ᴅᴀᴛᴇ ғᴏʀ ғᴀᴋᴇ → ᴊᴀᴍᴇs ᴘᴏᴛᴛᴇʀ

↳ 27: BROTHERLY LOVE

FREYA SAT IN FRONT OF Froyce in his usual seat and table in the library. Her brother, obviously, had sensed her presence but did not look up from his book. Freya was the one who had come therefore she should speak first. But, Freya didn't know where to start. So, she ended up blurting it out.

          "I'm in love with him!"

          After a pause, Froyce answered. "I'm aware." he said, eyes still on his book. "I probably was way before you were."

          "Stop being a smart ass for once, Froy," Freya whined, earning a small glare from Madame Pince. She smiled apologetically and lowered her voice. "Help me, what should I do?"

           Froyce looked up and rose an eyebrow at her. "I already told you what you should've — well, in this case, what you shouldn't have — done. But did you listen?"

          "I know I didn't, alright? And I know you said not to come to you if I fall in love with him but you're all I have." Freya said exasperatedly and hopelessly. "But this is different than you think."

          "Enlighten me."

          Freya bit her lip. "Because I feel like, somehow, maybe, James also feels the same."

          Freya was very offended when Froyce chuckled at her words. He said, "That, dear sister, is called false hope."

          "No, Froyce, listen!" Freya exclaimed. Madame Pince looked pointedly her again. Freya lowered her head and averted her gaze.

         "I don't want to hear it, Freya." said Froyce, rolling his eyes and looking back at his book.

         "But James had been extremely flirty and romantic with me even if Sirius or Lily isn't around." Freya reasoned, her voice sounding so pleading. "That has to count for something, right?"

          Froyce made a face. "He probably just enjoys all the physical things he could with you seeing as you don't protest to it."

          Freya looked taken back and offended. And in an exasperated tone, she said, "You're saying he's only using me?"

          "He has from the very beginning, Freya!" Froyce whispered/yelled, keeping an eye on Madame Pince — not wanting to be in her naughty list because the library is like his second sanctum. "I mean, don't get wrong, James is a good friend of mine. But in your relation, that's what your whole deal was about; to use you to get Lily and that was and is all it ever was and is."

          "I know, but —"

          "You know but you agreed." Froyce stated, staring at her firmly.

          "But he —" Freya took a breath and looked down at her hands. "But he feels for me, Froyce. I know he does. I feel he does."

           Froyce looked at his sister. The way she was staring down at her hands so hopeful yet hopeless at the same time. The way her voice pleads for him to believe her because she wants to think she wasn't the only one believing her cause. The way she was so lost and desperate for love. And although he was annoyed of her, Froyce felt guilt for not supporting her.

          Froyce sighed and finally, dropped his book on the table. Upon seeing it, Freya looked up and they stared at each other. "I still think this is bonkers."

          Freya smiled lightly and apologetically before Froyce continued, "But to avoid another stupid heartbreak that will probably lead to another stupid decision, I will tell you what to do. But, promise me, Frey, you will abide by it."

          Freya sat up straighter and slightly more confident. She nodded her head eagerly. Froyce nodded back as affirmation. "The only way to get this out of your system is if you ask him how he feels. And the way to do that is to admit yours."

          Freya's eyes widened. "You mean, admit my feelings?"

          Froyce nodded. "Yes. Admitting your love would be a huge weight removing of your shoulders. And him admitting his would be the end of you being lost in the woods. That was what was wrong and missing in what happened to yours and Sirius' break up — you didn't get closure on your feelings. And that's why the questions bothered you so much."

          Freya hated to admit how her brother was on point with his statement but he was. And Freya couldn't believe that Froyce actually knew the solution — she was only asking for help as moral support. "So, I confess my love and ask him what he feels for me?"

          "Exactly." said Froyce. "But, promise me, Frey, you will accept whatever his answer is. And you will move on. And not make anymore stupid decisions. Even if he rejects you, at least you have said your feelings — and that's enough."

           Freya looked at Froyce who was looking strongly at her. She closed and her eyes and sighed before saying, "I promise."