[Fancy shmancy bar] See it in the grey ~ [Julian]

Eva was meeting a friend. They’d picked a small, classy bar for tonight’s meeting. It wasn’t the usual type of place that she met up with this particular friend, but tonight wasn’t about getting drunk and partying. Sure, things might go that way – the girl tried not to rule anything out, ever – but they were meeting up for a reason other than hanging out tonight. Eva was dressed nicely. Elaine had given her a dress for her twentieth birthday party a few weeks ago, and while she’d found her friend’s choice a little odd at first, she’d been surprised to find that she shape was actually quite flattering. It wasn’t very edgy, and Eva paired it up with a leather jacked and some heavy boots for a little contrast. At this moment, the Bulgarian girl was flipping through a travel magazine. She really wanted to get back to south-east Asia.

Eva was excited to see what kinds of photos their last encounter had produced. Julian seemed pretty skilled with a camera, but running around that rich guy’s house and eating his food and using the rug in front of his fireplace for… activities... well. Those had been the more interesting parts of the night. The rainbow-haired girl remembered diving into the freezing cold water when they’d decided to drink alcohol and go for a swim in his pool in their underwear. It had certainly been more fun than the pose, click, pose, click part of the afternoon. The Bulgarian girl crossed one long leg over the other and tilted her head to the side as her blue eyes scanned the magazine lazily. The pictures were more interesting than the words, she decided. The tip of a long strand of fairy-floss pink hair rested in between her lips. She hadn’t even noticed yet.

She’d never really considered the whole model thing as serious business, but recently the rainbow-haired girl had attracted the attention of a small indie magazine that wanted her back for another interview. Street wear seemed to be their deal, and they’d told her in her interview that their target audience was young, rebellious teen witches and wizards in England. It sounded fine to her. They hadn’t taken any test shots or anything yet… she still had one more interview to go to before she’d know whether or not she’d be successful in landing the job, and they wanted her portfolio. Eva had a few pictures of herself in dresses that she’d modelled for a fashion parade, but that was about it at the moment. Right now, Julian was her best bet. It wasn’t really a huge deal to the Bulgarian, since she’d never really had trouble finding work, but modelling offered a welcome change to waitressing and bartending.

She sat back in the booth impatiently scanning the small place for a sign of his tattooed form. If he didn’t show, she was going to kill him. The girl hadn’t ordered anything to drink yet, and the bartender was eyeing her suspiciously. Jerk. When the man she was looking for finally came through the doors, Eva was relieved. The young witch bounced up to her feet and when he was close enough, she gave him a hug. “You’re late,” she said cheekily. Eva usually wasn’t one for deadlines or meetings… in fact, she was notorious for accidentally double booking herself and forgetting about plans. She gave him a soft little kiss on his tattooed neck before pulling back. “What’re we drinking?” she asked with a grin, eager to have a look at the pictures.

Julian was surprised to hear from Eva when he did. The Bulgarian girl he knew had no patience for staying in one place for too long, something he completely understood, so he was a bit shocked to hear she was in town. He had had an emotionally exhausting day since he went to visit his sister, his mom was a part of that so he somewhat forced himself to be civil and nice, keeping back comments and not saying what he was thinking. He needed to unwind, what better way to do that then join one of his closest friends for a drink…maybe even a bottle.

He made sure his bag containing the portfolio of Eva was tight in his hand as he made his way into the restaurant. He scanned the area while smoothing down his blazer, he knew his rainbow haired girl would be easy to spot and before he really had to look too hard, there she was. He smiled hugely as they made their way toward each other; he pulled her into a tight embrace. He didn’t realize how much he missed her until he saw her and Julian rolled his eyes playfully at her mentioning his lateness, then she kissed his neck and he froze for a split second, is that what we’re playing at?  Julian licked his lips so that they were nice and wet, grasped the sides of her face between his hands and planted a huge wet kiss on her cheek and grinned, “Ah, how I’ve missed you.” That would be sure to gross her out, he thought in retaliation to her cheeky comment.

He perked up furthermore once she mentioned drinks, “Hmm. Something strong that’s for sure, I’m thinking dark, Brandy perhaps?” Once they made their way back to the booth Julian put his bag on the table and fished out the portfolio, “How bad do you want to see these?” He grinned keeping a tight grasp on it, teasing. “You can have it…but what do I get in return?” He raised an eyebrow seductively, awaiting her responce.

Eva rolled her eyes. “Oh I missed you too.” It wasn’t really true. She always found that spending time with Julian was fun. Exciting. But there weren’t many people who stayed on her mind when she went away. In fact, the rainbow-haired girl could only really think of one. Sometimes it was frustrating that Elaine lived in London, since Eva had no love for the city. She didn’t mind the place, but it didn’t have anything on Paris. Or Tokyo. If her little brunette friend didn’t live here, Eva was sure that she’d be spending more time in those places. She wouldn’t return to London nearly as much. Anyway, Julian was fun, and she was happy to be here.

