Living Arrangements ((Payton))

[jillian]

Boxes were everywhere, it was like she lived in a box wonderland. Jill was used to clutter, so she was already a master at navigating her way through the box clutter. All of it was Joann's things, of course because she was moving out. Her and Terrance had returned from their honeymoon a couple of days ago and Joann had called Jill to tell her they'd be stopping by during the week to get her things. They also were supposed to be speaking about her living arrangements. If they had come to her about that days ago she would be worried about where she would live, but now she was worried about Joann's reaction to Payton Moore moving into the flat. Jill was more worried about explaining to her oldest friend that Payton and she were just friends, very good friends. Just friends wasn't something Joann would understand completely, Jill was sure. But today she would try her hardest to get Joann to understand just that.

Payton was a friend of hers, a good friend, one that she found herself caring about - a lot, who had kissed her; ok, this was going to be harder than she figured. Jill sighed deeply and shoved aside an empty box so she could get into the kitchen and take out a yogurt from the fridge. It was sunny in the flat and it was nearing ten in the morning. Jill walked around in her light green jogging pants and a white tank top with a flower on it. Her brown hair was in pigtails that were braided and her fringe was clipped out of the way. She yawned and made her way to the couch in front of the television as she opened the yogurt and dipped her spoon in. It was strawberry yogurt, one of Jill's favourite and it always seemed to calm her down. Joann and Terrance were supposed to be there any moment. Joann had told her to expect them around ten to ten fifteen. So now, Jill's stomach was in knots. Not only because it was ten o'clock but because Payton was supposed to show as well.

She had contacted him and told him the time he should be there around, and ever since then her stomach had tossed and turned. Jill wasn't nervous because they were meeting, no, she was nervous because she knew Joann wouldn't believe a word she said. But she had figured that it was a good idea for Payton to come over as well and get all the legal documentation out of the way. She had forgotten that meant he would be there when she explained to Joann that he was moving in, although she hoped that would make things a bit easier. Jill's thoughts were interrupted by a knock on her door. She finished off her yogurt, and then placed it in the sink before turning around to open the door, but it was already open and there stood Joann in a lovely sundress - her red hair flowing down her shoulders. Terrance wore slacks and a nice shirt, and Jill wondered if she would ever see him wear anything different.

"Oh, boxes! Great!" Joann exclaimed. No hello, but Jill smiled anyway as Joann made her way over and kissed her cheek. "I needed boxes." "Which is why I got them, almost everything's packed as well." Jill replied as she followed Joann through the flat to her studio. It was a four bedroom flat, one bedroom was Jill's room, one used to be Joann's, there was her studio, and a guest room. The living room was spacious and was split from the kitchen by an island counter with three high stools. The kitchen was up to date, with only the nicest appliances - Joann had put that in there when she was going through her chef phase. Now, Jill knew where she had gotten the money. Down the hall was a bathroom and past that was the small den, that was used mostly for storage. There was a sliding glass door that led to a balcony which faced the back. Joann was heading toward her studio where she had began to look for something.

Jill had gone through the studio and packed all her supplies up, and when Joann realized this she seemed a bit upset at first. Then she grinned and turned to the seventeen year old, her arms opened, "It's so good to see you, Jillian. We'll have to have a sit down so I can tell you all about the honeymoon. But first business." She pulled away from the hug and lead her back into the living room. There were two couches placed in an L shape, the television was in the right corner next to the small fireplace. To the left of the fireplace was a cabinet with movies, the larger cabinet she had spoken of with Payton was in Joann's room and Jill made a mental note to figure out what to do with that room. It was empty by now, of course, because movers had come for the heavier stuff a few days ago. Once they were all situated in the living room, Joann started to talk but Jill shook her head.

