✧A CASUAL DAY IN THE OFFICE✧

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Rhea had moved around the same few peas since the beginning of dinner, it felt wrong to eat them now that they turned cold. But something about the meal itself had turned bitter.

Whether it's the unfriendly company to her side, or the small portions of the meal. Rhea agreed that she wouldn't be able to stay here for much longer than a few days.

She'd rather stay with her brother than anything else, and perhaps she should.

At one point she was hoping that Alphard would put his hand into her lap like he would every time they ate together, but the only movement he made was to fix his napkin on his own lap.

The tension was deafening and Rhea was hardly open to the promised game of chess she promised Orion, and decided to go to bed early.

Had she been aware, she would've heard Orion's rushed whispers towards Alphard about heading off to bed early as well—To get that chat in.

Though it was useless as Rhea had already hid away in the bathroom, leaving Alphard to stand in the guest room, a smile making its way onto his face.

She had grabbed all his favorite dress robes and sleepwear. Not to mention that his briefcase seemed well in order.

For as much as Rhea pays attention to the finer details about him, how was it that she ignored the most important piece—That he doesn't pity her?

Yet now that he began thinking back to it all, it was most likely what all the wizarding world thought about their union. Rhea pitted the elder wizard and he is seeking younger company.

With all the work he attempted in trying to act younger, to keep up with her interest, did it come off because he felt pity?

No. He loves Rhea, loves his little goddess to the end of the earth. But now it was weighing too heavy on his heart, knowing that she wasn't feeling his all-natural adoration.

Yet exhaustion was slowly taking hold of his mind, and so he dressed quickly and decided to sit on the bed—His attention well on the door to wait for Rhea.

He was utterly thankful that she was just washing off the stress, as she usually instated before bed.

"I don't want to take the stress of today to bed, it's where we're meant to be at our most peaceful." Her words had acted as a curtain, as when he finally finished hearing the memory, Rhea opened the door in her silk robe with a towel in her hands.

"Goodness, Alphard. I thought you were with Orion." She rushed out, completely out of breath. "No—We—We should talk, Rhea." That was not at all what she wanted to hear from her husband, but nonetheless, she was obligated.

Especially if it pertained to the condition of their house.

"I left all the parcels from today on your nightstand if that's what you—"

"I could give a damn less about our manor, Rhea. What I care about is you, us. Do you truly believe that I pity you?"

"It just feels that way sometimes. Not all the time. But when we talk about adopting a pet, and me telling you my parents never allowed it...It's like you want to give me all these things because it's—"

"I want you to have everything to your heart's content. Your wants are mine to obtain for you, that is what a husband does. The only time I took pity is when you stood with your mother and Walburga, decked in your family jewels—You looked beautiful, never forget that. But the misery was too easy for anyone to spot. I pitied you and I felt angry that I couldn't do anything yet." Rhea blinked, trying to hide the fact that her eyes were betraying her.

With a quick swallow, she turned her gaze, remaining silent. "Have you nothing to say?"

"What? That I was wrong? I'm sorry if it's made you angry or hate me, but I just feel like a burden. And then you go off and head to your other manor, for Merlin knows why, to find what you did. This isn't the time to—"

"This is the best time to fix this. Rhea, my sweet, beautiful little goddess. You are so very strong for going through what you did. But remember, it isn't pity. It will never be pity. Not when you've proven so many things wrong about the rest of those peering in from the public's eye." He had hardly gotten through his words before Rhea began to sob, it wasn't often that her emotions got the better of her, but with the combination of stress, work, and the rest of society's whispers causing destruction.

This was probably the worst place to settle things.

So when he reached forward to pull her into his arms, she gladly accepted. "Tell me when you're cross with me. Tell me when things aren't to your liking. I cannot handle you feeling anything but happy."

"Of course I'm happy. I'm your wife."

"And while that warms my heart to hear, I want that to be a constant. Now come, we need our rest." She hummed and eyed the door.

"You know...I told Walburga that it was the best time to conceive a child."

"Did you lie to my sister so we could fornicate here without worry, Rhea? You little devil." She grinned wickedly as she leaned forward, their foreheads coming together to touch as they came together.

Came together in more than one way.

