Smile For Me [Open]

[Reese Mackenzie]

This was one weird month when you paid some attention to the weather. Some days you had a bright sun, others were rainy, some cold and some pretty hot. Although that might be cause of Jason Owens but that was besides the point. Anyway, today Reese had sort of got Jason able to do some of his magic to keep it nice and warm out. Which was necessary when you wanted to spend a day out in the open air with your son without him getting a cold.

Speaking of some more magic Reese had conjured a big blanket so that when she and Nathan would lay on it the cold ground it wouldn't give him a cold. Laying on just a blanket on the ground would just not do. Reese was sitting Indian style on the blanket drawing/writing in her journal with Nathan laying besides her on his back. His little arms were up in the air and were trying to grab floating conjured orbs of light hovering above him. Every now and then laughs and happy cries of the little guy could be heard around the gardens.

Lately a lot of things had happened and nothing was the same since the start of last year. She was back at Hogwarts and had found her family. She was living with her dad, and Dane had recently moved in to. Which was all great but it was still hard without Jake around. But Reese was doing alright with the help of friends and family.

[Alec Tilare]

Seems Alec didn't have much to do with his day. He had managed to finish all the essays and other such work that was assigned for his classes, he had studied beyond much comprehension and knew without a doubt that he would be able to finish them off with the easiest intentions. Sometimes he couldn't help but think the hat put him in the wrong house, he was more of a work-aholic then Jason was. Which, really didn't say much...

Today he shrugged out of his gryffindor uniform, pulling on some simply black slacks, black button up collar shirt--untucked of course--and rolled up the sleeves to his elbows. With the first one unbuttoned, only per usual, he finished off with his favorite leather boots, and set off to just enjoy the sun all around.

Just taking a stroll around the courtyard, Alec could only chuckle at the knowledge that his best friend was keeping the day so nice and collected. Wherever the heck that guy was however was sorta unknown. But, Alec had a feeling it probably involved the Pitch grounds.

With a hand shoved in his pocket, his right fingers were twirling his wand 'round and around, while he whistled one of his favorite rock tunes. Having brothers absolutely obessed with the classic of ancient rock was mind twisting, and Alec was always annoyed as hell when he was home. However, when he came here he missed it like crazy. Just whistling some of his brother's favorite tunes just helped him out a bit.

After awhile, Alec found himself on the outskirts of the garden, and soon enough he spotted his favorite duo. A charming grin slid upon his features, and he actually walked a bit faster, while keeping a suave slow action. With the flick of his wand, he sent the orbs flying up and around Reese's head---Alec was coming up on them from behind, so, per usual, he had the elament of surprise.

Biting his lip, he conjured a small chocolate bar into his hand, and charmed it to float on over above the small Nathan. Sure it was almost the size of his arm, but Alec just loved to tease those two. Kept his life fresh and exciting. The way he always liked it.

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[Reese Mackenzie]

Does it ever get any better?
Or will I feel this way the rest of my life?
I just can’t get it together
Now and then I’m losing my mind
I tried to look the other way
To make it through another day
Does it ever get any better?
Cause I’ll be with you the rest of my life
Yeah, all my life

Reese sighed when she had finished writing down what was on her mind. Or rather. Who. Jake. Two years ago, this month, Jake had been killed and even though it had been two years it still had not gotten any easier to deal with. Her friends and family said they were there for her, and they were but Reese did not want to dump her feelings on them. It just didn’t feel right, as if she was nagging or something. So instead she just smiled and wrote whatever was going on inside of her in her journal.

Running a hand through her hair she looked aside to her little boy. Leaning into him she pressed a kiss on his stomach, nuzzling his belly so she could hear Nathan laugh. Really, your child’s laugh did miracles and it made her feel better to know he was here and happy. “Love you, Nate.” She whispered softly, pulling back again so he could play with the flying orbs.

Turning her attention back to her journal she drew a few little hearts on the page. Finishing it all with ‘Always and Forever Jake’. Something she had always said when he teased her by asking if she still loved him. Always and forever, that would never change. Ever.

