[Wilted Rose] People Never Change (Artemis)

Work was finally over. Theophilus Dayton was excited because today was Saturday night and he was going to be able to see the most precious person in his world. It was not his mother. It was not his twin sisters. It was the night he was going to see Artemis Bane. They have been friends since Hogwarts. He met her in his seventh year and her fifth year. They dated for a few months and they were the best. Theophilus did not have a serious relationship since her. She was perfection in his eyes. The last time he saw her was a couple weeks ago. It was not a very long visit but they got to catch up and talk about a few things and then went back to work. Theo needed his weekly dose of Artie to help him through the rest of the week. Hopefully she acquired his owl telling her to meet him at his family’s business.

Stress was overloading this man and he was already becoming frustrated with all of the different articles he was working on at the paper. His other job was not as stressful but he knew he needed to be unstressed at the Daily Prophet to even have his artwork half way decent. When he was upset, stressed, or mad his artwork was not prize quality. The lines did not blend correctly and half the time the color did not fill all the way. Theo demanded perfection when it came to art or even tattoos. Most of his art was tattoos. It was his day off from interning and the only reason why he took the day off was to see Artemis.

Theo stopped by his house before going to the Wilted Rose. He changed his clothes into a flannel shirt with black pants that were tighter towards his calves. He placed on his black converse tennis shoes and then slipped a hat over his short hair. Theo proceeded to roll up his sleeves that his tattoos would show and adjusted the hat so it hung on the back of his head. Some of his hair slipped out of the front of his hat but he didn’t mind. He looked good. He had to look good for this girl. With a pop he disappeared out of his apartment and in an alley close to the Wilted Rose. He walked up to the building with the iron gates and the rose garden, as doing this he stepped right into the magical building. It was not as busy as he thought it was going to be today. There were a few people he knew from other times he came here but not many faces that seemed interesting to talk to. Oh well- he was going to have to get a seat at the bar. He loved the bar only because it was normally faster service for drinks. He defiantly needed a drink.

Theophilus took a seat at the entrance close to the bar so that he would be able to see Artemis when he entered. He thus proceeded to order a fire-whiskey with ice on the side for himself. He then waited patiently for her, glancing at the watch occasionally to see what time it was. He took sips from his drink as he waited. The drink burning the throat as it came down. It felt amazing to him. He really did love fire-whiskey.

Artemis received Theo's owl when she got home after a long night of drinking and sleeping with a man she met at the bar. When the owl flew through her window she knew immediately who it was from and the guilt filled her body. She pushed the man from her bed and he hit the floor with  thud. "Get out." The man looked at her and glared before grabbing his clothes and heading out of the house. She hadn't slept a wink that night, she never did when there were people in her bed, unless it was Theo. He was different. He was hers and she his. She grabbed the owl and it stated that he wanted to meet that evening at the Wilted Rose for drinks. A small smiled spread across her lips before she got up to get ready for the day. Of course she would be there. Philly was the one person she would drop everything for just to go to him. He was her rock and the one man that knew her inside and out.

She dressed herself in a black dress, something she normally never wore, but she wanted to look good for Theo. She slipped into the black lace getup and stepped into high heeled shoes. She charmed he hair to do what she wanted it to. Her eyes fell upon herself in the mirror and she smiled as she flipped her hair back. Yes, he would be in awe of her beauty. Besides she had a new tattoo to show him. Hopefully he would like it, eventually she would get one from him as well, it would be an intimate place as well. It was too much fun to see him blush, and that was the kind of thing that got Artemis excited. She smiled again and nodded to herself. "Not to shabby Artie." She bit down on her lip before grabbing her wand and cloak and heading out the door of her house. She called back to the pit bull in the doorway. "I'll be back Tosha, I promise." The pup whimpered before disappearing back into the house.

Her heels clicked as she walked down the path to her house and apperating to the alley in front of the Wilted Rose. She smoothed out her cloak and pulled her hood down to show off her face. She smiled and pulled open the door to the pub. She glanced around before her brown eyes fell upon Theo. She smiled and made her way over to him. "Hello, Philly Steak." Sure, it was a weird name but it was her pet name for him, it had been since they started dating in Hogwarts. She smiled and sat down next to him. Her eyes looked over at the bartender. "Firewhiskey." She grinned and waited for the drink to be delivered and she took a drink. The hot feeling ran down her throat and coated it. It felt wonderful. Firewhiskey was her drink of choice as well as Theo's. They had enjoyed it together many of times. "You look good Theo." He didn't know that she was still in love with him, but that didn't stop her from complimenting her friend. She knew a good looking guy when she saw one, and he was down right sexy.

