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Chrome Legion wrote:Hailey Winters


"It might. He seems like a good sort, and if being with him makes her happy, then I have no problems with it. She deserves happiness. At least as much as we do." The faintest hint of self doubt touched Hailey's voice. "You are happy with me right?"

She had no reason to think otherwise, but it always felt good to have it confirmed. This was also the longest relationship with someone she had ever had, before being with Kate it had always just been one night things, or week long flings. Hailey was putting herself out for Kate, and she was happy with her.

"Are you kidding?" Katelyn scoffed, before glomping Hailey and smiling, mumbling, "I've never been happier in my life."

I never thought I'd be grateful for these gifts... but they brought me here... where I have friends... a girlfriend...

How could I hate them now?

Chrome Legion wrote:

Annice Null


Annice was in love. Madly deeply in love. She had finally found something to assuage her aching, damaged soul. It was Mr. Michel's cooking. With in minutes she had cleared her plate. Then she went back to the kitchen for a serving of crepes. Nothing like spending six months on liquids to make you gain a deep appreciation for a hardy simple breakfast. She started to slow down on the second crepe, and let out a long contented sigh. It wasn't until then that she finally noticed that someone had joined her and Allistor.

"Oh hi Shaun. I don't think I've really seen you around much lately. How have you been doing?"

Shaun Calhoun

Shaun looked up from her food and towards Annice and Allistor and shyly smile and nervously chuckling. "Oh hi Annice. Well good morning would be a proper introduction. And yes, it's been a minute I guess...", he said bobbing his knee up and down under the table. "I've been good. Just really, really tired. Haven't really slept in like a week. And when I do, it's less than 3 hours." And if one were to look closely, they could see it. Though his eyes nor prominent features didn't show evidence of sleep depravity.

"Also, I think that I've taking my anger out on my friends and just random strangers. I mean, I just made a 14 year old boy cry the other day because they bumped into me in the hallways." He then looked down in shame and embarrassment; he placed his hands together and rubbed his thumbs over his hands. But then, he looked up at Annice with a little irritation in his eyes. "But maybe people should watch where the hell they're going instead on being on their damn phones trying to catch a damn charizard!", he said with a little more force and anger in his voice. One could even hear the faint bobbing of his leg under the table.

Hailey Winters


"Thanks for that Red. I'm glad that you're happy here, and with me. I don't think I've been happier than now either. Looking back, it almost feels like the rest of my life was just... well kind of fake. But now I'm finally figuring out who I am. It feels really good. And I'm glad that I can share that with you." I think I can say it now... I think I can finally mean it. "I love you Katelyn Starling, and I've never been happier with anyone else."

Thinking back, Hailey didn't think she had ever told anyone else but her parents that she loved them. And she had certainly never meant it romantically before. She wasn't worried about how Kate would react, she was just happy that she could say that to some one, and truly mean it.


Annice Null


Annice was slightly worried by Shaun, he didn't really sound like him self, and was much more on edge than she had seen him before. She had never known him to snap at anyone like he mentioned either.

"I really don't mean to pry, but are you sure you're well? Is there anything wrong?"

Chrome Legion wrote:Hailey Winters


"Thanks for that Red. I'm glad that you're happy here, and with me. I don't think I've been happier than now either. Looking back, it almost feels like the rest of my life was just... well kind of fake. But now I'm finally figuring out who I am. It feels really good. And I'm glad that I can share that with you." I think I can say it now... I think I can finally mean it. "I love you Katelyn Starling, and I've never been happier with anyone else."

Thinking back, Hailey didn't think she had ever told anyone else but her parents that she loved them. And she had certainly never meant it romantically before. She wasn't worried about how Kate would react, she was just happy that she could say that to some one, and truly mean it.

The next sound Katelyn made sounded remarkably like a whistling kettle. Apparently, this transcended squeaking and went straight to 'brain shortcircuited'.

"...I... I love you, too, Hailey," Katelyn whispered when she finally regained her senses. "I'm so happy... we can be here like this..."

Ignis hummed as she hung garlands of colorful fall leaves on the wall of the classroom, standing on the stool. She started to tape one end of the last one to a corner of the blackboard when a searing pain shot through her left leg, causing her to lose her balance and fall down with a crash. Ignis laid on the ground for a moment, then got up and dusted herself off.
"Man, it's starting to really create some trouble for me..." She sighed.

Saldinado wrote:

Chrome Legion wrote:

Annice Null


Annice was in love. Madly deeply in love. She had finally found something to assuage her aching, damaged soul. It was Mr. Michel's cooking. With in minutes she had cleared her plate. Then she went back to the kitchen for a serving of crepes. Nothing like spending six months on liquids to make you gain a deep appreciation for a hardy simple breakfast. She started to slow down on the second crepe, and let out a long contented sigh. It wasn't until then that she finally noticed that someone had joined her and Allistor.

"Oh hi Shaun. I don't think I've really seen you around much lately. How have you been doing?"

Shaun Calhoun

Shaun looked up from her food and towards Annice and Allistor and shyly smile and nervously chuckling. "Oh hi Annice. Well good morning would be a proper introduction. And yes, it's been a minute I guess...", he said bobbing his knee up and down under the table. "I've been good. Just really, really tired. Haven't really slept in like a week. And when I do, it's less than 3 hours." And if one were to look closely, they could see it. Though his eyes nor prominent features didn't show evidence of sleep depravity.