The girl took a couple of quick steps backward, her gaze roaming over his form from head to toe appreciatively. “You look great,” she told him. Eva tilted her head to the side. “Suave. I like it.” Grinning, the girl did a quick spin. “Elaine bought it for me for my birthday,” she told the man, brushing her fingers down the material lightly. It was quite an unusual piece of clothing, she thought. Somehow it managed to capture her usual fashion style while also looking a little more… classy? “Brandy? Look at this place. I’m getting something colourful and expensive.” Eva laughed. The Bulgarian followed her friend over to the booth, her smile not slipping for a moment.

“Oh yay!” Eva exclaimed, her face lighting up as he pulled the folder from his bag. How bad do you want to see these. “Sorry?” The girl’s attention flicked up to his face and it dawned on her immediately that he was teasing. She rolled her eyes. “The delight of my company?” Eva didn’t mind the attention, really. Julian was a lot of fun to be around. “One sec,” she told him. The tall girl flounced over to the bar and ordered her drink. She dropped a few coins into the bartender’s hand and in moments had bounced back to their little corner booth, a brightly coloured drink (in a strangely shaped glass!) in hand.

“You look pretty smooth Julian, but I’ll deck you if you don’t show me those pictures,” she warned him playfully. The girl took a quick sip of her drink through the colourful straw and slid into her seat, crossing one leg over the other. “How did they turn out?”

“Thanks,” He replied as she complimented him. He struck a feminine pose, completely breaking from suave to foolish. He stopped when she started to spin, “Verrry nice, veryyy…colorful” He nodded a few times taking in her appearance, “That was nice of her- wait- birthday?” He frowned at the thought, he had no idea her birthday had passed. For some reason the idea of her having a birthday was weird. She was known for withholding information like that about herself, but of course Elaine knew it them being each other halves and the like. He wasn’t going to comment further so he shrugged the thought off and listened to her rattle off. He laughed, “What’s wrong with brandy?” It was more of a question to himself. Julian wasn’t really too keen on expensive drinks, he liked whatever got him feeling good in a short amount of time.

One sec. She left to get a drink and Julian’s face fell slightly as he registered her attitude, Eva meant business and he wasn't use to this side of her. Actually, he had never really seen this side of her even when they set up their photoshoot, everything about that night was less than professional. He stopped himself from rolling his eyes at the thought with difficulty. Instead, he just inhaled and watched her bounce back to the booth drink in tow. Deck. He raised a doubtful eyebrow, “Please, spare me your empty threats, Eva.” He sat down in the booth and slid the portfolio to her. If she wanted business Julian, that’s what she would get. He gestured for her to have a go and look through it. “You tell me.” A second before Eva opened the portfolio, Julian excused himself and walked over to the bar. He would let her think for herself as she scrutinized.

He respectfully ordered a mixed drink with brandy. The bartender looked at him smugly and Julian eyed him back. He was irritated, perhaps from Eva's demeanor, from his family, or this look he received- maybe a mixture of the three, “They’re called tattoos, mate.” He waved his hand as if to say move on. He needed a drink and he needed it fast and this bloke needed to do his job instead of ogling. Julian understood what it was like to bartend, he had his moments of complete irritation from customers but not once did he base someone off of the way they looked. The bar tender placed Julian’s drink down, “Thank you. And I’ll have another if you don’t mind.” Julian placed his money down along with a tip, "And why don't you get one for yourself, looks like you need it." The bartender looked appalled, Julian wasn't use to being in fancy places but he did know his actions were frowned upon anywhere when you weren't a regular. This wouldn’t be the first time someone had judged him off his looks, but Julian would never really get use to the idea. Perhaps he should have handled that situation in a different way, afterall, he gave the bartender the attitude he was expecting. Dammit.

Julian quickly finished his first drink, and took the second one over to his companion. He slid in the booth opposite to his letsgetdowntobusiness friend and looked at her seriously, “What’s the verdict?” He took a sip of his drink, grabbed a napkin before placing his drink on it, and folded his hands on the table in front of him expectantly.

Eva laughed lightly when he called her threat empty. “Oh you know I would,” she teased gently. The man left her alone for a moment. She leant back against the soft leather cover of the booth seat and opened the folder without hesitation. Her actions were more eager than anything, but she did feel a slight passing moment of nerves. It was unusual for her to feel trepidation about anything, but (as per usual) as soon as she felt it, Eva pushed it as far away as she could. She believed that it was possible to think your way out of being nervous or scared. Mind over matter.

The girl flicked through the photos quickly the first time and then went back to look at each one individually. Her pulse had sped up just a tiny bit. The modelling she’d done so far had mostly been for small-time fashion parades and things like that. Catwalk stuff, rather than photoshoots. It was bizarre to see herself posing like that, dressed in dramatic clothing and coated in layers of make-up. Strange, she mused, but also kind of exciting. She hadn’t even noticed Julian’s return to their table; she’d been absorbed in what was in front of her. It was fascinating. His words made her jump.

