Sealed with a Butterbeer[Kalib]

[kalib]

OOC: “Chess game of teenage flirting”…ahahahahaha… ;D


Kalib absolutely adored the way he could make girls melt with his small kisses. Perhaps it was a bit prideful of him; maybe even ‘wrong,’ but he certainly had no control over his feelings for it. Whether she wanted to admit it or not, Mariella clearly loved it just as much as the next girl. He tried not to dwell on it, but he wanted very badly to do it again…You have a girlfriend, Kalib, grasp that… But clearly she wouldn’t be offended if he kissed her again – maybe he was imagining it, but he almost swore she was asking for him to when she’d looked up to him, smiling…her lips were so delicate…You. Have. A. Girlfriend! And yet…

He hadn’t minded in the least being led though they’d since stopped; he hadn’t minded her flirting or put a stop to it. He’d joined in; she clearly knew there was a game going. By kissing her just now he’d returned his permission. It was an open playing field. If she made any move on him, he would welcome it – he’d just said he would, hadn’t he? Kalib was astounded the information you could draw simply out of body language.

“So, where would you like to go?” Her voice pulled him out of his trance, making him refocus. He hadn’t really gained back much of his focus when Mariella gently slipped her arm out of his and draped a small jacket over her frame. Locking her arm back in place, he couldn’t help but notice that there really was no space between them anymore. She was craftily tucked away against his side, nearly hugging his arm as opposed to holding it. It made him smile, but now it was harder then ever to stand still. He had every right to lather her in small, sweet kisses… Maybe just one- He put an end to that thought, knowing it would be hard to stop himself. Still…

Kalib was very good at what he did, there was no denying him that much. With hesitation, he smoothly wound his arm underneath her jacket to hug her about her waist, his hand now resting alongside her hip. You wouldn’t think it would do much, but it had inched her a little closer. He was helping her stay warm was all, he was still being nice. Kalib was a trained boy – he knew where he could and couldn’t go. He wasn’t out of bounds just yet.

But, he still hadn’t answer. While it couldn’t have been more then a minute, he felt rude for being silent. He couldn’t say he wanted to go in anywhere else, because that was just a lie. They both very well knew they’d left the Three Broomsticks to get away from the crowd and rejoining it seemed silly. That in mind, he answered lightly “Perhaps we could just take a walk?” He knew of a few paths that wound through the forest around Hogsmeade, maybe he could take her along one of those. He’d checked, double-checked, and triple-checked: all of them were still legally places students could travel.

Now having more power over her then Mariella did him, Kalib walked her along with him, loving the way her body fit so gracefully against his. He’d lost track about his girlfriend – today was all about Mariella.

[mariellacovas]

Mariella smiled as she felt his arm makes its way around her hips, her body now even closer to him. She couldn't help but smile happily at the contact of their body's, the warmth that radiated off of the both of them. He did seem hesitant in doing so, but as soon as his hand settled on her hip, it seemed almost natural. "Why thank you..."she said, smiling, another soft purr of her Spanish accent coming out. She was of course thanking him for the additional warmth he had provided. There was more behind that thanks, however. It was appreciation at initiating this game, accepting her offer, being such a wonderful guy. She placed her head lightly on his shoulder, relaxing against him. This is probably what she enjoyed the most about him, being able to relax without him tensing up or being overly perverted. He was extremely intelligent when it came to knowing his women.

"Well that does sound nice..."Mariella said softly, looking up at him. Luckily she was only a few inches shorter than him, able to glance at his face without really having to move. This was nice, she definitely was enjoying this. She got to walk around Hogsmeade with an attractive, smart guy her age and she didn't have to act any differently to try and impress him. Hmph, it was a selfish though but she had actually nabbed someone that she felt met her standards. Now, she had gone on dates with many guys although, with her standards she often didn't pursue many afterwards. Some were pure muscle heads, other were just dorks, she just wanted something that was a happy medium of smarts and brawn. Many of them were taken or had ended up more as friend rather than love interest, so Kalib was obvious relief from the norm.

