RP: Christmas Eve at the World's End

[tt_lisa]

Date: Dec 24th, 2001
Characters: Lisa Turpin, OPEN
Setting: World's End Pub
Content: TBD
Status: Public: Complete

Lisa was glad it was Christmas Eve, it seemed somehow so normal compared to every day life in the Settlements. She had decorated the pub a week earlier, magicked fairy lights covered every eve outside and she had made a sort of green garland to wrap around the polls inside, and taken her own ribbons to add red everywhere. It was still stinking hot in Settlement One, so she kept the outdoor patio open but added charmed fireplaces (with fake, cold flames) for atmosphere. She added brightly colored baubles that she'd brought over with her from the pub in London on every possible limb and long blade of grass throughout the land the pub sat on.

Her parents - Kenneth & Marie - had come by for lunch and they had exchanged small trinkets of party hats and snappers. They would gather to properly exchange gifts in the morning, before the had to be back here to open the Pub for anyone who didn't feel like cooking a Christmas dinner.

Humming to herself, she put the finishing touches on the tinsel she was spreading even more of around and headed to the kitchen to pick some wines and stir the stew.

A merry Christmas Eve indeed!

Comments

[tt_alicia]

How anybody could get into any sort of Christmas spirit in this place, was way beyond Alicia's realm of understanding. She had tried, oh, had she tried, but even though she had enjoyed Sam's continuous effort of flooding their houses with Christmas music, it just hadn't worked. Despite his hard work, Alicia wasn't convinced that he wasn't faking it; their agreement to decorate their houses today had ended with them looking at the boxes of Christmas ornaments for a good long while, before they had relocated to their shared deck and had spent the afternoon drinking Virgin Mojitos in the shade. Next year, they agreed, when the memory of their mum wasn't as fresh as it was at this point.

As the afternoon had passed, however, they got to talking about all the Christmas delicacies they'd be missing, although neither of them could be bothered to start cooking in this heat. All it had taken was a single glance and a nod of agreement, before they each had disappeared into their own house, dressing up and getting ready to go out for dinner. Just before she slipped into the shower, she sent Viktor a message, inviting him to join them if he felt like it, though she didn't wait for his reply. As much as she wanted to – and did – spend all the time she possibly could with him, they could also spend time apart, though the times that happened without any sort of communication between them, were very few and far between.

Fresh from the shower, she dried her hair, moisturized and carefully tamed her hair into soft curls, before she applied a light make up, and put on the little, black dress and red pumps she hadn't figured she would ever wear here. There. At least she was beginning to feel festive, although it wasn't Christmas'y festive per se.

Meeting up with Sam again on the deck, he glanced at her high heels and shook his head with a glance that clearly indicated how impractical he found her shoes, though all it took from Alicia was a quirked eyebrow at his polished, shining dress shoes and his impeccably white shirt under his suit jacket to make him shrug and accept that no, tonight they weren't practical. At all. Once he had grabbed his guitar case – claiming that "You never know, right?" – they apparated to The World's End.

Even before they reached the door, Alicia felt as if Christmas was slamming into her, face first, and it had her smile broaden just a touch as her shoulders relaxed down. Closing her eyes, she breathed deeply, inhaling all the right smells, all the smells she had missed this morning when she had woken up to find her house every bit the same as it had been the other mornings she had awoken there. Yeah, this was Christmas. Taking the gesture from the girl behind the bar, they took their seats at one of the larger tables, and just as she was about to comment on how nice all of this was, Sam excused himself to go talk to one of the blokes he had started playing with here.

Just as well, Alicia figured, hoping that it would possibly lead to them playing for the guests, as she set about studying the menu, though she already had a clear idea of what she wanted.

[tt_lisa]

Lisa waved to the young duo as they came in and recognized Alicia from her days as a Hogwarts quidditch fan. When the bloke left to use the restroom, Lisa made her way over to the blonde in the killer outfit and smiled. "Get you a drink?"

She looked around and smiled back at the girl as she waited for the order, admiring her work and grateful that people didn't seem to think her totally mad for going all out with the pine scented fireplace, all the fairy lights, and the fake enchanted snow coming down in the hallway to the back rooms.

[tt_alicia]

"Ooh, yes please," Alicia beamed up at the girl who had appeared by the table. She looked familiar. She knew who she was. The name was rrrrrright on the tip of her tongue, if only she could... "Lisa!" she burst out. "You're Lisa, right?"

Then she glanced back to the menu, then up to the boards above the bar, finding herself at a complete loss as for what she wanted. "Uhm, something Christmasy without alcohol, please, and Sam'll have... uh..." again she looked down. "He'll have... oh, bah, I don't know what he'll have or even if he'll be back, so probably better wait until he gets back."

[tt_lisa]

"I know just the thing," Lisa answered, nodding at the other girls' recognition. "How about some cinnamon egg nog? I'll skip the brandy," and she winked.

Looking per at where the other bloke had headed off too, "he's in here a bit, I'll bring him over a butter beer for now," and she turned to go, "wait, he's not leaving you to eat alone on Christmas Eve? Is he?" Her hand hit her hip and she stood, stubborn and confused.

[tt_alicia]

"Egg nog?" Alicia glanced up at the witch, considering that suggestion, then shrugged. "Sure, it's been years since I've had egg nog." As long as there was no alcohol in it, she was willing to try just about anything tonight. Though her festive mood had awoken with her arrival at the pub, she couldn't complete ignore the wrenching longing for her mum, though as long as she could keep a clear head, she could contain her emotions and figured she could get through the evening without incidents and even enjoy herself in the process.

