under the (water)loo | vik/blishwick date

[Deleted]

singularity .

DECEMBER 21ST 2024

When Dana Woods-Knox found herself entering into the blind date roulette hosted by Jimbo Blishwick himself, she never expected the nervousness it brought along with it. Entering the thing itself was a distraction from the blonde, to kill what seemed to be an undying crush on her upperclassman, but instead it brought fear for her. What she would look like on the day, how the guy would see her, their attractiveness to one another…Blah blah blah. And so, a flurry of shopping was conducted, especially with the Christmas period hitting around the corner, Dana wanted things to go perfect.

So, when December 21st came around, Dana found herself awake at almost eight in the morning, preparing for her date for most of the day and finally leaving her house by mid-afternoon. From the details her message stated, the blonde had to head towards the Vaults, a Muggle place found underneath Waterloo. It was there when she realised she would be going on a common Dinner type of date with her said blind date. But what the place served and how they served it was a complete mystery. With a simple outfit thrown together, her wand hidden in her small bag that slung over her shoulder, Dana stepped closer and closer to the Divine Proportions, eyes widening at the extravagant font of the sign and how strange the…exterior seemed to be.

Looking upon her watch, the blonde was a few minutes early and decided to walk inside, standing not too far from the door, her hands clasped in one another’s as she slightly leaned against the wall.

@vik & hopefully this works!

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!

[Deleted]

Vik was excited for his blind date. When he'd gotten the invitation to participate, he laughed hard before signing up. While he wasn't looking for someone to date or anything, Vik was always up for a good time and meeting new people. He loved to charm them and get to know them ... maybe even see if they had anything valuable at their house that he might be interested in sometime. So signing up for it wasn't a big deal. 

When the day of the date came, he followed the directions from the return message, instructing him to to toward the Vaults for a kind of dinner. Sounded fun. It didn't take him long to find Divine Proportions and Vik grinned. He looked around the outside, trying to see if anyone familiar was there, or someone who looked like they were waiting for their date to arrive. No such luck. He waited outside for a few minutes before deciding to duck in and check if maybe she was already inside. 

The first person he saw when he entered was a familiar blonde. "Dana?!" Vik whispered, feeling slightly incredulous. There was no way she was here just for fun, was there? "Are you my blind date?" he asked, already smirking. If she was, then he was definitely going to have a good time, but he also knew he wouldn't steal from her. Not a friend.

@dana

[Deleted]

singularity .

When Dana received the invitation to participate in the previous year, she brushed the idea aside - continuing to focus on her new job and life as an adult in its entirety. But with careless choices in 2024, the Knox knew it was time to have fun this winter, so signing up wasn’t a bad choice. The blonde was rather nervous as to who would exactly be her date, but knew she wouldn’t back out regardless. Though, when she heard her name being called, pale eyes glanced up a grin on her lips. ”Vik!” the blonde smiled, pushing off the wall so she met him halfway.

When Vik asked if she was his blind date, her eyes widened in realisation. The two of them seemed to dress up appropriately and coincidentally in the same place. Surely Blishwick made no mistake, pairing the Knox with her best friend. ”I believe I am.” She grinned, looping her arm through his. ”You know, I don’t think I’ve seen you this dressed up since your graduation.” Even then, Vik had always found a way to rebel against a formal dressing. Dana felt relief at Blishwick’s pairing, glad that it was actually with someone she knew and enjoyed their company rather than a complete…Blind date.

”I never knew you were into the dating scene now” She grinned, nudging her friend’s side.

@vik & im excited!!!

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!

[Deleted]

Dana was obviously relieved when she saw Vik standing there and he couldn't help but chuckle. Did she not know what she was getting herself into when she signed up for this? Or was it just normal pre-date jitters? That he could understand, though it wouldn't stop him from teasing her. Vik was a tease to people he didn't know ... it was far easier to tease someone he felt comfortable with. 

