and then you said (al/eva)

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The winter needed to end already. Eva was getting tired of the cold and the snow, and she wanted nothing more than for it to be spring already so that the warmer months, flowers and even the birds would return to the earth. Even though she didn’t let the cold weather get her down, Eva was much more of a spring and summer chick than she was into the fall and winter months. Soon though, she thought to herself as she slowly made her way out of the castle towards the courtyards. She didn’t have anything to do at the moment since she was in between classes and she had about an hour before she had to be in her next one. Sometimes she enjoyed breaks between classes so that she could just relax and not have to pay attention to anything or force herself to stay interested in whatever the professors were teaching. She loved to learn about magic though, don’t get it wrong, but sometimes she just liked to do nothing when it came to school.

It has been a couple of days since the Valentine's Day and, truth be told, Eva was in a right state about the whole thing. Not only had she inadvertently slept with Jack while she was completely drunk, but she had somehow managed to get into a slight tiff with Zayne afterwards. How had everything gotten so messed up, she asked herself as she stopped in front of one of the stone benches and sat down on it. She felt that that entire night had messed everything up, and she was confused more than ever now. Before that night, she had been trying to decide what she wanted to do about the Jack situation and if she wanted to pursue something beyond what they had once had together, or had ever let on to anyone. Maybe there was more to them than she had allowed so far, but what if there wasn’t? She wasn’t sure if she was ready to find out, or even to see it fail. Zayne hadn’t helped matters either

He had only added to the confusion she was already experiencing prior to that night. After getting drunk together at the dance, they parted ways as they left for the evening. She had told him she was going to take a bath, swearing she was sober enough to do so, which is where she had run into Jack and they shared their impromptu moment together. She had returned to the common room afterwards in a jumbled state of confusion, the alcohol she consumed only making it worse. She had gone to his dorm to lay with him, something that wasn’t completely out of the ordinary for them both as best friends, and she found him even drunker than when they had parted ways earlier. They laughed for a while, and then, as she went to leave for the night, he kissed her. She had kissed him back at first, but then stopped and left hurriedly. She hasn’t spoken to Zayne since, and he hasn’t made any attempts to speak to her either. She’s been lost since.

In truth, Eva needed someone to talk to about all of it, and to give her advice on what she should do. The problem was, she didn’t generally talk about her feelings with anyone, and she didn’t usually like to let people into her problems, or even let on that she had any. She had thought about seeking out her sister Brooke, but she had decided against that almost right after she thought of it, if only because she didn’t want her sister getting involved or try to ‘help her’ in any way. Eva sighed as she sat on the bench, her school bag at her feet as she stared off into nothing. She was pulled from her thoughts when she heard a voice from behind her and she turned around to find Albus standing there. “Hey,” she said softly, a soft smile hitched on her face. She didn’t want him to think there was something wrong, but that was because she wasn’t sure she would be able to tell him if he asked.

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she is wearing her school uniform

It had only been a few days since the Valentines ball, and Albus was just a mess of emotions on the whole subject. It was just that night that he decided to skip the whole dance and he wound up drinking, with Jack and Frankie. After Jack had left things got a bit awkward and as much as Albus wanted to pretend everything was alright, he knew deep down things were complex. Albus wasn't positive the alcohol consumed, had anything to do with the night of confessions and intimate acts, however, he feared it could have been a possibility. There was no way he could know for sure, and once again he felt like Frankie was avoiding him. Albus sighed and ruffled his hair, he wasn't even paying attention in Care of Magical Creatures class. The students wondered the grounds speaking of Bowtruckles. Albus should have never took this class for his sixth year, but he always enjoyed it. Compared to all his other advanced classes, this was one he could relax in, and just take in the charismatic natures of the creatures. Last year would have been his last if he had not intervened.

