#cariz

Riz and Cariad had been out in hogsmeade all day. Everyone was buzzing about Halloween. Nobody had told Riz ‘happy birthday’. Nobody had remembered. It wasn’t really a big deal, it wasn’t a major celebration, but it would’ve been nice- but at least he could spend a day with his lover.

But on the way back to the manor, he noticed the blonde stifling giggles and glancing at him.

“Something the matter, my dear?” He asked, raising an eyebrow and giving her that soft smile that was reserved for adorable things

“Nothing, nothing.” She said airily before giggling again.

“What’s so funny?”

“Nothings funny, my love, what have you that impression? But, could you bend down for a second and close your eyes?”

He expected Cariad to give him a kiss so he leaned to her level. He didn’t expect a blindfold to be tied around him. The shorter one slipped her hand into his.

“Don’t worry, it’s all ok, just trust me, alright?” He nodded.

She lead him up the familiar path to the manor and opened the door for him. He could hear laughter and risking, the smell of coffee lingering in the air.

The blindfold was remove and he took a moment to adjust to the sudden light as Sylvia, Sylvan, Sofija, Arvis, Mildred, Avania and leva cheered

“Happy Birthday!”

Sylvan was holding a cake. Chocolate with coffee ganache. Candles on the top. It was obvious that they’d made it with a lot of love. Cariad went on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek.

“You know the drill. Blow out the candles and make a wish~.” She grinned.

But what was there to wish for? He had his parents, his fiancé, his niece/ daughter and his friends…what more could he wish for?

The girls had just finished an exhausting day at college and we're currently at the local coffee shop, which was the haunt of the teenagers in the area. Mildred was babbling happily and Avania had her arm around her girlfriend casually. Cariad gave Mildred a small smile.

 They took their usual booth seat and sipped on their drinks. Cariad had her book in her lap. It wasn't that she 'wasn't like other girls'. She just wanted to catch up on some work for history. 

That's when Sylvan came in with the biggest shit eating grin. Sylvia raised an eyebrow. "What's got you in a good mood?"

 "Can't I just be happy?"

 Avania gave an unconvinced snort and Sylvan grinned. 

"Ok, ok, so basically-" He sat next to Cariad. "Another one of Riz's gold digger girlfriends was getting a little too friendly so naturally I walked up to Riz and said 'Daddy, how much longer are you gonna take?' And the look on her face was priceless." He cackled.

 "Who's Riz again?" Cariad had obviously heard the stories about their friend but had never actually met him. She knew who he was, but she didn't know him.

 "I think you'd like him Cari. You're the only one who hasn't met him. He should be showing up soon at any rate, he’s probably just outside taking care of that gold digger." Mildred smiled. Cariad sipped her tea, so she didn't notice Sylvan and Mildred exchanging a smirk. What she didn't expect was a very handsome man to show up. 

Pale, too pale for summer, it was a sickly pale too. But it was also very appealing. Eye bags, Cariad wanted to trace her finger over them and run her fingers through his raven hair but immediately scolded herself. He had these piercing red eyes, deep pools of blood that she'd happily drown in. What was even more surprising was that he sat down at their table and for Mildred to grin at him. 

"We we're just talking about you!" Ah. So this was Riz. And she'd just been thirsting over him. Brilliant. 

She forgot about scolding herself when she heard him speak. His voice a deep, velvety caress. They should hire him to read a textbook and she'd never fail a class.

 "Ah, good to see you guys again." He stretched to put an arm around Mildred's shoulder, his shirt riding just enough to reveal a stretch of pale torso. She swallowed. It wasn't normal to be thinking this. 

"God, it's been ages." Smiled Sylvia, leaning forwards. 

"Yeah, I know. But I don't recognise that one." He cocked his head towards Cariad.

 "I'm Cariad, Cariad Faiythe, it's nice to meet you, I've heard a lot about you." They'd preordered a black coffee for him, so he took a sip, flexing his veined hands and slim fingers. 

"Riz Mors, pleasure to meet you." 

Once she found her voice she said"It's nice to finally meet you too." She smiled, ignoring how he surveyed her over the top of his mug. 

As he gulped, his Adam's apple bobbed up and down in a way that shouldn't have hypnotised her.He loosened his tie, undid the top button of his shirt and rolled up his sleeves. Surely he knew what he was doing by now? Was it intentional? Or was he unbearably oblivious? Mildred, god bless Mildred, managed to steer the conversation away to classes, smirking when she saw Cariad practically drooling. They discussed meeting up frequently over the summer. Great.

This would be a long few weeks.

This was a bad idea

An awful, terrible idea that was bound to make her lose the love of her life.

She’d been invited to spend Christmas with Riz and his family. Well, leva, Safija and Arvis

She’d brought gifts and fresh pastries, wanting to make a good impression. What if they hated her? What if she ruined Christmas? They had invited her, wanting to get to know the girl their ‘son’ was so smitten with. 

Riz noticed the blonde girl fidgeting and held her hand gently.

“Hey…you ok Carrie?”

That snapped her out of her spiral.

