JUST TAKE MY HAND | closed

[joshua spencer .]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width: 320px; height: 330px;] dance with you, I WANT TO SHARE THE FLOOR WITH YOU TONIGHT

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Josh ran a hand through his messy auburn hair. The day was proving to be more beautiful than he thought. He stood there on his rooftop patio, atop the Couru, and watched the hustle and bustle further on, along the streets of Paris. Something he loved about living in the city was that he was able to keep close to the action of the muggle world. The women there were fabulous and the arts and nightlife were unparalleled. He found that he lucked out with his two level flat along the Rue de Paradis, a Diagon Alley look alike for the French. He admired the view as he stood there with his firewhisky, taking in the morning hustle and bustle of the French. Although he wasn't French himself, he still understood the appreciation. He wasn't planning on doing much that day, maybe cleaning up the Couru for the night. Otherwise, his evening's were most always booked - either by work or by his beloved. Astrid had begun to feel like this permanent part of his life, and he couldn't have been happier. Thoughts of marriage had floated through his mind every now and then, but he didn't linger on them too much as it was still too soon. Most everyone Josh hung around knew that he moved quickly in deciding major life changes - people like Joseph kept him grounded most of the time. He sighed and took another swig as he stared towards the Eiffel Tower, tiny in the distance. He wasn't too close but maybe a twenty minute walk away from the wonderful landmark. He had visited it in his travels, and it was kind of surreal to be living in such close proximity. It was a thing of fairytales, of loves and losses. The strange part was that he hadn't really gone there too often, consider his romantic background.

Looking away, he ducked back in through his doorway and entered his lofty bedroom which overlooked the rest of his loft. He sat on the edge of his bed and glanced over at the clock on his wall. It was nearly eleven thirty, and he had no idea what he was going to do with his day. Sighing, he stumbled down the stairs, placing the firewhisky on the counter as he opened his fridge. The advantages to living outside of Beauxbatons is that certain muggle products worked. Although they were frowned upon, Josh realized that certain things were more useful than others. Everything in the apartment was solar powered, though, so there were a few things that Josh used that didn't require electricity and fuel - just the sun. And for everything else, he had a wand that worked just fine. He looked this ways and that inside the cold room and found that he was running low on certain things that he would use on an almost regular basis. He sighed and grabbed his messenger bag, double checking that he had everything he needed before grabbing his keys and heading out. He shut the metal door behind him and took the steps down. When he exited the building, he found himself on the street of the Paradis, the cobblestones bringing him back to the wizarding world as he head out towards the streets of Paris. To muggles, the Rue looked like nothing more than a dingy alley. And if Muggles entered without the knowledge of the Paradis, it would look just as it was in their mind. Josh walked with a little hop in his step, having had the chance to spend part of his weekend with Astrid. She was lighting up his life, and he couldn't be more pleased.

As he approached a vendor, he picked up a few tomatoes and gave them a long whiff. They smelled fresh and ready, as though they had grown just in the box they were in. He grabbed two and paid for them, placing them in a paper bag and delicately placing them in his. He bought a few more vegetables and then made his way to the bakery, his favourite place. After purchasing two baguette's and a few croissants, he left for the deli and bought himself some meats and things for later in the week. Pleased with himself, he glanced down at his watch and realized that it was already one o'clock. He contemplated calling either Astrid or Joseph, or even just hanging out at the Couru and working but he decided that he would just head back and decide based on his mood after lunch. He walked cheerfully back to the Rue, his bag heavier than it had been before he left, and made it to his apartment. He opened the front door and closed it with a slam behind him. He placed the messenger bag on one of the chairs at the island and pulled out his purchases. He spent the next little while putting things away before preparing himself a delicious pasta from some fresh spaghetti he had just bought. The loft was beginning to smell fresh and wonderful, and he was excited for his meal. He spirtzed in some oil and cut up some tomatoes. He sprinkled some basil atop the whole ordeal and added some salt. Satisfied, he sat himself down at the island and pulled his wand out from his bag, waving it quickly and some music began to start up.

The man loved living on his own, despite the loneliness. He wondered how his sister was doing, considering he hadn't seen her in some time, especially since she had moved schools to be closer to him. It was strange, for whatever reason he worried about her more than he ought to, considering she was already seventeen. At seventeen, the boy was doing some questionable things when his sister was supposed to be more innocent. Double standards aside, Josh just cared a lot about her and didn't want her to make some of the mistakes he had made. Just as he took his first few bites, he heard a knock on the door and, chewing up his last bit quickly, he sped over and unlatched the door. To his surprise, a bright smile lit up his features as he engulfed his sister in a hug. "Where have you been all my life?" he joked.

TAGGED: beth spencer
NOTES: a little late, but here it is!

