Learning to Fall }{ Naricssa

[lucius malfoy]

Lucius took slow breaths as he circled the lake with Narcissa. A substantial amount of time had passed and now a solid layer of snow covered the grounds. Out in the open areas the snow was disturbed from various snowball fights, but on the far side of the lake, where the trees, though dead for the winter, covered the path, the snow was fresh and unbroken. Unbroken, except for two sets of footprints, spaced closely together.

Lucius took another deep breath of the crisp, clean air and decided he really couldn't be more content. He was strolling through fresh snow, breathing fresh air, and had his beautiful, intelligent fiance on his arms. For an aristocrat, not much was better.

Turning his head towards Narcissa, Lucius smiled gently down at her. Their betrothal had been arranged by their parents and they had had no say in any of it, but it had turned out remarkably well so far.

[narcissa black]

Taking a stroll in the snow was generally something Narcissa did on her own. It was her way of escaping the rest of the world, a way for her to be more like herself and less like the young woman she was supposed to be when looked upon by other people. Out here she could be casual and comfortable, less proper and poised.

This time, she had suggested that Lucius accompany her for a walk. She was due to marry him, and if she couldn't be herself around him when they were alone, then they would never work out. Granted, there was no hopping, skipping, and prancing around. Cissy wasn't that kind of girl. But she was pleased, wearing a smile, and had her arm curled with his rather then just keeping her hand placed in the crook of his arm as was usually expected.

"Thank you for accompanying me." she finally broke the silence that had lingered between them. Not an uncomfortable sort of quiet, but soothing and appreciative. Regardless, Cissy spoke out, tightening her grip ever so slightly on his arm for emphasis. "I usually just walk alone, but I thought it might be nice to share the experience with someone else."

[lucius malfoy]

Lucius was not particularly inclined to take random walks about the grounds, he was more prone to frequenting his study, or the library. However, Narcissa had asked him to accompany her on her stroll, and Lucius had readily agreed. In the very beginning of their betrothal, Lucius had asked Narcissa what her hobbies were, and she had laughed at the question and not answered him. Over the time they'd been betrothed they had gotten to know each other well, but Lucius had a suspicion that this walk would qualify as an answer to what her hobbies are.

"Rest assured, it is my pleasure to accompany you. The grounds really are quite beautiful, covered in snow." Lucius paused, not sure whether to say his next comment. They had grown more informal as the got to know each other, and it was not an inappropriate comment, but he was nervous about saying it aloud. "However, the grounds, while beautiful in their own right, pale in comparison to your beauty, Narcissa."

Lucius looked away from Narcissa and ducked his head, suddenly shy. It was no secret that Narcissa was among the most beautiful at Hogwarts, but when Lucius said it, to Narcissa, it simply felt different.

[narcissa black]

Narcissa could only smile in response to his approval of their walk. This was something she liked to do, and sharing it had seemed like the best way to not only coax her fiance` out of his study, but to spend some real, quality time together away from the judging eyes of their piers.

As he went on to compliment the grounds, Narcissa nodded in agreement and cast her gaze around to observe the scenery. "Its appears so clean and pure this time of year. Nothing harsh or tainting." A soft, thoughtful noise escaped her, though it caught in her throat due to his next comment. Narcissa blinked wide eyes, then turned her head to regard him. Lucius Malfoy had a shy side? That...was definitely new to her, and while she could feel the heat of flattery on her cheeks, she couldn't help but smile at this new side to her betrothed.

"I'm not entirely sure what to say other then thank you..." and it was very true. That was probably the most brilliant thing anyone had ever said to her, and she had no idea what she was supposed to say or do in response other then smile, thank him, and try to keep from bursting into a deep crimson color of flattery.

The only other thing she could think to do was something she wasn't sure was allowed or not. It was a bit forward, something the two of them never were. However, what could it hurt? It wasn't suggestive, or lustful, it was just affectionate...That in mind, Narcissa lifted up onto her toes- with the support of his arm- and pressed a soft, brief kiss to the cheek currently turned her way.

[lucius malfoy]

Very, very few people had seen Lucius being shy. Once he had been introduced into society he had presented himself at every opportunity to be the confident, capable Malfoy Heir. The very fact that he had shown Narcissa his elusive shy side said more than any words could that he was comfortable with her.

Lucius kept his head bowed as he waited on Narcissa's response. He heard her thanks, but still did not have her true reaction. After all, it was a compliment, and a thank you was expected.

Then the pressure on his arm increased and before he knew what was happening, he felt a soft pressure against his cheek. Along with the brush of hair across his face and the sudden scent of Narcissa filling his nose, Lucius realised that Narcissa had just kissed him. On the cheek, mind, completely proper, but it was a kiss nonetheless and it introduced a whole new level to their relationship.

Careful to wait until Narcissa pulled her face away from his, in order to avoid accidental contact, Lucius turned his own face back towards Narcissa, unable to hide his smile. Using the arm that was not entwined with Narcissa's, Lucius brought his hand up to the back of Narcissa's head, pulling gently until he could rest his forehead on the crown of her head.

He had a feeling that maybe he should be doing something, saying something, in response to Narcissa's kiss, but this moment was just too perfect. He didn't want to ruin it by saying something awkward.

[narcissa black]

The fact that he had not pulled away, or scolded her for being improper or forward, sent a wave of relief flooding through Narcissa. She hadn't even realized that she was concerned about the situation until it had passed, and now she was both pleased with herself for taking initiative, and happy with the response.

At first, she wasn't quite sure what Lucius was doing. The smile on his face was one thing, but when he moved she wasn't exactly sure what to expect. The results earned a comfortable, content sound from the girl and her eyes fell shut for a moment. She too had in mind that something should be said, but ruining the moment was not on her to do list. It was...well, it was a moment, and that was all she could really come up with over the matter...Other then the fact that she now had something to tell her older sister when conversation of her betrothal popped up again...

[lucius malfoy]

Lucius stayed still, content in his proximity to Narcissa. Her kiss had been a forward move in its own right, but Lucius was relieved when she did not pull away from his motion. He was careful to ensure that their bodies did not touch any more than their hands and heads - that would be highly improper for a pureblood courtship.

Reluctantly, Lucius pulled away from Narcissa, straightening back up to his full height. As he stepped away, Lucius untangled their entwined arms so that he was holding her hand. Meeting Narcissa's gaze, Lucius raised her hand to his lips and kissed the back of it softly before using that same hand to pull Narcissa. While walking, Lucius had spotted a small bench in a clearing up ahead, and he led Narcissa to it now.

Sitting himself, he pulled again on Narcissa's hand until she was sitting next to him. Still smiling, Lucius did not let go of Narcissa's hand as he turned to look out over the lake. He still didn't know what to say, so he remained quiet.