10 Mar 2022, 01:47
Asking the Unthinkable
Place: Outside of the History of Magic Classroom, in the Corridors
Date: March 9, 2022
Time: After History of Magic Class
Lingering just outside the door of the classroom, Jack paced back and forth, feeling a little light-headed. He had made sure he was packed up and ready to go by the time class was dismissed which was unusual for him, particularly for History of Magic. Since it was his favorite subject, he tended to take his time putting his books away, lost in thought about what it might have been like in days of old. This time he still was hoping to draw on knowledge of the past, but not for the same reasons. This time, he needed to know how to ask someone to a ball.
Sure, he had asked people if they wanted to go to the ball with him on previous occasions; mainly Ruka. This time was different, though, as much as he tried to tell himself it was not. He shouldn't have felt so nervous about asking such an unremarkable question, especially when students had been doing it left and right since the Blossom Ball had been announced that year. Heck, he wasn't even a first year. So why couldn't he stop his limbs from shaking when he tried to picture asking his dormmate?
It all seemed to be caused by Flash. Whenever Jack tried to go through the planned scenario in his head, everything went wrong. Perhaps Flash would think he was insulting him or making fun of him or that he meant to ask him out romantically. Did he mean to ask him out romantically? No, that was silly; Flash had a girlfirend still. Jack thought. He wasn't sure; he could hardly keep up with Flash's girlfriends, but he always seemed to have one. Then again, why would he be asking if he knew Flash had a girlfriend? Obviously, the natural assumption to make would be that Flash would want to go with her, whomever it was at the time.
And yet...and yet Jack couldn't help but hope and wonder that if he asked early enough, maybe, just maybe, Flash would consider going with him to the ball. What did it matter if it was considered romantic or a date or not? He just wanted to have some fun and spend time with him; that was all. He didn't want to seem desperate or that he was only asking because Ruka wasn't around to ask instead. In fact, Jack had wanted to ask Flash to a ball a long time ago but had never managed to work up the courage until this spring. Taking a deep breath, he tried to think about what he was going to say again as he waited to catch Flash on his way out of class. Hopefully, being steeped in anxiety wouldn't cause him to miss his peer.
There. Was that him? "Flash? Hey, would you wait up a moment, please?" Jack reached out to tap him lightly on the shoulder as he passed. "I, uh, I wanted to talk to you about something."
@Flash Holmwood
Last edited by Jack Burnett on 4 May 2022, 03:02, edited 1 time in total.
PC: Jack Burnett | iNPC: Ginyami Midorimori
12 Mar 2022, 14:53
Asking the Unthinkable
History of Magic, in no part due to the kind and thoughtful Professor Zahid, was Flash's least favorite subject. He could acknowledge how useful the knowledge of the past was, and had learned many things that had changed his perspective on the present, yet he found it hard to concentrate on things that weren't immediately pertinent to him. History was like talking about a fantasy world, it required imagination to understand a world and people that were gone. He tried his best in all his classes, but history took more out of him. He'd be practically the last person to leave, a tiredness having set in that made him rub his eyes groggily as he lumbered to the door.
There would be many things on his mind as he exited, mostly the list of things he needed to accomplish that day, and the wagering of what all he'd have to sacrifice to do so. He would need to refuel to make it through, either an apple or some caffeine-rich tea would be required to stay awake through a study session alongside the homework he needed to complete for the next day. It was still only the middle of the week, the hardest part. However, his calculations would be cut short by the sound of a familiar voice, along with a tap on the shoulder.
It would be impossible for him to misplace the sound, so the calling out caused no alarm nor anxiety. Flash would turn to face him with casual slowness, brushing some of his hair back with his fingers, continuing to adjust himself after the ordeal of learning. "Burnett."
Once he had given Burnett his full attention, most of the other students were down the hall, off to their next class. Flash's originally pleasant expression would sour slightly when he realized Burnett was himself looking anxious. He couldn't help but start to wonder if something was wrong, his odd eyes bouncing around Burnett's face. "What is it? Are you alright?"
