First game all over again (Dawn)

[Cole Waters]

Cole looked at Dawn's face as she said they could be mistaken for a couple. "Yes I guess we could be. I mean two good looking people like us." Cole said laughing. As Dawn linked arms with him, Cole walked down the pathway next to her. Looking at Dawn as she walked forward laughing Cole couldn't help but think that is how he wanted everything to be. Having Dawn next to him like that made his life seem like it was perfect. Cole didn't know where these feelings were coming from. He had been friends with Dawn forever and had never felt like this before. Looking at Dawns beautiful eyes he couldn't hide his feelings anymore, he was falling for Dawn.

Cole looked away from Dawn and at the game she pointed to. It was a game of chance where you had to put money down on a certain number out of 150. Then after everyone had finished putting their money down the man at the booth spun a wheel that was standing vertical. Whatever number it stopped on that was the winning number. Whoever had money on the winning number won all the money on the table. If the number didn't have money on it the man at the booth got all the money.

As they walked up to the booth Cole noticed a sign and laughed as he read it to Dawn. "See'ers will be Transfigured." Cole read as he laughed. When they finally got to the booth Cole pulled his money bag out of his pocket and looked around. There were only 3 other people at the table besides Dawn and himself. One of the people was an old man. He looked as if he had arthritis in his hand because it couldn't move much. The two other people seemed to be siblings around 13 years old. One was a boy and one a girl. As Cole looked at Dawn he said "Are you ready to loose?" Cole smiled and took out 3 gold galleons. Not afraid to loose money Cole was a high spender. He set one galleon on 13, 55, and 69.

[dawn]

Dawn held on to Cole's arm as they went throught the festival. Lights were brightening up the whole street. If you had a home here, there was no way you'd be able to sleep tonight. Dawn looked at Cole as he made a comment. "Don't flatter yourself." She joked as she nudged his side laughing. They kept making their way throught the crowd as Dawn recognised a game. Cole, of course agreed to play it. They stood as one game finished. Now it was their turn. Accompanied by a few other people Cole put his coins down first. Dawn let go of him as she began to go through her purse for a few galleons. Taking out five, she decided to put down only three so she would be even with Cole. Stepping in front of him she put her coins down on the table choosing 8, 61, and 121. Stepping back she stood besides Cole as the man looked at everyone. "No ye' step back 'na. No begarsh'n cheat'rz in mi' stand."

Dawn watched the man for a moment and looked up at Cole. He were merely an inch or two taller than her. "Nice accent. I think he needs a speech class." Dawn whispered as she smiled at her friend. Dawn always loved being with Cole. Whether she was in a good mood or bad, he always seemed to make her happy or at least sane. He was merely one year younger than her so they didn't have any classes together. She wished they did so they could see more of each other. But now since it was summer- they had all the time in the world.

The wheel spun several times. Now decreasing speed it went, 12, 13, 14, 15....16....17........18........19.........20..............21! Dawn looked at the board, and her nor Cole won anything. Looking up at Cole she frowned with a 'cartoon puppy dog face.' "No winnings." her the second she looked at Cole and his straight facial features she had to laugh. "Come on, lets move on. You pick what to do this time."

[Cole Waters]

Cole smiled as he stood there next to Dawn. Cole was glad that he could spend the time with her that he did. She was older than him but it didn't seem like she was. Cole watched Dawn put her money down on table. "Those numbers suck." Cole said laughing. As the man started talking Cole noticed the accent and just as he was going to say something Dawn beat him to it. Laughing Cole leaned into Dawn and said "Not even classes could help him with that." Cole laughed a little more and then looked at the wheel as the man spun it.

Taking his eyes off the wheel he looked at Dawn. She stood there staring at the wheel in complete concentration. The world seemed to go into a blur and the only person he could see was Dawn. She looked great. Cole wanted so bad just to say something to her, just let her know everything. Opening his mouth Cole got ready to speak but the world snapped back to normal as the wheel stopped. "Uggh." Cole head everyone say. Looking at the wheel he saw neither of them had one. He looked back at Dawn and saw her face. As she laughed he began to laugh to.

