Like the Back of My Hand ♡ (Charming — Victorian Era Potterverse)

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<p>If Finn was confident in only one thing (though, to be entirely honest, that was far from true), it was that he knew Delaney Baker like the back of his hand-knew, like a book, her love of flowers, of the outdoors, of the springy grass beneath her feet. Certainly on an absolutely flawless April day such as this, it stood to reason that the only place she could possibly be was outside?<p>
<p>Sure enough, no sooner had he ducked out of class early, seeking fresh air (and, admittedly, Del herself) when he spotted her. After tousling his mess of chestnut hair, only further tangling it, Finn shoved his fists deep in his pockets and sauntered over.<p>
<p>She sat alone, near to the lake said to house so many strange creatures. Finn himself had tested those theories more than enough times himself-and skinny dipped, for good measure. Grinning at the memory, he glanced down at Delaney.<p>
<p>God, she was pretty. It was crazy how much she'd been on his mind lately. Lately? Try forever-and a day. Of course, it wasn't going to stop him flirting with everything that had breasts and stood on two legs. Still-it did mean that her face flashed in his mind every time he did. And that was...unsettling to say the least.<p>
<p>Especially as she didn't seem taken with him. Him. Finn. Who didn't like him? Who wouldn't? And better yet, why?<p>
<p>The smile dropped swiftly from his face at the thought, but he quickly flashed it again, white teeth gleaming. "Hey there, sweetheart. What are you up to?" he spoke up, startling her out of her reverie. Fleetingly, he wondered what she'd been thinking about. Probably not him, that was for sure.<p>

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Like clockwork, the sun rose and fell everyday. Some days it was cloudy and you couldn't quite see the sun, others the rays fell upon the Earth so harshly that no one dared to venture outside. But believe it or not, there was a middle ground. There were days where there was just enough sun to keep the air warm, but not enough to cause sweat to form; where clouds lazily moved up ahead and the flowers began to bloom once again.

Delaney found herself done earlier with her school work than she was on most days. Either the teachers were being exceptionally kind, or she wasn't putting enough effort into it; nevertheless, Del felt the physical need to be outside. She quickly donned her lightest fabric dress, and loosened the tight pulls of her corset. Her stepmother always demanded she keep it tight, 'it's not proper for a lady to breathe!' Del mimicked carelessly as she bounded the stairs that led from the common room. As much as she loved her father, he had a terrible taste in women.

Carefully creeping past the Hufflepuff common room (Del did not want to run into a certain Finley Prewett) Del picked up her pace until she felt the cool air press against her skin. Surprisingly, there were not many others outside and Del frowned at that fact. Why did no one else love to be free? Her feet guided her until she found 'her' spot. Right by the lake, somewhat shaded by an ancient tree, green grass growing beneath her feet. Daffodils grew stubbornly at the base of the tree, having been planted there years ago by the young girl, and the small, budding leaves fluttered lightly in the wind. This was the closest she came to her farm, she'd be damned if she let anyone ruin that.

The sudden sound of Finn's voice disrupted Delaney's peacefulness. For years she had been warding off his constant attempts to talk to her, and merlin it wasn't easy. The second Del let her thoughts roam free, they wandered to him. His tousled brown hair, his gleaming smile, his chocolate brown eyes. He was perfection in its upmost form. And she could never have him.

She wasn't as naive as those other girls. She knew what he would do to her if she let him remotely near the interior of her heart. He'd chew her up and spit her out in two perfect halves. He wasn't good for her, he had to know that by now, right? "For the last time, Mr. Prewett, I ain't your sweetheart, much as you'd like me to be." She stated cooly, not bothering to look up at him. If Del knew anything about him by now it was that he would find himself a comfortable spot uncomfortably close to her and the two would have an awkward conversation.

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<p>As it always did when Delaney rejected him, Finn's heart plummeted. Quickly, though, he covered up his disappointment with a cocky smile. "Ain't" he echoed, pressing a hand to his lips in mock horror, "Well, miss, if you'll excuse my saying so-you don't sound like a very proper young lady at all." Dropping the affected tone, he asked rather lazily, "Bet if your governess hears you talking like that, she'll have a conniption. Wouldn't want that, now would we?"<P>
<p>Finn wandered closer toward her, careful to look supremely casual. Then, without batting an eye, he plopped right down next to her. The two were quiet for a moment, and the silence stretched between them. Then, grinning, Finn tossed his shoes to the side, rolled up his expensive pants, and dipped his feet in the water.<p>

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[dohtml] <link href='http://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Dawning+of+a+New+Day' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css'> <center><div style="width: 400px; border-right: solid 40px #0E2430; border-left: solid 40px #FC3A51; background-color: #E8D5B7;"><div style="border-left: solid 2px #fff; border-right: solid 2px #fff;"><div style="font-family: 'Dawning of a New Day', cursive; text-transform: lowercase; font-size: 75px; color: #0E2430; padding-right: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-bottom: 5px;">turning tables.</div><div style="border-bottom: solid 2px #fff; width: 375px;"><div style="border-bottom: solid 5px #F5B349; width: 375px;"></div></div><div style="width: 375px; text-align: justify; font-family: georgia; font-size: 9px; line-height: 90%; color: #000; text-transform: uppercase; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px;">'Cause I feel like a bad joke
Walk a tightrope to hold on to you
Was it real or a love scene
From a bad dream?
I don't think I can forget about it

You are a shining example
Of why I don't sleep at all
T-t-t-too many sheep on the brain
To make sense of a late night call
Talking in circles and chasing the tail Of a love drunk distant memory Am I sure that he's the one? 'Cause I feel like a bad joke Walk a tightrope to hold on to you Gotta know Was it real or a love scene From a bad dream? I don't think I can forget about it Gotta know was it real?</div><img src="http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p549/babblingabby/Mak.png" /><div style="width: 375px; padding: 10px;"><div style="background-color: #fff; border: solid 2px #F5B349; text-align: justify; padding: 3px; color: #000; line-height: 100%;">
Stifling a laugh, Del stubbornly kept her focus on the reflective diamonds on the lake's surface. He was determined to get under her skin today, more like every day. She wouldn't let him though, not today, nor tomorrow or any other day. Her father wouldn't like him much, of that much Delaney was certain. It'd be pointless to become even remotely attached to him, despite how much she wanted to.
<p><p>
With her gaze focused on the dark, murky water, Del started picking at one of the wild flowers. <b>"What Miss Odair doesn't know won't hurt her dear Finn."</b> She smirked although he probably couldn't see it. Delaney itched to take her hair from the tight bun that had attached itself to the back of her head, but that would be really improper. <b>"Besides, a little rowdiness never hurt anyone except for those who care for propriety."</b>

</div> <div style="font-family: 'Dawning of a New Day', cursive; text-transform: lowercase; font-size: 20px; color: #0E2430; padding-right: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 15px;">❤ THANKS SKYE</div> </div></div></div></div></center>[/dohtml]

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<p>Finn was just observant enough-and, it was true, cocky enough-to feel assured that he had seen the beginnings of a smile in his companion's eyes. Ordinarily, he would have jumped on such an indication as a chance to tease and taunt her relentlessly, but something about the peaceful quiet between them rendered him uncharacteristically silent, or at least for a few moments. He was so at ease sitting here with her-so utterly comfortable and carefree. Didn't she feel it too, the way they fit together like pieces in a puzzle? Why was it the only girl he gave a damn for happened also to be the only girl who wasn't attracted to him? It was confusing and, furthermore, downright bothersome.<p>
<p>"That's nice," he remarked, grinning, "Because judging by that devious little smile on your face, it seems you care an awful lot for her constitution. As for yours, well-I guess I won't question it." He looked her over for a moment, perhaps a little too closely, then added coolly, "Seems like you're not the sort of girl to faint at the sight of bugs. Refreshing, really. Damsels in distress get boring after a while." Winking, he teased, "Don't tell'm I said that, though. Wouldn't wanna be spendin' the weekends cooped up in my dorm without a date."<p>
<p>Eagerly, careful not to give himself away, he examined her face for even the mildest of jealousy.<p>

