Rabastan watches, smirking as his rook destroys Andromeda's king. "Checkmate," he says proudly, clapping his hands together. "I do believe you owe me a date now."
Andromeda rolls her eyes. "I didn't agree to your terms," she points out.
Rabastan shrugs. It's true enough. She had simply waved his words away. But, to be fair, she didn't reject his terms either. "Only because you didn't think I'd win," he says. "What's the point in agreeing when you're so sure you're going to kick my ass?"
Andromeda leans back in her chair. With a wave of her wand, she repairs the pieces. Rabastan expects her to request a rematch, but she simply climbs to her feet. "I didn't agree. You won. That's all."
Rabastan sighs, standing. "One date, Andi. I won't even make you pay, even if you're the loser."
"Are you my punishment for losing?" she teases, prodding her finger gently in his chest.
"One date," he repeats. "All I'm asking."
She goes quiet at that, her lips pursing. Rabastan tries not to laugh. She's actually considering it. Really, it's a miracle. "You promise you'll shut up if I agree?"
"A date with no talking? Sounds pretty boring, if you ask me."
"Not on the date. I'll humor you just once. Once. And you'll quit pursuing me."
Rabastan considers. It's the most progress he's made in three years. For one brief moment, he will be able to be more than just the friend who loves her. He will be the boy with a chance. "Deal. Unless, of course, you realize how wonderful I am and decide to see me again."
With a laugh, she pats his cheek. "Keep dreaming, Rabastan."
"Oh. I do dream," he assures her. "Of you. What are the odds I can get you to wear something silk and skimpy?"
Groaning, she walks away. Rabastan smiles to himself. The fact that she didn't slap him is proof enough that he's made progress.
…
"Where are we going?" she hisses. "We shouldn't be out of bed!"
Rabastan smirks. "You owe me a date," he reminds her.
Andromeda groans but doesn't protest. "Yeah. So? I figured you'd just take me out for butterbeer on the next Hogsmeade weekend."
"Boring. It's my one chance. I have to make it count."
He did consider Hogsmeade. After all, he and Andromeda have sat by the fire and sipped butterbeer as friends more times than he can count. But he has to do something amazing. If he wants Andromeda to realize how serious he is, he has to prove himself.
He's shaking from nerves by the time they reach the Astronomy Tower. This was a good choice, he decides. Andromeda looks absolutely stunning bathed in starlight. "Well," he says, moving to the spot where he'd hidden his supplies during the day, "here we are."
He wishes his hands didn't tremble so badly. He wants to be cool and calm for Andromeda. "I have wine, cheese, and strawberries," he continues, retrieving the basket and sitting on the ground.
"Where did you get wine?" Andromeda asks, brows raised.
With a laugh, Rabastan presses his finger to his lips, offering her a wink. "I can't give all my secrets away, Andi," he teases before turning his attention to the glasses and pouring generous servings of wine. "To us, and the beautiful relationship that we can have."
"I told you it was just one date."
"You did. And I made it count. Who else loves you enough to go out of their way to give you such a memorable evening?" he asks, setting the wine in front of her and nibbling a slice of cheese. "I could have just taken you out for butterbeer and called it a date. But you're special to me, and I wanted to give you something special."
Rabastan swallows dryly. He didn't mean to be so open. Andromeda must think that he's a fool for opening his heart like that.
By some miracle, however, she smiles before sipping her wine. "Special?" she echoes.
"To me, you're the most special person I've ever known. Why do you think I'm still trying to impress you?"
"Pure stubbornness," she suggests.
Rabastan snorts. "Yeah. There's that. But mostly because I care about you more than I should."
Andromeda turns away, but Rabastan catches her lips turning into a smile. "Even though I never showed any interest in you?"
Rabastan sighs. "I know. I must seem like an idiot."
"Yeah. Girls don't usually like blokes pursuing them like that."
"What made you change your mind?"
Andromeda returns her attention to him. Rabastan studies her, his heart fluttering. It amazes him how lovely she looks, how he never seems to tire of her beauty. "I figured I could humor you," she tells him. "One date wouldn't hurt."
"What about a second?" He hates how hopeful he sounds. Rodolphus would laugh at him for allowing himself to seem so vulnerable.
"Let's finish our first, then we can discuss that."
…
They return to the common room much later. Rabastan stands awkwardly, wanting to press the subject of another date, but afraid of being too much at once.
Andromeda breaks the tension. She leans in, pressing a quick kiss to his lips and pulling away, smiling. "Butterbeer would make a nice second date," she says.
Rabastan grins, nodding. "I'll keep that in mind. This weekend?"
"It's a date," she laughs.
