Nov.: Moonlight Shines in Your Blush - Greenhouse 6 - Benji

[Willa Robbins]

There was nothing weird about this. Not at all. Nope.

This was an absolutely unextraordinary Wednesday evening wherein two fellow Herbology lovers were meeting to simply share their joy of the natural world.

Nothing more.

As the girl came to a stop in front of the entrance to the Ravenclaw dormitory, eyeing the eagle knocker warily, she did her best to remind herself of this. Nothing had been said to suggest that this evening was anything more than that. But...in thinking of the particular Ravenclaw she was meeting...

Stop it - your hair is fine.

Fidgety hands came away from her braid and clasped behind her back; Willa rocked back and forth on her heels, catching herself in thoughts of her looks, a rarity. In her...determination to not put so much at stake on this evening, perhaps, she'd changed out of her uniform into something that was probably way too casual. You are simply meeting a friend, he shouldn't care how you look. You're comfortable. It's cold. You're fine. Her dirty gardening boots weren't made to impress, and neither were her worn-out jeans - Is that fertilizer or mud? - or loose layers on top to keep her warm. But it was rather too late to change her mind - the great clock was tolling nine, and this was when she'd asked Benji to meet her at his Tower. The Hufflepuff had figured it'd be easiest this way, so then he wouldn't be troubled with sneaking out, trying to get past the prefects - as she was one of them, Willa hoped she could talk them out of any trouble, if any did come their way...

And Benji...

She caught herself in an automatic smile, thinking of him. How they'd had so many shared years at Hogwarts and not become friends was beyond her - now that she was getting to know him, she knew him as a kind, interesting fellow, one who genuinely shared one of her most passionate interests. She was simply looking forward to spending time with him. It wasn't strange that it was their first one-on-one time and she'd suggested they sneak out of the castle to see the night blooming plants. Not strange at all. Not something that could be misconstrued.

You're awful at this - there's not even a this and you're worrying!

But would it be so awful if it had been misconstrued? If Benji thought that this was more than that - if she thought it was? It had been years since she'd had a date, and he was undoubtedly good looking, and she'd caught him staring...

[Benji Fenwick]

He had never put much thought into clothes before; if he liked it he bought it and wore it whenever. Tonight he had spent half an hour rummaging in his trunk, then another ten minutes picking out a t-shirt. Would she even know anything about Star Wars? He had shrugged, maybe he would tell her, nah that was lame. Benji had even had the sense to magic the wrinkles out of the semi-new shirt before putting it on with his jeans and also semi-new boots.


Ok he was wearing his nicer things. Instead of the extremely old pair of gardening boots that were wearing holes in the soles and had more than one patched up spot where a particularly hostile plant had attacked his feet. He didn’t want her to think he was dirty or grungy, so he wore the newer boots, and shirt, and gloves which he shoved in the pocket of his jacket which was perfectly old.

He wrapped his scarf around his neck and assessed himself in the mirror. His attire looked normal for him; it was his clothes after all. But his hair was fixed, and he was cleanly shaven, and that made him look a little better. Why did he care so much? It wasn’t a date or anything. This isn’t a date!


Benji left his dorm with a knot lodged firmly in his stomach. He checked the clock, five minutes to spare, and in those five minutes he must have checked the clock ten times again. Until it tolled the hour, and he was so lost in his thoughts by then that it startled him. A group of young girls in a dark corner sniggered and he scowled, crossing the common room and out the portrait in a few quick strides.


Then was brought up short by Willa who was just outside, and now very close to his person which seemed to have seized up and could do nothing but stand and stare. She was awfully pretty. The portrait snapped closed behind him and it seemed to shake him from the awkward moment. He took a step back and offered her his arm, like he remembered his father teaching him as a small boy.

 

“You look nice tonight.” He commented and he was in luck because he didn’t sound half as nervous as he felt. Perhaps he had slipped into an alternate dimension. “Shall we?”

[Willa Robbins]

The girl was startled from her thoughts as the door to Ravenclaw Tower abruptly opened, bringing out one Benji Fenwick who didn't seem able to take his eyes from hers. A smile grew on her face as the moment went on, contentedly allowing him time to settle. It seemed he'd just needed the little bit of quiet - within seconds he'd taken a step back and holding an arm towards her, complimenting her.

