Seven years is too long

After Scarlet had been left by Tyler for the champagne fountain she was grabbed for a second time that night by a man she had little time to register. Being dragged from the ballroom and into a small alcove Scarlet had no time to scream or call for help.

Suddenly her face was being held and her lips were being kissed; she shuddered considerably. No-one had lips like that but Theodore, no-one but Theodore kissed like that. As one of his hands snaked around her waist and the other grabbed a fistful of her hair she moaned loudly and crushed herself to him.

Her mind for a few blissful seconds wasn’t thinking about anything but the feel of Theodore’s hands on her body and the amazingly intense connection they shared. It had been seven long and painful years that she’d lived apart from him. Not being able to speak with him and share his bed had been a hard and bitter pill to swallow.

Her skin was on fire and at the same time was as cold as ice. She needed to get out of these clothes, she needed to feel his skin on her skin, feel his lips kiss her body just like he had seven years ago. Never had she been made love to like Theodore had to her. First those few blissful seconds Tyler seemed to have been erased from her mind.

Scarlet’s heart and soul ached for Theodore, unconsciously tears began to fall from her eyes. Feeling the wetness of her face Scarlet pulled away from Theodore intent on collecting herself. She would need more than a few minutes to compose herself and re-enter the ballroom. Before she could do either Theodore had grabbed Scarlet once more and dragged her to watch she vaguely recognised as the family sitting room.

Scarlet rounded on him, finally sane enough to group together a few words. “What the hell do you think your doing Theodore!?” Scarlet yelled as she backed away from him. “You can’t just... you can’t do something like that... you can’t just kiss someone... like... there are... there is,” Scarlet pleaded with her eyes to make him understand, “there is, there is someone, there is someone else,” Scarlet finally burst out. As soon as she said it a strange feeling of unrest fell over her and a sense that she was unclean somehow.

“Tyler Atwood,” she blurted out, whipping a tear from her eye, “I’m dating Tyler Atwood, the Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor,” she finished.

There was a pause.

“It’s been seven years!” she cried, “I haven’t seen you for seven years!” Instead of sounding outraged by his physical contact with her she was outraged at herself for needing it so much and crying for the lack of it.

“I... I haven’t touched you for seven years!” Scarlet meant more than just physical contact. Slowly she moved towards Theodore and rested her head on his chest, grasping his suit collar and clinging to him like an ivy vine she forced herself to slow her breathing. They didn’t have long before Tyler would find her.

Theodore couldn’t believe he finally had her in his grasp! He could feel her responding to him in the most animated ways, the seductive sounds ensuing from her lips were positively undoing him. Theodore was never like this with anything or anyone, his one true weakness was the woman standing before him; the picture of innocent yet dark beauty.

“What the hell do you think your doing Theodore!?” Scarlet yelled.

“Scarlet,” he said softly, never had he shortened her name. Nicknames to Theodore held no true affection in them; he would rather summon his lover with her rightful name than call for someone else. “Why are you fighting it?” Theodore asked, “I know you feel our bond as powerfully as you do your own blood beating through your veins. He paused. “Why do you deny me?” he yelled. “You-are-mine,” he said slowly and deliberately, “you cannot run away from that.”

“You can’t just... you can’t do something like that... you can’t just kiss someone... like... there are... there is... there is, there is someone, there is someone else,” Scarlet said. Her voice spoke of another but her eyes were screaming at him to take her again. Theodore understood this even if Scarlet didn’t.

“Tyler Atwood,” she blurted out. “I’m dating Tyler Atwood, the Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor.”

Theodore visibly stiffened. The silence that filled the room was so thick that you could breath it. Theodore stared at Scarlet, incredulous; although he had ordered his best men to watch over her he had never asked them to tell him of her life, who she was with or what she was doing, all he wanted to know was that she was well. He deserved the searing pain that he was blazing through his body.

“It’s been seven years!” she cried, “I haven’t seen you for seven years!”

Theodore watched as she finally realised that the connection they shared was more than just a childhood crush or some kind of prolonged first love obsession. They were joined completely and irrevocably, he would die for her and she for him.

“I... I haven’t touched you for seven years!” she said.

Theodore winced at the reminder of the results of his decision; Scarlet still did not know why he had separated from her, she would have to be told sooner or later. Enfolding Scarlet in his arms Theodore rested his face on her shoulder drinking in her scent. Both their hearts still racing.

Tyler stormed down the hallway, his breathing was shallow. He needed to find Scarlet, he needed to find his girlfriend. He didn't know what she was doing or whom exactly she was with. When the servant had said 'Master Evens', he hadn't even thought about it. But now storming down the various corridors of the Evens estate, he actually had the time to debate which 'Master Evens' she could be with.

