The Knight Condominium
It's a condominium on the Upper East Side.
Characters
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| Jenna Donovan | Siobhan Knight | Harper Donovan | Chance Harper |
The first two poses were somehow lost, the scene starts en media res.
Chance has a beer of his own, and is leaning against the bar, watching the small crowd. He's introduced himself to a few people, and he doesn't feel out of place or out of sorts. He's actually halfway involved in a conversation with a tall redhead young lady from Julliard and a lanky guy whom is evidently an old acquaintance from Dalton. He's halfway involved, because while the topic is surprisingly interesting, he's dividing his attention between the conversation and subtly watching Jenna.
**
Harper is running late. The party is well underway, and he's not yet arrived. He had a 'discussion' with his father, about two things. One; keeping an eye on his sister and ensuring she remembered to block out the idiocy of the others. Two; making sure that since he was crashing in Siobhan's room that they were careful.
He just rolled his eyes to the latter, and reminded him that Jenna didn't usually drink all that much so keeping her stable and sane would be fairly easy.
Walking into the apartment, he carries two large bags of ice with him. These are brought into the kitchen and set into the freezer before he heads out to the party and wraps his arms around Siobhan.
**
With a happy little sigh, Siobhan leans back against her boyfriend. "Here I thought you were going to stand me up." She's teasing, because the witch knew he was running late, and also knows that he won't do such a thing. She twists around to smile at him and lean up to press a light, welcoming kiss to his mouth.
"Missed you," Siobhan whispers against his lips.
It's a little bit odd that the witch isn't dancing as that is her forte, but she's working up to it.
**
The empath has had her eye on Chance on and off all night. It's amusing. Every time she looks over, if he's looking at her she quickly looks away. When he's not? She watches him openly. When her brother arrives, Jenna pulls her eyes away from Chance and turns toward 'the happy couple' and offers them a small wave.
Tobey sneaks up behind her at that point and eaasily lifes her up and twirls her around so that she's tight in his embrace. Laughing, she gives him a shove and squeaks, "You nearly made me spill my drink!"
**
Chance's gaze narrows and his stances shifts when Jenna's dance partner spins her around. He relaxes, though, when she laughs, but polishing off his beer, decides he's had enough of sitting on the sidelines.
"Excuse me, I'm going to go steal a dance," Chance tells his conversation partners, right before slipping off toward Jenna.
"Mind if I cut in?"
**
"Yeah, well, had an unavoidable chat with my father." Harper wrinkles his nose and then squeezes her more tightly. "I brought ice." Harper knows it's a stupid thing to say, but he says it regardless. He did bring ice, whether the hostess cares or not, she should know that there is extra if anybody wants some.
"Why aren't you dancing, Flutterbee?"
**
Siobhan rubs his arm sympathetically. She can imagine what that chat was about.
"Well, you're here now, and that's what matters."
A single shoulder shrug is given, "I haven't felt like it yet." Tilting her head back, Siobhan gives him a saucy grin and then shimmies back against him to the beat of the music. "Or maybe I was waiting for you."
The witch gives Jenna a finger wave in return, and watches as Chance makes his way over to her friend's side. She really hopes that he's going to pull his head out of his ass and wake up and smell the coffee.
**
"Chance!"
Beat.
"Of course not. I can promise I'm not half as good as Shiv is…" Jenna really isn't, and she's not ashamed to tell him so. Twisting about she sets one hand to his neck and wriggles her way down his body. "It's good to see you." As though she's not seem him pretty much every night this week.
"Do you think your abuela would appreciate a thank you card for the lovely evening last night?"
**
"I don't think that anyone is as good as Shiv is," Chance laughs. It's not an insult to Jenna; he did see the show Shiv and Preston put on at the ball, and he knows he certainly can't compare to that. "I think you're better than you think you are, though."
Chance sets a hand to her hip, and grins at her movements. As she comes back up, he moves with her, twisting his hips with hers.
"I think that she likes you so much, she'll be delighted by anything you do."
**
"Were you waiting for me?" Harper chuckles deeply, and then brushes his lips over her neck. "Kick back and have fun, Siobhan. I don't mind. I'll watch the place for you. Keep things from getting out of hand."
Playfully tugging her ponytail, he whispers, "I can collect keys and make sure no one dares to drive home."
**
Siobhan gives a little shiver at the touch of his lips. It's both elating and scary how easily he can affect her. Turning, she gives him a proper, thorough kiss. Wrapping a hand around the back of his head, setting one hand to his shoulder and sliding it down his back until she can grasp his backside. Her tongue teases along the seam of his lips, and gaining entry, Siobhan kisses him quite sexily.
"That's a preview," Siobhan whispers with a wink when the kiss breaks.
Twirling away from him, she gives him a little finger wave, blows him another kiss and sets off to the area that's been designated as the dance floor. She has no doubt that he'll join her for one of the slower songs when the time comes.
**
Handwritten thank you card it is then. Jenna smiles at him, and then leans in to whisper, "I'll send her flowers too then. Just to make her smile." Because she can, and she thinks that his grandmother deserves to be spoiled for helping to raise him into the young man he is today.
The empath does her best not to press against Chance too much while she's dancing with him. She's trying to keep it friendly and not tease either one of them with her movements.
"I'm glad you came."
**
Chance has no problems with the dancing, and won't object no matter how close Jenna chooses to dance. He demonstrates such by stepping closer to her, dropping his other hand on her other hip, and giving her a soft squeeze. "You're too damn sweet by far, Jenna Donovan."
Beat.
"That's not a complaint. It's one of the things I like about you."
Beat.
