Let's Take A Break ... Dancing (Æddilyn)

[Deleted]

Edmund knew he should probably wait, do this some other time, but he didn't want to. Things were changing with Addi and he just wanted to get her alone. Besides, he was tired of homework. They'd only been at school a few days, but work was piling on, as usual. He stood up from the chair he'd been working in and moved over to Addi, sitting on the arm of her small couch.

"Let's go," he whispered, grabbing her hand and pulling her towards the common room door, letting go after a few seconds. This wasn't anything new to anyone in the room. The two pulled each other around constantly. Once they were in the corridor, Ed started moving more quickly. Now that they were away from everyone else, he was ready to get to the room of requirement, which might take a while since it's on the fifth floor. 

The passageways were deserted and after a minute, Ed reached back and grabbed Addi's hand. "Come on Adds. We don't have all day if we want to make it to the Room of Requirement and back before curfew. I've got to make good on my promise and teach you to dance,"  he told her with a smile.

After what seemed like ages, they finally made it. Edmund loved the way this room gave you everything you needed and grinned as he went over to the record player and put on some music. They'd be talking at least for the first while, but background music was good. "So your left hand comes right here on my shoulder," he instructed as he lifted it up to his shoulder. His hand went to her waist and he smiled as his pulse started racing again, just like the other night. "I put my hand on your waist. Then I take your other hand in mine like this. Is that good so far?" Ed asked, wanting to make sure she felt comfortable. He felt like he was walking on air. Ever since they'd gotten back from summer break, something was different and it only took him a short while to realize he was developing real feelings for Addi. From their interactions, he hoped she felt the same.

@jill2

[Deleted]

@edmund
259
outfit
<3

Addilyn had been sitting in the Slytherin Common Room reading a book that had been left on the table in front of the fire. Well, 'reading' it meant she was just staring at the words. She couldn't stop thinking about Edmund and what had happened the other night at the opening feast. There was tension, and it wasn't bad tension either. She was awaiting the day he was going to teach her to dance because that meant being very intimate and close and ...

There he was, grabbing her hand and dragging her out of the room. Giggling hysterically, Addi followed him down the corridors and into the Room of Requirement. She had dressed particularly nice that day, her hair was in a long French braid down past her shoulders, and she had on a royal blue romper with some gold and blue jewelry and gold sandals. Giggling on their way there, she was shocked when they went in and there was music already set up for them.

As Ed went to go play it, and came back over to her, her breath stopped short. He placed her hand on his shoulder, and had his hand on her waist. Their two free hands held one another, and her waist felt like it was on fire where he was touching her. They were very close, and the music was playing, and Addi was much shorter than Ed, but looking up at him wasn't all that difficult. She licked her lips, and nodded, "Yes, it's perfect." Addi smiled slightly, her eyes not leaving his.

[Deleted]

Edmund smiled. It felt like that was all he ever did around her now. He couldn't remember a time when he'd been this happy. Addi made him happy. Granted, she'd always made him happy, but things were different. He couldn't explain it, not even to himself but he knew it was a good thing.

He stared into her eyes, glad when she said it was perfect. He wanted it to be. He wanted everything to go perfectly with her right now. The only problem was, he wasn't sure exactly what that meant. "I'm glad," he whispered before turning his attention back to the music, which was playing a slow waltz. "Now I'm going to try and start with the waltz, which is really easy. The steps are in groups of three that go like this," he closed his eyes for a moment, visualizing how the girl is supposed to move before trying to explain it to her. "You start by stepping backward with your right foot, then moving your other foot to the left, and bringing your feet together. Then you step forward with your left foot, move your right foot to the right, and then bring them together. That's the basic step. Got it?" he asked with a smile, sure that she didn't. It sounded complicated when explained, which is why he had to show her. "Come on, let's give it a go."  Edmund pulled her a little closer to him before starting. He tried to guide her with the hand on her waist as he reminded her of the steps. It felt so nice to be holding her like this.

@jill2

[Deleted]

@edmund
<3

Addilyn grinned at Edmund. He seemed just as happy, and she truly hoped he was. This was a very exciting moment for her and she really wanted it to all go well. Not only that but she hoped that she'd learn to dance before the Yule Ball came around. Addi listened intently to Edmund's words and tried to mimic the dance steps in her head. And when he showed her, she felt strongly that she would be able to do it. Addi started moving her feet, and she was good for the first few moments, then tripped a couple of times. Her face became bright red. "Oh. Edmund. I'm horrible! This is so embarrassing..." Addi shut her eyes, imagining that he couldn't see her.