Then suddenly Nathan gave a cry and when she looked up orbs started to fly around her head. “What the he…” waving them away with her hand Nathan suddenly started to laugh again. Looking over at Nathan Reese rose a brow at the flying chocolate above his head, “Nathan what are you doing?” He could use wandless magic? What the hell was this? Reese knew for sure it wasn’t her doing this, but Nathan was a little young to be using magic now was he? “You’re a little too young to play with chocolate, let alone use magic.” Not even thinking anyone else was having a little fun with teasing them.

Taking the chocolate away, Reese gave him his little stuffed animal in the form of a duck. Something he always wanted to have with him for some reason.

[Alec Tilare]

Alec was having the hardest time not laughing at Reese's reactions. Ho could she possibly not even suspect the possibility that somebody was messin with them, what? Nathan was doing magic? Seriously? Was she thinking that? From the looks of things, and when she simply replaced the chocolate with that little duck, well, lets just say it made everything clear. Alec was just going to have to try a bit harder.

Hiding behind a particularly large bush, he lifted his head up so he could see the playing duo, and with another flick of his wand that precious little stuffed animal came alive, and started quacking. He could hear Nathan's laughter all the way from over there. Now, Alec wasn't too far off, but just enough so that he could hide properly--if he so chose.

One thing he hadn't been expected was only seconds later the little chick took a quick nip at Reese's butt. Alec's eyes widened, and he forced himself to bite his lip. Face turning red from withholding the hard laughter, which he knew would be heard even by Reese if he let it go. Turning, he pressed a hand over his mouth, trying to reduce the snorts and small noises of choked back laughter.

It really shouldn't be this funny. But it kinda was.

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[Reese Mackenzie]

Staring at the chocolate bar Reese really had a hard time believing Nathan had actually conjured chocolate. She had never given it to him before and neither had anyone else as far as she knew. Cause well, you just didn’t gave chocolate too a seventh month year old baby like him. So how could he knew what chocolate was to begin with? Taking a quick look around her, just to be sure they were alone, Reese frowned. No one, they were alone. But...how did he?

She shook her head while her own thoughts raced through her mind, trying to come up with some logical explanation. Not being able to find one Reese glanced back to her baby boy, to only see him suck on his toy and look back at his mommy. “I know your daddy had a lust after chocolate but you’re way to young to start any addiction. And hopefully you grow up without having any to begin with.” This was just too weird!

The only other thing Reese could do was shrug, so she did. Then she leaned forward to grab her bag and put the chocolate away. If she would keep it in the sun like this it would only start to melt anyway, but before she had closed her bag again she heard a quaking sound. The next thing she knew Nathan started to laugh and something nipped her butt! A shriek left her lips as she shot up to sit onto her knees.

With wild eyes she turned around –while rubbing her butt- to witness the little stuffed animal walking around on the blanket, quaking and nipping at everything it came across. “What the hell is going on here?!”, her voice a little higher from confusion and partly cause she was freaking a bit. Reese quickly snatched the duck by one if its paws and held it upside down. Something the animal was glad about, since it started to quack even harder an flap its wings.

While giving it a quick shake she used her wandless magic to turn it back to what it was suppose to be –a stuffed animal- and then tossed it to the other side of the blanket. Not wanting that thing near Nathan again before she figured out what was going! Sure, Nathan had used some magic before but that easily was something simple like making his mother’s hair turn pink. Or his duck to fly to him. Small things like that, nothing big like this.

Picking Nathan up from the blanket Reese held him in her arms as her eyes scanned her surroundings. Something wasn’t right about this, maybe they weren’t alone as she thought they had been. “Who’s there? I know we’re not alone, so you better show yourself before I find you!”

[Alec Tilare]

He had an idea. A flashy 'n cruel one. It would take him being extremly quiet to pull it off--but then again, Alec was an expert at being silent. Going on a hunt. Being what he was, Alec had become an expert at being the predator, hunting his prey. Now of course, Reese wasn't his meal, neither was Nathan, but just for a bit of flippant flavor he decided to go ahead with what his mind pushed him to do.

Practically on his knees, he crawled around the corner, hiding behind the large bushel trees, and what not. As he came to another clearing between the brush, he slowly stood straight. Unable to keep the grin from his face, he simply took silent steps up behind the curious Reese.

