Save Me [[Trist]]

[angelfire1987]

Piper's green eyes scanned the water at the setting sun shown a bright orange on the water. She watched the water ripple as the light breeze whistles across the water, blowing through her, making her now, long black hair, fly freely. She closed her eyes and try to remember the time when she wasn’t in pain, or hurt. She had finally gotten over him. Apart of felt free from worry, but the other part missed his company. She hadn’t seen or heard from him in quite sometime, for that matter, none of her friends had spoken to her since her arrival back.

Her white shirt showed off her tanned smooth legs, and the green halter top showed a black with hot pink poka-dot bikini. Piper had planned on swimming since had been so warm, but hadn’t found the urge to uncover her body from the clothes she was wearing to swim in her swimsuit. Her eyes still unopen, she tried to remember that last time she had been at the lake, not a pretty memory, and everyone seemed to have him tied into it somehow.

Piper sighed as she opened her eyes once more to view the lake and the setting sun. Her father had passed away not to long ago, her sister and brother were now no where to be seen, at least to her. She had betrayed her family, and her brothers mocking look, ‘I told you so,’ was enough for Piper to stay clear of her family. They hadn’t understood, and now she was the one to pay. Without her fathers guidance and trust, now Piper was lost more than ever. She never felt more alone.

Before a tear could escape her eyes, Piper felt herself wiping her face, making sure no one would be able to tell she was in a weakened state. She glance up the hill towards the castle, noticing no one nearby. She sighed a relief, and glanced back at the lake. Piper tired smiling, but at a failed attempt. Just then, as she closed her eyes once more to feel the light breeze against her hot skin, she heard a noise behind her. Daring not to turn around, Piper kept her eyes shut, but her hand was ready, placed on her wand beside her.

[bandit]

How long had it been since Tristam Lane been down to the lake? He had been preoccupied with other things and wandering around the school hadn't seemed to be one of them. It wasn't that long ago that he was quite possibly the most adventurous Gryffindor since Harry and Hermione were his age. There wasn't a place that he hadn't explored every inch of. Then there was his reputation with the girls of the school. If anyone where to ask him, it was a fuss over nothing and highly over blown. He had been single for almost two terms, but still he wondered if the rep still stuck.

Making his way down in a slow saunter, Tristam left behind all thoughts of schoolwork. There never seemed any time that he didn't have his nose in a book and a quill in his hand. Ink spots seemed to dot his hands with each essay that he had to write. It mattered little now, as he crossed the yard that boundried the castle and the lake. It was a rather hot day but a breeze seemed to cool his warm features as he continued his way toward a beachhead.

Of in the distance he spied a figure that he hadn't seen in some time, or perhaps longer. His heart fluttered for no appearant reason, or so he thought. Piper Portland had been a girlfriend at one point and their split was less than pleasant. They had their ups and downs during their relationship and Tristam wondered what her feelings where toward him now. Were they friends? Or possibly enemies? A nervous feeling jittered it way through his limbs that caused him to swallow hard. He was begining to think that avoiding her might be a better idea than facing her, but a sigh Tristam thought better of it.

Closing the distance between them, he noticed that she was in a bathing suit. Not that it really mattered, other than she did look good and always had, but it was just that had no intentions of getting into the water on this day. Then still dressed in his school uniform didn't help matters. The closer Tristam got, he spied that she had touched her wand. Did that bode for good or evil? He didn't know, but had plotted his course and it was to late to change his path. "Well, well... look who I have the pleasure of seeing. Is it Piper Portland?" Tristam spoke evenly, but there was a hint of nerves in his voice, or perhaps unsuriety. "How have you been?" Tristam tensed and waited for Piper to unload on him.

[angelfire1987]

Her eyes tightly closed she could only guess whom the other presence was near her. Until, of course, she heard him speak. Still holding her wand tightly with her right hand, she stood up, and turned around to meet her new companion face to face, with one big swift motion. Her long hair swaying as she turned, her blue eyes uncertain if she should walk away from him or great him with the utmost respect. She decided, however, maybe not to her better judgment, to stay put.

Tristam was the one person Piper had not excepted to run into. Although his appearance left her more than speechless, she wasn’t sure what that meant for her emotions in the long run. Tristam had grown up, and his body was flattered him even more than usual, as Piper remembered. But where ever Tristam was concerned, Piper knew her emotions would go haywire. Piper chose not to speak right off, but study his character a bit more before determining how to introduce herself once more to her long time friend, and ex boyfriend.

“Hi Tristam.” she said softly, unwilling to call him the name she had been so fond of calling him before they had broken up. That would mean that she considered him as a friend, a friend whom had stuck by her through everything. But he hadn’t, not even when her father was dying. She could count on no one but herself, and she had to live with that fact. Unsure how to answer his question, she ignored it for a moment longer, her gaze linger on him longer than normal.

