Setting their bags on the floor, Felix turned to Talia after giving the small apartment a one over "Apologies, I know it is not fancy or anything, but it will have to do." His usual perfectly shaved cheeks now grew an untamed beard, hair messy as he ran his fingers through it in a nervous gesture, tired eyes searching Talia's face.
The dark circles under her eyes were also evident, sunken cheeks attesting to how much weight she had lost since everything started back in June. Her usual tamed hair was now kept in a tangled mess above her head, stray hairs sticking to her face. However she still smiled, looking into his eyes, wide orbs calm and steady "It's perfect and if this fails, I might be able to reach out to someone else here in France." Shrugging her shoulders as she started taking off her coat, she smirked "Unless they also try to kill me."
A dry chuckle left Felix's throat as he gave the place another one over "I never expected to return to Paris under such circumstances." Placing his coat on the hanger, he walked inside the living room "At least this one has a fireplace, it is connected to the Floo network so communicating with England will be easier." He tried to smile, however he felt as if he was too drained to even manage that.
Walking right beside him, she placed a hand on his shoulder "How about you go and take a shower, unwind for a bit and I will get us something to eat and see if I can get in touch with someone."
She already turned to grab her coat Felix stopping her "No, you go shower, I know Paris better than you do forgot?" she hated to admit it, but he was right. While she did study for a bit in France, the admission that she had never been to the capital did not escape Felix's mind "Plus, you've been pushing yourself too much in the past months. I know you" he struggled to find the proper words to voice his concerns "I understand you are far more resilient than me, but you're still human, those powers will not substitute for food and sleep."
While she did not share everything with him, she did tell him enough or he had to witness more things as they evaded country after country. Lisbon had only lasted until July, Talia taking him to Bulgaria after however that was also overrun. As they reached Belgium on a simple fast made decision, the madness they have been used to appeared to subside. That was until a family of half-bloods in the same building as them were found and killed by Death Eaters.
Once they learned about what happened at the Quidditch world cup, everything appeared to worsen, every attempt they ever made to return or communicate being cut off. If Talia had not known to fight as she did, they would have been dead, however having survived until November appeared to be a miracle. They had one too many close calls, wounds on their bodies barely managing to heal before others were inflicted.
The entire world was falling apart and there were too few places one could call safe. And it was bound to only get worse.
"Just please be careful, don't go anywhere far, hide, always survey the area." His hand reached out to hers, giving it a gentle squeeze as he nodded. He had heard the speech more times than he would have cared to admit, however he never once tried to stop her from relating it over and over.
"I'll be right back, there's a small store just around the corner. I'll be back before you know it."
As Felix left, Talia sighed, taking a seat on the couch, head cradled in her hands as she took only a moment to just breathe and rearrange her thoughts. She still had a few safe houses, granted if the areas weren't compromised. However she knew they had to regroup and concentrate back to England. Not like Voldermort would appear on top of the Eifel Tower "I fucking hope not." She finally got up, checking all the windows to learn more about the area "Well if he does decide to make his appearance at least I have a view." She blinked as she saw the tower in the distance, eyes casting down on the streets below.
She also had never imagined returning to France under such circumstances, yet there she was. She did not blame Felix for the situation she was in, it was not his fault at all, however she would have wanted someone more equipped when it came to life or death situations. After fleeing so many, it was only a matter of death if she thought about it properly.
Catching a glimpse of her reflection in the window, she groaned loudly, stepping away to look over the apartment some more before finally deciding to get undressed and hop in the shower, keeping the water pressure running low so she could at least hear if something was happening. She was quick and efficient in bathing and washing her hair, already drying up when she heard the front door.
She listened in, towel wrapped around her body as she prepared for anything to happen "I'm back." Closing her eyes upon hearing Felix's voice, she greeted him through the closed door finishing getting ready. By the time she was out, he had finished casting the necessary protective spells "My turn if you don't mind. I really need to shave this beard, it is really itchy, I cannot imagine how people can grow them out as they do."
Smiling, she leaned against the door frame "And here I was actually getting used to it." Felix shaking his head at her words "I'll fix up something quick to eat. You go relax."
He had exited the bathroom looking like a new man as Talia just finished putting together a small bite to eat, both sitting down, eating in silence. At least for now they were safe, at least they had a bed because the last few nights have been spent sleeping on trains, barely catching a wink of rest.