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[dohtml] <link href='http://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Dawning+of+a+New+Day' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css'> <center><div style="width: 400px; border-right: solid 40px #0E2430; border-left: solid 40px #FC3A51; background-color: #E8D5B7;"><div style="border-left: solid 2px #fff; border-right: solid 2px #fff;"><div style="font-family: 'Dawning of a New Day', cursive; text-transform: lowercase; font-size: 75px; color: #0E2430; padding-right: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-bottom: 5px;">turning tables.</div><div style="border-bottom: solid 2px #fff; width: 375px;"><div style="border-bottom: solid 5px #F5B349; width: 375px;"></div></div><div style="width: 375px; text-align: justify; font-family: georgia; font-size: 9px; line-height: 90%; color: #000; text-transform: uppercase; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px;">'Cause I feel like a bad joke
Walk a tightrope to hold on to you
Was it real or a love scene
From a bad dream?
I don't think I can forget about it

You are a shining example
Of why I don't sleep at all
T-t-t-too many sheep on the brain
To make sense of a late night call
Talking in circles and chasing the tail Of a love drunk distant memory Am I sure that he's the one? 'Cause I feel like a bad joke Walk a tightrope to hold on to you Gotta know Was it real or a love scene From a bad dream? I don't think I can forget about it Gotta know was it real?</div><img src="http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p549/babblingabby/Mak.png" /><div style="width: 375px; padding: 10px;"><div style="background-color: #fff; border: solid 2px #F5B349; text-align: justify; padding: 3px; color: #000; line-height: 100%;">
Delaney turned to face him and grinned, <b>"Oh yes, her wishes are the laws I abide my life by."</b> Her voice was laced with sarcasm, an emotion that Ventus woman in the prophet would deem to be scandalous. It was absolutely ludicrous, how much the paper focused on the affairs of the upperclass citizens. Del would be glad once she free of such horrid ideals. It would be a comfort to be back on her farm where she knew the scope of the land like the back of her hand.
<p><p>
A breeze picked up over the water, sending chills up and down Delaney's spine. Because the weather had been so absolutely marvelous, she had left her house sweater lying carelessly on her bed. <b>"It's beautiful isn't it, the sunlight reflected in the water? There's a river that runs through one of the fields back home. I remember one summer, I was perhaps only nine or ten at the time, and I convinced the manager to keep that field free so that it could rest that season you know? So we wouldn't dry out the soil."</b> Del played with a growing dandelion with the hand closest to Finn. <b>"I spent everyday on that riverbank, I must of been as brown as the dirt by the end of the summer the way my skin burned. But that was the best summer I ever had."</b>
<p><p>
She chose to ignore his comment about not being a damsel. She was a damsel, he simply couldn't see it. He would never see it, she wouldn't let him.

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<P>At Delaney's biting reply, Finn replied with forced solemnity, "I'm gonna hold you to that, kid." Only when she met his eyes did he give in, allowing a chuckle to rumble deep in his throat before passing his lips.<p>
<p>Whatever Finley had expected from this pleasant little visit, Delaney's confiding in him with any sort of genuineness had never so much as crossed his mind. Nevertheless, the fact that she had turned to him-had let those thoughts spill out of her in such a seemingly careless way-gave him hope. If she hated him as much as she claimed, after all, she would hardly have taken their conversation this far-right?<p>
<p>Finn was no city boy, having been raised himself in a rural chateau with sprawling acres, and he was certainly not opposed to getting down and dirty; his impressive quidditch record made that entirely clear. Still, he had never before seen the land in quite the way Del described it. Finley wasn't very deep-or at least, if he was, he kept it under lock and key. Dirt was dirt, grass was grass; you stepped on it, and you moved on. All that blather about the grass shining like emeralds and the stars twinkling like diamonds was utterly ridiculous, just as his stern and no-nonsense mother had condemned it to be.<p>
<p>But Del-well, it was hard not to listen when she talked. Perhaps it was the fact that she was one of the few people he listened to-or that her words, earnest as they were, were more convincing than those of others. Whatever the case, Finley found himself looking at things through the eyes of someone else-of her.<p>
<p>it was both unsettling and oddly soothing all at once, this sensitive side of him that he tried so hard to repress. "Ah, it's pretty and all, I suppose, if you go for that sort of thing." he replied teasingly, waving a hand in a casual 'whatever' way. The silence, particularly being that it was such a lovely day, was overwhelming. Finn glanced sideways at the girl who seemed utterly unreachable, and he found himself saying, more serious now, "You talk about all this stuff like-like it's real or something. It must mean a lot to you."<p>

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[dohtml] <link href='http://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Dawning+of+a+New+Day' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css'> <center><div style="width: 400px; border-right: solid 40px #0E2430; border-left: solid 40px #FC3A51; background-color: #E8D5B7;"><div style="border-left: solid 2px #fff; border-right: solid 2px #fff;"><div style="font-family: 'Dawning of a New Day', cursive; text-transform: lowercase; font-size: 75px; color: #0E2430; padding-right: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-bottom: 5px;">turning tables.</div><div style="border-bottom: solid 2px #fff; width: 375px;"><div style="border-bottom: solid 5px #F5B349; width: 375px;"></div></div><div style="width: 375px; text-align: justify; font-family: georgia; font-size: 9px; line-height: 90%; color: #000; text-transform: uppercase; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px;">'Cause I feel like a bad joke
Walk a tightrope to hold on to you
Was it real or a love scene
From a bad dream?
I don't think I can forget about it

You are a shining example
Of why I don't sleep at all
T-t-t-too many sheep on the brain
To make sense of a late night call
Talking in circles and chasing the tail Of a love drunk distant memory Am I sure that he's the one? 'Cause I feel like a bad joke Walk a tightrope to hold on to you Gotta know Was it real or a love scene From a bad dream? I don't think I can forget about it Gotta know was it real?</div><img src="http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p549/babblingabby/Mak.png" /><div style="width: 375px; padding: 10px;"><div style="background-color: #fff; border: solid 2px #F5B349; text-align: justify; padding: 3px; color: #000; line-height: 100%;">
Kid. He had called her kid. What in Merlin's name was the point of that? Kid. Delaney would show him she was no kid, one day. Maybe. However, instead of being angry with him over his horrible choice of a nickname, Del laid back in the grass and looked up at the clouds. You could tell so much from the clouds, and how different people interpreted them. Where one person saw a cat, another may see a fox, and then a bird. Clouds were everywhere.
<p><p>
Keeping her eyes wide open, Del looked over towards one of the larger clouds, immediately thinking it to be a heart. Even the clouds knew her secrets. <b>"It's my home, it's where I was raised. Of course it means a lot to me."</b> Memories of her childhood came flooding back: skinny dipping in the river with one of the village boys, planting trees in the apple orchard, picking wild flowers to braid into her sister's hair. All things that meant the world to a small town girl, but next to nothing to a big city kid like Finn.
<p><p>
<b>"I don't expect you to like these kind of things, <I>kid.</I>"</b> She tested the same nickname he had given her on him and found she hadn't liked it, not one bit. <b>"But without the shades of green, the shapes, the passion. You have nothing but a boring picture."</b>

