The Art of Hidden Personas Chapter 7: I know, a harry potter fanfic | FanFiction
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter
Hey all! The Art of Hidden Persona's has been nominated for best WIP and Most original Harry Potter story on the Always Hoping awards website...COOL! ;D! It's incredible that someone thought enough of the story to nominate it so thank-you VERY much!
And another big thank-you for the reviews they were great and I fully intend on answering them all, don't worry! :D
The heels of Hadrian's dragon hide boots hit the white marble floor with a loud clap as he apparated into the hall. Without a seconds pause, he swept up the ornate stone staircase moving rapidly towards his destination.
"Young Master Hadrian! You are home! They are waiting for you in the..." The squeaky voice of a nervous house-elf quickly disappeared as he stormed past the creature.
He knew exactly where they were. His calm magic had quickly picked up the numerous human presences in the second floor drawing-room as soon as he had arrived.
His heart was only now starting to calm.
He could hardly believe that he was still breathing.
...
"Well, Mr Walker? Why do you hide?" Voldemort's voice was casual, but his eyes were interested.
Hadrian purposefully leaned back against the wall behind him in a comfortable gesture, but made sure to leave his arms hanging and free in-case he had to draw his wand in defence. He scoffed silently, as if he had any hope of making it past the door of this room if the Dark Lord actually wished his death.
"I have my reasons," He spoke stiffly.
Crimson eyes flared slightly in amusement. "And if you were smart, you would share those reasons with me."
Hadrian fought the urge to glare at the man; it would be ridiculously immature of him if he did.
"It's interesting," He said.
Voldemort quirked an eyebrow in surprise at his answer, and Hadrian felt his confidence increase slightly.
The man was not aware of all his secrets.
"Please," The Dark Lord's voice was silky, "elaborate." Dangerous.
Hadrian wondered what he should say, what possible explanation to give. He didn't want to unknowingly give the man more insight and knowledge into his life and secrets. Yet, one just does not lie to the Dark Lord, especially this one, so, finally, he decided on the truth. At least…part of it.
"Look, I enjoy people underestimating me; I like the feeling of knowing them, knowing their weaknesses like only a believed inferior can. When the people around you think you weak and stupid they do not bother to check their words or actions. Although Hogwarts does not seem to possess the most intriguing of individuals I would rather stand in the dark and know everything about those around me and be underestimated than overconfident and weak believing myself to be powerful and strong because I was better than the weak students of Hogwarts," He sneered in disgust, imagining himself strutting around the school like his Slytherin peers, convinced of his power and intelligence because he was able to cower children.
Voldemort said nothing.
Lifting the crystal tumbler to his lips, he took a large sip before setting it back down; not once removing his eyes from Hadrian's.
"Again, child, you show yourself to be more intriguing than I had envisaged. I see the logic and enticement behind that reason..." Hadrian felt an unexplainable dread seep into his gut at the man's smirk. He didn't know how, but he was sure that he had just revealed something about himself to the other man that he didn't want known, something that he would regret. "On the other hand, have you ever thought about the possibility of allowing just enough of your strength to shine through, in order to show your power, while hiding the extent of its range?" The man's words were mocking but at the same time serious.
Hadrian scowled. The man was playing with him.
"No," He stated clearly. "Why? Is that what you did?" He questioned boldly.
The Dark Lord chuckled lowly, "No need to be insulted, Mr Walker, I was merely asking." The dark smirk and menacing eyes, however, said differently. And the man made no attempt to conceal it.
Hadrian clenched his fists together tightly.
"So, the only reason you disguise yourself so completely is merely…curiousity and cunning?" The Dark Lord taunted. "And the very real reality of you being removed from your guardian's care, should her identity be discovered, has nothing to do with your mask."
Hadrian sucked in a large breath.
Raven.
Crimson eyes darkened, losing all humour and amusement as the Dark Lord leant forward in his arm chair. "I think we both know that that is the real reason you hide who you are."
Hadrian forced himself to swallow past the lump in his throat but his expression did not alter. It was crucial at that moment to not show weakness, to not breakdown. If the Dark Lord thought he had nothing to offer, nothing unique, the man would rip him apart.
