That million dollar question (Thera)

[Caius Emidius]

It had been a long and annoying day. Test after test, lecture after lecture. It was one of the days that he despised the most, and all he wanted to do now was relax with no interruptions. He had made his way towards the recreation area, to relax and just be by himself. Hopefully no one would bother him. If only he was that lucky. He walked with his hands in his pocket, and eyes forward. That calm look on his face, as he was deep in thought. He usually didn't let people into his thoughts, or personal life, probably because he didn't think they could handle it. He got out to the lounging area and took up a seat, propping his feet up slightly and leaning back, relaxing fully.

Many things seemed to run through his mind at one time, but they all had a similar destination. That one question he always asked himself on multiple occasions. Why? Everything he ever thought about came back to Why. Why this, Why that, Why her, Why them. It was annoying at times, but he could never fully answer it, and it drove him crazy at times. Most of the time he found himself thinking about one person in particular, and then his family at home. His two dogs, his mother and father. He loved them all dearly and couldn't live without them. However, he would also find himself thinking about a certain Anubian. One that drove him crazy, in both the good and bad way. She was different and always took a top priority in his thoughts and he could never figure out that million dollar question, Why?

He groaned in annoyance as he relaxed, hoping that some day he would be able to figure it all out. Hoping someday that question would be answered fully. He probably already knew the answer to it, he just didn't want to accept that. He refused to accept that answer. It was crazy, it was stupid...was it lo....He shook his head quickly getting the thought out of his head. He opened his eyes and stared out forward listening to the smallest of sounds around him. Taking in everything he could, and just going into a calm relaxation.

[Thera Louise Mettalokis]

Thera had gotten lucky today. The way her schedule fell, she only had two classes, meaning she could be alone most of the day. Sitting alone in the lounge, she was curled up in a chair in the corner. The young brunette gave off a "don't come near me" air. For the most part, everyone did leave her alone. Granted there were some who liked to irritate her, but generally she was by herself. Today, was no exception. She pushed her hair back to one side as she read a book. Thera was a bit of an avid reader. She enjoyed a good novel and it passed time quickly. The problem with that was, she went through them too quickly sometimes. She would be left without reading material for days and hated it. It was her only hobby besides Quidditch.

Glancing up, she saw him walk in. The Anubian bit her lip and considered leaving before Caius saw her. But then..why give him the satisfaction? Why let him know that his presence bugger her? No, Thera adjusted herself into a more comfortable position and stayed put. Fuck him, he could leave if he saw her. She was there first anyway. The girl permitted herself to check him out and cursed mentally when she realized how good he looked. Gods, she hated that about him. She hated almost everything about him. His walk, his attitude, his face. Well...she found him attractive but that's what she hated the most. Thera looked back down at her book and sighed. Fuck him, she thought again.

Suddenly her book was pulled out of her hands, she half expected it to be Caius. Peering up, she realized it was some other random guy who liked to give her hell. More of an annoyance than anything. For the life of her, she couldn't remember his name. "Can I help you?" the dark haired witch asked calmly. He grinned at her. Sighing, she realized what he wanted. The lust in his eyes was obvious. "Give me my book and go away." There was a tiredness to her voice. "How about we go somewhere private then you can have your book back." The witch rolled her bright green eyes, "How about no. Just give me my book back." She stood up and crossed her arms. All she wanted was to be left alone. Why was that so hard? Why was there always someone there? Her eyes drifted to Caius then back to the boy in front of her. Why was she wishing he would come rescue her from this lonely fate?

[Caius Emidius]

He hadn't noticed her until moments after opening his eyes. Maybe because she was in the room is why he was thinking about her. That's how it usually seemed anyway. He would only think about her if she was nearby, even if he didn't notice her, he just somehow knew she was there. He hated it at times, but others it distracted him from other things. He watched her out of his peripherals, taking note of her figure. What she was wearing, how she was sitting, the book in her hands, the way her hair fell. All minor things but they were things he just couldn't ignore.

He was always fond of her in some way. He always found her highly attractive and beautiful. Something he hated himself for at times. They were supposed to hate each other. Despise each other, and want to tear out each others throats. But he knew deep down he didn't want to tear out her throat. He kept the thoughts to himself and watched as someone came over to her and snatched her book out of her hands. He didn't know why, but he was always so protective of her. It pissed him off sometimes and he couldn't explain why he was, to her, or himself. It drove him crazy at times. He continued to watch them slightly, only looking away when he thought she was looking towards him. He looked at the other guy, probably someone he could take down quite easily. He knew the guy was someone Thera hated just as much, if not more than himself. He was pretty sure there would be problems too.

