Je t'aime

[Rune Kingston]

Rune Szekeres was really working on making everything here together. Effie Snow and their daughter were the only things in his life. He could only concentrate on the two of them. Rune was happy that their daughter was about eighteen months now, and he was slowly getting more and more nervous about this. He was preparing a day out for them, a picnic, and maybe teaching Bridgette how to fly a kite, but he did not know if she can even do that, but he did bring backup. He had a miniature soccer ball for the young girl. Maybe she would be into it? Toddlers did like that sort of thing. And he also wondered if Effie would start potty training with her as well. Rune had found a nice table where he had conjured a cloth, and he rested it on the table, where he would in turn wait for Effie to arrive with their daughter. Respectively, he had agreed to give their daughter the last name of Snow, because they were not married or anything, but he just about guaranteed that if that ever happened, he would join in the Snow family. He did not mind at all, when he thought about it.

But why was Rune thinking about that? Was he falling in love with Effie Snow? It could be possible because he very well liked her. He liked her enough to make a baby with her. But he had promised himself that he would not be acting in those activities until he was married. Letting out a sigh, he paced back and forth, as he set the table to a small picnic, for the three of them. It was a sunny day, hardly a cloud in the sky, and he wanted everything to go along perfectly. He did not want to upset Effie at all because he knew that her sister, the Minister and his boss, would not be very happy with him at all. Effie was the one that Rune adored, and he had never felt like this to anyone else before. Rune took a seat and he buried his face in his hands. What if he screwed this up? Then he would never see Effie and Bridgette again. Well, it was a good thing that he was learning French though, maybe he could tell her something nice in her native tongue. She could be very impressed with that. Looking up with his silver eyes, he could not see the mother of his child or his daughter anywhere in sight just yet.​

 

[Effie Kingston]

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<COLOR color="midnightblue">Effie Snow was feeling very chipper today. It was probably cause she had an excuse to go out and have a nice time instead of staying cooped inside like she normally did. Though Effie did enjoy the outdoors quite a bit she didn't go out that much. There was days whens he was too afraid to really venture far from her house. Not she wasn't this cowardly person who was afraid of everything or anything like that, she was just aware of what was going on in the world right now. Art least now that it came to her family being rearranged like no other had probably done before. Alphonse was killed by someone who was on the same side as he was. Which Effie didn't understand like the others probably did. How could two people on the same side go off and kill one another? Effie disliked the Death Eaters anyways but she thought they understood the unity of teamwork. Apparently they didn't as much as she thought they would. But the family was changing and Theodore was doing a good job a stirring up some anger within the elder members of the family. His power wasn't that high and mighty before but he seemed to disregard what everyone else thought and went right ahead and started changing things. The biggest being the way he treated his poor sister. It may just be Effie's personal opinion that he needed to treat his sister better because Alyssa had done no harm to anyone. She fell in love was all. Since when did that become a crime? Theodore had done it himself so if he was hating on her because of that he had a lot to learn about not being a hypocrite. As far as Effie knew Alyssa kept out of the family's way yet Theodore was making it seem like World War three or something. But today was not a day to think about family related things, well that side of the family anyways. Today Effie was taking Bridgette to spend the day with Rune. He mentioned something about a family picnic and Effie immediately jumped at the idea. Not only because she wanted Bridgette to see her dad, but because Effie really liked spending time with Rune. To her, he was absolutely adorable and she had quite the crush on him if not more than that. So it was a win-win situation for them both. She just hoped nothing went wrong today, she had been looking forward to this all week.

Bridgette was being pushed down the sidewalk in her stroller, which to Effie she thought her daughter was completely content with. She was quiet and stared around at the scenery with interest. Although she was able to walk she didn't want the girl to tire out walking here. Bridgette was a giant ball of energy and if Effie let her out the young girl would probably run around like some Tasmanian devil or something. Unlike her two parents she was very forward, she was always talking, and boy did she have a habit of getting into mischief when Effie wasn't looking. "Ah we dere yet?" Bridgette asked in that girlish baby tone she had. Effie could see her bright silvery blue eyes peeking out from underneath the canopy that the stroller had. "We will be soon." The Arithmancy Professor told her daughter sweetly as she smiled down at her and kept pushing the stroller. But the young child was not pleased and pouted. Which even though Effie did not support bad moods and pouting, it was so adorable. Not even five minute's later they reached the park and Effie could see Rune. A pale hand was extended and Effie waved to him to get his attention, Bridgette was trying as hard as she could to get out of the stroller the whole time too. Effie of course felt bad that the poor girl was trying so hard and paused so she could pull the small girl from the stroller. Not even seconds after pulling her out Bridgette bound towards Rune. "Dadee!" A mass of straw blonde hair few out behind the little girl as she ran at Olympic speed toward the man. Effie laughed when Bridgette attempt to either jump or tackle Rune. Poor guy. With a soft sigh Effie put the stroller away and headed over to the pairing. In her hands she had a couple of containers. "Hello Rune! Sorry about that, she's been asking about you all morning so I assume she's excited. I brought some cookies." Effie smile softly as she approached Rune and her ecstatic daughter. Her different colored eyes reflected a lot of light and happiness in them. It was good to finally get out and have a good day to herself. Effie owed herself that much, plus she missed seeing Rune all the time thanks to work.​

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[Rune Kingston]

