AN: We had an absolute BLAST writing this part of the New Year's Eve- and this chapter ends the evening for all the characters ;) We hope you all enjoy this bit, and as always, please leave us a review telling us what you think! :)
"Are you sure you don't want something a little stronger?" Allison asked Lizzy. The two of them were in the kitchen getting drinks. "You're not on call tonight. You can live a little."
"I know," Lizzy said pouring some ale into a mug for Josh. "Pumpkin juice is fine."
Allison peered at her suspiciously so Lizzy grinned. "I've just felt a bit under the weather lately and I don't want to do anything to ruin tonight. I've been looking forward to this for too long."
"Me too," Allison agreed. "Tosh and Chi should be here a little later. They went with Nick and Jules to some industry do."
"You're not too knackered, are you?" Lizzy asked her friend. "Two parties in one day..."
"We really just want to get rid of the leftover food from the party earlier today." Allison replied. "We could always have invited Jon's dad back over but we decided it would be nice to kick back with everyone instead. And Chiaki wants to keep things quiet tonight- especially since she's gotten so big and its getting late on in her pregnancy."
"I still can't get used to seeing your sister pregnant," Lizzy said with a laugh.
"Tell me about it," Allison smiled. "Especially when she's been 'the thin one' all our lives."
Lizzy laughed and she grabbed her glass of juice along with Josh's ale and followed Allison back into the sitting room.
"Thanks love," Josh smiled at his wife as she handed him his drink and pecked her on the lips. "You're the best."
"I have my moments," Lizzy said. "What's that you're looking at?"
"Pictures from Emma's party," Josh said. "R.J. developed them this afternoon. He's pretty good, eh?"
"Aye," Lizzy nodded. "I'm impressed. He's got quite the eye there."
"He does," Josh agreed. "He's going to work at The Quibbler this summer. Grandpa's ecstatic."
Jon looked at a picture of Caroline as she helped Emma open her presents and he smiled. "Hey, Al. Caroline looks just like you when you were a kid."
"She does sort of resemble me doesn't she?" Allison asked with a grin.
"Thank God for that," Josh joked. "She could look like Jon."
Jon glared at his brother. "You look just like me."
"Unfortunately," Josh grinned at him.
Jon shook his head and returned his attention back to the photos. "Al, she's the mirror image of you. Same brown hair...same sweet smile."
Allison grinned at him. "You're sucking up to me but I'm not sure why..."
"I'm not sucking up to you," he said innocently. He went over to the bookcase where Allison's scrapbook from Caroline was. He flipped through the pages and grinned. "Come here....see?"
Allison, Lizzy and Josh stood around Jon and saw a picture of a five year old Allison with the twins. "What have you got on your head there?" Lizzy asked curiously.
"A veil," Allison said smiling.
"That was during one of our pretend weddings," Josh began to laugh. "I remember those!"
"Excuse me, your what?" Lizzy asked.
"I used to make them play wedding when we all got together," Allison explained. "They both hated it."
"I have to hear about this," Lizzy said settling down on the sofa.
Allison smiled. "Well, there was this one summer when we all went to Brighton with Uncle Harry and Aunt Hermione. I remember I was sad because Chiaki and Julie got to go into town and I couldn't go with them...."
*** Flashback***
Cho handed Allison the box of clothes she'd found in the attic.
"What am I supposed to do with this?" Allison asked.
"You can play dress up, sweetie," Cho replied.
"With who?" Allison sniffed.
"I'm sure the boys would play with you," Cho said. "Especially if you ask them nicely."
"You really think so?" Allison asked hopefully looking out onto the deck where Josh and Jon were playing Exploding Snap.
Cho smoothed her daughter's hair back. "Go ahead and try," she smiled. She could hear Frankie start to cry downstairs in the nursery.
"Okay," Allison said lugging the box behind her as she stepped out onto the deck. "Whatcha doin'?" she asked shyly to the twins.
"Playing a game," Josh said. "Exploding Snap. It's really cool!"
"Oh," Allison said trying to hide her disappointment. There was no way the two of them would let her join in and they probably wouldn't want to look at the box of old clothes.
"What have you got there Allie?" Jon asked curiously.
"Just some stuff," she said, trying to act like nothing was wrong.
"What sort of stuff?" Jon asked walking over to her.
Allison blushed, thrilled that they actually seemed interested. "My mum told me it's some old clothes from the attic."
"Just old clothes?" Jon asked peering over the box. "Is there anything really cool in there like a sword?"
"I don't know," she said truthfully. "Do you guys want to play with me?"
Josh and Jon exchanged a look.
"Sure," Josh replied. "I guess..."
"Really?" Allison asked, her brown eyes lighting up.
"Sure," Jon said with a shrug pulling out an old black suit jacket. Josh picked up something white and lacy.
"What's this?" he asked holding it up.
"Ooh," Allison said. "It's a beautiful wedding veil!"
"What do you do with it?" Jon asked his nose scrunching up in disgust.
"Silly," Allison pulled it out of his hands. "A girl wears it when she gets married." her eyes grew wide. "Let's play wedding day!"
Josh and Jon exchanged a horrified look before both saying rather loudly "NO!"
"Please?" Allison begged. "If you play with me I'll let you guys have my chocolate cake at dessert tonight."
"All of it?" Jon asked.
Allison nodded, even though she hated giving up her cake. It was her favourite kind but she wanted to play with the twins more than anything. "For the next two nights," she added for good measure.
"Okay," Josh said reluctantly. "But you can't tell anyone about this."
"And I'm not wearing that thing," Jon said pointing at the veil."
"I get to wear it," Allison said. "I'm the bride." she paused for a moment. "Who's going to marry me though?"
"Not me," Josh said stepping back.
"Thanks," Jon said sarcastically to his brother. "I guess you're stuck with me then."
"That's okay," Allison dug through the box. "Here's a dress for me- and another coat for Josh. And here's a ring for you to propose with!"
Jon took the silver ring and put on the coat which was way too big for him. "How do you know about all this stuff anyway?"
