|
|
|
last online Apr 23, 2024 13:32:13 GMT -7
HOGWARTS CAMPUS STAFF
|
|
|
Nov 27, 2023 15:17:56 GMT -7
Post by Alora Veda Astor on Nov 27, 2023 15:17:56 GMT -7
Her head rested against him easily, she was curled up to him just about as close as they could get without plonking herself on his lap. The candles stayed lit, the flat cosy, the clock moved on; and yet tile stood still. To Alora the moment was perfect. For a moment, she wondered how easy it could be to try and stay here forever. It was unlikely of course, they’d have to go back to real life at some point. She didn’t know what awaited them in the cold light of day, but here in the dead of the night, she wouldn’t let go. Whatever came after, she knew she’d have to sort through eventually no matter how difficult it was. For now this was worth clinging on to, even if she wasn’t quite sure where it would go afterwards. She could feel his heart beating against his chest wall, a low thudding in head where her ear was smushed up against him. It was relaxing to a degree, it reminded her to breathe and to just relax. That was until he made a joke about his tail. Then a rather unladylike snort escaped her and she rolled her eyes ”Shawny you’re so weird” after another low giggle she settled down and took in the actual sentiment of what he was saying. ”I love it though, don’t ever change…” she trailed off into a comfortable silence where she began ruminating. Now it was time to tell the story, she wasn’t quite sure where to start. ”Okay, well. I’m going to just tell you it all, because it all matters in the grand scheme I guess. Let’s start at the beginning I guess” pursing her lips, she thought it over, still not lifting her face from his chest. She found it easier to let the words pour out and not to show her face. ”So she died just as I finished sixth year, the beginning of July so in the summer. Sometimes, I used to think about dropping out and not finishing my NEWTs. There was nobody to keep me on track I guess, I was of age after all, but I dunno. I just didn’t have much else to do except continue to pressure myself and do well in the exams. So anyway the next year rolls around and I do my NEWTs. I do pretty good and that’s all fine. But I had no idea what I wanted to do next. And for once it was down to my choice. The thought of it was utterly terrifying. Not the whole being alone thing, though that did suck, no it was more now I had freedom and I didn’t really know what to do for it. So I did what I always wanted to do; immerse myself in Muggle Culture” a small smile began to tug at her lips, wondering now what Shawn would think of that. ”Not like you’d probably expect, but in a way I wanted: I went to Muggle University; I worked through my degree in English Literature with an additional minor degree in research studies and came out fairly up there in my class, but again after that I didn’t really I wow why to do with myself. I sometimes was dragged into the orbit of ritzy Pureblood society back in London but mostly I distanced myself. I took a year out then and traveled around on some Herbology research expeditions, I took some time pulling apart the darkness in my family home. And then an idea caught my eye one day; a master program in New York University.” here she felt the need to pause, it was bad enough she was bombarding him so far. Giving him a moment to let it all sink in before she went on ”The early days were the best days of my life. Nobody knew me, Muggles or otherwise. I was just me, not my family’s legacy, or the stupid little flat chested nerd that everyone made fun of from Hogwarts. I was just me and my work for once. I had friends, muggle and magic. I was pretty engrained in the underground Maj Society of not just the university but the Manhattan social scene. Then I met Samuel.” her tone changed slightly then, dipping in one way, lifting in another sarcastic way. ”Fell for him, went out. The whole nine yards. I didn’t know till we were out one night and we bumped into some old socialite that he comes from the Magical family version of the Kennedy’s. The closest thing to American royalty. When we were official then I got really popular. Too popular in a way I guess, sometimes we even had paparazzi following us, it was weird. Anyway, it was sort of fun. I met his family, slid right into the middle of it all. Turns out yeah, one of the most prestigious, affluent Pureblood families in the states. We were engaged after a while…” her pace slowed down, her tone dropping a few octaves and the sorrow began to seep in. ”I thought I had found my family finally. Not blood obviously, but they all loved me, and yeah. I used to laugh thinking god if my Grandmother could see me now, how fucked up I did unknowingly fall in line witb her plan.” there was a slightly bitter tinge to her laugh at this point no matter how she tried to keep it light. ”Except then it sort of all fell apart. I came home from an expedition one day early, a surprise. God I loved the apartment we had, it looked over Central Park. But he was in bed with one of my friends, well that I had met through him and his group of pals. I thought she was my friend. But obviously not. I stepped away for a few week, but he never fought to get me back. In the least. Apparently he only put up with me because his parents liked me. Thought I was decent. A week later I found out that she was actually pregnant, his obviously . They’d been screwing around for a while behind my back. When I was packing to come home I found out from this radio show I used to listen to that they had gotten together. I actually found out a few weeks ago they've gotten married since and she’s pregnant again. Nice that somebody found their happy ending, right?” with a quiet sigh she closed her eyes, adding almost another layer of protection to her outer shell. ”I came home. There was nothing left for me in New York. The life I thought I’d made for myself, I’d inadvertently built it around him. My friends were really just his, our apartment, our life. Not mine. It was all false. So I came home to try to figure out what to do. Except it meant I was alone again; but now in sort of the worst way possible. There was nobody to hold me accountable for anything. Nobody to make sure I didn’t make a mess of myself. So I sort of did. I locked myself away in the townhouse and…” here she faltered, hesitating. If there was any part of this story he’d judge her for itd be the next part. ”I locked myself away and drank my feelings away. For months, I didn’t eat, I didn’t sleep. I didn’t see anyone. I just…festered. I have a favorite place in the house, and I locked myself in there and just drank. I don’t even really remember what pulled me out of my stupor long enough to notice the advert in the daily prophet advertising this job. And I don’t know what made me go for it, I was so nervous, but by some miracle or lack of other applicants I got itX and well, here I am a year later still, just sort of bumbling along, just happy to use you as my pillow…” finally she took a long slow breath, and exhaled, a huge weight off her chest shawn lesley ashcroft
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
last online May 6, 2024 8:19:52 GMT -7
INACTIVE
|
|
|
Nov 28, 2023 0:58:22 GMT -7
Post by shawn lesley ashcroft on Nov 28, 2023 0:58:22 GMT -7
There wasn’t much Shawn could say as Alora went into detail about the rest of what had happened in her life. From getting out of school to what had happened afterward. He found himself regretting not knowing her in school once more but that was so far in the past it wasn’t like anything could be done. Besides, he was too messed up in his own way to probably have even noticed what she was going through if they were back in school together as students. He never was the most observant and even then, Shawn’s solution would have just been to goof around and ignore the issue. That’s what he had done with his problems. Even the moment where her life had seemed to start looking up Shawn was waiting for the other shoe to drop. It didn’t take her too long to get to that part.