He stood up from his seat, so much for relaxing, and started to walk over to her. The scene playing out in his head, hoping to solve this peacefully, but knew there would be a fight, and an argument. The guy clearly wanted to use Thera, as did many of the guys at the school, they always approached her for some sexual favor. He kept his hands in his pocket as he got closer figuring out the exact words to say. He didn't make eye contact with Thera as he walked, just keeping quiet until he got right next to them both and cleared his throat speaking. "I'm pretty sure I heard her ask for her book back, and for you to go away" His voice was a calm one, but he had a reputation for his anger to flare out of control quite quickly

[Thera Louise Mettalokis]

"Come on beautiful, just a quickie" was what the boy said when he pulled Thera into his arms. Oh gods, his breath. It was rancid. "Don't touch me," she snapped and attempted to pull away, only to be brought back. Goddamnit, she hated people. Thera had no faith in humanity. Even in its highest forms. She was still trying to figure out this guy's name. It evaded her. Granted, even if she remembered for the moment, she would forget later on. "Stop playing around Mettalokis. You're a whore, everyone knows it. Just give me what I want and I'll leave you alone." Gods that was tempting. Giving it to him just so he'll go away. The girl fell silent as she considered her options. She could give in, but once she did Thera doubted he'd leave her alone. They always came back. Always.

"Ya know what," she started as she backed away, "keep the damn book. I have another copy." That was of course a lie, but she knew she could get another somewhere. The girl turned to leave when he grabbed her again. "I said, give me what I want." She was about to hit the boy when she heard a voice. It sent shivers down her spine. Looking up, Thera refrained from smiling at Caius. Instead, she adopted a bored expression. "I can handle this." Such a lie. She knew she needed his help with this one. Not that she'd admit to that. "Why don't you continue on your way Emidius. This isn't your business." She sighed, knowing where this would head. It had happened before. A guy would approach her while Caius was around and a fight would break out. It was as if she was his to irritate and his alone. That pissed her off. Thera belonged to no one.

Her green eyes met his grey, blue ones. "Just get it over with," she sighed. For once, she didn't mind him helping. All she wanted was for Caius to get the guy's attention so she could grab her book and take off. Hopefully no one would follow her but who was she kidding he always followed her after something like this. Goddamn him. "Can you let go of my arm now?" She asked of the boy, who in turn looked at her like she was stupid for being so indifferent. That was the problem with not caring about anyone. She often received that look.

[Caius Emidius]

He looked between her and the guy listening to them. This guy was a joke, in Caius' eyes. He couldn't stand up to him at all. Not now, not ever. The guy addressed him and he grinned slightly. "My business or not, the lady said for you to go away. She's putting it nicely in my book" He took his hands out of his pocket ready to throw a punch, or deflect one. The guy stood about an inch or two taller than Caius. He seemed to be very muscular, however Caius wasn't afraid of anyone. He wouldn't back down at all. Every fight that he had been in, usually ended up with him either taking the other person out, or winding up with a black eye or broken nose. He was used to it all by now and it didn't bother him.

His eyes met Theras. Damnit they were gorgeous, but now wasn't the time to admire her looks. He knew he didn't have to stand up for her, hell he shouldn't stand up for her. She meant nothing to him, she was worthless and they hated each other. Why stand up for someone who hated you? Of course, another why question coming up, in the worst possible time as well. He balled his hand into a fist and gave the guy one last warning. "Let go of her arm, and walk away, before you end up hurt." He was sure the guy wasn't going to listen. It would be his mistake if he didn't. He didn't like people using Thera for sexual pleasures. Hell he hadn't even used her for it. Mostly because he had more respect than that.

He reached over with his hand and grabbed the guys arm, attempting to pull it off of Theras'. He was sure the guy would see this as an attack and use it to his advantage, but Caius was always two steps ahead of people he went up against. This guy was just like all of the other vultures at the school. Desperate, greedy, cruel, and annoying. They deserved no respect from him at all, and he knew that Thera certainly didn't deserve any of the shit they gave her. Though she didn't quite help herself there as the reputed school whore, but he would do his best to keep her from having her image smudged even more. Of course he was STILL unsure as to WHY he did it. He didn't want to admit the obvious answer of it all, not now...not yet...and hopefully not ever.

