F00L 4 U | Amy

[tobias charles watkins]

February 14th 2028
Valentine's Day. The day for lovers. Toby hadn't been a fan of Valentine's Day since the last time he had a girlfriend, which was almost two years ago. Valentines was stupid anyways. He didn’t need a reason to show a significant other love, it was something he believed should happen everyday. But when he thought about one person in particular, it didn’t sound so bad.

Amy… he had only met the Gryffindor seventeen days ago and she had quickly burrowed her way into his life. He’d be lying if he said he didn’t enjoy every moment of it. The California girl had an infectious personality, brilliant brains, and she was beautiful. He wished he wasn’t so busy with school, work, and being a freaking werewolf, because he wanted to spend more time getting to know her.

The Full Moon occurred four nights prior so he was feeling lingering side effects from the last transformation. Slight but constant headaches and body aches consumed his days, causing him to have a tendency to go radio silent. Sometimes all he could do was sleep all day to get by, but he was getting used to it. Fortunately, he had arrangements with school and work. He did well enough where he could make it up if he had to.

Despite having a raging headache and body aches, he spent most of the day in the library getting work done between and after classes. By the end of the day the library was almost empty so he packed his books and left. After dropping off his backpack in his flat, he decided to walk around the festival since Amy mentioned she might check it out. Toby immediately regretted checking it out alon. Everyone around him made him feel like a loser because they were in couples and groups. Any face he did recognize was holding someone’s hand, so he wasn’t trying to be their third wheel and rudely interrupt a date.

There was plenty of food stands and the pub was still open so he considered getting a drink instead.. The lanky teen started for the pub as his eyes scanned for Amy, subconsciously hoping he wouldn't find her with another guy.

AMY ESMA ASTOR-SHAW

[AMY ESMA ASTOR-SHAW]

Amy had no vested interest in Valentine’s Day. It was much more of a done thing in America, but her father hadn’t permitted her to have a boyfriend until she was 18. Not that that really stopped her, but Amy had rather a strange view on love. Affection was something to be bartered, to use as another tool in one’s arsenal such as money or notoriety. However, Amy needed all the distractions she could get these days. Her initial meeting with Alora had been rather less exciting than she would have hoped. She wasn’t quite ready to dissect it, and had instead busied herself in testing chemical compounds in search of the right element that was unstable enough to react, but stable enough to not blow her to bits.

Amy had spared many thoughts for Toby, who had dive bombed into her life unexpectedly. They had hung out a few more times since their initial meeting, exchanging numbers and chatting animatedly in the time they weren’t together. Amy quickly started to rely on Toby for his constant positivity, and his unending stream of ’what if we tried…’ when considering her experiments. It was a good thing he could handle gold, because that would have been an absolute nightmare. The relationship was not one sided though - Amy had started helping him out at the MWRC, though she was still pretty terrified of most of the beasts there. Their blossoming friendship was sweet and pure, and the last thing Amy wanted was for that to be ruined.

Despite Amy’s heart fluttering every time she saw Toby, she kept things strictly platonic. She couldn’t risk his friendship just because she liked the way he smiled, or the way he was so open, or the sound of his voice. Amy never told Toby that he was very often the last thing on her mind before falling asleep, and the first thing in the morning. She didn’t share that she offered to help out at the MWRC in order to spend more time with him. No, all of that had the potential for spontaneous combustion. So when Toby had asked Amy if she’d be at the Valentine's Day thing in Hogsmeade, she gave only a vague answer. Maybe she’d drop in. She didn’t want to give Toby the wrong - or was it right - idea?

Predictably, the festival was a nauseating platform for people to show off how happy and in love they were. Amy knew what it was like under the surface. A delicate balance, that more often than not was skewed. Feeling sick to her stomach, Amy decided that the pub was probably the safest bet, and hopefully she'd be able to spot a familiar face. Not like many faces were familiar to her. But upon entering the pub, Amy was disappointed. Sighing dramatically, Amy turned on her heel and walked straight into someone else entering. Just the person she’d been looking for. ”Toby!” she exclaimed rather breathlessly. ”Hi. I… Hi.”

tobias charles watkins

[tobias charles watkins]

Before Toby stepped foot into the pub he wondered if he should text Amy. He disregarded the thought immediately because he didn’t want to appear desperate, especially on Valentines Day. How pathetic. Merlin, he hated being an over thinker.

