Spontaneity - 7/8 - Teen - Percy/Lavender
Title: Spontaneity (7/8)
Author: silvernatasha
Rating: Teen
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Summary: Life doesn't always need to be planned out; a waitress makes Percy consider whether there's such a thing as the 'perfect' woman for him. Percy/Lavender.
Word Count: 1712.
Percy lingered by the door, biding his time with a small smile. Before Lavender could join him, she was waylaid by another customer and served up half a dozen cappuccinos to take away, and bagged up three double chocolate muffins just as she had nearly finished ringing up the total on the old till. The till gave a chime of dismay and Lavender slapped its side, apparently not prepared to deal with the till’s theatrics.
The constellation teapot jittered at her when Percy stepped forward and Lavender smiled, choosing that one to make the tea. Percy thought it seemed to have taken quite a shine to him, which was perhaps one of the most bizarre realisations he had ever had.
When Sue gave Lavender a look that was far too knowing for Percy’s liking, Lavender just pursed her lips and rolled her eyes, but didn’t say no when Sue pushed her out of the way to prepare their order. Rather, Lavender all but ripped off her apron and dashed around to the front of the counter, her hand slipping easily into Percy’s.
“Good afternoon,” she murmured and kissed his cheek.
Percy didn’t even flush, enjoying the attention too much to be embarrassed. “Afternoon. How’s work?”
“As busy as ever,” Lavender said with a shrug, leading Percy to one of the small tables at the back of the café. Today, she wore red shoes, ones that matched the apron she had just removed. “How are you getting on without Katie?”
“We’re managing. She’s still on honeymoon for another week.”
“Oh, I hope she’s enjoying herself!”
“She sent a postcard. I don’t think they’ve been doing much sight-seeing.”
“Quite right, too,” Lavender remarked with an impish grin. “It’s their honeymoon, after all.”
Percy smirked. “Having never been on a honeymoon, I can’t imagine…”
Lavender put her hand on Percy’s knee; he considered asking her to remove it, but it felt nice so he said nothing. “You can’t?” she whispered, leaning in close. “Because last night…”
Feeling a little hot under the collar, he cleared his throat, sending Lavender into giggles. “Yes. Well.”
“Well, perhaps we could have a repeat tonight?” Lavender suggested softly, lips brushing his ear. “Let the idea sink in a bit.” She ducked her head slightly to place a gentle kiss on his neck.
Oh, Merlin. This woman was something else. None of Percy’s previous relationships had ever quite been like this. Percy was surprised that her open affection didn’t unsettle him more. Composing himself, Percy fiddled with the cuff of his robes for a moment.
Percy was grateful for the brief interruption when Sue delivered their order. He smiled at the sight of the familiar teapot and the buttered teacake on a plate next to it. “You know me too well,” he told Lavender.
“I don’t know,” she said quietly, shaking her head as she reached for her coffee. Lavender took a sip. “I think there’s still a lot to learn.”
“I really should have someone from the Ministry investigate you,” Percy mused, eyes narrowed at her.
“Really?” She looked dubious, chewing on her bottom lip. Her eyes were wide and entirely too innocent-looking for someone who had done such naughty things last night.
“Yes. After all, surely it’s not right that something as horribly addictive as you is allowed out in public.”
It was Lavender’s turn to smirk. “Really?” she repeated.
“Oh, yes. It starts with just a seemingly innocent cup of tea and escalates into utter infatuation. One doesn’t even notice it’s happening until it’s too late.”
Lavender fingers twined with his as she took his hand, nails bright red to match her apron. “Too late?”
“Indeed. I believe I’ve completely fallen for you.” He pushed up his glasses. “Though I believe I’ll need to investigate the matter further to be entirely sure.”
She pouted. “You make it sound like such a hardship,” she teased.
“Yes. Well. It’s a hardship I’m willing to live with.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” Lavender grinned and gave his hand a gentle squeeze. “Are you free for dinner tonight?”
“I was going to have a sandwich when I got home.”
She wrinkled her nose. “Do you think I can tempt you away from that for a home-cooked dinner?”
Percy sucked on his teeth, letting the question linger between them because he could tell that she was on the verge of giggling. He liked that he could make her smile. “Yes,” he said finally, “but only because the bread’s starting to go stale.”
“I’m honoured,” she murmured, and kissed him square on the mouth. Percy flushed, still unsure whether he liked such public displays of affection or not. He had certainly liked it at Katie and Lee’s wedding - George had seen and ribbed him for days about it - but it seemed a bit different here in the café.
“You should be. My company is very much in demand.”
