013 [Filtered to Greg Lestrade]

[rule_britannia]

Do you have a minute?

[Understatement. He'll need more than a minute]

I need a word.

Comments

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[rule_britannia]

Don't be sorry for agreeing with me. You know I like it when people agree with me.

I'll see you there.

Filtered

[di_intraining]

Even when it's a bloody mess like you said?

Ta.

> Action

[rule_britannia]

[He doesn't reply, but heads down to the Quidditch field, idly pacing back and forth and occasionally stopping to tap his foot against the ground. When Greg appears, he shoots him a somewhat sheepish smile]

Perma-Action

[di_intraining]

[The look Greg shoots him back when he arrives isn't exactly hostile, but it's not very friendly either.]

You've got yourself in a downright mess, Arthur.

[rule_britannia]

[He shoves his hands into his pockets and frowns]

You might be exaggerating a little, there. It could be worse.

[di_intraining]

Well, look at it this way. If you're thinking that it might've been a mistake to just jump into the relationship, you're going to have to tell Alfred.

I don't fancy being in your shoes, at the very least.

[rule_britannia]

[Arthur gives a small shake of his head]

I'm not going to do that.. but I'll be having words with him. I've been in more difficult situations, I'll say that much.

[di_intraining]

Just make sure Jones doesn't go around telling every single person in the castle about it next. Word travels fast in Hogwarts.

[rule_britannia]

I think it's a bit late for that, don't you?

[Sigh..]

I know I should have told you, alright? If looks could kill, I swear to god..

[di_intraining]

When even the first years know about it? Probably.

[Greg glances elsewhere, stuffing his own hands into his pockets. When he speaks, his voice is a low mutter.]

At least you apologized to Victoria.

[rule_britannia]

[A flat, you-must-be-sodding-joking look is shot over to him at that question]

Of course I bloody did. I apologised to you as well, unless it slipped your notice.

[di_intraining]

[He's careful to keep his expression away from Arthur, because he's not even sure how to hide the irritation underneath.]

Well then, apology accepted.

[Only, not really, but for the sake of peace and friendship he's willing to pretend it is.]

[rule_britannia]

[He gives Greg a hard look, then presses his lips together and makes an irritated noise]

You know what, fine. You be that way. I admitted my mistake, apologised, and I meant it, but I'm not going to start grovelling around your feet for forgiveness. The ball's in your court now. You know where to find me when you want to stop acting like I just dropped your puppy off the top of the Astronomy tower.

[Arthur turns, and walks away, shoulders slightly hunched]

[di_intraining]

[He should just let Arthur go. Really, with his temper slowly starting to heat up again, he knows better than to start arguing when he's angry. Because that's when he says the stupidest things on earth.

But there's a sudden spike of...something in his heart, when he watches Arthur's retreating back. Too reminiscent of another friendship that had gone so wrong when everything had been so right. And it's what pushed the words out of his mouth before he could stop them.]

Well what am I supposed to do then!? I mean it when I say I accept your apology. I really do, or at least I'm trying even if I feel like an idiot!

[rule_britannia]

[Arthur stops, and taps his heel against the ground as if he's considering taking another step]

You might accept my apology, Greg, but I don't believe for one moment that you actually forgive me.

[He glances back over his shoulder, then turns, hands in his pockets, and shrugs]

Out of my own embarrassment and uncertainty over my situation I failed to inform you of one thing that happened in my life. I tell you everything else, did you know that?

[di_intraining]

[His mouth goes dry at that. He swallows; should he try lying about how he feels? But Arthur has already seen through him, so the truth is really the only way.]

I didn't know that. And I'm sorry. For what it's worth, I want to forgive you. Because you're my friend and I don't...don't want to be mad at you.

[rule_britannia]

[Sigh...

Arthur closes his eyes for a moment and forces his shoulders to relax. He pulls his hands from his pockets and walks back over to Greg, placing one on his shoulder]

You're a good friend. The best.

[di_intraining]

[Greg meets his eyes in return. There's sadness, unexplainable sadness within, but also relief, happiness and joy. As Arthur puts one hand on his shoulder, so does Greg return the movement from his side.]

I don't know about myself, but you're a great friend Arthur. I'm glad to have you as one.

[rule_britannia]

[Arthur grins, and it's relieved. He hadn't really wanted to walk away and leave it like that]

Are we good?

[di_intraining]

[Greg matches Arthur's grin with one of his own, perhaps with more relief.]

We're always good.

[rule_britannia]

[He lets out a soft exhale, pats Greg's shoulder, then drops his hand]

Good. I'm glad.

[di_intraining]

[He removes his hand too. While he wears a smile of relief on his face though, that small seed of doubt had already been planted inside him. Victoria had unknowingly planted it in the hurt that John had left behind, and this incident had only served to water it even further.]

Dining Hall? It's getting cold out here, and I'm itching for some dinner.

[rule_britannia]

Sounds great. It's early yet, I'll see if I can't get away with sitting with you.

[He flashes a quick smile and falls into step beside the other boy as they head back to the castle]

[di_intraining]

I think it's my turn to sit at Slytherin table though. Bets on how long it'll take before some of the regular nutters start getting on our case about how pure-bloods and mugbloods are supposed to be ripping at each other rather than the turkey?

Or do you reckon we could get Victoria to join us as well?

[rule_britannia]

It's a possibility.

[He makes a thoughtful sound]

If we do get the nutters on our case again, do you want to petrify them or shall I?