June 14th, 1888 - Around Bartonburg

Kiss me down by the broken tree house
Swing me upon its hanging tire
Bring, bring, bring your flowered hat
We'll take the trail marked on your father's map
-New Found Glory

Tuni was furious. It shouldn't have been much of a surprise but it had happened regardless. She should have known her father would never go with the idea of his daughter working. He was adamant she continue on with the whole charade of the season until she found a husband. The only problem was, he always frightened them off. How was she to ever have a successful season when he did everything to make sure it wasn't? And since meeting Mr. Bixby, well, did she really want a successful season? It could very well mean she ended up a spinster but that option wasn't sounding all that awful anymore.

And then the child bride had tried to join in the argument. She had been on Tuni's side but it had only flustered her and then made her father even more angry. Besides, what would she have known about Tuni's plight. She was younger than Tuni was and she'd been married off to Tuni's father relatively quickly. She'd never had to worry about failures of seasons or even had to consider the idea of working. Honestly, Tuni wasn't sure if the woman would have ever even wanted to work. Not in the way Tuni wanted to.

She sighed as she kicked at a rock as she moved to leave Padmore Park. She'd fled to the familiar park to clear her mind after the argument had reached to a yelling level. She hadn't backed down, but neither had he. So the smart thing had been to leave. In her rush to get out of the house, she'd forgotten to even consider grabbing one of the maids to accompany her and had found herself wandering the park alone. Luckily, she hadn't run into anyone. Once her mind was calmed more, she'd gone to leave the park only to be greeted with a not so welcome sight.

"Damn," she mumbled when she stepped out of the park to see that the fog had reached Bartonburg and her way home had disappeared from view. She took in a deep breath though, determined to make it home, and set forth. Only, it didn't last long before she didn't have a clue where she was the further she got into the fog. She felt panic start to settle in her chest but kept moving forward. It was the safest bet, to at least keep moving. Until, it wasn't and she found herself colliding with another body.

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Another Glorious MJ Set!

The fog was worrisome. Already the Hogsmeade Howlers were having to adjust schedules and players were struggling to make it to games. Luckily it hadn't affected Puddlmere yet although with news that the fog had begun to develop in Wellingtonshire Rufus figured it was only a matter of time. Inevitably the fog would reach the rest of Hogsmeade as it didn't seem as if it would be dissipating any time soon as each new piece of news to reach him only seemed to tell of its crawl forward. There was talk on the team that if it got any closer to the players that lived in Hogsmeade they'd need to figure something out.

Seeing as the rest of the Bixbys lived closer to the end of the affected town Rufus was taking his day off to head their direction. He had been walking along well enough when he turned a corner and found a dense wall of fog. That was going to be a problem. Rufus thought he was doing a rather good job navigating through the fog when something walked solidly into his back. He heard rustling and a cry as the person hit the ground. Merlin's beard this was madness! He spun around squinting into fog squatting down to see who it might have been. He could just make out the features of Miss Lockhart before him. "Miss Lockhart! Are you alright?" Concern coated his tone and he held out a hand to help her stand.

  

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BEE-utiful set!

Tuni hadn't thought she was moving that quickly through the fog to cause suck a collision but the solid body in front of her had resulted in her ended up on her rear end on the ground. It hadn't hurt.. much. Mostly just her ego. Especially when she heard an all too familiar voice call out to her. Of course it would be him. She hadn't seen him in nearly two weeks and the time that she did again she ran right into him and wound up on the ground. Fate, it seemed, had a cruel sense of humor.

"Yes, I believe so," she answered a bit meekly as her cheeks flushed a crimson red. Luckily the fog would be able to hide that. Or at least, she hoped it would. She reached up to take his hand so that she could stand up and soon found herself on her own two feet again. She released his hand and brushed at her skirts before smiling at him. "Lovely day isn't it?" she said with a slight laughter to her voice. Better to make the best of the situation than to dwell on how awful it really was.

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Another Glorious MJ Set!

The woman before Rufus had occupied his mind more than he would have cared to admit. He enjoyed their conversations and their time together - even if they were more often than not chance meetings. But ever since Tommy's conversation Rufus had been torn. It was a dangerous game he was playing at. He'd delayed each letter he sent Miss Lockhart until he could no longer eager to hear what her response would be. He had wished to speak to her at the Ball at Hogwarts but that had been cut short and now here she was. His heart sped up with recognition of her, her voice confirming what his eyes thought a trick. There was no way he could ignore the jump in his stomach either at the recognition of her. Then the worry flooded through veins as he fully took in the situation.

Rufus's brow furrowed, believe so and know so were two different things. But he reserved his comment and instead helped Miss Lockhart to her feet. Considering that she did not complain at being back on her feet he was inclined to believe she was as well and he felt a lightening to that worry. "I'm glad to hear that. I should hate to be the reason you might not be."

