20 Apr 2020, 15:59
Stealing Your Girl
@Aaron Jones
[font=Segoe Print]The school was oddly and unnaturally quiet on the Sunday of the 12th, the halls bare of chattering students, classrooms bare and void of life, the Great Hall silent and stoic, void of all action – it seemed as if all the children of Hogwarts had disappeared from the halls of the lovely school, as if memories slowly fading from the mind of a senior, gone but not nonexistent. The outdoors were tantalizing, after all, calling for the attention of every eager student, its alluring opportunity luring out even the most indoorsy of students like moths to a flame. The cordiality of its nature was simply too much to pass on – the gentle sun lit up a cloudless sky, falling upon the soft, luscious green grass in warm, golden rays, flowers in every color of the spectrum blossoming upon the countryside as cherry blossoms floated through the crisp April Breeze, painting the world in a lovely portrait of spring. If children weren’t playing petty games on the grounds, they were studying in the quiet courtyard, or sharpening their Quidditch skills out on the Practice Pitch, the conditions positively perfect for flying. Opportunity was calling, after all – who was loathe to ignore its tantalizing whispers?
It would be the perfect diversion for a certain Gryffindor’s schemes.
Though the young Captain had only known of the illegal Ball for less than twenty-four hours, he’d been quick to prepare himself for the festivities – it was no secret that the child had quite a few ‘friends with benefits’, to say the least. However, it seemed as if his lovely first choice was taking another, more feminine date to the ball, a fact that left a gaping hole within the chest of the first year, dooming his following experiences to a raincloud of impending depression, showering upon any and all sparks of happiness. He’d been under the impression that his chances with Flash were optimal, as the two had certainly been through a bit together, though their interactions had been few. Rafa had showed him things he’d only revealed to very few… who was the lucky girl, who had snatched the Slytherin up from his fingertips?
However, that wasn’t to say that he had given up – no, on the contrary, such a declination had left him with another, fairer option. He’d been a bit reluctant in asking Lydia to the ball, and for a few reasons. They certainly didn’t know each other all that well, for one, which didn’t exactly help his chances of asking her. It had gotten a bit awkward, after he’d carried her down those rocks – what did she think of him? Was he perverted in her eyes? And, even if for some crazy, deranged reason she still found it within her being to even consider such an offer, there was still a big issue at hand, one the boy simply couldn’t overlook –
She had a boyfriend.
Aaron ‘Ay-ron’ Jones was an annoying son of a bitch Hufflepuff, a fellow first year, if he’d picked anything up from the many times Gryffindor had shared classes with Hufflepuff. A ruddy hotshot, too, at that – the bastard thought he was some sort of spectacular player, a ruddy Oliver Wood or something, an observation that brought the Gryffindor a great deal of amusement in his darker hours, in the moments that he felt blue and depressed. Though, such things didn’t bother him as much as one simple fact – the Huffle was all passive-aggressive, hiding his hate through thinly-veiled insults and cheery smiles. What kind of man hid his anger behind a smile? A ruddy Slytherin, that’s what. And if that wasn’t enough to set the boy off, the Huffle-Snake was all chummy with Lydia. They were practically tied at the waist, goddammit! It was sickening.
But such things were never meant to last. In fact, he’d sent an owl to the vile child in question only hours earlier, detailing a meet in the Abandoned Bathrooms. In Rafael’s eyes, they were to meet up, solve their differences like men – Aaron didn’t deserve an angel like Lydia, that much was obvious. Now, the Captain may have been a bit girl-crazy, granted, but by God, he wasn’t about to ask out someone’s girlfriend, even if her significant other was a dim-witted snake-badger. What kind of man would that make him?
Now, he’d paced the expanses of the ballrooms, whistling quietly to himself as he awaited the arrival of the other boy, his eyes bouncing off the dull environment he presided in – there was broken glass lying everywhere, as well as mirror shards, decorating the floor in a mural of disharmony. Sewage reeked in the air, ever apparent on the floors of the forsaken bathrooms, muddy water spilling over the disgusting floors, the stalls mud-spattered and foul to the senses. It was a purely disgusting room, he’d long since decided, one that brought him little comfort and saddening memories. This was where he’s first gotten to know Gem – the raven-headed child had been crying over some cursed veela girl when the Gryffindor had arrived, attempting to save the little Ravenclaw from his own dooming thoughts. That had been a while ago, and a lot had happened since then. Jack Burnett had thrown a wrench in their relationship, and the Ravenclaw the boy had come to love had promptly disappeared from his life –
He didn’t want to stay here any longer than he had to. Dark brown eyes peered down at the boy’s watch, a gift from his mother’s work friend, Waincroft. It wouldn’t be long now – in the next few moments, assuming the vile child kept punctual, the Huffle-Snake would step through the doors of the cursed bathroom, letter in hand and ears ready to listen. And the demands would shortly begin.
It was time to steal his girl. [/font]
[font=Segoe Print]The school was oddly and unnaturally quiet on the Sunday of the 12th, the halls bare of chattering students, classrooms bare and void of life, the Great Hall silent and stoic, void of all action – it seemed as if all the children of Hogwarts had disappeared from the halls of the lovely school, as if memories slowly fading from the mind of a senior, gone but not nonexistent. The outdoors were tantalizing, after all, calling for the attention of every eager student, its alluring opportunity luring out even the most indoorsy of students like moths to a flame. The cordiality of its nature was simply too much to pass on – the gentle sun lit up a cloudless sky, falling upon the soft, luscious green grass in warm, golden rays, flowers in every color of the spectrum blossoming upon the countryside as cherry blossoms floated through the crisp April Breeze, painting the world in a lovely portrait of spring. If children weren’t playing petty games on the grounds, they were studying in the quiet courtyard, or sharpening their Quidditch skills out on the Practice Pitch, the conditions positively perfect for flying. Opportunity was calling, after all – who was loathe to ignore its tantalizing whispers?
It would be the perfect diversion for a certain Gryffindor’s schemes.
