Replying to Rolling Hills

Roisin laughed and shook her head slowly. "You've been married before, right?" Roisin wasn't exactly sure about his history with relationships. "It's actually harder when you're in a relationship than when you're single. All of the rumors that go around..." she sighed, shaking her head and trying not to feel sad at the memories of Michael and all the drama that had come with it. Since being single, sure people talked and rumors flew, but they weren't damaging at least. Not to her. "You probably have a massive fan club, get letters with perfume and kisses," she added with an actual laugh. Oh the stories she could tell of her own experience with fans. 

Now that she had something to look forward to for the weekend, Rosi's spirits were much higher. She actually forgot she had come to the locker room to clean her locker! Instead, she nodded agreeably and said, "Great... then I'll be seeing you!" With that, she headed right back out without touching her locker. Oh well, a mess can be handled another day.

#4

Roisin’s support about his role on the team was reassuring. He appreciates it that she seemed to genuinely care about both the team's dynamics and his personal transition to the team. He nodded in agreement as she spoke about O’Malley and the difficulties of his situation. “I share your hopes for O’Malley. It’s always tough to see a talented player face such setbacks. I’ll do my best to step up and give my all for the team.” He heard a lot about Ireland’s energetic celebrations and how they’re a big part of the team spirit. He’s looking forward to experiencing that firsthand, and he’s prepared to keep up with the pace. It’s all part of the journey, and he’s excited to contribute.

Hunter laughed along with Roisin, “Glad you liked it.” He said with a grin. “I’ll have to save that wink for special occasions—though I’m not sure how well it would go over on the field or sidewalk. Might get me in trouble!” He can imagine the fans going a bit wild if there were any sudden changes. It’s all part of the package, isn’t it? She took a pause when he asked for her availability, knowing that a spontaneous offer like this was often a welcome change of pace. When she confirmed the arrangement, he gave a nod of satisfaction. “Great! I’m looking forward to it. Saturday at six it is.” With a playful wink, he added, “I promise not to make any headlines between now and then. Just looking forward to a nice evening and good conversation.”

One thing Roisin appreciated about Hunter from the get go was that he seemed genuine and honest. He seemed open to things, so joining the team was something she had no doubts would go well. It brought a smile to her face that their keeper was someone she felt would fill the role nicely. Any time a team member had to be replaced, it was difficult, but ultimately this was going to work out well. Who even knew if O'Malley would play again? For his sake, Rosi hoped he could, though maybe not professionally anymore. Some injuries lasted no matter how much magical medical care there was.

Roisin did wonder if Hunter had it in him to keep up with the pace of the Irish team when they celebrated. Ireland had its own reputation in that regard, something she was quite proud to be part of, though for publicity sake she did try to keep it under control. "You win some, you lose some, but hopefully we'll win most. Obviously that's the goal." Rosi smiled thoughtfully, picturing a go at the World Cup again. She'd already been twice...

Tabloids had notoriously fiddled with Roisin's romantic life. Before she'd married Michael, there had been that "Australian heartthrob" story that ran rampant and made her look like a two-timer... when in actuality, she had pushed Declan off of her in that bar. Ever since her divorce, there were always fans wondering who she was dating. She'd cycled through a couple, though none really stuck, leaving her rather lonely. Rosi had long since accepted that maybe she would be alone for the rest of her life...

"What a headline," Rosi said, snapping out of it and laughing. "You're good - that wink is very convincing. Pull that on the field, hell... on the sidewalk... and you'll get people talking." Roisin had to admit that Hunter was easy on the eyes. She could imagine his fans going berserk if he was suddenly off the market. She knew what that felt like from the other side of things. 

Rosi quickly did a mental check of her calendar and decided if there was something on that day and time, it could be rearranged. She didn't want to spend another weekend evening alone if she had an offer like this. "Absolutely - Saturday at six." Roisin said with a firm nod.

Any type of support is appreciated as he settled into his role as the new keeper for the Irish team. The complexities of his team transition and the emotions that accompanied it are something he’s very familiar with having been to different teams and jobs all his life. As he met Roisin's gaze, Hunter nodded, "You're right, I hope I will live up to the team’s expectation. It's also going to be a strange feeling, facing off against England." he admitted. Stepping into the role of the team's new keeper, especially in the wake of O'Malley's unfortunate accident, and the prospect of competing against familiar faces and former teammates added complexity to his journey with the Irish team, a challenge he was prepared to embrace with professionalism. It’s all part of the job.

