Show and Tell [TAG: CHARLIE]

[RIVER ADELINDE]

His friend and fellow magical creature fanatic CHARLIE WEASLEY had owled him several times in as many days letting him know that he had something exciting to show him at the sanctuary. Now, normally it only took one note for easily excitable River to find his way back but he had been in the midst of a book tour, a novel chronicling his latest adventures, and his publicist (and also his ex-fiance) had him on a short leash (so to speak). Still, once he had a free moment he found his way back to the familiar place that almost felt like a second home to him. Surrounded by magical creatures, ginormous in size, that could easily rip you from limb to limb? Was there anything more comforting?

"Charlie!" River called out toward his redheaded longtime friend and occasional coworker with a big smile that only grew in size into a grin the closer he got to the taller gentleman. Charlie seemed in the middle of taming one beast or another and while his coworkers, lower on the hierarchy ladder than he was, seemed very concerned (perhaps rightfully) the redhead seemed unbothered. So did River, hands now in his coat pockets protecting him from the autumn wind chill and little else, weaving his way through the worried parties without a care in the world. He knew better. The other man would have this under control and, if he didn't - he would improvise. They both had a knack for that. Walking while admiring not so much as he tripped over his own two feet (darned that always getting untied shoelace) but he managed to remain standing, sporting a goofy smile and a bashful blush even though nobody seemed to notice.

"Charlie Weasley." River greeted casually, leaning over the fence post to get a better look watching the man at work. "I see you have your hands a bit full." He observed the obvious gesturing toward where all of the commotion was coming from but otherwise seeming unaffected. "You've got something to show me?" Of course he did. Charlie wouldn't lie to him even if it was a ploy just to see a pal. "Can you show me with your free hand?" He asked with a playful raise of his brows and an even bigger smile (if that was even possible). "C'mon. Out with it. Please?!"

[CHARLIE WEASLEY]

It wasn’t the first time that a scream had reached Charlie’s ears today, and he was certain it wouldn’t be the last. This one though had enough urgency behind it to shake him from his reverie and have his head snapping up to the door to his rooms. He only paused for a moment before he was up and running out of the door.

Outside there wasn’t much to see beyond the huge crowd that had gathered outside one of the dragon enclosures. That left him no way to gauge the situation before he had shoved his way all the way to the front of the crowd, where he stared rather dumbfounded at the scene.

"What’s going on?" He shouted, letting himself into the enclosure alongside the more junior keepers who had been trying to handle the situation.

"-- – – – fainting goat, – – trainee – – and fainted, we haven’t been able to get them out." One of the keepers managed to pant out from their place, aiding in fending off the dragon and keeping the trainee safe.

Charlie felt rather like knocking his head against the wall at that response, alongside the heads of several of the trainees, but now was not the time.

"Right, well I’ll deal with the dragon, the rest of you grab a limb and get them the hell out of here!" He had had plans, dammit! But now he had to deal with their idiocy. If they didn’t get kicked out of the training program altogether he’d make certain someone had a constant eye on them, if it wasn’t him.

Charlie moved between the trainee and the surprisingly calm Welsh Green and cast a surreptitious protego behind him, not that it would do much if the dragon managed to get past him (then the people behind the fence would be the only ones marginally safe). Keeping one hand spread in front of him for emergency casting, Charlie fished a rat out of his hip pouch for the dragon and dangled it in front of him easily.

"Here girl, you want it?" He wiggled the rat again before tossing it over and watching her catch it from midair with a snap. Yeah, the rats wouldn’t do much to assuage her hunger but they should be enough to keep her distracted.

Charlie heard the other keepers scurrying and tugging the trainee (still clutching the goat) out of the enclosure as he fished out another rat. His eyes remained focused on the dragon until he heard River call his name and Charlie’s eyes snapped to him - a grin threatening to overtake his face while his eyes swept over his friend. His body twitched in an impulsive attempt to try to catch River when he tripped, even if he was yards away, before Charlie remembered exactly where he was. Charlie went rigid for a split second, head swinging around to face the dragon again and giving the rat in his hand an urgent wiggle before tossing that one too.

"Oh, just a bit. I still might be able to put on a full circus act with the other!" Charlie heard the gate to the enclosure clang shut just as one of the other keepers yelled out the all-clear. It took only a moment before Charlie began walking backwards to the gate, tossing the periodic rat to keep the dragon content.

"Yeah, I do. Just give me a min, Riv! I don’t have it on me." Now that the other keepers were out there was a lot less to worry about. Charlie almost sighed when his back knocked against the gate, reaching back and unlatching it before tossing out a final rat and slipping out the gate. He exhaled loudly, running a hand roughly through his hair as he turned to face River and the crowd.

