ALF(ie)

dianacarrow​:

-

  Diana watched as Cygnus upended boxes, and as Agnes heartily voted no to photos of Cal. It made her warm, to work on Druella’s hope chest after finding out that hers was largely empty. She deserved the most beautiful chest the world could offer, and with her engagement already in place, there was little time to procrastinate it. She glanced toward Agnes, surprised to hear she had pictures of Cal somewhere. Diana didn’t have any. All of her photos with the Rosiers were simply her and Druella, as it always had been. Then, Agnes was older, she no doubt knew Caligula better. “No, absolutely not to Cal.” She agreed. “He made his choices, and so did Vinda. This box is supposed to make her happy, not angry.” She agreed, “We should focus on pictures of us, of people who love her and stayed.” She insisted. 

—

“No Cal, got it.” Cyg didn’t really feel like he knew enough to argue against that, but made a mental note that Agnes did have pictures in case the topic ever came up. He wasn’t one to talk anyways– all his pictures with Alphard had never made the move from Grimmauld Place to his house, and lately any of Orion had made their way out of photo frames and back into boxes– and then out of the boxes, and then back in. 

What even counted as stayed these days, anyways? He shuffled the pictures some, as if expecting an answer to appear, but found a distraction instead. “Oh, baby goats, this is a good one.”

@fawleyfollies​ 

. @dianacarrow​

“You’re doing amazing, Cygnet, keep it up.” She clapped her hands together, pleased with the way things were going so far with this all too important project. “We really just need to focus on things that make her happy, you know? Things that give her hope.” The hope chests were supposed to be about the future, built on the past – but only on the good things, the things worth holding on to. 

“Baby goats?! Abe’s?” That had her interest quickly, and she was scrambling a beat later over to Cygnus to see it for herself. “Oh, what about those friendship bracelets you two used to wear? Throw them in there!” she added, looking up at the blonde.

  -

     There was a comfortable sense of warmth that wrapped around Diana as she came closer to Agnes, finding that going along with the older woman was in her best interests. She always had a marvelous time whenever she let her hair down and let Agnes take the lead. It was especially true on special events, like birthdays, and none outshone that of Agnes’. She listened, silently agreeing with the decisions that had already been made up to this point. She knew Agnes didn’t truly need her help deciding any of it, she was more than capable. That wasn’t the point in inviting her. “You couldn’t blend in if you tried,” She teased, giggling as she eyed the pile of rejected options. Her own bedroom would look the same in no time, when she’d gone home to get ready for the party. 

     She brightened at the memory, recalling it easily. October had seemed so long ago, with the busy nature of the autumnal and winter holidays, but the day had been wonderful and Diana genuinely adored the dress in question. “Oh of course! The bead work is incredible, I hope to one day possess such skill.” She admired, voice becoming one of near whimsy at the thought. She wished she had such a talent. She was stronger in embroidery, and in the drawing process of design. Beads were complicated, especially to ensure it didn’t look gaudy or cheap. “I’ll try it before I leave,” She promised, finding blue to be a dear color for her. Not only did it draw out her eyes but she was a Ravenclaw, and there were certain bits of nostalgia in wearing the color. Blue simply suited her. 

     Diana nodded, eager to see the two options that were left. She held her breath, exhaling as the first was revealed, and then the second. “Oh Agnes,” She breathed, admiring the gowns. Agnes’ taste was perfect. She reached out without a hint of shyness, fingers gently brushing over the fabric. “The red is gorgeous, my love, and the fit is exquisite, but I’ll die if I don’t see you in the green first.” She pleaded, having already made up her mind, but she wanted to see them both on her anyway. 

.

Agnes had invested many years in the younger girl who shared her space now, and for a multitude of reasons – which were her’s, and orpheus’, and, in most cases, innocently motivated – but chief among them was the feeling of sisterhood that she so often sought, that camaraderie of people so connected to you that they couldn’t sever the ties even if they wanted to. Was it selfish? It probably should have been, but that was part of the beauty of Agnes’ desire; it was mutual. Though Diana didn’t seem to fully know it, or admit it (it was her choice) they were each of them down a brother, and those who were down a brother needed to stick together did they not? Was Druella not the perfect example? Dru was down two.

