Under My Skin | Kinsey & Joe & Riley

[Deleted]

Riley’s life had been surprisingly okay following the drama of the Halloween carnival. He had still been spending most of his time with Priscilla and his sister, however, he hadn’t felt so awkward and angry at the world whenever he saw Kinsey. Which he did a lot, seeing as they were in the same house and same year and a lot of the same classes. They had agreed to be friends, but they were still trying to figure out what that meant to them. They had exchanged a few words of small talk previously, but as Riley walked out of charms that day, he felt his feet carrying him until he caught up with Kinsey, who had left the classroom before he did. “Hi.” he said, casually, after swallowing the lump in his throat. “How are you today?” he asked.

@kinsey

[Deleted]

Kinsey felt better than she had in a long time. She and Riley finally talked and even though it still made her ache any time she saw him with Priscilla, at least there wasn't this huge gulf between her and Riley any more. They still didn't really talk much, but she could look him in the eyes now, nod when they saw one another in the halls or during class. She wanted more, which was really no surprise at all, but she didn't know how to do that. She didn't want to approach Riley and get him into trouble. He said that he didn't spend all his time with Lydia and Priscilla. Didn't that mean that he could approach her? 

Today was an okay sort of day. Nothing was really going on that was important, and as Kinsey walked out of charms class, she thought that maybe she would go on a walk. She had homework, but she could do that later. When it came to academics, she was on top of things. What she didn't expect was for Riley to appear by her side, greeting her. Kinsey looked up at him, smiling shyly and berating herself at the same time for that. Why would she be shy with Riley? He knew her better than anyone. But, she still was. "Hi. I'm good. Nothing is really going on or anything, you know. How about you?" She felt like she was walking on air, talking with Riley again, but Kinsey tried not to show it. She was just talking with a friend. Sure.

@riley

[Deleted]

Riley felt a little odd talking and walking with Kinsey, which he hated. He hated that he felt weird around her. He hated that he didn’t know what was happening in her life anymore or what she was going through. What if her bully was still around and terrorizing her. He had no idea. He couldn’t protect her anymore, and he hated that. He felt like he had abandoned her, and in a way he had. But he hated it. She said that she was good and that there was nothing really going on. He nodded, he knew how that felt. Besides being with Priscilla, his didn’t really do a lot. He was much less social this term than he had been last term. “I’m good. I just… saw you walking and thought maybe I could walk you to your next destination.” he made up on the spot. He hadn’t really had a reason for wanting to talk to her, he just ran up to her. “If you want.” he added.

@kinsey

[Deleted]

Riley was walking with her. Despite the fact that she knew it didn't change anything, just being beside him lifted her spirits. She loved being around Riley, even if things couldn't be the way she wanted them to be. It was almost like the way things used to be, them walking through the corridors together, talking. The only difference was, there was still a wall between them. He wasn't hers anymore, he was engaged. She smiled when he said he was doing well, then looked over at him as he continued. He was walking with her without really having a reason! She was way more excited by that than she should be, but Kinsey really couldn't help it. She missed Riley. Every moment with him felt right and she wanted that feeling for as long as she could have it. "Of course I do," Kinsey told him immediately. "I mean, I have a break now, so I don't really have a "destination, but you can walk with me for a little if you want, or until you have to leave ..." she'd love to just walk with him until her next class. Maybe they'd be able to make things feel even more comfortable between them. "So I heard they're doing some Thanksgiving event. What do you think about that?" Kinsey asked, trying to get some semblance of a conversation going. She wanted to hear Riley talk.

@riley

[Deleted]

“Sure.” Riley agreed when Kinsey told him that she had a break now but they could walk a bit anyway. He wasn’t rushing off to a class at the moment either, and he fancied a bit of a stroll before having to go back to his life. He had normally been either finding Priscilla, or reading in between classes and in his free time. This was a good break from both of those option. “Yeah I heard about the feast or something.” he nodded, continuing the small talk. It felt weird to be making small talk with her, but he couldn’t exactly jump into talking like they had before. “Are you going to go?” he asked.

