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Post by Benjamin Burke on Aug 29, 2012 17:42:36 GMT -5
Ben's family was falling apart. Ever since his arrangment with Axis it felt as if everyone was in mutiny against him, except for Kassia. His middle child understood, and yet his middle child was the only one whe knew about his health concerns as well.
All Ben wanted to do was provide for his children as best as he could, and whether Fee wanted to realize it or not, he had spoiled her. Ben knew it would take a man like himself to handle someone as delicate as Fee, someone who could spoil her and yet rear her gently. Axis was just that sort of man.
As for Kassia, well he didn't think he could bear to leave her in any man's hands, and yet he surmised that he wouldn't have to, she would firmly take on the world herself, but she would do what was needed to please him, and that endeared her to him deeply.
Then there was Allaire, his precious youngest, and yet he didn't know what sort of man would suit her. As fate would hand it to him, that man was standing just outside their door.
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Post by Ashton Lane on Aug 29, 2012 17:48:25 GMT -5
Ashton wasn't the type to be nervous, he had been in many dangerous situations, considering the way he earned his living, it was simply a dangerous lifestyle, but for the first time in his life he felt his heart pounding and his palms slightly damp.
Allaire had invited him over, even though it was Summer he was there to help her with potions work for the next semester.
Gathering his courage he knocked and was promptly answered by a house elf.
"I'm here for Miss Burke..Miss Allaire."
"I'll have to check with the master first." and with that the door was slammed in his face.
A few minutes later the door opened again and this time Ashton was face to face with Benjamin Burke.
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Post by Benjamin Burke on Aug 29, 2012 18:05:07 GMT -5
Ben's infamous raised brow was higher aimed at the boy in front of him. He was an intimidating man that was certain and he did take a particular glee in scaring off the young men that came to see his daughters. What was a man with three gorgeous girls to do?
Still standing there in front of Ashton something shifted in his eyes, perhaps it was the boy's stance, or the way he kept his chin high and carried himself. Whatever it was there was respect in the boy's eyes but he didn't seem intimidated. That earned him a grunt of approval and a nod.
"Well come in son..."
Ben had a full profile done on any individual invited into his home child or not, and the man-boy in front of him was more man than boy anymore.
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Post by Ashton Lane on Aug 29, 2012 18:11:31 GMT -5
The next few minutes were some of the most nerve wracking for Ashton. Authority never had any hold over him and he positively oozed charm with all parents that he met. He could usually have mamas falling out of their chairs and papas all but signing over their daughters to him but at the same time he respected a man like Benjamin Burke too highly and he cared for Allaire too deeply to play those sort of games.
There was also the knowledge that he truly didn't deserve her, and therefore there would be no secrets, no hidden facade of who he was for Ben. The man would judge him as he was, not who he could pretend to be.
Perhaps that was the reason that ten minutes after arriving he and Ben were in the Den sharing a glass of scotch as Ben shared a story about Allaire that had Ashton fascinated. He was amazed at the inner workings of a man like Benjamin Burke's mind, and yet the love that he seemed to have for all his daughters. It was strange but Ashton saw so much of who he wanted to be in the man before him, if only he knew that the man before him saw so much of himself in Ashton.
After a moment another house elf was sent to fetch Allaire, by the time she got there they were both laughing and talking as if Ashton were an old friend of the family.
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Post by Allaire Burke on Aug 29, 2012 18:33:18 GMT -5
Allaire was in her room after attempting to console Ophelia. Ophelia was being her usual self about complaining about Axis. Sure, she knew that it was unfair and Allaire wished there was something she could do about the situation. After about an hour of sitting with her sister and brushing Fee's hair, Allaire returned to her room unaware of a future visitor.
She sat down on the bay window ledge to look out at the garden. The skies were blue and the flowers were in bloom. Tossing her hair up in a ponytail, Allaire grabbed one of her books that she kept in her nightstand. She started to open the cover when one of the house elves popped into her room. Nearly dropping her book, she told the house elf over and over that it was okay that he scared her. She wasn't expecting anyone to come in.
"There's a visitor here for you," the house elf told her. "They're waiting for you in the den." The elf didn't tell her who it was and just before she could ask, he was gone. Sighing, she put away her book. There was no reason for her to have a visitor unless... Allaire quickly stood up and straightened out her clothes and made sure her ponytail was alright. She took in a deep breath before opening her bedroom door and making her way to the stairs. Her heart seemed to be pounding and she tried to slow it down as she made her way downstairs to the den.
