Year/Job
Wimbourne Wasps // Chaser
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Post by Sawyer Rhodes on Mar 4, 2024 10:03:33 GMT -8
Several weeks later || Sawyer's Charity Ball/Fundraiser Event
One thing that Sawyer was passionate about was making sure each child from low-income families had the same opportunities as everyone else. He started his fundraising his first year out of school, but only started the charity ball the year before. It benefited scholarships for underprivileged children who couldn't afford to go to school, afford the supplies, or give them better sporting equipment. Without the scholarship he received when he was eleven, Sawyer didn't know how his life would have turned out. This was the first year that the event was in London. It was essentially the same as it was in the US. There were drinks, soft, live music, and a silent auction. The Chaser made sure that prominent people were invited, able to donate more to the cause, but he made sure that school board members and anyone directly related to a child's education received an invitation. Their time, knowledge of the cause, or even a few galleons made a difference. As the host, he made the rounds of greeting each person individually. He dazzled them with his charming smile and suave words, pointing out what was in the auction. He moved to a familiar group, his teammates. Sawyer greeted them eagerly, patting a few of them on the back, honored that they had made it out. What he didn't expect was seeing Olivia with them. His smile didn't falter, hiding his distaste for the werewolf. Because they were with their team and had already been reprimanded to get along, he greeted her. "Hello, Olivia," he said, his dashing smile still plastered, but his tone not as friendly as when he spoke to the others. OutfitOlivia Moretti [/div]
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Year/Job
Wimbourne Wasps Chaser
you are the moon that breaks the night for which i have to howl |
Werewolf
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Post by Olivia Moretti on Mar 4, 2024 10:51:27 GMT -8
Olivia had fallen apart after Sawyer walked away from her all those weeks ago. She didn't know why she did, but as soon as the door to her flat shut behind her she fell to floor while the sobs wracked her body. Everything had changed that night with the two of them proclaiming their hatred for each other and perhaps a small part of her had been hoping for a different outcome. She still remembered that night last July, how she had been so close to inviting him into her bed, and how nothing ever compared to it. Olivia searched for that feeling again, but no matter who she brought home with her, it wasn't the same. She hated herself, hated what she saw in the mirror, hated her scars, her circumstances, her life. All because of Sawyer Rhodes.
The next few weeks looked a lot different than they had before. Olivia trained even harder, spending all her free time at the stadium. When it came to practice, she worked to the point of breaking. But when it came to Sawyer, she avoided him and everything about him. Liv was a professional first and foremost, so she still passed the Quaffle to him and played fairly with him, but as soon as her feet touched the ground it was like he didn't exist. It was easy because he was avoiding her, too. There had been a few interviews, some reporters stopping her outside the stadium, questions revolving the rumored romance between the two of them. Olivia wouldn't entertain their questions. "No comment" and "next question" became common phrases she would say. She didn't show much emotion during these weeks and she often kept to herself during team events.
One of those events was Sawyer's charity ball. Liv didn't get a personal invite, of course, but Mason was pretty adamant on her going. As a Moretti, she had been to plenty of charity balls in the past so she knew the drill. Her father used to drag them along to ball after ball in Italy growing up. It became obvious to her that it was more about showing off your wealth than whatever charity was benefiting. The only true act of charity she saw her father participate in was when he donated a significant sum to victims of creature attacks only a few short months ago. She still didn't know how she felt about that. Since her conversation with her former Potions professor, Olivia has been looking into starting her own charity. She wants to help werewolves throughout the UK find homes and a steady supply of Wolfsbane potion. It's taking time to get it off the ground.
A heavy sigh fell out of her as she stood in front of the bathroom mirror, her fingers fiddling with her earrings as she adjusted them. This ball was something she had been dreading for a week, but here she was anyway, dressed in a spectacular silver dress with her hair in crimped waves cascading down her back. Her manicured fingers ran along her diamond necklace as she took in a deep breath. She met her own gaze in the mirror and steeled herself before exiting.
It didn't take her long to find the rest of her team. Not many stopped her to chat, but she had seen more than one familiar face. There was Earl Matlock talking to Evelyn Cunningham over champagne. And Edward Knight schmoozing with Francis King. She did find her father mingling with a few old friends by the refreshment table and that's the only reason she didn't have a drink in her hand. Her eyes found Sawyer strutting over to them with the same dazzling smile he had that night so long ago. Olivia quickly looked away. He greeted the team warmly and Liv stood off to the side, her gaze flicking between her team and her father at the table, hoping he'd leave soon so she could grab a glass of champagne.