She tired hard for her emotions to drain out of her eyes and face, so Tristam could not possible know what she was thinking. But it wasn’t hard, for the only emotion she was feeling right now could not be described, maybe it was a mixture or several emotions, or she was just really good at hiding them now. Masking her emotions, she forced a smile upon her face. “I have been fine. And you?” she asked, offering the same kindness he had shown her.

Moving her wand, now, down to her side, she placed it in her pocket of skirt. Still watching Tristam, however, she stepped backwards, away from him, as she searched for something to say to him. “How’s Quidditch?” she asked, saying the first thing that popped into her head. She knew he must be pretty far into ranks by now, but never really watched him play after she left, nor kept up with it. She hadn’t even flew since he and her had flown, it brought back too many painful memories. Piper watched the Gryffindor in front of her, hoping that maybe they could resolve their issues and move on…someday.

[bandit]

A few things worked through Tristam's mind as he waited the few seconds for Piper to answer. The first was the cringe in his gut, as he was most certain that she would let loose a verbal assalt. The second being that he was planning a graceful way out of the conversation. That of course depended upon how the conversation would went. If it went badly as he expected, then he would have to think of an excuse to leave the lake. The odds he figured were good for this scenario to happen, but what transpired Tristam hadn't counted on.

Tristam stammered for a moment as he collected himself. He had never thought that Piper would be so calm once they finally met again. Looking some what like a fish out of water, with his mouth working open and closed, Tristam tried to slow his rapidly beating heart by taking a breath. Something he realized that he wasn't doing. He wasn't any where near passing out, but the mere moments of holding his breath made him a little dizzy. With the breath taken, Tristam felt his body relax some, but held onto the nervousness.

"Its good to hear that you're fine. Uhm... I doing good. I really have nothing to complain about." Tristam took another breath and was awash with a little more confindense. He was still certain that he was in for a tongue lashing and gave a quick look around toward the castle for some sort of escape. With none in sight, Tristam gave Piper a weak smile. and shifted his weight from one foot to the other. "Quidditch has been going fine. We're kinda in the midst of try-outs and practice. I don't really have any holes to fill on the team, but having a few back up players would be helpful in case someone can't make a game."

Pausing and swallowing, Tristam made the mistake of looking into Piper's eyes. A sent a quiver into his body as he thought upon their first encounter many terms ago. It was one forbidden kiss that had kicked off a fluery of events that held both of them where they were at this moment. Pain, joy, angst, and happiness all surround the terms that passed since that day in the owlery. A wandering thought of wonder of where they were headed to now crossed his mind as he quickly looked toward the ground.

"Have you done much flying lately? It would seem a shame to let all that talent go to waste, but you know, I can understand if you've been busy lately. What with all of the family things that have been going on in your life." Tristam had only heard the usual rumors that floated around the school. It seemed that everyone had some sort of tale to tell about somebody else. Whether it was true or not was anyone's guess.

[angelfire1987]

Piper had long ago realized that drowning her feelings for Tristam would be the best, for the both or them. But what she had not realized was the pain that she would endure seeing him once more. What had happened? They had been such good friends, laughing and joking. Now it would be a miracle for Piper to even crack a smile that was genuine. Since her father had died, she had shut out everyone, including her youngest brother, which of whom had been her closest friend before hand. Piper had changed the last few terms, grown up even. The old Piper would have laid into him, and if they had of met maybe a month ago, before her fathers death, then yes, it probably would have ended that way.

But now, Piper was different. And as good as she was at hiding her emotions form Tristam, the feelings of endearment were still plaguing her mind. Her eyes watched the boy, as if he was out to get her. She was not letting her guard down like she had done so many times before with. She had learned her lesson, a painful one. Taking another step back, she looked towards the castle, then looked back at Tristam.

But of course she would tell him she was fine. He wasn’t in her life anymore, he didn’t care. She didn’t have to explain the nightmares she had at night nor the days that she had sought someone to comfort her, but no one had been there. She didn’t owe him anything, and nor he her. Tilting her head, she studied him for a moment longer, wondering what marvels he was thinking. She listened to him, only nodding when he said he was doing good. Her hand stayed against her pocket, right against her wand.

As if Tristam had read her mind, he asked if she had flown. She looked weary at him, and stepped another foot backwards. “No.” she simply stated. With a few moments pauses, she continued, still surveying Tristam. “I haven’t flown at all since…” she faltered as she was speaking, her voice broken. “Umm..” gathering her strength. “not since we went that one evening.” That had been ages, not since he had been with Amber. “I guess I haven’t found much time. Family has kept me rather busy.”

Not daring to elaborate, Piper continued to look at the boy. His grey eyes were so different, so grown up. But Piper soon found the comfort in his eyes that she had longed for way back when. He could barely look at her, let alone in her eyes. But Piper knew what damage that boy could do to her, so she planned to stay as far away from him as their voices would allow. “Nice day.” she said softly, looking back at the water. She closed her eyes Just relax.

Piper turned her head back towards him, giving him a proper, but forced, smile. “I believe that you must be busy as well. With your Quidditch and your family?” She flashed him a smile, hoping it seemed like her old self. “How is your family by the way?”

