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Loki · 07-03-2010, 12:37 AM

Tucked in near the storeroom, is a warm, small room used as the shopkeeper's office. The room quaint but roomy enough for its purpose. A simple wooden desk and two chairs make up one portion of the space. Several folders are on the floor next to the desk. Everlasting candle are used for light. Old fashion ways for an old fashion man. The left side of the room is where Nigel makes all the potions that are sold. There is always a cauldron boiling over a fire here.

This place is used if a ministry representative stop in, visits from friends and colleagues, and sometimes for more serious business.

This office, along with the storeroom, is private. Anyone caught inside will be asked to leave the shop immediately. Depending on the seriousness of the situation, you could be banned from the shop indefinitely.

GlassXRose · 08-02-2012, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Macavity

Nigel raised an eyebrow as Elinor didn't quite answer his question, the fact of which made him somewhat worried about the extent of what had in fact happened. He was about to speak when she handed him a cloth, his curious expression changing to a quizzical one especially as she tried to mime something that he wasn't quite understanding. That was until she finally clarified its purpose, the shopkeeper moving to use the cloth to wipe said lips.

When he looked back over at Elinor, two pairs of green eyes met each other almost starring into each other until one blinked. But then finally there was an answer he could work with...amortenia in his teacup. It all made sense and he gave a look of realization as to how it could have happened. "The blow-up..." he said aloud before even remembering that she would be as clueless to that as he had been just moments before. "Some customer created a whole lot of rukkish out in the shop and I was dealing with frozen ashwinder eggs at the time. The potion reacted and..."

It was self-explainatory after that. He had just thought everything had been cleaned up before he brewed the tea and paid the price for the mistake.

Now for the next phrase of questioning, the part what made Nigel even more nervouse even as he fought to hide it. "Um...how much did you see?" It had to be asked even though the calm potions master was completely sheepish over what had happened...and what had in fact been witnessed.

"Oh," she nodded, as he explained the first half of the story. It all made sense now. That accounted for the small spots of potion she saw. And it also accounted for why they were still there. Nigel had been... stricken before he had a chance to clean it completely.

Elinor licked her lips as she thought briefly on how to best answer his next question. "Well," she took in a breath. "As far as I can guess... It seems as though there wasn't anything to see... before I showed up..."

Somehow it felt bad to give Nigel the long answer, so she tried to give him the short answer without being blunt. "In other words, I saw everything."

Can't get much more blunt, can you, Elinor?

Knowing he would be the definition of embarassed, she quickly adjusted herself in her seat, "But it's not as bad as you think, I promise. You only had a little, and it was just us two-- There wasn't anyone in the shop or anything..."

Yeah, no. At this point, there was nothing Elinor could really say to get Nigel to NOT feel embarassed. Which was understandable. Amortenia could make people do some stupid things.

Guess it's not so different from actual love afterall.

*Holmesian Feline* · 08-05-2012, 07:53 PM

She saw everything.

As frightening as those words were, it made sense. He would have acted his worse when the source of his underlying feelings was in his presence, the flowers in his office having been part of the reason the love potion had zeroed in on Elinor in the first place.

Nigel could feel his face reddening, getting worse then his usual troublesome tinge as he sat completly embarished by his no doubt loose lips. The woman to her credit tried to soften the blow by ensuring him that nothing TOO horrible had taken place but it still had an effect, compromised even more by the fact that it had happened because he...someone who was usually so careful and poised when brewing...had allowed himself to make such a mistake. First with the explosion and then with the improper clean-up.

As he tried to regain his composure, the shopkeeper grabbed his wand and with a flick cleaned up the very last remnants of ever last trace of the potion that had caused all the trouble. Double-checking what he had done earlier. "Guess I should be doubly grateful then for the flowers serving as the trigger and not another customer." Merlin that would have doubled...no...trippled his embarishment to have confessed feelings to a complete stranger all lovey dovey they way he had to Elinor.

"And I just hope I didn't cause you too much discomfort, Elinor." Surely it couldn't have been too fun watching him...right?

GlassXRose · 08-06-2012, 03:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Macavity

She saw everything.

As frightening as those words were, it made sense. He would have acted his worse when the source of his underlying feelings was in his presence, the flowers in his office having been part of the reason the love potion had zeroed in on Elinor in the first place.

Nigel could feel his face reddening, getting worse then his usual troublesome tinge as he sat completly embarished by his no doubt loose lips. The woman to her credit tried to soften the blow by ensuring him that nothing TOO horrible had taken place but it still had an effect, compromised even more by the fact that it had happened because he...someone who was usually so careful and poised when brewing...had allowed himself to make such a mistake. First with the explosion and then with the improper clean-up.

As he tried to regain his composure, the shopkeeper grabbed his wand and with a flick cleaned up the very last remnants of ever last trace of the potion that had caused all the trouble. Double-checking what he had done earlier. "Guess I should be doubly grateful then for the flowers serving as the trigger and not another customer." Merlin that would have doubled...no...trippled his embarishment to have confessed feelings to a complete stranger all lovey dovey they way he had to Elinor.

"And I just hope I didn't cause you too much discomfort, Elinor." Surely it couldn't have been too fun watching him...right?

She felt really sorry for Nigel being so embarassed, and glanced away for a few seconds as his face turned red, so he wouldn't feel like she was staring at him. But after that, she looked back at him as he scanned the room for remnants of the potion. "Or Valentina, God forbid," she laughed, trying to get him to loosen up a little over what had happened.