She ran a free hand into her hair before sipping on her whiskey and grinning as she felt the hot drink gather in her stomach. She hadn't eaten anything today, nor had she planned on it. She tilted her head at her friend and licked her lips. "It's good to see you love." She grinned and scooted closer to him. She didn't realize how much she missed him until she got to see him again.

It was nice to see her, very nice. The dress she was wearing was very pretty in his opinion but he instantly wanted to cover her up so nobody else looked at her. Theo always wanted to keep Artie to himself, but he knew it was impossible. He loved her to death but no way was he going to tell her that. He didn't want to lose that one special person in his life that just was there when he needed her. They both had the same drinks, it was so weird how close they were to each other but different in the same way. They both liked the same things but personalities were different. They were like ying and yang, but both needed each other. "Good to see you too, darling."  Theo smiled at her adjusting the cap on his head. As she scooted closer to her he couldn't help to put his arm around her shoulders and pull her in closer to one of his bear hugs. He loved squishing the life out of her with these hugs. Well, out of anybody with these hugs. Theo was a giant teddy bear and love to show his affection when he can.

"How has life been, Artie Tartie?" They both had pet names for each other since they dated in Hogwarts. They should have just kept dating, but she was two years younger and he was off to do what he needed to do. Traveling the world makes you miss the people you love the most. He took his drink and chugged it down quickly. As it finished he ordered two more for himself and one for her so when she was done she didn't have to pay. He loved spoiling her. He wished he could do it more, but he didn't want to seem like he was really infatuated with her. He had to keep acting like he was just her best friend as much as it hurt him. There was times were he just wanted to go over to him and snog her face off. Yet, he hated ruining friendships. Friends were everything to him. He loved his social connection.

Letting go of her shoulder he leaned an elbow on the bar and propped his head on his hand looking at her. "Anything exciting, new, anybody I need to beat up?" He chuckled. He always was concerned with who she was dating. He would respect someone if they were right for her, but nobody was right for her. In his mind he was the only person that knew how to treat her and knew what was best for her. If someone better than him came along, then he wouldn't mind. As long as they knew he would hex them to oblivion if they ever hurt a hair on her head.

She smiled at Theo, he looked good, as always. She loved his tattoos and the way he presented himself. He was so, innocent and childish. She felt he needed protecting and that's exactly what she did. She loved him, cared about him and there was no stopping her strong feelings for the man that sat next to her. But she was too much of a chicken to tell him that she still loved him. She still wanted to be with him. When he pulled her into one of his signature bear hugs she kissed his cheek and made a small gasping sound as he squeezed her tightly. His body was warm and it felt so familiar. It was nice to be close to him and she would never deny that fact, even to him. "Ah, I missed your hugs love." She smiled and sat back down. She swirled her drink around a bit before finishing it off. The whiskey burned all the way down into her stomach. The feeling felt good and she wouldn't have it any other way.

"Life, been busy...Between work and Tasha...I barely have time to breath. Although I did have time to get this." She grinned and lifted the skirt to her dress up just a little higher on her right thigh. She turned her body towards him and nodded her head to her leg. "What do you think? Do you like it...?" It had taken three sittings just to get the thing done, she never got them done the magical way, she loved enduring the pain that came with traditional tattoos. There was no way she would switch to the magical way when she knew she enjoyed the pain of the real thing. She licked her lips and her eyes met his. She knew she was sexy and had the appeal, she missed Theo and she wanted him to know that she still found him shagable. More than that, he was someone she wanted to come home to every night. She shook her head and grabbed her seat again slidding her backside onto the stool.

"Beat up...? Oh love, no I can handle myself. But thanks for the offer. I'll let you no if anything comes up." She grinned and tucked a piece of her black hair behind her ear. Her eyes trailed down his face to his chest and back up again. She was taking him in, it had been a while since she'd seen him and she wanted to remember him. More than she had before. He was someone that found worked his way into her dreams at night but she wanted more. She grabbed the drink he ordered for her and sipped on it. "I'm not dating anyone Theo, if that's what you mean. I..." She stopped and downed her drink before sliding the empty glass to the bartender and ordered another. "I can't...." It was the truth...She couldn't  date anyone, not because her job wouldn't allow it but because there was already someone that had pried their way into her heart and she was pretty sure he wasn't leaving any time soon. "What do you say to getting drunk love." She grinned and tipped her glass to him tapping the edge on his. "It's been a few days since I've been drunk I think it's overdue, and what better night, than tonight, with my best mate?"

