Home is wherever I'm alone with you ¦ Rob

[Lyra Horváth]

Lyra had known it may not have been an entirely good idea when Rob had suggested coming back to his flat for a nightcap. They had had a perfectly congenial evening with Rhys as a buffer, that was until Rhys had had to rush off for the baby of something. It had left Lyra and Rob awkwardly staring into the bonfire, avoiding each others gaze after a few too many ciders and whiskies. It was late and still she avoided his eyeline while mumbling something about how she should get going too. The surprise had come then, Rob's overly familiar warm hand reached out and took hers, giving it a tentative squeeze and he'd asked in a low, husky voice if she had wanted to come back to his flat, their flat.

It had taken her aback at first. With a sharp intake of breath, she had frozen for a moment. Immediately her head had began to run through all the reasons it would indeed not be a good idea; and yet her heart began to ache for the familiarity of him and his body. Merlin she had missed him to no end. Every day she was away from him her heart had hurt a little bit more from the separation.

Stealing a small sideways glance at him, she spotted the ghost of his smile on his face; he was serious about it. They were in a strange place at the minute where they weren't quite fighting anymore, but they were nowhere near where they had once been. Pursing her lips, the battle between the sensible side of her brain and the emotional side of her heart. hanna horváth hadn't even been happy about her going to meet him and Rhys at the festival, and yet the more she thought about it, the more her heart wanted him.

Eventually she bit down on her lip and nodded in confirmation that she would in fact go home with him.

It only took them a split second and a crack in the air before she had left the damp earth and was pulled along through thin air with Rob. Landing in the centre of his now dark flat, she hesitated for a moment, pulling her hand cautiously back from him now. Now she was here her brain decided to remind her why it maybe wasn't the best idea to have had come back. The last two times she had left had been on bad terms; their explosive fight, and then the last full moon that had ended like a bad one night stand. Quietly she took a few steps in the dark advancing into the living area, away from him before quietly asking.

"So, what have you got to drink then?" Now she was here, she was cold and quickly sobering. The warm giddiness the many ciders by the bonfire had brought her was now evaporating and although her head was telling her to go home, back to the box room of Hanna's flat, her heart was telling her to stay and get comfortable. Standing in the dark for a moment, she paused for thought, trying to read Rob's face and feelings through the poor lighting.

EPKE ROBERTUS OPPEDYK

[EPKE ROBERTUS OPPEDYK]

The buzz of alcohol and the familiarity of friends had clouded Rob’s judgment when he invited Lyra back to the flat they had once shared. The sting of her betrayal had numbed somewhat, but the undertones of mistrust lingered. He had missed her so much, and seeing Lyra without the usual stilted conversation and pained looks was a relief. It had taken so much of his energy to remain calm, and as he reached out and invited her home, his voice low, his intonations clear. In the back of his mind, Rob knew perhaps it was a mistake. But he needed his mate like he needed air to breathe. And these past months had been excruciating.

There was a long beat of silence between them before Lyra ultimately agreed, biting her lip and nodding at him. Those eyes… that look would be the death of him. The thick lashes framing dark eyes, the innocence and temptation within them. It took all of Rob’s strength not to kiss her on the spot. Instead, there was a resounding crack and they disapparated.

Everything was the same, and yet everything was different in the flat since Lyra had left. Rob hadn’t had the heart to fill the empty spaces, spaces that served as a constant reminder of her. Lyra pulled away from him slightly, but Rob tightened his grip on her, giving in to his instinct to cling to his mate. But Lyra twisted out of his grip and stepped away from him, her head turning this way and that as she appraised the place she had once called home. As the seconds ticked past, Rob quickly learned how badly he wanted her back. But how could he forgive the lies and deceit, the constant secrets? He loved her, but it wasn’t unconditional.

”Er,” said Rob, somehow taken aback by the question. ”I have some wine. And some whisky,” said Rob, searching his memory. What hadn’t he drunk in a half stupor, trying to forget how Lyra had broken his heart. He blinked, shuffling over to a cabinet and pulling out a bottle of whisky. He poured two glasses, and silently handed one to Lyra. He drank his portion in one go, desperate to let go of the negative feelings that sprouted at the sight of Lyra back home.

