[hr][hr][center][img]http://txt-dynamic.static.1001fonts.net/txt/dHRmLjE0Mi5jM2QyNzAuVEdWMEozTWdSbXg1SVEsLC4w/tajamuka-script.regular.png[/img][hr][hr]
[img]http://i.imgur.com/xYKmI37.png[/img]        [img]http://i.imgur.com/ZHwgmCu.png[/img]        [img]http://txt-dynamic.static.1001fonts.net/txt/dHRmLjk2LmRjYzE4Zi5RVzVoYm5saC4wAAAA/symca.personaluse.png[/img]
[img]http://i.imgur.com/j43YqY5.gif[/img]   [img]https://media.giphy.com/media/l2Sq9mQShPcahBe6I/giphy.gif[/img]
[b][color=662d91]Location:[/color][/b] Bar → Side Staircase → Central Park
[b][color=Wheat]Interacting with:[/color][/b] Each other[sub][@Legion02][@Aewin][/sub], Lana, Amelia
[b][color=662d91]Exhausted → Happy → Afraid → Evassive → Elated → Challenging → Evil → Tense → Bit Tired → Caring[/color][/b]
[b][color=Wheat]Energized → Tired → Happy → Concerned → Anxious → Elated → Scared → Mortified → Sleepy[/color][/b][/center][hr]
Ananya's excitement grew as the music got louder. Taking full credit as the braver souls in the crowd started following her lead to the foreign song, thus slowly bringing life to the dance floor, the drunken girl danced along to the beat of the music with little grace or coordination. She sang along to the lyrics, her fingers curling and gesturing towards some of the other guys standing awkwardly along the sidelines, hoping to get as many people involved as she could before the song could finish.

It worked for the most part. Ananya looked at Lucas, surprised that despite the dance floor growing more crowded by the minute, he was still in her line of vision - [i]dancing[/i]. Ananya laughed. She didn't know why – she's [i]drunk[/i], does she really need a reason? –  but she didn't expect Lucas to be dancing along with her. Though it lifted her spirits, and as the song grew to a close, Ananya stopped dancing for a moment to breathe. [color=wheat]"Was that fun, or was that fun?"[/color] The girl's lips quirked up playfully as the song changed to something with a little more bass. 

[color=662d91]“That was-“[/color] Lucas was used to rapid movements and loud, banging music. But mostly of the training variant. Where sweating was allowed, laughing was discouraged (by very painful hits) and the very idea of ridiculousness was weeded out by pure discipline. Dancing felt like the exact opposite of it all. Of course, Lucas had to follow Anayna’s moves. He never danced before in his life and she seemed to know what she was doing. It also helped a bunch of people realizing that they just should follow her lead. Before half of the song was over the dance floor got filled with people dancing on a song they’d probably never listen to if it wasn’t for this strange, Indian girl. “-something. God, I’m sorry, I have to sit down.” He sort of stumbled his way towards the bar, where luckily enough two bar crunches were free for them. Lucas was already dropping drops of sweat because of the dancing when he arrived at the bar, where he quickly ordered a cocktail. When Ananya arrived, he could only ask:[color=662d91] “Okay, where the hell did you learn how to dance like that, because ”[/color] he said, as he pointed at the dance floor. [color=662d91]“You just lead more than half that dancefloor in a song none of them heard.”[/color] It was obvious that he was in a good mood. The night had take a turn for the unexpectable: him dancing. As he expected.

[color=wheat]"Booo,"[/color] pouting at the tired villain in front of her, Ananya followed behind. Despite disappointed that the song was over and people were dancing to something else, she couldn't deny that she was also quite tired from dancing so much. She laughed breathlessly, stumbling a little closer to him so she could hear Lucas over the pounding bass of the new song. She followed after him towards the bar, taking the remaining seat to his side before letting her head drop against the bartop.