"Thanks, you too," she said with a grin up at him, taking his offered arm, hand resting comfortably on his leather sleeve. Benji was...quite the gentleman. Even as this was not a - ah - date. And she did not look nice. First time he’s seeing you outside of uniform, and you’re in muddy jeans? What were you thinking? And he...looked...great. He’d - the boy had shaved for her, and even done something with his hair. Not that he ever looked bad, but he was definitely put together in a good way, different than Willa had seen before.

In the few times that they’d spoken this term, Benji had always been a bit of a stammerer, seemingly unsure of himself. Not that he had any reason to be - he was sweet, from what she could tell was an honestly good bloke. But tonight? Besides the brief moment that couldn’t be described as anything but being stunned, he was...confident. Maybe he just needed to be away from people - namely his extraverted friend, the one who'd rather taken one of her friends' hearts...

"Yeah, we shall," she said, a touch of a tease in her tone at the formal speech he’d been using as they started on their way through the castle. There was no need for formality - she was just Willa. To try and put him even more at ease, she took a closer look at him, trying to figure a talking point - she knew he was in Ravenclaw, loved plants, but that was pretty much it...the benefit of muggle clothes, though - "Star Wars, eh?" The movie had come out the past spring, and had been a hit. She’d gone to see it with Johnny at the start of the summer holiday, and had been engrossed for the whole thing. "Big fan? Real good show, I've got to say - any clue when the next is coming out?"

[Benji Fenwick]

Her smile was disarming to say the least. A part of him wanted to jump for joy that he had made her smile, seeing him had made her smile. Then another part of his mind reminded him that Willa was a friendly person that probably smiled at near everyone. Still it felt nice; she said he looked nice too. And he was amazed he got a word out clearly with her looking at him like that.

He did however, Benji hadn’t made a fool of himself yet, and now they were walking. Her delicate hand on his arm was driving him batty, so he became quiet which wasn’t unusual. It was the smallest little touch; he wanted it to be so much more. This wasn’t a date though, and he didn’t have the guts to try anything anyway. Just because he spoke coherently didn’t mean he was anywhere near ready for whatever it is his hormones were picking up on. They wanted to pull her closer, smell her fragrant hair.

He found himself glancing down at her frequently, even when they exited the castle and the darkness made it difficult. She was just so pretty and she liked Herbology like he did and she knew Star Wars! She knew Star Wars! “Uh yea.” He said a little awkwardly. “I mean it was great, really great.” Where had all his gusto gone? “Yea, I’m a big fan.” He finally clarified.

He wanted to kick himself. It was a simple question, and yet he had stumbled over himself. It had been because she had asked just when he had been staring a little too long. He had looked away but he thought she may have caught him at it. “I’m thinking within the next two or three years. I mean if the press surrounding it is anything to go by. I foresee a huge fan base; I’ll head it up, want to join?” Wow, Benji thought he had never sounded so lame as he rushed through his speech for fear of maybe screwing it up. He really didn’t want to screw this not a date up.

[Willa Robbins]

Benji kept...eyeing her? It was incredibly flattering, apparently keeping his attention without trying - they were just walking together, but he was so obviously pleased that she couldn't stop her stomach from filling with butterflies. It was good, surely, since if they weren't keeping her warm she'd probably be getting chilled. Not that this was a date. Or that she should be feeling like this about someone she'd just begun to be friendly with. She'd not had a crush for a while, but from what she could remember...Merlin, is that all it takes? A good looking bloke unable to keep his eyes off of you? He was fumbling through his responses to her, seemingly just as out of his element about all of this as she was. "Yes, Benji, I'd love to join your fan club," she said, ducking her head as she laughed, a wide smile remaining as she looked back to him...until realizing what she'd said. Thus began the babbling as she held onto his arm tighter - "I mean, your fan club you're running, you know what I mean, Star Wars, it'll be great."

Thankfully the pair was shortly approaching the row of greenhouses, and she tugged the Ravenclaw over to Greenhouse Six, the moon having lit their way. It wasn't one generally used for classes, so she figured that he hadn't spent much time there if any. There wasn't too much in there, but that's where she'd found the hidden night blooms she'd told him about. "Sorry - not - not too nice around here, mostly storage and things that don't really fit anywhere else, pulled out for classes from time to time," she explained quietly, letting go of his arm to push open the squeaking door. She bent down under the vines and entered the crowded greenhouse, gesturing for him to follow.

