Thurstons tryst ♠ closed

[THURSTON alcott]

♠

“A couple of stops…”

Alcott’s hand was grappling Ana’s, sensing the strength which she held to him with in a way it was almost preoccupant. The moment he had received an invitation for the Holidays at Rue de Pardis with his parents, the sole idea of being there all alone with them was something couldn’t be referred as pleasant. Alcott could turn back in time and picture himself along with his parents, mustered around the Christmas tree as they mumbled jingles through their pursed lips, trimming the object and embellishing it with whatever could stand the tag of decoration. To the brilliant mind of him, anything could do, from a filthy sock of his, to a fancy sphere just attained from the nearest store. Mr Thurston would always keep the proper separation as the child and the mother cuddled fondly underneath. The scene could almost be remarkable to the lad, as he couldn’t think of anything else but the tender love of his mother, and the cold rejection from his father. Nevertheless, the man had grown up accustomed to the feeling and even in his reverie it was just a simple memory; something he turned at quite stoical and emotionless. Absentmindedly, the man just pulled her closer as he stowed his chin lightly on her cushioned head, kissing it as he gazed down the view as the train halted and ceased its moving.

The bloke was seated on the safest place of the train, throwing casual glances to the hallway as if someone stopped by or if anyone was doing anything distracting. Roving his eyes through the place there wasn’t much could be found around them, barring the boring passengers allotted on their spaces and some child that was slowly induced into a deep sleep. Alcott meditated on a man that was so dormant with his eyes open that he actually believed he had somehow achieved to doze off with his lids up – something he couldn’t help but behold at quite astounded, just as it was something he couldn’t exactly do, even if needed. For what he could recall, the last time he had attempted it, it had been in the middle of the night, amidst of darkness, which couldn’t exactly tell whether his eyes were closed or open by the time he blacked out. It was ridiculous how his pondering could perch in such trifle, yet, it was an activity he was pleased to intent.

“You aren’t sleeping… are you? … we’re minutes away from our destination”

The boy chuckled, just as he downed his head and rubbed her chin as he looked for her expression with certain curiosity to his coy doe-eyed girlfriend – fear, or intense nervousness could be read through her pupils.

[anastasia thurston]

this love, it is a distant star
GUIDING US HOME, WHEREVER WE ARE
tagged; alcott -- outfit; here -- word count; 707

[/size][/center]

Anastasia’s eyes stayed fixed on the passing scenery as the train passed through the French countryside, the peace and quiet of the scene outside being the complete opposite to the mess of emotions that were in her mind and had been for the past few days. Meeting Alcott’s parents, over the Christmas holidays, was not something she had expected to happen. In fact, the whole idea of meeting them was only posed a few days before Ana had to pack up her bags and head down to the train station. She knew that she shouldn’t be nervous - Ana virtually knew what his parents were like after all the times he had mentioned them in passing remarks - but, even after telling herself this, her state of mind did not change. Anastasia was all about first impressions and believed that they were the key to being approved. Getting the Thurstons to approve of her was probably the hardest task she had ever undergone - in her mind at least. Ana’s hand laid on top of Alcott’s as she watched the hills that had been rolling by turn into a cityscape, her fingers entwined tightly with his. She had never visited Rue de Paradis before, making the entire situation that bit more daunting in her mind. She couldn’t disappear off if things got awkward, Anastasia knew that she had to stick it out.

As Alcott pulled her closer to him, Ana’s eyes finally diverted away from the window and down to her own hands. She had started to fiddle, a trait she had gained very early on when she was anxious or worried about something. Had to be said, this was the first time her anxiety had flared up due to having to meet someone’s parents. ‘Good first impression. That’s all you need to do, Ana…’ she thought to herself as she tucked a small strand of loose hair back behind her ear. A small smile did appear on Anastasia’s lips as she felt his kiss on her forehead, helping to sooth her slightly as the train began to pull into the station. In contrast to the station in Detaillant, Rue de Paradis’ station was much grander – reminding her of some of the stations that were at home in England rather than rural France. The rounded roofs covered the tracks, allowing natural light down into the station, while members of the public made their way down the platforms and onto the trains around them.

“One more stop…” Ana mumbled to herself as the train jumped back to life, leaving the main station near Rue de Paradis. The space between the two stops was only small, ten minutes at least – leaving Anastasia with little time left to panic. She straightened out her dress as she sat on the train seat before raising her hands to her hair, tightening the hair bobble that was holding back her soft curls from her face. Anastasia knew that Alcott was watching her; the sense of having each movement watched was something she had grown to expect. Her chocolate eyes looked to the side, falling straight into the gaze of his own eyes. She gave him a light smile, trying to hold in her anxiety back from showing in her facial expression.

The train began to slow once more as it passed through the peaceful suburbs that surrounded Rue de Paradis, filled with large houses and decorative cottages that just seemed to give off the idea of wealth. Anastasia looked back at Alcott for a moment, her hand gripping onto his a little bit tighter than it had before. “Okay, I’m going to admit this now. I’m nervous,” she stated, the smile she had been wearing fading as her eyes glanced from his face and back to the window, “What if they don’t like me or something?” As she finished speaking, her front teeth softly sunk into her lip – her mind starting to list off the reasons why the Thurstons might end up not liking her. There were plenty of reasons that came to mind, many that probably weren’t even true or would not be brought up at all. Anastasia had always been a worrier and, this time, it was finally starting to show.

[THURSTON alcott]

♠

“Aren’t they here already? …”

Mr Thurston’s voice beamed through the noisy station crowded so abundantly that it was hardly visible any sight of the train or the passengers. Aiming his piercing eyes towards the entrance, nothing but several people treading was what he could see as he sighed to himself letting a frown formed upon his features. The tall, slightly burly yet slender man was keeping an eye on his pocket watch, drawing it out of his vest every second or so, as he impatiently creaked with the ticking sound. Minutes, seeming hours to his time notion was what was keeping them there, upset by the necessity of having to wait and to be unable to leave the place until the couple was there. Would she be inviting? Would she be worth of his little Alexandre? Mr Thurston never dared to call Alcott such, since that name was preposterous to him and it lacked all sense of elegance and classy the Last Name portrayed solely. It was a tradition that the spouse would pick the second name and the wife would choose the first. For his own sake, he didn’t like arguing with his wife, thusly he would just omit the name to himself and just move on slightly. The man was still in uncertainty of their guest, as Alexandre just described her as beautiful as no other girl and marvellous as no other person. He could just simply shrug the thought of as he pretended to listen when he didn’t and that would be the gist of it for that matter.

