And now, to the future!

[tia_bostwick]

Tia looked up from her book to glance out the window distractedly. Well, not so distractedly as all of that. Really, she looked over the cafe briefly and then out the window. There was no rain smacking against the panes but the sky outside was overcast. It could very well start to rain. It had that look. Anyway, Daniel hadn't entered while

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[tia_bostwick]

Tia smiled at his answer as it was entirely predictable. "And I did," she agreed with a matter of fact tone. Something would have been wrong if he'd hurried directly here; that just wouldn't have been Daniel. Nor had she expected it. They were just meeting up- thus the book. Truth be told, Tia didn't think they'd specified a time frame at all. She'd just figured she'd hang out and relax for awhile and when her friend got there he would. It was the perfect situation all around!

"If not for this I'd just be sitting at home for the day," she added lightly. "At least here there's the change of scenery." And cleaning that she had no intention of doing. Tia was always more inclined to spend her "free" time playing with her plants (which she'd been told sort of really still qualified as work) than doing things like tidy up the flat. Small surprise she'd rather spend her afternoon reading in a cafe then than be confronted with the mess she was ignoring. Now Daniel was here and he was going to give her Things To Do, which helped to spread the blame for the state of her flat quite nicely plus she still got to enjoy herself (unlike if she'd been doing boring cleaning). A win for all, really.

She leaned forward eagerly, excited to have him here. "So, what fascinating things have you been up to since I saw you last? You know you have to share. None of that secret I-can't-talk-about-it stuff when it's me right?" It was the way things worked, as far as Tia saw it. Given that they'd idolized the Stealthy Knights that were Aurors together since they were first years and Daniel actually was one now, Tia figured he was obliged to share everything he saw and heard with her. It was only fair. If he'd cared about Herbology at all she'd share top secret plant knowledge. Assuming there was any. Tia was sure there was somewhere... Anyway, even when Daniel started running into things he really couldn't talk about, Tia liked to pretend that she'd still be in the know. He could at least make up something good for her. She'd known the bloke for years. They were each other's first kiss. Come on now. If that didn't get you inside info, what did?

[danielsocute]

Ah, yes. He was rather predictable, wasn't he? Hmm. The consequence of always kind of running late, as well as being with a person that knows you so well. Daniel didn't mind, this predictability. He'd like to think it was part of his charm. To counteract the threat of becoming boring and mundane, though, he made sure to mix it up a bit every once in awhile. He tried to do things that would startle or amaze not only Tia, but everyone around him. Okay, mostly Tia, but that was another story.

"Ya see?" He slapped the table lightly, proud that she was kind enough to validate his point, "I knew it. Knew ya would appreciate it. See what I do for you, Tia? I think ahead. I think about your well being. I put you on a bloody pedestal!" Placing a palm against his chest, right above his heart in what was supposed to be a tender sort of gesture to emphasis his words, he continued to joke, "You should appreciate me. You shouldn't take me for granted. And... you should buy me a cup of tea." Wink.

He was joking. Kind of. Something that he wasn't fully aware of himself was that he did kind of put her on a pedestal. Not one of those obvious ones, where its as if a person is being worshiped... but Daniel took great lengths to make sure that Tia was safe. Protected. Taken care of. It was just his nature, to do that sort of thing for the ones he loved.

As if on cue, because he wasn't the only one who was predictable, she asked about what he had been up to. And that he couldn't keep anything from her. Which, let's face it, was quite the predicament because there were some things that he couldn't tell her. For her own safety and such, not to mention that things were top secret and he swore not to speak of them. But yes, if there was such a case, Daniel would once more humor her and make up something! Random and completely off target, but it would be exciting. He had somehow been able to hold onto his wild and vivid imagination when he was a kid, so it was a job he could handle with ease.

"Well," He started, running a hand through his hair as he thought, "Things have been a bit slow on my end of the job, I've mainly been following this bloke about that I was assigned to watch, sort of like a body guard, and it's complete bollocks, right? Ridiculously boring. No action. Like I'm his bloody babysitter! Funny how we build things up to be so amazing when we're kids, and grow up to find that it's little more than ordinary." Now Daniel was just being modest and silly, as he loved his job and thought it to be one of the best decisions he had ever made. It was just at times like this, when he wasn't in the midst of chaos and mayhem, that he forgot his love of being an Auror.

