…and one Maria was seriously lacking in.

For what seemed like the third time in the span of two minutes, the Eau’s eyes drifted towards the delicate watch that hung loosely around her left wrist. 8:11. Julian wasn’t late, no, not at all— Maria had merely arrived earlier than usual in her anticipation over seeing her favourite blonde boy. Or rather, man.

They had agreed to meet after dinner for coffee that Saturday, seeing as Maria's in-school curfew would be extended until half past nine. Her amethyst eyes flitted outside to the inky blackness that had cloaked the night sky as she tried in vain to keep her hands from fidgeting as she waited.

It was Saturday evening, and part of Julian's contract was to perform for the customers at La Fiche Bleu. Which was also the reason why Julian asked to finally meet up with Maria after dinner; so he can play something for her. Stepping at the smallish platform set for the restaurant piano, Julian sat directly on the piano stool before checking if his mic was working.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, having the best dinner accomodation so far?" Julian greeted into the microphone with his most charming smile at the evening customers before him, "For tonight, I'll be playing a couple of songs for you, before I'll leave the piano to play by itself," he said briefly, knowing that people would be much more interested in eating dinner rather than watch some amateur warble the night away. He would still of course play the piano even without onlookers, but tonight he had an appointment with his bestfriend that he needed to keep.

Julian gave a brief pause after turning his attention to the black and white keys of the piano, then as if in a spell, the blonde pressed the intro notes of the song while whistling the melodic tune for a few seconds before finally singing.

Maria barely noticed the jovial greeting from La Fiche Bleu's nighttime performer as she sipped her glass of iced water. Okay, now she had every right to be irritated. Julian was officially seven minutes late...a feat, had it been any other night, but that night, Maria would have graciously excused but after being away from her best friend for more than two weeks- well!

As the pretty brunette gazed irritated at her glass, wishing that it contained something not quite as innocent as water, her ears caught the next words that echoed through out the restaurant, rising above the sound of quiet chatter.

"You know I can't smile without you..." he sang, "can't smile without you... I can't laugh... and I can't sing; finding it hard... to do anything," just as he spotted Maria on her seat, apparently early for their meeting.

Was that-? Maria's amethyst eyes slid almost disbelievingly to the now occupied stage where a familar boy was singing a very familiar song... Why the little devil.

"You see I feel sad, when you're sad... I feel glad when you're glad. If you only knew... what I'm going through... I just can't smile without you," Julian finished his first chorus, just as Maria had caught his eye. Winking at her, Julian's fingers launched into the first verse chords and the former Eau's cool voice was heard once more.

"You came along... just like a song... You brightened my day..." he sang as he played, now smiling to himself as he turned his attention back to the piano keys, "Who'd've believed that you were part of a dream... Now it all seems, light years away..."

A couple more minutes passed and Julian finished his song, not caring whether the customers had given him their full attention. After all, they came to eat, not watch him sing. Plus Julian's voice was the kind that could blend in with the background, like a record of a ballad song that people play to set some kind of mood. All in all, just what the Eau wanted. After charming the piano to play a few classical pieces that were easy to listen to, Julian stepped away from the piano and down from the platform, nearly jogging to where Maria was seated.

"Sorry I'm late?" the blonde young man with the rougish grin said to the seated brunette. She was torn between laughing, crying, and scolding the blonde rascal...instead, Maria somehow managed to combine all three of them at once as she reached up to throw her arms around his neck,

"I could kill you, Julian Auriole," she half-scolded, pulling slightly away to gaze mock-reproachfully at him even as her amethyst eyes danced with mirth.

"I missed you, my darling," Julian replied fondly, ignoring her reproachful words by returning the embrace which conveyed that she indeed missed him as much as he missed her. Her arms remained wrapped loosely around him as she spoke, "You have some nerve!"

Giving her a chaste kiss on the cheek, Julian ruffled her locks before sitting down across her and pulling her back into her seat. Mollified by his tender embrace and soft kiss, Maria settled across from the older boy feeling quite at ease and comforted than she had in a long time.

"I bought some nerve back at home, so I could work up the courage to ask Franklin for a job here," he said with a smile, "just so I get to see you every week."

“Oh, shush you,” she chided him, waving off his fond remark as if she didn’t have time for such sentiments while tucking it away to pull out and ponder over in times when she missed him.

“So how’ve you been? Overall?” Maria’s eyes anxiously swept over Julian.

"I've been well," he remarked with a smile, "Too well, in fact. I just got a job and fancy lodging here in La Fiche Bleu, plus I get to train in piano for my application for the Conservatoire next year."

Her heart swelled with joy as she squeezed his hand gently, "That's brilliant, Julian. I'm so happy for you," she said sincerely.

"I could say my dreams have all come true, including the one where I desired so greatly to see you again."

"You'll get so sick of me that you'll want to run away to Paris a year early!" the Eau scoffed, downplaying his fond remarks. Apparently time away had softened the blonde boy she knew so well. 'Who was this sentimental fool that now sat before her?' she thought with a laugh. Julian reached out for both Maria's small hands and took them with his own; he had obviously missed her so much that being seated across his favorite girl wasn't near enough.

"And you? How've you been?"

The corners of Maria's lips curved into a familiar playful smile, "Well...you know I can't smile without you- can't smile without you. I can't laugh and I can't sing...I'm finding it hard to do anything..."

"You see I feel sad when you're sad. I feel glad when you're glad. If you only knew, what I'm going through- well, I just can't smile without you," she sang back softly to him, her amethyst eyes dancing. It was only later that she realised jsut how true those words were. Julian couldn't help but laugh, his delighted features becoming illuminated even more so as every "ha" fell off from his lips. Grinning mischieviously, he asked, "And did I brighten your day, at least?"

"You came along, just like a song- you brightened my day...well who'd a' believed that you were part of a dream? Now it all seems, light years away..." Maria couldn't help teasing him as her soft alto voice, easily running over the words that Julian had sung to her, not only on stage, but several times before in an attempt to lift her out of deprecating moods the Eau occasionally fell into.

"Sorry, I couldn't help it," the teenager chuckled, giving him a playful wink as she settled back in her chair. She was surprised by how easily it was to slip back to talking with her best friend- as if he had never really left in the first place.

"Tell me, how were things... while I was pining away for you back in Nice?" he asked a bit seriously, though his face was still smiling. "And how are things in the Academy now that I'm no longer there to see it? Especially you."

It seemed like he was being like Helene when she first came back to Vichy, asking news about his old second home. He assumed every Beauxbâtons graduate was just like this; but if by his words he's proven to be the only sentimental graduate apart from Helene, then he wouldn't deny it. Or Julian was probably being sentimental just because of Maria.

A flicker of hesitation crossed the pretty Eau's face at his question. She didn't really want to dampen the mood with her troubles- no, not when Julian had such good news, and they hadn't seen each other for ages.

"Everyone's doing well,” Maria said easily, “Very busy, as usual. Sixth year is a menace,” she gave a melodramatic sigh paired with a smile meant to charm the young man.

“Nothing has—” the raven-haired girl broke off as a waiter approached them, a small pocket notebook in hand.

“Vous avez choisi?” he asked politely to the couple.

“Un moment, s’il vous plaît— Julian?” Maria gazed inquiringly at her friend, not quite sure what he might have planned for the night. Did he need to go back to work? Julian immediately shook his head at the waiter. "No, I'm fine, thank you," he replied. Turning his attention back to Maria, he smiled.

"Nothing has?" he prompted her to continue what she was about to say.

"Not planning on getting me drunk this time?" Maria teased, nudging the blonde boy with her foot. She was, of course, referring to their little drunken escapade in Julian's last moments as a student at Beauxbâtons. The Eau was aware that to any unknown observer, her comment might have insinuated something more… risqué.

"Please," Julian muttered casually, giving the waiter a sheepish grin. Right. He wasn't too keen on having his co-workers think of him as someone like what would seem when a person hears what Maria had ever so casually thrown about in the air. She gave a delighted little laugh at the sheepish look that crossed Julian’s face as he attempted to save face and excuse himself in front of the waiter and— ah hah…Julian’s colleague.

"Hmm…what to drink, what to drink?" she tapped a polished fingernail in thought, hiding a grin as her eyes idly skimmed down the list of alcoholic beverages, knowing it would amuse Julian. As Maria debated on what to order for a drink, Julian's eyes scanned the rest of the place, wondering if ever Helene would drop by tonight. He knew he had not yet mentioned anything to Maria about her... Should he?

"Iced vanilla coffee, please," Maria said sweetly, flashing their waiter a smile and shutting her menu with an air of finality. As tempting as it was to order alcohol, she avoided doing so— not because the brunette was troubled of being questioned by Franklin, her head of house and La Fiche Bleu's owner (drinking was more easily accepted in Europe), but rather, she didn't want her Eau graduate to think poorly of her on their first night back together.

"So where were we?"

"Huh?" Julian's thoughts snapped back to the present. "Uh, you were about to say something earlier," he offered.

“Oh,” Maria gazed disinterestedly at the glass of water still clasped in her hands, “Nothing’s changed that much,” she emphasised the word in order to draw out as much truth as she could from the vague statement.

“Still the same wild, keg parties every Thursday night,” the brunette smirked, "But that was never your scene," she added confidently with an easy toss of her dark hair, "So it doesn't matter much to you."

So nothing has changed much, huh? Would that mean Maria was still itching to wring Jacob's neck everytime she sees him with Armelle? And would that mean that she's still being spiteful of Veronique? Speaking of Veronique, Julian still has a long overdue apology that he owed the Terre. He wondered how to go about it, but before he could begin thinking, he remembered that this night was for Maria and no one else.

"I'm bored," Julian said, suddenly, grabbing Maria's wrist and pulling her out of the restaurant as gently as he could. "Let's go out for a walk."

"Merlin, you're so pushy. No wonder Liyya complained about you," grumbled the brunette as she dropped a couple of galleons for her untouched coffee and allowed Julian to lead her away from the restaurant. Not that she minded. That night, the Eau could be dragged to ends of earth, to hell, and back for all she cared as long as she could be with her best friend.

As a gust of wind blew up, Maria half-heartedly wished that she had brought a cloak, or a jacket; something to keep her warm.

 Ahh... How should I say this?

I got back with Helene. After almost two years of life without her, here I am again in a relationship with the girl I was so enamoured of.

I remember when I was approaching sixteen and she left me without the smallest warning and reason. I had been so devastated with the whole thing. The crappiest feeling in my entire life: getting dumped without knowing it.

