[malfoyocracy]

the idea that he was doing anything with muggle women made him scrunch up his nose in distaste, barely casting his eyes about the crowd as if surveying the women. "don't make me sick, we're about to eat," he half joked, playing with the end of his napkin absently. at her almost question he furrowed his brow, cocking his head curiously, "what?" she couldn't start a sentence and not finish it - at least not one that started that like that. "you're a black, don't step back on your word."

"me? charm? you must think me some kind of wizard." he teased, reaching forward to pick at the bread that was left in the center of the table for them. "are you expecting me to be awfully cruel?" he asked, only partly in actual wonder. his bright white teeth sunk into the soft crust of the bread, tearing at it with a smile. "that's hardly a way to start a marriage." he wiggled his brows suggestively, as if it were already set in stone.

[serpentsilver]

There was a roll of her eyes, "You say that as if temptation doesn't run through all of us." Not that she had ever been tempted by a muggle man, she'd have to be around them far more often, and she wasn't. Plus she had heard more horror stories of them being more aggressive than the men of the wizarding world. Was that true? How would Narcissa begin to know? "I don't step back on my word, I decide who I trust with my word, that's a strong difference dearest Malfoy." Raising a brow to make a point, he was looking to make his rank with the Dark Lord, she couldn't go putting out there that wasn't it stupid, couldn't they just live among the those that somehow ended up with magical ability that had no magical standing? That maybe in some way their was some bloodline that extended far back that they just didn't know about? Only she wasn't willing to be reported back and have lord knows what done to her.

"You're right, you charming?" she teased, taking a sip of her wine, savoring in the taste. It was decently good for a muggle wine. "Cruel? You act like I don't know your goal in life, to be amongst the highest in his calling." she said attempting to be vague, not that muggles would understand. "Don't you think that will come with cruelty beyond measure? Possibly selling part of your soul? Guess as much as I can be that of ice, I'm not ready to sell my soul." With a casual shrug.

With a pause she then laughed, "Start a marriage, what are you talking about? Oh dear, have you already taken a poor witch to be your future wife? And you have me out here on a dinner? What would the daily prophet say?" she quipped. "So who is the lucky witch? Let me guess, it's a Greengrass? Family is always full of daughters."

[celebsnsirens-deactivated202601]

Anya Taylor Joy

[malfoyocracy]

lucius shifted in his seat a moment, know he was opening up something that he wouldn't be able to close. he scratched the side of his neck, clearing his throat before continuing, "we'll have a bottle of your finest, please." once the waiter had disappeared, lucius let the chatter of the restaurant carry their brief silence. "yes, i was quite...reckless, i suppose is the word." he chuckled to himself, playing with the paper of his straw. "once i left school, i mean. i wasn't home much. ran about with the wrong sort." he half explained, offering a faint smile as the waiter returned to pour them each a glass of red wine.

"we'd come around to muggle london," his eyes danced with amusement from the memory, "have a few. eat some good food," he motioned to the lively area around them, "...get a little rowdy." lucius didn't go into much more detail; he didn't need narcissa disrespecting him because of the trouble he used to like getting into. starting bar fights and pulling his wand on an unsuspecting university student didn't scream proper. that truth would come with time. with understanding.

"but i can't help coming back now and again. unbelievable steak." he smiled, eyes sparkling at the familiarity he felt from being here, away from his father - with narcissa. his eyes flickered about the room, before he leaned in slightly across the table to say, "sometimes they overcook it, but you can't say anything, because they can't just undo it." he looked around again, before adding, "apparently, they've got to get rid of it then. and do it all over again." he sat back, as if he'd shared some piece of gossip. "cheers," he lifted his glass, smiling before taking a sip.

[serpentsilver]

Moving to grab her napkin she placed it in her lap, given it wasn't going to unfold and jump there itself - magic did have some benefits far above the muggle world. In that way, they were superior, but not because she thought she was genuinely better than them? Narcissa was indifferent, but in her family, they were meant to despise them, think they were no better than dirt beneath her heel.

