Fly Me To The Moon

[Dante Starr]

It was a beautiful day, the sun was shining and it was warm enough to not wear layers. The perfect day for a flying lesson Dante had decided when he woke up early on an empty Saturday morning. He had promised to teach his new friend Nicky to fly, something he was really looking forward. The boy was just so cute when he was excited.

Dante considered that last thought, was it really okay to think of another boy being cute? For a brief second he wished he had more male friends to talk to, to figure out what he was going through. The only person he really thought could answer his questions was Thom Seivert, and he was now gone.

Drat.

Still he was looking forward to today, heading out to the Quidditch pitch he was awkwardly carrying two brooms. One was his own, top of the line and he was going to let Nicky learn to fly on it. The other broom was borrowed from the school, much more sensitive and honestly Dante wouldn't want any new learner to use it.

Setting down the brooms he took a seat on the grass, leaning back to look at the sky. He was excited, but surely it was only because he was a Hufflepuff and he loved to help people.

[Nicky Bathurst]

Nicky was running late for his flying lesson, His late night potion brewing caused him to oversleep. If that wasn't enough his nerves were shot already,With having to meet someone who put a knot in his stomach.

Getting dressed and running down the Slytherin common room Nicky caught sight of his reflection and tilted his head. He really did have the hood of his robes glued to him.

Running back to his dormitory, Nicky changed into a thin white sweater and some light blue jeans. The weather was good for the last few days and wearing his robes would only make things difficult when trying to fly.

Slipping on his amulet, Nicky made his way outside and walked the path to the Quidditch pitch. People were giving him the oddest looks, It was probably the first time anyone could see his face clearly and out in the open. In fact he wasn't even sure if they could actually recognize him.

Reaching the Pitch, Nicky spotted a figure laying on the grass and smiled walking over. He leaned leaned down and smiled at his friend. "Enjoying the view?"

[Dante Starr]

Dante smiled as he caught sight of Nicky and pulled himself up, 'Got to enjoy beautiful Spring days while you can, never know when it will start raining.'

He decided to not remark on the lack of the hood that he'd grown so accustomed to seeing his friend wear in passing through the halls. If his hood hadn't blown off the first day they'd met Dante would think he was trying to hide something. Clearly now anyone else could see he had nothing to hide, in fact he had a very attractive smile.

Too confused by his own feelings Dante pushed the thoughts out of his head, he was here to help his friend learn to fly. He needed to stay clear headed, because while flying was fun it could turn dangerous. His sister's friend had apparently ran into a tree, and Dante was determined to not let Nicky get hurt.

'Good flying weather, not too windy and I doubt we'll get any rain.' Was he really talking about the weather? Usually he only discussed the weather when nervous, strange. 'Don't want to have to catch you, you're a bit bigger than a quaffle.'

[Nicky Bathurst]

Dante was a in pleasant mood which brightened Nicky's smile. "You're right about that, It's a perfect spring day." Looking up to the sky, Nicky inhaled the fresh air and spread out his arms out, Accidentally brushing the back of his hand against Dante's shoulder. "I wonder how it feels to fly as high as the clouds, Just kind of listlessly."

Shaken out of the trance, He laughed at Dante's joke. "Heyyy, I'm not that heavy." Nicky dropped his arms down and crossed them behind his back, He titled his head and studied his friend. "I haven't seen you around the halls a lot, Is class going alright?"

Shifting his weight from his feet to his heels, He began blushing.

Nicky didn't want to rush the day but he also didn't know how to talk without rambling around Dante, It had been the first day of the year where he didn't think about potions, And he didn't want to embarrass himself with his random questions.

[Dante Starr]

Dante laughed as Nicky jokingly defended his weight. Now if he'd made that joke with a girl then they'd usually get offended which would lead to not too sincere apologies. That was part of the reason he could relax when hanging around other guys, he didn't have to be as careful. Plus he had to admit that Nicky looked pretty fit and had nothing to worry about.

'You are still more heavy than a quaffle, which is what I usually catch while in the air. But don't worry, I'm not going to let anything happen to you.' Dante reassured Nicky with a pat on the back.

