Despite Ash's unpredictability, it was quite easy to find her. The art room, the music room, the balcony... they were her places. She was there a LOT. Why? The answer wasn't that deep or anything. Ash was just really good at piano, and she liked it.

She sat by the piano, playing her mother's favorite song. But this time, she didn't mean her birth mom. And she didn't mean Megan Olivia. She meant the other one. The piano lady with the blond hair, who Ash usually chose not to remember.

It was a pretty classical piece, and it gave Ash very bittersweet vibes. She hadn't played it in a while... again, not for any particular tragic reason. She just tended towards songs with words.

Not everything had to be part of a tragic backstory. Ash played the piano because she liked it.

Bram had heard that there was a music room around this castle and he had been searching for it since the day after the feast. He probably could have asked for directions...but what's the fun in that? Exploring an ancient magical castle was always a good time.

He had been exploring the sixth floor when he suddenly heard a beautiful melody being played on a piano. He followed the sounds and finally found the door that the music was coming from. He gently pushed the door open and saw Ash sitting at the piano playing.

He waited until she finished the song before clapping. "That was beautiful. Great job Ash!" He said with a sweet smile that would melt even the hardest of hearts.

Since about half way through the previous term Jude had given up on spending time in the Tech Room listening to music. Instead, he had sought refuge at the Music Room where he was able to perfect himself with the piano. Of course he owed his big brother Koen a ton of gratitude for the help but Jude was proud of himself to have mastered the instrument.

He had only finished his very last lesson for that first week back, and that Friday sometime before dinner, he found himself sitting at the piano. His right arm was resting on the folded music rack and his forehead was resting on his arm. The fingers of his left hand tapped out a tune, one of those old Muggle songs that he had put on that particular CD; the rock song called ‘When You Wake Up’.

How exactly was Jude feeling presently? Tired. This tiredness wasn’t physical, it was emotional and only seemed to set in when he wasn’t around his friends, siblings or cousins. At least music helped him cope.

He probably shouldn't have gone looking for Jude. Seemed like the point was pretty clear that he didn't really want to hang out with him. And while following the stack of CDs gave him more insight as to why that was, it still didn't change much that this was just apparently how their friendship was now. If Jude still wanted to call it that. Because the only thing clear to Evan at this point about his emotions and everything...

... was that he had no idea how to decipher them.

Poking his head into the music classroom, he did a quick glance and nearly pulled back out before he paused and looked again and noticed the Anders male was in fact in the room. Pulling the door open a little wider, the Ravenclaw entered, heading over towards the Hufflepuff and pausing as he took a moment to listen to the tune being played out. It was a song he recognized from the CD, currently in his bag with the others he'd borrowed. "That sounds good."

SPOILER!!: Ev <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelliephone

He probably shouldn't have gone looking for Jude. Seemed like the point was pretty clear that he didn't really want to hang out with him. And while following the stack of CDs gave him more insight as to why that was, it still didn't change much that this was just apparently how their friendship was now. If Jude still wanted to call it that. Because the only thing clear to Evan at this point about his emotions and everything...

... was that he had no idea how to decipher them.

Poking his head into the music classroom, he did a quick glance and nearly pulled back out before he paused and looked again and noticed the Anders male was in fact in the room. Pulling the door open a little wider, the Ravenclaw entered, heading over towards the Hufflepuff and pausing as he took a moment to listen to the tune being played out. It was a song he recognized from the CD, currently in his bag with the others he'd borrowed. "That sounds good."

On contraire.

Jude really did want to spend time with Evan. He missed their hangouts, especially when they listened to music together. As a matter of fact, it had become one of those unique things that he enjoyed with the Ravenclaw. Much like how he had a unique activity with the people who meant the most to him: playing board games and watching movies with Keigh, dancing with Rea, playing the piano with Koen, cooking with his mother, doing make up with Dahlia and eating bacon with his father. But Jude was not going to hang out with Evan when he was attracted in THAT way to him and Evan clearly wasn’t interested. No. Jude would rather suffer on his own until he got over all of his feelings. Which was his goal, by the way; to get over what he felt for Evan because how did he even stand a chance?