“These are incredible, Jules,” she said after a moment, turning to flash him a big smile. It was kind of exciting. She looked amazing in the photos, too. Eva always thought that she was pretty average looking under the hair and make up. Not ugly, but just not… special. The dramatics all seemed to suit her though, because she wouldn’t be surprised to see any of the pictures he’d taken in a magazine or a muggle billboard or something. She hesitated for a moment; her gaze caught on one of the pictures in particular. Then she stood and basically leant over the table to give him another hug. Screw this place and their fancy conventions. The girl wrapped her arms around his neck again. “You’re amazing,” she said into his skin, pressing her lips against the curve of his neck again in a quick peck.

Julian liked neck kisses. Eva remembered. She pulled back, shuffling back over to her drink and taking another long sip. “I’m applying for a job,” she explained after the action. “They wanna see a portfolio, so… I hope it works for you too?” The girl beamed at her friend, her eyes sparky with excitement. He’d needed pictures for his portfolio too, right? It had been a mutually beneficial arrangement, to the best of her knowledge. “To be honest, I’m almost surprised that there were so many good ones. I mean, you're great, but... Taking pictures isn’t really the most memorable part of that evening for me…” she trailed off in a silky smooth voice and then broke the spell by laughing. Eva was in a good mood. The girl finished off her drink. “So what have you been doing since I saw you last?” she asked.

Julian awaited her response. It was only silent for a moment but in his mind he was preparing himself for the worst. He did this so he could be relieved if she liked his work or prepared if she didn’t. It’s not that Julian wasn’t confident in himself and his work but photography was a vast and very popular type of media. You had to be fresh and unique while conveying a story for your audience. He bit the inside of his cheek inconspicuously so that the anticipation didn’t show on his face. The silence cut him like a sharp blade as his eyes searched her distracted face for a reaction.

Incredible flowed through her lips followed by a big smile. Bingo. Julian felt himself relax inside. Whether it was the effects of the alcohol or her sincerity and positive energy he was grateful for the shift in his mood. He flashed a mirroring smile toward his friend. He watched her as she took a moment to gaze again, “I’m glad you like them. Thank you for your brilliance. Really, you are a natural.” She stood suddenly and Julian watched her as she leaned over the table to wrap her arms around him. He smiled hugely although she couldn’t see; it was nice to not only have an alliance with someone, however ostensible it may be at times, but to also be able to help each other better themselves. There was no doubt these pictures wouldn’t help land her a job. Julian’s thoughts were silenced though as she breathed into his skin and followed with a swift kiss on his neck. His nerves peeked for a split second from her touch, she knew what she was doing- this was Eva afterall.

He watched her sink back into her seat, a small smirk hiding in the corners of his lips; this was the Eva he knew. He scanned the room for a second, thinking about getting another drink (amongst other things), and then turned his gaze to her while she talked, “Ah, glad I can help- let me know if you need anything else. I have more,” He was sure she wouldn’t hesitate if she did. He rubbed his hands together thinking, “I would love to get my name out there. Get people talking at the very least, you know?” He shrugged and folded his arms on the table in front of him, “I know you won’t have any trouble with that. You’ll get hired.” The words came out matter of factually, Julian could bet his life on it if he had to. The girl he was sitting across from, conversing with, wasn’t ordinary by any means. Even if they didn’t like his style of work, they would be stupid to let her slip through their fingers.

“They weren’t all good,” He chuckled a little, teasing, at her comment thinking of a few that didn’t quite make their way into the usable pile, she continued saying that he was great. He nodded humbly in response to her compliment as a silent thank you. But…he raised an eyebrow, she brought up their last affair and he broke out to a full-fledged smile and a quick throaty laugh. He shook his head playfully and with a crooked smile he was able to retort, “Cheers to that, love.” He shot her an intense look mixed with reminiscent amusement, picked up his drink and polished it off while she did hers.

He licked his lips before answering her question, “Same thing, really. Visiting my sister, house calls, being sociable,” He waved a hand dismissively, “And all the other boring shit.” He thought for a moment, if it wasn’t for his sister he would probably be somewhere far from London but it was worth it if it meant she would have a good life, and he would make sure of that by providing for her, “Oh- I’ve got a job. It’s in Diagon Alley, at a tattoo parlor there.” He grinned; she was the first person he shared this news with. He couldn’t help but feel appreciative for the opportunity, now he would have a stable income. “You should check it out sometime. Maybe get another tattoo from yours truly, yeah?” He raised both of his eyebrows up and down in ways to persuade her. “I’m going to get you drunk.”

He slid off to the bar smoothly and received their drinks. His mood had really bounced back and he was feeling good. Her portfolio was a success afterall and he was drinking, all was well. Eva’s drink was still in an oddly shaped glass but it came with fruits and Julian requested an umbrella with it. He placed her drink on the table in front of her, and pointed to it with his free hand, “Now, that’s classy.” More like tacky but Julian saw them and couldn’t resist. Once he sat down he took a drink and placed it down, he waited for a moment and then looked around the place, "Can you smoke in here?" He had to have a cigarette as he drank, it was a necessity. Looking at Eva and gesturing toward her, he said, “But what have you been up to? I’m surprised you’re in the area honestly but I’m guessing- besides Elaine, you came back for this job?”

