Friends and Enemies [Vas & Rhys]

[Deleted]

March 2026

Most days, Dis spent working at Mystery Ink, but apparently, he needed to take days off. Luckily, Vas needed a little help with her bike. He had heading to her pub on his motorcycle, he drove up to where her bike was. Popping in for a moment to let her know he was there, Dis settled down and got to work. He knew the mechanics inside and out, and acted without questioning his own actions. Taking most of the morning, but in time he had finished, the boke was nice and ready for working, he even adjusted some of the enchantments on it, making sure that it would continue without any issues.

With that, Dis entered the pub, walking up to her, a bit greasy from the work "Done, shouldn't give you any more issues. But call me if it does." He gave her a smile. He liked working on machines, and he was good at it.

vasilia abigail fortescue
rhys alexander greyback

[vasilia abigail fortescue]

March 2026
@idris & rhys alexander greyback

Vasilia would usually take her bike to Idris if it needed a tune up but she had a huge shipment coming in and was already going to be short handed today. So, she'd asked if Idris minded coming to the pub to check it out. There was a spot at the back where she could park it when needed, but usually she just used it as a smoking spot for the employees. She'd already shown him before where the bike would be so she didn't mind him just heading to the back when he got there to work on the bike. It gave her more time to finish up with her supplier and make sure everything was correctly delivered. Thankfully, it was a slow time of day, before the evening rush.

She leaned against the bar, holding the receipt in one hand and twirling a pen in the other as she glanced over the sheet once more. She'd already known the supplier's price on a few things had changed and she'd already gone over them with the supplier, but now she was trying to decide if it might affect prices at the pub. Vasilia prided herself on being a fair business, so she wasn't in it for the money (though she was very good at making it), but she was the sort to take business like this very seriously. She set the receipt down so she could pull out her phone and started to crunch some numbers on the calculator app. Her biggest concern was making sure that it wouldn't disrupt any other areas of the business, particularly payroll. While it might seem pretty minor she knew that any change in cash flow should be taken seriously.

That was when Idris finally stepped into the pub. She set the phone and pen down, grinning ear to ear. While Vasilia was a happy and smiley person, she didn't smile like that to customers. "Hey, you know I will. But why'd you phrase that like you're trying to sneak off again? Come on, you only just got here, you're not bailing out on me yet." She answered. She bushed away from the bar top, and grabbed a towel they'd use to wipe down tables from a shelf below the counter. "But first stop scaring away my customers, you're a mess!" She leaned against the bar again, reaching out across it to use the towel to wipe some of the grease from his cheek. Then, she held it out to him. "You gunna clean up yourself, or do I get to keep embarrassing you in front of everyone?"

[rhys alexander greyback]

but the darker the weather

the better the man

March 14, 2026
vasilia abigail fortescue
@idris

Rhys had decided to walk from his flat to the pub today. For once, he had an extra week—maybe two before his next assignment. The bank wanted him and a couple of other Cursebreakers at some student even the following week, so he was stuck in London until that was over. Not that he minded, he might see his sister at the event, plus he could visit Vasilia, of course. The thought brought a little smile to his face, though that just tended to happen when he thought about her. Still, those feelings of happiness were typically followed up with a bit of anxiety as he still hadn’t talked to Ilija, or Renfri, or any of his friends really about his current situation. Not that he wanted to hide it, far from it—but explaining Maria into that mix was the challenge. The fresh air was nice and also helpful for how he was feeling. Naturally, he had a very, very small hangover—nothing near what he typically had, but it was there.

It was the weekend, so Rhys figured Vas might be busy, but he could still grab a drink and maybe some food, and if he could chat with her in her spare time, that was enough for him. He treasured that time, however short it was sometimes and especially since now, as things progressed between them, it seemed like it was going in a positive direction. Sure, Rhys’ temper or attitude sometimes got in the way, but she was never shy about letting him know when he stepped out of line or said something—and he tried to learn or at least take a breath before he spoke. Still, Rhys hadn’t even told her about everything, how when she finally spent the night with him, he’d actually been able to sleep.