Soon enough the class was being dismissed and final thoughts were being spoken. Albus rubbed the spine of his book of monsters, and grabbed his wand shrinking the book before placing it in his messenger bag. His next period he would probably spend in the library tutoring younger students. Albus tried always to be productive. The boy walked the grounds, seeing the small buds growing on the trees. It was soon going to be warm again, and he despised the hot weather. Albus did enjoy the beach, he would normally drag Frankie down to the pier, and eventually walk along the shores. The thought was nice, however if his friend kept acting like nothing happened, and distancing himself, Al feared they wouldn't be spending much time together this summer. A soft sigh escaped his lips as he walked toward the court yard. Once on the cobble stones he reached in his bag grabbing his novel. Albus might have just read up on love, because in his mind he was never going to feel it, as determine as he felt at times.

A small clinking sound caused him too look down and his aqua eyes captured his promise ring to Ben. Albus slowly bent down and picked up the small golden ring. He couldn't help to smile at first but it soon faded with memories. His thoughts raced more now then before. He could feel himself coming to a breaking point, as he cleared his throat. The sound of a familiar female voice snapped him from his trance and he shoved the band into his pocket walking over to Eva casually. His cheeks pink, as they always would be, when being close to her. The last time these two interacted it was interesting to say the least. "Hey Eva." Albus said offering a tender smile. Albus looked around before taking a seat beside the girl. "I'm not used to seeing you alone, so early in the day." Albus admitted looking into her brown eyes. Albus had a great judge of character, and he knew when one of his friends had something on their mind. Eva normally was bubbly and cheery. Flirtatious and outgoing, and now she sat in his standings, alone in thought. "Everything alright?" Albus asked softly, placing his hand on her shoulder. Albus wasn't one to pry, and if she trusted him and wanted to speak she would, if not he'd try to cheer her up to the best of his ability. Perhaps casual conversation would be better for now, he didn't want to be too forward. "How's your week been?" Albus asked hoping somewhere they could get a conversation rolling, and with her answers maybe he could piece together an idea of what was going on.

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She smiled and gave a short laugh when Albus told her that he wasn’t used to seeing her all by herself so early in the day. She could agree with that, and could also understand why he would say such a thing. As a social butterfly, Eva was often surrounded by at least one other person, and was having a conversation of some kind with them. The only times Eva was ever really alone was when she was studying or sleeping, and then even during those times she was more than likely with other people. “Yeah, I know,” she told him softly, knowing that he was more than sure something was wrong, “I just didn’t feel like being around anyone today, but, since you’re here, I’ll happily take your company,” she said with a smile. She didn’t want him to think she was trying to tell him to leave.

And then, as if she expected him to, Albus asked if she was okay. She nodded her head slowly, even though she was sure Albus was more than aware she wasn’t being entirely truthful. She hated lying to him, especially when she was sure it was etched into her face for all to see. She didn’t care if people thought there was something wrong, but asking her and expecting her to talk about it were two totally different things. She didn’t really do the emotional discussions, or at least when she is on the talking side and not the listening and advising side. It was just weird for Eva to be in such a situation, and forced to actually think about talking to someone about it. She didn’t like having to do this, but she also knew that this situation was beyond her capacity to handle on her own.

“It’s been all right, I guess,” she told him wearily. He knew something has been bothering her, but anyone that knew her would think that since she hasn’t been her overly bubby self these past few days. She then sighed and leaned closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder as she stared out into nothing. “I’ve got a lot on my mind, Albus, and I have no idea what to do about any of it,” she admitted to him. “Want to hear something really strange?” she asked as she then sat back up straight and turned her head to face him. “I’m having boy trouble. Can you believe me? Me, of all people,” she said in an exasperated tone. She still couldn’t believe it, and she was sure Albus wouldn’t be able to either. “Would you be willing to help me?” she asked with raised eyebrows.

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she is wearing her school uniform

It was odd to see Eva unaccompanied by those she was close to. Even if she wasn't close to someone, she was always striking up some kind of conversation. Perhaps she was just reflecting on something, yet it would be Albus to try and help a friend. The boy could be selfish at times, when it came to his greed for knowledge, or his ambitious side but right now he could try his best to help. As she confirmed she knew she was alone he looked over at her, shifting getting comfortable. A smirk crossed his lips when she accepted his company and he nodded. It felt nice to be an exception to someone, it meant he did something right in life. Albus was unsure where this conversation was going to head. If Eva were alone, and wanting space it could have meant anything. Albus was not one to question the female mind. It was a broad and confusing place for him to impede on.