Not even a single crunch of grass could be heard, Alec was that quiet. And as he came within a couple feet of that gorgeous girl, he had to force himself to hold back his laughter. Knowing he was having too much fun with this scenery, and she was definately going to kick his ass when she figured it out, but why not come in with a bang, eh?

Making sure his shadow loomed up 'n over her, so that she'd notice, he crouched down and before she could do much of anything his hands shot out and covered her eyes. Giving Alec a few more moments to linger in his small trick of victory. He gave her a few seconds to be oblivious and confused, oh Plus angry, before he leaned in and let his cool breath beat against her ear, "Goood morning, Reese." He let out a quiet chuckle, "Hows your day been?" He was proud 'n triumphant, his voice clearly showed it.

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[Reese Mackenzie]

Reese didn’t mind a good joke, after all she grew up with Tyson. That brother of hers was Hogwarts Biggest pain after all. But what she didn’t like was when people were messing with her while she didn’t know who it was and knew he or she was watching her. Not after the night where she and Jake and ended up in the middle of a fight…and he had died. Reese had always been a bit jump after that, not liking to be alone in the dark or near people duelling. For a long time she had been scared the death eaters would come to get her cause she had been involved in the fight. In the end they hadn’t but she was still scared.

Her eyes scanned every bush and tree, every stone someone could hide behind but she couldn’t see anything. Or anyone. Maybe she was alone after all? Or maybe she was getting paranoid? “This is so not funny!” she called out, but still no one responded. “Either someone is messing with us or I’m losing my mind Nate.” She said softly, holding her son tightly against her chest. Reese ran a quick hand through her hair, trying to calm down, but the idea they were being watched still creeped her out.

Deciding to get her things and head back inside her eye suddenly widened, her heart missing a beat when a sudden shadow loomed over her and Nathan. Then all went dark when someone covered her eyes. A high scream left her lips and her heartbeat almost doubled as she heard a voice in her ear. Turning around with the speed of light she clenched her fist and decked the person behind her just below his left eye. In a reflex she jumped to her feet and backed up.

In the meantime Nathan had started to cry loudly as his mother suddenly had screamed, startling him. His little hands were clenched in fists and his tiny body had gone from relaxed to being tense.

Reese’s chest heaved up and down, her eyes filled with fear when she suddenly recognized the one she had just decked was Alec. “Alec!! That is so not funny!!! Jerk!” he should know better than to scare her like that when she had Nathan with her. Rocking her son in her arms she forced herself to calm down some. Gsees! That had so not been funny!

[Alec Tilare]

His head wiplashed to the side, a sting shooting across the middle of his facial features, most importanly into his left eye, "Holy..." Trailing off, hand shooting up to his face, craddling the ache. It was a d**n good thing Alec didn't bruise, because that would've been an ugly mark. The only thing that made this worse was the factor that little Nathan started to wail. Definately not what Alec intended.

Alec!! That is so not funny!!! Jerk!

Rubbing against his cheek, he licked at his lips--the force from her fist having actually split his lip. Mostly because it had been his own teeth that cut it, but the shock of the hit caused it, "Dangit" He whispered roughly, under his breath. He sucked on his lip for a moment, before looking up at Reese.

More like giving her a glare, "That hurt!" Accusing her. Sure as hell, he deserved it, but still, she didn't have to deck him so freakin hard! All Alec was doing was teasing her, he was always messin with her like this. She always messed with him back. Even with how sneaky Alec had been, she should've been expecting it.

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[Reese Mackenzie]

It had been a reflex and something Reese really had not been able to keep inside of herself. Tyson and Dane had always teased her whenever they could and eventually she had learned to fight like a guy. Being jumped had happened to her a lot when she had been younger and after what had happened with Jake Reese just lashed out to keep whatever it was that was jumping her, jump back.

Rubbing Nathan’s back she glared right back at Alec. “Then don’t jump me like that!” her heart still beating way to fast. Course she hadn’t meant to hit him, and it wasn’t like her own hand stung a bit. Running a shaky hand through her hair she took a few deep breaths to calm herself down while Nathan started to calm down as well after a few minutes.

