Because your eyes, they tell me more than your words ~ [Aline, Alice, Max]

Work had been busy, though less stressful than it had been months or even weeks ago. Zephir had really had to push himself for the last couple of hours. He was tired and all he wanted to do was go home, enjoy a drink of something alcoholic, and go to bed. He wondered if Aline would be home tonight. Maybe he’d have someone to drink with (or someone to go to bed with, he thought amusedly). The recently-twenty-two year old man stepped outside of the hospital and into the crisp spring air, exhaling softly as he drew his wand. He’d already changed out of his hospital gear, and was really looking forward to a little peace. Zephir gave the faint stars above a quick glance, as if looking for some guidance. Peace, he mused, was impossibly hard to find.

He only hesitated for a moment, but suddenly a thought occurred to him. Of course Aline would be home. How could he forget? She’d only mentioned it a hundred times in the past couple of days. Apparently her brother was bringing his girlfriend over for dinner to meet her or something. No girl he’d dated had ever met his mother or sisters and Zephir didn’t really understand why they weren’t eating out, even if Aline did enjoy cooking. He sighed, though the ghost of an amused smile played across his lips as he figured that there would be no going to bed with Aline tonight. He wondered if Maddox Stanton knew that his little sister was sleeping with her roommate. He’d reckoned that it wouldn’t be the kind of thing she’d tell her brother, though it would make things kind of awkward if he did know. Even if Aline was a big girl.

Zephir wondered vaguely what kind of girl Max would be bringing over. In school, Zephir had thought Max was a lot like him. Dating a lot, a bit of a flirt, but generally very ambitious. Zephir hadn’t seen him for years, so he really had no idea what was in store. He couldn’t judge what he was like now, but he wondered what the girl was like if he was bringing her home to his sister. With a sigh, Zephir checked his silver pocket watch. The repetitive ticking was a comfort, he had always liked knowing where he was time-wise. It was almost nine. The Slytherin Alumni doubted that they’d be gone yet, though he’d obviously missed dinner. Maybe they’d be having a drink. Maybe he could join in. Zephir half turned to his left, lifting his wand slightly and focussing clearly on where he wanted to go.

He apparated directly to his balcony, taking a moment to shake off the sense of uneasiness that came with apparation. An automatic smile appeared on his face as he heard voices inside, but quickly he discovered that he wasn’t alone on the balcony. The girls must have been in the kitchen, but there was Maddox, sitting at their balcony table. Zephir supposed that the others were getting drinks or taking in plates or something similar. “Maddox,” he said with a smile, stepping over to the man and offering his hand to shake, “I haven’t seen you since school!” he exclaimed. The glass door slid open and his attention was drawn back to the entrance of his house. He supposed it was a nice night, and it made sense that they’d be eating outside instead of in. He gave Aline a “Hey!” and a small wave in greeting as she came through the door, pulling someone along behind her.

Permission to place everyone!

Aline had run around all day, paying attention to the different pans and pots, each one filled with different ingredients. She hadn't seen Max in quite some time - they both seemed to always be occupied by their work - but last week they'd discovered that their schedules finally matched and so she had invited him over. The former Gryffindor had only told him that she had a new flat she was sharing with a former school mate but not that it was a guy and that the guy was Zephir King. If she remembered correctly, they had been friends at school but as far as she knew they hadn't seen each other since then. She knew that her big brother would have made a huge deal out of this but now that they were living together, he couldn't change it anyway. It was good that they knew each other, though. Zephir would come home later and maybe he'd join them. It would surely be a nice evening.

She had been surprised when Max had asked her if he could bring a girl but of course she'd said yes. It was exciting, really. Her brother was a womanizer - had always been one - and the fact that he wanted her to get to know his girlfriend was a big deal. Even though she didn't believe in love, Aline knew that some people did and she was happy for Maddox. He was her brother, after all. So when she heard someone at the balcony door, Aline quickly went to open it. What she hadn't expected was that she actually knew Max's girl. Alice. Alice Acelyn. Her friend Alice. Wow. Just wow. That was… interesting. She was more than just a little surprised and next to that she was also curious. Where exactly had they met? Well, she'd surely find out soon.

Trying to hide her surprise - and failing - Aline opted for a wide smile when she hugged her brother and after that, her friend. "Now don't blame me for saying it but that's a surprise." She laughed softly and shook her head. Max and Alice. Who would have thought… "Anyway. Come in. It's great to see you both. Dinner is almost ready." She still couldn't really believe it. Well, she'd get used to it eventually. At least she knew that they both had found someone who seemed to be good for them.

