out of the woodwork

[Iola Walker]

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Maverick Cross

our world caves in on us and makes us new

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Though she may have moved out, Iola still frequented the Walker estate to be with family. Sometimes this would be a sleepover with Annie, Merry, and Pippin staying up late to watch the classics from their childhood and other times it was just a pop by to see how everyone was doing. Tonight was one of those movie nights. Iola enjoyed herself rather thoroughly. They sat up taking turns quoting Star Wars in their best Tad impression while the movie played in the background. It felt good to think of him again. She missed him and Mam terribly. Long after she’d gone to bed, her mind still focused on them. Guilt started to seep through, something she hadn’t felt in a good while, and she found herself pacing in her childhood bedroom, wishing her cat were here to comfort her. There was no use in dredging up the past, she knew that, but her mind didn’t seem to get that particular memo. Frustrated, Iola grabbed her wand and marched out of her room, heading down to the kitchen for a cup of tea with honey.[break][break]

When she entered the kitchen, Iola waved her wand at the teapot and pressed her hands on the countertop, leaning into the island as she tried to stop those thoughts from resurfacing. She rocked lightly on her heels, teeth biting into her bottom lip. The guilt sat heavily on her heart now, so heavy it felt like she couldn’t breathe. She hadn’t been here when it happened. Even worse she was one of them! One of the monsters who killed her father and tore apart this family. It all came crashing back to her like a tidal wave. The teapot whistled and Iola looked up, jumping slightly at seeing another person in the kitchen with her. What was he doing up this late? It was three in the morning. Upon seeing it was Maverick standing there, Iola composed herself rather quickly, clearing her throat before waving her wand a second time. “Maverick,” she said in a controlled voice. She promised Annie she’d give liking him a try, and she was giving it her best effort, but she couldn’t help but feel off about him. “What are you doing up?”

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[Maverick Cross]

Maverick had a hard time sleeping these days. A byproduct of going many years of blacking out as a form of sleeping rather than actually laying down and trying to sleep he supposed. He was no longer dressed in his normal slacks and button up, in trade for some Pajamas, black sweats and a tshirt as well as a knitted shawl wrapped around him. What could he say? He got cold easy. Especially now that he didn’t have any substances bringing up his core temperature. It was an hour of tossing and turning before he decided to get up and made his way to the kitchen, intent on either pacing the house or going on a walk outside. 

Maverick hesitated when he walked down and found Iola seemingly deep in thought as he walked into the kitchen, considering for a moment turning back around and walking up the stairs, but he didn’t want to startle her with any noise so instead he chose to lean against the counter, giving her a little finger wave as she said his name, adjusting his glasses on the bridge of his nose as he shrugged. “I don’t sleep very well as of late. Lots of tossing and turning.” Maverick said, waving a hand as though to brush it off, not wanting to invite any more questions about it. He didn’t want to explain himself and frankly, he wouldn’t. “I would have left, but I didn’t want to make a noise and startle you. You seemed very… focused.” He chose his words carefully, not really in the mood for any unneeded conflict… at least not with Annie’s sister. He cares too much for his family for Maverick to really consider it at the worst of times. 

“Are you alright?” Olive branch maybe. He was trying, even if he didn’t really want to talk to anyone right this moment. 

[Iola Walker]

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Maverick Cross

our world caves in on us and makes us new

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Perhaps this was an opportunity to make friends with him, but he was kind of the last person Iola wanted to see at the moment. Literally anyone else would have been fine. She didn’t dwell on those feelings, though, just corrected her posture and took on a serene look as she waved her wand at the cabinet, two teacups with their saucer plates came flying out and dropped gently on the counter by the teapot. He mentioned he doesn’t sleep well these days and Iola simply nodded in response, not needing his wave to brush it off. She wasn’t going to ask any questions on that matter. Her icy blue eyes snapped up to his face when he asked if she was alright. That was… unexpected. Iola supposed he was trying and perhaps she’d do well to try as well, but the thought of divulging what was going on in her mind caused her nose to crinkle. “I’m fine,” she said curtly to dissuade any further questioning. Yes, she realized she was being kind of bitchy and the guilt just piled back on. Iola let out a sigh, softening her features. “I’m sorry. I’m fine, thank you.” She needed to try here, but she wasn’t ready to dive deep down to her past trauma.[break][break]

“Tea?” she asked him, moving to the teapot. With a wave of her wand, the pot poured itself into one of the cups. Another wave, sugar and honey came from the cabinets. Iola fixed her cup the way she liked it and raised it daintily to her lips. She let out a soft hum before taking her cup around to the bartop, taking a seat. “Help yourself,” she insisted, offering him a small smile.

