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Post by Claire Weiss on Jun 20, 2008 15:00:06 GMT -5
Claire looked around her apartment. It was clean and neatly organized as usual. She had too much spare time on her hands once thought about it. Maybe she would just mess it up and then redo it just to waste time one day. Standing up from the couch, Claire stepped into her kitchen. The memory of being in Tristan's apartment and him standing in front of his stove flashed in her mind and she laughed at the memory. Things had been going OK. Different than what she first expected, but it was OK. She wasn't getting in too terribly deep she didn't think. It was just a couple nights out here and there. The only bad thing out of the situation was Tristan was the only other guy she had been with lately. Usually she would try for a different guy, but she hadn't really been wanting too.
Claire hadn't seen Edmund in a couple of days and it made her feel strange. She had the urge to see him and it didn't really make her comfortable. Having that urge was something she didn't want to happen. In just about everything she had done lately the image of his face would appear out of nowhere in her mind.
She sighed and pulled out a couple of pots and went to her freezer, which was magically kept cold. Tonight, she would have Shrimp Scampi. Something she hadn't had in awhile. Maybe cooking would take her mind off both Tristan and Edmund.
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Post by Edmund Fairfax on Jun 21, 2008 23:11:04 GMT -5
Edmund had spent the afternoon talking with Tristan at the Three Broomsticks, as part of his bargain with Claire. Now that he knew they were both Death Eaters, his opinion of the man had been elevated slightly. However, it also seemed that he thought himself quite the ladies' man. Edmund was annoyed by this, because, of course, Tristan was no where near as smooth as he was himself. And it made him all the more determined to win over Claire away from this loser. If Claire was drawn to that type, she would be better off with him, and not some pretender.
So Edmund went to Claire's apartment, preparing to give her the first report on his conversation with Tristan. He felt an odd quiver of anticipation as he raised his hand to knock on her door. If he didn't know better, he would have thought he was nervous. But Edmund Fairfax did not get nervous... the idea was preposterous. Wasn't it?
He took a breath and knocked on the door, then waited for Claire to open the door. He didn't even realize that he was holding his breath.
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Post by Claire Weiss on Jun 22, 2008 8:15:32 GMT -5
Claire set the frozen shrimp into the sink filled with water to let it defrost a little before she put it in the pan. She even started to hum to herself as she moved around her kitchen.
Just as she found her box of noodles, a knock was heard at the door. The sound echoed in her apartment and she gently put down the box and moved to the door still humming quietly. There could only be one of two people that she was trying to avoid the thought of. Sighing, Claire opened the door, not even bothering to look out the peep hole. A strange feeling of happiness and excitedness washed over her. She did her best to cover the feeling of all her wanting to do was smile.
"Hello Edmund," said Claire. Realizing that it seemed she was just staring up at him, she stepped from the doorway, allowing him to enter.
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Post by Edmund Fairfax on Jun 22, 2008 23:06:14 GMT -5
Edmund was tempted to pull her into his arms and kiss her. As always, the very sight of her provoked an urge for grand gestures. She was so seldom impressed with anything, and it frustrated him. She was always a hand-length away from him.
But all he did was smile and lean casually against the door for a moment. "You look lovely, Claire," he said with a slight tip of his head.
As she stopped aside to let him in, he strolled through the doorway with long, even strides, then sat down on the couch. He held one arm on the back of the couch in a casual, yet regal pose. Crossing his legs, he turned slightly to face her. "So, how have you been? Have you been surviving without seeing my face each day?"
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Post by Claire Weiss on Jun 23, 2008 8:06:06 GMT -5
As Edmund entered Claire slowly shut the door behind him and turned in his direction. For a moment, she feared if she left her spot she would run over to him and hug him but that was crazy.
Claire gave a laugh . "I've just been down right disappointed that I haven't been able to see you're face everyday. I believe I've cried just about everyday," she said with a wink and for a change those words didn't sound as sarcastic as they usually did, and she hoped that he wouldn't noticed because there the first part was the truth. "What about you? How have you been and how are things going with what's-her-face?"
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Post by Edmund Fairfax on Jun 23, 2008 23:15:34 GMT -5
Edmund shrugged casually, trying not to notice the bright flush of color on her porcelain cheeks. Her face was just begging for his touch, and his hands were itching to reply. But he kept them still, clutching the edge of the sofa with one hand, while the other stayed balled up in his pocket. "Ah, yes, Angelique. Well, to be honest, things are not going well. The woman is stubborn as a mule. A beautiful mule, but nevertheless, just as difficult. She's irked at me for leaving her the other night to go to the Dark Lord's meeting. Of course she doesn't know where I really went, but still... I'm having a difficult time making it up to her."
