Shooting the French

David kept his eyes on the sleeping form of his friend as Robert recounted everything that had happened. He was still getting his head around the fact that Rob was married let alone anything else. Cursed necklaces? What was that all about? Who honestly went out of their way to do that? What was the point? Bury the bleeding thing and run. As far as he was concerned, neither party was trying to make things work. Rob never did much anyway as he was awfully confused most of the time but David didn’t know why he even bothered getting married. He hadn’t married Chris the ‘proper way’ as his lover called it. A few Vegas marriages and some reception ones, that was all David would allow. If Chris got his way then it would all be ostentatious and obscene. He didn’t want the whole country to know that they’re favourite controversial fashion designer was marrying the guy that gave him his ideas.

Rob honestly baffled David. He was so impulsive it was unbelievable. Even as a child he always wanted to do things at that moment and at that point in time, or so his grandmother had said once to him. He’d always feel as if he’d lose the moment. He had to have this and that before it was gone. He was always trying to cram as much in as possible before it was too late. He never actually lived in the moment. David hoped that the holiday in France would teach Rob to relax again or at least get him shooting things again. David had seen a change in his friend but it seemed to be a negative energy. He could see the bond well enough and if he could then there was no way Pete would miss it – no chance.

David sighed, “There is nothing more I have to say. I can only predict his actions but Rob does relish in proving me wrong. In my opinion, which means little in his eyes, I think he should just walk away. He’s making people suffer. Khaat could be getting on with her life and Rob, I fear, appears to be nothing but a bad influence even if his actions appear honourable. He’s never had a particularly good effect on people. He’s like the lone cloud in the sky of blue on a hot summer’s day. He’s the odd one out.” David took a chocolate bar from the fridge and opened it up. He bit into it and chewed. He swallowed before opening his mouth to speak again. “I cannot say for sure what he will do though. Chris could give an accurate assumption if he meets them both. However, I fear he’d be a little overbearing. He loves meeting people.” David sighed. “I think it will depend on Pete though. He is the only one, in Rob’s eyes, that treats him like an equal. You’re never below him, always above. Pierre and Rob... they have similar minds. Thankfully not identical though.”

There was a light knock on the door and David put the chocolate bar down. He walked to the door and unlocked it before opening it up. There, in all his glory, stood Pierre. David groaned audibly and pulled Pete inside. “Pierre Benoit meet Robert Lupin. Robert Lupin, Pierre Benoit. Excuse us.”

David took Pierre’s hand before he could see Rob and took him quickly into the other room. Thankfully Chris and Jen were finished and were reading lazily on the bed. Pierre blushed and David slapped him around the back of the head. He muttered a few things inaudibly before yelling at the two of them to ‘Get the hell out’. The two scrambled out and David quickly made the bed. He sat down and looked at Pierre seriously. “Rob is here.” He said simply.
Pete swallowed. “I know. I was actually hoping I could speak-”
“He’s married and she’s pregnant.” David hissed, pulling Pierre up short.
“W-what?”
“I’m sure that was his response when he found out you were married. Thankfully you didn’t impregnate that thing you exchanged vows with. I swear, if either one of you had brains or at least one between you, you’d be bloody dangerous.”
“Oh for goodness sake Dave! I was blind, okay? I know that. Just drop it, okay?”
“You know I can’t!”

Chris and Jen were stood in the foyer looking pretty put out. They’d dressed more or less afterwards and looked semi-presentable but not by much. Jen looked over at her brother and walked over to him. She leaned over the sofa and poked him in the back. He mumbled something in his sleep and turned over again. She looked over her should at Chris who seemed to have the same expression on his face. The ‘Oh my god he’s so cute’ face. Jen settled herself on the couch and picked up the glass of wine that Rob had left before he’d passed out. Chris could play host alright without her help. She crossed her legs and drank some of the wine.

“Welcome to my humble abode!” Chris said happily, kissing his new friend on each cheek without consent. He grinned happily and walked over to the bar. He filled the glass up and threw David’s chocolate bar in the bin. “I expect David hasn’t shown you your room yet has he? Bloody prick, you see this is why he will never make a good host. Oh! Excuse my rudeness as well. I’m Christophe Banet! Ban-ay not Ban-ette.” He said, gesturing for Robert to follow him. “I mean obviously if that idiot had phoned before and told us just how many people were staying, we would have been prepared. Well, Davey wouldn’t have but I definitely would have so that’s fine. I’ll beat Rob later with a baguette.” Chris laughed and threw open the door of a room with a fantastic view of his hometown. He quickly ran to the bed and made it, using his erratic magic and coffee-enthused body to speed up the process.

