Don't Freeze Me Out [Rhys]

[vasilia abigail fortescue]

April 2, 2026
rhys alexander greyback

If Vasilia stayed busy she wouldn't think about it.

If she didn't think about it it'd be okay. 

She'd be fine.

She wouldn't break...

It had happened in the early hours that morning. The event that would rock the Fortescue family forever. The Healers had made the call and their words were haunting her. "He's gone." It was only two words. Two, simple words and yet they'd forever change Vasilia. 

She didn't want to accept it. Couldn't accept it. Despite a year of preparations. Knowing it would happen. Knowing she was going to lose it. It wasn't enough. No amount of time would ever be enough. 

Florean Fortescue Jr was dead. He'd passed away in his sleep.

Vasilia didn't know what to feel or think. Just knew that if she stopped to think she might break. If she kept moving, kept busy, did something, she might not think about it and she might be okay. 

So, in what could be considered typical Vas fashion she didn't exactly that. She threw herself into some work, any work, she could find. Anything that would prevent her from being idle. She'd left her brothers, telling them that she needed some air but they probably knew what she was going to do. Vasilia didn't process anything stressful well. Whenever she was confronted by a difficult situation she threw herself into work, as if that would make everything better. As if her problems couldn't catch her if she stayed busy. 

The only "safe" place for her to do this, however, was the Violet Hound. Should she throw herself into work at the parlour her brothers could stop her. But the pub was hers. While they might consider it she knew they might hesitate to bother her here. 

She arrived in the early hours of the morning and set to work, cleaning the pub from top to bottom, then moving to organize and restock the bar. It wasn't enough though, so she moved to the cellar, organizing the stock that had already been recently organized. By this point it was actually a reasonable hour and the first employee arrived to start opening the pub. When he saw the dark circles and red rimmed eyes he knew something was seriously wrong but he didn't say anything. It was as if he knew now was not a good time to try to converse with his boss. 

Vas, upon realizing that it was almost opening, retreated to her "office", though it wasn't much of one. It was just a very crowded back room that had the employee entrance and cellar entrance. There she sat at her desk, staring down at the accounting book and trying to stay busy. 

[rhys alexander greyback]

it seems we're so invincible

the truth is so cold

April 2, 2026
vasilia abigail fortescue

Rhys felt as though he’d been hit by an entire Egyptian pyramid or maybe the Knight Bus, but why not both? Ever since he’d skipped his Aware Wolf potion in January and resumed it the following month, the transformations had been a bit painful, but he supposed his body was adjusting once more. Either way, he pushed through it. Actually, what had woken him up was the sound of his phone buzzing on his nightstand. It was louder than the ringtone itself as the mechanism vibrated against the solid surface beneath it. It began with some single events like he’d gotten a text message. And then it shifted to constant noise, and as he finally pulled his head from under the pillow, he squinted at the bright screen and saw that someone was calling him.

The screen was bright, and the room was still dark, and Rhys couldn’t read the screen through squinting but pressed the side button to answer. His throat felt dry and scratchy, and his head hurt, but he managed to answer, and then he recognized Ilija’s voice. It didn’t take long for Ilija to get to the point, and Rhys sat up quickly, his head throbbing in pain at the sudden elevation change. It wasn’t a surprise that he heard this from Ilija and not Vasilia herself. He’d sort of expected that, but he’d also not anticipated that this would happen so soon after she was just here. Rhys hung up the phone and felt a sinking feeling in his chest.

With some effort, he managed to drag himself into the shower and take some of those pills Sienna had given him that worked wonders for his headaches, and he stared at his phone. Rhys had texted Vasilia a simple message before he’d hopped in the shower, and so far, no response. Had Ilija not called him, Rhys would have assumed she was with her family but knowing that wasn’t the case, he had a good guess where she might be. And unlike early February, there was no employee text from her phone. Rhys walked into the Violet Hound, and despite his exhaustion, he was able to not focus on that because of his current mission. There was already one death in that family, and he didn’t need Vasilia working herself to hers.

