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Post by Chase Connors on Aug 22, 2012 21:01:56 GMT
 School... it seemed so crazy to able to say that he was actually in school. He'd been away for so long now that it didn't feel quite right to just be apparated to the doors and left to dive right back in. The only times he'd ever 'gone back' had been on the Hogwarts Express and then the horseless carriages with everyone else, and then into some sort of feast. It didn't feel right to be coming back when everything was still going as it should and he felt really oddly out of place.
He'd been told that everyone above third year was currently out in Hogsmeade celebrating Easter weekend, and that anyone third year or under was in the Great Hall doing different activities and things in there, so overall the school should be pretty barren.
That, he took as a very good sign, and decided to take the time alone to dump his things back in his room, and then just wander around the building to just get the feel for things again, and just take a bit of time to reflect. He'd left the castle in a bit of a rush and certainly not in the best of circumstances, so it was bringing back memories just being here, and not very good ones. His mother had told him to go back to the places where'd he'd been before he left to 'chase away the ghosts', and while Chase didn't really see the point in doing that, he did it anyway, just for her sake. He didn't see how it would help but why the heck not?
He'd stuck his head in the Hospital Wing for a few minutes and just looked around, then lingered slightly in the corridor outside of it. Sure he hadn't seen the best of moments there before he'd left but they didn't really seem to hold any great significance to him. The only places he thought he should probably go to was the roof and the Great Hall, but since the Hall wasn't an option at this point in time, the roof it was.
He wandered slowly up, taking the longest route he could and just lingering in the extra corridors and things along the way, peering into different unlocked classrooms and opening randoms doors, not really sure why, but doing it anyway.
Before he made it to the roof though, something stopped him. He saw the portrait that led into the entrance of the Gryffindor tower and one thing - one face - flashed into his mind. Emily...
After everything that had happened, he didn't really know how he was supposed to face her right now. He needed to apologize, that much he knew, he just didn't know how to. He'd been a complete jerk towards her when he'd found out the news and he'd constantly shoved her away, and even when Risa had almost succeeded in convincing Emily to go back with them for the funeral and stuff, Chase had gone and barged in and ruined any chances by pretty much just saying 'I don't want her there'.
Well, at that point in time he hadn't, but as the day drew nearer he'd been wishing more and more that he had her with him, though the idea of going to the school and asking her seemed... Well... after what he'd said it didn't seem like such a good idea, and so he'd just faced the day alone, sticking as close to Risa as she'd let him since he wasn't entirely in her good books after what had happened.
Then after the funeral and what he'd overheard being said to his mum, Chase was glad again that she wasn't there, because that new bit of intel just raised far too many questions in his mind, and he hadn't been able to sleep for days after that, just questioning so many things. It just didn't seem right...
Now, Chase was standing outside of the portrait that led into the tower and, while he knew she was more than likely out in the village, he couldn't help but stand there at a distance away and wonder what he'd do and say when he did see her. He wanted to and he'd missed her, but what he'd heard... Urgh! He didn't blame her for it, but he just couldn't push the idea and the possibility from his mind. What did he do about that, anyway? Should he tell her? What would happen?
Chase had no idea how long he stood there, but he was aware of voices from somewhere behind him and they seemed to be heading in his direction. There was a door not far away and he dove behind that, not quite ready to be seen or spoken to quite yet. The voices passed but he still stayed where he was, and just watched from the doorway and Gryffindors made their way into their common room in dribs and drabs. His eyes were glued on looking for that one certain head of blond hair that he knew so well... but what would he do if he saw her?
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Post by Emily Prescott on Aug 23, 2012 0:39:52 GMT
 Emily slowly made her way back towards the castle feeling both lighter from her chat with Liander and heavier at the same time. As much as she'd been thankful to have someone to talk to, to make a new friend, Liander wasn't the one she wanted. She wanted to be able to talk to Chase, she wanted to be able to hold him, tell him she loved him and he wasn't alone, all the things she'd been denied the last two months because of everything going on. These two months had been the longest of her life, the letters to and from Risa where the only thing keeping her from completely melting down, at least she knew he was safe, and Risa. The young girl had become the little sister she always wanted and she wished she could have been there to comfort her.
