Crash Into Me ((Ben))

[Heidi Rebecca Fleming]

Heidi hoisted the shopping bags into her hands, testing the durability of the plastic before setting them down again and switching a sack of red apples from “Bag 1” and putting them into the lighter “Bag 2”. Nodding to herself she exited the supermarket, content with her weekend shopping trip. There wasn’t much to buy today; Heidi had had to keep it to a minimum because she could only carry so much. Maria was out and about somewhere in London, and Heidi was pleased to see her mother settling into their new life with excitement and a thirst for adventure. She could see where she had inherited her personality from. Heidi was more than pleased she hadn’t gotten her father’s cowardice; she would never abandon her family. Rebecca... Rebecca was in a good home now. Heidi wanted what was best for Rebecca. Heidi didn’t abandon her daughter; she left her in good care. Strolling along the busy London streets, Heidi glanced at the sunny skies and observed her surroundings with interest. The bags were starting to feel heavier, but the hoards of people passing by, the zooming cars skidding across red lights, kept her arms’ ache at bay. Heidi thought London was a fantastic city; it was booming with life and exhilaration, and she savoured that feeling as she walked through it. It was so different from residing in a small trailer on the outskirts of Cardiff, where life was a dull throb.

Five minutes later, Heidi let herself into the building she and Maria had been living in for the past two weeks. Grateful for the lift that presented itself at the right moment, Heidi shuffled in with her heavy bags and pressed the correct floor button. Up the device went as Heidi waited it out, tapping her foot against the carpeted floor. It had so far been an uneventful day; Heidi had woken up late again to a quickly scrawled note on the fridge door from Maria, stating that she’d be out for the day looking for a new job, and Heidi would have to do the shopping alone. A list of essentials was taped by the note, and it had taken Heidi an hour to spruce herself up into an acceptable shape for the outdoors. She had slung a pair of grey sweatpants on, along with a matching sweater and white decorated t-shirt underneath. Old trainers (which had once been a spanking white) had been slipped on as Heidi had exited the flat, needing groceries to make herself a decent lunch. ”Tomatoes... mince pork... spaghetti...” Heidi chanted in her head as the elevator door pinged open at her floor.

Heidi was a self confessed chef. She adored cooking and baking in the kitchen, something she had inherited from Maria. New recipes caused Heidi to be at the oven hours at a time, getting it perfect, and she was somewhat protective of her self-compiled recipe book. No doubt she could throw something simple together for lunch today though. Heidi left the elevator and walked down the corridor to the correct door; her home was the furthest from the lift, the third down the row. There were three apartments opposite hers, but Heidi had yet to meet her five neighbours. She had caught a glimpse of a woman that lived directly opposite to her last week, but Heidi hadn’t had the chance to talk with her, and she seemed more Maria’s age than Heidi’s. Heidi was a little disappointed that there didn’t seem to be anyone her age living around the area, but she kept her hopes up anyway. Just as she was about to reach her own front door, Heidi was bowled over by somebody exiting out of their house. The owner of the flat next door to Heidi had managed to coincide his departure just as she was passing, and had knocked right into her.

Everything went flying. Heidi fell backwards as both bags slipped from her grip. Apples rolled in one direction, oranges and pears the other, and the lettuce decided to land on the other person’s chest. Said person was a young man about her age, Heidi noted as she struggled to resurface whilst groaning from the strong impact. He seemed recognisable to Heidi, with unruly darkish brown hair, as he sat on his front door step, looking dazed, but she couldn’t place her finger on where she had seen him before. “I’m sorry.” Heidi began as she regained her breath, sitting up and releasing her messy hair from its ponytail. “That was a complete accident. You’re not hurt are you? No, you just look really shocked. Oh god, now I have to go fetch my fruit. It’s rolling everywhere.” Heidi complained with an amused smile, which quickly turned to tinkling laughter. “I’m sorry, I’m just finding this so funny.” Heidi struggled to stifle her hilarity as she reached out to pick a passing apple. “This only happens in films, not in real life.” She giggled, failing to stand up from her chuckles that echoed round the empty corridor. “I sound drunk... Maybe I am drunk. I’d better clear this up before another neighbour catches me.” Heidi commented with a grin and stuck out a hand to the man opposite, who hadn’t stood up yet either. “Heidi Fleming, by the way. I live next door, just moved in a few weeks ago. It’s nice to finally meet the neighbours. I just didn’t expect it to be such a forceful first time.”