"That is quite possible," Hadrian said calmly, his exterior confident and cool, his insides panicked and racing. What was the man planning to do?! Hadrian knew that the Dark held no love for Raven Nadine, but neither did the light. What was the Dark Lord planning to do with this information? He would be damned if he sat back and watched Raven hurt, even if that meant fighting against the man opposite him.
Slowly, the Dark Lord's lips stretched into a predatory grin. "Indeed."
Voldemort held gazes with him before slowly lifting his right arm and flicking his wrist. The soft click of the door unlocking resounded in the silent room.
"Go, Mr Walker. And I expect to see you at tomorrow's celebration. It is our last after-all."
"Of course," Hadrian drawled, annoyed at the prospect, as he moved toward the exit, "because these types of celebrations are always the height of fascinating," He muttered under his breath.
"Oh, and child..."
Hadrian clenched his teeth but forced himself to turn around. He ached to leave the room; he felt completely out of his depth and needed time to process this. Voldemort was standing in front of a massive, three metre floor-to-ceiling window, his back facing Hadrian and his eyes locked on the beautiful landscape in front of him.
"Yes?" He almost snapped but caught himself at the last moment, judging by the smirk on the man's lips though, he had not been able to mask his frustration expertly enough.
"Do come as yourself won't you?" Those crimson eyes rose suddenly glinting with sadistic amusement through the refection in the window.
His eyes widened. "What?!" He couldn't contain his alarm and anger.
Voldemort spun round and fixed him with a cool stare. "Do not disrespect me, child." The voice was deadly and low, and Hadrian breathed deeply, taking a moment to regain his normally unshakeable control.
This time he did glare. "Would you mind clarifying?" He mocked with a sickly sweet tone, unable to contain all of his ire.
Suddenly, the towering form of Lord Voldemort was in front of him. "Certainly," The man grinned back darkly, as if entertained by his response. "I will allow you to appear in your glamoured form tomorrow night as long as you release your true personality from its cage."
Hadrian narrowed his eyes at the man. Why would the Dark Lord allow him to appear at the ball under the physical mask of his persona but not the intellectual one? What game was he playing?
"Fine," He said slowly, not trusting the sinfully handsome man in front of him in the least.
"Good." The Dark Lord took a large step back and waved at him in dismissal, his expression once again calm and disinterested, as if this encounter was nothing out of the ordinary.
Hadrian didn't linger. As he swept out of the room he quickly erected the strongest invisibility spell he knew around himself. There was no way in hell he was going to spend another minute in the intoxicating presence of the Dark Lord, so his mask could wait. Without pausing, he passed by the few lingering Death Eaters in the entrance hall and left the confines of the house.
Grasping his wand tightly he spun and concentrated on his destination. With a loud crack, he disapparated, unable to concentrate enough to muffle the sound.
Hadrian, preoccupied as he was, didn't notice the way intense, flaming crimson eyes tracked his swift, invisible movements unerringly across the grounds.
...
As Hadrian moved through the halls he attempted to get his raging anger under control. He very rarely lost his temper, but he knew he was in danger of doing so now.
The muffled sounds of raised voices and yelling assaulted him as he rapidly approached the dark wooden door.
He didn't wait.
Clasping the bronze door handle firmly, he pushed down, swinging the door open.
Five heads swung round at the noise and all fell silent as he strode into the room, shutting the door softly behind him.
"…Hadrian," Gabriel breathed out his name in relief, blue eyes fluttering closed as if his entire body were devoid of energy.
"Thank the darkness you're all right," Raven murmured from her seat next to the large fire.
He said nothing.
"Hadrian?" Demetri spoke cautiously, like one would do to a scared animal easily spooked. "Are you all right? What happened?"
"Yes," Julian's stiff voice cut through the soft viciously. "I too would like to know exactly what happened after you brutally murdered the tortured man you showed up with."
"Julian," Demetri hissed in angry warning.
"No, he's right. We have a right to know why the person we're protecting so eagerly killed and tortured someone tonight," Marionette said harshly.
Hadrian raised his eyes to lock with condemning sapphire.