The two of them had done some reconnecting lately, with the advent of trading cards finding some popularity among their class. Flash had asked his retainer for a few starter packs of his own, which he and Burnett would open, look at, and trade in their room. After their fight at the start of second year, and after the event that happened with Selim Faust, things between them had never exactly been the same. Then again, their relationship was never one thing, when he thought about it. He was comparing it to its own fantasy, the fake world they disappeared into occasionally. Real life wasn't Planet Mongo.
There would be many things on his mind as he exited, mostly the list of things he needed to accomplish that day, and the wagering of what all he'd have to sacrifice to do so. He would need to refuel to make it through, either an apple or some caffeine-rich tea would be required to stay awake through a study session alongside the homework he needed to complete for the next day. It was still only the middle of the week, the hardest part. However, his calculations would be cut short by the sound of a familiar voice, along with a tap on the shoulder.
It would be impossible for him to misplace the sound, so the calling out caused no alarm nor anxiety. Flash would turn to face him with casual slowness, brushing some of his hair back with his fingers, continuing to adjust himself after the ordeal of learning. "Burnett."
Once he had given Burnett his full attention, most of the other students were down the hall, off to their next class. Flash's originally pleasant expression would sour slightly when he realized Burnett was himself looking anxious. He couldn't help but start to wonder if something was wrong, his odd eyes bouncing around Burnett's face. "What is it? Are you alright?"
The two of them had done some reconnecting lately, with the advent of trading cards finding some popularity among their class. Flash had asked his retainer for a few starter packs of his own, which he and Burnett would open, look at, and trade in their room. After their fight at the start of second year, and after the event that happened with Selim Faust, things between them had never exactly been the same. Then again, their relationship was never one thing, when he thought about it. He was comparing it to its own fantasy, the fake world they disappeared into occasionally. Real life wasn't Planet Mongo.
@Jack Burnett
For we dreamed a lot//And we schemed a lot//And we tried to sing of love before the stage fell apart
Sta: 9 ★Eva: 5 ★Str: 7 ★Wis: 15 ★AP: 3 ★Acc: 15
16 Mar 2022, 01:43
Asking the Unthinkable
When he caught up to Flash, Jack took a moment to regard his peer. Those words of concern served to make Jack's heart beat just a little faster which he hadn't previously thought would have been possible until it was. He felt a burst of affection for his dormmate for caring about him, but also a deep guilt for making him worry. Still, if Flash already recognized his distress, there was no way he could back off now. He would never be believed if he simply claimed he just wanted to discuss the homework they had been assigned or a new pack of pokemon cards he'd just managed to obtain. Then again, would Flash understand Jack's anxiety even when he did learn the full situation?
He shook his head to clear it. Now was not the time to overthink things. He opened his mouth and tried to get his tongue and voice to work. "Th-the Blossom Ball," Jack began, evading the last question Flash had asked him because he really didn't want to answer it just then. "Um...were you planning on going? I know it can be a disaster at times, but I think I've seen you attend the Hogwarts' balls anyway over the previous years and I wondered if you were planning to go to the one coming up," he blurted.
His hands nervously tugged at the strap of his bag as he spoke and it was all he could do to meet Flash's gaze. Why was this so damn difficult? He shifted his weight from foot to foot as subtly as he could manage, wishing he could just stand still instead. If he did, however, he feared that in his attempt to overcome his nerves, his will to stop moving would also stop his breath and heart.
@Flash Holmwood
PC: Jack Burnett | iNPC: Ginyami Midorimori
21 Mar 2022, 12:54
Asking the Unthinkable
While Burnett wouldn't answer his question, he presumed the thing that was 'wrong' was the Blossom Ball. Burnett was trying to spit out something about it, talking about the dangers and whether he was going. Misinterpreting the interaction as chastisement for taking part in the ball planning despite his recent exhaustion, Flash would indignantly cross his arms as he replied.
"Yes I'm going." Flash's words would have an undeserved exasperated lilt, but he would not raise his voice. "I'm helping put it together after all. Also, I've gone to every ball since the last part of first year."
