A/N: Welcome all. Here we are again. Aren't we brilliant? Yes, I thought so, too. Two updates in a reasonable amout of time? Now that is class. However, I warn you for the sake of this chapter having a good ending that doesn't seem stunted and awkward/random, we had to give you yet another short chapter. I think this one is eight pages, but I promise that the next update (however far in the future it may be) will be back to the norm. However, if you like these shorter chapters...I guess you should tell us that and we can keep doing it. I don't know why you would like that, but who knows. People are weird. I don't try to comprehend us anymore.

Disclaimer: Sadly, everything but some places and characters don't actually belong to us. They belong to the ever-brilliant J.K. Rowling. Yay! ...Haha.

Hating the Enemy:

Chapter 5: TKS

..:Parson:..

Why the hell does Lyre always get so worked up! Okay so Brand was gone for like twenty minutes. It's not that long! And so what, if all the guys that came out of the men's bathroom said that there wasn't any sign of Brand in there? It's not the end of the world, right? Lyre isn't that obsessed with him, right? Well, you're wrong. How wrong you would be. See Lyre is in love with Brand therefore very paranoid with who Brand sees and where Brand is. Crazy I know. I mean I like Brand and I'm not that psycho about it. Well that's how this whole situation with pumpkin juice on my dress happened. All because of my overly paranoid, psycho sister can't handle not being with Brand on her special night...cough

Okay, I might have lied just a little bit. However, Brand need a break from dear ole' Lyre. That is why Lyre had been standing by the door of the men's restroom for ten minutes before the realization hit her that Brand was obviously not in there. She comes storming over to the punch bowl and gets a cup of juice. Okay, so, I thought she was just going to cool down and she really was thirsty. However, how wrong I was, how very wrong. She came huffing and puffing to where I was standing with Kaison talking to some friends. People were jumping and darting out of her way knowing full well that she was not to be messed with. That was quite smart of them. Well, finally Lyre reaches me and has this smile on her face that looks forced. Well, the next minute I'm being blamed for the loss of Brand and how I'm a bitch and so forth and couple minutes later I'm covered in pumpkin juice. I wouldn't mind that much, but I put in a lot of effort to look presentable and wonderfully beautiful tonight. I just glared at her and stomped away. There was a huge crowd that I had to walk through just to get out of the Hall. I know I over reacted and I could have just done a simple drying spell, but I was seriously not really thinking at the moment. I stomped away into a hall outside of the Great Hall. I just kept pacing and angrily throwing insults to no one. Of course right when I shout the nastiest word I knew I bumped into someone. Yes, of course, Brand except what was different was he had a black eye...I didn't even give him a second and just walked as fast as I could away. I headed to the dormitories. I slipped inside and collapse on the couch. I should go to my room, which would help me avoid Brand. However, I'm sure he is still in the hallway. Merlin, I hate him so much right now. I wonder if Lyre is comforting him right now and soon they will be snogging and cuddling each other. NO! Brand only thinks of her as a little sister. I'm just putting nightmarish images in my head and that is not a good thing. I hear a noise in my room and get up. I creep slowly over and open my door. I look around and see a beautiful owl trying to get through the window. I open the window up and the owl immediately comes over and lands on my arm. The owl starts to nuzzle me. This is the owl Brand owns. It looks up at me and hoots. This causes me to finally let all the emotion pour out of me, and I start crying. I start confessing everything to the owl. I don't even know why I'm crying, but at this point it doesn't matter. I explain that I didn't mean to cause Brand so much hate and grief. I told him that revenge wasn't as sweet as I expected. As I poured my heart out to the bird, I think about the picture that Brand drew for me and burst into a new round of tears. I seriously am messed up by now, and I must look like a complete idiot. I'm telling my whole damn life to this bird! I look at the bird and start to stroke its head. "You are such a pretty bird. No wonder Brand named you after his grandfather. He must have been a great man. I wish I never had broken the broomstick. I wish it with all my heart," I say quietly.

..:Brand:..