"Hello, Olivia."
Her eyes snapped to him and looked him up and down before she averted them again. "Sawyer," she greeted him politely. The fire she once felt for him had been extinguished and she could at least tolerate being in his presence for a few minutes, at least to keep up appearances. "It's a fine ball," she said after a moment, her eyes shifting to him again. "I - I think it's nice. The charity."
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Year/Job
Wimbourne Wasps // Chaser
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Post by Sawyer Rhodes on Mar 4, 2024 15:32:12 GMT -8
Sawyer hated how great she looked, how her dress fit her perfectly, accentuating her curves that he had admired back in July. He despised himself for having that flutter in his stomach when he saw her, knowing that their instant connection had lingered with him all of these months later. She was everything that he had learned to hate three years ago. What lie dormant under her flesh was a killer if she didn't take calculated precautions. In moments lost to playing Quidditch or just fun with his teammates, he would glance her, thinking her stunning, forgetting a moment what she was. Then reality set back in.
It wasn't lost on him since their conversation how much harder she threw herself into practices, that she was working harder. Good, he thought. She needed to learn that no matter if you got along with your teammates or not, there was always room to improve, push yourself even harder. He even threw her the quaffle sometimes.
She was the most radiant thing at the ball. Outshining everyone, and Sawyer hated it. Hated that he acknowledged it. He was counting down the years, endless days, until his contract was up, or waiting for someone to offer to buy his out. Her dark eyes looked him over, and warmth shuddered up his spine at her glance while a brisk shiver followed as he chastised himself.
Everyone started to converse between them again, leaving Sawyer and Olivia silent. She broke the heavy silence between them, complimenting his efforts. "Thank you," he replied civilly. "It's something I feel very strongly about." Hopefully the night would prove to be successful in raising enough galleons to be incredibly beneficial.
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Year/Job
Wimbourne Wasps Chaser
you are the moon that breaks the night for which i have to howl |
Werewolf
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Post by Olivia Moretti on Mar 4, 2024 17:26:59 GMT -8
She couldn't deny that he looked really good tonight. This was the first time she was seeing him all suited up and she hated that she liked it. Olivia had told herself she wasn't going to pay him any mind tonight, yet here she was. Her gaze kept getting pulled to him, drawn once more to his energy, but she kept dragging it away each time. It was a battle she was determined to win. She didn't want to give him the satisfaction of knowing she still thought of him. Not as the Sawyer she knew now, but the one she met back then. He thanked her and she couldn't help the quizzical look she threw his way, her brows pulling together slightly. That was not what she expected. Liv slowly nodded her understanding, casting her gaze about the ballroom once more. "It shows," she said quietly. Olivia softly bit the corner of her lip, trying to look anywhere but at him. She really wished she had a drink right about now.
Be careful what you wish for, said the voice in the back of her mind as she took notice of her father coming toward them with a glass of champagne in each hand. Shit. Liv quickly looked to Sawyer, her eyes pleading for an out before she realized what she was doing. Her dark eyes fell to her hands that she folded in front of her. Riccardo Moretti's hand came to rest on her shoulder as he stepped to her. "Olivia," he greeted her curtly. What did she ever do to deserve this? Liv glanced up at her father's domineering face and offered a half-hearted smile. "Father," she said in a similarly short way. He handed her a glass of champagne and Olivia took it, immediately downing a small portion. Riccardo turned his attention to Sawyer, holding out a hand to him. "Riccardo Moretti," he introduced himself with a slightly friendlier tone. "I have to say I'm impressed with the turnout. You put together quite the party." Olivia started to wish that she could just disappear in the crowds, but her dad's hand was on her back, preventing her from leaving. "I've taken the liberty of donating quite the sum to your cause."
Riccardo lingered for a few more moments before he turned to Liv. "I'll talk with you later," he said to her in a softer voice. Olivia nodded almost imperceptibly and watched as he said his goodbyes and left the two of them alone. Her gaze shifted over to Sawyer for a moment before it fell to the glass in her delicate hands. "Hopefully that bodes well for the rest of the night." If her father had donated, she knew of a few other people who would follow suit. She opened her mouth to say something else, but then promptly shut it. What was there to say?