Rune was ecstatic that he was going to be spending the day with Effie. They had a baby together, and he loved her like no other. She was the only blood relative Rune had left, and he would cherish her with every fiber of his being. And he owed it all to Jonathan. If he had a son, that would be the boy's middle name. That or Rome. Rome was his dead brother's name, the one that raised him after his parents had died. There was no telling what blood type he was because he did not know what his parents were. Muggles? Wizards? There was no telling, and no way to find out either. So Rune would be happier not knowing where he came from because what if they were bad people? His parents may have been Death Eaters for all that he knew, and he did not know how people that were like that were even functioning right in the head, and having families. There was something else that he was not seeing about those people, but he did not want to really get involved with either of them. They seemed to cause chaos and destruction wherever they went. Why would he want to get mixed up in all that? Rune was not the evil person and he did not think hurting someone would help in anything. Violence was not the answer in the mind of Rune Szekeres, Rune looked up and he hoped to have seen Effie here yet, because he was getting a little anxious. Well, he was excited to see his daughter, and the one that had captured Rune's attention if not the entire heart itself. Rune was really looking forward to it, and nothing would get that feeling of knots tied around his stomach and colon. He normally got that when he was going to see Effie, but now it has spread to even just thinking about her, he got the feeling. What was this feeling? It did feel nice, but it would be nice to not have the feeling like you are about to throw up in front of the one that you really care about. Rune wondered if Effie felt the same way, because if she did, then he could relate to it. Better yet, what about somehow getting rid of the mix between a nuisance and a warm feeling. Rune really wanted to know what this feeling was, so that maybe he might be able to avoid it. Maybe it was something he ate?

Truth be told, he did not know at all. Whatever this feeling was, it was incredible and it was annoying all at the same time. Rune wondered if it would ever go away. Just as he thought that it would, he looked up to see Effie Snow waving, and then he saw his daughter working so hard to get out of the stroller. Rune had no idea if she was a daddy's girl or a mommy's girl. But she was precious as the sun and earth. Rune would not trade his daughter for anything in the world, he loved her more than anything in this world. However, once Effie let loose Bridgette, she was running toward him at a speed he was sure that would topple him over if she was any bigger. As soon as she jumped, Rune caught his daughter in the air and brought her up and sat her on his hip as he held her close. He gave his beloved daughter a hug and he looked like he was given a paradise. He had wanted a kid or two, in his heart, and now he had a little blessed daughter. Rune greeted his daughter with a kiss on her cheek, before he turned his attention to Effie to see that she was carrying cookies, and she told Rune that their daughter had been asking about him all morning. Rune glanced over at his bundle of sunshine before he beamed, "Hi Effie, and I can see that, well, both. I have a picnic here too, so I think that we will have a fun time here." Rune wanted to put his daughter down, but he could not bear to. Instead, he gave Effie a one armed hug before he kissed the top of her head softly, and he sat down, shifting Bridgette onto his lap. With his hand, he patted the seat next to him so that Effie could sit down with him and their daughter. He could not believe how much Bridgette had grown, and this little crush he had on Effie had grown tenfold. Rune wanted to ask Effie all sorts of questions but he decided on the most basic of question, "How is work going for you?" Rune's work was a little hectic at times, but then again with their leader as a younger female, he had nothing to really complain about. Rune did not mind having someone so young because she seemed wise. Rune looked down at Bridgette, before he wondered if she was even able to fly a kite or anything like that because she was just so young appearing. Well, he would have to ask Effie before even looking forward to doing that.​

 

[Effie Kingston]

Effie had to admit, Rune fit the dad look really well. He looked like an absolute natural with the way he was handling Bridgette. Effie thought they looked adorable together. It was obvious that when she grew up, Bridgette was going to be a daddy's girl and a little hellion for Effie to handle. But she still loved her daughter to bits regardless of how she thought the young girl would grow up to be. ”A picnic? How sweet! You're brilliant!” Effie smiled, her perfect teeth appearing for a brief moment as she displayed her happiness to Rune. A picnic sounded like the perfect way to spend the afternoon and it was simple which made it even cuter that he had thought of it. Bridgette cheered when she saw Effie get excited, she based a lot of her reactions off what her parents did so Effie was used to seeing her daughter do that. It was cute most of the time. But there were times when she did copy things that Effie heard her say or do things that weren't proper for a little girl to be doing, she blamed her older brother's for teaching her such things too. They had no shame and that had a tendency to rub off on the children of the family, it was so weird! Sitting down next to Rune Effie suddenly remembered something that Bridgette had done and remembered that she had been wanting to tell Rune all week about it. Carefully she extended a pale hand out and smoothed out her daughters hair as she watched Bridgette lean against Rune, it looked like she was going to fall asleep. That didn't surprise Effie either. She had been a massive ball of energy this morning and now she was wearing down. ”You will never believe what Bridgette did last weekend when we attended this playgroup session with the other kids.” Effie started off softly. The memory was actually very awkward and normally she wouldn't have told anyone about this but since Rune was Bridgette's father. He had the right to know every little thing his precious baby girl uttered. Even if it did have to do with something so much more complicated in the adult world than she could have imagined. Effie adjusted herself so she was turned to face Rune and her half-asleep child. It would make it easier to talk that way. ”There was one little girl around her age if not a bit older who was telling Bridgette about her baby brother. This got her so excited that she comes up to me at the end of the playgroup session and asks for a baby brother. She said said she'd even sweep the steps all by herself if I gave her one.” Effie laughed at the mere memory of that last part. It was the cutest thing ever watching her little girl think that a simple chore was going to be enough to convince her mother to give her a little brother. Kids were a lot of work and the young girl had no idea how much work. It was even more difficult actually having and making them, but that was a whole different story.