She wasn’t behind the bar, and the employees greeted him, and he asked one of the bartenders where Vasilia was. He paused, but only because of the expression on Rhys’ face, and he pointed toward the back where her small office was. Rhys thanked him and walked to the back past the kitchens and where he recognized the cellar entrance and then another door. Taking a breath, he knew Vasilia would worry about him despite everything, and he knocked on the door, not announcing that he was there so she would open it—hopefully thinking it was work-related.

template by vee

[vasilia abigail fortescue]

April 2, 2026
rhys alexander greyback

Vasilia reached for a tissue to blot out a few wet spots on the page. Thankfully the tears hadn't smeared any of the ink or numbers on the page. She leaned back and tilted her head to the ceiling. She should switch everything to digital. She hadn't yet though simply because the previous owner's books had all been hand written and she hadn't wanted to transcribe everything. But maybe that would be a good project to do today. It would keep her busy and then later she could go clear a space in the cellar for all the old books, just in case she ever needed them after she was done. No doubt it would keep her buys for quite some time. Plus, numbers didn't need emotion. They were logical, and clean cut. But would keep her mind occupied as she'd have to ensure she transcribed everything correctly. Plus, she wouldn't have to worry about any water spots potentially smearing ink. She could back up all the data if she transcribed it into excel too, so no chance of losing it if anything happened.

Yes, that was the perfect project to keep herself occupied. And she could do it alone, away from prying eyes. No one would question the redness to her eyes that announcement how much crying she'd done. Nor would anyone know what happened. She could just keep to herself, and keep busy, until she was ready to face all of this again.

And so, Vasilia started to pull out some of the old books, to decide what should be transcribed to digital and what shouldn't. The office, though always cluttered, was even more so in the mess she was making. Though it only seemed to reinforce her state of mind. Chaos and confusion. That was when there was a knock at the door. The person didn't announce themselves. She glanced at the time, seeing that it was still a little before opening. Was there something wrong? She stepped away from the tower of books and pagers she'd made and opened the door.

Rhys.

Vasilia's red rimmed eyes widened. Why? Why was he here? "Shouldn't you be resting?" she exclaimed, though her voice lacked it usual warmth and enthusiasm. It was the morning after a full moon. She'd never seen Rhys so soon after a full moon. Then, it clicked. What would bring Rhys out so early after a full moon? If she had to bet... she'd say Ilija must have called him and told him what happened... Vasilia pursed her lips tightly together and looked away.

[rhys alexander greyback]

it seems we're so invincible

the truth is so cold

April 2, 2026
vasilia abigail fortescue

It took a moment for the door to open, and while he waited, Rhys put his hands in his pockets and stared at the floor. What did he even say? Death wasn't new to Rhys but to be on this side of things was the new part. If anything, he could feel his own emotions at bay. Some memories of his nightmares and what he dreamt in those early days of the Aware Wolf trials flashed through his mind. The vivid details and fear and then the sadness when he woke up. Rhys knew the pain of losing a parent, someone who loved you unconditionally. But, also, Rhys had been so young. If it weren't for the nightmares, he might not even remember the thing horrible things he had witnessed.

The door opened, and he looked up. Vasilia looked exhausted, and her eyes were red and a bit swollen--she'd been crying. Instantly there was this even heavier sinking feeling in Rhys' chest as he suddenly felt helpless. Naturally, she asked about him--usually, she left him alone until he crawled out of the drunken stupor he put himself in every full moon, but this time was different. Rhys ignored the question and took a couple steps forward, just in case she got any ideas to close the door in his face. "Vas..." He spoke softly and gently grabbed her hand. "I'm so sorry." Rhys hoped he didn't look too awful the morning after a full moon as he could ignore how bad he felt at this moment. It wasn't about him. For a second, he hesitated in just grabbing her into a hug, wondering if that would be as overwhelming for her as it might have been for him, but he put himself close to her regardless.

template by vee

[vasilia abigail fortescue]

April 2, 2026
rhys alexander greyback

At least Vasilia hadn't burst into tears this time, that was progress. Though it was probably only because she'd done quite a bit of crying the night before and this morning. She'd just cried herself out to the point where her eyes just didn't seem capable of any more tears. But that didn't stop her from feeling like she wanted to keep crying. She bit her bottom lip just a little, to give herself something else to focus on. It seemed to help a bit and she was able to look back up at Rhys again. He really didn't look like he should be out and about. He needed to get more rest. She'd heard just how difficult the werewolf transformations were and she didn't want him to push himself when he wasn't feeling well just for her. Didn't want to make him worry about her when he should be focusing on himself right now. But she didn't stop him from moving closer, and she instead pushed the door fully open.

As he said her name she swallowed hard. She knew what he was going to say next and she didn't want to hear it. Didn't want him to say those words. Because it would make it even more real. She squeezed her eyes shut, feeling the need to cry though thankfully no tears came. And then he said them. Condolences. Because her father was dead. Her lips quivered as she fought the emotions and she squeezed his hand, that had found her own without her realizing it, hard. She nodded, trying to push the emotions back down, as if she could lock them back up if she pushed hard enough.