Then after six months and finally getting over that fact, she sends me a note, asking me if we could meet. I honestly could've done without it, seeing as I have quite a lot of things going around me at that time, but I was curious as to why she wanted to see me. And we talked, she explaining her reason, which was so outrageous for me at that time.

In the end, all I was able to discover from that rendezvous was that she wanted to get back together with me. Obviously it was impossible. I just broke up with Maria at that time. Before I could say anything though, she ran off already. Geez.

And now, a year later we meet again. And she tells me that she loves me still. Do I have to say I was shocked? Well, I was shocked.

I wanted a fresh start at least. With her. To see if maybe it's still possible to love Helene the way I did before. After all, our relationship had ended so abruptly, without any conclusion, that it's possible we just took a long term vacation from being together and I was too dense to recognize that we were actually having a long-distance relationship instead. Impossible, you say? OF COURSE IT IS!!! We were over then! It has ended!

So what am I doing now? I just told her that maybe we could try us again. Why did I do that? If you want an honest answer, then be prepared.

I just felt that I had to.

About time I came back to La Fiche Bleu, Julian thought, a bit stressed but his face was clear of it nonetheless. Having finally figured out how to pack his piano from home, the former Eau finally was able to set out from Nice to look into his new home; a convenience that he never imagined he would get just by applying for a job as a pianist in the restaurant.

Ooh, but no, not only was he accepted, he was made weekday manager as well. Talk about luck. Julian smiled as he made his way down the street, and entering the restaurant doors, he suddenly cringed, remembering the staff entrance all too late. Ah well, he'll be sure to get accustomed to it one of these days.

The bell dinged. She looked up, and a voice whispered drily, 'Wish granted.' Helene would have scowled if she wasn't so darn happy to see him- and afraid, at the same time. As well, to her intense relief, Russel was still there- that might make conversation a little easier. Hopefully.

Pulling out his wand to dry his fur lined jacket which got wet from the rain, the blonde stopped midway in shock; he just caught a glimpse of Helene sitting on one of the tables, with Russel doing his duty as server. Immediately, Julian was transported back to the last time he and his ex-girlfriend met, and how sad the note in which they were forced to end it. Luckily, he was rudely awakened back to the present by a cheerful blast of hot air emitting from the tip of his wand. Reluctantly, Julian went over to greet his two former schoolmates; he had the mind to talk to Russel anyway.

"Hey, Russel," Julian greeted calmly; friendly even. It had been a while since he last saw the Flamme, and as far as Julian knew, Russel was still pissed off at him because of the way the former Eau treated Veronique.

"I'll be starting work in a few days, but I've decided to bring in a couple of my larger belongings today," he explained his sudden appearance. Then turning to Helene, Julian smiled in his most normally charming smile (with a bit of difficulty of course), he added, "Fancy meeting you here though, Helene."

Forcing herself to take a deep breath (she felt like hyperventilating, actually) Helene faced him, smiled and said, "Hi Julian- I didn't think you'd be here," relatively calmly. 

He seemed to be, so shouldn't she be, as well?

Helene moved over in her booth, allowing room for him to sit, if he wished, while she took another sip of butterbeer.

"I'm willing to talk," she said softly, not sure if he was happy the way things turned out, or if he was upset.

Julian smiled again. Sure you don't want to run? he thought a bit bitterly. He could ignore Russel again for the moment, and taking the space next to Helene, excused himself as he sat down.

Given a free moment to simply gaze at his face, she was struck by the difference- no more laugh lines.

"About what?" he plainly asked.

The question was a bit hard, but straight to the point.

Glancing sideways at Russel, she said, "What I said... I didn't mean. If you... want to talk about our relationship" again she glanced at Russel, feeling quite sorry for him- "then I'm.. here," she said, as if to emphasise the point she wasn't running anywhere.

Relationship... or maybe lack thereof? After all, what had been the ending of the last time they talked? Julian sighed inwardly.

After saying that, she realized how near he was- not innapropriately, but simply right there; after being separated by distance for so long, she was unnaccustomed to it.

Seeing that Julian and Helene had started talking about something a bit more personal than he was bargaining for, Russel fortunately greeted the new rush of customers with a feeling of gratitude. Rushing away from the table to give the two old lovers some peace for some alone time, he busied himself taking new orders and seating an older looking wizard and witch who seemed a bit afraid of the evening hustle and bustle of the shop.

Julian gave Russel enough time to scurry over to other customers, trusting the Flamme to pretend he didn't hear anything. It was bad enough that Julian encountered Helene ever so unexpectedly, but it was worse that Russel was there to see it. But then again, what was there to hide about Helene? Only a really private matter, yeah.

Julian's face relaxed into a more genial expression. He can do this the right way, right?

He was so funny, sometimes, she thought absently, not quite realizing she was still thinking of him as Julian, the same Julian. He relaxed visibly- the contrast was so startling she almost asked about it, but decided not to- he was saying something...

"I'm sorry, I was just-- I didn't expect anything of this sort. I had no idea that I was going to talk to you about us because as far as I know, I just came down here to make a few arrangements..." he started off.

Of course- he worked here, now. She'd forgotten, Russel had mentioned something about that. Of course.

"But I guess we can talk about it if you want," he continued, wearing a tender expression. He was no longer angry at Helene, it had been... what? A year since they last talked? Julian doesn't keep grudges.

"Oh, yes." She said, unsure of where to start. But he seemed a little more open. That was good, that was good.

"Well- I guess... here goes. I don't know what you know, so I'll start from the beginning. I left without saying goodbye. Some part of me thought it would be easier; it doesn't matter, it was stupid and it's done with. I buried myself in my work, but the people are relatively friendly- it was easy to make friends. I was invited to a 'girls night out'- which apparently meant a paint-your-toenails-and-nails night and watch chick flicks. And, of course, talk about guys in general and in detail. My first mistake was when I said I didn't want to talk about it. Apparently that was the cue for them to ask. So I talked, a little- but eventually-" She sighed, knowing what she had just said probably wouldn't make any sense to him.

"It doesn't matter. Long story short, I cried myself to sleep almost every night, and the brownies and ice cream they recommended didn't help. I was sent on vacation- as you know- and I came here straight away.. I haven't talked to my mother in months."

Julian listened patiently, having perfected the technique by spending a lot of time with his bestfriend and some of the most vague conversationalists in the world.

His genial expression slowly withered as Helene related some of the events that showed how he had affected her still. Crying almost every night? And he didn't even break up with her in the first place... Julian began feeling guilty at least, realizing how it had been him who was quicker to get over their relationship. But he had no idea and she didn't tell him until now; it was this that he was holding on to as an excuse.

"A lot of the details are superfluous and unnecessary, but I've.. missed you. A lot. That's where I'm at... I love you. I still do, but.. I don't know- I don't know how- what you want- or feel... or felt."

His heart literally jumped in shock. She still loves him? Finding his throat getting drier by the minute, Julian swallowed with difficulty.

"Helene.." he started, fumbling for the right words to say. But this was one of his more awkward moments, and most often he was inclined to say the wrong thing. Hopefully not this time.

A pause.

"I--that's really," he spluttered, unable to look straight at her. Finally, he was able to gather what was left of his wits, and gazing back into those brown eyes he didn't think he would see again, he stated a steadier answer.

"I can't... exactly say the same thing at the moment. You-you know a lot has happened, and I've.., I've changed," he finally admitted, "If before everything that's happened to me we were able to talk about this..." he trailed off.

Her heart faltered.

"I would say I love you too, Helene," he said sincerely. "But do you think I would want you to believe that when I know for myself that I had... other relationships after us? When I've... shared more than affectionate touches with another girl?"

What he was saying was awful, really awful. He knew he deserved to have his head hexed off, but that was the truth about him.

"I'm only saying that, because, this time... I really don't think I deserve your love, Helene. Would you still want me, even if I've become like this?"

It started again.

It was good, she thought- no, no, it was bad.

Rewind.

Another girl.

Her eyes widened, ever so slightly, and she was rendered speechless. There was a hole inside of her, where his words had just torn apart her heart.

She had known he'd changed; changed how? He had been without her for half a year; how could she blame him for trying other relationships? She hadn't, certainly, but that was different.

Part of her demanded to know which girl, who, where, how? Another part cried for forgiveness, he had been honest!

She found her voice, but did not use it.

Hate him, or forgive him?

"Julian.. I really.. appreciate you being honest." Her voice cracked, ever so slightly.

"I can't judge you for what you've done when I was gone. I just can't. But.. I don't know if I can forgive you.. it's not my place to forgive, either. But... I have, I have forgiven you of everything that happened, before I knew. How can you not deserve it, Julian?"  Taking his hands, she struggled to keep from making a scene.

"How can you think so low of yourself? You. Are. A. Good. Person." She said, shaking him for emphasis. She began again, softly.

"Of course I want you. I love you, Julian."

"I'd hate me if I were you," he replied quietly, his eyes cast down. He held her hands though, returning their warmth with his own, but inside he was feeling really cold, from the guilt of not being able to tell everything to Helene.

Being in another relationship was easy to forgive, of course, one would assume that they were over after not speaking to each other for so long. But the things that happened along with that? Oh, no.

"To be honest," he said, running his thumb across the back of her hand, "I missed those words from you."

The restaurant had become quite busy, now, but all her attention was centered on his words.

"I just don't... want to give an answer that might mislead you, Helene," he continued, gazing back at her, "because I still care a lot about you and I don't want you to get hurt..."

"But maybe..." Julian trailed off, leaning in to give Helene a soft kiss on the lips for a few brief moments before pulling away, "we could try us again."

He kissed her. She couldn't help from blushing and smiling shyly, having difficulty centering in on his words.

"If you'll have me."

He does, he wants me! she exulted silently, although still mulling over his words, confused. Why would he hurt me?

But the rest of her was gazing back at Julian, marveling that he still did love her; he did, he did!

"Of course I will," she said, leaning forward tentatively, and kissed him.

Maybe he could forget about a few other details about his other past relationships for the meantime.

He accepted the kiss that she gave him, and pulling her close to him, Julian embraced Helene, not caring whether anyone might see them. But why was he afraid? Was it because he might not have been too honest with her? Julian only wanted a fresh start with Helene, but maybe... after everything that's happened, it was quite too much to ask...

After so many months, being in his arms was.. like she'd never left. Or so it seemed to Helene. She hugged him, fearful it was all a dream, and she'd wake up still miles away in London. By herself.

Julian finally pulled away, and managing a small smile, he said, "This weekend, I'll be playing the piano for the restaurant. Do you think you'll be able to make it?"

He will try his best. He will deserve Helene again.

