An aimless stroll(Anyone)

[shinypenny31]

Suddenly Ender snapped out of his hormonal daze. He looked down to see Rachel snuggled up against him and they were holding hands. He blinked. Ender knew that something was terribly wrong in this room. He had left his first real friend Rayne, for Rachel. Well its not like he had given Rayne up. He could have 3 friends couldn't he. He wondered. Well why not? Well he knew why not. Rayne didn't like Rachel thats why not. He had making a mistake but it was realized way to late to change. Ender kept his hand in Rachel's hand but then inauspiciously reached under the table. He squeezed Rayne's leg softly and gave her a little wink and smiled. Hopefully she would get the message that he wasn't lost yet.

But Ender still had a very large problem. He really liked Rachel still. At the moment he was just trying to keep three friends. He hoped he wouldn't have to choose. He wished he could be good friends with everyone in the room. Well it was possible to date Rachel and be friends with Rayne and Vlad. No no that probably wouldn't go well with Rayne. So what was he to do? He would let it play out. If it came down to a final decision then he would decide then and there but for now he would just see how things went.

[hakhuraziel]

Vlad watched as Rayne made a move he was quite impressed with on the checkers table, she'd clearly been planning it in advance as she removed 2 pieces and earned the king piece. He wondered how far this kind of cunning was rooted in her, since her and Rachel were still acting so civil to each other, 'acting' definitely being the appropriate word.

She wasn't giving him any eye contact and still seemed more obsessed with competing with this other girl who wasn't worth the time of day, than trying to build a rapport with Vlad. This was more evidence, in his mind, to the fact that he was her showpiece for the evening to suit Ender and Rachels ever-growing cosiness to one and other.

He wasn't sure if he'd annoyed her by releasing her hand, and also perhaps she'd seen the wink.. ofcourse he didn't know for sure, but Vlad was pretty much at the end of his tether with rolling it back and forth in his head, girls confused him!

He knew he hadn't helped himself by teasing Rachel in such a physical manner, and she could probably use it in some way as fodder against Rayne to hurt her if she still pursued Vlad. However, he still hadn't let Rachel know if he was serious or not, and he didn't plan to right away, Vlad was so confused by now maybe his urges to tease her were real urges of attraction towards her even he didn't understand.

As soon as his brain sunk that far into complexities of social structure, he just had a brain freeze and then gave up trying to piece it all together, he did what felt right, infact he didn't so much think about doing it as it just happened, he softly took hold of Rayne's hand again and hoped the reaction would be genuine, and not part of some petty game which she'd now be winning.

[jess4ever]

Alarm bells went off in Rachel's head as she felt a change in Ender. She looked over at him as he winked at Rayne. She felt indignation rising. He still wanted to be friends with her? Rayne? That little... She had to calm down. If he wanted to be friends with Rayne, she'd let him. Well, she'd pretend to let him. Glancing over at Rayne, she gave her another smile. She leant over to Ender.

"Hey, Ender, you know, what do you think about us four doing something later? Maybe eating dinner together? I mean, I know Rayne and I don't get along very well, but we can put it aside for a night, surely. I don't want things to be awkward between you two on account of me," she said, widening her eyes sincerely. Well, she didn't. Things would be a lot less awkward when he discovered how truly hideous Rayne was.

She leant back and waited for him to respond. While she paused, she glanced back over at Rayne. Rayne was hilarious. Rachel knew what Rayne thought of her (who couldn't tell?), but she could use it to her advantage. The greatest thing about growing up rich was that people had a preconceived idea about what you had seen, and what you hadn't. But Rachel had seen, and experienced, a lot more than normal people. And it was because of that she wouldn't let Rayne win. Or her little friend, Vlad. In fact, Rachel thought, her eyes gleaming, she could use Vlad's flirtation to her advantage as well. Turning back to Ender, though, she gave him a small smile, waiting for him to say something back.

[Rayne Hamilton R3]

Rayne waited patiently for Rachel to king her so they could continue the game. She was through wanting to beat Rachel to the ground in this game in fact that was never the plan. She had only choosen checkers because Ender seemed the type of guy to know more about muggles than witches and wizards. No all in all the entire reason she was wishing this game would end is because she needed to get out of there. The tension in the room was suffocating. There was tension between her and Vlad who, if she had to guess, was probably thinking that she was using him. There was tension between her and Ender. There was definately tension between Rachel and herself. And after Ender made the surprising move of gently squeezing her leg and Rachel's very much alarmed posture there was now tension between Rachel and Ender.

