[Hogshead]In need of a familiar face (Warren/open)

[Warren Hubbles]

The stinging sensation from where metal of the coin had hit is bare flesh was nagging at the back of his mind as all Warren could do was stare though the crowd watching Vicky walk away. Although from the side of him came a cough and as he slowly turned his head he saw the wizard who was still waiting for his drink, but this time he did not carry that impatient glare but instead a look of amusement. “You ain’t just going to stand there are you mate?” The wizard’s eyes too turned to look through the crowds and the now opening door of the pub where the Hogwarts Professor was now making her quick exit. Still all Warren could do was stand and stare as his hands closed in around the two galleons that they held. “Go on!” The wizard pushed again and this time Warren’s legs seemed to respond and before his brain could catch up he was bursting out the doors of the Hogs Head.

The coolness of the late April air slapped him around the face, as his he breathed in his sinuses cleared and free from the smoke and alcohol smelling pub Warren could breathe and think freely. And so as the sunset in the multi coloured sky Warren found himself for the second time in almost as many minutes reaching out and taking hold of Vicky’s arm. This time more brute strength was used as he pulled her around and roughly planted the two gold coins into her hands.

“I said forget it.” His hand dropt from hers as he looked once more at her face, it was clear from the frown that pinched his brow that something was bothering the man but Warren swallowed back his words knowing that by saying anything it could only make the situation ten times worse then it already was. But as the Landlord turned around to return back his establishment everything just seemed to click into place and almost as if a light bulb at switched on above is head the frown seemed to melt away and was replaced with a look of complete despair.

“Why?!” His feet stopped moving down the cobbled high street of Hogsmeade and as he cried out the stinging of the small cut on his face was over powered by an ache in his heart and the sick feeling that was building up in stomach. “Why do you go to him Vicky? Why did I not see it before?” Warren was striding towards his friend once more. “There is only one man you would be stupid enough to involve your self in and only one man dim enough to let it go on. What is it with him? He is a twat!” Warren raised a hand in the air almost to preempt Vicky and beg for silence now that he was on a roll. “I lived with him after my parent’s death and he is a twat, the biggest one on the planet and yet everyone still swoons over him. Why? What does he have that I do not?”

That last part was not meant to come out like that, it sounded more like he was comparing himself to his cousin and although, yes he was he was not worried about anything in a certain department…but more of the fact he was interested in knowing why Dan had so many women simply throwing themselves at him. It made no sense.

“WARREN!” There was a click from above them and the window to one of the bedrooms opened and hanging out of it was Heather, her blond hair dancing around in the light breeze. “What is up darling? I can here you from in here.”
“Oh…er…” Warren looked away from Vicky and up towards the mother of his children, he slightly worried look filling his face once more as it seemed to always do when it came to talking to Heather. “Sorry Heather I…er…”
“Has she not paid?” The glare she shot at Vicky caused rage to build up inside Warren, the Hubbles alpha male instincts kicking in with full force.
“No she has we were just talking.”
“Loudly?”
“Yeah.” Warren pulled a funny face and did a motion as if he was drinking out of an invisible glass. “Alcohol induced talking.”

Heather gave off a small giggle before blowing Warren another kiss and closing the window, however this time Warren did not even make an attempt to catch the kiss. His hands remained glued to his side and his face looking at the Hogshead as he could not bring himself to look around at Vicky.

[Prof. Victoria Potter]

Vicky had never walked so fast before. It wasn't like her to get so angry she was more a passive woman as Dan had so nicely reminded her during their picnic. So after she threw her money at him she figured it was best to high tail it out of there. Plus she was done dealing with all of this drama. Who the hell did he think he was anyway talking to her like that. They were friends or at least she thought they were and he pulls that crap on her. She was steaming if smoke could come out of her head it would right then.

She threw open the door and a few people jumped out of the way. Someone asked her what was wrong but she didn't even bother paying them any mind because she just needed to get away from that place. Warren wasn't the man she thought he was. Vicky didn't seem to know how to pick them at all anymore. Thing were easier when she was a lot younger. Boys didn't mean so much then and they didn't disrupt her life the way they did now.

She heard the door to the pub open once more but she didn't bother to turn and look back never expecting it to be Warren. Then for the second time that night she was grabbed but this time it was different he was rough angered. Vicky didn't bother to look at him when he shoved the gold coins back into her hand instead she took the coins and allowed them to fall on the floor. "I don't want them" she said frustrated wishing he had just stayed inside and let her leave like she wanted to.