Chance circles around, sliding to dance behind her, hands still loosely on her hips. He dips his head to whisper in her ear, "Wouldn't have missed it, Magpie."
**
It's a good thing Siobhan twirls away when she does, because it allows Harper to move to step behind a table. That kiss has a very obvious effect on him, and he clears his throat a few times.
"Damn, Flutterbee, if that's just a preview…" He suddenly wants to chase everyone out of the building so the two of them can be alone.
**
It's a heady thing, the way Siobhan can affect him, and she's glad to know that it goes both ways. She'll dance a bit, maybe pay a visit to Jenna's sundae bar, and then drag her boyfriend out on the dance floor with her.
The witch doesn't seek out a partner, once she makes it to the dance floor. She's perfectly content to dance with herself, losing herself in the rhythm and the music. Her body finds the tempo and carries it, her moves sure and exact, fluid and twisting. A step and a shimmy, a twist of her hips and slow undulations of her body as she lets go on the dance floor. Hands reach up to tug the ponytail free, and then she's twirling and grinding away to the sound.
**
There's a little bit of a freeze as she feels Chance behind her. It's not a bad thing, but the desire that Jenna has to just lean back against him is very strong. She catches herself doing it once, then starts to draw back.
Right before she thinks 'to hell with it' and goes in for Siobhan's plan of 'let him know how she feels'. It's not crawling into his lap and kissing him soundly, but she does lean against him and wriggles her backside against him.
"Good."
Beat.
Lifting her drink to her lips, she takes a sip and then offers it to him. It's really sweet, and she knows most guys don't like that, but it's just the natural thing to do.
**
The song changes, something slower, but not too a slow dance, just enough to change the pacing and rhythm of the dancing. It gives Chance an excuse to slide his hand up to her stomach and pull her back against him, guiding their bodies in time to the beat. No, he may not be a professional dancer, but he can keep a beat and he's relaxed enough that he's not terrible dancing this way.
When the drink is offered, Chance takes a sip. "Not bad." He dips his head to speak into her ear, "Interesting use of vodka and ice cream."
Teasingly grinding against her, Chance comments playfully. "You know, you're not that bad of a dancer."
**
Harper groans when Siobhan starts to dance. He hates watching her dance. He always has. There's something overly sensual about the way she moves her body, and it's not really helping his current issue.
When she pulls her ponytail free, that just becomes worse.
Despite his 'issue' at the moment, he pushes through a few of their friends and wraps an arm around Siobhan's waist again.
"Flutterbee, unless you want everyone here to know what you do to me, you may want to tone it down a little. I already want to take you up to one of the rooms."
**
"Then dance with me." Siobhan wraps her arms around her boyfriend's neck, swaying to the music. "I'll tone it down, if you dance with me. I promise, nothing fancy. Just stand here and sway and step side to side." Harper really isn't a terrible dancer when he's dancing with her, or maybe she's just good at getting partners to follow her lead. Besides, she wouldn't care if he was terrible. She'll happily dance with him all night no matter what.
"One song, and then we'll get something to drink."
Her angle gives her a perfect glimpse of Jenna and Chance from over Harper's shoulder and she giggles. The pair looks good together, and a little more than friendly.
**
"Chocolate vodka float," she explains with a giggle. "That's why we got you to pick up the thirty-two flavors." Jenna knows there aren't that many bottles of vodka around, but there are enough flavors that she's not going to be able to try all of them tonight. Not if she plans on staying in a happy stage of tipsy, rather than being completely plastered.
As he grinds against her, Jenna's eyes widen in comical surprise. She's got to bite her lip hard so as not to make a sound. She fails though and a pleased little whimper escapes as she presses back against him.
**
Chance freezes briefly at the whimper. Because he's not expecting it, because he wonders how far he should take the bit of flirtatious dancing he's doing, and hell, because he has a very visceral physiological reaction to it. He knows from experience that dancing really is one of the best forms of foreplay, and he's honestly not trying to get Jenna into bed.
What is he doing then?
Debating crossing a line, one that once crossed, he won't be able to go back from. He likes Jenna, though, he knows that much, and he's willing to try the whole not booty calls thing. But there's still that nagging in the back of his head.
His fingers play a soundless tune over her abdomen and Chance pulls her closer. He debates dragging her off somewhere to talk, but he knows she's told him all that she has to say. He just needs to be willing to take that chance.
There's another pause, a slow consideration for a few beats before Chance leans down and presses a very not chaste kiss to the side of her neck.
**
He is not a dancer. Harper knows that his girlfriend knows this, but instead of arguing with her he simply stays put. He sways a little, not doing too much work to dance. He can dance when he wants to but he's not great with the faster songs. His preference is with the slow songs where he can hold her close.
Following her gaze, he blinks.
"When the hell did that happen?"
**
Siobhan giggles again. Yes, she's enjoying Harper's surprise. Also, the two beers that she had before Harper arrived might just be kicking in to give her a little bit of a buzz. "I don't think that it has happened yet. We're watching it streaming live."
Siobhan is quite content dancing like this and she leans up to press a kiss to the tip of Harper's nose. "Good for her. Good for him."
Beat.
"Don't worry. Chance won't take advantage of her." One, because he knows Siobhan will kick his ass, both physically and magically, and two, because he knows Harper will kick his ass. Three, because for all that he may be a playboy, Siobhan knows from their conversation that that's now how he views Jenna.
**
"Ohhhh," Jenna whispers at the kiss. It's a definitely unexpected thing, and she nearly asks him how much he's had to drink. Teeth nip on her lower lip, and she grinds back against him again. Neck rolling to the side a little, she sets her free hand to his and holds him in place for a few seconds.