Lisa's stubborn stance had her chuckling as she shook her head. "No, I doubt he'll leave me to eat alone; I'm fairly certain he's hungry as well. I think he's just getting some of his friends convinced to go get their instruments, and if I'm right, he'll be up asking you for permission to play a few numbers within the next half hour or so." Movement behind Lisa drew her attention for a moment, and the instance she laid eyes on Viktor's familiar frame, she could have sworn that whatever weight had been on her shoulders vanished in an instant. With Viktor here, she could get through anything.

[tt_cecilia]

"You're really sure that's what you want to do tonight?" Cecilia questioned Jamie who was looking up at her with pleading eyes.

"Yes, madam," he answered solemnly, making Cecilia quirk an eyebrow at her nephew's intentions behind his request.

"Because..?" she encouraged, wanting a better reason than 'I'd rather have fish 'n' chips tonight'.

"Because all my friends are going," he claimed firmly.

"All of them?" she snorted, "I highly doubt that, seeing as how half of them doesn't even celebrate Christmas."

"Well, some of them," Jamie amended, and Cecilia noticed that slight blush that crept into his cheeks.

"Some of them?" she smirked. "Like the Petersen's?" It was only a couple of days ago that she had picked up Jamie's datapad by mistake and hadn't noticed until she had come upon an exchange between Jamie and his friend about Amanda Petersen, the neighbours' daughter.

Jamie's cheeks blushed brightly red, before he gave in and nodded.

"Alright, then," Cecilia agreed, "we'll save the food for later. Suit up, kiddo, we're going out for dinner."

About an hour later, they arrived at the nicely decorated pub, where Cecilia found them a place at one of the tables outside.

[tt_lisa]

Lisa did her usual round of the front deck and noticed a new face. Heading over she smiled, "Merry Christmas! What can I get the fine little air and his date?" He grinned and winked at te boy, data pad at the ready to take their orders.

[tt_cecilia]

"Merry Christmas," Cecilia greeted the witch – Lisa, if she remembered the announcements correctly – with a smile, though she quickly had to bite her lips when she saw the look on Jamie's face. The boy was positively beet red and looked ready to slide from his chair and under the table.

"She'snotmydateshe'smyaunt," he muttered, barely intelligible, as his eyes darted to each and every single table around them, to see if anybody had heard them.

Cecilia looked away for a moment, until she knew she could chance a look at Jamie without outright laughing at him. "I think this fine gentleman will have an orange soda, am I right?" Jamie nodded, and Cecilia sent him an encouraging smile, before she looked up at their server. "And I'd like a glass of red, whichever one you have opened. Uh... Is it possible to get a plate with a bit of each of your Christmas specials, please?" she inquired. "I think we'd both like a little of each, but there's no way we could possibly eat full servings of each."

[tt_lisa]

"Oh, well, in that case, the girls must be impressed by a young man willing to take his aunt out on Christmas Eve. I know I am." Turning to his aunt she said, "orange soda I can do, and you're in luck - the bits and pieces of everything decision lies with the landlady, who I happen to be." She smiled at them both and went to get their orders, being sure to being an extra heap of the sweet pudding for them to share.

Bringing them l back to table Lisa asked, "will you be joined tonight?"

[tt_cecilia]

Cecilia watched Jamie carefully to see how he would react to the pretty witch's comment. To her surprise, she didn't see the further blushing she had expected, rather that he sat up a little straighter and even glanced up at their waitress. But he didn't say anything. When it was clear that he needed a few minutes to digest that piece of information, she looked up at the other witch, sending her a grateful smile. "That sounds lovely. Thank you."

When the landlady, as she had introduced herself, left them, Cecilia stretched out her leg and nudged Jamie's foot. "Eh," she said, smiling at him when he finally looked at her, "you're looking really cool tonight, J." That one earned her a smile that she could live on for a long time, and it took everything in her not to reach over and ruffle up his carefully styled mop of hair.

Thanking the landlady when she returned with their food and drinks, Cecilia shook her head. "No, not that I know of, but you're welcome to seat people here if you run out of seats."

Jamie, on the other hand, seemed to have regained his footing and was now looking questioningly up at the brunette witch. "D'you really think it'd impress..." he stopped himself and cleared his throat, doing everything he could to keep his cool. "You think?"

[tt_viktor]

The Bulgarian area of the settlement was bedecked in fae lights and the scent of food had filled the air today after the forty-day Advent fast that they had all taken part in. Tonight, the men and boys had levitated the dinner tables out onto the pathway to create several circles of them while the women and girls had brought out the vegetarian meal of grains, vegetables, fruits, and nuts.

Walnuts were piled high in bowls at the center of each table, to be cracked in order to predict success or failure for the coming year. Each Bulgarian family had planted several walnut trees upon arriving in anticipation of having more next year. The festivities had started well before dusk, with loud music, singing and talking as they worked together to set up while the grandmothers brought out the fresh loaves of bread, all who gathered making wild predictions of who would find the coin in each loaf.