"Alright, back to work! Remember to write up the incident reports and let the Head of the Reserve know." Charlie had better things to do right now, there was no way he was going to let this mess land in his lap.

Charlie shot River an excited grin as the crowd began to disperse, reaching out a hand to tow him along, "C’mon, I had to leave it in my rooms but I promise that the wait’ll be worth it." He couldn’t wait to see the look on River’s face.

[RIVER ADELINDE]

"Good catch." River commended the dragon that had just about everyone else horrified as she snatched the dead rat out of the air with ease and a loud snap and crunch. The sound of bones breaking may have sent a shudder up anyone's spine but for River it was as energizing as a double shot of muggle espresso. He loved every dang second of watching a magical creature do what they did best and dragons were some of his absolute faves. 

"She really is a beauty." He marveled standing still, arms draped over the fence railing while scared individuals ran panicked behind him providing a stark contrast to his own relaxed stance. To an impartial observer, both Charlie and River probably appeared nuts, smiling like they were as if this was completely normal and there wasn't a care in the world. And maybe they were. But to them this was just another day in their line of work. Danger could happen at the drop of a hat and the two had long ago learned how to co-exist with it. Everyone else? Not so much...

"I do love the circus." River informed his friend cheerily. It wasn't exactly a lie. River loved just about everything. He would be hard pressed to dislike or hate something. "Will there be lions?" It was then his smile faded, realizing that Charlie was only teasing. He was good at that. Still River's hopes had gotten up (as they always tended to). "Oh. You're just joking." He would recover from his disappointment rather quickly though. He did have a knack for jumping back from most falls - physical and otherwise.

River watched Charlie handle the dragon like the pro he was. The magizoologist and author couldn't help but smile as the situation was handled with an inspiring expertise. How Charlie managed to straddle being so dang good at his job as well as so likable was beyond River but he did know that it was practically an artform. He inspired River to be better at his own work. If only he could be more like the tall, brawny, red headed man. Funny, strong, handsome... Wait.

"Good show, Charlie!" He clapped, stepping up on the rung of the fence so he appeared taller giving the man a 'standing ovation' as it were. "A bit surprised though that you don't want to fill out the report yourself." A harmless joke. Charlie was not one for quills and papers. That was more River's bag. So was smiling apparently - something he did a great deal but never more so than when around his favorite pal.

Charlie's rough fingers wrapped around his wrist causing a small surprised gasp and a sound that was almost words as he was dragged behind the other man. "What is it, Charlie?" Wherever Charlie wanted him to go he would all too willingly follow. "C'mon. Tell me!" The full grown man whined once again nearly tripping over his own two feet but recovering at the last moment by  holding onto his friend's shoulder. Even though he was about to River hated waiting. He did claim to like surprises but he never liked actually waiting for them.

Arriving at Charlie's room River was let go and inwardly felt a little sad that Charlie still wasn't holding his wrist (which was very close to holding hands which was something he all of a sudden found that he missed doing). River hadn't really touched much of anyone other than the usual professional handshake since his failed engagement. Being very friendly this was a feat and not one that he was proud of. In fact, he rather hated it.

"What is it?" He asked again with a bit of a sigh as he tried to keep his excitement under control pulling at the edge of his blazer fixing how it fell on his frame (it would all be for naught however - he was just going to mess it up again in mere minutes).

[CHARLIE WEASLEY]

"Oh you’ll have to tie me down and force the quill in my hand before you get me to do that report." Charlie snorted, shaking his head as he towed River along. "It’ll be a good learning lesson for them," He laughed, perhaps the most important lesson they would learn was not to fuck around and find out when it was Charlie who was going to be cleaning up after them. If the safety lesson didn’t stick, maybe the memory of the paperwork would. Of course, neither had stuck much for Charlie but then he had his own safety system. It just ran counter to the official one.

"Ah, you’ll have to be patient, River." Charlie responded with a teasing grin, a spring in his step as they crossed the reserve. He was just as eager to see the other man’s reaction. Charlie’s arm wrapped fast around his friend’s waist when he tripped forward, arm tightening to pull River towards him and support him before he noticed his over reaction as River caught himself against Charlie’s shoulder, his cheeks flaming slightly. He reluctantly released his grip and allowed his hand to settle back wrapped around River’s wrist.

"Careful now, or I’ll tow you off to the infirmary and make you wait even longer." Charlie teased, knowing full well he had a first aid kit in his rooms filled with items that would be useful to clean up injuries far worse than a scrape. The image of himself carefully cleaning River’s scrapes with the man seated on his bed flashed across Charlie’s mind and he flushed again, clearing his throat softly.

