the edge of desire , pippa

[pipparyder]

------------------------` so young and full of running

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Seven years. Seven years with Noah as her best friend had come to this. Every thing had changed for them in the course of forty minutes or less. And she couldn't ignore that feeling that this was right, starting something new with good timing. She desperately hoped this something new wasn't something less than what they already had. After all, Noah had been there for her through it all. He had been the first person she had spoken to here at Hogwarts. He had been the first person she sought out after her mother's death. He had been the first person she had felt butterflies for. And he would always be the first person she would go to for a laugh. Or a hug. Or mischief. Or a smile.

Little Pippa wouldn't let her dwell on what was actually happening, or what was around the corner. While her imagination was pushing her to go wild, Little Pippa would slap her if she dared over think this just yet. And she imagined that Noah had a right to be afraid of her slaps; she would figure them to leave quite a mark. And so, those questions of why, when, how, didn't matter to her in this moment. As Jax would put it, "Do now, freak out later." What mattered was the fact that it was happening and she felt now like she was soaring. Of course, Pippa had never flown on a broom before, but this must be what it felt like. She was starting to understand why Noah liked it so much.

Pippa hoped Noah wasn't over thinking this. She may have confused his previous statement to be one of regret, but she knew Noah. And she knew his tendency to over think things. After all, she'd usually hear about it after he spent any real time alone. Pippa sitting crossed-legged on the windowsill, listening to him without judgment. It had happened before. And it had happened with the roles reversed numerous times. But, by the look in his eyes and the way he quickly took to embracing her, Pippa could only assume that he was thinking just as she was -- go with it. Don't question it. Don't think about it. This was how it was supposed to be. Everyone else knew it. And now they did. They just took the scenic route. And she'd explain that other little portion of her side of the route later.

As he pulled her into another kiss, she felt her lips nearly smile against his before she fell into him completely. She suddenly became aware of how strong his arms were, the way they wrapped around her. She had always known that feeling of safety that came with the way he held her, but now she could feel something else right along side it. The butterflies had come back. Not as a means of nervousness, but because she had finally faced her feelings for Noah once more. Her heart was pounding in a sense of triumph.

Her fingers lightly grasped at the cloth of Noah's shirt, taking in the beating of his own heart below. His hands tangled in her hair and now she was sure her lips had found that smile. She rejoiced in the feeling of his fingers weaving about her head, every bit of where they touched tingling with the contact. Her legs wrapped in to his and their lips still moved together rhythmically, hers eagerly taking in Noah's taste.

It amazed her how right it felt kissing her best friend. Bonnie and Clyde kissing. Now, that actually made sense. Bonnie and Clyde had kissed. Plenty of times, Pippa figured. But, she doubted it lived up to this. The real Bonnie and Clyde probably didn't have seven years of figuring it all out behind them. It was the greatest drum roll of all time.

She inhaled lightly as they pulled away, a smile permanently about her features. She blinked up at his face as he gently pushed a strand of hair away, her head tilting into the motion slightly. It was a very simple gesture, but Pippa enjoyed it almost as much as the kiss. Maybe it was just the way he had started to look at her. She watched his eyes, the blue-green color dancing with determination and pleasure. And it finally clicked with her -- naturally, after everything -- that Noah had been looking at her differently all night long.

"Well, this changes things," he whispered, following the thought with a soft laugh. Her smile slipped into a grin, as her chin fell back to his chest, her eyes still on his. "I think that's a fair assessment," she answered lightly, mirroring his usual wink and chuckling right along with him. Again, the look on her face spoke more than her words, showing just how honestly content and happy she was.

"Do you know how many I told you so's could be said right now?" she said after a moment. Her voice was still lowered, fitting to the situation, and her memory flipped through all the times she had heard about the two of them. Noah and Pippa, as a couple or should-be couple. There were a few times, when someone had awkwardly run into them and thought they were intruding on an intimate moment, when Noah and her had played it up as a joke. Acted offended and awkward, before laughing and revealing the friendly nature of it all. At the thought of their faces now, she let out another light chuckle, and while she tried to keep it airy and light and romantic, she found her usual ringing laughter inevitably followed after it. At least it wasn't a snort. "I guess they were right all along. And I don't know what happened to you this summer, but," she paused, reminding herself not to think. "I like this change, Noah."


notes. I SUCK SO MUCH. I'm sorry I didn't get to a reply earlier! My inner Pippa's like, 'wtf, man?' XD That being said, Noah and you and Nopa are just continuing to make me smile like mad. Gah, so amazing!

