Seven-thirty. Arista had asked Artemius to come at seven so they could come and watch television together. She had it all planned – or at least, she had a general idea. She wanted to watch The Rachel Maddow Show at eight and then before both of Artie’s shows came on, she wanted to educate him in the ways of Keith Oberman, another favorite of Arista’s. She had all the ingredients for her gourmet popcorn recipe and they were all sitting in a bowl, ready for whenever he announced he was hungry for it. But after that, she was going to let the rest of the evening flow into what it wanted itself to be.

And letting things flow how they wanted to, had become the story of her life. They would pick a time and spot to meet and then the loose plan would take care of itself. For Arista, and she was pretty sure for Artemius, it had been a great two weeks. When they weren’t on dates Arista would give him a hug and a kiss when she saw him in the morning before he left for home. She was happy with how everything was going.

She had decided comfort over looking well-dressed so she was in her pajamas. Blue plaid shorts and a grey t-shirt with the words, “Humour Lives!” in navy blue. She had everything almost ready when she realized the remote was missing. Well that wouldn’t do would it? So she managed to find the remote (underneath a sofa cushion) just in time for the doorbell to ring at seven-fifteen.

“Hey you.” She said, kissing him before stepping away from the door. “Come on in. You can put your coat wherever – I’m not a big person for coat racks.” Arista explained, smiling and walking back towards the couch. “Welcome to my little nook of the world.”

Seven-thirty. A reasonable time to tell somebody to come over. But then, Artemius was an odd person, and unreasonable in that he always showed up fifteen minutes early -- something he always did. He wondered idly, as he walked up the walk to her flat, what would happen if she honestly wanted him there at precisely seven thirty, and ended up telling to come at 7.45, just to make sure he did. Might be a bit suspicious, unless she started doing that on purpose often enough, if she decided to that for... say... surprise birthday parties or something. He smirked. His mother used to do that to Dad to keep him from showing up too early -- he eventually figured it out, and she started telling him to show up half an hour late, so that people had fifteen minutes to get ready. Checking his paper again, he came to the right door and pushed the doorbell, putting the cheat sheet in his pocket.

There was a sound inside, and then the door opened. To his surprise, she was in her pajamas. And looked very lovely in her pajamas. Shorts -- my, those lovely legs of hers -- and a t-shirt, with the words "Humour Lives!" -- quirky, and adoreable.

“Hey you,” she greeted, giving him a kiss. “Come on in. You can put your coat wherever – I’m not a big person for coat racks. Welcome to my little nook of the world.”

"Well, thank you," Artemius replied, taking off his coat. "As it is, I suddenly feel very overdressed," he joked, hoping his smirk was more welcoming than... say mischeivous, to play it safe. He wondered if maybe there was a sorority party going on he'd not been made aware of. His own clothes were his big nasty, gnarly boots, some comfy jeans, and another of those Garthish t-shirt--plaid combos. "Well, at least we got the plaid thing going for us," he joked. His gray tee was decidedly plain, and the shirt a black and green pattern, with some yellow here and there for good measure.

The walkway continued on to a hallway that had a trio of doors -- one of which was probably a bathroom and bedroom, although the last was prolly a spare bedroom -- or office. Depending on how you ran your house. A curious peek through an entry way to the right showed wooden chairs -- prolly a dining room -- and to the left was a living room, complete with couch and telly.

And carpet. "Let me just get my boots off..." he said, leaning against the wall to the side as he pulled the knot and released the beastly boots from his feet. As he was now wearing socks, he could feel some butterflies coming in -- being in a girl's home by himself, as simple as it was, was also something new and adventurous. He was also a little curious and excited as to what her living space was like -- someone's home told you a lot about them. Around the telly and on the walls were a few potraits -- most of which bore plenty of resemblance to his own dearie, so he assumed they were family -- and the sofa was brown, while the pillows were all different kinds of blue. He smirked. Ecclectic, as usual. It amused him. "You have a nice place here," he said, knowing compliments usually worked rather well. And it really was a nice flat -- having helped many a lycan move out, he'd seen plenty of nasty flats.

"As it is, I suddenly feel very overdressed,"

"Oh!" Arista said, feeling a bit stupid. "I could change if it'll make you feel better. I just normally putz around in my pajamas when I get home from work anyway since I love pajamas. But if you want, I'll change into something less... leggy," she said trying to come up with a good word and then epically failing.

"You have a nice place here,"

"Thanks. I try." She walked over to the pictures near the television. "My family - crazy lot that they are." She pointed to the largest picture with two girls hugging. "That's my sister Lena. I'm the other one but you could probably figure that out." She was at a loss for what to say so she was just trying to find something to fill the time.

"Do you want your popcorn with Maddow, Oberman, Stewart or Colbert? I'm fine with either four but I don't know how hungry you are."

Finally she sat down on the couch. "What would you like to do while we're waiting for Maddow to come on?" She asked knowing what she would like to do but also know that it might take longer than forty-five minutes.

She leaned her head against one of the deeper blue pillows. "I'm sorry I don't have anything interesting to say. For once I'm at a loss for words."

"Oh! I could change if it'll make you feel better. I just normally putz around in my pajamas when I get home from work anyway since I love pajamas. But if you want, I'll change into something less... leggy," she said trying to come up with a good word and then epically failing.

"You don't have to," Artemius answered, hoping a whine didn't sneak in there. In fact, I'd greatly appreciate it if you didn't. She was decidedly a leggy girl, and he found he liked it. She had a nice ass, too, but he wasn't going to say that. He wasn't going to say things like that about anything else, either -- at least, not right now. Right now, he was admiring. Perhaps a bit too much, though, so he admired the room a bit too.