"A little rowdy? I can only imagine what that means for Lucius Malfoy. Rubbing elbows with muggles, how scandalous." Her voice low, a smirk appearing on her lips. "Though if you were doing anything nefarious with muggle women I ask you spare me the details, please." Giving a roll of her eyes. "Have you ever thought..." she cleared her throat, shaking her head, "Never mind." Trusting him with the idea that were they really that bad?

Raising a brow, "That is a bit of waste isn't it? When it's so easily fixed with... a wand." It was practically basic magic at that point, fixing a meal - though it was really hard to mess up a meal with magic unless you weren't fully paying attention. "I suppose asking for my steak bloody won't do me any favors or not look weird." Reasoning that the joke of bloody wouldn't go as far as it did back home. Tipping her glass she took a long sip, "If I didn't know better I would think you're trying to charm me, Malfoy."

[malfoyocracy]

lucius led her through the tables, weaving in and out until they stood at the front of the restaurant, an face to face with the host. "two, please." he nodded towards them, and it was only a minute later that the two of them were seated, menus placed before them. from the design to the service, the place screamed muggles.

"i know," he nodded quickly, smile only growing. "i used to come here quite a lot, actually." he admitted. he knew it was strange - for him, no less - to be dining here, but it was different. and muggles were just muggles; they weren't muggles pretending to be wizards, claiming ownership of a title that they didn't deserve. and nobody knew them here. "just...act natural." he urged with a wide smile, eyes scanning the menu.

it was their first chance to really not have any eyes on them. "relax. have a drink." lucius tried to ease the other blonde, and his foot nudged hers under the table.

[serpentsilver]

At the host stand they were greeted before being told to follow, there was no fanfare, which in the wizarding world have been very different. Anywhere Narcissa would go, that was considered appropriate, would have had attention - let alone would have had the attention given it was Lucius and Narcissa together. The blonde had to admit it was weird, seeing the muggles in their natural habitat. Never was she really allowed or had she ventured to this part of the world, mainly because it wasn't hard to be excommunicated from the Black family.

There was no floating dishes, no flashes of magic making things appear, this felt so outdated but the thrill of being there was something she couldn't deny. "Used to?" she asked a bit surprised, for someone who she thought was on the path to become on of the Dark Lords most loyal members, potential most inner circle, to hear that he frequented her, or had in the past, well - maybe he had more to him then she had given credit prior.

"Am I not acting natural?" The only part of her that didn't feel that way was the fact both of them caught there - while not yet illegal, was something they could both be horribly punished for. They were a Black and Malfoy, they knew better. Yet here, she could be someone else, someone with no reputation. Just Narcissa, something she craved, and she couldn't help but question if that meant the arrogance she sometimes saw in the blonde in front of her craved that too. "What do you recommend then, for a drink."

[malfoyocracy]

lucius steadied the smaller blonde with his hands on her elbows, but he dared not open his mouth for fear of insulting her. she could handle her own, for sure. "i've got you," he assured softly as he balanced her out. but still, he held his arm out like a gentleman for her to latch onto should she need it as they made their way out of the pub and into the lantern lit streets. he pondered quietly for a few minutes on where to eat - there were many options, but everything was so...reptitive. lucius quickly grew bored of wizarding london after endless days.

he stilled for a moment on the cobblestone path, turning to narcissa curiously. he held his hand out to her, a gentle grin on his face. "come on," he asked softly, ushering her toward him so that their bodies almost hugged. "trust me." he offered softly, arms enveloping narcissa with a slight squeeze before the pair was apparating.

it was't technically legal. but! it wasn't technically illegal; either. one of those lovely grey areas, lucius was quite pleased with. when they opened their eyes, they were in...a restroom. granted, it was rather nice. gold trimmed black walls, a large wall mirror. it smelled clean. "is that what you're wearing?" he teased affectionately.

lucius slipped his wand from his pocket and gave it a wordless spin - his robes were swapped for a plain blue button down and a pair of slacks. "come on," he ushered, sliding his wand down his pocket and motioning towards narcissa's, "put that away." lucius stuck his head outside of the bathroom door, making sure nobody was waiting before he slid his fingers to lock with narcissa's - tugging her from the washroom and towards the front of the muggle restaurant with the expertise of somebody who had done it so many times.