Viktor had wanted to bring Alicia to the gathering but he knew she was shy of so many people and wanted to spare her discomfort. Next year, she would come with him, early in the day before it got so noisy. He got her message on the datapad while enjoying a beer with Ivanova, taking a moment to message her back that he would join her shortly, before bringing the conversation to a close. Ivanova nudged him with a grin as he took his leave of the gathering, leaving some food on his plate (to provide sustenance for the ghosts of ancestors who may come back to visit before Christmas morning).

Apparating to the path in front of the World's End, Viktor greeted several people warmly as he made his way inside, looking around for Alicia, setting his gaze on her as she spoke with a dark-haired woman. He crossed the room over to the table, drawing out the chair beside Alicia as he flashed a smile to both women, saying. "Čestita Koleda!" Viktor pressed a kiss to Alicia's cheek before taking the seat, grinning broadly.


Čestita Koleda = Merry Christmas

[tt_lisa]

"Merry Chrustmas to you, too, Mr Krum!" Lisa said with a smile, taking a guess at what her Bulgarian guest would have said. "I'm just headed to bring this lovely with an egg nog, what can I get for you?" She looked once more at the man Alicia had come with and wondered what his deal was, leaving Spinnet alone only to be joined by the famous quidditch star.

[tt_viktor]

His grin widened when the brunette witch greeted him warmly with festive cheer. Despite the warm weather and lack of snow, the Bulgarian contingency had thorough embraced the heart and soul of the Christmas season, though he suspected the English did not focus upon the Christ child as they did. Regardless, their friendly warmth made up for such things.

"You haff vodka, da? I vill haff dat," Viktor answered after a moment to think. He could not have egg nog as eggs and milk were still forbidden until tomorrow. "Und you haff nut? I vould much enjoy bowl of nut und fruit, dear vitch."

[tt_lisa]

After getting down their order, Lisa smiled and said, "Of course we have it, anything you like," and gave a little curtsey before scooting back inside to get their snacks and drinks. Upon returning to the table she set them down with another smile and another wish for a Merry Christmas, reminding them that she'd be in and out of the pub so if they needed anything right away just to get her attention and she'd be right around.

Lisa found her adrenaline pumping just a bit more than usual for the evening shift, excited that Viktor Krum himself was spending Christmas Eve at her very own pub, even if it was the only pub in the Settlement.

[tt_alicia]

"Chestita coléda," Alicia smiled at Viktor, tilting her head to welcome his kiss on her cheek, though only modesty kept her from turning her head to take the kiss she really wanted from him. Looking from Viktor to Lisa as he placed his order, she couldn't help but notice the look of admiration in Lisa's eyes. Of course, she couldn't blame her, and it wasn't even anything new for her to experience – after all, he was Viktor Krum, a world class Seeker, who very much deserved the adoration he got from his fans – but it still amused her. So, when Lisa turned around to get their orders, Alicia leaned in, putting her mouth by Viktor's ear, taking the opportunity breathe him. "I think you have a fa-an," she teased in a sing-song voice, then leaned back, though she did lace her fingers through his.

"You know, you really didn't have to come here tonight, Viktor," she said softly, unable to take her eyes off of him. "I'd hate for you to miss out on your own celebration, just because I'm in no mood for Christmas..." her voice trailed off and though she sighed deeply, her smile still warmed at him. "But I'm really happy you did. Very, very much so." She was just about to lean in and brush just a small, discreet kiss to his lips, when she saw Lisa returning with their drinks, and instead she chuckled and sent him a small wink.

She nodded to let Lisa know that they had understood, and then picked up her glass of egg nog, raising it to Viktor in a small toast. "Merry Christmas, Viktor, and thank you for coming." Keeping her eyes on his over the rim of the glass, she took a small sip... and got the feeling that she would never get her tongue unstuck from the roof of her mouth. "Holy H--," she breathed, "that's sweet," and quickly switched her egg nog for Sam's Butterbeer.

[tt_viktor]

The warmth of her breath on the shell of his ear made Viktor push back a growl of desire. She didn't know what that and the glimpse of her bare, slender leg was doing to him and they were in public, so naturally, he could not show her either. Viktor gave her hand a light squeeze, resting their joined hands on his thigh while maintaining a level of decency appropriate to their surroundings.

Viktor chuckled at her teasing, his dark gaze dropping to her soft lips as she spoke, listening but distracted until she leaned in and he purred against the soft kiss, wanting more but leaning back until the barmaid had arrived at their table again. He nodded to her and smiled, thanking her before returning his attention to Alicia. "My place is vith you, Alicia," he pointed out honestly. "I no miss anyding. Dey only drink now. Drink und sing."

Clinking his glass against hers, he smiled warmly. "No dank. You invite, I come, da?" Viktor arched an eyebrow at her sputtering, then frowned, until she described what was wrong, relieved that she was not discomforted greatly. "You no like sveet? Leave it. Ve get more butterbeer. Haff you dinner?" He released her hand on his thigh and stretched out his arm across her bare shoulders, letting his fingers gently caress her soft skin, shifting his chair to bring it closer to hers.

[tt_alicia]

My place is with you. It could be put as simple as that, and yet it still made Alicia's heart pound harder in her chest and the feelings she felt for this wonderful, considerate man grow even deeper. Viktor would be there, no matter what, even when she hadn't believed herself to actually need his presence – as opposed to preferring to not be without him. "Give it a few hours, at most, and that's they'll be doing here as well," she chuckled softly, "except for those who are planning on going to the midnight mass, though they might still be singing."

