A/N: For those of you still worried- again, Jared is NOT another Gordon. He doesn't love Maddie like Gordon did Hermione, he just wants to get her in the sack.
Saffron's back in this chapter, as well as some A/J and their girls, and E/M of course. As always, we hope you enjoy this and please let us know what you think!
The train ride back was passing by quickly as Saffron told R.J. and Alexa what she'd received from her parents, Ethan and Julie for her birthday.
"Can you believe I got to go back and talk to all the players?" she asked gleefully. "Ethan is the absolute BEST!"
"This would be the same brother that you were plotting revenge against on the train ride back home," R.J. asked. "Right?"
"But that was before he got me tickets to the sold out Quidditch game of the SEASON!" Saffron raved.
Alexa and R.J. laughed.
"We know Saf," R.J. said. "You're rubbed it in enough by now. I had to listen to it on the wireless."
Alexa grinned as she saw the same boy pass by their compartment and peek into the window before going back down the corridor.
"What is that bloke's problem?" R.J. asked when he noticed it too.
"He's in lurve with Saffron," Alexa teased.
"Sod off Lex," Saffron replied. "He's just my Charms study partner Peter."
"And who is this Peter when he's at home?" R.J. asked intrigued.
Saffron gave him a look. "So how was dinner at Lex's?" she changed the subject.
"My Dad is in love with Mrs. O'Leary's cooking," R.J. replied. "And speaking of which...."
His eyes focused on the woman pushing the sweets cart outside the compartment. As a rule, she usually started from the back of the train and worked her way up. But R.J. didn't think he could wait that long.
"I'm going to go work some of that Weasley charm," he said getting to his feet. "You two want anything?"
"I'm fine," Saffron said.
"Surprise me," Alexa grinned at her boyfriend.
"Will do," R.J. said giving her a quick kiss before leaving.
"Okay," Saffron said hugging her knees to her chest. "Spill. How was dinner? Did Sophie and Carrie embarrass you?"
"No," Alexa laughed. "They were fine- Ben was acting like a bit of an arse but other than that I've got the go ahead for Brighton this summer!"
"That's because Ben fancies you," Saffron said. "But I'm so happy your folks said that you could go!"
"Ben does not fancy me," Alexa informed her. "We've been friends since birth. He's just being protective."
"Lex," Saffron said rolling her eyes. "Please! He fancies you. He always has. I certainly picked up on it the first time I met him."
"Whatever," Alexa said. "But I showed R.J. the tree house."
"Did you?" Saffron said grinning at her. "And I imagine you snogged once or twice up there, too eh?"
"Oh yes," Alexa blushed. "But you won't believe what I almost said."
Saffron giggled and said in a very high-pitched dramatic voice, "Oh R.J. you're so handsome and gorgeous and lovely. I loooooooooooooooooove you soooooooo much..." When Alexa didn't join in, Saffron stared at her. "You really said that?"
"I almost told him I loved him," Alexa whispered, her face bright red.
"Really?" Saffron squeaked.
"Yeah," Alexa started toying with her hair. "We got interrupted... I wonder if he'd have run off if I HAD said it."
"I don't know," Saffron said keeping her voice low in case R.J. reappeared. "But do you? Do you really?"
"I don't know," Alexa confessed. "I can't stop thinking about him Saffy... but I'm only fourteen you know?"
"And he's sixteen," Saffron said. "But I don't think that matters. It's not about age, Lex. It's about how you feel."
"Maybe it's all because we're still rather new, we've only been dating a few months." Alexa said. "But it's like, when we're not together, he's all I think about. If I didn't have you to keep me grounded with school and a regular life, who knows what I'd be like?" she laughed.
Saffron giggled. "Well, I'm glad to help any way I can..."
Her voice trailed off as R.J. came back into the compartment, but he wasn't alone. Standing beside him was a very red-faced Peter.
"Look who I ran into," R.J. said winking at Saffron.
Saffron glared at him. "Hi Pete. Sorry if R.J. embarrassed you, he's a wanker and has a habit of taking the Mickey out of undeserving people."
R.J. grinned at Alexa as he took a seat handing her some sweets.
"Hi Saffy," Peter said shyly. "I wanted to tell you Happy Birthday, belatedly of course. Did you get the card I sent?"
"I did," Saffron smiled at him. "That was really nice of you- thanks!"
Peter beamed back at her. "I'm so glad you liked it. I wish I could have delivered it in person, but..."
"It's okay," Saffron said. "My Easter hols were so busy. I got to go to the Quidditch match!"
"Don't get her started," R.J. groaned.
"Did you really?" Peter asked taking a seat beside Saffron. "You kept telling me how much you wanted to go. That's great!"
"My brother got me tickets as a surprise," Saffron ignored R.J.. "And then he also got passes for us to go backstage and meet the players in person!"
"That's brilliant!" Peter said and he listened intently as Saffron recounted the entire game for him.
R.J. leaned back in his seat. "That boy has got it bad," he whispered to Alexa.
"Tell me about it," Alexa whispered back. "Saffy's so intent on her studying and not worrying about guys that she doesn't see it at all."
"How could you not?" R.J. asked looking as Peter gazed almost adoringly at Saffron.
Alexa giggled. "Thanks for the sweets," she said. "I have a little surprise for you by the way."
"You do?" R.J. asked. "What is it?"
"My mum sent this over since I told her you didn't get any on Easter," Alexa handed him a small brick of homemade fudge.
R.J. leaned in and kissed her. "You are the best Lex."
Alexa grinned back at him. "Is that what it takes to win you over? Chocolate?"
"It's a good place to start," he said pulling her closer. "I missed you Lexie."
"I missed you too," she rested her head on his shoulder.
"I keep thinking about that night in your tree house," he said softly.
"I did too," she whispered. "What would have happened if your dad hadn't come out?"
"I would have kissed you some more," he replied with a grin. "And some more...."
Alexa laughed. "I'm sorry we got interrupted then..."
"My dad has this nasty habit of doing that," R.J. said. He was still curious as to what she'd wanted to say to him, but figured she'd tell him when she was ready.
"I've got to go," Peter was saying to Saffron. "But um... perhaps tonight after dinner you want to get together and go over some Charms work?"
"That sounds good," Saffron said. "I didn't get a chance to go over that assignment while we were home. Want to meet in the library?"
