#Anastasia was the nicer sister after a while | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

anastasiahumphreys · 4 years

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dinner and dancing | anolai ft. ritz

nik introduces ana to rosie and fitz. they go out dancing after that.

Nikolai had been waiting for Anastasia to show up at the bar for a bit. His shift had ended but he'd stuck around the bar for a few minutes, mostly watching Fitz and Rosie talking. They were spending an awful lot of time together. He decided to walk over and say hello, deciding that he could introduce Ana to them once she came in. "Hey guys. What's going on?" he asked with a smile.

Rosalind thought his work was about to pick up an awful lot. She wouldn't see him around as much, she bet. "Oh, that sounds exciting. Any chance you'll get Dot?" she asked with a small smile. She was about to answer him when Nik came over, and she didn't think fast enough to respond to him. Of course she wanted to go to dinner with him. She'd have to find a way to let him know later. "Hey! I thought you'd be long gone by now. What're you still doing here?" she asked, smiling back at him.

Anastasia was running a bit late, or at least, later than she preferred, but she hoped Nik wouldn't be too upset. She stepped into the bar, brushing her ear behind her hair and straightening out her clothes. She looked around, spotting Nik over with two others. The girl looked like she could be his sister. Maybe that was her. She waited for a moment so they could finish whatever they were saying, before going over and putting a hand on Nik's shoulder. "Hey," she smiled.

Fitz shrugged slightly. He wasn't sure. "It's likely I might because I have a friendship with her already. I really hope I can," he smiled. He waited, feeling a twist of nerves in his stomach as he waited for her answer. And then Nikolai appeared. He glanced up at him, fixing his regular smile on his lips. He waited while the two talked but then his attention was on the girl who had appeared beside Nik. "Oh, and who is this?" he asked with a charming grin.

Nikolai grinned at his sister and gave a half shrug. "I decided to stick around a bit. I'm waiting for someone but I thought I'd come and say hi to you two first. You look cozy," he grinned. He looked over when he felt a hand and smiled at Ana, moving his arm to wrap around her waist. "Hello love. This is my sister, Rosalind and our friend Fitz," he told her. "And this is Ana," he answered Fitz's question with a laugh.

Rosalind thought it would be nice if he could work with Dot. That would be nice for the both of them, really. She nodded a bit as he explained. She decided to ignore his comment about them looking cozy. "Just come over to say hi?" she asked with a smile. When Ana joined him, she smiled a bit. Ah, he wasn't just coming over to say hi. She really felt Nikolai deserved the best, and from what she heard, Ana made the mark. "Hi, nice to meet you. I've heard loads about you," she smiled, standing up and giving Ana a half hug.

Anastasia smiled when Nik wrapped an arm around her. She thought his sister and friend looked sweet. She laughed quietly when his friend asked about her. She hugged Ana back. She was sweet. "Pleasure is all mine. I've heard quite a bit about you, as well. Nik speaks fondly of you," she said with a smile. She smiled a bit at Fitz. "I've heard about you, too. I hear you ask a lot of questions," she teased. "You haven't proven Nik wrong yet."

Fitz thought it was nice to see the way Nik slid his arm around this Ana girl. He wasn't quite sure who she was, as he hadn't heard her name before but Rosie seemed to know who she was. "Oh? You've heard about me?" he asked with a smile. "I do ask a lot of questions," he admitted. "It's lovely to meet you, Ana," he said, standing up and reaching out to take her hand and kiss it. "What is it that you do?"

Nikolai shrugged slightly with another grin. He kept his arm around Ana, though he loosened it slightly when she hugged his sister. He watched the way she interacted so seamlessly with his sister and Fitz and thought that there was really something special about her. "Well, she is my favorite sister," he teased. He laughed a bit at Fitz before rolling his eyes. "Alright, knock it off," he said, tugging Ana closer to him and away from Fitz playfully.

Rosalind smiled sweetly at Nik. "Aw, you speak fondly of me. How cute," she grinned. She rolled her eyes when he teased back. "I'm your only sister! Twerp. You're a real pain," she said playfully. She laughed quietly when Nik got all possessive. "Oh yes, what do you do?" she asked, though she was pretty sure she already knew. She couldn't believe Nik was dating a muggle. How mum and dad of him.

Anastasia thought it was cute how Nik was with his friends. She sure did like everything about him. "So I've noticed," she teased. "It's lovely to meet you as well, Fitz," she smiled. She laughed a bit when he kissed her hand, laughing harder when Nik pulled her closer. "It's just the French in him," she teased Nik. "I'm a dancer. And dance instructor. What do you both do?"

Fitz chuckled a bit at the exchange between the two siblings. He liked their dynamic. They were so fun and playful with each other. It was nice to see. "Ah, see, she gets my charm," he said with a smile. He raised an eyebrow slightly as she spoke about her jobs and then glanced at Rosalind before catching Nik's eye. "Oh, well. I'm a journalist," he said simply. He had a feeling she was a muggle.

Nikolai rolled his eyes slightly at Rosie but he was grinning. "You're still my favorite sister," he grinned. "You're the pain." His grip on Ana stayed firm even with everyone laughing at him. "He's trouble, that Fitz," he teased. He waited while she spoke about her job and gave Rosie a look before shooting it at Fitz, knowing he didn't know about her being a muggle. He only hoped that Fitz picked up on the clues.

Rosalind rolled her eyes, shaking her head. What a pain. "She's much nicer than you," she said playfully. "Oh, that sounds like fun! What kind of dance do you do?" she asked curiously. She already knew she was a muggle, she didn't need the nudge. "I'm a police officer," she said with a small smile. "Do you two have plans for the night or are you just hanging out here?"

Anastasia had really enjoyed everyone she'd been introduced to. She needed to introduce him to her brother. "I do a bit of everything. Lots of ballet. I like the more contemporary sort of stuff, but I don't do that as much," she explained. "What kind of journalism?" she asked curiously. She laughed a little when she said she was a police officer. "Really? You don't strike me as such," she said honestly. "I think we have plans, right?" she asked, turning to Nik a bit.

Fitz found everything about this to be delightful. "Ballet? You do ballet? Is that your favorite form? How long have you been dancing?" he wondered. "Oh just qui," he cut himself off with a cough. "Excuse me. Quick reviews of games, player profiles. Who has the best odds that season." He glanced over at Rosie when she answered and said she was a police officer and picked up his drink to hide a smile. "Oh, leaving so soon?" he asked. "Oh, I see."

Nikolai shot a glare at Fitz when he heard him start to say quidditch. Luckily the slip up had been easily fixed. He rubbed his fingers over Ana's side as she spoke to his friends and smiled a bit. "She looks too sweet to be one but she's one of the best," he grinned. He turned to Ana again with a smile. "We do have plans but we can wait if you want to stick around a little longer but we do have a reservation," he said with a shrug. "It's up to you if you want to stick around or head out."

Rosalind wasn't surprised Ana didn't think she looked like a police officer. She felt like auror made more sense, but it was hard to explain how there was a difference when she knew it was the muggle equivalent. "I do my best," she said simply, in response to Nik. "Dancing must be a lot of fun. Maybe we can see you sometime?" she half suggested, half asked. "Oh, go, go. Don't let us hold you back," she said softly.

Anastasia nodded, the smile unwavering on her face. "Yes! Mm, I think it might be. I really do love it. I've been dancing since I was about three. My mum is a ballerina, too. I think she sort of encouraged it, but it all worked out," she smiled. "I'm sure you're even better than you let on," she said to Rosie. "Well, we shouldn't miss the reservation. Do we have time to chat a bit more?"

Fitz listened carefully as Ana went on, a fresh wheel of questions spinning in his head. "Since you were three? That's quite some time. Though you can't be more than twenty, surely. Have you ever done anything else aside from dance?" he wondered. He waited a bit, looking to Nik to answer the question. "Oh, then please, sit down with us." He'd just have to ask Rosie on a date later. If he got up the nerve again.

Nikolai couldn't keep the smile off of his face. Rosie seemed to really like Ana and Ana seemed to really like his friends. He couldn't be luckier. "She's an amazing dancing. She taught me a few steps. I'm practically a professional," he teased. "Rosie's very good at what she does. She's one of the best." He weighed his options. On one hand, he wanted Rosie and Ana to bond but on the other, Fitz was a wild card. "We have a few minutes. We can sit.”

Rosalind thought that sounded like something. She was had been dancing since she was three? She hadn't been doing anything for that long. "Wow. You must really be incredible," she said honestly. "She taught you? That's something I want to see," she said with a small laugh. She smiled a bit at Nik, but waved a hand. "Sit, sit," she said, moving over to make room for them.

Anastasia nodded, amused by their amazement. "Mm, yes. I'm twenty-one, so close. I did go to primary and secondary school, and I teach dance a bit now, but for the most part not really. I think I'm quite good," she said with a laugh. She sat down after Nik agreed, sitting next to Rosie. "When did you move to London, then?" she asked Fitz.

Fitz didn't know much about dance but he thought being committed to something for so long had to mean she was rather talented. "I think I'd like to see that as well," he grinned. "That's very impressive, though, Ana." He shifted so Nik could sit by him and took a drink of his beverage. "Oh, I think it's been about a year now. You have better football teams here." That was the sport, right? He was fairly certain he'd said it right. "Did you grow up here?"

Nikolai grinned at his friends. "Maybe one of these days I'll show you but not today. We're in a bar, no one's dancing. It's far too fancy for a place like this," he teased. He let go of Ana so she could sit down and took the spot next to Fitz. His hand went over the table, letting his fingers link with Ana's so they were still touching. "It was a year. Dot brought you in and we couldn't get rid of you."

Rosalind raised an eyebrow, smirking slightly at Nik. "Sounds like an excuse to not embarrass yourself at work, but okay," she teased. She made room for Ana, letting her sit next to her. "You're lucky you're getting the abridged versions of his questions tonight," she said, teasing Fitz lightly. She nodded a bit as she talked. "Oh, that's cool. What is LVMH though?" she asked curiously, hoping she didn't sound really stupid.

Anastasia could dance in any space, really, but she wasn't gonna make Nik dance. She hadn't really taught him that much, anyway. She linked her fingers with his, smiling softly. "That's kind of a while. How do you like it?" she asked him. "Oh, really? I'm sure sometime he'll ask me all his questions then," she said with a laugh. "I did. But I've traveled quite a bit with my parents. My grandfather owns LVMH which is located in Paris, so we used to go there a lot. I mean, my parents still do, but I typically only go for events now."

Fitz thought it was rather interesting that Nik was dating a muggle but he decided he liked this girl. He had so many questions on the tip of his tongue just begging to be asked but he knew better. "I'm trying not to scare her off," he told Rosie. "I like it. It's a good country. And I've made the best friends of my life here," he smiled. He had no idea what LVMH was and was about to ask when Rosie beat him to it. "Do you like Paris? When was the last time you were there?" he wondered.

Nikolai rolled his eyes at his sister. "More like I don't want to cause a scene. And it's not just the place where I work, I do own this establishment," he teased. "I have to set a standard for my employees. What's next? Dom starts dancing between tables? No one wants to see that," he said playfully. "It's fashion, obviously. Ana goes to a lot of shows and the like. It's really impressive. She said she'd take me to one," he said matter-of-factly. "That's why she always looks amazing."

Rosalind laughed a bit at her brother. "Excuses, excuses. However, I for one would love to see Dom dancing between tables," she said playfully. She laughed again when Fitz said he was trying not to scare her off. She knew, of course, that it was just the magic-muggle barrier, but that would go away eventually. She felt her eyebrows go up a bit. She was super curious. "Wow, so he owns fashion companies?" she asked. That seemed intense. "Wow, that's cool. No wonder you're so fashionable," she laughed.

Anastasia smiled at Nik, squeezing his fingers lightly. She thought he would be cute, dancing in his bar, but she didn't push. She could make him dance with her in the bar on a different day. "Don't worry, I think it'll take a lot more than questions to scare me off," she teased. "That's wonderful. I've always loved London," she smiled. "I do like Paris, yes. I was there early March. It's quite a beautiful city," she smiled. "Look at you, knowing all my stuff," she smiled proudly. "It is fashion, among other things. My grandfather also owns Dior, so fashion season is a big time. I'm actually missing fashion week right now, but my parents are there so." She nodded a bit. "Yeah, I mean, I think it's not as like clear cut as he owns it like Nik owning the bar, because it's really complex and old, but yeah, basically. He's in charge of both of them."

Fitz smiled brightly. "Well, I do ask a lot of questions," he warned her. "Nik here gets fed up of me and sends me off to talk to Dom," he chuckled. "It is a beautiful city. I miss it," he admitted. He'd love to go back for a visit but he didn't think that was possible yet. "Oh, fashion? That's interesting. I know the fashion scene in Paris is quite impressive." He didn't, really, but it seemed like the right thing to say. Perhaps Simone knew more. "Oh, why didn't you go?" he wondered. He nodded a little as she went on but didn't have much else to say or ask.

Nikolai squeezed Ana's fingers back. He liked this. He liked showing off their relationship to his friends. It was nice. "That's because you ask too many while I'm working," he told Fitz. "I can't focus on doing my job and answering all of your questions." He watched his friends interact with his girl and smiled to himself. This was going so much better than he'd expected it to. Not that he'd thought Rosie would be a problem but Fitz was keeping his curiosities at bay. "Of course I know your stuff. I listen," he teased. "Oh, you could have gone to fashion week." He hoped she hadn't skipped because of him.

Rosalind thought that was all sort of confusing, but it sounded fun. And she suspected she had quite a bit of money. She looked it. And she knew it could be expensive for muggles to travel. It could be expensive for wizards, too. "That all sounds very exciting," she said honestly. "Maybe you can go next time then. It sounds like fun. I've never been, so I can't say for sure, but it sounds nice," she smiled. She wasn't big on fashion, either, but maybe she could be. "Oh, you guys better get going. You're going to miss your reservations."