"You play piano?" She exclaimed, surprised and delighted. "I never knew that, when did you start? I'd love to come, if that's alright," Helene said a little shyly, though still excited.
 
Julian laughed a bit. It's like his playing the piano seemed to be a secret; almost everyone had no idea he's studying music. But he can't really blame them, it wasn't like he's displaying his acquired abilities all over the place. Even Maria had never seen him play, and she's his bestfriend.

"Yes, I do," Julian said, "I've started since I was 12. Quite late for most music students, but I just love the piano, you see. I just don't play for people a lot. But Franklin was kind enough to let me train my performing abilities here."

She smiled; she didn't mind not knowing- well, not that much- but she couldn't wait to hear it. Helene loved music, she really did.

"And of course you can some, I asked you to, didn't I?" he added a bit playfully, lightly touching the tip of her nose with his finger. She laughed, hugging him again. Her spirits had risen so, and she felt fit to burst with joy.

Then remembering why he came here in the first place--

"Oh, right, I better do what I came here for, " he said a bit hastily. "I'm sorry, it's just-- I'll see you this weekend?" he asked, looking apologetic for suddenly leaving.

Hmm? She thought absently, smiling at him. Oh... he had mentioned something before.

"Oh.. you did say that, didn't you. Well," She paused, not wanting to leave him so soon, but life did go on- "I suppose I'll see you this weekend, okay?" She smiled, hugging him again.

Standing on her tiptoes (he was so tall!) she kissed him again, still a bit shy.

Julian's lips answered her kiss in the way he knows best; he kissed her back. Letting go of his girlfriend, (seriously, again?) Julian smiled down at her and kissed the tip of her nose, before pulling himself away from her.

"I'll see you later," she said, still smiling.

"Yes, I'll see you," he said tenderly, turning his back to leave the restaurant and enter the inn part of La Fiche Bleu to check if his piano had arrived yet.

As he did, he wondered at what happened. Over the vacation season, Anne had regretfully ended their blissful relationship due to reasons that involve moving out of the country. And now, he's got a girlfriend again... Not that Helene was new in his life, but... was he really ready to be in a relationship once more?

But the desire to love Helene Noelle again was just overwhelming; Julian had to give in.

Life had taken a turn about, that was for sure.

Immediately after spring break, and after Julian was able to relax at home, the former Eau student then set off for Vichy once more, to launch the second part of his plan: look for a job.

Entering La Fiche Bleu, Julian checked his watch. Right on time. He wasn't the usually tardy student anymore, and it was remarkable how he was able to change his bad habits, no matter how long it was taking him.

Julian wasn't sure whether he should ask one of the staff to inform Professor Franklin that he was here, but then again, he came by appointment. Julian felt that he was expected anyway, so he took a seat from one of the unoccupied tables and waited.

Armelle was busy doing some stuff in the kitchen when she heard the bell announcing a costumer. She quickly headed out to greet them. She was very surprised to see Julian. Didn't he just graduate? she thought to herself.

"Hey Julian! I'm surprised to see you here. Can I get anything?"

"Oh, hey Armelle, I was just--" Julian started to say, but was cut of by Franklin's arrival.

"Thank you Armelle, but he's here to see me," The proud owner of La Fiche Bleu stepped forward, letting his office door close behind him. Travis had been in the midst of a small tax return and time had slipped away from him, distracting him from the perspective interview that lay ahead.

"A couple of butterbeers would suffice, don't you?" He seemed to ask Julian, although it was a rather rhetorical question, directed towards Armelle. "If you could go and fetch them from the kitchen and bring them to my office, that would be much appreciated Armelle."

He smiled fondly at the eagerness Armelle had displayed in greeting the new customer only moments earlier she had displayed. He was quite glad to have such lively employees at his establishment, and was hoping for maybe one more.

"Okay, no problem boss." Armelle smiled at the simple nickname that she had given Professor Franklin, it wasn't like she could call him professor while at work. That would just be too odd.

"Shall we proceed then?" He asked, motioning that Julian should follow him to his office.

Julian nodded wordlessly, and followed the professor inside his office.

Armelle quickly got the two butterbeers from the kitchen and brought them to the office.

"Sit down Julian, make yourself comfortable," Travis obliged, pointing to the cushioned seat opposite his desk. Taking the drinks from Armelle, he thanked her before she turned to walk off and check on some of the other customers.

She smiled at Julian, her way of saying "good luck ", before heading off to check on a few other costumers. He caught Armelle's smile and returned it, before facing Franklin again.

"Thank you, sir," Julian replied, taking a seat that was offered to him.

For some reason, Julian didn't know what to say. It was his first time to look for a job and--- what does one do first in situations like this?

"Uh, it's nice to see you again, Professor. Have you been well?" Julian started.

"I've been well." He replied, placing the drink down in front of the graduate, his former pupil. "It's nice to see you again too, how have you been faring so far? Is the life of an adult wizard all that it's cracked up to be?"

"Well, truth to be told, I don't think I have experienced adult life just yet," he answered, taking the bottle in his hand but didn't drink it.

It was true. He just came out of his "on vacation" status that started two months ago, enjoying his new-found freedom as a graduate. Even piano had felt more enjoyable now that he got his magical studies out of the way, and what's more, he could use magic now to his heart's content.

"But being able to use magic anytime I wish is a definite plus," he admitted with a small laugh.

"Ah, yes, I remember the day I turned seventeen." Travis exclaimed, his eyes misting over as he was lost in a state of remembrance.

"My mother was quite annoyed when I kept apparating around the house, from the upstairs to downstairs and back, every couple seconds. It gave her such a fright that her wand would spew sparks every time she jumped."

He gave a short laugh as if he was watching his mother fein from the scare her son would give her. It seemed such a long time ago for Travis....

Bringing himself back to the present, Travis smiled down at Julian.

"So, Mr. Auriole, what brings you to La Fiche Bleu?"

At the question, Julian slightly stiffened with anxiety. Here we go, he thought, his smile frozen in his face. For a moment, he was just too anxious to give an exact answer. Even before requesting a meeting with his former professor, he had tried imagining what he was going to say. And it was difficult, only because Julian's pride kept on making him view what he was about to do as "begging" for a job.

"Well, sir," the Eau graduate awkwardly started, "I actually came here to ask if I can.. be a part of your staff. As a waiter and a pianist," he added, before realizing how weird was his transition. After all, he didn't answer a job post from the newspaper; heck, he didn't even think La Fiche Bleu was looking for a new waiter, much more, a pianist.

"It's..." he tried to continue. Ah, to hell with it. Honesty is the best policy. "The thing is, I'm going to be attending a conservatory next year, and I was wondering if I could get a job while training for the entrance examination for the Conservatoire, in Paris. And I was wondering if I can do it here in your restaurant, sir. As a waiter, and if you're willing to let me perform for your customers, maybe every weekend or even every night, it'll be a good training for me as well," he ended lamely, not to sure if he was able to clearly present to Franklin his point.

A pianist? Travis had no idea his former Prefect was so musically inclined. Concentrating on the young man, Travis leaned forward in his chair slightly, his hand rubbing his chin as he listened to Julian give his plead. Not that he really needed to plead for the job.

"I see you have thought this through, Julian." Travis uttered after a moment or two of silence. Indeed, he was impressed that the former Eau student had been so competent in planning everything out.

"Most impressive, if you ask me." Grinning at his former student, Travis tried to relax the growing stress-filled atmosphere.

Surprised that Professor Franklin was actually pleased with the idea, Julian couldn't help but smile with relief. Thank goodness, he doesn't have to worry about feeling useless. He's about to get a job while training for his chosen career path, right?

"As to your whereabouts outside of work, where would you be staying?" He asked casually, wondering if Julian had a relative nearby he was currently living with.

Oh, lodgings, he thought, deflating. He didn't think of that part. Julian thought that if he could only have the courage to go to Vichy and ask Franklin for a job then everything would be fine.

"Uh, that would be something I would have to arrange next, sir," he admitted. "Although Apparating to work from home would help me save on money," he added the last part more to himself.

Travis sat in silence once more, studying the young man. His confident nature seemed to retreat for a moment, as if Travis had startled him by his inquisition. He had not wanted to cause Julian any discomfort, although by his muttered remark, lodging was something of importance that he had not planned out yet.

"Truth be told Mr. Auriole," Travis sat at last, leaning forward to place his hands out on his desk in front of him. "I had no intentions on hiring another staff member as of yet. Seeing as I work at the school full time, and maintain La Fiche Bleu in my spare time, I was not keen on hiring more employees than needed."

Yeah, I was afraid of that, was the thought that crossed the former Eau's mind. If Franklin wanted a singing waiter, he would've advertised for one.

He looked Julian in the face, wanting to let him know that he was really trying to help him out.

"However, upon your recent endeavor, I am forced to rethink my scheduling." He paused for a moment before reaching inside his desk for a blank sheet of parchment. Pointing his wand at it, he continued to speak to Julian.

Julian watched as the professor drew out a blank parchment from his desk, and pointed his wand at it. He was strongly reminded of the time he was in his former Head of House's office after getting into a fight with Jacob. It wasn't the set up that was familiar; it was the feeling, as if he had done something really wrong and was about to get a detention for it.

"Alas, you drive a hard bargain, and it is hard to let such a dear student of mine go!"

With a small laugh, he tapped the paper lightly with the tip of his wand and the paper was suddenly filled out with writing. Sliding it over to Julian, Travis supplied him with a quill.

Eh? Julian then read the contents of the parchment and a genuine smile appeared on his face as he took the quill that was handed to him.

"No kidding?" was his rather blunt question, his features were lined with relief and shock, looking back at the professor.

"No joking matter here Mr. Auriole," Travis grinned at the bemused man sitting before him. "Of course there will have to be a few ground rules to the otherwise stated terms and conditions of your contract."

He uttered, with a wave of his hand at the paper in Julian's hands, an obvious sign that Travis was really not one for legalities.

Julian's face relaxed into a grin, having finally established the fact that he was, indeed, getting a job in La Fiche Bleu. Contract and rules? No problem, as long as he wasn't going to be asked to kill, steal from or physically maim some other human being, himself included of course.

"You will perform during the weekends, the exact times and days are up to your discretion, although I would prefer at least one show a night for Friday and Saturday." He pointed his wand at the paper and another clause was added.

The former Eau nodded, performing will never be a problem for him unless someone chops off his hands-- wait, wait, too brutal-a-thought. He turned his attention to the paper he was about to sign, watching as another paragraph was added.

