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last online May 4, 2024 11:56:32 GMT -7
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Nov 1, 2018 20:31:28 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Nov 1, 2018 20:31:28 GMT -7
Joe laughed after Kinsey finished explaining, describing her as refined and Kinsey laughed. "Yeah, that's me. Sooo refined." Her words were laced with sarcasm, but despite herself she still blushed a little. She lifted her hands to her cheeks, try to cool them somehow. "You think I'll ever get used to your teasing?" she asked after a moment, preparing herself for some more teasing, but probably not enough. Joe always seemed to catch her by surprise, which was honestly one thing that Kinsey appreciated about him. He wasn't what she expected, which made him more interesting. She ducked her head, embarrassed when he said that he didn't normally eat his own food, but that he would for her. "You don't have to," she muttered, still looking at her feet instead of the boy in front of her.
When he asked what she liked, Kinsey found it was her turn to shrug. "Trifle, cake, donuts," she laughed, "Basically anything sweet that's not chocolate." She loved fruity things too, but she'd really eat almost anything. Kinsey didn't think of herself as a picky eater, but maybe she was. Huh. That wasn't something she'd really thought of before.
@joseph
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last online May 4, 2024 11:56:32 GMT -7
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Nov 3, 2018 21:23:29 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Nov 3, 2018 21:23:29 GMT -7
Kinsey asked Joe if he thought that she would ever get used to his teasing, he grinned and waggled his eyebrows playfully, "I dunno, I guess we'll just have to wait and find out..." he said with a lazy shrug of the shoulders. He took mental note of the 'not overly sweet' and would definitely try to concoct some trifle, since it was some sort of British delicacy. Then, Kinsey sweetly mentioned that he didn't have to eat any macaroons if he didn't want to, but he laughed, gesturing at the box of treats in her and and the bench in the corridor, "Lets eat some 'roons and talk about Riley for a second... Do you have the hots for your best friend?" Joe prodded shamelessly, in a very friendly, undeniably gossipy tone. Joe may have been a total flirt with Kinsey most of the time, but he knew how important it was to pay attention to the fine details. Some people believed it was impossible for guys and gals to be friends, or best friends. Joe was skeptical, but he was down for non conventional. They had agreed to be friends anyways, so why not dig for the juicy stuff. Joe always enjoyed the cute faces she'd make when he'd ask such brash questions; usually consisting of her blue eyes going all wide, melting into an adorable bashful smile. MADE BY VEL OF GS + ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0 [googlefont=Alegreya Sans SC:400]
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last online May 4, 2024 11:56:32 GMT -7
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Nov 5, 2018 18:32:29 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2018 18:32:29 GMT -7
Kinsey made a face when Joe said they'd have to see if she ever got used to his teasing, "Which means you're probably going to try and make sure it never happens," she guessed, feeling that it was true when she said it. Joe was definitely the teasing type and Kinsey figured that if his teasing didn't help, he might change it somehow, find a new way to get her to blush. Or maybe not, but her initial perspective of him was that he liked teasing people.
He laughed when she said he didn't have to eat if he didn't want to, gesturing to a nearby bench and telling her they should eat before making a comment about Kinsey liking Riley. She glanced up at him, her cheeks turning red yet again. Was she that easy to read? She thought she'd done a pretty good job of keeping her feelings secret ... apparently not. Not answering right away, Kinsey made her way over to the bench and sat down, reaching in to try the french vanilla. "Okay, here I go," she said, trying to postpone the moment of her answering him. It was delicious. She grinned up at Joe, "This tastes fantastic!" Kinsey complimented, finishing the macaroon before turning her body to face Joe.
She took a deep breath, unable to meet his eyes even though she turned to face him. She was going to tell him the truth. Kinsey didn't really want to, but she also didn't want Joe to find out from someone else. "He's not my best friend," she muttered, her voice soft. "I said that ... because I almost called him my boyfriend and was trying to cover it up." Kinsey bit her lip and then looked up to Joe's eyes. "We dated last spring and all through the summer, but his parents don't approve of me because I'm not a pureblood," she looked down to her lap again, red tinging her cheeks in embarrassment. "They set up a betrothal between him and another girl here at school. We ... broke up the day we got to Hogwarts. So, to answer your question, yeah I like him. I'm trying not to, but ..." Kinsey trailed off, shrugging her shoulders a bit. Nothing would come of her feelings for Riley. He made his choice already and it wasn't her.
