Julian James,

[Julian Delaire]

What I Yes, I did, okay? You don't have to tell me how stupid I am again. Look, I honestly didn't...I wasn't thinking about Astraia when Ainsley was over, you know? I wasn't really thinking at all, I guess. You're right, I know you're right, god, are you going to stop yelling at me? I know I was being stupid. I didn't mean to I didn't want I wasn't planning on I wasn't actively trying to lead her on, you know that. You know me. I know that probably doesn't make it better, but. I don't know.

The thing is, I already apologized when I wrote to her after you left. I said I was sorry for hurting her and she said she wasn't mad and I mean, obviously, it was a lie, but it was before the recent passive-aggressive-ness and I don't know if she even wants me to apologize again now that I actually know what I'm apologizing for. I don't know if she even wants to hear from me again, but my bet is on no.

Look, obviously, I'd like to hang out with her again, but I mean...if that's not a possibility, then it's not a possibility. And if you or she or even Addie tells me it's not, then I'll stop. I won't bother her or lead her on or anything. If that's what she wants. But I don't know what she wants.

Yeah, yeah, whatever. You were right and I'm a dick, we all know that already.

Julian

[Caleb Blackwood]

Okay, I need you to take a deep breath, go out for a smoke, and then write back to Ainsley if you haven't already. I'm getting the feeling that you're panicking, and that just won't work here, especially if you want to fix things with her. As long as you understand that you've been leading her on, actively or not, we can do something about this. Addie told me that Ainsley was saying something about that guy from the Tamarisk from that one day He is also apparently twenty years old I think you might be a little fucked

She might be mad, yeah, but if I'm guessing right, she shouldn't be as mad as she was when she wrote to me. You really don't want to see that letter, mate, because if this is your reaction to her being passive aggressive, I'd hate for you to have to read her being simply aggressive. Not that her passive aggressive isn't terrifying, but you're on your own on the actually replying to her front. All I can do is be here for emotional support.

If she didn't want to hear from you at all, then she wouldn't still be writing to you, I don't think. Just get yourself together and try not to fuck it up too badly. Hint: you can never go wrong with apologizing again if you really mean it. Oh, and maybe you should just ask her what she wants? Like I said, I'm trying not to interfere here.

Remember how I told you that Addie and I were thinking the four of us could go to dinner or something? I mentioned it to Ainsley (I had to interfere there, sorry) and she seemed pretty receptive to it, even though she's fully aware you'll be there. Maybe we can test the waters then in a group setting? That way you won't freak out about being alone with her, either.

Admitting there's a problem is the first step to solving it. Or however that saying goes.

Caleb

[Julian Delaire]

I'm not sure smoking is the best idea, all considered. But thanks, I'm calmer now, and I wrote back to her. I guess we'll see how things go. Don't worry, I was nice. Or, I tried to be. I apologized and everything.

Yeah, probably best you didn't tell me. I wouldn't blame her if she's mad. I took your advice, though. I just hope it works. 

If Ainsley doesn't want me there, and I've asked, I won't go. But otherwise, sure, I'm up for it. I don't want to make things awkward, though, so. It's up to her.

How are things with the redheaded terror you're in love with, by the way? I notice there was conspicuous lack of her at my house last night when you came over 'to protect me'.

Julian

[Caleb Blackwood]

Since when is smoking not the best idea? Who are you and what have you done with my best friend? Now I’m worried. Alright, I’m sure it’ll be fine! Ainsley went on a date with a twenty year old apparently This is no longer a drill What the actual fuck I’ll just tell you when I see you Let me know as soon as she replies.

She wants you there. You’re coming. It won’t be awkward. Don’t ask questions.

I’m not in love with Addie, but thanks for your concern. I think she might be mad at me? I don’t even know, the tone of her letter was slightly weird and different from her previous ones. Is that just a girl thing? Though I must point out, unlike you, I haven’t done anything to Addie like you did to Ainsley. I don’t get it. What is going on?

Caleb

[Julian Delaire]

Possibly since I blew smoke into Ainsley's mouth? It just...feels weird. I don't know, man, I'll work on it. She did reply, and I think things are okay now, or at least, getting better. Thank Merlin.

Okay, okay, fine. I already told her I'm coming. I'll be there, don't worry. Mum can Apparate us, if you want to come over beforehand? Also, we'll need an address, obviously.

Uh-huh, sure. Then why do you care so much that she might be mad at you? Think back, mate, could you possibly have said anything stupid to her? You do have a tendency to do that, you know. Calm down, though, I know you're freaking out inside. I've asked Ainsley what's up with Addie, and she might have better insights on the matter. We'll let you know. Seriously though, I'm sure you'll figure it out if you think really really hard. 

Julian

[Caleb Blackwood]

Oh, so you're now regretting that decision and deciding to give up on smoking in general? You're approaching this the wrong way, mate, as I think what you should really be giving up is your lack of thinking things through before you do them. That's good to hear! I'm glad you cleared your head and sorted things with her for the most part. I told you this would all work out. I bet you two will be back to normal by the time the four of us have dinner.

Yeah, I'll get the address from Addie when I write back to her. I've just been putting it off for a little while because I'm not sure how to respond. I really hope she's not mad at me for something? I don't know. Plus she said that this dinner thing is going to be an early birthday dinner for her, and that the whole thing is on her parents, so now I don't know what I should buy her as a gift.

Why did you care so much that Ainsley might be mad at you? No, I don't think I said anything stupid? I'm actually serious. Oh, so you and Ainsley are alright enough to be discussing me and Addie now? I'd say that's an improvement.

Caleb

[Julian Delaire]

Jesus, I didn't say I was giving up smoking, I just...whatever. I don't regret it It was really amazing I finished my last pack like an hour ago, so you know. Yeah, I think things are okay now, with any luck. I wouldn't count on normal, but maybe less passive-aggressiveness. Hopefully.

Wait, wait, what was that you said about just ask her what she wants? Maybe when you write to Addie you should take your own advice if you're seriously worried she might be mad at you. I'm maybe 65% sure you're probably overthinking things due to your enormous crush on her, but whatever. I'm sure it'll work out. She's not really the type to hold a grudge, I don't think. Great, that means I have to get her a present, too. She likes books, right? What am I saying, she's a Ravenclaw, of course she does.

You know what, I'm done with that conversation. Not going through it again. Yes, Ainsley and I are discussing you and Addie as you're our best friends, so you can deal with that. It is an improvement, thanks. Still, work your memory. You might not have meant something the way she took it.

Julian

[Caleb Blackwood]

Well, you not wanting to smoke for once sounded sort of ominous, so I was just checking.

Fine, calm down, I asked Addie if anything I said upset her and basically apologized for it in advance. I don’t even know anymore. And I don’t have an enormous crush on her, alright, I don’t have a crush on her at all. You have to let me know what you get her as a gift because I want to approve it before you bring it along to dinner. I’m never sure when you’re going to be a dick, so. That being said, a simple book would probably work.

You’re not helping.

Caleb

[Julian Delaire]

Nah, I'm fine. Don't stress so much over me.

Well, that's good. You'll be fine, I'm sure. Actually, I might be high right now so maybe don't trust what I'm saying but. It'll work out. All right, if you say you don't have a crush on her, I believe you. I'm sure it won't matter to you whether she's mad at you or not, then, yeah?

I'll get her something nice, promise. I'm actually going to Diagon Alley tomorrow to work on that project with Astraia for Transfiguration, so I'll stop by the bookstore. What exactly are you planning to get her?

Wasn't really trying to help, mate.

Julian