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Year/Job
Wimbourne Wasps // Chaser
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Post by Sawyer Rhodes on Mar 4, 2024 18:09:01 GMT -8
Sawyer hoped that his efforts did show. The decorations were elegant. The drinks were free. He had to personally write most of the people who donated items for the auction. The team of his small charity really outdid themselves. His event planner would be getting a hefty bonus from him due to her efforts. The only other thing that he put this much effort into was Quidditch. He was lucky to have the kindness of others to give him his start in life with the scholarship; however, he knew that he was where he was due to his hard work and determination. He wanted to be able to give the lucky start to some other students.
His brows knitted together at the confusion of her pleading look at the figure that was approaching them. The older gentleman greeted Olivia, and his eyebrows rose slightly with surprise at her calling him "Father." That was the last thing that Sawyer had expected. His surprise didn't last long as Mr. Moretti turned to him, introducing himself. Sawyer grabbed his hand, shaking it firmly. "Sawyer Rhodes." His efforts were complimented again. Sawyer was about to thank the gentleman before he added that he donated a fair amount. "Thank you, sir. It is greatly appreciated."
Her father stayed for only a few more moments. Sawyer stood awkwardly around Olivia. Their teammates had reformed their circle next to the two of them, but they weren't apart of it. It was just the two of them. "Yeah, hopefully," Sawyer responded, wishing that he had a beer in his hand. Silence fell between them again. He could have moved on. He wanted to. Standing next to her was physically uncomfortable, but he couldn't move.
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Year/Job
Wimbourne Wasps Chaser
you are the moon that breaks the night for which i have to howl |
Werewolf
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Post by Olivia Moretti on Mar 4, 2024 18:33:34 GMT -8
The awkwardness was too much for her to take, but she couldn't bring herself to move from her spot. And because she couldn't stop glancing over at him, she saw that he hadn't left either. Their team had left them alone, forming their own circle, and it was just him and her standing there in silence. She almost wished her father had stayed longer so she wouldn't be alone. Then she felt another hand on her shoulder and she thought that tonight was the night for wishes, but when she turned to look at who was coming up to her she let out a loud gasp. "Oh my gods," she nearly squealed, pulling the man into a hug. "Darius!" The dark haired wizard laughed as his free arm wrapped around her waist. "Liv," he said as they pulled away. "I thought that was you."
Darius King was one of Olivia's best friends. The pair of them were housemates and in the same year at Hogwarts. They even briefly dated their fourth year, but after a few short months they both decided they were better off as friends. Her face brightened, her lips pulling into a warm smile when she saw him. "It's nice to see you off the pitch." Suddenly, she remembered Sawyer and she sobered up a bit, straightening her spine. "Oh, um, Darius this is Sawyer. He's my teammate." Darius looked between the two of them for a moment before he held his hand out with a charming smile. "Sawyer Rhodes! Darius King. I'm Liv's ex and also your competition." His smile brightened and he threw a wink to Olivia. Liv simply rolled her eyes. "If you don't mind, I think the dancing is about to begin and I'd really love to steal this bewitching partner from you." Darius held out a hand to her and Liv took it with a smile, downing the rest of her champagne and setting the glass on the table beside her. "Nice to meet you, Sawyer."
Olivia glided to the dancefloor, hand in hand with Darius, just as the music changed. A few other couples joined them, but it was just them at the center of it all. "Smooth," she said to him with a smirk. "You sure your wife won't mind?" Darius let out a laugh and shook his head. "She didn't even show tonight so I don't think she'll mind." Liv felt a pang run through her for her friend, but she knew that their marriage was a pure arrangement. "I thought that dancing with a werewolf would be bad for your family's reputation," she said. Darius shrugged his shoulders and led her in a waltz. "I decided I didn't care. Besides, you looked like you needed saving." She couldn't help but smile. "I did. Thank you."
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Year/Job
Wimbourne Wasps // Chaser
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Post by Sawyer Rhodes on Mar 4, 2024 19:10:42 GMT -8
He had much better things to do than stand next to Olivia with a heavy, awkward silence. He was the host. There were plenty more people to talk to and schmooze with. He could have just left, so could she have. They both knew how they truly felt about each other, so he didn't know why he was lingering. Suddenly, Olivia let out a squeal and an excited exclamation as she wrapped Darius King into an embrace. His eyes gleaned over the encounter, seeing how her face lit up, so easy, bright...everything he hadn't seen since that July night.