"Anytime you want them, you can have them." Theo loved hugging people. It was weird, but he liked the warmth of people. He loved the smell of Artie and just loved being as close as possible to her. At least she didn't mind the hugs. Theo was an affectionate person and if he couldn't show it then he would feel empty. As she continued talking about her life and then mention the tattoo his eyes went to her thigh. He was about to pull her skirt down so that nobody else would witness her thighs. He instantly felt as if she was his and he needed to hide her from everybody, but he knew that was not true. He studied the artwork. It was very good. He loved tattoos and he knew she did also. "Very nice. Muggle or Magical?" He wanted to get closer study the craft on her leg, but he knew better to do so. He just tried to take in every detail he could to critique it... that wasn't his job right now though. Theo was very particular on art and loved to make sure that it was done perfectly. He was a perfectionist with his own artwork. It took him so long to even paint something because most of the time he didn't think it was good enough. He was not going to do that to his tattoo though.

He took a drink of his fire whiskey as she spoke about being able to handle herself. He wanted to chuckle at that thought of Artie trying to punch someone but she was tough little cookie... he could give her that credit. In his mind though he felt as if he should be that one person responsible for fighting her battles. It was not because he loved her but because he felt as a friend he needed to protect all of his friends. Then she mentioned that she was not dating anybody and he wanted to get a huge smile at that, but he didn't. Instead the words came out, I can't... and he was more concerned. Theo wanted to ask why. He just wanted her to be happy and even if it meant being with someone else that would be fine with him. Yet, not being able to be in any relationship was not good for anybody. She changed the subject about getting drunk and a smile formed officially. "Lets do that." He ordered a pint of ale with two glasses. The fire whiskey was already hitting his system. Theo was a light weight. As he downed the last fire whiskey he ordered he poured a glass of ale and began to drink that.

"Boys are trouble anyways, Artie, you don't want to mess with them. They always just want girls for the same reasons... trust me, I'm a man... I know." He chuckled. Theo was just saying that to scare her away from any men that she was even thinking of. He wanted her to himself, but that was hard. Artie was attractive and an amazing witch. Any man would be lucky to have her. Theo would probably respect the men enough to get to know them but if he hated the men he would try in all of his power to get rid of them.

"Well, Philly, I want them all the time." She love being close to Theo. She'd never admit it out loud to anyone, not even herself, but she wanted him to be close to her for the rest of their lives. He was hers and no one would ever tell her otherwise. She was possessive when it came to him, he was the sweetest guy she knew and no one was going to corrupt him. Unless of course it was her doing the corrupting. She watched as his eyes scanned her thigh, she wanted him to get closer, maybe tell her to take her skirt off, but of course they were in public so that wasn't going to happen. "It's muggle of course, pain is what gives me the satisfaction of it all. I don't think I'll ever get one with magic." She shrugged and looked down at her almost empty firewhiskey. The warm, burning sensation was filling her body and she liked the way it made her feel. "I was going to ask you do it, but I didn't know if you were off your apprenticeship yet. When you are, let me know, I'd love to be your first client." She grinned and offered him a wink. She loved making him feel awkward, or at least like he was the only person in the room, and that would never change.

She watched him sip on his drink and she smiled. She wanted to get him drunk, he was fun when he was drunk, not that he wasn't fun when sober...She loved the way he did things with her when he was drunk. It was odd, their real feelings for each other came out when they were drunk, but they both chalked it up to the fact that they were drunk. If he only knew what she did for a living, he'd probably flip out and tell her she had to quit doing it, but that wouldn't happen. She'd have to talk him down and make him realize it's what she liked doing. Even if he couldn't understand why. She was sure he still thought she was a bartender. She watched his face when she told him that she wasn't dating anyone. He looked a bit happy yet confused, or maybe concerned. Either way it didn't matter. She knew what she wanted and how to get what she wanted, expect from Theo. "Yes, please lets." She grinned and finished off her second firewhiskey of the night. Artemis grabbed the pitcher and poured herself a glass as well. She lifted her glass and smiled. "To getting absolutely wasted." She tapped his glass with hers before sipping on the glass. This was going to be a night for the history books.