"Um, not yet." She said. Joann raised an eyebrow, "No? Why not?" Jill cleared her throat and kind of looked away, trying hard not to show her nervousness or her anxiety, "We're not all here." "We aren't?" She cleared her throat again and smiled calmly, "Um, no. I've found a flatmate, and h-they're supposed to come as well. I'm sure they'll be here any minute." Joann looked at Terrance who smiled and nodded before leaning back. "Alright." And that was when there was a knock on the door. Jill bit her lip and stood up, and opened the door to reveal Payton, "Hey, come in." She greeted with a smile.

[payton]

He hadn't talked to Pops and Mum M. about his move the day after he and Jilli decided it was what they wanted. Instead he took that first day to think of exactly how he should approach the topic, and it was the day after that he spoke to them bout his plans. Over all, it had gone exactly as he had predicted it would that night in the restaurant. Pop raised his eyebrows a bit when he first told them, a trait that anyone who knew Payton could easy see had been passed on. Besides a bit of silence, and the worlds "If thats what you want" Pops didn't give up a fight. Mum N on the other hand gave Payton reassuring smiles before glancing over at her husband with rather worried expressions. He knew that Mum N would be the more reluctant one, but he also knew that if it was what he wanted neither of them would stand in his way. Well, the conversation with his parents ended with them giving him their full support, and Pop's offering to pay his first month's rent so his son had the money to buy anything he needed in the flat. That was Pops though--money was always tight, but he always made sure there was enough to do things for his children. While it did feel like part of the battle was over, he knew that a big part of it still remained, and that would be facing Joann about their move.

The walk to Jill's apartment seemed no problem at all even the second time around, which was good as he would make it on a regular basis once he moved in there. Pops and Mum N, declared that even if he did move away he would be expected one a week for family dinners--with Jilli in tow of course. Today though, as he knocked on her door, it was time for him to face her family again.

Jilli answered and immediately told him to come in, as he stepped inside he saw that Joann and Terrance were already here, and he walked directly over to them. "Hello again" he started offering his hand out to Terrance and then to Joann "I hope you had a wonderful time on your honeymoon, even with the rushed start and all."

[jillian]

She closed the door behind Payton and then she turned to Joann who was smiling at Payton but looking at Jill with confusion. Payton told them hello and mentioned their honeymoon, and instantly Joann's full attention went to him, "Oh, hello again! It was wonderful! I was just telling Jillian that we'll have to sit down some time and I'll tell her all about it - the place we went to was incredible! You're welcome to join us as well if you would like." Jill smiled and headed into the kitchen to wash the spoon for her yogurt off and throw the container away. After that was finished, considering she needed a bit of busy work, she headed back into the living room. She didn't sit, she felt like she wouldn't be able to get back up if she sat.

"Right, well, you both remember Payton. My friend from school." Terrance nodded a hello to Payton and Joann smiled excitedly. Jill could see the gears working in her head, "He's the flatmate I was talking about moments before." Joann's eyebrow rose again and she turned to Payton. Again with the gears, "After your wedding, since the reception was cancelled we went to a concert and then to dinner, and the fact that I might not have had a place to live came up and the idea sort of grew from there in a sense." She sent Payton a smile but it was shakey with nervousness. Joann leaned back in her chair and tilted her head at Jill.

"You two aren-" Jill sighed, "No. We're just friends." The look on Joann's face was one that made Jill smile because it was the exact look she had imagined in her mind. Then her face brightened with a 'knowing' smile.

"OK..." she said skeptically, "Well, i suppose we need to get down to business, then." She patted the seat next to her for Jill to take and then motioned for Payton to sit in one of the empty seats as well, Jill smiled - once her flat always her flat. "I assume you two will be splitting the rent as we did? Right down the middle?"


((I have to go! Can you work with this??))

[payton]

He was thankful that he was standing close enough to Jill to slip a cant behind her and let it rest on the small of her back as she started to explain--and that he was close enough to do it rather unnoticed. He could tell by her smile that she was nervous, and just like at the wedding, he didn't want her to feel like she had to go do this alone. At the same time, he kept this gaze on Joann, and he got the idea by her expression and tone that she was a bit surprised at how Jill explained that they were just friends. He remembered from the wedding that he had been looked at as if they expected Jill and himself to be fast becoming something more. Right now though, he and Jill were friends. He was liking her more and more every day, they somehow fit together better than he ever expected, but it was all friendly, no matter what the outside world saw them as.