As he began to lead her along, she smirked slightly as she saw a few of her friends wave, giving a thumbs up before chuckling their way along. It seemed like they approved of Kalib, now didn't they? Mariella looked at Kalib again, head cocking to the side slightly. A question had popped into her head, although she would save that till they were in the forest, alone. For now she would happily move along with him, their body pressed against one another in such a personal way...

[kalib]

The way that her Spanish-oriented words seemed to roll from her tongue kept the warmth that the Butterbeer had started going. It put his mind at ease, like he wasn’t doing anything wrong. That maybe he didn’t have to act like someone he wasn’t but rather comfort himself against her in a mutual friendship… Don’t lie to yourself boy, there’s something more… Kalib wanted greatly to explore this ‘mutual friendship’ but now was not the time. He concentrated on making his legs move; kept her walking along side him. Kalib was surprised he actually had to think about it to do it.

The comfortable silence that engulfed them was alright as they passed through the streets. Once he was certain he spotted someone giving them a thumbs up, and judging by the smile planted on Mariella’s lips, they had to be her friends. His own smile grew just a little bit – at least they accepted her choice. That meant something at the very least. But Kalib was more focused on getting them alone, and after a while they finally branched out on the outskirts of Hogsmeade. Picking the road less travel on, they entered into the cool shade.

The trees weren’t heavily lined and it was an easy spot to get to, the dirt path nice and flat – and occasional lump here and there. But as the noise finally died down, Kalib felt more relaxed. He could feel his body forget the tension of being watched by the “thumbs up” crowd. “I’ve always liked traveling along these,” he spoke casually, finally bringing life to their silent conversation. “It didn’t take me long to figure them out.” They continued their stroll, and now, more then ever, Kalib found if extremely difficult to “be a good boy.” More then once he’d caught himself stealing glances at her. But he felt no guilt, having pushed his negative thoughts aside long ago. Still…

He was letting his male hormones get the better of him. He couldn’t stop watching her. Kalib thought more then once what his lips would feel like against hers and more then once stopped himself from finding out. If she knew what a little twisted mind you had, you stupid boy… And what? Somehow Kalib figured she’d be able to accept that part of him too. She seemed willingly enough to accept every other bit of him.

[mariellacovas]

Mariella couldn't help but press herself against him even if there wasn't much to press against him other than her body. The shade had made it a bit cooler, and she had gotten chillier, his body providing the warmth she needed. Of course, this was her own little ploy, really wanting to press herself against him without seeming to bold. The cooler temperatures provided that wonderfully. She instantly looked up at him as he began to talk again, the sound of his voice dominating all. She slowly nodded her head as she listened to him. She agreed, these roads being much more pleasing to one that liked to go sight seeing, not to mention one who wanted to be alone with someone special. Just like them..."I discovered them in my first year..." she said, a soft bit of laughter in her voice. "I sadly got lost here and was found by Professor McGonagall, in her cat form, crying like a little child...I think it was then my liking for Transfiguration increased."

She had a smile showing that she was reminiscing on her memories, eyes looking out far into the forest and sighing softly. She shook her head slightly, dismissing the thoughts as she looked back up at him. She opened her mouth to speak the words, however, something stopped her. It was her instinct telling her not to speak, not to ruin the moment, to simply live life for it now. She would find out later...Yes, later...She looked up at him, curious of his stares. Yes, even though he didn't catch him, she could feel him looking at her, stealing glances. It was interesting, for she was doing the same thing but hadn't caught him yet. She chuckled softly as she suddenly moved out of his grasp, twirling so she was now facing him and walking slowly backwards.

"I know you're looking at me..."she murmured softly, smirking at him mischievously. "Don't try and deny it either....although, I must tell you that I am having trouble keeping my....eyes off of you." Oh she was tempted to say her hands as well but she couldn't simply admit all of that. She chuckled softly as she turned away from him beginning to walk again. "I cannot lie...I find you....very intriguing, very attractive. But I am curious, what do you think of me, my good fellow?" She was still out of arms reach, walking in front of him and grinning like a cat. Of course, she knew he couldn't see it but in her steps it was almost obvious it was she was extremely content.

