Author's Note: This is an entry to the challenge made by oXBlue-flowerXo. It required that you use the songs "Feelings Show" by Colbie Caillat, "Permanent Marker" by Taylor Swift, and "Loser" by Perfect Victim, the other songs I added just because they fit. They are "Best of Me" by Sum 41, and "This Time" by Vanessa Carlton. I recommend actually listening to the songs, makes it more fun that way doesn't it? They're all on youtube if you're so inclined. Anyway, I don't own the songs or the characters, but oh if I did. Also, I wrote this all in one sitting, despite having finals coming up. Can't fight inspiration, oh well, enjoy!

Wait

Chapter 1: Best of Me

It's so hard to say that

I'm sorry

I'll make everything alright

"I didn't mean it." His voice was desperate, and she had to fight the urge to forgive him out of habit.

All these things that I've done

What have I become, and where'd I go wrong?

"But you said it." The fierce tone her voice had adopted surprised even her. "And you'd say it again."

I don't mean to hurt, just to put you first

I won't tell you lies

"Lily, I wouldn't…" He started, reaching out in an attempt to put a hand on her shoulder, an attempt to keep her with him, on his side, like she always had been. As if a hand could keep her heart from giving up on him.

I will stand accused

With my hand on my heart

"Of course you would Severus." She couldn't remember ever feeling so terrible about being right. "If one of your hideous, cruel friends were around, or if James and his lot were trying to get you riled up, you'd let your true feelings slip and then we'd be right back here."

I'm just trying to say

I'm sorry

"James Potter." He sneered. "If you honestly prefer James Potter to me, when I've been your friend since before you knew what magic was…"

Don't believe their lies

Told through jealous eyes

They don't understand

I won't break your heart

I won't bring you down

But I will have to say

"I prefer not to be told who I can and can't fancy." Lily jerked her shoulder away from him suddenly, and his hand was left hovering in the air rather forlornly. "When James was jerking you around, I defended you."

I'm sorry

"I know." He muttered, dark, stringy hair falling into his face. He'd lost her, he could feel it, but somehow his brain wouldn't register what his heart was telling him. There had to be a way to make her see, to make her understand.

"And then you…you called me a…"

"I know!" He interrupted. "I know what I called you, don't say it!"

I know I can't take back all of the mistakes

But I will try

"A mudblood." She spat, the word hanging uncomfortably between them. "Before we ever came to Hogwarts Severus, I asked you if it mattered if a person's parents were wizards and you said it didn't. But it obviously matters to you, and I'm not going to work this hard to be your friend if you can't even be bothered to treat me like a human being."

Although it's not easy

I know you could believe me

Cause I would not lie

"Lily…" She was already turning away, and he tried to fight the panic that was flooding his brain. Lily Evans, the one true friend he'd ever had, the one girl he'd ever…he had to convince her. He had to. "Lily, please."

I'm sorry

It's all that I can say

She stopped, but didn't turn around. He found himself confessing to her lovely red hair rather than her face, but he couldn't wait for her to face him. She might never face him again.

You mean so much

And I'd fix all that I've done

If I could start again

"Lily, I…I love you. I always have."

He could see her entire body stiffen as if someone had poured cold water over her. He waited. He saw her take a deep breath, and he wasn't sure if it was to hold off a sob or a scream. He still waited.

"There's a war coming, Severus. People are going to die, people like me, just because of who their parents are…just because of their dirty blood. And when that time comes it isn't going to matter how somebody felt when nobody else was around. If love isn't enough to make you stand by me in front of a bunch of schoolyard bullies, then it isn't going to be enough to make you stand by me in the face of real danger, and in that case what good is all the secret love in the world?"

I'd throw it all away

To the shadows of regrets

She started walking again, and he felt his insides crumble under the pressure of the truth. He'd told her and she was still leaving him behind. Long after she'd disappeared around a corner and vanished from his vision he was still waiting. Still waiting. He'd be waiting for her forever.

And you would have the best of me