A/N- All characters and locations belong to JKR
The outline of her head was just visible in the dim haze of the dying fire. James leaned on the doorframe at the bottom of the stairs and just watched her.
He loved the way she tucked her loose hair behind her ear. And the way she covered her mouth while she yawned, even though she thought no one was looking. James was feeling nervous, which was something he rarely felt. When he'd tried out for the Quidditch Team, he hadn't had a butterfly in his stomach, the same with all of his games. Taking the Apparation test, he'd walked in confidently. The first time he'd asked out Lily Evans, no nerves.
But now, staring at this girl in front of him, James Potter felt sick to his stomach.
What if she says no? James knew he should be used to rejection from Lily. He'd been experiencing it for years now. This one would be different though. I won't be able to get over it this time. It was now or never. James took a step down and spoke. "What are you doing up Lily Evans? Didn't you know it's past curfew?". Lily jumped and looked around wide-eyed, finally spotting James.
Lily looked down and fiddled with something in her lap before speaking.
"Well, I suppose we should get this over with James. Come on over here." James' heart sank. She's never called me that before. She sounded sad. This is bad already. Don't go over there Potter. This is a bad mistake. But his legs were already moving towards the couch.
He looked at Lily as he sat down. She sat with her legs crossed, hiding her hands in her sweatpants. Like him, she wore a baggy shirt that looked fantastic on her. She'd let down her hair from earlier, and it fell in waves around her face. The dim firelight reflected in her eyes.
"James, there's something I need to tell you, "she began. "This isn't going to be easy to admit. We've been at this for so long, and it's going to be hard to forget it." James dropped his gaze to the ground.
"I figured this was coming Evans." Lily look confused.
"You did? Hell Potter, I didn't even see it coming." She sat a bit closer to him, and put her hand on his knee. James looked at her arm, shocked for two reasons. First, he hadn't expected another rejection to be so physical. Second, on her arm sat the silver bracelet he'd given her earlier that day. She was wearing it. She wouldn't be wearing it if she was rejecting him.
James' face lit up as he grabbed her wrist.
"Oi, Potter. Don't think that I'm saying we can do anything like that just because I'm doing something I may very well regret." Lily retreated back to her corner.
"Lily. What are you saying?" James was beaming.
"Well, I guess… I've decided that I admire your persistence. You've fancied me awhile, and although you annoy the hell out of me sometimes, I'm ready to give you a chance." Lily smiled at James. "I guess that's what I'm trying to say?"
"Lily Evans." James began, "you have no idea how long I've been waiting to hear you say that. " James leaned forwards, tucking her hair behind her ear.
"James. I was serious about the Prefects meeting early in the morning."
"Yeah Evans… that's why you were sitting down here by yourself, waiting for me to show up."
"I wasn't waiting for you. I was trying to get some sleep. Alice has got Frank over, and he snores. I don't know how you manage having him as a roommate."
"Lily, we're wizards. We use magic every night. How else could I stay this good looking?" James grinned as Lily laughed.
"Potter, you're not half bad. You're full of yourself, but I think I'll be able to knock you off of your pedestal." Lily yawned again as she leaned against James.
"Yeah, Lily? I don't think you'll be knocking anything off of anywhere tonight. Get some shut-eye." James turned to look at her again.
"Potter?" She mumbled. Damn, she's cute when she's tired.
"Evans?" He replied, starting to feel tired as well.
She leaned in and kissed him, softly.
"Merry Christmas."
"Very Merry Christmas Lily Evans."
She wrapped her arms around him, taking in his smell.
Lily made her way up the staircase, feeling his gaze on her until he couldn't see her anymore.
She collapsed onto her bed, taking out her wand. "Silencio" she muttered, and the room fell silent. Turning over, she crawled under her sheets. Looking one last time at her bracelet, she smiled.
After years of confusing feelings, she'd made a decision.
She loved James Freaking Potter.
And she didn't mind that that might not be the best idea.
Because James Freaking Potter loved her back.
A/N- Well, I guess I'm done. If you liked it, please review. Hopefully I'll write more soon, maybe a different fandom, or a different character, but probably more Jily and the gang.
Cheers :)