Trying to pull free of him Vicky wished she had never come out that night. Making matters worse Warren it seemed had put two and two together. He asked why she went to him, reminded her that she was stupid enough to fall for him. He wouldn't let her answer just kept on telling her what she already knew and that was that Dan was all wrong for her. Vicky didn't know why, but what struck her as odd was that he asked what Dan had that he did not. Now she looked up. "He has me because you didn't want me." The words were out now and there was no taking them back. Vicky had wanted Warren, but Warren hadn't wanted her Dan did and as wrong as it was she went for it because she was a fool.

Their conversation was halted as the blonde stuck her head out the window to ask why Warren was being so loud. Vicky turned away again not wanting to look at the face of the woman who had Warren. Vicky heard him tell her that she hadn't paid and she rolled her eyes looking at the galleons laying on the ground wishing that Heather would stick her head back inside. Soon enough Vicky heard the window shutting.

Vicky turned to Warren only to find him not looking at her. "I'm done with this." She said softly "Good night Warren Heather's waiting on you upstairs you shouldn't keep her long" the thought of him up there with her did strange things to her mind, she wondered what he saw in Heather, though that was pretty obvious.

[Warren Hubbles]

Why did women have to be so temperamental all the time, if they ever wondered why men acted like fools and always doing the wrong thing it was because from one day to the next they wanted something different from them? Was running after her the wrong thing to do? Warren knew from experience that a woman liked her own space but then also if you did something wrong and did not immediately admit you were sorry they could hold a grudge that would last longer then the pyramids of Egypt. There was no winning and sadly as Warren stood in the middle of the high street of Hogsmeade in the twilight of the April evening he knew there was no winning now.

The problem, if you could call it a problem, was that in one way, shape or form both of them had admitted that they might, possibly like the other and this simply just threw matters into the outer stratosphere when it came to complications. Vicky was having an affair with his married older cousin Dan, but on the night that maybe he might have been able to talk a bit of sense into her Warren’s fiancé and mother to his two children turns up. Merlin knows what ideas this would have put in Vicky’s already confused mind but at least among all this indecision there was one thing Warren was sure on…he did not want to spent any time with Heather.

Directing his gaze from the now closed window and back to Vicky Warren looked on in with a frown as she said that she was leaving. He could not truly blame her after all of this, in fact he judged her a little for not running away while he was distracted by Heather. But then despite this Warren still felt the urge deep down to do something, to say something and in true Hubbles fashion he acted and spoke before he could think. “Can I?” Ah, other words would be needed with that statement to make any sense to someone who was not in this jungle of thoughts otherwise known as his mind. “Spend the night that is…I er…don’t mean like sharing a bed or anything, I will sleep on the floor I just can not…” He broke off as he looked once more up at the window where Heather once was. “I just can not face her. I want to run away and be somewhere happy.”

’Somewhere with you’ was what he was meant to add to the end of that sentence but he could not bring himself to say it, he was not ready enough to admit that much. He had a gut wrenching feeling he was about to be shot down and so by tying his small plea with his emotions would just make the fall even more painful.

[Prof. Victoria Potter]

If you were to write a song about Vicky and the mess she had made of things it would probably be one of those old times blues songs, the ones that start off with My man left me, I ended up all alone in the street, no place to go, no one to love me. That's what it was boiling down to, her life was a sad sad song. Vicky had always had such high hopes for herself and somehow she allowed men to ruin things. Hell she herself ruined things. Dan was off limits why couldn't' she just leave it that way. Warren apparently was too but yet she didn't run away from him she walked slowly as if hoping he would come and catch up to her.

Heather was waiting, he should get back to her but Vicky didn't want him to go back to her. They both sort of slipped up and told the other they had feelings, but neither was really in the position to do anything about it. Again Heather's face popped into her mind. Why the hell did she have to arrive there that night.

She didn't make a fast enough get away Warren spoke and she could still hear his voice. She couldn't help it she turned to him, his voice holding her captive. Stupid git her mind said to her. Stupid or not Warren meant something to her and as mad as she was she couldn't just walk away. He asked her if he could spend the night. Vicky scoffed thinking that he was telling a joke, but the more he talked the more she realized that he was being serious. He didn't want to be with Heather. Something in that made Vicky feel better.