[Ben O'Leary]

It was his first day off since he had started his internship at the hospital. Only a week into it, and Ben was feeling more stressed than he had expected. It wasn't that he couldn't handle the demands of the job, as it was more him just being able to keep everything in perspective. The simplest things could sometimes cause him to dwell on them, resulting in him not being able to focus for other things. Today, Ben decided he would go for a jog around the city. He hadn't had a chance to get a good feel of his way around, and though he wasn't normally one for excessive physical activity, a quick run seemed like a good idea to not only help him navigate the city, but get his mind off of things. The few times he had jogged in his life, Ben enjoyed the peace that it gave him; a natural stress relief.

After lacing his running shoes, Ben grabbed his zip-up hooded sweatshirt and threw it over his favourite t-shirt that he wore at least two or three times a week when he was lounging around his house. It was quite an ugly green coulour, but Ben loved the shirt. Though he was wearing shorts, he figured that the sweatshirt would help protect from the wind which could get cold, especially when he would start to sweat. When he was finally ready, Ben energetically pushed open the door from his flat and practically burst through the threshold.

Unfortunate for him, and an innocent woman just outside his door, Ben's stress related energy had caused him to knock them both to the ground, along with a cupboard's worth of groceries that the woman had been hauling. "No... no, it was my fault," Ben offered quickly, grabbing the head of lettuce from his chest and scurrying to help gather the woman's groceries. She was young, probably his age, and Ben found her to be quite attractive. This only made his cheeks redder than they already were from embarrassment. Soon, Ben was off doing what he did best, rambling off an earful such that the poor woman would have normally not had a chance to get a word in edgewise. She didn't seem to find trouble rambling along with Ben though, and soon she was even laughing.

Her laughter was enough to stop Ben's talking for a moment, and then when he couldn't help it, he joined in the laughter. "I'm fine... are you okay?" he asked, smiling as he was glad that she hadn't been upset with their collision. "I wish I was drunk," he said, half truthfully when she mentioned it. "Nice to meet you, Heidi. Ben," he replied, offering a slightly nervous handshake. Then, Ben stood to his feet an instinctively reached to his pocket for his wand, stopping at the last second before realizing he wasn't at his original home anymore. Ben let out a quick gasp, barely audible, before scolding himself in his mind for almost making such a silly mistake. Still, he didn't think Heidi had even noticed. "Let me help you up," he said, holding out his hand for her to come to her feet. Then, he helped her pick up the groceries without resorting to magical methods.

"Yes..." he said, laughing nervously. "What a way to meet the neighbours." Once the groceries were gathered, Ben analyzed the damage. "I can pay you back for the damaged produce," he offered kindly. He stood there awkwardly for a moment, wondering if he should simply leave then and begin his run. Instead, he did stay, out of courtesy, at least trying to make a good impression on his new neighbour. "So, how long have you lived here? I just moved in a few weeks ago; wasn't even sure if the surrounding homes were occupied."

[Heidi Rebecca Fleming]

Heidi was glad that this young man wasn’t too offended by their collision. She gently reprieved him of the lettuce he was looking at blankly in his hands, and stuffed it back into one of the bags hastily. She glanced up when he asked her how she was, and she smiled again. “I’m fine, thanks. Just a bit dazed… and embarrassed.” Heidi laughed again, which faded into a wistful expression directed at the young man. “I’m too drunk too often. I can hold my drink, but I just don’t know when to stop.” Heidi shook her head remorsefully; she had always been quite open about her character. She had just met this guy (head first, at that), and already she was disclosing random information about herself to him; things she was sure he wasn’t dying to hear, but she’d tell him anyway. It seemed, however, this young man didn’t mind too much, judging from his friendly smile. “Ben.” Heidi acknowledged, grinning as she took his outstretched hand enthusiastically. She let him help her to her feet, before uttering her thanks. Wiping her forehead, Heidi gazed around at the mess in the narrow corridor ruefully, and followed Ben’s lead in gathering the groceries gratefully. Heidi would’ve sent all the food flying back into the bags had she been around a wizarding area, but she couldn’t do so in front of Ben, so had to restrain herself; plus, she had purposefully left her wand at home, knowing there was little point in taking it out with her when she couldn’t use it, and it could be stolen.

