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Post by Curse Kameren on Jun 1, 2011 3:11:54 GMT -5
"A girl. I named her Ashlynn, it means dream."
"I see." A solemn silence fell between the two, the dinner between them entirely forgotten. Curse's eyes fell towards the table. He thought about their child, tried to picture her in his head; she would be two, possibly three now. Would the Kameren blood curses have worked their magic, making her look like Curse? Or would she have had those beautiful, dark eyes, like Arianna? He wanted to picture her like Arianna; the idea of his children carrying on the Kameren name even in looks unsettled him. He frowned. What was he thinking? His children? He only had one child; the child he'd conceived with the woman he loved was gone, long before he even knew about her. He could fantasize about it all he liked, but it would never happen. He would never see Ashlynn Blackthorn.
"Ashlynn Blackthorn. Beautiful name," He mused, glancing up at Arianna before wandering back to the table. He didn't know what to say about the child still. He still couldn't process it. How could he have lost a child an never known about it? He fidgeted with the silverware on the table, still lost in thought. What would have happened if Arianna hadn't lost the baby? Would she have come back sooner? Curse would have gone from a mentally unstable, cursed ex-auror to a father of two in a matter of months. Would that have been a good thing, or would that have pushed him even further over the edge? Or would he and Arianna be happy now, married together with two kids? There were too many questions, and not the type he could ask Arianna about. Oh, right. Questions. There was a conversation they were having.
"Ah, I suppose while we're sharing, I should probably tell you some details I sort of skipped over about going to treatment..." Curse sat sort of uncomfortably as he broke the silence. He wasn't sure if he wanted to bring this up, he didn't want Arianna to feel responsible or guilty for it, but he felt it was important she knew. If he ever relapsed and got to that dark of a place again, especially if they ended up together, she needed to know. "Even after I met Max, I was still in a very dark place. I didn't exactly willingly go into treatment. I, ah," He avoided her eyes, looking at the silverware as he turned it in his fingers, "I tried to take my life. Ah, twice."
He ran a hand through his hair, obviously stressed by the explanation. He had never wanted to tell Arianna about this, but if she was being honest with him, he had to do the same. He just didn't want to hurt her. It wasn't her fault, it was all him. "The first time, I tried using a spell. My wandless magic wouldn't work in my mental condition, so Alex was able to stop me before it got too far." He sighed, leaning back as he pulled up his sleeves. "The second time, I tried it the muggle way." He laid his arm on the table; a faint, dark scar ran vertically up his wrist. He had mostly healed it with spells, trying to get rid of the evidence. Max would ask him about his scars every now and then, and Curse couldn't tell his son the origin of these scars. He could hardly tell Arianna. "Alex found me in time, and by that point they didn't need my permission to check me in to the mental ward."
"I'm, ah, I'm sorry. I just thought you should know. I'd just rather have you hear it from me than have Alex let it slip or something. Again." He smiled lightly, still a little uncomfortable. She had the courage to tell him about their daughter, he could do this. He just hoped she wouldn't reject him for it. He stayed quiet as he waited for a reaction, another question, something.
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Post by Arianna Blackthorn on Jun 1, 2011 10:07:04 GMT -5
"Ashlynn Blackthorn. Beautiful name,"
"Actually, Ashlynn Kameren Blackthorn." It had been a dark time and she had thought it would only be proper to give the dead child both names. Crazy, he still would have loved that child. Even with all of their demons, her parents still loved her they just couldn't properly take care of her. A silence stretched between them as Arianna once again became lost in thought about the lost baby. The dreams she had were suddenly faded. A memory of a memory. She had lost one child but that didn't mean she would not have others. Ashlynn was in a more peaceful place without demons.
"Ah, I suppose while we're sharing, I should probably tell you some details I sort of skipped over about going to treatment..."
With a slight jerk of her head she glanced sharply at Curse, whose stiff posture made the hair on the back of her neck tingle. Call it woman's intuition or magic, but she had a sudden feeling that she was not going to like what he had to say.
"Even after I met Max, I was still in a very dark place. I didn't exactly willingly go into treatment. I, ah," He avoided her eyes, looking at the silverware as he turned it in his fingers, "I tried to take my life. Ah, twice."
Suicide? He'd tried to off himself after she left. It was her fault. Her leaving must have given him no hope, even though in his delusion he thought she had betrayed him to his Italian enemies. her leaving must have driven him over the edge. What had she done? She knew he hadn't been well, that his grip on reality had been tentative. She practically signed his death warrant by leaving him to himself. The right thing to do would have been to seek help not run away. "I'm, ah, I'm sorry. I just thought you should know. I'd just rather have you hear it from me than have Alex let it slip or something. Again."
He was sorry? it was she who should be apologizing. If she hadn't left he wouldn't have tried to kill himself. Or would he? The day she left he was highly delusional, if she had stayed he might have tried something only she would have been the one to find him. Like she had found her mother. It might have been envetiable but she could, should have helped him.