When Dawn told Cole to pick what to do Cole smiled and said ok. Putting his arm out he linked arms with Dawn again and they began walking away from the booth to wards the center of the fair. Looking around Cole saw many things like games, rides, shops, food. The streets had the mixed scent of delicious foods and sweat, a smell u can only find at a fair. Looking at Dawn Cole smiled and said "I love the fair."

As they continued to walk Cole felt someone bump into him. Looking back it was a 3rd year Gryffindor he had seen once before. "Watch it." the boy said. Cole lifted up one eyebrow and said "What?" Instantly Cole shoved the boy onto the ground. "Watch who your talking to." Cole said as he turned around and started walking with Dawn. "I hate Gryffindors." Cole said shaking his head. "That kid was a moron." Just then Cole saw a ride that he hadn't been on in forever. Grabbing Dawns hand he said "Come on and they went and stood in line. "I love this ride." Cole said looking at it. It was the ride where u sat in egg shaped seats that held two or three people and you spun around faster and faster.

[dawn]

Dawn walked off with Cole. For some reason they kept laughing, on account of--- who knows? Dawn found that very weird so she quickly stopped laughing, and just smiled as they walked on. Suddenly Dawn felt Cole push into her, Looking over a young boy yelled at Cole. Dawn's face was a straight as a piece of parchment she thought it was very out of line for someone younger than her and Cole to even raise their voice. Cole merely acted as if they were nothing and kept walking on. Dawn wasn't in the mood for a fight, and honestly would have gotten angery with Cole of he started one over something so minor- but Cole knew too well not to dwell over stupid kids such as the inbicile who bumped into him.

Cole started to run as he grabbed Dawn by the hand. "Oh my." Dawn said as she noticed what he was bringing her too. "I need to change, again." she said as she stood in line with Cole. "Do you think I am going to be wearing a Skirt on this!?" Dawn took out her wand and soon she was covered in the golden mist. Moments later, her dressy outfit changed back into her jeans and white tee shirt. Putting her wand back into her purse she looked at the ride. "Did you know, a stupid halfbreed took this idea and made a muggle ride like this?" she said as she turned to Cole. "He makes it by machines of some sort..... I hear they make a horrid loud noise....." Dawn shook her head. "Nothing is like the original." Pausing at Cole, she looked at him. He was smiling and he didn't even reply to her yet. Smiling back she commented, "Still high off winning the game, I see." she said as she randomly hugged Cole. With her head on his shoulder she said into his ear, "You did awesome."

"Come along you two..." a man's voice spoke as he stood at the gate waiting for them to enter the ride. Dawn turned her head and noticed the man, letting go, she slid her hand down Cole's am and took his hand, and led him to their seat. Sitting down, Dawn looked off as she thought to herself, ' I like Cole, but how...? Why now?'

[Cole Waters]

Standing in line Cole couldn't help but look at Dawn and smile. He was the happiest he had been in a long time and he didn't want the night to ever end. When Dawn Changed into a new outfit Cole looked at her and laughed. "Always have to stay fashionable don't you?" Cole said smiling at Dawn. He was used to Dawn always having to change and didn't mind at all he just liked giving her a hard time. Cole listened to Dawn talk about the muggle version of the ride but didn't comprehend what she was saying. Cole was to busy thinking about the game, Dawn, and all the feelings that he had running through his mind at the time. Looking at Dawn he didn't answer her he just stood there with a big smile on his face.

Cole heard Dawn make a comment about the game and was getting ready to answer her but he felt her arms wrap around his shoulders. Cole put his arms around her waist and hugged back. "You did awsome." is what Cole heard Dawn whisper in his ear. Smiling Cole let go and looked at her. "Thanks" he said smiling at her. When Cole heard the man call for them he turned to walk and felt Dawn's hand grab his. Cole looked at her and smiled as they walked to the ride. He felt like he was on top of the world and nothing could mess it up. Sitting down in the ride Cole looked at Dawn and it seemed as if something was wrong. "Whats the matter?" Cole asked concerned.