Dinner went well. They talked about lots of things and it seemed that they were all relieved that there weren't any awkward moments. They all knew each other and it was more like a meeting between friends than an official 'getting-to-know-your-brother's-girlfriend' thing. After they finished the mousse au chocolat, Aline suggested sitting down on the balcony - it was a really mild evening - and the others agreed. "I'll just bring the plates over to the kitchen. What do you guys want to drink? There's almost nothing we don't have." She winked, hoping her brother wouldn't take it the wrong way. Alice offered to help and Aline thanked her with a smile. Together they brought everything to the kitchen and after she had stored some of the remaining food for Zephir, they both went to join Max on the balcony.

They had glasses, a bottle of red wine and a smaller bottle of firewhiskey in their hands since Aline knew that her brother disliked wine. The former Gryffindor stepped outside, her friend close behind her, when she noticed that Max wasn't the only person on the balcony. "Hey," she replied to the fellow healer. "We left some food for you. It's in the kitchen if you want to heat it up. You could also join us if you want to." She put the bottles on the table, gesturing at Alice to place the glasses right next to it. "Max, I guess you want some firewhiskey? What about you, Alice? Some more wine?"

outfit

It had been a tough day at the office, lots of cases involving multiple muggles. It was more taxing that difficult, just making the man want to take it easy and relax. Thankfully he was getting his wish this evening, and even better than doing it by himself, Max was going to get to do it with his sister,and his girlfriend Alice. Getting to spend a relaxing evening with his two favorite people was something that Max hadn’t had the chance to do before tonight. In fact,Aline had yet to meet his girl, Alice. So it was a fun little get together as well, as kind of a big deal. Max wasn’t the type to bring girls home to meet his family, so the fact that he was taking the time and making the choice to introduce Alice to Aline, was a rather new experience for him. Pulling on his Jacket and grabbing his bag, Max apparated first to St.Mungo’s where he had told Alice he would pick her up, and once they had met up the pair apparated to Aline’s place.

Landing on the her balcony, Max was surprised to see that Aline was already half way to the door, ready to invite them inside, but was glad that she had heard them, rather than left them waiting on her balcony. Embracing his sister in a tight hug, Max couldn’t help but smile, they didn’t get to see each other enough these days, though that was usually due to work and other demands of every day life. What was most important he supposed was the fact that they still managed to at least find time to get together and catch up with each other or to simply spend time with one another, like they were now. Just as Max was preparing to introduce Alice to Aline, he was stopped short by Aline hugging Alice, like they already knew one another. From the looks of things they did know one another, this left Maddox looking rather surprised, gaping actually “Wait a minute, you’re surprised at who my girlfriend is...be-because you know her?” Grinning from ear to ear and laughing Max tried to wrap his head around the idea that his girlfriend and his sister knew each other.He was totally fine with it, but it was just such a surprise for him as much as it was for everyone else.

Before stepping inside with Alice, Max put his arm around her and gave her shoulder an affectionate squeeze. He’d been in a good mood when they had arrived, but with the news that his sister and his girlfriend were already introduced, it had put him in an even better mood. Taking off his jacket, and offering to do the same for Alice, Max kept talking to his sister, while she finished making their dinner “Dinner, that’s fantastic, I haven’t eaten all day.” Turning his attention back to Alice for a moment, he asked her,eyes bright and curious “Now, you’ll have to tell me, have you already had some of my sisters fantastic cooking?” He wouldn’t be surprised if she had, Aline liked having people over, and doing this sort of thing. The dinner and dessert were as good as they always were, and left Max full, with just enough room for a couple of after dinner drinks. Having gotten through dinner so smoothly was somewhat of a relief for Max. He’d never brought anyone home to meet any one of his family members, and had honestly not been sure how to go about it or what to do to help it go by smoothly. But he didn’t have to worry because with Alice and Aline already knowing each other, it was more relaxed and laid back then Max had originally thought it would be.     

