Every Breath You Take (Rafe)

[Samantha Montgomery]

Samantha felt chills go through her as he retreated as if some sixth sense told her that things between them were far from over, but they were done with for now. She had won the battle...but she sensed a war.

Her arms chilled and she tried covering that by wrapping her arms around her stomach slightly and mainly getting a semblance of calm to prevent herself from appearing unnerved or frightened. The truth was no one had touched her like that since her mother's death and she mistakenly thought she was invincible. That illusion just shattered completely.

It took her a moment to realize that Seth was talking to her.

"Oh...Seth...I..." she shook her head at him, "I'm not really sure..." she said a slightly bewildered look in her eyes.

[Seth Inophen]

Seth looked at Sam sympathetically. She was playing the strong, unnerved facade, but Seth had a feeling that Sam was anything but unnerved.

He squeezed her arm gently. "It'll all be okay," he said with a slight smile. "Did I ever tell you I hate that guy," Seth said, jerking his head in the direction Rafe had walked. "Cuz I do."

[Samantha Montgomery]

Sam gave a light laugh to that, " Yeah..." she murmured shaking her head, she didn't hate Rafe, she rather only felt annoyance at him, now bewilderment and a little fear that he was much more obsessed than she had given him credit for.

[Rabastan Lestrange]

Rabastan's gaze followed Rafe away before he turned back to Sam, having given her and Seth a moment.

"If you give me the word, Sam, I will go make him pay right now." He knew the boy had hurt her, and it made him angry. He wasn't being all macho and posturing, because he still didn't care for Sam much. He was just willing to make sure the boy never hurt another girl again.

[Samantha Montgomery]

"I'll make him pay enough for the both of us." she said still hoarse so it didn't have the threatening force she wanted it to, "Thank you" she said as if thanking him for the offer, then once again, "Thank you." softer, more meaningful, thanking him for interfering when she was being choked.

[Seth Inophen]

Seth smiled again. "Did you want to get some air Sam?" he asked, giving her an escape if she wanted one. He'd come with her, just to make sure she was really okay, but only if she asked.

[Rabastan Lestrange]

Rabastan nodded, and watched Seth for a moment before being a gentleman and bowing out.

"Have a good night, Samantha, and you, Seth."

He left for the boys' dorms, half intent on kicking ass still, but went to his own room instead.

[Samantha Montgomery]

She smiled at the offer, " Thank you Seth, that's kind." she said but then put a hand to her throat she didn't like the way her voice was sounding. "I think...I just want to get some sleep." she said however and gave him a soft apologetic look. She was now tired from all that had happened and really it hadn't seemed like that much. She had been through worse.

[Seth Inophen]

Seth looked at her a bit longer, then nodded. "Alright then," he said. "Goodnight," and he went to go sit in one of the chairs by the fire, summoning a book over to him and beginning to read. He decided he'd probably wait around the common room, having the feeling that Rafe was still close by and lurking around, and he didn't trust that Sam would be safe until in her own dorm.

[Samantha Montgomery]

Samantha started upstairs but she saw Seth still there, still wary of Rafe for her. Something inside of her crumbled at that moment and she brought a hand up to her chest. It was moments like this that erased years of pain, that chipped at the ice surrounding her heart and the chipping was painful because she was so grateful, and so honored when she was used to being tough instead. She looked down and spoke softly from her position ,"Seth..." she called to get his attention, " Thanks..."

One word was wrapped around so many emotions, most evident in her eyes.

[Seth Inophen]

He looked up to her, standing on the stairs. Seth could hear the emotion in her voice, and he knew the shield she always held up was slowly crumbling down. Slowly. He stood up and walked toward her, stopping at the foot of the stairs. "Any time Sam," he said, putting his hand on hers. "Any time."

[Samantha Montgomery]

The smile she gave him was brittle and more than a little hesitant, but gained force until it beamed gratitude, she kissed his cheek before going back up the stairs and getting to her dorm.

She was beginning to think that having friends would be really, really, nice.

[Seth Inophen]

Seth watched the door close behind Sam as she locked herself away in her dorm, safe from Rafe for the night. Then he tured back and sat at the seat by the fire. He'd only stay there a little while before turning in, making sure all was well.

[Rafe Colby]

Rafe, meanwhile, was up in his dorm room pacing. His roommates were already asleep, but he really didn't care. He'd messed up this time with Sam... he'd lost control. He hadn't meant to hurt her. She had to know that. He didn't want to hurt her... he just wanted her. She drove him crazy! Just one sight of that dark hair and those blue eyes... and he was simply gone. His sanity went right out the window. But when she wasn't around... that was even worse. His need to see her, to touch her, to tangle his fingers in her hair... it was almost as strong a need as oxygen. He was going to go insane if she kept shutting him out like this.

He needed to see her now. He took out his mirror and waited a moment as the view cleared. There was a small mirror near her bed, so he could watch her in the darkness of the room as she slept.

Somehow, it was enough.