ʷᵉˡᶜᵒᵐᵉ ᵗᵒ ᵗʰᵉ ɴᴀʀᴄɪssɪsᴍ

to quote hamlet act III scene iii line 87 -no

[diisgustednoiise]

learn more about rabastan acheron lestrange - 

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a more detailed introduction, complete with stats is coming soon !

[diisgustednoiise]

ft. damocles

where: Potion’s Booth when: Summer Solstice who: Damocles Belby and Rabastan Lestrange ( @diisgustednoiise​ )

Damocles had just apparated back to his booth after getting a few ingredients from his office when Marcus greeted him out of the blue. A smile instantly appeared on Damocles’ lips as he reached for his nephew’s hair. “Why, hello there, Marcus. Is your father around?” A quick look around showed Don talking with Lily, easing the potioneer’s mind. But there was a fellow nearby who was eyeing Damocles and Marcus. Concern was painted all over his expression as he stood up and caught his eyes. Maybe he was a parent as well? Damocles flashed him a hesitant smile. “Is there anything I can help you with?”

rabastan had been on edge since adonis had mentioned that his brother was the one in charge of the potions booth. but by then marcus had already grabbed ahold of his hand, and before he knew it they were standing in front of the booth. fortunately, marcus had let go of his hand and rabastan was able to take a step back, a somewhat nervous smile on his face as he tried to focus his attention on the demonstration. he was able to relax seeing as no one had greeted adonis and marcus, but that didn’t last long. he was reluctant to respond, but he knew that would only make the situation more uncomfortable. instead he chose to smile, “oh no, we’re just watching the demonstration.”

[diisgustednoiise]

ft. bellatrix

who: @diisgustednoiise​ where: the festival booths.  when: july 21, 1983.

THE SUMMER SOLSTICE FESTIVAL ALWAYS FELT LIKE A DREAM. Bellatrix had liked this place, when she’d been a child. Full of magic, both old and new; the perfection example of why the magical world should be separated from the Muggles, and why it was better. This year, though, it felt strange to be here, more like a nightmare. She was antsy, truthfully, and she could sense the danger in the air. The Dark Lord had only given her a few instructions. Stay close to the booths. Don’t look suspicious. She had laughed at that one – when didn’t she look suspicious to the Order members?

Still, it was nice to see a familiar face, although she couldn’t help but feel a rare sense of panic at the thought that her family were here tonight. Even if Rabastan was a Death Eater, she’d know his heart was never in it. Could see it clearly on his face. That scared her. It made him vulnerable, and as such it made her vulnerable. Still, as he rounded the corner, she tilted her head at him. “What do you think?” she asked. “Should I cause a little trouble with the Pembroke girl’s singing teapots?”

rabastan couldn’t help but feel a sense of dread as he crossed paths with his sister-in-law, though he managed to hide his surprise well, he’d always been good at hiding emotions. the summer solstice festival didn’t strike him as the type of place she’d visit, which meant there must be a reason for her presence. another plan that he hadn’t been privy to, though, that wasn’t a surprise. he wasn’t a fan of being left completely out of the loop, but their chance encounter was enough of a warning that he wouldn’t be caught completely off-guard.

“that seems a bit beneath you,” rabastan responded with a laugh, as he cast a glance at the booth in question. truthfully, he didn’t care what bellatrix did to the teapots, but he hoped that his comment might prompt some sort of revelation. “but perhaps it’s time for those teapots to start swearing like sailors,” he chuckled.

[diisgustednoiise]

ft. adonis

IT WAS STRANGE, REALLY, HOW FRIENDSHIPS FORMED. Never in his right mind did Adonis think he’d become friends with a Lestrange brother, let alone the one who worked in the potions shop. Still, it was nice, being around Rabastan. It felt easy, and these days Adonis craved easy. He needed ease like an addict might crave a sleeping draught. So, when Rabastan smiled, a small smile appeared on his face too, especially when Marcus ran up to him as if he were an old friend. 