Just as he had been about to offer to help Aline clean up the after dinner dishes, Alice had beat him to it. Laughing at his sisters joke, Max told her “Ah,well, lucky me then! But  I think you know what I liked best” He added his own wink back at the end before heading out to the balcony where he would wait for the two of them. His thoughts quickly went back to Alice. She was one of a kind, Maddox knew that, but at the same time she was also a new relationship and a new experience for him. In his younger years Max had been everything but a one girl one guy kind of guy, but as he’d gotten older, he realized the value of a real one on one relationship, but never had been able to  find someone he really wanted to pursue something like that with. Until he had met Alice, that was- Alice was everything that he wasn’t and actually somewhat like his friend Liv, which was what had caught his attention in the first place. So naive, so sweet and happy, she was good for him,and they hadn’t been together very long at all. Needless to say, he was smitten with her, she was special. The wizard wasn’t sure what all of that meant, but knew that they were good things in concern to his and Alice’s relationship. 

While Max sat, letting all these different thoughts and ideas flood his head, he had yet another surprise. He’d been sitting alone one minuet,waiting for his two favorite girls when all of a sudden a familiar face appeared with a soft ‘pop’. Turning around, Max found himself face to face with none other than Zephir King. Returning the mans smile, and accepting his handshake with a firm one of his own, Max found himself chuckling “Zephir King! It has been a long time, hasn’t it? How have you been? Are you dropping by for a visit, or do you live here too?” He wouldn’t be too surprised if the latter was the case, in a strictly platonic sense, being that both Zephir and Aline worked together. Their greeting was cut shirt by the return of the girls, and as he listened, Max figured out that Zephir was indeed Alines roommate, whom she had mentioned having, just not by name.Standing quickly, Max pulled out a chair for Alice, and pushed her in once she was seated, grinning at her softly. Then he went about answering his sisters question “Firewhiskey would be great,Allie. You really do know me well.” It was shaping up to be a really entertaining and enjoyable evening as far as Max could tell, and it was a welcome change from the late nights doing paperwork or other things.

If there was one thing the healer-in-training was, it had to be busy. Maddie's wedding was this month, if she wasn't at school, working, or doing odd jobs and favors, she was in France. The girl hadn't figured everything out, some things conflicted with others. It was a busy month after all, and there couldn't be a more horrible time to add on top of her schedule. But nonetheless the calendar on her wall had a nice big star on today's date, to mark the fact she couldn't do anything extra. Nope, because it had been planned for a little while, and Alice was an individual who couldn't say no.

Frazzled for the moment she had to at least check one thing off her list of things to do before Max arrived. She sent Maddie a quick response letter in the waiting area of St. Mungo's saying she'd be over on the weekend, and that no, Maddie didn't gain any weight and she was only freaking out because the zipper was probably stuck on a thread and to check that before jumping to conclusions. By the time the letter was on its way, Max had arrived and soon enough she was in an unfamiliar location. Though Alice knew it was Aline's new apartment. Somewhere she hadn't really stepped into, which she guessed was a combination of her schedule and Aline's barely ever matching up anymore.

Had she explained to him that she knew his sister? Why didn't she? It would of saved the strange awkward almost said introduction, hugging her friend in return. Surprise! She's her brother's girlfriend! Before this she didn't really realize how bizarre that could be or even sounded. The thought didn't pop into her head. "Of course we know each other," she said softly with a smile. Looking up at Max, she continued a little as she took off her coat, "she's my friend. I should of told you that." But he was so enthusiastic, it would of been really wrong to ruin it. That was why she didn't tell him. Alice had Aline's cooking before, back in the day when she was still rooming with Kate, or Katie - something along the lines of that. She found herself in a new location, glancing around every once in a while to look at everything around her. It was a nice place, and Alice kind of knew Aline moved in with a new roommate. She didn't really ask who when they crossed paths.

Dinner went nicely, not as awkward as she thought it would be. After all she knew Aline, they were friends, so it really wasn't all too difficult at all to talk and have conversations that weren't all towards getting to know the other. "That was a really nice dinner, thank you for cooking," she smiled, shifting the dessert plate in front of her. It really was nice, and so was the dessert. Her sweet tooth pretty much thanked her. In return, Alice was quick to jump on helping Aline with the plates, heading to the kitchen with a small bounce to her step. Everything was going wonderfully to the healer-in-training. Helping to carry the glasses back to the balcony, she made a small pause the moment she heard a familiar 'hey'. No way. With a swallow she made her appearance on the balcony. Yup, that would be Zephir.