“Hm? Y-yeah. It’s just- what if I do something wrong? What if they hate me?” She was clearly incredibly nervous. Riz bent down and nuzzled her jaw before pressing a lingering kiss to her cheek.

“Darling, it’s going to be fine. Your parents liked me, so I’m sure they’ll like you. Sofija’s already doting on you and she hasn’t even met you.”

“My parents loved you because at least you have something impressive. You can protect me, you’re caring, you’re chivalrous, you’re a gentleman, you’re polite, you’re smart….what do I have to offer? I can’t really protect you, can I?”

He chuckled softly. 

“My love, you don’t need to worry, they’ll adore you, especially considering you’re their future daughter in law.” He teased, before he put a comforting arm around her waist and kissed the top of her head just as the door opened. leva bounded into their arms, laughing. She adored her uncle and his girlfriend. Sofija and Arvis soon emerged with a smile, hugging Riz tightly, the man clapping him in the back. 

The woman, Sofija, looked very motherly with warm brown eyes and an air of patience and kindness. The man had a mischievous glint in his icy blue eyes. Sofija smiled warmly at Cariad, ushering her into the house as well.

“Come in, come in dear, oh we’ve heard ever so much about you.” She smiled. 

“Thank you, ma’am. I’m glad to finally meet you as well.” She grinned back. She was stood there awkwardly in her coat and shoes, needing step by step instructions on where to put them. She wasn’t stupid, she just wanted to make a good impression, and since she was a guest she waited to have permission, rather than ask. Arvis noticed and smirked.

“I doubt you’ll freeze to death in the house so just put your coat on the coat hanger. Shoes can just go by the door.”

“Thank you, sir.” 

“No need for sir or ma’am, Miss Faiythe, just call us Arvis and Sofija.”

“No need for ‘Miss Faiythe’, just call me Cariad.” She replied, which caused her to receive an encouraging squeeze of Riz’s hand.  

“Cariad…Love in Welsh, correct?”

“Yes, I was named after my Grandma.” She replied, pleasantly surprised he knew the origin of her name.

“Well, let’s not hover here the whole evening, there’s a nice fire in the drawing room.” Sofija said. leva took their hands and led them to the room. 

The manor was cozy and decorated for the upcoming festivities. It smelled homey, and the lights twinkled softly while candles flickered invitingly. 

Cariad crouched by the fire. She’d always liked fire, since she was a little girl.

“So, Riz has told us a little about how you two met. Tell us about this vivarium of yours.”

“My vivarium? Oh, yes. It’s a sanctuary for the magical beasts I rescue. There’s unicorns, nifflers, thestrals…”

“So you can see thestrals too?” Asked Sofija softly.

“Yes, my late brother.”

“I’m sorry to hear that dear.”

“It’s alright, it happened when I was quite young. Anyways, enough about me. Riz has told you some interesting stories about you two, and I’m eager to learn more about you both.” leva had started braiding Cariads hair while Riz had gone to the kitchen to get drinks for everyone. Cariad felt guilty for not doing it herself. She was taught that if she was a guest in someone’s house, that her hosts shouldn’t have to lift a finger. That reminded her of the treats she’d brought.

“Oh I baked these-…” she said, holding out her little basket of baked goods. Having a baker for a mother came in handy when it came to try and impress potential in laws. 

“Oh sweetheart you shouldn’t have-.” 

“No, no I insist,” 

That earned her an approving smile. Maybe they wouldn’t hate her after all.

Riz came back in shortly after and his gaze softened when he saw Cariad had brought things.

“Darling…” he chuckled quietly, leaning down to kiss the top of her head and passing her a cup of warm tea. He then passed his ‘parents’ their own mugs. Once he was seated, he patted the space next to him, to tell Cariad she didn’t have to wait to be asked and she could sit on the couch. She got up and say next to him, though she was almost afraid to show affection in front of his parents. Riz had that sorted too, his hand finding it’s usual place on her thigh. 

Arvis raised an eyebrow and said, completely bluntly.

“So. How many grandkids do you plan on giving me?” 

Cariad blushed and fumbled on her words while Riz looked him dead in the eyes with a totally straight face. 

“At least 5.” 

Arvis chuckled and turned his gaze to Cariad.

“So, can you really take care of my boy?”

For once, Cariad didn’t hesitate upon asking the question. Normally she’d pause, doubting her abilities to protect people. But she stared at him and said a simple.

“Yes”

Arvis was quite stunned, he’d only been jesting after all. Riz squeezed her thigh and gave her a small smile. And Cariad felt accepted. leva rolled her eyes and fake gagged at the gesture. It was weird seeing her stoic uncle so soft and mushy. 

Sofija got up a while later to cook dinner and Cariad hurriedly joined her, eager to assist and almost prove herself. Riz could hear the two women laughing together. 

“Well I’ll say, they’ve already bonded.” Smirked Arvis 

“It would appear so.”

“It seems as if you’ve been utterly swept off your feet.” 

“Yeah…I guess I have…”

“Boys! Time for dinner!” Called Sofija. They were all seated, with Arvis at the head of the table, Cariad next to Riz with leva and Sofija opposite. 

They dug in but there was something different about the food.