"Thanks. I try." She walked over to the pictures near the television. "My family - crazy lot that they are." She pointed to the largest picture with two girls hugging. "That's my sister Lena. I'm the other one but you could probably figure that out."

He nodded. Yeah, he'd noticed that. She did have a beautiful smile... He found that he was standing awkwardly in the hallway, without shoes, and his hands in his pockets. Arista seemed to be pussyfooting a bit, herself.

"Do you want your popcorn with Maddow, Oberman, Stewart or Colbert? I'm fine with either four but I don't know how hungry you are."

"I'm fine for now. I'm easy," he shrugged.

Finally she sat down on the couch. He took the opportunity to echo that and joined her. My, those were fine legs. And seeing her in her 'natural habitat' was rather refreshing. "What would you like to do while we're waiting for Maddow to come on?" Her lips pouted slightly, as if debating about something in her own head.

Artemius shrugged, just smiling at her. God, she was gorgeous. She leaned her head against one of the deeper blue pillows. "I'm sorry I don't have anything interesting to say. For once I'm at a loss for words."

Man, if there was a good pick up line response to that, he really wished he knew it. Maybe 'then don't speak'? That sounded tacky even his head. Was there a good invitation for snogging? They were on her couch with 45 minutes before the first show, he was sure -- those kinds of things started on the hour, and it was a quarter past. He decided the arm trick might be a good idea in this situation. He leaned back on the couch, trying to appear relaxed and confident -- even though he was very much nervous -- and put his arm on the back of the couch in her direction. "I'm sure we'll think of something," he replied. Not very forthcoming... Maybe that was good enough, though? If she wasn't in the mood for that, they could at least chill for a bit. Although as it was, having her on the end of the couch was very... Well, it was giving him mixed emotions. Was he supposed to go to her? He wasn't sure if it was good to be so bold. Yet again, this dating ettiquette thing was a real pain the arse, and he was very confuzzled. He was very unsure of what to do at the moment. He found he kind of wanted to, though. The proximity and nerves were making him feel rather antsy, and yet, he wasn't sure how he was supposed to move. There were certain moves he wouldn't mind making, but those were... third base? It was a very severe debacle.

Arista was nervous and she really had no reason to be. She knew that Artemius wouldn't push her past where she was comfortable but she was also nervous because the tension was building and she was unsure of what to do. She remembered a stupid sex education class one day at Hogwarts and saying that the female had to put on the brakes. But Arista thought it was stupid. She still did. She thought if the guy loved the girl enough he would stop for her. But why was she thinking about that?

Artemius put his arm on the back of the couch, a sort of waiting, expecting gesture. Arista looked up at him, wondering. She tried to convey her own feelings with her eyes but she felt like she was failing epically so she just decided to go ahead and move closer to him. "This is slightly awkward." She said to finally break the silence.

The only thing that came to her mind to break up the awkwardness was to kiss him. So she did. He could go from there - deciding what was best and her intentions. It was a deep kiss after all. When they broke apart Arista moved so she was sitting on his lap, resting her head on his shoulder. He was warm and smelled really good. Would it be embarrassing to say that - that he smelled good? Arista was unsure so she just decided to say anything. "You smell really, really good."

Leave it up to her to say something weird while sitting on her boyfriend's lap.

She carefully took the invitation, and scooted closer.

"This is slightly awkward."

Artemius chuckled. "I'm not the only one, then?" Ah, so the arm trick really works. He grinned. A good thing to know. He was certain he was supposed to say something witty here. Maybe mention breaking the silence with music? That would require her to leave, though... Hmph. Maybe the odd setting? It was the first time they'd not met in public, after all. He was kind of invading her territory... again, odd how he thought in those terms, really. But then, that would bring up lycans, which might make her uncomfortable.

Again, Arista made the first move -- a deep kiss. Artemius breathed it in, the hand at the couch making its way to her neck. She just tasted so good... His thoughts simplified. Heady, the term was. He thought. Not too sure. Not really caring. When they broke apart, he looked up at her with dark eyes -- this was definitely moving in a good direction, he decided. And then, she moved. He wasn't sure why, but a moment later, she'd moved herself onto his lap.

Oh my. Next level, indeed. He was sure it was a naughty grin as he found himself enticed by her boldness. Perhaps he was being a bit too shy with her. He was trying not to overstep boundaries, but an open invitation was hardly to be ignored. The angle was also very impressive, moving her eyes higher, and framing her face with another lovely addition of hers. Pair of them, actually. And under that soft cotton... One hand moved to cup her underneath the knee, while the other made its way to the small of her back -- a stretch of skin was peeking out between the tee and the shorts -- God, what gorgeous legs. Speaking of, thank God for them. And for him having long ones. Not a surprise he'd like to share quite yet.

She rested her head on his shoulder, and the way her hair fell down, draping against that long, curved neck... God, he wanted this girl right now. He sincerely hoped it wasn't too soon. But only because that would mean he was impatient. A weakness he hadn't been aware of before.

"You smell really, really good," she noted from his neck. The way her breath ticked at his neck and her voice so close to his ear made him feel a shiver down his spine. He nuzzled her by resting his forehead against hers.

"You smell really, really good, too," he replied. There was definitely a husky growl there, and he couldn't help it. And yet, he didn't quite feel an apology or even explanation was required. What he did know was that he was fighting to keep his hands from turning into claws. His eyes were tracing every contour... ear, neck, shoulder, bust, arm, hips, thighs... all the way down and then back again. It was like a dessert buffett for the eyes, and he was quite certain he was well on his way to a sugar rush.

The way he began to hold her, one hand underneath her knee, the other on her back pushed her even closer to him. It didn't help of course that his hand had managed to dislodge the cotton t-shirt so it rest on bare skin. It was an exhilarating feeling and Arista wasn't quite sure yet what was going to come out of it - but she was happy for it.