Miss Lockhart's humor had a surprised chuckle crossing Rufus's lips. "Indeed. I can not imagine a lovelier afternoon." A hint of dry humor lingered in his voice as he continued to survey Miss Lockhart and make sure she really was alright.

He looked over her shoulder in vain to see if anyone else were with her but he could only less the dense fog as its musty sent filled his nose. "You aren't out here alone are you?" Worry made him sound ever so slightly chastising at that comment, but walking through an area alone when no sight was available was not a wonderful idea, especially for a young lady.

  

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BEE-utiful set!

Tuni couldn't avoid the fluttering in her stomach at the sight and sound of him. It was awful really. He'd made it quite clear he was in no way able to take a wife but she could help the longing she felt for him. He was comfortable. He made her feel happy in ways she'd never really anticipated despite how much of a romantic she really was. But, there she was, wishing and longing for him regardless of what her head told her she should be doing. A widening smile as he played along with her not so great joke about the weather. He was very much what she needed in that moment.

His question, however, caused her to furrow her brow some. Not at the chastising tone that accompanied it but because she was very much alone and she really shouldn't be. She'd left in a hurry though and, as a result, she was quite alone with him. That thought sent a flurry of shivers to run through her and she couldn't help but to think back on some of the letters shared with her friend. One in particular came to mind, telling her that if she felt it was worth fighting for to do it. Perhaps this was her chance? Or at least, a start to one.

"I am actually," she finally said though the meekness she had originally felt at his question was long gone from her features, "My father and I.." She paused, unsure if she should really get into all of that with him. He might not take it well and insist on escorting her home or something along those lines. She didn't really know. But she supposed there was nothing wrong with trying. They may not even be able to find her home after all. "We fought. I finally talked to him about the museum and," she sighed then, the thought of it all frustrating her all over again, "Well he wasn't pleased to say the least so I left. I wasn't really thinking clearly and wanted to clear my head so I went to the park. Only when I set out to head home, the fog had spread and I'm embarrassed to say I got lost." And run headlong into him as was their usual it seemed.

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Another Glorious MJ Set!

It seemed quite unlike Miss Lockhart to be without an escort, he had caught the brief look (maybe in this fog he had imagined it) on her face. The worry deepened. He didn't like the idea of her out here alone and found himself glad he had found her. He had known her father was ill and as such he worried at that first part at the hesitation in her tone, but then she explained. Disappointment was clear in her tone as she explained the situation.

"Are you alright?" Rufus repeated again almost as concerned as when she had fallen. It sounded as if she really had had quite the day and it certainly wasn't a situation he wanted to hear of her being in. He stepped forward so he close more clearly see her face, scrutinizing it for any more signs of her being even more upset.

"Allow me to escort you home. Maybe between the two of us we can find a way without getting lost any further." Then he could rest soundly knowing that she was safe at home and perhaps they could talk. For Tommy was right, Rufus couldn't keep doing this, clearly there was some things to addressed before either of them got hurt again.

  

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BEE-utiful set!

Tuni did her best to keep a sincere smile on her face but it was hard with all the thoughts in her mind. Fight for it. But for what exactly? A job at the museum? Him? There was just too much to consider, too much to fight for when it really came down to it. Frankly, she didn't know what in merlin's beard to do anymore. But she could at least managed a nod as he asked about her well being. She was fine. Physically at least.

"And if I'm not ready to go home after all?" she asked, looked up to him as he stepped closer. She was able to see him better now and it perhaps wasn't a good thing. She looked him over. His face was familiar. Comfortable. She just wanted some time with him again. More than what they'd been allowed before, the May Day even being an exception to the rule.

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Another Glorious MJ Set!

The smile on her lips almost seemed to waver and it didn't reach her eyes, but she nodded. It was some element of relief to see her nod, but he really wasn't convinced. Was it crazy that he wanted to wrap her in his arms as he might Sloane when she was upset. A brotherly gesture, nothing more. But he refrained, he couldn't make the situation worse for her, which he might very well end up doing if he continued this. Instead Rufus echoed her nod.

The question though. Now that stopped him short. He could understand though. After such an afternoon he wouldn't want to go home either. He'd want to stay on his own to remain out of the house trying to take it all in. Miss Lockhart wouldn't have that freedom though. Wouldn't have the ability to stay out on her own with her thoughts, without someone around. The least he could do was make sure she stayed safe as she did. He wouldn't make her go back if she didn't want to. If someone were to find them? A small voice in the back of his mind asked, more for her sake then his, then he'd tell them the situation. He'd make sure it was all alright. "Then I shall be happy to keep you company until you are ready." He told her sincerely, his eyes meeting her gaze earnestly.

