Everyone wants to be loved -Nyxie-

[Rayne Skye Teagan]

Rayne had literally been looking forward to hanging out with Nyxie all day. Ever since she watched him run away with his cute little blush on his cheeks, she couldn't stop thinking about him. It was weird... it wasn't normal to have someone on her mind as much as Phoenix had been on hers last night and today. Instead of paying attention in her morning class, she had been thinking about his cute blush. It wasn't right... was it?

Needless to say, Rayne made sure she got to lunch early and quickly ate. She wasn't entirely hungry anyways. She ate a sandwich real quick then said goodbye to her friends. She hadn't told them about Phoenix yet. Mainly due to lack of time, but she would. That was for sure.

Rayne kind of wished that she could change into muggle clothes. She missed her jeans. She rarely got to wear them at Hogwarts. Only on weekends, even then it was rare.

When she got to the lake, she didn't see Phoenix around. Guessing he was still eating, she took off her shoes and socks and put them a little ways away from the water so they wouldn't get wet. She pulled her robe up and sat down by the water, putting her toes and as much of her feet in the water as much as she could with her knees scrunched up without getting her butt wet. She wrapped her arms around her legs and rested her head on her knees as she waited for Nyxie to come.

[Phoenix O. Night]

Phoenix had dawdled longer than he had intended in the Main Hall. And it wasn't as if it ad been because he was eating - his stomach was fraught with nerves, he felt as though if he risked eating anything it might just pop up after to say 'hello'. And he didn't want that. Definitely not in front of Rayne.
He had spent a vast part of the lunch period babbling on to Mack about Rayne, filling him in on all the details of their chance meeting in detention. Most of the time, he spoke with a faint blush. He couldn't help it. There was something about Rayne that got him all flustered and pink. Phoenix tried not to dwell on those thoughts. They barely knew each other yet.
But that didn't stop him hurry down to the lake with a quickened pace on spying the time. When he drew near the water's edge, he spotted Rayne sat there, completely at ease with her feet hidden in the water. Phoenix bit back a loud greeting and, instead, approached her quietly.
"Squid's gonna get'ya!" The Claw said loudly, grabbing Rayne by the shoulders and jerking her forwards, as if he were going to push her in the lake. But he didn't. He only wanted to spook her.
Chuckling evily, Phee sat down beside her and began to pull off his shoes and socks like Rayne had done.
"Hey Rayski." He grinned, turning the cuffs of his jeans upwards. "Haven't been waiting too long have ya?"

[Rayne Skye Teagan]

Rayne hadn't been there for much longer when she felt hands on her shoulders and a voice shout in her ear. Without thinking really she shouted a scared "Ahh!"

[/b] Before realizing who it was. "Not nice..."[/b] She pouted as she took a few deep breaths to try to get her breathing steady again and her heart beating regularly.

"Hey, Nyxie."[/b] She smiled at him when he sat down and started taking off his shoes and socks and rolling up his jeans. "Not too long. I didn't eat much. Wasn't exactly hungry, so I just came down here early."[/b] It was true. The sandwich she ate had to be shoved down by herself. Mainly because her friends would wonder why she wasn't eating if she hadn't put something in her mouth. "Have a good morning?"[/b] She smiled again before looking back to the water. It looked so calm. She reached down and picked up a rock, then proceeded to throw the rock in the water. It had looked too calm. And Rayne liked throwing things.
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[Phoenix O. Night]

Phoenix did the same as Rayne and dipped his feet into the water. He held hid breath for a moment on feeling how cold it was but his body tensed less and less the more he grew accustomed to the cool temperature.
"Morning's been good. Classes went great." He didn't share that he thought that they had maybe gone too slow for his liking. Rayne didn't need to know how he had managed to distract himself every five minutes, just by thinking about her. He picked up a pebble, just how she had, and ran his thumb along the smooth face.
"What about yours?" Phee asked, throwing the pebble with a flick of his wrist, making it skim the surface once before making a "plunk" noise and disappearing. "And I made it back fine to my dorm last night. I almost bumped into a teacher but I slipped into the common room before they got a chance."

