Playing with Fire (Annette & Mariella)

[kalib]

Of course Kalib had had that small shred of doubt; that his words would go to waste and he’d be left with nothing. But quite suddenly Annette appeared before him and it could not be clearer that he was thee most hated boy in the entire universe. All at once he was having such mixed feelings run through him and left him quite unmoving. Get up! Hold her! Make her understand! But that seemed the stupidest thing he could ever do right now, according to the other side of this mind, How big of an idiot are you? Get up and go away! She doesn’t want to talk to you! Leave her alone! Kalib had no idea what his face was giving away – everything, nothing; it made no difference. He just sat there, limp within his own body.

He had thought he had wanted to hear her voice, but Kalib had been very wrong – it seemed he could do nothing right about Annette anymore. Her sobs and pain echoed in every lashing word she jabbed at him, making a million plus responses fly to his mind. But he kept quite, biting his lip the entire time. If interrupted, he’d just dig himself a further hole. Maybe he did keep silent and listen to what she had to say, but Kalib had no control of the anger itching into his face – so that’s what he thought he’d done, hmm? Annette was no longer in his opinion “sexy enough” to go out with… Mariella’s “Slytherin charm” had won him over and it had been all he could do not to through her into a bed and prove it, hmm? That he just forgot his girlfriend while doing all this? He wouldn’t deny Mariella had let him kiss her more passionately then Annette ever would, and perhaps it was his anger speaking, but he couldn’t help in retorting to himself So maybe I like letting people know I care – but you wouldn’t let me do that, would you Annette? Almost everything she was saying, he had a nasty reply – his Slytherin colors were coming out.

Annette sprung up suddenly, making his steady angered eyes nearly flare with that little fire in him as she loomed over him. How dare she try and size him up! Kalib could take her any day. In sheer physical force, he’d have her pinned in no time – using magic, he knew some Dark spells Annette’s innocent little mind would never even dare think about. He let her talk, remaining still, let her finish. But the moment she seemed out of words, Kalib pulled himself up and got within an inch of her. Their height difference was paying off now, his glare boring into her, his own fists clenched, one ready with his wand.

“You think I just ‘found someone better’, do you?” Kalib growled through a tightened jaw. He couldn’t remember ever being so mad – he’d never had this much trouble with a girl before. Not even- don’t go there. His anger was focused on Annette and Annette alone. “You think I just decided that you were some old model that could no longer perform as well as a new one, hmm? That I just randomly picked Mariella off the streets and decided she was ‘better’? I would never tell you that when in a relationship that I keep my eyes solemnly on that one girl. No guy does! I don’t know what you thought you’d get out of this, but I never interested in marriage if you didn’t catch that! I had and still have every right to date whoever I want, when I want! Same goes for you! I would never advise doing it at one time, dating two people, but what’s that saying? ‘Actions speak more then words’? Why do you think I’ve never told you ‘I love you’? Surely you’ve noticed? We’d breach the topic but never once did I utter it to you! Do you know what Annette, do you? Because actions mean more then words! What good is it if all I can do to back that up is kiss you gently and sweetly? I am in no means saying that my whole purpose in liking you was to try and trick you into bed, I don’t do that!” He was nearly screaming at her now, expression loveless and full of hate. “If you want to thrust my Slytheirin heritage into this, go for it. But if I’m going to be the bad mouthing Slytherin that dates the best thing roaming the halls, you have to own up for being the stupid little Hufflepuff that doesn’t do anything but talk and keeps the pushover status because you never fight to keep what’s yours!”

Kalib breathing was hard and it was all he could do to keep his wand down and keep himself from pushing her to the ground in anger. He wanted very much to just stomp off and let her think what she believes. He knew word would spread – if it was going to spread, he wasn’t going to be muttered about as ‘the boy who walked away.’

“As for Mariella,” he muttered fiercely, wanting to put in a good word for her as crazy as it seemed in such a situation, “Go ahead and hate her too – I can’t stop you. But you want to know something? She didn’t do a thing. That’s right, the cute little Slytherin boy you thought you had so tightly wrapped around your finger made the first move and I did nothing to try and stop her when she responded to it. Annette, a word from the wise,” his voice was low and full of fury, his eyes glaring back at her angry gaze, “guys don’t like being on tight leases – it’s only more of an incentive to break away.”