Though Chase had made his thoughts on the idea of Emily going to the funeral quite clear so she'd had no option but to remain at school and give him what he wanted. To say she'd been hurt by his outright refusal to have her there, or even talk to her over these last two months would have been an understatement, though she was trying to understand, he was hurting. She couldn't begin to imagine what he was going through, and hoped she never did but the more selfish part of her still felt the sting of the hurt, she'd wanted to be able to say goodbye to Rio as well. So on the night of the funeral she'd gotten down beside her bed and prayed for the man, prayed for his peace.
Running a hand through her hair Emily began to make her way towards her common room, taking the familiar route up the changing stairs. Only before she could reach the room, she felt her shoulder knocked into and she stumbled back, landing on her butt with an 'oomph'. Wincing she glanced up in time to see a few sneering Slytherin's, "Watch were your going Mudblood..." said the one who'd knocked into her as she and her friends passed the fallen Gryffindor. Emily narrowed her eyes and watched them go, "At least she's back where she belongs now..." said another, though made sure she called it out loud enough for Emily to hear before they disappeared down a flight of steps.
Shaking her head, Emily grabbed her bag and hurriedly put all her stuff back inside before standing and dusting herself off, wincing slightly, the fall having left a slight twinge in her lower back. One strange thing was how easy she seemed to let their comments slide, perhaps after a while one simply became immune. After all this was how they saw her, as less than them and she was used to it by now and had long since figured out there was no point in fighting it and bringing attention to yourself. Sighing softly Emily made her way to the top of the steps, prepared to speak the password when she paused and let her shoulders slump. Facing her roommates, no matter how great they were was not something she was up to right now. So turning on her heal, Emily began heading back down the steps, unable to shake the unnerving sensation of being watched. Pausing she glanced around to see if she could spot the culprit...
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Post by Chase Connors on Aug 24, 2012 14:12:30 GMT
There she was...
Chase swore that he could feel something inside of him react to the sight of her, and his mouth went dry. He watched as she walked up to the portrait, paused, then turned away again and headed back to the steps. Was there something on her mind?
He watched as she slowed and turned to look around, and he couldn't help a small smile that flickered across his face at the sight of her. He wanted too talk to her but he was one great conflict of emotions right now. Would she even want to talk to him after the way he'd treated her? He couldn't really blame her if she never wanted to speak to him again he'd been such a jerk, but he had to know, didn't he?
He'd obviously stopped here for a reason, so no matter how hard it might be, he needed to at least talk to her. God only knew... it would probably just make things worse if she found out he'd been back a couple of days and hadn't been to speak to her or anything, so he knew he needed to at least let her known he was back, if nothing else.
"Forgotten the password, babe? Try 'wattlebird'." He'd heard enough of the Gryffindors shouting it on their way in over the last twenty or thirty minutes or so that he knew what it was.
Emily... he was actually standing face to face with Emily for the first time in... well... two months. He was a complete jumble of emotions right then and he just didn't know how to feel all of a sudden. He licked his lips and swallowed hard, trying to damped his mouth again so that he could speak to her. Was this really happening right now?
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Post by Emily Prescott on Aug 24, 2012 19:03:49 GMT
"Forgotten the password, babe? Try 'wattlebird'."
Emily had turned, thinking she was imagining sensing someone watching her and had instead prepared to walk away. Though before she had even taken a step down the steps that voice called out to her. That familiar voice that made her heart stutter, her breath to catch and her stomach to become a nervous flutter. Chase. Swallowing the lump in her throat, Emily pulled a face. Her mouth had become considerably drier, but ignoring that she turned towards the voice, part of her terrified she was simply imagining things. She prayed she wasn't, but what were the chances Chase was actually here, back at school.
High apparently, because no sooner had she turned then her eyes found him stood in the doorway to the dueling classroom looking out at her. A tidal wave of emotions crashed through her threatening to buckle her with their ferocity and she placed a hand on the railings to stop her legs from giving out beneath her. He was there. Here. In front of her. Her Chase. He was back. It almost felt like a lifetime had passed since she'd last saw him, last heard his voice and her heart began to ache with how much she had missed him. There were so many things she wanted to say and with a smile she moved to step forwards but paused almost as instantly as she had started.