Just as he asked the ride began to move. Cole's attention was changed to the outside world and he watched as it became a blur in the speed of the ride. Looking over at Dawn Cole laughed as they spun.

[dawn]

Dawn looked at Cole just as he asked her a question. She narrowed her eyes and shook her head, she the ride began to move. Dawn's body swung as the speed shifted and spun the compartment her and Cole were in. She heard Cole laugh as she smiled and did as well. Other riders were screaming. Dawn's vision blurred as all the lights sung together. As quickly as the ride started it ended. Closing her eyes she shook her head so she wouldn't be dizzy once she stood up. Stepping out of the compartment Dawn's persona seemed to change. She wasn't in the awesome mood she was in before, she was standoffish now and was very guarded to the fact ' she started to like her best friend.'

' How could I like him? I've known him for ever.... Why now? You can't it would ruin everything. And if it would happen, you would ruin him.' Dawn thought as she opened up the gate to leave the ride's platform. "Did you like the ride?" She asked in a normal tone as she slipped her purse on her shoulder. Crossing her arms at her chest, she stood silently with a sigh. "So,.... Anything else to do?" she asked as she started to stroll slowly down the street, to where they haven't seen yet. Glancing at Cole, she looked at him trying to find a shred of something she hated, something she didn't like- something she could dwell on to end this 'petty feeling'.

Walking along, a man about 40 years of age yelled out to Dawn from his booth. "Miss care to play a game of luck or chance?" He paused for a moment and slyly added, "If not with the game, with me?" Dawn was acting as if she didn't hear him untill his second comment arose. Turning her head she glared at him. "A petty game of luck and chance should never be dealt with." Stepping a few paces toward him, her emerald eyes flickering with the flame torch's light. "Their needs to be a bet, with luck, and a something worth while to actually win with chance- and what in bloody hell do I win? Not some dumb raggedy stuffed animal, and defiantly not your over age butt! So what in bloody hell would be worth my while to deal with you?" Dawn noted in her fierce tone as she rapped her finger nails on the wooden table in front of her. The man growled as he fell speechless. Raising his fist, he leaned toward Dawn and punched her elegant silhouette in the chin. Dawn swayed for a moment as she came back with full force. Punching the man in the jaw, she replied to his action as she jumped up on the table. Allowing herself to jump off the table the man grabbed her left leg, just as she stepped down with her right- right into the man's groin.

[Cole Waters]

"The ride was good." Cole said stepping out of the compartment smiling. Looking at Dawn, Cole could tell something was wrong. He had known Dawn for his whole life and knew when her mood changed. Looking her in the eye's Cole thought to himself Did I do something wrong?. Looking at Dawn Cole opened his mouth to ask what was wrong but Dawn began to walk away towards a road that they hadn't been down. Cole followed after her with his head down thinking. He was used to this, used to Dawn getting in her moods and then shutting him out. She would come around though she always did.

Cole thought of a time when they were young. Cole had just started going to Hogwarts and Dawn of course a year older had already been there a year. Cole was intimidated by all of the people, especially the older ones, but he seemed confident as usual. Him and Dawn had been hanging out all summer and when they got to school they of course stuck together. One day Cole had walked up to her to talk but she didn't seem happy. Then eventually she ended up yelling at him. Cole had no clue what he had done. Then a day later she sat next to him in the library and said sorry. Cole knew he was one of the only people that she apologized to and Cole accepted it with a hug.

Snapping back to reality Cole caught up and walked next to Dawn. "So what do you want to do next?" he asked. Just then he was interrupted by a man at a booth. The man was asking Dawn if she wanted to play a game. Cole thought nothing of it as the man was just trying to make money. Then when the man ended his statement Cole turned around in a rage and said "Excuse me?" Cole looked at the man as he continued to harass Dawn. Cole started to walk over to the man but Dawn beat him there, yelling at the man. Just then, as if in slow motion, Cole watched the man raise his fist and hit Dawn in the jaw.

