Champagne's for Celebrating, I'll Have a Macchiato [Kariana]

[Regulus Reinbach]

Aldric's Kaffee. Regulus' eyes scanned over the large print letters in the window of the shop in front of him for a third time, before again falling to the piece of paper clutched in his hand. 'Aldric's Kaffee,' he read again, this time the word's were scribbled in much smaller print in the familiar hand of Kariana Travers. Regulus had arrived earlier than their scheduled time. He'd hoped to be late, to create the illusion of a casual attitude about the meeting. After all it was just a cup of coffee between friends who needed to catch up. The fact that it just so happened to be a friend he was all but convinced he loved and completely convinced did not love him should have been of little consequence to the 17 year old. Perhaps he should have stood her up, perhaps he still could. After a glance back down the road he had travelled Regulus decided it was far more embarrassing to be caught standing outside the coffeehouse, or worse fleeing it, than sitting inside. With a heavy sigh Regulus shoved the note back into the pocket of his jeans and pushed through the door.

His ears immediately filled with the buzz of conversation, orders being taken, espresso being ground. Regulus joined the queue and ordered a coffee with room for cream, though he had no intention of adding any dairy to the drink. Once he had found a table towards the back (he wasn't sure how this meeting with Ana would go, but he was well aware neither of them cared for eavesdroppers) he pulled a wand from his left front pocket. To the casual observer there was nothing special about this wand, but if you knew Regulus and cared to pay attention it was obvious that this wand was made of oak whereas his was carved from rosewood and the wand he now held was several inches shorter and a bit stouter. The key difference however was this new wand's 'core.' Regulus held the short oak wand over his coffee cup, but no spell was cast. Instead the wand just leaked a golden liquid into his coffee. The sun was still up, but Regulus had become rather fond of day drinking, and the circumstance certainly called for something stronger than just coffee. Fighting the urge to withdraw the note once more to reread it for the one hundred and first time he settled for sipping his drink, eyeing the door as though he were afraid it might suddenly decide to move of it's own free will.

After what felt like 10 minutes but was more likely 30 seconds he decided his spiked coffee was far too hot for the waning summer afternoon. It was cool enough inside, but the feeling was wrong with the sun's heat still fresh on his skin. Replacing the now hollow oak wand with his rosewood one, he enchanted a pitcher of milk to the table, and after clearing space with another ginger sip topped off his coffee cocktail. Next time he'd have to remember a second wand for some sort of creme liqueur to save him from tainting a perfectly adequate cup of coffee with something so basic as milk. Regulus stirred the concoction, equal parts excited and nervous to see his friend. He and Ana had not exactly been on the best of terms, better than the terms she was on with Gavin perhaps, but that wasn't saying much these days. During their last semester at school Regulus was sure it would have been easier getting information out of the stone walls of the dungeons.

[Kariana Gabrielle Travers]

Consumption, contradiction. I'm conflicted with being a hypocrite,

And through these songs you can witness it.

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Summer’s end was fast approaching, growing closer with each day full of training that passed. It had been… interesting to say the least. So much had changed since graduation from Galaxia, so many life altering changes that had completely shifted where she’d been at when she’d walked that stage for the first and final time. The black ink etched into her forearm seemed to shift atop her bronzed flesh, twisting and turning against the light as she moved it, flexing the muscle beneath with a small smile on her lips. She couldn’t regret any of it, not really. Though if she could get the friend she was meeting today to agree on that was another story… The pads of her fingers trailed over the mark slowly, tracing the intricacies in the pattern before it slowly began to fade down into the flesh, disappearing from eyesight. A shame, out of all the ink that covered her skin- albeit a good deal less than her cousin- this tattoo meant a good deal more, represented something so much more important to Kariana. It represented her cause, the work she’d put into it. It represented her Master. Again the subtle lip curl. No, that was one thing she definitely didn’t regret. She’d wear her Master’s mark for any eye to see, there was no shame in it- there wasn’t anyone she’d even want to hide it from. It was the rest of the world that wasn’t ready for it yet, the rest of the world that she had to hide it from until everything was set into place and ready for it. Going out right now with her mark proudly displayed on her arm would only bring undue attention onto her and her Master right now, would serve no other purpose than to put herself on display. And for the first time in her life she understood the need for her not to be, didn’t mind not being so. This was about something bigger than herself, something… important, even if that seemed too small a word for all it encompassed. Her fingers were still playing over the now invisible mark, running over the lines of ink she could still feel somewhere embedded into her- stuck. Slowly, so much so that her reflection in the mirror seemed almost not to pick up the individual movements, she pulled her hand away from it, tearing her eyes back up to the girl staring back at her, white-gold irises blinking slowly at the change in their view. That was one thing she didn’t feel she needed to be so concerned with his reaction should she get around to telling her companion that. Regulus, while many things, was less likely to be bothered by her new political ‘affiliation’ than anything else she had to share with him. After all, they’d all been raised around a good deal of people that shared that particular affiliation. They’d all voiced their opinion on the political situation over the years as well- claiming that were they older they’d make a firmer stand. Well they were older now and Kat, for one, had made her stand. On the right side. On the winning side. She could only hope that Regulus would end up there as well- she’d only just gotten back to where she could speak to him after all. It wouldn’t be as easy cutting ties with him as it would with some others they’d gone to school with.

Then again, most others they’d gone to school with held no ties for her at all. Then again, there were those she’d had absolutely nothing to do with back in those days that now seemed all the more important because of it… her eyes flashed as her fingers ran up the front of the corseted belt, tightening the strings somewhat as if to hold in the sudden ache that built up in her ribcage. That would be the more difficult to explain should it come up. After all, Regulus had the same reaction to certain people that the rest of the student body did. And an aversion to everyone that came from the house of crimson and gold. He wasn’t particularly fond of lions. But then, neither was she normally. And she didn’t have any ways to explain the ties that had bound her so tightly to that particular one. She didn’t even want to at this point anymore, though it was a reoccurring question for her in her own time. Not that there was much of it these days… A quick adjustment of her white button up underneath the black fabric surrounding her middle and she was done with the clothing part of her wardrobe. She was mostly ready anyways. She’d spent a good part of her day up at headquarters anyways. Training. As per usual. She’d just dressed up the outfit she’d already been in beforehand a bit. It wasn’t like Aldric’s was particularly formal. Again, as it had when she’d first thought of her new ties, blue eyes flashed in her mind’s eye- rendering her momentarily still. She hadn’t been anywhere but training grounds in the last few days… it was starting to show. Her hands ran tiredly over the red jean clad thighs, she wasn’t sure she’d ever be used to that compulsion. It had only been a few days at best… the steel band in her chest seemed to contract for a moment- rendering her breath tighter around it. Fucking hell. She was done. Getting dressed was giving her too much time to think over things that she had no business thinking about before she left her house to go visit a friend. Especially when the destination she was heading towards was nowhere near where she was feeling pulled to be at. She wanted to see Regulus though, wanted him to see that she was doing this much better than she had been last time they’d talked. Not that there had been a lot of talking. It wasn’t making reparations exactly; she didn’t feel that was called for. But he’d been shut out of so much do to the subject matter. Due to the consequences of certain choices he’d been kept in the dark about for years. At least she could share some of that now. He’d been rather put out with her keeping things to herself, and that was putting it lightly. Not that she’d had much of a choice on a lot of it. Not that him knowing the details would have changed anything.