The Hufflepuff hadn’t the foggiest of how long Evan was standing there. After hearing his voice, the soothing chime of the piano music abruptly came to a halt and Jude straightened up. Naturally, his gaze met the Ravenclaw’s immediately. “Oh… er, thanks.” He believed this may have been the first time that Evan heard him play. Jude pushed his hair back which had been falling into his face since his head had been down. His gaze remained blank because he could not figure out what Evan was doing here. Not to mention that Jude wasn’t in a talkative mood.

The greeting was such a stark difference from before, Evan wasn't sure how to even proceed. Maybe finding him truly had been a bad idea, but he'd already listened through all the CDs and since Koen's music was in the bunch he didn't want to keep them too long. Evan knew how he felt about his CDs of Chase's and he could only imagine his brother's was just as precious to the Hufflepuff. "You're welcome." He replied softly, not sure what else to say. The overall tone was that conversation might not be welcomed anyways so he decided to cut right to it.

"Sorry for interrupting your practice. I just.. wanted to get your CDs back to you." The Ravenclaw reached into his bag, pulling out the stack with the mix clearly displayed on top and offering it to the Hufflepuff. "Your brother's band is really talented. And you have good taste in songs." It wasn't quite the usual things he listened to, but he had liked it.

SPOILER!!: Hello, our clueless boy <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelliephone

The greeting was such a stark difference from before, Evan wasn't sure how to even proceed. Maybe finding him truly had been a bad idea, but he'd already listened through all the CDs and since Koen's music was in the bunch he didn't want to keep them too long. Evan knew how he felt about his CDs of Chase's and he could only imagine his brother's was just as precious to the Hufflepuff. "You're welcome." He replied softly, not sure what else to say. The overall tone was that conversation might not be welcomed anyways so he decided to cut right to it.

"Sorry for interrupting your practice. I just.. wanted to get your CDs back to you." The Ravenclaw reached into his bag, pulling out the stack with the mix clearly displayed on top and offering it to the Hufflepuff. "Your brother's band is really talented. And you have good taste in songs." It wasn't quite the usual things he listened to, but he had liked it.

Evan would be right. There was a very striking difference in the way Jude greeted Evan now, compared to before. Also, at a time long prior, Jude would have been thrilled that the Ravenclaw had sought him out. Now? He just felt confused and unsure and there was probably a huge question mark plastered on his face. Not a literal one, of course.

‘You never interrupt me’ were the words which were nestled on the tip of the Hufflepuff’s tongue. He swallowed them back instead as he averted his eyes back to the piano, staring at the keys as though they were the most important objects on the face of the planet. “You’re not interrupting,’’ Jude replied softly. At the shuffling sound of Evan retrieving his CDs, however, he took a quick second to study the other boy’s face before drawing his attention to the stack. The last two sentences Evan spoke went over Jude’s head.

His brown eyes widened slightly as he stared at THAT particular CD at the top of the stash. His heart began to pound and his palms suddenly went cold. “Did you… listen to that one?” he asked, struggling to keep his voice level. He pointed briefly to the CD before reaching out to take the stash. Yep, that was his hand trembling a little.

And when had there been hearts on the CD? How had it even gotten into the mix? Jude clearly remembered writing only Evan’s name and remembered not including this CD with the others. Then the answers hit him. Reagan and Keighley. It could have only been them! Oh, he was going to kill his older sister! No doubt this had all been her idea.

Even if he said he was not interrupting, it still felt like it. Perhaps not the music part, but the actively avoiding him at the very least. But he wouldn't say that, instead he just gave a small half smile and a nod of his head. Normally he would have asked more questions, tried to strike up conversation. But in light of the fact there was a Gryffindor who would have his head if he dallied too long, he opted to not this time.