“That’s actually just where we were headed,” Don laughed, crossing his arms over his chest as he watched his son with a glint of pride in his eyes. “My brother is actually running the booth.” It was strange, using that word again, but here they were. Marcus grabbed Rab’s hand, grinning as he exclaimed that he had to come with them. “Oh, I suppose you’re coming along for the ride now? Careful, he might make you buy him a cauldron.” He whispered the last part to Rab as they started walking, Marcus in between them.

rabastan stopped short of allowing a sigh of relief to escape from his lips when adonis didn’t outright dismiss him. he wouldn’t have blamed adonis if he had brushed him off, it wasn’t as if they were friends, and then there were the rumors that would follow anyone caught associating with a lestrange. but he wouldn’t allow himself to worry about that, at least not today. 

“if this potions career doesn’t work out, perhaps i’ll have fortune telling to fall back on,” he responded with a joke, allowing himself to smile as he took ahold of marcus’ hand. he realized it was a bit strange to be accompanying the duo, but it was in a good sense. until, adonis mentioned his brother, causing his smile to briefly falter. adonis not worrying about being seen with him was one thing, he wasn’t sure a relative would have the same view. still, he was determined not to worry. “i guess i am,” he laughed, “are you telling me, he doesn’t already have one?” he asked, an eyebrow arched, “i had my first cauldron when i was his age.”

[diisgustednoiise]

ft. melaina

Where: Summer Solstice Festival When: 21st June Who: Melaina && @diisgustednoiise​

It was hard to believe that half a year had passed. The Winter Solstice had marked the beginning of some dark times in Melaina’s life with the arrest of her father and subsequent interrogations of her son. Work had become a difficult place to be for the first time in her life and when she went home she was the primary caregiver to a three year old. And, all the while, she was still doing work that her stomach was not quite strong enough for. Brewing Polyjuice with Barty Crouch was one thing but helping to poison a traitor, while important and necessary work, had put a strain on her. She couldn’t remember being this stressed since the day she realised that she was pregnant with Theodore, and all the implications which had come with the fact. To top it all, with nobody at home most of the day to make sure her cat wasn’t wandering too far into the village, she ended up having a litter of kittens.

Melaina truly hoped the Summer Solstice really would indicate the time of change that the Minister had talked about. She would never admit those feelings to her fellow Death Eaters, of course, but a peaceful life sounded nice right about now, and it would be perfect timing now that all but one of the kittens had been given away. Today certainly felt like it was going her way as she was able to persuade Theo away from one of the games and towards the sheltered area where Rosmerta was selling drinks. She ordered him a grape juice and led him over to where sat one of her old school friends. “Hello, Rabastan,” she said. “I hope you’re having a good day. How’s the kitten? Which one did you have again?”

rabastan had managed to make one solid lap around the festival, taking note of the various attractions and booths before he sought the familiar refuge of the drink tent. he had briefly considered checking if emma was working at the merlin rouge tent, but ultimately decided against it. instead he ordered a beer and took a seat in the corner where he would hopefully be able to finish his drink in peace. his time at the carnival had been brief, but seeing as he hadn’t run into the one person he was hoping to see- his time was also drawing to an end.

that changed the second that melaina joined him, a faint smile appearing across his face as he sat up. “hello melaina,” he smiled, before turning his attention towards theo, “and hello to you theo,” he greeted the boy with a smile, before once more focusing on melaina. “the kitten and i are both fine, though i must ask if it’s possible for the kitten to be part kneazle- i was never a fan of care of magical creatures, but it doesn’t behave like most cats. i have the tiniest one, his name is lando.”

[diisgustednoiise]

ft. brenton

Where: Summer Solstice Festival When: 21st June Who: Brenton && @diisgustednoiise​

“Should have left you at home,” Brenton found himself muttering when Ash changed direction abruptly and tugged on the leash. It wasn’t the first time that day. With so many sights and sounds, it was all very exciting for a dog who generally saw little beside the rolling hills of the Isle of Harris and the few people with an open invitation to Brenton’s home. And, in actual fact, Brenton didn’t begrudge Ash his bit of fun. It was better than if he had brought Ember along who would have hated to be surrounded by so many strangers. “What now?” he asked, looking over in the direction Ash was trying to drag him, expecting to see a burger stand or maybe a kneazle escaped from the Nature Pavilion and instead found himself face-to-face with Rabastan. “We need to stop running into each other like this,” he commented. There was no avoiding each other, it seemed. First the Valentine’s Carnival and now here, not to mention all the Death Eater meetings in between. That was the trouble with wizarding Britain. At least Brenton never had to worry about seeing his ex from Uagadou everywhere he went.