[bandit]

Tristam wet his lips and then frowned as he tossed a look out toward the lake. Its serenity was in stark contrast to how he was feeling. The rolling in his stomach was nearly at its peek as his gaze feel back upon Piper. How had things changed in their relationship? He could have done things so differently, but would have to live with wahat he had done to her. Was it to late to appologize for his past behavior or would Piper even accept it? It was hard enough for the sixth year to even be there standing in front of her, let alone being penent towards her.

By the looks of things, the girl seemed to be having as much trouble as he was. It didn't help matters, as it actually made him feel worse. Was it guilt that was eating at him? Pushing that thought into the recesses of his mind, there was no way that it could be guilt after this long. The had barely spoke in the past two terms, or was it longer? He couldn't recall the last time they had a civil conversation, everything was a jumbled mess in his thoughts. It's best if I just avoid looking directly at her.

Tristam breath out a sigh as the expected tirade never materialized. Piper's voice was even, but held no warmth in it. It was almost forced. Gosh Piper, I'm sorry... Nodding softly Tristam only glanced at the girl as he spent most of it looking at the ground and at the lake. Almost gone were thoughts of flight from the conversation, but it still tickled the back of his mind like a fly that wouldn't go away.

Was there sorrow in Piper's voice? Tristam's eyes tightened as he gave thought to it, but relaxed the look as he grey eyes accidently made conact with her eyes. Looking quickly down at the ground, he cleared his throat. "Family can keep one busy. I know mine has been busy, and yes quidditch has kept me going." That seemed to be the only thing that kept the yong Gryffindor moving these days. His appearance around the school was kept to a minimum by choice.

"My family's been doing well. Although I haven't seen my brother in quite some time, but the last I saw him, he was doing well." Tristam flashed to Piper's sister and was a wash with a horrible feeling, concern really. If she had ever found out about his affair with her younger sister would that send her into a tirade. Matters were tense as they were without that coming into play. "What about yours? I know that your father was ill from last we spoke, and your sister and brothers? Doing fine I hope?" Tristam wasn't sure where he had learned about Piper's fathers illness, perhaps another of the schools rumors.

[angelfire1987]

Hearts were broken. Lessons were learned. Life seemed far too complicated for them both now. It had been, what nearly two…three terms since they had last seen, let alone talked to each other. Piper would never forget the lies, the treachery, and deceit that surrounded their broken friendship and their relationship. Fighting back the tears that she had long since banished away from her, Piper stepped along the edge of the lake, noticing the unusual calmness of it now. There were no breezes, which would have felt prefect against her, ever mounting hot, skin.

But just as Piper thought her heart would never mend, it did. Up until the point her father’s last breath, then all the work, all the progress had withered away, just like the roses her family’s close friends had sent to her fathers funeral. She now, was rebuilding the damage. She alone. Not looking at Tristam, she continued to walk the edge, until she found herself just three or four feet away from the boy. Not noticing the longing in her own voice, she replied. “It’s nice to hear your family is doing well.”

She suddenly grew quiet, contemplating if she should tell him about her family. “I don’t speak to my brothers or sister any more. We fell apart after..” her voice broke, and her body began to shake involuntary. Losing him was brutal, but losing her father had been her death. Tears fell from her green eyes, leaving a trail from her eye down her soft pale cheek. She quickly brushed them away, hoping Tristam hadn’t seen them. Collecting her thoughts, she began once more, but only to falter. “I…My…My father is dead.” She slowly dropped her words, tumbling to the ground on her knees as she did.

She never wanted to do this in front of anyone, especially not in front of the one person she still had a weakness for. Tears fell once more down her cheek, with her wiping them away as quickly as possible. She looked up at Tristam, her green eyes now showing the pain she felt, the hurt, the confusion. “Tristam…I…” she began, a moments pause… “I’m sorry.” She quickly dried her tears away, then picked herself of the ground. “I should go. It’s not your place to save me anymore.” she said, coolly, as she fought tears.

Walking towards him, she looked as if she was determined to leave. But a small part of her hoped. Hoped that he would make her stay with him. Comfort her, tell her everything would be alright. She realized that it was all wishful thinking, and a million wishes wouldn’t bring him or his friendship back to her. But this was it, no turning back. Pausing a moment to take him in one last time, she forced a smile on her flushed face. “You look good Tristam. Don’t let me ruin your day.” She kissed him softly on the cheek and began to walk towards the castle. Still hoping…still wishfully thinking…

[bandit]

Tristam was never sure where the rumors came from, he had part of many of them. Even with his name bandied about in the Daily Prophet never diminished his wonder. Tuning out such a rich source of humor never occured to him. Seeing his name in print any fanned his ego even more. It didn't force him to do more things that would get more notariety, but neither did it stop him. Rumors of the sort about what had happened to people's families was another issue. Those rumors where spoken in the undercurrent of information that flowed from only a few privilaged few.