If that's all she's going to get, she wants to commit it all to memory before he backs off and reminds her that they're just friends.
When he doesn't seem to be doing that, she takes a slow sip of her drink.
"That feels… good…"
**
Chance has to remind himself that this is probably all new territory for Jenna. He can't go too far, too fast and he can't let things get out of control. He swallows softly and gives a quiet chuckle. "What does?"
Beat.
"This?"
He kisses the side of her neck again, lips lingering for a few seconds longer than before.
**
"I'm not worried about him," Harper mutters, "I'm worried about her. I know where her thoughts have been for the last few weeks." He knows he doesn't have to remind Siobhan of that. He may not have been around his sister as much as earlier in the summer when he came home, but they still sleep under the same roof most nights, and he knows what's been going on inside of her head as she was falling asleep.
"She's half in love with him."
Hands slide down to her hips, and he turns them away from the other pair so as to give them a little privacy.
**
Harper's concern is sweet and expected. Siobhan sighs, not resisting being turned away. She really doesn't want to watch Jenna make out with Chance, if that's where things are going.
She reaches up and brushes the back of her fingers along her boyfriend's cheek. "Hey, you think I don't know that? Or get that? I love Jenna, I don't want to see her get hurt."
Beat.
"I've talked to Chance and he really likes her. He's just confused because I don't think he's ever let himself go this far with that sort of feeling before. He wouldn't be trying anything if he wasn't ready to try the whole real relationship thing."
**
It is all new territory for Jenna, but she is enjoying it. He's not going to hurt her. The chuckle over her skin leaves the empath trembling a little. Squeezing his hand she whispers, "What you just did."
There's a beat, and a swallow before she runs her tongue over her lips to moisten them.
"Yes," she murmurs quietly, voice breathy and filled with a sensuality she didn't even realize she'd be able to muster. "That."
**
"Oh," Chance says with exaggerated surprise, as though he hadn't known that was what she meant. He nips playfully at her ear, trailing a pattern over her stomach with his fingertips.
"Hmm…" Chance draws the sound out in a long purr, and clicks his tongue against the roof his mouth. "If you like it so much, I might have to think about doing it again."
Beat.
He doesn't, though, not right away. First he kisses just behind her ear, and then drops a lingering kiss to the side of her throat. As he draws back, he smiles against her skin.
**
"That's not it, Shiv."
It is it partly at least. Harper is concerned about his twin being hurt. He knows she has been hurt in the past before and because of that she's avoided bothering with straight men. He doesn't want to see her playing 'beard' for her entire life.
"My sweet, innocent sister, has a rather dirty mind when she's thinking about him." Clearing his throat, he laughs. "Maybe it's good for both of them, but didn't she say she wanted to date around?"
**
"I know what she thinks about when she thinks of him," Siobhan gives Harper a wink. "I may not be able to read minds Lover Boy, but girls talk." Among other things. "It might be good for her." The opportunity to explore a real relationship and few of the lighter physical aspects. Siobhan doesn't want to see her friend get hurt, and wants her to be happy, but that's going to mean putting herself out there and taking those kind of risks that might get her hurt.
Like Jenna said, you have to kiss a lot of toads.
"She did. When she was trying to decide between Chance and Quin. She wanted to get to know them both," Siobhan bites her lips and sighs. "She says that she'd realized the guy she really wanted though was Chance, while Quin was in Vegas anyway."
**
Jenna's knees feel weak, and she's not at all sure she's going to be able to stay in an upright position for much longer. At least not of her own free will. Blushing, she nods just a little and tries to whisper something to him. The words are lost in soft murmur before she finally manages, "I do. I like it very much."
Only he's not doing it again. He's doing something entirely different, and she presses back against him, thankful that he's got his hands where he does so he can hold her up.
"Ohhh," she squeaks again. That feels rather amazing too.
**
Chance inhales a breath and remembers to 'check himself at the door.' He's not empathic, but he can feel the difference in Jenna's responses, the soft words and the way she leans against him. It's a little endearing - and a little scary - how she responds and how clearly inexperienced she is.
Sweeping his mouth upwards, he places a delicate kiss to her temple. It's not seductive, but the feeling behind it is affectionate and more than platonic. Then he playfully spins her around so that she's facing him, with both his hands on her waist.
"Wanna come help me mix the perfect ice cream drink?" Chance asks with a boyish grin, resting his forehead against hers. It'll give her some breathing space, and he hopes that she'll read between the lines that he's not retreating back to the friend-zone.
**
"It might be," Harper replies, trying to not look back at his sister and the sorcerer. He does think it'll be good for her, he just doesn't want her getting in over her head.
"But do you think we can stop talking about my sister now, so that I can focus on you, Flutterbee? There's only a few weeks left before I head off to school and I want to make the most of our time together."
Beat.
"To remind you that I'm not going anywhere."
**
"Whatever you want," Siobhan grins. "I'm all yours. Whatever you want to talk about, whatever you want to do."
She finishes up with a light brush of her lips across his. The current song changes, moving down into something slow and soft, perfectly conducive for slow dancing.
Siobhan steps closer, nuzzling his neck before resting her head on his shoulder.
**
Jenna's eyes are nearly closed when he spins her around. Peering up at him through her lashes, she blushes a little and then smiles. The complete affection is something new. It's been there in the background before but never so up front. Chewing on her lower lip, she reaches behind him to set her glass down on the mantle.
The empath doesn't answer him right away. She takes a breath, then another, trying to regain some equilibrium.
One hand reaches for the side of his face, fingers tickling lightly against it. Then she kisses him on the other cheek, lips lingering as she slowly inhales.
"Alright. Let's go make your perfect flavor."
