Downtown Moonstraw

Downtown Moonstraw
moonstraw city

The city center of Moonstraw boasts an impressive array of establishments to the point that you can find or do just about anything in the area. It is typically bustling with people during the day, and during the night the streets are illuminated with countless lights coming from the surrounding buildlings.

Zachary Bishop

cfo and heir of bishop hotels
paintedred

That went well, Zach thinks! It should be no surprise to him, of course, since things always go well when he is with Nikki. Why he was so worried about anything being different *now* just because it's a romantic setting, he has no idea. It changes nothing – they have always gotten along extremely well. If he had realized this consistency earlier in life, perhaps it would have saved him a lot of time and heartbreak. Nevertheless, it's pointless to dwell on lost time. If anything, it is more romantic like this that they were apart for so long and then reunited. It's as if the forces of the universe really conspired to have them cross paths again. He insisted on walking Nikki back to her apartment. The place they had gone to for dinner is near enough anyway that there is no point in using the Floo Network or apparating when one can easily walk to avoid any unwanted side effects. Imagine getting splinched for such a short distance; that would be so unnecessarily painful. "I wish I could go back in time and tell fourteen-year-old Zach that he *does* eventually get to go on a date with his first big crush," he muses, "But I *guess* I wouldn't want to ruin the surprise for him either."

Nikolette Sutton

spellmaker
ateleia

Tonight has been a dream from the very beginning. Finally getting to be open about these feelings has seemingly only grown their friendship, which is comforting considering the months she's spent doubting that it was the right decision to move on him. Remembering how she doubted it for years as a child too creates an added ridiculousness to the scenario that she only wishes to ignore, but she can acknowledge how romantic it is that they found their way to each other again. A few months ago, she wouldn't have imagined she was walking through the city with Zach by her side and let alone on a *date*. Her eyes bulge and she laughs at the idea of him rewinding *decades* to tell his former self about tonight, considering it too for a moment before she notices something. "Your first big crush?" She teases, though she's honestly flattered and easily laughs again. Her laugh is hearty, showing genuine delight. "I wouldn't tell her. I thought about it, but you're right. It would be better left as a surprise. It would be more magical that way." A brief silence falls between them, but the faint buzzing of the city still surrounds them, slicing through the autumn air. Her walking slows slightly in order to glance at the sky above while they walk, not wanting to stumble on any rough patches in the sidewalk. "I don't think she would believe me either, and she was a handful. I would have to sit and talk to her for longer than I'd want to just because she would debate me- insist that she's told you dozens of times." Nikki glances at him, grinning. All this time, she thought she had because that's how she interpreted it at the time, but she must not have. Maybe she really did just tease him about liking her.

Zachary Bishop

cfo and heir of bishop hotels
paintedred

Zach scoffs at the insinuation that she *told* him she had feelings for him when they were younger. "You did *not* tell me any such thing." he insists, sounding very, very sure of himself. He is smiling, though. How could he not when he feels so happy? "I would have definitely remembered that. I'm a hundred percent sure. Even if I was 'oblivious' – " He does air quotes as if he does not fully believe this accusation against him. " – at the time, I'm sure I wouldn't have been able to ignore a *confession*." Zach wonders how things would have worked out had they known that much earlier, and realizes something. "And even if I *did* find out, then you'd have moved away anyway and I would have been totally heartbroken. Can you imagine? I would never recover." He says this with a dramatic flair but he is quite serious. He barely coped with Nikki moving away as it was then, how much more would it have hurt had it been *romantic* between the two of them? "You're right, anyway, that it's more magical this way."

