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Numbering K1sses and Souls http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k2...ps852c7893.jpg Characters: Josephina Hadley - PhoenixRising Addison Nairne - Holmesian Feline Back Story: In Summer 2078, Josephina Hadley and Addison Nairne both found themselves at a cursebreaking/arithmancy convention in Orlando, Florida. Throughout the course of the 5-day convention, they found themselves bonding over common interests (number fascinations and travelling), along with connections strung between their sisters (Josephina was in Hufflepuff with Addison's sisters; Addison was in Ravenclaw with Josephina's sisters). After the convention was over and they were returning to the reality of their careers, they planned on writing letters, but didn't expect anything to come of their relationship. Just friends, right? WRONG! Somehow, three years later, the two continued to write each other regularly and meet up during holidays, making the impossible ... possible. And now Addison is ready to show the world just how much Josephina means to him . . . to start them off on the path towards a great many new possibilities of hope and love. First Scene: The Proposal Why was he so nervous again? Oh right....he was taking a pretty big step tonight...that's why. Sure Fina was expecting simply a dinner but Addison had other plans. Ones that included a certain small pouch within his pocket. The curse-breaker absently patted said pocket just to make sure it was still there, taking a breath to calm himself when it was. He needed to appear normal for as long as possible otherwise flags would be raised and the right moment would be risked. So he settled into a private table he had found near the back of the restaurant he had picked within Muggle London for the setting of tonight. The Leaky just hadn't been right to him. The man quietly waiting for his companion to arrive and join him as he fiddled absently with the cuff of his dress shirt. |
first scene: August 2081 ;) It was one of their last nights together before she had to return to Hogwarts to set up her new classroom. Dressed in a simple blouse and skirt, Josephina found herself both in anticipation and nervous. She hadn't even told Addison yet, but considering she'd just had the conversation with the Headmistress recently about the change in positions, then that would explain it. Why had he selected this place in Muggle London anyway? What was wrong with the Leaky? Not that she minded too much, as it provided her with additional materials to discuss during her lessons this next term. Asking the hostess if Nairne had showed up for the reservation, she was pleasantly surprised when she was shown to a back room and a secluded table. And there he was ... fiddling with the cuff on his dress shirt. Smiling widely at him, she walked over lightly and placed her hand gently on his wrist. "Everything okay?" Because they did this every year, for three years, the separating thing in August. They should be pros at this. "I have some news for you." Which she would totally wait for if he wasn't ready to hear it, seeing how preoccupied he looked. |
Should he have ordered some wine? Should he have planned the evening a little more? Would she even be happy with what he had thought to include this evening? Instead of the course of numbers Addison sometimes preferred to anything else occupying his mind, burning questions filled the space instead. His thoughts running over in his head, Addison hadn't even noticed Fina's approach until she reached down to touch his arm. "Yes....everything's fine," he answered, hoping his tone assured her it was the truth. He would hate to ruin the surprise by causing discomfort and problems before he was ready to do what he wanted to do. The cursebreaker recovered quickly and offered her a smile in return yet couldn't help tilt his head slightly in curiosity as she spoke again. "What kind of news?" Good news he hoped by her seemingly happy appearance. Their upcoming separation for the new school term was bad enough, though he was used to it by now. |
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Oh so he wanted to know her news? What if she didn't want to tell him? "Ahem, well... I'm not going to teach to Arithmancy next term." She bit her lip with a half-smile. Letting thoughts run through on the possibilities of what could be next term. "I've just gotten the okay to teach Muggle Studies instead! Which means my classroom and office will be one floor down. One floor closer to the kitchens." And well, he had siblings, so he knew what was on the kitchen level. |
Addison momentarily followed Fina's gaze around the room, the woman obviously taking in the surroundings that made up the private area of the restaurant they had been directed to once he had requested someplace special to have dinner alone. "Well I figured it was a nice change," he mused absently, hoping it didn't sound like he was trying to defend his choice. Thankfully her appraising words seemed to negate any need for the motion. She wasn't teaching arithmancy this upcoming term? A subject she had taught for more than a decade? Addison's thoughts of his plans were momentarily thrown by what came to mind in the silence the former Hufflepuff left in her wake. What did that mean? She wasn't teaching? However he was relieved when she finally continued with her news, perhaps showing it a bit too much. "Fun..." he said with a nod. "Closer to your badgers." |