Rhys walked through the pub doors, spotting Vasilia right away, but then his eyes stopped on a tall figure that she was talking to. She was smiling and interacting with him rather closely, and immediately he felt that feeling in his chest and stomach that he was all too familiar with by now. The only downside to having Rhys in a committed state was that you had to deal with his tendency to be a bit…possessive. Not that he didn’t trust Vasilia, but his temper had a mind of its own. Before he could storm forward, however, his eyes stopped on the man’s face and profile—he knew that face, and whatever anger he was feeling that was sourced in jealousy was now coming from a deeper source. Idris. Rhys had known him in school as he’d been one of the older boys that had pushed Rhys’ buttons often until he snapped and started a fight that always landed Rhys in detention but only sometimes the other boy. His jaw clenched, and he walked forward.

”Idris. Looks like you didn’t end up in Azkaban after all.” Rhys commented, walking up to the bar. All he could think about were those years before Rhys had a growth spurt where his only advantage had been his grades versus these boys. Honestly, Rhys always figured such behavior and habits, plus their lack of OWLs and NEWTs would land them in a criminal career and then in prison. But looks like that wasn’t the case. ”What are you doing here?”

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[Deleted]

Idris had a small garage area that he kept all his tools, but with Vas having a busy day, he was fine going to her place of business to work on her machine. She had parked in a small spot out back. He had packed a backpack with what he was sure he'd need, and even a few that he though would be handy just in case.

Once finished with the bike, Idris made his way into the pub, spotting his old friend immediately. She gave him her usual big smile which he returned. He knew that grin that she always gave him wasn't for anyone, which always seemed to brighten his outlook on life. He shrugged. "I just saw a well worn piece, should be find for now, but I'll see if I can get a replacement for it before it decides to give out." He said casually. "Nothing to worry about, just to keep an eye on." She then insisted that he not leave, which had sort of been his plan. He didn't actually have anything else to do then. He chuckled. "Alright, I'll stay." It didn't take much for Vas to convince him to do anything, except for maybe big parties. He would show up if she really needed him to, but would also leave as soon as he found an opening.

The woman had grabbed a towel, stating that he was scaring away customers. The pub did seem to have a few of those. Having grease on him seemed to be a natural state for the man. He had been working in mechanic garages since he was ten. But he let her lean over and wipe his cheek. He couldn't help but laugh, Vas always put him in a good mood. He took the towel, and started to wipe his hands off. "You're such a mom." He teased her, though it would be more of a compliment. Idris loved his mother, and lost her at such a young age, it was hard. He was alone. His best friend helped him feel less alone.

He was having such a good day, that was until he heard his name. Curious, Idris looked over and recognized the face of the man speaking. He spoke of Azkaban, which was always a sore subject. He knew that his father, the man he had never met, had ended up there. He also heard a lot of people growing up, especially students, claiming that because he was stupid, he would end up there with his dad. His body tensed, along with his jaw. It was his natural state just before getting into a fight, and he knew how to fight. "Little baby Greyback, you grew up, but you never could beat me, right? Guess you'll always be useless." He shrugged, but ready for the man's hot head to take over and through the first swing. He watched Rhys' body language, ready to predict his movements. Little Rhys Greyback had always tried so hard, but could never beat Idris. And the older boy always got such a rush from their interactions. "What's it to you?" He answered when Rhys asked what he was doing. Why should he care?

vasilia abigail fortescue
rhys alexander greyback

[vasilia abigail fortescue]

March 2026
@idris & rhys alexander greyback

Vasilia knew her friend quite well. He was no where near as social as she was, and he had a habit of taking off if you didn't keep a close enough eye on him. It was why she'd called him out on the behavior so quickly. He hadn't been around too much lately, which was a shame, but she didn't blame him. They'd both been busy people. It'd been a while since they'd just taken some time to catch up. Hell, she hadn't even told him yet about Rhys or her budding relationship. No doubt that would surprise him. He knew what her dating life was like, or rather, lack there of. As he teased her about being 'such a mom', she grinned, though there was a soft look in her eyes. She knew his complicated family history. "Complain all you want, we both know you'd be lost without me," she answered smugly.