“Thanks!” Eva beamed at Julian’s compliments and then laughed again because his words sounded a little too serious for the way that they interacted. A little out of place. “I hope so,” she added with a non-committal shrug. She did realise that it probably wasn’t as important to her as it was to him. She wanted the job, but modelling wasn’t her dream. Julian was one of those artist types, who wanted to get his work recognised so that he could live off of doing what he loved. Eva had fallen into modelling when she’d dated a photographer, and had decided that she liked it. It wasn’t her passion, just an interesting pathway to explore. She had a lot of fun doing it and seemed to be good at it.

The man leant forward to fold his arms on the table in front of him and Eva leant forward too. “Booo, I think they were all great,” she protested. Now that she was over the little bit of trepidation about the whole deal, Eva was on a bit of a high. She was in a great mood. Buzzed. His eyes found hers and the man gave her a rather deep look. What was he saying there? She thought she knew. The girl nodded when he talked about his family and responsibilities and so on. Yes, yes. She perked up again when he said that he’d taken a job at a tattoo parlour though.

“I want a new one,” she agreed, folding her arms across the table and leaning in a little more to match him. “Something on my back maybe. I’ll give you relatively free rein to experiment.” The girl laughed at his next words and rested a cheek against her palm while waiting for him to come back. When he returned with her second drink, the girl was impressed. “Oooh,” she said, straightening up. “Fancy schmancy!” The girl slid it towards herself and took a sip. Sweet and tangy. The girl didn’t have a problem with firewhiskey or beer, but she also didn’t mind sweeter drinks. “Get me drunk, hey?” she asked slowly, tilting her head to the side like a curious cat and running her fingers through her unusually straight and untangled hair. “And then?”

Julian slid in across from her again and she watched as he shot a suspicious glance around the place. “Who cares?” she asked, pulling out a packet of cigarettes and offering him one. The girl took out one for herself too, but didn’t light it just yet. “Kind of,” she answered, resting her cheek in her palm again and holding her cigarette to the side casually between two fingers. “I tried to move to Paris. But I wasn’t really committed.” The girl shrugged, blowing a loose strand of pale green hair out of her face. She wasn’t really committed to anything, so that wouldn’t have really come off as a surprise.

“The job was a plus. And I suppose, yes. Elaine is always a factor.” Eva smiled. She emphasised the word like she was being sarcastic, but they both knew how much her life revolved around the little brunette. Eva didn’t really mind. Right now, her thoughts were cast back to one night in particular… A smirk played across her lips playfully, and she wondered if he could read her mind. The memory was written all over her expression.

Julian’s starving artist in him poked his brain, free reign, “Hmm…interesting…I’m sure I’ll think of something…” He already had some ideas floating in his head and then he was off, getting lost in possibilities and ordering refreshments. Once he came back from getting drinks he laughed at her response, he was making all the right choices tonight but that was probably because he was comfortable here with her. Julian knew her only well enough to know superficial things. He had no idea where she came from or what she felt. He knew things that he was comfortable knowing and it worked. They didn’t need each other’s history or emotional baggage and this alone was why he valued her company. There was her sensual self, Julian mimicked her instinctively, “Who knows where this night will take us?” He was being elusive, feeding off her energy like he always found himself doing.

He laughed at her nonchalance for rules and grabbed the cigarette she was offering. He plopped it into his mouth and swiftly pulled a lighter from his pocket as he listened to her. “You weren’t committed, how unusual…” He made this remark mostly to himself but he was sure she heard him. Who could give up Paris? Even if it was for a month or so. His attention was removed as she talked of Elaine, of course Elaine and Eva were an inseparable pair no matter how sarcastic her comment was, and he, himself was very fond of them both. He was just trying to get his mind off of Elaine in a more than friends’ aspect and it wasn’t hard once he saw the look on Eva's face.

He leaned forward on the table and switched the lighter so that the flamed burned and waited for her to light her cigarette, he looked into her eyes and the message was clear, Asia, the highlight of Julian’s existence as a man or at least the hoggish side of his manhood. He smirked knowing the mention of Elaine brought on this memory, the intent now clear of what she was trying to get him to understand, he pulled away once her cigarette was lit and lit his own. He pulled and kept the smoke in his lungs as he talked, “This is hardly the place for your impish thoughts of foreign countries, Eva. Behave yourself.” His smirk never left his lips as he exhaled.

The witch wouldn’t care where she was at or who she was around and he knew that, Julian being naturally observant of the people around him. Though, Eva had a way of making him forget the rest of the world, as she did with others. He held the cigarette in between his thumb and index finger, flicking his ashes to the floor, “But what a night it was.” He allowed himself to think back on the memory for a moment, “I am rather found of the smell of citrus fruit now.” The corner of his lip twitched slightly as he suppressed a grin. He took a look over at the portfolio on the table and turned the page a couple of times, “This is one of my favorites.” He pointed to a picture of her lying on a red couch.