As Piper filter her way toward the shoreline, Tristam's eyes lingered on her back. He sensed that things where not well with her even though she kept a facade of peace. There was an explosion of emotions just waiting under the surface to erupt. Seeing her raise here hand he thought nothing of it, thinking that it was most likely an effort to wipe away a sweat bead. Which was possible considering that breeze had stopped billowing. Tristam could feel his sweet tingling his spine and wished for the comfort of the stiring wind.

Tristam's mouth opened but no sound came out as Piper interated that her father had died. Sorrow filled his soul and he could hardly believe his ears. Then seeing her crash to her knees in front of him made his heart ache. He couldn't begin to imagine the pain that she had been feeling. He fought the urge to pull her up and hold her. I wish you would have told me sooner. I wouldn't have made such a fool of myself asking. Before the boy could voice his thoughts, Piper was on her feet and excusing herself.

Raising his hand in a futile effort to stop her, Tristam turned as she passed him. "Piper... I... I'm sorry to hear about your father. It's a terrible tragady. I can't imagine what you must be going through." Not knowing if he should put his arms around her, Tristam stuffed his hands into his pocket, a defensive position of indecision as he fought for what he should be doing. He hoped that Piper would stay a little while longer, but he found it ackward. So much had passed between them that being intimate with her was difficult, even the simplest hug he found hard.

"If there's anything that I can do... I would gladly do it, for you." Tristam managed to stammer out as he was start to be overcome by emotion. The urge to hold her was strong, but he fought it, thinking that it wasn't the right thing to do because of their past. She would most likely turn from him. Piper had always been emotionally strong concerning things that had done and said. Even with tears staining her eyes she could rip into him with words as she had in the past, but had she changed, did the death of her father change her?

[angelfire1987]

The touch of his cheek still lingered on her lips. How could she possibly for one moment think he would hold her, console her? She was not his problem anymore, how could she be selfish it thinking that.? Piper wiped her free-falling tears away from her face. He had protected her once before. He had been hers. But the time and place and long gone, now they stood there like two children who were afraid to talk to one another. She should be yelling at him, but instead she found herself longing for his touch.

Piper slowly turned around, not looking Tristam in the eye. She couldn’t, she was too embarrassed by her scene just now. A small smile slowly formed on her reddened face. It may not be genuine, but she felt he really did care. She was only a foot away from him now, and his features were more pronounced. Inwardly smiling, as she watched the boy she once thought would be her best friend for a lifetime, her thoughts ran away with her.

Shaking her back to reality. It will never happen. Accept it. “Tristam…” she started, softly saying just above a whisper. “I..” she shut her mouth, then opened it once more. “Thanks.” she simply said. She looked around, trying not to stare at Tristam for too long, for she wondered if he could see right trough the facade she had put in place. A smile reached her face once more, as she looked back up at him. “I don’t expect anything from anyone anymore.” She had been pushing herself away from everyone. And maybe it was time to let him go once and for all.

After a few moments of silence, she started to laugh softly. Tristam must think she was completely loony, but a thought had just crossed her mind. Looking up, she smiled at him. “Its funny. I had so many things to say to you, so many things to ask you. But now, I don’t seem to be able to say them.” She spoke so gentle, she surprised herself. “Times have changed. I have changed. If you had of met me less than a month ago. We probably would be having a fight instead of me crying in front of you. My how things change.” Then looking back at the lake, she walked very slowly towards the edge of the bank. Sitting, down, she looked back, egging Tristam to follow her.

She turned, however, back towards the lake, and brought her knees up to her chin. Piper placed her chin upon her knees and her thoughts wondered back in time. Flying for what seemed like hours, the moments they spent at the lake, the ball. Everything had been, well, great then. But what was in their future? Would there even be a future for them? Closing her eyes, she opened her mouth, and just load enough to be heard she whispered. “I missed you Tristam.” I needed you. I still need you.

[bandit]

Tristam had not forgotten the small kiss Piper had laid upon his cheek. The feeling of her lips still lingered as a child waiting for candy, they were soft and warm as he had remembered them. His thoughts however were still on her father. Had it been his father, it would be doubtless that he would be in school, every moment would be spent comforting his mom and sister. Then what, would he come back to school to finish his remaining term. Tristam didn't have the turmoil that Piper had in her family. Granted his family was not perfect, but it was all he had.

His clenched teeth loosened as Piper turned back to walk toward the lake. His jaw ached, but was quickly forgotten as she spoke. Tristam turned to follow her steps, but only with his eyes. He was still uncomfortable with all that had transpired between them. "I guess times have changed." Tristam mumbled to himself when Piper sat and turned to look at him. His feelings were mixed as he gazed blankly at her longing gaze. A quick look up toward the castle heeded to escape, no school bell to ring to save him, no quidditch practice to hide behind, he would have to attend to his long time friend.