"Also, I think that I've taking my anger out on my friends and just random strangers. I mean, I just made a 14 year old boy cry the other day because they bumped into me in the hallways." He then looked down in shame and embarrassment; he placed his hands together and rubbed his thumbs over his hands. But then, he looked up at Annice with a little irritation in his eyes. "But maybe people should watch where the hell they're going instead on being on their damn phones trying to catch a damn charizard!", he said with a little more force and anger in his voice. One could even hear the faint bobbing of his leg under the table.

Allistor Abendroth

"It seems that you're starting to sound similar to me. Can't blame him though. The school is littered with stops for some reason." He took his phone out of his pocket and showed the overmap of Mana. "It's been awhile since I've seen you, Shaun." He thoughtfully chewed at his food, contemplating on it's texture and flavor and was kind of insecure that Annice finished earlier than he did. "You need to calm down for a bit. There might be times that we want to choke the living hell out of clumsy juniors but they are still children."

Shaun Calhoun

Shaun noticed his changed in volume and tone and even saw the concern in Annice's face. He softly sighed and shook his head.

"I'm sorry for that. I'm just a little cranky, that's all. And as for your first and second question, I really don't know how to answer that. Maybe it's just puberty talking or something and too much pent up stress and anger, I don't know" He then sighed again and looked away from her while rubbing the back of his head. "But what I do know is that I'm tired. Just....tired", he said sounding melancholy before he weakly laughed. Realizing what he said, he looked at Annice and smiled once more. "But you don't have to worry about me if you don't won't to; I mean, I don't mind it."

He then heard Allistor talked and gave a even bigger smile to him. "Yes, it has. I apologize for not coming to speak to you as much as I use to." He said looking at the phone as it was covered with stops from that blasted app. "Yeah, I guess so...Maybe I do need to calm down. Maybe Dominique can help me; seeing as he's almost always chill." He then yawned in tiredness and ran his hands through his hair.

"So enough about me. What about you two? I'd seen you two down by the shore earlier this morning as well as almost everywhere together. And it looks like you're both having a good time when you're around each other. I'm not surprise that you two probably go to the bathroom together, huh?" Shaun then let out a soft, genuine laugh.

Chrome Legion wrote:Catherine de Sanguine Vivere

Catherine turned her head, and for the first time in these two long months, planted a kiss, with trembling lips, against Aria's. With out Aria her for her, she had no idea if she could have handled all that had happened, how much worse it all would have been. At the same time she longed for the old Aria, for they way they used to be so happy together. Maybe some day they could be like that again. Aria didn't blame Catherine for anything that had happened, but she did blame her self.

"I'll never stop loving you Aria... I just wish I could have let you keep your promise to protect me, instead I charged out on my own. I know how much it must hurt you to see me like this. I'm so sorry I put you through this. I'm still glad I have you though, and I would trade the time I spend with you for anything in the world."

Catherine slowly dropped the embrace, and moved over to her dresser. She had stopped wearing most of her old wardrobe, instead favoring long, plain black robes. She struggled a bit getting dressed, but insisted that she could do it on her own. Before sitting back down in her wheelchair. Catherine didn't use it everyday, but on days like this it was a welcome relief from the pain that standing and walking could bring.

Aria

The tender kiss that met Aria's lips was something that she had almost missed in the past two months with Catherine. Ironically though, romantics and relationships had rarely crossed her mind that time, as academics and caring for Catherine took precedence over every other aspect of her; not even that deep rooted desire of hers to be loved ever peered through the self-hatred and misery that she felt. The moment of intimacy, reminiscent of times past, was merely a painful reminder to Aria of the life she would never have a chance to live.

"...You have nothing to apologize for...I wasn't there for you when you needed it...Just know that through all the sorrow...all the pain...I will stand beside you..."

'Even if it kills me.' Aria thought before turning away from Catherine once more.

Aria said these words quietly as Catherine pulled away, no longer able to feel the heat of her own heart knowing that this time of tranquility would be short lived, broken by the gentle knock on their door.

Luminesa wrote:Soleil looked down at the platters, and he handed one to Sage. "Thank you, sir..." he quietly thanked to Chef Michel, smiling gratefully to him. He then turned back to Sage and smiled to her. "Now, w-we'll take this to their room, a-and hopefully they'll like it! Everyone likes breakfast in bed!" he explained. He then led her out of the cafeteria, and over to Aria's room, across campus. The aroma of all of the spices filled the early morning air like a heavy perfume, and it made Soleil's eyes water. He normally did not eat food this spicy, and was not expecting for the platter to be full of spicy foods. He hoped Aria and Catherine would like them, however.

When they arrived at Aria's dorm, he knocked on the door and called quietly, "...A-Aria?...Catherine?...I-It's me, Soleil...S-Sage and I...have something for you..." As he stood there, he became incredibly anxious. What if Aria was not happy to see them? What if she saw them and just shut the door in their faces? How would he explain that to Sage? And who would eat all the food? Maybe Natalie will eat them, if they have cheese in them...no! No, this has to work! he told himself, as he took a deep breath of the hot-sauce covered platter in front of him. Wiping his teary eyes, which were wet from the sharpness of the spices, he prepared for Aria's reaction. He could not think about what would happen if things went wrong. He needed to smile, to show Sage that she was doing the right thing, that making people happy was fun and a good thing to do, especially when other people were depressed and needed some cheering up.

At the sound of the knocking, Aria slowly walked to the door to hear Soleil's voice, timid as ever. It was strange to her that out of nearly everyone in the Academy, he had barely changed a bit after the battle. His shyness and innocence had refused to leave him even after the horror of it all...unlike everyone else who had not the luxury of a sweet victory where they were left unscathed.