Still, it wasn’t even with much resignation that he let Ash greet Rabastan. Maybe it was just because they were guaranteed to keep seeing each other or maybe it was because he still cared but Brenton didn’t want them to be awkward around each other any more. “So are you, what was it again, ‘finding peace admist all the chaos’ today?” he asked, quoting Bagnold with a mocking intonation to words which sounded strange in his voice.

rabastan had arrived late, just in time to catch the end of the minister’s opening remarks. and based on what he did hear, he hadn’t missed much. he’d found himself laughing at the roots comment as he had faded into the crowd. for many people the festival held a special place in their hearts, he was not one of those people. while he was sure he’d attended the festival, he didn’t remember anything. whether that went to show how unremarkable it was, or how terrible his childhood was, rabastan wasn’t sure. and he wasn’t about to dwell on it. his decision to attend had been last minute, hoping he would run into a certain father and son duo.

rather than actively seeking adonis out, he decided to just meander through the festival, checking out the various booths while still keeping an eye out for the older male. it was clear that he hadn’t planned on running into brenton, still he made an effort to smile as he bent down to pet ash. “i recon that’ll be difficult,” he laughed, before biting the inside of his lip as he focused his attention on ash. “i thought i’d see what the festival has to offer," he offered with a shrug, it was a vague answer but it was also the truth. “and you? are you here for the peace or the chaos?” 

[diisgustednoiise]

location: the summer solstice festival participants: rabastan lestrange & adonis belby ( @adonisbelby )​

“i was wondering if i’d see you here,” rabastan spoke with a smile as he came to a stop next to adonis. what he didn’t say was that he hadn’t just wondered, that he’d actually spent the better part of an hour looking for the pair. because that would mean he felt something, and that was not something he was ready to admit. especially since he wasn’t sure there was anything there, he wasn’t even sure if they were friends.

so instead he shifted his focus to marcus, squatting down to be at the boy’s eye level. “hello marcus,” he smiled, “are you having fun? i hear that one of the booths is having potions demonstrations. maybe they’ll need some volunteers.”

[diisgustednoiise]

dolohov, antonin

If it had been any other person, the gears may have been turning in Antonin’s head when Rabastan sat down. He would buy him a drink, make small talk, and if all went according to plan, they’d go back to one of their places together. But that wasn’t in his plan tonight. Tonight he’d focus on finishing his drink as soon as he could and making a swift exit. He hoped Rabastan had the same idea.

He took a sip of his drink. He appreciated the clarification. He thought he had seen some open seats, but he wasn’t about to look around and check. “What is it you do again?” He didn’t love the small talk, but he couldn’t think of anything else to do once the conversation had been struck. He’d focus on finishing his drink at the pauses and then he’d be out of there.

rabastan wasn’t a complete fool, meaning, he was very well aware that he his presence seemed unwanted. however, he was an ass, and therefore unlikely to depart anytime soon. antonin could endure his company for a few minutes, at least, until he finished his drink. and he wasn’t dying to have a conversation, it just happened to be the only open seat. which was just his luck.

“i’m a potioneer,” he responded, as he reached for his drink, a faint smile appearing on his face as he picked up the glass and took a rather generous sip. the sooner he finished, the sooner he’d be able to leave. “and what is it that you do?” he asked, deciding to return the other’s question, rather than coming up with a question of his own. 

[diisgustednoiise]

black, sirius

Sirius had been surprised when Rabastan reached out, but at the same time, he hadn’t been. People from his past were always crawling out of the woodwork. He and Rabastan had been close, once upon a time, but like most of the people from his childhood, Sirius had shut them all out. He didn’t need judgmental, prejudiced people in his life when he could have his friends and The Order - those who knew what was right.

Rabastan looked slightly uncomfortable and Sirius couldn’t tell if he had made the wrong choice. He figured this was where his sort hung out, but maybe not. He wished he would calm down though, considering he was the one who asked him here.

