The music was pumping and the pub actually carried Grey Goose...he was as happy as he could be given the circumstances. He twirled the highball glass in his hands wondering, Maeve aside, why the hell he thought coming home was a wise idea. His ex-lover was a meddler of the worst sort. Good thing he'd never introduced Maeve and Raven. The two of them would have nagged him to death. Next time he'd look for a woman, men were too much trouble.

The table jolted and he looked up snarling, literally.

Quidditch practice hadn't run very long that morning and after helping her dad during the pub's lunch crowd, Katie had found herself with time to kill.  It was always a challenge to fill her days as she didn't have any type of normal schedule like most of the people she knew, but since it had actually been sunny out, probably one of the last days before the rains set in for good, Katie had decided to take a little excursion into Muggle London.  She had been spending quite a bit of time on the Muggle side of things lately as the press didn't seem to find her as often to report about her 'secret romantic rendezvous.'  She'd meandered, no real destination in mind, stopping here and there to investigate little things that caught her fancy.  The only thing she'd actually bought was an obscenely large bouquet of flowers, the colorful pretties entirely too shiny for her to leave.

Darkness was fast approaching, and when Katie noticed the long shadows painting doorways and alleys, she decided it was probably time to head back to the Leaky and an apparation point.  She was slowed up when the door to one of the many pubs in this part of the city fell open spilling a group of people and some decidedly good music.  Her interest piqued, Katie slowed and watched as the door slowly shut cutting off both the music and laughter of people having a good time inside.  She didn't usually go out during the week, saving all the funs for after Quidditch games when she needed the release most.  But...she'd be alone at home and one drink, maybe a dance or two, couldn't hurt. 

Decided, Katie pushed through the door, loud music and the warmth of people washing over her skin.  Tucking the bouquet under one arm, she headed for the bar, trying to slip through the crowds.  She was normally pretty stealthy, being a professional athlete good for something more than just the pitch at times, but when a rather burly man turned around suddenly, Katie found herself being rather forcibly pushed to the side.  The flowers fell to the floor and she stumbled right into someones table, hair swinging into her face, hands breaking her fall against the dark wood.  She was very close to tumbling right into said someone as the crowd continued to press against her back.  Holding herself still, she reached up to tuck blond hair behind an ear and looked up to apologize.  "I'm so..." but trailed off, eyes a little wide, when she found herself facing a dark, snarling man. 

Greg bit back his snarl at the sight of the pixie nearly in his lap. He reached out to steady her, digging deep in his memory for a name to match the face. He knew her from Hogwarts, as incredulous as he found it. He'd picked a muggle pub far from The Leaky so he wouldn't run into anyone he knew. Then it hit him, the wicked glint in the pretty blonde pixie's eyes was what gave her away. Katie Bell, star chaser of the Gryffindor team. He steadied her and braced for her reaction even as he wondered if she would recognize him. He had changed quite a bit in the past few years. Who in their right mind would expect Greg Goyle to be in a muggle pub, dressed in battered jeans and a hooded sweatshirt? "Are you okay?" he asked, keeping his voice low and soothing.

Katie was a bit startled as his hand came out to steady her, thinking that he was angry, but watched as the obvious reflexive snarl melted away, leaving dark features framed by long, shaggy hair.  It was dark, but Katie was momentarily distracted by the dim light bringing out pretty colors that brown hair didn't normally have.  She realized that it probably looked like she was staring and she felt a light blush creep over her cheeks as she brought her eyes back to his face.  She was about to apologize again, but as Katie looked at him, as small frown knit her eyebrows together as she studied him.  He looked...familiar.  She was sure she'd have remembered hair that sparkled when it caught the light like that.  "I'm alright, thank you," she began, "...but I'm sure I know you?" 

Greg studied her for a moment. He wasn't sure if telling her his name was a great idea considering his part in Draco's 'plans' sixth year. Hell and damnation, he regretted what had happened even if he didn't regret helping a friend in a bad situation. She seemed bright and cheerful, it was the wicked he would have to watch out for. He had a feeling that Katie Bell, once she decided she liked you, would be around quite a bit. He winced as he said, "Greg Goyle, Miss Bell."