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[noahmarks]

Pippa’s thoughts were exactly correct. Kissing her was incredibly similar to the feelings he had when he was on a broomstick. The first time Noah had flown, he knew that he was discovered something magical. For the years to come, Noah found that flying was his first true love. Quidditch was the center of his universe for so many years. There was his family, too. But flying and quidditch were so important to him. Now, as he kissed Pippa, he was having that feeling again. It felt like he was soaring above the clouds without even an inkling of fear. He didn’t want to look down, and he certainly didn’t want to stop. The last few minutes and all this kissing had certainly turned a corner in their lives, one that felt so, so right.

Noah spent his entire lifetime trusting his instincts. Since he can remember, he’d always went with his gut feelings. Well, there was the tiny problem of overthinking things. But, aside from that, he felt that it was always best to just trust his instincts. Tonight, he had truly trusted his deep, innate instincts. Something triggered inside of him, telling him to kiss Pippa. Now, he was starting to think that it was the best decision of his entire life. Well, maybe second to getting on a broom for the first time, but time would tell.

Actually, as they continued kissing, he felt that thinking about this only made sense to him. He wasn’t freaking out, and he certainly wasn’t over-analyzing anything. Instead, everything seemed to be clicking. He was having one of those light-bulb moments, one that everyone else around them seemed to have years and years ago. Noah was sure that even some of their professors had the idea that they were a couple. Finally, they were proving everyone else right. As much as Noah hated the ‘I told you so’ phrase, he knew that they were bound to hear loads and loads of it. Since day one, everyone had the notion that Philippa Ryder and Noah Marks were meant to be together. As he was kissing her, Noah couldn’t help feeling that they were utterly and completely right.

Noah had honestly hated pulling back from her lips, but now that he had, he found himself easily lost in her gaze. Looking at her was almost as good as kissing her, just in a completely different way. There was something about that easy smile, the character and laughter in her eyes. And he was the reason she was smiling. There was nothing more satisfying. He’d never been the committed or relationship type, and Pippa knew that, but now that he found himself lost within her, he felt his genuine happiness radiating outwards. He was sure that if someone were to see him now, he’d be grinning from ear to ear like a little kid in a candy store. He had to look completely infatuated, but that was how he truly felt.

He laughed and rolled his eyes at her words. Noah knew they were going to get hell for this – all in good nature, of course. Still though, Noah knew his friends would tease him for days. They would go on and on with the ‘I told you so.’ Noah hated being wrong in general, about anything. This time, though, it would all be worth it. Pippa was more than worth it. “You’re worth it.” He paused, laughing again softly and squeezing her tightly. “You know how much I hate that phrase.” Grinning mischievously, he finished saying, “But, I’ll suffer through it for you.” He winked playfully at her, knowing that she would be well aware that he was joking. Yes, he hated the phrase, but he was so high on cloud nine that nothing would bring him down. Not with Pippa by his side.

Her next phrase sent him into another goofy smile. He could feel the butterflies fluttering around in his stomach. God, this girl was good. There was probably not a single other girl on the planet that could make him feel the way she was making him feel, and look so adorable doing it. Leaning forward, he gave her quick, soft peck. It was a light kiss, one that he hoped to do regularly. He could picture them now, walking between classes, sending on another off with a light kiss, or a squeeze of the hand. He could see himself before a huge quidditch match, gaining strength and courage from her as she gave him one of her pep talks, cuter than ever. There he was, making plans. Noah couldn’t believe that this was him. He was thinking of his future with her, a concept completely foreign to him.

“Well, I’m glad. I don’t think forcing you to kiss me would be appropriate.” He smiled, feeling so content in that moment. The fire was so warm, and he found that he was actually feeling somewhat tired now. How much time had passed? He wasn’t even sure how late it was now, but he figured it would be late, way past their classmates’ bedtimes. Oh well, this was much better than sleeping anyways.