"Sure," Peter stumbled over the doorway as he left. "I'll see you later Saffy." he waved to R.J. and Alexa who managed to hold in their laughter until he was gone.
"Man does that bloke have it bad for you," R.J. chuckled.
"He does not!" Saffron said glaring at him.
"Saf the guy just fell over his own two feet trying to walk out of here." R.J. pointed out.
"I've tripped over that spot myself," Saffron said defensively.
"Sure you have," R.J. teased.
"Will you please drop it?" Saffron asked him. "Peter and I are just friends...."
"Come on Saffy, if you ask him to Hogsmeade we can double the next weekend we go there." Alexa said. "That would be so much fun!"
"We sure would," R.J. said grinning devilishly at Saffron. "Me and Lexie and you and Petey-poo."
"Shut up R.J.," Saffron glowered. "You are SUCH an arse."
"Why thank you Saffron," R.J. said. "I think I have such an arse too."
"I can vouch he does," Alexa laughed.
"I really don't want to sit here and talk about R.J.'s arse," Saffron said. "Can we talk about something else please?"
"My excellent snogging ability?" R.J. asked. "You both know how good I am at that."
This time both Alexa and Saffron glared at him.
"Maybe not," R.J. said taking a piece of the fudge and popping it into his mouth.
"I think we'll avoid that thanks," Saffron replied, reaching for a pumpkin pasty R.J. had left on the seat next to him.
"Good idea," Alexa said. "So did you get a chance to do much flying with your Dad, Saffy?"
"Almost every day," Saffron said. "On my new broom I fly so fast. I can't wait to try out for the Quidditch team next year. There's no way they aren't going to accept me now!"
"If I'm captain," R.J. said. "You will be."
"Well then I hope you're captain," Saffron said.
"I will be," R.J. said. "Who else would they get?"
"If I was already on the team they'd probably pick me," Saffron tossed her hair, which she'd left down that day, over her shoulder. "I am so much better than you R.J.. I just haven't tried out yet."
"Saffron," R.J. said shaking his head. "You aren't better than me."
"Says you," she retorted. "Alexa knows how good I am. I'm even better than Ethan and I'm even quicker than my Dad in catching the snitch!"
"She is really, really good," Alexa told R.J..
"Better than me?" R.J. asked with an injured tone. "Lexie!"
"I didn't say that," Alexa said quickly. "I think you're both great!"
"Nice save," Saffron grinned at her best friend.
Alexa blushed. "Thanks."
"You really going to balance being a prefect with playing on the team," R.J. said knowing that in addition to wanting to be on the team, Saffron's great goal was to be named prefect next year.
"I'll find a way," Saffron said determinedly. "I'm going to stay on the top of the class too. I'm not going to let some dumb Ravenclaw inch me out."
"And after that Head Girl," Alexa said grinning at her friend. "Right Saf?"
"Exactly," Saffron grinned. "Lex knows what I want."
"And what does Lex want?" R.J. asked looking at his girlfriend.
"She's already got it right here," Alexa said happily.
Saffron grinned evilly. "Speaking of which, did you see that idiot Christina's face when you two snogged on the platform? Talk about jealousy. It was fabulous."
"Maybe she learned a thing or two," Alexa said surprising herself.
Saffron snorted. "Yeah right? The Hufflepuff wannabe?"
"Would you two kittens like some milk?" R.J. teased.
"You're the dork who went out with her," Saffron said dismissively. "If I was a guy I wouldn't be THAT stupid."
This time it was R.J. who glared at Saffron. "Okay, Saffy. How about we talk some more about you and Petey then?"
Saffron smiled at him sweetly. "There is no me and Petey, Ronald Jr. Don't try and turn this on me either."
"Not yet," R.J. said. "But give it time and I think old Petey might just wear you down, Saffron Grace."
"Whatever," Saffron rolled her eyes. "I know what I want and that doesn't include Peter, I'm sorry to say. I don't think of him like that."
"Poor, poor Peter," R.J. said. "Ah, Saffron. You haven't met the right person yet. I think you'll change your tune."
*** *** ***
It was a few weeks after Easter and Jon, Allison, Caroline and Emma were enjoying an unseasonably warm day in their little backyard. "Come on Ems," Jon encouraged. "You can do it baby girl!"
"Yay Emma!" Caroline cheered. She was sitting atop the toy magic carpet that hovered a foot in the air- Frankie's Christmas gift to her. "I think she's going to walk Daddy!"
Allison helped Emma stand and the little girl wobbled a bit when Allison let go of her little hands.
"Dada..." Emma said staring at him and opening her hands up.
"That's it baby!" Jon said encouragingly. "Come to Dada!"
Emma plopped down on the grass.
"Nearly there," Allison said leaning down and putting Emma's white sun hat back on. "You almost did it sweetheart."
"I can't believe how big she's getting," Jon commented as Caroline jumped down from her little toy carpet to join her sister on the grass. "Well both of them really..."
"I know," Allison said leaning against her husband. "It seems like just yesterday we were teaching Caroline how to walk."
"Aye," Jon agreed with a grin, looking at his wife and two daughters. He kissed the side of Allison's head. "I love you," he whispered to her.
"I love you," she said softly. "And I'm glad you stayed home today."
"It's nice to have a day off," Jon said. "Wish I could do it more often."
"Well you remember when I told you that people would be lined up around the block to have you teach them to fly?" Allison asked.
"Yeah," Jon grinned at her. "You were right Al. Right as rain."
Caroline looked up at her father. "Daddy? Emma, Max and me want you to tell us a story."
"A story?" Jon asked.
"Yes," Caroline nodded. "A good story too!"
"Okay," Jon said plopping down on the blanket and pulling Caroline into his lap as Allison did the same with Emma. Max sat between them half asleep.
"Okay," Jon said thoughtfully. "There once was this handsome prince who loved the prettiest girl in all the land..."
"Was she the most beautiful?" Caroline asked eagerly. "And was her name Caroline?"
"Princess Caroline is really beautiful, but she doesn't come into the story just yet," Jon said kissing the side of Caroline's head. "But don't worry, she's going to be in there really soon angel girl."
"Okay," Caroline said happily.
Jon grinned. "Well, the handsome prince loved the beautiful girl, but she didn't notice him. In fact, she was very infatuated with the prince's brother...."
"She was?" Caroline's eyes widened as Allison giggled.
"She was," Jon said nodding. "Even though the Prince's brother looked very much like him, he was not as handsome, or clever or nice as the prince. But still the beautiful maiden seemed blind to all that..."