Fina simply nodded in agreement. It was a nice change. Less noise than their usual places and outings; she appreciated the sentiment all the same. It was nice to just be able to enjoy and relax. No extra noise. Just them. But why did he seem so surprised about her dropping Arithmancy? Oh right, because she loved the subject. But studying about muggles would be fun too; she was sure of it. And yes, he got the hint. "Exactly. Closer to my badgers." She nodded, in agreement. "Change is good for the soul, you know? And you know what else is good for the soul...... ?" .... "Food." She gave a grin, as she motioned toward the table set for two. "So what's on the menu tonight, Captain A?" |
He chuckled at her dramatic pause, the word at the end of the statement quite poignant when it finally ended the sentence. "Right..." Addison said in agreement quickly getting up from his seat and moving to take out her seat. "Well then sit down and join me then," he added, motioning for her to take the seat across for him on their private table as he returned to his own. Surely she wouldn't continue standing throughout their entire evening. Captain A? That gained the professor a quirked eyebrow as he wondered where that name had come from. But Addison pushed it aside for favor of her question. "As for the food, this restaurant is rather known for its seafood dishes. So I've been told." Okay so he had questioned his sister for advice on places to go, given her additional experience in the matters of dates outside the wizarding world. Besides seafood was a summer thing....right? |
Oh good, at least they were in consent about the food thing. Two things that they could never argue about - food and numbers. Well actually numbers they could argue about, but in the good sense. "Aw, I could have gotten that," she drawled slowly, tapping a finger on her chin, as she watched Addison rise from his own seat and pull out her seat. Really though, if she wanted to sit sooner, she would have. But logistics aside, she took the seat regardless, clasping her hands together in front of her. Seafood dishes? "Hm, well if we must go with seafood, can we go for something lighter. Perhaps a crustacean, such as shrimp would be okay. Angel hair shrimp?" Because it got the Italian staple, pasta, in the dish. "Unless you had something else in mind...regarding recommended dishes." |
Sure Addison had known that Fina could have taken care of it herself. However he had also had the impulse to be a gentleman and polite with the simple gesture. "But what would be the fun in that..." he stated with a smirk to act more normal and hide the concern for his nerves. He watched her sit as he opened up the menu before him. "No...no...the choice is open and entirely up to you," he remarked, look up over his own menu at her. "And it doesn't have to be seafood. I was meerly passing on an idea I had been told." Maybe he should have just gone with a place he knew better and avoid any type of confusion or unknown. Well it was too late now and there was plenty of options for them to choose from it seemed anyway. "That does sound good though." A mixture of a few different things. |
OF COURSE Addison would be the one to not allow her to pull out her own chair. Shaking her head at him in amusement, a smile played on her lips, as she continued to study the menu. "Because I'm a self-sufficient independent witch." DUH. SO she could pull out her own chair. Oh wait, was she not supposed to use the w word in this muggle restaurant? Whoops; thankfully Addison had selected private seating arrangements, which made for one thing he did right so far. And yet another thing he did right. Left the choice up to her. "Fine then." A moment later, when the waiter returned, "We'll have the Angel hair with shrimp, the large portion that we'll share, with a large Caesar salad as an appetizer. And for dessert ..." she perused that side of the menu a moment, "well, we'll let you know." Once the waiter took their menus and departed, she clasped her hands together. "So tell me, what's on the agenda for you this year?" Since he knew what she was doing, it was only fair.... |
Addison wasn't sure he had meant his words exactly the way Fina had apparently taken them, but he wasn't about to say no to her suggestion. No...he was going to simply nod and smile as he handed the menu back to the waiter before she disappeared once more. Besides, he had agreed that the original suggestion had sounded good so it wasn't a losing situation. Hopefully the professor would be happy with his choice of dessert. He took a sip of water from his glass once they were alone, the cursebreaker returned his attention to his girlfriend at her inquiry. "Same old, same old," Addison answered at first, no changes in subject for him. "I'll be leaving for some time in Egypt later next week." That was to check on an ongoing project of his that had its share of ups and downs. And I believe theres a conference or something in November." In truth, he'd be back and forth amongst tons of places though most were short jaunts when they occurred. Nothing too interesting that he knew of as of yet. |