He studied her face for a reaction. Finding none, he continued, "I also met another woman... stunning girl named Diane. I think she'll be a bit easier to crack..."
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Post by Claire Weiss on Jun 24, 2008 7:55:26 GMT -5
Claire did her best to hide the smile that was threatening to spread across her face as he mentioned that things weren't going great with Angelique. That was great news for her of course, but she knew that her expression faltered when he mentioned yet another woman. She tried to cover it up of course. "Probably so," came her reply. "Not all girls see your intentions."
She didn't want to really talk about him and his chance with another woman face to face. Maybe she could if her back was towards him so that he couldn't see her expressions. "Why don't you come on into the kitchen? I was in the process of starting to cook when you knocked," she said motioning him to follow her. Claire finally moved her legs and walked into the kitchen. "You can take a chair at the table."
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Post by Edmund Fairfax on Jun 24, 2008 12:45:34 GMT -5
Edmund saw just the barest hint of a reaction from Claire when he mentioned Diane. But it was so faint, and gone so quickly that he wasn't entirely sure he'd imagined it.
As she turned away and headed toward the kitchen, he rose and followed her, sitting down at her kitchen table. "Your decor is so... quaint," he commented. "Not at all what I was expecting, I must admit. And you look strangely at home in the kitchen. What were you cooking?" He was stalling for time now; he had no desire to talk to her about Tristan.
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Post by Claire Weiss on Jun 24, 2008 12:56:45 GMT -5
Claire turned to Edmund. "I like to cook. I happen to do it a lot actually. Plus, I haven't really had the desire to change the decor in here. I sort of like it." She gave a slight shrug and picked up the box of noodles again. "Shrimp Scampi," she replied simply. "You can stay and eat if you wish. I know that there will be plenty left and why waste space in my fridge while you're here?" Claire gave him a quick smile and returned to her pot in which contained boiling water, ready for the noodles. "That is of course, as long as you're not afraid to taste my cooking."
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Post by Edmund Fairfax on Jun 24, 2008 21:47:26 GMT -5
Edmund nodded his head, impressed. "Shrimp Scampi, huh? Sounds great! I'd love to stay for dinner, thank you so much for asking." He had already been considering inviting himself for dinner, anyway, so this saved him the trouble. "I'm sure your cooking is as exciting as you are. At any rate, it'd have to be better than mine. I've never so much as boiled water in my life. I've never had to... house elves do it all for me."
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Post by Claire Weiss on Jun 25, 2008 7:54:05 GMT -5
Claire felt the heat rise up in her cheeks, but her back was turned towards Edmund, so it didn't bother her. Placing the shrimp in the pan, she gave him a sideways glance. "You're kidding right? You never cooked anything?" This news wasn't that shocking. He didn't really look the type that would actually cook for himself. "My parents have a house elf. Totsy is her name. I remember one day Totsy was busy cleaning up the house and I snuck into the kitchen. I started messing with all sorts of things and that's when I started cooking. Of course, my mother saw the messy kitchen and ordered me to clean it up myself because Totsy was doing something for my father, but ever since I've like to cook. When I got my own apartment, they offered to give me Totsy, but as much as I had fun with her, I declined because I wanted to take care of myself." Claire had no idea why she told him this story, but whatever kept him entertained.
"And you should try cooking something for yourself, at least once. Like now for instance. While I'm doing the shrimp, you can make the bread, that is if you're brave enough. It's very simple, promise."
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Post by Edmund Fairfax on Jun 26, 2008 13:00:06 GMT -5
Edmund laughed and leaned forward on the table. "The bread?" he repeated. "Are you sure you don't want to give me an easier task, like boiling water? Honestly, Claire, I've never done a day's work in my life. I've never had to, and never wanted to. It leaves so much more time for me to do things I enjoy doing." He smiled as he watched her work. "Although, I will say, I find it absolutely charming that you enjoy it."
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Post by Claire Weiss on Jun 26, 2008 13:13:18 GMT -5
"There is nothing to boiling water. Just fill a pot with water, set it on the stove and cut the stove on and wait for the water to start bubbling. Honestly Edmund, a five year old could do it," said Claire with a shake of her head. "Plus, the water is already boiling and the noddles are cooking in it. And fixing the bread would take all but maybe five minutes at the most." She reached up in the cabinet to her right and pulled out a few spices and tossed a little bit into the pan with the shrimp. Glancing over her shoulder to Edmund she gave another shake of her head. "I believe someone is afraid to try something new." She gave him a wink, with slight pink tinted cheeks, and turned back to finishing up cooking. "But, if you don't want to do the bread, you can at least do me one favor. Use this spoon and dip it into this pot and pull out a noodle. Then throw the noodle at one of the cabinets and see if it sticks, if so, then they're done."
