I've Got You Under My Skin
Alicia inwardly groaned as she forced her legs into a position she could swear they weren't meant to be in. She was hoping she was keeping the grimace off her face, but it wasn't likely.
"Really sink into those legs. Feel that stretch in your hips."
Alicia rolled her eyes and watched as the rest of her teammates struggled to get into the pose that their new yoga instructor seemed to flow into effortlessly.
The woman was extremely perky and her high pitched voice made her want to run a cheese grater over her forehead rather than relax like she was supposed to. Although, how anyone managed to relax in this stupidly awkward position she didn't know.
"Now, reach straight up with your right arm and bend it at the elbow so your hand is resting against your upper back. Then take your left arm and reach behind and up so that your fingers hook together.
What the hell? She let out a strangled noise as she tried to shift positions and reach behind her. Her fingers scrambled along her back as they searched for each other.
This was only their second yoga class, but the first one had been one too many for her. Craig Johnson, the Captain of Puddlemere United, had hired a new strength and conditioning coach for the season, and Georgia Rush was of the opinion that everything could be solved with yoga.
"It gets easier. Every day it gets a little easier. But you gotta do it every day —that's the hard part. But it does get easier."
That's what Georgia had said when the players had started to complain.
No, the hard part is getting into these stupid positions, she had thought to herself.
She glanced to her right and saw Harry having just as hard a time as she was; except he hadn't managed to get his legs stacked together.
"Psst, Harry," she whispered.
He gave up trying to stretch his left hand behind him and looked over at her.
She waggled her eyebrows. "Want to help me stretch out? My hips are really tight." She winked at him as his face flushed crimson and he turned quickly back to the front.
She shook her head and chuckled. Too easy.
Her fingers finally touched and she cried out, "I got it." But just as soon as she said it her back cramped up and her cry of excitement turned into one of pain as she collapsed on the floor.
"I'm just saying, I don't understand why we have to do the bloody stupid thing. I've been playing Quidditch for how long now? And I don't see how yoga could have prevented any of the injuries I got. Except maybe if the stupid Slytherin's had to do it and ended up stuck in some God awful position and weren't able to play," Alicia said.
The whole team had decided to go out drinking; it was the last time they'd be able to before the season started. Alicia wasn't much of a drinker, but she would drink a few for team spirit. A few people nodded and raised their glasses at her mini speech.
"Hey, I happen to be one of those Slytherins, thank you," Marcus Flint complained, looking around at his fellow teammates, a mock look of betrayal on his face.
"Exactly," Alicia said.
Harry shrugged, taking a sip of his firewhiskey, grimacing at the taste. "I don't know, I can see how it would be beneficial. Allow me to go longer and learn new moves and all."
Alicia raised her hand, and waved it around. "Ooh, I'll be your partner, Harry. I'll help you learn those new moves," she blew a kiss at him and winked.
Rothenson, their Keeper, spluttered into his drink as Harry sat their, mouth agape, unsure of what to say.
"Mate, take her up on that offer!" Flint said, shouldering him.
Harry put his drink down. "I think I'm just going to go. I've got loads of plays to study before the season begins." He pulled a few galleons out and tossed them on the bar. "Drinks on me," he said before turning and walking towards the pub entrance.
"Way to go, Alicia," someone muttered. She wasn't sure who because she was too busy watching Harry leave. When he reached the door she slid off her stool. "Oi, Harry, wait up!"
She wasn't sure if he hadn't heard her or he was purposefully ignoring her, but either way he didn't stop.
"Dammit all to hell." She threaded her way through the room and threw the door open.
"Hey."
"Holy shit!" She jumped backwards into the closing door and covered her mouth with her hand.
Harry was leaned up against the wall, arms folded across his chest, right outside the door.
When she hit her head he reached out, his face scrunched in concern. "Are you okay?"
She rubbed the back of her head. "Yeah, great. But way to scare the crap out of me." She punched him playfully in the chest.