"Oh, no, no, I love sweet, I could live off sweet," she assured him, though she did take a quick sip of Butterbeer to wash down the insanely sweet drink, "but this is one of the few things I just find too sweet, and I conveniently forget how sweet it really is when it's been a couple of years since I've last had it. I'm sure Sam'll drink it. Besides, he doesn't know that the Butterbeer was originally meant for him." Taking advantage of Viktor's rearrangement of the way they sat, she leaned against him, wanting to make the most of the time they had alone before Sam returned. She hummed softly, closing her eyes as she rested her head on his shoulder, enjoying his gentle caress. "No, I haven't had dinner yet," she said, loath to break the small bit of intimacy they could share in a public place like this. "That's why we came here. We'd wanted to decorate the house and cook the whole Christmas dinner, but it just felt... off, so we've spent the day looking at pictures and remembering and then we decided to go here..." her voice trailed off, thinking back to all the things they had gone over this afternoon. Smirking slightly, appreciating the fact that they were sitting by a table, she let her hand caress over his thigh. She could feel his thigh muscles through his trousers and knowing how well defined it was, she valued the feel of it even more. "Next year," she said before she raised her head from his shoulder to look at him, "I'd like to celebrate Christmas with you. All of it. The nuts, the fruits, the drinking and singing, and the fast." Maybe that way she could regain some of the Christmas spirit she had lost or lacked this year by not being reminded of how nothing was as it used to be. "And, just so you know; Sam's here tonight."

[tt_viktor]

"Mass? Der is mass here? I vould enjoy dis," Viktor asked in pleasant surprise, glancing down at Alicia. He had always gone to the Christmas service with his parents but it hadn't occurred to him that they would do such a thing here though it made him very happy that they did. Like most Bulgarians, magical or otherwise, Viktor held a belief in the divine, though he was not vocal about it as some were.

"Ah, I see. Or ve order another butterbeer, da?" he chuckled warmly, understanding better now as Alicia snuggled against his side, clearly content with her soft humming that he loved. His arm tightened around her shoulder and he bent to press a chaste kiss to her hair. His teammates and friends had teased him greatly this night about his disinterest in other women at the gathering. Oh, Viktor had danced with his friend's sisters and mothers, as was proper but nothing about it was indecent or suggestive. He squeezed her shoulder lightly, nodding. Viktor knew that Alicia and Sam were alone here as he was although he now considered them both part of his family, he understood their sorrow. "Is good to remember. Ve can no move forward if ve forget past und dey who loff us," he declared firmly.

Smoothing her soft hair back from her face, Viktor smiled as she met his gaze. "Next year, ve share vhat you und Sam do in past und ve share vhat I do, da? Den ve make all part of our family," Viktor said with a soft glint in his eyes. Perhaps their family would be growing in the next year as well. He glanced over to where the egg nog drink now sat and grinned. "Is good. Night of family, dat I meet him." He paused and took another drink from his glass.

[tt_alicia]

Hearing that Viktor would enjoy going to the midnight mass came as a relieving surprise to Alicia. One that had her smile warmly up at him as she nodded. She didn't consider herself religious or even a believer – truth be told she didn't even know if she believed in any sort of deities – but she had always enjoyed church and the masses at holidays in particular. "Yeah, there's a Church of England minister in Three who's saying mass in the community building tonight. It's not a cathedral or even a church, but it's... mass, nonetheless." Midnight mass was the last chance for her to do any of the things she associated with Christmas, and Viktor wanting to go made her last resistance against distancing her from the Christmas she knew crumble. "We usually go on Christmas Eve, and I'd love to go with you tonight."

Viktor's chuckle rumbled in his chest, making Alicia chuckle too as she shook her head slowly. "He can order his own Butterbeer when he returns. Serves him right." Even here, in the middle of the slowly crowding pub, sitting cuddled under Viktor's arm felt almost like home. His declaration had her nod in partial agreement. "It is," she said, and sighed before she sat up again, "but we can't let the past keep us from moving forward either. It's just the first Christmas without Mum, which... you know what the first Christmas is like. Next year will be easier, when it's not so fresh." There were plenty of things to like about Viktor, but right now, the fact that he had been in her position, made her less inclined to want to hide her sorrow, which in turn made it easier to deal with.

"Forty days of Advent, and then Christmas morning next year," Alicia said softly, leaning into Viktor's touch, finding an immense reassurance in talking about the future with him. "It'll be a family Christmas." Leaning in, she pressed her lips against his in a lingering kiss, before she kissed his cheek and put her arms around his neck in a tight hug. "And speaking of family..." Over Viktor's shoulder, she spotted Sam looking towards and quickly she gestured for him to "get your bum back here," she mouthed at him, grinning brightly when he did as instructed.

"Viktor," she said as Sam arrived at their table, "I'd like you to meet my brother, Samuel Spinnet, well, Sam." She gestured to Sam, then looked up at him. "Sam, this is Viktor Krum, my... Viktor." She couldn't have been more thrilled, when Sam's face relaxed and split in a bright, warm smile as he held his hand out to Viktor. "About time," he chuckled, "it's good to meet you, Viktor."

[tt_viktor]

"Den ve vill go," Viktor assured her firmly, a lazy smile curling at the corner of his mouth. He didn't care if the service was out under the trees as long as it was a Christmas mass. It meant a great deal to him that he would not miss such a thing and an even greater deal that Alicia would be attending with him. He reached out and brushed her hair back from her forehead, enjoying the soft slide of it through his fingers. "Nyet, past vith us, but future vith us also. As ve are, da?"