Her fingers moved surely as she applied the bright red lipstick, coloring her lips with the rogue as a final step before she put the applicator back into her purse, swinging it over her shoulder and turning on the spot without any fanfare- her body disappearing from the gilded mirror… and cracking into place just on the other side of the coffee shop. At least the place wasn’t nearly as crowded as it could have been. She didn’t fancy having this talk in public at all… but she liked having the option to leave should things get out of hand. Plus she figured this would be neutral ground- easier to accept on his part. That was the hope anyways. She could smell him, the scent he’d left going into the shop and where he was now, her nostrils adjusting quickly to the public place- flaring slightly as she stepped through the door. She wanted her coffee before she began any sort of conversation. She didn’t have to look at him to know where he was positioned anyways, perk of turning great and furry at the full moon she supposed. She’d been lucky enough to come in a lull at the counter, stepping up and nodding agreeably at the barista behind the bar. “Carmel Frap. Hold the cream. Hold the sugar…” she paused her eyes running over the lists of ingredients posted up behind the man before nodding decisively. “Add blended banana and an extra shot.” It was way too warm out for her regular, especially when combined with her now much higher temperature- and now that she was out of her four poster back at school and facing real life again she was no longer avoiding so many of the things that triggered unwanted memories- no longer gorging herself on food that she never would have touched before. She’d avoided artificial sugars for quidditch… her diet wasn’t that different now that she was training for something else- they were both physical enough jobs. Plus too much sugar seemed to sit wrong in her stomach for hours after she’d consumed it, even with the heightened metabolism. Her fingers dipped easily into her purse as the girl repeated her order in some strange jargon to the man by the machinery, pulling out a few knuckles and placing them on the counter. She could feel the familiar eyes on her back; smell the slight tint of impatience that drifted through him as she waited on her own drink…

Well, she hadn’t really expected anything else. Her fingers closed around the cup the instant it hit the counter, pulling it to her with another nod to the barista before she turned, making eye contact with the boy waiting for her near the back. Well, at least he’d chosen the seating furthest from other patrons. People were too damn nosy for their own good. Her steps were sure as she approached, figure sliding into the chair even as she slid the purse off of her shoulder and onto the ground next to her- her coffee going in front of her as she rose a questioning brow. “You over being angry?” Might as well get right to the point.

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The differences, I admit this shit, because I'm just like you;
Walking a fine line between saying and living it.

Tags:  Regulus 

Wearing: link

Notes:  None, sorry its so sucky

Lyrics:  Macklemore- Complicated

[Regulus Reinbach]

Finally his watchful eye caught sight of their target, and then immediately turned away, lest she realize he had been waiting. She knew he was waiting, of course, and beyond just this afternoon; Regulus had spent much of his life waiting for Kariana Travers and she knew it. What she did not know was how much longer he would be willing to wait, of course not even he knew the answer to that question. Over the past few months Regulus continuously felt just inches away from cutting her out of his life all together. At one point this summer he convinced himself they were no longer speaking, but then an owl arrived and the familiar script drew him here and now she was here and Regulus was alreay starting to forget what he had been so upset about.

It certainly wasn't her figure. Reg's eyes focused on the subtle movements of her red denim clad hips as she waited for her drink, drifting his gaze upward just in time to meet her gaze when she turned...or at least he hoped it was in time. If she had caught him staring it would hardly have been the first time, and his friend could be trusted to take that sort of compliment for what it was, assuming this was still the same girl he'd known through the summer of his 6th year at Galaxia and not the imposter he'd been forced to tolerate for the past 10 months. She wasn't pregnant. It was an odd thought to jump to the front of his mind, but that was what the rumors had been at school...well that was one of them anyway. Regulus had been working on his own theory, though it seemed equally as far fetched as any of the others it seemed to fit best. He could never ask if his theory was correct. If he was right, she would just lie about it and if he wasn't she'd tear his throat out for making such a damning accusation in a public place.

Regulus greeted his old friend with half a smile as she took the seat across from him. He could smell the banana in her drink. Interesting choice, he thought as he sipped again from his own mug. The alcohol wasn't reaching his system nearly quickly enough, so before the ceramic even had time to rest on the table between them he'd returned the cup to his lips for a sip as big as he could bare. Bitter coffee, Bitter whiskey, one pulled him up the other down, this was about as close to balanced as the young man got.

“You over being angry?”

Regulus' nostril flared. So this was his fault now? How dare he show concern for his closest friend when she completely shut him out. How dare he lose his temper when a girl he once believed could tell him anything instead told him nothing. Regulus wanted to object, but there wasn't much point. Not to mention that slamming his fists on the table and shouting that he wasn't angry as he wanted to would nullify an already weak argument. He took a sip from his drink to concoct a more measured response."Depends. Are you done hiding things from me?" he asked quirking his own eyebrow as he replaced his cup on the table.

[Kariana Gabrielle Travers]

Consumption, contradiction. I'm conflicted with being a hypocrite,

And through these songs you can witness it.

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Months. Months and months, this thing had dragged on long enough. Considering his temperament and all that had been going on she figured he’d held up with it pretty well, dealt with it without any major tantrums or outbursts. She’d known he was angry when she’d been existing in her self destructive state, had recognized the signs along with scented it on him. Worried as well, and worry was probably what she should have addressed first. But she hadn’t been able to come out of her own head, hadn’t been able to explain anything even if she would have known where to begin. She was so filled with self loathing, with rage and a barely repressed torrent of emotion that she couldn’t move past it at the time. Couldn’t do much more past what she had been doing at the time as it had been. The drinking kept her moving. The isolation kept her temper under wraps for the most part, kept her physical changes better contained from the rumors that had already begun circulating. Objectively she understood what had bothered him about it all, objectively she was aware that his dislike for the situation made sense… but for the most part she figured it could easily be dismissed. She’d remained on speaking terms- as much as she was- with him when she hadn’t with many others. She’d allowed him into her space in a way no one other than Avery had been allotted. She didn’t expect gratitude or anything of the sort because of it. But an acknowledgment that she had allowed him to remain would have been nice- not expected, but nice. That was what today was really about, getting her friend back into her life- showing him that she was better, that she was no longer hiding behind drawn curtains with alcohol and sweets trying to block out the rest of the world. It was about figuring out where he stood on things, about trying to guide him to making the right decisions concerning his future. She knew he was still in school, knew that it limited his … involvement possibilities- but it was still a possibility, still an option. And one he needed to be appraised of before someone else convinced him otherwise. Pretty girls with false notions of changing the boy seemed to flock to him after all- he didn’t need that.