told you we'd post this morning!!! *hides* Oops........ after she finished placing the order, she took note of Addison's expression. Was she not supposed to order? It wasn't her fault; he TOLD her it was her choice. And the waiter happened to come over, so it wasn't like she was going to be rude or anything. Egypt. But that was so far. She was allowed to leave school to visit with him, but it wasn't like she could disappear to a whole other continent. Fina was pretty sure THAT would have been going too far. Slight pouty face. "How long you going to be there for?" It wasn't like she wasn't going to be preoccupied enough in the next week, with setting up her new classroom, but maybe they could have one last fling when he returned. "Ooh. Is it another Cursebreaking conference? I didn't see anything about it from the association..." Fina frowned. "Where is it? Maybe I can go too." If it was a weekend conference, like they tended to do in the Fall. And assuming nothing too crazy happened at Hogwarts this year, which she wouldn't know until ... October, probably. |
It was hard not to be amused at the face he was getting across the table. Apparently someone was none too happy that he would be so far away from her, even if their time together throughout the year was always scewed anyway. "Hopefully not more than a few days," he answered, spreading his wishes. "It isn't really involving my speciality but they needed a few extra hands and somehow I got roped into volunteering." There may or may not have been a favor involved but Fina didn't need to know about that type of thing. Conference...location...Addison tried to think on those type of details that might be useful. Or at the very least, what the professor was asking him about. His mind admittedly wanting to drift to other things. "Yes...Somewhere on the continent," meaning Europe, certainly closer than Egypt," the details escape me at the moment." Which was certainly true. Why did the object in his pocket feel like it was attacking his very memories? "I can certainly owl you the details tomorrow or so." When he was back in the office and she was back at Hogwarts...if that was indeed the case. Thankfully it was then that the waiter returned to their table with their salad. |
Not more than a few days. Which meant, if she worked quickly enough in setting up her new office and classroom, she could possibly get to see him once more before September 1st evening, when she had to be back at Hogwarts. She nodded as he spoke how he got roped into volunteering. Of course he did. "So I've got a few days to setup and then maybe we'll get to have one last day before school starts again." When their time would be dwindled to the rare weekend, once a month or so. Somewhere in Europe? Why couldn't he just say Europe instead of trying to be subtle? "That'd be good, definitely." Because she might be interested and able to attend. Oh good. Salad. Just in time. No more awkward small talk. "Mmm. This looks good," she said, unfolding her napkin on her lap. "Soo... can you tell me about the Egypt project or is it classified information?" Fina asked in between salad bites. |
Addison nodded in agreement to her words, his mind wrapping around the information he was given about their possible scheduling. "That would certainly be nice." Their time was limited as it was, so any chance they got to enjoy their others company. And Europe was good...wasn't bad anyway. Could have been worse like Egypt again or the states. Wizarding transportation did have limitations to making faraway places closer. It was more the ability to be available in closer range. He took a bite of the salad, trying to search for the right words to explain what was going on between chews. "Well...basically there have been some runic discoveries that have appeared that are either modified or might have a chance of being new." Runes wasn't entirely his strong suit that was for sure, but then they didn't often turn up within his area. But it was all hands on deck and he hadn't had something more pressing to keep him occupied. Needing to see one's girlfriend before she left for the term didn't qualify. |
OKay, good. They were in agreement then. One more meeting before school term. Which made her realize something else. "You know... three years ago today ... we were exchanging addresses and leaving for our separate ways from Florida?" Hadley asked, out of the blue. "Time flies." Runic discoveries. Okay. So basically Botros department. Hadley bit her lip and wondered if he colleague knew about the modifications. "I doubt it's something new. There's rarely anything new when it comes to numbers or runic stuff. Not with thousands of years of Arithmancers that came before us." She paused. "But I just hope it's not fraudulent either. There's been a lot of that lately." |