She almost spit her whiskey when he spoke again. She let out a laugh after she swallowed her ale. "I am well aware of what men want from me Theo." She grinned and set her glass down. She wanted the same thing from most men, as long as they were good looking and a decent shag. Especially after a kill. It always put her in the mood. "Oh are you now...So you only want one thing from me huh? And what would that thing be Philly Steak?" She grinned and waited for his response to this question, knowing he would get all uncomfortable. She slid closer to him in the stool and took another large drink from her glass.

He would give her those hugs all the time if he could. It probably would deem him as a stalker or just a weird man if he went around hugging her constantly. He would be glued to her if he could. Theo loved this woman but he knew there was limits where he did not seem clingy. That usually messed up any chances that he had in a relationship. He always felt like that person was his and he needed to make sure nobody touched, talked, or even looked at his women... even when he wasn't in that relationship yet. Normally that just messed up the chances of the relationships because of how jealous he would get. He already noticed one man eyeing the woman in front of him and he just wanted to go over there and knock the man out. Theo held himself back though. As she mentioned the tattoo apprenticeship a smiled formed, "I will let you know, darling. It probably will be a little while though. The Daily Prophet has me busy." The newspaper always came before his own artwork. Theo was hardworking but he felt like making money right now was more important than getting his ink-work done. Writing was art to him and this was his little way of getting his creativity to the public, even though his art work was not being shown on skin or cloth.

"I want from you is... " He sat there for a second making a thinking face and rubbing his scratchy chin. His five o'clock shower was already appearing as always. Theo loved exaggerating things when he was getting tipsy. It was fun to act around and be someone else. Maybe today he would be a pompous french man... or not. He will be Theo today. "... there's a list. You better grab a pen..." He chuckled. He was joking obviously but then a serious answer came out. "My main thing I want from you, Artie, is safety and -- friendship."He didn't want to say friendship. The words that wanted to come out of his mouth was love, but friendship would have to do. Theo didn't like being denied anything anyways. He wasn't sure how Artie felt about him. They were best friends. As much as he wanted to be more he just was more concerned with making sure her life was going right and she was as happy as she could be. He cared more about her than himself.

Theo took a drink of the ale and set it back down.  The glass was almost half way empty now. He continued to eye the man who was staring at Artie, he wanted to say back off to him but he knew better. He looked at Artie and put his arm around him. "You have a man eyeing you, have you noticed?" Who wouldn't eye her though? She was very attractive. Theo was trying to make sure that the man would get the point, but if Artie was interested he would let her go talk to him. He was too nice at time. "He looks sort of like a sleaze-ball, I wouldn't recommend talking to him... just to let you know." He chuckled and removed his arm. As he finished the drink he looked at the man hoping he would get the point that she was there for him.

Artemis would never consider Theo odd, or weird, or even a stalker for that matter. He was one of the sweetest people she knew, and it was weird that she was so attracted to him. Normally she never went for the innocent sweet guys. She was more of a bad boy, death eater type. But he was different, he treated her with respect and it wasn't something that she was used to, expect from him. He made her feel good about herself and she also knew that she loved him more than anyone else in the world. The woman was too afraid to tell him so because she was afraid that she had already ruined her chances with him when they were in Hogwarts. She had cut things short because she wasn't ready for that kind of commitment. She still really wasn't but, maybe someday, and when she did it would be with someone like Theo, if not him. "That's fine love, I wasn't expecting it to be right now. You just let me know and I'll be there, you can tattoo any part of me that you want." She winked at him and leaned back in her chair. She picked up her drink and took a few drinks from it. The booze was starting to make her feel good and she was well on her way to being drunk. Ah, the good feeling of intoxication and being around a good, no GREAT friend.

She tilted her head at him as he spoke of what he wanted from her. Safety...? Friendship..? What kind of answer was that. "Oh so you're not the typical man then. You don't want to take advantage of my body?" She let out a small laugh and set her glass down before crossing her legs and tossing her hair behind her shoulders. Friendship, crap, the friend zone. That's exactly what she was afraid of. She had ruined her chances with him and now she was going to have to watch him date other women, sleep with other women. The thought of it made her blood boil. "Well, what if I want more than friendship...?" She bit the side of her lip and shook her head. Why in the blood hell would she say that!? What a moron...She picked up her glass and downed the rest of it grabbing the pitcher and pouring more into her glass. "Bartender, I think we are going to need more ale over here." She fought the redness in her cheeks which only happened when she was around Theo. He somehow had that effect on her and it drove her mad!

