King

Today, however, Evan was shopping in Diagon Alley. A few new clothing boutiques had sprung up in the last few months and with the weather getting warmer he decided now was the time to add a few more pieces to his collection. A client had cancelled their morning meeting so Evan was free to shop and do as he pleased. “It’s Prada, don’t touch me” maybe that wasn’t the best way to tell the too attentive shop attendant to stand down but Evan was busy flicking through racks as the shop girl asked about his shirt. “If I need any help I’ll ask for it” he told the girl, moving away from her with a polite smile as he went to look through a display of shorts. “You’d think more people would recognize Prada without me having to tell them” it wasn’t really a comment to the person at the display next to him, but more under his breath. Upon realizing someone was standing there Evan gave a slight shrug, “Sorry I just don’t like people touching my clothes”. 

Actually… he didn’t honestly think that he would be so lucky to die any time soon. He just didn’t get bothered by the thought of dying. Death itself was nothing he was afraid of, for some kind of reason he got real friendly with the idea of… not existing at one point or another. Rodolphus wasn’t a religious person, couldn’t even fathom why muggles prayed, but he got why they felt relieve in there being a higher power. Having this belief that someone watched from above, that could save them and give them absolution for the things they had done - a frown marred his face. If he didn’t think that what they were doing was for the right cause, he probably would try this ‘prayer’ or ‘rosary’ thing himself. Plus, he already gladly believed in someone who could change fate itself. At least, he felt it was similar, wasn’t it?

“I’ll try to keep that in mind twenty-five years from now.“ He waved the comment off, trying not to think too deeply on the topic of live and death. Some things were just too great to think about on an early morning, empty stomach and not enough caffeine. A small chuckle dropped from his lips as he looked at Evan sideways. “Yeah, we’ve got a dinner planned,” he admitted with a shrug of a shoulder. Mrs Lestrange wouldn’t have it any other way. It wasn’t even a question of ‘if’ he was going to celebrate but rather ‘in what way’ and what time of the day. This time his mother had gone and prepared everything. She’d told him to relax during this ‘confusing time’ and ‘leave it all to me, darling’, to which he felt it hard to say no to. Mothers - even the Dark Lord himself would have to agree to never disagree with one.

To be miserable was a choice he made frequently. Especially recently. But he was never going to go so far to choose to isolate himself completely. “I always appreciated your taste, so I’m looking forward to trying the dark and the light.” With a slightly softer tone he added “If you want to join me, I’d be happy to have you over. You can bring your fiancé, though warn me beforehand and I’ll get Bellatrix to even out the field.“ Rodolphus smiled and emptied his cup. He’d love to see Bell’s reaction to being invited to a sort of double date. It should be fun… “Sociable enough?“ Amusement played over his features as he contemplated his (risky) invitation. Usually he wasn’t at all into spontaneous things like that, but it felt right. 

When Evan spoke so lovingly about Alina he went a little quiet himself. There was something in the other man’s posture, intonation and the way his face seemed to change subtly. It was fascinating to watch the love he felt change his demeanor. To anyone less than a friend to the Rosier heir, it would probably be hard to detect, but Rod knew him. Thoughtfully he turned a little more fully to him. “Seventeen,” he hummed. “Talking about having it bad. Lucius would probably have something to say to that.” Oh, he could just imagine the blond man exploding internally (maybe even outwardly, by yelling and promising death by any means). “He can’t change it and he should probably be happy that your intentions were and are true. You wouldn’t marry her otherwise.” Rodolphus chose his words carefully, speaking slowly. He meant them. “But,” he narrowed his eyes at him decisively. “It also means that your troubles, everything, good and bad… she’s marrying you. With all of it. She should be able to decide if she wants to carry everything that you are going to bring into the marriage, don’t you think?” And here he went again. Being too honest. Too direct. He couldn’t help himself. Being blunt was probably his only way of not ending up being frustrated by people’s supposed ‘smart’ choices. 

The invitation from Rodolphus seemed out of character at best causing Evan to sip his tea to feign his surprise from the question. It was not that Rodolphus was particularly unsociable, Evan was often able to convince him to attend his parties and other shenanigans, it was more the fact that he was never quite this sociable. Evan was typically the one doing the inviting and Rodolphus was normally the one huffing and reluctantly agreeing, but instead it seemed the tables had turned. It also struck him as odd that Rodolphus would invite Alina as well, not that there was any issue between the pair instead just the fact that they were very different people.It was a move that struck a chord with Evan for it was honestly the first time any of his schoolmates had bothered to extend an invitation to Alina as his partner. Of course his friends liked Alina, that wasn’t the case, but so many were still fixated on her being Lucius’ little sister that they forgot she also had ties to Evan.