Toby ducked into the pub and nearly bumped into a smaller frame as the door shut behind him. Lo and behold, it was Amy! He smiled blinkingly for a moment, cocking his head to the side because he felt like he manifested her. ”Amy. Hey, hi-hello,” Toby stuttered a greeting, opening his arms to squeeze her for a quick, warm hug before releasing. His eyes met her gaze and he felt instant word vomit, ”I was just thinking about you.” he admitted, immediately feeling awkward for confessing it to her. His brown eyes shifted comically as the realization glazed over his face and he laughed.

His face went beat red. Hell, he wasn’t sure why, Amy was exactly who he was looking for in that moment. Toby ruffled his hair, chuckling at himself again for being an awkward idiot. ”Do you fancy a drink?” he offered, knowing the dusty old pub was a complete contrast to the chic bars and restaurants of Hollywood. 

AMY ESMA ASTOR-SHAW

[AMY ESMA ASTOR-SHAW]

Amy flushed scarlet, laughing a bit too loudly. Had she actually just conjured Toby mistakenly out of thin air? She checked her pockets for her wand - it was still there, but she knew wandless magic was also a thing. He wrapped her up in a warm hug, and Amy awkwardly returned it, not sure where to put her hands as she recovered from her shock. ”I… me too!” said Amy, grinning. ”Funny how these things work out, huh?” she asked, tilting her head inquiringly. Per usual, both were blushing furiously and Amy calmed herself by fidgeting with her hair. ”Oh, yeah. That sounds great,” she said, relieved that Toby had offered the suggestion.

The pair made their way through the crowded pub to the bar and ordered two pints. ”So, how are the jabberknolls progressing?” asked Amy, trying her best to look intrigued. She’d never expressed an interest in beasts before meeting Toby. She had never even asked her father for a unicorn as a child. Last time she’d seen Toby at the MWRC on one of her unexplained drop ins, he’d been working with an apprentice vet with flame red hair on nursing a pair of jabberknolls back to health after they’d been found abandoned. But since Toby was interested, she also wanted to be interested. It made very little sense in Amy’s unidirectional line of thinking, but it was what it was.

Taking a long sip of her drink, Amy let the way over to the only rickety table left in the crowded pub. ”I guess those who have partners want to celebrate with booze, and those without want to drown their sorrows,” Amy observed, looking around the place as she sat opposite Toby. ”Oh, did you ask Professor Weasley about taking more beast classes?” she added, fixing her gaze on Toby. Amy took another drink, not breaking her eyes away from the person who was quickly becoming her closest friend. He looked tired, and like he hadn’t slept properly in days. She’d have to ask why.


tobias charles watkins

[tobias charles watkins]

Toby and Amy smiled awkwardly at each other for a prolonged moment. He felt his entire face getting progressively redder, mind going into a fog as he made eye contact. He wasn’t quite sure what to do with his hands, so he shoved them into his pockets. "Excellent" Amy agreed to a drink so they made their way over to the bar to grab drinks where Toby insisted to buy. He asked her after all! The pair made their way over to a sticky, rickety table, and took a seat.

The lanky teen raised the mug to his lips, taking an extended drink as Amy made an observation about Valentines Day. ”Eh, it’s just another day, mate.” he shrugged, feigning nonchalance over the matter. ”Serves a reason to drink on a Monday without any second glances so I’m not complaining.” Toby clicked his mug with her drink in a playful air. ”Happy Singles Awareness Day.”

His face brightened when she asked about the jabernolls. ”You remembered the jabernolls...” he laughed, surprised that she actually seemed to care. Sometimes he got too excited over beasts, he was used to masking it around people, Amy didn’t seem to mind. It made his day when she dropped by to check out the reserve, he hoped it wouldn't be a one time thing. "They seem to be well. They’re developing the loveliest shade of blue.” Toby shared before his face lit up. ”Oh! We took in a Hippogriff yesterday. At first we thought she was just big boned and moody but she started to build a nest and laid an egg. It may hatch later today or early tomorrow. So, that's exciting-” he continued in a nerd like drone until he stopped, slightly embarrassed. He hoped the reserve would call him when it hatched, he wanted to be there.