[kalib]

The sudden movement surprised Kalib as Mariella planted herself before him. Almost instinctively he wanted to snatch her right back and put her back in her place. His arm felt sadly empty, like something was missing. Or rather, someone was missing. It seemed rather stupid, but when in the company of a girl, and they so willing offer themselves to him, it was hard when there was any separation. He liked to feel wanted, needed, like he was keeping her safe. More so, he loved when the girl would respond the same way. Like she needed him to be right there, otherwise lost without.

But she was talking again, and for a moment he was almost…teasingly mad at her. She was making it very difficult to keep walking as if nothing had happened. She was very clearly toying with him, almost begging him to kiss her. There of course was nothing wrong with this, nothing wrong at all, in fact, he was falling for it despite his best efforts. But if she wanted to be close, why move away at all? Mariella was scarcely out of reaching distance and knew best not to try, not yet. He let her talk, let her finish with her little speech. He couldn’t deny a single word she had spoken, all of it so very true.

Maybe he was looking at her, maybe he was unable to take his eyes off of her and in return, she couldn’t stop staring at him. Maybe he was being a little too conservative in being a well behaved boy. Her opinion on him didn’t help, nor did her opened ended question. But all the while, he couldn’t stop thinking God, she’s gorgeous. Was that so wrong? Asertive was seemingly the best way to handle her now. That and the fact...

Kalib finally seemed to crack. Before she could think about moving another inch away, he snatched her hand firmly and pinned her up against a tree. Now with both hands planted firmly on either side of her shoulders, he spoke directly into her eyes: “I think you know exactly how to drive a boy crazy and I think that you have a right to do so. You clearly know your strengths and have a good head on you. I also believe that I could get in trouble if I tried to threaten any of that. Still, I find you amazingly attractive and think I’ve done quite good for myself.” He was speaking at a mere whisper now, the breath from his words slipping against her lips. “I also think,” he now murmured, “that I have a right to just be a little bit naughty by now.” With one last glance at her deer-in-the-headlights gaze, Kalib kissed her gently and then deeper, “And I think…” He smiled, “I can add that you’re a good kisser.” He pecked her lips again, “I’ve been dying to find out all day.”

[mariellacovas]

Mariella seemed a little disappointed as their was a silence that followed her questions, her steps slowing as she got the urge to curiously look behind her. No, that would mean that she wanted his reaction and she didn't want to simple appear weak. However, that split second that it took her to slow down, it seemed his hand had grabbed her own and now she was pressed against a tree. She was shocked to say the least, her eyes wide as she stared at him, feeling his hand on her shoulders. She barely glanced at them before looking back at him as he started into his speech. Mariella, even if she wanted to(and she didn't), couldn't pull her gaze away from Kalib's dark eyes, a bit calmer now. She blinked, swallowing slowly a small smile coming to her lip as she heard compliment after truthful compliment leave his mouth. She would never deny anything he was saying, no, she would be flattered and enjoy the attention he was bestowing upon her.

And what wonderful attention that was...She could feel his last words caressing her lips gently, his warm breath heating her slightly cold yet still lips a bit more. She again was a tad surprised that he actually was going to kiss her, still shocked as she felt his lips first touch hers. Her eyes slipped close slightly as she kissed him back, just as deeply as he had her, body relaxing. It was almost as if she were literally melting in his hands, his lips, his assertiveness, the way he acted simply pulling her to him in such a glorious way. She couldn't help the soft mewl that left her lips, wanting to feel his lips on hers as she did before. She wasn't satisfied with a simple peck now, he had gotten her stuck on his kiss and she wanted more. However, she knew she would have to initiate that, now wouldn't she?

"Thank you...although...I don't think I've gotten enough analysis yet..." she murmured softly as she moved closer, her lips touching him butterfly lightly in her last words before she pressed her lips against his gently. She wanted him to feel a gentle kiss, Mariella slowly beginning to get a bit deeper. She wasn't analyzing, but he needn't know that. She just wanted to feel his soft lips on hers once again, now she was hooked...Slowly she pulled back, closed eyes opening and looking up at him. It seemed her eyes was again reflecting her emotions, the hazel that reflected her happiness swimming with a bit of red-brown that only reared when she actually felt some romantic feeling towards a person. Smiling slightly, her head cocked to the side. "I think I share that sentiment....you are a positively lovely kisser..."

