As they were following Bill's slow steps towards the bar he knew, Talbott was mentally slapping himself. Her and Bill have been chatting up a storm about basically nothing. How one could talk about the various types of beers around the world for one hour straight was beyond him. Yet there they were, walking, still talking, her hand slipped into his more than likely to ensure he would not make a run for it, yet her attention was on his friend.
Both of them travelled to various places and it showed, they had a lot in common from the looks of it. Him on the other hand was quiet, offering just a small smile or quick remark if Talia looked his way or they requested his opinion on the matter. Talbott's thoughts whirled inside his head, his eyes focused on the polka dotted dress he gifted her ever since they were in the training camp.
She made some adjustments to it, adding a sort of small turtle neck, enough to hide her scar, however the material had to be taken from somewhere, the back to be more exact, which was now bare for his viewing pleasure. And he was certain she knew how good she looked since she braided her hair and put it in a lose bun, exposing every bit of flesh available. And those lips of hers that were painted in a radiant red, the only makeup she wore that night, made him want to just steal her away for himself and make out until every bit of product was smudged.
Looking down at his shirt, he undid a button, cursing under his breath. It was too hot for his liking, the heat emanating from the pavement underneath their feet. All he wished for was to arrive faster and get his hands on a cold drink. That or just simply return and jump in the shower. The streets were over crowded, flowing with chatty people looking for a good time out, everything adding to the pressure, air as if sticking to him like a second skin.
"We're here." Bill exclaimed arms raised in a theatrical manner towards the sign. Talia smiled, the fairy lights hung in the small alley reflecting in her eyes, her tugging gently on Talbott's hand as they entered.
"Unbelievable." Talbott frowned as he sat down at the reserved table, running a hand over his forehead "How can it be hotter in here?" placing a hand on his forearm, Talia offered a small smile "How are you not hot with a turtleneck?" it was clear he was at wits end and the night had not even started.
She fanned her face smirking "Oh no, I am hot, just in a different sense." Winking at him she got up to grab a few drinks, Talbott shaking his head trying to refrain from smiling. She was not having any of his attitude, or at least she was not letting him affect her good mood.
Focusing back at his friend, Bill waved over at someone, both surprised with who accepted the invitation.
Chiara took an available seat, eyes taking in the bar before offering her opinion on it "Looks cosy, hope I'm not late." Of course she was not, she was just being polite, however Talbott did notice how her eyes scanned everyone present in the room. He had done the same and from the looks of it so was Talia, as she casually leaned against the bar. Their eyes locked from across the room, the corners of her lips shaping in a sweet smile, hand lifting soon in order to wave over at Chiara who returned the salute.
The entrance door once again opened, this time bringing with it more hot air. Turning to assess the situation, Talbott's eyes widened as Penny and Andre walked in. Penny immediately darted to the table, throwing her arms around her former colleagues, wide sincere smile lighting up her face "I'm so happy to see you guys. Didn't know you were in London. Disappointed you didn't write." She poked Talbott's shoulder especially, since he tended to keep to himself more.
Bill also rose from his seat offering his friends a wide smile "I'll go get us started on a round of beer while you all catch up." Before Talbott had time to protest, Penny sat down to his right, Andre flanking him on the left, boxing him in entirely, causing him to feel even more hot due to the close proximity of their bodies.
Lifting a pair of pleading eyes at Talia, she giggled delighted, turning to continue speaking with Bill, Talbott rolling his eyes as he crossed his hands over his chest, ignoring entirely the discussion Penny and Chiara were engaged in. That of course until something caught his attention "Didn't know Bill had a girlfriend."
Girlfriend?
Ignoring the beer placed in front of him by the waiter, he glanced over at the pair in question, his temperature skyrocketing. Chiara tried to get a word in, however Andre leaned over the table to assess Talia better, nodding his head in agreement "Nice style, they look good together. Right mate?" he elbowed Talbott who felt like hiding under the table at that very moment "What's wrong with you, you haven't said a word since we got here."
For him the scene playing in front of their eyes at the bar was a normal one, he had seen them engage in discussions, far easier than he could ever. But if Bill and Talia looked like a couple for those who did not know them, then how did people perceive him and her? The same? Not at all?
