Closed Distance sometimes let's you know who's worth keeping PV Katherine

Interacting with: Nate Smirnow @Haley Rose

It was a calm evening, considering that it was a Hogwarts ball. Kath focused on Nate the whole evening. It was filled with laughter, teasing and their usual games. Kath for once genuinely enjoyed her time there. Being around Nate was different for her. She could actually be a bit carefree around him yet as her stoic self she doesn't show it or you could say she hides it.

She knew that she always enjoyed being around him, the distance between them due to different schools was a pain. Katherine can't deny being attracted to Nate he’s not the classic soft rich boy. Something about them bored Katherine to death, they had no flavour and no personality of their own, Kath has a picky taste in men yet Nate had been ticking all her boxes.

Kath listened to Nate’s wishes and followed him to somewhere quieter. It’s not like she wanted to stay at the ball, she agrees with Nate about the ball turning into a huge drama. That’s what usually happens at these balls and she preferred to spend a bit more alone time with him. Kath noticed how he was headed to the courtyard, it was the best option here in Hogwarts.

She watched as he sat on the wall, Kath had a gut feeling that he didn’t just bring her here to spend the time. But maybe something was bothering him or something he couldn’t stay quiet about. She started watching him intently, Kath kept eye contact with Nate’s ocean-blue eyes trying to read him. Yet admiring how handsome he is under the moonlight.

Kath gave him a devilish smirk at his comment about how beautiful she is, Kath knew she was beautiful you could say she was cocky. But something about the comment coming from Nate made it all the better, hearing it from him felt like music to her ears. She watched as he jumped down from the wall and switched places with her, as he lifted her to sit on the wall.

She was almost at eye level with him now, Kath noticed how he looked like he was in conflict with something. So her gut feeling was right, there must be a serious conversation incoming. Right on time, Kath listened intently to what Nate would say to her. He had her full focus, Kath had a neutral face on and her sharp icy eyes focused on him.

Kath knew that he might talk about their relationship, she had expected it but didn’t show it. She kept her neutral face not showing anything. Keeping her cards close to her chest, she raised an eyebrow out of curiosity as a motion to let him go on. She could sense that having this conversation made him in a way nervous to speak to her about it.

She’d listen till the end making mental notes of everything he’d say, then would give her opinion on things. Giving him the spotlight. New Year’s Eve was a special moment, it was when they had their first kiss. The one word to describe that day is special, a highlight in one of many future highlights hopefully.

She listened as he stated that he wasn’t the type of guy for romance novels and a thousand roses on valentines. Kath replied to him in her head saying im not a religious girl but thank god for that. She had a taste of guys who are exactly like that and they just bored the shit out of her. Kath herself wasn’t that type of girl, neither was she one to crave those gestures.

If Nate had a black heart then Kath must be a saint, and everyone knows how crap that is. Nate was the last thing to have a black heart. His heart is just as pure but as Kath would like to say, Nate has a personality, unlike most guys. He was one of the one percent of guys who contained a personality and the rest of the guys just followed your 101 on how to become your basic off-brand prince charming.

She liked Nate because he had his own mind, she was drawn to this dark self he speaks about. As Kath is quite picky with guys and not just any guy that can genuinely draw her attention and hook her. The rest of his speech was completely sweet, sweet enough to bang on the walls she placed around her heart. A softness in Kath’s grey eyes would show for a millisecond only for her to gain control of herself and hide that emotional slip-up.

If anyone knew Kath, they’d know she’s extremely keen on hiding her emotions. An artist in control of herself. She isn't completely stoic as her family but only half. A part of her deep down was terrified of being hurt yet she also didn’t show it. She watched as his eyes darkened and continuing his speech.

She noticed how vulnerable he was saying this stuff to her, which gained her respect even more. As he’s not afraid to show how he truly feels. Yet she envied him for having this ability to do so freely. His words were like hot water on ice, it very slowly melted her self-control bit by bit. The main part she was waiting for was what truly bothered him.

He started telling her about the invisible distance he felt and how she was closed off. Katherine knew deep down she couldn’t deny it. It would be easier to find an eighth-world wonder than to get Kath to open up and share her emotions as freely as Nate did. You could say it was due to how she was raised as showing emotions was weak and how it’s this great big sin as her father would preach.

To get Kath to open up, it would take lots of patience and understanding with her to be extremely close and for her to trust you enough to share anything with you. But most of the time with Nate she observes and listens she doesn’t want to overshare. It’s not like she wouldn't answer him if he asked her a question, but he didn’t therefore she wouldn’t tell.

