Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.
Author's Note: Written for HP Slash Luv as a reward for completing the Gift-Giving Extravaganza 2014. Great job!
"You're going to marry Bellatrix Black?" Rabastan felt as though he was going to be sick. "She's absolutely vile, Rod - have you seen the way she acts?"
Rodolphus lounged on his bed. He always gave off an aura of coolness, of casual confidence that Rabastan only wished for. "I'm sorry," he said, smirking a bit, "but is that jealousy I detect in your words, brother?" He emphasized the last word, and Rabastan felt his cheeks growing warm. It was difficult to look at Rodolphus without thinking of all of their...encounters, for lack of a better word. Illicit, inappropriate, incredible encounters.
"Don't say that," Rabastan snapped. "I don't expect - it's not - I just don't like Bellatrix."
Rodolphus stood up, walking over to where Rabastan was standing. They were both lean, but Rodolphus was wiry and muscled, while Rabastan's slenderness made him look frail. "You don't like her because I'm sleeping with her," Rodolphus said. "Before, you had absolutely no problem with her."
"Shut up," Rabastan said, rubbing his forehead. Rodolphus had needled him about Bellatrix before, and every time the conversation happened, it got old quickly.
Rodolphus looked a little apologetic, which Rabastan supposed was the best he could hope for. He looked towards the door quickly, and then leaned close to Rabastan, his lips brushing against Rabastan's ear. "Don't worry," he whispered. "The only reason I'm marrying Bella is because of Mother and Father. Everything between you and I will stay exactly the same."
"Do you promise?" Rabastan said, aware that he sounded childish but not caring.
Rodolphus pulled his face away from Rabastan's and looked him in the eyes. "Promise."