"Chiaki told me," Allison replied, sliding into a moth eaten white lacy dress.
"Chiaki knows everything," Josh said slipping into his own coat. "Ewww....Allie this smells!"
"It's from the attic," Allison said. "Mummy said it was up there for a long time."
"Obviously," Josh said holding his nose.
Paddington tried to get into the box, but Jon waved him off. "Get out of there boy!"
"He can be your best man Jon," Allison said, finding a bow tie and wrapping it around the dog's neck.
"My what?" Jon asked impressed and a little scared that she knew all of this. "But he's a dog."
"It's pretend stupid," Josh said hitting his brother on the arm.
"I know that you dummy," Jon shot back with a glare.
"Boys," Allison said stepping between them. "We shouldn't fight on my wedding day."
Jon glared at his brother and stuck his tongue out before turning to Paddington. "You going to be my best man boy?" he asked, patting his knees. The dog jumped up on him and Jon scratched behind his ears.
"You're so lucky to have a dog," Allison said leaning down. "I always wanted one."
"If we get married, the dog will be yours too," Jon said laughing as Paddington licked his face.
Allison giggled. "I don't have a maid of honour. But that's okay though."
Jon held up the ring. "What am I supposed to do with this then?"
"You have to ask me to marry you," Allison said with a grin.
Josh snickered earning a glare from both Allison and Jon.
Jon blushed bright red and in a low voice asked Allison. "Allie, you wanna get married or something?"
"That's not how you ask," Allison chastised. "You're supposed to get down on one knee and hold the ring out." she crossed her arms. "And be romantic about it!"
Jon gulped. "I don't know how to be mantic."
"RO-mantic," Allison corrected. "Just pretend you're in love with me!"
"What?" Jon asked in disbelief.
"Pretend," Josh chimed in enjoying this far too much.
"Um, okay," Jon said getting down on one knee. He tried to think of something sweet and mushy to say. "Allison, you are the prettiest, bestest girl in all the whole wild world. Would you marry me?"
Allison laughed. "Okay," she said happily. "I'll marry you Jon!"
Jon smiled. "So what do we do now?"
"Well since Paddy's the best man, Josh will have to be the minister," Allison said, pulling on Jon's arm. "Stand here Josh."
Josh did as he was told and folded his arms. He hoped no one came out and saw them doing this.
"Now you have to have us read our vows," Allison said, making sure Jon was standing right where he was supposed to.
"Who gets to go first?" Josh asked.
"Usually the guy does, I think," Allison chewed on her lower lip.
"Dearly loved," Josh said remembering something he'd seen on the telly. "We're gathered on this deck to marry my idiot brother..."
"Josh!" Jon interjected angrily.
"Be nice," Allison warned him. "It's my wedding day and I don't want you to ruin it!"
"Okay," Josh said sheepishly. "I'm sorry. We're here to marry my brother Jonathan Weasley to Allison Longbottom."
Allison smiled encouragingly at Jon who looked as if he'd rather be anywhere but right there. Paddington sat down with a thump, his tail hitting the wooden floor as he looked between his two young masters.
Thankfully, none of the three children noticed that their parents were watching and taking pictures from just inside the beach house.
"Do you want to get married, Jon?" Josh asked looking at his brother with a smirk. "Forever and ever until you die?"
"I guess," Jon said reluctantly.
Allison nudged him . "You're supposed to say 'I do'."
Jon rolled his eyes. "I do," he said as Allison held her hand out and he put the ring on her finger.
"Allison do you want to marry Jon forever and ever until you die?" Josh asked her.
"I do," Allison answered properly, taking the ring off her finger and putting it on Jon's.
Josh nodded and he recalled something else he'd seen on the telly about weddings. He couldn't wait to see the look on his brother's face.
"By the power granted to me, I now announce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride!"
Jon paled. "What?"
"Kiss the bride," Josh said triumphantly.
"Nobody said anything about kissing anyone," Jon said looking to Allison for help.
"It's okay," Allison said. She didn't really want to kiss Jon any more than he wanted to kiss her. "We don't really have to do that part. That's why it's pretend." Josh's face fell at her words.
Jon smiled in relief. "We could...Pinky swear instead."
"Okay," Allison grinned, holding out her hand.
Jon linked pinkies with her. "Okay?"
"Okay," Allison said agreeably.
Josh looked up and saw that they had an audience. "Oh no!"
"What?" Jon asked, spinning around. "Man!" he began to pull at the coat. "Stop taking pictures Mum!"
"Oh but you look so cute!" Luna squealed.
"Allie made us do it!" Jon exclaimed. "We didn't want to but she promised us all her cake!"
"That's how I got your dad to marry me," Luna said snapping another picture.
"Stop!" Jon threw the coat aside and stomped into the house.
Neville went over and picked up Allison. "Sweetheart, your first fight as a married girl!"
"Daddy did you see it?" Allison asked. "I got married to Jon!"
"I did," Neville said touching her veil. "You look so pretty too. Prettiest bride in the whole world."
Allison giggled and gave her father a hug. "Next time you can walk me down the aisle!"
"There won't be a next time!" Jon called from inside the house. "I'm not playing this ever again!"
Josh laughed. "You can't take it back now! Jon's married! Jon's married!"
"Shut up Josh!" Jon said. "Hey since I got married that means I GET THE CAKE!"
"He's definitely YOUR son," Luna said sharing an amused look with Ron.
"Can Jon and I play honeymoon too?" Allison asked innocently.
"Do you know what a honeymoon is baby?" Neville asked.
"Where we go on holiday?" Allison said with a nod.
"You're already on holiday," Neville pointed out. "But how about at tonight's dinner, we'll call it your wedding feast?"
Allison laughed. "Okay Daddy!"
"What do you say Jonathan?" Luna asked her son. "You up for a big dinner in your honour?"
"Do I get extra cake?" Jon asked suspiciously.
"I think that can be arranged," Luna replied.
"No fair!" Josh said. "He already gets extra cake!"
"And there's no kissing," Jon said with a scowl. "I like Allie just fine but I'm not kissing her no matter how cute you think it is!"