@kinsey

[Deleted]

Kinsey smiled when Riley agreed to just walk with her for a while. She was happier than she could imagine that he actually wanted to walk around with her. Granted, she had no reason to think that he wouldn't want to, since he did approach her, but still. He hadn't offered to walk with her since they came back to school, so it was nice to know that he actually meant he wanted to be friends when he said so the other day. Then he started talking about the feast, asking if she was going to go. Kinsey started to shrug, "I ... think so? I've been working on doing better in groups, so I think I'll be able to handle it." Her voice was a little bit quieter, but even if anyone heard her, they wouldn't know she was talking about her gift. "You'll probably go too, don't you think?" she asked, knowing that if he did go it would be with Priscilla. Ugh she hated that. But there wasn't anything she could do about it.

@joseph
@riley

[Deleted]

Joe had just finished in the kitchens and he was on his way back from the Slytherin common room from finding Ashley. He owed his sister for a favor a while ago, a favor that could only be repaid in 'surprise French macarons'. Today was the day. He had a few leftover and he knew exactly who he'd give the remaining to, Kinsey Bainbridge. He knew that Kinsey was supposed to be getting out of Charms because they spoke a little earlier quickly passing by in the hallways, so he was travelling in that direction of the castle to hopefully bump into her there. And he did. Joe immediately noticed that she was walking with a nerdy looking kid, but she mentioned she didn't have a boyfriend recently, so that didn't raise any red flags. Deciding that he didn't care about the other kid seeing the exchange about to go down, he beelined in that direction - Kinsey his desired target. Joe didn't usually advertise the whole baking thing, but he didn't really care about this kid, so it didn't matter if they knew.

Joe quickly closed the distance  and stepped between the pair, not even considering that he could be hijacking a 'special' moment. "Heyy, hey, cutie!" he greeted chipperly, waggling his eyebrows animatedly at the blue eyed girl. "I have a surprise for you..." he sang, removing a small container with a rainbow of delicate macarons lined up. "Something as sweet as you." he winked, extending the container to Kinsey. Everything was directed toward Kinsey specifically, not giving Riley the time of day, only because Joe was a purposely a jerk.

@kinsey
@riley

MADE BY VEL OF GS + ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0

[googlefont=Alegreya Sans SC:400]

[Deleted]

"Yeah, I suppose I'll probably go." he shrugged. he hadn't really thought about it. He'd go if Priscilla or Lydia wanted to go, otherwise, he wasn't sure what else he would do with this night. Riley knew that Kinsey was a decently well known person around the castle. She was a sweet girl and had a lot of friends, thus, it wasn’t weird to see other people come up to her and talk to her. How anyone could not want to be friends with Kinsey, he didn’t understand. But this was different, and the Ravenclaw felt like this was an interaction that he wasn’t meant to be witness to. When he heard the mall call her cutie, Riley instinctively went to say something about her being his girlfriend, but instead, just cleared his throat to shake off the protectiveness he was feeling. She wasn’t his anymore, others were allowed to take notice of her. It was odd, though, that she hadn’t told me, he thought.

After the stranger presented Kinsey with sweets, Riley decided to interject. “Hey, I don’t think we’ve met.” He said in a friendly voice. “Riley Fudge.” he introduced himself, not wanting to have to put Kinsey at the awkward position of introducing them.

@kinsey
@joseph

[Deleted]

Kinsey nodded when Riley said that he would probably go to the feast thing. "Maybe we'll see one another there?" she suggested in a soft tone. She'd love to see Riley. Honestly, she'd love to do more than see Riley, to sit next to him or talk to him or something, but she didn't see how that would work. Not since he wouldn't be there without Priscilla. Kinsey was going to have to prepare herself to see that if she did go to the Thanksgiving Feast. She looked over, up at Riley and smiled. She wanted to say something else, like thank him for walking with her or maybe mention what was going on in one of their classes, but before she could say something else someone walked up to them, talking ... to her?

Kinsey's mouth dropped open and she turned to see Joe standing there happily as he called her "cutie." A raging blush covered her face and Kinsey started to shake her head, but she honestly couldn't think of anything to say. He was calling her cute in front of Riley! Not that Joe knew who Riley was, but Kinsey didn't know what to do. "J-Joe," she started right before he started singing, saying he had a surprise. She glanced over at Riley, who looked just as taken aback as she did. Kinsey shrugged for a second before looking back to Joe to see that he was offering her a container of something sweet. She wanted to melt in a puddle right there, but found herself reaching for the container. "Thanks Joe. That's so nice of you," Kinsey finally spoke. "What is it?" she asked, a small smile starting as she started to open the container. 