[serpentsilver]

Instead of him pushing her away or making some snide remark he held her, steading her. Clearing her throat, "Thank you." Her mother had raised a proper lady after all, and like it or not, he was being less like himself in the moment. Narcissa would take it. She stood up, collecting herself, brushing her fingers up into her blonde locks. Her cloak still around her draping down over her body and down her her lower legs. Once outside, "Where are we attending tonight?" There were plenty of high end places wizards and witches like them were allowed to frequent, in fact, it was the proper place to go. Figuring it would be one of those places.

Glancing at his hand, then back to his eyes, his face looked softer, gentler, something different. Taking a breath she reached out taking his hand, it wasn't like he could do anything to hurt her without ending up with an unending amount of wrath. As he pulled her in, she knew they were about to apparate, and they had to be as close as possible as to not end up splinching.

When they landed in a restroom, confusion colored her face. "Did you miss the destination? We're in a restroom." His eyes casting a glance before he quickly waved his wand switching his clothes. This obviously called for a change of outfit, so with a flick of her wand, her robes disappeared leaving her in a fitted deep green dress that was low cut, blonde hair falling straight around her shoulders. "Better?" Tilting her head up to see if he approved of the knee length dress. Heading out after wands were tucked away they slipped into the restaurant from the washroom. Almost immediately she knew what they were doing, it was a muggle restaurant. "Lucius, we could - if we're caught." But he seemed so confident, and then she realized his fingers were laced with hers and she hated that her head focused on that. Why? "Okay." she said, wanting to break the rules.

[malfoyocracy]

lucius furrowed his brows, shaking his head. "you took my chivalry as condescending. that's out of my control." he maintained, setting his glass down on the bar a bit harsher than he'd intended. he was nothing like his father; not if he had anything to do with it. "forgive my believing you joking with me." the air was quiet for a moment, slightly tense before he let out a breathe and closed his eyes for a moment. let it go. it's in the past. be the bigger man.

his arm ached with her words, lucius licked his bottom lip in thought before clearing his throat. "it's done," he muttered with a wave of his hand. "again, i apologize for any...distress, caused." he gave her a short nod, biting on the inside of his cheek. "perhaps you would bestow me the honor of joining me for dinner." a truce, of sorts. his treat. it would do him no good being in a rotten place with the lady in question when he asked her mother for her daughters hand the next day.

[serpentsilver]

Taking a breath, steading herself, "If you didn't insist on coming across condensing we'd be able to tell the difference. Since when are you worried about being chivalries?" That wasn't the Lucius she knew with women, the stories she had heard, other woman talking about the conquests he attempted to make or bed. What he been so bad about her that he couldn't even bring a desire to have wanted her? Hot-headed or not, she would have caved if he had just put down his fucking ego and kissed her in that alleyway.

There was a moment of quiet between them, both of them heading towards a similar standstill. Giving a curt nod when he apologized, she knew that continuing to make jabs at each other wouldn't help anything. Narcissa just wanted to feel a sense of less tension even if for five minutes. At his offering of dinner, a girl had to eat. "Just because I'll make your dinner experience better." she retorted as she stood, her heel catching on the stool and stumbling into his chest, her hands grabbing each side of his arms to steady herself.

[malfoyocracy]

it was almost impossible not to smirk at her interest; at least he was still able to capture her attention. "oh i'm not sure that's much of your business," he chided softly with a shake of his head, blonde hair messily falling into his eyes. "...my father thinks it quite proper, i suppose. if any of those morons had any sense they'd be doing the same." he offered to ease her worry, noting her tone.

at the question he opened his mouth to speak but paused, knowing whatever he sadi would only shine line on his fault. "because you think me the equivalent of some hormonal, preteen rutting post." lucius shrugged, sighing. "i suppose i can't blame you. but...i do think you were rather harsh on me." he gave her a wry, pleading smile.