Nikolette Sutton

spellmaker
ateleia

Similarly, she scoffs at his usage of air quotes, she too is still smiling. It turns more apologetic when he mentions her leaving, watching him carefully as if she might catch something beneath the dramatic exterior. "I could've sworn I did," she insists, but it's not too eager or aggressive. "I remember distinctly doing this-" Her arm reaches out towards one of his, bringing her other hand near his shoulder and eyeing him with a teasing grin. "- and saying something along the lines of: *Come on, Zach. I know you loveee me. We're supposed to be endgame, remember?*" Her accent had died down after years spent in America, but it's still buried down there somewhere and she brings it out just for the little act. When she's done, her arm is left hanging around his, but she focuses more on the street ahead of them, laughing at herself. "It's not much of a confession, but I thought it was." And she said it often too among other teasing comments about him being the cutest boy and how she could never find someone else. In hindsight, it's a little embarrassing, but she loves her fourteen-year-old self for who she was. Her inner teenager, who had left too much unresolved, feels a little more content after tonight. It's finally giving an answer to a question that had bothered her for years throughout her childhood. All of it adds a sense of serenity to the moment. "Is this fine?" she questions, glancing down at their intertwined arms the moment she snaps out of thought.

Zachary Bishop

cfo and heir of bishop hotels
paintedred

Zach bursts out laughing when Nikki mimics her old accent. He won't even *try* imitating how he used to talk. Similar to Nikki, the British accent is a lot more subdued than it used to be after years and years spent abroad. "That does *not* count." he tells her, "How was I supposed to know that was *real* and not just you messing with me? My poor heart..." He lifts one hand up to clutch at his chest in mock despair before letting it settle and focusing on how their arms are locked together. It is nice having her this close to him. The two of them have never been shy about invading each other's personal space, but with the knowledge that his feelings are reciprocated and mutual makes this so much better. "This is more than fine." he says, not making any move to untangle their arms from one another. "So, tell me," he begins, looking down at her with a big smile. "How was the date?" he asks. He is quite confident it went perfectly, but he still wants to confirm with her and not be too presumptuous. "I'm accepting constructive criticism."

Nikolette Sutton

spellmaker
ateleia

His theatrics earn a loving eyeroll before she laughs along with him. Sure, she had been intentionally messing with him, but it was supposed to be some sort of sign. Everything sorted out how they were supposed to, and his reaffirmation that he's fine with their arms being laced together like this tells her he must be content with it too. "Hmm," she pretends to consider his question for a moment. It was a spectacular date, and she's never been on a first date that has captivated her as much as this one has. Only issue is that Nikki has never been good at putting her thoughts and feelings into words when it truly matters, or else they wouldn't be on only their first date right now. "Out of five stars, this date is around a four and a half so far," she informs him of this with an exaggerated assuredness, hopefully showing that she's not being entirely serious. In reality, she believes it was a five star date, but maybe there *is* something missing and she knows *just* what it is. She flinches when a singular water droplet falls and hits her in the face, but doesn't seem too bothered by it. "You're dressed handsomely, and no complaints on appearances either. Conversation was amazing, but we didn't need a date to confirm all of that." Nikki laughs. Two things were true before going on this date: she's very attracted to Zach and the two bounce off of each other wonderfully. It's no surprise that those things are still true. "Everything was fantastic and *so* close to perfect, but something's just mi-" Another few droplets hit her and her eyelashes bat at one in particular that dove straight for one of her eyes. "Did you feel that? It's drizzling."

Zachary Bishop

cfo and heir of bishop hotels
paintedred

Zach's smile only widens when she mentions that the date was a four and a half out of five, very pleased that she had a near-perfect time. He is about to ask what would make it perfect when she mentions that it's sprinkling. He holds out his free hand to check and true enough, it *is* drizzling. "It is," he confirms, "We should probably get going faster th – " He is cut off when the drizzle suddenly intensifies into harsher rain. It isn't storming, definitely, but for sure they will be totally soaked by the time they get back to her apartment. "Shit, we should – " He removes his arm from hers to take her hand and guide them underneath a small canopy outside a cafe. At least now they're covered, but they can't just be stuck here. "I think we could get back to your apartment in a couple minutes." he says, gauging the distance from here to there. "Quicker if we run," he adds. He's only half-joking, but he wouldn't want to force that idea. Nikki looks very pretty right now, and while being drenched would not change that opinion of his, she might not want to ruin her appearance by willingly running in the rain. "Or we could wait it out maybe? But it's late."

