Daphne felt slightly dazed as she allowed Zacharias to lead her out to the balcony, thankful to be away from Micheal and Cho. She had never known a feeling so strong as the embarrassment mixed with envy and hurt she felt the moment she saw Cho kiss Micheal. She was thankful Zacharias must have some compassion in his handsome body to see that she was uncomfortable. She found herself more drawn to this man by the minute and she had only known him a few moments.
The night air was dark and chilly, but refreshing. The cool air engulfed her body, relaxing her, and easing the tension from her body. Daphne had always been one to love the night air, and the night life. She loved the atmostphere and slight mystery the night when it came. The darkness could hide any imperfection that would be so visable during the day.
Zacharias didn't remove his arm from hers even when they reached the balcony. Normally she hated contact with most other people, because she was a loner by nature and Slytherins, whom she mostly associated with, weren't the most comforting people to begin with. She wasn't used to concern unless it was from Ginny Malfoy. Draco had soften since marrying Ginny, but his Slytherin ways never truly faded completely. Zacharias touch didn't make her comfortable and she found that almost scary.
The comfortable silence was broken by Zacharias. "Daphne, are you okay?" His voice was filled with real concern. She didn't hate the concern, because it wasn't pity or even sympathy, but simple concern. Concern for her.
His handsome face didn't smile, but it was endearing all the same.
"I'm fine," she said, trying to hold on to what dignity she had left with this man. She hated loosing face in front of anyone, even someone she had just met.
She pulled her arm just slightly, and he got the idea and let go of her arm. Suddenly, the silence was uncomfortable and Daphne fidgeted. She wandered over to the railing and stared out to look on the Malfoy property bathed in the night light. The normally pretty landscape looked utterly gourgeous at night.
"So," he asked quietly, "why did you react that way to Micheal?"
She didn't look at him, but kept her stare outward without truly seeing. "I just broke up with him." Even she knew that truth was her best shot, and would save her the most dignity. You still have your dignity if you have nothing to hide, nothing to be ashamed of.
"Why?" he questioned without sounding too interested. Daphne wasn't fooled, she knew if he was askng the questions he must want the answers.
Daphne decided to indulge him. "I found out he was cheating on me. I'm assuming, now, it was with Cho," she added.
"Why would he do that?" Zacharias asked in a gentle, truthful voice.
She felt his warm hand touch her bare shoulder softly. Slowly, with great reluctance, she turned to face him. His handsome face was illuminated perfectly in the night light. His dark eyes showed true concern and interest, but not pity or sympathy. She liked this man more the more she saw of him. He had a caring heart, but his eyes showed cute flirtation.
"Why would he do what?" she asked softly, barely looking in his face so he didn't see her slight lost of composure.
"Why would he cheat on you? With Cho, with anyone?"
She found herself smiling geniunely inspite of herself. "Why would your ask that?"
"Because you are beautiful. And alluring," he stated plainly.
Daphne felt her heart pounding in her chest. His eyes were flirtation, but his words were sweet. She never knew a guy could be so complex. She, also, didn't know a guy could make her feel so complex.
She found herself laughing softly to herself. "Right," she said with bitter sarcasm. "Underneath," she added.
He laughed. His laugh was sexy and strong. She loved his laugh. She had never loved a man's laugh before. But she wasn't sure what he was laughing at.
"What are you laughing at?" she asked irritably, turning away from him and back to look over the landscape.
His hand closed around her forearm gently. Her eyes narrowed, but she refused to turn.
His laughter continued. "Queenie, I'm laughing because you don't see it."
"See what?" she asked, only woundering briefly about why he had called her Queenie.
"Just how beautiful you really are," he said, pulling her gently to face him.
When she saw his handsome face, his perfectly handsome face, she also saw the truth of his words in his eyes.
"I think he might think I'm a little high maintance," she said without thinking, because she was so lost in the truth of his words in his eyes.
He laughed again. His laughter still sexy and full of life. "You are, Queenie. I already know you are."