He laughed when she agreed, saying she thought she was his date. "All right then, let's start this right." Vik smirked before bowing a little to her. "Good evening Miss, My name is Viktor Podmore, though most people call me Vik. I'm excited to get to know you," he teased, unable to resist. People were looking at them, but he really didn't care. When he stood upright again, it didn't take long before Dana's arm was through his and she was mentioning she hadn't seen him look this nice for a while. Vik shrugged, "I don't really see the point in dressing up. Clothes are clothes." Besides that, he hated the judgment that came from certain people just because of what others wore. It was ridiculous and juvenile. He dressed in casual attire mostly as an act of rebellion against that. 

"I'm into fun," Vik corrected her with a tip of his head, "And what isn't fun about a date and getting to know someone?" He looked over at her curiously. "I'm a little more surprised to see that you've signed up for this," Vik teased.

@dana

[Deleted]

singularity .

Seeing a familiar face only made Dana Knox feel ten times happier for the start of the blind date than she had ever imagined. Most people usually said blind dates were a good way to have a good time with someone you didn’t know, but considering her prior friendship with Vik she knew there was nothing to be nervous about. Feeling a weight being lifted from her shoulders, Dana couldn’t help but smile around him.

When Vik decided to change the start of their date entirely with a teasing formal introduction, the blonde was close to snorting rather loudly. Instead she threw her hand over her mouth, concealing her mouth slightly as well as her gentle snickers before she composed herself completely. ”Well Mr Podmore, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” She responded with a smile, curtsying slightly. God, she most definitely hadn’t done something like that since a ball in Hogwarts. The Knox noticed the increase of sudden stares from passing Muggles and even the receptionist but she was sure Vik didn’t care at all. ”Well I must say. You look incredibly dashing.” She winked, laughing shortly after.

Dana nodded in agreement, it was always nice to have a good time with someone you knew or even someone new. It was rather…refreshing. From the failed attempt to reveal her feelings to an old friend led to the Knox trying to rid him from her mind, the blonde decided dating around here and there would probably be best for her. But Dana hadn’t been on a date in the longest time. Especially because her last date with a fellow Astronomer went tragically…Horrible. But when Vik commented on how he was surprised Dana signed up, the blonde flushed red in embarrassment.

”S-Surprised?!” She questioned. ”Pfft. I’m always dating. I never stop…Dating.” Her last relationship lasted sixth months. Stop lying Knox.

@vik

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!

[Deleted]

Vik's smirk grew as Dana covered her mouth to hide her laughter. Good. He was doing a good job already. Laughing was a good thing in Vik's book. She curtsied, saying she was pleased to meet him and Vik twisted his head at her. "Might I have the pleasure of your name?" If he was doing this at all, he might as well do it properly. He didn't care that people were staring. In fact, that kind of egged him on more. She told him that he looked dashing and Vik shrugged casually. "You're saying that like it's a surprise." He thought he always looked dashing, but then again most people probably thought that about themselves. 

He let the facade drop, stepping closer to Dana as he added, "You look great, by the way." He probably could have carried on a bit longer, but he didn't want to take the teasing too far or embarrass his friend too much. He wanted her to have a good time with him. He laughed as she stuttered, obviously taking his teasing entirely to heart. Oops. He shook his head, "I didn't mean it like that. It's just ... I thought you were more the type to find someone you liked and date them, rather than signing up for a blind date like this." He rolled his eyes, "Don't take everything so seriously, Knox." He was smiling though, so hopefully he wouldn't offend her. That wasn't what Vik was going for. 

@dana

[Deleted]

singularity .

Putting on an act amongst Muggles was simply one of the strange things Dana got up to whenever she was with Vik. There was never a moment in time that he never brought her joy unless the two were duelling back in her Hogwarts days and during those long summers where Scotland was actually blessed with the heat of the sun. But when Vik looked at her and spoke almost ridiculously, Dana was sure she was about to break her character with a fit of laughter, but remained cool. ”Dana Woods…My friends call me Knoxie.” She told him at his request.