Anastasia gave Nik a look. "You send him off! How rude of you," she said playfully, laughing a bit. "You should visit sometime. I'm sure it's just as lovely as when you last left it. It's never gotten less lovely from visit to visit, at least from my experience," she said with a smile. "It is. It's a nice place to go for fashion," she said with a smile. "I know you do," she laughed. "I was going to, but I had a really big audition in the middle of the week and it didn't really work out. Anyway, now I'm here meeting you two, so I think it worked out well," she smiled.

Fitz thought that was interesting. He wanted to go back to Paris but it just wasn't time. It was nice to hear that it hadn't changed, though. The place was far too pretty for that. "I will. At some point," he promised. He nodded along as the conversation continued, trying his best to keep all of his questions at bay. He had so much he wanted to know. He just couldn't ask yet. "Oh, it was lovely to meet you, Anastasia," he said with a smile. "Don't be a stranger. And don't let Nik hog you."

Nikolai rolled his eyes playfully. "I don't have time to explain how beer taps work when we're in the middle of a rush!" he chuckled. He listened to her tell them all about fashion and wondered if they were as confused as he had been. He'd have to ask Rosie later. "Oh, well, when was the audition? How'd it go?" he asked. He was sounding like Fitz with all his questions. "Oh Merlin, I nearly forgot. We better head out," he said, sliding out of the booth. "I'll see you guys later."

Rosalind smiled when she said it was in two days. "Good luck! I'm sure you'll get it, whatever it is," she said with a smile. She stood up, hugging Ana and sort of kissing her cheek. "I'm so happy to have finally met you. We'll have to do something sometime," she said with a smile. She nearly laughed when Nik said Merlin, but thankfully kept it to herself. "Have a lovely night!" she said. She finished off her drink, setting the empty glass on the table. "I should probably be going, too," she said honestly. "Have a good night, Fitz," she smiled. She started to leave, but turned around and smiled at him. "Oh, and, I would love to have dinner with you," she smiled, turning away to leave.

Anastasia thought Nik and his friends were cute. She liked the way they interacted. She could really tell he was the baby sometimes. "It's in two days. I'll let you know," she grinned. She frowned briefly. Merlin. Who said that? Man he was weird sometimes. It was a wonder she was still seeing him. "Oh, we better go then. It was lovely to meet you, too, Fitz. And it was lovely to meet you, Rosalind. You're quite delightful," she smiled. "I won't let him hog me, don't worry," she laughed. "Have a good night," she said to them, taking Nik's hand. "Did you want to get a taxi?"

Nikolai realized a few moments later that he'd said Merlin. Why had he done that? He was so embarrassed. He always looked like such an idiot in front of Ana. It was a wonder she even spoke to him. "I hope all goes well! I bet you'll get it," he smiled. He waited while she said her goodbyes to his friends and wished them goodnight as well. "Let's get out of here," he smiled. He linked their fingers as they walked, nodding at the question. "Yeah, let's get a taxi. It's a bit of a walk from here. I think they really liked you, by the way."

Anastasia smiled sweetly at him. "I'll be pretty disappointed if I don't get it, so let's hope you're right," she grinned, squeezing his hand a bit. She linked her fingers with his, swinging their arms slightly. "Okay, sounds good to me," she said, hailing a taxi. "Oh yeah? I hope so. I really liked them. Your sister is lovely. Your brother was, too. You have quite the family, huh?" she grinned.

Nikolai gave her hand a squeeze. "I have faith in you. If you don't get it, they're crazy and have no taste," he grinned. He liked her so much that even her squeezing his hand had his heart beating a bit faster. "Did you? I'm glad. I know Fitz is a lot to handle but he was actually pretty tame tonight. I figure once you're around him more he'll be a bit much," he admitted. "She is lovely. Dom is alright," he joked. "I do. They're the best. I'm really lucky. And they really like you which is luckier."

Anastasia was sure she'd get it, too, but there were tons of other talented people out there, so if she didn't, it wouldn't be the strangest thing. "You're cute," she said with a smile. She hadn't really thought Fitz was all that bad. Maybe he'd bother her more later, but she had a feeling it was going to take a lot more to bother her. "Maybe he'll be more annoying later, but I liked him," she said with a smile. She laughed when he said Dom was alright. "What would you have done if they hadn't liked me?"

Nikolai nudged her side gently. "You just like me," he teased her. "But I am actually pretty adorable." He opened the door to the taxi when it stopped in front of them, letting her get in first. He told the driver the address before sitting back. "Well, I'm glad he wasn't annoying. He was fairly well behaved today," he grinned. "But he was very tame with his questions tonight." He knew for a fact it'd be worse if she ever found out about the wizarding world. "I don't know. Their opinion is pretty important but so are you. I'd just have to convince them they were wrong."

Anastasia hummed quietly. “Maybe, but you are definitely pretty adorable,” she grinned. She climbed into the car when he opened the door, settling into the seat and getting her seatbelt. “I guess we’ll just have to save the annoying for another day then, huh?” she teased with a grin. She smiled as he spoke, nodding a bit. “I think if anyone could convince them, it would be you. I also think I need to get you to meet my brother.”

Nikolai smiled to himself. "Well, thanks love. I'll treasure that compliment for as long as I live," he grinned. He buckled himself in and then reached over to take her hand again. "Or, hopefully, he doesn't get annoying around you ever," he teased. "He just is a curious guy," he shrugged. He smiled at her and leaned over to kiss her cheek. "You always have so much faith in me. You must like me," he teased. "I'll admit, that makes me nervous but I'm also excited too."

Anastasia grinned at him. He was so cute. She hadn't felt quite this way about someone in so long she couldn't remember. In fact, she wasn't sure she'd ever felt this way about someone. "I do have a high tolerance for annoying," she teased back. "Curiosity is a good thing," she said honestly. She smiled when he kissed her cheek, laughing a bit at his words. "Oh yeah? What gave you that idea?" she teased back. "Nervous? Why?" she laughed. "He's a dancer! How scary can he be?" she said with a laugh.

Nikolai paused for a moment, pretending to think it over. He pulled a fake affronted face when he looked at her. "A high tolerance for annoying sounds like quite the dig at me, young lady," he teased. "I'll have you know, I am not even the second most annoying of my group of mates," he joked. He rubbed her hand with his and gave her a soft smile. "Just the way you look at me." He kissed her cheek again. "You're a dancer! You could kick my ass in less than five seconds. I'm sure your brother is stronger than you. I'd give him one second to knock me out," he teased.

Anastasia laughed and shook her head, reaching out and grabbing him softly. "I'm not at all making a dig at you!" she laughed again. "Oh yeah? Who is the second most annoying then?" she asked curiously. She really liked him, and the way he touched her skin, and smiled at her, and he just made her heart flutter a little. She felt like she'd gone all in all of a sudden, and it was a bit much, honestly. "Hm, I'll give you that," she said, her voice less playful. She laughed quietly and shrugged. "I mean, true. But he wouldn't knock you out."

Nikolai let out a loud laugh and put his hand over hers. "I know, darling, I was just teasing you some," he grinned. He thought for a moment, fingers stroking her hand. "Dom, maybe. He's actually a really good brother, I talk a lot of shit but he's done a lot for me. He's really helped me get my pub up and running. I don't think I could have without him. Simone's too nice to be annoying and Wren and Dot are usually more focused on talking to each other. Shit. I am second most annoying," he realized with a laugh. "Yeah, yeah. I'm sure he won't. I bet he's tall, too. He could flick me over and not even put much effort into it. I should work out more."

Anastasia listened as he spoke, nodding a bit. She smiled, nearly letting out a quiet laugh, as he spoke about his brother again. With his realization, she laughed, leaning into him a bit. "It's okay. I like you even though you're the second most annoying," she said playfully, winking at him. She grinned playfully at his fake pity. "Oh, shush, you. He wouldn't flick you over, and I don't think he even can. Work out more if you want, but I think you're real strong already," she said with a slight smirk.

Nikolai chuckled when she leaned into him. He shook his head a bit, still surprised he'd just figured out he probably would be considered the second most annoying. Maybe even the most by certain friends. "Well, thank you. That's a relief. I'm starting to think everyone else is just using me for my bar," he joked. "I'm pretty sure he could. Is he more threatening looking than Dom? Well, who isn't, actually," he laughed. "If only you'd met Wren, he's a good person to compare imposingness to. Do you think your brother will like me?" he asked. "Oh? Do you?" he smirked back.

Anastasia made a face and laughed, shaking her head. "They definitely aren't using you for your bar. They pay, don't they?" she said playfully. She laughed quietly when he said everyone was more threatening than his brother. "Well, to answer your question, yes, even though you did answer it yourself there," she teased. "Another time, I'm sure. I do think he'll like you, yes. You're a nice guy. Why wouldn't he?" she said honestly. She nodded a bit, looking him up and down a bit. "Mm, I do."

Nikolai made a thoughtful face. "I suppose you're right. Now it just sounds like I'm charging them to be friends with me," he teased. "Which doesn't sound like a bad idea." He smiled at the sound of her laugh, giving her hand a squeeze. "Well, he sounds terrifying," he laughed. "But I hope he does. It wouldn't be that great if he didn't. Especially since my family already likes you," he grinned. "That's good to know. Maybe we can do some more dancing later," he smiled, leaning in and kissing her on the cheek.

Anastasia narrowed her eyes at him, raising an eyebrow slightly. "How does it sound like that? They choose to come there," she teased him back. "Though making money off friends isn't the worst idea," she added, still playful. She laughed at him, squeezing his hand back. "He's not terrifying," she laughed. It seemed hilarious to her, honestly. "His girlfriend is scarier than him," she admitted. "He will. Okay?" she insisted, nudging him. She smirked a bit, wondering if he meant actual dancing, but didn't say anything. "Where is this place we're going to?" she asked curiously, leaning into his touch.

Nikolai grinned at the look on her face. "Because I make them pay even though they're my friends," he responded playfully. "It's nice getting money from them. It makes me feel important," he joked. At first, he wasn't quite sure how his girlfriend could be scarier than him but then realized he knew Ana likely seemed more imposing than him. "Well, maybe let's ease into meeting her then," he joked. "I believe you. I'll just be my usual, charming self," he winked. "Oh, it's just on the west end. I heard it's really nice."

Anastasia shrugged. "You'd have gone out of business if you hadn't made them pay," she said honestly. She laughed, nudging him. "You're silly," she teased. She laughed and nodded, squeezing his hand a bit. "No rush on meeting her, don't worry," she said with a grin. "Don't be too charming. I don't need my brother wanting to date you," she teased. "Oh, I can't wait. Though I am enjoying the ride with you."

Nikolai made a face. "You're right. They really do drink a lot," he admitted with a grin. "They're basically the only ones who kept me afloat in the very beginning," he added without shame. He was grateful for them. They'd stepped up to help him. "Well, that's sounding a bit better then," he teased. "I don't know if I can tone down the charming. It's natural. If he wants me, he wants me," he teased. "I'm enjoying it too, love. We'll be there soon. I really hope it's as nice as people say," he frowned a bit.

Anastasia laughed quietly. Who didn't drink a lot? "They care about you," she said with a soft smile. "Who wouldn't, with that face?" she winked at him. She laughed, nudging him. "Well I don't share, and I don't need a riff between my brother, so we'll just have to hope he only likes you a normal amount," she teased. She tilted her head a bit, nudging him gently. "Even if it's trash, it'll be a good time. Don't frown," she said, smiling at him.

Nikolai smiled when she did. "Yeah, they do. They're good mates. And they've always looked after me, being the youngest at all," he teased. He laughed at her nudge, grinning fondly at her. "Don't worry. You won't have to share me with him. I am all yours, try as he might to steal me away," he promised playfully. His smile returned but he was still a bit nervous. He'd asked a muggle about a place, not wanting to have to go to Dom for help with everything constantly. "We always have a good time, don't we?"

Anastasia nodded along. She understood that. She was the youngest, and while she didn't have a big group of friends like he did, she thought she understood the sentiment enough from her own experiences. "Aw, they gotta make sure their baby is okay," she said playfully, pinching his cheek. "Mm, good. I wasn't kidding about the not sharing," she said with a wink. She smiled when he did again. "Better. I don't need you getting premature wrinkles," she said playfully. "We do. You don't let me down."

Nikolai laughed a little when she pinched his cheek. He reached up to pull her hand away and kissed it instead. "Well, you know how it goes. The youngest is the most spoiled. Everyone's always looking out," he joked. He thought she was really cute talking about not wanting to share him. As if she didn't already have him wrapped around her little finger. "Don't even worry about it, love," he promised playfully. "Oh, no, we wouldn't want that," he laughed. "I'm happy to hear that." He glanced out the window, noticing the area they were in and figuring they were getting close. "I think we're almost there, love."

Anastasia grinned when she kissed his hand. She wanted to kiss him. "I do. You do seem quite spoiled, too," she grinned. "Not in the rotten way, though," she added with an amused smile. She let out a content sigh. She was glad that she didn't have to share him. She wasn't big on sharing. Especially not when she liked someone as much as she liked Nik. "We don't! Your skin is so nice, I'd hate to see you all wrinkled up in a year," she teased. She looked out the window when he did. "Mm, I'm excited."

Nikolai grinned back at her. "I am. So spoiled. You're going to have to try and keep up with the amount of spoiling I need," he teased. He really didn't need to be spoiled at all. He laughed again at her teasing and shook his head. "I'm glad you think it's so nice? Yours is very nice too, love, don't worry." When the car stopped he thanked the driver and paid for the ride before getting out and offering her a hand to help her out. "Let's hope we like this suggestion," he smiled. "I have a feeling you will."

