BitterSweet: Chapter three; Ready, Set, Go.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Harry Potter Characters, nor anything to do Harry Potter...

Snape POV:

"I have realized that I've been losing you, Lily. I could never see what was wrong with my friends, what they were really doing. You kept telling me I changed, and I can see that now. I swear Lily" I open my eyes, gazing at hers. "I swear I will change, I will become a better person. I-I know I am difficult, but please understand that I am never one to talk about feelings." I close my eyes again. "I don't want to lose you." I whisper, half hoping she didn't hear me.

"I would never leave you." She says stubbornly.

"Ha." I snort. "What if I become a Death Eater?" I snap back. I see her flinch at my harsh tone and choice of words. "I'm sorry, Lily. I didn't mean it. I am trying to control myself but there are so many things that could go wrong, so many things I could do that could hurt you." She rolls her eyes at my fears. What a Lily thing to do. She then leans towards me and starts undoing my top buttons without saying a word. I sit there in shock- has she lost her mind? But just before I stop her, she grabs my half-heart necklace and pulls it towards her, making my head lunge forward. She then grabs her half-heart necklace.

"Best friends Sev. Forever." She says, smiling at me. I am in total shock. Somebody would have thought I just got told I won the Beauty Pageant from my expression...

"I though you forgot about these necklaces. I've worn mine ever since…Remember the day you gave it to me?" I ask, trying to divert her from scrutinizing my still shocked face. I don't bother mentioning I always keep it well hidden.

"How could I forget?" She replies, rolling her eyes for the second time.

-Flashback-

"I bet I could race you to that swing set!" a nine-year old Lily challenged. She was wearing a little tutu skirt with leggings, a bright floral top and her hair was in high piggy tails. She looked perfectly normal. We had been friends for a few years, after I had discovered she had magical powers. Ever since she had realized I meant "witch" in the nicest possible way, we had become close friends, always hanging out...much to her sister's disgust. We were due to go to Hogwarts in a couple of years.

"You're on Evans." I replied smiling. I was wearing mismatched muggle-clothes: an oversized blue t-shirt, shabby looking shorts and shoes that were way too big. I could never look normal, in either worlds.

"Ready, set, go!" Lily shouted. We both took off, sprinting hard. I was coming first, and I began grinning but then I tripped over my muggle shoes. Lily was so enthralled that she tripped over and landed on me, giggling. Unsure with how to deal with the situation, I pushed her off gently. Other words for shutting her out, I suppose. She didn't seem to notice my sudden coldness and she reached into her pocket.

"Sevvie, I have something for you." She said. She took out two necklaces. On one necklace had a half-heart charm with the engraving 'Best', the other necklace had the other half-heart locket, engraved with 'Friends'.

"It's a friendship necklace, to remind us that we will be best friends forever and ever! And watch, they connect." Lily explained, grabbing the two half-hearts and connecting them. She handed me over the half that said "Best". I immediately put it around my neck. I didn't dare comment on how girly it was for I didn't want to hurt Lily. I watched as she put hers on, and I noticed she already had another half-heart necklace.

"Why do you already have a half-heart necklace?" I asked, feeling a bit jealous. No that's a lie. I felt extremely jealous.

"Liz." Lily replied, rolling her eyes. "I gave her one because she was moving away. She's my girl bestest friend, you're my boy bestest friend!"

I frowned. "But Liz is still your next door neighbour isn't she?"

"Yes. Her parents decided to stay, but we still keep our necklaces. She has the 'friend' half." Lily said, getting bothered with having to explain it. "Do you want to finish the race now?" she asked me, smiling prettily.

"Oh…I suppose, but by the time you finish we would have graduate from Hogwarts!" I said sarcastically.

"Ha-ha. Bring it, Snape!" She said, laughing. "We'll finish it together." She said on a more serious note, grabbing my hand. "Ready, set, go."

And we ran, hands linked, to the swings, finishing the race together.

-End of Flashback-

Lily stands up and begins stretching. "Well, I don't know about you, but all this deep meaningful talk has me starving for dessert. Want to race with me to the kitchens for old times' sake?" She asks me mischievously.

"Lily Evans? This late at night? After curfew?" I ask, thankful for the change of subject. It was beginning to get uncomfortable on my part. Who knows how long it will be until I let slip what I really feel?

"Of course!" She retorts.

"Breaking the rules? Risking detention?" I mock. "You Gryffindor. I suppose I shall come to make sure you don't over eat…"

"Only going for yourself? So you can get dessert? You Slytherin." Lily mocks back, laughing. "C'mon. Ready," she pulls me to my feet. "Set," she says as she grabs my hand "Go!"

We run hand in hand under the protection of the shadows cast by the setting sun, and for the second time in my life I feel as though I can do anything. I am ready for the challenge. I am ready to be worthy of Lily. All I needed, I think as we run to the kitchen, was somebody to tell me: Ready, Set, Go.

"I learnt my lesson
First impressions
More often right than wrong
It's not a slow dance
This modern romance
Feels like we've already waited too long"

-Into the Dark, Ben Lee.

Sorry that the chapter was short. And for all those expecting for him to admit his feelings, I promise it is coming. I have a plan for the story :). The next chapter is half written, and will probably be submitted tomorrow. Please Read and Review and tell me what you guy's think!

And all suggestions are welcome!

Thanks, Missteque.