Perfect Day ~~ Piper ~~

[bandit]

Tristam walked slowly down the Lane, mind fully on the fact that he was meeting a long time friend and former girlfriend. He couldn't believe that he had put on a bit of cologne for this meeting. The clothing was the same as he would normal wear if on a date, a clean pair of jeans and a button down shirt that hung over his pants. Tucking them in was out of the question, that would be to formal in his mind.

Finding a bench in to the shade of a tall elm tree, Tristam sat in the middle with both arms resting above the back rest. With a scanning eye, Tristam gazed absently upon the amount of lovers that strolled the Lane. Butterflies suddenly erupted in a frenzy in his stomach causing him to fidget uncomfortably and look at the ground. He kept telling himself that seeing Piper again was not a date. It was a lie, and he knew it, but denial seemed to give him a maginal feeling of safety.

The accidental meeting at the Lake had caused a ripple effect in his thinking, now he had a hard time focusing on what he wanted. He had wanted to stay single until he graduated, focusing on his goal was a priority. Then having his lost love appear again had him thinking about other parts of his future. Would she fit into them, and was there a future for them?

Bringing his gaze up from the ground he looked up the path toward the castle to see if the girl was walking down it. No luck. With a sigh Tristam put his hands down onto the bench and looked skyward. "She had better not have stood me up. But if she did... I probably deserve it though." Tristam wondered how much longer she would make him wait, even though if she should up right then she would be on time.

[angelfire1987]

Blue eyes studied the reflection in the mirror as Piper stood in front of it. She wore a white sundress, with skinny straps that tied at the top of the shoulders. It feel just below her knees and little daisies scattered the skirt of the dress. She wore light yellow slip on ballerina flats that matched the centers of the daisies. Her jet black hair, curled, fell several inches below her shoulder, and a cute little yellow ribbon was tied around to pull her hair out of her pale face, the bow laying underneath her curly locks.

Sighing, she examined herself, this had been about the seventh time she had changed, wanting to look beautiful for Tristam on their…uh…date? Piper had no clue what to expect on this little outing, and wasn’t really sure if her and Tristam stood as ‘just friends’ or something more at the present time. Still looking at her reflection in the mirror she turned her attention on the clock that could also been seen. Her eyes widening, realizing she had only a few minutes to get to the Rose Petal Lane.

She quickly grabbed her wand, and put it away. Then taking a bit of money, just in case, she stashed it was in her dress pocket, not really wanting to carry a purse. Finally, Piper rushed out of the Slytherin Girl Dorms, and out he common room, and up to the entrance of the castle. It was beautiful outside, and she knew she had been waiting for this day every since they had set it up, but the feeling in the pit of her stomach had reawaken since the last time she was with him, and it was growing strong with every step she took closer to the Lane.

The smell of roses lingered around her nose, as she finally got to her destination. Piper saw many couples walking together underneath the romantic settings of the Lane. Sighing, she headed towards her…friend? A smiled formed across her face as she found who she was looking for. He was sitting on a bench, underneath an elm tree. She walked over to him, her smile never faulting. She noticed his attire, and her heart melted. Maybe it was a date after all. Finding the words, she finally spoke “Hey there. Mind if I join you?” she gave him a wide smile.

[bandit]

Tristam had stopped looking at the other students that continued walking by. He hadn't been in love in quite some time and it was making him sick to see them holding hands or stealing a kiss. Not that he exactly wished that it was him that was in that position, but if they could just do it somewhere else instead of in front of him he would feel a whole lot better. Peering down the length of his nose to take a peek, Tristam found that they were still there.

Groaning inwardly, Tristam sighed again and closed his eyes. When he did he heard a voice that made his heart start beating madly. It seemed the perfect match for his stomach full of butterflies. Smoothly, Tristam sat up on the bench and lowered his arms, smiling peacefully as if he had been patiently waiting all along. Which was hardly the case, but he wanted it to see as though he knew that she would show up for their date.

"Hey... yes by all means, but I think we should start walking toward Hogsmead. Don't want to get there to late in the day." Tristam stood and finally got a good look at the girl. His jaw dropped slightly at the sight or her in the white sun dress. The contrast of her darkly curled hair and the dress made her look stunning. Swallowing, he tried to find his voice but was speachless all of a sudden.

"You look... really nice." Tristam said as he thought about taking her hand. It seemed that he had forgotten all of the other students that were walking the Lane, they seemed to be looking at them, smiling and giggling. They just seemed to be another pair of lovers walking in the RPL. "I think maybe we'll stop by the Brooksticks or the Tea Parlor for something to drink when we get to Hogsmead." Tristam glanced down a Piper's hand again and sighed softly. "So how's your brother doing?"

[angelfire1987]

Standing in front of him, Piper couldn’t help but feel like she was on trial. She had wanted to look perfect for him, and found that she was awaiting his opinion. Usually, she wouldn’t have cared, but it was a delicate situation with her and Tristam, and she wanted to make him happy, if by some means how she looked at that present time would do just that. Her blue eyes were transfixed on his grey orbs, hoping he would approve.