I run after her, but the little wench is incredibly quick. Especially considering the heels that she is currently wearing. Damn that girl can run...STOP! I guess we are both in shape from all the Quidditch, but let's just say she got a really good head start. I hear a great ripping sound and snap around. In shock, I slowly look down. OH CRAP! God is against me this dire evening. I just ripped a gigantic, gaping HOLE in my cloak. I loved this cloak. It was so billowy. Growling, I forget it and keep running. It's just one thing right after another that woman destroys for me: my broom, my friendships, my cloak and my LIFE for pity's sake. That girl is a terror. I shake my head and just keep on going. No sense crying over spilled milk. You know, this philosophy is so impossibly simple and, in all these years of hate, I have never once thought of it in terms of her...Hmm...What she did was outrageous though...Anyways, I ran and ran until I reach our dorms. Weirdly enough, she didn't close the door all the way when she went in. Doesn't she how stupid-oh my lord. Parson Eberlee is...is she talking to someone? I peer in and see her, with...none other than Demetrius...How ironic. It seems that she is...crying and pouring her heart out to my owl. I love him dearly, but, girl, he can't talk back. Sometimes that nice, but in her case it just doesn't seem right...Hmm...Looking a little closer I see a ratty piece of paper in her hand. What is that?

Oh god.

Oh god.

She kept it? She kept that crappy little drawing all these years? What value could it possibly have to her? She wouldn't use it ask blackmail because it could be taken badly on her part, too..."Love, Brand" That's what it says in the corner in my little kid handwriting, all shaky and messed up. I could write my name, but that's about it...I knew love because of my mom...and my grandpa. When I wrote that, my grandpa was still alive. God, I was such a carefree kid. Happy even. I'm content now, but how I am currently is nothing compared to how I used to be. I hear her saying things I never thought she would say...

"You are such a pretty bird. No wonder Brand named you after his grandfather. He must have been a great man. I wish I never had broken the broomstick. I wish it with all my heart," I hear from within. Was that really Parson just now? I wish she hadn't broken my broom, too. With everything I've heard before this and just now...I have no clue where my relationship with Parson will go. My hands are all sweaty... What should I do? Should I walk in? Or...not? I smile because I realize that I sound exactly like an awkward kid who is unsure of how to deal with girls, the girls that he likes...I sigh. What to do?

..:Parson:..

I hear the door creak and I spin around, alarmed. Something moved away, but not quick enough. I see Brand standing there. His smile turns into an awkward look. I just glare. How humiliating! I'm just standing there with a tear-streaked face and Brand gets to be the one to witness it. Is there never privacy in this castle! I gasp. I hope he didn't hear my confessions and hopeless babbling. How long has he been standing there watching me make a fool of myself? I look around me to see if I could get away from here. There really isn't. I guess I could go and close the door in his face. Yeah, that sounds like a plan. I move towards the door and right at that second Brand moves inside. We crash into each other. Luckily no one fell down, because that seems to happen way too often in this place. I look up into to Brand's eyes. They are so blue they take my breath away. I'm sure this would be such a romantic scene if only we weren't mortal enemies.

..:Brand:..

God. What do I say? What do I do? I have no idea. No possible way of knowing. I can't think straight right now. She's looking at me with these big, puffy, red, eyes and...it takes my breath away. How can she be so pretty when she's been crying?

Without thinking, I blurt, "I'm sorry." My eyes widen and I feel myself redden. I know there are many things that I should be apologizing for, but I hadn't mean to say it so...abruptly. I'm stupid. God. I can't even bother to have some tact about it, can I? Apparently not…How annoying. I think is one of those situations that would make me feel embarrassed for someone else if I weren't myself. I hate feeling embarrassed for other people. It's awkward. I am holding back a shudder right now.

..:Parson:..

Did Brand just say he was sorry? I think there must be something wrong with my hearing. I would never think that Brand would say sorry in...hmmm...a million years. I stop crying and wipe my eyes. This must be a dream. It has to be, it's too strange. Well, if it's a dream I can do whatever I want. This is wonderful... I look back up at Brand.

"Did you just say what I think you did?" I whisper.

..:Brand:..

Crap. I hate that. I hate it when they don't hear me. I laugh nervously, "Umm...I guess that depends on what you thought I said..." Who sounds stupid? Brand Stryker sounds stupid. Reduced to bumbling idiocy by a girl. Damn.

..:Parson:..

What on Earth is this guy talking about? He sounds like a babbling idiot. I know he said sorry. I'm sure he did. It just takes me by surprise. I look at him with a questioning face. He just looks back at me with those breathtaking blue eyes. I can look into them for a long time. They are that groovy looking.

"Well, I thought you said sorry. However, I think it is me who should be apologizing. I made so many wrong choices, which caused this giant rift between us. I'm sorry," I say to him.

..:Brand:..

Goodness gracious, isn't this a touching moment? Well, now what do I do? Tell her it was all my fault and give her a big hug? Actually...that idea sounds pretty good. I step closer and she gets this looks of shock crosses her face.