2 months had passed and they hadn't spoken at all. Not for lack of attempts on her part. Though she understood he'd been in pain she suddenly didn't know what his arrival back at school meant for them. Were they even a couple any more? Looking down at her feet for a moment, Emily quickly gathered her emotions and did her best to compose herself even though every part of her wanted to run into his arms, hold him, tell him she loved him and vow to never let him go again. Though she remained steadfast, and slowly looked back up at him. "Chase...I...Are you...This is a surprise...Risa never said you were...you know, coming back." she said softly, frowning at how much she'd stuttered over that sentence.
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Post by Chase Connors on Sept 17, 2012 18:16:17 GMT
Chase watched as a flurry of emotions flew across Emily's face, racing through almost every kind of emotion imaginable, and it was clear that she was thoroughly confused about what was between them right now, probably about as confused as he was. It tore at him to see that she'd obviously decided against coming closer to him. Had he completely ruined all chances? He'd been such a jerk to her these last few weeks...
"Chase...I...Are you...This is a surprise...Risa never said you were...you know, coming back."
Chase winced and looked down at his feet. Even now, Risa was still annoyed with him over the way he'd been acting towards Emily, but he was just so damned confused about everything right now that he didn't know how to act towards her. He wanted things to be alright, but he didn't know how to make them alright. "Yeah..." He glanced up at her but looked away again quickly, his mouth feeling incredibly dry all of a sudden. "It was sort of short notice."
Damn, why wasn't he better at dealing with situations like this? There were times like this when he felt completely inapt at conversation.
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Post by Emily Prescott on Sept 21, 2012 22:41:42 GMT
Emily chewed down on her bottom lip as she looked at him, her fingers tightening into a fist as she fought the urge to run to him. Last thing she wanted to do was make him uncomfortable. He winced at her words, making her quickly remember poor Risa and her not talking to him, the little girl was too sweet to Emily, though stubborn. The blonde had been trying to convince Risa everything was okay with her and Chase, but the little girl was a lot smarter than most kids her age.
Opening her mouth again to reply to his comment of it being short notice she paused. Sighing softly she shook her head and moved towards him, not saying anything before she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and hugged him. "I missed you..." she said softly, sad to think that they weren't the same anymore, he may not even want to be with her anymore but she couldn't hold back the urge to hold him any longer. It had felt like forever since she'd been this close to him and it made her eyes water. She had missed him more than she ever could have believed.
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Post by Chase Connors on Sept 23, 2012 17:42:05 GMT
There was a silence that just seemed to hang between them for a while, and Chase didn't know what to say to break it. What did this even mean? He knew he'd been an absolute jerk to her but he really, really didn't want to lose her. He loved her, even if he didn't always act like he did.
Thankfully, Chase didn't have to say anything, because it was Emily that made the first move. She crossed the distance between him and wrapped her arms around him, and his arms automatically wrapped around her waist, pulling her close. He could feel his whole body relax as soon as he caught the familiar scent of her hair, and he could feel her heart beating against his own. It'd been far, far too long since he'd been able to hold her close. "I missed you, too." He buried his face against the top of her head and inhaled deeply.
"Em..." He pulled back slightly but didn't loosen his grip on her waist. He had no idea how to tell her just how sorry he was for everything that he'd done. He'd shoved her away on the roof, yelled at her, refused her support... he'd snapped at her in the hall when Risa had been trying to convince her to come with them... he'd ignored her letters... He'd basically been a complete and utter jerk to her, but he just didn't think that saying sorry would be enough to make up for all the things that he'd done. "I love you."
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Post by Emily Prescott on Sept 23, 2012 19:42:01 GMT
Emily smiled softly as Chase's strong, familiar arms wrapped around her waist, and pulled her that much closer to him. Closing her eyes she inhaled and exhaled softly, his familiar scent warming and relaxing her as she buried her face into his shoulder. There was something so right, familiar about being in his embrace and only now was it really hitting home just how much she had missed him. For so long it had been like a part of herself had been missing, but now she was whole, back in the arms of the man she loved so very much. She smiled softly when he admitted that he had missed her as well. He said her name softly, using the nickname she'd come to love so much and had missed. He pulled back ever so slightly, but neither relinquished their hold.
"I love you."
Emily felt everything around her fade away, right now he was all that mattered. He loved her. Sure he'd said it that day on the roof but he'd been drunk, grief striken so she hadn't dared allow herself to believe that what he had said was true. Tears filled her eyes and she leaned forward, pressing her lips against his briefly before pulling back a warm smile on her face, "I love you too Chase...have for a long time now." she said softly, her fingers touching the sides of his face lightly as she pressed her lips to his again. "Do you want to go somewhere? Catch up? Your dorm perhaps..." she suggested, wanting them to be alone and away from prying eyes.
