15 Jan 2020, 10:15
warm treacle
@Gem Stuart, @Alina Fridenot, & @Opeila Seilun
“Well, pardon me, but I'm not sure how that bothered you that much! Besides, it's equally rude to be just standing there eavesdropping on other people's conversations.”
"It bothers me because your behavior affects how our whole house is perceived," Jack told Alina over his shoulder. "As for eavesdropping, it's also rude to stop and stare. But I promised that not all Slytherins are as uncouth. I didn't promise that I, specifically, wasn't."
That said, he turned back to Opeila, no more relieved by her answer to his question. He scowled at her, irritated not only by the neglect of her own well-being but also by her misplaced guilt. "You're lucky I don't know any spells to put you to sleep or I'd knock you out right now," he snapped, concern causing him to lose composure.
"Is everythin' all right here?"
And then came Gem like some angel descending from the heavens.
"If you're that tired, I could brew ya up some draught of livin' death, heard that works like a charm."
"You know how to make that already?" the redhead asked, amazement saturating his voice. "Er, if it's not too much trouble...would you please? I'll make it up to you, I swear. And I'll help in any way I can." There he went, owing people favors again. And on behalf of others, too. Not to mention he'd just met this young man. What was wrong with him?
But he didn't have the luxury to worry about that now. Finding out what was wrong with Opeila came first.
“Well, pardon me, but I'm not sure how that bothered you that much! Besides, it's equally rude to be just standing there eavesdropping on other people's conversations.”
"It bothers me because your behavior affects how our whole house is perceived," Jack told Alina over his shoulder. "As for eavesdropping, it's also rude to stop and stare. But I promised that not all Slytherins are as uncouth. I didn't promise that I, specifically, wasn't."
That said, he turned back to Opeila, no more relieved by her answer to his question. He scowled at her, irritated not only by the neglect of her own well-being but also by her misplaced guilt. "You're lucky I don't know any spells to put you to sleep or I'd knock you out right now," he snapped, concern causing him to lose composure.
"Is everythin' all right here?"
And then came Gem like some angel descending from the heavens.
"If you're that tired, I could brew ya up some draught of livin' death, heard that works like a charm."
"You know how to make that already?" the redhead asked, amazement saturating his voice. "Er, if it's not too much trouble...would you please? I'll make it up to you, I swear. And I'll help in any way I can." There he went, owing people favors again. And on behalf of others, too. Not to mention he'd just met this young man. What was wrong with him?
But he didn't have the luxury to worry about that now. Finding out what was wrong with Opeila came first.
PC: Jack Burnett | iNPC: Ginyami Midorimori
15 Jan 2020, 13:50
warm treacle
The other Slytherin talked to the loud girl called Alina, while Opeila sat down on the branch again. Then Jack turned around to her again and scowled at her.
"You're lucky I don't know any spells to put you to sleep or I'd knock you out right now,", he snapped.
She gave him an indignant look. "Oh, I want to see you try.", she hissed back.
"Is everythin' all right here?", that boy called Gem said.
"Everything's fine.", Opeila said calmly.
"If you're that tired, I could brew ya up some draught of livin' death, heard that works like a charm.", he continued. Oh hell, that was the last thing she needed but Jack answered before she could.
"You know how to make that already?", he asked, sounding amazed. "Don't you dare...", Opeila said, but of course Jack already continued.
"Er, if it's not too much trouble...would you please? I'll make it up to you, I swear. And I'll help in any way I can."
Opeila couldn't believe what was happening here. Wasn't it her own business if she slept or not? What did they- or especially Jack- care? Why was he ok with owing people only because she wasn't sleeping enough? She didn't understand those boys. "Hey, forget it. I am not taking any potion." Surprised she felt fear growing inside her. If they made her drink some potion, she would sleep. And she might miss something. No, she wouldn't take a potion. She had to stay awake. At least for a few more days, until she had more information about the circumstances at home. If something happened while she was taking care of herself, she could never forgive herself. And neither Jack and Gem, if they made her drink that potion.
"You're lucky I don't know any spells to put you to sleep or I'd knock you out right now,", he snapped.
She gave him an indignant look. "Oh, I want to see you try.", she hissed back.
"Is everythin' all right here?", that boy called Gem said.
"Everything's fine.", Opeila said calmly.
"If you're that tired, I could brew ya up some draught of livin' death, heard that works like a charm.", he continued. Oh hell, that was the last thing she needed but Jack answered before she could.
