New Year, New Promise (Avalon)

[greatmanking]

To say that Fred was nervous was an understatement. One of the greatest understatements known to Weasley kind. If he hadn't been sitting down at a small table in the Leaky Cauldron waiting for Avalon to show up his knees would've been knocking together and undoubtedly playing some show tune or another. It actually didn't help that he'd turned up a full thirty minutes early in his nervousness. If any of his friends or family saw him they'd probably have a go at him for acting like a nervous first year waiting to be sorted, but that's exactly what he felt like. And it was all happening to the infamous Fred A. Weasley. The same Weasley that had pranked the hell out of every Slytherin (except for his relative in the house) without fear, the same Weasley who had ventured into the Forbidden Forest to see what dangers lay within, and here he was scared by a simple date.

He was going on a date. An actual date. A date date. With a girl. With a girl who he actually had feelings for, and who was incredibly intelligent and definitely beautiful. His father had teased him mercilessly when he'd found out what Fred was doing, though his mother had come to her sons defence. But she had had a small smile on her face as she left Fred to it. Some thing really didn't change in the Weasley household. Once his father had calmed down he'd been congratulated on have an impeccable taste in women, which garnered him a slap upside the head from his wife. With much encouragement, congratulations and maybe a few coins slipped under the table so that he could show the girl a good time, Fred was sent on his way.

The atmosphere in the pub was definitely festive as the Weasley descendant had observed when he shyly walked into the pub, with decorations and the staff dressed in theme. It would have amused Fred greatly if he'd been paying that much attention. Heck, he didn't even notice the lady bartender flirting with him as he ordered a drink to nurse while he waited. That was definitely a rarity unto itself for him, as he was usually happy to flirt and very attentive. He'd taken a seat near the fire in the hopes of distracting himself while he waited to no avail. He found himself dressed in his suit once again, which he'd had dry cleaned and pressed especially for the occasion, and had even managed to attach a small red rose to the left breast that been charmed to stay fresh for the evening. he'd even managed to charm it to change colour when it hit midnight. In an effort to make the atmosphere more date like he'd even brought a bunch of roses that matched the one attached to his breast for Avalon.

Unfortunately this only added to his worry as Fred wasn't sure if Avalon liked Roses, or even flowers for that matter...

[avalon]

New Years Eve.

Who knew a simple day could make her so freaking nervous.

She had told her mother, all about her date. Though she didn't mention that she had been in muggle London. But her mother couldn't be more thrilled that she was dating a Weasley. She didn't even care which one it was only the last name that was apparently important to her mother. She almost understood what Fred felt when he went around and was only popular because of his last name, which was stupidly non-important to Avalon. She liked him for who he was. She liked him for what he was. And she liked him for the way that he made her feel.

She was nervous because she had dressed up tonight. Let her hair have a bit of curl in it because she was't sure what kind of occassion she was walking into. In her large bag magically spelled that she had a coat in it, a denim one if she needed to dress down a little bit. But she had pulled out everything that she could, so that she hoped that she was pretty.. no.. beautiful for Fred tonight on such a special night. She had never spent New Years Eve with anyone except her family.

She aparated into the Alley from home and walked the rest of the way her heels making noise on the stones of the alley as she made her way to the Leaky Cauldron so that they could go out into London and she had clothes and other things for the night packed up when she figured out where she was going to stay. But that was a decision for later, she opened the door to the leaky cauldron and stepped in, having no idea that Fred was early and probably spotted her already. In her lovely dress she also had the necklace that he had bought for her for Christmas on with her other jewelry.

She turned and spotted him immediatly. A blush came to her cheeks and she gave him a little smile as she tucked her red locks behind her ears softly and walked over to him. Hoping that she wasn't too over dressed, or under dressed, or whatever for what they were doing. She knew that she had her coat she could dress down her dress, but she just wanted to be right for him.

Hey, fancy meeting you here.

She teased with a little chuckle. When he stood she gave him a hug. A nice tight hug, and snuggled into his arms for a few moments. They didn't hug and kiss at work, they tried to keep it as professional as they possibly could and she didn't want to get fired because she was saving every dime she made for her future shop. She bit her lower lip as she pulled back.

