The absent one... [Vicky]

[Warren Hubbles]

If you were to ask anyone who had been in a relationship with a Hubbles (mainly with a certain Mr Dan Hubbles] they would all tell you the same thing, its bloody hard work! Warren, sadly, although very different from his older cousin had admittedly been taking it all for granted and between working in the Hogshead and spending time with the kids back home it left very little time for Vicky. They would normally be able to steal the odd moment with one another but it was nothing one would call ‘good quality time’.

To give the man a little bit of credit Warren had realised his absence in Vicky’s life (oh how big headed that sounds) and honestly had been trying to do something about it. However an out break of dragon pox had meant Warren would not have even seen the grumpy old hag of Shrewsbury in fear of giving her something, so there is no way in hell he would have risked passing the illness onto Vicky. Today was the first day in a long time that he had even ventured downstairs to stand behind the bar, a scarf wrapped around his neck and his beard thicker then normal trying to hide the left over spots.

“Evening Boris!” Warren grinned as an elderly wizard shuffled his way across the dusty wooden floor of the pub.
“He-op Warrun.” The man’s group voice was thick with an accent that no one could quite place. “Where you bin keepin?”
“Locked away for my own good I am afraid.” Oh how Warren had missed the gentle banter between him and the customers as he pulled them a pint of their favourite ale.
“Shoud ov left ya locked op”
“Oi!” Warren laughed, trying to act hurt as he slid the pint across the bar towards the old man whose reactions were surprisingly nimble. “Don’t make me cough on you!”

The light chuckling continued long after Boris has shuffled back to his table leaving Warren to lean against the bar, his gaze looking far off into the distance as the door of the Hogshead swung open.

[Prof. Victoria Potter]

The last thing she needed was another day without Warren. They hadn't seen each other in a while, and it was driving Vicky crazy. She understood that he had other responsibilities, a family he had to look after as well as a business he was in charge of. Those were the things that kept her from saying anything about it, she didn't want him to think that she wanted all his time, she didn't of course but it would be nice to see him more than once every few days for what she could only subscribe as a few stolen moments. Vicky stood in front of the mirror staring at herself, her dark hair falling past her shoulders, surrounding a round face, but the one thing that stood out were her violet eyes. Staring into them she could see that they looked a little dull. Perhaps that was because she was feeling so down.

Warren had been sick, he had managed to come down with a case of dragon pox. Vicky was forced to stay away for her own health and for the health of her students, it was a very contagious affliction and she could have caused an outbreak rather quickly. So she had to stay away and wait for him to feel better before she could see him, but since she had no idea when that would be Vicky decided that she would have to forgo it all because she missed him too much.

That was the problem with being in a relationship you started to depend on being around that other person. Dressing carefully in jeans, a brown top, some high flat boots, and her latest leather jacket. Running a hand down her dark locks Vicky turned to the door of her room and walked out.

The trip to Hogsmeade took no time at all, in mere moments the door of the Hogshead came into sight and she could immediately feel excitement course through her veins. She was about to see Warren something she had wanted so badly these last few days. Opening the door she didn't have to wait long to catch a glimpse of the man leaning against the bar. Vicky's smile was so wide that it almost hurt. "Warren" she breathed, her eyes on him the entire time while she walked toward him speedily. Standing in front of him now she immediately kissed his lips gently. "You look good" he always looked good, but seeing him after so long, he looked exceptionally good.

[Warren Hubbles]

It was a habit that Warren had that as soon as the door of the pub opened his head would automatically swivel around to have a goosy gander at who was gracing the wooden floorboards of his little establishment. He was expecting to see another old wizard who’s robes had the remains of this mornings porridge down the front and they looked like they had not washed in a couple of days…not that he was complaining about his normal batch of customers, they were very loyal and put money in his back pocket. But as the magnificent creature entered the bar Warren’s face crinkled into a smile s his tired eyes stared in wonder as Vicky Potter walked towards him. As always she lighted up any room she entered, not that he was bias or anything but it was rather nice to see his girlfriend after such a long period of time.

