So Much for Relaxing (Invite Only)

Shuffling with his keys Conner finally managed to open the flat door and pushed it open. He threw the keys into the bowl that they had next to the door, because Ben bitched on and on about him not losing his keys again. It was one time and he did find them...eventually. Still the place was real nice; it had an old Victorian look to it, but at least the walls were insulated and two walls was made up of a large window pane that overlooked one side of the muggle part of London, and the other faced towards it's Wizarding half. He was glad that Ben had agreed to do this, because it saved him from having to look for a new job in the wizarding world. At the moment he was working as a messenger for a law company in the muggle world, while he studied at Unseen. It was great for him, because tuition was taken care of, and he didn't have to stress about that, instead used all his funds to help pay for rent.

It was a bit excessive, but having his own room and the first floor was enough for him to not bitch. Ben wanted the second floor room that had the stairs as if it was a tower, he didn't complain one bit. It had been three months since they moved in and everything was flowing great. It was a quick change from his working clothes to a pair of loose pants and a muscle tee; his eyes immediately went to the kitchen. Opening the fridge, he took out a cold beer and threw himself on the couch, casually turning on the tv that thankfully could work here. Wiggling his bare feet on the couch, he knew that he was comfortable enough to not worry about anything else.

With a growl of contempt, Ben moved to his window to slam it shut. Why did all these blasted muggles insist on being so...loud!? It was like they were purposefully trying to drive any useful thoughts from his head. He didn't appreciate it one bit, as he tried to focus on the task at hand.

After the first class with Professor Holmes, he wanted to be more prepared. The woman at the apothecary had been helpful in supplying him with a large ingredients case that was perfect for his needs. He'd spent the last few hours separating and labeling his latest finds into the leather encased box, each slot having and extending charm on it, to hold more. His ultimate goal was to get familiar with the individual ingredients, so he could use them in the field, or identify them as needed.

From downstairs, he heard the door open and shut, and Conner moving around. The flat was relatively nice, for the price they were paying, but it still had thin walls. Ben heard the fridge open and close, and his stomach rumbled in response. Pursing his lips, he made one final note in the sketch book he was recording things in, and headed down the steps.

While some days, Ben would lay around in a t-shirt and pajama bottoms, he opted to dress for the days he was working. As of late, it was every day. Even so, his sleeves were rolled up, and the first few buttons on his dark blue shirt were undone. Honestly, he was comfortable like this, and it worked fine for potions work.

"Hey," he offered to the other boy, passing by the living room and into the kitchen. Searching in the cupboards, he found some things to put together a sandwich. While he worked, he called back into the other room. "How was...whatever it is you do there?"

The creaky steps were enough for Conner to know that not only was Ben here, but he wasn't in the cheeriest of moods. He still wasn't used to the muggle side of things, always pouting about something else or another. "Why is that person speaking so loudly on that contraption?" "Why is the alarm going on? Such. a. whiner. Still, it was better than anything and for the most part they worked well as roommates. For one thing, the house thing was always shit at Hogwarts and now both of them took advantage of their freedoms. Ben did whatever he wanted in his half of the flat and Conner his own thing, which involved junk food and reality TV.

When Ben came downstairs he immediately went to the kitchen too, but as he heard the fridge open and close along with noises of jars it meant he was making real food. Ah, that meant sandwich, the only thing both of them could really make without burning, or melting it.

"Job is going good just delivering packages around an office...but more importantly are you making a sandwich? Care to make another one for this poor soul that worked his arse off for a few galleons?" he asked over his shoulder smirking.

If he was lucky he might get one, not that he was really expecting one, but it wouldn't hurt. Living with the guy made him realize that Ben was weird. He could go from raggy clothes to buttons downs and slacks the next and both were for staying indoors. Weirdo.

Ben hummed in response. It wasn't a yes, wasn't a no. Before they moved in here, he wouldn't have believed anyone who had said he'd be making sandwiches. Like a domestic house wife. But they'd had to learn to cope with being on their own, the both of them. And, well...sandwiches were safe. Relatively.

His own sandwich was simple enough, as he wasn't into a lot of fixings and extra things. Once that was done, and he'd taken a bite, he set to work on Conner's. It took considerably longer, since he knew the other boy would want anything and everything they had in the kitchen on the damned thing. With that finished, he moved back into the living room with both of them, handing Conner's over on a plate.

