Hogsmead
After classes
Friday 06 May 1921
They had gotten approval from Ruby, a miracle in itself, but then they got a sitter for Fiona, adding to the rarity of this occasion. Rose’s birthday had just passed a few days prior, but they agreed to celebrate on the weekend. So Friday afternoon, after all the classes had let out, Gideon and Rose made their way to the castle gates, then apperated to the small apartment above the Hogsmeade location of Blackwood & Son’s.
Opening the door to the small one bedroom apartment, Gideon couldn’t wipe the smile off his face. “It’s small. We usually only use the apartments when we have a long night and have to be up early the next morning. Inventory, meetings, large orders to fill. It makes it easier to just pop upstairs.”
Shutting the door behind them, Gideon held Rose’s hand tight, fingers intertwined. The apartment was simple, not taking long to give her a tour. A small living room with an attached galley kitchen. The “dining room” was a small bistro table with two chairs. There was a fireplace, two arm chairs and a sofa in the living space, one small bathroom with a bath/shower combo, sink and toilet. No frills. The bedroom had a small closet with a few suit jackets left over from one of his brother’s, a random shoe missing its mate and some towels. The bed, a queen size metal bed frame, had dark navy blue linens with pillows in emerald green. And that was it.
“I know it’s not much, but I figured we could stay here,” He got close to Rose, tucking her hair behind her ears, his signature move. His nose skimmed across her cheek as his lips followed the same path. “I’ll make you dinner.” He said, nibbling on the skin of her neck, god he had missed this. Not being allowed to touch her in the castle had been torture.
“And maybe,” he whispered, burying his hands in her hair. “If you're lucky,” his lips hovered over hers, with a whisper of a kiss. “I might let you sleep.” Pulling her to his lips, the kiss was fast and rough, filled with the frustration he had felt over the last few weeks of no intimacy. “But probably not.”
His hands were already fast at work undoing the buttons on her shirt, wasting no time at all. “You, my love, are wearing entirely too many clothes.”
Rose’s birthday had come and gone, with weekend plans on the books with Gideon. The last half of the week had crept by, in a supremely ridiculously slow fashion. Friday morning until they were finally free of their professional responsibilities had been even worse. When being together was so close, literally hours away… and then minutes… and then seconds…
Looking around as they walked into the apartment, Rose smiled. It was so modest, nothing super fancy. And that was more than okay with her. Knowing that Fiona was safely with Maddox, enjoying time with her baby brother, made it even easier for her to relax.
Her mind was already on the bedroom when he showed it to her. She looked over at the bed, where they would likely spend their entire time. Even though the apartment was quite modest, she could see that the bed linens were more on par of what Gideon had at his – no, their home.
He got closer to her, tucking her hair behind her ear (like he always did), and she looked up at him as he spoke, before his nose brushed her cheek. His lips were light as he told her that he would make her dinner, then nibbled her neck. She tilted her head to the side slightly, her hands on his sides as her eyes closed.
“And maybe.”
His hands were in her hair, he whispered softly, his lips very very slightly brushing hers.
“If you're lucky... I might let you sleep.”
Rose opened her eyes briefly when she felt him pull her to his lips, immediately closing when his lips crashed into hers. Desperation… that’s what she felt from him. She melted into his kiss as he admitted that she probably would not be allowed to sleep. She smiled against his lips.
His hands were working on the buttons on her shirt, and Rose was suddenly wishing buttons were not a thing. Why’d she pick buttons?
“You, my love, are wearing entirely too many clothes.”
Rose began untucking his shirt from the waist band of his trousers. “Just rip it…” she managed to say, her voice breathy. She needed out of her clothes and he needed out of his.
“Surely there’s a spell somewhere that can assist with this…” she smirked and looked up at him as she undid his belt. He had buttons too. Was she patient? No. Did he own a clothing store? Yes. He could just purchase a new one – or something. Did he even have to purchase it?
Details… Rose grabbed his shirt with both hands and pulled apart, causing buttons to pop off. She bit her lip and looked up at him, shrugging slightly.
