This is a companion piece for the previous chapter, the idea suggested to me by tasha27. I have a math exam and a couple of mock history exams this week, so if I'm slow, that's why. REVIEW!
She had asked for space, and he had given it. She had told him countless times to leave her alone, and he had finally granted her wish. He had stopped staring at her, ruffling his hair around her, flirting with her, asking her out, and even talking to her except when absolutely necessary.
The empty space that had invaded his chest the moment he had ceased contact with her was threatening to swallow him whole, but he would not disrespect her request just to dull his own pain.
To fill the void, he had sought out the affections of other girls. His current attempt at distraction was a girl with silky blonde hair named Clara. She was a sweet and gorgeous girl, but she was not Lily Evans.
He felt a tap on his shoulder and he looked up from his plate. Remus was looking at him, concern in his eyes. Before any words could be exchanged, however, James turned in his seat, eyes searching out Clara, searching out solace. She smiled and waved when she saw him; it didn't ease the ache in his chest, but he forced a smile and a wink anyway.
And suddenly Lily was blowing past him, giving him a glare that could have frozen the lake the Giant Squid lived in. He blinked, eyes widening. Why was she so angry with him? He had given her precisely what she had asked for. He turned back to his plate, absently poking his food with his fork. He had given her all the space she could ever want, and, somehow, all he gave wasn't enough.