Lyra Horváth

[Lyra Horváth]

Lyra had felt his grip tighten on her as they had touched down in the centre of his flat, their flat(?), but she hadn't been sure quite what to think of that. In her head it only further cemented that this probably wasn't a good idea and it would make her feel just as bad as it had to leave after the full moon; thinking of the shame and the hurt in her heart made her cheeks flush unnoticeably in the dark. And yet, the roar of the bond in her chest had spurred her on, purring like a little kitten about to get it's cream.

Stepping away from the warmth of him into the silent and dark flat, she took it in different memories coming to flood back. Some good and made her cheeks flush some more. Others not so good, thoughts of arguments and harsh words made her freeze on the spot and abandon what she had been doing. With hesitation she turned to face him once again. It was then he answered her inquiry about the drink.

When he crossed the room and didn't wait for an answer, busying himself with preparing them a whiskey each, Lyra's eyes watched him, before she pulled out her wand and gave it a half arsed, slow flick and some of the candles on the mantel piece's edge roared to life. With another flick, the set in the fire's grate also came to life. It didn't fill the room with light, but it was enough. There was a cosiness to it that Lyra supposed had made up her mind of whether she should stay or go. Gingerly she reached out and took her glass from him, hold it carefully to her chest but not actually beginning to drink it just yet. She was somewhat taken aback by the swiftness Rob had downed his own portion in, and taking a breath she had to stop herself raising an eyebrow. Instead she nodded and turned away from him, moving to settle herself on the couch as a way for something to do.

Once there she watched his back in a quiet hesitation. Now she was here she really had no clue what to say to him. Maybe there was nothing to say. Maybe if she did think of anything to say it might turn things even more worse. Think were strained already, there was no need to turn them sour altogether. Yes, for now she guessed it was better to say nothing.

Instead she stayed quiet, lifting the glass to her lips just once while she watched his back, wondering if he was going to fix himself another drink or join her. Kicking her shoes off, she folded her legs up under herself and wondered again. Wondered if he was hurting as much as she was, if he had the same mixed feelings about their last encounter. Pursing her lips she looked away from him in case she was caught staring, and focused on taking a sip from her glass once again. The bitter honeyed liquid burned her throat in ways she didn't ultimately love, but she assumed Rob wasn't going to be cracking out the wine any time soon and she wasn't about to ask for it either. Maybe Whiskey would be the best choice for now, maybe Whiskey would wipe all their hesitations away.

EPKE ROBERTUS OPPEDYK

[EPKE ROBERTUS OPPEDYK]

Rob and Lyra hadn't been this close and alone since their falling out months ago. The strange sensation in his chest spoke volumes of the bond between them, waking up like a child on Christmas morning. It took all of his self control for Rob not to devour Lyra on the spot, to taste her lips again, to feel her soft skin pebble under his touch, to remember that they were made for each other. A muscle in his jaw twitched with the effort, and Lyra twisted away from him, looking around the flat they had shared. She looked so perfect standing there - like she belonged there.

Exhaling sharply, Rob ran a nervous hand through his hair, chattering away about the various different vices that Lyra could help herself to. Instead of waiting, he poured them both glasses of whisky and downed his in one, before topping himself up again. The pleasant buzz from the late afternoon returned swiftly, and Rob felt the tension melt away. This was Lyra. His mate. His bond. The love of his life. How could he not forgive her? If only she showed a modicum of regret. But now... now was not the time for talking.

Lyra said nothing, and for a long while they just looked at one another. Sip after sip, second after second, they drank in each others presence, revelling in the solitude while both recognising in the back of their minds this was not a great idea. Lyra glanced around, noting all the things that were different and how so much was just the same. He had been afraid of moving things around too much, afraid that if he'd done so, he would erase the good memories of them together. Their tentative truce was rocky at best, but being alone together now, Rob couldn't remember the reasons why.

"Lyra..." said Rob, his voice cracking slightly from disuse. He placed the glass back on the counter and stepped closer to her. He raised a hand to he cheek, running his thumb along the sharp relief of her cheekbone, drawing his touch down to her lips. He had stepped closer still, their bodies flush. This was wrong, but why did it feel right. "Lyra," said Rob again, resting his forehead against hers, his grip gentle but firm as he slung another arm around her waist. "I would really like to kiss you again."