Of course, the flattery didn’t hurt, either. Part of being a sister, an older sister, was being someone who could be looked up to, someone who could be spoken to or of with that tone tinged beautifully with a degree awe. “No, of course, you’re right. I probably couldn’t.” But everyone knew that, and girls like Agnes weren’t born to blend in.  Nor were girls like Diana. “You’ll take it home with you regardless,” she corrected, firmly, but with a soft smile, and soft eyes to match.  “Wear it whenever you feel like, or dismantle it and make something better. If anyone could, it’s you. Though, I always did expect great things from you. Everyone does, but no pressure,” she added, laughing, and winking, as if that made the moment any less weighty – though not for herself. 

“You’ll see them both of course,” she agreed, smiling as humbly as she could – playing at it just for fun. “I’ll admit I already have reservations on the red, again. It simply isn’t my color, and isn’t even close to garnet.” She shrugged, though, as if it didn’t matter (humility long forgotten, faux or otherwise) before reaching for both dresses and stepping behind a shoji screen only to emerge moments later in the green. “We do aim to please, and this one really does feel right. So .... do you love it?”

—

Oh, Glitter Demon. Fedya had missed that little beastie quite a bit, putting down his work to pick up the raccoon and give him some pets. And a treat or several from the canister on the table. “I thought GD gave me away for a moment there; I could hear him chittering from clear across the building.” Not hard with how empty things were at this hour– Merlin, he wanted to go back to bed. 

“At least for a while, yeah. There’s always more that could be done with that part of the business, but I don’t think I’ll need to go back out to Moscow til maybe summer.” He sighed, well aware that that wasn’t as true as he’d like it to be. Maybe he’d get lucky. “How’re things here? Any new bullshit?”

.

Normally, Agnes would not have been so willing to laugh at herself, though – she’d already been startled; there really was no unringing that bell now. “He almost got himself a very long, very early nap. I thought he was going mad.” She rolled her eyes, but the gaze that settled on the excited raccoon, so pleased at their employer’s return, was incredibly fond nonetheless. “I’m very happy to report, though, that we are well stocked in the ‘new’ category, and blessedly far below average in the ‘bullshit’ category,” she informed him with a grin, setting her bag down at her feet, and not giving a second thought to it’s contents or their security. Keeping things brief was imperative; keeping his interest, that took skill – and this wasn’t her first rodeo.

 “First, and most important: me.” The grin grew with the moment she’d waited for (finally, someone who didn’t know) right in front of her, and Agnes leaned forward, flapping her hand into view. “Engaged, most happily. Orpheus has finally asked me.” Pulling her hand back, she utilized it, ticking the items off on her fingers as she went. “Next, human resources – gone, finally, as you dreamed. Absorbed by myself and GD, here, who now also formally runs the Complaint and Suggestion Departments. Four hires, two quits, one dead minister – not our problem, just something you should know if you don’t already, oh! And, last, a money maker for the firm,” she added, throwing a bright twist (for her) on a string of words that should have felt dirtier, though she knew none could truly blame her for them. “Dahlia Prewett is also recently engaged, and to a Skeeter. Now, since Georgie takes care of all of her legal needs, I’m assuming that a pre-nup, if it hasn’t already, will need doing up soon.”

who: @fawleyfollies​ where: dolohov law offices

Fyodor swore he actually did have reasons to be in his own office– there were probably papers in the file cabinets, probably people who worked for him that might need supervising, maybe even a client or two coming in. He’d definitely not just shown up well earlier than he’d ever been in the building before in order to startle his assistant after two months’ absence; that would be absurd. 

Merlin though, he hoped Agnes showed up soon so that he could have his fun and then leave to go somewhere he could actually get work done. Spreading out all his papers on his desk to work on like a real adult worked great for visual effect, sure, but the lack of space to pace was stifling and he felt like everything he needed to see was under something else.

Fucking finally, the door opened. “Доброе утро, darling. Missed me?”

.

It would never be said (by Agnes) that Glitter Demon wasn’t incredibly dedicated to his work, but he wasn’t usually this desperate to be let into Fedya’s office. There was a routine in place, and for a reason, and though she knew he might not have understood the important ridiculous process of getting doors open and lights on, he at least knew that it happened before anything else. And he wasn’t letting it happen quickly or efficiently today, though, didn’t seem to realize his outbursts were making things take longer.