When her friend stepped closer to compliment her, that’s when Dana lost it all, her hand covering her mouth as she giggled. And slowly she composed herself, her cheeks flushed with a crimson red. The two’s night hadn’t even begun yet but Dana was already having the time of her life. ”T-Thank you” She breathed, trying to not start a bunch of laughs again. ”God, can I say I’m already glad my blind date is you?” Dana knew by Vik’s side, the night would go swimmingly. The two would catch up, speak upon things they simply hadn’t done through their owls and tease one another while they ate a simple dinner. At least that’s what Dana was going for at least.

From his clarification, Dana found herself awkwardly laughing. That sounded entirely like her. She would crush on a person forever and then date them, but she somewhat disregarded that idea of finding love after never revealing her crush to Lars and just dated somewhat willy-nilly. ”Blind dates are apparently…Fun…” She shrugged, smiling as she did so. ”I was trapped…By my colleagues. They forced me to do it.” She finally admitted, her hand reaching for behind her neck. ”Most of them would leave to go on dates with their loved ones and I’d stay for extra researching or stay overnight to play with magic in our manipulated version of the sky…They felt bad.” She told him, laughing.

”I feel like this is more of a dinner conversation…And with the looks we received, we should probably head inside”

@vik

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!

[Deleted]

Vik really couldn't imagine someone better for him to be going on this blind date ... unless there was a way for him to get matched up with Andy. Then again, she was probably "too good" for this type of thing. That or too independent. It was fine, he liked her the way she was. That wasn't going to stop him from having fun with Dana though. If Andy found out about it, he'd just tell her he went on a friend date. He quirked an eyebrow at her when she said that her friends called her Knoxie. What? He'd never heard that before! He could see she barely had her composure and couldn't help but smirk at her. "Knoxie ... I'll have to remember that," he muttered. 

It was only moments later when she was covering her mouth and giggling. Vik couldn't help but grin. He made her crack first! With the two of them, he always felt like he was in some type of competition. Tonight it seemed to be the competition of who could keep their composure the longest. He would totally win ... and continue to make her lose because he could. Well, he thought he could. She thanked him for the compliment before saying she was glad that he was her blind date. Vik couldn't help it. He put on an affronted expression, eyebrows furrowing as he looked at her. "Blind?! Who said anything about me being blind? Couldn't you just let me be your date instead of calling me names?" Yes, he was being ridiculous. He didn't care. It was fun!

Dana laughed at his explanation of what he thought she'd be doing rather than blind dates and Vik wondered for a moment if he'd embarrassed her more than he meant to. Then she answered his question and Vik nodded as he listened. Ahhh. Coworkers. Always making one do things against their better judgment. He almost said that out loud, but he didn't want to push it too far ... at least not so early in the date. "Well, at least you're on a date with me, so you can tell them it was a blast the next time you see them," he told her with a quick wink. He'd do his best to make it fun, though he assumed he wouldn't have to do much. 

She brought up that they should talk more over dinner and that going inside would be a good idea. "But of course!" Vik answered, offering her his arm. "How could I be so rude and forget to take you inside right away, Knoxie." Hehe, he was going to enjoy that way too much. 

@dana

[Deleted]

singularity .

There was no exact reason that Dana Knox found herself signing up for something as insane as a blind date service. In all fairness, she had been on a few blind dates created by her co-workers, some that led to very…minor relationships, but nothing too vital. But being paired up with Vik was one thing the blonde knew she felt utterly relieved about. Even if the two were simple friends and had separate romance lives, their friendship would always peak a new level of closeness. Vik did know most things about Dana already. ”It’s a rare nickname I suppose.” She added, trying to control her composure.