It would also appear that Nicky was starting to notice Dante's antisocial tendencies, which really weren't intentional. Having spent most of his childhood with only his family he had grown accustomed to spending a great deal of time alone. It was just too easy for him to get caught up studying or reading while ignoring the outside would. Hopefully joining the Quidditch team could amend it?

'I've been busy studying lately, I come from a family with some pretty high expectations.' And not just when it came to his studying habits or test scores. 'But with the nicer weather coming I'll admit to being addicted to practicing for Quidditch, can't let Hufflepuff down.'

Especially without Loki on the team their chances seemed a little screwed.

[Nicky Bathurst]

"Yeah, Studying can be a pain and sometimes the pressure you put on yourself can far outweigh anything others can do." Nicky had been getting to obsessed with his potion work. He was becoming quite the shut in as well.

Looking up towards the sky at Dante's comment, He agreed about the weather. "You're right about that, And it must be freeing...Flying around so much."

Tilting his head back down, Nicky looked into Dante's eyes and held them there for awhile. There was no logic to it, No reason to it, Nicky just did it.

As long as the moment seemed it passed and Nicky grabbed the spare broom Dante had brought. "Well let's started, While the weathers good and our studies are far away." He smiled nonchalantly but was nervous behind the calm facade.

[Dante Starr]

Dante held eye contact with Nicky, almost like an impromptu staring contest. But the thoughts going through his head were anything but competitive, it was all too much for Dante. Letting out a small laugh he grabbed the school broom back from Nicky and handed over his own broom.

'The brooms the school provides are finicky, your much better off learning on mine. I trust you, I only got the other one so I can fly along side you.' He said with a smile.

Why did he trust Nicky so quickly with his prized possession? Surely he wouldn't do it for anyone.

'You into potions? Cause Angel is top of her class on the subject, I'm sure she'd love to have someone to share the fascination with. Now to get you into the air.' Setting the broom on the ground he placed his hand over it. 'I find success at flying is based on confidence, your at Hogwarts so we know you have the magic to do this. Basically you have to remember that you are in control of the broom, not the other way around.

'You want to have your right hand over the broom, and say 'up' firmly.' The school broom floated into the air before Dante demonstrated how to mount the broom. 'After this you basically just kick off hard.'

[Nicky Bathurst]

Smiling bemused, Nicky handled Dante's broom with care. "Are you sure you can trust something heavier than a quaffle to take care of this prized possession today ?"

Nicky placed the broom on to the grass next to his right side, And said the command. "Up!"

Dante's broom slowly floated upwards toward his hand. "I heard Angel's good in potions, But she's also good in other studies. I'm a bit different....Actually I'm a lot different. I have a knack for remembering things, Almost like a photographic memory. So potions was naturally an easy subject for me to get into. My other classes are another story. Spells and charms don't work just because you memorize them, Neither does flying. " Nicky blushed and mounted the broom the proper way.

"I have confidence" Nicky kicked off and hovered into the air, But after going to high, The broom hovered back down just a foot off of the ground. "Well I have confidence at first." He joked, "Once I get high enough, I don't remain confident anymore. Which is strange, Since I'm not usually afraid of heights." Nicky pointed up to the quidditch tower where he first met Dante.

[Dante Starr]

Dante let out a loud laugh. 'Ah but if you weighed less than a quaffle I don't think I could trust you with my broom.'

It was a little strange that he was trusting a new friend with something that he had to work so hard to earn. It really was his prized possession, so why did he feel like he could trust Nicky with it? What was so special about the boy?

Maybe it had something to do with how cute he looked when he smiled and Dante felt the need to keep him smiling. Not that he was ever going to admit that to anyone.

Dante cautiously watched Nicky's first attempts at flying, making sure he was prepared to catch the boy if something went wrong. While this was exciting he still felt a little tense being responsible for the safety of another individual. Did Brooks feel this way when conducted flying lessons?

'Well at least you didn't crash into a tree like Angel's friend, the little Russian one.' Dante assured him with a smile. 'Just take a deep breath, and just try again. No need to worry, I've got you if you fall.'

[Nicky Bathurst]

"Well I'm a bit of an expert at falling, I jump down from the high windows almost every evening." Nicky didn't know why he was confession this secret, But he felt comfortable confiding with his new friend.