Smiling, Piper couldn’t imagine being anywhere else this evening, but with him. Her smile turned into a smirk, as she saw the look on his face when he looked up at her. It was the effect she was aiming for, and her heart beat rapidly as he told her she looked nice. Not quiet the words I had in mind, but it will do. “Thank you. You look…urm…really nice too” she merely said, as she took a step or two closer to the boy sitting on the bench in front of her. Piper was immersed into Tristam, that she hadn’t noticed the gawking stares and the faint giggles that surrounded the couple.

Nodding in agreement, before any words formed in her mouth, Piper smiled as Tristam said to get something to drink later. “That sounds nice.” Just then, she saw him glance down at her hand, Did he want to hold it? Or was it something else? If Piper knew exactly what this outing was called, she would have been happy to take her hand in his, but, alas, she wasn’t sure where they stood. And taking his hand could mean the end of their nice evening together.

Just in case, Piper gave him a reassuring look, as if to tell him ‘go ahead’. Then, within moments, the silence was broken by Tristam’s question. What an odd thing to bring up? Piper merely smiled, however, and spoke softly, as if her words would break her heart if they were said any louder. “I haven’t spoken to my brother since I left…from school. Even since we were in the same house, he would not speak to me.”

This was partly because of her love for Tristam, and him blaming her for their father’s illness and eventual death. He had told her, in so many words, that her betrayal of the family was the cause of their father’s death, not cancer. Piper had believed him at one point in time, but now she had gotten past it, but the hurtful words of her brother still rung in her ears, and heart.

Piper shifted her weight, feeling uneasy, she searched to change the subject. “Ahh...shall we begin?” she looked down the path of the lane, lined with roses and with rose petal scattered randomly on the path. Looking over at Tristam, she wondered what he had planned for the both of them, if anything. Would he enlighten her on what this meeting really was, or would he keep her in the dark to wonder?

[bandit]

Tristam was curious as to Piper's family situation. There had been only one time that he had the opportunity to meet the girls brother. It was a brief meeting in the park, and at the time Tristam hadn't any idea with whom he was speaking until much later. If he had, Tristam would have put the snitch he was toying with away. As it was he just thought he was talking with just another underclassman. It was odd, Tristam felt as though he should have taken the time to get to know Piper's brother.

With another quick glance down at the girls hand, Tristam knew he should just take it. His problem was that he wasn't sure what it would mean to her. Did Piper agree to meet him out of curtesy or did she still like him? He knew all it would take was for him to admit his feelings for her were more than just friendship, but he kept talking himself out of the possibility that she might actually care for him.

Tristam took in Piper assumation of her situation with her brother. He wondered if speaking with the younger Portland would do any good, or would they end up in a fist fight. With tightened lips he decided it was a bad idea. "I'm sorry to hear about your brother. I would like to help you with him, but uhmm... it would probably not end well. I get the feeling that he has a great dislike for me." Tristam swallowed hard, not because he was afraid of Piper's brother, but he had just glanced at the girls hand again dangerously close to his.

Ahh... shall we begin?

Then in a moment of boldness, Tristam gently took Pipers hand in his. "I think we shall." Tristam's heart pounded rapidly in his chest that made him think it was going to burst. Casting a wayward look around he could see the other students grinning at them, it only increased the heart beat. Then with a soft look into Piper's eyes, his heart beat steadied, he saw his own reflection in her baby blues.

Looking down the path and feeling the heat in his cheeks, Tristam started to walk, slowly, trying to make the walk last as long as possible. "Do you remember when you caught me dancing in the rain?" Tristam chuckled softly. "I couldn't believe that you were willing to get that wet just to dance with me." Tristam turned his head and searched for her eyes just to hold them again.

[angelfire1987]

Piper still stood in front of Tristam, wondering the real reason why he had asked her to meet him here. Had he brought her here to talk about her family? Had that been the only reason, to get the dish on her life? Deep down, Piper knew it couldn’t be true, Tristam had never done that to her before. She kept telling herself that he was just concerned. And when he had offered to help, she knew he was being genuine in his asking of her brother.

It was true. Jayden would have probably ripped him to pieces if Tristam had helped. It would be a disaster for the both of them, but Piper would have had the full blown attack. Blood-traitor! She could just hear those words from her youngest brothers mouth. He had softened his attacks on her right before their father’s death, Piper suspected he was seeing a girl who was less than pureblood, and felt guilty for nagging Piper about Tristam.

But it all changed when news of their father’s death reached their ears. At that very moment, hatred filled his face. After all, he had had the least time with both the parents, their mother dying just four years ago. He had blamed her for both incidents, Piper had been in tears, his hurtful, accusations would stick with her probably for the rest of her life. Heaven had merely whimpered when she saw her family falling apart. The three remaining children that stayed at home would be split up, no one could handle the three of them together. Heaven went with their grandmother on their mothers side, Jayden went with their fathers brother, and Piper, with her favorite aunt, on her mother’s side.