Though the young Captain had only known of the illegal Ball for less than twenty-four hours, he’d been quick to prepare himself for the festivities – it was no secret that the child had quite a few ‘friends with benefits’, to say the least. However, it seemed as if his lovely first choice was taking another, more feminine date to the ball, a fact that left a gaping hole within the chest of the first year, dooming his following experiences to a raincloud of impending depression, showering upon any and all sparks of happiness. He’d been under the impression that his chances with Flash were optimal, as the two had certainly been through a bit together, though their interactions had been few. Rafa had showed him things he’d only revealed to very few… who was the lucky girl, who had snatched the Slytherin up from his fingertips?
However, that wasn’t to say that he had given up – no, on the contrary, such a declination had left him with another, fairer option. He’d been a bit reluctant in asking Lydia to the ball, and for a few reasons. They certainly didn’t know each other all that well, for one, which didn’t exactly help his chances of asking her. It had gotten a bit awkward, after he’d carried her down those rocks – what did she think of him? Was he perverted in her eyes? And, even if for some crazy, deranged reason she still found it within her being to even consider such an offer, there was still a big issue at hand, one the boy simply couldn’t overlook –
She had a boyfriend.
Aaron ‘Ay-ron’ Jones was an annoying son of a bitch Hufflepuff, a fellow first year, if he’d picked anything up from the many times Gryffindor had shared classes with Hufflepuff. A ruddy hotshot, too, at that – the bastard thought he was some sort of spectacular player, a ruddy Oliver Wood or something, an observation that brought the Gryffindor a great deal of amusement in his darker hours, in the moments that he felt blue and depressed. Though, such things didn’t bother him as much as one simple fact – the Huffle was all passive-aggressive, hiding his hate through thinly-veiled insults and cheery smiles. What kind of man hid his anger behind a smile? A ruddy Slytherin, that’s what. And if that wasn’t enough to set the boy off, the Huffle-Snake was all chummy with Lydia. They were practically tied at the waist, goddammit! It was sickening.
But such things were never meant to last. In fact, he’d sent an owl to the vile child in question only hours earlier, detailing a meet in the Abandoned Bathrooms. In Rafael’s eyes, they were to meet up, solve their differences like men – Aaron didn’t deserve an angel like Lydia, that much was obvious. Now, the Captain may have been a bit girl-crazy, granted, but by God, he wasn’t about to ask out someone’s girlfriend, even if her significant other was a dim-witted snake-badger. What kind of man would that make him?
Now, he’d paced the expanses of the ballrooms, whistling quietly to himself as he awaited the arrival of the other boy, his eyes bouncing off the dull environment he presided in – there was broken glass lying everywhere, as well as mirror shards, decorating the floor in a mural of disharmony. Sewage reeked in the air, ever apparent on the floors of the forsaken bathrooms, muddy water spilling over the disgusting floors, the stalls mud-spattered and foul to the senses. It was a purely disgusting room, he’d long since decided, one that brought him little comfort and saddening memories. This was where he’s first gotten to know Gem – the raven-headed child had been crying over some cursed veela girl when the Gryffindor had arrived, attempting to save the little Ravenclaw from his own dooming thoughts. That had been a while ago, and a lot had happened since then. Jack Burnett had thrown a wrench in their relationship, and the Ravenclaw the boy had come to love had promptly disappeared from his life –
He didn’t want to stay here any longer than he had to. Dark brown eyes peered down at the boy’s watch, a gift from his mother’s work friend, Waincroft. It wouldn’t be long now – in the next few moments, assuming the vile child kept punctual, the Huffle-Snake would step through the doors of the cursed bathroom, letter in hand and ears ready to listen. And the demands would shortly begin.
It was time to steal his girl. [/font]
Last edited by Rafael Waincroft on 16 May 2020, 14:28, edited 1 time in total.
I probably haven't collected my allowance yet.
18 May 2020, 02:23
Stealing Your Girl
Easter Sunday was here! Aaron Jones woke up to a delivery of chocolate eggs and a nice letter from his family. The only reason he had stayed at the castle during the holidays was because his mom was worried about a pandemic known as coronavirus, but in all of her letters, she was reassuring him that the family was healthy and happy and missed him. It made him sad to see his family's names at the bottom of the card (even his little sister had signed!), but he knew there wasn't much he could do. He would have to wait until the end of the semester before he could see them again. In the meantime, he had the planning of the Secret Blossom Ball to keep him occupied.
Speaking of, one of his important co-organizers was waiting for him. Aaron brought his chocolate eggs to go meet up with Lydia in the common room. Of course they were going to spend the morning together, hanging out and exchanging stories about their Easter traditions. It was a really amazing day outside, so eventually the topic turned to taking a walk on the grounds at some point. A lot of their fellow Hufflepuffs were already taking advantage of the lovely weather, many of them passing through the common room with picnic blankets and friends.
It was looking to be a very relaxed and lazy holiday, until he got the letter. The owl carrying it had arrived at one of the common room's windows, and tumbled through it with a lazy wing. It flew straight to Aaron, and he accepted the letter with a thank you. He assumed it was another family member wishing him a happy holiday, but he was sorely disappointed when he opened it and saw the name at the bottom.
Rafael D'Spacito. Ugh. Aaron's nose wrinkled at the sight of the name, but he quickly wiped the look off his face so as not to draw suspicion from Lydia. He had once admired the Gryffindor Quidditch Captain from afar, but after meeting him properly a few weeks ago, Aaron had quickly developed an aversion to the Hispanic boy. The way Rafael carried himself and acted all high and mighty around Lydia was sickening, not to mention he had belittled Aaron right in front of her! Just the memory had his cheeks heating up, but it wasn't enough to show on his face.
Aaron read the letter and it took a lot not to look confused. A meeting in the abandoned toilets? What for? Only someone shady like Rafael would suggest such a place. Aaron had never actually been in those bathrooms before. They had a bad reputation. When Lydia questioned him (perhaps he had been quiet after reading for too long), he quickly brushed it off and changed the subject.
