Pull Me Closer

Marlene: You think he knows what he’s doing?

“You’re not imposing,” Greylyn promised her at the same time Alastor said it. They exchanged a glance with each other before Alastor spoke. “I wouldn’t have offered if you would be imposing.” It was odd for Marlene to be here, but it was always odd to introduce people to another side of his life like this. “Come on, couch is this way.” He led the way into the sitting room, Eimhir bouncing after him. Greylyn smiled at Marlene reassuringly.

“You can just call me Greylyn, you don’t need to call me ma’am,” she told Marlene, herding her into the sitting room after Alastor with her hand on Marlene’s shoulder. “Though please call him Moody. It sounds so ridiculous.”

“Oi, it’s your last name too now,” Alastor shot back as he brought three cups of tea to the table at the center of the little circle of armchairs and the sofa. “You don’t get to make fun of it. Marlene, I have no idea how you take your tea.”

"I thought you invited me here so I didn’ die in the bar?” Marlene replied, a small smile tugging at her lips. Marlene was sad to release her hold on the dog but found herself leaning into Greylyn’s touch. Marlene was such a sucker for parental figures, craving affection at any moment it was offered.

“He said I can’t call him Mad-Eye even though he calls me Noodle so Moody’s all I get,” Marlene confided, the ghost of a laugh leaving her lips. “I think that’s exactly why she gets to make fun of it, though. Like, does that make sense?” She was starting to doubt her own judgement.

“Long story.” It wasn’t. But Alastor didn’t want to talk about any of it in public, which is really how he ended up in the whole situation. He raised his eyebrows at Marlene when they arrived, half expecting her to be sick right then and there. “You sure?”

Eimhir kept wagging her tail as Greylyn came down the hall to join them. Alastor offered her an apologetic smile, which she responded to by rolling her eyes. She was, as usual, casually dressed, her dark hair in a loose braid and wearing an oversized jumper that nearly reached her knees. “Do I look like a roommate?” she asked. Alastor rolled his magical eye and looked back at Marlene.

“Marlene, this is my wife Greylyn,” he told her. “Greylyn, this is Marlene.”

Greylyn smiled at Marlene. “Have either of you eaten? Do you want some tea? Might help you feel better.”

“'M fine,” Marlene mumbled, in awe of the woman at the end of the hall. She blinked, watching this gorgeous woman approach. “N-No, I guess not.” She replied, glancing over at Alastor. How had she never imagined him in a house with a wife? Marlene now kicked herself for never asking. He was always down to business that it had never occurred to her. She recalled a conversation long ago regarding if things were ideal he’d be happily married with kids.

“Probably because I asked her not to,” Alastor said dryly. He stood and took Marlene’s arm. “Don’t throw up on the carpet,” he told her before apparating them into his front entryway.

As promised, Eimhir was the first to come charging into the hall, her tail wagging with excitement as she stuck her nose against Marlene’s hand, sniffing her curiously. “You’re not going to throw up, are you?” Alastor asked, frowning at Marlene.

“Who’s throwing up?” Greylyn appeared at the end of the hall, head peeping out from the kitchen with curiosity. She frowned at Marlene too. “Oh, goodness. Are you alright, dear?”

“Well why’d you do that?” Marlene huffed again, standing up gracelessly. “I don’ think I’m gonna puke.” She wasn’t upset but did feel much like a petulant child being caught by their father drunk for the first time. She still hadn’t done that in front of Mr. McKinnon. She usually watched her liquor a little closer.

It’s not about being tough, I just don’t like it. And you are a Noodle, that’s not my fault. [ he shrugs ] Sirius and Lily have both been there, it’s not like it’s that much of a secret. [ he snorts ] Well the offer’s there, if you want it. Probably best, before you pass out at the bar. I’m not carrying you. 

“Life is too short to be polite”

She raises her eyebrows bordley, “Thank you.” She shakes her head, “It’s not drama with my him, there is- was another man. But that’s… over now.” Narcissa glances towards Marlene, not certain what’s made her be honest with the stranger. She knows Marlene won’t make the connection between herself and Hercules, but she’s drunk enough to toe the line of curiosity. Has he mentioned her name? Narcissa takes another sip of her drink.