Closed A shove in the right direction

[Chaser Reeves Rosendale]

If anyone had asked Chaser why five hours ago he’d handed over the majority of his savings for a small warehouse on the outskirts of Brightstone, he would have told them that Linnux made him do it. While this was true, the reality that it was actually a viable consideration for the blonde had started to set in over the last few weeks, and after thinking there was certainly a gap in the market for the idea, he’d parted willingly with his coins. It was going to take a lot of hard work of course, but having the investment on his own shop would do him wonders. With any luck it would take his mind of other troubles and give him a full purpose, and something to sink his teeth into. ​

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He still debated Linnux’s true intentions, after all it had been he who suggested the idea of making what was once Chasers dream a reality, but he trusted that his best friend had good morals, and it was a good place to start. After signing the lease and other important paperwork, Chaser has begun filling up the warehouse with desks and shelves, trying his best to organise the room with minimal supplies. There was a counter to the side and a small back office that the former Gryffindor was trying to keep clear, but right now most of the room was covered in cardboard boxes, some with paperwork, and some, bananas.​

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By the time he finally had a chance to go through the stock, it was late in the afternoon. He was accustomed with sorting roducts having worked at Dervish for a good 9 months, but this time it was different. This time he was solely responsible for what happened in the museum, and he hoped the place would attract a good amount of visitors. Peering in the box in front of him were the purple bananas, the same that he’d managed to get hold of a couple of years ago. This time however they were going to be on display, and Chaser was excited to be getting on with something as unique as his own personal banana museum. ​

 

[Aminia Rosendale]

Aminia Macksimov was very unsure, adn quite worried as Linnux a fresh found friend, led her blindfolded through an unknown city. He'd apparated the pair there, one of Mini's least favorite things, and then led her through winding roads over uneven grounds. He'd been insistent she wore red, and dressed up nice - and truly the Veela was confused what he could possibly have planned. If she were honest her heart worried the boy was taking her on a date - she couldn't go on a date, she was too much involved with the idea of Chaser. Even though he wasn't hers any longer her heart belonged to him and she'd turned down a few of the dance partners for that precise reason.

The blonde stumbled as she walked up a few steps, and Linnux instructed her not to speak until she heard a door shut behind her. She finally felt herself pushed forward gently, and the sound of a gentle click behind her signified that she was in the right place. Unaware that the door was now blocked and shut, she stood awkwardly in the middle of the room. "Linnux? Can I take my blindfold off now?" The Russian asked. "Listen I'm very flattered but if this is some sort of date you know my feelings on that. I'm not interested in anyone else." She spoke, feeling her heart thumping with anxiety.

 

[Chaser Reeves Rosendale]

Chaser was sure he could hear voices outside in the main warehouse, and while he'd invited Linnux to come and see the place he didn't realise he'd meant immediately. The blonde looked up just in time to see a girl dressed in the brightest red dress nudged into the room, and a hand pull the door to. Confused, he glanced up at the girls blindfolded face, unsure of who it was that was standing in front of him. It was only when she spoke that he felt the chills run down his spine. No no no no, Chaser, as quietly as he could, moved across the room towards the door, sliding himself behind the girl and doing his best not to brush up against her at all, grabbing hold of the handle of the office door and unsuccessfully trying to open it. Man, he was gonna kill that guy. He did not need to be in this situation right now. He turned on the spot, heart thumping in his chest as he realised how close he was behind his ex girlfriend, He hadn't even realise it was her at first, but this was not how he imagined their reunion happening. It had been over a year since he'd seen Mini and she'd grown up so much since then. Maybe leaving him had been for the best after all. "Is this all just a joke to you?" Chaser said, fuming although doing his best to contain himself. He knew Linnux would have had a hand in this more than the girl in front of him, but the idea that he was being played as much as his heart had been, was not one that sat with him comfortably. ​

 

[Aminia Rosendale]

