Keep a safe and respectful distance away from the Willow?

No one needed to remind this Hufflepuff of that. He valued his life too much, even if he wasn’t feeling his best right now. He had come out here despite the cold to hopefully be alone and to write his reply to Kimmie. Jude had found a dying grassy area and was presently laying on his stomach, thoughtfully chewing on the end of his pen. His brain was trying to put all the things he wanted to caution Kimmie about in a coherent paragraph or two. Truthfully, he envied her that she might actually have a shot again with the person she loved. But he was also afraid that she would get hurt again. That sort of pain… the emotional damages it did was dangerous.

The sixth year took note of the fact that there were no butterflies around; the winter weather definitely had something to do with that. Research had told him that butterflies hibernate during the winter. He sort of missed them because he had grown attached to their presence ever since he had figured they were attracted to him for some weird reason. Anyway. The winter affected them, not him as the Puff was dressed for the weather. Plus his clothing was armed with a simple Heating Charm for extra measure.

The joys of magic.

While the necessity for exercise was far less than it used to be, thanks to his woolly problem, the stir craziness of being trapped indoors during winter months was already getting to him - so the Ravenclaw found himself bundled and out among the grounds for a stroll. He'd tried to get his cat to come too, thinking exercise was good for her - but Pads was far more contented to embrace the fat cat part of life when winter rolled around and currently remained curled upon his bed, he was sure. That or she'd gone in search for one of the people she'd identified as affectionate who would allow her to cuddle and get pets.

Spotting a figure over by the Willow, it didn't take long to for recognition to settle before his feet were taking him out towards Jude - reaching the puff and settling onto the ground next to him. "Good to see you're not being dumped with snow by the Willow." THAT had certainly been an interesting experience. Nodding at the parchment, Ev asked, "Out here to write to Davet?"

SPOILER!!: Hi, Evan! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelliephone

While the necessity for exercise was far less than it used to be, thanks to his woolly problem, the stir craziness of being trapped indoors during winter months was already getting to him - so the Ravenclaw found himself bundled and out among the grounds for a stroll. He'd tried to get his cat to come too, thinking exercise was good for her - but Pads was far more contented to embrace the fat cat part of life when winter rolled around and currently remained curled upon his bed, he was sure. That or she'd gone in search for one of the people she'd identified as affectionate who would allow her to cuddle and get pets.

Spotting a figure over by the Willow, it didn't take long to for recognition to settle before his feet were taking him out towards Jude - reaching the puff and settling onto the ground next to him. "Good to see you're not being dumped with snow by the Willow." THAT had certainly been an interesting experience. Nodding at the parchment, Ev asked, "Out here to write to Davet?"

Jude had FINALLY been able to put his words together and had managed to get them on the parchment. He hoped he was making sense, and that Kimmie would understand how concerned he was for her. And how reckless she was being. If he didn’t know better, he would have thought her a Gryffindor. Then again, Hufflepuffs were reckless when it came to their hearts. He knew if there was a remote chance that Evan decided to take a chance with him… “Never gonna happen, buddy.” With those resigned words muttered to himself, he went back to writing.

The sixth year was so focused on getting his words to appear that he completely forgot about his surroundings. Heck, he hadn’t even realise that someone was beside him until they spoke. His head jerked in Evan’s direction, ridiculously wondering if he had been thinking about the Ravenclaw so much that he had managed to materialise him. “Oh, um…” Jude’s mind went back to the time when they had endured the antics of the Willow one winter. “I hope this is a safe enough distance.” On another day, he would have been laughing at the memory but there was a lot on his mind, with one topic in particular bugging him. “No. A friend I made at the wedding over the summer.” Not being talkative and bubbly were apparently on today’s agenda.

Jude certainly did not seem to be in the best of spirits, and Evan wondered if maybe he actually should have left the other boy alone - or at least inquired if company was alright. But... he'd already sat now and he figured he'd give it a few minutes, see if there was anything Jude needed or wanted to talk about, before he took his leave if that's what was desired by the Hufflepuff. Glancing back towards the Willow which... seemed at present to not be a threat, he gave a shrug of his shoulders. "I don't see any protesting yet. So.. you're probably okay." Or the tree was biding it's time. He wasn't quite sure how that worked.

