she laughs, rolls her eyes (liona)

[Deleted]

Well, this night was just full of surprises.

First, his date stood him up. He wasn't really expecting his betrothed to want to be there with him, but the least she could have done was tell him this so that he could have taken someone else. Still, River didn't know why he was surprised. Most of the students had already gone into the Great Hall for the dance but he had waited in the entrance hall for Vi for ten minutes. He wondered how he could he have been so stupid to think that she was actually going to do the good thing for once and come to this ball with him. They just had to dance a little, talk, maybe even have a good time. Maybe it was because that GOSSIP WITCH newspaper column had outed him and Sim... was Vi really mad about that? Well, it didn't matter, because she didn't show.

Simralin Jones did, though, dateless as well. The girl he had been snogging in the forbidden corridor for the past two months. That was about all they did, really, besides one deep talk about what they wanted out of life. Still, he liked her. He never thought he'd have a 'snog buddy', but Simralin did what she wanted and dragged him along. Even tonight. For the past half hour she had been dragging him around the dance floor and he just let her lead. Then, only eight or so minutes ago, they went out to the edges of the courtyard.

That was when all hell broke loose. Apparently she was wanted in America for some crime and the authorities had finally found her. Two aurors took her away, and River was left to stand there. His head spinning.

@lionaanna

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Liona had gone through a bit of effort to prepare for the Yule Ball tonight. She'd had a dress brought in from Spain, her shoes were custom made and her jewelry had been hand picked for her. Loic had asked her to the ball and she'd actually been looking forward to the evening. Her and Loic had become friends and for some reason she'd come to genuinely like him. That or she was genuinely curious about him and she was mistaking the feelings. That was absolutely a possibility. She'd actually begun to believe that he'd been interested in her and wanted to befriend her. She could be foolish sometimes, not that she would ever admit that outloud. Upon arrival to the ball they'd spent some time together, chatted with each other mostly, engaged in this battle of wills and wits that she'd enjoyed with him. That was when he'd spotted her. The pretty Beauxbaton's witch. She couldn't blame him, the girl was gorgeous. That is how she ended up where she was now.

Liona pulled her cloak a little bit closed to herself as she strolled down a pathway leading to the courtyards. Her eyes were cast to the ground, the bottom of her pink dress kicking up slightly as she strolled. After being promptly dismissed she'd needed a little air to herself. She was trying not to be too hurt by it because really, she should not have had any expectations from Loic. No guidelines, not promises, no real bond. Being forsaken for another did kind of put a damper on the night though. She sighed, a visible puff of air dispersing in front of her before she looked up. Oh? What was River Flint doing out here? She looked around, noticing that there wasn't anyone else around him or really anyone else out there with them period. His betrothed, Viovinnia Nott was no where to be found. Nor was the crazy Gryffindor girl he'd been rumored by Gossip Witch to be fraternizing with. He was dressed up so clearly he'd come to the Yule Ball tonight. No matter. She didn't really want to concern herself with his business. That was a first but it'd been a long night and she'd rather keep to herself for just a moment. She almost kept walking right past him but it was the stiffness in his form that had her pausing. His back was to her so she couldn't catch a glimpse of his facial expression. Maybe she'd speak. For curiosity sake. "You might catch a cold out here Mr. Flint if you stand there for too long," it was a simple observation to see if he'd respond. Was he out of it? Or did he come out for a stroll just as she did?

Tag; @river
OOTD; Here

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River heard a voice and jumped, spinning around to see who it was. "Liona," he breathed, his hand coming to rest over the left side of his chest. His heart was suddenly beating again, as if it hadn't been for the last however many minutes since Sim was gone. It was strange, really. He really liked her but... he wasn't actually that surprised by her being taken away. It was shocking simply because of the event that happened, but not who necessarily, which made him more sad.

He sighed, looking down at the grass for a moment. He took a deep breath in before looking back up at Liona and trying for a smile. "You look beautiful," he said softly. They were family friends, of course he could compliment her. Granted, old River, the one she knew best, probably would have stuttered that out and walked away quickly. But this kid held his ground. "I was out here with a friend but she's gone now," he admitted, lowering his hand from his chest. "I suppose it is a bit cold, isn't it? What are you doing out here?" He still felt dazed, and probably looked it too, but at least he was able to get words out.