"We don't know if Hadrian was the one to torture him." Demetri once again came to his defence, despite the doubtful way his black eyes fluttered in his direction.
Still he said nothing. Merely stood, leaning back against the door of the room surveying its occupants with an emotionless expression.
"Hadrian?" Raven slowly rose from her chair, her relieved expression fleeing, replaced with dread and fear. "What happened?"
"…Before or after I cast the Killing Curse, Raven?" Hadrian asked calmly.
Raven's violet eyes adopted a fond exasperation amongst her fear. "After, of course."
Some of the ice around his eyes melted and he shot her a thankful look. She accepted him. The good and the bad.
"Madam Nadine!" Marionette squawked, horrified.
"Marionette! Quiet!" Demetri barked, his eyes locked on his friend's form. Something was wrong here, he realised. He glanced at Dalton and noticed that his blue eyes were watching Hadrian with a look he had never seen on the blonde before.
"Well, Hadrian?!" Julian demanded harshly, his eyes flashing.
"Raven? Would you excuse us?" Hadrian spoke softly.
The violet eyed woman fixed her son with a look that told him he had better explain later before nodding and leaving the room.
Slowly, Hadrian walked away from the door and deeper into the room, coming to lean back against the stone wall furthest from all of them.
"Oh, for Merlin's sake, Walker! Stop acting all wounded and self-pitying so you can gain our sympathy and support! It's not going to happen! You became a murderer tonight, do you know that?! You killed someone! And I don't care what anyone else says, I know you tortured that man too! So stop with the orphan routine, stop with the battered and wounded soul. It won't help you!" Marionette's brown locks were flying chaotically around her as she finally let loose and started yelling.
Hadrian merely watched her in silence, taking note of the satisfied look in Julian's eyes, the furious anger in Demetri's, and the icy, dangerous rage exuding from Gabriel.
"What? You have nothing to say? Nothing to defend yourself with, Hadrian?" It was a cruel taunt.
"Julian," Demetri snapped, shocked beyond belief that his sister and friend were acting like this. Hadrian had just come from a confrontation with the Dark Lord!
"What Demetri?! What?!" Julian yelled.
"Julian…"
Immediately, the blonde's roars ceased.
Julian's world seemed to literally stop as that one, soft call of his name swept over him. Slowly, he turned to look at Gabriel and violently flinched back at the disgust and anger in those blue eyes. He spun around, presenting his back to the four others in the room. He couldn't look into those ice-blue eyes again. He clenched his eyes shut tightly, pressing a fist to his stomach. It hurt that Gabriel would look at him like that. Look at him with that amount of dislike when he had seen the way Gabe had watched Hadrian ever since he had come into the room. Hadrian was a murderer! Gabriel had endured the torture curse for him and he still watched Hadrian with that look in his eyes! The Dalton heir hadn't said a word since they had left; he hadn't said a thing as they waited for two hours in the Nadine Manor for Hadrian to turn up. No matter the questioning, no matter who spoke...nothing. And then…Hadrian simply walks through that door, and Gabriel breaks his silence.
Julian felt like screaming against the pain and jealousy consuming him. His thoughts wouldn't leave him alone. Gabriel, the man he had loved for years, broke his silence for a person who would never appreciate it. Who has never appreciated it.
Hadrian watched and listened to all of this, trying to contain his rage through it all. It was bubbling beneath the surface, waiting to explode, and the people in front of him were not helping him control it.
"What happened?" His voice was barely above a whisper, but they all heard it.
Julian's shoulders tensed and Marionette stared at him bug-eyed, totally uncomprehending.
"What the hell happened before I was unceremoniously dropped in the middle of the Dark Lord's inner circle, with the Dark Lord not ten feet away from me? What the hell did you all do?" Hadrian kept his voice level but it shook with intensity.
"Hadrian..." Demetri's voice sounded lost.
"Gabriel?" Hadrian locked eyes with his former lover, steam-rolling over the Russian wizard. He knew this began and ended with the Dalton heir, and he would know the story before he let any of them leave this room.
"Walker!" Marionette shouted, outraged.