@joseph
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last online May 4, 2024 11:56:32 GMT -7
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Nov 5, 2018 22:52:31 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2018 22:52:31 GMT -7
"Or maybe I'm trying to build up your immunity, yeah?" he countered, jabbing her in the side with his elbow playfully. He took a bite out of chocolate macaroon when she had expressed her delight after tasting one of his creations. He smiled proudly, but graciously for the appreciation, "That's just the beginning.." he waggled his eyebrows, shoving the rest of the macaroon into his mouth like he promised. Joe wasn't expecting such an honest answer from Kinsey about Riley. It actually sent his head tilting to the side, eyes widening before softening slightly. "Oh. God." he groaned, "What did I walk into? I'm sorry." Joe apologized, suddenly embarrassed for the first time, ever. He had undoubtedly chosen the worst person to flirt with her in front of. Joe wasn't looking to make her situation any more difficult, he was honestly just messing around when he said it to Riley. The look on her face was honestly sad. She really did like him still. He actually felt kind of bad! He was relieved that his parents didn't care about that kind stuff, though often made jokes about it, he barely realized that arranged marriages were still a real thing. Joe placed a hand on Kinseys back, "I'm sorry, Kinsey. That...sucks. But, wait, so he was too afraid to defy his parents wishes, so he just submissively went with the girl they chose for him?" he asked her lamely, blinking a few times. Finding the concept quite hard to believe. All of this drama talk.. it was time for another macaroon. He took another chocolate one and shoved the entire thing into his mouth comically. MADE BY VEL OF GS + ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0 [googlefont=Alegreya Sans SC:400]
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last online May 4, 2024 11:56:32 GMT -7
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Nov 6, 2018 22:23:03 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Nov 6, 2018 22:23:03 GMT -7
"Right, because you don't love making me blush and look away," Kinsey rolled her eyes, not believing Joe. At least, not acting like she believed him. He might be trying to build up her immunity, but in order to build something up, didn't it have to exist in the first place? Kinsey was not even a little bit immune to his teasing. She didn't quite know why he affected her so much, but he did. She couldn't help it. She bit her lip, shaking her head when he said this was only the beginning. "Oooh, sounds like I'm in trouble then," Kinsey teased him, unable to resist.
She hadn't meant to make him feel bad! The moment Joe groaned, then started apologizing, Kinsey looked up at him in surprise. She didn't realize he would feel guilty at all, she'd honestly just told him the truth because he asked. She started shaking her head, "No! Joe, I didn't tell you all that to make you feel bad. I promise. You ... there was no way you could have known. It's fine." She knew Joe coming and flirting with her upset Riley, but in all honesty, Joe made her feel good about herself every time he approached her. His flirting made her feel pretty and wanted and she really appreciated him reaching out to her.
What Kinsey didn't expect was for Joe to touch her. The moment his hand rested on her back, she felt his desire to comfort her, to maker her feel better and it drew her in. The last time she'd felt someone wanting to comfort her like this ... it was Riley. Without really meaning to, she found herself leaning towards Joe until she was actually leaning against him. His intentions were just so focused on comforting that she couldn't resist. Also, she kind of needed it. She nodded when he apologized, still leaning against him. Then Joe started asking about if Riley was too scared to defy his parents and she frowned. After a moment she moved so she could see Joe, only then realizing that she actually did let his intentions pull her in that much, to the point where she leaned against him. Did Joe mind that? "I don't know. He might have argued with his parents about it, he didn't say. He just told me that he didn't feel like he had a choice and that he couldn't be with me anymore." She bit her lip to keep it from quivering and glanced away for a second.
Then Joe was reaching for the container on her lap and taking another macaroon. She watched him, giggling when he ate the entire thing in one go. She was glad that he was lifting the mood and took a strawberry macaroon, closing her eyes as she ate it. She sighed, smiling. "This one is just as good at the other. I think I'm in danger this year, if you're going to be cooking for me all year," she teased, proud of herself for keeping her composure a bit.
