must have been the wind | archer

[rhys alexander greyback]

we can talk about the noise

when you're ready

December 30, 2028
jude sinclair archer

Rhys didn’t hesitate to pick up the glass and consume its contents in one go. Even when he didn’t want it to be, whisky was the answer. Wouldn’t his sister be proud? A whole week without landing himself in a fight, not that Sage would return any of his phone calls. He’d been convinced not to show up and bang on her front door so as not to prove her point that he was far too belligerent to exist around their daughter safely. Those words in the memory of that conversation burned more than the whisky he drank down.

”I think she’ll come around.” Rhys thought out loud. Archer had come into town for the holidays, and he’d yet to unload all of this on Juni yet. Part of him knew that Juni would have a thing or two to say about his past couple of weeks. Sage had gotten upset with Rhys before. That wasn’t new. But this was the longest she’d gone without speaking to him or letting him see his daughter, and while he was home too. It made him restless. The urge to simply leave and dive headfirst into work consumed him, but he couldn’t leave. Not when Amelia was here.

Feeling fidgety, Rhys caught the eye of a waitress. A pretty one who didn’t hesitate to make her way over, conveniently leaning into both men’s personal spaces to hear their orders better. Rhys welcomed the distraction, that seemed to be all he was chasing lately. His eyes lingered a few extra moments as she walked away with their orders. ”I think she likes me.” Maybe it would earn him a free drink or two, though he’d already drunk several. ”How’s your family? Doing well, I hope.” Rhys had spent time with Archer’s family over the years. The sheer size was overwhelming at first, but they had welcomed Rhys over the years of working together. And he’d never forgotten.

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[jude sinclair archer]

━ sharing my heart, it's tearing me apart ━

LIKE A MOTH TO A flame, Archer had heard the news about Rhys' typical bar brawl from the next person. He had been gone for a few weeks prior to last week, visiting family back home for Christmas and his birthday before spending some..of his days in a certain someone's apartment, simply for the fun of it. But this was the worst of it.

It was rough, watching one of your closest friends spiral and not being able to help much without said-friend taking it as an intervention type of conversation. So Archer watched from afar, interfered whenever he could and did his best to lessen it all. Of course, he wasn't Merlin, so miracles weren't always possible. "Hmm." He hummed quietly at Rhys' thoughts, picking up his own glass. He knew it was a bad idea, getting their thoughts and problems out in a bar, but where else would they go? "How long's it been, a week right?"

Looking up just as Rhys' eyes caught the waitress, Archer also took it upon himself to order another glass for himself. "Neat please love." He added, feeling the need for a little extra burn. Archer didn't bother play into the woman's interest, noticing immediately that she leaned into the two of them. He couldn't be bothered for it really, his eyes weren't as curious nor wandered as bad as Rhys' did.

"In your dreams mate." Archer added with a laugh, side eyeing both his friend and the waitress as she walked off. "Doubt you playing nice is going to get you far. Probably all of England knows about your little brawl from last week." He finished off his glass then, pushing it forward while he rested on his arms, in a little slump. "Yeah they're all good. Mum still asks about you, when you're coming to spend Christmas and my birthday with us next." Archer grinned a little, knowing any mention of his mother was bound to bring a smile to his friend's face.

"She keeps forgetting that you have..other commitments as of late though." Archer had kept quiet about Rhys' situation with both Sage and Amelia, considering it was no one else's business except theirs. But his mum was always a curious woman, so he kept things minimal - claiming Rhys was simply busy spending time with his own family too. "Speaking of commitments..How's Juni?"

| rhys alexander greyback |

hopefully this works!

[rhys alexander greyback]

we can talk about the noise

when you're ready

December 30, 2028
jude sinclair archer

Rhys nodded lightly. He didn’t want to admit he kept track of the time in his head. Eleven days and counting since that evening and since he’d last seen his daughter. It hurt more than Rhys cared to admit, often so much that it left him completely numb. So far, fatherhood hadn’t been this painful in the two and half years since her entry into the world. Thankfully, the waitress provided a welcome distraction. Rhys wasn’t shy with his short visual inspection, but then again, he rarely was. It was Rhys being true to form when in a pub these days, at least when Juni wasn’t there for company and as he still actively avoided The Violet Hound because of Vasilia.

