yellow oleander (rose)

[DAMIAN ANDREAS KARKAROFF]

Early March 2028

Time worked differently when involved with the Nightshades. Damian had realised this the more time he spent with Rose. It certainly wasn't a bad thing - this... whatever it was... with her had constantly had him intrigued, she tugged at his ego and desires like a puppet on a string. She would disappear for days, weeks, months at a time without a whisper, then show up back in his life like she had never left. Even so, Rose had slipped away with a carefully guarded excuse for two long months before returning, looking less tired and more energetic than she had when she left.

The Nightshade family was the sort of family Cas had steered the Karkaroffs from becoming. They dealt with secrets and mysteries, and could never really be connected to anything formally. Their fingers were in many pies, and all circumstances with the potential to marr their reputation were wiped away with a hefty donation. Cas had warned Damian away from these sorts of people - but Damian was never the sort to listen to his brother. Besides, Damian was convinced that Rose was different. And more than that, she was a useful resource.

Damian rarely pried, eager to keep seeing Rose and knowing just how important secrets were. He knew she had been poisoned months ago, and had seen her at her very worst. Their relationship had grown from there, a level of trust between them unlike anything seen from the Nightshades before. It wasn't just that Damian was attracted to Rose, though he undeniably was. She was his temptation, his undoing and his ultimate redemption.

It was with a twist of his gut that Damian was tasked with investigating a string of poisonings in ministry employees. The most recent of which had been from one of the translators from the Goblin Liaison office, who was in a coma in St Mungo's without any sort of hope of recovery. It was a nasty feeling to think that perhaps Rose might know more to this, but the poisoner was getting more daring, and no one had a clue what was connecting the victims. All had been dosed with enough to cause grievous harm to their nervous systems, but only two of the ten had been killed. Yet those who had died had been very low level - a custodian and an international relations intern. There was no connection. So why?

Damian had received word that Rose had returned from another jaunt somewhere far off. He didn't ask questions, because often he was afraid of what the answer would be. Had Rose killed? He did not know. He did not want to find out. He was unafraid of her, but Damian knew her capabilities as a witch far outstretched his own. Running his fingers through his hair, Damian knocked on Rose's door, eager to see her despite the true intentions of their meeting.

Rozalina Antonina Nightshade

[Rozalina Antonina Nightshade]

Early March 2028
DAMIAN ANDREAS KARKAROFF

Plans were set and in motions, all the pieces slowly falling into place. Rose had been working on her revenge against her father's mistress since the woman tried to poison her last summer. But now, now she had everything she needed. She was coming to the final act, everything in place and only needing to reach that final pivotal moment. She was just waiting for the perfect opportunity. Rose had just returned the London after traveling to Russia to lay the final pieces of her scheme. She was, undoubtably, tired, but also more awake then she'd felt in a long time. Since the events of last summer she'd had this constant nagging feeling at the back of her neck, as if something might jump at her at any moment if she ever lowered her guard. While paranoid was something Rose typically wouldn't use when describing herself, she knew that it without a doubt paranoia. That obsessive anxiety that if she didn't retaliate soon one of her relatives might think she was weak and make a second attempt. Today though that prickling at the back of her neck was... gone. Perhaps because she knew she was so close to her revenge.

Rose had only been home a sort while, reviewing many of the documents that had piled up during her absence. When there was a knock at the front door. She'd been in the sitting room just next to the front door, sitting in a plush arm chair with the stack of documents on the coffee table. Rose glanced up, momentarily wondering who it might be, before getting up. As she stood she set the documents down and raised her glass, downing the contents and setting the glass back on the table. She moved to the front door and opened it.

Ah, Damian Karkaroff. He'd been the only constant in her life in the last year. An intoxicating addiction that drove her mad and sane at the same time. She hated saying she trusted someone, but somehow Damian had gotten past all the icy walls she kept up between herself and others, digging his way under her skin and leaving her completely exposed to him. It was a horribly exciting feeling and one Rose desired. Despite her quite sporadic coming and going, sometimes with little to no warning, they seemed to always find each other, drawn to each other.

Seeing him on her doorstep made Rose smile slightly. It wasn't as genuine or wide as when someone else might smile, but for Rose? Well most people hadn't even seen Rose smile at all. It softened harsh and icy look in her eyes. Not quite completely softening her expression, but again, it was a look Rose didn't give just anyone. "Careful, Damian. If you show up on my doorstep this quickly someone might think you missed me," she teased, stepping aside so he could step inside and closing the door after he was in. She moved back to the sitting room and sat on the couch. Silently she conjured up a second glass. "Care to join me for a drink? I brought Samogon back from Russia," she asked, refilling her own glass. Rose was definitely someone that held her drink well, but considering how much she drank and her Russian heritage? Well, it was no surprise that even the strongest spirits couldn't really phase her.