As Aminia was just about to remove her blindfold she heard a voice behind her and jumped, a shocking squeak leaving her lips. She turned around, no longer feeling like removing the blindfold - she couldn't face him, not in that moment. She backed up, bumping into a desk, and then a chair - all grace gone knowing she was in the presence of her ex boyfriend. Just hearing Chaser ask her if this was a joke hurt her chest. She wanted to spew venom at him - was she a joke? She'd written so many letters only to be ignored by him. Tears welled in her eyes, and soon there were small wet spots leaking onto the blindfold, soon to darken the nude tan color. The blonde opened her mouth and shut it again, before blindly feeling forward for the door. "I'm sorry I didn't know he... son of a . Linnux!" She banged on the door. "Linnux we talked about this I was not ready Linnux! Are you even out there?" She asked, her voice almost as weak as she seemed to be, banging on the hard wood door.

With a shaking breath Aminia turned, pressed against the door, and finally removed the blindfold. After all, there was a reason she was here. "Hey." She whispered, once her eyes were finally on the only love she'd ever felt. Her face was already pink adn puffy, overwhelmed by everything happening so fast.

 

[Chaser Reeves Rosendale]

Chaser took a step back as Mini started wandering blindfolded around the room, too shocked to even move. He was concerned she'd fall and squash a banana or fall and hurt herself, but eventually she managed to lay her hands back on a solid surface. The adrenaline of seeing her was rushing to his brain, and he felt a surge of anger that had been buried for so long. Even when Mini had left him, he'd been numb to it, but now that he had tried to move on, here she was reopening old wounds. By the looks of things she had as little knowledge of where she'd be as he did that she'd turn up, but he couldn't discount the possibility that she knew, especially after the things she'd already put him through. ​

​

As she took off her blindfold, his eyes met hers and a fountain of emotions came bubbling to the surface, his own beginning to water. "You can't be here." Chaser didn't want her to be in the place where he was trying to create a solitude for himself, a place he could call his own success. "You can't just, walk in here with a "hey", and expect that just because you're a veela you'll get away with it." He'd never had anything against Mini using her charm before, but as Chaser realised how angry he was, words fell out of him with too much ease. "You lied to me. You tried to leave me in Brightstone. Then you kissed Lennon and then you ran away. How many more times, am I supposed to let you back in, just for you to break me again?" His eyes frowned and jaw was tense as he refused to remove his gaze from the girl..woman in front of him. "I loved you, and you let me believe you loved me too." he added, swiping away the tear that had landed on his cheek. "You need to leave." He had thought he'd gotten over the girl that continuously broke his heart, but it was harder was come to terms with it when she was standing right in front of him. ​

 

[Aminia Rosendale]

Aminia listened to every pain filled word from Chaser and she knew she deserved it. She deserved every second of this, but his last few words - that broke her silence, and though tears streamed down her face Aminia would not give up a fight inside her that she had. "I did not try to leave you in Brightstone, I begged you to stay with me! i showed you every part of me, even the parts I am still ashamed of!" She yelled. "I did not kiss Lennon he kissed me, adn I told him no. I told him no, and that I loved you." Aminia nearly screamed in frustration, and shortly buried her face in her hands and did just that for a moment. "I wrote you. I wrote you a hundred letters, I wrote Maggie and told her I was sorry. I wrote you every day for three whole months." She implored.

Chaser was now one of two people to see her cry. "I tried to tell you and explain and you ignored me. You loved me but couldn't even tell me that you were done and over me so I could move on. I still love you and if this door would f****** open I would leave to spare you anymore heart ache. Because it's obvious you're better without me, you weird, angry, amazing man." At the end she stopped trying to pry the door open and slid to the floor in heartache and agony, breathing ragged and eyes now leaking profusely. "I waited every day for your letters, for you to at least tell me you hated me, for you to tell me to crawl in a hole and die. Anything was better than you ignoring me because at least if you hated me you were thinking of me, Chaser." She whispered, bringing knees up to her chest skirt long enough to cover her knees and shins.