Artie's eyes followed Theo's cold hard stare and perked a brow. "Oh yeah...?" She looked at the man and made a gagging noise loud enough for both of them to hear. "That guy...? Are you kidding Philly? I'm not going home with that guy...he looks like a man that's more interested in small boys then a woman like me. Besides, I've already decided who's taking me home tonight and it's most certainly not that guy." She of course meant Theo, now whether or not he picked up on that was still a mystery. She watched as Theo pulled his arm back and she frowned a bit. "Aww, you're going to protect me if that man manages to make his way over here right. You can be my boyfriend...." She grinned hoping that would help him figure out exactly who she was talking about.

"So, how are things at the Daily Prophet anyhow? Business good?" She really hoped he wouldn't ask about her job, she wasn't sure exactly what she would say and she hated lying to him. But what was she supposed to say...? Oh yeah, I kill people for living Theo. And I enjoy it. that wasn't going to happen. She would tell him eventually, somehow...just not yet.

"I am defiantly not the typical man, darling Artie. You should know that." Theo respected every woman that he knew or even met. He was protective and caring. Normally he thought he wasn't good enough for any of them so he would never further a relationship. He had many flings but an official relationship, only one girl held that title. This woman sitting in front of him held many titles that no other girl held. She was his first everything, love, relationship, kiss. He experienced so much with her and was happy she was still in his life. One of his biggest fears was losing Artie. He knew one day she would find a man that appreciates her and start a family. Theo would have to be uncle Theo and just bite his tongue around the husband and children. It would feel horrible not to be in her life, even if he was just a friend.  Then she said what she wanted more. Did Artie want more in a relationship? As she finished the drink and order more Theo just sat silently for a little while, til the man was staring at Artie. Personally, he thought he should have just stood quiet in general. Changing the subject did help situations like this.

Small boys?! Theo choked out a chuckle as he took a deep gulp out of his drink. He was beginning to feel the effects a little more now. He will stop drinking when he gets the spins or even when his words start to slur. Theo did appreciate a good drink but he didn't appreciate being hung over. He wondered what guy is going home with him. Theo wanted to glance at the crowd to see if there was someone they knew hanging around. Maybe it was the bartender, maybe that is why she was calling him so much... oh-- no that was for drinks. Theo hated his jealously, but he usually had to use the lack of brains skills to work things through before saying anything. When she mentioned protecting her and being her boyfriend, he raised his arm and placed it upon her shoulders. A smirk rose and he kissed her on the cheek. "Only today, darling." He wished everyday that this could happen, not only for protecting her. He hated being this close to her. He wanted to be this close but with drinking there was a lack of self control. He just wanted to pull her away and be alone with her. Theo did not want to mess up his friendship though.

"Just working a lot. I need to interview an artist soon to place an art piece in the paper. Hows your work?" He raised an eyebrow. Really, were they really talking about work? He wanted to smack himself onto the head. His drunk brain was about to just say don't even talk about it, just me and you get an alone place... but he knew better. He wasn't that drunk or stupid. Theo just didn't want to ruin things.

"Ahh...you've mistaken my love...I do know that. I am after all your best friend." She grinned and looked to him. Artemis knew that Theo loved and he loved hard. She also knew that he was a very respectful individual and would never do anything to intentionally hurt anyone. Artie wasn't like that, she wasn't like him at all. Her job was to inflict pain on people, to kill, hurt and maim. How was she supposed to tell the sweetest man in the world that she was a killer. She made a living off of ruining peoples lives. She looked up at her friend trying to read his face. What was he thinking right now...She was thinking that she was afraid of losing him if he ever found out what she did. Then why did she still do it? It was what she was good at. That and sex. She wasn't sure what else she could do if she wasn't killing people. It was how she paid for her house, her dog and even her booze and potions. Speaking which...She grinned and reached into her pocket and pulled out a small vile. She offered a bit to Theo after taking a small drink of it.

Small boys?! Theo choked out a chuckle as he took a deep gulp out of his drink. He was beginning to feel the effects a little more now. He will stop drinking when he gets the spins or even when his words start to slur. Theo did appreciate a good drink but he didn't appreciate being hung over. He wondered what guy is going home with him. Theo wanted to glance at the crowd to see if there was someone they knew hanging around. Maybe it was the bartender, maybe that is why she was calling him so much... oh-- no that was for drinks. Theo hated his jealously, but he usually had to use the lack of brains skills to work things through before saying anything. When she mentioned protecting her and being her boyfriend, he raised his arm and placed it upon her shoulders. A smirk rose and he kissed her on the cheek. "Only today, darling." He wished everyday that this could happen, not only for protecting her. He hated being this close to her. He wanted to be this close but with drinking there was a lack of self control. He just wanted to pull her away and be alone with her. Theo did not want to mess up his friendship though.

