of a better way to spend a few hours honestly. "I thought so too," he smiled. He took the box once she offered it and reached into his pocket carefully to get out his muggle money. "I know you said your mother wouldn't make me pay but she's not out here and it doesn't feel right taking them without paying," he smiled, handing her some of it. "Give her my best and thank her for me. I'd love to go on a walk. I could probably use it with all the sugar I'm eating," he chuckled.

Rosalind laughed when he started to give her money, shaking her head. "Consider them on me, then, okay? I'll pay for them. Just keep your money," she smiled, handing it back to him. "I'll let her know," she smiled, laughing quietly at him and walking back to talk to her mum for a moment. After she said her goodbyes, she came back out to join him for a walk. "Let's go!" she smiled, grabbing herself and extra cookie to eat as they walked.

Fitz frowned a bit when she refused to take his money but he put it back into his pocket anyway. "If you're sure..." he trailed off. "But next time I come, I'm paying for my sweets. It doesn't feel right to just accept them," he told her. He nodded at her when she went into the back and took the time he had to look around a little bit more. "Ready?" he asked when he spotted her again. He held the door open, letting her walk out first before following her. "Where would you like to go?"

Rosalind nodded, insisting. She closed his hand around his money. "It's not a big deal," she promised. "It's really okay! My mum owns the place!" she promised, smiling at him. When she came back out, she nodded, smiling at him. She liked how once she got in the swing of things with him, she started to feel like bashful. She followed him to the door, walking out before him. "Oh, nowhere in particular. I just thought walking might be nice. Especially, like you said, with so many sweets," she smiled a little.

Fitz still felt a bit bad. He knew her mum owned the place but that was just it. She needed the revenue to keep it open, didn't she? She was just handing out a bunch of cookies for free. He felt guilty. "If you're sure." He nodded a bit when she spoke, thinking that worked for him. He liked going for strolls. They relaxed him. "That sounds good to me," he smiled. He walked along with her, taking a cookie out of his box. "This was really nice. Thank you for bringing me along with you," he told her.

Rosalind smiled and nodded again. "I'm positive," she insisted. She was glad he wanted to walk with her. She enjoyed being around him when she wasn't losing her mind over how precious and stunning he was. "Thank you for coming along with me. I'm glad you enjoyed the sweets," she smiled. She wanted to say something, say something more, but she found herself getting flustered at the thought. "Do you have a busy week ahead of you?" she asked instead.

Fitz hummed a bit, turning to smile brightly at her. "Of course I came! I wouldn't pass up a chance to spend time with you. And I've heard all about your mum's bakery. I had to see it myself," he grinned. He took a little bite off the corner of his cookie, contemplating the question. "Not particularly, actually. I only have a handful of interviews, to be honest. Most of my articles will be based around statistics and whatnot," he smiled. "What about you?"

Rosalind honestly didn't know what to make of Fitz. Here he was saying he wanted to spend time with her, and while she knew it didn't mean anything, it felt like something. She sort of hated that she had complicated this friendship in her mind. "It didn't disappoint, did it?" she smiled. She frowned a bit and nodded. "Sounds a bit boring," she admitted. "Not that I know of. We'll just have to see, I guess."

Fitz shook his head. The bakery had to be far from disappointing. It had lived up to every expectation and more, honestly. "No. It definitely did not. The sweets are better than any I have ever had before. Thank you for bringing me along," he smiled. He thought for a moment, staying quiet as he walked. "It's not too terrible. I'm just happy to be doing what I love. Or close to it," he smiled. "I hope your week is exciting."

Rosalind was glad to hear the bakery had been enjoyable for him. She didn't want him to walk away from it feeling disappointed. She didn't really know why she cared so much, but she did. It was likely unnecessary to be so concerned, she just couldn't help herself. "Oh, I'm happy to hear that," she smiled at him. She nodded along. That was a good way to look at it. "That's good," she smiled at him. "I hope so, too. Time will tell."

Fitz smiled at her. He walked along, nibbling on his cookie as he did. He thought the day had been a success. He hadn't expected to even spend much time with her as he'd mostly been working on articles at the bar. And he'd ended up getting to go to her mother's bakery and he got to spend time with Rosie. It was perfect. "We'll have to get lunch more than once since neither of us are expecting to be busy," he smiled.

Rosalind hadn't thought about that, but she realized she had no reason to say no. He flustered her like mad, but he didn't need to know that, of course. She could be flustered around him and hide it. She had been. "We will," she smiled at him. She walked with him slowly, making their way back into wizarding London. "Do you ever miss France?" she asked curiously.

Fitz liked that she was open to going to lunch with him more than once in a week. He knew he was a lot to handle sometimes and he could be quite annoying but she didn't seem phased at all. "Good. I'm glad," he smiled. He looked over in surprise when she spoke again. "Oh. Well. Sometimes," he admitted. "The place far more than the people," he told her with a smile.

Rosalind knew if she had left London she would miss it. The city was a part of her. That was the only way she could describe it. If she left she'd feel so lost. "I would miss London," she said honestly. Though, she would miss the people, too. But she understood how that was different. "I don't know how you do it, really," she added.

Fitz wasn't surprised by that. She'd lived in London for her entire life. Of course she would miss it. "It's strange, leaving the city you've called home for so many years. I'd grown used to the buildings and the shops and the cafes. I think about going back there an awful lot but," he shrugged. It wasn't possible at the moment. "What do you mean?" he asked with a frown.

Rosalind thought that all made sense. She wondered what was really keeping him from going back, but she figured if he'd wanted her to know, he would have said. "I can imagine. I would have to really fall in love with a different city to not go back to London as soon as I left," she said honestly. "I don't know how you manage to live here so happily. Different country, different language, so much unfamiliarity. I would have gone back long ago."