Green eyes, flashing with rage, swung round to connect with the girl.
"Yes, Marionette?" Hadrian stalked closer, his muscles tense and begging for a fight. "Is there something constructive here that you have to add? Are you really aware of what exactly just went on? Are you, in any small way, capable of shedding light on this situation? Because if you're not, and I cannot see you ever really knowing what goes on around you, you will sit back, shut-up and keep your ill-informed, arrogant idea's to yourself…Are we clear?" His voice was low and threatening. He was not in the mood for her insecurities nor was he in the mood to coddle her, not that he ever had, but if she didn't start to keep her mouth shut he knew that, right now, he wasn't capable of restraining himself from lashing out.
Marionette twitched, attempting to stop the words which were on the tip of her tongue. She felt furious at Hadrian for his presumptuous orders but her instincts; those were telling her that that her chilling fear was not unfounded. Not from the way he was looking at her.
"Are we clear?"
"…Yes," She whispered, bowing her head. She couldn't stop from hating herself in that moment for giving in, despite knowing that it was the right decision.
Hadrian could feel the heat of Demetri's glare on his back for having frightened his little sister, but he didn't care at this point.
"Now... I don't care what you think I did, or what kind of hell I will be going to when I die. I want someone to tell me what the fuck happened tonight!" Hadrian was barely able to keep his voice from shouting, and Gabriel knew it. He had known it since the man had silently stalked into the room with a blank face and still magic. Hadrian had reached his limit.
"He knew," Gabriel's voice was steady and his eyes didn't move from the other's handsome form. "I accepted the dinner request tonight, knowing that I would suffer a punishment for so blatantly ignoring the Dark Lord. He had heard…rumours about you, Hadrian, but he didn't have enough information to piece you together." Gabriel paused for a moment, waiting, but Hadrian remained silent without a flicker of reaction, so he continued. "I believe that your presence tonight was meant primarily as a means to punish me." Hadrian's chin lifted minutely at that, but he didn't comment. "But…they found out about Raven, and I think that the Dark Lord became curious about you."
Hadrian narrowed his eyes in thought, if that was true then Voldemort must not have known about Hogwarts and his attendance there. What supremely bad luck! If those idiot Slytherins hadn't been in the room he may not have had that particular secret discovered tonight. He would have had more time!
"And why, Dalton, did you use the portkey to bring me there tonight?" He hissed quietly, eyes glaring blackly at the beautiful man in front of him.
Gabriel winced inwardly at the use of his last name, but his clawing guilt wouldn't allow him to defend himself. He had given up the man he loved to the Dark Lord, literally thrown him to the wolves. It was a miracle that Hadrian had even left that room alive.
"Because Lord Voldemort threatened to kill Demetri, Marionette and myself if Gabriel didn't do the impossible and find a way to make you appear before him!" Julian exploded. "You! Gabriel was put under the Crucio for Morgana's sake, for you! He was tortured for protecting your miserable, murdering self! And you have the audacity to come in here demanding answers from him?! You bastard!"
"Julian! That's enough! That isn't Hadrian's fault!" Demetri shouted.
It was totally illogical. Completely ridiculous of him to react in such a way, but, as Julian lost complete control of his rage and resentment, Hadrian felt his own cool. He was able to look through reasonable eyes once again, and what he saw shocked, on some level even amused him.
"…You're in love with him," Hadrian murmured with a shocked, almost awed voice. How hadn't he known this?!
"What?" Demetri snapped back, completely bewildered. What was Hadrian talking about?
Julian felt the blood drain from his face and his heart stutter in his chest as wide green eyes took in his face.
"I can't believe I never saw it before," Hadrian spoke as if to himself, but his words rang within the room.
Julian attempted to clamp down on his nerves, but it seemed an impossible task. He had been hiding this secret for years, nobody knew! But...his eyes widened slightly at his daring. Perhaps…perhaps now was his chance. He felt hope and excitement begin to blossom within his chest. Gabriel and Hadrian were fighting, he was defending the Dalton heir and...he looked up to see suspicious blue eyes locked on him. Him, not Hadrian. Gabriel was actually looking at him. He forcibly shook his head, golden eyes wide with realisation. Perhaps now, really was his chance.
