[Library] We need to talk (Dax)

[Sophie Hargreaves]

Sophie sat awaiting a very important someone, well not to her she liked to think, but in a way he still did, unfortunately, hold a special place in her heart, though she would of course never admit to such a thing. It had been her apparently ‘bright’ idea to trick Dax into a meeting with her; soon she would be paying the price for such a rash decision. But she had been clever in organising it, Dax wouldn’t realise he was to be meeting her until he arrived here in the revered Library. If he had the wits he really would have realised the unlikelihood of Will choosing the Library to meet up to go off for a long jaunt. Will would rarely set foot in here, that’s why it was the perfect place as she really didn’t want his prying ears and abnormally large mouth butting into the important conversation that would take place shortly. Knowing Will’s hand writing almost as well as her own, it had been an easy task to scrawl up a note requesting Dax go for a small adventure with him.
Smiling to herself as she waited she thought on just how easy it had been. All she had required was ink and parchment, rough scruffy parchment at that as Will of course didn’t have any of good quality except when he was writing to ask a girl out, she knew that from experience. He had a way of trying mostly unsuccessfully to “woo” the lady’s as he would say. She really did make him laugh with his ambitious nature; thinking he could have any girl so long as he tried hard enough. Perhaps that was true she admitted begrudgingly but thankfully he rarely did try for long enough. Even writing using Will’s mannerisms and lack of decent grammar hadn’t been difficult, as she spent a lot of time with her good friend. Now she just awaited the arrival of Dax whom she was now quite nervous about seeing, though she had planned thoroughly how to get him there, she now realised with a sinking feeling that she hadn’t really thought of what to say to keep him there. Thinking that on seeing her he would promptly try to run away as all lads did; especially Dax who hated confrontation and a decent chat.
Not for the first time she wondered quite why she did want to meet up with him, it would likely end up in a fight, with her in tears and him blushing bashfully, but they both needed the talk though she knew he would never admit it, being a pig headed stubborn mule when he wanted to be. But he could also be so sweet and kind, that side came through more than the other thankfully and she liked Dax, but as a friend only she kept telling herself.
With butterflies now buzzing around her stomach she waited anxiously for him and her usual nervous habit emerged with her twiddling her wand persistently through her fingers. It was clear to all to see that she wasn’t looking forward to this.

[Dax Simmons]

Dax strolled into the Library with a grin on his face. It has been a while since he had seen Will, and having forgiven him for the duel he was exited when he received the letter. However he did find it strange that he got a letter, Will normally comes and talks to him straight away but situations had changed. Looking around the Library carefully Dax could not see Will at all, in fact he could only Sophie.

Horror filled Dax’s face. His mouth opened, his eyes grew wide. This was not good. Nervously looking over his shoulder he waited to see if Will would jump out of the shadows laughing, or whether Loren would come walking around the corner. With a quick glance over at Sophie, she seemed to be calling him over with a smug smile on her face. Dax could feel his stomach churn and all the blood left his face making him look more white then the Bloody Barren. Giving a small nervous laugh Dax walked over toward the Gryffindor.

“Hello…Soph...what I surprise to see you here. I was loo…looking for Will.”

Stuttering Dax just about managed to get his words out, before his throat dried up so much that no understandable sentence could have been produced

[Sophie Hargreaves]

Sophie smiled rather smugly as Dax looked around in absolute confusion, she did like a plan to go well. He didn't even try to run off either, patting the seat next to her, beckoning him onwards she liked having the effect that made him stutter, though more often that not she prefered for Dax to pull himself together.
"I'm afraid Will isn't here, though I'm sure he'll turn up soon, are you meeting him or something?" She asked sweetly enjoying pushing the dagger in. She had quite frankly embarrassed her to high heaven and she planned to not let him off lightly. Suddenly kissing her like that had been crazy, and she wanted to tell him just that, but then again he was so sweet, no she wouldn't let such thoughts enter her head, she chided herself inwardly, there was absolutely no way she would fall for Dax.
"Sit down Dax," she ordered authoratitively, "don't stand there like a complete fool, now as I'm sure you've been thinking, we could probably do with a little chat. So whilst you wait for Will, why don't we just talk eh?" She was in no mood to beat about the bush so began as Dax still looked thoroughly confused. Rolling her eyes she twiddled her wand more furiously through her fingers, though didn't realise it.
"Why the hell did you do that?" She whispered furiously knowing he knew precisely what she meant, "I don't hear anything from you for years, not a jot then you think, you're stupid enough to think you can pick up from where we left off? Is that it? Just going to use me when you feel the need? Wanted to make that other girl jealous was that it?" She fired her continous questions furiously at Dax her eyes flashing dangerously and keeping him rooted to the spot.
"Well Simmons" she positively spat his name "you've, you've..." She became too annoyed to get her words out, thankfully Dax interupted. Knowing he had a way with words she wondered how he would crawl out of this hole.