Ahh, so yes. He did notice it. Evan had been slightly hoping he would given the fact he figured they should talk about it at some point, loathe as he was to do so when his answer was still ever the 'i don't know'. But if he'd learned one thing from the past, not talking was the surest way to lose people. And he didn't particularly (read: not at all) want to lose his friendship with Jude. ".. yeah, I did. It's.. a good collection of songs. I liked the sound on the first few especially." The more ballad like ones. A hand came up to scratch awkwardly at the back of his now blonde head.

"Is this.. why you've been avoiding me? If I did something to hurt you, I really didn't mean to." not that that would excuse it, but he wanted the Hufflepuff to at least understand he wouldn't have been intentionally cruel.

SPOILER!!: Sweet Ev! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelliephone

Even if he said he was not interrupting, it still felt like it. Perhaps not the music part, but the actively avoiding him at the very least. But he wouldn't say that, instead he just gave a small half smile and a nod of his head. Normally he would have asked more questions, tried to strike up conversation. But in light of the fact there was a Gryffindor who would have his head if he dallied too long, he opted to not this time.

Ahh, so yes. He did notice it. Evan had been slightly hoping he would given the fact he figured they should talk about it at some point, loathe as he was to do so when his answer was still ever the 'i don't know'. But if he'd learned one thing from the past, not talking was the surest way to lose people. And he didn't particularly (read: not at all) want to lose his friendship with Jude. ".. yeah, I did. It's.. a good collection of songs. I liked the sound on the first few especially." The more ballad like ones. A hand came up to scratch awkwardly at the back of his now blonde head.

"Is this.. why you've been avoiding me? If I did something to hurt you, I really didn't mean to." not that that would excuse it, but he wanted the Hufflepuff to at least understand he wouldn't have been intentionally cruel.

Jude truly missed the smiles. This small one wasn’t the one he was used to. Evan didn’t know it but Jude would sneak glances at him {this was before the Hufflepuff had decided it was best to avoid Evan as much as possible} and would often admire the bigger smiles. He had meant what he had said last term: as long as Evan was happy, then that was all that mattered. Finally, the huge realisation washed over Jude: he really, really missed Evan.

That realisation and this entire fiasco with the CD had him on the edge. FOR THE LOVE OF MERLIN. Evan had listened to the CD. The fourth year almost panicked. “I’m glad you liked the songs.” This much was rather the truth because these songs were the best songs he could find that made him think of Evan, or rather, the songs that described his feelings for Evan. He found himself making a mental note: Ev likes ballads. Jude didn’t know what the point of that was but all he knew was that he liked everything about Evan. He cared about his likes, his dislikes, everything. And though he liked the blonde hair, he preferred the dark strands.

The Hufflepuff was not sure if the Ravenclaw figured out the meaning of the songs on the CD or the hearts but he decided to play innocent. “The CD? No. I didn’t know it had been in that stack.” It wasn’t supposed to be. And there weren’t supposed to be hearts all around your name. He sighed and finally was able to meet Evan’s dark brown eyes with him. “It’s not your fault, Ev. It’s alright.’’ Jude was still hurt, still under the impression that Evan was dating Valentina.

Ash did sense that someone else was there, but she didn’t want to disturb the song. She had to play it until the ending. For Reasons. It was just the rules.

She turned around(AFTER the song was over), grinning as she recognized the nice guy from when she fell in the bookstore. He was kind. Ash liked that he didn’t immediately make fun of her, even before they knew each other.

“Hey Bram! It’s not a song I often listen to, but I know it very well and I was thinking I’d practice it.” By the way, she was very flattered. She loved words of affirmation and hearing how she wasn’t worthless and stuff like that. Could he be her best friend forever please? She had many but there was always room for another. Pls duct tape and superglue her heart back together(it didn’t need melting).