Artemius commented on the way she smelled as well and she could sense a growling tone in his voice. "I decided to tape Maddow." And it was just like that that she gave him an invitation - a very open invitation. "And Colbert and Stewart. I didn't know..." She stopped talking, occupied by his roaming eyes. They seemed to drink and she couldn't stop from smiling and force his attention back to where it counted. She kissed him trying to figure out where all of her legs should go. Her legs were ridiculously long and she had never had this problem before because she had never gotten past making out with anyone. So where to put them?

Finally she groaned and stood up. "The couch isn't working," Arista said, sighing. "No matter how soft it is, it isn't really fitting both of us." Her eyes flickered to the hallway leading to her bedroom before settling back on Artemius. "Do you want to move?"

But very typical Arista, she didn't really want to wait for a response and so she pulled him up, hugging him tightly. A hand went to untuck his shirt and then she stopped, unsure. "Are... are you okay with this? This isn't slutty of me?" She had always had a fear that if she was the one to initiate the intimacy she would be seen as a slut or a whore. And she honestly wasn't. She just felt like it was the right place and the right time.

At his touch, she seemed to gravitate toward him, and it was intoxicating. He could quite literally smell her excitement, and it only aroused him further.

"I decided to tape Maddow. And Colbert and Stewart. I didn't know..."

Artemius froze. Which meant... He wasn't sure if it was awe, understanding, or... something else. Something he wasn't quite sure how to describe at the moment. It was in the cards, nay, the stars, and even the plan that this gorgeous, wonderful, sexy... glamourous girl was to be his. His breath caught at the very idea, and his mouth hung open; his heart was beating like a drum, and it was all her fault. She seemed delighted by his attentions and stole a kiss. He held her close, his hands trying to press her closer, but her long limbs seemed to have other plans. Still, he wasn't about to let that ruin the moment, and yet, she tired of the struggle.

She made a sound of impatience, and unfolded herself from him. He instantly mourned the parting. "The couch isn't working," she sighed. "No matter how soft it is, it isn't really fitting both of us." Her eyes flashed toward the hall. This was too good to be true. He'd arrived expecting comedy, popcorn, maybe some snogging on the couch... This was a turn of events he hadn't counted on. A calculator in the back of his head said that three hours was plenty of time for doing this right, and that was just the time that had an alibi. They were both adults, and were more than able to make other plans -- as she so well showed."Do you want to move?"

He couldn't hardly breathe. He wondered if moving was wise. Anything that might have been hidden in the folds of his clothing would not be so if he stood. Even in jeans. And yet, the room seemed very hot. He wasn't sure if it was him, the room, or... her. Although she was very very very hot. Very hot indeed. Oh so terribly, dreadfully hot. He found his eyes sliding over her luscious curves -- from the tip of her head, down her back, along those gorgeous legs... He was definitely a leg man, no doubt about it. But then, she rather had a complete package. He was breathless... but if he'd already said that, he couldn't be sure.

"Wwe can do that," he answered. His eyes were clouded with lust, it was true. Far too much skin was showing, and now there was promise of more. And... buttons.

In her pleasure, she pulled him up and gathered him in a tight hug. And there it was. No way she couldn't feel him... Still, the feel of her skin underneath his fingertips, warm and soft... it was maddening.

One of those delicate hands made its way to the top of his shirt, and paused at the top button. "Are... are you okay with this? This isn't slutty of me?"

It caught him by surprise. He had to blink and look at her telly -- blank, which helped him concentrate -- to become cognisant again. He looked back at her, her eyes glimmering with self-doubt and self-consciousness. For all her initiations, she was still fragile, and that vulnerability ignited fire in him again. And yet, he stopped to think. It was a good time to do so. He looked into her eyes, and trailed along her face with a finger. A mind so full of brilliance and intelligence... wit and splendour and charm... A beautiful mind in a beautiful body. And a forceful one, at that. God, that was fantastic. "Darling, that word doesn't even apply." He gave her a small smile. "You know what you want, and if this is what you want, then you go ahead and have it. And if you don't, I'll wait, too," he whispered. God knew he didn't want to, but he could. Might take a long, cold shower and a good half hour to himself, but he could.

How could he express this? Whores and sluts -- such horrible words besides this gorgeous woman -- were playthings that had no respect for themselves, and acted out for attention. Sought love in all of the wrong places. But this... Arista... Oh, the name of an angel. This was a woman. Brilliant, beautiful, adventurous... and oh so bold. She was everything he could have ever wanted, and all the things he didn't know he needed. He had never known that a girl could unravel him the way she did, to make him forget, some times, that he was supposed to be a gentleman, yet at the same time never letting him forget it. To so confoddle and confuse and yet enlighten and enthuse him so, was a mystery he found he only wanted more and more to know. "But, if you're ready, than you go ahead and go for it." He grinned. He was pretty sure it was supposed to be her submitting to him, according to some twisted tradition, but he didn't care for tradition. At this moment, he just wanted to do whatever he could at that moment to express the intense emotion he had within him -- the kind he knew no words for. Although... he had a feeling that there was something he could do to express himself.

Artemius took that hand and gave it a very soft, sensuous kiss before replacing it. "Please," he added, smiling. "Do as you wish, my love." He gave her another kiss as his hands made their way to her hips, his thumbs caressing the curves of the small of her back beneath the cotton shirt that so teased him.

Arista noticed he froze at her mention of taping the three shows – actually four since she hadn’t mentioned Oberman. And it made her wonder if Artemius wanted this. Was she being too forward? She chewed on her lip, very unsure of what he was thinking, his mouth open like a codfish.