There was a look in her eyes when he asked was she alright, he could see right through her. Some thing heavy was on the girl's mind. At first he questioned if he wanted to precede in this conversation, just because the silence was loud. Soon he was looking at a fake nod, as if it were something she could hide behind. Albus ruffled his black hair and looked around for a moment. It wasn't like her to lie to his face therefore he figured it was best to let her to speak when she choose to. The weather was actually nice today, and since the night of the ball he hadn't noticed anything positive. The Hufflepuff girl always brought out the smiles in him. It was nice having friends that he felt right around. Albus hadn't spoken to anyone in a few days. He was scared he scare them away with how negative, and rude he had been lately. His breaking point, was no joke and he needed to speak to Frankie. Yet that seemed so far out a grasp. Life was tough for the Slytherin, with everyone walking in and out of his life he felt so down. As if he gave them reason to. Albus let his ears capture the break in silence, and he looked over to Eva, curious of her words.

Alright? Well at least she didn't speak of her week as being tragic of sorts. Albus listened further as she said he had a lot on her mind. What a coincidence. He thought licking his lips. "Well, if there is an issue, I can try to help." He assured, when spoke of not knowing what to do about her thoughts. Albus was pretty smart, he could help with most things if given enough thought to it. Albus was alright with advice, he spoke his suggestions, logically from the heart. Aqua eyes locked with brown as he quirked an eyebrow when she spoke of having boy troubles. Albus couldn't help to smirk, not that he was laughing at her, it was simply her in that type of situation that he found funny. Albus hoped she knew that. In all honesty it sounded like she was in as much disbelief as he was. At her question, if he was willing to help he gulped. "As long as it doesn't involve touching or snogging. Sure, because apparently I scare people away." Albus replied softly sarcastic in tone, he remember the last time he needed help, and her solution to his little problem. Al knew this was not the case but he'd try to make humor out of the seriousness, to dull down the tension. "Yeah, I'll try my best for you." Albus replied offering a smile. In reality he wasn't sure how much advice he could give about boy problems, because he was having his own. Yet for his friend's sake he'd try to understand and make as much sense of what she voiced as her concerns.

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From the smirk that appeared on Albus’ face, Eva could tell that he found it somewhat funny that she was having boy troubles. While the situation was far from funny, even she had to admit that there was a hint of humor to the situation. She knew that if this was happening to someone else who was similar to her in all aspects, she would find it funny as well. It was somewhat ironic really; Eva had never been one for drama or relationship woes, and yet here she was having exactly that right now. It was only a matter of time before she finally succumbed to such things; she would have preferred for it to happen when she was out of Hogwarts though, and a bit older and wiser to handle it. Right now though, she wasn’t so sure she could.

She couldn’t help but laugh at his initial response to her asking if he would be willing to help her. She knew he was only joking, but she had to purse her lips and smack him playfully, and lightly, on the arm. “No, none of that,” she said. “I don’t need help with that stuff, as you already know,,” she said with a wink of her eye, wondering if he’d get a bit uncomfortable by her comment. It had only been a week or two ago that she and Albus had found themselves in an abandoned classroom exploring one another in such a way that would make most people raise a brow or two. She was still surprised that the events of that night had unfolded the way they had. She didn’t look at him any different though, just as she was sure he didn’t look at her any differently.