“I usually come in here to think and play piano.” and usually feel sad Alone, lol. But it was okay. She didn’t mind his presence. As long a he didn’t have a significant other waiting to pop out of nowhere and call her a... a m- anyways. If THAT was the case then she’d rather not. She learned her lesson with Sammy. Make sure your new best friends weren’t dating any pureblood supremacists or otherwise mean hurtful people BEFORE you hung out. It really killed the vibe, and it might endanger your safety! Lesson learned.

Truthfully, Evan wasn't smiling much these days to begin with. It wasn't just this situation with Jude avoiding him, though that certainly played apart. It was a lot of things that he'd been avoiding for years now and it was all finding ways to surface in his life. And with it all happening at one time, he was having a difficult time coping. Though this certainly was not a time to talk about that, though Jude would have been one of the only ones he would have considered talking to.

He supposed that was out of the question now.

The Ravenclaw could not say with 100% certainty he knew, given he hadn't asked and received the confirmation on it. Reagan had certainly solidified what he assumed to be the truth, but since she still was not the Hufflepuff directly there was still a marginal percentage left for error. Though Jude's current reaction to Evan having spotted the CD? It was making that margin even smaller than it had been before. "The CD is... not exactly what I meant." He meant the reason the CD had been created. Or the reason there was hearts all around his name on it. Should he say that out loud? Probably, but he didn't want to embarrass Jude either if it was not something he actually wanted to talk about.

And while... he was half right, it hadn't been his fault in the sense he hadn't KNOWN that still didn't make him entirely blameless. It was things that he said and had done that caused him pain unnecessarily, even if unintentionally. "I still shouldn't have bothered you with any of it. Talking about last valentine's day and everything. Especially when it was nothing anyways." Just a good friendship, that he did cherish, but they'd both established it was nothing more at this time other than that.

SPOILER!!: Nope! I mean it & shall shout it from the rooftops! SWEET EV!!! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelliephone

Truthfully, Evan wasn't smiling much these days to begin with. It wasn't just this situation with Jude avoiding him, though that certainly played apart. It was a lot of things that he'd been avoiding for years now and it was all finding ways to surface in his life. And with it all happening at one time, he was having a difficult time coping. Though this certainly was not a time to talk about that, though Jude would have been one of the only ones he would have considered talking to.

He supposed that was out of the question now.

The Ravenclaw could not say with 100% certainty he knew, given he hadn't asked and received the confirmation on it. Reagan had certainly solidified what he assumed to be the truth, but since she still was not the Hufflepuff directly there was still a marginal percentage left for error. Though Jude's current reaction to Evan having spotted the CD? It was making that margin even smaller than it had been before. "The CD is... not exactly what I meant." He meant the reason the CD had been created. Or the reason there was hearts all around his name on it. Should he say that out loud? Probably, but he didn't want to embarrass Jude either if it was not something he actually wanted to talk about.

And while... he was half right, it hadn't been his fault in the sense he hadn't KNOWN that still didn't make him entirely blameless. It was things that he said and had done that caused him pain unnecessarily, even if unintentionally. "I still shouldn't have bothered you with any of it. Talking about last valentine's day and everything. Especially when it was nothing anyways." Just a good friendship, that he did cherish, but they'd both established it was nothing more at this time other than that.

Jude could tell that something was off about Evan but he completely chalked it up to it being this particular situation. Of course, he knew Evan had quite a few issues locked away but never had he imagined they had come back to haunt the Ravenclaw with a vengeance. Had he known, he’d want to help his… friend… through it all.

The Hufflepuff nodded. He knew it wasn’t the CD but it had been worth the attempt to feign innocence. There was hardly the point to continue doing so now, however. “So… so that means you’ve figured it out then?” Evan could be quite oblivious to certain things, Jude knew but Evan wasn’t stupid. The cat was out of the bag and Jude felt even more crushed because he knew the Ravenclaw already rejected him.

