A/N: Thank you all so much for the birthday wishes- I had a great time, and spent all day Halloween recovering ;) I was going to reply to reviews, but I'm now doped up on NyQuil due to the fact that I'm catching a cold and I wanted to make sure this was up before I went to sleep.
As always, please let us know what you think! Reviews=h20 ;)
Frankie stared open mouthed at him for a moment. "What?" she asked faintly.
"Marry me?" he asked opening up the box and showing her the ring.
"Will," Frankie whispered. "I... I don't..."
"I know this isn't the most romantic setting," Will interjected. "But I did talk about this with your father and he did give me his blessing."
"You asked my dad if you could marry me?" Frankie asked. She sat down and covered her face with her hands. "No wonder he's been acting like this all day..."
"I know it seems a bit old-fashioned, but I thought he'd appreciate it," Will asked. This certainly wasn't the reaction he'd been expecting. "Come on Frankie. Don't leave me hanging here..."
"Will," Frankie shook her head. "I... I can't marry you."
Will felt as if he'd been kicked in the stomach. He wasn't going to be deterred just yet. He stood up and walked over to where she sat. "Frankie. We don't have to get married right away. We can be engaged for a year if you want. I love you."
"I know but..." Frankie couldn't think of a way to tell him that she couldn't ever marry. "I just can't Will."
"I don't understand..." Will said. "Frankie..."
Unexpected tears came to her eyes. "Don't Will. Just don't all right?"
"Don't what?" he asked. "Is it the ring? I can take it back and get you another one..."
"Don't do this," Frankie stepped away from him. "You don't want to marry me Will."
"Yes I do," he said reaching out for her arm. "Frankie, look at me please."
She didn't want to, but he turned her around so she had no choice but to face him.
"I wouldn't have asked you, if I didn't want to," he said softly, cupping her face in her hands. "I know you're scared, Frankie. I am too, but I know that we belong together. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I've known it for quite some time. Say you'll do it, Frankie. Say you'll marry me."
She tried to say no but he kissed her then, and she responded even though she didn't want to.
Bolstered by her response, Will pulled away and whispered the question once more. "Frankie? Marry me?"
Frankie opened her mouth. "Will... I can't. I just can't. Please, please... you don't want this."
The smile from Will's face fell. He stepped away from her. "I want this more than anything I've ever wanted in my life. YOU are the one who doesn't want this. And I don't understand why."
"You know where I stand on this Will," Frankie said. "I've always told you I don't want to get tied down."
"Tied down?" Will asked. "Is that how you really feel about marriage?"
Frankie sighed and picked Emma up. "I'm sorry Will. I am. I just… I can't get married."
Will stared at her. "Frankie… if you don't want to marry me then this is it." He snapped the ring box shut and stuffed it into his pocket. "I know we've broken up and gotten back together over the years but I'm ready to find someone to settle down with. I mistakenly thought that was you."
Frankie pretended to be busy with cleaning up Emma.
"I can't be with you if you don't want this," Will said, still staring at her. "We can't get back together this time."
She still didn't answer as she ran water into the empty bottle. He'd said this before, and the sooner he forgot about this marriage nonsense the faster they could work things out again.
"I'm sorry Frankie," his voice was husky but pained. "I'll come by sometime and get my things from your flat. I'll expect you to do the same before the week's out."
"Will," Frankie turned around but was met with a crack as he disapparated away.
She sighed and rubbed her forehead with her free hand. "Maaa!" Emma said in her arms. "Maaa!"
"All right," Frankie said softly. "Let's go see your Mum." She carried Emma back into the room.
"How'd it go?" Cho asked eagerly as Neville had filled them in while she and Will had been in the kitchen.
"How did what go?" Frankie asked, deciding to take the nonchalant approach.
"With you and Will," Allison said. "Where is he?"
"He left," Frankie said, handing Emma to Jon. "She was asking for Allie in there." She smoothed back the baby's hair.
"He left?" Neville asked, bewildered. "Why?"
"Had no reason to stay," Frankie shrugged.
"But…" Cho looked hard at her youngest daughter. "But your father said he-"
"He didn't do anything all right?" Frankie snapped. "He had to leave."
"I'm sure he had an emergency," Neville interrupted when it looked like his wife was going to say something again.
"Right," Frankie sat back in her chair with her arms crossed as if daring anyone to ask her what had happened.