Tyler had met both Evens boys on a few occasions and hadn't particularly warmed to either of them. Nathaniel seemed more open out of the two of them, but he really didn't know what to make of them. He shook his head, how was he meant to find Scarlet in a house this size? He'd already been storming around for ten minutes, having a clear head would help him think. He took a deep breath and ran his hand through his hair.

Where would I go if I was Scarlet? The thought brought a smile to his lips, the library would be his first guess....closely followed by a quiet room in which she could curl up and work. But she was with someone, and probably had gone to where he had led her. Tyler wandered futher down the corridor until he heard voices, he leant his head against the door and listened for a few moments. He heard Scarlet's voice and his heart jumped a little. He heard her say something about 'not being touched for seven years', that aroused more the curiosity within him. He had had enough, he took a reassuring breath and entered the room.

Scarlet's head was resting on Theordore's shoulder, his arms wrapped around her in an embrace that seemed anything but friendly. Tyler narrowed his eyebrows and coughed roughly into his hand. He knew they had been expecting him, what he didn't understand was why Scarlet would allow herself to be led away to a private room with this man she had never mentioned to him!

He walked over to the man who was embracing his girlfriend, soon to be fiance, and grabbed his hands, breaking his hold on Scarlet. He could feel the rage coursing through his veins and clenched his fists involuntarily. "Scarlet, step away from him," he said in a tone that clearly would not allow for any protesting. It was clear from her puffy eyes that she had been crying. This pissed Tyler off even more. What right had this man to come in, cause his girlfriend grief and then embrace her as if they were together? None whatsoever.

He took a deep breath, "What did he do to you?" he asked Scarlet quietly. He only hoped he hadn't come too late. He appraised his girlfriend, everything seemed to be in place. He turned and faced Theofore, "You had no right to drag my girlfriend away from the ball!" he snarled. "You have no right to be treating her the way you are. Obviously whatever you've done or said has upset her. Can you not see that?" he said his voice rising ever so slightly. He really wanted to punch the man before him now but he wouldn't, for Scarlet's sake he wouldn't. Oh she had a lot of explaining to do!

Tyler turned and faced her, he wiped the running mascara from under eyes and kissed her softly. He wrapped a protective arm around her waist before returning his gaze to Theordore. "Well?" he questioned.

Theodore looked towards the door to the sitting room, he had heard a noise that sounded very much like heavy footsteps. Theodore glanced down at Scarlet’s head and squeezed her tightly. He kept his eyes on the door as he waited for the intruder to enter, his wand at the ready Theodore would have to qualms in stopping whoever it was.

The man entered the room with confidence, Theodore thought as he contemplated the man before him. He was broad shouldered and well muscled. ‘This must be Tyler,’ Theodore said as the searing pain began to burn again, he stiffened and unconsciously shielded Scarlet’s body slightly.

”Scarlet, step away from him,” Tyler said.

“Fuck,” Theodore said softly as he released Scarlet gently. His curse was not in anyway an indication of fear but of frustration if he’d had a few more minutes he could have explained everything and been secured of Scarlet forever. Now he would have to wait and find her out later. Stealing himself after his uncharacteristic let-down of his guard Theodore turned to face Tyler.

”What did he do to you?” Tyler asked. ”You had no right to drag my girlfriend away from the ball” Theodore nearly burst out laughing, the idea of this man thinking he had any claim over Scarlet was ludicrous. Theodore’s emotions were getting the better of him; she’d always been able to do this to him, he looked at Scarlet and then back to Tyler.

"You have no right to be treating her the way you are. Obviously whatever you've done or said has upset her. Can you not see that?" Theodore frowned his smooth facade cracking ever so slightly; the man irritated him, if he couldn’t distinguish Scarlet’s emotions he had no right to claim he did.

“If I’ve given any offense I’m mortified, Miss Brice and I were only talking of old times,” Theodore said softly, dangerously.

Theodore watched with concealed horror as Tyler kissed Scarlet full on the lips. He nearly retched at the sight. Suddenly something clicked. If Tyler took such liberties in front of a total stranger he obviously took far more liberties at home. All at once the searing pain that was burning through Theodore’s body climaxed. His mind went blank. Time seemed sluggish, he looked deep into Scarlet’s eyes before he reached out for Tyler’s shoulder, his clenched fist made contact with Tyler’s jaw, it seemed an eternity before a loud sickening crunch was heard. Theodore removed his hand without concern.

Without missing a beat he said, “would you mind telling me what you are doing in this part of the house?” Theodore’s voice was dark and held traces of patronisation. He enjoyed the knowledge that he could kill the man with or without using his wand, the idea of squeezing the very life from the man gave Theodore pleasure. He could almost see his blood pooling into his hands. “It is part of the private wing.”