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<p>Finn could see that Delaney was affronted by his nickname, and he couldn't help but be amused. Of course, he hadn't meant to offend her; it had just slipped out-likely, though he would never dream of admitting it, because the use of derivatives gave him a lofty feeling that he enjoyed terribly. Regardless of how insignificant a factor Finn imagined the apparent slight to be, he wondered whether or not it would case Delaney to close up again, a flower folding in on itself, and take all her secrets back with her. Girls were weird that way, after all; just when you thought you had them down to a science, thought you knew their every move, one like Delaney came along-and you were baffled, starting from scratch all over again.<p>
<p>He turned to her, hoping to smooth the whole thing over, and found that she wasn't looking at him, but rather off into the distance. Following her gaze high in the sky, he just caught, blinking, a heart-shaped cloud-or at least he thought that was what it had been, but it quickly dissolved into feathery little puffs, and he waved the thought away with a chuckle.<p>
<p>He was surprised when she finally spoke, and was even more surprised to find that he regarded her question with solemnity and genuine interest-pausing to note with a grin her reflection of that same demeaning nickname- before replying, "My family is over in Ottery St. Catchpole. It's rural enough I guess, all out there in the meadows and everything-but I never really gave it much thought. My family's so huge, it was never really about the place-it was about the people. All of this-" he added, gesturing to the vast expanse of sky and rolling green grasses, "Was just a background to something bigger. I mean, when my brothers and I were playing tag or seeing who could dive into the lake from the highest branch, we weren't exactly breathing in the surroundings." He paused a moment, eying her, and said finally, in a matter-of-fact way, "You're different than other girls-you know that? I've never met anyone like you before."<p>

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[dohtml] <link href='http://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Dawning+of+a+New+Day' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css'> <center><div style="width: 400px; border-right: solid 40px #0E2430; border-left: solid 40px #FC3A51; background-color: #E8D5B7;"><div style="border-left: solid 2px #fff; border-right: solid 2px #fff;"><div style="font-family: 'Dawning of a New Day', cursive; text-transform: lowercase; font-size: 75px; color: #0E2430; padding-right: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-bottom: 5px;">turning tables.</div><div style="border-bottom: solid 2px #fff; width: 375px;"><div style="border-bottom: solid 5px #F5B349; width: 375px;"></div></div><div style="width: 375px; text-align: justify; font-family: georgia; font-size: 9px; line-height: 90%; color: #000; text-transform: uppercase; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px;">'Cause I feel like a bad joke
Walk a tightrope to hold on to you
Was it real or a love scene
From a bad dream?
I don't think I can forget about it

You are a shining example
Of why I don't sleep at all
T-t-t-too many sheep on the brain
To make sense of a late night call
Talking in circles and chasing the tail Of a love drunk distant memory Am I sure that he's the one? 'Cause I feel like a bad joke Walk a tightrope to hold on to you Gotta know Was it real or a love scene From a bad dream? I don't think I can forget about it Gotta know was it real?</div><img src="http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p549/babblingabby/Mak.png" /><div style="width: 375px; padding: 10px;"><div style="background-color: #fff; border: solid 2px #F5B349; text-align: justify; padding: 3px; color: #000; line-height: 100%;">
She felt his gaze on the side of her face as she gazed at the clouds. Every time he looked at her, without fail, she knew. It was almost like a sixth sense that operated only for Finley Prewett. Delaney noticed no other boy's looks (and there were a few who looked her way) only his. And although she'd never admit it out loud to anyone, Del loved that he looked her way more than anyone else's.
<p><p>
Finley spoke of how he hadn't had the time growing up to notice such things, coming from a big family and all, and Del sighed unnoticeably. She wasn't given the chance to have an extended family with fifty siblings and cousins running around. Her childhood had a lonely tune to it, much like the way Finn's had a party song attached. <b>"Must of been crazy, growing up with so many relatives around. I bet you could've gotten away with anything."</b> Their gaze locked and a faint blush spread across her already rosy cheeks. <b>"My backyard growing up was the only companionship I had. My sister hated me and my dad was always away on some sort of business or another. The land, the background as you put it, was my best friend."</b>
<p><p>
And then he said fifteen words that alone meant nothing, but together had the potential to be the start of something beautiful. <I>'You're different than other girls-you know that? I've never met anyone like you before.'</I> Their gaze was still locked as Delaney was too transfixed in the high of the moment to even consider looking away. She wanted to do something special, something that would show him how much his words meant to her; however, the only thing coming to mind was spilling out the three little words that a fifteen year old should never even conjure up unless speaking to a relative. So instead of saying anything, Del leaned closer to him and quickly brushed her lips against his cheek.
<p><p>
<b>"Thanks. You're pretty special too."</b> She whispered before going back to her original position.
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<p>Crazy? Chuckling, Finn flicked a stray strand of chestnut colored hair out of his eyes. Yes, it had certainly been that-crazy, and chaotic, and wonderful. There was always something to do, somewhere to go, some new game to play-and people to do it all with, of course, for he had so many siblings that he was wont to lose track of them from time to time. It was perhaps for that reason that even as a brand new first year, the transition from home to Hogwarts had bothered him not in the least. Already, his older brother, William, was there, and his sister, Fanny, would arrive a year later. Besides, he was accustomed to making friends and socializing with ease.<p>
<p>To that end, it was difficult to fathom what Delaney's childhood must have been like. How could one live without noise and chaos? Without sisters and brothers to taunt and tease and love? "Your sister hated you?" he echoed, his nose scrunching in blatant disbelief. "Bloody hell. But-why?"<p>
<p>How could anyone hate a sibling-and better yet, how could anyone hate Del? He had been, needless to say, a rowdy and obnoxious child, and while his brothers and sisters had found him annoying in their own right, they loved him regardless, as did his parents; they had to, because...because they just did.<p>
<p>When Del quieted suddenly at his words, Finn feared he had said something horribly long without realizing it. Girls could be touchy, after all, and perhaps he had offended her again, somehow? The thought made him wince, and he only just resisted slapping a hand to his forehead in exasperation at his own stupidity. "Del, I-" But no sooner had his lips parted in the beginnings of a tentative apology when she leaned forward and, like something out of a dream, kissed his cheek.<p>
<p>Finn fought back the oncoming flush, and succumbed to the unexpected-but no less welcome-perfection of the moment; he had never imagined in his wildest dreams that he would ever reap anything, had begun to think he would be chasing her for years, and now...<p>
<p>No, he told himself, irritated, It's just a peck on the cheek for a friend, that's all. Just a friend. That's all she'll ever be.<p>
<p>Finn wasn't entirely sure why, but suddenly he was less eager than ever to flirt with her. He wanted her, of course, more than ever-wanted her with a burning that consumed everything else. But something he saw in her that she had shielded from his view before-an innocence, a sweetness-made him feel shamed. He had never gone about anything the right way, had he? All this time?<p>
<p>"You think so?" he asked wryly, pressing a hand to his cheek where her lips had been only seconds ago. Suddenly, strangely, he didn't.<p>
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[dohtml] <link href='http://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Dawning+of+a+New+Day' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css'> <center><div style="width: 400px; border-right: solid 40px #0E2430; border-left: solid 40px #FC3A51; background-color: #E8D5B7;"><div style="border-left: solid 2px #fff; border-right: solid 2px #fff;"><div style="font-family: 'Dawning of a New Day', cursive; text-transform: lowercase; font-size: 75px; color: #0E2430; padding-right: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-bottom: 5px;">turning tables.</div><div style="border-bottom: solid 2px #fff; width: 375px;"><div style="border-bottom: solid 5px #F5B349; width: 375px;"></div></div><div style="width: 375px; text-align: justify; font-family: georgia; font-size: 9px; line-height: 90%; color: #000; text-transform: uppercase; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px;">'Cause I feel like a bad joke
Walk a tightrope to hold on to you
Was it real or a love scene
From a bad dream?
I don't think I can forget about it

