half the world away [toby]

[tobias charles watkins]

Toby couldn't help but bob his head into agreement when she mentioned that she was a snob about everything. "Hey. It's not your fault you just have impeccable taste." Toby stated as matter of factly, figuring a little flattery never hurt anyone.

 ”I promise not to splinch you.” he pledged quickly, genuinely meaning it. Apparating was something he was confident doing and caught on quickly during classes. Amy clung a hand to him and he was instantly hyperaware of her touch. Toby smiled and swallowed hard, unable to contain his joy from the touch of a stunning young lady. Dear Merlin, was he touch deprived, or just a fuckin nerd? Masking a confident, nonchalant facade, he wrapped an arm around Amy to tuck her into his side before asking, ”Ready?”

Toby concentrated on the grassmarket in Edinburgh. A hook behind the bellybutton and the world around him became a blur as his surroundings morphed together. After a couple of seconds, his feet landed in the dewey cobblestone of an alleyway near their destination. He gently released Amy, hand hovering a moment longer as his eyes inspected her for any damage. "No legs coming out of your head. Brilliant." he nodded proudly, checking it off the mental list before confirming, "And still cute." Toby smiled, surprised at his sudden confidence.

”This is the Grassmarket.” he welcomed her with a grand gesture, guiding her under a stone arch in the street before they were greeted by multicolored buildings lining the both sides of the street. People and cars bustled through streets, lined with pubs, cafes, boutiques, and more. They started to wander down the cobblestone street walking closely side by side, "There are plenty cafes to choose from down here.. And it's a great place to people watch.." Toby laughed, revisiting that fact since Amy mentioned people watching earlier. 

AMY ESMA ASTOR-SHAW

[AMY ESMA ASTOR-SHAW]

Amy smiled. "Thank you, Toby. Your unwavering confidence in me is admirable," she said with a nod. Toby agreed that he wouldn't cause any sort of bodily harm whilst apparating, and Amy trusted him well enough. She clung to him and he wrapped a protective arm around her. Amy would never get used to the sensation of being squeezed through a very tight tube. She much preferred driving, preferably down a coastal highway in a convertible. At long last, the sensation ended, and Amy blinked, adjusting to the surroundings. She held on to Toby's arm a heartbeat too long, before releasing him and taking a step away.

Edinburgh was just as quaint as she'd always imagined. The streets were cobbled, the buildings crooked, and she could spy the castle up on the hill not far away. "Wow. This place is old," said Amy astutely. She turned to Toby as he made his evaluation - still cute. Amy blushed. "Still cute yourself," she teased, though her hands were rather clammy at the sudden confidence he showed. She stuffed them into her cloak pockets and looked around as Toby pointed things out.

"There's not much grass. But I guess it all dies in the winter anyways," Amy observed with a frown. Toby struck off and Amy had to quicken her pace to keep up with his long legs. "Oh, my favourite!" she exclaimed, beaming. She narrowed her eyes and glanced around. She pointed out a tiny little coffee shop that was decorated in muted neutrals with loads of plants. "That looks cute. Very vibey. Perfect for instagram," she said with a smirk. "Let's try it out," said Amy, taking Toby's hand and leading him into the coffee shop.

Just as she had suspected, the patrons of the shop (which she now realised was actually an indoor cycling studio with a chic coffee shop add on called Cycle Culture) were in varying states of athletic dress, some with woolly hats and many with thickly framed glasses and ironic moustaches. "Perfect," she declared, more to herself than Toby. "What would you like? My treat, since I'm so picky," she offered with a smile.

tobias charles watkins

[tobias charles watkins]

Toby turned to Amy to see how she felt about their destination. He hoped it wasn’t too old and dreary for her. As his eyes scanned the street, he knew that a coffee shop would pop up at any moment. Amy commented how the village was old and he nodded with a smile, ”Yes, it’s very old with an even richer history. Back in the 1300s this area used to be a cattle market, hence the name Grassmarket..” he stated, continuing in his nerd-like drone after she observed a lack of grass in the ancient cobblestone streets. ”With how it looks today, its hard to believe public executions took place here for many ages..” Toby shared out loud as they passed a cat cafe. He made mental note of that for another time.