She listened as he offered her to give whatever that was between them a chance only for the price of Kath being all in. a philosophical question that Kath thought deeply into. She weighed out the situation. She was hesitant but didn’t show it either, but she knew she couldn’t let him go either. Yet her only option was to be all in with him.

Kath gave a soft smirk at his statement in the end, It was perfect, everything he said was just the right answers she wanted to hear. He ticked all the right boxes for her, showing her how he deserved a chance with her. Kath had softened her icy eyes as she looked at him, trying her best not to seem cold.

Kath moved one hand to cup Nate’s face letting her thumb caress his cheek softly. She spoke softly a simple ” Nate..”, following a gentle sigh not knowing where to start. She let her hand drop from Nate to back on the wall, She decided to start in the same order Nate had started.

Kath started” Whatever I say to you now I mean, remember I once told you I only speak the truth I don't sugarcoat anything. Whatever is on my mind I speak it with no care. You should know that well about me by now. So trust whatever I say is legit”, Kath would have a stern look in her storm-coloured eyes as she looked at Nate.

Watching every reaction he would make to her words, this wasn't an easy thing for her to do and she was trying her best. If she was lying it would be easy it would be as perfect as an act in a play it would be no sweat. But what she felt towards Nate was true, so it was harder for her to express what she wanted to say.

So she would tread carefully in this territory by reading Nate and deciding when she should soften what she’d say when she would seem too cold or harsh. She continued” I’m glad that you're not the type for rose-coloured glasses, romance novels, a thousand roses on Valentine's Day or anything like that, Cause if you were I wouldn’t have given you a second look”,

Kath had an annoyed look as she continued” I hate men who are exactly like that, they bore me to death. I can't stand them, they're bland and have no personality they seem plastic, I’d rather die than spend the rest of my life with one of them. It's like I'm personally torturing myself with a neverending loop of boredom”, She had a neutral face as she continued.

” You know why I like you, Nate? You are different from the rest, you’re like the one percent who are special out of the nighty-nine precent of dumbasses I've met. You have your own mind and personality, a personality which I must say is an attractive one. You’re passionate and caring you’re not overly sweet but a perfect balance. Your vibe attracted me and trust me I'm a picky person with people so not just anyone can grab my attention. Which means you are special, yes you might have a bit of a dark aura but that only attracts me more it doesn't repel me”, She had a soft smirk as she spoke these words.

Which quickly turned into a devilish smirk as she let out a soft chuckle” And Nate if you have a black heart then I must be a saint, and I guarantee you I’m anything but that and neither am I the girl next door or the type you bring back home to your parents, I'm not the sweet innocent type with all the rainbows and sunshine crap with all the classic romance stereotypes..”,

She paused with mischief written all over her grey eyes and continued confidently” …But I am the type who would be your ride or die as most people say, I would be the one who would cause all types of trouble with you and would be in with anything even if its pure evil, I’d be your partner in crime and would do anything for you as I have nothing to lose but as long as you show me your worth it”,


Kath had another pause the point she would least like to discuss had come up, and her expression would turn stoic” The invisible distance you talk of, I'm usually a listen-and-observe type of person but if you ask me something I'd respond. I don't overshare for many reasons but if you asked me anything I'd tell you no matter what it's about I'd answer… Listen when coming to express myself or to express how I feel its extremely difficult for me to do so for many reasons”,

Katherine cringed at herself for her last sentence, this was difficult for her yet she felt that she just sounded stupid. An unsettling feeling ran down her spine. Consequences of having the great Lucian Labrouder as a father. ” I am ready to go all in with you, but whether you want to continue or give this a chance is a decision up to you, what I can say is that you won't regret it”,

She had a calm expression to think and to decide on an idea that would comfort him a bit. She knew this conversation was no easy thing a bit more for her. An idea had popped up Maybe she would let him ask her anything he wanted to know about her and she'd answer. An easy way to bring him comfort.

A soft smirk was on her, Her icy eyes softened as she looked at him. Her eyes never left him from the start to read him well ” How about I rest your mind for you. Ask me anything your heart desires and I shall respond to you about anything and everything truthfully so we can shorten this invisible distance?”, She paused curious about what he’d ask her.