You look wonderful, how are you today?

[greatmanking]

Beautiful.

Simply beautiful. That was the first thought that ran through the mind of one Fred A. Weasley as he watched Avalon enter the Leaky Cauldron. One thing for sure, his father wasn't kidding when he said that Fred had taken after his namesake when it came to picking beautiful women. At least in the eyes of the beholder, which was where it counted. If he was having trouble acting cool before, it was slowly becoming an insurmountable task now that his date had arrived. So much for the courageous Fred Weasley. It was first year all over again. Except without Molly or any of his other friends to cheer him on.

He offered Avalon what he hoped was a confident smile right back at her as she looked over. Fred could feel the good mood that he seemed to feel in Avalon's presence returning with great force. It didn't quite eliminate the shot nerves, but it was doing its part to calm him down. Now all he had to do was not make a complete and utter fool of himself and he'd be fine. Great in fact. Never better.

Merlin, I need to work on my self-courage thoughts, was the next thought. But he could fake it. Fake it like the best of them. And so he would if he could. Now if could only stop staring at the gorgeous lass that was his girlfriend like a fish out of water for two seconds he might be able to do just that.

"And you, milady. Wasn't expecting you here at all."

It wasn't necessary an original reply to her friendly teasing, but that wasn't the point. He couldn't help but give her a hug. The temptation had been so strong while the worked together, and even his father had commented on it, but they'd kept it professional. Thank Merlin for Avalon's self control or Fred would've cracked early on the piece.

"And you look drop dead gorgeous." Came the reply to her compliment. "I'm doing pretty well for myself. Especially now you're here. How about yourself?"

[avalon]

I'm doing fine, thank you.

She smiled softly. It was so nice to be back with Fred, and knowing that she didn't have to leave any time soon. She had told her mother she would be staying with a friend. And whether her mother actually paid attention or not was up for test. Her mother failed splendidly thinking that her daughter had a lot of friends that she could be staying with. But that didn't matter, all that mattered was that she was off free tonight and she would be able to have a good time with him. She was really surprised that they were going out tonight. Before she merely stayed at home, but now she had plans and she couldn't wait until their night began.

Shall we?

She took his arm with her own and the exited the second exit of The Leaky Cauldron. That way they were now on the London streets and ready to go out and have some good fun together. She looked up at Fred as they stepped out on the strets and she just wanted to follow him. He could take her to his place, or he could take her anywhere and she would be extremely happy with that choice. She was merely happiest for the company that she was with.

So what are our plans for tonight? I don't really mind what we do, I'm really just excited to be here with you again, do we have any plans?

She looked over at him, and she couldn't help but just want to hug and kiss him but at the same time she kind of wanted to wait and do that later when they were in a more romantic moment. There would probably be tons of kissing and probably a lot of making out later. It was a romantic holiday and she was sharing it with the only person in the world that she wanted to share it with.

A fantastically romantic evening set up ahead of them tonight, and she couldn't be happier about that. She couldn't be more excited.

[greatmanking]

Fred wasn't entirely certain where they were going to end up at the end of the night. He had his apartment obviously, but considering he had no idea where the night was going to take them they could end up anywhere. but the good thing was that, at worst, they could Apperate. Providing that one of them was sober or calm enough to do so. It also wasn't to say that he didn't have plans. He did. Well, kind of. Regardless, he was had full confidence that between the two of them, they'd be able to figure something out at the end of the night, even if Fred had to sleep on the couch.

"We shall."

Fred took a deep breath as he left the Leaky Cauldron with Avalon. Apart from dinner and the midnight fireworks at the London Eye he didn't have all that much of a plan. It was more of a general thing. And things were like plans, except filled with more awesome and less actually knowing what you were doing until you actually did it. And he was actually happy to be with Avalon, so even if anything fell through if he was with her then it was all good. Well, better then that, but still. All good.

"Well, apart from dinner and getting to the London Eye before midnight to see the fireworks I didn't really have much planned. I tend to be all loosey goosey on New Years Eve. Might stop in at few parties on the way if we can find them. Should make for an interesting evening right?"

