There are many different days

[riley]

The day was like any other, and the seasons where all exactly the way they should be. Which meant that Riley was inside the warm common room with a cup of hot cocoa. Sure the boy liked the cold, just not when he didn't have to. Time was dragging on slowly, it nearly looked like the time was going backwards. But then again it always did when there was nothing to do. The fire rippled with life as the light wained, it was getting a bit late. Dinner was going to be going on soon.

A soft yawn slipped out from between his barely parted lips as he lifted his steel hued eyes from the fantasy novel that had helped him kill a few hours. Moving his hand over, he groped around for the bookmark he'd lost sometime around the fourth or fifth chapter he'd read. Soon enough the rough feel of thick paper against his fingertips signaled the success of his search. In a sweeping move, he placed the mark back in between the pages of his book; closing it tightly. Haphazardly he tossed it onto on of the cushions near him.

Yawning softly, he closed his eyes for a moment waiting for the tiredness to leave his limbs. Lifting his arms above his head he stretched out fully before falling limp once more. Another sigh signaled defeat as he pulled himself off the couch with a soft groan. It wasn't that he was lazy or anything, he'd just been sitting there for a little while. Grasping onto the mantle above the fireplace he waited for his head to stop spinning. 'Have to remember to stop standing so fast. Blahh..'

With a goofy grin he looked down at himself, his clothes were all crumpled up. With a quick sweep of his hand he attempted to press his shirt and pants back into their neat ways, but to no avail. Defeated, he pulled his want out of his jacket pocket and muttered out a straightening charm. 'Always works.' he thought with a knowing smile. Now he stood, in slightly baggy blue jeans, a while t-shirt, with a black zip up over it. The whole outfit wasn't really something that he wore on a daily basis; his good clothes dirty at the moment.

With a flick of his wrist, the hard cover book floated carefully into his other hand.. Life was to simple.

[vas]

“Ugh, Fez, go away,” Vas moaned but her sleek black cat kept persisting, walking along her back and meowing obnoxiously. She had been trying to catch up on some sleep, carefully snuggled underneath her sheets stomach down in the dorm room. But her pet wasn’t having that, somewhere between a meow and a purr. Obviously he was looking for attention, and so far he hadn’t got it. Fez proceeded to jump off her only to walk beside her and paw at her nose, sitting on top of her pillow. Vas moaned more noticeably but that only provoked him, knowing he’d gotten her attention. “Okay, okay – I’m up, yeesh Fez,” she muttered sluggishly and pushed herself up into sitting position on her bed. Fez immediately perked up, hopping into her lap and purring loudly. She glared at him for a moment and then rubbed his back, giving him the attention he was dying for. “There, better?” she asked in a testy tone. As if he understood, Fez bumped his head against her hand before hopping down and rubbing the door to be let out. Gruntingly Vas heaved herself out of bed and pulled the door open – Fez zoomed out down into the Common Room.

With a yawn Vas turned towards the mirror of the room, startled by her own appearance. She was rather ragged, clothes ruffled and her hair frizzy. “Hmm,” she murmured quietly and stole her wand off the bedside table. With one wave she was more then decent, silky hair running down her back and attire neatly in place – mere jeans and a flattering pink top, but still workable on her. Satisfied Vas followed her cat down the stairs and out into the Ravenclaw Common Room. It was slightly cluttered, all the students anxiously waiting around until they could flee to the Great Hall for dinner. Vas was hungry herself, but figured she could manage until then. There was no one of real interest though, most occupants being lower years like herself who hadn’t quite figured out the best places to hang out yet. Disheartened she glanced around for Fez; no luck. No doubt he was off scouting the place for a mouse or two. Sighing, Vas ran a hand through her hair, contemplating what exactly she was going to do with herself until dinner – and then foolishly her heart fluttered, a knee-jerk reaction whenever she saw him.

Riley was pulling himself out of one of the comfy armchairs by the fire, looking just about as good as she had only a few moments ago. She watched with amusement as he tidied himself up, waving his book into his hand as well. Even if they were over, she still had feelings for the boy – and he was certainly a person of interest. Vas smirked and thanked the fact that Riley hadn’t seemed to notice her yet, going around the back of the Common Room out of direct eyesight. Sneaking up behind Riley and wrapped her arms around his neck to cover his eyes with her hands, “Guess who?” she giggled in his ear.

[riley]

Where had the time gone, it was already his fifth year and this is where he was... In the common room reading a book. Somehow that seemed like something he should have grown out of years ago, but it felt comfortable to him. He enjoyed the warmth, the homely feeling that the none of the other places in this castle could give him. Plus, in here he could read all her wanted and no one could call him names because of it. But that was only because they did it to and they knew it.

Carefully he stretched again, twisting his torso and hearing a couple of satisfying pops. Running a hand through his hair, he yawned out the tiredness that had yet to fully leave him. In the back of his mind a stray thought came of Vivi and what she was doing. Probably out with other friends at this hour. It was times like this that the mere thought of her caused a flutter in his stomach. It had been a year now, but he still felt nearly the same way he had when they had been together. She was still beautiful, she was still his best friend, but he'd already risked their friendship once by dating her, he didn't want to lose it by trying again and failing. No matter how much he wanted to try again.

