Not being a fan of Quidditch, one might wonder why Nicoletta Dupree was making her way onto the pitch. Worse yet, they might ponder why she looked so terrible. Her clique was never to look this way. That's simply the way it was. Yet, here she was breaking that rule. The answer was actually really simple as to the whys, though no one would have ever guessed. Adam Whitney.
She had looked all over the school for him, hoping to find him in a secluded area. She needed to talk to him, but was unsure of what to say. She couldn't exactly go pouring her heart out to him and say she would always be his. No, that's what she was supposed to be doing with Lucien. Her glossed lips turned down further into a frown. She didn't want to think about him, because it brought up more guilty feelings.
When she had first met Lucien, he seemed perfect. He was handsome and witty. He shared all the same principles as her. It was as though they had been made for each other. Well, that was until she met Adam. Now, she wasn't so sure. She wasn't positive about anything anymore, except that she was weak. She knew she was. She prided herself on appearing to be strong, in control, yet she detested herself for what she really was. She was below Gwen Carey, a thought that didn't sit well. She, at least, stuck to her beliefs.
The thought of her roommate reminded her of how terrible her appearance was. She was sure it was worse from the run in. She should go back to her dorm. She didn't want him to see her like this. She should take a long, hot bath and prepare herself properly. After all, wasn't it the prettiest flowers that attracted the bees?
She was about to turn and leave when she spotted him. As though, they were magnets, she felt herself being pulled towards him, no longer concerned about the circles under her eyes or the lackluster of her hair. All that mattered was in front of her.
Not daring to sit in front of him, she stood, waiting to be judged. Her gaze was on his shoes, as she forced out a throaty, "Hi..."
Adam couldn't play Quidditch anymore. Hadn't been able to play Quidditch since his arrival at Sonora. It wasn't because the Captains didn't think he was good enough to be the Seeker or that someone beat him out or that he lost interest. He hadn't even signed up to be on the team. Truth was, he couldn't do Quidditch any longer. His heart, his body, they couldn't take the stress of it.
But that didn't keep Adam from coming to the pitch during his off time. He always made sure the pitch was empty when he was here so that he could have some time alone. Usually he brought out his studies so as to not just sit there looking rather pathetic in the stands. And, if Coach Fox ever asked him what he was doing, he would have an excuse to give.
He didn't really know why he bothered to come out here still since he knew he would never play again. Maybe the fond memories that it would bring, or the daydreams that often happened when he tried remembering what the wind felt like while flying a broom. Who knew. But he still came out here just the same.
Adam sat in the stands with an open book in his lap. He had been previously studying, but somewhere along the way, Adam's mind had wandered. Though, not only to Quidditch. He had sat there for a long while, remembering and wondering what life could have been like if his father had made more money. If his mom had made an effort within the proper socialites. Would everything be different?
Probably.
He only pulled out of his thoughts when he realized he was no longer alone in the stands. Adam turned and watched as the one person he could have done without. The one person that complicated his life more than his illness did, made her way over to where he was seated. He frowned at the sight of her.
She looked distressed.
A part of him was happy about that. She deserved it. She was the one that wanted this. It was her own fault.
But another part of him felt guilty and concerned. It wasn't like a girl like her to show her feelings. Especially over a guy like him. "What are you doing here, Princess?" Adam finally asked.
Nicoletta stood still as a statue, biting down on her lower lip. What was she doing there? Other than wanting to see him, talk to him, but it didn't mean anything would change. They weren't given to a world of change.
A breeze brushed across her face and a strand of dark hair came loose. She reached up a hand to tuck it behind her ear. The simple motion seemed to break her frozen state.
"Looking for you," she admitted softly.
She wasn't sure what to do next. Even if she apologized, told him that she missed him, what would it mean? He might still turn her away, like she had done to him. And if he didn't, her hands would still be tied. What was the saying, 'You can't have your cake and eat it too?' She didn't seem to be even able to get the cake. She should just leave.