In spite herself and with no apparent common sense Vicky said "I wouldn't have a problem with that. If you want I have a fold out you can kip on. But um what do you plan on doing about Heather? What about the bar it isn't closing time yet?" She should have said I don't need anymore woman trouble but she refrained. Spending more time with Warren is what she wanted and it seemed to be what he wanted.

[Warren Hubbles]

Well her first reaction was not to say no, that had to be a thing considering that only moments before they had been at each others necks. As she then offered for him to kip on her fold out everything seemed to look up, the thought of being able to talk to Vicky outside of is workplace seemed very appealing. Of course they would then be in hers and he had no idea how it and the possible presence of a certain someone might affect her but that was a chance he was willing to take. But it seemed that the Professor was still thinking on her feet and was coming up with possible reasons as to why they might not work.

Warren breathed in deeply and looked back to the door of the Hogshead as it swung open on its rusty hinges letting the sounds of the crowded bar escape into the street. Although this pub was his pride and joy there were some occasions where you just needed to get away and escape the hassle of day to day life. Also Warren really just wanted to get away from the ever looming presence of Heather upstairs. Turning back towards Vicky his bemused expression had not been replaced by a rather quirky little smile and he bent down and picked up a few lose stones that lay of the floor. Then one stone at a time he carefully threw them into the air aiming for the window pane of the bedroom.
Finally after around 3 stones the blond appeared at the window once more, opening it up peering down at Warren with what could only be described as an air heads looks of love.

“What Warren?”
“I need to go up to the castle. Vicky says Dan needs my help with something.”
“Oh alright, how long will you be?”
“Who knows, depends what it is. These things have turned into all nighters once the whisky starts to flo-“
“Alright! Just don’t get too drunk.”
“Will you help Bailey in the bar?”
“Sure.”

Short simple and easily convinced! There were advantages to having a cousin who was willing to be used as an escape goat and more importantly had a position of power that a not so smart person would even bother to question. The closing of the window was the signal that Heather had brought into it and Warren could not help but look over at Vic with a smug smile, he had done this sort of thing so many times before and he had a feeling it would not be the last. “Lead the way Miss Potter”

[Prof. Victoria Potter]

Vicky wanted him to come with her there was no use lying about it. The only issue was how he was going to leave the bar without Miss Heather having a fit. She figured that Warren wouldn't follow through, Heather seemed the clingy type, I mean she just showed up out of the blue and made herself at home. Of course she was the mother to his children so she had every right but seeing her act like she owned everything in there even Warren annoyed Vicky.

So she was more than happy to drag him away with her. Though she wasn't sure how he would manage to escape. She gave him too little credit, he was Hubbles after all. So it shouldn't have been a shock when he threw rocks at the window to get Heather's attention. Again Vicky was forced to see the woman who had hold of Warren. A tinge of jealousy suddenly popped up again. Vicky just bit her lip and started looking at the floor. He lied to her so effortlessly. It was a real talent, and she started to wonder about how trust worthy Warren was if he could lie like that.

Heather bought it hook, line and sinker, which made Vicky wonder about her level of intelligence. She didn't even bother to check and make sure, and when he said it might be an all nighter she pretty much just said go on. Vicky tried not to laugh and had a hard time of it because Warren even got her to go along with working the bar too. Heather was very smitten and Warren knew just how to play her. Vicky didn't know whether to envy or pity her, but she was starting to lean a bit more toward pity since she was taking him home tonight.

"Sure thing Warren" she started to walk up high street her heels clacking against the cobblestone streets. "So it's that easy huh, just tell her Dan needs you and she lets you walk off with another woman. She's rather trusting isn't she?" Vicky had no idea why she was talking about Heather. Maybe it was some kind if sick curiosity. Maybe she wanted to know about the woman who had managed to give Warren children, the woman who wanted to marry him so bad she bought her own wedding ring.

She had been spending so much time thinking about Heather that she hadn't even realized that they made it back to the castle. "Home sweet home" Vicky joked, as they made their way through the front doors. Vicky's quarters weren't far from the entrance. Taking the main staircase hoping Warren was still following she climbed up one flight. Then turned down the corridor and came to a stop at bare stretch of wall. To anyone passing by it was just part of the decor, but after she said her password it opened and just inside there was a door. Vicky pushed it open and on the other side was her room. It wasn't huge but it was big enough to suit her needs. Plus it had its own rest room. "Well you've finally got me alone in my room" she joked again. She seemed to keep joking when she was nervous.