They were on the boarding room, at the welcoming area, expecting Alcott’s arrival, quite eagerly, as they seemed to shun each other’s gazes and just contemplate the facilities instead. Even when the family was united, they didn’t look fondly at awkward silence, and as none of them enjoyed the gift of conversing, it was best to remain silent as they counted the seconds for that to come to an end. Mr Thurston, whose name was Rupert Alexandre Thurston III was twitching the tissue he jealously stuffed in his pocket, just as he looked at the cramped piece, noticing his obvious lack of poise and refinement,. Theresa, Alcott’s mother was busy minding her own problems, as he was scolding her nephew, Tristan Cliff from fidgeting, as he had joined them for the weekend, in Alcott’s special request. Trist, as Alcott referred to him, was his cousin and his best mate. They had shared too much throughout their living that he considered him his brother more than anything else. Hence, his presence was absolutely required for this and there wasn’t a possibility for being otherwise. Ceding to the boy’s demands had sharpened Rupert’s sense of incommodity already, though Theresa was there to appease him if needed, and Tristan’s invitation would be an excuse for Alcott to introduce them properly without having his father with the constant criticism that he was used to. Having another party on the crew could give Anastasia a hand to hold on to if needed.

“By the time they come I’ve grown roots to this floor…” Once more, Rupert’s voice had to bark, in a tone was regularly aloud, quite high for his surrounds to hear. Theresa’s reaction was plainly serene, just as she looked at him and raised her hand a little in a calming gesture. Mr Thurston couldn’t do else but pouting and crossing his arms in front of his chest, aiming his attention hermetically towards the stopping zone.

_______________________________________


“Uhh? Did you say something?” Alcott’s attention was driven towards his girlfriend by the time he could hearken at something coming out of her lips. Something he couldn’t quite understand. Nevertheless, he just leant his head upon hers, lightly as he observed the distant objects dashing through the window. “Just one more stop” he cleared out to himself, heedless of Ana’s actual stance upon the overall of the reunion. He felt as her hands hoisted and she was fixing her hair and trying to tidy up herself altogether. Alcott was a smidge confused, but inwardly he could understand what she was going through. After all those endless conversations about his father’s severity and his inflexible standards, there were a lot of holes to fill in order to fulfil expectations, though regardless of such, he wouldn’t let a no for an answer as for when Anastasia referred to. Father would have to live with it if he wanted Alcott to be happy, and above it all, the man respected happiness and free will. Glancing at her he could catch that glimpse in her eyes, just as she turned them away from his, beholding at the window with a ghastly hint. The train was losing acceleration with the time and it halted at the last stop before the actual destination. Even when it was written in her demeanour, Alcott paid attention when she confessed him about being nervous. “Don’t like you? … pfft … you are the most adorable girl I could have ever met… and to me that suffices” he exclaimed, staring directly at her eyes as he cupped her face with both hands, stowing a sweet kiss upon her lips before the train stopped.

“There’s nothing to be worried about… my mother is someone easy to please… is my father, I think… the one that needs convincing” he said to himself, standing still and fixing his lost sight on the window just as the train retrieved movement and acceleration. He was certain that eventually he would accept her completely, but it would take a little to adjust to it, and in the meantime, some things could happen. “Well… if it works as consolation… I asked my mother to take Trist with them… so you’ll have another support” he hugged her from the side, pulling her close as he smiled widely at her. This was a time to remember… not a time to regret.

With Alcott’s last words, everything froze, and both realized they had arrived, finally, at their destination.

The bloke helped her to get down the train as he just edged towards the back of the transport vehicle, looking for the trunk with the luggage. He tipped the man as he grabbed the whole bunch and carried them all the way from his position to the very passage to the welcoming space. Alcott returned and grazed Anastasia’s hand before he actually grasped it firmly. “It’s ok…” he whispered at her ear, ushering through the throng as they headed towards a small group that squashed on a bench, with just one man on his feet, as the rest was comfortably settled. The man standing up neared them, just a little taking the rest of the group with him “There are you… I bid you both welcome” Rupert spoke, a simple trace of an amiable smile threatening to appear. Alcott went straight to his mother’s arms as he embraced her with his free hand, still attached to Anastasia with the other. He then moved to his father, shaking his hand once or twice before he seemed pleased with his grip. “Family… this is my girlfriend… Anastasia Knowles”

“Just when I was about to ask who was this gorgeous princess you’re sharing hands with… Alcott… she’s beautiful” Theresa’s joy couldn’t conceal, just as she pleasantly received her greeting, letting go off Alcott’s grasp as he saluted his cousin properly, with a handshake and a friendly hug.

[anastasia thurston]

this love, it is a distant star
GUIDING US HOME, WHEREVER WE ARE
tagged; alcott -- outfit; here -- word count; 1045

[/size][/center]

Anastasia didn’t want to seem nervous about meeting Alcott’s parents, but it was one of those moments where the butterflies in the stomach could not be tamed. No matter the amount of smiles she tried to wear, the worried expression always peaked through – despite her every attempt for them not to. She was doing this for Alcott. Obviously her it was her own choice, but Anastasia felt that, after so long, meeting the parents was probably the next step – Alcott had just asked his parents first. She knew he would meet her mother and step-father with no care in the world, Anastasia deserved to do the same for him. Despite trying to resist fidgeting any more after straightening her skirt, the brunette returned to her usual habit of twiddling the ring which sat on her right ring finger – spinning it around in a continuous circle – while leaning against her boyfriend’s arm for comfort. As soon as she admitted to being nervous and darted her eyes away from his back to the window, Anastasia felt she had stated the obvious. Alcott had learnt to read her facial expressions after all this time and, to be honest, she hadn’t been making the whole concept of not being nervous very convincing. Hiding emotions – not Ana’s best skill. Her eyes glanced back over to Alcott as he spoke, his words causing her cheeks to flush red. No matter how many compliments he managed to through at her, she blushed every time – natural habit. Anastasia smiled as she felt his hands on her face, returning the kiss with the same strength.