Breaking their game was another thing Dana was relieved of, as the blonde truly had no clue as to how long she could’ve kept it up. But as Vik took her words and spun them into his own, like the tease he simply was — the blonde couldn’t help but gently throw her head back, laughter leaving her lips. ”I-I’m so sorry for the offence!” She responded, fighting back a fit of laughs. ”Y-You’re not b-blind at all!” She added with a snort, her eyes squeezing shut as she giggled.

Feeling rather embarrassed and flushed with red cheeks, the blonde looked away briefly as she explained, revealing how her co-workers had exactly trapped her. As Vik began to respond, stating how she would need to boast about how positive it was, she nodded in agreement, noting she would have to do that. ”I’d brag about how you brought me entertainment and fake flowers!” She teased, winking back like he would. ”At least I’ll pretend you bought some flowers. I don’t particularly have a favourite for future reference.” She grinned.

Telling Vik the possible nickname had already seemed to be a bad idea, but regardless Dana felt herself smiling. Her arm looped under his own, preparing their walk. ”I’m sure you meant no harm.” She replied, a hand extending to push open the door. But what was awaiting them in the following room seemed to frighten Dana. Pale eyes widened at the change of it all, the subtlety from the reception area not reflecting the dining area. ”…Wha…” Dana gaped, looking around.

@vik

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!

[Deleted]

Vik was a little surprised when Dana didn't do anything in response to his teasing repetition of her nickname. How had he never heard of this before? He was definitely going to tease her about it in the future, bringing it up at moments when he was sure she thought he'd forgotten. "Who calls you that?" he asked curiously. Who had given her the nickname in the first place?

When he made her lose her composure again, Vik grinned triumphantly. He was finding a lot of pleasure in this, in making her laugh. She laughed as she apologized for "offending him", insisting that she didn't think he was blind and Vik couldn't help but chuckle a little. "I guess I can forgive you, since we are such old friends," he agreed after a moment, pulling out the moment to tease her even more. He couldn't help it.

He nodded when she said that she'd brag about the good entertainment he provided and then say he brought flowers. He snapped his fingers, "Ah, that's what I forgot!" He shook his head like he was disappointed in himself. "I guess I'll have to make myself remember that for our next date." He was teasing her by assuming there would be a next one, but even if there wasn't, he'd bring her flowers the next time they did anything. It was too good for him to not. "I won't forget," he answered when she said she didn't have any favorites. 

They walked into the building in front of them, pausing when they stepped in. What was this? He glanced over to Dana, who seemed just as surprised as he was. "What is this place?" he asked her in a whisper. "I thought we were just here for dinner ..." Vik's voice trailed off as he looked around. Really though ... what was going on here?

@dana

[Deleted]

singularity .

Knoxie was one name Dana had surely forgotten, until she had discovered her old but troublesome diary and even photos alongside her old Hogwarts friends. It was a name that was most common amongst her Quidditch team, which was filled with more aggression back then, to defeat Gryffindor and the other houses at all costs. In the eyes of her team mates, Dana was too girly and Knox, too formal. So their own little mash up stuck for a few years, but only amongst them. Never really from her closer friends or even family. ”It’s an…Old nickname I’d prefer to use more often.” She clarified before continuing. ”My Quidditch team mates usually called me it for a while.”

Dana couldn’t help but pull off her signature rolling of the eyes, something habitual and common amongst Vik especially with the way they spoke to one another. The two of them always threw playful jabs at one another, and it was just convenient that Jimbo had matched them together. From his laughs and even his comments, the blonde could only assume the night would be filled with his usual teases, something a brother would do to irritate his younger sister. Their friendship was something off the lines of that. ”Thank you kind sir.” She smiled, clasping her hands together and feigning joy for his forgiveness.

”Our next date?” She repeated, brows teasingly raising while her smiled inched a little higher. ”Jumping the gun aren’t we…” She knew if there was another date, the blonde would have enjoyed it nevertheless. But she still had plans to brag about the non-existent flowers he had so called brought for her for their date. While she didn’t have an exact favourite, Dana was known for her preferences. ”I’d appreciate any blue flower. Or even simple roses. Or lilies…” She told him, her hand pressing down on her opposite fingers as she listed them. ”I’m a simple person!” Though, Vik already knew that.