Elinor no doubt would have been upset if Valentina was the target of Nigel's lovesickness. Potion or no potion. But it would have been a great deal more embarassing-- in other words, funny-- because Nigel's ex-boss was a harsh woman, to Elinor at least. She never liked the way Valentina would bark at Nigel, and she certainly never liked the way she looked at her, especially after it became clear that Elinor was much more than a customer. But Nigel insisted that Valentina was a good person, so Elinor never brought her up-- knowing they had disagreements over her.

The lady gave Nigel a crooked smile as she shook her head, her red-brown hair bouncing over her shoulder. "Oh, Nigel... Don't be ridiculous. You said some very flattering things... And I figured out what had happened quick enough. No... I don't think I could ever feel uncomfortable around you," she said, hoping to help him to feel better. Of the two of them, he was probably infanitely more uncomfortable than she was.

*Holmesian Feline* · 08-07-2012, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GlassXRose

She felt really sorry for Nigel being so embarassed, and glanced away for a few seconds as his face turned red, so he wouldn't feel like she was staring at him. But after that, she looked back at him as he scanned the room for remnants of the potion. "Or Valentina, God forbid," she laughed, trying to get him to loosen up a little over what had happened.

Elinor no doubt would have been upset if Valentina was the target of Nigel's lovesickness. Potion or no potion. But it would have been a great deal more embarassing-- in other words, funny-- because Nigel's ex-boss was a harsh woman, to Elinor at least. She never liked the way Valentina would bark at Nigel, and she certainly never liked the way she looked at her, especially after it became clear that Elinor was much more than a customer. But Nigel insisted that Valentina was a good person, so Elinor never brought her up-- knowing they had disagreements over her.

The lady gave Nigel a crooked smile as she shook her head, her red-brown hair bouncing over her shoulder. "Oh, Nigel... Don't be ridiculous. You said some very flattering things... And I figured out what had happened quick enough. No... I don't think I could ever feel uncomfortable around you," she said, hoping to help him to feel better. Of the two of them, he was probably infanitely more uncomfortable than she was.

If her comment had been meant to sooth his embarishment, the use of the name of his former boss and collegue wasn't the smartest idea. The only success it had was in erasing the blush that had taken hold of his face by paling his skin altogether. Merlin Forbid that had been the case. Not only would he had died of embarishment but he would have likely lost his job, first by making such a foolish mistake and second for showering his affections on the woman in question.

No...no...in the end things were so much better the way they had turned out, especially when Elinor assured him that everything he had done or said had been more flattering of her then making her uncomfortable. Nigel managed a weak smile in response, taking a deep breath to recover the last of his struggling dignity.

"A blessing...seeing as I dont have the same history around you," the shopkeeper remarked finally looking back up at her or rather down at her as he slowly stood. "Not that that is anyway your fault...well maybe just a little." His uncertainty had always been first mostly about his past and then how he felt about her and how he felt around her.

GlassXRose · 08-07-2012, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Macavity

If her comment had been meant to sooth his embarishment, the use of the name of his former boss and collegue wasn't the smartest idea. The only success it had was in erasing the blush that had taken hold of his face by paling his skin altogether. Merlin Forbid that had been the case. Not only would he had died of embarishment but he would have likely lost his job, first by making such a foolish mistake and second for showering his affections on the woman in question.

No...no...in the end things were so much better the way they had turned out, especially when Elinor assured him that everything he had done or said had been more flattering of her then making her uncomfortable. Nigel managed a weak smile in response, taking a deep breath to recover the last of his struggling dignity.

"A blessing...seeing as I dont have the same history around you," the shopkeeper remarked finally looking back up at her or rather down at her as he slowly stood. "Not that that is anyway your fault...well maybe just a little." His uncertainty had always been first mostly about his past and then how he felt about her and how he felt around her.

Elinor said nothing as Nigel's expression changed at the mention of Valentina. Probably something she should just let go. She let him have a moment to his thoughts. A much-deserved moment.

She gave him a strange smile as he stood up, trying to decipher the meaning behind his statement. Nigel, when he was himself, was very affluent. Tht meant that some of the things he said sounded like riddles. "Perhaps," she said softly, following him with her eyes.

She took a deep breath in and sighed, shaking off the last of the lingering concern over what had happened. "Well, Nigel... Now that everything is... said and done," she smiled at her choice of words, "I think I owe you my word to never mention it again." No doubt he would be thankful for the gesture as he recovered from his embarassment.

Embarassment that was pretty much her fault.

"Is there something I can do for you?", she asked after a moment. It came out half-desperate, half very pitiful. Anything at all that could be done to make up for what had happened. After all, if she hadn't requested the potion, this never ever would have happened.

*Holmesian Feline* · 08-07-2012, 03:46 AM

Nigel coughed in a vain attempt to cover up his reaction to the vocalized prospects of what COULD have happened instead of what DID indeed happen. At least his color was returning to normal, well as normal as his usual coloring was. The nearly-constant brewing had its downfalls to each potioner, varying over the person from skin to hair to breathing and everything in between.

The potions master nodded at Elinor's words. "Its probably best," he agreed, thankful for that idea of a plan. Forgetting the awkward events of this afternoon would be a very nice thing to do. It just might take some time to do just that.

"Accept the rest of the potions from me tonight and give me some time for the last one," he supplied making her a deal. The basketful of potions and ingrdiants set aside behind the counter just ready for her. "You'll have your Amortenia...just need some time." To be honest he'd rather renew his stance away from the bloody love potion...he just wouldn't tell her who actually did brew it. Especially if it wound up being a certain someone.