You are a shining example
Of why I don't sleep at all
T-t-t-too many sheep on the brain
To make sense of a late night call
Talking in circles and chasing the tail Of a love drunk distant memory Am I sure that he's the one? 'Cause I feel like a bad joke Walk a tightrope to hold on to you Gotta know Was it real or a love scene From a bad dream? I don't think I can forget about it Gotta know was it real?</div><img src="http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p549/babblingabby/Mak.png" /><div style="width: 375px; padding: 10px;"><div style="background-color: #fff; border: solid 2px #F5B349; text-align: justify; padding: 3px; color: #000; line-height: 100%;">
How hadn't Darlene expressed her hatred towards Delaney? Darla was cold, rude, and indifferent towards Del up until the time she moved away. Del had never known what it was truly like to have siblings. For all intents and purposes she had grown up alone. <b>"Because I killed my mom. Or because I have magic and she's a squib. Or because my father is going to leave the farm to me and not her. I don't know, but she hates me. A lot."</b> A sad twinge clung to her words as they did nearly every time she spoke of her sister. Darlene would be happy to never see Del again.
<p><p>
She flushed scarlet after having kissed his cheek. Why had she done that? Kisses were for lovers, and Finn was not her lover. <b>"I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me."</b> She rushed to get through her words. He was probably disgusted with her. Harmless flirting was one thing, kissing was in a whole other league. Del had never kissed anyone before, not even her father. Finn was her first, and it was only on his cheek.
<p><p>
Though, she couldn't stop imagining what it would have been like if she had kissed his lips instead.
<p><p>
<b>"Of course you're special. You're Finley Prewett, bad boy on campus. Future professional heart breaker."</b> She jibed, hopefully lifting the mood some.
</div> <div style="font-family: 'Dawning of a New Day', cursive; text-transform: lowercase; font-size: 20px; color: #0E2430; padding-right: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 15px;">❤ THANKS SKYE</div> </div></div></div></div></center>[/dohtml]

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<p>"Killed...your mum?" Finn repeated quizzically. No. Never. Resolutely, he believed that she had left something out-an important piece of the puzzle. Delaney couldn't harm a fly, let alone her family-let alone her mother. Whatever she had done, though-or, at least, believed to have done-it was clear in her eyes that she felt responsible, and terribly guilty, for it. Finn wanted to reach out and comfort her, to take the pain away; in fact, he leaned towards her, an infinitesimal amount, before drawing back in alarm at what he had almost done.<p>
<p>"I'm sure none of that was your fault." he said with certainty, meeting her eyes. For once, his smile wasn't cocky, or flirtatious, or even beguiling; it was simple, and kind: a real smile, and one he didn't show often.<p>
<p>It was very evident, too, that she regretted the kiss they had shared, and Finn accepted the fact with exasperation and a twinge of disappointment. It was as though the two of them were running around the same circle; every time he grew closer, reached out a hand and nearly brushed her, she sped up and disappeared. Endless, and only very rarely satisfying.<P>
<p>At her jibe, Finn was careful to maintain his smile, but something had gone out of his eyes. Ordinarily, the compliment would cause his ego to blow up, and a cocky smirk to grace his face, but it meant little now. "Yeah, that's me." he agreed, winking-albeit, rather halfheartedly-at her. "And what about you, Ms. Hard-to-Get?" Finn added, nudging her shoulder teasingly with his.<p>
<p>As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he wished he had never spoken at all, and he inched away from her as though to pretend it had never happened. Would she be offended again, or would she see through him right down to his core, realize his genuine love for her, and reject him? Or would they simply go back to the way they had been before after all this-him flirting, her avoiding him at all costs. Whatever the case, he felt with a jolt that he had just made a huge mistake.<p>
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[dohtml] <link href='http://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Dawning+of+a+New+Day' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css'> <center><div style="width: 400px; border-right: solid 40px #0E2430; border-left: solid 40px #FC3A51; background-color: #E8D5B7;"><div style="border-left: solid 2px #fff; border-right: solid 2px #fff;"><div style="font-family: 'Dawning of a New Day', cursive; text-transform: lowercase; font-size: 75px; color: #0E2430; padding-right: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-bottom: 5px;">turning tables.</div><div style="border-bottom: solid 2px #fff; width: 375px;"><div style="border-bottom: solid 5px #F5B349; width: 375px;"></div></div><div style="width: 375px; text-align: justify; font-family: georgia; font-size: 9px; line-height: 90%; color: #000; text-transform: uppercase; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px;">'Cause I feel like a bad joke
Walk a tightrope to hold on to you
Was it real or a love scene
From a bad dream?
I don't think I can forget about it

You are a shining example
Of why I don't sleep at all
T-t-t-too many sheep on the brain
To make sense of a late night call
Talking in circles and chasing the tail Of a love drunk distant memory Am I sure that he's the one? 'Cause I feel like a bad joke Walk a tightrope to hold on to you Gotta know Was it real or a love scene From a bad dream? I don't think I can forget about it Gotta know was it real?</div><img src="http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p549/babblingabby/Mak.png" /><div style="width: 375px; padding: 10px;"><div style="background-color: #fff; border: solid 2px #F5B349; text-align: justify; padding: 3px; color: #000; line-height: 100%;">

She could only nod as a single tear welled up in her eye. <b>"She died because I was born."</b> As she spoke, that same tear escaped from her eye but she brushed it away quickly. <b>"If I wasn't here, she would be."</b> If they continued on this topic Del would be a mess of emotions in no time. Even her father knew well enough to not speak of her mother.
<p><p>
Out of the corner of her eye, Delaney saw Finn inch closer, and then just as quickly he edged away again. She wanted him to sit right besides her so that she could feel vulnerable and curl up into his side. <b>"Can I kiss you for real?"</b> She asked tensely. Throughout all the heartache in her life and all the joyous moments, Delaney knew those times were only preparation for this. She wanted to feel physically close to another person, it was beginning to become tiring to only feel such comfort with animals. (Not that she kissed animals, though she did ride horses and sleep with one of her family's barn cats each night)

</div> <div style="font-family: 'Dawning of a New Day', cursive; text-transform: lowercase; font-size: 20px; color: #0E2430; padding-right: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 15px;">❤ THANKS SKYE</div> </div></div></div></div></center>[/dohtml]