Rather than giggling, Lavender gave a snort. “Yes, keep dreaming, Percy.”
“Don’t tease. It’s not nice.”
“Mmm. But I like seeing you get all flustered.” She kissed him again, more gently this time, and Percy decided that perhaps he could get used to this. It didn’t help that he was certain Sue was always watching them out of the corner of one eye, but Lavender’s lips were so very soft and warm against his that it was easy to forget that for a while.
“Oh, Merlin’s pants. That’s something I never wanted to see.”
Lavender broke back abruptly, biting her lip and tucking her hair behind her ear as they both recognised the speaker. “Did you want something, Ron?” she asked uneasily, cheeks red as she shifted uncomfortably.
“I was looking for my brother. Dennis said Percy comes here a lot.”
Percy cleared his throat and surreptitiously removed his hand from Lavender’s thigh. “Indeed. You found me.” This wasn’t quite as embarrassing as an eleven-year-old Ginny walking in on him and Penelope kissing in an empty classroom, but it still ranked quite highly on Percy’s levels of embarrassment.
Ron raised his eyebrows. “Yeah. And now I think I want to un-find you. Never want to see that.”
“I see you haven’t lost your charm,” Lavender remarked.
“Dennis said you came here a lot.” Ron glanced around. “I didn’t see the attraction, but I guess you have other reasons for wanting to be here.”
Lavender frowned. “I really would appreciate it if you didn’t attempt to insult my business standing in front of me.”
“Your business?”
She sighed. “Never mind. You were looking for Percy?” she prompted, hands wrapped around her mug of coffee.
“Yeah. Um. I was just… hoping we could catch up some time. Haven’t seen you properly for ages. I… kind of need to talk.”
Percy looked from Lavender to his brother. This was most annoying. He didn’t particularly want to choose between Lavender and Ron. “I’m a little occupied right now…” he started apologetically.
“No,” Lavender said firmly. “Sit and talk to your brother. This is family and…. Well. Just talk. I’ve got some stuff I need to do, anyway.” She stood up, slipping away from Percy. “Can I get you a drink, Ron? On the house.”
Percy tried to protest and tell her that he could speak to Ron some other time, but she wouldn’t hear any of it. He also tried to listen to Ron as his brother asked for advice about proposing to Hermione. To see Lavender out of the corner of his eye, however, and keep glimpsing a flash of red from her apron was too distracting. It was rather endearing that Ron was so concerned Hermione might say no - Percy doubted she would - but he had clearly already made up his mind that he was going to ask her. This was just Ron clamouring for reassurance, which he really could have got from any of his brothers.
Percy supposed that he should have been flattered that Ron would come to him, but he was interrupting the beginning of a new relationship. He always tried to start things well in every aspect of his life; he especially wanted to do well by Lavender.
“Are still paying attention to me, Perce?” Ron asked.
“Not entirely, no.” Percy pushed up his glasses. “I’d much rather be doing something else right now.”
Ron’s eyes widened at the bluntness. “Like Lavender?”
“There’s no need to be so crude. But, yes. I would much rather have her company than sit here listening to your indecisiveness when we both know perfectly well that you and Hermione couldn’t be better for each other and she’ll probably say yes before you even have a chance to pop the question.” Percy arched a brow. “You have a ring, I take it?”
Flushing, Ron fumbled in the pockets of his robes and took out a small box. “Yeah. I measured her finger while she was sleeping.” He opened the box to show Percy the ring; he nodded in approval, admiring the modest design. Hermione wasn’t one for flashy jewellery and this would suit her perfectly.
“She’ll love it.”
“I hope so.” Ron sighed and pocketed the ring again. He looked across the café to where Lavender was delivering a tray to a table, setting out the customers’ order with a sunny smile. He frowned. “Is she really your type?”
Percy cleared his throat. “A couple of months ago, I would have said no.”
“And now?”
“Now, I’m not sure if I have a type. She’s so very different than me. I suppose we’re both very sincere about our jobs, we just focus our energies in a different way. More of an opposite, I think.” Percy finished his tea. “Do you think opposites really can work?”
For the first time that afternoon, Ron laughed. “Um, hello? I’m about to ask Hermione to marry me. We’re not exactly two peas in a pod. But we work. So, yeah, they can.” Ron blew out a puff of air. “So you really like her?”
“Apparently so. You don’t like her.” Percy couldn’t bring himself to ask it as a question.
“She grates on me sometimes. But… so do you. So I s’pose that makes sense.” he shook his head. “Never thought I’d be having this conversation.”
“Nor me.”