Around the meeting time detailed in the letter, Aaron was able to make up an excuse and get away from his strawberry blonde friend. The twelve-year-old wizard marched himself up the castle to the abandoned toilets, realizing a little too late that he had left his wand back in the boys' dormitory. No matter. He preferred his fists anyway, but.. why was he thinking they'd even be needed?
Aaron knew that Lydia had recently informed the Gryffindor boy of the Secret Blossom Ball, so on his way to the bathrooms, he contemplated what the topic of conversation would be. Would he try to stop them from throwing the ball? Would he insist that it was too dangerous and that he would tell the professors? Just the thought of Rafael being a snitch was enough to put a sour expression on Aaron's face by the time he finally reached the bathroom. He hesitated outside, seeing the sign that clearly indicated no one should go inside. After a second, Aaron steeled himself, knowing he was already a few minutes late. No way was he gonna let Rafael think he wasn't going to show or something.
"Rafael," Aaron greeted, his voice on edge and slightly questioning. The letter had been so vague. "So.. what's the big deal? Interrupting my holiday and all to meet here of all places," he said, his dark eyes roving the room. As previously mentioned, he'd never been in here before. It was a mess, and he now understood why they were labelled "abandoned." What about this place kept the professors and house elves from fixing it up?
@Rafael D'Spacito
Speaking of, one of his important co-organizers was waiting for him. Aaron brought his chocolate eggs to go meet up with Lydia in the common room. Of course they were going to spend the morning together, hanging out and exchanging stories about their Easter traditions. It was a really amazing day outside, so eventually the topic turned to taking a walk on the grounds at some point. A lot of their fellow Hufflepuffs were already taking advantage of the lovely weather, many of them passing through the common room with picnic blankets and friends.
It was looking to be a very relaxed and lazy holiday, until he got the letter. The owl carrying it had arrived at one of the common room's windows, and tumbled through it with a lazy wing. It flew straight to Aaron, and he accepted the letter with a thank you. He assumed it was another family member wishing him a happy holiday, but he was sorely disappointed when he opened it and saw the name at the bottom.
Rafael D'Spacito. Ugh. Aaron's nose wrinkled at the sight of the name, but he quickly wiped the look off his face so as not to draw suspicion from Lydia. He had once admired the Gryffindor Quidditch Captain from afar, but after meeting him properly a few weeks ago, Aaron had quickly developed an aversion to the Hispanic boy. The way Rafael carried himself and acted all high and mighty around Lydia was sickening, not to mention he had belittled Aaron right in front of her! Just the memory had his cheeks heating up, but it wasn't enough to show on his face.
Aaron read the letter and it took a lot not to look confused. A meeting in the abandoned toilets? What for? Only someone shady like Rafael would suggest such a place. Aaron had never actually been in those bathrooms before. They had a bad reputation. When Lydia questioned him (perhaps he had been quiet after reading for too long), he quickly brushed it off and changed the subject.
Around the meeting time detailed in the letter, Aaron was able to make up an excuse and get away from his strawberry blonde friend. The twelve-year-old wizard marched himself up the castle to the abandoned toilets, realizing a little too late that he had left his wand back in the boys' dormitory. No matter. He preferred his fists anyway, but.. why was he thinking they'd even be needed?
Aaron knew that Lydia had recently informed the Gryffindor boy of the Secret Blossom Ball, so on his way to the bathrooms, he contemplated what the topic of conversation would be. Would he try to stop them from throwing the ball? Would he insist that it was too dangerous and that he would tell the professors? Just the thought of Rafael being a snitch was enough to put a sour expression on Aaron's face by the time he finally reached the bathroom. He hesitated outside, seeing the sign that clearly indicated no one should go inside. After a second, Aaron steeled himself, knowing he was already a few minutes late. No way was he gonna let Rafael think he wasn't going to show or something.
"Rafael," Aaron greeted, his voice on edge and slightly questioning. The letter had been so vague. "So.. what's the big deal? Interrupting my holiday and all to meet here of all places," he said, his dark eyes roving the room. As previously mentioned, he'd never been in here before. It was a mess, and he now understood why they were labelled "abandoned." What about this place kept the professors and house elves from fixing it up?
@Rafael D'Spacito
PC: Aaron Jones | iNPC: Madeleine Nakamura | Former staff account: Marcus Iwasaki
2nd Gen PC: Idalia della Torre
Best way to contact me? Discord or owl Idalia
19 May 2020, 21:20
Stealing Your Girl
╔══════════════☩══♛══☩══════════════╗Interacting With: @Aaron Jones
Mentioning: @Lydia Cooper╚═══════════════☩══✦══☩══════════════╝
[font=Segoe Print]"Rafael.”
The young Captain idly glanced at his watch, back turned to the entrance as he faced a mirror, having been idly admiring his reflection as a way to pass the time. Aaron, as it seemed, was a punctual kid, a sign of a true man, which was more than the Gryffindor could say for the boy’s passive-aggressive nature. The very memory of their first and only run-in put a sour look upon face of the first year, a vile poison stirring within the recesses of his stomach as he tried to shake the remnants of such a memory from his consciousness. Had the Hufflepuff made a different move, appreciated the Captain’s use of time in helping the angel girl with her flying skills, had had a good attitude about the situation at hand, perhaps the turn of events would have gone differently. Perhaps they would have been positive acquaintances, or dare he day, friends. However, the boy knew that such a relationship was far from fruition. The last thing the Gryffindor could respect, was a coward, one who hid behind kind words and a harsh gaze – the mark of a Slytherin, if the boy had ever seen it. Such actions were vile, unbefitting of a Hufflepuff, let alone a boyfriend of such a lovely veela girl.
Perhaps that was the reason that the Gryffindor had chosen to meet Aaron in the bathroom. After all, one tended to act differently alone. What was inside that Huffle head of Aaron’s, what monstrosities did his tongue carry? The Captain was eager to find out, one way or another.