[serpentsilver]

Had she not been out drinking and needed to sneak back into the manor, she would have gone home right after this and demanded to know why Lucius Malfoy needed an audience with her Mother. "Whatever you say, Malfoy." she quipped as she took another sip of her drink, deciding he was there, there was no point attempting to get rid of him. Even if she could probably hex him right through the side of the building. "Are we saying like father, like son?" she challenged knowing it would get under his skin.

"Are you not? Your conquests and lack of conquests are heard around time. You're not going to charm mummy and daddy much with the women you keep." Even if she was pointing out the obvious, and she could tell he was rebelling against it all, a Malfoy was an old wizarding family, not as old as the Black family but one that held prestige and he would have to put on the act sooner or later. Whatever poor woman would be bethrothed to him. "I offered you a night of fun, you tossed it away making jokes at my expense, don't be mad you didn't get a taste." The alcohol helped loosen her tongue. "Please, I know what you're apart of." Meaning the dark mark that was hidden from sight. "If I'm harsh you'll not survive."

[malfoyocracy]

he glanced at the redhead in question, hardly interested - not with narcissa looking at him with her steel gaze. "i would, but you see," lucius took the glass of beer with a nod, "i've a date with your mother in the morning. i wouldn't want to make the...wrong impression." he teased lightly, though not offering more information than that - there was no reason for narcissa to reject him again before he'd even gotten another chance. "and i don't suppose i'll get away with the drink like you might." though lucius knew that if narcissa did go home in that condition, the last thing she'd probably be able to do is get away with it.

"are you still very cross with me?" he asked a moment later, leaning against the bar with a half smile. he'd let most of the anger go from that night; with the acceptance that he'd never really understand women - not women, just narcissa.

[serpentsilver]

An immediate slight change to her face, the tiniest bit of a furrow to her brow, "What do you have in regards to my mother and needing a social call with her?" There was no need to do any bidding for the Dark Lord, he already knew their dedication and loyalty from the oldest wizarding family. "No my mother doesn't appreciate someone who is sloppy, but don't let me stop you." For one thing she couldn't figure out why he would be meeting with his mother of all people, her eldest sister, sure. As she took another drink she knew that she'd be able to get by her parents, it had worked the last few days, and her mother thought she was out mingling with the names of possible husbands, so a little tipsy she thought they had a good time.

When asked if she was still cross, she tilted her head. "I'm indifferent." Lie. The words drawled, as if she was even doing him a favor talking to him in the moment. "Why would I be cross anyway?"

[bledrots]

NARCISSA BLACK.

A LOYAL DOG IS AN OBSERVANT ONE — the desperation to prove himself to the lord has faded, replaced by blind devotion to the god who sees him as something than a spare to the heir, something of worth for his blood and brain.

rabastan learned to watch in the shadows, to keep an eye to those loyal and to the ones wavering. the mudbloods and their ilk are of no concern to someone with as pristine an ancestry as he does, there are far more important things to worry than ones who came from dirt and will return to dirt.

footfalls are silent, by practice and by the thrum of crowd in the leaky cauldron, not that it matters, when even without seeing him, his presence is enough to make the throng move out of the way from instinct. the lesser beings know that their betters are around.

it takes little time before he finds a seat beside the honourable lady black. well— not so honourable at the moment.

❛ this does not seem like your scene, ❜ a casual remark, not to jab but to simply state, out of curiosity and perhaps, a morbid sort of interest. ❛ have the cellars of the blacks gone empty that you'd rather have, ❜ trails off, looking at the empty glass, ❛ that ? ❜

[serpentsilver]

The Leaky Cauldron brought all types, from those who had no standing, to those that were considered of noble blood, Narcissa proving that fact as she sat in the dimly lit almost shack. Maybe to some it wasn’t that, but to her, it definitely was far below where she would normally be associate. But, if she were to be honest, there was something peaceful about not being surrounded but those the Black’s were currently keeping company with. Not that she cared for their beliefs, but the constant talk was enough to be willing to hex yourself into oblivion.