With more whisky on the way, Archer laughed at Rhys’ assumption. ”I’d wager a galleon or two but what kind of friend would I be taking my good friend’s gold just after his birthday.” Rhys spoke seriously, smirking at the end. There wasn’t a doubt in his mind that he could land the waitress, but mentally, Rhys hardly wanted to do much. His thoughts had been so readily consumed the past week and a half to the point of paralysis. ”I’ll have to come around next year then.” Rhys offered. Archer’s family was lively but welcoming. Much like the McGonagall’s had been back in those days. Even now, Rhys missed sharing his work stories with Juni’s father, who excitedly listened. ”Sage is just overreacting again.” Rhys added as an afterthought, feeling impatient as he waited for his drink.

Rhys wanted to add that he would bring Amelia, knowing how Mrs. Archer would love to meet her. While Rhys was confident Sage would speak to him again and things would return to normal, a tiny part of him knew the opposite was still possible. But the topic shifted rather quickly. Rhys blinked a few times at his friend. He hadn’t been expecting the question. ”She’s well.” He answered slowly. ”We’re just friends, mate.” Rhys looked at Archer as if he’d said something ridiculous. And it was true. They were just friends who shared a very physical relationship. And why not? In the entirety of their dating history, that was one area where issues never appeared, unlike the rest. The waitress returned with their drinks, eyes lingering on Rhys a moment before leaving. Rhys liked to tell himself a lot of things, including he didn’t still harbor deep feelings for his ex-girlfriend.

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[jude sinclair archer]

━ sharing my heart, it's tearing me apart ━

HUMMING QUIETLY ONCE MORE AS Rhys nodded, Archer couldn't imagine what was running wild through his friend's mind. While he cared for Rhys, Archer couldn't help but wonder if the younger cursebreaker saw the error in his ways. The main factor of it all being the same thing they couldn't stop themselves from ordering. Of course, Archer wasn't there to diffuse the situation - not that he'd get very far - but he hated seeing Rhys in this way. Expression and his overall attitude filled with regrets and pain.

Since fatherhood, Archer witnessed the changes within his friend. Truth be told, he wondered if such a thing would change his own perspective on life, but Archer liked his current stability. There were the odd issues here and there, as well as the constant travels out of the country whenever there was a task at hand...Blinking as he snapped back into reality, Archer's smile rose into a small smirk. "Speaking of my birthday mate.." He began, leaning in a little closer to his friend. "Where's my gift? Did the owl lose it again like last year?"

Relaxing back as he grinned, Archer drummed a little on the table before them. "Next year it is. I'll tell Mum in summer before she makes all her plans revolve around your bloody arrival." Archer knew it would be a blast though, the last time Rhys had accompanied him, his mum couldn't stop showing embarrassing photos and memoirs of the sort. He just hoped Rhys hadn't ever taken a picture and showed Nell.. "Is she though?" He countered, not being able to hold back his tongue. It was one of Archer's flaws, he was too honest even at the worst times.

Despite the shift in conversation, Archer couldn't help but smile. He felt more relieved knowing Rhys was going to talk regardless of how shitty he felt. Knowing that he had slightly pushed a button by asking about Juniper, Archer couldn't help but roll his eyes at the werewolf's response. "'Just friends' my arse. You know, we all know you didn't just bloody walk her home after your birthday outing." It was none of his business - sure - but whenever the opportunity arose to tease and piss off his friends about their relationships, Archer always took the opportunity.

| rhys alexander greyback |

[rhys alexander greyback]

we can talk about the noise

when you're ready

December 30, 2028
jude sinclair archer

Rhys glanced in the general direction of the waitress again, but she was speaking to other customers at another table. If he wanted to, he certainly could. During his travels after completing Cursebreaker training, Rhys hadn’t quite noticed the attention he received at pubs or bars. Saffron had pointed it out quite bluntly a few times, but Rhys never acted upon it, instead looking forward to going home to Juniper. But that hadn’t lasted, and finding comfort in that attention had proved addicting on its own. During his time with Vasilia, Rhys figured it would be different with a new anchor back home, but it hadn’t stopped him.