[DAMIAN ANDREAS KARKAROFF]

As soon as Damian had gotten word that Rose had returned from her travels, he forced himself to wait a few days before turning up unceremoniously at her door. When he knocked, he was surprised that she was the one to answer, rather than her house elf. He hadn’t known how to interact with the little elf, especially considering the state Rose had been in last time. They’d shared numerous intimate moments before and since, but Damian still felt as though that moment when he promised not to leave her was especially poignant. His dark eyes roved over her fair features, drinking her in like a parched man. He offered a twisted smirk as she stepped aside to allow him entry with a sarcastic remark that Damian took for affection.

”Well, we wouldn’t want that,” he replied, arching a brow as he entered her dimly lit home, hanging his cloak on the hook. Rose had been something of an anomaly for Damian. He’d never been the sort to allow roots to grow anywhere, becoming bored more easily than a toddler. But her erratic nature and constant changes meant that Rose always kept Damian guessing. She disappeared from his life as easily as she slipped back in, and despite the little to no warning she gave, they always managed to find one another again. He didn’t know how to explain the relationship, except maybe as some sort of obsession. Sometimes, Damian thought he was the only string keeping Rose’s sanity.

Rose offered him a drink, which Damian obligingly accepted. ”I’d be delighted,” said Damian smoothly, taking the proffered glass and holding it up in salutation. He took a drink and grimaced. ”No wonder the Russians were able to stay warm in those frozen winters,” he commented. The moonshine was strong and fiery, burning its way down Damian’s throat. ”Tell me of your travels, Rose. Did you fool around and fall in love, or was it just a jaunt home?” asked Damian, the slight upturn to his lips mirroring the expression in Rose’s. The intensity that was always lingering between them crested, but Damian was a master of restraint. He’d learned from his brother, even if he never acted very restrained with Cas. But with Rose, Damian knew he had to play his cards right. Or else he’d turn into her prey - and not in a good way. ”Britain has been terribly boring without you. I haven’t been threatened with a knife to the throat in a whole month,” he added dryly, taking another sip of the moonshine.

Rozalina Antonina Nightshade

[Rozalina Antonina Nightshade]

Early March 2028
DAMIAN ANDREAS KARKAROFF

Rose wouldn't deny that she greatly enjoyed Damian's discomfort from the alcohol. She was a Nightshade, afterall. She was fully aware of her sadistic tendencies. So, of course, she didn't bother hiding the wide Cheshire Cat grin that spread across her lips as he grimaced. "First time trying it?" she asked as she refilled her own glass. She was used to quite strong alcohol. Plus, there was a masochistic part of her that enjoyed the burn. Sometimes it was the only sensation she felt.

As he asked of her travels she raised an eyebrow, before snorting a short chuckle. She rested her chin in her hands, leaning towards him slightly. "Why? Would you be jealous?" She smirked, before leaning back, picking up her glass and taking a sip. "I had family business to take care of," she explained. An answer that Damian had heard a great many times the past few months, always the reason to her disappearances... She took another loner sip form her glass. "It'll finally be over soon," she added after, a dark look in her eyes. She didn't say what that meant, but he could probably guess.

"You make it sound like I always threaten you," she teased, though you could say she'd at least figuratively held a knife to his throat before. She was a hunter, after all. She'd definitely threatened him, though she was positive he'd enjoyed it to a degree. Her dangerous nature attracted Damian, she wasn't blind. She glanced down at the reports on the coffee table, news of what she'd missed during her absence. "I'm sure something interesting is happening to keep your interest though. Some story you're chasing," she added with a smirk. They were in similar lines of work. "So why don't you tell me what dark secrets I missed during my absence."

[DAMIAN ANDREAS KARKAROFF]

As Damian sipped the moonshine, the more easily it slid down his throat. There was an air of amusement about Rose, who watched him with hawkish eyes. "Who else am I buying illicit substances from? No, that's more Cas' bag. And not even for fun reasons. The man is like a niffler, always collecting the shiniest treasure." He took another sip of moonshine and managed not to make a face, then grinned triumphantly at Rose. Damian tilted his head at Rose's prodding. "Me? Absolutely. It's not a good look on me, Rose," said Damian, his gaze travelling down the column of her neck, across her shoulders, then back up to meet hers.

