House Warmings Should Be Warm [TAG: Fee & Charlie]

[RIVER ADELINDE]

HOUSE WARMINGS SHOULD BE WARM

River was in the midst of one last walk about his own home when the doorbell had sounded announcing his first guest's arrival. Well, first of two guests. Though River had the gift of gab and friendliness he was really only super close with two people: his ex-fiance Fee and his best friend Charlie. Though if push came to shove Fiona was also his best friend too, wasn't she? Then again who would be pushing and shoving around here? Plus he had dated Fiona and hadn't dated Charlie... Not that he ever wanted to of course. Because he didn't! Certainly not. They were just friends and... Where was that dratted pot holder? The casserole needed one! (Also he had attempted to cook a casserole for the occasion... a major feat since he didn't really cook at all lacking the knack for it).

With oven mittens still on he bolted to the door nearly tripping over his own black shoelaces as he did so. Catching his fall as he rounded the corner in his mansion's doorway he then hopped, skipped, and jogged to the door fumbling with the lock and door handle (he still had oven mitts on after all) and flung the door open.

"You made it! Welcome!" His big grin faded ever so slightly when green eyes landed on both his red-headed fiance and red-headed fiance. "Both of you." Well... He had a type... Wait. Charlie was just a friend. Remember? A friend who you he liked an awful lot - probably more than he should. Enough of that! Moving on...

"Come in. Come in." He stepped aside gesturing into his home with dark green oven-mitt-clad hands, back to smiling cheerily not even realizing that he was still wearing them. "Fee, you know Charlie Weasley. Charlie, you know Fiona MacCafferty..." Boy did they ever. "And you both know me so... We're all well met then!" Grinning from ear to ear, both over mitts on either of his hips he sighed, quite pleased with himself and the company that he kept. "I'm so excited that you both could make it." Poor River, so cheery, innocent, and oblivious that they weren't nearly as excited as he was. Not anymore.

Tagged: FIONA MACCAFFERTY & CHARLIE WEASLEY
Notes: This ought to go *so* well *blinks*

[FIONA MACCAFFERTY]

i don't know if all that's true ,

but you got me and baby i got you

When River had asked her round for dinner, she had, at first, considered lying to him, saying she had other plans. HOWEVER, as her ex-fiance, he would know that she did, indeed, NOT have plans and was just trying to stay home, where it was warm and comfortable, and she didn't need to be "on." He had assured her that it was just him and Charlie. So she'd agreed. 

She knocked-it was weird; she had once been used to simply opening his door and hollering out that she was there. She smiled at him. "Allo." She stepped inside. "It smells nice. Did you cook? Is Charlie here yet? I didn't see his car..." She didn't actually know Charlie Weasley super well, he was more of River's friend than hers, but the three had been together in various settings many times over the years, and she did at least know his car. She was prattling on. 

She shut the door behind her, knowing River wouldn't have thought of it. She smoothed her hand over her her long skirt, and perched on his loveseat. 

OUTFIT: HERE, TAGGED: Cue, Ash

Template is mine, feel free to borrow if u want, tho. 

[CHARLIE WEASLEY]

Whether or not Charlie was going to River’s housewarming party had never been in question. Hell, he probably would have still shown up if it was down a dragon’s gullet. It was probably easier to pick out an outfit for a party in a dragon’s stomach. Darker too, more difficult to stare at … people.

He was being silly, nothing had actually changed and the sooner he came back to his senses the better. No need to ruin a friendship over the fact that Charlie felt like he’d swallowed a full bottle of pixies half the time River looked at him these days. Back to friendship and dragons and stuff.

Charlie huffed at himself, running a hand roughly through his hair and tugging a white button up off its hanger. He pulled the shirt on and buttoned it as swiftly as he could manage without skipping buttons. He was nearly running later already, there wasn’t time left for his internal turmoil. A turmoil which was brought right back to the forefront when he spotted the bottle of cologne still sitting on his dresser. His hand was reaching for it and giving himself a few spritzes before he had a chance to overthink him wearing cologne.

Not letting anything else distract him, Charlie shrugged into his jacket and left the house, apparating to the closest apparition point to River’s house and walking briskly up the street to his house.

He knocked briskly on the door and tried futilely to tamp down his nerves. All of his attempts proved to be for naught as soon as River opened the door and ushered him into the home.

"Ah, I remember her. Nice to see you, Fiona." He made an aborted attempt to wave in greeting, instead just tapping his fingers on his leg. Gods, he felt awkward. "Yeah, I‘ve been looking forward to it." Charlie smiled and tried to stop him from shuffling awkwardly too much.


ooc: his outfit

[RIVER ADELINDE]

HOUSE WARMINGS SHOULD BE WARM

Did he cook? "I did! I did!" His smile widened, eyes brimming with a level of excitement some would claim was only achievable by River Adelinde himself and a small child at Christmastime. "Come see. Come see." He quickly took Fee's hand with little reservation practically driving her to the kitchen where she could see all of the dishes that he had managed to concoct together - and the old-fashioned muggle way (for the most part)! The efforts of his labor hinted at by the bit of flour that still remained on his cheek as he spoke to both of his close friends in the study as by then Charlie had arrived. Oh good! This should be a most fun evening!