And it seemed that Vicky was not willing to waste anytime and before he could even offer her a warm welcoming she had pressed her lips against his and was giving him a long over due kiss. Even as soon as they broke apart she beat him to the compliment about how well he was looking and the man could not help but grin, in this line of work you get many witches (and even the odd wizard) throwing you the odd compliment in the want of getting a free drink but it meant so much more coming from his Vicky. “I have looked better trust me” he said with a slight grin pulling the scarf tighter around his neck. “Anyway, you should not get too close I don’t want you to get anything…and the locals might get ideas.”

He could not resist a little joke and with a small chuckle he leaned close to Vicky and planned a gentle kiss on her left cheek. “What can I get you angel?” He pushed himself up off the bar and wondered over to the collection of clean glasses waiting for a response.

[Prof. Victoria Potter]

Victoria Potter couldn't have been happier to see anyone in her entire life. Being around Warren was like being around a breath of fresh air. Vicky knew she sounded so cliche half the time and was probably way too into Warren, but she found that she didn't care much. After everything that had passed she thought she was due some happiness and she had finally found it in the most unlikely place. Who would have known the Hogs Head was good for making love matches as well as for hook ups. All those times she had been in there she didn't make her move on him, had she perhaps all the drama of the last year wouldn't have happened. At this point it didn't matter she was looking toward the future and Warren was it. As they broke apart after their kiss Vicky simply smiled at him and smiled.

"Does it look like I care about what the locals think" she teased. "Plus I haven't been near you in so long I don't think I can keep away sick or not. I've missed you to bits and you better have missed me" she joked at him. Moving back she went ahead and took a seat at the bar that way she could have a better view of her man while he worked. He looked so sexy while he worked too she couldn't help but stare at him a goofy little grin on her face.

He asked her what she wanted to drink. Vicky hadn't really come there for that, since being with Warren Vicky had actually tried to stop her old behavior, she drank very rarely now if ever because she didn't need the alcohol to get by anymore she didn't need it to make her feel better. "Oh it doesn't matter to me I just came to see you I missed you a lot. You can just surprise me" she said sounding happier than she had in a while. She hated the fact that he had been so sick "How are you feeling really? I wish you had let me stay here and take care of you, you know I would have been happy to do that."

[Warren Hubbles]

Warren could not help but laugh at Vicky’s comments about not caring what the local’s thought, she might be able to have the persona of a care-free, in love individual (it must have been refreshing from being the local pub whore) but for him he did have his business to think about. It is surprising what penniless drunks would do in an attempt to get another beer out of you, and also he had his kids to think about. But when it came to Vicky he could not help but let these reservations go, when she kissed him he no longer carried about what the onlookers thought all that mattered was her. She then continued to joke with him about whether or not he had missed her, of course he had, anyone who had been apart from the person they cared about would know that to say you did not miss them would be like saying Winnie the Poo did not like honey….it would be pointless. But Warren was a Hubbles, and he was not going to just blurt out his emotions and true feelings just like that, a Hubbles would rather jest and tease then wear their heart on their sleeve.

“Neh, did not miss you one bit.” His cheeky lopsided smile and the slight sparkle in his eyes showed that he was only jesting. “I had other things on my mind, like the fact my skin had turned green, I was covered in boils and I had a purple rash…”his eyes quickly flicked down his body. “…well somewhere that should not be purple.”

With a small chuckle, Warren wondered over to the empty glasses and started to throw together a small, simple cocktail for Vicky. Nothing too alcoholic, something a bit fruity and sweet…a bit like Vicky. Placing the glass down in front of her the bartender gave his girlfriend a cheeky wink. “One Warren special me lady.” He watched in anticipation for her nod of approval of the drink but it seemed Vicky had other things on her mind, clearly his health and well being was more important then the drink he was trying to give her.

“I am feeling better.” It was clear from the bags under his eyes the thirty year old was still not fighting fit, but at least he was looking more like a normal human being now and not some green swamp monster. “But lets not talk about that…how is work going?”