Yeah...time certainly flew. Who knew they would be where they are by this time back then? Addison definitely hadn't. "Very interesting... who would have thought?" the cursebreaker mused with a smile. His hand reached idly and discretely under the table's edge were the box lay within a pocket. Was this the right moment? The conversation turned back to his work and he had to quickly switch gears back to the less emotional tone. "My thoughts exactly," he commented, sharing her hope. "Theres nothing like being called in for a lot of nothing. Well nothing but paperwork." Addison had had a case or two in his experience that had appeared to be leading to something fruitful and in the end just be path into circles. Not even concentric circles at that. Addison again debated acting, realizing that he doubted he'd be able to enjoy their proposed dinner with the nerves still in his stomach. So taking a deep breath he broke the silence once more. " Look...I've been thinking. You said it yourself...three years have passed...to the day." He couldn't even remember if he had thought of that fact when he planned tonight. "How would you like to make it many more?" Cue taking the box out of his pocket and setting it down on the table between them. |
Josephina smiled coyly at his response to her revelation about it having been three years since that night when they parted. She certainly never imagined she would still be talking to him today, let alone having dinner, sharing kisses and hand-holding, or anything else for that matter. It wasn't that she didn't want to settle down; it was just that it was so ... unexpected. Lost in thought, she barely noticed him reach into his pocket. How could she have let it get this far? Sure Leanne had warned her that this might happen. And she adored his sisters. But she just never expected it to be this ... easy? And she was scared. 100% afraid of whatever might come next. She smiled again, as he agreed with her that it could be fraudulent, which just meant paperwork. "Yea ... that's the worst. Paperwork. But I suppose it's better than doing nothing" She said, snapping out of her thoughts momentarily to let him know she was listening. But she couldn't fall back into her thoughts now. Again. Not when what came next. Not when she saw that look. And that box. She knew what that was. "By many more, you mean that as ... an Arithmancy pun, right?" Fina said nervously, biting her lower lip. "And that... that's the pin. The number 7 brooch ... the one created in Bridget Wenlock's memory." She pointed at the little box on the table. He hadn't opened it and well, it wasn't a ring. It just ... no. She was 37, for Wenlock's sake! She was an adult, in all aspects |
Yeah...paperwork. They agreed on the annoyance of that one thing. Though Addison had to admit that his mind had already pulled fully from that conversation. Nope, there were other things on his mind like the act of proposing to one's girlfriend. He slowly shook his head, torn by her response. Was she aware of what he was asking? Pulling at straws thinking of options? "No...its not," Addison answered as he bit the inside of his cheek as the nerves intensified. The cursebreaker trying to find better words to use. "By many more...I mean...for a lifetime." Was that clear enough? He lowered his gaze in an attempt to ease his nerves of not directly looking at the professor for even a short time. And in response the words mometarily came just a little easier. "Fina, I approached that conference much as I do this Egypt trip...not exactly knowing what to get out of it. And in the end I found you. I found someone I have grown to love." Allegra had teased him when she found out, saying only he could have found a girlfriend out of an arithmacy conference meant for work only. "And this," he moved to take hold of the box once more. "This is a token of that love." Cue the slow movement back up to his feet before bending down to take place on one knee. "What I'm saying is..." "Josephina Faith Hadley..." he said opening the box to present to her. "...will you marry me?" |
No Bridget Wenlock brooch? Aww.......... Josephina feigned sadness as that thought, as she tried to ponder what else Addison could be on about. So much talk. So much silence. It was making her nervous and the brunette found herself working at breathing even. Many more .... a lifetime... a lifetime of what...? Nice dinners? Letters? And then he continued ... talking ... trying to bypass the time. Trying to calm himself, no doubt. She flushed though when he said he found her at the conference. It wasn't something SHE expected to happen either; falling for someone at a conference. Well actually she hadn't. She fell for him sometime after.... between the letters and the weekend reunions or maybe the vacation to paradise. But all along, she never thought it would turn into something permanent. Something forever. For infinity. And yet, as he moved and bent down and held out the GORGEOUS ring, she found herself unable to breath at all. She just stared ........ and ......... finally, exhaled, her hands automatically moving to cover her mouth. "I... I... I don't know what to say..." she lowered her hands, and rose from her chair, her arms falling around his shoulders, her lips brushed his ear. "Yes. Yes." A smile coming to her lips, as she held her arms around him... |