Quietly, Allaire reached the den. The doors were open. She stopped for a moment while the two were talking. He really did come by for a visit, and he was sitting in the den speaking with her father. It had been awhile since she had seen her father sitting down with someone laughing as he was doing now. To make her presence known, she knocked on the den door. It was the polite thing to do after all. She didn't really want to ruin their conversation.
"Father, Ashton," she greeted. There was a smile and a very light hint of pink on her cheek bones.
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Post by Ashton Lane on Aug 29, 2012 18:48:49 GMT -5
Ashton turned as soon as he heard her voice and it was small, barely visable, but something softened in his eyes.
"Allaire." he said with a nod in her direction, he stood and set his drink down. For a moment they were once again alone in the world, but it was only a moment. All too soon he remembered that her father was still in the room. Or was he? Ashton took a moment to look around and it was as if the man had disappeared.
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Post by Benjamin Burke on Aug 29, 2012 18:54:36 GMT -5
Even though it was small it was the look on Ashton's face that decided Ben. That was all he really needed to see. He knew the boy's background he was resourceful and from a decent enough family, but it was the spark in him that Ben saw in himself in which Ben knew Ashton had a long future ahead of him, that sort of man landed on his feet no matter what.
The question had become, how would Allaire fare in his hands, that small softening of the eyes told Ben all he needed to know.
Though it might have only seemed like a brief moment to them, the truth was their staring was intense enough for Ben to have left the room without them noticing.
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Post by Allaire Burke on Aug 29, 2012 19:11:34 GMT -5
Her attention after greeting her father went straight to Ashton. It was strange how sometimes it seemed as if everything else faded away. There was still a light smile on her face. She still couldn't believe that he accepted her invitation to visit.
Apparently Ben slipped out of the room in a quick moment, or what seemed to be a quick moment. It was odd how quietly her father could enter and exit a room. She took a few steps closer to him.
"It's good to see you," she said. "How has your summer been?"
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Post by Ashton Lane on Aug 29, 2012 19:20:19 GMT -5
"Busy" he answered, and indeed it had been. Strange ever since his final year at Hogwarts concluded he had done nothing but arrange contacts and acquire business partners left and right. Busy was putting it mildly, and yet here with Allaire it seemed as if everything slowed down.
"And yours?"
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Post by Allaire Burke on Aug 29, 2012 19:27:08 GMT -5
"Steady," she replied. Of course that included dealing with Ophelia and her situation. She was not about to bring that up, however. That was a whole different thing that she didn't want to have to think about at the moment.
"So I can't complain." Allaire smiled again. "I appreciate you accepting the invitation to come over. Would you care for any sort of sandwich or anything else to drink?"
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Post by Ashton Lane on Aug 29, 2012 19:34:44 GMT -5
Ashton glanced at the scotch in his hand then shook his head while setting it down. "No. Thank you. Your father's actually invited me to dinner...that is if you don't mind." he said softly before stepping toward her.
Ashton wasn't completely ignorant of the situation with Ophelia, Fee was Allaire's sister and therefore a somewhat interest of Ashton's. Still it was hard to match the monster that Fee seemed certain of with the Man that Ashton had just met. "If it's possible Miss Burke I think you are even now more lovely than the last time I had the fortune to lay eyes upon you."
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Post by Allaire Burke on Aug 29, 2012 19:43:47 GMT -5
A small look of surprise crossed her face, but it was gone as quick as it appeared. Her father already invited Ashton to dinner? If he wasn't standing in front of her, Allaire was pretty sure she would have run off to her father to hug him. Sure, Ophelia was completely against their father, but that didn't mean Allaire was. She would still do what her father asked of her.
"That's perfect," she replied. At least her father approved. That meant more to her than anything. The next comment from the man standing in front of her caused her to blush deeply. She was pretty sure that it wouldn't matter how many times Ashton would give her compliments, she would blush deeply.
"Why thank you Mr. Lane. It is good to know that you haven't lost your charm." The last statement was said with a little bit of teasing. "It is also good to know that you still have a way with words, and your handsome features."
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Post by Ashton Lane on Aug 29, 2012 20:09:53 GMT -5
Ashton wasn't sure if Ben approved of him or whether he just wanted to keep him within his sights, all he knew was that while he was there he was going to do everything he could to not mess it up.
