We've Got Hopes on the Horizons

[Arthur Pettigrew]

@Lynette Maroc
@Gregory Creighton

If he had thought that he was scared the first time around, then this was - this was terrifying. Mr. Creighton was, as far as Art knew, an Actual Real Adult. He had never really expected the teenager to say no, and Gregory Creighton was entirely capable of doing so.

He had never before wished so acutely that he had some sort of non-Quidditch successes to point to. But he wasn't in any clubs, his entire adult life was essentially a novel on How to Not Be an Adult, and he had been slowly trying to regain control of his life but it was impossible to undo everything.

He was dressed well and bouncing his leg under the table when a man who looked enough like Dezzie approached the table.

Art stood up. "Mr. Creighton," he said, offering one hand, "It's a pleasure to meet you."

  

[Gregory Creighton]

Gregory had nearly forgotten about the arranged meeting with the Mr. Pettigrew gentleman who he had received a letter from quite randomly. As far as he knew, he had never made the man's acquaintance before so the letter seemed rather out of the blue. Though, just because he didn't remember meeting the gentleman meant very little. That was all besides the point though as he'd had to rush out of the Ministry to make the meeting on time after his secretary had reminded him for perhaps the tenth time that day.

Luckily, she'd reminded him so he had enough time to get to the Three Broomsticks in just the nick of time. It didn't dawn on him until he walked into the establishment that he didn't have a clue who he was actually looking for. Mr. Pettigrew seemed to have enough sense, however, and greeted him as he'd been walking through with a somewhat dazed expression on his face.

"Ahh yes, Mr. Pettigrew I presume," he said as he took the offered hand and gave it a quick shake before pulling his own hand back. Touching people was not something Gregory really enjoyed. It was just.. weird. "So, let's get to business," he said as he sat down, automatically jumping to what he assumed this whole thing was about, "Having problems with a deceased relative that is intent on haunting your home? Or is it just some random ghost causing trouble?"

  

[Arthur Pettigrew]

Aaaaaaaand this was immediately just as awkward as Art had expected, at least if the hand-shake was anything to go off of. Great.

It took him a moment to realize what Creighton meant, and he shook his head emphatically. "Neither," Art said, "I actually wanted to talk to you about your sister. Miss Desdemona Collins-Potter. Not a ghost."

Oh god, had this actually been easier with the fifteen year old?

  

[Gregory Creighton]

There was an obvious change in Gregory's appearance when Art said that it was neither he was having problems with, an obvious look of disappointment made itself present. The man even seemed to slouch some, almost as if in defeat. His demeanor did brighten some at the mention of Dezzie. He just hoped whatever it was that needed discussed was a good something and not that something had happened to her.

"Ah yes, Dezzie," he said with a small smile, "I hope everything is all well?"

  

[Arthur Pettigrew]

Art was glad he had been warned that Mr. Creighton liked ghosts more than people. Otherwise this probably would have been somehow more awkward.

"She's great," he said with a genuine smile, "Really, she is - I, uh, actually wanted to ask you to court her."

  

[Gregory Creighton]

Gregory found himself nodding as Art said that Dezzie was great. That was always good to hear. Though perhaps he should have inquired it of her himself. He rarely talked to any of his siblings though. Or anyone for that matter.

He paused the movement of bringing a cup of tea to his lips when the gentleman before him continued on and asked his question. It was perhaps the first time that Gregory really looked at a person and met their gaze with his own.

"Is she old enough for that?" he asked, though it was more to himself than to Art as he continued speaking almost instantly afterward not allowing for Art to get a word in yet, "Yes, yes. I suppose she is." He went quiet then, falling into his thoughts as he pondered just what it was that was being asked of him. He supposed it was his ultimately his decision on what happened to his younger siblings. "How does she feel about this?" he asked finally after a decent amount of awkward silence.

  

[Arthur Pettigrew]

Arthur's heart thrummed in his chest. He didn't really know what he'd do if Dezzie's half-brother said no. He didn't really have feelings for people very often - at least not long-standing ones - and when he'd been younger those had either been steadfastly ignored or handled with a series of ill-advised hookups.

But he wanted more than an ill-advised hookup, here; he wanted to court Dezzie, Lestranges and his previous failings be damned.

That was why he was doing this, even though it was painfully awkward. At least Mr. Creighton answered his own question, where age was concerned.

Art drummed his fingers against the underside of the table. "I've confirmed that the feeling is mutual," he said, which was the most simplified way to explain 'we kissed on a sled, twice.'

  

[Gregory Creighton]

Gregory watched Art as he responded. A faint glimmer of a smile spread across his features as he gave a small nod to the young man and set his cup down.

"Well if she is agreeable, I don't see any reason to say no," he started though paused just briefly before continuing, "So long as you have her best interests in mind. She is my favorite sister after all. I would hate to see her hurt." And though it could perhaps sound like something of a threat, it was far from such coming from Gregory. The man couldn't harm a fly even if he wanted. Though he did have connections with the spirit world. Perhaps an angry spirit could haunt Art if push came to shove. Hopefuly, however, it wouldn't.

  

[Arthur Pettigrew]

Arthur beamed. "Thank you," he said, "I would never hurt her."

...At least, not intentionally. Art had a very long history of fucking up - his mother could attest to that - and just because he was trying to do better didn't mean that he would.

But he was going to do his best.

  

[Gregory Creighton]

Gregory smiled back, glad the man was happy with his answer. He offered his hand for a handshake before standing up.

"I'm glad to hear that. Don't know what I'd have to do if you did," he said still smiling, "Now is there anything else? Or shall I be on my way?" He had some reports he wanted to get finished up and if their business was taken care of, he was quite ready to be on his own way.

  

[Arthur Pettigrew]

"Nothing at all," Arthur said, "Have a good day, Mr. Creighton." Dezzie's half-brother left, and Art did soon afterwards - for the rest of the day he still could not quite believe that this had gone so well. Everything was falling into place, sort of.

(Except, of course, his mother's approval.)