Though it was at that moment Vas noticed Rhys approaching the bar. Much to her surprise though, his attention was focused on Idris. Oh, right. Rhys had jealousy issues. She'd caught on to that very quickly. But the look in his eyes was... different. That was when he spoke and realization struck. Oh. Idris and Rhys knew each other. And clearly it wasn't a good thing. For a few seconds she was silent out of surprise that her boyfriend and best friend seemed to have such an contentious relationship.

After the initial surprise wore off, she exhaled, and leaned her elbows on the counter, her chin in her hand as she fixed the werewolves with a weary look. "You know, I'm really not in the mood to break up any fights today, but you both know I can. So, can we skip this part to where I tell you both to sit down and you listen?" Despite her body language the tone of voice she'd used was practically daring them to argue. She shifted so her chin was only resting on on hand and pointed to Idris, though her eyes her focused on Rhys. "Best friend," she stated, then pointed to Rhys, her eyes turning to Idris. "Boyfriend." While a very basic introduction the mean was clear.

[rhys alexander greyback]

but the darker the weather

the better the man

March 14, 2026
vasilia abigail fortescue
@idris

Rhys couldn’t get rid of that feeling in his chest, that rage that had been sitting there since his youth. It was difficult for him to let things go and especially when he’d already felt like he was fighting the world during those seven years at school. The only way that had been tolerable for him was having friends such as Ilija, Nell, and Renfri, among others, to keep himself afloat. But, how do you forget or even think of forgiving one of those boys who, until his sixth year, had been so much taller and bigger than him limiting his ability to fight back despite what confidence his temper gave him? And to add to that—the way Vasilia interacted with Idris only made those feelings worse. While her friendly and calm nature had brought the both of them together, Rhys realized the consequence was that she was a people person who would talk to anyone and he didn’t always like the way men looked at her despite her pure intentions.

Somehow he managed to resist the urge to take a swing at Idiris or hex him with something he’d read in a translated scroll they’d found near the Dead Sea. They were in public, and it wasn’t a side of him that he wanted Vas to see. ”That was before—or did you ever learn to pick on someone your own size?” It had been many years, almost ten years or so, but Rhys wasn’t the scrawny boy at fourteen and fifteen anymore, plus suddenly he found a use for all those hexes and curses he’d learned through his work. But then he heard Vas exhale loudly, and he looked over at her expression. She ordered them to sit down and Rhys didn’t move at first as anger was such a heavy thing to carry, but he glanced at Idris before taking a seat in front of his girlfriend but with two empty stools still sitting between him and the other man.

And then she explained, not that it made him feel any better if he was being honest, but he glanced at him again and then back to her. ”Best friend? Since when?” Rhys couldn’t help but ask, though if he looked at himself as an example, it seemed Vas had a knack for befriending the rougher types that didn’t tend to be social. The question had come out of his mouth before he could stop himself, but he did manage to stop himself from asking why? Though while he sat there, he couldn’t help but still glare at Idris.

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[Deleted]

Sneaking away was something that Idris felt he was quite good at. But at the same time, Vas had gotten quite good at catching and holding onto him before he got a chance to sneak out. She called him out, knowing how well he preferred to not socialize. It was still nice to spend some time with her, they had both been busy. It would be nice to catch up, though he wouldn't have have much to tell her, he'd enjoy hearing about how her life had been going. He did tease her about being a mom, though she would know that it wasn't just teasing. She smiled at it, confirming that she understood. He smiled softly at her and nodded. "You know I would be." They both knew it, so there was no pint denying it.