Olivia introduced them. Darius being friendly and holding out a hand to the Chaser. Sawyer was more charming and suave then he currently was. He was flabbergasted at how this man was interacting with Olivia, seeing a different side of her. It was different and awkward. Sawyer reached out and embraced Darius's hand. "Nice to meet you. Thank you for coming," he replied, briefly remembering his hosting duties.
Darius stated that he wanted to dance with Olivia, and she went with him, leaving Sawyer on his own. He stood there awkwardly for a few more moments, wondering what had just happened and deciding he needed a fucking drink. His ran a hand through his hair and went to the bar, ordering a beer, not caring if it wasn't as elegant as the other drinks. While waiting for the bartender, his gaze turned to the dance floor, seeing Darius and Olviia waltz effortlessly, a beautiful smile plastered on her face, completely at ease. Unease blossomed at the pit of his stomach, not sure what it was about seeing her smiling that dazzling smile at someone else that elicited such a reaction.
Thankfully, his train of thought was changed when another attendee greeted him. "I see Mr. Moretti donated. I'd like to match that sum. It seems like a worthy cause." Sawyer hadn't been in London that long to know who the most affluent people were, but apparently the Moretti family was one of them. "Oh, thank you. That's greatly appreciated. If you go over to the desks over there, they will be more than happy to assist with that donation," Sawyer stated, turning on the charm once again, his eyes drifting slightly over the aging man's head to see the reflection of Olivia's spinning dress.
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Year/Job
Wimbourne Wasps Chaser
you are the moon that breaks the night for which i have to howl |
Werewolf
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Post by Olivia Moretti on Mar 5, 2024 1:32:29 GMT -8
Olivia hadn't felt quite so free in a long time. Her smiles were easy, genuine, and were starting to heal the deepest parts of her that had been so affected by her interactions with Sawyer. Darius was a true knight for swooping in and saving her from the awkward situation. They couldn't dance together all night, but they danced for a song or two before they were interrupted by her father. Liv kissed Darius' cheek as he left. Riccardo swept her up and danced with her across the ballroom floor. Their conversation would fill a part of her that hadn't felt whole since before the attack. Olivia felt more confident than she had in weeks. She had people in her corner who cared for her and she was starting to see that Sawyer's bad opinion of her meant nothing. Olivia Moretti was not the monster he thought she was.
The next twenty minutes were a blur, but it was fun. The dark-haired witch had been dancing with Mason when she decided she needed a minute to get herself a drink. She was still smiling as she made her way to the bar, requesting another flute of champagne. Her gaze, brightened by the exercise and her good mood, swept through the ballroom and came to rest on Sawyer. Her heart lurched in her chest and her smile faltered for a brief moment before the glass of champagne was slid over to her. Turning back to the bar, she picked up the glass and raised it to her lips, taking a slow sip. With all the excitement, she had nearly forgotten he was there.
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Year/Job
Wimbourne Wasps // Chaser
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Post by Sawyer Rhodes on Mar 5, 2024 12:57:42 GMT -8
The night had been a success. His feet hurt from standing and dancing for hours. His cheeks were sore from the endless smiling. Every item in the auction seemed to have sold for more than valued price. According to the books on a quick total, they had surpassed their goal, causing one more sore smile to erupt from Sawyer. He was thrilled to know that his charity would make a difference here as it had in the States. He still had to have his yearly fundraiser over there, but that would be after the season was over. It was too much to travel back and forth with practices.
Most of the patrons had cleared out while the staff was beginning to clean up. His team was busy taking down the banners, collecting everything that belonged to their organization. Sawyer had done his part, knowing that his team would take care of everything else. He bid them a farewell, thanking them profusely for their hard work, stating that he would meet them tomorrow for lunch to go over the final amount and review everything from the gala.
He stepped into the chilled February air, a cloud forming around him as he exhaled. He hand ran through his hair, finally having a moment to himself for the first time in hours. He loosened his tie as he became aware that he heard other voices approaching him. He looked over to see Darius King and Olivia once again. His heart rate sped up at the sight of her, both from her overwhelming pull she had and from his hatred of her kind.