"I should just go," she said. She began to walk away. A few steps away, Nicoletta paused, before uttering, "I'm sorry. Maybe one day, you'll understand and forgive me."
0NicolettaDoes it make you feel special?0Nicoletta05
Adam watched her for a moment. She had that vulnerable look about her again. The one that made him like her in the first place. The 'real' Nicoletta that she seemed to only show him. And, again, he was faced with questions. Why? Why was she always doing this? Was she testing him? Was she teasing him? Was this all a game to her?
She had told him it was best to leave it as it was. That they wouldn't be good together. That there was someone better out there for her, someone worth her precious time. And yet, here she was, telling him she was looking for him and looking as cute as ever.
It really wasn't fair of her to do that.
"I understand now." Adam said, his voice even. "I'm not rich therefore, I'm not good enough. We've already gone over this before, Princess." Adam stated, though he sounded more tired than anything. He was quiet for a moment, despite being tired of their little game, he didn't want to see her go.
He actually really did like her.
"My birthday's today. I'm officially 15." Adam said suddenly. "How about a kiss for a present?"
Oh, how little he really knew. She hated that he thought he wasn't good enough. It wasn't just that he wasn't rich. If it was a matter of money, Chris would be able to be with Kaylie, but it was more than that. At least, for her parents it was. He also didn't have ties to Le Masque de Mort, a secret society of wealthy purebloods with French ancestory. Something she wished she could tell him.
Before she could think of anything to say though, he mentioned his birthday. She looked at him in surprise. Now, she felt worse about the whole mess. One's birthday should be a wonderful day. And oh! He wanted a kiss from her. She could certainly do that.
Closer to him, she wrapped her arms around him, entwining her hands in his hair and bringing his head closer to hers, meeting the warmth of his lips. This was how it should be. Gently, at first, her want becoming greater and resistance gone, she deepened the kiss.
When she paused for a breath, she looked at him with tender eyes, the sparkle in them once more, a hand brushed across his face, "Happy Birthday."
Adam wasn't really sure what he was expecting. Maybe a roll of the eyes, a scolf, possibly a smile. He didn't understand or anticipate an actual kiss and never like the one that Nicoletta actually gave to him.
At first it was with her drawing closer. The same reaction that occurred at their last meeting, occurred once more. The quicken heart beat, the rushing of the blood, his breath growing shallow until her lips met his. It was, at first, a kiss much like their others, but she made it into so much more.
Instinctively, Adam's arms wrapped around her to hold her. He liked this. He really liked this. It should have lasted forever, something that felt this good. When she pulled away, Adam was breathing slightly on the heavy side, cheeks a bit pink from both the sun and the heat of her beside her. "That's the best present I've ever had."
Her face flushed with delight, Nicoletta gave Adam her first true smile since their last meeting. Enjoying the feel of his arms around her, she took the opportunity to snuggle into the space under his chin. She drew small circles on the opposite side of his chest with her index finger. A small sigh of pleasure escaped from her lips.
She wished they could just stay like this forever, but knew they couldn't. Her brow wrinkled at this thought. She didn't want to have to think about it, not now, anyways. For now, she would do what was in her heart.
"Adam, I'm sorry," she said, her voice slightly muffled in his shirt. "I'm sorry for trying to hurt you."
0NicolettaWasn't the kiss enough of an answer?0Nicoletta05
And there was the Nicoletta that Adam had known since first year. That smile made the slightly ill look that she had greeted him with, vanish as though it was never upon her lovely face to begin with.
For the best as well. Adam didn't like seeing Nicoletta seem so out of it despite knowing that when he had first saw her, he had been slightly pleased knowing that she was suffering just as he was if not more.
He had been a selfish feeling and he knew it. But he was a petty guy sometimes.
"You don't need to apologize." Adam said quietly, enjoying hugging her. "We just...aren't..." right? compatible? allowed? Adam decided not to finish that sentence. "If you keep this up, Nicoletta, I might actually put up a fight with letting you go."