“Well, that’s great. Your father was the one I was worrying about!” she replied, laughing slightly as her eyes rolled. Mr Thurston had always seemed very prim and proper every time Alcott had spoken about him – the complete opposite to how Anastasia viewed herself. If there was anyone she was worrying about meeting, he was the one. “From what you’ve said about your father,” Anastasia continued, sighing slightly as she returned to fiddling with her ring, “he seems to be the complete opposite to what I’m used to.” Her eyes met with his once more, “I just don’t want to mess anything up which, to be perfectly honest, is something I do a lot.” A small smile re-emerged as he mentioned Trist, a name that had stuck in her head ever since Alcott had first mentioned him. After everything that he had said about his cousin Tristan, Anastasia knew that having him there would be a good move – almost acting as a distraction for the two of them. If anything was going wrong, Tristan seemed to be the one to send in. Let him make a mess or moan and everything prior would be forgotten and buried.

The train slowly rolled to a stop, the platform and train station coming into view through the windows. Ana tensed up slightly at the sight – the grandeur of the station matching the one of Rue de Paradis centre, maybe even surpassing it. The rounded glass ceiling stretched across the sky as Anastasia hopped off the train with a slight jump, bag in tow, landing onto the platform pavement with a helping hand from Alcott. The station had clearly been recently prepped for Christmas – large Christmas trees were decorated from tip to base with tinsel, baubles and twinkling lights. Elsewhere, lights scattered across the station walls and any other available surface within the vicinity – the twinkle almost invisible in the daylight. With her eyes focused on the decorations, Ana missed the moment Alcott wandered from her side – only noticing he had disappeared when she turned to face him or, at least, where he should have been standing. Her eyes fell upon him standing just a few carriages down, collecting their luggage from the train before wandering back over towards where Anastasia was stood. Although she had spent the day before and the train ride panicking about meeting the Thurston family, Ana always felt that little bit more relaxed when she saw his smile. Something about it just helped her to remain, or at least appear to be and feel, reasonably calm.

“I’m ready…” Anastasia said in response to Alcott’s ‘okay’ – unsure whether she was confirming that she was ready to Alcott or to herself. With a deep breath, she straightened out the skirt once more with her free hand before walking one step behind him, unsure of which way she would be heading towards through the crowds on the platform. Breaking through from the crowd, Ana’s eyes fell upon three figures in the distance – two sat on a bench while one stood a few steps away. She hesitated with her steps for a second, taking a deep breath as she chose to continue. It was too late to run away and hide in a corner somewhere; there wasn’t exactly anywhere to hide in the station anyway.

Anastasia kept a smile on her face as they approached towards the family, Mr Thurston greeting the two of them with open arms but as stern a face as she had imagined. She nodded her head in thanks towards him before watching Alcott embrace his mother while still holding onto Ana’s hand for comfort. As Alcott introduced Anastasia to his family, she waved slightly with her free hand – a smile resting on her lips as she tried to cover up any nerves that were still in her mind. “It’s nice to meet you all,” Ana added after her boyfriend had finished the introduction, her grip on his hand getting tighter as she waited for a response from any of them. It wasn’t until Mrs Thurston spoke up, complimenting Anastasia straight way, that her grip on Alcott loosened and her smile became true. “Why thank you,” Ana replied with a slight blush in her cheeks, greeting Mrs Thurston as she spoke, before addressing both Mr and Mrs Thurston, “It’s clear to see where Alcott’s looks came from too.” With a deep breath, her eyes glanced across to Mr Thurston who appeared to be judging her as much as she had expected to be. Well, might as well be nice. Anastasia extended her hand out to him, a smile on her face, “It’s nice to meet you, Mr Thurston.”

[THURSTON alcott]

♠

Rupert’s orbs went straight to the lady, once her hand was extended out to him. It was a gesture he couldn’t exactly dismiss, but he couldn’t exactly relish on either. By the time he was scanning her from head to toes, she was already offering a cordial deferent display of gracefulness and amiability, as to simply shake hands with him. Mr Thurston faltered for a second, still uncertain whether this was planned or it had been genuinely yielded by her will and disposition. In matters of assumptions he could contrive many, as to plot the most intricate and tangled scheme that any human could even depict, to the silliest of execution lines, razing chances and dissipating chaos and haze. The most reflective of man hesitated on grazing her limb, just as if contact would detonate some sudden an irrational disease upon him and his decency. Nevertheless, this all could be read through his pupils, just as Alexandre had told him before, as this man had only a single flaw in his remarkably impeccable slate, and it was that his expressions and the glistening humidity on his eyes could unveil whatever secret he was concealing; especially under Alcott’s lens. He cleared his throat inconspicuously, regaining the magnanimous bearing he had been blessed with as he let his lids mid-closed with a trace of reliance, as if he was actually carrying his judgments away on this girl. Without caring, his senses detected the firmness of the grip; the texture of the skin; the gleam in her sight; the nervous swallowing and any indicator of her attitude, personality and almost everything related to her very essence in the blink of an eye. “Alexandre has told us plenty about you… not intentionally, of course…” his words, in the most exotic, yet flawless english he could bellow - his voice deep and husky, conveyed by the sumptuous tone on every syllable. The man shook once or twice before letting go off hers, just as he let a smile shone briefly through his features. It was sincere, and it couldn’t be faked – Alcott did know so. “And we meet… at last… It’s a pleasure” he said, letting his arm fell loosely at his side.

“He calls me Alexandre… reckons Alcott as codswallop… unworthy of class and renown” his lips practically attached to her ears as he muttered “Please, don’t panic if he finds it amusing to call you Clarissa instead… ” Alcott didn’t turn his look away from his father’s, just as he unconsciously craned his neck completely erect, along with his spine, adapting a posture was faultless, except to Rupert’s deems. It had become a habit, to adopt his posture to whatever seemed correct to him, in order to please him, in the most hidden and unwanted wishes that the youth spared in his own conscience. The bloke pulled her closer, just as a reflex before he grinned at his father reaction and just went back to the rest of the presents, roving from Trist to his mother and her dearly countenance. None of them replied to her compliment about the aspect, as they acknowledged it with modesty, always overlooking at comments about it, but they thanked it inwardly.

