butterfly effect | diana

[ares edward lestrange]

━ wasted on sunday, erase you on monday ━

ARES LESTRANGE LIKED TO THINK his relationship with Diana was simply platonic, a friendship where the two could confide in one another for the mistakes they made and the paths they chose. Strangely enough, aside from being able to spend time with his son, seeing Diana at the bar of Hogs Head was one other thing he anticipated and looked forward to.

But with the days of Diana coming in to visit eventually thinning out, Ares began to think if he had said something wrong or not. Sometimes he was too forward - he knew this. Stepping his toes into uncharted waters especially when it wasn't necessary. Continuing on the evening shift at Hogs Head felt like hell for the wizard, especially since many patrons were turning up to the bar already pissed out of their minds. It wasn't even nine yet.

"Wait your turn!" Ares called out, lifting his wand in the direction of a patron that was simply pissing him off. Wiping down the bar and turning as the other man caught on, Ares didn't bother turning back as he felt another person approach the bar. "What do you want? Pint?" He simply asked, knowing it was usually the same every time.

| diana eoina bainbridge |

hopefully this works!

[diana eoina bainbridge]

Life is not a love song we can try

To fix our broken pieces
one at a time

December 1, 2028
ares edward lestrange

Diana still tried her best to acclimate to daily life without the weight of her decisions as a constant reminder. She had long ago stopped trying to quantify what blood was on her hands, telling herself that it would’ve been worse had she refused, and her family paid the price for her mistakes. Elaine had put Diana in an impossible situation that an adult could have hardly dealt with, let alone a sixteen-year-old girl. Like her sisters, Diana tried to find whatever silver lining existed in that old world. And there was some solace in knowing that Diana was not the only ex-purifier with regrets or clear hindsight into what they had participated in.

Maybe that was why she found herself at The Hog’s Head again. At her age, she was allowed a life outside of her work. Fortunately, she gained more hours at the museum, hopefully translating into full-time work. Unfortunately, Diana occasionally had to visit the black market for extra money. Every time Diana walked those alleys, she felt as disgusting as the dirty cobblestone steps beneath her feet. She couldn’t remember when she’d last stopped by for a drink. All the days felt as if they blended together at times.

Diana noted the patrons who wobbled in their seats as she approached the bar. Ares had his back turned, and she took her usual seat near the corner of the bar while she waited for him to turn. Instead, she heard his voice, but Diana was not convinced he had seen her. Hearing his question left her hair shifting to its natural blonde before removing her cloak. ”To start.” She responded, hoping he wasn’t too busy that night. Befriending Ares and getting to know him further renewed some hope in Diana that a good person could still exist behind whatever veneer they created from past decisions and mistakes.

template by vee

[ares edward lestrange]

━ wasted on sunday, erase you on monday ━

PAUSING WHAT HE WAS DOING, Ares Lestrange's eyes rose. That voice was familiar. Too familiar and the unsettling feeling in his gut only made him turn around. Seeing Diana seated at the bar was not what the Lestrange had anticipated, especially as her visits to Hogs Head had thinned out. Ares felt like a teenager all over again from the feeling, losing a 'friend', consistently questioning himself if it was something he had said or not.

"Where the fuck have you been?" He found himself asking. Ares couldn't care for his abruptness, but he was afraid something had happened to her. They had confided in one another, over their fears, their mistakes of being part of the Purifiers, so for Diana to suddenly disappear after months of their little chats was a little difficult for the Lestrange to process. As much as he hated to admit it.

"I was moping around like a teenage girl because I thought I said the wrong shit to you." He admitted, using the towel that rested over his shoulder to have a wipe down of the bar, while his fingers waved - pouring a pint as she had requested. "A school girl Diana. When have I ever been emotional? Am I on my period?"

| diana eoina bainbridge |

[diana eoina bainbridge]

Life is not a love song we can try

To fix our broken pieces
one at a time

December 1, 2028
ares edward lestrange

Ares seemed surprised by her entrance. Diana supposed she couldn’t respond the same. The last few months felt like a blur. The previous day felt like Autumn had just started. But now they entered December and the busy holiday season. It wasn’t the same disassociation she’d allowed herself during the years with Elaine. That was survival. This time was merely work, family, and life. So normal compared to before. Anyone else might have mistaken the Lestrange’s tone as rude, but Diana felt she knew him well enough by now. Allowing herself to smirk almost coyly.

”It hasn’t been that long, has it?” She was half serious with her question, offering a sheepish smile. He wiped down the bar while preparing her order. ”I’m sorry—they’ve given me more hours at the museum, but I’ve still had to…work…you know.” Years later, Diana had yet to leave the black market life behind altogether. Unfortunately, she couldn’t do without the extra money for now. She shook her head—so dramatic. Diana paused momentarily for effect. ”You know you can call or message, too.” She reminded him. As if their social interactions were only limited to her actions.

But Diana knew Ares had other responsibilities as well—primarily his son. Family was important. Diana would never deny that. ”Well—I’ve missed you too.” She added softly. A very unlikely friendship but one that worked. After that initial conversation, Diana felt comfortable talking to Ares. She supposed their backgrounds and honesty left an easy path to genuine vulnerability. One that was difficult to find or forge with people so quickly. Even now, Diana still struggled letting people close enough to trust.

template by vee

[ares edward lestrange]

━ wasted on sunday, erase you on monday ━

ARES TRULY HOPED DIANA WAS joking. His facial expression blanked while his brows rose a little. "Not that long?" He repeated. "Did you miss the part where I said I was moping like a teenage girl? Simply because I missed you?" As Diana went on, Ares found himself nodding in understanding, placing a coaster in front of her and putting the pint she had requested on top of it.