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Year/Job
Wimbourne Wasps Chaser
you are the moon that breaks the night for which i have to howl |
Werewolf
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Post by Olivia Moretti on Mar 5, 2024 13:49:53 GMT -8
The rest of the night went well, so much better than she ever could have hoped for. Olivia danced for hours, had her share of champagne and fine food, and even bought an unique emerald necklace from the auction. Despite her feelings for Sawyer, the good and the bad, Liv felt that the cause was a worthy one. The old Olivia Moretti wouldn't have given much thought to those less fortunate than her, but now it was all she could think about. How many werewolves could boast the wealth and profession that she had? How many of them were starving while she dined on the best steak money could buy? How many spent their full moons out of control because they can't afford or have the knowledge to brew their monthly potion? True, her interest in the underdogs only came about from her own affliction, but she now understood just how fortunate she had been in her life. Everyone deserved a helping hand. Even Sawyer.
As the night wound down, Olivia found herself drawn to her friend once more. The two of them could only interact so much in the public eye before rumors of an affair were likely to stir up. Her father had left earlier with a promise to meet up later in the week. She was hopeful their relationship could be mended, but she didn't put all her expectations on it working out. Liv found Darius outside of the venue, sucking on a cigarette. Her nose scrunched up at the smell of the smoke and she gave him a look of disgust as she approached. "Really?" she asked him. "Those help you win matches?" Darius rolled his eyes good-naturedly and put the offending cigarette out with his foot. "It's only for special occasions," he told her with a wave of his hand. "I don't see what's special about cigarettes. They stink. You stink." Darius laughed and flipped her off to which Olivia responded by sticking out her tongue. "Walk with me?" With a smile, she looped her arm with his and walked alongside him.
They walked around the block twice as they caught up. Darius' wife was still a stick in the mud, but they were getting along better than they did before. Liv knew Darius to be a hotheaded wizard when provoked, but he had certainly matured a lot since their school days. He asked about Sawyer, of course, having read about them in the papers. "There's nothing to say," she said to him. "We can't stand each other." Darius raised a brow at that before nudging her with his shoulder. "That why he couldn't keep his eyes off of you?" Olivia let out a sharp laugh and looked at him, her expression disbelieving. "He was not." Her friend gave her a serious look, but said nothing more on the matter. He changed the subject instead, but his comment left Olivia feeling very confused about the entire evening.
They had just rounded the corner on their last trip around the block, talking about their latest matches, when Liv caught sight of Sawyer standing outside the entrance. Her gaze met his for a moment before she looked away, but it appeared that Darius saw the whole exchange. He stopped walking several feet away from him and turned to Liv. "It was great seeing you. Keep in touch." He leaned in to press a kiss to her cheek before waving at Sawyer and disappearing down the block. Olivia lingered, her heart racing in her chest as she considered what he had said. She couldn't help the flutter in her belly as she thought about Sawyer's eyes on her. Turning to face him, Olivia walked toward him. "I was just leaving," she told him. Her eyes lifted from the ground to look him in the eye. He had loosened his tie a bit and there was that flutter again as she thought how sexy it made him look. "I wanted to thank you. I had a great time." She stood there awkwardly in silence for a few moments before she offered him a half-hearted smile. "Goodnight, Sawyer." Liv nodded her head and started to walk past him. When she was far enough away, she turned on her heel and Apparated back home.
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Year/Job
Wimbourne Wasps // Chaser
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Post by Sawyer Rhodes on Mar 7, 2024 19:41:30 GMT -8
Her dark eyes met his, and she quickly looked away. Sawyer didn't. He couldn't for some reason. He looked upon as Darius kissed the witch on the cheek and waved farewell to Sawyer. Sawyer was slightly taken aback, well more surprised, but waved to the retreating figure. Sawyer's ocean eyes flitted back to Olivia as her gaze was still on her friend, and then turned to face him. What surprised Sawyer even more was that she walked over to him. She had been fiercely avoiding him the last several weeks. Olivia informed him that she was leaving. He remained quiet, not quite sure how to answer that, when he thought he had made it clear that he didn't care. Those dark eyes flitted from the cement and looked into his, making his heart jump into his throat. He hated his body for betraying him like that. She thanked him for the night, saying that she had fun. It looked like she did have a fun night. Sawyer noticed the bright smile she wore the entire evening talking with, what he was assuming, were friends of hers, dancing for most of the evening. Sawyer was busy hosting and jumping around all night, but his gaze always seemed to find her, like she was a magnet. Then she gaze him a small, but kind smile, and told him goodnight. Sawyer was stunned, speechless. His hands were still fisted in his pants, his brows knitted together as he watched her leave, wondering what happened to the Olivia had said that she hated him just several weeks before.
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