Rayne got what Ender was trying to do. He was trying to let her know that he wasn't lost. After all there was no way in hell he was flirting with her not with his arm still around Rachel anyway. In that moment Rayne felt a surge of hope and a gut clenching pang of self loathing. She had been so caught up in this little war against Rachel she had forgotten what really mattered. Her friends and Vlad. She knew in her heart that Rachel wouldn't allow Ender to stay friends with Rayne and still date her. And when that time came at least Rayne's point would come across Ender would either see that Rayne was right all along or he would stay with Rachel either way at least she tried.

Rayne was really surpised and very happy when Vlad, who had been looking very disturbed and confused the past few minutes, slipped his hand in hers. She squeezed it in a reassuring manner trying to tell him with her hand and her eyes that he wasn't being used. He wasn't a part of her game against Rachel that she genuinely did like him. She had liked him since she first saw him in the student lounge when she had been able to come out of her shell enough to actually talk to another. She wasn't sure if he felt the same way. In fact for all she knew he was using her. She would face that when and if it came to that. "We gonna finish this game of checkers or would you rather do something else?" She asked both Ender and Rachel.

[hakhuraziel]

Vlad held his grip on her hand and smiling at her interlinked her fingers with is and she let him. Nothing else in the room really mattered, the checkers game, the other people who he'd forgotten pretty much, call him tunnel visioned but it wasn't his fault, he was starstruck.

Realising he'd rather be alone with Rayne right now, he responded to her question of whether to carry on checkers, even though it wasn't necessarily aimed at him. 'It's getting kind of late'. He said it in such a way as she could probably tell what he meant, and he took a glance at the door over his shoulder as kind of an extra hint, still playing mysterious, although some things are better when not spelt out.

He remembered how enjoyable just the two of them in the lounge had been, and how little time since they'd had together. This was it, he wasn't being alone this christmas, what a bonus that it was with Rayne, he was ecstatic!

Glancing over at Rachel, he had no real drive to play any more games with her and was pretty direct. 'So are we still playing'? His question was pretty ambiguous and could be taken a lot of different ways, the checkers game, the game of footsie, the act-out she was in with Rayne, not to mention asking cryptic questions like this Vlad was very much playing a game of his own. He really wasn't expecting a specific reaction but knew she wasn't stupid. He'd find out if she even remotely liked him, which chances are she didn't.

[jess4ever]

The game was beginning to slow down, and Ender still hadn't responded. Rachel hoped he wouldn't take too long; she was not the patient kind.
"We gonna finish this game of checkers or would you rather do something else?" Rayne asked, staring at Rachel and Ender. Rachel thought for a minute. When Vlad said it was getting pretty late, she knew what he meant. He wanted to be alone with Rayne. That suited her fine; she wanted to be alone with Ender. Well, she wanted to be alone with Ender until he wanted to hang out with Vlad and Rayne, which she wanted him to do. For now, anyway. She didn't want him to feel tied down, or like she was stopping him from choosing his own friends. Which she would eventually, she despised these two. But she didn't want him to think that now.

'So are we still playing' Vlad asked. Rachel looked at him hard. Was he talking about the game? Or his little, unacceptable mind games with her? Frustrated, she hoped with the mind games. Bored, she hoped for checkers. Turning to Ender, she shrugged.
"I don't mind what we do. It is getting pretty late though. If you guys wanted to do something now that's fine. Do you want to get something to eat, Ender?" She asked, still waiting for him to respond to what she had said earlier.
"Or we could all do something together. I really don't mind."
Of course she did mind, though.

[Rayne Hamilton R3]

Rayne smiled as Vlad mentioned it was getting late. She assumed by his hand still in hers and his glancing at the door that he wanted to be alone with her. She could be wrong she wasn't very skilled at the whole boy likes girl girl likes boy scenario. In fact she was horrible at it and under other circumstances she would have just flat out asked him. Generally speaking she was a very outspoken person but present company in mind that would be a very bad thing to do. It had been a question of that sort that lead to Vlad leaving their lunch a while back when she'd first met Rachel. Rayne was fed up with the mind games though. She wouldn't be outspoken about what was possibly happening between her and Vlad but she would be about this.