[tia_bostwick]

Tia nodded, playing along as though it were obvious that she should be on a pedestal for him. "I know. You do. Though I am totally worth it," she said casually. She smiled. "You're pretty amazing for realizing it though. And for that! I will buy you tea." As though she probably wouldn't have picked up the tab anyway. She asked him here after all. Besides, he'd pick up the movie rental later or whatever.

"Well, tell him to do something interesting," Tia suggested. "He's under guard for a reason right? I'll bet if you wait long enough something good's bound to happen." If Tia stopped to think about it, she would probably realize that she should be glad to hear Daniel wasn't in constant mortal danger. Because nothing she'd heard so far had sank the reality of his job home yet, she continued to operate in a cloud of excitement for all of the adventures she imagined he was having. Really, if she thought there was a chance Daniel would get hurt- seriously hurt- she'd be quite upset. Happily, Tia hadn't figured that out yet. "It can't be all that bad," she insisted.

[danielsocute]

"Ay, that you are." He chuckled some more, nodding as he agreed. She was worth it. All of it. She was worth everything, though he couldn't exactly pinpoint why. Daniel chalked it up to their being such good friends. He'd known her since he was eleven, or maybe he'd been ten. What did it matter? The point was that they'd known each other for a very long time. She was his best mate and she meant the world to him. Did he vocalize these thoughts often? Not too often, lest she think him to be some sentimental creep, but neither was he afraid to express how he felt.

Daniel batted his eyelashes playfully as she agreed to buying him tea. It was a joke, though! He hadn't meant it. He was not about to let her buy him anything. If anyone was going to be picking up the tab, it would be him. He was no sting. At some point he'd have to break the conversation, as a cup of tea truly was sounding good right about now.

"Tell him to-- tell him to do something interesting?" He asked, acting appalled by her suggestion. He was a little surprised, but it was mostly funny, and he quickly laughed at the thought, "I'll get on that. Yeah. And when he looks at me with crazy eyes, I'll tell him it was your idea."

He grinned. It was a good thing she didn't think about the reality of his job. How he could easily get into danger. Get hurt. Killed, even. The last thing Daniel wanted was for anyone to worry about him. That's what he was for -- to worry about them. It's why he became an Auror, to protect people. It would undoubtedly come with a bit of risk, but he was willing to take chances if it meant he could save lives.

Daniel could have continued with the conversation, telling her there was a high chance of them being attacked... but again, he didn't want to worry her. So he kept them moving, "Nah, it's not that bad. But enough about me, what about yourself? Haven't gotten attacked by any plants recently, have you?"

[tia_bostwick]

"Well, yeah!" Tia said it a bit defensively but then she laughed. Couldn't have her friend be an Auror with nothing to do now could she? His charge or whatever had better step it up so she could hear some better stories! "You do that," she nodded, still laughing at herself a bit. Because really, who wouldn't be intimidated by her? Oh, right; everyone. Never mind that though. For Daniel? She'd totally get people to shape up.

It was a very good thing she wasn't thinking about any of this seriously. It was one of the points her mum still lamented over, Tia's refusal to quite grow up. There was still time for that as she saw it. You know, by the time she had a house instead of a flat and maybe was married with a kid or something, then she'd act grown up. Maybe. For now? Psh. She was going to hold onto being excited over little things and not taking anything too seriously for as long as she could. Life was so much more fun that way. And, luckily for her, nothing had yet forced Tia to give up on her outlook.

Thinking of Daniel being killed would have put a serious damper on all of that.

He was asking about her now and Tia took the change of topic without a second thought. "Well, just the one," she started. Really, most plants were quite nice but admittedly, the temperamental breeds were more interesting sometimes. "I was looking after a snake vine for a client earlier in the week and it got a bit upset." Tia pushed back her sleeve to show off the red mark that was left on her forearm with a kind of twisted pride. Her war-wounds might not have impressive stories behind them but it didn't stop her wanting to show them off. She smirked and shrugged, letting her sleeve drop. "But after that we got along fine. Nothing else too interesting sadly. Unless you want to hear about the health of all of my plants," she suggested jokingly.

"I was going to ask, are you free for a movie later? Or sometime this week? Because you and I are seriously lacking in quality time."

[danielsocute]

He laughed along with her, nodding his head as if to say that he would say it had been her idea. Of course, even if he said it in joking, the bloke would still think him to be a little odd. And that would be okay, because it would be funny! And then he'd be able to tell Tia that he had at least suggested the man do something interesting to bring a little excitement to his life. Har.