Rune asked how work was and Effie sighed before she cocked her head to the side quickly. How had work been going? Well that was a really good question. ”Well, I switched over to teaching all the years of Arithmancy, so it's been a bit stressful with more classes to teach.” Effie stated. More work meant more money and more time to spend with her students though so it wasn't like she was completely losing out by having more classes. Effie actually liked it too, it was just a bit harder than she imagined it would be at first. Not wanting to talk too much about herself because she was actually more concerned with Rune and his work, and whether he had been taking care of himself, than she was with herself. ”Well what about you? How has work and the home life been? Bridgette laid asleep against her father and Effie offered to take her and put her inside of the stroller so Rune would not have to hassle with her much. The nap would probably only last a half an hour or so then she would wake up demanding for her juice or something. Bridgette could be relentless after she had woken up from her nap. With her asleep it meant alone time for Rune and Effie.​

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[Rune Kingston]

Rune adored his daughter, Bridgette. She seemed to like being around him, but he wanted it to be all the time, where they did not have to go over to another's house and just arrange meetings. He wanted to see her all the time, and he wanted to be able to see Effie when he walked through the front door. That was something that he wanted to be able to have in his life, but considering that they were not even seeing one another, just mutual crushes. Rune adjusted Bridgette on his lap for a moment before he smiled a little more, "I was a Ravenclaw, so I guess that brilliance runs in my blood." He shrugged lightly, and he smiled a little more before he blushed and looked down. Rune thought that this was ridiculous, the feeling of butterflies going through his stomach right now. It was making him kind of sick, and he did not even know what it was. It seemed like it was good too, so that was another thing. He did not know if it was good or bad, but he was getting closer to figuring out what it was. Bridgette seemed to have leaned up against her father and he cuddled her even more, before he shifted his body a bit so that he could look at the beauty known as Effie Snow. Bridgette must have been active this morning, or something to have her asleep like she was against him. Rune looked over at Effie when she said that he would never believe what their daughter had said in the playgroup with other children, and instantly he wondered what that was. Effie would not have mentioned it if it were not something that it could be brushed aside. Rune looked down at Bridgette before he smiled a bit, and he nodded at her to continue because he had a feeling that he would be needing to pay attention to it. Rune wondered if the kids had taught her something that she should not know for many years. What if someone had already told her about the differences between males and females? He did not think that he would be able to process through that.

The story began, and he looked over at Effie when she started on the story about how one girl around her age was talking about her baby brother. Almost instantly, Rune guessed at what Bridgette soon wanted, and he was right, a new sibling. He looked down at Bridget before he laughed a little nervously, and he wondered if chores would help her get a brother. Well, the only way to really get one was through the parents, and Rune did not know about that now. He looked over at Effie and he shook his head, "Kids. Um, well, tell her maybe one day in the future, but not anytime soon. Need to have parents together and things first before more children can be considered." There were hints in there but he wondered if she would catch onto them. "Besides, I think that you should be married to a man, a good smart man, before thinking about having anymore." Rune did not know anyone who had two children and were not married or at least engaged first. Then again he hardly knew anyone. And now Effie had been teaching all years of Arithmancy, but that was good for her then because she got to know students from the beginning, from the moment that they took Arithmancy. She would be able to know them even more now. Maybe she even got paid more and everything. Rune shrugged lightly and he said, "Well, more or less just the same. Kind of boring actually going home and having nothing to do, you know?" Bridgette managed to fall asleep against him, so when Effie offered to take her and put her inside the stroller, Rune had no objections because he could easily move and awake her from the nap. Once the young girl was asleep inside of the stroller, he looked at Effie and he confirmed what he thought the whole butterfly thing was. Naturally, he could not hide anything, so acting rather calm, yet his blood pumping through his head and giving him a headache, he said, "Speaking of that, what do you say to not having Bridgette and yourself arrange to come and see her father? As in, perhaps we share a place or something." It was bold, and almost unlike himself, but it was a risk he was taking.​

 

[Effie Kingston]

Effie did consider Rune to be pretty brilliant most of the time. He often came up with ideas that Effie never would have thought of if no one had told her. He would make a very good philosopher or a Professor if he was into that sort of thing. It would be a lot more lively at the school if he taught there, at least that was Effie's opinion on the matter. But if he also worked at the school who would care for Bridgette while she was away for those long periods of time? ”I hope for our sake then, that Bridgette got some of your smarts.” Right now she was more hyper and lively than anything. The hyperactive side of her didn't come from either parent because Effie was too shy to be that bold, and it seemed that Rune may just be too. Hopefully it was just one of those things that would pass as she grew older. Hyperactivity made her a handful at times. Effie figured that now would probably be the best time to ask Rune if he wanted to come over for dinner and a movie tonight with her and Bridgette. She had been asking about it and Effie thought it was actually a really good idea. If it ended up getting too late he could always sleep in the guest bedroom as well. So there was options in case he would be more likely to accept if there were. Effie brushed some of her hair behind her ears and tried to think of a proper way to word what she wanted to ask Rune. Because if she wasn't careful it would sound like she was asking him out on date. She liked him but she didn't think she was ready for any type of an official date. ”Do you think you'd like to come over to my house after this to watch a movie and have some dinner with Bridgette and I? She's been wanting to do this for quite awhile and....so have I.” Effie grinned when her question came out perfectly as she had been hoping that it would. It sounded like it would be a very fun night if he actually accepted her offer. She would let him pick the movie if he really wanted to. But he would have to fight with Bridgette if they actually ended up watching it or not because eighty percent of the time it was the little girl's pick that they ended up watching. Dinner was already decided though, some French pasta. One of the few things Effie could actually cook as well as her mother did when she used to make this for the family. Bridgette shifted and Effie wondered if this was going to be a short-lived nap. After a moment of staring it seemed that the young child was actually going to give her parents some time to talk. It was rare to have moments like these. When she was awake she demanded attention so it was hard to get any kind of discussion in. It seemed like this discussion was about to get a lot deeper than it ever had before. Because here they were talking about having babies. Not them personally but they were talking about it. That wasn't the conversation that most male and female friends had. Effie didn't think it was too strange either since they were both adults. Effie couldn't help but almost giggle at Rune's response to more kids. Did he think that she was talking about having another baby herself? Effie was in no condition to be having another baby. That much was for sure.