Slowly he shook his head to rid himself of those thoughts. He needed to make sure he didn't stare at her again at dinner tonight, he had to fend off his and her friends the rest of the night for that one. Smiling to himself, he recalled the look she'd shot at her friends when they tried convincing her that I'd been staring at her. It was somehow very amusing.

He thought he'd heard the stairs creaking, but then again the whole castle creaked on occasion. Most of the students learned to just ignore most of the sounds of the castle. Looking down at his book, he let a hand glide over the cover of the book, smirking softly. It was then that he felt two arms wrap around his neck, and two hands reach to cover his eyes. A shiver ran down the length of his spine as he heard the distinct feminine voice echo in his ear.

'Well hello Vivi, I was just thinking about you.. he thought to himself. It wasn't hard for him to recognize her voice, the same one he'd heard mature and then eventually haunt his most amazing dreams. But what fun was it if he just guessed, he figured he play along. "Hm.. Could it be Rena? Danni? Salene?" he guessed, playfully laughing slightly before turning around and picking up the beautiful girl carefully in his arms with a well aimed scoop. "How are you tonight Vivi?" he said laughing in amusement.

[vas]

She really should be over it by now, but every time he spoke she felt that satisfactory chill. But maybe it was just a plain matter-of-fact that she never would, loving the tone too much to ever really get used to it. After all, it had been years now and she still was fluttering about him like the first time they’d met. Of course, she hadn’t been nearly as sociable then, but could you blame a girl for being suspicious? Back then all boys had been dirt and not one of them handsome – they were just icky nose-pickers that liked playing pranks on you. But they were past that now…even if the feelings hadn’t been erased. “Hmm…could it be Rena? Danni? Salene?” Vas managed to smirk without laughing, always trusting he would play along and having yet to be wrong. She pouted her lips as if he hadn’t really recognized her even if he couldn’t see. It didn’t last too long though, a small gasp of pleasure and surprise escaping her as she was literally swept off her feet. “How are you tonight Vivi?” Even if they weren’t dating she still had the right – in her opinion at least. Vas pecked him on the cheek and grinned, “Fine thank you.” She was positively beaming, always loving attention from guys – Riley in particular.

Vas casually noted the book, nodding her head in its direction. “So which one are you rereading for the millionth time?” she asked with a smirk, unable to stop herself from twirling a small strand of his hair in between her fingertips. He was the one who had started it. Anyone passing by might guess they’d never broken up to begin with, but just because they were slightly over friendly friends didn’t make them a couple, did it? Some would argue that but Vas had never been one to care for other’s opinions about her. Either you loved her or you hate her – and either way, she wasn’t going to try and change that opinion. Dismissing such thoughts, Vas focused more clearly on Riley instead – wasn’t he a sight for sore eyes. More deliberately she twirled the lock of his hair around her index finger, never getting tired of the old habit. She tried to steal a better look at the book, but the title was covered. “Come on, are you going to leave me wondering all night?” she teased, with her free hand try to snag the book.

Her attempts were short lived, hearing the familiar meow from below. Vas glanced over Riley’s shoulder and sure enough, Fez was circling around Riley’s ankles. She rolled her eyes and sighed, “He really is such a burden. I’m not sure what Leon was thinking when he bought Fez for me – honestly, he can’t stand to be ignored for one single minute.” As if trying to prove that point, Fez meowed more loudly and pawed at Riley’s shoelace. “Oh Fez, stop it,” she scowled. Even if what he wanted was attention, Vas wasn’t willing to give it to him at the moment. Riley was absorbing her every thought – why couldn’t we work? Vas wondered for what felt like the billionth time. Looking into his eyes she couldn’t find a single reason – and more then once, she was certain she’d caught him thinking the same thing. But her sensible side told her to just back off, too worried over what they might loose if they dated again. Of course, the more evident side in her personality just screwed all sanity and begged her to confront the matter. Stuck in the struggle she simply stayed in his arms, smiling the smile that Riley seemed to be the only one to ever get out of her.

[riley]

Grinning contently, he was grateful that she wasn't to heavy and also that he'd invested much of his time into training himself for Quidditch. This was easier for him now, if he'd tried this during his first year he would have dropped her and fallen like a weakling. 'Thank god I'm not like that anymore.' he thought to himself before he was forced back into reality as warm lips pressed against his cheek. Forcing himself to resist the blush, he gave her a goofy grin. "Well that's a great thing to hear!" he admitted with a cheerful voice. He was really never this happy unless she was around.

'Gah snap out of it man! Pfft. I'm acting like a love struck puppy.' he mentally scolded himself. On the outside he was beaming, today was a good day. He could remember now what it had been like when they were little, pushing each other and trying to fight their parents constant meetings. They never were able to convince their mothers that they were only making things harder for themselves. He used to think she was some gross girl with cootie bugs that made you itchy. But now look, he was twirling her around and laughing like he was... well, in love. Which he wasn't! Well at least he didn't think he was.

