alors on danse [hefin]

tous les jours de l'année

Executing a tight spin, golden dress flaring slightly, Christèle's smile was radiant for the flashes of cameras that had become a familiar trail ever since the Daily Prophet had gotten wind that she and Hefin were a couple. The attention was worst in Britain, all things considered; it was here that the highest blend of public interest in a famous Hogwarts graduate and frequency of their joint appearances was found. Now that it was late June, reporters seemed especially interested in sightings of the Walker scion; rumors of his impending promotion to captain of Australia's national team were a strong driver of interest. Christèle was more impressed than ever at how much those who traded information for a living had their fingers on the pulse of things. In government, there could be a certain level of power-facilitated obfuscation: restrict information enough and reporters really would not know everything. In entertainment, however, reporters and celebrities depended on one another for their livelihoods. It was a kind of symbiosis that ensured the two clung to one another, their shapes mirroring one another tightly even as they shifted. Much like her and Hefin's figures at this moment.

Manu cut off the violins cleanly, bringing a little smile to Christèle's lips as they hit a final dip. She rarely played at these events, playing instead her second role as a representative of the WSO; tonight, however, she was straddling that role and the more personal socialite one. Reporters' attention, even in the tabloids, was free publicity and good publicity for the orchestra, but it was much more personally beneficial to the two of them. Still, she had one ear on the music, all of which she knew by heart, even as they walked slowly towards the hors d'oeuvres for the break, their slow pace ensuring their availability to the reporters.

A man who somehow managed to combine a particularly severe nose with a weaselly countenance flashed a Which Wizard badge in their direction. "Mr. Howell, Miss Deveaux, my colleague reported that you were spotted at Stringfellow's earlier today consulting with a Miss Michelle Tang. Can we expect an engagement announcement soon?" Christèle smiled demurringly. "Well, we want to explore all of our options, and as you know these things take time. Hefin and I want to make sure things are perfect," she said, resting her head on his shoulder for a moment. Her accent was a little thicker than it needed to be; some of the public seemed quite taken with the international aspect of their relationship. The man's eyes took on a devilish glint. "Speaking of options, Miss Deveaux, how do you feel about Hefin's colorful past? Do you think you can satisfy his needs?" She laughed. "I might be offended, sir, were I less confident. Let us just say that a man with experience is a man who knows what he wants. And, dare I say, a man who's very satisfying in his own right." He raised his eyebrows. "Mr. Howell, I've heard the only way a woman can get you to stay is to get pregnant. Is that not the case here?" She let Hefin handle that one, although she did run her hand down the side of her gown, which molded tightly to her dancer's figure. Pregnant, indeed.

After a few more questions, the man vanished into the crowd and Christèle turned to Hefin with a smile, leaning over to pluck a few glasses of firewhisky from a nearby waiter, handing one to him and raising hers in a toast. A few more flashes went off. "I made a little addition to the gala offerings this time," she smiled. "Not too much, of course, I wouldn't want the gala out of control--but a little sacrifice of decorum is worth getting your favorite, don't you think?" It was a pleasure doing these things with him, honestly. Hefin always knew just what to say, leaving them equally matched.

It was a special occasion, Christèle playing at such an event, so it was only natural that Hefin would be there for her, supporting her as much as he could. In the end, she had also reassured him that the rumours regarding his promotion would concretise, and Hefin was little said grateful for her presence, especially when the media would always further enhance his nervousness. Furthermore, he was proud of Christèle’s skills as a violinist, and, truth be told, he found a new appreciation for classical music ever since he’d met her. Perhaps he’d just needed the right person to introduce such music to him. Additionally, he had to admit, that it was good publicity as well in the end; them supporting each other visibly. It added a new sort of reliability to him, and for her, well, not that she needed it, but Christèle’s natural talent was further heightened by their relationship, and he couldn’t but be pleased for her. In entertainment, publicity was a key factor; even if the journalists’ methods weren’t exactly something Hefin approved of, he was glad Christèle’s career was forever mentioned in the media, not only their personal relationship. She deserved it and much more.

The camera flashes would have normally made it rather difficult for him to focus on the performance, for Hefin, while used to them, had always found the light rather disturbing. Nonetheless, that evening, he didn’t even notice them as nothing shone as much as Christèle did. His smile was as radiant as hers as he pulled her closer, his hand trailing down her spine and stopping at her waistline as the performance finished. As the media effervescently focused on them since the beginning of their relationship, Hefin preferred to keep Christèle nearby, despite being aware that she could handle all the attention on her own. It was beneficial to both of them to remain close. She was amazing, truth be told; and what was even more appealing was that they always had the same answers to all questions, Hefin being quite delighted by the fact that their thoughts linked in such a manner. She had filled a void in his life and become a presence Hefin hadn’t been aware that he needed around. Christèle was special in many ways.

As they slowly made their way towards the hors d'oeuvres for the break, it was of no surprise that reporters soon approached the two of them. Hefin offered a charming smile to the caricature of a wizard that invaded their personal space, and couldn’t but arch an eyebrow at the man’s question. Of course that the first question would be about jewellery and the direction of their relationship. His smile then matched Christèle’s, and the Quidditch player just nodded politely, confirming his girlfriend’s answer. They did want everything to be perfect and, as such, he trusted Christèle with certain aspects which he did not master as well. As she rested her head on his shoulder, Hefin’s embrace around her waist tightened slightly, endearingly, yet delicately enough not to cause her any discomfort.

The following question made him laugh; the reporter was pretty bold. Asking Christèle if she could satisfy him; her answer was as fabulous as always, and Hefin just winked in the reporter’s direction. Another question was posed, and this time around it was addressed to him. “Pregnant?” Hefin repeated after the man, not being able to hide his amusement as he let out a soft laugh. “While such a piece of news would definitely bring me, both of us, everyone, great joy, as my darling Christèle said, we want everything to be perfect, and we all know perfection takes time.” He paused for a moment, and then offered the man a charming, yet slightly arrogant smile. “Perhaps you should check the source of that rumour though, seems like something someone especially bitter and jealous of our relationship would say. One should never trust lonely spinsters as their sources, and I’m not saying @Genevieve Grosvenor – “ Hefin stopped, deciding that he had said more than enough as numerous flashes went off. However, it was true; only someone as possessive and delusional as the younger English witch would say something like that. The reporter took a note and then asked several follow-up questions, which Hefin handled with delicacy, yet kept his general style of leaving loose ends up for interpretation.

“Firewhiskey.” Hefin commented, obviously pleasantly surprises as his eyes slightly widened. He elegantly took the glass from Christèle, and as they raised them in a toast, more flashes went off. Like always, every gesture of theirs managed to capture everyone’s attention and steal the spotlight. No, better put, they were the centre of attention everywhere they went. Right now, it was a nice feeling, something he wasn’t aware he would enjoy to such an extent. “You know me too well.” He commented, taking a sip and later on glancing in her direction. “Thank you. I appreciate it.” Hefin said, sincerely, drawing closer to her as to arrange a stay blonde lock, moment in which more flashes went off once again. “The performance is exquisite tonight.” He smiled mischievously in her direction, drawing even closer as he placed a quick, playful kiss on her lips. “It will surely continue being so, I have nothing but great expectations.”