"The gang's all back together." River noted with a warm smile practically bouncing in his shoes. He of course completely missed the slight bit of tension in the air, blissfully unaware of it all. Figures, he could spot the tiniest magical creature but not a blush here or a purposely missed eye contact there. Sometimes this innocence made life easier, other times it made it incredibly difficult.

"I hope that I've made enough food." River prattled on, actually genuinely nervous about the whole ordeal. "I know some folks prefer vegetarian while others not so much and I didn't want to make something that both of you wouldn't like so I'm afraid that I went a bit overboard." He led them to the kitchen officially revealing everything that he had made. It was a lot. Too much actually. "A mozzarella and bruschetta bar, smoked salmon crostini with dill mayonnaise, um baked brie with figs, live pate, and oh... over there is flatbread and then I have the entrees and two desserts!" Turning to look at both of his friends they could now see the button of his blazer was in the wrong hole (something he was unaware of) but he frowned for another reason as a realization hit him. "Oh dear. I've made too much haven't I?" He knew he had. Man, as much as he loved life sometimes he felt like that kid Slytherin his housemates picked on for being so naive. There was no fully shaking that no matter how old you became.

Trying to get things back on track he moved to a nearby wine rack and opened a bottle of white pouring a glass for each friend. "Perhaps I should have started with this." He offered Fiona and Charlie each a glass with a sweet smile pulling at the corners of his mouth. "I'll remember for next time." If there is a next time anyways.

Standing between the two he found himself stuck in a mild lull of quiet that had him a little wary for reasons that he didn't understand. No! Already this night was a failure? Not on his watch! What did his book about party planning say? Oh yes! Conversation. Common interests. "Fee just started a new job at Hogwarts our old alma mater." Surely that was an interesting topic for all given that they had all gone there. "How are you liking it so far? Is everything still the same?"

His nose scrunched up a bit smelling something pleasant in the air that wasn't food. What was it? It certainly wasn't Fee's usual perfume (a scent he knew all too well). A couple more intrigued whiffs of the air he was beside the source: Charlie. Blinking he looked up at the taller man. "It's you." Boy was it ever. "You smell great." He couldn't help but be unabashedly impressed and cheery with his declaration. Where most adult men might be more subtle or not mention it at all, River couldn't help himself. 

Tagged: FIONA MACCAFFERTY & CHARLIE WEASLEY
Notes: Sorry that river is so dang oblivious to how awkward this is for everyone. Typical!
RIVER'S OUTFIT

[FIONA MACCAFFERTY]

Fee was overwhelmed. It was just Charlie, and River, but it was still too much. She wasn't yet ready to face her ex in his space. And Charlie was acting...different. She'd need to figure that out. Men were strange creatures.

"Yes! I am teaching transfiguration." Because of course she was. "I really like it so far; the students are great, and so are the other professors. Are you coming back soon, Charlie?" She asked.

She took the glass from River.

"Thank you." She didn't drink much but a glass wouldn't hurt.

She watched the interaction between the two men as River hauled her into the kitchen. She realized suddenly that Weasley was acting like a schoolgirl with a crush. On her? Surely not!

"Aye, I think you did make too much. But it's ok, will make for lunch later in the week, won't it?" Her sharp mind worked fast, realizing quickly that Charlie was keen on River. Interesting. She filed that away for future reference, in case.

"Aye, you DO smell nice, Charlie. Eau de Dragon??" The man was a dragon handler, and Fee had always teased him for this. She thought it was reckless and dangerous. He said she sounded like his mother. *Someone* needed to with these two.

"But really, maybe we should...eat soon?" She suggested, trying to smooth things out. You could cut the tension with a knife, and she felt like the third wheel.

[CHARLIE WEASLEY]

Charlie watched with soft amusement as River buzzed around, always in motion, and felt his chest swell with fondness. His eyes flicked back to Fee at her question, "Ah - maybe? I'm sure I can find some hatchlings for a guest spot." He certainly enjoyed the times that he got to guest lecture at Hogwarts, seeing the joy on the faces of the kids when they spotted his dragons made it special.

"Yeah, it all sounds great, River - I definitely wouldn't mind taking a doggy bag home with me." It smelled amazing too, probably better than anything Charlie had ever managed to cook.

He accepted the glass of wine from River with an easy thanks and tried to limit himself to just a significant sip. He was happy to see everyone together again, but Charlie certainly felt awkward enough already.