"Yeah, sorry, that went a lot better in my head. More like a 'hey, what's up girl' kinda thing. But it ended up kind of stalkerish sounding."
"Just a little," she nodded and then they stood awkwardly.
"So, um, what are you doing?" Alicia asked. "I thought you were headed home."
He blushed, running his fingers through his hair. "I was actually hoping you would follow me."
The door opened behind her and she moved closer to him to get out of the way. "Oh, really? And why would you do that?"
She could hear Harry's breath quicken. "I was wanting to know if you were being serious. You know, about what you said earlier."
She tilted her head to the side. She hadn't been expecting this at all. She'd known Harry since his first year at Hogwarts. She'd watched him grow into a young man through all the shit with Voldemort. But she'd watched from afar, never too close to him. Even playing on the school team together hadn't afforded her much time with him. Oliver had kept them too busy for that. Now, they were practically family, and as the newest member of the team, he was like the baby of that family. She had teased him merely for the fun of it. That wasn't to say she hadn't noticed him as a man, but there was no way he would ever feel more than just friendly to her. Would he? "And what would that be?" she asked expectantly.
He glanced around to make sure no one was close to them. "About helping me with my… moves." The light shade of red that had tinged his cheeks had become a full on blaze.
"Ah, I see," she said lowering her gaze to the ground. "I just need you to understand something." She looked up at him, those green eyes boring into her.
"It was just a joke?" he asked. "I get it, there's nothing to explain." He pushed himself off the wall. "I'll see ya."
She grabbed onto his shirt sleeve, stopping him. "No, that's not it. I know I tease you and flirt with you a lot, but I don't do one night stands."
He looked down at her hand on his sleeve. "I'm not looking for a one night stand." He placed his hand over hers. "I like you, Alicia." He looked back at her. "A lot."
It was her turn to blush this time. "Well, all right then," she said, unable to contain the silly smile that insisted on making an appearance.
Alicia had Apparated them to her flat, ushering Harry into her modest home.
After kicking their shoes off by the door she gestured him over to the sitting area. She glided over to a table where a beautiful old record player rested. She placed a record on the player, gently lowering the needle until it rested where she wanted it. The smooth sound of jazz filled the room, the man's voice causing Alicia's shoulders to relax and her head to tilt to the side as she listened to him.
Harry plopped down onto the sofa, the soft cushions sinking under him. "Who's this?"
Alicia twirled around and walked towards him, tapping her feet. "Frank Sinatra. He's an American singer." She sank down next to him, pulling her legs underneath her and propping her head on her hand. "Have you never heard of him?"
Harry licked his lips as her dressed hiked up her leg. "No, I, uh, didn't listen to much music growing up. Just whatever my aunt played and the music Ron listened to in the dorms."
"Well, did you like anything you heard?" she asked.
Harry rubbed his hands against his jeans. "Umm, there was this one guy."
She waited for him to continue, but when it looked like he never would she nudged him with her hand, grinning. "Well, spit it out."
He smiled sheepishly. "Promise you won't laugh?"
She pursed her lips. "I would, but then I might laugh and it would make me a liar. So, let's just say I'll try to not to if the urge arises."
"I like Elton John," he said quietly.
"What's your favorite song by him?"
Harry looked at her, trying to sense any hint of mockery. But her smile and interest was genuine.
"I'm Still Standing."
Her eyes softened and she reached out to stroke his cheek. "It's a good song. Nothing to be embarrassed about."
He let out a soft sigh and put his hand over hers, bringing it to his lips. He dropped her hand from his lips, but kept hold of it.
"So, why Sinatra?" he asked.
"He was my mother's favorite. She was a muggle born and one thing she refused to give up was Ol' Blue Eyes." Her eyes glazed over as she remembered something and she giggled. "It made dad so jealous. Having brown eyes and all. But my mother said that blue eyes were pretty but brown eyes had a warmth that you could wrap yourself in."
Harry stared at her unnoticed, noting the brown eyes that did indeed exude warmth. She pulled herself back from that long ago memory and caught him staring.