[color=wheat]"That-"[/color] Ananya's voice started off muffled, before her head shot up, laughing again and leaning her chin against her palm, talking louder so he could hear her. [color=wheat]"- was [i]not[/i] dancing, that was just... uh, fun! The other girl before, the really pretty one, now [i]she[/i] danced. I just got everyone to let loose a little bit."[/color] Ananya then turned to the bartender, tiredly ordering a glass of water to soothe her parched throat. [color=wheat]"Now, I'm gonna be a little cocky and presume that you had a helluva time."[/color] She looked at Lucas one more time from the corner of her eye, her eyes twinkling in mischief, before she took a sip of water from the glass handed to her.

[color=662d91]“Fun fact, that beautiful girl that danced? That’s Gianna.”[/color] He said with a smirk. Referencing her attempt to bluff her way in. He found it pretty ironic that she didn’t even know how Gianna looked. Maybe he should introduce them. Though Lucas felt as if right now wasn’t the best of time to go up to Gianna. The day had been long and once he got near Gianna he’d be forced to talk about certain things. He didn’t want to avoid her. But at the same time, being near her would summon up some undesired, recent memories. No, tonight was about forgetting. Which, in a strange way, meant forgetting Gianna. Even for just a moment.

[color=662d91]“Some call it cocky, I call it confident.”[/color] He said, with a quick wink before he took a sip from his cocktail. [color=662d91]“Yap. Definitely had a great time. An unexpected great time cause, honestly, I never expected to dance with an Indian girl I haven’t met until a few hours ago! But look at us! We dominated the god damn floor![/color]” It was pretty obvious that Lucas was high spirits. Laughing at absolutely nothing as the alcohol took over more. He just let it all go, the stress, the insanity of today. It gotten the better of him before. But not tonight. This girl was too fun to let it all get spoiled over. [color=662d91]“So what about you? Imagined your night would be like this?”[/color]

Ananya's grin dropped for a second when she remembered the lie she tried to pull over Lucas, laughing awkwardly while rubbing the back of her head. [color=wheat]"I guess I should've researched better."[/color] She finished her drink before laughing again. [color=wheat]"I'll give myself credit for trying. I'll accept that you tried star I've seen floating around the internet."[/color]

Ananya looked at her empty glass, contemplating whether she wanted a little more to drink. She was already too far gone, why not just throw caution to the wind and have [i]fun[/i]? It's not like she'll get this opportunity often. She'll figure out her list of names some other time - but for now? Her goal was to have fun. [color=wheat]"I'll have what he's having!"[/color] Ananya flagged down the bartender again, pointing at Lucas' drink before beaming at the person and thanking them. Once she was sure that her drink was coming soon, Ananya turned to face Lucas, laughing again. [color=wheat]"I guess we're the life of the party, eh? Well I'm glad I decided to lie to your face outside. Hell-"[/color] She cut herself off as the bartender slid the cocktail towards her. She raised the glass, her hand shaking slightly as she raised it in a toast, [color=wheat]"-I wanna raise a toast to this. To our, err, weird friendship."[/color] Could she even call what they had a friendship? Probably. She's drunk, she'll call things whatever she likes.

[color=662d91]“To whatever the hell this is we both have!”[/color] Lucas toasted, not even knowing what they were. Tonight’s friends? Long term friends? For now, it was whatever it was to him. Tonight everything served the singular purpose of making him happy. Of course, fate had different plans for him. It was when he laughed with something Ananya said, that he picked up a particular scent.

For the entire night, a certain smell hung in the air. It was subtle. Lucas wouldn’t have smelled it if his brain didn’t randomly focus one sense at the time. Still, it was there. A sort of sweet touch in the air. But now a new scent was introduced to the room he was in. A scent his brain recognized. One his nose instinctively picked up. One he was familiar with, yet tried to forget. His mind landed back again, realizing the sudden emotional danger he was in. [color=662d91]“Shit.”[/color] He whispered, as he suddenly looked around like some hunted deer smelling a predator. [color=662d91]“Shit, shit, shit.”[/color] He couldn’t see her. He couldn’t see her. But she was here. He was sure of it. Far too sure. After 3 years he hoped that she wouldn’t have this effect on him anymore. But she had.

