c r a c k e d

Well…I think I’m looking at her.*Titus allowed his piercing blue eyes to trail the length of her figure, subconsciously chewing on his lower lip.* I usually go for blondes, nice eyes, etc. And I would prefer that they would have some level of intelligence, ya know? It’s not really fun shagging a sack of flour. *He shrugged* And what about you, love?

A smile tugged at the corners of her lips and there may have even been a slight flutter in her stomach but Clio quickly shook it off. Best not to risk letting him see. "Handsome. Wealthy. Pureblood, obviously," she drawled, shifting her gaze for a moment to sneak a glance towards him. "And they've got to be a great shag. Pleasure goes a long way with me."

Clio, I rather shag a flobberworm than either of those two. Goyle might be pretty tolerable most of the time, but unfortunately for him, he’s just not my type. *Titus quietly groaned as the blonde teased him once more. She was well known for that and it was probably one of the reasons why he was attracted to her. She made it difficult for him, unlike the other pathetic shags he usually encounters, and he certainly liked a challenge.* Oh believe me, I will. One way or another.

"And what is your type, then?" Clio kept her gaze towards the front of the class, though her attention was elsewhere. Though she wouldn't dare admit it aloud, there was an answer she hoped to hear. One that might keep her from a night of spiraling downwards in the kitchens.

A wicked grin had crept it’s way onto Alice’s face as her friend spoke. "You’re going to have to share this book with me when you’re done. I’ve been deprived of things not fit for first years. Well… Except for last night, but I’m not really counting that."

"I've got a whole stack of them upstairs in my trunk. Feel free to have a look- just don't bend the spines or I swear," Clio's voice trailed off, shaking her head from side to side at the mere thought but stopping once she absorbed her housemate's words. "Last night? Tell me, who was it?"

"Ooh, tell me more." Alice lit up at the mention of heat, eager to hear what the other girl would rather be reading. "I hate having to set aside fun things for school. It’s dreadful."

Clio set her book down in her lap. Flobberworms could wait. "Well, it's not exactly reading material fit for first years, I'll tell you that." A smirk twisted across her lips and her eyebrow twitched, her features hinting at the mystery books' content.

"Not exactly what I was expecting." Alice let out a laugh. "I had to read that last year. It’s terribly boring, but survivable. I was hoping you were reading something more interesting than that." She crossed to the couch opposite the younger blonde and sat down, tucking her feet underneath her body and leaning so all the weight was off her bruised back.

"Those books had to be put on hold for the time being. Trust me," Clio sighed, flipping the page of the text dramatically, "if I had it my way I'd be nose deep in book with a little more heat."

"Just wanted to see what you were reading. You were so engrossed it had to be good."

Clio sighed, rolling her eyes slightly at the disturbance as she turned the book in her hands. "Flobberworms from A to Z. It's just so invigorating. I don't know how to thank Professor Bonheur."

Hm, he would probably work. At least she would have someone to actually complain to. And maybe, just maybe, she’ll grow tired of being ignored and find Goyle to shag instead. What would I do without you? *He flashed her a mocking grin and gently patted her back as if he was rewarding a child.* Oh really? Did you really just say that? *He flicked his tongue out over his bottom lip* And what exactly would I have to do to earn it?

"Probably shag Goyle, Estelle if you were desperate enough." She didn't like the demeaning pat but she supposed it was better than nothing. It was certainly preferable than his silence. She's endured enough of that for a lifetime. "You're a smart boy, Titus. Figure it out." With that, Clio gave the boy a tap tap on the chest and slowly twisted her way out of his arms, sure to press against him teasingly as she did before turning back towards the front.

Exactly my point. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. That way, you’ll be able to have an eye on her and keep her beneath you. Plus, you can keep her off of my back and out of my bed, which she too often tries to achieve. *He smiled down at the smaller blonde, enjoying the familiar feel on her warm breath on his face. As she neared him, Titus kept his eyes trained on hers knowing very well that she would try to smooth talk her way into this.* I’m not sure what you’re hinting at, Clio. *He smirked* Would you care to remind me?

"Why can't you just send Goyle to distract her? He's the low man on the totem pole, isn't that what he's used for?" Clio continued to pout. While there was no denying the connection she held with Titus, she still found herself questioning where it was they stood. Words could be faked. Her father had talked enough to teach her that lesson. "Tempting. Though it'd be better to wait until later when we're not in the middle of a lesson. Besides," her finger trailed gently down from the top button of his collar, "I'm not quite sure if you've earned it."

Hm. I might consider it. *He smirked at the mention of the chatty little red-head* But at the same time, I think you’re much more apt for dealing with whiny women than I am. The girl has a liking towards you. *Titus gently laid a warm hand against Clio’s lower back as her body turned to his. He leaned down slightly to whisper against her blonde hair* Clio, you will always be my right-hand. You know that. But right now, things are about to get dangerous. These aren’t the simple tasks and comings that we’re used to.

"The only thing Estelle likes is attention and taking it away from me. I prefer the sounds of her whining than her winning." Clio raised to stand a little taller on her toes, bringing her lips closer to him. Unfazed by the closing gap between them, familiarity in the embrace, she kept her eyes locked with his, her voice unfaltering. "And you aren't giving me enough credit. Titus, I think we both are well aware that I know how to handle large matters. Or have you forgotten already?"

*Staring off in the distance- lost in thought- Titus took his time before answering Clio’s sudden inquiries* Patience, love. Our task was given to me by the leaders just last week…*He trailed off, biting the inside of his lip before turning to the blonde beside him* But first, we need numbers. We don’t have enough bodies to create a secure holding within the castle. That, is our next move.

Clio whimpered softly, not one for having things not go her way. Patience was never one of her virtues. "If I help you tie up a few more candidates will you promise me I'll get to join next round. It's dreadfully boring sitting on the sidelines. I'm so sick of hearing Estelle drone on about her oh-so-tragic-woe-is-me life." Turning her body towards him, the blonde gently laid her hand upon his shoulder and allowed herself to curve into his side. "Save me?"

*Titus glanced between Clio and the young Hufflepuff sitting nearby. Out of all his usual mates at Hogwarts, Clio was one of the few witches that would so openly voice her opinions in front of a disagreeing crowd. He wouldn’t be surprised if she hexxed the ‘Puff herself. There mere thought of it brought a smirk to his lips. He pressed on.* And I agree. But Longbottom sure isn’t going to do a thing about it, neither will the rest of the staff. I guess that leaves it up to us to constantly put them in their place.

"Better if we just get rid of them." Clio quickly turned her head towards Titus and allowed her lips to curve downward into a pout. This time when she spoke her voice softened. Daring as she was she knew some words needed to be more secretive than others. "What is the next step exactly? And when? I'm beginning to grow impatient."