"However, under the impression that you, being of age, would be looking for a more suitable position than the deemed bard of the restaurant, I am most graciously administering to you all duties and capabilities of weekday manager."

The young man felt his jaw drop in shock; almost literally, in fact. M-manager? he thought, aside from wondering where did his voice suddenly flew off.

"As the manager, and my second-in-command, all of my authority rests upon your shoulders during my absence. It will be up to you to watch over the staff, as well as run the restaurant during the week when I am not available. However, during the weekends, I will take up your managerial duties while you perform."

Travis pointed once more to the paper, another clause appeared, as well as a new salary. "I do believe an accurate pay raise is due with your new acquittal of duties."

Travis smiled as he finished the last small parts of Julian's contract, now double the size in length of the original. "Of course, if at anytime, you feel you are not up to par with everything, this contract can be marked void at your discretion, and you are free to leave."

Reading over the contract once more, Travis, having finished signing his own name at the bottom, passed it back to Julian.

Add that, plus the salary he would be getting... Julian felt no reason to prevent his about-to-be employer from signing his name to the contract; the parchment looking far better than anything at the moment. His writing hand hovered above the contract for a moment before he allowed himself to turn his attention back to Professor Franklin.

"Just one more thing," He interrupted one more time, hopefully not to annoy Julian. "As you know, Aries and I have our own home now just a ways out on the outskirts of Vichy. Seeing as La Fiche Bleu does double as an inn, the Master Suite that I had once intended to use for Aries and myself, is once again placed under permanent vacancy until it's first customer. I do not know how you will feel about this, but I think it would be a good negotiation if you would take up residence here, with the Master Suite as yours. Of course, a small monthly rent fee would be charged, but compared with the salary boost from your managerial duties, I highly doubt there would be any problems with you staying."

Travis paused, interested to hear Julian's opinion on everything, hoping he hadn't scared him away with all of the issues he had just pressed on the young man. However, just in case, he had his wand poised above the parchment containing his contract, ready to add the last and final clause.

If Julian was a dork, he would've fallen off his chair right then and there. Only to keep his dignity from being thrown out the window of Franklin's office was he able to steady himself and reply.

"Why, that's... really, I can only think of thanking you sir, for your generosity," he fumbled in the beginning, but being really sincere about it, the words flowed out from Julian with better ease in the latter part.

"No need to thank me Mr. Auriole," Travis said with a hearty laugh.

"I'm sure you'll be saying much more than "thank you" come the busy season!"

He waited patiently for the stunned man to finish signing his name on the contract before continuing.

Julian couldn't help but grin; it was more than he could ask for. And a wonderful opportunity at that!

His eyes scanned the last few additions to the contract before finally signing away. Giving back the parchment and quill, Julian waited for further instructions, guessing that the professor might still have a few other details he would want to discuss.

"Yes, I think that'll do," Travis said, whisking the contract away to a safe place with a tap of his wand. Turning back to Julian, Travis presented him with a ring of keys.

"These keys will be your life-line while you're here, so please, don't lose them," Travis chided Julian, handing over a set of silver keys. "The first key goes to the main restaurant and inn doors, the entrances used by the public. This key will also open and close the back door. The separate keys belonging to the suites are kept behind the front lobby desk of the inn. That bulkier key is the key to the master suite, which is now officially yours. This slim key with all the jagged teeth, will open my office here should you need it's services. That slightly brown key opens all of the closets and storage rooms located around the inn and in the kitchens. This final key, is of most importance to me."

Travis lifted up the smallest key, barely wider than the width of his pinky finger. "This will open the side room, the smaller, wooden door across from the restrooms in the side hall. There is nothing of importance to you in there, just a variety of personal belongings that I would prefer you not to go through, unless I have otherwise given you permission."

Passing the keys back over to Julian, he studied him momentarily, as if he had to reassure the young man about the all seriousness about the last key and it's door.

Julian sat in full attention once more, listening intently as his employer explained each of the keys in the little bunch. The last part piqued his curiosity, but out of respect for Franklin's instructions, Julian didn't ask.

"Is there anything you have a question about?"

"Yes, sir," Julian said, inspecting the keys for the briefest moment before asking with a smile, "When do I start?"

Travis gave a hearty laugh when Julian sounded his question. Leave it to the young Auriole to be so keen on starting something new and challenging.

"How about the beginning of next week? That way, you'll have some time to get settled, and possibly go visit a few friends back up at school."

Julian grinned. Indeed, he had already thought of someone who might be pleased with the news. Not to mention that he was given enough time to prepare for his new job.

He gave the boy a swift wave of dismissal with his hand, knowingly perfectly well that a certain Eau girl was going to be the first to know of his new employee.

"Otherwise, you're dismissed," Travis smiled, feeling as if he was back up at school in his office with the former Eau.

"Thank you, sir," he said again, standing up as he prepared to leave. He wasn't even able to touch his Butterbeer; but surely Franklin could understand why.

Keys jingling in his hand, Julian nodded and gave his new employer a hearty salute before leaving the office, apparently in a better mood than before he had entered it.

Julian had his arm around Maria's shoulder for the most part that they had traveled from the dining hall and back to their common room. His preoccupation with avoiding Maria's dampening mood made him fail to realize that he was actually spending what might be his last evening as a Beauxbâtons student. True, the results wouldn't arrive till the start of the new term, but still, he didn't want to lose a chance to spend time with the person he's held the most dear.

Upon arriving in the common room, Julian gently removed his arm and let her go, pausing near enough the stairs to Maria's dormitory.

"I'll wait for you to finish," he said to her with one of his more tamed smiles.

"I'll be right down." The witch promised, sincerity burning in her eyes. With a fluid sort of loping grace, she moved towards the spiralling staircase before disappearing from sight.

Nearly twenty minutes later, her lithe figure came into view as Maria did a short pirouette piquée before sweeping an elegant curtsey in front of the blonde boy. Julian was seated comfortably on his favorite chair when Maria came back with a mini-ballet performance. He can only guess as to what came over her to do such a show, but he laughed nonetheless.

Despite having every dark glossy strand in place, her eyes burned feverishly, and her pale cheeks were tinted pink. Unknown to her best friend, her little ballet performance was just a cover up for her breathlessness. Maria had just finished packing her belongings with an unneccesary amount of zest and passion; a way to let go of her pent-up rage over Jacob's newest love interest. Argh. The very word tasted vile on her tongue.

"Have you finished packing?" She managed, after catching her breath and giving him a radiant smile.

"Got the last of my socks in," he replied with a grin, before standing up to give his best friend an embrace.

"I'll miss you," he said through her dark brown curls.

For what seemed to be the third time that night, Maria felt her breath catching in her throat as Julian pulled her into his arms. Near the corners of her eyes she felt a sharp stinging sensation causing her to squeeze them tightly, while taking a series of deep, calming breaths.

"Silly boy." She murmured into his chest, pulling away to look up at him when she was confident that she was quite tear-free.

"You'll have so much fun out there, you won't even remember my name." Maria attempted to tease him, although her smile seemed a bit too watery to match her light tone.

"Of course I'll have a lot of fun," Julian chuckled briefly, "but I won't be with my most favorite Beauxbâtons girl, you know?"

It was this, more than anything else, that brought a genuine smile to Maria's lips and it was this that made the brunette tug him gently to join her on the blue chaise longue. He didn't want to go through a mushy goodbye, but Julian realized that when it comes to really good and beloved friends, one can't help but be a lot more honest.

"I'll owl you," he continued, the pre-farewell stuff he wanted to say with more eloquence ended up being short, awkward sentences.

"Don't say goodbye, just yet." She murmured, drawing her legs up to her chest as she rested her head on Julian's shoulder. They lay there in comfortable silence, lost in their own individual thoughts for a moment before Maria broke the spell.

"You were quite cruel to me, just now," The Eau said steadily, pausing as she tentatively ventured on, "I was wondering...what made you react...so adversely. So we don't leave with any bad feelings, you know."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I'm sorry, love," Julian admonished sincerely, wrapping his arms gently around her and pulling her close. He almost forgot; he'll miss the furniture as well. He should go and say his goodbye to the loyally blue common room furnishings a bit later.

Julian's reply was deliberately slow, his mind mulling over what to say. "I've been trying, up until now, to be a real friend, a best friend. I realized, that almost all of the time we were together, I've always been the cooperative ally... I dunno... I just tried to be an honest mirror for once."

He paused for a moment before saying, "You've always been quite cruel to yourself, you know? I thought maybe if I let you know that, I'll be able to leave you with something to at least think about. Especially since I won't be around to see you anymore."

"Cruel?" Maria repeated, propping herself up to look at him, "How so?" She enquired, "And to who? Surely not you?" Her forehead creased at this disarming thought. Yes, she had mocked Julian for time to time, but never out of pure spite. Rarely, if ever, out of spite.

Julian smiled kindly down at her, saying, "I refuse to dignify that with an answer."

He let her go, lazily relaxing against the chaise and mindlessly picking at the furniture. She heaved a sigh as she settled herself back down, her long dark curls spilling over Julian's lap. 

"But you can go ahead and think about it," he mumbled after a few moments.

And grudgingly Maria did, twirling her locket between her fingers, the finely applied polish glittering in the firelight. How had she ever been cruel? He didn't even give her a straight answer either; why was it to him she'd been nasty to, Veronique? Jacob?

The Eau tugged agitatedly at her locket, "I give up." She said with pout, widening her amethyst eyes at the new Eau graduate.

Where was his wand? Julian felt the sudden urge to give his best friend a sharp tap on the noggin', just to make sure she's still there and not in oblivion.

"I said you've been cruel to yourself," he then explained, unable to resist the power of those prettily dilated amethyst eyes, "Someone else observed this before, and I think she's right. You've been pretty much in denial, and you still are."

She knitted her brows, feeling slightly peeved that someone would dare to make such an observation about her. Why, what right did they have to think such things of their school prefect? Needless to say, the brunette's pride was kicking in.

"Why, Julian, how could I possibly be cruel to myself?" She said sweetly, before she finished with, "And I'm not in denial." Obviously, Maria didn't see the irony in her words.

Riiiight... Julian wanted to die right then and there. He smiled ridiculously at the girl beside him, who wasn't being painfully dense, no... She was just... denying the fact that she's in denial. It was unbelievably absurd altogether.

"If you say so," Julian then sighed, giving up on his hard-headed fellow Eau.

"I'm tired of this topic," Maria announced abruptly.

Again, heavy silence fell over the two friends as they lay there, quite content to spend their last few moments basking in the warm glow of the fire-light. Julian was feeling quite sleepy during their moments of silence, realizing that he was physically, mentally and emotionally tired. The quietness was broken by a sudden question.