Turning a glare he spoke slowly towards Andre "She's not his girlfriend." His mate had to do a double take, Talbott taking a sip from the cold beer in hopes of extinguishing the burning anger bubbling in his gut, fingers running alongside the cool surface of the glass, ignoring Penny's dramatic gasp of disbelief upon hearing his words.
She rested her chin on top of her hand, a mischievous smirk shaping her lips "Maybe not, but I'm willing to bet money that by the end of the night, they will be something."
Chiara cleared her throat to speak, however Talbott shook his head stopping her. Her eyes widened, also glancing over at the bar, arms now resting on the table "Wait what? Really?" she was confused, not understanding what was happening and with good reasons. He was being cryptic, far more than usual.
Groaning, Talbott got up without a word, his direction set on the pair before him. Once he reached them, his hand slipped around Talia's waist, her turning a radiant smile his way. Whispering something in her ear, she nodded following him to the table "Everything alright, you look tense?"
"Nothing to worry about." He hastily replied since they were closing in on their table. Resting his hand on the small of her back, he took a deep breath in calming his nerves before speaking again "Talia, you have met Chiara. These two are also former school mates, Penny and Andre." Clearing his throat, he continued "Guys, meet Talia." The pair kept looking at how he held her, catching on eventually, Talbott also laying the information on the table "MY girlfriend."
Penny was the first to pick her jaw off the floor, Chiara resting her head on her arms in order to laugh it off. Andre was not as quick to respond, not even after Talia shook Penny's hand and held out her hand for him to take. He continued to stare between the pair, to Bill who also arrived back at the table, back to Talbott who was now glaring daggers "Problem mate?"
Swallowing hard, he got up, chair squeaking on the worn out floor as he grabbed Talia's hand in a much too vigorous shake "So sorry, I didn't know. Merlin's beard I thought you were dating Bill." Removing her hand slowly, Talia turned to look at Bill, both throwing their heads back, laughter echoing inside the bar, however Talbott was not sharing their high spirits as he just plopped on a chair. Even if the misunderstanding tickled their funny bone, he was not having any of it.
As they settled down, Talia purposely sat on his lap, hand reaching out for her glass. Turning, she whispered softly in his ear "Were you not being nice to your friends because you're jealous?"
Cocking a brow, that steal gaze took her in "What makes you think that?" he was not one to display affection in public, mainly due to the reason that he was not used to it in the slightest, however his fingers still ran across her skin in an absentminded gesture, eyes taking her in and that mischievous glint spread across her face, enjoying the attention she showered him with.
Taking a sip from her drink, she leaned back against his ear hot breath making him shiver "I tend to notice certain things, especially when it comes to you. Now go and catch up with your friends before those eyes of yours give me more ideas." Getting up from his lap, her fingers undid another button on his shirt, finger tips barely grazing his chest.
Penny sat across the table, wiggling her brows at him, making Talbott feel more uncomfortable under the insistent gaze "What?"
She caught from the corner of her eyes Talia sitting between Chiara and Bill, so she leaned in closer "Don't what me mister, you haven't wrote to me and now you come here with a girl on your arm. I want details."
Rolling his eyes, Talbott finally decided a bit of interaction would not hurt, especially since Penny would never let him live it down "A lot has happened actually, there was no way I could have interacted with anyone." Penny's smile dropped in an instant, hand reaching across the table to touch his arm. Of course she read in the papers about the Auror camp and Jasper. Even if the recruits did not have their names published it was not hard for her to put two and two together, especially knowing that he wanted to become an Auror ever since he was a Hogwarts student.
"I'm so sorry, I understand it was dreadful. So you met there?" a single nod was all the affirmation she needed, eyes traveling to Talia who was dismissing the possibility of letting Andre design a dress for her. Penny removed her hand, instead taking a sip from her beer, frowning as if she swallowed something truly bitter "I don't know what more to say Talbott."
"There's no need, it's over and we both survived." Despite the hot air sticking to his skin, he suddenly felt a chill travelling up his spine as certain memories surfaced. Glancing over at Talia, he allowed the tension in his muscles to fade, her swiftly catching his eyes for a moment before she engaged back in the conversation, congratulating Chiara for managing to get the job she wanted at the hospital "What have you been up to?"