He needed stability. Certainty. He needed what she’d already been gifted through the black ink on her forearm. She could smell the alcohol he’d infused into his cup; nearly taste the particles that filtered through the air and onto her tongue. Alcohol in the day time. Maybe their positions had changed more than she’d realized. Her eyes ran appraisingly over him at his half smile of greeting, eyes lingering just slightly longer on the cup with a small shake of her head- her own half smile covering her lips. Yes, they had a lot to catch up on it would seem. She didn’t bother trying to ease into anything; it was pointless with how long they’d known eachother anyways. A clearing of the air was needed, necessary if they were to move on from this stalemate they’d seemed to come to a rest at. Didn’t bother trying to ease into it, but she could scent the anger that her greeting inspired, watch the flash of emotions cross his features before he gathered himself more firmly. Her lips did tilt then, in appreciation. At least Regulus wasn’t an angry alcoholic. That could have led to a much shortened meeting. Depends. Are you done hiding things from me?” An amused laugh fled her lips at his return fire, her fingers closing over her cup and pulling it up to her lips with a small shrug of one shoulder. Depends. She could throw the word back but she settled for taking a small sip, letting the icy concoction slide down her throat before meeting his eyes squarely once more. “For the most part.” There was no use lying to him anyways, she didn’t have anything of her own to hide anymore- not really, but there were some things she wouldn’t be able to discuss. He would have to respect that. Or get over not respecting it. “I wasn’t in a very good place our… well my last semester,” the irony coloring her words would have been hard to miss, smirk tilting on her lips as she looked over the rim of the cup at him. “Various reasons.” Her smile turned feral, teeth flashing in the sunlight that filtered through the windows. “I’m better now.”

It wasn’t a lie. She liked where she was now for the most part, liked where she stood on everything. She was … more, now, than she had been last year. She didn’t like the phrasing she’d used only moments before so sardonically, a better place seemed so… trite. Ridiculous. It sounded stupid considering the propensity of all that had happened… all that had changed. Her nostrils flared slightly as another whiff of the alcohol he was drinking made its way over to her, hand holding her glass out silently with an expectant inclination of her chin. It wasn’t as if the liquid wouldn’t be burned out of her system before they left here. And anyways, Regulus had always done better bonding over the substance. Her lips tilted slightly as she moved the coffee closer to him expectantly.

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The differences, I admit this shit, because I'm just like you;
Walking a fine line between saying and living it.

Tags:  Regulus 

Wearing: link

Notes:  None, sorry its so sucky

Lyrics:  Macklemore- Complicated

[Regulus Reinbach]

Perhaps this had all been a mistake. Regulus had been doing better since school ended. It had helped getting out of the country. He'd spent a month in living out of a hotel room in Spain getting to know his would be fiance. Even though Regulus had not been himself his last semester he had managed to cobble together a choker necklace that doubled as a translator, allowing the two to hold actual conversations rather than getting by on a few choppy phrases. When he returned to Austria he found himself crashing with an old flame for a week as a buffer before returning to his parents home. The girl had been a year ahead of him in school, and she was more amused than upset when Reg had informed her he liked Galaxia so much that he was going back for an 8th year. Their relationship had only lasted for a few weeks in Regulus' 5th year. They had stayed on good terms, in large part because she was one of the few girls with whom Regulus had managed an amicable break up. There continued to be a spark once the relationship ended and they saw each other from time to time in the year between then and now, but ultimately always decided that there was nothing between them, but a spark that could never be sustained for more than a week at a time. One of the reasons for that, Regulus knew, was the girl who currently sat before him.

“For the most part.”

Regulus half-scoffed half-laughed before distracting his lips once again with his mug. It wasn't exactly the answer he wanted to hear, but he supposed it was as close as he would get. The boy wasn't sure what he had expected out of his friend, certainly not an apology, though he desperately wanted one Kariana would never apologize for something so foolish as hurting his feelings particularly when she did so without malice and Regulus would never admit to having been hurt, though he suspected Ana already knew and that was the only reason he had been invited here at all. This was as close as he was going to get to an apology, and to Regulus' surprise it was closer than he expected to get. At least at the start. Various reasons? That was all she was going to say? They were in a public space sure, but it would have taken a great deal of effort to be any vaguer than 'various reasons.' At least it was the truth.

“I’m better now.”

Better? Regulus quirked his eyebrow. "I hadn't realized you were sick," he offered once again removing the oak wand from his pocket and freshening her Frap. Was this a clue into her mysterious behavior? Obviously she couldn't just speak the name of the ailment, but the word choice seemed too perfect to be incidental. He returned the wand to his pocket, casting a quick glance around the shop to ensure that no one saw or cared that he was taking some liberties with the libations. Once he was satisfied that they were in the clear his eyes returned to Kariana, he studied he intently as if he was trying to will further words out of her. "You should have told me. I'm no healer, but I have been told I'm very good with my hands," Regulus smirked "and even better with my wand." It was hard to resist a good set up when lines like this had become second nature around Ana, who was an expert at turning him down. He wanted her to say more, lead him like a unicorn to the water of truth, but since he couldn't very well come out and ask he would drop his own hints about an entirely separate matter.

[Kariana Gabrielle Travers]

Consumption, contradiction. I'm conflicted with being a hypocrite,

And through these songs you can witness it.

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She did want this to work out, she wanted to be able to leave here today knowing that her friendship was at least on the way to being repaired to how it had been. She wanted it, but she knew there were any number of reasons that might not work out- knew that it wasn’t only the past few months’ actions that had to be moved past. There were things now that he would have to learn- have to figure out, and once he did she wasn’t sure that they could remain friends. Wasn’t sure he’d be able to remain her friend. It was one of the reasons she’d kind of put this off, one reason she’d waited until just the night before to owl him this invitation- a peace offering of sorts. She’d already lost so many other things from her former life, people she hadn’t even been aware she could exist without because of the information she was considering imparting on him- she’d already risked enough with the people who did know. Although admittedly all but Avery had been let in on it without her consent- had been there for the entire thing, been there for the event that had brought it all about. Witnesses. Willing and unwilling. Regulus could very easily decide that he was part of the former group, could become just as disgusted with her as Gavin had. Only with Regulus there wasn’t the assurance that he’d keep her secrets for her the way Gavin had- she and Regulus were close, were friends… and she knew he cared about her, sometimes she suspected as more than just a friend- but he wasn’t her mirror. And he tended to strike out when hurt. How much could she risk if he felt she’d betrayed him by not only keeping it from him- but for being the way she was at all? How much could she trust that if he took objection to it he’d stay silent on the matter? She had no assurances here, nothing but the blind, if cautious, trust that they’d built over the past seven years. She had to trust that he’d deal with it in a manner that didn’t bode ill for the lot of them all. She had considered just telling him outright, maybe even including some of it in her letter. It seemed better to let him figure it out on his own, drop the hints where she could and hope he picked up on them. Hope that figuring the knowledge out on his own would make it somehow easier.