It wasn’t surprising when someone she knew, through only association to others, slid into the seat next to her. Her face like ice, showing impassiveness to the man beside her. One of the Dark Lord’s little minions that practically salivated over her. Whilst her family had made their dedications clear - all but her sister Andromeda, they weren’t foaming at the mouth over him either. Alliance, loyalty, and money is what was provided from the Black family. Far wiser than she knew the man would give her credit for, he was spying. Waiting for any tip to fly back in hopes for some kind of ceremonial pat on the head for being a good boy for his lord.

“Rabastan.” Her voice calm, icy, but never wavering - it bordered on bored. “Shouldn’t you be out worrying about others than where I decide to have a drink?” The quirk of her eyebrow gave the hint that he was to be careful with his words. Whether he liked it or not, they were in the good graces of the Dark Lord, thought of highly by him and the Black family where so many had given their loyalty to the cause. Deep down she may not have cared, didn’t think one way was better or right, she toed the line to never let on where she actually fell.

“While the cellars could never possibly run dry, I am not an animal to be caged to the grounds, I am allowed to come and go as I please.” Bringing the drink to her lips, savoring in the heady burn to her throat. “If you can’t handle firewhiskey yourself it’s okay, no need to be jealous.” A lick of her lips, her head cocking in return, “But if you’ve come to taunt, embarrass, or spy on me, I’m all too sure Bella would love to speak to you.” A dark smirk pulling against her lips.

[serpentsilver]

The Leaky Cauldron Narissa x open

The night crept in, seeing the sun dip through the cracks of the windows that let barely any light in. More so it was the candles that kept the place from being in a state of perpetual black. It was fitting for the youngest black woman, right now that was what she felt. Days had passed, she had spent her time doing what was expected of her, attending smaller events, smiling, shaking hands, whispering about this old schoolmate, or that. A luxury that some might love to have, not having to worry even in the state of impending war between two deeply divided factions.

Now all that was divided was her brain and her heart, after her conversation with him, she realized there was no grand fairytale, there was no large gestures - only in stories, and stories were for tiny witch and wizards who hadn't yet learned the weight of the world. As her mother had put it, it was time for her to grow up, to do what all Black women did.

Nursing a firewhiskey, bartender leering at her far too happily, she tipped the drink back with ease. How many had it be? Three? Four? Somewhere she'd lose count, a simple flick of the wrist and another appeared in front of her, Ogden's Old Firewhiskey being her personal poison. The burn stung less with each drink, her hair falling out of it's normally kept twist into several soft messy curls making her little a little disheveled but no less beautiful. Eventually she'd have to go home, getting piss drunk at the Leaky Cauldron was the least ladylike thing she could be doing at the moment, and needing her eldest sister, or worse - her mother, to come collect her would be horrific but that didn't stop her when another drink arrived at her table, this time not one she ordered.

[malfoyocracy]

he had been off. narcissa had been nagging at the back of his mind since he'd last seen her, something in him urging him to go to her - to fix it. lucius wasn't a fixer; he was a sit around and wait until my father hears about this kind of guy. he couldn't help it. so when he'd stopped by the leaky cauldron to try and find somebody to distract him from the blonde that constantly buzzed in his ear, he was finding himself striking out.

over and over.

he'd just bought his third attempt of the night the drink she'd made such a fuss about, he was sure it'd be worth it - but the witch excused herself back to her friends and the group stared at lucius for what seemed like a humiliating long amount of time. they giggled and blushed, but he was already over it. "brilliant," he muttered to himself settling up at the bar and ordering a final gin to close out the night.

he smelled narcissa before he saw her. soft lilac and something frosty; something sharp on his nostrils that was still so delicate in only a way narcissa could make it. sweet, nostalgic. "whiskey?" he asked coolly, curious brow cocked. "surely not on my account." he snickered, trying to clear the air.

