Gentleman
Challenge Eighteen: March Madness Redux
Title: Gentleman
Author: stavvers
Wizard/Witch: Justin Finch-Fletchley/Demelza Robins
Rating/Warnings: G/PG
Genre: Romance
Word count: Exactly 500
Prompt: 18- picnic in the meadow
Summary: Justin's plans for a perfect date rapidly fall apart.
But would the cucumber sandwiches go soggy? With only five minutes left before meeting Demelza, Justin shoved them into the otherwise lovingly-prepared picnic basket anyway before running to wash his hands (they stank of smoked salmon) and a final appearance check (hair was behaving itself surprisingly well today). After weeks of desperately trying to ask Demelza on a date, he wanted this picnic in a meadow to be perfection itself.
She looked breathtakingly beautiful as he met her in the appointed location, even though she appeared to be dressed for a country hike in wellies and an anorak. Justin began to feel slightly overdressed. He led her to his carefully selected spot: secluded enough to lean in for a quiet kiss, but near enough civilization for practical issues. The April air was warm enough, but the slight breeze that kissed their faces still had a biting, wintry chill.
Justin spread the rug over the grass and began to methodically unpack the hamper, struggling to think of witty replies to Demelza’s comments. Unfortunately, she was talking about Quidditch, and beyond “the Cannons are crap”, Justin didn’t really have much to say, so he proffered a smoked salmon sandwich. The look on her face as she took a bite was like a punch in the gut.
“Ugh, I thought it was ham,” she winced, trying to disguise her gagging with a nervous laugh. So far, it was not going well; he decided not to bring out the caviar after all. Perhaps things would be less awkward if they were slightly drunk: Justin decided now was the time to bring out the champagne.
It was warm, and Justin struggled to remember the charm he had learned for chilling liquids. Demelza must have taken pity on him, as she gently took the bottle from his hands.
Justin’s notions of playing the gallant gentleman evaporated as he watched Demelza flick her wand and said, “Frigidus”.
If anything, the spell was a little too successful, as when the wine was opened it was frozen solid. Demelza giggled and placed it aside. “We’ll just have to wait,” she smiled. “Anyway, why’re you all red? It’s freezing out here.”
Justin didn’t feel that “because I’ve completely ruined my chances of getting another date with you” was a socially acceptable reply, so he muttered something about how nice the weather was.
As if on cue, it began to rain. Demelza pulled out an umbrella-“It’s April, it’s going to rain”-and motioned for Justin to join her beneath it. His body tensed as he tried to avoid physical contact in such close quarters: he couldn’t have her thinking he was a groper as well as a terrible date.
“Normally, blokes would use this as an excuse for a snog,” Demelza said casually. As Justin opened his mouth to stutter out a reply, she continued. “But you’re too much of a gentleman. That’s why I like you. Anyway, please do snog me.”
Mischief danced in her eyes. Justin obeyed, gleefully.
Author's Notes: None
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