Arianna reached for his hand as she gazed into his eyes. It had taken a lot for him to admit that he had tried to kill himself.
"If I had stayed would you have done it?" It was a terribly selfish question to ask and it probably didn't have an answer but it slipped out nonetheless. There were no take backs.
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Post by Curse Kameren on Jun 1, 2011 15:06:48 GMT -5
"If I had stayed would you have done it?"
"I don't know." Curse's hand squeezed hers. His eyes met hers. He was still hurt by her leaving, and he still couldn't trust her. Even as healthy as he was, he still had some tough years ahead of him. He couldn't trust her to stay by his side if things went bad again. She had hurt him, and he could let her in again if history was going to repeat itself. Especially now he had Max; if Arianna hurt Max, he couldn't forgive her.
He sighed, rubbing his whiskery chin as he looked down at their food. "Ari, if we're going to go back and forth like this again, I have to trust that you aren't going to run away. Not for me, for Max. He loves you, and he's going to need you." This was beyond just tonight's discussion; he knew that if they were going to see each other with the frequency they were now, they wouldn't be just friends for long. There was too much history. Either they would stay away from each other, or they would be together. Part of him still wanted to marry her, but he couldn't make choices like that on his own anymore. Now Curse had a family to think about, so if she couldn't commit, he would have to cut the connection now.
"I need you to make me trust you."
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Post by Arianna Blackthorn on Jun 5, 2011 23:42:29 GMT -5
Honesty, a value many claim to covet but oh so elusive. How did a person evaluate honesty? What could be honest for one person might not necessarily be for another. Curse admitted that he was unsure if he would have attempted to end his life if she hadn't left. Was that really his honest answer from the depth of his soul, or only what he believed was the honest answer she wanted to hear? It had been a tricky question with no real "correct" answer.
The moment between them stretched, pulling taunt. Dinner was long forgotten. They had more important things to discuss. Future. Had they a chance? Could they really sort through the soupy mess their entangled lives had become. Would she leave when things became sticky and there were more dark than light days? The perpetual coward, always out for herself. No! She would stay if he wanted her too. Arianna Blackthorn had been running her entire life. She was tired of hiding. She wanted to stay. She couldn't save Curse Kameren, no one could really, but she could help him, be by his side when he needed her. Twenty years with him was better than a life time alone. They could fit in a life time in two decades. They would have to.
This wasn't just about her or Curse, but Max. She loved that boy too and knew it would be hard on him. Max needed someone who knew what it was like to watch a parent suffer from an illness. She had that experience and she'd be there when he needed whether as his Aunt Anna or his father's girlfriend.
"I need you to make me trust you."
Her philosophy had always been the opposite. You can't make anyone do anything they don't want to do. She couldn't make him trust her, but she could give him evidence that she was trustworthy. But how? How did she prove that she deserved his faith?
"I won't run away. I'm not that selfish girl anymore but I'm not sure how I can prove it. An unbreakable vow? If that's what you require I'll do it in a second. I'll vow never to leave you or Max for any reason and if I do that vow will kill me, I'd be lost either way. I'm a shell of myself, a ghost really, when I'm not here, a part of your life. I was so lonely in Italy. I thought work would be enough, that if I studied harder I could forget, but I couldn't. I wasn't living....I don't know what it was but since I've been back, I've never felt more alive."Arianna stopped talking, wondering if she had said the right thing.
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Post by Curse Kameren on Jun 6, 2011 0:48:53 GMT -5
Curse kept eye contact with Arianna through her speech, his hands folded in front of him. He felt the urge to reach out to her, but he held himself back. Instead, he watched her body language, her tone, and her mannerisms; he knew Arianna better than anyone else, he could read her. He needed to see that she was serious. If she was just telling him what he wanted to hear, it couldn't work. The end was what caught him. That was sincerity, he could see it in her eyes. Though he couldn't be sure if she'd run away again, there was a tone in her voice that let him know she was serious.
His hand met hers, slowly. Curse let out a breath, reluctantly smiling. "I think I trust you. We'll see." He wanted to trust her, and a big part of him did, but there was still a bit of him holding back. It was an easier bet that she might leave again, and Curse was a man to believe in logic. If he just believed that, however, he would stay lonely. He would die that way. He had tried to move on, but Arianna Blackthorn was it for him. She was the one. There was no way in Hell he was telling her that, though.
Suddenly he noticed that they were supposed to be having dinner. "I think that dinner's gotten cold," He chuckled, pushing the pasta around with his fork. He didn't have an appetite after their discussion, there was too much to think about to concentrate on eating. Curse had never anticipated actually having the possibility of getting back with Arianna. He was glad for it, but he had resigned to his fate even before he'd gone into treatment. But now, here they were. Now what?
"Here," Curse stood, taking what was left of his plate and replacing it in the container for leftovers. His mind fell back into thinking of their child as he set the dishes to cleaning themselves. He occupied himself with helping Arianna take care of her kitchen, his hand grazing hers every now and then when he passed her.