Being in here, the castle where Dan was made her feel a wee bit guilty. What if he found out that Warren was here. Suddenly she was a ball of nerves, her shoulders started to tense up as she walked to her dresser and opened one of her drawers trying to see if she had some sheets for Warren so he could sleep on the fold out, but this had more to do with not looking at him. Her feelings were such a jumble right now.

[Warren Hubbles]

Things seemed to be looking up! Heather had been easily won over with the mention of Dan and a charming smile and Vicky had agreed to let him camp out on his floor. Warren did not feel any guilt about leaving his pub behind and a comfortable silence fell over the couple as they wondered up the cobbled street but it seemed that something was still bothering Vicky and it was no surprise that her questions centred around Heather.

“Ah, well she is in love with Dan and I am just the closest thing she can get.” That had always been the joke anyway but now he was faced with this situation and reality was kindly pointing out to him that maybe this fact was slightly true. Trying to shake this thought away Warren smiled once more and continued his story with a light chuckle as he remembered him and his cousins exploits. “I only got in with her because she threw up all over Dan as they were making out. I thought it was completely hysterical so helped her to the bathroom to hold her hair as she had her face down the loo.” He had to stop his brief explanation as Warren had started to laugh to hard once more and being a simple man walking, talking and laughing was impossible so one of them that to cease. “But we n-never did leave the bathroom that night so I hate to think where everyone else at the party went to pee.”

He continued to snigger away to himself as the two of them wound their way through the castle grounds, through the grand oak doors and through the silent castle corridors. It was strange coming back to Hogwarts after all this time, he would make the odd appearance in the olden days when Dan was merely a Professor and the two of them would have a poker game, but now he was too busy and the only time they met was when Dan came to the pub. “Nice room.” Warren muttered as they slipped in through the secret door and into the very nice little bed chamber.

As Vicky busied herself hurrying around the room Warren nervously stood in the corner of the room as he started to feel like he was imposing upon Vicky and her hospitality. He was only here because he could not bare to face up to his own troubles and in the process he was most likely making thing more difficult. For all he knew Dan and Vic could have carried out their affair in this room, in that bed and that made his stomach turn. But it seemed he was not the only one feeling tense as Vicky cracked a joke that he could not help but laugh nervously too.

“Honestly Vic, that had not even crossed my mind.” And in truth it had not, there was something about Vicky that made him want to take things steady. Almost as if he wanted to prove himself to her that he was not in it for one thing only. “I guess I just want to be around to make sure you don’t run off with Dan in the middle of the night.”

It was now his turn to laugh nervously as once again his tongue had runaway with itself before his brain could step in and tell himself to shut the hell up. But it had been said and straight away Warren dropt his gaze to the floor and like a naughty school kid started to nervously shuffle his feet along the floor.

[Prof. Victoria Potter]

Hearing him say he hadn't given thought to their being alone sort of wounded her ego a bit. Perhaps it was because she had thought of it at least once, or maybe it was more like twice so far. Of course she knew that this couldn't be, shouldn't be but why wasn't he thinking of it. This bothered her and simply added to the weird feelings she was already experiencing having him here to begin with. No other man had ever been in her room before not even Dan.

At the thought of Dan Vicky again felt guilty for bringing Warren back with her. What if Dan were to come to her that night. Of course he never had before even though he knew just where her room was, and most likely how to get in. For the most part they tried to keep their tryst out of the castle too many eyes watching Dan's every move. In the confines of these walls they had to be so careful, but she couldn't he'll wondering what if...Sitting there she almost forgot what she had been doing her mind on two men as if she weren't deep enough in muck she wanted to throw herself into some more.

Pulling out the sheets she didn't turn to Warren again right away she just didn't know if she could just look at him and not want to reach out and touch him. These thoughts were dangerous and yet she couldn't stop having them. Even the memory of Heather and the story he told her of how they got together didn't solve her dilemma because somehow she knew that Heather wasn't the woman for him, she wouldn't make him happy. "But you could" her mind reminded her. Trying to get rid of those thoughts she rose from the chair to go give him the sheets.

Even laughing along with him when he said he would keep her from sneaking off with Dan. "No worries there I plan on remaining nice and snug in my own bed." Handing him the sheets she walked to the pull out and threw off the cushions. Then pulling the string inside she watched as the bed came out. Turning back to him and moving a bit closer, her eyes darting from him to the door a look of uncertainty on her face as if the door were about to open any minute. Trying to push it aside she asked politely "would you like me to make up the bed it wouldn't be any trouble." The last few words were untrue all of this was a lot of trouble....