*

The change from last night to this morning was completely night and day. Clearly, Alphard was unbothered by his sister's glares as he kept a firm hold on his wife.

Though halfway through the breakfast, Walburga had decided to pop into the conversation. "I have a few appointments this morning into the afternoon, I hope you find something to occupy yourself with—Rhea." Her eyes popped up in confusion and thus she continued her frown.

"Of course, I'm headed into the office with Orion and Alphard. We have a few meetings." Now that had taken the woman by surprise, and neither brother had come to speak up.

Leaving Rhea to shrug her shoulder. "I'm sure that'll take up most of the day."

"If we return back at four, I'll be surprised. The factory clients are the worst." Orion huffed, and Rhea was hardly looking forward to that either. But the idea of leaving the manor was a blessing in itself. The musty smell of mold and nearly rotting wood was starting to drive her mad.

Not to mention that the guest bed is on a squeaky plank wood, as proven last night.

As the three of them left the manor, Rhea had the sinking feeling that Walburga was surely throwing nonsense to her group of elite wives over some imported tea.

It didn't stop dawning on the young witch that even if she was in this higher power amongst the company, it was because of her relationship with her husband.

No, it wasn't pity, as Alphard has expressed numerous times about how well she's versed academically. But it still feels strange having this title but no background to prove it, other than her name.

Though, in that sense, isn't that how society has been built?
Through connections and who is friends with who?

Speaking of who is friends with who, Alphard had received brilliant news from the board of Saint Mungos—One detailing his inquires about entering his wife into the next semester's program. It didn't seem too stressful, by then she would be finished with Otto and the funds would pay for themselves to hire more hands to cultivate more waves and such.

The hard work would be over, and could be passed onto someone else while Rhea begins to rejoin the academic field.

Oh, he bloody couldn't wait to see the look of surprise on her face once he presents the formal lettering. Of course, he would have to send in her transcripts and hurry along with the fees and such. But that was fairly simple, he only asked his friend to keep quiet about all this until the business has been concluded.

There was no reason to get her excitement or nerves up when it was in a few months.

Months.

By this time next year, Alphard was prepared to make teasing jokes about his wife's healing abilities. And as far back as he could think of, he couldn't place any witch in the house of Black having a career—Mindful of Andromeda, though she is needed to in order to support her family.

Speaking of which, he needed to have a talk with Ted Tonks once again, supplying the fact that he has too much money to know what to do with—And it would give him such pleasure knowing that his niece's family is well taken care of.

That they know that they have a fail-safe when things get worse, and they might.

Alphard wasn't one to look at the politics concerning the Dark Lord and those that call themselves Death Eaters, but he wasn't ignoring the fact that they were targeting witches and wizards who were actively 'tainting blood.' Meaning a pureblood marrying a muggle-born, or even a muggle.

Though it seemed difficult to find proof of that, given the circumstances.

Pureblood usually steered far away from Muggles cities, or even muggles in general. So how would a pureblood even come close to engaging in contact to become romantic with—

"Alphard? Is everything alright?... You've been staring at that parcel for a while now. I—Is it the manor?" Having been caught with the Saint Mungo parcel still open in his hands, he simply folded it and docked it in his desk drawer.

"No, it's from an old friend actually. Haven't spoken in a while, we catch up around this time. Giving me firm words that I haven't taken up his offer to go out for a drink." Rhea frowned, crossing his arms over her chest.

"Have you been neglecting your friends?"

"Perhaps a bit. Though most are old enough now to know that work and play don't intertwine. It's just the first time in a decade I've spent the autumn season here instead of Germany." Understanding washed over Rhea as she realized that they were having trouble themselves, speaking from here to Germany.

"Well, I don't mind if you go to drink with friends. You know that, don't you?"

"I'd hate to leave you alone with Walburga."

"Actually, I was going to spend some time with my brother. I guess Nott's doing is sort of Rolf's doing, and I wanted to thank him." The idea of Rhea enjoying some time with her own family had nearly caused the last cord in his heart to snap.

"When is the last time you spoke with your brother?"

"Oh, recently. I spend a few parcels to Rabastan—Sirius, and Regulus too. Rolf is just easier to chat with." It seemed like such a different time, where Rhea could freely talk to her brother now. And not worry about any sort of consequence.