“Thank you,” she said sweetly to him, leaning closer to him and hugging him lightly before moving back a bit so she could face him. She then sucked in a deep breath and she tried to figure out exactly what she was going to say. “Well, there’s this guy,” she started, wondering if she should say who it was or not, knowing that he knew and was friends with Jack, “but I won’t tell you his name just yet. It’s sort of irrelevant, you know?” she said, though not looking for an actual yes or no answer to that. “Anyway, he and I, well, we had this sort of secret thing last year, which neither of us really intended, and it had all been just for fun, you know?” she said as she tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

This was not going to be easy at all, especially since, the more she thought about it, it made her feel uneasy and sad. “But then he wanted more form me,” she said softly. “He wanted an actual relationship and, well, I wasn’t really ready to give that to him. not that that’s much of a surprise though, right?” she asked Albus rhetorically with a short laugh. “He’s a great guy, don’t get me wrong, but he just wanted something from me I wasn’t fully prepared to give,” she said with a shrug. “And, now, he still wants it, but I am still not sure that I can give him what he wants,” she said as she clasped her hands together on her lap. “And then there is Zayne,” she said in an exasperated tone. “I’ve got no idea what’s happening to me this term. It’s like everything is just falling apart,” she said with a frown.

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she is wearing her school uniform

At least he got a smile with his silly comment. When Eva tapped him on his arm he smirked and listened to her words. If anyone knew that she didn't need help in that way it was him. This caused his cheeks to get warm as he looked away for a moment. The week before the dance they had shared a good moment, one that was new to him and also a learning experience. Albus took it as just that, it would be odd for him to think anything more on the topic. Of course in the future they could look back and laugh at how silly it was, indeed. It was about to get this conversation started, Albus started to become attentive as she started to speak on the subject. Merlin, how the story always went, 'well there's this guy.' "Yeah, I got that part when you mentioned boy troubles." Albus stated sarcastically listening to her speak more. It really didn't matter who the person was, it was more along the lines of this person had a large effect on her emotions. Weather that be good or bad, he just hoped if it were bad he didn't know the person.

As Eva mentioned a secret thing Al narrowed his eyes, he didn't like the sound of this already yet he knew of someone else whom was speaking of a secret relationship, just recently. It couldn't have been the same one, could it? Albus pondered for a moment before deciding to tune in and pay attention once again. When she mentioned just for fun he nodded, "Yeah, I know." He said, he wasn't really that type of person yet he didn't judge her for it. Albus knew how hard it was for her to actually want to commit to someone. A relationship wasn't the easiest thing for some people, he could respect that. Albus waited til he was sixteen for his first relationship, he had to right to judge.

Albus ruffled his hair listening to her continue to speak. It must have been hard for Eva to admitted she was having feelings. As the girl admitted her secret fling wanted more from her he quirked an eyebrow. This story just didn't sound like it was going to have a happy ending. Eva finished her words and he ruffled his hair and decided to address each of his concerns as she stated them. "One you should never have a secret relationship, you should know my opinion on that by now." Albus stated, he had told all his friends about how secret relationships hurt, and you should never sink to that low, after he and Ben broke up. Albus wasn't trying to scold her, it was her choice over all. "Well I'd like to say that if this guy likes you, like you think great of him, he should wait til your ready to settle down. After all your both still young, and it's your choice to be in a relationship." Albus stated not sure if he was making too much sense. "I think this boy should respect your decision, and if he doesn't, he obviously doesn't care for you, if he's willing to pressure til the point it's stressing you out, Sweetie." Albus explained looking into her eyes. It bothered him to see his friend this wound up over romance.

Albus wasn't done just yet. "It sounds like he is selfish, or has someone else if he is rushing you." Albus stated blunt. Overall he knew Eva would appreciate his honesty even if it was a harsh reality. Zayne? "I thought you and Zayne were like best friends? Well I really have no room to talk on the subject of crushing on best friends, but due tell." Albus stated quirking an eyebrow. He hoped Eva would appreciate the fact he was trying to give her advice. Albus started to feel a bit protective of his friend, as he scooted over and put his arm around her, rubbing her arm for comfort.