Lyra Horváth

[Lyra Horváth]

She remained quiet as she grasped the whiskey tumbler. Lost in her thoughts over whether this ultimately was a good idea or not. Yes in the moment it was fantastic. She had never felt better than in the full moon with Robbie. Silently she had turned up at his door only days ago, a quiet unknown desperation yearning inside her. An ache that apparently only her mate could fix. And well, it had gone well and more. That was until they had woken up on the floor of their flat like they had for months prior and she had been dumbstruck as he watched her wake. Then, she had moved like a deer caught in the headlights and eventually left feeling dirty and shameful without more than a word to Rob. It had broken her heart, but really she didn't know what to say anymore. Especially after a night filled with such physical passion, no words could quite follow that.

Eventually she looked up to meet his gaze, lost momentarily in his hazel eyes.

In a hush she bit down on her lip, her cheeks flushing in a moment of awkwardness. Merlin, did he have to look at her like that. And yet, it only made the bond roar louder in her chest. Maybe she should just give in to instincts. she was made to be with her mate, apparently. Maybe it would stop the ache she had felt in her chest every minute of every day since she had left the flat in August. With another intake of breath she felt Rob move closer and seal the distance between them, eventually resting his head against hers and uttering her name on his lips "Robbie.." With a breathless mumble of response against his lip, she nodded just slightly. Enough to let him know she wouldn't at all mind that, but tentatively enough that it was sure she wasn't going to initiate anything. No, for now she was almost frozen, eventually she was able to move a hand to brush it through his wayward curls, but still stayed just centimetres from his lips. "I'd like that."

In reality it was more than that. It was moreso that she needed him. Being this close to him and yet so far away was torture. Being so close within reach to him this evening, but unable to have him had been pure torture. With a quiet giggle she nodded and decided she had waited long enough, tentatively pressing her lips to his with an almost caution. Testing the waters it would seem, before a wave took her over and she broke into a small smile against his lips.

Yes, she had missed this. 



EPKE ROBERTUS OPPEDYK

[EPKE ROBERTUS OPPEDYK]

Rob's mind was foggy from both the drink and Lyra's proximity. Her scent lingered around him, not perfume or soap, but something that was purely her. Something that pulled him in, intoxicating him. Rob couldn't be held liable for his actions, not with his mate so close. Not while they had forced themselves away from one another. Rob knew in the back of his mind that he'd had good reason - but the good reason blinked into nonbeing the moment the whisky slid down his throat.

Fingers resting lightly on her pale face, Rob committed the curve of her lips, the straight line of her nose, the dark depths of her eyes to memory. He had missed her so much, like he had carved out a piece of his soul and only now was it being replaced. His thoughts were murmured, the filter between mind and mouth blurred. Rob pressed his forehead to his mates, their breath mingling. She tilted her head slightly, allowing him an opening, giving him the affirmation he so desperately desired.

The first kiss was gentle. Lighter than a feather. Rob brushed his lips against Lyra's, tasting her again, feeling just how well they were matched for each other. Breathless, he pulled away slightly, but kept his eyes closed. Again, he captured her lips, more forcefully this time, needing more and more. He clung to her like a lifeline, and she was the only person alive who could warrant this sort of reaction. His mouth trailed down her neck drawing a line of kisses and bites as he went, his hand dropping from her cheek to twine in her hair. "You're mine," was all Rob could manage to say, barely a breath into her ear as the strength of their bond nearly took his body over.

Lyra Horváth

[Lyra Horváth]

His hot and heavy breath against her lips intoxicated her all over again. Altogether in a different way the cider had filled her with giddiness but in the same way it had warmed her up. For a moment she paused, pressing her lips together to revel in the moment. Something inside her felt like she should say something, anything at all. But what? What was there to say to her mate when he was this close.

Quickly enough Rob moved to kiss her a little more urgently. More feverent each time, it was getting Lyra just as wound up.

Gone now were the negative thoughts; all that was left in their place was the deep primal draw to just be with Rob. Her mate.