"Well how about dessert and then we can open presents?" Jon asked.
"Yay!" Caroline said happily. "I can't wait to see what I got!" she grinned at her aunts. "And then we can watch The Little Mermaid."
"Sure thing," Chiaki said with a smile.
"It's too bad Will won't get to watch it with us," Caroline said looking at Frankie. "He told me he liked it."
"Right," Frankie forced a smile onto her face. "Well he had to leave, he had to go home, so... probably some other time." she avoided her father's glance- she was too angry with him for springing this on her to even look at him.
Allison looked sympathetically at her sister. "If you want to talk..."
"About what?" Frankie asked. "I have nothing to talk about here Allie."
Allison didn't buy that for a second, but decided to drop it. When Frankie was ready to talk, she'd listen. "Right, I think I'll just go help Mum with the dessert."
"I'll start sorting out the gifts," Jon said. "Angel, come help your dad find the Santa hat..."
"It's right here in Will's seat," Caroline said holding it up. "Remember Daddy? He was wearing it when he came in!"
Frankie stared at the hat for a moment before grabbing some dishes and heading into the kitchen. Jon shared a bewildered look with Neville. "So... " he said as he slowly took the hat.
"I shouldn't have interfered," Neville said quietly. "I just thought..."
"You thought he was the right one for her," Jon said. "We all see it Neville. She doesn't for some reason but I think it'll hit her sooner or later."
"I would steer clear of Frankie for awhile Dad," Chiaki counselled. "She doesn't seem very happy with you at the moment."
Neville sighed. After the situation many years before with Allison, he'd always kept an open mind to the relationships his youngest daughter had chosen to keep. Will had been the bloke he liked the most out of all of them even though they'd only met a handful of times. "I guess you're right sweetheart," he said softly.
In the kitchen, Allison was helping her mother spoon dessert on the plates while Frankie just leaned against the counter, her arms folded.
"Did you want some whipped cream with yours, Frankie?" Allison asked.
"Sure," Frankie said, staring at the spot where Will had been kneeling just a quarter of an hour ago. 'I can't believe he proposed!' she couldn't get her mind off it.
"You sure you're okay?" Allison asked softly. "I meant what I said. If you want to talk about it, I'm here for you."
Frankie glared at her. "Talk about what Allie?" she asked sharply.
"It's so obvious Frankie," Allison said. "Will proposed and you turned him down and now you're regretting it."
Frankie let out a hollow laugh. "I don't regret anything, Allie."
Allison shook her head. "Obviously not now, but you will Frankie."
"Like you know anything," Frankie said dismissively. "You dated one boy, Allison! One boy! That's it. You have no idea what my life is like so don't even start thinking you do."
"All right," Cho said hastily, sensing that Allison was about to erupt. "Look, it's Christmas so let's not argue all right? Can we please enjoy the rest of today in peace? Allie, if Frankie says nothing is wrong then let her be."
Allison reluctantly nodded. "I'll just take these onto the dining room."
"Frankie," Cho said once Allison left the kitchen. "I realise you don't lead the same lifestyle as your sister but please don't criticise it. She's very happy with the way things are for her."
"She doesn't understand," Frankie said feeling the anger erupt in her all over again. "None of you do. Did you know about this, Mum? Did you know Will went to speak with Dad?"
"Not until he told me," Cho said motioning for her to keep her voice down. "Please Frankie- we all know you're upset but please don't cause a scene. Not today."
Frankie certainly didn't want to spoil the holiday for anyone, especially Caroline and Emma, but she still couldn't believe the nerve of her father interfering like he had. She would have thought he'd have learned his lesson with Jon and Allie.
"I'm not upset," Frankie lied. "You're right. Let's enjoy the holiday. Happy Bloody Christmas!"
"Thank you sweetheart," Cho hugged her daughter.
Meanwhile, Will arrived back at his house, feeling completely deflated and dejected.
Will's older brother Jack was giving his daughter Mia a piggy back ride in the sitting room while everyone watched and laughed as Jack complained about how he was getting way too old for this.
"Thank Merlin you're here Will!" Jack called out. "You can take over for me."
"Sure," Will forced a smile onto his face. "Come here sweetheart," he held his arms out for his niece.
Mia giggled and hugged him tightly.
"I would have thought Francesca would have come back with you," Abigail said. "Is she coming later?"