Amy grabbed Tobys hand and dragged him inside a coffee shop that caught her eye. He was overwhelmed with that feel good buzz over something as simple as holding hands. The lanky teen smiled at Amy and opened the door so that she could step into the coffee shop first. His eyes scanned the room with interest, taken aback by bikes in a coffee shop. This place was definitely too hip for him. He bobbed his head curiously. More enjoying Amy’s reaction to the place than anything. ”Coffee, bikes, and plants…” he listed off thoughtfully with a shrug, ”Interesting..” Toby stated with a smile. His head cocked to the side as Amy stated that it would be her treat, he wanted to treat her though!

”Oh. C’mon, lemme treat you..you're a visitor here after all.” he insisted gently with a kind smile, watching her carefully as he attempted to match her gaze. But he wouldn't fight her on it. Maybe this spontaneous coffee date would lead to him treating her to dinner one day instead.. He swallowed as they stepped up to the counter. ”Hi. Good afternoon. One extra hot oat latte and a Yorkshire tea, please." he ordered from a cashier with wide rimmed glasses, passing over the payment easily. Toby was already anticipating Amy to make a comment how how boring his "coffee" order was. As the muggle was distracted punching buttons into the register, he turned to Amy playfully, "Ohh. How about a bike?" he stated sarcastically, as if they were forgetting something. 

AMY ESMA ASTOR-SHAW

[AMY ESMA ASTOR-SHAW]

Amy cocked her head and appraised Toby. "How do you fit all that knowledge inside your head?" she asked, genuinely curious. "You sound like you've swallowed a library or something," she added with a smirk. Toby tacked on that there had once been public executions in the square and Amy grimaced. "Like Anne Boleyn?" she asked, pleased with her historical knowledge. In fact, she only knew about Anne Boleyn because her mother had liked to play Greensleeves on the piano and Anne had a sixth finger.

The vibe of the cafe was exactly what Amy was looking for. It was the sort of place you'd find back in Cali - and Amy admitted to herself that she kind of missed her home. She missed the sunshine. But Amy had found unexpected warmth up in Scotland.

Toby dutifully ordered their brews and Amy shoved a fiver over the counter before he could even consider taking out his wallet. "Oh... yes, maybe one of those folding ones?" she replied, giving Toby a cursory look before returning her attention to the dumbfounded cashier. "What are they called?" "We don't sell Brompton bikes" said the cashier sourly. Amy frowned. "Fine. The drinks, then," she instructed. They were told to take a seat and their coffees would be brought over to them.

Amy settled onto an aesthetically pleasing wooden bench, and looked up expectantly at Toby. "So. Are the English allergic to coffee or is it just you?" asked Amy, her smile sweet but her words held a playful edge.

tobias charles watkins

[tobias charles watkins]

”That’s just called being a nerd.” he commented, willing to make fun of himself. Toby was full of useless facts.  The cashier took their order and Amy asked about the foldable bikes. His head quirked to the side with curiosity, surpassing a laugh to smile at Amy instead. Toby found her presence a joy to be around, he couldn’t remember the last time he got along with someone so effortlessly right off the bat. 

As they found a spot while they waited for their drinks, Amy looked up at Toby expectantly to sit down on a bench with her while criticizing his choice to order a tea. Toby sat on the bench next to Amy, ”Ooh, I feel the judgement.” he commented, shrugging nonchalantly. ”I just really like tea” he told her easily, suddenly feeling like he should have ordered a coffee. ”I’m British, it’s my perogative.” Toby stated as he settled beside her, bubbling over with a small chuckle. ”—That's my perogative” He sang quietly but dramatically like Britney Spears. He had sisters, he knew that song too well and he was sure Amy did too. She was from California, the land of the rich and famous, after all. His face started to go red again.

”So, what do you enjoy getting into? Besides alchemy and coffee.” he asked as he turned to her with interest, wishing to know more about the inner workings of Amy. 

AMY ESMA ASTOR-SHAW

[AMY ESMA ASTOR-SHAW]

Amy pondered Toby's easy reply, before offering one of her own. "Okay. Nerd," she teased with a smile. It was effortless, chatting with Toby. Amy couldn't remember the last time she'd clicked instantly with someone like this. Many of her friends in California always seemed to want something - usually something to do with her father. It was clear to Amy that Toby was nothing like the people from her American life, and it was refreshing. But strange, for her friendship not to seem like a transaction.

Toby sat beside Amy on the bench and she turned to him, resting her elbow on the table. She made a quick jibe about how everyone assumed the British loved tea, and he was totally leaning into the stereotype. Toby's response had Amy practically rolling. She snorted, glad that she hadn't been given a drink yet and covered her face with her hands. When Amy managed to get herself under control again, she dropped her hands and eyed Toby, eyes streaming with mirth. "Britney? What a throwback," said Amy. "I think that song came out before I was even born," she added after a moment. "Just goes to show how eternal she is," she finished with a nod.

