...&

[ an almost invisible smile tugged at his lips, a rare softness breaking through as he watched lucian happily clutching the hand of his new teacher. it was a fleeting moment of warmth, one that lingered just long enough to catch him off guard before slipping away entirely. his fingers twitched faintly in a hesitant wave, acknowledging the boy’s enthusiasm as lucian disappeared down the corridor, leaving him alone in the quiet aftermath.
            the smile faded as quickly as it had come, his expression hardening into the cold, controlled mask he wore so well. his eyes, sharp and assessing, swept over her from head to toe, lingering just long enough to feel almost intrusive. it wasn’t admiration; it was disbelief, a need to confirm she was really standing there. ]

@noctepulsus 
            
            ( seeing the smaller boy smile melted her heart, and adelaide went down on her knees once more to greet him, asking him his name, followed for a high five and a fist bump. it was very clear she knew what she was doing— she was excellent with children. letting lucian enter the classroom to join the other children, she was back to standing full length once more. now that she was wearing only one inch heels, almost flats, it was very distinguishable; the height difference between them. and in the light of day, the bruises, cuts and burns all across her arms and hands were clearly visible. )

[ seeing her in such modest clothes after days was like a cruel joke. the memory of their night together clung stubbornly to his thoughts- her soft gasps, her skin flushed under his touch, the way she’d looked at him like he was the only man in the world.. he handed lucian over to the older witch, his movements slow, calculated, as though trying to ground himself. the small nod he offered in return was almost mechanical, his gaze dropping briefly to the infant’s chubby fingers wrapping around his new teacher’s hand. ]

* all hail the mama