It was only fuelled further when she moved to touch her hair and growled in her ear. Mine. His, she thought, yes she had definitely missed this indeed. All she could do was allow her lips to part in a coquettish fashion, the corners of her mouth upturning just slightly. It was nice to be so close again. More than nice really. He had pouted somewhat when she had cut her wild mane in the summer, but in the last few weeks it's growth had accelerated and it was almost back to the length it was when they had met. In an almost mirror like image, she reached her hand up and her pale fingers began to brush the hairs at the nape of his neck. Petting at them just so before she dipped her head and went in to return his urgent kisses between half breathy giggles.

Yes she was his. Just like he was hers.

"And you're mine Robbie.." With a mumble she sloppily kissed at his lips again, letting what was left of her stubs of bitten nails dig into his upper arm trying to pull him closer. His nickname dripped off his lips and finally she had made up her mind that she was not at all mad at where this would most definitely lead if their bond had anything to do with it.

EPKE ROBERTUS OPPEDYK

[EPKE ROBERTUS OPPEDYK]

For the first time in months, Rob's heart and mind were of the same opinion. He needed Lyra - more than anything. To feel her wrapped around him like a cloak, to taste her like the sweetest treat, to love her as if it were the last thing he would ever do. Rob was certain that he would love her until his dying breath, though if that was the bond speaking or something else, it didn't matter. It was a simple fact of nature. She returned his urgent kisses, pulled along by an invisible string. A growl sounded deep in Rob's throat at Lyra's acceptance, and he spent the whole night reminding her just why they belonged to one another.

The following morning dawned bright and cold. November was upon them as surely as the hangovers both Rob and Lyra would have. Rob's forehead creased in concentration as he cracked open an eye to glare at the window. They'd not remembered to shut the blinds last night, too wrapped up in one another. Rob regretted nothing, despite the problem at the core not being fixed. The way he felt now - complete, relaxed, sated - was because his mate was back in his life. Rob should never have forced her out - even despite their difference. He should have tried harder to listen rather than forcing his principles upon her.

Lyra looked peaceful in her sleep, her dark lashes long upon her pale cheeks. Her plump lips were parted slightly, swollen with kisses. Her dark hair spread out across the white pillows, a shocking contrast. Rob couldn't stop himself as he reached out and traced the arch of her brow, before leaning forward and dropping a slow, lingering kiss on her lips. "Good morning," he murmured against her mouth, revelling in their closeness.

Lyra Horváth

[Lyra Horváth]

With her worries and doubts melted away, Lyra had thrown caution to the wind and actually quite enjoyed their night. It wasn't quite as liquor fuelled as it was on Rob's side perhaps, but still. She had started on a glass of whiskey when she returned to his flat, but not finished it. whereas Rob had sunk two glass of the honeyed drink before giving in to their instincts and revelling in the night. They hadn't ended up on the floor like their last night together at the full moon, and she had fell into a comfortable sleep in his arms, in their bed after. It had been the best she'd probably slept since her exit in August. The bed in Hanna's box room had become a sanctuary, but it was by no means comfortable. Along with the worries that plagued her every time she lay down to try and shut off the world, it didn't make an exactly conducive atmosphere to sleep in.

But now she was back at Rob's, back in their bed, it was different. She had barely stirred apart for two seconds at about four am where she had woken up feeling cold. Bleary-eyed she had taken in his sleeping form at about four am before she had burrowed back into his arms to get warm and pull the covers over herself properly before falling back asleep.

Now as his lips pressed to hers like some sort of fairy tale she began to stir.

At first she froze, tensing up for a moment as she forgot where she was. Confusion and the brightness of the room caused her brow to crease, and made her hand lift to try and block out the visual assault as the light stung her eyes. But then, she remembered, and relaxed into him. She barely cracked an eye open to look at him before a very sheepish grin took over her features. Taking her excuse at being cold as a reason to hide, she buried her face in his chest, unsure of whether she was ready to look him in the eye just yet. "Very Good morning indeed." mumbling a quiet 'brr' she shook herself slightly and fixed the blankets around herself again. She wasn't used to the chill in the flat at this hour, but it made a good excuse for now. She hadn't regretted last night, no. But now she was here she was still clueless and didn't know what to say to him. Yes there was remorse over the topic of her illegal duelling and she had barely gone near a club since she had left Rob's flat in August. It hadn't stopped the offers from legitimate managers rolling in, but Lyra had sort of shut off that side of herself at least for a little while, lost as she realised the hurt it had caused him. But there was still a niggling she couldn't shake, she had felt she was turned out in the metaphorical cold, turfed out on her ear. Now she was back here, in his bed, in Rob's arms; she wasn't quite sure how to face it.