Piper tried smiling through the discomfort of her memories. But they quickly brushed away when she felt Tristam take her hand in his. “Trist.” she said softly, barely audible. But before she said anything else, she gave him a reassuring smile. The warmth of his hand was all she needed at that point in time for her thoughts to subside into something more pleasant. Her focus was all on him, and she still didn’t notice the other couples around them staring at them. Piper knew Tristam was quiet popular, and was used to it by now.

Following his lead, she smiled across to him as he looked as if he either, really didn’t want to be there or he didn’t know what to do next. This made Piper look down at her feet, thinking of something that would ease his mind, and make him relax. But he beat her to it. Letting out a small laugh, she looked back into his grey eyes. “Ah, yes. Dancing in the rain. That was rather…interesting.” she was having difficulty finding the words she needed to express to him.

“I…” she shut her mouth, her expression on her face surely gave Tristam the impression she was trying to choose her words carefully. “I just wanted to be near you.” she said softly, getting her courage up. “Trist….” she trailed off loosing her words somewhere in between, looking at him helplessly.

[bandit]

Lots of things had happened since Tristam had met Piper that day in the Owlery, but none of it came to mind now as he looked into her blue pearls. They sparkled in the sunshine as she quickly looked down at the pathway. Tristam wasn't sure at this point if she was watching where she was going, or avoiding his eyes on purpose, and for what reason she would do that. She really could be a mystery at times to him.

Then Piper looked back at him and spoke his name. You wanted to be near me? Tristam was a little astonished but held his eyes steady, for the most part. A small bit of caring when into his eyes as he looked up at the pathway that lead to Hogsmead. He was speachless, it was the last thing he would have thought that she would have wanted to do at that place and time of their friendship.

Tristam stopped walking by a pair of roses bushes that were shaded by a patch of evergreens. Turning his body to face the girl his eyes narrowed slightly, grey eyes peering through the slits. He smiled softyly when his gaze returne to normal. "You wanted to be near me did you? I would hardly think that, only a crazy person would have joined me out in that down pour." Tristam paused. "But I'm glad you did."

Standing still moments longer, Tristam's heart held it's steady, maddening pace to match the butterflies that were doing sommersaults. Bitting his lower lip in thought, he pondered their future together, eyes studying, looking for something to reassure him that they had a future together. A real future in each others arms.

"Piper... " Tristam's throat constricted as he tried to find the words he wanted to say. "When I asked you to meet me here I wasn't sure what to expect. You look great, and you deserve someone special, but I was wondering..." Tristam cleared his throat softly and took in a deep breath to steady his nerves, but he could finish and instead took the girls other hand in his free. He really wanted this day to be perfect and to hold her again, but something was holding him back. Was it the way he had treated her in the past? She couldn't possibly want him again.

[angelfire1987]

Piper continued to look at Tristam with a since of helplessness, for she had lost the words she was going to say to him. I wanted to be close to you. You were my life, still are. She felt her skin heating up, what if she looked like a complete idiot? He probably wasn’t even expecting such a silly answer. And by just looking at the facial expression he held, she was right. This made her feel even more inadequate then she was feeling to begin with.

Blue eyes watched the boy in front of her, wishing that they could just get past this awkward stage in their relationship. With every lingering silence, Piper’s nervousness grew…she was dangerously close to just blurting out everything, maybe it would get the ball rolling on whatever he wasn’t telling her. She could tell he was holding back, and she hadn’t figured out why yet, but she was sure she would find out real soon. She continued to look at him as they walked slowly down the path, until he stopped them beside a pair of rose bushes.

Laughing, her body loosened up, and her mood softened. “Yes, silly. I really liked you.” Piper’s eyes widened, praying he didn’t hear her, but she knew he had. Had she really let that slip? “Uh, It’s nice to know you thought I was crazy.” she quickly said, trying to change the subject before he noticed anything. But her thoughts ceased when she looked into his eyes, finding the kindness she had always found there for her.

She saw him bite his lower lip, and without thinking about it, she was doing the same. It was a sign they were both nervous. They stared into each others eyes for what seemed forever, something Piper could have done longer, but Tristam had broken the silence by saying her name, almost matching the tone in which she had said his name just a few moments ago. She knew what that meant…he was searching for words to say to her, either he didn’t want to hurt her, or he wanted it to be just right.

When I asked you to meet me here I wasn't sure what to expect. You look great, and you deserve someone special, but I was wondering… Wondering? Piper felt her heart leap. What could he possibly be wondering, why was he leaving her in such suspense? For a brief moment, she had a sudden loathing of Tristam. But it passed, looking into his eyes, and feeling him grab her free hand with his. Ahhh! Did he know he was driving her crazy?

“Uh, thanks…” she trailed off, not knowing what else to say. Deserve someone special? What was he getting at? Piper squeezed his hands, looking at him with reassuring eyes. “Trist…” she trailed off once more. What could she say? He knew she was still in love with him, what else did he want? “I still..” she broken off, not knowing if she wanted to go in that direction, but she was sure that Tristam would know what she was about to say, so she kept her mouth shut, but her eyes searched every detail in his face.