“Sofija? Did you cook this differently?” Asked leva. Not that she was complaining, it was delicious.

“Cariad made an offhand comment about how her mother cooks this meal. I decided I’d try it, seeing as I’ve done the same thing so many times. I must admit it’s delicious.”

“Don’t credit me at all, Sofija, it was all your amazing cooking.” 

The two women chuckled and Riz whispered in Cariads ear.

“See darling? Nothing to worry about.”

They all ended up relaxing in the drawing room, Cariad  babbling happily to Arvis about politics, her special interest. She was one of the only people aside from himself who payed attention in history of magic, and researched it outside of class hours frequently, always coming top of the class. 

Eventually, she grew quite drowsy.

“Sleepy, my gorgeous love?”

“A little tired, but I wanna stay up.” She yawned. leva had already withdrawn to her room. 

Riz squeezed her tighter against him. Sofija was practically dripping with motherly love and affection. She may as well have brought CaRiz t-shirts. 

Cariad soon forgot her vow to stay awake and was lulled to sleep by the sound of her lover talking. Most people soon fell asleep, aside from Riz- being a raging insomniac. At about 1 am, Cariad yawned herself awake, a little disoriented before crawling on top of him and burying her face in his chest. She saw his ‘parents’ were asleep so she kissed his eyebags.

“Go to sleep…” she mumbled sleepily. 

Riz’s hands found her waist and pulled her against him. 

“They loved you, y’know.” He murmured, nuzzling his nose against hers.

“I’m glad. I loved them too. I might have to visit your multiverse more often, my dear.”

“I think we’d all like that.” 

She couldn’t believe her eyes. Or ears. Ekrizdis fucking Mors was bowing to her, hand extended and asking if she wanted to go to the ball with him. Damn, is this how they treat girls in his universe? Her body moved before her brain could comprehend what was happening. Instead of taking his hand, Cariad flung herself into his arms, practically tackling him onto the ground and saying ‘yes’ over and over like a mantra. He chuckled. God, that chuckle with his deep voice made her swoon. Then again, most things Riz did made her go haywire. 

That’s how she ended up in his arms on the night of the ball. She looked stunning. Gorgeous. Angelic didn’t even cover it. Maybe like a goddess would be a more accurate description. The woman was practically glowing. Her hair was normally in these little girl pigtails, held together by silky green ribbons. But now, her hair was down and curling in ringlets around her shoulders. Utterly breathtaking. Riz took her hand and pressed a delicate butterfly kiss to the back of it.

“You look beautiful, darling.” He said softly, soft crimson eyes locking on hers. A slight pink tint spread across her freckled cheeks.

“You look good too. Handsome, I mean.” She said, a little nervously. 

He was giving her complete princess treatment and she honestly didn’t know how to compete with that. In addition to the fact she’d never been with a boy before and wasn’t at all used to these big formal settings…she felt way out of her depth. Until she saw Riz’s smile. Then she knew everything was going to be ok. He gently squeezed her hand in his gloved one and led her to the dance floor. The other ‘couples’ were awkward and too embarrassed to even touch eachother. Typical teenagers. Whereas Cariad and Riz were the epitome of elegance and grace. He twirled her and dipped her and once even held her waist to pick her up and spin her. The two were chuckling and Cariads face hurt from smiling so much. But that’s what she did when Riz was around. Smiled. 

The music started to slow to something more romantic. Almost every couple had urgently evacuated the dance floor, giggling like immature school kids. Cariad and Riz however…they stayed dancing, getting closer to the point they were touching. They abandoned traditional dancing positions and opted for closeness instead. Riz’s arms were around her waist and Cariad’s were around his neck, fingers playing with the hairs at the back of his neck. They gazed at eachother lovingly, stuck in the moment, wanting it to last forever. They weren’t even dancing anymore, merely swaying on the spot, in their own little world. 

Slowly, his hand cupped her cheek, the black leather feeling nice against her skin.

“May I…May I kiss you?…” he whispered. 

When the words slipped out, he seemed shocked at himself for saying them. Cariad blushed  and nodded, rising to her tiptoes, her heart hammering in anticipation. When her eyes closed, she expected to meet his lips, wondering if they were as soft as she’d imagined- which she’d imagined many times- but she didn’t feel it. She was blushing furiously in embarrassment, her eyes scrunched up and her lips puckered. She was far too short to reach his lips, a whole foot and 1 inch shorter. 

She heard her boyfriend chuckle before finally bending down and pressing his lips to hers. You see…most boys at hogwarts would immediately be tonguefucking her. Romance? Who’s that? But Riz? Riz was gentle, slow and romantic. His lips were soft and tasted a little like coffee. She smiled against his lips, neither wanting more out of this kiss, perfectly content. That was until a falling cup reminded them that they were in public. She saw a little flush of colour on his pale cheeks. 

“Care to accompany me to hogsmeade?” He asked. Cariad beamed in answer and before another word was spoken he scooped her into his arms in a bridal carry. She squealed with laughter and held his shoulders

“Riz!” She laughed. He kissed her forehead tenderly before taking her to the fireplace.

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