Nikolette Sutton

spellmaker
ateleia

Everything happens so *fast* that she just follows his moves, letting his hand hold onto hers as he brings them towards one of the shop canopies. Watching him try to calculate the time is amusing to her, so she laughs and gives his hand a gentle squeeze. Nikki stares down the paved street, watching the rain start to puddle in the small dips of the road. "Mother Nature is punishing me for giving the date only four and a half stars," she claims, still thoroughly amused. She isn't too concerned with her outfit, and her hair has already gotten wet enough that she might as well go all out with it or else it's just weird looking. Still she laughs as if he's kidding when he suggests running, tilting her head down towards her chosen footwear and deciding she's willing to chance it. Even if she sprains something, which would not happen in such short shoes, it's not as if St. Mungo's couldn't whip their wands around and fix that in a second. "I wouldn't mind spending more time with you if you want to wait," she tells him, turning her gaze towards him again. A brow slowly raises as she searches through his expression, trying to figure out what he would prefer, but it becomes apparent that the decision is sort of on her. "Let's run. Why not? We're not scared of a little *water*. We can even *race*!" Nikki laughs, half kidding.

Zachary Bishop

cfo and heir of bishop hotels
paintedred

"That's what you get for having such high standards." He teases her in agreement when she makes her first comment about the weather purposefully punishing her for what she said earlier. Zach looks down at his hand, which is still in hers, then out at the rain again, before also deciding that he's willing to chance it. It's just *rain* – what's the worst that could happen, really? "A *race*?" he repeats, quirking an eyebrow upwards to express his amusement. "I don't want to do something you're so obviously going to lose, Nikki. Then what kind of date would I be?" He laughs, "I wouldn't want to risk my almost perfect score." Zach is not competitive by nature and has no problem engaging in a race, but also would want to keep close to Nikki to ensure that she doesn't get hurt or at least to clear the way for the two of them as they walk. "We can run." he says, "We can't spend *too* much time together, after all. You might get sick of me." Zach is joking of course because he knows that he could never get tired of spending time with Nikki, and he is confident that she feels the same way in return. It's very comforting being with someone that you can be so sure of. "Then, what'll I do? Spend the rest of my weekend moping, probably."

Nikolette Sutton

spellmaker
ateleia

Him telling her should *lose* is absolutely ridiculous, and she scoffs and slowly pulls her hand out from within his. Her hands fall along her waist in a continued charade of offense. "*Lose?* Excuse me? Zach, please tell me: when do I lose?" Her head tilts to the side, but she's grinning and obviously just messing with him. It's then that she decides on what she has to do, so she doesn't give him her hand again and instead places it on his shoulder near his collarbone. "I will never get tired of you," she says, voice sincere though admittedly it's partially a distraction. Her head tilts to smile at him before she turns towards the street separating them and her apartment building. A few people are on the street, but most have apparated away or found their ways into buildings already. Unfortunately, it's not much of an obstacle course. When she turns to face him again, she frowns exaggeratedly and her hand starts absentmindedly playing with the collar of his coat. "Issue is that you might still spend the next few nights moping—" She pauses, incapable of holding onto her laughter much longer. She's aware it's a bit ridiculous and childish, but where's the fun in being so serious *all* of the time? "— because *I* don't lose." Quickly, she leans in and places a kiss to his cheek before heading out into the rain and running down the street towards her apartment. After getting a few steps, she turns her head to see if he's following her, but it's all a little blurry from the combination of the dim night and the droplets from overhead. Still she can be heard chuckling and shouting, "Loser pays next time!"

Zachary Bishop

cfo and heir of bishop hotels
paintedred

He is stunned from when she kisses his cheek, then she takes off and he lets out a loud laugh before catching up with her. "You are so ridiculous!" he calls after her, but it's very fondly even though he *does* mean it. She is *so* ridiculous. As if the consequence means anything to him when in his head, he is already paying for all dates in the foreseeable future. She would probably not stand for that, but at least losing now will give him an excuse to next time. Then Zach realizes Nikki would probably *not* appreciate having won because he threw the race, and he tries harder to catch up to her. He can feel himself getting progressively more and more soaked by the rain, but it's fine because he is having fun and he is with Nikki after all. Once he's caught up to her, he continues but at a slower pace so that they can stay side by side. Looking at her now he can say with confidence that he loves her, but that is probably too heavy for a first date even if they have said it multiple times in the past and meant it 'platonically'. "Almost there!"