"I know its against school rules, But I have a real problem with being cooped up all the time, Especially at night when the stars are bright and there's that perfect cold breeze that gives you goosebumps." Jumping lightly again, The broom hovered in the air a few feet off of the ground.

Twisting the broom around, Nicky faced Dante and smiled. "Well I can hover...Barely but it's a start right ?"

[Dante Starr]

'I'm not about to inform the school, I understand feeling trapped in the castle. I might have to join you some time.' Dante suggested with a smile. 'Would be a nice break from the constant studying.'

Watching Nicky hovering he decided that the boy seemed safe so far so he decided to test out the borrowed school broom. Flying up high Dante did a series of turns and drops before heading back to his new friend. Despite the lack luster performance of the broom he still was grinning like a fool, flying was one of the best things about being a wizard.

'Hovering is good, it at least shows you can stay off the ground. Which is an accomplishment, no one expects you to be a natural. I've been flying almost as long as I could walk, and I started out just like you.'

Moving next to Nicky he grabbed one of the boy's hands and repositioned it to a better grip area. He ignored the tingle that went through his body. 'Just trying flying around at this height and then we can focus on getting up up in the air.'

The closer the the ground, the less likely for injuries. Dante didn't want Nicky getting hurt on his watch.

[Nicky Bathurst]

"You get tired of studying? You should get out more. Hogwarts has a lot more space than I thought it would. I find myself exploring every place I can find, A night out sounds fun, Although I'm not sure how you feel about jumping out of windows late in the evening." Nicky smiled and watched his friend turn and drop on the school broom, Dante made it look so easy.

"Oh I see, So that's why your addicted to the air. You've been zooming around ever since you were little." Nicky blushed and looked the other way when Dante grabbed his hand.

"I'm comfortable here, Er this high in the air I mean." Shaking his head Nicky hovered around in circles, With each pass he made the circle wider, Just so he could catch glimpses of his friend.

[Dante Starr]

'Can't say I've ever had to sneak out, so it would a totally new experience for me. An adventure, definitely better than studying for History of Magic.' Dante admitted, thinking it was long past time for a guys night about.

Especially with this boy who he was quickly feeling a connection with. He wanted to get to know Nicky, really know where he came from. Sure it was completely normal to want to spend time with a new friend, it didn't mean anything more.

'And eventually you'll be comfortable getting higher up, it's not something you need to rush. I think you've done a good job so far.' He said, proud that his pupil hadn't broken a bone or ended up with a concussion.

Over all it was turning out to be a good day, he couldn't stop smiling.

[Nicky Bathurst]

"I don't know if I'll ever be comfortable going high up, But I'm sure I'll get used to it." After hovering up just a little bit more, Nicky placed his palm above his eyebrows, And looked out at the grounds which looked beautiful at this height.

Gazing back down Nicky frowned at his friend. "You've done so much for me, And I don't really know how to repay you." Hovering back down slowly, Nicky tried pondering something to give in return for all of Dante's time and instruction.

"I'm not really good at anything other than potions, So if you need any help with an assignment you come find me, But since you already have a good sis who knows her way around a cauldron...I doubt you'll need my help that much."

Nicky had thought of taking Dante out to hogsmeade, But would that be considered a date? What could there be in hogsmeade that Dante would want, Nicky didn't have a lot of money but if his friend wanted something, He'd do his best to get it for him.

[Dante Starr]

'Really it's not a big deal.' It had never been about payback, Dante had just wanted to be helpful and teach Nicky how to fly. His only ulterior motive was his goal to become friends with the boy, because if there was something Dante needed it was friends.

'You don't have to pay me back, I've had fun today too so really this isn't some big inconvenience. Now if I'd had to actually catch you, then you'd be doing my Potions homework for a week.' Dante teased before giving Nicky a playful bump on the arm.

Still if didn't want to see Nicky get hurt, why did was he disappointed that he didn't get a chance to catch the boy? Perhaps Dante wanted to show off his own skills but something told him that it wasn't it. There were some feelings toward Nicky that Dante wasn't able to explain or process.