Before he could make up his mind, Tristam found himself taking a step toward where Piper had seated herself. It was too late for turning back. Tristam swallowed as he worked his courage up to sit himself on the beach next to Piper, not to close though, a few feet was comfortable for Tristam to start with. Then pulling his legs up, Tristam wrapped his arms around his legs and turned his head to look at the girl. He could see that tears had fallen down her face, which only made him feel worse than he was.

"I guess you could say that I've changed some. Can you believe that I've been single for almost two terms?" Tristam said with a soft nervous laughter, he knew his reputation spoke otherwise. He had always been with a girl. What he didn't say was that he had been getting to know quite a few girls at the beginning of the last term. Nothing came of them though and he found himself still single, a status that didn't seem to bother him anymore. In the past Tristam Lane couldn't be without a girlfriend.

Tristam didn't see himself as matured until that moment as he looked out on the lake. The breeze seemed to come back to live, giving him a chance for a fresh breath of air. "It seems like I've been focusing on other things more than girls. I would like to become a professional Quidditch player after I graduate, and the only way to do that is to put my heart and soul into the sport. Do you think I can make it?" Tristam placed his grey eyes on the girl hoping the change of subject might light the tenseness he felt. He also wondered if they had anything to salvage? If she had change maybe... Tristam pushed those thoughts away, just find words to speak would be hard enough to start without thinking of a relationship again.

[angelfire1987]

The words she let slip would go unnoticed, and a part of the Slytherin girl was relieved, but another was hurt to be ignored. But somehow she was used to it. Opening her eyes, she looked over at him. He sat a few feet away from her, and respected him for it. Smiling briefly, she wiped the remainder of her tears away. Things were so complicated with them, how could she want to be something more to him than just a friend once more? He didn’t deserve the chance.

There was so many things she wanted to ask him. But the most important was why Why did he just leave her? It was another girl.Piper remembered. She hadn’t been good enough. Two people she cared about the most casted her away within a couple of months of each other. Piper watched the boy, trying for no emotion on her face or in her eyes. For she knew if she didn’t, he would know her feelings once again. She was so afraid he would use them to his advantage, for he had not been so trustworthy with them in the past.

“You, single?” an expression of disbelief spread over her face. “No ones struck your fancy?” Not since me? Piper gave him a smile to cover her thought at that moment. Maybe, just maybe… But her hope fell even before they had time to second guess. “Ah, Quidditch. Your first love. It’s nice to be so passionate about something. Keeps your mind off things.” she trailed off, trying to keep her thoughts to herself. A smile crossed her face once more, “I think you could make it. If, of course, you have determination. Which I know you do. You’ll be fine.”

His future was not hers. She would have to accept that. No matter how much she wanted him back, it wouldn’t be that easy. But alas, why did it feel so easy? She would forgive him if he asked her to. She would do whatever he asked her to, to be…with him. A little needy? Piper tried pushing out her thoughts, but they still lingered in the back of her mind.

“Tristam.” she said, looking over the water. “Do you remember the last time we were here? Swimming?” she said causally. She remember it was like yesterday, before they had gotten together. He was still with Amber, but they both knew they would be together…soon. Friends, they would say if anyone asked. Would that be the case now?

[bandit]

Tristam smiled softly, it was a little forced but at least it would hide the nerves he was feeling. He couldn't help think that Piper looked good. He began to question why he had left her for someone else over in his mind. She had left the school for a time and left him without a clue where she had went. He had only heard second hand that she had went home to be with her ailing father. There were no owls or any correspondence of any type, and Alessa had been there when he least expected it. Looking at the sand he realized that he had done the same with Alessa. Sadness filled him for a moment as he traced his finger aimlessly through the sand.

How he had made a mess of all his relationships in the school he didn't know. There was Eva, his first girlfriend in the school, she had left for a time also. His life had been crazy for a while and had it really settled down to a point that it might be normal. As Piper sighed at him being single Tristam smiled softly and honestly. "Well, no actually. Not as of late actually." His latest possible flame would have been Amanda Larsen if he hadn't disappeared toward the end of the last term. "I haven't been around in public much to see any girls in the school, other than in classes and in between them."

Turning his head toward the lake breifly and then to Piper he spoke warmly for the first time. "I guess quidditch is my first love, but at least it's something I"m good at. It was you who taught me how to fly. I couldn't have done it without you." With a sigh Tristam leaned his back wondering why it was so hard to speak with her. They had been the best of friends for the longest time, and now they seemed like total strangers trying to find some sort of common ground. Turning his head back to the lake to gather his thoughts, Tristam turned his head to speak but Piper spoke first.

Tristam chuckled quietly as he remembered. "That was a quite a while ago Piper. I do remember it though. It was quite a day." Tristam blushed slightly and turned his head toward the breeze to take some of the heat from his cheeks. That adventure at the lake had gotten him into quite a bit of hot water with Ember. He could almost hear there arguement all over again. Yeah, I've made a mess of things alright... more than once. Looking at Piper again his brows creased.