When Joann finally said 'OK' he smiled in relief, letting his gaze drift over towards Jill, knowing that she would feel even more relieved than he did. He took his seat, and turned his attention back towards Joann, ready to discuss the details of their living arrangements. "Yes, we planned on me taking on half of the rent, utilities, food, and whatever else might come up. I have a good job, two of them actually, so you don't need to worry that Jill will have to come up with anything extra. I was also thinking that if you are perhaps concerned about Jill and I moving in together, that the apartment could stay in your name and you could just sub-let, or sign it over to Jill, and I am simply renting a room from her. The advantage to that would be that if there are anny issues in the future the apartment is compleatly under her control and if she ever grows rather sick of me she can kick me out onto the street." Payton paused for a moment, glancing over at Jill and glahsing her his nromal easy going smile. He honestly believed that she would never kick him out, or that they woudl ever have a problem as roomates--but he wanted to make sure that Joann felt as comfortable about the situation as possible. " I would be happy to co-sign a sublet with Jill though if you would prefer we both be legally responsible for the place." After he spoke he paused for a moment, thinking that perhaps he sounded a bit too formal about the situation. Normally he was far from serious, but he had worked enough jobs to know that all the legal details just needed to be worked out in advance, because if they were it would take a toll on things later.

[jillian]

Jill sat in her seat, trying to appear relaxed but knowing she looked as stiff as an army doll. She let her gaze fall on Payton for a moment, and then shifted her eyes away to Joann who was asking a question. Her eyes drifted back to Payton as he answered, his answers were calm and collected and even very formal. Jill’s eyebrow rose, showing how impressed and shocked she was, and then a smile appeared on her face at what he said about her kicking him out. They had already declared that couldn’t happen if they did the green goo pact – and now that Jill looked back on it, it was quite silly. When he was finished, she turned her attention to Joann who had leaned back and was listening to him explain things with a calm smile on her face. “Well, it’s not up to me, is it?”

“Pardon?” Jill asked, not bothering to keep the surprise from her voice. “It’s your flat. I’ve completely signed it over to you, did so before the wedding. I’m just here to tell you that, and to make sure you have everything under control.” Jill’s eyes went to Payton and then back to Joann, “So you’re saying this whole meeting wasn’t necessary?” “No, of course it was necessary. I wanted to see if you had indeed found a flatmate – and you had, now I want to make sure you trust him. You’re like my sister, Jillian, I’m always going to look out for you.”

This was not what Jill was expecting. “Oh, well, um…yeah, I trust Payton. He’s actually the only person I do trust besides you, and that should say a lot.” Joann smiled widely and turned to Payton. But before she could say anything Jill sighed, “Alright, well, then we’ll just split it… do what Joann and I did, so all legal matters will be split and handled fairly if they come, which I don’t think they will. I just wish, you would have told me this before hand.” Joann shrugged and then stood up, Jill leaned back in her seat and crossed her arms.

“We’ve got to be going,” Joann said – a still smile on her face, she turned to Payton, “the papers should be in the office downstairs, if they aren’t – then tell Jillian and I can give her a copy of them… I have some everywhere.” Terrance stood as Joann was saying this and offered his hand to Payton again, he had said barely one word. Joann gave Jill a kiss on the cheek and then waved goodbye to Payton before she followed Terrance out the door. Jill looked at Payton and shook her head, “She’s always so eccentric – surprisingly, that’s not out of the ordinary for her.”