“You don’t really go for this silly holiday, now, do you?” the Gryffindor chuckled, running a hand through his brown hair as he turned, cocking an eyebrow at the boy opposite to him as an easy smile crept over his face. It didn’t matter, that he wanted to punch Aaron’s lights out, he couldn’t give the boy a story to tell Lydia. Besides, he was asking the boy for his blessing, right? What good, would ill-mannered dialogue do? However, that wasn’t to say that there wasn’t a mischievous edge to the boy’s words – Aaron had opened the Pandora’s Box that was the Slytherin nature of Rafael, a weapon he was more than happy to use against those who crossed him. A carefully-mannered grin was upon his face, void of all mischief or lack of innocence. No tells towards ill will, save for the carefully placed words the young man left, interpretable on both ends of the spectrum. “I mean – “ he coughed into his fist, shrugging. “I’m sorry. I suppose I’ve never gone for all that Jesus stuff, colorful eggs and magical rabbits. All in the eye of the beholder, I suppose, who am I to tread on your interests and beliefs? Apologies for… intruding.”
He would step forward, looking down as he idly chewed his lip, searching for the appropriate words to follow. “I know you don’t like me,” he voiced, for all intents and purposes remorseful. He wasn’t in the least, but Aaron didn’t have to know that. “I don’t know why you were so angry with me at the Pitch, so I won’t poke at that. Let bygones be bygones, am I right?” Looking up, he’d shrug once more, portraying a wry look, a strange look dancing in his eye as he soldiered on, tentative, as if a tiger evading its prey. “I just… Well, I want you to understand that I was only defending myself in… well, I’m sure you know. After all, it’s not like me to just take the subtle hits you were sending me.” Then, the hard part. “I’m… sorry. That was my fault. Perhaps I found myself jealous, that you’d done so much with Lydia. You’re really lucky to have her as a friend, I hope you can recognize that.” The words held truth, though painful and grating on his tongue. It hurt, knowing there was someone out there more special to her than him, though he’d only known her for a short time.
He’d buttered his opponent up, given him no reason to say no. Here it was, his proposition. He chuckled, biting his lip, as if nervous to ever have asked, before voicing his opinions directly, words rolling off his tongue. “I really like Lydia. I’m sure you’ve noticed that much,” he confessed, albeit reluctantly. “Now, I’m sure you’re aware of this little dance coming up, being an organizer yourself. Typically,” he gestured about, weighing his hands before him as if a scale measuring two different sized rocks, “when going to a dance, a guy’s supposed to ask a girl’s father for his blessing. However, given that Lydia’s parents aren’t exactly… around…” he grimaced slightly, “I figured, the next best thing is to ask you. Her 'best friend'.”
It was painful, acting vulnerable in front of someone he so errantly hated, but it was what would have to be done, if he ever hoped to steal his girl. By the way his facial features moved, there would be no way for the boy to possibly be able to tell that he was aware of their relationship – it was always better to play oblivious, then come out and smack a guy in the face with such a blatant proposition. It would ease the blow, he hoped in the least, with every moment that ticked on. “It’s certainly the honorable thing to do,” the boy stated further, cocking his head to the side. If Aaron said no, it would only be his pride talking, not his brain. “Will you let me take Lydia to the dance?” [/font]
I probably haven't collected my allowance yet.
22 May 2020, 04:14
Stealing Your Girl
Aaron's nostrils flared slightly at Rafael's first words of the meeting. "This silly holiday?" Every ensuing word out of his mouth was like a punch to the gut. What was wrong with Easter? The way Rafael described it made Aaron question if he even had a childhood. Chocolate eggs, the Easter bunny, egg hunts. Of course they were silly, but they were meant to be fun. He hated that he was missing Easter with his family because he loved watching his little sister have a blast on holidays like this. Sure, he didn't know the meaning behind all the traditions, and he had grown out of most of them, but it was still a family holiday. And Rafael was ruining it for him.
A frown had found its way onto Aaron's face by the time Rafael finally "apologized," if that's even what he could call it. The boy had just finished spitting on the holiday Aaron was trying to enjoy without his family for the first time, and he thought coughing it off and shrugging was an appropriate apology. Typical.
"I know you don’t like me..." Aaron couldn't hold back a scoff at this, his eyes finding purchase on one of the unbroken mirrors. He watched his own reflection as Rafael referenced the pitch, knowing that it would've come up. Yeah, he hadn't hidden his distaste for the Gryffindor very well - only well enough for Lydia not to pick up on it. She believed in the best of people, a trait that Aaron really loved about his best friend, but it meant she hadn't noticed the unpleasantness behind the scenes. Rafael had picked up on the less obvious cues, like the passive aggression and the snide comments. Aaron still wasn't a hundred percent sure why he had acted like that right off the bat, but he was sticking with his gut.
Rafael sucked at first impressions. The first thing he had done when Aaron arrived at the pitch? Berate Lydia for not telling him about the extra person. His first words when Aaron arrived to his little "meeting?" Berating the holiday Aaron had grown up celebrating. And.. his first significant action in the Gryffindor Quidditch match? Getting knocked to the ground and passing out. The thought of the unofficial match made a flicker of a grin appear on Aaron's face. It disappeared as quickly as it showed up, though. "....You’re really lucky to have her as a friend, I hope you can recognize that."
"Of course I'm lucky to have her. She's amazing," he muttered, trying not to sound defensive. Aaron wanted needed this boy to understand that Lydia was truly his best friend. She meant the world to him - he relied on her for far more than just help with homework. She kept him from dwelling too much when he missed his family, and she cheered for him when he told her his insane hope of becoming a professional Quidditch player. He absent-mindedly touched the friendship bracelet around his wrist - the one he hadn't taken off since she gave it to him back in March. @Lydia Cooper was Aaron's person - probably for forever (or as much of forever as a twelve-year-old could imagine).
As much as he pretended to, Rafael didn't respect that. Even if he did really like Lydia, he probably had some sort of hidden agenda. Aaron was convinced of this, but he certainly wasn't going to tell Lydia what to do or who to consort with. He didn't even have proof yet-
"....Will you let me take Lydia to the dance?" Well, the conversation had certainly taken a turn. This isn't what Aaron had been prepared for. He had been prepared to argue about the ball - about how they were preparing for any disasters that might come. That they were taking necessary precautions and that they had prefects on board. Aaron wasn't prepared to offer his "blessing" for Rafael to take her to the dance! Why had he not even considered that this might be the topic of discussion-
Well, probably because the practice Rafael was describing was ridiculous. It was sexist, right? Isn't this a custom he'd read about during the International Women's Day Errand? That asking someone else's permission took away from the girl's own rights?