"What will you do...after?" She said after a long pause, which she used to collect her thoughts. The thought of Julian as...well, an adult, was unnerving to the younger girl. In fact, it made her downright worried.

"First, I'm going to take a break," he responded with certainty, knowing that he'll be needing a vacation, at least for two weeks or so. "Then find a job somewhere while I train for piano, then it's off to music school... I think."

Music school. She nodded, remembering he had mentioned that to her once, not long ago.

"But I'll definitely have to find a job. We're not so financially decrepit now compared to before, but I really want to help my parents out, especially since we have two more members of the family."

"That seems all well and good," Maria said slowly, as she continued to play with her locket, "But will I do without you?" Her words hung in the air; raw with the sadness she did not speak of, still and poignant in the silence. Julian gazed back at his friend, his green irises tinged with gray. He gently lifted her chin to have her face him, and looked in those lovely amethyst orbs.

"I'll be around, but not as much as before," he tried to say with confidence, "but I'm sure you'll be fine without me."

She lowered her eyes, not quite wanting to let her thinly veiled unease give her away. With Julian gone, what would she do? Who could she go to now, to seek companionship? After all, as popular and well-liked as Maria was amongst the student body before, that had changed when the girls' began to shun her for her bold, flirtacious nature. His last words were quite contradictory with his thoughts, and if his dark-haired companion noticed, Julian had no intention to clarify.

"I'll visit," he added lamely.

"With fine, pretty female friend I'm sure." Maria laughed.    

"With my little sister," Julian shot back, sticking his tongue at her.

Julian was contemplating on whether he should tell her about the other part of his plan, at least the one that he failed, or hesitated, to mention. But he silently changed his mind, unless he won't be able to pull it through. He didn't want to disappoint her.

"I'll visit every week," he then just promised. That, he can certainly keep.

Satisfied at the sincerity laced between his words, Maria dropped the subject quite content that she wouldn't be completely losing touch with her favourite blonde boy.

"I suppose Russel can keep me company in the mean time," she contemplated, smiling wickedly to herself as Maria leant back against Julian. An eyebrow flew upwards as Julian heard these, suspicion in the innocence of the statement rising faster than a hot-air balloon.

"Since you'll be going and all."

"I have a question, and I want you to promise to not to lie to me," Julian started, his tone serious enough to let her know that he didn't want Maria to take it lightly. Not suspecting any hidden motives, Maria easily gave her word and tilted her head to wait for Julian's question. In the distance, she heard the chiming of the clock- it was eight o'clock. The night was still young.

"Did you kiss Russel Baudin?" Julian then went in for the kill, knowing that he was risking infuriating her again, but he wasn't aiming to make fun out of it this time. All Julian wanted was to know the truth, and then reprimand her if he needed to. His face remained serious and impassive; but certain that Maria would understand his motives. 

This was certainly awkward. Maria squirmed uncomfortably at the blunt question, not finding any loopholes to wiggle her way out of. A tiny part of her knew what she had done was...well, wrong.

"I suppose you could say that..." she admitted, avoiding the older boy's gaze and fiddling with the zipper of the nearest cushion.

"Mm," Julian's voice grumbled its displeasure over the confession. Already, he found a good reason to make sure he can keep an eye on her, frightfully reckless she can be sometimes. He didn't mind if she flirted with Russel or with anyone else, but to kiss someone else's boyfriend?

"And why, I may ask?"

She couldn't help flinching at the disapproval conveyed to her in his tone. Careful to keep her eyes lowered as if highly fascinated by the cushion's zipper, she thought of her response. Why had she kissed Russel? Maria debated on a light, flirty answer but sensing Julian's darkening mood, she settled for a more serious, truthful one.

"Well. He wanted it." She said stoutly with a small shrug of her shoulders.

"He wanted it," Julian repeated, wondering if this was true. If it was, then Russel was no better than Julian after all. Cheating on his girlfriend? And to think the Flamme had accosted him the other day regarding his attitude towards Veronique. Now hearing about this; Julian wanted to laugh out loud. But he still had his little fifth year Eau to deal with. Pouting at the grim tone that Julian had taken up, Maria rolled over, to gaze up into his light eyes. 'Of course Russel had wanted it, what boy didn't want a kiss from a pretty girl?' she felt like pointing out to him, but she held her tongue.

"And you gave it to him?" he inquired sternly.

"Well, yes. It was just a kiss, Julian!" Maria pointed out, feeling almost hurt, and greatly wishing for a way to switch the topic.

"What did you get out of it?"

"What do you get out of kissing me?" She retorted, not quite answering his question, "You're no saint yourself, Julian Auriole."

"Touche," Julian answered fairly, but his features remained stern. "But I'm a guy, Maria. You're a girl. As feminist as this may seem to you, people won't care much about me being seen snogging you, since I'm considered single, compared to you being seen with Russel, who's tied down in a relationship. There's this big, shitty cultural difference in the way our actions are viewed.., " he trailed off. Maria turned her face away, mild annoyance registering in her eyes. Still, she half-heartedly listened, knowing that whatever Julian was forcing himself to say was entirely for her own good. She reasoned that he was probably in such a saintly, stern mood due to his departure tomorrow.

"All I want to say is that, maybe you should try to be more careful when it comes to causing rumors. I know you don't give a damn about what people think of you, but I do," he said in a gentler tone this time. "Didn't you ever realize that I kissed you only because I was certain no one will see us?"

Her face relaxed; so that was what Julian was so worried about!

"No one saw us, Julian," Maria assured him, chuckling with relief as she ran a hand through her dark curls.

"You sure?" Julian countered, still not wanting to share in her relief just yet. "What about the rumors about you and him? That couldn't have started by itself."

Maria hesitated for a split second- time enough for Julian to recognise that she possibly not as confident about the rumours as she made herself out to be.

"We were talking at one point," she said aloud, recounting the events of that day, "And um, fooled around a bit," The Eau had the decency to blush as she spoke, "But after, we hid ourselves near the trees of the Herbology gardens. We couldn't have been seen." She repeated, not knowing of course, that a certain Veronique Boulet had seemingly spied on them, such as she had done that night she was with Jacob, and pounced on Russel the minute Maria had walked away.

"They probably saw us talking, and exaggerated. Like with Franklin," Maria pointed out with a shudder.Julian listened, and seemed to have accepted her explanation, though concern was still etched in his features.

"Just be careful next time, alright? If you're going to play around, I mean. I just don't want you to get seriously hurt," he added uncharacteristically, much of his sentiments being a result of his leaving.

"I won't," she promised, a smile settling over her face and softening her features considerably. Julian smiled with relief. No reason to worry over nothing. At least for now. And besides, he's got his spring break to enjoy. He leaned forward to kiss Maria on the forehead just as she added another comment regarding Russel's love interest. She felt like pointing out that she had no real feelings for Jacob's best mate anyway, but thinking twice she merely commented,

"I could never understand what he saw in Veronique anyway," Maria said condescendingly. She had never been too fond of the Terre, Merlin knew why.

"That's not our business to poke at," he reminded her as he stood up.

"Well, this is it. I'm going," the Eau announced in his best offhand manner. "I'll see you on your first week back," he told her with a smile. She found that she had stopped breathing as Julian slowly got to his feet, wishing her goodbye. It was really quite painful not being able to breathe. Her lungs ached from the strained, and she was beginning to experience a light-headed, tingly sort of sensation.

"Goodbye." Maria attempted to downplay her reluctance to see him go, by giving him small smile as he moved away. Julian nodded without a word, his feet seemed to have grown heavier as he took slow steps towards the exit. He took out his wand and summoned his trunk from upstairs. Surely this wasn't it? He was about to reach out to take it when he heard Maria call him back.

"Julian-!" With quick, long strides, the brunette crossed the room before gathering her best friend in an unusually tight embrace. He turned, and was surprised to be embraced tightly by his bestfriend. He felt her bury her face in his chest and Julian returned the embrace.

"Promise you'll visit," her childish words were slightly muffled from the way Maria seemed to bury her face in his shirt to hide the tiny tears threatening to escape from the corners of her eyes. He gently patted her back, before answering as calmly as he could.

"I promise," he managed to say, hiding the rest of his emotions behind a quiet smile. He pulled away from Maria and picked up his luggage, starting for the common room door. Before he could prevent himself, he turned back and glanced at Maria one last time, then stepped out.

It would be a while before they get to see each other again.

Hi sweetie!

     So you're staying over the spring break, I see. Well, take care and try not to get into trouble unlike the last time. I was hoping you'd be home to help Dad out to clean out the garden and de-gnome the other garden. But I guess you'll be graduating soon, am I correct? I'm supposing that it's going to be your last term, unless you've failed a subject and you need to repeat a year?

     I'm just kidding, dear. You need not to impress us with your academic performance. I prefer seeing you being a better person than the best student. And try not to break other girls' hearts while you're at it?

     I love you,
          Mom

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Gabriel,

    Come home soon. Daddy bought me a toy broom and said you can teach me when you get home.

          Dianne Isabelle

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Gabriel,

     Once again, you are the subject of my envy. I can't believe you're about to finish school! I mean, of course it's entirely possible for you to finish school, but I can't believe you'll move on to Paris while I'm still stuck here in Rome studying magic! I'm definitely jealous.

     Do ignore me, I'm just bitter because I'm not doing well here. I just can't wait until I'm done with Italy. The thought brings me hope.

     Looking forward to summer as always,
          Faye

PS. My friend Melisande taught me how to ride a broom. The coach actually gave up on my awful flying. You should meet Melisande, she's a Quidditch fan.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gabriel,

     Enclosed is a letter from Anne that she just handed me this morning. Obviously she had no idea where to send it and had sought out my kind assistance. 

          Dad

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hi Julian!

     I'm sorry for breaking the rule about exchanging letters, but I really want to tell you that 

          I miss you a lot.

     I'm definitely looking forward to this summer.

     Lots of love,
          Anne

Note: I'm practically jumping with glee. I love Anne. She's so nice.

My suit arrived yesterday evening, demonstrating how much my mother loves me. I had been planning to wear something depressingly plain for the dance, but dear Mum somehow got wind of the fact that the school was going to hold a Valentine's Day party this year. With Madame Auriole to the rescue, darling Gabriel is now looking elegantly plain, the type that Mum definitely liked about him. I bet she'd say it emphasizes my natural looks.

I like it well enough, and so did everyone in the dorm. It doesn't beat Corin's latest Parisian dinner clothes courtesy of his mother and their stylist, but mine was the classic type that usually works all the time. I think I'll be able to wear these clothes for other occasions.