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[beth spencer']

Class had barely been dismissed and already Beth was recklessly throwing her books into her shoulder bag, oblivious to the fact that the Professor was trying to edge in comments about the night’s homework. Although she had been excited for her first day of classes, she’d found her mind otherwise distracted for the better part of the day. It had all started when Beth had stumbled into the Charms classroom, both late and to a familiar face. But now, she could only again refer to him as a familiar stranger. She’d spent her entire evening the night before in Colton’s presence – or rather Professor Sommers and now she wasn’t quite sure how to approach him. It had felt weird and unfamiliar to address him as a professor, when she’d spent an entire meal in his company laughing and sharing histories and stories. Since then it had been hard to reign in her thoughts, which were gain seeking her to venture into the streets of Rue de Paradis, but this time she had a plan. With an address clutched tightly in her hand she set off for the portkey, she wouldn’t find herself overwhelmed by the sights of the city this time. Meeting Joshua was her end goal and she was bound to find him at his apartment – if he wasn’t there she wouldn’t mind waiting.

She slipped out of her robes as she traversed the castle hallways, following the same path she had trod not even a full day ago. She tucked them away in her bag with the rest of her belongings, not caring whether they wrinkled in the crowded space. Beth only stopped at the insistence of an incredibly persistent knight who chased her through two passageways worth of paintings – his gracious pleasantries slowing her and eventually drawing her to a stop. While she was dedicated to her search, she’d not been able to deny the growing guilt at ignoring his calls. She settled a hand on her hip, listening as he droned through the tale of his lost love, before finally gracing her with the reason for her tale. Beth felt a small blush creep into her features as he compared her to his love, a lone tear gleaming in his eyes. She stayed only long enough to console his moment of sadness and thank him for his kind compliments, but did not dissent when he offered to show her a shortcut to the portkey which she sought. It seemed a bit whimsical chasing a painting through the many portraits of the palace, but she found that there was indeed a much quicker way to the portkey – one she would certainly take note of.

Bidding the knight farewell she stroked the feathered wing of the portrait, finding her way into the streets of Rue de Paradis. Unfolding the small slip of parchment on her hand, Beth turned down a crowded street following the directions she’d mapped out for herself, careful not to let her attention be distracted. She’d already let the streets and simple shops steal he from him once and it would not be happening again. Her eyes never wavered, as she searched out the streets inscribed on the map, until finally she stood at his doorstep. Beth didn’t knock immediately, first taking a moment to contain her excitement and push her dark locks back behind her shoulders. It had been some time since she had last seen her brother and she missed him desperately, even though they had kept in close contact, writing to each other every day, but still words on a page could never match her brother’s spirit. Taking a deep breath she raised her hand to the door, knocking three times, before twining her hands together barely able to contain her excitement.

It felt like her heart stopped beating as she door swung open, her brother standing there in the doorway. Beth hardly had the opportunity to smile before he swept her up in his arms, asking where she’d been all his life. Again, she had been slightly worried he’d admonish her for sneaking out of the palace, but he had greeted her just as she had thought he would. With a brilliant smile on her lips she fell into his hug collapsing her arms around him. Josh! It’s been too long. She said, stepping away when he finally let her go. You’ve been venturing the world, leaving me behind again so I decided it was my turn to seek you out. She teased, as she slipped under his arms into the doorway of his loft, the smell of fresh food wafting through the air. I’m hurt you didn’t think to invite me to dinner. She puted, her eyes wide as she took in the apartment, it was really quite lovely. But I’m willing to forgive you if you share.

[joshua spencer .]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width: 320px; height: 330px;] dance with you, I WANT TO SHARE THE FLOOR WITH YOU TONIGHT

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Unlike many other siblings, Beth and Josh were uncommonly close and he wouldn't have it any other way. He loved their silly ways, their little secrets. In a way, their family just managed to be each other's best friends whilst also being some of the most incredibly loving people in the world. The Spencer parents had taught their children to love as much as they could, and never take the little things for granted. Josh had ate it up with a spoon and a fork, however Beth had taken it a little less seriously, not believing in much love in first sight nonsense. She was a little more practical and in a way Josh was relieved. Had she been falling for boys left right and centre, it was likely that many more boys would end up with broken boys when they broke her heart. Josh tended to follow through with violence against those who hurt the people he loved. Thankfully for him, he hadn't had to use those skills yet. Josh did like to keep himself healthy and strong, exercising on a regular basis to deter others from hurting Beth specifically. She was the most important girl in his life, excluding his girlfriend Astrid, and he would be absolutely heartbroken if anything were to happen to her. Yet her enthusiasm for life and music and everything beautiful was contagious, all thoughts of anything hurting her fled from his mind when she had arrived.

She smelled and acted the same, slim and tall, she ventured past him into his apartment. Her laughter echoed around the loft and he smiled as he closed the door behind him. It was no surprise that was beautiful, as the Spencer family had managed to inherit some rather lovely genes. Josh had always been told of his handsome qualities and Beth had had many countless men approach her and tell her of her beauty. Josh tended to have to bite his tongue whenever that happened, and it normally provoked him enough to be insurmountably protective at all times. "I see that idea is working out for the better," he grinned. "You ought to consider doing so more often," he added with a chuckle. He wandered over to his island again and took a seat, facing her instead of his delicious meal which was slowly losing its heat as he spoke. But now that she was here, nothing else really seemed to matter as much. He tried not to smile as much as he was, but he couldn't help but be incredibly happy that she was here. She seemed to light up his life a little more and he couldn't be more happy about that, especially since he needed a little more lighting up now and then. He shook his head with a laugh and ruffled her hair on his way up. "Let's make something delicious then. I'll finish this tomorrow for lunch or something," he smiled, taking his spaghetti and putting it in the fridge. Having Beth around, he wanted to do something special. She probably wouldn't come down to visit him too often because it took a little extra time to get to the Rue de Paradis, so he was definitely going to take advantage of her arrival.

