"You're probably right," Gavin replied, almost absently kissing the top of her head once she stopped nodding. He did always wonder if animals could tell the difference between real companions of the animal kingdom and animangi.

He echoed her good-natured laughter, this time nodding his own head in understanding. "There just trying to get all the attention they can," he mused, leaning the rest of the way back and lightly closing his eyes. "Especially from the adults," he added, inadvertendly touching onthe subject of children that ran through Calla's mind though the man still lay clueless. That was one top he hadn't touched upon in his own thinking.

"Interesting," Gavin answered using the first word that came to his mind about Ryan and his relationship."Though it could never be boring anyway, just not in his nature or vocabulary." His statement most certainly true and both man and woman knowing most of the details that lead to that conclusion.

Calla hadn’t ever really been around kids much. Merritt was younger than her, but not that much younger. She didn’t know much about kids, or their needs. Does that stuff come naturally? She questioned herself, obviously not getting an answer.

A few minutes later she scolded herself, not ever married and worried about if you’d be a good mother? Really?

Calla turned her body slightly and rested her head on his chest. “Of course, always interesting and unpredictable.”

The effects of the wine were long gone and she almost wished they weren’t. If she were still tipsy and happy-go-lucky she wouldn’t be needlessly worrying about marriage and kids and if she was a suitable person for either role.

She fixed her eyes on the garden and the creatures buzzing around it, trying desperately to ignore the thoughts.

Gavin couldn't help chuckling at Calla's response concerning his relationship and activities with his flatmate. "Yes very much so," he replied in agreement, lightly wrapping his arm around her and brushing his hand through her hair as she rested on his chest.

As the silence lingered , he tried not to drift of, the comforting presence of his love and the peaceful setting not to mention the swinging nature of the hammock not helping him one bit. Starring off Gavin suddenly remembered something he had indeed forgotten from his plan for the evening.

"Ooops," he murmered softly, reaching his free hand into his pocketcareful not to disturb Calla in the process and with a flick summoned a small rectanguler box from the bag he had carried everything in.

Thankfully the windows of the cottage were open as gavin caught the box, resting it gingerly on his girlfriend's stomach. The small silver key pendant resting within on its chain.

Calla’s mind was blank. She was successful in trying not to think about the marriage and kid thing. That was of course until Gavin stirred and summoned something.

As he placed the box on her she sat up. “Oh what’s this?” She said with raised eyebrows.

Eyeing him for a moment longer she held the box in one hand and opened it with the other.

Looking into the box she realized it was a key pendant on a silver chain. “Oh Gavin.” She pulled the item out of the box by the chain letting the pendant dangle in the wind. “It’s beautiful.”

It was very pretty, and very thoughtful.

Instantly she felt horrible. First she didn’t even realize it was their anniversary, and then to top it off he got her a gift. Not to even mention she could guess the meaning of the key necklace, which coincidentally played into her current fear.

She leaned over and kissed him, “It’s really pretty. Thank you.” She didn’t want him to know she felt bad, and she tried to play it off but she was afraid she wasn’t doing a good job of hiding the emotions.

Gavin loosened his grip on Calla so she could sit up, watching her carefully and wondering a little about her response as she eyed him before opening the box. He couldn't help smiling as she took the necklace out of the box, the light catching it just right as it hung from her hand.

"I saw it and figured it was something to show we are together," Gavin admitted to his reason for the last minute purchase. The man remembering what Ryan had told him about Tallin's remark about how he didn't act like they were together as a couple. Not that he would really know how they acted outside the office. The former Gryffindor sat calmly, the idea of the man no longer bothering him since all in all it appeared to draw them closer in the end.

"You're welcome," he said with a brighter smile after the kiss broke and they separated once more. He truly loved the woman besides him and he wished he could show Calla just how happy she made him yet all he could truly do was the little touches like the gift and tonight as a whole, The expression on his face loosing its strength however as moments passed and he felt something was off. "Calla...what is it?" he asked hesitantly, looking at his girlfriend curiously.

She smiled softly as he revealed the reason behind the gift. Well, you didn’t have to get it. You’re very sweet.” Calla held the necklace toward him and pulled her hair out of the way, ”Please?”

