Happy Birthday

The breeze caught her hair, and sent a few strands flying in front of her face. He watched them until they settled back on her shoulders, and resisted the urge to reach out and tuck it behind her ear. Despite his attention being split, every word she said burned into his brain without him having to attempt to hear her. It was as if his entire body was programmed to remember everything possible about her.

His eyes shot towards Evie at her comment, "You are not boring, and neither is your life." He told her seriously, frowning at the girl. How could she not know how interesting she was? How could she doubt for a moment that he wasn't fascinated by everything she had to say? Luke shook his head and deepened his frown at her question. There wasn't much he was willing to give away, but her own admission gave him a beginning.

"I've visited France, and stayed there for a few months. I was probably there when you were. I worked in a Muggle bar, it helped that I speak basic French, I'm not fluent but my Mother felt it was important growing up for us to be able to communicate with international wizards." He smiled a little at her, hoping what he said was good enough. If he'd met Evie whilst he was in France, perhaps he wouldn't have turned into such a cynic.

Luke wasn't about to begin lecturing her in French, and hoped he hadn't sounded obnoxious with his admission. He didn't like to boast about his time in various countries, because it sounded as if he was trying to impress her. Honestly, Luke had done nothing but try and impress Evie from the moment he'd met her. Although if it was going to happen, he'd rather it be because of him as a person than what he'd done. "I used to," he said. "Once I left Hogwarts I spent a few years travelling. I went to a few places, met some people, and then came home." Which was when all the trouble began. "I know I don't make it sound particularly interesting, but as you may have gathered I'm not very good at telling a story," Luke said, rubbing the back of his neck and smiling as he looked at her.

The alcohol must be wearing off, as the wind was beginning to nip his skin, and he was having to fight to stop shutting her out. However, there was no chance he would take the coat back, Luke would rather give Evie his shirt than see her cold. They were getting to the outskirts of town, and he wasn't certain what they would do once they reached the edge. Would she leave? There wasn't anywhere to go and it was getting later with each step. Luke sighed quietly, wondering if their night was already coming to an abrupt end.

Stories, yes he had a lot of stories, although some he would rather keep private. It was odd, nobody had ever wanted to hear about his travels before, not truly. His friends listened to snippets when he offered them, and his brother had been interested for a while, but other than that Luke didn't talk about it. He had always assumed that people were bored, if someone hadn't experienced an event themselves, they struggled to muster enthusiasm.

Evie was staring around them, and he followed her gold flecked eyes to a small shop glowing in the corner. His mood shot up at her offer, and Luke found himself having to force a telling grin off his face. He began walking backwards towards it, a small smile on his lips as he watched the pretty redhead. "I'm fine, but if you're cold then a hot chocolate sounds good," he said, shaking his head at her show of concern for him. Luke continued wandering back, but slowed so Evie could catch up. "You've been here before then? I didn't even know it existed," he told her. Luke didn't go out often, apart from the occasional drinking session with his friends. He didn't have anyone to go out with, especially not for a late night hot drink. As they neared, the light fell onto Evie's face and her hair burned with colour. He grabbed the door handle and pulled it towards him, holding it open and waiting for Evie to walk through. "After you," he said, taking a moment to appreciate the feel of her as she brushed past him into the warm room.

The door swung shut behind the pair as they walked to the counter, Evie taking the lead. She was clearly familiar to the woman who worked there, as the dark haired witch lit up instantly. Perhaps it wasn't just Luke who could see the light shining from Evie, maybe she made everyone she came across feel better. Luke rested one fist on the counter and stared at Evie as she ordered, examining every expression her face made. Her cheekbones twitched when she spoke, as if constantly straining to smile. Luke was the opposite, finding a frown easier to slip into than a smile, he was drawn to the redheads smile partly due to this fact. If Evie hadn't moved her gaze to him he would have remained transfixed and blinked quickly when their eyes met.

Luke smiled a little and glanced at the woman, "Could you make that two please?" She nodded and continued mixing up the beverages. Luke leaned into his hand and tilted his head to one side, peering at the pretty witch. "There's no need to thank me, I couldn't have watched-" Luke hesitated and shook his head, already hearing how foolish he sounded. "You looked uncomfortable, and besides, I didn't really do anything." He rubbed his lips together, embarrassed about her gratitude. If anything Luke felt as though he'd intervened when it wasn't his place. He had no claim over Evie, and acting like her protector could have easily made her feel awkward. Thankfully, it didn't seem to bother her, as nothing did.