"She can't," Will said shortly, giving his brother a look that said he wanted to talk to him as soon as possible.
"Mia?" Jack asked. "Why don't you go and show your cousins that trick I showed you this morning? I bet they'd love to see it."
"Okay Daddy," Mia pecked her uncle on the cheek and scampered out of the room.
Jack motioned for Will to follow him to their father's study. "Things didn't go well I gather," he asked in a hushed tone as they walked down the hall.
"Things didn't go at all," Will said sourly. He tossed the box with the ring onto the sofa angrily. "She just turned me down flat."
"I thought things were gong well between you two," Jack said closing the door. "You said they were better than they'd ever been..."
"That's what I thought too," Will crossed his arms as he sat on the edge of the desk. "I mean, she finally even said that she loved me. It only took three years," he laughed sarcastically.
"And she hadn't even met all of us yet," Jack said trying to get his brother to laugh. "THAT would have been reason alone to turn you down."
Will gave a short, rather derisive smile. "I just don't get it," he muttered. "After she said no I told her that was it," he looked up at Jack. "I told her this time we wouldn't get back together. But that doesn't do me much good when all I want to do is go back and see her again."
"You my brother are a glutton for punishment," Jack said. "You always have been where she's concerned."
"I'm in love with her Jack I can't help it," Will said with a dirty look. "You're the same way with Claire."
Jack nodded. "That's true, but I've always known where I stood with Claire. Look, Will. I'm not saying this to make you angry or get you upset, but do you really want to spend the rest of your life chasing after a girl who doesn't want the same things you do?"
Will shrugged. "I don't know," he said, looking at the floor.
"Did she have any idea you were going to do this?" Jack asked. "Propose I mean."
"No," Will said. "I talked to her dad about it- mainly because her brother in law told me what happened between him and Neville while he was dating her sister Allie but... she just blew me off like it didn't matter."
"I'm sorry Will," Jack said sincerely. "I really am."
"Thanks," Will said, running his hands through his hair. "Guess I better just try and put all this aside so I don't ruin anyone else's Christmas."
"Maybe she'll come around," Jack said. "But I want you to promise me one thing, okay?"
"What's that?" Will asked, the merest hint of a smile on his face.
"You won't get all moody and sullen like you did last time," Jack replied. "As much fun as it was to watch you brood and listen to sad music on the wireless..."
Will remembered how around this time last year he and Frankie had gotten into one of their famously huge rows and had broken up only to get back together when February rolled around. "I'll try," he said.
"Fair enough," Jack said slapping him on the back. "You coming back into the melee with me or you need a few minutes?"
"I'll be in there in a minute," Will said. "Thanks Jack."
"No problem," Jack said. "I'll tell Mia her Uncle Will's available for pony rides within the hour."
"I'll be there," this time Will's smile was genuine.
*** *** ***
Frankie rubbed at her eyes as she let herself into her flat a few evenings after what was in her opinion a disastrous Christmas day. She had wanted to take her holiday this week and not have to be in the office, but the trip she'd gone on with Will earlier that year to the Bahamas had taken up her last paid week of holiday time.
"Stop thinking about him Francesca!" she scolded herself.
Her flat seemed so empty. She wasn't used to feeling so alone. In the week leading up to Christmas, Will had been over here every night it seemed. They'd had such a fun time decorating her small flat. She hadn't had the heart or the energy to take all it down.
What she needed now, she thought with a heavy sigh was a nice relaxing bath. Walking through her sitting room, she stopped dead in her tracks.
There was a cardboard box sitting on her coffee table with a scrap of parchment next to it.
Frankie- I came over for my things and I decided to save you a trip to my place by bringing yours back for you.
Will
"How bloody cold can he get?" she asked herself. "Leaving my things in a box with a bloody note?"
She crumpled up the piece of paper and threw it on the floor. She never said that they should stop seeing each other. All that she'd said was that she didn't want to get married. Then he had to go and ruin it all by saying that it was that or nothing. They were doing fine until he'd become so serious about everything. There was a knock on her door and she wondered if the wanker had forgotten something. Her heart sank as she heard her older sister's familiar voice.
"Frankie?" Chiaki asked tentatively.
She debated on whether or not she wanted to open the door but didn't want her pregnant sister on her feet. "Coming," she finally called back reluctantly.