Caroline and Emma hung on their father's every word.
"One day, the prince's father and mother took the prince and his brother and the rest of the family to this...um, place..."
"The kingdom of Hillsdale?" Allison suggested.
"Right," Jon agreed. "And the handsome prince decided to try his luck with the beautiful princess."
"What was the prince's name Daddy?" Caroline asked.
"The prince's name was Jonathan," Jon said with a grin at Allison.
"Daddy that's your name!" Caroline giggled.
"Is it now?" Jon asked winking at her. "Well, the prince was determined that he would finally win the hand of the beautiful princess..."
"But you know what girls?" Allison asked and her two daughters turned and looked at her. "The prince had tried on so many occasions to win her attention. He kept doing all these silly tricks and pulled all these pranks to get her to notice him...."
"Like what?" Caroline asked intrigued.
"Like shooting sticky silly string all over her homework!" Allison said with wide eyes.
"He did?" Caroline asked. "Was she upset?"
"She was furious," Allison continued. "But she didn't know he was really doing it because he wanted her to notice him. She thought he was just a bumbling oaf."
"Oh," Caroline giggled and Emma, who was doing everything her sister did, laughed too.
"He was still a handsome bumbling oaf," Jon clarified. "So, he decided to take his chance with the fair princess, but it wasn't easy."
"Why?" Caroline asked.
"Because he was scared that she'd never fancy him back," Jon replied. "But to his surprise, when he asked the princess to take a walk after dinner, she agreed."
"Did they kiss?" Caroline's eyes were wide.
Allison nodded. "A few nights later under a really starry sky, the prince kissed the princess on the front steps of her cab--castle."
"Like the Beast did to Belle?" Caroline was eager for a picture.
"Exactly like that!" Allison said grinning at her. "And she felt like she was walking on air."
"She did?" Jon asked.
"Oh yes," Allison said. "It was the princess's first kiss ever and it made her so, so happy."
"What about the prince's brother?" Caroline asked.
"Well," Jon said. "He realised that he really did love the princess after all, but it was too late."
"The princess had already fallen deeply in love with Prince Jonathan," Allison continued. "And wanted to be with him all the time."
"Ohhh..." Emma cooed.
Jon laughed and tugged on one of the red curls peeking out from under Emma's sun hat.
"The prince and princess were really happy, but her father the king was against the relationship," Allison said. "The princess was heartbroken when the king said she couldn't see him anymore."
"What did they do?" Caroline was completely captivated by this.
"Well," Jon said leaning forward. "The prince decided he was going to rescue the princess from the tower the king had locked her away in...."
"Oooh," Caroline said.
"And rescue her he did," Allison said, leaning in. "He took her away and they married in secret!"
"They did?" Caroline asked. "Was the king really mad when he found out?"
"He was, but he realised he had to accept that the prince and princess were going to be together forever," Jon replied. "And then you know what happened?"
Emma and Caroline both shook their heads.
"They went on a royal honeymoon, and not long after that, they had their own princess for a daughter," Jon said.
"Princess Caroline?" Caroline asked with a knowing grin.
"That's right!" Allison grinned. "And she had a royal dog- I bet you know what his name was."
"Max," Caroline answered happily.
"And then a few years later, Princess Emma was born," Jon said and Emma clapped her hands together.
"And they all lived happily ever after," Allison finished.
"Yay!" Caroline said jumping up from her father's lap.
"Was that good enough for you angel girl?" Jon tickled his oldest daughter.
Caroline nodded. "It was really good Daddy."
"Emma?" Allison asked. "You want to try walking one more time?"
"Walk," Emma nodded. "Eat!"
"Spoken like a true Weasley," Allison said laughing. "How about we try walking one more time and then we'll go get a treat?"
"Can we have cupcakes Mummy?" Caroline asked, hopping back onto her magic carpet.
"I think that could be arranged," Allison said. "You and your sister can help me while your daddy cuts the grass."
Jon groaned. He had hoped Allison had forgotten about his promise to do just that.
"Come on Jon, it needs it." Allison pointed out.
"Right," Jon said nodding. "But before I do, I know my little girl is ready to walk...come on Ems. Come to Daddy."
"Dada!" Emma said as she wobbled on her little legs.
"That's it," Caroline called out. "You can do it Emma!"
"Dada walk!" Emma babbled as Allison held onto her hands steadfastly.
Allison grinned down at Emma. "There you go....yes....Emma...."
"Walk!" Emma screamed proudly as her mother carefully let go of one hand, then the other.
"Come on baby!" Jon said encouragingly. "Just a couple more steps. You're doing so good!"
"Dada!" Emma said again, walking her first unsteady steps towards her father.
Emma successfully made her way into Jon's open arms and he swooped her up and spun her around.
Allison and Caroline clapped enthusiastically. "Way to go Emma!"
"I walk Dada!" Emma giggled as her hat fell off and her red curls glinted in the sunlight.
"Yes you do baby," Jon kissed her forehead. "Dada's very proud."
Emma buried her face in her father's shoulder.
"I think the walk knackered her out," Allison said with a laugh.
"Is it time for a kip baby?" Jon patted her back. "Come on Daddy will put you to bed.
"And you can have a cupcake when you wake up Em!" Caroline said excitedly.
"Sweepy Dada," Emma said resting her head on his chest. "Sweepy."
"Sweepy," Jon said with a laugh. "All right, inside you lot. Caroline make sure you bring that carpet in with you."
"I will," Caroline promised. She helped her mother gather their toys and the carpet. "Mummy?" she asked when they were alone.
"What is it angel?" she asked.
"I'm really glad you chose Daddy," Caroline said simply.
Allison smiled at her. "Me too. He's the best isn't he?"
Caroline nodded. "He's the bestest."
"And you and Emma are also the bestest," Allison laughed, putting the toys down so she could pull her daughter into a hug. "You know Daddy and I are proud of you too- for being such a wonderful big sister and for taking such good care of Max."
"You are?" Caroline asked proudly.
"Absolutely," Allison tugged on a lock of Caroline's brown hair.
"Can we put sprinkles on the cupcakes?" Caroline asked.
"Of course we can." Allison said. "Chocolate icing and rainbow sprinkles!"
Caroline grinned. "Let's get started Mummy!"
"All right angel," Allison laughed. "We'll put your favourite apron on okay?"