She jumped, brought back to the awkwardness of the situation when Riley spoke, introducing himself. "Oh!" Her cheeks were flaming again as she jumped in to help with the introductions. "Riley is my ... b-best friend," Kinsey corrected herself at the last moment, glancing up to meet Riley's eyes with her almost frantic ones. She'd almost called him her boyfriend. If only. He wasn't really her best friend anymore, but it was easier to explain it that way than any other, especially since the "best" was her attempt to cover what she almost said. She tore her eyes away from him, looking down to the container she was holding. "Joe and I take Arithmancy together," Kinsey added, glancing back up to Joe and smiling. Why did this feel so awkward.

@joseph
@riley

[Deleted]

Joe wasn't expecting the tall dork to speak before Kinsey had. That was actually kind of funny, maybe he did deserve to acknowledge him. He turned on his heel slightly, tilting his head to the side slightly to flicker his green eyes over to Riley. Joe forced a half smile, trying to at least pretend to be interested, for Kinsey. "Hello, Riley." he said, a bit half assed, and disinterested, but it was a greeting nonetheless. "Joe."

The look on Kinseys face was noticeably awkward. A bit redder than he had intended, but apparently he knew how to get her all wrapped up in her ~emotions. Joe watched with interest as she examined the box of treats, and asked what they were curiously. "French macaroons. They're like, meringue-based cookies. But not really...cookies, actually don't call them cookies, some French dude will probably be rollin' in his grave." he informed her with a laugh, before gesturing to each respective 'roons with a finger as he called it out. "French vanilla, chocolate ganache, and strawberry." Joe listened as Kinsey introduced Riley as her 'b-best friend', then explained that she and Joe took Arithmancy together to Riley. There was a whole lot of explaining going on here already. Since she introduced him as her best friend, there was nothing wrong with letting Riley in on some information, right? The snake turned toward Riley, "Yeah, I sat next to her hoping that she would help me with my homework, but all she does is flirt the entire time." Joe was honestly joking, although it was probably more true than they both believed. 

@kinsey
@riley

MADE BY VEL OF GS + ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0

[googlefont=Alegreya Sans SC:400]

[Deleted]

Joe. The guy introduced himself as Joe. That was it. No last name. No formal introduction. Riley could tell by his voice that he was American, but he had figured that Americans would be a little more formal, especially with how formal most Brits were, especially when they first met one another. Riley hadn’t bothered with many of the new American students, he was too busy with his own personal drama, but this guy wasn’t making a great impression on behalf of the lot of them. The guy then turned his attention back to Kinsey, explains that they were Macaroons and that he had got them in 3 flavors for her. Vanilla, strawberry and chocolate. Riley didn’t comment and instead just forced a smile and watched their interaction. They met in Arithmancy, a course Riley didn’t take. That made sense. He insisted she flirted with him the whole class, which Riley had a bit of a hard time believing since it had taken Kinsey so long to openly flirt with him, but he nodded anyway and smiled. It was nice seeing Kinsey smile, even if it was someone else making her smile. He missed that smile.

“Hey I’m gonna get going.” Riley decided, setting his hand on Kinsey’s arm to get her attention quickly. He turned to look at Joe for a moment, “that’s a great gift - just a little tip for the future, Kinsey doesn’t like Chocolate.” he said with a small shrug. “Anyway,” he turned back to Kinsey, a smirk on his lips. “I’ll see you soon.” he promised. And with that, Riley Fudge turned away and made the trek up to his tower common room, leaving the two in the corridor.

@kinsey
@joseph

~ Riley out Witches ~

[Deleted]

Kinsey's entire body was tense as she watched the two boys interact slightly when Joe introduced herself. She couldn't remember ever having felt so stressed in her life. She had no idea what Riley thought about Joe or what Joe thought about Riley and she was so stressed that she couldn't really pay attention to either of their intentions either. She knew that wouldn't tell her much, since neither of them likely wished the other harm, but it was all so annoying. 