[Anette Baker]

As Kalib leapt up onto his feet, Anette had to steady herself not to jump back, away from him. The movement was unexpected, but nevertheless, Anette controlled herself. As Kalib looked down at her from so close, she had to gulp; He was so attractive... It took the rest of her self-control to keep from closing in the space between them, even after all that had happened. She glared back up at him, giving tit for tat. Anette was sure that she had let a bit of excitement show in her eyes, but prayed she was mistaken, that her self-control hadn't waned. The last thing she needed right now was to puff up his ego even more.

As Kalib spoke, his words cut through her, tearing away at her self-control and confidence her own anger had brought her. Anette's face slowly fell from the rigid glare to an almost surprised look of pain... The transition must have happened gradually, but all of a sudden Anette was no longer clenching at her fists, no longer set and determined. As a whole, Anette's whole being seemed to accept defeat... Her face became blank, not because there was some way of hiding how she was feeling from Kalib, but because it was the last pillar of support she possessed.

"You have to own up for being the stupid little Hufflepuff that doesn’t do anything but talk and keeps the pushover status because you never fight to keep what’s yours!”

The stupid little Hufflepuff... Anette thought, quiet even in her mind. She seemed to whisper, a small, timid voice that she'd rarely heard before. That's you... And he's right, isn't he? I'm just living in my own little world, forgetting that people lie, and people fight, and people hurt people...

No! That's not true! Stick up for yourself, say something!

Her eyes, still blank from emotion, had slipped from Kalib's and had stopped to rest at his shoulder, but really looking at nothing in general. Anette raised them back up to Kalb's eyes as he stopped speaking. She said nothing for a moment, letting his words die off. Then she spoke. Anette's voice wasn't choked any more; it had an odd feeling of breathlessness or fragility, like it could break with the slightest touch, and though soft, had a more determined and focused sound.

"I'm not going to argue with you, Kalib. We both obviously had two different ideas about what we wanted... I-I'm sorry for that. You're right about a lot of things... I'm certainly not perfect. I have my faults- just like you... I suppose my greatest one would be that I tend to think the best of people, I trust too easily... And I get hurt because of it." At this moment, Anette's eyes flashed with something hard-to-place; perhaps spirit. "But even you can't get out of what you did, Kalib. Tell yourself whatever it takes to make yourself feel better about it; I'm just going to make this easier on you. You say the leash was too tight? Well, here you go, no more leash. Enjoy yourself, Kalib."

With that, Anette turned away from him and began to walk back up towards the castle. Wrapping her arms around herself, she bit her lip as she tried to hold in the onslaught of tears. Just wait until you get into the common room... Just hold out a little longer...

Just hold on...

[mariellacovas]

An inaudible gasp left Mariella's mouth open as she saw Kalib jump up, the boy staring Anette down. It seemed her last statement had not only annoyed Mariella but angered Kalib. Mariella, shocked, continued to watched simply amazed at his reaction. Other than the mild incident with Zane, Mariella had never seen this truly angry side of him. It was almost a shameful feeling, almost being a key word, of how this was making her feel. Mariella's eyes were glittering, his passion and anger sending such ecstasy about her. Mariella never really understood why she seemed to get this way when she saw her male friends angry. She was just so used to seeing their cool or their calm that whenever she saw actual anger, it was almost like an electric shock. Even though it was something painful, it caused such tingles to run through her spine. Mariella knew that her eyes would never be torn from this sight, both shocked, interested and simply waiting to see what progressed.

She felt a chill run through her spine as she watched, seeing yet another reason he had been put in Slytherin. He really could turn a situation where he was at fault into something that was her fault. A smirk touched her lips, just shaking her head slightly. Hm, he was simply amazing...Mariella's head nodded at his words, knowing that in school, no one their age was perfect. She knew of guys and their drifting eyes just as Mariella knew that she and her friends had eyes that drifted as well. She herself had never dated more than one person before, that simply wasn't her. She however, wasn't going to make others abide by the same things she did if they didn't want to. She pulled herself from her thoughts as she began to pay attention to their argument again. His yells were escalating, however his words full of passion, of his anger, of his current hate for the girl. Mariella could feel yet another shiver spiral down her spine as her name was pulled into the equation. She knew that Anette was most likely going to hate her from afar but do nothing to actually show the hate. She was a lowly Hufflepuff after all, wasn't she?