Her question about more 'beasts classes' caused him to frown, mostly because he hated letting people down. Especially Amy. It was a pact they made after all. ”No, not yet - but I will.” he promised with a small smile, scratching the back of his neck nervously. ”The, uh, Full Moon was this week so I just haven’t been feeling great.” Toby revealed, not trying to make excuses but it was the truth. Taking another swig of his drink, happy with the warmth and liquid courage it provided. ”Did you have a chance to speak with Alora yet?” he asked her curiously, his gaze falling to hers. Even in the dull light of the dinghy pub she looked radiant he couldn’t help but smile at her in adoration.

AMY ESMA ASTOR-SHAW

[AMY ESMA ASTOR-SHAW]

Mate. Amy inwardly cringed at the connotation, but hadn't she been steadfast? Keep all boys at arms distance. Don't mess up friendships like she saw so many of her father's colleagues do. "At least they do a good two for one discount," she observed with a grin, thanking Toby for paying. "Luckily Professor Burke doesn't assign much homework. Even though she says every day is a day for men to appreciate women," said Amy with a giggle. "Just means I can skip class and not feel too bad. What about you? This Monday same as all the others?" asked Amy, watching Toby as she asked.

Bringing up the jobberknolls was a good idea. She was glad it was jobberknolls and not fwoopers - she had difficulty telling the birds apart. "I remember you telling me they don't make a sound until they die. Hopefully they will be silent for a long time," she stated. Amy wasn't sure why Toby's observations and facts had stuck so clearly in her mind, but she'd learned more about magical creatures from him than any book they'd tried to force upon her. Amy's expression morphed into one of genuine surprise when Toby told her about the Hippogriff. "That's crazy. So what comes out first, the bird side or the horse side?" she wondered aloud. "You'll have to tell me how it goes. Have you seen lots of births at the reserve?" asked Amy curiously, taking another sip of her drink.

Per their agreement, Amy followed up with an enquiry about Toby's course of studies. She narrowed her eyes slightly, and opened her mouth to protest. But she snapped it shut when he gave her a very plausible excuse. "Oh. Right. Honestly, I forgot," she admitted. "Well, hopefully a drink will put you right," she added rather unnecessarily. "If not, go home and take a nap." That's what Amy would have done. However, bringing up his end of the bargain prompted Toby to ask about hers. She set her glass on the table, chewing on her words before speaking. "I did," said Amy, staring at her pint as if it held the answers to all of her unanswered questions. "It... well, it wasn't what I expected," said Amy. She looked up. "I'd rather not talk about it, actually. If that's alright with you," said Amy, her cheeks flaming. "Maybe you could tell me instead about your transformation? Maybe if I can understand the magical properties that allow your transformation, I can improve my alchemy skills," said Amy, desperate for a change in subject.

tobias charles watkins

[tobias charles watkins]

Toby watched as Amy animated spoke, quite enjoying the cute expression on her face. The way her nose crinkled when she laughed and looked at him made him weak at the knees. He nodded in agreement, ”As a brother of three younger sisters, I’ve learned to appreciate and fear women every day..” he jested playfully with a an easy laugh. ”Professor Burke isn’t wrong about that, or many things, though…” he laughed easily, wishing he took her class so that he’d have a reason to see Amy more. That would be a dream. His warm brown eyes fell on her, ”I appreciate you, Amy.” he told her sweetly with a smile, warm eyes matching her gaze before taking a drink. Maybe beer gave him more confidence than he thought.

After a moment he cleared his throat, feeling his face go beat red all over again. ”Twas a dull Monday indeed…I went to class, popped in at the reserve, and studied in the library for the rest of the day.” he shrugged, feeling like a complete nerd. He didn't want to tell her about not feeling great because sleeping rarely made him feel better. "Tell me about your day." Toby insisted, always yearning to learn more about the inner workings of Amy. 