@lionaanna

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As he turned around, hand going immediately to his heart, amusement lit up her eyes. His reaction was just a little over the top. Had he been so out of it he had not heard her approach? The curiosity burned her and she suddenly wanted to stick around for just a little while longer to know what had captured his attention so thoroughly. It wasn't like she'd been attempting to hide her presence.

His compliment made her smile. It was bolder than the River Flint she knew. He'd gained more confidence it seemed since only the beginning of this school year and it was nice change of pace from the River she'd seen casually at large social functions over the years. He even held her gaze. Her smile changed into a grin. "Why thank you. I'll mirror your compliment. Confidence looks good on you." Of course he wore his robes well, only the best in fabrics as well as pricey. It was the change in him that made the attire look even better.

His smile wasn't quite reaching his eyes as he spoke to her about having previously been with a friend. Liona looked around once again, still noticing that there wasn't anyone out there with them. How long had it been since that friend had left and why had they left him? "How odd of your friend to leave you out in the cold," she tilted her head and raised an eyebrow in question. She wasn't sure if he would expand; the answer he gave was a little vague but maybe he'd done it on purpose. She pulled her cloak upon her a little closer as he questioned what'd brought her outside. "I just needed some air. I felt a little suffocated," she wasn't going to bore him with the details of how her night had gone south. It wasn't really important. She wasn't going to linger on it if she could help it. "Did you come with your friend tonight? Why aren't you dazzling everyone on the ballroom floor," her amusement returned as she questioned.

Tag; @river
OOTD; Here

[Deleted]

She was amused at his surprised reaction, of course. She hadn't even done anything that startling. Her expression changed as he complimented her, though, and he was glad for it. He was surprised himself as he held her guys and stood so tall. It was starting to become second nature to him, this confidence that he had been building for the sake of Vi and his future marriage. For his parents happiness. Though, now his family was in all sorts of tatters and he had no idea what that meant for he and Vi Nott.

She thanked him for the compliment and returned one to him as well, adding in the bit about 'confidence'. His smile grew a little more, past just the casual politeness. "I appreciate that, Liona. Been trying," he admitted with a bit of a shrug.

She mentioned that it was odd that his friend left him out in the cold, and his smile slowly shrunk again. Her eyebrow was raised and he knew she wanted answers, and he was trying to decide whether or not to give them. He didn't answer, yet, and soon she was explaining why she had come out. For some air. Then, she asked about the friend again, and he chuckle slightly at her comment about 'dazzling everyone on the ballroom floor'. "Actually, my date stood me up," he said in all honesty. "But then my friend was keeping me company but... she had other business to attend to," he held his arms out to his sides, palms up, and shrugged again in a 'what can ya do?' gesture. "So, I'm alone again. Why... why isn't someone with you, Liona? I find it unbelievable that you wouldn't have someone on your arm," then he realized that it might be a sore subject, kind og like his date...

@lionaanna

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She smiled again at his nonchalant shrug. "I've been trying.". It didn't really matter. Confidence did take a little bit of effort for some just because of how shy they were. She could easily recall a few times when they were younger where she would greet him and he'd freeze up, face turning red. And now here he was. She had to admit she was a little impressed. Not many people could accomplish such a thing. And with the way he held her gaze it didn't seem like an act. Impressive indeed.

Her smile remained set in place until he talked about his date standing him up. She frowned then. Had his betrothed been the one he was expecting. She didn't actually know the nature of their relationship, if it was a harmonious betrothal or not. She had, however, heard and seen a bit of Ms. Nott and how ice cold she could be. Poor River. Someone as warm as he couldn't even break the ice. And he was a warm-hearted person. So much so that long ago she'd written him off because of it. He'd never make it in any political circles and he was too shy to take what he wanted. He would never be of use to her. Hmm. That statement seemed harsh even to her now in reference to him. It wasn't like she hadn't thought that about someone before, even recently. It seemed... incorrect? That wasn't quite it. It seemed off? She wasn't quite sure why though.

She was so busy being stuck in her head that she missed most of what he'd said. She did catch the last part of it and with that she could infer what he'd said somewhat. She hoped she didn't seem to have lost her manners. "I had someone. And now I don't. It wasn't important though so I'm not worried about it," she gave him a half smile. It seemed that they were both being a little bit vague. She couldn't blame him but it felt like a challenge. She wanted him to talk to her. To say what wasn't being said. "I will take that as a compliment too," her half smile shifted into a smirk.