Her mind still wasn’t totally made up when he stood up. She was nervous of being seen as a slut and she was also afraid of what he would think when he found out her secret. It wasn’t nasty or disgusting perhaps. But it was something that would probably shock him. Arista had never slept with another guy so she was nervous that it might be being forward and slutty and… oh such a tangle of stupid idiotic, pointless and mindless excuses. Damnit she wanted this. She had never wanted to do more than snog with any other guy before but this was different. Arista wanted to be held like she hadn’t ever been held before. The distance between the two seemed almost uncomfortable and Arista was surprised. She hadn’t expected to fall head over heels. But wasn’t she already standing head over heels?

Arista chuckled when she hugged him, looking him in the eye and just grinning. So she wasn’t being forward… or maybe she was and it was just the fact she wasn’t wearing a lot of clothing.

One of those delicate hands made its way to the top of his shirt, and paused at the top button. "Are... are you okay with this? This isn't slutty of me?"

"Darling, that word doesn't even apply." He gave her a small smile. "You know what you want, and if this is what you want, then you go ahead and have it. And if you don't, I'll wait, too," he whispered.

Arista’s big eyes focused on him answering. This was their fourth date – Greek food, Greece itself, ice cream and now this. So technically she wasn’t following the three date rule but still somehow she thought it was different. Artemius wasn’t just anyone. And she, being a Ravenclaw, knew if he ever dared to hurt her she could curse him into oblivion. But right now she wanted an oblivion of another kind. It was just getting her nervousness out of the way first.

"But, if you're ready, than you go ahead and go for it." He grinned.

She smiled softly, her fingers playing with the button. She had almost already decided. The fact that he was willing to wait, even with that made her realize that she was ready.

He took her hand and kissed it, softly so as to give Arista shivers. Having had it returned she was left with the choice. His hands returned to her hips and she didn’t say a word as her fingers began to undo the buttons on his shirt. “Is this a good enough answer of you?” She breathed into his ear, letting the shirt fall to the ground. Oh that was a good looking chest. Wow. Arista was taken a little aback and so she just turned and took his hand, leading him to the bedroom.


*******

Her legs were curled around him, head resting on his chest. Her hair was everywhere but she didn’t really care. It was also somewhat wet but again, Arista didn’t care. “Now I think you really do deserve that popcorn. Although I think I prefer this, laying together and such,” She said being non-descriptive on purpose. It had hurt a little but he was ever the gentleman so much that Arista enjoyed it and felt so loved. Was loved the word? “To watching Maddow, and that’s saying something. Nobody beats Maddow.”

Thank the gods. She continued unbuttoning. He tried the best he could to contain himself, but... honestly, this was a blessing he hadn't even thought to ask for, and yet, he it was. She even leaned forward to speak into his ear. “Is this a good enough answer of you?”

A shiver went down his spine, even as she finished the last button, and he shrugged it off, and then in one motion, took off his tee. Impatience was definitely one of his vices, he decided, but she took him in with hungry eyes -- he wasn't the only one, and that was terribly exciting. But before anything more could be done, she took him by the hand and led him down the hall -- the question of which one was her bedroom was quickly answered.

*******

Her first. Ah, it was a wonderful feeling. A unique experience -- to know that, even if this never happened again, from that day - or night - on, she would never forget him, and that was empowering. But, for someone who was inexperienced...

They were lying in bed, the sheets scarcely noticed, her legs entwined around him. Her soft, warm skin on his, her head on his chest, her hair and scent everywhere. Not to mention the glow and feeling of peace with the world... And she'd given him that, and she had it, too. Their hearts were beating as one, even as they slowly descended into their rest. His body, blessedly tired, was now very much wanting to sleep, and yet he caressed the angel beside him, trailing his fingers along her gorgeous spine, the curves so magnificent and tender... It was wonderful.

Although for a time there was a silence, filled only with the sound of their breathing, Arista smiled against his skin. “Now I think you really do deserve that popcorn. Although I think I prefer this, laying together and such, to watching Maddow; and that’s saying something. Nobody beats Maddow.”

Artemius smirked. "Except me, apparently." Ah, pillow talk. Trust her to make it interesting. "Although, really, the fact that the first thing you think of is food is good, but the other man, I could have done without." He grinned down at her to show he was joking.

"Except me, apparently." Ah, pillow talk. Trust her to make it interesting. "Although, really, the fact that the first thing you think of is food is good, but the other man, I could have done without."

Arista lifted her head to smile at him and shake her head. "Well of course you. But Maddow... well, I'm sure she's been called a guy but she's actually female. Lesbian yes, has her P.h.D yes, a Rhodes scholar yes, but not a male." She rested her head back on his chest, waiting for the inevitable "oops" moment to come. And when it did, Arista wouldn't laugh because while she could be sarcastic, she had trouble being mean.

"That was nice." Arista finally said, knowing Artemius was probably dozing since she herself wanted to sleep a few hours. She hadn't imagined to be this tired afterwards. "But I promised that we would watch the shows together. So, either shower and get dressed and then watch it or we could, I suppose, just go sit on my couch like this. Although I think it might be scarred for life afterwards." She managed to untangle herself and sit up.

"So what's the plan?" She kissed his cheek, smiling. It was a whole new level to her and she loved it. She loved how he looked at her with eyes that were trying to hide hunger but couldn't hide the approval. She liked how they could be one for a few hours and forget that anyone else exisited. She liked how she had never felt so loved before in her entire life as she had this night. "You know, you aren't that bad Artemius Merlin Baxby."

Artemius laughed. "A lesbian? Well, then I daresay I still have to fear her. Forgive my ignorance, howe'er. Let's just hope she isn't enough to sweep you off your feet. I daresay I'd have trouble living up to celebrities." He smiled at her. Such an intimate position... feeling her against him was wonderful -- skin touching skin, no inhibitions, no propriety, no manners, and definitely no clothes. Every bit of her was in contact with him, and it was wonderful. He languidly trailed his fingers down her back, just memorising and enjoying her warm, soft skin, and the numerous curves it was lovingly wrapped around...