Then, if by some nightmarish version of fate he saw her. Bright lights behind her turned her all but a black figure. But the contour was enough to throw Lucas into a fight-or-flight reaction. And for the first time in his life, his body choose flight. [color=662d91]“Shit!”[/color] he exclaimed. Immediately forgetting Ananya. Not that he wanted to forget her. It was just that his brain pushed out all that was not… her. His primal instincts took over. Frantic like a newly released animal he began to push his wait through the thick crowd. Going to the front entrance was impossible. He’d see her. No worse, she’d find him. Instead, he went towards the side staircase. He almost fell down through the door, but once it closed, he slammed his fists on the opposite wall, yelling: [color=662d91]“Damn it!”[/color]

Was it something she said? Ananya lowered the glass, a lost expression on her face as the playful banter between the two newly classed friends suddenly turned... weird. She watched with a mix of confusion and horror as Lucas stumbled away from the bar as if he'd seen a ghost. Forgetting about her drink, Ananya stood up to follow after him. She didn't know whether she triggered something or he was finally feeling the effects of alcohol, but the Nag wanted to make sure he was okay. With the way he was stumbling through the door - almost falling! - there was no way she could leave him on his own to deal with whatever was going on.

[color=wheat]"Hey! Lucas! What happened?"[/color] There was concern lacing her voice, but Ananya didn't approach. Instead, while keeping her distance, she stretched her arms out as if trying to pacify him from a distance. [color=wheat]"Is everything okay? I-I'm sorry if I did something wrong."[/color] How was she supposed to help when she couldn't even think clearly? Her mind was still hazy, her head still throbbing slightly from drinking and the loud music. This... was not the fun that Ananya wanted, but she couldn't ignore a friend in need.

His brain slowly let outside impulses back into his mind. It was at the very end of Ananya speaking that he heard her. He did turn around, trying to gather his bearing again. [color=662d91]“Yes, No! I… Ugh, just. Never mind. I’m fine. No, wait. I’m not. It’s just that. Ugh.”[/color] Well he did fail spectacularly in keeping it together in front of a new friend. How did she still have so much power over him. His heart still felt ready to skip a beat. It still wanted her. After all that happened. [color=662d91]“You want to get out of here? Like, you know, wander Central Park maybe?”[/color] he tried not to sound too stressed out. He didn’t want to be in the club for much longer. Every lasting minute he was there she could find him. Then again, he didn’t want to ruin the night for Ananya.

Still unsure, the Nag responded [color=wheat]"if that'll make you less freaked out, sure."[/color] Ananya took a moment to breathe before approaching. Drunk or not, Ananya didn't push her luck by asking him to tell her what just happened. It wasn't her place, plus he didn't seem like he would be able to tell her properly anyway. Instead, trying to get him to think about something else, Ananya gave him an unsure smile. [color=wheat]"Come on, you can push me on the swings."[/color] 

Going through the front entrance was out, Lucas didn't seem to want to go anywhere near the club anymore so Ananya decided to try help Lucas out of the club. Maybe some fresh air would do well for both of them. It's not like she knew anyone else in the club, so she was sure that she wasn't going to miss much if she left a little early. Plus, it was too stuffy and hot for her liking. 

Taking a deep breath to keep it together, just enough to get out, and started walking down the stairs. Just one flight down and he was near the door of the alleyway. They very same door Eliana and her band had used to get in not 2 hours ago. Once outside and after a quickly look left and right, Lucas was assured that he was safe. So he could ease up. His joyful mood returned again as he said: [color=662d91]“Sorry for that. You know, shit happens and stuff. Okay let’s go to Central Park. Though I’m guessing we should first get something to keep us going?”[/color] Lucas knew Manhattan at night better than anyone. He knew which shops kept open just a little longer than they should maybe. Or the shops where a certain bottle could be bought that one couldn’t actually see from the outside. So after a quick stop they reached the fence of Central Park with the bottle in a bag. Lucas, with somewhat of a playful grin, looked at Ananya and asked: [color=662d91]“Did you ever actually break into a place?”[/color]