With a shyness she bit down on her lip and continued to not meet his gaze. "It's cold" She said rather pointlessly, she had felt she needed to say something, anything at all. Anything to keep off the topic at hand that they danced around over the last while. The topic they probably should actually discuss.

EPKE ROBERTUS OPPEDYK

[EPKE ROBERTUS OPPEDYK]

What a comfort it was to have Lyra back in their bed. In their flat. In their home. Rob had missed her, but hadn't really appreciated how massive the hole was that she had left behind. But now she was here, with her dark hair splayed across the pillow, her breathing even and rhythmic, her lips begging to be kissed. And who was Rob to deny her? He greeted her in a soft voice, his mouth curving into a crooked grin against the taste of her lips. He leaned back on his elbow, appraising Lyra. What a beautiful sight to behold.

With a quiet chuckle, Rob wrapped an arm around Lyra as she burrowed into his chest. Her nose was like ice, pressing against his warm flesh. "I keep meaning to ask the landlord to help with insulation but..." he trailed off. He'd been rather useless the last few months, especially in the flat. When they had first split, Rob had been unable to leave the flat. Then, he busied himself more and more with his potions, chasing to meet the demand for Aware Wolf now that it was circulating. Rob brushed a strand of dark hair from her face, kissing her forehead.

Lyra reiterated that it was cold, and Rob hummed his agreement. There was a comfortable silence then, but Rob knew it wouldn't last long. "Lyra," said Rob slowly, steeling himself. He waited for her to tilt her elven features towards him, her dark, fathomless eyes locking him in her gaze. "Lyra, I'm so sorry for how I acted," said Rob at last, ashamed. "I stood by my principles but I needed to stand by you."

Lyra Horváth

[Lyra Horváth]

"It's ok. You've been busy. I'll just stay here." Lyra felt warm and safe in his arms; hiding in her cocoon was safer than having to face the realities of it all. For now she could live in this little world and not have to face what was actually going on, right? If she stayed here and never faced the bad stuff, maybe she could just stay in this moment for forever. Right now that was a rather appealing option. It may not last, but for now she'd enjoy it.

She was content with the silence they had settled into, wondering if she may just drift off again and catch up on the sleep she had lost over the past few months. It sounded like a good idea anyway. Prior to meeting Rob and moving in with him, she was used to getting by on very little sleep, constantly being on edge and on high alert. Moving in with Rob had meant getting comfortable. Her wilder feral side had edged away and lead the way for more of a domesticated dog that enjoyed their home comforts much more.

Except her comfort wasn't to last. So Rob wanted to do this now. As she listened quietly, she stiffened slightly. She was sure he was going to turf her out again. This had been another one night only gig. Ugh what an idiot for letting herself think...well what exactly had she thought. That they'd be back together after just one night? It was unlikely, but the childlike naivety in her had taken hold and grown hopeful. The way he said her name, so solemnly, like he was about to deliver bad news. Maybe he had found someone else and this was definitely the end. She tried to not let her head swim with such possibilities. Her stomach was beginning to sink out of her backside and she felt sick with the idea of being unceremoniously turfed out and tossed aside again. But eventually she mirrored him, steeling herself and looking up at him. She tried to set her expression into a blank uncaring one, but with Rob she couldn't pull off her usual poker face and the worry and unease showed easily through her visage. Meeting his gaze she just looked like a lost little child.

She bit down on her lip, making herself stay and listen to him.

The words however, were a shock to the system. This she hadn't been expecting. Slowly she listened, nodding along as she had no idea of what to stay in response. It didn't take her long to feel overcome with emotions. Swelling up and rising in chest were feelings she had no name for, or no way to explain. Instead as a physical response tears pooled in her eyes and closing her eyes for a moment she tried to quell them and not to cry, but it was useless. Within a few seconds she had gone from leaking out the corners, to full on rattling sobs. Quickly enough she dipped her head into his chest to try and hide the mortification from her break down. "I'm so so sorry Robbie. For everything" squeaking out between sobs, she knew it wasn't quite enough to match his admission, but it was a start. And anyway it wasn't like she could say much between her cries.