A friend from the wedding? Evan's eyebrow rose as he looked at the parchment quizzically, but not too closely considering the contents were none of his business. "Chin-hae and Mycelia's wedding?" He hadn't noticed Jude had gotten particularly close with anyone while they'd been there, and he briefly wondered if it had been one of his extended family members or who the Hufflepuff had connected to.

SPOILER!!: Evan! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelliephone

Jude certainly did not seem to be in the best of spirits, and Evan wondered if maybe he actually should have left the other boy alone - or at least inquired if company was alright. But... he'd already sat now and he figured he'd give it a few minutes, see if there was anything Jude needed or wanted to talk about, before he took his leave if that's what was desired by the Hufflepuff. Glancing back towards the Willow which... seemed at present to not be a threat, he gave a shrug of his shoulders. "I don't see any protesting yet. So.. you're probably okay." Or the tree was biding it's time. He wasn't quite sure how that worked.

A friend from the wedding? Evan's eyebrow rose as he looked at the parchment quizzically, but not too closely considering the contents were none of his business. "Chin-hae and Mycelia's wedding?" He hadn't noticed Jude had gotten particularly close with anyone while they'd been there, and he briefly wondered if it had been one of his extended family members or who the Hufflepuff had connected to.

Evan’s company was always welcome; it was something he never had to question. There were literally a handful of people that Jude would want around when he wasn’t at his best and Evan happened to be one of them. The Hufflepuff looked towards the Willow thoughtfully, reminiscing about the time the tree had attacked with snow. It was quite the fun experience he realised now that he was reflecting. Of course he hadn’t thought that it had been at the time. “You’re my lookout,’’ he told the Ravenclaw but not looking at him. How could he when Jude at that moment was doing another round of his overthinking. “To ensure that the Willow doesn’t try to start a snowball fight with me.”

Jude frowned at his letter, missing Evan’s eyebrow action completely. Should he let Kimmie know how he was feeling or what he was overthinking about? No. The answer came almost immediately. Kimmie was dealing with her own issues and didn’t need to be burdened with his. “Mhmm. Kimmie.’’ The sixth year fell silent, scribbling away and purposely referring to his new friend as a ‘reckless Gryffindor’. He needed to get his point across, that she was potentially setting herself up in a trap for another heartbreak. He finished off the letter, signed it with his name and added a PS for Kimmie to say hi to her girls for him. Then he folded it up and tucked it away in his coat pocket. “What are you doing out here anyway? Don’t tell me you just had another alpaca adventure.” It was a lame attempt to tease Evan; Jude’s heart just wasn’t in it. Still not looking at the other boy, he flopped over on his back, staring up at the sky.

At Jude's words, Evan glanced back at the tree - at least glad to see no impending snow storms before back towards the Hufflepuff. He certainly seemed solemn today and Ev was trying to decide how much he should push. He was not being pushed away so... for the moment he supposed he'd stay as company. Grabbing a leaf nearby, he absent mindedly pulled it apart in his hands.

Evan blinked in surprise at the answer. It was a name he knew nothing of... except for the fact that his sisters seemed to be smitten with her. Even with her and Noah having separated ages ago, they all still seemed to be in contact. It was strange, if you asked him. And he'd certainly never noticed anything particularly extra ordinary about her. But he'd do them all the service of not saying any of that out loud - maybe they all just saw something Evan didn't. "Ah, I see. It was one of her daughters you'd been holding then?" The question of what brought him was responded with a slight shrug, still tearing apart the poor leaf. "Exercise, really. You'd think I'd get enough as an alpaca but.. it feels nice to do it as a human instead." The ravenclaw glanced over again, pushing off the shreds of leaf from his lap. "Everything alright?"

SPOILER!!: Evan! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelliephone

At Jude's words, Evan glanced back at the tree - at least glad to see no impending snow storms before back towards the Hufflepuff. He certainly seemed solemn today and Ev was trying to decide how much he should push. He was not being pushed away so... for the moment he supposed he'd stay as company. Grabbing a leaf nearby, he absent mindedly pulled it apart in his hands.