”No, no, of course not.” Rhys assured his good friend. ”The owl clearly is lost. But I suppose I can inform you in person that you have the privilege of my friendship for another year.” Raising his new glass of whisky, Rhys pointed it in Archer’s direction as a toast. Actually, Rhys did his best to find things for his friends for a birthday or at least Christmas. More often than not it was items found while traveling during the year that reminded him of them. This time, he’d left it at his flat in case he and Archer got too carried away with the spirits. But Rhys’s eyes snapped to his friend at his challenge.

”Don’t tell me you agree with her?” Why would anyone agree with keeping Amelia away from Rhys? It wasn’t like he was dangerous or like Fenrir. Every precaution was taken with the full moon schedule, and all his friends saw how important Rhys’s daughter was to him. He didn’t want to argue, though, simply shaking his head and brushing off the subject. Rhys never felt surprised at Archer’s composed bluntness. He’d been as forthright as Saffron but never nearly as loud.

Drinking more of the whisky, Rhys slowly began to feel the lightness in his brain. ”And I’m supposed to believe you didn’t walk Nell home either?” Rhys’ eyebrows raised as he offered Archer a look. Damn Juni for planting that seed in his brain that night, but it made sense after some hindsight. ”C’mon mate, I’ve known Nell since we were eleven. She gave it away.” Rhys chuckled. In all honesty, better Archer than some nobody who wandered into her shop one day. Rhys trusted Archer with his life. His only qualm about that arrangement was being left out of the loop. Rhys felt like he’d just learned about Rob and Sienna all over again. It wasn’t a pattern he liked.

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[jude sinclair archer]

━ sharing my heart, it's tearing me apart ━

EYES FLICKERED FROM RHYS TO the waitress and down at his glass again. Archer couldn't see the potential in her that Rhys was somewhat ogling over. But then again, the two Cursebreakers had very different types...Humming yet again as a response, Archer rolled his eyes at the expected answer. The next time the older Cursebreaker would receive a gift, it would probably be a drink on Rhys' open tab. "Such a wonderful gift mate, thank you." Raising his glass along with Rhys, toasting to his belated birthday and their continued friendship - Archer flashed Rhys his best smile before drinking the remainder of his drink.

Feeling rather tense from his friend's question, Archer fixed himself, straightening his posture. "Not..necessarily. But sometimes you let the alcohol consume you a little..too far mate." Archer avoided Rhys' gaze then, knowing that it was something he didn't want to hear but he definitely needed to hear. Archer had his own causes for concern, the constant bar brawls and suspensions on Rhys records somewhat backed up his point as well. Regardless, Archer didn't want to press on any further, seeing no need for an argument.

Smirking and letting a quiet chuckle leave his lips, Archer shook his head, thanking the waitress for the new glass that was set in front of him and Rhys. "Mate, I still have no idea what you, Juniper or even Dahlia are on." Except in actuality, Archer knew exactly what they were talking about. It was no one's business though, how his relationship with Nell blossomed from a secret and now they were tip-toeing around, borderline falling into a real relationship with one another. "Gave what away?" He added, brow raising while his eyes narrowed. "There's nothing going on between us." Another lie of course.

| rhys alexander greyback |

[rhys alexander greyback]

we can talk about the noise

when you're ready

December 30, 2028
jude sinclair archer

Rhys smiled in return. ”I knew you’d like it.” This sort of banter had started before their Cursebreaker training began and continued to this day. Saffron’s input was missing, of course, but in a way, she was always with them. Often, Rhys felt he knew what their late friend would say in a conversation or act at a given moment. Her memory was quite strong and would remain so for a very long time. For example, Rhys fully expected Saffron to take her sister’s side in this matter of Amelia, but not without grabbing Rhys by his shirt collar and shaking some sense into him, along with a handful of other choice words.

Archer appeared to want to do the same. Rhys scoffed, wanting to dismiss the whole thing. ”I didn’t start anything…” Rhys mumbled. That topic wasn’t getting him anywhere, plus Rhys had already decided that he just needed to let Sage cool down, and then things would return to normal. This made him glad their relationship never spanned past the physical, he could only imagine what this all might have looked like were they dating or something like that. He’d gone through the fighting and hurt feelings with Juniper and Vasilia. He wasn’t seeking a third round at the moment.