He summoned Roberts’s duffle and dropped it on the floor near the wardrobe. “Now,” he said as he began to check the room for faults. He had some serious OCD. “If you need clothes, artificial hair, wine, tattoos, me, David, Jen if you really want or anyone else don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll make sure to clean this room, it’s awful. Look at all of the dust!” The room was spotless. >.< “Anyway, I’ll leave you to unpack. There are some things needed to be done first. Put everything away and I’ll top up the wardrobe later. Now, where was I? Oh I don’t know. But anyway, if you need weapons or something then feel free to ask. Goodness only knows we’ve got enough money for a convoy of tanks. I’ll have to ask Rob and Jen what they’d want us to buy with it... would David want us to have tanks though?” Chris’s musings had definitely hinted on the amount of money that he and David were getting from Rob and Jen. David, who had his Leglimens trained on Chris most of the time, was glad he hadn’t mentioned where the money was coming from and where that was being sourced.

"Thank you, Christophe. You're a fine host. The room is excellent just as it is," Robert smiled. "Don't beat Rob, beat Jen. It was her idea, not his. And thank you for the weapons offer. You just never know when it might come in handy. You don't happen to have a copy of a local wizarding newspaper, do you? Perhaps todays?"

Robert was looking for something in particular. He usually got his best clues in the French wizarding papers. Every year, it was the same fight. Every year, he and his friends risked their lives for a cause they truly believed in. And some years, some of the brightest wizards in the world did not come back alive. Every year, the stakes went up, and things became more dangerous. Well, maybe it was best that Jen and Rob thought they were just dotty old men. It would be far safer that way for them. And he wasn't sure the Dents were heartless enough to do what had to be done. They were rather young, after all. Probably too young for the job ahead. And the work might undo poor Rob altogether..

Robert opened his pack, and pulled out a small leather pouch. He pulled the contents out. They were a large assortments of tiny, miniaturized weapons--both magical and muggle, including a lot of teensy little vials of poisons,an assortment of ammunition, and a sword that was, at the moment, no larger than the tiny swords used to skewer marachino cherries in cocktails. "I do come equipped for most business. And, as we all know, the bike races can sometimes not be the safest of places. I do appreciate your kindness and your hospitality, Christophe. It isn't easy to have a last minute guest. You two have a friendly, comfortable home. I can see why Rob and Jen like it here."

OOC: Yes, there is a plot for the "dotty old pirate men." lol

“Ah, yes of course.”
Chris clicked his fingers and the newspaper appeared in his hand. He heard a shout of protest from Jen and smiled a little to himself. He put the newspaper down on the bed and crossed his arms, watching as Robert unloaded some of his weapons. Chris wondered why he’d brought so little. The races might have been difficult to live through occasionally and the French undergrounds weren’t the nicest places to go any day but if you were going to come armed then come with something worth bringing. Chris said nothing though, it was perhaps best he didn’t voice his concerns. No amount of talent could make up for lack of weapons. Perhaps Rob and his charm or Jenifer’s long, creamy white legs might but definitely not magical talent. There had to be persuasion and experience mattered not. Perhaps experience in the aspects of life they wanted but not magical experience. You could have been blind, deaf and stupid but as long as you were good in bed there was a 70% chance you’d make it out with your limbs....maybe.

“But of course.” Christophe smiled, turning the French charm on. “This place is for those who want to escape. I have missed Rob very much. Jen came back to us quite a few times but I have not seen Rob since he announced he got a job at Hogwarts. I believe the Order of the Phoenix caused his departure, no? I would have thought he would have come here then. Perhaps he was married by then, though. I cannot recall the dates at the moment as I wasn’t invited to the shindig. Sad really.” Chris hummed in thought before shrugging. “We will get an early lunch before heading down to the track no doubt. You can take care of business early or join us. It is up to you. Please excuse me.”