He'd specifically avoided commenting on the money remark from earlier. Ben knew it was a sore spot, money, so he usually tried not to talk about it, if he could help it. Instead, he changed the subject.

"I thought you said Rhian was coming this weekend." Really he wasn't sure on the date, but it was worth a guess.

Conner made a noise of content as he saw a sandwich coming his way. It had all the fixins, from lettuce and tomato, to ketchup and mustard. He stretched out his hands in a gimme motion before taking the plate from Ben. Looking down at it he inspected it, mostly as a joke to himself, since his roommate never found it funny.

"I promise to never trade you in for a younger man-wife" he said before biting into his sandwich.

Grunting he ate his sandwich happy to have someone that was a bit more domestic than he was. There were still dozens of empty containers from take out that they still needed to take out, but at least Ben tended to wash dishes.

"I thought you said Rhian was coming this weekend."

Swallowing the large bite he nodded and pressed a napkin on his cheek to wipe all the excess condiments that came out of it.

"She is, I mean I hope so. I know she has to sneak out of Hogwarts to come, which...is great for both of us since it was a Hogsmeade trip this weekend." he said grinning brightly.

He hadn't seen his girlfriend properly since August. It had been three months and owls weren't enough. Yes she was consumed with her last year and he in his first at uni, but he missed her. No stupid moonface owl was going to replace his girlfriend.

"Hope you don't feel awkward cause she's sleeping over" he chirped.

Taking a seat in the chair he'd all but claimed as his own, Ben leaned back in it, finishing off his own sandwich. Bored at once with whatever crap Conner was watching, he shot the other boy a scathing look at his comment.

"And I promise to trade you in at the soonest possible moment." He wouldn't, of course, but he couldn't not say it. As it was, his eyes roamed around the two joined rooms, marking the various piles of trash and debris that needed cleaning. While his general make up did not include a cleaning gene, if push came to shove, he'd rather not have unplanned experiments in the flat. Key word being "unplanned".

Ben fought the urge to shake his head at Conner. Any and every time they spoke about Rhian, he did nothing but smile. Honestly, it made Ben wonder if there was something wrong with himself, that he'd never openly felt like that. As soon as those thoughts came, though, he pushed them away. Don't think about it, He told himself.

Great. Wonderful. At the news, Ben had to count himself lucky he'd chosen the top floor.

Wait. "So, does that mean you two..." Sure, he and Conner didn't sit around braiding each other's hair, having heart to hearts, but he was sure he didn't remember talk of them moving on in their relationship. Had he not been listening? Again. It wasn't that he really wanted to know all the details, he just wanted to...be prepared.

"And I promise to trade you in at the soonest possible moment."

Conner rolled his eyes at his friend's comment. Never did he notice when that twat became his best friend but he wasn't complaining. They were going on three years and despite their house differences they became closer than ever. He wasn't going to tell him that he considered him his brother, because both would be uncomfortable and Ben didn't really look like a hugging type.

"You would die without me. You'd miss me and write in your journal about it...isn't that what you do in those little leather bound books you carry around." he snorted.

Despite Ben's dry humor, and his long hours at work, Conner's mood would in no way dampen. Rhian was coming over and he was going to show her off at all his favorite places. Even maybe show her to their landlady that swore up and down that Ben and he were a couple. As if, even if he would be gay, he could do better than Ben, any day.

"So, does that mean you two..."

Conner raised his brow at his friend's comment, especially as he trailed off. Rolling his eyes he threw a pillow at him.

"Shut your gob" he said glaring, " we are capable of sharing a bed without burning a hole through it you prick"

Rhian wasn't like that, she was a lady and ladies didn't do that. At least that's what he was told, based on virtuousness that pureblood ladies had. He didn't mind waiting he supposed, he'd never had sex, so he didn't know what he was missing out. Still, he always wondered what it was like, but he never dared ask around except...

"...But, do your kind of girls put out?" he asked bluntly without even thinking about the connotation. "Just wondering...cause ya know...um" He simply took a bite of his sandwich instead of rambling on.

Ben's relatively calm expression turned sour at Conner's accusation. "Those are research journals, and you know it, Bailey. Some of us actually plan on having the knowledge to save their worthless partner's life, someday." Because they would be partners, if he stayed in the program. As it stood, he was still testing the waters.