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<p>Despite his reputation for preoccupation, even Finn noticed the tear that slid down her cheek following her reply, for all that she wiped it away quickly. Ordinarily, Finley was no less competent a charmer with a crying girl than any other, but this was Delaney, and he found that he was awkward, entirely at a loss for words, helpless to comfort her.<p>
<p>"I'm sure she would never have forgiven himself if you died for her to live." he replied, thinking of his own mother, her warmth, her persistence, her fervor. "How could she have lived without you?" That much, he felt, was genuine and true-and with those words, more than anything else, he had given Delaney more of him than he ever had any other girl.<p>
<p>Del, though, was so much more than the clump of 'any other girl's on whom he had wasted all his efforts over the course of the past few years. No, she was different, not in a great and obvious way, but in little ones; that, though, he was learning, made all the difference.<p>
<p>And that was why Finn was taken by storm, never having suspected for a moment that she felt the same way.<p>
<p>"I-" It was the first time in his life that Finley had to expend effort into looking offhanded, and he made a vague, sweeping gesture that might have met anything, or nothing at all. "Yeah. Yeah-I think that could be. Good."<p>
<p>What was he saying? Suddenly he was ten years old again, getting his first kiss on the cheek from a neighborhood girl and flushing from his cheeks to the roots of his hair.<p>
<p>Closing his eyes against the stumbling words, Finn willed himself into calmness. It was no use, though, because his heart was racing. Why was this happening? He had kissed so many girls before, it should have been nothing at all!<p>
<p>Leaning forward, he brushed a strand of honey blonde hair from her eyes and pressed his lips to hers. He was uncertain, strangely so, not sure whether to pull her in and cradle her, or to keep his hands to himself. What did she want? It was hard to tell, even if she had asked him, and so he settled for simply pulling her closer, taking his face in her hands from where he sat in the grass, his knees tucked under him in the grass.<p>
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[dohtml] <link href='http://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Dawning+of+a+New+Day' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css'> <center><div style="width: 400px; border-right: solid 40px #0E2430; border-left: solid 40px #FC3A51; background-color: #E8D5B7;"><div style="border-left: solid 2px #fff; border-right: solid 2px #fff;"><div style="font-family: 'Dawning of a New Day', cursive; text-transform: lowercase; font-size: 75px; color: #0E2430; padding-right: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-bottom: 5px;">turning tables.</div><div style="border-bottom: solid 2px #fff; width: 375px;"><div style="border-bottom: solid 5px #F5B349; width: 375px;"></div></div><div style="width: 375px; text-align: justify; font-family: georgia; font-size: 9px; line-height: 90%; color: #000; text-transform: uppercase; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px;">'Cause I feel like a bad joke
Walk a tightrope to hold on to you
Was it real or a love scene
From a bad dream?
I don't think I can forget about it

You are a shining example
Of why I don't sleep at all
T-t-t-too many sheep on the brain
To make sense of a late night call
Talking in circles and chasing the tail Of a love drunk distant memory Am I sure that he's the one? 'Cause I feel like a bad joke Walk a tightrope to hold on to you Gotta know Was it real or a love scene From a bad dream? I don't think I can forget about it Gotta know was it real?</div><img src="http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p549/babblingabby/Mak.png" /><div style="width: 375px; padding: 10px;"><div style="background-color: #fff; border: solid 2px #F5B349; text-align: justify; padding: 3px; color: #000; line-height: 100%;">

His lips were touching hers. Finley had actually kissed her. Del had never doubted he would, but she hadn't expected him to kiss her. It was a simple kiss, sweet even, much like Del had hoped it would be.
<p><p>
Unsure of what do to with herself, Delaney gave herself into the kiss completely, moving her lips against his as though it were a second nature. Her hands came to rest on the back of his neck and her fingers knotted themselves in the hair on the base of his neck. Unconsciously, she moved her body closer to his, nearly toppling them over in the process.
<p><p>
Then just as quickly as the kiss began, Delaney pulled away and kissed his cheek. Her thoughts were in turmoil. What had they just done? We're they seen? If it somehow got out, Delaney's chances at being a prefect next year would be shot to hell. She had to be prefect, it would make her father love her again and possibly make him want to be home with her more. But she loved kissing him. Kissing Finn gave her a sense of being home for the first time ever. She felt safe when Finn's fingers were touching her skin, with him around nothing could touch her.
<p><p>
All Del wanted was to kiss him again, and again, and again.
<p><p>
<b>"That was ..."</b> She didn't know how to word how perfect their kiss had been. <b>"Incredible?"</b>

</div> <div style="font-family: 'Dawning of a New Day', cursive; text-transform: lowercase; font-size: 20px; color: #0E2430; padding-right: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 15px;">❤ THANKS SKYE</div> </div></div></div></div></center>[/dohtml]

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<p>Delaney proved a fiercer kisser than Finn would ever have imagined, but he quickly adjusted, relinquishing his inhibitions in favor of simply giving in to the effortless flow of it. Finn was not the romantic sort; granted, he could be when the need arose to charm a particularly pretty young lady, but he certainly harbored no such inclinations of his own.<p>
<p>With Delaney, though, it was different...just as passionate, of course, if not doubly so-but with meaning hidden beneath it; they fit together, like two puzzle pieces that had been separated but now, coming together, made a flawless match.<p>
<p>Finn's heart was beating an unsteady staccato, his adrenaline pumping unbidden in his veins-and then, suddenly, his breath left him in a whoosh, and there was only a cool breeze where moments ago her body had pressed against his. Flicking a chestnut lock out of his eyes, Finn propped himself up by his arms and leaned towards her questioningly.<p>
<p>They were silent for some time, and Finn found that he was uncharacteristically apprehensive. Had she hated it? He had always cockily thought himself insurmountably superior to any other boy his age as far as kissing was concerned, and had never thought to question his skill before-but here, now, it seemed as though everything was one big question mark.<p>
<p>When she turned to him and spoke, assuaging his fears, his breath left him a whoosh, and his uncertain grimace was swiftly replaced by a grin. "You're not half bad." he teased, bumping her with his shoulder; in his eyes, though, it was surely clear that even he had never felt anything like it before.<p>

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[dohtml] <link href='http://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Dawning+of+a+New+Day' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css'> <center><div style="width: 400px; border-right: solid 40px #0E2430; border-left: solid 40px #FC3A51; background-color: #E8D5B7;"><div style="border-left: solid 2px #fff; border-right: solid 2px #fff;"><div style="font-family: 'Dawning of a New Day', cursive; text-transform: lowercase; font-size: 75px; color: #0E2430; padding-right: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-bottom: 5px;">turning tables.</div><div style="border-bottom: solid 2px #fff; width: 375px;"><div style="border-bottom: solid 5px #F5B349; width: 375px;"></div></div><div style="width: 375px; text-align: justify; font-family: georgia; font-size: 9px; line-height: 90%; color: #000; text-transform: uppercase; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px;">'Cause I feel like a bad joke
Walk a tightrope to hold on to you
Was it real or a love scene
From a bad dream?
I don't think I can forget about it

You are a shining example
Of why I don't sleep at all
T-t-t-too many sheep on the brain
To make sense of a late night call
Talking in circles and chasing the tail Of a love drunk distant memory Am I sure that he's the one? 'Cause I feel like a bad joke Walk a tightrope to hold on to you Gotta know Was it real or a love scene From a bad dream? I don't think I can forget about it Gotta know was it real?</div><img src="http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p549/babblingabby/Mak.png" /><div style="width: 375px; padding: 10px;"><div style="background-color: #fff; border: solid 2px #F5B349; text-align: justify; padding: 3px; color: #000; line-height: 100%;">

Doing her best not to acknowledge her desires, Delaney became bent on tearing up a daisy. Normally, she'd pick at the petals wondering "he likes me" "he likes me not", but she was certain that not even the daisies could throw at her a truth like such. Finley had kissed her, that had to stand for something. He wouldn't of kissed her if he didn't like her, he wouldn't mess with her in that way, right?
<p><p>
All of the sudden, Del was certain he was playing a game with her. He got what he wanted, four years of him asking and he finally achieved his goal. And then tomorrow she would see him and she'd be just as invisible as some as the ghosts.
<p><p>
She focused her attentions on the daisy as he joked and nudged her. What was he waiting around for? She had nothing else to give him, at least nothing that could be given while sitting by the lake. He might as well go find someone else to chase. <b>"Thanks, so are you."</b> She managed to get out without her voice shaking. <b>"That was my first kiss, you know."</b> Even as she was hurting over her impending heart break, she still wanted to give him pieces of herself.