But Jude surprised himself. Maybe it was because he already knew what was coming. Or maybe he just wanted Evan to be happy. Or maybe he wanted to do better for himself. Whatever the reason, the Hufflepuff braced himself for whatever was to come. He would handle it and he would handle it well. He just needed to ensure all of his usual self confidence was intact. “You didn’t know. How could you? I didn’t have the courage to say anything.” His already thudding heart jumped at the last six words. “Nothing? You mean…?”

Did this mean there was hope for him after all?

Bram smiled at the Ravenclaw as she talked about the song. "Well, you played it beautifully. I play piano and drums, but I don't think I play nearly as well as you do." He said with a chuckle. He definitely practiced drums way more than piano. He really should practice more often. Good thing he knew where this room was. Now he had another safe haven to go to for time to himself other than the Domes.

"Yeah, I have been looking for this room since the morning after the feast so I would have somewhere to practice. I am so glad I finally found it." Though he was a fifth year, this was his first term at Hogwarts...and finding things around this place was proving difficult.

He wasn't sure if he should bring it up just yet, but the words flew out of him before he could stop himself, "So, I heard you are friends with Solana Selwyn. Is that true?" He leaned against the crook of the piano, wondering how close the two were.

Ash gave Bram a smile. Most of one. ”I’ve been playing piano for... 10 years and twenty one days, I sure hope I play well. I’ve never been allowed to play drums... But I’ve heard it requires a lot of skill.” She would be quite impressed if he was good. She loved the sound of drums, especially for rock music.

“You can always ask me where stuff is, assuming you can find me. I don’t forget things.” But... um... thinking about it, it might be more convenient to ask someone else. He might stumble upon the place he was looking for before her found her. Sorry. She wasn’t avoiding him, she was just unpredictable and insecure about whether people wanted to be near her.

She hummed the bittersweet tune, looking at ease as she played through some parts to try and figure out the energy of the song. She paused at the next question. “Sol? I think we’re friends. Who told you that?” (Ash hoped it was Sol herself, that would make her feel really good) More importantly, why did he ask? Ash could only think of 20 reasons. Maybe they like other.

The Ravenclaw was very much not pleased with all the emotions he was currently showing, but he'd found lately with so much piled up he was unable to keep it as under the surface as he had in years previous. It was like suitcase filled to the brim with one's belongings, but the moment you opened it and moved one.. there was no zipping it shut once again.

Did that mean he'd figured it out? Well, he supposed that was a clarification to the question he hadn't yet asked. But because the Ravenclaw really only dealt in directs, he was asking it anyways. "That depends. Did the CD meant you liked me?" If so, then yes. He'd figured it. But no, he couldn't offer anything on his own feelings. As it stood now, he did not have romantic feelings for the Hufflepuff. But he didn't have romantic feelings for anyone, and he wasn't entirely uncertain that that was just because there was so much swirling around in him that he didn't have time for that.

"I didn't, but that doesn't still really excuse that it happened." Because even if Jude had told him, wouldn't the outcome of him being hurt have happened the same? Perhaps he wouldn't have talked about his confusion or his embarrassment following the main event, but the love potion HAD happened in the Great Hall and he wouldn't have been able to have hid that. "I don't know why everyone had seemed to think Val and I were an item already, but we established we're just good friends."

SPOILER!!: This precious pea! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelliephone

The Ravenclaw was very much not pleased with all the emotions he was currently showing, but he'd found lately with so much piled up he was unable to keep it as under the surface as he had in years previous. It was like suitcase filled to the brim with one's belongings, but the moment you opened it and moved one.. there was no zipping it shut once again.

