Forbidden Desires (Ominis x Sharp x MC)

Chapter 17 - Father Figures

TW: blood/injuries

"What happened Juliet? What did you see? Tell me everything!"

My bruised, bleeding body lies deadly still against the cold tiles of the Map Chamber. I can feel the exhaustion claiming my body as my eyes fail to remain open but Fig's firm grasp shakes me awake.

My lips part slowly to answer him but before I can form any words, the sickly taste of copper floods my mouth as I fall into a fit of coughing. Fig recoils quickly, wiping a spattering of blood off his robes as he towers impatiently over my lifeless body.

"Come on Juliet, spit it out. Quickly!"

Figs' words feel like knives as they're spat at me.

"S...she took his pain away..." I splutter, reaching out to him, desperate for some form of support. Fig disregards me entirely, rubbing his chin in deep thought as he begins circling me.

"Healing properties? Of course!"

Suddenly he freezes near my feet and his attention snaps to the other side of the room as the door creaks open. Despite being barely able to open my eyes, I still witness unmistakable fear paint over Figs face.

"...Eleazar?" A familiar voice calls out hesitantly.

I muster the energy to raise my head and feel a blanket of relief wrap around me before my head falls back to the ground once more.

Professor Sharp.

"Aesop? How-" Fig's cautious voice trails off as darkness takes over and exhaustion finally claims my body.

**

"Did you enjoy your birthday Ettie? Now that you're seven, you shouldn't need to be carried up to bed by your old man anymore." His smile lights up the stairway as he looks down at me in his arms.

There is nothing that brings me more comfort than falling asleep in father's arms. That paired with him carrying my tired body up to bed is a perfect evening in my eyes. His skin admittedly feels rough against mine and his arm hair always tickles my nose, but I have never cared.

"I'm sorry I haven't been around much, my little Princess. It's just work-" My soft hand rests on his cheek, silencing him. "You're right, no more excuses," he continues with another wide smile.

My face nuzzles into his chest as he continues carrying me up the stairs in our family home. The overwhelming smell of cigarettes has been enough to send mother crazy, but to me, it's just another reminder that he is here. With me.

Sophia's distant chuckles are drowned out by his deep voice. "Thank you for keeping our deal Ettie. You know, looking after your Mother and Soph whilst I've been gone. You're stronger than them, you always have been. In fact... that's why I got you this."

He pauses on the step and loosens his grip as he reaches into his pocket. For a moment I peer down at the stairs below and begin wondering if there have always been this many. Before my thoughts can run away from me, Father presents me with a wooden auror badge.

"It's not quite as shiny as mine but it'll do until you get a real one."

My tiny fingers trace the details etched into the wooden badge before I peer back up at father's proud face. A lifetime feels like it passes in that moment.

I can't help but study his face, ignoring the changing surroundings behind him. Ignoring the tired look that is now so prominent in his furrowed brow and dark circles. It's not very often I see him with a beard and only now do I begin noticing the grey hairs that are scattered throughout it.