Looking back and seeing that Catherine was fully changed and seated contently in her wheelchair, Aria slowly twisted the brass knob and opened the door, letting a bit of cool light from the Aquo dormitory's interior into their room. The sight of a slightly nervous, but smiling Soleil and Sage greeted her eyes, each holding covered trays of food. Aria herself was unable to tell what exactly there was under them, as her sense of smell was practically non-existent, just like her sense of taste; dull and useless.

As the light poured in, Aria's form was revealed to Soleil and Sage. Her skin was a snowy white, so much so that it resembled porcelain more than actual skin. The usually bright crimson hair that made her stand out in a crowd had darkened, and even seemed to be graying where it ended, falling just below her waist. The once gleeful amber eyes that once shone like stars had changed their color to a murky combination of sunset orange and midnight purple, and were wide and sorrowful, like that of a lost puppy kicked off to the side of the road. Finally, she wore black and red robes absent of any flair or imagery that was often present in her attire; there was no point to it now, knowing she did not truly belong to any family.

"...I see...Thank you for coming then...We...we were just about to come to breakfast..." Aria stated, smiling at Soleil not even slightly as the tired expression on her face remained painfully still.

Prusselanden wrote:She looked at him for a moment strangely, then turned away. "Alright. You're welcome. Have fun with yourself, Lawrence." She said, seemingly knowing of his daydreaming. She began gathering some of the leaves around the vicinity, inspecting each for color, size and shape. She looked up at Lawrence. "Hey, you busy?"

Lawrence L. H. D. Vdovushkin

"Not at the moment", he said, looking out at the lake and breathing in the fresh air deeply. The past few days or so had been quite hectic; he had spent most of his free time churning out pop quiz questions, on top of marking assignments and holding consultation sessions. The number of teabag packets left in the massive ziplock bag that he had brought along was slowly dwindling.

"Right now, I'm just relaxing... well... before I next start working again. Heh heh heh..."

The lake's scenery reminded him of a piece of music. One that he had heard in a live performance long ago, back when he was still in his early twenties. Something about the way the sun rose magnificently over the waters brought him back to that moment...

The Vorspiel of Das Rheingold... That's the one.

Back when he was in his second year, much to his delight, Lawrence had somehow gotten hold of a highly coveted ticket to watch Wagner's Ring Cycle in the Bayreuth Festspielhaus. The experience, to say the least, was unforgettable.

In any case...

"Well", said Lawrence, standing up and taking his briefcase, "I think I'll go get a drink. See you later."

Rhomaia wrote:

Chrome Legion wrote:Catherine de Sanguine Vivere

Catherine turned her head, and for the first time in these two long months, planted a kiss, with trembling lips, against Aria's. With out Aria her for her, she had no idea if she could have handled all that had happened, how much worse it all would have been. At the same time she longed for the old Aria, for they way they used to be so happy together. Maybe some day they could be like that again. Aria didn't blame Catherine for anything that had happened, but she did blame her self.

"I'll never stop loving you Aria... I just wish I could have let you keep your promise to protect me, instead I charged out on my own. I know how much it must hurt you to see me like this. I'm so sorry I put you through this. I'm still glad I have you though, and I would trade the time I spend with you for anything in the world."

Catherine slowly dropped the embrace, and moved over to her dresser. She had stopped wearing most of her old wardrobe, instead favoring long, plain black robes. She struggled a bit getting dressed, but insisted that she could do it on her own. Before sitting back down in her wheelchair. Catherine didn't use it everyday, but on days like this it was a welcome relief from the pain that standing and walking could bring.

Aria

The tender kiss that met Aria's lips was something that she had almost missed in the past two months with Catherine. Ironically though, romantics and relationships had rarely crossed her mind that time, as academics and caring for Catherine took precedence over every other aspect of her; not even that deep rooted desire of hers to be loved ever peered through the self-hatred and misery that she felt. The moment of intimacy, reminiscent of times past, was merely a painful reminder to Aria of the life she would never have a chance to live.

"...You have nothing to apologize for...I wasn't there for you when you needed it...Just know that through all the sorrow...all the pain...I will stand beside you..."

'Even if it kills me.' Aria thought before turning away from Catherine once more.

Aria said these words quietly as Catherine pulled away, no longer able to feel the heat of her own heart knowing that this time of tranquility would be short lived, broken by the gentle knock on their door.

Luminesa wrote:Soleil looked down at the platters, and he handed one to Sage. "Thank you, sir..." he quietly thanked to Chef Michel, smiling gratefully to him. He then turned back to Sage and smiled to her. "Now, w-we'll take this to their room, a-and hopefully they'll like it! Everyone likes breakfast in bed!" he explained. He then led her out of the cafeteria, and over to Aria's room, across campus. The aroma of all of the spices filled the early morning air like a heavy perfume, and it made Soleil's eyes water. He normally did not eat food this spicy, and was not expecting for the platter to be full of spicy foods. He hoped Aria and Catherine would like them, however.

When they arrived at Aria's dorm, he knocked on the door and called quietly, "...A-Aria?...Catherine?...I-It's me, Soleil...S-Sage and I...have something for you..." As he stood there, he became incredibly anxious. What if Aria was not happy to see them? What if she saw them and just shut the door in their faces? How would he explain that to Sage? And who would eat all the food? Maybe Natalie will eat them, if they have cheese in them...no! No, this has to work! he told himself, as he took a deep breath of the hot-sauce covered platter in front of him. Wiping his teary eyes, which were wet from the sharpness of the spices, he prepared for Aria's reaction. He could not think about what would happen if things went wrong. He needed to smile, to show Sage that she was doing the right thing, that making people happy was fun and a good thing to do, especially when other people were depressed and needed some cheering up.