EPKE ROBERTUS OPPEDYK

[EPKE ROBERTUS OPPEDYK]

Rob held Lyra in his arms, the coldness of the tip of her nose drowned in his overwhelming body heat. He could stay like this forever, holding her, pretending the outside world didn't exist. And yet, he couldn't. The past two months had happened. There was nothing in the world he could do to change that. And even if he could, would he want to? Though the pain had been immeasurable, Rob thought that maybe, just maybe they could come back stronger for this. After all, Lyra was his mate.

As Rob opened his mouth to speak, he felt Lyra tense in his arms. As if she was waiting for him to say something absolutely horrible. But the words that came out were coloured with shame, and apologetic. He had let his own mind and beliefs get in the way of love. And while Rob could appreciate that yes, Lyra had also done wrong, but he should never have shut her out. His mother had always gone on about listening.

Tears fell thick and fast from Lyra's eyes, and though she tried to hide it, Rob caught her chin. He brushed away a tear with his thumb, kissing her damp cheek to catch another. "Lyra, please," said Rob, his voice breaking. "I love you. I will always love you. I love you more than anything in the world, in the universe even. I can't lose you ever again, no matter what," he murmured against her skin, feeling a prickling behind his eyes as his own tears threatened to fall. "I forgive you. Can you forgive me? Can we move forward from this? Please?" His voice was pleading, begging Lyra to forgive, begging her to move past the hurt and find the love that had blossomed between them.

Lyra Horváth

[Lyra Horváth]

After the beginning of the break down of the emotional wall, Lyra hadn't really been able to hold back and as the sobs wracked through her, she tried to fight the tremors that shook her, and instead just hid in her mates chest, hoping she just pretend it wasn't happening. Once upon a time, as a young child she had struggled with her emotions. As she grew older and started to show signs of magic her emotions influenced her control and often strong emotions happened showed as erratic outbursts of magic; both good and bad depending on how she was feeling at that moment. As she has grown she had become a little better at controlling her emotions and with it the outbursts of random magic. By the time she had left Durmstrang to drift Europe she had all but shut down emotionally and mostly continued that way till recently; till she had met Rob. While she had let herself feel the good ones, over the last few months she had shut down emotionally and bottled up all the bad. It was easier to cope that way. To emotionally cut herself off. Well to a degree; now the dam wall had burst and she had very little control over it. She was only lucky that there was no lasting magicaly effects from the surge of emotional energy being spent.

It was easier of course, to deal with it all, while she was wrapped up in her mates arms. But it didn't make her feel any less. It was easier to try and bury into him again and hide her face, but as she felt her face being directed up to meet Rob's gaze, she didn't fight it.

She listened in silence, giving quite sniffles and sobs here and there. Eventually, feeling she was a million years away, she nodded slowly to let him know she had heard him. "I love you too Robbie. Of course." mumbling in a weak response, it was all she could work up for the minute. Instead she reached up to stroke him face, hoping her touch would be a substitute for her feeble words.

"I'm sorry. It's just..." pausing she continued to stroke her fingers over his stubbly cheek absent-mindedly as she trailed off searching for the words. "It's just it's all I've ever been good at. And I wanted to win to feel good, and get money and get us a house or something and...and...and I don't know..." Eventually her rambling trailed off into silence as her confidence dwindled, feeling if she spoke her mind he might think she was silly for her little plan. It was a sorry excuse, but it was true. Rob was smart, he seemed to get good grades and have a fairly decent life set up for himself. Lyra had failed all but one OWL. She had never been good at school and her social skills and connections were severely lacking. When she was bitten her already poor life prospects had been halved. Duelling was all she had even shone at. "It's what I'm good at. It's what I love doing" She eventually added on rather lamely.

EPKE ROBERTUS OPPEDYK

[EPKE ROBERTUS OPPEDYK]

The gentle pressure of Lyra's fingertips helped to calm Rob. He was thinking clearly, perhaps for the first time in months. He had sacrificed the one thing worth fighting for in his argument with Lyra. While Rob still stood by his reasons, he knew he had to bend rather than break. He knew they could come to a compromise in which they were both happy. She echoed his loving sentiment and Rob's heart soard, his mouth dipping down to kiss her slowly, tenderly.