She looked at the treats with interest, smiling when Joe told her that they were cookies, but not cookies. "Okay. I'll be sure to call them macaroons," she muttered, inspecting the cookies when he explained the flavors. Kinsey tried to keep herself from grimacing when he mentioned the chocolate ganache. She didn't want to embarrass Joe in front of Riley, even though she didn't think Riley would make a big deal out of it. "Thanks for making them for me," Kinsey answered with a smile. She'd probably have to try the chocolate one or explain that she didn't like them, but hopefully she wouldn't have to do it right away. 

Her mouth dropped open when Joe said she flirted with him all the time during class. She instantly started shaking her head, her mouth working frantically, but she couldn't force herself to speak. Before she had a chance to explain herself before Riley got the wrong idea, she felt him touch her arm. Kinsey turned to face him, her heart skipping a beat at his touch. It might be juvenile, but it felt like ages since Riley last touched her and she missed it. She started to shake her head, but he wasn't asking if he should go, simply telling her. "Okay," Kinsey answered, a little disappointed. She stared, eyes widening when he told Joe that she didn't like chocolate. His tone was a little rude, but not at the same time. Before she could say a thing, Riley was looking back to her and saying he'd see her soon. Kinsey nodded, swallowing hard. "Bye," she whispered, watching him walk away. She couldn't help herself and for the moment entirely forgot she wasn't on her own.

@joseph  

[Deleted]

Joe was completely oblivious to what he had just done. Truthfully, there was no malicious intent behind the interaction, but it was definitely not a good encounter. Riley mentioned something about Kinsey not liking chocolate, and quickly dismissed himself. Cocking his head to the side at the information, he let out a laugh, "That's a good one. Thanks, man." Joe said to Riley, surprisingly genuine, and a bit amused by the fact actually. Hey, it was a good one for the future. The other Ravenclaw was already out of sight so he turned to Kinsey, who still had a very awkward expression casted over her face. "That's weird." he said, after as long pause. His lips tugged upwards, because he wasn't talking about Riley being weird. He continued, "I have never met a girl who doesn't like chocolate." Joe stated nonchalantly with a light shrug of the shoulders. That didn't bother him at all, nor did it make anything awkward, at least not to him; Joe aspired to be a chef someday and he knew everyone acquired different palettes.

@kinsey  
 

MADE BY VEL OF GS + ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0

[googlefont=Alegreya Sans SC:400]

[Deleted]

Kinsey barely noticed when Joe thanked Riley for the tip, since at that moment she was still entirely focused on the boy who was saying goodbye and walking away. Ugh, she hated it when Riley walked away from her. Even more, she hated the fact that she couldn't just go after him like she would have last spring. She loved him. She wanted to be with him, but she couldn't. That was the worst part of the whole thing. Most of the time Kinsey didn't let it bug her, but at the moment she kind of felt like she didn't have a choice since she was watching him walk away. She needed to stop. 

She jumped when she heard Joe saying something was weird, then turned to face him with a guilty expression on her already blushing face. Did he realize how she couldn't stop watching Riley? Was he perceptive enough to know what that meant? She was about to open her mouth and explain herself when he went on to say that he hadn't ever met a girl who didn't like chocolate. Kinsey laughed, feeling extremely relieved. More so than she'd care to admit. "Yeah, it takes most people by surprise," she told him without hesitation. Then she shrugged, "It just tastes like dirt would, I think," her nose scrunched as she grimaced. "I really can't explain it, I just don't like the texture ... or the flavor, to be honest." She glanced up at Joe and smiled just a little, "You wouldn't mind eating the chocolate one for me if I try the others, would you?" Kinsey was fairly certain he would agree to that, but she didn't want to assume.

@joseph

[Deleted]

Joe listened as Kinsey explained her dislike for chocolate, causing a light laugh to slip from his lips. "There's nothing wrong with that. You're just a lady with a more refined palette." he declared with a smile, playing up the charm factor with a twinkle in his eye. Only because he knew that it would bring the blood rushing back to her face again. That was cute. What was cuter? Her asking him to eat the chocolate macaroons - Joe couldn't help but chuckle. The snake shrugged his shoulders lazily, "I don't usually like to eat my own work for some weird reason, but for you Kinsey, okay." he agreed submissively, not really having to pull his arm this time. "What do you like?" Joe asked curiously, as if he were already prepared to bust out the required materials.

@kinsey

MADE BY VEL OF GS + ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0

[googlefont=Alegreya Sans SC:400]