Anastasia laughed at that, raising an eyebrow at him. "Oh yeah? We'll see what I can do about that, babe," she said, lowering her voice and leaning in to kiss right by his ear. She leaned back again, keeping her hand in his the whole time. "Oh, I'm not worried. I don't frown so much," she winked playfully. She took his hand when he offered it, leaning in and thanking the driver before shutting the door. "Who gave you the suggestion?" she asked curiously. "Consider my interest piqued," she said playfully.

Nikolai hadn't really expected that from her but at the same time, he wasn't really surprised. She was always driving him crazy in the best way. "We'll see," he agreed quietly. He let out a laugh at her next words and rolled his eyes playfully. "Oh, of course. How silly of me," he teased. He held her hand as she got out of the car and kept a grip on it as they walked towards the restaurant. "Just someone at work," he said casually. "Do you like salsa dancing? Because after dinner... they do salsa here apparently," he told her with a laugh.

Anastasia smirked a bit at his reaction, leaning against his shoulder gently. She laughed quietly, smiling up at him. "Silly you," she said playfully. She still wondered who it was, but she figured it probably wasn't important. When he said salsa dancing, her eyes lit up, and she put her hands on his chest and pushed him gently. "No way! You're kidding. I love salsa dancing. Oh, you should have told me! I would have worn something else," she said, practically glowing. "Oh, I'm so excited. Let's go," she grinned.

Nikolai saw the way her eyes lit up at the mention of dancing and knew this had been a great idea. He didn't even care if he embarrassed himself more tonight than he ever had before in his life. She was happy. "I'm not kidding! It's a thing they do here. I heard about it and just knew it was something you'd love," he grinned. "That would have ruined the surprised, love," he teased. He was still grinning as he led her into the restaurant and gave him name for the reservation.

Anastasia grinned like mad. She was so excited. She couldn't even believe how excited she was. "Oh my god, I can't wait," she said with a smile. She laughed a bit and nodded. "That's true. And this was quite a surprise," she admitted with a grin. She followed him in, holding onto him closely as he lead the way. "Ooh, so fancy," she said with a smile. She was enjoying it, really.

Nikolai couldn't believe he'd been so nervous she wouldn't like this. He was beyond thrilled. "I can't wait either," he grinned. "Not since I've seen how happy you are." He gave her hand a tight squeeze as they walked in, hearing the lively music and taking in the vibe of the restaurant. He had no idea places like this existed. "I'm glad I could surprise you." He nodded a bit. "It's very fancy." Once they reached the table, he pulled her chair out for her before going around to his side. "I'm going to embarrass you when we dance and I apologize in advance."

Anastasia couldn't believe he didn't think she'd love it. "Did you think I wouldn't love the chance to dance?" she said with a light nudge. She held his hand tightly, walking with him to their table. She was so excited. She thought this place seemed quite lovely. She followed him, holding onto him. "You're good at this," she smiled at him when they stopped, thanking him as she sat down. "I don't think I'll be embarrassed at all. Just happy," she said honestly.

Nikolai shrugged a bit with a laugh. "I didn't know if you liked salsa all that much! I thought you might but then, I don't know," he trailed off with an embarrassed chuckle. Why had he been so worried? "Good at what? Surprising you or planning dates?" he asked playfully. He smiled at her as he sat before glancing around the place. His grin widened when she spoke again. He was thrilled. She was so happy and it was because of something he'd done. "Well, that's good to hear. I love seeing you so happy."

Anastasia scoffed at him playfully, nudging him gently. "It's dancing. I love it," she grinned. She liked most dancing, honestly. "Both? Being on dates with me?" she said with a grin. "The whole thing," she added. She thought he was so cute, and was so amused that he had doubted himself so much. "Have you ever seen me not happy?" she asked playfully. She was pretty sure she'd only been happy around him. He just made her happy.

Nikolai let out another laugh. "Well, now I know for sure," he smiled at her. Her answer had him chuckling to himself. "Hm..." he drew out the word playfully. "It's sounding like I really am the whole package, huh?" he teased. He really enjoyed being around her. She just was so light and fun. "No, I definitely haven't. You're always smiling. I like that about you," he told her. "I like a lot of things about you," he corrected with a grin. "Should we look at the menu?"

Anastasia laughed a bit and nodded, grinning widely at him. "It sounds exactly like that, doesn't it?" she grinned. She propped her elbows up on the table, leaning on her hands. "I'm a happy person. And being around you makes me even happier. Why wouldn't I be smiling all the time?" she asked honestly, tilting her head to the side. "I like a lot of things about you, too," she admitted. She nodded a bit, leaning back. "Probably. Did whoever recommended this place to you also tell you what's good?" she asked curiously, opening the menu.

Nikolai smirked a bit. "It sure does. Sounds like you've found quite the catch," he teased. He could tell that she was a happy person and he had to admit that had drawn him to her. She radiated happiness. "You make an excellent point love. And I can say that the feeling is mutual. Being around you always brightens my day," he promised. "You make me happy." He smiled at that. "I guess it's a good thing we're on a date then," he grinned. He shook his head a bit, flipping open his own menu. "No. They did not. I guess we'll have to guess. Could be fun."

Anastasia found her fondness dancing on her face, a small smile still playing on her lips. "Hmm, quite the catch," she agreed. She put her hand to her cheek at his words. "Aw, shucks. You're making me blush," she winked. "Mm, I'm glad. Making each other happy seems pretty important to me," she said honestly. She felt like they were rather perfect for each other, honestly. She laughed a bit. "I guess so, huh?" she teased. She looked over the menu, humming quietly. "I vote we get something crazy, and something we know will be good, and split them both," she suggested.

Nikolai watched the way she smiled at him and felt his heart stop for a second. He really was gone for this girl already. It was crazy. "Lucky you," he teased. He let out a laugh when she winked. "Good. You look cute when you blush," he grinned at her. He nodded. Happiness was probably one of the most important parts of a relationship. "I definitely agree with you. Looks like we're a good match then," he smiled. He looked over the menu while she did, chuckling at her suggestion. "Alright, we can do that but if the crazy thing is really bad you can't push the whole thing off on me," he teased. "What are you in the mood for?"

Anastasia laughed quietly, but nodded and smiled genuinely. "Lucky me indeed," she said with a smirk. "Oh do I? Mm, noted," she teased. She nodded in agreement. They were definitely a good match. She didn't know if she'd ever clicked with someone they way she did with Nik. "Maybe even more than a good match. Who knows?" she said playfully, though she was being entirely serious. "I would never!" she said with fake offense. "I don't know. Steak maybe?" she suggested. "Tacos? French fries?" she laughed. "I really don't know."

Nikolai chuckled at her teasing. "Mm, noted," he repeated with another laugh. "As if you didn't already know that," he teased. He smiled at her. More than a good match. He liked that she'd said that. "Who knows," he repeated in an equally playful tone. "I guess we'll find out eventually," he smiled. He laughed a bit. "Mhm, I know you were thinking about it," he teased. He looked at the menu a bit more and nodded slightly. "Alright. How about we get a steak for the safe dish because that's usually good anywhere and we pick an interesting kind of taco?" he suggested.

Anastasia grinned, shrugging a shoulder. "Maybe I did, maybe I didn't," she said with a slight smirk. "We'll definitely find out," she agreed, smiling up at him. She laughed and shook her head, nudging him lightly under the table. "I would never! Honest!" she laughed again. She raised an eyebrow at that idea, tilting her head a bit. "Oh, I like that idea a lot. I wonder what kind of interesting taco we can find."

Nikolai laughed when she nudged him. She was cute. She had to be the cutest thing he'd ever laid eyes on. "I'm so sure you wouldn't," he teased. "You can't fool me." He looked over the menu a bit more, studying the selection of tacos. He wasn't quite sure which seemed the most out there but he read each description. "Hm... what about the second to last one?" he suggested. "The duck confit one. I don't even know what that is," he admitted.

Anastasia honestly wasn't sure she would have pushed it off on him. She had eaten a lot of weird things, and she'd gotten good at finishing, or almost finishing them, even when she didn't like them. She looked at the menu and nodded. "Oh, that sounds good," she said with a grin. "I've never had duck confit in a taco," she added. "It should be good. You'll love it."

Nikolai figured that would work then. He shut the menu, not wanting to be too distracted by the other options but as he flipped it over, he noticed the drink specials on the back. "You've had duck confit?" he asked, surprised. "What does it taste like? I don't know why I'm surprised," he realized with a laugh. "You've been to Paris, of course you have," he laughed. "Look at the drink specials on the back, love. I say you let me pick one for you and I'll let you pick one for me."

Anastasia nodded, laughing quietly when he did. "I have. It's delicious. Savory, tender. You'll like it," she grinned. "I don't know why you are either," she teased. She nodded, flipping it over. "Oh, I like that idea. I don't know that I know what kind of drinks you like, so I might just pick something that sounds good and hope you like it," she laughed, looking up at him for a moment.

Nikolai grinned at her for a moment before letting out a chuckle. "I trust you," he grinned. "Silly me, always surprised by you when I should know better by now," he teased with a wink. He scanned over the drinks offered, trying to pick one he thought she'd really like. "Oh, well, I like most drinks," he admitted. "I'm not the pickiest. I end up trying a lot to see if I want to add them to my menu, so I don't think you can really go wrong. Luckily for me, you've ordered from me more than a few times. I have an advantage," he grinned.

Anastasia smiled when he chuckled. She really liked him. "You should. I'm very trustworthy," he grinned. "Maybe one day I'll stop surprising you. Or maybe you'll always be surprised by me," she teased. "You? A bartender? With your very own bar? You like drinks? Huh," she said playfully. "I'm sure you'll drink something I pick for you, even it's shit," she said with a laugh. She nodded a little, still reading the menu over. "I know, you have quite the advantage here. It's a bit unfair, really."

Nikolai shot her a grin. "Oh yeah. The most trustworthy," he teased. He really did trust her, though. "Darling, I don't think you will ever stop surprising me. I can't imagine the day when I'm not surprised you even want to go out with me," he said playfully. He shrugged, his face half innocent and half smug. "I'll drink it. Don't you worry," he winked. He found a drink on the menu similar to the one she'd ordered the night they'd met but then had a better idea. "Why don't you think for a moment, peruse the menu, I'll be right back. Bathroom," he said sheepishly, before kissing her head and heading off to the bathroom.

Anastasia laughed a little, nudging him under the table. "A handsome guy like you? Why wouldn't I want to go out with you?" she smirked, leaning on her hand as she looked at him. "I'm not worried," she added with a grin. She nodded a bit, smiling up at him. "I'll be here," she said. She looked over the menu, reading the descriptions of things, even if she wasn't going to get them tonight. Maybe she'd come back here with her friends sometime.

Nikolai nudged her right back. "Because you're easily the most beautiful girl not only in London but all of Europe. I'd go as far most beautiful in the world," he grinned at her. He winked at her again as he disappeared to the bathroom. He went into a stall and apparated to the bar, grabbing a juice box and apparating back. He walked into the kitchen, having a quick conversation with their waiter and requested the juice brought exactly as it was to the table. He returned to Ana with a smile. "Miss me?" he asked.

Anastasia rolled her eyes playfully at him. "I don't doubt that, but even the most beautiful girl in the world has to go out with someone," she teased. "Don't sell yourself short, love," she added. She glanced up towards the door after a moment, feeling like he was taking a bit long. When she did notice him coming back, he wasn't coming back from the bathroom, which she thought was interesting. She smiled when he sat down again. "I did. I was getting lonely. I was about to go sit over there with that couple," she teased.

Nikolai smirked slightly. "Yeah but she doesn't have to go out with me," he reminded her playfully. He hoped his little trip hadn't taken too long. "Did you order a drink while I was gone?" he asked with an eyebrow raised slightly. He glanced at the couple neared to them and let out a chuckle under his breath as they shared a kiss. "I'm sure they would have appreciated that," he teased. "But I'm sorry I took so long. There was a line."

Anastasia honestly thought he was a dream and a meal all in one. She was so glad she'd happened to meet him. And she was definitely in his league. "No! I was waiting for you!" she laughed. She shrugged, grinning still. "Who doesn't appreciate my company?" she teased. "It's okay. So long as you didn't climb out the window in the toilets to escape me," she laughed.

Nikolai laughed quietly. "Slacker. I ordered yours at the bar as I came back. It should be here any minute now," he smirked at her. "I'm sure a couple that into each other would be a bit miffed at you barging in on their snogging," he teased. He nearly laughed at her suggestion of climbing out the window but simply smiled. "I would never," he promised. He saw their server appear with glasses of water and the juice box for Ana. "So. How'd I do?"

Anastasia scoffed at him. "You said you were going to the bathroom! You cheated," she teased, nudging him under the table. She laughed a little. "Probably. Or they wouldn't even notice I was there," she admitted with another laugh. "Good. I'd never see you again," she said, half joking, half serious. She smiled fondly at him when the waiter brought a juice box. "You did wonderfully. Though I still expect some alcohol," she said with a smile.

Nikolai chuckled. "To be fair, I did. I just went to the bar on the way back," he teased her. "Your legs are far stronger than mine, don't go kicking me. You might break something," he laughed, moving away. "Oh, if it's that easy to get rid of you, I should have made my escape while I had a chance," he lied playfully. He smiled at her reaction to the juice box and asked the waiter to bring her a sangria. "There, now you get your booze, you picky little thing," he teased her.

Anastasia laughed a little. "You still cheated," she grinned. She snorted, shaking her head. "I didn't kick you that hard. Don't be silly," she teased. She gave him a look, but laughed. "Like you'd ever want to get rid of me, Mr. 'I'll-Always-Be-Surprised-You-Like-Me'," she teased. She stuck the straw in the juice box, taking a drink. She tacked on her drink order for him before the waiter left. "Thank you. Now after we order, let's go dance."

