Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. Remember that. -_-

A/N: Ooh, this plot bunny just bugged me until I couldn't sleep. O.O Anyhow, this is a James/Lily fic that just popped out at me when I was flipping through TV channels. Enjoy my brain's work. : P Lily's POV.

Denial

Everyone fell for his charming mask. Everyone but you of course. Oh yes, you saw right through his act and saw him for what he really was: an egotistical prat. At least, that's what you thought he was like. You never actually got to know him- not that you wanted to. Even if you did spend time with him he would be nothing more than a self-centered toerag. Or would he?

Yes, he would be, you scolded yourself. He thinks just because everyone else worships the ground he walks on, you will, too. But that's not going to happen.

Sure, it's cute when he ruffles his hair, making it messier than it already is. Sure, he sometimes stared you down with those gorgeous- wait, gorgeous? - hazel eyes…

But, it's not going to work. You won't fall for him like he tells you. You won't. Because he is nothing more than a conceited git- that much you were almost one hundred percent positive of- almost? No, you were positive of it, completely. You won't fall in love with him. You won't.

~!~

Maybe he did deserve a chance- no matter how small that chance might be. Because- you noticed- that if he stops acting like a jerk, he can be… alright. But just that. Alright.

You won't admit to feeling something for him, even if you do. You don't though. He's barely worth the time of day. He doesn't even change into that alright person all the time. He's doesn't- really. You don't even need assurance, because he'll never change into that person- for good- and leave his arrogant self behind. Because he always chooses that side first. He'll never change into that alright person that you possibly want him to be.

And maybe… just maybe, if he does change- even though he won't- you might think better of him.

~!~

He's changed a considerable amount- just enough to make that flame of hope that he'll change spark into a small fire. Yes, he doesn't cast jinxes toward every other person now. Yes, he's a bit nicer. But he's still him, and you know it.

And yet- you can't help but feel a bit drawn to his childishness- it's cute in a way. To fully consider him, he'll have to be more mature, though. More mature- yes- then, the next time he asks you out, maybe- just maybe – you'll say yes. Maybe.

~!~

You are lying on the couch in the Gryffindor common room- crying. How could your best friend call you such a disgusting name- mudblood?

He comes and sits next to you. He doesn't say anything, just puts his arm around you, and lets you cry on his shoulder.

Maybe he has changed, for the better. Maybe you do like- could it be? - maybe even love him. He can be caring when he wants to. He can be sweet when he wants to. He can be what you've wanted him to be, if he wants to.

Just sitting there- your head on his shoulder and him stroking your hair- it's made you realize this. You let a sob escape you. Maybe this- losing your best friend- was for the better.

"I will," you say softly to him.

"What?" he stopped caressing your hair.

"I, Lily Evans, will go out with you, James Potter," you say and watch as his eyes widen in surprise.

I guess people can change, for the better.

A/N: Whew, it felt good to get that out of my system! Review pwease? I want to know if I did their characters justice… and the only way to know is if you tell me… :)