"Lydia is her own person," Aaron finally said, crossing his arms stubbornly. "The fact that you think you need my permission is laughable. And you abiding by such an old custom is very non-feminist, but- well, what is it you said earlier? 'Who am I to tread on your interests and beliefs?'" he said, only slightly mocking. He was agitated. From the second he had entered the room, he was agitated. The disarray of the room and the first words out of Rafael were agitating. Everything about the situation? You guessed it. Agitating. He clenched his fists.
"But if you really want my opinion - I think she could do way better than a Quidditch Captain who can't even stay on his broom - or even stay conscious - long enough to lead his team to victory," Aaron added in a casual tone, his eyes meeting Rafael's with a slightly smug look.
Aaron wasn't sure how the Quidditch Captain would react to the insult, but he was definitely prepared to take another verbal assault. He wasn't the most witty of people, but Aaron knew how to hurt people where it mattered. Surely Rafael would be bothered by the reminder of that unofficial match. The one where Aaron had scored his first goal and stayed on his broom - two things Rafael had miserably failed at.
@Rafael D'Spacito
A frown had found its way onto Aaron's face by the time Rafael finally "apologized," if that's even what he could call it. The boy had just finished spitting on the holiday Aaron was trying to enjoy without his family for the first time, and he thought coughing it off and shrugging was an appropriate apology. Typical.
"I know you don’t like me..." Aaron couldn't hold back a scoff at this, his eyes finding purchase on one of the unbroken mirrors. He watched his own reflection as Rafael referenced the pitch, knowing that it would've come up. Yeah, he hadn't hidden his distaste for the Gryffindor very well - only well enough for Lydia not to pick up on it. She believed in the best of people, a trait that Aaron really loved about his best friend, but it meant she hadn't noticed the unpleasantness behind the scenes. Rafael had picked up on the less obvious cues, like the passive aggression and the snide comments. Aaron still wasn't a hundred percent sure why he had acted like that right off the bat, but he was sticking with his gut.
Rafael sucked at first impressions. The first thing he had done when Aaron arrived at the pitch? Berate Lydia for not telling him about the extra person. His first words when Aaron arrived to his little "meeting?" Berating the holiday Aaron had grown up celebrating. And.. his first significant action in the Gryffindor Quidditch match? Getting knocked to the ground and passing out. The thought of the unofficial match made a flicker of a grin appear on Aaron's face. It disappeared as quickly as it showed up, though. "....You’re really lucky to have her as a friend, I hope you can recognize that."
"Of course I'm lucky to have her. She's amazing," he muttered, trying not to sound defensive. Aaron wanted needed this boy to understand that Lydia was truly his best friend. She meant the world to him - he relied on her for far more than just help with homework. She kept him from dwelling too much when he missed his family, and she cheered for him when he told her his insane hope of becoming a professional Quidditch player. He absent-mindedly touched the friendship bracelet around his wrist - the one he hadn't taken off since she gave it to him back in March. @Lydia Cooper was Aaron's person - probably for forever (or as much of forever as a twelve-year-old could imagine).
As much as he pretended to, Rafael didn't respect that. Even if he did really like Lydia, he probably had some sort of hidden agenda. Aaron was convinced of this, but he certainly wasn't going to tell Lydia what to do or who to consort with. He didn't even have proof yet-
"....Will you let me take Lydia to the dance?" Well, the conversation had certainly taken a turn. This isn't what Aaron had been prepared for. He had been prepared to argue about the ball - about how they were preparing for any disasters that might come. That they were taking necessary precautions and that they had prefects on board. Aaron wasn't prepared to offer his "blessing" for Rafael to take her to the dance! Why had he not even considered that this might be the topic of discussion-
Well, probably because the practice Rafael was describing was ridiculous. It was sexist, right? Isn't this a custom he'd read about during the International Women's Day Errand? That asking someone else's permission took away from the girl's own rights?
"Lydia is her own person," Aaron finally said, crossing his arms stubbornly. "The fact that you think you need my permission is laughable. And you abiding by such an old custom is very non-feminist, but- well, what is it you said earlier? 'Who am I to tread on your interests and beliefs?'" he said, only slightly mocking. He was agitated. From the second he had entered the room, he was agitated. The disarray of the room and the first words out of Rafael were agitating. Everything about the situation? You guessed it. Agitating. He clenched his fists.
"But if you really want my opinion - I think she could do way better than a Quidditch Captain who can't even stay on his broom - or even stay conscious - long enough to lead his team to victory," Aaron added in a casual tone, his eyes meeting Rafael's with a slightly smug look.
Aaron wasn't sure how the Quidditch Captain would react to the insult, but he was definitely prepared to take another verbal assault. He wasn't the most witty of people, but Aaron knew how to hurt people where it mattered. Surely Rafael would be bothered by the reminder of that unofficial match. The one where Aaron had scored his first goal and stayed on his broom - two things Rafael had miserably failed at.
@Rafael D'Spacito
PC: Aaron Jones | iNPC: Madeleine Nakamura | Former staff account: Marcus Iwasaki
2nd Gen PC: Idalia della Torre
Best way to contact me? Discord or owl Idalia
26 May 2020, 20:14
Stealing Your Girl
╔══════════════☩══♛══☩══════════════╗Interacting With: @Aaron Jones
Mentioning: @Lydia Cooper╚═══════════════☩══✦══☩══════════════╝
[font=Segoe Print][font=Segoe Print]"Lydia is her own person. The fact that you think you need my permission is laughable. And you abiding by such an old custom is very non-feminist, but- well, what is it you said earlier? 'Who am I to tread on your interests and beliefs?'"