[Dax Simmons]

Dax sat down opposite Sophie, his mouth hanging open slightly. He was running through the situation in his mind and had come to the conclusion that this was a set up. Then he noticed the anger filling Sophie in the face, as she stuttered with her words Dax looked straight at her and thought it best to take over before she screamed down the whole Library. Dax raised his hand almost as if you would to stop a charging bull and with a deep breath took hold of the horns and fight back.

“What, was the kiss not good for you? I have to admit there was no passion, but like you said after years you can not expect there to be.”

Dax could not help out smile. He had learnt now that for him to move on and in doing so he had to become his old self once more. His Gran had pointed out to him that he could not looked to much on the past. With a small wink at Sophie Dax leaned closer to her and his voice dropt into a silent whisper.

“We have no were to pick up from. I was left standing alone at the ball while you went off with Will. But you have to admit since the kiss I bet Will has been paying you more attention then before. All that jealousy, he would be in his element.”

[Sophie Hargreaves]

Now it was Sophie's turn to be gobsmacked, giving a little indigant huff and sigh she crossed her arms and sat back looking keenly at Dax to see whether his uttered words were really the truth. Opening her mouth she was about to retort furiously when she thought better of it and clamped her mouth shut. Mulling over his words she sat glaring a look of absolute shock upon her brow, she was so utterly confused. This really wasn't how she had remembered Dax, had he changed that much? She couldn't help but wonder,
"why you caniving little twirp," she managed to say through gritted teeth. She couldn't stand the way he was acting so cooly and professionally, there was so little emotion to his voice it startled her exceedingly. Trying to pull herself together she found herself totally incapable for a many moments, eventually she broke the silence that Dax had been happy to let settle.
"I...I didn't want that, that," she stumbled over her words over her words a great deal which was very unlike her, though stupid men did seem to have this effect when she least wanted and expected it. "You know what I mean," she furiously, why was she suddenly incapable of uttering such a simple word as kiss? Her wand now flew through her fingers becomign almost a blur to the eye, it was clear from her expressions, stance and mannerisms that she was much put out and couldn't articulate herself at all. Grinding her teeth in frustration with a look of pure loathing and wrath encompassing her visage she muttered angrily under her breath
"why the hell does he have this effect?" Now she had lost her apparent advantage from the meeting entirely and sorely wished she hadn't started it in the first place.
"Simmons, I don't want to pick up anything with either of you, the two of you are...insufferable, a bloody nuisance," she said now gathering more momentum once more.
"How dare you even suggest you, planned all this," she grated gesturing wildly at the present agonising situation. Still Dax had kept quiet seemingly enjoying her anguish, prefering harsh words to complete silence she continued now with glee in her voice to prove him wrong, though a trace of regret too, "And as a matter of fact, he's paid less attention to me," Sighing wearily she sat back in an apparent huff, arms crossed the perfect picture of annoyance.

[Dax Simmons]

Dax actually started to feel sorry for Sophie, then his mind moved on to Loren. Everything that was said, that was done everything that Dax had done. Raising his hand to his mouth Dax thought hard about what had happened and how he was only thinking about himself. He could not help but laugh, he was being so pigheaded. As his mind zoned back into the Library and the person in front of him Dax gave her a small smile.

“Soph, I guess the only thing I can say is sorry. For everything I have done, I have hurt you so much and I looked over it because I…I guess I did not want to admit it was my fault.” He ran his hand through his hair and took in a deep breath, not moving his gaze off the Gryffindor. His heart was pounding and he knew that tears were once again building up in his eyes. Fighting them off Dax looked down at the table.

“You deserve more then my words of forgiveness. Is there anything I can do for you? Anything to make up for the jerk I have been…Maybe put in a good word for you with Will…or any other guy that is.”

[Sophie Hargreaves]

Again Sophie was taken aback by Dax's response, he was so changeable it had her on edge, one minute she was furious with him, the next he became sweet again, now this. It made her feel so guilty, she'd always had the hidden guilt, kept locked away for nobody to ever see, but now he brought it to the fore.
"wha...what," she managed to utter totally gobsmacked by his sudden apology. She had never in her wildest dreams expected one, the guilt had eaten her up inside, the reality that she was really the cruel one was more than she could bear, now he brought her emotions gushing out once more. His unwavering gaze now unsettled her completely and she found she couldn't maintain eye contact, rather she looked away apparently faining disinterest. But after a moment she risked a glance, and saw tears brimming in his eyes, this was far more than she could take and tears inevitably sprang to her own. Looking warily at him she tried to console him with the words
"you're not really a jerk Dax" far from it she thought ironically, how he had slipped through her fingers. His last words did make her laugh though "I don't think so, but thankyou," but she found the laughter turned at once to tears, that fell streaming down her cheeks within seconds. Turning away and burying her face in her hands she wanted to explain to Dax how badly she had in fact treated him, she had left him without a second thought and potentially broken his heart.
"Oh Dax," She cried in utter anguish. Emotions flew through her, but she found herself once again incapable of engaging in coversation. He must think her such a silly little girl, and perhaps she really still was and ever would be.