He understood what she meant by the need to 'work'. It was somewhat evident that she was referring to working in the black market. It was a hellish life, but Ares wouldn't shame anyone who needed the extra bit of money. "Fine. I accept your apology for now." She hadn't even apologised, but this was the premise of their friendship after all. Abruptness, bluntness and banter. He really had missed her.

As she mentioned that he could've called or messaged also Ares' eyes widened a little. "You know..you're not wrong there." He paused before continuing. "But..I thought that would be..overstepping I guess."

| diana eoina bainbridge |

[diana eoina bainbridge]

Life is not a love song we can try

To fix our broken pieces
one at a time

December 1, 2028
ares edward lestrange

Diana tried her best not to crack a smile at his exaggeration. There was something serious about him and dangerous. Maybe it was that dangerously sharp jawline or his slow smile, but then the second he opened his mouth, an unexpected forthrightness. ”Stop—you’re making me blush.” Diana teased him, her hair shifting to a light orange. Years spent in invisible chains made Diana forget what this felt like. Something normal and fun, just as one should have at this age. And better yet, someone who was not one of her sisters expressing they missed her presence. Of course, she was bound to blush a little bit.

”Well—tell me how I can make amends?” She requested, happily accepting the pint and taking a sip. Ares reminded her of those days and dark moments, but every interaction brought her further away from it on his part. Maybe adding new memories helped push the old ones farther away, and she had to admit she liked his company. Not to mention, he was easy on the eyes. Diana had to admit that not everyone at the Museum was so easy to get along with. Their work consumed most, or they were only willing to speak about the theorized magical practices of Vikings or whatever.

She tilted her head curiously. ”Overstepping? How so?” Diana would not have thought it so, but that was rather polite of him in a way, rather than the stories she heard from others about people who excessively messaged when clearly it was not wanted or sent unsolicited images. ”We’re friends, right?” Diana asked. It was likely this exact stool where Diana had once crawled in and had the shock of her life meeting another escapee, so to speak, wondering if she was just a loose end. But now, it seemed both were returning to feeling human once again.

template by vee

[ares edward lestrange]

━ wasted on sunday, erase you on monday ━

WATCHING AS HER HAIR TURNED to a light orange, Ares Lestrange cracked a smile. He was flirty at heart, but his friends got the worse of it. He loved affection but was fearful of commitment. A 'typical' lad. "You've always been so careful when expressing how you feel around me..maybe I should..do that a lot more." He considered, grinning as he leaned in a bit before tapping away at the counter, finding something new to keep his hands busy with.

As Diana took a sip of the pint, questioning how she could make amends, Ares knew the perfect solution. But there were two ways his address about it would turn out. She'd immediately decline, along with a strike to his face, or she'd accept. There was simply no in between. "Dinner. Not overly romantic, but something and someplace far from here so we can actually..pretend we live an stress-free life."

Listening as she went on, Ares noted how her head tilted to the side. Was he wrong? The Lestrange knew he had a habit at times to cross the line, and while he felt comfortable with Diana, they never really clarified their friendship. "I mean, if you call countless trauma dump sessions, bonding over something we both kind of regret but got ourselves involved in for our own personal reasons, and kind of escape reality quite often as..friendship?.." The Lestrange paused, grinning over at her. "Then absolutely we are."

| diana eoina bainbridge |

[diana eoina bainbridge]

Life is not a love song we can try

To fix our broken pieces
one at a time

December 1, 2028
ares edward lestrange

Diana had learned to pick up when her hair changed but wasn't always immediately aware of it. But whoever she was with typically noted it. Growing up with so many siblings, Diana hardly had to speak for any of them to know what might have been on her mind. It left her shy as ever compared to her twin or older brother. Still, Ares' response caused her to pause as he leaned in. Her hair remained its light orange, although darkening ever so slightly. When was the last time her heart skipped like this? And not out of sheer terror or fear? Merlin—it had been a very long time. Feeling bashful, she looked away for a moment before looking back. "Maybe you should."

Merlin, where had that come from. That confidence quickly left as she picked up her pint again. Sipping as so to hide behind the large stein. They were not new friends or anything, and Diana realized how she'd grown comfortable conversing with Ares. Maybe something about their shared experiences, which were inherently vulnerable confessions, already left them close. Either way, she couldn't deny how her stomach flipped when he'd smile at her or flirt. He seemed to ponder an answer to her question, though he didn't wait long to answer. Placing her pint down, Diana considered his suggestion for a moment, although she knew her answer. "Dinner sounds lovely." She softly smiled.

When he phrased it that way, it was a little complex. Diana nodded and lightly shrugged. "I mean—all friendships have to start somewhere, right?" Unconventional was quite the understatement, but Diana supposed Ares had surprised her, considering her only other experience with other Purifiers was Ondina. She drank more of her pint, drinking larger amounts rather than sipping. One thing that had helped her through those years was alcohol now and then and whatever else her peers managed to have on hand. Not that she dabbled as much anymore, but she craved that warm confidence a pint brought her. Plus, the energy from Ares was contagious, making Diana feel almost relaxed. "You'll be calling me your best friend one day if you aren't careful." She teased, returning to her less than half-empty pint. Whether or not that would ever be true, she didn't know. Diana knew that she trusted Ares to a point. She trusted him enough, which was more than she could say for others in her life.

template by vee