Aaron’s words were sharp, grating upon the walls of the young Captain’s mind as they reverberated about his head, acting as the gasoline to a somewhat dormant fire called Rafael’s temper, leaving him reeling and in need of sweet, violent relief. Wow. The young captain had gone out of his way and done the honorable action, and for what? An insult to his intellect, code, capability? Who did this kid think he was? The sudden burst of impulse caused him to slip, his carefully maintained façade suddenly tainted in the slightest – if Aaron were attentive enough, aware of the movements of the Gryffindor before him, he might have been able to notice the slightly sharpened gaze of the Captain, the flaring of his nostrils, all the while his smile stayed gentle, as did his body language stay casual. His gaze dropped for a moment as he allowed his mind to wander, inner wheels churning for the correct way to proceed, given the situation. He’d come for a blessing, and had received a curse. A shame the Hufflepuff had to so gracefully burn the bridge extended to him. Rafael would not extend another.
The façade had only flickered for a moment, soon replaced by a soft look as the boy’s brows furrowed in the slightest, a frown playing at his lips. He gazed upon his shoes, chewing his lip in thought, as if worried he’d ever received such an answer. As if he was the victim. Because, in a way, he was – but Aaron didn’t need to see his strength. Only the damage and detriment caused by his own actions. He couldn’t be sure of the existence of Aaron’s conscience, nor could he be positive of remorse, but that didn’t matter. The Captain would give him no reason to run to Lydia with ill information. In the least, he would paint his own innocence, in the least make the Hufflepuff aggressor the villain of the story. The words dancing on his lips, he took a deep breath, acting flawless as he uttered his dialogue into the open air. “No, I didn’t –“ he sighed, carefully feigning a lost grasp on the situation. “It’s not like that. Look.” He looked up, cocking his head as tentativeness danced in his eyes. “Lydia’s her own person, you’re completely right. But my asking has nothing to do with her rights as a female. On the contrary,” he offered an uneasy smile. “It’s all about respecting her peers. I don’t want there to be ill will between us, not when Lydia is the collateral. It’s not fair to her.” His words, by all means, were true, though his emotions feigned. Lydia deserved better than the stress of two friends fighting over her heart. Yes, Rafa could see right through Aaron. He could practically feel the jealousy of the boy, the enmity in his heart towards the Captain. He’d made it more than known that they both couldn’t have her, even as a friend. He’d picked his poison. Rafael was the stronger foe, he was sure of it – Aaron wanted to go down that road, the boy would make sure Lydia and his relationship was in shambles.
He would choose in that moment to address the insult so gracefully-spoken by his verbal opponent. A carefully-measured amount of agitation shone through his gaze, his chin cocking up, as if regarding the boy with a certain sort of disgust. “You know,” he said, mock-disappointment in his voice, “I thought I’d be able to come in here and have a sensible conversation with you. After all, you seemed to be a nice enough fellow, having garnered a relationship with such a sweet girl. But I guess I was mistaken.” He would utter the last sentence with the disgust laced in his tones, gaze hardening in the slightest. Offering a righteous sort of anger. He was the hero, here to prove his worth. “You’re acting like a child. What were you trying to accomplish by that statement? Did you want to make me feel bad about myself? Want to get me angry?” He allowed a small smile to dance on his lips in that moment, innocent in origin. Outwardly, in the least. “You see, it’s not going to be that easy. Contrary to popular opinion, I can control myself on occasion. You simply haven’t pressed the right buttons. Besides,” he shrugged, as if making a friendly joke, “who are you to talk? Wasn’t it your team that lost that game?”
He knew that Aaron had had a say in the play, or at least, that was his supposition. Saskia had proven herself to be a wise Captain, which had made her move in the game even more shocking. It hadn’t been hard, upon pondering in the Hospital Wing, who had been behind such an ill-thought strategy. “I found it interesting, how Saskia had chosen to rid me of the game first,” he would utter in interest. “Not exactly strategic, don’t you think? I guess you wouldn’t know, you’ve never been behind the plays. But, in the case that you ever are,” he smiled sweetly, as if doing the boy a massive favor, “I’d learn from your predecessor’s mistakes. What if that bludger had been aimed at Evelynn, instead of I? Reid’s an excellent shot. You all very well could have won that game.” His words, though uttered in a friendly fashion, were far from innocent. Rafael was digging the knife in, only acting as if he was unaware. People thought he was dumb – and in ways, he was – but in getting under people’s skin, provoking those he disliked? He’d had plenty of practice in such an art, living on the streets of Buenas Aires. A hidden secret of his, one he would do well to keep under wraps. “There was absolutely no strategic advantage in taking me out. What, I’m the Captain? I’d already gone over strategy in the locker room. Everyone knew the drill way before we’d even gotten on the field.” He looked up at Aaron once more, a bright smile alight on his features. “The team may have lost one of their best chasers, but it was a small, recoverable loss. As opposed to a beater, or God forbid a seeker.”
He could have stopped there, but no. The words were flowing smooth upon his lips, the detriment becoming all too fun a game for the young Captain to play. Perhaps he was more Slytherin than he thought. “I could have sent a bludger at you, at that,” he added with an innocent shrug. A statement, not a threat. “It would have been all too easy to knock you out of the air. Yet, it would have been unprofessional. Messy. A bad strategy, one that would have jeopardized my team.” An insult, veiled by his supposed ignorance to the situation. “A good Captain knows better. ‘Sassy’, letting emotions get in the way of ‘her’ game? Rookie mistake. Most likely what cost Hufflepuff that game. But by all means.” He shrugged, bringing his dialogue to a close. “Continue to bask at my hospitalization. I can’t bring myself to have any hard feelings. Haven’t lost a game for my team, after all. Isn’t that what matters?” A double attempt at Aaron’s mental fortress, one to let Aaron know that he owed the Captain, and another to make him look inferior. Of course, Rafael knew nothing about his supposed insults. After all, he wasn’t in the Hufflepuff Strategy room, now, was he? However, they both knew he wasn’t talking about Sassy.
