Emmeline

Mary laughed, hugging Lily back and  setting her bags down on the counter. Carefully she pulled out the bottles of wine, one red and one white. She took the potion from Lily, scrunching up her nose as she pulled out the stopper and threw the yellow liquid back into her mouth. She swallowed and smiled, knowing they could drink as much as they like and feel fine in the morning. “This is perfect. You guys have no idea how much I’ve needed a girls night.” Mary flicked her wand, the corks popping out of both bottles. “Yes ready to party!” She threw her arms up, laughing.

@vancyemm​ 

   ❛  Oh nonsense! there are never not gifts to be given when it comes to my friends. Besides-   ❜   She spoke to Marlene as her hands dipped into the bags to take out their gifts, all three of which being small boxes wrapped closed with a single bright yellow ribbon. Inside her friends would find personalized necklaces with a delicate silver chain with one charm of their personal patronus and another charm that was on all of the necklaces with the four girls' initials engraved in a heart.   ❛  There's more where that came from, but that comes later. Isn't that right, Lil?   ❜   She gave the girl a little wink before nodding and taking the small vile of potion from her; opening it up and swallowing it down. Afterward she let out a giggle ridded cheer along with Mary and mimicked her movements, putting her own arms in the air and even jumping a little with excitement.

Mary grinned at her friend. “Yes really!” She was happy that Emmeline actually wanted to. “I’m usually at work most days, but I’m always home in the evenings. There’s a nice garden out back, I think you’ll like.” She smiled. “Of course I wouldn’t mind! It gets lonely here.” Mary would be thrilled to know that when she came home she wouldn’t be alone. It would be like a permanent sleep over and she quite enjoyed the idea. “You can pick which room you want and we can have your things sent over when you’re ready.” Mary leaned back against the pillows, smiling.

As happy as Emmeline usually seemed, this was the best bit of news she's gotten in ages. Her smile only began to grow at Mary's words and even tears began to lightly brim her eyes though it wasn't enough for any of them to fall. She nodded finally and began to settle in as she said,   ❛  I'm sure i'll be happy with whichever room, honestly. I'm not the type to be picky. And with that garden... you'll be having probably the healthiest eating schedule you've ever had- more than ever before.   ❜   

Carefully she took the offered bag and made sure to keep her eyes away from it’s contents. 

‘I had to take care of some things for my parents. It’s quicker when you can just apparate wherever you want.’ The bag was pretty heavy and Lily had to move it a bit to get a more comfortable grip. 

‘So you went on a shopping spree again?’

Emmeline nodded at her friend's words. A small smile staying on her lips as she spoke.   ❛  Suppose it is. I just chose the walk instead since it was relatively nice outside earlier.   ❜   A small laugh came this time, shrugging as her legs began moving to get them out of the rain.   ❛  Yes, yes I did. Everyone's seemed sort of down lately so I figured it was about time for another round of my famous surprise gifts. So shh!   ❜   

Lucinda knew she didn’t deserve Emmeline’s words of comfort. She needed to tell her - to tell her everything so she could see how far gone Luce really was. Maybe, then Emmeline could move on, find herself some happiness in this screwed up world. No one deserved it more than the girl in front of her. 

“Em, there are a few things I need to tell you.” She took a deep breath, “This might be the only chance I have.” She could be gone any day, now. Really, anyone could. “I never wanted to leave you, Em. Some of the other Death Eaters decided to make it their personal mission to make sure I was following all of their rules. They threatened to hurt you if I didn’t end things. I had seen what they had done to people in the past, I couldn’t let them hurt you in that way.”

Eyebrows came together causing a wrinkle on the girl's delicate features, feeling her chest start to become heavy as Lucinda started to speak. Why was she so nervous? She'd wanted to know the real reason why they weren't together ever since they first broke apart. But now all she wanted to do was cover her ears and shake her head; almost begging to stay in her naive state. Though still Emmeline remained frozen anyway, listining carefully.    ❛  Luce...   ❜   She began to speak, but what in the world was she supposed to say? The other girls actions were as clear as day to her now but even still that didn't mean it had hurt her any less. She would have stayed with her regardless, though she knew it would be selfish- let alone foolish of her to say. Lucinda did this to protect her, and it might be the only reason the blonde was still here today because who knows what would have happened to her if the Death Eaters had gotten to her. Who knows what kind of person everyone's little sunshine would be then. Finally she nodded very slightly.   ❛  I'm so sorry, Luce. If I would have known I... What else did you need to tell me..?   ❜   

