Non-Canon One Shots for In the Shadow of Our Choices

Shades of Control

In chapter 21 of my longer work "In the Shadows of Our Choices," the characters attend a Halloween Dance. Drama ensues, but at one point, Ominis' date Aria (a Slytherin OC, but not the MC) extends an offer to him to join her for a drink. He refuses, but what if he had accepted? Contains Smut/explicit sex (First time). Should still be readable/understandable even without reading the longer work - I mean, it's smut.

Listening to Sebastian's retreating footsteps, Ominis heard Aria let out a shaky breath. He put a hand on her shoulder, feeling her shudder.

"Bloody hell," Aria said, "That was scary. You should have seen the look he gave me. Like he was ready to kill."

"I can imagine. It's probably for the best that you didn't go with him," Ominis said, grimacing. "I've never... he's so angry. I just hope he doesn't do anything rash."

"Should we give those two a heads up?" she asked.

Ominis sighed.

"I'll talk to Elizabeth later."

They were quiet for a long moment, until Aria spoke, sounding more like her usual self.

"And what about you?" Aria asked. "How are you doing? I can tell, you know. That you like her too."

Ominis felt Aria run her hands up his arms, lacing her fingers behind his neck. She was far too close. He gently reached up, removing her hands from him and turning his face away from her.

"I don't. And even if I did," Ominis said, carefully keeping his voice level. "Nothing could come of it. It's not worth mentioning."

"Don't lie to me, Gaunt," she said, and Ominis flinched at the name. "Is it because of Sebastian? Or Larson? Or has she turned you down already?"

"Just drop it, Aria. It'll never happen."

"Not with that attitude, that's for sure."

Ominis pressed his lips together, hard. He didn't feel much like talking about this. With anyone. Even himself.

"Come on," Ominis said, offering his arm. "Let's go for a walk around the lake."

Aria took it with a huff.

"You're no fun, you know that?"

"Ah, my apologies, Aria. I must have forgotten to take my 'fun' medication this morning. I know, I'm a dreadful bore without it."

"Clearly," she said, "You must miss your dose every day. Have you spoken with a healer about it?"

Ominis shrugged, a smile sliding onto his face.

"I have. My condition is chronic, so the medication hardly matters"

Aria playfully nudged him with her elbow.

"Still, you ought to take your medicine. I'll have to bring an extra dose with me next time."

Ominis chuckled. "I'll hold you to that."

He could hear the waves of the lake lapping on the shore as they drew near. Tonight, he hadn't used his wand to navigate much, trusting Aria to guide him. Crowds were nightmares either way - like before the feast when he hadn't realized that Andrew had been with Elizabeth, and thus not greeted him. It was embarrassing. So, it was a relief to be out here by the water in the cool night air. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Aria asked.

Ominis fiddled with the spot his ring used to rest.

"This year has just been a lot," he said, "I have to constantly keep Sebastian in check, and Elizabeth is... well. And then my brothers won't leave me alone. At least the professors can help with that one."