”Should’ve apparated home.” Heidi thought to herself pensively as she bent down to grab a stray orange. ”But then again, it’s worth the five minute walk…” Heidi could just about survive without magic, because she had spent the first eleven years of her life wandless. However, magic was a huge part of her life now, and Heidi wondered sometimes how she would cope if she was forced to live without it, having now touched the realm of the supernatural. Heidi smiled at Ben’s somewhat nervous laughter, feeling a little embarrassed yet covering it up with her outgoing, bold personality. “Have I met you before, Ben?” Heidi questioned curiously as her eyes fixed intently on Ben’s face. “I could swear… you do look rather familiar.” Heidi confessed with a sheepish smile. “If we have met before, fancy us being neighbours? Such a coincidence. But I’m sure it’s all in my imagination.” Heidi laughed off her words quickly, before shaking her head. “No worries, it’s fine. There’s not much damage here… not much I can’t fix with a frying pan anyway.” Heidi inspected the orange in her hand as she watched Ben place the last piece of food back into one of the bags. The orange surface glinted against the afternoon light; it seemed almost unharmed. Heidi silently apologised to it. Not that it’d matter much, it’d probably be in her stomach in a few hours time.

Heidi glanced up at Ben again as he inquired politely about how long she had lived in the flat. “Oh… around two weeks or so, give or take a few days.” Heidi smiled brightly, before pocketing the orange dismissively. She assumed Ben was making small talk; he seemed the type to be friendly and civil, not at all like some of the boys Heidi hung out with some nights. Probably not at all like Rebecca’s father. Quickly banishing the thought of her daughter out of her mind, Heidi smiled again at Ben. “You’re the first neighbour I’ve met, like I said. Am I holding you up, Ben? You look like you’re about to go on a jog or something.” Heidi’s eyes ran down Ben’s sporty attire. “Outside is great. Got to catch the summer before it goes, right?” Heidi paused to grab her bags again, whilst her free hand fished for the house key in her pocket. Suddenly, an idea struck her. “Hey, um… if it’s not too forward of me to ask… Have you had lunch yet? How about joining me? It’s always more fun to cook for two, and I’d enjoy the company… get to know my neighbours a bit better. You’ll be putting up with me for years to come, Ben.” Heidi joked. Ben seemed like a sweet character, she thought, and it wouldn’t hurt to have company; she didn’t like being alone in the house. Heidi had had enough of loneliness.

[Ben O'Leary]

At first, Ben had thought Heidi was joking about the drunkenness, but perhaps she really was a bit on the tipsy side. He couldn't help but grin at her overly bubbly attitude. It was nice though that she didn't take the accident to seriously. Grouchy people annoyed Ben. It was sometimes hard enough to get him in a really good mood, and he didn't need people making him feel gloomier than what he was. It wasn't like Ben was a sad person, but it just took quite a bit to get him in a particularly good mood. He was either really stressed out, or really laid back, not very often in the middle. Today was one of those stressful days, but ironically this run in with Heidi had brightened his spirits a bit. "I don't think we have met," Ben replied with a smile. Surely, he would have remembered someone like Heidi, an attractive blonde who likely had many guys flocking after her. People like Heidi either were married by this point of their life, or involved in a serious relationship. Of course, that was generalizing, but Ben still knew he would have remembered if he had seen Heidi before.

"Me too," he said, surprised that they had seemingly been living in their apartments for about the same time. Ben hadn't met any of the neighbours either, which was why he was beginning to think that perhaps the other apartments were empty. It really was somewhat of a quiet and secluded place, though in the middle of town. Still, Ben was glad that if there were neighbours, they weren't the loud and obnoxious type. At least Heidi seemed nice enough. "Oh, yeah... well, I was going to go for a jog. Ben glanced out the window at the far end of the hall. Heidi was right about summer slipping away. In fact, the sun had seemed to be hidden behind a cloud, and the sky was darkening just slightly. "Looks like it might rain though," he asserted, just before Heidi then made the suggestion of dinner.

"Well... I don't want to intrude or anything like that. I'll be fine just going for my run," he said, shrugging his shoulders. She persisted though, explaining that it was better cooking for two. "I guess that I could stay for a quick lunch" he reasoned, deciding that Heidi was maybe just asking out of courtesy, but seemed interested in having him as well. "You live alone then?" he asked as Heidi used her key to unlock the door. She didn't seem much different in age than himself. Perhaps she had just finished schooling as well. "I do," he replied, answering his own question before Heidi gave her own answer. "I just finished secondary schooling, and I start a new job this week." After the words left his mouth, Ben realized that he would have to start being careful of what he said. Sometimes he could be so careless, and he had to be cautious not to let his magical characteristics slip. Of course, explaining his school and work could be easily done without really revealing anything indicative of his magical career. However, there was always that worry of making sure to stick to whatever story he had to come up with. "What about you?" he asked another question, hoping Heidi wouldn't pursue information on him before he could think of some quick answers to whatever she might ask.