GlassXRose · 08-08-2012, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Macavity

Nigel coughed in a vain attempt to cover up his reaction to the vocalized prospects of what COULD have happened instead of what DID indeed happen. At least his color was returning to normal, well as normal as his usual coloring was. The nearly-constant brewing had its downfalls to each potioner, varying over the person from skin to hair to breathing and everything in between.

The potions master nodded at Elinor's words. "Its probably best," he agreed, thankful for that idea of a plan. Forgetting the awkward events of this afternoon would be a very nice thing to do. It just might take some time to do just that.

"Accept the rest of the potions from me tonight and give me some time for the last one," he supplied making her a deal. The basketful of potions and ingrdiants set aside behind the counter just ready for her. "You'll have your Amortenia...just need some time." To be honest he'd rather renew his stance away from the bloody love potion...he just wouldn't tell her who actually did brew it. Especially if it wound up being a certain someone.

Elinor pressed her lips together in a supressed smile as he almost enthusiastically agreed with her offer to keep quiet about the events that had unfolded. She nodded, though, in agreement. However, as she might tell him some years down the road, she would never, ever forget what had happened today.

The woman gave a half-nod, then thought for a second. A very brief second, for Elinor had almost no premeditation or time to think about what she was about to say. She looked up at him with warm but stern eyes. She wasn't asking-- she was telling.

"Only so long as you let me make you dinner sometime."

Bam. Done. Couldn't take them back now-- not that she would even if she wanted to. It was high time they cracked on with their... re...lation...ship. Even if Elinor had to think of the word in strange syllables, they did have a relationship. She may have been coming across as a little pushy, but, if she knew Nigel as well as she thought, it was the kind of pushiness he could take. She knew the man she was madly in love with was new to being madly in love with anyone. One step at a time-- And it was time for the next step.

She continued to stare up at him, smiling softly, awaiting his reaction to her terms.

He was so handsome...

*Holmesian Feline* · 08-08-2012, 01:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GlassXRose

Elinor pressed her lips together in a supressed smile as he almost enthusiastically agreed with her offer to keep quiet about the events that had unfolded. She nodded, though, in agreement. However, as she might tell him some years down the road, she would never, ever forget what had happened today.

The woman gave a half-nod, then thought for a second. A very brief second, for Elinor had almost no premeditation or time to think about what she was about to say. She looked up at him with warm but stern eyes. She wasn't asking-- she was telling.

"Only so long as you let me make you dinner sometime."

Bam. Done. Couldn't take them back now-- not that she would even if she wanted to. It was high time they cracked on with their... re...lation...ship. Even if Elinor had to think of the word in strange syllables, they did have a relationship. She may have been coming across as a little pushy, but, if she knew Nigel as well as she thought, it was the kind of pushiness he could take. She knew the man she was madly in love with was new to being madly in love with anyone. One step at a time-- And it was time for the next step.

She continued to stare up at him, smiling softly, awaiting his reaction to her terms.

He was so handsome...

The potions master wasn't even sure the answer he gave was anything like Elinor had expected from her question, her words almost seeming half-rhetoric. He watched and waited for her reaction and it was his turn to be taken back by her counter-offer. The lab director's condition for accepting his own suggestion.

Nigel met her eyes with his own when she looked up, the man noticing the look she held within her colored orbs and raising any eyebrow at her offer. Sure they were technically in a relationship and had eaten together even once or twice before hand, but this was new. This was him being allowed into the more private area of her home...at least that was where he safely assumed she would be cooking him dinner. They had always conducted their...meetings in his shop or somewhere public.

Should he agree? Was it too much?

"Alright...its a deal," he finally agreed, his expression returning to normal with an ever so soft smile and holding out a hand to Elinor for her to take. You can do this, Garrettson, he kept telling himself as he dealt with all the new experiences. It was worth it.

GlassXRose · 08-08-2012, 02:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Macavity

The potions master wasn't even sure the answer he gave was anything like Elinor had expected from her question, her words almost seeming half-rhetoric. He watched and waited for her reaction and it was his turn to be taken back by her counter-offer. The lab director's condition for accepting his own suggestion.

Nigel met her eyes with his own when she looked up, the man noticing the look she held within her colored orbs and raising any eyebrow at her offer. Sure they were technically in a relationship and had eaten together even once or twice before hand, but this was new. This was him being allowed into the more private area of her home...at least that was where he safely assumed she would be cooking him dinner. They had always conducted their...meetings in his shop or somewhere public.

Should he agree? Was it too much?

"Alright...its a deal," he finally agreed, his expression returning to normal with an ever so soft smile and holding out a hand to Elinor for her to take. You can do this, Garrettson, he kept telling himself as he dealt with all the new experiences. It was worth it.

She watched his expression carefully. He was irresistable when he was thinking. It was all she could do to stop from sighing loudly.

When he accepted, her semi-serious look melted away, and she smiled widely, laughing as she took his hand. She stood quickly and wrapped her arms around him, proud of what she knew was a leap for him.

She wanted to say 'thank you' for the chance to entertain someone. No one had set foot in her apartment-- new or old-- since she had been alone. But she was afraid it would come off as a little desperate, so she settled for a nice kiss on the cheek. She was suddenly very excited, and pressed her lips together to hide it.

"Well," she said with a deep breath after releasing him. "Uh-- Those potions. How much will that be?"

The woman reached back for her purse, swiftly plucking out the smaller clutch she kept her money in. She intended to stick to her promise of paying him more than was necessary, no matter how much Nigel might protest. Or not. It was hard to tell, but she suspected his good-natured attitude would force him to politely decline the extra money. And, of course, she would politely insist.