[Dax Simmons]

As the tears rolled down Sophie’s face and she began to wail, Dax could not help put give a look over his shoulder hoping they would not be kicked out of the Library. Looking back at the distorted girl he knew he had to do something. Reaching out his hand he took hold of hers and slowly rubbed his thumb over her hand, in hope it would help calm her down.
I knew it would be best if he was on the other side of the table, giving her a shoulder to cry on, but what if someone saw. What if they told Loren. No time amount of ‘time’ would ever make it up. In the most claming voice Dax could manage, fighting against the nervous and worry he tried to reason with Sophie.

“Soph, please…don’t cry. I’m sorry. I was selfish and only thought of myself. I did not think that if I kissed you it would have so many implications. Will really likes you, and it hurt him to see his best mate betray him…Loren.” It hurt thinking about Loren, even saying her name send a stabbing pain through his heart. “Well we all know what happened there. But you, I did not stop to think.”

His grip around her hand tightened. Then with his other free hand he slowly raised up Sophie’s face she he could look at her once more.
“I’m sorry.”

[Sophie Hargreaves]

As Dax tried in vain to comfort Sophie she couldn't help but cry all the more, he was being so sweet, when the sheer reality that she had tried to hide all these years, was that she was really in the wrong. She had been unfaithful and dumped him within moments, she had tried wrongly to tell herself that she hadn't broken his heart at all, but what if she had? In utter confusion tried to stifle the crying succeeding in only dampening it to a wimper rather than the wail that had emitted before. Searching in vain for a tissue from her robe pockets, the extent of her misery was amplified by her not even having the simple and necessary tissue. Stuttering all the more feeling so choked up she murmered "bu, but...no," Unable to continue once more, she determindly wiped away her tears, dreading the state she must be in.
"Dax, I ne..never said, well, that," Shaking her head she came out with it in a gush "that I'm sorry, I'm far more guitly than you, I, well I left you without a second thought, I did love you, bu..but, oh God the two of you just get to me," she muttered, "you, it's you who's a far better man than Will will ever be, but I had my chance, with you," feeling tears appear once more "n, and I blew it," She muttered angrily at herself and her current situation.
"I hope Loren knows just how lucky she is," she murmered and looked with a sudden shocked expression at Dax realising she had uttered those words out loud.

[Dax Simmons]

Seeing the distort look on Sophie’s face Dax knew that a simple bit of hand rubbing and words of forgiveness would not be enough. But when she started to blubber her heart out, telling Dax how she truly felt, he felt the top of his ears burn and his checks turn a light shade of red. Felling nervous he rubbed the back of his neck wondering what to say. Pushing the chair out from the table he walked around the other side so he was next to Sophie. Gingerly he pulled out the old wooden chair and sat by the side of her, with a deep breath and knowing that this kind gesture could turn out wrong he stretched out his arm and placed it around her shoulders. Leaning his head closer Dax could hear the sniffles and whimpering under her breath.

“I do not think Loren cares anymore, and…and it pains me to think that once again I have lost someone I love. I loved you Sophie, and you did hurt me. But a proud 5th year would not admit it. I know these words will not comfort you, but nothing will I fear.”

He rest his head against hers and remained silent, taking in every sound she made. A few years back he would have done anything to be in this position but now he had moved on.

[Sophie Hargreaves]

As Dax moved to sit next to her Sophie felt just a little more comforted. Without thinking she rested her head on his shoulder, wiping her tears onto his robes, she wasn't in the mood to care if he minded about that. Crying now more softly into his shoudler she listened intently to his heartfelt and sincere words. "Oh Dax you are silly," She murmered so only he could hear, "She still loves you, the looks of pure hatred she gave me a testiment to that," laughing softly she added "pure daggers."
Dax had possibly unwittingly hit to the heart of the matter, Sophie really was inconsoleable, at this moment in time anyway.
"All I can say is I'm sorry Dax," she leaned away a moment and looked into his eyes, meaning to be sincere and truthful, "I'm young and foolish, and above all confused, I just can't help it." Leaning onto his shoulder once more wanting him to cradle her in his arms almost she muttered
"and you kissing me just didn't help matters, for anybody, though i must admit you're a better kisser than Will, please do brag about that," she laughed feeling a little happier now.
"He would that's for sure, he's a complete idiot, at least you only have your moments, he just seeks attention all the time," she said wearily.Yet I still love him she thought. Though she prayed that wasn't clearly obvious. It seemed unlike Dax she was still stuck in exactly the same rutt as years before.