  

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BEE-utiful set!

Tuni watched him carefully, maybe even too carefully. She really wanted to know what he was thinking and almost wish she had such an ability. She was far too insecure to come right out and ask him what he was thinking though. Perhaps insecure was the wrong word. More like she was too nervous to do so. Because what if he was thinking about how best to cut ties with her without breaking her heart? She wasn't even sure that was something that could possibly be done any longer. But, he had said he'd keep her company until she was ready so that was surely something.

"Thank you," she answered softly. She glanced around then, not really sure where to even go. "Any idea which way to head?" she asked, willing to let him lead the way.

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Another Glorious MJ Set!

"Well my family's home is that way." Rufus pointed blindly into the fog, neglecting to add the 'I hope to the end of the statement. Miss Lockhart didn't need any more worry at the moment. "We can head that way." He suggested, already knowing his mother would blindly take Miss Lockhart in until she was able or wanted to return home. "When you are ready to head home we can locate it from there." He added. Plus he really didn't want to leave her lost in the fog so it did seem like the best option at the moment.

"You may want to hold my hand, I don't want to lose you in this fog." He added gently offering his hand. Who knew how long this trek would be, but he was determined to get Miss Lockhart safely inside. Whether at the Bixby home or the Lockhart's house..

  

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BEE-utiful set!

Tuni nodded to him, a more true smile gracing her features then. He hadn't insisted on taking her straight home and had even offered heading to his. She imagined he had family there, he had mentioned having siblings before after all, so she wasn't entirely sure what to think of it all or what they would think. But..it was a better option than returning home. And, when it came down to it, it allowed for more time to be spent together.

Then he offered his hand and she was blushing all over again as she reached out to take it. It was far more intimate than she was accustomed to, used to tucking her hand into a man's arm instead, and the fact that she'd rushed from the house and had no gloves on only added to that intimacy. As her fingers were laced with his own, she noticed that they were exactly as she would have expected. Rough and calloused, much like her brother's were. Mr. Bixby's weren't quite as large as her brother's though but she certainly didn't mind. It was a strange contrast though, his rough skin against her own soft skin though she did have a few small callouses mostly along her fingers where her quill would rest.

"Thank you," she finally said as he began to lead the way, "For everything." Because, really, he'd shown her a lot in just the few months she'd known him and no matter where things ended up she would always be grateful.

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Another Glorious MJ Set!

The feeling of her smooth delicate hands surprised him and Rufus was surprised to realize that Miss Lockhart had no gloves on. He was sure if someone saw they would object, but really who could see in this fog. He could barely see Miss Lockhart's own face less than a half a meter away and if someone did see them, it would be even more difficult to see their hands. But he could feel his heart thump in his chest at the contact and hoped that Miss Lockhart was alright with this development. Gently he steered her closer to him - so he wouldn't have to worry about leading her into something accidentally, he justified to himself - and took a step forward further into the fog.

They'd need to try to stay in a straight line if they were to arrive at their destination and the streetlights had been his best guess for that line before Miss Lockhart had run into him. He squinted through the dim gray cover for the next street light as he led them forward, grateful that he hadn't accidentally stepped them off the sidewalk with his first move. Hopefully that meant the streetlight would be before them before too long.

Miss Lockhart was quiet for a moment and Rufus found himself annoyed as he spotted a flowerbed in front of steps. Now they were going toward the row of houses instead of the sidewalk. He paused them for a moment and thought about the direction Miss Lockhart had been facing when she found him. That was to his current left, he was pretty sure. So they needed to go to his right. He started them forward again, keeping the outline of railings and flowerbeds to his right and Miss Lockhart tucked into his left, their joined hands nestled by the folds of her dress.

When she spoke again it almost surprised him. "There's nothing to thank, Miss Lockhart." He told her, although from the addition he really wondered what else she meant that she was thanking him for, it wasn't just for the fog, that much was obvious. But what she might not know was that he would help her until the day she told him she didn't want his help. As unrealistic and pathetic as that might be. He knew there was only a slim chance that whatever this was might actually work out, but until it didn't he fully intended to continue being there for Miss Lockhart. Which of course reminded him of the conversation he didn't to have with her. But right now didn't seem like the right time, she was much too upset already. Did it ever seem like there would be a right time?

  

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BEE-utiful set!

The silence was awful. Tuni didn't like it in the slightest. And she hated the fog and the way it obscured his face so much that she couldn't see him properly. It was awful. She liked being able to see his face, seeing the emotions there. It made things easier that way and this, well it wasn't easy in the slightest. None of it was.