*Holmesian Feline* · 08-08-2012, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GlassXRose

She watched his expression carefully. He was irresistable when he was thinking. It was all she could do to stop from sighing loudly.

When he accepted, her semi-serious look melted away, and she smiled widely, laughing as she took his hand. She stood quickly and wrapped her arms around him, proud of what she knew was a leap for him.

She wanted to say 'thank you' for the chance to entertain someone. No one had set foot in her apartment-- new or old-- since she had been alone. But she was afraid it would come off as a little desperate, so she settled for a nice kiss on the cheek. She was suddenly very excited, and pressed her lips together to hide it.

"Well," she said with a deep breath after releasing him. "Uh-- Those potions. How much will that be?"

The woman reached back for her purse, swiftly plucking out the smaller clutch she kept her money in. She intended to stick to her promise of paying him more than was necessary, no matter how much Nigel might protest. Or not. It was hard to tell, but she suspected his good-natured attitude would force him to politely decline the extra money. And, of course, she would politely insist.

To say Nigel could see Elinor's pleasure in his acceptance of her invitation for dinner would be an undertstatement. The smile that spread across her face was stronge evidence to that effect followed by her enthusiastic hug after she took his extended hand. He loosely returned it, not wanting it to appear awkwardly one-sided but let her slip away after the brief kiss on his cheek.

Ah yes...the business end of the visit.

Nigel slipped past her as the basket he had kept off to one side of his office, all corked and magically safely from any spattering of love potion. The shopkeeper then turned around and offered it to Elinor, slipping a piece of paper out for his own benefit. "That will be 17 galleons, 10 sickles and 18 knuts," he answered reading over the calculations he had figured out earlier while he was waiting on one of the potions he needed to brew.

It was one of her more expensive purchases from the shop and Nigel found himself hoping as she herself reached for her purse that the department she worked so hard for was at least paying for a good part of the expenses. Otherwise doing business with someone who they were technically dating was going to be interesting.

GlassXRose · 08-08-2012, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Macavity

To say Nigel could see Elinor's pleasure in his acceptance of her invitation for dinner would be an undertstatement. The smile that spread across her face was stronge evidence to that effect followed by her enthusiastic hug after she took his extended hand. He loosely returned it, not wanting it to appear awkwardly one-sided but let her slip away after the brief kiss on his cheek.

Ah yes...the business end of the visit.

Nigel slipped past her as the basket he had kept off to one side of his office, all corked and magically safely from any spattering of love potion. The shopkeeper then turned around and offered it to Elinor, slipping a piece of paper out for his own benefit. "That will be 17 galleons, 10 sickles and 18 knuts," he answered reading over the calculations he had figured out earlier while he was waiting on one of the potions he needed to brew.

It was one of her more expensive purchases from the shop and Nigel found himself hoping as she herself reached for her purse that the department she worked so hard for was at least paying for a good part of the expenses. Otherwise doing business with someone who they were technically dating was going to be interesting.

She looked after him as he crossed, watching him retrieve the basket, her hand resting inside the clutch, awating the first number and the first number only. It was a questionably bad habit Elinor had-- She didn't like to deal with the smaller coins. Not because she was financially above-average, just because she found them annoying. How Muggles dealt with it, she would never know.

18 Galleons. "Twenty Galleons, not a problem," she said almost pointedly as her fingers began to rifle through the gold coins in counts of five, setting them in neat stacks. "Fifteen... Seventeen... Nineteen-- Twenty." She snapped it closed, as if punctuating. She was not going to tolerate arguing, and she was not going to take a knut of her money back, as was clear as she tossed the clutch back in her purse and graciously took the basket from Nigel.

"Thank you again, Nigel. I appreciate it very much. Once again, you impress me with your willingness to go above and beyond for little old me," she chuckled as she briefly examined the bottles. She was going to apologize for putting him through the fiasco with the amortenia, but it would be breaking her vow to not mention it.

She assured herself that he knew she felt guilty, and he forgave her.

*Holmesian Feline* · 08-09-2012, 04:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GlassXRose

She looked after him as he crossed, watching him retrieve the basket, her hand resting inside the clutch, awating the first number and the first number only. It was a questionably bad habit Elinor had-- She didn't like to deal with the smaller coins. Not because she was financially above-average, just because she found them annoying. How Muggles dealt with it, she would never know.

18 Galleons. "Twenty Galleons, not a problem," she said almost pointedly as her fingers began to rifle through the gold coins in counts of five, setting them in neat stacks. "Fifteen... Seventeen... Nineteen-- Twenty." She snapped it closed, as if punctuating. She was not going to tolerate arguing, and she was not going to take a knut of her money back, as was clear as she tossed the clutch back in her purse and graciously took the basket from Nigel.

"Thank you again, Nigel. I appreciate it very much. Once again, you impress me with your willingness to go above and beyond for little old me," she chuckled as she briefly examined the bottles. She was going to apologize for putting him through the fiasco with the amortenia, but it would be breaking her vow to not mention it.

She assured herself that he knew she felt guilty, and he forgave her.

Twenty galleons...no that wasn't right.

Eighteen was alright at most if Elinor was rounding up to the nearest galleon rather then deal with the rest of the coins. Something he had noticed her doing during other purchases of the woman's in his shop or just about anywhere where she dealt with money herself that had happened in his presence. "That's too much...way too much Elinor," Nigel corrected as she accepted the basket from him. The shopkeeper taking the extra two galleons and holding them out for her to take back even though her purse was already closed as if solidifying the purchase at the level it was.