Fina could have changed into all the colors of the rainbow while he spoke and he wouldn't haven noticed. His attention was more on the act of breathing as he got out all he wanted to say for at least once he felt his breath hitch with nerves not to mention the actual words that he needed to get his point across. A point that had been just as easily stated by the opening of the box in his grasp. A puzzle ring...it had seemed appropriate to the cursebreaker given the interests they both shared. Addison let out the breath he hadn't known he had been holding when she finally said yes...twice. He echoed her smile and moved to stand back up on both feet, box still in hand, as the professor put her arms around him so they could better embrace each other easier. His own arms moving around her in kind. "Oh you wouldn't believe how glad I am to hear that." He loosened his hold just a little so he could face her before leaning in for a kiss to seal the deal of the moment. |
This day.... today ... Fina wasn't sure she could ever forget for as long as she lived. Unless she developed a form of dementia or something, but even then, she'd probably write it down before she forgot it all, just so she could continue to remember it. She dreamed of this day, but wasn't sure it would ever come. And now, as she felt his arms around her, his breathing in sync with hers, she could only think of one thing to say; "I'm home", the professor whispered, closing her eyes and savoring the moment. The kiss (which was NOTHING like kissing Abraham Botros, as spontaneous as that was). This kiss, at least, meant something. "So what now?" Fina said, pulling herself away .....but moving her hand down to grab for his. "Wherever will we live?" How did Aron and Seren work it out? And Annie and Ethan? She'd have to ask them for pointers. Though she'd made it three years in a long-distance relationship, so surely long-distance marriage wouldn't be that much harder.... |
Addison let her take his hand in hers, not aware of her whispered words before the kiss. But he was aware of the happiness at the moment at his girlfriend...nee his fiance now...was feeling as it seemed to be radiating through their touch as much as it was written across her face. Ah yes....that question. They did have an awkward sort of situation though not something entirely unique as he knew from Fina that there were other married professors or former professors she had worked with. "Well I can't say I've actually figured that out yet," he admitted, even though he had thought about it. It was a joint decision they both would have to make. That and the plans for the big day. "But then I suppose that's as good idea of what to talk about over dinner as anything else," he added, having just spotted their waiter off at the door looking as if debating whether he should make his presence known or not. |
Okay, so the thought had definitely crossed his mind over the living situation they would be facing. Thank goodness they were capable of using portkeys and the floo network, which would definitely prove beneficial. "I reckon it'd probably be easier for me to floo to you..." Just her two knuts worth. Not to mention security and whatnot with incoming traffic to Hogwarts was strongly monitored... Seeing him glance toward the door where the waiter was standing, she gave him an encouraging nod to bring their meals in. Cause Fina didn't know about Addison, but she was starved. Once the waiter set their meals down, she placed her attention back on Addison. "I hope you don't mind, but I've always kind of pictured a small wedding. Nothing fancy. Maybe even just two people on a secluded island somewhere....." she started dreamily, starting the talk about the wedding. "Unless of course you'd prefer something more ... grandiose." |
They were on the same page about their possible future living arrangements. At least it seemed so from what little they each said about it. "Yeah, I suppose that would be best." He would after all be the one living at a solid location throughout the year except during trips while she would be at Hogwarts when in school and whereever they lived during the summer holidays and such. "Maybe someplace halfway between Scotland and London." That way they both had some sort of commute, at least when he had to be in the office. Addison listened to her suggestions on the wedding as he settled his napkin upon his lap once more as they returned to their meal, nodding at the ideas sent his way. "Small is fine by me," he agreed, gingerly moving his fork in the angel hair to twirl some onto it. Forget grandiose...large was way too much for him in more ways than one. "Intimate sounds good," the cursebreaker mused taking a bite of the food, thinking on the thoughts in his head as he politely chewed and swallowed to clear himself to speak once more. "Though I don't know if we could get away with that. Don't know about your sisters, but I get the impression I will get in serious trouble with mine if we elope." Aurora and Allegra might not be the girly-girls who planned their own weddings as they grew up but they enjoyed messing with their elder brother's life and that included his wedding. |
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