Did that mean he'd figured it out? Well, he supposed that was a clarification to the question he hadn't yet asked. But because the Ravenclaw really only dealt in directs, he was asking it anyways. "That depends. Did the CD meant you liked me?" If so, then yes. He'd figured it. But no, he couldn't offer anything on his own feelings. As it stood now, he did not have romantic feelings for the Hufflepuff. But he didn't have romantic feelings for anyone, and he wasn't entirely uncertain that that was just because there was so much swirling around in him that he didn't have time for that.

"I didn't, but that doesn't still really excuse that it happened." Because even if Jude had told him, wouldn't the outcome of him being hurt have happened the same? Perhaps he wouldn't have talked about his confusion or his embarrassment following the main event, but the love potion HAD happened in the Great Hall and he wouldn't have been able to have hid that. "I don't know why everyone had seemed to think Val and I were an item already, but we established we're just good friends."

Maybe Evan forgot that Jude was what Muggles would call an empath. It really was easy for him to look at someone’s face and figure out their emotions, yes, but sometimes it went beyond that. Sometimes it was a vibe, a feeling that he got off from the individual that told him what they were feeling. Evan needn’t go unnecessarily blaming himself for showing emotions.

Did Jude’s face register brief surprise? Because he was surprised. Having already gotten used to the Ravenclaw being oblivious to his feelings, he actually doubted that Evan would even figure it out. Then again, the CD pretty much spelled it all out. The surprise was registered by apprehension. Already Jude knew that his feelings were unreciprocated but what did it mean for their friendship? “Not ‘liked’. Like. And as in more than a friend.” There was no point in denying it now.

The fourth year truly did not blame Evan. He had put up with all the talk about the date and Evan’s confused feelings and what not until he couldn’t really anymore. Everyone had a limit to everything, after all. Jude shrugged. “Because you guys probably look good together. And you guys get along well.” Cue another shrug. “Just like you and I will always be.” There. He had saved Evan from admitting that all he wanted was friendship.

It was what it was.

Solana slowly moved into the music room, staring at the instruments in there like they might bite. Especially the piano.. Her therapist had said it was time for her to start playing again.. She hadn't really played since she had left the Nam's.. Her heart hadn't been in it. Also she felt extremely guilty about the piano they had bought her.. and then the adoption fell through. She hoped they had gotten their money back for that..

If not she would try and pay them back. She had about half of what it was worth saved up right now.

She hadn't even touch the baby grand that was sitting prominently in Chloe and Q's living room. It just felt wrong doing something she enjoyed. But she had been assured that she was allowed to enjoy things.. And shouldn't feel guilty about it. For now, her homework had been to go sit at the piano.

And here she was.. slowly approaching it like it was a pit of venomous vipers. She managed to sit down on the bench and turn and face the keys. A sigh left her mouth as she tried to calm her nerves and her racing heart.

Maya poked her head into the music classroom, hoping to find it empty. She had wanted to learn how to play piano and had borrowed a book from the library on it, which was tucked under her arm. The book was very informational though it was clear that unless you had a piano in front of you and were pressing the keys, you were not going to learn. And not wanting to make a potentially horrible racket to an innocent bystander, Maya wanted to ensure the room was empty.

But it was not.

And the piano was occupied.

By Solana.

The thing was that Maya was making strides in being on good terms with the older girl. And she did not want to appear rude and interrupt. But would it be ruder if she didn't at the very least say hi? Quietly, Maya approached the girl, wondering if Solana intended on playing and if maybe she would be open to teaching her? "Hey Solana," she greeted quietly. Upon closer inspection, Sol actually looked a bit... pale... well paler than usual. "Are you going to play?" she asked, offering the girl a warm smile.

With notebook tucked underneath his right arm, Simon used his left hand to open the door so he could enter the music room. “Don’t mind me, students! Continue on,” he greeted the group before opening his leather notebook up to see where he was at. “Ah yes.. there..”

He was here to investigate. He had been walking through the sixth floor corridor when he saw a couple of damaged and cracked stones so he decided to follow the cracks into this room.

Hmmm.... Now did they lead to a MASSIVE crack? He squinted his blue eyes and began to survey the room. This was all so odd...

