James sat in the buzzing Gryffindor common room, merely staring at the flickering fire as the people around him greeted each other in excitement. He hadn't worn dress robes since last year's ball, and even then, he'd been drowning a bit in the abundance of fabric. He'd definitely grown into adulthood this year, his shoulders filling out his shirt and his chest actually snug in the vest he'd worn. Instead of the traditional wizard robes that went down to his bloody knees, he opted for a more stylish fitted version he'd found with Sirius. His white button-down was accented well by his teal blue tie and charcoal vest. The whole ensemble was finished with a much shorter suit jacket that he was told was inspired by muggle fashion. He absentmindedly played with his silver pocket watch, which had been a gift from his father.

He wasn't nervous. Nor did he for a second regret insisting on taking Carina to the ball. It had been almost a week since his misunderstanding with Carina. And while she'd gone back to her usual supportive self after that tense day, James had a nagging feeling that she had walls up he couldn't even see. Even the boys thought she seemed fine, but something about it bugged him. How could she be fine? He'd put her through quite a lot.

In the week since, he'd taken the time to watch Lily too. He supposed he'd noticed a slight shift with the witch he'd pined after for seven years; she finally treated him with the same cordiality and friendliness she did everyone else. But he hadn't detected any signs that her feelings ran deeper than that.

"Alright, mate?" Sirius asked, plopping down next to him.

"Hmmm..." James responded absentmindedly.

"So last night, Lily ended up asking if Remus would go to the ball with her- you know as friends," Sirius mentioned.

"Did she?" He asked, finally looking at his friend.

"I see it as a win," Sirius shrugged. "You can steal her away for a dance whenever you want, and Remus won't even be offended."

"What about Carina?" James's eyebrows furrowed.

"What about her?"

"I'm her date!"

Sirius rolled his eyes. "Yes, your fake girlfriend, who is more your wing-woman tonight than your date. If she was right about Lily's change of heart, then tonight is your chance to win her over."

"I know," James said in resolve. "But I want to make sure Carina has a good night- I have a lot to make up to her."

"Mate, we'll all make sure Carina has a good time. You're her friend, not her keeper. Besides, she's doing this whole thing to help you get Lily. It'd be a waste of her night if you didn't move ahead with your plans."

"I suppose..."

Remus walked over to them, patting them both on the shoulder. "They're headed down, get up!"

James and Sirius got to their feet, joining Remus and Peter as they waited for their dates to ascend.

"Pete, did you ask anyone?" Sirius asked curiously.

"Glenda Chittock," he responded happily. "Carina actually spent a week teaching me how to charm paper birds to fly so I could impress her with them."

"Isn't she a Hufflepuff?" James quirked an eyebrow.

"Yeah, we decided to meet downstairs." Peter shrugged.

"You, Sirius?" Remus asked.

"Marlene," he grinned wolfishly. "Though the witch made me work a lot harder for a yes than I'd expected if you know what I mean."

Remus rolled his eyes, and James shoved him playfully. "You dog!"

"That I am," Sirius said smugly.

They were goofing around when the ladies made it down the stairwell. Lily was the first one in sight, and James caught the flow of her gown from the corner of his eyes. He stared at her with foolishly wide eyes. Her gown was a brilliant emerald, satin number that hugged and flowed around her curves like water. Her beautiful long hair was braided loosely and hung over her right shoulder. Her eyes caught his, and a small satisfied smile graced her lips at his stunned expression before she turned her attention to Remus.

"Lily, you look stunning," Remus told her, pulling her into a hug.

"Thank you." She smiled, her gaze drifting back to James hopefully before flying away again.

Alice skipped down the stairs next, waving to them before heading straight into her sweetheart's arms. Frank caught her with an exuberant laugh, planting a firm kiss on her lips. James smiled at the sight. That was what he wanted.

Marlene had already found her way to Sirius's side, playfully dodging his hold as she told him to 'keep his paws to himself.'

"Do you guys know where Carina is?" James asked the girls.