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Post by Arianna Blackthorn on Jun 7, 2011 22:49:02 GMT -5
How did a person with a reputation of running away, practically from birth, convince someone they loved that were never going to run away again? Words were arbitrary and often empty. All the words in the universe couldn't describe some things. Arianna waited, her eyes locked on Curse. Her passionate speech could be the defining moment of her life. If she failed in proving that she was trustworthy then things would change. Actually, they would either way, but her current path would be different. Would she stay in London, knowing that Curse couldn't trust her with him or his son? If she stayed and he blocked her out of his life could she handle the memories, could she be able to live not seeing Max except for the odd family events with his mother and Peter. If Curse allowed him to attend when she was there. But that was an if then future. If he saw a future in her words then things would continue along the path they had stumbled upon. Maybe they could over come their differences and she'd finally have a family to create traditions with. Then again even if they did try things might not work out. Not everyone got a happy ending, but if they didn't try then it would all be one giant if then and that would be torture. Always wondering, never knowing.
Eyes glued to his green orbs, her teeth nibbled on her lower lip with her brain consciously knowing. In the brief moment that passed between them so much was said. His eyes were flashing in the candle light, emotion playing like an old fashion muggle movie screen, projecting his emotions, their future. She was captured. Then suddenly his hand was touching her palm that had laid open on the kitchen table. He had inched towards her so slowly, she hadn't noticed. A tiny palpitation of her heart made her soul smile a bit. A dash of hope flared. His words confirmed that his touch was out of love and not pity.
"I think I trust you. We'll see."
A wobbly smile tugged at her own lips. For now, it was enough. They both had qualms about this relationship. Curse couldn't shut her out this time. He had to talk to her about his problems, let her know what was bothering him so she knew what was going on instead of piecing together the information from his actions and hints.
"I think that dinner's gotten cold,"
"Ice." She quipped as she looked at her plate and then his. They barely touched their food. Really, she shouldn't have ordered out but it was nice to have something on the counter for atheistic purposes. Besides, having food for a dinner invitation was essential for being a good host. A bad host, according to the Ancient Greeks, was a horrible thing and a sentence in hell.
"Do you want to take some food home for you and Max? Or is he still in his mac and cheese only phase?" she asked as she helped him put away the left overs and clear the kitchen of the mess she had created earlier. There were still a few dishes left on the counter from that mess.
They worked together in tandem, goosebumps prickled her skin as he accidentally grazed her arm. The third time his body brushed hers, she knew it was no coincident. Her kitchen was not that small. The idea that he was deliberately touching her was thrilling, reminiscent of their younger days.
“Trust is like a vase.. once it's broken, though you can fix it, the vase will never be the same again. Neither will are relationship. We're different people now, older, hopefully wiser, we will never know if we can work if we never try. ”
Chatter became difficult the longer they worked. The urge to run her fingers through his hair was so strong. Memories of their last kiss the night they had become intoxicated flashed through her mind. It was a little hazy but there nonetheless. The air hummed, or was that just her muggle fridge? Really, she needed to calm down. Just because they settled a few things did not mean that they would immediately jump on each other. While the contact would be lovely, they needed a stronger relationship first....right?
Think of something else. That would help. Arianna tried to focus her brain, bunnies....nope bad thought...flowers...pretty and often led to....nope not going there. It seemed even her thoughts had turned against her. CHildren! think of babies...but they were created by...okay. Demons, now that was an ardor killing topic.
"So...is Alex still hunting demons?"
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Post by Curse Kameren on Jun 8, 2011 14:38:40 GMT -5
"Do you want to take some food home for you and Max? Or is he still in his mac and cheese only phase?"
"No, now he's onto sandwiches." Curse looked at the pasta as he thought about it, arching a brow, "Come to think of it, he would probably still eat it if I put it between some bread. Its worth a shot." Curse shrugged, opening cabinets to try and find a second container. He lightly brushed against Arianna as he did it; It was something he used to do, when he was busy or he wanted her attention. Every touch between them was like an electric shock, making Curse more and more aware of her as they went around the kitchen. He should stop. He wanted to take her in his arms, feel her skin on his. Touching her like this was only encouraging those thoughts.
“Trust is like a vase.. once it's broken, though you can fix it, the vase will never be the same again. Neither will are relationship. We're different people now, older, hopefully wiser, we will never know if we can work if we never try. ”
He stopped, looking at her and smiling. "Well, this time we'll have to be more careful." The pause in the conversation gave way to unbearable tension. It was palpable, like steam in the air. He could feel it when their eyes met each other, and it made him ache. He wanted to kiss her. Memories of their last kiss darted through his mind, making the urge to kiss her even stronger. He didn't like the fact that their last kiss was a foggy, intoxicated memory. He didn't want to do to Arianna what he did to Amelia. But either way, they couldn't just jump each other now that they decided to try again. At least, he didn't think so. The look Ari was giving him was making him question.
"So...is Alex still hunting demons?"