Reese closed the space between her and Alec, slowly raising her hands to let her fingers trace his cheek. Whispering a few words his lip healed and any other pain she had caused him as well. “There, all patched up again. Now you owe me and Nathan a hug for scaring us like that.” Her eyes softening, a smile playing her lips.

Course. Alec. The chocolate, the duck and now this. Who else could it be? Well, her brother but he would have known to duck and not keep standing on both his feet after scaring her.

[Alec Tilare]

It was always welcomed to see her care. Just knowing that she had a will to make him feel better--gave him hope. Hope for something he knew he really shouldn't have the right to. But that is for later discussion. Right now, Alec refused to wonder and ruin the moment on an long termed inner battle, and stuck with the mask of friendship. As if thats all he ever wanted. All he'd ever need...

Wrapping his arms around her momentarily, he pulled back too soon for his liking, giving that apologetic grin, "I am sorry for scaring you. My little joke went a bit too far, I 'spose." Chuckling, he looked down upon the handsome little guy in Reese's arms.

Stroking the back of his finger against the small boys cheek, he had the ache in his hands to pick him up and hold him. Nathan was so cute, so small. Alec couldn't help but want to always be around him. The boy looked so much like his mother, which only made the situation all the more intense...yet perfect.

"What are you two doing today, then?" Unable to tear his face away from Nate's. While awaiting an answer, he started to purposely make funny faces towards the baby, loving to hear that giggle of his. Just absolutely addicted to making this kid smile 'n laugh.

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[Reese Mackenzie]

Reese was a girl who always took care of others first. Made sure they were okay, safe and happy. People who she cared about a lot always came first before she would look after herself. Ofcourse now Nathan was on the top of the list, he came first. Always. But her brothers, Rhea, Alec and her other friends all shared the second place.

She snuggled into his arms, liking it when he wrapped his arms around her like that. It was weird how some people could make you feel so safe if they wrapped their arms around you. Whenever Alec did it Reese knew she and Nathan were totally safe. Not to mention that if felt good just to be held by him. “At least I got some chocolate out of it.” she teased, although he had pushed it a little with his joke though.

When she had pulled back Nathan had calmed down again and now sat silently in his mothers arms, pressed against her chest. She smiled, noticing how Alec had all his attention focused on her son. “Want to hold him Alec?” she asked, although she didn’t wait for his answer but already handed Nathan over to him.

Stretching herself after she sat down on the blanket again. “Not much, just hanging out together.” There wasn’t something she needed to do today so this was all about relaxation. “What about you? Don’t you have some thrilling planned?”

[Alec Tilare]

He wasn't surprised when she let him hold Nathan, but Alec took the child in excitement, eager to actually have the boy in his arms. Despite how tough and goofy Alec loved to be, he adored taking the time to make sure Nathan here had at least half of his time. He wasn't the father, Alec knew that, but he felt so connected with Nathan. It was something he wasn't really able to explain, and wasn't sure if Reese understood, but something about this whole situation just felt right.

Folding his long legs beneath him, he quickly enough sat down beside Reese, tickling Nathan's stomach, "Gotcha...I gotcha..." He was smiling, bigger and brighter then he had all morning. He had heard the question asked of him, and glanced up at the child's mother for a few moments, "Jase is probably at the pitch, and I've done all my homework..." Gazing back down at the little boy, he laughed at the confusion the baby had pulled onto his face.

"Hey there little fella'," When a smile twitched against the small lips, Alec once again made a funny face, mimicking a small playful glare. The little one giggled, Alec's chest warmed, and a small hand lifted to his cheek. For a second they just sat like that--she taking in the moment. What was it about this boy that had Alec in such a rut?

Then he had his hair yanked, the moment broken, as Nathan had grabbed a whole fist full, "Ah, ow ow ow ow..." Alec continued, hand immediately going up, trying to pry the strong little hand from his oh so bruising hair.

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[Reese Mackenzie]

Reese laid down on her back, conjuring a pair of sunglasses and put them on. A small smile was set on her face while she enjoyed the warmth of the sun, the happy cries of her son and Alec’s presence. It helped having both of them around to make her forget about Jake for a while. Or helping her not think of him for a while, Jake would always be with her. She couldn’t and wouldn’t forget about him. Ever.