A grin graced her lips as she looked back at the man that was staring at her and she let out a laugh. "What it's probably true." She looked back at Theo and shrugged her shoulders. Artie was on her fourth ale and she already had two fire whiskeys. She was really starting to feel the effects of the liquor. Her flirty side was coming out more and more. Soon she wouldn't be afraid to tell Theo how she felt, or at least show him out she felt about him. When he said he would be her pretend boyfriend only tonight her face fell. She felt a sharp twinge in her heart and she knew that all of her assumptions were right. He didn't want to be with her, he only saw her as a friend now. Theo, her Philly Steak, had moved on. She bit her lip and replaced the hurt look with a smile instead. "So....what are toasting to...a good night..? Great Friends? What...?" She lifted her glass and tinked her's against his and took a large drink.

"I see, I've been uhm..working a lot too. Mostly nights though. You know...?" She bit down on her lip and put her glass back on the bar. Of course he would ask. "Work...well uh...it's been good I suppose." Looked down at her hands and let out a sigh. What was she supposed to say. She worked a lot she had a lot of marks to hit, people to kill. No, she couldn't she wouldn't. "Enough about work Theo....How's things. I haven't seen you in a few weeks. I missed you. We really should make more time for each other." Come on you daft man pick up on all the hints I'm giving you! She thought to herself.

"Toast to health and fun!" He smiled brightly at her kinking the cups together. He swished the drink around his mouth a little and finished it off. He was now starting to feel the effects. The world was spinning a little. It was time for Theo to stop and probably time for him to take a break. Maybe he should order some fries. That normally helped if you drank a lot. It adsorbs some of that beer and fire whiskey that was settling in his stomach. At least the spinning was not super bad and he was aware of everything around him. He did not want to be puking and usually when the spinning is very bad he starts to ralph. As she talked about her work, he listened to her. She was so pretty when she talked even though it seemed like she was hiding something about work with her mannerisms. He didn't want her to be uncomfortable though. Thankfully she changed the subject. She missed him?! Probably as a friend. He missed her too though. She thought they should make more time for each other also. Theo put his arm around her shoulder pulling her closer. "I always miss you Artie. You are my best friend." He smiled at her.

"Whenever you need dinner or just want to see me you can. If I am not working I am usually at my house doing nothing." He chuckled gently. He wanted to lay his down at the counter but he control it. He did keep his arm around her shoulder. "I love having you around. You make everything fun and exciting." He smiled back at her.

Theo wanted to kiss her, it probably was the drinks that made him want to try but he knew it was partially because he always wanted to kiss her. Whenever he seen her face or when she smiled, even when she talked he was drawn in and wanted to be in her life and be that special person for her. She made him want to be around her. Theo wanted everything to do with her life. Even if it was bad he wanted to be involved. Thinking about all this was making his stomach hurt... or maybe that was the drinking. "Artie..." He stared at her for a split second and then gently placed his hands on her face and kissed her on the nose. He made it look like he was about to kiss her on the face and done something different. He smiled when he did it also. He was a tease "You should rub my belly... it hurts." He chuckled. Obviously he was joking with her. His flirtatious and fun side was coming out. "It really does hurt." He looked back at the bartender and order some fries to help calm his stomach. Maybe it was just closer to the time to go home.

Artemis let out a small laugh before lifting her glass and gently hitting it against Theo's. She took a large drink and set her glass down. The effects of the alcohol were starting to hit her and she liked it. Especially with Theo around, fun things always happened when he was around. Artemis could handle her liquor she wasn't hungry so she would keep drinking and probably get even more drunk before the night was over. She had to hide things from him though, it was hard, he was her best friend and she had more than friendly feelings as well. But if he found out what she did for a living, she knew he wouldn't approve. He would want to protect her and he was too gentle and kind to understand her line of work. It was tough but she had to keep her job a secret. He wouldn't understand. Therefore that part of her life was concealed behind her face and she had to keep telling him she was a full time bartender in a pub in Knockturn alley.

"Well, in that case, I'll never leave." She grinned and looked at him. She wasn't ashamed to tell and show him that she cared about him. But the fact of the matter was that he obviously thought of her as a friend and nothing more. He had other people in his life and he deserved better than herself. He deserved someone that would care for him and treat him right. Someone that would give them all their time, love and affection. Aretmis couldn't do that. She didn't love...she didn't time for affection. "I love being around you Theo....You fill my dark days with bright things."