Avalon wasn't the only one who wanted get into the hugging and kissing. If the lovely lady on his arm didn't have any immediacy for dinner, then he was all for finding a place to make out or creating a romantic moment if he could. Either way this was one of the more romantic holidays of the year, or so he was told and he was going to make the most of it. Especially considering who he was sharing it with.

It definitely wasn't going to be a boring evening, that was for sure. Especially if Fred Arthur Weasley had anything to say about it. And he was definitely excited. Ecstatic even.

[avalon]

Avalon was excited.

Dinner. The London Eye, which was.. something she had no idea of. But she didn't care, it was going to be perfect regardless she didn't care what was going on or who they were going to see. So long as she was with Fred she didn't care what they did or where they went. She was just happy that her company was as amazing as could be.

Sounds exciting

She wasn't so sure that stopping in at a few parties was really something that she was into. But she would do it for Fred because he was totally worth it. She would do her best to be social she didn't want to be the girlfriend that held him back with her own awkwardness. She bit her lower lip as they walked.

Finally.

She couldn't take it anymore.

She grabbed Fred's hand and pulled him into a side alcove. Much like their very first kiss. She supposed somehow this was really romantic, kissing the way that they had the very first time but still, she couldn't help it. She leaned in and captured his lips, not waiting for him to do it. It was too hard not to kiss him. All the time they spent together at work and did nothing. Because she was afraid to get him in trouble and lose her job. And all the time that they didn't spend together and howmuch that would change even more when she went back to school. They would only have Hogsmeade.

She broke the kiss softly and looked up into his eyes in the darkened alcove. She was blushing, but she didn't regret the kiss at all. She gave him a long slow smile as she pulled back.

So dinner first then? she asked not even really saying anything about the sudden desire and need to kiss him like she had.

[greatmanking]

Fred figured Avalon might enjoy the London Eye, even if they couldn't get a ride on it. The London icon was usually extremely busy on New Years Eve, given it's significance. But still the fireworks were an amazing event and something he enjoyed. Hopefully she enjoyed the fireworks, but Fred figured she'd enjoy whatever they did regardless. Because if she was like him, she'd be enjoying just being in each other presence while they had the chance. Fred knew that he was, even if they weren't able to make out for the immediate future.

"It usually is pretty exciting. And excitingly pretty."

He chuckled at the stupidly awful pun, hoping that Avalon didn't mind. He was still a bit on the nervous side, and was still trying to keep himself calm and collected. Hell, if it kept up, he might just skip the parties all together 'cause he wouldn't be able to hack it. But he'd figure out his position on that later.

Maybe if they just went and...

That thought was cut off at the the knees as he felt Avalon pull him into an alcove. It was then immediately forgotten as she planted as kiss on his lips. He returned the favour with a passion and even went with the French variety if she would let him, but still. With his arms automatically wrapping around her he couldn't help but be body deep in enjoyment. He'd been waiting for this every since their last kiss, and every moment at work had been tenement to torture as his father had made it clear that he stay professional while he was there. But right now was all that mattered. Avalon was all that mattered. It all just felt so right.

Fred returned Avalon's look with a huge grin on his face. He definitely enjoy it and didn't mind it at all. He loved it. "Dinner sounds good." If Avalon didn't want to say to much about it, then was happy to carry it on. And maybe do a bit more kissing on the way.

[avalon]

He didn’t seem to mind the kiss and she was glad for that because she was really in need of that kiss. It was so nice to just have someone that she could be into. A boyfriend, someone that wasn’t even about his name, but something that was more about the person that she was with. The amazing person that was Fred Weasley. He was amazing in so many different ways. He made her smile, he made her laugh, and she had to admit that every time that they kissed it was something so special, that it made her entire body come alive.

When they were back on the street she was more than excited. They were heading off to get some dinner and he had plans for them later and that was also exciting. She really wanted to see what it was going to be like to be with someone for the holiday instead of having to be alone like she normally was. It wasn’t something that she preferred at all, and this with Fred, was so much better than she had expected.