He growled deeply in the back of his throat at her kiss, finding the edge of restraint so very there just then. It was shocking how quickly she could push through his stoic facade, even when he was fully in a responsible frame of mind. He growled again, lower, at her reference to family, the thought of her with child so enticing but he followed her gaze as she moved and saw a wizard approaching the table.

Naturally, Viktor stood at the introduction, taking the other man's hand in a firm grip to shake. "Sam. Da, da, too much time. I am muchly pleased to meet you. You prefer Sam, da?" he replied with a big smile. Viktor released the man's hand and gestured for him to sit. "Alicia say you play music tonight?"

[tt_alicia]

Alicia rolled her eyes at Sam's comment, knowing full well that the reason it had taken this long was because the fact that Sam was representing Alicia's entire family had scared him more than he had cared to admit, until Alicia had pushed for it to happen. But if this was the way he was going to play it, then she wasn't going to sell him out. He tried, though, she could see that; sweet, soft and far-from-formal Sam was straightening his back and meeting big, strong and firm Viktor's gaze straight on. This was going to be interesting, though she knew both men were capable of both mindsets: casual and formal.

Sam's quirked eyebrow at Alicia at Viktor's question had Alicia shrug and chuckle. "Well, you are, aren't you? That's why you took off, right?" Sam's lips quirked up in a crooked smile before he nodded and gestured for Viktor to please sit down again and sat down himself after placing his guitar case against the wall.

"Yes, Sam, please, Samuel's... only when I'm in trouble," he said and looked wonderingly down at the cup of egg nog in front of him, then back up to Viktor. "Yeah, I mean, what's Christmas without songs and music? Figured we'd get a bit of a sing-along going, and the pretty girl behind the bar gave us the go ahead whenever we're ready. But not until we've had dinner. Will you be joining us for dinner, Viktor?"

Alicia found herself rather surprised by the stream of words from Sam, though hid it behind a smirk, when his eyes fixed on her before he pointed to his cup. "Did I order egg nog?" he asked her, making Alicia shake her head. "Nope, but you're going to drink it, because I took your Butterbeer." Sam's deadpan look at her triggered a too bright and innocent smile from her. "And since you have such and in with Lisa, couldn't you get her down here?"

"So, Viktor," Sam continued once he had signaled that they'd like a server to stop by their table, "Alicia told me you're working at the Ark. That's a bit of change, isn't it?"

[tt_viktor]

He didn't miss the silent exchange between siblings but Viktor simply watched, appraising the other man without comment. It was clear they were related and enjoyed a good relationship, something Viktor could only dream of with the surrogacy of his teammates. He was pleased that Alicia had this bond, this solidarity, here - that she wasn't alone when he wasn't with her.

"Sam, den," Viktor agreed with a chuckle, taking his seat, and reaching over to take Alicia's hand again as he relaxed back in the chair. "Nyet, I haff nuts - is Bulgar tradition of fast of Advent. I vould join for song, if you no mind. I know some English song of Christmas."

He paused, while the siblings joked between themselves, smiling and comfortable. Sam waved for service and Viktor took the opportunity to drink from his glass of vodka which he set to his side of the table, away from Alicia. He scooped a small bit of nuts from the bowl, popping them in his mouth and chewing as quietly as he could, though the noise of the pub masked it anyway. "Da. I play Quidditch also. Ark muchly interesting. I start vork vith dragon last veek. Und you? You enjoy teach?"

[tt_alicia]

Threading her fingers with Viktor's, Alicia scooted just that bit closer to him, making her sit flush against him. Even though she had no doubt that he and Sam would get along, she couldn't deny that she was also a little anxious about the meeting, knowing how different they really were and that if it didn't work, they were in for an awkward time until they got there.

"Of course you can join in," Sam burst out as if it was the most normal thing Viktor had requested. "Even if you didn't know any English songs, we'd have you lead in the... Bulgar? Bulgarian? Bulgarian song and we'd join you in that. Just set the tune, that's all that's needed." When he picked up his cup, Alicia leaned in a little, eager to see his reaction, though all she revealed was a small chuckled when he commented, "sweet," and took another long quaff, placing the cup back down on the table. "But Viktor," he continued, as if he hadn't just drunk from the sweet drink, "you need to explain this fast and nuts for Christmas thing to me, because that sounds completely, well, pardon the expression, but completely outlandish to someone who's used to stuffing themselves for Christmas, like yours truly," he gestured to himself, then to Alicia, "and that one's even worse than I am."

"I'm not that bad!" Alicia objected, though didn't push it any further, because she knew she was. Sam however, didn't seem affected by any of it, even the egg nog, and merrily took another swig before he looked around to see how far the server had gotten.

At the mention of Viktor working with dragons, Alicia's fingers tightened around his. That was one point she was still getting used to, and though she trusted Viktor, and Charlie for that matter, she still didn't trust the dragons. And Sam clearly picked up on that, though thankfully kept his mouth shut about it, earning himself a grateful smile from Alicia when he simply nodded. "I do," he answered Viktor's question. "Started out with Charms with the older kids and have now added some of the shared classes with the youngest children. A bit like Muggle studies, only it goes both ways. You're welcome to drop by some day. We're trying to get as much diversity into that class as we can, to show the Muggle children that not all magic is like in the fairy tale and the magic children that Muggles aren't all that different from themselves."