Thankfully, Rose was a willing participant and joined in the fun. “Just rip it…”
Well… Ok. **RIIIIIIP** the buttons skittered across the old worn wooden floor, pinging across the room, finding hidden crevices to land. His tongue was running across her collarbone before the shirt touched the floor.
“Surely there’s a spell somewhere that can assist with this…” he chuckled at her frustration. He was already enjoying his appetizer, while she was still battling with the packaging. Obviously frustrated by the buttons on his shirt, Rose took matters in her own hands and ripped it open. Thank god he owned a clothing store, otherwise his clothing budget would need to increase.
So many buttons. Everywhere.
Gideon couldn’t help it, he started to laugh. His forehead rested on her shoulder, his whole body shaking with laughter. Kissing up her neck, his lips rested on her temple, still chuckling after the hot and heavy start to their night off. “God I love you.”
Slowing things down, now that the first layer of clothing littered the floor, Gideon cradled her face in his hands letting his lips touch hers in a slow, sensual kiss. It had been weeks and he wanted to enjoy every second of this night.
Deepening the kiss, Gideon’s hands began to roam, divesting her of her bra before moving his hands lower. Her skin was like silk and smelled like vanilla. He wanted to devour every inch. Roaming over her back and skimming the lace of her panties, Gideon gripped the back of her thighs lifting her into his arms, wrapping her legs around his waist. Carrying her towards the bed, he lightly laid her down, watching as her hair spread over the navy blue quilt, highlighting her bright ginger locks.
She looked like an angel spread out just for him. Gideon stood at the side of the bed, eyes never leaving hers, while he slowly removed his belt and then dropped his pants and underwear to the floor. Crawling onto the bed, starting at her ankle, he kissed his way up until he was able to pull the last bit of lace covering her perfect body down her legs.
Time stopped as his eyes took in every naked inch of the woman he loved. She was his everything. His future wife, yes… that would happen sooner than some would find appropriate. The mother of his future children. He would spend the rest of his life making sure she was taken care of.
Gideon gently lifted her hands above her head, his fingers circling both wrists with easy confidence. His other hand traced a slow line down her side, pausing at her knee before lifting it to rest against his hip. He offered her a soft, knowing smile, watching her expression intently as he moved closer, fitting himself exactly where they both wanted to be.
(fade to black)
Rose lifted herself up onto the counter, so she could watch Gideon begin to cook dinner. She had no idea what was on the menu, and she honestly didn’t care. She did feel a bit hungry, especially after their reunion in the bedroom but part of her didn’t care if she ever ate again – she just needed to be with him.
Pasta, by the looks of it.
They’d laid in bliss for a little bit, cuddling while they enjoyed being wrapped up in each other. Rose couldn’t believe how lucky she was and it made her speechless when she thought about just how safe and secure she felt with Gideon. She’d been with men before… obviously, by her two children. Fiona’s father was unknown to her… she’d been a bit too carefree back then.
But nothing had felt like this. She could remain here with him forever, in this modest one-bedroom apartment, and be completely content. But then her thoughts went back to the townhome, the one that she and Fiona would be moving into later this summer. Her stomach did a flip and she smiled at the thought of being with him every night and every morning.
Rose didn’t know what it meant for work, though. She hated passing him in the halls and not being able to grab him and kiss him like she wanted. Their boss was pretty matter-of-fact about not fraternizing at the castle rule, and while Rose had been the rulebreaker in the past… she didn’t want to mess anything up for Gideon.
She couldn’t help it; she reached out and touched his chest when he came closer to her as he prepped the food. She had to keep her eyes on him at all time, just in case she looked away for it all to be just a dream.
Her feelings weren’t always perfect, though. Rose had been a little bit overwhelmed at Fiona’s birthday party that his mother had hosted for her, and it had made her compare her upbringing with his. The Blackwoods were a loving family, though of course they had their faults. Despite those faults though, they weren’t as bad as what happened in the Byrne home.
Rose ran her hand up his chest and to his shoulder so she could pull him a bit closer to her. She needed a kiss. Addicted much? Yes. Yes, she very much was.
After pressing her lips to his, Rose grinned up at him. “I think that as you cook, I require a kiss every time you touch something…” she said.