At least he could deflect for a moment to Archer and Nell. Rhys had already paid up the galleons and dinner to Juni. ”Whatever you say.” Rhys’s smirk didn’t leave, however. Drinking more whisky, he wondered if this was what he and Juni looked like to others. ”I’m just saying, good for you both. You’re my best friends, and I want you both to be happy.” And Rhys knew with how hard Nell worked and her persistent stress level, a romp in the sack from time to time would help immensely. He realized the whisky was almost gone from his glass. ”Fine, I’ll admit Juni and I have been…” Rhys trailed off, he supposed there was no need to be explicit. ”But it's nothing more than that. It's been much better this way.” No commitment, less drama. No gigantic fights or unsaid things building for months, all the things that sank them before.

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[jude sinclair archer]

━ sharing my heart, it's tearing me apart ━

KNOWING THIS WAS THEIR NORM, bantering around and making jokes out of absolutely nothing, Archer missed the necessary input. The moment between them felt like a passing breeze to the older Cursebreaker, as if Saffron was around them, saying her usual lines of dialogue that would only eventually piss them off. "Saffron would've called us sad pricks for this." He decided to add, smiling as he avoided his friends gaze. Though if Saffron was still around, Archer had a feeling that she would of course side with her sister. Again and of course, Archer had no business in his friend's personal life, regarding the issue with his daughter and her mother.

Deciding to ignore Rhys' mumble, Archer felt his chest rise, letting out a quick sigh while he adjusted himself on his seat. Having an argument over Rhys' personal affairs especially when they were doing the action that Archer had initially judged him for. Perhaps Rhys needed an intervention next, considering the ups and downs and the few suspensions - maybe it was something he needed to bring up to Juni and Nell...

Tutting quietly and rolling his eyes, the Cursebreaker's hand rose, glass resting on his lips as he took a quick sip. "I'm serious mate. You could even ask Dahlia, she saw us leave separately I'm sure." Another lie of course. Archer had immediately grabbed Nell's hand that night when she offered to head back to her place. Not trying to show his slight happiness from his overall 'blessing' (not that he needed it), Archer let out another quiet chuckle. "Honestly mate, still haven't a clue on what you're on about."

Considering both his and Nell's conflicting schedules and the overall underlying issue about whether they would work out or not, his relationship with Nell was..still more than friends, but up in the air about relationships. At least that's how he currently felt. But as the topic shifted, bringing up his relationship with Juniper, Archer's eyes narrowed, looking at his friend from the corner of his eye. "We all knew." He began, smirking a little. "Nothing's really changed between the two of you at all. Just less drama ever since you broke up I guess."

| rhys alexander greyback |

[rhys alexander greyback]

we can talk about the noise

when you're ready

December 30, 2028
jude sinclair archer

Rhys smiled, nodding in agreement though the pair didn’t make eye contact. Years later, the void left behind by their late friend was ever-present. He leaned back in his chair, sighing. The memories he had witnessed due to Juniper’s locket had lingered in his mind. Aside from the moments they represented, it had been jarring to hear her voice again. Sure, Sage was her identical twin, but she was not her sister. ”I’m sure she would have used different words.” Rhys added. ”Always the poet, that one.” Poet in terms of how eloquently she could express her thoughts in all manner of foul language.

He shrugged nonchalantly as if he believed what his friend was telling him. Clearly, Archer was not going to admit anything. That only meant Rhys needed to press Nell for further information at some point. Though Rhys had to admit he was not running to meet his oldest friend to avoid whatever opinions she had on his situation. ”Alright, alright.” He finished his glass, frowning because it hadn’t seemed to last long. Hopefully, the pretty waitress would drop by again, if only because she was nice to look at.

Rhys made a face. Of course, things had changed. ”We’re not back together.” He clarified quickly. It was true. ”I think I’ve had enough of relationships for now.” Vasilia had broken up with him earlier in the year. The hassle of a breakup was not the sort of distraction Rhys needed. ”We just have a bit of fun now and then.” Now he couldn’t help but smirk. Their physical chemistry had never been questioned, from the days of finding empty classrooms to snog in to their fling in the library. This had never caused them drama.