She took his hand as they headed back out on the street, and they walked hand in hand and just enjoyed the way that it felt to have someone by her side. They continued to walk for several minutes and Avalon wasn’t exactly sure what they were going to do outside of dinner. But, she didn’t really care if they ate crackers at his place while they spent time together, so long as they were together she would find herself enjoying the night.

How have you been? Are you planning to spend the night here in London? I was thinking, that if you didn’t mind that I would stay over at your place because, it would be easier and it would be nice not to have to leave you when it gets to be so late.

She also knew that this time would probably be their last date before she went back to school so she wanted to make it as amazing as she possibly could. She wanted to make sure that they would have amazing memories to take away from tonight. She still didn’t want to go too far, but she wanted to make sure that this night was something that they would never forget. Something that would hold them over for a while. Because she wasn’t sure when the first Hogsmeade weekend, would be.

[greatmanking]

Fred certainly didn't mind the kiss. Not at all. If anything it certainly took a bit of a load off his shoulders. He'd been wondering if he should've made the first move in that regard, and instead she had. Definite progress and it was only the second date. He could wait to see what other surprises Avalon had in her as he pondered this. He couldn't wait to find out. But at the same time he could believe the feeling behind kissing. It was so electric and awesomic. He really couldn't wait for more.

If her reaction to the muggle world the last time they'd come out was anything to go by, hopefully she would have a good time. It was Fred's plan to show her a great time if he could manage it. Like Avalon he'd only spent it with family, with a difference being that he occasionally had friends as well. He couldn't help but wonder what New Years night would be like spending it with someone special. Fred couldn't wait to find out how that turned out.

As Avalon grabbed his hand, Fred couldn't help but unleash a smile. He enjoyed having her by his side, and enjoyed it even more when she had her hand in his. Outside of dinner and heading in the direction of the Big Ben, he didn't have a plan, but he was sure he'd think of something. If not, he would just have to put up with the presence of Avalon. And either way he would enjoy it thoroughly. He knew he would. At least the was the feeling he was getting in his gut. But he knew he would be fitting in some kissing where appropriate.

"I've been doing okay really. Keeping the old self out of boredom's way. How about yourself?" It was the truth. Some of the boredom had been dispelled by thinking about Avalon, but Fred wasn't going to reveal that just yet. He didn't want to come across as crazy just yet. Staving off boredom was hard work. "Staying in London was the general plan, unless you had any other ideas. As was having you stay at my place. I'm more then happy to take the couch and let you use the bed." Ah, if he was only a lesser man...

Dirty thoughts! dirty, dirty thoughts! Get out! Naughty mind. Ssssh.

This would hopefully make some memories. He was going to need some special ones to keep him going for when Avalon returned to Hogwarts. Which would be soon unfortunately. Seeing her a work would sustain in temporarily, but it would be tonight that helped him in the long term. Hopefully he came they came up with something awesome.

[avalon]

I've been doing all right. Just hanging in there. For the first time in forever, I'm not looking forward to going back to school.

Worse still she had a year and a half left before she really graduated. And it was important to her to graduate. She knew that she would do better for it. Even though she wanted to own her own shop she definatly wanted there to be something to back herself with. Thus, she wanted to make sure that she had her diploma to her name so that she could prove that she was not only a business owner but a graduate.

As they walked, he told her that they would probably stick close to London, and that if she wanted to sleep over at his place he was more than happy to let her. Not to mention, that he was willing to take the floor or the couch so that she could have the bed. She wasn't sure yet where she wanted to sleep or if she wanted him beside her or not. That was a decision to make later.

They got to the restaurant and Fred had apparently already made reservations. They gave his last name and they were shown to a table that was already set up for them. With some flowers in the center with brightly colored glittered pom poms sticking out to be like fire works. She sat down and the waiter came by immediatly with menus and fresh ice water allowing them to have a few moments to look over the menu.

Avalon read over the menu, tucking her hair behind her ears as she did so. She looked over the menu trying to decide what she might want. Something spicey sounded good. But nothing with too much onion or garlic. That was for sure since she figured that she would be liplocked a great deal this evening. She decided on a spicey chicken pasta before she closed the menu and looked at her date.

So are your family going to miss you this evening? Since I stole you away with me? she chuckled as she looked over the table at him.