He knew that the alcohol was baby stepping into his system, making him a tad for outspoken, “Makes me think of all sorts of things. The faces you make…” He was referring to her sexual faces of course. There physical relationship was something worth mentioning in his mind. They had an obvious attraction to each other and it showed when things got a little heated. Of course they would never work well together long term, but they were perfect for all things emotionally intangible.

Eva rolled her eyes at his answer. Who knows where the night will take us? The smirk didn’t drop from her lips, however, because he was right. She could probably guess a few potential endings to this meeting, and only one of them ended with her going home alone. Would they end up together tonight? Maybe. She wouldn’t say yes or no right at this moment. It was nice to spend time with Julian generally. He was another person who she didn’t spend a lot of time thinking about until they were together. And when they were together, there were sparks. It was nice. She wondered what he was like when she wasn’t around. Obviously she’d never seen him.

The tall girl waved away his comment about commitment with a flippant hand. She knew he wasn’t having a dig at her. Eva plucked out a cigarette of her own and popped it in between her lips, leaning over the table a little so that he could light it for her. After taking a light breath, Eva leant back in her seat again comfortably. She sank her shoulders into the leather and held her cigarette to the side casually between two fingers. The girl blew a stream of smoke into the air and turned her attention back down to him. The girl watched little wisps of smoke slide out of his mouth as he spoke.

“Julian,” she purred, leaning forward and resting one forearm flat on the table in front of her. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Her voice was silky smooth. The rainbow-haired girl tilted her head to the side again, watching him with bright blue eyes. He liked the smell of citrus fruit, hey? Her shampoos, conditioners, deodorants and perfumes were usually made up of some kind of citrusy aroma. It was cute that he remembered what she smelled like. The girl stayed quiet while he spoke, a playful smile playing across her plump lips. Her eyes followed his index finger down to the picture that he said was one of his favourites.

The girl nodded. She agreed. It was one of her favourites too. Her eyes flicked up again to meet his, an eyebrow quirking at his next words. She watched him silently for a moment, wondering about exactly what he was thinking about. Eva brought the cigarette to her lips again and took a deep breath through it.

Her thoughts were interrupted as one of the young men from behind the bar appeared by their table. She raised her eyebrows. The man looked a little bit wary as he spoke. "You're actually not allowed to smoke in here," he told them, a slight frown out of place on his sharp features. Eva didn't look over at Julian, but slid out of her seat in a fluid motion. With her boots on, she broke about six foot tall. The young man was an inch or two shorter than her. The girl stepped over to him seductively and stopped right in front of his face. Her gaze flicked slowly from his lips to his eyes. She breathed her smoke out in his face. "We were just leaving," she told him smoothly, a slight quirk of her lips indicating a smirk. The young man blinked in the smoke and stepped back. "Come on Julian." Eva turned and walked outside, expecting that he'd follow. "Wanna find somewhere else?"

It was blue against brown as Julian starred back at her, their eyes momentarily locking. If he could tell a story, if one were to look closely enough, his eyes were full of scattered images of fire and ripped clothing. His gaze drifted down to her lips as she inhaled her cigarette. The table seemed like a terrible inconvenience at this point, he thought.

“You’re actually not allowed to smoke in here.” His attention slowly shifted. He remembered where he was at now. At bar in public and now this young man standing before them, informing the pair of their wrong doing. Julian let out an exasperated sigh; this was why he stayed away from places like these. He couldn’t take the rubrics of upscale bars but soon confusion overtook his features as Eva rose off of her seat in one fluent movement and stood in front of the informer. What the hell is she doing? Julian stood up watching her curiously and he froze. There was a grin slowly creeping up on his face as she blew the smoke in the younger mans face.

We were just leaving…Julian’s expression was something mixed with pride and amazement. Maybe a hint of amusement as well. Come on, Julian. Julian walked up to the man with a huge smile upon his visage and put a hand on his shoulder, “She’s brilliant, I know.” The wizard stuffed a bit of money in the pocket of the employees blazer and placed his own cigarette in the mans mouth as he patted his back, “For your troubles...” Julian shifted his blazer straight as he walked, he didn’t bother to wait for his reaction as he strolled out of the bar and into the night.

He was just in time to hear, find somewhere else. Of course he did, he wrapped his long arms around her from behind while they stood there, leaning her body backwards slowly and swiftly into him, “I have a few places in mind...” He could smell the citrus in her hair, neck? Where ever it was coming from, it was arousing. He bit into his lip and with reluctance, he let her go carefully just before pinching her behind playfully. Julian moved his body to stand in front of her, never taking his eyes off of her. His gaze ventured over her frame until he found his way to her face. And he shook his head slowly in disbelief, in somewhat awe of her, and he took a step back, “You just have no idea.” The things he would've done to her at that moment. Or any man in his situation. She had a gift, really. Pulling men in with her instinctual sexual prowess. Eva was lascivious and confident, he couldn’t help but let his mind wander into familiar territory...