"Oh, you should," Alicia chimed in. "It is so much fun. The little girls'll love you, I'm sure."

[tt_viktor]

"To say Bulgar-e-an ez fine. I no dink you know our song, ez good I join vith you. I no Vhite Christ-mas, und town Beth-le-ham, und Silent Night," Viktor explained, thinking about the songs he had some ability to translate into English well. Singing and playing music together was part of the Bulgarian fellowship of family and friends.

He laughed warmly when Sam questioned the traditional Advent practices of his people. "Forty day before Christmas, ve call Koledni Posti - start on 15 of November, ve no eat or drink thing of animal. Dis ez old tradition, no all young person follow. Fast purge body und mind for God. Today ez Budni Vecher - Eve of Christmas. Ve clean home for new start of year den haff great feast vith family und friend - no ding of animal."

Viktor felt Alicia's grip tighten at the mention of dragons but it was something he was careful to make little comment of around her. He was content to listen to Sam speak of his time with the children, nodding when he was invited to visit the school. He chuckled when Alicia added her comment. "I vould enjoy dis muchly. You send message vhen you vish me come," he instructed Sam with a smile. Viktor, however, kept his own thoughts of children firmly to himself, knowing it was too soon to broach that subject. The fast had cleared his mind, of course, and he wisely kept counsel over any loose thoughts.

[tt_alicia]

Somehow, Alicia found it oddly reassuring that Sam was having the same concerns about getting the adjectives right as she did. However, Viktor's worries that they wouldn't be able to play any of the songs foreign to them on reminded her that she probably hadn't told Viktor as much about her family as she should have. So before Sam could say anything, she patted Viktor's thigh, looking up at him. "What Sam hasn't said, and what I probably should have told a long time ago," she said with a small smirk, "is that Sam very much takes after our mum when it comes to music, in that he can play just about anything, instrument or melody if he just puts his mind to it. Really annoying when the rest of us had to practice for years to play just two instruments." She sent Sam a small smile. At no point in her life, could she remember not having been proud of his talent, though she had envied it. A little. Some times. She could fly! Looking back up at Viktor, she couldn't help but smile like she did whenever she saw him. "And right now I'll bet he's itching to know if you prefer the Bing Crosby version of White Christmas or you're more to the rhythmic a la The Drifters..." Glancing over at Sam, she caught him nodding in agreement with that question.

She settled back in her seat, listening to Viktor explain his Christmas to her brother like he had to her. As he spoke, she was watching Sam, who was listening intently and she recognised the small movements of his lips as him doing what she did; committing the foreign words to memory by repeating them. "Budni vecher," he murmured then nodded. "So it's not a complete fast of only water or soup, that's... I'd be lying if I said I wasn't relieved to hear that, and purging your mind and body..." Again he nodded in approval. "That sounds like a good way to celebrate Christmas." When he looked over at her, Alicia quirked her eyebrow in question, wondering why he was looking at her. His inquiringly raised eyebrow made her think that he was seriously considering it and was now awaiting her verdict. Slowly she nodded, returning his smile when he smiled back. Apparently next year it would be a family Christmas in more than the sense of it being just her and Viktor.

"Well, we've talked about doing a lesson on sports second or third Thursday in January, where you'd be an obvious and very welcomed guest," Sam offered, and Alicia beamed up at Viktor. She could imagine the reaction of one girl in particular; the same girl who had first refused to acknowledge the fact that Alicia was a witch, since the little Muggle girl, she was a fairy princess. To that same little girl, she had no doubt that Viktor would be a fairytale prince. Of course, to Alicia, he was a fairy tale prince, the one she had told him about on their first date, which made her think of the goat she had mentioned back then. Was a goat really in the future for her? Or five children? Speaking of, her mind continued the train it had boarded, by reminding her that she only had enough contraceptive potion for another five days, by which point she needed to have made a decision of whether or not to get her vials refilled. That really was something she should talk about with Viktor, but not tonight. Definitely not tonight, especially now when the server was standing right by their table, waiting for them to place their orders. "I'd like some of your turkey, please, and another Butterbeer," she ordered, then looked to first Sam, then Viktor as they placed their orders.

[tt_viktor]

He had no idea what or who were these 'drifters' but he got the impression that they were associated in a musical sense to Bing Crosby, who he did know of in a vague sense. "I no dis Bing song, und play small guitar. Nyet, no small. Dis no right vord," he said, lifting his free hand and holding his fingers apart at about the size of his fist. "No expert but some good."

It was clear that Sam was as attentive to details as Alicia was and Viktor smiled, nodding, as he listened to Sam's reasoning. Yes, he could imagine a bigger picture of family with Sam as part of it. The man already worked with children, so Viktor found that a shared enjoyment as he loved children and had always volunteered his time to teach the little ones how to fly. "Tomorrow, ve haff different feast. Much food. You come. You bring Alicia. Vill be much food und drink."

"I vill loff to help," Viktor clarified with a warm grin. He didn't know how obvious he would be to the muggle children but he would certainly enjoy spending time with them. He squeezed Alicia's hand gently when the server approached their table once more, taking the opportunity to steal a light kiss. Viktor straightened, refocusing on the server as she reached the table and Alicia gave her order. He waited until Sam stated his preferences before he requested more nuts and some bread.