[serpentsilver]

Many wouldn’t think of the Leaky Cauldron as an escape for someone like Narcissa Black, but it was. Here she didn’t have to pretend to be anyone she was expected to be, she didn’t have high ground expectations to live up to, didn’t have to explain what a proper lady would be doing there. Given there were much finer establishments that she could frequent, but there people would watch. Watch her moves, her words, anything not up to standard would be reported back to Mother. For the most part, everyone here was trying to escape something. Now, it was the impending idea that she’d cave to her parents wishes, allow them to make a suitable match for marriage. Even the thought made her stomach clench, causing her to shift awkwardly.

It was the calming, albeit slightly damp inside the establishment. Her velvet cloak draped to keep her warm, her wand tucked just out of sight but easy to grab. After all, it could get sketchy at times depending who was frequenting at different times. Even with leering eyes from some of the patrons towards the blonde she didn’t let that deter her from continuing her drink. Part of her felt like she should have been well into her way of being drunk, and yet there was only the slight feeling of a buzz settling in her skin.

How she hadn’t noticed him she wasn’t sure, her mind too fogged with who her parents would deem of standard. But there was that flash of blonde hair before hearing his words, any buzz in her body? God. There was a tension, her body sitting up straighter, proper. “Hardly.” Narcissa drawled bringing the drink to her lips. “I’ve a conversation to have with my Mother when I return home and decided this was the best way to prepare myself.” Oh her mother would be thrilled, finally she had seen reason. “I’ll be accepting their choice in marriage, won’t be nearly twenty-five and unwed.” His words, she could hold a grudge, “I’m sure if you buy that redhead there a drink you’ll finally accomplish what you want for the night, Lucius.” As she went back to her drink.

[serpentsilver]

The Leaky Cauldron Narissa x open

The night crept in, seeing the sun dip through the cracks of the windows that let barely any light in. More so it was the candles that kept the place from being in a state of perpetual black. It was fitting for the youngest black woman, right now that was what she felt. Days had passed, she had spent her time doing what was expected of her, attending smaller events, smiling, shaking hands, whispering about this old schoolmate, or that. A luxury that some might love to have, not having to worry even in the state of impending war between two deeply divided factions.

Now all that was divided was her brain and her heart, after her conversation with him, she realized there was no grand fairytale, there was no large gestures - only in stories, and stories were for tiny witch and wizards who hadn't yet learned the weight of the world. As her mother had put it, it was time for her to grow up, to do what all Black women did.

Nursing a firewhiskey, bartender leering at her far too happily, she tipped the drink back with ease. How many had it be? Three? Four? Somewhere she'd lose count, a simple flick of the wrist and another appeared in front of her, Ogden's Old Firewhiskey being her personal poison. The burn stung less with each drink, her hair falling out of it's normally kept twist into several soft messy curls making her little a little disheveled but no less beautiful. Eventually she'd have to go home, getting piss drunk at the Leaky Cauldron was the least ladylike thing she could be doing at the moment, and needing her eldest sister, or worse - her mother, to come collect her would be horrific but that didn't stop her when another drink arrived at her table, this time not one she ordered.

[fateofgrace]

anya taylor-joy for tiffany & co.

[malfoyocracy]

lucius hardly had a moment to defend himself and he furrowed his brows - he thought he had been doing a good thing by assuring that the both of them were sober enough to actually remember such an act. but narcissa seemed to take it in the complete opposite direction, and his first instinct was to be reactive. "you didn't even give me a chance," he curled his mouth up in a slight sneer, feeling attacked.

the mood had shifted - unfortunately, lucius was quickly losing interest in the interaction as he was suddenly painted to be the bad guy. "whatever," he muttered with a shake of his head, stepping back to give narcissa the space she seemed so desperate for. "good day, ms. black." lucius turned on his heel, insulted, and wandered off.