"I was in the neighbourhood and I thought I'd pop in and see how you were doing," Chiaki said warmly when Frankie opened the door.
"Just fine," Frankie said brightly. "Just got home from work actually."
"I don't want to intrude if you're busy," Chiaki said hastily.
"Oh it's fine," Frankie opened the door wider. "Besides, I know you're really not supposed to be up and about so why don't you come in and sit down for a while?"
"I'd love that," Chiaki said stepping inside. "I met Mum to look at some things for the nursery but she had to leave for an afternoon class."
"I can't believe you're waiting until you have the baby to find out if it's a boy or girl," Frankie said. "It would make things so much easier on you if you knew now."
Chiaki sat down on Frankie's sofa, her eyes falling on the box. "We want to be surprised is all. What's all this?"
"Oh just some things," Frankie said hastily pulling the box away.
"Those are your things aren't they?" Chiaki asked. Frankie was a notorious pack rat and she couldn't imagine her sister giving anything away.
"Yes," Frankie said as Chiaki grasped the piece of parchment that Will had left behind.
Chiaki didn't know if she should read the note, but when Frankie didn't protest, she uncrumpled the parchment and read the note.
"Oh Frankie," Chiaki said quietly. "I'm sorry..."
"Why?" Frankie grabbed it away and tossed it into the fireplace. "I'm not sorry."
"You're not?" Chiaki asked looking at her in surprise. "Hey, Frankie. It's me. I know how much he meant to you..."
"Chi I'm not upset," Frankie lied. "I don't get serious with guys all right?"
"You dated this one on and off for a long time," Chiaki argued. "Call me crazy, but I think he must have meant something to you if you kept going back for more."
"He was fun to be with," Frankie shot back. "But you know what? All good things come to an end."
"I've known you all your life Frankie," Chiaki said folding her arms. "I know when you're lying."
"Good for you," Frankie retorted, not meeting her gaze.
Chiaki wasn't about to be deterred. "Have you tried talking to him?"
"I haven't seen him," Frankie got up and started sorting through the box, on the pretence that she was interested in it's contents.
"Mum said that Dad's tried to talk to you but you've not returned his calls," Chiaki said.
"Well for good reason I'm a bit annoyed with him," Frankie said.
"He thought he was doing something nice for you," Chiaki said. "Frankie, Will went to ask him for his blessing. That's very romantic and you know dad eats stuff like that up. Being as none of us knows Will all that well, how did you expect Dad to know this wasn't what you wanted?"
"Because it's never been what I wanted," Frankie said coolly. "Chi, I don't want to get married. I think it's great you and Allie are but I'm not you guys. I like men, I like dating around, I like being with different people all the time."
"No one's saying that you have to get married Frankie, but it's okay to fall in love," Chiaki said thoughtfully. "Why are you so scared?"
"I'm not scared," Frankie said, immediately spinning around. "I'm NOT."
"Then what are you exactly?" Chiaki asked looking quizzically at her. "Come on Frankie. What's really going on in that mind of yours?"
Frankie snorted. "You wouldn't understand Chi."
"I understand a lot more than you'd think," Chiaki shot back.
Frankie opened her mouth to retort but her eyes fell on a picture of her and Will on the London Eye earlier that year.
"You miss him," Chiaki said bluntly.
"Not really," Frankie lied weakly.
"Francesca, what am I going to do with you?" Chiaki said getting to her feet and looking sympathetically at her baby sister.
"You don't need to do anything," Frankie said with a level gaze. "I'm fine Chi."
Chiaki hugged her. "I love you and I want you to be happy. You know that, right?"
Frankie couldn't deny that it was nice that her sisters cared about her. "Thanks Chi," she said softly. "I don't need just one guy to be happy though. I'm going to be fine."
Chiaki didn't buy that for a minute, but she wasn't going to push Frankie. "Why don't you come back home with me? Tosh was going to pick up some takeaway for us."
Frankie shook her head. "I um... I actually have plans tonight." she said, which was only partially true. She didn't yet but one simple call or owl would take care of that.
"I get it," Chiaki said with a laugh. "Tosh and I aren't cool enough. You can say it."
Frankie finally smiled. "Nah, I just think you and Tosh need your time together with this one," she placed a hand on her sister's stomach.
Chiaki grinned. "We'd love to have you anytime, Frankie. You know that."