 

[Chaser Reeves Rosendale]

Chaser listened as tears continued to poor down his cheeks, faster now as Mini was shouting back a torrent of excuses as to why he was wrong. It was always his fault, never her's. He was made to feel like he should take her back and apologise, and that if anyone was to blame for what happened then it would be him. A few years ago he would have let it get to him, let her change his mind and tell her how sorry he was. But things had changed for both of them and neither one were the person they were when they'd met. He swallowed when he heard her talk of writing to him. Linnux had told him of the letters but he had thought it just a joke. At the mention of Maggie, things began to churn in the man's mind, confused why his sister would withhold information from him, curious at what the letters said, but adamant he couldn't know. He didn't want to know. It didn't matter anymore what she had to say. If he was going to protect himself from her then he couldn't let her back into his life where she'd only proceed to destroy it. ​

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"I never got your letters. I haven't heard from you since that day at yours when you told me we were done." He didn't want her to think he'd ignore her intentionally, especially if she really had tried to get in contact, but it was no excuse. "A fairly obvious notion I must say." It was odd that she would have been waiting for his confirmation, given that she was the one to dump him. "Why would I be thinking about you when every time I did, I feel nothing but guilt and pain. Getting over you was the hardest thing I have ever had to do, and I have no intention of doing it again." Even though he didn't blame himself, he couldn't deny there was a space in his life that her departure had created. "Why are you even here?" he asked, striding once more over to the door and doing his best to yank on the door handle. What on earth did Linnux tell her to lure her in?​

 

[Aminia Rosendale]

"It was never my choice to leave you!" She yelled through sobs. "You wouldn't understand, you have a supportive family!" Aminia had been so adamant a bout being closed off, about never sharing pain or hurt with Chaser because she felt that it was hers to bear, that she was supposed to be strong. "I was going to lose all my funding, I wouldn't have had a house, or anywhere to go. No money, no allowance, I didn't have a choice." She spoke, though she knew he'd just hear her. "I realized I didn't care though and I wrote you, I realized I would be homeless if it meant being with you." She said. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry I hurt you."

Her yelling became a stable tone soon, and she realized that Linnux might have had some kind of grand plan to get them back together, but that it wasn't going to work. "I shouldn't have left you, I should have realized sooner. i don't know how you would have never gotten my letter. I even wrote Maggie before she went off to school to see if you'd gotten them but she never responded either. I get that you hate me and that's okay." She sighed. "I told Linnux I quit school, and he brought me here. I'm glad to see you're pursuing the museum..." She peaked past him at the bananas on his desk. "Those will be a good piece." She whispered, the tears ever flowing as she began to realize the truth. That there wasn't a happy ending for them. That her favorite weirdo was going to be someone else's favorite weirdo.

It was really over.

 

[Chaser Reeves Rosendale]

As Mini spoke about how he couldn't understand what he was going through, he looked up the the ceiling in frustration, hands rested on both hips. He told her repeatedly that he was there for her. She may have had her struggles but they were meant to be a team. Only she'd realised that too late, and now she'd walked away there was no way Chaser could see himself in the same position again. Chaser lowered his eyes, looking at the hem of her dress as she sat on the floor, too nervous to look into her eyes in case she tried to lure him back in. "I don't hate you. I've never hated you." He had no idea she'd quit school, although at this point it seemed like such a waste. Obviously she was the best dancer he knew and after everything that happened, at least she could have finished her training. He felt like their situation was defeated, the realisation sinking in that this was really it. He wanted to be supportive, to tell her that she still had it in her to do whatever she wanted, that she was capable of so much, but Chaser's stomach had had the wind knocked out of him, and instead he lent against the desk, still staring at the floor in silence. There was so much to say, and yet neither one still had the energy to say it. ​

 

[Aminia Rosendale]

