When Is It Too Late? (October 2002)

Harry was fuming on the ride home. He could understand if Serena wasn’t into him...well, no, he couldn’t understand. Why wouldn’t she be into him? But he didn’t like to be ignored. And he certainly didn’t like to be hustled out with some vague bullshit. She had been shining him on and he didn’t like to be played with like that.

Jackie Pruit had been looking for any opportunity to get on Harry’s radar. She always hung out at his locker, her friends were friends with some of his friends so it wasn’t unheard of. Harry didn’t go to his locker every morning but he went this morning and Jackie was there. Her hair was curled just so and her jeans were just right enough to show off her butt. She had on a blue and white striped tank top with a white button down shirt that was open and tied at the waist and the sleeves were rolled up. She wore white pumps and she held her books pressed up against her breasts as she leaned back against the lockers. When Harry opened his she was right there and smiled up at him.

“Hello Harry, Have you seen that new Harry Potter movie yet? I’ve been wanting to go but I didn’t want to see it alone,” she said sweetly. Harry paused in what he was doing to really look at her. He hadn’t really looked at Jackie much with Serena always in his head but right then...he saw her finally. Harry, smiled back.

Theo and Serena were on their way to their lockers to get what they needed for first hour. His locker was very near Harry’s though on the opposite side of the small carpeted thoroughfare that was called the commons, The commons had lockers and tables to sit and do homework or eat a quick bite between classes. Theo saw the group of people across the way and he glanced at Serena as he stopped at his locker.

Serena had tried calling Harry that night, but he hadn't answered. She left a voicemail asking him to call her back, but he never had. She knew she needed to talk to him. She didn't want him to think that she didn't like him. That morning things seemed different in the Tower. Her parents were actually smiling and flirting with each other and the tension was gone. Natalya was given free reign of the Tower, but she continued to keep James at arm's length. Serena had a feeling he wasn't going to put up with that forever. Anyone could tell he had a thing for Natalya and cared about her.

Serena and Theo were dropped off at school by Happy. Serena followed Theo to his locker. She suddenly heard a giggle and looked over to see Jackie standing very close to Harry at his locker. She felt more than a twinge of jealousy in her heart as she looked at them. At first, she wasn't sure what to do, but then she decided she needed to talk to Harry. She walked over to them and as she approached she saw Harry look over at her. "Hey Harry. Can we talk for a minute?"

As soon as Jackie saw Serena she scowled then scoffed annoyedly. “Jesus, give it a rest Serena,” Jackie said rudely. Harry looked at Serena and, just like before her eyes drew him in. He sighed. “Alright,” he said then looked at Jackie. “Excuse me for a minute Jackie, and no, I haven’t seen that movie yet. I want to though,” he said as he allowed Serena to shift him away between another set of lockers.

Like every day, he was well dressed and his hair was styled just so. That and he wore a touch of cologne. His father had always told him that smelling good was important so he always tried, anyway. “Ok Serena, we’re relatively private, whats up?” Harry asked.

Serena sighed at what Jackie said before walking with Harry over to a place that was a little more private. "Listen, I realize that you're angry at me, but I want you to know the truth about what happened yesterday. I lied to you about Theo not feeling well. The truth of the matter is that Theo realized that there was an intruder in the Tower. It actually turned out to be two, but we didn't know that at the time. The person who looked like "Kate" wasn't actually Kate, but a mutant with shape-shifting abilities. Theo realized it wasn't her. I didn't want you to get hurt, which is why I made up the excuse that Theo wasn't feeling well and asked you to go home. I do like you Harry...a lot, but I understand that you've moved on to Jackie. I just wanted you to know the truth."

Harry blinked at what Serena said. And he wasn’t exactly certain what she said was the truth. It sounded like the truth, he knew who her parents were but it sounded awfully convenient. However Serena was here and he could tell that she was upset.

“I’m not with Jackie. I’m not with anyone,” he said. That was the truth. He wasn’t. And now that he thought about it, he and Serena were not a thing. They were just friends. He didn’t own her. “So...is everyone alright? You didn’t say,” Harry finally said. He still wasn’t certain if Serena really wanted to go steady though he wanted them to.