Family business sounded like something Damian should know nothing about. "A few tidy little poisonings, a planted love letter, all wrapped up in a bow?" he quipped. Damian languished on the chair across from Rose, and though his posture was relaxed, every nerve in his body was firing. He toed the line, often stepping over and chancing being taken by gravity. Damian knew of the rumours circulating Rose's family, but their continued meetings and conversations told him that there was something different about her. Her dark look and curt response was telling, and Damian knew that he teased at a juicy response. "Well, I for one am glad you've returned in one piece. Or shall I check you're in one piece?" He smirked, taking another sip.

Rose asked what she'd missed, and Damian shrugged. "Not much. A few deaths within the ministry, though nothing terribly important. At least to the larger wizarding world, though I daresay their families were devastated," said Damian, his lips twisting into a frown. "I did some digging, but I can't find any connection between them," said Damian, uncharacteristically thoughtful. "An intern in the Beasts division and someone from the Floo Network..." Damian looked up, and his expression melted into something much more relaxed. "But that's not very interesting. So, there's nothing to make me jealous of, Rose?" asked Damian, her name rolling off his tongue like velvet.

Rozalina Antonina Nightshade

[Rozalina Antonina Nightshade]

Early March 2028
DAMIAN ANDREAS KARKAROFF

Rose raised an eyebrow and the smirk on her lips turned amused. When had she become so entangled with the Karkaroffs? And since when had it become so enjoyable to torment them about each other? "I can't say if his latest acquisitions were for "fun", but he certainly had some during the process." Or at least, she had. If only because she'd sold him some truly reputation ruining information. It shouldn't be a surprise to Damian that Rose might do business with his older brother but she'd never mentioned it aloud to him before now.

That wide grin was back at his next comment, and she couldn't help tilting her head to match his. "I'd like to see you jealous," she stated bluntly. There was a hint of teasing in her voice, but the seriousness of her tone might make any other person pause. Rose enjoyed prying out new reactions from Damian. How might he act when jealous? She felt her insatiable curiosity begin to rouse.

Rose didn't give Damian too many details on her family life, but anyone familiar with the Nightshades could at least guess some of the family's atrocities, especially towards each other. Unlike most purebloods where bloodline was most important all that mattered to the Nightshades was survival of the fittest. She didn't respond immediately, though her expression was one he'd be familiar with, a masking smile that said there was much more beneath it. "A cute idea," she answered, pausing only for a moment. "I'm sure it'll even reach your ears once It's done," she added. Damian knew who Rose was. She may not be "as bad" as her family, but she was still a Nightshade. She wouldn't pretend to be kind and gentle. Most people would run when they found out exactly what sort of person Rose was. But Damian stayed, like a moth to the flame. It was... comforting to a degree, though Rose would never say it aloud. His next teasing remark took her off guard and she let out a soft laugh, her expression relaxing. "For my sake, or your own? Have you been feeling lonely without me?" She couldn't help but tease back.

Ah, unexplained deaths? To anyone else, Rose's expression wouldn't really mean much. But Damian' might notice that hint of realization in her eyes. She didn't respond immediately though, instead she took a long and slow drink from her glass, emptying the rest of it's contents. She set the glass down on the coffee table before folding her arms on the arm of the couch, her head laying casually on her folded arms. Her gaze was trained on him, that silence lasting several more moments before she finally spoke. "Are you sure there's no connection?" was her painfully slow response. It wasn't a simple question. It was almost... a taunt. She didn't move from her relaxed, lounging position. While he was just starting to dip his toes into the moonshine she was several drinks in. Despite her high tolerance, even she would feel something after consuming this much. Not enough to be drunk, but enough to feel relaxed and comfortable. "Do you want me to make you feel jealous?"

[DAMIAN ANDREAS KARKAROFF]

It came as no surprise to Damian that Rose had traded with her brother. She was from a family of notoriously dark wizards, just as he was. Except Rose was the only one like Damian and his siblings - less dark, more... morally grey. Cas liked to collect like a niffler, to learn and to understand and to break apart riddles and put them back together again. Rose likely had a whole host of dark objects that she'd be willing to part with - and he only knew this because as he looked around the sitting room, several trinkets pulsed with a dark sort of energy. Damian frowned, before turning his eyes back to Rose.

Arching a brow, Damian took a sip of the moonshine to buy him time before responding. When Rose had unceremoniously left him without a word, he'd tortured himself with visions of her meeting other people, using her sensuality and alluring nature to entrap men and women alike. It did not feel nice, nor did Damian like how weak it made him. Rose teased him now, but Damian said nothing for a long while. Finally, he made a light-hearted joke about her family business - a few poisonings here and there, and everything wrapped up neatly. Poison was a women's weapon, secretive, difficult to trace, and in some cases even merciful. But Damian suspected that Rose would use poisons that would torment her victims. If she used it at all.