"I'll take the couch." Felix mentioned as Talia went ahead to wash the dishes "That way you can rest properly."
Trying to push back her stubborn hair, she blew at it annoyed "Really?" a huff leaving her lungs as she just gave up, Felix coming in her peripheral, a hand extending, pushing the hair past her ear "Thank you. But there's no need to sleep on the couch. We're both adults, I think we can share a bed without making a fuss right?"
"I am rather certain that if I was not so tired I would have found a very valid reason why something like that should not happen, but yes, we can share a bed." Afterall, they had spent days on end sleeping leaning against one another, keeping watch as the other dozed off. She had cuddled up against him as she found a comfortable position, him holding her until his hands felt numb and not even then would he let her go. She pulled his head on her lap, running her fingers through his hair, anxiety and fears quietly leaving his body as she continued to play with his hair even after he had fallen asleep.
He had asked her how she had managed to keep going, running and moving from one place to another at any given sign of danger and her reply was short, yet cut through him "There isn't much of a choice when you carry such a curse, when they turned you into a monster. So in order to survive, to keep a part of your humanity intact, you try to outrun everything. But it never gets easier, it never will."
Despite her not truly having a place to call home, England still called out to her and that was why despite feeling her very bones about to crumble under the weight of her fatigue, she still reached out to Dumbledore in order to get a feel on what the situation was over there. But just like in every moment of her life, everything was under a cryptic message, one she had to interpret.
However one thing was certain, there was a war coming, it had been brewing underneath the surface for far too long and it was finally ready to erupt "Careful who you trust Talia" he told her "there are many in the shadows searching, in order to see them you need to light the way. Do not hold back child, be who you were meant to be."
"Dead?" she mocked, rubbing her forehead, feeling absolutely done with everything.
"Vicious Talia, be vicious. Use the weapons given to you, find your way back. England needs you."
Felix had witnessed her lamenting over Dumbledore's words for days on end, a battle going on inside of her. She had tried so hard to not be a weapon, to not show her feral side, to subdue it. And now she was asked to use it to its full extend. Glancing at the palm of her hands she actually wondered what is her limit? How far can she actually stretch her skin? She knew where it began, but could not see where everything would end, could end.
As she had helped him not fall into despair, he was determined to do the same for her, Felix being convinced that a heart of different caliber beat inside her ribcage. And if not shown love and kindness, anyone could turn into a monster, but he would not let that happen to her.
One day, he pulled out from the closet he had been rummaging around, an old gramophone and discs. Letting the music fill the living room, he pulled Talia to her feet, gently guiding her to the middle of the room, a steady hand wrapping around her waist as her chest pressed against his, eyes locking as he offered her a charming smile. They danced then until they could barely feel their feet, collapsing on the old wooden floor, chests heaving, laughter filling the room.
It quickly became a habit, using the music and dancing to lose themselves, detach all thoughts from their heads and just enjoy something, even if it was for just one song.
As winter settled and temperatures dropped, more and more people started staying inside and it was in those moments that Talia and Felix finally emerged together in an attempt of discovering how bad the situation was in Paris and if there was any way of returning back to England. They still remained in high populated areas though, especially around tourist places that attracted them with brilliant Christmas lights and decorations.
Turning to her, Talia was breathing in everything, despite the cold coloring her cheeks. Her eyes appeared to light up for the first time in months and it was not due to the countless lights hung above them. She was genuinely fascinated by everything she was seeing "Do you like Christmas?" he spoke softly as if afraid to break her out of her dream state.
"I adore it, hate the cold" she turned to him, hands rubbing together "but I love the holiday. It's just different, magical."
Chuckling, he dipped his head finding it rather odd that someone who had grown up within a magical world would use such a term to describe a holiday. It was getting late, however he did not want to take her away from what enchanted her at that very moment "Then how about we get some hot chocolate or mulled wine. What do you say to that?" She searched the surroundings for a bit, making sure there were no immediate dangers, Felix leaning in slightly "Promise to get you in bed by midnight."
"Careful how you word that Felix." She smiled at him, wide and sincere, watching him with curiosity in her eyes as his cheeks appeared to dust a brighter color "But I could really go for some mulled wine."
"Come on then, I know a small café nearby." Taking her hand into his, he tucked it inside his pocket "Making sure I do not lose you while you are staring at all the lights." She giggled away delighted at his comment, not a hint of animosity in her tone from him touching her.