**
The timid, sweet little kiss makes Chance smile. He turns his head, just enough to catch the corner of her mouth. It's not meant to be an all out full on kiss; at this point, he really doesn't think he should do that just yet. She needs to regain her footing and he needs to know that she's not overly drunk - either from the alcohol or from the buzz she may be getting off of other people.
"Got any suggestions?" Chance takes her hand in his and leads the way to the sundae bar.
**
Holding her close, Harper grins. He rests his head atop hers, and inhales the scent of her hair. Quietly, he dances them around. Not yet ready to talk. It's not until they reach a far corner that he pulls the small box out of his pocket.
The other reason he was late.
The box is Tiffany blue, and he draws back from the dance to offer it to her.
**
Siobhan could get used to this. The dancing and being held so closely. Feeling treasured and loved, and she closes her eyes, forgetting that they're not alone in the room. For a short time, it is just the two of them. Siobhan doesn't realize that he's danced them into a corner until he stops moving and steps back enough to offer her the small blue box.
Dark eyes shoot to his face curiously and then back to the box. It's ring sized, but the witch knows it's not that kind of ring. Still her hand is slightly shaking as she takes it, her heart pounding harshly in her chest with the sort of wicked eager anticipation.
She takes a deep, gasping breath and blinks when she sees the beautiful butterfly ring.
"OhmigodHarper," comes out in a rough of breath, the words tumbling together and into one another.
Then she's throwing one arm around him (the other has the hand that's hugging the ring box close to her chest) and kissing him quite soundly.
**
"Nope."
Beat.
Jenna loops her arm through his as they walk. She's not really afraid to lose him in the crowd. It's kind've a laid back party where she knows everyone, and they're just sort've grouped together or in pairs anyhow. But she likes being this close to him, and with the affection and teasing, she doesn't want to stop touching him. Not yet.
"I guess it depends if you want sweet, or tart, or a little of both. I could make you a banana split, though it's got a bit more alcohol than a regular one might. Three ounces instead of one."
**
Chance isn't going to be lost and he has no intentions of leaving Jenna or running off for a quick hook up. He also has no plans to hook up with Jenna, not in the sense of dragging her off to bed for a fun screw and one-night stand. If he's being truthful, Chance will admit that he honestly has no idea what he's doing, and that's he's mostly winging it right now.
So far, it's working. He's comfortable, she's comfortable if a little overwhelmed, and he knows when to pull back.
"I like the banana split idea. I promise, I can handle three ounces, and there won't be any dancing with lampshades on my head or ill-gotten tattoos."
**
Laughing as Siobhan throws her arms around him, Harper squeezes her tightly. "You're wrong, Flutterbee, it is that type of ring."
Waiting until the passion of the kiss has died down and they both need to breathe, he grabs about the waist and cradle-carries her off to the balcony. Only so that Jenna doesn't get overwhelmed by Siobhan's emotions.
"For now, it's a promise to you. That I'll be back in eight months to propose to you in a more fitting manner. You don't need to give an answer now. I want you to hold onto it for the next year, okay? It's also a promise that when I go back to school, no matter what is going on I will be back at least once a month to spend the weekend with you. You are the brightest light in my life, Siobhan Knight. This is my promise to be faithful, to keep loving you despite our separation, and to be there for you when you need me. Any time of day or night."
**
Siobhan's surprise turns into a giggle that morphs into a delighted, effervescent squeal when Harper carries her off to the balcony. She stands there and stares at him as he speaks, her heart thudding in her chest, her emotions bubbling up. Amazement, awe, love, disbelief, hope, happiness, loyalty and so many more.
She has an answer now, and it's written all over her face with her heart shining out of her misting eyes. The witch says nothing, however, just nods her head and cups his cheek in her hand. "I love you, Harper Donovan."
Beat.
"I love you so much. I promise you that I'm not going anywhere, I'm going to be here waiting for you, dreaming about you, and looking forward to every moment that we spend together."
Her hand tightens around the ring box, she blinks back tearss and leans up to brush her lips across him. "I love you." It's a whisper, but it's filled with the depths of her love and affection, as is the next kiss.
**
"Why don't we split it? The chocolate is too sweet for me anyhow, and I've only had a few sips of it." Jenna nudges his side with her elbow and grins. "Well if you're planning on dancing with lampshades, at least let me do it with you?"
When they reach the sundae bar, she reaches for a tall glass. She fills it just under three quarters full with vanilla cream soda. Then she gets the shotglass and starts to measure out the chocolate vodka.
"So chocolate, banana, and strawberry, then vanilla ice cream on top. Whipped cream? A cherry? Chocolate sauce? You name it, I'll make it, Cowboy."
**
"Nope. If we're going to do something together, we'll get hideous, mispelled tattoos on our backsides," Chance winks at her. "Splitting it, it is." He leans against the bar and watches her work. With a smirk, Chance innocently reaches out and pinches her backside lightly.
"Whipped cream and a cherry." He can think of plenty of innuendo, but he chooses to behave himself and keep those words locked away.
**
The overwhelming emotions are coming at an onslaught, and they cause Harper to smile. He knows that it's got to be a surprise to her, but at the same time he knows that deep down she was hoping for it. He didn't need to read her thoughts for that. Harper simply knows her well enough to know that she'd say yes if he asked. Which is why he didn't really ask. At least not yet.
Harper breaks the kiss slowly. Not wanting to be apart from her. Taking her left hand in his, he reaches for the ring box.
"Siobhan Knight, will you promise to wear my ring until I can come back and ask you properly? After asking your father for permission?"