Finally she opened her eyes and tried to offer a reassuring smile, though it really only came off as shaky. "I... um... it... It'll be okay." She forced herself to say. She swallowed hard. She'd be fine...

[rhys alexander greyback]

it seems we're so invincible

the truth is so cold

April 2, 2026
vasilia abigail fortescue

There it was. Rhys could see her face, the way she was holding it all back. Just as she had done when she showed up on his doorstep a few days ago. He wondered at this moment if knowing he was going to die made it worse than if he had been fine one day and had passed away the day after. Rhys thought about his own mother and the friends he had lost as a Cursebreaker. One minute they were laughing and enjoying a pint in that Cursebreaker hangout in Egypt, and then two weeks later, they were dead. For Rhys, it never felt real until the funeral, and he wondered if it would be the same for the Fortescue family. And her brothers, Rhys, wanted to check on them—especially Ilija but Vas was his focus at the moment, and Ilija must have known that, or he wouldn’t have called.

Rhys could feel as she squeezed his hand, but she didn’t let go. And to nobody’s surprise, even in this time of great heartbreak, she still tried to smile. Rhys’ expression didn’t change, and he moved into the office so he could close the door behind him. More employees were walking in, and he was sure they’d all be concerned if they saw her in her current state. When the door was closed he looked back at her, trying to give her a reassuring look. ”How long have you been here?” Rhys had a hunch about the answer, but he’d hope he could get her out of here willingly. Her employees would understand, they all cared for their boss as much as Vas wanted to work side by side with them all the time. Even if she managed to crawl back here to work they’d call him again. "Lets get out of here." He suggested. 

template by vee

[vasilia abigail fortescue]

April 2, 2026
rhys alexander greyback

Vasilia didn't handle grief well. She seemed almost convinced that if she could push it off long enough it would get easier at some point. That not facing it was actually an answer. But to be honest? It was probably in great part because she'd never really had to face it before her father's diagnosis. Life had always been easy (well, as easy as a squib's life could be) for her. Her brother hadn't told her about Hannah until only a few months before, and though she'd known about Floyd she hadn't really been able to properly grief the loss as Ilija had never really come home. But now? Now she couldn't ignore it. She still tried though.

Vasilia also didn't want to let go of Rhys' hand. It felt like a life line that she hadn't known she'd needed. He didn't complain though, instead stepping fully into the office and closing the door behind him. Now, alone, without any unwanted attention from her employees. She loved her staff, but she didn't want them to see her in this state. It was why she'd retreated to her office when the first one had gotten in that morning. She didn't want to make them worry.

Her smile faded just a little as he asked how long she'd been there and her gaze dropped to the floor. "Since he-" she swallowed hard. Passed. She'd stayed long enough for the news, and to share a few quiet moments with her family. But then she'd come straight here. It'd been hours, at least. Her vision blurred a little from the water trying to well up but she squeezed her eyes shut to stop the threatening tears. How on earth her body had found enough energy to form more tears she didn't know. After a moment she reopened her eyes and looked back up at him. His gaze was steady, unwavering. "I... I have work to do," she tried to counter as he suggested leaving. A part of her knew she should listen to him. But the part of her that didn't know how to process her grief was convinced that the only way to get through this was to keep working.

[rhys alexander greyback]

it seems we're so invincible

the truth is so cold

April 2, 2026
vasilia abigail fortescue

One might call Rhys a hypocrite for stopping Vasilia from working through her pain and grief and trying to use it as a distraction. He very well knew that he used whiskey for that and his previous dalliances, distractions, and fun when he was feeling down. But Rhys had his life handled, or so he felt he did, and he wasn’t didn’t need the spotlight at the moment when Vas was the one who’d just lost her father. No doubt it would be in the Prophet. The patriarch of such a famous wizarding family didn’t pass away, and the public not respond and especially when the ice cream parlor was such a beloved institution. How much loss was too much for a lifetime? Even those around him seemed to have lost many—Rhys thought of Hannah, and the feelings that had been dredged up with Eeva remembered moments that only he’d shared with her as friends in school.