At least he was taking it in stride so far. He wasn’t throwing a fit over the fact that there were still certain things she couldn’t talk about, and she found herself grateful for that much even. Regulus in a snit wasn’t ever something that she wanted to deal with. It never boded well for the rest of her day anyways. She watched him tip his wand over her glass, nodding her appreciation for it before pulling it back to her and putting the rim to her lips. Strong. At leasat that was one thing that they never seemed to lack having in common. Strong coffee, strong alcohol. These were the things that friendships were made of. The corner of her lips twitched, letting the flavor roll over her tongue before she put the cup down again. It was just added flavoring for her- she knew that she wouldn’t be getting any buzz off of the stuff despite the liberal amount he’d tipped into her glass. I hadn’t realized you were sick. Again her shrugs moved slightly, as if dismissing the question. She hadn’t been. Not in the strictest sense. Not in any way that would make sense to a casual observer or even someone on the inside like Regulus who just wasn’t aware of the entire situation. A chuckle bore its way up her throat as he looked around the shop after putting away his wand, as if afraid that he’d be caught- as if it would matter. It was amusing. They were of age, yet he still seemed to be under the impression that they should be sneaking around. She supposed if she hadn’t already delved so deeply into other things she might have been the same, might not have adjusted so easily to the world outside of Galaxia. But then she’d been taken out her last year for some considerable time to deal with the real world and its dark underbelly. Maybe that was what made the real difference. The action was cute though, endearing in a way that was strictly Regulus.


She let the pause in conversation stretch for a minute, nearly grinning when he turned his eyes back to her as if he were trying to get inside of her head. Good. He was suspicious already, it shouldn’t be that big of a job to get him to think further on the subject- to try and figure out whatever it was she was trying to tell him. It certainly helped. "You should have told me. I'm no healer, but I have been told I'm very good with my hands and even better with my wand." She snorted slightly, shaking her head as he continued. “Your hands and wand might’ve gotten you killed fool boy.” It was affectionate though, despite the use of the word fool, her eyes laughing along with her lips for the first time since she’d stepped into the shop. “I wasn’t sick in any manner you could have helped with.” She let a brow raise slightly as she shook her head again. Not unless he had a secret stash of wolfsbane that cured the entire matter… although she wouldn’t take it now even if he did. “How’s your summer been though?” The abrupt change in subject was deliberate, the smirk pulling at her lips testament to the fact. “I heard you were shacking up with some Spanish broad.” Through completely legitimate channels this time- it was rare that a marriage was even considered without the entire community hearing of it. It was what made for such fierce competition a lot of the time. Shacking up implied something else, but she didn’t figure the two were mutually exclusive in Regulus’s book anyways.

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The differences, I admit this shit, because I'm just like you;
Walking a fine line between saying and living it.

Tags:  Regulus 

Wearing: link

Notes:  None, sorry its so sucky

Lyrics:  Macklemore- Complicated

[Regulus Reinbach]

Gotten him killed? What sort of illness was this? Contagious he supposed, and Kariana lived, so unless she was imply insulting his immune system it had to be something deeper. Regulus forgot the mystery long enough to smile along with her, he was glad he still retained the ability to make her laugh, even if every pass he made was at least half serious and he doubted she ever took notice. But the smile wouldn't last long. He couldn't help. There seemed to be special emphasis on the pronoun replacing his name. Perhaps it was just his conceit, his paranoid ears hearing his worst fears. There was nothing poor little Regulus could do, but Gavin clearly could! Or...or perhaps he couldn't, and that was part of the problem as well. An illness that couldn't be helped and could have gotten him killed, that Gavin knew about but he couldn't. Regulus rifled through his his array of theories for something that fit. Everything still felt just too far fetched. Some sort of carnivorous parasite perhaps? Ana was rather well covered for a late summer day, but then again he showed perhaps even less skin than her with nothing to hide underneath. Regulus sipped from his drink again, hoping the tantrum and subsequent confusion that ran rampant through his eyes went unnoticed by his companion.

“How’s your summer been though?”

It was an odd question in that it was completely normal. If there hadn't been so much tension between them this is where the conversation should have started, so it seemed natural that they arrive here at some point, but Regulus had not yet finished fishing for clues. He had one on the line and Ana was taking him out of the boat. He was closing in on snitch and she was taking him out of the match. Unless, summer was another hint. They had spent part of the previous summer with Gavin and Amina, but he already knew Gavin was involved and he was vaguely aware how. Could Amina be a part of the puzzle as well? Reg didn't know the girl very well, and as far as he was aware Ana knew little more than he did. So why lead him down this road? He took a sip from his drink and before he could respond to the casual query he had his answer.

“I heard you were shacking up with some Spanish broad.”

Of course. Regulus should know by now that any time he shagged a girl in continental Europe Kariana Travers would hear about it within 48 hours. Yes, in some instances he had been the one telling her, but more often than not it seemed she knew everything he wished she didn't. At school he would usually blame Gavin for spilling the beans, but since Kariana still wasn't speaking to Gavin he suspected the culprit was the current reigning enemy of the Reinbach family, the pureblood gossip vine. Her grandmother most likely couldn't wait to tell her the news. Regulus had the distinct feeling that she had never liked him and was probably delighting at the rumors that the Reinbach boy was scouring the Eastern Spanish seaboard looking for a wife.

A separate thought suddenly occurred as pieces slid into place. It was a long absence dictated by 'family issues' that had seemed to kick off Kariana's foul mood. Of course Regulus skipped six weeks that may have been crucial in undermining this new theory, but for now it fit. Ana was under some sort of discipline that restricted her social interactions. After all it wasn't just Regulus she had avoided, but everyone. Could she have been placed under some sore of fun inhibiting spell? It would certainly explain how one of his best friends turned into a complete drag in such a short span of time, and how she suddenly seemed 'better.' Kariana had graduated and seemed to have some sort of plan so whatever enchantments had been in place had clearly served their purpose and could be safely removed. "Give your grandmother my regards," Regulus quipped, hoping to draw another hint that he was on the right track, and also to remind Ana that he didn't like information about his life coming from a secondhand source.

"I wasn't shacking up with anyone," Regulus answered finally. Of course this was a lie, he had shacked up with an ex, but seeing as he still had a chance of hiding that one from Kariana he would like to keep at least some of his private life private. Or at least get to review an extensive list of Ana's past and current relationships before being made to reveal his. "My parents simply decided it was best for me to maintain proximity to my Spanish broad, especially considering I will be...less at liberty to travel come September," Regulus explained, that sly smirk playing at his lips. "Considering I've become less attractive on paper it's beneficial for a continued agreement, I happen to be quite charming in person, though you've never seemed to notice." Part of Regulus was still hurt, so he couldn't help getting in a quick dig, though the smirk he still wore on his lips said it was playful.

[Kariana Gabrielle Travers]

Consumption, contradiction. I'm conflicted with being a hypocrite,

And through these songs you can witness it.