Aminia watched Chaser and looked away quickly, trying hard to bite back tears. She felt so pathetic, sat on a dirty floor crying. "I moved in with my dad." She spoke. "He and my mom got divorced right before... you know." She opened up. She had always thought her parents would go the distance. Their differences pulled them together - but her mother was using her father, and instead thought an affair would make her life complete. "He asks about you a lot." She said. Sighing she stood and tried the door again. "I wanted to start writing for a newspaper or something.... but everything I write is about you." She spoke still not looking at him. "I tried really hard to stop, but i guess I just needed to know this. I guess we just... wait then." Her heart ached and she could no longer look at Chaser. She wanted to reach out to him and hold his cheek and tell him she loved him. Finally after what seemed like an eternity she looked over at him. "If I could go back, through all the fighting, and pain, if I could go back I wouldn't change meeting you. The only thing I would change is leaving. I hope you know nothing you ever did was wrong. This was all me, and someone out there is going to love you and I hope whoever she is loves you as much as I do and half as much as Linnux does. Because that's what you deserve."

 

[Chaser Reeves Rosendale]

Chaser listened in silence, eyes never moving from the floor as Mini went on about her family life and what she'd been going through in his absence. He couldn't bear to look towards her even when she spoke about their history. He didn't know if her leaving had truly been for the best, but at least he had a better sense now of what he needed in his life, even if Mini wasn't it. He recalled how meeting her dad had been a terrifying ordeal, and how interesting the rest of her family was. The time he'd met her sister when she'd come to collect her from the waterfall, and then the times they'd spent together, back when they were happy and content. It was easy to get caught up in what could have been, but maybe they would have learnt something for the future this way.​

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As Chaser realised his legs were growing cold and numb from the way he was leaning, he finally picked himself up, moving across the room and taking a seat on the cold ground next to Mini, his arms rested on his legs and head against the wall as he stared off into the distance. "This reminds me of something." he mused, recalling the day in Brightstone where they'd nearly parted the first time. Only this was different. Much different. He wanted to wrap his arms round her and tell her it would all be okay, but he wasn't going to be the next one in her life to do that. "Me too," he replied simply, voice crackling slightly through the words.​

 

[Aminia Rosendale]

When Aminia found herself on the floor again she was surprised when Chaser joined her. A forced, wry laugh escaped her lips through sobs and tears at his statement. Brightstkne that day flashed in her mind and she thought of the photograph that Linnux had taken. Slowly Mini caught her breath and she finally decided to speak. She needed to. “Will you ever forgive me, Chaser. Should I keep waiting?” She asked. She knew the answer was no. But everything in her heart wished for a yes.

 

[Chaser Reeves Rosendale]

Chaser felt instantly sick at her outright question. Of course in time he would eventually come to forgive her, but it was latter that caught him off guard. Was she really asking for his permission to move on? To accept that this was it and that it was finished? He knew he had to tell her to leave, to tell her to stop waiting for something that was never going to happen. He wished he could have said otherwise but he couldn't let himself be hurt again. He turned his face to peer at hers, her eyes streaming with tears as he sighed under his breath. She was always so pretty, but given her blood it was expected. He cleared this throat, realising they needed to get out of this room and on with their lives. Swiping his remaining tears he dried his own cheeks, looking back at her for a final time. "Would you?" It may have been that she didn't forgive herself, but would she have waited for him in the opposite situation? Before Mini had a chance to reply, Chaser had apparated outside into the main warehouse, landing in the middle of the floor, not even glancing up to meet Linnux's gaze, who he had no doubt had been ear wigging. "We're done here," he announced, and headed outside for some fresh air.​

 

[Aminia Rosendale]

Aminia felt her heart break again at his words and took a deep breath in, resolving into tears as she realized what the words meant, as Chaser apparated away. Linnux opened the door and Mini stood quickly wiping incredulously at her tears. Everything in Aminia told her not to chase him, because she'd hurt herself already. He was moved on, he didn't want her and nothing she said would change that. The Veela had options, and choices, and she knew it. Her breathing was faster than normal, and it felt heavy every breath in like oxide. But this wasn't something she wanted to give up - not yet. Mini dashed outside, the brunette in quiet tow - watching the two of them. "Chaser." She called out, keeping a distance. "I will never forgive myself. But if it was you, I would. Because I'm an idiot and I love you. And I'll wait." She said, before apparating herself away, having made a fool of herself.