"Yeah, I can see what she means," he said.
She squeezed his hand.
He pointed at the record player. "It's a great song by the way. Very suitable for the occasion," he said.
"Oh, and why's that?"
"I won't dance, so don't ask me." He chuckled.
"Aww, why not?" She pretended to pout, a playful smile peeking out.
"Well, it's more of a 'I can't dance, so don't ask me unless you want bruised toes' kinda thing."
"Nonsense," she said. She hopped off the couch, pulling Harry up with her. "Just hold me and sway while you walk with small steps. You move where you want to and I'll just follow." She placed his hands on her waist and then laced her fingers behind his neck.
He moved slowly. "Like this?"
"Perfect," she said. She looked up at him through her lashes. "You're perfect," she added quietly.
Harry blushed but couldn't tear his eyes away from her.
She leaned in, her gaze drifting from his eyes down to his lips, her tongue gently running over the top of hers. Harry's hands shook and his step faltered. His lips parted as he watched her tongue travel over her top lip.
"Am I making you uncomfortable?" she asked in a low voice.
"Yes, but not in a bad way," he breathed out.
She smiled and she felt radiant. Hr swallowed, his Adam's apple bobbing.
The song changed, the lyrics now about a many splendored thing.
"You're so beautiful," he said, pulling her close so their bodies were flush. She laid her head against his chest, her right hand stroking the hairs at the nape of his neck and her left hand falling to rest on his shoulder.
"I have to tell you something Alicia."
She stiffened in his grip momentarily, before allowing herself to relax. She didn't say anything, just waited for him to continue.
"I've never been with a woman… you know, in a… sexual way. That is to say, not all the way."
Alicia leaned back so she could look up at him. "Never?"
"No," he said, averting his eyes.
"Even with all these women chasing after you? With the many different ones you could be with, you… never?" she asked, disbelief in her voice.
"After Ginny, I just... couldn't." He shrugged.
"Couldn't get it up?"
"No, no! Nothing like that!" he spluttered, face turning a dark shade of red that only she seemed to be able elicit. "Everything in that department is… fine; it works. I just never could go through with it is all. Not without thinking about her."
"And are you thinking about her now?" Alicia asked dejectedly.
"Absolutely not," he said. "I just wanted to let you know because… well, I'm not sure if I know exactly what I'm doing. Not well enough to satisfy you that is."
Harry watched her, fear and embarrassment blooming in his chest, waiting for a reaction, and dreading it. He was caught by surprise when she weaved her fingers in his hair and pressed her lips hard against his. He closed his eyes and stood still, not daring to move and mess this up. He just wanted to keep feeling her lips against his. They were soft and so very warm, just like everything else about her.
He groaned when she pulled away, opening his eyes to look at her.
She was smiling. "You know, it's okay to kiss me back, Harry."
He placed his hands on her lower back and pulled her to him, returning his lips to hers, because he already missed the way they felt.
"Take your clothes off. All of them," she mumbled against his mouth while she brought her hands around to start on his shirt buttons.
"Shouldn't we go go somewhere a little more private?"
She laughed. "Harry, we're in my flat… where I live alone… you can't get anymore private than that."
"Yeah, right, of course. Maybe something more comfortable then."
She brushed his hair behind his ear. "If you need us to slow down, we can. Just let me know."
"No, that's not it at all! I just thought that's what people did. Went somewhere more private and comfortable."
She laughed and moved out of his arms. "Merlin, you watch too many movies." She walked over to the record player and picked up her wand from where she'd laid it earlier.
She flicked her wand towards the fireplace, lighting the logs she always kept there and then produced a pile of blankets and pillows on the floor a little ways aways. "Better?" she asked as she turned around. She took in a sharp breath when she saw him. Of course, she'd seen him shirtless before, but this was different. This was for her and only her.
He ran his fingers through his hair again, shifting nervously on the spot. She smiled, biting her lip as she sauntered toward him. He was so freaking adorable when he did that.