"That's my kind of son-in-law," Neville said causing Allison to laugh.
"You know it's just pretend right Daddy?" Allison asked in a whisper.
"Thank goodness for that," Neville tweaked her nose. "I'm not quite ready to give you up to any bloke yet."
"If I'd chosen to be the groom, I'd be getting all the cake!" Josh grumbled stalking back into the house.
Neville set Allison back down and told her and Jon to clean up the mess they'd made and then they'd get ready for dinner.
Allison took off her veil and put it in the box. She looked over at Jon who was gathering up his jacket and Josh's. "It wasn't too bad, was it? And we get dinner too!"
"I guess it wasn't bad," Jon replied. "You'd be a pretty cool wife, since you didn't make me kiss you or anything gross."
"Ewww," Allison said. "I'm never going to do that."
"Me either," Jon agreed. "Kissing's for grown ups."
"You know what we could do tomorrow?" Allison asked with a devilish grin. "Tomorrow, Paddington and Josh can get married!"
Jon began to laugh. "Wicked idea!"
"And Josh can wear the veil!" Allison said giggling.
"I can't wait," Jon said, already thinking about how much he could take the Mickey out of his twin for this.
"Do you think you'll ever get married?" Allison asked taking the bow tie off of Paddington's neck. "Like for real?"
"I don't know," Jon shrugged, closing the box. "Maybe someday."
"When we're old," Allison agreed. "Really, really old. Like our parents!"
"Maybe then," Jon agreed.
***End Flashback***
Lizzy was laughing so hard that she was crying. "Did...did Josh marry Paddington?"
Josh turned red. "They sort of made me," he muttered.
"That was a beautiful ceremony," Allison teased. "Too bad you wouldn't let anyone take pictures, Josh."
"Yeah and let them haunt me the rest of my life?" Josh smirked. "At least everyone will look at your pictures and think it was just a premonition or something."
"Jon has gotten more mantic over the years," Allison said leaning against her husband.
"Damn straight I have," Jon put his arm around his wife.
Lizzy laughed. "And Neville actually approved the first time too!"
"Thank goodness he finally approved altogether," Allison said, her head on Jon's shoulder.
"That's the sweetest story I've ever heard," Lizzy said smiling at them. "Not as sweet as Josh and Paddy mind you, but sweet just the same."
Allison and Jon grinned at each other. "Our real wedding day was just as mantic as our fake one." she leaned in and kissed him. "And this time we actually got to snog when we were done with our vows."
"And have a honeymoon," Jon said grinning at her. "Or at least a real wedding night."
"We had two of those," Allison agreed.
"Lizzy and I can do without the details please," Josh said quickly. "In fact, all this talk has made me quite thirsty. Anyone need a refill?"
"Sure," Lizzy said. "I'm just having pumpkin juice."
"Don't you want some champagne?" Josh asked. "We're celebrating right?"
"Maybe later," Lizzy said. "My stomach's been bothering me since yesterday."
"You're working too hard," Josh said. "It's those double shifts."
"They'll let up after the holidays," Lizzy said.
"I'll have another drink," Jon said, handing his glass to his brother. "Make it a double."
Josh laughed. "Certainly sir, would you like me to turn down your bed for you too? Perhaps leave a mint on your pillow?"
"If you're offering," Jon said with a wicked grin.
"Anything for the master of the house," Josh said sarcastically before going into the kitchen.
"Hear that Allie?" Jon asked. "Peace and quiet..."
"I know," Allison sighed. "I'm so glad we got to kip earlier this evening otherwise I'd never stay up until midnight."
Jon smiled at the memory of he and Allison cuddling up with Caroline and Emma on the bed. After a long giggle fit from Caroline, they'd all drifted off to sleep.
"It was a great day," he said kissing her forehead.
"Aye," Allison said. "Any day I get to spend with my family is a great day."
Jon smiled. "I don't know what we'd do without you Al. I really don't."
"Caroline would probably bathe with Max every night," Allison teased, making Lizzy laugh.
"I only let her do that once," Jon said defensively. "And it saved loads of time."
Allison looked at Lizzy and both women shook their heads. "You're such a... male." Allison said to her husband.
Jon beamed at her. "Thank you."
"I don't think she meant it as a compliment," Lizzy said laughing.
Josh came back in and handed his wife her juice. "Emma made out like a bandit," he said to his brother and sister in law.
"She did," Allison agreed. "We had to store most of it in the guest room."
The doorbell chimed and Jon grinned. "I think that might be the rest of our party..."
"About time," Lizzy said. "It's already a quarter past eleven."
"We're small potatoes," Allison said laughing. "I'm sure rubbing elbows with celebrities is a lot more fun than some small party at your little sister's."
"They could have invited us," Josh pretended to pout.
"Invited who?" Julie said coming up behind him and grabbing his cheeks. "Ickle Joshiekins?"
"Jules!" Josh yelled.
"Don't mind my wife," Nick said taking off his cloak. "She had a bit too much to drink at the party."
"I had one glass of champagne," Julie said mussing Josh's hair. "Joshie, Joshie!"
"One glass really means about six," Nick said. "Come on, I told you that you could squeeze me as much as you wanted once we got here Jules."
Julie hugged her husband and giggled.
"She used to do that to me all the time when we were kids," Josh said to Lizzy. "Squeeze my cheeks."
"Aye," Jon said. "He used to wish she'd squeeze his other cheeks at one time..."
Josh threw one of the decorative pillows at his brother. "Stuff it Jon."
"Thanks Josh," Jon said with a grin. "I was wanting that."
"And this girl is wanting a place to sit," Chiaki waddled into the sitting room. "Goodness, you'd think I was carrying six babies instead of just two in here..."
"You're having twins?" Josh interjected. "Whoa, Chi. That's...."
"We just found out the other day," Chiaki grinned. "You must have been in the kitchen when we told everyone earlier."
"I was recovering from blowing up all those bloody balloons!" Josh said glaring at Jon.