However, as quickly as the invitation was presented it was also momentarily forgotten at the mention of Bellatrix. “Oh do we have have to invite Bellatrix? I’d rather not have to spend any more time with her than necessary” Evan joked, crinkling his nose. Evan was aware that Rodolphus spent a lot of time with his cousin, it was hard not to be aware when he did consistently see them out together or when encountering his lovely Aunt, but he was not aware it was serious enough to spend time in a setting that clearly mirrored a double date. “What’s your interest in my cousin anyway?” Evan asked angling himself to read Rodolphus’ face, a smirk playing at his lips. “I have heard through the grapevine that you two are spending a lot of time together, but then again Auntie Dru can be a tad delusional so I wasn’t sure if I quite believed her” he shrugged, taking a sip of his tea, “Though I do believe out of all of them Bella might be the most sane, or at least the most manageable. Andy’s got a bit of a je ne sais quoi about her that I don’t think would sit right with you, and Narcissa’s a bit young and probably a little too nice for you. My dearest Bella, on the other hand, is a little unpredictable though. Definitely keep you busy, if that’s what you’re looking for”. 

Evan liked to think he was afforded the same perks of being a Black, without all the fuss. Here in Britain, the only family he was associated with was the Blacks though in France he was given the perks of his own name. It was like being a Black without the pressure nor having to deal with the insanity. Instead he had grown up alongside his cousins and had a decent relationship with each. As they had gotten older priorities had changed and they were definitely as close as they once had been, but they were his family and Evan took that very seriously. He didn’t have siblings and his cousins were the closest thing imaginable to having sisters or brothers, minus that disgrace Sirius, and Evan did care deeply for them no matter what the case. There was one thing, though, that Evan was steadfast in and that was staying out of their personal business. He didn’t want to know who they were dating or fucking or whatever else because it didn’t matter to him unless it was serious. Most the eligible men in society were his friends and he knew both the bad and the good about each of them, it was hard to stay neutral when it came to his family, so instead Evan took a very hands off approach. When Auntie Dru came asking questions Evan didn’t pay them much mind, instead he allowed the girls to handle their own issues. It was their lives and Evan only wanted for them what they wanted for themselves.

Getting advice from Rodolphus was not a new thing. Getting advice from Rodolphus on his relationship with Alina was a very new thing. Actually getting advice at all on Alina was very new. Evan didn’t receive much advice aside from his conversations with his father because frankly no one cared to listen to whatever struggle he was having. “It was so bad” Evan chuckled at the memory, “I saw her from across the room and knew I had to have her, just to be informed who she was. Almost any other name and I wouldn’t have waited four years” Evan nodded his shoulders falling with a sigh, “Her brother is a good man though. Lucius has been more than fair in this whole situation” it was something Evan counted himself lucky for. At the mention of why Alina was marrying him, Evan had to bite his tongue about duty and priority. Rodolphus was aware and his advice was pointedly not taking consideration of any of the societal bullshit but instead the true reasoning behind it all. 

“You mean she’s not marrying me for my money?” it was a weak joke accompanied by a weak laugh as Evan took a sip of his tea. Serious conversations were not his forte and they made him feel uncomfortable to take things like this to heart. “I know I should talk to her about it, but I can’t help but want to shield her from it. My family.....they’re a lot to handle. Especially considering what I’ll be inheriting some day. The Rosier name does not hold the power here that it does in France and I fear subjecting her to all of that will only make her resent me. She hasn’t met them yet, I don’t want to overwhelm her”. Alina could handle a lot and it was not that Evan thought she could not handle his family, it was the fact he didn’t want her to have to. Society in France was not anywhere near as formal or polite as it was in England and subjecting Alina to them would also be opening their relationship to more public scrutiny than they had felt thus far. In England others talked behind their back, in France they would gladly say it to their faces. “It’s not only my duty to protect her, but my want. She is my priority.. Alina is my family, more than anyone else, and I want to do everything in my power to keep her happy”.