Thinking back to the idea of flying, he suddenly remembered that Pippa had never been on a broomstick, something that he was continually trying to change. Well, now he was really going to try. He got a trademark smirk on his lips before he spoke, and Pippa should have been prepared for a trick up one of his sleeves. “Pippa, you know what we’re gonna do?” He questioned, waiting to see what she would respond with. He just hoped she was prepared, because once he set his mind to something, there was no stopping him. He was going to get her on a broom – tomorrow, perhaps? He waited for her to respond, a sneaky grin on his lips.

ooc: You’re honestly such an amazing writer! I envy you more and more with each post. Seriously. xD <3

[pipparyder]

------------------------` so young and full of running

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Pippa could easily remember her first year, sitting out on the grounds with her oldest brother, Jax. He, being a third year and very used to Hogwarts, had been drilling her on her thoughts regarding school thus far, supplying each of her comments with his own personal form of advice. As the topic of friends approached, Pippa had gone off on a long trail about those she had met, focusing mostly on her new best friend, Noah Marks. Jax had simply nodded along; she could picture the contemplating look on his face now. As she paused to let him give what she figured would be encouragement, he had simply shook his head feverishly. "I'm going to have to kill him," her brother mused after a moment. Appalled and confused, Pippa first threatened the boy before asking why their conversation had suddenly become murderous. "Because you like him, that's why. You watch, Pip, you two are going to end up kissing."

At the time, Pippa had brushed him off like an annoying bug and nothing more. She was fairly certain there had been a lot of eye narrowing, to add to the effect. But he had been right. Even Jax had known. And while all the others had known, too, it spoke wonders that even her overly-male older brother had insights in to her and Noah's relationship, insights that the two of them were finally realizing. While she may not want to give him the satisfaction of knowing he had been right....Pippa was ecstatic that Jax's prediction had come true. And that it had surpassed all expectation.

The look on Noah's face now wiped away any and all worry she could possibly feel regarding his thoughts on romance. Something had changed all right. She loved the way Noah was grinning, how they were completely happy in the moment together. She was sure, that if she were to look in the mirror, she'd be embarrassed. Well, embarrassed if it had been any one but Noah seeing how the corner of her lips really did appear to reach the tips of her ears. It was as if they had started a puzzle, and each and every one of their adventures and talks and jokes had been a piece of it. Then, tonight rolled around, and Noah had taken a very particular piece and triumphantly dropped it in place without even looking. Amazingly, the piece had fit just perfectly and with it's one spot filled, made the entire picture look twenty times better.

Of course, that was the type of metaphor that the two of them would normally laugh at if said aloud.

Pippa watched as Noah's eyes fell into a roll, chuckling some more at the motion. She knew all too well how much he hated the phrase. While Pippa often sought out to prove people wrong, Noah hated being wrong. But he still had the ability to correct her -- right when she thought her smile couldn't get any sillier, it did. "You're worth it." He squeezed another light laugh from her lungs. "You know how much I hate that phrase. But I'll suffer through it for you." Just like old times, his wink had a strange effect on her heart beat, one she wouldn't argue with now. But, Pippa picked up on his mischievous grin immediately, it seeming to activate her own playful look, complete with smirk and wrinkled nose. "Well, good. Sounds like it will be rough," she joked with another laugh, "So, I'll try to refrain from saying I told you so with every I-told-you-so we get."

As Noah leaned forward, she thought for a quick moment that he was going for a kiss like before. But the small, soft peck she received was surprisingly just as rewarding. And well, damn, her imagination had been set free. Being unaware of his thoughts, Pippa had no idea that Noah was doing just as she was now, placing these light kisses in their every day lives. She wouldn't have guessed that. But her mind happily jumped from moment to moment. Hall. Train. Games. Back to the Common Room. Yes, this was definitely a good picture.

"Well, I'm glad. I don't think forcing you to kiss me would be appropriate." Pippa let out a small noise, something close to her snort, merely more airy with contentment and maybe a twinge of sleepiness that she would happily pass as relaxation. She turned her head now, moving her palm slightly only to press her cheek along his chest where it had previously sat. "No," she answered quickly, "We would call that sexual harassment." She chilidhsly enjoyed her own wittiness as she listened again to his heart beat.