She would be lying to herself if she didn't say that she wanted to kiss him, she actually wanted more than a kiss but right now she'd settle for a kiss. He was so handsome and he had been her friend for years. They had dated and the only reason she'd really broke it off between the two was because she was scared. She was afraid of being hurt and most of she was really afraid of messing it up and losing Theo for good. But she would never admit that was the real reason. She was afraid of nothing or at least that's what she wanted everyone to believe. When he leaned down, looking at her like was going to kiss her, her heart made a leap for her throat. But when he only kissed her nose she tried hard not to show that she was a bit disappointed. "Rub your belly? Did you drink to much too fast love?" Steps into him and gently rubs him stomach not caring if he was kidding or not. It was a reason to touch him and she would take any opportunity she could. "Are you okay...?" Bites her lip and looks at him hoping he wasn't going to call it a night already. She wanted more time with him. She had missed him terribly and she wanted him to stay. If not come home with her.

"Well I am extremely glad I'm your bright and shiny thing? Am I neon?!" He let out a chuckle and looked around at his body. Theo cupped his hand around his eyes to see if he was glowing. Obviously he was being sarcastic and the tipsy was in. Theo was becoming drunk. Now he was going to be fun. He really did not care much about the people around him when he was drunk, especially around Artie. He felt alive and himself. He frankly did not even care if he was naked in a room, which is rare.... he was very insecure about himself. At least she still loved him as friend and cared about him. Theo would never let her leave his life. She would still be his best friend and if he ever had kids, that's an if, she would be their aunt and god-mother... whosoever his wife is had to deal with it. Unless she would be his wife. Theo never thought of that. Artie never seemed like the marrying type. She dated men, but did not seem like the type that settled down. Theo was a lover. He needed that companionship. He needed that long term relationship. He never had one except Artie, but mainly because he becomes attached and she is that one thing that never left his mind.

"Yeah I drank to fast, darling." He pouted slightly at her like a lost little puppy dog but he was really shocked when she actually started to rub his stomach. It felt so comfortable. If he was a puppy he would defiantly start wagging his tail. When she asked him when he was okay he could not take his eyes off of her. She looked so beautiful. When she bit her lip like that he seriously could not control himself... and that is just what happened. It was either was drinking or just how amazingly, beautiful she was at the moment... or even just how he felt about her but Theophilus gently grabbed her face and lifted her chin and kissed her softly but with a lot of pressure. He wrapped one hand around the back of her neck and enjoyed the kiss but not for to long. As soon as he was about to continue he was taken some place else.

This happened one other time in his life and it involved his mother leaving to France. He was in another area. There was flash of a dagger, then Artie's face. Her face just did not look like the same Artie that he looked like every day. She was scary. She was still her beautiful self but more angry and intimidating. There was another flash of a scene which brought him to a dead body on the ground with Artie above it with blood on her hands. What the hell was this?! Theo wanted to run but he could not. He was like a ghost in the area. He did not see the surroundings much and the real world came back as quickly as the vision came. Theo pulled away from Artie and almost fell out of his stool. "What the hell?!" Theo looked up at Artie. "What just happened?" He wondered if he blacked out for as long as he had the vision or if he was just imagining this. It was weird. The last time this happened the thing came true. Theophilus was not even sure what was going on. He was more confused about the vision... and this thing just ruined his kiss with the woman of his dreams. This was not cool.

Composing himself, he tried to shake the vision from his mind but it just did not disappear. Artie's face, blood, and that death was just shoved into his brain and glued there. It made his stomach hurt. It might be the alcohol that was making his stomach hurt but he was pretty sure it was seeing that graphic image. Theo went back on the seat and pulled out his pack of cigarettes and pulled one out. Slipping it into his mouth he lit it and took a drag. This was going to calm him down hopefully. Oh man he completely forgot about Artie.... as he turned his head back at her he smiled. "Sorry." He would have to try to hide what he seen... It would be smarter to talk to her about it but he needed to figure something out first. He was not even sure what these things were.