She pulled her dress over her head and stopped in front of him, tugging at the waistband of his trousers. "I said all of them."
He stared at the top of her breasts, so she reached behind her and unhooked her bra, letting it slide off her shoulders and onto the floor so he could have a better look.
His hand raised reflexively, but he hesitated inches away from the smooth skin. She moved closer, pressing her breast into his hand. She undid his trousers for him while he fondled her, pushing them off his hips and letting them drop to the floor, along with his underwear.
She laid a trail of kisses across his chest, leaving goosebumps in her wake. She could feel his arousal against her, his obvious want making her hot.
He wrapped an arm around her waist and walked her backwards to the blankets, easing her down and resting her head on one of the pillows. He sat up on his knees in between her legs. He reached down and pressed his finger against her bottom lip, pulling it down and then letting it go. She watched his eyes grow dark as he moved his finger down her neck and between her breasts, finally resting his hand on her stomach and tracing small circles with his thumb.
She shuddered under his touch, her breath becoming shallow with the anticipation. His thumb moved down to pull at the band of her knickers. She lifted her hips so he could slide them off and she pulled one leg through at a time. He tossed them to the side and laid down, keeping the majority of his weight off of her by propping himself up with his hands.
She ran her hands along his back, tracing the outline of every muscle, marvelling at the feel of him against her. He kissed her forehead, and then her nose, and then her lips, running his tongue along her upper lip, tracing the same path hers had made earlier.
The heat started in her belly and spread through her body, causing her heart to pound in her chest.
"Harry," she moaned as she thrust her hips up to meet his, needing him so badly she ached.
"Alicia, I—" Harry started.
"Harry, don't. Don't think about it. You're doing fine. Just be here with me, okay?" She cupped his face in her hand, gently stroking his side.
"Okay," he said.
She pulled him down and rubbed her nose against his. "It's all about the build up, the touching and the kissing."
He scooted down and kissed her upper chest. "Like this?" he asked, looking up at her.
She dropped her head back. "Yesss," she sighed.
He feathered kisses on her breasts, flicking his tongue out to catch her nipple in his mouth, first one then the other.
"Mmm, Harry." She tangled her fingers in his hair, pulling him back up to her. "I need you, baby."
And Harry made love to her as the sultry voice of Sinatra told her what she already knew—this man had gotten under her skin.
Alicia woke up to a cold draft against her back. "Mmph," she grumbled as she snuggled closer to Harry, pulling her feet up to stick them against his legs.
"Ah, son of a mother! Alicia!" he yelped. "That's cold!"
"I know," she mumbled sleepily, "That's why I put them up against your warm legs."
He chuckled as she snuggled in closer, and he pressed his lips against her hair. "Well, I have to go to the bathroom."
"No, don't go," she whined, wrapping her arms tightly around him. "You're the only thing keeping me warm."
"I'll get the fire going," he said as he tried to extricate himself from her arms.
"Please. I cry just a little when I think of letting you go."
He pulled back to look at her, worry etched on his face. "Really?"
She dropped her eyes guilty. "No, it's just lyrics from a song. But I really don't want to let you go. Promise you're just going to the bathroom?"
He smiled, and kissed her forehead. "Promise."
She reluctantly let him up, but was immediately cheered up as she watched him walk away.
Wow, he has a sexy bum.
She burrowed under the blankets as she waited for him, beginning to warm up from the inside out.
Writing Club
Assorted Appreciation 12
Adults Only- 1. (Scenario) A new sexual relationship
Showtime- 13. Shine A Light: (word) whine
Amber's Attic 5. Nightwing: write about someone acting as a mentor to someone younger.
Liza's Loves 4- Planet: Sun- write about someone who likes to be warm
Lo's Lowdown: dialogue 6
Bex's Basement 4
- film festival- 19 dialogue: take your clothes off all of them, 24 (object)record player
HSWW Assignment #1
Astronomy: Moon Phases, task 3
WC: 3272
A/N: Probably stretching the Nightwing mentor prompt, but I'm going with it.