Pippa didn't listen long after the joke, however. She had just become reacquainted with the thumping when Noah's next statement pulled her back to attention. She could hear his sneaky grin even before bearing witness to it. "Pippa, you know what we're going to do?" She knew that tone of voice anywhere and she knew exactly what it meant. Oh, he was good. Very good indeed. "Nope," she answered, trying not to look at him and attempting to play it off as if she wasn't in the slightest bit curious. Predictably, she failed and turned her chin up to him once more, her smirk eager. "I have a feeling you do, though," she laughed.


notes. D'awh, thank you! I am being completely honest, though, when I say it's mostly because of you. I'm only good when I have something great to reply to! <3

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[noahmarks]

YOU AND ME TOGETHER

"So, I'll try to refrain from saying I told you so with every I-told-you-so we get." Her words once again set Noah off into his imaginary world. He could not believe that he was making plans for his future, seeing things happening for himself. Noah normally committed to nothing, besides quidditch. He hated commitments, and he hated sitting down and talking or thinking about his future. Lately his parents had been pressuring him about what he wanted to do with his life. Honestly, he didn’t really know. He had his ideas that he threw around, but he didn’t want to think about something so serious. He didn’t want to think about his future, where he would have to be an adult. Noah knew that in that world he would have responsibilities and problems and real life was bound to just smack him in the face. Noah avoided thoughts and ideas of the real world as much as possible. Finding himself thinking of future plans with Pippa, therefore, was quite different. The concept was entirely foreign to him, but he was surprisingly enjoying it.

He could just see her now, making sure that every single time he was wrong and she was right he was aware of it. It was almost a bad thing that she knew so much about him. Pippa was aware of all the things that bothered him, and she could most certainly use that to her advantage. But, he supposed he was doing the same right now. Trying to force her onto a broomstick was going to be a challenge. Noah loved challenges. Once he set his mind to something, there was no turning back. In his mind, Noah knew he was going to get Pippa into the air, one way or another and whether she liked it or not.

He could tell that she knew he was up to something. That adorable little tilt of her head gave her away. Noah knew that her curiosity was bound to kill her. He was the exact same way. Once someone tempted him, he couldn’t resist. He smirked as he leaned back, enjoying the upper hand for just a moment. Now that their serious moment had passed, they had slipped back into familiar territory, the playful banter flowing easily between them. He and enjoyed their seriousness, since it had led to this. The kissing and the cuddling and the warm intimacy between them was certainly a plus. Even though he was happy with the outcome, he still hadn’t been as comfortable when speaking seriously. Now that they were back into their normal, silly conversation, he felt much more relaxed. That and the fact that he had let all of his feelings out. That had been a bit of a stress reliever as well.

Noah wasn’t sure how he was going to be able to put his idea lightly. He knew how she reacted to flying and broomsticks. She was not going to like this, but he was ready. He would bribe her and everything. It had always been one of his aspirations. In fact, he remembered making a promise to do so somewhere in their second year, after they have become thick as thieves. Now, he was really going to stick to it. It was their last year of being together every single day. Who knew how things would change after they finished at Hogwarts? He was determined to get her to fly for the first time, and he wanted to be the one there to witness it.

“We’re gonna get you on a broomstick.” He spoke, and he knew that she bound to start complaining and giving all of her excuses in a matter of seconds. Without giving her a chance to open her mouth, he gently placed a hand over her mouth, smirking. “And before you start, just let me try, okay?” He smiled, taking his hand away and quickly leaning in, covering her mouth now with his own lips. Basically, he wasn’t going to give her a chance to make any excuses. Nope, she was going to fly. And she was going to love it. Well, maybe that was a stretch. But, he wanted her to experience it.

Pulling back, he smiled at her wickedly, waiting now to see what she was going to come up with. Would she make up some type of excuse, or just accept defeat. He was hoping for the latter, considering he wanted to try this as soon as possible, tomorrow if she’d allow it. But, he knew that it wasn’t going to be easy, obviously. She’d gone this long without flying, so it wasn’t like she was in any hurry to get on a broom anytime soon. But, he’d made a promise to all of them way back when, and his determination had been brought on tonight by their kissing and new change in relationship.