Another sip of moonshine, and he expanded on the research he'd been doing in the ministry to understand the seemingly unconnected deaths. Rose looked at him with that placid smile, the one he knew she wore to hide her secrets. Damian narrowed his eyes slightly. "And you're sure you don't want to tell me what you know?" asked Damian. "There's no connection that I've been able to find over the past few weeks of investigating. It doesn't help that the ministry are throwing about their weight with honestly pitiful legislation. But these people seem to have nothing to do with it," said Damian with a sigh. But he was thoroughly distracted by Rose's proposition. "That would then assume I have someone to feel jealous of..." said Damian slowly, his dark eyes trained on hers. "Have you been holding out on me?"

Rozalina Antonina Nightshade

[Rozalina Antonina Nightshade]

Early March 2028
DAMIAN ANDREAS KARKAROFF

Rose wondered if she should leave him hanging, tease him about the information that he was missing from his investigation. She didn't know everything, of course, but her... more illegal connections gave her previous knowledge of the situation. While Damian seemed to be trying to stay on the legal side of things, it blinded him from that missing piece. Ah, the bureaucratic bullshit of politics. A game Rose preferred to stay out of, though often found herself.

Though it did make today's conversation more fun. Two investigators, both with different means of investigation and tools, both with differing pieces of information. Without a doubt he knew quite a bit about the situation she didn't simply due to his ministry connections. They also had quite different approaches to investigations. Perhaps combining what they knew would fill in the gaps they both had... An intriguing thought.

Rose didn't sit up, looking quite comfortable as her chin rested on her arms. Hell, even the look in her eyes was considerably softer than he was used to. Most definitely the moonshine was the source of her loose lips tonight. "I didn't say I wouldn't tell you," she teased softly, a smile etching the corners of her lips. "I'm not typically in the business of giving away free information. But for you..." she trailed off, a silent hint in the unfinished sentence.

She truly was curious what a jealous Damian was like. Just like a cat playing with it's prey to see how it might act. In the same breath though, there was an uncomfortable prick in her heart. The feeling was unfamiliar. Her gaze, meeting his own, seemed more drunk off him than the moonshine in this moment. "It's a joke," she answered with a teasing smile. "I've no desire for anyone else," she added, the words rolling off her tongue so casually despite the weight of them. They'd never discussed what this was between them, but the intense attraction to one another was explanation enough.

After letting those words hang in the air for a moment she sat up and reached for the bottle. Rose filled her glass silently before taking a slow sip. Perhaps she had taken her teasing too far, and it might be best to change the topic back to the original point. "Are you familiar with fencing, Damian?" she asked, her question seemingly out of no where. "There's a particular maneuver that, when successful, will always lead to victory. A feint," she continued and her question became clearer. Feint, the act to mislead or distract your opponent so they wouldn't see what you're truly doing. "Do you know what happened in Slovakia around the time of these deaths?" She asked. While not a country you'd expect much news from in the UK, something big would have become headlines. That is, unless there was just as big of local news...

[DAMIAN ANDREAS KARKAROFF]

A smirk spread across Damian's lips, a playful glint coming to life in his eyes. "I'm sure I can make telling me worth your while," said Damian, glancing from Rose's deep brown eyes to her full lips. Merlin, it was hard to rein himself in around her. But then again, Damian knew exactly how dangerous the Nightshade family were. Rose was as far removed from them as one could possibly be, but that didn't change the fact that she had grown up in a sinister world.

The thought of Rose with someone else set fire to his bones, though Damian knew he could lay no claim to her. He took a deep drink of his moonshine, swallowed down a cough, and averted his gaze. But he was quickly put out of his misery when Rose confirmed that it was only a joke - and that she didn't desire anyone else. Damian quirked a brow - "Well, maybe in another life, I'd get to watch..." he said, a feline smile slipping across his mouth. They had never discussed what had blossomed between them, but Damian knew from the churning in his gut that he wanted to mark Rose as his equal. But something like that would be impossible - the Karkaroffs and the Nightshades. It was an impossible match.

Damian was thrown by Rose's next line of questioning, and narrowed his eyes slightly. "I'm not familiar with the sport, but I am familiar with a feint. Quidditch manoeuvres as well, you see - though I've never been much of a sportsman myself. I prefer to watch..." Damian trailed off, smirking at the double meaning of his admission. Damian ran his fingers through his hair, his cheeks heating. "Admittedly, no. I haven't been able to keep up with reports on the continent since this all came up," said Damian with a frown. "I suppose you'll inform me... for a price?"

Rozalina Antonina Nightshade