Alex. Perfect timing, Arianna. Mentioning his little brother right before Curse could give into temptation. Curse nodded, letting out a breath he didn't realize he was holding as he resumed packaging the dinner. "Most of the aurors have. The competent ones, at least. Alex was attacked by one a while back, one of the students saw it in a vision and Tynan and I got there in time to save him." He frowned as he thought about that night. It had been a while since he was that legitimately afraid. He'd spent every night at the hospital until Alex was better. "After that, we--" He quickly corrected himself "--he's been hunting them and researching them at nights."
Damn it. Here comes a lecture. Arianna hated when he put himself in danger, but as an auror that was what he had to do. He may not be an auror anymore, but the responsibility still stuck with him. The loss of the title didn't change the man from what he was. He kept his eyes down, taking the larger half of the take-out and putting it in Arianna's fridge for her. "They've discovered a lot about them, but can't seem to find where they originate. It seems they're summoned, the way they fade in and out."
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Post by Arianna Blackthorn on Jun 17, 2011 20:26:38 GMT -5
Physically, Arianna wanted Curse, badly. Emotionally? She wasn't ready. There was so much between them and now that they had Max she didn't want to move to quickly. While Max was only her step nephew he was a part of her family and she cared for him almost as much as Curse. "Well, this time we'll have to be more careful."
"Of course," She said with a nodd. Together they stood there. Arianna gulped as emotion bubbled. Then she opened her mouth and brought up Alex.
"Most of the aurors have. The competent ones, at least. Alex was attacked by one a while back, one of the students saw it in a vision and Tynan and I got there in time to save him." He frowned as he thought about that night. It had been a while since he was that legitimately afraid. He'd spent every night at the hospital until Alex was better. "After that, we--" He quickly corrected himself "--he's been hunting them and researching them at nights."
Fear drained the blood from Ari's face at the word 'we'. A reprimand was stalled at the tip of her tongue. Curse had a son for Merlin sake! Couldn't someone else defend the world for a change? But Ari didn't say those words, Curse wouldn't listen to that speech again.
"Be careful...I know I can't stop you, but maybe I can help." She said softly, her eyes worried. Maybe there was another way to kill them.
"They've discovered a lot about them, but can't seem to find where they originate. It seems they're summoned, the way they fade in and out."
"By whom? Maybe if we can figure out who controls them, the ministry can take control and banish them."
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Post by Curse Kameren on Jun 17, 2011 21:38:33 GMT -5
Standing in the kitchen like this, talking about their lives and Arianna worrying about him made Curse think a lot into the past. This was how they used to live back when Curse was an auror; they would discuss their various projects, and Arianna would get upset with him whenever Curse mentioned a dangerous assignment. There wasn't anything that could make Curse stop, though. He had gifts no other wizard had, he could give more to the Wizarding World than other aurors could. Sure, now he had something to lose, but who would he be if he didn't put himself on the line to help others? He surely wouldn't be Curse Kameren anymore.
"Be careful...I know I can't stop you, but maybe I can help."
Curse nodded, smiling lightly at her as he leaned against the counter. The kitchen was clean, they were now free to talk. "I'm doing my best to keep my name out of it, at least. I don't want anyone knowing I'm involved inside the Ministry." He frowned, running a hand along the edge of the counter as he thought about their progress at the Ministry. Though the aurors and hitwizards were pretty effective at killing the beasts, it was difficult to track them. When the beast was alive, it was rabid, fast, and difficult to study. Dead, it disappeared. That was the main characteristic of the demons, so that was the one Curse focussed on. "They've discovered a lot about them, but can't seem to find where they originate. It seems they're summoned, the way they fade in and out."
"By whom? Maybe if we can figure out who controls them, the ministry can take control and banish them."
Curse shrugged. "We can't figure it out. If they've evaded the aurors this long, I wouldn't bet on the Ministry being able to touch them. It has to be either a very powerful summoner, or some sort of object. I was going to ask Echo about it before all this rubbish with Daksmer came about, she might know some summoners around the area who could point us in a stronger direction." Curse sighed; finding Echo had been a breakthrough in the demons case for him, but then, naturally, something had to happen to get her out of his reach. "Has Echo been transferred to you properly? I've got the dates for her trial, I think I can come up with enough to get her out by then. I've been talking to the Magical Creatures head about her and I think I've won him over, at least..."
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Post by Arianna Blackthorn on Jun 24, 2011 22:02:25 GMT -5
It wasn't the danger per say that unsettled Ari, it was the risks associated with solving that danger. Logically, she knew that Curse was often the best person to solve the issue given his strong abilities. Many of the things he had accomplished would have killed a lesser wizard, or required an entire team to defeat. It was in emotions where Ari found fault. A helpless feeling washed over her whenever Curse had been on a particularly nasty assignment. On edge, she tired to bury herself in her work but as they grew closer her ability to lose herself in the past like an ostrich burying it's head in the sand failed. Thoughts of Curse lying on the ground in pieces assaulted her. Despite being a powerful wizard, maybe the most of his generation, his haggard body had taken a lot of abuse. How much more could Curse Kamren take before his poisoned blood, cursed body, and damaged mind finally collapse?