"Um, well I like nice cocktails, old Hollywood movies, jazz... you know, all the classy stuff," said Amy. "I feel like growing up I had to like these things. Like Daddy would love me less if I didn't. But I do like them, really," said Amy, trying to explain. "I mean... now is my chance to figure out what I really like. Besides gold," she added with a smile. "You seem have it all figured out. Animals. Helping people. Pretty, wounded birds," said Amy, her voice lowering slightly. She was about to go on, but their drinks were delivered. Amy thanked the barista, before returning her attention to Toby.

tobias charles watkins

[tobias charles watkins]

Amy’s joyous laughter suddenly had him grinning from ear to ear, quite proud to make her laugh. It was like a chorus of angels singing. The pure mirth in Amy’s eyes over a line of Britney made his heart soar out of his chest, suddenly yearning to be more carefree...just to make a complete ass of himself for more laughs from her.. The corners of his lips curled into a smile as he shared a laugh, ”I had a feeling like I was in the presence of a Britney fan..” he stated as matter of factly, but definitely more playfully. 

Fancy cocktails, old Hollywood movies, and jazz. Hell, she seemed so much more interesting and worldly than him. He almost felt like a peasant with dirty, calloused hands. Toby smiled easily, nodding with interest. ”A lady of class and taste.” he nodded in agreement, finding himself attempting to meet her gaze. Amy was easy to hold eye contact with, which was surprising, considering he had a hard time locking eyes with pretty girls. But he'd never improve if he never practiced.. "You've probably been to a fair share of pish posh Hollywood parties, then, aye? So is an espresso martini 'fancy' to you, or does it only look fancy because of the glass?" he asked, warm brown eyes narrowing teasingly at the beauty with a laugh. Toby wondered if it was too early to ask her out for a drink when they were already enjoying a drink.

Toby shrugged lazily, ”I’m just good at taking care of things.” he answered with a chuckle as the barista dropped off their drinks. The pair thanked the worker before they returned behind the counter. Amy's words were still swirling around in his mind. Toby had a feeling Amy was referring to herself as the 'wounded bird'. Truthfully, she seemed stronger than she gave herself credit for. Then again, sometimes people went through battles silently, masking for the world around them, so he wasn't going to assume.

After a moment, his eyes fell on her as he gave her a look over, up and down, ”Are you wounded?” he dared to ask with a spreading smile. It was a soft attempt at flirting but she could take it whichever way she chose.

AMY ESMA ASTOR-SHAW

[AMY ESMA ASTOR-SHAW]

Amy blushed furiously, taking Toby's signature look. "It's like you know me or something," she said with a giggle. She expounded on the other things that she liked, feeling sort of boring as she did. What sane eighteen year old chose to listen to jazz and watch old films rather than get high at raves and bop soundlessly to whining artists with their mouths too close to the microphones. Amy had always thought herself classy, above the rest of her peers, high on her ivory tower. But now, out here on her own, without her father's clout to prop her up, Amy wondered what she really did like after all.

"A fair few," she admitted with a shrug. "They're not all that great. Espresso martinis are rarely served... usually Hollywood prefers a... well, um, a powdered stimulant," said Amy in a whisper. "But they are tasty. Even if bars rarely brew coffee that's actually good and not burnt," she added with a grin. "But a regular martini, one with gin or vodka. Those? Super classy," said Amy with a nod. "Though I tasted one once and it was awful. Nearly put me off alcohol. Well, actually it did kind of, since in the States we can't legally drink til we're 21. But that rule only applies to -" she was about to say poor people but caught herself. "Well, not Hollywood." Amy swiftly drew the attention away from herself, claiming Toby knew exactly what he liked.

Their coffees were delivered, and there was a beat of silence before Toby replied. He was good at taking care of things. Amy had completely forgotten how lost and hopeless she'd felt just a few hours before. How everything had seemed so bleak on this side of the Atlantic. She went on to identify that Toby liked pretty, wounded birds. Like something out of a John Green novel. His warm, chocolate eyes settled on her face, and he looked at her intensely. Like, really looked. Like, Amy felt her cheeks heat up more because she thought he could see right through her and read every little thought going through her head. Her heartbeat picked up, tattooing a chaotic rhythm on her ribcage. Amy inhaled sharply at his query, and the subsequent smile she'd elicited. God, was she so pathetic? "You'll have to stick around to find out," said Amy, lifting her coffee to her lips and taking a drink. Delicious.

tobias charles watkins

[tobias charles watkins]

Amy’s face went red and Toby’s face flushed to the same color. The connection between them was a tad overwhelming. But he also wasn't sure if it was a "werewolf thing" making him feel overwhelmed.. There was a part of him that suddenly wished to learn every insignificant detail about Amy: her favorite old movie scenes, favorite jazz song, quotes that resonated deep within her bones.