Charlie's eyes widened and he wobbled back a step as River began sniffing around, and then sniffing him. His cheeks flamed up almost bright enough to match his hair, "Ah, I just wanted to try something new?" totally not impress someone, but he sounded uncertain even to himself. His confidence wasn't helped by the fact that River was being - River right there. "Thanks." He replied softly, the corner of his mouth twitching up in a smile despite his still flaming face.

Charlie did sniff at himself to double check for the scent of dragon smoke on him at Fee's comment before laughing lightly, "No, I think it's just the cologne I was trying out." He replied before considering, "Unless I got scorched somewhere I can't smell." It wouldn't be the first time but Charlie had thought he made sure that this outfit was clear of any burns or charring.

"Yeah, maybe we should eat?"

[RIVER ADELINDE]

"Oh! You really should, Charlie!" River's eyes widened at Fee's slightly teasing offer to Charlie to come back and visit his family's old stomping grounds. "You could tell me if the castle is still the same, oh and I bet McGonagall is still there. I know they said that she retired but, like, she must be hiding behind some portrait or a bookcase or something. Oh! Can you see if my initials are still in the boy's bathroom? I didn't write them, Benny did when I was getting a delightful swirly, well, actually he wrote River is a... well, a curse word, but then Allison snuck in and erased it so now it just says River Adelinde... Oh I have to know if it's still there! Would one of you please check? Please?" He couldn't wipe the smile off of his face. Even though it didn't involve him the thought of Charlie going back was a promising one and besides - Charlie could fill him in later over drinks (most likely soda pop or tea).

"As long as somebody takes some. I would very well polish all of the plates off and I can't study Billywigs and Ashwinders when I'm the size of a small cottage." They were kind to humor him even though he screwed up and made far too much. This was why they were the closest people to him. Both Fiona and Charlie were so sweet, and caring, and kind, and redheaded... wait... were they the same person? No. Undoubtedly no. They were both standing there separately after all. Even so, River counted his lucky stars for having them both in his life. He needed them.

"Aw man, I want to smell like dragon. Some people have all of the luck." River announced, briefly pouting as he tucked his hands under his armpits crossing his arms over his chest. "New? Since when do you like new?" Being down in the dumps, as often was with him, was short lived and within seconds he was smiling again. "Oh. Yes! Eat. Duh. Yes." The magizoologist nodded and turned to the table hurrying over to grab some plates and handing them to each of his guests. "There you go. Help yourself. In fact, double do that. Plenty to go around." They would both surely be taking home to go boxes or else there would be a great deal of waste. Who better to take care of it than his ex fiance and current uh... Charlie?

"Cologne. I need to try that out." He mused to himself as he got a plate for himself and began to scoop food onto it accidentally and absentmindedly piling on too much. "I always forget and it's not like when you're out in the field you worry about what the creatures think about how you smell. In fact they would probably hate it." Glancing over his shoulder at Fiona innocently with big eyes, clutching his plate in both hands. "Did I used to wear cologne?" Living with her felt like forever ago and yet yesterday. River needed someone to mind him, whether it be Fee or Charlie, they both looked out for him in their different yet very protective ways.

"One time I sprayed myself with muggle Febreeze. She was not amused. Apparently it's for things smelling nice, not individuals." Looking at Charlie he blushed at the admission.

[FIONA MACCAFFERTY]

Fee shook her head. She should leave and let these two sort themselves out, but she was far too polite for that.

"'Twas a joke, Charlie," she said, absently. "You smell...fine." She blushed, too, hoping that the man didn't think she fancied HIM. She didn't. She let River prattle on for a minute, before she stepped forward, and handed him a plate, placing a hand gently over his mouth.

"Shut up," she said, gently. "Eat." She bustled around, placing spoons in casserole dishes and handing plates to the men. "'Ere." She said. She sat down, indicating the chairs for them. "No, River, I am allergic, remember?" Heavy scents were a trigger for her headaches. She never wore perfume, either, for the same reason, but River said she'd always smelled like cookies anyway.

"Yes, Charlie!! You must see if his name is still on the bathroom wall.," she said, with a laugh. She didn't remember that! "I don't remember hearing about that!! Tell me more, boys!!" She settled back to listen.

[CHARLIE WEASLEY]

Charlie couldn't help but chuckle at River's enthusiasm at the thought of him returning to Hogwarts. For Charlie himself the notion felt rather nostalgic to a point, but also a bit depressing given everything that had happened at the end of the war. Still, the thought didn't drag the smile from his face as he nodded along with River, "I'll check, I'll check." He acquiesced easily to River's request and Fee's encouragement. Charlie'd probably have to find a magical camera for proof but well, he wouldn't mind the extra effort.

