Closed Picture Perfect

[Clifton Ward]

Clifton still thought there was a real chance he was about to be pranked. Knox was popular... a Quidditch player, a Prefect, what on earth would he see in someone like Clifton, even under the influence of Felix Felicis? Especially under the influence of Felix Felicis? The whole thing felt like a set up, and Clifton just couldn't trust it. But... he was here. He had pulled on a suit and made sure he looked as good as he could, trying desperately not to think about how he had gotten ready for the same dance last year, excited about a date with Lily. The less he thought about her right now, the better. As Clifton waited for his date to arrive he just fidgeted, shifting from one foot to the next and hoping he wasn't about to look like the school's biggest sucker.

 

[Knox Ivers]

Knox wouldn’t say he was nervous, exactly, for the yule ball and going on a date with Clifton, but he wasn’t completely confident either. Knox was curious more than anything to how the night would go, and to find out why when he drank the felix felicis for his potions lesson, it resulted in him asking out Clifton. He didn’t regret the decision, as it was apparently fate for him to catch Clifton’s camera and run into him that day, but he was curious to find out the meaning behind it all, if there even was one. It might have just been luck and the potion telling him to find a new person to pine for that wasn’t Simon, but that was still a deeper meaning, Knox thought. He shook his head to rid his mind of the thought however, not wanting to dwell on Simon’s rejection of him, as he should be focusing on Clifton who was actually his date. It would be disrespectful of Knox to think of anything other than having a good time and getting to know Clifton, so as he ran his hand though his hair one last time to neaten it before heading down to the great hall, Knox focused only on having fun and spending time with his date because that was what mattered.​

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It didn’t take long for Knox to spot Clifton in the crowd of students. He smiled and waved at Clifton before walking over and leaning in to give Clifton a one armed hug. “Hey! Clifton!” He greeted, looking at Clifton from head to toe. “Oh that’s cool, you’re wearing like a full suit and everything.” He commented, feeling slightly under dressed. Knox had chosen a button up shirt and trousers and dress shoes, with a jacket, but he did feel a bit out of place not wearing a blazer or tie. “I should have worn a tie.” Knox added with a chuckle, before looking away from Clifton and to the students chatting in groups and pairs nearby. “Do you want to get some punch or something and hang out?” Knox asked, not knowing the right way to go about being on a real date for the first time.​

 

[Clifton Ward]

Of the many things Clifton was anxious about tonight, one was the fact that he had never actually gone on a date with a boy before. He definitely found them attractive, that wasn't a secret, but he didn't know what the rules were for dating a boy. Who was going to lead if they danced? Clifton was older than Knox, but that didn't count for all that much. He tried to push his worries down as he saw the Gryffindor approaching, giving Knox a nervous smile in greeting. He flushed when Knox commented on his suit, immediately feeling overdressed. "Ah, well, I already had this suit." Clifton half-lied, deciding not to mention that he had bought it for the Yule Ball months ago, with a very different date in mind. He relaxed slightly when Knox mentioned getting punch, relieved not to have to worry about the dancing problem yet. "That sounds excellent, yes."

 

[Knox Ivers]

Knox nodded and smiled, pleased Clifton liked the idea of getting drinks and hanging out. Knox really was winging it, not knowing what was expected of him on a date but as long as Clifton seemed comfortable, Knox figured he couldn’t be failing too terribly at it. Drinks did seem like the right way to begin the night, giving Knox a chance to talk to Clifton and get better acquainted with him before they attempted to dance. Knox wasn’t the best nor the worst dancer, but the question of how they would dance and which one of them wanted to lead seemed weird to ask outright. “Alright, let’s go.” Knox said, before turning to walk to the drinks table assuming Clifton was following him. When he arrived, he poured himself and Clifton a glass of red punch and picked up his own glass before picking up Clifton’s and offering it to him. It was only then Knox noticed Clifton had his camera with him. He smiled wide and chuckled, liking the idea that had popped into his head. “Wait, take a photo of me.” He suggested, half joking and half liking the idea of being photographed all suave and offering his date a drink. It felt so mature and having a photo of himself on his first date would be a fun memory to look back on.​

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Slight god modding approved!​

 

[Clifton Ward]

It was a relief to Clifton that even without Felix Felicis as a factor, Knox seemed to have no reservations in taking the lead on this date. He had never really felt confident as a leader, and things like planning dates and making sure Lily was having fun had always stressed him out a bit. It was nice to just... relax for a while. He was reaching for the cup Knox offered him when the other boy interrupted, eyes widening at the suggestion. "Oh! Yes, that's a good idea!" Clifton said brightly, lifting his camera and looking through the viewfinder. He shifted back slightly, lining the shot up carefully and making sure it was well framed before taking the photo. It was a nice thought, that he would be able to look back on this moment, and Clifton was grinning when he lowered the camera. "Pretty sure that'll come out perfect." He commented with a shy smile, accepting the cup now that the photo was taken. "Thank you." He added.

 

[Knox Ivers]

Knox smiled, handing the glass to Clifton and feeling happy that the night was going well so far. He then sipped from his drink, though suddenly felt it go down the wrong pipe from shock when he heard commotion from a distance. Turning to the source of the sound, Knox felt his jaw drop slightly when he saw a scene that could only mean Minnie had punched Blake in the face. Knox only knew either of them from quidditch really, but seeing that altercation was the last thing he expected, especially from Minnie, since she always seemed so put together and proper. When Professor Josephs intervened, Knox turned back to his date. “Um, let’s take photos over here instead.” Knox suggested, soon walking to one of the far walls and standing in front of the pale blue cloth covering it. “Does this make a nice backdrop for a photo?” Knox asked, putting his free hand on his hip and trying to pose to seem classy and sophisticated with his drink in his hand. He felt a bit silly and chuckled to himself, but also gathered feeling silly was part of the fun of taking photos.​

 

[Clifton Ward]

Clifton accepted the drink gratefully, about to take a sip when the sound of a loud commotion startled him into jumping, near-spilling his juice. Looking out onto the dance floor, it didn't take a genius to figure out what had happened. Clifton didn't really think that was the kind of picture Vader wanted for the yearbook, but he raised his camera to catch a quick snap of Blake with blood dripping between his fingers nonetheless. "Right, yes..." Clifton agreed, lowering his camera quickly when Knox suggested they move. "Sorry, that's just been an awfully long time coming." He remarked, following Knox over to the curtained wall. "Surprised nobody has punched Blake before, frankly." He smiled at Knox's pose, raising his camera again. "Looks perfect." Clifton agreed, taking a couple more photos.