Looking down at the necklace she heard Gavin ask what was wrong. She sighed inwardly. She certainly couldn’t tell him about her marriage fears and kids and being a mother. That would probably scare him off. She put her hand on the key pendant and traced the outline.

“Oh it’s nothing really. I just feel bad that you remembered our anniversary day and made this special dinner and got me this beautiful necklace.” She finally looked up towards him.

Calla wasn’t lying, but she wasn’t exactly telling the truth either. Hopefully he’d buy the excuse she gave. That would give her time to mull through her thoughts more thoroughly.

Placing her hand on his thigh she reassured him how much she loved the gift. “It’s really beautiful. I love it. Thank you.”

Acting as if there was nothing more to discuss on the matter she resumed her position leaned back on him in his arms. As she got settled she realized she was just in time to watch the fire of color in the sky give way to the blues and purples.

"I know I didn't have to but I wanted to," Gavin replied before nodding as she turned and offered him the necklace. "Of course," he added with a smile, taking the strand and unclasping the necklace before draping both ends around her bare neck and connecting the two ends securly, Kissing her skin lightly once he was done and pulling away.

"You don't have to...really Calla I wanted to do everything...because you deserve it," he explained, hoping he wasn't getting too mushy. It was just him doing his best to treat his girlfriend right, like any gentleman would. His smile returned as she rested on his leg reassuring him she was really ok with it.

"You're welcome," Gavin returned watching her move back and realising the issue was over. He wrapped his arms around her as Calla leaned back against his chest, sighing contently as they watched the changing nattural light show visible above the trees in the distance. Resting a little longer afterwards as the sky started to darken and the wind picked up. "I guess we better move inside."

His touch always calmed her, and the kiss on the back of her neck was no different. Settling into his arms she really did feel her worries melt away. She gave no more thought to marriage, and if they would, or kids and if she’d be a good mother…. For now at least.

“Oh I don’t deserve it, but you’re a sweetie either way.” Accepting compliments was still something she struggled with.

After a couple moments of silence and taking in the scenery he suggested they move inside. “Yea, probably not a bad idea.”

Calla pushed herself off his chest and kissed his check before standing and stretching. “It’s gotten a little chilly huh?” She moved toward the door, opened it and slipped inside. As she made her way to the couch she brought her hand up and fingered the key now around her neck.

He certainly had a way of making her feel special and loved.

She flopped down on the couch and closed her eyes, not sleeping just reflecting for a moment. “So, what else is on our agenda for the night?”

Gavin wanted to point out that Calla really did, for putting up with him the last month, especially when he caused her so much needless pain that week they were separated but he stopped himself. Catching himself before he reminded them both of less happier times and succeed in ruining the mood again. The man too getting used to doing stuff or not doing in his case...pressing things further then needed.

He released his hold on her so she could get up, smiling at the light kiss on his cheek. "Just a little," he replied in agreement, watching her stretch and getting up himself to follow as she moved inside the cottage and shutting the door behind him.

"Well unlike my last response that there was nothing else planned when there really was with the necklace, there really isn't anything set in stone on the agenda," Gavin answered walking over to the couch. Looking down into her closed eyes and wondering what was going on behind those lids of hers.

Her eyes still closed she didn’t realize he was standing near her watching her. “Well, I’m not exactly tired yet. If you were hungry I could whip up some dessert. I have some fresh berries and some angel food cake.” She opened her eyes to see him standing over her, “OH hi!” she giggled.

Calla looked in to his eyes for a moment. She saw her future in his eyes. She wasn’t sure what all her future contained, but she was sure it involved him.

She propped herself up on her elbows, “I also purchased a tv, we could always watch that.” Calla pointed to the tv nestled into the corner. “I got it yesterday, when I was growing up we always had one. And I don’t know I just wanted to get one”

"I'm alright for now," Gavin replied, still quite satisfied with dinner to be fully honest. That and his picking as he cooked. He couldn't help chuckling as Calla opened her eyes and finally noticed him above her. "Hi," he echoed back smiling down at her as their eyes met over the arm and back of the sofa.