Serena felt a little relieved that Harry wasn't with Jackie. She liked Harry and she wanted to try to make things right between them. "Yes, everyone is fine. SHIELD came and collected the two mutants. They tried to hurt Theo and me, but Natalya saved us."

She was quiet a long moment and she looked down before looking back up at him. "So, if you're not going to be going to a movie with Jackie...would you like to go with me? Maybe on Saturday?"

Harry smiled, and was glad he hadn't blown Serena off. As they returned back to the others Harry just moved to his locker, got his things and then bid everyone goodbye. Jackie gave Serena a very dangerous look as she talked with Linda, one of her lackeys. As Serena and Theo came back together Theo whispered to her.

"I think you'll need to be careful Serena. Jackie has it out for you big time," he warned.

The next day James and Steve were talking and the subject ofcourse, was Natalya. She continued to keep James at arms length and Steve reiterated to him that she is doing him a service and explained that she was actually trying to be responsible. James told him again that he felt something for her but Steve was skeptical. He had known James before and knew he felt lust first, and love? Had never entered into it.

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It was after 2nd hour and Serena had gone to the bathroom. She had tried to hold it until mid-day break but didn't think she'd be able to. When she came out of the bathroom stall though Jackie and two of her friends were there waiting for her. Linda was near the door and Melissa shifted to get behind her as Jackie confronted her. "Harry, is taken, Serena. You're just a rich bitch who thinks that she can play around with everyone," she said. Jackie was a bit taller than Serena and she was on the school's dance team. Melissa was too and Melissa pushed her toward Jackie from behind and Jackie pushed her back, hard into the side of the stall door.

Natalya was where she usually was, down in the gym. Since Isabella had talked to her about training with the team and possibly going on missions with them, Natalya's spirit had lifted slightly. She wanted to get back into training daily, though she missed having James as a partner. When she thought about him her heart ached, but she knew this was for the best. He had been given a second chance and she didn't want to screw that up for him...no matter how desperately she wanted to be in his arms.

She was currently working on a punching bag. The Super Soldier Serum in her veins gave Natalya more strength than the average person and she was able to hit the punching bag with a great amount of force. She had some music playing and her hair was pulled back into a messy ponytail to keep it out of her face. Despite her best efforts though, a few pieces came loose and did fall across her face as she continued to punch and kick at the bag.

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Serena was glad that things between Harry and herself were patched up. They had talked last night on the phone for an hour and had made official plans to go to the movies on Saturday. She had even talked to her parents and her father was in such a great mood that he had said yes.

The next day, Serena had to use the bathroom before her next class. As she emerged from the stall she found herself confronted by Jackie, Linda, and Melissa. Jackie stood in front of her, while Melissa got behind her, and Linda stood by the door. Serena was pushed by Melissa into Jackie, who then pushed her hard into the side of the stall door. Serena knew she could use her powers against them, but that would expose her and she couldn't do that.

"Harry has a choice Jackie. He didn't choose you. Go talk to him if you're so upset about it. I'm not forcing him to be with me."

James had heard Natalya’s words but he could not understand why she didn’t want him like he wanted her. He thought he could handle just being friends but he decided to withdraw from her completely and as a result he avoided her whenever he could. This morning though he really needed a good, solid workout. Natalya was often in the gym so it was difficult to find a time when she wasn’t there. This morning though he felt a degree of defiance and decided to just remain and get his workout in.

She turned to regard him when he came down. “Morning,” he said but his words were decidedly frosty and devoid of almost any emotion. He moved to the opposite side of the room and put his white towel and water bottle on the bench there. He began to stretch and limber up his muscles and faced the wall. Natalya always wore form-fitted clothing and today he had got a good glimpse at her body. She was in tip top shape and he tried not to think about her body when he moved to the cable rails and set them up to start his workout.

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Jackie did not like her answer and slapped her on the left cheek with her right hand then put her finger in her face. “Wrong answer bitch!” Jackie said threateningly. Melissa chuckled from behind Serena. “You don’t talk to Harry, you don’t look at him and you’re NOT going to the movies with him. Do you understand!?” Jackie said forcefully.

Natalya heard someone come down into the gym and she looked over to see James. She knew he had been avoiding her. It hurt her to know that. She considered him a friend and hated knowing that things had turned so icy between them. She sighed and slowly walked over to him as he stretched.