"Greg Goyle," Katie repeated, testing the name on her tongue before breaking out into a triumphant smile.  "Greg Goyle, Slytherin beater.  I knew you looked familiar!" she frowned again, thinking aloud, "though you look different too...your hair's all long and sparkly," she finished absently as she reached up, about to touch the ends of his hair.  She realized belatedly, but in time, and her eyes snapped back to his as she let her hand drop, cheeks already blooming with heat. 

Greg's eyes narrowed as Katie blushed. He had no idea what had embarrassed her. He just hoped it wasn't something he had done. Wanting to put her at ease for reasons he didn't want to think about, he slid back the chair next to him. Just minutes ago he'd been morose, yet Katie's appearance had changed that almost immediately. He didn't understand what was going on in his own head. He didn't just go inviting anyone to join him- especially with his current mood. Well, Maeve...she was a special case. But, he found himself saying, "Join me?" before he could stop himself.

Katie could still feel the heat on her skin, a little appalled at herself.  It was one thing to slip up and get distracted by pretty things when you were with one's friends who tended to laugh it away, but it was quite another to do it in front of someone she didn't know that well.  Greg hadn't seemed to mind though and Katie found herself smiling at him.  "Yeah, okay," she answered with a little nod.  "But..." she began, looking over her shoulder at the people still pinning her against the table.  "Just a sec...I've got to..." she continued, trying to wiggle her way out. 

Greg's eyes narrowed as he slowly got to his feet and pushed back his hood. He knew the black skullcap only added to his dangerous look. He wasn't minding that in the least. Katie was a tiny little pixie and the drunk bastards shoving her about like a quaffle needed to be reminded how a lady was to be treated. "Step back," he said, infusing his voice with enough menace to alert everyone close that he wasn't above knocking heads together if that was what it took to get Katie safely seated. She was bright and cheerful. Right now he more than needed bright and cheerful. She also hadn't immediately berated him for what happened in his sixth year. He owed her and the least he could do was assure her safety this evening. He tucked Katie up close and glared menacingly at the idiots around them. "Tell the lady you're sorry for the rough treatment."

General mumbles of apology were reluctantly sputtered, as if the drunks knew better than deny his request.

"Katie?" he asked, wondering if they'd hurt her. "Better now?"

Katie looked up, and up.  Greg was taller than she remembered, and it wasn't something that was terribly obvious when he was sitting.  He'd pulled her to him and really, his body was enough to make space to move around, but his low threats had managed to clear a little circle and get apologies.  Katie felt a grin tugging at her lips as she looked at him, a little flattered that he'd even bothered to help her and completely amused at the way he'd done it.  "I'm okay.  I get a little rough and tumble from Quidditch all the time," she answered even as her eyes widened a bit as she remembered something.  "Oh! I forgot..."  And she disappeared a moment, bending down to pick up her flowers that had landed underneath the table while there was still space to do so.  She smiled at him as she stood again, deciding it was a happy coincidence that she had picked up the colored pretties, and offered them over.  "Thanks for the help, Greg Goyle.  You didn't have to do that."

Greg nearly gaped. The Pixie had given him flowers? He simply melted. He took the flowers from her gently and laid them on the table, out of the way where they wouldn't be damaged. No one had ever given him flowers before. He wasn't sure exactly what was going on with this whole situation, but contrary to popular belief he wasn't a complete moron. He lifted his hand and motioned to himself and Katie.  The barman nodded and began filling the unspoken order. Greg knew the place well enough to know that whatever was brought for Katie wouldn't be too strong. He wasn't sure what a lady like his Pixie drank, but he wasn't going to risk insulting her by asking. For all he knew, she'd slap him silly. It wasn't like he hadn't seen her hardcore Quidditch skills. He'd seen the damage she could do with her elbows. He blinked in shock. Then he snapped out of the moronic behavior and smiled. "Thank you," he told her sincerely. She'd touched him in a way he couldn't yet name.

When he smiled, it lit up his whole face and Katie had a feeling that he didn't use the particular facial expression very much if his original reflexive snarling was anything to go by.  Even though she only knew Greg in passing, it made her feel all warm inside that he'd given one of his smiles to her.  "Your welcome," she grinned up at him.  "Plus, everyone needs some pretties, especially big someones who have special talents of intimidation.  It's really not something that comes with being," she glanced down at herself, "well, not big," she finished with lopsided grin.