Nikolai shrugged a shoulder. "What are you going to do about it? Kick me again? I have better reflexes than that. I don't fall for the same trick twice," he teased. He smiled fondly as she went on, taking a sip of his water. "I don't know, you are a bit much," he teased with a wink. He watched her with the juice box, wondering if she was curious about it. "I would be more than happy to." He paused. "Go embarrass myself that is," he grinned.

Anastasia shrugged, a small smirk on her lips. "I'll decide later, when you aren't expecting it," she winked, taking a drink from her juice box. She laughed loudly at him. "What? You can't handle me? I thought you were better than that," she teased. "Oh, good. If you can't embarrass yourself with me, who can you embarrass yourself with?" she teased. She smiled when the waiter came back with their drinks. After she ordered their meals, she smiled, taking a drink of her water and standing up. "C'mon, then!"

Nikolai rolled his eyes playfully. "I'll still dodge you. Or I'll just step on your toes when we're dancing," he teased. He took a sip of water, smiling to himself. "Maybe you have too much faith in me, darling," he laughed. He knew he'd make a fool of himself on the dance floor but he wasn't too bothered. He just wanted her to have fun. "Absolutely no one," he teased. He took one sip of his new drink before she was standing. "Okay, okay. Let's go," he grinned. He took her hand, leading her down to the dance floor. "Take the lead, love."

Anastasia grinned at him sweetly. "Who said I would kick you?" she teased. "You're gonna step on my toes anyway," she laughed, taking a drink. She pursed her lips. He better just be fucking with her because if she was legitimately putting energy and feelings into him for him to decide she was too much, she'd be pretty disappointed. Maybe not the most surprised, but really disappointed. "I guess we'll see, huh?" she said, raising an eyebrow slightly. She took his hand, walking with him to the dance floor. "Just mirror my moves. We'll go slow," she promised, leading him.

Nikolai shrugged a bit. "Just letting you know I'll dodge if you get any ideas," he winked. "That's a fair assessment," he admitted with a laugh. He'd be stepping on her toes quite a fair bit tonight. He hoped she didn't mind. "Sounds like a challenge. I feel like you're going to try and get rid of me now," he teased. He grew a bit more anxious as they walked to where others were dancing. "I'll do my best. And I'm apologizing in advance for any injuries that may occur during this dance," he added with a laugh as he started to follow her.

Anastasia laughed for a moment before giving him a more serious smile. "Actually, really quite the opposite," she said honestly. If she wanted to get rid of him, she would have. She smiled softly at his apology, shaking her head. "Learning is a work in progress," she said honestly, taking his hands and starting to dance with him. "Anyone can salsa. Just move your hips and it'll start to come naturally."

Nikolai liked the smile she'd aimed at him. "Oh, well, I like the sound of that a lot better," he told her with the same honest tone. He still knew he wouldn't be very good at this dancing and he would be injuring her but he liked that she didn't seem to mind. "Sounds like something Dom would say," he laughed. "But I'll do my best." He tried to follow her steps, looking down at her feet mostly. It started to feel easier to follow the steps after a moment.

Anastasia laughed when he said that was something his brother would say. "Would you rather I be mad at you for accidentally hurting me?" she said playfully. She smiled to herself as he watched her feet, squeezing his hand a little. "It'd be a lot sexier if you were watching me and not my feet," she teased. "But if you need to keep your eyes on them, I guess I can give you a pass."

Nikolai let out a laugh when she did. "No. I much rather you never be mad at me," he admitted with a grin. He laughed once more, his eyes flicking up to meet hers again. "Sorry. I didn't mean to. I just didn't want to step on you," he said again. "I'll look at you instead, I promise." He followed the steps, not looking down this time. "You look like you're really enjoying yourself," he said with a smile.

Anastasia grinned at him, biting the inside of her lip softly. "I can't think of a good reason to be mad at you," she said honestly. She smiled brightly when he looked at her, pulling him a little closer. "It's okay if you do. My feet are practically numb, anyway," she said playfully. She sped them up just a little bit, smiling fondly. "I am. I love dancing. Dancing with you is even better."

Nikolai wondered briefly if she'd be mad when she found out about the magic. He hoped not. He had a feeling she wouldn't be but he couldn't be sure. "I hope you never can," he admitted, smiling. "I'd still feel really bad if I stepped on you," he laughed. When she started moving faster, he matched the movements. "Is it? I would think you'd enjoy it a bit more with a more suitable partner."

Anastasia was sure he would feel bad, but it wouldn't be the biggest deal, honestly. "Dropping me would be far worse," she promised with a small laugh. "If you wanted to hold my hand and spin me out, though, I'd like that," she grinned. She shrugged a little. "I dance with people on my level all the time. It's nice, but you're nicer," she said honestly.

Nikolai laughed a bit. "I can imagine it might hurt a fair bit more to be dropped. I promise to not to do that," he grinned. He nodded a bit. He moved his other hand from her and spun her out before bringing her back in. "How was that?" he asked with a grin. She really was something else to enjoy dancing with him so much. "I appreciate that. It's high praise coming from you," he said honestly.

Anastasia smiled at hem and nodded. "Then we're good," she smiled. She spun out and back into him, dancing again. "Very good! You're better at this than you think you are," she complimented. She shrugged a shoulder as they danced, smiling still. "I mean it," she said. She noticed the waiter bring their food over and stopped dancing, taking his hand. "Let's go eat."

Nikolai still could hardly believe she liked him. She was so incredible and beautiful. He felt immensely lucky. "I don't think I can take all the credit. I think it's because I have such an amazing teacher," he grinned at her. "I know you did," he smiled at her. He stopped moving when she did, letting him take her hand. "Sounds good to me." He walked back to the table with her and let go of her hand to pull her chair out for her.

Anastasia rolled her eyes exaggeratedly, laughing a little. "You're a bit of a kiss up, I think," she teased. "I don't think I've even taught you anything!" she laughed. She liked walking with him, and dancing with him, and holding his hand. She really, really liked him. It was different than the way she'd liked other boys before. She didn't know what the difference was, but there was a difference. "Thank you," she smiled, taking a seat.

Nikolai made a fake insulted face. "I am not! Never in my life have I been accused of something so horrible," he laughed. "A kiss up. Take that back." He thought she'd taught him plenty. "How would I have know the steps if you hadn't taught me them!" he laughed. "Are you trying to be difficult?" he teased. She really was so much fun. He went back around to his side of the table and sat. "Well, this looks interesting. I already forgot what the tacos are."

Anastasia laughed at how fake enraged he got. "Oh? That's the worst thing anyone's ever accused you of? Now I think you're a liar, too," she teased. She grinned. "Okay, I take it back," she teased. "You're just moving with me! Maybe you have more dance in you than you knew," she said with a smile. She laughed a little when he said she was being difficult. "No. It's just happens," she teased back. "It smells great, doesn't it?"

Nikolai rolled his eyes playfully. "It's a pretty terrible thing to accuse someone of, especially me. I'm the least kiss up person," he laughed. Especially of his friends, he thought. Besides, he was a Gryffindor. He didn't need to kiss up. "You better or I wouldn't be kissing you for a while," he teased. "Maybe so. I think you bring it out of me," he grinned. He nodded at the question. "It really does. Okay, what should we try first?" he asked with a smile.

Anastasia grinned at the way he got all worked up, shrugging a shoulder. "Hmm, then you just really like me, huh?" she teased. It was her turn to roll her eyes playfully, smiling while she did. "Maybe I do," she said lightly. "I think you just have a secret knack for it," she winked. Maybe he was better than he knew. "The tacos, obviously. We each can try at the same time," she grinned, picking one up and waiting for him to do the same.

Nikolai pretended to really be thinking about it. "I guess I must like you at least a little," he teased. He really didn't think he had much dancing talent at all but he wouldn't argue about it. After all, she was the expert. Maybe she saw something he didn't. "If you say so," he grinned. He nodded a bit and reached for one of the tacos. "Okay. On three. One... two... three!" He took a bite, chewing it thoughtfully.

Anastasia liked the playfulness between them. It was nice. It felt nice. She waited as he counted, taking a bite when he did. She hummed pleasantly as she chewed. "Mm, I liked that a lot. A lot a lot," she decided, taking a sip of her drink. "I like this a lot, too, by the way. Good pick," she said, taking another drink. She picked up her knife and fork, cutting a piece of meat, but not eating it yet. "You get a bite, too."

Nikolai let the flavors sit on his tongue for a moment. He was impressed. "It's really, really good," he decided. "It has a really interesting flavor profile. I wonder what they season it with," he mused. He took a small sip of his drink when she did. "Oh, I'm glad that you do," he smiled. "I'm liking everything as well." He moved to cut off a piece of meat after she did and then nodded to her before taking the bite. "This is amazing too."

Anastasia nodded along. "I don't know. It's certainly interesting. It blends together really perfectly," she decided. "Do you like your drink? I went out on a limb," she admitted with a small laugh. She took her bite when he did, tapping her foot a little as she chewed. "Mm, it is. It's really good. Steak is such a staple, it's always a good thing when a place can make it memorable."

Nikolai had to agree. He wondered if he could get the recipe at some point but he felt weird asking the staff. For now, he'd just enjoy it and his date with the beauty across the table from him. "I can't pinpoint what spice they're using but it's amazing. It's like nothing I've had before." As they tried the dishes, he mostly watched her for reactions. She was so stunning and kind and warm and he wanted her to enjoy every moment of this. "You're right. It's such a staple. And it can make or break a restaurant."

Anastasia nodded in agreement, taking another small bite. "We'll have to come here again," she grinned. She took a drink from her glass, setting it down and leaning on her hand a bit as she watched him. "I agree! And it's good, right? Good call on this place," she said, leaning in to take another bite again. She loved this place. She definitely wanted to come here again, especially with him.

Nikolai had another bite of the steak, savoring the flavor before having a sip of the drink she'd ordered for him. He liked that she already knew him well enough to have ordered him something he enjoyed so much. "Absolutely. It's a rather remarkable place, isn't it? It suits you," he smiled. He picked up his taco again, smiling at her when he noticed the way she was watching him. "I'll have to thank the customer for recommending it to me. I'm a bit upset it wasn't my own idea but I never even knew it existed," he admitted, laughing before taking a bite of the taco. "As soon as he mentioned it, though, I knew you'd love it. I couldn't wait to see you light up when I told you about the dancing. You have such a beautiful smile."

Anastasia smiled when he said the place suited her. She felt it did, too. Some places just felt like they were made for you to exist in them, and this was one of those places. "I'm glad you think so," she grinned. She laughed when he said he was upset he didn't think of it on his own. "How were you to come up with a plan for a place you didn't know existed!" she laughed. "I didn't know it existed, either," she said with a grin. She flipped her hair behind her, smiling at him. "Oh, what, this old thing?" she said playfully, flashing her smile at him. She smiled more genuinely, feeling warm and fuzzy. "Thank you. I'm glad you brought me here."

Nikolai couldn't imagine a place better fit for her. Everything about the restaurant had character. From the lively music and the bustling dance floor down to the eclectic menu. Everything had a bit of a spice to it and so did Anastasia. She was magical in her own way. "I'll definitely bring you back here," he smiled. He shrugged a bit with a light chuckle. "I just wish I'd known and had the idea myself. I want to impress you," he told her with a grin. He let out a quiet but delighted laugh when she flipped her hair and shot him a grin. "You're beautiful. I don't think I could possibly tell you that enough," he said sincerely. "I'm glad you came with me."

Anastasia hoped this could become a semi-regular place for them. It was always nice to have a go to place. This place was as good as any, as far as she was concerned. "Oh, good," she grinned. She smiled, nudging his foot gently under the table. "You impress me all the time. Don't be silly," she said with a grin. She smiled wider when he laughed, leaning on the table a bit. "Thank you. I'm glad you think I'm beautiful," she said, equally sincere. "I think I would go anywhere with you," she admitted.

Nikolai would have to start looking for more places like this. He wanted to take her to places that included dancing as it meant so much to her. He figured they could always go to a club or something of the sort but dinner and dancing felt much more romantic. He wanted this to be serious between them. He wanted to be able to tell her the truth about himself. "Well, I'm doing my best to. I'm hoping I'll impress you enough that you'll want to be exclusive," he admitted with a smile. "How could I not? You're the most stunning person I've ever met. Inside and out," he promised. Her words had him smiling fondly. "Anywhere?"

Anastasia leaned forward a bit, giving him a coquettish smile. "Did you think I was seeing other men, Nikolai?" she asked, raising an eyebrow at him, her chin propped on her hand. "I'm already exclusive," she said lightly, leaning back and taking a sip of her drink. She smiled a bit, licking her lips. "Yeah? You're something else, Nik," she said with a small laugh. She nodded, taking another drink. "Anywhere. Don't take advantage of that."

Nikolai shook his head, though he was smiling at her as he did so. "No, I didn't. I just wanted you to know I'm not seeing other women and I was hoping we'd just make it official that we only saw each other," he admitted, a bit sheepish. "I don't want to see anyone but you." He smiled at her, just watching her for a moment. His eyes were drawn to her lips when she licked them and he reached out for his drink to distract himself a bit more. "Am I? What do you mean?" he wondered. "I'd never take advantage of you," he promised with a smile.

Anastasia smiled at the way he smiled. If the table wasn't between them, she'd kiss him. She just kind of wanted his hands all over her suddenly. "Then I think we're officially not seeing anyone other than each other," she said with a smile. "I don't want to see anyone but you, either." She was quite the serial monogamist, actually. "I mean you're incredible," she said honestly. "I'll hold you to that," she said, raising an eyebrow at him but smiling still.