Shawn made a mental note that if he ever met Samuel he would need to be made to have a very bad day. Pranking was childish, immature, and normally meant to be fun when Shawn did it but for this person who had hurt Alora, it wouldn’t be. That or he might just punch him but Shawn attempted to avoid violence as much as he could. It was a lingering fear he still had. Through the parts of her life as she explained them her voice had changed. Telling just which parts had hurt the most out of all of them.
It was hard to find anything to say between the pauses Alora had offered. He was listening that was for sure but there wasn’t much he could say that felt right in the moment. It also didn’t take her long to continue. This was truly a lot for a person to go through. He didn’t scare him off in any way but did make him feel increasing sympathy for what the red-headed woman using him as a pillow had gone through. The only part he might have been able to relate to was the drinking she had done to try and get over her ex. That felt very familiar to him. Shawn continued to try to comfort her with his arm around her. His hand stroked her shoulder some more. The story came to an end with her explaining how she got her job and how she was now using him as a pillow.
Allowing the silence to remain Shawn finally spoke up. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know you back then so I couldn’t have exactly helped in any way but still. I wish I had. You didn’t deserve to go through all that. Especially alone.” It still didn’t feel like nearly enough to reply with, yet it was the best Shawn could do. Jokes, and lightening the mood were his specialty. Anything other than that he normally found himself at a loss for words. The best he could do was to just know when to shut up and not make matters worse. “You’ve certainly been through more than anyone else should but you did still become an amazing person. I don’t have anything that relates to any of that. Besides the drinking, I have been there before a few years ago.” Shawn attempted to relate to as much as he could.
She had shared everything about herself, and Shawn felt bad about keeping anything from her. “There isn’t much left about my life to say that could even come close to all that. You already know my parents didn’t exactly want me to begin with at least til they found out magic was real and what they imagined I could do for them with it.” Shawn explained, his smile had already faded from hearing what Alora had gone through. Maybe this was his attempt to make sure he wasn’t too ‘damaged’ either. Damaged for what he wasn’t exactly sure but this was where they were. Just laying out their lives in the open for both to see. “There’s a little more to it. Nothing that compares to yours but, I suppose I owe you all of my backstory too. It was after my fifth year, I came home for summer. It would be easy to say that my father owed people money or was desperate but he just wanted to be rich and was too lazy to work for it. He was sick of waiting and demanded I make it appear for him. I had pushed it off as long as I could saying I didn’t know the spell. He didn’t believe me anymore.” His tone was more somber than normal, he hated this part of his life most of all.
“When yelling and throwing things didn’t work, he turned to using his belt. I still have the scars from it but even that didn’t hurt as much as my mother just locking herself in another room.” It was hard to imagine a worse pain than being struck like he had but the look in his mothers' eyes as she closed and locked the door behind her. He knew he was truly alone then. “I don’t know where it came from, possibly some part of my father inside me…” he hated to think that was possible but maybe it made it easier if he could blame someone other than himself. “I finally defended myself, I used magic outside of school like he wanted but instead I tied him up. I was just so angry I didn’t stop once he was bound up. I just kept tightening them….” This was the shameful part for Shawn. What if other people started to think he was violent, someone like his father? What if Alora thought that too? “I stopped once my mother snapped me out of it. She came back to protect him, of course.” There was a bitter sarcasm at the end. He couldn’t lift a finger for him but that monster she didn’t want hurt. “He was fine, just scared but after that I lost my wand and was sent to live with a friend as I had no other family.” He was done now with a brief sigh.
“That’s about it, life has been peaceful after that.” Shawn didn’t think even that competed with what Alora had gone through. Shawn at least had friends to keep him company. Alora sounded so alone through everything. “Well, that and I had a pretty nasty break about two years ago that took some time and drinking to get over. I guess she wanted to work more on her career than a relationship with him…. Now I think I’m finally done.” Shawn avoided thinking of Callisto just for that reason. It had been a sudden breakup and he couldn’t even find the reason. Just her pushing him away for her career is the only thing that made sense. “And even with that I still concede defeat. You win worse past.” Shawn made a weak smile as he tried to push past the negative thoughts they had both brought up. “I’ll be sure you get your crown,” he said with a small laugh. “Oh, and I do want to punch Samual that’s for sure.”