[Rayne Skye Teagan]

Rayne just smiled at the lake. "They're classes. I only had one this morning though. Double charms. So it wasn't too bad."

[/b] She didn't mind her Friday's. She often got to do other things like hang out with friends, or go flying around the sky. Something she absolutely adored.

"And I'm glad you didn't get caught. But I was already planning to get myself in detention if you did." [/b]Rayne looked over and smiled at him, meaning it. She would feel horrible if it was her fault he got a detention. She would have done something to get in detention with him as soon as she could.

She picked up another rock and skipped it across the water. Even after the rock had gone in, the waves had died down almost immediately. "The water is so peaceful right now."[/b] She commented without really knowing she was. She would love to go for a swim; she loved swimming.
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[Phoenix O. Night]

Hearing that Rayne would get herself detention just to keep him company, made Phoenix smile. No one would ever guess that they had met just yesterday.
"I'd get peeved, Rayski. I don't wanna see you in detention again." The young teen laughed, kicking a bit of water at Rayne's legs. Sure, he'd love to spend detention with her but it meant that she'd have to get into trouble. Phoenix didn't want her to do that just so he didn't get bored while waxing the carriages or something like that.
"Peaceful. But cold." Phoenix added, leaning back on his elbows to look up at Rayne. "Yet pretty."

[Rayne Skye Teagan]

Rayne just laughed at Phoenix. "Oh Nyxie. You can't keep me out of detention. I average two a week."

[/b] It was so completely true. Rayne didn't even remember half the things she had done to get herself in detention, but somehow she managed to. Like she said before, and like she told Chris last night; she didn't mind detention. Honestly.

"It's not that cold! It's like the perfect temperature to go for a swim!"[/b] Rayne laughed at him before mimicking his movements by leaning back on his elbows. "I love nature... anything nature. The stars, the lake, the forest, animals, bugs. Everything. I'm not a normal girl..."[/b] Rayne chuckled. It was true. Most girls wouldn't like getting in trouble, or could never just lay out under the stars for any length of time. She wasn't like other girls, but she didn't care. She liked who she was.
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[Phoenix O. Night]

Phoenix just rolled his eyes at Rayne when she spoke about averaging two detentions a week. Phee didn't really like them, hell, who could honestly say they enjoyed them? He tried to keep away from them but he always ended up being wrangled into something that ended in detention. Maybe deep down he was a trouble maker. It would certainly explain why he was drawn to detention seekers.
"Well, go for a dip then, I'm not stopping you." Phoenix chuckled. "But I'm not joining you either." He had no plans of entering the lake any more than he was already - up to his ankles was fine for him.
"Being normal is overrated, Rayski." He sighed, scratching his stomach lazily. "And that's what I like about you, I guess. That you're not like the other girls. I feel comfy around you."

[Rayne Skye Teagan]

Rayne thought about it for a second before trying to remember what she put on this morning after her shower. She was pretty sure she put on a good pair of underpants and bra. With a mischievous grin Rayne stood up and started stripping. Literally not caring if anyone was around. She took off all her clothes besides her bra and underwear, she didn't want to get her robes wet, or her skirt and shirt. She'd need something to put on after. Slipping out of her shoes

With a wink towards Phoenix, Rayne ran towards the water and dove in. Sometimes her lack of shyness amazed her. "Nyyyyxxxxie! Come onn! Join me!"

[/b] She said as her head got out of the water and after she flipped her hair out of her face. Rayne didn't say it, but she was sure that he got that she was comfortable around him too.

"You better get rid of anything that you don't want to get wet, because either way I'm dragging you in."[/b] She laughed before floating on top the water. She liked how the lake was fairly deep. "For me, Nyxieee?"[/b] She begged with puppy dog eyes, hoping he'd willingly join her, but figured it'd be fun if she had to drag him in.
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[Phoenix O. Night]

<sub>When Rayne took off her robe, Phoenix guessed that she was going to go for a paddle in the lake. But then he had to do a double-take. She was... taking everything off? The teen quickly averted his gaze to the lake as if he were intruding on something. His face was red as a tomato. Rayne was stripping down to her underwear? He wanted to hide himself in his hands. He wasn't used to this - girls getting almost naked in front of him. He bet if he told Mack he wouldn't believe him.

