sticks a n d stones

[Xaver]

He didn't like her uncertainty. It was so much.. easier, for her to be strictly angry with him. Though, he knew, through that foolishness, that of course.. it was always easier, to shut yourself off, than to face the truth of what was, and the reality of what is.

"If Kylie is alive, she is alive. No necklace from our youth will save her, and contamination, or sabotage through the pendant may or may not be possible."
His sharp gaze flickered over the dirty dishes behind her, and within a breath, they were gone, cleaned and stacked neatly in their rightful places. Save an oversize spoon or three, of which he didn't know where they belonged, so he left them alone.

Xaver swept his hand over the top of his head, and his expression soured furthermore, his fingertips grazing the buzz of what remained of his long locks.

"And mine only brings you misery, anyway.."

[Ginny Weasly]

She nodded, agreeing with him about Kylie's necklace.

The she stopped, "No it doesn't." She said quickly. Though, on some level, it did. But it had given her hope when she'd had none, years before. It made her feel close to him when he wasn't near her.
But, if he wanted her to destroy them, she would.

"When? Tomorrow, or tonight?" She didn't really want to right then.

[Xaver]

Xaver looked at her sharply, her comment upsetting the heavy bulk of frustration that had settled upon his shoulders.

For a moment, he stared at her, the moody, dark oceans of his blue orbs flickering over the familiarity of her figure, before he extended his hand, toward her.
"Give my Kylie's."
He sighed, quietly.
"Do with mine, what you like.. It is yours, after all, my love. Not mine. Not anymore."

[Ginny Weasly]

"No way, buddy." She said, raising her eyebrow. "Your allergic. Remember?"

Of course he did.
"Just tell me how to get rid of it. I'll do it. Now if you'd like."
And she would.
Didn't want to.
But she would.

[Xaver]

Of course he did.
Of course he remembered.

"You don't need to do that. You don't need to be around when I do that."

The orbs..
They were far more involved than simply magic thrown together, molten around one of their feathers..

Well, that much was obvious.

[Ginny Weasly]

Ginny patted her pocket, then folded her arms, "Nuh uh. Tell me how, I'll take care of it."
"If you take care of Cody."

She nodded towards the doorway mere moments before the child appeared, his hair wet and spiky, wearing blue pajamas. His bare feet had made no noise s he approached, and walking into a silent kitchen was not what he expected. He folded his arms, still angry at his mom.

He looked to his Dad, but breached the question to both, "Can I pretty please sleep in your room tonight?"

[Xaver]

"It doesn't work that way."

Xaver was frowning at Ginny, as Cody rounded the corner.
He looked at the boy, as he spoke, their eyes such similar shades, but Xaver's own far darker, and far more jaded.

"Not tonight, Cody. Your mother and I have much to discuss, yet. She told you so, this, already."

His stricter, older english dropped his tones and made harsh his language, but Xaver didn't notice, old habits being hard to shake.

[Ginny Weasly]

"But..." Cody stomped one foot angrily, but didn't have a chance to say much more.

"Bed, little one. Now." Ginny told him, stepping around Xaver and putting a hand on Cody's small shoulder, "Say good night to Dad."

[Xaver]

Xaver's features didn't alter in the slightest at Cody's tone, though he kneeled down, and swept the boy into a tight hug, planting a kiss atop the crown of his head.

Xaver loved his family. He'd missed Ginny, and his little boy, with every fiber of his being. It was difficult now, to hold himself together, though he knew he needed to. It was difficult to keep his emotions and thoughs in check - though he knew, for the boy's sake, he had to. He had to stop letting things slip so easily.

He withdrew, rising again, ruffling the boy's damp hair.

[Ginny Weasly]

Cody frowned, but did as his parents wanted.
"Night Dad." He muttered, hugging Xaver back, and then clasping Ginny's hand.

"I'll be right back." Ginny told Xaver as she led Cody to his room. Once there, Cody clambered into his bed, crossing his arms and frowning at his mother.
"Stop it." Ginny said, sitting on the edge of his bed and pulling the covers around him. When he continued to frown at her, she frowned back, "Fine, go to bed angry. Good night, angel." She kissed his forehead, "I love you."

Cody pulled the covers over his head, mumbling something about loving her too. Ginny sighed, and stood, shutting off the light as she left the room. She shook her head outside of the door, and then went into her room. She went to her dresser, where atop sat a small jewelry box. She opened it, and pulled out a necklace similar to the one in her pocket. She looked at it for a moment, then slipped it as well into her pocket.

Then she turned, going back to Xaver and the kitchen.
"He's angry at us." Ginny informed Xaver, getting two mugs out. "Want some hot chocolate?"

[Xaver]

Xaver watched them go until they disappeared into the hallway, and as he remained, loniless was quick to set in, encasing him in such an emotional pull that his heart ached, and roughly pounded against the underside of his chest. He swallowed against the tide of feeling, and leaned back against the counter, planting his hands on the edge on either side of him, crossing his legs idly at the ankle, and fighting for the calm life had swiftly taught him to bear, though he had to bow his head, and close his eyes - had to squeeze them shut, against all that life had been much slower to reveal to him. Unhindered emotion.

Xaver looked up, slowly, as Ginny entered the kitchen, watching her move about with a solemn gaze, the irritated fire of earlier vanished into the stormy blues.

At her question, he paused, one hand falling from the edge of the counter, his fingertips brushing over the flat of his stomach. He blinked at her, gaze flickering from the mugs, to her eyes, then back again. Finally, the corners of his mouth tipped upward. Just barely, but enough to soften the hard edges of his handsome features.

"I don't remember if I've ever had that before."

[Ginny Weasly]

"You'll like it, love." Ginny said, smiling brightly as she nudged the fridge closed with one hip while holding a carton of milk in one hand and the mugs in her other. She set both on the table and went back to the fridge, taking out a container of chocolate syrup. As she went about making it, she grinned, "Cody loves hot coca."

She was quiet, her grin fading to a small, amused smile as she made their mugs and took them to the microwave. For a witch, she used a lot of muggle items. She set the mugs inside, turning the microwave on, then turned to face him. Still smiling, "It's very sweet."

[Xaver]

Xaver's gaze flickered over Ginny, and the tipping of his mouth evolved into an easy smile.
"Sweet, sure."

He drew in a breath, then looked away altogether, pushing away from the counter, and shifting his weight on either foot, crossing his arms absently over his chest.

[Ginny Weasly]

She took the mugs from the microwave, smiling at him still.
"Let's go into the living room, ok? Much more comfortable." She led him out of the kitchen and it's harsh lights into the much dimmer living room. She took a seat on the couch, setting the cups on the end table beside her and looked at him with a sigh.

"So how do I destroy Kylie's necklace?" She asked, seriousness settling in.

[Xaver]

Xaver followed her slowly, coming around the corner and looking around, before fixing his gaze on her, as unsteady as any wild creature in an uncertain enviornment. He glanced at the mugs, noting the sweet, creamy aroma, then looked to Ginny's face, absorbing the traces of her smile, and the almost trim to her features, before they shaped into seriousness. His own gaze became more uncertain, and he remained standing, shaking his head slightly.

"The living room is not a place for that, my love."