Her favourite apron was one of Allison's old ones that read "Kiss the Cook". Jon had shrunk the apron for her and anytime Caroline helped in the kitchen, she insisted on wearing it.
"There we go," Allison said. "It's Chef Caroline!"
"Don't tell Nana this, but you cook just as good as she does," Caroline whispered to her mother.
Allison laughed. "No one cooks as good as Nana but thank you baby."
"You do!" Caroline argued. "And I'd say that even if you weren't my mummy."
"Well I hope I passed my talents down to you then," Allison said.
"Grandma Cho can't cook," Caroline said watching as Allison got out the ingredients for the cupcakes. "How did you learn?"
"From your Grandpa," Allison said. "You know Grandpa Neville is a wonderful cook. His spaghetti is the best."
"He does make good pasketti," Caroline agreed.
Allison laughed. "He taught me, Aunt Chiaki and Aunt Frankie everything he knows. And in a few years, I'll start showing you. How's that sound?"
"I'd like that," Caroline replied.
"I look forward to it," Allison kissed the top of Caroline's head.
*** *** ***
Frankie stood at her closet wondering what on earth she would wear tonight. This was going to be a great night. With a little luck, Alicia and Will would finally find some common ground and Alicia would see what a great girl Maddie was. It meant the world to Frankie that the most important people in her life got along.
"You should wear the black one," Alicia said absently as she did her nails. "You know the one I'm talking about..."
"I do," Frankie said. "The backless..."
"That's the one," Alicia said looking up with a grin. "Mr. Boring will be unable to keep his hands off you."
"Lee please stop calling him that," Frankie pleaded. "And Maddie's going to be here any minute and you promised you'd be nice to her too."
"I'll be a good little girl," Alicia promised. "And I'm sorry, old habits die hard Franks. I'm going to try and stop calling him that."
"Thank you," Frankie said, pulling the dress from her closet and examining it. "I wonder what Maddie's wearing tonight."
"From what I've seen, she'll probably wear some long flowing skirt with a flower pattern," Alicia replied. When Frankie glared at her, Alicia shrugged. "That's all I've ever seen her in Franks."
"You've met her all of once," Frankie replied. "And that was the one time we were dress shopping."
"Well that's what she was wearing when I saw her," Alicia said defensively. "But I will give her this; the girl does have great hair. I would kill for hair like that."
"No kidding," Frankie's face relaxed. "And it's so long too. I could never bother with hair that long but it just suits her so well."
"Frankie?" Maddie called out from the sitting room where she'd just arrived via floo.
"We're in here Maddie!" Frankie called out. With one last look at Alicia, she whispered, "Be nice to her Lee. For me."
"I already said I would," Alicia whispered back right before Maddie entered the bedroom.
"I'm sorry I'm late," Maddie apologised. "And I hate to ask you this, but can I borrow something to wear? I put on what I planned on wearing and it looked just awful on me tonight for some reason and--"
"What a lovely skirt," Alicia said looking at Maddie's long flowing skirt. She shared a look with Frankie who glared at her.
"Of course you can," Frankie said. "And I know just the thing for you..."
To Alicia's amazement, Frankie pulled out the black dress that they'd been discussing earlier.
"Oh I couldn't wear that," Maddie said with wide eyes.
"Why not?" Frankie asked holding it up to Maddie. "This dress would look great on you and you have a great body, Maddie. You should show it off more."
"But that... I don't know if..." Maddie touched the black dress hesitantly. "Well maybe I'll try it on and see how it looks?"
Frankie motioned to the loo. "You're going to look fabulous. Now go change...."
Maddie gave them an apprehensive look before disappearing behind the bedroom door.
"I thought YOU were going to wear that," Alicia whispered.
"Will's already seen me in it," Frankie said dismissively.
"Well yes but--" Alicia said. "I thought you wanted to wear it."
"I want to wear something Will hasn't seen me in," Frankie said with a whisper so Maddie wouldn't hear. "And I know Maddie will look fantastic in that dress, Lee."
"I suppose you're right," Alicia finished her nails. "How do they look?" she held out her hands for inspection.
"Great," Frankie said grinning at her.
"Frankie," Maddie called out from the bathroom. "I really...really....don't know about this...."
"Madeline Weasley get out here and let us see," Frankie commanded.
Maddie inched back into Frankie's bedroom. "It's a little um... smaller than I'd usually wear."
"Maddie!" Frankie grinned. "You look amazing in that dress. Doesn't she, Lee?"
"Definitely," Alicia agreed. "Maddie it's not fair that you look so hot." she grinned.
"You ought to see how she eats," Frankie said. "An appetite as big as her dad's and never gains a stone. We'd hate you if you weren't so bloody wonderful, Maddie."
Maddie turned red. "Oh stop," she said. "So you really think I should wear this?"
"I do," Frankie said. "But I don't want you to feel uncomfortable or anything...."
"Do you think Ethan will like it?" Maddie asked.
"He has a pulse right?" Alicia replied lazily.
"Allie told me how much he liked it when you wore that white bikini at Brighton," Frankie said. "And if he liked that, he's going to positively love you in this."
"Okay," Maddie said. "Thanks Frankie. I appreciate this."
"Hey Maddie?" Alicia asked. "Can I play with your hair?"
"She's not a doll," Frankie teased.
"I know but I'm dying to have hair like hers and since that's not happening anytime soon, I just want to play around with hers," Alicia replied. "Please Maddie?"
"Sure," Maddie replied.
Alicia squealed. "Okay sit here," she motioned to Frankie's dressing table. She grabbed a comb and began dragging it through Maddie's blonde locks. "How'd you get your hair so long?"
"I don't know," Maddie said. "It's just always been this way."
"She's Caroline's favourite client when they play beauty salon," Frankie said.
"Who's Caroline again?" Alicia asked.
"She's Allie's daughter," Frankie said rolling her eyes. "I've told you that a million times. And Maddie's brother Jon is Caroline's father."
"I'm sorry I keep forgetting," Alicia said. "Can I straighten your hair?" she asked Maddie.
"Oooh," Frankie said looking at her friend. "That would look fantastic, Maddie." She couldn't remember ever seeing Maddie with her hair straightened.
"Why not?" Maddie asked. "It's been a long time since anyone's bothered with my hair so sure, go ahead."
Alicia grinned and Frankie could only shake her head in amusement as she walked back over to her closet to pick out another outfit. "So Ethan said someone else was coming with?" she asked over her shoulder.