What was he doing here? She blinked silently up at him with wide wondering eyes before cracking a smile for Aline, moving toward the table quickly, "wine would be lovely," she placed the glasses down, picking up her own after it was poured. A little appreciative bounce escaped as Max pulled out her chair, sitting down to feel it pushed back in. She smiled with a small wiggle and a quiet thank you to him. Taking a sip of her wine she glanced over to Zephir. Though it took up till that moment to solve the question, that he was Aline's roommate, it only added more questions on top of that. And a bit of panic. But that was entirely internal, her stomach feeling her distress that wasn't present on her face. Was that why she'd see Aline around him more often? Were they together? Why? How? The fact he was even here, made the girl a little uneasy with the fact their last meeting went so awkwardly weird.

She wasn't the greatest multitasker when in thought, lowering her glass quickly without really watching where it was going. Though the moment she felt the bottom of the glass miss the table top, the side of it hit with a pop - it cracked and shattered. Though the whole clumsy mishap took a bit to register she looked down to find her hand appearing red. Wine? That wasn't wine. She inhaled to hold her breath, biting her lip in the process. Calm, calm, stay calm. Merlin bloody buttons, pain was her worst enemy. She'd kick herself for being so clumsy. Might as well give her a plastic cup with a lid on it after this. "Towels," was the first thing to pop out of her clenched jaw, taking another breath to hold. She wanted to play tough cookie even if her tense posture wasn't saying so, "definitely towels." Or magic. Towels seemed easier to mutter, an easy word to distract herself from her own situation.


outfit


{{<< ........ }}

Maddox stood and shook his hand firmly. In all ways, Zephir saw his high school friend as an equal. Max was intelligent and ambitious and the man knew exactly what he wanted. “Aline didn’t tell you that we live together?” he asked, raising his eyebrows a little as he confirmed his earlier thoughts. Max definitely didn’t know they were sleeping together then. Awkward. Zephir smiled at his roommate as she came out to greet him. Aline had saved him some food. Instantly, Zephir felt a little surge of appreciation for the little brunette. Really, she was the perfect woman. Clever, beautiful, interested in a lot of the same things he was… the relationship was mutually beneficial in a lot of ways. Best of all, he was completely clear with where he stood when it came to their ‘relationship’ and so was she… and it was perfectly fine. They were allowed to do what they were doing as long as they were clear, he thought, and at the moment things couldn’t be clearer between them. It was perfect. “Thanks,” he said with a nod. He wasn't surprised at all that she was in heels and a sexy dress (that he did not allow his eyes to linger on) when she was only meeting with her brother and his girlfriend at her own house. It was very Aline.

Someone else bobbed through the door and Zephir felt everything come to a loud, grinding halt. The Slytherin alumni felt himself reject the situation for a moment, as if it couldn’t possibly be happening. He’d found himself feeling like this a lot over the past few months, and it was horribly unpleasant. It was just a bizarre mix of things laid out in front of him at the moment. Parts of his life that were meant to stay where they were, not mix together to form… whatever this was. Aline was his roommate, friend (with… benefits) and workmate. She fit into a nice box. Easy to categorise. Maddox Stanton was a man who he hadn’t seen since he’d been seventeen and in high school… someone who reminded him of himself, and an old friend. But Alice? Alice didn’t fit here. It was all just wrong. He only allowed himself to be surprised for a bare second as their eyes met, however. The smile was back in an instant. Observe, shift, adjust.

“Alice,” he said quietly, but not in a way that would imply he was saying anything that no one else was supposed to hear. “So…” his eyes flicked back to Max, his smile not faltering at all. “How long have you two been together for?” The man realised that Aline obviously didn’t know that they knew each other. He turned back to his roommate casually, adding, “Alice and I were friends in school. Kind of.” As he spoke, the healer glanced back to the younger girl, whom he realised hadn’t actually said hello to him at all. Wow. Zephir didn’t understand at all. Was it just because she’d kissed him, or because of the reason he’d been in that room that day? He decided on the latter. The kiss wouldn’t have been the main problem, especially considering that she’d avoided him all of this time. It wouldn’t… unless…  his eyebrows raised slightly, though his delivery was flawless “And I helped her with some stuff before exams and things last year.”

Zephir realised with a jarring jolt that perhaps the reason she’d been avoiding him so determinedly was because of Max. His gaze slid back to his old school friend and housemate, as he realised exactly what was going on here. His emotional response was a mixed one, and completely illogical. But he didn’t have time to think it through, because his attention was drawn back to Alice with a snap as she apparently smashed one of their wine glassed on the floor. The world was in motion, he reminded himself. It hadn’t stopped to give him time to think. He didn’t have time to dissect everything just yet. Zephir reacted quickly, as per usual. Alice had obviously cut herself on some of the glass, and Zephir felt instantly protective.

