Barely Hanging On.

[Bo Park]

Things had been confusing lately.

Bo, who had never been the committing type, had suddenly found himself committing himself to three different people.

There was Roxie…who, honestly, felt more like a best friend with absolutely amazing benefits.

There was Oliver…who was super sweet and cute but who was probably having the hardest time accepting the way Bo was.

And then Jon…who Bo was walking with in that moment. The academic day was over and Bo had decided he was going to hit the pitch and do a few drills before dinner. With Sunny taking the Ravenclaw team under his metaphorical wing, Bo was feeling a sure of competitiveness.

So as he approached the green, he finished his conversation with Jon before leaning in to kiss him goodbye…watching as the Gryffindor walked away and having no idea that someone else was watching.

Someone who was still having a hard time accepting…

[Oliver Spiteri]

Oliver originally hadn't wanted to be on the quidditch team. But. There were a few things that brought him down to the pitch the day of tryouts, and here he was, on the team now. A chaser alongside Ethan and Bo. It was a nice place to be, and the three seemed to work together rather well, which was nice. He was looking forward to their first match, and as he headed down to the pitch for practice, he was in particularly good spirits.

Once he was changed and ready, he grabbed his broom from the cabinet and headed out to the pitch, beginning to stretch. He was one of the first ones there, and as he turned to look toward the hill that led down to the pitch, it seemed there was one other person who made it their mission to be early, and a big smile appeared on Oliver's face when he realized who it was, before...realizing who he was with.

Oliver knew Bo was seeing other people, but before this, he seemed to be keeping the three of them separate, as if the others didn't exist. But as Oliver noted as he side-eyed the pair...Bo leaned in to kiss the other boy. Oliver twisted his hands over the broom handle as tears threatened his eyes. He turned away, but the sight of them burned in his eyes...Oliver wasn't upset at Bo. He made it very clear in the beginning...he was more upset at himself for getting feelings...real feelings...for someone who wouldn't ever consider him their one and only.

As Bo approached - Oliver could hear the footsteps - the emotion, and what felt like actual rage, built up enough and he just...everything burned. He didn't want to be at practice, he didn't want Bo to see him cry. But when he turned and saw Bo, everything just...broke. The burning radiated his shoulders and his eyes narrowed to his nose, which seemed to be growing. But before he could make a f*cking scene, he took off, leaving his broom on the pitch.

No, absolutely not. He was not a veela. Ari was the only veela...but now? Now if he were...Bo knew too. He ducked into the locker rooms and chucked his gloves at his locker before closing himself in one of the restroom stalls. His body was absolutely burning yet, and as he reached up to feel his shoulders...something...was there. He felt hot, he felt sick.

All because of a boy.

[Bo Park]

Truthfully, Bo hadn't the slightest idea that Oliver was on the pitch. Had he known, he wouldn't have taken the moment to kiss Jon. He knew that Oliver was still coming to terms with the situation and adjusting and he wouldn't put that in his face in that way.

But as he stepped onto the pitch, he gasped in surprise as his eyes landed on the pretty blonde Hufflepuff. Tears lined his eyes and immediately, Bo knew that he had seen the kiss. Bo had sort of expected tears...it wasn't going to be the easiest thing the first time Oliver saw it which was a big reason that Bo had been careful. But what came next...Bo hadn't expected that at all. Dropping his own broom and running after Bo, all the seventh year could focus on was making sure the guy was okay.

Busting into the locker room on Oliver's heels, Bo got there just in time to see a stall door slam close and he sighed. Steadying himself, he walked over calmly and placed a hand to the door.

"Oliver?" he said softly. "Oliver, I'm sorry...you weren't supposed to see that..."

He waited a moment before his fingers closed around his wand. He spoke again, letting Oliver know that he was coming in. And after unlocking the door, he slowly opened it. He had never seen anything like this...but he knew immediately what this was and he bit his lip softly. That certainly explained a lot about Oliver's sister.

"Oliver..."

Bo slowly reached for him, not wanting to cross any lines...

[Oliver Spiteri]

Oliver knew he should have shot off toward the castle, that Bo wasn't a heartless person and would likely follow him into the bathroom. But the burning, the absolute fire that was enveloping him was clouding his mind and all he wanted to do was just be alone, let whatever this was diffuse and pretend like nothing happened. But how could he? He knew Bo was seeing other people. He knew it. But it was a completely different thing to actually see it right before his eyes. And...it kind of sucked...and sucked even more to know that he absolutely would not be able to go on with Bo like this. He really liked Bo. He really did. So. It...was extra painful, and he didn't do anything to make Oliver feel this way.