"Why do ask?" Tristam's look of puzzlement disappeared into a warm smile. "You're not thinking about going swimming are you. Cause if you are? I'm not dressed for it. You'll have to do some convincing me to even get my feet wet." Tristam continued jokingly. It lifted his mood some, but he ws still weary of their past. He still expected a tongue lashing from her, but she did seem different. More than he would admit openly, and especially to her. Clearing his throat, he looked back toward the lake shore and the tiny ripples that rolled upon the sand.

[angelfire1987]

Fighting would do nothing for the both of them. She couldn’t speak a word to him that he didn’t already know would be coming. He knew he messed up, she was sure of it. Piper had done enough hurting for the both of them, and now it was time to move on. She still wasn’t entirely sure what kept Tristam single. Yes, he said he was busy with school and Quidditch, but Piper couldn’t help but think of other reasons why he would avoiding the opposite sex.

Piper smiled at him warmly, a first real smile in a rather long time. “Tristam, don’t forget that either. I shall expect you to mention something about me when you win the cup. Something about ‘I owe it all to my long time friend, Piper Portland, who taught me how to fly.” she teased. She did miss flying, it was something she never really had the power to make herself do after losing Tristam. “I haven’t flown in quiet awhile, like I said, not since…” she broke off, trying to gather her strength. “us.” she finished her sentence, then quickly adverted her eyes to the lake.

Sighing, she looked at her…well, what was he? She looked at …Tristam. “Tristam.” seeing he was just as nervous as he was. “I just want to be happy like we were then you know.” she siad softly. “Despite our past, Tristam, I will always love you. Boyfriend or not. And I will always consider you a close friend, no matter what. I just want you to know that.” a hint a pink in her cheeks. Had she told him that she still loved him. Her eyes wandered back across the water.

A smile crossed her face once more. “Tristam..” she said coyly, “Whatever made you think I wanted to go swimming with you?” she teased, knowing perfectly well that she still owed him a nice dunking. She never forgot. “But it has been awhile since I’ve enjoyed the nice coolness of the lake water. I wouldn’t want to go in alone, you know, there is a giant quid living underneath it. If I had a nice, strong Quidditch Captain with me, I would feel perfectly safe.” smiling at him innocently, her old playful self showing through.

[bandit]

Tristam raised an eyebrow at Piper's suggestion that he mention her when Gryffindor wins the Cup. Could he actually do that? Friend or not, it would seem strange to mention another House helped you win. Not that many people would know what house she was in. She had been non-existant in the school for a while also. One thing he did notice was that there was a tease in her voice. It made him relax a little more, and think that maybe something good might actually come out of this day.

"We'll have to see about mentioning you on the platform when Gryffindor wins." Tristam shook his head slightly as he turned his head to look at the girl and got something he didn't expect. Fear crept up his spine, a confession that she still loved him caught him off guard. Swallowing, Tristam looked back toward the lake, confused. She had all the reason in the world to hate him. Sometimes he didn't understand girls and the way they thought. He did have to admit that Piper still held a piece of his heart, but he wasn't ready to admit it to her.

Clearing his throat and pushing the tingling sensation down, he forced a smile. "It would be nice to be friends again. I don't know how much time I'll be able to spend with you. You know... quidditch and all." Tristam felt as though he should move closer to the girl despite her admission that she still had feelings for him. So without standing he moved six inches closer as she spoke about swimming. It was a little uncomfortable sitting that close, but knew the feeling would pass.

"You'll have to do better than that to convince me to go in the water... but uhmm... I think it's good enough for me to get my feet wet." Tristam kicked his shoes off and took off his socks, but before standing he rolled up his pants to his knees. Once standing he held out his hand to Piper to help her up. "Well, are you gonna sit there. The squid isn't going to come up on shore for me to save you." It was a slight flash of what they used to share together, but Tristam let his feelings pass. He still wasn't going to admit that he still loved her.

[angelfire1987]

Piper laughed. “Oh, no Tristam.” She smirked at him, while a touch of laughter still traced her voice. “I didn’t mean Gryffindor’s Quidditch. I meant the Championship Quidditch Cup. You said you wanted to be a professional Quidditch player.” Still amused from the mix up, Piper didn’t realized the look of confusion on his face. Her goofy grin didn’t seem to want to leave her face now that it managed to creep up.

But soon it fell, as she realized why he had looked so confused. She was quiet, not knowing her words could affect him like they did. Did he still have feelings for me? Piper tried not to get her hopes up, but still in the back of her mind she was hoping. Her heart fell as he said he might be able to spend much time with her. It was probably his excuse not to spend time with her at all Piper silently cursed herself, looking around the lake to see if there was a whole she could crawl into.

“Friends would be nice.” she managed to squeak out, lying through her teeth. It seemed like she was always masking her feeling for Tristam from him, like he would never be able to give her what she wanted. She had done it before, what seemed like ages ago. And now, once again, she would admire him from afar, painfully watching as other girls got to make him happy. It seemed like she would always be doomed to stay in that position with him. Love from afar.