[Heidi Rebecca Fleming]

“Oh well.” Heidi smiled with a hint of disappointment evident in her voice. “Probably is just my imagination then. I don’t have the best of memory when it comes to faces. I do better with textbooks.” Chuckling, Heidi wondered if the sudden change in weight in her bags had resulted from lost produce. Her eyes scanned the surrounding area quickly, though no oranges peeped from behind corners. She concluded that she and Ben had probably caught them all... well, all the ones that hadn't rolled down the stairs. “Really?” Heidi asked in slight surprise, though a pleased smile spread across her face. She'd just leave any lost food, because she couldn't use any spels to retrieve them. “It’s nice to know we’re not the only new ones around. I was going to ask you to introduce me to the other neighbours, but I suppose you being new means you haven’t met them before either, right? How do you find living here? It’s a big change for me, coming from a remote area in Cardiff.” Heidi admitted honestly. “But I’m loving living in London. The hustle and bustle suits me and my lifestyle…” Heidi paused as she finally found her house key, and stuck it into the door.

Heidi turned to glance out of the window as Ben mentioned the rain. “It wasn’t like that when I was out shopping.” Heidi frowned a little and shrugged regretfully. “It’s a shame, because it was a beautiful day this morning. That’s England for you though. You never know when it’ll rain… Just another reason for you to join me though, right?” Heidi didn’t think she was being flirtatious; she’d class her current behaviour as friendly. She wasn’t particularly attracted to Ben, because he didn’t seem her type. He seemed sweet and kind, and Heidi was really looking for wild and dangerous. Though she had only just met Ben, his aura screamed normality, and Heidi couldn’t help but be stereotypical. “Intrude?” Heidi snorted softly, grinning. “There’s nothing to intrude upon. I’m used to cooking for two anyway.” Heidi turned back to the door and opened it, slipping the key back into her pocket. “That’s the spirit.” Heidi grinned enthusiastically when Ben finally accepted her proposal. “I live with my mum actually... though I sound like I have a partner. She’s out for the day, so I’d really appreciate the company.” Heidi explained when Ben asked about her. “And you? I find living alone rather lonesome, really. I enjoy human company… if not human company, then animals. I hope you’re not allergic to dogs and cats by the way. I have one of each.” Heidi’s eyes twinkled and continued to explain as she unlocked the door. “A silver lab, Sooty, who we adopted a while ago, and Chico, my tabby cat. I am a true animal lover.” She laughed keenly.

“Don’t let the apartment fool you.” Heidi quickly warned as she let her guest in before shutting the door behind him. “I’m actually a really messy person. My mum’s a clean freak, so she tidies after me.” Heidi chuckled as she swerved past the living room sofas in front of the TV and headed for the kitchen. “Just make yourself at home, Ben.” Heidi called loudly as she plonked her bags on the dining room table. “Lunch will be ready in fifteen minutes. Are you okay with spaghetti bolognaise?” Heidi opened one of the bags and grabbed the packet of dry spaghetti whilst Ben talked. “Same here.” Heidi replied when he had finished speaking and asked in return about herself. She enjoyed meeting new people; it was fun to divulge each other’s personal information that didn’t run too deep – the simple things, like schooling and favourite hobbies. “I graduated from high school three years ago. Kind of miss it, to be honest with you.” Heidi smiled fondly up at Ben through the open doorway. “But I’m enjoying the freedom as a young adult. I’m also starting a new job this week. I studied medicine at university... I was lucky, my course was shorter than others.” Heidi smiled, though refrained from going into too much detail, because as a witch she wasn’t meant to divulge such information to the muggle public. She had too often used the same words to phrase her educational upbringing. Medicine in muggle life was as close as it got to being a healer. “Are you looking forward to it, Ben? What are you doing then? I have to admit, I’m a little nervous, but I can’t wait.” Heidi grinned enthusiastically as she grabbed an empty clean pot.