"Well" Penny ran her fingers through a few strands of hair framing her face "I am actually a Potions Master and I opened a small shop near Andre. I also make perfume on the sides so it works perfectly, people go and buy clothes from him and perfume or potions from me." Talbott could tell she was proud of her accomplishment, potion making had always been her forte and it appeared to be her future as well.
Conversations were cut short as bright pink hair came in view, Tonks smiling wide "Wotcher! Didn't expect so many tonight." Placing herself between Andre and Penny after hugging everyone, she turned to Talia "Amy got out of the hospital today."
A clear shift in her demeanour manifested as she leaned in slightly, nails slowly tapping on the surface of the wooden table "Is she considering applying for an Auror job?" Tonks sulked in her chair, stealing a random beer off the table, however no protests followed when she drank from the glass.
"She said that even a curse breaker job would be too much now. She wants to work in an office, surrounded by bloody stacks of papers." For Talia it was clear Amy would have faltered somewhere down the line, she was too bubbly and happy, an Auror job was not a good fit yet the pressure of her family was greater. Tonks however was missing her friend and partner, despite what happened at the camp.
Talia extended her hand, but refrained from touching her "It's alright, it's not for everyone. Come, let's drink a shot." As they left the table, silence followed as the new comers looked confused more than anything.
Andre was the first one to speak, directing his question at Talbott "Mate what actually happened there?" yet he refused to answer, hands forming to fists on top of the table. It was nor the time or the placed to hold such a discussion.
Bill picked up on it quickly as he usually did, directing the attention of the table to him "Come on guys, this is not why we came here, we can have a gloomy chat on another day. They've been through a lot, we're here to have fun, not twist the knife in the wound."
Of course they all looked at Talbott, who felt like shrinking under the weight of their stares. Thankfully for him, fate appeared to be on his side, lights dimming as the volume to the music increased, calling out for early dancers to the middle of the dance floor.
One by one, everyone eventually left the table to join Talia and Tonks who looked determined to make the best of that night. Turning in his chair, Talbott leaned against the back rest, eyes taking in the display a few feet away from him.
His attention was on her, swaying to the music, dress following and hugging her curves with each step taken, yet his mind was set on darker matters. He knew well enough the dagger that was brought by Jasper's men from Knockturn alley and was used on Talia was now sitting in the Curse Breaker department, however not even Bill managed to dig up information on what it actually was.
One thing was certain however, it was meant for Talia. He did not care if the Auror training camp was a hoax or not, Jasper had a plan in mind when he allowed the last three members to join so late. It was odd then, yet now it was clear. However something did not rest well inside Talbott's mind. Despite what Jasper did, he warned her, told her to back out if she could not take the pressure. He was inconsistent at times, as if in a twisted sense he cared about her.
Feeling sick to his stomach at the simple thought, Talbott turned around, gulping down the remaining beer in his glass, trying to push back the toxic ideas roaming free inside his mind. She came with Yosef and Karol, all wearing what appeared to be typical Durmstrang fashion, yet she was older than everyone by one year. What had she been doing prior to returning to England?
A new pint of beer was placed on the table, Talia slipping near Talbott on an available chair. One look was enough to cause her brows to draw together, concern swimming in her bright eyes "What's wrong? Are you that opposed to this place?"
Shaking his head caused her to still entirely as she waited for him to speak up "I just can't put two and two together on something." Turning to look at her, he also analysed "What have you been doing prior to returning to England?" he noticed a brow lifting, however nothing else betrayed how and what she was feeling "There's a one year gap I cannot place in time. You came with the two Durmstrang graduates, so where were you? You mentioned you actually took the Hogwarts exams yet…"
She raised a hand stopping him, shaking her head, lips pursing "Alright, let me also get a pint and we'll step outside for a bit." Pushing the one she brought him in front of her, Talbott lifted his brows urging her to step outside.
As they sat on the small terrace in front of the pub, Talia surveyed the area, nose wrinkling slightly at the sight of so many people passing by and enjoying their time at other pubs, however she turned her full attention to Talbott "You want all the details or just major events?"
