Written for Care of Magical Creatures Class at The Golden Snitch Forum (Beauxbatons, Guinefort) - 21. phoenix: write about someone flying.
MC4A
Stacked with: The Golden Snitch Forum
Individual Challenge(s): In a Flash (N); Gryffindor MC, Beauxbatons MC, Old Shoes
Representation(s): a breakup; a departure; conflict
Bonus Challenge(s): These Boots; A Long Dog; Terse; Yarrow
Tertiary Bonus Challenge(s): n/a
Word Count: 600
Icarus Undone
"Fleur," Oliver says, holding his hand out to her, "come fly with me."
She shakes her head violently, her luminous, silvery hair cascading in ripples. "Non. I refuse."
"What are you so afraid of?" It's a genuine question, not a challenge.
"Falling," she breathes, and the look on her face makes Oliver's chest tighten.
"I promise I won't let you fall," he whispers, wrapping his burly arms around her. She sags against him and buries her face in his broad chest.
He barely catches it when she whispers, "Alright," into his shirt.
...
The wind rushes through Oliver's hair and he lets out a whoop of joy. His broomstick responds to the slightest of touches, and he makes a game of maneuvering it while barely using his hands.
Nails dig into his skin and he turns to find Fleur clinging to his waist, looking thoroughly panicked.
"Don't look back 'ere," she shrieks, her voice almost indiscernible over the gusts of wind. "Keep looking forward!"
"Relax, Fleur," he laughs, as she squeezes her eyes shut. "You worry too much."
He doesn't notice the tree until it's too late.
...
"How is she?" Oliver demands. His hands are shoved into his pockets so that no one will notice they're trembling. "I don't know how much more of this I can take," he adds, his voice breaking.
It has been nearly a week since the accident, and while he was discharged after a few days, Fleur has remained at St. Mungo's for head trauma observation.
He has been the faithful boyfriend, sleeping in the uncomfortable hospital chairs as often as he can stand to, hoping that Fleur will be alright. He doesn't know how he'll live with himself if she isn't.
The Healer looks at him and smiles, and Oliver feels the knot of worry in his stomach loosen.
"Miss Delacour is making a wonderful recovery." She pauses, then adds, "You were both very lucky."
"I know," Oliver whispers.
...
Fleur is sleeping in her room when Oliver enters. He doesn't know what to do at first, so he simply holds his girlfriend's hand and strokes her hair. Finally, she stirs and looks at him, her face breaking into an angelic smile.
"Olivier," she whispers, squeezing his hand. "Mon petit chou."
He smiles back weakly. "Hey, you." She tries to sit up, but he doesn't let her. "The Healers will have my head if you exert yourself too much."
"I do not care what they say," she scoffs, jutting out her chin. "I want you to 'old me."
Oliver can't help it; a laugh bubbles out of him. Fleur hasn't lost her endearing stubborness and right now, that's all that matters.
...
Fleur doesn't want Oliver to fly anymore, too worried that he'll hurt himself again. He starts to find her stubbornness irritating.
...
"You 'ave been flying again, 'aven't you?" Fleur asks, her tone sharp. Her hands are on her hips, and she looks ready to rip Oliver's head off. Somehow, she's even more beautiful when she's angry.
Oliver gulps. Regardless of what happened, flying is his first love, and he just can't seem to stay away. "I—I didn't go more than a few feet off the ground, Fleur. I swear."
The lie tastes bitter in his mouth.
...
"I think we are not meant to be, Olivier."
Those are the last words Fleur says before she slams the front door shut.
Oliver doesn't chase after her, despite feeling as though he should. Instead, he sinks to the floor and wonders how he can love flying so much when it has destroyed every last one of his relationships.