Charlie reluctantly unfurled his fingers from River’s wrist as they entered his rooms, casting a broad grin at the other man as he walked deeper into his rooms, "I suppose it’s time for me to put you out of your misery then." He’d meant to make the reveal a bit more mysterious but he was far too giddy for that. Instead, Charlie eagerly gestured River further into his rooms and turned to grab the egg from its little nest.

"It’s a dragon egg." Charlie crossed the room to meet River, gently holding the egg up for his friend to see as his fingers caressed the scales along its sides. "Not too unusual I suppose, but this one’s a Peruvian Vipertooth." He felt like a kid, nearly bouncing on the tips of his toes in his excitement to share. River was sure to appreciate the significance as much as Charlie did. "They’ve been talking about experimenting with their venom and the preserve put forward a proposal I guess -" Charlie gasped a forgotten breath and rushed on "- they thought it’d be worth a try to raise one up with, ‘ya know, a person and see if it’d allow uh, humane harvesting of its venom I think." Charlie grinned broadly, his cheeks aching with it.

"So, they’re letting me raise it."

He loved his job, working with dragons every day, he really did. But, it was completely different to being asked to hand rear an entire dragon on his own. Gosh, this was probably the highlight of his career.

[RIVER ADELINDE]

"I'm sure there's someone out there in HR who loves a good challenge." River noted with a little shrug and ever present smile on his face that never seemed to go away (but especially when Charlie was around). He wasn't about to touch that 'tie down' comment with a ten foot pole. In fact, it was probably better to not think about that image at all. "Besides, that lot is new, aren't they? It wasn't that long ago that we were where they are making mistakes - lots of 'em." The magizoologist couldn't resist in seeing the glass half full at all times. One of his greatest strengths, was equally one of his biggest weaknesses - seeing the best in people and giving them the benefit of the doubt (even when he shouldn't). Luckily he occasionally had kind and protective souls, like Charlie or FIONA MACCAFFERTY (his ex fiance), to keep an eye out for him.

"I'll have you know that I happen to be incredibly-" An intentional tug almost had his whole body going to the ground but he regrouped, the bigger man's arm wrapped around his waist holding him up to which he sported a goofy smile a little embarrassed for a number of reasons. "-Patient!" A lie. One of many little white ones he would tell for the betterment of everyone around him. River fell into a run towed behind his best pal. Charlie's grasp was rough and firm around his tanned wrist. River couldn't help but blush at the contact - or was it because they were running? Perhaps the exercise. That would be far better to blame it on than the prior reason. That first reason would have been... complicated. Best to avoid that completely.

"I think I'd rather not." River gulped at the mention of the infirmary. They were honestly like a second home to him, the nurses and doctors all knew him by name and each and every injury he had (which was many). He liked them all well enough but he would much rather spend today with Charlie. Heck, each and every day with Charlie. They were pals for a reason. They just got each other. "I'm actually doing relatively well today all things considered." He glanced down at himself patting his stomach and chest through his coat as if to demonstrate. "Nary a scrape or a bruise." Then with a twinkle in his eye and a toothy grin he couldn't help but add the last part. "Not yet." But the day was still young.

River's eyes instantly widened at the sight of the egg and his legs carried him across the floorboards as he gasped quite loudly. "A dragon egg!" He said at the same time as his friend, not even able to hide his excitement - not that he would ever try. "Vipertooth?" Big green eyes looked up at Charlie and he was all smiles and thrill now. It took every ounce of his being not to touch, cradle, and fawn over it. "Charlie, it's bloody gorgeous." River loved magical creatures, any creatures really, just as much as the ginger before him. They were kindred spirits in that regard. Sweet as could be, reveled in some circles, but outcasts in others. No matter.... they had each other.

"This is so cool, Charlie." His eyes caught his dear friend's, alive with merriment. It took every bit of him not to jump in his sneakers. "Fee is never gonna believe this." He exclaimed giddily, referencing his former fiance out of habit. "Actually she probably will - since it's you but oh-" His hands clapped together eagerly. "I cannot wait to tell her!"

[CHARLIE WEASLEY]

"Yeah, they’re new - for the most part." Charlie had to huff at the latter part of River’s comment, "I seem to remember our mistakes feeling a lot more imaginative and daring." Though they probably had also been a hell of a lot more dangerous than anything this current group of trainees thought about getting up to. Rather recklessly wrangling hatchlings from their mums for health checks came to mind; yeah, some of his burn scars were definitely left over from that. Back then it had seemed like a hell of a lot more fun though (actually, the thought of braving the flames with River to check hatchlings still sounded like an appealing idea).