"Parson..." I feel my eyes soften slightly, "I'm sorry. I really am. For everything that led up to this horrible fight. It was my fault. I should have been more mature. If I hadn't left you in that tree, none of this would have happened. I'm so sorry," I tell her softly, looking directly into her eyes. Wrapping my arms around her abruptly, I bury my head in her hair. For a second, she doesn't do anything and then her arms wrap around me in return.

..:Parson:..

After the hug, things between Brand and I have been somewhat awkward. I think we must have been hugging for about 5 minutes. In my book that is a long time. I wish things had gotten better. Yet, I can't expect to be old buddies like old times. It takes time and I'm willing to be patient, but I hope that it happens soon! Being in his arms was shocking. It felt like I was in the right place. I felt that I was safe as long as I was in his arms. Also, he has a killer chest. Strong abs, things are working mighty fine for that boy. If only he didn't have a shirt on...oh bloody Merlin...scratch that from mind! I think some things are going to be lifting up from this point. Maybe gradually pieces with go back in place and it will be like old times.

Merlin, I've been walking in the wrong direction. I need to get to class. Argh! I run down the halls to get to the Potions classroom.

..:Brand:..

I walk into Transfiguration, my third class, and sadly the first I have with Parson during the day. She looks at me when I walk in the door and I stop, looking at her for a while, but then she turns and I shake my head, sitting in my usual spot, next to Fletch. I look down when a folded piece of paper hits my arm. I look over at Fletch and he motions to the paper with his head. I open it.

Brandio,

Update on TKS:

He's pissed.

Wants to kill you.

That's about it.

Oh, and he thinks he's in love with Par-y

and that you are trying to steal her from him.

Great, no?

What are you going to do?

-Fletch

P.S. Fyi: TKS The Kai Situation, if you haven't figured it out.

I made up the abbreviation.

I thought it was good.

I look at Fletch and he nods, as if I wouldn't believe him. I do, but more I was looking at him for his poor note writing. He insists on writing ever sentence, or what will be a sentence on a new line. Oh well. Back the content of the note. I am not surprised that Kaison is mad...Parson doesn't like him and he wants to take it out on me. He shouldn't be mad, but he is. He thinks he's in love with her and he thinks I'm in the way. Yeah right, she can stand me, but that does not mean that she likes me. Not that it would be horrible if she did...Oh well. I pull out my own parchment and begin the write.

Fletch,

Your notes are atrocious, but other than that, I'm not surprised that he's mad...He always did seem to anger easily. I have no clue what to do. I don't think talking to him would do anything because he probably won't talk to me. I don't want to tell him that I would...give up Parson because...well...I don't really want to. Something happened last night...I'm not sure what, but it's been really awkward since. I don't know...Help me out here buddy.

-Brand...io...

P.S. No, your abbreviation sucks. The only thing you've got going for you are that girls think you are devilishly good looking and you can spell. There's something for you...

..:Parson:..

I'm in an awkward position. I turn to the back of the room to find Kaison glaring in the direction of Brand. I wonder if the rumors are true. By the scene that is right in front of my eyes, I would have to say that is enough to support the rumors. I think that Kaison is just being foolish. He is ruining is friendship with Brand over me! I already have learned once that I made a horrible mistake losing Brand as a friend. Kaison is probably just too dense to realize this. He doesn't even bother to ask me how I feel about him. He just automatically assumes that I love him in return. I think I should go speak to him before anything worse unfolds from this situation. Kaison needs to take some chill pills and go in for an appointment with anger management. I look over at Brand and see what his reaction is. He doesn't seem to notice what is going on. I'm sure he is trying to fix the situation. Brand is the kind of person who feels hurt when someone doesn't like him. Brand is so popular that nobody hates him. Jealous maybe, but they have never despised him. Well, except for me, but even then I did like him without realizing it. Brand must haven sensed I was looking at him because he turned around and looked at me and smiled. He is so handsome when he smiles. I couldn't help but smile back before turning back to listen to the Professor.

..:Brand:..

Smiling as she turns, I feel my eyes soften once more as she fixes her hair. Fletch hits me on the arm and flutters his eyelashes, giving me another piece of parchment. I glare at Fletcher before opening the note and beginning to read.

Brandio,

You are a meanie, but I think I am the only who cares. Everyone can see you making googly-eyes at Parson, so I would stop if I were you. Kai looks kind of...angry, if you can imagine. I know that's hard to believe, since he has a completely pacifistic personality, but really, you can only expect so much from one person. Anyways, Eberlee fixing her hair isn't that exciting. Get over yourself.