[bandit]

Tristam's brows met momentarily when Piper stated that she really liked him. The mere thought of her verbal slip gave him a bit more confidense than he had previously. He still had his doubts that she could be serious about wanting to date him again. As a noted player in the school she had to be leary of anything that had to do with a serious relationship. Tristam had always pushed off such talk, and considered himself as of late as a more matured person.

The way Piper said his name kept getting more inviting, the softness of her tone, and the needful look in her eyes kept drawing him in. At the lake just days before his thoughts were of escaping, but now there were hardly that. It was if he wanted to be caught up in her, which he did but couldn't bring himself to say it out loud. I still... It was her turn to hesitate. Did she do it on purpose, knowing that it could only lead to one thing.

"You still what..." Tristam said softly with a slight forward inclanation of his head. Flexing his hands slightly he felt the softness of hers and caught a hint of her shampoo that lifted with the breeze that feel softly on them. He was oblivious to the stares that were watching them, anticipating as to what was going to happen. Tristam however didn't wait for Piper to finish her sentance, instead he finished his.

"I was wondering if... if this can be a date. I know I asked you as a friend, but... I would like to get to know you again." Tristam breathed a silent sigh of relief, but tensed as he expected the worse. She had the option of laughing in his face now that he had just made a fool of himself. There was a small part of him that hoped for the best. The little inuendos that she had given him were starting to sink in.

The coy smiles, the needful looks, and the hand holding all could mean only one thing. Still, he had treated her badly on more than one occassion, so expecting the worse weighed heavily on his mind. "As more than just friends." Tristam winced slightly before tightening it into a little smile and a soft hopeful look in his eyes. If she says no... I'll go back to the original plan of staying single until I graduate.

[angelfire1987]

Piper watched the boy in front of her, affection in her misty blue eyes. Her lose of words seem to ego in her mind, however, with every word she wanted to say to him. I still like you. Can’t you see that? But apparently he could not, for the look of his face explained it all. Hadn’t they had this conversation before, hadn’t she expressed her love for him when they met at the lake a few day ago? What more did he want her to say, to do?

Her eyes widened slightly, when Tristam repeated her unfinished sentence. She opened her mouth to respond, but all the words she had been rehearsing in her mind seemed to flutter away with her quickening heart beat of hers, and every moment she stood with him holding her hands. She had dreamed of this several thousand times, many different ways, and always with the same result, waking up before they could live out their ‘Happily Ever After’. Could they still have that, their ‘Happily Ever After‘?

But before Piper could finished her sentence, or even conjure enough courage to say them, he spoke once more. I was wondering if... if this can be a date. I know I asked you as a friend, but... I would like to get to know you again. If Piper wasn’t speechless before, she defiantly couldn’t respond to that. Her mouth dropped open slightly, unsure of what to think of the situation they had both gotten themselves in. A date. She half expected this outing to be one, but when the conformation was coming form his lips, it become real.

For a moment there, she thought that maybe this was a cruel joke, played on a gullible heart. That he would come clean any minute. Then as he began to say something, she held her breathe, ready for the blow. As more than just friends. It was certainly a blow, an exciting one, but a blow non the less. She stood their a moment, contemplating what she should say.. Did he really think she would say no? But, he did have his reasons, he had hurt her, more than once. Broken her heart on several occasions, but yet, she still was standing right in front of him, holding his hands.

Could she forgive him for all that he had done to her? Forgiven What was there left to forgive? Would he forget, probably not, but that was what their future was for, to build new memories. She inched forward, now she felt his body next to hers. Piper closed her eyes, memorizing his warmth and his scent. Squeezing his hands slightly, she managed to opened her eyes, looking straight into his grey orbs. A smile creped upon her face, and she opened her mouth slightly, trying to get the nerve to speak.

“Trist.” she said, tilting her head slightly. “You hurt me so badly last time. I thought I would never recover, but somehow I did. And now, we are back here again, on the same path we left each other on.” something in her eyes twinkled. “My plans for the future, I must admit, never gave me you.’ she spoke softly, choosing her words carefully. “However, I would never take anything back, every moment with you I treasure, and still do, after everything.” She sighed, looking down at her feet.

He had hurt her. She had healed, maybe not completely, but how could she not still have a little piece of betrayal latching on? This wasn’t where she wanted this conversation to go, so she continued before Tristam could interrupt her. “How could I want to be with you after what you’ve put me through? How could I even stand to look at you, to be in the same room with you? The answer..” she spoke in barely above a whisper. “…is that I still care for you, that I still want very much to have something with you. I still love you.” she said the last with more emphasis. “I guess what I’m really trying to say is yes, Trist, I would love to.”

She still didn’t know where they stood however. Were they together now? Were they still just friends? She smiled at him, but was still hoping he would clarify that at some point in the next few moments.

[bandit]

The seconds that passed by seemed like an eternity. He kept wondering if she would ever speak, what more did she want from him? He was already apprehensive as it was, just saying what he had already said took tremendous effort. Tristam knew he could flirt with the best of the guys in the school, but he wasn't always the best with words. He always managed to put his best foot forward despite the times he spent being tongue tied, and he hoped that this one of those times.