Alora Veda Astor
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
last online Apr 23, 2024 13:32:13 GMT -7
HOGWARTS CAMPUS STAFF
|
|
|
Nov 28, 2023 9:29:22 GMT -7
Post by Alora Veda Astor on Nov 28, 2023 9:29:22 GMT -7
Alora was quiet as she felt the weight lifting and she began to process. Sure the metaphorical dark cloud hovered over them still, but now at least there was a little sunlight peeking through. Part of her still worried that Shawn would want to turn and run, and yet, here they were still curled up together on her tiny couch in her cosy flat. The comfort of it all at a baseline level was lovely, not to mention the fact that she had just bared all and still, things were comfortable. The arm wrapped around her was a soothing one, especially as it traced shapes on her shoulder, the light rub relaxing her further. With Shawn's response, she couldn't exactly bring herself to form words. His words made her feel better, even if momentarily still a bit more sad. His words wrapped her up, making her feel at ease, much safer. A low, content sigh escaped her and she wished she could just stay as she was; just them in this little world. She was content to just sit there in the silence, and continue to use him as a pillow for however long she could. As Shawn started speaking again, giving more of his story; she was pleasantly surprised. She hadn't expected anymore to pour out tonight, and wasn't really sure he had even more to tell. But all the same, she listened. Settling into him a little closer, she found her throat tightening at what he was saying. That sounded horrendous. She hated the fact he had to go through that. Hated it more that it had made him feel, or think, he was just like his father. Shawn was nothing like that, even though she knew she didn't know every facet of him, she knew enough to know he was nothing like that man. The fact his mother had left him to face it all alone made her feel sick. Even if it did draw some parallels between them; both alone. On instinct, her hand closest to that side snaked out and found his free hand and slowly intertwined their fingers together. Still she said nothing, but her thumb slowly ran over the back of his hand. Eventually she found words, speaking in almost a whisper "You're not that person Shawny, I know you're not. Please don't think you are" she sighed quietly, readjusting her cheek against his chest. As she went on she was finding her voice again "You snapped, the same thing anyone under years and years of unbelievable abusive pressure would. You handled it pretty well in my opinion. I probably would have done worse" A terse laugh escaped "And not just because I'm one of those evil Slytherins..." she took a breath, holding it for a second. She had joked to lighten the mood but then came back to being more serious. "You're remorseful, not about doing it to him probably, I wouldn't be either. He got off lightly in my opinion. But about your actions, and that shows you're a good man. So please don't think you're anything like him, okay?" Giving his hand a small squeeze, she smiled against his chest. As he went on, she chewed at her lip. As ridiculous as it sounded, hearing about his failed relationship made her stomach twist somewhat. She had told him about hers of course, but it didn't mean it sat any better. She wasn't quite sure if it was jealousy, or some annoyance at her dumping him to focus on herself. In her mind Shawn didn't deserve that by any stretch. Still, she supposed, it was her flat they were all cuddled up in. It had worked out better for her in the long run. "Well..." with a quiet rumble of a laugh, she squeezed his hand again. "Lets keep it that way then. Lets keep things as drama free as possible going forward. Also, no gold please. It clashes with my hair. Only silver, or white gold, or platinum. Though we can share, King and Queen together right?" With another laugh, she was tempted to tilt her head back and look at him, now would have been the time. But some little part of her was still too scared to. Her laugh quietened down. "Don't worry about him. I got over him. It's her I feel sorry for, being stuck with the asshole, but whatever. Remember anyway, no drama going forward, let's have peaceful lives please. I don't think punching people in the face counts as peaceful, as much as I'd love to see it..."shawn lesley ashcroft
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
last online May 6, 2024 8:19:52 GMT -7
INACTIVE
|
|
|
Nov 29, 2023 0:06:19 GMT -7
Post by shawn lesley ashcroft on Nov 29, 2023 0:06:19 GMT -7
Shawn was so wrapped up in his story that he was doing his best to share with Alora. That he had mostly missed that Alora had grabbed his hand and held it. It wasn’t til she was tracing the back of his hand with her thumb that it entered his mind fully that her fingers were now interlaced with his. For a moment there he felt like he was back in his childhood reliving parts of it. Yes, he was aware he wasn’t actually there but the feeling that came to the surface were still so real it put him back in that frame of mind. Her touch brought him back to the moment he was actually in, grounded him better in the present. Alora assured him that he wasn’t that type of person. That he had snapped and that anyone might have in that situation. She attempted to lighten mood with a joke of her own. Claiming she might have even done worse and not just because she was a Slytherin. He offered up a weak laugh, moving away from reliving those memories. “So you do admit to being one of those evil Slytherins though? I’ll just imagine you as some secret mean girl with rude t-shirts as a student now.” It would be hard to imagine it though as she was such a kind person but he could joke. “Thank you, I know I’m not like him. It’s still good to have some reassurance from someone else.”
Alora commented about his joke of getting her a crown for winning the contest. Stating what metals clashed with her hair. Claiming they could just be king and queen of the contest for worst life. “Are you already telling me what time of jewelry you would like to receive?” Shawn teased for a moment, his hug giving another light tightened squeeze. It was nice to get a lot of that off his chest. Even if parts of it he hated bringing up. “Still I’ll accept the title. We will have to think of someway of explaining how we’re queen and king of it though.” Another joke but as this was all just between them. Yet, the inside joke would imply they were married for such titles to exist. Alora assured him that Sam was in the past and she was over him so he didn’t have to want to punch him. Even if the idea sounded good, he wouldn’t have actually done it. Or at least he told himself he wouldn’t but he could imagine a situation where this person just showed up and started being rude to Alora. Thankfully it did seem very unlikely they would ever see their ex’s. “I can accept that. No more drama for us. Just have to hope the rest of the world feels the same way. I’m just saying if the punch was strong enough, it would be peaceful after it too.” Shawn teased near the end, more so agreeing with her about being drama free. He laughed quiet for a moment. “I’m just kidding.” Their hands still laced, his thumb copied hers but traces inside of her hand, running along her palm.