They lay in silence a little longer, doubtless just enjoying each other's presence and company -- Artemius knew he was -- when she spoke again. He hadn't noticed that his eyes had drifted closed and he was on his way to slumberland until her voice reached his ears and pulled him back.

"That was nice. But I promised that we would watch the shows together. So, either shower and get dressed and then watch it, or we could, I suppose, just go sit on my couch like this. Although I think it might be scarred for life afterwards."

Artemius gave hearty laugh at that. She disentangled herself from him, sitting up -- god, that was gorgeous. He couldn't help the big grin on his face. Ah, what blessings. She crept toward him, and Artemius found himself enjoying the sight of her moving toward him.

"So, what's the plan?" she purred. She kissed his cheek, smiling such a soft, glorious smile, her eyes shining with untold joy. It was breathtaking to see.

"Getting to a point of decency that will make your couch comfortable, and catching up on our political satire?" he suggested, grinning. The sentence was just so profoundly absurd, he loved it. "Or, we can shower." At that he got a devilish grin. "Of course, if we choose to go that route, it's highly advised that we do the ecological thing." He winked. "Save water; shower together." He pondered their latest interactions, only with a shower, and found it to be a good thing. Although... maybe not this instant. "Although I must admit," he said, trailing his fingers down the side of her face, tracing her cheeks and jaws. "You have worn me out darling. I daresay I may scant survive either excursion for very long. Unless you don't mind a sleeping wizard taking up room in this pleasant little flat of yours." He may survive an hour of the TV show, if it was captivating enough. And a trip to the bathroom and food would be a very good idea, at any rate, before he went to bed, lest he regret it in the morning.

She smiled up at him. "You know, you aren't that bad, Artemius Merlin Baxby."

Artemius chuckled, deep in his throat. "You know, usually when I hear my middle name sandwiched between my first and last, it's a bad thing." He gave a haughty grin. "But thank you. You were quite far from shabby yourself, my little minx," he added with a wink. Far from it, indeed. "I'm curious as to how long you've been planning on seducing me. And if you're going to suck my blood or something now. Or if the Almighty is going to chasten you for ducking out on guardian duty again." He smirked, not bothering to hide his neck, but gesturing with a glance to the ceiling. Hard to believe that such a girl was true; it seemed like a fantasy, and a wild dream. But he had to admit that she seemed to exceed even his most wonderful fantasies. She surprised him at every corner, and proved to be far more of a delight than he had dared to imagine.

"A lesbian? Well, then I daresay I still have to fear her. Forgive my ignorance, howe'er. Let's just hope she isn't enough to sweep you off your feet. I daresay I'd have trouble living up to celebrities."

"No, no. She's living with her partner in Los Angeles so I think we're safe. Unless you decide to surprise me and take me to a taping although people aren't normally in the audience - just a camera crew I think." Arista smiled as she thought about it - meeting with Rachel Maddow would be such... an experience. Arista was almost giddy just thinking about it.

"Getting to a point of decency that will make your couch comfortable, and catching up on our political satire?" he suggested, grinning. The sentence was just so profoundly absurd, he loved it. "Or, we can shower." At that he got a devilish grin. "Of course, if we choose to go that route, it's highly advised that we do the ecological thing." He winked. "Save water; shower together."

Arista giggled, smiling as Artemius teased. "Merlin I'm so glad it's a Friday and we both don't have to work tomorrow." She snuggled up against him, feeling so absolutely content and happy. "We could do this all day if we wanted. But I do agree I might need some sleep sometime during the day." She thought of the options and then decided - "I think we should do the shower. We can nap, maybe eat something and then decide from there. Sound good?" She grinned devilishly, knowing exactly what she was implying. What could she say? She liked the guy.

"You know, usually when I hear my middle name sandwiched between my first and last, it's a bad thing." He gave a haughty grin. "But thank you. You were quite far from shabby yourself, my little minx,"

"I'm a minx? Oh dear, please tell me you aren't going to kill me now are you? If I'm a minx, which by the way, I like the compliment, then people might kill me for the fur."

I'm curious as to how long you've been planning on seducing me. And if you're going to suck my blood or something now. Or if the Almighty is going to chasten you for ducking out on guardian duty again."

"How long have I planned on seducing you... hmm... since Santorini but I had to make sure you were the right person. And once that was established I had to wait for the right time. I couldn't jump you while you ate your ice cream could I? No, that wouldn't do." Arista said, tilting her head to the side, showing her negative reaction. "But if you want to think it was spontaenous, and it kind of was because I was debating all that time that you were there and we were sitting on the couch, then go ahead."

Arista thought of his comment about sucking his blood. "Nope, not a vampire or a guardian angel." She debated about saying the next bit and then just decided to say it, "just a girl who is very in love with her own Adonis."

"No, no. She's living with her partner in Los Angeles so I think we're safe. Unless you decide to surprise me and take me to a taping, although people aren't normally in the audience - just a camera crew I think." Arista smiled as she thought about it - meeting with Rachel Maddow would be such... an experience. Arista was almost giddy just thinking about it.

Artemius noticed the big smile -- but it was one more of girlish delight than the kind of satisfaction she'd been wearing most recently. "Uh oh," he remarked with a grin. "Yes, we ought not do that, shall we?" Still, he kept it in the back of his mind.

Arista giggled, smiling as Artemius teased. "Merlin I'm so glad it's a Friday and we both don't have to work tomorrow." She snuggled up against him, feeling so absolutely content and happy. "We could do this all day if we wanted. But I do agree I might need some sleep sometime during the day." She thought of the options and then decided - "I think we should do the shower. We can nap, maybe eat something and then decide from there. Sound good?"