"Walker...what are you talking about?" Marionette finally gathered enough courage to voice her confusion to the astounded looking man in front of her.
Gabriel rose from his chair, feeling a whole different type of dread begin to enter his system. Please, don't let this be what he thought it was.
Hadrian didn't speak, he just continued to stare at Julian as if he had never seen him before.
Demetri didn't want to believe what was right in front of him, what had just been declared so openly. He could understand Hadrian's shock, it was totally out of the blue, but seeing the way Julian's emotions were raging, and the way he was staring so imploringly at Dalton…Demetri couldn't help following Hadrian into conscious stupefaction.
Hadrian closed his eyes for a small moment and quickly wiped his face of emotion, but inside, he was still reeling. Julian and Gabriel...he had never thought...Did Gabe feel the same? Was this summer exactly what he had wanted in the first place and he had just read too much into things? Doubt and confusion swirled, but he kept his cool.
"Nothing Marionette," He answered, his voice even, fighting his sudden, inexplicable urge to laugh. It was just so unexpected!
Gabriel knew exactly what had just happened, but unlike Hadrian and Demetri, he was not surprised. He had known Julian was in love with him. He had known for two years exactly how the wizard felt, but the man had never brought it up so he was content to just ignore it and get on with his life. He didn't wish to hurt his friend but that's what would happen if he was put into a situation where he would have to reject Julian.
...He could admit that at one point he had considered the possibility of them together, at one point he was even willing to try, but that had been before that night. The night he had seen Hadrian pull a Greek wizard, three years his senior, into his bedroom from his shocked position down the hall. His jealousy was his first clue. Gabriel himself had had many bed partners, both male and female, but never had any ever stirred emotions within him. He quickly became consciously aware that Hadrian's good opinion was the one he valued most. That the idea of his friend's precarious position and dangerous political games made his heart pound in fear and ignited an urge to protect that he hadn't felt since his parents were alive.
The possibility of Julian vanished from his mind while he had watched; frozen, as Hadrian brought the Mediterranean man's mouth down to his own and shut the door behind them.
Gabriel knew that what he felt for Hadrian wasn't fleeting or capable of fading any time soon. He also knew that those few weeks that he had considered the possibility of he and Julian together hadn't involved any truthful emotions, and he wouldn't do that to his friend. He wouldn't pretend to feel more for him than he actually did. He refused to hurt him like that.
Looking into those beseeching gold eyes, Gabriel decided to spare his friend the hurt of his rejection, and expertly called up confusion and bewilderment into his own icy blue orbs and expression. Demetri relaxed, and he felt like smirking in satisfaction even when Julian's eyes held disappointment and resentment for his 'missed chance'. Marionette stayed quiet, knowing something important had just been revealed, but frustrated with herself for being unable to put a name to it and unwilling to ask again.
Hadrian watched with amusement as Gabriel's mask came up, watched the reactions of the others with a spark of annoyance that they all had been fooled so easily. He reminded himself that Gabriel Dalton was one of the best, most dangerous players in politics and it was expected that he would be able to effortlessly manipulate them. He allowed a small smirk to grace his lips when blue eyes glanced in his direction.
Surely Gabriel hadn't actually thought he had pulled the wool over his eyes? His smirk widened and his eyes twinkled with laughter at the blonde.
"…What did the Dark Lord want, Hadrian? What happened?" Gabriel finally asked, irritated but unsurprised that Hadrian hadn't been fooled by his act.
Hadrian sighed, reaching up to run a hand through his hair. Thinking about the intoxicating Lord Voldemort was not helping him. It had been terrifying, confusing, suffocating and tense, but also…invigorating.
His expression showed nothing of his thoughts, or exposed the fast pounding of his heart. "The Dark Lord discovered my glamour and has ordered me to attend the ball tomorrow with my true personality," He said this in a simple, straight forward voice which immediately told the others he did not feel like discussing anything more at the present.
"You're true personality...? He does not wish you to take down your glamour?" Gabriel pressed, dismissing Hadrian's wish. His eyes narrowed and his thoughts raced trying to decode the reasons behind the Dark Lord's move.