Rayne then disappeared off into the water and Phoenix guessed it was safe again. Wrong. Very wrong. She wanted him to join her in the lake? Phoenix thought about refusing and saying that he'd take a nap while she bathed. But then she was going on about how she'd force him in. Oh Merlin. What was he to do? He didn't know how he'd react to having a naked, dripping wet girl pawing at him to get into the water.

Phoenix shook his head. He was making a deal out of nothing. It was just water. And it was just a girl prancing about in her underwear - oh Merlin. He was doomed.

"Okay, okay. Just give me a second." Phoenix sighed, giving in. He shrugged off his robe and went to take off his shirt. He turned around quickly, feeling observed, and then pulled it off over his head. He guessed the trousers could go too. It wouldn't really be fair if Rayne was the only one in her interiors.

The teen quickly bounded into the water, gritting his teeth at the bitter cold and wondering how the hell he found himself such friends. But it wasn't like he was going to complain... this was different. And fun.

"Fuck. Its cold." Phoenix managed to utter through chattering teeth. His skin had broken out in goosebumps and his lips were now tinged purple. It wasn't cold, she had said. Lies. "Happy now? I'm in. No splashing.... let me get used to the water by myself."</sub>

[Rayne Skye Teagan]

The look on Phoenix's face as she was undressing was hilarious, and even when he started to undress himself. It was funny, and Rayne was kind of surprised he had actually joined her in the lake. She didn't think he would. SHe figured she would have to drag him in there herself. This way wasn't as fun.

"Yes. I am happy. And don't worry. I won't splash until after."

[/b] She smiled at him before diving into the water again, going out farther than what she was. Leaving Phoenix a little ways. She dove down and opened her eyes under the water. She loved the water. It was always so pretty.

She was just about to dive upwards to get a breath of air when she felt something wrap around her ankle. She looked down at her feet to see this seaweed type thing wrap around her, it was slowly working it's way up her leg too. She was running out of air down here!

Rayne started freaking out under the water. She didn't know what to do... would Phoenix notice she was gone for a while and come down to help her? She had left her wand in her robes... she didn't think she'd need it. Deciding she was already low on air, it wasn't going to hurt, she screamed in the water. Hoping Phoenix would see. She tried grabbing the seaweed, but she couldn't get it unwrapped from her leg.
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[Phoenix O. Night]

<sub>Phoenix just shook his head slowly with a smile at Rayne. At least she wasn't going to splash him. If she had he probably would of gotten peeved and skittered out the water. So the teen began to rub water onto his arms and front in an attempt to get used to the temperature at least.

The teenager had been flinching and bracing himself for an attack from Rayne. He hadn't totally believed her when she had said she wasn't going to splash. But Rayne was being rather quiet for once. Phoenix looked up and tried to find her, but to no avail. He stood there for a moment, waiting for her to resurface.

The seconds dragged on and an uneasy feeling settled in Phoenix's stomach. She was probably just playing, right? Lieing in wait to spring a surprise attack, right? The teen swallowed and rubbed water into his skin while he kept his gaze fixated on the lake's smooth surface.

Then something disturbed the still, silvery blue sheen of the body of water - bubbles. Phoenix raised his eyebrows high into his fringe and started off for it with slight urgence in the strokes of his arms. Sure, the water was freezing but... he had a bad feeling about this.

Peering down, he could make out a blur of colour in the murky darkness.
"Rayne?" Phoenix blurted out. Who else was it going to be? Without thinking twice, he dove under and was next to her within two strokes. Phee squinted his eyes open and could make out the reason for her distress - some seaweed had snagged on her, refusing her escape.

The Claw reached down and held her leg with one hand while with the other he yanked at the tentacle-like algae. For a moment it seemed that it was getting tighter instead of looser, it had made Phoenix panic. And then, with an almighty tug, he tore the thing straight out of the lakebed and it seemed to slither away feebly from Rayne, releasing the vicelike grip it had on her.

Kicking off the muddy floor, Phoenix laced his arms under Rayne's armpits and dragged her up to the surface for some much needed air - would she even be concious? The teen didn't know. If he felt the urge to breathe now, he could only wonder what she felt like.