"I'm a minx? Oh dear, please tell me you aren't going to kill me now are you? If I'm a minx, which by the way, I like the compliment, then people might kill me for the fur."

"Well, you do have features to kill for, love," he replied with a smile. "But I shan't do such an injustice to you." He contemplated throwing in a Princess Bride quote, but decided against it.

"How long have I planned on seducing you... hmm... since Santorini." Artemius laughed. That didn't sound unreasonable, but it was still delightfully surprising to hear. "But I had to make sure you were the right person. And once that was established, I had to wait for the right time. I couldn't jump you while you ate your ice cream could I? No, that wouldn't do." Arista said, tilting her head to the side, showing her negative reaction.

Artemius gave a hearty laugh at that one. "So, that's what that look was..." he said with a grin.

"But if you want to think it was spontaenous, and it kind of was because I was debating all that time that you were there and we were sitting on the couch, then go ahead."

"Mmhmm." He gave her a grin and kissed her on the forehead again. He sighed as he looked down at her. "You really are a wonder, though, you know that?"

"Nope, not a vampire or a guardian angel. Just a girl who is very in love with her own Adonis."

He chuckled. "Hardly. I like to fancy that Mr. Adonis would be made of solid rock. Not something you want to rest your pretty head against," he said with a wink. "And please, you flatter me, darling. I am but a humble juggler of accouterments and a watcher of walkways." He gave her a grin. "But, you'd be surprised what simple clowning can do for you," he added, putting a hand to his shoulder. Pecs, not breasts. And some lean muscle versus the loose body fat that others earned after Hogwarts. It was good, now, that she had his secret. It made him feel very good to know it.

"Well, you do have features to kill for, love," he replied with a smile. "But I shan't do such an injustice to you."

"You know, I worried for a few minutes about that. Not the killing part - but that it would change everything. That once you saw what I looked like without clothes you wouldn't want to notice anything else about me and that was all you would want - that was what I was worried about. So, that's the injustice I hope you won't commit." She said, smiling sadly. "Because if you did... you would just be like everyone else although they never got that far... and I think you're different. And maybe it's because," She paused, taking a deep breath, "I love you."

"Mmhmm." He gave her a grin and kissed her on the forehead again. He sighed as he looked down at her. "You really are a wonder, though, you know that?"

She smiled up at him as he kissed her forehead. "I never think of myself that way though. I always just think that I am fairly normal."

"Hardly. I like to fancy that Mr. Adonis would be made of solid rock. Not something you want to rest your pretty head against," he said with a wink. "And please, you flatter me, darling. I am but a humble juggler of accouterments and a watcher of walkways." He gave her a grin. "But, you'd be surprised what simple clowning can do for you,"

"I can imagine." Arista said smiling. "And now... we are going to shower so I can get my hair to at least smell nice." She said, crawling to the edge of the bed and then standing up. Arista walked over to his side of the bed and grinned down at him. "Are you coming or do I have to attempt to carry you? Because I really don't want Physics to see you naked. It would just ruin the moment."

"You know, I worried for a few minutes about that. Not the killing part - but that it would change everything. That once you saw what I looked like without clothes you wouldn't want to notice anything else about me, and that was all you would want - that was what I was worried about. So, that's the injustice I hope you won't commit." She said, smiling sadly. "Because if you did... you would just be like everyone else although they never got that far... and I think you're different. And maybe it's because," She paused, taking a deep breath, "I love you."

Big words. Hmm... four dates. Was that too soon for big words? Well, was it too soon for... this other thing they were doing? No, he decided. In fact, they ought to be on the same level of seriousness. Otherwise... they were merely fuckbuddies, and that was not what he thought of this gorgeous, beautiful -- perfect woman. He smiled at her, brushing her hair from her face. "Love, you're more than that. Far more than that. You've got one of these..." he said, putting a soft finger to her forehead, "and one of these," he added, putting a soft hand over her heart. "A brilliant mind, and a heart of gold. And that is far more beautiful. Not to say you aren't absolutely stunning," he added, letting his eyebrows display his approval. Definitely a girl to keep around. "Don't be sad, darling. I adore you. The package is just also very lovely. But... if others are going to be fawning over you, I'm afraid I might get very jealous. Do I need to start juggling knives instead of boxes?" He jested, because humour was his way of dealing with things. He hoped she understood that. Because... how do you say 'I love you' without it sounding like an echo?

She smiled up at him as he kissed her forehead. "I never think of myself that way though. I always just think that I am fairly normal."

He scoffed. "Fairly normal. A normal faerie, perhaps. You are very pretty, and very bold, I might add. It's a little frightening, to be honest, but also very refreshing," he pondered. "Kind of kicks the gentleman in me aside and says, 'none of that, now.' And that is wonderful." He smiled at her. But... the unsaid words hung still. How did you say them with sincerity?

"I can imagine." Arista said smiling. "And now... we are going to shower so I can get my hair to at least smell nice."

"Nice? Smell nice? Darling, you smell absolutely wonderful, I'll have you know...." And then she started crawling to the bed, and his words vanished. The curve of her spine and that round bottom as she stood, and then those gorgeous legs and hips... Hah. He was speechless. Look at him. Probably gaping like an idiot. He could hardly breathe. He watched as she walked around the bed -- was that a sashay, or a natural or homonal induced bounce to her step? Either way, it made for the most delightful results...

"Are you coming or do I have to attempt to carry you? Because I really don't want Physics to see you naked. It would just ruin the moment."

