Artifacts... Tabitha was very clearly aware of a colleague in Artifacts. Certainly she would have recognized him by now? In her astonishment, she realized that she obviously hadn't, but the more she looked at him, the more sure she was. That nagging sensation of recognition hadn't been of after all.

"Yes, you would be correct," Smiling slowly, Tabi didn't feel quite as much apprehension as she had a moment ago. Mr. Browne, even in her presence, was always a gentleman. Carefully, she pulled on the tie of her mask, holding it up for just a moment, still hesitant.

"I hardly ever see you at the hospital, but we seem to be drawn together at social events lately." She chuckled quietly, toying idly with the edge of her mask.

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absolute beauty by MJ

"You are toying with me like a cat with a mouse!" Gideon protested good-naturedly, feeling his heartbeat accelerate as her fingers danced at the edges of her mask. What he would give to see her face!

  

"My apologies, Mr. Browne," Tabi laughed lightly, pulling the mask free entirely. She looked down hesitantly before meeting his warm brown eyes. "It is rare for me to enjoy the company of others as I do yours, I fear I've grown a little too bold." She blushed slightly, casting a look down at the mask as she played with the laces.

"I do hope you'll forgive me." The last time she had taken such a risk, it had put a strain on her patient relationship with Mr. Ollivander and she would hate to have a repeat sensation of that awkwardness hanging over her head with Mr. Browne.

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absolute beauty by MJ

Gideon Browne seldom felt like a fool, but this was a rare exception. He should have known—but instead, he had discounted Miss Chevalier entirely as a possibility, had grown infatuated with another altogether. But it had been her after all, so surely all was well? Not that she cared if he was infatuated—that she knew his name at all outside of the hospital was something akin to a miracle...

Boldly, Gideon reached for her hand that still held the mask.

"Forgiveness," he said, "can be obtained easily enough if you would consent to a dance."

He had meant to come across as charming, flirtatious, but was feeling rather too lightheaded for his words to have properly met the mark.

  

Tabitha looked up once more at the touch of his hand on hers. Her blush blossomed fully, encompassing her cheeks and likey up to her ears. There was a look of surprise on her face, but she quickly replaced it with a genuine smile.

"I would like that very much." Tabitha was not always comfortable at functions like these, but having the company of someone like Mr. Browne certainly made it more bearable.

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   Gideon Browne

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absolute beauty by MJ

She said yes.

Gideon Browne had never been one to believe in a higher power, but was happy to swear himself to whichever muggle deity had orchestrated this blessed turn of events. He would not trust his tongue on so momentous an occasion, would not allow himself to even hope that words would not utterly betray him and reverse whatever spell had fallen over Miss Chevalier.

Instead, the healer simply offered his arm, a silly smile on his face and hope in his gaze.

  

Tabitha took his arm easily, this this was not the first time they had come in such close contact, the feeling still gave her goosebumps, which she sincerely hoped were not noticeable. She held his arm with both hands, afraid she might slip or somehow otherwise make a fool of herself. Fortunately no misfortune befell them on their way to the dance floor.

This evening was turning out to be much better than she had anticipated.

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absolute beauty by MJ