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[jude sinclair archer]

━ sharing my heart, it's tearing me apart ━

EVEN WITHOUT SAFFRON AROUND, ARCHER couldn’t help but hum at the familiar feeling. The three of them bickering like old wives before Saffron would interject with something witty. Sometimes her opinion was needed, especially when the two Cursebreakers butted heads. They were both too honest and opinionated but at the end of the day that was somewhat the beauty of their friendship. ”Completely different.” He agreed with a grin, fingers curling around his glass once more. ”A poet? Surely that’s an insult to her. She’s a bloody artist.”

Feeling like the coast was clear…enough, Archer felt relieved that his friend didn’t press on. Rhys wasn’t..one for drama, but the moment he’d let a piece of information slip to the wrong person..i.e. Juniper..Archer knew he wouldn’t hear nothing but gossip for the rest of his life. Of course, things had developed well between himself and Nell, finally blossoming into something he was happy to put a label towards. But that was none of Rhys’ business. It was simply between himself and Nell. ”Finished already mate?” He questioned, brow raising out of concern. ”I’ll get you another if you take it slower.”

At Rhys’ clarification, Archer let out a quiet ‘ah’, knowing the feeling all too well. Despite the timeline that included Vasilia, Juniper’s…status between herself and Rhys always held a higher ranking. There was simply more history between the two of them. ”For now? That’s something I’ve never dreamed you saying.” Archer understood what he had meant though, going back and forth with Juniper for the longest, breaking it off to settling with Vasilia and eventually having a baby with someone else..There were too many jumps and problems to tackle all at once.

Raising his glass to his lips again, Archer found himself forcing a smile (while inwardly cringing). ”Did not..need to know that mate.” He mumbled, getting the slight shivers at the times he would catch Rhys and Juniper either snogging in what they thought was an empty classroom..Merlin he didn’t miss those days. ”Did you see her before Christmas at least? Or..plans for New Years?”

| rhys alexander greyback |

[rhys alexander greyback]

we can talk about the noise

when you're ready

December 30, 2028
jude sinclair archer

Rhys laughed in response. Many memories flooded his mind of years past when they were still a trio. ”Of course.” He shook his head. ”What was I thinking? I’m sure she’ll haunt me now for suggesting anything less.” The thought of Saffron as a ghost was frightening only because she wouldn’t behave as anything less than a poltergeist. The mention of their old friend was bittersweet, as it always was. A positive wave at the mention of memory followed, but the crushing reminder that those memories were all they would ever have. It left Rhys feeling nostalgic and quiet.

Raising an eyebrow, Rhys agreed with a nonchalant shrug. Slow was a subjective word. And like she had a sixth sense, the waitress from earlier began to make her way back to their table. But other things were on Rhys’s mind. ”Do you ever wonder…how things might have been different if Saff had…if Saff had survived?” As often as it ran through Rhys’s mind, he had lost count of all the possibilities. Would he and Juni have gotten back together? And what about that stint at the museum? And how would Rhys have handled Elias’s death? Would Rhys and Sage have crossed paths as they did to allow Amelia’s existence?

Maybe if Rhys could remember anything about that day, he wouldn’t so anxiously wish for his best friend back. Nor would he avoid so many items related to her for fear of conjuring a memory, knocking him down for a few days. Sharing everything with Juniper the month before had been surprisingly helpful, especially when she essentially held his hand during the entire ordeal. And when he had not asked or expected it of her. ”I mean—you know, whatever happens, happens, mate.” Rhys shrugged again, trying not to make much of the whole thing. But if he was honest, Rhys wasn’t sure what their next step was. While he wasn’t rushing to enter another committed relationship, the thought of Juniper with anybody else deeply annoyed him.

”Sorry.” Not sorry. Not after Archer was still denying he had something going on with Nell, who was Rhys’s best friend for nearly two decades. ”Honestly, neither of us intended for this.” Rhys spoke honestly. ”We were always friends first, and I wasn’t looking for anything serious after Vasilia.” But a bottle of whisky and a trip to the library later, here they were. Archer continued his interrogations. ”Yes.” His response was flat. ”No, the full moon is on New Year’s Eve this year.”