Alora Veda Astor
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
last online Apr 23, 2024 13:32:13 GMT -7
HOGWARTS CAMPUS STAFF
|
|
|
Nov 29, 2023 3:16:58 GMT -7
Post by Alora Veda Astor on Nov 29, 2023 3:16:58 GMT -7
It had only meant to be a brief intervention, but she left their hands together. Her fingers, all twisted up in his brought her even more comfort; so she decided to be selfish and leave it that way. Maybe he wouldn't mind. That seemed to be the theme of the evening; pushing her luck and hoping he didn't mind. When he decided to poke fun at her, she gasped in mock horror, but then it broke into a giggle. "How very dare you Professor Ashcroft. I think we've already established that I'm quite definitely not an evil one.." finally, without thinking she tilted her head back to look at him, and narrow her eyes in an over zealous glare. But then once she had realised now she was finally looking at him, she softened. Her eyes returning to their natural roundness and her subdued smile returned as her gaze locked with his. A beat of silence passed between them before she quietly went on. "Just so long as you recognise it is all.."She felt her cheeks flare and forced her gaze downward again, willing them to blanche again. Hiding her face against his chest was easier. Especially when he cheeks only reddened as he went on about jewellery. It did make her laugh though. A low rumble bubbled up her chest again. "I'm just saying. With red hair like this, lots of things clash. I have to be careful is all..." Though she did enjoy the squeeze her gave her, being pushed up to his chest like that was nice and made her smile some more. "But nah, we don't owe anyone explanations. We can just....be." she nodded just slightly, affirming her point. There was lots of words slipping out in these sentences that she never would have used as glibly; We being the main one. It denoted them as a joint entity. An idea that flowed so freely when she didn't give it a second thought, here in the safety of her flat; just them. Her eyes were closed and she had to make an effort to conceal another yawn. It was late now, too late, and yet she found herself not wanting this to end. Maybe if she didn't face the truth it would be fine. "Truth be told, I wouldn't mind either probably. Not that I'm advocating for violence..." her tone was a bit more dreamlike, so was her smile. A quiet laugh rumbled through her again as Shawn began to trace his thumb over the palm of her hand. It tickled, causing her to squirm a little. "Oooft, that tickles y'know." jerking her hand up she pulled both of their hands up in their eyeline now. She didn't want to break the connection and pull their fingers apart but it did tickle her and made her giggle some more. Eventually she dropped them back again and felt a little flicker of something in her chest. Her head and her heart went to war again as her mouth fell open and she tentatively asked in an almost whisper again "Hey Shawny?"shawn lesley ashcroft
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
last online May 6, 2024 8:19:52 GMT -7
INACTIVE
|
|
|
Nov 30, 2023 23:20:48 GMT -7
Post by shawn lesley ashcroft on Nov 30, 2023 23:20:48 GMT -7
Using his last name, Alora jokingly confronted him about how she wasn’t an evil Slytherin. How should he be aware of that by now? “This is true; you might just be the exception to the rule.” Shawn was fully aware that the old rumor that all Slytherins were evil wasn’t real. He had known enough from the school's history and his own personal life to know it wasn’t. It was still fun to play with the many rumors floating around the school about each house. It just so happened that Slytherin House had the worst rumor compared to the other houses. She turned to finally look at him after she spoke, giving him a small glare before it turned into a softer look. “Still, I’ll be keeping an eye on you. Just in case any of that Slytherin badness starts to appear. Maybe it was just delayed.”
Alora went back to laying her head on his chest as they spoke. They hadn’t seen much of each other's faces since they assumed this position. which he partly didn’t mind because it meant she was just that close to him. Still, after seeing her face again, he had missed it. Those eyes, her cute smile, and the soft redness on her cheeks at times when she was just about to blush She claimed she only had those preferences because so much clashed with her hair. “You have red hair? I hadn’t noticed until now. It is a lovely shade of red, actually. How could I not have seen it till now?" Shawn teased, only about not noticing. It was indeed a lovely color on Alora. She nodded before explaining how they didn’t owe anyone an explanation. something he agreed with wholeheartedly. This was their life, after all. He did take a moment to smile about that idea, and another one quickly followed. “I couldn’t agree more. At least until the students start calling me Shawny.”
Alora suggested she wouldn’t mind Sam getting punched but also wasn’t about to condone violence. “Okay, fine. You’re not making this easy, though. I need to find a peaceful and non-violent way to punch someone.” He was kidding, which should have been obvious. He might have had a small desire to do something in the back of his mind, but he wouldn’t act on it. Shawn’s thumb absentmindedly tranced along Alora’s palm, following the lines at times to just randomly moving around. Eventually, she jerked her head back but didn’t break their locked fingers apart. telling him it had been tickling her. He just laughed and hugged her closer for a moment. “I’ll have to remember that for next time.” He teased in almost a whispered tone; he had a feeling there would be a next time, but all he could really do was hope for now. She finally turned back to him and called him Shawny in a whispered tone. As their eyes locked, Shawn made a mental note that he really did need to think of a name for her. Red had been bouncing around in his mind, but he hadn’t used it yet. He'd save it for another time. “Hmm?”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
last online Apr 23, 2024 13:32:13 GMT -7
HOGWARTS CAMPUS STAFF
|
|
|
Dec 1, 2023 15:09:33 GMT -7
Post by Alora Veda Astor on Dec 1, 2023 15:09:33 GMT -7
Pondering for a moment, she let her mind cast back. "Y'know, the hat said I wasn't truly a Slytherin. They said I had attributes, but I could have gone into Hufflepuff, or Ravenclaw. But I asked; they weren't as disturbed by the idea of it as they were at the idea of me in Gryffindor, but Slytherin definitely wasn't the Sorting Hat's first choice. So there you go, not Snake to my core I guess.." half shrugging, she felt another yawn bubbling up out of her and tried, but failed to suppress it. After an attempt to at least cover it up she was quiet, listening to him as a he teased her. She couldn't come up with a response at first, she was too busy trying to fight the sleep that was quickly starting to take over. It had settled warmly like a blanket over her, luring her into more comfort. Not that she thought it would be possible, here all curled up with Shawn in her cosy little flat she didn't think it was possible to get any more comfortable; and yet here they were. "They're not allowed. That's my word. I'll fight them.." she mumbled drowsily, only half making sense now. Her eyes were closed, and her brow furrowed. Though as he answered her, she forced herself to open them. As difficult as it was, she was successful and her glassy eyes locked with his. For a moment she just watched him, dopey smile on her face as she studied his features. She could kiss him right now. It wouldn't take much. She could just stretch up and press her lips to his. Just hold his face. And yet it wasn't really what she wanted right now; no she sought out a different type of comfort. Another small yawn escaped her, and she frowned for a second before refocusing her attention. "I think I need to go to sleep, but..." shaking her head just slightly, she pouted "I don't really want...this to end" Her eyes searched his face, wondering if the same things were running through his she didn't want to sleep with him tonight. Well, not like that. No, tonight she actually just wanted to curl up with him in her bed. When she spoked again her tone was even more quiet. "Stay with me for tonight Shawny?"
shawn lesley ashcroft
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
last online May 6, 2024 8:19:52 GMT -7
INACTIVE
|
|
|
Dec 4, 2023 23:17:52 GMT -7
Post by shawn lesley ashcroft on Dec 4, 2023 23:17:52 GMT -7
Alora explained what the sorting hat said to her when she was being sorted. which sounded about right for her. Shawn didn’t have a conversation with the sorting hat. It barely touched his head before it shouted Hufflepuff. It wasn’t like he had any knowledge of the houses before coming to school. Being a muggle-born and all. Even if he had he would be perfectly happy with it saying Hufflepuff. “Oh, so you chose not to pick Hufflepuff? Hmmm,” he eventually replied with a teasing yet almost tired tone to his voice. The yawning from Alora earlier didn’t help, as he tried to fight it. “I guess we’re all entitled to make a few bad decisions.”