Nikolai nodded with a grin. "Then I think..." he drew the word out playfully. "That makes you my girlfriend," he winked. "Guess you'll have to meet the rest of my friends now. It's just Dot and Wren. I'll see if I can pry them away from each other long enough to hang out with us. Maybe we could have a little party so you can get to know everyone better. I know Simone really likes you," he smiled. He was a bit surprised for a moment before a wide grin lit up his face. "Thank you. What a compliment," he admitted. "Please do. And also, tell me if I ever go too far or make you uncomfortable," he added.

Anastasia smirked a little. She had nearly asked him if he was asking her to be his girlfriend, but she wasn't sure if that was what he meant, and she didn't want him to feel like he had to say he was asking her to be his girlfriend. But coming up with it on his own? That she loved. "Guess it does huh? I like the sound of that," she grinned. She laughed a little. "If they want to be with each other that bad, I can wait," she teased. "I'd love to get to know your friends better," she smiled. She smiled when he did. "Of course, babe," she smiled. She shook her head, smiling sweetly at him. "I didn't mean take advantage of me like that," she said honestly. "But I will."

Nikolai smiled at her warmly when she said she liked the term. He did too. He couldn't wait to tell Rosie and Dom, honestly. He felt a bit giddy like a teenager. "I like the sound of it, too. I like the idea of being your boyfriend," he grinned as he took a sip of his drink. He felt like they were a step closer every date to her finding out the truth. "They just hang out with each other the most lately. Don't worry, I can get everyone together. We can all meet up after the bar closes one night," he suggested. He smiled back at her, nudging her leg under the table with his own. "I know but I wanted it to be said. Please, tell me."

Anastasia felt on fire. He really set something off inside of her and she loved it. "I like it, too. We're real and official now. I like that a lot," she smiled. She laughed a little and nodded. "I know you can. I don't doubt you," she promised. "I can't wait," she grinned. She let her leg rest against his, just liking the touching. "Don't worry, Nik. You don't make me uncomfortable," she promised with a genuine, soft smile.

Nikolai liked it a lot as well. He couldn't believe it, almost. "I guess this means I'll have to meet your brother sometime soon, huh?" he asked with a smile. "Since we're real and official." He was a bit worried about it, he'd admit but also rather excited. It made everything feel more real. "It'll be a good time. I think you'll fit in well which is good because one or more of them are at the bar more often than not," he laughed. "Okay," he nodded with a smile. "That's good to know. I'm really enjoying tonight, by the way."

Anastasia smiled widely and nodded. "You most certainly will. We'll set it up," she promised. She couldn't wait for him to meet her brother. She was really excited about it. She also couldn't wait for her brother to meet him. She'd talked about him a bit, but it wouldn't be the same as her brother actually getting to meet him. "That's a good thing for sure. I'm sure I'll get along with them. Who can't I charm?" she teased. "I'm really enjoying tonight, too," she promised.

Nikolai couldn't wait. Plus, she'd met both of his siblings and half of his closest friends. It was about time he was thrust into the position of being the one doing the meeting. He knew he wouldn't handle it as smoothly as she had but he didn't mind. "Sounds good. You'll have to give me some talking points that will impress him," he joked. He let out a laugh. "You've charmed me for sure and I know you've charmed all of my friends that you've met. I can just tell," he smiled. "I'm glad. Maybe I can find another place like this."

Anastasia laughed a little, smiling at him. "I can manage that. Don't worry. He's a pretty easy going guy, honestly," she promised. He could be a bit protective and all, but he wasn't that bad. "I'm sure it'll all go swimmingly then," she grinned at him. She took a drink, raising her eyebrow at him a little bit. "Oh yeah? I wouldn't say no to that," she grinned.

Nikolai had figured as much but he was still slightly nervous. He'd slipped up enough around her and she'd ignored it. He wasn't sure if her brother would or not. "That sounds good to me. I believe you," he promised. "Absolutely. I don't think it could go any other way," he agreed. He nodded and took another bite of his taco. "I'll ask around. Someone will have some kind of suggestion," he smiled. "Besides, I can see how much you like this place."

Anastasia couldn't believe how much she liked him. All because she happened into his bar one night. Wow. What were the chances? She could have gone to any other bar, or he could have been not working. She could have missed him so easily. "I'm glad you were working that night I came in," she said with a soft smile, taking a sip from her drink. "I'd be happy to go to any restaurant with dancing that you take me to," she smiled at him.

Nikolai smiled fondly at her. He was glad too. He didn't want to think about how different things would be if he hadn't met her. "Maybe you'd be here with Dom if I hadn't been," he joked. "In all seriousness, I'm glad you came in. Seems like so long ago but I know it wasn't," he admitted with a smile. It was strange to think of life before Ana, he thought. "I hope there are quite a few. Otherwise I suppose I'll have to open one next," he joked.

Anastasia laughed a bit, shaking her head. "I like your brother, but not that much," she teased. It did feel like a while ago, but she knew it hadn't been that long. Maybe a month. Maybe they had gone a bit fast, but she didn't really feel like it was a bad thing. "It does feel like a while back," she admitted. "Are you being serious, because if you opened one, I would definitely help you," she said with a laugh.

Nikolai let out a laugh when she did. "I'll have to let him know that now so I can rub it in his face," he teased back. It seemed insane that one moment in time, something that had happened by chance alone, had made such a significant impact on him. "I knew that day that you were special," he told her with a smile. He shrugged a bit. "I mean, I could? In the future a bit. I'm still working on some... projects for the bar. However," he grinned. "In the meantime maybe we could do a themed night? You can pick the dance style."

Anastasia thought he was silly. She grinned, shaking her head playfully. She took a bite, taking a sip of her water after she swallowed. "Was it the coat or the juice box request?" she teased, smiling at him. "My bets are on the juice box," she added. She nodded a bit, shrugging a shoulder. That made sense. "I would like a themed night. I can help you pick the music and everything," she grinned at him.

Nikolai pretended to think it over. "Well..." he drew the word out playfully. "I was going to say it was your confidence and your overall demeanor. The juice box request might have lost you points, actually," he teased with a wink. He nodded a bit, thinking this could be a lot of fun. He'd have to get everyone on board but he didn't think that'd be too hard. "Sounds great. Any ideas on the theme you'd want yet?" he asked curiously.

Anastasia laughed when he said the juice box lost her points. "That made me approachable, then," she teased, winking back at him. She shrugged a little. She could think of a ton of themes. "Are we talking only for dance? I want a ballroom dancing night. Everyone can get dressed up and you can get Dom to dress up and serve drinks all fancy. It'll be fun."

Nikolai gave her a playful grin. "You're right. You needed something to make you approachable. You're clearly way too cool for me." He thought for a moment before shrugging a shoulder. "We're talking whatever you're thinking." Ballroom dancing seemed like such an odd choice but he was into it. "I'm sure Dom would be thrilled to not have to dance," he laughed. "Ballroom it is."

Anastasia shrugged casually, smiling at him still. "Clearly. If I hadn't asked for the juice, maybe you would have sent Dom over," she teased. She let out a little hum as she thought. "Well, then this could get fun," she said with a playful smile. She laughed a little. "I'm sure he would. You, on the other hand, won't be so lucky," she teased.

Nikolai grinned. "Oh, because Dom could have handled you so much better," he laughed. "That would have been something." He just wanted her to be happy really. If that meant planning more than one themed night at the bar then he had no problem with it. "Anything you want," he promised with a smile. "This is unfair. If I have to dance, all the other employees do too at some point," he insisted playfully. "It'll be mandatory that the staff dance at least twice. That'll have to do," he grinned.

Anastasia laughed and shook her head. "He definitely wouldn't have. But would he have cared the way you would have?" she said with a small smile. She thought it was interesting that he would let her do anything she wanted. She hadn't really intended that, but she wasn't complaining. "You're only dancing because you're dancing with me," she said, leaning a bit closer to him. "If you aren't dancing with me, then who is?" she said, giving him a small smirk. "If you want to make them dance, I won't stop you."

Nikolai doubted it. He didn't think Dom would have even noticed. "He would have been fine, probably," he chuckled. "But he's a bit oblivious, I guess." He wouldn't mind dancing in front of everyone with her, even if he knew he'd be embarrassing himself. She'd get to show off a bit and he'd be doing his best to keep up. And it would make her smile. "Clearly Dom would be," he teased. He leaned across the table, closing the distance with a kiss. "I'm making them dance. We're all embarrassing ourselves. One goes down, the rest have to follow," he teased.

Anastasia made a face, having already known that. "And I probably wouldn't have been as impressed," she teased. "You're far more interesting than your brother. No offense," she added. She laughed a little. "I don't think so," she teased. She grinned when he kissed her, kissing him back. "Make them dance then. I'll have fun watching all of you," she teased with a small laugh. She took a bite, taking a drink after. "What are we doing after this?" she asked curiously.

Nikolai tried to imagine the scenario unfolding. "Yeah, I don't know if the same impact would have been left. You might not have returned," he teased. "Oh, I can't wait to tell him you said that," he joked, picking up his drink. "Probably not, you're right. He'd be too afraid." He smiled as she returned the kiss. Everything felt so natural with her. He loved that. "You might have to give everyone a lesson," he admitted. "I don't think anyone knows the first thing about ballroom dancing. If anyone would, it'd be Dom. He knows so much about mu--everything," he corrected. "Dessert, I suppose. We can get something here or go somewhere else?" he suggested. "I have some of my mum's cupcakes from her bakery and other sweets back at my flat," he added.

Anastasia nodded a little in agreement with him. "I don't know that I would have," she admitted. "You're a lot of the charm of that place, I have to admit," she said, winking at him. She laughed. She liked that they had such a great relationship. "I'm sure he would. I'm quite the dancer," she teased. She laughed a little. "That's the fun in those kind of nights. No one knows what they're doing," she said with a chuckle. "Does he really? That's interesting. He's one of those quiet, keeps all his information to himself, types, huh?" he teased. She hummed quietly. "Let's save dessert here for next time we come and eat your mum's cupcakes tonight," she said with a smile. She really just wanted to see his flat.

Nikolai didn't really think that was true. He wasn't part of the charm. Maybe just to her, he decided. "Well, I'm happy to have charmed you, that's for certain." He grinned at her as he finished off his drink. She really was. Her dancing overwhelmed him; Dom would not be able to keep up. "At least we'll all be awful together and you can be the star of the night which I suspect is what you wanted," he teased. He nodded a bit. "He likes to study people. Watch them, rather. Watch sounds less creepy," he admitted. "Alright, cupcakes at my flat it is." When the waiter returned he asked politely for the check and then paid it when it was returned to him. "Did you want to dance again before we go?" he asked. He wouldn't mind.

Anastasia grinned fondly at him, crossing her legs under the table. "I'm happy you charmed me, too," she promised. She laughed and shook her head. "That's not what I wanted! I'm always the star, first of all, and second of all, dancing is fun!" she grinned, finishing off her drink, and then drinking some of her water. She laughed a little. "I don't know that watch sounds less creepy," she admitted. "But people watching is a fun thing to do," she added. "You know, I make incredible cupcakes. Sometime I'll have to make them for you," she noted. "They're probably not as good as your mum's, but," she trailed off. She took a drink of her water, but shook her head after a moment of thought. "Mm, no. We can always dance at your flat if I really need to dance again," she said playfully, standing up.

Nikolai thought it was possible that she'd shine so bright no one would even notice his rubbish dancing next to her. He hoped for that, especially since this would be at his bar. "You are and it is," he agreed with a smile. He didn't know how to explain that Dom just liked to observe muggles because no matter how he tried to word it, it sounded pretty odd. He'd just have to brush past it. "We're talking too much about Dom," he decided playfully. "I bet you do. Cupcakes are one of my favorites. Mum sent me home with a few of my favorites when I visited her earlier," he explained. "Ah, I bet you're both equal at cupcake making," he offered with a smile. He followed suit, taking a sip of his water as well before standing up. "Alright then, let's go to my flat," he said as he took her hand to lead her out.

Anastasia was pleased that he agreed with her. He always did, but she was always happy that he did anyway. She laughed when he said they were talking about Dom too much. "Okay, enough of him," she teased. "They are? That's rather perfect then, hm? Aw, that was nice of her. I bet she keeps them on hand when she knows you're coming around," she grinned. "Sweet of you, but I haven't been baking as long as your mum," she said with a grin. She took his hand, following him out. "Do you want to walk or get a cab?"

Nikolai liked a lot of desserts but he always had a taste for cupcakes. "They're a bit juvenile, probably," he admitted with a chuckle. "But I do enjoy them a fair bit. I don't have a single bad memory of a cupcake." He chuckled a bit, wondering if she was right. "I think she just has two of everything on hand when I come by," he admitted. He was sure she had a point but he was sticking to his answer. "So maybe they'll be a bit different but a cupcake is a cupcake," he smiled. His hand tightened on hers as they left the restaurant. "We can get a cab," he suggested. "It's a bit of a walk."

Anastasia laughed and gave him a look, raising an eyebrow. "Juvenile? I don't think so. Cupcakes are a great treat for everyone," she teased. Maybe she wasn't a good judge, seeing as she still loved juice boxes and fun little snacks. She was a bit juvenile herself. "Who does?" she said with a laugh. "That's cute," she grinned. She laughed a little, smiling at him. "I didn't think you wouldn't like them. Like you said, a cupcake is a cupcake," she winked. She smiled as he held her hand tight, walking close to him. "Okay, sounds good. How far is this place?"

Nikolai shrugged slightly. "I've always thought danishes and scones were more adult treats. Or macarons, those just seem sophisticated," he chuckled. "Cupcakes, though, you can break the bottom off and make a sandwich of. How fun is that?" he teased. He was certain someone out there had a bad memory associated with a cupcake. "Maybe it made them sick. Maybe they brought their partner a cupcake and said partner broke up with them, I don't know," he laughed. He thought she was adorable. "I will happily try your cupcakes, Ana." He signaled for a cab when they were outside and held her door for her. "Not too far but it's back by the bar and we took a cab here from there."