“Ah, consider the old hag family already? That good of a sister in law?” He laughed. He knew how his cousin was and a good family member was hardly a label he’d use. He listened as he spoke, then butt in partway through - he couldn’t help himself. “Don’t flatter yourself. There are way more people above you on that list. Argus Filch. My mum. Melaina Nott’s dad. Anyone on the Ballycastle Bats…” He looked at Rabastan. “Anyway, what is it you want? Go on.”

rabastan was relieved that sirius hadn’t outright dismissed him, but he knew the other would be looking for any reason to end their conversation. and that meant rabastan needed to be careful, to think before speaking. aadd to that, his nerves, it took most of his concentration just to keep his hands from shaking. 

“your words not mine,” he replied, allowing a laugh to escape from his lips. he knew better than to speak out against bellatrix, not when he could be overheard. he had plenty of things to worry about, he didn’t need his sister-in-law coming after him. “there can’t be many people dying for a conversation with dear old filtch,” he remarked, feeling more at ease.

“alright,” he cleared his throat, his nerves suddenly returning as he awkwardly leaned forward. “how did you do it? how did you leave everything-your family behind?” he asked, biting down on his lip as he made eye contact with the other male. it wasn’t how he’d planned to ask, but hopefully sirius would realize he was asking for help.

[diisgustednoiise]

in the hour he’d spent sitting in wwn’s waiting room, rabastan had realized a few things-  he had never had to wait for anything and that rodolphus was most likely doing this to him on purpose. and while he didn’t necessarily blame rodolphus, he had grown to be considerably annoyed. and no amount of old witch weeklys and daily prophets were going to change that. especially when someone had beat him to the crossword. 

fortunately, he didn’t have to suffer much longer before an intern arrived to show him to rodolphus’s office. and after politely refusing the guide, he entered the office, making sure the door slammed against the wall as he took his usual seat across from his brother. “i came bearing gifts,” he stated, deciding against a greeting as he took his seat, placing a very poorly wrapped bottle of scotch on the desk before taking his seat. “though, i might have to keep it after that wait,” he continued as he put his feet up on the desk. @rodolphos

[diisgustednoiise]

lockhart, gwen

…

Honestly, she hadn’t been expecting him to show up, nor had she really cared.  Gilly had given her some of his drug money, or whatever had him flush with galleons, so it didn’t matter much.  That was tucked safely back within her incidental fund.  So she had money to hire a fresh Hogwarts grad, or even a sixth or seventh year home for the holidays in a few months and looking to gain a bit of experience.  But he did show up, so she supposed that was fine too.  He probably wasn’t going to be very good at it, and she still hire someone useful to help her.

Oh okay, her lemonade wasn’t fancy enough for him.  Duly noted.  Lame.  She looked over her shoulder to where Steve, her favorite Devil’s Snare’s tentacles were weaving around.  “Oh um.  Yeah, no Devil’s Snare here.”  She shrugged.  “I think it’s very important to know how someone treats an innocent plant, you know?  And you seem strong.  I’ll bet you’re very helpful today.”

...

while this day had already turned out better than he had originally expected, rabastan was starting to think that it might actually be fun. though, he’d reserve that judgment for once they finished whatever gwen had planned for them. he had a suspicious feeling that she wasn’t telling the truth about the devils snare, but he didn’t have enough evidence to call her out. 

“i like plants,” rabastan offered with a shrug, unsure what else gwen expected him to say. “i’ve got a few myself,” he even admitted, though his plants weren’t exactly difficult to care for. “i also took newt level herbology,” he added, figuring it wouldn’t hurt. though he wasn’t sure why he felt the need to prove anything to gwen. “i will try my best.”

[diisgustednoiise]

vanity, emma

She cocked a brow at Rabastan. Were he someone else – some other spoiled, pureblood brat from their school days, maybe she wouldn’t be so amused. Maybe she’d grab him by the collar and drag him out of the tent, throw him on his arse in the dirt and grass and litter outside. But she had a soft spot for him, she supposed. “I’m paid to mind, just so we’re clear.”