"I'll come by soon," Frankie promised. "I swear Chi- next week or something, I'll be by for dinner. This week is crazy enough with Emma's birthday and New Year's."
"We'll hold you to that," Chiaki said. "Have fun tonight."
"I will," Frankie hugged her sister again. "Thanks for coming by Chi."
"I'll see you soon," Chiaki said hugging her back. "Take care of yourself, Frankie."
"I will," Frankie replied. "We'll have fun at Emma's party in a few days."
"I can't believe she's turning a year already," Chiaki said shaking her head. "Time really goes by fast, doesn't it?"
"Aye," Frankie agreed. "You sure you don't want me to walk you home or anything?"
"I'm not an invalid," Chiaki said laughing. "I'll be okay. We Longbottom girls are strong, right?"
"That's right," Frankie laughed too. Once Chiaki had gone, she rummaged around in her bag for her mobile and called a guy she hadn't seen in awhile, Jeff Vincent, and made plans to go dancing that very evening.
"Two can play at this game Mr. Barron," Frankie muttered as she finished getting herself ready.
Jeff arrived a few minutes later and he looked handsome as ever. "Hello Gorgeous," he said looking appraisingly at her.
"Hello there," Frankie purred, feeling more like herself than she had in ages. "Long time no see."
"I heard some nasty rumour that you were off the market," he said flirtatiously. "But imagine my surprise when you called."
Frankie's smile slipped for a moment. "Well that's an untrue rumour," she said coquettishly. "Here I am, single and loving it, as always!"
"You sure you want to go out?" he asked looking over her shoulder. "We always had much more fun when we stayed in as I recall."
"I'm in the mood for dancing," Frankie replied as they left. "I haven't been to a club in ages."
"Who've you been dating?" Jeff asked with a laugh. "A librarian?"
"Like I would date a librarian," Frankie scoffed. "Please..."
"So who was he?" Jeff asked curiously.
"Just a guy I was seeing for a while," Frankie hedged. Will actually worked for Obscurus Books, writing texts and using his Ravenclaw skills. "But it's over now so let's go have fun!"
Jeff grabbed her hand. "I can't wait to get you on the dance floor."
"It's been quite awhile, hasn't it?" Frankie asked as he pulled her close.
"Too bloody long," he said kissing her hungrily. "You're a hard woman to forget, Frankie."
Frankie closed her eyes and tried to lose herself in Jeff's kiss, but her bloody traitorous mind couldn't help comparing his lips to Will's.
Jeff pulled away from her, looking quite pleased with himself. He had no idea that the lost, faraway look on Frankie's face had nothing whatsoever to do with him.
"Let's go," she finally managed. "Let's go have some fun."
Jeff led Frankie to one of their old haunts. She hadn't been here in ages and felt a little better as she lost herself in the crowd. Jeff excused himself to get them both a drink.
They had been there for a few hours now and Frankie was sitting by herself for a moment while Jeff was in the loo. While scanning the crowd she thought she saw a familiar blonde head spinning around with an equally familiar black one.
"And to think you said you didn't like to dance," Maddie said giggling as Ethan spun her around. "I used to have to chase you around to get one dance out of you!"
"I do too like to dance," Ethan pulled her close for a kiss. "I just don't get to do it that often."
"We should change that," Maddie said dreamily. She didn't know if it was the atmosphere or being close to the man she loved, but she felt as if she were floating on air. "We should go dancing at least once a week. It is in our blood you know."
"That it is," Ethan laughed as he dipped her back, her long blonde hair touching the floor.
When he brought her back up, she caught sight of Frankie Longbottom staring at them. "Ethan! Frankie's here!"
"What?" Ethan turned around. "Where?"
"Over there," Maddie said motioning with her head. "Let's go say hello!"
"Sure," Ethan put his arms around his girlfriend and followed as she wove their way through the dancers.
"Hiya Frankie!" Maddie said warmly, raising her voice so she could hear her over the music.
"Madeline," Frankie gave the younger woman a warm smile. "You and Ethan look fantastic out there!" she kissed them both on the cheek.
Ethan laughed. "It's all Maddie. She makes me look good."
"And it's about time he realised it," Maddie giggled. "What are you up to Frankie?" she asked. "Are you here with that Will bloke we've been hearing so much about these days?"
Frankie frowned. "No, I'm with someone else actually. Will and I weren't all that serious."