"Yes," Maddie said as Alicia began working on her hair. "Jared, the new guy from my department at work."
"What's he look like?" Alicia asked intrigued.
"Um," Maddie thought for a moment. "He's about as tall as Will; he's got dark blond hair and really dark blue eyes. He's a bit quiet- his girlfriend recently broke up with him so we almost didn't convince him to come out tonight at all."
Frankie could practically see the wheels turning in her best friend's head. "Down, Lee. The poor bloke's on the rebound."
"That's the best time to pounce," Alicia said, using her wand to straighten out Maddie's hair. "And he sounds totally adorable."
"He is," Maddie said. She didn't want to say anything to hurt Alicia's feelings, but she honestly didn't think Jared was Alicia's type. "He's kind of quiet though Alicia."
"They're all quiet before I get a hold of them," Alicia grinned.
Frankie laughed and finally picked out an emerald green slip dress. "Poor Jared won't know what hit him...."
"Damn straight," Alicia said. "How's that look Maddie?"
Maddie took in her reflection in the mirror. "It doesn't look like me...."
"Mads," Frankie said. "You look gorgeous!"
"Really?" Maddie asked shyly.
"Uh yes!" Frankie said. "You put the two of us to shame. Picture that once we slap some makeup onto you..." she teased.
"Why do I feel as if I'm being made over?" Maddie asked but she was laughing. It was nice to have girl friends. The only ones she'd had growing up had been her sister in law Allie, Saffron and her two sisters.
"It's not such a bad thing," Frankie grinned at her. "And you want to knock Ethan's socks off right? He's not going to know what hit him."
Maddie grinned. "Okay then."
"It's not as if you'll need much," Alicia said digging into her own makeup bag. "Franks is right, Maddie. You're beautiful and you have that natural look that most girls would kill for. I'd hate you if you weren't so nice."
"Thanks I think," Maddie laughed. "I like you too Alicia."
"We'd better get a move on," Frankie said glimpsing the clock on her bedside table. They were to meet the boys in about a half an hour.
"Right," Alicia said. "You don't mind this do you Maddie?"
"Not at all," Maddie said. "This is fun."
"Great," Alicia smiled broadly.
"This place we're going to," Maddie said as Alicia applied some powder to her face. "What's it like?"
"It's pretty cool," Frankie said, playing around with her own hair. "It's not too smoky which is nice, and they have decent drinks and lots of dancing room."
"That sounds good," Maddie said. "Though I have a confession to make, I've never actually been clubbing before."
"I saw you out dancing that one time," Frankie said, making a face. "When I was out with that... wanker of a human being Jeff?" the only reason she had agreed to go to a club that night was because Will would be there with her.
"Well, we didn't stay there very long," Maddie admitted. "So I didn't really get the chance to experience it, did I?"
"We'll show you the ropes," Alicia said.
"It's really fun," Frankie said, finally deciding to put her hair up. "Especially since you're there with someone. It's always fun to go and pick up guys of course, but now you'll just get to dance the night away with Ethan. And he's not going to be able to keep his hands off you for a moment."
"I bet the two of you are all over each other all the time," Alicia said teasingly. "With the two of you living together and all. I bet you shag like a pair of rabbits..."
"Alicia!" Frankie said glaring at her.
"What?" Alicia asked.
"That's none of your business, is it?" Frankie asked. "I'm sorry Maddie..."
"It's okay," Maddie said softly, not sure if she wanted to disclose to Alicia that she and Ethan were waiting until they were married.
"What Maddie and Ethan do or don't do is between them," Frankie lectured her friend. "And I really don't think you should pry..."
"Sorry," Alicia said, not really sounding very sorry.
"It's okay really," Maddie said grateful when Alicia resumed applying her makeup.
"He's really gorgeous though," Alicia said. "Do you know I even asked Frankie once if she'd set us up."
"But I liked Ethan too much to unleash Lee on him," Frankie said.
"Thanks a lot Frankie," Alicia sounded insulted.
"Well he's been hung up on Maddie for awhile now." Frankie said. "Maddie staked her claim on him when she was about five anyways," she teased.
Maddie giggled. "And it only took me how many years to snag him?"
"He's a typical male," Frankie said. "Didn't see what he wanted until much later."
"Well," Alicia said finishing up with Maddie's makeup. "I think he'll definitely know what he wants tonight. Take a look...."
"Is that really me?" Maddie asked after a long moment of staring in the mirror.
Frankie smiled. "That's you. Sweet little Maddie all grown up."
Maddie gave her a wry smile. "Thanks Frankie."
"I just gave you the dress," Frankie said beaming at her.
"I think that makes all the difference," Maddie laughed. "You both look gorgeous too."
"We do," Alicia agreed. "Now, how about we go turn some heads?"
"Works for me," Frankie said. "Although I'm only looking to turn one head."
At the club, Ethan and Will were trying to engage Jared in their conversation, but the other bloke had been quiet ever since they'd arrived.
"So which team do you pull for?" Will asked Jared who greeted him with a blank stare. "Quidditch I mean."
"Oh... none really." Jared said. "I'm not much into Quidditch."
Ethan nearly choked on his beer. "You're not?"
"I just don't find it very interesting I guess." Jared shrugged.
"What do you do for fun then?" Will asked conversationally.
"I read," Jared said. "I used to spend most of my time with my girlfriend."
"You never used to just go out to the pub with your mates?" Ethan asked.
"I guess once in awhile," Jared replied, hoping Maddie would get here soon. He was planning on asking her to dance with him tonight, his plan to start showing her how much better off she would be with him rather than this bloke.
Will and Ethan exchanged a look. This Jared was certainly a closed book. Will took another long swig of his beer.
"I really got a kick out of meeting your little sister," Will said to Ethan. "She was like a kid in a candy store at the match."
Ethan laughed. "Saffy's sure one of a kind isn't she?"
"She is that," Will said. "And didn't seem so hell bent on revenge after you sprung that surprise on her, eh?"
"Of course not," Ethan snorted. "I became big brother of the bloody year after that."
"Do you have any brothers or sisters Jared?" Will asked again attempting to get him to talk, but Jared just shook his head and muttered something about going to get himself another drink.
"Isn't he the life of the party," Will said when he and Ethan were alone.
"No kidding," Ethan replied. "Shite, it's like pulling nails to get him to talk."