It was all too obvious that Aaron was against Rafa’s taking of Lydia to the Ball. A real shame in hindsight, but that wasn’t to say that the interaction was unsalvageable. On the contrary, there could be fruit yet to reap. If he were to get Aaron angry, he would have an interesting story to tell the beautiful Lydia later. Aaron thought the boy was stupid? Let him think what he wanted. Rafa would make quick work of this one – after all, it wasn’t as if Aaron were doing much to hide his own emotions. Rafael could take a hit. Could Aaron take the shame of losing Lydia to brash, stupid actions? The boy would only find out with time. However, he wouldn’t ponder this further, only begin a new plot of dialogue. “Are you sure this is the kind of behavior you want around Lydia?” he asked tentatively, brow raising as a concern danced in the boy’s eyes. Perhaps his words would instill self-doubt. Or maybe they wouldn’t. Either way, an attempt was an attempt. And, to the outward eye, it looked as if his emotion was legitimate. “Insults and ill-willed intentions? Does she know about this side of you?” He would purse his lips, almost feigning a distinct sort of worry. “I can’t help but feel worry for the girl. Knowing how her friends act behind closed doors…” and, finally, ending his words with a very well-hidden threat, which would most likely be evident to the boy in front of him. Though, whether or not his opponent picked up on the ill-will intended, had everything to do with his intellect. Either way, Rafael was having fun with this one. What would Aaron counter with? His words? Or his fists? [/font]
[/font]OOC • Sassy, if you read this, I'm sorry! It's my evil bb talking, not me~
I probably haven't collected my allowance yet.
11 Jun 2020, 01:16
Stealing Your Girl
Rafael was a fantastic actor. Every word and expression carefully chosen. Every tone of voice delicately executed. It probably would've fooled anyone who didn't already have their mind made up about him. Aaron was one of the latter, though, and didn't believe a single sigh or defensive tone that came from the Gryffindor's mouth.
"....It’s all about respecting her peers. I don’t want there to be ill will between us, not when Lydia is the collateral. It’s not fair to her."
"No ill will, huh? Then why did you suggest this place to meet?" Aaron said, gesturing to the dilapidated room. Aaron knew from the second he had read the meeting place that Rafael's intentions were not pure. No matter how much he tried to paint himself in an innocent light, only a ruffian would want to meet under the cover of broken mirrors and disgusting tile. "It's almost like you expect something unsavory to happen. Why else wouldn't you talk to me in public? And don't use Lydia as an excuse- there's plenty of places in the castle where we could avoid her and still be in public, not in the one bathroom where things are known to go sour."
"....You’re acting like a child. What were you trying to accomplish by that statement? Did you want to make me feel bad about myself? Want to get me angry? ... Contrary to popular opinion, I can control myself on occasion."
"I'm acting like a child? What do you even mean!? You're as much a child as I am!" Aaron was becoming further and further agitated. That seemed to be the theme of their meeting. Who the heck did Rafael think he was? A grown man talking down to a child? Why did he always speak so formally and with such a better-than-thou attitude? "And as a matter of fact, yeah! So what if I am trying to get you angry? People tend to show their true colors when their emotions are heightened. And it's clear you have a terrible reputation for losing your cool.. I haven't found the right buttons, huh? I'm sure I will-"
"....who are you to talk? Wasn’t it yourteam that lost that game?"
"Yeah, well, it was unofficial for a reason. At least the Hufflepuff team won where it counts. Undefeated the entire season. The only way you could win against us is through a pity match," Aaron scoffed, quick to jump to the team's defense. He technically wasn't even part of the team (yet), since he was just on the waitlist, but he wasn't going to just take Rafael's unfounded insults with a grain of salt. As dramatic as it sounds, Aaron would defend the team to his dying breath.
The next words out of Rafael's mouth earned him the unwaving ire of the Hufflepuff. He was really suggesting that Saskia Nicholson - the Quidditch Captain who had led an undefeated team to victory this year - compromised her own strategy to satiate Aaron's grudge against Rafael. How dare this boy suggest such a thing! Sure, Aaron might've joked about taking Rafael out during their strategy meeting, but it had been just that - a joke. If Saskia told the beaters to target Rafael, it was probably because he was the strongest Chaser on the Gryffindor team. The most seasoned of the players, and the one who would score the most. Maybe even because the Captain going down tended to hit the morale of the team? Of course they weren't going to be worried about the seeker in the first few minutes of the match! No one could've anticipated such a quick snitch catch! Scoring goals was more important during the beginning, so of course Chasers would be targeted. It came with the territory. For Rafael to be so paranoid as to suggest that Saskia would-
"Rafael, you better watch what you're saying. Saskia would never jeopardize the team's success for a petty grudge. She hardly knows me! Why the hell would you suggest that she would throw a game just to take you down for my sake," Aaron fumed. It was one thing to drag his own name through the mud, but he wouldn't stand for a friend to be dragged into it as well. Especially someone he looked up to as much as Saskia. They weren't the best of friends, but their shared love of Quidditch was certainly something. "As a fellow Quidditch Captain, she deserves your utmost respect. I really can't believe you're stooping to insulting her at an attempt to get at me. Poor form, Rafael."
The twelve-year-old felt his fist clench at his side. It was becoming clear to Aaron that Rafael was exactly the guy he thought he was - arrogant, selfish and pigheaded. He was arrogant enough to assume that his fall on the Quidditch Pitch meant that Aaron had pulled strings on a team he had no sway with. He was selfish enough to think that inviting Lydia to the ball was something he should talk to her friends about before her. He was pigheaded enough that Aaron's eyes were starting the play tricks on him. Was that a snout he saw forming on the boy's face? It made him really want to-
"Are you sure this is the kind of behavior you want around Lydia? Insults and ill-willed intentions? Does she know about this side of you?"
"Shut up, Rafael! This isn't about me! I can't believe she would fall for your- your stupid, prince-charming act when you're actually just a- a-" Aaron was so angry, he was starting to see red. His hand was clenched so tightly that it was becoming painful, and he needed to do something about it.