"She'd just run into the room when the rest of us were already dressed," Marlene chuckled. "I expect she'll be a few minutes."

"Huh..." James thought.

"She had a tutoring session," Lily said, walking up to him as Frank struck up a conversation with Remus. "Poor thing stayed late for a first-year who was afraid of failing their exam."

"Typical," James grinned. "You look beautiful, by the way."

"Oh, thank you," Lily blushed, ducking her head shyly.

Huh, James thought. That was new. Lily was never shy- not with him.

"Can I count on a dance from you?" Lily asked boldly. "Y-you know since McGonagall insists the Heads lead once of the waltzes."

"Of course," James grinned charmingly. "I look forward to..."

His words disappeared on the tip of his tongue as he caught sight of his date, making her way down the staircase. Her heeled feet peeked out from the skirt of flowy layers of sheer ivory fabric, which trailed up to a gorgeous fitted top that was adorned in creamy lace all held up by two thin straps on her shoulders. Her long chocolate hair flowed down to her waist in loose waves, pinned back elegantly by small, dainty pearls. She looked every bit the angel people liked to refer to her as.

Carina caught James's eye, stopping at the bottom of the staircase. She smiled softly, shrugging lightly.

"Excuse me," he mumbled to the witch in front of him, heading straight for his date.

Lily felt herself frown as James brushed past her distractedly. When he'd first started pursuing Carina, she'd been convinced it was a con of some kind. As the weeks went on, Lily at times found herself wishing it was a con. But seeing his eyes glaze over as he took Carina in left little doubt in her mind that his feelings for her friend were completely genuine.

"Hi," Carina said softly.

"Hello," James responded, merely staring and taking all of her in. "You look breathtaking."

Carina's smile faltered for a brief second as her eyes widened, but it was back in a snap. "Why, thank you, you clean up pretty nicely yourself."

"Yeah?" James quirked an eyebrow playfully. "Enough to steal the first and last dance?"

Carina laughed delightfully, all her earlier tension leaving her body. "Well, you are kind of my date, so I suppose you'll do."

"My lady," he offered her his hand. She placed it in his, her eyes twinkling in amusement. He bent over it, brushing his lips across her knuckles before tucking her hand into his arm.

When they turned towards their friends, Lily was watching them blankly while Alice smiled in glee. Sirius gave them an approving wink, gesturing subtly to Lily's reaction, and Remus merely rescued the surprised witch by offering her his own arm.

They made their way down to the grand staircase in amicable chatter, James keeping a firm hold of Carina the entire way. When they finally made their entrance, Dumbledore was already announcing the first dance. James pulled her straight onto the dance floor, much to the aching disappointment of Lily. He'd promised her a dance, but he hadn't specified which one.

"I didn't know you were such a dancer," Carina said in amusement as James smoothly drew her into his arms, effortlessly moving them with the circling couples.

"I always loved dancing," he said with an embarrassed chuckle. "I think it's from watching my mum and dad. We live in the ancestral house of the Potters, and the place is huge," he told her excitedly. "But every evening I'd catch them just dancing with each other in a small hidden corner of the place- either in the kitchen or in the tea room. They loved the excuse to hold each other."

"They sound lovely," Carina smiled.

"They are," he grinned proudly. "You'll get to meet them obviously, my mum would love to have you visit the Manor. She'll take just about anyone who can slow Sirius down a bit."

Carina laughed at that. "I've never babysat a grown man before, but I suppose I could give it a go."

"You know you're welcome to stay with me after school ends, you know?" He looked at her inquisitively.

Carina raised an eyebrow in askance.

"I heard you stayed at the castle this summer... you know after your parents..." James mentioned, hastening along as he saw Carina's eyes dim. "I just thought- you know since Sirius already lives with us- perhaps you'd consider spending some time with us? Just so you have some time to get up on your feet after graduation."

Carina smiled at her friend gratefully, squeezing his hand in assurance. "That's really sweet of you, but I already have savings set aside to get my own place. Assuming I get a job out of Hogwarts, I should be fine."