Charlie snorted, glancing down at River, "If you’re patient I might just be a Hippogriff." He might give his friend credit for patience in any situation not dragon related but when it came to dragons they shared their eagerness. Surely something people besides Charlie had noticed, he couldn’t be the only one. Just like he noticed the light dusting of a blush across River’s cheeks, surely because of the pace Charlie was setting. There was a part of him, hidden away and messily shoved to the side, that marveled over the idea that it could be for him. The same part that had insisted Charlie hold onto River’s wrist even after the other man was following him. The part that made his heart thump low with a stirring of dread at the thought of having to let River go. Better not to think about that part.

"Ah, well I’ll do my best to keep you safe from the rotten infirmary then." Charlie would rather spend the rest of the day playing mediwitch than lose out on the rest of their day together from being ushered out of the infirmary by its staff for ‘hovering too much.’ "That’s good to hear," His eyes followed River’s hands keenly as the man patted himself down. Then, Charlie gave a toothy mischievous grin to match River’s, "I’ll just have to dedicate myself to keeping you safe for the rest of the day at least." Yes, safe from bumps and bruises and scrapes, it felt silly to think but if keeping his friend upright and unharmed for the rest of his day gave him that flutter of warmth in the pit of his stomach Charlie was going to chase it (and steadfastly shove its implications into the growing pile of decidedly un-friendlike things he thought about River that he ignored).

Charlie grinned broadly at River’s reaction, just what he had been expecting. "Yes, Vipertooth." Charlie glanced down at River and his big bright green eyes and his broad smile and his excitement and his everything and felt his heart take off at a sprint. By the gods, River was stunning and Charlie just wanted to reach down and take River’s face in his hand and -. River said something, but Charlie wasn't sure. About the egg being gorgeous? He couldn’t- "You’re bloody gorgeous." The words eked out on a breath and brought Charlie’s thoughts crashing to a halt and a blush spreading across his entire face. Gods, what had he done? Stay calm, Charlie. Right. "You can hold it … if you want." Easy Charlie, easy. He tried to reel himself in as he offered the egg to River. Half hoping to distract the other man, and half hoping that River had been too distracted to hear him at all.

"Yeah, it’s brilliant," Charlie returned his friend’s excitement with a grin, soaking in River’s excitement. Charlie’s thoughts slowed again at the mention of Fee, giving an almost absent nod and a rather rough hum. "Ah, yes it’s probably one of the more exciting things that have happened recently - besides the dragons." Even though Charlie knew better his heart dropped a bit, "How has she been doing anyway?"

[RIVER ADELINDE]

"Lucky that I like hippogriffs then." River was quick to retort with a bold smile, straightening his posture both hands behind his back as if presenting himself professionally when really he was just proud of his cute little comeback. Would Charlie think it was cute? Why was he worried that he would? Wait, was he worried or just curious? Both? Maybe both.

"Are you sure?" River blinked up at him expectantly. "I'm told keeping my behind out of trouble is a fulltime job." River did have a habit of getting too close to dangerous creatures that could eat him. He also had a habit for tripping, falling, tumbling, face planting, and all sorts of things that didn't go well with the former. "Oh! You could be like one of those muggle bumpers and I'll be one of the cars!" Being pureblooded River was still quite taken and fascinated with the muggle way of life. Things that others found cumbersome of boring he found intriguing and awe inspiring. Demonstrating his point he lightly and playfully nudged his shoulder against Charlie's upper arm (due to their height and build difference).

Wide eyes couldn't tear themselves away from the dragon egg, his fingertips hovering above it wanting so badly to touch but resisting with every bit of self control that he had (which wasn't a great deal). It was Charlie's comment that finally had his eyes pulling away. Had the man just called him gorgeous? River froze like a deer in headlights then choked on his own sputter of a laugh, his cheeks puffing off. "Aw, geeeze. You're just pulling my leg." River tried to play it off sheepishly, turning red in the face he reached out to lightly nudge his friend again in a playful shove. "Stop making fun, Charlie." Best to keep the mood light rather than dwell about the millions of different ways Charlie may have meant it none of which was the way that River secretly craved.