[payton]

It all seemed too easy, and he had hardly had time to explain what he thought the options where when Joann said that it had been nearly worked out already. While he felt like he was prepared and making some rather good points, the flat already being in Jill's name did seem like a sudden victory, and as he turned to Jill, giving her a wide friendly smile when she said that he was the only person she really trusted other than Joann. He trusted Jill completely--which was why he offered for it to be in her name. He knew that Jill wouldn't throw him out at any given moment, especially if they took the green goo pact, but it was still nice to hear that she felt the same about him. There seemed to be hardly a pause before Jill said that she would sign half of the flat over to himself, and Payton nodded, agreeing to her decision before he looked back a Joann.

Still high on the knowledge that this was really happening, Joann suddenly announced that she had to be off again, and almost in instinct Payton rose back to his feet. He shook Terrance's hand and sent Joann an easy going smile. He kept his eyes on the newlyweds, watching them walk to the door, and he stood for a moment after before he looked over at Jill, an up-to-no-good smile on his face, and his eyebrows raised high in true Payton fashion. His mind whirled with ideas of how fast this had all happened and how much of the summer lay before them. More vital than that was the fact that the legal matters needed to be dealt with and out of the way so they could move on to someone more serious--like celebrating!

After the sound of Joann's and Terrance's footsteps had faded Payton walked towards Jill, his arms wrapping around her and he lifted her up off the ground and spun her around in a circle. He didn't say anything he just hugged her, it was one of those rare moments when words would spoil everything. After he eased her back down to the ground he just grinned at her for a moment "Well, I suppose I should go get those papers, and after everything is official, you and I are going out to celebrate because tomorrow--I'm moving in." Payton's grin grew even wider as he spoke. His face still an open book to his emotions he stepped back from Jill and towards the door stopping half way there to turn around and walk back to her, one hand clasping around her hand as his other lifted to her cheek. He never hesitated, instead he leaned in and kissed her--overwhelmed with happiness that needed to be expressed. A long moment later he stepped back again, giving her a crooked smile before turning again heading towards the door. It was time to really make this happen.

[jillian]

Uh oh. There was a smile that could not be too good, not one of those creepy smiles – but a mischievous smile. And she knew there was something going on in his head. In moments though she was off the ground and being spun in a circle. A light laugh flew from her mouth and when he set her down her smile was bright. He then stated he should probably go get those papers and then they were going to celebrate… then tomorrow he was moving in. Moving in. It hit her like a ton of bricks. He was actually moving in. Her smile didn’t wilt though, it grew wider. She was looking forward to him moving in. Joann was great, she was wonderful – but there were times when she didn’t understand. Besides, Payton was so easy to talk to and he understood her so well… it just seemed to click., “Sounds good. I think I’ll clean up some of these empty boxes and you can use any extra you need – and I’ll push Joann’s out of the way.”

He then turned to leave and she turned to pick up one of the stray boxes with knick knacks in it, when he turned back around and kissed her. It wasn’t like before, it was longer. Or at least it seemed longer, Jill wasn’t so sure anymore what was real and what was just not. She had been in a dream like state all day. She kissed him back and when he stepped back, she caught his crooked smile and flashed him one of his own easy going ones that always seemed to calm her. He then turned back again and headed toward the door. Jill let out a slow breath and then sank down next to the box of knick knacks. As the door closed she tugged on one of her braids and let out a small laugh. Everything just seemed so funny to her. She laughed a bit more, and then stood up and started organizing Joann’s boxes. They were all stacked in a corner with moments and the empty boxes were folded nicely.

There was now room to walk. Jill smiled at her progress and then headed into the kitchen to put away the dishes and wash the dirtier ones. She then wiped off the counter and looked around the kitchen/living room area. She tended to clean when she was bored or nervous or excited. She had no reason to be nervous, and boredom didn’t even exist when you were with Payton, so she had to be excited. And the knot in her stomach that unraveled revealed that she was just that. Jill quickly washed her hands of the germs, and then went into her bedroom to change out of her jogging clothes and into something a bit more outtey. A pair of jeans with a nice blouse and some cute shoes. She unbraided her hair and didn’t bother to make up on. Then she headed back into the living room, and sat down – waiting.