And he was not touching the "missing" comment.

His lip twitched at the idea of Conner "just sleeping" next to the witch in question. Seeing the boy moon about their flat for months now had him doubting. Very much. As much as Conner may want to play the gentlemanly hero, Ben knew they weren't so different. If Ben wanted to be with his own witch as bad as he did, he couldn't imagine actually dating her and not being with her.

Not yours, idiot, his mind chimed in.

Conner's words brought him back, his brow furrowing. It took a moment for Ben to realize what he meant, until he remembered that Rhian was actually a pureblood as well. It was the only explanation to Conner's line of thought.

"They don't 'put out', as you say." Something about the way that sounded went very much against his idea of pureblood women. "But..." it was hard for him to think of his own personal experience in the manner. "Typical pureblood women use sex as power. Pray that yours is not that way."

Thinking back on it, Ben had looked over at his roommate. Lounging about, not a care to how he looked, and clearly not going into the relationship with a lot to give, from a pureblood viewpoint. "Hmm...I don't think you need to worry about that, actually."

At first the mention of them not putting out, Conner promised himself that he wasn't going to be disappointed, but admittedly deflated once Ben basically pushed down the idea of him never getting any before marriage. I mean there was no harm right? Rhian had gotten..less shy about things recently, doing things that while he was excited about, he didn't want to get too happy about either...it was embarrassing and uncomfortable. He frowned.

"Typical pureblood women use sex as power. Pray that yours is not that way."

But at the mention of power, Conner raised his brow. Pureblood women used sex for power? Was he talking about Adler or Holmes? He didn't want to think about that; for one thing one was super evil not to mention cruel, and the other one was Adler. Rhian wasn't like that, she was the sweetest person.

"Just because someone did you dirty, while doing the..well dirty doesn't mean that they're all like that." he rolled his eyes, "And what is she going to take that is of value to me? You know I have nothing valuable to give. And as for power what? The control remote? My sandwich? "

Rhian checked herself in the mirror once more, just to be sure. It had been months now and everything had to be perfect! Her hair wasn't cooperating today, not staying in any sort of style she tried, so she just let it flow freely. But her new dress fit perfectly, a sleeveless white button down that hugged at the waist and came to her mid thighs. It was a little short...but she was throwing caution to the wind today.

Sending a quick owl to Tess, letting her know, again, that she wouldn't be at Hogsmeade, she ran out the dorm and made her way to the gates to Apparate. She wanted someone here to know where she was going, even if it was supposed to be a secret.

She found a small clearing just outside the grounds and pulled out the envelope. They'd had to set up a portkey, since it was her first time visiting the flat. Rhian sincerely hoped Ben had helped Conner make this, instead of either boy spending money on it. Reaching her hand in, she felt the cool surface of the stone against her fingertips before the familiar tug in her stomach.

Landing solidly in the walkway of a street in wizarding London, she looked up to see a row of flats. It had worked perfectly, and the number in front of her was correct. Rubbing at her arms, she realized she should have probably brought a coat. In her excitement, she'd left the castle without a thought about it.

Practically running up the stairs, she knocked on the door. A few moments later, it was opened, only to show a small elderly woman within it's opening.

"Hello, dear. How can I help you?" The woman asked. She had a way about her, her voice and her demeanor, that Rhian automatically liked.

"Hi," she greeted. "I'm actually here to see Conner. He's...he's expecting me." Her grin couldn't be contained, as she saw steps leading up to the next floor.

The woman had a look of confusion before she seemed to just go with it. "Of course, deary. Any friend of the boy's is welcome. Come in." She ushered Rhian in, closing the door behind. "They're just up the steps, go right ahead. And if you need anything, just holler. I'm Mrs. Hudson." With that, she made her way towards, what Rhian assumed was, her own flat.

She didn't need to be told twice, as she all but ran up the steps, thanking Merlin she'd chosen flats for today. Opening the door without preamble, it took her only moments to find the boys. The flat wasn't too large, after all.

Barely catching Conner's last words, Rhian threw herself onto the empty seat cushion. Well....half on the cushion, half on Conner. Her top half landed mostly on him, almost knocking the sandwich right out of his hands.