"Really? Me? Truly?" At the offer to hold the egg his jaw slackened again. Of course he wanted to hold it! He didn't want anything more in this world magical or muggle - except maybe one thing. "Yes. Please." He didn't even try to hide how bloody badly he wanted to hold the thing. River was very much a tactile person. Touching, tracing, getting up close, cuddling... He loved it all. Right now he was practically chomping at the bit. "She's alright." River answered the question quickly not catching Charlie's momentary frown at the mention of his own ex as his attention was laser pointed at the egg and his fingers scrunching up as he offered his hands yearning to hold the big oval. "She mentioned she was dating somebody but not anymore apparently." The magizoologist prattled off, unbothered. A year ago he was destroyed, heck a few months ago, but now he was on the mend... besides there was a dragon egg right in front of him! No time to be upset!

"Can I hold it now please?"

[CHARLIE WEASLEY]

Charlie's eyes widened a bit at River's comeback, the thought process might be turning his brain into a pretzel but if he was a Hippogriff and River liked Hippogriffs … well. Charlie couldn't be sure that his imagination wasn't taking the forefront. River was a magizoologist afterall, liking Hippogriffs was a part of that. "Yes, lucky you like Hippogriffs indeed." Still, Charlie couldn't deny how adorable River looked with his hands behind his back and his chest almost puffed out. Plus his smile.

"Absolutely, it's a tough job but someone's gotta do it." Charlie joked with a shrug, it didn't seem like such a hardship to him, "I'm sure the job comes with good benefits." Getting to be with River all day was the first thing that came to mind, then catching and holding River, for just a moment. "Your penchant for tripping over your feet just might manage to attract the rarer magical creatures." Granted, they'd probably mistake River for an injured deer crashing through the woods but Charlie was rather certain he would be able to keep any of them from getting in a bite. Charlie loved stalking through the forests, examining tracks and picking up on the tiniest signs of creatures and being away from people but River was one of the few he actually enjoyed going out with like that. "Ah, a bumper?" Charlie vaguely recognized the reference and it sounded like something his father would talk about though it sounded interesting enough.

Charlie felt like he was holding his breath, like even his heart had paused its beat for a moment, when he noticed River's wide-eyed stare. River's sputter of laughter didn't have Charlie laughing so much as deflating, as if something in him had cracked. This really was the best case scenario though, wasn't it? Let him brush it off casually and it wouldn't change anything between them and everything would be fine. The words had left his mouth though, "Ah, your mirror must be broken then," Charlie raised his arm and tapped River lightly on the nose, Charlie's own cheeks flaming at his own gesture, "I can see it though." And he had been seeing it more and more lately. Charlie swayed slightly with River's shove and he felt horrid that River thought he was making fun but he couldn't bring himself to say more out loud, glancing away. Charlie gave a broken hum and spoke in a quiet rumble, "Not making fun."

Charlie's heart quickened at the unadulterated excitement on River's face, coughing lightly gods this was bad for his health. "Yes, absolutely." Charlie responded easily, gently shifting the egg into River's hands. There weren't many that Charlie trusted more, fewer still that he trusted with his dragon eggs.

Talking about River's ex wasn't precisely his favorite thing but then he didn't dislike her. He just preferred not to think about the feelings that stirred when River mentioned her, "Well, that's good." Charlie hummed, more focused on the eggs while River continued on, "Plenty of fish in the sea I suppose."

[RIVER ADELINDE]

"Possibly. I'm certain that I read somewhere that Bowtruckles so enjoy catching clumsy magizoologists." He offered with toothy smile that he couldn't seem to wipe off his mug. River had a habit for smiling most times, he was just a happy go lucky guy, but with Charlie it was amplified tenfold and turned into the biggest of grins. Charlie just had that effect on him and always seemed to put some extra pep in his step (which was plenty peppy already!).

"No one better for the job." River tagged on the notion after Charlie's joke all too willingly giving up the compliments that were so very easy to dish out to the ginger man. Charlie was smart, kind, funny, a great friend, great with magical creatures (which was essentially River's sole interest), a great person, a great kisser... probably. River wouldn't know that for sure though the past few months he had certainly mused on the notion. If someone was so perfect in other ways surely he would also be a great kisser... right?

It was then a certain thought crossed his mind, one he had been marinating on for a few weeks now (or was it fantasizing?). "Speaking of jobs..." Actually a bit nervous his smile faded slightly and he looked down at his very worn checkered and dirty Vans sneakers (a gift from his ex) shifting them a tad. "I am about to head out to Turkey next month to observe a small pride of Chimeras. Very rare for the area and I was wondering, um..." He swayed back and forth on his heels as if giving him an opportunity to abort the ask but eventually his heart won out as he looked up at Charlie. "Would you maybe like to join this 'bloody gorgeous' face?" Instantly he was nervous. The best antidote would be to keep talking. If you run your mouth you have no room to be scared. "I have a big tent... Not that you have to share it. I'm sure you have your own. Probably two. And uh... If you don't fancy Chimeras there are a few dragons known to frequent the area. We can make time or you can just go off on your own. Not the whole month but, like, maybe a week... or weekend... or day?..." Well now you sound desperate. Maybe because you are... to spend time with him. "Perhaps just think on it and see if it works for your schedule or... something?..." Good going, Riv. He won't suspect a thing. Crushes were the worst. Crushes on your best friend... end alls.