”You almost sound like you're hinting at something.” Effie muttered softly as she pulled some fingers through her long blonde hair. It really did sound like he was hinting as things. But Effie wasn't sure, assuming things was never the best idea ever. As strongly as she felt for Rune she did not know how well marriage would sound to him. They weren't even dating. They had a child together but Effie kind of thought that was one of those one time passionate moments. They were caught up in the heat of the moment. ”I told her I was dome having babies. I'd love to get married someday but....I just don't think that it's going to happen that way for me.” Effie admitted to Rune, her voice wavering in all it's softness and innocence that it held. Effie did feel kind of bad about maybe being alone for the rest of her life but sometimes loneliness wasn't as bad as it sounded. She would always have her baby girl. Rune would likely be around too. If Effie never admitted how she felt for him, chances were that he would never know how she felt either. Unless she was just that readable. Which she could very well be. Effie tried yo fight an oncoming blush and focused her gaze onto the ground for a minute. ”I know how you feel. Perhaps you should go looking around for a lady-friend, or a pet.” Effie offered a suggestion to him. Actually she thought him finding another girl was a horrible idea but she had to offer something. It would be creepy if she said he should come home to her. The Hufflepuff head was already a bit strange, she honestly didn't want it to get worse. Effie was about to pull one of the cookies out and offer to to Rune, but then he offered for her to come and live with him. Or rather they share a place. Effie paused. It would make things easier but that was a huge step for them both. He wanted to live with her. ”I would love to share a place with you actually, it would make thing so much easier. If you are sure that this is something you really want though.” Effie told him. Her mouth curved into a big smile. She was really happy because this would be a huge step and it would surely bring her and Bridgette both closer to Rune. She could not wait to tell her daughter the good news. It would also make it so Rune had someone to come home to. He must be lonely coming home to no one. Effie sure was when Bridgette was at her father's house.​

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[Rune Kingston]

Rune hoped that one day that their daughter would end up being a great Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw one day. Bridgette was lovable, and he never expressed love like he had for anyone else before. And when he looked at Effie, and it hit him like a big yellow school bus. He had fallen in love with Effie, and he did not even have the guts to ask her out on a date. That would change though, maybe. He would have to grow some Gryffindorian traits because she would probably never know. Rune complimented, "I am sure she does, and well, I hope she has your personality and intelligence. It is beautiful." Rune smiled even more before he managed to blush heavily. However he hoped that Bridgette would have more bravery than he had because he did not have any when it came to females. Perhaps Bridgette would be wonderful with males, but not too many because he wanted his daughter to be a nice young lady, not some tramp that was passed around by every male in the neighborhood. Rune had so many options in mind of what they could do after the picnic, but none of them were really that good. He did not think that he could ask Effie out, even if he loved her, he was just too nervous. Rune looked at the grass for a minute, before he heard Effie ask him if he would like to go over to her house and watch a movie, and have some dinner. Bridgette had been wanting it, and so had she. It didn't really sound like a date, which he was kind of hoping that it could be, but maybe even after so long of seeing one another as friends or something with a child, she might not have been ready. Rune still thought that spending any time with her was nice anyway, so he would take anything he could get. So he thought that she would be having him over for dinner and a movie. Rune answered, "I would love to be there, with you and our daughter." He smiled even more, as if that smile could not get any larger but somehow it did. Rune did not mind what he would end up watching, as long as he was with the one that stole his heart and Bridgette, but he was sure that he would not be the one that would be picking the movies, as he would allow his women to do the picking for him. He was not picky at all in what he watched. Rune looked down at Bridgette, and he wondered if she was going to remain asleep, or if the nap would be just a teaser for them. Sometimes Rune did wish that they could have more time to talk, but he loved watching his daughter too because she was just a treasure. Rune thought that he having children would be nice, but he already had one, and he thought that she was more than enough for right now. Perhaps later, but Rune did, one day, want to have a son. Someone that he could relate to, and he might even name him after his brother, because his older brother had been a model to him before he was killed. Rome was a good guy, also a Ravenclaw, and raised Rune up for as long as he could remember. Rune owed him so much, in his mind. But otherwise, raising two children at once might be tough. He was still working on raising one right now, one that did not even live with him and carried the mother's last name. Rune did not mind, his surname was hard to pronounce.

"Perhaps I might be," Rune murmured, but he did not elaborate on that at all. He did not think that he would want to either because then it would sound like he was a major creeper when he most definitely was not. He was one of the nicest guys that people can ever meet, and he thought that he would soon ask Effie to go steady with him, but he was just so scared of rejection. Though they had one night together, Rune thought that it was perhaps the best moment of his life because he had never been closer to another being like that, and it was just amazing to him. Rune looked toward Effie and he smiled gently at her, but when she said that she would love to get married someday but never saw it happening, which was similar to him, but his smile faded. "Look, Effie, you are amazing. Any man would be lucky enough to have you. Any man out there. One day, I know, you will make a lucky man really happy when he sees you walking down the aisle." Rune thought that her getting married to some lucky man was a bad idea, but he was just thinking that because well, he was the one that wanted to be the groom one of these days, but he was far too shy to admit it. However when she said that he should go out looking for a lady-friend, or a pet, he just shook his head. He did not want to look for a woman that he did not want to have. Rune instead said, "I don't think I want to look for a lady-friend, because I kind of have my eyes set on one right now. But I have no idea how she would feel if I told her." 'Even though I already did in some form,' thought Rune but he hoped that he was not that readable, but it was very, very obvious that he was talking about her. One could be blind and tell by the sound of his voice. Though the question still hung in the air, he patiently waited for Effie to answer his suggestion of having her move in with him. He would not care if she stayed in any of the guest rooms at all. And then she accepted, if he was sure that this was something that he really wanted. Rune nodded and he beamed, "Yes, this is something I have wanted for a long time. Actually since right before the birth of Bridgette." He looked at her with admiration, and he was sure that she would be loving his house. She and Bridgette would love it at his home, and he would not have to worry about being alone. To be truthful, he hated being alone, and did not think that he could bear it.​