The glass ceiling let in the moonlight, shadows from the toppling towers of pots stretching across the floor. She hoped the shadows wouldn't block the light out from the pool - no use bringing him if he didn't get to see the night blooming water lilies! "They're right over here, see?" Willa led him over to the pool by the arm, sitting herself on an upturned pot close by to see. "Should open up real soon," she said, looking over to shoot him a smile. And it - it was just because they didn't know each other well that his being so close to her, their legs brushing, was making her blush a tad, right?

[Benji Fenwick]

It was like all the air had left his lungs, and everything had gone silent. Really he had just checked out, a weird tunnel noise filling his head and his ability to breathe completely restricted. Somewhere he knew that she hadn’t meant his fan club, but the shock prevented him from listening to it momentarily.

And maybe it was the way she gripped his arm a little tighter. Willa however clarified, with a very becoming smile, and he took a deep breath. “Yea it would be great; you can be my co-president if you want, you are better at organizing these things anyway. So really I would be your co-president or deputy if you will have me.” Then he laughed nervously and he knew he had blown it.

Benji thought himself just the biggest blabbering fool. Luckily they had arrived, and barring the vines, entered the seldom used greenhouse. Benji knew it was used mostly for storage and whatnot, so he hadn’t visited it much as the other greenhouses had more interesting plants. “Had to come in here once for some pots.” He said dumbly, rolling his eyes and gave himself an angry thumbs up idiot behind her back as she moved to a little pool bathed in moonlight.

As she introduced him to the un-bloomed flowers, he took a deliberate moment to admire her sitting there on a upturned pot, thinking he had never seen something so lovely. And when he squatted next to her and their legs brushed his heart picked up two or three paces. “I can be very patient.” He said with a meek smile, tearing his turning his attention to the pool.

[Willa Robbins]

Oh Merlin.

Willa listened, a bit confused and amused, as Benji went on. His hypothetical club was becoming her hypothetical club? She didn't want to burst his bubble - this was all just for fun, after all - but she already was running one club, and Gobstones on top of everything else was enough responsibility for her! But it was sweet of him to offer, goodness it was, and to acknowledge her organizational skills; she gave him a reassuring grin as he trailed off, his shaky laughter seeming to need it. "Of course I'd have you, couldn't have the club without! Executive decision," she said with an air of solemnity, as this was a serious matter after all, "co-presidents. Flyers and agendas and meeting times forthcoming." That was as long as she could hold on to the serious note, though, and she let out a laugh just thinking about how that club would actually run. The Muggle born or half-blood students would surely be happy for it, many of them at least, and the purebloods who didn't venture out on holiday would be thoroughly confused. Could be a nice, gentle way to encourage relations with those outside of what sometimes felt like a separate world, actually...

They were soon to the greenhouse that held the nightblooming water lilies, and Willa nodded at his mentioning having been in before. Professor Sprout had surely noted his aptitude and entrusted him with responsibilities - and he'd actually know what she was asking for if she sent him on errands! Was rather unfortunate when she'd send out a student to grab pruning shears for alihosty and they came back with ones for a snargaluff, but Benji would be a trustworthy bloke.

She looked over to him after they settled near the pool, his smile making her do the same. She hadn't made a new connection like this in a while, or so it felt, but this felt different than when she usually made friends. For one, Willa didn't yet know him well enough to know what to talk about besides plants. Not that they weren't a fantastic subject, but all she knew about his interests was that one facet - surely there was much more to the Ravenclaw than that! For another, her friends didn't look at her the way she'd caught him doing lately - just imagining Johnny giving her such a look nearly brought another laugh from her. There was just an inherent difference in the feeling between herself and this boy, and it wasn't...

Not a bad different at all.

So after a few moments of quietly picking at the loose threads of her jeans and looking at the pool, the girl spoke up. "Patience is good with things like this, I suppose! What - er - I mean - " Your House is friendly, criminey, you can do this. "While we wait, why don't you tell me about yourself? Crazy we haven't made time for that until now, don't you think?"

