Take.

Chapter 25

Nicole.

A/N : If you have read Chapter 24 (as of 09/13/2019) You need to go reread it, I have edited the chapter for a better event line up, and besides, you'll be confused once you start reading this chapter if you haven't read the updated Chapter 24. Thank you!

I glared in the mirror as I tilted my head back to finish cleaning my nose.

"Fucking Will..." I growled, throwing down the blood washcloth I used in the trashcan as I pushed the loo door open. Only to be held back for a moment by the sight of Ella, Lupin and Tonks conversing in the corner of the crowded room. "...what the hell - ?"

"Hey," came a voice that ripped me from that situation. 

"What?" I growled, seeing Will's pleading eyes piercing into my annoyed ones. 

"I'm sorry about your nose." He stated, looking at it worriedly. "Is it okay?"

"It was just a punch Will," I smirked, patting him on the shoulder. "you didn't chop it off...I"m fine."

"But it shouldn't have happened..." He stated, as I attempted to walk away. "...you're a lady and should be treated as such -"

"- I'm also a lady," I started, spinning back around to face him. "that as fought for everything and everyone that has ever came into my life - I can take a fucking punch...can you?" I rose an eyebrow, causing Will to straighten up.

"Are we still okay?" was he managed to ask after a awkward moment of silence. 

"We?" I rose smiled, crossing my arms.

"Yes, us?" Will questioned, glancing over my shoulder slightly then reconnected our eyes. 

"Us?" I snorted. "Look Will, I'm sorry to put it this way - but you asked to ask me out after this war shit was over, first of all - and besides..." I smiled, placing a hand on his shoulder. "...you punched me in the face - which isn't cool points on you, i don't give a fuck who you were aiming for, second of all..." I patted him on the shoulder and released him only to cross my arms. "...and lastly - there has never been an us to worry about, so you can just get that out of your head right now -"

" - but we were fine until he came back...besides he poisoned you!" Will almost shouted.

"Last time I checked...I'm my own person William!" I barked sharply, causing him to almost take a step back. "I choose who I associate with, I choose what I do and who I do it with. Besides who said I wanted him anyway, who said I wanted you."

Will just stood there.

"Get it through your head man," I cleared my throat in a physical attempt to get it through his head. "I've played this game once before," I stated, glancing over at Blasie - who was watching. "and I've also played many other, more dangerous games before that..."

Will shifted a little as he listened.

"...take after take after take - I'm done with this shit." I shrugged, stepping back. "I'm tired Will, and I'm finished fighting, I'm finished be on guard so much...but I have to because of guys like you...and guys like him. So, do me a solid?" I asked, pressing my hands together.

"Yes?" He asked, almost hurt.

"Let me be." I spat, looking from him to the crowded room - making eye contact with Blasie - then shaking my head and pushing out the front door. 

I walked out onto the front steps and just took in the quiet wilderness and the open sky.

I meant what I said.