[ For asthedrivensnow ]

[prettyawkward]

Rabastan arrived at the Black's manor with a satchel that was full of everything he'd need.  A resonant ring announced his arrival, and he found his hand automatically moving to his hair as he waited, rather nervously, for the house elf to allow him into the foyer. Fingers twisted and tugged at a few strands of long, black hair as his eyes wandered around the familiar scene.  Rabastan had spent many occasions here, certainly, but somehow this seemed different.  There was a fleeting thought that he might have a chance; that perhaps this would be the moment where he'd finally be able to say he'd caught the eye of a particularly stunning Black sister.  Soon after that thought came the whispering doubt that caused a slight contortion in his face as he ignored the house elf's ramblings.  Maybe he was asking about taking his coat, or bag, or whatever it was that house elves do.  Rabastan was far too caught up in the noise inside of his own head to really pay much attention to anything in the real world.  This had become more and more common since he'd been living on his own, and his lack of sleep was apparent under his eyes.

With another strange fidget, and sudden realisation that the house elf was still trying to get his attention, he glanced down at the creature, "I'm here for your mistress Narcissa.  She should be expecting me."  

He had remembered to send that owl she had asked him to, hadn't he?  He thought he remembered, or maybe he had dreamt it.

Comments

[asthedrivensnow]

The silence in the room is actually anything but - it's just that they're not speaking. Narcissa focuses her gaze on the easel for now; she can hear the scratch of graphite over canvas that means he's creating the shapes to work with. She can hear him breathing, she can hear the odd creaks her bodice makes if she takes a deeper breath. For a moment she hears her heartbeat in her ears, and very faintly she makes out one of the house elves scolding another.

When he asks his question, Narcissa blinks in surprise, then looks thoughtful.

"A handful or so," she dismisses. "They're not necessarily awkward, and my parents... they do insist I accept all first offers, but I'm not obliged to keep seeing somebody I consider less than compatible."

So Vincent eventually got his dance, but nothing more. Antonin, on the other hand, is a relatively frequent visitor, along with Lucius - their rivalry is amusing - and one or two others.

"I'm not seeing anybody exclusively, though. It's too soon to settle down."

[prettyawkward]

"Right, you had mentioned that," he said, moving on to mixing up his palette. The brush moves over one colour, then another, stroking and mixing and tapping until he's satisfied with the hue.

"When my parents suggest someone, I know it's going to be awful. They don't really do it for me, anymore. Suppose they've given up. I did notice a drop-off once they were certain Dolph had someone. Now I'm just expected to live out my life making our name look good."

[asthedrivensnow]

"It's the advantage of being the youngest," she points out, nose wrinkling as the smell of the oils reaches her. Once she recognises the scent, she smooths her expression.

"Bella did the right thing, and now all I have to do is not marry someone they disapprove of."

[prettyawkward]

He began moving the brush swiftly over the canvas, building up the background colour.

"I guess I never looked at it as an advantage. Maybe you're right. Maybe I'm over-thinking all this sh---stuff. I should be enjoying my bachelorhood."

Although, it wasn't like he had a lot of options even for just having fun. He hadn't been on a proper date in over a year. This had likely been the closest thing he has had to meeting up with a girl at a specified time and place, and he wasn't sure it really counted.

[asthedrivensnow]

"You could just... go and dally with Muggle girls," she points out. Distaste is evident in her voice, but it's certainly not unheard of. "I know for a fact that Henry Mulcuber brings them home every weekend, terrifies them with magic, then Obliviates them."

He also does all sorts of other things with those girls before he panics them by casting ridiculous spells, but Narcissa isn't going to mention those.

[prettyawkward]

Rabastan just snorts a laugh, as if that's the most ridiculous thing he's ever heard. Or maybe it was an over-compensating sort of laugh, because the thought had crossed his mind...several times.

He knows of Mulciber's past with Muggleborns at the school. He's witnessed a few moments of torture, and had to listen to Avery's constant whining, and sniveling about it. Rabastan had always tried to push the thoughts out of his mind, but they kept finding themselves back in there. There was something to be said for being more powerful than the woman you were with, he thought. His intimate experiences with witches had been severe, to say the least. It might be nice to have a bit of control....

"Absurd. I never liked him, much. I mean, sure it may not result in some wretched half-breed, but I'd still feel defiled. Like there's dirt I couldn't quite rinse off, you know?"

[asthedrivensnow]

"Ugh, I know," she agrees, careful not to move her head. "There's occasional recreational slumming, and there's an appalling lack of taste. I think it's clear which one describes him."

Narcissa can understand the odd slip - beautiful people are beautiful people - but to make a habit of it is... less than desirable, and rapidly approaching revolting. She's seen several young men whilst out in London and abroad who have caught her eye, but - well, you don't keep them. Besides, there are far more fascinating people she already knows.

"You're far more sensible than he is."

[prettyawkward]

Thank goodness for the fact that an inflation of ego, does not increase the size of one's head.

"Yeah. I'm all about purity. I wouldn't dare threaten that. Why chance bringing an abomination into this world, right?"

He was working now on developing her figure.

[asthedrivensnow]

She's rather slender with modest curves, so he shouldn't develop it too much. The gown does accentuate her shape, though.