She was ready to give him the day off by the time they actually reached their area of the office, so she didn’t bother to set her own things down before she grabbed the handle to Fedya’s door and swung it open to set the raccoon free and leave him to whatever he was so excited about. Of course, what GD knew but Agnes didn’t until after she’d shrieked – and waved her arms while stomping in amused irritation – was that the office was occupied. “I wish I hadn’t, damn you,” she answered, very fondly, before giving him a smile. “Good morning. Is welcome back in order? Are we staying?”

It was a simple kiss of gratitude and adoration. Something that Agnes had done since the beginning of their friendship. One would think that he would be far used to this by now. It meant nothing. There was no romantic entanglement to it. So, why did butterflies erupt from the pit of his stomach when she did this? Orpheus beamed at her, wrapping his arms around her waist. It felt like peace when she was by his side. It felt like home. A fake, exasperated sigh left him at her prying. “I am kidnapping you,” he said, sweeping her off the steps and into his arms, “but that’s all you’re getting out of me until tonight.” 

.

She had a lot of questions, and her suspicions were rising, but it wasn’t often that Orpheus was up to something that she wasn’t privy to, so her curiosity was killing her. His smile, though, seemed to promise that she was going to live, but she didn’t miss how excited he seemed to be about his secret. Of course, she didn’t want to go and ruin a perfectly good, and clearly well planned, surprise. “That’s not fair!” she squealed, though it was too excited a whine to take seriously, and she knew it. Besides, hadn’t she already said she’d be wherever he was? It was probably easier to just .. let him make that possible right away. For efficiency’s sake, which was the same reason she had for securing her grip on him as he lifted her. “No hints, all day? Baby, that’s almost cruel. I can’t wait.”

“Happy birthday, Alfie.” She said, leaning forward to give her friend a quick kiss on the cheek. It had been far too long  since they’d had a good girls day. The last one had been with Dahlia and it had been quite lovely of course, but birthday girls ought to get properly spoiled.

“All the horses have missed you, of course. Who else gives them too many sugar cubes when they think I’m not watching?” She teased, linking their arms together as she started walking them towards the Apparation point.

“I hope that you’re ready to spend my very first paycheck with me. It’s quite an odd feeling, having my own money that I worked for.” She’d always had her own money of course but this was different. This felt earned on an entirely new level.

–

.

With a bright grin she returned the kiss, a sweet and genuine “Thank you, Wally,” to go with it. There was no one, to Agnes, quite like Walburga, and there were truly few people the Fawley felt as close to, fellow foxes aside or not – it was different, always different. Time with just her and Walburga, though, had always been treasured, and it made her birthday better by leagues.

“I’m sure someone does,” she started, coy and giggling with no reason to deny the fact or be ashamed of it as she walked with the Black. “Besides, how am I supposed to tell them no when they know my pockets are stuffed.” Walburga’s horses, though ..... Agnes simply couldn’t help herself giving them all the sweets they wanted, and they knew she was their sucker.

But the grin that grew at Walburga’s personal pride was probably her best smile of the day; she was so excited for her friend and the independence she’d taked for herself. “It’s my honour, are you joking?” Nodding, her grin remained in place. “It is one of my deepest pleasures in life, as your friend, to support and assist in any and all maneuvers and shenanigans, especially the ones that undermine your mother. It’s all yours, no strings attached. This is the best girl’s day we’ve ever had.”

who: @fawleyfollies​, @dianacarrow​ what: making dru’s hope chest

“I don’t think I’ve got any pictures of Cal.” Cyg had upended every box of photographs he had onto the floor in order to look for scrapbook candidates, of which a substantial pile had formed. Plenty from Hogwarts, plenty of everyone looking nice at holiday parties, but apparently none of Druella’s brother. “Do either of you have some? Would she even want pictures of Cal?”

.

Agnes scoffed, but the silence after the sound – not quite hesitation but clearly hiding something – said more than she deigned to. “Somewhere.” Did she have pictures of Cal? Absolutely, and plenty of them. Vinda. too. Did she think they’d be wasted going into this box? Also yes. “I don’t know ... I think Vin and Cal’s inclusion in the first place are what got the first box emptied. Painful memories of people who decided they were more important than her future? No thanks. I vote no Caligula.”

𝙾𝙿𝙴𝙽

Location : The Hog’s Head Inn

        “I’m not saying we shouldn’t be concerned,” she lets a sigh slip past her lips as she stirs her drink, half-glaring at the passerby that’d decided to interrupt her conversation. “I am saying that I’d rather speak on other things. It’s all anyone’s been talking about and I hardly see how the gossiping of the average person is going to do anything other than stir the pot.”