Nathan cried happily, and pulled his legs up and down in excitement. Just like his mother he was a people person and liked to get attention. And just like his mom he had the gift of attracting people to him with just a laugh, a smile or a look with his big brown eyes.

“Yeah I know, he dared my brother to a game of quidditch about an hour ago. So Dane double dared him. Those two won’t be back till right before dinner I guess.” Or until they would be falling from their brooms from being exhausted.

Next Nathan giggled and gave out another cry when he had managed to grab Alec’s hair. He was a bright little guy and had learned that pulling people’s hair was actually fun! They would make all these weird sounds and would smile, that was fun for a little baby like him.

[Alec Tilare]

Finally managin to set himself free, Alec gave little Nathan Mackenzie a playful glare, before tickling the youngsters stomach again, in a small amount of payback. The laughter that broke free was absolutely heart warming, soaring! Alec was laughin along with the baby in a short amount of time, and after a few minutes managed to start playing a game of peek a boo.

Now, if Jason was around, he might not be so playful, just because he didn't want to be made fun of by his best friend--but it was kind of a silent thing with almost everybody...the secret act may be its name. How all of them love Nathan more then anything, maybe except for his own mother of course, but in public it was the men who decided to give the kid a short smile, possibly a tickle, and nothing else. Until everyone else managed to leave, then it was alright to be effectionate. Seems guys reacted that way with almost every situation however. Yes, even including Alec.

"Did you not have any exciteing plans today?" Looking up at the now laying Reese. He was pulled in a trance, a different kind. If he had a beating heart it was start racing, pulsing inside him so rapidly it could be deemed lethal. But it wasn't his fault. She was beautiful, radiant. Not only did her smile make him melt, but her scent was just right--worthy of gettin drunk upon. But this vampire had restraint. Sure she knew what he was, but that never and would never give him right to actually do an act like that. Don't think Nathan would let him...or Dane...or Tyson...not even Jason...

Alec felt a hand on the tops of each thigh, and when he looked down Nathan had managed to roll over onto his stomach, and had was shaking to pull himself up. When the little boy raised him arms, and let out a small little yelp of want, Alec smiled. Granting this handsome baby the holding he wanted. The care he was searching for.

A question that was constantly all over Alec's mind was if Nathan ever realized what was holding him. Not who, What. If and when Nathan figured it out, Alec would be waiting the moment when the little boy would start crying in terror, and run away. So for now, he had to enjoy all the attention Nathan wanted from him. It may not last very long.

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[Reese Mackenzie]

A mother knew exactly what every little sound meant that her baby made. A giggle meant he liked something or wanted to have something, a happy cry meant he was amused but laughter meant he was really enjoying himself. And what else could her little guy do if he was getting nothing but attention from Alec? Alec always came around to play with Nathan, they looked adorable together.

It was funny though, to see all the ‘macho’ men turn all weak when around their son. You had Alec who acted all tough but was a sweetheart around Nathan, Dane tried to keep his cool but always ended up holding his nephew, Tyson couldn’t stop making funny faces, Jason usually brought a present and Blaine always ended up cuddling with both mother and son. She never told others how the guys changed when around her little boy. No. That she kept for her own amusement.

Reese stretched her tired muscles, exposing half of her bare stomach as she did so. Pulling her legs up, she set her feet down on the ground so her knees were bend. “After you have a baby your life is not as exciting anymore honey.” she answered him with a soft laugh, her eyes travelling back to Alec. “At least not in the way it used to be, more like…exciting in seeing your baby boy grow up.” Reese didn’t go out to party anymore, didn’t do dangerous things, didn’t drink nor used any other kinds of things. She made her homework, nursed Nathan and spend some time with her friends. And that would be about it. “Nate and I were just enjoying the sun today.”

Unlike what anyone might think Reese trusted Alec with Nathan. He might be a vampire but in all those years she knew him he had never hurt her before, never had been a threat. He had just been his charming, sweet, protective and kind self. He would never hurt Nathan. She just knew.

Yawning she brought a hand up to her mouth, feeling herself getting all sleepy from just laying lazily on her back on the blanket. Jason’s day was getting better and better cause about an hour ago the sun hadn’t been this warm. And she hoped he would stay that way, if he would loose from her brother at quidditch it might get chilly out.