@alinamalfoyxx

The night was beginning to blur around the edges for Evan Rosier. Where was he? The name was now escaping the twenty-two year old, but it was a loud dimly lit establishment in central London. Red and blue lights set the tone for the wizarding nightclub and as song after song rolled through the playlist Evan began to wonder if it was the same song or if he was going crazy. Either way, it was clear that the alcohol was beginning to set in as his friends seemed to dwindle out. The man who had been sitting to his left all evening, at their table, of course, had just risen resting a hand on Evan's shoulder as he made his excuses to leave reminding Evan that somewhere in the throngs of people one last person they were responsible for remained. 

It had been a few hours since Evan Rosier had so much as thought about where Alina Malfoy could be. She could take care of herself, he knew that much from the last few months of their friendship. He was only lying to himself with the thought he didn't know where Alina was as his eyes had been unconsciously following her around the crowded room and it only took a moment of him looking from his friend to find her near the bar. The dark-haired witch that had been sitting on his knee for the past hour was now only becoming an annoyance with her pointless conversation and the way she kept trying to kiss him. She knew his name while he still had no clue of hers, and there was no way he'd bring someone like that home because if he did then tomorrow there was no guarantee she would not continue to run his name. And truthfully he didn't want to have to pull some strings and get the poor girl oblivated just for one night. Instead, he nudged her off his lap and rose from his seat. "Finish the bottle, it's on me" Evan told her nodding towards the expensive champagne they had been drinking. He had other matters to attend to.

Across the room Evan made his way, slipping past individuals until he was at the bar once more but this time he wasn't grabbing a drink. His blonde companion was now chatting with another man leaned against the bar. Of course, she was Alina Malfoy and seemed to attract attention no matter the scene. It wasn't Evan's duty to keep her from going home with another individual, but he still felt the need to do so. Every time they went out it was the same routine: he'd spend his evening with some girl who he wouldn't remember the next morning, and eventually make his way over and end whatever Alina was doing across the room. Something in him didn't like the thought of her spending time with anyone else, nor did he trust any other man than himself to take her home. It was because she was his mate's sister, obviously.

"Thanks, Mate for keeping her company for me," Evan told the man as he stepped up behind Alina, his arm comfortably slinking around her shoulders. As the man seemed to shrivel in his presence Evan only puffed up, daring the other man to say something. Instead, as he sulked away Evan turned his attention to Alina, letting go of her to lean against the bar signaling the attention of the bartender. "Why do you always pick losers like that?" he asked her nodding towards his empty glass as he made eye contact with the bartender. "If you want someone that incompetent I can start taking you to muggle clubs instead". Taking his now full drink Evan took a sip, smirking at Alina over the rim, "Imagine the look on your brother's face if he found out I let you hang out with muggles. Or worse, let you go home with one".

“Old man,“ he scoffed, not sure if he liked the moniker or not. Although it was probably accurate. On some days he felt older than he actually was and on others… he felt even older. Maybe he should invent a new scale for measuring grumpiness of ‘old men’ like himself? Maybe it would help others to deal? Or stay away? Shaking his head he smiled secretively at Evan’s choice of words. “Closer to Death, that I already am,“ he answered cryptically. “Maybe the closest I ever will be.” At least without actually being dead or having to (actively) die. Somehow, he doubted that he would celebrate many more birthdays. Considering what they did and how they operated in the wizarding world’s affairs? If they got caught, they would either, never see the sun again, or live just long enough to mourn their losses. It was kind of funny, he admitted to himself as he sipped on the last half of his coffee. 

“Well then,“ he toasted his cup in Evan’s direction. “Cheers to you and thank you very much for helping me avoid a few of those cheery birthdays.“ His lips curled into a deeper smile after he let the cup sink back into his lap. Of course Evan knew him well. Well enough to order alcohol, which he would absolutely indulge in, the moment he arrived home. A low chuckle dropped from his mouth as he spoke his mind. “Though fate might spite me and lets me live through a damaged liver, I certainly appreciate the thought.“

Rodolphus listened to Evan’s concerns regarding the announcement of his engagement. Of course something so important wasn’t brushed off like it was nothing. The pureblood society was a little more complicated than that and especially with two well known families like the Rosier and Malfoy (dare he call it?) clans joining forces by marriage. Rodolphus frowned deeply. He probably should reassure Evan that everything was going to be just fine. Or at the very least, to not worry, but he didn’t see a point in doing so. The young Rosier probably knew already. “Alina is a Malfoy, she’s a good choice and she can be diplomatic, if she so chooses.” Shrugging softly he turned the almost empty cup between his fingers. “I mean it. You’re worying about it, but have you asked her? Have you asked? Maybe talk to her, before…”  