"You mean this sandwich?" Her eyes twinkled as she reached out with her mouth to grab the last bite form his hand. Chewing it triumphantly, she could resist hugging him tightly. Once she could talk again, still not letting go of him, she whispered, "Merlin, I missed you."

If he hadn't known for a fact that Conner didn't know about his past - or knew that he needed at least someone in his life, other than his books - he would kill the bastard right then. Well, maybe just maim. The other boy probably couldn't even imagine the level of betrayal Ben had felt that morning. It was one that he never wanted to repeat.

Though, honestly, he was becoming worried about his relationship with Tess. It had been months now and still no word. He tried to reason it away. Tell himself that she was just busy with school and being Head Girl. Merlin knows she carried him last year. She was probably doing the same for whoever his replacement was. Still...it didn't make it hurt any less.

He was about to rebound the banter they had when a small herd of elephants came crashing up the stairs. Or, so he thought. The door opened on a very haggard looking brunette, who he instantly recognized. What came after made a small part inside of him ache.

Or maybe he was going to throw up. Ben couldn't quite be certain. It didn't take him long to feel unwanted. Taking the hint, he got up to grab something to drink, locking eyes with Conner and raising his brow in a very clear "Told you".

As the door swung open, his eyes widened as a flash of brunette before she sat beside him. Immediately her greedy little hands went to his sandwich before he could even say hi. Grinning despite himself he rolled his eyes at Ben's expression and immediately leaned towards his girlfriend to kiss her. He didn't care, that his roommate was there, it was three months since he hadn't even had her close and he wasn't going to take advantage.

His hands dug themselves into her hair, holding her head close, and showing how he missed her. Yes it was partially to make Ben uncomfortable, another because he genuinely loved her.

"Missed you too Rhi" he whispered.

Now that the initial hype was wearing down from simply seeing Conner for the first time in Merlin knew how long, Rhian let herself really take him in. A few months at their age didn't really do much in general, but she could tell they must be working him hard at school, because he seemed to have filled out a bit more. Become just a bit more solid. She never would have guessed she'd like that in a guy, but it really just seemed to fit with him.

And the way he kissed her. Merlin! That's new, she thought. Kissing, they were definitely comfortable with that. But this....it just felt different somehow. Like he was filling up all the nooks and empty spaces in her world with himself. She could smell his cologne and feel the warmth of him. It sent her mind spinning in wonderful ways, and she was glad for his hold on her.

Her hand moved up to touch his jaw, smiling gently at the bit of stubble there. It had been something to get used to, when he started letting it grow. But she found that she rather liked it now. His words whispered against her lips were like music, after so long. She couldn't begin to imagine how many times she'd seen them on paper, or heard it from him through the floo. Real life was so much better, though.

She remembered, then, that they weren't alone, a blush creeping up her features. Her hands still resting on his chest, she turned towards the kitchen.

"Hey, Ben. How are you?" The other boy wasn't only Conner's roommate, but he was...whatever he was to Tess. Trying to keep her features neutral, for Conner's sake, she couldn't help all the things running through her head. Stories Tess had told her of the years they'd spent apart, what had happened between the two Slytherins over that time. It was strange now, trying to put all of that information to the boy she saw before her. For someone who sounded so emotionally bare to her best friend, he appeared stoic to the point of absurdity.

Tea. He knew how to make tea. It was like brewing a potion, waiting for the pot to boil just right. Letting the ingredients steep for a certain amount of time. Not too little, not too much. Sugar or milk added just so, for each person. Tedious. Simple. Something to keep his mind wonderfully oblivious.

Because the truth of the matter was, he didn't know how to deal with what was happening in the other room. Seeing Conner pull his girlfriend close...the fact that he could do so, Ben didn't know how to process it. He was happy for them, really he was. But he couldn't fight the frustration and the hurt of having to witness it.

Why couldn't he have that? Why did the world have to be hell bent against him and Tess, at every turn? Couldn't it let them be, just for a little while?

He had so many questions, and absolutely no answers. Even now, he didn't know where they stood. He'd thought, when he'd seen her in the hospital, that it was the start of a new chance for them. That, maybe this time, they could do something right.

And then there was nothing. No word, no owl. He practically itched with the need to ask Rhian for any information she might have, though the last he knew, the girls weren't even talking anymore, and he didn't want to drudge up the past.