Emma squinted at his vague statement, debating whether to press it further. But no one was paying her do that and she wasn’t that soft either. Instead, she plopped into a seat and kicked her feet back. “Do the great outdoors scare you, Rabbie?” she teased, a smirk tugging at her lips. “Never gone camping? I doubt you’ve ever seen a muggle tent if you think this is bad.”

it had been an awfully arrogant statement- but rabastan didn’t really care, besides it was too late to take it back now. and more importantly, he was telling the truth. if the club had bothered to provide any remotely decent alcohol, he wouldn’t have had to provide his own. perhaps the next time merlin rouge decided to have a pop-up strip club, they would have learned their lesson. 

“would you prefer if i paid you more to not mind?” he responded, jokingly, though if emma insisted on being paid, he’d happily oblige. rather than respond to her comment, he decided to take a rather generous sip from his flask. “i’d rather die,” he responded, rather blankly, “no offense to muggles and their tents.”

[diisgustednoiise]

lestrange, bellatrix

Family. It was a blessing, and a curse, truthfully. Bellatrix had always felt most at home with her sisters; most at home with Andromeda laughing and Narcissa reading. She had a new family now, one that still held Narcissa at it’s core, but that also included the Lestrange boys. Despite the fact that Rodolphus was merely a pawn in her game, he still meant something to her. Then again, if it came down to him or Narcissa, Bellatrix always knew who she’d chose, but that wasn’t something she was willing to discuss with her husband. And, besides, she needed Rabastan. Needed to make sure he was still on their side.

After all, they couldn’t afford another break. Not after Andromeda. There were too many cracks in their system, and if it meant that she had to be halfway decent to Rabastan, then so be it. She would feed him his lamb, suffer through dinner with him, and go to bed, satisfied that she was the glue for today. Bellatrix was not used to being the glue; that had always been Andromeda’s job, but since she was gone… well. Someone had to do it. Someone had to be kind. And Bellatrix wasn’t sure if that was what she was doing, because even her smiles felt too pointed. “Hmm, rather tragic,” she said, rolling her eyes. “I’m sure poor Sybill is going to miss this life, but she must have always believed in the next one.”

The surprise on his face that she remembered his favorite made her smile, although she was certain it was a bit forced. “I’ve always been good at details,” she said, turning around to observe him with a smile. It had been a while. As she’d said. As he had now noted. As Trixie sat down, she leaned back in her chair and nodded her head at him. “So, where have you been, then? All these days. Too busy at work to come and visit your family, I suppose?”

rabastsan was only there to have dinner, he had no interest in the conversation that went along with it. he knew that some small talk was necessary, but this was getting to be ridiculous. neither of them had cared about sybill trelawney while she was alive, and they were only kidding themselves if they said they cared about her death. they would be done talking about her soon enough, and hopefully by then they would be too busy eating to maintain a conversation.

“maybe the people will even take her more seriously,” he retorted, even allowing a laugh to escape from his lips. it was a rather funny thought, the idea of anybody taking a seer seriously. let alone a fraud like sybill trelawney.

he wasn’t remotely surprised to hear bellatrix talk about how she was good at details. he had a feeling that nothing had ever gotten passed her, but he wasn’t about to say that- he couldn’t risk inflating her ego even more. “you could say that,” he responded with a shrug, it wasn’t untrue but it also wasn’t that accurate. he spent a considerable amount of time at work, he just spent even more time avoiding bellatrix and rodolphus. “perhaps if the lamb is any good, i’ll have to make a point of coming around more often.”

[diisgustednoiise]

belby, adonis

Adonis softened, a bit, at Rabastan’s apology. While he didn’t know exactly what the other man was playing at, he did know that many people didn’t trust children. It was fair, although Marcus had always been more behaved than most. “Like I said, he won’t go out of my sight. I promise.” Even as he said the words, his son always stayed within eye distance, eyes scanning row after row of flowers. A part of him wondered if Marcus would grow up with a passion for potioneering, like his uncle. A part of him wondered why he’d held back for so long on seeing the merits in this business. Adonis felt guilty that he hadn’t seen it until he needed it. Until he relied on it. 

“Thank you,” he said, watching as the man disappeared behind the curtain, and he turned around to watch Marcus, who was running up to him with a flower. It looked like an Iris, but Adonis had never been quite sure. The return of his voice voice shook Adonis from his thoughts, though, and he returned to the counter, a bit shocked that the other man recognized him. “Oh… yes, I’ve been having some, um, health issues,” he said, managing a small toothless smile. Adonis barely knew the shop-keeper, after all, and he wasn’t about to scare him off with a flash of his fangs. 