I finished dressing a few minutes early for the dance, giving me enough time to write a quick thank-you note to Mum before I set off for the ballroom. The other boys were already moving out the door.

"Coming, Julian?" Arthur asked me, noticing that I was still hunching over my desk.

"Nearly done," I answered, and the door closed after Arthur mumbled a sparse 'okay'. Seconds later, I was bounding downstairs, clutching my note. I found the rest of the house teeming with excitement, with the younger ones eagerly waiting for or meeting with their dates and heading off to the ballroom. I watched as Celine floated downstairs, looking like a water nymph in her blue gown, and with a bashful smile, met her boyfriend, who had been waiting at the foot of the stairs. Lucky Arthur.

Jeanette met Corin, and she looked impressed with his garb. I remember how Corin complained about her decision to ask him in the last minute, but after Yannick pointed out that Netty nearly forgot about the dance and that he was the first one that came to her mind, the Greek properly accepted that he wasn't chosen as a last resort.

"Hey Julian!" Lucille eagerly greeted as soon as she saw me. Like Maria, Lucille had taken to kissing me on the cheek the way a younger sister would. She was more like my twin though; we have the same birthdate.

"My, my, don't you look dashing," she commented, looking me up and down with satisfaction in her eyes.

"Dressing up for Doloresta, I see," Claire mistakenly surmised. Upon hearing this, Corin shot me a dangerous look, perhaps coming up with the conclusion that I duped him by saying that Maria was to go alone when in truth I provoked her into asking me to the dance. Sometimes Corin is capable of such thoughts.

Little Lucy smirked. "No, Julian doesn't have a date, Claire."

"Oh?" the other said. Corin relaxed visibly, and Jeanette, seeing all of his reaction, rolled her eyes and poked him in the ribs, saying with irritation, "Will you quit being a loser and act like you deserve to be my date for once?" It promptly made him behave.

"Maria made the mistake of not asking him though," Lucille continued, twining an arm around me, "If I had known you'd look this good, I would've dumped my boyfriend for you," she sighed regretfully. Claire laughed, patting Lucille on the head before heading for the portal.

"Where's she going?" I asked, wondering who Claire's date was.

"She's off to Vichy, to meet with a mystery guy," Lucille answered, shrugging her shoulders. "We've been trying to get her to tell us who this guy is, but she's kept his identity a secret. I was thinking it might be Damien."

I successfully mastered my tongue; I nearly blurted out that Damien mentioned in a letter that he was going to sneak back to Vichy to secretly meet with Claire on Valentine's day. My preoccupation with my dateless status made me forget all about it.

"Come on, Julian, walk with me to the ballroom," Lucille invited, "oh, unless you're waiting for Maria?"

"Nah, she'll be very late," I answered, pulling Lucille gently towards the portal. "Besides, I want to make your boyfriend jealous," I added with a sly wink. Lucille laughed gaily.

Four days. Still no girl to ask me for the dance. Maybe I am fated to have no date for this year's Sadie Hawkins?

In fairness to yours truly, I did not expect Maria to entertain the notion of asking me to the dance, not after I had rejected her the last time she did, which was years ago. But she did mention it during the study group session last Friday, but she said she wanted to go by herself. We settled to merely dancing to one song.

I would have been very grateful if she did ask me now though, but the idea of going alone to the dance seemed a really good one, especially now that she had mentioned it. It's somehow liberating not to have a date.

Except, I have this huge ego to nurture. To not be asked by a single girl is a huge blow to my vanity, making me wonder if I had been deluded into believing I am quite good-looking when in fact I am nothing special. Conceited and arrogant, more likely, but I have not gone out with some of the pretty ones in France? Unless animal attraction and/or sincere affection have nothing to do with face value. That would make sense. Ugly people do exude some rare form of attractiveness to beautiful ones. Perhaps I am one of those seductively ugly ones?

The things I realize... I better put this dateless mystery in the back of my mind. I have more important things to think about, like how to stop Corin from waiting for Maria to ask him. That friend of mine is a living, breathing embodiment of constantly shattered dreams. Poor guy.
 

Crack!

He had been wondering how to call for a house-elf in the castle when one promptly appeared-- that was, after he fell into a fit and yelled, "Good Merlin, how does one call for an elf in this place?!"

"Did sire call for Binky's humble service?" a young elf squeaked as he bowed in front of Julian's four poster bed. The lad immediately sat up in bed upon hearing the voice and surveyed the creature in surprise.

"Oh. Well, yes, please," Julian said, recovering from the small shock he got. The elf bowed deeper, saying, "Sire is very polite and very kind, to say please to an house elf," and making Julian feel slightly awkward. He had forgotten how humble these creatures were.

"Binky," Julian said, and the elf stood in attention, "do you elves accept special requests for student clothes? I mean," and here, Julian reached for a set of his school uniform, neatly washed and pressed, " can I ask you to redo this uniform as quickly as possible? You know, make it crisp and look like brand-new?"

"Most certainly sire!" Binky squeaked, reaching for the clothes and with a snap of the finger, Julian's clothes appeared in its best, no longer folded and instead were hanging as if the prefect was going to wear them for a very special occasion. "Here you are, sire!" and Binky held out his clothes in hangers with a happy grin.

"Wow, that was quick," the young man said, clearly impressed. "Well done, Binky, this is just what I need!"

The elf bowed deeply once more and with happy tears, disappeared.
 

* * *

Julian had just finished donning the said school uniform and was pinning his prefect badge carefully on his robes when Arthur came in. One look at the prefect and the redhead stopped dead in his tracks.

"Oi, there you are," Julian said upon seeing him. The addressed quickly recovered upon hearing the other's familiar voice. At least he sounded like the Julian he knew, even if the tie was too neat to be done by Arthur's necktie-hating classmate.

"What happened to your hair?" Arthur asked, completely amazed at the neatness displayed by Julian's usually scruffy blond locks. Only magic would have done the trick of taming Julian's hair, and Arthur was ready to believe that his roommate was capable of wasting money on hair products.

"Just a neat spell I learned from Lucille," the other answered, patting his badge and inspecting his hair once more in his reflection in the window.

"You look like our old Head Boy, the really stuck-up one in the old yearbook photos," Arthr commented with a slight disgust.

"No, you look like him. I, on the other hand, look like a real, hard-working student of Beauxbatons, which is exactly what I want to look like," Julian replied, retrieving his wand from the desk beside his bed and faced his companion.

"I do need to borrow your reading glasses, pal," he said, holding out his palm.

"What the hell for?" Arthur asked crossly, but summoned the glasses from his desk drawer nonetheless and handing the said item to Julian.

The prefect tapped the glasses with his wand and muttered a spell, duplicating it and handed back the original one to his friend. Julian tested if his spell worked, and the glasses were as clear as day, and he with the perfect vision can wear the specters without damage to his eyesight.

"Thanks, Noe," Julian said with his familiar impish grin before wearing the fake glasses and heading out of the room.

"What was that all about?" Arthur asked himself, too puzzled to notice what Julian just called him.
 

Problem:
Jacob is still crazy about Maria. Period.
Maria might still be interested in Jacob but is currently not entertaining the thought.
Julian is itching to do something about it.

Project Proposal:
Operation J.U.L.I.A.N. (Just Until Lucas Is Adequately Noticed) For The Dance

Target(s):
Jacob Lucas Daniels
Marianna Eleanor Doloresta

Primary Objective:
Get Maria to ask Jacob for the Sadie Hawkins' Dance by next week

Steps:
1) Arrange a study group session with Jacob and Maria.
     1.1) Do not tell Maria that Jacob will be there.
      1.2) Do not let Russel in on the plan; for reasons of previously failed attempt and because Maria would be less accomodating if he comes.

2) Raise Jacob's status to "Interesting Like a Puppy"
      2.1) Give compliments on Jacob's Quidditch performance
      2.2) Ask about his prolonged absence to make Maria worry about him
      2.3) Mention about how Jacob needs a study partner for this week
      2.4) Immediately offer Maria's help without her permission

3) Promptly make several excuses to leave the two alone.
      3.1) Excuse #1: Bathroom
      3.2) Excuse #2: Look for books
      3.3) Excuse #3: Emergency non-Quidditch, non-Prefect meeting; possibly with the Patronus Racing Committee

4) Mention the dance once in a while and make suggestions.

5) Be ready to improvise.

I miss Anne. I wonder how is she, what she's doing, who's she thinking of. There's talk of another Sadie Hawkins Dance this month and I would wonder if we are allowed to take outsiders to the dance, if not for the fact the Anne is a Muggle and therefore cannot enter Beauxbatons. Plus, it's the girls who do the asking.

With that, I have a huge chance of going solo. I'm hoping to catch the flu come February 12 and stay sick for one whole week.
 

Finally, I got a letter from Damien. All the guys were glad to hear of him even if it was just a week ago that he left us.

To Cousin Auriole and Mssrs. Cartier, de la Fontaine and St. Pierre,

    Greetings,

    Yes, I'm alive, prefectly well, in good shape and tucked away in a safe place. I'm in England, back in my father's house and with my family. I've spent a week trying to do something interesting in order to have something to share to you by owl. Unfortunately, I was immediately tasked to read a lot of books about the enterprise I'm about to be involved in, namely, the family business. It's worse than what you have there, mainly because I'm forced to cram all what I can learn before I start training this February.

     So I guess I should tell you now, when I still have the time, that I might not be available to answer owls immediately. I will write whenever I can and once I finish the grueling one-month training, I will be able to regularly communicate with all of you once again. In the meanwhile, I will be highly entertained of owls that you might throw my way every now and then.

     I hope to hear from all of you soon,
     Damien F. Mauvais

PS. I am forced to sign my name this way. Part of the training.

Arthur asked what the "F." stood for. I only told him that it was Damien's second name and that he despised it. I didn't tell them what "F" was exactly. Damien would've killed me.
 

 After one of those tedious prefect meetings, nearly all prefects from every year and every house in Beauxbatons headed off to the lounge reserved for them on the second floor of the castle. Half the number of Eau prefects were part of the group that took their breaks in the lounge and this consisted of Julian and Claire, the seventh year prefects and Maria, Julian's bestfriend and one of the fifth year prefects. The trio immediately took to their favored seats; all of them looking slightly worn out.

Maria sighed as she took her place beside Julian, who sluggishly leaned on one side of the sofa armrest. The brunette fifth year sought comfort under a protective arm draped around her shoulders courtesy of her dear friend while Claire crossed her legs as she shifted her position on her favorite armchair.