"Well, the offer is still open if you ever need it," James insisted firmly. "And it doesn't change the fact that we'll be seeing you all the time regardless."

"Of course not," she agreed. "I need you guys more than you need me."

James quirked his head, puzzled. They never did much for Carina- at least nothing compared to what she did for them. "What in the world do you need us for?"

For a moment, he saw one of her walls drop- a wall he hadn't even known she had. Behind it was a glimpse at the vulnerability along with the touch of loneliness Carina harbored deep inside. But surely that couldn't be right? Carina was one of the most well-connected people at Hogwarts! She was seldom alone.

"You lot are my only remaining family," she shrugged simply, biting her lip nervously, afraid she'd said too much.

"You know the best part about family?" James asked light-heartedly.

"What?"

"No matter the distance, the history, the drama, or time, we always remain family."

"Thank Merlin for that," she mumbled happily.

Carina subconsciously leaned closer in his arms, feeling a warm reassurance at his words. Unfortunately, that moment of peace was short-lived. As the song changed subtly into a foxtrot, Sirius slid up to the pair, tapping on James's shoulder.

"May I cut in?" Sirius asked.

"Why?" James asked, confused.

Sirius's eyes widened in surprise for a moment before he rolled his eyes. "So you can go ask Lily to dance, you idiot!"

"Oh," James realized. He glanced around, seeing Lily perched on a chair as she scanned the room, making sure all the arrangements were right. "Right... she's all yours," James said with a hesitant parting smile as he handed Carina off to Sirius.

Carina watched James walk away, and despite the smile on her face, she felt a pang of dislike. Sirius smoothly swept her back onto the dance floor, every bit as poised and graceful as James had been.

"We don't have to dance," she told Sirius amusedly. "If all you were looking to do was free James up to make his move."

Sirius tightened his hold on Carina marginally. "Oh no, you don't, dove. Who says we can't talk?"

"Oh no," she looked at him warily. "What have you done, or what are you about to do?"

"What makes you think I've done something?" He asked defensively.

"Because you always come to talk to me when you've done something," she watched him knowingly.

"Touché," Sirius acknowledged with a grumble. "But we're here to talk about you right now."

"What about me?" Carina indulged him playfully.

"You and my best friend." He observed her.

"James?" Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "What of it?"

"Are you sure there's nothing beyond this plan you two have going?"

Carina was caught off guard by Sirius's serious question; he was rarely ever so solemn in nature. Intense- sure. But never entirely without the hint of a playful manner. She knew he was going to dissect her every word, so she made sure to answer carefully.

"Yes, I'm rather sure," she said, relieved she managed to keep her voice even. "Why?"

"Why?" Sirius snorted inelegantly. "He threw a fit over you and Malfoy- he even had to get his bloody hand repaired by Pomfrey after! Not to mention, he seems to prefer your company over Lily's these days. And judging by the way you were cozied up by the lake just a week ago, I think it's safe to say there might be more than meets the eye."

Carina gulped. He'd seen them.

She wasn't prepared for this. She could hardly explain what happened at the lake to herself, much less anyone else- especially the Marauders, who knew the truth of their plan.

"He doesn't actually prefer my company," Carina said nonchalantly. "That's part of the plan. He can't appear as though he's yearning for Lily's company because that defeats him playing hard to get. Besides, it's working. The less James appears to care, the more Lily seems to care."

"And the lake?" Sirius prodded relentlessly.

"The lake-" Carina sighed deeply. "I don't know. I was upset, I suppose he was trying to comfort me."

"Hrmm," Sirius hummed, moving closer to her until his head was right next to hers. "I think that's a load of shit."

"Excuse me?" Carina jerked back.

"I'm a lot smarter than I may seem, dove," Sirius smirked. "Even if you were upset, no one offers that kind of intimate comfort to just a friend. And James has never got that jealous over Lily. Besides, I don't think he's faking enjoying your company more. I had to convince the man to ask Lily to dance. The fact that he wasn't galloping away with enthusiasm is all the answer I need."

Carina stared at him, her mouth parted in shock. She glanced away before looking back at his inquisitive gaze.

