Title: good impressions
Prompt: Lavender and Lace
Word Count: 742
Rating: PG-13
Pairings (if any): See previous
Warnings (Non-Con/Dub-Con etc): Slight suggestive themes; OC-centric
Summary: The only thing that could've made this anymore awkward was if she was on this date alone.

Megan was told to stop fidgeting by her ink-haired friend, who grabbed her arm to still her when words weren't enough. "You look fine," Ebony said, not in reassurance so much as annoyance. "Trust me, remember?"

"It was a lot easier to trust you at home," muttered the brunette. "But this is the public."

"And the public loves you," was the no-nonsense reply, given flatly. "You just need to reciprocate." She dug an elbow into her friend's ribs, smiling widely. "Speaking of the possible reciprocation of love, there are our handsome dates, coming to escort us on our shopping trip. Good afternoon!" Waving and calling to them, she led the way as she weaved between passerby. She stood tall in her heels, cutting a beautiful figure with her lavender summer-style robes. The material stopped a few inches above her knees, revealing long, shapely legs to anyone who dared to look at them. Her excuse was that it never hurt to impress anyone.

And impress they did—Megan was very uncomfortable with the bluntness of Thaddeus' grin and the quiet weight of Loic's eyes. Her robes weren't as short as Ebony's, but they were just as daring; the low-dipping bodice was lined with lace designed to intrigue and entice, and nothing she said could prevent her friend from shoving her into it. Her only comfort was the fact that the rest of her skin was covered by a material as dark as a nocturnal stroll through Hogwarts' Forbidden Forest. She felt more at ease in dark colors.

"Ladies," the blond greeted, as lively and cheerful as last time, "you're both even lovelier than I remember!" While Ebony smirked at the praise, her friend was a bit shyer with her thanks. "Don't you agree, brother?"

"Quite." Green eyes stopped her heart as effectively as a Killing Curse. Smiling suddenly, Loic gestured about them as he inquired, "Where to first?"

Megan only had a moment to sigh in relief before they began their trek through Diagon Alley, a place she hadn't seen in years. Leaving Britain to stay with family in North America, she hadn't had much contact with her old schoolmates except for the occasional letter. This was a stroll through her childhood, and she glanced fondly into the apothecary before remembering she needed to restock her supplies. "I'll only be a minute," she promised the impatient woman, knowing she was keen on visiting Madam Malkin's.

Slipping inside, she was immediately hit by the awful smell of what could have been any number of things, dead or alive. She cast a Bubble-Head Charm before browsing the shelves, plucking ingredients with tongs and scrutinizing them for defect. Tight budgets weren't conducive to experimentation, but she managed well enough. Satisfied with her purchase, she exited the store to find them all laughing and smiling at something Thaddeus had said. They went on.

It was inevitable that they walk into the Quidditch shop, and the witches let their dates wander off towards the newest Firebolt model as they examined gloves and padding in various materials. The gloves were particularly tempting, being a smooth earthy brown and charmed to keep your grip steady on broom, bat or ball. Ebony opted to hold out for a more attractive pair.

Megan's hopes were dashed when they quickly passed both the stationary and book stores—Scribbulus Everchanging Inks and Flourish & Blott's—in order to facilitate her friend's desire for more robes. Trying not to show her displeasure, she couldn't hide her longing glances outside. The other woman rolled her eyes, but the wizards found it funny. Her face grew hot as Thaddeus suggested they showcase some of the outfits, but thankfully their undeclared leader decided against it.

"Maybe next time," Ebony said with a saucy wink.

It wasn't long after that when she mentioned her wish to turn around and stop at one of the quaint cafés. But a faint memory of curiously peeking through a store window made the brunette speak up.

"I'll meet you guys there. I want to pick up a few more things."

She was surprised when Loic offered to accompany her, although she belatedly remembered this was supposed to be a double-date. Smiling nervously at him, she quietly agreed and ignored the meaningful looks the other two were exchanging. This wasn't Hogwarts anymore; she needed to accept these unexpected situations like an adult.

Now, to hold a conversation with him…

Merlin, she needed lessons in socializing.

-Dragon