"Mr. Bixby..Rufus," she said softly, trying to keep her composure. It was now or never really. Things needed to be said. "I hope it's okay I call you by your given name. I know it's awfully presumptuous of me but," she paused, nibbling on her lip as she thought before continuing, "I feel like we're more than acquaintances at this point. Friends surely." Oh what was she doing besides making an awful mess of everything. He was at least doing a good job of keeping them from falling in a hole or something.

"I think.." she started again, taking a deep breath before continuing on, "I think we need to discuss some things. But that scares me almost as much as being lost in this fog."

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Another Glorious MJ Set!

He'd never even much thought to how a given name might sound on the lips of someone other than his family, but Miss Lockhart's name forming those syllables seemed like song to his ear and his stomach made a small jump like the one it did when he started a dive on his broom. Just a small thing for such a reaction, but it wasn't exactly something he could very well ignore either. "It's alright." He gently encouraged her as she apologized and continued on. Presumptuous was giving her hand a gentle squeeze to reassure her that she was alright as it sounded like she had more to say. Friends. Yes, he supposed they were friends. It had been what he had wanted when they first started running into each other, but now? It almost seemed to fall flat in describing them. But he nodded. "Friends." He agreed. Where was she going?

Discuss some things. It was as if she could read his mind. Really Rufus shouldn't be so surprised. They were going to have to at some point, he was an idiot to think they wouldn't have to. Especially with the string of letters a few months ago. Things needed to be discussed. He had just hoped he could delay it. Internally he sighed. But her admission of it scaring her had him tightening his grip and stopping them in their tracks. He turned to face her, "You have nothing to be scared of." He assured her, although he wasn't quite sure if he meant the fog or himself. Because really, as soon as the words of discussions tumbled over her lips his own heart had begun to race.

  

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BEE-utiful set!

Tuni felt a bit of relief when he squeezed her hand and echoed her sentiments of being a friend. That was something at least. They could have that if nothing else despite how much she longed for there to be something else. But when he told her she had nothing to be scared of, it didn't exactly reassure her. She had everything to be scared of in that moment. It could probably make or break them. But, she was determined to fight for what she wanted. She'd been doing so subtly for a couple years now and after the letters with February, she was finally feeling like she had the courage to do so.

"I.. I don't want to pressure you," she started, focusing on what needed to be said no matter how it might end up, "I know it's been mentioned briefly in our letters.. But..I really do like you Rufus. I enjoy your company and when I'm with you I just feel..comfortable." That probably wasn't the best way of putting it but she didn't really quite know how else to say it. "Safe even," she added, she stepped closer to him then. With their hands still entwined and her now standing in front of him so close, it felt far too intimate. So much so that it made her stomach do little flips and feel as if butterflies were flying in chaos within her but she needed to be close enough so that she could see him better.

Smiling up at him, she took in a deep breath. "And I think," she paused, this was the scariest part, "I think we could make it work. I think if I get a job at the museum it would be ok." She actually was quite sure it would be ok but she didn't know how he'd take to the fact that she'd been thinking of such things.

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Another Glorious MJ Set!

Comfortable. Safe. The words echoed in Rufus's mind and he slowly felt a smile creeping over his face. She stepped closer to him and all he could think of was of wrapping her in his arms and showing her what he felt. But he couldn't get her hopes up. Couldn't get his hopes up. There was a way, a slim chance, that they could make it work. But that wasn't a guaranteed. At least not yet. Not with Tommy and him vying for the same position. "And I care for you Fortuna." Rufus said softly his eyes meeting her's, cherishing the usage of her given name on his tongue. Not a good way to let her down, but he figured honesty was the best case in this situation. Start with the honesty and continue with the realistic conversation of how this wouldn't work despite how much he wanted it to. Because there was no denying it now. Rufus was in way over his head.

He was about to say as much when Fortuna said something he had never expected, something he hadn't even considered in their conversations and letters the last month. And she was right, it might be okay if she did. But... "Fortuna," Rufus paused as he tried to think through what he was about to say. He wasn't opposed to the idea of her working, after all that was how his parents did things, but he didn't want her to have to work. "You shouldn't have to work." Rufus said gently. It wasn't exactly how he wanted to say that. Merlin's beard he was only going to make this worse, but his lips started moving of their own accord forming words that only added layers to the situation. "I mean, if you want to I wouldn't be the one to stop you. But... you deserve to have a life where you don't need to. Where you can be accustomed to the life you already have. Where you can be supported." Bitterness tinged the end of the tone because Rufus knew he couldn't provide that for her. "And I want to be the man who can give that to you," The honest words slipped out of his mouth before he could stop the dam and salvage the situation, "And I might be one day - if I can be made captain. But I can't guarantee that will be anytime soon. And as you mentioned you don't have the time to wait for that." He was sure the anguish was clearer on his face than he wanted. He had hoped he could stay calm and collected, be strong for her, but her he was hurting as much as she was.

  

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BEE-utiful set!