"Should be a fun night with him," Will said. "And Alicia calls me Mr. Boring. Wait until she gets a load of him."
Ethan laughed. "And Mads thinks she's going to fix the two of them up."
"Speaking of Maddie," Will asked looking at his watch. "Where are they?"
"They should be here soon," Ethan replied.
"How's work going for you?" Will asked.
"Busy as hell," Ethan replied. "But good. I've had to get some help on me and Justin's latest case."
"Your dad?" Will guessed.
"No," Ethan said, gulping down the rest of his beer. "My ex girlfriend actually."
"Really?" Will asked wide-eyed.
"Yeah," Ethan said. "We stayed friends and she's really smart- she actually offered to help us."
"That's good," Will said. "Not too many people can stay friends with their exes."
"Yeah," Ethan shrugged as Jared sat down again, new drink in hand. "Bree's pretty cool. She's loosened up since she started dating this other guy."
Jared's ears perked up as he caught the name Bree. "How long did you two go out?" he asked and Will and Ethan both looked over at him in surprise.
"About six months," Ethan told him. "Why do you ask?"
"Just curious," Jared said quickly. "You know Cordelia and I were together for eight months. Sometimes it just seems like I'll never get over her. But you didn't seem to have that problem when you chucked Bree, eh?"
"I didn't chuck her," Ethan said sharply.
"You broke things off with her and then started dating Maddie soon after," Jared shot back.
"I beg your pardon but I didn't start dating Maddie until almost six months after Bree and I broke up," Ethan returned.
Jared smirked. "I guess I was mistaken. I didn't mean any offence..."
Will put a hand on Ethan's arm. "Look, the girls are here," he said, hoping to avoid a fight between the two men.
Ethan glared at Jared before turning around. His jaw dropped as he saw the three girls approaching them. "Mads?"
"Hi Ethan," Maddie smiled shyly at him as Will kissed Frankie hello. "I um... I let the girls sort of dress me up tonight."
"I-I...um....whoa," Ethan stammered. "I mean you look...."
"Beautiful," Jared finished.
Maddie looked over at him. "Hello Jared," she blushed. "Thanks."
Jared had known Maddie was beautiful, but he had no idea that she had a body like this. The robes she wore to work covered her up but this dress certainly left nothing to the imagination. He had the urge to take her back to his own flat and....
"Hi," Alicia said getting in front of him. "I'm Alicia."
"Hi," Jared said automatically, forcing his eyes from Maddie.
"How would you like to buy me a drink?" Alicia asked flirtatiously. "You know you want to...."
Maddie giggled. "At least let me introduce him. Jared, you've obviously met Alicia. And this is Frankie."
"Nice to meet you Jared," Frankie said warmly. "Maddie's told us a lot about you."
"Hi," Jared said again. "Nice to meet you both."
"Now that we've been formally introduced," Alicia said touching Jared's arm. "How about that drink?"
"I uh..." Jared replied. "I guess I could get you one."
Alicia took his reluctance as nervousness and found it even more endearing. "And then maybe we could dance?"
"I guess," Jared said. "What do you want to drink?"
"Apple martini," she purred. "And don't worry; I'll keep your seat warm."
"Okay," Jared said. He looked at Maddie. "Can I get anyone else anything?"
"I'll take a cosmopolitan," Frankie said, squeezing Will's hand. "I'll buy you something later."
"I'm fine for now," Maddie replied. "Thank you Jared."
"You're quite welcome Maddie," Jared said grinning at her before departing for the bar.
"He's yummy Maddie," Alicia said watching him go. "Absolutely yummy."
"I guess," Maddie sat next to Ethan. "I haven't really paid attention though."
"Of course you haven't," Alicia teased. "Look at what you've got."
"Close your mouth Ethan," Frankie joked. "You're starting to attract attention."
"I can't help it," Ethan put his arm around Maddie's waist. "Look at this gorgeous creature sitting next to me!"
Maddie grinned and leaned against him.
"I missed you today," he said, putting his other arm around her. "I didn't get to see you at lunch."
"I know," she apologised. "We've both been really busy, haven't we?"
"Just a bit," Ethan kissed her. "We'll have to make up for that won't we?"
"You know how we could start?" Maddie asked.
"How?" he asked, running his hands through her hair.
"Dance with me," she whispered.
He grinned. "Of course."
Maddie smiled and took Ethan's hand. "We'll be right back," she called over her shoulder to their friends.
"Have fun," Frankie grinned. "Well Lee, mission accomplished."
Alicia nodded. "We make a great team Franks."
"So do you really think I look good?" Maddie asked as she and Ethan pressed closely to each other on the dance floor.
"Are you kidding?" he asked. "You rendered me speechless back there."
She grinned. "I did?"
Ethan nodded. "And when I look at you like this, all I want to do is...forget about waiting like we planned."
Maddie leaned into him. "I get tempted so often Ethan," she said.
"It's going to be worth it," Ethan said. "But it's so frustrating sometimes."
"Having me dressed like this probably doesn't help," Maddie said, looking down at the floor.
"No," he said tilting her chin up. "It doesn't, but I'll try and muddle through."
Maddie laughed. "I wanted to look good for you Ethan James."
"You do," he said kissing her. He knew she wasn't a fan of public displays of affection like this, but he couldn't help it.
"Mmm..." she said, winding her arms around his neck to keep him as close as possible. "I've been waiting for that all day," Maddie added when they parted briefly.
"Me too," he said kissing her again.
She let his tongue slip into her mouth as she pressed herself tighter against him. "Ethan," she sighed into his mouth.
"Mmm," Ethan said breathlessly.
"I miss being with you all the time," Maddie said, her forehead against his. "I love you so much Ethan."
"I know," he whispered. "I love you too Mads. So very much."
The music flowing around the room combined with the way she felt dressed up like this made Maddie feel much more confident than she normally did. "Touch me," she breathed into his ear as they danced closely.
Ethan's eyes slowly moved over her as if trying to believe what she'd just said. He put his hand on her thigh and slowly moved it upward.
She closed her eyes, leaning her head against his shoulder.
"Do you have any idea what you do to me?" he asked in her ear.
"How about what you do for me?" Maddie's voice had gone husky as his hand moved further up between her thighs.
"You feel amazing," he breathed looking into her eyes.
"Please keep going," Maddie begged breathlessly, not caring one bit they were in the middle of a crowded dance floor.