Evan blinked in surprise at the answer. It was a name he knew nothing of... except for the fact that his sisters seemed to be smitten with her. Even with her and Noah having separated ages ago, they all still seemed to be in contact. It was strange, if you asked him. And he'd certainly never noticed anything particularly extra ordinary about her. But he'd do them all the service of not saying any of that out loud - maybe they all just saw something Evan didn't. "Ah, I see. It was one of her daughters you'd been holding then?" The question of what brought him was responded with a slight shrug, still tearing apart the poor leaf. "Exercise, really. You'd think I'd get enough as an alpaca but.. it feels nice to do it as a human instead." The ravenclaw glanced over again, pushing off the shreds of leaf from his lap. "Everything alright?"

Jude appreciated that Evan was being considerate towards his feelings and mood, but truly he didn’t mind Evan’s company. It was just one of those days where he didn’t feel quite bouncy. Evan was one of the few persons that he could be this way with and not feel uncomfortable and that his mellow mood was being a burden; even if the cause of said mood was Jude thinking of a scenario that involved his best friend. Pushing the Ravenclaw was something he didn’t intend on doing; it was only that one time he had done it - when he had needed space to clear his head because things had gone beyond overwhelming for him.

To him, Kimmie was one of the most wonderful persons he had ever met. She was so much like him and she was SO knowledgeable. He liked her A LOT. Jude froze - both in thoughts and in actuality. Evan had seen him holding Wynter {that wasn’t bad} but it also meant that he could have seen when Jude had been crying {that was bad}. Jude knew that Kimmie had tried her best to shield him but still… “Yep, that was Wynter. Such a cutie. I’m already in love with her.” Him and his weakness for kids. The younger boy forced a laugh. “Please don’t burst into an alpaca. I’d rather have you as a human right now and also, I haven’t got any carrots, apples or homework with me.”

Jude was aware of Evan’s every move despite the fact that his gaze was still glued to the sky. It took him a while to answer the question because he was busy debating whether he should burden Evan with things that weren’t his fault. But wouldn’t it be better if he just said everything that was bothering him? He sighed softly but didn’t look anywhere else. “It’s been bothering me… since… maybe, I think it was since September. I’m not going to get to see you for a whole lot after you graduate this year and well… I’m just worried that you’ll find someone else who you’ll like better. Someone who’ll be a way better best friend than I am.” 'Someone who doesn't make you feel weird because they're in love with you', he added silently. All of this was said in a rather dull tone. Jude also felt foolish saying everything out loud. Merlin, Evan must think he was stupid. “I can’t lose you again. Losing you in one way… you saw what that did to me.”

Jude need not worry, Evan had only glanced over to make sure his friend was okay when he'd realized how much of his time his cousins had been monopolize. Understandable, given the event and the fact Chinhae had asked them all to attend him, but he'd still tried to be conscious of it so Jude wouldn't get bored. Not that it was easy to be particularly bored around his family, or Mycelia's he'd soon found. Wynter. He'd had to think for a moment which one that was, before giving a small nod. "Her kids did seem pretty cute." He was hesitant to say much more about them though. Evan was... not much of a baby person. Younger kids, sure, but babies he had no idea what to do with. He snorted softly at the request to stay human, giving a small shrug. "I will if I can." Oh how nice it would be if he was able to control that. "You have a jumper. My alpaca side is not very discerning regarding food." One of his own school robes could attest to that.

It was quiet for a moment while it seemed like Jude was deciding how much he wanted to say; if anything. And Evan respected the silence for as long as it was needed, giving him ample time to decide what he wanted to say. The admission was... a surprise, because Evan hadn't expected him to be concerned about that. Evan had other friends, certainly, but outside of perhaps Ash and summers playing soccer with Blake, Jude was the only one who got a large portion of his time. But... that would change, just for the next year until they were both graduated. He paused while considering how to answer, before turning to look at the Hufflepuff. "Our friendship has already survived a lot of different hurdles. You're my best friend, and while there are always room for other friends in both of our lives, that doesn't mean it's ever going to change my regard for you. I'll miss you next year. But we'll keep in touch. And even if we both are spending time with different people, our friendship will also last and stay important." Wasn't that a lesson that Jude himself had taught Evan only a few years prior?