Breaking the tranquility of the shimmery lake, Phoenix burst from the water with a long gasp for air and forced Rayne's head out, too. Those few metres from the lakebed to their escape had seemed deathly long to Phee. He seriously hoped Rayne was alright.

"Rayski? ...Ray? Rayne. Are you alright?" Phoenix rasped, shaking the girl lightly by her shoulders. "Answer me!"</sub>

[Rayne Skye Teagan]

Rayne was running out of breath. She didn't know how much longer she would be able to last. She wanted to know what Phoenix wasdoing, hadn't he noticed she was gone for so long? Would he come and save her?

Her body was starting to force itself to take breaths even though there was n air to breathe. She kept swollowing water. She couldnt stop. She would probably be crying from the pain if she wasn't in the water.

She vaguely felt hands grasp her leg, trying to rip the seaweed off.her ankle. She felt it get tighter instead of looser at first before feeling it go completely away. Rayne was trying to stay conscious. She didn't know if she'd ever wake up.
She was gladwhen she felt hands under her armits, bringing her upwardand toward the surface. When she felt air on her face, she started coughing up the water she had swallowed. She held onto Phoenix tight, still coughing as he freaked out and asked if she was okay. She couldn't answer right now.

Rayne wrapped her arms around Phoenix's neck and her legs around his waist, making sure she wouldn't go back into thewater. She didn't care that at that moment shewas in her underwearand bra only. "I - I'm f-fine. Land..."

[/b] she said as best as she could. She just needed to be on land right now, badly. She could barely speak, and she just kept hanging onto Phoenix. Her entire body was hurting, but her chest was the worst.[/blockquote]

[Phoenix O. Night]

<sub>The relief that Phoenix had felt when he heard Rayne begin to cough and splutter water was unmeasurable. She said she was fine but he doubted it. She had almost drowned for peat's sake. Phoenix moaned a heavy sigh and held her close to him, closing his eyes and running his hand through her hair. It was an understatement to say he was glad she was alive.

Still holding her close, the teen one-handedly swam painstakingly slowly towards the shore. When his toes touched the slimey, muddy bottom, he waded with her. And then when he no longer waded, he scooped her up in his arms. All that adrenaline was making him feel stronger than usual.

Gently, he squatted and lay her down on the grass. Phee turned her sideways and rubbed her back firmly, helping her get up any water.

"Hell, Rayski... You know how to give a guy a heart attack." Phoenix whispered weakly, feeling drained all of a sudden. "If you turn around and say it was all to get me into the water... I'll.... I'll... God, Rayne." He had began trying to joke, chuckling faintly, but he couldn't bring himself to. The dread and worry he had felt in that moment when he had realized his friend was in peril had been unfathomable.

Phoenix grabbed her by her shoulders and forced her to a sit, wrapping his arms around her in a tight hug. The fact that they were in just their underwear didn't matter to him. It was dawning to him that if he had lost Rayne... he didn't know what he would of done. Their time knowing each other may be short but she was meaning a whole lot more to him than most things. He liked his Rayski. Maybe even more than a friend...
"Rayne..."</sub>

[Rayne Skye Teagan]

Rayne clung onto Phoenix as he started swimming them back into shore. She never wanted to let him go. He was her savior right now, and she owed him big time. She felt relieved when she felt Phoenix put her on the ground. She had basically coughed the entire way to shore, but she could feel herself finally catching up on breath. She was making quick, shallow breaths. Trying to regain what she had lost under the water.

"I-I'm s-sorry. I didn't... give you time.. to get used to the water."

[/b] She had to stop a few times to take breaths, but other than that, her chest had started to feel a lot better. Not as hard. She smirked over at Phoenix just before he had forced her to sit up so he could hug her. She hugged him back hard, finally stopping all the coughing. Thank you... for saving me."[/b] She mumbled into his hair.

When he said her name, she didn't understand why? Was it just an aftereffect thing that he said? Or was there a reason? It seemed... weird. "What, Nyxie?"[/b] Her voice was coming back, and her breathing was basically back to normal, but she felt drained... tired, even. She wasn't used to drowning.
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