Nikolette Sutton

spellmaker
ateleia

Her arms are tossed into the air in reaction to the idea that she's ridiculous, which she knows she is and the gesture is meant to tell him she doesn't care. When she hears him catching onto her, she attempts to run a little faster. Her blonde hair has started to cling to her face as it becomes drenched from the rain, and her trench coat is still open and flapping in the wind behind her. Subsequently, water has invaded down the front of her dress and her legs are freezing from the chilliness. Still she continues, and only briefly glances at him when he starts to catch onto her. Silently, she curses her coat for giving her too much wind resistance, but she's partially kidding. Her mind mostly wanders towards how much audacity he has, but she's kidding about that too. Any other second or moment, she would love to see Zach's face. "Back off, Bishop," she calls out, trying to go a little faster as they reach the home stretch. It doesn't occur to her then, but her building doesn't have an awning on it. Her intention from the start has been to invite him inside anyways. It only gives her more reason to, but her mind isn't there right now. All it's saying is that they have a dozen more feet and they're *there*. And she'll win! Oh, she has to win. It would be too embarrassing not to.

Zachary Bishop

cfo and heir of bishop hotels
paintedred

Even with Zach actually trying, Nikki manages to reach the entrance to her apartment first, not that he minds losing. His breathing is heavy from having ran to get here, and he stops in front of the entrance to her apartment, too busy looking at her for his mind to properly process that they should go inside and take cover from the rain. "Congratulations," he says, looking down at her to admire her. She is still so beautiful even after running under the rain, and that stuns Zach a bit. His eyes dart down to her mouth and then back up again to her eyes. "So I guess I'm paying for our next date," Referring to it as a date makes a smile form across his features. "But I don't think that's a big enough reward considering I'd pay for *all* future dates if you just let me." He knows she *won't*, but it's worth putting out there anyway. "Is there anything else you'd like as a prize then?"

Nikolette Sutton

spellmaker
ateleia

Her time spent in the gym has started to pay off. Her breathing is a little heavy once she reaches the entrance to her apartment building, but it doesn't stop her little celebration, which is full of her pretending to rally together a make-believe crowd. A stranger passing them gives her a stern glance, which brings her into a fit of laughter as she falls into his arms. Her hands drape themselves along his shoulders as she grins at him. He's so handsome, but it's not enough to let the comment about paying just slip by. "I won't. It was worth a shot though," says before laughing. Her hand gently pats his chest as if that solidifies her statement in some sort of formal contract. His suggestion of some greater reward for her awesome victory is enough to get ears perked, beaming at him despite the depressing rain still pouring down on them. "Oh, that reminds me! Suzy needs a dogsitter during my trip to Jersey next month," she starts, being entirely serious in tone though that's usually not an indication of anything. Of course she knows what he wants; she wants it too. Something about the adrenaline coursing through her veins in this moment just tells her she should drag it out. It means being attached to him for longer and getting to see his face when she doesn't just immediately tell him to go for it. "But if you want to kiss me, Zach, then you can just say that." Her eyes flicker down towards his mouth too, and one of her brows is arched by the time she's meeting his gaze again.

Zachary Bishop

cfo and heir of bishop hotels
paintedred

It is so like Nikki to react to winning in such an exaggerated way that he cannot think of anything more quintessentially her. That is, until she teases him about dog-sitting. He is obviously and visibly disappointed for a split second, then she continues and he realizes it was probably to get a reaction out of him. He is so certain of his feelings, and the longer he does nothing, the longer they stand in the rain and get drenched. Of course, the weather is the least of his concerns when he leans in and kisses her for the first time. Somehow, it is so much better than he had dreamed it would be and he has pictured this very scenario many times before. To have it happen in the pouring rain after over a decade of having been separated is something straight out of a romantic movie, and the irony is not lost on him, so he smiles against her mouth just thinking about it. The rain continues to fall, but Zach stays in place, looking at her face and cherishing the moment. "*Finally*," he says, and it truly is a *finally* moment for them. It has been so long.