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Eva noticed that his cheeks turned slightly red from her comment about not needing help in that department. She knew what he was thinking about, but she didn’t see a need to mention it. It was in the past and, as far as she was concerned, it was to be unmentioned from now on, even if it was just the pair of them together. Of course, she might ask him if he’s found any use for the teachings of that night, or if he’s managed to get past the fears he expressed to her, but the actual details of that night were no longer a topic of conversation for either and she saw no need to bring it up now.

She stuck her tongue out at him when he told her he figured there was a guy involved because she had said she was having boy troubles, but she didn’t comment on it and continued on with her brief explanation of what was going on. She was glad that he didn’t press for the name of the guy she was talking about, but only because she wasn’t so sure she’d be able to tell him. Not that she was ashamed or anything, but because she didn’t like talking about her partners and such personal details about her life. She didn’t think they were anyone’s business, unless the person was directly involved with it. Nothing personal to anyone else, of course.

He seemed to understand her when she told him that the thing she had with Jack, though without mentioning his name, was more for fun than anything meant to be serious. She could tell by the look in his eyes that he wasn’t a fan of the secret thing, but he didn’t seem to judge her for it, which she liked. She had then told him about how, after the bit of time she and Jack had together, Jack had wanted more from her and that she wasn’t ready to give what he was asking for. Even Albus knew that Eva wasn’t a relationship girl, though for reasons she never shared with anyone else. she only hoped he had some good advice for her.

He told her that secret relationships were not something to have and she nodded to him. “Oh, I know. I wasn’t exactly a relationship though… at least not to me. I mean, I thought it was just a casual thing, but just something we never openly did or made known to people, you know? It wasn’t like we were dating or anything. And I am sure he was probably with others during that time. We had never discussed being exclusive or anything. Just something no one needed to know,” she explained. “I wouldn’t have been ashamed of him if it was made public, but you know how I am with that sort of stuff. It’s no one’s business unless they’re the one with me,” she said.

She couldn’t help but smile when Albus went on to tell her that he thought the guy, Jack, should respect her decision in terms of being together and that he should wait for her to be ready if he really did care for her. That’s exactly what she thought, but Jack didn’t seem to be on that same page with her, and now Albus, so she wasn’t sure. She nodded slowly when Albus pointed out that Jack couldn’t really care about her if he was pressuring her to make a decision and stressing her out over it. “I mean, I get that he doesn’t like not knowing what to do or where to go next, but you know it’s hard for me,” she said.

She raised her eyebrows when Albus told her that Jack sounded selfish, or that it seemed as if he had someone else he’d want to be with if she denied him again. To an extent, he made sense, and she wasn’t naïve enough to think that she was the only girl in the world to Jack. “Well, I’m quite sure he could have almost any girl he wanted in school, and that there are other girls that would want to be with him,” she said to him. “And there is a part of me that does too, but I’m just not sure I am ready for that, and the last thing I want to do is hurt him or lead him on, you know? That isn’t fair to him, or me, and I couldn’t do that to him or anyone else,” she told Albus.

“We are, but the night of the Valentine's Day dance, well,” she started, but stopped as she thought about how she wanted to explain that one. “Well, we had a couple of drinks at the dance and, well, you know I’m not much of a drinker,” she said to her Slytherin friend. “That night, after we were both in for the evening, I want to visit him in his room. Not for anything like that; he’s my friend. But, well, he kissed me,” she said, casting a sideways glance at Albus. “And I started to kiss him back, but because of the alcohol, and then I realized what I was doing and stopped. I left after that and I haven’t spoken to him since,” she said with a frown.

She knew it sounded awful of her, but it wasn’t like she had thrown herself at Zayne. She had just gone to lay with him, to cuddle, like they often did. She didn’t see a problem with it, though he seemed to think that there was more to it that night. Unless it was just the amount of alcohol that he’d consumed both with and without her that made him do it. Either way, they haven’t talked since that night and it bothered her, though she didn’t know what to say to him now. “Wait, what do you mean you know what it’s like to crush on a best friend?” she asked with an arched eyebrow as she turned to face him. “You mean, you and Frankie…” she started, but trailed off as she waited for some indication from him that she was on the right track.