[Benji Fenwick]

Why could he not stop staring at her? Why would his face only smile? Why? If she caught him looking at her like that he was sure to run her off. Though he wasn’t quite sure what he would do if she stuck around. He was a coward after all. He would never have the guts to tell her how he really felt. Or rather how he thought he really felt. Benji realized his feelings cared hi a bit.

Either way he wanted to be sure he didn’t scare her away, they could be friends, he could be friends with a girl. If, that was, he completely ignored the fact that he was very much attracted to her. “It would be an honor to rule our little club by your side.” Pretentious much? Merlin he sounded ridiculous! Benji cleared his throat, feeling suddenly very hot. “Though I’ll leave all that other stuff up to you, I’ll just be the face.”

Oh yes very pretentious. Willa was sure to think he was cocky bastard now. Nervously he turned to her and gave a big smile and an awkward laugh and hoped she knew he was just joking. He wished he could be smooth like his father. His father wouldn’t be crouched next to a pretty girl, silently glaring at flowers yet to bloom, hoping she said something so he didn’t have to. He would have some interesting topic on hand, or a flattering compliment. Benji had not but his own mind to contend with and his damn brain was very much silent.

Absently he drew runes in the dirt next to the pond, all the while thinking he was so lame. Willa would never see him as anything more than a friend, he was getting working up for nothing. Lucky for him, the girl spoke, finally giving him something to grasp at. He gave her a fond smile, she was really very cute when flustered. “Something’s are not meant to be rushed.” What?

“Anyway, I suppose you can say it’s a bit crazy since this is a boarding school and one would think by no later than year five one would know all its inhabitants. Then again it’s not; we are in different houses, and years.” Great remind her how young you are genius! No girl wants a little /boy/! Rambling idiot.

For a moment he sat quietly, before remembering her first question. However he wasn’t sure how to answer. There wasn’t much interesting about him after all. “What’s it you want to know?” There less risk of revealing something about himself that she found repulsive, like the fact that under his bed was a smelly sock pit. Don’t mention your socks!

[Willa Robbins]

The fellow at her side seemed downright giddy, and Willa felt absurdly warm inside at quite possibly being the cause of such a constant smile on him. But he didn’t seem able to get a clear handle on his words - he kept misstepping, in his eyes, or so it seemed. Willa did wish Benji could relax a bit - there wasn’t anything to be embarrassed of, it wasn’t as if she was such a fantastic conversationalist that she’d judge him for exaggerating from time to time. So she easily gave him a smile back, thinking that that would be that for their little club. Unlikely as it is to happen...our little club? Rather sweet, eh?

But when he began to reply - or rather, didn’t - to her question, in typical cryptic Ravenclaw fashion coupled with an endearing smile, perhaps it was the lateness of the hour, or how at ease she was beginning to feel with him, that Willa could only chuckle at his words. Some things aren’t meant to be rushed? What’s that supposed to mean? But she nodded along at his further explanation, it making sense. It just seemed so strange to her that they hadn’t crossed paths before, as they could’ve shared many more memories than the small pile they were accumulating. The girl’s smile broadened as he asked her what she actually wanted to know, and she gave him a teasing nudge with her leg.

"Everything," she said exuberantly, giving him a grin. "Out at a greenhouse after hours waiting for flowers to bloom - perfect time to get to know someone, don’t you think? So let’s see..." She looked at him quizzically before continuing with a bit of a tease, wanting to get them out of their one-dimensional knowing of each other, "May as well start with the most important thing - what’s your family like? Any other Fenwicks I somehow missed along the years?"

[Benji Fenwick]

Willa. She was just so absolutely…Willa. She made him nervous because on first site he liked her, but then she also made him feel at ease. At ease in the way that she didn’t make him feel strange for being nervous around her. She just took everything in her stride with kindness and understanding. She was just plain old amazing.

If he stared just a little longer when she smiled at him it was only because he didn't seem to be in control of his own facilities otherwise he might have looked away shyly when she caught him at it. As it was he glanced back down at the pond when she posed her question, a little smile playing on his lips. He hated to think of Willa missing anything how could she, she was perfect but it appeared she had clear missed his sister.