Artemis let out and audible laugh when he asked if he was neon. She shook her head and watched as he checked to see if he was. "No, no Theo. You're not glowing...." She could tell that he was getting drunk and to be honest so was Artemis. She was well on her way to feeling exceptionally good. And of course it was here with Theo. The night couldn't have gotten better. Well, it could if he slept with her, but maybe not while he was drunk. They would both only chalk it up to that and she really wanted to mean more than that. But there was no harm in kissing right? She thought not, but maybe Theo thought differently. Artemis never really thought about settling down with anyone but if she did, she would really want it to be Theo. He was a kind caring man, he was sweet, caring and kind. He treated her like a princess and she loved that he did that. Most men looked at her like a sex object, which normally she was okay with, but if she were married she would want respect and real love. Not just a convenient sort of marriage where all they got out of it was sex and children. Rugrats....did Theo want children? Oh that wasn't something she thought about. She wasn't sure she wanted to raise kids, especially with the kind of life she led.

Darling...She grinned at him and nodded. "I'm sorry, love. You should drink a little slower next time huh?" She loved the feeling of him, the warmth that he gave and the strong solid stomach that she rubbed to try and make him feel better. They're eyes connected and she smiled sweetly at him. He was so....unbelievably handsome and underneath it all, she knew she didn't deserve someone like him. But she really hoped he would be willing look past her flaws. No, that wasn't right... he deserved better than her. When he grabbed her face and lifted her chin she was expecting another kiss on the nose. But instead she felt his soft, warm lips on hers. She closed her eyes and instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck. He was so warm and comforting. She deepened the kiss a little and ran her tongue along his bottom lip before she pulled back and looked at him. His eyes were still closed and he seemed....distant somehow.

When he came too he pulled from her grasp and nearly fell down. What the hell was going on!? He asked the same thing only out loud. She took a step towards him and perked a brow at him. "Theo....what's....what...I mean are you okay? What happened...well we were kissing and then you were just..." She shook her head and looked down at her feet. Was her kissing ability that horrible? Did she some how disappoint him? "You were gone...well not physically...but you didn't respond." She bit down on her lip and refused to be hurt by it but she knew she really was. It was the first time they had kissed since Hogwarts and he just...pushed her away and nearly fell over. And not in a good way. "Was I really that bad of a kisser Philly...?"


Artie stared at him as he recomposed himself. What the..now he was just going to pretend none of that just happened? Was he nuts?! "Theo...tell me what just happened....I mean you had a major freak out. What's the matter...was it something I did?" Of course it probably was, she was almost always to blame in situations with Theo. He was too nice of a guy to make such a major mistake. "If-...if you want me to go...I can...." She wondered if he wanted to be left alone to his thoughts because obviously with her here, it was only making matters worse. Wait had he...MET someone?! Her heart sank and her mind ran wild with thoughts about why he was acting that way. "Theo...." She scooted closer to him and looked at him. The kiss had been cut short but she...had liked it. Very much.

This man was still working on composing himself while she asked him questions. Her kissing bad, not at all! Well, from what he could get from it. That kiss took him some place else. Theo really did want to tell her everything but she was not going to let him judge him or even mention what he saw. Was she really killing someone? "You kissing was not bad at all... just -- well, it was nothing." She continued to speak to him. He spaced off again with his thoughts. He really just wanted to shake that thought out of his mind. He could not even remove the image. It made his stomach ache. Death was not something he personally wanted to see again. How could people go through seeing those images every day of their lives? He could imagine the snatchers and all those death eaters that put that much misery into people. Theo did not want to think of it anymore. He quickly ordered another drink as she continued to speak next to him and scooted closer. Taking a swig, he looked at the woman next to him. She was such a beautiful creature, scary in that vision, but beautiful none-less.

"Its not you... not you at all. You are amazing, Artie. You don't have to go anywhere. I want you here. I always want you around me... just some issues. Kind of spaced out kissing you. Not your fault.... not at all your fault." He wanted to touch her to consul her but he was scared to touch her. What if he had another vision? What if it was even worse than the one he just had? There was no way it could get worse, but what if it did. He took a deep breath and put his arm around the woman next her... nothing happened. That was good. Maybe it was more physical contact. No kissing for a little while for him. "I'm okay now, stop worrying love." He smiled gently at her...

"I might have to go home soon... the spins are gone at least. I think your kissing did the job." He smiled at her gently. It was one of his simple smiles. He was just trying to make her feel better. The spins were gone though. The vision must have done the trick. He really just wanted to drink the thoughts out of his mind of what he thought... he needed self control more than ever. He needed to process what he saw and what this might mean. At least he was not the one dying to this beautiful woman in the dream. He was the lucky man to have her by his side. "Want to get out of here or enjoy this lovely establishment a little more?"