"I never knew what charm was before I met you." he replied and found himself actually meaning those words. When he was close enough to touch her he lifted both his hands to show her his empty palms before winking and folding his hand down to reveal a rose in a semi-magic trick.
His face split into a charming grin as he brushed the flower against her cheek taking one dainty hand and bringing it to his lips for a chaste kiss.
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Post by Allaire Burke on Aug 29, 2012 20:44:48 GMT -5
Once the rose appeared, a surprised look appeared on her face. The small magic tricks were her favorite. The little surprises seemed to be the best. Allaire liked when Ashton smiled. It seemed to brighten his eyes.
Her smile grew as he kissed her hand. "Always the gentleman," Allaire stated. Even if he wasn't necessarily always a gentleman, he was around her. She reached up and touched his cheek softly with a fond like smile.
"Come on, I'll show you one of my favorite places to go around here," she said slowly bringing her hand down from his cheek to take his hand. "It's one of the most peaceful places to go to think, or to read, or just be alone, which ever you prefer."
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Post by Ashton Lane on Aug 29, 2012 21:09:47 GMT -5
He was a different person around her, he was soft and he wasn't entirely sure that he liked it, but he knew he couldn't help it, he was already too far deep.
"Any where you lead m'dear I shall follow." he said with a slight bow. He was formal with her in a teasing manner and with her hand in his he indeed would follow her to the ends of the earth if he should ask it.
It didn't matter where she took him, the fact was the place was hers, it was special to her and therefore it was special to him.
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Post by Allaire Burke on Aug 30, 2012 6:28:14 GMT -5
In truth, Allaire knew his words were true. He would do almost everything she asked of him. That was proven to her when she walked into the den not too long ago to see Ashton and her father talking as if they were old friends.
She led him out a back door into the garden. "The garden is always quiet. It's a great hiding place sometimes." She continue to lead him over to a corner of the garden that seemed to be a small hiding place with a bench in the corner of hedges. "This is my favorite place to go when it's not raining. Nothing nor no one ever bothers you out here, unless of course you're needed somewhere."
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Post by Ashton Lane on Aug 30, 2012 14:19:37 GMT -5
A corner of his mouth quirked upward, "I can see you here." he said in a low voice while circling her and taking in the beauty of her secret place. The area suited her very much, elegant and quiet, and strangest of all the serenity that he found in her presence was also found in this garden of hers.
Finally he settled behind her his mouth brushing her ear, "It's beautiful." he commented looking at her more than the garden.
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Post by Allaire Burke on Aug 30, 2012 14:40:17 GMT -5
A few black and blue butterflies flew about before landing on the white bench. Allaire crossed one arm over her and looked at the tulips were in bloom. There was a spell on the flowers to make them continue to bloom no matter the season.
Once she felt his mouth brush her ear, it felt as if every thing froze. She looked over to the Great Willowherbs that grew to her right. Reaching out, she picked one and turned to face Ashton. Allaire reached up and put the flower on his ear and then smiled brightly. "Yes it is," she said with a hint of amusement.
"Once we get back into the house, I have something for you. Before you can say anything, I happened to see it in the shop and I thought you should have it. I even wrapped it for you."
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Post by Ashton Lane on Aug 30, 2012 15:08:48 GMT -5
He gave her a slight look when she placed the flower behind his ear, he may adore her but there was no way he was wearing the flower in front of her family. Reaching for it he inhaled the sweet scent and tucked the flower in his inner jacket pocket then tapped over his heart, "I'm sure I will treasure it." he smiled. He had also bought her a trinket or two and while the inner playboy wanted to charm her the way he was accustomed to doing so, the inner boy was halfway afraid of being vulnerable.
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Post by Allaire Burke on Aug 30, 2012 15:23:42 GMT -5
Allaire gave a laugh when he tucked the flower into his pocket. She knew very well he would not wear the flower for long, but it was a moment of laughter. "You don't like flowers in your hair," she asked attempting to cover her smile but failing horribly. It was almost strange that Allaire had found a boy that she felt comfortable enough around that she could joke around with. Sure, there were a few boys that Allaire spoke to during school, but that was it. Of course, Ashton was a completely different story all together.
"I have used some of the flowers to press in paper and made bookmarks out of them. I believe I have about as many bookmarks as there types of flowers out here." She gave a small laugh.
"Come, we'll take a walk through the garden and then we'll head inside and I'll show you my second favorite place. Actually it is sort of hard to say that it's my second favorite place when I like it just as much as I do here."
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