[payton]

While Joann was eccentric, just as Jill had said she was, either she or Terrance managed to remember to stop at the desk downstairs and warn someone that Payton will be coming down to sign the sublet. With their warming, the papers were already out for him to sign, and his only delay was dealing whit the rest of the papers and rules of the flat which were gone over in great detail. Apparently he appeared to be the type to push his limits just a bit. Finally, after everything had been explained to him and all the papers had been signed he was given a copy of the paperwork and was free to go.

When he reached the flat again he didn't bother to knock, after all it was his flat. As though thought crossed his mind he found himself pausing for a moment. His flat. It was the first major thing in life that had every been truly his. After he walked in, he glanced around the apartment, his gaze not catching Jill. "Mia cara, its done!" he called through the flat, unfolding the paper and looking down at it again before walking to the refrigerator and pinning it up. For at least a while he wanted their copy to be out where he could see it--it still seemed simply too unreal to believe if he couldn't see something telling him it was real.

When Jill appeared to him again he flashed her a bright smile, already knowing how they should celebrate. "So, would it be too early to apparate? Muggle transportation takes so long to get to the beach."

[jillian]

"Apparate? Nope, not early at all." Jill stood and grinned at Payton, "Only this time..." She said as she grabbed his hand, "I'm apparating." And then with a pop they were gone. When they reappeared they underneath a pier - completely hidden. She grinned at him and then turned to look at the beach, "My first time being here." She told him with a sigh and a small smile. Jill rarely got out, let alone to a beach considering there weren't really any around London - at all. It was a nice day, sunny and the waves of the beach looked a bit harsh - but Jill didn't mind because she didn't plan on surfing in them.... Her eyes turned back to Payton and her grin grew, "So, what'd you plan?" Jill learned fast that Payton planned things almost on a whim, but they always ended up being good things. The concert the night Joann's wedding, being one. Jill had never been that way in years and it was good for her to feel like she could be herself around Payton now that they would be living together.

[payton]

Normally being the one to suddenly apparate, dragging others around with him, it took him a moment to regain his senses and realized that Jill had apparated them to a beach. "I hope that wasn't your way to informing me you don't like it when I apparate out like that when I'm with you" he commented, finally feeling like his stomach had caught up with him again. He smiled at her, and when Jill admitted that it was her first time being here he gave her hand a gentle squeeze. He had only been to the beach a handful of times before--mostly on vacations with his family which Pop's always managed to pull off every few years. The last time he had been able to lay out on the sand for an afternoon had been his second year of Hogwarts, which now felt like a life time away. "Wait, since when did I get elected to be in charge of all plans?" He paused for a moment, flashing her the same grin he seemed to have almost every time he was pleased with something. "Well, the last time I remembered being as happy as I was this morning, about something that involved a location at least, was when I went to the beach for the first time, so I thought it was a rather fitting way to celebrate."

His gaze left Jill for the first time since they reached the beach and he looked out across the water, watching the waves come rolling up onto the beach. "I think we need to test out the water." His gaze returned to Jill, a wicked smile on his face as he released Jill's hand and pulled off his shirt, while kicking off his shoes. He didn't bother with his jean's knowing he could just charm them dry later. Once free of his shirt and shoes he reached over, and grabbed Jill, picking he up he made a mad dash towards the water. Thankfully, he didn't have far to run and soon he was waist deep in water, and in one swift motion jumped forward sending Jill and himself into the waves.

[jillian]

"When you took me to dinner, I decided you were the master of plan making. After all, I could never plan something. If it was left up to me to plan something, it'd be sitting out on the balcony at night with a cup of tea and just talking. Of course, with you that just might work." Jill sent him a sideways glance and a sly smile. Sometimes when she couldn't sleep, she made a cup of tea and sat outside on the balcony just looking at the stars and thinking. She wondered if Payton would join her on those nights, or if she would have to think in solitude - where as she was certain she would rather have his company. Jill came out of her reverie and looked at Payton as he started speaking. Before she could protest, he had picked her up and was running with her toward the water.