"I wonder if anyone carved my name anywhere?" He couldn't help but wonder aloud, probably not but who really knew. He hadn't even thought of carving his initials in a bathroom door, no matter how rebellious he might have seemed way back then at that time.

"Ah, but half the time I end up smelling extra crispy instead," gods know that he had enough burns smattering his skin to prove it. The smell of himself burning … it was something that he'd never get used to. Charlie grinned at Fee's joke then chuckling lightly, "I never know if one of them managed to tag me without me noticing." It didn't happen often, but it had happened before - much to the horror of his coworkers. Charlie's brain stuttered at River's question, "Uh, well – new is good sometimes. Occasionally. On Occasion, you know." That probably didn't make sense, but Charlie felt just a bit caught.

But this was a dinner, and it was time to eat, as Fee and River made clear. If nothing else he could admire the efficiency with which Fee passed out the dishes. Things like this were painstakingly familiar, and helped distract him from incriminating himself in front of River. "Thanks, Fee." He said, taking his plate and beginning to fill it. Everything River had prepared looked absolutely brilliant and Charlie took his seat more than ready to dig in.

Charlie's eyes widened a touch at Fee's comment about her allergies, "Mine isn't bothering you, is it?" It wasn't exactly like he could remove all of the affected pieces of clothing without stripping himself bare, though. "I could move?" He offered. He didn't exactly want to sit at the opposite end of the table but certainly would if it was making Fee uncomfortable. Charlie considered it, playing with his napkin as he waited for the others to finish filling their plates.

[RIVER ADELINDE]

"You do." He went so far as to encourage and reassure Charlie like Fee did only to have her words settle in qhich had his broq quirking in mild worry. "He does?" Fiona didn't like cologne... but she liked how Charlie smelled? Enough to say fine!? Wait. Did she fancy Charlie too? Wait... too?! No. No. Blinking, he 'righted' himself, clearing his throat and forcing words to come. "I mean of course he does he oop-" A plate was firmly pushed into his gesticulating, nervous hands and his mouth was covered. That Fiona McCafferty. She always knew just what to do and when to do it, especially with her two boys. Well, with River Adelinde at least. She kept him together. Sometimes he missed what they had. Having her around all of the time. If only because she always knew the right answer when he was lost... which was always.

"Right." He nodded, his lopsided grin back on his lips and causing his cheeks to bunch up. "Shutting up." Except, you know, he was still rambling. Typical River. "Maybe during my next guest lecture I'll sneak a peak and see." He shared a laugh, that was more like a giggle, with his former schoolmate and fiancé Fiona. 

"I would have thought that you would have. Who would have if not you?" At Charlie's question River cocked his head slightly to one side. Did Charlie have some girlfriend or other guy friend that River didn't know about back then? Though it was ages ago, and admittedly silly, the magizoologist felt a twinge of jealousy in his chest.

"Oh no. I don't think that's necessary..." Charlie's offer to move had a look of worry spreading across River's face. He turned to look at the female red head. "It doesn't bother you, right Fee?" River hated confrontation. Even passive ones about strong smells positive, negative, or otherwise.

TAG: FIONA MACCAFFERTY  CHARLIE WEASLEY

[FIONA MACCAFFERTY]

Fee started in on the meal as the menfolk talked. 

I'll check, I'll check...I wonder if anyone carved my name anywhere?

[/color]

I would have thought that you would have. Who would have if not you?

[/color]

Fee shrugged. "Not that I've seen but I haven't been in all the girls' bathrooms. If it's in the mens' rooms, my money would be on one of your brothers," she said. "On a dare, most likely," she said. She had been the in between Charlie and River's year and the younger Weasleys'. "Is mine there?" She asked, curious. 

Of course, it couldn't be. She wasn't that kind of girl. Not then, and not now. If it was, it was lies. 

Ah, but half the time I end up smelling extra crispy instead

 

Fee laughed. "Job perks?" She asked.  

Uh, well – new is good sometimes. Occasionally. On Occasion, you know...Mine isn't bothering you, is it? I could move?

 

Fee shook her head. "That's not necessary. It's not super strong," she said. Truthfully, she didn't know yet how or if it would affect her, but she was too polite to say anything anyway. 

You do....He does?...I mean of course he does he oop-

Surely, he had to know by now she was being polite. Charlie did smell nice, but she didn't mean it in any kind of way, other than he smelled nice. 

Right..Shutting up. Maybe during my next guest lecture I'll sneak a peak and see.

 

She laughed. "Your name isn't there," she said. "I've looked," she said, then blushed a little bit. She had!! Back when they were hot and heavy, out of curiosity. She'd walked the entirety of Hogwarts one afternoon recently, looking in each bathroom and each stall. 

Finally, they had settled into some kind of comfortable silence. 

"One of you should come lecture in my class," she said, breaking up the silence. She hated silence.