-open- too close for comfort

[JASPER MICHEAL COLEBANK]

Jace sat in the far corner of the libary - in his spot - with a text book open on his lap, and flicked idly through the pages. Jace wished that Demeter was allowed up here with him. But she wasn't. He closed his eyes, and leant his head back against the wall. Instead of finding a table like most students did. Jace had found the furthest corner of the library, in a secluded alcove and had sat himself on the floor leaning his back on the wall. He liked the peace he got here. It was calm. Jace didn't like being around bustling students. It made him nervous.

He closed the book on magical creatures, and pushed it onto the floor, before pulling out yet another. Jace wasn't the type of boy to be seen on the quidditch pitch, he was the type who studied and got good grades. Jace didn't get the point of chasing a flying ball. Like muggle sports, it seemed pointless. When someone entered the area, to pick out a book, Jace bristled. He didn't like people in general. Some of the older students were okay. Somewhat mature enough for Jace to talk to, but most of the time, they still acted like children.

(outfit)

[ARYA GILLYWEED SPORE]

Arya had mixed feelings about the library. For one, there was complete adoration for the sheer abundance of reading materials. For another, there was the love of the academic atmosphere. But then there was the company of the types of people in the library. All too quiet, too serious, reclusive types. Or when exams came round, everyone stressed out. Arya felt like she was bothering people by just existing. She could be calm, and she could be quiet, but she also liked to laughed, to make extravagant gestures and silly expressions. She felt like her personality was big and colorful, and even if she didn't feel like laughing or being silly, the fact that she couldn't be that way in the library made her feel restrained.

But today she was in a fabulous mood. She just finished a novel with a really happy ending, and it made her feel like her chest was swelling with happiness. She wanted to go run through a field of wildflowers. To go laugh with new friends. To celebrate life in every way possible.

But first she had to put some books away.

And that's when she saw Jasper. A boy from her house, that she knew, but not really. Normally she hardly gave him second thought, though, because he radiated a reclusive vibe. But today Arya was feeling happy enough (and therefore bold enough) to approach him. Today seemed like a day filled with possibilities. She checked over her shoulder - they were far enough away from anyone else to be able to talk softly. Arya walked over, sat down swiftly, and with a big, bright smile, said "Hello!" to the strange, but beautiful boy.

[JASPER MICHEAL COLEBANK]

Jace tried to become the shadows, he sunk into, he tried to fade away. He didn't talk to people. Jace tidied his collar, and straightened his tie, the blue and silver of the tie was comforting to Jace, he liked the house he was placed in. Jace had hoped that she would have taken her book, and left, but the girl... Ayra, in his year stayed. "Hi" he replied to be polite. She didn't seem like one of the immature students. She was in Ravenclaw, and he respected his fellow 'claws more than the other houses.

He looked up at her, flipping the hood of his Ravenclaw cloak down. Running a hand through his blonde locks, he stared silently at her. "what were you reading?" he asked, she had started the conversation, and he was curious to try and get an idea of what her personality was like. He tugged idly at his skinny jeans, pulling them at the knees. Jasper didn't talk to people much, so wasn't sure how exactly to start a conversation.

[ARYA GILLYWEED SPORE]

Because Arya had never known this boy before, the fact that he didn't run away (and better yet, asked her a question) was encouragement enough for her to start blabbing. "Historical fiction." she answered, adjusting her position so that she was sitting more comfortably. "A novel about the goblin wars. There was this family that was torn apart. And half the book I was crying because of how much they were suffering. But in the end everyone was actually reunited, and now I want to cry again because I feel so happy. Except the mother died sacrificing herself for her children, so that part was sad."

Arya was sobering up slightly - enough to realize she probably sounded like a spaz and should slow down. "What are you reading?" she asked, tossing the focus back to him.

And more importantly, wasn't he warm? Was that why he was adjusting his collar? Straightening his tie? There really wasn't much cause for wearing a cloak indoors, the cozy library, none the less. Or was she just making him uncomfortable?

[JASPER MICHEAL COLEBANK]

Jasper raised an eyebrow at her. She was quite... excitable. Jace didn't really read much fiction. Historical or not. It didn't catch his fancy. He mostly read the factual books. But that didn't mean she was immature. She just seemed bubbly. "Me?" he queried, before answering her question. "Guide to Advanced Transfiguration" it was a school textbook, but he liked reading it. Transfiguration was one of his better subjects. He'd gotten an O in the subject. If he was honest, he was a little warm, sitting there in the thick cloak, but he felt more secluded in it. Further from his peers.