Again his thoughts were broken as Viv asked what book he was reading. Smirking slightly she turned her the opposite direction so she couldn't see the title of the book. "Oh nothing." he mused, pretending that he wasn't obviously trying to bother her by not letting her see. "Just a book, not that you'd really care to know which one." he said softly, grinning as he felt her messing with his hair. It gave him this warm feeling, and she knew that it effected him that way, he was sure of that.

He could only imagine how they would look to others, him standing here cradling her in his arms. But who cares? It's not like Riley had ever cared what others had thought of him, and it really bothered him that others let themselves get discouraged by what others said. Riley was a lovable person, and he was easy to get along with that, he respected people and expected the same in return. So why should he care what others thought he was doing. Vivienne had been his best friend for a while now and they had the right to do whatever it was they wanted to do with each other! Right? So why weren't they dating...? 'Because our friendship is at risk when that happens.. I want to be totally sure when I try again.' he reassured himself with a soft mental sigh.

When she started squirming around to grasp at the book he merely snickered some, before moving her in range to grab the book. "Look for yourself, your stubborn you know that." he said with a playful grin. The book was actually called 'Snow Walker', and he'd found it rather interesting. A weird feeling tapped at his ankles, soon after whatever it was, was rubbing against his leg. Hearing her talk about her cat Fez, everything fell into place. Smiling, he shuffled them over to the couch and carefully sat down. "Well he's a lovely cat anyways." he commented, still holding her in his arms as they were sitting on the couch. He hadn't really noticed anything wrong about it. Watching as the cat scampered up on the couch, he carefully stroked the cat. he was such an animal lover.

[vas]

It was oh so hard not to do it again, but Vas was aware she might not be allowed that much freedom. Dating is too complicated, she complained inwardly, and the shot back angrily but we’re not even dating! Perhaps that was what made it so hard? Carefully she caged her emotions and decided to stay in best friend mode, instead of old girlfriend – even if she did want to kiss him again. “Aw, and what about you?” Vas asked sweetly, tilting her head slightly in question, “How’s your day been?” Thinking about it, she realized she actually hadn’t bumped into Riley at all over the course of the day – unless of course you counted lunch. Vas was positive she’d caught him staring in her general direction again but by the time she’d had enough sense to glance back he’d been looking away. Of course, she had to rule in the quiet hushes coming from the boys at that point, seeming in argument over her own suspicions. However much Riley denied it to his friends, Vas was certain he was lying. In some ways she was flattered, but in others she was frustrated – if you want me come and get me, she’d thought as Vas studied the group during lunch. Now it seemed like he’d almost heard her quiet pleas – but what would happen, were we to… Vas wasn’t willing to loose him that way.

“Oh nothing,” Riley said quickly, tucking the book carefully out of reach and the title more hidden then ever. “Hey!” Vas scowled, grasping at air now. She’d been lucky once, nipping the binding, but now there was no hope. “That’s completely unfair,” she pouted, the book still out of range and her fingers still coming up empty. It seemed that was just one more thing they would never grow out of – teasing. But she figured to continue fairly teasing him she must allow him to tease her. “Just a book, not that you'd really care to know which one.” Vas narrowed her eyes, more determined to snatch it from him. Luckily it didn’t require too much work on her part, Riley finally giving in and drawing it closer. “Look for yourself; your stubborn you know that?” Eager in her victory Vas snagged it, “Yes, I actually did know that, thanks,” and examined the cover. The Snow Walker. The cover art was simple, just a man in a parka walking along what appeared to be Alaska-like territory. Curious, Vas flipped it over only to be discouraged by a picture of the author instead of a preview of what it entailed. She flipped it over once more to the front and propped open the flap, skimming over the description: …offering a vivid portrait of a people whose existence is often beyond the comprehension of modern man. Internally she laughed at that sentence, feeling nothing was beyond her comprehension level. “Sounds…intriguing,” Vas allowed, offering the book back. Perhaps one day she’d get around to reading it – it wouldn’t take much to persuade Riley to let her borrow it.

If there was anything to be said about Riley, it would be that he knew how to make her happy. At first she’d been slightly alarmed when he moved, but as he sunk down onto the fluffy couch Vas relaxed, crossing her ankles and leaning more noticeably against his shoulder. Fez wasn’t all too pleased, trying to wager for attention by hopping up beside them. If he wasn’t going to get anything form her, he’d go after the next best thing. “Well he’s a lovely cat anyways,” Riley remarked, rubbing Fez’s spine. Fez purred loudly, arching his back in response to the action. “Yeah, he is,” Vas agreed with a sigh, “He just hasn’t gotten used to it around here yet. It’s the first year he’s come, so I don’t think he likes being away from me.” She shrugged slightly, excusing the minor flaw with the feline. If that’s the worst problem Fez was going to present, she’d take it.