Nikolette Sutton

spellmaker
ateleia

When he kisses her, her hands slide behind him and pull him in closer as if that were at all possible. Everything feels so surreal in that moment, and she becomes aware of each new droplet of rain hitting her face and the exact texture of his wet hair. Somehow it feels as if she has entered a movie set, and the exact sort of movie that she's never quite enjoyed. It's a lot better when it's her own story- *their* own story. When he pulls away, she's instantly smiling and she wants to start gushing because she's waited so long for that first kiss, but for once she practices restraint. Her eyes say it all though, and she's on the verge of saying something just when he does and the dam shatters. "*Finally*," she repeats, finally breathing out before pulling him in for a second kiss. It's slightly shorter, full of less surprise and anticipation than the first, but it hasn't lost its spark. "It was worth the wait," she says, grinning as she slowly starts to collect herself. One of her hands moves to push some of his hair out of his face, running her hands through the wet mess and pulling a face before laughing. Even if she's getting chillier by the second and they're dripping wet, she feels as if she could stand out here forever. All she can think about is how that better be her last first kiss, and she's sure it will be. There's no one else out there that she would rather spend the rest of her life with, and she's very sure of that.

Zachary Bishop

cfo and heir of bishop hotels
paintedred

After she moves his hair out of his face, it occurs to him that they're still underneath the rain and he quickly ushers them underneath the small overhang atop the entrance to her apartment building so that they don't keep getting rained on. They're dripping on the steps, not that it matters, and Zach cannot pull his gaze away from Nikki and how attractive she is despite their current state. "Are you going to invite me in?" he asks, grinning. "Also, what is this about a trip to *Jersey*?" He would offer to go with her, but he doesn't want to intrude on her work and also does not know how open she would be to traveling together just one month after they've begun dating.

Nikolette Sutton

spellmaker
ateleia

Once they're attempting to protect themselves from the rain using the smallest overhang in all of Moonstraw, she's reminded she has keys somewhere in her coat pockets. Her hands bury themselves into the extended pockets, searching for the pesky little keys and silently praying to a god she doesn't believe in that they didn't fly out while running. When one of her fingers catches the little ring holding them together, she lets out a quiet *A-ha!* "If I don't, would you have to just stand there like a vampire?" Her eyes are focused on slipping the key into building's entrance just as her free hand reaches for one of his. She is swinging the door open and stumbling inside before she knows it, bringing him in with her. Her shoes squeak, and she suddenly becomes aware of how drenched they are compared to the perfectly dry environment they've just entered. "I have a spellmaking conference in the city. My mother is still living in Jersey though, so I figured I could turn the whole thing into a little visit," she explains as she starts to go up the stairs to her apartment on the third floor. "I don't plan on going out there very often anymore, so might as well take the opportunity. If you weren't my dogsitter, then I'd invite you." Her steps stop for a second, and she turns to face him on one of the lower stairs. "Have you ever actually met my mother?"

Zachary Bishop

cfo and heir of bishop hotels
paintedred

"I haven't, actually, no." he says. He remembers details about Nikki's relationship with her mother and doesn't actually know what to expect should he ever meet her. "I don't *have* to be your dogsitter," he says, getting his wand out to dry himself with a spell. "But I'm always down for more bonding time with Suzy." He adds this quickly after realizing he would not want to be imposing, even though the idea of traveling together something he very much wants to make a reality. "Who knows? Maybe by the time you get back, she'll love me more than you." It's very unlikely, of course, given Zach's track record with animals. However, he intends on staying in Nikki's life like this for as long as she will have him and that would hopefully mean getting along better with her dog. "I'd miss you quite a lot, though." he finishes. He's half-serious; of course he can survive the duration of one conference without her but she has been apart from him for so long that the idea of them being separated *again* is not appealing to him in the slightest, especially now that they're officially together. "How could you *leave* me again?" he teases, approaching her again. "We'll have to go on a lot more dates before you go."