"I can’t help but feel worry for the girl. Knowing how her friends act behind closed doors…"
It seemed that Rafael had finally pressed the right combination of buttons. Before either knew what was happening, the waitlisted Hufflepuff's fist connected with the Gryffindor Captain's stupid jaw. Aaron - one, Rafael - zero.
"Screw you, D'Spacito," Aaron scoffed, shaking his hand slightly. It felt like this is where the conversation had naturally been heading. Who cares who threw the first punch? Rafael deserved to get some sense knocked into him.
As a practitioner of Taekwondo, Aaron certainly knew how to throw a punch and how to defend against them. The way he sank into a defensive position suggested that much. And he wasn't going to back down, no matter what happened next. He was already in this deep, mine as well do the job right. His fists clenched again, prepared to react to whatever the Gyrffindor did next. He couldn't remember the last time he had been this angry at someone.
@Rafael D'Spacito
"....It’s all about respecting her peers. I don’t want there to be ill will between us, not when Lydia is the collateral. It’s not fair to her."
"No ill will, huh? Then why did you suggest this place to meet?" Aaron said, gesturing to the dilapidated room. Aaron knew from the second he had read the meeting place that Rafael's intentions were not pure. No matter how much he tried to paint himself in an innocent light, only a ruffian would want to meet under the cover of broken mirrors and disgusting tile. "It's almost like you expect something unsavory to happen. Why else wouldn't you talk to me in public? And don't use Lydia as an excuse- there's plenty of places in the castle where we could avoid her and still be in public, not in the one bathroom where things are known to go sour."
"....You’re acting like a child. What were you trying to accomplish by that statement? Did you want to make me feel bad about myself? Want to get me angry? ... Contrary to popular opinion, I can control myself on occasion."
"I'm acting like a child? What do you even mean!? You're as much a child as I am!" Aaron was becoming further and further agitated. That seemed to be the theme of their meeting. Who the heck did Rafael think he was? A grown man talking down to a child? Why did he always speak so formally and with such a better-than-thou attitude? "And as a matter of fact, yeah! So what if I am trying to get you angry? People tend to show their true colors when their emotions are heightened. And it's clear you have a terrible reputation for losing your cool.. I haven't found the right buttons, huh? I'm sure I will-"
"....who are you to talk? Wasn’t it yourteam that lost that game?"
"Yeah, well, it was unofficial for a reason. At least the Hufflepuff team won where it counts. Undefeated the entire season. The only way you could win against us is through a pity match," Aaron scoffed, quick to jump to the team's defense. He technically wasn't even part of the team (yet), since he was just on the waitlist, but he wasn't going to just take Rafael's unfounded insults with a grain of salt. As dramatic as it sounds, Aaron would defend the team to his dying breath.
The next words out of Rafael's mouth earned him the unwaving ire of the Hufflepuff. He was really suggesting that Saskia Nicholson - the Quidditch Captain who had led an undefeated team to victory this year - compromised her own strategy to satiate Aaron's grudge against Rafael. How dare this boy suggest such a thing! Sure, Aaron might've joked about taking Rafael out during their strategy meeting, but it had been just that - a joke. If Saskia told the beaters to target Rafael, it was probably because he was the strongest Chaser on the Gryffindor team. The most seasoned of the players, and the one who would score the most. Maybe even because the Captain going down tended to hit the morale of the team? Of course they weren't going to be worried about the seeker in the first few minutes of the match! No one could've anticipated such a quick snitch catch! Scoring goals was more important during the beginning, so of course Chasers would be targeted. It came with the territory. For Rafael to be so paranoid as to suggest that Saskia would-
"Rafael, you better watch what you're saying. Saskia would never jeopardize the team's success for a petty grudge. She hardly knows me! Why the hell would you suggest that she would throw a game just to take you down for my sake," Aaron fumed. It was one thing to drag his own name through the mud, but he wouldn't stand for a friend to be dragged into it as well. Especially someone he looked up to as much as Saskia. They weren't the best of friends, but their shared love of Quidditch was certainly something. "As a fellow Quidditch Captain, she deserves your utmost respect. I really can't believe you're stooping to insulting her at an attempt to get at me. Poor form, Rafael."
The twelve-year-old felt his fist clench at his side. It was becoming clear to Aaron that Rafael was exactly the guy he thought he was - arrogant, selfish and pigheaded. He was arrogant enough to assume that his fall on the Quidditch Pitch meant that Aaron had pulled strings on a team he had no sway with. He was selfish enough to think that inviting Lydia to the ball was something he should talk to her friends about before her. He was pigheaded enough that Aaron's eyes were starting the play tricks on him. Was that a snout he saw forming on the boy's face? It made him really want to-
"Are you sure this is the kind of behavior you want around Lydia? Insults and ill-willed intentions? Does she know about this side of you?"
"Shut up, Rafael! This isn't about me! I can't believe she would fall for your- your stupid, prince-charming act when you're actually just a- a-" Aaron was so angry, he was starting to see red. His hand was clenched so tightly that it was becoming painful, and he needed to do something about it.
"I can’t help but feel worry for the girl. Knowing how her friends act behind closed doors…"
It seemed that Rafael had finally pressed the right combination of buttons. Before either knew what was happening, the waitlisted Hufflepuff's fist connected with the Gryffindor Captain's stupid jaw. Aaron - one, Rafael - zero.
"Screw you, D'Spacito," Aaron scoffed, shaking his hand slightly. It felt like this is where the conversation had naturally been heading. Who cares who threw the first punch? Rafael deserved to get some sense knocked into him.
As a practitioner of Taekwondo, Aaron certainly knew how to throw a punch and how to defend against them. The way he sank into a defensive position suggested that much. And he wasn't going to back down, no matter what happened next. He was already in this deep, mine as well do the job right. His fists clenched again, prepared to react to whatever the Gyrffindor did next. He couldn't remember the last time he had been this angry at someone.
@Rafael D'Spacito
PC: Aaron Jones | iNPC: Madeleine Nakamura | Former staff account: Marcus Iwasaki
2nd Gen PC: Idalia della Torre
Best way to contact me? Discord or owl Idalia