It seemed all of Kalib's words were having an effect on Anette, her stance just showing how her words were breaking through whatever barrier she may have had to protect herself from Kalib. She looked at if she was slowly beginning to crack, losing hold of herself. Mariella didn't feel sorry, not in the least. She was still spiteful of the young woman for what she said about her. A smidgen of natural mothering feelings rose in Mariella's chest as she heard the soft faults in her voice. Gnawing gently on her lips, Mariella bat it away.
'I don't even know who she is... Slytherin, right? Sexy little thing, was she? Just too much to resist...'
It ran in her head, Mariella's feeling of pity instantly dropping. Mariella's arms crossed over her chest as she saw the conversation ended with her, hugging herself and leaving. Swishing her wand, she knew the conversation was over...That the two were over...and now Kalib was all hers. But was Kalib going to be okay? She knew that it'd be best to just wait as he told her to...but she did want to be out there...with him. To comfort him. But no, Mariella only made her way down the stairs, taking a seat and patiently waiting. She would wait for him to come to her...to be his comforting device.

[kalib]

Finally, after all that, Annette finally understood. It was clear, from her voice, from her stature, from that pained expression riveting from her eyes. She finally understood why he’d had such a hard time with her. Kalib had finally revealed to her that dark side of him that he tried to very unsuccessfully to keep hidden form the world and that deep down, he could not and would not change, not even for her. Perhaps maybe his random questions that would pop up in their conversations weren’t so random anymore. Annette finally understood that he wasn’t a good boy and no amount of affection could ever change that. Kalib was a bad person; things never ended nicely with him. Maybe it was that realization that hurt her so much, or maybe the realization that she was in every sense of the word, a Hufflepuff: the stupid little yellow-robed students with no sense of pride or power. The only thing they would ever know would be anger; would be people taking advantage of them. It was this thought, more then anything, that allowed Kalib to let her go.

What had started out so peacefully had ended as things always did: spoiled and in a deep sense of madness. Kalib had known all along this was going to happen. From the first word he spoke to her, he had known that when all was said and done, Kalib and Annette would be no more and something of a gap would forever lie between them. Passing in the hall, it would be like they never met each other; any classes they may be forced to listen in on together, there would be the wall of friends keeping them apart – as it should be. It was better for Annette, for Kalib to leave her alone. He had to let her go – anything he said or did now would only cause her more pain. He might be a cheating heartbreaker, but Kalib would never hurt anyone just to provoke them, not a girl he had once carried in his heart. It was the only thing he regretted with Annette, that she never really would know that at one point he had loved her, and if he were being perfectly honest with himself, he still did… But rather in an over protective brother sort of way. His boyfriend history with her was dead and buried.

It was hard, watching her walk away without a word. Part of him, the part that still valued her company more then Mariella’s, it was yearning to reach out. But his sensible side told him to stay put. Let her get well out of range before even thinking about moving. As he did so, Kalib tried desperately to understand his own feelings. He couldn’t honestly say he was mad at her – after all, this had been his own fault. Was he sad to see her go? Well of course, but he also believed he could live without her. Frustration was defiantly mixed within, and also love, understanding, but anger inflicted it with madness and rage. She’s gone, that little echoing voice murmured to him, Kalib, she’s not yours anymore. Let her go… He sucked in a deep breath and pocketed his wand, thereafter shoving his hands deep into his front pockets as the last of Annette faded. She was a memory now; nothing but a memory. Don’t go after her Kalib, stay put…let her walk… She would find someone else to comfort her now. Kalib wasn’t allowed to hold her anymore.

It was a strange sensation, standing there alone. Somehow through all of it, part of him wished he could still hold Annette. But the thought was quickly replaced with the girl whom he’d done all this for, that he could still hold her instead; that he could comfort her when she needed it, and that she could comfort him when he wasn’t feel as strong as he thought he was; when his bronze interfered with his brains and he was left weak. It was that girl that he wanted, the one that was still ever so patiently waiting for him. She hadn’t left; she had never come down the stairs.

Draining himself of his last strength, Kalib pulled himself into a mournful walk and headed back to the Owlery. The climb seemed to take forever, whether it be because he was mentally exhausted or because he was drained physically, Kalib wasn’t sure. All he knew was that the flight had been well worth it when he finally came to the top. Mariella was still there, by the window. His loathing words rang in his mind, actions speak louder then words, and because he could not think of anything to say to her, Kalib did just that. He came up behind her and gave her the biggest hug he could muster in his weakened state. It was all he could do to keep upright.