[Prof. Victoria Potter]

Victoria Potter couldn't have been happier. She had finally managed to get out of the bad, screwed up relationship she was in with a man that was all wrong for her. A man who was married, and her boss. She was still reeling from her serious lack of judgment when it came to said man, but meeting Warren had helped her wake up so to speak. When Warren admitted how he felt for her Vicky felt as if a light had gone on in her head and she realized that she deserved to be happy with someone who cared for her not someone who was just using her. So when it came to Warren Vicky had a hard time keeping her feelings in check. She just enjoyed the sight of him, but she realized they were at his place of business and she had to show a modicum of decorum when she was there in front of his clients. At least it didn't stop him from kissing her back, Vicky wished she could have taken it further, but she knew she couldn't.

As Vicky took her seat she wondered if she had been missed by him at all. Despite her new found confidence there was still that insecure woman hiding deep down inside. Of course he did what Hubbles men seem to enjoy doing, he was cracking a joke. Vicky tried no to take it personally. Unable to stop herself she gave a bit of a giggle when he mentioned a rash in places that ought not to be mentioned. "Aww poor thing it must have been awful" she said smiling at him.

He was making her a drink and Vicky sat there watching him, all the noise around her fading away because she only had eyes for him. There was just something about Warren that could cause her to loose all sense of time so when he placed the drink down in front of her she shook her head to clear it, then looked down at the little concoction. "Hmm let's hope this tastes good Mr. Hubbles because if it doesn't you are in big trouble." she said laughing picking up the glass and taking a sip. Somehow no matter what drink he made it tasted amazing. "You're good very good this tastes amazing, glad to see the cold hasn't made you loose your touch."

As she relaxed and made herself at home he mentioned that he was feeling better and she nodded and felt good that he was doing better. He didn't want to keep discussing being sick he seemed to be more interested in her and how she was doing. "Oh well I've been trying to keep busy not much going on at the school, which is probably a good thing after everything that was going on there. I've been keeping out of trouble I promise" she said putting up two fingers "scouts honor" she joked with him. "I just needed to get out I was going stir crazy, and well I just wanted to see you" she said thoughtfully.

[Warren Hubbles]

If there would be a possible way of winning the ‘lamest boyfriend’ award then Warren was well and truly on his way to winning it. In all honestly he had made little effort when it came to Vicky, no mater how much he cared for her he still had two factors working against him…he was a Hubbles and on top of that he was a man! However it seemed that Vicky had not noticed this and was still fawning over him like one of her students on their first crush…not that he was complaining. So as she laughed, he laughed and the two of them looked more and more like two punch drunk fools.

“Why thank you Miss Potter.” Warren grinned back as he watched the orange liquid slid from the glass and over those perfect lips of hers. Warren was getting obsessed again and he had to snap out of it before he said something stupid. Thankfully Vicky answered his question from before and the conversation was moved on away from both him being ill and also away from the urge to jump over the bar counter and wrap his arms so tightly around her and never let her go.

“Well you best be keeping out of trouble.” He teased back as he reached out and took hold of the hand that she had used to do the scouts honour. Gently placing a kiss on the hand he locked eyes with his girlfriend and stared on in wonder as she continued to tell him about her days when they had been apart. “Well it is a good job you have me then.” His face crinkled into a smile as he thought about the thoughts which could be passing though Vicky’s mind. “Why don’t you nip around this side of the bar, I don’t need to be on today…” He gave a fake cough and looked nervously around the bar area to make sure that any of the other staff did not get suspicious…however he did hire them so they could just shut up. “…so I am all yours for the day. What do you want to do?”

[Prof. Victoria Potter]

After the debacle of the last year Vicky was glad that she managed to come out of it with Warren. He was a good man granted he was still a Hubbles a fact she was well aware of, but he was a different Hubbles at least deep down in her mind she hoped she was right about that much at least. So far she had nothing to complain about except the fact that they hadn't spent as much time together as she probably would have liked. She understood he had obligations she had them to which was why she acted so giddy when she was around him. It was like getting a treat one that she had been longing for.