@joseph
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last online May 4, 2024 11:56:32 GMT -7
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Nov 7, 2018 0:06:06 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Nov 7, 2018 0:06:06 GMT -7
Joe was about to say that he was sorry again, still overwhelmed with embarrassment, but Kinsey had stopped him. She reassured him that she didn't tell him that because he wanted to feel bad...he still felt bad though. A part of him kind of wondered what was going on in Riley's mind about the situation. This was all so weird. As Kinsey leaned her head against his shoulder, he instinctively moved in toward her. Not to be pushy or physical, but because she actually truly seemed like she needed to be comforted in that moment. Joe had never been the comforting type, or good at 'public displays of affection', but this was entirely different. He wasn't worrying about the minor display that their classmates saw - Kinsey was actually vulnerable. When she turned away, he knew that she was hiding a lip quiver, or the sad look on her face, because her demeanor had changed slightly. His eyes tore down to the ground for a moment as he thought of something comforting to say. He was terrible at these things. His arm was draped loosely behind her back still, "That sounds terrible. I'm sorry you had to go through that Kinsey.. It seems like you really liked him....or still do." Joe stated the obvious, but not to be brash or rude, he just wasn't one to sugarcoat anything, ever. He took a breath and exhaled, green eyes scanning over to Kinsey, "I don't mean to talk shit on Riley, but he was an idiot to pass on you like that. His loss. Honestly.." Joe commented, trying his best to appear earnest because he did mean the statement, despite it being negative towards Riley. Well, he was sort of a numb nuts for being so overly obedient towards his parents, anyways, Joe surely believed his words personally. MADE BY VEL OF GS + ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0 [googlefont=Alegreya Sans SC:400]
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last online May 4, 2024 11:56:32 GMT -7
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Nov 10, 2018 13:02:35 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Nov 10, 2018 13:02:35 GMT -7
When Joe moved closer to her, almost holding her as she leaned against him, Kinsey closed her eyes and tried to just relax. It was so nice to have someone there again, someone new who wanted to comfort her. She knew she had Toby, but it was nice to have another friend and she honestly hadn't expected Joe to want to help her in that way.
When she sat up more, she expected him to pull away a bit, but he didn't and his continuing intentions comforted her even more, though it wasn't like she could tell him that. She nodded when he told her that he was sorry for her, and then commented that she really liked Riley. He'd noticed that she hadn't stopped. Kinsey nodded slowly. She knew this conversation was extremely serious and felt a little bit bad about it, but at the same time she didn't. It was nice to know that Joe was there for her. "It's ... life," she told him, refusing to come out and say she was fine when she most certainly was not. "I ... need to stop," Kinsey admitted, her tone even softer. "I can't keep these feelings for him when he's getting married to someone else, but it's hard. I don't know how to do it." Kinsey wasn't asking for suggestions or help, she was just continuing to be honest with Joe. She didn't know how to let Riley go, didn't even know if it was possible. What she did know was that seeing Riley with Priscilla hurt like a stab to the chest every time and she needed to find a way to move past that. She couldn't stand it.
At Joe's next words, calling Riley an idiot for leaving her, Kinsey gave a small smile, looking back over to him. "Thanks. I'm glad someone thinks so." Her words might sound pathetic or like she was trying to collect his pity, but Kinsey really meant it. Losing Riley because she wasn't a pureblood hurt her more than she'd expecting. It damaged the small seed of self-confidence that Riley planted. Maybe having someone else tell her she was worth it would help.
After a moment she shrugged and tried to change the subject, "Sorry, I wasn't trying to make everything so serious. I don't know how you got me to tell you all that, actually." Kinsey laughed, but it was a hollow laugh. She wanted to change the subject or something, but didn't know how. Talking about Riley was too hard.