[Thera Louise Mettalokis]

She really wasn't in the mood for fights to break out. So There tried a tactic she had never attempted before. When Caius reached for the guys arm, the young girl took the opportunity to break away from him. Immediately she moved to Caius's side, an arm snaking its way around his waist. "Can we go now?" She knew there would be questions about her actions and she was prepared to answer them. Several people were watching by now, she could feel the rumors that were about to start. Maybe this was a bad idea but it was too late to take it back now. "Caius please....let's go." The other guy watched her with narrowed eyes. There was no way he could get to Thera now without angering the Neith she held onto. Everyone knew about Caius's anger. Everyone knew about Thera's. And of course everyone knew the pair hated each other. Or did they? That would be the big inquiry for the rest of the week. Did they really hate each other? Or was it a facade to keep the public at bay? Keep everyone out of their business.

"I'll get you alone later..." the boy began, his eyes flicking to Caius. "When your boyfriend isn't around.." With that he left. The brunette let out a breath she hadn't even realized she was holding. Without thinking, she leaned into Caius and closed her eyes. A sense of peace washed over the girl who normally avoided intimate contact. For the moment Thera was calm, safe. Then she heard his heart beating and her eyes flew open. What the fuck was she doing?! Who the fuck was she to hug him?! Quickly, she pulled away and looked up at him. Surprise obvious on her expressions. "I could've handled it," she snapped suddenly. Her anger towards him returning. "I would have been fine without you." Turning, she started to gather her things.

Hoisting her bag over her shoulder, she started to walk out of the lounge. She wanted to escape from that area as quickly as possible. Looking towards the ground as she walked, her long dark hair fell into her face. She was thankful for how it blocked people from seeing her confused and terrified expression.

[Caius Emidius]

He took quick notice at her arm going around him. He was entirely confused as to why but just went with it for now knowing this would probably avoid a fight. He looked the other guy in the eyes, Theras words falling on deaf ears for the time being. He had also taken quick notice of the crowd that had been conjured out of thin air. Almost as if they knew something was about to happen and rushed from all corners of the school to get there. He stared right into the other guys eyes, daring him silently to try something else. The only time he looked away was towards Thera and then back at him. Listening to his words as he spoke. He laughed at the boyfriend part, as if that would ever happen. He knew they would never be a couple, or even remotely close to friends.

He was sure this whole ordeal would start a rumor that would spread faster than a wildfire, but he didn't care. They've dealt with the rumors before and this would be no different. Though this rumor would be different, that he was sure of. It would be something along the lines of, are they a couple, are they together? Why did she put his arm around him, I thought they hated each other. It was going to be a good rumor to talk about that would probably end up like all the rest of the rumors. They usually all ended with, I think they just fucked and were done. There was nothing left to it. He watched the guy walk off and his attention quickly went to Thera, who was still very close to him. He took notice of everything about her now. Her hair, her outfit, her breathing pattern. It had a slow steady rhythm to it, as if she was calm for a moment. During the whole ordeal he had unknowingly put his arm around her shoulder, holding her closer to him. Suddenly she jerked away from him, he wasn't surprised at all and he listened to her words, the venom and anger in her voice. "Yeah, fine my ass. He probably would have dragged you off if someone didn't show up. But of course you hate everyone so why the hell would someone come to help you?" He snapped back at her.

Once again this is how it usually began, or ended. One of them doing something and saying something, and the other walking off. Though this time he wasn't going to let her get away that easily, he had questions now, more than when he came in, and of course they were all starting with the word, Why. He followed after her, waiting to get a good distance from the people still in the lounge. He put a hand on her shoulder and forcefully turned her around to look at him. He looked into her green eyes for a moment before speaking. "The hell do you think you're going, Thera? What the hell was all that back there huh? Why wrap your arm around me?" Of course he would have asked himself, why did he wrap his arm around her shoulder, a question he was unsure he could fully answer himself.