"How about pizza?" he asked her as he rummaged through his fridge. Making the pizza dough was do-able, and he had enough tomatoes and other ingredients to make the rest of it. He poked his head out from the cool fridge, still feeling the air against his neck and smiled, "Sound deliciously wonderful enough?" The appeal for a delicious pizza did manage to drift away all desires for his previous dinner. And of course, it would give the siblings time to bond and catch up. Despite daily letters, there was always something else to talk about. Perhaps there was someone up at the school who he should instill fear into, or maybe there were other opportunities for him to live vicariously through her seeing as his young, magical school days were over and this was his attempt to relive them. That is, relive them whenever Joseph wasn't around. Joseph had only met Beth a few times, and Astrid none at all. He decided that at some point he was going to have to introduce the two. He had only mentioned her briefly in her his letters, so perhaps it was about time for an official meeting. Beth wasn't known to see the bad aspects of anyone, and honestly Josh could see none about Astrid, so he figured that the two girls would most definitely hit it off swimmingly. He was even excited to have them meet, at this point.

TAGGED: beth spencer
NOTES: food making = bonding = LIFE LEARNING!

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[beth spencer']

Already she was comfortable in the small loft, even though she had barely stepped inside. Slipping underneath her brother’s arm into the space she felt immediately at home. The walls cluttered with books and picture frames and his familiar scent nestled behind that of freshly cooked food. Beth couldn’t imagine a better space for Joshua, he’d no doubt turned it into his own. of course it is working out for the better. She said, a bright smile gracing her features as she settled into one of the stools at the kitchen counter, spinning it around so she was again face to face with Josh. Raising her brows she pointed a delicate finger at him as he stepped away from the door. You sir, are the main reason I happen to be in France after all. Laughing she set her hand in her laugh, allowing herself to admire the small loft once more, it really felt like home. Though, she’d be willing to bet that anywhere would feel like home if she had josh nearby. The two had their squabbles, but when it came down to it they weren’t the typical siblings. Besides her parents, Beth couldn’t think of anyone person more dear to her in the world. I practically had to beg mum and dad to let me transfer. it was only slightly true. They had wished to keep her close in England, as they had Josh all through his years at Hogwarts. While she had loved it there it just hadn’t felt right when he’d left, being separated from her parents and brother both. Now that I’m here, I’m not willing to waste the opportunity. I’d live here if they’d let me. She teased, but she knew that if it had been an option she wouldn’t have turned it down.

That would be delightful! She said, raising herself from her seat and leaning across the counter as he rummaged through the items in his fridge. While I definitely can’t complain about the meal options at Beauxbatons, I couldn’t possibly turn down a home cooked meal, especially from such a splendid chef. she knew she had interrupted a meal he’d already made, but she was glad that he’d been willing to set it aside to make another with her. It meant that he planned on keeping her around for a while. It did take some time to get to the palace, but she wasn’t in a rush. Beth was going to spend as much time here as her brother would allow. The time they had been a part had proved to have been rather lengthy. They’d conversed every day, which had been lovely, but it did nothing to warm her heart the way the smile on his face did. Perhaps she was biased in her judgment, but Beth had always thought her brother had the kindest soul. He was very much like their parents, both of them. She’d loved her family, adored them really, and she’d always been delighted by her parents love for one another, but she’d always thought their ideas about love to be a little warped. It had worked well enough for them and she admired that, but she’d always thought of love a little differently than the rest. Josh though, he loved like his parents and for it he had a very kind heart, but one she worried for. That view of love tended to hold heartbreak and she’d known him to be heartbroken before, it was not something she ever wanted to see again. It was good she could worry over him once in a while, because she knew that far too often he worried over her.

Is that really a question? You know I love pizza. Beth said, making her way over to the fridge where he was still searching for ingredients. Poking him playfully in the side, she rushed away from him and settled against the counter, waiting for him to pull out the ingredients. When he’d set everything on the counter, she picked up the tomatoes washing them in the sink. I feel kind of guilty. She admitted, after having washed the first tomato and lying it on the counter. She turned her eyes to him as she picked up the second. I actually came out to see you yesterday, but got distracted. Beth offered him a guilty smile. She really had been meaning to see him earlier, but she had a way of getting sidetracked.I was going to search out couru and find you. She admitted as she ran her hands beneath the warm water, But I got sidetracked at this lovely little shop. It was called bon appetit. Have you ever been there? She asked, curiously. Beth had never heard of the place before, but it had served as a well distraction. That, and her company of course.