The Encounter ( Ruby / Jamison )

[shava444]

Today was a study day, unfortunately, but he didn't need the Library fortunately. Seeking to stay away from places he could be found easily, he had chosen the weird outdoor classroom on first, the one supposedly enchanted by one of the past heads to look like a forest clearing. At the moment it was showing a moonlit sky with stars out (though it was mid day outside) and it felt soothing to Jam. This room had a major advantage over the actual outdoors in the fact nothing was here. No monsters, no bugs, no worms or other parasites to watch out for. In other words, a civilized outdoors.

While he never did it outside, here he had a blanket down and was lying on it elbows down as he looked into his book, lit by the light of the stars in the ceiling. Wearing a fairly impeccable outfit as well, if he had to point out, jeans which flattered his form and fit nice and tight, nice button down blue silk shirt with a Quidditch player on the pocket obviously dodging a bludger at the moment, and an overshirt of fine Egyptian cotton over that in a decent green, nothing too light. He did have a reputation to uphold so all five pieces (socks and shoes included) were well known names and pretty pricey.

Jam turned a page, reinserting the blue silk handwoven bookmark and sighed, rubbing his eyes. He was having trouble concentrating on this at the moment though he wasn't sure why. Up on his elbows he pulled out a handkerchief (carefully folded and properly displayed of course) and unfolded it, using the inside to wipe his brow. Folding things tended to help him center his thoughts through the time-worn practices with his fingers and this time was no different. He watched his fingers with interest as the folds were redone perfectly and reinserted in his pocket, the Quidditch player dodging the cloth as it came down.

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[Ruby Holland]

she makes it look easy, in control completely
YOU KNOW YOU SHOULD NEVER UNDERESTIMATE A GIRL

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Ruby had left the common room that afternoon with a purpose, with a plan. No, she was not going to spend her Saturday afternoon studying, or doing homework like she probably should have, no instead Ruby was looking for someone. She had had her eye on Jamison Smith for a while before she had even spoken to her mother. What could she say? He was attractive, pureblood, older, and a Slytherin, all things that made him all the more desirable in Ruby's eyes. But when her mother had told her that the heir to one of her favorite fashion lines was a student at Hogwarts, and only a year above her, and informed her of who it was, well then Ruby had been truly hooked. True, he wasn't necessarily her usual type personality wise, she wasn't sure if she'd even seen him with a girlfriend of any sort, but at the moment, for the moment at least, Ruby wanted him. And when Ruby wanted something, she almost always got what she wanted.

So as she made her way out of the Slytherin common room that day, she had a determined look, with a confident smile, on her face. As she walked through the common room, and even the corridors afterwards, she could feel the eyes of some of her more attractive housemates on her, and she responded with a little eyelash flutter, and a wave, even giving a couple the privelege of blowing them a kiss. Ruby was a flirt, she wasn't ashamed of it, and she wouldn't deny it. If you were male, attractive, and pureblood, chances are she has flirted in the past, and will continue to do so in the future. She has always enjoyed the attention that she gets from boys think they might have a chance, or even the ones who know they really don't but still continue to try. And today was no different, with her long pale golden hair curled and hanging down her back, her short-sleeved an inch above the knee length red dress, black and red pin-striped heels, red lip-stick, and her minimal eye make up, Ruby was fully aware, was sure she looked good. As far as she saw it, of course the boys were going to look and stare, their eyes running over her body hungrily as if they'd give anything to just get 5 minutes with her in an empty classroom or closet. Of course they were going to look, let them, it felt good to have their eyes on her. But just because they were looking, and just because some of them got the pleasure of her flirting back, didn't mean any of them could actually have her.

No, when it came to the males who actually had the privelege of having more than a casual flirt or glance, they were few and far between. She could count the number she truly wanted on one hand. And the number she'd actually ever been involved with in any way, also on one hand. Some might say that Ruby was a tease, but that was far from the truth. She was simply picky, she had standards, she had a list of things she looked for before becoming involved either physically or seriously or romantically with any male, and she was sorry, but if you didn't have it, you couldn't have her, not even for those short five minutes you fantasized about as your eyes ran over her.

As she made her way through the dungeons, scanning around for Jamison, and glancing in the few empty classrooms on that floor, her smile remained on her face. Ruby was the type of person that smiled often, and unless provoked, usually never lost her temper. A lady does not lose her temper, that was drilled into her head by her mother and grandmothers at a young age. She climbed the stairs to the ground floor, and began to search the great hall, and the classrooms scattered that floor. As she came upon Classroom Eleven, and opened the door, her smile widened into a grin as she realized she'd found him. He was laying on a blanket, reading a book, and seemed to be completely oblivious to the fact that his privacy had been invaded.