"Oliver?"

The fire burned even hotter and he groaned, resisting the urge to find himself on the ground of the bathroom.

"Oliver, I'm sorry...you weren't supposed to see that..."

Well, he had. And he wished he hadn't, because then he wouldn't have had to realize that it was a thing. Then he wouldn't have realized that he was...this. He never thought he was...it was always just Ari. She was beautiful and amazing and he was just Oliver. He'd always been just Oliver.

Within moments the door was open, but Oliver had his back to him. The scales were probably shining against the light from above, and he didn't want Bo to see his face. But he had his fists clenched, fire burning the skin as if fire were going to erupt from his palms. Oliver felt Bo's hand against his arm and he shuddered, not wanting him to see him like this, and just wanting to be alone. He wanted to see Ari...but he couldn't. Not with school and her schedule. But that's what he wanted. He didn't turn to face Bo. "I'm sorry. I didn't know." he didn't turn, he didn't move to touch Bo...he felt like if he unclenched his fists something else might happen.

[Bo Park]

Even in this state, Oliver was completely beautiful. Bo was a bit mesmerized by the light refracting and reflecting off the scales and he had to force himself back into the moment. Oliver would always be beautiful and entirely him no matter what.

Oliver made no movement to turn and face him but that was okay. He didn't have to.

I'm sorry. I didn't know.

Bo felt his brow furrow for a moment and he shook his head. His other hand reached out and despite the innate fear that ran through his blood (likely an effect Oliver didn't quite realize he was radiating), he wrapped his arms around Oliver as best he could with the wings in the way. It didn't matter what this was...under it all there was Oliver.

And Oliver was hurt...

And it was Bo's fault.

Tears stung the seventh year's eyes and he was felt them streak their way down their face.

"I did this to you...I'm so sorry..."

His voice was a whisper...dripping with remorse and shame.

[Oliver Spiteri]

Oliver sort of bristled under Bo’s touch and wondered for a moment if Bo could feel the heat radiating off of him. He wanted him to go and to leave at the same time, and he clamped his eyes shut so he wouldn't cry. All of his feelings felt so amplified and he didn't want to move or cry or have Bo see his face. He felt stupid and embarrassed.

“I did this to you…I'm so sorry…”

”You didn't. I wasn't supposed to see. I'm mad at myself.” he clenched and unclenched his fists, mad at himself for falling for someone he knew he couldn't fully have. Mad for not being able to control his emotions. Mad that Bo had seen him. He was hyper aware of his wings and felt gross and ugly and knew that even if he could get passed Bo and his inability to be

[Bo Park]

It wouldn't matter what Oliver said. It wouldn't matter what the facts were. It wouldn't matter that Bo had done all he realistically could to protect Oliver...all he knew was that it wasn't enough. He had failed one of his partners and it killed him.

Nuzzled into Oliver's back, Bo ignored the heat...it wasn't as hot as Oliver was apparently feeling...but it was there. Enough that Bo would likely have a few hot spots once he pulled away. But he didn't care. He just wanted to do anything he could to help Oliver.

I'm mad at myself.

That was worse...

"Be mad at me...please. Don't do that to yourself," he muttered. Everything that Bo had been terrified of was happening here and now and he couldn't stop it. He couldn't fix it. He just...wanted to take Oliver's pain and frustration and make it his own. But he couldn't.

Pretty as Bo Park was...he wasn't a veela. There wasn't a thing he could do to help or calm this situation.

"Tell me what to do," he begged finally...desperate to do something.

[Oliver Spiteri]

As angry as he was, Oliver could feel everything fading slightly. He'd never felt so much rage and he didn't know why he was feeling this way…sure he knew why. But why was it so amplified? He just wanted to go back to the common room and back to his bed where he could just hide out under the covers. But he didn't think that Bo would let him. So he stayed put, the shuddering rage slowly dissipating. But every time he tried to calm himself down, the cakes cracked and the heat enveloped him again.

“Be mad at me…please. Don't do that to yourself.”

Somehow, Bo being so good and kind made Oliver even more angry, and he bristled even more under the olde boy's touch.

“Tell me what to do.”