 

[Linnux Majors]

Linnux hoped and prayed that his plan would pan out, but as things dissolved into yelling between the two inside the room, he wondered if what he did was right. It was obvious the two still cared for each other, or so he thought. Maybe he was wrong. It wasn't until Chaser was outside the room that Linnux could clearly see how hurt his friend was, and as he was about to apologize Chaser left. Lin let Min out. "I'm sorry." He said, but she didn't give him much time either. The stunned, brown eyed man watched her continue her fight, knowing when to pull back - only after having said her piece. Was that real love? Was fighting like that the way it was? Linnux approached Chaser. "I... I thought because you missed her that you... it would go better..." He admitted, looking at his shoes, obviously feeling guilty for causing his best friend pain.

 

[Chaser Reeves Rosendale]

It didn’t take long for Lin to let Mini go, and Chaser didn’t move at her comments. He heard the words he’d heard so many times before, but how was he meant to believe them when she could do easily walk away? He’d have to find out what happened to those letters. He didn’t want to read them but perhaps they’d answer a few questions. Chaser turned to glare at Linnux. He usually loved his friend but this had been a poor judgement call. “Why do you think I miss her?” He asked. He thought Lin knew he’d been trying to move on, it made no sense.​

 

[Linnux Majors]

Linnux looked his best friend over and took a breath. “Remember first year. When we formed together? I missed my mom heaps I had never been away from home. You were the one who brought me out of my shell you know?” He moved next to his best friend. “If you really don’t miss her, and want her out of your life... then I’ll tell her for you. If you mean that with every fiber of your being that you don’t love her and won’t forgive her, then I’ll stand by your side. But I watched her hurt that day in France, and I watched you hurt. And you’re hurting over each other. I thought maybe if you guys could begin again there would be less hurt. Maybe less trust too, but I guess that’s what my parents always said Love was. It’s hard, and painful, but in the end it finds a way. Like a bad pimple or leather boot rash.” He half crooked a smile at his friend, waiting to be told off for everything.

 

[Chaser Reeves Rosendale]

Chaser thought back to the time he first met his best friend. It felt like a lifetime ago, and despite their differences they'd always relied on one another. As he listened, Chaser began to realise that he was right. He hadn't been trying to hurt him more by placing them together, but it was so much more complicated than that. Over a year he'd spent trying to convince himself and everyone else that he was getting over her, but if he were to admit the truth he wasn't sure what he felt. "I don't want her to go." he admittedly quietly, hoping that Lin wasn't going to give him more stress after sending her away. "I wish we could go back to the way things were." He sniggered at the idea of a leather boot rash. No doubt Linnux had experience in that department. "If I could be with her know that was it, that she would never hurt me again, I'd do it in a heartbeat." He still admired Mini, and still saw a future with her, "But I can't put myself out there if she's just going to stomp me down again." Three chances. She'd had three chances and somewhere he had to draw a line. Right?​

 

[Linnux Majors]

Linnux listened to Chaser confirming what he already knew, and nodded. "There isn't a right answer to this question Chaser. You could forgive her and she hurts you tomorrow, or you could forgive her and live happily ever after." Lin then added. "Which one do you want to go the rest of your life without more?" It was odd, but the Gryffindor alumni was fairly good at serious talk, and perhaps that was from growing up with so many siblings, including the overly emotional tidal wave that was his sister Tempo.