She walked the short distance from the door to his blanket quickly but gracefully, and plastering a sweet look that she had perfected a long time ago on her face, she sat down, well really Knelt, with her legs crossed, on the blanket in front of him. "Hello there," she said, Do you mind if I join you, I don't mean to intrude, and I could leave if you'd rather, but I'll be honest, I really don't want to." She smiled at him, pushing a strand of her long hair out of her face. "It's Jamison isn't it?" she continued, "I'm Ruby."


Wearing: This Tagged: Jamison Lyrics: Never Underestimate a Girl- Vanessa Hudgens Notes: Shava...I am so so so sorry that this is so long...I can't even....
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[shava444]

A handkerchief was seen as outdated by some these days, but Jamison used it as a connection between the old guard and the new, a good conversation started with older socialites. So folding it a particular way was, in some ways, important and as a habit it was quite acceptable. As he reinserted it in his pocket, suddenly a young pair of woman's legs appeared in his view, topped by a red skirt bottom. Jamison had never considered women as important in the scheme of social interaction, at least not his, as they were considered the weaker sex and he was in a male dominated world.

Over time he had wondered at the influence they could have on young men and old, having seen a few who clearly knew how to use their looks to shortcut their way to what they wanted. Determined not to be sidetracked into giving away his advantage, he had made a point of squashing down his reactions to them. Faced with one directly, he wondered what new challenge was being presented as she knelt down and crossed her legs directly in front of him. Given few options in refusing, he leaned up more on his elbows (the material protected by the blanket naturally) and looked at her face. She had blond hair and he thought he had seen her in the dorm which meant better odds for a decent conversation.

"Well sounds like I have little choice then, though as you can see I am studying. I doubt a few minutes speech will damage my perfect grades." He smiled politely at her, giving her some warmth for being from the same house, but not reacting as most males might have in falling for her fast. Quirking an eyebrow at her opening conversation started, he pondered what she was after. "I am. And you said Ruby? Would that be Ruby Holland?" He wouldn't be a moving socialite if he didn't know the names of his fellow students, at least the more important ones to him. He and his mother worked out a list two summers ago of those above and below him just in case there was opportunity and it took him only a moment to recall the name.

If it was Holland, then she was rather rich.

Celebrities, he knew, loved being recognized, but he wasn't going to fawn all over her like a fan boy. Potential she might represent, but he had pride and more. Again a raised eyebrow as she confirmed it for him. "Well, Ms Holland, what did you want to speak about? You have for at least the moment, my full attention." Not that he would consider offending the heir to a hotel chain he would probably need in the future; that would be extremely dumb and if anything, he was not stupid.

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[Ruby Holland]

she makes it look easy, in control completely
YOU KNOW YOU SHOULD NEVER UNDERESTIMATE A GIRL

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As he stated that it sounded like he had little choice, but that he was studying, but he was sure a few moments of conversation wouldn't ruin his perfect grades, Ruby let out a little laugh, smiling. "Well I should hope a bit of conversation wouldn't ruin perfect grades," she teased, "But you definitely do have a choice, you could tell me to go away right now, and I would simply stand up, and walk away, simple as that.". He then went on to say that he was Jamison Smith, which she had already known but had asked just to be sure, and when he recognized who she was without her having to say her last name, Ruby grinned. That was good, so he knew who she was, that fed her ego slightly, and told her that he most likely knew who her father was as well.

When he asked what she wanted to speak about, telling her for the time being, she had his full attention, she smiled. She thought about how to respond, she could be blunt, and tell him straight out that she was interested in him, but decided to be a bit more coy instead, at least for the time being. "Actually, my mother, Olga Holland? I"m sure you've heard of her, she's a quite well known fashion designer, told me that you were heir to Twilfit and Tatting," she said, "And I just wanted to introduce myself, and personally tell you how much I adore your store, and your fashion line." It was partially the truth, she'd just left out the fact that she was determined to eventually be the girl on his arm. She got the feeling that he wasn't necessarily the type that liked it when a girl was too forward, and she didn't want to offend him, so she decided it was best to just keep it polite and friendly for now.



Wearing: This Tagged: Jamison Lyrics: Never Underestimate a Girl- Vanessa Hudgens Notes: Shava...I am so so so sorry that this is so long...I can't even....
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[shava444]

That was the one issue with dealing with high society; rich people and heirs made for big egos as well. And while Jamison knew he was one of those, he had always thought that those with lots of money tended to think of themselves as better titled then those with the blood lines. Wrong of them, but arrogance tended that way. So once he placed her last name and the money potential clicked there were several things on his mind. First off, he needed money. Getting it earlier then his birthday could make a HUGE difference to his pulling off his rep. She represented a ton of money so if whatever favor she had involved money he needed to pay attention.