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Post by Chase Connors on Sept 23, 2012 23:11:42 GMT
Well, to be honest he hadn't quite expected to say that, and it certainly wasn't an apology for the way he'd been acting, but at least he'd said it to her without the alcohol. It seemed that the only time either of them had said it had involved alcohol actually, but this time? This time he wanted her to know that he meant it. He wanted her to know that despite everything that had happened, he still loved her and wanted to be with her. Hopefully that would be enough.
Chase couldn't help a grin when Emily said it back to him, and he ran his thumb softly under her eyes, wiping away the tears he saw there. "Same, though I didn't realize it till Christmas." And when he had realized it, it had hit him like a ton of bricks. Looking back, he couldn't help a small chuckle at the memory, followed quickly by a stab of pain as he recalled the conversation he'd had with his dad afterwards.
"Do you want to go somewhere? Catch up? Your dorm perhaps..."
Chase laughed and kissed her again. "Eager much?" He couldn't believe how long he'd been away from her, or just how much he'd missed her. There were things that he hadn't thought about while he'd been away but now that he was back and she was right here in front of him, he couldn't help but think of every single one. He needed her.
"Room of requirements? I don't quite feel ready to face anyone else just yet." He kissed her again and moved, wrapping one arm around her shoulders and he started them towards the stairs. Before they go far he stopped and turned to look at her, reaching for her hands. "We're good... right? Me and you?" He just wanted to hear her say that everything was still okay between them. Sure she'd just said she loved him too, but he still felt like he needed to hear her say it.
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Post by Emily Prescott on Sept 24, 2012 4:01:45 GMT
Emily smiled. Christmas had been when she to had realized just how deep her feelings for Chase went and to think he had realized it then to made her smile. Though no sooner had she been thinking that then she sobered up realizing Christmas had been when Rio was alive, things were different now and not in a good way. Her heart ached for the boy in front of her, for April and Risa, none of this was fair. Her hands lightly rested on his chest, he was here now, Chase that was, back where he belonged. There was no pity there like he had once accused her of feeling, just the desire to help him, to make him feel better.
At his response to her suggestion though she rolled her eyes, but there was no denying the thrill that went through her when he had laughed. She sure had missed that sound. Returning the kiss she shook her head, "Mind out the gutter Connors." she told him playfully, though had to admit her mind was right there with him. Though she would refrain on going back there with him until he was ready. These months wiithout him had been too long and she'd missed sharing that intimacy with him, but she could wait longer if that was what he needed.
"Room of requirements? I don't quite feel ready to face anyone else just yet."
Again she returned the kiss, feeling better than she had in a long time and she nodded her head. "Whatever you want." she told him. Her arm moved to wrap around his back as his own went across her shoulders, eager to keep him close. Now she had him back she didn't want to let go. They headed towards the stairs though before they got too far Chase pulled them to a halt, turning and reaching for her hands. At his words she smiled softly and leaned forward to kiss him lightly, before pulling back and nodding, "We're good. Always. I'm just happy your back, here with me. I was never angry with you Chase. I love you, I'm just happy your home." she said softly, steering clear of saying she understood because there was really no way for her to come close to understanding what he had gone through, what he was still going through.
"Come on." she squeezed his hand lightly and turned towards the stairs. Just in time for them to pass a group of Slytherin's all whispering excitedly. As they passed a word was thrown in the general direction of Chase and Emily but the group didn't stop. Emily held Chase's hand tighter, ignoring the term Mudblood, eager to get to the Room of Requirements. "Back in time for exams..." she said to him, shooting him a bright smile, she herself was excited about the upcoming tests.
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Post by Chase Connors on Sept 24, 2012 20:08:31 GMT
"We're good. Always. I'm just happy your back, here with me. I was never angry with you Chase. I love you, I'm just happy your home."
Relief washed over him and he pulled her close to him again, hugging her tightly before planting a small kiss to her lips, and continuing on down the corridor.
The passed a group of Slytherin's who were muttering, and flinging insults towards Emily. Usually he'd have said something or done something, but right now he really didn't feel up to getting into a fight. He just wanted to stay of the radar for a little while longer, so he settled for a glare, and he tugged Emily closer to him in what he hoped was a comforting gesture, waiting till they were out of ear shot before he spoke again. "They haven't always been that bad, have they?"