Evan rolled his eyes as Rodolphus took his statement and ran with it. “Rod, I don’t foresee you being that lucky. I’m sure you’ll unfortunately live to a ripe old age” he informed him with a swish of his hand. Evan knew how easy it was to dwell on the fact that for any of them the time could be near. Sewlyn had met his demise as had Thorfinn but if left to concentrate on it one would certainly go nowhere in life. They were aware of the consequences they faced every time they put on the mask, but outside of the mask Evan preferred to dwell on happier occasions such as the birthday at hand. 

Giving a solemn nod as Rodolphus thanked him for the gift Evan’s eyes shot over to his friend, a smirk playing at his lips. “I figured that someone had to give you something to survive the rest of the day. If your family is anything like mine then you won’t be afforded the luxury of spending today completely alone” and especially as the eldest birthdays were a joyous occasion in pureblood society. Parents like to celebrate their child for whatever reason, they were simply show ponies to the elders. And not to even get started on the friends, they all were too young and had too much money any reason to celebrate was taken. Evan knew that because he was one of them. He had just come to accept over the years that Rodolphus was best left to his own devices and pushing him too far would only be unfavorable for Evan. “I think you’ll be impressed with my selection. I stayed mostly dark, with a sprinkle of light to switch things up on the odd occasion” Evan explained with a languid shrug, “You know when maybe you decide to be sociable instead of miserable”. 

Evan was charming and it usually wasn’t easy to resist that blinding smile that seemed to be constantly etched onto the younger man’s face. People practically fell over themselves to get a few seconds in his presence. They literally fell head over heels. Rodolphus turned his head, his lips seemingly still attached to the cup of coffee as he took careful small sips from the hot beverage. He let the edge of his teeth catch on the rim before lifting it away. “Request granted,” he hummed underneath his breath, as he leaned back to accommodate Evan beside him and give him at least the attention he deserved by bodily opening up - although he still kept that little bit of distance between them.

Well, he couldn’t help himself. Even on his birthday, especially on his birthday, he tried to avoid meeting people, but they seemed to find him. That it was way too early in the day to talk either for pointless communication’s sake or even for business’ was maybe a factor to dampen his enthusiasm to great the day with all the happiness others seemed to have reserved for today. So yes, grumpy it was. Snorting softly he let his lips quirk into the tiniest of smiles in the right corner. “However did you guess that,” he drawled sarcastically. “I just don’t think it’ll get any better by rubbing it in.”

Carefully he looked at the other man. “I guess he missed me.” Rodolphus had been up so early as to avoid unwanted people to greet him with cheers, balloons and presents to have an excuse to invade his space. He’d even gone so far as to turn off that mischievously chiming device of a phone - some people seemed to think that midnight was the best time to send a quick ‘Happy Birthday’ with so many kisses that the words didn’t fit on the screen anymore. Though, thinking of escapes… Rodolphus narrowed his eyes at Evan. “You look… agitated.” Not by much, but he thought he could see a bit of strain in the lines of his expression.

“Oh come on, Old Man” Evan smirked, using the added effect of the name one last time, “Don’t be grumpy on your birthday. It’s a day to celebrate” he insisted, “You’ve made it through another year. Or if you’d prefer, another year closer to death and not having to ever worry about birthdays again” it was a joke, the last part. Evan found that birthdays were celebratory occasions. He loved his own birthday and the thought of getting older did not scare him. Partially from purposely staying oblivious to the fact he would not have the body of a twenty five year old forever, but also because with each passing year meant more life experiences to participate in. Getting older was not entirely bad. 

“Don’t worry my elf was left clear instructions to leave your gift with only the most trusted of hands. Can’t have just anyone indulging. You’re welcome in advance, and I’m sorry for your liver”. Alcohol was never a bad gift among the purebloods and Evan was sure Rodolphus would eventually find use for all the bottles in the basket he had prepared. Birthday, death eater meetings, having to attend a family function, or just a Tuesday night were Evan’s favorite reasons to drink.