Vas was trying so hard to push down her feelings, and Rhys could see her struggling. At this point, he wondered if it was best to let her continue to do so or to encourage her to let herself feel it all, but would it be too much? Naturally, she rebuffed his suggestion, and if Rhys could have bet all the gold in his vault at Gringotts on what her reply would have been, he would have. ”Vas—you can’t keep working like this.” His exhaustion made it a tiny bit difficult to not get a little frustrated with her at that moment. She was doing it again. ”Your staff will understand, and you’ve already had a long day.” Rhys thought about ways to convince her. He still remembered when she told him she had collapsed from overworking herself, and he didn’t need her in the hospital because she’d been stubborn.

template by vee

[vasilia abigail fortescue]

April 2, 2026
rhys alexander greyback

Vasilia knew it wasn't wise. Knew her choices right now made no sense. And yet the logical part of her brain seemed to have turned off and she was just desperately trying to figure out a way to stay distracted so she didn't drown in the emotions. Doing whatever it took to keep herself from feeling everything that was threatening to overwhelm her. She could support others when they were hurting but for some reason she seemed to believe that she didn't deserve that same support. And yet, Rhys' hand was still holding her own and she couldn't bring herself to pull it free. No, she kept that tight squeeze on his hand.

And yet, as he spoke she was reminded how Rhys always seemed to make more sense then her in these moments. How when other people told her to stop she ignored them, but when it was Rhys? It always made her hesitate. She forced her eyes closed again and took a slow, shaky breath. She opened her eyes and looked up at him. "Rhys I..." she started to say, though didn't really know what she wanted to say in that moment. She pursed her lips tightly together. He was right. She knew it. Her eyes silently admitting she knew he was right. "What am I supposed to do..?"

[rhys alexander greyback]

it seems we're so invincible

the truth is so cold

April 2, 2026
vasilia abigail fortescue

Rhys didn’t take his eyes off her. In a way, he was scared she would just fall apart there. Fortunately, his time at school and over the years had let him slowly gain some ability to have empathy for others. When he was younger, he didn’t, and his existence was fueled by rage mainly and resentment. Behind his cool blue eyes and stoic expression, he did have a heart. But when she asked him that question, he didn’t answer right away. It was an excellent question and one that he didn’t know how to answer. For the first time since he’d laid eyes on her, he looked away for a moment. Unsure of how to respond.

”I don’t know…” He finally spoke softly. ”But I know it's not sleeping in your office.” Finally, he looked back, knowing very well she would deny it. Even if she hadn’t fallen asleep in her office specifically, she certainly had at work or perhaps the cellar. He could tell her how he’d been in those shoes before. When his brother died, he worked himself to a dangerous point of exhaustion. In his line of work, that was how fatal mistakes happened. But like with anything, he didn’t like to talk about himself. Rhys moved a few steps so he could lean on the edge of her desk, but he kept hold of her hand. ”I won’t let you overwork yourself again. We all know that’s what you’re doing. That’s why your brother called me.” He had wondered on his short trip over here how long it would have taken Vas to tell him her father died and how many hours in a row she would have worked to avoid it.

template by vee

[vasilia abigail fortescue]

April 2, 2026
rhys alexander greyback

Vasilia didn't know what he might say. Was there a right answer to her question? Was it even a question you could answer? She didn't know. Rhys, after a long pause, seemed to feel similarly, not knowing either. Well, at least she wasn't alone in that doubt. She pursed her lips tightly, even more so when he added "not sleeping in your office". She looked away briefly, unable to deny it. Knowing something was bad didn't mean you didn't do it, but it was easy to ignore your own faults.

As Rhys moved to lean against the desk and finally leaned into him, though it was her forehead against his shoulder, hiding her face behind a curtain of red hair. "I just.... I can't stop thinking about it..." she mumbled, squeezing his hand a little. "How else am I to...?" she didn't finish the full question but she didn't feel she needed to. How else would she stop thinking about her father's death if she didn't stay busy. It was almost like she was saying overworking herself was the only thing that would stop her from totally falling apart. She shook her head against his shoulder.

[rhys alexander greyback]

it seems we're so invincible

the truth is so cold

April 2, 2026
vasilia abigail fortescue

Everything that came to Rhys’ mind didn’t seem very helpful. He wanted to tell her that the thoughts would stop one day, but they might not. For most people, the pain got easier with time, not that he or Ilija were good examples of handling grief well. When she placed her head on his shoulder, he pulled her in with his arms around her. It wasn’t something he could fix, and his own natural instinct was to push away the feelings and the pain in any way possible. But it was also human nature to ignore your own advice.

He sighed. ”Do you want to be with your family?” It seemed she’d escaped them earlier, so perhaps not—but for some, it helped. ”Or you can stay with me a while…you need to leave the Pub. It will survive without you for a few days.” Truthfully, he was just scared. Scared that she’d work herself in an attempt to block out all the pain that was building up and collapse again—or worse. He couldn’t let that happen. It was selfish of him—he’d felt they’d just found one another, and also, it wouldn’t be fair on her family. Really at this point, he would do whatever she asked, almost anything. But she’d tell him to go and rest or something selfless as usual.