She felt him move closer to her, but she didn’t look up at him. She felt worthless. But just then, Tristam was up, standing right in front of her. She smiled coyly at him, and accepted his hand. His touch sent chills through her body, she longed for him to touch her like she was his. Flashed went through her mind, but those dreams would be Pipers little secret. “Of course not Mr. Lane. I wouldn’t dream of staying on the beach when I could have you save me in the water.”

Pulling herself up, with the help of Tristam, she smiled at him. Taking her hands on her hem of her halters, she pulled it slowly over her head, then threw it on her towel that was sitting with the rest of her stuff. She then slipped her fingers in between her white cotton skirt and her bikini bottom and slipped it over her slim, tanned legs. “Ready.” she smiled teasingly.

[bandit]

Tristam didn't know whether to feel stupid about his mistake about which Quidditch Cup Piper was talking about, or look away from the girl as she disrobed to her bathing suit. Either way he was feeling pretty dumb, just standing there watching, but he couldn't move. He still had the nervous feeling, like he should be somewhere else and not spending time with Piper on the beach. Where else could he go though? He had already had his chance to look for an escape and found none. Not to mention the it was his idea to stand and offer her his hand, again feeling dumb.

Ready?

Tristam moved his mouth but nothing came out. He knew he must look like an oaf just standing there looking at her, but he had forgotten how good she looked in a bathing suit. "I... I..." Tristam swallowed. "I'm ready." He finally stammered out and blew out a sigh. Gosh, I'm an idiot. "But we're only going into the water a little ways, alright." Tristam turned to looked at the water, it looked cold. Thankfully the sun was still shining and the shallows couldn't be that cold. He hoped.

Tristam gazed back at Piper and then at her hand. He had held it for a moment, just like old times. He wondered if they could ever be like they were. Not that they were together all that long, before her fathers illness. The knot in his stomach suddenly reappeared, knowing that he hadn't been there for her for that. If anything there were a lot of times that he hadn't been there for the girls in his life. He pondered if he had matured since then.

A soft smile crept on his face as he took Piper's hand again. "Come on... lets get our feet wet. The squid won't wait forever." Tristam tugged on the girls hand and lead her to the waters edge. Poking his tongue into his cheek he gave Piper a sly look and bent over to touch his fingers into the water. The water was cool to the touch when his feet entered and it wasn't much better when he dipped his fingers in. Then quickly Tristam splashed water on the front of Pipers shoulders.

If anything his playfulness might lighten the mood and make of them relax. At least he hoped that it would, or it was going to be a long afternoon. Looking at the girl he wondered if retaliation was in the works in her brain. The last time there were in the water it seemed like it would never end. Not that he minded, but this time he wasn't dressed for a dip in the water.

[angelfire1987]

Piper stood in silence, as she watched the boy in front of her. Did she do something wrong? He stood there, with a vacant expression on his face, and Piper couldn’t help to feel a little embarrassed. She hadn’t been in her bathing suit with him in ages, had she stepped over their boundaries? Time had done her well, the past two terms she had grown into a slimmer, fuller woman. She was no longer the girl Tristam had seen so many terms ago, not the little girl he had met up in the owlery, whom he kissed for the first time. She had grew up.

Just as she bent over to pick up her clothes that she had stripped off, she felt a tug on her hand. She looked up, a nervous expression plaster across Tristam’s face. Then his expression changed to a smile. Piper returned his smile, looking at their intertwined hands. His touch was somewhat soothing her ever fast beating heart. She nodded her head in agreement as she let Tristam lead her towards the waters edge.

A curious smirk claimed her face as she watched Tristam bend down to dip his fingers in the water. Him still holding her hand, she felt his backside brush her as he bent, sending so many emotions through her veins at once. She had the sudden urge to push him in, but decided that it was against her better judgment. Instead, she just watched him, still feeling the warmth of him so close to her own body.

Just then she felt the cool water of the lake splash against her. She grinned mischievously, as she tired to compose herself. She tired her hardest to looked shock, her mouth opened slightly, looking at Tristam hurt. He would have to pay for that And without thinking, she slid her small hand out of his and with one hand on his shoulders and on his side, she gently pushing him forward towards the water.

What she hadn’t counted on, however, was she loosing her balance as she pushed him into the lake. In between screaming with joy, and laughter, she too was sent in the water of the lake. The cool water splashed up against her hot skin, a remarkable contrast between the two temperatures. A small dip of water fell from her hair, as she turned looking for Tristam, wondering what he thought of their new predicament.

Within a few moments she found what she was searching for, locking on to his eyes she gave him a most devilish smirk. She stood only a few feet away from the fully clothed Tristam, water dripping down her body, the water droplets leaving trails down her neck, loosing sight as they ran down underneath her bikini top, and down her stomach, to venture down, only settling down at the hem of her bikini bottom.