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Post by Edmund Fairfax on Jun 30, 2008 23:37:43 GMT -5
Edmund shrugged and stood up slowly, allowing his legs to stretch out in a casual manner. "Oh, well, if you insist, darling," he said, his voice heavy with sarcasm. He walked deliberately to the pot and picked up the spoon she had indicated. Diping it in the pot, he swirled it around for a moment, finally scooping out a noodle. He picked up the noodle between his two fingers for a moment, then tossed it at the cabinet, where it stuck. "I suppose they're ready," he replied. "What do I do now? Shall I turn off the heat?"
He laughed slightly as he turned his head to look at her. "Doesn't it all feel so very domestic? You and I, in the kitchen together, cooking? Why, perhaps we should discuss gardening next, or should we start picking out curtains? Maybe we could get some of those clever little paint samples...."
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Post by Claire Weiss on Jul 1, 2008 18:23:18 GMT -5
Claire glanced out of the corner of her eye as Edmund appeared at her side, stirring the noodles. She bit her tongue to keep herself from laughing. He seemed to be too stiff like something was going to jump out at him or something. "Yes dear, you do cut off the heat," she said. "But, I'll do that." Claire reached down in front of her and flipped the burner off.
Now, she could laugh. Claire looked over to him and shook her head. "I may do cooking, but I don't do gardening. I tried to keep one once, but everything died. I haven't tried it again. And the thought of you of all people picking out curtains is the most hilarious thing." Claire cut the burner off that the shrimp was on and shooed Edmund on over so she could get to the sink to drain the noodles. "Will you grab two glasses and plates from the cabinet above your head please," she said pouring the noodles back into the pot and stirring the shrimp again.
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Post by Edmund Fairfax on Jul 4, 2008 18:36:47 GMT -5
"Well, you're just putting me to work, aren't you?" Edmund said with mock annoyance. A smile played about his lips, indicating his amusement over the situation. "You're a right little slave driver, love," he teased. He reached up casually and took out two plates and two glasses. Walking over to the table, he set them down and looked over at her expectantly. "I suppose now you expect me to pour our drinks?"
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Post by Claire Weiss on Jul 4, 2008 20:19:39 GMT -5
Claire laughed again. "Yes, I am, and if you're not careful, I may make you rearrange my living room." She gave him a wink. "Besides, I think you could possibly get a bit more muscle in you." A smile was still apparent on her face. She put the shrimp to the side and then, walked over to the refrigerator. "I can get that. What do you want to drink? I have water and milk in here. Then in this cabinet, I have red wine, brandy, and tea. Take your pick," she said turning back to him.
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Post by Edmund Fairfax on Jul 5, 2008 23:42:52 GMT -5
Edmund made a face at her. "Hey, now, my muscles are perfectly fine. I exercise frequently to keep in shape... I certainly can't let myself go, after all. I only do work if I want to, not because I have to."
He moved over to the cabinet. "You know me, love, I've always got to have the strong stuff. I'll take the brandy. And since I'm apparently playing bartender, what am I getting you, my little slavedriver?"
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Post by Claire Weiss on Jul 6, 2008 9:33:49 GMT -5
"Just pour me some of brandy as well," she said picking up one plate and putting noodles on it. Before she put the shrimp on top, she cut a lemon and squeeze a little bit of the juice on the noodles. "Since I'm a slavedriver, maybe a whip might come in handy?" She gave a laugh to show that she was joking. Placing the shrimp on top, she sat the plate on the table in the place he was sitting, and then started on her plate.
She picked up two forks and put them on the table before she took her seat at the table.
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Post by Edmund Fairfax on Jul 6, 2008 22:13:57 GMT -5
"As you wish, my lady," Edmund replied with a slightly exaggerated bow. He took out the bottle of brandy and poured two glasses of it. Then he set the brandy back in the cabinet and closed it again before picking up the glasses and walking over to the table. He handed one glass to her, then walked over and sat down with his. "I wouldn't mind seeing you with a whip," he said with a smirk. "Somehow that seems so very... fitting..." He winked at her and held up his glass. "Would you like to make a toast?"
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