'Allowed,' she finished in her mind. They weren't allowed. There was no doubt to her that they were compatible or right. The way she felt in his arms gave her all she needed to know on that. But if anyone found out, she could be disowned, or worse. Not to mention, the possibility of something happening to Adam.
She tried not to sigh, but it came out. She just hoped he wouldn't notice it was one of worry. Eventually, they would need to figure things out. Eventually, she would have to tell him about Lucien. It wasn't like she could avoid kissing him. If she did, it would look highly suspicious since they were betrothed. She grimaced at the thought. She was being unfaithful by acting on her feelings for Adam, as she idly ran her hands down his spinal column.
"Mmmm..." she gave a noncommittal tone, before batting her eyelashes at him slightly and in mock innocence, asking, "Keep up what?"
Adam sat there, feeling somewhat strange to have Nicoletta in his arms. He was fifteen today. His parents had owled him a happy birthday, his Healer did the same but with a note telling him to be careful and another batch of his potions for his illnesses. It was a normal birthday for him, but it wasn't at the same time.
He had been preoccupied with other things, mainly Nicoletta and the situation between the to of them. Her and her friends had always been nice to look at, but Adam had never blinded himself with believing he was charming enough to ever get with any of them. So, it had come as a great surprise when Nicoletta suddenly appeared before him.
Whatever had happened between the two of them had been shocking for not only Adam, but Nicoletta. It was like, that instant in the library had connected them in some way that just could never be explained.
And despite the issue them being together causes, Adam liked being near her. It was like it made sense to him and nothing else mattered. But he knew as well as she did that it wouldn't last. Or that they would have to hide away for the rest of their lives.
Adam laughed at Nicoletta. "Don't try to act innocent with me, Princess. You're a Crotalus, none of you are innocent."
"I'm completely innocent," she joked. Then, with a sly grin, "Pecaris aren't much better, and last I checked, you were one. Should I be worried?"
Standing on her tippy toes, she kissed the bottom of his chin. Pulling away from him, she held onto his hands, as she walked backwards, leading them to the benches. She wanted to sit and relax, enjoy the moment with him.
Once there, she sat down, facing him, crossing her legs. She tilted her head at Adam with a grin, "Did you make a birthday wish?"
She always thought that the best part of birthdays were the wishes. Chris' and hers would be coming soon. It was later in the month, but she didn't tell that to Adam. Today, was his day, not hers. Besides, the future was always so unpredictable.
"Always." Adam answered without hesitating. "You should always worry about us Pecaris. We aren't like those Aladrens who like a girl's brain. We like everything about a woman." Adam was teasing...sort of. He really did like all aspects of a woman. And he did meant all of a woman, but that wasn't only limited to looks or body. He liked a girl who could keep him on his toes and made him laugh.
Those were always the best kind.
Adam followed Nicoletta...or, was led by Nicoletta, to the stands. He sat down, arms resting on the seat behind him. He grinned coyly at Nicoletta. "Now if I told you what I wished for, it'll never come true." Adam replied with ease. Adam was quiet a moment, staring out into the pitch before returning his gaze to her and his friendly smile returning. "Well, I suppose it's sort of come true. In a non-complicated sort of way. At least for today."
Nicoletta was thankful for the distraction of leading him to the stands, because she was blushing furiously after his statement. She liked the idea that he liked everything about her. And though, it might seem shallow, and granted she often was, she was pleased that he was physically attracted to her. She wanted to think that she was, but actually knowing someone thought it, was a whole other thing, especially when she was often unsure of the ever developing curves.
On the bench, she kept touching her hair and face, unconsciously checking to make sure her hair wasn't sticking up oddly or she didn't have drool hanging out of her mouth. She didn't want to gross him out and make him think differently about wanting to be around her, for like everything. A sudden quietness, she tilted her head in curiosity, as to what he was thinking that had caused this. When he turned back to her with a smile, she gave a grin in turn. Though, his next sentence caused her to raise an eyebrow at him. Did he mean something to do with them since he said non-complicated and anything with them was complicated, or did he mean something else?