Of course, he wouldn't want to be mad at Burnett, and he wouldn't want to make the discomfort he was clearly displaying any worse. It was only this year, this curse, that made him so impatient and easily riled. As had become habit, a short moment after spitting venom, he would sigh and rub his face with his hand, either trying to wake up or trying to ease tension building in his temples. He knew Burnett better than to just go off on him for nothing.
"I'm sorry, maybe you didn't know that... I just..." Flash would pause a few times before a longer pause. "I haven't been able to do anything lately, and I really, really wanted to do something. I know I should just be trying to rest but... I can't. I might as well try to do what I want."
Flash had no idea his answer was such a tangent, no clue that Burnett could have possibly been hoping to encourage him to go. For as much time as they spent together, and as familiar they got, Flash's intelligence was its own worst enemy, presuming and reading instead of trusting and understanding.
"Yes I'm going." Flash's words would have an undeserved exasperated lilt, but he would not raise his voice. "I'm helping put it together after all. Also, I've gone to every ball since the last part of first year."
Of course, he wouldn't want to be mad at Burnett, and he wouldn't want to make the discomfort he was clearly displaying any worse. It was only this year, this curse, that made him so impatient and easily riled. As had become habit, a short moment after spitting venom, he would sigh and rub his face with his hand, either trying to wake up or trying to ease tension building in his temples. He knew Burnett better than to just go off on him for nothing.
"I'm sorry, maybe you didn't know that... I just..." Flash would pause a few times before a longer pause. "I haven't been able to do anything lately, and I really, really wanted to do something. I know I should just be trying to rest but... I can't. I might as well try to do what I want."
Flash had no idea his answer was such a tangent, no clue that Burnett could have possibly been hoping to encourage him to go. For as much time as they spent together, and as familiar they got, Flash's intelligence was its own worst enemy, presuming and reading instead of trusting and understanding.
@Jack Burnett
For we dreamed a lot//And we schemed a lot//And we tried to sing of love before the stage fell apart
Sta: 9 ★Eva: 5 ★Str: 7 ★Wis: 15 ★AP: 3 ★Acc: 15
22 Mar 2022, 05:20
Asking the Unthinkable
The redhead tilted his head slightly in puzzlement when Flash crossed his arms and gave his answer in an unexpected tone. Was he annoyed that Jack was asking if he was going to an event he was helping put together? Perhaps he thought it so obvious that the question of if he was attending seemed stupid to him. Indeed, now that Jack thought about it seriously, it had been a stupid thing to ask - especially because he was well aware, too, that Flash had been to every ball since the last part of first year. Just as Jack had.
Rubbing the back of his neck in embarrassment, he dropped his gaze before he heard the brunet sigh and looked up in time to see Flash rub his face with a hand. He must have been extraordinarily fatigued, especially just after History class with Jack asking him pointless, stupid questions.
Before he could say anything else, his fellow Slytherin was apologizing. Jack's eyes grew wide with surprise. What was he apologizing for? "No, no, I knew that. I'm sorry to ask such a dumb question when the answer's obvious. That...wasn't really the main thing I wanted to ask you."
He smiled softly at Flash's explanation that he really wanted to do something even when he knew he should have been trying to rest. Ah...so that was what this was about. At that, Jack couldn't help snorting a little and quickly put up a hand as if that could have somehow allowed him to take back his impudent behavior. Unfortunately, it could not, so he scrambled his thoughts together to try to explain himself instead.
"As much as I think you should take care of yourself and your wellbeing, since when have I ever been against you doing what you want?" he asked, grinning through his words. "No, I trust that you're doing what you can however you can and I'm glad you're indulging yourself a little. I...well, I wanted to ask you if you were going because..." He swallowed hard and looked up to meet those odd eyes. "Do you think you'd maybe want to go to the Blossom Ball this year with me?"