[kalib]

Analysis… Yeah, whatever. No one took that long to decide anything. Alright, well, maybe some things took a while to mull over, but… Well, he wasn’t complaining. He liked how her lips pressed delicately against his, he liked that she wanted him, he liked that she was moving closer to him, and if her were being perfectly honest with himself, he liked her. Somehow every little thought channeled into their kiss and he groaned when she pulled back from him. He couldn’t help it – why did she have to spoil his fun?

He chuckled somewhat breathlessly against her lips: “You’ve come to the conclusion that I’m a good kisser? You didn’t need to wait if you really wanted to know, you could’ve just asked.” There was a very wicked glint in his eye and he knew he should do better to control himself. Then again, he’d long since then put aside his gentlemen act. If she wanted to get to know him, she had to want to get to know all of him.

Before he could ever quite remember deciding to do so, Kalib leaned back into her, closer and deeper now. His hands had fallen to her hips and one way or another, his lips sunk lower – along her cheek, down her neck. He kissed every inch of her he could get. Kalib, just stop it, you’ll scare the poor girl. Sometimes he didn’t always do the right thing and Kalib knew somewhere in the back of his mind, a shelved thought agreed.

An owl hooted calmly into the air around them, making his eyes filter open. “Thanks,” he muttered, “I can’t tell you how long I’ve held off doing that.” He smiled, just a little bit.

[mariellacovas]

Mariella smirked as she heard the groan when she pulled away, her breath coming out in soft, almost nonexistence pants. She was oh so warm on the inside, he bringing up so many good feelings and emotions in her. Mariella chuckled softly, shaking her head slightly in her happiness. "Well, that was a definite mistake on my part!"she admitted. "I most certainly would've spoken up sooner had I known I could've gotten something that wonderful." She could share that wicked glint, that look of perverseness yet of a passion that only teenagers could exude. It was one of those feeling of lustful care...if that made sense to anyone. It was hard to explain the emotions when it came to teenagers, they were so emotionally complex it was a near impossible feat! Those who tried hoever, wher comended in their efforts...

Mariella was quite surprised as well as she felt his body press into hers, his weight pressing into her body and pinning her even more, if possible, into the tree. His boldness here surprised her immensely, although, she didn't want to complain and definitely didn't want him to stop. It felt too good to her, to feel his lips brush over such sensitive areas that most inexperienced guys simply skipped over. Mariella felt her arms gently press against his chest, not to stop him, but more as if to steady herself from sliding down the tree.Mariella could hear the soft Spanish nothings that left her mouth, sweet words urging him on although she shouldn't. She knew, as he had, that this wasn't the most proper thing to do but she wanted it, to be in his experienced hand and to feel his touch. She didn't care how he learned, for she was the same way, she was experienced in most things that teenagers did. Well...with the exception of one thing...she still maintained her purity.

She was breathing a bit heavier, not panting, as he slowly pulled back, a small smile on her lips as she looked at him. "Well...please don't hold back so much...I'm learning we both get what we want when we just let go..." Her Spanish accent had dominated now, her mind in a haze, her words just on the verge of slipping back into her native tongue. She still was grasped to the real world as she stared up at him in a slight daze. This was much too good to be true.

[kalib]

Something of calm fire seemed to have settled over him. In no way was he ready to let her escape, but if he kept her held against the tree he was likely to do something that might just get him in trouble. Regrettably, Kalib had learned where to draw that thin line between love and lust not so long ago. He still hadn’t owned up to it – not even his own parents knew – and he felt it was a secret he would take to his grave. No one ever needed to know about it. Live in the moment, don’t dwell on the past… He’d been realizing slowly just how true that statement rang in his own life. Kalib didn’t like to focus on the mistakes he’d made; it hurt just a little too much.