[color=wheat]"I think that you're forgetting that I go to a school for heroes."[/color] She deadpanned. Well, technicalities. Ananya's goal was never to be a hero in the first place, but to perfect her skills as a Nagin to protect her brother and maybe one day help protect other Nags from the snake charmers from suffering the same fate her mother did years ago. Wow, who knew that alcohol would make you remember unpleasant stuff? Ananya's nose scrunched up as if she were trying to forget the memory before continuing.[color=wheat]"Well, I'm far from what one would consider a hero buuuuut,"[/color] Ananya just shrugged, [color=wheat]"I think I have enough grip on my morals to know I shouldn't break the law."[/color] She decided not to bring up what happened at the club, instead to forget about it and maybe hope that Lucas wasn't going to go crazy on her again.

[color=662d91]“Mueh. Morals at midnight are for those either too boring or too stupid to have fun.”[/color] He teased. [color=662d91]“Besides, it’s just getting in a park. Why the hell would they even close the place at night? It’s perfect for night strollers!”[/color] he exclaimed, examining the fence. He actually never climbed over the fence before. But hey, first time for everything! [color=662d91]“Besides, I thought you wanted to get on the swings?”[/color] After that, he made the choice a whole lot harder. He started climbing the fence. It was high enough that it was a challenge, but he did reach the top and strategically placed himself on top of it. Between 2 spikes. He extended his hand down towards Ananya, saying: [color=662d91]“So are you coming, or are you going to break the mood of tonight?”[/color] He definitely knew he was somewhat of a manipulative asshole now. But he was also convinced she’d have more fun if she came than if she went homebound now. Besides, he already held his arm out. Even if she wasn't that good of a climber, he'd help her out on that.

[color=wheat]"If we get caught, I'm gonna blame you."[/color] It was an empty, childish threat, but Ananya smiled. She wanted to have fun, right? And what else could she expect from a villain? Ananya eyed the fence first, but she knew even if she did have enough strength to pull herself up, there was no way she was going to be able to climb a tall fence while she was still buzzed out of her mind. Looking at Lucas, she narrowed her eyes before taking his hand to help herself up the fence. She struggled for a moment before finally climbing over. [color=wheat]"There is [i]no way[/i] I'm going to be able to climb over that again, that's enough exercise for tonight."[/color] She then peered down at the ground, before hopping down.

She couldn't let him think that she was a spoilsport. Looking at the bottle in Lucas' hand, Ananya grinned as an idea formed in her mind. [color=wheat]"How about this? Whoever swings the highest on the swings gets to drink first."[/color] She challenged. 

[color=662d91]“If a cop comes, I very much doubt he’ll ask who’s to blame of all this.”[/color] Lucas smirked at Ananya. It was true though. No cop would care ‘who’s at fault’. They’d both get arrested if one found them. Not that one would. Lucas wasn’t an idiot. He’d make sure they wouldn’t get caught. Central Park had enough nooks and crannies and darkness, in the very end, was his friend. Lucas just jumped down when the Indian girl said she wouldn’t get over the fence again. [color=662d91]“Well, guess we’ll have to sleep here then.”[/color] He didn’t want to admit that he really didn’t want to go back to Mayweather. Only trouble awaited him there. Even in the early morning he was supposed to meet up with the principles [b]and[/b] Mrs. Lovelace. In the back of his mind the idea lived to never return at all.

But he couldn’t do that. He had people that cared about him, that depended on him. Gianna, Brenna, Keats. He had friends that were dealing with the same problem: that Delphina was no longer Delphina. Maybe they couldn’t go back to the golden time again, but they sure as hell could make Mayweather a better place for themselves. Maybe that meant making friends with a Mayweather? Whatever doubt he may still had about befriending Ananya vanished the second she proposed the drinking game. [color=662d91]“Are you very sure about that?”[/color] he asked, not really giving her time to answer as he took her hand and pulled her through the dark of Central Park. They soon reached the swing. What was he going to do? Play devious or nice? [color=662d91]“You want me to go first? Or you?”[/color] Why was he playing nice?

