Title: With Kisses and Punches
Prompt: "Words are a wonderful form of communication, but they will never replace kisses and punches." -Ashleigh Brilliant
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 405
Warnings: References to violence.
Summary: Bill struggles with the side effects of his scars.
Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction set in the Harry Potter universe, all recognisable characters and settings are the property of J. K. Rowling and her associates. No money is made from this work.
Bill didn't know what was wrong with him. His fingers were still prickling from crashing against Roger Davies's temple, and he really wanted to believe that the only reason was jealousy; because Roger had been dating Fleur, because he kind of stalked her ever since he began working at Gringotts, and of course because his face was still perfectly flawless. But Bill would have never wanted to change this with violence. He feared it was because of the scars that he couldn't control his anger anymore.
"Bill!" Fleur grabbed his arm to pull him away from the mess of Roger that sunk to the floor in front of them, blood dripping from a laceration at his temple. "What was zat about?"
And again pure rage flared up in Bill, because he knew that Fleur knew… and he feared that clenching his fists wouldn't keep him from pushing her too roughly away.
So he just turned around and walked straight out of Gringotts, not caring about the people staring at him, but about Fleur letting him walk away. That her fingers slipped so easily from his arm was obvious and calling after him couldn't change the obvious.
"Bill, talk to me!" Fleur not only called, but ran after him.
Bill still didn't turn around, because he was afraid of losing his temper again. He hurried away from Gringotts as fast as possible, terrified that this incident would cost him his job. And then his marriage…
"'Ow am I supposed to know what's wrong," Fleur grabbed his hand, tightly, "eef you don't talk to me?"
Bill stopped. He let Fleur's fingers move between his, then swung around and pulled her against his chest with a sudden jerk. When he crushed his lips against Fleur's mouth, it felt so very similar to punching Roger before. Because he was letting this strangely overwhelming anger take control, and it didn't matter that the audience of Diagon Alley whistled and clapped. He was devouring Fleur's mouth, claimed her with a passionate kiss and made sure everyone could see to whom she belonged. With kisses and punches.
It seemed like he had to accept this new part of him he couldn't quite put into words…
When Bill pulled away, he left Fleur breathless and a little flushed. She smiled and let out a small giggle before she wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Why didn't you just say zat from ze beginning?"