Second, with that kind of money, she would expect him to be more looking up to her and stuff and that he didn't care for so as much. "But that would be rude, especially when you started so politely." She had a nice smile, but why did he get the feeling he was in trouble? She was from his house which was good, but he had the impression of the mouse being stared down by the cat! As she spoke he nodded his head; he had heard of her mother, though he hadn't met her personally. His mother probably had though.

"Very true, next year in fact." Using one hand he waved in the direction of his clothes, clearly a message about all the stylish things he was wearing, his main claim to fame. Well okay, his ancestry, but he was keeping the Helga Hufflepuff stuff under wraps anyway. Hearing she assumed he had quite a lot to do with the store made his ego swell a bit more; she certainly made him feel like at least some of his story was working! "Well nice to meet you and I'm sure you have your mother's sense of style; she does some truly wonderful pieces!"

"And I'm glad you like the store; it's good to go somewhere at least you can find decent stuff. I try to avoid Gladrags as much as possible." Now, something to make him seem more involved then he was, an important detail! It didn't take but a moment before it occurred to him; women did love shoes so surely it would be a winner? "Did you like the shoe room? I understand the designers had a fun time working out the magic readings on that one, but the concept was just too good to not do."

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[Ruby Holland]

she makes it look easy, in control completely
YOU KNOW YOU SHOULD NEVER UNDERESTIMATE A GIRL

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In response to her statement that if he asked her to leave, she would simply do so, he stated that that would be rude, especially when she had started out so politely, and she flashed him a smile. "A lady is always polite, or at least tries her best to be so most of the time," she said, "Like everyone, I'm sure I have my meaner moments, or ruder moments, but I like to think they are rare occurences.". He then responded that it was very true that he was inheriting Twilfit and Tattings, next year in fact, and she nodded, her mother had said as much. As he gestured at his clothing, she grinned, he did have style, she had to admit it, and that was only making him more attractive in her eyes.

He said it was nice to meet her, and then proceeded to compliment her mother and herself at the same time, saying he was sure she had her mother's sense of style, and that her mother designed some truly wonderful pieces. "I like to think I do, and thank you, I'll relay your compliment to her in my next letter," she smiled, "I think at least a quarter of my wardrobe is my mother's designs, I confess, I'm a tad obsessive with fashion, I seem to be the only one of my siblings to have inherited my mother's love of it." Her mother would certainly be pleased by the compliment, she loved hearing that people enjoyed her designs. Ruby told her constantly, but she was her daughter, it wasn't really the same when she said it. And Onyx wasn't obsessive with fashion like they were, he knew how to look good, and did that well, but he didn't care for fashion beyond picking what looked good on him.

He said he was glad she liked the store, saying it was good to have somewhere to go where you could find decent stuff, and that he tried to avoid Gladrags as much as possible, then went on to ask if she liked the shoe room at his store, saying the designers had had fun figuring out that one. Ruby grinned widely, shoes were by far her biggest material weakness, and yes she adored the shoe room at Twilfit and Tatting. "I absolutely love the shoe room, but that's mostly because shoes are kind of my biggest addiction, I own waay too many," she laughed lightly, "and as for Gladrags... I don't really avoid them, they are good for some things. I wouldn't buy everything from them, I wouldn't even buy most things from them, but they do have some nice things. I definitely prefer Twilfit and Tatting though."



Wearing: This Tagged: Jamison Lyrics: Never Underestimate a Girl- Vanessa Hudgens Notes:
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[shava444]

So far her self description was something Jamison could be happy with. Pleasant people were far better then nasty heiresses out for their own selfish ways. Mind you, he could still see value in everyone for what they could do for him, but the nastier girls were, even when nice to him, difficult to be around. If she was being truthful with him (and a lot of high society types added exaggeration in like water to every topic) then he could deal with her well enough. "Admirable to be. I appreciate the politeness if nothing else, after where would we be without manners?" This didn't mean he didn't suspect something was coming, just that if it remained polite he'd be far happier. Her grin at his gesture of clothes told him she had already noticed and approved.

Ah ha, well there was a clue; she was a style follower. That explained at least some of her interest in him. How long had she waited after she learned about him before she considered approaching him was the question! If she had taken the time to study then she might have something specific in mind, otherwise she might be trying to schmooze him out of some stylish amenities. Only time and conversation would tell that part however. At the same time it meant he had to handle her carefully; if she felt insulted it might affect her mother's designs as well and who she sold them to. Mindful of that, he tried to keep his mind sharp. He smiled back as she enthused about shoes and how many she owned. He could feel the other shoe about to drop, literally; maybe she was only going to ask about whose designs were coming out next, but this smelled of a shoe craze.