At the mention of being agitated Evan shrugged, “Not agitated” he told Rodolphus with a long sip of his green tea. “Just not ready for the month to end” or the new month to begin. “Easter is a big occasion for my family” Evan began leaning back against the bench, “And my engagement to Alina will be officially announced to them. I’m not sure if I’m ready for that” pausing slightly Evan inhaled deeply, “I’m not sure I’m ready to submit Alina to that yet”. So far Evan had enjoyed being engaged. It wasn’t very different from his relationship with Alina prior, but things felt more settled and official. However he knew the moment his family caught wind of something official it was going to be very different. Obviously close family knew, it was more the rest of the family that Evan was dreading. He was the sole heir to the Rosier fortune and though his family was not British, the name Malfoy would still speak volumes to them. 

Regulus looked up from his phone to blink in surprise at his cousin. He locked his phone and put it on the table in front of him, then pushed a curl of hair out of his eyes. With a wry smile, he said, “As a pessimist I absolutely agree with that sentiment. It was either this or reading about the tightening of MACUSA’s no-maj restriction laws. What fun.”

It had been a while since he’d seen Evan. After taking over the Black family matters Regulus felt as if he’d been living underground; and when he did surface, it was always to something new he had to figure out. Regulus glanced down at Evan’s steaming cup and raised an eyebrow. “On a health kick, are you? Bit late for that, isn’t it?” He met Evan’s gaze and smirked, then looked up in time to accept his coffee from the waitress with a low thanks. This cafe was in the higher echelon of Diagon Alley, with modern fixtures and a buzzing but lowkey vibe: the clientele tended to be overflow Ministry workers or young professionals. It was perfect for him, especially when he had some paperwork he needed to do and couldn’t bear his own company at home, but it was a far cry to Evan’s usual haunts.

After taking a sip of his long black, Regulus gestured to his cousin. “As pleasant as this is, I’m shocked to see you awake before midday.” With a hint of mock concern, he added: “Did the Ministry’s new legislation keep you up last night too?”

If there was one person who could serve it back to Evan better than he could, it probably had to be Regulus. They weren’t direct cousins, more like second cousins or something along those lines, but Evan was far closer to him than he was his first cousins on the Black side of the family. As children the age difference was enough to keep Evan and Regulus from being particularly close, but as Regulus got older the age difference didn’t seem as bad and the pair had formed a bond of sorts. Evan found him entertaining, a bit pessimistic, but all around someone that he did enjoy spending his time with. 

“Regulus, it’s not a health kick if it is an every day action” Evan told him, waving a hand, “And besides clearly it’s working for me. Obtaining the body of a god is not an easy task, Cousin”, taking a sip of his tea, “You could go to learn some things from me in the health department, you know, I believe that coffee is beginning to cloud your mind” he nodded towards the cup that was set in front of Regulus.

A smirk grew on Evan’s face as Regulus mentioned being up before midday. Oh how much his cousin had missed. “Actually, Regulus, I have better things to keep me up at night rather than legislation. Namely a blonde who is far more interesting than whatever the old men at the Ministry need to say. Maybe you should get one for yourself” Evan suggested, “Nevertheless I’m always up before midday as I am in the process of taking over my father’s company. With mum only getting less healthy, Father has tasked me with the development side of things and currently we are building a resort in Costa Rica” Evan explained, “Though I’m just a surprised to see you here. Last time I heard you were basically chained to the office, it’s nice to see they let you out of your cage every once in a while”.

At that comment, Antonin pinched the bridge of his nose and let out what sounded to most like a sigh but that to Evan should realize was the sound of capitulation. “I see,” he stated, refraining from pointing out that there were plenty of decent restaurants in Britain. There were even a few decent ones in London, but he supposed Paris was not that far of a trip. At least Evan wasn’t trying to take him somewhere even more exotic. He took the floo after his friend and he used his wand to clean the soot off of his robes as they began to move toward the restaurant. “There is that,” he said. “Though with the new transition, it has not been as awful as it used to be.” His lips quirked.

The restaurant was one he’d been to only with Evan and Antonin took a sip of the wine as they sat down, pleased that he was at least in a familiar place with an aesthetic that he could appreciate. When his best friend began to speak, Antonin remained silent, placing the wine glass back onto the tablecloth as he looked over at him, taking a moment to blink as he began to feel more emotional than he was beforehand.