"Was wondering...I know Orion will surely like having us stay over, but if it gets too much, we can ask Rolf if—"

"Rhea. We can head to Germany if it really comes down to where we will stay. If anything, that would be a much better idea. My sister nearly prepared to strangle me—Ah, please don't let it get to you. You've already managed half the year married to me." Rhea rolled her eyes and leaned further back into her chair, this was not what they needed as of now.

"Did your meeting go alright?" He questioned, curious as to how his wife was tackling things. "My meeting? It went as well as can be expected, just feels strange we can't go back home yet." While the thought of their home made him smile, it hardly held when he knew that Rhea did not feel comfortable in Grimmauld Place.

Even if Orion was fairly good company.

"I'll tell my assistant to book a room at the—"

"Walburga will be up our arse, Alphard. Is it really worth it?" He hardly thought twice about the matter, he was the eldest and it truly didn't matter on the account of what his sister was thinking.

Perhaps getting out of the manor would better the situation between his wife and sister.

"We can just say my brother was adamant about us staying with him, then we can go to the hotel."

"Are you sure you aren't set on staying with him? It's alright, we can spend the night if you wish. It's about time I have a few words with Rolf, brotherly words." Rhea smiled to herself, thinking about the time spent—Even if it is for a night.

"I'll owl him now, I think that would be a lovely evening."

"I suppose I'll have to tell him what you told Walburga, what did you say? It's the best time to try for a—"

"Alphard, don't you dare!" It was hard to imagine a grown wizard giggling at his desk in the building the he owns. But here Rhea is, holding her arms over her chest defensively.

"Then no sex."

"Oh, love...Teasing and torturing? That isn't how that'll go." He claimed, laughing as he started to walk around his desk—Straightening his posture and buttoning up his outter coat.

"Challenging me with no sex?... Merlin forgive me for the things I'm thinking of." It confused her, and as her arms dropped down to her sides, Alphard smirked. His eyes catching at her waist, wondering deep down if Rhea would get angry for making a mess on her desk—As his next thought became his next action.

And before he could even remotely stop, one hand held her by her waist and the other was scrambling under her dress to cup her sex—Only to find a thin layer of stocking to combat this morning.

"Alphard!"
"Hm?... That's what you'll be saying in a few moments, dear. But take warning, withholding the mere idea is nearly as triggering as instating you want it." Her eyes widened in understanding as she had caught her husband in a mix.

Rhea had tilted her head, batting her eyes kindly. "We have a meeting in five minutes, Alfie." She reminded, and he nearly groaned had it not broken his character.

"Doesn't matter, they'll wait." He claimed, his knuckles fondling every weakness that Rhea could feel. She had leaned her head backwards before losing all sense as she started to wither.

Her head stuffed deeply into his chest as his small punishment had followed through—Until he felt the first clench.

The faithful husband had pulled away, against his own will. And the mew that his beautiful wife had called out, and a breathless sigh had nearly broken him.

"No sex...?" Alphard questioned, and Rhea had opened her eyes, complete and utter frustration now that his touch was retracted.

In an attempt to find relief, her hand had fallen down to replace just where Alphard's hand had once been. But the touch wasn't the same, and it didn't give any pleasure.

Not when he locked his grip onto her wrist, withholding her from pleasure and finding herself her own.

"No. That is not how this works, my love." He teased, and she sighed into his chest once again. Clutching her thighs together now to get some friction. "Alfie—"

"Hm? What is it, my darling wife?"

"Please?"

"Please, you say? For what exactly is it you want?" He knew damn well that her emotions and desires were high, and thus he pushed aside one of the many documents laying on her desk.

"C-cock...I want your cock, now." With no hesitation, his free hand had pulled down his trousers before pulling up her dress yet again. "Hm, that is the words I adore to hear passing from your lips...Spread your legs further, little goddess." In desperation, Rhea moved aside the better part of things lingering on her desk, making a well-blown mess on the floor, but it did its job in allowing just enough space for Alphard to put himself between her legs.

His teasing, however, did not stop. The tip of his cock moved against her leaking folds, covering himself with the very thing he wish he had a moment to taste.

But alas, they did have a meeting.