"Really?" Ethan asked furrowing his brow. "But your dad said..."
Maddie elbowed him. "Well you look like you're having fun," she said, sensing Frankie's discomfort.
"Loads," Frankie said forcing a smile. "How about you? How was your Christmas?"
Ethan and Maddie smiled goofily at each other. "Amazing. Ethan and I are actually moving in together."
Frankie's eyebrows rose. "Well that's fantastic," she said, genuinely happy for them. "You both certainly look thrilled about it."
"We are," Maddie said smiling at Ethan. "I'm moving in after the first of the year."
"Well let me know if you need any help," Frankie offered. "I'd be happy to come by and help you set things up." she hugged the other girl.
"A margarita for the lady," Jeff said coming back over to join them. "Oh, I didn't know you had company..."
"Jeff," Frankie took her drink. "These are two really close friends of the family," she smiled at him. "Maddie Weasley and Ethan Potter."
"Ethan Potter?" Jeff asked in awe. "Are you any relation to THE Harry Potter?"
"That's my dad," Ethan said with a grin.
"Wicked," Jeff said grinning at him. "I bet it doesn't take much for you to get the ladies, eh? You even look like him!"
"I've got the girl I want right here," Ethan laughed, hugging Maddie around the waist. "But thanks mate."
"I didn't know you knew the Potters," Jeff said looking at Frankie. "You never told me!"
"Never came up," Frankie replied submissively. "Mum's best friends with his dad."
"She is?" Jeff asked looking very much like a kid in a candy store. "That is so cool!"
"Well we're going to get back out on the floor," Ethan said. "But let's meet up later for a drink?"
"I want to ask about that time your father won the Triwizard Tournament," Jeff said nodding enthusiastically. "And what am I talking about! Your mum's Minister for Magic! You are the luckiest bloke on the planet!"
"Sure," Ethan said, looking at Frankie for a moment. "We'll talk later then..."
Frankie watched them walk away wishing she could go with them. Jeff was chattering incessantly about her Uncle Harry and Aunt Hermione.
"They're just people Jeff," she said with a laugh.
"Yeah but they're famous people," Jeff replied.
"So?" Frankie asked wondering if Jeff had always been this shallow.
"Come on Frankie," Jeff said, sipping his vodka tonic. "Harry Potter saved our entire world. And his wife... she's pretty hot for her age not to mention the most powerful person in our universe."
"Yes he did, but he's also an ordinary person," Frankie said wondering what the big deal was. "And I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't talk about my Aunt Hermione like that."
"Sorry," Jeff said, realising he'd offended her.
"It's all right," Frankie took a large gulp of her margarita. Will had never made a big deal once he knew that Harry Potter was her godfather.
One of Nick Malfoy's songs started to play and Frankie smiled when she recognised the melody. Jeff, however, rolled his eyes. "I hate this song."
"How come?" Frankie asked. "I rather like it. He's married to Ethan's sister you know."
"That bloke has an ego the size of a Quidditch pitch," Jeff replied before draining his glass. "And I think all his bloody songs sound the same."
Frankie narrowed her eyes. "Nick Malfoy is a very decent human being," she said.
Jeff laughed. "I'm sure he is, but he needs voice lessons."
Will had never made fun of Nick or his voice, Frankie thought. In fact, he had even listened to his music and liked some of it. "I think I'm going home," she said coolly.
Jeff grinned seductively at her. "That's what I like to hear. I can't wait to get you out of that dress..."
"I meant alone," Frankie said, her tone annoyed.
"Come on Frank," Jeff said putting his arms around her. "You know why you called me..."
Frankie shrugged away from him. "And I'm sorry I did. I'll not sit here and listen to you make fun of my family Jeff."
"I wasn't making fun of your family," Jeff said nuzzling her neck. Frankie tried to push him away but his grip was tight on her.
"I think the lady wants you to leave her alone," Ethan said from behind them.
"I think you should mind your own business and leave the hero thing to your father," Jeff said without letting go of Frankie.
"Maybe I'll show you exactly what my father has taught me," Ethan's eyes darkened in anger.
That seemed to be enough for Jeff and he reluctantly let Frankie go. He looked at Ethan. "She's nothing but a tease, Potter. And she's not all that good in bed. I'd stick with the blonde if I were you..."