[Ben O'Leary]

Heidi seemed quite excited to have the company, and Ben wouldn't deny that he was glad too. If Heidi liked cooking, he would surely appreciate something home cooked, as opposed to the quick meals had had been preparing for himself since moving in. Ben never was much in the kitchen, and he did miss his mother's cooking. "I don't mind the loneliness just yet," he explained. Ben was quite used to growing up in a loud household with his three brothers. And then, he was at Hogwarts for seven years where there were all kinds of students his age. He had never got to see what it was like living alone. For now, it was ok, a good kind of change. Granted, he didn't like to always be alone, but the freedom of living alone was appealing. Laughing when Heidi mentioned the state of the apartment, Ben added, "Then perhaps you'd be right at home in my mess of a place." It wasn't bad to the point of it being totally disgusting. Ben wasn't a dirty person, just a cluttered person. He cleaned up what mattered, but tended to lack in the area of organization. His clothes didn't really have a particular place, and paperwork was even worse. It would be a miracle if he could get all the right paperwork sorted when it came to the muggle system he was working with to rent out the apartment. Nonetheless, he didn't want to worry about that now.

Heidi's mention of medicine caught Ben's attention. Muggle medicine was something that Ben always found interesting. Not having magic, muggles had such unique and advanced ways of doing their healing. Sometimes he wondered if they weren't more beneficial in ways. In fact, for his one class that went in depth on muggle healing, Ben did find that there were some muggle methods he preferred to magic. Then again, magic had the ultimate benefits, which made him consider what would happen if healers could somehow work their way into a muggle hospital and secretly use magical healing. It would be quite useful but dangerous at the same time. These were things that Ben pondered though. His mind was sometimes random, and he had to often bring himself back to the present and back to reality.

"That sounds interesting," he finally offered. "Me? Oh, I'm going to be a vet." Ben was terrible at lying. Having had to already catch himself from twice saying something to Heidi that might give away his background, Ben felt the need to lie about his occupation. Whatever made him decide that he was a vet, he didn't know. And then, it hit him; literally. A small grey puff of energy slammed into his leg, and Ben jumped a bit at the shock. Heidi had mentioned a silver pup, and this must be Sooty. "Hey buddy," Ben said, bending down to pet the dog. He hoped that Heidi wouldn't ask anything that gave into his lie, but Ben was used to having to think on his feet. He did get a bit nervous though, which was quite humorous for one to watch. Sitting down on the ground with the dog, Ben let him tug at his shoe-string, while watching Heidi begin to prepare lunch. "So what made you chose medicine?" he asked, hoping that if the conversation was on Heidi, he wouldn't have the chance of getting caught in his white lie.

[Heidi Rebecca Fleming]

Heidi laughed brightly at Ben’s statement as she opened the packet of spaghetti and threw the entire load into the pot on the stove. “I probably would be. I’m not dirty, just very messy.” Heidi admitted as she added some water from the tap sink. She nodded to herself as she turned on the fire with a defining crackle. If she could, she would’ve used her wand to serve the lunch faster, but no matter. Heidi was just as expert at cooking without magic, because often in her childhood, before she went to Hogwarts, she made her own meals. Heidi had been forced to grow up quickly, to learn the basics of life that one would not acquire until even early adult life. Childhood was something she waved goodbye to a long time ago, before a lot of other children, and though Heidi was regretful of this, she knew it was what shaped her personality today, and she was quite content about herself. Ben was quiet for a while as Heidi chatted about herself, something she was quite at ease doing. Although she was brought up in Cardiff, due to her mother’s accent Heidi sounded like a typical Londoner. Maria was from a wealthy, respected pureblood family, and several years in Cardiff had not changed her much. A lot of people thought Heidi was a lot more posh and rich than she appeared to be, due to her accent and the way she carried herself. She wondered absently how Ben would make her out to be as she simmered the spaghetti and began to work on the mince.

“Really?” Heidi was surprised as she cooked, dashing round the kitchen unhurriedly. “Our professions are somewhat similar then.” Heidi smiled. She supposed she wasn’t that shocked that Ben wanted to be a vet. He seemed the type, really; friendly, caring, polite. Heidi supposed she seemed like a doctor too… well, she hoped she did. She was quite serious when she wanted to be, but she had a knack of connecting with patients on a too emotional level. She had often been reprimanded for this during her healer training, but Heidi hadn’t taken in a single word, because she hated the teacher, and the feeling had been mutual. Heidi had always been the top of the class, so she didn’t understand the man’s hatred, but she had survived his teaching and graduated top. Not bad, she had felt. “So you’ve met Sooty.” Heidi laughed as she heard the family dog yelping, probably trying to clamber onto Ben. “Good to hear you’re good with animals.” As if right on cue, Chico leapt onto the kitchen surface from nowhere, his tabby fur coat gleaming against the late morning sunlight. “Speaking of the devil.” Heidi grinned as she dropped her cooking utensils. “You naughty thing, get off. I’m trying to cook.” Quickly she scooped Chico up and deposited him in the living room where Ben was playing with Sooty. “This is Chico. Chico, say nice to Ben. Don’t you dare scratch him. Ben will you keep an eye on him for me?” Heidi asked with a grateful smile before retiring back into the kitchen.