 

[Effie Kingston]

Effie was so happy that Rune accepted her offer to come over and watch a movie. It wasn't much but at least he would get to eat a free dinner, and spend more time with his daughter at the same time. The thought of having another adult there to converse with such was enlightening to Effie. The only other adults she really ever had the chance to converse with, was her co-workers when she was back at the school. Even then she rarely spoke to them due to her shyness. Bridgette shifted and Effie thought she might be starting to wake up, but the small child remained silent and fast sleep. ”I'd like to know where she got that wild side of her though.” Effie commented thinking about how her child could sometimes be so wild and out of control, especially when she was full of energy. Bridgette didn't misbehave, she just liked to be explore and get herself into dangerous positions. As a mother, it worried Effie sometimes. What if one day she got herself into something she couldn't fix? Neither she or Rune seemed to have a wild side within him. So it was a mystery as to who contributed to that factor. Maybe she was her own person? It wasn't uncommon for parents to have a child that acted differently than they did. It was strange but apparently it was something that could happen. Bridgette's eyes fluttered open at the mention of a movie and she grinned. Well that was a short nap. "Dadee's gonna watch a movie wiff us? Can I pick da movie?" Bridgette stated as she rubbed her eyes. Effie grinned softly and nodded her head. Hopefully Rune was agreeing with this because if he wasn't, Effie was going to let him try to explain to Bridgette why she wasn't getting to pick the movie. Effie stood up and adjusted the dress she had been wearing and made sure that her baby girl was settled within the stroller so she could be comfortable as they were heading home, which was just a few blocks away from the park. The sun was settling into horizon nicely and Effie knew by the time they got home, she would need to be making dinner and everything because it was getting close to being dark. That was the best time to watch a movie at the home. Was during the evening. ”We should be heading out.” Effie told Rune, signaling for him to gather what he could so they could begin to head home. They had spent quite some time at the park just talking and stuff. Bridgette slept quite a it. Hopefully she could actually fall asleep tonight too. Effie didn't want to deal with her daughter constantly waking her up. As soon as Rune was ready to go, they left the park and began to make their way to Effie's small but cozy home.

”Maybe you should tell this woman you like her. What if she feels the same? You'll never know unless you tell her, and it's always best to do it while you have the chance.” Effie told Rune, when he said that he had his eye on someone already. Effie had a hunch that he was talking about her, but she didn't want to assume anything. He could very well ben talking about someone else. That would really stink if he was because Effie lovedliked him and wanted himself all to herself. It wasn't fair that she barely ever got what she wanted. Even if there was a chance that he did feel something for her, she didn't want to rush him into saying anything. If he did feel for her he would say it when it's ready. ”You know what, I'd probably be too shy to walk down the aisle anyways. I could barely walk during Graduation remember?" Effie turned red as they approached the door to her home. Bridgette's began to blabber away on something. Effie was lost in memories though. There had been so many people at her Graduation and when it was her turn to walk and receive her diploma, she nearly threw up. Effie let Rune inside first before she picked Bridgette up out of the stroller and set her down. The young child immediately bounded inside and attempted to talk her father into playing barbie's with her. Effie hoped that the poor girl didn't boss him around to the brink of insanity. Effie told Rune to make himself at home while she tried to fix something to eat quickly.​

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[Rune Kingston]

Rune was glad that he had managed to make her happy when he had accepted her offer to go watch a movie at her house. There was no reason for him to object to such an offer, because it was Effie, and she was not the type to have him hurt or anything. She was very kind and he loved her, and it was just good that he could admit that. Rune would love to work at the school, but he did not think that he could work with children right now anyway. He was not the best teacher with how quiet he could be. He was intelligent yes, but he was still shy. Rune thought over some of his relatives, from what he could remember, but he did not know. Perhaps one of Effie's siblings or relatives, possibly even parents? Rune suggested with a light smile, "Probably from your side of the family. I don't know anyone that is wild and energetic like Bridgette is." He wished that he could remember but he just could not. He was the last of his family, and it constantly hung over him. But because of Effie, Rune now had a reason to really work and stuff because he did not have anyone else to raise and support, or even be around. There was always the people he worked with but he preferred someone that actually meant something. And he now he had Effie and Bridgette, a child that he would need to raise. Soon she would be in Hogwarts, she might even be a Gryffindor with her energetic attitude. He did not think that she would ever be a Slytherin, not with parents of a Hufflepuff and a Ravenclaw. The moment that the movie was mentioned it seemed like their daughter magically woke up, and Rune could not help chuckling. He answered his daughter in a sweet tone, "Of course you can, love." Rune was exceptionally sweet toward his daughter, and for good reason too. She was a baby, and she needed to be talked sweet to. He talked sweetly to Effie as well, but nothing like Bridgette. He stood up as well, and he made sure that everything was clear out before they were heading over to her home. It was getting darker and darker, so it would be best to head home. Even nowadays, it was not too safe to be out after hours.

Around this time was best for a movie anyway, no matter the genre it would be. Rune started to walk with Effie, and he was allowing her to lead the way because he was not too sure on where she lived completely. He forgot directions to places quite a bit, even his own home when he had first moved here. He often got lost before he just apparated to his living room. Effie's own home seemed to be just as warm and cozy as his own, and he smiled. That was a relief. He looked toward her, and he blushed even more. Maybe he should tell the woman that he liked her, she might feel the same. Did she know that he was thinking about her? She might be a secret Ravenclaw because of how clever she was. Rune instead had another clever idea. He looked at Effie before he said, "Maybe I will do something else to tell her how I feel. Just saying it wouldn't mean as much in my opinion." Rune hoped that she knew that he was talking about her. Rune did not know any other female, or like another enough to have a child with her. All he wanted was to be with Effie, and hopefully he will be able to show her sometime. He could not help but laugh a bit when he remembered graduation and how nervous Effie had been. He could remember it easily. He patted her shoulder and he said, "Perhaps a quiet wedding would be best for you huh." That was helping him out one day if he ever wanted to take that step. He entered into Effie's house while Bridgette was talking about Merlin knows what. As soon as they were all inside, Bridgette wanted him to play Barbies with her, but he couldn't just play barbies, it would be an insult to his masculinity. So, he simply told her that she should start looking for movies to pick out so that they could get going. Maybe that would get her going. Rune wanted to make himself at home but he stood in the same spot for a moment. He looked toward the kitchen before he let out a sigh, and walked toward Effie. In the middle of her cooking, Rune sort of interrupted, and he planted a kiss firm on her lips. "Told you actions were better." Rune turned and he left the kitchen with a smile, as he went to the living room and sat down on the couch, realizing that he was on cloud nine.​