“Are you okay?” he asked straight away, stepping over to have a better look. The glass was in pieces all over the floor, but Zephir was ignoring her mutterings about towels. He glanced at Aline for a moment. “The kit is still in the linen cupboard, isn’t it? Or is it in the bathroom?” He turned back to Alice, “Come on, lets put some salve on that. Lucky we have three healers in the house,” the last part was directed at Max and Aline, with a smile. He was joking with them. Max Stanton was her boyfriend? Really? Maddox Stanton? He’d been no better than Zephir in terms of dating when they’d been in school. Actually, the healer had a lot in common with his old housemate. He hated it, he realised with a soft shock. He didn’t trust Maddox, and he certainly didn’t trust him with Alice. It was horribly unsettling, but Zephir knew he would stay as far away from them as possible. It had nothing to do with him. Alice was an idiot for going for that type. She obviously had something for dark, ambitious men like him. But it had nothing to do with Zephir as long as she stayed quiet.

Maybe Max has changed, he thought doubtfully. It was possible. But Zephir was more inclined to think that all men were jerks, and that Alice was way too gullible for her own good. He hadn’t really seen anything to prove otherwise as of yet. There was nothing to do about it though, and he knew it. If he never saw her again, Zephir was sure his life would be less complicated. He wanted it to be like that. Alice was a strange, complicated person that he was bizarrely emotionally attached to. Why he’d felt betrayed when he’d realised what was going on here, he had no idea. It wasn’t a lover’s thing. He wasn’t jealous of Max in that sense, and he didn’t want to be with Alice. But he did have a strange emotional attachment to the girl that had him feeling as if he had some kind of claim on her, which was ridiculous. He didn’t think of her as someone he wanted to bed, or even date, but she didn’t feel like a sister or even a friend either. It was an unfathomable emotional irregularity. A mistake.  It was complicated and had him feeling protective, though his pragmatic side said that avoidance was the best way out.

Pragmatism always won.

Zephir led the girl into the bathroom silently, masking the vulnerability that came with this kind of confusion with a pleasant smile. He was acting way he should be acting. He had no idea what she was thinking or feeling. It was probably horribly unsettling to be in the same place as your boyfriend and another guy that… well, that you'd kissed. And had also impacted your life. If negatively. Zephir still regretted all of it. The beginning, when he’d been at his worst in terms of outward struggling, before he’d found ways to cope… he never should have gone near her. She’d asked him to come to the ice-creamery, but he never should have gone. He’d had his doubts at the time, and in retrospect, those doubts should have guided his decision making. It was just a whole lot of regret. Useless, pointless emotion, but not one easily combatted. “Boyfriend, huh?” he said eventually, breaking the silence as he collected a container from the high bathroom cupboard with ease. For a moment, he paused, staring at the shelf in front of him. Zephir exhaled slowly, allowing himself just a second before shutting the cupboard door and finally turning back to the girl. He wasn't sure if Max and Aline had followed them in here or not. Zephir wasn't paying attention. 

He wanted to ask about Max and what the hell she’d been thinking. Accuse her.  Bring up the kiss he’d felt so much guilt over for these past few months and relieve some of that guilt by turning it back on her. But he wouldn’t. If anything, Zephir was a pragmatic man, and hurting her like that simply didn’t serve a purpose. All of the possible negatives outweighed the positives by miles. He didn’t want to see her cry ever again, and if never seeing her again was the way to achieve that then it worked for him. If avoiding her forever equaled less complications, then it worked for him. The man took her hand gently and ran it under some water. “It might sting,” he told her, “but it doesn’t look like there are any glass shards in there, so it’s a pretty easy heal.” He was reminded instantly of Tabitha, and couldn’t help but compare the two girls. Both of them were loose cannons. Loose ends. Uncontrollable variables… But he felt protective of them both. In terms of practicality, saw the benefits of neither of them ever interacting with him. In terms of emotions, didn’t want to lose either of them. Neither of them fit in his life, or were easy to categorise. It was impossible. “How are things with Max?” he asked casually, avoiding her eyes. After unscrewing the lid on the white container he took a little of the pearly gel and wiped it gently across the cut. “And your studies?” he continued. Soon she’d be going into her second year at Dilys’.