[Deleted]

Edmund was impressed by her first couple steps. It was great dancing with her! Ed never really liked dancing or balls, but after just a few minutes with Addi, he found himself excited for the one that was coming up. Then she tripped and lost the rhythm, which messed up all the following steps. It wasn't an uncommon mistake, but then she started blushing and saying how bad she was. Edmund couldn't stand for that. "Adds, calm down. I mean it. You're not horrible, you actually did really well on the first few steps. Don't worry about messing up, that's why we're practicing now instead of at the ball," he told her with a smile, trying his best to make her feel better. He couldn't stand it when she was upset. "And you don't need to be embarrassed with me, ever," he let go of her hand for a second, raising it to tug gently on her braid. "All right?"

He moved his hand back to hers and squeezed it encouragingly, his pulse speeding up again as he did so. "Now let's try this again," he mumbled as he pulled her close and started dancing with her, guiding her as well as he could and whispering short instructions to help her remember which foot went where.

@jill2

[Deleted]

@edmund
<3

Addi smiled back at Edmund, not sure what to say. Either way, she was still embarrassed. With his family and how he grew up, he was very wealthy and like an adult. A real adult that knew how to dance and to her it was embarrassing that she didn't know these things. Addi shrugged at him, but finally broke out in a grin when he tugged at her braid...more of a smirk...she liked the hair pull.

As they began to dance again, her heart beat faster. His whispering was making her pulse race. Addilyn squeezed his hand back, and she was doing fantastic. Her eyes went from their hands, to his neck, jaw , cheek, freckles, lips, and last his eyes. Her breathing heavy , she stared into his eyes.

[Deleted]

Addi was doing great! They were moving around the room easily and Edmund wasn't surprised at all. From the beginning he suspected she'd be a quick learner and he was right. He slowly stopped whispering hints to her about where her feet should be going and focused on dancing with her. After checking where things were in the room so he could be sure he wasn't about to lead her into something, he looked down at her. She was beautiful. His breathing hitched when he realized she was looking at him differently. Something about her expression ... he liked it. He hoped it meant she was starting to care for him. Since that first night back, Ed had accepted his feelings for her. She was starting to mean a whole lot more to him than a best friend.

Still dancing, he leaned down and whispered in her ear, "You're doing it. Told you it wasn't that hard," he continued with a smile.

@jill2

[Deleted]

@edmund
<3

When Edmund looked down at Addi, she felt and heard his breathing stop for a moment. Addi blinked a couple times, and licked her dry lips. She have Edmund a small smile. "You alright, E?"

He whispered in her ear and Addi shuddered slightly. She smiled. As they continued to dance, Addi rested her head on his shoulder, her nose next to his neck, breathing in his cologne. She felt very content and happy, and she didn't want this moment to end. But her heart was torn. Over the night she had begun thinking about Kyle. "Hey, E, you know how you told me to tell you things more often? Well, last night I was thinking ... and, O don't know if I really believe everything Jamie said about Kyle. I feel like if he was really like that he wouldn't talk to me at all, and well, I don't know, I still kind of like him..."

After she was done speaking, like clockwork, Addi tripped and fell. As soon as she hit the ground she felt the pain in her ankle. Glancing at Edmund with a painful look, a few tears fell, "My ankle..."

[Deleted]

Edmund gave a wide smile, "Never better Adds," he told her honestly, squeezing her hand. This whole scene was just perfect. Then she leaned her head on his shoulder and Ed felt a shiver go up his spine as he pulled her closer. He was impressed she was dancing without looking anymore. She'd only been doing this for a matter of minuted after all. It all seemed too good to be true.

And apparently it was. When Addi started talking about her promise to not keep secrets from him, Ed felt a sense of foreboding come from somewhere deep within him. Then she started saying that she didn't think she believed Jamie, that she still liked Kyle. Edmund felt the familiar flow of anger surge through his veins and was relieved that Addi's head was still on his shoulder. At least she couldn't see his face. How in the blazes did she come to that conclusion? She still liked Kyle? So what, everything that happened at the feast was a lie? Or what was happening now? He could've sworn in those moments that she felt something for him too, but apparently not. He tried to push the thoughts and feelings out of his mind, but they were there. He felt the pains of rejection and confusion enter his soul and didn't know what to do. 

His hold on Addi loosened slightly without him realizing it, which is probably what caused her to fall. Edmund was finally pulled back to the present when it felt like Addi was ripped from his arms. Staring down at her on the floor, Edmund's heart stopped as he saw her crying, but he didn't catch what she said. He crouched in front of her immediately. Sure, he was hurt and torn emotionally, but what else was new? He'd just never expected her to do this to him. Still, he had to ignore his pain. Addi needed him now. "Come here, Adds," he said gently as he reached forward and pulled her into his arms.

