Chapter Twenty: "I am truly sorry."

~~ James' POV ~~

We sat in complete silence for about ten minutes. Her eyelids were drooping and her head was nodding slightly. Emerald eyes clouded, she was falling slowly and softly to sleep. I put out my arm and pulled her close to my chest. She snuggled into my arms willingly and fell asleep with her head on my shoulder. Her fiery red hair tickled my nose. It smelt of Lily, of soft vanilla and cherries, which I presumed was from her shampoo. Oh God, I'm sitting on a flight of steps, pondering over a girl's hair products!

She stirred slightly and shifted, so her legs were flung over the other side of my knees and she was in my lap. Did she want me to spontaneously combust with the sexual tension welling inside me?

The Fat Lady arrived back in her frame soon after. I shook Lily's shoulder, but she gave a little moan and snuggled closer. I sighed and picked her up. She was so light, as if she weren't even there! As I carried her through the Portrait hole, she stirred again and her eyes snapped open. She seemed disorientated and groggy.

"You need to go to your dorm." I whispered softly but firmly. She raised an eyebrow and curled up on the nearest couch, instantly falling asleep again.

"Or you could just sleep here." I sighed yet again. She shivered alittle, so I draped my cloak over her shoulders and tucked it around her body. I settled myself down infront of the dwindling fire and smiled slightly at the object of my affections, lying next to me, (Metaphorically speaking), looking so sweet and vulnerable. A tiny groan emitted from her soft pink lips and she turned towards me, inching closer. I hoisted myself up onto the couch and let her curl up next to me, sharing my body heat.

My last coherent thought before letting my mind shut down was; 'I'm the luckiest guy alive.'

~~ Lily's POV ~~

I woke up slowly to find that my comfortable bed for the night had been a couch, or to be more precise, James' knee, on a couch. I sat bolt upright, waking James in the process.

"Hey beautiful." He grinned sleepily.

"Hey. Did you bring me back here?" I asked, moving away and picking up a discarded cloak. I held it to my nose and was instantly overwhelmed by the smell of James Harold Potter.

"You like it?" I could feel his breath whispering across my skin and it sent unwanted tingles down my spine.

"Perhaps." I said nonchalantly.

"Keep it. I have plenty more." I could feel him grinning.

"Thanks." He swung me around to face him and bent his head close.

"You're welcome." He bent further and enveloped me in a mind-blowing kiss. His lips were soft and gentle at first, then becoming passionate and fiery, as if he would never kiss again.

"James…" I whispered, my head whirling.

"What?" He asked, trailing kisses across my face.

"James, I want us to be friends…" I began. He broke away abruptly, as if I'd slapped him.

"Fine, if that's what you want." He turned to leave.

"Let me finish!" I demanded childishly, tugging on his hand and turning him to face me. "I want us to be friends, but with benefits. What do you think?" I held my breath, awaiting his answer.

"Lily, for me, it's all or nothing. I'm sorry, but either we're together or we're not. You decide and I'll respect your decision." His eyes were full of sadness.

"I'm sorry too, because I can't commit right now. I'll always love you as a great friend, but I'm not sure I can love you as anything else right now. I am truly sorry." I kissed his cheek softly and ran up to our dorm, his cloak clutched tightly in my hand.

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