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[Maverick Cross]

God he hoped she wasn’t offended by him declining, but he was very particular about the tea he drank. One of many things he was very particular about, he gave her a smile taking a deep breath. “I’m alright right now, thank you though. I appreciate it.” He was just sort of weird about a lot of things and he hadn’t particularly noticed or felt odd about it until he started spending more time around other people. He was just… very set in his ways and it was hard to give any leeway on it.

this however? Was starting to feel more and more awkward. He didn’t feel the need to fill the silence with anything despite the awkwardness, it was only because of the tension the two felt around each other and while he cared to come extent, he wasn’t quite sure how much he cared in this moment. He was just tired and couldn’t sleep and he didn’t know if it was the right time to try and mend things between them, if that was even possible. He wasn’t quite sure what he’d done to tip her off, but he was sure Annie talking to her about any of his misgivings had part in it. It wasn’t like he’d been a good person with good intentions when he’d gotten with Annie. Thankfully for all of them his fear of losing Annie outweighed his want to be completely psychotic as a person. Fucking hell. He was such a pushover. Fucking Annie. He shouldn’t care about what Iola thought about him but if it mattered so much to Annie…. Then… fucking Christ. 

“I was going to go on a walk. Do you want to come with me? Might be good to get some fresh air.”

[Iola Walker]

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Maverick Cross

our world caves in on us and makes us new

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Iola simply shrugged at his declination, sipping on her own cup as she did so. It didn’t matter to her if he did or didn’t accept, just that she made the offer and his appreciation at being offered. Small steps, but they were working on it. She was aware that the unifying factor in their situation was Annie. Despite her reservations, she couldn’t deny that Maverick cared about Annie. She saw it in the way he looked at him, how he talked to him. That’s what she held onto whenever things felt tense. And things definitely felt tense right now.[break][break]

Maverick invited her on a walk with him. Iola sipped on her tea while she considered. If she stayed where she was, he’d soon be gone and she could process her feelings in peace. The guilt never left her side, she just did her best to hide it. But the thought of declining brought more guilt with it. Her heart felt so heavy now. Annie would be disappointed in her if she didn’t take this olive branch. And the only person whose approval she wanted was Annie. Maybe Maverick wasn’t the comfort she sought, but a walk around the estate, bathed in moonlight, now that would do her some good.[break][break]

“Of course,” she responded after a brief moment, waving her wand to summon a shawl from the couch. She draped it over her shoulders before picking up her teacup and walking beside Maverick as he led them outside. It was a chilly night, but that didn’t bother her. She walked with him in silence for a few moments, just gazing at the scenery around them. It was always so beautiful, so serene, in the little alcove their home sat. Iola took a deep breath and exhaled, smiling softly. “Thank you,” she told him sincerely. The weight of her emotions seemed to have lifted off her heart now that she was outside. The guilt still lingered, but it was a lot more manageable now. “I - I don’t think I’ve walked around the estate since the trial.” It used to be one of her favorite pastimes with Chris. They used to walk around the grounds and Iola would describe everything she saw. But since her trial and employment after that, she hadn’t made the time to get outside like this. “You were right - it is good to get fresh air.”

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[Maverick Cross]

He didn’t comment on what she said about the trial. He sort of figured that if she really wanted to talk about her trial and the goings on around it and her feelings then she would continue, but he didn’t exactly blame her for not wanting to talk to him about it. He’d never exactly been sympathetic to begin with and it was harder for him these days, despite his understanding that yes; everyone deserved sympathy, including himself, he just wasn’t the best at it. 