**
The witch stands there with her eyes closed for several heartbeats after the kiss breaks. She's savoring it, recording it and this moment into her memory. This will be one of those stories she tells her children and her grandchildren, when they're old enough to care about romanticism and how all these things begin. She knows that she has a ridiculously sweet and dreamy smile on her face, and doesn't care.
Her eyes flutter open when she feels Harper reaching for the ring box and taking her hand. She answers him with a nod of her head. Or rather, she tries to answer him, but all that comes out is squeak.
Cheeks pinking, Siobhan laughs. She swallows, clears her throat and tries again. "I promise."
**
"Hmm. Then I'll have to think of something horribly hideous to get misspelled." Jenna giggles, and adds in the banana vodka, then the strawberry. She stirs it into the soda, and then scoops a rather large helping of the vanilla ice cream on top of it.
Reaching for the whipped cream, she squeaks loudly when Chance pinches her backside. Blushing, she giggles again and spins to face him. "I have no idea what's gotten into you tonight, Cowboy, but… keep it up."
Clearing her throat, she quickly turns back and sprays some whipped cream atop the float, and adds two cherries. Two bendy straws go into the drink then, and she bites her lip.
Plucking one of the cherries from the top of it, she quietly whispers, "Do you want my cherry, Chance?"
**
Chance feigns the most innocent look that he can. He blinks at Jenna with wide blue eyes. "I have no idea what you're talking about, Magpie."
Chance starts and then laughs when she says what she does about the cherry. Winking at her, he matches her whisper, "I really think you should be careful who you offer that to."
Beat.
"But if you're offering, I'll certainly be happy to eat your cherry." With an impish smile, Chance leans in and sucks the cherry into his mouth.
**
Harper brushes his hands over Siobhan's hair, and then pulls her in for another tight hug. "Good. Because now I suppose I need to talk to your father and he may just try to leave me in the Hamptons," he teases with a chuckle.
Sliding the ring onto her finger, he presses a kiss to her temple.
"I'm sorry it took so long to find my way to you, Flutterbee, but I promise to make up for it the rest of my life."
**
"He likes you too much to leave you in the Hamptons," Siobhan laughs. The witch is practically floating on air. She leans into the hug, and when the ring is on her finger, she lifts her hand up to admire in the big city lights. Not quite as romantic as moonlight, but it will do just as well.
"It's perfect," Siobhan whispers, looking down at the ring. Then she lifts her gaze to look at her boyfriend. Wrapping an arm around his neck, she strokes the hairs there. "Nothing to apologize for. You were worth the wait. We were worth the wait."
**
The look causes her to laugh, and shake her head. Something has gotten into Chance, but Jenna's not going to press the issue. She'd be worried that he's drunk, but she can feel that he's not when she touches his hand. He's still mostly sober like she is.
"I have been. Very careful. That's why I'm offering it to you." Her voice still hasn't gone above a whisper.
Leaning forward, she chases the cherry into his mouth with a kiss.
**
Her next words are just as surprising as her first, and Chance has half a mind to ask her if she's drunk. That's awfully forward for Jenna, and more so for a young woman who isn't ready to dive head first into something serious. He's trying to find a proper response when her mouth is against his and she's kissing him.
Again. At a party.
Later, he might laugh at that, but right now, it's difficult to kiss her and manage the cherry in his mouth, at least to kiss her properly.
Chance is nothing if not creative, however, and he reaches out to cup her cheek, taking control of the kiss. Tucking the cherry into his cheek, he parts her lips with his tongue and after wrapping his tongue around hers, he nips her lower lip and draws back. Only long enough to pop the cherry out of his mouth and into a napkin, before he leans in and kisses her again.
**
"Does he? Even though I'll be taking his daughter away from him?" Harper raises his brow at that, though he smiles as he watches her examine her ring in the light. "When we are in the Hamptons, you can look at the ring in proper lighting." The sun will cause it to sparkle too.
"We were. I know it is a lot to ask, for you to wait a year."
**
"He does." Siobhan bumps Harper with her hip. "Otherwise he'd been hanging around and scowling at you, or giving you that 'I use scapels for a living' speech and look every time you come over." It's how he's tried to chase off her boyfriends in the past. "I think he'll consider it gaining a son."
"I can, and I will." She's never taking it off, not even once they're engaged and married; she'll just get it sized to fit on a different finger.
"A year's not that long. We'll both be so busy finishing up school that it will fly by."
**
It really is forward of her, but Jenna's quite made up her mind. If anyone's going to get that gift, it's going to be Chance. She does think that they're going to have to sit down and have a talk eventually, but tonight is about having fun.
She's about to take the cherry from his mouth when he tucks it into his cheek. Feeling his tongue against hers, she wraps her arms around his neck. When he draws back, she pouts a little. The kiss isn't broken too long though, and when he kisses her again she delves right back into it. She hasn't kissed a whole hell of a lot of guys so she's more than willing to let him take control of the kiss. That doesn't mean she's not giving it her all. Throwing as much passion as she can into it.
**
Jenna's kiss might not be very experienced, but what it's lacking in skill, it more than makes up for in eagerness and enthusiasm. Chance is pleased that she's willing to be led, and he threads his fingers into her hair, one hand at the small of her back, teasing his tongue around her mouth, slow and sure, and breaking apart to suck on her bottom lip when they need to catch their breath. His affection for her, his interest in her is there, written in the kiss and on display for anyone who looks their way to see. The sorcerer has not kissed her like that before.
Chance breathes in and out slowly, pressing his lips to her cheek. "Better not let that drink go to waste, Magpie." Flahing her a boyish grin, Chance slides his hand down over her backside and gives her a wink. "I'm not going anywhere."