"Do you trust me?" he asked as his hands lingered on the waistband of her knickers.
"Of course I do," Maddie said as he began to move them to a darker corner of the club.
"Good," Ethan whispered. He didn't want to chance anyone interrupting them and he hoped that when the time came, he'd be able to put on the brakes before they went further than they were supposed to go.
She followed him willingly as they sat down on one of the sofas and started kissing again immediately, clinging to each other as his hand returned to under her dress.
"Remind me," he said in between kisses. "To thank...Frankie....for letting you borrow this dress."
"I will," Maddie giggled as his lips attacked her neck.
Ethan gently pushed one of the straps of her dress down so he could kiss her shoulder.
"Mmmm..." she murmured. "Please keep going Ethan."
"Maddie," he whispered gruffly burying his face in her neck again as his hands again snaked precariously close to where they'd been on the dance floor.
"I want this Ethan," she said weakly. "I really, really want this."
Without another word, Ethan slipped a finger inside her.
Maddie gasped. "Oh," she said, her fingers digging into his shoulders.
"Is this okay?" he murmured against her skin.
"Oh God yes," she whimpered. "I didn't know this could feel so good."
Ethan kissed her again and had just pulled her onto his lap when he heard someone calling out Maddie's name. He was so dazed that for a moment, he thought it was him.
"Maddie?" Jared's familiar voice called out in the darkness. "Are you back here?"
"You have got to be kidding me," Ethan muttered. "Not now..."
Maddie reluctantly slid off of Ethan's lap and straightened her dress. "Shhhh, Ethan...."
"Come on Mads," he said. "We were in the middle of... we were...."
"Moving too fast," Maddie said in a hushed tone. With a heavy sigh, she called out to Jared that she and Ethan would be right there.
"We were not," Ethan argued. "You wanted that- and I would have made sure we didn't go all the way."
"I know," Maddie said. "I did, but I'm not so sure either of us would have stopped. In a way, it's good that Jared interrupted us."
"We would too have stopped," Ethan grumbled, unhappy about being bothered. There was something about this Jared bloke that Ethan didn't trust, but he just couldn't put his finger on it.
"I'm not so sure," Maddie said. She turned to face her boyfriend and reached out to smooth down his hair.
"I'm sure," Ethan retorted as he stood up.
Maddie got up to follow him, but suddenly Jared appeared before them holding two beers. "I thought you might be thirsty."
"Oh," Maddie smiled at Jared. "Thank you- I am a bit."
"I'm going to go back to the table," Ethan said grumpily disappearing into the crowd.
"I'm sorry- did I interrupt something?" Jared asked, knowing full well that he had.
"No," Maddie lied. "Of course you didn't."
"I didn't mean to if I did," Jared said. "You've just been gone awhile and... I really don't know those other people so..."
Maddie felt horrible now. "Oh Jared. I'm so sorry. I didn't think. I shouldn't have left you alone."
"It's all right," Jared replied. "I was actually hoping you'd dance with me, if your boyfriend doesn't mind."
"Sure," Maddie said thinking Ethan needed some time to cool off. "I'm sure he wouldn't mind."
"Great," Jared smiled.
Ethan stalked back to the table where only Frankie and Will remained. Frankie thought she heard the words "could to have stopped" and "bloody wanker" as Ethan sat down.
"Problem?" she asked.
"That bloke Jared," Ethan muttered.
"You sound like Alicia," Frankie said with a laugh. "He wasn't having any part of her so she decided to go try her luck at the bar."
"I don't know what his problem is. I mean, there's one reason people go to the back and that's to fucking be alone," Ethan pulled back hard on his beer. "And he fucking comes back there and interrupts us."
Frankie grinned. "And what were you two doing back there?"
Ethan gave her a look. "Wouldn't you like to know."
"Give the bloke a break," Frankie said. "He's kind of shy and quiet. And he doesn't really know any of us. He probably just wanted to talk to Maddie since she's the one he does know. Don't take it personal Ethan. Maddie said he's taking his break up with his ex really hard."
"I guess," Ethan said. "But I don't know why he couldn't have waited. The damn guy barely said two words to us while we were waiting for you three. And now he's chatty Cathy."
"You know you have nothing to worry about," Frankie told him. "Maddie loves you."
"I know she does," Ethan replied. "But how would you two like it if one of your exes came up while the two of you were fooling around?"
"I'd bloody hate it," Will said.
"That's how I feel right now," Ethan grumbled as he saw Maddie dancing with Jared.
"But Jared's not one of Maddie's exes, Ethan," Frankie said. "He's..."
"He's what?" Ethan asked, but Frankie looked as if she'd seen a ghost.
"Oh my God," she whispered, her face completely devoid of colour. "He's here."
"We know he's here," Will said thinking Frankie was referring to Jared.
"No," Frankie said weakly. "J-Jeff."
"What?" Will nearly knocked his chair over as he shot up. "Where? I'll kill that fucking asshole."
Frankie grabbed hold of Will's shoulder trying to hold him back. "No Will. Let's just go..."
"No," Will said as Ethan also rose. "He's got to know he can't terrorise you like that Frankie."
"Will!" Frankie called out but he shrugged her off and he and Ethan pushed their way through the crowd toward Jeff.
Frankie's knees were shaking as she sat back down in her seat, wishing that they hadn't left her alone.
Will tapped Jeff on the shoulder.
"Yeah?" Jeff asked impatiently as he turned around.
"Nice to meet you," Will said in a sarcastic tone. "I'm Frankie Longbottom's fiancé."
"Good luck with that," Jeff said icily. "She's nothing but a tease mate."
Will grabbed the front of Jeff's shirt. "I've got a bit of a bone to pick with you," he said, teeth clenched as he began to drag the other man away from the bar.
"Let go of me," Jeff said trying to pull away from Will, but Ethan grabbed his other arm.
"Remember me?" Ethan asked.
Jeff sneered at him. "Get off me, both of you, before I--"
"Before you what?" Will snarled.
"Don't much like being in the position you put Frankie in do you?" Ethan taunted.
"I don't know what she told you," Jeff started to say.
"She told us you were trying to make her leave so you could 'get what she promised," Will pushed him against the wall. "You were planning on forcing yourself on her." his face was twisted in hatred.
"I wasn't going to force myself on her," Jeff shot back. "Look mate, I don't know what she told you but she's lying. She's a lying-"
Will pointed his wand at Jeff's throat. "What were you about to say?" he asked tightly.