Greg chuckled. "Pixie-sized is just fine on you."

Blushing, he ducked his head, checking the highball glass on the table as he realized how his comment could be interpreted. Surely he hadn't had that many drinks, had he? Katie, in her unique way, was making him very comfortable. It wasn't something Greg was used to feeling. Usually he watched someone until he could figure them out completely - then and only then would he make the final decision to spend time with them or not. Katie wasn't, apparently, going to wait on him to decide. Still, something about the Pixie settled and soothed away his foul mood. Maybe, just maybe it would be good for him to see where this unexpected meeting would lead him. He wasn't the same 'sidekick' for Draco that he'd been before and something told him that Miss Pixie wasn't thinking about old house rivalries either. Her Quidditch reference triggered a memory of seeing her in the International Sports section of Seattle's wizarding paper. Quidditch seemed a safe enough topic, as long as they watched what was said. But, the impish smile on Katie's face had him sitting back and preparing to enjoy whatever his Pixie had to say.

A little twinkle lit Katie's eyes as she caught the high spots of color on Greg's face before he ducked his head and sat down.  She was definitely used to blushing herself, somehow always caught being too silly for her own good, but it was definitely a bit of a change to see someone blushing because of her or something she'd said.  Especially when that someone was as good as twice her size and rather intimidatingly unapproachable at first glance.  He had an air of a dangerous edge to him that had been quite helpful in clearing the area, and Katie probably would not have approached him if she hadn't almost fallen into his lap.  She studied him a bit as she slid into the chair next to him, noticing that he had a soft mouth that gentled his features making him almost pretty, though he was entirely too rough around the edges with his shaggy hair and battered jeans to pull off any kind of pretty boy card.   It probably wasn't something that people got around to noticing though, as he seemed to scare many off, most likely with a scowl and that snarl. 

After a few moments, long enough for him to gotten rid of that blush and settle back into his chair, Katie flashed a grin at him.  "Well, I've made pixie-sized work for me as it's what I've got, but it'd be all kinds of fun to have the intimidation bits."  She let out a light, tinkling laugh as a thought occurred to her.  "I could rough around the other chasers I play against for a change," she began, "though then I'd probably not be able to fly circles around them so easily or get in little elbows that the officials can't see and won't ever call on a 'little pixie girl'," she finished cheekily. 

Greg shook his head at her.  He wasn't sure yet what to make of those big hazel eyes lit with all sorts of wicked. She had a way about her, an innocent air that Greg had no doubt fooled most people - to include a few Quidditch officials. He made a mental note to see about getting a ticket to the next Harpies game. More enjoyable than the game itself would be trying to spot all those elbows he damn well knew she snuck in. He'd been the recipient more than once at Hogwarts, though he suspected she had done it more for the distraction factor than anything. She had been overly protective of the Weasley twins back then.

He watched, his eyes scanning her from behind the fringe that had fallen over his eyes. There was more to Miss Pixie than her smiling, flighty attitude. He had a feeling that deep down there was a ferocious friend and ally. He couldn't help but wonder if this chance meeting would lead to an unexpected friendship. Part of him, the part he wasn't quite used to yet, was hoping for just that. He was feeling all sorts of protective towards her. He waited until the drinks were set before them to say, "is the drink okay?"

Katie thanked the server as he set a vodka on the rocks in front of her, but her eyes lit up to see that someone had added a little pink umbrella to the edge of the glass.  She turned to Greg next to her, smile lighting her features, "It's great, but look!" she said holding up her little treasure, twirling it in circles between her thumb and index finger. 

Greg chuckled, amused as hell that she could find joy in the smallest things. It had been so long since he'd been around anyone like her that he couldn't help but wonder if he could possibly keep his Pixie around. That tiny voice in the back of his head was warning him that she would never accept him, never truly be friendly. For once he ignored it. He had listened to it for far too long. It was time for him to try and stand on his own two feet. He sipped his vodka, watching Katie with amazement. His Pixie definitely wasn't a lightweight when it came to alcohol. He liked her all the more for it.