“Aren’t the two of you a lovely couple? … aren’t they Rup?” she nodded without need of approval, just as an affirmation to herself and the rest of the world to just revere at. The woman had no interest in pairing up his son with anyone whom he hadn’t chosen by himself, unlikely his husband. Even when Theresa didn’t applaud his methods, she respected them and always strived to be as silent and reserved as she should about it all. “Freeze, just a second” he requested just as she spun on her heels to bent down a little, rummaging through her hand bag as she extracted the most compact version of a bewitched camera, so condensed it was easy to take with almost in her palm. She aimed it directly at the couple just as she observed how Alcott hugged her closer and kissed her at the top of her head. Smiling widely as he just retrieved his last stance, letting two flashes shot before them. “A-dor-able… just, adorable” She downed the camera and tossed it back at its place in the depths of her bag. “One of many…” she blinked at them, apparently they were surrounded by muggles and the station was pretty dull place depleted of magic – at least at simple sight.

“I’m going to need help with the luggage…” Alcott pointed out, glancing at Trist, before he rolled his eyes and hopped his way towards the cluster of cases dropped on the station floor. When it came to magic they were bound to be easy to adapt to a normal colourless world without its manage; at least on Alcott’s and his mom’s perspective – although when it came to Mr Thurston, he wasn’t that much fond of the idea. Nonetheless, he contributed to carry the cases, aiding his son with the one he was about to grasp, just as he arched a brow at his actions. “Thank you… ” his words came in response, befuddled and quite stumped. Alcott wouldn’t need to explain to Anastasia anything about this sudden demonstration of humility, as he switched looks with his mother at once. “Line up already” Rupert commanded, leading the group as they marched into a narrow aisle next to the main entrance. All followed. It wasn’t until they reached the very end of the hallway, past a couple of turns and minutes of walk, that a thick wall met them, blocking their pace almost summarily. “Would you, Alexandre? … make the honours” Rupert talked to his son, darting his gaze towards the huge wall, expecting some action of his.

“If I ought to…” he chuckled, stepping treading to the very bricks as he drew his wand out of his pocket, pointing it at the paint that hung in front of them. Suddenly, the tip glowed with a blinding gold spark, plastering to the image at the very boat brushed at its midst. Carefully, the bloke traced a small snake in the lake, just below the floating object, causing the wall to crack and to fall to pieces, retreating immediately as the fragments dissolved in the air, replaced by the sight of an open field with long roads and several houses spread upon the hills and the endless verdure of the groves encircling the place. “So you did remember it… I’m quite proud” Rupter patted Alcott’s shoulder just as he casted a levitation spell on the luggage and it hovered magically behind him. The Rouerie grinned at him, letting him stroll by as he continued through the path, halting at the very first mansion, which happened to be the grandest of all. Mr Thurston waited for the rest of the crew to join him before he detained himself at the very gate. “Now… feel like at home” with such phrase, the gates opened.

[anastasia thurston]

this love, it is a distant star
GUIDING US HOME, WHEREVER WE ARE
tagged; alcott -- outfit; here -- word count; 1019

[/size][/center]

Within a split second from Anastasia extending her hand out towards Mr Thurston, she began to panic once more - trying to keep most of it on the inside while her expression and posture remained relaxed and, most importantly, calm. Someone of his class would know a good handshake, as well as all the signs of a bad one. Chances were that Ana's would fall under the 'bad' heading. She had never really had to shake hands with anyone before, let alone someone who her mind knew she needed to impress. It was evident they wanted Alcott to be with someone who they would view as 'worthy' - God knows whether Anastasia would fall under that catagory. All she knew was that she had a weekend to make sure that she did, or was at least in the good books and on her way to becoming the girl they would approve of. No matter how much she tried to keep a straight smile on her face to impress, the brunette could feel her legs shaking slightly underneath her. It took Mr Thurston a minute to react to the offer of a handshake, almost like he had faltered for a minute and was unsure how to proceed, which made Anastasia worry even more. Had she done something wrong already? She grew tense once more until he finally took hold of her hand to shake it. 'Alexndre?' the brunette's eyes glanced away across to Alcott for a second with a smile before returning to his father's gaze, responding to the handshake before her arm dropped back down to her side.

Before Ana had chance to ask Alcott why he was referred to as Alexandre by his own father, she turned her head slightly to find him by her side – explaining the whole Alcott / Alexandre question, almost like he had read her mind. Guess the glance she had given him after Mr Thurston had said Alexandre probably gave it away. She nodded slightly, just showing her understanding of the point he was making instead of speaking out loud, before having to retain a giggle at even the thought of being called Clarissa for a weekend. Anastasia did like her middle name, it wasn’t one she hated or disliked in anyway, but she preferred her first – no matter how many times others, mainly Kabriel, referred to her as Grand Duchess. If sharing her name with the most famous daughter of the last Tsar of Russia wasn’t classy enough, Ana wasn’t sure what was. She couldn’t help but smile as Alcott pulled her a little closer, his arm wrapped around her back with his hand resting on the other side of her waist. Just as his mother commented on how ‘lovely’ the pair were, the brunette glanced down at his hand for a second – wrapping her right index finger around one of his own as Mrs Thurston pulled out a camera from her bag. Usually, Anastasia was against photos – especially without looking in a mirror first – but she knew that she couldn’t deny Alcott’s mother a photo, not when she had only just met her. She looked straight across at the camera as Alcott pulled her into a tighter hug, her gaze and smile only diverting as her boyfriend kissed her on the forehead – her cheeks flushing slightly at the same time. Anastasia was pretty sure he had grown used to her thank you smile; it had just become a natural habit.

Before she knew it, the group had gathered the bags together with Alcott, Tristan and Mr Thurston carrying one each before setting off towards the exit. Anastasia followed the group from behind, trying to keep up with the family – still remaining pretty close to Alcott - as they walked past the main entrance of the train station and into a small side corridor alongside the entrance. She felt her hand take hold of his almost unconsciously as they walked down the winding corridor, only stopping as they reached a dead end. Ana let go of Alcott’s hand as his father called him forward, watching from the back of the group as he traced a simple symbol onto the painting before the wall appeared to fall apart to reveal what could only be described as the countryside within the centre of Rue de Paradis. It was only a small little town, stuck between the French countryside and the French capital, but the sight in front of her eyes was more picturesque than she had ever imagined. The brunette tried to stop her mouth falling in awe, following the group once more out from the station into the open road on the other side of what had been a solid brick wall. Anastasia glanced back over her shoulder; the wall they had walked through began to repair itself in front of her eyes. It was only a few more steps or so before the group stopped once again in front of a set of intricate iron gates, standing tall in front of a large three story house. It wasn’t even a house, more like a mansion. ‘Now… feel like at home…’

The gate that stood in front of the group slowly swung open, allowing Anastasia to get a better look at the front of the mansion. The pale stone that formed the outer walls was coated in climbing vines, helping to add to the rustic feel of the whole place, along with three stories of large glass windows – complete with shutters. If this was what the residence looked like from the outside, Ana knew without taking a single step inside that the inside was going to impress her to the same level – maybe even more. Ana took a step closer to Alcott who was only one or two steps in front, taking hold of his hand and interlocking her fingers with his. “This place is stunning…” she muttered, just loud enough for Alcott to hear her reaction. In contrast to the small town house that Anastasia had grown up in, she just couldn’t help being in awe – it was just a natural reaction.