[greatmanking]

"And I can kind of guess why."

If he thought work had been borderline boring before, it was going to delve into the territory of boredom without hesitation once Avalon left to return to her education. And as much as he wanted to have her stay with him, he valued the necessity of a good education. His mother had managed to drill that much into his occasionally thick skull. And if she wanted to start her own business, she was going to need that education, especially the ever important potions. But he had full confidence that she would do it, and that they would get through this.

Because of his big family, he had experience many a weird and wonderful sleeping position as they all crammed themselves under one roof. It wasn't always comfortable, but it had gotten Freddy used to sleeping on the couch or on the floor. He'd picked his couch for this particular reason, though it was a little small. But it was still comfortable. But Avalon did have a choice in that regard, and Fred was more then happy to step back and let her make it on her own.

Fred was definitely glad that he'd made reservations as they arrived at the restaurant. The place had already begun to look a little full, even for this hour of the evening. 'Tis the season figured the Weasley to himself as he gave his name. The gimmicky flower arrangement brought a smile to his face. And they had free iced water, excellent was his thought when they received the complimentary drinks. He loved that in fancy restaurants like this one, and a few of the other things they seemed to have.

Fred had a look over the menu, a look of curiosity as he did so. He'd only been to the restaurant once before, and couldn't for the life of himself remember what was good or not. Something with onion or garlic was definitely out. Especially if he wanted to make out with Avalon later. With the hope that he was making the right choice, Fred with chicken tikka masala. In his thinking he hadn't realised that he'd chosen a chicken dish like his date. He looked over at Avalon and offered her one of his famous smiles.

"It's all good actually. They understood once I explained that I was spending the night with a very special girl." He couldn't help but blush slightly as he made that comment, but he was being honest.

[avalon]

Avalon blushed.

Fred was precious, he was so sweet. She had no idea how a shy girl like her had been able to snag his attention this long. There were times that she was painfully shy, mostly at school because she didn't fit in. She knew that some things would be better there. And others would then be worse, because of the fact that she was with Fred now. People were going to want to know about. Or wonder why she was so special that Fred Weasley, who could have any girl he looked at, had chosen this bumbling, shy girl to be his girlfriend.

Their waiter came and left, heading to the kitchen to place their orders. Avalon could not help but look at Fred, he was so cute. All dressed up for her, and she for him. But this was a special night. New Years Eve. And the first one that she would be spending with anyone. So that excited her to no end. Someone special. She couldn't wait to see what the rest of the night had in store for them.

My mom and brother are at home just hanging out. They aren't the kind of people that get out. I wasn't either.. really.. until you.. I mean. I told.. I told my mom about you and she was like.. super .. super excited.. but ummm I don't think... I would like.. take you home like.. any time soon.. or anything she's kinda.. intimidating.. and stuff.

Avalon nervously tucked her hair behind her ears. The little owl earrings that she had on glimmered slightly as her fingers inadvertantly played with the little owl on her right ear. She remembered her mother being more excited about the name of her boyfriend rather than the novelty of her having one at all. But then, her mother had been fairly popular when she was at Hogwarts and assumed that her daughter had a plethora of friends and boys seeking her hand. So when she thought that her daughter had snagged Fred Weasley instead of one of the other many nameless boys, she was thrilled.

So what are you going to do when I go back to school next week? I think I'm going to miss you and send you lots of owls. And what not, and look forward to like every Hogsmede weekend so I can see you because... or I mean.. every one that you can come out for because you're busy so I don't think you can come out for every single one or anything though that would be cool...

She chewed on her lower lip. She felt awkward because in a way, she felt like this was their last real date together, until she went back to school and they figured out when to see each other again.

[greatmanking]

Fred couldn't help but give a small smile. It wasn't his fault that Avalon blushing had that effect on him, or a fair few things that Avalon seemed to bring a natural smile to his lips.It just seemed to happen. And a fair few times without him even realising it until well after, or still during, the event. Yeah she was still a bit shy, but she was beginning to open up. At least around him, and that was all that counted at this or any other point in his opinion. Not that he didn't like to smile when he wasn't around her either, but the temptation to smile was great in this situation.