@Flash Holmwood
PC: Jack Burnett | iNPC: Ginyami Midorimori
25 Mar 2022, 16:59
Asking the Unthinkable
Hearing Burnett's abrupt interjection, Flash felt himself foolish as he realized he had jumped to conclusions. It was hard not to when one was so often right about things. "Oh..." He'd leave one hand on his forehead for a moment, realizing his face was so warm, and his fingers so cold. It at least seemed like Burnett had relaxed a bit, though Flash felt so odd to have created so much grief for himself over an imagined scenario... he didn't have time for that.
To Flash's words, Burnett would find some kind of amusement, though Flash would be too accustomed to Burnett's sense of humor to find any offense in it. He didn't know why Burnett found his blundering so charming, but his learned social grace would adapt. His expression would mellow into cold curiosity, answering as he went. "Hmm..." Flash's eyes would narrow, but he wouldn't contest Burnett's claim, as he was not in the mood to bicker. He could argue about the difference between 'want' and 'need,' as well as a few other semantic arguments to debate, but he'd shelve them for a better time.
Flash would have to end up surprised again when the conversation led to Burnett asking to be his date. It wouldn't sink in immediately, as it might have with one of the girls who flirted with him in passing, occasionally asking him to the various dances. Burnett was someone close to him, someone he didn't expect this question from. Something was off about his perception. His movement frozen for a moment, he'd move again briefly after, like a clock that needed wound.
"Oh-- I..." Flash's eyes would dart around, the malfunction in his processing needing a moment to return to normalcy. "That would be fun... but..."
The necessary time passing, Flash's gaze would return to Burnett. "This isn't to get back at someone, is it? Some kind of prank?"
Whichever way he'd decide to respond, Flash would let go of this strict posture and lean again the wall for support instead. He'd deliver the news sadly, not enjoying the role of the bearer of bad news. "It doesn't matter either way, because I already promised I'd go with someone else."
To Flash's words, Burnett would find some kind of amusement, though Flash would be too accustomed to Burnett's sense of humor to find any offense in it. He didn't know why Burnett found his blundering so charming, but his learned social grace would adapt. His expression would mellow into cold curiosity, answering as he went. "Hmm..." Flash's eyes would narrow, but he wouldn't contest Burnett's claim, as he was not in the mood to bicker. He could argue about the difference between 'want' and 'need,' as well as a few other semantic arguments to debate, but he'd shelve them for a better time.
Flash would have to end up surprised again when the conversation led to Burnett asking to be his date. It wouldn't sink in immediately, as it might have with one of the girls who flirted with him in passing, occasionally asking him to the various dances. Burnett was someone close to him, someone he didn't expect this question from. Something was off about his perception. His movement frozen for a moment, he'd move again briefly after, like a clock that needed wound.
"Oh-- I..." Flash's eyes would dart around, the malfunction in his processing needing a moment to return to normalcy. "That would be fun... but..."
The necessary time passing, Flash's gaze would return to Burnett. "This isn't to get back at someone, is it? Some kind of prank?"
Whichever way he'd decide to respond, Flash would let go of this strict posture and lean again the wall for support instead. He'd deliver the news sadly, not enjoying the role of the bearer of bad news. "It doesn't matter either way, because I already promised I'd go with someone else."
@Jack Burnett
For we dreamed a lot//And we schemed a lot//And we tried to sing of love before the stage fell apart
Sta: 9 ★Eva: 5 ★Str: 7 ★Wis: 15 ★AP: 3 ★Acc: 15
28 Mar 2022, 05:51
Asking the Unthinkable
Jack watched Flash cease movement for a moment like an animal in headlights, his own pulse seeming to beat a thousand times per second. What did that mean? At the very least, he got the admission that Flash thought it would be fun, but...but what? Was it really such a shock to Flash that Jack would have asked him to the ball?
Of course it was. It became clear as glass in the next seconds as the young Englishman started questioning Jack's motives. "What...?" Jack's face fell, then twisted into an expression of disbelief and concern. "No! How could you even think that?" But he knew how. Flash was always belittling himself. Of course he wouldn't think Jack would want to go with him just because he liked him. And Jack supposed he wasn't entirely faultless, either, what with how much he enjoyed pranks. He couldn't blame Flash for thinking that of him.