Tag; @river
OOTD; Here

[Deleted]

It was nice to see that his effort was being noticed, of course, especially by someone who had known him his entire life. They were never close but she still was there, seeing little River hiding in the corner with his notebooks, sketching or writing or simply just trying to avoid Vi and a lot of the others they spent time with. He really didn't have a problem with most of the family friends, but he found early on that they had a problem with him. Vi was the only one who finally told him why he didn't fit in. It was because he was weak, in her words.

Liona didn't start to pity him when he mentioned being set up and he was glad that she didn't. It wasn't what he wanted. Then, she said how she had someone but now she didn't and he tilted his head to the side just a little. "Well, we lucked out, didn't we?" he joked, his tone a little sad. Her eyes were kind of sad, too, he noticed. She didn't deserve to be abandoned, for whatever reason she had been. "You should. Absolutely," he added as she said she'd take his words as a compliment.

There was a moment of silence, in which River was debating what to do now. He felt his stomach tightening nervously and a lump developing in his throat. He had several choices, but he wanted to go with the least cowardly one.... so, he stepped toward her, holding out his hand. "What do you say we forget the others," their dates or not dates who had abandoned them or what have you, "and go dazzle everyone on the dance floor?" he realized he was holding his breath, waiting for her to either take his hand... or laugh at him.

@lionaanna

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Though he'd said the words jokingly, she could hear the tinge of sadness in his tone and nodded in understanding. Still vague but his night must have been going just as great as hers. How was that a capable witch and a capable wizard had gotten themselves into such a situation? "It was best this way, my time was being wasted so moving on was inevitable. Maybe things in your situation were the same," she shrugged casually, flashing him another smile though this one was colored with a little of the same sadness. She was still trying not to dwell on it but knowing that they both were not having the best of nights, sharing the tragedy, made it impossible not to. His confirmed compliment did make it a little better though because there were others who'd asked her to the ball. She'd decided to go with Loic instead but that didn't mean she wasn't sought after. His loss.

When the silence overtook the moment, Liona breathed slowly, allowing the cold air to fill her lungs and puffs of air to appear before her on exhale. She saw him step towards her from the corner of her eye and looked his way just as he offered her his hand. Hmm? He wanted to go back in with her and dance. She hid the smirk that wanted to appear on her face. She was flattered, very flattered actually. Shocked too at his forwardness. This was definitely a new side of River and confidence was very... interesting. He was betrothed though and she wouldn't dare get in between a betrothed pair. Though she and River had seen each other often throughout the years, his betrothal made him off limits even in ways of friendships and if they were seen together, surely others would talk. If word got back to either of their parents of an affair outside of his betrothal, even if the rumors would be untrue, they would be met with shame and be reprimanded. She wasn't betrothed, luckily her parents had given her the option, but who knew what would become of him if his parents were to punish him. She'd rather not get him in trouble. She still found herself tempted. What was a bit of fun and dancing between friends right? There had also been those rumors about him and the Gryffindor girl and there hadn't been any backlash from those that she'd heard of. She still decided to ask. "What about Ms. Nott? Wouldn't she mind? I would never wish to be in the middle of your betrothal," her eyes peered into his, searching for any indication that it was a bad idea to take his hand.

Tag; @river
OOTD; Here

[Deleted]

Moving on... that was something River knew he needed to do now, especially since it all happened so fast. A part of him knew that the reason he wasn't so traumatized was because he kind of had always expected one or both of his parents to be whisked away by aurors at any point so he was mentally and emotionally prepared for that. That was how he was making sense of this. At her words about their situations possibly being the same, he just nodded, not speaking further on the issue.

Once he asked his childhood... friend? Or something. Once he asked her to dance she waited a moment before asking about Viovinnia. He tensed up a little, "well," he sighed, shaking his head slightly, a little bit of his usual fear and panic surging through him. He was sure it showed in his eyes and his shoulders started to creep toward his ears, wanting him to disappear into himself. But, he took a breath and tried for a smile, but his voice was strained. "My dear Vi decided to leave and not tell me," he said, in all honesty. "So, I could really care less what she thinks right now," that was only part true. He wasn't really that mad at her but... she had humiliated him, after he had tried so hard for her. He took one more step forward, "plus, I shouldn't let my skills go to waste," spoiler, River was not the best dancer. He was clumsy and awkward, but maybe his new and improved mood would help with that.