[color=wheat]"It'll be like camping but without the comfort of a sleeping bag. Or tent. Or anything for that matter."[/color] It wasn't the first time Ananya would have to sleep rough, she and her mother used to go to the woods nearby their home in India when she was still alive. It was fun mother-daughter bonding time while Sunaina would teach the younger snake about the life of a Nag, and often they'd nap in the woods after getting too tired to go back home. Ananya smiled faintly at the memory. 

Ananya could help but rethink whether it was [i]really[/i] a good idea to propose a drinking game, especially since she was already so buzzed. Hell, chances of Ananya even winning was probably low, but at least they'd have fun on the swings right?[color=wheat]"You go first. I need to see  how I can beat you."[/color] Lie. She needed to see whether it was a lost cause to win the challenge.

[color=662d91]“Camping? That would require us to sleep. You think I’m going to sleep tonight?”[/color] he asked jokingly surprised at Ananya. Maybe he should sleep. He’d have a tough night ahead of himself. Then again, maybe being exhausted and letting it all go over him was a better idea. He tried defiance against the head Warden with little success already. What hope would he have with the Principles of both schools? Lucas knew that adults hate it when children are right and they are wrong. So they wouldn’t even admit it. But they love hearing how right they are, especially by those younger. Yeah, maybe just a tired, docile Lucas was required at dawn. He just had to pull through until 11, after Mrs. Lovelace’s talk. For that, he’d probably have to drown himself in caffeine, though. But after all that, he could sleep it all away.
 
[color=662d91]“No seriously, haven’t you ever seen the sunrise after a long night. I mean, sure, everyone has seen the sunrise from over the horizon. But after hours and hours of darkness, the dawn is so tranquil. You [b]have[/b] to see it!”[/color] He said, as he smiled a genuine smile. He remembered watching the sunrise from a hill after pulling a night through. He didn’t do it often, and that memory was the only one he had where he was entirely alone. He’d never forget the pure sense of serenity.
 
[color=662d91]“You’re afraid you’re going to lose, aren’t you?”[/color] smirked Lucas, after Ananya said he should go first. “Any rules you want to put up before I start with this?” This was a challenge for her because Lucas knew a lot of tricks. Would she get them all? He very much doubted it.

Sleep was for the weak anyway. Why waste precious time laying in one place in a catatonic state for a couple hours when you could use that time to be productive and actually get stuff done? Sure, a nap is good here and there to freshen up a tired mind, but to waste [i]hours[/i] doing nothing? Ananya hated it. [color=wheat]"Watching the sun rise is always beautiful. You could even say it [i]brightens[/i] up my mood while I pray in the morning."[/color] Ananya grinned at herself for the pun she'd made, biting down at her lip with a funny expression on her face.

[color=wheat]"Hey! I always believe in the underdogs. You may be-"[/color] Ananya flailed her hands about, trying to figure out the words that could describe Lucas but to no avail, [color=wheat]"...you, but I think I might have a chance."[/color] Probably more lies. Who was she trying to fool? [color=wheat]"Only rule is... to have fun! Oh, and no powers. So that makes it two rules. Uh, don't think there's anything else I can add to that."[/color] She then gestured towards the swing, [color=wheat]"let's fly."[/color]

Lucas grinned from ear to ear. Oh she had no idea. “Okay, that pun was so lame. Don’t do that.” He first said. Before he jumped on the swing. He had no intention what so ever to sit down. Instead, he started shifting his weight back and forth while standing. The higher center of mass allowed him to go up further and further. Until his entire swing was nearly 170°. It was insane and utterly dangerous. But oh so fun. “You sure you’re going to beat this!?” he yelled at Ananya watching. When he looked forward though, he saw the stars for just a moment before it all switched out for the ground. The tingling in his stomach made him laugh out in happiness. Something he hadn’t felt for days now. Eventually he slowed the swinging down a little. But not entirely. Instead he just jumped off at the highest point. After a quick combat roll he jumped up and, for a second, stuck with the landing. Until the dizziness from the roll and the alcohol swirling in his stomach took over and he promptly fell on his back. On the ground, gazing at the stars he was still genuinely laughing.