[tt_alicia]

Alicia recognized the slight frown on Sam's forehead; apparently Viktor's accent was confusing him a bit, and she hoped that he would be tactful in asking for clarification. "You play a small guitar? Like a ukulele?" he asked, and Alicia exhaled slowly, relieved that he was still holding on to a shred of his manners. "Or that you play a little guitar, like you don't have a lot of practice?" Well, at least he was trying, she figured, though chuckled softly when he held out his hands and sent Viktor a bright, genuine smile that lit up his whole face. "Little or small, it'd be grand to have you up there with us, Viktor."

The fact that there would be a feast in the Bulgarian area of the Settlement tomorrow didn't come as a surprise to Alicia. After all she was aware that the fast was ended with a feast, and it would only make sense for it to be celebrated in style, a style the Bulgarians had managed to translate from the old world to this new environment. What did surprise her, however, was the rush she felt in her stomach at Viktor asking Sam to bring her to said feast. Not because he asked Sam, but because going to that feast was the equivalent of her meeting Viktor's family. "I will," Sam promised Viktor, before he looked to Alicia, "if Alicia wants to go?" With a chuckle, Alicia nodded, then looked up at Viktor. "Everyone will be there? Your team mates? The Babas?" Her smile spread wider, brighter, until she was nodding and giggling softly. "I'd love to go."

The light kisses, the tender glances and the gentle touches, innocent, really, though with so much promise for more later, and not just the evening and night that was coming. "Before we go to your feast," she started once the server had left the table again, "would you like to join us for Christmas and breakfast tomorrow morning?"

[tt_viktor]

He tilted his head, frowning, at the first words, unfamiliar to him as they were Viktor knew Sam was referring to an instrument of some kind but his smile broadened and he said. "Da, da! No play much since come here." He was pleased with the invitation and saw it for what it was, a sign of potential friendship that he wished to cultivate. Viktor whispered Sasha's name and she appeared by his left side, clapping happily when Viktor leaned over and murmured in her ear, disappearing just as quickly only to return a few minutes later bearing a guitar. He waved her off to enjoy the night with the rest of the group.

It was clear that Alicia was happy, perhaps shy about meeting some of the Bulgarian group, but not frightened or put off by it. He had wagered that she would feel more comfortable with her brother's company. There would be enough of a gathering that she and Sam would blend in with everyone else and only have to deal with those closest to them, which would be Viktor and some of his teammates like Dimitrov and Levski. Brushing his fingertips along the curve of her soft jaw, Viktor smiled lazily down at Alicia. "Da, but you no haff many come over. Ve vill be three in many und ve stay only so long as you vant, da?" He chuckled again at her invitation, happier now that he'd finally met Sam and things seemed to be going well between the two men. "Da, I vould like dis muchly."

[tt_adrian]

Adrian kissed his niece goodnight on her forehead and hugged his parents and sister and brother-in-law - all looking exhausted but happy - and decided he was too awake to head home straight from their house down the way from his own. Taking a chance he might run into a friendly face - in particular a friendly face with red hair and the cutest spread of freckles, not that he would admit such a desire to himself - he walked down to the World's End to have an egg nog brandy and spend a bit of quiet time for the holiday Eve. Adrian had hardly even found time to work on his extracurricular projects and cataloging since Dagny had arrived. Every free moment was spent at the duplex his sister's family shared with his parents.

He'd wanted more than once to reach out to Ginny, but part of him was also embarrassed by his family's behavior at the hospital on the 8th. His sister's screaming and cursing, Will's bewildered joy, his mother's tight-lipped attitude. Ginny had been so open and friendly, and neither were traits his family were blessed with - then again, he wasn't endowed in those ways either, so maybe Ginny didn't mind the differences so much, she'd welcomed him in friendship over the last weeks since he'd arrived, after all.

Thinking on all this, he ducked into the pub and sat at the bar, ordering a pint from Lisa Turpin, who gave him a wink and a 'Merry Christmas'.

[tt_ginny]

The day had been crazy with her mum dominating most of her free time by having her help in the kitchen, even though Ginny spent far more time checking her datapad then actually cooking, she still managed to prepare all the vegetables and bread for Christmas Day that her mum would put a status charm on.

It was after dark when she managed to slip away but she wasn't in the mood to go back to her empty house, so Ginny concentrated and disapparated over to the market center. There were a few vendors still there, packing up for the night, and she paused a couple of times as they wished her holiday cheer. Ginny continued on, crossing the path and climbing the steps up to the deck of the World's End.

There were people on the deck already but she went inside, finding it even more crowded inside. Ginny walked over to the bar and took a seat at the end, shrugging out of her windbreaker to let it fall over the back of the chair. "Merry Christmas," she greeted Lisa. "A pint and a shot of whiskey, please." It was only when Lisa glanced to the side that she saw Adrian sitting two seats away and she lifted a hand to him in greeting.

[tt_adrian]

At the familiar voice greeting the barmaid, Adrian looked up and for a moment couldn't believe his luck, his silly idea that he might run into her had come true.

He grinned when she waved and, composing himself, moved over the two seats that separated them, to sit next to her. "Mind if I join you?" He flashed her a quick, shy smile and thought that if there was a stupider opening, he didn't know what it was.