"You're stuck with me it would seem." They both looked at each other for a second before bursting into laughter and his heart melted. If they still had the strength to laugh like that, then they could conquer whatever hardships they have been facing.
"Felix?"
In a moment he went pale, mood shifting as in front of them stood a couple of men, one of them in particular walking towards them. Talia removed her hand from his, tensing slightly upon seeing Felix barely uttering "Uncle." Her immediately sensing the danger, especially since he spoke to him in English, wanting for her to understand something was about to give.
The man referred to stopped a few steps away from them, eyes travelling to Talia "And I presume miss Crane." He uttered in a thick French accent, Felix placing a hand in front of her, the other going for his wand "I would not try that. Now my boy, step away from her."
"No, I won't let you take her." His hand pressed against her stomach, trying to push back, but Talia did not move from her spot. She kept her eyes trained on the men behind Felix's uncle, careful for any sudden movements. There were too many people around to suddenly make it a full fight, but that did not mean she was ready to underestimate any opponent.
"Let's be reasonable, there are too many after her. Join me and we can have the world."
Felix's jaw tightened at that remark, this time managing to push Talia a bit behind, him also taking a careful step, eyes travelling from his uncle, to each individual. He appeared to be in the same mindset as Talia, ready to even bet that they would not start casting spells all of the sudden with so many Muggles around, however backing away in a less crowded area did not appear as a good idea either.
Glancing at the ground for a moment, Talia's eyes lit up as she looked back at the men, her left hand taking hold of Felix's arm. Giving her a sideway glance, his eyes widened, hot breath forming in clouds as he exhaled.
From Talia's right hand fire appeared to drip as if it was blood, landing on the cold ground with small sparks, not extinguishing "You stupid Death Eaters." In an instant the fire started travelling towards them, immediately running up their clothes, panic setting in.
It was the distraction she needed as she bolted, pulling Felix alongside her as they both made a run for it. She knew they could not get into a secluded area fast enough in order to Apparate without being seen, so they had to improvise. Cutting corners, the men were close behind, wands already out, waiting for an opportune moment to attack "Felix, a café, a bar, something, now."
He did not bother arguing with her, in the time spent together he had learned to trust her judgement when danger came. Making sure they did not see where they went, he pulled her inside a small café, Talia quickly urging him to lose the coat and order something, Felix speaking in a haste as she pulled him down at a table.
Taking off her hat, she let go of her hair, running her hands through his, messing it up "Kiss me."
"What?" he blinked in surprise.
"Fucking Hell." Pulling him in, she pressed her lips against his, Felix going still for a moment before wrapping his arms around her body. Tilting his head to where she wanted, Talia surveyed the area, noticing how the men passed the café. They took just a moment to look inside and move on, her knowing very well no one would pay attention to a couple making out inside a café in the middle of the city of love.
Creating a bit of distance, she spoke softly but with enough urgency "Don't move yet." Her eyes travelled to his for a moment, noticing how his pupils dilated making his eyes appear almost black. Glancing back at the window, she caught a glimpse of the men returning, a clear curse leaving the lips of one of them as the waitress brought their hot chocolate, obscuring them entirely, Talia smirking "They're gone, but they might still remain in the area, so we need to be careful." Looking back at him she lifted her chin slightly "Which means, we need to kill some time."
Placing her hand underneath his chin, she pulled him back into a proper kiss, Felix not fighting the fire growing inside of his chest. His lips locked with hers, warmth spreading up his neck as he kissed her, the sensation bringing his heart into a different rhythm, far more hectic than running away from danger. He had always wondered how she would feel against him, how she would taste against his tongue and she did not disappoint.
And Felix was not shying away from her despite Talia feeling his pulse hammering against her fingers as they travelled down his neck. There was something tender yet also demanding in the way he kissed her, as if he had waited for it, wanted it, craved it for the longest time possible.
It did not go unnoticed for her, she knew damn well what she did to him, his body language spoke volumes when they danced together. His eyes would linger on her a second longer, a smile never failing to form as she threw a line his way.
And at the end of the day, what did she have to lose?
Nothing, absolutely nothing.
So why not Felix? Why not him even if just for a moment? Afterall said and done, he was there with her, not the man she wanted, not Talbott.