SPOILER!!: Evan! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelliephone

Jude need not worry, Evan had only glanced over to make sure his friend was okay when he'd realized how much of his time his cousins had been monopolize. Understandable, given the event and the fact Chinhae had asked them all to attend him, but he'd still tried to be conscious of it so Jude wouldn't get bored. Not that it was easy to be particularly bored around his family, or Mycelia's he'd soon found. Wynter. He'd had to think for a moment which one that was, before giving a small nod. "Her kids did seem pretty cute." He was hesitant to say much more about them though. Evan was... not much of a baby person. Younger kids, sure, but babies he had no idea what to do with. He snorted softly at the request to stay human, giving a small shrug. "I will if I can." Oh how nice it would be if he was able to control that. "You have a jumper. My alpaca side is not very discerning regarding food." One of his own school robes could attest to that.

It was quiet for a moment while it seemed like Jude was deciding how much he wanted to say; if anything. And Evan respected the silence for as long as it was needed, giving him ample time to decide what he wanted to say. The admission was... a surprise, because Evan hadn't expected him to be concerned about that. Evan had other friends, certainly, but outside of perhaps Ash and summers playing soccer with Blake, Jude was the only one who got a large portion of his time. But... that would change, just for the next year until they were both graduated. He paused while considering how to answer, before turning to look at the Hufflepuff. "Our friendship has already survived a lot of different hurdles. You're my best friend, and while there are always room for other friends in both of our lives, that doesn't mean it's ever going to change my regard for you. I'll miss you next year. But we'll keep in touch. And even if we both are spending time with different people, our friendship will also last and stay important." Wasn't that a lesson that Jude himself had taught Evan only a few years prior?

Jude, in fact, had not gotten bored at all at that wedding. The same could be said clearly about the entire trip. He had enjoyed every moment and would always be grateful that Evan had asked him along. “They are. All kids are, if you think of it.” A very good thing for him to say given the fact that someday he’d have an entire Quidditch team. Well, Evan needn’t worry if he spontaneously combusted into an alpaca; Jude’d be there to take care of him. Chuckling softly, the Hufflepuff quipped, “Fabric, paper and all that jazz are not good for your stomach, my sweet-loving friend.” It was why Jude purposely carried carrots and apples with him: he was worried about Evan consuming the other stuff he had just mentioned.

That was exactly Jude’s point: them being in each other’s company would change drastically in the next year. Who knew if Evan would find that he liked being Jude-free in that time? Indeed a lot can happen in about 365 days. The sixth year didn’t expect Evan to have an answer to his dilemma or even words of comfort but it felt better to have his worry out in the open. In a way, it reminded him of Reagan and the dread she felt when Koen was about to be married and in turn have more time away from his other three siblings. He almost laughed at the sheer coincidence of his and Rea’s insecurities. Almost. Jude finally looked around at Evan upon hearing him speak again. He was silent again, processing the words. Honestly, he was surprised that he hadn’t started to tear up, being the empath that he was. He supposed it was because he felt so worried and hollow at the moment, not a single tear would form.

Evan would miss him? That… that was a surprise to hear him say but only because Jude was still getting used to the new Evan, the one that talked more about his feelings. In any case, Jude would miss him too. And all the studying they did. Not to mention their other hangouts. “I don’t doubt all that you just said.” Especially since Evan sounded so confident. “I know I’m being stupid by thinking like this.” Jude forced another laugh. “I’m sorry for putting this on you. I think I’m worried because you’re so important to me.” Then something else occurred to him. “If I feel like this in the future… is it okay if I tell you? Do you think I’d annoy you if I did?’’

Were kids all cute? Evan hadn't ever really thought that much on it, figuring kids wouldn't generally like him anyways. Kids, babies in particularly, seemed drawn to big personalities - or at least big expressions. That wasn't him, so he generally left the fawning in circumstances where applicable to his sisters or older brother. Jude's thoughtfulness for snacks for the animal version of him was very appreciated, as even the mention of things not being good for him had him wincing slightly. He hadn't wanted to worry anyone so he tried to be pretty discreet about his trips to the hospital wing for something for the constant dull pain in his abdomen. "All the sweets probably aren't very good for my stomach either when you think about it." His stash was looking rather large without the constant raiding he usually did.