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[jude sinclair archer]

━ sharing my heart, it's tearing me apart ━

THE THREE CURSEBREAKERS WORKED WONDERS back in their days. It wasn't completely long ago, but as the days after Saffron's death turned into weeks, months and eventually years - their journeys together felt like distant memories. "Don't be surprised if she appears to you in a dream today, is all I'll say mate." Archer added, a grin touching his lips while he quietly laughed.

Before Archer could even get the waitresses attention, she quickly rounded the corner - heading towards their table. So, the elder Cursebreaker rose a hand, showing that they were ready to order some more. What Archer hadn't been expecting in that moment was his friends unusual question. It wasn't like Rhys to completely dwell on the past and the what ifs, but to instead power through it all with the aid of alcohol no less.

"Of course." He answered honestly and briefly, knowing exactly where he would be if nothing had ever happened. He would still be willingly travelling, going on more adventures with the two of them but he would found the confidence to confess earlier to Nell, to easily find himself in her arms every time he returned from being out of the country. The only difference of it all was, Saff wasn't here. And Archer - as well as Rhys - couldn't remember why. Why did they survive but she didn't? So, Archer spent a year away, travelling every fortnight and only letting Nell know where he was. The bolicking he got when he returned was more than worth it though.

"Not much would've changed. I would probably have been by yours and Saff's side. Doing the same old same old." Taking the time to order for the both of them while Rhys went on, Archer's lips rose once more. He enjoyed teasing his friend; especially whenever the topic of Juniper came up. "But not a relationship, I gather?" It was funny, seeing how committed Rhys was to the woman once, now it felt like a comedic dream - given Archer was the one who was committed to a singular woman now.

Rolling his eyes at his friend's attempt of an apology, Archer smiled as the same waitress made her way round with their next load of drinks. "Noted. So if you tell me one random night you can't see yourself without Juni by your side, I'll take it as nonsense then?" Archer nodded again though before tutting quietly at his forgetfulness. "Forgot, sorry. Do you need help with it or do you think you'll be alright?.."

| rhys alexander greyback |

[rhys alexander greyback]

we can talk about the noise

when you're ready

December 30, 2028
jude sinclair archer

Rhys chuckled. The idea of Saffron haunting the pair beyond the grave was not a stretch. It felt like something right up her alley. He could already see that cheeky grin at the thought of pestering her two best mates for the rest of their lives simply because she could. At the same time, Rhys wished it were true. Saffron as a ghost was better than no Saffron at all. Rhys felt his mood shift darkly, with light pressure welling up in his chest and pressure behind his eyes. It never felt easier, and Rhys knew it was the same for Archer.

At least they shared the same sentiment about their late friend. While Archer ordered, Rhys absentmindedly nodded. Much about their careers would certainly stay the same. Everything else still felt like a toss-up. Although, maybe Rhys would not have been so careless with his relationships as Saffron had so enjoyed smacking him upside the head to keep him in check. Especially when it regarded Juni. Speaking of, Archer insisted on discussing her. Then again, Archer had watched the entire saga with a front-row seat. Rolling his eyes, Rhys sat back. ”I—after Vasilia…these things never work out, so why bother?” Why set oneself up for pain?

Their next drinks arrived. Rhys nodded thankfully at the waitress, who gave him a smile. Sipping from his glass, Rhys’s eyes narrowed at his friend. ”Like I said—we’re friends.” He responded. ”And if that puts her by my side—so be it.” Logically, it all made sense. Perhaps Rhys’s whisky logic twisted the entire thing a bit, but it made sense in his mind. And with no relationship, none of the associated drama or pain went with it. ”I can’t picture my life without you by my side, working. Are you and I meant to be together?” Rhys countered, taking a bigger sip of his whisky. ”Or perhaps you are already promised to another?” Nell had not given up any details when he last saw her either.

”I’ll be fine—staying at the Hotel. The usual routine.” Almost. His track record for taking Aware Wolf this past year had been spotty at best, not that he’d informed Sienna of that. She would have words for Rhys. Although her and Rob’s potion was successful, it still had plenty of testing to do as it was new compared to Wolfsbane.

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