Nikolette Sutton

spellmaker
ateleia

Her eyes linger for a moment, trying to figure out what's going on in his head though it's pretty obvious to her. He wants to hoard her dog all to himself. Obviously, that's not true, and she laughs just at the idea that Suzy would ever leave her for him even if he's amazing, which he most certainly is. "Maybe you finally should," she suggests, turning around and continuing the last few steps before they're on her floor. "And then you won't have to miss me." When she reaches her door, she turns and kisses the side of his face just in case he's already started to miss that too. Unlocking her front door, she hesitates before pushing it open and hearing a tired Suzy lift herself from her bed and waddle over to them. Hopefully that serves as some sort of distraction from her drying herself off with her wand, hair immediately puffing out into a mess on top of her head. "I wouldn't have to miss you then either. We could go on a date in the city or a few dates. Who knows?" She casts another charm, causing her hair to smooth itself down yet leave the volume she loves so much. It's a shame she used to straighten it to death. "But we could go on a lot more dates before then too," she adds, smiling at him. Her gaze lingers on him as she admires him and everything that he is. He *is* amazing and terribly handsome. It's a miracle she found her way to him again.

Zachary Bishop

cfo and heir of bishop hotels
paintedred

Out of the corner of his eye, he notices the way her hair puffs out and he has to suppress a small laugh so that she doesn't know he's seen it. "That would be awesome." he says, stepping inside and looking down at Suzy. She didn't bark at him repeatedly this time, which is definitely an improvement, he thinks! "You always have such great ideas." he tells her. Though it's said jokingly, he one hundred percent means it. He glances up towards Nikki again and admires her smile. The idea that the two of them are together now is still so surreal to him that he could almost be sure that this is some sort of dream, yet here they are discussing going on a trip together, meeting her mother, and of course many, many more dates. "Should've known all this time that it was going to be you and I." he comments, walking around Suzy and towards her again. "So, this is official, then? Us?" He thinks it's safe to be confident about this, but of course it would not hurt to hear it be confirmed out loud.

Nikolette Sutton

spellmaker
ateleia

Once she's dry, she lets herself into her apartment after him and slowly shuts the door behind them. Her bottom rests against the door for a moment, leaning forward off of the door as she watches him briefly wander through the entrance of her apartment. It's as if Suzy knows that this is serious now, and she can't go on barking and barking at him anymore. Her smile slowly widens at the amusing thought, but she otherwise focuses on what he's saying. Her hands push her off of the door when he starts wandering closer to her, meeting him part of the way there. "I told you so," she teases lightly, both hands reaching for both of his as space closes between them. His clarification amuses her though it's honestly just polite and she knows that it's important to start this off communicating. "It's official," she confirms with a small nod followed by a bright glow radiating off of her. "What's the point in waiting? Especially when we've done *so* much of that already." Pausing, she stares at Zach with excitement gleaming in her eyes. She'd kiss him if not for the fact that she's so caught up in her thoughts and emotions. All she wants is to just stand here and watch his features move, catching his little mannerisms and recognizing the ones that have always been there. Nothing is embarrassing about that; she loves him and that's it. "I don't know when it becomes appropriate to say it, but you know that I do." It's a little ridiculous because just saying that is essentially just saying the real thing, so she laughs at herself. Still not embarrassed though.

Zachary Bishop

cfo and heir of bishop hotels
paintedred

At this point, Zach does not know how this night could get any more perfect, but then she says that last bit and his face lights up again. He doesn't understand what need there is to be coy about saying it, but fine, maybe too much is happening in one night so he holds his tongue to keep from telling her he loves her. He will likely end up saying it tomorrow, anyway, with his inability to keep things to himself. "It's fine to admit it, Nikki. Everyone knows you do," he tells her, mimicking what she told him during that night in Hogsmeade Theater. "But you know I do, too." he adds, looking at her directly so that she knows he means this with all the sincerity that his heart can muster. He angles his head downwards to kiss her one more time, and after a couple seconds, Suzy comes towards their feet as if to force space between them and he laughs. Tonight was amazing and Nikki is so amazing, too – it is very easy for Zach to see his future clearly with this view.