"And you're welcome," he added doing his best to not appear sheepish at her overly-complimentary comments aimed his way. Being appreciated was one thing but all in all at the end of the day he was still meerly doing his job so the simple thanks was enough especially when tacked onto the appropriate payment for his services.

It was only the addition of the amortenia that was above the potions master's comfort zone and that could be chalked up to a close friend helping out another friend in clearly specified need. Who practically begged him to give in or at least speak in such a way to make him wanted to do it for her.

GlassXRose · 08-09-2012, 04:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Macavity

Twenty galleons...no that wasn't right.

Eighteen was alright at most if Elinor was rounding up to the nearest galleon rather then deal with the rest of the coins. Something he had noticed her doing during other purchases of the woman's in his shop or just about anywhere where she dealt with money herself that had happened in his presence. "That's too much...way too much Elinor," Nigel corrected as she accepted the basket from him. The shopkeeper taking the extra two galleons and holding them out for her to take back even though her purse was already closed as if solidifying the purchase at the level it was.

"And you're welcome," he added doing his best to not appear sheepish at her overly-complimentary comments aimed his way. Being appreciated was one thing but all in all at the end of the day he was still meerly doing his job so the simple thanks was enough especially when tacked onto the appropriate payment for his services.

It was only the addition of the amortenia that was above the potions master's comfort zone and that could be chalked up to a close friend helping out another friend in clearly specified need. Who practically begged him to give in or at least speak in such a way to make him wanted to do it for her.

"Nigel," she said, almost in a complaining voice, as her hand automatically started to reach for the coins. She forced it back down. "I promised you I would pay you more than necessary for the trouble of some... specific requests." Nice phrasing, Elinor. "It's two Galleons. I'm not trying to boast, but I don't need them--"

Suddenly, she fell quiet. In her mind, she heard her mother's voice, from a long, long time ago, telling her that some people were insulted to take more money than was necessary. She wasn't sure if Nigel was that type of person, and she didn't want to go down that road. She changed her tone to rephrase her statement.

"It makes me happy... If you don't take them now, I'll make you regret it later," she laughed quietly. But, really... This was too much fuss. She decided if he still wouldn't take them... Well, she'd just carry out the promise she had just made. Nigel's birthday was soon... Her eyes focused over to where his huge book of... everything was. It was obviously old-- scraps of paper folded in between the pages.

Oh, yes... He would be getting a new one of those.

She looked back to him quickly, not realizing she had even looked away. She chuckled again. "You take those two Galleons now, or so help me I'll buy you a solid gold tip jar and come in every day just to fill it up."

Nigel probably thought she was exaggerating.

*Holmesian Feline* · 08-11-2012, 01:16 AM

She HAD promised him that.

Nigel had just chosen to not take it totally seriously. He loosely crossed his arms as he listened to each and every one of her words as Elinor tried to convince him to take the extra money. And the fact was had she been any other customer he might have taken it without as much question as pay-back for the incident with the love potion...or just as compensation for going out of his way and out of his comfort zone by simply BREWING that particular potion.

Elinor was different.

The potions master had agreed to do it without the offer of compensation.

Nigel raised an eyebrow as he listened to her threat or rather...threats, the man trying to decide if it sounded legit. It could go either way but reminded just how persistant Elinor could be, the shopkeeper finally decided he could believe that she was being totally truthful in just what she said she was going to do if he didn't accept the money.

"Fine...you win," he said giving in to the troublesome woman, palming the two extra coins with no further bother. She was lucky she seemed to have this power over him.

GlassXRose · 08-13-2012, 05:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Macavity

She HAD promised him that.

Nigel had just chosen to not take it totally seriously. He loosely crossed his arms as he listened to each and every one of her words as Elinor tried to convince him to take the extra money. And the fact was had she been any other customer he might have taken it without as much question as pay-back for the incident with the love potion...or just as compensation for going out of his way and out of his comfort zone by simply BREWING that particular potion.

Elinor was different.

The potions master had agreed to do it without the offer of compensation.

Nigel raised an eyebrow as he listened to her threat or rather...threats, the man trying to decide if it sounded legit. It could go either way but reminded just how persistant Elinor could be, the shopkeeper finally decided he could believe that she was being totally truthful in just what she said she was going to do if he didn't accept the money.

"Fine...you win," he said giving in to the troublesome woman, palming the two extra coins with no further bother. She was lucky she seemed to have this power over him.

She smiled softly and gave a short laugh. Nigel was acting as though her request was worse than her previous. "Thank you," she said softly and quietly.

It seemed everything had been said and done. Nigel was alright, the potions had been paid for... She tried hard to hide the pitifully sad expression aching to come forward. She was surprised at herself. She was a grown woman, not a child... And yet the few days it might be until they saw each other again might as well never come. A minute away from Nigel felt like forever.

She felt a little sickened at herself. She was a mature adult. But she was thinking like the small girl that Nigel brought forth in her. Elinor fought her away.

"I guess I should go," she said after a few seconds, stepping over to her purse, and, in turn, closer to him. She felt that anything else to add had already been said more than once. 'Thank you', 'I love you', 'I'm sorry'-- None of these things were suitable. So she settled for a long, deep, heartfelt stare at him.

He had beautiful eyes. They made the corners of her mouth twitch upward. But she remained still as she looked at him, resisting the urge to glance away, or fiddle with her hair, or invade his personal space with a hug or a kiss. Perhaps he had had his fill of those. If he wanted one, she would give him one.

For now, though, she just looked at him. He was incredible. Not because he was handsome, but because of the difference he had made in her life. She doubted there was anything she would not do for him. She loved him. And it felt wonderful.