.

“You’re right, we should be talking about something far more interesting, like my party,” Agnes agreed, grin (half smirk) in place, “or your party. Have you given that thought yet, or are you still putting it off? Parties don’t plan themselves, Dru.” Druella still had about a month to go, but, Agnes never let a reason to celebrate go to waste. Aaaaand she didn’t give a shit about the Minister, anyways. “And if you don’t plan it yourself, or tell someone what you want, you’re going to have another heart shaped disappointment. Don’t you deserve better?”

-

   “I like seeing you when there aren’t a thousand people vying for your attention,” Bes insisted, having been intentional in dropping by Agnes’ early. He had a few reasons for it, the first being a desire to spend time with her without having to act. The second was both for his sake and her own. He needed something to wear to the party, but to afford something suitable for a birthday like hers, he’d need help. The last was to give her the sentimental gift, the one that had been carefully selected and didn’t need to be judged by hungry eyes. “I’ll only demand an hour of your morning, alright?” He pressed, having dressed suitably enough for now in his jumper, the one she’d gotten for him early in the season. 

     He leaned forward, hand going to her hip as he pressed his lips chastely to her cheek. “And of course I wanted to wish you a happy birthday, darling. You deserve all the finest today, and every day.” He purred, thankful that it was easy to navigate these things with her. If he had to name a best friend, Agnes would easily be near the top of that list, if not the top. 

.

Agnes laughed at that, though the sound – and its’ origins – were good natured and humble, even if the joke she made to herself was anything but. Such was the life of a tastemaker or socialite who knew what they were doing. “The sun shines on everyone in turn,” she reminded Bes, knowing full well how placating the metaphor was and sounded, but she did it with a smile, shaking her head. “Photosynthesize as long as you like, my sweet magnolia, you don’t need to worry about my schedule. I’ve always got time for you.”

She leaned into his affections easily, returning his cheek kiss just as she always did, her smile still perfectly and pleasantly in place. “You’re a sweetheart, Bes, thank you. Why don’t you come upstairs with me? I’m nibbling my way through a breakfast buffet.” And an open closet door, and plenty of comfy things to lounge around on, killing time. She gestured with her head, but didn’t wait for an answer before pressing a kiss of her own, properly, to his cheek and turning to head back up the stairs – expecting him to follow. “You have to help me pretend I’ve made a proper dent in this, it’s far too much for me. I’ll owe you so big.”

-

   Agnes was important to Orpheus, which meant she was important to him. She was important in her own right too, but Orpheus seemed to be the glue that kept them in the same circle more often. At least, it was a jumping off point, though he’d hardly needed the push. He made his way up to the front of the estate. Today his intentions were more because of Orpheus, the parcel he was carrying neatly wrapped. He’d become a god damn owl, but he didn’t mind. It was worth it if it meant making Agnes happy, and helping Orpheus. Merlin knew he needed it, though not, it seemed, where Agnes was concerned. He didn’t understand why they hadn’t married already, but then, he was yet unmarried too. He couldn’t shit talk, too much anyway. 

    His smile softened as he leaned in, gently kissing her check. “Ah, I’m well aware of the time of your party, sweetheart, but I come bearing gifts that simply can’t wait.” He laughed, producing the first –– his own. “One from me, because I’m going to have to work twice as hard here,” He explained. His gift was smaller, but it was only the morning gift. She’d get another later. This one was a necklace, with beads from his latest trip. He’d been hunting a dark wizard, and well, one had to keep occupied. He’d also been gone for ages, and he’d felt bad. The beads had reminded him of Agnes, and so here they were. “And this one,” He added, offering the second. “Is from Orpheus. I believe it goes with other gifts he’s given you, or will give you. He insisted someone like family needed to bring it.” He chuckled, amused that meant him and not one of his many brothers, or Eurydice. 

.

She was never disappointed to see Ziya – especially not because that usually meant Orpheus was there, and Ziya wasn’t wrong, though they couldn’t have known the other agreed with them on that front, because it was something Agnes would never voice – but she also hadn’t been expecting to see him so early, either, and found herself genuinely surprised as she reached the bottom of the staircase. “Gifts?” she repeated, laughing through her curious smile as she returned his cheek kiss, “Plural?” Of course, her laughter (and her surprise, and amusement) grew as he put his money where his mouth was (for lack of a better idiom at this moment) and left Agnes’ eyes darting between her hands and his face like an excited child on Christmas morning. “What?! What do you need to work twice as hard for? You’ve already done it, you’re here now, you’ll be here later, that’s twice, what’s the problem?” she teased.  