Chris walked out of the room and walked back into the foyer, living room and bar area again. He walked over to where Jen was sat and leaned over the back of the couch. He wrapped his arms around her and she leaned her head against his shoulder. He kissed the piece of skin that joined his neck and his shoulder together, eliciting a shiver from her. Chris smiled and pulled the buds from her ear with his teeth. He took the little headphone and put it in his ear. He instantly heard the familiar voice of Dan Layus. Chris smiled and kissed Jen’s neck again, his voice rumbling against her skin as he sang along to the music.

“When flowers gaze at you... they're not the only ones who cry,
When they see you
You said...

You don't know me, you don't even care, oh yeah,
She said
You don't know me, and you don't wear my chains... oh yeah,”

Jen giggled and pushed him away, stealing the headphone bud back from it. She put it back in her ear and pointed to the bedroom they’d been thrown from. Chris didn’t know want to know what David and Pete were talking about. He vaulted the sofa and landed on the cushions. Jen’s laughter bounced around the room again and he smiled before stealing her book from her. He laid his head down in her lap and his long legs hung over the side of the sofa. He smiled and ran his finger across the page, remembering when they’d all contributed to it. He opened his mouth and began to read aloud from the book;

“It was only when they realised that their love was completely irrevocable that they both realised it was too late to salvage it. A thousand summers of putting all manner of flowers behind her ear and a thousand cold winter mornings waking up to each other’s body warmth and the roar of a crackling fire. The smell of freshly bloomed flowers that appeared to have come to life for them and the smell of hot coco wafting up from the stove was what seemed to have died. The memories were gone and yet neither one moved. Their backs were opposite each other with only the door to separate them and they didn’t move. They were so close but so far away.”

He closed the book and looked up at Jen who had become interested in the tattoos that he’d gotten since he’d last seen her. He smiled softly and reached up to kiss her.
“Do you remember when you wrote that passage?” he murmured.
“How old was I again?” she laughed.
“Not very old, Jenny. You haven’t changed.” He brushed her nose with his own and smiled sleepily at her.
“Is that good or bad?” she asked teasingly.
“Very, very good.”

Robert sat on the bed, carefully reading the french wizarding paper. He sighed heavily. This year would be no different. He hoped the weapons stores at headquarters were still adequate. He depended on that for his operations. Otherwise he might just have to be depending on the kindness of people like David and Christophe.

He decided to stay for lunch so he didn't make it look like it was all that essential. He got up, having committed what he wanted to memory, and returned to the living room, putting the newspaper on the coffee table. He saw Jen had returned and basically, he paid little attention to her at the moment.

Robert's mind was working a hundred miles an hour. He needed to get his men stationed at the races as best he could, depending on who had come this year. He hoped by now they had that much worked out and maybe even in place. He was not trying to be antisocial, but he did have a lot on his mind.

David dragged Pierre out of the room, deciding that no more could be said and he found Pierre’s wife standing by the front door. Jenifer didn’t look amused from where she was sat and Chris, who had sat up from his position with his head in her lap, was wearing much of the same facial expression. They both looked shocked and confused where as Melissa just looked disgusted. She sneered at Pierre and the guy was reduced to someone not unlike Rob at that point. David sighed and slapped him around the back of the head before cutting Melissa off before she had a chance to open her mouth and complain about the way he was treating her ‘husband’. They hadn’t been considered husband and wife since they got married and they weren’t likely to be ever again.

“Get out you crazy bïtch. You’re not wanted here.” David said, bored with her presence already. “Who let you in?” She held up her wand and shot him a look that said ‘duh!’ David sighed and walked over to the door. He grabbed Melissa by the scruff of the neck and chucked her out into the corridor. He slammed the door shut and heard her throw herself into it. He shrank back from the door and exchanged a worried look with Pierre before grinning. “I am so glad I bat for the other side, man.”

“That’s not funny, David! I have to go home to that crazy woman!” Pierre complained.
“So stay!” Chris jumped over the back of the couch and bounced happily over to Pierre. He pinched Pete’s cheek and David smirked. “I haven’t dressed you up in ages! What happened to those jeans I got for you?”
Pierre sighed. “Melissa chucked them up.”