At the sound of the knocking, Aria slowly walked to the door to hear Soleil's voice, timid as ever. It was strange to her that out of nearly everyone in the Academy, he had barely changed a bit after the battle. His shyness and innocence had refused to leave him even after the horror of it all...unlike everyone else who had not the luxury of a sweet victory where they were left unscathed.

Looking back and seeing that Catherine was fully changed and seated contently in her wheelchair, Aria slowly twisted the brass knob and opened the door, letting a bit of cool light from the Aquo dormitory's interior into their room. The sight of a slightly nervous, but smiling Soleil and Sage greeted her eyes, each holding covered trays of food. Aria herself was unable to tell what exactly there was under them, as her sense of smell was practically non-existent, just like her sense of taste; dull and useless.

As the light poured in, Aria's form was revealed to Soleil and Sage. Her skin was a snowy white, so much so that it resembled porcelain more than actual skin. The usually bright crimson hair that made her stand out in a crowd had darkened, and even seemed to be graying where it ended, falling just below her waist. The once gleeful amber eyes that once shone like stars had changed their color to a murky combination of sunset orange and midnight purple, and were wide and sorrowful, like that of a lost puppy kicked off to the side of the road. Finally, she wore black and red robes absent of any flair or imagery that was often present in her attire; there was no point to it now, knowing she did not truly belong to any family.

"...I see...Thank you for coming then...We...we were just about to come to breakfast..." Aria stated, smiling at Soleil not even slightly as the tired expression on her face remained painfully still.

He had been hoping at the very least her eyes would light-up a little bit at the idea of getting a surprise breakfast. Maybe even a tiny smile, something that showed him they appreciated their breakfast. Looking up into Aria's eyes, he saw all of the deep sadness and numbness in them. They were the centerpiece to her drab countenance, two dark bruises set in places were glittering topazes once shone. Along with her unnaturally pale face, her drab clothing, and her flat hair, she looked awful, like she had not slept in months.

Catherine was not much different. She also looked pitiful, dressed in dull black clothing, not even bothering to wear the sharp and pretty clothing she normally wore to class or around campus. She sat in her wheelchair with a depressed look on her face, like she had just been crying. Between the two of the girls, they filled the room with an air of despair, one that killed any appetite that one would normally have.

Standing before them, Soleil did not just feel intimidated, like he normally did. He could sense something was deeply wrong with both girls, and he felt his own stomach sink deep down, as he stood in their doorway. Nevertheless, he wanted to keep trying, for Sage's sake, to show her that even if they did not show their happiness, the two of them were still doing the right thing. "...Um...w-well, you won't have to go to the cafeteria for it...S-Since now, it's here! You can have some breakfast, w-without having to go anywhere! I-I just hope you don't mind spicy food..." he explained. He then handed his tray to Aria, and motioned for Sage to give Catherine her tray.

They're...not happy to see us at all...I-It's like...W-Walking in here...i-it's like walking...into a graveyard...Th-They look...haunted, almost...I-I...I shouldn't have come...

Before he could finish, he swallowed very slightly, and continued standing where he was.

No. I cannot run away from my friends. I cannot run away from them, not when I want them to be happy...I-I have to stay here, to make sure that they...that they are happy... he told himself. He was determined not to leave unless they had the doors slammed in their faces.

Saldinado wrote:Shaun Calhoun

Shaun noticed his changed in volume and tone and even saw the concern in Annice's face. He softly sighed and shook his head.

"I'm sorry for that. I'm just a little cranky, that's all. And as for your first and second question, I really don't know how to answer that. Maybe it's just puberty talking or something and too much pent up stress and anger, I don't know" He then sighed again and looked away from her while rubbing the back of his head. "But what I do know is that I'm tired. Just....tired", he said sounding melancholy before he weakly laughed. Realizing what he said, he looked at Annice and smiled once more. "But you don't have to worry about me if you don't won't to; I mean, I don't mind it."

He then heard Allistor talked and gave a even bigger smile to him. "Yes, it has. I apologize for not coming to speak to you as much as I use to." He said looking at the phone as it was covered with stops from that blasted app. "Yeah, I guess so...Maybe I do need to calm down. Maybe Dominique can help me; seeing as he's almost always chill." He then yawned in tiredness and ran his hands through his hair.

"So enough about me. What about you two? I'd seen you two down by the shore earlier this morning as well as almost everywhere together. And it looks like you're both having a good time when you're around each other. I'm not surprise that you two probably go to the bathroom together, huh?" Shaun then let out a soft, genuine laugh.

Allistor Abendroth

Allistor nearly choked on his breakfast and swiftly took a gulp from his milk tea. "Th-that is preposterous, Shaun! Annice and I are just friends." He wiped his mouth of the milk tea and in the process hiding his blush. "What made you think of such assumption?" Allistor took a nervous bite out of his toasted sandwich, giving a sideways glance at Annice.

Annice Null


Annice blushed slightly. "I don't know if I'd go that far... Oh, I did get some great news, I'm sure you saw, I can eat real food again! I've been living off of barracks food for my whole life, and the last six months have just been liquids. This is actually the best meal of my life." Annice smiled, and her blush deepened on her pale face. "I'm glad I could enjoy it with friends."