He thanked her for her comment and Vicky's eyes landed on him watching him as he watched her. As usual a flash of heat went right through her at the look. Something about Warren looking at her made Vicky's heart start to race like nothing else ever had. Vicky knew how her own mind worked and what she would do in about a minute if she didn't distract herself so she continued on with their conversation, it was hard to do but they were in public, this was his place of business and she had to behave hard as that was to do.

Vicky grinned when he told her she best be staying out of trouble. she was a lot of trouble but since meeting Warren all of that had changed for the better. She had gotten herself out of a bad relationship and she stared a new one, a healthy one. Then her grabbed her hand and gently kissed it unbeknown to him she shivered slightly just something about his lips on her that made her wild. They looked at each other and Vicky couldn't help but grin like a little school girl who was meeting with her first boyfriend. As he told her to nip behind the bar her spirits soared. He was giving her time and she couldn't have been more thrilled as she got up and did as he asked. He wanted to know what she wanted to do that day and there were a lot of things that ran through her mind but she would behave herself. "It's all about you my dearest Warren so tell me what it is you'd like to do and I'm game."

[Warren Hubbles]

Warren gave a playful roll of the eyes as Vicky turned his question back on him saying how it was his choice what they did that day. “That was not the answer to my question Miss Potter.” He teased as he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close after she had come up from the other side of the bar. Their faces where so close Warren could feel the warmth of her breath upon his face, he could smell her shampoo and as he stared into those vibrant violet eyes all he wanted to do was taste those lips. “Now,” as he spoke his lips lightly brushed against Vicky’s. “what do you want to do today?”

It must have looked odd from the other customers frequenting the pub that day, the fact that these two, dare Warren think it, devilishly handsome people with such physical attraction to one another could simply stand there in such close proximity and not kiss! There where a few jealous glances and heated debates between the more elderly witches who always called Warren ‘that nice young man’ and he was sure there were also a few of the wizards in the pub who would not mind standing this close to such a beautiful creature. Almost to rub this fact in to his envious on lookers Warren’s hand gently slipped down Vicky’s back and found its self a nice new home positioned gently on the Charms Professors bum.

“Well then Angle?” Warren asked once more, a playful smile crinkling his tired looking face. Although the illness had worn him down physically, and although he would hate to admit it also mentally there was one thing Warren was sure it could not quench and that was his feelings towards Vicky. He had been in a position like this once before and he had been far to hasty to say that 3 word sentence which was made up of 8 letters and it had gotten him into a spot of trouble so he had decided this time he would take it slower after all there was nothing wrong with going steady. However there was one thing he was sure of…no matter what Vicky said she wanted to do, the first thing he would be doing is taking her out of sight of everyone else so they could spend some alone time together.

[Prof. Victoria Potter]

Vicky noted the eye roll from Warren and knew it was because of her answer. Of course she knew what she wanted to do with Warren but she wasn't sure it was what he wanted and she didn't think her ego could take it if she were turned down so she would much rather let him decide what they did. He informed her that she had not answered the question, and she gave him a girlish smile as he pulled her closer wrapping his arms around her. They were close now closer than the two of them had been in quite some time, it felt amazing though she knew they were in a room full of people being this close simply made it seem as if it were just the two of them. Their eyes locked and it made Vicky shiver slightly because he had the most beautiful eyes. Then when his lips brushed hers Vicky's heart skipped a beat and she barely heard his words her mind was spinning so fast. He had no idea of his effect on her.

Vicky had to keep reminding herself that they weren't alone here they were in the middle of his place of business and she had to act lady like despite not really wanting to right now. Vicky had her back to the others but she was sure she could feel eyes on them and why wouldn't there be the pub owner and the professor both highly attractive individuals who were highly attracted to one another. Vicky didn't care she was used to people talking about her she just didn't know how Warren felt about it all. As if in answer to that question Vicky felt a hand on her bum now and she gasped inaudibly.