Her teasing remark about him potentially being a spy elicited a chuckle from him. “I wouldn’t go that far if given the chance.” She described the post-game rituals and traditions of the team, something that is not common yet not all teams do that, especially getting waste a lot. He laughed at her little joke about losing the game and what they usually do. “I wouldn’t complain if that ever happens. Though I wish for a good result all the time, if we can help it.”

His offer to host Roisin at his house was met with a nod of agreement and a touch of amusement from her, as she recalled the rumors that had surfaced following their previous encounter. The memory of the speculation that surrounded their last interaction brought an amused smile to his lips. It only shows the unpredictable nature of fame and public perception. With a mischievous glint in his eye, he leaned in slightly and replied with a grin, "Well, we wouldn't want the tabloids to start speculating about our secret Quidditch romance, would we? I mean, imagine the headlines: 'Keeper's Heart in a Spin Over Neighbor's Beater’s Skills'." He winked playfully, adding, "But hey, if it gets us more fans, maybe we should start a rumor or two, right?" He was just kidding of course, his attempt at humor. “How’s Saturday look like for you? Dinner at 6?”

The excitement on Hunter's face was infectious, making Rosi smile brightly in return. She knew exactly how he felt about changing teams, but hers had nothing to do with changing alliances between countries. She'd gone from the local league to the national one - it was a big switch, but it was a switch nevertheless. "I'm sure it's strange... and it won't get any less when we're on the pitch facing off against England." Rosi reminded him, as if he needed her to. "But we're glad you joined us. You'll make a great addition to the team after O'Malley's accident," she said softly, remembering the horrible accident their former keeper had gotten himself into. He was in hospital for who knows how long. 

Rosi leaned against her locker, crossing her arms over her midriff. "Interesting things about the team..." she mused, tilting her head with a smirk. "if you hadn't already signed for us, I'd think you were a spy." She laughed and shrugged her free shoulder, the one not leaning on the locker. "We're a fun group. After every game, we celebrate. If we won, we go out for the entire night... drinking, eating good food, recapping the game," she said, listing off some of the activities casually. "But if we lose, we go to someone's place - anyone on the team whose turn it might be - and get pissass drunk and pass out." Roisin deadpanned, then broke into a laugh. "Kidding. If we lose, we do go to someone's place, but we control ourselves. Usually... except for Belton. If we lose, he takes it pretty hard... feels responsible. He's liable to actually drink himself silly if we don't look out for him." Roisin said of their seeker, Craig Belton. 

When Hunter said it was his turn to host her as a guest, she nodded in agreement. "That'd be great. Only this time, we make sure our fans don't get the wrong idea again." She shook her head at the rumors that had floated around after their last encounter when Hunter had been spotted going into her house.

#2

The decision to change teams had been plaguing his mind for a while now. The offer came not only once but a few times, asking him to be their new team’s keeper. Initially, he didn’t take it seriously and mostly laughed it off as something like a joke because nothing and no one would probably change his mind when it comes to the team he likes. He owed a lot to the English team; his name became even more famous around the UK and beyond due to his team’s reputation in the National League. They almost snatched the cup during the Quidditch World Cup. But then he realized in the end he needed a new challenge and as much as he loved his old team, it was time to move on and venture to greener pasture. That was how Hunter ended up in Ireland’s locker room after attending a brief orientation and introduction with the key people.

He was so deep in thought while cleaning his locker that he barely acknowledged the one who entered the room and was now standing a few feet away from him. His head whirled around as he realized who the owner of the voice was. “Roisin!” They weren’t just neighbours; Hunter would like to believe that they were friends at this point. Smiling, he nodded his head. “You can say that. It feels strange, though, to see a different color, a different place. This will take some getting used to.” Hanging his quidditch robe, he finally took a seat on the chair available for them to use. “How are you Roisin? Anything interesting about the team you can share with me?” And since they’re teammates now and our neighbours, “If you have the time, I’d like to invite you to my house. You know, my turn to be the host?” Last time, it was Roisin who invited him and prepared food for him.