Annice was happy to be able to sit here with her friends for breakfast, such a simple thing that she didn't even imagine she would be some where like this. It was... normal, and that was what she really wanted.


Hailey Winters


"That felt good to say, and to heard... You know what would really feel good though," Hailey edged closer and whispered into Red's ear. "food." Hailey flashed a bright smile and laughed. "Let's get going, at this rate we'll be some of the last ones there."

It didn't take long to get to the Cafeteria, though Hailey was starting to wish she had brought a thicker coat, the school was really starting to cool down as the cold winds of winter made their way south. Hailey grabbed a large plate of hash browns and scrambled eggs before taking one of the specials, a big fruit and cream filled crepe. After getting her food, she went over with Kate to sit down with her Annice, Shaun, and Allistor. As hungry as she was, she barely gave them a nod before digging into her food.


Catherine de Sanguine Vivere


Catherine locked the wheels together, so that she could move with one arm. She smiled, even if only slightly. Soliel was a strange bright spot of innocence at Mana. He had seen the horrors of that night, but seemed to have emerged almost unchanged. Part of her wanted to berate him for his foolish naïveté, but there was something refreshing about him.

"Hello Soliel. It's good to see you. I hope your studies have been going well."

Luminesa wrote:Standing before them, Soleil did not just feel intimidated, like he normally did. He could sense something was deeply wrong with both girls, and he felt his own stomach sink deep down, as he stood in their doorway. Nevertheless, he wanted to keep trying, for Sage's sake, to show her that even if they did not show their happiness, the two of them were still doing the right thing. "...Um...w-well, you won't have to go to the cafeteria for it...S-Since now, it's here! You can have some breakfast, w-without having to go anywhere! I-I just hope you don't mind spicy food..." he explained. He then handed his tray to Aria, and motioned for Sage to give Catherine her tray.

They're...not happy to see us at all...I-It's like...W-Walking in here...i-it's like walking...into a graveyard...Th-They look...haunted, almost...I-I...I shouldn't have come...

Before he could finish, he swallowed very slightly, and continued standing where he was.

No. I cannot run away from my friends. I cannot run away from them, not when I want them to be happy...I-I have to stay here, to make sure that they...that they are happy... he told himself. He was determined not to leave unless they had the doors slammed in their faces.

Aria

"...Ah, so you wanted to do something like this just for Catherine and I...How thoughtful of you, Soleil..." Aria responded as Soleil gave her the tray, and walking back slightly to make way for Sage to get to Catherine without her being right in the doorway. "...It is not often nowadays that we see such acts as these...but nonetheless, I am sure we will enjoy this..." she finished, her voice trailing off, unable to finish speaking the thought that had come to her.

Sitting down on her bedspread, which was remarkably, almost meticulously smoothed out beforehand, Aria kept the hot tray in her lap while Sage carried Catherine's to her, keeping her eyes on the disguised demon every step of the way.

Chrome Legion wrote:Annice Null


Annice blushed slightly. "I don't know if I'd go that far... Oh, I did get some great news, I'm sure you saw, I can eat real food again! I've been living off of barracks food for my whole life, and the last six months have just been liquids. This is actually the best meal of my life." Annice smiled, and her blush deepened on her pale face. "I'm glad I could enjoy it with friends."

Annice was happy to be able to sit here with her friends for breakfast, such a simple thing that she didn't even imagine she would be some where like this. It was... normal, and that was what she really wanted.


Hailey Winters


"That felt good to say, and to heard... You know what would really feel good though," Hailey edged closer and whispered into Red's ear. "food." Hailey flashed a bright smile and laughed. "Let's get going, at this rate we'll be some of the last ones there."

It didn't take long to get to the Cafeteria, though Hailey was starting to wish she had brought a thicker coat, the school was really starting to cool down as the cold winds of winter made their way south. Hailey grabbed a large plate of hash browns and scrambled eggs before taking one of the specials, a big fruit and cream filled crepe. After getting her food, she went over with Kate to sit down with her Annice, Shaun, and Allistor. As hungry as she was, she barely gave them a nod before digging into her food.


Catherine de Sanguine Vivere


Catherine locked the wheels together, so that she could move with one arm. She smiled, even if only slightly. Soliel was a strange bright spot of innocence at Mana. He had seen the horrors of that night, but seemed to have emerged almost unchanged. Part of her wanted to berate him for his foolish naïveté, but there was something refreshing about him.

"Hello Soliel. It's good to see you. I hope your studies have been going well."

Seeing Catherine smile at him made him feel slightly better about the whole ordeal. To him, coming into a room that reeked of such sadness made him feel inadequate, like he was not wanted there. Having her smile at him thus lightened the atmosphere, even if it was only just for a moment. It reassured him that maybe this would not be forever. Maybe if he kept this up, they would be happy again one day. Smiling back at Catherine, he answered, "...I-It's good to see you too...I-I think I've been doing okay...the teachers have said I'm doing well, anyway...A-Are you feeling any better?"

Hedeon

He'd decided to follow on that Shaun fellow's lead through the corridors and all the way into the cafeteria section. Walking through the building, he couldn't locate the source for the earlier abhorrently loud screams about certain capital city, wonder what the sound was to begin with. Non the less after little bit of quick jogging he arrived in there after Shaun. That taller male had already gotten down with his groupie of few friends or associated, whichever was preferred. Stepping in line with a little yawn escaping him yet again, he quickly took a tray, putting all the needed tableware on it and picking his choice of food. Rarely eating he was still bit lackluster in doing this whole process smoothly, reflecting on how long it took for him to choose. In the end he picked a dish filled with steaming hot porridge, a large bread roll and glass of ice cool water.

