i'm still standing

[charles-villiers]

cressidawadsworth​:

“I wish I was, but no. I’m just very determined and I always get what I want,” she stated simply. She was going to help Charles whether he wanted it or not. Once Cressida decided she was going to take care of something, there was nothing that could distract her from reaching her goal.

“Just bear in mind I’m in no rush to change how things are now. I just want some time to myself. I have my job and I have you, I don’t need anything or anyone else,” he said firmly. Charles had to remind her to not suddenly go rogue and do whatever she thought was best for him. He knew what he needed at that point in his life and he was perfectly capable of handling his own affairs.

[charles-villiers]

diana-rosier​:

“So if you only brought breadsticks, you wouldn’t even think about bringing napkins?” She asked teasingly. It wasn’t like she thought Charles was not capable of organising everything on his own, but he had never invited her for a similar meeting before and she wasn’t sure what to expect from that day. “Things are… Good. They’re getting better with every day and this picnic is yet another reason why today will be great.”

Charles rolled his eyes at the blonde. “I’m not even a fan of breadsticks, let’s start with that. And who heard of only bringing one thing to a picnic? That sounds like a criminal offence,” he joked. Various nibbles were definitely required while having a picnic, there was simply no other option. “I’m here whenever you want to talk. Or even if you just want to sit in silence. Whenever you need me really,” he assured Diana. He knew she would do the same for him and he appreciated having someone who he could freely talk to.

[charles-villiers]

mcllysweasleyii​:

“Oh, I completely get that. I remember buying presents for my cousins when they were younger. The melt downs that happened when you got them the wrong toy?” Molly reminisce with a shake of her head, the memories were quite clear. “I mean, it could be a start. Does she like expensive things in general? Or just fancy things?” 

“I’m guessing some of your cousins are much younger than you? If so, at least they would have an excuse to act like children. There’s only a few years between Cressida and I and still sometimes have nightmares of her shrieks,” he chuckled. It was not too difficult to upset his cousin and Charles preferred to avoid putting her in a mood for the sake of everyone’s well-being. “I’d say both. But also she wouldn’t pick something in neon colours, nor something with weird patterns that no one else would buy.”

[charles-villiers]

elenaflcres​:

“Aw that’s a shame,” she replied, taking another bite. “At least you’re honest about that. Not everyone would be,” Elena added, setting it down. “So if you ‘can barely cook’, does that mean you mostly eat takeout and such?”

“I never had to learn,” Charles explained. “It’s not something I am particularly upset about, we’ve just always had elves and then my...” He stopped himself, then cleared his throat. “Someone else usually cooked. I can make some simple things, but takeaways are really the greatest.My cousin cooks too, so we’re now having dinners more often.”

[charles-villiers]

elenaflcres​:

“Oh my goodness– that is delicious!” Elena exclaimed with enthusiasm after trying the treat. “Did you make this yourself? If so, you’ll have to pass me the recipe. It’s really incredible.”

“Me? Oh no, no, I can barely cook,” Charles admitted. “I bought it in a small shop near my flat, they make a fresh batch each morning and I can always smell them when I open the window.”

[charles-villiers]

cressidawadsworth​:

“I have no doubt in that,” she assured him. “You’re doing better with each day and soon, when you’re ready, you’ll get back out there and find yourself someone who will love you forever.” The blonde was silent for a moment before she reached out for her cousin’s hand squeezed it gently. “You deserve only the best, Charlie. You deserve this grand love story that everyone will be jealous of. I’ll make sure of it.”

Charles squeezed her hand back. He was glad to have his cousin by his side, even though sometimes he just wanted her to stop talking and telling him that everything was going to be alright. “Are you a seer now, Cressida? If so, we should definitely invest in something,” he joked.

[charles-villiers]

diana-rosier​:

“You had a great idea,” Diana admitted with a smile and took a bite of another strawberry. It was a perfect weather for a picnic by the sea and both of them really could use some time away from their daily messy lives. “I’m impressed that you even remembered to pack the napkins,” she added teasingly.

@charles-villiers​

“I bought messy food so it only made sense to bring napkins too,” he replied with a little smile. He actually made himself a list what he needed to pack, wanting for the afternoon to be without any hiccups. “I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself though.”

[charles-villiers]

cressidawadsworth​:

“You’re looking fairly decent today, cousin. Wow, look at you, you shaved!” Cressida exclaimed and reached out to pat the other affectionately on the cheek. “Seems like you’re finally getting back on your feet, I’m pleased.” She had been worried sick, but she knew Charles was going to feel better eventually. She just needed to give him time and be there whenever he needed her by his side.