"You know how to make that already?", he asked, sounding amazed. "Don't you dare...", Opeila said, but of course Jack already continued.
"Er, if it's not too much trouble...would you please? I'll make it up to you, I swear. And I'll help in any way I can."
Opeila couldn't believe what was happening here. Wasn't it her own business if she slept or not? What did they- or especially Jack- care? Why was he ok with owing people only because she wasn't sleeping enough? She didn't understand those boys. "Hey, forget it. I am not taking any potion." Surprised she felt fear growing inside her. If they made her drink some potion, she would sleep. And she might miss something. No, she wouldn't take a potion. She had to stay awake. At least for a few more days, until she had more information about the circumstances at home. If something happened while she was taking care of herself, she could never forgive herself. And neither Jack and Gem, if they made her drink that potion.
Reducio
@Alina Fridenot @Gem Stuart @Jack Burnett
15 Jan 2020, 15:31
warm treacle
“Why, thank you! No one has ever called my name pretty before!” Alina thought Gem was pretty great, though she felt like he probably didn't think the same given the way her own Housemates were treating her. She was utterly confused by their behavior and it made her feel bad for something that really wasn't that big of a deal, but all she could do was sigh. Maybe she could make it up to them, perhaps?
“Ah, I'm sorry, I guess...,” said Alina, addressing both Gem and the boy. But everyone makes mistakes—and all I did was point a finger. Besides, Gem isn't even bothered by it, Alina thought, but she figured it would only hurt her case to say that aloud. It made her sad, though, that someone who wasn't even in her own House was treating her better than her own Slytherins.
Everyone's focus turned to the girl who Alina could now tell was actually sick? What on Earth is she doing out here, then? Especially on trees? But her confusion was masked by a smile as her eyes darted around the scene. Gem offered the girl, who was possibly named Seilun, a potion, which made Alina shoot him a glance. She agreed with the other boy on how nice that was. She wished she could do something very useful like that but Alina could only offer her kindest words at the moment.
After the two Slytherins finished their playful banter, Alina said, “Er, wouldn't it be better to get you inside? I don't think the cold is doing you to well...maybe sitting by a fire will help!” Her brows furrowed in genuine concern; she still cared for them despite how much they seemed to reject her. “I know how to make a nice hot cocoa!”
“Ah, I'm sorry, I guess...,” said Alina, addressing both Gem and the boy. But everyone makes mistakes—and all I did was point a finger. Besides, Gem isn't even bothered by it, Alina thought, but she figured it would only hurt her case to say that aloud. It made her sad, though, that someone who wasn't even in her own House was treating her better than her own Slytherins.
Everyone's focus turned to the girl who Alina could now tell was actually sick? What on Earth is she doing out here, then? Especially on trees? But her confusion was masked by a smile as her eyes darted around the scene. Gem offered the girl, who was possibly named Seilun, a potion, which made Alina shoot him a glance. She agreed with the other boy on how nice that was. She wished she could do something very useful like that but Alina could only offer her kindest words at the moment.
After the two Slytherins finished their playful banter, Alina said, “Er, wouldn't it be better to get you inside? I don't think the cold is doing you to well...maybe sitting by a fire will help!” Her brows furrowed in genuine concern; she still cared for them despite how much they seemed to reject her. “I know how to make a nice hot cocoa!”
15 Jan 2020, 17:08
warm treacle
@Jack Burnett, @Opeila Seilun & @Alina FridenotGem was a bit taken aback by the collective agreement for the potion - he had only been joking, that brew was too risky to even bother touching. A side glance at Jack expressed that, yes, objectively he could brew it because he'd read about how, but no, he wouldn't be doing that because he refused to be responsible for someone's death and/or eternal slumber. In spite of that, the idea of breaking the rules to make an advanced potion did seem kinda cool... something to consider.
"You know, if ya don't sleep, you might as well drop out of Hogwarts. I mean - unless you've got high energy, but aside from that... I fink you might drop dead. What's so important that you've got to be up for two days for, anyweh?" He scratched behind his ear, mostly a sheepish movement - he didn't know any of these people, and here he was, poking and prodding for an answer. She seemed disoriented, two days of anxiety without rest wasn't very good for much of anyone, especially not an eleven year old girl.
"I do fink that at least a nap would do ya right, relaxing and all. I don't know if I can be ov any help, but... well, I mean, I could try," He spoke softly from then on, mostly nervous he'd make the wrong move and say something stupid in front of the house with the meanest reputation. Though, the more he looked at it, the less threatened he felt - they were quite empathetic, Jack was polite, Opelia was... well, kind, as far as he could tell, and Alina seemed like she had good intentions. Again, it was all about reminding himself that they were human, too.