Amy asked about the Hippogriff and Toby resisted at first, not wanting to get too ahead of himself by getting excited. ”Well, since Hippogriffs lay a single egg, I would say more bird attributes show first. They use their beak to crack themselves out.” he answered her thoughtfully. ”I’ve seen about a dozen or so.”

Toby noticed the discomfort overtake Amy’s face after he asked about her long lost sister. He felt bad for asking because it seemed to be a tough subject for her. Tobys expression softened, ”Oh-fuck. I’m sorry.” he told her quickly with a small understanding nod. His hand reached for hers to give it a light, comforting squeeze. Tobys hand lingered on her hand for a moment before a hint of awkwardness struck him. Maybe the pressure of Valentines Day. So he decided to nurse his drink in his hands instead, raising it to his lips to take a long sip.

The lanky teens expression fell slightly when she asked about his transformation. He wasn’t used to anyone asking anything about that. Usually that was deemed too private or most people didn’t care to know the grim details. Ignorance is bliss and all. Toby cleared his throat, unsure where to start. ”I take Aware Wolf potion the day before the Full Moon. It’s still new for me, so I’m not completely familiar with what the contents are yet...I pick it up from a bloke at the apothecary, but yeah, I can find out if you’re really interested..” he offered, feeling his heart beating out of his chest for oversharing. ”Before I was taking Wolfsbane potion and had to drink it every day the week of a Full Moon. It's terrible, impossible to get used to. It tastes foul and looks like sludgey lake water.” Toby shared, his eyes shifting back to his drink a few times as he stuttered over his words. "But-Uh, yeah, I'll tell ya whatever you wanna know, I'm just not used to people asking about it." he said, feeling a little self conscious as his face went redder.

AMY ESMA ASTOR-SHAW

[AMY ESMA ASTOR-SHAW]

Amy smiled. She seemed to be doing that a lot lately. "And I appreciate you, Toby. But today is for the girls," she chided, poking him in the chest. She dutifully ignored the flipping sensation in her stomach, instead taking a drink to busy herself. At Toby's explanation of his day, Amy cringed. "Sounds so boring. Glad I can spice it up. How can you spend the rest of the day studying? I tap out at about twenty minutes. It's a miracle I scraped by with my tests," said Amy with a frown. She wondered if studying with Toby would make it more palatable? Maybe if he read the contents of her book to her. She could probably just about manage that. Amy suppressed a yawn just thinking about studying. She was pleased their conversation moved swiftly forward.

However, Amy's day hadn't been much more exciting than Toby's. She'd spent most of it wondering if he would text her, then getting in trouble when she took her phone out during class. "Uh..." she stuttered, unsure how she didn't see this coming. "Not much, really. Just class. And then had to look at the Prophet for part time jobs. This country really is in the second century. Why can't I just look up jobs online? Not that I want to work. Just... I dunno," Amy finished lamely. "So I guess you're spicing up my day too. Think that calls for some firewhisky later?" Amy suggested, arching a brow.

"A dozen!?" Amy echoed, flabbergasted. "Jesus, that's a lot more than I was expecting. That's so cool. We have thunderbirds more in America, but I don't think any flying horses are native there... or are they?" asked Amy. She wasn't well versed in magical creature lore. There wasn't enough space for them in Southern California.

Amy shrugged, but said nothing more regarding her sister. She didn't want to dwell on it. Instead, she asked Toby about his transformations. She wondered if she could connect whatever sort of power the moon had over the cursed werewolves to transmuting different, less precious metals into gold. "Aware wolf," said Amy. "Never heard of it. I've heard of Wolfsbane... I mean I just wonder if the moon has special properties, you know? Like maybe I could harness that energy..." she trailed off, huffing. "Taking too much brain power," Amy explained, catching Toby's eye. "It's interesting, definitely. Does it hurt? Changing?" She tilted her head, before taking another drink. "I don't really like the idea of you being hurt, I have to admit. Strange, right?" said Amy with an awkward chuckle.

tobias charles watkins

[tobias charles watkins]

Toby nodded agreeably with a laugh. Valentines Day wasn’t for the lads, it was all about the ladies. His smile grew. ”Oh-yes, of course. I beg your pardon, your highness. If there’s anything I could do to serve you, I oblige.” he told her in playful jest, ending with a bow and laugh.