He was actually amazed at how well that Avalon managed to scrub up rather well when she dressed up. Not that she didn't look pretty normally, but she was amazing when she put some effort or a purpose behind it. And he got to spend to New Years with her. While he enjoyed the family get togethers, it was nice to be able to spend it with somebody independent of their whole situation. It was definitely a first for him as well, not being around the sea of Weasley's and Potters and the rest of the extended family.

"Isn't intimidating your childrens new girlfriend or boyfriend a parental requirement or something?" He'd certain seen that in action done to some of his girlfriends when he'd kept them long enough to show them off to his parents. "And staying in sounds like a very boring way to celebrate the coming in of the new year, or for any other celebration or sunny day." Unless it was to go see a movie marathon or something similar, then it was okay.

Often times, Fred was genuinely ignorant of fame that his name had in the wizarding world. He knew that it was significant. More so due to the part that his fathers generation had played in the last wizarding war, but famous? He could take it or leave it. He was building his own legacy. Though that didn't stop him from occasionally trading of that significance if it helped whatever situation he was in. Though that wasn't to much of a problem here, as Fred wondered what the heck he was supposed to be doing at this point. The etiquette for serious dates still eluded him.

Fred couldn't help but feel a little bit sad as Avalon mentioned her returning to school. The two of them had managed to grow remarkably close during their short time together, and he was beginning to wonder how he'd managed when she wasn't at the shop. "I might have to actually get an owl or something so that I can write to you lots as well. And I will do my absolute best to come to every Hogsmeade weekend. Especially if I can talk my dad into setting up some sort of stall during the weekends to sell stuff to the students." And he could be really convincing if he wanted to...

[avalon]

Avalon laughed.

Yeah it probably is. But my mom is like.. crazy about .. purebloods you know. I'm not really like that. But she is, and my brother he's just really quiet. He and my mom are alot a like I'm more like my dad was.

Was. Because he's gone. Because he died in a horrible accident and she was going to finish his research. That was her goal in life. To finish her father's work. But she wanted to open her own shop as well, she could do research there. She wasn't sure she would ever be able to actually finish it. Her father had been extremely smart, but she was certainly going to try the very best that she could.

He told her that he might get an owl, so they could send all kinds of messages to one another. She could only imagine the Weasley owl flying into the common room and coming down at breakfast to make sure that she had her letter. A letter from her boyfriend Fred every day, or .. well.. when ever he had time to write one, she wouldn't expect him to have written daily. But she would be so excited to get anything that she could from him.

Well I have Ash, so I think I'm good. You'll be getting lots of letters. But I could have her wait for your replies if you don't want to get your own. Owls aren't cheap, and I know you have a budget.

She didn't want to make things harder than they had to be for Fred. He also mentioned that he was going to try to come to every Hogsmede weekend that he could. Was even thinking about getting his father to open some sort of stall there so that they could make money and he could be there at the same time. He was ingenious, this boyfriend of hers. She had to admit that he surprised her often. Not that she thought he wasn't intelligent, merely that he could think of things right off the top of his head. It was that Weasley ingenuity she supposed.

I could help you there, and then when you've sold your things we could go on a mini date or something. There isn't much to do there, but I'm sure we could manage. Even just spending time together, will be great, at that point because it won't be til summer that I'm back home and we can go out in London again.

It seemed almost hopeless. But other couples werre able to do it. Able to date from school and not school. If they could do it then so could Fred and Avalon. The thing was, he was just going to have to be patient. Because, there was nothing she could do about school. But, if he found someone 'easier' to date, then she would probably be left behind because it would be easier to be with someone that he could see when ever he wanted. But she hoped the dates in Hogsmede would tide them over.

Their food came and Avalon was more than ready to dive into the bowl of pasta. She stirred it around to make sure that all the little chips pieces got crushed down into the spicey pasta, and grinned, she loved things that were spicey and this looked and smelled mouthwatering. She took a bite and chewed, savoring the taste. The way muggles could cook... was amazing.

So have you been up to anything fun since we last went on a date, besides work.. I know about that stuff. she laughed softly.