Kalib didn’t move though, even as she spoke. He was surprised to note how quiet her words rolled and more so by the fact that if he hadn’t been listening exceptionally hard, he probably wouldn’t have caught it. Something about the way she spoke, her Spanish heritage seeping into her voice. It made that calm fire roar.

Somewhere in the back of his mind, wherever that shelved thought lay, he knew he should back up and give her space. He should kindly retreat his lips from her and hold them back. He should allow her room to at least move if she wanted it. But being so close it’d forced her hands upon him, something he’d only been fantasizing since he’d entered the pub. The edges of his robe draped around her hands, concealing her movements from the rest of the world. What they did was their business and their business alone. But still, Kalib knew… Just take a step back, it’s not that hard…one, two…three! But he hadn’t moved so much as a single inch. Neither forward nor backwards. He was at a standstill, locked in the eyes of his charmer.

“You can’t possibly imagine,” he finally breathed, still watching her closely, “How good that feels.” He slipped his hands upward to her waist, kissing her – what he told himself – would be one last time. But he was becoming accustom to that habit and he needed to break it…but oh how he wished he didn’t need to… “Can’t possibly imagine,” he muttered again, defenseless against her.

[mariellacovas]

Mariella could almost feel his inner turmoil as she was still pinned between his body and the tree, the warmth and the cold swirling together as if to keep her here on Earth. If she was completely, literally, engulfed in his warmth then she knew that she would never be able to control herself. He put her mind in a haze that simply didn't clear with ones own willpower. Not to mention, she didn't want him to move away from her, she wanted him to stay this close, if not closer to her. She enjoyed the feel of his body pressed into hers, keeping her at bay. She would never admit it out loud, but she loved it when a guy was able to control her in such a way, to keep her in line with his gentle and caring actions rather than his crude or idiotic comments or touches.

Her fingers slowly inched her way over his chest, as if to explore it, lavishing in the strong chest that she felt. The warmth that radiated in the almost dome-like area his jacket had created, she enjoyed how muscular her was. She looked up at him , seeing how he wanted to move away but didn't exactly seem to want to. Her eyes still held his glance, knowing that unless she looked away, he wasn't going to be leaving anytime soon. Well, now Mariella knew that she wasn't going to break her lock on him. She felt almost like she needed his body against hers, the warmth and feelings, she didn't want to give that up. Not now at the least...

She smirked slightly at his next words, continuing to look at him. "Well I'm feeling it too, you know?" she asked, smiling as she felt his hands move back up to her waist. Again his lips were on hers, Mariella looking away from him as he kissed her, eyes slipping closed slowly. They opened once again as he stopped, his soft words catching her attention. She understood, or felt she did, perfectly. She knew how good this felt, knew she wanted and craved his lips upon hers. She wanted to feel the joy and pleasure in all they had been doing, still wanting more even as she had just got a bit. "I think I can....no...I know..."

[kalib]

“I know…” Maybe that’s what was making this hard. As best he tried to hide it, even from himself, Kalib’s thoughts had finally broken through the chains he’s so securely locked them in: Do you realize, that after all this, you’re going to have to break her heart? You have a girlfriend Kalib, an amazing girlfriend who would be appalled to find you in such a position with another girl. She’s the only one that deserves this from you. Back up, right now. Give Mariella space, she’s not yours to flaunt over.

He was nearly yelling at himself now as his own thoughts retorted, the side controlling him now: She may not be yours, but she isn’t anyone else’s either. There is no reason why you should feel guilty. You’re perfectly eligible to kiss her, to show her that you care as deeply for her mind as you do body. No guilt, nothing at all. Go for it…guilt free…

He was reeled back slowly, feeling her fingertips roll over his torso. It felt good, it felt very good. And just like that he found himself lathering her again, muttering sweet nothings against her skin between kisses. He was convinced he would kiss every bit she would let him. You’re getting yourself in trouble boy… He nibbled along her ear, he left lingering kisses along neck. Kalib, stop…you need to stop… He kissed her lips. Kalib, you need-to-stop. He was at her neck again…

“You shouldn’t let me do this,” he muttered helplessly though he still hadn’t moved away from her exposed skin, “I’m not good for you. I can hurt you…” But had he moved? No. Kalib was a hopeless case. “But I like you so much…” It had slipped out in his quiet mutters and he felt a twinge of regret. For the first time since setting out today, her name finally broke surface: What would Annette do to you if she knew where you were? But he was still holding her, still kissing her… You have to pick Kalib, you can’t do this to them…

And just like that, he knew, despite his best efforts to become better and not let his bad motive follow him, Kalib was going to break another girls heart. And he had a sinking feeling it wasn’t going to be Mariella’s… My God, what have I gotten myself into…?