Thoughts of Piper turning him down increased the more seconds that passed. What is she thinking? Probably how to let me down gently, and tell me that we're just friends. Then something happened that he hadn't expected, hoped for, but never expected. As Piper moved forward his heart felt as though it skipped a beat. The warmth of her body up against his held him in his place.

Her smile was unmistakable, and he listened to every word she had to say. Could it be that she was letting everything that he had done just float off into the wind like it never had happened? Was it even possible to start anew, and forget everything in their storied history? Well, he wouldn't forget the first time they had met. That certainly would never happen. It was a memory to cherish for the rest of his life.

Then the answer to his question came. I guess what I'm really trying to say is yes, Trist, I would love to. A soft, happy smile slid onto Tristam's face. Then realizing that he was holding his breath, he took in some air and felt his knees buckle. Whether it was because of the lack of air to his brain, or the fact that he was surprised by her answer. It didn't matter though, she had said yes, it was a beginning.

"Well... I..." Tristam's grey eyes glittered as he looked at the girl "You've made me happy. I just hope that... that we have a great day." It wasn't quite what he wanted to say, then something crept into his thoughts, but he couldn't remember all of it. Piper had said something down at the lake. Had he missed something earlier in the week? Tristam resisted the urge to kiss Piper and turned toward the lane and released one of her hands.

What he really wanted to say was that he still liked her also, actually a little more than like. Tristam had never gotten over the girl. Her disappearance had hurt him more than he let on, but he understood that family problems often caused people to leave the school from time to time. Tristam stopped after about ten steps and turned to look at Piper with a small smile. "Piper... I... I still love you."

[angelfire1987]

Life would go one, with or without them, and Piper would rather it be with him than alone drenched in self-pity and angst. There had been no question that Piper would have forgiven him, sooner or later, the death of her father had taught her many things. Never take life for granted, live life to the fullest, never regret what might have been, and always forgive, no matter what. She was standing in front of the person that had single-handily had caused her heart to break over and over again. Ember…her leaving to go home for her father…the other girls…but yet she still was right beside him, the whole way.

She couldn’t just ‘wash her hand of him’ like her brother had once told her, she was in love, and those feelings aren’t easily hidden, although she had tried for almost six terms now to hide it. Her heart belonged to Tristam, and would always, even if he would never accept it. Now the only question would be where did he want their future to go? She still wasn’t sure about his feelings, not where they stood.. Was he going to set their boundaries? What would you call their relationship now, defiantly more than just friends, right? A couple?

Her blue eyes still looking deep within his, she smiled, knowing that for now on, she would be happy. His touch warmed her soul, she even forgot that her family was being ripped to pieces for minutes at a time. It was like reality wasn’t reality with him. He was her reality at the time, and she forgot everything else. That might have been part of the reason it was so easy for her to forgive him.

Well... I…You've made me happy. I just hope that... that we have a great day. Piper tilted her head a little, confused by the last part of his sentence. He surely did not mean to say the last part, he had acted like he was going to say something else, but she let him slide. “Trist, I’m happy too.” she gave him a smiled, and just then realized that she had been calling him the name she used to when she had great affection for him. He would never know how much he had put her through, but to hear the words ‘You’ve made me happy’ gave her a satisfying feeling.

Her thoughts vanished however, when he released one of her hands, turning himself back to the lane. Piper tried not to let her disappointment show, walking beside him, still clutching his hand she continued to hold. Just then, out of nowhere, he stopped, turned to her and said the most surprising three words, well six words, she would have never seen coming from his lips. Piper... I... I still love you. She had to resist the urge to wrap her arms around his neck to pull him in for a kiss. She knew that he might not want that right now, so she waited, until the time was right. But the passion was building up within her, and she let out a soft sigh, following it up with a wide smile.

She didn’t say anything for a few moments, which probably seemed like a century to Tristam, but she was memorizing the moment, wanting to relive it in her mind until the day she died. And then, she said, barely above a whisper, “I love you too.” She thought she had made it quiet clear about her feelings for him, but it wouldn’t hurt to reassure him that he was not alone it those feelings, that she shared that with him too. Still resisting the urge to kiss him, she looked down at the path of the Lane, trying to think of something that would ease her mind off of kissing him.

“So, what does this mean for us?” she said blurted out, softly. The question had been burning inside of her for the last several minutes. She looked up, reluctantly, with a hopeful expression on her face and a twinkle in her vivid blue eyes.

[bandit]

It seemed as though she had waited for him, but Tristam was unsure. By laying his heart out on the chopping block Piper could easily make mince meet of it. There was something tingling in the back of his mind that was telling him that it wasn't the case. He had played the fool when it came to her, she could do anything she wanted with him. No matter where he went he would think of her, no matter what he did, he would think of her. His vanishing from the school did stop him from thinking about Piper.

With his eyes glued to Pipers, Tristam saw that he mouth moved and softly words flowed out. Inclining his head slightly, Tristam smiled. She still did love him, not just like, but love. Pulling his head straight he thought that his heart would burst, he didn't know whether to laugh, kiss her, or just continue to smile. So frozen, Tristam smiled and lightly licked his lips. Then it came, one question that he didn't know how he wanted to answer.