[Dax Simmons]

Sophie lay crying on his shoulder, he could feel the water from her tears soaking through his shirt. Cradling her he turned and wrapped both his arms around her slowly rocking backwards and forwards like a parent would do with a small child. Guilt was building up inside of him, he could not believe that Sophie was actually capable of these emotions. With a violent shudder from Sophie as her emotions took hold once more Dax, tightened his grip and lightly planted a kiss on the top of her head.

“Will is not a complete idiot, he has his moments of stupidity but he is not that bad. Come on he is perfect for you. I’m just…just like the old friend you run too, the one that is kind to you, so that at some point a small crush maybe formed but…but it is nothing. Just a dam good friendship.”

Moving his shoulder slightly upwards to get Sophie to raise her head, he loosened his grip and smiled. Looking at he straight in the eyes, Dax bit his lip. He still loved Sophie as a close friend, but he could never imagine himself with anyone else then Loren, and he could not imagine Sophie with anyone who was not Will.

[Sophie Hargreaves]

Barely registering the kiss planted upon her forehead she heeded more Dax's possibly wise words. "just a friendship" she murmered, the words she had expected but always hated. She had been the one ready with those words to push off Dax, but now the roles were reversed.
"Why is he perfect for me though?" She asked herself more than Dax, but fully expected a wise answer yet again. It seemed Dax had changed so much, no longer the immature lad always following Will, but an individual far superior to his once mentor of Will. How the tables did change she thought with a small smile. But she had a bone to pick with Dax still,
"I do not always run to you. Don't be so sure of yourself Simmons," a flash of her usual temper and wit came through, but sadly for her closed up once more.
"Who says you're right? Will drives me crazy, he's still the same, but you've changed for the better, at least you try to be more mature, it falls flat on it's face a lot, but still, you've the inclination." She said with a wry little grin. Resting her head still on Dax's shoulder she draped her arms loosely around him.
"Are you saying you've a crush on me Simmons?" She asked with a laugh trying to regain her usual composure by making Dax less sure of himself.

[Dax Simmons]

Laughing lightly to himself Dax let Sophie rant away and flash through all the emotions once more. As she settled back down and wrapped her arms around him again Dax could not help put smile.

“Dear, dear Sophie, how blind you are? Think about everything you have done together. Your personalities match wonderfully. He acts so immature and you control him and he will do anything to do for you. Heck he even challenged me to a duel over you, and now you are crying on my shoulder and I bet unable to stop thinking about him.”

Dax squeezed her tightly, moving closer to her, every second feeling more at ease.
“A crush on you? Do not think so highly of yourself, as if I would cheat on….” He broke off giving a small laugh. “Well…you are always high up in my books Sophie, but I do not think our relationship would last. It would be fun but…I’m looking for different things now.”

Dax could feel the pain starting in his heart once more, he began to feel sick, his throat closed up and his eyes began to sting with tears. He was glad that Sophie could not see him in this state, and that the library was actually empty due to the warm September sun shinning outside.

[Sophie Hargreaves]

"Why are you being so shrewd all of a sudden Dax?" Asked Sophie rolling her eyes, if he could read her like an open book, what must other people be thinking? She couldn't help but wonder.
"Well somebody has to control him," she countered, "He is not constantly on my mind, he's an ignorant brute, you've no idea how he treats me, far worse than he used to," she was clearly clutching at straws now, and not wishing to accept the reality.
"You really love her don't you?" She asked slightly surprised, she had expected more of a crush and of course jealousy coming to the fore, but perhaps he wasn't so boyish. "You'd better not cheat on her Dax, cause there'd be hell to pay, if I could get my hands on you before her I would, but I think she'd have wrung your neck long before." She quite admired Loren, she seemed a fiesty and strong willed girl, much like herself, or perhaps stronger in oh so many ways, she admitted with a sinking feeling.
"You do so flatter yourself Dax, the last thing on my mind is a relationship right now," She lied, though it tasted so obvious a lie that she corrected herself instantly "well maybe a meaningful one, with someone who doesn't drive me up the wall." She sighed wearily the liklihood of such a happenstance was increasingly thin.
"Anyway who says I'm not looking for a proper relationship? I'm not after a short fling you know, like you used to be," she said more snidely trying to cover up her feelings.