She protested, claiming the word Shawny was her own and no one else could use it. “I’d like to see that, students, and certainly be scrappy.” No, he didn’t actually want to see it, but they were both obviously kidding about the fighting part. "I'll work on my own name for you when I'm not half asleep."
“Same,” Shawn replied in agreement with a small yawn of his own as Alora explained how she needed to go to sleep. She followed it up by saying that she didn’t want this to end. He could only assume she was talking about their current embrace, which was also a sentiment he felt as well. He could have fallen asleep here and worried about the neck pain later. His tired yet smiling expression went a few shades of red as she asked him to stay the night with her. It wasn’t going to be like how they had on Valentine’s Day. This was more for comfort and just being together. Still, that appealed to him just as much as what they had done that night, too. “Of course, shall I carry you to bed?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
last online Apr 23, 2024 13:32:13 GMT -7
HOGWARTS CAMPUS STAFF
|
|
|
Dec 5, 2023 9:00:40 GMT -7
Post by Alora Veda Astor on Dec 5, 2023 9:00:40 GMT -7
Slowly, she stretched out her limbs, careful to not hit him and began to wake herself up just enough. "With my Grandmother, anything but Slytherin wasn't an option, it wasn't part of the plan really..." her tone was low, less joking than his was. It wasn't wrong, but gone was the playful tone she had used when she originally explained the hat-stall. A half frown crossed her face and she made herself sit forward off him, immediately missing the heat and comfort. A mirthful laugh escaped as she admitted "I probably would have had a much better time in school had I been in Hufflepuff, or even Ravenclaw. Merlin, even Gyffindor, even if was far too astute for that lot.." It was only partially a joke, and that was the sad thing. It took her a second of leaning and slight wiggling to get out of the dent she had made in the couch. It made her smile just slightly, to think that Shawn would probably laugh at her. But that was ok. With Shawn it was more only minutely laughing at you, before he turned things around and made you laugh too. "I mean, it's late. You probably wouldn't wanna go out in the cold, and it's probably raining now too..." she didn't need to convince him anymore. But offering up reasons made her feel a little less desperate and clingy. Her cheeks were only slightly pink as she glanced back at him from where she sat on the edge of the couch. Her smile more serene now, less nervous. More at peace with her big girl choices to ask the man to stay. She stood up and stretch like a cat as she watched him still. "Nah I won't lumber you with my weight. Plus I need to go to the bathroom..." which wasn't a lie, no matter her self confidence, she was never bad enough to go to bed with make up on. Her skin would thank her for it later. Reaching out for her wand on the coffee table she lazily waved it in the direction of her room. "You can go in and....get comfortable or whatever.." the thoughts of it made her cheeks flush again. The thoughts of it made her giddy. "I had a thought that you probably don't wanna sleep in your jeans and was gonna say I don't care if you sleep in your boxers-" her cheeks darkened and her smile widened like a dizzy school girl. Another giggle escaped. "If you're wearing them, which I'd like to assume you are but..." taking a breath she forced herself to slow down momentarily. "I'm going to shut up now because I'm babbling, you can probably just transfigure your jeans into pajama pants or something. I'm dumb. But anyway, my room is clean and tidy, so go ahead and get comfy. I'll only be a minute..." she turned and headed to the bathroom pretty sharpish, before she made more of a fool of herself. Beyond that the door to her room lay open; with it's big comfy bed, white duvet covers and throw pillows and blankets. The creams and white were in direct contrast to the green of plants along the window. The candles burned low causing a nice cozy glow; much like they did in her living and kitchen space. shawn lesley ashcroft
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
last online May 6, 2024 8:19:52 GMT -7
INACTIVE
|
|
|
Dec 5, 2023 23:47:49 GMT -7
Post by shawn lesley ashcroft on Dec 5, 2023 23:47:49 GMT -7
From how Alora had previously described her grandmother, it sounded about right that Slytherin would be the only house she would want her granddaughter to live in. Alora explained that any house would have been better, even Gryffindor. “I don’t know if you would be allowed into Gryffindor anyway. From what I remember, there are already more than enough redheads in that common room.” Shawn joked for a moment, only partially. Weasleys were known for getting sorted into Gryffindor, and the rumors ranged on just how many Weasleys were at Hogwarts at one time. It was a very large family after all, and more often than not, they all had red hair.
Alora attempted to give him excuses on why he wouldn’t want to try and leave for the night. all of which he didn’t need and wasn't really looking for either. "All of those are very good reasons. Well thought out and very intelligent.” Shawn nodded in agreement with her as he spoke. obviously leading up to what he had planned to say next. That comment was far too mature for him to just say that alone. “And if anyone asks, we can use those, but truthfully, I’m just not ready for tonight to be over.” all of which was the honest truth. The night could have been perfect to go out in, and he would still be more than happy to stay here with Alora. She eventually got up and explained that he wouldn’t need to carry her to bed. “Lumber? Are you saying that I couldn’t carry you. I’ll take that as a challenge on some other occasion.” Part joking and part making a mental note to bring this up at a later point. Such a challenge couldn’t be allowed to stand in his mind.
Shawn’s face had recovered from its previous shades of red for a moment but went right back as she brought him up, getting comfortably in her bed while she got ready. what he might wear or might not. Alora was starting to realize what she was blurting out as it turned into a rather cute rambling. All before she said she would just stop talking, “What happened to ‘it’s nothing I haven’t seen before'?" Shawn lightly teased as Alora quickly left him alone and made her way to the bathroom. It was easier to make such a comment as she was walking away and not looking directly at him. It helped him ignore how red his face might actually be at this moment. As she closed the door behind her, Shawn started to feel nervous and a little awkward. He made his way to her bedroom, like she had shown him. It was just an awkward moment being in Alora’s bedroom alone. It was one thing to get undressed in the heat of passion, but here he was about to just be in his boxers, waiting for her to return. There was the obvious excitement for her return, but also the awkwardness of just waiting. He did have to take a moment to notice just how cozy it was, and indeed, it was very clean.