Tension rose as Rhys same in and immediately seemed to confront Idris. He waited, watching the man, ready for him to make the first move. He'd let Rhys start it. It was the least he could do. After all, he would be the one to finish it, he always would. The man mentioned picking on someone his own size and Idris looked at him, daring him to strike. "Did you?" He commented, reminding the man of, once again, when he was so small back then, always picking fights on those bigger like Idris had been. It didn't take long for Vas to speak up. She knew all too well that he wouldn't fight her. But he refused to relax and turn away from the man first. It just wasn't who he was. She insisted that the sit down, or she would stop them. Rhys didn't move for a time, but seemed to give in, sitting down. With a sign, Idris sat, ensuring that he had a chair or two between the man, he set the now greasy cloth on the counter.

Still keeping an eye on Rhys, untrusting, he looked at Vas. She stated "best friend" while pointing at him, then she pointed to the other man and stated that he as her "boyfriend." Rhys didn't seem to pleased, Idris gave a sly smile. at the man. Fighting the urge to continue to antagonize the other man, he turned back to his friend. "Didn't know you were dating. Guess he's not the worst" He shrugged, giving a knowing look at Rhys, expressing that she could obviously do better. Though now choosing to ignore the existence of the man sitting not for from him.

vasilia abigail fortescue
rhys alexander greyback

[vasilia abigail fortescue]

March 2026
@idris & rhys alexander greyback

It took them a moment but eventually both of them sat down. Though she could still feel the tensions. And the more they spoke... the more she started to realize what was really going on here. Rhys had talked about all the fights he'd gotten in in school, particularly with older and bigger boys. Oh..! Idris must have been one of those boys. Vasilia wasn't surprise. She knew that Idris had very violent tendencies (though he'd never turned those aggressions towards her). Back when he was fighting there had countless nights where he'd come to her to help patch him back up. Now that she thought about it though... Rhys and Idris did have a few similarities. Similarities that likely were the cause of their current head butting. Clearly, it was going to be very difficult to get them to get along....

Rhys seemed to be the first one to react to the news that his apparent school sworn enemy was her best friend, asking the obvious question of "since when". She thought. pursing her lips. "Uuuuuh...." How long had it been? That was really a good question. "Since I was seven?" Before they'd even known she was a squib. He'd been a sad teenager, sulking outside the ice cream parlour, and she a carefree child that took pity on him.

Vasilia straightened and pushed away from the bar top. She reached for two glasses, and then a bottle of whiskey. She set the glasses in front of them and filled them. "Stop antagonizing each other," she scolded as she slid the glasses, one to each of them.

[rhys alexander greyback]

but the darker the weather

the better the man

March 14, 2026
vasilia abigail fortescue
@idris

Rhys had a sense that it was too good to be true. A nice girl would come into his life and genuinely like and love him for who he was, and he could build the confidence to possibly see those things in himself. But no, the universe had never been that benevolent with Rhys. Never. Of course, her best friend was one of the people that had made his existence terrible at Hogwarts though he wondered if Ilija knew about this—he had witnessed Rhys getting into trouble at their hands many times. Vasilia clarified who was who, but the distrust and ire in their eyes didn’t leave, at least not for Rhys. It had been a long time since he’d gotten this angry over something, sure his temper was notably short but as soon as it flared, it usually subsided.

There was a certain disbelief on his face. Seven? Rhys would have already been in school and Idris in the year above him, beginning to push his buttons with his friends with that age gap. Many would tell him that those times were behind him. He should be proud that he’d made something of himself and not fulfilled the legacy that many thought he might considering his father and heritage. But, it was hard for Rhys to forgive, especially when Idris hardly seemed apologetic for any of his actions before. And despite his now towering frame at twenty-five, he suddenly felt like that small and angry teenage boy just hoping he could make it from Potions to the Astronomy tower in peace. Vasilia moved, and he heard glasses clink together and then on the bar as she poured them both whiskey.