[serpentsilver]

Taking pause, she lashed out when feeling like she was being made into a joke. But here they found themselves at an impass, unwilling to settle down their pride. It was each their foley. With a straightening back, brushing her blonde hair back, losing even more color in her face as she saw the sneer. "Yes well, say hello to your family for me." she retorted, he may have been a Malfoy, but she was a Black.

"Best." she gave a sharp quip at the blonde, unable to let herself swallow her pride. Her own steps following him out of the alley till she was next to him and snap the sound of her apparating away right back to the steps of Black Manor, it once feeling safer than not.

[spllbvnds]

where: the leaky cauldron who: open @itastarters

it definitely was not mary's plan to be a regular at the leaky cauldron, but here she was for the third night in the row, delicate fingers tracing the rim of her freshly poured cocktail; but brows furrowed so deep in thought, mary couldn't enjoy the silliness of the cocktail umbrella's shooting mini sparklers from the tip.

even still, she gave the bartender a grateful smile -- girls were nice and polite even if they wanted to grit their teeth and snarl -- finally taking a sip of the fruity concoction. Spicy. " Ack - what the fu-" she spluttered out in between coughs, before turning herself to the nearest person, "would you by chance want a free drink? A nice, delicious cocktail. Nothing wrong with it whatsoever."

[serpentsilver]

The Leaky Cauldron, returning to the scene of the crime, reliving the moments only ushered between whispers, it was a place she was coming practically daily. Instead of her normal trips to Flourish and Blotts or elsewhere, she found herself there. Why? She didn't know. Pathetic, that was what she was pathetic. Was she searching for him in what she thought was a glimpse of blonde hair. That was it, it would be the day she returned home and told her parents she'd accept their marriage binding to whomever they thought was worth of the Black name. Finger trailed around the top of her glass as she heard someone splutter.

"Firewhiskey?" she asked, not trying to start issues with anyone. "It's an acquired taste, but once you get used to it you come to quite enjoy the burn, the bit of pain." Maybe that was a house of Black trait, enjoying the pain, needing the pain.

"I'll pay for it, at this point I'm probably a few too many drinks in but I wouldn't mind it, with going home I need all the liquid courage I can gather."

[malfoyocracy]

it was over as soon as it had begun, lucius could just about get whiplash, before narcissa was standing and leaving. "no, wait -" he stood up quickly, waist knocking into the table and sending his beer tipping over. "shit," he muttered to himself, trying to avoid the spill. grabbing his wand off the table and dropping a few galleons in payment, lucius rushed to follow the youngest black out the door and down the street. "narcissa!" he called after her, falling into a light jog to catch up to her.

when he finally did he stepped in front of her, trying to block her. his hands hung in the air in front of him, as if he wanted to reach out to ground her; but he knew better than to put his hands on her. "stop, please." he urged softly, his eyes gazing down at hers. "i just...i didn't want to take you home and have you regret it come morning because you couldn't remember it." he assured her with a shake of his head. it had happened to him more times than he could remember; that was no way for narcissa to have her first time. "if you want it to be something to remember, i mean." he cleared his throat, his voice hushed in the street as passerbys eyed them here and there.

[serpentsilver]

There was a moment where you realized you were being humiliated, and no one, not even a Malfoy, was allowed to humiliate a Black. Even if that wasn't what he had intended, it was what her mind had taken in, that it had been some joke, and once he found out her not so wild little secret, suddenly she wasn't as exciting and thrilling. She could exude the girl who would be hard to handle, tough to tame, but deep down she was soft. Her mother would look at her with disdain knowing that.

Ringing of her name didn't stop her, she kept walking, not needing him to say she needn't be upset or take it too personally but that he was a Malfoy. As he slid in front of her, her hand dropped into her robes, clutching her wand.