[THURSTON alcott]

♠

Gallivanting through the town wasn’t something they were precisely up to after a long road on train, thusly, it was best to get settled and to unpack and whatever else needed done. Mr Thurston took a hold of the gate for a simple second just advancing enough to keep the door open so the members of his family would enter. Alcott noticed the gesture and gently shoved the family inside, as he cleared his throat slightly and let Anastasia’s and his fingers intertwined ones with others once more - needn’t to mention anything about the place, just yet. The bloke extended his right hand to his father as he grasped his own luggage and marched to the principal entrance. The details of the place were as relevant as he could recall it, and everything from the vines to the faint colours still seemed adequate for the porch. “Wait… you haven’t seen its depths” he snickered, with a quite malicious hint in his voice, as he was plenty aware of Anastasia’s awing, already. Theresa waited alongside Rupert, trying not to think of Tristan’s rush through the cobbled path, practically scampering to span the best room in the house. He was used to places like these, and he knew which habitations and which commodities actually suited him. “Window’s mine, Cots” he proclaimed by the time he was sneaking through the door before an incantation thrust him off, a few meters back. Alcott just sniggered to the mishap, as he neglected the charms put on the mansion to scare the intruders away.

“Rash decisions… as always” he muttered, rolling his eyes as he glanced down at Ana to see her reaction. “Last time he hit the iron gates and ailed with a quite searing pain” he chuckled lightly and downed his mouth to Ana’s ears to whisper “The gate was enchanted as well… ” he couldn’t help to laugh a little before letting go off his girlfriend’s hand to help his cousin straightening up. The bloke walked a few meters behind and just crouched a bit so Tristan could seize his arm and used it to remain balanced as he went back to his feet. “I trust window is still mine…” he panted. Luckily, Ana’s baggage had abandoned his grip before he was repelled by the residence so it was landing safely by the very threshold, quite at the door’s fringe. “I don’t mind ceding, every once in a while… ” Alcott strolled back to where Anastasia was, and then just darted his eyes to see what his parents were doing by then. Rupert had secured the place with an uncountable variety of charms that Alcott hadn’t even been able to learn yet; Theresa was just closing her eyes as she breathed in deep, filling her lungs with the natural and uncontaminated air from the natural town. It was good to skip off the city’s atrocities with a little bit of demure luxury. It wasn’t so usual for them to be outside the hectic life of the urban life, but it was just about time for taking a respite of it.

Rupert’s wand flicked one last time before he was absolutely sure they wouldn’t be bothered. In the vast charms he had conjured, one of them made the place look like a desert alley devoid of inhabitants, which no one would ever dare to step into. Interspersed with litter and mud, the stink odour would keep visitors off limits. Rupert had grown paranoid as of late, and he was taking special care on whatever matter his family was involved – even the yet to be members of it. “We’re set, I believe” he nodded to his job before he edged towards the entrance, barely touching the surface of the wooden door before it clicked from the inside and the pair opened widely before them. This quaint house was rented by the arrival of this season, and they were bound to protect it as their own. It actually pertained to Tristan’s father, whom happened to be Rupert’s brother, so when it came to kin, he couldn’t help but feeling committed to safe it. And so, the entrance displayed the view of a room connected to a corridor that led to the patio at the back of the edifice. The room was ample, pierced by a staircase with a group of chairs cornered so people would rest on them if they wished so. Everything looked exactly the way Alcott remembered it, and he couldn’t do anything but smile at it and at his beloved’s reaction. She would be rife with astonishment.

“I’ve got to take you upstairs” he said, a brilliant grin spreading across his features just as he practically bounced on his feet with eagerness. The bloke was ready to tour her through the place and answer whatever question surged from her piqued mind. In matters of amusement, anything compared to have a girl swinging left to right with excitement, looking at wonders and aweing, like a child in christmas. Nevertheless, they were interrupted by a sudden puffing when a smoke screen showed up, and as it dissipated it unveiled the shape of a House-elf. “Patches!” Alcott exclaimed from his very position, quite joyfully.

“This is Patch, he guards the house in anyone’s absence… and he’ll be pleased to serve you… all you have to do is ask” Theresa announced in her most sweet voice. No member of the family supported the tyranny that existed behind House-elves treating, and none of them coddled it by any means, but this servile creature had denied living like an equal with the people, and opted for compliance instead. “Don’t worry… he’s doing it willingly… Alcott may explain you later, dear” he comforted Ana’s curiosity, just in case she might be thinking they had a House-elf for slave, when they obviously didn’t. Rupert remitted to simply clear his throat aloud and swished his wand so the luggage soared through the staircase and upwards, aimed to their respective rooms. Apparently, Alcott would be huddling up with Trist after all, as from what he could think Ana’s room would be doors away from his. According to tradition, and morals, it was completely inappropriate that they shared the same room when they weren’t bonded. Traditions seemed to take the fun out of anything, but Alcott respected it and would never let anything tarnished his honour as a gentleman. “Alcott… take her to her room and helped her get settled… We’ll be waiting for you for brunch at the terrace” she pointed out quite gingerly, clapping her hands together as she rushed upstairs, followed by her husband. Tristan didn’t last much on emulating them, skipping through the steps in his climbing.

“So? … what do you think?” the question escaped him, just when they were finally alone again and she had now a moment of leisure. The Rouerie took her by the wrist and elevated it at a certain height squinting a little at the tiled floor as he mumbled something, like numbers. “I think you’re still pretty much alive” he stated, gladly, releasing her hand as he stop feigning a pulse checking. “Besides… I pretty much reckon there’s not sign of a bite either” he was hoping his sense of humour could help to soothe her down, just a smidge.