"Is there anything that can be done to make your wish come completely true?" She asked, feeling bold. Then, nodding solemnly, added, "After all, birthday wishes are very important."
Adam was amused by the fact that Nicoletta kept fidgeting. He wasn't really sure why she was, maybe she was nervous about being seen with him? Or maybe she thought that he had messed something up when she had kissed him like that. Course, she was the one that had put her hands all in his hair, but whatever, girls were weird sometimes.
Especially about their looks.
Adam new he was decent looking. Blonde hair, blue eyes, tall, average built. Nice smile. Cool attitude. Yeah, girls liked that sort of thing usually. Sometimes they went for the opposite, but what fun could that bring? None that's what.
Oh, Nicoletta should not have asked him that. It couldn't only bring on terrible things. Well, awesome things for him, but it might mean a slap in the face for him. "Very important." Adam agreed, his smile widening. Adam leaned in closer to Nicoletta, closer....closer still, until his face wasn't even an inch away from hers.
Just do it, what's the worst that could happen? She stops talking to you? At least you could say you've done it!
Adam closed the gap and kissed her. Really kissed her, he wanted all of her focus to be on the kiss. As he kissed her, his hand crept out of nowhere, slowly reaching up for her. In the heat of the kiss, his hand landed on her chest, firmly.
Her eyes widened in surprise, at the suddenness of Adam so close to her. She had been the one to initiate all their contacts previously, but now, he was in control. Her breath was caught in her throat, as he drew closer. His kiss was so much more than hers had been before. She felt warm, yet shivered slightly.
She was so lost in the intensity of the kiss that she nearly jumped when she felt a pressing on her chest. She wasn't sure what she should do. She didn't want to stop kissing him, but at the same time, she didn't want to appear promiscuous. It was enjoyable, but oh, so wrong. But didn't she set herself up by asking? Compromising, she slid his hand down to her waist, but leaned back slightly to try and tell him that she would be fine with an intense kissing session.
0NicolettaGood thing, it's your birthday0Nicoletta05
Adam was slightly disappointed when Nicoletta moved his hand, but he knew it was coming. She didn't seem the type of girl that would let anyone touch her without seeking permission first. Although, it was a definite plus that she didn't pull away completely and slap him in the face.
Which is what he had actually been expecting.
He wasn't sure how long they actually kissed for. Adam was amazed that they weren't caught by the Coach. He was sure she would have ripped them a new one and sent them to detention. But, eventually, Adam pulled away from Nicoletta, hair slightly messy, breathing rather heavily, but grinning just the same.
The only reason why he pulled apart was simply because his stomach was growing and the sun was setting, which meant, dinner was probably going on right now. "Do you want to walk back together?" Adam asked her before adding, "If anyone asks, you can say you're tutoring me at the Professor's orders. That way, we can still hang out and not worry about being becoming suspicious...if you want." Adam said, standing up and gathering his books back in his bag. He didn't want to look at Nicoletta incase she told him it was a one time thing and only because it was his birthday.
When Adam pulled back, Nicoletta held a secretive smile on her face, as she studied his features. She wished that things could be different. She wanted everyone to know that he was interested in her. Aside from the pureblood elite, any other girl would be utterly jealous. She pouted slightly, because she knew she couldn't tell anyone.
Sitting up, she ran her fingers through her hair to get rid of any evidence of what had been occurring. Though, it couldn't erase her flushed face, full lips, or bright eyes. She was happy, really happy, than she had been since their argument. She also knew that she couldn't deny her feelings or try to stop what was happening. Hopefully, they, he, could work around the issues their lives presented, even if it meant a secret relationship.
As though on the same wavelength, Adam suggested telling people that they were being forced to work together, so they could be walk back together. Smiling, she got off the bench and took a hold of his hand with both of hers.
"We could even stick out some books at a table, so we can eat together," she suggested. "We'll just say you need lots of tutoring."
0NicolettaMmmm....mine is coming up :P0Nicoletta05