Okaaayy so let me know if anything needs to be changed. Permission for the great deal of moving people around and so on. I figure Alice and Zeph can go back in his next post, or the other two could come in or just stay on the balcony and clean up/chat for a sec. Hope it’s all good <333

Alice wasn't paying attention, no. The fact that Zephir asked Max how long they were together for didn't disturb her train of thought. She knew in some way that he'd ask that question. She already knew the answer. It was the reason she skipped a week of school before Maddie pounded down her door literally and kicked her sad depressing self to do something productive. Her best friend didn't know the story or the lie. She had to keep it all a secret, everything was just connected and there was no way not to tell something and leave out the other. Alice couldn't and wouldn't crack, not even with Maddie's interrogation system, or maybe even the Carrow's. But Max? He didn't know he was the unravel of her secret, the fact that she was silly and stupid. This was unexpected, the fact the healer was here shifted everything over a line of what felt right and what felt wrong. She had to put on a front, and while she'd grown used to doing it since the war, the whole thing was exhausting. Playing pretend.

She kept a small content smile on her face right up until the moment she broke the glass. Even through the fact that Zephir said she was a friend in school, kind of. That hurt a little, because if her memory served her correct she called him a friend ever since she met him. Not a 'kind of' friend. She didn't question it during all that time. Alice was just a kind of friend back then. That put things into a minor perspective now didn't it? What was she now then? A kind of nothing, she thought. Her focus continued to shift between the current situation and everything that was wrong with it. Was she okay? Did it look like she was okay? No, she wasn't. Alice shook her head in response, staying still as she tried not to become a cry baby about her cut or the situation. Hurt was a nice word in all forms of it. Uncomfortable, too. She nodded as he turned back to her, and quickly got up to follow him to the bathroom. She didn't understand the joke, but then again her mind was elsewhere.

She could deal with Aline knowing that she was her brother's girlfriend. She still found that a weird phrase to think. But she couldn't really deal with Zephir knowing anything. She wanted him in a little box of boundaries, just for the time being. Just while she figured everything out. She didn't want him to move in any sort of direction, keep him in limbo in the corner. He was stepping on a boundary she delicately decided, and the girl was a little at a loss of what to do. There was no consequences for crossing over, she just hoped he'd just stay there. Boyfriend? "Yes," she mumbled quietly, a small smile appeared for a moment before fading back to a frown. Her gut told her she was inviting trouble. Maybe she was. There really wasn't anything to it. She had a boyfriend. That she was happy about, but this situation involving so many hidden stories was not making her happy in the least.

The water wasn't really comforting, and maybe she was just being a baby about it. She had a very small worried constant pull away from his hands. Alice had to remain stiff, she almost wanted to twist her ankle to distribute the pain signals, or kick something at least. It wasn't that terrible of a cut, she could heal it herself if it was on her other hand. Or at least numb it and bandage it. She thought that was a trick question for a moment. Or something with some sort of... thing behind it. She had to be overreacting, or maybe it sounded weirdly like something her father would ask at a silent dinner table when she'd visit. Small talk. "Fine," she said quickly. Things with Max were fine. That's all he really needed to know in her opinion. "We're going on a picnic next week hOOO-" she jerked her hand away, "OOW!" He warned her it'd sting, she couldn't get upset at him over that. But she was upset with the pain, not him, at least not at the moment... he hadn't done anything but truthfully pop in. "Hopefully," she finished her sentence with a small unhappy snap. Hopefully because it depended upon their schedules. Or maybe lunch. Some sort of thing regardless.

She blinked for a moment having to remember his last question. "I'm doing okay at school," though the only thing still on her mind was the stinging sensation. "Transfiguration things still kick my butt..." she was trying to relax and calm down a little, letting out a small chuckle. "Maddie's wedding is taking a lot of my time, traveling to France too many times to count. Might want to bandage it-" she trailed off for a second with a small breath with a small shrug, "slow healer.... genetics mumbo-jumbo." What might be 'easy' to heal, was a tiny exaggeration for Alice's case. Luckily magic was magic, the girl believed it was better than how much longer it took for muggles to heal. 

"Thank you," she smiled her usual cheery smile.