Ethan's fist slammed into his face before Jeff could utter another word. "And if hexing you into next century wasn't against my duties as an Auror, I'd bloody do just that." he snapped.
Jeff stumbled to his feet. "You're both completely mad!"
"Can you take me home Ethan?" Frankie asked wanting to be anywhere but here at the moment. "Please?"
"Come on Frankie," Ethan put an arm over her shoulders. "You leave her alone you idiot." he glared at Jeff.
Frankie was shaking as Ethan led her out of the club.
"I saw him getting rough with you," Ethan explained when they were out in the cool night air. "I didn't mean to interfere, Frankie. I just..."
"No I appreciate it Ethan," Frankie said as Maddie draped her shawl over Frankie's trembling shoulders. "He'd never been that way before and--"
"Hey," Ethan said tilting her chin up so she'd look at him. "It's okay, Frankie. Really..."
"Thanks Ethan," Frankie choked out. "I didn't mean to ruin your and Maddie's night."
"Ethan loves to get in a good fight," Maddie said trying to make her laugh. "He lives for it. I have to restrain him all the time."
"I let her think that," Ethan joked. "Makes her feel important."
Frankie watched them and felt an intense longing for Will. If he was here, he'd put his arms around her and tell her that everything was going to be okay.
"Did you want to come back for some hot chocolate?" Maddie asked her, noticing the look in her eyes. "I just bought some the other day."
Ethan knew Frankie didn't want to be alone, but could tell she didn't want to intrude. "Of course she does. Come on, Frankie. We're not taking no for an answer."
"I suppose it couldn't hurt," Frankie said with a small smile. "Thanks you guys. I appreciate it."
"It will give us time to catch up," Maddie said enthusiastically. "We never get to see each other like we used to."
"Tell me about it," Frankie already felt better as Ethan took Maddie's hand and they began to head towards his flat. "How was your Christmas?"
"Great," Maddie replied. "Ethan and I took Saffy, Katie and Ashley ice skating like we did last Christmas. He only fell eight or nine thousand times..."
"Sod off," Ethan said. "You fell a lot too."
"Not as much as you," Maddie said laughing. "He kept trying to blame it on Saffy."
"She's a klutz," Ethan sniggered. "Worse than Jules even."
Frankie laughed. "I haven't been ice skating in ages. There was this one time when Wi..."
Ethan and Maddie both looked at her expectantly. "I didn't even know you liked ice skating," he commented.
"Like I said it was ages ago," Frankie said dismissively. "I should take Caroline. I'm sure she'd love it."
"She probably would," Maddie agreed. "She's pretty good at it too."
"I want to spend more time with her and Emma," Frankie said quietly. "I've missed out on so much getting caught up in my own little world."
"Well you're apparently her new favourite aunt," Maddie teased. "You and your magic carpet rides and Will calling her princess... er..." she bit her lower lip. "Sorry."
"She told you about that?" Frankie asked.
"She told everyone about that," Ethan said dryly. "Multiple times I might add..."
Despite herself, Frankie laughed. "She and Will really hit it off."
"It sure seems so," Maddie agreed as they arrived back at Ethan's place.
"I don't think I've been here since you moved in," Frankie said looking around the sparsely decorated flat. "On top of being a bad aunt, I'm a terrible friend, too."
"It's understandable Frankie," Ethan said. "You're a busy girl... not everyone manages all the PR for a Quidditch team you know."
"You'll help me with decorating this place right?" Maddie asked with a teasing wink. "I have my work cut out for me when I move in."
"You don't need me," Frankie said quietly. "I'm sure you have girlfriends of your own who could help you out."
"I have a few friends," Maddie said. "But I enjoy spending time with people who like me and not for who I'm dating."
"You sure you want my help?" Frankie asked, wondering why she'd never gotten close to Maddie. She's always dismissed the blonde as much too young and immature. Tonight, Maddie and Ethan had been there for her when she needed them most. Perhaps helping them out would be a way to pay them back for all they'd done for her tonight.
"I'd love to have you come by," Maddie said with an easy smile. "Your place has always looked so lovely."
"Don't I get any say in this?" Ethan said with a fake pout. "I mean, I live here too!"
"You have brown walls," Frankie said her nose crinkling up in disgust. "That's just wrong on so many levels Ethan."
"I never had time to paint," Ethan said defensively as he and Maddie made the hot chocolate together. "And it's not so bad!"