With the kettle whistling, he pulled it off and poured a cup for himself. He needed more time out of his room, but figured he'd stay in the kitchen and give them room. Moving into the other room to get a book to read from one of the many shelves he had around the walls, his eyebrows pricked up in response to Rhian's words.

"Fine. Keeping busy. And you?" There. That was cordial. Honestly, it was strange. He'd never really spoken to the Gryffindor much, yet felt like he knew a bit too much about her, through Conner. It was a whole new experience that he didn't quite know how to take.

Conner smiled at Rhian's reaction, knowing that she still was affected by his kisses. He was embarrassed at the fact that he had done the display, but it was definitely worth it based on her gaze. Smiling, he noticed how both Ben ran off to the kitchen to make tea, which was a bit of a surprise. How often did he really make tea? Posh people were weird like that. Still, he found it odd how Rhian and Ben reacted to one another; it was as if they both tried to be cordial, but it was still a tension.

His mind went immediately back to Rhian as she began to caress his cheek, the stubble was definitely something he was trying out, maybe get a beard and seem like a man. It would depend on how his girlfriend liked it he supposed. After all if she was happy with his looks, nicer things happened to him. Smiling at the thought, he leaned forward and pulled her close.

What he did notice was something odd in the room. He wondered if it was the whole Tess thing; he wasn't sure exactly how well it had mended, but it was enough to see that they were getting closer and thus meant Ben had probably fucked up in some way. Oh well, it wasn't his business.

He wondered if he could interject, but it just seemed like seeing a tennis match...an awkward tennis match. Instead he played with her hair and relaxed while Ben did the domestics.

Tess sat in her room wondering exactly what she should do. Ever since she managed to form the relationship again with Rhian she found herself wanting to find some kind of confidant to all her insecurities. She'd allowed herself to tear up, and let Rhian know exactly where she'd been hurt and how she allowed herself to get hurt. She was stupid; she'd made the mistakes, and now she'd simmered herself into a tizzy at the moment. Her hurt had manifested itself into her wanted to know why he had done that to her. Had she done something wrong? How many times had Ben demanded that she fight for them and tell the parents of her interest? And what had she done? She had done as he had asked and it had bit her in the ass.

She currently sat there with her hands gripping the letter that she had been given by Ben. She wanted to yell at him, wanted to put him in his place and tell him he was an idiot for losing her. She was done with it. Getting up she immediately got her cloak and ran off, not caring she was still in her uniform.

Slamming the door closed, she didn't care of she bothered Josh, she needed to get out of the castle and head to London. Managing to reach her brother's office she took the Floo Network and reached the Muggle world. She'd known where it was because of Rhian, and finding the courage she never knew she owned, she knocked on the door. Her right hand gripping the letter tightly, ready to burst and knock sense into him.

Rhian watched as the Ben moved through the room, perusing books. If she didn't know any better, she'd think he didn't know what he was looking for, as his hands skimmed over the bindings.

The best friend in her wanted to hate him, for Tess. For everything she'd been put through in the last few years. But she couldn't bring herself to hate someone she didn't know. Plus, there must be some part of him that wasn't all bad, if Conner could live with him. She'd even seen them work together, once or twice, moving like a seamless unit, after so many years. He may be a prat, but he couldn't be a total loss.

Her arms snaking around to hug Conner, she let her head fall onto his chest. Listening to his heart beat, she spoke out loud. "You know. Last year. N.E.W.T.S. Minding the little ones. Same old story." Letting her eyes close for a moment, taking in the peace she felt, being away from it all, she sighed. "It is nice to be out of the castle though-"

Just then a knock sounded on the door. Curious, she wondered if the landlady had company coming.

Ben listened to the girl filling space. She seemed nice enough, and Conner was obviously infatuated, but he couldn't bring himself to care all that much. Really, the only reason he was talking to her at all was the boy she was clinging to just now. Even in his classes now, at the university, he steered clear of all needless conversations with people that didn't matter. It was quiet, yes, but he preferred his life that way.

Finally finding something interesting, he plucked the small book from the highest shelf. It was a small book of Gothic poems he'd gotten in a muggle book store. If Conner was so insistent that he acclimate at least somewhat to that world, he was doing so on his terms. The writer, Edgar something or other, had a wonderfully dark way about him.

A knock at the downstairs door interrupted his thoughts. Moving towards the kitchen, he heard Mrs. Hudson calling up the stairs. "Boys! Can one of you get that? I'm elbow deep in dishes!"