“James...I need you to understand why I’m doing this. It’s because I care about you.”

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Serena was shocked by Jackie’s slap. It stung and brought a few tears to her eyes. She brought her hand up to touch her cheek and knew it was red. She felt anger surge through her and she desperately wanted to use her powers against her, but she didn’t.

“Fine.”

Jackie just looked at her a moment. Serena’s relenting had taken her by surprise. But her mouth curled into a grin. “There’s a good girl, you break it off clean. Bring me into it, even a little bit, and we’ll be right back here,” she said but didn’t like how Serena looked at her. She grabbed hold of her chin and brought her face close. “Do you understand?” She asked with a snarl.

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“You should care less then,” he said as he turned away from her. But then his irritation at her came up again to the surface. Also, what he just said didn’t make much sense, it was his anger talking.

“We found one another again. An impossible feat and you think by keeping yourself apart from me is helping me? I dream about you, think about you all the time. I’m happy you’re out and able to do what you want. But everyday I’m not with you it's like a thorn that digs in a little deeper into my heart. I don’t know if it's love I am feeling or just the memories of us making love that is haunting me,” he said as he took his hands off of the cables and turned to face her. The cables flopped down and banged against the weight carriages but he didn’t even look at them. He focused his dark eyes on hers.

“You want to know the warped part? I can't wait for you to have another nightmare so I can put my arms around you. Just feeling you next to me makes all of the bad shit in my head a little less horrible. I don't just want to be friends. I want more,” he said then blinked as he realized what he had said. He hadn’t meant to say all of this, it could make things so much worse just as easily as better but he decided not to backtrack. What was said, was said and it was up to her to decide what would happen between them. He said it all out straight to her.

Serena felt herself getting even angrier, but she still managed to keep her powers under control. She glared at Jackie. She really hated this girl. She had a feeling thought that she was going to get what was coming to her.

"Yes," was all Serena said.

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Natalya listened to what James said. His words sank deep into her heart and caused it to ache even more. She wanted James more than she had wanted anything in her entire life. She hesitated and then suddenly she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him...deeply and passionately. She felt him immediately start to kiss her back and she felt his arms snake around her body to hold her tightly to him. She was sweaty from her workout, but he didn't seem to care.

She finally managed to pull back a little in order to look at him. "This stays just between us James. You have been given a full opportunity at a second chance. I have not. I'm going to do my best to prove to them that I am not the woman they think I am...but if I can't...then I don't want your second chance to be taken away because of me. That means when we are around the others we stay apart from each other...ok?"

Jackie grinned at her and let her go and even patted her cheek. "Ya see? I knew we would understand one another Serena. Now I guess you best get back...I know 'Serena Stark' is never late for class," Jackie said sarcastically. Linda opened the door for her and made a mocking gesture of a bow and her arm shifted toward the hall outside. Melissa chuckled at that.

"Yeah, that's right, queenie needs ta get back to class," she said haughtily.

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James was surprised when Natalya just grabbed him. but a moment after her lips were on his he felt himself give into her kiss and kissed her back. His hands, as if by instinct wrapped around her small waist and pressed her body against him. He smelled her salty sweat and tasted it on her lips but he didn't care at all. When she pulled back James listened to what she said. "I don't care, I just want to be able to love you," he whispered into her lips and kissed her again. Natalya was 'that' woman that James needed. The one that could turn his brain to jelly and his heart to fire. He felt it now. "I want you," he whispered into his kiss and she'd know that he did want her. His body had been ready since her lips first touched his.

Serena was about to just leave, when she suddenly stopped. She turned and faced Jackie and the other girls. Her gaze narrowed on Jackie and her jaw set. She suddenly strode back over to her and she grabbed her by the shirt and pushed her up against the side of the stalls. It pleased her to see the surprised look on Jackie's face. "I think you are forgetting who I am and who my parents are. I have grown up in the Tower with Avengers. I have watched them fight and train and I'm being trained by Steve Rogers, aka Captain America. I was going to play your little game Jackie, but I've changed my mind. I like Harry Osborne and he likes me. I'm going to go to the movies with him on Saturday whether you like it or not and if you continue to bother me about it and threaten me well...then I'll just have to show you what Steve has shown me. Now, do we understand one another Jackie?"