River cradled the dragon egg like one would a newborn baby - perhaps even more preciously. He was even rocking it lightly as if trying to lull the delicate oval off to sleep. "At this rate I would probably have more luck with fish." Catching his misspoke he glanced up with big eyes, blinking, worried, tips of his ears turning the same color as Charlie's hair. "I... You know what I mean, Charlie." Charlie always did. Looking back down at the egg in his arms he smiled in absolute amazement. "This is the most marvelous thing I have seen in my whole entire life." And River said that phrase about four times a day minimum. You had to admire him for his relentless sweetness.

[CHARLIE WEASLEY]

Charlie perked up from where he was studying River's hands holding his dragon egg thinking completely friendly thoughts at the mention of jobs, taking note of River's more serious? expression. But River's description sounded interesting, not that anything he said was ever uninteresting. Charlie could imagine falling asleep to his voice, and wasn't that a thought a completely friendly thought. But River's voice was nice and distracting. So was his smile. And his eager excitement.

Charlie nodded in understanding the mention of Chimeras, not his forte but then again every creature River was interested in seemed to end up entering Charlie's wheelhouse in some way. His eyes widened when River asked Charlie to join him. Tossing his own words back at him, and returning a fiery blush to Charlie's cheeks at the reminder, "I, uh -" Charlie started, pausing almost immediately as River rambled on, well used to his nervous chatter. Just the mention of coming along had Charlie unreasonably excited, the mention of dragons only sweetened the deal for him.

Alone with River, Chimeras, and dragons? Charlie couldn't imagine anywhere that he would rather be. This was definitely going to be something that Charlie would be thinking about significantly more later. Probably involving a fair bit of pacing, and maybe a bit of screaming into his pillow. Wasn't he a mess? "I'm sure we'll be able to find the time to see the dragons. Though it depends on if they're nesting or have hatchlings. Don't want to get too fried." Charlie chuckled lightly, nodding along with his thoughts as he continued on, "I can make it work with my schedule." He added firmly, no matter what had happened earlier today the preserve was used to him wandering off on research trips, they could make do for a while longer.

"I'm sure you'll have plenty to teach me about Chimeras, too." Everything that River had to teach him was interesting, add to it that it was probably incredibly useful information if they were living near dragons too.

"Aye, but we'll find someone for you Riv." And it might tear his heart out and then some to do that, wouldn't it? But he would give anything to see his best friend happy. He'd figure out how to live with it if it made River happy. "She's beautiful," Charlie smiled in agreement, lifting a hand to run it gently across the surface of the egg in admiration. His first time raising an egg quite like this, and he couldn't wait for that journey to truly begin.

[RIVER ADELINDE]

No one understood River Adelinde a lot of the time - sometimes not even River himself. His bubbly eyed optimism that never went away, his being sorted into Slytherin despite of it all, how he maintained his innocence, his sweetness, his love of magical creatures, his occasional forgetfulness about all other things... But Charlie seemed to. Fee too of course... which made things even more confusing for the man. How could he feel for Charlie the way he had felt about Fiona? They were best friends. Nothing more. But Fiona and he had been best pals in their youth at Hogwarts as well. Couldn't best friends also kiss? No certainly not. Manly handshakes only. At least... as manly as River could manage.

"Is that a yes, then?" River couldn't help but inquire in his own over-eagerness seizing the opportunity when Charlie initially stumbled over his own words. If Lucky could be lucky in any instance perhaps it was this one and him saying the word yes in a question would subconsciously convince Charlie to say it in a sentence of affirmation. Foolish perhaps, but so was River - in the best possible of ways.

It was a yes! "Oh! That's wonderful, Charlie. Just wonderful!" River willed his feet not to jump in his own excitement not because he didn't want to embarrass himself (most were certain that the man could not) but because he was still holding the precious dragon egg. "It's fantastic even. Fantastic Beasts - like Scamander's book - and we'll be the ones to find them!" Corny of course but River never noticed. He always spoke just about what his heart felt in the moment except maybe about a certain Weasley standing before him and he didn't know how else to be. "You won't regret it. Honest!" Ease up River boy, he already said he would come along. If you keep on laying it on thick he might change his mind. 