Rob listened as Lyra spoke, explaining how duelling had been the only thing she'd really ever excelled at. Rob couldn't relate - he'd been an excellent student at Beauxbatons, named a bright young mind by The Potioneers Post and had passed his exams with flying colours. He'd had a relatively easy life, even despite his lycanthropy. He had been lucky to have the resources available to him to allow him to do what he loved - which led to Rob trying his hardest to concoct a cure for Lycanthropy. Then Lyra had been thrown into the mix, feisty, special, brilliant Lyra who turned his world upside down. Looking back on the choices he made, he didn't care what he was good at or what worked well for him. Not as much as he cared for Lyra.

"I know... you're so ferocious and spunky, and a bit scary really," said Rob with a crooked grin. "I haven't seen you duel, but I know your spark and I know that you'd wipe the floor with me. But er... while we were... you know," Not talking, thought Rob dully, but he didn't say it. "I did some research. And I actually found out that well, there's a league. I didn't think there was much wizarding sport apart from Quidditch. But there are big leagues out there for duelling championships, and... well Lyra I think you could do really well in them. And imagine the sponsorship and notoriety you could get. And this is all monitored..." said Rob, trailing off. A compromise... or so he hoped.

Lyra Horváth

[Lyra Horváth]

Letting her fingers stroke over his stubble still, they settled into a rhythmic pattern. Quietly, almost as an afterthought she let herself mumble "I missed you so much" But then let her thoughts settle again, closing her eyes in a comfortable lull. Her crying had calmed to a stop and now she was settled.

She didn't need to say much more. She paused for a few minutes before going on about duelling. "It's all I have except for you and Hana really. My only skill." with a lazy shrug she let her eyes open again. "I've been saving it all y'know, the Galleons. Been saving my winnings for us. There's quite a bit saved by now" she went on half meekly, worried he would rare up about it being dirty money. She had had good intentions, she just hadn't really been able to show it off to him. But she left it at that. Maybe he wouldn't want it, maybe it would sit forever untouched in the Gringotts account she had set aside for their savings. Perhaps he'd never want anything to do with it. Still, at least they were there, if ever needed she thought.

As Rob went on about the official duelling circuits, Lyra was quiet. Eventually she nodded in response. "I know. Ever since I came back to the duelling circuit there's been agents after me. Trying to scout me for the big leagues. At first I thought it was just a formality. They asked everyone.." Dropping her eyes from his for another moment, her cheeks flushed. "But no, they kept it up. I told them they wouldn't want me. About my..." catching her breath she gave a quiet sigh "being a werewolf, but apparently they loved it even more. Said I could be a champion for Minorities. Represent the underdog and that..." taking a breath she closed her eyes like it was all too much, and she needed to think it over. "I could go international. Travel a lot, we could travel. Make even more money than on the back alley circuit. Expenses paid as well as that. But I don't know. I don't know if I want to be that big. With everyone looking at me. Be that big." She'd always been used to slinking around in the darkness, she wasn't sure if she wanted to be in the spotlight. The fear surrounding the whole thing was clear as day for Rob to see, now nibbling on her bottom lip she gave another shrug and finally looked at him.

"I haven't even been duelling over the last few months, and still they haven't stopped hounding me." with hesitation she held his gaze for a moment, thinking of all the opportunities it could give them though. The travel they could do, and the things they could experience. She wanted to give her mate the best life possible, along with the cottage in the woods she wanted for them. Heck for this money she could build her own dream home in the woods. With a whole potion lab for Rob. "I guess though it would be great money, and great opportunities for us.." her tone was still unsure and full of hesitation, but she knew she wanted to give them the best life and this would be the way to do it, she just needed the confirmation from Rob about her ideas. For some unknown reason, she had a drive to really set herself and Rob up. To be comfortable in life and not have to worry about things. She had the means to, so in her mind why shouldn't see. She didn't want to have to go back to what her old life was like. She wanted to be comfortable with Rob and would do anything to make that a reality. She wanted to be settled before, well before they moved on. Since last night in particular at speaking with Rhys over his daughter, the thoughts of eventually even having a family had been playing on her mind, sure her fear over it all was still there. But she was still more focused on looking forward with Rob now and if she had to work her ass off to set them up for the future then she would. 

EPKE ROBERTUS OPPEDYK