As Amy spoke about trying to find a job, he started to consider different solutions for her. ”The wizarding world in the uk is a lil more…traditional.” he stated thoughtfully. His head cocked to the side, ”Would you consider a job at the reserve? We always need an extra hand..” he asked, quirking a brow. It definitely didn’t seem like her kind of job, it was hard, honest work. His warm brown eyes brightened at the thought of seeing Amy every day, multiple times a day. Hell, if that were the case, every day would be the best day ever. ”You’d definitely have to clean up poo at some point, more than I’m keen to admit to, but we use magic so it’s not much to fuss about. Maybe think about about it.” he took a sip of his drink as he watched her with the haze of the alcohol creeping in. He was grateful that it seemed to loosen him up.

”I’m at the library just about every day. There’s less distractions there to get work done.” he admitted with a chuckle, feeling like a loser. He took a sip of his beer, his gaze comfortably falling on Amy. Maybe she would visit him. His expression softened when she explained having difficulty with test taking and most classes. ”If you need help with homework or studying, I can tutor you.” he offered eagerly, always happy to help friend in need. Especially when he knew he could help. ”-I guess I’m just trying to spend every free moment with you..” Toby added sarcastically with a chuckle unable to hide a smile. He wasn’t lying, he wished he could hide it from his face as his ears started to heat up.

Toby never thought he’d have such a strange relationship with the moon. Before he was bitten, he used to find it much more fascinating, and peaceful even. Now the moon was a burden in his life. His eyes fell to his drink, finishing it and instantly ordering another round for them as the bartender flounced by. ”I will spare you the nitty gritty details, but yes, it’s painful,” he shared, unsure how else to put it as his expression fell. There wasn’t any sugar coating when it came to transforming. ”The only way I can explain transforming is imagine feeling your bones grow. I’m not sure if it’s something I’ll ever get used to.” He admitted. She expressed that thinking about him hurt was unsettling and that made his stomach flop. There were moments he spoke with Amy where he wished he didn’t think so much. He so badly wanted to be carefree and feel what it was like for drop of inhibitions for a night.

The lanky teen attempted to meet Amy’s magnetic gaze to revisit the idea of spicing up the night with fire whiskey. ”If you’re serious about wanting to spice things up with fire whiskey I have some at the flat..” he offered with a small smile, never quite used to inviting Amy back home with him yet.

AMY ESMA ASTOR-SHAW

[AMY ESMA ASTOR-SHAW]

Amy preened under the shower of compliments Toby bestowed on her. "I like the sound of that. Though your majesty also works," said Amy with a snicker. It was refreshing to have such easy, friendly conversation with someone. She couldn't remember the last time someone had wanted to talk to her for just being her, not for being her father's daughter. Toby had never even asked about daddy! Then again, maybe he didn't know. Even that was nice. It wasn't that Amy had lacked friends at Ilvermorny, quite the opposite. She'd had a close group of Wampus housemates who had been more than happy to hang out with Amy for Amy. But with graduation and everyone going their separate ways, Amy struggled to keep in touch.

Having Toby as a guide seemed almost like a gift from god. Or whatever was up there. The universe? Her mind was elsewhere as Amy expounded on how she needed to find a job. She thought still of how Toby had been put in her path, so opposite to her. Bookish and clever, two attributes Amy would never use to describe herself. And Toby was kind. Kinder than anyone she'd ever met. "Ew, no thanks. Do you need a receptionist or something? I don't want to go near poo," said Amy, pulling a disgusted face. As tempted as she was to steal more time with Toby, she had to draw the line somewhere. That somewhere was cleaning up shit.

"That's really nice of you to offer. You shouldn't because I am definitely going to take you up on it. And I'm dreadful at studying," said Amy brightly. "Being dyslexic, I was allowed extra time in school exams when I was younger. Not that I needed it, because more time doesn't necessarily mean I know the subject matter," Amy explained. She didn't often share about her dyslexia, but she figured since Toby was a werewolf, she could share her own personal issues. Even if hers totally paled in comparison. Amy smiled back at Toby at his admission, honestly pleased. "That's good, because I like hanging out with you too. Though I'm gonna warn you, I'm known to get sidetracked," she said with a laugh. "Imagine yourself studying and then boom, I turn up to talk to you about rocks and suddenly its six hours of your life you won't get back," she added, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. "So when you're crying into your books, remember this moment. You were warned." She wiggled her fingers playfully.