"W-what are you going to do?" Jeff asked his voice shaking.
"What do you think we should do?" Ethan asked, his eyes narrowed.
"You can't do anything to me," Jeff said looking at Ethan. "You're an Auror. I haven't done anything. You'll ...you'll be sacked for..."
"He doesn't have to," Will grinned maliciously. "I have proof of what you tried to do to my fiancée. Pictures of her bruises not to mention her account of how you threatened her before trying to lead her out of the club." he poked his wand further into Jeff's throat. "If you ever, EVER go near her again..."
"I w-won't," Jeff stammered. "Just let me go."
Will pushed him into the wall. "EVER!" he repeated, his eyes dark. "I'll kill you and no one will find you."
Jeff struggled to catch his breath as he nodded.
"Get the hell out of here!" Ethan yelled.
Jeff stumbled as he tore himself out of Will's grip and ran out of the club.
"What a fucking wanker," Ethan shook his head.
"I meant what I said," Will said the same dark expression on his face. "I'll kill him if he comes near her again."
"I think you just scared the piss out of him," Ethan grinned at Will. "Nice job mate."
"Aye," Will said. "Thanks for having my back."
"Anytime," Ethan said. "I care about Frankie too. I like giving her a hard time of course, but I'd never let anything happen to her."
"I know," Will said slapping him on the back. "Speaking of which, we should get back to her. She's probably worried sick."
"Right," Ethan agreed.
Frankie was sitting with Alicia and Maddie who were trying to calm their friend. When she looked up and saw Will and Ethan she jumped to her feet.
"He won't be bothering you again," Will said hugging her tightly.
"What did you do?" Frankie asked, hugging him back. "You didn't hit him did you? I don't want you in trouble because of me..."
"I didn't hit him," Will replied. "I just told him in no uncertain terms that he isn't to go near you ever again."
"Do you think he'll listen?" she whispered.
Will nodded and kissed her forehead. "You're safe Frankie. And as long as I have something to say about it, you always will be."
"Thank you," she said, kissing him. "I love you so much Will."
"I love you too," he said softly.
Ethan stole a glance at Maddie and was relieved to see Jared was nowhere in sight. With any luck, he'd gone home.
"Hi," Maddie said walking over to him.
"Hi," he replied.
"Frankie was really scared," Maddie said.
"I know, but we had to take care of that jerk." Ethan said.
Maddie nodded and reached out for his hand. "Are we okay?"
"Of course we are," Ethan said. "I just feel like whenever we... go beyond simple kissing, that you don't trust me enough and that's why I was pissed back there. I can stop when we need to stop Mads."
"I do trust you," Maddie argued. "I just don't trust myself sometimes."
"Maddie," Ethan pulled her away from the table. "You have nothing to worry about with me."
Maddie hugged him. "I know."
Ethan kissed the side of her head. "I love you," he said, his nose buried in her hair.
"I love you too," she whispered.
"Did you... did you like what we were doing back there?" he asked, his arms going around her waist.
Maddie looked shyly at him. "Yes. I liked it very much."
"Was it really going too fast?" he asked, feeling just as shy.
"Maybe a little," she replied. "But I wasn't lying when I told you I wanted to Ethan I did."
"Okay," Ethan tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "You look so gorgeous I just have a hard time keeping my hands to myself." he grinned at her.
Maddie smiled. "Well, Frankie and Alicia did tell me if I wore this dress, you'd not be able to keep your hands off of me."
"They were quite right," Ethan replied, moving his hands through her mane. "I've never seen your hair like this either."
"Drew and Darla did it like this once," Maddie admitted. "But that was when we were kids. Do you like it?"
"I love it," Ethan kissed her. "Of course, I like you any way you look. But I've just never seen you like this and it just... I don't even know how to describe you."
"That's a good thing?" she asked feeling relieved that things seemed to be okay.
"Yes," he said. "So what happened to your friend?"
"He was really depressed about Cordelia," Maddie said leading Ethan back to the table. "I guess he wasn't as ready to go out as he thought. So he called it an early night."
"Oh," Ethan was secretly pleased at this.
"He's really hurting," Maddie said. "Apparently, she dropped by their flat today and picked up her belongings. He didn't want to say anything because he didn't want to ruin our night."
"Maybe that's why he was quiet before you guys got here," Ethan felt sort of bad for his earlier thoughts.
"He's really hurting," Maddie said still remembering the look on his face when he'd told her about it on the dance floor. "He was actually considering proposing."
"That's a shame," Ethan said. "I don't know what I'd do if I lost you. Probably be the same way."
"You're not going to lose me," she said leaning in for a kiss.
"I hope not ever," Ethan caressed her cheek.
"Never," Maddie said smiling at him.
Ethan kissed her again. "Let's get going soon," he said. "I want some real alone time with you tonight."
"With no interruptions," Maddie said with a grin.
"Right," Ethan said, his arms winding around her slender figure.
"God you two are sickening," Alicia commented. "Almost as bad as Franks and William here."
"That's Mr. Boring to you," Will said cheekily.
Alicia laughed. "I thought you hated that name."
"Coming from you it's a term of endearment," Will said.
"That it is," Alicia shrugged. "Can't deny it."
"Well this certainly was an interesting night," Frankie said leaning against Will.
"Aye," Will kissed the side of her head. "And I never told you how beautiful you look. Shame on me."
"You more than made up for it by defending my honour," Frankie said.
"All in a day's work," Will joked. "What say we get out there and dance then?"
"Yes," Frankie said happily. "Everybody, come on!"
"We can't leave Alicia," Maddie said but Alicia had already grabbed a random bloke and was leading him on the dance floor.
"Trust her to find someone," Will said, his hand on the small of Frankie's back as they wove through the crowd to find a spot.
"We should do this more often," Frankie said. "Of course we could leave out the Jeff part."
"Sure," Maddie agreed, laughing as Ethan dipped her back. "We should try and do this once a week, or at the very least every few weeks."
"It's a date," Frankie said feeling happier than she had in quite some time.
From a few feet away, Jared watched the group of friends, but his eyes quickly focused on Maddie. He'd played on Maddie's sympathies tonight. Girls ate it up when blokes acted all broken-hearted and lost. And when he'd told her he was going home, she'd given him a hug and a peck on the cheek. Before too long, he thought as he watched her, she'd be going home with him.