the dragon's daughter

Chapter 43: That Was...

End of August, a week before school,  Malfoy Manor

James POV 

Everyone was at Malfoy Manor for the end of summer get to get her thing.  We always had a good time.  I was in the garden talking to Caleum and Troy.  Though I wasn't fully invested in the conversation.  I was more interested in the beautiful girl dancing around with her friends.  

She was smiling and laughing while having fun with her friends.  She looked so beautiful when she smiled.

She wore a silver satin romper that had a Keyhole off the shoulder neckline.  Her hair was plaited back but a few shorter strands broke loose, framing her face.  Her delicate makeup made it look like it was all natural, but I knew better.  She's more beautiful without it.  She wore knee high black  wrap sandals. Heels would've been more painful and exhausting, according to my sister.

I could see the ring i had gotten her shining every time the light catches it.  It gave me a weird feeling, good, but weird.  Like pride or happiness.

I smiled. 

"Just ask her out already." I heard someone say I turned and saw Troy and Cal staring right back at me.

"I don't think she likes me like that." I half admitted, half lied.  I'm just scared.  Mainly of the Malfoy guys.  Aunt Astoria is pretty scary too.

"Mate, as much as I hate to admit it and want to keep her far away from boys for all my life, she does."  Cal sighs.

I smiled slightly, "so can I?"

He huffed and Troy laughed.  But he nodded anyway. I looked around to find Uncle Draco.  If I'm gonna do this, I wanna do it right.  No surprises.

I found him taking with Uncle Blaise and Uncle Jakob.  I approached carefully.  

"Uncle Draco?" I caught his attention.

"Yeah, James? Is everything okay?"

"Can I talk to you for a second." I nodded.

He nodded, excused himself then we walked to a smaller part of the garden where no one was paying attention to us.

"What is it James?" He asked concerned.

I took a deep breath, "I want to ask Aquila to be my girlfriend.  But I want to know what you're aware of it." I stated more confident than I really am.

He looked at me with a blank face, "really?" I nodded "why?"

I took a deep breath, "I believe she is an amazing young woman.  She's very talented.  Very intelligent.  Very kind and caring.  Very passionate about anything and everything.  Very fascinated and loves to learn.  She holds a certain grace and beauty with everything she does.  She's beautiful.  In every way.  And I want to be able to call her mine.  If she's not okay with it then I'll move on.  But I at least want a shot.  I respect whatever she decides, whatever she wants, whatever she doesn't."

Uncle Draco looks deep in thought.  

He breathes heavily, "As much as I don't like you dating her." He pauses and looks over to where Aquila is still laughing and smiling. "I know she'll be happy.  And if she's happy with you, then fine." He stopped then turned on me, "but if I hear one remark about you not treating her the way she deserves, I won't hesitate to hex you into next century. Got it?" He threatened.

My eyes widened and I nodded quickly.  "Wouldn't think of it." I promised. 

He clapped my back pulling me in for a hug.

"Keep her happy please." He said pulling back.  

I nodded and thanked him.

"Well then go on, ask her." He pushed. 

 I grinned and gave him a hug before walking over to Aquila.  She had her back to me while she danced with the rest of the girls.  I grabbed her hand and twirled her around to face me. I heard her gasp then giggle when she realized it was me. I pulled her closer to me by her waist.  She placed her hands on my chest to steady herself.

"Come with me?" I asked her gently.  She nodded and I grabbed her hand leading her to the small gazebo.  The setting sun made a warm tone cast over the land.

She walked over to the railing and looked out over the forest top.  I smiled, she always liked the forest.  I walked up behind her and put my hands on her waist, my chin on her shoulder.  She leaned back into me.

I spun her around to face me.  She was so close to me.

"I've been wanting to ask you for a while..." I started.  She looked up to me with the eyes I couldn't resist since she was born.  "Will you be my girl?" 

She looked at me before responding, "Yes." She breathed.  I almost didn't hear it.  I smiled and cupped her face kissing her forehead, then her nose, then her cheeks then I stopped centimeters away from her lips. 

"Can I kiss you?" 

What? I'm not gonna kiss her without consent. 

She nodded slightly and I pressed my lips to hers.  I felt her kiss back.  

Fireworks exploded in my head,

Shocks were sent through my body,

I felt like everything was complete.

About 30 seconds passed before we pulled away.  

She tasted like mint and vanilla, odd but, I didn't mind.  

We both breathed heavily.

We sat in silence until I broke it, "that was..." I couldn't find a word. 

The girl I had fancied for years has finally kissed me.

Oh Merlin.

She breathed a laugh, nodding. 

I kissed her lips once more before resting my forehead against hers.

I grinned and saw her smile.

"I want to... take you out.  Perhaps first day back, after dinner?"

She softly replied, "I'd love to." she cupped my cheek. 

"Good" I said picking her up and spinning around, "you won't regret it."

She laughed and giggled until I set her down.  I kissed her head before pecking her lips quickly and taking her hand.

This was a great summer.