After picking up his foods he quickly walked to one of the more corner tables that was currently without of residents, still the table was next to Shaun's and his friends. So as he set his tray down and sat, a tiny little wave was given as he glanced at Shaun's general direction. Those same unique blood reddish eyes of his staring with a bit of drooping in them, indicating a feeling of mild tiredness.

Rhomaia wrote:

Luminesa wrote:Standing before them, Soleil did not just feel intimidated, like he normally did. He could sense something was deeply wrong with both girls, and he felt his own stomach sink deep down, as he stood in their doorway. Nevertheless, he wanted to keep trying, for Sage's sake, to show her that even if they did not show their happiness, the two of them were still doing the right thing. "...Um...w-well, you won't have to go to the cafeteria for it...S-Since now, it's here! You can have some breakfast, w-without having to go anywhere! I-I just hope you don't mind spicy food..." he explained. He then handed his tray to Aria, and motioned for Sage to give Catherine her tray.

They're...not happy to see us at all...I-It's like...W-Walking in here...i-it's like walking...into a graveyard...Th-They look...haunted, almost...I-I...I shouldn't have come...

Before he could finish, he swallowed very slightly, and continued standing where he was.

No. I cannot run away from my friends. I cannot run away from them, not when I want them to be happy...I-I have to stay here, to make sure that they...that they are happy... he told himself. He was determined not to leave unless they had the doors slammed in their faces.

Aria

"...Ah, so you wanted to do something like this just for Catherine and I...How thoughtful of you, Soleil..." Aria responded as Soleil gave her the tray, and walking back slightly to make way for Sage to get to Catherine without her being right in the doorway. "...It is not often nowadays that we see such acts as these...but nonetheless, I am sure we will enjoy this..." she finished, her voice trailing off, unable to finish speaking the thought that had come to her.

Sitting down on her bedspread, which was remarkably, almost meticulously smoothed out beforehand, Aria kept the hot tray in her lap while Sage carried Catherine's to her, keeping her eyes on the disguised demon every step of the way.

As Soleil spoke to Catherine, however, he shifted his eyes toward Aria every now and then. She seemed to be in a perpetual fog within her own mind, speaking like she was asleep and walking like she was an undead, hollowed shell of her old self. Considering how quickly he had been taken from the fight, and thus considering how much of it he could not remember, he had no idea that she had received a revelation about herself that had shattered her to the core. He hoped that maybe the food would make her feel better. It was certainly spicy enough, maybe it would pep her up a little, if it did not cause her to breathe fire first.

Chrome Legion wrote:Hailey Winters


"That felt good to say, and to heard... You know what would really feel good though," Hailey edged closer and whispered into Red's ear. "food." Hailey flashed a bright smile and laughed. "Let's get going, at this rate we'll be some of the last ones there."

It didn't take long to get to the Cafeteria, though Hailey was starting to wish she had brought a thicker coat, the school was really starting to cool down as the cold winds of winter made their way south. Hailey grabbed a large plate of hash browns and scrambled eggs before taking one of the specials, a big fruit and cream filled crepe. After getting her food, she went over with Kate to sit down with her Annice, Shaun, and Allistor. As hungry as she was, she barely gave them a nod before digging into her food.

"YES. YES. FOOD." Katelyn shouted, and took off.

Once they got to the cafeteria, Katelyn went through her usual routine, which was to get some of absolutely everything. Then she saw Annice eating real food.

"Aaaaaaaaaaniiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeee," she said in a singsong voice, "you're eating real food... DO YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS? It means you need to have an apple. Here!" She tossed Annice an apple, grinning, and then started eating ravenously.

Kaidou wrote:

Prusselanden wrote:She looked at him for a moment strangely, then turned away. "Alright. You're welcome. Have fun with yourself, Lawrence." She said, seemingly knowing of his daydreaming. She began gathering some of the leaves around the vicinity, inspecting each for color, size and shape. She looked up at Lawrence. "Hey, you busy?"

Lawrence L. H. D. Vdovushkin

"Not at the moment", he said, looking out at the lake and breathing in the fresh air deeply. The past few days or so had been quite hectic; he had spent most of his free time churning out pop quiz questions, on top of marking assignments and holding consultation sessions. The number of teabag packets left in the massive ziplock bag that he had brought along was slowly dwindling.

"Right now, I'm just relaxing... well... before I next start working again. Heh heh heh..."

The lake's scenery reminded him of a piece of music. One that he had heard in a live performance long ago, back when he was still in his early twenties. Something about the way the sun rose magnificently over the waters brought him back to that moment...

The Vorspiel of Das Rheingold... That's the one.

Back when he was in his second year, much to his delight, Lawrence had somehow gotten hold of a highly coveted ticket to watch Wagner's Ring Cycle in the Bayreuth Festspielhaus. The experience, to say the least, was unforgettable.

In any case...

"Well", said Lawrence, standing up and taking his briefcase, "I think I'll go get a drink. See you later."

"....See you." she looked up and flashed him a smile. It would be impossible to tell if it was sarcastic or genuine, but really she meant neither. She went back to gathering leaves and humming.