@lionaanna

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Liona watched intently as the panic appeared in his eyes. And just like that the confidence had fled him. When his shoulders slowly began to bunch up to his ears with an unsure 'Well.." leaving his mouth, she couldn't hold it in. A giggle broke free from her and she moved her hand to her mouth to stifle it. "I apologize Mr. Flint. I promise I'm not laughing at you so please don't take that the wrong way," mirth lit up her eyes as she spoke. She honestly wasn't making fun of him. He just looked incredibly awkward. Adorably incredibly awkward and it made her just a little more curious about him. While others might have doubted him, she still didn't quite believe that his confidence had been an act, more so that it came in bursts. He'd have to work on that a little more to make it permanent.

When he stated that Vi, as he called her, had left him behind, wheels started turning. Trouble in paradise? While he'd stated he could care less, she couldn't see the emotion behind it, or he wasn't devoid of emotion as someone else who meant the words might have been. She smirked, even before he added on the bit about not letting his skills go to waste and stepping in just a little closer to her. Part of her knew it was a bad idea for more reasons than just him being betrothed. She was backup, second to who it was he really wanted, or at least she figured he really wanted his betrothed there with him. She played second to no one. She was no one's second choice. Another part of her, a daughter of pureblood society, didn't want to get caught up in some messy drama between him and Ms. Nott. Clearly they had issues they needed to work out between the two of them if they were to last. There was a part of her that was, however, taken by the moment. In a bit of impulsive action, he was choosing her to be his date for the rest of the night. While it could have been anyone to run into him, it'd been her. Would it really be so bad, just having a bit of fun with someone who was choosing her? It was just a ball, it was just dancing, they were just family friends. If anyone questioned it, there would be no need to lie. It really was as simple as that. Plus, with how gorgeous she was looking tonight, she was sure he would get a boost in confidence with how other guys would stare in envy. She smiled and placed her hand in his. "I'll follow your lead for tonight, Mr. Flint," she stated simply with a tilt of her head.

Tag; @river
OOTD; Here

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River was a little taken aback by that giggle, but he wasn't offended. It was sweet of her to apologize, though, even if he wasn't expecting that and didn't think it was necessary. He was a little concerned about the way he was coming across, though. He was losing his confidence, in that moment. Thankfully, his anger toward Vi brought his confidence back somehow, it seemed.

He held his hand out after his offer, waiting patiently, using all of his energy to keep said hand from shaking. Even two months ago he wouldn't have been able to do this. But, thanks to Vi, his father and Simralin... well, River was figuring all this out. He felt he was missing a piece though, something crucial. He didn't know what it was yet. Then, she smiled and placed her hand in his. For a second, he had a glimpse of what that missing piece was.

She said she'd follow his lead, using his last name. He grinned, "I am honored, Miss. Zabini," he replied. His voice shook just a little at the end of the sentence, her last name. He took that hand and turned to link her arm through his before letting go, leading her back into the ballroom. "That really is an amazing dress," he restated as they made their way inside.

@lionaanna

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His grin was contagious and she found herself beaming back at him as he spoke. She heard his voice shake as he said her last name and she just assumed it to be happiness that she agreed. Otherwise she had no idea what was making him so nervous now. She'd said yes, now all he had to do was keep her entertained the rest of the night and by the way things were going he was doing perfectly fine in that area. When he linked his arm with hers and complimented the dress again, she blushed. Not out of any embarrassment but because she was flattered. It was well known that complimenting a lady when you first saw her was polite but it was nothing more than banter. Good social ettiquette. The first compliment was obligatory but he'd complimented her twice now, three times if you count his disbelief over her not being with a date. He meant it. "You're too kind. I saw it and knew it was the perfect dress for me," she giggled softly. It was frivolous conversation but she indulged.

She took her time walking up the stairs back into the castle. When the doors opened and the warm air hit, she sighed in quiet relief. She'd been so invested in River Flint that she hadn't actually noticed how cold she'd gotten. A shiver ran through her as she warmed up. "Let us both try not to make a habit out of standing in the cold for too long, shall we?" she smirked and pat his arm. They reached the Great Hall quickly and the doors opened up revealing the extravagent ball still in full swing. There were tables of food and there was classical music playing this time. They'd been switching between genres throughout to ball to keep both the adults and the students engaged. She turned to her new date and smirked. She already saw a few heads turning and noticing them walking in but she ignored them. "Shall we make our way to the ballroom floor? It's up to you. I did say I'll follow you."


