"Unless you want to be Mr. Theodora Navarre...the offer's still open."

He laughed, "And hand over that satisfaction to your father? Never," he grinned. He was happy to see that despite the events he was still able to warm her up in some ways. he suspected this incident would take healing. God, he know he didn't look it now, but it still raged inside him like war. He was so angry at this little Haddock punk he was sure steam must be issuing from his nostrils. He was going to do something so equally terrible that he didn't even know what it was yet.

"How can I not, when you put it in such a way? Who knew you had a heart there inside of you, Zabini?"

He was pleased to see her smile, though it was half hearted he more than appreciated the effort. He just couldn't believe it. It wasn't even socially acceptable to rape a woman, what was this slimy rat thinking? He looked at Theodora and only noticed a few differences. Perhaps she looked older to him? Maybe sadder? Maybe wearier, wiser even? He wanted to put the light back in her eyes and he knew it would take time. Until then, he'd try and keep the mood light, for her sake. He pressed a hand to his chest in mock shock, "I do too have a heart. An itty bitty one...but it's in there." he grinned.

"I was sick with worry that you would hate me,"

He reached across the table to fix a stray hair, "Perhaps if you were ugly I'd be less forgiving." he continued to tease. It was then that he paused admiring her features for a moment.


i'll be sure to stay wary of you
love to save the pain of once my flame and twice my burn