At this point, he didn’t want to ask again, but he didn’t want to force her into anything as well. Her father had just died, and that was a huge adjustment, but the one thing Rhys was certain of was that it would not be dealt with here in this office. He moved to stand up from where he was leaning on the desk, and he grabbed her hand again. ” Let's get out of here.” It was another attempt to get her to move before he went to the next idea.

template by vee

[vasilia abigail fortescue]

April 2, 2026
rhys alexander greyback

It didn't make the situation any better, being close to Rhys as he wrapped his arms around her. But... it seemed to help settle Vasilia's emotions just a little. She'd always known physical contact could be a powerful tool in supporting a person but it had always been her using it to comfort others, and not others comforting her. She tucked her arms in and focused on the moment. Being here, in his arms. Not thinking about how cruel the world outside was.

His first question, if she wanted to be with her family, was answered with a vigorous headshake. She should want to be with them, grieving together. But that just made the situation to real. To permanent. His next suggestion, staying with him seemed to have a more favorable response, as she didn't shake her head. Though she didn't react immediately at all as he'd gone on to say the Pub would be fine for a few days without her. That made her hesitate. She'd never left the pub alone for more then an evening. Even when she'd been sick she'd kept a close eye on things through the employees. She was still trying to decide if she could afford to leave that long when Rhys straightened and pulled back a bit to take her hand, announcing that they were leaving. She straightened, and looked up at him, eyebrows furrowed. "Rhys... I... I don't think I can... what if something happens? I've never.." Her protests were rather pathetic as she couldn't seem to formulate a solid enough reason to keep working, though she was clearly looking for one.

(Okay, feel free to kidnap her now to make her shut up.)

[rhys alexander greyback]

it seems we're so invincible

the truth is so cold

April 2, 2026
vasilia abigail fortescue

She immediately protested his suggestion that she go see her family. But he’d almost expected that. Ilija had told him that she’d basically seen them and then left. She didn’t protest when he suggested that she stay with him, and he didn’t mind. Despite how close they were, their schedules could still be challenging at times. The only fortunate part of the full moon having just passed was that he wouldn’t be called into work for at least a week. It was the main perk of being a more senior cursebreaker. When he’d been in training, he’d often worked the morning after.

Rhys stood and began to walk toward the door, which wasn’t far. But Vasilia didn’t move. There was a look in her eyes in response to his last suggestion. He stopped and turned back around to face her again. Rhys wasn’t frustrated, not really. Plus, he wouldn’t put it past Vasilia to put him in his place even while she was mourning if he gave her any attitude. ”Vasilia.” Rhys now stepped closer to her. ”You have good employees. The business is not going to collapse if you take a break.” While his tone was still soft, he was a bit more serious. ”You can and you will. And if you don’t I will carry you out of here myself.” The only change in his expression was one that was asking her to challenge him.

Honestly, he had no idea where they would go--but he just needed to get her to stop working. Plus, the pub was not full of patrons at this hour, and the staff would not stop him if they saw him with his girlfriend thrown over his shoulder. Surely she knew him well enough by now to know he wasn’t kidding, plus at least his size as an advantage now if she wanted to kick and scream—it was worth preventing her from working herself to death. Rhys turned back around and opened the door.

template by vee

[vasilia abigail fortescue]

April 2, 2026
rhys alexander greyback

Vasilia's mouth shut tight when he said her name. It wasn't forceful, or demanding. But the way he'd said it as he turned back to her seemed to swallow whatever feeble protests she'd been fumbling to muster. Her eyes had widened just a touch, as she was not used to this side of Rhys. That deep and powerful strength but without the raging fire of his temper or frustration. Commanding without being overbearing. Soft, but not weak. Vas finally mustered up a reaction, though it was simply swallowing hard before nodding. She knew now wasn't a time to challenge him and she had the distinct mental image of him throwing her over his shoulder if she even dared to try and argue anymore.

She dared a glance back at the desk behind her, and the mess she'd made in her mad desperation to stay busy. Rhys had turned to the door adn she heard him turning the handle. Realizing that she had only a split second to make a decision before he flung her over his shoulder she grabbed her bag that she'd discarded on the desk and hurried after him. It took only a few steps since the office was so small and he'd only just gotten out the door. Without hesitate she caught his hand in her own when she did catch up and entangle her fingers among his own. She gave his hand a squeeze, to silently confirm she was coming, but also because she desperately felt like she needed that connection right now.