Daniel probably hadn't been fair with what he had said. It wasn't that following a man around was boring, he was proud of the job because he was making sure this specific person was taken care of. So for him, that was good enough. But the thing was that it didn't give him the opportunity to use all the things he had learned. And it wasn't like he'd been an Auror for long anyway, you know? That's probably why he'd gotten stuck with this assignment. Because he was still considered a rookie, of sorts. Bah. Well, that gave him something to look forward to, didn't it? He might be stuck with the less intense assignments now... but later on in his career he'd be getting the good ones. Full of danger and fun!

Right. Moving on.

He liked talking about Tia, liked hearing about what was going on in her life. She was different to him. No matter how well they knew each other, he still didn't always understand her. He liked that. Something about the mystery...

"Wow, I didn't..." He trailed off, rubbing his chin in an absent minded fashion as he looked at her. "I was joking, I didn't actually think any plants would attack you!" Concern was written on his face as she showed him the mark. And as if by mere impulse, he grabbed for her arm after she'd dropped her sleeve, pushing it back up to give it a second look. Daniel gently ran his fingers over it, as if making sure for himself she was okay. It didn't look bad, so he probably didn't need to worry. But still! "Just be careful next time, yeah?"

He perked up at her next suggestion, "For you? I'm always free." He definitely agreed that quality time was lacking between them. Catching a movie with her sounded nice. Though anything sounded nice because he'd been missing her something fierce lately. "I don't have to report to anyone today, I guess you could call it my day off, so..." He trailed off again, shrugging lightly before flashing a bright smile. "If you can handle me for the rest of the day, I'm all yours, sweet cheeks."

[tia_bostwick]

Tia laughed. "You really have purged Herbology from your memory haven't you?" she teased. Flave was always bringing awesome dangerous plants in for lessons. Or maybe that had just been the professor's private stash and the stuff set aside for the upper years. The crazy ones stuck out best in her mind anyway. Tia had gotten into them enough times even before making NEWT level so she didn't really remember when they were actually part of the curriculum. Generally she'd had the good sense not to tempt them but every now and then you got hit. It was just how it went.

She was thrown for a second when Daniel grabbed her arm. Well, thrown wasn't really the right word. Tia was surprised but after the initial 'oh' it was no big deal. Of course he'd want to see. It was pretty cool. "Yeah, they're a little grabby," Tia explained. "I stopped it before it got a thorn in or anything so it really wasn't that big a deal. Just a friction burn." She had ointments and things like that on hand to counter everything she was liable to run into- the other benefit of knowing your plants. Tia was still half considering going back for training as a healer but she was too fond of her schedule as it was now to swing for something that structured.

Daniel's concern was sweet and Tia smiled. "I will, I will." The look gave her made Tia feel special but she didn't stop to acknowledge it. "You're just jealous because I get to live dangerously too." She winked.

"Brilliant! A whole day, I'm going to have to make the most of this." Tia grinned and fairly bounced in her seat. "And wait, was that a challenge?" She stopped, taking on a mockingly serious look as she contemplated her friend across the table. "You, my friend," she pointed, "have a deal." Being serious for too long when Daniel was around was near impossible and Tia's smile returned full force. "Now hurry up and get your tea so we can plan and figure out what we're doing!"

[danielsocute]

"Oi, yeah. I think I have," He pondered the possibility of his having lost all his memories of Herbology class. It couldn't have been completely true because he still remembered some things, but thinking back to those first few years at Hogwarts, it was hard to recall. Why keep those memories when he had so many others that he preferred?

Daniel smiled when Tia reassured him. Just a friction burn. That didn't sound too bad, and it didn't look too bad either. So he could stop worrying. Honest. He wouldn't get anywhere if he stressed himself out by the possibility of her getting hurt. It was hard for him to imagine all the things that certain plants might do(because his knowledge of them wasn't that extensive), but he did know that some tended to act out. And he knew that she was aware of this, but it still didn't stop her from working with them. So... she was doing it at her own risk, you know? He had to admire and respect that.

At least he could rest easy knowing that a plant couldn't kill her because she had the proper ointments and knew the proper spells or whatever. It wasn't like his job, after all.

"Oh hoho!" He laughed, shaking his head at her quip, "You're right. Though I don't know if jealousy is the word for it. More like I'm greedy and want to keep the dangerous life all to myself. None for you!" Smirk.