**
"That's the speech I'm afraid of getting in the Hamptons," Harper replies with a grin. He knows Robert very well, almost like a second father. But he's never spoken to the Knights in regards to dating their daughter. He doesn't want to disrespect them, or upset them about his promise to Siobhan.
"Let's hope so." He is willing to wait if they ask it of him. He knows they're both under twenty-one at the moment and that neither of them is in a rush for a slip of paper.
"I will come back once a month for you, Flutterbee. At the very least."
**
"He likes you." Siobhan pats his chest soothingly. She's not going to say that Harper won't get some sort of speech, because she knows that he will. Siobhan has already gotten a few herself, but they've ended with hugs and/or wistful looks as her father truly is starting to come to the realization that she isn't his little girl anymore. Her mother? Probably already ordering the monogramed towels. H and S on each side with a big D in the middle.
"The worse that can happen is that they ask us to wait a year or two for their blessing. I'm more than willing to do that." She rests her head on his chest. She really doesn't think it will be an issue.
"And until I get busy prepping for the holiday shows, I'll come up and see you."
**
Jenna has no issues allowing the more experienced sorcerer to take the lead, simply because part of her enjoys that he's willing to, and the other part is focused on making it the best kiss every. It is too. At least for her.
Chance draws away, and slowly, almost shyly, Jenna brings the tips of her fingers to her lips. Blushing at him, she dips her head and then closes her eyes. The kiss is definitely being locked away in memory. She never wants to lose that feeling.
"Drink?"
Beat.
"You're not?"
She's at a bit of a loss for words, because she's not quite sure what to make of that.
"IthoughtyouonlywantedsomethingnotseriouswhichI'mfinewithifthat'swhatyouwant…"
**
With a chuckle, Chance reaches for the drink and takes a sip. He blinks and grins, "Banana split."
Brushing a lock of hair away from her face, his grin stays in place. It's soft and fond, "And I thought you wanted to date around and not get serious."
Offering her virginity up on a silver platter is pretty serious, and that's why Chance won't oblige that. Not at this point in time. That's a gift that shouldn't be given away easily; it should be earned and he sure as hell hasn't earned that sort of gift.
"I just like being with you, Jenna. We have a good time and it's comfortable. I'd like to … let's just see where it goes and what happens, okay? I'm good with that."
**
"I'd wait as long as necessary for you, Flutterbee." Harper hugs her again, just enjoying the solitude of the moment. He does glance inside just to get a grip on where his sister is, and when he sees that she's still with Chance, he smiles. The sorcerer isn't quite ready for something serious, and he knows that his twin isn't in a hurry for things, so they'll be able to just relax tonight. He also knows that if he and Siobhan slip off somewhere, Chance will keep his sister safe.
"I'll be back at the beginning of December anyhow."
**
"Why not? I did it for you." Siobhan wrinkles up her nose and twitches it, her voice teasing. She hasn't glanced back inside, because it's a friendly small party and she knows that Jenna is safe with Chance. If her bestie strays, Preston will tear himself away from his winning hands to keep an eye on 'Songbird.'
"Hardly any time at all," Siobhan remarks. "Just in time for all the Christmas pageantry and hoopla and the Cartwrights' Christmas Ball in the Hamptons." She makes something of small face because she isn't a fan of the Cartwrights' daughters, or their arrogant son, but the Ball is both a tradition and for charity. "At least this year, I get to officially go with you." That will make it so much more bearable.
**
A deep breath is taken, and Jenna grins. "I told you I can make a good banana split."
There's a pause, and she nibbles on her lower lip. "I'm a woman. I do believe it's in our handbook that we're allowed to change our minds." It's not as though she's asking him to do anything drastic right now. At a party, filled with everyone she knows, and everyone crashing here tonight… it's not the right place or time.
"I like being with you too, Chance."
Beat.
"And I plan on remembering that kiss forever."
**
"You did and can," Chance agrees taking another sip of the drink. He offers it out to her, still sipping because there are two straws.
"You're cute when you do." Chance taps her lip gently. "Cuter."
Beat.
"And I'm a man. We're allowed to be adventerous and try new things." Which means he's willing to try the whole 'dating-relationship' thing as opposed to the strictly booty-call-relationship thing.
"Don't. It wasn't my best work," Chance winks.
**
"I know."
Harper scoops her up and twirls her around in a playful manner then begins to carry Siobhan back inside. "Let me get you a drink. Anything you want, I'll take care of it. Just tell me if you want one of those amusing concoctions of Jenna's or not, because I'm not even going to attempt to make a vodka float."
**
As probably expected, Siobhan's giggle mixes with a little playful squeal at the twirling. She's in a good mood, and with very good reason. She gives her boyfriend a quick peck on the mouth. "Oooh … but I do want to try one of those. Orange creamsicle or … mint chocolate."
Beat.
"I'll make you one, unless you'd rather not be that adventerous." It sounds too fun to pass up to Siobhan, though it will probably lend her a hand toward tipsy. Which will probably make her a little bit … amorous.
"Just one and I'll go slow with it."
**
Lips set around the second straw, and she takes a slow sip of it. Slow, because she knows that if she takes a fast drink she'll wind up with an ice cream headache. Jenna watches him from beneath her lashes, and reaches out to touch his arm.
The touch allows her to pick up on the meaning of his adventurous comment, and she blushes deeply. She may not be holding out hope for something like that, but that he's at least considering it a possibility? That's a good thing.
"I don't care. It was our first real kiss, and it's worth remembering. You can show me your best work later, if you're really not planning on going anywhere."
**
Chance fakes confusion, "The other ones were fake?" He knows exactly what she means, and after a few seconds, his lips twitch into a deep smile. He takes another sip of the drink and looks around. The party is going well, and still in full swing, and the night is early yet.