*Holmesian Feline* · 08-13-2012, 10:43 PM

He nodded at her thank you, his normal response of welcome not seeming appropriate seeing as he had originally put up a fight for the situation Elinor was thanking him for. The silence seemed to linger as both adults seemed unsure of how to respond now that he had been rescued and business had been done. Two pairs of green eyes met each other across the short distance within the small office almost as if each was waiting for the other to make the first move.

It seemed Elinor would be the one to do so, taking her leave of him but getting no further. "I guess so," Nigel replied in agreement ready to leave it at that or further respond with a good bye if she did as well. However something pushed him further...something to make him take the few steps closer and close the distance between them. The shopkeeper leaned forward and then briefly kissed her on the lips before pulling back.

"Safe travels," he said, taking one step back as well to free her. It wasn't as if they could stay like this forever. He was sure they both had things to do...the shop not yet closed up properly despite the fact Nigel couldn't remember what time it was either.

Safe travels... he mentally berated himself feeling silly. Like that was the best thing to say.

GlassXRose · 08-13-2012, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Macavity

He nodded at her thank you, his normal response of welcome not seeming appropriate seeing as he had originally put up a fight for the situation Elinor was thanking him for. The silence seemed to linger as both adults seemed unsure of how to respond now that he had been rescued and business had been done. Two pairs of green eyes met each other across the short distance within the small office almost as if each was waiting for the other to make the first move.

It seemed Elinor would be the one to do so, taking her leave of him but getting no further. "I guess so," Nigel replied in agreement ready to leave it at that or further respond with a good bye if she did as well. However something pushed him further...something to make him take the few steps closer and close the distance between them. The shopkeeper leaned forward and then briefly kissed her on the lips before pulling back.

"Safe travels," he said, taking one step back as well to free her. It wasn't as if they could stay like this forever. He was sure they both had things to do...the shop not yet closed up properly despite the fact Nigel couldn't remember what time it was either.

Safe travels... he mentally berated himself feeling silly. Like that was the best thing to say.

Her eyebrows twitched up by millimeters as he moved closer, curious as to what he was doing. Then it became clear as Nigel got much closer than usual (even if it was only for a moment). She naturally closed her eyes as she kissed him back, batting them back open when he had finished. A small smile remained as her face briefly flushed a very faint pink.

"Thank you," she said, although it was uncertain if she was thanking him for the well wishes or the kiss. Either way, she collected her things and crossed unhurriedly to the door of the office. "I'll see you soon, Nigel. Keep an eye out for an owl... I'll be getting in touch about that dinner," she said, reminding him of her 'terms'. In reality, it was just an excuse to make him dinner and take what was naturally the next step in the relationship.

The woman gave him a last loving glance before exiting. She missed him already.

GlassXRose · 12-24-2012, 05:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Macavity

Nigel was taking advantage of the lull in the customers to clean up, a broom in hand as he sweeped through the shelves and aisles of his shop. It was a slow and steady job, including a pause to pick up some packages that had no doubt been knocked over even if he didn't know if it was by purpose or by accident. But still it was a sense of normalcy of which the potions master was grateful for.

Hearing the tinkling of the bell from the door, he looked up from his work but unable to see who it was as his vision was blocked by a display. However he slowly made his way towards the end of the aisle he was in and in the direction of the back of the shop and counter just in case he was needed for any assistance by whoever it was that had opened said door and entered. His cleaning could wait for another time

It wasn't until he heard his name being called by an oh-so-familiar voice that he felt a tug on his lips. Something that only the woman in question could manage out of him. "Already?" he said with a slight look of confusion "It seemed like I was just opening." Though a glance at the clock as he leaned his broom in the corner back behind the counter told him it was indeed true. So many hours had passed since then and he had apparently lost track of time during the earlier influx of student and adult customers alike he had dealt with earlier in the morning.

Nigel saw that she had once again brought him food as well as herself which some would say was befitting a lunchtime visit from the person one was technically seeing. Definitely something more for the privacy of his office. 'Um...why don't you head back to the office then," the shopkeeper instructed, figuring to make sure everything was okay before heading to follow her.

Her eyes flitted over to him as he came out from behind a display. A smile jumped onto her face easily. Even though she was able to see him as frequently as she wished, it was still so nice to look at him. Especially when those little looks of confusion were so cute. She tucked a stubborn lock of hair behind her ear.

"No, not really, but I left work early because I missed you that badly." Today, the statement was a tease. But tomorrow, who knew? Elinor had done her fair share of surprising things since meeting Nigel. She didn't put it past herself to do such a thing, and neither did he, she was sure.

The technician nodded her head, obliging with his request to move into the office. As she moved, she scooped up the container again, only to walk it over to him and hand it over. Elinor took full advantage of the move and stretched up on her toes to kiss him casually on the cheek. "It's veela hair pasta with alfredo sauce and... something else. Lamb, maybe, I've already forgotten," she informed as she lowered herself again and swept past him into the office. They were nothing if not awkward, but she was very proud of how far they had come. As little as a year ago, a casual kiss would have been quite impossible. They had come quite far, indeed.

She perched herself in her usual chair across from the desk and unzipped her purse. She pulled out a green apple and a small stack of envelopes-- Her mail she had picked up on the way. Although she never mentioned it, because she swore not to, every time she entered the office, she remembered the evening that Nigel was... affected by a few drops of amortenia in his tea. She bit her lip as she smiled at the thought.

"How've you been, Nigel?" The customary and polite thing to ask when the only thing you were really interested in saying was 'I miss you every second of the day', but, as an adult, such a thing was almost looked down upon.

