#marlene rambles

The moment Elias had asked her to spend some time with him at the cottage he was staying at for the wedding, Marlene had leaped at the chance. They'd not really gotten that much alone time... ever, really, without having to sneak around and constantly be alert for anyone approaching. She knew that most people wouldn't understand: he was a teacher, a little over thirteen years her senior. But he didn't seem it, and he never had. 

But as the night went on, as Elias smeared cake on her nose and kissed her sweetly on the dance floor, she began to doubt herself. Despite knowing that he hadn't asked her solely to get her on her own to attempt to get her into bed, she wasn't exactly sure what would be expected of her. Would he expect her to willingly sleep with him? Was she supposed to be charming and witty and make him fall in love with her? Were they just going to sit around and drink tea and discuss little things?

It wasn't that she didn't want to shag him. She did, very much. But she also knew that immediately jumping into it could have the potential to ruin what they already had, and Marlene would rather hex herself than fuck up again. But if she didn't show an interest in the physical aspect of their relationship, would he think she didn't want him?

She'd never had to worry about this before. Elias was her first real relationship, the first man she'd ever actually 'dated.' These worries and fears were completely foreign to her, and they plagued her the entire journey from the reception to his little cottage.

Follow his lead, a little voice in her head encouraged. Funny how that voice sounded just like Mary. Go with whatever he does. It can't be that hard. If Barty Crouch can do it, you can do it.