"Good! I thought it was a great success as well! I know a lot more sales are coming in because of it..." Well, that was what his mother hinted at; he saw the yearly statements and that was about it. It was good though to leave a bit of an idea he was involved, make him seem more influential then she needed to know. So, she considered his store good for most things? While it was always wise to keep an open mind, Jamison found himself a bit disappointed she wasn't entirely a fanatic of the place at the same time he reminded himself he didn't like meeting fanatics; they were always after him for free stuff or trying to hint if he slept with them they'd take stuff in exchange.

Fanatics were rather scary that way.

Besides, who said he was a slave to his hormones? His grandfather had warned him often enough about girls and the trouble they could lead one into. Sure, eventually he would have to marry one to have kids for the family line, but otherwise he preferred them where they were, at arms distance. he had never understood their drive, their goals and that unknown factor bothered him. Guys he understood and could get along with, if uncomfortably as most weren't in his class whatsoever here at school (which did make him feel lonely if superior), but women were to be watched. From a safe distance which this didn't really count as so far. However, she had already scored points for politeness and not trying to sit practically in his lap so maybe she was a bit different then most...

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[Ruby Holland]

she makes it look easy, in control completely
YOU KNOW YOU SHOULD NEVER UNDERESTIMATE A GIRL

[/b][/size]



He stated her politeness was a good thing, and she nodded, smiling. She had always thought so, and not just because her parents had drilled it in her head. No Ruby knew the importance of manners, after all, how did the saying go? Its easier to catch flies with honey than with vinegar? He then replied to her statement about loving the shoe room, saying he thought it was a great success, and that a lot more sales were coming in because of it. Ruby wasn't at all surprised about that, I mean who didn't love shoes? Well, besides most guys and complete mental cases that is. She was sure every girl in her right mind at least had a slight love of shoes.

So far, Ruby had been content to talk fashion and about his store, but she was thinking maybe she should just get to the point and let him know why she'd come looking for him. Pushing a strand of her long blonde hair out of her face, placing it behind her ear, she took a breath and spoke. "Ok, I'm not going to lie, I did come here to introduce myself, but that wasn't the only reason," she said, "I've asked around, and everyone says you don't have a date for the ball. So, I want to ask, will you go with me? And before you jump to an answer, consider this. It would be good for both of us to be seen together. I'm probably from one of the richest most well known pureblood families around, and the heiress to my father's hotel line, well a third of it at least. You're the heir to probably the best fashion store in the world, and a respectable pureblood yourself. Neither of us should show up at the ball with just anyone, we should be seen with someone worthy, and who better to have on your arm and boost your reputation than me? You'll have every guy in the room staring with jealousy. I wouldn't go with just anyone. " She had thought about this for a day or 2 and she was sure, well pretty sure, he would see her point. Staying silent now that she had said all she wanted to, she patiently waited for him to respond.



Wearing: This Tagged: Jamison Lyrics: Never Underestimate a Girl- Vanessa Hudgens Notes:
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[shava444]

She listened to him speak and he liked the fact she knew when to keep silent. Mind you, it might be a waiting trick of some kind, but he didn't think it was very likely. And when he had finished, she had more to say clearly. And as she started, he could hear himself thinking 'Ah, here comes the other shoe now...' However, it was not what he had been expecting at all. Eyebrows raised, he realized she was not after something fashion wise nor was she out to try and get something from him which was unusual to his experience. When she finished he found himself weighing up her points and agreeing to himself at least.

She certainly was eligible, not that he was dating her of course, and they would have been raised with a lot of the same advantages supposedly, especially in the schooling outside of normal school, though his was bloodline and hers was more money. She was right, they could not go with just anyone and that left a small number to choose from. "Hmm. Very well thought out. I'm impressed." He didn't have to think about it too long, but he did want a qualifier just to be sure about how this all turned out. "I'll agree as long as it's understood this is just for the dance. Nothing personal, but it's for both of our reputations really."

A glance around as if to make sure no one else was around in the room to overhear. "The gossips around this place I'm told are horrible about running amuck with stories at the drop of a hat. I wouldn't want either of us to have that stuff to deal with, nor our families of course. Wouldn't you agree or do you have another impression?" He could see her in something carefully chosen that would look good on his arm. And surely it would be a good practice for his dancing lessons of course. "What details should we discuss then? So far I have a white and black assemblage set up, though I hadn't expected to stay for very long. But there won't be another Yule ball while we're here of course so it must be done well."

Damn, he'd have to get flowers. Details.

It didn't occur to him, unlike most of the rest of the student body, that the boys would be watching with jealousy for a reason. To him it was all social standings and careful imagery, not hormones and match-making. She was a year older then him and he was clearly the only worthwhile suitor for her to choose so it simply was not on his mind that he should be after her for a reason beyond status. That would not last long, of course, once they had been closer for awhile, but right now his mental armor was still teflon, still keeping itself in place with nary a scratch. If he had known she was coming with ginzu knives he might have been worried about what he was up against.

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