It took only a moment to regain his composure, reminding himself that where there is flame, one will get burned…“All right...I say we head this way until we find something,” He pointed down the road, “There’s all kinds of bars and shit. A little more…relaxed. These people have giant sticks up there asses.” He gestured his head to the front door of the bar they were just in. It wasn’t the greatest place for someone with rainbow colored hair and a tattooed man with a shared disregard for rules. He took a few more steps backwards grinning before he turned around and walked.  He held out his arm for her to take, it was an innocent and gentlemanly gesture. It didn't take long for him to turn the corner and see lights up ahead. No doubt they were bar lights that were hanging in the windows. Just a few more long strides and they would come upon them in time.

Eva stalked out of the bar confidently, holding her cigarette to the side casually and flicking the filter so that a little streak of ash fell through the air behind her. Usually she wouldn’t be so dramatic about it all, but the girl was getting kicks from this. She stepped outside and waited for her friend to join her. She heard him behind her, but his arms appearing around her slender body almost made the girl jump. It was a surprise, but not an entirely unwelcome one. He pulled her into his body and she wondered what she’d done to elicit such a forward reaction. More often than not, their interactions were just banter. Sometimes more interesting things happened, though…

The girl tilted her head away from his face a little, giving him space to move closer to her neck if he wanted to. She could feel his breath on her and it smelled like alcohol. She didn’t mind. I have a few places in mind. “Oh?” the girl hadn’t really responded to his actions, but she hadn’t pulled away either. Eva was interested to see what his next move was. Her pulse had sped up a little at the intent that was obvious in his tone. She wondered vaguely if it was the not knowing that thrilled her. Surprises were always exciting.

He let her go and pinched her, but she still didn’t really react. Her blue eyes followed his actions with sparky interest and curiosity. Eva was a creature of spontaneity, and not being able to predict what was happening was exciting for her. Eva had a feeling that he wasn’t quite finished yet. He circled around in front of her and his eyes roamed her body, head to toe and back again. Slowly. She waited with a relaxed stance, and lazily imagined his hands there instead of his gaze. She waited for him to do something. After a moment, the girl brought her cigarette to her pink lips again nonchalantly and breathed in shallowly.

You just have no idea.

The Bulgarian quirked an eyebrow, though she felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up in anticipation. She took her smoke away from her mouth again and held it to the side. “Oh. I’ve found it,” she commented slowly, little wisps of smoke floating out of her mouth. The girl moved a little closer to him with two smooth steps. Her voice was soft and mocking, and a playful smirk danced across her lips. “Your kink... It’s women who are rude to barstaff.” He smirk widened into a grin. She could practically read his thoughts. The girl wondered vaguely if this was what it was like to be a legilimens. She knew exactly what he was thinking about. Her eyes flicked between his slowly.

When he offered it, Eva took his arm. “This is cute,” she commented with a small, mysterious smile. “Can we just walk for a little while?” she asked, glancing at him as they walked. Julian wasn’t much taller than her, especially with her boots on. At 5’11, Eva figured a nice height for a man would be about 6’5. She wouldn’t curse her height, though. Modelling was fun, and she wouldn’t have been able to do it – catwalk stuff at least – if she were small. She almost matched him in their stride length. “I don’t know, I just feel like walking,” she added unnecessarily. Her eyes travelled to his collar again, and the girl smiled at how strange it was to see him all dressed up. “Did I tell you that you look good in that suit?” Eva patted his chest lightly with one hand.

I’ve found it? Julian offered a look of mild curiosity as she moved toward him effortlessly.  Your kink, her next words brought on raised eyebrows due to anticipation, they were almost eye level, “And what’s that?” Rude women...what?? He laughed wholesomely since that wasn’t the response he was expecting. The former Slytherin shook his head slowly as his laughing ceased, but decided to go with it anyway with a sarcastic response, “Yes. I’ve always found rude women highly attractive.” As he surveyed her face as she grinned and it was contagious. Julian didn’t really know how to put what he saw striking into words. Perhaps his kink was women knowing what they wanted. Maybe it was women who could take care of themselves, who could stand up for themselves? Women that weren’t afraid to be themselves? Confidence? He wasn’t really quite sure himself, so he kept quiet.

Eva had different plans in mind and Julian acknowledged this change with a slight nod and an encouraging answer to her question, “Of course. We can do whatever you like.” The words came out and Julian mulled over them for a second. He didn’t mind doing whatever came up…but when you have free reign to a girl like Eva one could only help to be a little cautious. I just feel like walking, he was looking in front of him and there were just two or three people scattered about, smoking cigarettes and laughing at little too loudly due to alcohol content but nothing was out of place. Except maybe the pair that was walking arm in arm. He nodded, her idea was excellent. The wizard could agree that walking was something he would feel like doing from time to time. It helped him clear his mind. And Eva was the perfect little rainbow colored happy pill to eliminate these thoughts all together. He looked over at her as he thought this just in time to see her gaze at his collar, not that she was hiding it. He raised an eyebrow a small smirk playing on his lips as they walked. He waved a dramatic hand toward her comment of his suit, his swagger was purposely flamboyant, his voice was high pitched as though he was imitating a woman, and he batted his eyelashes, “This old thing.”