Anastasia thought about his description of sweets, before humming quietly. "Danishes and scones, definitely. But macarons, sophisticated as they, are so yummy and pretty. I mean, have you seen them? Such bright colors. Tell me those weren't made to be enjoyed," she said playfully. "Yeah, that is pretty fun. I prefer just taking a big bite and getting frosting everywhere, though," she said with a laugh. She laughed a little, giving him a look. "Why make cupcakes so dark?" she teased. "I'll happily make you cupcakes, Nik." She got in after him, nodding a bit. "Mm, fair enough."

Nikolai laughed at the playfulness in her voice. "Aren't all foods made to be enjoyed?" he teased. "You have a point, though. They're begging to be eaten with all of those bright colors." He could so easily picture her eating a cupcake like that. "I can't wait to see you get frosting everywhere," he teased lightly. It'd be so cute. "I'm just saying! It's possible to tie a bad memory to a cupcake!" he insisted with a laugh. "I'm looking forward to trying them." Once they were situated in the cab he took her hand again as he leaned forward to give his address.

Anastasia made a face at him and shook her head. "Absolutely not. Have you ever had asparagus? That was not made to be enjoyed," she said with a laugh. "They are! They're cute. Who doesn't love cute food." She grinned when he said he was excited to see her eat cupcakes. "You're just looking forward to seeing me not look perfect. Well, joke's on you, I even look perfect with cupcake all over my face," she teased. She waved her hand. "Yeah, yeah, you've made your point," she teased, smiling at him. She leaned against him in the back of the car, smiling happily to herself. He was her boyfriend. She was so happy.

Nikolai couldn't help but laugh harder. "I have had asparagus. It's not the worst food on the planet," he teased her. It definitely wasn't the best either. "Awful, grumpy people probably don't," he grinned. He had to admit, seeing her a bit disheveled with cupcake on her face was appealing but only because he thought she'd look cute. "You'll look adorable," he promised with a grin. He chuckled quietly, letting it drop. He rubbed her hand softly, glancing out the window. He was a bit nervous about her seeing his flat. He hoped he'd hidden everything and his spell had held up. If it hadn't... this might not go well.

Anastasia made another face, turning to look at him. "But can you honestly say it was made to be enjoyed?" she asked, raising an eyebrow at him. She smiled and shrugged. "Maybe not, but they are also really good," she said with a small laugh. She smiled and nodded, glancing over at him. "I'm always adorable, silly," she teased. She smiled as he rubbed her hand. They were a couple. They were a real couple. She was so happy. She really liked him.

Nikolai shrugged, trying not to chuckle at the look on her face. "If it's prepared properly, it is made to be enjoyed. I could change your mind on asparagus in one try." His grin was playful when he aimed it at her. She had to be the cutest person he'd ever seen; it wasn't hard to believe a cupcake wouldn't make her look even more precious. "You are always adorable," he relented teasingly. He glanced out the window briefly. "What's your favorite kind of cupcake?" he asked after a moment.

Anastasia groaned and laughed, nudging him. "Asparagus doesn't compare to cupcakes or macarons, Nik!" she exclaimed, laughing still. If he was offering to cook for her, though, she wouldn't say no. She smiled at him when he smiled at her. "I'm glad you think so," she grinned. She looked over at him when he turned back to her. "I had a tiramisu cupcake once. That was really good. I like a good old chocolate one, though. What about you?"

Nikolai laughed with her. "I never said it compared! Just that it can be enjoyed!" he insisted playfully. He knew how to cook it properly in a way that she would enjoy. He could make most things taste good, he thought. "How could I not?" he asked with a laugh. He squeeze her hand when she looked at him, a smile dancing on his lips. "Tiramisu? That sounds incredible. I think I have a few chocolate ones for you," he grinned. "My mum makes a really incredible vanilla bean cupcake. That one or a lemon one might be my favorite."

Anastasia rolled her eyes. "Why do you insist on proving me wrong?" she asked playfully, shaking her head. She was pretty sure anyone with eyes would agree she was adorable, but it meant a lot that Nik thought so. "It was. It had a chocolate covered espresso bean on top. Ooh, I loved it," she admitted. "Oh, I'd like that," she smiled. She nodded a bit. "Vanilla or lemon. Interesting choices. Very light, fluffy flavors. I do love a good lemon flavored dessert, though," she agreed.

Nikolai leaned over to kiss her on the cheek. "I'm not insisting on proving you wrong. I just think asparagus is unfairly judged," he teased. He thought that cupcake sounded quite magical, honestly, even if coffee wasn't his favorite. He'd have to ask his mum if she knew how to make them for Ana. "Sounds delicious," he smiled. "I like the lighter flavors the best," he admitted. "I won't turn any cupcake down, though. Those two just remind me a lot of being a kid and my mum making cupcakes for my birthday when my siblings were both off at school."

Anastasia smiled at the kiss, but rolled her eyes again. "You're lame," she teased. "Defending asparagus," she added, laughing quietly. He was so cute. "It was," she said with a grin. "Lemon is a particularly good flavor. Vanilla is good, too," she agreed. She grinned a little. "You're a mama's boy, aren't you?" she teased lightly. "How long were you home with your mum before you went off to school, too?"

Nikolai let out a laugh and pulled away from her. "You just like to pick on me," he teased. He didn't mind. He liked her a lot. "It is a great a flavor. I don't think there are many flavors that I don't like," he shrugged. He just loved food. "I suppose I am, but that's mostly because I'm the youngest. I had her to myself the longest," he shrugged. "Oh, until I was eleven. I'm two years behind Rosie so I had that."

Anastasia leaned closer to him when he moved away, leaning up and kissing his jaw. "Only cause I like you so much," she teased lightly. She could believe that. He liked asparagus for fuck's sake. If he wouldn't draw the line there, she doubted he had many foods in general he didn't like. "I like that. A man who loves and respects his mum is always a good man," she said with a smile. She made a face, turning to look at him a little. "Until you were eleven? What did you do before then?"

Nikolai smiled at the kiss on his jaw. "If you say so, Ana," he teased. He was quite close with his mother. They had similar businesses in the fact that they both served food and since his bar was so close to her bakery, he stopped by quite often. Why wouldn't he? "She's an incredible woman," he said with a smile. "You'll really like her." He frowned slightly, wracking his brain for what was so odd. "Oh. Um. The school only starts at that age. I did my other schooling at home." Was that a thing?

Anastasia smiled when he complimented his mum again. He was so sweet and good. He had such a good heart. She could just tell. "I don't see how I couldn't adore her," she said honestly. She frowned a little, raising her eyebrows slightly. "Huh, interesting. So you did all your primary schooling at home? Did they send you away to a private school after that or something?" she asked curiously. "I went to a private school, but my education was weird, because I was always training for dance. And somewhere along the lines I realized how rich my parents were, and that I didn't really ever have to make a dime. I think that changed a lot for me."

Nikolai felt like he was fumbling. He had no idea how to recover from this if she didn't buy it. "Yeah. I did it all at home," he nodded. "Then the private school. That's where Dot and Dom met. Wren went to the school too but he was older," he explained. That worked, right? He hoped so. "You love dancing, though, so I can't imagine you didn't like that," he said with a smile. He still wasn't too sure how much money her family had but he didn't really understand it either. "And now you're here on a date with me."

Anastasia nodded a little as he talked. That made sense. "Oh wow, that's really cool. How cool that you guys are all so close. I only talk to two of my friends from school, really," she admitted. She nodded and smiled. "I did like it. It was great. I had to work harder, and I missed some things that felt like a big deal at the time, but I'm so glad I got the training I did," she said honestly. She laughed a little and nodded. "I know. Looks like things worked out alright," she said playfully.

Nikolai relaxed when she believed him. He really had to be more careful with his words or he had to suck it up and confess his secret to her. He just didn't know if they were ready for that yet. "It's pretty easy to stay in contact when we all hang out at the bar," he shrugged. "I think if we didn't have that I wouldn't see them much." He smiled as she spoke. "I'm glad that you did as well. You're an incredible dancer," he smiled. "Looks like it," he grinned. When the cab stopped in front of his house, he leaned forward to pay before getting out and offering a hand.

Anastasia figured that made sense. It was interesting that they all ended up going to the same bar, though. He wasn't that old, it's not like he'd owned the place for that long. "I'm sure you wouldn't. You'd be all busy working," she teased. "Now you get to see your friends at work. What a dream," she added playfully. "Thank you. I've been very lucky," she admitted. She waited as he got out, getting out too and taking his hand. "So this is your place, huh?" she said with a smile, looking up at the building.

Nikolai nodded a bit. He felt lucky that things had worked out the way that they had. He considered the group of friends to be a second family. "We would. I'd probably hardly see Rosie or Dom and I'd never see the rest of them. I'm really lucky," he admitted with a smile. He looked up at his building, trying to remember if he had hidden everything that he'd meant to. He hoped so. "Oh yeah, this is it," he grinned. He was a little nervous but he hid it well. He started towards the building, holding the door open for her.

Anastasia nodded a little, raising her eyebrows. "That would suck. You're so close to them," she said with a soft smile. She followed him into the building. "It's cute," she said before they went in. "Oh, thank you," she smiled, stepping into the door with him. "How long have you lived here?" she asked curiously, waiting for him to show her where to go next.

Nikolai grinned at her. "Yeah, I am pretty close to them," he agreed. "I got really lucky," he repeated. He found himself worrying a little more about the state of his flat the closer they were. "Oh, thanks," he chuckled. He thought for a moment as he led the way up the stairs. "Probably a few years now. I moved in with my mum for a bit after school, lived there until the bar became profitable," he explained. When they reached his door he hesitated for a split second before unlocking it. "This is it."

Anastasia smiled. She thought it was more than lucky. Sure, some people were lucky, like her. But he had worked really hard for things to be the way they were for him. She admired that. She nodded a little. "That's not bad. Was it weird living with your mum while being an adult? I've always hated when my mum comes around for a few days. She starts telling me how to do my dishes! Ridiculous," she said playfully. She followed him in, smiling a little. "I like it. It's cute, like you," she said with a wink. It was quirky like him, too.

Nikolai laughed a little when she said she didn't like her mum coming around for a few days but he shook his head slightly. "No, it wasn't weird at all. I'd spent the majority of the seven years prior to it at school. I only really saw her for Christmas and the summer holiday," he explained. "It was nice to see so much of her. And luckily now I know the proper way to do dishes," he winked. He glanced around as subtly as possible, instantly zeroing in on a few things he needed to hide. "I'm glad you like it. Do you want to sit? I can get you a drink if you'd like?"

Anastasia nodded a little. She would have felt like it was overbearing having someone over her shoulder when she'd spent most of the past seven years by herself, but she thought it was nice that he didn't feel that way. She raised her eyebrows and gasped at him. "Rude! I know the proper way to do dishes!" she laughed. "It's nice you guys had a good time, though," she said honestly. She nodded a little, glancing around his apartment subtly. "Hm, yeah. Just water," she said as she sat down.

Nikolai let out a loud laugh. "Sure you do," he teased. He couldn't imagine having not moved home for a bit. He'd had no income, anyway. Unless he'd moved in with Dom, he had to go back to his mum's. "Yeah, it was nice. I worked at her bakery during that time as well. I need to take you there someday," he mused, mostly talking to himself. He nodded a bit, heading towards the kitchen. "Oh, why don't you sit down and make yourself at home?" he suggested.

Anastasia raised an eyebrow a little. "Oh really? You've really been holding back on me with the sweets then," she teased. "You do. But I mean, I will have to meet your mother then. Are you prepared for that?" she said playfully. She nodded, taking a seat on his couch. "So, do you have girls up here often?" she asked playfully. He sure was odd. He had a style going, for sure, but it was just a little weird. Sort of hipster. Not really what she'd expected.

Nikolai shrugged with a smile. "I suppose I have. Baking isn't my favorite and nothing I make is as good as what she makes," he admitted. "I'm better at cooking." He chuckled softly. "Maybe I'll take you to the bakery when she's not there," he winked. He grabbed water for both of them before quickly hiding a few things in the kitchen. "Only the ones I like," he teased as he brought her the drink.

Anastasia gave him a look but nodded. "Alright, that's fair," she teased. "You can make me food then," she added. She laughed a little but raised an eyebrow at him. "Probably a good call. I'm a handful," she said playfully. She smirked a little, taking a drink of the water. "I'll take that as a compliment," she said with a smile. "I really like you," she said honestly, smiling at him.

Nikolai laughed a little. "I can definitely make you food. I'll make you dinner sometime," he promised. "Maybe for our next date." He shook his head, an amused smile on his lips. "You're such a handful," he teased. "Too much for my mum to handle." He sat down next to her and took a sip of his water. "I really like you, too," he promised. He leaned closer, kissing her gently on the lips.

Anastasia smiled at that idea, raising an eyebrow slightly. "I wouldn't say no to that," she said honestly. "Sounds like a good date to me," she added. She laughed when he agreed with her. "At least you're honest," she teased. She watched as he sat next to her, smiling a bit. "You do? That's great," she said, half playful, but mostly just smiling sweetly. She leaned in, kissing him back. "I like your place a lot."

Nikolai would think of something to make for her to wow her a bit. "Then I'll definitely cook for you," he promised. He was already looking forward to it. "I will always be honest with you, love," he winked. He'd eventually tell her about the whole wizard thing so that counted. "I do," he repeated with a smile. He kissed her on the cheek before kissing her jaw. "I'm glad to hear that," he said as he straightened up again.

Anastasia smiled at him and nodded. "This sounds like a wonderful date then," she grinned. She laughed a little at his wink. "I count on that," she said playfully. She liked him a lot. She wasn't always the best at expressing her feelings, especially when they were this strong, but she really really liked him. And she liked that they were dating. And that he liked her, too. She smiled when he kissed her jaw, sitting up when he did again. "Do your siblings live close by?"