I need somewhere to put her, he thought desperately as he slowly raised himself to a standing position, cradling her gently in his arms. Instantly, a small, cushioned chair appeared across the room. Ed walked over to it, trying hard not to jostle Addi. He wasn't sure what exactly was wrong with her. He sat her down on the chair and knelt on the ground in front of her. "What happened Adds? What do you need me to do?" he asked gently as he looked into her beautiful eyes. She was entrancing. He was still angry about what she'd said, what she was feeling, but he locked that away, hid it deep within himself. Now wasn't the time to get into it. Not with her injured. Her physical pain was more important than his emotional pain.

@jill2

[Deleted]

@edmund
<3

His next few words made Addi blush. Never better? That was so sweet of him...

And suddenly, all with in one breathe, she felt his body tense up. She hadn't even had the chance to ask him if he was alright. Addi was so confused, with Kyle and with Edmund, but she didn't even know if either of them liked her, and she doubted that either did. She wasn't the type of girl that boys liked; she wasn't sexy, she wasn't beautiful, she was just goofy, happy Addi.

And then she was in his arms. She snuggled her head into him right before he placed her into a chair and knelt in front of her. With tears running down her cheeks, she shook her head. "I'm not sure, my ankle just hurts. It doesn't feel broken, it just hurts, E..." She wanted to make sure he was okay and wasn't angry with her. But she didn't know how to do that..."Why did you tense up? I know Kyle might've said some bad things...but he's never said them to me before, Edmund."

[Deleted]

Why was she so blasted confusing?! Edmund couldn't understand how she could hold his hand one day, intimately dance with him another, then tell him she still liked someone else, only to snuggle against him moments later. He'd never really understood it when he heard guys saying that girls were confusing, but he did now. She was making less than no sense, which was hard for him, considering that he'd always understood Addi before.

Still, he couldn't bear to see her cry. He gave a short nod when she said it was her ankle. He didn't know much about medical stuff, but he'd see if there was anything he could do. Some ice would probably help, he thought, looking around for it. Naturally, it was across the room. He stood up, moving to get it quickly as his mind continued to spin. What was she thinking? He took a deep, calming breath as he picked up the ice and then strode back to Addi. He was about to ask which ankle, but there was no need. One was quite swollen. He looked at it carefully but couldn't tell what was wrong. Maybe a strain? He lightly caressed her ankle before putting the ice on it gently.

Then she started asking questions and Ed didn't want to answer them. He stared at her, sure she could see the disbelief in his eyes. How does she not know why he tensed up? And why was she defending Kyle? He turned away from her, not wanting her to see his face. He sat down on the floor next to the couch, leaning his back up against it. "How does that make it right, Adds? If he said bad things to someone that you trust, that you know wouldn't make it up, then why would you trust him over them? And he didn't just say them about Slytherins, if I remember what you told me. He was talking about the team. Our team. You and me included. Just because he didn't say them to you doesn't make it better," Edmund stopped, shaking his head. He couldn't believe she still cared about that jerk.

@jill2

[Deleted]

@edmund
<3

Edmund caressed her ankle and she watched the look on his face. He seemed exasperated, angry, not happy. Addi watched as he got up, got her ice and came back. She didn't know what to do; she liked both him and Kyle. But she doubted either of them liked her. Hell, it was 99% that they don't like her.

As she let the ice rest on her ankle, Edmund sat down away from her. "E, don't be mad at me...I can't help who I like. And it doesn't even matter if I like him, he doesn't like me and won't ever like me. Nor will anyone else, I'm just a boring, happy girl. It isn't like I love him, E. He's just someone i have a crush on. And I know the things he might've said aren't okay, but he's always so nice to me...no guy has been that nice to me before..."

[Deleted]

And now she was talking badly about herself? This had been a mistake. Edmund never should have brought her up here to dance. He felt somewhat dazed as he tried to listen to what she was saying through the haze of frustration. "Don't talk that way about yourself Adds," he commanded wearily. This conversation was depressing him. Then her last words echoed through his mind. "no guy has been that nice to me before."

His back was still to her, which was a good thing because for the first time since his dad died, he couldn't hide how he felt. His mouth fell open, but he couldn't breathe. First it was pain, that kind of overwhelming pain that leaves one helpless. How could she say that? After all he'd done for her over the years, after what he did for her at the feast the other day. Edmund had always been there to support her, yet she thought this jerk was the nicest guy she knew?