@charles-villiers​

Charles sighed at first, but then accepted the comment. He was getting there, slowly, but at least he was making steps in the right direction. “I’m fine, Cressi. Or better than I was. I’ll be just... fine,” he repeated. He disliked that he still felt like a mess, but he kept telling himself that it’s just a matter of time. 

[charles-villiers]

mcllysweasleyii​:

“She sounds like she would be very easy to buy gifts for,” Molly joked, “I’m sure we can find something she would like; what kind of style does she usually go for?” 

“At least she’s better now than when she was younger. Now I can just buy her something fancy and it’ll be enough,” Charles sighed. Cressida used to be a real pain to shop for as she never knew what she wanted. “Is ‘expensive’ a right answer?”

[charles-villiers]

mcllysweasleyii​:

“I’m sure we can find the perfect thing for you,” Molly started to say to the other; with how things were going behind the scenes Molly was willing to do almost anything in order to get a sale. “Now, is this for yourself or a gift for someone else?” 

“It’s for my cousin,” Charles explained with a sigh. “She can be quite particular about what she’s wearing and she definitely won’t accept anything that is not fashionable. I want it to be sort of a ‘welcome back’ and ‘thanks for everything’ sort of gift.”

[dirbenaffleck]

[charles-villiers]

cressidawadsworth​:

“Charlie? Charlie, open up!” Cressida knocked on her cousin’s doors loudly. She quickly dropped her bags at her place and apparated straight to Charles’. She was gone only for a few months and it seemed like the whole word turned upside down. Next time she would have to rethink going on a research trip if she was going to miss so much drama.

@charles-villiers​

Charles groaned loudly and got up from the sofa to open the door. He was sure his cousin was going to bang on it until she was let in and he really didn’t fancy to make a show out of it. “Cressida,” he greeted her as he opened the door and moved to the side so she could enter. “To what do I owe the pleasure?” He asked, even though he knew the exact reason why she was there.

[charles-villiers]

calebcresswell​:

“You really won’t let me pay, will you?” he chuckled, shaking his head as if in disbelief. “I always forget just how stubborn you can be, but you’re quick to remind me every time,” Caleb added playfully before heading over to order some coffee. “Can I ask about how work’s going?”

"If I ever forget my wallet and end up craving coffee, I promise you’ll be the first to know,” he assured the other, patting him lightly on the shoulder. Charles sighed quietly at the mention of his work. There weren’t many cases to work on and he had too much time to think about the situation he was currently in. “Not too busy. On one had that’s good, but on the other I would prefer to have a lot to do,” he explained. “And how’s your department? Any chance of getting a promotion?”

[charles-villiers]

merlerappaport​:

“It’s definitely one of the milder cases, sure. But when you stop punishing them for the small stuff, it just encourages them to get more creative and do worse things because they know they can get away with it,” Merle reeled off. 

"I believe the punishment depends on whether the dog was hurt or not. If it wasn’t, then the case is closed,” Charles shrugged in reply. “You attended Transfiguration classes, haven’t you? The whole subject is about changing one object into another, and that includes animals.”

[charles-villiers]

calebcresswell​:

“Understandable,” he replied quietly, still kicking himself mentally for that stupid question. “If you’re sure I uh– I’d really like that,” Caleb admitted. He had no clue why things had fallen apart for Candice and Charles besides a vague explanation from his sister where she admitted she wasn’t really in love with Charles anymore. “But coffee’s on me, I insist,” he then added with a small smile.

A hint of a smile appeared on Charles’ lips. He was pleased we wasn’t going to lose another friend, not right now at least. Caleb may still realise how weird things could get, but for now Charles was going to stay quiet. “Don’t be silly, I can get myself a cup. Merlin knows I need an extra shot of caffeine,” he admitted.

[charles-villiers]

merlerappaport​:

“The stupidity of some of these people that appear in trial– honestly,” Merle said, rolling her eyes a little. “I thought Americans were stupid but using charms on your dog to turn him into the size of a horse? Of course someone’s going to find out about that, Godric.” 

"Sounds like one of the mild cases,” Charles observed. It wasn’t like the anything was blown up, it was just some silly owner who wanted a big dog. “I don’t believe that requires a severe punishment, there are much more serious cases,” he added, shrugging.

[charles-villiers]

diana-rosier​:

“Aren’t you a good friend,” she patted him on the shoulder and squeezed it gently. “Great, here you go then. Enjoy it for the both of us,” she handed him her drink. “Are you doing any better?”

"The best,” Charles gave her a little hesitant smile. He definitely didn’t feel like spending time with any of his friends lately so he wasn’t sure how true was that. He took the drink from Diana and quickly finished his to have at least one hand free. “I’m doing as expected… You?”