Such a Lot of World to See (Rhian and Conner)

Rhian moved through the crowd, constantly aware of how alone she felt in the large castle. The last time she'd come to an event like this, she'd had Tess beside her, if not physically at least mentally. Now though, she was left as an outsider as she watched her best friend make speeches and work the crowd. Small glimpses she caught of the Head Girl showed a side of her that the Gryffindor hadn't seen in a long time. And while she was glad for Tess, for her being able to come out of her shell, she couldn't stem the feeling of loss at not being there with her for it.

Sighing, she moved through the large ballroom with slow steps. There were a few students here and there that she waved to and exchanged small greetings with. While she wasn't overly outgoing with strangers, she was friendly enough. All the while, though, she searched for that one familiar face.

Conner had said something about not being able to get there til later. He wasn't specific, but had assured Rhian that he wouldn't leave her hanging. It just meant that she had longer to carry these butterflies around in her stomach.

She hadn't had anyone to go dress shopping with this time round, and wasn't sure at all about her outfit. While black was seen as rather depressing to some, this dress had called out to her with it's old time charm and simplicity. The woman at the shop had seemed a bit crazed at the idea of such a young girl wanting to purchase it that she would not hear the word no as she escorted Rhian around the shop. After accumulating the various accessories, matching gloves, a large bangled bracelet, and simple diamond studs, she felt like a doll. The woman insisted, however, that she do her hair and makeup just so, saying that an outfit like this deserved nothing less!

In truth, she felt exposed. She'd never shown so much skin and the insecure little girl inside of her wondered if she didn't look like a child playing dress-up. She felt secure in the fact that at least the skirt was a sleek floor length. And her shoes weren't anything crazy with height, only a couple inches to keep the hem off the floor with her short stature.

She let out a long breath, trying to distract her own wandering doubts. He'll love me no matter what I look like, she tried to remind herself. Sticking with the positive thoughts, she moved over to the desert table and used a toothpick to spear a raspberry from the fruit display. Popping it into her mouth, the burst of flavor did wonders in calming her nerves as her eyes closed in bliss.

Rhian's Dress:

Spoiler:

Conner had never been big on balls, considering the last one he went to had been the pureblood debutante thing. He never felt comfortable when people flaunted money, but from the moment that the owls were sent about the ball, Rhian would not stop talking about it. He knew it was important to her, and so the real struggle began. For one thing he had to buy a suit. He couldn't recycle the one he had dressed in a while ago. For one thing, it was way out of style, whatever the style was compared to how other students were talking about, secondly, it no longer fit. He had gotten taller and his pants, his business pants, were now too short and tight to even be passable.

He hated to admit it, but money was definitely something that was embarrassing, and lacking at the moment. It was horrible to say, but he was glad that his mother had passed at least during his last year, so he had his things paid off. Now he realized that as he was graduating he had no where to go, no one to ask for support and he didn't dare ask his girlfriend for help. The suit that had caught his eye, was one that the tailor had told him that would be perfect because it was a classic look. It was all black, and a white bottom up seemed perfect and would go with anything that Rhian would have chosen. It was 50 galleons including the shoes, it was 45 more than he had. And no matter how many different styles that he tried on, they all seemed cheap in comparison.

So he began to sell things, his bike, some video games, and gaming consoles, his movies, furniture from their old apartment and the last thing that he'd sold, that stung deeply was his broom. He had managed to get up to 300 galleons and he was relieved. It was enough to buy the suit, and have some left over for when he was forced to go into the real world. Sadly everything was last minute, so as fast as he could he put his suit on, styled his hair as best he could and ran off to meet his girlfriend.

As he floo'ed over he was immediately overwhelmed by all of it. Everything was so bright and fancy. When he had heard that Holmes was in charge of the thing with some Head Girl from salem, he immediately guessed it was going to be dark and depressing, like the girl's face always seemed to be: so boring. But the whole thing looked lively and the music was muggle music! Running towards the main ballroom he looked around for Rhian. Far too many people and none the person he sought out to find.

"Where the hell would she be?" he muttered to himself.

Well if he was were he wanted to be, it seemed the food would be it. Walking through the people was a hassle, but as he reached the second floor he was relieved to see that there was no only good, but something better his Rhian. His smoking hot Rhian. His smoking hot girlfriend.

'So worth it' his mind immediately said and his body definitely agreed.

Wanting to scare her, he quietly walked over to her and kissed her neck wrapping her arms around her. She was worth every damn sickle, that much was clear.

"Why are you so hot and why are you my date?" he muttered against her.

Rhian had made her way through most of the desserts on the table. Sure, she should probably eat some real food. But today was special, and she figured...what the hell. She'd just moved over to the fruit, popping a grape into her mouth as she felt a whisper of breath against her neck. Lips replaced the faint sensation, and a moment of fear passed through her, raising goosebumps on her skin. Warmth surrounded her from behind, as well as a familiar smell.

Conner.

A slow smile brightened her face as she relaxed into his arms, her eyes closing at the comfort. Something felt different, in this moment. A thrill running through her body, just below the surface, that made her giddy. At his words, the heat of them against her neck didn't help as a blush crept up her face. She'd never been called 'hot' before. Pretty, yes. Beautiful, sure. But something about that word, and the way he said it, made her feel...different.

Turning in his arms, Rhian's own gloved hands moved up his arms as she looked him over. "Maybe it's cause I knew you clean up so nicely," she replied with a hint of humor. She couldn't help herself and stepped into him fully, stealing her first kiss of the night. "You're late," she teased, her breath ghosting against his lips.

The time really didn't matter, since they still had hours. She fully intended to use that time to show Conner just why she 'was his date'.

She had obviously been surprised by his approach, but Conner still found it amusing how easily she could be startled. Still, the way she turned to face him, and the brightness in her eyes was enough for him to realize how damn lucky he was. He might not be the brightest, or the strongest, or the most manliest guy out there, but if he got this girl in his arms happy to see him, he was doing something right.

He leaned forward and kissed her softly happy she was making the first move, but scared she would smack him for ruining her make up like girls had been known to react to. Her blush was a signal that something was going right, and he hadn't messed up in the minute of his presence.

"Sorry I'm late, but...you know had to try to look like the good trophy boyfriend" he teased and looked over her shoulder. "I see you were interested in the fruits, I'm more of a chocolate person but I guess I can forgive that"

He slid his hand from her hip to the food and picked a piece of watermelon, immediately going into his mouth. He had no reservations about eating, so long as nothing was messy enough for him to mess up his tux. He figured it would last him for a while now, considering that he doubted he would keep growing.

"Come on, let's grab a plate and sit down. I don't want your feet to hurt in those heels"

Filling up a plate with different fruits, and two cinnamon buns, he placed his hand at the small of her back and lead her towards the tables. He knew that she would want to dance, and he would take her, but it was time to relax, at least hear her, see her and take her all in. It always got complicated when the whole thing about graduation was happening, it'd be hard to see her go to Hogwarts and him trying to figure out his life and how not to fuck it up. It was scary, but now, now it was a time to pretend it wasn't happening soon, and take some joy from this moment.