He questioned her again about what she wanted to do so Vicky stared into his eyes just as he had hers a little while ago. She didn't realize she could feel this way about someone after everything she had been through but meeting Warren having him be there for her showed her that life really did work in mysterious ways. Of course she kept these emotional feelings to herself not rushing things seemed like the right thing to do. So sometimes she wasn't sure what to do when they were together. Biting her lip she answered "You're making it hard to think with your hand on my bum, but I think my brain can function at a minimum capacity right now so I can say I just want to be alone with you anywhere, anywhere at all as long as it is me and you."

[Warren Hubbles]

It was almost as if she had read his mind when she finally answered his question and with a playful squeeze of her bum Warren shot her a cheeky little smile before planting a soft, quick kiss on her lips. Even as he pulled away, unravelling his arms from around her waist and removing his hand from its comfortable perch Warren could not help but remove a dorky looking grin that seemed to be stuck onto his face. “As you wish.” He muttered as the hand that had been feeling her ass now took hold of her hand as he started to lead her away from the shrill of the pub to the to quiet of the upper levels.

The first floor was just as dingy as the first floor with the rooms in the inn being hidden down a long dark corridor behind solid wooden doors. Warren did not want to know what was going on in these rooms, although he had a feeling that some drunken one night stands had taken place within their walls, but then who was he to know what happens behind closed doors. At the end of the long corridor which he lead Vicky down was a cleaner looking door and with a tap of his wad it flew open to reveal day light. These room’s where in total contrast to the rest of the pub, there was little dust, the window’s where clean and instead the smell of stale beer the smell of cooking bread filled their senses.

“Welcome to my humble abode.” Warren chuckled as he pushed the door shut behind them blocking out the final sounds of the pub bellow. Slowly Warren shuffled through to the small living area and flopped down onto the sofa with a small groan. He maybe all smiles and happiness around Vicky but his illness had taken a lot out of him and he was still yet to recover fully from it and as a result his energy levels were not all too high. “Can I get you anything?” He asked once again still trying to be a good host to his amazing and beautiful guest.

[Prof. Victoria Potter]

If there was one thing Vicky enjoyed it was seeing that wicked little smile on Warren's face. He was already handsome more so than most men she knew but when he gave her one of those cheeky grins she could almost feel herself wanting to melt because it was just so damned sexy. In another situation she was pretty sure that grin would have made her forget what she wanted or needed. But when he pulled away from her she was brought right back to reality his hands not on her was certainly something she noticed. Vicky knew they couldn't be all over each other since he was at his place of business, though she wouldn't really mind it. Lucky for her they weren't staying down in the bar. As he held out a hand to her Vicky didn't need asking twice, she grabbed hold of it and let him lead her.

Of course as they headed upstairs Vicky wasn't at all shocked by what she saw or what the place looked like it wasn't as if she hadn't been up to the rooms before. She had been up there more times than she cared to admit, as of right now though she kept those things to herself. Last thing she wanted was to remind him of that fact. They were having a good time and Vicky's record was against her she had done things before her and Warren got together that she wasn't very proud of. So she stayed quiet and let him lead her to his quarters which were a good deal away from the rest of the rooms. This part was a wee bit cleaner as was the door that marked Warren's room.

Entering after him Vicky noticed it was a bachelor's place but it wasn't as bad as most guys. Warren walked in and plopped right down onto the couch. Vicky eyes him warily wondering if he was OK. She knew he had been really sick and he was just getting over the illness but maybe he was still feeling a bit weak. Moving toward the couch and sitting herself next to him she answered his question "No I'm fine for now, the real question is are you OK? Do you need to rest for a little while?" The concern in her voice was genuine, Vicky truly cared for him and simply wanted him to b happy.

[Warren Hubbles]

Even as Warren sat down he could tell that Vicky’s eyes were fixed upon and not for the reasons I have used too, instead of looks of longing and lust she was looking at him with concern and care. It was the look that Warren had missed, the look of a significant other wanting to make sure that the one that they love and care about. Even the way that Vicky walked over and sat down next to him, almost as if protecting him from anymore illness. However as he had expected Vicky did not want anything and as always seemed to be the way with them the question get reverted right back at the other one and normally Warren would have a cheeky answer to fire back in the true Hubbles manner, but today, today he had no answer and instead the man could just about summon a small shrug of the shoulders.

