entanglements | d.m.

35.oldpatterns

December '98 | H E R

Devyn is most thankful to have brought her book along for the line she has to wait to relieve herself is long.

The train may rustle and the rails do squeak, but that doesn't pull Devyn from the world of her favourite author. The world of regency England sucks her right in, the proper dialogue, the exuberant descriptions. It's a nice change from daily life.

That is until-

"A book on the toilet is a new low, Devil."

Not surprised anymore at this point, she doesn't lift her eyes from the parapgraph. "I should register you as a stalker. Things are getting ridiculous."

They sit with their respective company. Theo invited her and Tarquin to join them, mostly to have a smoke, but Devyn made during breakfast clear that she needs to stay as far away from Malfoy, for as long as possible.

This trainride are the last hours of sanity she is granted before her resolution is finally put to the test.

Last night was more than a lack of judgement. But it didn't happen. Malfoy didn't mention it and she has been steering clear for the better part of the morning.

The same will have to do at home. She'll be super daughter with how much she'll be cleaning and helping cook. Maybe the garden could use a good weeding. In the winter.

"While I don't enjoy my stalker-ish tendencies, this is pure coincidence," Malfoy says. "Too much to drink. Long line in my compartment."

"Well, you're not off any better here."

"I'd say I am."

Ten days. She'll have to deal with this for ten days.

Standing behind her, he hovers his head over her shoulder, the warmth of him enveloping her like her favourite blanket.

"I must know," there's teasing in his tone, "if I should apologize or if last night was an experience we should add to our repertoire."

Oh... no...

The shame digs deeper.

What did she think believing he didn't notice?

"Let me make one thing clear." Shutting her book, Devyn turns to him with a flat smile. "I won't be your booty call, ever. Just because we had something before doesn't mean we'll fall back into it. If I had wanted to, I would have already."

Maybe speaking it out loud will call it into existence.

At least she appears genuine, since he is answering with a small nod, playfulness dulled.

Not listening to the demand of lifting his spirits, Devyn turns back around just in time when the door to the train loo opens.

The little blond sauntering out is not just anyone. Malcolm Baddock smiles brightly when he recognizes her. "Happy holidays, pretty girl."

Gosh, he's adorable. "Happy holidays, Malcolm."

"Here." He stands before Devyn, digs into his trouser pocket and pulls out a galleon. "Buy yourself a sweet little something from the trolley."

It takes everything not to burst out laughing. He does in a way remind her of Malfoy as a little boy, that kind of crowing.

Devyn accepts it only because she has a feeling he will insist. Like a certain someone... "That is very kind of you, Malcolm. Thank you."

He tips his chin up to the height of his confidence and swaggers away.

"Fucking hell," she hears the grumble behind her back.