Her hand twisted around the cap of her mascara, making sure the black liquid substance covered the brush that was inside. Bringing it to her eyes, she applied it to her long lashes, and then placed the tube of makeup back into the drawer it had come from. Turning her gaze back to the mirror, she took a moment to stare at herself. It wasn’t because she was being self involved, not this time anyway, but because she was once again reflecting on how the last couple of months had been for her, her family, and the rest of the wizarding world. How much more pain did the world have to endure before things could go back to being the way they used to be? A sigh escaped her lips at the thought, reaching down to grab the tube of gloss that needed to be applied to them. Once that was done, she rose to her feet and shuffled over to sit on the edge of her bed. She grabbed the brown heeled boots that were sitting nearby, rolling her jeans down over them before standing to adjust the flattering scoop-neck sweater she was wearing.

Going for her wand, she made sure to grab her jacket and her scarf before apparating to the location that had been chosen by Darren. She couldn’t lie and say she wasn’t surprised when her boyfriend had asked her to meet him there, without having a reason. Or, she didn’t think there was a reason. Sure, Christmas was approaching, but she wasn’t expecting him to do anything like this.

Arriving at the bridge, Devon looked around and noticed she was alone…or, she seemed to be alone. Her hands slid into her pockets, looking around as she approached the edge of the structure she was standing on. Leaning on it, she looked over into the water that was rippling beneath it. Yet again, she began thinking about everything that had been weighing on her mind before she felt a hand touch her waist. She jumped a bit and turned around to face Darren, her mouth curving up into a smile at the sight of him, leaning her back against the side of the bridge; her arms wrapped around him, pulling him closer.

“Hello, stranger..."

Getting married was absolutely terrifying. No matter how smoothly Gabriel proceeded through the planning, the discussions, and the actual event, he was holding back getting sick the second he could catch a moment to himself. He knew he didn't love Rachel yet, which might be the reason why he was finding himself so nervous as they sat at the head table of their reception, but he did honestly---he did honestly believe that he could fall in love with this woman. She was fiery with a mind of her own, and though some people might be irritated by it, Gabriel actually appreciated the way she took control of things. He had always been a bit of a follower, and it was easy to agree with Rachel because her reasoning simply made sense.

The reception did look fantastic. Gabriel couldn't believe it was all put together within two short months, but then again he was learning that Rachel was a woman who set her goals and refused to leave them unfinished. Maybe he should look at that as a good thing; surely someone who did not want to get married would not have put so much effort into the ceremony? Or she simply wanted to throw the most beautiful wedding of them all, simply because she could. He didn't know, and didn't mind not finding out as long as they remained content with each other.

He did find her very interesting, however, and that was the first thing a Ravenclaw looked for in a spouse. Maybe all of his concerns were for naught, and it was simply wedding day jitters. His parents had been arranged in a similar manner, and they were still quite happily married (and sometimes nauseatingly sweet about it, too). Gabriel turned and smiled at Rachel, pushing his chair out and offering his hand, "Would you like to dance?"

A chorus of glasses clinging supported Gabriel, and he flushed slightly at all the attention that was on them, once again.


ooc: guest list! We did our best, but if we missed someone let us know!

Who: Desmond and 'April'
What: An ... appointment
Where: On the phone, then Demond's flat

( Oh Merlin, he bloody hated this sort of thing. )