"Payton.. No.. I don't think this is a very good idea... seriously, Payton... Oh, my, it's cold!" And then they were plunged into the water. She had closed her mouth just in time so no water was in her lungs. When they resurfaced - she brought her hand up to her hair and pushed it away from her face, splashing Payton after doing so; "It's cold! Very very cold!" And with that, she lunged at him and pushed him under the water, or tried to. She wasn't that successful with it, considering she had no upper body strength.

[payton]

Her 'No' was rather unconvincing and before Jill knew what hit her she was in the water, but then so was he. He immediately rose back up to the surface, and started laughing. The water was cold, just as Jill informed him multiple times, but with the summer sun beating down upon them it felt wonderful. "Oh give it a few minutes and you wont care anymore." He laughed trying to duck her splashes, even if he was already too wet for them to make and difference. He continued to laugh when she tried to push him under and instead he reached forward, putting his hands on her waist to lift her up and partially out of the water before he dropped himself back down under--dragging her down with him. When he rose back up to the surface he left her go, using his now free hands to sweep his very orange hair, which looked almost burgundy now that it was thoroughly soaked, out of his face. "You know..." he started, once his legs were firmly underneath him. "Some nights are meant to be spent out on balcony's sipping at tea, talking out the mysteries and struggles of life." He smiled at Jill, a softer smile than the usual over come with joy one he gave her, and he reached forward, brushing more of her wet hair from her face. "But when celebrations are in order, I declare that beaches and getting your clothes thoroughly soaking is in order." He laughed again, letting himself fall back into the water and then float up up to the surface again, still lying on his back.

[jillian]

All her attempt at dunking him did, was make it easier for him to pull her under with him. Already her body was adjusting to the temperature of the ocean - and she knew that afterward she could just cast a charm to dry her clothes, as well as her hair. Not that she could have cared if she left her hair dripping when she was around Payton - she figured he would see her in a green goo mask every now and then or in a completley horrible state, so she should probably get used to it. Not that Jill really cared about what people thought about her looks, if she was comfortable then she was happy. It didn't matter what everyone else thought. They resurfaced and Jill shook her head, sending water this way and that - although by now it didn't matter.

Her feet kicked below her and kept her a float as Payton spoke about balconies and tea, then he reached over and brushed some of her hair out of her face before declaring that going to the beach and getting soaked was the way to celebrate. Jill grinned and tucked the hair he had pushed from her face behind her ear, looking down into the ocean as she replied, "It's just too bad there isn't any beach near London, I suppose though that doesn't exactly apply to us does it?" They could apparate anywhere they wanted, as long as they thought clear enough and had their liscence. Jill made a mental note to apparate to Spain some day, she had always wanted to go there.

Payton was floating on his back now, something Jill couldn't do very well - she had given up after failing the millionth time. So while he floated, she continued to try and peer into the ocean. She had heard stories of the caribbean and how the water was so clear you could see right to the bottom of the ocean, that wasn't the case here. It sort of upset her, but it wasn't anything serious. "I wonder what the bottom of the ocean looks like..."

[payton]

"There are a few perks to being magical, aren't there?" Payton commented, as he floated atop the waves, his eyes closed against the sun. At the moment everything felt perfect—the day was beautiful, the location was amazing, and he was celebrating moving in with Jill, which he had been hardly able to contain his excitement over since they declared they would be flatmates the day of Joann’s wedding. Now as he floated, he let his excitement ease back into happy relaxation. When Jill spoke again he cracked open one eye and turned his head to look at Jill. “Well, one day we’ll just have to go there and see for our selves I guess.” Flashing her a bright grin, he shifted his weight, letting his lower half drop back down underwater so that he was upright once more. “Now it may just be my stomach getting the better of me, but I do believe that its time for lunch.” Still grinning he leaned back slightly as he treaded water so he started to move slowly back towards shore.

