 Legend & Orlando Fortress of Brilliance ღ Mommy Quad
Katie didn't need to look at Legend or see his expression to know her response had struck a nerve and irritated him. It hadn't been her goal, not in the least. Maybe back when they were kids, sure. Back then she had set out to annoy him at times, but this was different and she felt sure that no matter what she could have said (or even lack there of), he would have reacted the same way. As much as she tried to brush off the tension, as well as Lando's obvious confusion, Legend's words hit her like a ton of bricks. The Hufflepuff was frozen where she sat, refusing to let tears swell in her dark eyes, resisting the urge to jump up and leave the table without a single explanation to poor, innocent Orlando.
His family had been there, her family had been there, friends had been there and before correcting himself, he had said no one had come. Katie knew to take that as someone's absence had bothered him, was still bothering him.. she just wouldn't have guessed it was her fault. Still not meeting his gaze or lifting her head, Katie said softly, "I'm sorry, Legend." Merlin, how many times had she said that in the past seven years alone? "I didn't think you'd want me there, I didn't want to make it worse!" Could he understand that at all? Did he believe she had honestly enjoyed summer while he was in the blasted hospital? That she didn't want to go and see him as soon as she had heard? Some part of Katie knew and regretted her decision not to go, that she had been wrong and had it been any other time and had their most recent fight been like any other fight in the past, she would have gone no matter how she thought he may or may not feel about her being there. It was a little too late now to re-think that situation, she knew. A little way too late.
Dark eyes on Lil Lando and the cruppy, Katie gave a small nod of her head. "Yes, really." If things weren't so horrible between her and Legend in that moment, she would have laughed at the utter amazement on the Gryffindor's face. It was times like these that made her forget Orlando was indeed the same age as them and only in the year under because of his late-start birthday. And as per usual, the Hufflepuff was caught off guard by her little lion's hug. Without hesitation, Katie wrapped both her own arms around him - being mindful of the crup, she gave him a light squeeze. "Don't say that. Don't start, Orlando Renaldi. This is not goodbye, not yet. We've got a full term ahead of us still." Although she was being serious, her voice was nothing but gentle.
As Lando released her from the hug and thanked Legend, Katie glanced over at him as well, though briefly. There was still a question left hanging in the air, one that could only be avoided for so long. Clearly, she was going to have to be the one to fill in the blank. Something that was probably best done sooner, rather than later. "As for what happened.." she paused, dark brown eyes coming to rest on Lando again. "We broke up." A shrug left her shoulders, not knowing what else to say. "I think I should go, though. I'll see you later?" It was a question, but Katie didn't wait for an answer before rising from her seat and leaving the Gryffindor table without another word to either boys.
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Dream. Try. Do Good.
I love you all,
Class dismissed. |