Getting up Rayne pulled her hand out of Vlads so she could pull a black satin ribbon out of her pocket. Rayne quickly transfigured it back into a diamond necklace. "Our last meeting was so hectic I forgot to give you back your pity necklace." Rayne dropped the necklace in front of Rachel. "I'm tired of your mind games love. I tried being nice to you when we first met. You repayed me by insulting my hair color then calling me poor. Not only did you insult me but you used Vlad you knew saying those things would get a rise out of me. You purposely tried to get me to use magic against you so I would get expelled. Now you are here and you are trying to make me out to be the bad guy to Ender. Well maybe I am but that's up to Ender to decide. Ender I'm sorry for the games we've been playing with you. I want to be your friend if you still want to date Rachel go ahead kudos to you for being able to deal with her. She'll probably forbid you from hanging with me but whatever makes you happy man. All this being said I'm out. Hopefully I'll see you later Ender. Vlad you are welcome to come with me to the Student lounge or something as I enjoy your company. Rachel If I never see you again it'll be too soon. Do yourself a favor love leave me alone or I'll report harassment."

Rayne walked past Rachel and headed to the door. Hopefully she hadn't blown things with Ender or Vlad but she did what needed to be done for her hopefully they would see that and think of her as a better person for it. Rachel was right about one thing there was no way to beat her not on her terms. To beat people like her you needed to be playing on your own terms and Rayne was through letting others win. From now on it was her terms or not at all.

[jess4ever]

Rachel felt a thud as her necklace fell onto the table. She could not believe this girl! Was she completely out of her mind? She could have layed low and perhaps kept a few friends, but no. Rayne had crossed the line.
Fine, Rachel thought, touching the cool diamonds and standing as Rayne began walking angrily to the door, it's time to play dirty.

"Rayne, what are you talking about? I gave you this necklace because I wanted to be your friend. And I apologised when you misinterpreted my meaning. Why would I insult your hair? Your hair is like mine! I was only trying to be nice to you. When we first met, all you were was catty, and I tried to put up with that. I put up with it at the lunch, and I put up with it here when we met Ender. I'm sorry, OK? I'm sorry for ruining your lunch with Vlad. All I wanted was someone to talk to because my friends had left and, you know what? I was lonely. Yes, Rachel Mason was lonely. And then you came along and ripped my head off because I was a Slytherin. I'm sorry the Sorting Hat put me in that house! And what did I say that was so bad about Vlad? I said you guys would be good together, and he was good looking. I said he wasn't really my type. That's all! I didn't try to get you to use magic on me! Why would I do that? I wanted to be your friend, Rayne. I'm sorry I took your rejection so personally and got upset with you, making sure we couldn't ever friends. I accept responsibility for that. But I have never, ever tried to make you look bad in front of Ender. In fact, I have been telling him that I hope I don't make things awkward between you guys between us two don't get along. I'm sorry we don't get along, but I hoped in time we could. If Ender and I were friends, or, even dating, I wouldn't make him stop being your friend. I respect him and like him too much. If you don't want to see me again, or be my friend. Fine. OK, I can take it. But don't punish Ender because you don't like me." She stood in front of Rayne, glaring at her for a few seconds, before collapsing into tears. Rachel sat down shakily on the floor, wiping her eyes.
"I'm sorry, OK?" She mumbled, pretending to try and console herself. See how you get out of this one, Rayne, she thought happily.

[hakhuraziel]

Watching words exchange like a game of ping pong Vlad had the situation pretty worked out, he thought. Rayne had let go of his hand and blown a fuse at Rachel, confirmed all of his earlier beliefs that atleast one of them was playing a game, though he knew dam well Rachel already was.

Truth was gushing out like a river, and Rayne seemed to be most bothered about getting one up on this Slytherine... still. Vlad grew weary of this and since honesty was up in the air, he lay down his opinion on the situation.

'So we've come to the conclusion that you don't like each other, right?' He didn't wait for a reply, though he did pause for a second to exhale angrily.
'For goodness sake it's nearly christmas and i'm dragged into this room for nothing more than a cat fight'. He turned to stare at Rayne who was still headed towards the door, though halted since Rachel replied. 'I don't know what the hell to make of you Rayne, you're hot and cold at the same time like baked alaska pudding, if you're going to drag me away from something i love, atleast attempt to replace it with something more than handbags at twenty paces'. He was shouting at her as he said this. His head then jolted, an instant twist directly at Rachel, 'And you, stop pressuring her into acting this way she clearly has better spirit in her, and you're doing all you can to bring her down to your level, and i'm sick of having to be a third party to it'.