"I don't know what you want me to say," she admitted with a sigh, closing her eyes dejectedly.

"Do you like him?" Sirius asked gently.

Carina looked up at him for the first time with fear in her eyes. "I can't lose him as a friend, Sirius." She whispered, her voice breaking.

"Why would you?"

"He'd still choose Lily. Nothing good can come of this."

"I don't know about that," he shrugged. "His feelings are evident to everyone- including me, Remus, and Peter. Besides, Remus thinks you'd be quite good for Prongs."

"He'd still choose Lily." She insisted quietly.

"You never know for sure," Sirius told her. "I think Lily's amazing, but if it took her this long to see the man Prongs truly is, then maybe she isn't the one who deserves him."

Carina sighed, looking down at her feet. "I don't know," she whispered, defeated. Across the dance floor, she caught sight of James and Lily. He was twirling her as she laughed joyously, a complete vision of beauty. James was lit up with a bright smile, his eyes focused entirely on the woman in front of him.

"You should go back to Marlene, Sirius," she finally said. "I think I'm going to get a drink."

Before he could protest, Carina slipped out of his hold, her small frame making it easy for her to weave through people on her way to the quieter regions of the tables of food. Perhaps she could hide here for at least half an hour before someone else questioned her about things she simply was not ready to talk about.

  ̶«̶ ̶̶̶ ̶ ̶ ̶̶̶ ̶«̶ ̶̶̶ ̶ ・☽ ༓ ☾・  ̶»̶ ̶̶̶ ̶ ̶ ̶̶̶ ̶»̶ ̶̶̶ ̶ ̶  ̶̶̶̶

"James," Lily said with a glowing smile as she saw him approach.

"Lily," he murmured in a low, comfortable tone that set butterflied loose in her stomach. "Do you think Remus would mind terribly if I stole you away?"

"I doubt it. I may have convinced him to ask Emmeline Vance to dance," she smirked conspiratorially.

"Emmeline? The Ravenclaw he'd been too scared to ask to the ball?"

"Yepp," Lily replied smugly.

"You're more devious than I thought," James murmured appreciatively. He stood next to her chair, extending a hand out to her. "May I have this dance?"

"I'd love that."

As she slipped her hand into his, her breath hitched as he bent over and brushed his lips across her knuckles. She had to practically stomp down her thundering heart, reminding herself he'd done the same thing to Carina. It must merely be how he was raised. Sirius had done something similar to Marlene- it must be a pureblood thing.

He escorted her to the dance floor, leading her with the ease and grace of a practiced dancer. When she looked up at him and saw nothing but gentle happiness in his gaze, she couldn't help but feel bad for the numerous curses and abuses she'd screamed his way whenever he tried to get her attention these past few years. It all felt a bit childish and trivial now that she thought about it.

"I'm sorry!" She burst out of nowhere.

"What?" James looked shell-shocked.

"I- I wanted to apologize," Lily slowed down, her eyes lowering from his inquisitive gaze. "I know I've been rather rude to you over the years. You deserved it at first! But... even I can see I'd been unfairly judging you for at least the better part of a year."

James smirked at her. "Finally realize that, did you?"

Lily bristled in his hold. "Well... yes! I mean if you're not going to accept my apology then-"

James laughed in amusement, dipping her spontaneously, halting her tirade before it started. "You're forgiven, Lily," he said gently as he pulled her up to his chest. "You'd been forgiven long ago, even before you'd asked for it."

"I am?" She asked quietly. "That easily?"

James shrugged. "I won't lie, it did hurt sometimes even though I tried not to let it get to me. I truly, genuinely liked you since the third year," he watched her intently. "But fighting with you was also the most fun I'd had during our time together, so I won't entirely hold it against you." He winked at her.

Lily watched in blank silence for a moment before she confessed something in a whisper.

"Sorry, what was that?" James raised an eyebrow.

"I liked fighting with you too," Lily admitted, meeting his eyes this time. She gulped nervously, not knowing whether she was about to do something incredibly brave or incredibly stupid. "In fact, I rather miss it."