The joke brought him back. "I'm sorry, you distracted me for a second there." He looked up to her eyes with a smile. "What are we doing again?" God, she had good looks. Absolutely marvelous, really. So, Greek women... or maybe it was the Mediterranean. He thought that perhaps he'd figured out the French Paradox...

"Love, you're more than that. Far more than that. You've got one of these..." he said, putting a soft finger to her forehead, "and one of these," he added, putting a soft hand over her heart. "A brilliant mind, and a heart of gold. And that is far more beautiful. Not to say you aren't absolutely stunning,"

Arista smiled softly as he touched her, reminding her that she had found the guy who understood. And then, reminscent of a Dr. Suess poem she had a head and heart about her. It wasn't like she was a dunderhead. No, she had a mind - one that had gotten her through Hogwarts and got her current job. And she had a heart - she could love, she could feel for people and she was always empathetic. So yes, Artemius was right. She was more than a... ugh she hated that word, fuckbuddy.

"Don't be sad, darling. I adore you. The package is just also very lovely. But... if others are going to be fawning over you, I'm afraid I might get very jealous. Do I need to start juggling knives instead of boxes?"

"Hmm... but what happens if you slip and a knife cuts you? You look absolutely perfect now. You can't ruin that." She said running a hand over his chest smiling.

"I'm sorry, you distracted me for a second there." He looked up to her eyes with a smile. "What are we doing again?"

Arista laughed, taking his hand. His toes were still covered by the sheets so she pulled them off and managed to get him standing. "We're going to take a shower and then nap and then watch telly." She managed to get him fully standing and then she gently pushed him out of the bedroom, into the hallway and then into the bathroom. She shut the door with a wicked grin. "So, we're doing the economical way right - taking one shower?"

"Hmm... but what happens if you slip and a knife cuts you? You look absolutely perfect now. You can't ruin that." She said running a hand over his chest smiling.

Artemius laughed. "Darling, I've done worse. And besides, I don't actually juggle knives that are sharp until I've mastered it." He winked. "I'm a clown, remember? Not a stunt man. I know what's dangerous and what's not. And I'd hate to do something to upset you." He gave her a kiss.

"We're going to take a shower and then nap and then watch telly."

"Right..." She pulled him up -- he was joking about, but followed -- and she gently pushed him into the hallway.

"Say, are there going to be neighbors complaining about me?" he asked out of curiousity as she pushed him into the bathroom.

She shut the door with a wicked grin. "So, we're doing the economical way right - taking one shower?"

Artemius cocked a brow at that. "Well, you sound terribly excited by the notion." He smirked. "Let's see what kind of facilities you have, shall we?"

It was a simple bathroom, with a toilet and a sink and a shower, decorated in blue with duckies. Artemius chuckled. "What a Muggle thing, the rubber duck. It's fortunate I was raised Muggle, else I daresay I would go mad right now..." He moved aside the shower curtain and stepped inside -- body wash, shampoo, body butter, sponge --ah, sponge. He reached for that -- conditioner and a razor. He smirked at that. What a curious little thing, those were... They could do so much.

The faucet looked simple enough -- he started the hot water and waited for it to heat up. "You can join me, you know," he added, grinning at her.

Darling, I've done worse. And besides, I don't actually juggle knives that are sharp until I've mastered it." He winked. "I'm a clown, remember? Not a stunt man. I know what's dangerous and what's not. And I'd hate to do something to upset you."

Arista smiled softly. "Well that's good to know. I know I'm not a huge fan of being upset myself." Very profound statement there Arista. What are you going to say next? Sheep have wool? Idiotic thing to say.

While Arista's mind was battling it out with her previous statement Artemius continued to talk.

"Say, are there going to be neighbors complaining about me?"

"I'm not a noise person but I had my dad set up permanent silence wards. Well, I didn't ask but he said I could do whatever I wanted with a guy as long as I kept them up. I haven't needed them yet so I haven't felt the need to take them down. Kind of backwards isn't it?"

Arista hopped in the shower with him, feeling the hot water on her skin. It was a little hotter than she was used to, but she could adjust eventually.

***

She exited the kitchen, fully clothed in a bathrobe (okay so that's not fully clothed but fully robed), holding a bowl of hot spiced popcorn. "Ready for Maddow? It should be epic." Arista said settling on the couch.

Arista smiled softly. "Well that's good to know. I know I'm not a huge fan of being upset myself."

Artemius smiled. She was so cute when she was embarassed.

"I'm not a noise person but I had my dad set up permanent silence wards. Well, I didn't ask, but he said I could do whatever I wanted with a guy as long as I kept them up. I haven't needed them, yet so I haven't felt the need to take them down. Kind of backwards isn't it?"

Artemius grinned. "Just a little bit."

She joined him and he lathered up the sponge. The water was nice and hot, as he smiled at her. "Turn around, my love," he said kindly, and planted soft kisses on her skin as he bathed her, lathering the soap over every inch. An adventure, for him, and a treat, for her, he was sure.

***

Now nicely bathed, Artemius felt warm and contented (not that he hadn't felt so before, although now more so), and his eyes were soft and doting as he waited for his return. He'd put on his pants and jeans, though, not wanting to try and wrap himself into a lady's robe. Not that he had any particular distaste towards powder blue robes in particular, it just... didn't look very flattering, that small robe over his rather insanely large shoulders. Agent suit, sure. Girl's robe? Not so much. Unless that was the clown he was going for...

"Ready for Maddow? It should be epic." Arista joined him on the couch, her popcorn in hand.

"I look forward to it," he replied, moving an arm to her shoulder and hugging her close. He looked down at the popcorn. "So, this is what we came for, then? Your amazing popcorn?" He picked a piece and examined it curiously. "It definitely looks edible. But how does it taste?" he jested, then popped it into his mouth.