One - Two - Three - Four - Five - Six - Seven - Eight
Author: silvernatasha
Rating: Teen
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Summary: Life doesn't always need to be planned out; a waitress makes Percy consider whether there's such a thing as the 'perfect' woman for him. Percy/Lavender.
Word Count: 1712.
Percy lingered by the door, biding his time with a small smile. Before Lavender could join him, she was waylaid by another customer and served up half a dozen cappuccinos to take away, and bagged up three double chocolate muffins just as she had nearly finished ringing up the total on the old till. The till gave a chime of dismay and Lavender slapped its side, apparently not prepared to deal with the till’s theatrics.
The constellation teapot jittered at her when Percy stepped forward and Lavender smiled, choosing that one to make the tea. Percy thought it seemed to have taken quite a shine to him, which was perhaps one of the most bizarre realisations he had ever had.
When Sue gave Lavender a look that was far too knowing for Percy’s liking, Lavender just pursed her lips and rolled her eyes, but didn’t say no when Sue pushed her out of the way to prepare their order. Rather, Lavender all but ripped off her apron and dashed around to the front of the counter, her hand slipping easily into Percy’s.
“Good afternoon,” she murmured and kissed his cheek.
Percy didn’t even flush, enjoying the attention too much to be embarrassed. “Afternoon. How’s work?”
“As busy as ever,” Lavender said with a shrug, leading Percy to one of the small tables at the back of the café. Today, she wore red shoes, ones that matched the apron she had just removed. “How are you getting on without Katie?”
“We’re managing. She’s still on honeymoon for another week.”
“Oh, I hope she’s enjoying herself!”
“She sent a postcard. I don’t think they’ve been doing much sight-seeing.”
“Quite right, too,” Lavender remarked with an impish grin. “It’s their honeymoon, after all.”
Percy smirked. “Having never been on a honeymoon, I can’t imagine…”
Lavender put her hand on Percy’s knee; he considered asking her to remove it, but it felt nice so he said nothing. “You can’t?” she whispered, leaning in close. “Because last night…”
Feeling a little hot under the collar, he cleared his throat, sending Lavender into giggles. “Yes. Well.”
“Well, perhaps we could have a repeat tonight?” Lavender suggested softly, lips brushing his ear. “Let the idea sink in a bit.” She ducked her head slightly to place a gentle kiss on his neck.
Oh, Merlin. This woman was something else. None of Percy’s previous relationships had ever quite been like this. Percy was surprised that her open affection didn’t unsettle him more. Composing himself, Percy fiddled with the cuff of his robes for a moment.
Percy was grateful for the brief interruption when Sue delivered their order. He smiled at the sight of the familiar teapot and the buttered teacake on a plate next to it. “You know me too well,” he told Lavender.
“I don’t know,” she said quietly, shaking her head as she reached for her coffee. Lavender took a sip. “I think there’s still a lot to learn.”
“I really should have someone from the Ministry investigate you,” Percy mused, eyes narrowed at her.
“Really?” She looked dubious, chewing on her bottom lip. Her eyes were wide and entirely too innocent-looking for someone who had done such naughty things last night.
“Yes. After all, surely it’s not right that something as horribly addictive as you is allowed out in public.”
It was Lavender’s turn to smirk. “Really?” she repeated.
“Oh, yes. It starts with just a seemingly innocent cup of tea and escalates into utter infatuation. One doesn’t even notice it’s happening until it’s too late.”
Lavender fingers twined with his as she took his hand, nails bright red to match her apron. “Too late?”
“Indeed. I believe I’ve completely fallen for you.” He pushed up his glasses. “Though I believe I’ll need to investigate the matter further to be entirely sure.”
She pouted. “You make it sound like such a hardship,” she teased.
“Yes. Well. It’s a hardship I’m willing to live with.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” Lavender grinned and gave his hand a gentle squeeze. “Are you free for dinner tonight?”
“I was going to have a sandwich when I got home.”
She wrinkled her nose. “Do you think I can tempt you away from that for a home-cooked dinner?”
Percy sucked on his teeth, letting the question linger between them because he could tell that she was on the verge of giggling. He liked that he could make her smile. “Yes,” he said finally, “but only because the bread’s starting to go stale.”
“I’m honoured,” she murmured, and kissed him square on the mouth. Percy flushed, still unsure whether he liked such public displays of affection or not. He had certainly liked it at Katie and Lee’s wedding - George had seen and ribbed him for days about it - but it seemed a bit different here in the café.
“You should be. My company is very much in demand.”
Rather than giggling, Lavender gave a snort. “Yes, keep dreaming, Percy.”