It didn't sit well with Jack that Flash might have thought that to be the only reason he would ask, though. He absently took a step forward when Flash chose to lean against the wall, his subconscious wanting to be there in case his peer needed further physical support.
"Of course it matters," Jack replied gently. "I don't mind if you already promised to go with someone else. But I don't want you thinking I only asked you for a prank or to spite someone else." He held Flash's gaze. "I've been wanting to ask you for some time, now. It's just...I could never get the courage up and you always seemed to have someone else to go with so it seemed pointless for me to ask in the first place."
He finally dropped his eyes, a small, shy smile creeping across his mouth. "At least this time I was finally able to ask you before I could make excuses not to. But thank you for letting me know."
@Flash Holmwood
PC: Jack Burnett | iNPC: Ginyami Midorimori
1 Apr 2022, 18:24
Asking the Unthinkable
To Flash's accusation, Burnett would loudly protest, which gave Flash reason to think he had gone a bit too far. His paranoia had him questioning everything, a small itch of distrust he had always had, which time aggravated into hives. Burnett hadn't played a prank on him in a long time, or really, any pranks at all. During their first year, he had been infamous for being behind all kinds of nasty plots, but things changed. After run-ins with hags, and Selim's kidnapping stunt, it would be odd to then decide to take Flash to the ball as a joke. Flash's face would reflect this regret, but he wouldn't apologize.
Flash would listen as Burnett continued, surprise again slowly dawning on him. He prided himself on knowing people well, yet it felt like he was always being given a new perspective on Burnett's intentions. He had never seen him show interest in balls, or even school events. During the first ball, he said he would help watch everyone, then disappeared all night before coming in to try to save Victor. During the others, Flash couldn't recall seeing him at all. Flash's brow would knit in scrutiny, wondering why he missed this apparent desire. He thought about Erin, and the fight he and Burnett had over what she said.
"Didn't have the courage?" Flash would be incredulous, bordering on upset. "Seemed pointless? How about not keeping me in the dark? After all the things we talked about, you didn't think I might want to know that? Am I supposed to just read your mind?"
On a better day, a better year, he wouldn't have any reason to be so harsh, or react so badly. As his grip on stability weakened, his emotions were free from the constraints of propriety and logic. He didn't like hearing that he was wrong, that he didn't understand. He shifted the blame.
Flash would listen as Burnett continued, surprise again slowly dawning on him. He prided himself on knowing people well, yet it felt like he was always being given a new perspective on Burnett's intentions. He had never seen him show interest in balls, or even school events. During the first ball, he said he would help watch everyone, then disappeared all night before coming in to try to save Victor. During the others, Flash couldn't recall seeing him at all. Flash's brow would knit in scrutiny, wondering why he missed this apparent desire. He thought about Erin, and the fight he and Burnett had over what she said.
"Didn't have the courage?" Flash would be incredulous, bordering on upset. "Seemed pointless? How about not keeping me in the dark? After all the things we talked about, you didn't think I might want to know that? Am I supposed to just read your mind?"
On a better day, a better year, he wouldn't have any reason to be so harsh, or react so badly. As his grip on stability weakened, his emotions were free from the constraints of propriety and logic. He didn't like hearing that he was wrong, that he didn't understand. He shifted the blame.
@Jack Burnett
For we dreamed a lot//And we schemed a lot//And we tried to sing of love before the stage fell apart
Sta: 9 ★Eva: 5 ★Str: 7 ★Wis: 15 ★AP: 3 ★Acc: 15
20 Apr 2022, 04:13
Asking the Unthinkable
Flash's tone confused Jack, who could not understand where Flash's apparent feelings were coming from. He hesitated, trying to work out where things went wrong, but he couldn't figure it out. "What - what do you mean, 'keeping you in the dark'?" he asked uncertainly. "You mean that I wanted to ask you to the ball?"
He extended his arms in something like a pleading gesture. "Please, Flash, calm down. I wanted to ask you loads of times. Honestly, I did. It just never seemed to be the right time. You always had someone else to go with. Even now, you already have someone else to go with, so who am I to ask you to go with me when I already know you have a...a date?" He looked away upon saying the last word, his face going beet red as he absently rubbed the back of his neck. "I never said I expected you to read my mind."