Washing her hands, Heidi realised she wasn’t wearing an apron, and flung it on quickly. Hearing Ben’s next question, she paused a moment, weighing up her answer carefully before replying. “I like to help people.” Heidi started, cooking the meat which began to sizzle nicely in the pan. “To be honest with you, it was a choice between medicine and veterinary medicine, and I chose medicine in the end. One of the reasons is because my mum used to be a nurse, and I was also offered a course in medicine which was shorter than the vet one. I don’t mind education, because I love learning, but I needed a good job soon, and so I went for medicine.” Heidi explained, though that was partially made up. She had to keep a good front in front of muggles. “I’m also good at sciences. That was my strongest subject in high school, and I managed to get good grades.” Heidi whipped her head round the door with a smile. “Anyway, lunch is ready.” She turned back to shut off the stove. “What made you choose to be a vet then?” Heidi asked curiously as she sorted out the cooked food onto two plates. She scuttled to the cupboard to retrieve the pet food and hastily filled up Sooty and Chico’s bowls on the floor. “I suppose one reason must be you love your animals.” Heidi grinned as she washed her hands, took off the apron and sat down at the table with Ben. “Hope the food’s okay.” Heidi added a little nervously.

[Ben O'Leary]

"Yes, similar, yet I don't have to deal with the complex patients that you do. At least my patients can talk back to me," Ben replied with a laugh. If she only knew though that he had patients just like her. Only, instead of the normal medical problems he had to learn how to treat magical problems. That was another interesting different between healing and just plain muggle medicine. Healers had to be prepared to treat more of a variety, but with the different magical methods that could be used for a variety of cases, they ended up learning about the same amount of material. "And yes, Sooty has made himself quite know, haven't you buddy?" Ben did love animals though he had never had a pet of his own. Soon he heard some clamouring in the kitchen, followed by Heidi returning to the living room for a quick moment to drop of her cat, Chico. Now, cats were not as favoured by Ben as dogs, but he had to maintain his identity as a veterinarian somehow. "Heya Chico," he said with a grin. Ben always thought that Spanish was an interesting language, and he wondered if Heidi had named the cat out of her knowing Spanish or simply just liking the sound of the name. When he thought about it, to the Spanish, calling a pet chico was like calling it 'boy'. Often, speakers of English would do the same when calling their pet, regardless of the name.

Not wanting to get caught up on analyzing names and languages though, Ben listened as Heidi explained the choices and her strengths that led her to chose the medical field. They were all common factors among many healers that Ben knew too, which just showed another similarity between the two fields of medicine. It would be interesting to get to talk to someone like Heidi, who was knowledgeable about muggle medicine, but there was always the fear of sounding too ignorant of the muggle ways. Ben wasn't one to want to willingly put himself in a situation that he had to be careful with his words. He already made it hard for himself without trying, as he would sometimes forget he was in the presence of a muggle and simply blurt something that made the conversation turn awkward. Ben was known for awkward pauses and such in conversation though, as he really didn't always stop to think before he talked.

As Heidi announced that lunch was ready, Ben stood from the living room floor and made his way to the kitchen. He helped himself to the kitchen sink, being sure to wash his hands after playing with the animals. As they were ready to begin eating, Ben was somewhat stuck to come up with an answer for Heidi's question, seeing that she had taken the most obvious one. "Well, yeah, I just love animals," he said with a nervous sort of laugh. Why else did people become veterinarians? Only someone who really wanted to become one would likely know. "Oh... and," he added, another decent answer (or rather another decent lie) popping into his mind. "When I was little, I had this dog. She died of old age, and ever since then I always wanted to be able to help other people with their pets and animals." Ben didn't want to make it too sappy, and so he tried to indicate that he was no longer saddened by the thought. Moreover, he hoped Heidi would simply find it as a cute story to explain his career choice. "This is excellent, by the way," he noted, rinsing down a bit of the spaghetti with some water. "You better be careful though that you don't spoil me. I will be like that stray animal that keeps coming back if you feed it." He grinned and took another bite, happy to have meet Heidi, and even happier that they would be neighbours. Of course, he realized that if they were to see each other on frequent occasions, he was going to have to work really hard on solidifying his story. Extra care would need to be taken if he were to slip up. The last thing he wanted was to have to bring the Ministry in to do some memory reversals.