Upon reaching the shore, Payton walked across the sand towards the area under the pier where he had left his clothes. Once he was there, he pulled out his wand, performing a drying charm on his pants—which he decided were rather uncomfortable wet, and his hair, before turning his attention to Jill, who happened to be wearing more for clothing and had more to try. After helping her with the drying charms, he pulled his own shirt on and slipped back into his shoes. “So are we going to fine a eat in, or take out and picnic on the beach?”

[jillian]

Jill grinned as he said something about his stomach, and she then became aware of her own hunger. She followed him out of the ocean, which was a bit hard considering the waves were picking up - but she made it to the beach and then made it to the point where they had apparated in. One look at herself and Jill shuddered before taking out her wand. She tried the charm but it wouldn't quite work, sighing with frustration she started to try again but her clothes were already dry. She sent Payton a bright smile as he pulled on his shirt and shoes. He then asked if they should find a place to eat in or picnic on the beach. THe inner cynic of Joann was screaming find a place to eat, but Jill figured that a picnic on the beach was something a bit better and more comfortable when it came to Payton. Not that anything was uncomfortable when you were around him.

"Let's picnic... but with what?" What was she saying? Jill was a witch - but she wasn't necessarily handy with the charms or anything like that. She looked to Payton with a big grin on her face, "Is there a spell that can summon some food - aside from accio that makes them fly here? Because, honestly, if I were a muggle and saw some food flying in the air - I would be thoroughly freaked out."

((I am SO sorry for this late reply. Band caught up with me and I didn't have ANY energy at all to post. I finally got it up though, hope you didn't forget me. I'll try to post more often - but next week is 9 to 9 so I'm going to be even more exhausted. Again, sorry. ))

[payton]

He laughed when Jill said with what and continued on to ask if there was some way to get food with out accio-ing it across the beach and possibly spooking a rather large number of muggles that were certain to be around. "Well, I had been intending on walking up to the strip and buying something to bring back down, but if you insist on testing out our conjuring skills, I can't very well disappoint you, can I, Love." He left his words hanging in the air before he glanced down at his wand. "So I guess if we are going to picnic, we should get start with a blanket, aye?" He flashed Jill one of his traditional Payton smiled, his eyebrows raising as he did. After a moment he mumbled a few rods under his breath, his wand swishing and flicking before a rather worn looking organge blanket appeared on the ground before them. As he glanced down at it he laughed, then glanced back up at Jill and shrugged. "The only blanket I could think of was the one on my bed."

After a moment of serious consideration Payton's wand moved once again and in the middle of the blanket a picnic basket appeared. Rather proud of his work, he hoped that the basked contained all they would need for their meal, and he sent a quick glanced at Jill, giving her an easy going smiled before he moved around the blanket to take a seat on the far side. "I believe lunch is served" he commend, as he sat. Reaching forward he looked through the picnic basket. Thankfully it appeared that everything was here, and he spent a moment setting up. He set out a plate before each of the, followed by a wine glass, and set a small vase of flowers that had been wedged safely in the basket up between them. He then pulled out a bottle of sparkling cider, and after flashing Jill a rather pleased smile he popped the cork and reached for her glass, filling it before he filled his own and returned the bottle safely to the the picnic basket. He then lifted his own glass towards Jill to make a toast. "To being roommates."

[jillian]

Jill smiled and looked away with her head tilted as he spoke of just walking up to the strip and getting things there, “Well,” she started – turning her gaze back to Payton, “who wants to do something so boring when we can do something much more fun? After all, isn’t that the point of being magical? Having fun and being able to do things easier than most people do? Or is that just the way I see it?” She grinned even more and crossed her arms as he pulled out his wand. He conjured an orange blanket, and then explained that it was the only one he could think of – which happened to be the one from his bed. He moved his wand again and then a picnic basket appeared. He smiled at her, and then took his seat – stating that lunch was served. Jill smiled and took a seat opposite him and sat with her legs folded underneath her and to the side.