*Holmesian Feline* · 12-24-2012, 09:36 PM

Well that explained some of his lost time as it hadn't really been lost and Nigel wondered if his clock was running fast for some reason or another. Elinor wouldn't have done that...to send me home early...would she? the former Ravenclaw mused to himself. Before he could give it much thought, he was handed his lunch, the smell of the sauce permeating its wrappings. "Smells good," he remarked which wasn't a lie in any way regardless of whatever meat was in fact included in the recipe currently waiting in his hands.

He followed along behind her through the doorway to the back of the potions shop after making one quick move upfront, the sounds of the door amplified slightly when he was in the back so he could respond. As expected the lab director had made herself at home in the place that had been first his and Valentina's and then simply his sanctuary in the apothecary. Nigel could only imagine what someone might think of him allowing that sort of behavior when he usually came off as closed off and reserved. Or at least it HAD been his usual behavior.

"Well," he answered simply, "Thankfully no mischievous children," the shopkeeper added, following his words with a discrete knock on the wooden surface of his desk. One could only hope that eventually the generations might realize it wasn't wise to try and push his buttons to see how he would react. Though Nigel inwardly doubted that time would ever come to fruition.

"And yourself?" he returned, finally taking his own seat behind the desk. The container of hot food set down in front of him with the smell escaping as he awaited an answer. Eying the apple he had noticed Elinor took out of her bag, Nigel couldn't help but wonder if that was all she in turn was going to eat.

GlassXRose · 12-24-2012, 10:01 PM

Elinor couldn't help but laugh when Nigel rapped his kuckles on the desk after declaring that, thus far, he hadn't had to deal with any unruly children. She had never been around when there were children in his presence, but she visioned that he was more scared of them than they were of him. He must have truly loved what he did, if he faced dealing with people-- and children-- just to get to stand at his cauldron.

She noted that the first letter was from her sister, moving it to the back of the stack, when he returned the inquiry. "It's been a very tiring few days, I must admit. There's some sort of odd infection spreading, and, so... You can imagine that I'm getting my exercise." The second and third letters had been redirected from her work correspondance.

"Plus, we're still on that DeTalone case that the Prophet was reporting about. That's still not wrapped up, but there are only so many people to go around you know?" She glanced up and gave him a crooked smile, because she knew that Nigel did know. He had, at one time, attempted to hire an assistant or two. She recalled it hadn't ended well.

Her smile faded slowly when she read the name on the last envelope. "ALYSSA HALL" She put down the envelope and stared at it, reaching over and picking up the apple, even though the sight of the name set a rather large knot in her stomach. She took a bite and, shaking her head, lifted the envelope again. It was never good news. Ever. Elinor let out what could have been interpreted as a distressed sigh. It wasn't until after the fact that she realized she would have to divulge to him the reason for her reaction to a seemingly harmless envelope.

Her green eyes looked up to his, and for just a second, she let her gaze linger there. It somehow softened the effect of the words she was about to say.

"It's from my mother."

She let that sentence stand by itself before she realized she would have to explain her reaction. Nigel had, up until now, heard very, very little about her mother. For which she was grateful.

"My mother doesn't write a letter unless it's important, and by 'important', I mean it's something I probably don't even want to think about..."

She flipped the envelope over and tore the side away, sliding out the folded parchment paper. She just wanted to read it and get it over with, especially since she knew what was coming. The letter concerned Nigel, too. She took another bite out of the apple to occupy herself as her eyes flitted over the words. Once. Twice. She read the letter three times quickly, before setting the paper down on the desk.

"My mother has invited me over for a visit," uncomfortable pause. "And she wants me to bring you along."

Elinor knew this day was coming, she had just hoped it would be... well, never. But she had made the mistake of divulging Nigel's existance to her sister, and now she had to stew in the mess she had made for herself.

*Holmesian Feline* · 12-25-2012, 08:11 PM

Nigel opened his lunch and slowly began eating, not wanting to waste what Elinor had been thoughtful enough to purpose for him. As despite the ability to use a warming spell on it to reheat, there were times when it was better just to simply enjoy it the first time around. Better to not insult the meal's provider. The shopkeeper listened to Elinor as she described her day, nodding at times to show understanding to certain mentions...especially the mention of having to deal with few good people.

"Yes, I did read about that case," he remarked, one of the few moments of her work that were shared with the general public outside anything Elinor might reveal to him any other way.

He met her gaze as she looked up at him, raising a slight eyebrow when it seemed she was on the verge of saying something to him and breaking the silence. Not to mention noticing the change in demeanor that was written across her face. Nigel didn't have to wait long for there to be some incling as to what had brought the change on. Her mother? Alright. So her mother had sent her a letter, that the older woman deemed important. Or so he was told as Elinor continued speaking and explaining things to him that he didn't know about having never met her mother.

Why was that something Elinor felt to sha--

Visit her...bring him along?

Oh Merlin. Nigel was not liking the thought of that meeting. Granted he figured her family HAD to be better then his in many ways, but that didn't mean it would be perfect and entirely pleasant. Elinor's behavior at the receipt of the letter was clue enough of that despite the rare times the woman had been brought up in conversation. "She wants...to meet...me?" His words of question coming out disjuncted without meaning to

GlassXRose · 12-26-2012, 01:02 AM

Nigel's reaction to her statement was what was expected. It gave her a nice chance to defend her mistake.

"It's all my fault," Elinor interjected, "I was just talking with my sister, and she asked, and before I could think, I had told her about you, and then I realized that she would, of course, turn around and tell mother, and... It's all my fault."