He busied his mind with odd questions, like which side of the bed he should be on. Some people had preferences; what if he picked the wrong side? It was a silly thought, but just one of the many that raced through his mind. It evolved into what if he took too long to decide, and she just walked in on him, debating about which side. Eventually, Shawn just decided on the right side of the bed. It would be better than her finding him just staring at the bed in his boxers, trying to pick. Shawn lay under the covers, trying not to appear awkward as he waited for Alora’s return. He wondered why he felt so nervous in this moment than he had when they first spent a night together on Valentine’s Day. Granted, the alcohol might have helped with that too.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
last online Apr 23, 2024 13:32:13 GMT -7
HOGWARTS CAMPUS STAFF
|
|
|
Dec 6, 2023 6:07:59 GMT -7
Post by Alora Veda Astor on Dec 6, 2023 6:07:59 GMT -7
truthfully, I’m just not ready for tonight to be over.
As she shut the bathroom door behind her that little piece of what he just said played over and over again in her mind. It made whatever she felt in her chest grow wings and start to soar up around her head. She didn't given him being alone in her bedroom a second thought; she was too busy trying to fight the unfamiliar lovesick feeling taking hold of her. It froze her to the spot for a moment, until she caught sight of herself in the mirror; flushed and smiling like an idiot. She was an idiot. One idiot totally falling for another idiot. Amelia Astor always said Love was for the fools and the gullible. Alora had always read her stupid little romance stories where people had happy endings and decided they were just that; stories. Nothing true. Sometimes she caught glimpses of it around her, but it wasn't something she ever thought she'd experience. Even with Sam she had never felt like this, and they were engaged. Not that it was a marriage based on love on equal parts, she saw that now she was out of it, but still. A happy ending wasn't something she had ever actually envisioned for herself.
But with Shawn, suddenly it didn't seem so out of reach. Two nights in ten months with this man had her rethinking everything she knew.
Standing in front of the mirror she noticed her smile dampen as these thoughts crossed her mind. The ferocity of it all threw her.
After a second she shook her head trying to shake it all away; forcing herself to think straight "Come on Alora, you barely know the man.." she mumbled to herself. It wasn't totally true, he had bared himself to her. As she had to him; he knew more about her part than anyone had ever learned. Brushing it all away she began to wash her face free of make up, hoping it would be dark enough when she got into bed that he wouldn't notice. For once she was happy with herself for being messy; on the floor was her silk cami & short pyjama set she had dropped earlier before showering to head to the castle earlier in the evening. Slipping into them she then paused and pulled her hair out ran her fingers through it trying to put some manners on it before she saw Shawn again. The giddiness in her stomach flip flopped as she to add an extra slick of lip gloss at the very last minute. It wasn't long before she padded along the hardwood floors in her bare feet. Thankfully the main light was out and it was just the candles that lit her. Maybe he wouldn't notice her bare face. She certainly hoped not anyway.
He was glad to see he had gotten into bed already and wasn't just standing there awkwardly. He had in fact got in on her side, but it wasn't a big deal. It was just the night stand she used more frequently to charge her phone and stuff; usually she ended up sprawled across the middle of her bed anyway. That was actually something she'd have to actually be more mindful of tonight probably. Standing at the doorway, she took in the sight of him in her bed for a moment. Her bed was one of her most favourite places. She'd added bits to enhance her comfort and it had become her little sanctum; she didn't even sleep so good in her London bed anymore in comparison. Seeing him amongst the white bedding and throw pillows he'd been so careful to not throw onto the floor like she would do, was actually pretty nice. It gave rise to another wave of that fluttering feeling in her chest. She realised she'd been standing there for a beat too long when her face broke out in a wide sheepish smile and she flushed again. "Hi.." was all she could manage. This was way more intimate than she had actually prepared herself for. After snapping herself out of it, she brushed some of her red locks back and crossed to the opposite side of the bed where she began to throw the extra pillows down onto the ground behind her. Climbing up knee first then she scooted in beside him, settling in close to him, but enough for there to be an obvious hesitancy. Maybe he wouldn't want her draped over him, or right in under his arm pit. She stayed where she was for a minute, letting things settle between them. but then she cursed under her breath when she realised she had to put out the candles. She reached back behind her to where her wand was on the night stand and mumbled an incantation under her breath, almost lazily. Now she was in bed the drowsiness was battling her again.
But then there was darkness, and a new peace hung in the air. Then she was settled back beside him, lying on her side in the pitch dark to face him. Close enough to feel him in her peripheries but not close enough that they were touching. That would just push her over the edge. A hush took over the room, but it wasn't awkward it was actually sort of comfortable, there with Shawn.
After a moment in the darkness, she felt the need to same something and then blurted out in an almost whisper
"I'm sorry Shawny.."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
last online May 6, 2024 8:19:52 GMT -7
INACTIVE
|
|
|
Dec 8, 2023 14:41:53 GMT -7
Post by shawn lesley ashcroft on Dec 8, 2023 14:41:53 GMT -7
Shawn lay in Alora’s bed and just continued to feel awkward. This was a normal thing for couples, sharing a bed at the end of the night, but they weren’t a couple. This would be the second time that had ever been in a bed together. That and the first time was helped with the flow of alcohol. Not to say that emotions weren’t there too but it did stem the tide of any nervousness or awkwardness. Laying there alone in someone else’s room was just a weird experience. Should he be laying there watching the door waiting for her return. It would be rude to just have his back turned to the door and the other side of the bed. Staring up at the ceiling seemed like the least awkward option. He just lay there and awkwardly twiddled his thumbs under the sheets. He wasn’t one to be completely still. Shawn knew this was such a silly thing to be concerned about given what they had already done together but here he was.