Shaun Calhoun

Looking at the surprise reactions and the pink faces of Annice and Allistor, Shaun giggled almost uncontrollably. It had the cuteness and innocence of a child with the tone and pitch of a young man. Once he was done, he heard about Annice's ability to eat solid foods and smile. "Well that's great news! Now, we can raid the kitchen together with a few others. Hopefully Chef can keep up with us, knowing how some of us are.", he chuckled. Looking up from Annice he say that Hailey and Katelyn came over to sit with them. Giving a slight nob to Hailey as well, he faintly smiled to himself. It was nice being surrounded by friends and people that he cared about.

Shaun even saw that longhair blonde with the red eyes come in and sit down next to the table and eat; he even gave a wave to him as he began to eat. His face then begin to become more red and full. He then turned towards Annice and Allistor and flash a almost cheeky smile. "I won't tell." He joking said, possibly leading to something about them. Getting that out of the way, he turned to Hailey and Katelyn and shyly smiled to them. "And good morning cuties." He said in a friendly manner before looking at Hedeon and waving at him and playfully winking.

John

With every flip of a page John found himself drawn in more and more until reality became a blur as he casually made his rounds from hallway to hallway as if on autopilot. His eyes stayed glued to every line he read, as his mouth held on dearly to every syllable pronounced. small droplets of sweat slowly rolled down his forehead as he waited anxiously to finish the last paragraph of the page and move on to the next, so that its secrets would be revealed. He continued on his stroll ignoring students against his will, leaving them at a loss as the book had already successfully sprung its trap and held on dearly to its newfound prey.

To others all hope seemed lost for John to comeback to reality, that was, until he came to a sudden halt near a trashcan near the end of the hall. Onlookers stood and watched in anticipation, waiting for his next move as he read the last pages of the book. *Pow* a violent gust of wind blew through the hallway as John closed the book in dramatic fashion causing his coat to flow through the breeze like a cape on a superhero arriving at the last second to save the day. His blood red eyes hid themselves for the public view once more as he closed them shut and stood in silence that would eventually consume the whole hall. Only interrupted by nervous gulps from the onlooking students as they recovered from the blast. Their eyes widened as they braced themselves for whatever was next as John began to speak and move once again, as if an audience awaiting an address from their king.

With a deep breath "That was the worst book I have every read. *sigh* The plot was just all over the place." he said to himself as he casually tossed the book into the trashcan without even looking. " Why was their an elephant?!?! It had no purpose, and this all could have been avoided if the guy had just said ok or yea. Hell, even saying no would have been better than just standing there in silence for a simple yes or no question that I don't see how it so hard to answer in the first place. It made no since why he decided to just go through all those unnecessary trials...*sigh*" he continued, pinching the upper part of his nose in annoyance. " *sigh* I think that's enough nonsense for one day...I feel really drained after reading that, and should probably get something to eat now." The white haired man said out-loud to himself, leaving his once loyal audience in confusion and disarray as he walked off as if nothing happened.

Annice Null


Annice smiled through her faint blush, and eyed the apple that Kate had given her for a second. She was already stuffed, but not wanting to offend Kate, and exited to eat everything that she had been missing out on for the last half a year. She took just a small bite, before turning her focus back to the conversation. She simply rolled her eyes dismissively at Shaun's comment, but it did make her think. Was there something more to her and Alli's relationship? She couldn't really say, that was uncharted territory for her. She just couldn't really seriously think about that, he came from a great house, and she couldn't carry that on. Annice couldn't be what his family would expect... Yet, Alli never seemed to really care that much about his house. Maybe there could be something more between them. Annice's blush deepened, as she tried to take the conversation away from her and Allistor, back to the food.

"You know, I think I'm still going to enjoy fruit smoothies, but if I never taste another protein shake again it will be too soon."


Hailey Winters


"Aww, Thanks Shaun." Hailey wrapped her arm around Kate and pulled her closer, distracting her from her meal. "We are pretty adorable aren't we."

Hailey had never bothered to try to hide her affection for Kate, and their relationship had been fairly obvious to everyone for a few weeks now. She didn't worry about what other people might think, and so far no one had made her think twice about that. Everyone seemed to accept them, and wish them well. Annice seemed particularly happy to see them together, and was a great support. None worries that Hailey had about being in an open Homosexual relationship had come true, and she was happy to be here with her freinds.

"So, anyone know of anything interesting happening today? Sundays can get kind of boring."


Catherine de Sanguine Vivere


"There are bad days and... better days." Catherine looked over to Aria, her gratitude and love clear, but also her worry. "I have the best help I could ask for here." Catherine wanted to talk to Soleil about her worries for Aria, but now was not the time or the place. "Other than classes, how have you been doing Soleil? I don't think we've really had a chance to talk since... before."

Chrome Legion wrote:Annice Null


Annice smiled through her faint blush, and eyed the apple that Kate had given her for a second. She was already stuffed, but not wanting to offend Kate, and exited to eat everything that she had been missing out on for the last half a year. She took just a small bite, before turning her focus back to the conversation. She simply rolled her eyes dismissively at Shaun's comment, but it did make her think. Was there something more to her and Alli's relationship? She couldn't really say, that was uncharted territory for her. She just couldn't really seriously think about that, he came from a great house, and she couldn't carry that on. Annice couldn't be what his family would expect... Yet, Alli never seemed to really care that much about his house. Maybe there could be something more between them. Annice's blush deepened, as she tried to take the conversation away from her and Allistor, back to the food.

"You know, I think I'm still going to enjoy fruit smoothies, but if I never taste another protein shake again it will be too soon."


Hailey Winters


"Aww, Thanks Shaun." Hailey wrapped her arm around Kate and pulled her closer, distracting her from her meal. "We are pretty adorable aren't we."