"Is somefin' wrong?" His voice was more hushed, leaning down to sort of meet her height so no one outside the little half-circle they'd made around her could hear. "Maybeh we could counsel you a bit, there's gotta be sumfin' bad if its kept you up for two days."
What really knocks me out is a book that, when you're all done reading it, you wish the author that wrote it was a terrific friend of yours and you could call him up on the phone whenever you felt like it. That doesn't happen much, though.
15 Jan 2020, 17:46
warm treacle
@Gem Stuart, @Alina Fridenot, & @Opeila Seilun
The look that Gem threw Jack caused the redhead's complexion to turn nearly as ruddy as his hair. How could he have been so stupid? Of course Gem had been joking; the Draught of Living Death wasn't just any Sleeping Draught. In his panic, however, the Slytherin boy had been ready to try anything.
It was then Jack realized one of his worst fears was beginning to come true. He was starting to care too much and it was corrupting his sense of reason. How could this have happened? How had he let this happen? He had thought he'd been so careful for the past few months!
As he turned aside to deal with his inner conflict, ashamed of himself, Gem and Alina offered their own advice to Opeila. They weren't like him, though. They didn't go out of their way to purposely avoid being kind to others and having kindness inflicted on them in turn. They didn't understand how utterly devestating it could be; few seemed to until it was too late.
"Hey, forget it. I am not taking any potion."
Upon hearing her statement, all the annoyance and concern Jack felt toward Opeila combined with the fear and anger he felt toward himself, particularly his terrified outrage at the fact that he had been concerned for the girl at all. He had to stop this nonsense before it went any farther than it already had.
"You know what?" the redhead told her, meeting Opeila's gaze with a hard one of his own. His words, though spoken softly and politely, were cold and carried an undertone of intense loathing - though for who or what, it was hard to say. "I'm sorry for not minding my own business. I forgot you had your secrets. It's not like we're friends or anything, so I'll leave you be."
It was the cleanest way he could think to sever whatever ties they might have had aside from housemates - ties that had crept up on him without him even having realized. He nodded to the others in acknowledgement of their efforts. "Good day and good luck." With that, Jack turned on his heel to go indoors, tugging his robes tighter around him to conceal his trembling.
The look that Gem threw Jack caused the redhead's complexion to turn nearly as ruddy as his hair. How could he have been so stupid? Of course Gem had been joking; the Draught of Living Death wasn't just any Sleeping Draught. In his panic, however, the Slytherin boy had been ready to try anything.
It was then Jack realized one of his worst fears was beginning to come true. He was starting to care too much and it was corrupting his sense of reason. How could this have happened? How had he let this happen? He had thought he'd been so careful for the past few months!
As he turned aside to deal with his inner conflict, ashamed of himself, Gem and Alina offered their own advice to Opeila. They weren't like him, though. They didn't go out of their way to purposely avoid being kind to others and having kindness inflicted on them in turn. They didn't understand how utterly devestating it could be; few seemed to until it was too late.
"Hey, forget it. I am not taking any potion."
Upon hearing her statement, all the annoyance and concern Jack felt toward Opeila combined with the fear and anger he felt toward himself, particularly his terrified outrage at the fact that he had been concerned for the girl at all. He had to stop this nonsense before it went any farther than it already had.
"You know what?" the redhead told her, meeting Opeila's gaze with a hard one of his own. His words, though spoken softly and politely, were cold and carried an undertone of intense loathing - though for who or what, it was hard to say. "I'm sorry for not minding my own business. I forgot you had your secrets. It's not like we're friends or anything, so I'll leave you be."
It was the cleanest way he could think to sever whatever ties they might have had aside from housemates - ties that had crept up on him without him even having realized. He nodded to the others in acknowledgement of their efforts. "Good day and good luck." With that, Jack turned on his heel to go indoors, tugging his robes tighter around him to conceal his trembling.
PC: Jack Burnett | iNPC: Ginyami Midorimori
15 Jan 2020, 18:12
warm treacle
@Jack BurnettGem hadn't expected that from Jack at all, considering the previous interaction he had had with Opelia before. He seemed frustrated and upset - for what, her not telling him something? Was their relationship that complicated? His eyes must've betrayed him, because they were all big again, watching Jack saunter off like that. For a moment, he considered his options - who mattered more, and who could help who more? It was times like these he wished he could make a clone of himself so he could handle both situations the way he wanted to.