Max had been rather caught up in all the goings on, what with the drinks being delivered and trying to catch up with Zephir, and answering his questions. But this was all undone rather quickly when there was a loud shattering noise behind him. The Obliviators first reaction was to draw his wand, out of sheer instinct, and his second was to notice that there was blood. Alice was bleeding. That wasn’t one of the man’s favorite things to see, not in the least, especially when things had been going so well. Luckily, the man wasn’t the only one to react, and his friends were mediwizards,so he knew Alice was in good hands, despite feeling bad about the fact that she’d hurt herself. Despite that he found the words tumbling from his mouth, even though Zephir had already beat him to it “Alice! Are you okay, love?” He knew everything would be fine, but it was a knee jerk reaction to ask the typical questions.

Laughing lightly at Zephir’s attempt to lighten the situation, Max moved out of the way to let the pair through, but kept a concerned eye on Alice, till he couldn’t see them anymore. He was tense, and it was over a stupid little cut that would be fixed in a matter of minuets, especially if it was Zephir fixing her up, Alice could have even probably healed it herself. He needed something to keep himself moving, to get him past this silly little incident. Moving over to where the broken glass shards the man muttered a quick spell to clean up the broken glass, deciding to let it fix itself as well. After all was said and done, Max inspected his handiwork, and when he was satisfied, he set the repaired glass back on the table. Feeling much better for having done something at least, to help, the ex Slytherin turned his attentions back to his sister “Hopefully my repairs keep for awhile longer, I wouldn’t want to be responsible for any other injuries” He finished with a laugh. The whole evening had been so nice, accident included. He’d gotten to see his sister, spend time with Alice, and now he’d get to catch up with Zephir, it didn’t seem like the night could get much worse at all, and this was something the man was thankful for.

This contentment and talking to his sister, was disrupted by hearing Alice yelp. He didn’t rush or panic, but the man didn’t waste time walking back to the bathroom just to see what all the commotion was about. Popping his head in for a moment, not wanting to crowd the bathroom, Max looked at Alice and chuckled a little “It’s okay, I always yelp when I hurt myself too” It was silly, and stupid, but he was trying to be a little silly for her sake, make her feel less embarrassed than she was already feeling about the whole thing. When all the bandages were in place, and all was cleaned up, Max took Alice by the hand, and led her back through the apartment and back out onto the balcony.

Smiling at her softly, he waited till she was back outside to point to the fixed glass laughing a little as he spoke “See? Crisis avoided. All’s well that ends well.” Pulling the woman to him, Maddox kissed her on the forehead gently, before taking her hand in his and turning back to the group on the balcony. Nodding in Zephir’s direction the man asked his first question of the night “So, how are you liking being a Mediwizard Zephir? And I suppose you work with Alice and Aline? Thank you for taking such good care of Alice,by the way.” It was a pretty generic question, but someone had to get the conversation flowing again. While he waited for Zephir to respond or for Aline to respond he grabbed his whiskey and shot Aline a playful wink. He was happy, very happy.   

Aline quickly filled the glasses, firewhiskey for Max, wine for her and Alice. Zephir would surely get his own glass if he wanted to join them. The brunette raised her eyebrows slightly at his explanation and nodded. So they knew each other as well, it wasn't really a surprise. It was nice, though. Zephir and Max were friends from school, she and Alice were friends, Max was her brother, she was Zephir's room mate (and more but no one needed to know that) and Alice and Zephir were friends as well. It felt like a closed circle. It was a little awkward, yes, especially since they hadn't known before how connected they were, but it also meant that it would surely be a nice evening. They could skip the whole introduction part. How convenient.

The former Gryffindor just wanted to raise her glass and to say a few nice words when she heard glass shattering. Her healer instincts kicked in immediately and she wanted to go and take a look at the younger girl but Zephir was faster. Aline wrinkled her forehead in concern while she looked at her friend but Zephir seemed in control. Well, no one would bleed out here. Not with three healers on the same spot. "It's fine, Alice. We'll take care of the glass and the wine, just let Zeph treat you. And yes, it's in the bathroom." The last words were clearly directed at the tall man and she signaled her room mate that she had everything under control and that he should just bring Alice to the bathroom where he would be able to take care of her. She and Max would clean the mess up.

The witch watched after them and as soon as they disappeared in the apartment she turned around again, her blue eyes focused on Max again. She could see that he was a little stressed but it was probably normal. Maddox Stanton and a real girlfriend. She still didn't really know what to think of that. He seemed to be really smitten with her and so she decided to just be happy for him. "Don't worry. She'll be fine. Zephir is the most experienced healer here, after all." She smiled softly, hoping that it would reassure her brother.