Scarlet heard a rough cough that was coming in the direction of the door. She turned her head towards the sound only to realise that her boyfriend Tyler Atwood was standing, glaring ominously. Goosebumps began to appear on her skin as she began to process the situation, her mind still foggy.

“Scarlet, step away from him,” Tyler said forcefully; Scarlet heard Theodore’s curse and felt the release of his arms. She forced no tears to come, it would be no use to anyone for her to break down right there and then. “What did he do to you?” Tyler said quietly, Scarlet could only shake her head and mumble ‘nothing,’ she was too dazed at the slow burning sensation in the base of her stomach. Scarlet recognised the feeling, which was far more powerful than it had ever been; it was the connection, the bond that she and Theodore shared. Scarlet rested a shaking hand on her stomach.

Scarlet rested her hand on Tyler’s arm in an attempted to pull him away from Theodore. She knew both men too well to know that they would be itching to have a fight over her and unfortunately she knew what the outcome would be; Theodore was top of his class and received some of the highest grades and commendations that Hogwarts had ever seen. Plus Scarlet had seen him duel and fight on countless occasions.

“Tyler, please,” she begged him; Scarlet wasn’t above begging in this particular situation, “please, can we just go.” Tyler turned and faced her, he wiped the running mascara from under her eyes and kissed her softly. Scarlet clamped down her instant response to slap him. Instead she concentrated on her feeling of shock at her response. Never had Scarlet reacted like that when Tyler had kissed her, in fact most times she enjoyed the physical intimacy between them. But memories were surfacing of making love with Theodore under a school desk and the intense and immeasurable please he had given her. She blushed deeply, Tyler would obviously take her response the wrong way... and clearly so did Theodore for as soon as Tyler broke off the kiss and posed his question than Theodore punched him clean in the face.

“Tyler!” Scarlet screamed as she knelt down beside him to make sure he was okay all the while forcing herself not to run into Theodore’s arms.

As Scarlet began to beg him to leave, the anger in his eyes softened and he rubbed the small of her back softly. "Alright...." he said quietly, although when they got home she'd better do a hell of a lot explaining. He began to turn around but midway met what he assumed was Theodore's fist. His jaw made a deafening crack and he felt his world spin. The last thing he saw was Scarlet's face before his vision went blurry.

Everything ached. His jaw most of all. Mixing his pain with his confusion was not something he should've done. He began running through times he and Scarlet had shared together. Their last anniversary came to mind, she had seemed to happy then. What had changed? Had he done something? He racked his brain, trying to find some kind of answer. He'd forgotten her mother's birthday, but that seemed hardly something that would make her choose someone else over him.

He had seen the intensity in which Theodore had looked at her, but what he didn't want to believe was the intensity in which Scarlet had returned his stares. He couldn't even remember a time when she had ever looked like that....ever. He was sure ahe loved him, in a certain way. But now he was doubting how far her love for him went? This made him cringe. He hated doubting Scarlet, he'd always fully trusted her with everything.

Their relationship was one that could only be described as dream. They shared multiple interests, hardly ever fought and had an awesome connection intellectually, physically and emotionally. Well that's what he had thought anyway. Tyler had always been brutally honest with Scar, but he doubted she had been as so with him.

His head was pounding and he vaguely heard Scarlet calling his name. Now she's concerned about me! he thought to himself. He just lay there for a while, thinking about everything that had happened. He couldn't stop the feelings and thoughts of betrayl entering his mind. While Scarlet probably hadn't physically betrayed him, he still felt that way due to the secrets she was obviously hiding. This pissed him off immensely, he couldn't ever remember being this angry with his soon-to-be-fiance .

As soon as his head stopped spinning, he began to pick himself and his dignity up off the floor. He didn't even look at Scarlet, he was that angry he felt he might wring her neck. When he found his footing her sent a death glare at Theodore, "Not much of man to punch someone who wasn't looking," he said softly. He had heard his questions before he had passed out, but he wasn't going to answer. No, he wasn't about to give Theodore the satisfaction.

He made his way towards the door, limping slightly, his vision began to blur again. He knew he probably had a concussion or something. "Don't come home Scarlet," he stated simply before he collasped again, the blackness consumed him.

Scarlet still crouched by Tyler’s prone body began to assess his situation. She felt for a pause to see if it was steady and reached for a nearby cushion to settle under Tyler’s head. “Tyler, Tyler speak to me,” she said softly, her voice gentle as she smoothed his forehead.

When he didn’t respond she sat herself more comfortably on the floor, her hand resting on Tyler’s chest. She began to shuffle through the turmoil of emotions coursing through her. Never had she behaved like she had tonight, never in her wildest dreams would she have predicted the reaction she would have at seeing her ex-lover. Never would she have dreamed that she would willingly kiss him back and allow herself to be lead into an enclosed room with him. Never would she have dreamed of cheating on her boyfriend.

