Work Text:
You came to his house, tears streaming down your face. You had gotten into a fight with your boyfriend. Words were said from him and you had silently taken them. You always took them, never defending yourself because truthfully, you knew if you defended yourself, you’d make things worse and lose him. And he was the type of toxic that was addicting.
You knocked on the door, needing a place to stay until he cooled off. Theseus opened the door with a frown, wand in hand, until he saw you. He quickly ushered you in, locking the door to his flat.
“What’s wrong?”
“I got into a fight with.. him. Again.”
“Come here.” He opened his arms, inviting me into a hug. You gratefully took it, soaking in his warmth. After a few moments, you pull back hesitantly.
“I love him, you know that, but sometimes.. he says these things and they hurt.” He moves you to the couch before going to make tea.
“What did he say this time?” His voice sounded tense like he was physically wrestling with the urge to apparate and yell at your boyfriend.
“I confronted him on his cheating and he tried to turn it around and act as if I was merely accusing him and there was no evidence, but there is!” Your voice was flooded with exhaustion. He came back into the living room with two mugs in hand.
“Sorry? He cheated on you and you’re still with him?” He passes you your tea.
“Well, I’m sure that it was just this once.”
He sighs in frustration. “No. I refuse to let you settle for a man who lacks self-control. He’s not the man for you; you deserve better.”
“But he’s everything I could want.”
“You want a cheater?” He takes a sip of his tea, sitting down next to you.
“Well, no, but-”
“You can tell me if I’m wrong but when you tell me that you love him, I see a part of you that doesn’t. And I think that part has a good reason.”
“That part is hard to impress.”
“That part knows what she wants and knows that the other part has the bar set too low.”
“Theseus, what are you hoping to achieve?”
“You deserve a gentleman. I just want you to receive the love you give.”
“And you what? Think that gentleman is you?”
“I know it’s not him.”
You angrily whisper, “You don’t know what I want.”
Last night was yet another argument between you and your boyfriend. This time you spent the night at a motel because you didn't want to risk hearing Theseus repeat himself and maybe, that was because you knew he was right. It was beginning to become apparent that you should start thinking about yourself and not whether your boyfriend would be fine without you or not.
You walked into the cafe where you worked at, shoulders tight and dark circles under your eyes. It was a cafe near the ministry meaning you had ministry officials that were regulars and, unfortunately, Theseus was one of them. You were waiting for more customers when you saw him come in. 'Great. Just what I needed.'
"You look tired."
"That obvious, huh?" You flash him a weak smile. "What can I get you?"
"Coffee with a dash of sugar, please," he answers before quietly asking, "what happened?"
"Nothing."
He raises an eyebrow. "When's your break?"
"5 minutes."
"So.. are you gonna tell me what's wrong or do I have to guess?"
"Nothing is wrong."
"Boyfriend again?"
"Nothing. Happened."
"Something did because you're tired." He sighs. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"Aren't you Head Auror? Surely, you have a thousand other things you could be doing."
"I do but I also can spare a bit of my day for you."
You weren't sure how to feel about his generosity. Was he being nice because he liked you or was it because he genuinely cared?
"Thank you but you don't have to."
"I want to. Clearly, that man doesn't."
"Merlin, what is your obsession with him?!"
"I hate how he treats you like you're replaceable. I hate knowing that you're wasting your tears on him when you could be with me instead!" He froze, realizing what he just said.
I looked at him in shock and anger. "Is this what this is about?! You're jealous! You're jealous that he has me and you don't!"
"No! I'm angry that he has you and doesn't treat you like you rule over his heart day and night, like he cannot stop thinking about you, like he looks forward to seeing you every single damn day! It hurts me that you don't see he's no good. Do I want to be yours and you to be mine? Yes but I would be happy if you were with someone else, only if they gave you the love you need. But he doesn't." He falls silent for a short second before quietly whispering, "break up with him."
You weren't sure how to react, words seemed to fail you and you were a living dictionary. "Theseus, I…"
"You don't have to date me, but, at least, give yourself respect and if I happen to fall in that category.. it'd be an honor."
You had dismissed him that day. You always dismissed him when he touched you heart by mending it. You couldn't handle his affection. But tonight? Tonight was different because tonight your boyfriend had erupted, insulted you, and got violent. And you had finally had enough. Your fist tapped on the door. You stood at bated breath.
Theseus swung the door open, he looked at you in concern. "What happened?"
"You were right. You were right all along. I never wanted to do this because it felt wrong but.. he never cared. I was just someone to use and I'm tired. I love you, Theseus, I have since the first time we met. And there's nobody I trust more than you."
He pulls you close, hugging you tightly. And for the first time, you don't feel shame or guilt. You feel freedom.