Written for the Teddy && Roxanne Pairing Challenge.


I'm falling apart,

I'm falling apart,

Don't say this won't last forever.

It's Not Over by Secondhand Serenade.


"This is wrong, Teddy. What about Victoire?"

Deep down, Roxanne knew that it was wrong. She knew that betraying her cousin – her own blood – was a crime. She did realize that should anyone find out, she would be the victim of numerous cold looks, cruel pranks and spiteful rumours. Somehow it all seemed worth it when he would tug her into an empty room and shower her with meaningless compliments and butterfly kisses. Occasionally she'd come to her senses and protest, but that never lasted very long.

She wasn't a bad person, and she did love him. Just because he was Victoire's, didn't mean she couldn't have a little bit of him, did it? After all, he loved her more, right?

"Are you sure she doesn't suspect anything?"

The secret, once a thrilling thing, soon became a burden. Sneaking away wasn't easy any more, and Roxanne could feel her brother's sharp eyes on her wherever she went. Fred had always been the protective type, but even this was more than Roxanne was used to. She confronted him – a memory she would rather forget. He had simply shaken his head, casting a meaningful glance at Victoire. He knew.

She broke down at this, pleading that he keep his mouth shut. Everything flooded out of her mouth at once. Fred, though sceptical, agreed. The only thing he requested in return was that she step away for a few moments, and live a little without letting Teddy Lupin haunt her mind.

"You can't be serious. You're choosing her?"

It went on for a while. Years passed, and the promises that he'd break up with Victoire gradually began to fade. It didn't bother Roxanne, and she simply assumed that he was biding his time – avoiding big family occasions and delicate times. It was when she watched him get on his knees and pull out a ring that she realized how wrong she was. As soon as a squeal of yes had rang through the air, she bolted.

Fred, dear Fred, had found her a few minutes later, taking his broken sister into his lap, rocking her gently and whispering soothing words into her ear. When Teddy came he threatened him away, barely letting Roxanne say half the things she wanted to. Where had all the years gone? Didn't they mean anything anymore?

Roxanne had given so much for Teddy. Somewhere along the line she'd forgotten about Fred's deal, and she'd forgotten to give herself a bit of space – to live.

But what do you do when the only thing you've ever lived for, doesn't live for you?