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She could practically see the gears shifting behind his eyes- could scent the frustration and wonder coming off of him, and it pleased her. That he was already this invested in working it out. If he was that set on figuring it all out, if he really wanted to, she knew it wouldn’t be a problem. He was certainly smart enough to put it together, especially given the right material- he had been inventing things for years now out of scrap and imagination. Only she knew that spelling it out too well, laying it out on the table would be too obvious- too soon. He needed the time to process it, the time to build up to it. Hopefully he’d think of things that were worse before he came to the final conclusion, making it all the more agreeable despite the nature of it. She could hope. And lead, and manipulate the situation so that maybe it turned out like she wanted. She knew he’d know what she was doing when she changed the subject though, knew it would both irritate and intrigue him more- make him think all the harder. She needed that- needed his attention to be focused solely on what she was hiding from him, not that she wasn’t interested in the rumors she’d heard. She did want to know if yet another of her friends were being sold off to the highest bidder. When Micha had imparted the news on her, the upcoming possible engagement of Regulus, offering her congratulations to be passed along Kariana hadn’t exactly been shocked. They were of the right age; it was about the time that these things started falling into place for those children born into their station, the time when they were supposed to put behind their own ambitions and hopes and fall into the line of what had been decided for them sometimes years and years ago. If they were very lucky they got to keep something from their old life, were allowed to hold onto at least one thing that had defined them through their school years. Gavin was already promised, spoken for- he’d been handed over even earlier than the majority of families did publically, but then there had been extenuating circumstances there- circumstances she’d have to push to the back of her mind. Just because she’d made her peace with the majority of the situation didn’t mean all was healed. And now Regulus. Hell, Kat would have been in the same position had she not been disowned by The Great Lady. Michkayela was thankfully a good deal more lax on the subject. She’d only threatened Kat with the prospect once or twice. Not that there were many prospects at this point anyways. How could there be when the two most desirable bachelors were spoken for?

Although there had been problems on that front for Regulus recently she’d heard… scandal was ever passed around in their world after all. Which was why she found it so surprising that Regulus hadn’t yet heard about hers… at least that which was made available to the public… If he’d bother to stick around after graduation he would have surely seen the whole ordeal himself. She could still feel the heated skin of the old woman’s palm across her cheek-bone- taste the coppery blood that had spouted between her closed lips at the contact. It seemed to be ever the reaction to those who found out what she was. Watching the spider lose her infamous control was almost worth it… almost. She could only hope Regulus’s reaction wouldn’t be as violent as Gavin’s and her Grandmother’s had been. She wasn’t sure she could control her own temper on the third go round, no matter the strides she’d made in self control these past few weeks. Although shifting would save her the trouble of telling him outright herself. There was an idea that held absolutely no merit. "Give your grandmother my regards," her eyes snapped to him then, a dark sort of amusement flitting over her features, the flame igniting in the white-gold irises of her eyes. “I would, had she not disowned me at graduation. She didn’t handle my affliction nearly so well as others…” She trailed off slowly, eyes raising to his beneath one raised brow. There, that was two hints in one, while also catching him up more on the state of her personal affairs. Were the subject matter not so volatile this would almost be fun, like laying the grounds for some sort of hunt. “Better than others though.” One shoulder rolled delicately in its socket, her eyes flashing again before she lowered them. At least her disowning hadn’t been quite as emotional as the other had been, quite so devastating. The old patroness hadn’t ever been the warmest of creatures, and not just because her circulation had changed in her advanced age. The bond between her and Kariana was strenuous at best even when they had been on amicable terms. Other than everything the lady had taken away with her endorsement it wasn’t any skin off of her shoulders, other than the sting to her pride that was. That too could have been worse though, another thing she had to thank her oh so helpful cousin for… even if the sarcasm on that thought was thicker than the fog that rolled through the streets come early winter.

"I wasn't shacking up with anyone," A mocking smile made its way onto her lips, still in jest- but disbelieving none the less. She’d believe that Regulus wasn’t shacking up with someone the minute Avery let her hair go brown and started wearing off the rack clothing… which was to say never. "My parents simply decided it was best for me to maintain proximity to my Spanish broad, especially considering I will be...less at liberty to travel come September. Considering I've become less attractive on paper it's beneficial for a continued agreement, I happen to be quite charming in person, though you've never seemed to notice." The laugh that fell from her lips this time was genuine, both from his jest and the rest of the content matter. He was extremely charming in person, she’d seen him put it to action often enough- had seen him tear the hearts out of the younger yeared female population at Galaxia with a good deal of amusement. Never pity, those girls were dumb enough to fall into it after all. “Yes, back to Galaxia for you,” she wove her hand imperiously as if she were sending him back right that minute- dismissing him from her presence. “If you’d paid more attention and done a little less of this during the daytime,” she swished the liquid in her glass a little for emphasis, “you might’ve made it out to the real world with the rest of us.” Not that he’d need to stay at Galaxia for long this upcoming year, but then that was a topic for later. “As for you being less attractive on paper… maybe you should have them attach a photo along with the resume next time, I figure that might help your case some. Your charm isn’t lost on me fool boy, just ignored. There is a very subtle difference there.” Her lips tipped upwards in a grin before her expression became more somber, leaning slightly in, her forearms going to rest on the table. “Did he go to The Order?” That much hadn’t been released- all anyone would say was that he’d been disowned… but Sirius going to the order was information that could come in handy. Knowing numbers and names was always useful- she knew her Master would appreciate it, no matter how inconsequential it seemed now.

She blew a sigh through her lips. “I only heard the barest bones on it,” another small finger wave even though her hands were on the table now beneath her crossed arms. “Your family has done wonderfully with keeping the details quiet after all. I doubt it will reflect on you for too long- you’re too ‘tried and true’, plus disowning him certainly helped garner the sympathies of the elder families.” After all there wasn’t a single line that didn’t have some name or another blacked out from their histories. There would always be those that needed to be culled, no matter the strength of the line. She was sympathetic at least. Her opinion on things may have changed considerably since summers start but that didn’t mean someone defaulting to the ministry’s side of things, especially given current affairs, was any better now. The whole damn thing was corrupt. Bankrupt. Her arm shifted slightly, tips of her fingers running over the back of Regulus’s hand in condolences before returning to her side of the table. She could understand easily enough if he weren’t yet able to discuss it… but it would certainly help if he could.

-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+

The differences, I admit this shit, because I'm just like you;
Walking a fine line between saying and living it.

Tags:  Regulus 

Wearing: link

Notes:  None, sorry its so sucky

Lyrics:  Macklemore- Complicated

[Regulus Reinbach]

So, it wasn't Kat's grandmother responsible for the affliction. But it was something serious if it had gotten her disowned. Regulus was aware that Kat and her grandmother weren't exactly close, but a complete disavowing of a pureblood, fully magicked, unmarried witch was not a decision made in haste. "Had I known there was going to be a show I just might have tried a little harder to get to graduation," Regulus teased deciding that Ana hadn't seemed particularly upset by the news and he'd rather keep things light until they had returned their friendship to more solid ground. She was still keeping him at a distance, and he would be wise to do the same. Meanwhile his list of possibilities had shrunken considerably with this latest bit of information. There were only so many things that could create this sort of fallout among purebloods, and Regulus doubted very highly that Kat had joined the Order, of course if she had any sane part of her brain remaining would certainly consider it an affliction. It was also incredibly rare that someone of their age would just lose their magic, though that too would fit these results and Regulus couldn't remember the last time he'd actually seen Kat cast a spell. But there was a far more common explanation, but if it were as he suspected, while tell him he couldn't help? He knew all about potions, he knew where to acquire certain hard to find substances and he could be discreet. He still didn't have enough information to be sure of anything.