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Natalya wanted James as well. Her body felt as if it were on fire. "Not here," she whispered back into the kiss. "Someone might walk in. My room. I'll go in first and then you follow me. Perhaps we've had a fight and you're following me to continue it."

Jackie suddenly wasn’t smiling anymore and though Serena couldn’t see Linda, her eyes had gone large and her expression wasn’t so confident now. Melissa had actually backed up a step as if to dis-include her in what was happening. Jackie’s face actually became paler than it had been and she didn’t lift her arms to fend Serena off. That and Serena felt Jackie’s heart beating like a frightened rabbits would.

“Uh...yes,” Jackie said hesitantly. Her cheeks bloomed with color that actually went to her neck as well. Serena left the bathroom first and the other three came out a little bit after. All of them had abashed looks on their faces and they picked up their feet as they hurried to their classes.

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“Don’t you walk away from me!”Jjames snapped as Natalya walked quickly toward her room. She was given one of the regular apartments and that one actually had the nicest bathroom with a massive jetted tub outside of the large, stone shower. James slammed the door behind him and Steve stepped out of his room a moment and looked that way then shrugged and ducked back in. Kate...the real Kate was going to be back that evening and he couldn’t wait to see her.

As soon as the door was closed, James was attacked and he didn’t care how rough Natalya was with him right then. He didn’t care at all...

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Serena’s next class was Miss Halston’s biology class, she actually had Theo and Harry in that class though usually Harry and Theo were lab partners. Serena never had trouble finding someone who wanted to be her lab partner though. Today there was no lab and Serena’s usual seat was empty. She was tardy but Miss Halston didn’t even appear to notice her late arrival. She never shut her door. Serena felt her phone go off and when she looked at it, she noticed Harry had sent her a text.

‘I can’t wait to be alone with you for a little while’ Harry sent. When she looked over at him he was already looking at her and his bright smile, the one she’d know was meant just for her, was present on his face.

A while later, Natalya lounged with James in her bed. The bedding, which had been very neatly made, was now a mess from their amorous activities. Natalya had yet to meet a man that satisfied her the way James did. He knew exactly where to touch her to make her toes curl and seemed quite pleased with himself to do so. Natalya often had difficulty achieving orgasm, but James had managed to do it (after an extended period of foreplay).

Natalya shifted and looked at the clock on her bedside table. “You should probably go soon or it’s going to look suspicious.”

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Serena felt much more confident as she left the bathroom. She had taken a minute to fix her hair and reapply her lipgloss. She was late getting to biology, but she didn’t care today. She sat down and was about to open her notebook when she saw a text message pop up on her phone. She saw it and looked over and smiled at Harry.

‘Me too. I really like you Harry.’

Theo noticed Serena’s pleased look as they drove home together. Happy was driving but Serena was in a very good mood and he didn’t need to read her to figure it out. “Well, you’re in a good mood. Did something happen at school today?” he asked. Harry had been texting off and on all afternoon.

‘FYI, I like the taste of strawberry.’ He texted. It was a follow up to his text about how he liked how the lip gloss looked but adding in what ‘he’ liked the taste of insinuated that he ‘would’ be tasting ‘her’ lip gloss. And theatres were...dark. Theo saw her look at her phone but when he tried to lean in to read it, obviously she wasn’t going to let him.

“Well, if you’re not going to talk, I’ll just stop asking,” he finally said and looked out the window.

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James worked his lower jaw. It took a considerable amount of effort on his part to force her to orgasm. But when it came there was no doubt she wasn’t faking. He sat up and began to get dressed.

“I think maybe you’re too focused on what Tony wants. Isabella is on your side. Isabella, Theo, Serena and me. Steve is neutral and even kate is on your side to a degree. “I could just go and talk to Tony about...us,” he said even though he agreed to keep it all a secret BEFORE she took him into her bed. He still went right along though as if he hadn’t.

Serena couldn't stop smiling. She had thought today was not going to turn out to be a good day, but it had ended up being a wonderful day. She and Harry had been texting throughout the day and they had decided on a movie and a time. It would be just the two of them and she couldn't wait. She felt giddy with excitement.