James's look of surprise morphed into a mischievous grin. "Let's make a pact, shall we?"

"What kind of pact?" Lily asked suspiciously.

"I'll keep teasing you, and you can keep getting all fired up at me-"

"I do not get fired up!"

"Yes, that's perfect," James nodded encouragingly. "Just like that. And we can just continue our fights since we both enjoyed them so much."

Lily couldn't help but laugh at his carefree enthusiasm. "You are ridiculous, James Potter."

"Yes, but you like that too," he smirked, twirling her abruptly and drawing a genuine laugh from her.

He watched her in wonder, feeling as though he was in a surreal experience. Lily was here, dancing with him. Lily had finally admitted she enjoyed their interactions and missed them. Perhaps Carina was right; maybe Lily truly did return his feelings. He'd never thought he'd use flirtatious banter on Lily Evans and that she'd actually reciprocate. But here they were.

  ̶«̶ ̶̶̶ ̶ ̶ ̶̶̶ ̶«̶ ̶̶̶ ̶ ・☽ ༓ ☾・  ̶»̶ ̶̶̶ ̶ ̶ ̶̶̶ ̶»̶ ̶̶̶ ̶ ̶  ̶̶̶̶

Carina swept her finger along the rim of her drinking goblet, staring up at the ceiling charmed today to look like a starry night. The simple beauty of it always helped her calm herself. But the peace was short-lived as she felt someone come up beside her seconds before a familiar smooth voice disrupted her thoughts.

"Hiding?"

"Not at all," she turned a hard glare on Lucius. She'd just about had it with him, whether they shared a secret past or not.

"Dance with me," he murmured, not really even asking.

"I'd rather no-"

Disregarding her protests, Lucius caught hold of her spare hand, leading her towards the dance floor. Carina barely managed to place her drink onto a nearby table before Lucius had swept her into his arms.

"It's been a while since we danced," he said, a touch of fondness skirting around the edges of his gaze.

Carina watched him in stubborn silence, not at all in the mood for his crap.

They danced in silence for a few moments, the two of them moving perfectly in sync, like two people who knew their way around each other and coordinated with their eyes. Lucius finally sighed, looking at her with an open honesty she hadn't seen in years.

"I've been betrothed to Narcissa Black."

Carina raised an eyebrow without concern. "I suppose congratulations are in order," she shrugged.

Lucius's icy blue eyes flashed with annoyance, and she felt his hands on her tighten for a brief second. Carina wasn't entirely surprised at the news; she always knew he'd get set up with one pureblood witch or another. She wondered whether Sirius knew his cousin was about to get married to Lucius Malfoy.

"It doesn't have to be this way," he implored her.

"Of course it doesn't," she told him. "You're the one who feels constrained to centuries of archaic traditions and values."

"There's still time," he pleaded, the emotion seeping into his voice. "Please reconsider."

"If you're asking me to align myself with the people who killed my parents, you can forget it."

"You're missing the bigger picture," he bit out. "Who do you think is going to win this upcoming war? If you're on the losing side, I won't be able to protect you as a married man."

"I'm not asking you to," she said in annoyance. "Besides, even if I wasn't on the right side, have you forgotten that I'm still a half-blood?"

He watched her for a moment before carefully replying. "You know that's never mattered to me."

Carina's expression fell blank; she should be scoffing in his face, yet she knew how much it must've cost him to admit that. Especially now.

"That doesn't mean anything," she rolled her eyes finally. "I won't be a mistress."

"I would never ask that of you," he swore solemnly. "I..." Lucius grappled with his words, a rarity for the wizard who always wore a calm facade. "I can't fight for someone who goes against the Dark Lord and my family's so-called 'archaic' expectations. But if you were on our side, I would fight. For you."

Carina stared at him in uncertainty. There was no way he was serious, was he?

"Besides," he continued. "Your father's line is one of the purest in European lineages."

Carina frowned, immediately stiffening in his hold.