Wrinkling her nose, Amy shook her head and finished off her pint. Was it time for firewhisky yet? "Ouch. I don't envy you. How long...?" asked Amy, keeping her gaze steady as she observed Toby. He seemed to have been injected with more life since they had met up, and his face was distinctly less grey. As if Toby had read her mind, he suggested firewhisky at his flat. Amy arched a brow - the invitation was too good to pass up. She'd spent loads of time at Toby's flat lately anyways, considering it was a far cry more comforting than her bland dorm room. She missed the scarlet and gold of the old Gryffindor dorms, and the nostalgic furnishings of those in Wampus too. It was a shame the decorators hadn't tried to liven up their living space. "I'd love to. Thanks," Amy agreed, rising from the table. "Will be good to get away from all this romantic stuff anyways. Honestly, no need to be constantly reminded of other people's co-dependence," said Amy with a smirk, pulling her cloak tight around herself before leading the way out of the pub.

tobias charles watkins

[tobias charles watkins]

Toby laughed at Amy’s reaction regarding picking up poo for work. It was exactly how he expected her to respond. His smile widened, shrugging his shoulder, ”I’m not sure about reception or clerical work but it doesn’t hurt asking.” he told her, hoping that she would talk to Weasley about that. When Amy revealed that she was Dyslexic, he didn’t think it was a big deal. All that meant was sometimes she switched up letters or numbers. It made sense why she would loathe reading and books so much.. Toby offered her a kind smile, ”I’m confident I could help you get your head in the game. Maybe you’ll be able to bring more excitement to my dull days at the library…just beware of the librarian. She doesn’t tolerate any funny business..” he shared with a laugh, still hoping she’d accompany him. Then again, there was a chance he wouldn't get any work done by being distracted by her beauty. That was a risk he was willing to take.

“It will be two years in June." he answered her question. Somewhat surprised that it had been so long. "I was camping on a group expedition with a muggle group when everything happened, fast..it was traumatizing to say the least but I've done my healing and have figured things out since then.”Toby shared, knowing the follow up question would probably be “how” anyways. But his inner alarms were restraining himself oversharing... Toby scratched the back of his neck with an awkward smile, finding relief that he could speak with someone, especially Amy, about it freely. Toby stood up as Amy did, stomach flipping as she agreed to fire whiskey back at his flat. “Wicked.” he followed her to the door, holding the door open so she could step out of the pub first before he ducked out the door. They were immediately faced with the depths of the Valentines festival. Obnoxious decor consisting of glittery pink and red hearts floated around for all to see. Toby’s flat was four doors down from the pub so he figured it would be an easy walk. Not quite..

A younger girl stopped them abruptly with a flicker of her camera flash, nearly blinding him, ”Happy Valentines, Lovers!!” she squealed, handing over a two Polaroid prints in an overly saturated pink hue before flouncing away with a satisfied giggle. Toby’s eyes widened with surprise before allowing himself to chuckle at the incident rather than get embarrassed. Until he saw the picture…he was smiling widely with his bloody eyes closed. ”You look lovely while I’m sleepin…cool.” he laughed handing it to her while shaking his head in shame as they made their way toward the flat.

AMY ESMA ASTOR-SHAW

[AMY ESMA ASTOR-SHAW]

"Alright," Amy acquiesced hesitantly. As nice as it would be to spend more time with her friend, Amy didn't think the reserve was really the place for her. Maybe a little jewelry shop would suit her more. Goodness knew there was minimal fashion sense in this tiny village. "I don't think I've set foot in a library in nearly a year," Amy revealed, almost proud at the fact. "I think the last time was some time last spring when I had to study for exams. Libraries scare me. They're full of books. And even worse, people who like reading books," she added jokingly, grinning at Toby. "I'm all about funny business. Maybe we could study at your place instead," she offered, realising a beat too late that it was improper to invite herself over like that. Sure, Toby would be agreeable.

