Chapter 12

"Sorry, this isn't top-notch quality, but I mean, it'll do for tonight, won't it?" Edward asked Marie, a nervous smile on his face as they approached a quaint, little restaurant on the corner of the street.

"Oh, no, this is fine. I don't need anything fantasia," Marie assured him, caught off guard as he grabbed her hand and led her inside.

"Cena per due?" The lady at the front of the restaurant questioned.

"Sì." Marie answered quickly, and as she led them to a table on the back patio, Edward gave her a look, but she giggled, "She said 'dinner for two', Edward." He smiled, and pulled the seat out for Marie. She thanked him, and they ordered drinks.

"Alcohol, huh?" Edward smirked, a bit surprised at her sudden indulgence in some wine.

"It's been a rough day, rough week, rough month…it all blends together after a while."

"Tell me about it," Edward muttered, rolling his eyes. Marie looked around the restaurants, and noticed napkins folded into birds fluttering around the rooms.

"I've never been here before, it's certain very lively," Marie smiled, just sitting in awe of all the magic. She considered what her life would be like if she was a Muggle, and then shook her head. She wouldn't want her life any other way. Brooms were constantly sweeping, chairs were folding themselves up, and dirty dishes were floating into the backroom.

"I assume it's close to closing time," Edward noted, noticing how the candles at some tables were blowing themselves out. The waitress came back, with a bottle of wine and two glasses following close behind her.

"Grazie," Marie said, nodding at the woman as the wine poured itself into the two glasses.

"Order food yet?" The waitress asked, setting her notepad and quill on the table, Edward noticing it was a Quick-Quotes quill.

"I'll get the lobster ravioli with parmesan cheese on top," Edward informed her, flashing her a stunning smile.

"Carbonara, per favore." Marie followed up, watching the curious quill zip up and down the notepad. The waitress nodded, and her notes followed closely behind.

"So, this hippogriff problem…it's really something," Edward muttered, twisting a breadstick around in his hands before finally taking a small bite.

Marie nodded, and began to ramble, "It's truly awful. I mean, it's fantastic we have so much help, and that Signore Malfoy got the Act approved, but those are just legal achievements. We need more medical help, more research, more Potions majors coming to us to help brew something up! It's just so…frustrante!"

"You're telling me. I've seen more hippogriffs put down in the past day than anyone in history, and it's truly tragic that I'm almost desensitized to it. We need more people like you who truly care on this task force, Marie," Edward sighed, placing his hand on hers. She looked down at their hands for a second, before smiling and pulling away gently.

She continued, "I just wish there was a way to get more help, get more hands on the job, more minds to come up with a plan."

Edward thought for a moment, then offered, "How about I get an interview with The Daily Prophet and The Quibbler and tell them the situation? Maybe get them to put in at the end about needing more volunteers?"

"Dio mio, Edward! That would be amazing, I would appreciate it so much!"

"It's no big deal, if you ever need anything, just tell me." As soon as he finished his sentence, the plates of food came floating out, and set themselves neatly in front of the couple. They ate in silence for a few minutes, just enjoying the beautifully vivid dishes placed in front of them before Edward broke the silence with a question, "So, you and Malfoy, huh?" Marie raised an eyebrow as she wrapped a strand of spaghetti around her fork.

"Signore Malfoy e io? Us? There is nothing between us, Edward, I assure you. He's a bit too bitter for my taste," Marie explained with a slight sense of nervousness.

"He seems awfully interested to me," Edward noted, gingerly poking his food.

"In what way?" Marie asked, a bit too intrigued.

"Oh, I might just be seeing things. I just notice he's not as hostile towards you as he is to others," Edward murmured.

Marie shook her head, and laughed, "He's just being friendly because we're forced to work together. He's not my type."

"Then what is?" Edward questioned, perking up.

Marie bit her lip, and answered genuinely, "Oh, I'm not sure. Kind, caring, funny, smart…your typical traits."

"I would say I get a check for each one of those boxes," Edward smirked, giving her a wink. Marie giggled, and pulled out her wallet, but Edward signaled for her to stop, and took out his money.

Placing it on the table, she stood up and yawned, "It's late, we should get going." Marie sipped the rest of her drink, and even took a small sip from Edward's glass. The two exited the restaurant, Marie placing her hands out, catching falling snowflakes in her gloved palms. "My favorite kind of weather," She whispered under her breath, and she spun on her toes, letting out another giggle.

"My, Ms. Benedetti seems a bit bubbly! Have a bit too much to drink?" Edward chuckled, grabbing her hand to prevent her from falling.

"Maybe a glass too much," Marie admitted, before falling into his arms, letting out a snort.

"Well, let's get you home then, so you can get a good night's sleep." The two interlocked arms, and walked about four blocks away, Marie slipping every once in a while, but not completely incapacitated to where she couldn't function. When they reached her apartment building, Edward grinned, and slowly removed his arm, now facing her. "Well, we're here."

"Yes, we are."

"I guess this is where I leave you. Can you make it up the stairs?"

"I believe so."

"Well…goodnight Marie, I'll see you soon."

"Are you forgetting something?" Marie giggled uncontrollably, leaning into him, tilting her head up towards him.

Edward began to blush, and asked shyly, "What do you mean?"

"I'll show you," Marie insisted, and got on her toes to plant a kiss on her lips. It was quick, but worth it for Edward, who gave her a second kiss. Marie, tipsy and bubbly, let out another snort, letting him go and waving, "Buona notte, Edward!" She stumbled inside the apartment building, leaving Edward melting the snow around him from the blush that had spread across his face.

So, here's the chapter guys! I know it's short, but I plan to post a new chapter soon, so no worries. I would love to hear feedback on Edward and Marie (I'll call it Edrie hehe), or what you think or Marie and Draco (Marco haha). I just love hearing from you guys, it means so much. So follow, review, share, anything would be rather lovely. And as alwaysssss, stay AWESOME, Gotham!

-April