Regulus rolled his eyes at the prospect of 'joining the real world.' He'd always hated that phrase, especially seeing as half of his class would never work a day in their life and those who did would likely work jobs in the ministry gained through influence rather than competence and the cycle would continue to repeat itself until the entire government collapses in on itself. He'd take the pursuit of knowledge and school girls over the 'real world' any day. "Tempting," he said sarcastically, dismissing the notion that he was somehow missing out by not having graduated. Regulus chuckled at Kariana's suggestion that he send a picture to his potential brides, it was nice to know his looks hadn't gone completely unnoticed, only actively ignored. "You'll have to explain that to me sometime," Regulus fired back grinning, though there was a part of him that did want a full break down of this subtle difference and why she felt it was necessary to ignore his obvious charms. Perhaps she'd just watched Regulus operate for too long at this point. He didn't exactly have an impressive track record when it came to dating.

“Did he go to The Order?”

It took a moment for Regulus to register who 'he' was, and the realization didn't make the question seem any less abrupt. "I don't know," Regulus answered honestly. "I haven't spoken to him since he graduated Galaxia, but it would make sense," Reg shrugged wishing they would move on to a new topic. He'd put the odds well in favor of his brother joining the order, but it wasn't as though Regulus could just owl his brother and ask him. At this point Regulus wasn't even sure if his brother was still alive. It was a grim thought that slowly began to consume Regulus as he sipped his now lukewarm beverage. Thankfully he was nearly to the bottom, and Kariana was speaking again and the subject was switching back to Regulus albeit still through the unpleasantness with his brother.

"It's not as though he were a squib or married some muggle," Regulus objected. Every pureblood family had trimmed their family tree of these sorts of embarrassments. "He just started out as unruly, some families believe I'm headed the same way," Regulus did his best to explain, but right as he was about to inform Kat that she just wouldn't be able to understand it hit him that she perhaps knew better than anyone, seeing as she was herself just disowned by her family without obvious cause. He considered apologizing, but she was the one who brought the whole thing up so how could he be blamed? “I need a real drink,” Regulus commented frowning at the empty mug before him. All these months with barely a sober moment, and now finally a conversation that calls for shots of whiskey and he was woefully unprepared. He pulled out the hollow oak wand and shook it desperately over his glass, conjuring perhaps half a shot of whiskey into the glass. He hadn’t planned on sharing, and the wand’s limited storage capacity was actually meant to curb his drinking after he’d flown his broom into a tree after a particularly heavy-handed morning with an elder wand, which in addition to being hollowed also carried an extension charm which allowed him to carry the contents of an entire bottle of gin in the tiny piece of wood earlier in the summer. He wondered how Kariana knew so quickly that he had liquor. He hadn't thought the smell was that strong, the coffee should have been strong enough to cover up the scent until it was under your nose. Maybe he should switch to vodka.

[Kariana Gabrielle Travers]

Consumption, contradiction. I'm conflicted with being a hypocrite,

And through these songs you can witness it.

-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-

She grinned over at him, her shoulder shrugging at his reply. No, he wouldn’t have. But then she didn’t blame him. Not graduating on time for… any reason had to be shameful enough. She certainly wouldn’t have shown her face at graduation had she not been walking the stage herself, wouldn’t have been able to handle her classmates of seven years walking the stage without her. She couldn’t pretend she wasn’t somewhat pissed off with the way he’d handled his last year- not so much him even walking the stage, she was sure there was some reason he had for that. She could have handled that, after all she’d been so lost in her own head the last few months of their semester… It was the way he’d treated quidditch that bothered her, the way he’d disrespected the sport. And maybe he should have been given a pass considering everything though, considering her own state of preoccupation. She’d never been one for passes though- not for being late for practices, not for fouling a ball. She had been a hard ass as a captain, rightfully so she felt. After all, under her regime hadn’t they seen a more focused team effort? Hadn’t they kept their place at the head of the pack? She’d been fair at least, had kept them in line with it even still. The fact that Regulus had skated by on their friendship alone… would have never happened had she been in her right mind at the time- would have never gone by without comment. Her eyes lowered briefly, stifling the flare of irritation that had built up within her. It didn’t matter. It wasn’t like he was going to be Captain or anything this year… at least she hoped not. Should he get the title she’d held and cultivated… that would be a different discussion, one that she was sure her old grievances would come up in. More than sure. That would be a scene better left out of the public eye, definitely given how violent her reaction was sure to be. At least she knew that he could handle her anger, at least had been able to in the past. Her eyes drifted up again, a half a shrug designating her acceptance. “No you wouldn’t have. Couldn’t drink at graduation.” Another subtle nod to the cup in his hand. And he wouldn’t have been able to- would have been forced to remain completely sober for the hours that it took to complete the ceremony, for the droning speech of their headmistress, for the countless hours spent listening to the hushed whisper of friends and family alike celebrating those on stage… and those whispers that would have been doing the opposite for him. No, she didn’t blame him one bit.

Her fingertips danced along the rim of her glass, eyes running the curves as they made them with an amused sort of indifference. "You'll have to explain that to me sometime," A half of a chuckle at his response, her head shaking slightly. “No… I won’t.” The smile she attached to it was devoid of any of the sting her words might have caused, amusement dancing in her light orbs as she looked up at him. Regulus was a charmer. Everyone knew that. He’d charmed his way through the majority of the female population at school- desirable and undesirable both. He and Gavin had practically carved a path through the damn place, leaving quite a few disgruntled females behind them. Not that they hadn’t been satisfied. But she’d been on her end of dealing with the leftovers, making sure they didn’t cause too big of a problem for her lot. They were always satisfied with what they were given… at first. But the whole lot of them always seemed to expect something more out of it all, seemed to think that they would be the one girl to make them change their ways. Given the number and character of the females they left behind there had been more than one occasion when Kariana had to subtly, in a not so friendly manner, dissuade them from seeking retribution or extortion any further from the two boys. Always entertaining at least- she had her own agenda in school after all. Despite the fact that she didn’t leave similar messes for the two boys to clean up, another one of the perks from the agreement she and Gavin had entered into… Her heart lurched uncomfortably in her chest for a moment, lips thinning from their amused smile as she pushed that particular train of thought back down. There were some roads they didn’t need to be traversing today. There would be enough drama from what they had to cover already. She was actually surprised he hadn’t asked, hadn’t questioned her with the same line that everyone else in school seemed to have taken to. All the symptoms and signs fit. Could all be explained away with what had taken root in the rest of the populations mind. It wouldn’t have been so farfetched for her to have been impregnated by Gavin, would have made very real sense had they ever lapsed in their precautions. It would have certainly explained the way the two of them had been around eachother the first few months- the strain that had entered their friendship. And had she aborted that child? It definitely would have explained the rest of their falling out- would have fit perfectly into the timeline of everything.