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<p>Finn leaned back, cushioning his head in his hands, and picked at a blade of grass. It was extraordinarily difficult to appear nonchalant when his entire body was supercharged; in fact, he was still rather breathless.<p>
<p>Rolling over onto his side so that the two were face to face, he smiled. The sun beat down on him, warming his face. Right now, when only an hour so ago his prospects with Delaney had seemed so very bleak, he doubted he had ever been happier. What would his friends say? They had, after all, made light of the seriousness of Finn's affections for her for so long, sure that nothing would ever come of it; well, wouldn't they be shocked to find the two of them together now?<p>
<p>Finn chuckled aloud at the thought of Andren's stunned face-only for the sound to break off abruptly at the sight of Delaney's face. She seemed-crestfallen, as though she had never been more miserable. Just looking at her sent a piercing barb through his chest.<p>But-but no, she couldn't be; only seconds ago, she had been so happy...hadn't she?<p>
<p>Finn attempted to push the foreboding thoughts away as she spoke up, but it was another moment before her words truly registered. "Really?" he replied, genuinely surprised. "I mean-you?"<p>
<p>The amount of other students he had seen attempting to flirt with Del was, in his opinion, seemingly endless-he could name them all, could see their faces in his mind's eye, because he had watched all of them come and go denying his jealousy-and she hadn't so much as kissed one of them? She certainly had more restraint than her current companion, that much was obvious.<p>
<p>"Makes me feel a little better." he added, chuckling under his breath. "I half thought it was only me you didn't want anything to do with-but I guess you're just plain hard to get." After all, it wasn't as though she herself wasn't wanted.<p>
<p>Finn glanced up, still wearing a smile, only to see that same expression again, this time undoubtedly-hopeless. The Hufflepuff's face fell.<p>
<p>"Del...?" he ventured, raising a heavy brow, "Are you-alright?"<p>
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[dohtml] <link href='http://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Dawning+of+a+New+Day' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css'> <center><div style="width: 400px; border-right: solid 40px #0E2430; border-left: solid 40px #FC3A51; background-color: #E8D5B7;"><div style="border-left: solid 2px #fff; border-right: solid 2px #fff;"><div style="font-family: 'Dawning of a New Day', cursive; text-transform: lowercase; font-size: 75px; color: #0E2430; padding-right: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-bottom: 5px;">turning tables.</div><div style="border-bottom: solid 2px #fff; width: 375px;"><div style="border-bottom: solid 5px #F5B349; width: 375px;"></div></div><div style="width: 375px; text-align: justify; font-family: georgia; font-size: 9px; line-height: 90%; color: #000; text-transform: uppercase; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px;">'Cause I feel like a bad joke
Walk a tightrope to hold on to you
Was it real or a love scene
From a bad dream?
I don't think I can forget about it

You are a shining example
Of why I don't sleep at all
T-t-t-too many sheep on the brain
To make sense of a late night call
Talking in circles and chasing the tail Of a love drunk distant memory Am I sure that he's the one? 'Cause I feel like a bad joke Walk a tightrope to hold on to you Gotta know Was it real or a love scene From a bad dream? I don't think I can forget about it Gotta know was it real?</div><img src="http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p549/babblingabby/Mak.png" /><div style="width: 375px; padding: 10px;"><div style="background-color: #fff; border: solid 2px #F5B349; text-align: justify; padding: 3px; color: #000; line-height: 100%;">

<b>"Don't sound so surprised."</b> Finn's disbelief at her admission only served to make her feel worse than she previously felt. They were only fourth years, and with all the scandal going around Del had strived to stay far away from any and all boys. There were a few that approached her, some quite a few times, but she never saw the point in 'a date'. Her father was going to marry her off as soon as she graduated anyway, like any decent father of the upperclass ought to do.
<p><p>
Sitting forward so that her lose strands of hair covered her face, Del didn't once meet Finn's eyes. Why was he still here? He had gotten what he wanted for all these years, he could go brag about how he'd gotten her first kiss to all his stupid friends. <b>"I'm not hard to get, Finn."</b> She was whispering now, fearful of allowing him to acknowledge how broken she felt. <b>"I just wasn't interested."</b>
<p><p>
Delaney laid back on the grass behind her and twisted so that her head was a foot or so from Finn's. The shimmering sunlight gave his skin a golden glow and made his hair seem lighter than normal. If she wasn't so certain that he'd be leaving her here alone, she would've kissed him again, or allowed him to kiss her. But with the way her heart felt, she was only wishing him to disappear.
<p><p>
For the first time since they'd kissed, Delaney's chocolate brown eyes met Finn's own brown hue. Was she alright? Sure, she was alright. She wasn't bleeding or physically harmed. Emotionally, though? She was a wreck. <b>"Why are you still here? You got what you wanted. Don't you have some other girl to make feel like she's the most important person on the planet?"</b>

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<p>Finn blinked, shocked into silent disbelief. Of all the responses he would have expected from Delaney, anger was hardly one of them-and yet were a third party to judge by the way she snapped back at him with such vigor, they would likely have believed he had had slighted her in some awful way. Frantically, the Hufflepuff racked his brains for something-anything-that he might have said to cause her fuse to so suddenly light, but he could think of nothing; if anything, he had flattered her-had told her she was so beautiful that he could hardly believe she had managed to go so long without being kissed. Where was the harm in that?<p>
<p>"Del-" he began coaxingly, shifting his weight so that they were nearly knee to knee where he perched, Indian-legged in the dewy grass. "What-"<p>
<P>But before he could manage another word, the impact of her next words sunk in, and he broke off; his brown eyes were wide and round, wounded, and the words stung with the quick, merciless jab of a knife to the back.<p>
<p>Of course, he had always suspected that Delaney so severely disliked him that she wanted nothing at all to do with him-however, of late, he had felt a certain change, even before this day. In the library a week or so ago, she had practically consented to a Hogsmeade visit with him, and even though the topic had not been broached again in these past few days, it had felt like a small victory. Then, there was today-and the kiss, and the warmth that he was almost certain he had seen in her eyes before she had turned away from him so coldly. What did it all mean? Had she been playing him for a fool, trying to retaliate after all the times he had teased her? Didn't she know he had never meant to hurt her? In fact, all he ever wanted to do was make her laugh-hearing the sound was more satisfying than winning a thousand quidditch games.<p>
<p>When ordinarily Finn would have exploited such romantics in the hopes of winning a girl over, he found he couldn't even speak now; for once, they were not claimed, but truly felt-which made it all the more ironic that they were unaccepted.<p>
<p>"Oh." he murmured, eying her hesitantly; there was a defiant look in his eyes, and his jaw was set. "So-it was personal, then. It was just me you didn't want to bother with."<p>
<p>Delaney's closing argument was so utterly bewildering that Finn didn't know what he wanted to do more-pour out the million questions in his mind in a vain attempt to understand what exactly she was talking about, or to snap right back at her without a thought to the contrary. "That's really rich." he said finally; feeling too vulnerable on the floor, he got to his feet, brushing blades of grass from his trousers. His lean form blocked the sun, throwing Delaney into shadow. "You don't want anything to do with me, but I'm supposed to sit there and wait around for you and never have anything to do with anything else. So-what? I can't have you-or anyone else. Am I really that awful?"<p>
<p>Exasperated, angry, confused, his pride shattered-Finn tousled his hair restlessly. "You just don't get anything, do you? You never did. It's always been you. I've been telling you and telling you and telling you and you'd never listen. And you didn't care, and you don't care-and I don't know why I let myself think you did."<p>
<p>Finn had revealed far too much of himself, but he was still smarting from her unexpected assault. Vaguely humiliated by his outburst, he glanced sheepishly over his shoulder, but the few students milling about in the early morning sun didn't seem to have heard anything. Squaring his shoulders, he turned on his heel-no point waiting around here anymore; he was probably taking up her precious time as it was.<p>
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[dohtml] <link href='http://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Dawning+of+a+New+Day' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css'> <center><div style="width: 400px; border-right: solid 40px #0E2430; border-left: solid 40px #FC3A51; background-color: #E8D5B7;"><div style="border-left: solid 2px #fff; border-right: solid 2px #fff;"><div style="font-family: 'Dawning of a New Day', cursive; text-transform: lowercase; font-size: 75px; color: #0E2430; padding-right: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-bottom: 5px;">turning tables.</div><div style="border-bottom: solid 2px #fff; width: 375px;"><div style="border-bottom: solid 5px #F5B349; width: 375px;"></div></div><div style="width: 375px; text-align: justify; font-family: georgia; font-size: 9px; line-height: 90%; color: #000; text-transform: uppercase; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px;">'Cause I feel like a bad joke
Walk a tightrope to hold on to you
Was it real or a love scene
From a bad dream?
I don't think I can forget about it