[Heidi Rebecca Fleming]

Heidi gave a shrug in response to Ben’s statement. “I don’t mind that my patients talk. In fact, I prefer it. I can just get them to tell me what’s wrong with them… well, sometimes I have to make them drink a potion to do so, because it’s true, my patients can be quite a handful; that’s probably a good thing about being a vet, not having to try and smile for them, and coax them to stop their mental blocks and whatever. I suppose it’s also a good thing that you don’t have to worry too much about their comfort, because humans are so demanding.” Heidi laughed at recent memories during her healer training. “Plus, I think you get drawn into the patient’s world more than you do with animals. And then sometimes, you can be in too deep.” She shrugged again in a non-committal way. “I still love my job.” She smiled after a short pause.

Heidi tasted her cooking boldly as she dug her fork into the spaghetti, chewed for a few seconds, and deemed it satisfactory but nothing special, before gesturing for Ben to start too. She hoped she wouldn’t disappoint him. “Oh, that’s such a cute story.” Heidi grinned with a sympathetic expression on her face, “And don’t be offended, but very clichéd too.” She laughed and copied Ben’s action, reaching for her own glass of water. “Why, thank you.” Heidi continued to smile, this time proudly at Ben’s compliment. “It’s just a simple dish, nothing special.” She echoed her thoughts aloud, and chuckled at Ben’s joke. “I wouldn’t mind, come when you like. I want friends round the neighbourhood, and what better way than to bond over my food.” Heidi paused to chew on some more spaghetti, before swallowing and smiling again.

“So which day next week do you start this new job of yours?” Heidi asked offhandedly as she twirled her fork into the food. “I begin next Monday, very early in the morning.” She grimaced. “I can be a morning person, but not after a hangover.” Smirking wryly, she turned her head to glance at Sooty gobbling up his lunch of dog food, and smiled. Chico was nowhere to be seen, though that probably wasn’t due much to Sooty’s species, rather, his personality. It was true cats and dogs didn’t get on, but dogs were usually the dominant creatures, and in the Fleming family pets case, the kitty had always been the King. Chico had been around longer – and he knew it. Sooty, in comparison new, younger in age and bearing a naïve, adorable and submissive personality, very often caved to Chico’s more overbearing, governing and rather vain attitude. Right as of now, since Sooty was in the dining room, Chico would probably venture in sometime later in his typical lazy fashion, whereas Sooty would bound off somewhere else to play. Chico disliked Sooty’s lesser-than-thou status, and Sooty knew to stay away from the hissy kitty. “My pets are so fun to watch interact.” Heidi remarked out of the blue with a fond smile. “They’re just like us in so many ways. Though as a vet, you probably know that already and treat them like equals.” She looked up at Ben appreciatively and admirably.

[Ben O'Leary]

As Heidi explained about human patients being able to interact with you and draw you in, Ben thought about his own experience in Healing school. They had always learned that it was a difficult balance between showing that you care whilst making sure not to get too deeply involved in the patients' lives. Ben didn't seem to have that great of a problem with it though. Kindness and caring was somewhat natural for him, yet he was often too nervous or distracted to get really involved. Saying nothing, Ben just nodded at Heidi's comments while finishing a few more bites of pasta. When Heidi called his story cute yet cliche, Ben simply grinned. Of course it would be cliche as he had totally made it up. "You're welcome," he offered as Heidi thanked him for the compliment. He was glad that she seemed open to the idea of him stopping by more often. "I'll hold you to that offer" he said, watching Hedi's smile and her mannerisms. She seemed like such a friendly person, and Ben couldn't help but be glad to be neighbours with her. He even had to stop himself from making it seem as though he was staring at her smiling face.

Ben picked at the corner of his napkin nervously as the topic of his work came up again. "Tuesday," he shot back without even thinking really. There wasn't much that he could give away with a simple choice of one day over another. Luckily and to his relief, Heidi moved on quickly with the conversation, going to the topic of alcohol and then Sooty and Chico. Something made Ben curious to know why Heidi seemed so fixed on the topic of drunkenness. She had mentioned it a few times in their brief encounter. It wasn't a big deal, really, but Ben just saw her as someone who might scoff at the idea of drinking. However, she was nice and friendly now, which meant that a bit of alcohol likely made her giddy and hyper. A small smile crept to the corners of Ben's mouth as he tried imagining Heidi drunk. Ben being drunk meant that he often said silly things, even crazier that his normal "foot in mouth" speech. Plus, he just acted goofy and random, as if he sometimes wasn't already.