Tomorrow could be a day of firsts for both of them. They could debut themselves as a couple. They wouldn’t just announce it, of course, but he figured that their good friends would just know. The way they looked at each other was simply different now, and Noah knew he wouldn’t be able to keep his hands off of one another. After their debut, he wanted to try to see if she would fly. It would be a huge first for her. It seemed fitting to him. It could be something they did together, to symbolize the beginning of their relationship. He was sure he was rambling, even in his mind. He was just thinking of rebuttals, since he was sure she wasn’t going to take openly to his idea.

WORDS 965 TAGGED PIPPA NOTES YAY PROBOARDS ENHANCED FOR LOVELY NOPA <3

TEMPLATE BY WE WERE INFINITE ! OF CAUTIO 2.0

[pipparyder]

------------------------` so young and full of running

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The gears of her mind had taken off, turning at an impressive speed. Each kink in the metaphoric metal was well-oiled with years upon years of curiosity and suspicion. It was like clockwork - every time that certain smirk fell about Noah's lips, Pippa's brain spun spell after spell, idea after idea, trying to piece together what he was thinking. When it came to that look of his, it was safe to say that Pippa wasn't the most patient individual.

A plan. Had he formulated a plan? She couldn't help but smile some at the thought of how this new milestone of theirs would add to their trouble-making. As childish as it sounded -- and it was just silly enough that she didn't plan on even mentioning this to Noah -- she liked picturing their usually night-time jaunts to the kitchen to now include them ducking behind a suit of armor, pulling off a quick kiss or a playful hug. She wondered if the House Elves would even notice. Or the way they looked at each other when a prank of theirs was put in to motion. She assumed even that would change. And what a great change it would be.

The way she looked at him now, though, was a mix of both that admiration and anticipation. A good 30:70 ratio. She was having difficulty deciphering what else Noah could be up to. A joke? A secret? The thoughts had slipped in among the gears, as well. Maybe he was enjoying letting her mind go -- the way he leaned back made that amusingly obvious - and he would only surprise her with the simple fact that they should now go to bed. That would be cruel. But maybe not as cruel as his next statement.

"We're going to get you on a broomstick."

Wait --

Before she could even repeat the phrase in her head, or clear her smile from her face, Noah's hand was gently moving in front of her mouth, keeping from her from speaking. Her eyes, however, now had the chance to widen dramatically, crossing to look down at his hand. His skin was just appropriately rough -- possibly from Quidditch practice -- but warm against her lips.

"And before you start, just let me try, okay?" She could almost sense a matter of pleading in voice. He seemed to want to overcome this challenge more now, for some reason, than before. She should give this to him. Her conscious self knew it, but her subconscious reminded her nerves that flying could kill her. And her body believed her damn subconscious. As his hand pulled away from her, her lips finally parted, anxious to toss out what they had to say. But, they were put to use as his covered them. Oh, he was good. So very good.

She shouldn't have enjoyed his kiss, his bribe. But she did. She gave in, closed her eyes and enjoyed it.

When Noah pulled away, her eyes fluttered open to find his wide, guilty smile. She sighed, the look on his face pulling a laugh from her reluctant lungs. "If this whole night was just some ruse to get me on a broom," she finally joked, her head shaking mercilessly, "I am going to hex you in to next year."

Pippa knew Noah had been wanting to get her flying. He had made it quite clear a number of times. It had been the one challenge she had refused to accept, despite her usual nature. She would joke and joke about it now, but this was a genuine fear, one that caused her stomach to flip even in the safety of his arms and their laughs.

Sure, she liked watching other people fly about. Quidditch - she was a fan of Quidditch! She had designated herself Noah's personal pep-talker, the cheerleader on the sidelines. She could love the sport, but she would love it from the safety of the ground. She had even duped her way out of flying classes their first year. Writing an essay on the history of broomstick lore was far more relaxing than skidding hundreds of feet in the air.