Determined, Ari shoved those swirling fears and thoughts aside. This was not the moment to take part in a pity party. No one knew when Curse would finally die. They had an estimate and well, she had a chance to be a part of his and Max's lives for as long as Curse had living. She wasn't going to waste it being afraid, that some foolish prideful move killed him early. All she could do was stand by his side to clean up the blood when it spilled and help fight whenever possible. And pray that Max Kameren did not get the calling to be an auror.
"Be careful...I know I can't stop you, but maybe I can help."
His slight smile did little assuage her fears but it did make her focus on him more, and a small answering smile was pulled from her lips. There was something about him that always pulled her emotions. He wasn't a typically handsome person, for one thing he was extremely thin. Not an ounce of fat on his bones and his muscles were deceptively small. A scar marred average features, prominent nose, slightly prettier than normal green eyes. It was the intelligence in those eyes that had first called to her. The more she spoke with Curse Kameren the more attractive he had become. He, despite his spell ravened body, was her Adonis.
"I'm doing my best to keep my name out of it, at least. I don't want anyone knowing I'm involved inside the Ministry."
"Then we should limit our contact where anyone from the ministry who knows us can see us together. Did you know they had a bet about us?" Ari shook her head in disgust. Brits and their bets. The muggles were bad enough betting on anything from horse racing to the style of clothing the Royal family would wear to an event. Wizards were almost worse.
"Gossip spreads faster at the Ministry than at Hogswarts and I could be seen as a ministry connection."
"They've discovered a lot about them, but can't seem to find where they originate. It seems they're summoned, the way they fade in and out."
"By whom? Maybe if we can figure out who controls them, the ministry can take control and banish them."
"We can't figure it out. If they've evaded the aurors this long, I wouldn't bet on the Ministry being able to touch them. It has to be either a very powerful summoner, or some sort of object. I was going to ask Echo about it before all this rubbish with Daksmer came about, she might know some summoners around the area who could point us in a stronger direction."
"It all sounds very old, especially if it is an object. Very little is actually known about the ancient magical races before wands. Many toiled with dark magic, unleashing it on villages. I've been researching the issue, trying to find all references to demons."
"Has Echo been transferred to you properly? I've got the dates for her trial, I think I can come up with enough to get her out by then. I've been talking to the Magical Creatures head about her and I think I've won him over, at least..."
"Sort of. She's on loan, my boss was extremely upset that we were not notified of the capture. Especially since Echo's power is bound by runes. She is a mystery and thus supposed to be vetted by us first. She'll be in my department for several months. Paperwork has been lost, large halls in the department. Easy to misplace things. The head of Mysteries is curious about her too. For now, he's willing to help. More so, because it's a puzzle he wants to solve than personal feelings. " How long that help would last, Ari wasn’t sure but for now they had department resources.
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Post by Curse Kameren on Jun 25, 2011 1:03:10 GMT -5
"Then we should limit our contact where anyone from the ministry who knows us can see us together. Did you know they had a bet about us?"
"Yes. I won it." A wry, crooked smile grew across Curse's face. There were perks to being a part of the Ministry without having your name involved. He didn't win, David Smith won. "I figure if they're going to talk, the owe us something for taking it." The rumor mill at the Ministry was rabid, and Curse and Arianna's very public meeting inside Mysteries was still being talked about. Merlin only knew what they would say if he met with her in the offices. If Curse wanted to stay out of Ministry business, being a subject of gossip wasn't going to help a thing.
"Gossip spreads faster at the Ministry than at Hogwarts and I could be seen as a ministry connection."
Curse nodded, sighing as he met her eyes. The gossip could be bad, he didn't want anyone taking notice of them. Daksmer was still breathing down his neck, and with Echo still behind bars, he needed to play it safe. "It would be best if we weren't seen together. At least until all this with Echo is over." He ran a hand through his hair, leaning against the counter. His eyes fell on the couch behind Arianna. He cocked his head toward it. "Want to sit?" It was evening now, and he was starting to feel it. He was always weaker in the early evening, between the antidote he took during the day and the one at night.
They moved to the living room, Curse casually laying his arm along the back of the couch as they sat. "Has Echo been transferred to you properly? I've got the dates for her trial, I think I can come up with enough to get her out by then. I've been talking to the Magical Creatures head about her and I think I've won him over, at least..."