Nikolai thought so as well. Cooking was personal and romantic. It was the ideal date for him to plan. Besides, cooking was nearly second nature to him. He couldn't mess it up. "I won't let you down, I promise." He leaned closer and kissed her cheek. He'd be content to simply sit like this with her if that was all she wanted to do. He just wanted to be around her. "Close enough," he shrugged. "None of them are too terribly far. It's always easy to get to them." Thanks to apparation but he couldn't exactly say that. "Does your brother live close to you?"

Anastasia smiled at him and nodded. "I wouldn't expect you to," she said honestly. She smiled when he kissed her cheek. She nodded a little. She thought that was nice. "That's really nice. And you're near your bar here, aren't you?" she asked. They came here from a different direction, so she wasn't sure, but she thought it felt close. "He does. He's a bit closer to the studio than I am, but he's pretty close."

Nikolai liked that. He wanted her to be able to put trust in him. He found that incredibly important in a relationship. "Good," he smiled. He nodded a bit, adjusting on the couch so his arm was behind her. "I am pretty close to it," he smiled. Even with his apparation skills, he liked living nearby. It just made sense. "Oh yeah? That's cool. It's nice to live close to siblings. It feels a bit more like home, I think. Maybe that's just me."

Anastasia thought that was nice, having everything he needed so close. "How nice," she said with another smile. She nodded. She liked being close to him. She loved her parents, and they loved her, but she had never been as emotionally close to them as she was to her brother. Having him around was amazing. "It is. It does make it feel more homey. I know for me, a lot of times my parents weren't around, so my brother was a constant in my life for as long as I can remember. I'm so glad I get to see him so regularly."

Nikolai definitely enjoyed it. He liked still feeling close and connected to his family. He might complain about them sometimes but he truly loved them all. "It's a good time. There's never a dull moment around here." He listened as she spoke, his hand dropping off the couch to rest against her shoulder. "I get that. My dad wasn't around a whole lot because he taught at the boarding school so that's why I'm so close to my mum. It was just us for some time. I imagine that's how it worked with you and your brother?"

Anastasia smiled fondly. She liked that. She never wanted to live in a dull moment. Life was short, what was the point in wasting it with boring things? "That's how I like life," she smiled. She leaned into him a bit more as they spoke. "Oh he did? That must've been hard. But then I bet it was nice when you left your mum to know your dad was there. It was like that, yeah. He's a bit older than me, so he really took care of me in a lot of ways. He's much more grounded than I am. I'm sure if things had been reversed I wouldn't have been as good a big sister as he's been a big brother."

Nikolai knew he liked her for a reason. They had so much in common, like their view points on life. It was rather magical, he thought ironically, as only one possessed the ability. They made their own magic, though. "What's the point in going day by day without excitement? Then it's just going through the motions," he shrugged. "Yeah, it was harder growing up. There was a time we really wanted him to come home... I don't remember much of it except spending a lot of time with Dom and Rosie," he admitted. "But it was good--and bad, actually, having him at school. I couldn't get away with anything," he chuckled. He smiled, the expression soft. Her brother had looked out for her the way Dom had looked out for him. He liked that. "It's good that you had him around to look after you. I can't imagine how much of a wild child you'd be," he teased. "I think you would have made a great big sister."

Anastasia nodded in agreement as he spoke, making a face at the thought. "I never want to just go through life doing the motions. If I ever get to that point, someone needs to like, send me to a new country, so I have to do something different," she said with a laugh. She nodded along as he spoke, frowning a little. "Why couldn't he come home?" she asked curiously. She laughed, smirking a little. "I should've known," she said playfully. It made sense. She got away with all kinds of shit. "I am, too. I think I probably would've been too wild for you," she teased. "I don't think so. I think I would have helped steal cookies and then left him with only that so I could party," she said with a laugh. "I mean, the combination of not having him to guide me, and then also being in charge. It wouldn't have been good."

Nikolai couldn't agree more. What would be the point? It wouldn't be a life worth living. "Send you to a new country?" he asked with a laugh. "Bit extreme but understandable. I don't even know what I'd do if it started becoming repetitive. I don't have a back up plan. I invested everything in the bar. I just have to hope for the best," he chuckled. His smile slipped a little. He didn't remember much about the war but he knew she had no knowledge of it. "Things were just tense for a while. He wanted to stay at the school to help out. I was too young to really remember much of it." He hoped that was a sufficient answer. "I was always a bit of a troublemaker even if I couldn't get away with it," he grinned. He laughed quietly, shaking his head. "Nah, I think I could have handled you. Or I would hve done my best." He laughed again, the arm wrapped around her pulling her into him. "Then I guess we're both lucky we ended up the way we did," he mused as he leaned in for a kiss.

Anastasia laughed when he did and shrugged a shoulder. "I was going to say put me out of my misery, but that felt a bit extreme," she admitted with a laugh. "We just won't let one another become repetitive," she said with a smile and a nudge of her foot. She frowned a little and nodded. "I understand. At least you don't remember it much," she said with a small smile. She laughed, smirking again. "I entirely believe that you got into trouble even when you knew you wouldn't get away with it." She liked that he was determined to have ended up with her now. "Oh yeah? I believe you," she said with a grin. She leaned into him, moving so her head was on his shoulder. "We definitely are," she agreed, turning to kiss him.

Nikolai laughed louder at that. "Yeah, putting you out of your misery does seem a bit extreme," he teased playfully. "Oh yeah, we'll make a pact. Neither of us will let the other grow boring," he smiled, nudging her back. He nodded a bit, letting it drop easily. He couldn't go into much detail. He didn't even know how to explain. "Yeah, there's that," he agreed. He chuckled a bit, shrugging a shoulder. "What can I say? I was the problem child. I was also my mum's favorite," he winked. He adjusted so she could get closer to him, kissing her again. "Very lucky," he agreed before moving for another kiss.

Anastasia laughed, smiling fondly at his laugh. "Yeah, that's why I went with new country!" she laughed again. She nodded, liking that idea. They'd keep each other fresh and fun. It sounded nice. "Sounds like a good deal to me," she smiled. She laughed, laughing harder when he added the bit about being the favorite. "She liked your troublesomeness, huh? I bet you keep her young," she teased. She smiled, leaning in and kissing him back. "The luckiest," she said quietly, leaning in and kissing him again.

Nikolai shook his head at her but he was still grinning. "Much better. Still dramatic but better," he teased. "Don't worry, I'll get you as far from England as possible," he promised with a chuckle. "That's a better deal anyway." It hinted at a future for them anyway and Merlin, he really hoped for one. He was nearly ready to tell her everything. "I think she just let me get away with it because I was the last one left," he admitted. "And I'm the one who visits her the most now," he added. "Enough talk about my mum," he laughed, leaning in and kissing her a bit deeper.

Anastasia shrugged and smirked. "I have a flair for the dramatic. What can I say? You love it," she grinned. She laughed and nodded. "We'll go together. It'll be so fun," she said with a grin. She nodded along. That made sense. She laughed when he said enough about his mum, leaning into him. "No problem, babe," she said. She put her hand on his chest, leaning in and kissing him again.

Nikolai grinned at her. "I've always been fond of the dramatic," he winked at her. "It will be a lot of fun," he agreed. He wanted to do a lot with her, honestly. He enjoyed her company and he really had such strong feelings for her. He pulled her closer to him, grabbing her around the waist to pull her into his lap. He kissed her harder than he had been, nipping at her lower lip gently.

Anastasia smirked and nodded, leaning in and kissing him softly. "That's why you like me so much," she said playfully. She moved with him easily, straddling him as she settled onto his lap. She kissed him back, letting out a soft whimper against his lips. She moved her fingertips to the hem of his shirt, letting her hands slip under the fabric and graze his soft skin.

Nikolai nodded his response. He didn't find words as necessary at the moment as he did touching her. He kept his hands low on her waist. The whimper she made was better than any other magic he'd ever witnessed. He wanted to hear it again. He sat up a little bit to let her get her hands under his shirt more and moved his hands to her thighs, sliding them under the hem of her dress.

Anastasia rolled her hips into his slightly, liking the grip he had on her waist. She liked the direction this was going towards. She liked his hands on her thighs. She liked him a lot. It was amazing and electrifying. She adjusted a bit, letting her dress move more easily. She moved her hands all the way up his chest, feeling over his pecs, before moving back down, flicking her tongue out against his lip as she did.

Nikolai squeezed her thighs a bit when she rolled her hips. He let his hands roam over the skin of her thighs, feeling her warmth. He teased the skin with soft patterns, not going too high until he was certain where she wanted this to go. He kissed her a bit harder, rocking his hips up against her a little. He tugged at the hem of her dress, pulling away from the kiss when his hand slid up her back to the zipper.

Anastasia hummed in delight, letting him know she liked what he was doing. His hands on her felt so perfect. His hands must've been made to touch her skin. She kissed him back harder, her hands moving around his neck. She let her fingers tangle in his hair, rolling her body against his. She pulled back when he did. "Take it off," she whispered against his skin, leaning in and kissing the corner of his mouth.

Nikolai liked the sound that she made. It was quite the pretty sound but that made sense. She was stunning. He rolled his hips up as she moved against him, letting a moan of his own slip into her mouth. She drove him positively insane. He hummed out a deep sound when she spoke and undid the zipper on her dress, pulling back to pull it over her head. Merlin, he thought. She really was extraordinary. He leaned in for another kiss, hands roaming her body more freely, tracing over skin in an attempt to memorize her curves.

Anastasia felt herself melt into him when he moaned. She liked him so much. She pulled away from him, lifting her arms to help get the dress off. She leaned in again, wrapping her arms around his neck again and kissing him again. She sighed softly into his mouth as his hands moved over her body. She whined a little, leaning into him more, rolling her hips into him.

Nikolai moved his hands over her a bit more, sliding up her back to unhook her bra. He pulled it from her easily and leaned into her once more. He broke the kiss once more, moving his lips to trail down her neck, sucking a mark there without thinking. He bit the spot gently, hands moving to cup her breasts in his palms. He rubbed his thumbs over her nipples, biting down on the junction of her neck.

Anastasia let him take her bra off, moving her arms to get it off and toss it away. She leaned her head to the side, moaning softly as he moved his lips over her skin. She felt so connected to him. His teeth on her skin in combination with his hands on her breasts was just perfect. She rolled her hips into his again, one of her hands moving to his hair. She moaned softly again, just wanting more of him.

Nikolai liked that she was almost completely naked on top of him and he hadn't even taken anything off all the way yet. It spurred him on, finding himself determined to get her off before he took his clothes off. He moved his hands back down her body, grabbing her by the hips and moving them so her back was pressed against the couch. He started kissing down her body, starting with her neck down to her collarbones. His hands went back to her breasts, kneading them gently and teasing the nipples.

Anastasia held him close, her hands both in his hair. She was so desperate for more. When he moved them, she wrapped her legs around his body tightly, holding him close as he kissed over her skin. She only loosened them when he moved down, letting out a small gasp as his hands found her breast. He had such a good touch. She could spend all her time with him, easily.

Nikolai cast a spell, warming his hands and making them so her skin would tingle the slightest bit. Not enough to make her suspicious but enough that she'd feel it. He rubbed her breasts gently, flicking his thumbs over her nipples gently. He leaned down and took one into his mouth, sucking on it gently and flicking his tongue against it. He continued to move his hands down her body, pressing one between her legs to feel her heat.

Anastasia moaned softly at the feeling of his hands on her skin. He was really something special. Her whole body was full of anticipation, waiting for him to touch her next. She whimpered when his mouth moved around her, biting her lip. She let her head move back against the back of the couch, letting out a whimpery breath when his hand moved to her legs. She spread them a little, wanting his next move.

Nikolai rubbed his hands all over her skin, wanting her to feel the magic. He sucked hard on her nipple, catching it between her teeth to give it a tug. He licked his way down her body, trailing his tongue over her skin. He sucked a mark below her belly button and then tugged her panties off of her body, cupping her before sliding two fingers inside of her. "You're so wet for me," he murmured as he thrust. "I love that."

Anastasia already felt like she was having a hard time catching her breath. He just made her skin feel electrifying. It was incredible. She sucked in air as he licked down her body, biting her bottom lip when he pushed two fingers into her. Her hips buckled a little, and she whined his name. She tried to say something, but just made some noises.

Nikolai rocked his fingers into her at a steady pace. He moved down, licking around his fingers before finding his way up to her clit. He sucked it into his mouth, using a spell to send more warmth through her. Not too much but just enough to heat her body some more. He flicked his tongue against her clit as he sucked on it and then adjusted. He moved to replace his tongue with his thumb and then slid his tongue in with his fingers.

Anastasia was sure she was going to lose her mind with him. No one had ever made her feel this way. Her whole body was on fire and it was amazing. She moaned as his mouth joined his fingers, arching her back. "Nik," she cried out. Her hand moved to her own face, wiping sweat off her face and sliding into her hair, tugging on it. Her toes curled as he changed things up again, moaning his name as she came around his fingers.

Nikolai liked the sound of his name from her mouth a lot. He wanted to hear it again and again, all night long. He helped her ride her orgasm out before pulling away from her. He crawled back up her body, leaving kisses along the way. He popped one of his fingers into his mouth and leaned close to her to press the other into hers so she could taste herself. Once she'd cleaned it off he pulled it out and kissed her hard on the mouth, rocking his hips down against her, not caring she was getting his pants wet. "I could do that again and again. All night long."

Anastasia arched her back as she finished out her orgasm, letting out soft whimpers as he kissed back over her skin. She watched him, her lips parted as she tried to catch her breath again. She took his fingers in, licking between them, pulling off with a pop as he pulled them out. She kissed him back, her hand wrapping around his neck to pull him close. "That would be lovely and all, but I want more than just your fingers," she said, her lips still on his, rolling her hips up into his.