@joseph
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last online May 4, 2024 11:56:32 GMT -7
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Nov 10, 2018 20:35:27 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Nov 10, 2018 20:35:27 GMT -7
This wasn't the sort of conversation Joe thought he'd be having with Kinsey today in exchange for macaroons, but he was kind of glad they did. He learned something new about Kinsey; something that made her feel very vulnerable. Now Joe knew that he needed to treat lightly with this subject of this Riley kid. He wondered how a guy so dorky could get Kinsey to fall in, and stay in love with him for so long. It was so obvious she wasn't over him after hearing her talk about him. Joe actually felt sympathy for Kinsey, which was an emotion he didn't typically feel for his peers. But something deep down inside truly wanted to help her feel better. Another part of him, the part that actually had romantic feelings toward Kinsey, wanted to remind her that she was an absolute blue eyed babe, and that he was there for her if she needed or wanted it. But he knew better than to be too pushy about that in this moment. Joe listened as Kinsey poured more emotions out, she was being so honest, it caused his face to falter to a softened expression. His hand was still resting on Kinseys shoulder. "They will go away eventually over time, you just need to allow yourself to get over him..." Joe said the words with no hesitation, and he meant it, but not intended to be harsh in the slightest sense. The snake just never sugar coated anything in his life. Well, unless if it involved baking. Heh. Joe with his back up against the wall, facing Kinsey, "I thought I loved a girl last year and she dumped me unexpectedly, I was pretty bummed about that...but got over it when I just tried to...forget? I know that sounds weird, but I understand how it feels - but definitely not to your extent." Joe shared honestly, not used to such a deep conversation that made him feel a little vulnerable. Being rejected wasn't a fun feeling, but it was a common human feeling. A smile couldn't be hidden from his face at her bashfulness. Or, was that low self esteem? Probably a mixture of both. "D'aw, c'mon Kinsey, you're an absolute babe." he declared, holding her shoulders on both sides and gently shaking the sense into her with a laugh. They would have to work on that, if she would let him, but he'd have to play it by ear and see how she reacted from now on. Joe never suspected a guy broke her heart, he just thought she was a shy nerd all this time. Joe shook his head at Kinsey with a smile, "Don't be sorry, I'm not sorry you told me. But I have to ask... Have I been too pushy with you with the flirtatious stuff? Like, please tell me if I have and I'll stop, I don't want to upset you with that..I just didn't know.." he told her earnestly, surprisingly compassionate, but he actually did have a hint of concern behind his voice and in his expression. MADE BY VEL OF GS + ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0 [googlefont=Alegreya Sans SC:400]
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last online May 4, 2024 11:56:32 GMT -7
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Nov 10, 2018 21:05:47 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Nov 10, 2018 21:05:47 GMT -7
Once she was done explaining everything to Joe, Kinsey felt this sort of release. She'd been holding in those thoughts and feelings for ages and now that she got it out it was like a part of her could relax a little. She was a little bit nervous about how Joe would react, mostly because they were new friends and she dumped all her problems on him. But, it was hard to worry about that when he was still touching her, and she could still feel how much he wanted to help. She looked over at him, but he was still trying to help. He told her she needed to give herself time and Kinsey nodded. Then he told her about last year about how he got dumped and had to get over it. "I'm so sorry Joe," she said, reaching a hand to touch his free arm, "but thanks for telling me that. You didn't have to but ... it's kind of nice to know that you understand." Kinsey felt a little more connected to him, which was a nice feeling.
The next thing she knew, Joe was holding her shoulders and shaking her a little, telling her she was a ... babe? Kinsey giggled ever so softly, surprised by how sincere he was being. "Is that a good thing?" she teased, unable to help herself. Then he was smiling at her, telling her not to apologize and then asking if he'd been too pushy. Kinsey instantly started shaking her head. "No! No, you're fine Joe. Really, it ... it's not a problem. I, I like it," her voice got continuously quieter as she continued. "It, you make me feel good about myself," she whispered, another telltale blush covering her face. She looked down, embarrassed enough that she didn't want to see the look on his face. "Thanks for that," Kinsey muttered ever-so-softly, feeling so self-conscious.