“Don’t tease. It’s not nice.”
“Mmm. But I like seeing you get all flustered.” She kissed him again, more gently this time, and Percy decided that perhaps he could get used to this. It didn’t help that he was certain Sue was always watching them out of the corner of one eye, but Lavender’s lips were so very soft and warm against his that it was easy to forget that for a while.
“Oh, Merlin’s pants. That’s something I never wanted to see.”
Lavender broke back abruptly, biting her lip and tucking her hair behind her ear as they both recognised the speaker. “Did you want something, Ron?” she asked uneasily, cheeks red as she shifted uncomfortably.
“I was looking for my brother. Dennis said Percy comes here a lot.”
Percy cleared his throat and surreptitiously removed his hand from Lavender’s thigh. “Indeed. You found me.” This wasn’t quite as embarrassing as an eleven-year-old Ginny walking in on him and Penelope kissing in an empty classroom, but it still ranked quite highly on Percy’s levels of embarrassment.
Ron raised his eyebrows. “Yeah. And now I think I want to un-find you. Never want to see that.”
“I see you haven’t lost your charm,” Lavender remarked.
“Dennis said you came here a lot.” Ron glanced around. “I didn’t see the attraction, but I guess you have other reasons for wanting to be here.”
Lavender frowned. “I really would appreciate it if you didn’t attempt to insult my business standing in front of me.”
“Your business?”
She sighed. “Never mind. You were looking for Percy?” she prompted, hands wrapped around her mug of coffee.
“Yeah. Um. I was just… hoping we could catch up some time. Haven’t seen you properly for ages. I… kind of need to talk.”
Percy looked from Lavender to his brother. This was most annoying. He didn’t particularly want to choose between Lavender and Ron. “I’m a little occupied right now…” he started apologetically.
“No,” Lavender said firmly. “Sit and talk to your brother. This is family and…. Well. Just talk. I’ve got some stuff I need to do, anyway.” She stood up, slipping away from Percy. “Can I get you a drink, Ron? On the house.”
Percy tried to protest and tell her that he could speak to Ron some other time, but she wouldn’t hear any of it. He also tried to listen to Ron as his brother asked for advice about proposing to Hermione. To see Lavender out of the corner of his eye, however, and keep glimpsing a flash of red from her apron was too distracting. It was rather endearing that Ron was so concerned Hermione might say no - Percy doubted she would - but he had clearly already made up his mind that he was going to ask her. This was just Ron clamouring for reassurance, which he really could have got from any of his brothers.
Percy supposed that he should have been flattered that Ron would come to him, but he was interrupting the beginning of a new relationship. He always tried to start things well in every aspect of his life; he especially wanted to do well by Lavender.
“Are still paying attention to me, Perce?” Ron asked.
“Not entirely, no.” Percy pushed up his glasses. “I’d much rather be doing something else right now.”
Ron’s eyes widened at the bluntness. “Like Lavender?”
“There’s no need to be so crude. But, yes. I would much rather have her company than sit here listening to your indecisiveness when we both know perfectly well that you and Hermione couldn’t be better for each other and she’ll probably say yes before you even have a chance to pop the question.” Percy arched a brow. “You have a ring, I take it?”
Flushing, Ron fumbled in the pockets of his robes and took out a small box. “Yeah. I measured her finger while she was sleeping.” He opened the box to show Percy the ring; he nodded in approval, admiring the modest design. Hermione wasn’t one for flashy jewellery and this would suit her perfectly.
“She’ll love it.”
“I hope so.” Ron sighed and pocketed the ring again. He looked across the café to where Lavender was delivering a tray to a table, setting out the customers’ order with a sunny smile. He frowned. “Is she really your type?”
Percy cleared his throat. “A couple of months ago, I would have said no.”
“And now?”
“Now, I’m not sure if I have a type. She’s so very different than me. I suppose we’re both very sincere about our jobs, we just focus our energies in a different way. More of an opposite, I think.” Percy finished his tea. “Do you think opposites really can work?”
For the first time that afternoon, Ron laughed. “Um, hello? I’m about to ask Hermione to marry me. We’re not exactly two peas in a pod. But we work. So, yeah, they can.” Ron blew out a puff of air. “So you really like her?”
“Apparently so. You don’t like her.” Percy couldn’t bring himself to ask it as a question.
“She grates on me sometimes. But… so do you. So I s’pose that makes sense.” he shook his head. “Never thought I’d be having this conversation.”
“Nor me.”
One - Two - Three - Four - Five - Six - Seven - Eight