Rhys’ expression remained stoic and angry, though when he looked at Vasilia, he didn’t know what his eyes might be showing as he was saving the dark rage for her best friend. This wasn’t her fault, she didn’t know, and she wasn’t about to not be friends with someone if Rhys asked her to, and he knew it would be stupid to try. But the jealousy was still there, albeit in a different presentation. This…person, was on the same level of trust with Vas that he was, and it only seemed a continuation of the torture. Vas handed them both a glass and used that firm tone she typically used when Rhys got riled up and he would quickly settle down. ”I will if he does.” Rhys managed to mutter, drinking a large amout of whiskey at once.

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[Deleted]

It was clear that there was still no trust between the two men. Idris wouldn't come around quickly. Not after the number of fights these two had had. It was clear there was a history, and it wasn't exactly a nice one. While at school, Idris had learned that the little Greyback boy had a short fuse, and it didn't take him long to find the right buttons to push. It was a great way to relieve his stress. He always felt better after winning a good fight.

Idris smiled smugly at Rhys when Vas mentioned how long they had been friends. That was such a long time ago. His smug smile transformed to sweet as he looked at his oldest friend. She had helped him through more than he ever thought possible. "Good times" She had been a spunky child and he a moody teenager. With it being summer, he had wanted to stay out as much as he could after working. Any excuse to not go back to his empty home. His mother was in the hospital. He had found a place to sulk, not able to purchase anything. When a bouncy little kid came over and offered him some ice cream. That singular interaction had changed his life.

He watched as she moved from the counter to collect two glasses and a bottle. Did she really expect them to get along after a drink? Idris knew the man beside him had a hot head. And he, himself, enjoyed a good fight, though for a very different reason. Idris was just mad at the world, and he had found (especially when he was young) that picking on people, and beating them down gave him a great sense of pleasure. He had also found that he had quite a talent for causing pain. The woman insisted that they stop attacking each other and he gave her a slightly innocent look. He knew that it as in part his fault, but why act that way. "I wasn't the one who started it." This time...

He took the glass in his hand, he looked at the amber liquid. He could guess that Vas would like it if her best friend and her boyfriend got along. He wanted to say something smug. It seemed as though the little baby Rhys still couldn't make up his own mind. He looked over Vas, contemplating his answer. Taking a small drink followed by a sigh. "Only for you Vas."

vasilia abigail fortescue
rhys alexander greyback

[vasilia abigail fortescue]

Vasilia knew that there was going to be a bit of explaining to do. Clearly, the two men had a contentious history. One she couldn't undo. Being an extrovert you might assume she was the sort that wanted everyone to get along and would try to force friendships. She wasn't. She knew people, it was what she was good at. And she knew that people made their own decisions, and she shouldn't try to change some people's thoughts and feelings. She also knew though that this contention was going to cause some issues if the two couldn't stand being in the same room together. Though, she'd have to be careful how much history she shared. Both men in front of her were private individuals and neither would appreciate her divulging their secrets to the other.

Rhys was giving her a look. She could tell he was trying to control his rage but she could still see it. See the hurt and anger welling up. Her expression softened, hoping it might reassure her boyfriend. Somehow they'd found themselves in an incredibly awkward and difficult situation. She just wanted to try to make the best of it. Though, best wasn't necessarily the right word... She was trying to make some civility to the situation. Though, when Idris made that comment about not starting it she tilted her head to look at him, giving him an exasperated look. "Regardless of who started it, you've a natural talent for pissing people off." It might sound a bit harsh, but it was true. His ability to pick fights was about as good as her people skills.

It took them a moment but both seemed to finally agree... somewhat. Idris promising only for her and Rhys promising as long as Idris did. Well.... IT was progress. She smiled brightly at both of them. "Great," At least they could sort of agree on something. She set the bottle of whiskey down, though kept it close as she was sure Rhys might be needing a refill. She could practically feel how on edge he was. "So, uh.." Now was the slightly awkward moment of trying to have a civil conversation. "Idris was just letting know about my bike. He was redoing the enchantments for me. You know, with Summer just around the corner. Best time to use it." It was a bit of a forced conversation but she felt it might be safe because at least it stayed far away from the mens' history with each other.