”I have…No clue.” She whispered in response, her eyes remaining wide, taking in her surroundings. ”What has Jimbo done…” But before Dana could comprehend anything else she watched as waiters and waitresses passed with what seemed to be…Greek attire on. The blonde’s cheeks flushed red as she looked amongst them all, her hand reaching out to tap one of the Muggles. ”Hi…I believe we have a dinner reservation here…” Though Dana was soon starting to regret it.

@vik

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!

[Deleted]

Vik quirked an eyebrow as his friend explained that Knoxie was an old nickname that she'd like to start using more. He smiled when she explained, "All right then. Don't be surprised when I start calling you Knoxie in front of everyone," he teased, nudging her side with his elbow. He didn't have any unusual nickname or anything. Everyone just knew him by "Vik", which was definitely how he preferred things. It was uncommon enough, while not being strange at the same time. He enjoyed it. 

He gave a polite nod when she thanked him for forgiving her, but didn't say anything else. He shrugged, "Are you saying you wouldn't go out with me again if I asked you?" He was mostly teasing, though he wouldn't mind going out with Dana for fun. A friend-date, maybe. He wasn't really interested in a real relationship (he had a beautiful brunette he was quite interested in when it came to relationships), but he was always ready to let Dana know he was there for her. He smirked when she went on to explain the types of flowers she liked. "I'll keep that all in mind," Vik promised. Maybe he'd send her anonymous flowers sometime, just for fun. Then she could tell all her friends whatever she wanted about where they came from. It sounded like a fun idea to him. 

This place, though. Vik wasn't entirely sure what was going on. Were they going to watch some sort of Greek play while they ate, or were the waiters and waitresses just dressed up like this because they worked in a themed restaurant? Vik shook his head at her question, momentarily speechless. What was he supposed to do here? This was definitely not the type of place he normally frequented. "We can still escape if you want," he whispered into her ear, more nervous than he wanted to admit. Then she was telling someone that they had a reservation here. 

Apparently she wanted to stay, so Vik would stick it out. "Yes, it should be under Podmore," Vik added, stepping forward and smiling. The man went over to a podium before asking them to both follow him. He led them to a booth in the middle of the place and gestured to a table. Vik held out a chair for Dana, looking around himself with a small amount of trepidation. What was he doing in a place like this?

@dana

[Deleted]

singularity .

It wouldn’t have came as a surprise if Vik suddenly approached her with the nickname. Though, she regretted telling him considering she didn’t want others to question the context of it all, or even allow Vik to gain an advantage upon it all, give him reason to tease her just a little further. He had almost everything to form teases that would bug her for years, Knoxie just proved to be another. "I'll try." She shrugged, smiling as he nudged her lightly. The Knox knew at least for a week or two it'll still play off as surprise that her elder knew the nickname, but eventually the surprise would subside, she just didn't know how long it would take. "Don't be surprise if I randomly approach you, calling you Viktor" She laughed.

Aside from his teases, Vik knew which buttons to press within the Knox girl. The ones that would have her arguing in defence or lightly swatting as his arm. His next words had her hand smacking his arm playfully. "Don't! Put words in my mouth." She said, narrowing her eyes and pointing her index finger at him. "Of course I would. I can always put some time aside for my closest friend." She added, brows raising in amusement as her smile grew wider. "Until, he...You know. Finally gets a girlfriend, then I'll just be owling about how cute the two of you are while I eat away at my tub of ice cream." Aka, killing her stomach. Being lactose intolerant always brought a downfall when she was faced with her diary delights. "I expect a bouquet of flowers next time. Congratulating me on my projects completion, if it's done by our next Best-Friend Dinner Date." She grinned, expecting him to keep the promise.