Probably one of the ladies from down at her bridge club, he figured. They were all gossipers, going on and on about whether he and Conner were a couple. Honestly. As if someone like Conner would appeal to him, even if he was batting for the other team.

Not bothering to set down his book for the minute it would take to get the door, he moved out of their flat and down the steps. "I've got it, Mrs. Hudson," he called. Keeping a reign on his patience, he opened the door and his heart stopped.

"Tess."

Tess was ready, her foot was tapping and she was shaking in anticipation at the door being opened. She had gone over the different ways that she could go about this, and different scenarios. If it had been Conner she would have asked first if Ben was there before pushing him away and verbally abuse Ben as she'd first planned. Had it been Rhian, probably asked in a calmer tone, same with other strangers. But she didn't really think through what she would do if it had been Ben. Would she steer him right to her point, hex him then head off to her merry way back? She was seventeen now, she could technically do that.

But as the door was opened, all her thoughts disappeared as he opened the door. He looked so disgustingly handsome in his shirt with the sleeves rolled up; his hair wilder than she remembered yet just as lovely as ever and his eyes, clearer than when she had last seen him. The look of surprise is what reminded her of her anger. Yes, he was surprised he was seeing her. Was it perhaps because he thought a rejection letter would also count as a break up one too? No. She deserved more.

Without even thinking about this, her hand was raised and swung with force slapping him right after she heard him say her name.

"You bastard!"

There was a soft ringing in his ears. It took a few moments for Ben to realize what had happened. When he did, the stinging started. Heat flared on his right cheek. Thinking on it, he knew it must be the red print of a hand by now. His own moved up to lay across the mark, feeling the heated skin under his fingers.

Shock, that's what he was feeling. Anything he could possibly be feeling in that moment - joy at seeing her, nervousness, anxiety - was eclipsed by shock.

The sting was making his eyes water involuntarily, as he looked out at Tess. Everything about her, down to her school tie and potion stained fingers was surreal and...perfect. His brow furrowed in confusion.

"What..." he breathed.

He didn't even know what to ask. What was she doing there? Why hadn't she told him she was coming? Was she okay? Why in Merlin's name what she smacking him!? His emotions warred inside of him. One part thrilled to see her, wanting only to hold her close. The other...scared out of his mind.

Her hand burned immediately after she slapped him; her fingers twitched at the impact and winced. The slap was not something that she had expected; she had wanted him to hear her out, but it came her senses had ruled over her. She covered her mouth as her brain caught up with her movement. It was horrifying, the way that people behind her began to look at the pair. Pushing him into the building she closed the door behind her and hissed angrily.

"Don't give me that stupid expression" she hissed waving the paper over his face, "stupid and clueless doesn't suit you!"

She kept pushing him angrily, wanted to beat him down like he'd beat down her spirits and hopes.

"If you wanted to break up with me at least have the decency to show your face!"

Everything that she had suppressed began to rise to the surface, and that temper she rarely let out was slowly rising once more. She might have been eight inches shorter than him but she would take him on easily if needed.

Ben didn't expect the shove from her, and his balance was off because of it. Taller, and more sturdy, than Tess, he should have had no issue standing his ground. Whether it was simply the unexpectedness of it all, or if it was strictly because it was her, his body moved where she pushed him.

At her first line of words, he still didn't know what was going on. One thing he did know, Mrs. Hudson already had enough to gossip about without a front row seat to...whatever was going to happen. He was doing himself no good, his back up against the wall of the small entrance way, looking down at the girl who was slowly pulling apart his sanity.

What could I have possibly done now?! He wanted to yell at her. He hadn't even so much as heard from her since the last time they saw one another. How could he have done something to make her this angry?

Her last words tore through him like a knife. What? In a split second he made a decision. Grabbing at her arms as she went to shove him again, he used her momentum to move her towards the narrow steps leading up to their flat. His mouth a thin line of forced patience, he did all he had to to move her up those steps. He would not break down in his landlady's hallway.

Once they were through the door, he pressed his back up against it, starring her down.

"What the bloody hell are you talking about, Holmes? You better start making some damn sense!" His voice was not quite on her level, but the bass in it carried well enough. He felt heat rising within him, anxiety and dread pooling in his stomach.