[Warren Hubbles]

It was a very uncommon thing for any of the Hubbles clan to ever feel nervous, it just seemed to be an emotion that they were immune to, their pride and self belief in their own qualities kept their heads held high and that over confidence persona to radiate out. But now as Warren stood in the room of the woman he liked but also happened to be his cousin’s mistress things were just a little bit tense. Slowly he lifted his head and dared to look over at Vicky completely surprised to find her laughing at his previous statement. Now that was something that he had not been expecting and showing the strength of their friendship a smile automatically began to creep onto his features.

“Glad to hear it. Means I will not have to stay awake and watch you…” Warren broke off and gave a small cough to stop himself from finishing his sentence. Maybe opening admitting that he would watch Vicky sleep was a little bit too extreme for their current situation. Nervously licking his dry lips he knew he needed to salvage this situation somehow seeing as Vicky had thrown a pile of blankets into his hands and seemed to be worriedly looking towards the door as if expecting someone to bust in any second. Warren knew who she was waiting for, who she was expecting to break into the room and throw her onto her bed and the mere thought of it made his stomach churn.

He watched with a slightly tilted head as she pulled out the bed and although it was a simple task he was fascinated by just watching her move. Then while he was in this slightly relaxed state his tongue seemed to find the words that his heart had been begging him to say and his brain had no time to stop them from falling out. “I wish you stayed in your own bed more often Vicky. You should not be with him.” His mind had been spinning so much that he had even missed the question that she had asked him. In fact at the present moment in time making the bed seemed such a trivial matter when there were more pressing issues to be disgust.

But as he moved closer towards her the words which she told him earlier seemed to haunt his thoughts. ‘He has me because you didn't want me’ Never had words been spoken that were so untrue. He wanted her but the question was how does he show her that he wanted her without seeming too forceful? “Vic I- er…” Why was it the man who always had to make the first move, this was unfair. “I do…” It seemed like Warren could not find the words to articulate his thoughts so good old fashioned gestures would have to do.

Dropping the blankets on the floor he took the bold step forward so he was right up to Vicky he bent down slightly and his lips met hers.

[Prof. Victoria Potter]

Vicky was feeling more of a mess now that she was back in her room. Her eyes were darting to the door foolishly as if Dan would ever just walk in here. Even he wasn't that dysfunctional, but she couldn't help it because deep down she felt a bit guilty. Like having Warren here was a slight to Dan. But in reality she was free to be with whomever she liked it wasn't as if Dan belonged to her, where was he now probably in the bed with his wife. Vicky seemed to like forgetting about the wife. Dia was like the huge pink elephant in the room, her and Dan knew she was there but they liked to ignore her for a few hours. She was tired of this why is that she couldn't just let him go.

Oh, yes because he wanted her, and at one time she had wanted him to. Then there was the fact that the other man that she wanted didn't seem to keen on her. No, she wasn't blaming this on Warren, of course not it wasn't his fault it was her own but those were some of the reasons that she let herself get sucked into this horrible situation. People did stupid things all the time but Vicky was the queen at the moment. Shaking her head a little she tried to focus on what she was supposed to be doing.

Warren had been rather quiet, she wondered if he was OK. Just then he spoke and mentioned being glad not to have to watch her tonight. Vicky tried not to let the remark annoy her. He acted as if she had no kind of self control like she was going to run around half cocked searching for Dan just to get some. It was kind of insulting, but she opted not to let it get to her. He was entitled to his opinion. If he thought her so unable to control herself so be it. She knew she could stay away from Dan if need be, but there was no reason she should, if he was still willing why shouldn't she again she wasn't taken by anyone.

Instead she just turned and smiled at him polite as you please not allowing him to know he'd gotten to her in the slightest. She waited for him to hand be back the blankets so she could make the bed for him, but instead he was trying to say something. Words were coming out of his mouth but he wasn't forming a coherent sentence. Vicky stared wondering why he was acting so strange, Warren never seemed to have a problem saying what was on his mind, hadn't be proved that several times that night already.

Suddenly he ceased speaking and instead he was dropping her blankets on the floor and moving in on her. Vicky's eyes widened in shock as she tried to figure out what the hell he was doing. But before she could form her question Warren's lips were on hers. They were warm, and soft against her own. Vicky's mind whirled a fog began to form and she was suddenly feeling light headed and lost. Her arms instinctively wrapped around his neck and she kissed him back. Wondering what had come over him, and what had come over her.