"One more meeting like that one and I swear I'll quit school," Maria complained softly, leaning comfortably against Julian's chest and began playing with the ends of the blonde boy's blue school tie.

"Ivanna La Croft likes to emphasize a lot of details, no matter how long it takes," Claire commented in half disdain, glancing wearily at the group of Ciel prefects at the other side of the room. The Ciel prefect, who was the Head Girl of the school as well, was luckily not among the group.

"I still wonder why you guys weren't made Head Boy and Girl," Maria said to both, shooting her bestfriend a sly glance which seemed to convey that she was about to add a witty comment regarding Julian but changed her mind in the last second.

Julian, who seemed to be dozing off on the sofa, answered, "When Jacob broke my nose, my record was tainted for life."

Claire and Maria both smirked and ignored the half-fabricated explanation. "I like to argue a lot," Claire added simply.

Maria nodded to her fellow prefect, saying, "So a Ciel and a Terre got the positions that La Rue was dreaming of passing on to Julian and you."

Claire wrinkled her nose in disgust when the former Head Boy was mentioned. "La Rue was an ambitious prick who likes dynasties and power-related stuff." Julian mumbled his agreement, his eyes still closed in a sleep-like state.

Maria laughed but didn't answer. She continued to fiddle with Julian's school tie until finally losing interest in her bestfriend's most hated accessory. She removed herself from being entangled with Julian on the sofa, but not before swooping down to give him a quick kiss on one cheek. Maria then stood up to leave.

"Transfiguration," Maria said, her explanation of why she was going. Julian's eyes opened and he smiled lazily, giving his best friend an equally lazy wave. He then closed his eyes once more, exchanging his sprawl on the sofa to a more comfortable stretch across it. Claire looked as if she could swear Julian was about give a lazy purr while he was at it.

"Mackenzie, huh?" Claire said as Maria gave her a cheek-to-cheek goodbye, and the fifth year sighed melodramatically in reply before sashaying away and out the door. Claire sighed, lost in her own thoughts for a while before turning her attention to Julian. Having seemingly made up her mind about something, Claire stood up over Julian and slapped his arm repeatedly.

"Get up and sit up straight," she ordered her fellow prefect, "we need to talk." Julian could only obey, so startled was he by the sudden violence exhibited by his usually calm and collected schoolmate.

"About what?" he asked as Claire sat down beside him on the sofa. She pulled out a letter from the pocket of her school robe and handed it to Julian.

"That," she said simply, her tone somewhat vicious. "Open it and read it," she further commanded. Julian opened the letter and did as he was told. After a while, he closed it and looked up at the girl beside him. Claire was staring at the Ciel group, but Julian could see in her eyes that her mind was somewhere else.

"So he's no longer coming back?" she asked finally, a sad smile was on her face.

"Yes," Julian replied briefly, feeling sorry for Claire and didn't know what to do to help her.

"Will we get to see him again?"

"I don't know," he honestly replied and added, "but I hope so."

Claire nodded, biting her lip. "Can I ask you for a favor, Julian?"

"Why not? What is it?"

"I need a shoulder to cry on."

Julian said no more. He merely guided Claire into his arms as she started to sob quietly, clinging to him and leaning her head against his shoulders. Julian patted her back patiently, trying not to listen to her sobs that grew louder by the minute, but not enough to go beyond Julian's hearing. He didn't mind that his shirt was starting to get damp round the left shoulder; he only embraced Claire tighter when he thought she needed to be comforted further.

 That morning, I was on my way to the stadium for Quidditch practice when I ran into Damien, who was just coming out of Travis Franklin's office. I caught a few words that our Head of House was telling my fellow Eau.

"...and good luck to you, Mr. Mauvais," Franklin was saying as Damien got out. The professor acknowledged my presence with a small nod before retreating back inside his office. The door closed and Damien turned-- and froze on the spot the moment he saw me. For a half a minute we just stood there, looking at each other; me looking puzzled and Damien looking as if he was hesitating to say something. I felt something was slightly off, for Damien rarely hesitated.

"So," I began before we were forced to listen to the crickets, "anything new with our esteemed Head of House?" I asked casually.

Recovering somewhat, Damien shrugged non-committally. "Quidditch practice?" he asked me instead of answering my question.

It was then my turn to shrug non-committally. "Or a leisurely walk along the corridors while dragging my broom. You could even say I'm sweeping the corridors with it," I answered vaguely.

"I'll walk with you then, smartass," Damien retorted, but did as he said. I resumed my pacing and he walked along with me. Something was really off.

"So if there's nothing new with Franklin," I insisted, for that encounter piqued my curiosity, "there must be something new with you then."

Damien's brow merely twitched in annoyance at the topic of my choice.

"Come on," I continued, miming Franklin's last words, "'Good luck to you, Mr. Mauvais'?"

"It's a usual send-off greeting," Damien replied shortly. I wasn't pleased.

"So what," I then said, "it's not like you're leaving the Academy or something."

"But I am leaving," he said still rather shortly. I could tell Damien was irritated, the kind of irritation reserved for particularly dumb people. Was I being dense then? About what?

"On a trip?" I asked curiously.

"Probably."

"When will you be back?" Honestly, after Christmas break, Damien is going on another vacation? Hmph, rich people.

"Probably never?"

Here, Damien paused from walking as he uttered those words which took me a couple of seconds to understand. I walked a few steps back to where he had lagged behind, unable to believe what I just heard.

"What? You're leaving the Academy and might never come back?" I repeated incredulously. The slight twitch of the corner of Damien's lip signified that he was torn between irritation and amusement.

"I dropped out of school," he replied simply.

Beat. What?

"Why?" I managed to croak out, more because of sheer shock than any throat-drying process known to mankind.

"I'm going back to England, family business," he said vaguely.

"But we only have six months til graduation," I argued, ignoring his 'family business' excuse that was more than frustrating when you don't need it.

"We all discussed it last Christmas, final verdict was for me to drop out of French school and learn hands-on under my father's tutelage. I am inheriting a large part of the family business, after all," he explained in the shortest way possible. I was too shocked to notice that Damien looked morose as he said all those words.

"Can't your father wait for six more months?" I stubbornly went on. Damien sighed melodramatically before answering.

"We've already postponed the whole thing for more than a year, I wasn't supposed to go back for our sixth year at school. Moreover, Father thought it was ridiculous for me to go back for seventh year if not for Mother and Vela's suggestion that Father waited til I'm seventeen, so the Academy would accept my dropping out as my own decision," his tone was then patient, as if he finally decided that I was worth explaining the whole situation to.

"But it's still not your own decision," I said, wishing that Damien didn't really want to leave school this early.

"It never was. I don't think it ever will be."

On this sad note, I was forced to accept the fact that Damien will not be graduating with me this year, no matter how much I-- all of us; Arthur, Corin, Yann and the others, wanted him to do so. I was never the one to question family matters so I couldn't really blame Damien's father, but it did hurt to realize that I was about to say goodbye to a person whom I considered family in this place. Damien may never surpass Maria's place as my best friend, but he's a best friend nonetheless, and I was somewhat loathe to admit that I would be missing him when he's gone.

One thing slightly bothered me.

"And were you planning to leave us without saying goodbye?" I asked, almost accusingly.

"You know how I hate mushy send-offs," Damien admitted offhandedly.

"You would have died before reaching England, because Claire will kill you first."

"She wouldn't understand," he said, shaking his head.

"And the guys in the dorm?"

"They'll get it, one way or the other."

"And me?"

Damien smiled. "I wasn't planning to leave without letting you know, Cousin," he replied, much to my relief. And chagrin, for I wanted to have a reason to bash his head, in case he said the otherwise.

"When are you leaving?" I asked, finally resuming my walk.

"Vela will be coming to fetch me after dinner tonight," he responded, following me.

"Can I come and see you off?"

"As long as you don't tell anyone else."

"Sure."

((Note: This is a year later after the previous entry, and thus this happened/was written after the Christmas break of Julian's seventh year.))

Winter break was here and gone. I don't remember Christmas being as enjoyable as it was this season, merely because I spent a lot of time with people that really did matter to me, aside from family, of course.

I couldn't believe that it had been a year since Anne and I decided that we like each other. I'm glad to report that we haven't done anything more than sharing kisses and affectionate touches. To put it simply, I haven't gone to bed with her. There were more than a few opportunities to do it, but what Anne and I agreed upon was opposed to what our natures seemed to be craving for. It's a real struggle to restrain myself when I am with her, but like what I told her, I was willing to endure anything for her sake.

Yeah, yeah, you can say whatever you want. I know I can be a fool of my sentiments.

Also, it had been a year since I started feeling all wrong around Faye, but I discovered that it was nothing more than a simple admiration for a "blooming bud" and that the solution to my problem then had been simple; I should have known that Faye was bound to grow up sometime. It helped a lot when I no longer looked at her as a child, but as a teenager. In the end, the novelty of her growing up had worn off and I was able to treat her normally since then.

What else? The gang is back in action, or so Corin announced after the welcoming feast earlier. But taking our cue from how busy we were before winter break, all of us, Corin included, knew that what he said was mere wishful thinking.

Oh well, wishes do come true. Maybe Corin would get his wish granted sometime before we all graduate this year.

The guests, mostly from Faye's Italian side of the family, left right after the party. A few of Faye's friends from school, including her bestfriend, Melisande, stayed a bit longer, but only while waiting for their chaperons to fetch them. Julian and Damien chilled out the garden patio while Faye chatted with her friends inside the house.

Julian, looking handsome in his smart blazer underneath a dinner jacket, paired with dark slacks and black leather shoes, leaned on the bench and gave a long, tired sigh. Seated beside him was his bestfriend, Damien, looking equally handsome and wearing a bemused smile as he looked out into the wintry night.

"I'd say you're relieved for the party to be over," Damien smirked.

"I suppose," Julian replied, and glancing at his bestfriend, he asked, "Aren't you?"

"I'm not quite certain if I say I'm glad tonight is over," Mauvais said rather vaguely, "I sure enjoy talking to that Melisande friend of Faye's," he admitted.

"She's thirteen, pal," Julian commented, slightly worried that Faye's object of interest is interested in someone else.

"So is Faye, come to think of it," Damien replied sarcastically, "but that didn't keep you from ogling her all night."

"What?" Julian asked, straightening up and looking at Damien in surprise, "I did not!"

"Defensive, too defensive," Damien muttered under his breath, a shadow of a smile was pulling at the corners of his mouth.

"I did not," Julian repeated, a bit more dignified this time. Damien chuckled; Julian laughed a bit uneasily.