"Yeah, recovering with all my bloody Firewhisky," Jon retorted.
"I sure hope our twins get along as well as you two," Toshio joked.
"They will," Chiaki said as Toshio helped her sit on the sofa. "Our children will be perfect!"
"They'll certainly be good dancers," Julie said. "It's in their blood."
"That's right," Chiaki said. "Allie- have you got some water or juice or anything?"
"Oh, of course," Allison said quickly getting to her feet. "I'll get you some pumpkin juice. How about you Tosh?"
"I'll have a beer if you've got one," Toshio said. "Thanks Allie."
"Sure," Allie said taking Nick and Julie's requests too before disappearing into the kitchen.
"So how was your shindig?" Jon asked Nick. "Did you sing and scare everyone off?"
"Not at all cousin," Nick said helping himself to some of the crisps on the table. "It wasn't that type of party anyway. We just had to do some meet and greet with some industry people. That's all."
"Besides, you can't carry a tune at all Jon," Josh teased. "Sound just like a sick cat when you try to sing."
"No he doesn't," Allison said loyally coming back into the room with their drinks. "He sounds sweet."
Josh laughed. "Sweet and Jon don't go in the same sentence Allie."
"Yes they do," Allison said sitting down beside Jon. "He is very, very sweet."
Jon put his arm around his wife. "Take notes, all of you." he said smugly.
"Speaking of sweet," Julie giggled. "Did Ethan tell any of you what he's giving Maddie tonight?"
"Do I want to know what he's giving my little sister?" Jon asked.
"Yes, smart arse," Julie said, leaning back against Nick. "He bought her a promise ring!"
Lizzy grinned. "Oh, that's so romantic!"
"That's the sweetest thing," Allison gushed.
"All kidding aside Jules," Josh said. "I'm glad she's going to be with Ethan. He'll look out for Maddie. We won't have to worry about her."
"He loves her so much," Julie said with a grin. "He talks about her all the time."
"Who'd have ever thought?" Nick asked. "I can still remember him running away from her."
They all laughed. "Like at our wedding," Chiaki said. "She had to twist his arm to get him to dance with her."
"And my dad used to have to bribe him to be nice," Julie said with a laugh.
"Seems so long ago," Allison said. "But speaking of weddings," she shared a look with her sister. "I wonder if Frankie bit the bullet and went to Will's place."
"I tried ringing her mobile earlier but I kept getting her voice mail," Chiaki said. "But we'll find out tomorrow at brunch, I guess."
"I'm going to go crazy if I don't find out soon," Allison declared.
"We should do something to take your minds off of it," Toshio said.
"Like what?" Chiaki asked.
"Yeah like what?" Allison asked, taking a sip of her wine.
Toshio shrugged. "I have no bloody idea..."
"I know!" Julie exclaimed still light headed from the party. "We could play Truth or Dare!"
"How old are you?" Josh asked teasingly.
Julie stuck her tongue out at him. "Scared Joshie?"
"No," he said sticking his tongue out at her. "I was a Gryffindor!"
"Joshie's got some deep dark secrets he doesn't want the rest of us to know," Jon said, reaching for a handful of crisps.
"I do not," Josh said defensively. "I am an open book. If you lot want to play, let's play."
"Great," Julie giggled. "Who goes first?"
"I'll go," Nick said leaning back on the sofa. "I'm not scared. Give it your best shot."
"Okay," Julie laughed at her husband. "Truth or dare?"
"Dare," Nick grinned at her.
Julie grinned mischievously at him. "I dare you, Nicholas Malfoy to..."
"Don't make him go starkers," Josh said. "I don't need to see that."
"Like any of you would get that lucky," Nick retorted playfully.
"Okay," Julie said rubbing her hands together. "Nick, I want you to get a bed sheet...remove all your clothes and make a toga out of it. You have to wear it the entire game and anytime it's your turn everyone has to yell 'HAIL CAESAR!' And if anyone forgets to do this, they have to do the same!"
Jon nearly fell off the sofa he was laughing so hard. "I'll go get a sheet," he chuckled, rushing down to the closet.
"Okay," Nick said boldly taking off his shoes. "I don't have a problem with this. That was so weak, Jules. And I wouldn't laugh too hard Jon, you might be wearing one too before the night is over."
"Are you going to strip in front of us?" Chiaki rolled her eyes. "I don't need to see my brother in his nude suit thank you."
"No," Nick said glaring at her.
Jon came back into the room carrying an old white sheet. "Here you go, Nicholas."
Nick grabbed it and headed for Caroline's bedroom.
They decided to wait until Nick came back to continue the game and they all kept their eyes trained on the hallway so they wouldn't miss anything. A few moments later, he emerged from Caroline's bedroom wearing nothing but the sheet styled in a makeshift toga.
"Too bad we don't have R.J.'s camera," Jon mused to Allie.
"Sexy!" Julie catcalled. "You can come sit by me!"
Nick laughed. "Okay then. Try and control yourself."
"Who's next?" Josh asked.
Nick looked around the room. "Jon," he said. "Truth or Dare mate?"
"Truth," Jon replied.
"Wimp," Nick said. "All right... I'll keep my dare in mind for the next time around..." he thought for a moment and then grinned wickedly. "What's Allie's pet name for you in bed?"
Jon squirmed. He wasn't so sure he wanted Josh to know this. "Is it too late to change my mind?"
"Yes," Nick said smugly.
Jon frowned. "Well, um...she sort of calls me..."
"Yes?" Josh asked leaning forward.
Jon mumbled something unintelligible.
"Didn't quite hear that mate," Nick said. "Care to repeat that?"
"Boo-bear," Jon whispered.
"Boo bear!" Josh hooted, falling back and laughing.
Jon glared at him. "Yeah keep laughing, Josh. Let's have you go next. Truth or dare?"
Josh thought for a moment. "I'm too scared to think of what you'd have me admit if I said truth, so dare."
"Okay," Jon said gleefully. "I dare you to recite that poem you wrote for Julie when we were 16. That one you were going to give to her when we were at Hillsdale..."