Amy flinched. "Camping? Yuck. This must be your punishment for wanting to sleep outdoors," Amy reasoned, bile rising in her throat at the mere thought of such a notion. Adjusting to a twin sized bed had been quite enough. She would never stoop so low as to elect to sleep in a glorified tarp on sticks. Realising this made her sound callous, Amy uttered a quick apology. "Sorry. I don't usually think before I spew bullshit," she said, but it didn't change her opinion on camping. It sounded dreadful. Though she supposed magical camping was probably different - maybe there was even running water? Though Amy suspected this camping Toby had participated had been the muggle sort. In short, ghastly.

The pair agreed that one drink was enough at the pub - Amy was skint as it was - and rose to make their way to Toby's flat where they so regularly hung out. Amy much preferred it to her dour dorm. She thanked Toby as he held the door for her, closing her eyes against the sudden burst of sunlight. A light breeze ruffled her hair, and Amy burrowed her nose into her scarf. They were immediately thrown into the thick of the festival, which Amy had conveniently forgotten about whilst she and Toby had been sequestered away at their little table. Amy made a noise of disgust, preferring her fierce independence than to be tied down. Toby's flat was just a few doors away, but that didn't mean they weren't accosted by various festival goers. Someone stopped the pair of them, and Amy reacted with surprise when a camera flashed and spit out a polaroid. The girl thrust it at Toby, who examined the photo before passing it onto Amy. "Aww, it's cute! Maybe you need a nap," said Amy, smiling as her photographic self roared with laughter at the expression on Toby's face. "Here. Geminio," said Amy, pointing her wand at the photograph and handing the original to Toby. "Now we can each have one," she reasoned, before flouncing off to his flat.

Toby let them in, and Amy immediately made herself at home. She shucked off her shoes and hung her cloak, straightening her black jumper and dusting her jeans off as she peered around. "Did you get that new record in? The Radiohead one?" asked Amy curiously, recalling a conversation they'd had over the release of the record. The band hadn't released new music in years, and it was one of the few more current bands Amy was aware of. After she and Toby had danced to Kasabian, she'd made more of an effort into listening to music he liked. And it turned out, it wasn't so bad. "Where's the firewhisky?"

tobias charles watkins

[tobias charles watkins]

Amy stated that being bitten by a werewolf was probably his punishment for enjoying camping, following with immediately apologizing. Toby shook his head with a shrug, waving a hand at her quick apology, ”No-It’s okay, I agree with you about that.” he laughed lightly, knowing she didn’t mean any offense by her comment. Amy didn’t have a filter and was always authentic to how she felt, which he appreciated. He was learning how she felt by reading the look on her face. She happened to hate camping and the outdoors, about the same amount as loathed books - something he’d never quite understand.

Toby gripped the picture with a laugh after she magically duplicated it for them. ”Thanks. This piece of art is going on my fridge.” he stated sarcastically with an easy laugh. It was definitely going on his fridge. So he could show off his beautiful friend named Amy.

Shrugging off his jacket after they stepped into the cozy flat, he gestured over to the records at her question. His head cocked to the side with a flicker of amusement, somewhat surprised she remembered that detail. Toby was used to feeling insignificant in most peoples lives, Amy had a way of making him feel like the complete opposite of that. ”Oh, yeah, I almost forgot..it showed up a couple of days ago. Here, we could give it a listen. Tell me what you think.” he summoned the record with a flick of a hand, it let off a light scratch against the vinyl before playing lightly in the background. Toby found some relief that Amy was straight to business with the firewhisky, hoping it would loosen him up. He couldn’t help but wonder if she was trying to drink her week away to forget about whatever happened. Deep down his gut was telling him it was something about meeting her sister, but he wouldn’t push it today. All they had to worry about was drinking tonight, maybe it would come out.