You are a shining example
Of why I don't sleep at all
T-t-t-too many sheep on the brain
To make sense of a late night call
Talking in circles and chasing the tail Of a love drunk distant memory Am I sure that he's the one? 'Cause I feel like a bad joke Walk a tightrope to hold on to you Gotta know Was it real or a love scene From a bad dream? I don't think I can forget about it Gotta know was it real?</div><img src="http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p549/babblingabby/Mak.png" /><div style="width: 375px; padding: 10px;"><div style="background-color: #fff; border: solid 2px #F5B349; text-align: justify; padding: 3px; color: #000; line-height: 100%;">

Tearful and horrified at what had just transpired Finley Prewett and herself, Delaney was still as a stone as Finn vented at her. He sounded so hurt, looked so hurt too, but his voice is what terrified the blond the most. Gone was the familiar sound of charm, and present was the sound pain and vulnerablity. Delaney was petrified that she was going to lose him
<p><p>
She loved him. Surely he wouldn't leave her now?
<p><p>
Just as quickly as he, she was up on her feet and chasing after him. He hadn't given her a chance to refute his accusals. They couldn't end things like that, he had put in too much effort and she was too emotionally involved. <b>"Finley! Finley Prewett!"</b> She shouted, quickly gaining on him. <b>"Finn! Don't do this! You cannot pin all of this on me!"</b>
<p><p>
Finally, she was able to turn him around, her hand never leaving his wrist. <b>"You can't."</b> She whispered, <b>"You can't blame me for thinking this is all a game to you. All you do is flirt with a million and one girls! And then you flirt with me and you make me feel like I'm the only person that matters."</b> She dropped his hand which she had been clinging too and stepped back. He didn't want to be around her anymore, she would have to let him go.
<p><p>
<b>"I never once asked you to wait around for me, Finn. Not once. And I apologize that you <I>wasted your precious time</I> in doing so. And I'm sorry that I didn't hear you, okay? I'm sorry. I always thought it was a joke to you. You asked two other girls to go out with you at the same time you asked me. And I know I was the one who suggested it, but you didn't deny it. You would've went without me! How many Hogsmeade visits did you go on with other girls? Hmm? Every one of them? So excuse me if I was skeptical of myself being special. You don't make it too easy to believe."</b>
<p><p>
Delaney felt as though she was about to burst at the seams. She felt like crying, like slapping him, like kissing him. These were too complex emotions for her to deal with. <b>"I'm just, I'm just sorry, okay?"</b> The last seven words came out as little more than a breath and Del stood unmoving. Every instinct was screaming at her to run, to run as far and fast as she could, to not stop until she reached her home. But running would solve nothing, and Delaney loved him far too much to let this slip through her fingers.

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<p>Finn had only made his way so far when he heard footsteps. Warily, groaning, he turned on his heel. "I'm not pinning anything on anyone." he replied finally, directing his gaze anywhere but her penetrating eyes. Smiling a little bitterly, he added, "You said it like it is; and I've always said I valued that in a girl."<p>
<p>So what if she didn't like him? Of course, it stung-more than anything he could recall, in all honesty-but she had made that utterly clear from the very start; it was only his pride that had convinced him he could change her mind. Evidently, though, she was one girl that was never going to come around, no matter how thick he laid on his winning charms-but then, maybe they weren't so winning after all?<p>
<p>Finley had never experienced self-doubt before; it was unnerving, to say the least.<p>
<p>It wasn't as though he bore her any ill will-how could he, after all, much as he wanted to, when it was Del-but his vanity had been wounded, and he wanted solidarity in which to nurse it back to relative health. Almost in a direct parallel to his wishes, however, Delaney began to speak so quickly that the words seemed to pour out of her like a wildly rushing waterfall.<p>
<p>"Couldn't you tell I didn't want them to come?" he rejoined, exasperated. "I'd meant to ask you-but as usual, trying to be chivalrous got me absolutely nowhere at all." Finn exhaled, sending a strand of hair spiraling.<p>"I'm not angry." he said finally, sighing and offering a tentative grin that felt only partially forced. "I don't-want to force you to do anything you don't want. I gave you the wrong impression, and that's my fault-so just live and let die, I suppose. No hard feelings, then, Ms. Baker?" Of course, it certainly would have helped had he thought to mention the fact that the only reason he had had such difficulty making the right impression was because her presence made him even more uncertain than usual about revealing his true feelings, but his pride would never allow him to speak such things aloud.<p>
<p>He hadn't expected her last words; in fact, they came as such a surprise that it took him a moment to come to terms with them. "Sorry? You?" he echoed wryly, raising an eyebrow. "For-what exactly, Delaney?"
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[dohtml] <link href='http://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Dawning+of+a+New+Day' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css'> <center><div style="width: 400px; border-right: solid 40px #0E2430; border-left: solid 40px #FC3A51; background-color: #E8D5B7;"><div style="border-left: solid 2px #fff; border-right: solid 2px #fff;"><div style="font-family: 'Dawning of a New Day', cursive; text-transform: lowercase; font-size: 75px; color: #0E2430; padding-right: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-bottom: 5px;">turning tables.</div><div style="border-bottom: solid 2px #fff; width: 375px;"><div style="border-bottom: solid 5px #F5B349; width: 375px;"></div></div><div style="width: 375px; text-align: justify; font-family: georgia; font-size: 9px; line-height: 90%; color: #000; text-transform: uppercase; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px;">'Cause I feel like a bad joke
Walk a tightrope to hold on to you
Was it real or a love scene
From a bad dream?
I don't think I can forget about it

You are a shining example
Of why I don't sleep at all
T-t-t-too many sheep on the brain
To make sense of a late night call
Talking in circles and chasing the tail Of a love drunk distant memory Am I sure that he's the one? 'Cause I feel like a bad joke Walk a tightrope to hold on to you Gotta know Was it real or a love scene From a bad dream? I don't think I can forget about it Gotta know was it real?</div><img src="http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p549/babblingabby/Mak.png" /><div style="width: 375px; padding: 10px;"><div style="background-color: #fff; border: solid 2px #F5B349; text-align: justify; padding: 3px; color: #000; line-height: 100%;">