"H-how did you...I never wrote her ..." Josh stammered.
"You wanted dare," Jon reminded him happily.
Josh turned bright red and buried his face in his hands not wanting to look at any of them while he recited the poem.
"She's like the moon and all of the stars," Josh said his voice muffled by his hands. "To have her love me would be like going to Mars. She makes me happy, she makes me smile. How I wish she would notice me, even just for a little while..."
Jon was rolling on the floor laughing as was Nick, although the blond did his best to make sure his toga stayed together. The girls were all staring at Josh with stars in their eyes.
"That's so sweet I'm going to cry," Chiaki said.
"Chi, that was horrible," Toshio said. "But I guess we can give you a pass since you're pregnant."
"Joshie!" Julie exclaimed giving him a hug. "You're soooo sweet!"
"Yeah well..." Josh muttered. "I never said I was a poet all right?"
Julie pinched his cheeks before sitting back down beside Nick.
"Okay," Josh said. "Allie, truth or dare."
"Umm..." Allison thought for a moment. "I guess dare." she took a long swallow of her wine in preparation of what Josh might make her do.
"Your wife is braver than you Boo-bear," Josh said to Jon.
"Shut it Poetry Boy," Jon shot back.
"Okay, Allie," Josh said grinning at her. "My dare is sort of complicated. You have to guess what everyone's middle name is. And for each one you get wrong, you have to take off a piece of clothing."
"Hey," Jon sobered up. "I don't want anyone seeing my wife naked!"
"I think I've got this covered," Allison said thinking she knew everyone's middle name. "Don't worry, Jon."
"Okay," Josh sat back with a grin. "Start."
"Okay," Allison said standing up. She looked over at Jon. "Jonathan Arthur Weasley."
"Duh," Nick replied. "Easy one for you."
Allison grinned. "Yes it was Nicholas Tarrington Malfoy."
"Keep going Allie," Josh said with a grin.
"Julie Liliane Potter Malfoy," Allison said earning a high five from Julie. "And you Healer Elizabeth Michelle Mitchell Weasley."
Josh was starting to look disappointed. "Almost there Allie."
She correctly guessed Chiaki's middle name, but completely blanked out on Toshio's. "It's...um....well it's..."
"Oooh," Lizzy teased. "Off with the shirt!"
"How long have I been in your family?" Toshio asked pretending to be offended.
"She doesn't have to take off her shirt," Jon said. "She can take off a shoe or a sock..."
"No it's got to be something big," Josh said.
"You never said that," Jon said.
"It's okay," Allison said smiling at Jon. She undid the buttons on her shirt to reveal a camisole top. "See..."
"Yes, but she's not done yet," Josh chimed in. "She still has to get mine..."
"That's an easy one," Allison said loftily. "Joshua Gregory Weasley." her face turned red. "No! I meant Lawrence!"
"Lose the skirt!" Julie called out. "You had to get it right on the first try!"
Jon's face was nearly as red as his wife's as she hastily finished her wine. "Courage juice." Allison laughed weakly.
Everyone hooted and hollered, save for Jon, as Allison slipped out of her skirt.
"All right," Jon handed her a pillow which she placed over her lap.
"Okay," Allison said still blushing. "Chi? Truth or dare?"
"Truth," Chiaki answered promptly. "I'm in no shape for a dare."
"Okay," Allison said thoughtfully. "Who did you have your first ever crush on and why?"
Julie began to laugh. "I'll know if you're lying!"
"It was me of course," Toshio said smugly.
"No it wasn't," Julie sing-songed.
Toshio's smile fell. "You fancied someone else? You always told me I was your first!"
"You were my first boyfriend," Chiaki clarified for him. "But I did sort of fancy someone else when I was at school. It was very brief and I got over it pretty quickly...it was...Anthony Flint."
"He was in Slytherin!" Josh exclaimed. "And he had greasy hair!"
"It was early on okay?" Chiaki said defensively. "After third year I saw what a git he really was."
"You could be carrying his twins," Toshio said shaking his head.
"No way," Chiaki gave her husband a kiss. "You're the only one I had eyes for as soon as I saw you walk into the dance studio for the first time."
"Good save," he said putting his arm around her.
Chiaki grinned and looked at her group of friends. "I don't think Elizabeth has gone yet. Lizzy, truth or dare?"
"Hmmm..." Lizzy thought for a moment. "I'll go for truth."
"What annoys you the most about Josh?" Chiaki asked. "And you have to be brutally honest."
Lizzy blushed as her husband looked at her expectantly. "And we really can't change our minds?" she asked pleadingly.
"Nope," Chiaki replied. "But you can also tell us what you love most about him too."
"That part is easy," Lizzy said. "It's his sweet nature and his willingness to work hard."
Josh kissed his wife. "Thanks Lizzy."
"And...What's the one thing he does that annoys the hell out of you?" Chiaki asked.
Lizzy bit her lower lip. "He never puts up the bloody toilet seat."
"I do so," Josh said defensively.
"No you don't," Lizzy said. "I always have to check because I've sat down on your... fluids... more times than I care to admit!"
"I hate when Nick does that too," Julie said her nose scrunching up in disgust. "Not to mention the fact that he has terrible aim."
"You women are entirely too peculiar," Nick snorted.
"Before this turns into a seminar on male bashing," Jon said. "Can we move on to the next person please?"
"Sure," Lizzy said, "Jules, you're the only one who hasn't gone yet."
"Dare," Julie said boldly. "Give me your best shot, Lizzy."
Lizzy grinned rather wickedly. "I want you and Nick to melt three ice cubes between the two of you, without using your hands." she had obviously been waiting to use that dare since they started the game.
"Oooh!" Julie grinned seductively at her husband. "We can do that!"
"I'm all for it Jules," Nick said licentiously. "Where's that ice?"
Allison made to stand up to get the ice from the icebox, but Jon quickly got up. "Perhaps I should do it love?"
"Sure..." Allison gave him a strange look. "If you want to."
"He doesn't want us to see you in your knickers," Josh said. He couldn't blame his brother. He wasn't so sure how crazy he'd be for them to get a gander at Lizzy starkers.