 

[Effie Kingston]

</COLOR>

<COLOR color="#000">Effie wasn’t fully sure what she was going to cook for dinner as she had no idea what Rune liked and what he didn’t like. Hopefully he liked chicken parmesan because that was Bridgette’s favorite and most likely what was going to be cooked tonight. Effie also had to be mindful of her daughter. If she didn’t like it then no one was going to be happy tonight. Effie started by putting some ingredients into a pan to make some homemade sauce. The pasta was also being cooked within a separate pot. Effie was about to go and check on the sauce when Rune appeared into the kitchen. ”Hey did you find a mov-“ Effie was cut off when Rune planted a firm kiss onto her lips. One of which surprised her so immensely she accidentally dropped the spoon she was carrying. When he stopped kissing her he didn’t even give her the chance to respond him before he left the kitchen. Effie’s mouth opened and closed as she tried to figure out something to say. She liked the kiss. Effie adored Rune, so much. He was the sweetest man, he cared about their daughter, and he was always around when she needed him. Rune was more to her than a crush by this point. Effie was glad she had said yes to move in with him. In the future she could see herself living with Rune happily. Maybe even married and with another kid or something. Biting her lip Effie knew that after dinner and the movie, once Bridgette was in bed, she and Rune needed to discuss some things. Mostly about what that kiss meant and moving in with one another. Did that mean they were more than friends or what? Dinner didn’t take long to finish, and once it was eaten and such, the movie was being played in the living room. Bridgette sat in between her parents but mostly clung onto Rune. Every so often during the movie Effie would sneak a glance over to Rune. Just to take in his features as he watched the movie. Halfway through Bridgette had fallen asleep. So Effie had to excuse herself to put her sleeping daughter to bed. Which only took a moment. After tucking Bridgette in and giving her a soft kiss on the top of her nose, Effie returned downstairs. Hopefully Rune was still awake as well.

Effie sat back down onto the couch, but this time she turned to Rune. ”Hey Rune I…“ Shaking her head she realized that she didn’t know how to get out what she wanted to say yet. But she did know how to show him what she was feeling. A gentle sigh left her and she leaned over to give Rune a deep kiss. One that she swore last a good minute or so. But she dared not venture further with intimacy for fear of his opinion and the fact that her daughter was asleep and she didn’t want to wake her and have her see something she shouldn’t. Effie returned to her spot on the couch and looked straight ahead instead of at the man she had just been kissing. ”You’ve been such a good person to me Rune, and I really like you. A lot. Plus it’s really obvious how important you are to our daughter. I’m happy you asked me to move in with you.” Effie really wanted to more. She was a grown woman so it shouldn’t be viewed as bad to her but it did. But she wanted to show Rune how much she lovedadored him. He deserved to see what kinds of things a man like him deserved. But it was just too inappropriate. The movie went on but she could tell that neither of them was paying attention to it. Effie was discreetly hoping Rune would say or do something so it would be far less awkward to be in the room with him right now.
​

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[Rune Kingston]

Rune went into the living room and he took a seat on the couch where his daughter would be picking out the movie for the three of them to watch. He happens to be thinking over the action that he was thinking of. Rune had done something that could have ruined their friendship, but then again, he felt that she liked him as well. He was sure that she liked him, well, he was hoping, but there have been hints and he was sure that he was following them correctly. He really believed that he was in love with Effie Snow, and he was sure of that. He looked down at his daughter, the beloved daughter that managed to come from him and Effie. It was amazing, he loved the little girl and he always would have. After the dinner which was amazingly delicious, as he loved chicken parmesean, and Effie's cooking was simply amazing. Effie had always been a great cook. Rune was fairly good at cooking too, so once they lived together, it may take someone to pry the two away from the kitchen. Rune smiled as he thought of who was going to do that. Perhaps little Bridgette? Well, she was too small to do that to the two of them. He could see her married to him, with more children, perhaps even by the dozen. The wedding would be small, but it would be also amazing, however Rune was just getting ahead of himself. He was not prepared or even ready to make such a commitment. He just wanted to be with Effie, perhaps going steady. Rune had his arm wrapped around Bridgette, holding her close to him. She might be a bundle of energy, but she was adorable. She looked more like Effie than he, but he thought that she had his eyes, only blue. Or perhaps bluer than his own. It was still pleasant, and he thought that her shade came from him.