Tag; @river
OOTD; Here

[Deleted]

Her smile seemed to grow brighter by the second, and he couldn't help but wonder if he had something to do with that. Maybe he was making her night a little better since she lost whoever she was here with. He knew he was responsible for that blush that came from his compliment, though. He was sure of that. He was glad for it, too. She deserved. She spoke of him being too kind and knowing it was perfect for her, and he chuckled along with her giggle after the words. "Alas, my dress robes weren't chosen by me. So I didn't have a moment like that," he admitted teasingly, another chuckle following.

Soon the warm air of the indoors rolled over them. He shivered, too, as his body adjusted. He nodded at her words, maybe too much nodding, and looked down at her hand as she patted his arm. He looked back up at her face, "agreed. No need to be on the news as 'the fabulously dressed frozen popsicles found in the Courtyard of Hogwarts during the ball'," he laughed again. The Great Hall was soon before them and they walked in and she turned to him, causing him to raise an eyebrow at her. She asked what he wanted to do next, basically, saying she'd follow. He glanced to the dance floor, where a slow song was playing. It wasn't a waltz, though, which made him unsure how he would dance to it. Still, he took his arm away from hers in order to take her hand instead, "let's dance," he offered, pulling her toward the crowd.

@lionaanna

[Deleted]

The way he lifted his eyebrow as she spoke had her holding back another giggle. It was puzzling how the little things he did made her laugh. Or maybe she was just really trying to make herself have a good time. It wasn't forced though, the way he made her laugh. It was rather nice actually, not having to force the laughter just to play nice. She once again hoped she wasn't coming off as rude. When he casually slipped his arm from hers and grabbed her hand, she found herself smirking at him before she allowed herself to be pulled towards the crowd.

She followed him as they maneuvered through the throng of students, teachers and ministry workers alike, apologizing and excusing enough for the both of them. She knew why the ministry workers were there but she still felt it odd that they'd decided to make it a joint ministry worker/student ball. When they finally made it to ballroom floor, not quite in the center of it but still surrounded by many students and adults alike dancing, she turned to him. The music was nice, the melody slow and enjoyable. It wasn't on she recognized and it wasn't a waltz so it didn't require them to be in basic ballroom dance form. A quick look around the floor and many people were in many different stances, some where one partner had their hands upon the others waist and the other with their hands upon their shoulders. Some were still in a ballroom stance, swaying gently to the music. She'd allow him to take the lead so she would let him decide how they were to dance, within reason of course. She smiled and gave him an expectant look, the raise of her eyebrow implied though not enacted, questioning his next action. She was just the pretty maiden there to be dazzled. She never let go of his hand even as they stopped so it would be easy for her to move in closer and sway to the music just as she saw others doing. She found herself again pondering what others would say. How close would be too close? Should there be some type of mandatory distance to keep between them? She focused on the warmth of his hand and the kindness in his eyes and again stopped caring. She'd rather have fun now and think about the consequences later.


Tag; @river
OOTD; Here

[Deleted]

She was smiling at him, expecting him to take a lead. He swallowed nervously, eyes locking on hers. He was going through the same confusion, what was too close, too far, too intimate, too lame. Her eyebrow raising sent a jolt of nerves through him and he smiled back nervously, before taking a step closer to her. He swallowed again, pulling her closer with his hand that was already clasped to hers, raising their arms, and taking her waist with the other. He exhaled, before slowly starting to move his feet. It was almost traditional ballroom stance, but just a little more relaxed. He kept a little distance between their bodies, not pressing up against her or anything. He swayed, but he tried to make it a bit of a circle, too, so they weren't stuck facing one way.

"Do you feel like," he cleared his throat, "there is a spotlight on us?" he did. He felt like everyone was staring at him. Him, dancing with someone other than Vi. Other than Sim. Who, thanks to Gossip writings, everyone knew he had a thing with. Plus, Liona was popular, as far as he could tell. As stunning. In pink. He was sure that everyone would take a glance at her once or twice this evening, and he just happened to be in their line of sight now.

@lionaanna