"It all depends on the animal," he finally answered, letting the topic of alcohol slip away. "They can be like people, really, each having their own unique personality." This all seemed logical to Ben, and so he didn't see why it would be hard to believe. After all, if he was thinking it and accepting it as true, it must be simple enough for someone else to believe so. Glancing at the clock, Ben realized that he had put a load of laundry in the washing machine which was done by now. Normally, he would use magic to clean his clothes, but he found the use of a machine to remind him of home a bit; well, at least the good parts of home, like his mother. Plus, it helped to make him blend in with the other muggles in his living complex, like Heidi. If they even bothered to take notice, they would soon assume he either never washed his clothes or had some other way of doing so. "Oh man, I've got to go," he said, standing up and bumping the table with his thigh as he stood. "Ooo, sorry," Ben apologzied... always so clumsy. "Thanks for lunch though," he said, taking his dishes to the sink to at least help clean up as much as he knew how. "I'll see you around then, Heidi?" he asked, smiling and hoping that it might be sooner rather than later. Standing at the door, they said their goodbyes, and then Ben made his way to the laundry room where he finished his load of clothes, all the while thinking of the chance meeting with Heidi and how happy he was to have her as a neighbour.

[Heidi Rebecca Fleming]

“Good luck then. I’m sure you’ll do a good job.” Heidi smiled reassuringly at Ben. “I’m quite anxious... scared I’ll do something wrong. But I am so eager to get out there and learn, you know? And everything I’ve worked for has brought me here.” Heidi stopped herself before she launched into a tirade about her past. Although she was quite open about herself, she kept lots of secrets hidden beneath her chest, within her heart. Pausing, Heidi sent Ben a lopsided, rather helpless grin, then returned to her nearly finished lunch. She was almost full. Heidi nodded when Ben discussed the animal subject, glad to steer away from her occupation. Heidi was fascinated with veterinary healing too, but she had eventually made the difficult decision of becoming a human healer. She had based her choice on the fact she related better to fellow people, and St Mungo’s was where she aspired to go and evolve as an healer, having been asserted into her from her nursing mother from a young age that St Mungo’s was definitely the place to be for healing people. Although Heidi was somewhat sad she had to be forced to give up on working with animals as a priority, she did not regret the last three years of her life training as a healer. Her mother’s experience was a good guide for her to follow, and Heidi felt healing was one of the most, if not the most, rewarding job in the world.

“I’m sure being with animals is just as fun as being around people.” Heidi nodded with a remorseful smile. “I still wonder what made me careen towards medicine rather than vet. med. But I don’t regret it.” Cleaning her plate of the laste bit of food, Heidi glanced at the clock on the wall when Ben announced his leave. “Okay then.” She smiled cheerfully as she watched Ben stand up – or attempt to. Heidi giggled at Ben’s clumsy ways, shaking his apology away with her head and hand. “It’s fine.” She stood up also, amused by Ben’s demeanour. He was an amusing man, Heidi thought; not her type, but she could see him becoming her best friend. Someone she could rely on, and who was stronger than they appeared to be. Really, Ben did come across as rather... pitiable in a way, but his charming modesty and imperfections made Heidi smile. “Thanks.” She nodded as she watched Ben take his dishes across, leaving hers on the table. “Not a problem. Come by sometime, we’ll be glad to have you. You have yet to meet my mum, I think she’d really like you.” Heidi grinned, wondering what Maria would say when she got to inform her mother of her new friend and neighbour. She was sure Maria would get on well with Ben – they shared some similar qualities, in ways Heidi had never been alike to her mum.

“Yeah, see you later.” Heidi nodded her approval as she saw Ben out of the door. “Bye.” Heidi grinned, and once he was out of sight, she closed the door with a contented smile on her face. “Now,” She thought to herself out loud. “I wonder when I’ll see him again?” She was pleased at how their first meeting had gone, then wondered when Maria would be home. Strolling into the kitchen, Heidi grabbed her wand (hidden inconspicuously in a drawer), and finished up the tidying and cleaning process. Her own dirty dish flew across the room to join the other cookery and cutlery in the empty sink. Turning her back, the basin filled with warm soapy water and the cloth began to clean it automatically. Meanwhile, Heidi worked her magic on the remaining items in the shopping bags she had yet to tend to. They went into their normal storage places, until Heidi heard a loud bang just as she was putting away the dried and clean dishes. Maria was back. “You’ll never guess what happened today.” Heidi ambled into the living room and greeted her mother with a large grin.