Delaney bit her lip and fought the urge to look in Finn's dark brown orbs. Without meaning to do so, and hardly ever realizing he had done so, Finley was able to tear apart her defenses with little more than a simple glint in his eyes. He seemed so bent on dismissing their relationship, and if he truly wanted to move on from whatever it was that they had together, she'd have to let him.
<p><p>
There was no way in Merlin's knickers she was letting anything go.
<p><p>
<b>"What did I say, Finn? I asked you a question, a stupid question on my part but a question nonetheless, and you took off running."</b> Del shifted a angrily and finally looked towards him. His trousers finely tailored, his shirt's sleeves rolled up to his elbows, his hair tousled. Everything on his exterior looked normal. However, it didn't take much effort to see how troubled he was-how hurt. Delaney never imagined she'd have this much of an impact on him.
<p><p>
Fiddling with the hem of her sleeve, Delaney sighed inaudibly and toyed with the idea of going back to her dormitory. It was the one place in the entire school-besides the restrooms-where she could disappear into and Finn could not follow. Many times during her first three years she'd go to her classes, the great hall during meal times, and then retire to her common room for the rest of the day. Without even ever truly acknowledging it, she went through great lengths to avoid him.
<p><p>
She didn't want to avoid him anymore.
<p><p>
Then, Finley made the most ridiculous assumption she had ever heard. <I>'That she didn't want him-that he was forcing her.'</I> Not only could Finn never force her into anything (Delaney was quite stubborn in that way) but she more than wanted him. Call it young love, foolish love, whatever one wanted to label it, but Del never wanted to not have have him in her life. <b>"You, Mr. Prewett, are so wrong it astounds me. For one thing, you have never forced me into anything in my life. And secondly, if I wished for you to stop being around me we would not be having this conversation. I bloody told you about my mother. No one knows that. No one outside my family, and yours, anyway. I told you about my home, about my safe haven. I would not have told you these things if you meant nothing to me."</b>
<p><p>
She paused, contemplating how to word herself without ruining everything. What was she sorry for? She was sorry for being stupid enough to blurt out her fears. She was sorry for not acknowledging her feelings towards Finn sooner. She was sorry for asking him to kiss her. She was sorry for letting him get inside her head. She was sorry for their whole relationship. Finley could've been much happier with someone else, he could've met some other lady and went about asking his father to arrange something. Instead, he spent the past three or so years of his life pining for her. It was ludicrous honestly-he could've been so much happier. <b>"Everything? I'm sorry for everything. For ruining everything."</b>
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<p>Finn had never been so frustrated-and, frankly, so confused-in all his life. After three years of stubborn, steadfast determination, he had finally relinquished his hold on Delaney-or at least, had come to the conclusion that there was no choice but to do so, though accomplishing it in mind as well as body would be more easily said than done-only for her to suddenly come chasing after him, as though she did in fact actually want him to stay.<p>
<p>"You and I both know that was more than a question. It was an invitation to leave." Finn countered, brow furrowing hopelessly as he eyed her askance-what was she playing at? She had spent such a very long time trying to get rid of him, had finally succeeded; what more could she possibly want? She had already wrung him dry.<p>
<p>Of course, at his words, she immediately took offense at the fact that he had so much as considered using the word 'force' in accordance with her; surely, he thought dryly, with Delaney at the revolution's forefront, women would have the vote before the year was through, for there were none more headstrong and willful than she.<p>
<p>His lips had just parted in a vain attempt at justifying what he had said when he halted mid-sentence. "So you-do want me here?" Finn was puzzled. It had, in the past few minutes, occurred to him that she had had a change of heart, simply because of all the secrets she had divulged in his presence; yet her reaction to the kiss-at least, in its aftermath, following what he stubbornly believed had been initial happiness-was anything but encouraging. Some thought or another, he supposed, had occurred to her-and whatever it was, it certainly hadn't boded well. What it was, he could not begin to fathom; girls were strange creatures.<p>
<p>His voice was soft, however, as he acknowledged her apology. "Del," he began, unwittingly forgetting his former resolution to address her more formally from that point on, "You haven't done anything wrong at all."-except maybe give him a migraine, but that was purely unintentional, and stemmed more from his inability to place her thoughts than anything else. "I just don't understand you. I chase you and I chase you and I chase you, and you turn me down at every possible opportunity-mind, I'm not blaming you for it-and then somehow continue to believe that I-" When he found himself entirely too immature to admit to any genuine feelings, he amended-"That I don't think of you as just another 'every girl'? And then suddenly-for, perhaps, all of five minutes, I should think-you seem to actually want to talk to me, and be with me-and then you don't again." Forcing a strained smile, he added, "You really are infuriatingly difficult to understand; do you do that on purpose, do you think, or is it peremptory?"<p>
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[dohtml] <link href='http://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Dawning+of+a+New+Day' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css'> <center><div style="width: 400px; border-right: solid 40px #0E2430; border-left: solid 40px #FC3A51; background-color: #E8D5B7;"><div style="border-left: solid 2px #fff; border-right: solid 2px #fff;"><div style="font-family: 'Dawning of a New Day', cursive; text-transform: lowercase; font-size: 75px; color: #0E2430; padding-right: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-bottom: 5px;">turning tables.</div><div style="border-bottom: solid 2px #fff; width: 375px;"><div style="border-bottom: solid 5px #F5B349; width: 375px;"></div></div><div style="width: 375px; text-align: justify; font-family: georgia; font-size: 9px; line-height: 90%; color: #000; text-transform: uppercase; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px;">'Cause I feel like a bad joke
Walk a tightrope to hold on to you
Was it real or a love scene
From a bad dream?
I don't think I can forget about it

You are a shining example
Of why I don't sleep at all
T-t-t-too many sheep on the brain
To make sense of a late night call
Talking in circles and chasing the tail Of a love drunk distant memory Am I sure that he's the one? 'Cause I feel like a bad joke Walk a tightrope to hold on to you Gotta know Was it real or a love scene From a bad dream? I don't think I can forget about it Gotta know was it real?</div><img src="http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p549/babblingabby/Mak.png" /><div style="width: 375px; padding: 10px;"><div style="background-color: #fff; border: solid 2px #F5B349; text-align: justify; padding: 3px; color: #000; line-height: 100%;">

<b>"Why would you do anything but blame me for turning you down? Like you said, so clearly, you chase and I run. It's a never ending game of cat and mouse..."</b> She trailed off, feeling more disappointed in herself than ever. She led him on for years, three whole years-maybe even a few more than that because their families were so closely bonded- and never once did she give him any sign that they would ever be together. Yet, surprisingly, Finley still held on.
<p><p>
Why hadn't she caught on to him sooner?
<p><p>
She laughed as he kept on rambling. He thought so little of himself. He gave himself no credit whatsoever. Couldn't he see how smart and downright hilarious he was? <b>"Finn."</b> She spoke, but he still kept talking. <b>"Finn!</b> She yelled at him, and still he went on. This time asking her a question she wasn't quite equipped to answer.
<p><p>
Instead, Delaney pulled him close to her by wrapping her arms around his neck and kissed him just as passionately as she had before. <b>"On purpose, of course. You wouldn't think of me otherwise."</b>

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<p>Finley was shocked, rooted to the spot by a combination of his utter disbelief and-well, by Delaney, for she had thrown herself at him so suddenly that he found he was entirely unprepared, for the first time in his life, for a kiss.<p>
<p>For a moment, he was unresponsive, not because he lacked the passion to return the favor, but because he could not believe that their argument had morphed into something so unexpectedly-perfect.<p>
<p>Then he gave into it, chuckling against her lips at her last words, murmuring into her throat, "I should have known, huh?"<p>
<p>Everything around them disappeared, and in that moment it was just the two of them, held together by some greater force than gravity-something inevitable, implacable, strong as stone, transparent as a summer breeze.<p>
<p>Finally, after so many years, the chase had ended-and the cat, who had been growing rather desperate in lieu of his failing charms, had finally caught his mouse.<p>
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