He followed her gaze and attention to the TV in the corner as he listened to his girlfriend explain her purchase. His own upringing allowing him the luxury to be part of both worlds and be used to being around electronics. "Sure why not," he answered moving to come around the couch and debating his seat before gently lifting up her legs and sitting downm resting the limbs on top of his lap.

She was kind of glad he didn't want dessert that meant she could continue lying on the couch. Calla smiled as he sat on the couch, placing her legs on his. She reached on to the end table for the remote. As she moved her hand across the table looking for the object she inadvertently bumped and it dropped to the floor.

She rolled to her side and recovered the remote control, the back and batteries. The back and batteries popped out of place when the item hit the floor.

Rolling back on to her back she put the remote back together, turned on the tv and handed the remote to him. "You can pick what we watch." This way she didn't have to think hard... well about a tv show at least.

Back to her previous thoughts. Love... marriage... kids. Honestly the more she thought about it the more it scared her. Calla wasn't sure she was ready for this kind of commitment. But that really made no sense; nothing has changed except her awareness of the issue.

She brought her hand back up to the key pendant that suddenly felt like it weighed a ton. As she outlined it wit her finger she tried to calm her mind. "What will we watch?" It was no use; there was no stopping the thoughts.

All her life all she wanted was to be in love, and now? Now that she has it, is it what she wants? What if he’s not the one, how would she know?

Her emotions were twisting in her stomach, but no one would have been the wiser if they were to observe her. She looked as if she didn't have a care in the world.

Gavin did is best to keep from chuckling as Calla's attempts to retrieve the remote continued to prove interesting. "Nice move," he lightly teased with a smile as he watched her before accepting the remote looking curious at her.

"Any preferences?" he asked not exactly sure what she would like as he turned it on, and it had been a while since he himself had had any first hand knowledge. The man flipping slowly through channels as he debated, his attention split between the woman and the television.

He noticed her attention return to the necklace and smiled softly having no clue it was in fact causing Calla more worry then happiness that he cared for her. I guess you could say he was thinking like one might comment as the average man...not thinking readily of commitment at least not at the moment. Just the time they had now seeing as they were both still young especially for wizards and witches.

The man couldn't help but shrug at her question when she spoke again before Gavin finally stopped the channel surfing when it came to some sort of game show. He looked sideways at Calla as if asking it it met her approval. At least it appeared light-hearted and fun.

Calla’s mind wondered further as he flipped the channels. How would she know he was the one… He’s the only one she’s ever dated.

She saw his expression and desire for approval. She looked over to the tv and realized it was a game show she had watched a number of times, ”Sure hon, that works.”

The room started to feel tiny to her. Her worry and anxiety was starting to get to her. She took a deep breath and tried once more to calm herself.

She turned on her side and forced all of her attention onto the game show. Calla decided she wouldn’t think of anything else, she couldn’t. She knew if she continued to let her mind go on the love and marriage thing that she’d end up leaving. Packing up and probably staying at her mom’s house.

Calla needed more time to think, but she’d do it tomorrow.

END SCENE.

A lone figure apparated outside the boundaries of the cottage's property, his hood from his cloak up over his head as he used the necessary charms to get through the magical protection and walked closer to the house. As he neared the wrap-around porch, Gavin slowed, looking inside for signs of life, knowing it was better be do what he had to without Calla's knowledge.

Finding no one at home, he unlocked the door with his wand and quietly slipped inside, sighing once the door closed behind him and the former Gryffindor glanced around. His stomach twisting at the reminded that this might be the last time he stepped foot where he was to be with the woman he loved.

Gavin took a deep breath and removed the shrunken bag from his cloak pocket, returning it to normal size before wandering through the living room, kitchen and finally the bedroom and bathroom The man removing his belongings he had left for times he stayed over from view and placing them within the bag.

Finished to the best of his knowledge he returned to the bedroom ready to head out and leave before he paused remembering his final task. He took out the necklace Calla had returned to him from his inside robe pocket and opening her jewelry box that lay on top of her dresser, carefully laid it inside before closing the box. He had gotten it for her and only here no chance of returning it and if it was kept in his possession it would only make this worse for him.

That done he turned back to the door and exited the room, making his way back to the door and with one final look slipped out and locked back up. The man walking to the end of the property and vanishing as he apparated away without a trace.