"Sort of. She's on loan, my boss was extremely upset that we were not notified of the capture. Especially since Echo's power is bound by runes. She is a mystery and thus supposed to be vetted by us first. She'll be in my department for several months. Paperwork has been lost, large halls in the department. Easy to misplace things. The head of Mysteries is curious about her too. For now, he's willing to help. More so, because it's a puzzle he wants to solve than personal feelings. "
"No offense, but I'm hoping to get her out of there before Mysteries gets their hands on her," Curse smiled lightly at Arianna as he met her eyes. He had been in the same position as Echo inside Mysteries a few times: a mystery, a puzzle to be solved. It made him uncomfortable just thinking about it, he couldn't imagine having to live inside the department. She needed help, but beyond Arianna Mysteries wasn't interested in helping her. They just wanted her origins, her secrets. Once they discovered that they would let Daksmer dispose of her, unless Curse could get her out. Whatever help Arianna could be she could be with Echo free as well. Though he had only just met Echo, he wanted her to be able to trust him. He couldn't let her down.
Curse broke from his worries, looking at Arianna as he came back to their conversation. "Not you, though. You can put your hands wherever you want." As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he winced. Uggh. That did not come out right. "Ugh, I mean, at Mysteries..."
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Post by Arianna Blackthorn on Jun 25, 2011 10:19:29 GMT -5
"Yes. I won it." What? He actually participated in his own bet? How? Wasn't that considered cheating since he would have insider knowledge ? Ari shook her head a wide smile of dry amusement on her face.
"I figure if they're going to talk, the owe us something for taking it."
"Sometimes your mind scares me. I never would have thought of that. How'd you do it? I doubt they'd allow you to just walk up to them and place a wager. Insider information you know."
The teasing dimmed a bit as the conversation once more returned to the consequences of gossip. It was silly how one random meeting could cause a fire storm of wagging tongues. "Gossip spreads faster at the Ministry than at Hogwarts and I could be seen as a ministry connection."
"It would be best if we weren't seen together. At least until all this with Echo is over."
"Right, if they believed we were still romantically involved it could cause trouble. Why does Daksmer have it out for you?" Ari asked, her head cocked to one side.
"Want to sit?" "Sure," Ari had been a fool not to remember that Curse was often weaker at night. Concern played on her face as they walked to the couch. Ari sat sideways her legs tucked into her, head resting on the back of the couch and coincidentally on Curse's arm.
"Has Echo been transferred to you properly? I've got the dates for her trial, I think I can come up with enough to get her out by then. I've been talking to the Magical Creatures head about her and I think I've won him over, at least..."
"Sort of. She's on loan, my boss was extremely upset that we were not notified of the capture. Especially since Echo's power is bound by runes. She is a mystery and thus supposed to be vetted by us first. She'll be in my department for several months. Paperwork has been lost, large halls in the department. Easy to misplace things. The head of Mysteries is curious about her too. For now, he's willing to help. More so, because it's a puzzle he wants to solve than personal feelings. "
"No offense, but I'm hoping to get her out of there before Mysteries gets their hands on her,"
"None taken. I'll limit their interaction with her. No tests unless approved by Echo and I. She's a person first and I know that some people, especially unspeakables only see her as an object to be studied."
"Not you, though. You can put your hands wherever you want." As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he winced. Uggh. That did not come out right. "Ugh, I mean, at Mysteries..."
"Yes, there are certain Mysteries where hand exploration can be beneficial," She teased, her fingers lightly tapping over Curse's upper arm. Oh, she knew that he hadn't really meant the comment to be sexual, those things do happen. But as soon they both realized the double meaning the tension that had heightened early in the evening was back. So much, that Ari couldn't resist her own flirtatious teasing. Itching fingers had to be satisfied.
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Post by Curse Kameren on Jun 25, 2011 12:07:13 GMT -5
"Why does Daksmer have it out for you?"
"Because I'm better than him." Curse said it simply, with no hint of conceit. He was the better wizard of the two, there was no denying it. As Head Auror, Curse had denied Daksmer's Auror application three times. The man was both incompetent and power-hungry, a lethal combination. Giving him the resources and cases and auror had to deal with would be a disaster. "He enjoys having the ability to hold something over my head for once. If he can threaten to take my son away, I can't do much to stop him." The way Curse said it made it sound simple, but it was endlessly complex. Curse wasn't used to this, having something to lose for once. He loved his son, but maybe it would be better if he spent the summer with his mum, until all this with Echo blew over. He knew Max would never go for it.
"No offense, but I'm hoping to get her out of there before Mysteries gets their hands on her,"
"None taken. I'll limit their interaction with her. No tests unless approved by Echo and I. She's a person first and I know that some people, especially unspeakables only see her as an object to be studied."
"Not you, though. You can put your hands wherever you want." As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he winced. Uggh. That did not come out right. "Ugh, I mean, at Mysteries..."
"Yes, there are certain Mysteries where hand exploration can be beneficial,"
The flirting continued and the tension came back. It was thick, like a fog between them. Curse didn't know what else to do, his body caved under the tension. He leaned in and kissed her. It felt like a breath he'd been holding for two and a half years was being let go. His hand found her head, his fingers nestling her soft hair as his other hand found the small of her back. Their kissing only got more passionate as she gave into the tension as well. It had been too long. It had been far, far too long.
Clk.