Toby pulled the firewhisky out of the cupboard along with a couple of glasses before filling them generously. He wasn’t sure how much one person was supposed to drink yet but didn’t find many risks in the comfort of his home. ”Your Majesty.” he extended the glass with a playful bow, revisiting their joke from earlier. ”Cheers.” Toby raised his glass to hers, taking a mouthful and semi-regretting it. The firewhisky instantly burned his throat raw. He hid the wince from his face but asked, ”Please don’t tell me you enjoy the taste of firewhisky..and you're just looking to get the job done.” he teased with a laugh, feeling the warm liquid travel down his throat and feeling his insides with instant warmth. Toby was more of a beer drinker because the hard alcohol always hit him hard and fast. 

AMY ESMA ASTOR-SHAW

[AMY ESMA ASTOR-SHAW]

Amy breathed a sigh of relief. She'd been told on many occasions to work on her filter, but it just hadn't worked. She'd rather be known for her strong will than her meekness. Though she had to admit, it had made her rather more popular at parties than she would have liked. "Okay. Yeah. Good. Camping bad," said Amy, bobbing her head in agreement. As they left the pub, the pair were accosted by a chipper fifth year who snapped a photo of them. Toby looked utterly gobsmacked and ridiculous, and Amy laughed at the expression on his face. She duplicated the photo and handed one to him. She tucked her own copy in her pocket, promising herself that she wouldn't look at it more than twice a day. The pink tinge was pretty ugly, but somehow Toby's warmth and kindness still shone through.

Almost at once, Amy asked about the Radiohead album Toby had been talking about. "Yeah, let's listen!" said Amy with a grin. Amy watched as Toby summoned the vinyl and music started filtering through the magical record player. Amy closed her eyes, just listening. She didn't know much about Radiohead, but she liked the way the song sounded. It was like a clever note, coded just for her ears, the rhythm deeper than a first listen would indicate. Her eyes popped open as Toby rifled around for firewhisky glasses, and she knew they were about to get down to business. Though a part of her - a bigger part than Amy would ever admit - wished they were together under different circumstances, she was pleased to spend the day with someone she truly cared about.

"Thank you," said Amy, taking the glass graciously from him. "Since we met at the joke shop, does that make you my court jester?" asked Amy with a smirk. She took a deep drink, enjoying the burn as it raced down her throat. She nearly choked at Toby's expression of deep disgust, and sputtered as she managed to swallow. "You can't make me laugh like that!" she reasoned, glaring daggers at him. "I happen to like cinnamon, so this is perfect," she added, taking another drink. She licked her lips. "Yummy! she exclaimed, hiding a grin. She could feel the burning in her blood immediately, but it was not unpleasant at all. Amy twirled around herself, before planting her bum on the well-loved sofa. She tucked her feet underneath her and looked expectantly up at Toby. "Should we play a game? Or watch a film?" asked Amy, taking another drink.

tobias charles watkins

[tobias charles watkins]

”Ha, I guess that does.. I'm okay with it long as I'm granted the 'Jesters Privilege'.” Toby agreed with a laugh, accepting the role of court jester with a shrug. Truthfully, he normally felt like a fool standing next to Amy because she was so pretty. He wasn’t sure why someone cool and interesting like her would want to be friend with him...but he wouldn’t question it in fear of her realizing that he was a loser.

Amy took a drink of the firewhisky with an effortless smile, stating she fancied cinnamon, and Toby laughed. "It burns so good." he stated playfully as he took another drink, pretending it wasn't that bad with an animated approving nod. At this point he only wanted to drink it to make it disappear. Nothing beat the company he had though, so he wasn't complaining one bit.

Toby fell into the sofa beside Amy. The liquid courage slowly started to bubble inside him causing his heart to beat out of his chest. The flutter in his stomach at the proximity of sitting next to her caused him to smile sheepishly as he nursed the glass of amber liquid in his hands. ”A drinking game..” he quirked a brow at Amy curiously. ”Is there a game you have in mind?” Toby asked, feeling the innocence behind his tone as he nibbled his lip. Normally drinking games were a little naughty so his teenage curiousity piqued. Raising the drink to his lips, he took another long. His gaze met hers, the warmth in his stomach spreading, "Like 'Truth or Dare' or 'Never Have I Ever'?" he asked, trying to sound less lame. Regardless, he was willing to play any games with Amy, he felt lucky to have her all to himself in the comfort of his home.

AMY ESMA ASTOR-SHAW