AN: For the Marina and the Diamonds Challenge. Inspired by the song "Homewrecker" and If You Dare (285. Toys)
I.
He's ten years old, watching his mother prepare for yet another wedding. "Maybe this one will last," he says, because he's still young enough to believe in happily ever after and silly things like love.
His mother turns to him, eyes narrowed coldly in spite of the smile on her lips. "Let's hope not, darling," she chuckles, but it's not a very pleasant sound.
Blaise doesn't understand. Having watched his mother all his life, he knows that love doesn't always turn out like it should. But, he thinks, shouldn't his mother at least hope?
He says nothing as he takes her hand, kissing her cheek as he guides her through the door.
II.
He's fourteen when he plays the part of the supportive friend. Pansy sniffles, holding him close.
"It isn't fair," she says. "Draco invited me to the Yule Ball, and now he's acting like nothing happened."
Blaise knows he should feel some sort of sympathy. His friend's heart is broken, but he doesn't really care. He's become unfeeling, a block of stone, untouchable by silly thoughts of love and things. But he plays the part, making Draco into a villain as he paints Pansy as the distressed damsel.
"Fuck him," he says, tucking his fingers under her chin and tilting her head back before kissing her.
Pansy melts so easily. She's broken and desperate, stuck with so much love to give and no one to receive it.
Now, Blaise feels something. A jolt of excitement. She is putty in his hands, something to use and play with. He shouldn't like that, but he does.
OoOoO
"I hate you!" Pansy screams when he grows bored and tosses her aside.
"I'm sorry," Blaise says.
Really, he's not.
III.
He's sixteen, and he's developed quite the reputation. Blaise, the boy who's so hard to please. Blaise, the picky boy who satisfies every girl he meets but can't stay satisfied.
So many have tried – Pansy, Daphne, Millicent. Soon, even girls from other Houses bat their eyes at him, pinning him as a challenge, someone they can change.
Blaise enjoys it. Breaking hearts and crushing dreams is nothing short of fun. Why settle down when there are so many willing hearts to play with?
"You're cruel," Theo says. "Even for a Slytherin."
Blaise just laughs. "Love is cruel game, mate."
IV.
He's twenty, and his reputation has grown.
"Just like his mother," they whisper.
"Nothing but toys to him."
But Blaise just gives them a winning smile – a smile that says all the stories are rumors, and he's just a poor, innocent victim.
They melt. They always melt.
V.
He's twenty-three, enjoying dinner with his mother.
"I'm proud of you, son," she says. It's something she has never told him before. "Out there in the world, breaking hearts just like your mum."
Blaise grins his appreciation, shrugging modestly.
"And you didn't even have to marry them," she laughs.
"What can I say? You taught me well."