The old pain that he had inflicted on her started to rear its head, the fights mostly, and the denying that he loved her. Tristam wasn't sure which one had hurt her the most, but he had done them all more than once. Looking up to the sky he tried to surpress all the thoughts and took in a deep breath. He wasn't sure what Piper was thinking at the moment, all he knew was that he had to stop thinking of what he had done and focus on what it could be.

"I think it means that we're in love." Tristam had succeeded, the pain had been pushed to the crevises of his memories. He looked down with a renewed glow in his eyes and face, and took up her other hand that he had let go previously. "I think it also means that we should be dating again. If..." Tristam hesitated for a second and leaned his head forward to kiss Piper on the lips, soflty. Then pulling his head back to continue. "If you feel as though you think we can give it another try."

Taking in another breath he waited, knowing what should be the answer from Piper. All indications said that she would agree that they should be dating, but as the nagging doubt crept up, Tristam pushed it aside. There wasn't anything that would keep him from her this time if it was within his power. He had spent enough time denying that he didn't love her, it wouldn't happen again.

[angelfire1987]

The breeze blew softly, fluttering Piper’s dark hair against her shoulders. It felt wonderful against her hot, glowing skin, as it felt like it was getting hotter with every moment of anticipation. Piper was sure Tristam knew what he was doing to her, being to close to her, but not following through with a kiss. Her palms were sweating, and she was sure Tristam could make out her desires by the expressions on her face. She had thought waiting for the news of her fathers health was brutal, but nothing could compare to this agony.

Just then a thought occur to her, What would other people think of her being with Tristam? Normally, she wouldn’t have let this bother her, but had Tristam been flirting with numerous girls before his confession of feelings for herself? The answer would have been yes, but she wasn’t so sure about him anymore, at least that side of him. But none-the-less, she was sure there were a heartbroken girl somewhere in the mist of Tristam Lane, there had to be.

Casting away such feelings, she decided it was her time to be happy again, no matter what. I think it means that we're in love. “It sure does.” she said softly, smiling back at him. No where in the world she wished to be, but to be there in his arms. She had hoped for this, even as he heart lay broken when finding out he had found someone new on her previous arrival back. Little did she know, they would be back to this.

I think it also means that we should be dating again. If… Piper smiled, but only for a moment, when it was interrupted by the soft touch of Tristam’s lips on her owns. Inside, it felt like an explosion was going off in every part of her body. They kiss was so short lived, however, that Piper had no time to kiss him back, let alone give him the full details of her affection for him. If you feel as though you think we can give it another try. Piper merely nodded her approval for a second before speaking, her lips still had traces of his soft lips on hers. She licked her lips, and softly replied, “I think we could. I mean, I would defiantly want that chance again.”

The smile never left Piper’s lips, as she looked at the boy who was the reason why it was there. Then she noticed them. The other couples that had been walking, or staring into each others eyes, had apparently found more entertainment in what was unfolding between Tristam and herself. She smirked, and looked back at Tristam. “I think we’ve been spotted. What will this do for my reputation?” she teased him, “Holding hands and kissing the infamous Tristam Lane.” she teased him, leaning into him, kissing him gently on the lips, before nodding towards their audience.

[bandit]

Looking pensively, but deeply into Piper's eyes, Tristam was unaware of eyes that were watching them. The entire world had stopped as far as he was concerned. Focusing on getting out what he had inside into spoken word had made him oblivious to other students. Even the soft breeze that lifted her hair went unnoticed. If it had started to rain, Tristam would surely have hung in there unitl he was sure that Piper was his once again. The world stopped for them, he was sure of it as he searched her blue pearls.

If there was any thought of who might be hurt by his actions, he payed not attention. He had been gone to long for anyone to develop an attachment to him, or so he thought. There might be some girls in the school that would love to be in Piper Portlands shoes, but he had never given them a chance. His reappearance in the school was sudden, and without notice. Even his best friend in the school had no idea that he was back at this point. He had left without warning and returned in the same fashion.

As soon as he exhaled Piper spoke the words he hoped would come, they would try again. Her smile was worth more to him at that moment than all the smiles in the world. Then as she said something about other people that he became aware of the other students, and grinned. "Your reputation?" Tristam said teasingly. "I gues ahh... I'm not really sure what will happen." Then Tristam's brows met in the middle of his face. "Infamous?"

He had never thought of himself as 'Infamous.' Tristam was just a normal, but highly energetic, personable boy. At least that's what he thought, and was sure that other people would tell him the same. "Infamous or not. You're my girlfriend now, and being infamous will not stop that." Tristam inclined his head again and kissed Piper again, deeper than the first one, breathing in everything that she was.

The world stopped again, but the students seemed quite. Tristam couldn't help but wonder what they were thinking. Where they wondering how long their romance would last this time before Tristam Lane moved on to another girl, and crushing Piper yet again? Maybe they were thinking that this time, they would make it. Tristam hoped and prayed for the later. Releasing Piper this time would be letting go of a treasured prize.