The men heard the sound of the curtains being drawn in haste and looked to see Jen turn around, a scowl on her face. David frowned and walked over to the windows. He pulled the curtain back and saw Melissa outside on the balcony. He shrieked, which was pretty unbecoming for the masculine tattoo-artist, and drew the curtain again. Melissa banged on the window and Jen banged back, irritated. The two of them started a contest until David opened the door to the balcony. They heard a few bangs and scrapings of the chairs across the floor and a smash. Chris yelled in protest and Jen raised an eyebrow at him.

“That crazy woman broke my favourite ash tray!” he exclaimed, huffing.
“How can you have a favourite ash tray? An ash tray is an ash tray.” The sleepy voice of Rob came and he sat up. “You’re a bloody idiot Chris.”
“Robbie!”

Chris bounced over to his friend and sat down on his lap. Rob groaned in protest and Chris grabbed a packet of cigarettes off of the coffee table. He made Rob drink some wine before putting the cigarette between his lips. He lit it and grinned at his friend. Rob scowled but took a drag nether the less. He burned Chris’s skin with the lit end and the designer jumped off of his lap. Rob got up and put the cigarette back between his lips. He threw the blanket on the couch and turned when David came back in, his shirt turn and his hair unkempt and bush-like. Rob raised an eyebrow and picked up his glass of wine. He took the cigarette from his mouth and drank some of the wine.

“Should you be drinking this early?” Jen asked reproachfully.
“You’re not even dressed!” Rob shot back, looking at the blue striped pyjama top which came to just above her knees. Chris had clearly thought to accessorize and had put a belt around her waist.
“I might not be dressed but you just woke up!”
“David, man, are you okay?”
David exhaled. “I bloody hate women. Pete, you better divorce her okay because she is feral.”
Chris walked over to David with a cloth and took the remaining bits of shirt away before pressing the cool cloth to his skin. “God, these are deep. You’re going to have some awesome scars. We’re going to have to show them off on the beach.”
“Chris, shut up.” David laughed.

Robert watched the scene, thinking part of it was amusing, and part of it was just pathetic. And Rob seemed to be at the center of the pity. Robert had watched this just about long enough. Khaat had been just plain wrong this time. As a healer, she was good, but at her choice of shielding Rob, she had just been plain wrong. In the end, the block would fail someday. Either because of some crisis Khaat might be in, or at Rob's own anxiety over Abbey's birth, or perhaps even in the event of Robert's own demise. And, if things did not go well in France this year, well, Rob might never know the truth. He could not let the poor lad be in this state forever.

"Enough," he said quietly. He got up walked over to Rob, and said gently, "Khaat was wrong to ask me to protect you. I will do it no more. Be as you yourself chose to be." He waved his arm almost slowly, but also very deliberately across Rob's line of vision to remove the great fog over his soul. "Now," he said, "Now you are as you really are and how you chose to be. No more, no less. You will feel a shift, of a sort, in a moment. And you will return to yourself."

Lunch would probably be made by both Rob and David. Either way it would have to be made as Chris’s choice of lunch would probably end up with a few hundred galleons poured down the drain. Rob didn’t mind but he preferred to make the stuff himself. The money would probably be spent later on, on weapons, motorcycles and bets. He did idly wonder when he’d get to see his cycle but that could wait; not for long though as she was the love of his life for many years. He knew Chris would have probably turned her into some sort of feminine version of the bike he’d turned her into and it would take some time to get her right again but Pete would fix her up.

Rob kept his eyes on his father-in-law but only managed to stop himself from laughing or pouring the wine over his head. The bloke had probably finally lost it. Although, he would have too if he was a Lupin which, thankfully, he wasn’t and for that he was glad. He couldn’t have lived the lifestyle they all seemed to. Some sort of ‘I’ve always got to do the right thing by everyone’ thing. He was far too selfish for that. He smirked at Robert and laughed. “You’ve lost the bloody plot haven’t you?” he asked. He opened his mouth to say something else but his eyes glazed over for a few moments. Pierre stiffened noticeably and Chris stopped tending to David to ask if he was okay.

Rob felt clearer. It was if everything didn’t have this weird haze over it anymore. His eyes narrowed at Robert and he put his glass of wine down on the table. He chucked the cigarette into the ash tray on the table and crossed his arms over his chest. “I’m sorry? Protect me?” he asked slowly, his voice lowering as he tried to suppress his anger. “Has it actually ever occurred to you or any of you that I don’t need protecting? It might actually be shocking but I’m a grown man and I can look after myself. I’ve done so for a very long time and that’s not about to change. I can do things by myself. I know, it’s an incredibly scary thought isn’t it? Robert Andrew Dent being able to look after himself? Tell Khaat that I don’t need her or anyone else to 'protect' me.” He spat her voice with so much venom that even Jen flinched.