“…I like to talk a walk around when I can’t sleep at night. I can’t do that at my own house.” Sort of. He could theoretically, but then he’d just be walking along a street at night and it didn’t feel as calming as the nature that was outside of the walker estate. He pulled his cardigan tighter around him, the chill not quite agreeing with him but he’d be fine once they were inside again. Especially once he could crawl into bed with his very own personal space heater. Who would probably be waking up soon, huh? Early riser, the bastard. 

“I’m glad you’re here.” He admitted eventually. Iola and Maverick might not get along the best but the more his family was around the more… content Annie seemed to be and Maverick wanted that little bit peace for his partner. “Annie is much happier when you guys are around.” He paused for a moment before speaking again. “Well… more at peace I suppose, but happier too.”

[Iola Walker]

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Maverick Cross

our world caves in on us and makes us new

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She didn’t feel ready to discuss that time in her life with him. There was a chance she would say something, but for now she still didn’t completely trust him. She felt like there was so much animosity between them, but perhaps that’s just because she was still holding on to the past. Iola could admit that she struggles with that. Annie seemed like he was happier than he’s been in, Gods, ages. She had to believe that Maverick was a big part of that. But her mistrust ran deep, rooted in her past. If she could learn to let go of the fact she was a Death Eater and move on, then surely she could do it now. She had to remind herself she was no longer on the run, that enemies didn’t lie waiting for her, that she was safe. The part of her that was on the run was triggered by Maverick’s presence. Iola let out a soft, forced breath between puckered lips. She promised Annie she’d try.[break][break]

Iola listened intently as he spoke, her arm swinging out to grab some flowers or leaves off the plants around them. She fiddled with a leaf she plucked between her fingers. “You and I have that in common. And this is a beautiful place to walk at night.” Safe, too. The Walker Estate was the place she felt safest. Perhaps that’s what brought her back home to begin with. They walked a little in silence, Iola’s gaze casting about the scenery all around them. She turned her head to look at him when he spoke again, her manicured brow raising slightly. He mentioned Annie and her expression softened. Iola watched him for a moment before looking back out in front of her. “I’m glad you’re here, too.” It was clear to her that her brother adored Maverick and all she wanted was his happiness. She owed her life to Annie. “He loves you. And what my brother wants is important to me. It’s clear he wants you.” Iola glanced over at him. “So I’m happy you’re here.”

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[Maverick Cross]

Hm. Maverick could respect it. He had a healthy respect for most of Annie’s family considering the shit he’d put Annie through in the first few months of their relationship, still it seemed like those who knew accepted it in stride and those who didn’t.. well. There was no animosity to begin with so there was that. But Iola had been a bit different. Her and Maverick sort of rubbed up against each other the wrong way from the begining, even when he’d tried being his usual charming self, it had only really gotten him so far with her. They were like cats fighting over the same fish. He hummed heavily as he glanced at her. Annie would be happy to hear they’d gone on a walk together at the very least. A step in the right direction maybe. 

“May I offer you a bit of advice? As odd as it may sound?” Maverick asked, hoping that the idea alone of taking any advice from him wouldn’t offend her. The last thing he wanted to do was break the tentative peace that they had made together here tonight. The last thing he’d needed was to tell Annie they’d gotten this far only for him to ruin it by coming across as rude.

[Iola Walker]

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Maverick Cross

our world caves in on us and makes us new

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There wasn’t really anything that Maverick had done to earn Iola’s distrust. There was just something about him that reminded her of time in her life when she was surrounded by evil. He wasn’t evil, she knew, but there was something tugging at her whenever she met him. The feeling has lessened over the years, but she supposed she was having a hard time reconciling with that.[break][break]

“May I offer you a bit of advice? As odd as it may sound?”[break][break]

Iola had been focusing on the leaf in the short silence that followed their conversation and she looked up at him when he spoke again, her brow furrowed slightly. Advice? Part of her bristled at the idea, but she did her best to calm that side of her down and simply nodded her consent before returning her gaze to the grounds around them. The least she could do was give him a chance. What’s the worst he could say anyway? Probably nothing she hadn’t told herself a thousand times over. They had developed this understanding so far into their walk and it’d be a shame if she ruined that by denying him. Annie would be proud of her, she felt.

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