@joseph
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last online May 4, 2024 11:56:32 GMT -7
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Nov 10, 2018 21:46:39 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Nov 10, 2018 21:46:39 GMT -7
Joe was glad that it seemed like Kinsey was loosening up after talking about the intense Riley stuff and initial embarrassment from the situation. He still felt kind of bad for making Riley walk away like that, but not sorry enough to apologize to the kid. Joe only cared about how Kinsey felt. "We all experience it at some point, you're not alone." he told her when she thanked him for sharing his own love woes. Those weren't nearly as bad as her own struggles, but they were relatable. The Ravenclaw hid her face after telling him that she 'liked' the flirting, even saying that it made her feel good about herself. Somehow, that actually made him feel pretty good about himself too. At least he got official permission now. That was good, back to the scheduled programming... Joe smiled, waiting patiently for her to look at him again with blushed cheeks. He cocked his head to the side, green eyes meeting her own, "Well, I'm glad it's working then, because you have a beautiful smile, and the sweetest laugh, someone should always be making you feel good." Joe told her with an endearing sweetness, laced with the typical flirtatiousness in his voice, but he was being truthful. He meant everything he said to Kinsey. MADE BY VEL OF GS + ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0 [googlefont=Alegreya Sans SC:400]
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last online May 4, 2024 11:56:32 GMT -7
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Nov 10, 2018 22:05:05 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Nov 10, 2018 22:05:05 GMT -7
Kinsey nodded when Joe told her that she wasn't alone and that everyone went through something similar. It was nice to know she wasn't entirely alone and that Joe understood how she was feeling. It helped her feel like she wasn't entirely alone, which was a bit how she felt lately, even though she knew that she had people who cared about her. Toby and her younger sisters particularly, but it was just a nice thought.
She was a little more embarrassed about her confession in relation to Joe. She hadn't ever thought that she'd admit she liked his teasing and flirting, but she did. She liked the attention and the nicknames, well no ... she didn't actually like the nicknames, though some of them were starting to grow on her. Still, she only looked away from him for a moment, and when she looked back it was to see that he was watching her carefully, saying so many compliments that Kinsey couldn't help but smile. She knew he might be saying those things because she just told him she liked it, but he could sense the sincerity from him, so she knew he really thought it, even without trying to know. "Thank you Joe," Kinsey said, leaning forward and wrapping her arms around his waist in a quick hug. "Really, thank you." He was telling her exactly what she needed to hear and Kinsey appreciated it more than she could express. She pulled back and smiled up at him, feeling better than she had in a while.
@joseph
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last online May 4, 2024 11:56:32 GMT -7
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Nov 10, 2018 22:16:26 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Nov 10, 2018 22:16:26 GMT -7
Kinsey wrapped her arms around Joe, which instantly caused his arms to lift, enveloping her in a warm hug. He gave her a squeeze and released from the hug after a brief moment. The look on Kinseys face and her entire demeanor had changed completely which was a great relief. A part of him had a feeling like they had just unlocked an achievement in their new meaningful friendship. That was cool. This year Joe really found himself growing a lot personally and emotionally, it was surprising him in a lot of spontaneous ways. Joe stood up from the bench, trying to force a more calmer expression, "Anyways, where were you off to before I so rudely interrupted? I will walk you." he offered, unable to resist a joke about the situation to get over it himself. It was some sort of odd coping mechanism; always joking about things to desensitize himself to it. MADE BY VEL OF GS + ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0 [googlefont=Alegreya Sans SC:400]
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last online May 4, 2024 11:56:32 GMT -7
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Nov 10, 2018 22:27:38 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Nov 10, 2018 22:27:38 GMT -7
He hugged her back, which Kinsey hadn't really expected, but she liked it. Joe was smiling down at her when she pulled away and she offered a small smile back, not really sure what they should talk away. She didn't want things to get awkward and was frantically trying to think of something for the two of them to talk about, but she didn't know what to do. Then Joe was rising to his feet, asking her where she was going before he interrupted her and Riley. She chuckled, standing up as well. "I wasn't really headed anywhere in particular. I just wanted to walk around, maybe get some fresh air." Kinsey shrugged, hoping she was going to make a little more sense. "Do you want to go outside with me?" she asked, before starting to walk towards the entrance hall, assuming Joe would come with her, since he said he wanted to walk with her. It was a nice walk and Kinsey couldn't help but feel grateful that she and Joe bumped into one another outside the library. --- the end --- @joseph
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