“No one has recommended that to me before,” he said, with a shake of his head. “You think they would, because like I said I’ve–” And he was cut off by Marcus, who was standing on his tip-toes holding up the flower just so that it would show above the counter. His little voice rang out asking Rabastan what type of flower it was, and Adonis couldn’t help but smile fondly. “Well, it seems I spoke too soon on the whole, he won’t touch anything part,” he said, raising a brow at his son who smiled, sheepishly. Quickly, though, Adonis looked at the man. “I’d like to place an order and, well, if you wouldn’t mind? I think he’s been looking to make one of the beginner’s potions.”

“thank you,” rabastan responded with a curt nod, his lips pressed together in a firm smile. he was relieved that the older male understood that it was simply a policy and not rabastan’s own prejudice towards children. though, he didn’t care what adonis thought of him, he just wasn’t in the mood to deal with an angry customer.

and on top of that, he was being nice- he was never nice. it was like he had woke up on the wrong side of the bed, only he was in a good mood instead of a bad one. he didn’t like it. but he figured it would be over soon enough, he just had to finish this sale and then he was off work. “it’s not a problem,” he responded, biting the inside of his lip to refrain from saying anything else. though, he was somewhat curious as to what health problems required rose oil for a treatment, he didn’t ask.

“most of my coworkers are rather lazy,” he responded with a soft chuckle, “i prefer the brewing potions part of the job,” he continued, this time allowing a genuine smile to appear across his face. though his smile disappeared as soon as he caught sight of the flower poking over the counter. “he s-sh-” he stammered, “maybe not that particular plant,” he finally managed, “he really shouldn’t be touching it with bare hands- i can recommend some other plants though.”

[diisgustednoiise]

dolohov, antonin

Who: @diisgustednoiise​

When: April 6, 1983, evening

Where: The Cackling Stump

Normally Antonin didn’t scrutinize his hook ups. He didn’t care who knew he was gay. He found plenty of men who were willing to sleep with him no problem. He even tended to stick close to the Death Eaters or those they trusted, just to safe. Didn’t want to go shagging a mudblood after all. But in his 30 years, Antonin didn’t think he ever regretted a hook up. Some were better than others, but regret wasn’t a word he used liberally.

He wasn’t sure why he regretted Rabastan.

Maybe he was too young. Too close to his own personality. Antonin couldn’t put his finger on it, but as soon as they hooked up he decided he didn’t want to again. He made that decision recently with Pembroke, but that was for a whole different reason.

He had been out late, testing a spell in a field outside of the city, and wanted to grab a bite and a drink before heading home. He hadn’t gone shopping in some time and if he went home straightaway, he wouldn’t be eating much more than some biscuits or a few spare ends of cheese.

The bar was pretty empty, but as he ordered, he felt a shadow come over him as someone sat close. He looked over out of curiosity, to see someone he wished he could run away from. But their eyes met, so Antonin nodded his head. “Late night at work? Or meeting someone?”

...

rabastan sighed, loudly, fortunately it was lost in the noise of the crowd. or perhaps it was unfortunate, it depended on how you looked at it. he thought of it as rather unfortunate, he’d come to the cackling stump after a particularly exhausting day at work. he just wanted one drink before heading home and passing out from exhaustion. he had not anticipated any sort of crowd, after all, it was a wednesday. but he was already there.

this time allowing a groan to escape from his lips, he tilted his head back out of frustration before ultimately beginning to make his way through the crowd. he held almost no regard for those around him, elbowing when necessary as he fought his way to the bar. “double scotch. neat,” he spoke loudly in order to be heard, as he slid a stack of coins across the bar. 

the bartender barely had an opportunity to set the drink on the counter, before rabastan snatched it- taking a large sip as he turned to survey the crowd. almost immediately, his eyes landed on the only open seat in the bar. next to antonin dolohov, which made sense, the more he thought about it. the older male certainly wasn’t his definition of ideal company but it beat standing.