"Correct." Hadrian's voice was sharp, so Gabriel decided to drop the subject for now. He surveyed the raven-haired man with bright eyes suspiciously, something had definitely happened.
Julian didn't look in Hadrian's direction, he couldn't wipe the glare from his face no matter how hard he tried and he knew he had to get out of here soon before he said something that would really ignite the tense confusion in the room…but...he had to know.
He had had his suspicions that something was going on between Hadrian and Gabriel but deep down he hadn't really believed it, they were too different. They had been best friends for years, Gabriel knew Hadrian better than anyone other than Raven, but…he hadn't really believed...not until tonight. Not until he saw the necklace. The twin portkey necklaces were a Dalton family treasure and fanatically coveted, only to be used by family members. For Gabriel to give Hadrian one of the necklaces…he felt sick to his stomach just thinking of them together, but...maybe it wasn't the same one. He prayed it wasn't.
"It was lucky you were wearing the necklace tonight Hadrian...if I may be so bold...how did you and Gabriel acquire them?" Julian spoke slowly and cautiously, not knowing if he actually wanted the answer.
He finally raised his eyes when his question met only silence. Hadrian's head was turned in Gabriel's direction, clearly expecting him to answer.
"I commissioned them to be made at Gringotts by the Goblins," Gabriel answered smoothly, and Julian felt his heart settle and his muscles relax. Thank the Darkness.
"Well, I'm glad you're all right Hadrian, but I better get Marionette home. You gave her quite a scare," Demetri reprimanded, but Hadrian ignored the Russian wizard. Marionette was the same age as him and shouldn't always need her brother's protection. He would not apologise when he was not in the wrong.
"Goodnight," Gabriel answered politely for both Hadrian and himself, while Julian nodded his acknowledgement to Demetri before he began to follow the two.
"Gabe?" Julian asked with a frown, stopping to turn to Gabriel when he noticed the other had not moved to follow him.
Green eyes rolled in annoyance at Julian's immature tantrum. The sandy-haired wizard still refused to so much as look in his direction.
"Go on, Julian, I will see you at the ball tomorrow," Gabriel stated stiffly, not liking the fact that Julian thought he had the right to demand knowledge of his movements and whereabouts.
"But-"
"Goodnight, Julian," Gabriel dismissed, but his eyes remained locked on Hadrian as he slowly settled himself into the leather armchair opposite the flames.
Julian looked between the two before finally nodding, shutting the door behind him louder than necessary.
"..."
"Are you all right?" Gabriel asked quietly.
Hadrian chuckled, "I'm alive aren't I? Considering the circumstances, I think that qualifies as all right."
Gabriel merely smiled in agreement when green eyes slid toward him.
Both sat in silence, watching the flames. The atmosphere was neither comfortable nor uncomfortable, just there, real.
"I had no idea Julian was in love with you," Hadrian murmured softly, some of his shock still present and echoing through his voice.
Gabriel shrugged. "Until he gains the courage to say anything to me I do not have to hurt him, so I pretend I do not know."
Hadrian hummed, but his thoughts refused to obey his wishes and continued flashing back to dangerously amused crimson eyes and sleek black hair.
"You did not tell them anything of significance," Gabriel noted.
Hadrian shrugged. "They may be my friends, but that does not earn them to right to interrogate me. Certainly after that display."
Gabriel chuckled at Hadrian's brutal assessment, but couldn't help but agree. They hadn't acted in a way which would inspire trust.
Both sat still, just coming to terms with tonight and all that had changed, before Hadrian's smooth voice spoke again.
"...I've been worried about you Gabriel." He left out any judgement, but the small reprimand was acknowledged with the blonde's dark grin.
"How else will I gain your attention?"
Green eyes narrowed. "That better not be the reason you ignored the Dark Lord, Gabe, or I will torture you myself," He growled.
The blonde laughed, "No, that wasn't the reason…" He tilted his head toward his love. "Did something happen, Hadrian? After we left?"
Crimson and black.
Dark magic crawling seductively over his skin.