"Alfie—Please!" With the final plea, Alphard had filled her straight to the brim, and perhaps it was a feeling of petiteness—He hadn't given her a moment to get used to his size, and instead continue to move his waist to connect with hers.

The pace was antagonizing slow but followed the intention of causing her to groan in pleasure—Even curse at one point.

The wizard had undid his tie and shake off his overcoat, working himself to a sweat as soon cupped his hand around the better part of her cheek. Wanting to keep eye contact—One of the more important parts that he needed to recall.

Rhea hard nearly come undone just seeing the amount of love and devotion coming from her husband, and she offered a smile before pressing her lips gently at the base of his chin, working her way up to her lips.

"I should deny you more often..." She calls, settling her own movement against his cock—Nearly shocking him to the point of withholding his own groan. "Don—Don't. I wouldn't know how to control myself, love."

"That's the point here, isn't it? You've never thought to take me on the desk before, have you?"

"Only a million times a day." Her laughter had been short-lived as she finally surrendered to the building feeling Alphard had been vining for since she had made the declaration of no sex.

With their bodies well pressed into one another, and their breathing hardly combined into quick and panting breaths, Rhea had let out another laugh.

"You're in trouble, Mr.Black." Rhea said, wiping her sweaty brow and hoping that she still had a bit of perfume left in her purse. "And why is that, little Goddess?" He hummed, taking his spar handkerchief and wiping her clear of any excess.

"We are supposed to be keeping a leveled head when we're in the office, this isn't a level head!" She hurried out, frowning in clear disappointment to herself. And Alphard could only work to soothe her.

"Please, everyone knows you're my wife here. What could they possibly—"

"Then I will be getting my own office, this cannot happen again, Alphard. It's unprofessional." His eyes widened and he withheld his smirk. His little Ravenclaw was being rather feisty and he couldn't be all that moved from the switch in character.

"I did warn you about getting the office, I'll have my assistant make the preparations now." She glared, and now he was starting to wonder if there was anything else bothering her than what has already been said.

"We have a few minutes until the meeti—"

"It looks like I just rolled out of bed, Alphard! How am I supposed to sit in a meeting like this?" He took a clear look at his wife, and it was true. The small hickey, which could be hidden with a charm or two was one thing. But her flushed cheeks were a bit more of an expression and couldn't be easily concealed.

"Love...it's no worry."

"It feels like I'm sleeping with my boss for the position."

"Now hold on just a moment, this is nearly the same mindset of you thinking I pity you. Rhea, we are husband and wife before we are business partners. Do I make myself clear?" His firm touch had instigated a quick nod, one without hesitation.

"Good. Now how could you possibly not sleep with your husband? We share the same bed after all. Your worries shouldn't exist." She pouted at the thought, her head falling into her hand as she sighed.

"Perhaps I'm still a little rattled about the massacre at the other estate. I'm sad I only got to see it the one time, it looked so lovely."

"It can be rebuilt."

"But that artwork can't be too easy to replace, is it?" He shook his head, and now his own mood began to fall short. So Rhea had allowed her hand to caress his cheek as she hummed a soft tune. "We can look at some art catalogs tonight."

"I thought you said I should be budgeting my money more wisely than art."

"Eh, we'll write it off as stress shopping, won't we? Considering we're homeless for the next week. Aren't we?" He kissed her one last time, only for Orion to stroll in. Completely unannounced and in position to see what he is seeing.

"Good gods you two! Pissed one minute and shagging the next. We have reporters in the lobby to get the first few announcements."

Rhea had completely forgotten about the reporters.

"Damnit!" She cursed, hurrying to get the better party of her dress back down to her ankles. And in addition to grabbing her cloak and purse, she ran out of the room to the one place she was safe from anyone barging in—The women's restroom.

"Curious how you're nearly not on speaking terms to this."

"I have my ways, and Rhea is too beautiful. Unfortunately, now she believes she's 'sleeping with the boss.'"

"In technicality, she is. But that is almost as if saying I'm family with the boss. It's a correct statement."

"And it's cost me sharing an office with my wife, no matter. I'll have a door connecting it right through here—Wouldn't that be perfect?" Orion couldn't help but laugh, both at the ingenious idea and at the idea of just how Rhea will react once she sees the loophole in her wants

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Date Posted: 04/28/2022

Time: 12:09

Words: 3643