So it wasn’t about the teasing—it was about last summer. Of course, that still didn’t explain her sudden howler yesterday, but as he stood there, brows furrowed, he tried to piece together everything. Was this really about last summer?
Admittedly he’d thought very little about what happened that day in Hogsmeade until recently. It was the day their friendship had initially fallen apart, and it was also the day he’d acted like a complete arse—and he hadn’t told her why. He fidgeted in discomfort.
“Last summer was my fault. I know it was,” he said in a small voice. He hated talking about feelings; despite his general stance that girls could do whatever boys could do, he’d always thought he shouldn’t let himself get soft. Sharing emotions showed softness, and softness wasn’t manly—and as he’d realized recently, girls weren’t supposed to like softness.
“But I already told you it wasn’t about your emotions. It was my worries and I’m sorry if I made it seem like I didn’t trust you. But saying there’s no legitimate reason for my worries is just as hypocritical.” Who would have ever thought Sloane would be so worried about the bracelet? He thought she’d throw it aside at worst, not completely go mental!
“I don't know why it went south yesterday. I don't. I was just teasing you one moment and then you told me to shove off, as if I'd intentionally hurt you. I didn't.” He took a deep sigh and shook his head, overwhelmed with defeat and—though he hated to admit it, even to himself—desperation. This was his fifth year. He was supposed to have fun with friends, ruin Selwyn's life, and try not to flunk out of school from poor OWL grades. He didn't sign up for another fight.
Admittedly he’d thought very little about what happened that day in Hogsmeade until recently. It was the day their friendship had initially fallen apart, and it was also the day he’d acted like a complete arse—and he hadn’t told her why. He fidgeted in discomfort.
“Last summer was my fault. I know it was,” he said in a small voice. He hated talking about feelings; despite his general stance that girls could do whatever boys could do, he’d always thought he shouldn’t let himself get soft. Sharing emotions showed softness, and softness wasn’t manly—and as he’d realized recently, girls weren’t supposed to like softness.
“But I already told you it wasn’t about your emotions. It was my worries and I’m sorry if I made it seem like I didn’t trust you. But saying there’s no legitimate reason for my worries is just as hypocritical.” Who would have ever thought Sloane would be so worried about the bracelet? He thought she’d throw it aside at worst, not completely go mental!
“I don't know why it went south yesterday. I don't. I was just teasing you one moment and then you told me to shove off, as if I'd intentionally hurt you. I didn't.” He took a deep sigh and shook his head, overwhelmed with defeat and—though he hated to admit it, even to himself—desperation. This was his fifth year. He was supposed to have fun with friends, ruin Selwyn's life, and try not to flunk out of school from poor OWL grades. He didn't sign up for another fight.