[bandit]

Seeing Piper's reaction was not quite what he anticipated. Well, not exactly. Her first expession of a mischievious grinning, but the open mouth shock was not. Tristam was about as confused as he could be, not that he wasn't already from his misunderstanding of which quidditch cup among other things. Not that it was like him to truely understand the girl he was holding hands with, she could be a mystery to him at times. Well, most girls were a mystery to him. There would always be things that he never quite understood.

Bending up at the waist to straighten hiself fully after splashing the girl, he must have bumped her as she started to loose her balance. Tristam moved to stop her, but instead of catching her she pushed him, sending him to stumble off balanced to splash into the wate. He was sure to be upset with the fact that he was now wet, or it was more like his school clothes was all wet. Even as those thoughts passed through his mind he still smirked under the water.

As Tristam started to surface he pondered if there was a retaliation that he could do. Rising above the water, cracking the surface, water dripped off of the Gryffindor, and he blew water away from his face as it dripped from his hair. "Did you do that on purpose? Or did you mean to push me in the water?" Tristam said as he laughed happily even through the nervousness never left his gut. Seeing Piper looking like a drowned rat was amusing, but he must have looked worse, clothes hanging limply on his muscular frame.

"I'm not sure if I shouldn't just pick you up and give you a good dunking." Tristam was only a few feet from the girl and quickly reached for hand hoping to cut any chance of excape had she chose to. What would it mean though if she didn't run? And if she did, would it mean something different or would it be the same? Tristam was certain that he was over analizing things. Taking a breath, he thought he should know the girls of the school better than he did.

[angelfire1987]

Piper stood there, knee deep in water, water dripping from every part of her, but still maintained the eye contact she held with Tristam. Her blue eyes watched him carefully, wondering what he was thinking, searching his eyes for any clue as to what his brain was thinking. She admired his frame as his wet clothes seemed to form against him. She had appreciated his body even before, but now, with it so defined she couldn’t help but feel a little hot in the cool water.

Smirking, she heard him ask her if it was an accident. She wondered if she should cave in or have a little fun with him. They had been so uptight with one another the whole time, she even getting the feeling that she was really the last person he would want to spend the day with, let alone be talking to. She waited a few moments before answering, pondering his reaction to both answers she could give him. Deciding it would fun to play with him, she answered “What do you think?” No revealing expressions on her face, she stood in complete satisfaction that she would give her position away.

Her body tensed a bit when he told her he should just dunk her, but she never backed down. She watched him reached for her, willingly giving him her hand. Deep down, she wanted to be held by him, to know he could after so many long days without. Maybe think, that possibly he could call her his again at some point in time. All this was wishful thinking of course, but the touch of his hand on hers once more, sent her heart in overdrive, and Piper felt her body heating up once more.

She never broker her eye contact with him, her piercing blue eyes never faltered from him. Maybe she hoped he would be able to read her thoughts, maybe she thought he would know exactly how she felt about him. This too was wishful thinking, and somewhere deep down, her heart was breaking…again. “I’m not sure if dunking would be a good idea in your case.” she smirked at him, squeezing his hand.

[bandit]

Having successfully snatched Piper's hand, and easily at that, Tristam's knot in his stomach tightened. It was to easy. His heart pounded harder in his chest, unsure now that he might not have done the right thing. Thoughts of his escape went racing through his mind, but di dhe really want to run? After being single for so long his confidense wasn't as high as it perhaps once was when his name was everyones lips. He had the charm to turn most girls heads, sometimes willingly, and at other times innocently. The results where the same though, he always got the girl.

This situation was different than anything he had experienced in the past. He had never gotten back with an ex-girlfriend, moving on always seemed to be the best for both parties. Eva Storm might have been different, but she was just as elusive as he had been for the past term. With Piper's hand in his, things were not so easy, they were complicated. Tristam knew he still had feelings for her, but it would probably be best for them if he ignored him. She probably thought him a player still and not capable of changing.

Looking into her sweet blue eyes cause him to swallow. Careful Tris, you know what happened the last time. A wayward soft, slight smile touched his lips. Please... He recalled that day in the Owlery when their lips were so close but did not touch, she had said that one word practically into his mouth. A forbidden kiss that should have never happened, and consiquently sent his life into a spiral for several terms. The label stuck not matter how he tried to refute it.

I'm not sure if dunking would be a good idea in your case.

Cocking an eyebrow, Tristam blinked at the girls words. "Is that a challange I here from you? You know that will only get you into trouble with me." The old Tristam charm surfaced for a moment and he wanted to wince, but didn't. He had no choice at this point but to continue. "You should remember the last time when you lost at the dunking contest." Tristam couldn't remember who won or lost, but it was best that he claim victory that day. Then quickly as that Tristam bent a knee and picked up Piper in his arms, he could feel her warm body through his soaked clothing.

"Now... if I were you I would be preparing myself to be dunked." Tristam said with a crooked smile, intent writen on his face. The challenge had been issued and he was bound to answer the call. "Any last words before I take out further into the water and submerge you?" The knot in Tristam's stomach tightened further, he wished that feeling would go away, but he wasn't going to admit that he still liked her.