Tess had never been so furious in her life, if life had thrown her another forced engagement she would have taken it with more grace than she was taking this at the moment. She liked the fact he had stumbled because of her pushes, the fact she was the one physically stronger, was brand new and she relished in the power. That feeling of glory slowly dissipated as he grabbed her wrists and began to tug her up the stairs. She stumbled, her usually grace was in no way helping her in this situation. She was shaking, her hands reaching out to his face, despite the grip being firm. It wasn't going to be an easy task to pull her up; she would make sure of it by tugging away, and struggling, even throwing her weight down the stairs, preferring to tumble than have him keep touching her.

But it was no use, despite his lean demeanor, he was stronger than her when determined, she muttered curses and promises of hexes his way the closer she got to the top of the floor. As she was flung into the room, she hissed, as he slammed the door behind them.

"What, scared that people will judge you for your cowardice?!" She growled.

Tess' feet were firmly pressed on the floor, her body forward in her attempt to be intimidating as the letter was crumpled in her right as she glared daggers his way. At the corner of her eye, she noticed two figures on the couch, that in her tirade didn't even register. There was Rhian and Conner sitting comfortably and it was obvious they were interrupted. She had the decency to look embarrassed at the scene. Her cheeks turned red and turned to face Ben, still angry.

"What the bloody hell are you talking about, Holmes? You better start making some damn sense!"

Scoffing she threw the paper ball towards him with as much force as she could.

"I'm talking about how you're a psychopathic liar?! Manipulating me like a marionette doll, making me do all the things you wanted with false promises. But when things get real you show your true colors! I'm so sick of you, four years! I've waited four years for you and you know what? I'm over this." taking a deep breathe she tried to get her center, "I only came to get the closure I need before I move on and finally start searching for something better"

Conner had to admit that when Ben left, he felt the room release the tension. Maybe the third wheel theory was a bit more real than just the joke he once said aloud. Still, he leaned forward and held Rhian close, taking comfort in her closeness. It was as if now he realized how real this was; she was almost done and in a year they'd be living together, or at least be close to making that step.

All the cheery feels disappeared as he heard a commotion. Moving from his lax pose, he perked his head as Ben was seen struggling with someone at his mercy. When he realized it was the Holmes girl, an unhappy Holmes girl at that, well...so much for peace.

"What, scared that people will judge you for your cowardice?!"

Conner took that as Ben had done something wrong, his best mate had fucked up and bad, and it seemed that everyone would have to pay for it. He didn't know what to do really...he could admit that he was scared of the peep-squeaked girl. She seemed like the evil incarnate by just walking alone, and now she was seething...it was not a pretty scene.

"What the bloody hell are you talking about, Holmes? You better start making some damn sense!"

Poor bloke, he had no idea what he did. He was definitely relieved that he would never be in that position. Looked like it sucked.

"I'm talking about how you're a psychopathic liar?! Manipulating me like a marionette doll, making me do all the things you wanted with false promises. But when things get real you show your true colors! I'm so sick of you, four years! I've waited four years for you and you know what? I'm over this." taking a deep breathe she tried to get her center, "I only came to get the closure I need before I move on and finally start searching for something better"

Ah shit.

Breathing hard, from the exertion of trying to get Tess up the stairs, and from his own anger at the situation that he hadn't seen coming, Ben watched as the girl he loved turned into someone he didn't even recognize. It was as if she was a different person, and all of what he loved in her was gone. Worried, and more than a bit angry, he didn't give two shits about the other two sitting on the couch.

He watched her throw something at him. A paper, that fell at his feet after hitting him in the chest. Tess kept shouting, his mind filtering it as he bent to pick the paper up quickly. Obviously it was important. Opening the crumpled thing, his eyes scanned it quickly and his froze.

What? It seemed the only response to this whole day, apparently. Scanning a second, and then a third time, he felt his body go numb.

She had been one of the applicants...

As the realization hit him, along with her words, which all made sense now, he looked back up at her in despair. The letter was held lightly in his hands, as if he would break it so easily. "Tess..."

Idiot! There's no going back from this. Nothing to make it right. His mind started spiraling, the world he knew fraying at the edges. Looking into the dark pools of her eyes, so full of hatred, he was lost with what to do. All of his intellect, and he had no way to fix the one thing he could never control: his heart.