"Exactly. We can't help the anomalies that crop up, but there's no need to deliberately perpetuate them."

Narcissa is ignoring Andromeda in this equation.

[prettyawkward]

"I'm glad we're on the same page, then," he commented, continuing to work. He stayed silent for a while, and then paused from his brush strokes.

"I think...maybe we should spend some time together. You know, just for fun, maybe? It doesn't have to be anything serious. I know you're enjoying your freedom. I am, too!" Lie. "So, maybe we could just...have fun, or...or something."

[asthedrivensnow]

"Mm..." she agrees quietly, letting the sounds of his brush on canvas fill the room for a while.

When he speaks again, she blinks, startled from the slight day-dreaming state she'd entered.

"Hmm? Oh! I don't see why not..." He's decent company when he's not fretting over social mores, and she doesn't mind him, really. "Anything in mind? Or are you planning an entire series of portraits and are just now springing the idea on me?"

[prettyawkward]

That question unleashed an unexpected snort, that he immediately regretted, and quickly tried to ignore.

"I'd love to, honestly. Though, I was thinking more of...making an evening of it. Going out somewhere you'd like. I haven't really had anyone to run around with, lately. You have all sorts of beautiful dresses. It'd be a shame if you didn't have something to wear them to, you know?"

[asthedrivensnow]

She smirks. "That is your plan. Why am I not surprised?"

Narcissa shifts a little on the chaise, trying not to let her skirts move.

"Are you asking me on a date, Rabastan?"

[prettyawkward]

He shifted his focus from the painting back to her, once more. It was an extended sort of stare, as if he was trying to gauge her reaction and see how to proceed. Of course, he never claimed to be able to read anyone. She hadn't thrown anything at him, or stormed out of the room, or shrieked in disgust, so that seemed good enough for him.

"Well, I suppose you could put it that way. Sure."

[asthedrivensnow]

"Then I suppose I can accept," she replies, one eyebrow arched as she watches him think over his offer.

"Maybe you can show me more than just teahouses and restaurants."

[prettyawkward]

"Oh, I'll show you anything you want!" he sort of blurted out, not thinking through how ridiculous he sounded.

He cleared his throat, and continued on the painting. In all actuality, he had no idea what to do on a date that didn't involve teahouses or restaurants.

"You know, if you have something in mind. Like a few things I could choose from, maybe...or I could figure something out."

[asthedrivensnow]

"Is that so?"

His eagerness is almost puppyish, and she's hard pressed to keep her face in the expression he's requested of her.

"You're a clever boy, Rabbie. I'm sure you can come up with something I'll like," Narcissa points out. "But if you're stuck for ideas, I enjoy dancing, picnics, fireworks, museums, opera, flying, ice cream... there's a whole list."

A list that most people don't ask for, so she goes to an awful lot of restaurants and teahouses. Her suitors tend to outdo each other in terms of expense, not her preferences.

[prettyawkward]

There were certainly things he liked, and things he didn't like, in that list. However, it did cause a few sparks of ideas in his brain.

"I think I know just what we'll do. But I'll keep it a surprise, yeah? I'm almost done with the basics of this, but I'd like to take this home and finish up the details. That was going to be my way of getting to see you again, but luckily you've already agreed. It was sort of my back-up plan."

[asthedrivensnow]

She's flattered and amused by his response.

"I really won't mind being painted for the next month, if that's what you'd planned," she smiles, stretching, long limbs extending as she eases the ache from sitting.

[prettyawkward]

He straightened his back, grinning at her.

"Well, I hope it'll look amazing for you. I can only hope to make the painting look as spectacular as you."

All right, maybe he was really trying hard, but the point was that he cared enough to try that hard to impress her.

[asthedrivensnow]

"Flatter me a little more, I love it," she laughs, tilting her head back and tugging on a lock of hair. "May I see it now, or do I have to wait for the finishing touches?"

Narcissa isn't sure if he'll give in or not, and she levels a hopeful gaze on him that doesn't quite balance out the smirk curling her lip.

[prettyawkward]

At first he seemed excited to allow her to see it, but a flicker of muttering thoughts caused him to want to play this out.

"I think you'll have to wait. That makes it more enjoyable when you finally can, doesn't it?" he asked as he started to clean everything up with a few flicks of his wand. "I wouldn't know. I'm shit at patience."

[asthedrivensnow]

For a moment, she thought he'd allow it - but then she sees the indecision on his face and knows he's changed his mind.

"They do say good things come to those who wait," she points out, a little wryly.

Narcissa is very aware that she's pretty, and she doubts the portrait will be hideous. That doesn't stop her vanity from wanting to see it now.

[prettyawkward]

"I'm a bit particular about my work," he mentioned, as he finished up packing everything else, and miniaturising the portrait to fit into his pack.

"It will absolutely be worth it. And on top of it, when we do actually go on that date, I'll have something lovely to bring to you! So it's a deal, then?"

[asthedrivensnow]

She watches him pack up, his efficiency and care for his tools at odds with his often clumsy motions the rest of the time. It's obvious that when he has a focus he cares for, he's a different young man.

"It's a deal," she agrees, and slides her legs out from under her skirts, stretching them out in front of her and wriggling her toes before she stands and moves towards him.

"I can't wait to see what you've done."