Of course, that would be assuming that Kariana would have been able to abort said child, would have done so. Her fingers strayed in their movements, pausing on the rim of the cup. She knew the answer would have been a no, fertility- the ability to bear children was too important to risk like that. And had it been Gavins? Even though the idea was unthinkable to her she knew the outcome would have been very different had that been all that had transpired. There was no way that the scenario would have played out the way that it had- perhaps mostly for the very fact that neither she nor Gavin would have ever let that happen. Had both been beyond careful to ensure that it didn’t. But again, that was something that wasn’t even uncommon knowledge. Between two of them, not the group. She knew… but she doubted the rest of the school would have ever been able to comprehend. His answer to her question brought her out of her own reverie, head nodding slowly as she digested his words. They’d been close once, as much as they could be anyways- she knew that. Her eyes ran the length of his face, pausing slightly at the way his lips pulled. “I’m sorry.” It was an inadequate response she was sure, she’d never had to face a family member- close or not- being expunged. It had to be several different shades of difficult. But then of course, she supposed he could always be thankful for the fact that he didn’t know for sure how much his brother may have shamed the family name.

"It's not as though he were a squib or married some muggle. He just started out as unruly, some families believe I'm headed the same way," She watched the emotions flashed across his face, nostrils flaring slightly as the change in scent registered to her. Squibs… that was a topic of conflict in their world. It wasn’t as if it happened often, and the punishment- or rather reaction, to having one differed so greatly. It all depended on the family she supposed. Some banished theirs. She knew that. Just as some were put up into society as if they were no different. Marrying a muggle though? That was an offense that wasn’t heard of. At least not publically. So much worse than even marrying a mudblood themselves, that could be overlooked easier seeing that at least the spouse in question held magic of their own… She shifted somewhat uncomfortably, chest tightening painfully at the use of the word even in her mind. Mudblood. She hadn’t repeated that since… well since the first time she’d done so after changing and found the contents of her stomach making a reappearance. “True,” her response was no more than a mutter, eyes once more dropping to her now steadily moving fingers. “I could see why they would, you’ve never been one for adhering to the rules,” the attempted resurgence of levity was obvious in her tone, the fervent need to change the subject from muggles and muggle born a very real thing- she needed her mind otherwise occupied before the need to go see him made itself known. “Of course… there are those that put just a little too much stock on the… purity of one’s blood.” Her words were even slower then, testing the waters. Speculative. It was blasphemy to even think such in their circles, much less utter it aloud. Definitely not in a public setting with ears that ran the possibility of hearing just a bit too much. “I need a real drink,” Her laugh was short, eyes taking care not to stray to her purse where she’d kept the whiskey she’d brought just in case they needed it. She didn’t feel like mentioning it yet though, she felt they still had some ground to cover with him sober before she introduced it into play.

-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+

The differences, I admit this shit, because I'm just like you;
Walking a fine line between saying and living it.

Tags:  Regulus 

Wearing: link

Notes:  None, sorry its so sucky

Lyrics:  Macklemore- Complicated

[Regulus Reinbach]

“No you wouldn’t have. Couldn’t drink at graduation.”

Regulus smiled. “You could drink before it.” That was the plan he’d considered before skipping the ceremony all together. There was certainly no way he was going to watch the ceremony stone sober…even if he had been walking. It wasn’t as though there was going to a breath test before you were handed a degree, and considering the length of the ceremony he’d have plenty of time to sober up before having to tackle and steps, and all the movement before that was in a crowd. Even drunk off his ass he would be able to stay upright in a mass of classmates.

“No… I won’t.”

No of course not. She never explained anything, why would she start now? And more importantly how could she ignore his charms if they were so obvious? Was she immune? Did she have some spell that made her impervious? Or did she just find him grotesque in some other way that inhibited what Regulus had once been sure was a perfect coupling.

“I’m sorry.”

“No you’re not,” Regulus said, correcting Ana’s sentiment as easily as he would correct her grammar. It occurred suddenly to Regulus that he was still quite upset with Kariana. She promised no more lies, but offered no truth and now she sought to feign pity? She should know him better than that by now. He didn’t need her pity. He was not someone to be looked down on or looked after. He was completely capable of taking care of himself, and the only mistake he’d made was thinking anyone else ever had his back. When things get hard, and the chips are down, every witch and wizard was only out for themselves. Where were all the lectures about the importance of family when his brother was made to pack his bags? Where was Kariana’s intensity, her loyalty when he needed it? The speeches she’d used to scold and inspire on the quidditch pitch meant nothing to her once the pads came off. A scowl had emerged on his features against his will, and he covered it quickly with his mug. The line between love and hate was uncomfortably thin.

“I could see why they would, you’ve never been one for adhering to the rules,”

Regulus let out a short dry laugh. He certainly wasn’t keen on other people’s rules. It was most likely a side effect of his over inflated ego. Regulus was had been pumped up on his families name and history since childhood, the ancient and noble house of Reinbach. But he was too smart for his own good, and his parents not smart enough for theirs. The Reinbach’s were far from noble, his grandfather’s funeral had taught him that. They were business savvy swindlers with just enough bright minds to keep the trust funds flourishing. Regulus was banking on being one of the bright ones, and not just another privileged brat, though he as it stood now the odds were against being any more than a keeper of the family’s funds. Assuming he was able to even keep his place in the family.

“Of course… there are those that put just a little too much stock on the… purity of one’s blood.”

Regulus had been quiet for the most part drifting in and out, hearing Kariana, but focusing more on his own thoughts, (his anger, his brother, his lack of liquor) than the conversation, but this bit caught in his ear. Until just now Regulus had always taken Ana as one of the very people who put too much stock in blood purity. Regulus had become a bit more lax on the issue after he realized keeping ‘pure’ severely limited his dating pool. Blood purity served as fine class system, but there was nothing wrong with a little slumming, so long as a girl had magic Regulus couldn’t see any issue. Kariana on the other hand chastised him for his choices, he’d always taken it as just a bit of jealousy, but since she so easily shucked him from her life her romantic feelings likely never came in to play. And yet now she seemed to soften. Was it for his sake? Was she hoping to get him to reveal something? Or was this her way of revealing something? “What are you saying?” Regulus asked his voice hushed and confused his mind swirling at a million miles a minute. Why couldn’t she just be straight with him?

[Kariana Gabrielle Travers]

Consumption, contradiction. I'm conflicted with being a hypocrite,

And through these songs you can witness it.