Daniel quirked his brow, "A challenge? M'dear whatever gave you that idea?" He hadn't meant for it to sound like a challenge, honest, but if that's how she took it? So be it. Challenges were always fun, and it was always endearing to see Tia rise to the occasion. "Yes! Tea!" He wanted to stick his tongue out at her, or something equally as childish, but he refrained, choosing to hurry up to the counter and order himself a cup of tea. He was back quickly, placing the mug on table as he slid back into his seat, "Come up with any good ideas while I was away?"

[tia_bostwick]

Tia had no such compunctions against being childish and she did stick her tongue out at Daniel for the 'keeping danger to himself' line. Really, it was the only come back she had. Her friend was an Auror. Clearly he'd won. Still, Tia didn't have to admit it.

As for what had given her the idea that it was a challenge, "Oh, I think I can handle you for a day, Daniel Winchester." She grinned as she teased, still giddy over the idea of having him to herself for a whole day. Well, most of one. Tia supposed it was already afternoon but come on! The day was still young. There were plenty of hours of Daniel Time she could claim. If he thought he was going to take off later just because it was dark and he had to get up early, well ha! She'd totally find a way to keep him around most of the night, watching things and making commentary about movies or things she totally planned on getting when she had a house to put them in and how come she hadn't been to his flat lately if he was going to make such a big deal about the mess here? It was going to be great.

She smiled to herself as he ran off to get tea. Though she looked outside again to see if the weather was improving at all (it wasn't) the street didn't hold her attention. Tia found herself shooting a glance across the cafe to watch Daniel in the line instead. She smirked and gave him a teasing look when she thought he'd caught her looking.

"Well, I still say we should catch a movie. Or rent a few? It doesn't look like walking around town is going to be any good today."

[danielsocute]

Psh. He was far too hot to handle. He'd let her think she could do it, but Daniel knew better, right? Right. No girl could handle him. Which was probably why he didn't have a girlfriend. Hmm. But no, he didn't seriously think that. He might like to appear like a badass and all that, but he was a real softy at heart. Tia knew it, so if anyone was up for the job it was probably her. He'd give her that much, at least.

Daniel would be more than happy to spend most of the night with her, rebutting all the things she said, of course. She was happy to come to his flat whenever she wanted! And the only reason he made such a big deal about the mess was because... because... well, because he could! And because he liked to rub it in her face, because he seemed to be a lot more tidy than she was. He hated messes for some reason, even if he could be lazy. But they'd come to those arguments in due time.

Now he was focused on his tea! And boy, wasn't it tasty and warm and just what he needed on such a bleak day.

"Nah," He agreed with her as he looked out the window, "Definitely don't want to walk about in that dreary mess." Not that he didn't like the weather... he liked it when it rained and he kind of hoped that it would start to soon... but that didn't mean he felt like walking in it or freezing his arse off. "How 'bout we rent some? I know you've been wanting to cuddle with me," He pointed his index finger at her as he grinned, "And the only way I'll ever agree to something so horrible as that would be if we're in a private setting. Have to keep up my reputation and all that rot..." Daniel might have even puffed his chest out a little, playfully looking around the cafe to see if anyone was looking.

[tia_bostwick]

Tia laughed outright while he acted tough. "You mean your reputation for crying at that sad parts so we have to rent them instead of go out in public?" Alright, so she might have been making that bit up just to counter his manly facade. But come on! She gave him another mocking smile to rub it in. Heaven forbid someone in the cafe overhear and take him seriously. Only Tia was allowed to know him so well- or be the reason he was putting on the tough look. It was endearing but somehow only so as long as it was for her benefit. He was her friend.

"I cuddle, your secrets stay safe," she shrugged. "It's a win all around, really." If it hadn't played so well into her hand Tia might have been inclined to deny the cuddling. It could be that she had a tendency to lean against him from time to time- with more leaning happening as the movie went longer or as she got more tired. But seriously, it was only because her friend was comfortable. Was that so wrong? she'd ask with an innocent look. Besides, it gave her somewhere to jump when the movie scared her. Daniel was better to squeeze than a pillow, even if he did laugh at her afterward.

[danielsocute]

Way to deflate a boys ego!!

He sat back in his seat, perhaps trying to pout a little as she insulted him. Well, it wasn't really an insult, but he'd pretend as if it wounded his pride. Forget the fact that he might be the type of man who could be sentimental and, dare I say it, romantic to where sad parts of movies moved him and got the tears flowing. He'd never admit to it. Never. And might use the excuse that he has something in his eye, but Tia probably knew better. She always did.