Hailey had never bothered to try to hide her affection for Kate, and their relationship had been fairly obvious to everyone for a few weeks now. She didn't worry about what other people might think, and so far no one had made her think twice about that. Everyone seemed to accept them, and wish them well. Annice seemed particularly happy to see them together, and was a great support. None worries that Hailey had about being in an open Homosexual relationship had come true, and she was happy to be here with her freinds.

"So, anyone know of anything interesting happening today? Sundays can get kind of boring."


Catherine de Sanguine Vivere


"There are bad days and... better days." Catherine looked over to Aria, her gratitude and love clear, but also her worry. "I have the best help I could ask for here." Catherine wanted to talk to Soleil about her worries for Aria, but now was not the time or the place. "Other than classes, how have you been doing Soleil? I don't think we've really had a chance to talk since... before."

Soleil blushed when she asked about him personally. He did not have much to say about himself...or he did, but he did not want to. "...Oh...Yes, I...I-I'm okay...I-I've been training a lot...for the last two months...Th-Though I've been doing most of it in private...I-I get nervous about...training in front of other people...But yeah! I'm good! Th-Thank you for asking!" Of course, he always had his own worries, but he tried not to let them get in the way, especially not after the fight with Lynefleur. So many people seemed to need someone who at least seemed happy, and he wanted to be that person.

Chrome Legion wrote:Annice Null


Annice smiled through her faint blush, and eyed the apple that Kate had given her for a second. She was already stuffed, but not wanting to offend Kate, and exited to eat everything that she had been missing out on for the last half a year. She took just a small bite, before turning her focus back to the conversation. She simply rolled her eyes dismissively at Shaun's comment, but it did make her think. Was there something more to her and Alli's relationship? She couldn't really say, that was uncharted territory for her. She just couldn't really seriously think about that, he came from a great house, and she couldn't carry that on. Annice couldn't be what his family would expect... Yet, Alli never seemed to really care that much about his house. Maybe there could be something more between them. Annice's blush deepened, as she tried to take the conversation away from her and Allistor, back to the food.

"You know, I think I'm still going to enjoy fruit smoothies, but if I never taste another protein shake again it will be too soon."


Hailey Winters


"Aww, Thanks Shaun." Hailey wrapped her arm around Kate and pulled her closer, distracting her from her meal. "We are pretty adorable aren't we."

Hailey had never bothered to try to hide her affection for Kate, and their relationship had been fairly obvious to everyone for a few weeks now. She didn't worry about what other people might think, and so far no one had made her think twice about that. Everyone seemed to accept them, and wish them well. Annice seemed particularly happy to see them together, and was a great support. None worries that Hailey had about being in an open Homosexual relationship had come true, and she was happy to be here with her freinds.

"So, anyone know of anything interesting happening today? Sundays can get kind of boring."

Katelyn's eye twitched.

She's not eating the apple.

She's wasting it.

That's perfectly good food, and it's going to waste.

Then Hailey hugged her, and her face suffused with red. As usual, she squeaked in surprise, and then started stuttering.

"I... I t-thought I heard someone screaming something about going to P-Paris... I hear France has great food..."

Lawrence L. H. D. Vdovushkin

Oh yes! Today is the day we're leaving for Paris! Heh heh... funny how I could forget something like that...

With a handful of loose change in his hand, the chemistry teacher silently walked over to the vending machine, slotting the small-denomination coins into the hole and pressing the button corresponding to the coffee he wanted. A reduced sugar espresso with milk. Not that espresso was even nice with sugar in the first place, but for such convenience, one couldn't complain.

As soon as the drink tumbled out of the dispenser, Lawrence seized the can, before walking over to a table, Along the way, he attempted to open it with only one hand; he couldn't. The can, coated with condensation, kept slipping out of the grip of his slender fingers, like a snake slithering out of an inexperienced wrangler's grip.

It was Lawrence's guilty secret. He sometimes attempted to show off in front of his students just for fun; it didn't always end up looking good.

A few tries later, Lawrence gave up, wedging his briefcase under his armpit and using both hands to open the can.

Thankfully, most people in the cafeteria seemed to be minding their own business, so it was probably not going to be too embarrassing for him. In any case, it wasn't like he had done anything worthy of students blacklisting him as "That Weird Guy", or anything along those lines.

No... not at all...

...

"Um... good morning everybody. I'm Mr Lawrence Vdovushkin, and... I'll be taking over your class for the remaining five months of the year."

"What happened to Ms Yuen?"

"Well... um... David Guderian, right?... Um... She's taken ill, and she won't be able to-"

"Taken ill with what?"

Lawrence never forgot David's gaze. Those penetratingly clear green eyes, accented by the brown fringe that nearly covered them. David was a small, scrawny boy, but there was a clarity in his eyes that gave him the air of someone far more intelligent than he was letting on.

"She's been diagnosed with breast cancer..."

...

With a quiet grunt, Lawrence took a seat at a random empty table. From the looks of it, Katelyn, Shaun, and a few others were sitting at the other end, but on this day, he didn't really have much to say.

As such, simply for the sake of courtesy, he smiled and waved at them, before turning back to his underwhelming caffeinated drink.

Henry Von Kressel

And among his thoughts, as he walked to the school, a loud shout could be heard. One certainly loud enough to wake up the whole school. He recognized it, and the most impressive thing was simple:

It was a sentence without the word "cheese". From Natalie. Quickly walking to where it came, Henry found the compulsive cheese eater with an overly happy face.

"Did you say we were going to Paris? For what?"