"I'm not, but you have to be a good girl."
**
"You can have as many as you like. I'll make sure you're alright." They're among friends, so Harper's not too worried about his girlfriend getting plastered. "How about you make one of each. I'll drink whichever one you decide you don't want, or we can share them both." That way he can try both as well.
"Then, when you're done your drink, if you want to relocate somewhere I'll tell Pres he can watch the party for you."
**
"I know you will." Siobhan isn't worried about being taken advantage of or anything of the sort, she'd just rather not be puking into the toilet all night or have her magic go a bit haywire. It hasn't, between working with Chance and Brooke and the crystals, but why tempt fate? A pleasant buzz is all she needs to keep having fun.
"Somewhere private?" Siobhan teases with a salacious wink. Her intentions may be pure - or they may not - but she still likes to tease.
When they reach the sundae bar, she grins over at Jenna and Chance. "Okay, you two, you're taking up space," Siobhan waves her hands at them in a playful shooing motion. "Other people want to give this a try."
**
"A good girl? And what, pray tell, do I need to do to be a good girl?" Swirling her tongue around the straw to get rid of a little bit of the whipped cream, she takes another sip.
Then something sparkly catches Jenna's eye. The flash is coming from Siobhan's hand, and she blinks a few times. It takes only a second for her to stop pressing her hand against Chance's side and try to catch the hand in question.
"Ohmigawd!"
Staring at her brother, Jenna grins. "You didn't, did you?" Squeaking, she runs and throws her arms around Siobhan, and then Harper in succession. "Congratulations!"
**
"Just keep being yourself," Chance winks at Jenna. He takes another sip from the straw, blue eyes watching her intently as she licks the whipped cream. "Maybe join me in the hot tub later?"
When Siobhan and Harper arrive, Chance isn't at all sure what's gotten into Jenna. Not until she grabs Siobhan's hand and he can see the diamond encrusted ring there glittering and sparkling in the light. The butterfly ring isn't a traditional engagement ring, and more than that, Chance is surprised that Siobhan is wearing it at all.
It seems fast to him, but then again, he hasn't had a 'relationship' that lasted more than a few romps in the hay, so what does he know about relationships that have been waiting to happen for years?
"Yeah, congratulations, you two." Chance may be confused by the suddenness of it, but the congratulations is genuine. If they're happy, he's happy for them.
**
"Not exactly," Harper answers his sister. He is grinning at the surprise and happiness on her face, though he knew that out of everyone, Jenna would be the one to accept it completely without question.
"It's a promise ring. I don't think we're quite ready to get engaged just yet." He and Siobhan know the difference but he's not going to say without a doubt that it is something more until he's got her answer, and he told her he's waiting for a year for it.
"You two look quite snuggly," he comments, pulling on Jenna's braid as he tries to pull the attention off of Siobhan and himself.
**
"No, we're not." Siobhan's looking at Harper as she says the words, and there's a good deal of heat and love in the look. He has her answer, even if she hasn't spoken it, but she'll give him that year. No more than that and it will be exactly a year from now that she'll say the word aloud.
"But you'll be one of the first to know," Siobhan promises Jenna. She holds out her hand for her bestie to admire the ring. It's gorgeous, she knows it, and it's perfect for her.
Her boyfriend is trying to distract the other pair, bur Siobhan can't bring herself to tease Jenna, not when she knows how strongly Jenna feels about Chance. Instead she shoots the sorcerer a mock suspicious look. "You do look cozy. Are you putting the moves on my BFF?"
**
"I don't think I can be anyone else except on the stage," Jenna comments with a giggle. "And I promised you the other day we would hot tub it." She would add the part where they were joking (or was it a joke?) about it being clothing optional, but she's feeling a little shy now that her brother and her bestie are right there.
Blushing, she clears her throat. "I… well… we're… just sharing a drink."
**
"Yes, you did," Chance agrees. "I'm holding you to it." Which part? That is a very good question. He's not commenting on the other part right now. "But later. There's still more party to enjoy."
He grins at Siobhan and leans over to tell her in a conspiratorial stage whisper, "I'm trying but I think I'm being too subtle."
**
Harper watches the pair, and then nods. He does like the two of them together, and despite Chance's all-too-male thoughts every so often, the sorcerer has always treated his sister with respect. Giving Siobhan's hand a squeeze, he turns toward the sundae bar and starts looking for the flavors of vodka that she requested. Orange, obviously for the creamsicle, and something minty and chocolatey for the other drink.
"Jenna doesn't do too well with subtle."
He knows the look in Siobhan's eyes, and she's given a smile. He knew what her answer would be, and that's why he didn't ask. Not until they're finished school, because she needs to concentrate on that and not planning a wedding just yet.
**
"If you're going to ask her out Malfoy, you should just do it," Siobhan says in the same sort of whisper. Then she slides past the couple to fill up one of the tall glasses with soda while Harper finds the flavors.
She's happy with her ring and the promise. Siobhan just considers it a step on the road ahead. She grins over at Harper and drifts to whisper in his ear, "I like the idea of the hot tub."
**
"Shiv! OH-EMM-GEE!" Jenna gives her best friend a playful shove, and then rolls her eyes. "Just because you two are deliriously happy in love-land, doesn't mean you need to shove poor Chance into it."
The blush is a lot more furious now, and she bites her lip. She looks like she wants to say more, but instead she sticks the straw between her lips again and takes a rather long sip from the drink. It actually does taste like a banana split, and she's happy with the way it turned out. Sometimes mixing flavors doesn't go all that well, but it seems to have worked for this one.