"Anna--"
"Oh, you son of a--"
Before Curse realized exactly what was going on, there was a hand wrenching him back by the collar of his shirt. Amelia was standing behind the couch, livid. That meant Peter was the one behind him. Great. This was a fight he never wanted to have. Eventually he knew it would happen, though, if he and Arianna were going to try again. Just why now?. "Look, Peter, I--" Curse leaned backwards, putting a hand on the couch to steady himself and narrowly avoiding the muggle man's fist. What did he think he was doing? He was one of the most powerful wizards in the UK, he wasn't going to get in a boxing match with his son's stepdad. "Pete, you really don't want to do this..."
"I really think I do." Peter pushed the taller man. Curse took a step back, getting further away from the women. "You think you can waltz into our lives, treat my wife like you do, then go after my family--"
"I'm not going after bloody anyone--" Curse ducked again, avoiding another hit by Peter. He put his own hands up, more in defense than to retaliate. The man's missing seemed to be setting him off even more. Should he just take a hit? Should he fight him? He couldn't use magic on the man, that wouldn't be fair.
"Peter, Kris, if you both don't sit down this INSTANT..." Amelia practically leapt over the couch, putting a forceful hand on the shoulders of both men. The anger in the tiny woman's eyes was fearsome; fighting with Max's mum was like a second nature to Curse, but this time he agreed with her. Before he could obey her, though, Peter finally got his punch in.
"Oi! That's it--" Curse's hands glowed a soft silver as he caught Peter's wrist. His other wrist smacked against it, as if they were magnetically attracted. Beauregard glared furiously at Curse, his teeth grit as he tried to wrench his hands apart. Curse scowled, meeting the other man's eyes. The area of his jaw where Peter had punched him was already turning a bright red from the hit. "Peter, sit. Please."
"You can't order me around like a bloody dog--"
"SIT!" Amelia shrieked, and they all abided.
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Post by Arianna Blackthorn on Jun 25, 2011 18:12:50 GMT -5
"Why does Daksmer have it out for you?"
"Because I'm better than him."
She had to agree with him. From the little she knew about Daksmar, he didn't seem all that talented and there was something off about his personality. It was like he thought he was entitled to everything because of who he has born, not what he accomplished.
"He enjoys having the ability to hold something over my head for once. If he can threaten to take my son away, I can't do much to stop him."
"How can he have that power? Surely, he isn't allowed to remove children from homes. Recommend yes, but physically do it? Have they now given that power to hit wizards?" Ari asked, a bit peeved that Daksmar had the gall to threaten her nephew.
"I won't allow him to have the opportunity to take Max," Ari said her face determined. While she didn't have that many connections in the ministry, surely there was someone who would help them.
"None taken. I'll limit their interaction with her. No tests unless approved by Echo and I. She's a person first and I know that some people, especially unspeakables only see her as an object to be studied."
"Not you, though. You can put your hands wherever you want." As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he winced. Uggh. That did not come out right. "Ugh, I mean, at Mysteries..."
"Yes, there are certain Mysteries where hand exploration can be beneficial,"
It hadn't been her intention to instigate romance...okay it might have been a little. For a while they had danced around their feelings, flirting just a bit. That drunken night didn't really count. They both barely remembered the night and except for a few drunken kisses there didn't seem to be much romance.
This was entirely different. A delicious shiver tingled across Ari's body, when Curse kissed her. The hand that had been exploring his arm muscles nested in his short hair. It felt rather like coming home. She had missed this human contact. In seconds, Ari was lost in his arms, emotions swirling around him. One hand rubbed his upper thigh, the other clutched his hair.
Dazed, Ari had not realized the door had opened. Nor did her brain register the fact that her cousin and his wife were talking to her. It wasn't until Curse was ripped from her embrace that she noticed them. Caught off balance, Ari fell back onto the arm of the couch watching in horror as her very over protective and confused cousin tried to box her...what ever Curse was.
If Peter hadn't been trying to hurt Curse, it would have been hilarious. Actually, it was quite comic. Peter knew that Curse was a wizard and could easily freeze him with a whisper. Also, he wasn't much of a fighter, evident by the fact that he kept missing. Sitting there, Ari shook her head as laughter threatened to explode. Then she made the mistake of looking at the uptight Amelia.
"HAHAHHAHAHAH" Burst out of Ari, and she couldn't help it.
I really think I do." Peter pushed the taller man. Curse took a step back, getting further away from the women. "You think you can waltz into our lives, treat my wife like you do, then go after my family--"
"I'm not going after bloody anyone--"
"I started ---giggle--it." Really what was wrong with her? It wasn't all that funny, but she couldn't stop from laughing. Peter's face was getting red from his anger, and while it was sweet that he was "defending" her honor, he was greatly misunderstood.
Before Ari could do more than yell "hey" Amelia was flying across the room, claws drawn. Ari had never seen the woman move so fast, or exhibit such strength as she pulled at the men.
Then Peter's fist made contact and all the humor evaporated. Especially, when he tried to hit Curse again. Besides, Peter could have hit Amelia, who was standing next to them.