For some reason, flying was a magical reality she had always failed to accept. She could easily and happily believe in spells and dragons and potions. But the human body flying...it was just not physically possible.

Because physics was surely something that mattered here at Hogwarts.

She eyed him hesitantly now. She had an entire arsenal of excuses and jokes that could get her by. And she had been ready to dive into them head-first. But, before she could stop herself, she found herself stammering.

"W-Will this broomstick be in the air?"

That was about as close to a 'yes' as Noah, or anyone had ever gotten from her in regards to flying. The night had seemed to give her a sudden burst of clarity and extra Gryffindor courage. Or maybe it all drew back to this new way he was looking at her, the tone in his voice. The excitement of their relationship. Relationship. She spun the word over in her mind and she felt momentarily like she could conquer the world. Or, rather, they could. And if they could do that...What was the harm in letting him try? It was Noah. She trusted him with her life. And then some.

They could do this.

Maybe.

She shifted her weight some. What was she doing?


notes. I'm so sorry it took me so long to get back to you and that I got back to you with this, Caitlin! I don't know what's gotten into me. XD Just blanking! But I still love Nopa!

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[noahmarks]

YOU AND ME TOGETHER

Noah couldn’t suppress the laugh that escaped when he watched her eyes widen and flicker about in panic after he stated his big plans and gently covered her mouth with his hand. He couldn’t say that he was the least bit surprised. For Pippa, flying was absolutely terrifying. It had been quite some time since he’d teased her about the subject. Probably since last year, right around the time quidditch was starting. When they had first met, it was a popular topic between them. Over the years, it had dwindled, but Noah had made sure it was never far from his mind. It was probably one of her biggest fears, if not her biggest one. His only leverage this time versus all the others was that they could do this – together. It wasn’t like the other times. He would be there, every step of the way, as a friend and as something much, much more.

Her joking words that were spoken after their soft kiss only made him laugh again. As if he would do such a thing. Well, actually Noah was known to do pretty much anything for a prank to work right. Both he and Pippa had both gone through many things in their years at Hogwarts in order to pull out the best of pranks. This, however, was not a prank. Noah was pretty sure that Pippa knew that, of course. Even though Noah was one of the masters of joking around, he wasn’t the type to hurt someone he cared about. He’d never been the guy that went around charming girls just to get bored with them a week later. This was also Pippa. She meant much more to him than just some silly girl. Noah would never, ever play with her feelings like that.

“How dare you even suggest I would do something like that to you.” He joked, his trademark devilish grin playing across his lips. Squeezing her closely, he was in no hurry to go up to bed, as late as it currently was. He continued to watch her closely, knowing that the wheels in her mind were turning furiously. Noah was actually surprised to see her taking his words in such an open-minded manner. Normally, she would have protested from the start, raging and ranting about all the reasons why flying wasn’t natural for a human being. They weren’t normal human beings, though. He often times had to remind her that they were witches and wizards. They had magic. Therefore, nothing was impossible, including flying.

When she spoke again, asking if the broomstick would be in the air, he almost couldn’t believe it. In all the years he’d known her, she had never acted so calmly and willingly about flying. Noah had to keep himself from allowing his chin to drop and his jaw to just hang open in utter surprise. Was she really possibly agreeing to his arrangement that easily? He hadn’t expected her to give in to him this easily. Maybe after she gave him several reasons why and continued to rant about why he even felt the need to get her to fly, but not this easily. It was almost too easy. Coming from a young man who oftentimes found himself in trouble and having to deal with professors that could be rather tricky and sneaky, Noah moved forward with his words and thoughts cautiously. He felt almost as if she was going to trick him into something here, but what? She had sounded genuine. Terrified, but genuine. Noah felt his confidence soaring as he smiled at her. He was going to do this with her, and she was going to love flying. Obviously he knew that wasn’t a guarantee, but how could someone not love the feeling of being on a broomstick? She would be crazy to hate it once she got on and tried it.