She joked about how Hollywood preferred a powdered stimulant over espresso martinis. ”Ah. The bogey sugar.” he nodded thoughtfully with a chuckle. "That's popular here too, amongst other uppers and downers..." Toby wasn’t completely innocent when it came to drinking and partying but he never figured out the whole hook up culture thing. It didn’t feel natural to him. Drunk people had a way of being particularly cringe, himself included. ”Do you miss your life on the other side of the pond at all? Well, besides the sunshine, of course..” he asked her curiously, an effort to get to know her better. Toby wondered if her stay in the UK was more temporary. A selfish part of him deep down hoped it wasn’t.

”Well, I’m patient.” he stated with an easy smile, his eyes tore from Amy to take a sip of tea. Something deep down told him this wouldn't be the last time he saw Amy. He wouldn't allow it, not with that smile. "Would you like to go for a stroll? There's a lot of cool things to see here." Toby said. There were many places to sit and read. Though he wouldn't be reading today. He particularly favored a spot near a creek beside a grassy knoll under a large willow tree that overlooked a picturesque view of the castle and surrounding village.

AMY ESMA ASTOR-SHAW

[AMY ESMA ASTOR-SHAW]

Amy hid a grimace as Toby latched on to her meaning immediately. She didn't like the so-called boogey sugar. It changed people. Her parents had tried to keep the drug use to a minimum around her - they never partook, of course (at least not that Amy knew of) - but they couldn't control an observant and curious young girl who demanded attention. Amy had started to associate the drug with lewd looks thrown her way by men much too old and much too powerful for her. Of course, they'd never cross Daddy. But Amy wondered if her father hadn't been her protector, what sort of horrors would she have had to face?

Toby's next question gave Amy pause. Over the course of the last few hours, her answer changed drastically. She wasn't usually in the habit of oversharing, but there was something warm and comfortable about Toby that made her answer honestly. "Yes and no. I got here, and it wasn't what I was expected. And it was totally crazy and really gross weather which does nothing for my complexion, as I told you," she explained, touching a fair cheek with her fingertips. "And I didn't know anyone. Not really. I thought it would be some great adventure, travelling to England and all your cute accents, but I was way in over my head." She sighed, sipping her coffee as she did. "I miss America lots. I miss the sunshine and the beaches, the opportunities that were always open to me," Amy went on, her gaze flitting about the coffee shop as she struggled to put her feelings to words.

"But here, there's something different. Like, I can make myself new. I can tap more into my magical heritage. But honestly, Toby, it's terrifying." Her blue gaze drifted and caught his. "Half the time I think I'm crazy for shipping out here. But then you waltzed into my life, uninvited and completely wrong and made me think that maybe I'm not so mad after all," she finished. Amy hadn't expected to say so much, to admit that she'd been thinking about giving up this great adventure and going home to safety. But there was something sweet about the unknown - she'd just needed the right guide.

They sat in an amiable silence after that, finishing off their hot drinks. "A stroll?" asked Amy, smirking. "How quaint. Yes, Toby. I'd love to go for a stroll with you," she replied, rising from their bench and offering her hand.

tobias charles watkins

[tobias charles watkins]

Toby listened as she explained missing home due to weather and opportunities. That was plenty enough to miss a place, especially when her family seemed to have heavy influence in California. His expression softened as her gaze flitted around the coffee shop, appearing to search for the right words. Toby understood that feeling and gave her a soft smile, taking a sip of tea.

”I think you’re downplaying the great amount of courage it takes to transplant your life somewhere you barely know a soul...you’re just in the process of writing your adventure right now.” he told her as he searched for his own words. ”This is the time of your life when you’re allowed to fuck up, take chances, and make mistakes to figure out who you are. No one has a clue what they’re doing. And try to think of it this way, you’ll most likely never see them again. So who cares if you mess up, at least you tried.” he felt himself rambling again after he got a glimpse of Amy’s pretty face, secretly wondering what would happen if he allowed the intrusive thoughts to win and kiss her face right there. Toby swallowed, pushing those thoughts aside, ”I’m also a bloody hypocrite who never takes their own advice so-” he shrugged comically, making a face.