[angelfire1987]

“Ah, Trist.” she wrinkling her nose at him, shaking her head slightly. “I’m only kidding. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else but with you, regardless what it does to my reputation a innocent girl.” her blue eyes sparkled in the sunlight as it hit them. She gave him the most ‘innocent face’ she, showing him what he was doing to her, but a smirk still lay across her face, her arms wrapped around his waste, pulling him closer.

Inches from touching her lips to his, she knew what she was doing. If the crowd wanted a show, she would give them a show. “I wouldn’t want it to stop, ever.” she said, whispering softly, her lips almost touching his. She kissed him softly, and pulled away, but rejoining her hand in his, before turning to the path towards Hogsmeade. “Shall we continue?” she asked, giving him a devilish smile, squeezing his hand slightly.

Her life, now, seemed almost complete. She had love. The only thing now was her family, how could she ever fix that? Jayden would never forgive her, Heaven…well, Heaven always forgave her only sister. Her older brothers, they never blamed her, it was Jayden who would be the worst to talk to. Piper felt the burning urge for a tear to escape from her eyes, but she held it in, looking at her boyfriend.

She stole a kiss before looking back at the people whom now seemed like they were paying more attention to their significant others instead of Tristam and Piper, but she could see them sneaking glances at the newly reunited couple ever so often. “Do you think that…maybe…maybe you could…possibly…come with me to talk…to…to Jayden sometime?” she asked, almost to where she couldn’t hear herself speak. “I know you guys might not get along, but I feel safe with you, stronger with you…you…you don’t have to go though…” she trailed off, and barely audible she continued “if you don’t want to. He needs to understand things. Things between us, and that I am not to blame for certain things.”

OCC: *sighs* I'm sorry it's so short, I promise I will do better in the next post.

[bandit]

So Piper was joking with him about being infamous and what it would do to her reputation. Surely there was still some of his reputation in the back of her mind. No one ever forget that he was constantly in the vacinity of a girl. Tristam did have a few friends that were guys around the school, but his main friendships where with the female population of Hogwarts. These friendships often were the bane of his girlfriends, and most times made things difficult on his relationships.

Tristam wasn't likely to change his ways of spending time with the girls in the school, but had decided that some of his flirtatious ways would have to change. He had tried this before with minimal much success. What made this time different would remain a mystery. It would be his second time around with Piper and they had quite a history. Perhaps it was familiarity that was instigating the change, or love perhaps.

After lips parting from her stolen kiss, Piper seemed hesitant about something. His brows meet as he was intent on listening. When she mentioned her brother Jayden's name his heart beat raised. "Met your brother... with you?" Tristam turned his gaze from Piper toward the path and back again. He certainly couldn't say no, and he did want to prove that he meant Piper no harm. Perhaps even say that he was sorry for treating her the way he had in the past.

Forcing a nervous smile, Tristam spoke. "Sure... I think that it would be a good idea to meet your brother with you. I'm certain that he won't try and do anything out of the ordinary. Right?" Making a good impression is all Tristam wanted to do with Jayden, but did Jayden want to make a good impression on him. It certainly would be great if this episode of seing Piper's brother again would go smoothly.

"I mean... is it possible that..." Tristam hesitated as he was trying to put his words in the best light. "...he might want to make amends with you?" It was reaching, but he had learned after dealing with most of the Portland family. You always had to expect the unexpected. Piper's sister, Heaven, was a perfect example of the unexpected.

[angelfire1987]

Piper was ready for one little word. She knew Tristam would be less than thrilled to met her brother, for she was sure he had never met him. Tristam knew how headstrong Piper was, but with Jaden it was ten times as strong. Not looking at Tristam for a few moments, she wondered if he now realized what he was getting himself into again. The Portland family was not to be messed with, granted it would be easier now that her father was dead to be with a non-pureblood, but the rest of her family would take on that role of guardian, her brother’s would be most of the problem.

They had their doubts about Tristam, with good reason, for Tristam had not given them the best of reasons to like him. Jaden had seen it first hand, which was a good solid reason why he didn’t like the fact that his elder sister was with him. He would be furious to find out Piper was talking with him again, let alone going out with him. But something about Tristam’s actions had calmed her fears, and that was all that matter really, right?

Shaking her current thoughts away, Piper looked up at the boy walking beside her. Her blue eyes met his, and she saw the confusion in his face as he repeated her question. As he looked away from her, she looked down at the ground. She knew she was asking a lot, and she knew was putting Tristam in a horrible situation, for he was always a gentleman to her, and she knew it would be hard for him to say no to her.

Her features perked up a bit when she heard him say ‘Sure’, but the look on his face was giving him away. Piper could make out a little hopeful suggestion in his voice as he asked if he would do anything out of the ordinary while Piper was there. Piper then realized that the truth would put things in perspective, and then if he still wanted to go afterwards that was up to him.