"I'm her foster brother," Julian suddenly said.

"Yeah, right. Foster is the word there," Damien shrugged.

"I have a girlfriend," Julian then offered.

"Who wouldn't mind if you chased after other girls," Damien countered.

"Faye likes someone else," Julian added rather sourly.

"Since when did that stop you?" Damien laughed. He was, of course, referring to Julian's amorous encounters with Maria who was eternally suspected of still liking Jacob, and maybe Celine, who liked Arthur before Julian distracted her for a little while.

"Alright, whatever," Julian finally gave up convincing Damien that he wasn't interested in Faye.

Speaking of which, the birthday celebrant poked her head from inside the house to inform Julian and Damien that Melisande and the others are going to leave. Damien suddenly stood up, saying, "That's my cue."

"You're leaving as well?" Julian asked, bewildered. Faye looked slightly disappointed.

"Need to leave early for England, family business," Damien replied easily. He took Faye's hand and kissed it, saying, "Thank you for inviting me to your wonderful party, Elise."

Faye blushed heavily, but her voice was steady when she replied, "I'm glad you were able to come on such a short notice."

"Anytime," he replied with a wink. "Won't you see your dear friend off, Julian?" Damien then asked the other boy.

"Coming," Julian replied in a bored tone, getting to his feet and ushering Damien, Faye and himself back inside the house where Faye's friends were waiting.

After the niceties of goodbyes, Damien and Faye's friends were gone, leaving Julian and Faye alone in the sitting room on the first floor, right next to the room where the party had occured earlier.

"I'm so glad it's all over," Faye complained, sitting on a couch. Her pretty dress spread out on the couch as she sat down, and this earned an uncharacteristic look of reproach from the girl.

"You sound like you didn't have fun," Julian said, taking an armchair.

"Oh, I did," she said in earnest, "but I really wished it wasn't this grand. I never liked formal ocassions."

"Ah."

Faye looked at Julian in concern. "Something wrong, Gabriel?" she asked him.

"Nah, just tired, I suppose," Julian replied non-chalantly. Faye smiled sympathetically and went over to where Julian was seated. Like a child, she climbed on his lap and wrapped her arms around Julian's neck, leaning her head against his shoulder. This completely took the boy by surprise, whose heart began to pound against his ribcage.

"I'm sorry we couldn't invite Anne," she apologized. Julian's heart relatively slowed down.

"That's okay," he replied, patting her head in brotherly affection.

"Do you want to sneak out and talk to her before Grandma returns? I could cover up for you," she offered gallantly, straightening for a bit to look at Julian and convince him that she was serious. Julian smiled inspite of himself.

"Tonight is yours, Faye," he replied simply. Faye giggled then leaned back on Julian's shoulder.

"Gabriel?"

"Hmm?"

"Thanks for being here for me," she sighed and went silent.

"No problem," Julian replied.

It took him a few moments to realize that Faye had fallen asleep.
 

 After being convinced to be Faye's escort for her thirteenth birthday party, I had to spend time at the mansion more than that was necessary for the rehearsals. In fact, I was asked to stay for the whole week until the party, which of course, left me little time to see Anne. I had to sneak out sometimes to see my girlfriend before anyone at the mansion noticed; sometimes Faye helped me out, covering for me with her ingenious little excuses.

Honestly, if not for the fact that Grandma Celestine had given up on pairing me with her granddaughter, I would have thought she was trying to deliberately cut me off from Anne so she could set off some diabolical plan regarding Faye and me. She was the most pleased to know that I had agreed to be Faye's escort and dance partner.

And there's Faye during those dance rehearsals. I remember my funny reaction to her last time, and yet despite my efforts of quelling my noisy heartbeat, it goes up again whenever I had to hold her hand or be close to her. Merlin, she's twelve! Or thirteen, in a few more days. But still. Am I this fickle, that even a thirteen-year-old girl is pushing me to 'cheat' on my girlfriend for simply having more than brotherly feelings for my foster sister? I would say I'm delusional and I know you'll be agreeing wholeheartedly.

Or maybe I'm just tired, with all the holiday hype we've been having. Faye sure is doing better, acting normal around me. I'm glad she doesn't have anything to be embarassed about when she's with me. I wonder what she would think if I told her she was driving me nuts just by being pretty.

I need Anne. I think I would have to sneak out of the mansion again tonight.

Faye was seated beside Julian on the piano stool while the teenager played on her piano. He was playing and singing an American song in a highly amusing manner, for he was singing both the male and female parts of it. Faye's laughter was ringing across her sitting room, and Julian was grinning madly whenever the song permitted it.

"Some people want it all, but I don't want nothing at all, if it ain't you, baby, if I ain't got you, baby," Julian sang in a falsetto, earning another round of delighted laughter from Faye.

"Really, Gabriel," Madame Montreau's deep voice interrupted the two youngsters' fun as she entered Faye's room and lightly admonished the youth's playful rendition of a foreign song.

"Grandma," Faye and Julian greeted in unison, and both stood up from their seats to pay respects to the regal woman. Faye stood on tiptoe while her grandmother stooped a little for her to be able to kiss the older woman's cheek. Julian, being taller, gave Madame Montreau an easier time as he effortlessly kissed her other cheek.

"Good, now that we have that out of the way," she then began, "I would like to talk to you, my dear. You'll have to join us, Gabriel." Apparently, Faye's grandmother has a bigger business of being in her granddaughter's room than to put a stop at Julian's little performance. She ushered them both towards the sofa while she herself occupied an armchair.

"Thirteen in just a few more days," Celestine Montreau-Stefano announced, much to the bewilderment of Julian and the embarassment of Faye. "So, my dear, which one shall be your escort for the night? Gabriel or someone else?"

"Escort?" Julian repeated dumbly.

"Grandma, please, does it have to be that formal?" Faye nearly complained.

"Faye," Celestine admonished severely, "we have talked about this before..."

"Alright, but didn't we just decided on Gabriel?" she countered, although for Julian's sake, who, she thought, had no idea on what they were talking about, she added, "That is, if he's willing. Otherwise I wouldn't have an escort."

"But if Gabriel refuses, dear, you have other choices..."

Julian, still wearing his politely puzzled look, decided to interrupt.

"Uh, what would I be refusing exactly?" he asked, more to Faye's grandmother than to the girl, who was too embarassed to even look at him.

"Oh, good Merlin, I can't believe you have no idea... Didn't Faye tell you anything?"

Julian turned to the girl beside him, but she still wouldn't look at him.

"I guess not?" he shrugged.

"Well, it'll be her thirteenth birthday next week, Gabriel dear, and she needs an escort--" Celestine explained.

"I don't need an escort, Grandma," the girl interrupted sourly.

"Escort." the woman repeated severely. Julian nearly cringed; Celestine was becoming her scary self, whom only her granddaughter had the courage to oppose. "If my granddaughter here had asked you early on, we wouldn't be talking about this at all, but since she's rather too bull-headed to do the thing herself..." she continued, throwing daggers at the young girl. Julian marveled at Faye's stubbornness. If it was him, he would have quailed under the pressure.

"So, Gabriel dear," Celestine was back to her friendly self, "do you think you'll be alright for the job? If not, do you think I could ask your impressive young friend, that Damien?"

"Oh, Grandmother, please," Faye finally said; Julian thought she was ready to snap. "I'll do the asking, do you mind if I talk to Gabriel alone?" she said hurriedly, pulling her grandmother to her feet. Celestine smiled despite her severe tone earlier; she dearly loved to ruffle her granddaughter's feathers.

"I'll see you at dinner then," she had time to say before the door closed.

Faye sighed and leaned against the door. Then like seeing Julian for the first time after her grandmother interrupted their activity, she went to the older boy for help.

"Gabriel, would you--" she started, but Julian, smiling impishly, interrupted her.

"No, I won't do it," he said, leaning comfortably against the backrest, "you would have to ask someone else. Damien, perhaps?"

"Oh, not him!" Faye nearly screamed in frustration. "I don't want to drag him into this, please?" she asked shrilly, maintaining her stand by the door and looking as if she was ready to wring Julian's neck.

"Why not? It's your birthday," Julian replied with a small laugh.

"I don't want to drag Damien into this," Faye repeated with conviction. "It's either you or I won't have an escort to the party at all," she said.

"Why me then?" Julian asked rather coolly this time, suddenly feeling irritated at the whole thing. He felt as if he was being chosen by default and that Faye was simply choosing him over Damien because he was a safe choice. He had the smallest inkling that if only Faye was more comfortable of her liking Damien, Julian would be out of the escort picture as fast as lightning in a thunderstorm. It was ruining his mood faster than a cancelled trip to the beach.

But why did it matter to him in the first place? It's not like he was feeling jealous of being second choice. Julian shrugged the thought away.

"Why you?" she repeated, "But why ask, Gabriel? I thought you least of all would be the one to question this decision..." she asked in a puzzled tone.

"You have a wide range of choices, Faye. Your friends at school, for instance. And why not Damien? It's not like he'll think it'll have anything to do with your liking him. I could make a million excuses so I can convince him to attend--" and Julian was cut off by Faye.

"Damien is already on the guest list, but I've wanted my escort to be you, Gabriel, even before.. him," she interrupted with a small voice, sincerity lacing her words.

Julian was then at a loss for words, obviously mollified by this little confession.

"I'm sorry, Faye," he said quietly.

"You still won't do it?" she asked in a hurt tone.

"No," Julian replied, but his tone was soft, almost apologetic. He stood up and went over to where Faye was standing dejectedly. He calmly took both her hands into his as he spoke, "No, I mean, I'm sorry for being a prick."

Faye looked up; Julian smiled.

"I'll do it then, for you," he finally said. It was Faye's turn to smile at him.

"Thank you so much," she said, giving him a small kiss on the cheek, before pulling her hands away and opening the door. "I'll go tell Grandma then I'll be back," she said happily, leaving Julian for a little while.

Julian breathed freely when Faye left, wondering why his lungs seemed to have stopped functioning before his brain noticed. Even his heart, which seemed to pause in its rhythmic beating, suddenly jolted back to life beating twice as fast. Puzzled by his reaction to that small kiss and dainty smile, Julian almost ran to the piano to do something to distract him.

Playing the opening of a song whose title he was too distracted to remember, Julian's fingers rapidly ran across the black and white keys of the piano. Calming down enough, Julian quieted the piano to listen to his heartbeat once more. His heart was still pumping madly.

"Be quiet," Julian commanded irritatedly.

To his surprise and relief, his heart obeyed, albeit reluctantly. The teenager sighed.