“Of course it would, silly.” He chuckled softly, his words no more than a whisper as he leaned towards her ear, kissing her cheek gently. She was too adorable when she was frightened about flying. He could not resist. Pulling back, he looked at her and spoke again, this time his words carrying more of a serious tone. “Of course we’ll take it very slow. I don’t want to force you into anything, Pippa, but I just want you to try. For me, okay?” He asked, smiling softly as he looked at her encouragingly. There was a slight pause before he spoke again, the playful glint back in his eyes. “How about tomorrow after classes?”

He knew he was being a terrible influence, keeping her up so late after hours when they both had classes in the morning. Not that he had ever, ever been a good influence. He was the farthest thing from it. But, he suddenly felt like he should be. He wanted do the best thing for her, for them. Holding her closely, he leaned back, closing his eyes again. Feeling the warmth of the fire mix with her closeness brought a sudden wave of exhaustion over him. It had to be incredibly late. He wanted to stay right there forever, but he knew that wasn’t possible. “I bet it’s late. We should probably go to bed.” He suggested his idea, keeping his eyes closed as he fell into complete comfort and contentment.

WORDS 911 TAGGED Pippa<3 NOTES Your posts are lovely, I adore each and every one of them. ^^

TEMPLATE BY WE WERE INFINITE ! OF CAUTION 2.0

[pipparyder]

------------------------` so young and full of running

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"How dare you even suggest I would do something like that to you!"

She managed to laugh with him, raising both brows at his faux exasperation. The playful tone in Noah's voice coupled with his classic grin fought against her fears momentarily. Very, very momentarily, while she continued to fly on the high of the idea of their relationship.

That was it. Proudly, she deemed that she had established some form of current self-awareness. Her usual quips and excuses and overall poorly crafted jokes hadn't completely surfaced yet because she knew they would be doing this together. This wouldn't be Madame Hooch pairing her up with a broomstick and instructing her to bond with it. This would be Noah, by her side, coaching her each step of the way. Noah, she could listen to. Madame Hooch was not as trustworthy.

Furthermore, she had a strange feeling that this particular incident differed from the other times in which Noah had mentioned flying. Of course, there still was that underlying determination and that good-hearted nature to it. But this seemed more like a request than a challenge. And she actually wanted to fulfill the request. Fear of flying or not.

Of course, she said that now. Come whenever this actually rolled around, Pippa would probably be running the other way. Take up explaining the useless laws of physics over and over again. Or, at the very least, there would be more awkward snorts and laughs than one person could sanely count.

But, then came the look on his face when she didn't flat out refuse. She could tell he was pleasantly surprised - each and every one of his features echoed this feeling. To the point where she couldn't help but beam up at him, knowing she had been the reason behind that expression. He seemed so convinced that she was going to love the very sport he adored. And that look alone might have been enough to get her on a broom....might have.

She felt like a pendulum, teetering between complete and utter fear and that soothing comfort that Noah provided. Her adrenaline gland was being far too indecisive. Her heart wasn't sure how to follow! It started pounding anxiously as Noah joked, but assured her that the broom would most certainly be in the air. As his lips gently brushed along her cheek, his breath passing by her ear, she felt it skip with contentment. It's rhythm coaxing her to just calm down. Enjoy yet another pleasantly intimate moment, as she knew she wanted to.

He pulled away and she simply stared at him, wondering if her expression was as bi-polar as she was. As he easily reassured her, his voice serious again, she found herself inhaling slowly. When he mentioned not forcing her in to it, she was overly tempted to jump at the opportunity to back out -- "Well, if we're not forcing any one here..." But she couldn't do that. The moment Noah asked her to do it for him, any possibility of that was shot down instantly. She found his gaze, her eyes searching his.

"I wouldn't go doing this for just any one, you know," she answered in his pause, her voice a whisper. The pendulum had come swinging back and she was in that accepting state again. When Noah set a date, Pippa forced herself to answer immediately, before the far could settle back again. "Quidditch Pitch. You, me....broom. Potential death." She smiled lightly to show she was joking, and that she would be there. "Deal," she finally added with a nod, luckily not just yet registering that tomorrow after classes meant....well, tomorrow after classes.