[Warren Hubbles]

If you told Warren that come night fall he would be standing in Victoria Potter’s bedroom then he most likely would have laughed till his sides hurt and then told you to shut up. If you had then gone on to say that they would be standing in her bedroom, arms wrapped around one another and their lips pressed against each others then Warren would have most likely thrown you out of the pub and accused you of being insane. But then here he was standing in Vicky’s bedroom kissing her! As seemed to be the habit with most of the Hubbles men the kiss was given to prove a point and for Warren it was to prove that in his own way he did care about Vicky (of course his older cousin Dan had kissed Dia for the first time to prove that he was a womanizer who did not deserve her time, funny how things turn out).

Considering his past history and the reputation that came with baring the name of Hubbles it would be a surprise to know that this had been the first proper kiss for Warren in months. With running the pub, darting back to see his kids whenever possible and secretly harbouring a crush for someone he simply did not have the time for whimsical flings. But this kiss was nice, he had forgotten how much he missed the sensation of it all, not just the taste and softness of the actual kiss but the adrenaline rush that came with it, the feeling of being so close to another. It was nice. (lol how droll)

During the time in which their lips were together just like Vicky’s Warren’s arms had found there way around her body, pulling her closer. But as they broke away his embrace did not loosen as he did not pull away. Instead he rested his forehead against hers so that he could stare straight into those beautiful vibrant eyes for as long as possible. “I never said I did not want you.” His voice was barley a whisper as he lifted his head off her forehead simply so he could plant a light kiss upon her brow. “You are beautiful, intelligent, funny, you’re able to hold your drink.” A light chuckle escaped the man as he teased Vicky about this talent of hers. “And more importantly you deserve someone who will treat you right.”

[Prof. Victoria Potter]

Vicky had been kissed before. To her the kiss was a very intimate thing at least with some men. When she kissed down it was more sexual in nature more passionate. Not to say that it was a bad kiss because it wasn't just that it didn't seem to mean the same thing as this kiss right now. With Warren it wasn't fast and rushed it was slow and sensual, almost making Vicky feel like he was trying to prove something to her. This was so wrong, but it also felt so right. How long had she wanted this man to finally take notice of her. Want him to realize that he wanted her. Vicky didn't dare break the kiss for she feared if she did Warren would realize that he had made a terrible mistake one that would send him away from her and ruin the friendship they did have with one another. Vicky couldn't bear that, not now when she needed someone in her life to turn to.

Vicky thought that perhaps she should pull away end this kiss now before it got too out of hand and they ended up regretting it, but something in her wouldn't allow this. She needed this kiss was feasting on it. He tasted so sweet, like liquor and his lips were so soft and pliable against hers. Then there was the closeness, the intimacy of their position. Vicky hadn't had someone just hold her like this in so long. She couldn't help herself and she deepened the kiss sliding her fingers in his hair enjoying the feel of his silky curls beneath her finger tips. Warren was the man she needed but their lives were so mixed up that it didn't seem possible for them. Vicky became confused as she clung to him a little more her hand sliding back down to his shoulders. If this was their only night together then she should just make the best of it.

He pulled her closer to him Vicky moving with him willingly. As the kiss ended Warren stared at her and she at him. Just the look he gave her made her heart go pitter patter. What was this allure the Hubble's men held over her. Warren spoke his words stunning her into silence. Everything she wanted to hear she heard. He informed her that he never said he didn't want her, told her about all her attributes, and reminded her once more that she deserved better. Victoria was unable to help herself as a tear formed and slipped down her face. "I've wanted you so long did you have no idea. You make me laugh, you make me insane, you treat me like a person and not a sex object. You are what I wanted but I stopped thinking anything could come of it and..." she didn't finish that sentence because she knew that being alone led her to find solace in the wrong man. She looked down to the ground not wanting him to look at her repulsed.

[Warren Hubbles]

Warren could not help but stand back and watch as the tear silent slid down Vicky’s peachy coloured skin. At first he did not know what to make of it, had he said something wrong? The sinking feeling started the haunting and crushing feeling of rejection. There he was vocally admitting his thoughts and hearts desires without even thinking about the possibilities that Vicky might not feel these in return. Of course her kissing him back and saying, albeit accidently, that she only went for Dan because she could not have him. That has to be promising?