It was the perfect day for Roisin to set aside time to clean her locker. During her last visit to the metal unit, she'd realized just how badly it needed some TLC. It was barely able to even close because of all of the stuff she'd jammed in there. No amount of magic would easily solve that problem, so she'd just had to mark a reminder to come in when she wasn't training and tackle the situation. That's what it was, really, a situation. She'd even had to bring some cleaning supplies and a bag to take home any of the unnecessary junk that had accumulated.

When she got into the locker room, she immediately saw that she wasn't alone. In fact, the team's newest member was there facing his locker, which was now adorned with his name. Roisin knew Hunter before he'd joined the team... in fact, they were neighbors, so the fact that he had transferred to Ireland made sense. But it was a little strange to go from rivals to teammates.

"Hey," she said casually, walking to her own locker down the row from his. "Getting set up?" she noted, avoiding the task of opening the door to her locker which would inevitably expel some of her junk to the floor. She didn't need to start the conversation with that.

(Let just say this is Republic of Ireland Locker room yeah?)

#1 - Pro-Quidditch RPC#18. Clean out your locker

Tag: Roisin

Hunter walked through the corridors of the Republic of Ireland National Team's training facility, his heart beating with anticipation. It had been a busy day for him, filled with meetings, introductions, and a mix of nerves and eagerness. As he approached the locker room, the familiar scent that that particular gave him was a reminder of the countless hours he had spent in his old team’s locker together with his old teammates. Pushing open the heavy door, Hunter stepped into the spacious locker room, his eyes scanning the rows of lockers lining the walls. Each one bore the name of a player. His gaze settled on the locker assigned to him. The locker was empty, as expected, waiting to be filled with his gear and personal belongings. He rolled up his sleeves, ready to make it his own. He started by wiping down the shelves and hooks, removing any dust that had accumulated. As he worked, memories of his time with the English national team flooded his mind, a mix of melancholy and thrill for the new chapter of his life. He carefully hung up his training kit, neatly arranging his shoes and jersey. The green and white colors of the Republic of Ireland national team gleamed under the lights, a symbol of pride and honor. Hunter took a moment to soak it all in, the jersey was a reminder of the responsibility that came with representing his new team. He was ready for the challenge, ready to give his all for his new team and the fans who supported them.

Seeing D's warm pool well up with tears moved her and couldn't help but place a right hand over her heart in an endearing way and gazed at him with all the adoration a human being could possible muster for another. She smiled lovingly at him, a small part of her wanting to chide him playfully for making it hard for her not to cry, but instead the two shared an amused gaze before turning their attention to the officiant. There were moments she felt a wave of shyness pass her- a timidness almost- especially when the older gentleman spoke of the commitment they were about to embark on and then it all faded when her eyes searched for his and felt like herself again. She, too, went through a flash of their life together - years building up to this moment and let out the softest sigh as she smiled brightly at what lay ahead. Although their beginning was no where near what she had planned, she was so grateful the universe had gifted her this happy tale. 

​After speaking her vows and dabbing her eyes more than she cared for - thank Merlin for water proof mascara- it was now time for Dylan to share his vows. The nerves surfaced once more, but they were once again quelled the moment his spoke. His voice always grounded her and more so as his hand gently caressed her cheek, causing those tears to roll down her cheek once again. She couldn't help but chuckle at the first sentence, feeling the calmness envelope her like a blanket as he continued. His words were strung perfectly together, parts of his speech pulling more tears and others making her give him a playfully pointed look - like the "scary" part. Dylan was everything and more that she could want in a husband and a father to their children. He truly was their rock and provided them all with the perfect balance. She mouthed "I love you" whenever his voice cracked, feeling overwhelmed with love and appreciation for him, more so than she already held for him. The end tied in everything together and laughed to herself at him giving her full permission to knock common sense into him. Oh, Dylan... silly man.