He smiled lightly and winked to show good spirit, “Thank you love. You know, you clean up nice yourself.” He was being honest. Normally this wild child had a bit more edge to her, “And…you did something with your hair? I like it.” He wasn’t exactly sure what she did differently, maybe colored it again, but it suited her and it suited her well… He kept his mind off of more explicit things. As they walked Julian took note to the nicer side of London. Tall fancy buildings, people dressed in their best out looking for a good time. It was a different scene for the wizard being that he’d never really noticed London’s nicer counterparts even though he’s traveled throughout. He took notice to a hotel on the opposite side of the street and looked up. There was obviously some fancy bar there up at top of the building complete with an outside balcony he could only imagine the incredible view one would see of the city. He focused on the street ahead of him, the London bridge in view and saw that they were coming up to a fountain. He remembered a story from his childhood when he asked his mother why someone threw change in a fountain.

“I heard a Muggle story once about an ancient Greece myth that…throwing a coin, into a spring, fountain, lake, well, was an offering to the Naiad water nymph. Nymphs were said to be…descendants of Greek gods, I believe, and beautiful female spirits who dwelled in different locations, land, plants, water, whatever.  Anyway, they offered their coins as tribute so that the fountain wouldn’t run dry for the people in the town- so they wouldn’t be without water,” He licked his lips to continue his explanation, hoping he was remembering the right story, his mother was far more intelligent than he was...academically anyway. Pulling out two coins from his pocket, he gave one to Eva. “So Muggles still do this in belief that it is of good luck. You make a wish,” He closed his eyes and once he opened them he flicked the coin into the fountain, “And you toss it in hopes it will come true.” He smiled slyly thinking that Eva would be either absolutely bored with the whole idea or completely confused by it. Every time Julian referenced something associated with muggles, Eva always asked what the hell he was talking about. He called her ‘humpty dumpty’ before and she had no idea what he meant. He laughed as he remembered.

“Whatever I like?” she asked, raising an eyebrow. It certainly sparked the question; what did she want to do? Eva wasn’t sure. She was never really sure what she wanted to be doing, and most of the time her thoughts only really extended to include the fact that she wanted to be doing something else. Fits of boredom plagued the girl and she was restless all over, but she wasn’t good at making plans. He dismissed her compliment with a little wave of his hand and a joke that almost put an amused smirk on her face. “I’m deadly serious,” she told him soberly, with a mockingly solemn expression. “Wear suits more often? Please?” The girl turned her attention back ahead as if she’d just reprimanded him for some slight or offense.

“I washed it,” she told him, still looking ahead. “Different, you know?” her usual easy-going grin appearing back on her face as her free hand reached up to touch a strand of her hair. Eva laughed cheekily. “I’m kidding. I mean, I did wash it but it’s actually straightened. I thought I’d give it a go.” Usually her hair was a little messy. Eva only tended to put effort into it when she went though phases of threading ribbons and beads and flowers through her hair. The rest of the time, it was lucky to get brushed. She shrugged. They walked for a while and Eva wondered if they were going somewhere to drink more. If they did, the girl didn’t really see herself going home alone tonight.

They only ever seemed to get together when they were drunk, but when they drank together… they tended to get together. He’d never suggested that they try to take it to anything serious (or sober, for that matter), but she didn’t particularly mind. Not that she’d have said no. When they were in good, silly moods, sometimes they got drunk together and slept together. When they were sober, they hung out and flirted. He wasn’t on her mind a lot because there were often large gaps of time between catching up (months, sometimes), but really it was almost a wonder that they kept in contact at all. Eva wasn’t usually good at that. When they were together, it was fun.

The girl listened to his story with mild interest. She zoned out for a moment, and then brought her full attention back to the man beside her. Wishes, huh? She was like a curious cat. Eva watched him close his eyes and toss the coin at the fountain, resisting the urge to just reach out and snatch one of the coins from the air. Odd little ritual. She’d heard of tossing coins in fountains, but hadn’t really understood the reasoning behind it before now. He pressed a coin into her palm and she glanced at it. The girl didn’t really understand why people would be throwing money away for this, but the idea was superstitious in a fun kind of way and hey, it wasn’t her money.