Hear pounding in fear and excitement.
"No."
Gabriel watched Hadrian as the other took his time to answer, something had happened. He knew it. Fine, if Hadrian wouldn't tell him he would just have to discover the answer himself, meanwhile, there was another question he had wanted to ask.
"…Who was that man? The one you killed?"
Hadrian stiffened, his mind instantly throwing him backwards, supplying him with memory and image of Mr Shields's demise. He was unprepared for the relief and feelings of gratification which bombarded his system. He hadn't let himself think past his doubtful survival of this night to fully appreciate what he had accomplished.
Mr Shields was dead.
Gone.
He would never hurt him again.
"…It doesn't matter," He breathed out softly, bringing himself under control once again. Emerald eyes darkened, but there was a dark satisfaction within them that called to and attracted the blonde. "Just an old acquaintance."
Gabriel nodded in acceptance. The fact that Hadrian had murdered someone tonight didn't bother him, he had killed before, tortured before...and he had enjoyed it. It was the darkness in them. You could either accept and control it, or fight against your nature and lose yourself to the madness.
"Stop staring at me Gabriel," Hadrian murmured in annoyance. The blonde's unmoving eyes on him were distracting.
Pink lips smirked.
"Good to know I can still effect you."
Hadrian threw the man a disgusted look. "Really? That's all you can say?"
The French wizard laughed with a little bitterness, "It's not like you'll accept anything I do."
Hadrian sighed, letting his eyes fall closed at the other's words.
"Gabriel..." Hadrian began, but strong hands were suddenly clasping both his shoulders and pulling him to his feet.
Emerald eyes sprung open to find ice-blue not an inch away blazing with emotion.
"I've had a lot of time to think Hadrian. A lot of time. I made a mistake letting you walk out on me, one I do not intend to ever repeat. I want to be with you. I find you infuriating, brilliant, stunning, twisted and incredible. I will never want another now that I have had a taste of you Hadrian. I want you and I will do whatever I have to, to make that happen."
The blonde was breathing harshly, and Hadrian felt a little thrill go through him. He doubted that any other than him had ever seen the Dalton heir this passionate and unguarded. But...
"...Gabe..." He whispered, bringing a hand up to cup the back of the man's neck. "Gabe..." He breathed in deeply, "I can't. I won't do this to you."
Hands tightened almost painfully on his shoulders but he paid them no mind, he was too busy staring into burning blue shining with stubbornness and want.
"You won't do this to me..." Gabriel slowly echoed his words, leaning closer to him. Hadrian barely managed to tear his eyes away from the man's lips. The blonde was sinfully desirable right now, and Hadrian was forcing himself not to take the tempting gift being offered to him. He couldn't do this to him. Not again. "...But I will."
Hadrian barely had time to comprehend the words before his lips were claimed in a heated kiss.
His hands quickly switched from gently holding the other to yanking painfully at long blonde locks as he swiftly gained control of the kiss. He shivered as Gabriel's hands pushed his green leather jacket down his arms, dipping beneath his white t-shirt in order to caress his chest with skilfully teasing strokes.
"Gabe…" He gasped, ripping his mouth away.
"Don't think, Hadrian. Stop thinking," Gabriel whispered into his ear.
Normally, he wouldn't have put half as much effort into dissuading someone who so clearly wished not to be dissuaded, but something told him to try harder. To not let this go any further. And that pissed him off. He had never felt this way before, and the way crimson and black kept flashing in front of his eyes, he had a dreadful feeling that he knew the reason why.
Feeling furious with himself, and desperately hopeful it wasn't true, he yanked Gabriel's hair down and claimed the other's lips brutally.
"Hadrian…" His mouth vibrated with the feel of Gabe's moan, his own soon following.
He could feel the heat growing, the pressure rising.
"Hadrian..." Gabriel repeatedly murmured his name, kissing and biting along his neck. "I want you."
"..."
"I want this. I want you."
Hadrian drew in a long, deep breath as the words washed over him.
Raking a hand through his hair, he turned, picking up his discarded jacket from the blood red carpet.
Red.
Crimson.
"...I know." He murmured softly.