Scarlet gently touched her swollen lips and blushed at the memory of Theodore’s kisses. They were passionate and intense. Scarlet looked down at Tyler’s restless face and recalled his kisses, they were sweet and heartfelt always bringing a smile to her face but there was something missing.

Scarlet re-examined her feelings for Tyler. She’d been with him for six years, she’d shared his bed for most of that time, enjoyed his company and taken part in his joys and sorrows; but she never longed for him when he was away, she never felt like a part of herself was missing when he wasn’t with her, she’s always felt comfortable with him, never had she felt the intense feelings she had for Theodore.

Turning her face from Tyler’s Scarlet looked up into Theodore’s calm yet fervent gaze. He called to her in some fundamental way that she didn’t understand. There he stood waiting, seemingly patiently for her to make her decision. And a decision she would have to make eventually, perhaps not tonight but soon, very soon.

“I can’t leave him Theodore, not tonight. He needs me,” she didn’t add that she desperately needed Theodore as he clearly needed her. “I will take him home tonight. I will look after him until he is well. I owe him that,” she said the last softly. “He knows nothing of our history, for all he knows your are a friend comforting me in my time of need. Nothing more. He can’t know any more than that. Not yet, not until I’ve prepared him,” she was convincing herself and not just Theodore that her plan was a sound and just one.

Brushing the hair from Tyler’s face she studied his face, thinking again about the feelings she had for him. Finally she voiced them.

“I love him Theodore... I love him like the best friend he is to me,” Scarlet’s voice cracked, “but I can never love him like I love you. It’s not possible for a person to love that much, it’s not possible.”

Tyler began to recover slightly, he pulled himself to his feet not once looking at Scarlet. She felt a slightly pang in her heart. "Not much of man to punch someone who wasn't looking," Tyler said softly. Scarlet closed her eyes silently. "Don't come home Scarlet." It had been stated simply and hurt more from rejection than from the idea of being separated from Tyler. She soon forgot her reasons for feeling hurt when he once again collapsed onto the ground.

Scarlet finally looked into Theodore’s eyes only to find understanding and acceptance in them. She rose slowly to her feet, being careful not to disturb Tyler’s body. She stood two feet from Theodore so as to not touch him; she feared that if she kissed him again she wouldn’t be able to stop.

“I need to take him home Theodore,” she said again, looking deep into his eyes. Pulling out her wand she silently levitated Tyler’s body from the ground and gently held his hand, guiding his body from the Estate she didn’t bother to retrieve their cloaks instead she levitated Tyler all the way to the Estate gates before disapperating home with him.

Theodore decided that silence was the best response that he could make, he was irritated with himself for letting his emotions get the better of him. That kind of weakness was unacceptable. But Scarlet seemed to bring his emotions to the forefront of his entire being and he couldn’t live without her.

Watching her care for Tyler was pure pain, the searing pain burning his body became stronger as she watched her tenderly nurse him. He was less worried about Tyler kissing her than he was of watching the obvious care she felt for him right before his eyes. Gritting his teeth he made up his mind to deal with it silently, not to say a word, he would just watch.

She spoke to him about needing to take him home, to look after him, as if it were her due. Scarlet was adamant and made her point clear. Theodore felt irritated at the level of concern she felt for the man, he was meant to be the only one who would receive her attentions. Glaring at her he turned his head away, pain clearly showing through his gaze.

“He knows nothing of our history, for all he knows your are a friend comforting me in my time of need. Nothing more. He can’t know any more than that. Not yet, not until I’ve prepared him,” Scarlet said.

“Who are you trying to convince Scarlet?” he asked gently, “I will respect your wishes” he finally replied. He took a visible step back as if to illustrate his intentions of giving her some space. It was hard for him to even move that far from her, already the air around him was growing cold as her warm body was taken from his personal space.

“I love him Theodore... I love him like the best friend he is to me,” Scarlet’s voice cracked, “but I can never love him like I love you. It’s not possible for a person to love that much, it’s not possible.”

“Please,” it was the first time he had ever used that word to a woman and Scarlet would probably be the only woman he would ever plead with. Theodore was unsure what he was pleading for.

Tyler’s recovery grated on Theodore’s nerves more because the idiot was hurting Scarlet with his brash and unthinking words. As Scarlet’s intentions became clearer Theodore began to accept the change that was about to occur. He would have a hard time seeing her with Tyler in the way, but he would find a way to see her, that he would promise himself.

“I need to take him home Theodore,” she finally said. Theodore watched as Scarlet levitated Tyler’s body and exited his sitting room. Standing for several minutes Theodore started at the last spot Scarlet had been.

Suddenly he collapsed to the ground his stomach and chest giving him unexplainable pain.

She had pierced his soul.

THREAD CLOSED.