[Thera Louise Mettalokis]

Oh Caius, why couldn't you just leave it the hell alone? Sighing, she looked anywhere but at him. Thera really didn't want to do this. Not with people watching. Goddamn him. "Just let it go ok? It was nothing." Bullshit. There was something there. She was fairly convinced that there was always something between them. It had gotten stronger over the years. Like magnets, they kept returning to each other. Polar opposites that smacked back together repeatedly. Nervously, she ran a hand through her hair. He wanted an explanation. Well the first was easy. She used him. Used his reputation as a hot head to her advantage. Why mess with a girl who's close to someone that gets into fights often? Finally, she looked up at him.

There was something in his eyes that always made her stomach do flips. Thera took a step back from him. She didn't like them to be close. Then again, she didn't like to be close to anyone. Not even her family at times. A hug usually meant she'd clam up and get tense. When she held onto Caius just now, it was the complete opposite. It was like a wave of relaxation washed over her. It was comforting. She hadn't felt that way since she was twelve. Was it wrong to want more? For a second she wondered what it would be like to make love to him. Wait...make love? To Caius. The girl shook her head trying to get rid of the thoughts.

"I was using you, stupid. I needed a reason for him to leave. You provided me with one. That's all." Just then the brunette realized something. He had put an arm around her. There had been no reason for that. The guy was already leaving the area when Caius snuck his arm around her shoulders. Her eyes narrowed, what if he felt the same way she did? Goddamnit, not again. She felt her anger rise to dangerous levels. "What about you huh? Why'd you put your arm around me?!"

[Caius Emidius]

He laughed. Nothing, it was just nothing she says. He found that hard to believe. Maybe it was just his ego thinking this, or could it have actually been him thinking this. Either way he knew it was more than nothing, it was something. He stood there waiting for her to think of another response, maybe one crazier than what she said. Maybe a truth this time. Though that was highly unlikely with her. He crossed his arms as she turned to look him in the eyes. Damn her eyes, he could get lost in them easily. He had hardly noticed her stepping backwards away from him. HE was lost in his own little world for the time being. Just pondering on to many things at once. Things that would make a normal man fall into a psychopathic state.

He shook his head slightly as her words brought him out of his thoughts. Her words went into one ear and stayed there. He took everything she said with great consideration. This was no exception. Of course she wasn't done talking. He next question shocked him slightly. He knew that he should have expected it to come up sooner or later. He knew he'd have to answer somehow. To answer with the truth, if he could figure out what that was, or a lie. The lie seemed much simpler to him. He smirked slightly looking her in the eyes still. "I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about. I didn't put my arm around you. Why in gods name would I EVER want to do that. I'd much sooner dip it into a vat of acidic waste than put it around you." He knew the words he said would hit her hard. He always knew that they hurt her, but of course he would never let onto that.

For as long as he could remember, he always knew his words bothered her. Either because they were a harsh truth she didn't want to admit to, or just a venomous lie that he spewed out of his mouth just so he could see her hurting. Either way, it was funny in a way. He enjoyed doing it to her, and other times he hated himself for it. He hated seeing her walk off with that defeated look, always wanting to stop her, always wanting to apologize. He wanted to just reach out and kiss her with as much passion and emotions that he had felt for the last 7 years. Of course he would never admit to this, or do it. He was pretty sure she would kill him for it, though it would be worth it in the end.

[Thera Louise Mettalokis]

Thera felt a lump form in the back of her throat. That hurt. That hurt a lot more than she was willing to admit. Mainly because of what she had just been feeling for him. Tears actually began to form in her eyes. No, no stop yourself, she inwardly yelled. Blinking quickly to get rid of them, she turned to walk away. There was no point in staying now. She had to get away from him. She couldn't let him see her watery eyes. Why was she taking this so hard? Generally it didn't hurt as bad. Then she thought back to how safe she felt in his arms. Fuck, there it was again. That ridiculous calm. How quickly it was ripped from her. It was always stolen. Thera would never find peace in this school. She counted her blessings that it was her last year. Never to return to this dreadful place.

Rushing out of the area as quickly as possible, she didn't turn to see if he was following. "fuckfuckfuck" she mumbled as she went. Her heart hurt. Her emotions were skipping around in a field of what she thought was bullshit. Messing with her head and heart. Why did he have this effect on her? She knew why. She always knew why. Deep down she lov- Don't do it Thera! A voice in the back of her mind screamed out. Don't! She ducked into a corner that was hidden by a statue of some god and slide down to the floor, her back against the wall. The poor thing brought her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around them. Bowing her head, her hair completely hid her face from view.