[anastasia thurston]

this love, it is a distant star
GUIDING US HOME, WHEREVER WE ARE
tagged; alcott -- outfit; here -- word count; 1108

[/size][/center]

Anastasia couldn’t help but flinch as Tristan flew a metre or two back from the main door, landing on his bottom with a little bit of a thud as he hit the ground. In contrast to Alcott’s natural reaction to snigger at the misfortune of his cousin, the brunette stood almost in shock – only becoming a bit more relaxed as Tristan tried to sit up off of the cobbled driveway in front of the house. Ana glanced up at Alcott as he spoke, her instant reaction being to scrunch her nose up just at the thought of pain that must have come from hitting enchanted gates. “Youch,” She muttered in response, biting down her lip as her eyes moved back to Tristan who was still slouched on the floor. Anastasia was debating whether or not to move herself, to go and help him up from the floor, but Alcott beat her to it. With a soft smile, the brunette glanced around the surrounding area – just to get a feel for the place she would be staying for the next few days. Similar buildings to the Thurston mansion stretched down what only could be described as a country lane with small fields and wide open spaces filling in the gaps between each of the houses. The rural feel in juxtaposition to the station Alcott and herself had arrived in, along with what she was used to, was a dramatic contrast but she couldn’t help but smile. The whole surrounding area seemed beautiful and she was with her boyfriend for an extended amount of time. No matter how nervous she had felt on the train, nor how many nerves were still running through her body, she was happy.

Anastasia watched with intrigue as Mr Thurston casted spells with ease; spells that she had never even heard of, let alone had chance to learn so far. She didn’t turn her attention back to the house itself, or even Alcott, until he had declared that everything was ready and had wandered over to the large wooden doors. Instead of being thrown back about three feet like Tristan, Mr Thurston raised his hand to the door and – without even touching the wooden panels – the entrance parted in the centre, revealing the inside in dramatic style. As soon as Ana made her way through the door alongside Alcott, she felt her mouth start to drop in awe once more – her chocolate brown eyes darting around every inch of the visible space in attempt just to take the house. Her gaze stumbled upon Alcott who seemed as excited as she was, even leaving the floor by just a few centimetres in his eagerness. “You need to take me everywhere in here…” she replied, smiling up at him with her usual smirk.

Her head turned almost instantly in reaction to the ‘poof’ sound that had come from in front of her, only to be faced with a small house-elf stood in front of the her and the Thurston family. Anastasia was unsure how to really react when it came to house-elves, especially those that she had never had any contact with before. She had grown used to the three that worked down in the kitchens at Beauxbatons but they had always seemed very happy and willing to be at the school. Other than that, she was unsure. Ana smiled down at the house-elf, who she guessed was called Patch following Alcott’s joyful exclamation followed by Mrs Thurston’s much more reserved approach to the introduction. She waved slightly across to Patch as a form of a ‘hello’ as Alcott’s mother explained the situation, stating that Alcott would explain later. Anastasia guessed that Patch wasn’t there out of force – the family seemed much too nice to force a house-elf into work. He must have a similar personality and attitude to those who worked at Beauxbatons – treated as people, willing to help out a family.

As soon as Tristan and Alcott’s parents had disappeared out of earshot up the flight of stairs to the right of her, Anastasia exhaled deeply as she slouched where she stood – lifting her hands to her face in relief. She hadn’t really known what to expect from Alcott’s parents, or whether she would be restrain herself from making a silly little mistake in front of them, but all she could be sure of was how glad she was to have the first meeting over and done with. From now on, it should get easier. Hopefully. The brunette’s eyes glanced up at Alcott as he spoke, unsure of how to reply without just letting out a sigh of relief. Before she had chance to reply, she felt her hand being lifted up and pressure being applied to the outside of her wrist for a brief amount of time before Alcott remarked that she was ‘pretty much alive’, along with their being a distinct lack of a bite. Even though Ana had tried to keep a straight face, she couldn’t help but giggle slightly – smiling up at him. Anastasia took a step closer to him and wrapped her arms around his waist, pulling him into a hug. “I think it went okay. I don’t know…” she mumbled slightly, unsure of exactly what she was saying. The brunette looked up at him for a moment, “What do you think? You know your parents better than anyone else. I guessed your mother liked me but I couldn’t tell with your father.” Ana knew from her own family that it was easy to appear to get along – her own mum and dad spent a lot of the time appearing to get along, especially at Christmas.

Pulling away from the hug after calming down after all the anxiety about the first impression, Anastasia finally got to give the inside of the house her full attention. “This place is… it’s just beautiful…” she commented out of the blue, spinning around slowly on the spot – allowing her to examine every section of the house she could see from where she was stood. After a full three-sixty spin, her eyes fell back onto Alcott. Ana knew that the sense of awe would be smothered all over her face – her mother always used to say that her face expressed her emotions pretty clearly. “I guess, since you’re the only one here, you get to be my tour guide,” Anastasia remarked with a smirk, taking a few steps forward to be stood next to him again. “Lead the way…” her smile was still beaming up at him as she rolled her cardigan sleeves up to her elbows, waiting for Alcott to make the first move.

[THURSTON alcott]

♠

It was just in time for departure when they could get into a lonely nook in the midst of the main entrance. Alcott’s glance couldn’t leave Ana’s expression, just as much as he was fond of her and everything enveloping the magnificence she withheld. The crushing, yet comforting sense of her hands around his waist and the nearness was just a single proof that she was still nervous, but quite soothed down, just as he could sense the frustration releasing and letting loose off her body, just as she calmly spoke, apparently hectic. It was common to Alcott to mock her about everything, but only in the most polite and tender way he could find. In matters of ease, the storm had pretty much left and the rainbow could be spotted at the horizon, along with the open sky shining above. It was natural on Alcott to just wonder when she seemed so quiet, but deep inside he could assume that everything was just well, or even better that she had mustered something more than just courage and a brilliant first impression. “You think?...” his brows furrowing with a playful hint, just as she was so lost in her thoughts she could barely make sense to what her lips were uttering.

