Because we can -- Summer 2013?

I was in my backyard chilling on a swing waiting for my mate to meet me.  We had plans to go cause some trouble.  Well, as much trouble as we were capable of -- which was not much.  I idly moved back and forth while waiting for him.  I heard someone finally come up next to me and turned to see Declan.  "Hey mate," I said with asmile.

"Hey Ben," I repsonded, giving him a hug.  We started to walk around.  We did this at random to do our little gossip moments and decide what our plans were for the coming year at school.  "What are you thinking of for this coming year at HOgwarts?" I inquired.

I shrugged.  I thought I would have to either move on from my crush or try to date other girls.  "Nothing much.  Gotta focus on Quidditch and NEWTs.  And not going after someone a few years my junior," I answered, shaking my head.  Why would Tori want to date someone like me anyways?  I was an orphan -- despite Percy and Penelope -- and pretty average.

I laughed and shook my head.  "Ben, it doesn't hurt to go for it," I pointed out, speaking of Victoria.  Of course I was thinking of going for ti with Parker.  I mean, it was not because he was one of the only openly gay kids in school.  But he was truly a great guy.  And we both were dorks and goofy... so it was perfect.

I smirked at Declan.  "Are you giving me that advice or yourself?" I questioned, winking at my best mate.  I knew that Declan had a crush on Parker... for a little while -- probably for as long as Tori had been catching my eye.

I laughed and shrugged.  "Maybe," I said simply.  I was not entirely sure what I was going to do about Parker, yet.  "Or perhaps we need to focus only on school."

I stopped and had to look at Declan, who had a straight face.  We never focused only on school.  Not that we goofed around too badly, but still.  "Er... what?" I inquired.  This was making no sense to me.

It was so hard to keep a straight face.  I busted a smile and shook my head.  "Your face was priceless," I told Ben.  "But to go for it may be risky.  Though, if we did and it didn't work out, you and Parker are leaving after this year... so me and Tori wouldn'thave to deal with the two of you."  I gave BEn a wink again.  I knew that he would probably have issues with what I just said -- especially since he was practically a Weasley himself.

"Gee... you have such high hopes for when all this finally goes down," I said, shaking my head at Declan.  He always did hav issues with being a little pessimistic -- even when just joking.

I rolled my eyes.  "I don't think that I'll have any problems with Parker.  We're great together.  Leo told me it's like we're already dating," I added, chuckling.

I sighed.  "Yeah... you're lucky.  You and Parker are only a year apart.  I'm not sure if Tori will think I'm too old for her  She's not like Lyla who clearly doesn't care about age.  I swear she's flirted with the entire school dozens of times," I told Declan.  I liked Lyla, but she definitely was not my type.  But Tori was... and I was just concerned that Victoria would not be okay with someone my age.

I clapped Ben on the shoulder.  "At least you're older rather than younger.  So there's that," I said.  It's much better than being younger.  Girls would prefer older guys rather than younger, right?  I was not that great with reading what girls liked or did not care for.  I barely knew what guys liked.

I nodded and sighed.  "I suppose... but while in school most students prefer someone their own age.  Outside of school, age isn't that big a deal, I explained.  Why did I have to like Tori?  There were plenty of girls closer to myi own age that I could like.

He was probably right.  I shrugged.  "I still think you should go for it," I said to him simply.

I rolled my eyes.  "of course you do.  You just wnat me to do it so you're not alone in making a fool of yourself," I teased.  I kenw that was probably the main reason why Declan was pushing me to do this -- which was fine.  We all needed company whether it was company in pain, love, or whatever.