Katie set down the shiny little umbrella and took a small sip of her drink.  It was a little strong for a week night and Quidditch practice in the morning, but she was just sipping.  She turned to Greg after a few moments, smile tugging at her lips in response to the amusement dancing in his eyes.  "So, Greg Goyle, I know I haven't seen you since I had to dodge your bludgers.  Can I ask what you've been up to?  I know we were all anti talking back in school, the whole house rivalry thing, but we can be normal now, yeah?  Ask questions and be friendly and share drinks that have little umbrellas?"

"I've been traveling since I left," he confided. Then he grinned, truly grinned where his happiness shined in his eyes. "Normal is good, normal is very good."

Katie smiled back at him, glad that he seemed to think it was not completely off to be sitting and talking with someone like her, someone very not Slytherin.  "I'm happy you think so," she answered, eyes dropping as she felt her face heat in light blush.  She wasn't sure why, maybe it was the honesty in his eyes and smile.  She took a shallow breath, willing herself not be completely spastic and took a sip of her drink, hoping the coolness would help the heat on her skin.  Setting the glass back down on the table, she turned to him again and tried for that 'normal' conversation thing she had suggested.  "Have you been anywhere fun?  Seen anything especially shiny, I mean pretty, or, you know, nice to look at?" she tried, just cutting herself off with a small sigh at her apparent inability to form a sentence.

She was so adorable that Greg couldn't help but want to cuddle her close, if only to absorb her goodness, her light, her...hell he wasn't sure exactly what it was. All he knew was that Katie Bell, his Pixie, was someone he wanted to have around as long as she would have him. He just had no idea how to say that without looking like an utter arse or scaring her off. He set his glass down and seriously considered her question. "The sun coming up over the mountains was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. The colors were brilliant..."

He ducked his head realizing what an utter pansy he'd sounded like. He only hoped that she wouldn't laugh her arse off at him. He wasn't used to pint-sized pixie-type people and he didn't want to miss the chance to get to know her a bit. Somehow he knew that he had one chance, one opportunity, to make a good impression and he wasn't about to screw it up. so, he smiled and added, "or the ocean when the moon is full and shining off the water."

"Oh," Katie said softly, "I love that too, the moon on the ocean."  She stared into space for a few moments, thinking about the months she'd spent in Italy away from most everyone she cared about, before she continued, "though I think it has more to do with the fact that it's the same everywhere you go.  It's like a little slice of home, even when you're far away."  She looked at him then to see him watching her, then gave him a sheepish grin.  "Well, it's like that for me anyways.  I live right on the ocean."  It was all probably a bit sentimental for him, big, bad Slytherin that he was. 

Greg grinned at the sudden image of her collecting shells on the beach. He just knew that it was the simple things that would make his Pixie happy. "You are lucky then. I have a nice little beach at my home, though I don't much like staying there. But I do try to run on the beach every morning and evening. I find it peaceful."

When he realized how much he had inadvertently revealed, Greg mentally cringed. He was lulled into a sense of security and not thinking about what he was saying. Luckily, he felt that there was something about her that would keep her from repeating anything he said. He shifted in his seat and waited to see what her reaction would be.

Katie tilted her head, a question in her eyes.  She debated whether it was too nosy to ask, but before she could think about it too hard she found herself saying, "You don't much like staying at your home?"  Though she knew in theory that not everyone had the happy home life she'd had with her dad and now with her little monster puppies, she found it a little sad that it was the case for Greg.  Reaching out her hand to lay on his arm, she asked the next question on the tip of her tongue, hoping he wouldn't mind her intrusion too much.  "You have somewhere else though, right?  Somewhere you like being while your not out traveling and seeing pretty things?" she asked, concerned.  She didn't know why she should feel that way, but Katie had always been one to follow her instincts and first reaction towards people, and for all that he was twice her size and seemed more than capable of taking care of himself, she felt the need to make sure everything was okay, just in case. 

Greg wanted to cuddle her close even more after her obvious worry about him. She'd been an 'enemy' in school and yet she'd set all that aside so easily. He laid his hand over her's where it still rested on his arm and smiled. He was about to show her more trust than he usually did after months of knowing someone. It was necessary, at least in his mind, if he wanted his Pixie to stick around. "I have a flat in London and two places I can visit in America."