Cole pulled out his wand and aimed it at where the man was standing. Just then he watched Dawn put her foot in the mans groin. Cole put his wand back and ran over jumping the table. He grabbed Dawn by the waist and lifted her up over the table putting her on the other side. Kicking the man in the face Cole jumped back over and wrapped his arms around Dawn. He could hear he yelling in his ear to let her go but Cole knew she would get in more trouble than she wanted for kicking the guys ass then she wanted.

Carrying Dawn around the corner Cole set her down on a bench. Looking at her he said "Settle down. I know you would have taken him that's why I stopped you." Cole looked Dawn in the eye's as she continued to talk and yell. Finally she began to settle down and Cole smiled. "Your bleeding." he said putting his hands on her chin. Whipping the blood off Cole smiled and kissed the cut like Dawn used to do when they were little. "See now your all better." Cole said laughing.

[dawn]

"Cole Get the Hell Off Of Me!" Dawn roared as he grabbed her by her waist and hoisted her up over the table. Glaring at the man she just kicked Cole pulled her away to a bench and sat her down. In between her mumbles of curse words toward the games maker and Cole; her best friend actually spoke over her. Telling her to settle down. Glaring at him she shook her head. "Bloody hell." she shot as she leaned back on the bench. Sighing she closed her eyes and thought back to what she just did. 'I made a complete fool out of myself. Well **** the crowd! They know how I deal with things now......'

Dawn vented to herself as Cole spoke and touched her chin. 'I'm bleeding...' it didn't register fully when Cole said that, due to the fact, a moment later he kissed her chin. She looked at him for a moment then reacted. "I'm bleeding?" She questioned as she looked down at Cole's palm and saw a little bit of blood. Dawn's eyes darted toward the man who disrespected her. "I over-reacted." She growled, under her breath. "No, no I didn't. If I wouldn't have done it you would have." Dawn motioned toward Cole's pocket where his wand was placed. Looking toward the stones on the street by her feet her clenched her hands on to the edge of the bench. "I just don't like being disrespected." she said in a viperous tone.

Cole was the only one Dawn would talk things out with. Aden too, but Cole was the only 'non' family member she would allow to know her on that level. It frightened her in that moment, but again comforted her. Last year, she was tempered to destruction and went to burn things, and crack things in the Forbidden Forest. And who found her, Cole. Who comforted her, Cole. Who has always been at her side, Cole. Who is now beside her, Cole. 'I'm a sap.' she thought to herself. 'But I'm 17, I am allowed to be.' as she shook her head slightly to herself. Looking up, her eyes met with Cole's. Inside she smiled, but outside she still held her solemn tone.

Exhaling deeply Dawn stood up. "Can we go, somewhere else?" Dawn asked as she crossed her arms uncomfortably at her chest. A look about her was one, even to Cole, was rarely seen. She bit the inside of her lip and thought, what next should she do? Uncrossing her arms, she slid her purse down her shoulder and opened it. Searching for her car keys she took them out, and handed them to Cole. "I just want to go." she said, softly. In nearly a whisper.

[Cole Waters]

Cole stood there looking at Dawn as she settled her rage. Cole was used to being the one that helped her calm down, and even through the years he was always glad to be that guy. "Yes I would have done it." Cole said smiling. Cole was glad that Dawn knew he would always stick up for her. When she said she didn't like to be disrespected Cole looked at her in the eyes and said "And nore do I. I especially don't like it when people disrespect you." Cole looked her in the eyes letting her know how serious he was. Cole protected Dawn like a sister for his whole life but lately it had been turning into a different protection. A protection that a boyfriend would show.