"That's certainly a lovely picture you're painted in your mind, but you forget my values," Carina said firmly. "Muggleborns are my friends, and even if your lot hadn't murdered my parents, I'd stand by my friends."

"But-"

"We're done talking."

She tried to pull away from him, but his hold on her tightened painfully.

"You're making a mistake," he warned, his eyes speaking of both longing and danger all at once.

Before Carina could feel the outrage and impatience swell, Remus smoothly interrupted them.

"Is everything alright?" He asked, watching Malfoy with hawk-like eyes.

"Fine," Lucius shrugged, finally releasing Carina.

"Carina?" Remus turned to her.

But instead of answering, Carina merely led him away, heading for the exit.

"Carina," Remus yelled out after her. "You're not leaving already, are you?"

"Oh... um. No, I just want some fresh air. I'll be back in shortly," she waved off.

"Let me come with you," he offered, watching her in concern.

"No," she burst out suddenly. "Go enjoy your night, Remus. I just need a moment alone."

"You sure?" His eyes made it clear he didn't believe her.

"I promise," she smiled weakly, thankful when he nodded acceptingly. "Oh, and Remus? Please don't tell the others about that. I really don't want to have to keep explaining this over and over."

He watched her for a moment before nodding again. He walked away, leaving her to stride out towards the courtyard. The only reason he agreed so readily was that he'd already eavesdropped on the conversation, and he knew despite Malfoy's being an arsehole, they had nothing to worry about when it came to Carina. He felt bad for listening in for a split second, but then again, he wasn't a marauder for no reason.

Carina found herself wandering aimlessly, her mind racing through what just happened. On the one hand, she was glad. While there had been a familiarity with Lucius, she was too opposed to his beliefs to ever see him as the boy she'd known. She still didn't regret being with him. She recalled every memory from their year secretly together with a fondness. He was her first love. It didn't get bad until the very end- and that was when she knew she had to get out. But she refused to corrupt her memories with her first love; in her mind, the Lucius she'd been with and the Malfoy who walked around today were for all intents and purposes two different people.

Her absentminded steps eventually led her to a corridor off to the side of the courtyard. She took a seat on one of the low open window sills, taking a moment to collect herself. A short burst of laughter escaped her when she realized where she'd ended up.

This was where James had asked her to be his fake girlfriend.

He was probably back inside with Lily- dancing the night away. Maybe she'd even be short a fake boyfriend by the end of the night. He and Lily certainly seemed to be hitting it off the way he swept her across the dance floor. As unexpected as this whole scheme had been, James's 'fake' attentions had been surprisingly comforting. She'd realized with a pang that she'd miss it when they no longer had a reason to fake it.

Remembering Sirius's assumption that she'd be the last person to do something idiotic like fall for James, she couldn't help but think now how wrong that was. If anything, because they were already so close, his roles as a comforting friend and something more blended into each other seamlessly until she didn't know where one ended and the other began.

Would they just go back to casual conversations every now and then? He never needed her like the others need her. She could be nurturing to Remus during the full moon because he needed the care- whether he wanted to admit it or not. She could help Peter find his way out of his shell. She could give Sirius reliable advice when he asked for it. It's what she was good at, it's what she enjoyed. Being there for people was simply her way of showing she cared. But James never needed her. Not like the others. At least not until now.

Carina shook her head with a dry scoff internally. Nope. At this rate, he wouldn't even need her for that anymore.

"There you are," the object of her thoughts called out in relief. "I'd been looking for you everywhere! Remus said you'd wandered out here."

"James," Carina turned to him in surprise. Where was Lily?

"Why are you out here alone?"

Carina shrugged, shivering slightly from the brisk Scottish winds sweeping through the mountains. "I just wanted a moment. Why are you here? Where's Lily?"

"I happened to be looking for my disappeared date," James said pointedly. "And I don't know. We danced a few times, and then I noticed you were gone, so I went looking for you."

"You left her?" Carina cried incredulously. "You idiot!"

James quirked an eyebrow in amusement, walking up to her and taking a seat beside her. "I mean, I've finally found my date, so I think I did something right."