Then she began to talk and it was just what he wanted to hear. His voice caught in his throat as he carefully took in every word, every syllable that passed through her perfect lips. Normally it did not take much for a Hubbles clan to have their ego boosted and normally they would take it on with a cheeky smile and a nice wink. But as Warren stood there for once non of it mattered to his ego, it was all a matter of the heart and the way he cared for this woman.

It was when she dropt her gaze that Warren snapped into action, he wanted to prove to her that she had nothing to be embarrassed about. Reaching out placed a hand gently under Vicky’s chin and gently tipped it up so that their eyes were once more looking upon each other. “And you do not need to worry about it anymore. You have me now.” Warren finished off Vicky’s sentence. Maybe not in the way she had intended but in his mind it was a better way of ending it.

Dropping his hand from bellow her chin Warren took hold of each of Vic’s soft hands in his and he took one deep breath. This was to crazy, it clearly was not happening but as the sweet sent of Vicky’s perfume and the hint of rum filled his senses he new this was his very happy reality. “Tomorrow night we go out.” He stated rather bluntly. “I shall take you wherever you want to go. You name it sweetheart I shall take you there.”

[Prof. Victoria Potter]

Vicky stood there after having bared her soul to this man. A man whose last name was the same as her lovers. Vicky was a walking soap opera.. Screen writers would pay big bucks to have the rights to this story. If the moment wasn't so serious it would have been somewhat comical. Vicky never knew that she felt so strongly for Warren. Maybe it was because she tried to bury those feelings because of Dan, because he seemed to belong to someone else. Whatever the reason having the truth come out now was daunting.

Her head lowered was her only defense at the moment. Vicky was embarrassed, because she feared he might not believe her. After all she was sleeping around with Dan and he knew it now. Maybe he would think she was playing games. The thought of him rejecting her or calling her a liar scared her. She shivered a little wondering what she would do then. Maybe she would run out of the room, right out of the castle and she would never look back.

Suddenly she felt a hand under her chin lifting her head up. Vicky was now eying Warren and he was eying her. He told her that she had him now, these words caused her breath to catch in her throat. He didn't call her a tramp and tell her she was stupid to think he could ever want her. Something akin to relief swept through her at these words.

He grabbed her hands in such a sweet childlike gesture. Vicky almost pulled her hands back in shock. He was being so nice, such a gentleman. Part of her was waiting for him to act like a typical disgusting male but it didn't come. Instead he asked her out on a date. Told her that he would take her wherever she wanted to go. It took her a minute or two before she could answer. "You're asking me out on a proper date?" she was still sort of stunned but flattered none the less. "Warren you could take me to the bar, and as long as we were alone I would be happy."

[Warren Hubbles]

Even looking like a rabbit caught in the headlights Warren could not help but feel that Vicky still looked beautiful. Albeit her peachy cheeks were not a little paler then they once has been and for the smallest of moments he feared that there was a glint in those violet eyes that almost signalled confusion. Warren guessed that after being with Dan for a bit and being treated second rate it would be slightly understandable but then that was Warrens other fear. He had Dan to compete with, there would always be that comparison and what if he was not better then him in….that way….That would be a hurdle he would have to face at that moment in time now it was not in the forefront of his mind. First of all they would have to have a first date!

“Yeah” Warren could not help but grin at Vicky’s reaction. “A proper date where at the end of the night I stand on the door step of your er…castle and I kisses you gently and it would be the sweetest partings. Then as we lay in our separate beds we shall just be thinking of one another and looking forward to the next beautiful moment when we get to hold each other in our arms once more.” He knew it was cheesy and something that would be more likely found on the inside of a greetings card but it is what he imagined. A good old fashioned courtship, whirlwind romances never seemed to last and this was a relationship that Warren really wanted to work.

“Well that was about as useful as a hangover Vic.” Warren teased as he gently pulled her closer once again just wanting to feel her in his arms. “Although it is nice to hear you would be happy in just my company angel I would feel much more comfortable if there was something to distract your pretty little head when I run out of things to say.”

A Hubbles with confidence problems was a rare sight indeed but here it was, Warren was actually worried about his date with Vicky could simply go tits up and everything would be ruined. It has been a long time since he had done anything like this and all he wanted was Vicky to be happy and he feared failure. “So, is there a restaurant, a muggle theatre or a remote island? You need to give me something; I am a man after all. I have no imagination.”