Oliver didn't say anything. He didn't know how to use his veela powers. He didn't even know he HAD veela powers. He was just as dumbfounded as he was angry, and he didn't know what to tell Bo. ”I don't know. I don't know what to do. I can't…” Oliver knew he had to say it…it was for his own good. But he didn't want to and he didn't know how at the same time. ”I don't want to be angry but I can't help it. I can't see that and be okay.”

[Bo Park]

Bo didn't want to let go...but he could feel Oliver tensing and bristling under his touch and he felt like he was just making it all worse. He caressed Oliver for a moment more before slowly letting him go and stepping back a moment.

I cant...

Oliver didn't even have to say it...Bo knew exactly what it was that Oliver couldn't do. He felt his own heart breaking in his chest. On a technicality...Oliver would be Bo's first boyfriend and his first break up. And what made it worse was that he knew Oliver didn't want it to be this way. He knew Oliver wanted to be okay...he knew Oliver was likely kicking himself for this reaction.

But Bo understood. His lifestyle wasn't for everyone...and perhaps the two might have realized it. Perhaps they should have ended it earlier before they both got this attached. It wouldn't have hurt as bad...maybe.

Bo felt his breath shudder slightly as he tried to talk again. He tried to stop his crying. But it was hard. He hated feeling like he had done something so horrible.

"You're allowed to feel whatever you need to feel...it doesn't make you bad for feeling..."

He hated that Oliver felt this way...but he needed Oliver to understand that it was okay. He was human above all else.

[Oliver Spiteri]

The soft touch of Bo's hand made the tears burn at the rims of Oliver's eyes. He wanted to keep standing there with Bo holding him, but it was...it felt like it was making things worse. Not Bo himself, but the situation. He felt instantly a little cooler, but that was the last thing he wanted to feel. The further Bo got away from him, the more real everything felt. The heat burned his hands and he clenched and unclenched his fists again, this time emitting a shot of fire that sparked and hit the wall in front of him. Taking his fist, he slammed it into the wall and was even more upset that he felt like a toddler having a tantrum. He didn't want Bo to see him like this, let alone unable to control his emotions. But at least...at least the fireball had been at the wall instead of Bo...and it just made the tears fall down his face now.

What hurt more than the searing on his hands (he wasn't sure if this was normal or if it was because he didn't know how to control it) was the sound of Bo's voice shaking as he spoke. Oliver wasn't sure if it were out of emotional upset or if he was afraid of him...either way, Oliver was feeling terrible. He didn't want to react this way; he wanted everything to be okay. He wanted to be with Bo. He was more attached to him than he'd ever been with anyone...His first.

"You're allowed to feel whatever you need to feel...it doesn't make you bad for feeling..."

"I'm not, I'm not," he said, his own voice shaking as he turned to face Bo, probably making him think he were even uglier...both inside and out. "I wanted to be okay with it, I did. I still do. But I can't hide it anymore," he shook his head. "I hate that I feel this way. I hate myself. I hate this."

[Ariadne Spiteri]

Look like a butterfly, sting like a bee

The streets of England were cold, Ariadne was swinging her bag as she walked, avoiding puddles in the street. The Veela was coming from practice and on her way back to the apartment to maybe grab food with Gen when a pain spread through her chest. Gasping, she dropped her bag and clutched at her heart. "Oliver," she whispered to herself. Ari had no reason to believe that anything like this could be true because she had never felt like this before, but she couldn't shake the feeling that her brother was in distress. She picked up her bag and twisted out of sight, landing with a faint pop on the outskirts of the Hogwarts castle grounds.

Walking swiftly, she approached the quidditch stadium and saw Olivers broom abandoned on the pitch, she began to sprint towards the lockers. There were voices coming from the bathrooms and she barged right in to see Bo Park clinging to something with wings. "Oh Mon Dieux..." How was it possible? Oliver had never shown any signs, and yet here he was in full harpy form. Ariadne got in front of her brother and stroked his face affectionately, "It's okay Oli, everything is going to be okay." 

She rounded on the Park boy, "What did you do? What happened?" She was getting hot, Ari really only had one Achilles heel when it came to controlling her anger and that was her family. She took a deep breath to calm herself down before putting on her best smile, there was a better way then to go full harpy. "Bo...you know what would make me really happy?" Ari was dropping every last bit of charm into her words. "You want to make me happy don't you?"

Ariadne's eyes sparkled as she starred into Bo's, watching his pupils fade in and out. Ari leaned in to whisper in his ear, "start hitting yourself until I tell you to stop."

Tagged;;Oliver Spiteri  Bo Park

[Bo Park]

I wanted to be okay with it.