She stared down at the letter for a few seconds, as though staring on hopelessly as a train wreck unfolded before her eyes.

"Of course, I'm a grown adult, and therefore I don't have to do anything, but, as always, she wants me to feel like it's my choice," she rambled on as she thought out-loud. "And even though my parents aren't bad people, I can't imagine ever saying 'Hey, I have a great idea, let's go see my parents'..."

She cut herself off there and took another bite of apple, taking in a breath. Shut up, Elinor. You're a smart girl. Just... Shut up.

"You don't have to go. We don't have to go. I'm not going." There! Problem solved! Elinor folded up the letter and slid it back into the envelope. Out of sight, out of mind. Right? No.

*Holmesian Feline* · 12-26-2012, 04:17 AM

Elinor proceeded to blame herself for the whole situation they were found in and Nigel couldn't bring himself to agree with her. So she had told her sister as she explained to him as part of the reason topic of them as a couple had been brought up in the first place. And he hadn't expected the act or the outcome which would have been a nice warning that something like this could happen. But that didn't mean the fault lay totally on the ministry worker and Nigel waved it of,absently pushing away the contents of his lunch.

Food wasn't all too appealing at the moment.

"Aye...you're right, you don't," he agreed, letting the Scottish affirmative slip his lips in his fluster. It wasn't like they were teenagers and they HAD to meet each others parents. Which was good, seeing as he had no intention of EVER bringing Elinor to his stepfather, or his stepbrother for that matter. There was just the matter of how to handle things and Nigel wasn't quite sure just not going would be the end of things.

"Um...how much was said?" he questioned quietly, trying to make heads or tails of what needed to be dealt with. "I mean if my connection to the shop was shared, your...OUR ignoring of the invitation might not work out too well." After all just about anyone could show up at the apothecary and Nigel didn't even know just what the woman looked like to be able to identify if Elinor's mother had decided to ambush him at his place of work. Or even sneak there to secretly spy.

GlassXRose · 12-26-2012, 08:07 AM

She felt even worse when Nigel stopped eating to help deal with the situation she had caused. He was always the best listener, and she loved him for that. Ordinarily, that, coupled with the adorable look on his face when he was thinking would have calmed her for at least a moment. This time, though, it was serious. She couldn't even manage a faint smile when he let that 'aye' come through. And she adored that.

"Uhm," she pinched the bridge of her nose briefly. She didn't remember much, but she knew what she wouldn't have told Clarice. Then she shook her head when he suggested that he could be connected with the shop. "I didn't tell her which shop. I was careful with names. I know how my... family can be," she said, not wanting to leave it at "sister", or "mother". It was the whole family. "I'll be the last person to actually start a family, so they like to pry into my comings and goings." It was quite annoying. Both of her sisters had gotten married, one of them was about to have children. She was the youngest, and being in her mid-thirties, that was still... sad.

Elinor had a brief mid-life crisis in the few seconds of silence.

"She knows-- They know your first name, and that you brew potions for a living... I'm sure that's all I said," she nodded, as though that answer was somehow better than another alternative. Well. It was, she suppossed, but she had still created quite the mess.

"Wait." She pinched the bridge of her nose again, and thought hard for a few seconds. "We're being stupid." Mostly her. "This is a simple choice. We either go or we don't, and that's all there is to it." The woman looked back up to him, even though she was mostly trying to convince herself.

"My parents are shallow purebloods, but frankly, I don't care. It's none of their business. They don't have to like you any more than I have to even take you to meet them. I love you, and nothing that anyone says, least of all my parents, is going to change that." Wow. She was proud. That was a quite rational stream of thought. She stared at the envelope again.

"So..." She moved her gaze back up to him, only this time, she was trying her hardest to stay calm and assured of herself. "We can decide it's nobody's business, as is our decision to make, or... I can take you to meet my parents."

It sounded like a choice between a cupcake and a stone. Either way, it probably wasn't going to end well. But, logically, him meeting Elinor's parents was something to be expected, wasn't it? They just hadn't thought of it yet, both of them being quite matured enough to skip that part. But at least they could decide together, which, in the end, was the only thing that--

--No. No, it's not, Elinor.

*Holmesian Feline* · 12-31-2012, 10:36 PM

No name of the shop but she did say he owned a shop and brewed potions. Nigel didn't have the heart to tell Elinor that it didn't erase the chances of her finding him, just made it a little more difficult. Potioners...reputable potioners were few and far between and not all of them owned their own shops or even worked through shops but many did. The addition of his name narrowed it down significantly if her mother happened upon someone who was willing to listen to her and direct her somewhere.

"Good..." Nigel said in answer to Elinor's admittance that she didn't care what anyone said about their relationship, allowing a small one of his rare genuine smiles. The shopkeeper silently debating what he should say in return. A confession of his own feelings? "My father...I mean my step-father and step-brother are quite similar to them in that respect," he admitted even if he had always had a feeling that their blood wasn't as pure as they let on. He had married a muggle after all. Was there no proper pure blood woman who had wanted him as her husband?

"My taking of my true father's name instead of Balfour should be proof enough where I stand in connection with them and their views." He had cut the chord as soon as he possibly could...legally. And it was only in extreme circumstances that brought him together with either of the two men. Though if he thought about it, news of him and Elinor, if it got out to them, might cause one of those visits on his own. Nigel finally behaving like family would be the comment given.

There eyes met again and Elinor laid out the options of the decision that was now placed before them. Nigel was unsure just which way to go to make everything go smoother. Finally he sighed quietly making his decision. "Perhaps we should just go."

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