Jack sighed. "Why do you seem so upset? I don't understand. Is it because I didn't tell you I wanted to go with you before? Because aside from you already having dates all the time...it's...hard, you know?" He stared down at his shoes. "Getting up the courage to ask someone to accompany you as a date, I mean."@Flash Holmwood
PC: Jack Burnett | iNPC: Ginyami Midorimori
22 Apr 2022, 14:41
Asking the Unthinkable
Perhaps predictably, Burnett became a bit lost and upset himself. He knew Flash was having trouble sleeping, and was a bit more irritable lately, but his anger would flare like instant combustion. Though he would try to show what he meant, and ask for clarification, no clarity would filter into Flash's cold glare. Once told to 'calm down,' the petulance would spike. "Oh, really? Really?" Flash's face would contort, revealing pained disdain. It was too late now, he had accepted his paranoia as truth, even in the face of someone who had worked so hard to pass that barrier. He couldn't trust someone who didn't trust him.
"How about any time? Before bed, in the morning, at dinner? We live with each other!" Without noticing it, Flash would straighten his back, looking down on the far shorter snake like a disappointed parent. "You're just going to... want something from me, and keep it to yourself? That seems fair to you, even though we--"
Flash would abruptly stop, taking in a deep breath. Even though we're friends? He wouldn't be able to say it, for fear of the response. Of course, he had basically forced Burnett to accept the word 'friend,' he didn't want that taken away now. Still, he would not attempt to see Burnett's side of things, blissfully stuck in his own entitlement. Burnett would try to explain that asking was difficult, but no matter the genuine expression, Flash wouldn't understand. It was insultingly easy. If Burnett would have asked, he would have saved the spot for him, would have rejected any number of others. What was hard about that, admitting that he wanted to spend time with him? Being seen together in public?
"That's a shitty excuse." Flash would show no remorse nor sympathy, instead egging him on. "What did you think would happen? You let people punch you in the face, but you can't tell me you want my company? I'm hearing about this after not being told anything 'loads of times,' you just--just--bottle it up? What ever happened to being honest with each other?!"
His heckles were raised alright, and it was still going to be a moment before the realization and regret set in. For now, he wanted answers, wanted Burnett to admit that he was selfish for keeping this information to himself, to apologize, or something. In truth, he didn't know what he was doing. Losing all sense, most likely.
"How about any time? Before bed, in the morning, at dinner? We live with each other!" Without noticing it, Flash would straighten his back, looking down on the far shorter snake like a disappointed parent. "You're just going to... want something from me, and keep it to yourself? That seems fair to you, even though we--"
Flash would abruptly stop, taking in a deep breath. Even though we're friends? He wouldn't be able to say it, for fear of the response. Of course, he had basically forced Burnett to accept the word 'friend,' he didn't want that taken away now. Still, he would not attempt to see Burnett's side of things, blissfully stuck in his own entitlement. Burnett would try to explain that asking was difficult, but no matter the genuine expression, Flash wouldn't understand. It was insultingly easy. If Burnett would have asked, he would have saved the spot for him, would have rejected any number of others. What was hard about that, admitting that he wanted to spend time with him? Being seen together in public?
"That's a shitty excuse." Flash would show no remorse nor sympathy, instead egging him on. "What did you think would happen? You let people punch you in the face, but you can't tell me you want my company? I'm hearing about this after not being told anything 'loads of times,' you just--just--bottle it up? What ever happened to being honest with each other?!"
His heckles were raised alright, and it was still going to be a moment before the realization and regret set in. For now, he wanted answers, wanted Burnett to admit that he was selfish for keeping this information to himself, to apologize, or something. In truth, he didn't know what he was doing. Losing all sense, most likely.
@Jack Burnett
For we dreamed a lot//And we schemed a lot//And we tried to sing of love before the stage fell apart
Sta: 9 ★Eva: 5 ★Str: 7 ★Wis: 15 ★AP: 3 ★Acc: 15