Rolling his eyes, the bloke faked a stern expression before he burst into laughter, taking a good hold of her hand before he just darted his eyes into hers. “liking isn’t a word I’d use for such occasional meeting” the tone of his voice was airily disrupted by the notion of just wishing to explode in snickers as he was attempting to collect himself. “ Are you mental? She loved you…” his comforting words finally escaping his mouth, just as he could feel Anastasia’s heartbeats slowing down their pace, just as he could deem this was a good sign. “By attending parties, my mother always complains of the ladies… ‘Oh Alcott she’s so fine… but she could get something to prevent her nose from wrinkling as she speaks’ … ‘oh Alcott she’s a beautiful red-haired lady but her strut tells me she’s conceited’ … And trust me, contrary to what you just saw and you might think, she isn’t easy to please” he expressed, a notorious serenity leaking through every sentence – even during his hideous impersonation of his mother. He was hoping this could finally let her know she wasn’t being judged, except perhaps by his father, but he wouldn’t let her know so. “You can’t say she’s ever acted like that with a girl before… ” his brows arched enhancing the importance of his statement. Alcott’s arms wrapped around her as he aimed a kiss on her head, combing her hair with his right as he just held her tight to let her know that the worst had just passed them by.

“My father… on the other hand… I can’t tell either” being the honest bloke he had been taught to be like, he couldn’t lie to her, and it was something he couldn’t dissimulate. “But I didn’t catch any sings of disgust in his countenance… so, that’s definitely a good go” relaxing as it could be, this comment should suffice. He rubbed the sides of her arms with both hands, like when you do when you need someone to warm up before he smiled widely at her and took her by the hand.

“I shall lead you through the chambers then…” Alcott’s voice echoed lightly through the place, just as he stepped forth, just a smidge before he retreated slowly, turning around to face her. “About Patch… We saved him from a tyrant opulent family and he decided to serve us in return… even when he begged him not to do it. We all agreed on letting him serve us just to make him happy, so we occasionally ask him to do stuff, but we try to do things for ourselves as well” he felt bashful about the last tense, unsure if it didn’t make them sound like total incapable beings. “Most of the time, actually” he tut himself, but then she shrugged slightly with a brief smile, just trying to prevent her from hating him for that. It wasn’t like he was taking advantage of Patch, or something like that, but it was more like he was very opportune when Alcott needed something and he was willing to do it for him so he couldn’t exactly refuse. “That being said… I believe I’m meant to usher” he pulled her lightly with his hand just as he began strolling forward, passing the reception room into the hallway ahead into the patio, which was plagued with verdure and vast with sunlight, hindered only at the back of the building with a small roof and a couple of chairs with a crystal table at the centre, if needed. Walking through the grass, they could note the pool that was neatly clogged for preventing it from getting dirt and dry leaves from the trees around.

“We don’t make much use of the area, to be honest… we prefer the terrace at the top of the mansion… it’s quite cosy in there” he licked his lips as he let her snoop around.

[THURSTON alcott]

POSTED TWICE

[anastasia thurston]

this love, it is a distant star
GUIDING US HOME, WHEREVER WE ARE
tagged; alcott -- outfit; here -- word count; 943

[/size][/center]

It was surprising how much more comfortable she felt in Alcott’s arms, trying to eradicate the remaining anxiety from her body before she had to face his parents again in a while or so. Anastasia didn’t know how to describe it; she just felt more secure when she was next to him, preferably snuggled up into his side. Like nothing else mattered. “Yes, I do think. I’m not just a pretty face, y’know!” she responded, knowing full well that Alcott was just teasing. Ana scrunched up her nose slightly, sticking her tongue out at him before pulling out of the hug. Almost on cue, Anastasia’s fingers interlocked with Alcott’s as he took hold of her hand – the brunette smiling up at him. The smile was not mirrored back on her boyfriend’s face which, after the previous teasing, had descended into a stern expression that caused Ana to raise her eyebrow at him. ‘Liking isn’t a word I’d use for such occasional meeting…’ The brunette’s mouth opened slightly, ready to question why, before she was interrupted by several sniggers from under his breath. It had all been a façade. “Really?” Anastasia expressed in shock, a smile stretching across her face once more. After all the worrying about making a good first impression, the brunette still couldn’t believe that she had been accepted that quickly by his mother. She remembered how long it took her older sister, Taylor, to swing her boyfriend (now husband) Scott’s parents into liking her, let alone love. And, yet, Anastasia had managed to be accepted in the space of ten minutes. Even as Alcott spoke about his mother not being easy to please, all that was going through the brunette’s mind was the fact she had managed to in ten minutes. Maybe first impressions were the most important; unless Alcott had already made the first verbal impression by just sharing all the positive aspects about the brunette. ‘Alexandre has told us plenty about you…’ – one of the first remarks Mr Thurston had said straight to Anastasia. Alcott had definitely been sharing the positive with his parents, whether he knew it or not. The demeanour that Alcott shared through his facial expression said everything – Anastasia had not just passed his mother’s test of approval, but had been the first one to do so. And all in the space of ten minutes! “Never?” she questioned, still feeling in shock from the idea of being the first girl accepted by what must have been the most hidden sense of critiquing Anastasia had every experienced, “Well, I’m glad that I’m the first. Don’t have to live up to anybody else that way.”

Anastasia’s smile had beamed when he pulled her in for another hug, the kiss on the forehead just making her cheeks blush the familiar rosy hue that seemed to be a constant presence whenever she was around Alcott. Despite Alcott saying that he couldn’t read his father either, the brunette had calmed down enough not to be particularly bothered. The balance between his mother and his father’s approval seemed to level out at the place Anastasia could call ‘well, you haven’t screwed up yet!’ Yes, gaining the approval from Mr Thurston would make her much more relaxed but ten minutes wasn’t exactly much to go on in terms of deciding on how much to accept someone. Except for Mrs Thurston, of course. “So I’m above the ‘disgust’ level on his scale… just a few more notches to go then...” Ana replied with a smile, trying to prove to Alcott that she was no longer freaking out – or at least not to a level where it easily showed through her facial features. “I understand,” Anastasia nodded with a smile at Alcott’s explanation about Patch, hoping that it’d stop him from trying to dig a way out of a hole – “I have no problem if he’s here on his own accord. I didn’t think your family would force him to serve and, to be honest, your expression when you saw him said everything.” Standing up onto her tiptoes, the brunette planted a small kiss onto his lips before dropping back down to the ground – still smiling up at him.