Max fixed the glass for her and Aline muttered a quick "Thanks." before she took her wand and removed the spilled liquid. There. It looked as if nothing had happened. Soon they'd be able to return to the normality of the evening. The young woman looked up at her brother and graced him with a warm smile. "I'm happy for you. Alice is lovely. You treat her well, okay?" Of course he would. Aline didn't doubt it for a second. Max had had many affairs but she was fairly sure he was a good boyfriend if he decided to enter a real relationship. She might be biased but he was her brother, no one could blame her for that.

When Alice yelped, Maddox went inside immediately and Aline just had to laugh a little. Zephir had probably just applied some salve onto the cut, it was not as if she'd faint any second. Alice was stronger than that, even though the girl always looked so fragile. She thought about following her brother back inside but decided against it. They'd probably soon come back anyway. It was definitely too nice outside to spend the night inside. And she was right.They soon came back and Aline leaned against the balcony, the wine glass in her right hand. She watched her brother kissing Alice on the forehead and couldn't resist the urge to roll her eyes. Merlin, this was cheesy. Quickly, the healer-in-training glanced at Zephir, wondering if he was thinking the same. She took another sip of her wine and shook her head slightly when Max winked at her. Apparently being in love made him a completely different man.

Zephir was silent as she answered his question about Max. They’d been together when she’d kissed him. She’d effectively cheated on her boyfriend with him. Zephir was a very rational man, and saw that the kiss was nothing in comparison to what was potentially a long-term relationship, but while he saw everything in black and white with ease, he knew that Alice was different. He was logical and she was not. She was an emotional creature, wasn’t she? Her morals were perhaps a little naïve, but definitely present. So why didn’t she look guilty? He studied her unashamedly now that they were alone, his dark gaze asking all of the questions that he wouldn’t ask out loud. The man tried to keep any accusation from his eyes, but he felt like he was trying to see into her. What was she feeling? What was she thinking? He wished he was a legilimens.

“I’m sorry,” he apologised automatically in a soft voice when she cried out. He nodded when she suggested that he wrap it up, and took another bandage out of the cupboard. It shouldn’t take too long to heal, but if it made her feel better, then he’d do it. She could probably wrap it up just as easily as he could, but he didn’t let go of her hand. She thanked him, and for a moment he was surprised by her smile. That bright, summery smile that set her apart from other girls. His eyebrows came together in a slight frown. He didn’t want to pry, or ask questions. It was against his nature to do so when it wasn’t beneficial for him to learn the answers. “Listen, Alice…” he began in a low voice. He wasn’t really sure where he was going to go from there, but Max appeared suddenly and Zephir felt himself internally retreat behind a wall of performance once again. It was too easy to slip back to being a polite acquaintance. Too easy to flick a switch and drop the intensity. He dropped her hand.

“All done,” he declared lightly, with a warm smile at the two of them. He watched with curiosity as Max took Alice’s other hand in his and lead her away. He watched the girl for a moment too long before following them out, but remained politely silent. Feelings and emotions fit so much better on the inside, anyway. If there was anything the past few months had reinforced for Zephir, it was the fact that emotional control was a necessity for any kind of success. He had to toughen up and wrap his head around the Tabitha thing, as well as whatever was happening here. It was an obstacle that could be overcome, not something that he was allowed to be emotionally attached to. Things were becoming clearer for the man. Even if he felt strangely jealous of this whole thing.

He couldn’t help but watch with feigned disinterest when Max kissed Alice. It was the strangest thing to observe, because inevitably, his mind threw horribly immature questions at him, like which of them Alice thought was a better kisser… Zephir didn’t want to be with her though. She’d only get in his way, and she deserved someone better for her than him. He’d never put a girl over any other part of his life, and he didn’t want Alice in that way anyway. The man looked away and noticed Aline making a face at him. He smirked in response. The young woman had no idea what was going through his head right now, but he got a weird kind of satisfaction from playing along and pretending to be dismissive and sceptical of their whole display of affection. A part of him wanted to walk over and do the same thing to Aline, in front of Max. Obviously the want was tiny, and not pragmatic at all for him, but he was amused at himself for thinking about it. "I might go to bed soon," he announced quietly, looking at only Max and Aline when he spoke, "Long day, you know." Had he said he was hungry before, or that he wanted a drink? Right now he was looking forward to a mild sleeping potion and the bliss of sleep. Tomorrow's Zephir King could deal with this.