When Dawn asked if they could go somewhere else Cole smiled and said "Of course." Cole looked around to find something else to do. Just then he heard the sound of keys and looked down to see Dawn holding her keys out for him to take. "I just want to go." Cole heard her say. The words echoed through his mind as he looked at the keys blankly. Cole didn't want to go yet. His night wasn't over and he wasn't about to let it be. Looking into Dawn's eyes, Cole grabbed the keys and stuck them in his pockets. He heard some slow music start to play down the road so he grabbed Dawn's hand and pulled her along the street towards the stage.

"We aren't going to go home just yet." Cole said to Dawn as he walked her along the passage. He knew she wanted to go but Cole wasn't about to end this night early and he always knew how to cheer Dawn up in any situation.

As they got to the stage a band stood up playing a slow song. Turning around Cole put his hands on Dawns waist and said "Let's dance." Without letting her answer, Cole put her arms on his neck and he began to dance. Looking at her smiling he said "Come on Dawn, have some fun. You can't say no to this face" Cole smiled widely as he did often to try and cheer up Dawn.

[dawn]

Standing for the only time in her entire life, silent, a wreck, and Cole did not listen to her wishes. He pulled her down the street a block or so closer to the band. Looking at him the look about her was absurd. She was speechless... He was going to force her to dance! Dawn was not in the mood, but Cole was forcing her. He knew very well she was not a source to be reckoned with but he insited, and she didn't resist. He placed her arms on his shoulders as she felt his palms on her waist. Looking at Cole, he spoke as she narrowed her eyes. "Please." She shot and added on. "If you just gotten into a fight, you would be tense still..." she commented as she turned and looked towards the band and away from Cole. Dawn was tempered, yet sadate. She was with her best friend, why would she be upset? The fight was over, everything is fine now... but why was she still holding her attitude.

Feeling Cole shift his weight, a light bulb seemed to relight. Ah yes, The subject of Cole. How the hell could she have feelings for Cole? After all of these years, and suddenly.... Maybe it was a phase? It was possible. Looking at Cole, she didn't know what she saw. She saw the friend she adored for years, but what was so different now? Did he change something, or was it really emotion? Dawn was rarely confused, and when she was it got her preturbed.

Wrapping her arms farther around Cole's shoulders she leaned in closer to him. Resting her head lightly on his shoulder she inhaled and tried to calm down. Everything will take its toll. Plus, Dawn was strong enough she didn't need to fret over something so small. But the one thing that bothered her is that if she followed her feelings- would their relationship ruin eventually?

(( Bad post, Sorry. ))

[Cole Waters]

((No problem, I of all people know how it feels.))

Cole danced with Dawn smiling. "Yes if I had gotten in a fight I would be tense to, but I would rather have been the one in the fight than you." Cole said looking into Dawn's eyes. Cole knew that Dawn was fully capable of taking care of herself but he still liked to try to take care of her as much as possible.

Dancing in the center of the crowd, Dawn and Cole circled around holding each other. Cole felt Dawn pull in closer and put her head on his shoulder. Putting his arms around her closer, Cole's elbows were now on her waist. Cole liked being this close to Dawn and he wasn't use to it. Cole knew he had very strong feelings for her but he was afraid that if he showed them it would mess up their lifelong friendship. Cole listened to the music as he danced with Dawn's head on his shoulder. He could feel her inhale and exhale strongly and he knew she was calming down. Cole knew he could get her to.

Putting his mouth near Dawn's ear Cole whispered "See this isn't so bad is it?" Cole smiled as he tried to get Dawn to laugh. That's what Cole always tried to do when she was upset, make her laugh. Cole looked at the people around as he danced with Dawn. One couple seemed to be a pair of second years. They held each other closely and looked into each others eyes. They were a young love. Looking over to his left Cole saw an elderly couple dancing with each other. Cole couldn't believe that people stayed to gether for so long. Looking at Dawn, Cole realized that if there was one person he could be with that long it would probably be Dawn.