"Ehm- I'm... I'm gonna go see what his deal is. Boy talk, y'know? Ha. Uh, yeh-" He didn't stay long enough for the awkwardness that lingered to affect him, and instead sped-walked over to the redhead, who was... really fast, damn it.
"Mate, hold on!" He sped up, jogging so he met his acquaintance's speed. "Wot happened back there? Didn't even give her a change ta explain herse- are you all right?" He blinked back, tucking some brown hair behind his ear. He hoped his air wasn't aggressive, the last thing he needed was an enemy, but... it seemed so sudden. Gem was sensitive, he could empathize with this guy, right? He hated pity, he didn't see why Jack wouldn't hate it, either.
What really knocks me out is a book that, when you're all done reading it, you wish the author that wrote it was a terrific friend of yours and you could call him up on the phone whenever you felt like it. That doesn't happen much, though.
15 Jan 2020, 18:29
warm treacle
"You know what? I'm sorry for not minding my own business. I forgot you had your secrets. It's not like we're friends or anything, so I'll leave you be.", Jack said and turned away from her.
All the tiredness left Opeilas body as she felt how a cold feeling spread through her limbs. "Hey!" She followed Jack and Gem, grabbed the Slytherin's sleeve and forced him to stop. Exhausted as she was, when she was angry she could still look as dangerous as a lion.
"Don't you dare walk away from me like that!" Her voice wasn't friendly at all. She looked at the Ravenclaw. "That's what I intend to do right now. Would you give us a moment?" She really had to control her voice to stay calm. After all, this had nothing to do with Gem, so no need to be rude.
"Are you actually angry with me for having secrets? Like you don't?
Sorry for thinking that we are friends, because I did. That doesn't mean that I will react friendly when someone says that he would knock me out with a spell if he could! And then agrees with trying a dangerous potion on me!" That hurt her the most, also because of her past with potions. And her present pain that was also caused by a potion. Her voice got quieter. "Honestly, I don't know what you expect after the one or two weeks I know you. Did you expect me to share all my secrets with you? I don't know if you remember but I shared my worst fear with you and only you. No one else can say that about themselves, except maybe my family. Isn't that enough for now? If this means nothing to you, fine. Then go. Sorry for trusting you. Sorry for liking you. I thought we were somehow alike.
Or is there another reason for pushing me away?" She indeed had noticed his change of mood a minute ago. "Maybe I am projecting now, but I think you are just as afraid of caring as I am. Or more. But I am trying. You shut down. Because if our conversation ago was the only reason for this, you would be behaving really childish. And I don't think you are someone to be childish in serious situation.
Just so you know, I am telling you this because I don't want to lose you."
Her voice was less more than a wisper in the end. She stepped aside. "But if it doesn't mean anything to you, go." But then, he wouldn't need to come back. He was being ridiculous and Opeila believed that he knew it.
Still she hoped that he would stay. And not make a fool of her after telling him her thoughts.
All the tiredness left Opeilas body as she felt how a cold feeling spread through her limbs. "Hey!" She followed Jack and Gem, grabbed the Slytherin's sleeve and forced him to stop. Exhausted as she was, when she was angry she could still look as dangerous as a lion.
"Don't you dare walk away from me like that!" Her voice wasn't friendly at all. She looked at the Ravenclaw. "That's what I intend to do right now. Would you give us a moment?" She really had to control her voice to stay calm. After all, this had nothing to do with Gem, so no need to be rude.
"Are you actually angry with me for having secrets? Like you don't?
Sorry for thinking that we are friends, because I did. That doesn't mean that I will react friendly when someone says that he would knock me out with a spell if he could! And then agrees with trying a dangerous potion on me!" That hurt her the most, also because of her past with potions. And her present pain that was also caused by a potion. Her voice got quieter. "Honestly, I don't know what you expect after the one or two weeks I know you. Did you expect me to share all my secrets with you? I don't know if you remember but I shared my worst fear with you and only you. No one else can say that about themselves, except maybe my family. Isn't that enough for now? If this means nothing to you, fine. Then go. Sorry for trusting you. Sorry for liking you. I thought we were somehow alike.
Or is there another reason for pushing me away?" She indeed had noticed his change of mood a minute ago. "Maybe I am projecting now, but I think you are just as afraid of caring as I am. Or more. But I am trying. You shut down. Because if our conversation ago was the only reason for this, you would be behaving really childish. And I don't think you are someone to be childish in serious situation.