The talk about finding someone for him dampened his sails a tad. "I think that we'll have better luck locating one of your dragons in the field riding a Chimera before that, Charlie..." His smile faltered but only just slightly. He was trying to make a light of it but really he just felt lost (and for more reasons than the handsome, burly man he was conversating with). He looked down at the egg in his hands admiring it but pondering about something else as that something's Charlie's freckled hand ran over the delicate shell with such gentleness and that something else pestered him until the tentative, curious words left his lips. 

"What about you?" His words hung in the air more and longer than any magical creature cry could. "Anybody catch your eye other than eggs?" He inwardly kicked himself for even daring to ask. He didn't want to know the answer anyways. It would have crushed him. Somehow, it already was.

[CHARLIE WEASLEY]

Everything about River was contagious though sometimes more than others. Whether that was a growing appreciation for River's excitement for magical creatures (the way his eyes lit up, the way he could barely contain himself from hopping up and down sometimes - and those times that he failed to contain himself) as a professional or something … else, was not something that he was willing to examine so closely in the man's presence. It was already difficult enough for Charlie to contain himself in the face of the full brunt of River's excitement, wading into his feelings right now wouldn't help not that they were any different.

The burst of excitement from River when Charlie did say yes felt like it should be enough to knock him off his feet. The growing thrum of warmth in his chest continued as he nodded along with River's assessment, "I don't think I could regret it," Charlie replied, just as honestly. In fact, there were very few possibilities that he thought could ever make him regret spending time with River, and his mind was already whirling with far too many possibilities, a few of which would bring a blush to his cheeks. As if he could ever regret spending time with River.

That would be a world he didn't want to live in. Charlie wasn't sure he would even be able to recognize himself in such a universe.

"Well, I've seen hatchlings get up to the silliest things, so I wouldn't doubt the possibility," He chuckled a bit forced, rather hard to support a friend when they made you feel like blushing as hot as dragons breath often. Charlie took a deep breath, stealing himself against his own interests, "You're certainly dashing, and you're you." Personally, that felt like more than enough reason that half of the world's population should be beating down River's door for just the chance to hold his hand even if the thought made Charlie's stomach clench.

Charlie's eyes widened like a dragon caught in a snare at River's question, eyes immediately becoming overly fascinated in tracing the scales of the dragon egg. He fidgeted with his sleeves and shrugged, "I-ah, I don't know?" Even he sounded uncertain of himself which totally helped. He didn't know how to be honest while being … honest. "I mean, dragon eggs are forever. Feelings can be fickle." He forced a light chuckle and shrugged again, "most people just .. don't understand all of that." Hell, his own mother didn't half the time, and River was one of the only ones who had ever matched his passion.

[RIVER ADELINDE]

He couldn't regret it? Well, that was promising. River felt his tummy do a little tuck and roll in a menacing little way that probably should have given him pause. He shouldn't feel this way about his best friend. Not Charlie. If things went south, as they ultimately always did where River and romantic relationships were concerned, they would both be hurt and River would probably lose him. River's all too big heart couldn't withstand that. Sure, of course Fiona was still a dear friend after their failed engagement but that was catching lightning in a bottle. It definitely couldn't happen twice. Once was lucky enough. No. Losing Charlie would be too big of a risk. Besides, that was putting the cart before the dragon so to speak - he wasn't even interested, right?

"Yes, well..." River felt a slight blush creep into his cheeks as he let out a nervous chuckle and yanked his gaze away from Charlie's choosing to settle it on the dragon egg in his tanned hands instead. "You say but then you spend a day with me and well..." He shrugged. Playing off that this joke at his own expense didn't actually bother him as much as it did. It actually bothered him a great deal. Fiona had decided years into the relationship that he wasn't for her in that way. He wasn't sure he would be able to take it if Charlie came to the same conclusion... and they weren't even dating! Yet. "Someday you'll wise up and you'll see but for now I am very much relieved that it is not today." For now they had some adventures in store and River could hardly wait. He was always eager for his travels and to work with more magical creatures in the field, but now to have Charlie at his side, was there anything better? He could think of one or two things but he probably shouldn't bring those up.

"I don't know about all that." Charlie's comment about him being dashing had the author and magizoologist blushing a matching crimson. "Now you're just pulling my leg, Charlie. Yanking it actually." Suddenly feeling so overwhelmed by the attention he soon felt like it was too much for his body to control and as a result ended up handing off the egg right back to Charlie. He didn't even know what had possessed him to do it. It's just how his body reacted and now he had no choice but to follow. "No one's beating on my door. Not even by accident. Not even a polite knocking really." He went on, shrugging sheepishly, so bashful that he couldn't even look the red-headed man's way.

