Staying the Same

[Derek Tahana]

Going to the event with Emilia felt a little more like a formality now than anything else. The boy was throwing himself into his work, into his quidditch, into anything that he could. Things were different and he was trying his best but he just couldn’t figure out what had changed so much when things had largely been the same. He put on his regular suit and ventured to the great hall. He wasn’t sure what to expect with her and hoped that they would be able to get past whatever it was that was going on. Maybe they needed to talk about it. But Derek knew he was wholly unwilling to talk about it. Things were fine. He didn’t have anyone he could really talk to about things, maybe that was a problem itself, that he didn’t have as many friends or people he could reach out to. Had he become too close with Emilia and forgotten to maintain his friendships elsewhere. He waited just a little inside the great hall, looking towards the other couples and people dancing, glancing back every so often to see if he could spot Emilia but it appeared he was running earlier than she was. ​

 

[Emilia Manning]

Emilia was used to attending events with Derek, and it was always nice to go in with him at her side. She was making an effort to appear more confident and sure of herself, but she still wasn't sure if she would dare to go to one of these dances without him there with her. They hadn't seen each other as much lately, and when they did... things weren't the same as they used to. She wondered sometimes if Derek didn't like the new her, but she tried not to think about that too much. Who wouldn't like a more confident girl instead of a shy mouse? half the reason she had wanted to change was because of him. Surely he would appreciate it, she was becoming the kind of girl that deserved a boy like him. A boy who was kind and handsome and on the Quidditch team. It felt like it fit. Emilia spotted him in the great hall and made her way over, a bright smile on her face. She was a little bit late because she had agonized over her outfit, but in the end she was glad she had gone for something a bit more casual. She really liked it, and hoped Derek would too. "Hi! Sorry!" She said, reaching out to take his hand. "Happy Valentine's day, Derek."

 

[Derek Tahana]

Derek had ended up waiting far longer than he might’ve wanted, and with every passing moment that he was waiting he grew more and more frustrated. Why was she late? Had she forgotten about this? That didn’t tend to be the case, they always had fun at these things so it would make little sense for her to have forgotten about it. Eventually, when he glanced around he spotted her, and unlike perhaps the year before where his annoyance at her being this late would’ve vanished but the boy couldn’t help but notice that it wasn’t all gone. He was still frustrated. He let her take his hand and forced a small smile, ”Hey Princess,” the boy said, greeting her with the usual pet name that he gave to her. He reached down kissed her lightly on the lips out of more obligation and because they were dating than because he really wanted to. He didn’t know what was going on. ”What held you up?” he asked in a light tone, trying to make sure than any annoyance that he had towards her was not evident. She and him were just fine, they were fine, this was just a changing part of their relationship, everything was fine.​

 

[Emilia Manning]

Emilia was glad that Derek still called her princess. That made this all feel more normal and more familiar to the girl. She had been worrying over nothing, everything was still the same between them. Clearly. Their kiss was brief but reassuring too, but then... Derek asked why she was late. Emilia froze in place for a moment, her expression uncertain. She hadn't thought she had been that late, but now that she was here it was clear he had been waiting for her for a while. She hadn't even really thought about how he might feel, too busy focusing on her own appearance. Now, that felt like a shallow reason to be late. She ran a hand through her hair, breaking eye contact for a moment. "Sorry." She said again, more sincerely this time. "I had trouble deciding what to wear. I wanted to look nice for you." She said after a moment.

 

[Derek Tahana]

Derek’s expression and mood softened slightly when she explained what had happened, why she had been later than he would’ve thought she’d be. He didn’t know what to think of what she said, weren’t people supposed to want to look nice for themselves. Admittedly he made an effort for her and for this event but did she think that he wouldn’t be perfectly happy with every outfit that she wore. ”You’re beautiful Princess, you always look nice. I’ll always like what you wear,” the boy chose to assure her. His mind still feel a little lost, was this what had been happening, was she changing for him? Had he changed? He’d joined quidditch and was more involved since last year, perhaps she just thought she had to do the same? He ran a hand through his hair, the annoyance and frustration were still there, though he didn’t understand why. He could also say that he didn’t particularly enjoy the little changes in her, the fact she appeared to be trying to be old, wearing more make up and having fancier clothes. She was always beautiful to him, and he stayed silent since he thought it was for her, but if it was for him? Derek didn’t know. ”Let’s just dance, yeah?” he added, holding out his hand to her. ​

 

[Emilia Manning]

Emilia felt uneasy about all this. Had she messed up? She couldn't quite get a grasp of her confident smile, and fidgeted with her hair the way she always used to. Derek's words were nice, and relaxed her a bit, but she couldn't stoop the feeling that she had messed up and upset him. "Thank you." She said, annoyed with herself for the quiet and meek voice that came out. She swallowed, then took his hand. "Let's dance." She agreed, trying to sound a bit more confident again. Her hand in his didn't feel as steady as it used to, but she tried not to think about that. Things were fine.