"Are those details relevant in any way?" he asked as he shifted in the small metallic chair. She clearly did not enjoy the sudden turn of events, however she was willing to still sit through it and provide him all the answers he needed or deemed necessary in order to silence his thoughts.
"Depends, if you want to know how I killed some lonely nights and all that sure, I guess they are relevant for you." She did not take her eyes off him, not even when he contemplated the answer, hand reaching to rub the back of his neck.
Leaning in slightly, he whispered "You mean" he swallowed not being able to finish the sentence, Talia holding back on any reaction she wanted to portray, instead opting for the blunt version.
"Who I slept with Talbott, who I partied with, what I drank." She placed the pint to her lips, lipstick sticking to the rim of the glass, yet her eyes were brutal. He froze on the spot, blood running cold with the new information. As she set the pint down with a soft clank, he picked it up, taking a swing before deciding.
"No, I don't want to know that."
All she did was nod her head once before starting her story "I told you that I was allowed to take the exams, all in one day. I was in and out basically while I waited for my results. With the news that I graduated from" she scanned the area once more, Talbott urging her to continue "I also learned that there were no positions offered. So I made a deal with" another pause as she chose her words "the headmaster to remain where I was until further notice. That's when I received news about the training camp opening. I submitted my file at the very beginning, but only got accepted when you saw me arrive."
"So how did you fill your time?"
The answer came as simple and clear as day, she continued to train, learn more on how to fight, how to defend herself better "You can imagine my surprise when I was face to face with Yosef and Karol." She frowned as the last name spilled from her lips, but refused to dwell on it more "So, does it bother you that I slept with someone else before?"
If he had been taking a swing of beer at that very moment he would have surely chocked or spilled some of it. Her however was as calm as ever, the subject being obviously not one she had a problem talking about "What do you want me to say Talia?"
"I want you to give me an honest answer."
Of course she did, Talbott thought, and it was clear she was not willing to wait and let him gather his thoughts as per usual "Can't say I didn't figure it out in a sense." He was fidgeting, hands rubbing together in an attempt to calm his nerves "If you're asking me if I wanted to be your first, then yes I would have liked that, but I'm not bothered." She cocked a brow "I'm not, it's your body, your right."
"No, not that, go back on what you said." His eyes widened at that devious smirk playing on her lips as he replayed his words in his head. He no longer felt the city heat, another one taking over, spreading across his face, to the tip on his ears. She tilted her head slightly, Talbott returning back to rubbing the back of his neck before he abruptly stopped realising it was giving him away even more.
Averting his gaze he finally found his words "So what if I said that?"
Resting her chin on top on her hand, she tried to refrain from smiling "You're getting defensive and there's no need. I made some decisions in my life with a strategic purpose or in an attempt to feel less lonely, that's on me." Slowly he looked back at her and her calm demeanour as she reached out for a napkin, slowly dragging it along her lips to remove the lipstick "The simple fact that you even considered me that way ignites something in me." Folding the napkin to a clean side, she moved onto her upper lip "And if I am on the honest topic, it makes me nervous as well." Licking her lips, she disposed of the napkin in the astray placed on the table.
Talbott blinked a couple of time, not being able to believe his ears "Nervous, you?" question that caused her to slightly laugh.
"Of course." Getting up, she grabbed the pint and took his hand "You are enchanting after all." He allowed her to pull him on the dance floor, her body pressed against his as his hands held her while she whispered sweet words in his ear "How can I not be nervous when you take me in with those hungry eyes, inviting me in your arms, letting me touch your body?"
"People are watching." However his hand still caressed her exposed back.
"But they can't hear, so let them stare, who even cares about the world?" placing her hands against his chest, she could feel his heart beat above the trepidations provided by the music inside the pub "I only have eyes for you Talbott so remember this will you? You are the only one I have ever had feelings for, cared for, so in a sense you will actually be my first."
Pulling her flush against his chest, he buried his face in her hair "Hush that pretty mouth of yours before you make me lose all of my composure."
After all, the night proved to be a success, even with Tonks's bad karaoke routine accompanied by Andre. Even if they spilled a pint and made a mess on the table, trying to soak it up with napkins. Bill's idea payed off as sometimes a distraction is more than welcomed.