Nikolai kissed her again and again, letting her pull him close. He rocked his hips into hers again and then once more, grinding against hers this time. "I seem to remember using my mouth too," he teased her gently, his lips only a breath away from hers. "And what would you like from me then, Anastasia?" he asked her. He kept rubbing his hips into hers to tease her. He loved that she was naked and he hadn't taken a thing off yet.

Anastasia moaned again, already feeling weak for him again. She laughed quietly, kissing him against. "Mm, yeah, that was nice, too," she said, kissing him again. She pulled kissed him again after he asked her a question, moaning into his mouth as his hips moved against her more. "Fuck me, Nik. Please fuck me," she whined, kissing him again, her hips rolling up into his.

Nikolai smirked down at her in between the kisses. "Yeah, I had a feeling you were enjoying yourself," he teased her before kissing her again. He kept rocking his hips down against her, working them in a rotating motion. "Are you sure?" he asked, wanting to check. He rocked his hips into her again before pulling back to pull his shirt over his head. "Because I could just go down on you again if it's too fast."

Anastasia didn't really know how she couldn't have been enjoying herself. He was incredible. "Well of course," she teased. She moaned softly against his lips, rolling her hips upward. "I'm sure," she promised. She bit her bottom lip. He was driving her crazy. She moved her hands over his chest when he pulled his shirt off, shaking her head. "Stop talking so much. I want you," she said, emphasizing 'you.'

Nikolai laughed quietly. She seemed quite desperate for it and who was he to deny her? He'd wanted her from the moment he'd laid eyes on her. He had no intention of waiting any longer than he had to unless she specifically asked him to slow down. He rocked his hips into her harder before sitting up to get his pants and underwear off. "I think you should be on top, love," he told her, adjusting them. He cast the charm silently, wanting to be ready.

Anastasia thought he was just such a tease. He was absolutely killing her and she didn't think she could take it any longer. She smirked a little to herself as he got undressed, resisting the urge to touch him. She wasn't gonna say no to that, but she frowned a bit as he readjusted. "Wait, do you have a condom?" she asked quickly. "I don't keep them on me," she noted. She liked him, but she wasn't quite ready for that.

Nikolai relaxed against the couch, waiting for her to position herself on him. When she mentioned a condom he frowned. What in Merlin's name was that? Was it a muggle thing used for sex? He realized they must have some kind of protection and she was expecting him to have it. "Oh. Uh, you don't have one? I don't have any. I haven't... had use for them in a while." Did that sound like something a muggle would say? He was going to kill Dominic.

Anastasia shook her head at his question. She had some at home, but this was his place. She laughed softly, leaning in and kissing the corner of his mouth. "Kinda need one of those, don't you think?" she teased. "It's okay," she promised. She leaned in and kissed him again, then stood up. "I'll go grab some. There's a convenience store nearby, they should have some," she said, pulling her dress back on and getting her shoes on. She pulled her hair into a messy bun and grabbed her purse. "I'll be right back," she said. It was easier for her to go get them than for him to, and they were dating now. She stepped out of his flat, hailing a taxi and going to get the condoms. She was back at his flat in what had to have been about ten minutes. She'd left it unlocked, so she knocked and opened it. "Problem solved," she smiled. She took her hair back down and slipped her dress back off and then grabbed a condom from the box and tore it open. She kneeled in front of him, moving her hand to his length and licking up it once, then rolling the condom down him. She moved onto his lap so she was straddling him, lining him up with her and slowly sitting down on him. She moaned out his name, taking a moment to adjust before bouncing up and down on him slowly.

Nikolai didn't understand what was happening at all. He didn't know anything about condoms or anything else of the sort. In his world, a spell was enough. He watched her leave, slightly flabbergasted. What on earth was a condom? What was she going to do with it? He stayed in the same spot for a moment, stroking himself for a moment or two. It felt like she was gone for an eternity. When she finally came back he glanced at her, a little desperate. He watched as she opened something and then wrapped it over him. What the hell? He wasn't sure what she was doing with it but he was so focused on her mouth and her hands and then her climbing on him. He grabbed her hips and thrust up a little bit but let her get comfortable on him and set the pace.

Anastasia thought it was funny how just like that, they were right back at it, like nothing had happened. She moaned again as he thrust up, her head falling back a little, eyes rolling back. She had wanted to do this from the moment they met, honestly, and she wasn't typically one to want to jump on a guy the moment they met. She'd just felt such a spark with him, and she was right. She rolled her hips every so often, still moving up and down. "Oh fuck," she moaned out.

Nikolai held her hips tightly, trying to help her move at a steady pace. He kept his hips perfectly still, wanting her to take full control. His hands roamed over her body, up her sides and over the curve of her breasts. He thumbed over the nipples before sitting up slightly and adjusting their position. He took her right nipple into his mouth, sucking on it gently and scraping it the softest amount with his teeth. She was so beautiful it was hard to keep his hands and his mouth off her body.

Anastasia kept her hands on his shoulders, rolling her hips every so often. She moaned, her lips parted as she moved up and down his dick. His hands on her body really had her on the edge already. She had been so desperate for this, she didn't think it would take much more to push her over. She let her head fall back, losing her rhythm for a moment as his mouth found her nipple. "Nik," she half moaned, half whined, putting a little more energy into her movements.

Nikolai licked around her nipple gently. He traced patterns across it, his arms wrapping around her back to keep her close to him and to keep her steady. He switched off to take the other one between his lips and thrust his hips up at the sound of his name. He cast a charm to transfer heat to her along with a gentle little tingle that he didn't think would be too suspicious. He moved up to her collarbone, nipping gently at it before pressing his lips to her neck.

Anastasia let her head fall back, whimpering as he kept it up. She was getting so weak as she got closer. She moaned louder as he thrust up to meet her. It was insane how incredible she felt with him. She knew sex with him would be good, but she didn't know it'd be this good. She leaned into him more, coming around him and slowing down a bit, getting a bit sloppy.

Nikolai could tell that she was getting a little weak and he decided to help her out. He started thrusting up faster, taking more control. When he felt her start to come around him he picked up the pace a bit more, holding her hips tightly. He kissed her neck lightly before biting into it when he finally came a few moments later. She was unreal. He couldn't believe how beautiful she was. It drove him insane.

Anastasia rolled her eyes into the back of her head as he took over, letting out a louder moan. She didn't think she'd ever felt a connection with someone the way she did with Nikolai. It was incredible. She moaned again, softer, when he bit her neck and came himself. She kept her hips moving, albeit a bit slower, still coming down from her high and a bit weak from it. After he finished, she relaxed a bit, leaning her head on his shoulder but not moving off him yet.

Nikolai felt her starting to relax and he wrapped his arms around her securely. He pulled her against him, taking a deep breath and breathing her in. He felt spent and a bit exhausted but he still found himself on a high. He pressed a kiss against her skin, holding her close. He rubbed his hand over her back gently, lips still ghosting her skin. He murmured her name gently before pulling away to look at her face. "Was that okay?" he asked quietly.

Anastasia really enjoyed every bit of that. She stayed in his arms, still catching her breath. She let out a soft laugh, leaning in and kissing his lips. "If it wasn't, I wouldn't have let you finish," she teased. "You read my body, don't question it," she said, leaning in and kissing him again. After a moment, she reluctantly moved off of him, laying back against the couch. "I feel great," she admitted. "Tired, but great."

Nikolai continued to rub her back in a soothing manner. She felt so warm against him. It felt like magic. He let out a chuckle at her teasing. "I'm not at all surprised by that answer," he admitted with a grin. He kissed her back softly before loosening his arms around her as she moved. "You know, I feel exactly the same way," he smirked. He kissed the side of her head. "You can stay the night if you want to. Whenever you want to sleep, I'll show you to my room."

Anastasia leaned into his touch, resting her head on him. She smirked a bit at response. She knew what she wanted and needed and she wasn't going to ever not get what she wanted. He didn't need to ever doubt his time with her, because she wasn't one to put up with something out of civility. "That's exactly what I like to hear," she grinned at him. "I was planning on it," she said playfully. "I could stand to just gaze into your eyes for a while, but I think that'd probably be more comfortable in your bed, don't you?"

Nikolai laughed. She was so confident and sure of herself. It was an admirable trait. He couldn't think of one he liked much more than self assurance. "Mm, I'm not at all surprised by that either," he said playfully. He rubbed her skin gently, offering her a sleepy sort of smile. "Yeah that would be more comfortable," he agreed. "Up we go." He got to his feet and stretched before leaning down to scoop her up. "Aha! Bet you weren't expecting that."

Anastasia leaned in and kissed him softly, leaning her head on him again. She whined a bit when he actually stood up, not expecting the transition so immediately despite having asked for it. "Yeah, okay," she said with a laugh, stretching a little on the couch. Before she could stand up, he was holding her, which made her smirk a little. "I was not," she said, letting out another laugh. She wrapped her arms around his neck, leaning into him again.

Nikolai laughed at her reaction to him. She was the cutest damn thing he'd ever seen. He hadn't expected to fall for a muggle but how could he not when she was so perfect? "I have the element of surprise on my side," he teased. He held her as close to him as he could and led her into his bedroom. "I thought about dropping you ungracefully onto the bed," he joked as he set her down gently. "But I'm not actively trying to get rid of you."

Anastasia grinned at his laugh, holding him closer. "Clearly," she teased back. She gave him a look, shoving him gently when he said he was gonna drop her. "First of all, I'm always graceful, and second of all, ass!" she laughed. She laid back on his bed, putting her hands behind her head. "It would take more than that to get rid of me, but I wouldn't forget it," she teased.

Nikolai laughed at the look and the push. "Hey! I didn't actually drop you! It was a joke," he whined through his chuckle. "I don't know if being dropped can be made to look graceful," he teased. He stretched a bit before he moved to climb in the other side. "You just like me too much," he winked. "I'll never get rid of you. You're hooked." He leaned over to give her cheek a kiss before relaxing into the bed again.

Anastasia smiled but shook her head in a faux disapproving way. "Good thing you didn't," she teased. "I'm a dancer, babe. I've been dropped, trust me, I still land gracefully. I haven't done it naked, but," she laughed. She moved closer to him when he got in bed, smiling fondly at him. "Absolutely," she agreed with him. "You're right. Especially after tonight," she said plafully.

Nikolai shrugged a shoulder. "Guess so," he teased. "I don't know, Ana. I could pick you up again and we can find out," he grinned. He had no intention of doing that, though. He really didn't want to get up again, not when he could share this bed with her and get snuggled in. "Good," he grinned. "Because I don't want you to up and leave me in the middle of the night." He reached out to tickle her side gently.

Anastasia laughed and nudged him a little. "Stop it or I'll make you sleep on the couch," she teased. She smiled at him affectionately. "I would never leave you in the middle of the night," she said softly, suddenly erupting into laughter. Her hands moved to grab his, holding them out a little so he had to stop. "Do you want me to smother you in your sleep?" she teased. "And I was just about to get all sweet."

Nikolai laughed loudly at that. "Make me sleep on the couch? In my own flat?" he teased back. He liked the look of her smile a lot. She was so expressive with her feelings. He laughed and gently tugged his hands free of hers. "Alright, alright. My apologies," he grinned. "Feel free to get all sweet now. I'll behave," he promised. He leaned in and kissed her lips. "You're beautiful."

Anastasia laughed and nodded, leaning closer and kissing his face. "Don't think I wouldn't make you do it," she teased. She laughed again, a little leftover laughter still in her system, leaning in and kissing his nose. "Maybe I don't want to now," she teased. Her smile went all soft again and she leaned in and kissed him back. "I'm so happy to be here in your arms."

Nikolai rubbed her arm gently after she kissed his nose. "Alright, fine. Don't be sweet to me," he grinned. He pulled her closer when her smile changed and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "I'm so happy you're here," he agreed. "We could make this a more frequent thing, falling asleep together," he suggested. He'd very much like to wake up with her in his bed on a regular basis. He didn't believe he'd ever grow tired of it.

Anastasia put a hand on his face, caressing his cheek and holding him close. "I don't think I could deprive you of my sweetness if I wanted to," she said playfully, leaning in and kissing his lips softly. She let out a small hum, leaning on him gently. "I would like that," she said. "Only fitting, seeing as you're my boyfriend and all," she said with a small smile. She thought it sounded like a good idea.

Nikolai chuckled out a breath. His hand covered the one she'd laid on his cheek and he grinned. "I don't think you could either. You're just naturally sweet as sugarcane," he smirked. He leaned in for another kiss. "What a happy coincidence," he teased. "Hm, yeah. I am. And you're my girlfriend." He couldn't believe how good it felt to say that. "I'd like to see as much of you as possible so come over any time, darling."

Anastasia smiled warmly at him, leaning in and kissing him softly. "The sweetest without a doubt," she grinned. She found herself smiling even wider, really relaxing into him. His girlfriend. It felt so natural to be his girlfriend. How wild was that? Maybe she fell too deeply too quickly, but she really felt like she was right about him. "I promise I will. And you can come to mine, as well."

Nikolai rubbed her skin gently. "Absolutely," he agreed. He felt the way she relaxed and realized he could get used to this. He could wake up every morning having fallen asleep with her in his arms. How had he been so lucky? "Oh, with all your pets? Will I be fighting for bed space?" he teased. He kissed her hair. "We should get some sleep, darling. It's quite late. I can whip up breakfast in the morning."

Anastasia laughed a bit at that and shook her head. "Absolutely not. I'll make a space just for you," she grinned up at him. "I won't argue with that," she said lightly. "Goodnight, Nik," she smiled, leaning into him. She was so glad they were together. She didn't think she'd ever felt this good in someone's arms. If that wasn't a sign, she didn't know what was.

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