Just so you know, I am telling you this because I don't want to lose you."
Her voice was less more than a wisper in the end. She stepped aside. "But if it doesn't mean anything to you, go." But then, he wouldn't need to come back. He was being ridiculous and Opeila believed that he knew it.
Still she hoped that he would stay. And not make a fool of her after telling him her thoughts.
Reducio
@Jack Burnett
15 Jan 2020, 19:03
warm treacle
@Gem Stuart, @Alina Fridenot, & @Opeila Seilun
Jack felt the blood freeze in his veins when Opeila grabbed a hold of his sleeve. He had hoped not to make any more of a scene, but it seemed it was too late for that. Even so, he couldn't bring himself to look at her. And he couldn't stop trembling. It was all he could do to keep the tremor out of his voice as he stared straight ahead while replying to the Slytherin girl.
"I'm not angry with you for having secrets," he told her calmly. "But I don't have friends. I make sure I don't have friends." The shaking of his hand increased and he carefully removed his arm from his sleeve to ensure Opeila didn't feel it through the fabric of his robes.
Closing his eyes, he exhaled a deep sigh as he searched for the strength to continue. "I should have told you from the beginning, but I never thought it would get this...this bad. Please don't take it personally." Swallowing hard, he tried to get rid of the knot in his throat, but to no avail. So he continued.
"The fact is that friends will only hurt you, Seilun. Always. It doesn't matter what their intentions are; in fact, those with the best intentions and who care the most usually end up hurting you the most."
Involuntarily, his gaze flickered to Gem as his thoughts did, but he quickly looked away again. "I'm sorry you chose me to confide in," he apologized again, bowing his head so his disheaveled bangs could veil his darkened face. "You picked the wrong person - to like and to trust."
Jack abandoned his robes completely, leaving them in Opeila's grasp as he wrapped his arms about himself in defense against the frigid air and briskly began to walk away once more. "I'm sorry," a whisper escaped under his breath. This is how it has to be. For both our sakes.
Jack felt the blood freeze in his veins when Opeila grabbed a hold of his sleeve. He had hoped not to make any more of a scene, but it seemed it was too late for that. Even so, he couldn't bring himself to look at her. And he couldn't stop trembling. It was all he could do to keep the tremor out of his voice as he stared straight ahead while replying to the Slytherin girl.
"I'm not angry with you for having secrets," he told her calmly. "But I don't have friends. I make sure I don't have friends." The shaking of his hand increased and he carefully removed his arm from his sleeve to ensure Opeila didn't feel it through the fabric of his robes.
Closing his eyes, he exhaled a deep sigh as he searched for the strength to continue. "I should have told you from the beginning, but I never thought it would get this...this bad. Please don't take it personally." Swallowing hard, he tried to get rid of the knot in his throat, but to no avail. So he continued.
"The fact is that friends will only hurt you, Seilun. Always. It doesn't matter what their intentions are; in fact, those with the best intentions and who care the most usually end up hurting you the most."
Involuntarily, his gaze flickered to Gem as his thoughts did, but he quickly looked away again. "I'm sorry you chose me to confide in," he apologized again, bowing his head so his disheaveled bangs could veil his darkened face. "You picked the wrong person - to like and to trust."
Jack abandoned his robes completely, leaving them in Opeila's grasp as he wrapped his arms about himself in defense against the frigid air and briskly began to walk away once more. "I'm sorry," a whisper escaped under his breath. This is how it has to be. For both our sakes.
PC: Jack Burnett | iNPC: Ginyami Midorimori
15 Jan 2020, 19:20
warm treacle
Alina was quickly made aware of how useless she was in this situation. No one was really paying her any mind, even though she was trying to be as helpful as possible to make up for her previous actions. Her smile faltered and was replaced with a deep frown as she battled with staying bright and happy, like she usually did. But it was so hard!
Things suddenly got deep, too. When she realized that Gem had been joking about the potion she meant to laugh but then all of a sudden things just went south; the Slytherin boy stormed away after saying something to the girl. His voice was laced with anger and emotions, and that made her feel bad for him. Was this school and it's inhabitants taking that much of a toll on the student body? If only she could say something to make it better.