Mary pulled on her own t-shirt, tossing her clothes into a pile near her hamper. She climbed into bed, pulling back the puffy comforter and getting under the covers. She sat up straight, looking at Emmeline. “You want to move in?” She said excitedly. She barely slept anymore, always afraid that she was going to wake up to someone in her house. Of course her protective charms and her intruder jinx that she had set up to sound when someone with a dark mark entered the end of her street. “Sorry I know you have your own place, but I have two free bedrooms.” She looked hopefully at her friend.

Emmeline placed her folded clothes on the floor near her purse, taking a seat on the bed next to her friend before raising an eyebrow at the question.   ❛  Wait- really?   ❜   The blonde honestly wasn't expecting that- though that didn't mean she didn't want to. Emmeline loved the place she was living in now, but she'd always felt sort of lonely without anyone else around. She had always been the type of person who couldn't go too long without her friends or simply without company in general. Sometimes she even felt needy that way so she's tried to keep it to herself more. But if her moving in would mean that one of her best friend's would sleep just a little more soundly at night knowing she wasn't alone then,   ❛  Oh, Mary, i'd love to! I mean- as long as you don't mind of course. It would be great living together.   ❜   

Mary nodded, chewing the inside of her lip. She knew it was easier said than done to avoid someone you were in love with, especially if that someone went out of their way to find you. Mary put her hands on her hips, her brow furrowed. “Don’t be ridiculous, Em. I need a snuggle buddy.” She grinned at her friend, making her way out of the kitchen. “Come on then. I’ll even let you borrow a t-shirt.” Mary laughed as she made her way upstairs, flicking her wand so the lights went off behind them and on in front of them. Her house had three bedrooms and two bathrooms. It was nice, but lonely with just her living here. She made her way to her room, a large fluffy white bed stood in front of them and she stripped off her blouse while rummaging through her drawers for two oversized t-shirts. “Here try this.” She said, tossing a top to Emmeline and pulling one over her own head.

She followed Mary and waited patiently in the doorway of her room for a shirt.   ❛   You had me at snuggle buddy. Always good to have those.   ❜   Emmeline took a moment to take in the scenery and smiled. That bed was very Mary- she thought to herself before catching the shirt in her hand and biting it between her teeth to remove her shirt she had already been wearing and replace it with the one leaned to her; slipping off her shorts and folding her clothes in a neat manner before asking,   ❛  Mary, this place really is beautiful. But- don't you ever get lonely here?   ❜   

Mary had just got off work and quickly went home to change into something more comfortable. As she changed she packed a quick bag full of bottles of wine and a few bags of chips. Feeling satisfied with her appearance and with what she was bringing, she walked outside and locked her house up before apparating outside of Marlene’s building and walking up stairs. The door was open and she could already hear talking inside. Mary sauntered in, holding the bag up and finding them both in the kitchen. “Are you guys ready to party!” She squealed, grinning at the two of them. “Where’s Em?”

Emmeline had been waiting for a gathering like this to happen for what seemed like ages now. The blonde even took the earliest shift possible at the book shop so she could rush home and gather all of the things she would need for the night to come. Gifts were wrapped and stacked in one arm while sugar-powdered luminescent balloons ( familiar only to Lily of course for now ) tied to her wrists- four floating above her head in total. and a large tin of freshly baked goods on the other hand. Mentally thanking Marlene for leaving her door open, she had been running a little late after all getting her things together. But her arrival would definitely be heard loud and clear as the jingles from the bells tied to her shoes sounded from rushing in.   ❛   I’m here, I’m here! Merlin, It took me longer than expected to get all of this together.   ❜   Her head shook as she let out a breathy laugh, walking the rest of the way in and placed a kiss on each of the three girl’s cheeks as she passed by.   ❛   But no matter! I have gifts and candy.   ❜   

‘Oh Emmeline…. What am I to do with you, hm?’ She shook her head disapprovingly, yet pulled the other girl into a quick hug, after casting a spell that would keep the paper bag from tearing again. 

