RP The Lake

R: Maybe it would've been too obvious.

M: Maybe so. I don't know what you want me to do, Regulus!

She said exasperatedly.

M: Look...I appreciate you being concerned and all, or...whatever you are, but I can take care of myself. And if I do make a mistake, then shame on me for not listening to you, but there's nothing you can do about it.

Regulus glowered, leaning back resignedly.

R: Fine. More fool you.

Millie looked at her lap so he couldn't see her eyes, which were glistening with tears. Suck it up, she told herself.

R: Guess I'll leave you to thoughts of Sean, then.

Regulus snarled and stood.

Any other girl would've just snorted and let him walk. Not Millie, who held onto her friendships fiercely, and avoided fighting with them like the plague, even if that meant resigning to the fact that the whole thing was her fault.

M: No, wait, please. I'm sorry.

For what, exactly? She didn't know, but still looked up at him with shiny eyes, biting her bottom lip, her voice quivering. Weak, a part of her scolded.

Regulus sighed, rolling his eyes at her.

R: You don't need to cry about it, Millie. Besides, someone might see us.

M: I just don't understand why you're angry with me! And no, someone won't see us, the trees block us.

The fact that he chided her for wanting to cry just made her want to cry even more. Still, she pulled her big girl panties on and forced the tears down before they could spill over onto her cheeks.

R: I don't know why I'm angry, either. Maybe I'm not angry. Maybe I'm just confused.

No, he was angry. Instead of patting her on the shoulder or smiling or saying something comforting, he folded his arms and fixed her with a brooding stare.

R: I should go. Wouldn't want your boyfriend coming back and catching us together. Actually, where is he? Weird that he left right after asking you out, isn't it?

He turned on his heel and started to talk off.

Mouth dry, Millie watched him stalk off. She swallowed the lump in her throat, and only when his back was turned did she let a single tear drip down her cheek. Immediately, she wiped it away. No, she was not about to cry over Regulus Black. Regulus Black, who could have her laughing one minute and glowering the next. Regulus Black, who drove her to insanity. Regulus Black, who made her heart thud, her palms sweat, her head spin, her stomach ache. Not happening. She was not about to let him get away with insulting her, insulting her intuition, insulting her boyfriend, even acting like he ruled her life! Features hardening, Millie hauled herself to her feet and stomped after him.

M: Regulus.

When he turned around, she gave him a good slap across the face. It seemed as though the Blacks had a special affinity for it.

M: You deserved that, you...you complete and utter ass!

As she glared at him, though, her eyes seemed to soften with guilt, or maybe that was just the lighting. Millie, sweet Millie who didn't believe in violence unless it was absolutely necessary, just slapped Regulus. She was pissed for sure, but also bewildered as to how he could have her on the verge of tears one minute and slapping him the next. She wouldn't put it past him to somehow magically control her hormones.

Regulus touched his cheek, silent with shock. Geez, he knew the girl was crazy, but this was a whole other level! Taking a deep breath, he steeled himself. He was not about to hit a girl. That would do nothing. For a moment he looked at the floor, then at her. His voice shook as he tried to keep it steady.

R: You only get one of those, Millie.

Slowly, he turned on his heel once more, and tried to pretend her actions hadn't hurt him.

This time, Millie didn't call him back to apologize. Silently, she watched him leave. If slapping him had appeared to knock some sense into him, then why was her stomach panging with guilt? She let out a frustrated sigh. No, it was for the best. She lifted her eyes to his back again, and when he was just about to the school, she bit her lip and slowly trudged inside.

Millie balanced on a fallen log, arms out for balance.

M: Seen Lily lately?

She asked James.

J: Around.

He answered lightly, shuffling after her.

M: Ah.

Millie smiled at the ground. She reached the end of the log and carefully turned around, going towards the other end.

M: She'll come around.

She turned to look over her shoulder at him, the movement causing her to lose her balance and nearly break her neck stumbling off the log. Somehow, she landed on two feet, albeit unsteadily, her giggles breathless and soft.

J: Smooth. I'd hate to see you on a broom if this is you on two feet.

M: Rude. I'm probably better at flying than I am walking.

She muttered, resigning to just plop down on the log with her chin in her hand.

J: Maybe so.

For a few minutes, Millie was quiet, until she finally looked up at James.

M: James...uh, this is going to sound really weird, but...er, well, how do you go about kissing somebody?

Her face was as red as a slapped baboon butt.

M: Not that I want a demonstration! I'm just asking. Words. Please.

J: What, you've never kissed anyone before?

M: No. Some people aren't as popular, y'know.

She glared.

J: But... you're pretty...

M: Oh. Well, thank you.

She looked flustered but smiled nonetheless.

J: What is it you want to know?

M: Er, well, just in general, I s'pose. Like where your hands go and...oh, gosh, this is mortifying. Never mind, forget I ever asked.