Jasper was fighting the urge to flee at that moment. This was not him. He felt he should probably stand up. It was weird talking to someone who was standing above you. He pushed his hands to the floor, and forced himself upright, he undid the button of his cloak and let it fall open. Shoving his hands into his jean pockets, he suddenly felt even weirder than before. She was around half a foot shorter than him, and it made him feel tall. Weirdly tall. He wasn't used to being around people, so his height was not really an issue he brought up.

[ARYA GILLYWEED SPORE]

For anyone outside the Ravenclaw, they would find it unusual that someone would read a textbook in their free time. Moreover, Arya could've brought up the fact that they didn't even have Transfiguration homework this week. But she knew the people of her house well. Ravenclaws were known for scholastic ambition and eccentricities, and often a combination of the two. There was a boy in their house who was reading A History of Magic backwards, in order to decipher hidden meanings. Reading a textbook was perfectly normal in comparison.

Jasper stood up and Arya was struck by his height. She had to look up to him now, which made her feel little and silly. Her mood was deflating, and she was fully considering the situation: that she had bothered a boy who probably didn't really care to know her. And now it was going to be awkward.

She didn't even know what to say now. He loosened his cloak which obviously meant he was indeed warm. So now she couldn't even ask him about that because she knew the answer. But she couldn't just leave with both of them feeling uncomfortable, she was determined to make the best of the situation and at least go on a positive note. "Um. You're very good at Transfiguration."

"So ..." Great, what now? Arya cleared her throat. " ... thanks. For winning us house points all those times." Arya scolded herself for such a lame attempt at a compliment.

[JASPER MICHEAL COLEBANK]

 

Jace liked to reread the text books. He didn't particularly like or enjoy fiction. Wizard fiction was passable. Muggle fiction was the worst. He mentally shuddered at the thought. Even the pureblooded Jasper had heard of Twilight. Since when did vampires sparkle? 

Jasper hunched his shoulders slightly. He didn't understand people his age. Not really. Have has never been given a proper childhood. His mum said he was born an adult and stayed that way. Not that he got along with his mum - or his dad for that matter. Her statement did make Jasper smirk slightly. He wasn't immune to an ego. He just usually only got complimented by teachers. 

Jace pulled an amused face, her attempt at complimenting him was funny in a way. But soon his facial muscles relaxed into his normal guarded expression."Its not a problem, just doing what I do best" he answered her compliment. In a way he felt bad for being so.. uneasy and uncooperative, but that was just a very small part of himself. He was happy just as he was. Just him and Demeter.

[ARYA GILLYWEED SPORE]

Arya had begun to accept this attempt at conversation as a failure and make peace with herself. But a part of her warmed a little when he smiled. At least she made him smile. Out of this encounter, at least she could take that away. His smile. Which was pleasant but also peculiar, because she didn't remember him ever smiling. Not that she paid attention that much attention.

His composure and height made him seem so much older than her. Before, seeing him sitting alone, Arya thought that maybe he was just shy and that she was being brave and gracious by talking to him. But now his obvious maturity made her realize his isolation was his choice. How could have she have considered the possibility that he would find her the least bit interesting? He probably thought she was incredibly silly and child-like.

It was clearly time to go. "Right. Well. Keep doing what you're doing!" she said, trying to muster some enthusiasm. And on that very awkward note, she gave him a small wave and turned to go, trying to hide her mortification.

[JASPER MICHEAL COLEBANK]

Jace sighed quietly. He hadn't thought she was immature... just bubbly... not the kind of person he was though. Nor the kind of person he would attempt to talk to. Then again he only attempted really to talk with professors and adults. But not the flying professor, it wasn't because he disliked him or anything, it was because he disliked flying, so saw no reason to go other and ask that professor for help.

He nodded, he would keep doing it. Mostly because he had nothing else to do. He just read, did his homework, avoided going home, and answered the questions in class. He sat alone at lunch, sometimes even choosing to sit in the kitchens away from the loud hall. He was not a people person. He was really regretting the cloak indoors now. It wasn't cold in the library like you'd believe an old drafty castle would be. He made no attempt to stop her, why should he? He wouldn't know what to say to her anyway.