When Greg laid his hand over hers, engulfing her small one in surprisingly gentle warmth, Katie was relieved that he hadn't seemed to take offense to her unwarranted nosiness.  It wasn't as if they'd ever been friends, or even close to having the chance to become friends back in school.  But he seemed to enjoy her company, or put up with her at least.  "That's good.  It's always nice to have somewhere you actually like to be, and, I guess, be yourself.  And I'm sorry if that was a bit nosy.  I don't mean to be, but," she dropped her eyes a moment before bringing them back up to his, "...I just get worried about that kind of stuff is all, even if it's seems all out of place since we don't know each other very well," she finished, giving him a little smile.
 

"You weren't being nosy," he assured her, squeezing her hand gently in what he hoped was a reassuring manner. "You are spot on, everyone needs a place that they need no masks, no facades, no games..." he trailed off as he felt a blush creeping up his neck. What the hell was it that was making spill his secrets like this? He would let it play out though as it seemed that she was more comfortable with him by the minute.

Katie nodded as he spoke, smiling when he squeezed her hand.  He really was kind of sweet, in a big, shaggy, broody kind of way.  "It's true, I think.  Somewhere that gives you warm fuzzies, or, you know...," she stumbled again, "well, to me it's all warm and fuzzy, but I meant someplace that made you happy and comfortable and stuff," she finished finally, dots of pink coloring her cheeks at the fact that she failed, yet again, a speaking coherently.

Greg just grinned. "I know exactly what you mean, Pixie. I looked for a place like that for a long time."

Katie grinned back at him, happy that he seemed to have understood her.  A few of her closest friends generally knew what she was trying to say even when she didn't, but a lot of people just gave her funny looks.  She was glad that Greg wasn't one of those.  "Well, I'm glad you found it Greg Goyle."

Greg wondered if he hadn't stumbled across a second place like she was describing, only this time it wasn't a place exactly, but a person. Like she said, His Pixie was warm, and she made him feel very comfortable. He couldn't remember smiling this much in far too long. Even when he was with Maeve or Raven he wasn't constantly happy. In fact, it had been years since he could remember something as simple as a good conversation lifting his mood this much. He was finding that he wanted to say anything to keep Katie here with him just a bit longer. He quickly scanned the area, nearly growling when he caught sight of the appreciative looks His Pixie was getting. She was here with him and they would face his wrath if they messed it up. He wasn't sure where the feeling was coming from or why, just that he wanted to keep her. "Yeah, me too."

Katie gave him a small smile and a little nod before ducking her head, having just realized her hand was still resting on his arm, still covered by his.  She generally got along with most people and was pretty demonstrative, giving hugs and little comforting touches all the time, but she normally wasn't like that right away, especially with boy kind of people that had made her blush a little too easily for no apparent reason. 

Greg shifted, slipping his hand from Katie's. He tipped her head up gently and looked her in the eyes. "You really are a gem, Pixie."

Katie was completely surprised at Greg, his manner gentle, eyes open and intent, honest.  She felt heat suffuse her skin under his fingers at his compliment, never quite sure how to take one.  "Thank you.  That's really sweet of you to say," she answered, secretly pleased that he seemed to like her.  After a moment, she gave him small smile and said, "And you're not so bad yourself Greg Goyle.  You saved me, got me a drink that had a little umbrella, and best of all, you think the moon over the ocean is all kinds of pretty."

Greg was completely and utterly charmed. Had it only been four days since he was moping about his flat and wondering if he was a bit mad for coming back? Yesterday it had been Mac shocking him into a teasing banter...but this...this was far different. He just wished he could figure out why that was. He picked up the little paper umbrella and twirled it with his fingers. "I should be the one thanking you, Pixie."

Katie's eyes darted from the pretty pink umbrella to Greg where they stayed as she studied his face, trying to read the thoughts behind his hooded eyes.  At his comment, her eyes widened a little bit as she couldn't think of anything she had done for him other almost fall into his lap and take over his table, both more bothersome than not.  "Oh? But I haven't done anything than stumble all over your night," she said as she unconsciously leaned towards him, genuinely interested in what he had to say. 

"No, you made my evening interesting," he replied, meaning it wholeheartedly.

"I think I'll take that as a good thing," Katie answered, a wry smile tugging at her lips.  "You've made my night more interesting too, a nice unexpected surprise."

Greg tipped his glass in a toast to the happiness that could sometimes come with unexpected surprises.

{SUMMARY} Greg gets charmed by a pixie.