OOC: I suppose Annette can go back up to the school...if you ask me, it's a briiiiliant oprutunity to go find some guy to help her through these troubling times.... Nothing like jealously to drag a man back, no? *Laughs* Poor girl...although I suppose Kalib has it coming for him soon enough, eh?

[mariellacovas]

OoC: Curious though, should we get another roleplayer to play the boyfriend or make him an ...hm, for lack of another word, NPC?

Mariella's ears pricked up at the sound of someone at the stairs. She didn't swivel around to see them, no, she needed to see who it was before she let her anxiety to be with Kalib take over. A soft sigh passed from her mouth as she looked at the scarily empty courtyard. Normally it was filled with people...but maybe today it just seemed unappealing. Mariella let her crossed arms drop, touching her face lightly with her right hand, her elbow lightly resting upon her left hand. Where was Kalib...? Her question was soon answered as she felt arms wrap around her. She knew it was Kalib...but she could tell by the weakness of his hold that he was broken, but still trying to show that he cared. A small smile touched her lips, her hand dropping lightly to rest gently against his arms. She turned slowly, facing him and wrapping her arms about his neck gently and just holding him. This wasn't one of her normal seduction filled hug, this was a hug of simple comfort, just wanting him to know that she felt the same way, that he was loved by her.

Mariella's hand slowly moved, gently stroking his cheek, a slow caress. She could feel the light stubble against the back of her fingers, not quite sure if she would be able to look him in the eye. She hated seeing people when they were in pain, that look simply left her heart aching. Although, Mariella knew she could avoid his glance, knowing that if she did that it would make her look guilty even if she wasn't. Mariella's eyes slowly rose, having turned a darker shade, differing from her normal light brown. She wanted to see what he was thinking, to simply console him with a look. She knew that words needn't be spoken, nor would they probably. She didn't know the words to say to console in this situation, to say it would be all better like a mother tells a child when they get a scratch. She assumed that things would be hard for Kalib for an indefinite amount of time, but she would be by his side to push away the pain.

Mariella's hand moved from his cheek before hugging around his neck again. She ran her hand down the back of his neck, a relaxing maneuver that always seemed to do it for her. Her cheek gently nuzzled against his, before taking a half step back, still in his embrace. She looked him up and down, a small, slightly sadder smile touching her lips gently. "Kalib......?" she asked softly. She was curious of if he was ready to talk or if he just wanted to be comforted at the moment. Either or, she really didn't mind.

[kalib]

She was trying to help, and all of it was well appreciated, but somehow it wasn’t having the effect that he so wished it had. What was wrong with him? He had a beautiful girl, one beautiful girl, that cared a lot about him and that he could return the favor so very easily. Still, he had nothing against her touch, but he wished it heated his skin like it had so many times before. He wanted to feel small tingles and be confused of why he felt so warm in the not so warm Owlery. He wanted to talk to her but didn’t know what to say; maybe he didn’t have to say it. Did she already know? Kalib’s mind seemed lost and he couldn’t rein it back.

What was he supposed to do? Kalib, you’re fine. You’re perfectly fine. Let her go, she doesn’t need you anymore. The only person you want to be with right now is already here. It sounded weak, like he didn’t believe himself, but how could he possibly disagree with it? Maybe it was that little monster, perhaps it was the one mourning his loss, not him? It was just that fragment of imagination that was still wondering what if? ‘What if’ wasn’t going to cut it. He had to think, he had to try and form words, but what to say? Nothing made sense; he was one of those babbling idiots that could hardly form a single syllable.

Mariella finally looked up at him. How could she possibly feel whole in such a moment? A small thought prodded him: she’s doing it for you; say something. He didn’t know how long they had just stood their, but their silence was finally broken, “Kalib?”

“I think you were the best thing that ever happened to me…” he finally muttered, “…it was just hidden in disguise.” He had to go through a lot to get here. “I don’t really know what else to say; for once in my life, I’m speechless.” He gently pressed his forehead against hers, sighing. “Why don’t we go back inside, I’ve made you suffer the smell in here long enough…” A faint smile touched his lips. “Sorry about that.” Of all the things he should be apologizing to her for, he was apologizing for the smell. Kalib gave her one last squeeze and unwound himself, just holding her hand, “You’re not going to make me go back alone, are you?” he asked, their old argument arising.


OOC: So, I have this idea – I wanna start a new RP; do you mind? Oh, and Annette is finding another RPer to become Annette’s comforting new boyfriend. *Laughs* You know, troubling times, troubling times…

EDIT: OOC: Flamed Surprises - wa la.