Allison rolled her eyes. "We're all adults here."
"Except for Jon," Lizzy teased. "And at the moment Julie and Nick."
"Getting practise are we?" Josh called out loudly to Julie and Nick, who were already engaged in a voracious game of tonsil hockey.
Nick and Julie ignored him. Jon came back into the room carrying a glass with three ice cubes. "Excuse me...um, hello? Jules? Nick?"
"Mmm," Julie said. "Let's cool down Nicholas..."
"Right," Nick said dazedly.
"Maybe this will help," Jon said holding out the glass.
Julie plucked out an ice cube and held it between her teeth.
"Those are really big ice cubes," Toshio observed. "I don't think they're going to be able to do it."
Chiaki snorted. "They already have that one half melted." she shook her head. "All right, on Julie's behalf I'm going to choose who goes next."
"Okay," Allison said. "Who's up next?"
"Jon again," Chiaki decided.
Jon looked at his sister-in-law. "Okay, Chi. Dare."
Chiaki smiled. "All right Jonathan. I want you to give my sister a lap dance."
Allison giggled.
"We'll even put some music on for you," Josh said nearly jumping out of his seat. "Boo-bear."
"I've got this one in the can," Jon bragged.
Josh quickly scanned through Allison and Jon's CD's until he came upon the one he was looking for. Within seconds, the opening notes of Marvin Gaye's 'Let's Get it On' filled the room. Allison moved the pillow off her lap and crooked her finger at her husband.
Jon grinned at her as he lazily pulled off his shirt. "Are you ready for this baby?" he asked, leaning in.
"The question is are we?" Josh called out.
Allison ignored him and focused her attention on Jon. "Come here..."
Jon straddled her lap and began to gyrate against her.
"He's got moves," Chiaki said laughing. "I didn't know this about him."
Allison grinned as Jon began to undo his jeans. "Take it all off," she hissed.
"I might need a little help," he said forgetting that they had an audience.
Allison reached out and tugged on his jeans. "And you're wearing my favourite boxers too..."
"I think I'm going to be sick," Josh said covering his eyes.
"Don't watch," Jon smirked.
"Okay," Josh said. "Come on Lizzy. Let's go and get some fresh air. It's nearly midnight."
"All right," Lizzy said. "We can go out back on the deck."
Josh grabbed their cloaks and together they walked out onto the deck. "I just wanted an excuse to be alone with you."
"I was hoping to be alone with you at midnight too," Lizzy said as he wrapped her cloak around her. "Thank you." she gave her husband a kiss.
"What are you thanking me for?" he asked putting his arms around her.
"Just for being you," Lizzy said. "I love you so much."
He smiled. "I love you too. I've been worried about you this past week. You've been so tired..."
"I have my reasons for that," Lizzy smiled as she buried her face in his shoulder. She didn't want to tell him her news until exactly midnight.
Josh laughed. "Okay. You sure you're not mad about finding out you weren't my first 'wife'? Paddington and I were very young...."
"Oh I'll have to try and get over that," Lizzy smiled. "Are you sure our marriage is binding and legal though? I wouldn't want to find out we've been living in sin ALL this time..."
"I'm sure," Josh said laughing. He and Lizzy looked out at the night sky and he wondered how much longer they had until midnight. As if hearing his thoughts, Lizzy whispered into his ear. "Two minutes."
Josh kissed her softly. "I say we take off right after midnight and head back home..."
"Sure," Lizzy ran her hands back through his hair. "I'm all for that..."
"So, Mrs. Weasley," he said looking down at her. "What do you have planned for the new year?"
Lizzy smiled. "I was thinking..." she began. "Of us adding onto our place, or moving."
"You want to get a new place?" he asked. She'd never said anything about that before. "I thought you liked our flat."
"I do," Lizzy glanced at her watch. "But I have a reason for wanting a bigger place."
"To put all our extra books?" Josh teased. "Or you probably just don't like sharing the study with me..."
Lizzy laughed. "Or it could have something to do with what I want you to start out the year knowing..."
Josh looked at his own watch. "Six...five...four...three..." he called out excitedly feeling very much like a little kid.
"Josh," Lizzy said with a laugh. "You're going to be a father."
"Two...one," Josh continued his little countdown. "Happy...what....what did you just say?"
"In six and a half months..." Lizzy placed his hands on her still flat stomach. "You're going to be a father and I'll be a mother."
"Me?" Josh asked in a daze. "You? Baby?"
Lizzy laughed again. "That's right Josh. I'm pregnant."
A huge smile broke out across his face as her words sunk in. He kissed her soundly before running back into the house where the other couples were celebrating the new year. Josh enveloped his brother in a bear hug. "HAPPY NEW YEAR, JON!"
"Happy New Year Josh," Jon said. "Mind if I put my trousers back on?"
"Sure," Josh said brightly letting go of his brother but still smiling goofily at him. "Go ahead, Uncle Jon!"
Jon gave his brother a strange look. "Did you sneak a shot or two of that Firewhisky? You're the uncle not me."
Josh shook his head and laughed. "Not anymore! You're going to be an uncle now too!"
Lizzy stood back grinning at her husband's enthusiasm and Allison suddenly realised what was going on here. "Jon, Lizzy's pregnant!"
"Hey!" Jon brightened. "Way to go Joshie!" he slapped his brother on the back in a congratulatory manner.
Julie engulfed him a big hug. "This is fantastic, Josh!"
"This is why you weren't drinking anything stronger than pumpkin juice," Allison said hugging Lizzy. "I can't believe I didn't pick up on it before!"
"I found out yesterday," Lizzy hugged her best friend back. "And I didn't tell anyone- I wanted Josh to know right at midnight."
"Finally catching up eh mate?" Nick shook Josh's hand and gave Lizzy a kiss on the cheek.
"Lizzy and I have always moved at our own pace," Josh said smiling proudly at his wife.
"Wait until you tell Mum and Dad," Jon said. "They're going to be so happy."
