P.EVANS + J.POTTER
<3>
you aren't stupid, you wear glasses
THE FOLLOWING DAY ARRIVED, and Petunia was surprised to be woken up so early by yelling. Since even the sun was still rising, illuminating a pink sky — it was far too early for anyone in the household to even be up.
except for the parents, since they left for work.
So, when Petunia peaked out her door, she was surprised to see both Lily and James standing in the living room, seemingly fighting as quietly as they could.
Lily's face was almost as bright as her hair and James's hair was pushed back in aggravation — his glasses standing on the tip of his nose.
"I don't understand, Lily," He hushed out to her, almost pacing as he spoke, "I've done everything," he spoke, "I left you alone when you wanted to be alone, I stood up for you when Snivellus called you that.... awful name." He paused, "You've been telling me from time to time that I have a chance to be with you.. you've been telling me that since last year — but when I finally bring it up... you want nothing to do with me!"
"Then maybe you should let it rest!" She spat back — and Petunia flinched at her tone, getting reminded of the fight they had years ago. "I cannot make myself like you for the life of me! Nor would I want too, since you have the personality span of a child!"
James looked at her, opening his mouth before glancing down to the flooring, "And how long have you known this — how long have you been dragging me along?" He spoke back, "Because just a week ago, when we were all leaving for the holidays, you seemed pretty furious with the fact that I mentioned moving on from you— don't interrupt me," He paused his sentence, seeing as she opened her mouth to talk, "I knew there was no chance for me — I knew that — and deep down, I knew I didn't even want that chance with you," He spoke honestly, and Lily had a look of hurt on her face, "Because it all started as this mocking game, didn't it? I would confess my love for you and you'd act all annoyed, talking shit to your friends," He pushed up his glasses, "This was all a big game, between me and you, wasn't it?"
Petunia watched as Lily stared down at James, right before wiping the tears that pricked from her eyes.
"Yes. It was."
and she walked away.
The smile that always graced the boy's lips did not even linger, and as a tear escaped his own eye, Petunia watched as he cursed — making his way outside.
Lily had went to the bathroom herself, slamming the door as she did so — and suddenly Petunia felt conflicted.
When she left her own room, she'd first stepped to the bathroom — barely hovering her hand over the door as sobs could be heard on the other side. She was going to knock. Petunia was going to try and comfort the girl who caused her years of suffering. Though, before she could even think to knock, she stopped herself — peering towards the door James just went through.
She paused, deep in thought.
And as she glanced once more at the door, Petunia placed her hand back to her side, ultimately following after the tearful boy.
After a few minutes of looking, Petunia found James sitting on the roof — his head in his lap and his body softly trembling.
And when a frown formed on her own face, she was quick to go to him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.
he jumped.
"Are you alright?" She softly asked — and just by the sound of her voice, James's breaths had already evened out, "Do you want some ice cream?"
He let out a breathy laugh.
"It's thirty degrees outside," His voice muffled into his lap, and Petunia lightly smiled in response, "It's never too cold for ice cream."
He finally looked up at her.
Petunia's welcoming expression matched with James's depressed one — and they both seemed surprised that Petunia didn't hesitate to wipe his tears away with her thumb.
"sorry."
"don't be."
It was quiet.
Petunia let out a long breath.
"Do you want to talk about it?" She asked, keeping her focus purely on him. And he with her.
"I know you probably heard everything," He stated shortly, and Petunia guiltily nodded in response. "It's okay," He shortly smiled, "We were probably loud, I get it," He sighed, "It just.. hurts to fall in love with someone who doesn't accept you for the way you are."
She wasn't used to his serious side.
"You love her?"
"I don't know."
Petunia nodded in understanding.
"If I have any input for this," she thought out loud, "Then.. there is no reason for you to look for acceptance from anyone that isn't yourself."
He silently agreed.
And Petunia continued.
"How did you meet my sister?"
James sighed in remembrance.
"I was with Remus, in the halls at school. He was friends with her, Remus was — they met in the library... I tried talking to her once or twice, she was so serious all the time. And as a joke, I used to call out to her, confessing my love."
"What changed?"
"My words started to become true," He said honestly, "Though, after some time, especially today — I don't know if they still are. Sometimes I even question if I ever did.
"Why?"
James shrugged before answering, "She makes me feel dumb at times. And like I said, unaccepted."
She frowned.
And thoughtfully she said, "You can't be dumb, you wear glasses."
James, for the first time, let out a genuine laugh — and Petunia couldn't help but follow along, feeling as he lightly pushed the girl before dramatically nodding his head — placing it on the blonde's shoulder.
"Thank you for your wise words, Tuna."
And, again, for the first time — she lightly smiled at his words, not minding the nickname.
"No problem.... Jamesies." She sarcastically stated, bringing her hand up to the his hair — twisting the curls between her fingers, "No problem at all."
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edit : for any reason, if any of you want an idea of how i picture james and petunia from start to finish of this book - i base their relationship on the song, "till forever falls apart" by ashe and finneas <3
P.EVANS + J.POTTER