“No,” she answered, shaking her head, “I want to know what you wished for.” The girl looked up at her friend expectantly, patting his chest lightly. Julian had her acting like a child sometimes. It wasn’t as if the Bulgarian was the most mature of people at the best of times, but being around him just brought the cheeky, childish side out in her. Sometimes. Of course being around him wasn’t always so childish, and in fact, the girl could think of lots of ways that they interacted that were definitely mature… but anyway. Eva watched him with wide, curious eyes, urging him to tell her what he’d wished for. No doubt there was some stupid rule about not being allowed to tell…

“Hmm…maybe not whatever you like. Perhaps something that ends the night with me and you in a room somewhere. Alone. Intoxicated. Enjoying each others…company.” He looked over at her knowing she would ‘catch his drift’. Julian’s mind registered the Bulgarians next words and even though she was serious, he smiled at her chiding tone. “Yes ma’am! More suits. Noted.” Julian had a decent collection of fancier clothing. He was into fashion after all and he like to keep his appearance up. But suits were more for days like this though, he thought. He couldn’t really wear one every day of his life, all the layers made him hot when he wore a full suit. But she seemed to like him in them, he could cater to that every once in a while perhaps. He didn’t really see her that often so it would be easy. Washed it? Julian’s face broke into confusion. She had to be joking and she was. “Ahh, well I like it. It’s all smooth and sexy looking. Like I might actually be able to run my fingers through it.” His replied with sarcasm and he smirked proving so.

He watched her while she processed the information he gave to her, the way she tilted her head when she was up to something. She patted his chest, and his eyes scanned her features, lingering on her big blue inquiring eyes, “Mmm…Have I told you how striking you look?” He tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear, revealing her neck and his eyes scanned the exposed area for a moment, “...But your beauty will not work on me, I’m afraid. I can’t tell you…Sorry.” He shrugged and then looked into her eyes again smirking mischievously. His mood had made a complete 360 during the short amount of time they had spent together. Here he was, enjoying himself with something as senseless as throwing a coin into a fountain. It was all because of her. The witch had a way of making him forget about everything else and just enjoying the moment. “Just throw the damn coin, woman.” His response was jokingly exasperated. Julian waited a beat as he looked at her, “You could always wish that I would tell you my wish and see what happens, yeah?” He smiled mysteriously like there was some huge secret he was keeping even though there wasn’t.

He sat down on the edge of the fountain, pulling her to sit on his lap. “D’you want to have a look up there?” He pointed to the hotel building where the bar was he had looked up to before they got to the fountain. “Looks like a good time.” He was particularly interested in the view if he was honest not to mention the fact that he could get a hotel room easily afterward in hopes of another more private viewing. Julian wouldn’t have minded if she had said no. Walking was fine. He enjoyed her company no matter what they did. This thought consumed him for a second. It would never work, would it? He didn’t know the answer to his question and this wasn’t the first time he asked himself the unending wonder of Eva and Julian.

“How forward of you, Julian,” Eva commented, in a mock-blasé tone, raising her eyebrows. “Aren’t you supposed to buy me dinner first?” The girl blew a strand of brightly coloured hair out of her face. She was kidding, of course. The girls was teasing, flirting enough to let him know that the answer wasn’t no, but not giving him a direct yes either. She was silent for a moment before adding, “Why do we have to be intoxicated?” It was a genuine question, though it was obvious from her tone that it wasn’t something she was unhappy with, just something she was curious about. Really, it was just more teasing. “You have to be drunk?” The girl frowned a little and crossed her arms pointedly. She was this way for a few moments before relaxing back into an easy smile.

The girl bumped her friend lightly with her shoulder. “Thank you,” she told him with a smug little smile, “Feel free to compliment me more.” Eva reached up and performed the action he’d just described. Running her fingers through her hair was, indeed, a lot easier than usual. She laughed. Smooth, yes. Sexy? Well, if that was what he liked. The girl enjoyed the feeling on her fingertips before letting her hand drop back to her side. They walked for a little and Eva listened to him speak about the whole fountain deal. He seemed absorbed in her expression, watching her carefully as her palm brushed his chest. “That’s more like it,” she replied softly with an amused smile, referring to the comment she’d made moments ago. Striking was a nice compliment, she thought. It was a lot more interesting than ‘you look hot’. Eva thought that originality was pretty scarce when it came to flirting. Maybe that was why she’d been so captivated by Torrence. The girl shook her head, trying to erase that thought.

“Fine, I will.” Eve tossed the stupid coin in the fountain lazily, wishing – however stupid she thought the custom was – that he’d tell her what his wish had been. He was stubborn, but she seriously doubted that he wouldn’t give her what she wanted. When had he ever denied her? The Bulgarian girl couldn't really remember a time when he hadn't given her what she wanted... not that their wants were ever really mutually exclusive. The girl made a grumbling sound of protest as he pulled her into his lap, but she didn’t make any movements to get out of his arms. She hadn't given him a straight yes or no about where she'd be sleeping tonight, because while she wasn't opposed to the idea, the girl also wasn't in any hurry for this mood to end. The idea that she could just take him somewhere, satisfy him quickly and go back to hanging out crossed her mind briefly and Eva found it amusing. She turned back to him. Their faces were a lot closer now. “Is this new?” she asked suddenly, ignoring his question entirely and tapping his neck lightly. “I’m sure that tattoo wasn’t there last time I saw you.” Or last time I kissed you there, she thought. Again, she was curious. "I want a new one," she said, reiterating the point that she'd already brought up earlier in the evening. Her eyes met his again, a new idea forming in her mind. "We should do it tonight... now?"