Chiaki grinned. "And my little twins here will have a playmate."
"That's right," Josh agreed. "I can't believe this!" he laughed and swept his wife into his arms. "I'm the happiest bloke in the world right now!"
"I think this calls for a toast," Nick said struggling to keep his toga on. "And then I'm getting dressed."
"No you don't," Julie said. "Not until I get your very shaggable arse home..." she followed her husband into the kitchen for more champagne.
"I'm glad you two came back," Chiaki teased Lizzy and Josh. "I was watching my baby sister do things that I didn't need or want to see..."
"We were just dancing Chi," Allison said sticking her tongue out at her sister.
"Dancing naked," Toshio replied. "Not something I want to see either."
"We weren't naked," Allison said defensively.
"Another couple of seconds and you would have been," Chiaki deadpanned. "Imagine if Dad had walked in on THAT."
"Who was the one who dared me to give her a lap dance?" Jon asked as Julie came back into the room, her lip gloss streaked across Nick's mouth and chin.
"If I had known it would turn into this, I don't think I would have asked you do to that," Chiaki joked. She caught sight of Julie and just shook her head. "And then you with my brother..."
"What?" Julie asked, tugging on Nick's makeshift toga.
"Whoa Jules," Nick set the champagne bottle down as the toga dipped precariously low. "I'm all for showing off but that might be a little more than everyone wants to see."
Julie winked at him. "But it's what I want to see..."
"Okay, how about that toast? Jon asked pouring everyone save for Chiaki and Lizzy a glass of champagne. The two pregnant women settled for glasses of pumpkin juice.
"Right," Josh grinned. "To..."
"You shouldn't do the toasting," Julie said elbowing him causing him to nearly drop his glass. "Sorry...but you're one of the people we're toasting, Josh."
"Right," Josh said sheepishly.
"To my OLDER brother," Jon said taking the lead. "And his lovely wife and their wonderful news!"
"Aye," Allison grinned. "Congratulations you two. We couldn't have started off the year with better news!"
"Here, here!" Julie exclaimed raising her glass. "And to Chi and Tosh and...togas!"
"Right Jules," Nick put an arm around his wife to steady her.
"And here's to lap dances!" Allison chimed in enthusiastically.
"And to the first Mrs. Weasley--Paddington," Jon said cheekily.
"Sod it all, I'll never live that down will I?" Josh shook his head but he was still grinning. "Cheerio!" he clinked his glass against Lizzy's.
"Happy New Year, Dad," Lizzy said smiling at him.
"You too Mum," Josh leaned in and kissed her.
*** *** ***
Saffron carried in two big bowls of popcorn. "Okay," she said, placing them on the coffee table. "Grandpa, that one's for you, it's only got a little butter and salt." she pointed to the bowl on the right.
"That tastes like cardboard," Robert complained. "Can't I have some of the other just this once?"
"No," Elinore had followed her granddaughter in with some juice. "Robert..."
"You know, I AM a doctor," Robert replied. "I know what I can and can't eat."
"Well you should know that you shouldn't eat any of that," Elinore said setting the juice down. "You already had pizza..."
"With that low-fat cheese," Robert muttered.
"Grandma," Saffron said. "How about I fix it up for him? I know how to make it so he'll enjoy it and it won't be all fatty and buttery."
"Okay," Elinore replied. "You've turned into quite the little chef, Saffy. You're the first girl in our family to cook in who knows how long..."
Saffron giggled. "It's something I learned from my dad. I'll be right back." she grabbed the bowl and ran into the kitchen.
"She reminds me so much of Hermione," Elinore chuckled.
"Except I'd leave her alone in the kitchen in a heartbeat," Robert smiled at his wife. "Ellie, sit down and relax. You've been on your feet all day."
"That's because my husband had me running around," Elinore said sitting down beside him.
"Well your husband wants you on this sofa, especially at the stroke of midnight," Robert took her hand and squeezed it.
"Okay Grandpa," Saffron said. "Try this and tell me what you think!"
Robert took the bowl from his granddaughter and grabbed a handful of the popcorn. Saffron waited with baited breath while her grandfather took a bite.
"This tastes just like the good stuff," Robert said grinning at her. "What did you do?"
Saffron laughed. "It's a dash of garlic salt, a smidge of dill powder and just a touch of curry powder. Dad's secret recipe."
Elinore took a taste as well. "That's really delicious Saffy."
"Thanks," Saffron sat back down. "What movie are we watching?"
"Not one of Robert's old war movies," Elinore said rolling her eyes. "If I have to sit through one of those again, I'll be asleep..."
"I got outvoted," Robert smiled at his granddaughter. "But I won't watch one of those sappy films your grandmother loves either."
"Lavender likes to watch those with me," Elinore said. "But I stopped by the video shop this afternoon and picked up two or three that I thought you might like Saffy. Go look in the bag over there by the television set. You can choose."
"Okay," Saffron retrieved the bag. "You got Love Actually and... The Truman Show. That looks pretty funny!"
"So what's the verdict, Miss Potter?" Robert called out taking another handful of popcorn.
"Truman Show," Saffron put the movie in. "I like comedies."
"We're really glad you wanted to spend the New Year with us Saffy," Elinore said as she sat back down on the sofa. ""Not too many teenagers want to spend the New Year with their old grandparents."
"It was either that, spend it with Ashley, Katie, Caroline and Emma playing beauty parlour, or go with my parents to that boring party thrown by the Ministry." Saffron said. "And I like spending time with you both."
"We love having you here," Robert said pulling on one of Saffy's plaits. "But I know there will come a time when you'll be too busy to spend time with us."
"Don't count on it," Saffron teased.
"And with your help hopefully I'll be back on the golf course come April," Robert said smiling at her.
"That's right," Saffron grinned. "And I keep telling you that I'm soooo not going easy on you either!" she sat back between her grandparents.
"The blokes at the club still haven't let me live down the fact that my granddaughter beats me on a regular basis," Robert said.
Saffron and Elinore both laughed. "So are you saying I should lose so you can save face Grandpa?"