When everything was set before them and the sparkling cider was poured, Jill reached for her glass and raised it as well; repeating, “To being roommates.” She took a sip of the cider and welcomed the familiar taste that hadn’t graced her lips for months. She loved the taste of sparkling cider, and it was the perfect beverage for a celebration if you were underage and couldn’t drink wine or anything of the sort. Jill set her glass down and made sure it was steady before looking up at Payton and tilting her head questioningly, “So, you talked to your parents, I suppose?”

[payton]

He took a long sip of his cider before smiling at Jill and finishing setting up their lunch. Feeling happy and relaxed he leaned back slightly, resting his weight on his elbows as she sipped at his drink again and slowly began picking over his lunch. When Jill asked if he had talked to his family about it he nodded. "I ran it by them right after the wedding...basicly they were fine. I mean, Mum N wasn't so sure about my living with a girl and all...but neither she or Pops would tell me no if its what I wanted." Payton shrugged at Jill, taking another sip of his cider. It really hadn't been that big of a deal. Pop's just made sure that Payton' had everything under control--not that he should have been worried. After a lifetime of watching over Dillion, Pay had learned rather well about how to be responsible. Mum N had fussed a bit, and seemed to fuss a bit more when she learned that this 'friend from school' was female. "I think N's just worried that we will get a bit too friendly, and she wont be there to spy on us and know all the details." He laughed, popping a piece of fruit into his mouth as his eyebrows raised up, a sure sign of plotting and planning for the future.

Still grinning a bit he moved his arm which had been supporting his weight and laid back against the blanket, letting the warm summer sun beat down on him as he closed his eyes against the bright rays. "Was that really the first Joann had heard of it? She seemed rather un-phased. I had been excepting to put on my best behavior and throw her a good pitch for us being flatmates."

[jillian]

Jill laughed, "Then she isn't aware of what a cynic I am - and us becoming too friendly isn't exactly..well..probable?" She reached forward and picked up something that Payton had set out. It went into her mouth before she took another sip of her cider. He was lying down now, and though it looked tempting - Jill didn't follow suit. She continued to stare at the ocean which was glimmering like jewels. It was then he asked her if Joann really wasn't told anything before today. She looked at him and shrugged, "I didn't say anything to her until moments before you arrived this morning." She took another sip of her cider and shrugged again.

"But, that does not mean I was surprised to see her completley unfazed. Joann ends up taking things like that lightly, or appears to and then she's always rolling it over in her head. You know? She never lets it rest, ever. But she puts on a good show. Marvelous actress." Jill tucked some of her hair behind her ear and looked around the beach. There were some kids running around laughing and splashing each other with water, knocking over each others suncastles.

[payton]

He tipped his head in her direction and cracked open one of her eyes, lifting a hand to shield his gaze form the sun. "You just broke my heart Jilli, crushing all my secret hopes and dreams of getting too friendly for Mum N's comfort." He grinned at her, his eyebrows raised just a bit as his mind whirled with thoughts. After a moment he turned back to face the sun, letting his hand remain to help shield his eyes. The day was gorgeous, hardly a cloud in the bright blue sky, but that meant he would have been better prepared had he remembered a pair of sunglasses on his way out. "You know, your not as cynical as you think you are, Love...Thers hope for you yet, even if I'm apparently not good enough for you." Still grinning he sent her a sideways glance. "Maybe I should really start to turn on the charm...see if I can sway you over to the dark side."

Payton paused for a moment in the conversation, thinking about how perfect everything seemed again, and it reminded him of the summer before. His memory had slowly come back to him, enough that he could figure out what he didn't exactly remember, and from that he could gather just how together everything felt 12 months ago. He thought life was perfect, everything was planned and worked out, and then it all fell apart in the month to follow. He didn't remember anything--how to cook or do charms. His girlfriend was gone, he had to leave his family who seemed hardly familiar to him anymore to go to Hogwarts. He smiled a bit, more to himself than anything, and looked back over at Jilli. More than anything she had brought his life back together. He reached out, taking her hand, and with out saying a word brought it to him and placed a soft kiss on the back of it. Maybe she wouldn't know why or where it came from, but it was his own way of saying thank you.