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she is wearing her school uniform

As the story started to unfold Albus just listened. The boy was good for that, he enjoyed tales of all types of love, even ones that were complex. Albus was always one to analyze the situation and try to see it from both views. There was a second view on every situation, it took two to tango as many said. What she explained didn't really make sense to Albus at first, it just seemed like the casual hook up, but one took it more serious then the other. Eva told no indication of it being dating, but she did make it clear to Albus that she wasn't ashamed of whatever was happening between the two. When two people shared something the feeling of going through needed to be mutual, if she was afraid or insecure about making a final decision she shouldn't be forced to. That wasn't fair, as far as Albus was concerned it seemed someone was going to be let down, no matter the final call. When she mentioned he could have any girl, Albus exhaled knowing how guys were. Those who didn't get results normally moved on the the next thing, and it worried him because Eva was so confused about her emotions. How would she feel if that guy did move on, and would it effect her emotionally? Albus was always one to take proper risks, but he knew he and Eva differed in that. Albus would give people chances to hurt him, in return he hoped that was not the case, but Eva seemed smarter. The girl knew what wanted and that was good.

"This is hard because I do know how you are, and I still stick with what I said before, no one should rush you into things your not ready to commit to. What does he expect you to just say you will and put aside your emotions because of his desires? Seems selfish to me." Albus stated with a shrug of his shoulders. At least they were on the same page, but Albus had never been the type to know much about relationship advice, he hadn't been in many so it was hard. The best thing he could do was allow her to vent to him and try to understand her. That was what being a friend was, looking out and helping those you cared about, even if it was something as simple as listening or sharing a tub of ice cream. "You shouldn't lead him on, you have feelings too, and you should make them known. If your not ready no one can tell you when to be. Don't say your ready when your not Eva." Albus said wanting her to not bite off more then she could chew, so to say. "But if he's with other girls, how are you suppose to know he's not just saying these things to them as well?" Albus asked, seemed like a player to him by what Eva was saying. It was an honest question for her to think on, he didn't need an answer right away.

Ah the Valentine's ball what a night. Albus focused on the next topic of her best friend and he was a little shocked to hear her words. It sounded nice, but he knew the feeling very well. It sounded sort of familiar to him. Albus wasn't sure if Eva and Zayne were as close as he and Frankie, but feeling a kiss was a mistake was something he started to dwell on the night on the Astronomy tower. Why was it so hard to have a thing for your best friend? "Well your beautiful, do you blame him for wanting to snog you?" Albus teased taking her hand leading her over to a nice spot on the grass. The sun shined high in the sky, and he liked being in it, the sun was the best cure for depression. "Well have you tried to talk to him after?" Albus asked quirking an eyebrow. If one didn't make an attempt at taking, then sometimes things would go unsaid. "Do you want to discuss it with him, is more the question?" Albus asked unsure where this was going. The boy just hoped their friendship wasn't fried, like his own with Frankie, or seemed at this point.

The following question caused Albus to look into his lap as he shifted to sit crossed legged. Having a crush on a friend was something he was nervous about. At the mention of Frankie's name he gulped and swallowed hard. Albus could feel his cheeks heat up as he looked up at Eva and nodded confirming her question. "I was drunk off my ass the night of the ball, and Jack, Frankie and I were playing a drinking game. Things were told to me, and he admitting to having a crush on me. I told him, it was okay and I actually felt for him as well." Albus explained ruffling his hair as he got annoyed suddenly. "We did things, like intimate things and now he wont talk to me." Albus said his words fading softly toward the end. It hurt, the avoidance, he didn't understand how Frankie could do this to him. It was breaking him inside, and he just was a mess of emotion. Deep down he wanted to cry, and he looked over to Eva hurt spread across his face. "I can't lose him, I lose everyone you don't get it. I just can't...I care too much for him to lose him like this." Albus said his voice cracking a little as he looked away not wanting to show how upset he was. Albus need to be strong for Eva, but it now seemed they were both having boy problems, in the same topic.