Roleplaying as Nate Smirnow from Koldovstoretz
@Katherine Labrouder

This girl was driving him crazy. And as much as it drove him crazy, at the same time he couldn't blame her. He wasn't made for big words and putting all this, his feelings, into words took him a lot to overcome and had already broken his head days before. And now he stood there, in the moonlight, pouring his damn heart out and all this girl did was look at him neutrally. That was exactly what he meant, she showed nothing of what was going on inside her. It was almost as if she didn't care. He could really have exploded at that moment, but he swallowed it and just carried on. He didn't stop talking, he finished his point. He knew deep down that her outside didn't reflect her inside but he didn't know why. Was it a protective wall? Or was he wrong and she really didn't care?

All this cost him even more effort, the more he couldn't read a single reaction in her face. Was she even listening to him? Did she even understand what he had to say or was he really that bad with his words? He felt like a little boy who didn't have the vocabulary to express what was bothering him. But now there was no turning back and he tried not to be annoyed. This was not a moment to be angry with her. This was a moment to explain to her that he had a problem with it. That he just didn't know where he really stood with her and no matter how the conversation ended, this was what he needed. He only opened his heart to a few people and she had done it. But he wouldn't give it away and if they parted ways after tonight - Merlin, he didn't even want to think about it - then he would have to accept it and mend his broken heart.

So far, Nate had only had superficial relationships. A couple of girls from his school in Russia who didn't manage to arouse his interest, then there was Cash, which was somehow initiated by their parents but ended up as a friendship. Then he went exploring and met a few boys here and there, but Nate didn't find himself there either. But then Kath came along and it was she who cast a spell over him.

At some point, it felt like an eternity, Nate came to an end and that's when he noticed Kath's first reaction. A barely noticeable smile, but it was there. It was like a small stone falling from his heart. And the next thing he felt was her hand on his face. Nate was clearly surprised by the gesture but couldn't help but close his eyes for a second. How could she hide her emotions from him so much and then act like this? It was as if she had learned nothing but acting her whole life and she was damn good at it.

And now it was he who was silent. He was quiet and listened to her words. She had obviously listened to him. And he loved every single sentence and unlike her, he didn't hide his emotions. He chuckled at the nighty-nine percent of dumbasses and joined in with her soft smile. He couldn't imagine anyone else as his partner in crime and trouble with Kath sounded like an adventure no one could refuse. And besides all those things, he also appreciated her honesty. Of course, he knew that it wasn't easy for her, based on her behavior, which was the reason for this conversation in the first place. But she was honest with him, that was something that counted. And she offered that he could ask her questions, and hell he had a lot of them, but that wasn't what he did next.

He took a step towards her, closing the distance to a few millimeters. Kath was trapped between the wall and him. He leaned on the wall behind her with both hands. He looked deep into her eyes for a moment and before he said anything, he leaned forward and gave her a kiss. Very gently, he pressed his lips to hers before cupping her face with his right hand and intensifying the kiss. "Kath." He whispered softly against her lips and moved back a little, "I don't want you to just answer any questions for me." He looked into her eyes with understanding. "I want you to talk to me whenever you're ready. But above all, I want you to learn not to close yourself off from me. No matter what's on your mind, I want to be the one you can talk to. I want to be the one you think of when something happens. Be it good or bad. I want to be the 'oh, I have to tell Nate that' thought." He sighed softly before putting his hands on her hips. "It's not about you not being honest with me. I know you are. It's about you opening up to me. From you. You don't have to wear a mask with me and if you have to, I'll prove it to you every day until you're ready."

Of course he could have asked her hundreds of questions now and of course they were burning in his mind, but that wasn't what he wanted. He didn't want to bombard herself and find out everything about her life. He wanted to be a safe place for her, where she did that all by herself. He wanted her to feel safe with him. He wanted to be the exception for her, where she didn't put on an act and hide her emotions. He wanted honesty not only in words, but also in her being.

Interacting with: Nate Smirnow @Haley Rose

Roleplaying as Nate Smirnow from Koldovstoretz
@Katherine Labrouder

Nate wasn't the type to talk about his feelings. At least he wasn't with most people. But with Kath it wasn't difficult. It was on his mind and he knew that if he didn't talk about it, he wouldn't be able to sleep at night. He needed to know where he stood and he had enough trust in this girl by now.
But while he was talking, while they were both having this conversation, she was the same as always. He knew that she didn't show her feelings. That it was her pride that he could see in her face. In her posture. It had to be like this. He simply couldn't imagine anything else. But he wanted to see the truth. Yet he couldn't turn away. Her eyes and his - it was a captivating connection and all he could think about were her soft lips on his.

This moment was private, it was intimate. He was being honest with his feelings and thoughts and he knew Kath would be too at some point. He couldn't even blame her for not being now. That she still had that mask but he knew there was a reason for it. That reason wasn't him or her and at some point, and maybe never, he would find out. Then, when he had gained her trust.