Carina rolled her eyes. He really was too attentive for his own good. When she shivered once again, James took shrugged off his coat, draping it around Carina's shoulders.

"You don't have to-" she began to take the coat off, but his hands rested over her shoulders, stopping the motion.

"It has a warming charm on it," he told her.

"Thank you," she murmured, snuggling deeper into the smooth fabric. "So how'd it go with Lily?"

"Good," James chuckled, almost as if he were still surprised by the news. "I think you may be right about her returning my feelings."

"Good..." Carina murmured, looking out onto the grounds. She found herself unable to hold his gaze.

"You know, you promised me the last dance." James held his hand out of her, tilting his head to the music drifting out from the Great Hall.

Carina glanced at his hand before shaking her head regretfully. "You should go find Lily."

His small smile faltered at her words. Did she not want his company anymore? Was Sirius right? Was she only here with him so he could make his move on Lily without it being suspicious? Did she think this was a waste of her night? The insecurities flew right out of his mind as he remembered this was Carina. She was probably trying to make sure he didn't miss the chance she thought he wanted with Lily.

"I want the dance I was promised," he merely said again in a somber tone, not a hint of joke or obligation in his expression.

Wordlessly slipping her hand into his, she allowed him to pull her to her feet. Instead of the elegant dance from before, he took the chance to pull her close and tuck her against his chest. She held herself stiffly at first until his warmth and stability lulled her into relaxing.

"You're so small," he mumbled into her hair in amusement.

Carina shrugged. "Being small has its advantages."

"Makes me want to protect you," he mumbled unintentionally, not even noticing what he just admitted.

Carina's heart raced, but the rational side of her tried to force the breaks on her hammering pulse. That could have completely been meant platonically! She needed to stop reading into things!

"Get in line," she forced out with a practiced chuckle. "All my male friends are protective of me."

James stilled, bringing their trance-like swaying to a halt. He pulled back to look at her, studying her with a clash of wills playing out in his gaze.

"I'm not entirely sure it's like that anymore," he admitted.

Carina gulped, almost afraid to ask the question on the tip of her tongue. "W-what do you mean?"

His eyes probed hers inquisitively. "I know I'm not the only one who feels this," he whispered, his hand rising to brush the shell of her ear before settling along the side of her neck.

Carina's eyes fluttered closed as she instinctively leaned into his touch.

"You love Lily," she argued weakly.

"I do," he admitted. "Loving Lily was all I'd ever known."

Carina felt her heart plummet.

"But, loving Lily had always been one-sided. It was never quite real..." He thought aloud, finally admitted that truth to himself. He snaked an arm around Carina's waist, pulling her flush against him. "But this... this has always felt real- even if we never knew exactly what it was."

Carina gazed up at him as he leaned down towards her, his face a breath away from hers.

"We shouldn't cross that line," she whispered weakly. She'd never be able to go back if they did.

"Tell me you don't want me," he insisted, looking at her intently.

She couldn't tear her eyes away from his hazel gaze, unable to lie to him. "I can't."

Eyes darkening in satisfaction, James closed the remaining distance between them, catching her lips in a tender, longing kiss. Her hands swept into his hair, messing up the soft locks like he usually did himself. He pulled her up to her toes, holding the length of her molded to his torso, drawing a soft moan from Carina. He gently parted her lips, drawing from her in needy, drugging pulls. An edge of heat snuck in as he nipped her lower lip, soothing it over with his tongue. She drew back from him breathlessly, both of them resting their foreheads together with their eyes closed, merely breathing each other in.

This felt perfect. Like a part of them that neither knew lay dormant was finally brought to life again.     

  ̶«̶ ̶̶̶ ̶ ̶ ̶̶̶ ̶«̶ ̶̶̶ ̶ ・☽ ༓ ☾・  ̶»̶ ̶̶̶ ̶ ̶ ̶̶̶ ̶»̶ ̶̶̶ ̶ ̶  ̶̶̶̶

Thoughts? 
~adharyn