Her kind words caught him off guard. Amy was one of those girls he read about in novels. He was overwhelmed with admiration over her infectious personality and pretty face. She agreed to a stroll and he stood up with her as she offered her hand. He accepted it with laced fingers, sending his heart to skip a beat. ”I’m happy you’re here and I hope you decide to stay.” he told her, the shyness inside him inwardly cringing at how that sounded, but he meant it. Toby pushed the door open and they were greeted by the bustling grassmarket. He lead her toward the welcoming grassy knolls overlooking the ancient castle.


AMY ESMA ASTOR-SHAW

[AMY ESMA ASTOR-SHAW]

Amy's eyes burned unpleasantly at Toby's kind words. They bolstered her confidence - though still, she was touched in an unexpected way. She reached out, grasping his forearm. "Thanks. I really think I needed to hear that," she admitted, offering a smile. "Most likely never gonna see them again? I hope you're not trying to get rid of me already," jested Amy, nudging Toby with her elbow. "Let's make a pact. Okay? I'm gonna talk to Alora. And you're gonna tell your parents you want to work with animals, not people." She straightened her spine in a very no-nonsense sort of manner. She stuck her hand out for Toby to shake, her eyes narrowed with the seriousness of their promise.

Now, Amy Astor-Shaw was not the sort of girl to swoon. She was the sort of girl to make boys swoon over her. But as Toby's shy admission washed over her, Amy was certain she was going to black out. Her knees buckled, but luckily Toby had already taken her hand and she was able to steady herself. Toby wasn't ordinarily the sort of person she would find herself drawn to - she had always chased the wannabe bad boys, the people who would give her none of the attention she wanted so she'd have to come begging for more. Desire worked in such mysterious ways, didn't it?

Flushing scarlet, Amy thanked Toby as he held the door for her and she stepped through. She burrowed her nose into her cloak at the brusque Scottish wind that lifted her hair off her back. "Holy crap, it is cold" said Amy, her voice muffled by the wool of her cloak. She nestled herself closer to Toby and they set off into the bustling market. He pointed out various historical details, and Amy was content in her silence, listening to the eager way he explained each tiny detail as if it held the weight of the world. Toby saw importance in the smallest things. And lots of small things were so much better than something big. She leaned against him, resting her head on his shoulder as they came to a halt before a stretch of rolling hills that looked down upon the castle. She didn't particularly like the idea of sitting on grass, but she doubted Toby had a blanket tucked up in his cloak. "Did you know that the castle has been inhabited for nearly 800 years?" said Amy, recalling a random fact from her father who had grown up in the city.

tobias charles watkins

[tobias charles watkins]

Toby smiled when Amy teased that she hoped he wasn’t trying to get rid of her already. It was quite the opposite actually. The past hours they spent together flew by and he still found himself wanting more. Amy made a pact and Toby listened, a small smile spreading, ”Okay” he agreed, mostly because she didn’t give a deadline and he wanted to take her hand. Toby gave it a shake to seal the deal but kept her hand as they walked through the cobblestone streets. 

The cold wind made the tip of his nose pink. He almost forgot how unforgiving Scotland weather was because his body ran hot after being bitten. Amy expressed that she was cold and he took that as his cue. Toby shrugged off the hoodie he had on under the coat, extending the fabric that was practically radiating heat. "Here, you could have this..er, I don't need it.." he assured her, not going into detail 'why' because he wasn't sure how.

“In retrospect 800 years isn’t even that long ago.” he stated thoughtfully, always a history nerd. "It looks similar to what Hogwarts once was with how it sits high on a rock..” he observed, stepping onto the grass, immediately noticing it was damp. To be fair, that was what he should have expected for Scotland... Toby wasn't going to even think about making Amy trek through grass when she already admitted to hating cold and wet weather. The weather was shit once there were no hot drinks to cradle in their hands.

Toby bit down on his lip as he considered his next words. ”Do you reside on campus?” he asked her, trying to keep the question more casual, ”I have a flat in Hogsmeade if you want to get out of the cold.” he offered, daring to match her gaze. Toby never had a girl over at his flat before so his face turned red at the thought, heart beating like a drum in his chest.  Merlin, he didn’t want Amy to think there was some ulterior motive because he wasn't sure what he was doing.