“I have been better.” He answered honestly but still cushioning the truth enough to make sure she did not mess around and faff about him acting like he was a baby. “But I am on the road to recovery now; I just…lack energy from time to time.” He gave Vicky a genuine smile as he reached out and pulled his girlfriend closer to him, planting the gentlest of kisses onto the top of her head. He loved the feel of her head resting upon his chest, the feel of the weight of her body upon his; it just meant everything to him that she was there with him curled up on the sofa.

After a couple of minutes had passed and the couple where now breathing perfectly in time Warren felt like he needed to say something, although the silence had been comfortable he knew that they needed to make up for the time they had lost together in his absence while he was tucked up in bed with his hot water bottle. “We should go somewhere.” He stated out of the blue, shifting himself in his seat so that he could see Vicky better. “Anywhere you want, just you and me.”

[Prof. Victoria Potter]

Vicky hadn't felt like this in a really long time. For the most part she often thought of herself before she thought of others (hence her relationship with someone who had already been taken). With Warren it was totally different though she cared about him, she cared about what he was thinking, and how he was feeling. It bothered her when he was sick especially because she couldn't come see him. She spent hours agonizing and wondering if he was ok. It was odd and knowing that she cared so much about someone it was thrilling, but also scary.

Vicky looked at him wondering how he was feeling, and when he said he was ok Vicky looked at him wondering if he was being completely honest. She didn't think he had any need to lie so she relaxed a bit glad that he wasn't feeling icky. He pulled her closer and she couldn't help but grin widely. It felt good being with him. "Well if you feel any lack of energy while you're with me let me know ok" she told him not wanting him to act brave on her account. She snuggled closer to him enjoying being closer to him.

They sat there together for a while none of them speaking, but that was fine because it wasn't some sort of awkward silence, it was nice that they could sit there for a while and just be. Vicky took one of her hands and placed it on his chest, her finger making little circles. Soon his voice filled the room he suggested they go somewhere anywhere. Vicky picked her head up and looked at him. She was sort of taken aback but couldn't help smile at him "Anywhere huh, so if I said let's go to Tahiti we would end up in Tahiti" came her flippant response.

[Warren Hubbles]

If you were to tell Warren this time last year that he would be happily (if not a little bit ill) lying on his sofa in his flat with Vicky snuggled up next to him he would have laughed in their face and accused them of drinking too much home brew. But alas, it is funny how things can change in a year and that was the scene that was now being played out in front of him. And it was very nice indeed, it felt, well natural to say the least and with a wide grin Warren listened to what Vicky had to say, loving the fact there was someone out there in the world that cared for him this much.

Vicky was lazily drawing circles on his chest when he asked his question about going away somewhere and as soon as the final word had fallen from his lips her hand had stopped drawing little patterns and her head shot up. He could feel her eyes fix themselves onto the side of his head and slowly he turned to meet her stare with a small cheeky grin. “If you want to go to Tahiti then Tahiti it is.” he said with a laugh. “I would not say no to warm sandy beaches and the sound of that pure blue ocean.”

In all honesty he thought that the warmth of a beach would be good for him right now, much better then the bitter cold of Scotland any day. Pulling Vicky that little bit closer he kissed her gently on the top of her head. “We shall go wherever my sweet. As long as I am with you I will be happy.” He gave a slight chuckle. “As long as I can wear my new bathing suit I will be happy.”

Jumping up from the sofa Warren had to wait a moment to get his baring and balance and with a laugh jumped around to face Vicky once more and pulled out his wand. “Accio suitcase” Just as command an old fashioned brown leather case came flying into the room and reaching out with his left hand Warren let it reach his hand and still smiling like the cat who got the cream he opened up the case and looked at Vicky. “So what type of clothes should I fill my case with?”