Gideon moved around the kitchen pulling out ingredients, chopping vegetables, bringing the oil and onions to a simmer on the stove. Much of this could be done with magic, but there was something about doing it the muggle way that made him feel more accomplished. Rose was sitting on the counter next to him, his ripped shirt swallowing her up, open at the front, showing off the perfect amount of skin.
It was hard to keep his eyes on the food. Every so often her hand ran up his chest, bringing him closer to her, just to steal another kiss. She was a distracting temptress, and all his. “I think that as you cook, I require a kiss every time you touch something…”
He smiled, reaching for the bottle of wine. Waving his wand, the cork shot out with a loud pop. Lifting the bottle, he filled two glasses, handing her one. Leaning in, he kissed her sweetly. “That can be arranged,” he smiled, kissing her again.
As the onions and garlic simmered in the oil, a savory aroma filled the space. Gideon poured the white wine into the skillet, a loud bubbling sound filling the air. Adding the noodles to the boiling water, with a large pinch of salt, he lowered the temp of the onions and garlic while the pasta cooked. Moving in front of Rose, his hands ran up her legs, going under his shirt and up her back. His lips met hers again. “Lets see. I think I touched the wine, the glasses, my wand, the pasta, salt and the handle of the skillet. That’s an awful lot of kisses I owe you. Guess I should start paying up.”
His lips met hers in a melting kiss. "Dinner should be ready soon. Why don't you go wash up, I'll get everything plated. Once we're done I have dessert in the fridge and your present," he gave her a sly smile, "that is, if you think you deserve it."
“That can be arranged.”
Gideon’s lips met hers again and Rose hummed slightly. It was over too soon, however, and she was back to watching him prepare the food, only this time she was sipping on wine. She loved when he cooked for her. For so long it had just been her and Fiona; it was nice to have someone else provide for once.
She watched as he touched a lot of things, but his lips did not return to hers. She kept looking from his hands to his face as he worked, wondering if he really was going to leave her hanging like that.
Rose couldn’t help but to pout, and could feel impatience beginning to build up. They were supposed to be together, supposed to be always touching. She needed his attention.
Once the noodles were boiling and the sauce was simmering, Gideon finally stood in front of her. She set her wine glass down just as his hands traveled up her legs, starting from her knees to her thighs and then up her back, underneath his shirt she was wearing.
A kiss. Delicious.
“Let's see. I think I touched the wine, the glasses, my wand, the pasta, salt and the handle of the skillet. That’s an awful lot of kisses I owe you. Guess I should start paying up.”
He was in debt. Gideon kissed her again, and Rose let her arms wrap around his neck, not wanting the kiss to end anytime soon.
But, there was food cooking. He pulled away.
"Dinner should be ready soon. Why don't you go wash up, I'll get everything plated. Once we're done I have dessert in the fridge and your present... that is, if you think you deserve it."
Rose giggled and then playfully hit his arm. “Excuse you, of course I deserve it,” she responded and pulled him close again. “But what’s the point in getting washed up…?”
Still, Rose wouldn’t mind a moment to freshen up – at least make sure her hair hadn’t turned into a damn rat’s nest. “I love you,” she said softly, kissing him again before forcing herself to hop down off her perch on the counter and making her way to the bathroom.
Gideon watched as Rose jumped down from the counter, saying “I love you,” before turning to leave the room. Not able to help himself he swatted her behind while saying, “Love you more. Hurry back.” A snarky grin on his face. It seemed when she was around, Gideon always had a smile on his face.
It didn’t take long for him to plate the pasta with chicken and a white wine sauce. The garlic bread came to the table as well. Three candles gave the room a soft romantic glow, setting the mood. Going to the Wizarding Wireless Radio, he turned on a station that played slow classical music to have in the background.
He was topping off their wine as she entered and took her seat. Lifting his glass he toasted, “To you my love. Happy Birthday, and many more to come.” He kissed her lips before clinking her glass and taking a drink.
Dinner was delicious, and filling. There was no awkward silence, just talking about their day, their lives, the things that had planned for the future, what changes she wanted to do the house, and trips he wanted to take them on. Fiona included. Once their plates were clear, Gideon waved his wand, sending all the dishes to the sink to be washed later.