At some point during the movie, Bridgette had fallen asleep next to him, and he smiled, before he kept sneaking a glance over at Effie to see if she was paying more attention to the movie than he was. Truth be told he was not really watching it at all. He had no idea what it was about, or who was in it. However Effie went and took Bridgette upstairs, Rune waited until she came back down without their daughter in her arms. She had placed Bridgette to bed, which was not a big deal for Rune at all. It would give them some time to be alone. After she sat back down, it seemed like she wanted to talk. Shifting himself around so that he could face her, he smiled to tell her to go on, before she ended up kiss him. Not the type that he had given her. It was deep, passionate, and of course he returned with equal favor. As soon as she pulled away, Rune licked his lips before he found out that he was smiling like he was on cloud nine. Again! He turned around to face her when she started to talk, and how he has been this good person to her, and how she really liked him, a lot. She seemed to be happy with him. Rune let out a sigh, before he scooted over closer to her. He reached out and he caressed her cheek with his thumb before he planted a soft kiss on her forehead. "I really like you, a lot. Perhaps even more than that. That is why I ask, if you will go steady with me. To be in a committed relationship." Sure, he wanted to do so much than kiss her right now, but Rune would have to respect her wishes. If he was given hints, then he would take her right there on the couch. Instead, he simply kissed her once more, lingering and full of admiration. Never could the man want anymore than he wanted right now, which was Effie's affections.​

 

[Effie Kingston]

Effie was dumbfounded. That didn't go like she had thought it would. When Effie spoke to her younger sister Katarzyna the other day, it sounded as if men liked the idea of being intimate with women. Effie was told that she should try and please any that she intended to try and be with or else they might thing she was being a tease or something. So she was confused when Rune didn't respond the way she thought he would. Should he be wanting to tear off her clothes and ravish her all night? Effie thought he would. That was why she made a move on him just a few minutes ago. "W-wait....so you don't want to sleep with me?" Effie asked confused. Her head cocked to the side. She just didn't understand. Was she ugly or something? Even if she was would Rune tell her if that was the reason or not? Surely he must know how sensitive some girls could be when it came to their looks. Effie was never quite as bad but she knew plenty of girls that were. It wasn't that Effie was a girl who liked to sleep around. It was just that she was was told that this was a way to get him to fall for her and she wanted to make him happy in any way possible. Plus she remembered the last time they were as close as they were not, she was the happiest she had been in a long time. Life had been a little bit stressful for her and Effie was willing to try whatever she could to relax a little and be reminded her of the happiness these things use to bring her. Just because life was stressful didn't mean she needed to look down upon those things. I thought that.... Effie didn't bother to finish her statement. She was being a little bit silly focusing on this so much. Rune clearly didn't want the same thing she did. So talking about it was only going to make her look that much sillier. Effie remained quiet instead of saying anything more.

But what he said and did next shocked her completely. scooted over closer to her. He reached out and he caressed her cheek with his thumb before he planted a soft kiss on her forehead. Effie smiled softly and looked down into her lap. "I really like you too Rune! But....more than that?" Effie really liked him too. A lot more than he probably even realized. Effie wasn't exactly sure what he meant by even more than that possibly. Did that mean he liked her a lot more than she did. Or that he might even love her? Effie wished he would have been more elaborate than that. The thought of someone being in love with her made her heart speed up greatly. Love was so powerful. Then he asked her if she wanted to be in a committed relationship with him. Effie bit her lip and grinned. He wanted to be her boyfriend? Effie leaned forward and threw her arms around him. "You mean like a boyfriend? I'd love to commit to that kind of relationship with you. You....mean so much to me. It would mean a lot to Bridgette to see us together like this too." Her daughter was always asking why her dad didn't live with them. It wasn't as easy to explain as she wished it was. But now that they planned to move in together and date. It would be like they were a little family. One of those little families that Effie had always dreamed of having. Oh she was feeling so giddy right now! She could make a thousands pies and probably eat them all! That was honestly how happy she was.​

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[Rune Kingston]

Rune was slightly confused, was he doing something wrong? Rune flushed heavily when she asked that question. Well, he did want to sleep with her, but he wanted something so much more than just that. Besides, he wanted to see if she would be in a committed relationship before he would want to score with her, if given in a rather immature term. She had made a move on him, but he wanted to talk first. That seemed to be nearly backward. A man usually put the moves on the woman, and the woman wanted to talk first. This made Rune smile even more. At least she was willing to speak too. Rune bit his lip, and he said, "Uh, yeah, of course, but um, let's wait a few minutes, make sure Bridgette is in a deep sleep." At least there he sounded like he had a good reason behind why he was kind of refusing right now anyway. There was another thing too, he did not have any protection on him. He didn't know if Effie would have any or not, but what if she got pregnant again? It wasn't something that he minded, but he would love to have a household full of children, but he wanted to get married first. Rune of course wanted Effie, even right now, but he had full control over how he felt, and how his body handled. Helped after he had managed things after several years. Rune's cheeks had finally left the redness that had appeared and lurked onto his cheeks for a while, since he was thinking about Effie in a very intimate fashion, it was hard to get rid of. Now it was getting better, and he hoped that he would not flush red again. Rune was nervous now, because he was getting his feelings out in the open, and he was willing to tell her everything, well, soon enough.

What Rune was not expecting was when Effie asked more than just him liking her a lot. Could he really tell her that he had fallen in love with her? How could he tell her that? He once again flushed a red color. Rune decided that he would have to cover it up somehow, and he managed with a smile, looking over at Effie as he said, "Yeah, more than that. I'll tell you later though." He did not want to say anything more on that, but it worked too. Maybe he would tell her one day. Maybe they could get married one day, and live happily ever after, which would be his fantasy, but it could happen. The moment came, with his words out there in the open, and then she threw her arms around him, which could only mean one thing. Chuckling, Rune confirmed, "No, like a girlfriend. Of course your boyfriend! I am just glad that we mean a lot to each other, and we are bringing our little family together, at last." About time that he placed a move on her, before someone else snatched her up. Maybe it would make Bridgette happier too, to have both of her parents under the same roof. Rune felt like he was on top of the world right now, and he would be more than happy to make her happy anyhow. Rune held Effie close to him, before he kissed her passionately on her lips. After he needed some air to his starved lungs, he inquired with a playful smirk upon his lips, "So, do you want to go to the bedroom, Effie?" Rune figured that he could give her want she wanted, which she seemed to want. Of course, he wanted to go to the bedroom too, like a celebration of their new commitment. They were going to be living together, as a couple, raising their daughter. Rune couldn't ask for anything else.​