He didn't really acknowledge Ender, since he didn't know him and couldn't be bothered to anymore. He'd had his vent, not really bothered what they thought of it, he barged past Rayne knocking her not forcefully but just a little, and his face was sad.

He was almost out of the room.

[jess4ever]

Rachel looked up at Vlad when he angrily directed his "line" to her. It couldn't be more perfect!
"It is not in my power to make Rayne do anything. If it was, we would all still be playing checkers, instead of all upset and riled. That's not blaming you, Rayne. You should speak your mind, it's just. Oh, I don't know. Why can't we get along?" She looked at Vlad, and then shook her head, as if this conversation was too much for her. She couldn't have asked Vlad for a better line! Rachel turned to Ender, staring at him imploringly.
"Ender, please." She asked softly.

[hakhuraziel]

Vlad heard the cocky remark. He wandered back into the room like he had something he needed to do, he placed a soft kiss on Rayne's cheek and walked out.

He was gone, off to do something else, probably enjoy his christmas alone. Whatever.

[Rayne Hamilton R3]

Rayne was done she was through with it all. All this Rachel person had done since coming into her life was f**k it up. She had almost gotten her into serious trouble in the great hall because all she did was antagonize her and antagonize her till she couldn't take it any longer and she threw herself at her. She had gotten so underneath Rayne's skin that she would have given up almost anything to beat her and that made her loose sight of the really important things. Rose and Vlad. She was going to loose Vlad. Not because of Rachel though she played a part but because of her own selfish desire to beat someone not worth her time of day.

Vlad's words brought tears to her eyes as it became unmistakably clear how bad he felt about being dragged into this. She hadn't meant for any of this to happen and it was shown by just how much emotion she was showing. Rayne's only defense was to stay cool by either smiling or being angry. To see her cry meant that you really meant something to her and Vlad meant so very much to her. She deserved his hatred. She deserved the pain and humiliation Rachel was putting her through. She wasn't strong enough to beat her she wasn't strong enough to just walk away. She deserved it all.

Rayne completely ignored Rachel and Ender as she decided to leave. She was done with it all she was going to go back to her dorm room and not leave again. At least that was the plan until Vlad came back and kissed her on the cheek. There was still hope for them but she thought it best to let him calm down a bit. So she'd go back to her dorm room and would come back out tomorrow to try and work things out with Vlad. It was that thought alone that kept her from completely breaking down as she left the disastrous Room of Requirements and started heading to the Ravenclaw tower.

[jess4ever]

Rachel watched as Rayne and Vlad left the room. She lowered her eyes. This could either be very good or very bad. It could be very good in that she could be seen as the victim, and Rayne the senseless bully who was intent on disliking her. Or it could be very bad in that Ender might realise he had lost two potential friends for her. She couldn't be sure of the outcome. She sensed Ender liked her, but she knew he also wanted Rayne and Vlad as friends. She needed to do something quickly. Taking a moment to decide waht to do, she turned towards Ender, fresh tears welling in her eyes.

"You must hate me. I drove two of your friends away because of my stupidity. I know it's my fault they don't like me, and I'm so sorry, Ender. I never meant to hurt you, or Rayne, or Vlad. I understand if you don't want to be friends with me anymore." She looked to the ground. If this didn't work, she would chase Rayne down and curse her until Rayne couldn't move, couldn't speak and couldn't think. She really liked Ender, and was trying to get him the only way she knew how. A tear rolling down her cheek she stood up, brushing the dirt off her clothes.

"You have to follow them. Don't let their dislike of me influence your friendship. I want to be your friend Ender. I want to be more than your friend, but I don't want you to have to give up Rayne and Vlad because of me. If you leave now, I won't hold it against you. If you don't speak to me again, I won't hold it against you. Just go now, before they go too far and you can't catch them." Reaching for his hand, she stared deeply into his eyes. If this didn't work, she'd have to think of something else very quickly.
"If you do go now and can forgive me, I promise you right now I will not mess these friendships up for you. I give you my word." And her word was worth a lot when she meant it.

But Rachel would decide whether she meant it or not depending on the outcome.