"Back in time for exams..."
It was hard to miss her enthusiasm. He had to wonder why the girl wasn't in Ravenclaw! But then, Gryffindor really did suit her best. "Joy, oh joy." He dead panned, and rolled his eyes. Considering how long he'd been out of school and how much he'd missed, he probably had even less change than ever of actually passing.
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Post by Emily Prescott on Sept 24, 2012 23:35:36 GMT
"They haven't always been that bad, have they?"
Emily looked over at Chase, not missing the way he tugged her closer in some kind of comforting gesture. It was sweet, really but unnecessary she thought. Squeezing his hand she nodded her head and smiled a little, "Of course it has. It's always been this bad...they just seem to get a little more vocal the older we get. As far as their concerned I'm disgusting..." she said with a shrug as they reached the corridor. "It's just a word Chase...I survived getting attacked for what I am...name calling doesn't even come close to that, so I can deal." she told him, shooting him a warm smile.
She watched his face as she mentioned exams and saw him roll his eyes which in turn made her smile. Bumping his shoulder with her own she laughed softly. "Come on they won't be that bad...we've still got a couple of weeks...we can study together...could be fun..." she said, shooting him a playful wink as she tugged him towards the Room of Requirements, unable to shake the feeling of happiness now bubbling in her chest, caused simply by him being here.
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Post by Chase Connors on Sept 26, 2012 18:11:03 GMT
Chase frowned. Sure he'd heard the comments before, but he was sure they'd never been said quite so much. Maybe he was just noticing them more after everything that had happened, and some of the things that'd been said.
"Come on they won't be that bad...we've still got a couple of weeks...we can study together...could be fun..."
Chase couldn't help but grin. "I think I'd rather study you right now." He went willingly with her into the room of requirements, letting the door swing shut behind them, then he pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply, enjoying just being with her again, and content just to hold her and kiss her... for now.
He paid absolutely no noticed to the room itself, but when he eventually broke away from the kiss and looked up, he finally noticed where they were standing and raised an eye brow. "My bedroom? Jeeze I've only just left that place!" He shook his head. At least he wasn't in his dorm room though, this at least gave the illusion of privacy.
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Post by Emily Prescott on Sept 28, 2012 22:04:46 GMT
"I think I'd rather study you right now."
Emily rolled her eyes and laughed softly as she pushed open the door to the room of requirements and they walked in. "Well when it comes to studying there'll be no fooling around mister, the exams are important." she said with a nod. Turning as the door shut she had no time to say anything before Chase pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply, and she immediately felt her knees go weak as she clung to his shoulders, holding herself upright and against him. It had been too long since they'd last been together like this and now alone in...wait where were they?
They broke apart from the kiss and she immediately mourned the loss of him with a small pout. Though slightly breathless she took the time to look around and a smile appeared on her face. "I remember the last night in here perfectly." she said with a smile, remembering the sneaking around the Connor's household to spend the night together. He'd done it and come to her room a few nights and she'd snuck into his on the last night. Taking his hand she led him over to the bed, kicked off her shoes and sat down.
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Post by Chase Connors on Sept 29, 2012 14:09:38 GMT
"When it comes to studying there are much more interesting things than books." He had no idea how he was even meant to pass these stupid exams, but he wasn't going to start worrying about it just now. He'd only just gotten back to school.
Kissing Emily and holding her close felt so natural to him. How had he actually managed to go so long without her? ...Why did he ever have doubts?
"I remember the last night in here perfectly."
He remembered it too. Very well. From something that had been said when he was home, it seemed like his parents had both known what was going on as well, they'd just chosen not to say anything about it. Or rather, his dad had told his mum just to keep quiet and let them do what they wanted.
Following Emily over to the bed, Chase quickly followed suit, kicking off his own shoes. But rather than sitting next to her, he place one knee on the bed next to her and pushed her backwards till he was over her. He hovered there for a moment. "Promise me one thing..." He grinned. "Promise you'll write to Risa and tell her that she can stop hating me now, yeah?" He really didn't like being in his little sister's bad books, especially not right now.
With that, Chase crushed his lips over Emily's again, and let his hands travel over her, exploring, remember every inch of her.
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