Merlin. His eyes were not the same as they had once been.

Old age was cruel.

He probably never would have connected it or thought more on it if it had not been for the CD. Other than the specific words being written on it, it could not have been any clearer what the message was intended. Though... Jude's reaction made it seem like it entering Evan's possession had not been a part of the plan. The Ravenclaw briefly wondered who would have been the culprit then, but he didn't have to wonder long when a certain Gryffindor red head's face popped into his head.

Reagan. Naturally.

The clarification on tense made the Ravenclaw turn a little red in the cheeks, but he was appreciative of how direct the Hufflepuff was being. It was uncomfortable because he couldn't give Jude what he wanted right now, or any indication that he might be able to in the future since he was not in the habit of making false promises. "Like. Right. So that's why you were avoiding me?"

Look good together? Evan wasn't sure how people usually determined that about two people who hung out, but it seemed common so he just accepted that response. "We do get along. But not in a romantic way, it seems. Which is okay, because we both talked about it and agreed." No hard feelings for things not working out, and they'd both been upfront from the get go there was no solid emotions on either side. The last sentence was not missed by him, and while he appreciated Jude giving him an easy out and not having to say anything specific.. he still wanted to grant him the same open sincerity as the Hufflepuff had. "I don't think I'm in a place to like anyone right now. I'm sorry." It was not a promise of future, because he had no idea, and it was nothing about Jude himself. It was probably time to try to figure out how to like himself first, or else his self pity and dislike would just make him unhealthy to be around.

SPOILER!!: Dearest Evan Nam! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelliephone

He probably never would have connected it or thought more on it if it had not been for the CD. Other than the specific words being written on it, it could not have been any clearer what the message was intended. Though... Jude's reaction made it seem like it entering Evan's possession had not been a part of the plan. The Ravenclaw briefly wondered who would have been the culprit then, but he didn't have to wonder long when a certain Gryffindor red head's face popped into his head.

Reagan. Naturally.

The clarification on tense made the Ravenclaw turn a little red in the cheeks, but he was appreciative of how direct the Hufflepuff was being. It was uncomfortable because he couldn't give Jude what he wanted right now, or any indication that he might be able to in the future since he was not in the habit of making false promises. "Like. Right. So that's why you were avoiding me?"

Look good together? Evan wasn't sure how people usually determined that about two people who hung out, but it seemed common so he just accepted that response. "We do get along. But not in a romantic way, it seems. Which is okay, because we both talked about it and agreed." No hard feelings for things not working out, and they'd both been upfront from the get go there was no solid emotions on either side. The last sentence was not missed by him, and while he appreciated Jude giving him an easy out and not having to say anything specific.. he still wanted to grant him the same open sincerity as the Hufflepuff had. "I don't think I'm in a place to like anyone right now. I'm sorry." It was not a promise of future, because he had no idea, and it was nothing about Jude himself. It was probably time to try to figure out how to like himself first, or else his self pity and dislike would just make him unhealthy to be around.

Jude wasn’t sure how he would have felt had he known that Evan figured out practically immediately who had slipped the CD into the stash. Then again, there weren’t many options for the Ravenclaw to bet on. Now that he himself thought of it, he found that he was no longer annoyed with Reagan. Perhaps it had been a blessing that she had done what she had done. At least now everything was in the open.

He looked away as soon as he noticed Evan’s blushing. Jude hadn’t meant to embarrass him. He absently poked at one of the C-Sharp keys so that a brief off-note melody was heard. “Yes,” came his reply. Dare he look up again lest he embarrass Evan further? “It hurt too much to be around you and I didn’t want to be mopey. You know?” Jude sighed and looked up again. “But I miss your company. I miss listening to music and doing homework with you.” And that was a fact that he could no longer deny. "Not sure if you want to hang out with me now... now that you know."