Rob walked over to the door and grabbed his jumper. He threw it on and opened the door. David’s hand hit it and pushed it closed. His dark eyes forced Rob’s brown orbs to meet them and he searched for any signs of remorse for what he had said. David expected it to come later. He was impressed with how Rob had kept his cool but it seemed as if he’d blow his casket at any point. That was just the beginning. David put his hand on the door handle and opened it up. Rob nodded and walked out into the hall. He slammed the door shut behind him and walked down the flight of stairs into the lobby of the apartment building. The woman at the desk wished him a good day and he shrugged her off. The woman scowled at him and he pushed the revolving door, shocking a few people stood outside. He walked down the road and continued that way until he found a park.

He pushed open the gate and began to walk through it. He was a lot slower now; it was more of a leisurely stroll instead of an angry stomp away from the apartments. He’d taken his jumper off and wrapped the arms of it around his waist long ago. He spotted a bench not far from a white gazebo and settled himself down on it. Stretching out on his back. He sighed and closed his eyes. It was better in Paris, much better than in England. Rob heard the sound of people coming closer and he got up off of the bench. He left the park and noted a few of the models there waiting to be picked up by artists. He wondered if that was where Elijah had gone for ‘his girls’. Rob crossed the road and took a seat at one of the tables at an outdoor café. A waitress sidled over to him and Rob groaned. He’d had enough of women for one life time. Perhaps he’d go back to Romania. It was safe there at least he knew that only the female dragons could manipulate him and that was only to get food. “What’ll it be?” she asked.
“A cup of coffee and a sandwich please.” Rob said, picking the first things he saw off of the menu. “Tuna, please.”
“Sure. I’ll be back in a minute.” And with that the waitress went off, leaving Rob with his thoughts.

Robert knew all eyes were on him. And he had expected it. Actually, he had half expected Rob's impulsive nature to make him throw a punch. But it hadn't come--yet. Robert was actually glad Khaat wasn't here to see this. Whatever Rob needed to process, he had been right in doing it without dragging her through it with him.

He wasnt sure at this point how much he wanted to explain. It really wasn't anyone's business but his and Khaat's and Rob's. But, they were Rob's friends, and they did seem genuine in wanting to help. Jen, now she was a completely different thing altogether. His sister. Sometimes too enmeshed with him, sometimes disgusted with him or vice versa. He didn't know what to make of this now. He wondered if he needed to move on to headquarters and leave them piecing Rob back together, whatever remained to be done. But that wasn't fair to his friends. He'd come here on thin ice, not that this was the first time he'd ever been on thin ice in his life. But running--that was just so Rob. When things got too tough, he ran. For a bit. Then, usually, came back. Robert could see the little boy in Rob who had been so traumatized by his family that he carried it with him like a huge bleeding wound. He felt a mix of pity and anger towards Rob.

He saw Jen looking at him, an odd look on her face. "Dont look at me like that unless you're willing to ask your questions, Jenifer," he said quietly. "What haven't you figured out?"

Jen scowled at her brother’s back. It seemed as if he needed some space but it wasn’t the time to do it. She figured he’d have a better outlook on life now, he’d be a lot happier but with the bond back in motion again there was no telling what he could do. Jen knew that he wouldn’t exactly be happy about it all but perhaps the trip to Paris would do him some good. She’d let him do whatever he deemed necessary as long as he was happy again. Staying with Chris and David would definitely do him some good. Jen exhaled and looked at Robert with a scowl on her face. “Why would Khaat want to ‘protect’ my brother? Like he said, it might be a shock but he can look after himself. He’s a man, he has an ego. Do you really think being protected by women will give him a self-esteem boost or something? For goodness sake, will you Lupins just think before you act? Will you stop for one second and actually think through what you’re going to do and wonder if your input is wanted or needed? Not everyone needs your help. Some people are quite happy sorting things out themselves; my brother in particular. You just don’t know when enough is enough do you?”