"What I don't need is for you to tell the grand public that I'm a virgin." she hissed, as someone headed down the alleyway no doubt attempting to get to Knockturn Alley. "My options are limited, Lucius, we all know I'll wed whether it be this year or next, I will take a husband and the idea of that being my only experience is haunting. I wanted someone I thought maybe I could trust, despite your ever growing ego, and being a notch on your bedpost, it couldn't be the worst thing. But I've misstepped, presumptuous of me to think you can rationalize beyond that." Malfoy had had women, and would have women, he'd know what the joys of another person's body who was attracted to you against his. She'd have a husband that she'd dutifully and loyally crawl into bed with until a child or two became her whole life. Her biggest fears weren't a matter of if but when. Sure, maybe her telling him he'd have to ask nicely had been pushing it but it had been that desire to be wanted. "I was mistaken, I apologize Lord Malfoy."

[malfoyocracy]

"it was your idea," he defended himself, hands up in surrender. for a moment the noise around them dulled, as if narcissa had just offered him lottery worthy. he shifted in his seat as he swallowed, his breath steady, "...what's the catch?" he asked with a raised brow, rubbing the outline of his jaw with his finger. it wasn't like she was being serious, like narcissa had said - she hadn't even done it before. if this was an offer presented to lucius first, of all those wankers she'd listed before, it was adding a boost to his ego that he didn't need.

she was probably just drunk. or, lucius started thinking - always dangerous, really - he really was every bit as attractive and desirable as he knew he was. and narcissa had just accepted it. yeah, that sounded about right. "i've a flat, quite close." he seldom used it - lucius enjoyed bothering his father, so he often made himself at home, only retreating to the flat when he was expecting company or needed time away. "are you quite drunk?" he asked cautiously, his beer still unsipped.

[serpentsilver]

"But to think that I would agree to that?" Now, okay the muggle romances that got a bit heated, did it give her that tingle that maybe had she a loving partner that couldn't keep their hands off each other, she'd consider it? Consider it! That's all, but Malfoy was no loving partner. At most he was a means to an ends, figuratively and literally.

When he questioned if she was drunk she bristled, to her that was answer enough. A woman couldn't possibly have a drink and know what she wanted.

"No you're right, this was - a bad idea." Clearing her throat she waved her hand to pay her portion, even if she had said that he would be buying. "I should go." The obvious tightness in her voice, of course Malfoy wouldn't be bothered with someone who hadn't skill in the bedroom, she was doomed to be exactly what her mother wanted. Making her way towards the door, pushing it open and inhaling deeply of the fresh air, as she turned headed right down that alleyway.

[malfoyocracy]

lucius opened his mouth as if he were about to answer her, but no words came out. so he just closed it for a moment, trying to gather his words, before shaking his head with a rumbling laugh. "i'm not sure what that has to do with your worth, in any sense." his brows furrowed, a sentence of pure sincerity slipped into between all the flirting. "and if you'd like honesty..." he trailed off, eyes scattering about the dim pub before landing back on her.

"i was pretty much sold by the alley. so imagine how nice i'd think a bed was."

he gave a nod of recognition to the barkeep when his new drink arrived, but he just mindlessly swirled the beer around, his finger hovering over the glass in a circular motion. a cloud of smoke enveloped him for a moment, his cigarette burning between his lips hotly. "but i don't beg for it." he raised a brow pointedly, ashing the cigarette into a built in tray in the table.

[serpentsilver]

"My mother seems to think it has a lot to do with my worth, like selling it to the highest bidder. Of pureblood and status and you win my daughters virginity." The whole idea of it was barbaric, she didn't care what anyone said, it was like being auctioned off at a muggle farm to the highest bidder. That wasn't what she wanted, she wanted someone who wanted her, who craved her, who was at the very least attracted to her.

"Barbaric." A roll of eyes, "An alleyway, really, Lucius. Does blood rush straight from your brain to your dick." Because that was definitely what it seemed like.

A tilt of her head at his words, "You may not beg, but you do drool for it." Pleased with herself, "What if..." she paused, did she really want to open this can of worms, knowing it would only cause problems and she'd be doing what he wanted. "What if I no longer wanted to be the innocent little flower my mother wants me to be. A proposal of sorts. We apparate back to your place and you show me everything." A darkening grin, "But only if you ask nicely."