-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-

”You could drink before it.” True enough. Had she not already begun the shift back towards her normal habits she herself might have shown up slightly inebriated to graduation- and she would have known she would be walking the stage even then. It was only a series of events, like a domino effect, that had pulled her back somewhat to the surface- a combination of conversations and arguments, both circumstance and people that had pushed her to further evaluate the situation. That had forced her to step back far enough from herself to see that what had happened didn’t have to dictate where she went. It had been a lesson she grappled with throughout the entirety of this summer. It was one that she still occasionally had to repeat in the haven of her own mind. “Well obviously you found something altogether more deserving of your time,” her smile was fond-mind already having run over the possibilities of what that something had to have been. At least one from their old group had found themselves enjoying graduation day… although Avery had seemed pleased enough- especially with her vampire there. The lot of them were all going their separate ways, it was something one didn’t think about during their school years- the inevitability of their paths branching from their friends. Logically she supposed they’d all acknowledged that it would happen- had known that it was something that would come up. She just hadn’t paid it much attention until it had already happened. Gavin’s face featured prominently in papers and posters now, along with –occasionally- that of his dreadful fiancé. He was… well that was still a work in progress. Avery was shacking up with some vampire in order to contain her secret still, although from the way she spoke of him Kariana felt like there was something more there as well- more than just a means to an end. And Regulus? Regulus was going back to Galaxia… The upturning of her lips shifted slightly as she tilted her head to the right, watching the play of emotions across his face once more. She supposed, in his way as well, that Regulus was just as much a work in progress- he’d obviously yet to let go of the last few months of their last semester- regardless of the fact that he was here and attempting to appear as having done so.

“No you’re not,” Her eyes narrowed slightly, jerking back to his own as her flared nostrils noted the sudden change in scent coming off of the boy across from her. No she wasn’t? She wasn’t sorry? She had never falsified the sentiment before, had never falsified any sentiment to him period. The fact that he could suggest she would was an affront- both to her and their friendship, however rocky it may be. Her expression shifted slightly, not bothering to play the social convention of pretending to ignore the bite to his words or the shift in his expression he’d been so quick to neutralize. She didn’t like the implications behind his statement, didn’t like the way he was still playing the game they’d been raised so ardently by. “When have I ever offered you false condolences Regulus?” Her voice was low, the edge to her words unmasked. “Believe it or not I can empathize with the situation at hand.” Sarcasm filtered through; obviously he knew that- she’d just remarked to him earlier the fact that made her able to. “I’m more than aware that there are things to be discussed before we leave her,” her tone was slowly turning back to matter of fact, posture relaxing into the chair as she let the flare of irritation his words had caused wash over and away from her. “Don’t do either of us the disservice of cheapening what was meant to be a sincere comment though.” Her fingers folded around the cup holding her beverage, pulling it to her and letting the liquid wash down the back of her throats, soothing the ache that had been caused with his careless words. Careless. She supposed all of them had been, in one way or another- it was surprising that it had taken them seven years to have any sort of fallout, she supposed that was one reason it was so grand in scale.

She wanted to relax back into her seat, to pretend that she hadn’t just dropped the one sentence that had the potential to start of the conversation that so desperately needed to be held if they had any chance of salvaging their relationship. Or rather salvaging it without turning it into some sort of farce. She could easily just return to being his friend without including him, could keep hidden what she had been carrying these past few months. Only, she knew Regulus, knew him well enough to know that if he found out from another source- or even by accident, that his reaction would be so much worse- would cause them their entire friendship as a whole. Something that wasn’t even approaching acceptable in her mind. The way he looked at her, the way he so obviously was attempting to solve the puzzle her words had presented- piece together the small amount of clues she had given him so far left her with curious sensation residing within her stomach, body attempting to obey her minds command to relax- to soften the blow that her words had surely provided. They’d been so conditioned from birth, so efficiently taught what was and wasn’t acceptable. Crossing the line, even this much, was sure to bring a more stilted air to their conversation. “What are you saying?” All of her attempts for appearances sake were abandoned as she leant forward slightly, hands leaving her mug to curl around the lip of the table, her eyes intent as they focused on his- cream irises seeming to expand with the enormity of all that she’d already said. “Exactly what it sounds like,” her voice was hushed- not for lack of emotion- lowered as if the slightest whisper could be picked up from where they were seated.

“I’m saying,” the fingers on the table tightened, torso pushing forward to separate some of the distance the table provided their bodies with, “that maybe not everything is as it seems, and that maybe sometimes the things we grew up believing to be unwritten law… could be skewed.” Such as the worthlessness of one deemed to have ‘impure’ blood. Such as the importance, not of strength, but of a bloodline to carry on. Hadn’t enough of those who descended from the ancient houses proven themselves unbefitting of the names they carried yet? Hadn’t enough descendants proven that no matter how strong the lineage there was still room for error? It had taken her so long to reach this point, to understand- part of it was due to her personal investment in the subject… but a good deal of it- her Master had set it into perspective for her, had shown her that not all power lay in your name or what your ancestry could provide. It made the two no less important necessarily; they were just no longer the give and tell all of her world. She could be both animal and woman… and still be of value, have it lessened none.

-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+

The differences, I admit this shit, because I'm just like you;
Walking a fine line between saying and living it.

Tags:  Regulus 

Wearing: link

Notes:  None, sorry its so sucky

Lyrics:  Macklemore- Complicated

[Regulus Reinbach]

“Well obviously you found something altogether more deserving of your time,”

Regulus smirked at the perfect set up. "Some one actually. Blond...I think, who can remember?" If he was being completely honest Regulus couldn't even remember if he had been with anyone that day. He was sure his would be graduation felt more significant at the time, but so many months later that entire chunk of his life was just a blur of childish overindulgence. He was reformed now, or reforming, he wasn't sure yet. But he was different, he could feel it. His repeat of seventh year would be a rousing success fit to erase the memory of his first attempt from the public memory.

“Believe it or not I can empathize with the situation at hand.”

Regulus sneered instinctively before forcing a short laugh and smile just to change his expression hopefully convey some sense of understanding. That he simply forgot that they had just been discussing Ana's similar situation which allowed her to 'empathize.' But Regulus hadn't forgotten a thing. Kariana was able to empathize with his brother not with Regulus. She knew the situation, sure, but she still had no idea how it felt to have a person you care about completely turn there back on you. Come to think of it, Kariana had a lot more in common with Reg's brother than he'd realized. Perhaps he should have seen all this coming. The thought provoked a genuine smile, which Regulus realized as Kariana continued might seem out of place, but he had no desire to start a fight over the concepts of empathy and sincerity. There were far more pressing issues coming to light.

“Exactly what it sounds like,”

Regulus looked at Ana curiously his eyebrows furrowing as a voice in his head screamed the impossible truth. But it couldn't be...could it? No, she was talking about something else, he was misinterpreting tone.

“that maybe not everything is as it seems, and that maybe sometimes the things we grew up believing to be unwritten law… could be skewed.”

No. This wasn't possible. Kariana was suddenly questioning the unwritten law of living a 'good and virtuous' pureblood life? It was no secret that Regulus had embraced a somewhat loose interpretation of those unwritten laws, particularly when it came to blood purity and dating. But this wasn't just a simple question of Ana having a crush on boy from a bad family this was something much bigger. This was something wrong with her. Ugh, 'wrong' wasn't the word, thank God Regulus had only thought it. But how, when had this happened how was he only now hearing about this. "And exactly which law do you think needs to be skewed?" Regulus inquired too afraid to speak any of the theories in his head.