[mariellacovas]

Mariella seemed almost confused as she looked up at Kalib, watching his inner turmoil. She could feel it, feel him fighting with something inside him. But what was it, what was plaguing this wonderful guy, how could he look so confused after all of this? Mariella could feel her own self slipping into confusion as she looked at him during the pause, insecurity settling upon her. She felt her grasp tighten on him slightly as he began to move away, still not wanting to let him go.

Although, she need not worry about that too long as she felt him against her again. She lost her breath as she felt his lips all over her skin again, her words slipping into pleased mutterings of Spanish, fingers pressing a bit tighter as if to encourage him. It was when he was at her neck when she felt at her most vulnerable, that being one of her most sensitive spots that were not inappropriate to be exposed in public.

She didn't seem to understand his words as her fingers lightly studied his form as he stopped his movements. She shook her head slowly, denying that he couldn't be good for her. "You seem...much too good to be bad for me..."she muttered softly, looking at him and biting her bottom lip gently. Her hands slowly moved from his chest and slowly one hand had cupped his cheek, lifting it to look at her and she stared him in the eyes. "Only say that...if you mean it..."she murmured softly, not moving any closer to the boy, just looking at him. "Because....I feel...the same way...if not so much stronger..." Her words were just as soft as his had been, almost afraid of what he had said. Why was he so bad for her? What was it that made him so insecure about being with her? "Kalib...?" This was her way of asking, curious of what plagued him, of what seemed to make him look so hurt.

[kalib]

He could feel her faltered, and it was that, more then anything, that finally made him slowly stop his kisses. Her voice was in a rather mixed pain. He was bad for her, she just didn’t know why. And she deserved the right to know, but how…how could he explain to her that he already had a girlfriend? That he had no right to be this close to another girl nor did he have the right to love her so affectionally. From the moment he’d snagged her and pinned her to the tree, he knew… No, he knew from the moment he’d opened that note. He should have said no, he should have placed careful distance between them… But when he looked at how close they were now, the last thing he wanted was to move away.

Mariella deserves to know. Annette deserves to know. After this, you’ll head straight to her…confess… But he knew he wouldn’t. He would go on living the lie and wait cautiously for it to blow up in his face. That’s what he always did. It didn’t even have the guts to stand up to her; how pitiful.

“Mariella,” he whispered nearly silently, “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have… I shouldn’t be…” Kalib was torn in two. You have to tell her. She needs to know. If she really wants to be with you, wouldn’t she be happy you were being honest… Kalib felt disgusted with himself, as often happened at times like these: You’re going to be honest with a girl that you’ve lied to all day? But he didn’t believe that was all true. He hadn’t uttered a single lie to her. In fact, what was hurting her most he hadn’t even told her yet. He hadn’t lied, not yet. He sighed – he wasn’t about to lie to her now.

“I’m so sorry,” he repeated, his tone completely defeated. Almost out of sire impulse, Kalib wound his arms fully around her and hugged her close, burying his face into her hair that lay so gracefully on her shoulder. “Just know I never meant to hurt you,” he muttered before looking her in the eye.

“Mariella”- it was hard, staring down her innocent eyes –“I shouldn’t have let myself fall for you. It’s not your fault; I’ll take all the blame, but…” It was incredibly hard. “Mariella…I…I have a girlfriend…” He couldn’t even phantom what was running through her mind as he told her. “But…I think…” The way he’d kissed her clearly told him so. It’d only ever happened once before. “But I think I like you more.” Such a crushing blow hit him square in the chest he felt almost rotten to be holding her, contaminating her. He was dirty. He should let go. But…he couldn’t.