Dessert was sitting on the counter, a luscious chocolate he got from a local bakery. Standing, he offered her his hand, pulling her to her feet. “Before dessert, would you like to dance?”
Dinner was incredible, but then again everything with Gideon was incredible. She was absolutely head over heels in love with this man. The ambiance from the candles made it that much more romantic. Conversation was always easy with them, considering they were both in this one hundred percent. They could discuss the future with confidence that it would happen.
“Before dessert, would you like to dance?”
Rose stood, her hand in Gideon’s. Dancing? It was like everything he did made her fall for him even harder. ”Of course,” she responded as she moved closer to him, her arms shaking around his neck, her hands resting on the base of his neck.
It was a little bit nerve wracking, if she were honest. Rose had always made the most reckless of choices, just look at her two kids. Both of them came from recklessness. That didn’t mean she didn’t love them, but it was baggage.
If she thought about it too long, she knew she would second guess everything. She had never felt so confident in her decisions as she did when it came to him.
They really truly were made for each other. She pressed her lips to his as they began to dance.
Dancing in the living room just the two of them. The candle light, the soft touches, the kissing. This was all so much more than he had ever imagined it would be when the beautiful red head walked into his office.
Gideon had always dreamed of a love like his parents. They never shied away from their affection. Kissing in front of their kids, sweet touches, dancing in the kitchen, gazing into each other's eyes. It was such a beautiful sight. When he was a kid, it was disgusting, but now he cherished those memories. It showed him what true love could be. And now it was staring him in the face.
“I think it’s time for your present, wouldn’t you agree?”
Pulling Rose over to the couch, he had her sit down while he got the small rectangular gift wrapped in an emerald green paper. Inside was a simple box, holding a beautiful rose gold charm bracelet. There were 6 charms linked around the chain, all meaningful to their time together. A Rose, a heart, a tea cup, a key and the single letters E and F.
He waited on baited breath for her to take in the meaning behind the charms, hoping that he had done well with his gift.
Sitting on the couch, the soft light glinting off the bracelet on her wrist, they finished up eating her delicious birthday cake. He set his plate and fork on the coffee table, then took hers out of her hands as well. Pulling her into his lap, her legs straddling him Gideon pulled Rose into a steamy kiss. “I hope you’ve had a good birthday My Love.”
“I think it’s time for your present, wouldn’t you agree?”
Rose looked up at the man she loved, almost confused for a moment. This whole thing wasn’t her gift? That’s how she had imagined it; he didn’t need to get her a thing. She didn’t need anything other than him with her. She smiled and let him pull her over to the couch.
She looked down at the emerald rectangle she was holding. Jewelry of some sort, she knew that from the shape. She unwrapped the paper, careful not to make a mess. She ran her palm over the velvet-like exterior before finally opening it.
Her mouth dropped open.
The charms… a rose, because of her name of course. A heart, because of love. A tea cup because of insomnia… and the late-night tea that had broken through whatever pathetic barrier had been keeping them apart. A key… because she was moving in with him. And then the letters… one for each of her children.
“Gideon… it’s beautiful,” Rose said and wrapped her arms around him in a hug. They hadn’t been together long, not at all, but they already had a lifetime of memories together. And they had time to make even more, which was even better. He helped her put the bracelet on and she couldn’t help but to smile at it.
“It’s perfect… thank you,” she murmured and then looked up, their blue eyes meeting.
After cake, Rose felt full. Not just full from food, but also full of love and of happiness. Was it ridiculous that she could be this happy? Maybe. Sometimes she thought she may have to pinch herself, just to believe it was real.
Gideon placed their forks on the coffee table, and then pulled her onto his lap, her legs on either side of him. She melted into his kiss, because being with him was the only thing she wanted.
“I hope you’ve had a good birthday My Love.”
Rose smiled through their kiss. “I don’t think there are words expansive enough to explain how much better than good this has been,” she responded, her arms settling around his neck again. She pressed her lips to his.
“I never wanna leave,” she responded in a whisper before she caught his mouth with hers again, deepening the kiss even more than before.
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