"i wouldn't say you're being stupid by feeling something." And Jude's concern that he could be was what was most worrying to Evan, his own brow furrowed a bit. "And you don't need to apologize. For as many times as I've leaned on you, it's okay to need to talk sometimes too about things that are bothering you." And why in the world would he think he'd be annoying if he did so? "Did I annoy you when I talked?" It wasn't a real question, not something that he was concerned about because he knew Jude hadn't been annoyed. He was merely pointing out that it would be the same for him. Not an annoyance.

SPOILER!!: Evan! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelliephone

Were kids all cute? Evan hadn't ever really thought that much on it, figuring kids wouldn't generally like him anyways. Kids, babies in particularly, seemed drawn to big personalities - or at least big expressions. That wasn't him, so he generally left the fawning in circumstances where applicable to his sisters or older brother. Jude's thoughtfulness for snacks for the animal version of him was very appreciated, as even the mention of things not being good for him had him wincing slightly. He hadn't wanted to worry anyone so he tried to be pretty discreet about his trips to the hospital wing for something for the constant dull pain in his abdomen. "All the sweets probably aren't very good for my stomach either when you think about it." His stash was looking rather large without the constant raiding he usually did.

"i wouldn't say you're being stupid by feeling something." And Jude's concern that he could be was what was most worrying to Evan, his own brow furrowed a bit. "And you don't need to apologize. For as many times as I've leaned on you, it's okay to need to talk sometimes too about things that are bothering you." And why in the world would he think he'd be annoying if he did so? "Did I annoy you when I talked?" It wasn't a real question, not something that he was concerned about because he knew Jude hadn't been annoyed. He was merely pointing out that it would be the same for him. Not an annoyance.

Psssh.

Kids would not like Evan? Excuse me but has Evan really met himself? Anyone who did not like him was so silly. Big, colorful personality or not, Jude thought the world of Evan and so he couldn’t see any reason why someone else wouldn’t like his best friend. See? Jude was right in being concerned for Evan and his stomach. “Nah, I think anything negative about sweets, you’re immune to them. Your body probably doesn't know
how to function without sweets.” There was a slight chuckle from him.

Jude DID feel like he was being stupid and that he needed to apologise for that along with everything else he had put Evan and their friendship through. Gosh, he was on the verge of having a proper full-on meltdown. For some reason, he got hooked on Evan’s words about him leaning on Jude. Is was just possible that was a part of the reason he felt stupid; Jude was accustomed to being leant on and not the other way around in this friendship. It felt that he was bothering Evan even though when the roles were reversed, it hadn’t been the case. Funny how one’s mind plays tricks. The sixth year knew there wasn’t a need to answer the question but he did so anyway: “As if you can ever be a bother.” There was a soft sigh from him. “I understand what you’re saying though and honestly, I feel a bit better talking to you about it.” Jude smiled. “So thank you.”

Evan HAD met himself, which was what fueled his belief he would not be particularly popular. It wasn't something that bothered him though. Everyone had their strengths and weaknesses. And whenever his siblings... had kids, then he'd probably just slip into the silent roll of the not so fun but responsible and secretly protective Uncle. And let his sisters and his brother be the fun family members. He laughed at the accusation, nodding a bit in agreement. "You might have a point." Even with upset stomach and all, he still had at least one a day. He was clear a glutton for punishment.

Or just a glutton.

Everyone always said 'you are your own worst critic', but what Evan believed more than that that didn't get said... was your own brain was the largest hypocrite. Things that people did that one might not even blink at, could be such a source of pain and unrest of yourself. Weird how that happened, wasn't it? He was just glad though that pointing it out seemed to have worked at least for Jude, and he smiled a bit at the Hufflepuff being so... Hufflepuff and still having to slip in he wasn't a bother. He rolled his eyes playfully. "I know you don't think so." He couldn't help but respond. "I'm just glad I could help make you feel a little better."