“I have a sister.” He said carefully, swallowing thickly before trying again more easily. “Athena, she graduated a few years back. And my mom and my dad, a few aunts, an uncle, some cousins. They live all around but we all get along well enough, we don’t see them much though. My sister is traveling so it’s just me and mom and dad. I think I might get a dog to hang around with for the holidays.”

Suddenly and without warning the words seeming to flow endlessly from his mouth seized. He could not believe he had gone on like that! “What about you?” He said quickly wishing the flowers would just bloom; then wishing they wouldn’t. “How is your family?”[/div]

[Willa Robbins]

Watching as a small smile lit up his face, Willa was glad he wasn't shying away from the question, from her trying to get to know him better. Sometimes people didn't want to be questioned, just wanted to be let be, and that was fine, but...always better to have good conversation, wasn't it? It was always nice to make new friends, and there was simply a kindredness with folks who loved plants. And he was becoming easier and easier to talk to as the night went on - she saw no reason why this couldn't be the start of...something. Something good. Benji was game to open up, letting her in as he spoke about his family, and she broke into a smile of her own as he went on to say he was going to get a dog. Before she could comment, though, he was hurriedly asking her about her own.

"They sound grand, Benji," she said, laying a reassuring hand on his arm. What more did she need to do to let him know it was all right to speak in front of her? "And a dog? Over the holidays? That'd be fantastic - what sort are you thinking of? Johnny's always got animals around, might be able to give you a hand with that! And mine's - got my mum and dad, older brother Danny - was in your House actually, now I think about it, but he's been out a few years now, maybe you met? I dunno, he wasn't too social," she said with a bit of a laugh, which continued into her next. "And my little sister, she's at home, never got her letter - but she's good, spoiled compared to me and Danny, only one at home and all. Danny's off at Gringott's now, wants me to join him, but..."

"Don't think that's my route, though. Not that I know what mine is, but - oh!"

She gripped his arm excitedly, nodding towards the pool. The petals had soaked up enough moonlight to open, and their vibrant colors glittered in the light. They were stunning, truly were, and she was glad to be sharing this moment with someone who would really appreciate it. "Beautiful, aren't they?"

[Benji Fenwick]

She was touching him! For all that was holy she was touching him! A gentle friendly hand on his arm, she was just sweet that way. It really wasn’t a big deal, but it was; he didn’t even come close to girls he fancied. And here he was, alone, at night, with one he couldn’t keep his mind off. She was touching him and all he could do was clam up.

Willa was also talking to him and he reined all his focus into listening to her. He gave her a meek smile, belatedly, to her comment on his family. They weren’t bad at all. He opened his mouth to comment the he might like something furry and big, though he wasn’t very familiar with dogs to name it, he knew the dog he wanted was out there. But Willa went on and he was glad he didn’t have time to blabber about, embarrassing himself.

She mentioned Johnny and Benji got a strange feeling. Arnie had said the two Hufflepuffs were the best of good friends, and Benji didn’t think any different. Something green inside disagreed but he ignored it, focusing again on the lively girl next to him. She just had this easy air about her; she wasn’t afraid of sounding stupid or stuttering. She was just herself and that was perfection.

She spoke of Gringots and how her brother wished for her to join him there. When she drew breath he tried for a friendly smile. “I think you would do great anywhere Willa, even that musty place.” Luckily, and as he had guessed she didn’t seem very fond of the idea; he gave a smile before her face contorted into the most beautiful expression of excitement and her hand held tight to his arm. ’Beautiful, aren’t they?’ she asked. “Absolutely gorgeous.”

No! No! He had not said that out loud! And he was staring right at her! Hastily Benji turned to the small patch of flowers, pretending to be watching them in wonder; it was easy with his already awestruck expression. "Wait until you see the wild ones." Benji said quickly, hoping she hadn't caught him looking.

[Willa Robbins]

She was letting her mouth run way too much, hardly giving Benji a moment to speak! But he was all smiles regardless, agreeable fellow. She had to grin even wider at his assurance that she would do well anywhere in the working world, even the bank. It was affirmation she quite needed, seeing as the Hufflepuff had no clue as to what she was doing after graduation...