 

[Effie Kingston]

Effie was very surprised by Rune'ss behavior. He was one of the few men that actually sought more out of being in her presence than just getting her clothing off. That just made her want him even more too. How sad was that? Effie smile softly and nodded. He didn't exactly say no to a night of them being together, so Effie was relieved that maybe they would get to be intimate. Effie felt like she was being desperate or something. But in all honesty, it was a good stress reliever. Effie could use some stress being taken off of her shoulders. On top of that, Effie liked the closeness of it. It was a different feeling than she was used to. Shy or not, it was something magical to experience. Rune was surprisingly sweet. Or at least, he was that one time. It had been years since the last time Effie and Rune were together like that, but Rune had a generally sweet personality to him so she didn't doubt he would be like that once again. "Unless you're not up to it. If not, that's perfectly fine. We can cuddle and watch movies too." Effie suggested sweetly. Her voice was soft the entire time. The last thing she wanted to do was upset Rune by making him feel rushed or forced. Effie was just happy to have him here with her right now. It helped Effie feel less lonely. Effie was used to being alone in the romance department. She was both really shy and easily hurt when it came to the way men could be. Effie was growing used to having Rune around all the time. He was a good father to Bridgette. It was a sign that he could maybe be a good father to other cute little babies too. A good husband as well. That meant he was a real catch. One that Effie refused to let go so easily.


"O-okay." Effie really wanted to know. How did he feel about her. Did he love or was it just that he felt strongly for the woman that was the mother of his child. He had to like her somewhat. She did sleep with him. He did continue to visit her over and over again. In her mind, that meant he liked her a lot right? Effie bit her lip and flushed. She felt silly for asking such a dumb question. She was happy that he agreed to being her boyfriend. It was cute. Now she was in a relationship. One with someone she had taken the time to get to know on a more personal level. Effie could only hope that she would be a good enough girlfriend. Being in a relationship involved a lot of work and communication. Both being a level she wasn't used to being on. At least they were going to move in together and whatnot. So now Rune could spent even more time with Bridgette, and with Effie when she had enough free time to do so. "I'm really happy you finally asked me. I was worried you never would ask me to...well for us to be together. I've liked you for awhile. I'm just really shy about saying it." Effie flushed red again. It was hard being vocal about her feelings. But what she wanted to do was kiss Rune and never let him leave her arms again. Her fingertips danced across the top of his hand as her fingers entangled themselves within his. Rune asked if Effie wanted to go up to the bedroom now. Even though she was red as a juicy apple, she managed to smile softly and shake her head no. Instead she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him to her, so that he was above her. "No. Here." Effie whispered softly within his ear behind she leaned over and kissed him heatedly, Effie really missed having someone to love on. Even gentle people like her had times where they were lonely and needed someone. Rune may just be that someone she wanted so badly too. She was happy to now have him in her life.​

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[Rune Kingston]

Rune had a lot more respect for women that he loved. He was in love with Effie, and he knew it. However right now as not the time that he could give her everything she deserved. She deserved a husband, a loving family, a big family, lots of in-laws. Rune of course wanted to be intimate with her, and he was fighting it so much right now. All he wanted to do was to pounce on Effie Snow, ravish her for all of her worth. Rune was just a little surprised that she was wanting it apparently as much as he did. There was just so much that he could do right now though. He wanted to be with her, to love her, to give her the world. But right now was not the time. They just got together! Rune simply wanted to treat Effie as beautiful as she needed to be treated. It had just been so long since the two had been intimate, it was about the only thing that he could think of doing. Rune wanted to be able to be that close to Effie, and he shook his head at her suggestion. No, they were going to do it tonight, but the suggestion was nice when and if she were not in the mood. Rune eventually smiled, "Perhaps I'll take you up on that offer another time. I think we will give you what you wish of course." Rune caressed her cheek with his fingers before he leaned forward and placed a lingering kiss upon those sweet succulent lips. Effie was just too cute to handle. Rune wanted to be able to have a full family again. He had not had one in so long, he didn't even know his parents or if he even had other siblings out there. He knew nothing, literally, about the Szekeres family. There was only so much that he could have learned from Rome, whom was resting in peace right now, watching over Rune in a loving manner.

Rune had never felt so strongly for anyone, but he did not want to tell her much without knowing the full truth of the feelings that she had for him. Rune just knew that she liked him an awful lot, but he did not know much else beyond that. Rune could only hope that one day in the future, she would love him as much as he loved her. He figured that the look in his eyes showed it all, his light gray eyes. They were such a contrast to his brown hair, it just made them look at all that much brighter. Being in a relationship like this, it was going to take a lot of work, one that he was looking forward to spending with the one that he cared so deeply about. Rune chuckled and he smiled even more, before he said, "I have been shy, but that worked up the courage to ask you out. It was about time too, because I was afraid that you were going to move on before I could." There was just so much a shy man can do, but there was more to Rune than just the shyness. There was another part to it, and there was the deeper side to him, the one that loved to have fun, and lots of fun indeed. Rune sometimes wondered if he should release this fun time. "I am shy too, so don't worry about it." Rune wondered how hard it was for her to voice her feelings. Rune smirked slightly when he saw that she was red as a beet. It was definitely cute on her, how she blushed. Just talking about fooling around made her so red. It somewhat surprised him that she did not want to go to the bedroom. Did she change her mind? He hoped not, but then she wrapped her arms around him, and pulled him above her. Apparently she wanted him to have her there on the couch. Certainly something new. Effie's kiss drove him wild, and he thought about interrupting, asking what if Bridgette saw, but she was sound asleep. He allowed his hands to roam, removing what clothing as he could as the taste of Effie washed over his tongue. Having Effie as a girlfriend was definitely worth this.​

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Fin​