At that, he pulled her closer. Flying would come later. Now that they were settled, she focused on the warmth of his body again, realizing the tiredness that had suddenly spread through hers. Fear was a funny thing -- wiped you out completely. She watched as Noah leaned back, eyes closing. And they were back to being on the same wavelength. With one glance to the fire, she closed her eyes as well, exhaling some at his suggestion of bed. "I think that's a good idea," she answered, already thinking up dreams and feeling herself drift off. Her mind flitted to her bed and she wondered how many points, if any, would be docked if they stayed just like this.




notes. Caitlin <33 Nopa <33

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[noahmarks]

YOU AND ME TOGETHER

Noah’s mind was completely made up. Tomorrow they would accomplish his goal. Well, they would begin the process of accomplishing his goal. Noah was well aware of the fact that even if she was agreeing now, tomorrow afternoon on the pitch, she may be singing an entirely different tune. Noah wouldn’t let her out of it easily though. He was determined and his mind was set on this goal. Even though he was watching her falter between yes and no within her mind, Noah could feel it in his heart that she was going to try. Her words only solidified his thoughts. She was going to do this for him, or at least try.

There was nothing more satisfying than knowing she was going to try something that was terrifying to her just for him. Never in his life had a girl made him feel so good about himself. It wasn’t a change that had happened just tonight, like many other things that had changed between them. Pippa had always made him feel so much better about himself. When he was with her, he was the best he could be. That was the true nature of love, wasn’t it? He could recall his mother telling him that someday he would understand love as being with someone who makes you even better than you are without them. Pippa always did that for him. When he was with her, he was better in every aspect, including his troublemaking schemes.

When she finally spoke the word he’d been waiting for, he kissed her forehead gleefully, obviously gloating from his newfound determination and feeling of accomplishment, even if it was in the premature stages. “Thank you, Pippa. I promise you won’t regret it. And I won’t let you get hurt. Promise.” He smiled at her, his eyes locking with hers throughout the string of his words. He wanted her to know how genuine he was when he said those words to her. There was no way he was going to let her get hurt. His protective instincts, generally pretty strong before, were now on high alert when it came to Pippa. Even if she tried and hated everything about the experience, he knew that she would be happy that she had overcome one of her biggest fears, and that they had done it together.

His eyelids were growing heavier by the minute as they lay there together. When she replied that they should head off to bed, he managed to open his eyes to look at her. He took in the sight of her, and he smiled to himself. Noah took a second to acknowledge just how lucky she was. It had taken him six whole years to realize how much she meant to him. He was just glad that she had waited around long enough for him to get his head out of ass and figure out what she had known several years ago. Pushing the hair back away from her face again gently, he knew that he had to get up. They had to go to bed, and they had to do it soon. If they didn’t, he knew that they would end up falling asleep there. Considering it was the beginning of the term, he knew that losing a ton of points would cause their classmates to freak out on them. If they were going to lose points, it should be doing something outrageous. Not that he didn’t want to stay there. He wanted to stay there forever. Sighing deeply, he spoke to her, announcing what they both knew had to happen. “Come on. Off to bed with you.” Smiling, he sat up slowly, taking a minute to gain himself after laying down for such a long period of time. With Pippa’s body not laying along the length of his, he suddenly felt cold. Wanting to reach out and pull her back into his arms, he refrained, though inwardly he was missing her warmth.

Yawning again, he stood up and stretched his arms above his head lazily. Making his way towards the sets of stairs that climbed upwards to their separate beds, he smiled adoringly at her, so happy that she had happened to startle him from his slumber earlier. So much had changed that evening, and he couldn’t be happier. Pulling her back into his arms, he found she fit there so easily. Smiling down into her face, he leaned in, pressing his lips against hers. He allowed himself to melt back into her, lips moving together. It was almost enough to make him carry her off with him to bed. But, he knew he couldn’t. Pulling back, he whispered to her, knowing they had to be off separately. “Goodnight, Pippa.” He paused, hands cradling either side of her beautiful face. “I’m so happy about everything that happened tonight.” Smiling sleepily down at her, he finished before heading off to get a few hours rest. “See you in the morning.” Noah was off then to sleep, hoping his dreams were filled with Pippa, his angel.

WORDS 868 TAGGED Pippa<3 NOTES Wellll, I think Noah is done here! <333 NOPA makes me smile like no other, seriously.

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