Oh she knew he would appreciate this! He said they were gorgeous while locking eyes with her - You're not even looking their way, Benji! - but she realized...no, he's...looking at you.

Oh my.

Her smile changed from glowing to moderately confused to absolutely pleased as she looked away from him and back to the flowers as he did the same. She was feeling all sorts of warm and tingly on the inside at the conceited but possibly truthful thought. What was it about the Ravenclaw next to her that was making her feel like this? Sure, she had friends who complimented her...maybe it was just that she'd only recently started getting to know this bloke? So it was so surprising to hear something like this out of him? Whatever it was, it was mighty flattering - even if she was letting her mind run away with her on this one. You're reading way too much into this...

But even if she was - Willa felt good around him, and that was undeniable, right?

"Yeah! Yeah, I'm sure they're wonderful," she agreed, a bit flustered. This was promising another meet-up like this - and Willa thought that was just what they needed. Couldn't really tell much properly from one or two times speaking, sharing a few moments. Although she did already know that she enjoyed spending time with him, and that their hobbies conveniently aligned. "When would you...I mean, unless I'm on duty I'm usually free at night..." You assume he's referring to you and now you can't speak? She let out an embarrassed little laugh and turned back to him, smiling. "What I mean to say is - how's Friday looking for you?"

[Benji Fenwick]

Despite his best efforts to remain stoic, his heart betrayed him. It was beating so loudly he was sure Willa could hear it. They had locked eyes for a moment before he had turned away and tried to blame his thoughtless comment on the blooms. Benji was almost sure she knew he wasn’t talking about flowers. But what was he to do, it was already said!

Then he had to go saying something about the wild night blooms, and she was so quick to want to plan it out! Part of him felt all warm and fussy that she was so ready to see him again; another part trembled in fear of the implications. The small ray of hope that said she might feel similar to him about their budding friendship was that she seemed slightly flustered; foolishly he thought he may have been the moment they shared that had her thus.

Resolutely Benji quashed the train of thought that was sure to lead to wishing things that were unrealistic. She just wanted to be friends; he could live with that maybe. Quickly he stood, offering her a hand to do so as well. “Friday? Yea Friday is go-od.” He said when she was standing and he was able to take a save step back.

He folded his hands behind his back and thought carefully before he spoke. “I’ll pick you up this time, my adventure and all. Say a quarter hour before curfew?” The moonlight wouldn’t shine on the particular patch he had in mind until the moon was at its highest and able to peek through the high canopy of trees. That happened to be after curfew, but he would be extra careful. Benji moved closer to the door, wary of coming too close to the beautiful girl he could maybe call friend.

[Willa Robbins]

After her suggestion, Benji was on his feet and offering his hand. She smiled up at him as she took it, allowing him to help her up, and letting go once on her feet, brushing off any dirt that'd clung to her from the pot she'd used as a seat while he agreed. Willa was a bit surprised they were already on their way out - but, she supposed, to be fair they had seen what they'd set out to see, and it was late, and they had class in the morning, so there wasn't a need to linger out in Greenhouse 6 after hours any longer. Only would allow you some more time to get to know him - but Friday's not far away, you'll see him again like this so soon. Willa futzed with her things for a few moments - readjusting her scarf, her braid - as Benji took the time to think? He'd moved away from her a tad, and was seemingly heavily contemplating what he was going to say.

If he's thinking that hard about it...is that because he...wants to be clear about what it means?

Because Willa was all kinds of unclear of their situation. Your "situation," look at you blowing this out of proportion. Only going to see flowers again! She'd need to talk with Doe, see if her friend knew anything from Arnie about all of this, so she could go into their meeting Friday with more of a clue. Because when Benji spoke - wanting to pick her up at her common room - it sure seemed like he was indicating a something more than...what they currently were. Just because no one's asked to pick you up at yours before and it sounds like a date doesn't mean that it is! But it was with an excited nod that she agreed, quickly falling into step with him as the Ravenclaw started towards the door. On the way back to the castle, Willa inquired more about the dog he was aiming to get, and talk of the winter holiday and their mutual excitement for it lead them to the front doors. When it came time for the two to part company, Willa quickly brought him in for a hug and a thanks before zipping down to the burrow, likely thinking much too much about the whole evening - and smiling happily to herself as she did.