She looked over at Theo as they rode home. Serena texted Harry back and then looked at her brother. "Sorry, I'm just texting with Harry. I'm excited because we're finally going to go see a movie on Saturday. And...I told off Jackie Pruitt today. I don't think she's going to be messing with me again anytime soon."

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Natalya sat up and pulled the sheet up around her body as she did so. She looked at him and couldn't believe what she was hearing. "So, are you telling me that you lied to me in order to have sex...that you're not going to go along with the plan we had agreed to?"

James turned and looked at Natalya as he sat on the bed. He grinned and it did feel good to grin. To have something to grin about. “Ofcourse not, I would never do anything like that without your approval. I was merely pointing out what you might not have considered. I care about you Natalya. I’d stick my neck out for you if you asked it of me,” James said. “And even if you didn’t. You can ask me anything,” He added just incase she didn’t hear him the first time.

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The kids finally arrived at the tower and Theo had to run to catch up to her before she closed the elevator. Once the elevator reached the top Serena was out like a thoroughbred from a gate. Theo just shook his head. He wasn’t certain ‘how’ he felt about girls yet. He kept getting mixed signals from them. He didn’t have alot of friends. Mostly because it was difficult with the internal duality that went on in everyone. He had time to get to know that in his family and others in the tower. And he wanted to get his homework done quickly so he could hang out with Natalya.

Harry was extremely happy that Serena could go out with him. He had been to the movies several times, but never with a girl before. He’s kissed several girls in school but not Serena. She was on a completely different level than the other girls. The movie was at 5:30 so he needed to be at the Tower at 5 to pick her up. He had a couple hours yet so he decided to pick out something to wear and take another shower.

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Tony and Isabella were in the office with the door closed. Which for anyone who knew them knew that they were either in an important call or they were having sex. Even the kids knew but they didn’t say anything. When Theo saw his father come out first though he knew it was likely the latter. “He waved at him from across the way and then darted into his room before Tony could give him some task.

Natalya listened to what James had to say. She slowly leaned forward and kissed him again. This time it was a gentle kiss. She pulled back and looked into his eyes. "For now, I'd really rather the others not know about us. I'm still figuring things out myself. Besides," she said with a grin. "I think it will be fun to have a secret with you. I want what's between us to just be ours."

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Serena quickly went to her room. She put her hair up into a bun and got into the shower. She rinsed off her body with her favorite body wash and then got out and got dressed. She chose a cute, skirt with tights and boots, and a sweater. It was getting cooler out and the leaves had already changed color. Serena pulled her hair back into a flirty ponytail and fixed her makeup. The entire time she was humming to herself. She was extremely excited. She had a lipgloss that smelled like strawberries and she thought about Harry as she put it on.

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Isabella tucked her blouse back into her skirt and put back on her heels. She and Tony shared a look between them before Tony opened the door to go check on the kids. Isabella could hear Steve singing to himself and she grinned because she knew Kate was back and was coming over that night. She smiled at Steve as she walked over to him. "What time is Kate coming over?"

8, after supper. She wants to freshen before she comes...uh, arrives,” Steve said and his cheeks colored slightly giving away his thoughts. Steve was one to always wear his heart on his sleeve. And so it was like this with Kate. He wanted to be with her. To know here, again how a man could know a woman. He missed her and wanted to be with her.

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James had long since went back to his own room. He didn’t understand Natalya’s way of thinking but he didn’t balk at it either. What she wanted, he would give to her, if it was at all in his power. A small thing for her love. Though neither of them had declared such a thing. Theo knocked on Natalya’s door as she ws dressing.

“Natalya, are you...uh, decent?” he asked.

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Harry arrived and had been given permission to come upstairs. He was in black dress pants and a green and black striped sweater. His coat was black leather and he looked quite dashing in it. Tony had a drink when he came up and he smiled as he saw him.

“Hey Harry, how are you and your father doing? Its been a bit since iv e seen you father,” Tony said. “He’s well Mr. Stark, and you and yours?” Harry replied. “We’re all good,” Tony replied. “I’d like Serena home by 9,” Tony said. “Then 9 it will be Mr. Stark,” Harry said.