**
"Poor Chance?" Chance smiles and watches as Jenna turns darkly pink and sips on the drink. The blush is very cute and very sweet. "It's only poor Chance if I really am being shoved into anything and it's against my will."
Which it very much isn't. He's told Jenna, or tried to, tell her what his stand is on things, and he thinks that he's more than shown her that he's seriously interested in pursuing this. Nothing has been said that's going to change anything or isn't blatantly obvious.
**
Harper just outright laughs at his twin. He can't help it. She looks terrified, and embarrassed, and all of her emotions for the sorcerer are pretty plain on her face. He knows that Siobhan's not trying to tease her, just hit home that Chance may have finally made up his mind about what he wants.
"No one's pushing anyone into anything, are they, Flutterbee?" Winking at his girlfriend, he pours out a shot of the orange and drops it into one glass, and then a shot each of mint and chocolate to pour into the other.
"Yes, the hot tub does sound like a great idea. After your drink."
**
"I don't think The Texan can be pushed into anything," Siobhan says. Persuaded maybe, but not pushed. They talked, and mostly it was Chance coming out and saying a few things that he likely wouldn't have said if Siobhan hadn't poked at him. It opened his eyes though. The witch doesn't expect him to decide he's head over heels in love with her best friend, but she expects that he might discover there's a little more to life than booty calls.
If it doesn't work out, it'll have been a good experience for both of them, because Jenna is Jenna and Chance doesn't seem the type to become a dick if things don't go well.
Do I have to wear a suit? Siobhan pushes the teasing thought at Harper.
**
Chance sighs and shakes his head. "God, I must really suck at this. I thought I already had."
It's now or never. He knows that Siobhan and Harper are right there, and that Jenna will likely be embarrassed by what he does next, but it must be done. He needs to make certain that she's clear on his interest and willingness in this arena.
"I suppose I'm going to have to be more direct."
Plucking the drink from her hand, Chance sets it to the table. Then he wraps an arm around her waist, the other cupping the back of her head. He leans in and kisses her, softly, slowly, massaging her lips with his. Teasing her lips apart with his tongue and bending her over just a bit backwards.
**
"Jenna, I think…." Harper is about to explain to her exactly where Chance's thoughts happen to be at the moment, but the sorcerer steps up to the plate and takes matters into his own hands.
Glancing over at Siobhan, he finishes making the drinks based on what he grabbed from his sister's mind and hands one to Siobhan. Leaning in he whispers, "Perhaps we should go to take a look at the hot tub now."
Suits optional, depending on if we're alone or not, Flutterbee.
**
The witch's eyes go wide as Chance steps up to the plate. She's torn between clapping and cheering or snapping a picture, but in the end errs to the side of decorum. Assisting however she can with the drinks, she takes the one Harper hands to her.
"I think that's a really good idea," Siobhan whispers back.
Taking her boyfriend's hand, she leads him away from Jenna and Chance, figuring the pair needs to resolve things in their own way.
**
"Must suck at what?" Jenna starts to turn her head toward her brother when he says her name, but the second the drink is plucked from her hand, she's staring back at Chance. The intention is felt seconds before he touches her, and her eyes widen in surprise.
But then he's kissing her.
It's soft, and sweet, and filled with affection, and she can feel the hint of passion there as well, and it all causes Jenna's body to tremble. Feeling his tongue against hers once more, she makes a noise into the kiss. Somewhere between a gasp and a surprised mewl as she wraps one arm around his neck. Jenna knows that her cheeks are red, knows that the two most important people in her life are right there and watching.
It doesn't stop her from kissing Chance back a hell of a lot less tenuously this time. It's raw, and real, and passionate, and her fingers tickle over the back of his neck. Finally she tears herself away just long enough to breathe, and then she's kissing him again. A lot more sure of herself this time.
**
Jenna's confidence and comfort level are readily apparent in the second and third kisses. So is the passion and rawness of it. Chance lets her feel it out for a few moments, asserting herself and then he takes over again, mostly so that he can keep the kiss from escalating to something a little more heated. They're in public and that's not where he wants to go right now.
He just wanted to make a point.
Breaking the kiss, somewhat reluctantly, Chance presses his fingers to her lips. There are a few whistles and hoots that Chance can hear from various parties in the room, but he's heard and been subjected to worse. He ignores them.
"We're not Sharper. I can't promise you a year or even six months. I can give you right now. I can tell you that I'm not walking out of here tonight and looking for someone else tomorrow or next week."
Beat.
"Hell, Jenna, I haven't been out with anyone in over a month."
**
Harper is alright to be led away. He adores his sister and their friends, but at the moment he really doesn't want to watch the pair smooch. Just before Siobhan brings them to the hot tub, he grins.
"Switch drinks?" He doesn't mind the orange creamsicle concoction, but he'd like to taste the other.
"And care like slipping off to the other hot tub?"
**
Hearing the whistles and hoots causes Jenna to blush again, and she shifts her weight a little to hide herself as best she can. Closing her eyes as she feels the fingers upon her lips, she smiles. It's an extremely sweet gesture, even if he's doing it to keep her quiet for a moment.
"I don't want to be Sharper." She does, eventually. Not yet. "I'm fine with a right now, Cowboy." It's more than what Jenna would have thought even just a week ago. "Let's just see where this takes us. I'm not in a huge rush for anything. I enjoy spending time with you. I enjoy kissing you." Biting her lip, she wants to tell him that no one has ever made her heart feel like it was stopping with a kiss. Quin came close, but that last kiss? She can't even find words to describe it.
"Me either, but I guess that's not so unusual for me."
Beat.
"I haven't even thought about anyone else since the night we made pretzels. Not in that way."