"I know and its-..."

Bo was cut off by the sound of the door opening, immediately moving to shield Oliver from anyone's view...but when he saw it was Ariadne, he moved aside without a word. Clearly...she had some idea of this and maybe how to help Oliver. That was all Bo wanted...to help Oliver and make this okay. He watched as she stroked his face...perhaps he should have tried that. But Oliver had basically refused to look at him the entire time.

And when Ari rounded on him...

Bo already knew what was going to come next.

What did you do? What happened?

Bo opened his mouth to reply...but what was there to say? Had he done anything wrong? Not technically...but it sure felt that way. He closed his mouth a moment to take a breath through his nose.

"He saw me kiss Jon."

The truth...and if Ari didn't know that Oliver knew about it...it was going to make him sound as bad as he felt. Hells, even if she did know the terms of Bo and Oliver's relationship Bo had a feeling it wasn't going to make any difference in the moment.

And as her words hit his ear...he knew that was true. The magical hold that came over him was instantaneous and in a single moment, Bo was putty in Ari's hands. He watched her through glassy eyes, a lazy smile on his lips as his mind became hers to manipulate and break.

...start hitting yourself until I tell you to stop.

A nod and Bo couldn't even stop himself. His left hand balled up and with every bit of strength he had, he landed a blow on his own chin. Pain coursed through his jaw but he didn't have time to register it before his right hand landed a blow to his gut, doubling himself over just as his hands proceeded to continue to strike himself.

As if it wasn't even himself doing it.

His expression held that lazy smile and blank stare though. Ari had him under her full control. But inside, he was screaming...begging her to leave him alone and help Oliver. She could punish him once Oliver was okay but right now he just needed to know that his boyfriend (or...ex boyfriend) was going to be okay.

[Oliver Spiteri]

Oliver's fist was stinging from where he hit the wall, but surely, as if the whole world turned over, a soft voice that didn't belong to Bo rang over the ringing in his ears. Her touch was cool, and Oliver looked at her through slitted eyes, pleading with her to leave Bo alone, not sure if she could hear him. Not sure if she cared. Ari has always created so deeply for her family that seeing one of them hurt would likely set her off the edge. She didn't know he was veela. Hell, he didn't know. But right now he would have been fine diminishing the rage so he could apologize to Bo and see if he could figure something out with Ari.

As he focused on his breathing, he knew he had to do something, and quickly. But he didn't know what to do. He could hear some soft thuds from behind him but he didn't dare turn to let Bo see him. Slowly his face burned less and less…his shoulders still stung and his wings had no intention of fading, but at least he was able to turn, his face semi transformed.

Bo was doubled over, hitting himself. Ari was watching Bo with our focus, and he was digging deep for the words. ”Ari, please stop, please, let him be…” he didn't dare move toward Bo for fear of what Ari would do. ”Please, it's my fault.”

[Ariadne Spiteri]

Look like a butterfly, sting like a bee

Ari watched as the dopey smile crossed Bo's face, his eyes becoming glassy and unfocused, when she knew they were focused but only on her words. Anything she said, he would do. As Bo began hitting himself, she stared with an icy gaze. Blow after blow and nothing was going to make her say stop until she heard Oliver behind her...

Ari, please stop, please, let him be…

"Stop," her command was cold but it melted when she turned to face her brother. "Are you alright? How long have you known?" It was all new information, the family had thought for so long that she was the only Veela inheritance. Ari brushed her brothers wings that were still out. No doubt this situation wasn't helping one bit but she couldn't help her reaction to someone hurting her brother enough to make him go full harpy.

"How could it be your fault?" She really was confused now.

Tagged;;Oliver Spiteri  Bo Park

[Oliver Spiteri]

"Are you alright? How long have you known?"

Oliver kept breathing, focusing on that. As soon as Ari stopped Bo from beating himself up, he felt much more content, wanting to run to him but also not wanting to move at all. Surely No wouldn't want to talk to him or even be his friend after this. "T-today..." Oliver was flustered, the soft touch against his wings enough to make them shudder and shrink. At least, that's good it felt. His face, at least, looked less like a deformed bird and more like Oliver Spiteri.

"I knew the whole time." Oliver turned to look at Bo, who was likely slumped on the floor. He scrunched his face to try not to look. "I knew there was potential for him go break my heart and I thought I could handle it but I can't." Oliver shook his head. "I set myself up for it and I'm mad at myself... Not Bo."