"It's the colour of poo," Frankie said looking around. "You need a nice warm colour in here..."
Maddie laughed. "I've been telling him that for ages," she gave her boyfriend a chaste kiss. "See?"
"And you should really get some slipcovers for your sofa," Frankie said glad to have a project to keep her mind off of Will. "And you have your television sitting on crates? Oh Maddie...we have our work cut out for us!"
Ethan looked completely dumbfounded as he glanced around his flat. "Well... just don't do anything... pink." he finally said lamely. "I'd never live it down."
"Okay," Frankie said grabbing a piece of parchment and a pencil from the table. "Nothing pink. Are you against pastels in general?"
"I don't know," Ethan said. "What's a pastel anyway?"
Maddie started laughing. "It's a genre of colours," she said, resting her chin on his shoulder. "Light and airy."
"Oh," Ethan said nodding. "I think I get it..."
"Light blue would look really good in here," Frankie said thoughtfully.
"How about something like tan?" Ethan asked. "I'm really not fond of light... especially this pastel you two are talking about."
Maddie and Frankie exchanged an amused look.
"You like the poo coloured walls, don't you?" Frankie asked teasingly. "It's not that you didn't have time to paint, it's that you didn't have the heart."
"Sod off," Ethan grumbled as Maddie set the hot chocolate in front of them all. "I like my flat."
Maddie hugged him from behind. "But you like my taste too right? As long as I don't do anything with Cornish pixies?" she laughed.
"I'd take Cornish pixies any day over pink walls," Ethan said stubbornly.
"I'll keep that in mind," Maddie teased, pressing her lips to his again.
Frankie suddenly felt uncomfortable. "I appreciate the hot chocolate, but I should really be getting home..."
"Frankie you don't have to leave just yet," Maddie protested.
"No, I do," Frankie said forcing a smile. "I have an early start tomorrow. I promised Mum I'd help out at the studio."
"Are you sure?" Ethan asked. "You're welcome to stay the night if you don't feel like going home alone..."
Frankie froze at his choice of words. Home alone.
"I'll be fine," she said weakly. The last thing she wanted was for the two of them to see her crying. "Thanks again. I'll owl you later in the week Maddie about some decorating ideas."
"Thanks Frankie," Maddie gave her a hug. "I'm looking forward to it."
Frankie hugged her back and pecked Ethan on the cheek before disapparating to her cold, empty flat.
"She's not handling that well at all." Maddie said once Frankie was gone. They had been filled in on the events of the Longbottoms' Christmas Day but didn't want to say anything.
Ethan had to agree with Maddie on that one. "I've never seen her like this, Mads."
"I feel bad for her," Maddie said softly, looking at Frankie's empty seat.
"And how did she get mixed up with that bloke at the club?" Ethan asked thinking out loud. "I wanted to bash his brains in..."
"He was a bit of a jerk," Maddie agreed. "Especially when he kept asking about your dad."
"Not at all who I'd picture Frankie with," Ethan said shaking his head. "Say what you want to about her, but she never throws names around."
"No she doesn't," Maddie said as Ethan pulled her down onto his lap. "Are you getting fresh with me Potter?"
"Me?" he asked innocently. "Never!"
"I know you too well by now," she teased.
"I'm going to do what I have to in order to make sure I don't get pink walls," Ethan said grinning at her.
"I may need some convincing," Maddie said softly.
"No pink walls," Ethan whispered against her skin. "Or peach....or lime."
"Maybe we can do tan..." Maddie breathed as his lips touched her neck. "Or... something darker..." her eyes closed.
"You're too easy," he said with a laugh.
"I beg your pardon?" Maddie pulled away from him.
"To get on my side," he said quickly. "Too easy to get on my side. You know I didn't mean that like it came out!"
"Better not have," Maddie touched his cheek before leaning in to kiss him fully on the lips.
Frankie, meanwhile was stripping off her clothes and tossing them into a corner before she pulled on an old pair of pyjamas and huddling into her bed.
Her eyes fell on a picture of her and Will on her bedside table. It had been taken at one of the team's celebrations last year.
They were cheering together and laughing happily, pausing every once in awhile to kiss each other on the lips.
That all seemed like a lifetime ago. And then he had to go and ruin everything by asking her the one question she'd never expected. What scared her the most was how easy it would have been to tell him yes.