Cole pulled Dawn against him and looked at her hair. Cole was used to her blonde hair. He was used to her peering eyes. He was used to it all and unlike the other people he wasn't scared by it. For some reason he found welcome in Dawns evil gaze. Cole looked Dawn in the eyes and suddenly leaned in and pressed his lips against hers.

[dawn]

As the chorus of the song picked up, Dawn inhaled and relaxed. The song was all to farmilar and she just needed a moment to breath. But in her mind all she could think of was, "What came over me tonight? This was Cole's Day, a Celebration. He won his game. The reason you are with him right now was because he invited you to his game. And you decide to ruin the celebration by getting in a fight?!" Dawn often did this. She always faught with herself, but she knew having this voice often contridicting her would come in handy in the future. She was so used to it now, when another person takes that voice over it would be second nature to her.

Cole lead her as they swayed to the right, and their bodies both turned to their left, shifting their viewing perspectives. Inhaling and exhaling deeping again, Dawn came to the conclusion. She needed to stop being hard and start caring for her friend whom she was celebrating with. He obviously cared for her, or he wouldn't be trying to hard to calm her down. But how long or short did his caring spand spread? Did he feel like Dawn. That persistant conflicting feeling she has been flustered about all evening. She was amazed how the day started and how she felt like she was infinate next to her best friend Cole. But since she found site of that 'more than friends' feeling inside her, she lost the infinate feeling and didn't know how to react. Since when was a McGrogan at a loss for words?! Since when was Dawn afraid to speak or at on a feeling?! Both anwsers displayed "Never" softly across her mind as exactly then, she felt Cole's soft, cold lips touch Dawn's.

The entire time Dawn was fighting herself, her eyes were closed. Why, because she..... felt safe. And the kiss was quite abrupt but Dawn didn't disclose it. Kissing Cole lightly back, they pulled away at the exact time to lock eyes. Dawn's look was more curious than ever. Her sharp emerald eyes seemed to balance off the darkness of Cole's dim brown eyes. Narrowing her's slightly. She cocked her head to the left. Showing a sign of "why... how... what..?" without words.

With in the moment of the kiss, the two seemed to seice dancing, and stood in each other's arms. In the gase of confusion, the music ended and begain to pick up again in a different song. Biting her lip, Dawn's left hand dropped from Cole's shoulder down to her side, to lock with his right hand. Turning to her right, she lead him off the dance floor over. Dawn was amazed, flustered, happy, flattered, confused, upset, and whole all at the same time. Dawn lead herself and Cole away, not exactly sure where she was going. Finally realizing it, she found herself a block or so away from the festival street in a road all on their own. Near a flickering street torch, Dawn let go of Cole's hand and stood next to the pole. "Well, now." she spoke, normally but ending in a bit of shock. She looked up to Cole who stood near her and a soft suttle smile crossed her face.


(( I can post again! ))

[Cole Waters]

(YAY you can post. I sure hope I can now.)

Dawn's lips were soft and warm. Cole could feel every part of his body urge towards Dawn as he kissed her. Suddenly he realised what he was doing and pulled away at the same time as Dawn.

Standing there with Dawn in his arms, Cole didn't know what to do. He gazed into her emerald eyes wondering what he had just done. "Did I just ruin our friendship? Does she feel the same way? What did I do." All of these thoughts rushed through Coles mind at the same time. Cole had no idea what to do. Not knowing what Dawn was thinking, Cole just stood there waiting for some hint of aproval or rejection. Then he felt Dawns hand slide down his shoulder and onto his hand. Holding Dawn's hand, Cole knew everything was ok.

As she walked him down the road Cole felt better knowing that everything was going to be ok, or atleast he thought it was. The streets were still bussling with people and Cole, every once in a while bumped into some. He didn't care he was still thinking about the kiss. It was great. Cole never knew he would feel this way about Dawn. He remembered how his mom would talk about the two of them taking baths together when they were little. Now Cole's best friend has become more than a friend to him.

When they finally stopped Cole realized they had walked a couple of blocks. It had felt like a couple of feet. Looking at Dawn Cole wasn't sure what to say. Then he saw the smile leak onto Dawn's face and Cole couldn't help but smile to.