[mariellacovas]

Mariella's expression faltered, unable to keep her normal mask of sophistication upon her face. His silence, him stopping, the pained expression...everything was leading up to something. She was sure it was going to be a bang with the way he was acting. Not to mention that bang probably was going to be painful, like a gunshot to the poetic and true heart. Mariella tensed as she heard the soft, pained tone, biting her lips as she heard apology after apology leave his lips, staring at him intently. She wanted to know, but...she could tell that this was going to hurt. Well, honest sayings aren't always the easiest to listen to, nor swallow. Her fingertips began to gently stroke his cheek, hoping to relax him, wanting to ease a bit of his pain. Although, by doing something so affectionate, was this ultimately going to hurt him more?

She took in a deep breath as she felt his arms surround her, her body pressed extremely close against hers. She could feel the pain and hear him as he spoke into her shoulder. Oh, how she didn't want him to let her go, to hold onto him and comfort him of this pain. But, he had never meant to hurt her? What did he mean by this, he hadn't done a single thing that would've hurt her today...Mariella's head turned to look at him as she saw him look into her eyes. She could see the pain, the defeat, the sadness that used his eyes as an outlet. 'Just know I never meant to hurt you'. Mariella felt her head nodding as she heard him talk, feeling a bit disconnected as he continued to speak.

She gulped, a serious look having settled on her face as he continued to speak. Although, it felt as if somebody had punched her in the chest, his words slowly running through her head. 'Mariella…I…I have a girlfriend…'. This had been the question plaguing her, how a wonderful guy like him could simply be passed up...Well it seemed that he hadn't...What he said next seemed to let air rush back to her before taking it again. He liked her more? More than his girlfriend? She felt her pride flutter slightly before a small smile settled on her lips, her head nodding slowly. Lifting her arms, she slowly looped them around him, hugging him now.

Mariella knew that she was not the person to sit here and simply cheat with a guy that had a girlfriend. That was not in her code of honor. However, she had absolutely no problem with stealing him away. She would let him choose, his current girlfriend or her...She assumed that she already had his answer by his comment, smiling at him in a nostalgic way. She would let him choose of course...between her and whomever this mystery girl was. She would, however, not go down without a fight. Flirting was fair game in her eyes...she would just have to tempt him away if she hadn't already done so. But for now, she needed to comfort him, for even if she was about to do something cruel, she would feel horrible for simply leaving him in this state.

"It's okay..." she murmured softly, her cheek gently pressed against his chest. "I understand....I mean...everyone does make mistakes...."

[kalib]

I should not be hearing this, I shouldn’t be doing this. How could she look him in the eye and tell him everything was going to be okay? He was being a very bad person just by holding her. But somehow, even in the midst of his confusion, he defended his position: I’m not hurting Mariella, I’m hurting Annette… I’m helping Mariella… If he had been a tearful person, he was sure by now he’d be crying. But Kalib, for as long as he could remember, had not shed a tear since he was three. Still, he couldn’t help the thought coming to him: Mairella’s helping me…

“I know it’s wrong of me,” he muttered, “But I just… You seem to…” He didn’t exactly know what he was getting at. How was he supposed to tell her that he was choosing her over his own girlfriend? There was something completely wrong about that. But he knew it was true; he was never going to be able to go back and face Annette with that same love he’d held for her up until now.

But there were more pressing matters at hand – never mind what he was going to do with that girl, he had to figure out what he was going to do with the one he held right now. Everyone makes mistakes. “I’ve made too many mistakes,” he laughed weakly, shaking his head. But she understood him. That was something he strived for and clearly Mariella offered it.

“Would you believe how long I’ve waited for someone…to tell me everything’s okay?” It was an interesting turn of events. Most of the time it was he doing the smooth talking, the calming. The offer of comfort. He pushed his face back against her shoulder, unbelieving to his luck. He couldn’t believe how he’d landed himself here…but he was glad to be there.


OOC: WOW! Sorry about that! That took FOREVER. Many interuptions. >.>