Then came the anger. His defense mechanism. He knew it, recognized it for what it was, but he couldn't stop it. Fine. If she wanted to crush on that git, go ahead. He wasn't going to stop her. Apparently he wasn't enough to change her mind. He closed his mouth and clenched his jaw. He'd never expected that he'd need to shut her out. Addi was the one person he'd trusted with everything, from the first but he couldn't do it anymore. He took a deep breath and steeled his resolve. He wasn't going to let her see what she'd done to him.

"Fine Addilyn. Go ahead and like him," Edmund said, his voice dangerously calm and casual. "And when he hurts you, don't forget who's really always been there for you." He almost said it out loud, but couldn't bring himself to. He'd closed himself off and that would reveal too much of his feelings to her. He stood up and moved across the room, to where the music was. He turned it off and then turned, leaning on the table as he looked across the room, his expression blank on purpose as his mind fumbled through all sorts of thoughts. Now what should he do? He couldn't just leave her here with an injured foot, but for the first time in his life he didn't want to be with her. 

Suddenly he had an idea. I need a book to tell me how to recognize and heal a sprained ankle," he thought, nodding when the book appeared right next to him. He opened it up and started flipping through the pages.

@jill2

[Deleted]

@edmund
<3

Addi gave Edmund a sad look when he told her not to talk that way about herself and then she shrugged. "Well I can't help it, Ed. I know I'm pretty, but I'm not like some of the other girls here at school."

He then got up, walked away and sat on a nearby table without even taking a glance at her. His next words angered her slightly. "I will like who I please, Edmund. And you can't tell me who and who not to like. I don't know why you care so much." Her face was scrunched up in slight anger. What was she supposed to do? Lie to him? He's the one who told her in the first place that she needed to tell him the truth about everything and now he's getting angry?

Addilyn didn't understand Edmund. And she was also slightly hurt that he called her Addilyn. He rarely ever does that. Addi glanced at her foot on the couch. She wished it would just stop hurting so she could go make him look at her.

[Deleted]

He rolled his eyes but said nothing when she started comparing herself to other girls. Who cared how she looked? He'd seen plenty of beautiful girls at school that were complete jerks. Addi was the sweetest, kindest, most adorable ... he shook his head and stopped his train of thought. That wouldn't help him at all.

He heard her angry voice directed at him, heard her frustrated words as he flipped through the pages of the book. It was taking all of his self control to keep an outwardly calm appearance. Obviously he couldn't tell her who to like, but he'd hoped ... no. He closed his eyes and shook his head, trying to stop himself from thinking, which was hard when he kept hearing "I don't know why you care so much" ringing through his head. He let his mind go for a minute. How could he not care? Even if he didn't care for her the way he did, he was her best friend. He wouldn't want her with someone who insulted Slytherins either way. He would want to keep her from anyone who would or could harm her. He couldn't understand how she didn't realize that.  At least she was mad at him too. It made things easier.

He exhaled in relief when he finally found what he was looking for. Sprained ankles. The book told him how to tell the difference between a sprain and a break, as well as the spells that would fix them. They didn't look too complex. The only thing was, one had to be focused on the spell in order to make it work. Ed could do that. It seemed like he wasn't focused on anything but her for the last week.

He closed his eyes to brace himself, then walked across the room, book still in hand, until he'd reached her. He didn't want to meet her eyes, but he did it anyway. "I'm going to see if I can do anything to fix it, Adds," he mumbled before bending down and giving her a light kiss on the forehead. He knew he shouldn't, not after her decision about Kyle, but he did it anyway. "This might hurt." His voice was low, but he couldn't talk any louder and keep his voice calm. He knelt next to her foot and lightly lifted the ice off. He gently felt her ankle, trying not to hurt her, but looking for signs the book had described for a break. He couldn't find any, thank goodness. He looked up at her and forced a smile, something he'd never had to do before. In front of her, sure, for other people's benefit. Never for her though. "Good news, it's a sprain and I think I can fix it." He picked up the book again, reading the instructions and following them exactly. "It might take a while for the swelling to go down, but you should be good now," he told her softly. 

He stood up and moved to walk away but there was something he had to say first. He turned to face her. "Adds, you're my best friend. I only want," he paused as he almost choked on the words internally though there was no outward sign of his struggle other than his hesitation. Why did he have to say this? "I only want you to be happy. That's why I care so much," he forced the words out, still hiding how much it hurt him to say this. He turned and walked to the door of the room of requirement. He had to get out of here.

@jill2