Fitz nodded a bit. That made sense. "That's what happened for me. I fell in love with London. I fell in love with the cottage the minute I saw it, then I fell in love with the people. Then I fell in love with my dog," he smiled. "London's home now." He hummed a bit, considering that. "Well. We grew up very differently. I was raised differently. It wasn't hard to leave that behind. It was hard to leave Simone, especially since she... is my twin," he corrected himself. "But she's here now. And, anyway, I've been fluent in English as long as I've been fluent in French."

Rosalind thought it was nice that he loved London so much. She loved it, too, so she saw the appeal, but she was also incredibly biased. "I'm glad you feel at home here in London," she smiled. She knew that. She knew his family was friends with Wren's, and she knew a good bit about Wren's family. It wasn't hard to draw conclusions. But she thought, even if she had had a rough upbringing, she'd still love London. She smiled a little. "I'm glad you're both there, then," she said honestly.

Fitz didn't think it was possible for anyone to not feel at home in London. The city was welcoming. There was something about it that just said home. He wasn't sure what it was but maybe he'd figure it out one day. "I'm glad too," he smiled. He nodded a little bit. He was glad too. Thrilled, really. He didn't know what the two of them would have done if they hadn't ended up in this city. "I am as well. I'm very happy to be here," he told her.

Rosalind had to admit, it was nice that the two of them had each other. She knew that they had left a lot behind, had moved to a whole new country. She also knew that they hadn't moved here together. But she thought it must be nice to know they have each other, no matter what else goes down. She appreciated that she had that with her siblings, and nothing had really even happened in their lives. "I'm happy you're here," she said honestly. "I should probably get going soon," she admitted.

Fitz didn't want this to end. He knew that she'd have to head home eventually and he had plenty of work to do but he never liked saying goodbye to her. It had become more difficult as of late. He was still working out why. "Oh, well, if you must," he said with a small yet reluctant smile. "Did you want me to walk you back to the bar or are you simply heading straight home?" he wondered.

Rosalind smiled a bit. He was so cute. If she must. He made her heart flutter and for the silliest of reasons. "I was just gonna duck behind a building and apparate home," she admitted. "But, are you free this weekend? Maybe I can try to teach you how to fly?" she offered, smiling nervously. She was a bit worried about it still, but she wanted to give him a chance.

Fitz figured that made sense. It'd be faster that way and she could get to whatever she needed to do sooner. "Alright," he smiled. He brightened even more when she suggested teaching him to fly. "I am always free to learn to fly!" he said enthusiastically. "When? Sunday? In the afternoon?" he asked, nearly bouncing with excitement. He was going to fly!

Rosalind laughed quietly at his excitement. He was so excited about possibly getting hurt. Or he had a lot more faith in her than he probably should have. "Slow down there," she laughed. She nodded. "Sunday afternoon works for me. I'm free all weekend, so really, whenever you have time," she said honestly. She had to admit she was excited, too, but she had a feeling that was just because of him.

Fitz shrugged it off when she told him to slow down. He was too excited to be calm. He was going to be up on a broom again. It had been years since anyone had allowed him on one. He wasn't sure if Rosie knew that or not but he was keeping it to himself. "Lovely! I'm free all weekend as well so we can spend it flying!" he grinned. "It'll be so much fun. I'll treat you to dinner after!" he offered.

Rosalind wondered if he now thought they were going to fly all Saturday and all Sunday. This was going to be a disaster. She laughed a little, smiling widely at him. She nodded. "Sounds lovely. Please try not to get hurt if you can so help yourself," she laughed. "Oh, you don't have to," she said honestly, waving a hand. She wanted to go to dinner with him, but she didn't want him to feel obligated.

Fitz nodded solemnly but he couldn't make any promises. He was certain he'd injure himself somehow. He always did when he got on a broom. It was almost like a rule somewhere stated that he had to fall. It didn't worry him, though. Whatever happened, Simone could fix him. Or a different healer, really, as he wouldn't want the lecture. "Nonsense. I'm going to take you to dinner."

Rosalind reminded herself that him taking her to dinner was just a friend doing another friend a favor as a thanks for the friend doing them a favor in the first place. But she still felt all nervous about it. She couldn't help herself. She felt so silly. "Okay, you can take me to dinner," she agreed with a small laugh. "But only if you don't get terribly hurt."

Fitz waved a hand. "If I'm hurt I'll take you to dinner another time," he promised. "After I'm all fixed up. But I won't get hurt," he tacked on quickly. If she started to suspect that he would then she'd pull the plug on the whole thing. "Thank you so much, Rosie," he said, pulling her in for a tight hug. He was careful with his box of treats but still managed to hold her close to him. "And thank you for the treats."

Rosalind didn't know what to make of him, but really, she knew that it was all just in her head because she liked him. "Okay, okay," she said playfully. She sort of melted into his hug, smiling as he hugged her. "You're welcome," she said quietly, not letting go since he didn't seem to be. "You're welcome, Fitz. I hope you enjoy them," she said honestly.

Fitz pulled back after a long moment and fixed a bright smile on his lips. "I definitely will enjoy them," he promised. "I don't know how anyone couldn't," he added. He still didn't really want to say goodbye to her but he didn't think he could delay her any longer. He didn't have a good reason to and she probably had things she'd rather be doing. "Well, I hope you enjoy the rest of your day."

Rosalind thought he was so cute. She smiled at him for a moment longer before stepping back a little. "Thank you. You, too. I'll see you soon, I'm sure," she said. She needed to leave now, or she never would. She moved into a private spot and apparated to her apartment.

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