not all snakes shed their skin

“What?” She was taken aback by his comments, setting down her own drink as she looked him over. “Is that what you think this is?” Rose’s brows furrowed. “We entered into this and it was fake. Now it’s real for you and I’m a mess. Would you rather me jump into something right away then change my mind hurting all of us in the process?” Rose moved to get up. “Should I go or should I stay because you’re saying one thing but it sounds like another.”

She grinned, happy that he finally agreed to go with her. “That’s the great part about it being for you, you tell me when you’re free and I’ll rearrange my schedule!” That alone was a big deal, as she usually demanded that things be moved around for her an not the other way around. Polly suddenly popped up a bit in her seat, remembering something. “I’ve even been saving my allowance, so I’m willing to pay for most of the stuff you decide to get.” The fact that the girl had been able to save up any money alone was quite impressive, seeing how she had a bad habit of spending it as soon as she got it. “Makes the whole trip sound even better, doesn’t it?” 

Polly was wondering if he was implying that she was as abrasive as their mother, though that wasn’t entirely a fact she could outright deny. “I thought that was implied when I said we’d only shop for you.” She smiled, trying to hold back her grin. Truthfully it didn’t matter if they were shopping for her or not, as she found the activity just as fun either way. “The only place that I demand we go to is the ice cream shop. Other than that it’s all your choice.”

Rose didn’t realize she was holding her breath until he spoke. “Either way… I guess it’s better to know sooner rather than later.” Her heart was hammering away in her chest as she looked up at him. “Don’t be nervous but… like I said… I don’t think I’m ready for something this real. That being said, I would like to go out with you on at least one date. Or rather, one real date. A date where we both know it’s a date. But as of today, we’re no longer boyfriend/girlfriend. Real or otherwise.”

“Okay, he didn’t hit you that hard.” She tried to reason when he mentioned glasses, awkwardly shifting her weight from one foot to another. “I’m glad you are out.” Rose let out a sigh. “So erm… you’re probably waiting on an answer from the other evening… right? Is it okay if I have another week or would you rather I give an answer now?”

“How you feeling? You’re already looking better. The bruises have faded and are only kind of terrible, not terrible terrible.”

Peyton wanted to scream out loud that she was being way too casual with him, not after what he’d said to her nearly a week ago in the hospital wing. He hadn’t seen the girl in a few days, and although he understood it was him she was avoiding, it still hurt all the same. “My body still hurts, my hand is falling asleep and I think after that fight I might need glasses,” he says plainly looking up at her. “I’m fine, Rose. Glad to be out.” 

Rolling her eyes, she decided to let it go seeing how he did have a point. Not that she would ever admit it to him, but she figured he could win just this one time. “Well she raised me so it’s no surprise that we’re a little similar.” She pointed out, deciding she could always fight him him about his ‘mimicking mum’ comment later. “And nobody is good enough for either of us, not just you.” Polly explained. “But I suppose I can give her a chance, for you.” She smiled a bit, though she knew he should be much worried about what their mum thought than what she did. “I was thinking about going shopping together. And before you complain, it’s not going to be for me at all. We will go into all your stores and purely shop for you. How does that sound?”

“I never said it was a surprise, I’ve got similarities to Mum, I’m just not as... abrasive as she can be,” he says after pausing for a moment. His mother might be a strong opinioned woman, but without her drive and courage or her lack of fear he probably would’ve grown up to be a different person. Peyton stopped chewing and looked up at his sister. “Promise that we’ll only shop for me and not stop in any of your little shops and you’ve got yourself a deal,” he says giving her a pointed look.

Polly rolled her eyes, not bothering to mention the fact that she’d brought snacks to him on a few occasions. Though he’d been asleep most of the time, simply just leaving the treats there seeing how she wasn’t going to just sit around and watch him sleep. “Why would I bother he?Maybe she’s been bother me, ever think about that?” She retorted in a huff. “And here I was thinking about doing something fun with you now that you’re free. Now I might just have to rethink it.” 

Peyton sighed, how typical was it for his little sister to give him attitude at that particular moment. “I’ve been out of the hospital wing for maybe 15 minutes. Can you tone down the ‘tude please?” he asks raising his eyebrows as he stared at her. He made himself busy continuing to eat his lunch and stopped again when she spoke. “Becuase you have a habit of mimicking Mum and acting like she does sometimes.  You always say ‘No ones good enough for your brother’ but she’s better than I am.” He rolled his eyes. “Oh don’t be so dramatic, Polly. What is it that you wanted to do?”