With her fingers still interlaced with his, Anastasia tried to take in as much as she could as they wandered through a couple of rooms before stepping out into the French sunshine once more. The patio and garden wasn’t acres, but it was big enough to really make an impression. The various trees and flowers scattered around what seemed to be an almost flawless lawn really helped to make the Christmas time feel more like mid-Autumn at a push. Her hand slid out from within his grasp as she wandered around the garden, leaving Alcott stood in the centre. After growing up in a small townhouse in the centre of London, having a garden just to roam around in for a while just made Anastasia smile. As she reached the top of the lawn, she turned around and looked back across to the house – spying what seemed to be the small terrace that sat at the top of the mansion that Alcott had just mentioned. From the same direction, the brunette could also hear the faint sound of Mr Thurston’s voice either talking to his wife or Tristan. With a smile, she wandered back across to the centre of the garden – meeting back up with Alcott and taking his hand once more. “To say you don’t use this area much, it’s still beautiful,” Anastasia commented with a smirk, taking another glance around before her eyes landed back on his gaze. “Where next then, tour guide?”

[THURSTON alcott]

♠

In matters of adjustment, you could simply say that Anastasia adapted to whatever life had in store for her, and that pliable state had been, along with her slightly bubbly and simply adorable personality, the reason behind Alcott’s infatuation. In other words, the man was absolutely certain he couldn’t find anyone like her in decades, and that he wouldn’t want her to let him go off never. The Rouerie couldn’t help to mull on it as he contemplated his girlfriend changing facial expressions in seconds, going from exultant to anguished to absolutely mollified in just a matter of minutes. If not so, this was the hastiest mood alteration he had ever witnessed on her, and for some motive, he was fond of it. Taunting his girlfriend seemed amongst the several whims of his, opting to just take the mick out of her when possible as a harmless action. “I never doubted you could think” his lips parted in the shape of a dimpled smile, incapable of containing the perks that she had been very much welcomed by his progenitors, even when Mr Thurston didn’t seem to expose his happiness that much. Alcott had somehow managed to communicate with his father in a wordless context, as to fathom exactly what the other meant without the single emission of a sentence. This link however strong could be was wearing out with time’s progression. and the late separation between the two of them wasn’t a point to his favour. Ever since the advent of Muggle life and commodities, Alcott had gained some special treat by them, but for some motive, Mr Thurston was a bit callous respect of it. Nevertheless, Alcott could still catch some glimpses of it in his father’s orbs, and thence, that should suffice to guarantee him that he was rather pleased with his chosen companion - something Alcott wouldn’t share with Anastasia, just because she would need it to hear it from Rupert’s slightly plump lips. “You’re still missing the rest of the family” he quipped, holding the remembrance of the bundle he could call akin, starting from Rupert’s affluent siblings, and the vastness of their lineage. It was brilliant though, none of them actually held themselves closely as to have frequent reunions and the spectacle of Blood-Bondage-Mirth. Of course, Ana needn’t to know she wouldn’t be fronting such task, should she? As soon as she wouldn’t turn into a mass of tangled knots of nervousness, he could always keep it swaying its regular playful path.

“With Mr Thurston, anything above disgust is lush” Alcott’s mouth pouted, his words aloud enough for Ana to hearken, but never to his own father. If he ever listened to him expressing in such naff reference, he could lose whatever inheritage was reserved for him. “Let’s just admit that his taste is something” even when he could regret it at some point, Alcott needed to let his father admonished him on etiquette themes, as he knew nothing of another man as impeccable as he was. It should be reflected through the man’s visage, and throughout almost everything exuding from him. Crestfallen, the bloke pricked up his ears as she comprehended what was happening there instead of just misjudging. Even when it didn’t exactly contribute to anything special, details as such could grant a difference between one subject and another. Alcott grinned pleasantly at Ana’s reply, as he couldn’t ask for a better specimen of girl for complementing his livelihood with. “I knew that you would see through the lines” it escaped him, sensing the kiss as he let his lids closed and corresponded softly at the brief but sweetest oscule. “It’s kind of you, Miss Knowles, to neglect my tyrant being for our best relation” he professed with a posh accent, in the most chivalry and courteous feigned manner his words could collect-

Past the point of exposing the grandeurs of the garden, the pool and the rear roofed dining set, the rest of the house was huge in compare, as to even dismiss the glimpse of the piscine and the extension of the green bits. “Off we go... upstairs, if you may” the bloke announced with his poised self, bowing slightly before the lady as if he was the keys-keeper of an ancient mansion from the XVI century. As he let her awe before the venue, he slightly approached her from behind, clasping her hand with his, twining his fingers with hers as he heaved both hands in the direction of his lips, stowing a sweet kiss on hers, before letting it loose again. The bloke retreated lightly as he hopped backwards once, and then twice and then he carried on until they had reached the small step that conducted back into the household. “It’s funnier in the queer way” he referred to the bizarreness behind his movements, whilst exhibiting the exponents of the place. Alcott re-entered the living in the company of Anastasia, skipping through the corridor until they landed at the staircase. “Last one has to make dessert for the other” he exclaimed, quite briskly as he began climbing rapidly, forgetting the grip on Ana’s hand, step by step almost as jogging. He knew he would have his chocolate tower with melted chocolate for supper, but he needed to see if he could be proved wrong. Once they arrived at the first story, the bloke leapt onto the wooden floor, making it click lightly with his weight causing the timber to squeak under his soles.

“This is the intellectual level” he phrased as he strolled a little before re-adjusting his grapple to his girlfriend’s limb. “I won’t bore you with it, but this is where the library is placed at... along with the painting room, the reading nook and related” conceding her the best smile he could, he just led her through the hallways and habitations, filling whatever doubt crossed her mind in the course. Even when she could behold at it for hours, Alcott didn’t last much on explanations as they stumbled upon a hall rife with books, cramping the shelves that moulded to the walls as it seemed as though the books comprised the walls themselves, a solitary room almost devoid of passing, as it was white as a canvas. “As you well figured it out... we paint in here... but not precisely on something... we use this surface to express ourselves” Alcott passed a hand through the rough texture before tapping, glancing at Ana as she stared at it with something he could read as expectation. At last, they found a comfy room at the end of the hallway, with a couple of settees allotted through the space, minding the gaps as a perfect composition with hovering lights that would serve as illumination during lectures. “I believe this explains itself plainly..” he slouched on one of the cushioned objects as he just waited for a heavy volume of Tolkien to land at his open palm, pushing it lightly upwards to watch it float outside of view, back into the library. “Whenever you sick yourself from skimming off through lettered pages... you can shove your way out of it” the demonstration spoke for itself, provoking his brows to arch with fascination at the event.