“Trist…there is something I need to tell you before you decide completely.” She broke off, looking around to see how alone they were. “Jaden…he…blames me.” she looked over to Tristam, her eyes saddening a bit. “He blames me for our fathers death.” and without a single breath, Piper finished. “He blames me for his death because of you. He says I betrayed the family, and it devastated father so much that his heart could not take it. Not only does he blame me for our father’s death, he doesn’t like the possibility of you. But he just doesn’t understand. He just doesn’t understand…” she trailed off, tears flooding her eyes, and breathing heavily, gasping for breath.

“You don’t have to go with me. But I have to try. I have to try to bring our family back together.” she wiped the tears that streamed down her face with her free hand, and looked down at the path they were walking, daring not to look at Tristam. Finally catching her breath, and the tears ending, Piper looked up, her face slightly redden, with embarrassment. Collecting herself and her thoughts, she returned to her original self. “You don’t have to go.” she repeated.

[bandit]

Looking into Piper's eys he saw a warmth there for him. How he had missed it all the other times they had been together he didn't know. It didn't matter now, he had seen it, that twinkle that said there was only one for her. The unmistakable look of love that showed through her blue eyes that could melt his heart. Tristam was unsure if he deserved such unconditional love, he had been such a random soul in his terms at Hogwarts. He smile a thin smile at the thought that maybe he really had changed for good, and given up the random life.

As Piper spoke words that seemed hard for her to say, Tristam's visage tightened. His heart ached for Piper and her circumstance. He had been fortunate to have parents that accepted things more readily, but Piper it seemed, didn't have that luxory. Tristam remembered vividly the look on his parents face when he mentioned that he was dating a vampire. The blood draining from his mothers face was priceless, but his parents discussed the situation and accepted it. Albiet, it wasn't easy.

Seeing tears started to flow from the blue eyes that still held that look of love, tugged more upon Tristam's heart. "I'll go. I know your brother resents me, and there isn't much I can do about that." Tristam took in a deep breath, searching for the courage needed to confront Piper's younger brother. All Tristam could recall in detail about Jaden was the piercing green eyes, full of hate towards him. Their brief meeting in the park only allowed a slice of how Jaden felt about him, but it was enough.

"I feel a little responsible for your brother Jaden's resentment toward me. I know you say that it's a family thing that you have to be a pureblood to date a Portland, but... I refuse to let that keep us apart. He has to be able to see to reason, to see that I love you." Tristam paused and pulled Piper in to hug her, he wouldn't risk loosing her again by failing to act. Confronting Jaden seemed the only path that he had to keeping the girl this time.

Releasing Piper was an effort, he loathed not feeling her close to him, to be close enough to distinctly smell her scent that was uniquely hers. "I think we should be off to Hogsmead, and don't worry about Jaden. I... we will make him see that there isn't anything he can do that will tear us apart." Tristam felt sure that Jaden would bring up his past with the girls in the school, something that he was ready for. "Tell me a little of your brother, maybe there's something there that I can use to make him see that he's wrong."

[angelfire1987]

Rather worried that Tristam would given in to the complexity of the Portland family and give up on her, Piper looked to the ground, not at Tristam. She felt the sunlight on her back, it burning her skin slightly by the heat, but she ignored it, and trudged the dirt on the path with her foot. The dirt settled, dusting her shoes with a light white power, Piper cursed herself for getting her shoes dirty on her date, but hardly cared one way or another.

He knew the truth. And maybe it was because she was so afraid to loose him again…or maybe it was because she was afraid that he would hurt her again, Piper wasn’t sure, but a horrible feeling started to come over her. But it was quickly washed away with the sound of his voice. …You have to be a pureblood to date a Portland, but... I refuse to let that keep us apart. He has to be able to see to reason, to see that I love you. Piper felt him pull her into a hug, and she melted into his arms.

“I love you too.” she said softly into his shoulder. She felt the warmth of his body leave her as he pulled away from her. She nodded her head in agreement. “Ok.” she meekly said, starting to walk in the direction of Hogsmead. She studied Tristam’s facial features, as they continued. Blinking a few times in astonishment to what Tristam just asked, Piper had to stop herself from asking him to repeat himself. She had heard him, and while trying to wipe the expression of pure shock from her face, she realized that they had not talked much about her family since they got back together.

“Ah, well, Jaden…is well Jaden.” she simply said, she looking up brightly at Tristam. “He’s well, very much a pureblood, takes after my father really. He can’t fathom the idea of any other heritage other than the ‘worthy’ pureblood. However, I have suspensions that he has toned down this idea since he has been in school, I suspect it has to do with a girl, but I can’t be sure.” she winked at Tristam, giving him a knowing smile. “He is rather stubborn, and opinionated.” she laughed at this statement.

Piper grabbed Tristam’s hand, squeezing it, and relaxing it as her vivid blue eyes twinkled at him. “He can be a flirt when he wants to be, much like you actually.” Piper was taken back at what she had just blurted out. Then a theory popped into her mind, What if the reason why Jaden and Tristam didn’t get along was because they were a lot alike? Shaking it from her mind, she continued to smile up at her boyfriend. “It’s funny. I never really thought of him having anything in common with you, but I guess he does. Although he doesn’t have your reputation, he is more conservative about his life than you.” she gave Tristam a small smirk.