'How about this for payback, you make sure I don't turn into some recluse and study too much. If you manage to make my History grade slip, I'll make sure you get that lobster you want so much.' Angel had told him about her disastrous date with Rocco, amused that both siblings were growing quite fond of Nicky.

Maybe then he could confide in Angel his thoughts? He certainly needed someone to talk to about this.

[Nicky Bathurst]

"Potion homework for a week? That's a bargain for falling." Nicky raised his hand up to his forehead and leaned back slightly, He was imitating all the woman in old movies who had fainting spells. "I've always depended on the kindness of strangers."

Leaning back forward he felt slightly woozy, Maybe joking around wasn't to good of an idea. The word recluse knocked Nicky back to reality. "That's right, You're more of a shut in than I am....That really can't be good. Well I'll make it my sworn duty to help you not help yourself with studies."

The second Dante mentioned lobster, Nicky's eyes began to sparkle with daydreams. "Heavenly lobster....Being around Rocco takes an appetite away though. You look at the guy and hope there's something beneath the surface, For Angels sake I hope there is something beyond what we see of him, And if you do ever get the chance to take me out for lobster, Remind me to bring back some for Angel. I do owe her for crashing her date." Not that he really minded crashing.

The mention of food....was a bad thing, Nicky hadn't eaten in a few days and he forgot to nibble something before coming here. Looking down at his Dante, Nicky's eyes became blurred, Almost as if he was in a tunnel.

This was bad, Even if they weren't to high up, He was gonna fall into his friend.

[Dante Starr]

'Crashing? Angel made it out like you and Lucas rescued her from a nightmare date with Rocco. So don't feel bad, I don't think many people here would like to be stuck one on one with Mister Snooty-pants.' He reassured Nicky with a smile.

What was his sister doing with that monster? Sure Dante usually wasn't too happy with the guys Angel dated but Loki and Death had treated her right. Rocco worried him, he loved his sister too much to just let her end up with some pureblood, rich snob who loved a mirror more than his girlfriend.

For more than one reason Dante wished Loki was still at Hogwarts. The Hufflepuff team would have a great year and Angel would be protected.

Lost in thought Dante looked bad to his friend and noticed him losing control of his broom. Rushing over to the boy he slid his arm around Nicky, holding him tight he managed to grab the broom and steady it. They slowly decended to the ground, still not letting go of him.

'Nicky, are you going to be okay or do I have to carry you to the infirmary?' He questioned, his voice full of concern.

[Nicky Bathurst]

Nicky was disoriented, He felt the broom tip slightly forward as he lost a bit of control over it, Dante managed to swoop in and guide the two safely down close to the ground.

Nicky pressed his hands to his face embarrassed shaking his head. "I'll be okay....I just wish I was a quaffle at the moment."

Peeking through his fingers at his friend, Nicky started to blush. "I've been busy for a few days...And I kinda forgot to eat....I knew I should have had something before I came here. You're lucky you caught me or I would have ended up crashing......your best broom."

Removing his hands from his face slowly, Nicky looked up to his friend. "I'm really sorry Dante." It was at that moment that he realized his friend had kept his arm around him. Which made Nicky blush more, Thinking he should say another sorry.

[Dante Starr]

'Sorry? Nicky I'm happy you didn't get hurt, I suck at medical magic. And you don't think I've ever got caught studying and forget to eat? I'd tell you all about it but then you'd think I'm a total loser.' Dante joked, trying to cheer up his friend.

Oddly enough he found himself feeling no concern for he expensive broom, instead he was filled with worry for this boy he'd only hung out with on one or two occasions. Sure he liked to consider himself a caring person but Dante loved his broom.

Now he found himself convincing Nicky that it didn't matter. 'Hey it's just a really expense racing broom, if my father finds out it was destroyed while I made some heroic rescue of a friend I'll get a new one.' Not entirely true, typically his father preferred the safety of his children over heroic actions, he had been in Slytherin after all. 'Plus with how much I paid for it, it better hold up better than that.'

Taking both brooms in one arm he made sure his friend was steady with the other one. 'Now let's get you fed, I'll even show you the entrance to the kitchen, all the cool kids avoid the crowded Great Hall.'