‘Do you need help carrying all that?’ She pointed out with her wand at the bags, before remembering that she shouldn’t flash it like that in the open and hid it in her jacket. It was still raining and she really wanted to get out of that place and get somewhere nice and warm. And dry. And if Emmeline forgot her wand, then the girl couldn’t apparate and Lily was more than willing to help her friend with that. 

The blonde shrugged at the girls words, giving a bit of a bashful smile knowing it wasn't really smart of her to be out without a wand- let alone intentionally.    ❛   Oh! I mean if you're not busy some help would be lovely. Just try not to look inside of the bags though. Some of this stuff is for you.    ❜   She smiled as she offered a bag out to Lily, raising an eyebrow.   ❛   What're you going all the way out here anyway?    ❜   

Seeing Emmeline begin to cry made her heart sink into her stomach. She didn’t mean for any of this to happen, but she had no real way to console her. She couldn’t lie to her and tell her that things would be easier for them one day because she wasn’t sure they would. She wished for it; she truly did, but that didn’t mean it would happen. There was a time she thought that maybe, she would be alright, that they would make it, that they would last and be one another’s happy ending, but so much had happened since then. She had wanted to protect Em above all else, though and she had made a choice to do just that. 

Lucinda closed her eyes, letting herself lean into Emmeline. She felt her own tears slowly fall from her cheeks. A noise that sounded close to a sob sounded from her as the other girl spoke and she nodded, taking in Em’s words. “I love you, too.” She whispered, “I never meant to hurt you. I want you to know that.” She wanted to tell her the truth, but part of her feared it might put Emmeline back into danger. “I need you to know that.”

  Marlene didn’t even responded as the blonde took her hand and led them outside of the bar- she knew she wanted to hear her clearly, but honestly all the brunette could do was to bite inside of her cheek as she sighed. She wasn’t one to deal with emotions- crying, caring for others than her friends. Merlin, no- never caring for others than her friends. “ Emmeline,” she started.” I know you’re only doing what you think it’s best right now and I’m doing too- I can’t be with him. Not when I know that if there is a battle for life and death he’d choose saving me rather than choosing himself. I know him, you know him too and being apart from him in this way gives me a slight chance of hope he will save his arse first and then worry about mine. One day, when it’s over…maybe we’ll give it a real chance.Right now, that’s the best thing.”

Emmeline listened carefully to Marlene as she spoke and responded how she always did- with a genuine understanding smile and a hand taking the girls own as she gave it a slight squeeze.   ❛   I'm sorry, Mar. I didn't mean to step on any toes. I just worry- you know? About both of you. You know I won't stop you from doing what you think is right and i'll always support you. All I'm concerned about is the emotions and feelings in between. Just- be careful with that, alright? It might make things harder.   ❜    And with that the blonde was over talking any serious subjects.   ❛   So! I will be damned if we let this tipsy night go to waste so enough of this.   ❜   Emmeline let go of her friend's hand to find a nearby street light, using one hand and one foot to spin around it as if she were dancing to singing in the rain.   ❛   The moon is still up, Mckinnon! Best not waste it.   ❜   

Mary nodded, feeling upset for her friend. “Is it safe to be in contact with her? Maybe it would be best to avoid her?” Mary hated herself for even saying it. She knew how much Emmeline felt for Lucinda, but if Lucinda wasn’t going to change it felt dangerous to be messing around with the other side. Mary brought her plate to the sink, finishing off the last swig of her tea. She walked back, taking Em’s plate off the table and again setting it in the sink with her own. “I’m worried about you, that’s all.” Mary said, turning to face her friend. “Are you spending the night?”

   ❛   I've thought about that.   ❜   She nodded at her friend's words but then only shook her head.   ❛   But I just don't know it's like... we always find each other anyway, you know? We have the same hiding places and everything.   ❜    A frustrated sigh left her as Mary started taking away their plates. She felt awful when she let her problems get out because she knew everyone had bigger ones. It was the blondes own fault she was in love with a Death Eater, most would say.   ❛   Oh! I didn't even realize it was that late, Mac, i'm so sorry. I mean I could stay- but I don't want to impose since you've had a long day. I really don't mind walking home if you want to get some sleep.   ❜