Arista felt splendly happy. She was clean and had on more clothing than she had a hour or so ago which was also comforting in a way. Just seeing Artie's gaze with her bathrobe on gave her a subtle hint that it wasn't just a sex feeling. It was... well it was actually hard to explain. But Arista just knew that she was happy - happier than she had felt in awhile.

"I look forward to it," he replied, moving an arm to her shoulder and hugging her close. He looked down at the popcorn. "So, this is what we came for, then? Your amazing popcorn?" He picked a piece and examined it curiously. "It definitely looks edible. But how does it taste?" he jested, then popped it into his mouth.

The popcorn was almost spilt as he hugged her but Arista had learned to keep a tight grip on the bowl. It prevented people (Lena) from stealing some when she wasn't looking. Artie popped a piece in his mouth and Arista flicked on the television, going straight to the DVR and finding the Rachel Maddow Show.

"Allow me to introduce my absolute favorite political talkshow host, Rachel Maddow. Her performance will be followed by my second favorite, Keith Oberman, and then your two favorites, Stewart and Colbert. I hope you enjoy this evening and please make sure that you pick up all trash before you leave." Arista announced, smiling widely.

She popped her own first piece of popcorn and pressed play, leaning back against Artie and the couch. This had been the best date so far and Arista was ready to show him her favorite news show ever.

The evening crept by with wonderful peace, and Artie and Arista enjoyed the popcorn -- normally, he'd ask for the recipe, but something told him he'd get it eventually -- and the political commentary. Normally, he was not a political person, but he was a great advocate of comedy in general. They spent the evening in laughter, and just... closeness. This wonderful, adoreable girl was lying with him on the couch -- clutching the popcorn jealously, which amused him greatly -- and rested against him. He kept an arm around her and periodically kissed her head as they enjoyed the shows. When the last show was over, though, he realised that he had been fighting sleep the entire time. When Arista announced that that was it -- the empty popcorn bowl watching them with bemusement from her coffee table -- Artemius found it hard to lift his heavy limbs -- even his eyelids were having trouble.

"Do you... have anything against me crashing right here?" he asked her as he fought back a yawn. "I don't think I could survive a trip home," he confessed. And this place was so much nicer than the Cauldron... quieter, too. And, he knew that in the morning, he could wake up to her gorgeous smile... It seemed like a very lovely idea to him.

(Alright, I lied. Maybe not over QUITE yet. But close to it ;) )

Arista smiled: this was perfect. They needed to do dates like this more often. She had never felt so relaxed and just so happy to be with Artemius. There honestly wasn't a downside to this arrangement - at least one that she couldn't find. Artie would occasionally kiss her head as they sat and watched political humor and satire. It was amazing. And she wasn't even that romantic of a person. Well, at least, she hadn't been previously.

"Do you... have anything against me crashing right here?" he asked her as he fought back a yawn. "I don't think I could survive a trip home," he confessed.

"Sure." Arista sat up, yawning herself. "You can either stay on the couch or with me. But I must warn you, per Lena's insistance, that I sometimes kick. Although I don't think I do but what do I know? I'm asleep." She stood up, almost instantly missing the warmth that had been around her from him.

***Morning

Arista woke up with a smiling face. She didn't quite open her eyes yet but just smiled. After a few minutes of doing that she finally got up and moved to the couch where Artemius was laying, eyes open at the ceiling. "So, is the couch comfy?"

"Sure." Arista sat up, yawning herself. "You can either stay on the couch or with me. But I must warn you, per Lena's insistance, that I sometimes kick. Although I don't think I do but what do I know? I'm asleep." She stood up, almost instantly missing the warmth that had been around her from him.

Artemius fought back a whimper as she left him. Aw... So far away... The warning, however, managed to find its way into his head.

"Ehh... I don't know if I'd make it that far." He gingerly twisted himself, putting his legs on the couch. "Maybe just... crash here..." He rested his head on one of the pillows. "Ah... You can just kick me when you want me out," he added with a wink. It didn't take long for him to fall asleep...

...The morning came, eventually. Artemius' breathing was slow and calm and... happy. Content. He felt... warm. Not just literally, but... from the inside out. He opened his eyes and found himself in a strange setting -- not his room -- no, he'd never be there again. But not in the Cauldron, either... He squinted at the white squares on the wall -- ah! He was at Arista's! He barely remembered falling asleep, but he remembered fighting to stay awake. Watching her sashay down the hall, waving those dainty little fingers at him as she did so... He looked up at the ceiling, wondering what time it was... when Arista would wake up... What his mother would think. He smiled for a moment at that. He hoped she'd understand... Mind, it was hardly an innocent night. And he'd been up all night, right? The light that flooded the room was a bright yellow.

He smiled when heard the door open at the end of the hall, and then the light pat-pat of feet. Then, the sweetest voice in the world. "So, is the couch comfy?"

Artemius smiled. "I've had far, far worse," he replied. He looked over at her, probably looking very strange as he looked at her sideways. "And, I have to say, the company is far better than I've ever had." He grinned.

Artemius smiled. "I've had far, far worse," he replied. He looked over at her, probably looking very strange as he looked at her sideways. "And, I have to say, the company is far better than I've ever had." He grinned.

Arista smiled herself. "That's good - I mean, I've always thought my couch was comfy but it depends on your own personal tastes." She helped him up to a sitting position as he said something about the company. "Yep, well, I do try."

Once he was sitting up she sighed, putting a hand on her hip. "You should get back - it's been like eighteen hours and your mum is going to kill me if I don't return you soon. So I'll see you at work on Monday. And it won't be awkward." The last part was more to herself than it was to Artemius.

Half an hour later Artemius had left and Arista was left to pick up the dropped clothing from the floor. It had been a good date - one of their best. They should do that more often.

The End