“Then what are you, Vicky?” he questioned. “I suppose you’re anything but stubborn.”

He looked surprised when I shook my head. “Nope. You see, James. I’m just like you. We’re both stubborn. So you should know that I won’t move until I get my way.”

They were getting it in. Neither of them even noticed that five other people were currently watching their ministrations with disbelief.

“Haha…” I began, unsure of what to do. “Isn’t this awkward…”

So why did I have such a bad feeling about this? Surely this situation wasn’t any different than all the arguments we've found ourselves in. In fact, it was quite similar.

“Relax, Al. Now what do you want?”

He shook his head in order to push his anger aside. “I need your help.”

“I sense lady troubles.” Albus suddenly looked uneasy. “Ah, so it is.” I deduced. “Big brother is listening.”

“Please, Vic.” I said, hovering over her as I stared into her eyes. “Just stop it. You ca—don’t love me anymore. Please. . .”

“Yeah, it’s great.” Alright, James. That was a terrible attempt at trying to sound enthusiastic. I was happy for Desmond. Honestly, I was. He deserves someone as great as Layla. They were bloody perfect for each other. I just had more pressing matters at hand.

I looked away, uncomfortable. This was the first time Victoria has ever taken responsibility and apologized for something. Even though I should have been relieved, angry and slightly smug about this entire situation, I felt nothing but guilt. A heavy sigh escaped my lips and my shoulders sagged slightly against the guilt. For the first time since I left the castle, I noticed the unfamiliar weight resting on my right arm.

I rolled my eyes. “You’ve taken a liking to living vicariously, haven’t you? These days, you observe more than necessary. The habits of a Cupid… You need to get yourself a girl, mate.”

She picked up a glass, and downed its contents. “Oh, you know it.” She replied in a voice that was dripping with sarcasm. “They went a little bit overboard, the school did. We’re all basically flying solo tonight.”

“Not even a girlfriend for moral support.” I added in agreement.

“Don’t tell me what to do.” I scolded for the sake of picking a fight. Again, I reached over, and tickled her ear with the end of the quill; this time, more aggressively. “I didn’t know you were so ticklish.” I laughed as I watched her squirming against the bunched up duvet. “Would you look at that.” I smirked arrogant as I stared down at her. “The mighty Victoria Rose has a weakness.”

"I'm not changing for her, Amelie." I replied sternly. "I'm not changing for anyone."

"Don't feed me some cheesy, cliché line that goes along the lines of 'I'm changing for myself because she makes me want to be a better person'."