"I swear, with any other person, my patience would be at an end. But I understand, love. I don't know why, but I know you have your reasons." He was grateful for this little piece of honesty. He knew her, he could see it in her face - it wasn't easy for her.

A barely visible Smirk was on his lips. "I guess it's time to reset this computer. Well, I don't mean everything. I love you how you are. Just the part with being open and honest with me." He winked to take some of the pressure and tension out of the situation. He didn't want it to be uncomfortable for her. Nevertheless, this conversation would also decide their future.

He smiled when she kissed him. He really fell for her. He couldn't deny that and he didn't want to. She was his girl. "Well, don't forget you asked for it. All the questions that come into my head? I won't let you take this offer away from me."

"Where should I start?" he mused, already grinning devilishly. "Why don't you tell me what you like about me?" He started to laugh. "Why am I the greatest boy in the world?" He couldn't suppress his grin. He didn't want things to get too serious that evening, for her to worry too much. It was important to him to see her laugh, to see her happy. "Okay, all joking aside. We could start with this - tell me about your family. I know next to nothing about them."

Interacting with: Nate Smirnow @Haley Rose

Kath was surprised at how accepting he was but didn't show it, her eyes softened as she heard him talk. She sighed and replied I don't understand how you can be like this, you don't deserve this but I genuinely can't help it my Nate. I genuinely can't. like express my feelings like I don't understand these feelings or what they are or how they are supposed to feel”,

She grimaced as she talked her fingers subconsciously pointed at her heart. She wished she had the privilege to explain her feelings and understand them easily, but how could she when the first thing she was supposed to do was not feel? It was good enough already that she could at least have some emotions.

Katherine took a few steps away from Nate but still close just giving him her back as she breathed. She gave off a light chuckle as she heard his comment her hands crossed under her chest as she turned to look at him. Kath had a soft smirk on, her eyes soft as she looked at him ” I wish it were that easy darling, I would have done it myself if it were so, just for you, but what can I do”,

She caressed her arm lightly trying to comfort herself, Katherine chuckled as she now stood in front of him she lightly jumped and sat on the edge looking at him. She rolled her eyes playfully at his questions and laughed softly ” So you just want ego boosters from me basically”, she smirked as mischief was written all over her storm-coloured eyes.

Soon enough katherines face dropped slowly at his question about her family. Out of all the questions he had to ask, was the one that brought her the worst nightmares. Her face went stoic how was she supposed to reply and to say. That they were cold-hearted bastards? Or that they believe that emotions are weaknesses. How her father controls everything or how they looked like death eaters in every event.

She sighed and pulled it together with a soft lopsided smile since she never smiled.” Well I'm an only child, with a mother and a father my aunt is quite close too. Our family symbol is a snake”, She showed him the family heirloom snake ring on her finger. She paused as she fidgeted with her rings then continued looking into space as she spoke again.” We are one of the wealthiest families in England, my family is stoic they don't believe in emotions and feelings and all that they find it useless that's why ever since I was born it was a system that no emotions or feelings just stoicism like they were”,

She kept staring into space as she continued ” They are coldhearted who believe in greatness and power they pride themselves in stoicism. You’ll always find us in any Important events, we all usually wear black with little to no side colours, in any event or in general, we look like death eaters, stoic, dripped in black, wealth and power, pure ice cold”, she scoffed and gave a light smirk.

” That's how you can spot an Allmighty Labrouder anywhere, but you can say I'm more of a brat or rebel however you say it is usually opposing to my father's words, not all the time but most times, I'm half stoic currently, the more I grow up the more they grow stricter and stricter with emotions, expectations and all that crap since I'm the heiress and a family member of this fucked up family……Also for your info I’m a parseltongue”, She paused talking and looked at him with a soft smirk.


Her storm-coloured eyes looked at him softly as she tried to see his reaction ” I know it's a lot to process and probably what you never expected but its the truth, that's why I don't speak about them at all but i owe u the truth at least, and I did say i'd answer all of what your heart desires to know about me. Don't pity me, my love, for I have you by my side, that i can call you mine and for that im more than grateful than anything. I’m what people say…hmm Happy”, For the first time in a long while, Katherine smiled, in this very instance she gave him a warm smile.

A rare facial emotion that she never showed, but in this very moment she gave a warm smile as she looked at him. ” What about you? Also keep the questions coming sweetheart”, she spoke softly her smile dropped to a soft smirk.