[rhys alexander greyback]

but the darker the weather

the better the man

March 14, 2026
vasilia abigail fortescue
@idris

There was that smugness that Idris had that only continued to fuel Rhys’ silent rage. Though he had a point, Rhys had technically started this one, and he’d never also admit that he was a tiny bit thrown off that Vasilia had defended Idris to him. They were long-time friends, longer than Rhys had known her, but he couldn’t think through that simple logic when this angry. Obviously, Vasilia didn’t have the whole story or all the facts of their history. Why would she? And Rhys would love nothing more than to explain all of that, but he didn’t even know where to start or how. Her open heart would probably find some way to defend Idris despite the pain he’d caused Rhys for no reason except for just that he could. All that time spent in detention and in the hospital wing—and for what? Just because he had been the smaller boy, an easy target, and who would come to a Greyback’s defense? The word was that Rhys probably did something to deserve it, right? Though that reason was typically just that he existed.

Vasilia looked at him with those soft eyes—she could usually calm him so easily, but he looked away and back into his glass of whiskey as he felt himself start to retreat and close off. Her quick remark to Idris did help him, but that was hardly enough to take away that much pain. But, he’d try. Or he’d just sit there and do his best not to reach over and land a fist into his face if he said one wrong word. Rhys finished off his glass while still feeling the burn of his previous drink in his throat. And Vas had thought ahead, leaving the bottle there, and Rhys took the opportunity to refill his glass, though he didn’t drink it right away. Finally, he was able to look back up at her as she tried to make conversation. Rhys knew about the bike, and now he knew that Idris was the mechanic on said bike. Great. But, he didn’t respond right away as everything that came to mind for him to say would likely start a fight between himself and Idris.

”Great.” Rhys managed to respond. His first thought had been a question of how Idris had learned such enchantments. Rhys remembered how he’d performed academically in school. And next to remind Vasilia that her boyfriend was a highly trained Cursebreaker whose job was to work with curses and enchantments, so what did she need Idris for in that case? But he opted for the safe answer, however awkward it might be as he took a slow sip of whiskey, refusing to look at Idris for the moment and hoping he might just disappear.

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[Deleted]

Idris had a talent for getting into fights, and often times he could make the argument that he "didn't start it" though, it depended on what one considered the catalyst of the fight or argument. In this case, he was fully considered innocent in starting. Rhys had don it this time. Though one could argue that their past was the catalyst. if that was the case, Idris was just as much at fault as Rhys was. Vasilia mentioned that he had quite a talent for provoking others. He gave her quite a proud smile at her comment. She was, as usual, right. He had cultivated quite a talent for picking out those who would fight, and then finding a the way to get them into a fight. It was something he was quite good at. At school, Rhys proved to be an easy target. Because of that, the young men had detentions and quality time spent in the hospital wing. Though, it seemed Rhys got in more trouble than Idris did. Or maybe that was just how the younger man felt. Idris didn't focus on things like that.

Idris agreed to play nice, but only for his best friend. He scoffed at Rhys' answer. He had stated that he would as long as Idris was. Well, that was putting a lot of power into the man's hands. Power that Idris was not above using for his own gain, in some way or another.

Their was a silence after they had agreed. An electrified stillness that could change for better or worse at any moment. Count on Vas to try to ease it towards the good. It seemed as though the safest subject she could think of, was Idris working on her bike. He had come to strengthen the enchantments, and to give the bike a good once over as well. Checking that everything was working well. He sat up a bit as he glanced over to the man from the corner of his eye. "There's shouldn't be any issues this summer. Though, like I said, there's a part or two that are going to need to be replaced sooner or later." He reiterated for his friend, choosing to ignore the existence of the man next to him. Idris finished his drink, setting the empty glass on the counter. He gripped the glass, his body still ready for a fight. He was sure that the man thought himself Idris' better.

vasilia abigail fortescue
rhys alexander greyback