Ruby strutted down the path and to the Whomping Willow. Curiosity and boredom pushing her forward. Her winter cloak peaked out from under a knitted purple cloak that had some green square buttons fastening it in the front. She looked like an eggplant with legs.

It was her first time visiting such a tree since starting here at Hogwarts. Her older relatives warned her to not get to close. Her mouth hung open as she took in the sight. From the Castle, it looked much smaller. She noticed others resting at a distance. A pair of older year boys. She cocked her head to the side and gave it a thought. She wondered if they knew something about this tree. She was always poking into others business and collecting information about people and things. Her family nicknamed her 'Nebby Ruby'. But how else is a girl to learn about life without asking questions and stuff?

Being the bold girl she was she made her way towards them. Her smile showed all her teeth and the aura of a Politician seeking Election wafted from her. As she approached closer she starting waving. "Hi Guys! I'm Ruby, have you ever heard of anyone getting whacked by this thing?"

SPOILER!!: You two!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelliephone

Evan HAD met himself, which was what fueled his belief he would not be particularly popular. It wasn't something that bothered him though. Everyone had their strengths and weaknesses. And whenever his siblings... had kids, then he'd probably just slip into the silent roll of the not so fun but responsible and secretly protective Uncle. And let his sisters and his brother be the fun family members. He laughed at the accusation, nodding a bit in agreement. "You might have a point." Even with upset stomach and all, he still had at least one a day. He was clear a glutton for punishment.

Or just a glutton.

Everyone always said 'you are your own worst critic', but what Evan believed more than that that didn't get said... was your own brain was the largest hypocrite. Things that people did that one might not even blink at, could be such a source of pain and unrest of yourself. Weird how that happened, wasn't it? He was just glad though that pointing it out seemed to have worked at least for Jude, and he smiled a bit at the Hufflepuff being so... Hufflepuff and still having to slip in he wasn't a bother. He rolled his eyes playfully. "I know you don't think so." He couldn't help but respond. "I'm just glad I could help make you feel a little better."

Quote:

Originally Posted by GanymedeCraft17

Ruby strutted down the path and to the Whomping Willow. Curiosity and boredom pushing her forward. Her winter cloak peaked out from under a knitted purple cloak that had some green square buttons fastening it in the front. She looked like an eggplant with legs.

It was her first time visiting such a tree since starting here at Hogwarts. Her older relatives warned her to not get to close. Her mouth hung open as she took in the sight. From the Castle, it looked much smaller. She noticed others resting at a distance. A pair of older year boys. She cocked her head to the side and gave it a thought. She wondered if they knew something about this tree. She was always poking into others business and collecting information about people and things. Her family nicknamed her 'Nebby Ruby'. But how else is a girl to learn about life without asking questions and stuff?

Being the bold girl she was she made her way towards them. Her smile showed all her teeth and the aura of a Politician seeking Election wafted from her. As she approached closer she starting waving. "Hi Guys! I'm Ruby, have you ever heard of anyone getting whacked by this thing?"

Someday… someday Evan was going to see that he was not going to be some boring uncle. It once again came down to the fact that Evan didn’t see himself the way Jude saw him. Honestly, of Jude thought that the Ravenclaw was a bore, then he wouldn’t even be hanging out with him so often. And that crush? The crush would have long evaporated. Whatever their differences were, the two guys went well together, even when one happened to be in the form of an alpaca. Jude was quite tempted to ask what grass tasted like but he was too caught up in his own feelings to put the energy in voicing the question.

It was good that he and Evan could talk about this sort of thing. It really did remind Jude in that moment that their friendship had survived. He gave a slight chuckle at the comment and eyeroll. “You know me well, Evan Nam.” The Hufflepuff’s gaze returned to the sky. “It’s a bad thing being stuck in your own thoughts like that and I think… I think I know a part of the reason I keep thinking like this -”

Cue his words being cut short. The sixth year tilted his head in Ruby’s direction. Being in the mellow and anxious mood that he was, he wasn’t exactly pleased about being interrupted, especially since he was trying to talk to Evan about it. “Ron Weasley and Harry Potter,’’ was all he replied.