Looking into Dawn's eye's Cole wasn't sure if he should just try to stay friend's with Dawn or if he should explain how he felt about he. "But what if she doesn't feel the same?" Cole thought to himself. For once Cole was actually afraid of what he was about to say. "Dawn I like you." Cole said with the most serious look he had ever had on his face. "I really fancy you. I mean we've been friends for ages but it's just something about tonight I realized how much more you ment to me than just a friend. I like how you look and how you talk and how you do everything. I dont know if you feel the same way but you have to know how I feel. And I know that kiss was very sudden but if I could I'd do it again. I dont regret it at all."

[dawn]

Cole returned Dawn's smile, with one that filled his face and brightened up his night persona. Dawn was silent. She wasn't sure what to say or do. "Cole Waters.... and me? Are you kidding me? No.... But.... what?! Damn. I think I made a mistake." the blonde vixen thought to herself as silence fell between the two. Her eyes searched him as he began to speak and explain himself. She felt confused, and what was the only thing Dawn did when she was confused- she put up a wall. Her face had no emotion; just like the previous moments of the night. But inside she was screaming, she liked Cole, but afraid how things would change.

Her mind was like a flashback. When they were young. Pictures, vacations, games, practices, Hogwarts, dinners, sleep overs, injuries, emotional times, exciting times, death, life, fights between them, fights toward others... the list could go on for years. Millions of memories per several years they've known each other. And all Dawn could do is look at Cole, confused. Dawn could tell Cole anything and everything. He was like a brother to her, and has been for as long as she could remember. Now, that all has changed. Did she feel anything from the kiss? Did she regret it? Would she do it again? How would Aden react? How would her father react?...... No, this is Dawn's view, not her families. Hers. Dawn blinked and looked down to the ground. When Cole finally finished his statement his final words sank into her for a moment. "He doesn't regret it......." she repeated in her mind several times before she could look at Cole in the eyes.

Inhaling, she pushed a strand of her hair behind her ear as she gazed at her best friend. "It was sudden." she paused with a weak smile and went on. "Cole, of course I like you. I've liked you for as far back as I can remember. But, yea..... tonight, something happened. " she finished crossing her arms at her chest and standing up straight. "You know how I always look for a logical explination for everything. Maybe it was the 'mood' of tonight. Or maybe it is just our time.... but, the kiss...." she looked over Cole's shoulder, laughed slightly to herself. Then, looked at Cole. Speaking in a solid tone. "I don't regret it either."

Dawn was silent after she said her side and her feelings. But now, the ever so burning question, How will this effect their friendship? Would they decide to date? Would that really be the best idea? Should they just see how things go, and live off of their relationship day by day? Would they act like it never happened, and go on begin best friends, but with a little more? Dawn had her seventh year at School all planned out. And a life in the making and waiting. How would Cole effect that? Dawn's gaze was soft now. Not the normal stiff, 'never let her guard down' hawk. She was vulnerable. One Hundred and twenty percent, vulnerable. This was good and yet, pretty bad. She is bound to two emotions; 1) defencive mode and willing to kill. Or 2) breakdown and follow the leader. It is a trivial game Dawn played; unwillingly. And yet- how Ironic. The only person ever to understand and win the game was standing two feet in front of her....

[Cole Waters]

Cole stood gazing into the emerald eyes of the blonde beauty in front of him. Cole had so many feelings rush through him he wasn't sure how to handle it. Cole was use to having his soft side that he didn't show to anyone. He usually just kept it hidden inside of his anger and hatred. Cole had a reputation to keep up. If the people at school knew he had a soft side he wouldn't hear the end of it. There was only person who had ever gotten a glimpse of his soft side and that was Dawn. He never showed it all to her either, just a part of it.