"No," Robert said. "That's why we have your father there. I can always beat him...heart attack or no heart attack."
"That's true," Saffron replied. "You can play him first and then I'll beat the trousers off BOTH of you!"
"Or you and I could take on your mum and dad," Robert suggested.
"Robert," Elinore said laughing. "You'll never get Hermione on the golf course."
"She hates it," Saffron grabbed a handful of popcorn as the movie started. "Says it's boring and she'd rather sit with Lavender at a fashion show. And you know how much Mum hates fashion shows..."
"You could always get Seamus to join you," Elinore suggested. "He is a bit better than Harry..."
"Nah I'd rather have someone I know I can beat," Robert joked, winking at Saffron.
"Uncle Ron?" Saffron asked. "He'd probably do it."
"Think I can beat him?" Robert asked, helping himself to some juice.
"I don't think he's ever played," Saffron replied.
"Then I'll have to invite him out," Robert decided, sitting back.
"All right," Elinore said. "Enough about this golf nonsense."
"We tried to take him miniature golfing once and it wasn't a pretty sight," Saffron said laughing at the mere memory of it.
Robert laughed. "Probably had his eye on the snack bar the whole time aye?"
"You know him so well," Saffron said.
*** *** ***
Frankie barely remembered how long it took her and Will to get from his parents' house back to her flat, but once they were inside there was no holding them back from each other.
"It's been way, way too long," Will said helping her out of her cloak. "I've missed you so much Frankie."
"I've missed you too," she said, grabbing the articles from his hand and tossing them aside before pulling him against her, crushing her lips to his. Her tongue sought out his demandingly as his fingers ran greedily over her curvaceous body.
He braced his hands on the wall beside her head and let his hips push more deeply into hers. They still fit so well together, always had.
"Let's go in the other room," she said as his lips attacked her neck. Her body was already on fire for him and she could hardly wait for Will to completely take her in as he always did.
Will kept his lips on hers as he walked her backwards toward the bedroom.
Frankie fumbled with the doorknob, pulling him in by his shirt.
Will laughed as Frankie took charge, starting to undo the buttons on his shirt. "In a hurry, aren't we?"
"Can you blame me?" she asked, giving him a sultry pout.
"No," he said shaking his head. "And as much as I love this dress..."
Frankie smiled and raised her arms so he could take it off her.
Will took his time as he lifted the dress up. He knew it would drive her crazy.
Frankie bit down on her lower lip as his fingers skimmed her skin, drawing the garment up over her head. "Hurry up," she said through clenched teeth.
"As you wish Francesca," Will said tossing the dress to the floor.
She reached up behind her head and pulled out the pins she'd used to keep her hair up off her neck. "Come here," she said huskily, backing up towards her bed.
Will did as he was told giving her a long, lingering kiss. He couldn't believe he'd thought it was possible to be without her.
She pulled him onto the bed as she tugged down on his trousers. "You're a little overdressed Mr. Barron," Frankie teased.
Will slid them off as quickly as he could along with his boxer shorts.
Frankie cupped his face with her hands as he settled down next to her. "I love you Will," she whispered. "I am so in love with you. And this is the best night of my life."
He knew that she meant in just from the way she was looking at him. There was no hesitation in her voice and she didn't look away.
"I'm going to make you so happy, Frankie," he said softly. "So very, very happy."
"You already have," Frankie replied. "But if you kiss me I'll be the happiest girl alive." she laughed.
Will pressed his lips to hers savouring the feel and taste of her. "Frankie?" he asked when they pulled apart. "Guess what?"
"What?" she asked, curling her hand around his nape to keep him close.
"We're getting married," he replied with a grin.
She laughed. "Yes we are," she agreed.
Will kissed her again. "Married....married...married."
Frankie looked up at him, suddenly serious. "Can I tell you something?"
"What?" Will asked pushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
"I want to tell you the real reason why I said no the first time," Frankie replied.
Will positioned himself on his side. "Okay."
"I was scared," Frankie began. "Which you already know... but I was just scared that if I really admitted to myself that I was in love with you, and agreed to marry you... that someday you'd get sick of me and leave. And I'd be the one with a broken heart." she looked down at her sheets, not wanting to face him.
"Frankie," he said tilting her chin up so she'd face him. "I'm never going to get sick of you. I love you so much, sweetheart. I always have."
"I know that now," Frankie said with a small smile. "But I just wanted you to know why I turned you down... that it was me and not you."
"I wish you would have told me sooner," he said. "It could have saved us both a lot of heartache, Frankie."
"I know," Frankie let her hair fall over her eyes so he didn't have to see her embarrassment. "I almost lost the best thing in my life."
Will brushed her hair away. "It doesn't matter now. I'm here and I'm not going anywhere ever. You're stuck with me, Frankie."
This time a full smile tugged out the corners of her mouth. She rubbed her thumb over his lips. "And I couldn't be happier about that."
"Me too," Will said leaning down and kissing her. "I love you."
"I love you too," Frankie kissed him back. "Hey it's almost midnight..."
"Aye," Will said looking at the alarm clock on Frankie's nightstand. "One minute..."
"I know what I'd like to be doing during that one minute," Frankie's tone turned lustful.
"Hmm," Will said thoughtfully. "Would it involve something like....this?"
Frankie's squeal was muffled by his lips as he pushed inside of her. "You don't waste any time Barron," she said, arching her back.
"We've wasted far too much time already," Will said in between kisses.
"That we have," Frankie said, her breath already coming in shorter pants. "Oh..." her eyes nearly rolled in back of her head as the heat between them grew.
"Frankie," he said, his voice hoarse as she arched into him and pulled him in deeper.
"You... feel..." Frankie clenched her teeth together. "So... amazing… inside me Will..."
Will could say the very same about her, but at the moment words seemed to fail him.
The clock hit midnight at the exact same time Frankie cried her release, clutching onto the man currently lying on top of her and she kissed him rather urgently.
"What was that for?" he asked breathlessly.
"Happy New Year," Frankie whispered.
"Happy New Year," Will returned.