“late night,” he mumbled, as he took the seat, pausing to take another generous sip of his drink before he turned toward his companion. “this is the only open seat,” he added, figuring he owed some sort of explanation as to why he decided to sit next to antonin. after all, it wasn’t as if they were friends. they’d slept together once, but there was a particular emphasis on once. it had happened that was all.

[diisgustednoiise]

avery, brenton

It hurt. Brenton knew he was partially to blame for why he wasn’t allowed to touch Rabastan any more. He had chosen not to let the love confession be enough to bring them back together. He was too preoccupied with what Walden and Freya thought. He was enjoying sleeping around again, like he had without a thought before Rabastan. None of that, however, eradicated his feelings. He couldn’t just switch off loving and caring for Rabastan like he could nox a lumos charm and he wished he could still be there for support or comfort or whatever Rabastan needed. Just not as his boyfriend. Not right now.

“What does that mean?” Brenton asked. There was an edge to his voice and a dangerous flash in his eyes but they weren’t directed at Rabastan even though he kept up the eye contact. He never really had talked to Walden properly in the end. Everything had fallen to pieces instead but he had thought they had reached some unspoken agreement that Walden was going to back down. Maybe he had been wrong. “There’s more I could say to him,” he admitted. “Bidding on him looks more like you trying to provoke him, though. I can make him leave you alone but only if you leave him alone, too.” He winced even as he said it, because he didn’t want to point fingers or make Rabastan get so defensive he stopped listening.

there had been a time where rabastan would have allowed brenton’s hand to linger on his arm, as he cast a glance at the older male, the faintest trace of a smile appearing on his face before he moved his arm. but now, he recoiled at the other’s touch, clutching his arm to his chest, his hand protectively gripping his forearm. he was afraid, but not of brenton, rather, what would happen if he let down his guard. he had let his guard down once, and his heart had been broken. he couldn’t let that happen again.

he would have to speak eventually, he knew brenton well enough to know the older male wouldn’t let rabastan shut him out. but he stayed silent as long as he could, chewing on the inside of his lip as stared at the ground between them. “i don’t know,” he finally responded, or rather, he snapped, his eyes narrowed as he lifted his head to look at brenton. “maybe i’m just tired of waiting for you to do something.”

[diisgustednoiise]

black, sirius

Who: @diisgustednoiise​

Where: The Cackling Stump

When: April 6, 1983, afternoon

Sirius didn’t like The Cackling Stump. He only went because Remus worked there. And he didn’t like that Remus worked there. If Sirius could pay him so that he didn’t have to work there, he would. He would never accept it though - stubborn git. Maybe he could be a mysterious benefactor. That sounded quite sexy.

He thought Rabastan would feel more comfortable there, which was why he suggested it. And Remus would be on shift so that was comforting. He arrived early, only so he could bug Remus before Rabastan showed up. When he saw Rabastan enter, he stopped talking to Remus and went over to the table he saved for them.

Sirius wasn’t totally sure why he accepted the invitation. Rabastan wasn’t his favourite person these days. Maybe he was just curious about what he wanted. And if he wanted something completely ridiculous Sirius could make a scene and storm out. “I’d ask how your family is, but to be honest I don’t really care.”

...

rabastan had been hesitant to reach out to sirius and he still wasn’t sure that it was a good idea. he had considered canceling or even just blowing him off. but that would only put a further strain on their relationship, and he was hoping to get something from sirius. so he’d arrived exactly on time for their agreed upon meeting, casting a quick glance at the surrounding area before ducking into the bar. 

he couldn’t remember the last time he had been in the cackling stump, if ever. it wasn’t exactly the type of place he liked to frequent. it was rather disgusting, if he were to be entirely honest. but it suited their needs, and in that moment, that’s really all that mattered. 

he couldn’t help but laugh as sirius uttered the less than friendly greeting, a faint smile even appearing across his face as he took a seat across from the younger male. “you mean, you don’t want to hear how dear old bellatrix is doing?” he asked, pretending to be shocked, before allowing a chuckle to escape his lips. his attitude then shifted, the smile disappearing from his face as he shifted in his seat. “listen, i know i’m probably one of the last people you want to see, so i’m not going to waste your time,” he started to explain, before pausing briefly to think about how he wanted to proceed. “i need some advice,” he ultimately concluded, allowing his gaze to land on sirius, waiting on the other to react before he continued.