After what felt like a lifetime of feeling awkward, Shawn began to hear the sounds of footsteps on the hardwood floors. Alora finally stepped into the doorway of the bedroom. Shawn had already looked over and she was surely a sight in the pajamas she had picked out. He couldn’t help but stare for a moment, not truthfully noticing how long time had passed. Eventually, she just muttered quiet hi followed by a cute smile. Finally snapping back to reality as she spoke. “Welcome to your bedroom.” He replied with a smile as well. He also couldn’t help but watch as she entered the bed rather gracefully. She slid close to him but not enough they were touching. He wouldn’t have minded a closer position with his arm around her or her head on his chest but wasn’t sure how she liked to sleep. He figured everyone had a favorite position to sleep, he just didn’t know hers.
Alora did have to move away once more to turn off the candles that dimly lit the room. Something he probably could have slept through at this point. The lights didn’t particularly bother him. She returned to her position once more and their silence continued. On the one hand, he felt he should say something, anything. Yet, they also had come here to sleep after all. The awkward air between them was returning. Alora was the one to break it but Shawn was left confused as she tried to apologize. Turning on his side to face her, his hand found hers under the covers. “It’s okay, you don’t have to apologize. I’m fine with it if you snore. I can sleep through just about anything.” Shawn attempted to lighten the mood between them, sure that wasn’t why she was apologizing now.
Alora Veda Astor
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
last online Apr 23, 2024 13:32:13 GMT -7
HOGWARTS CAMPUS STAFF
|
|
|
Dec 9, 2023 16:41:08 GMT -7
Post by Alora Veda Astor on Dec 9, 2023 16:41:08 GMT -7
Even in the dark, she felt like his eyes still bore into her the way they did when he stared at her in her PJ set. It was unlikely because they were in near blackness and yet, she still felt the intensity. Her hand made her way up to around her chest, longing to reach out and reforge the connection between them again. Yet she didn't, a new tightness in her throat stopped her. Her whole idea of asking him to stay had been idiotic, bordering on insane. He had probably agreed because he didn't want to hurt her feelings. Even if she did feel like she probably did deserve it, the guilt in her stomach a heavy reminder of it her reasoning. As he moved to take her hand, she was glad for the darkness. That way he couldn't see how dark her cheeks were now, or how her eyes had widened with the surprise of it. Nonetheless, it wasn't something she denied herself. Her fingers wrapped themselves around his with an unfamiliar ease. That little bit of connection was enough for now. Enough to settle her heart rate down just slightly and spur her to continue. The quiet laugh that escaped her at his comment was mostly a puff of hot air as it hit him in the face, closer than she had originally thought they were. "Excuse you, I don't snore. But no, not what I'm talking about.." her quiet sigh probably huffed in his face again as she searched for the words. She hadn't planned for this. She hadn't been able to think out how he was going to say this and prepare for eventualities. Alora was left feeling like a flighty little school girl again as she grasped at straws, trying to claw her composure back. Shawn was the only one who had this effect on her, and it was still maddening but she was starting to understand it a little bit more. After another beat of silence, she took a deep breath and blew it out slowly, as if trying to buy herself more time somehow. "I'm sorry for leaving you alone, for walking out after that night" there hadn't really been a need to clarify, but she felt she should for some stupid reason. Her tone was still as low, as if this was all some secret that needed to be kept between the two of them. "I didn't actually want to. I don't know why I did it even, I just..." her brow furrowed in the darkness as she chose her next words carefully. "It scared me Shawny. I don't....do that sort of thing. Ever." She hoped he caught her drift about one night stands. Or sleeping with guys willy nilly. Really she wasn't sure what she meant herself, but she still hoped she wouldn't have to explain it much more. "And it's you. It was a really good night with you, and I just got so freaked out the next morning I left. ImI just snuck out like some disgraced one night stand. I just panicked and left" she supposed that's what she was, even if the idea of that made her skin crawl. "I still regret it every time it crosses my mind, which is at least every day. I'm sorry I just didn't know how to handle it then. And by the way I'm babbling on I still don't how to handle this or how I feel about everything. Or you." Squeezing her eyes shut, it was some feeble attempt to pretend he wasn't looking at her. It would be near impossible as dark as it was, but if the tables were turned she'd definitely at least be trying to see her faces. Her thumb drifted over the back of his hand a little faster now, even if she wasn't even aware of when she had started the comforting movement. Swallowing, she took another breath to try and steady herself. Her tone slowed, but her uneasiness was still evident. "Merlin I'm such an idiot. I'll shut up now and let you sleep" Even if it was highly unlikely that either of them would sleep after her latest dose of verbal diarrhorea. Her mind was reeling, heart racing now. Her eyes stayed closed and she tried to work to calm her breathing. Years of careful training on Amelia's part, crumbled in an instant. But that was the problem, this was what Shawn did to her. Unnerved her. Made her drop her usual cautiously passive outside demeanor and let him be privy to every little thought that crossed her mind, every small feeling. After a few breaths she sighed again, finally admitting defeat. "I'm sorry Shawn, that's all.."shawn lesley ashcroft
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
last online May 6, 2024 8:19:52 GMT -7
INACTIVE
|
|
|
Dec 13, 2023 13:25:54 GMT -7
Post by shawn lesley ashcroft on Dec 13, 2023 13:25:54 GMT -7
Alora's fingers intertwined with his as he held her hand. Even them just holding hands under the covers eased how awkward this moment was. Seemingly for both of them. It was just as intimate as anything else in its own way. She quickly protested that she didn’t snore and Shawn just tried to hold back the soft laughs that wanted to come out. “I’ll remember that.” It was his experience that just about everyone snored at least at some point. She continued for a moment saying that wasn’t it before pausing with a sigh. It brought back a bit of the awkwardness that he had been feeling. A part of him was also nervous, was she going to say this was a mistake and he needed to leave. He would understand but he didn’t enjoy the suspense of waiting for her to continue speaking.
She began to apologize again, this time explaining why she was saying sorry. All of it made sense after all and a part of him was glad that the reason she had snuck out wasn’t because of something he had done. Her thumb stroked his hand which was only brought truly to his attention by the slight tickle it had caused for a brief moment. He wanted to tell her it was fine but there wasn’t exactly a moment he could say anything that felt like the right time. Shawn just allowed her to explain herself even if he was already willing to say it was fine. Alora finished by apologizing one last time.