There was a nod from the Hufflepuff. Valentina and Evan didn’t work out, he got that. He also got that there was no place for him being more than a friend in Evan’s life. “I know. It’s okay, Ev. I don't blame you.” It pained him to make that admission but he was also determined not to be a crybaby about it.

His first heartbreak.

Ouch

He watched him play a note on the piano, feeling his face slowly begin to return to it's normal temperature. "I understand." He wanted to apologize again, but he figured at some point that would also get offensive since the Hufflepuff had already stated it was fine. Even if it probably wasn't fine, this wasn't something he could fix immediately. Why would he not want to hang out with him? His head tilted a bit, considering the last statement. Jude's feelings did not make him uncomfortable, it's not as anyone chose their feelings. Evan just didn't want to make things any worse for Jude by unintentionally hurting him more. "I miss hanging out too. And I don't have a problem still being friends. I would like to but... I also don't want you to have to do something that would cause you any type of distress."

At least Evan knew with certainty he would not be dating for awhile, so that shouldn't pose any complications. And even if feelings did develop for someone, he would not pursue until he was more stable. And who knew where Jude would be in his own feelings by then? Or if it would even happen? He'd just be careful not to bring it up. And even if he said he didn't blame him, well Evan almost wished he did because maybe then that would have been easier for the Anders.

SPOILER!!: Evan! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelliephone

He watched him play a note on the piano, feeling his face slowly begin to return to it's normal temperature. "I understand." He wanted to apologize again, but he figured at some point that would also get offensive since the Hufflepuff had already stated it was fine. Even if it probably wasn't fine, this wasn't something he could fix immediately. Why would he not want to hang out with him? His head tilted a bit, considering the last statement. Jude's feelings did not make him uncomfortable, it's not as anyone chose their feelings. Evan just didn't want to make things any worse for Jude by unintentionally hurting him more. "I miss hanging out too. And I don't have a problem still being friends. I would like to but... I also don't want you to have to do something that would cause you any type of distress."

At least Evan knew with certainty he would not be dating for awhile, so that shouldn't pose any complications. And even if feelings did develop for someone, he would not pursue until he was more stable. And who knew where Jude would be in his own feelings by then? Or if it would even happen? He'd just be careful not to bring it up. And even if he said he didn't blame him, well Evan almost wished he did because maybe then that would have been easier for the Anders.

Jude was apprehensive about what Evan would say about them hanging out. He didn’t see much hope in it, honestly, because what was that subsequent friendship going to be like? Would the two of them be awkward with each other? Would they no longer have long conversations about all the random topics? Yes, Jude expected it to all be over. But, hey. At least he had been honest, right? He had tried and lost.

He hadn’t realised that he had been holding his breath until Evan said he missed their hanging out. Not Jude. The hanging out. UGH. This was no time to overthink things, Anders. Jude took a breath before nodding. “I’ll think about it. Just… I think I need some space to process all of this.” The Hufflepuff gestured at them. “I’ll come find you when I’m ready, okay?” The Hufflepuff just wanted to be alone right now with his music. And maybe he wanted to be alone for the next few days too. Fat chance that'll happen when Reagan and Keighley saw him and forced him to tell them what happened. “Here. Hang onto this? Please? It was supposed to be for you whenever I worked up the courage to give you. In a few years time, maybe you’ll get a kick out of it.’’ The CD was held out for Evan to take. Also, it would be a way for Evan to remember that someone had been attracted romantically to him, someone who saw him for HIM and didn’t care about any flaws. "Catch you around, Ev.'' With great effort, Jude turned his back on the Ravenclaw to resume playing the piano.

WHY, WHY, WHY did he have to be an empath? It felt as though his feelings were hurt a million times worse than a non-empath.

Lisa…. Lisa was… a mix of emotions.

Third year should have been simple.Go to classes, do the work, finish homework…But instead her mind had been focused on cute boys and whatnot.

Merlin. Someone help her.