"Peter! You nearly hit your wife!" Ari exclaimed as she summoned a rag and wet it for Curse. She gently placed it on his wound before sitting on the arm next to him. She complitated sitting in his lap just to annoy Peter but she doubted it would help Curse any.
"Peter, you had no right barging into my home and assaulting my date. I care about you, but this is my life and if I want to kiss C--Kris Kameren, then that is my choice. Now why are you here?"
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Post by Curse Kameren on Jun 26, 2011 2:14:07 GMT -5
A tense, vicious quiet filled the apartment as the women called the fight to an end. Curse and Peter sat opposite each other, each catching their breath after the tussle. Amelia stood between them next to the coffee table, livid. Her blue eyes darted between the two with mutual disdain. Peter's hands were still bound together at the wrist, and would be as long as he was giving him that look. Beauregard looked about ready to leap at him from across the table for another go, but Curse couldn't have it. These were the weaker hours of his night; he wouldn't use magic to fight Peter, but didn't have the stamina to fight him physically. Forcing a draw was his only answer. The wizard scowled at the muggle man, their eyes locking in a mutual glare.
"Peter! You nearly hit your wife!" Curse gratefully took the rag from Arianna, but didn't chime in.
"I knew what I was doing." Peter's eyes softened when he glanced at Arianna, but the glare returned as he flexed his arms trying to free himself of Curse's spell. He grit his teeth, mumbling to himself. "Should've castrated the bastard at the dinner party..."
"Peter!" Amelia crossed her arms, her voice high with the harsh emotions in the room. "You would do no such thing! The only boxing match you've ever won was in primary school, and you hate to admit it. If anyone deserves it, it's definitely Kris--" Amelia's eyes shot poison at her ex "--but that still doesn't make it right." The short blonde then turned her wrath to Curse. "And you. Do you remember the chat we had, once Peter and I learned about all this nonsense? I said keep your hands to yourself. Jesus, Kris, you couldn't bloody keep it in your pants to save your life--"
"Amelia." Curse's emerald eyes flashed angrily at the woman in question, his temper being pushed to his very limits. He was tired of being constantly degraded by his ex, especially now in someone else's home. He usually bit his tongue for Max's sake, but he wasn't here, so now was his chance. "You don't have any bloody idea what you're talking about. Because you never bloody listen! Arianna and I were engaged years before you two even met each other. What we do is none of your business. Before you issue anymore ultimatums, just shut up for once."
Peter was halfway up out of his chair at Curse's words, but Arianna's voice calmed him. "Peter, you had no right barging into my home and assaulting my date. I care about you, but this is my life and if I want to kiss C--Kris Kameren, then that is my choice."
"Anna, remember what he did to you." Curse's eyes flashed with a bit of surprise as Peter glared accusingly at him. Arianna had told Peter about their relationship? "It didn't take magic to know why you left so suddenly. He's a bloody psychopath--"
"I am not a psychopath." The professor arched a brow at Peter, speaking bluntly. His patience was wearing thin for this evening, he wasn't sure how much more name-calling he could take from the uppity muggles. His scowl deepened as he let Peter's spell go, releasing the man's hands. Peter rubbed his wrists, but didn't say anything.
Curse stayed quiet, his glare still unfaltering from the Beauregard couple. They didn't need to explain themselves to these people, who came in and immediately made accusations. Curse and Arianna had history, more than this married couple had. They were just getting back on their feet, but as far as Curse was concerned, they were still strong together. If Amelia wanted to make assumptions and Peter wanted to reject him, so be it. That didn't change a damn thing about his feeling for the woman sitting next to him.
"Now why are you here?"
Peter and Amelia sent each other a look, the two wondering if their reason was still appropriate. Amelia sighed, sitting on Peter's lap and pulling a photo out of her pocket, handing it across the coffee table to Arianna. It was an ultrasound; the subject of it was still tiny, hardly able to be seen, but they could draw the announcement out of it. "I'm pregnant. Peter wanted to share the good news with you first, but you were apparently..." Amelia looked Arianna up and down, arching a brow judgmentally. "Busy."
Despite the bitter taste in the air from the attitudes of their company, Curse was able to crack a crooked smile for his ex. "Congratulations, you two. I'm sure you must be very excited about the news." Peter ignored him, but Amelia half-smiled in reply. The image of the ultrasound made Curse think about Ashlynn again, his eyes darting up for a moment at Arianna to see how she was taking it. He surreptitiously put his arm up on the couch arm, his fingers lightly grazing her leg as he did.
"Does Max know?"
"No, I was hoping you would help me with telling him this weekend. Just be there when we tell him, he might want you." Curse nodded at Amelia's request. He would be more than happy to help Amelia tell Max about his new sibling. He wasn't sure how their son would take it, really; he had been craving Amelia's attention lately, a new baby might not sound good to him right when the idea is introduced to him. Amelia's eyes darted to Arianna, though her words were still directed at Curse. "Does Max know you're shagging his aunt?"
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