"Whatever you say, darlin'," He drawled with a shrug of his shoulders before picking up his cup of tea and taking a deep sip. He might have done it in order to conceal the smile that wanted to surface on his face. Because she hadn't argued about the cuddle comment.

Not that... you know... that made him happy or anything. It just meant that they'd be comfortable. Who didn't like to be close to the ones they loved and cared for? It wasn't a big deal. He'd put his arm around her plenty of times. It didn't mean anything.

"We have to balance out the movies, of course. You can pick out your overly sappy, romantic one and I'll pick out the action packed film, eh?" Stereotypes for the win! Hey, at least he'd go as far as to watch a chick flick with her, right?

[tia_bostwick]

That's right. He couldn't deny it. Tia grinned as she slumped comfortably back in her seat. If Daniel had ever once complained about the cuddling and all of that she would have stopped. He hadn't though. Being close when they were hanging out was sort of just second nature. They'd done it forever. Tia didn't really think about it, if she had she would have realized that she wasn't like that with her other friends. But Daniel was her only really close guy friend. That made a difference. Not that she would have cozied up to any guy but he was pretty much her closest friend and happened to be a guy so there you had it. It was perfectly normal.

"You are on," Tia agreed. Predictably, she loved all the action-y movies and Daniel was great to watch those with. They always came out of them with the same excited comments, ready to discuss how they would have kicked butt in that particular situation or just how awesome it had been. You needed a someone to watch those with because otherwise you were just wound up and bouncing off the walls by yourself. Tia had to admit to being a girl though; she did love the chick flicks. Surprisingly, Daniel was good for those too. There was something really good about being able to watch something that just made you happy curled up next to someone that made you happy. And he put up with them, which was amusing enough. There was all sorts of playful mockery they could throw back and forth over the 'romantic' movies. He might not admit it but she could tell he actually liked some of them. Tia figured she was doing him a favor by being his excuse to sit down and watch them.

"Just nothing scary today, yeah? You can save those ones for nights I'm not around," Tia reminded with a briefly serious expression. She really was a girly girl when it came to things like that. Tia jumped way too easily for her own liking and today didn't feel like a day for trying the 'being scared is fun' bit. Maybe if it were really sunny out. Not if he was going to be leaving her to a dark flat once the thing was over and she had to be jumpy and alone the rest of the night. Totally not worth it.

[danielsocute]

Of course he wouldn't complain about it. Not a chance. He might not fess up to it often, but Daniel had always been prone to cuddling with people. When he was a young child, he'd always wrap himself up in his mum's arms. When he got a little older, he'd keep his younger sister close. And now... well, now he had Tia! It was a form of comfort and security for him, and it helped a great deal that she didn't mind it. Especially that she didn't mind him blaming her for initiating it, since they knew they both took turns.

She was perfect to watch Action flicks with! Not all girls loved that type of thing, but she'd always been different, hadn't she? Not many girls from school would have sword fights with him when they were younger! Nor would they go looking for Aurors to ask if they could help with the mission. Most girls might have been afraid of it, but not his girl Tia! That's one of the things he loved about her, she was seemingly fearless and loved an adventure just as much as he did.

And hey now! He did not like any of those chick films!! Or so he'd dispute. Yeah, he wasn't always great at lying, and they both knew that every once in awhile they'd watch one that he genuinely liked. Him scratching at his eye?? It was itching! He wasn't crying!! Har har.

He continued to sip at his tea, gulping down the hot liquid before responding, "They're not as fun to watch when you're not around," He smirked, "No one to cling onto me for dear life or accidentally hit me in the gut," Now Daniel rolled his eyes, as he really didn't like getting hit when she jumped, but nevertheless it was always endearing to see her get scared. "But I agree, no scary movies today." If she'd brought up the bit about him leaving her in a dark flat... he would have gladly volunteered to stay the night. But alas, perhaps another time.

[tia_bostwick]

Tia glared when he brought up her jumping. "Yeah, whatever." So unfair that she scared easily. "And the hitting isn't accidental, by the way. That's what you get for making fun of me," she bluffed. Truth be told she didn't have much control of her limbs when she freaked out, the flail just sort of happened. Oh, well.

"Besides, aren't you supposed to be manly and try to protect me from the screen or something? It's what I keep you around for, after all," she said seriously. Tia smirked to show she didn't really mean it (obviously) and finished the rest of her tea. Merlin knew it was the only reason Tia agreed to watch scary films with him. There was no way she'd have attempted them on her own.