Nari was walking inside the Great Hall looking for a place to eat her lunch and finish her paper when she saw an empty seat at a table. Nari started to unpack her lunch and get her books out of her bag when she noticed to boy in front of her “ Hello there.” The young girl said with a bright smile . ”What happened to your arm?”

Glancing up from his meal, he swallowed the bite in his mouth before speaking. “Hi?” he was all little put off by the girl coming to sit with him. Most students avoided him, and he had seen people looking at him as he’d walked into the great hall. “I got into a fight with a boy over my girlfriend. This is just an after effect.” 

When Polly saw her brother actually sitting in the Great Hall after what felt like forever, she quickly made her way over and slid into the seat across from him. “Hey?” She repeated, eyebrow raised. “Is that all your darling sister gets after you’re finally released from the Hospital Wing! Which, I didn’t even know was happening today.” She pointed, lips pouting. “At least pretend to be excited that you can finally move around do do stuff again!” 

“Honestly, Polly I’m just trying to get down as much food as I can. All I’ve had that wasn’t broth and healing potions was pumpkin juice and some candy that Rose bought me. So sorry. I’m happy to see you though.” he says looking across to his little sister. “Shouldn’t it be you to be the one who is excited to see me?” he asks setting down his fork to look at her.  “You haven’t been bothering Rose have you?”

“Thank you, for everything. And for the no judgment on how I got in here in the first place. Still feels like a bad nightmare to me but here we are.” he says pointing to the sling. With a final goodbye, he headed off, towards the Great Hall in hopes to find some food before he went back to his dorm. Sitting down he filled his plate and began to eat only looking up when he realized that someone had sat across from him. “Hey.” 

She held onto his neck tightly before letting out a squeal. “Well you did a fantastic job. I… I love it. No one has ever made me feel this special.” She fell silent, taking his hand before nodding. “Happier than I’ve been in a long time.”

Rose sat up, resting a hand against his cheek. She leaned in to lightly kiss him on the lips before running a hand through his hair. “I’m going to go. You need to rest. See you later, P.”

“I know you don’t want to hear this but… I’m sorry. Sorry you’re in here. Sorry she did that to you. And most of all, sorry I need to take time.” She probably didn’t need to apologize but she already felt shitty enough. Rose shifted in the bed, pulling away. “I… I think I should probably go… right?”

Peyton sighs, but nods, acknowledging her apology. Part of him wanted to tell her that he really didn’t need an apology. He hadn’t done anything wrong by liking her, and he hadn’t done anything to deserve the shit he’d received from his ex. When she moved away he chewed his lip. He knew if he asked her to stay things would just stay quiet and a bit icy between them. “If you want space, and being here isn’t giving you that, then go.” But I really just want you to stay.

Rose let him spin her around, grinning like an idiot as he did so. She figured she’d humor him and whatever surprise he had planned. That’s when she saw the sky. Not even once had she thought he’d go all out with this or if he’d even end up asking her. When she finally found the words to say something, all she could do was jump up and hug him. “Of course I’ll go with you. I thought you’d never ask.”

Peyton grinned as Rose jumped to hug him and he wrapped his arms around her waist, lifting her up and spinning her once more. “I’m glad you said yes. I worked pretty hard on the spells to make those fireworks.” Setting Rose down on her feet he can’t help but to just watch her, the way her eyes lit up as the fireworks started one final time, the colors reflecting off the water and making her hair look like they were different colors. “Are you happy?” he asks quietly, not wanting to ruin her moment. 

“Whenever I ask? Don’t give me that power or you may just find me asking in the middle of the night.” She teased with a wink. “But you’re right, that certainly won’t be happening. I like my sleep.” Rose couldn’t help but grin. “If it’s not a fun surprise I may hex you.”

“It’s just in my nature I guess.” She mused with a shrug. Rose leaned her head against his shoulder as he continued speaking, leaning into his touch as he brushed her cheek. “I didn’t take you as such but I… I just I’m not sure if I’m there yet? Or maybe I am? I just… I need time. To think it over at least.”