The place that Jimbo had...reserved a table for them however threw Dana's mind into a whirl of confusion. The decor of it all looked crazy, an extravagant taste, as she knew some people would say. It seemed to follow a Greek style, one she simply didn't understand at all, but refused to question it, given the circumstances. The whisper Vik murmured in her ear was brushed aside the minute Dana spoke to what seemed to be a waiter. She had considered maybe suggesting elsewhere to go, but now her interest peaked in their surroundings, especially once the man headed over to a podium and took them elsewhere, to a table. Dana smiled up at Vik as he held open her chair for her and slowly the blonde settled in comfortably. ”What is this place?” She asked, reaching forward once he sat across from her. ”I thought it would be a sort of…Normal dinner. Why does it seem like almost everyone is barefoot and ready to claw for some grapes?”

@vik

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!

[Deleted]

Vik laughed when Dana said she'd try to not be surprised when he called her Knoxie. He honestly hadn't entirely decided if he wanted to use her nickname, but he still found it funny. He mock-groaned when she retorted that he shouldn't be surprised if she showed up and called him Viktor. "No, not Viktor! No one will know who you're talking to!" Vik didn't really mind his given name, but he'd never gone by it. He didn't really respond to the name either. He chuckled a little after a moment, "I might not respond though." She might as well know the truth. 

Then Dana was swatting his arm, telling him not to put words in her mouth. Vik widened his eyes and nodded quickly, pretending to be cowed by her before letting a small smirk sneak onto his expression. He nodded when she said that she always had time for a close friend. "Good to know," he told her with a small chuckle. He laughed while she mentioned him getting a girlfriend and leaving her behind. "Ahhh, even when I do get a girlfriend, I'll still make time for you Knoxie," he teased, nudging her with his elbow. "Consider it done," Vik answered when she said she wanted a bouquet of flowers in congratulations for her completing her most recent project. "If it's not I'll come up with some other excuse to give you flowers."

This place was definitely not something Vik would have chosen for himself. It was all ... themed and weird. After looking over at Dana, he wasn't entirely sure if she liked it or not. He shrugged, "I don't know. I thought we were just going to have a normal dinner." He paused a moment. "Do you think they're going to put a play on for us or something." Oh, he did not like the idea of that. A waiter came by, handing them menus and Vik looked at his, moaning a little. "All the food is themed too," he complained in an undertone. Great. At least it was Dana here with him. 

@dana

[Deleted]

singularity .

AT VIK’S PROTEST, Dana raised her hands, a laugh just shy from leaving her lips. In the years she had known Vik, she had not once heard him use his given name, nor had Dana ever used it to him. ”Whhhhy?!” She whined, pouting. Clearly, if Dana called him Viktor in some sort of tone that would be unique to…Her and her alone, Vik would’ve known who it was in an instant. at least, that was the way her mind thought of it. ”Do you really hate Viktor that much?” She asked, brow raising in curiosity.

At his feigned attempt of being intimidated by her, Dana rolled her eyes. If Vik had ever considered a career change, the Knox felt tempted to recommend acting. He was stupidly good at it. With his next comment, Dana grinned, clapping her hands together in excitement after he nudged her. ”Isn’t that sweet!” She exclaimed. ”Vik would actually still care for me!” And there came the tease. Grinning at their final agreement over Vik bringing her flowers, no matter the excuse, Dana felt rather special, even if the agreement was on the basis of their friendship.

This place however…This place. It was incredibly strange! Dana hadn’t been suspicious from the start, but now she wished she had been. ”A play?!” She repeated, tempted to burst into laughter. ”From what they’re wearing and the things around us, I expect a whole bloody show.” At his observation and from the menus they were handed over, Dana was sure she understood…Nothing from the menu card. Vik was right, the food was themed also, the simplest of dishes all presented with fancier names. ”So is it Greek? Or…What…” She murmured over to Vik, trying to make sure no waiter heard.

@vik

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