“There are a lot of things I want to say,” Shawn said in a low tone getting ever so closer to Alora. It was an awkward sort of wiggle in the bed. Still, they were right next to each other, touching. “You’re not an idiot. It was an awkward thing. We both got a little drunk and it progressed from there. I’m just glad you didn’t sneak out cause I had done something wrong. I spent a lot of time worried I had messed things up that night between us. That or if you had regretted that night.” Shawn explained noticing how nice it was to finally get this off his chest. He had thought so many times of just going up and talking to Alora but stopped himself each time. Worried about what the answer might be. “Next, you don’t need to apologize so much or at all for that matter. I had that moment when I woke up in the morning. I was confused as I tried to fully remember. You had every right to not know what to do in that situation.” He attempted to comfort her in that matter. It wasn’t like he was exactly an expert on what the right thing to do was either. “If you need me to accept your apology, done but you don’t need to apologize one bit.” Even if he wanted to see her reaction, Shawn wouldn’t have been able to with how dark it was. If anything he could make out a silhouette.
There was once again a new silence after Shawn was done talking, something he felt needed to be broken. It was a hard topic to go to sleep after and there was one thing he felt he needed to bring up as well. “I do want to be clear on one thing. You did say it was a really good night though. Correct? Those were your words, right?” There was the smallest of smirks on his face which he hadn’t attempted to hide anyway since it was dark.
Alora Veda Astor
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
last online Apr 23, 2024 13:32:13 GMT -7
HOGWARTS CAMPUS STAFF
|
|
|
Dec 13, 2023 15:30:33 GMT -7
Post by Alora Veda Astor on Dec 13, 2023 15:30:33 GMT -7
Shawn was quiet while Alora spoke. Likely he was being a good listener and simply taking it all in, but his lack of immediate response made Alora's chest tighten some more. Forcing herself to breath slowly, she counted her breaths in and out. The dark made it a little easier, even though her mind raced; beginning to conjure up all sorts of scenarios. Most of which ended in Shawn up and leaving in the night himself, if he didn't just get up and leave now. “There are a lot of things I want to say,” Alora's throat was closing over, her chest so tight it already felt like she couldn't breathe. The low way he spoke eased her somewhat. If she just focused on his tone everything would have been okay. But the words themselves felt ominous, the meaning of them unclear to her; they definitely didn't make her feel any better at all. Well now he was definitely going to leave; he was going to give her an earful, and then leave. And honestly she wouldn't even blame him. Except then he wasn't leaving, he hadn't pulled away from her, in fact he was scooting closer to her; now their bodies did touch. Her chest against his and as he went on, his breath against her lips. Alora was stricken, not entirely sure what move to play next. It wasn't panic on her part, nor worry; but something like caution. She didn't want to mess this up. Frozen in place, she swallowed the lump rising in her throat and simply continued the only thing that felt natural to her right now; stroking her thumb over his hand still. She was still as she listened to him, focusing on her breathing and the words he was saying now. Another little pang hit at her chest; guilt for making him feel that way. But not her usual sort of guilt. This was unfamiliar, different. She couldn't help it though when her whisper cut the silence "No Shawn, never.." She hadn't willingly left him, and she hoped that her sparse words conveyed that. Her lips pushed themselves into a sad pout then, but she didn't have time to think on it much. More words were pouring out of him. It was a rare more serious moment from him. She was surprised he was being truthful and speaking so freely about what had transpired and his feelings about it. He had never struck Alora as particularly emotionally intelligent, but then before tonight, or their last night together; none of their chats had been anything substantial. Pausing, she took a breath. Inhaling and readying herself to apologise again. Except Shawn was already saying she didn't have to apologise at all. It took her a moment, but slowly she nodded and closed her mouth from where it had been hanging ready, the words on the tip of her tongue. Instead she just squeezed his hand gently and nodded again. Her tone was hushed again, this time still as soft and tender. "Sorry, I've been apologising for whatever I've done since I could walk and talke. It'll be hard to break the habit but....okay" Lifting their hands she laughed against his finger tips, a low rumble under her breath before pressing her lips to his knuckles. She stayed quiet then, grateful for his words, and not really able to formulate much of a response that would be good enough. Instead she just stayed close, thumb still lazily stroking the back of his hand; enjoying the stillness. That was until it was broken with what she thought at first might have been his joking way of breaking up the quiet. But as the words settled, even though some part of her just knew he was smirking at her; she knew he was asking for some sort of reassurance. He'd already admitted he'd been worried he'd done something. Her cheeks flared as the weight of his words settled. Even though she was older now, it was hard to bury all those years with her prudish Grandmother; talking about Sex had never come easy to her. Her own smirk was more of a sheepish, shy one. Her laugh was breathy, a small snort of air through her nose as if the awkwardness of it tried to escape. Putting her own embarrassment and self consciousness aside, she licked at her lips while she tried to find the right way to phrase her feelings. "Well duh. I said that didn't I?" she was surprised he couldn't feel how hot her face was getting. "I really enjoyed myself. Even if I did have a slight panic for a few weeks after it over...one thing and another. Maybe that’s another reason I stayed away too. I don’t know. I’m definitely not at all ready for that or at that stage of my life. No thank you. And all the shitty remorse whenever I saw you in the Great Hall. The times I had to try and force myself to try and forget how nice it was being so close to you..." realising her anxiety and sheepishness was taking over and making her ramble, she forced herself to stop talking and take a breath, clamping her mouth shut to exhale through her nose before continuing quietly. "I mean I didn't really go to your office planning to seduce you or anything like that. I'd never really thought you thought anything of me in.....that way...." her words were still awkward, but coming to her with slight more ease now. The dark and quiet helped with that, even if she swore it was so quiet she could hear both their hearts, even possibly feel hers bounding of of Shawn's chest wall as she pushed up against him. Her clumsiness with phrasing knew no bounds tonight; maybe she hoped he didn't have an answer to that, that would be easier in her mind. shawn lesley ashcroft
|
|
|
|