-Fletch

P.S. Is this better? I did what you wanted with my notes. You better be nice me, now.

I smile and write quickly back telling that I am not making googly-eyes at Parson and that I am proud of new style of notes. I finally pay attention and begin taking notes. As the class ends, I pack my things and head for the door, noticing a certain head of red hair in front of me. I walk up to her and whisper in her ear, "Meet me in our common room tonight at 7 o'clock, okay? I think we need to talk." She glances back at me quickly and then nods, walking away. I sigh and Fletch wraps his arm around my shoulder, sighing himself.

"Already planning a secret rendezvous? Well, this is just getting juicier by the minute," Fletcher tells me, squeezing my shoulders. I shrug off his arm and shake my head, as we walk to our next class.

..:Parson:..

I wonder what Brand wants. It's the first time he has actually spoken a full sentence to me since the hugging incident. All the possible things could happen if I meet him. I can't wait! Yikes...I better calm down. I feel a tap on my shoulder.

"Oh, hi Kaison," I say monotone to the person who just tapped me.

"Hey. I was wondering Parson if you wanted to sit with me at lunch. I mean you don't have to but-" Kaison says all in a rush.

I stop him and smile. "Sure Kai, I will. Are we eating at your table or mine?" I say. I mean this guy doesn't appeal at all to me, but I felt kind of stuck in the headlights. He's nice and I didn't really talk to him at the Ball. The least I can do is sit down at lunch with him. I'm a fast eater.

He sighs a great big sigh and smiles back at me. Joy is clearly written all over his face. He walks away and I just shake my head.

..:Brand:..

I'm in the common room of our quarters and I'm pacing. It's 7: 30 and she isn't here yet. Maybe she forgot...or chickened out. What should I do? Should I wait? I have homework to do...I looked up at the clock again and sighed. Going into my room and grabbing my book bag, I sit down, in the Common Room, at my desk and begin working. I work for what seems like forever: Transfiguration, Arithmancy, Herbology, the list goes on. I hear the door open and I look up, grabbing my reading glasses off of my face and hiding them. God...I hate those things.. I don't really need them to get by in the world, but I need to wear them when I'm reading at night. Parson is standing in front of the door, looking anxious. I stand, stuffing my glasses into my pocket.

"Hey." I say. "Hey"! Is that the most cunning thing I know how to say! God, I'm so stupid...

..:Parson:..

I reply back with a hello. I'm a little out of breath considering I had to run all the way up here. Kaison was the one who caused me to be late. He wouldn't leave me alone and I tried to get away from him, but he kept finding me. Eventually, I hid in a broom closet. Except, I got trapped. I don't know how but the door wouldn't open. I was in there for a long time. It just so happened that I picked the not so used hallway...Finally, someone heard my cries and opened up. I probably scared the tiny first year half to death. I jumped out and ran, but I said thank you to the kid.

I turn towards Brand. "So what did you want to talk to me about?" I ask from the doorway.

..:Brand:..

I feel myself blush as we stand staring at each, her question hanging in the air. Umm...I don't really know what to say...To tell the truth, I was expecting myself to come up with something brilliant or for her to bring it up. Neither have happened. Umm...Well, here goes.

"I was thinking...that maybe...we should talk about...the other night?" I end, a gigantic question obvious in my voice. Smooth Brandio, REALLY smooth. Only not. I am really good these days. I have gotten even slicker, or good at finding slick ground to trip over at least. This information sucks, but appears to be exceedingly true. I smile nervously and I can see her blushing even more than I feel like I am. "I mean...we don't have to."

..:Parson:..

Hmm…so now he is wanting to talk about what happened. We have been acting strange ever since, so I guess it would be good to sit down like civilized people and talk.

"I guess we can talk about it," I reply. I wait for him to start talking, which he doesn't. He must be too lost to find words just as I am. He is the one who asked, shouldn't he know what he was going to say? Merlin, men are so confusing.

..:Brand:..

Hmm...Well... I have no idea what to say. Maybe I should just express this to her as a point of endearment...Maybe it could work? I have no idea. This was probably one of the stupidest things I have ever attempted. "Well... uh...I don't really know how to start." That was graceful. NOT! That was probably the least graceful thing I have ever said. This whole experience is full of worsts for me, isn't it? I definitely didn't even TRY to make that at all cunning. It was just spastic.

..:Parson:..

I stare at him in annoyance. Well, this clearly was pointless.