"So um, anyways..." River walked away and took a sharp inhaling breath, trying to approach the conversation renewed and way less ashamed. He turned once again sporting a friendly smile (albeit a slightly strained one - as if he were desperate for it to work). "How's your mum doing? Well I hope. Did she like what I sent her?" River had a habit of always sending people things from his travels. Mrs. Weasley was one of those (many) people and he mailed to her more than most (save her own son and Fiona).

[CHARLIE WEASLEY]

There was a part of Charlie, though just calling it a part made it seem as if it was small, that wanted to list off in order exactly why spending a day with River was absolutely bloody amazing and just how wrong whoever was. "I can't imagine anyone not wanting to spend every day with you." Hells, if Charlie could spend every moment with River he wouldn't mind terribly. He'd probably call it even better than being on his own out in the wilderness with just the quiet, himself, and the dragons. Charlie frowned at the mention of him wising up, "As if I could ever." That came out more stern than he had intended but Charlie couldn't find it in himself to regret it, though he did carry on more lightly, "Who knows, maybe one day you'll catch a whiff of me after a week in the woods without a shower and run for the hills." That was certainly more likely than Charlie ever 'wising up' about River.

Charlie glanced down, trying to ignore how the blush on River's face had his own face reigniting. "Oh, I'd never yank your leg like that, Riv." That'd just be plain cruel and Charlie couldn't even begin to imagine doing something like that to him. Charlie ran his fingers gently over and over the shell of the egg as he listened to River speak, a slight frown rather out of place on his face. "Well, then they're all idiots who don't deserve you." He said with a sharp nod, though he truly wished for his friend to be happy. He really, really did Charlie had to remind the little voice in the back of his mind. "They'd have to be blind not to see how absolutely bloody amazing you are." Charlie's impassioned speech distracted him from the fact that maybe he shouldn't be so fiery, but he was a redhead. Also, at this point, even dragons had better judgment than people, clearly. River was great with dragons.

Charlie shuffled backward, giving River his space and taking a few more calming breaths himself - closing his eyes as he slowly breathed out. He opened them to River's smile and tried to match it with his own. "Mum's doing great!" Charlie replied, unable to resist a fond smile no matter how much mum might run him ragged about his hair or marriage. "She absolutely adores everything that you send her." Had even taken to asking about his sweet friend River just about every time they saw each other.

[RIVER ADELINDE]

"Lucky for you, you normally only have to deal with me in small doses." River joked bashfully (but was actually undercover serious). "Fee barely managed." Not entirely true mind you. The break up had very little to do with who they were only that they no longer worked as a match and both felt that way though River didn't quite understand it. Fiona seemed to however. That woman was sharp as a tack. God, how he wished she would explain it to him even though the feeling was amicable. 

"I appreciate that, Charlie..." River admitted in a soft voice that was better suited for a shy boy than a grown man. A light pink raising in his cheeks as he shifted his shoes on the floor of the room in which they stood. "Ha! We'll see about that." River couldn't help but laugh. The redhead was always so good at cheering him up. Both redheads in his life were really. "Besides, you are yet to see me a week in covered in twigs and brush myself. Though I like to think that I smell like pine as opposed to... what I probably smell like." He admitted with a sheepish little grin accompanied by a half shrug. "I'm not really all that amazing. Not even all that good. I'm just River Adelinde. That's all." He shrugged again not knowing that all of the above could be true.

The magizoologist walked toward the side of the room running his fingertips over a desk quietly. "I think Fee is dating again." He spoke up quietly, not even having the heart to look up at his friend. His fingers ran over the oak of a nearby table that held several animal related artifacts. "At least I think she is... or she wants to... or... I dunno... Things were different when we broke up of course but they feel really different now. I don't want to pry and ask her... I'm just curious is all." He wasn't jealous. Not really. He wanted his fiance to be happy but that was hard to explain to anyone who wasn't the two of them. "Since Hogwarts we would always tell each other everything... as friends... as a couple... and now... things just feel different." Especially since his dinner party with the three of them but River was oblivious to why that might be the cause.

"Oh. That's good. Very good really." The mention of everybody's mom Mrs. Weasley had him smiling again as he turned to face Charlie leaning his bum lightly against the table. "Think she'll have any room at that supper table any time soon?" He already knew the answer to that one. Mrs. Weasley was never an empty nester well after her kids were in adulthood if only because they all popped in at all hours and brought friends new and old with them. Lucky for all the red headed mother seemed to relish in it.