But she only felt like her presence was making it worse. Alina wanted to speak but instead just sighed again and started to walk away. This conversation was none of her business and there was honestly no point in her being here. Her skin prickled the way it usually did when she was extremely uncomfortable and possibly upset, and she hated the feeling so much. Maybe she would venture into the library, where she could find someone or something else to entertain her. She was in the mood for fun, not...this.
“I have to go...but I do hope you feel better, Seilun!” Alina waved at Gem and the other boy before racing away, wanting to get away from the cold as quickly as possible.
Things suddenly got deep, too. When she realized that Gem had been joking about the potion she meant to laugh but then all of a sudden things just went south; the Slytherin boy stormed away after saying something to the girl. His voice was laced with anger and emotions, and that made her feel bad for him. Was this school and it's inhabitants taking that much of a toll on the student body? If only she could say something to make it better.
But she only felt like her presence was making it worse. Alina wanted to speak but instead just sighed again and started to walk away. This conversation was none of her business and there was honestly no point in her being here. Her skin prickled the way it usually did when she was extremely uncomfortable and possibly upset, and she hated the feeling so much. Maybe she would venture into the library, where she could find someone or something else to entertain her. She was in the mood for fun, not...this.
“I have to go...but I do hope you feel better, Seilun!” Alina waved at Gem and the other boy before racing away, wanting to get away from the cold as quickly as possible.
Alina Fridenot has left the thread.
15 Jan 2020, 19:35
warm treacle
He couldn't look at her. That was the only thing keeping her legs from stopping to carry her. He didn't want this either. She couldn't believe that he was still doing this. Unable to think straight, she blinked. "So that's it?" Her hands started to shake as well but she didn't even try to hide it. Would she lose everything now? She hadn't even noticed that the fact, that Jack knew at least a part of her worries, was encouraging her to fight them. She hadn't felt alone, but now that he was just aboud to end that kind of friendship they had, she felt this emptyness like she never did before.
"I'm not angry with you for having secrets. But I don't have friends. I make sure I don't have friends."
Opeila just shook her head. This was too stupid.
"I should have told you from the beginning, but I never thought it would get this...this bad. Please don't take it personally."
"Then... How am I supposed to take it, Burnett? How am I supposed to take after it had been you, offering your help to me up there in the Astronomy Tower. You never did a lot to keep it small, you know? Don't act like this is all unexpected to you." She did her best to keep her voice calm and she was sure that he could hear it.
"The fact is that friends will only hurt you, Seilun. Always. It doesn't matter what their intentions are; in fact, those with the best intentions and who care the most usually end up hurting you the most."
"Yeah, Burnett, you just reminded me how true this is. Except one thing. It is not the people with the best intentions who get you hurt. It is the cowards with the best intentions. You are being a coward, Jack Burnett, and you know it. You don't want this conversation any more than I do, so why are you doing this? To me and yourself?"
"I'm sorry you chose me to confide in. You picked the wrong person - to like and to trust."
Opeila shook her head. "Don't you dare apologize. I am not accepting it." Tears. There they were. She was surprised that she didn't have to fight them earlier.
Then he ran away, leaving his robe behind. Opeila looked after him, hurt, angry, lost. "You stupid coward..." Her voice was trembling and she couldn't hold her tears back anymore.
"I'm not angry with you for having secrets. But I don't have friends. I make sure I don't have friends."
Opeila just shook her head. This was too stupid.
"I should have told you from the beginning, but I never thought it would get this...this bad. Please don't take it personally."
"Then... How am I supposed to take it, Burnett? How am I supposed to take after it had been you, offering your help to me up there in the Astronomy Tower. You never did a lot to keep it small, you know? Don't act like this is all unexpected to you." She did her best to keep her voice calm and she was sure that he could hear it.
"The fact is that friends will only hurt you, Seilun. Always. It doesn't matter what their intentions are; in fact, those with the best intentions and who care the most usually end up hurting you the most."
"Yeah, Burnett, you just reminded me how true this is. Except one thing. It is not the people with the best intentions who get you hurt. It is the cowards with the best intentions. You are being a coward, Jack Burnett, and you know it. You don't want this conversation any more than I do, so why are you doing this? To me and yourself?"
"I'm sorry you chose me to confide in. You picked the wrong person - to like and to trust."
Opeila shook her head. "Don't you dare apologize. I am not accepting it." Tears. There they were. She was surprised that she didn't have to fight them earlier.
Then he ran away, leaving his robe behind. Opeila looked after him, hurt, angry, lost. "You stupid coward..." Her voice was trembling and she couldn't hold her tears back anymore.
Reducio
@Jack Burnett