"Well, since you can't think of anything to say right now, I'm going to me room. You can come tell me when you know what to say," I tell him and start walking for me room. I was hoping that he would say something pertaining to my feelings for him, but that is obviously wishful thinking. I might as well just start me homework. Who am I kidding? I won't be able to concentrate on homework. What am I suppose to do now?

..:Brand:..

Crap. What the hell is wrong with me. I can't even think. My mind cannot concentrate. I just need to do this. Walking to her door, I knock, hoping that she won't turn me away because I am a bumbling fool. UUUUUUUGGGGGHHHHHHH! I hate my life right now.

"Come in," I hear through the door. Swallowing, I turn the knob and step into the room.

..:Parson:..

I don't know what he is going to say. From the looks of it he doesn't either. This is such a waste of time. Merlin, I need to finish my homework and I was kind of wanting to go take a walk. I put my hands on my hips and stare at him.

"Have you figured out what you wanted to tell me? If not you should probably go, I'm kind of busy," I say to him and I admit that it had a snotty tone to it. I just don't have the patience anymore.

He kind of looks taken back and blinks. He turns towards the door to get out. I'm starting to feel bad for the way I talked to him. I guess, he might have been trying.

"Hey, I'm sorry. How about we take a walk? Maybe then you will remember what you wanted to tell me," I tell him. He nods and I reach for my coat.

..:Brand:..

Crap. The moment of truth. We are walking through the hallways and there is no turning back now, "So...We had that argument and things got out of hand, didn't they? That was partially my fault, but I have to ask..." I trail off and stop in my tracks. She stops, too, looking slightly agitated.

"What?" she asks.

I stare into her eyes, "Why did we let this get so out of hand in the first place?"

..:Parson:..

I stare at him in disbelief. He isn't looking at me, instead is watching where he is going. I don't know what to say. I have always wondered what would have happened if the incident had happened or if we just forgave each other right after. I'm sure we could have been the best of friends. I don't even know where to begin.

" I don't know," I admit with a stutter, " I guess that it is the stubborn streak that comes with being a redhead, causing me not to admit that I missed you being my friend. I just happened to let me temper get in the way and I'm not ever going to forgive myself for not letting go of my pride to say sorry."

I turn to see what his reaction is, but his head is still looking elsewhere.

..:Brand:..

"...I'm not ever going to forgive myself for not letting go my pride to say sorry," I hear and I can't look at her because if I do...God, I don't even know what I would do. She pretty much just apologized to me and I can't look at her to tell her I'm sorry back. I can't look at her to smile and move on to be friends. My brain is shutting down and I cannot stop it. Why is this happening? This is the moment I have been waiting forever since my heart was broken. Looking back, that was probably what made me bitterer than anything else. My younger self had loved this girl and she broke me. All I've wanted since was to be friends with her, more than friends even. I've wanted to be by Parson's side ever since I can remember and things can be great again, but I can't even think.

Forcing myself to look into her eyes, making her stop as I did, I finally spoke. "I'm sorry. This whole thing was my fault. If I hadn't left you in that tree, this never would have happened. The person I hurt most in this was myself. By being juvenile, I lost the best friend I ever had...Please forgive me, Parson." I could feel my eyes tingle with what I hoped were not going to be tears.

..:Parson:..

Is he going to cry? I don't want to laugh, but seeing Mr. Tough, Almighty Brand crying? Just doesn't seem real to me. So before I could help myself, my laughter escaped. Brand looked at me with an expression of shock. I couldn't help myself then, I just started laughing hysterically.

"Brand, I will forgive you. I'm so sorry I'm laughing right now. However, it feels so good to start over. I'm really happy that we will be friends, " I stopped walking to say this to Brand.

..:Brand:..

Why is she laughing? I do not think this situation is funny. I am the guy and I'm the one that is threatening to cry? Yeah, THAT makes sense. Ugh, what is wrong with me? She is smiling. When did she get so beautiful? Wait...Dear God. Please don't do this to me. Crap. I hate this. Oh well, what can I do about it? Nothing. Damn. I stood there for several more seconds before wrapping my arms Parson and pulled her towards me. I buried my head in her shoulder and held back those watery things in my eyes. She wrapped her arms around me, too.

"I'm happy we will be friends, too."

A/N: Yeeeeeeaaaaaah! What now? I think this was a reasonably amazing chapter. You should, too. On top of that, you should tell me what you thought. Tell us both. Because if you are amazing and wonderful and sexy, you will write us a comment.