AMY ESMA ASTOR-SHAW

[AMY ESMA ASTOR-SHAW]

Toby's agreement came easily, and Amy relaxed visibly. It felt nice to have someone on her side, someone who would hold her accountable for her actions here. To make sure she was brave and approached Alora. It was a terrifying prospect, and not only because from what Amy had gleaned on her previous espionage encounters, she and Alora had next to nothing in common. Amy despised getting down and dirty. Alora loved plants. Amy had been raised by a loving family. Alora... had not. Alora liked reading and learning. Amy would rather sit on a hot stove than crack open a text book. The only thing that bonded them at the moment was blood.

Amy complained about the cold as one did. It showed that she was truly embracing British culture. She tucked her nose away in her cloak, shivering. What she did not expect was for Toby to shrug off his sweatshirt and offer it to her. Amy looked at him as if he had sprouted an extra head. "What are you, a werewolf or something?" asked Amy, shucking off her cloak and pulling the sweatshirt over her head. She managed a surreptitious sniff of Toby's sweatshirt - smelled like evergreen and honey - before replacing her cloak. "Thank you. Extra cozy," said Amy, doing a little jig in place.

Tilting her head as they approached the castle, Amy mused over Toby's observation. "I guess not." She wasn't going to say it, but 800 years was a really long time ago. Like, ten or eleven lifetimes. A long time! "Toby, I hate to break it to you. But it's a castle. I think they all look like that," she added, fighting back laughter. Again, Amy was struck by the majesty that Toby saw in every little detail. He drew connections like a child scrawled with a crayon. Easily and uniquely.

Amy eyed Toby suspiciously. "Toby..." she started, narrowing her eyes and pursing her lips thoughtfully. "Are you trying to take a strange girl home with you the first time you meet her?" asked Amy. She noted to herself that she had not let go of Toby's hand. She made no such moves to either. Her face broke in a grin. "In which case, I'd be delighted. I've seen enough of Edinburgh today. Speaking of, why do they spell it not like they say it?" she mused aloud, more to herself than anything. "Do you have any records at your apartment?"

tobias charles watkins

[tobias charles watkins]

Toby smiled proudly. He always enjoyed the idea of giving a girl articles of clothing when they were cold. Lusie probably still had a fair share of his hoodies unless if she through them in the bin… Amy happily pulled the sweatshirt over her head, asking if he was a werewolf as she absorbed the warmth from the fabric. His head cocked to the side out of surprise but he cleared his throat in an attempt to mask it from his face. ”Actually…yes, I am..” he revealed with an easy laugh. "I guess one of the perks is being a personal space heater." Toby added. He didn’t think that information would make her run away but he hated that it always seemed like a damper. Most people weren’t werewolves by choice.

Toby chuckled when she teased him saying that all castles looked the same. He disagreed but he also knew what she meant. He was still sort of stuck on the werewolf thing..

Shyness started to creep in as Amy eyed him suspiciously. An awkward smile crossed his boyish features as he thought about her question, he shrugged agreeably. "I suppose I am.” he admitted with a laugh, his brain suddenly feeling scrambled by the way she was looking at him. "Yeah--er--I don't usually do this. If you can't already tell." Toby ruffled a hand through his hair as he felt his face go red. She asked if he had a record player and he nodded. "Uh, yeah, I do have a record player..and a piano.. Lets go then." he said with a smile as he guided Amy by hand toward the alleyway away from muggles. It was apparent that she was ready to go since she was starting to look like a cute icicle. After a couple of moments he gave Amy a once look over to make sure she was ready before they apparated to the flat.

Tobys feet landed on the hardwood floor of his quiet flat and he looked around for a moment, relieved that he was a clean freak, besides the tea cup in the sink and a few open books and papers strewn across the counter from his studies. Toby released Amys hand for what felt like the first time that day, which almost made him want to grab it again but he'd refrain. For now. "Welcome" he sang awkwardly, turning on the crackling fireplace with a flick of the wrist. Toby gestured to the record player and four shelves crammed with random records, most of them being Muggle artists. "I inherited a bunch of records from my grandpa. Nothing beats those warm, scratchy sounds. There's probably some jazz mixed in there somewhere.." he shared, watching Amy carefully as she was in his space, alone. Everything suddenly felt much more intimate. It felt like a dream to have her there, hell, he hoped he wouldn't wake up at any moment.

AMY ESMA ASTOR-SHAW