Isabella smiled at Steve's little slip up with his words. She liked how Steve was when Kate was around. He was clearly a man in love. "Well, if she would like a drink there's a bottle of red wine in the kitchen and two glasses," she said with a little wink. "Tony and I have dinner reservations and Serena is going out with Harry to a movie."

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Natalya had showered and was putting on some comfortable clothes. She had promised Theo that they could play some video games together. He had shown her how to play a few weeks ago and had gotten very good since then. They enjoyed playing together. It was a good way for Natalya to relax. She pulled on her sweatshirt and began to pull her hair back into a ponytail.

"Yes, come on in."

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Serena heard the elevator and knew Harry was there. She spritzed on a little perfume and put on her coat. She grabbed her purse and smiled at Harry as she approached him.

"Hi Harry."

Harry smiled when he saw Serena. She was gorgeous in that skirt. He stepped up to her and boldly kissed her on the cheek in front of her father. A little advice from his own father to not show that he was intimidated. Tony smiled. He liked Harry, he had smarts and good looks and had a confident air about him. He reminded him of himself. He looked at Isabella. “Which movie will you see?” He asked though he wasn’t up on all the movies playing. “Uh, Harry Potter, “ Harry responded. Tony nodded.

“You look...nice Serena,” Harry complimented.

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Theo liked spending time with Natalya. Her...calmness was refreshing. He could be himself around her. Though he also had a pretty serious crush on her too, He hoped she didn’t know. He liked spending close time with her, and playing video games was a good way to be close to her.

They were together as a team in the game, defeating monsters and completing quests.

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Harry and Serena departed and Harry took her hand as they descended in the elevator. He kissed her hand as the elevator opened and Happy was there, ready to take them to the theatre.

Serena smiled and blushed a little when Harry kissed her on the cheek in front of her father. However, she also liked how bold he was. She smiled a little more at his compliment. "Thank you. You look very nice as well." Harry was incredibly handsome and when he smiled at her she felt like her knees turned to jelly. She walked with him into the elevator and smiled when she felt him take her hand and kiss it. They got into the car and headed towards the theatre.

"Have you read the books?" she said referring to Harry Potter. "I'm a huge fan myself."

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Natalya and Theo played their game out in the living room. Natalya thought it would be strange for them to play in her room. They had made some popcorn and also had out some candy. Natalya had never been allowed to eat such food when she was being controlled by Tatiana. But it turned out that she had a pretty serious sweet tooth. She had a very high metabolism so she could pretty much eat whatever she wanted and not gain any weight.

She smiled as Theo took out a bad guy. "Good job."

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Isabella went back to her and Tony's room to get changed. She pulled out a black dress and a dark green dress from the closet. "Which one?" She saw him look past her and eye the burgundy dress behind her. "I'm not wearing that one," she said with a little grin. "Every time I wear that dress you can't keep your hands off of me and we end up having sex in a bathroom."

“Several times,” Harry said as they drove in the car. Happy was instructed to keep the divider open and Harry noticed that it was open so he kept a respectful distance from Serena. Harry felt like he was on top of the world, now that Serena and he were dating. He knew they were very young but he really liked her and butterflies as large as elephants did somersaults in his stomach when she smiled at him. “I’ve been thinking about you all day,” Harry said in a whisper.

WHen they arrived, Happy let them out of the car. Happy let Serena buy the tickets and he bought all fo the snacks they wanted, which was alot more than the tickets., He didn’t care though, it was Serena Stark, after all. The movie had been out for a week so they had gotten great seats and he was happy when she leaned into him as they shared the popcorn. They bought twizzlers, frozen cokes, and reeses pieces with the popcorn. He held her hand and it was ok that their fingers were greasy from the popcorn. They talked about the books before the movie started. When it did, and the lights dimmed Harry leaned toward her as she leaned toward him. He liked that her head rested on his shoulder as the movie began.

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Theo was playing a wizard as Natalya Played a warrior. THey made a good team and Theo beamed with happiness as Natalya helped him advance in the game.

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Tony selected the Black Dress though he did mention that sex in the bathroom was not off the table. He had been insatiable as of late. Isabella had not gotten much sleep in the past few days. Alright for Tony but not alright for someone who needed their sleep.