When Dawn began to speak Cole knew what she was doing. She was trying to find reason and logic in what had happened tonight. With every word she said, Cole began to lose hope in her feelings for him. Then the words he had been waiting for the whole time were spoken. "I don't regret it either." she said in a solid tone.

Cole looked at Dawn with a look of concentration on his face. He wasn't sure what to do next. Should he start officially dating Dawn? Should he kiss her again? Not know Cole looked into Dawn's eyes looking for the answer. What he saw wasn't what he wanted to see.

Cole knew Dawn enough to be able to read her expressions and the one he saw was one he had seen a couple of times. He could see she wasn't sure what she wanted to do either. In this kind of situation Dawn could either get mean of just follow Cole.

Not wanting Dawn to get upset or mad Cole did what he did best, he took charge. Looking Dawn in the eyes Cole put his hands on her shoulders and began talking. "Dawn I know this is hard. I mean we've been friends forever. I understand you don't know what to think and neither do I, but I do know that if you want to go into something with me than I know we can do it. I know you and I can be together without any problems and I know there is no one I would rather be with right now."

Cole looked her in the eyes and began to think "When did I become so sappy?"

[dawn]

Dawn studied Cole's eyes, as she knew he was doing the same to her. She was comfortably confused in a sense that she was two seconds away from doing... anything. She just kissed her best friend, a friend who was different to her on all levels. But that was it! He was different. Dawn was also close to Leland Astor. He was one of her best guy friends too. Leland was known to be a flirt but Dawn and Cole had a different relationship. Was it always like this? she asked herself as she looked past Cole to a building corner behind him. Maybe it is supposed to be like this... which is why it happened. Looking back at Cole, perfect timing- he started to talk.

He explained how he felt and Dawn's core melted. The rough exterior was still present, but from her eyes to her insides she was gone. Her lips curled at the corners as he finished his words. She stuttered, "I.. I.. don't know exactly where this leads us." she said and paused carefully thinking her next words. She opened her mouth to speak, but she was clueless on what to say. Cole's hands were placed on her shoulders. Raising both of her own hands, she took his soft left palm and entwined her fingers in his, as she dropped their clasped hands to their sides. Raising her right hand, she placed it on his shoulder as she leaned up and kissed his gentle on his lips. In that moment, Dawn felt something. Something she knew she secretly yearned for. She was just clueless on the emotion. Her subconscious felt it- but her current brain didn't dare think of it, until now. Until this very moment when they were together. Funny how the day began and how to changed gears several different ways in a few hours. Dawn stepped down and looked into Cole's eyes. She rubbed her thumb over his as she looked for an action, an emotion, a response. And softly she spoke in a whisper, "What do you think?"

[Cole Waters]

Cole looked at Dawn as he finished talking. The seconds between him talking and her talking felt like an eternity. So many thoughts ran through his mind as he waited to see what she would say. How could a friendship change so suddenly. It felt like he started off the night loving Dawn as his friend, and now as the night grew older he loved Dawn more than a friend. Looking into Dawn's eyes, Cole could see her change. She seemed more emotional. Cole always knew when Dawn changed and this was one he had only see her make a couple of times. As she spoke Cole listened intensely hoping for a sign, any sign.

"I don't know exactly where this leads us." Cole heard Dawn say. His heart dropped. She doesn't feel the same way Cole thought. Everything he had just went through, throwing himself out in the open and making himself vulnerable had been for nothing. Then he felt Dawn put her hand on his and pull it down to their sides. The warmth of her other hand rested on his shoulder. Then as if in slow motion Cole watched her lean up and put her lips on his. Cole closed his eyes and kissed her back.

He could feel her lips leave his but he stood there as if they were still on them. He heard her ask her question and Cole answered softly "It was great." Suddenly he realized her question could be referring to the kiss or the situation they were in. Cole didn't need to think about either of them and started to talk. "Dawn I want to be with you. I want to share my life with you, well more than I already do which isn't much. I want the whole school to know that we are together and I don't want any other girl. Dawn I fancy you more than I could imagine and I know we can be together. What do you think?"