There was a brief moment when Antonin felt regret, for he had not even realized that Evan had proposed yet, did not realize that his friend was looking at rings for he’d been so preoccupied by what had been going on in his own life. Antonin sucked in a breath as he considered his response, considered how best to frame it. It was a yes, of course, though Antonin had now realized that he hadn’t yet told Evan about being back with Penelope. Shit.

“I would be honored,” he said with a genuine grin on his face, his free hand moving over his jawline. “So long as you do the same for me. And don’t throw a fit when my wedding is sooner. A couple months from now, in fact, though of course I don’t have the exact date right in front of me.” He took another sip of his wine as he settled back into his chair to watch Evan’s reaction, hopeful that he had not just caused his best friend an early heart attack.

Evan was so wrapped up in his own news that he barely registered what Antonin asked of him. Instead all he heard was a yes. That was the most important thing to Evan. The one thing he could not get married without was Antonin. Was it sentimental? Yes but he had been the one person to stand by Evan’s side through everything else, so it wasn’t even an option to not have him at his side for this occasion. 

“So I must confess, I need to actually propose. But that’s a small detail” Evan admitted waving his hand nonchalantly, “Alina won’t say no. We’ve already discussed marriage and honestly if I was not scared of the retribution from her father and brother we might have already been married by now. I do plan on being her only husband and we both felt that doing this traditionally would be the best option to guarantee that” besides it gave them something to plan and look forward to. If there was something Evan and Alina loved more than most things it was a good party and well their wedding would be nothing short of the perfect party.

As Evan was speaking the wheels in his head began to spin finally bringing to focus the detail Antonin had exposed that he had blatantly blown off prior. “I believe we want to get married relatively quickly, so maybe the fall. Next spring, at the latest” Evan told Antonin, “I’m not sure what Alina’s plan for colours or anything so I guess it’s up to her really when the wedding will actu-” stopping in his tracks Evan abruptly set down his wine glass and stared blankly at Antonin. 

“Did you just?” his chest felt tight, merlin he was dying. This was it. He was done. Waves of confusion and surprise and fear rolled over Evan as he processed what Antonin had said.  So long as you do the same for me. And don’t throw a fit when my wedding is sooner. A couple months from now, in fact, though of course I don’t have the exact date right in front of me. It didn’t make sense. Antonin was single. Very single. His last relationship was Penny and if anything he wasn’t over that yet. Or at least Evan did not have the knowledge that he was prepared to marry this quickly after Penny. But he didn’t look upset or concerned by this. Antonin looked amused if anything. 

Lucius didn’t personally like opals, but he could appreciate the Alina did, and by all accounts it seemed to be an impressive ring. “It is certainly different.”

Lucius’s brow quirked when he discovered that he knew about the proposal before Alina did. Given the order Alina and Evan had done everything else, he hald expected the proposal to happen before the other Malfoys learned of it. It was nice to know that Evan was showing his father at least some level of respect. And then he realised it was the perfect moment to mess with Evan just a little bit. 

“Well Alina has had many cute boyfriends. I’m not sure you want to put all of your eggs in that basket,” he said with a raise of his shoulders. “There are many reasons people date. And really if you think about it statistically, most relationships do not end in marriage. Are you sure she’s going to approve of being the last to know of your proposal?” 

“I take it he did then?”

Evan was not going to even entertain the thought of Alina saying no. It wasn’t even a possibility in his head. If he so much as considered the option he knew he would never propose. It took a lot for him to get to this point and any small deviation from his plan was posed to set him back to a place that he refused to be. Alina wasn’t going to say no. Alina couldn’t say no. Could she?

“Statistically, you are correct. However in this case, my dear Lucius, you’re wrong” Evan told him blankly, setting his jaw as he gave Lucius a pointed look. “Your sister wants this just as much as I do. I would never put her in this situation if I wasn’t completely certain that marrying me is what she wants” Evan explained, his eyes diverting for a moment as his fist gently tapped Lucius’ desk, “I love her more than I love anyone, or anything. She is everything to me. Her health and happiness is of the utmost importance and if I thought for one moment that she wasn’t ready for this I would delay a proposal. Or if I thought that she didn’t want me then I would leave. Her happiness far outweighs mine.” Evan didn’t like discussing his feelings on Alina because it was still so foreign to speak to his friends, not to mention her brother, about having actual emotions for someone that did not contain solely lust.