[tt_ginny]

It was oddly comforting to know that Lisa was running the pub. Down to earth and friendly. As crowded as it was right now, Ginny was happy for it, to be part of the whole and blend in with no concerns.

Adrian moved closer to sit beside her and Ginny gave a soft laugh when he asked permission, though she nodded. Leave it to him to be so polite - it suited him, though, and made her feel... she couldn't put a word to it. "Sure," Ginny followed up quickly. "Merry Christmas. How is your family doing?"

[tt_adrian]

Adrian laughed, "They're crazy, but that's nothing new! How is your holiday going so far?" He waved Lisa over and asked for the same of whatever Ginny was having.

Suddenly he couldn't help himself, "I'm sorry I haven't been in touch. You were -- you were so brilliant with my family when Dagny was born and I guess... They're a lot to take, you know? As much as I love them and as glad as I am their here... I was worried maybe you thought we were... A bit... Much..." he lost all steam and dared a glance at her to gauge her reaction. When Lisa brought his shot of whiskey over, he couldn't help but noticed the slight smirk on her face, as if she heard all.

[tt_ginny]

"Sounds like our families are more alike than different. I finally escaped and came here for some peace and quiet," Ginny giggled at the mental picture of both families together.

He started to apologize and Ginny sobered, reaching out to touch his arm lightly, her head shaking just the smallest bit. "I grew up in 'a bit much' of a family, Adrian. Given the circumstances, I don't think your family even came close to needing an apology for."

She paused when Lisa returned and glanced down, a light blush burning her cheeks as she drew her hand back and picked up her pint to take a drink. "I think mum spent every day knitting scarves before coming through the portal, even though I told her how warm it was here. I have three! Three! I swear, I'm going to put them together to make a throw blanket for the sofa."

[tt_adrian]

Adrian couldn't help the warmth that flowed through him as she said there was no need to apologize, and touched him lightly. He would swear - if he didn't know better, of course - that she had charmed him in someway. When she moved her hand away and blushed just a little bit, he leaned in and kissed her cheek, "Well, thank you, either way," he added sincerely.

"Three? I wonder how many she stopped herself from making, though? Maybe you got off light with just three." He joked.

[tt_ginny]

The warm, soft press of his lips on her cheek surprised her and Ginny's blush deepened. She was no stranger to snogging but this was a deliciously respectful gesture and it just made her wonder all the more. She glanced up and saw Lisa just starting to turn away, a light smirk curling her lips showing that she had witnessed the kiss as well.

"My brothers all got three as well. Charlie says he spent a good week messaging her not to make sweaters but he had no idea that this was going to be the alternative!" she replied with a soft laugh. Raising her shot glass, Ginny smirked as she leaned over and curled her arm around his with her glass. "To... family and friends! Cheers."

[tt_adrian]

"Cheers," Adrian repeated, and when he set down his glass, he took a chance and put a hand on her arm, that was twined with his. "Ginny, I don't mean to be forward but do you have any new years plans? It's not the same a night out in London but I'd love to take you out."

Adrian felt himself holding his breath, part of him hoping she thought he was only asking as a friend and the rest hoping she might want to join him on a date. If she thought he was just asking as a friend, well, at least he hadn't potentially screwed up the only real friendship he had.

[tt_ginny]

Her heart skipped a beat when he took her arm, and she caught her bottom lip between her teeth as he spoke. Merlin, was he asking her on a date? "No, I don't have plans. I mean, that would be grand! Going out with you," Ginny replied in a quick rush.

The pit of her stomach felt like it was full of butterflies. Ginny couldn't remember the last time she'd been on a date. "Rumor is that there'll be a dancing club opened by New Years," she added with a big smile.

[tt_adrian]

Adrian smiled, bright and big, surprising himself. "Do you like dancing?" He couldn't imagine Ginny on a dance floor but he got the feeling he'd be doing a lot of that imagining in the next week.

He nodded, "Dancing it is, and it's about time we all have something to do around here besides the Market and the pub." He lowered his voice at the last, not meaning to insult Lisa, who puttered about behind the bar.

"When could I pick you up?" His eyes danced as he asked her.

[tt_ginny]

"Yeah, I do," Ginny confirmed, her smile reflecting his own. He had a gorgeous smile, really gorgeous, but he seemed shy, too, so Ginny wasn't sure he knew how captivating he could be. It was rare to find a truly good looking man who didn't already know it and exploit his looks. Zacharias Smith came to mind, for some reason.

Ginny nodded as well, setting her now empty shot glass down on the bar and picking up her pint. She dearly needed something to distract her from his blue eyes. "Oh, I agree, but I'm surprised how quick they're getting them done. Word was that it would take another month or so. I guess we aren't the only ones who are looking forward to them."

"Um, how about 9-ish?" Ginny answered, already wondering what in Merlin's name she was going to wear. A dress, of course. She glanced over to Adrian, picking up her datapad and typing in a brief note. His beeped a second later. "That's my address. I'm on the right side. Charlie's on the left. I'd advise against mixing that up," she giggled.

[tt_adrian]

Adrian couldn't help himself, his heart beat rapidly in his chest and he was sure his grin was as goofy as he was feeling. "It's a date, then," he nodded, as he checked his datapad.

Calling over Lisa, he paid for both of their drinks via his pad, and then stood, leaning over to kiss her on the cheek. "I should go, but I'm so glad we ran into each other. See you for New Years." He grinned at her one more time and then took his leave, a new bounce in his step.