The officiant smiled at the pair. He had probably seen hundreds of couples pass through this very same church, vowing their unyielding devotion to one another and share their most happy moment. Guinevere knew this commitment to Dylan was eternal, she had never felt this type of love in her life. It was pure and filled with a passion that could not be extinguished. And although she had experienced marriage in the past this was the longest any of her relationships had endured, one that she fought for, even through the turbulent times, and when the universe placed trials in their way she always ran back to Dylan. "I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss your bride." Those words couldn't come soon enough and Guinevere eagerly let go of his hands to wrap her arms around him in an embrace, pulling him in as he leaned in to place a kiss on her lips. They'd sealed it, they were now officially one and Guin couldn't be happier which poured out as their lips met. A daydream like sigh escaped her as the two slowly pulled away and those brilliant blues of her met his warm orbs, "I'm forever yours, Dylan." She was now Guinevere Everett. 

[YAY!   ]

Dylan always have a comeback for everything. He is really good with words so it was a shock when he found himself speechless the moment he laid eyes on Guin in her wedding dress. She’s just so beautiful that he felt like he wasn’t worthy of even looking at her. Dylan let out a chuckle at being called a saint in his last life. He must have been, if he believed in that. If reincarnation is real, they he would like to be reborn again in his next life exactly as he is, as long as he gets to spend another lifetime with Guin. Dylan felt a little embarrassed that he started crying already and they haven’t even started the ceremony yet. He quickly wiped them off his cheek and mustered all the composure left in his body when he took her hand and faced the officiant.

The old man has a very nice demeanor. He’s got kind eyes that is clearly filled with wisdom and as he looked at the couple, and started speaking about love and commitment and their bond, that was when Dylan knew that this is really happening. His eyes never left Guin’s. Their hands clasped together with him rubbing the back of her hands gently with his thumb. It was meant to comfort her, but it comforted him just the same. He could feel her shaking and he squeezed her hands, a silent way for him to tell her that he’s here and they are in this together. He smiled at her, especially when it was time for their vows.

Guin went first and Dylan’s breath caught in his throat when she said his name. It almost felt like a caress, and he’s always loved his name, but he adores it even more when she says it. Each individual words that she spoke are wound into sentences that touched his very core, making him feel light and giddy and nervous all at the same time. While she spoke her vows, their time together flashed before his eyes from the night they’ve met, to the day that she stormed into the PU pitch in the middle of practice to tell her she’s pregnant, to the day that she gave birth to their beautiful daughter. Even the times when they weren’t the kindest to each other, when they separated, the dark day that followed, the illuminating conversations he’s had and how they reunited. His failed proposal in the midst of chaos, the birth of their second child… It was a lot of things that happened between them and their family but they got through every bump in the road relatively unscathed. And now, they are sealing the deal, vowing to be each other’s rock for as long as they shall live.

Dylan reached up to caress Guin’s cheek with a warm smile on his face. She was crying too, so of course, Dylan can’t help the tears falling down his face as well. "Guinevere… Good thing you are in a good mood today," he said with a chuckle, a callback to the first words she said to him. "We met at sunset. And now, we wed just as the sun is going down the horizon. And I can’t believe that we are finally here. You turned my whole world upside down and I have never been more happy for the intrusion. You came into my life when I least expected it and during a time in my life when I have no direction where I want to go, and you made me the happiest I’ve ever been and for that, I am forever in your debt. You have no idea how much I needed someone like you in my life. You are beautiful, feisty, opinionated, and honestly, sometimes scary, but I love you all the same. I love every side of you and I promise to be understanding of every single one of them. You say that I am  the rock, but you are the sun that keeps us alive. You are the ground that keeps me on my feet and the home that I will always come to at the end of the day. You are my person, Guin. I love you and I promise to always love you no matter what. To take care of you and our kids and future kids to the best of my abilities. I will do my best to deserve you and your love. I vow to be a good husband and a good father to our kids. I vow be an ear to listen to all your problems and I vow to be the hand that will pick you up anytime you feel like falling down. I vow to be your protector. I vow do my best not to hurt you and if I inevitably do, you have my permission to whack me hard on the head and knock some sense into me. I’m yours Guin, now and forever…"

He was getting too emotional that his voice broke in some places during his vows but he managed to let it all out. He could have said a lot more but no words can really express what Guin means to him, but he tried his best.  He’s simply overwhelmed with everything but above all else, he’s just happy to call her his.