As he continued, though, the amusement on her face very swiftly and clearly turned to blatant confusion. “What do you mean this one’s from Orpheus? Where’s Orpheus, then? Did something happen?” It wasn’t that she was surprised (in a bad way) by Orpheus outstripping everyone in comparison to what most people might have up their sleeve today, but now she was getting Orpheus gifts via their friends? What had necessitated the enlistment of delivery people? She had so many questions that she simply couldn’t pick. “You are family, Ziya, you know that.” Eyeing the parcels in her hands wasn’t getting her any answers, though, and Agnes’ curiosity limit was about to reach its’ peak. “And because you’re family, you have to tell me what’s going on. What’s in here? What’s happening? Something is happening, I can smell it, what is he up to?” she squinted for a moment, staring him down, hard, then gave it up an instant later with a sigh. They were friends, yes, and they had Orpheus in common, but Ziya was Orph’s man through and through, and she respected that.  “You’re not going to tell me are you? ... Can I open them?”

Visiting early meant less faces, less faces meant less whispers and less whispers meant less drama. With gift carefully wrapped, a white gold locket decorated with diamonds and garnets and engraved on the back ‘je t'aime plus qu'hier moins que demain’ a bold, yet honest statement and also her way of apology. Because ever since New Year, when she had seen in the turn of the year in the arms of her betrothed yet eyes locked onto her she had come to the understanding that nothing was ever going to be easy between them and if this is what it took to finally make herself at peace then so be it. 

She just didn’t think Agnes would appreciate the early visit, especially when it was to state she would not be able to make it to the festivities. Dressed ever so immaculately, yet demurely, her black travelling cloak hung over her modest white and blue dress number. With exception of her hair, not a single red colour could be seen, a transition of debutante to wife ever so obvious compared to before. So much that her smile was reserved yet her eyes lit up at seeing Agnes as always beautiful and gorgeous. “Better to be one minute early than three minutes too late- at least, that’s a quote someone once said.” she responded, gripping the box in her hand tightly. “I actually came to give you this- and also pass on my regrets for not being able to attend later.” it was better to be honest than drag out a conversation. “Please know I will be incredibly jealous of all who are here but I know you’ll have an amazing time.” 

.

If anyone understood complicated, it was the redhead Agnes found waiting for her at the foot of the stairs. Hell, if anyone understood making things complicated, it was the very same redhead, but the trouble was that she understood, and enjoyed, those things the same way that Agnes did. And no matter what they did to cut ties, knot them closer, or imagine them to be invisible – and let’s not insult them by assuming they hadn’t already made many attempts – it seemed that for the pair of them, complicated was their thing. It was almost nice, almost, to be able to feel like it was Dahlia, who had, in fact, officially given up first, but her presence to begin with absolutely screamed the opposite, and the unmistakeable gift in her hand confirmed it. There was no quitting each other – and there never had been, they were, after all, mates, were they not? – but the ring was on, the red was gone, and Agnes knew a scorched playing field when she saw one. They’d reached another impasse, and though the Fawley was sure there was a road ahead for each of them, she didn’t yet know where they would cross again. Dahlia, though, had at least gone to the trouble and laid them out, clearly. Hers would be Reuben; Agnes had always planned on Orpheus being her own future, but everyone knew that. 

“The parties are always better when you’re here, but I know I can’t change your mind. I won’t try to,” she promised, and though her smile was soft, there was just that tiniest tinge of heartbreak in it. Of course she wanted Dahlia at the party, but whatever the reason – and she was determined not to know the reason, because that always seemed to hurt more where Dahlia was involved, a strange thing altogether, really – she knew it was sound enough. There were other friends to occupy her time with, and Dahlia was an engaged woman. Reuben was invited, too, sure, but since Agnes didn’t want to know reasons, she knew she had no room to try and change her mind. It wouldn’t have been fair to her, anyways, she knew, to ask her to come and watch Agnes enjoy her spotlight while she was trying to adjust to a new future. “But I appreciate that you came at all, because my birthday would never be the same without you. All these years, you never missed one. I wouldn’t have known what to do with myself, so I thank you for sparing me that, even if I won’t be seeing you later.”