Now [i]that[/i] she was not expecting. Ananya couldn't even complain seeing as she hadn't mentioned that sitting was a rule, but it didn't stop her from pouting and crossing her arms against her chest. [color=wheat]"That's not fair! I didn't know you were gonna do that!"[/color] Ananya's laughter stopped as she watched Lucas leap off the swing and do a roll, concern building up in her until she realised he was still laughing. [color=wheat]"Show off."[/color] She mumbled under her breath as she realised he was okay.

Unless Ananya copied what he did, she didn't think she would be able to beat Lucas. Instead, Ananya pulled off her boots, tossing the heeled shoes over her shoulders so she could walk barefooted towards the swing. Sitting down, she held onto the cord that held the swing up tightly. [color=wheat]"Are you ready to give up that bottle?"[/color] 

Lucas moved swiftly behind her, inched close to her ear and whispered: [color=662d91]“Are you?[/color]” After that he just grabbed her around her waist, blocking any movement. Effectively stopping her from swinging. All the while he deviously laughed. [color=a187be]“I win! I win! I win!”[/color] he kept on yelling, not caring if the world heard it. He was drunk and happy. The increased heart rate of the swinging only pumped the alcohol faster to his brain. Eventually, he did release her, moving in front of her again. Laughing like an idiot. [color=662d91]“You said no rules, only fun.”[/color] He grinned. She should have known better when she went up against a Delphina. [color=662d91]“Feel free to try and get back to me.” He now challenged her.[/color]

[color=wheat]"Y-you cheat!"[/color] Ananya called out, surprised at the sudden embrace. She tried wiggling out of his grasp, but it did nothing more than just delay her from completing her half of the challenge. As Lucas walked around to face her, her mouth formed an exaggerated pout. [color=wheat]"Chicken! You got scared that I would beat you!"[/color] Probably not, but it did wonders for her ego just to think of it like that. Hearing his challenge, Ananya's pout changed into a smirk for a split second before hiding it up with an innocent smile. [color=wheat]"Get back at you? Well..."[/color] Suddenly, Ananya reached out to grab Lucas, her fingers brushing against his side as she mercilessly tickled him. [color=wheat]"You're gonna regret saying that now~!"[/color] 

[color=662d91]“Sure girl, I’m the scared one.”[/color] He joyfully mocked the girl as he turned his back to her, leisurely walking up to the bottle they bought. When she talked about getting back to him, he could help but scoff at her. How could she get back at a guy like him? He was practically a tank. He could lift her up if she dared anything. Well, he did believe that until she started tickling him. Suddenly his eyes shot wide open as he started laughing far too loud. He dropped to his knees, trying to push her hands away from him. But without any focus from the laughing, he was only half successful. [color=662d91]“Stop it! Oh, damn it, stop it! I swear stop it or you will regret it!”[/color]

Then he saw a beam of light. Suddenly his mind went back to serious mode. Of course, there were guards patrolling the place. Just putting up a fence probably wasn’t the only security they had. The flashlight betrayed the location of the guard. Lucas grabbed Ananya’s hand and started running towards a nearby rock, dragging her behind him. He promised her they wouldn’t get caught and he intended to keep that promise. Eventually, they reached the rock and Lucas pulled her in close, covering her mouth with his one hand and holding the finger of her other hand in front of his lips, motioning her to be quiet.

Who would've guessed that Lucas's weakness was getting tickled? For a moment Ananya saw Adarsh in the place of Lucas, her younger brother taunting her the same way Lucas had been doing before - so her first instinct was to just tickle the smug look off his face. Ananya never expected it to work! Despite his warnings, she continued. She wanted to get back at Lucas for stopping her, and now that she knew he was ticklish there was no stopping the Nag.

...Well, except for the patrolling guards. She saw the flash of light a little too late, glad that Lucas had been quicker to notice and react. Her mind was still reeling from the fun so when Lucas began pulling her along to look for a hiding spot, Ananya followed without resistance. Her heart thumped loudly. Were they going to get caught? The last thing she wanted was to get in trouble for being found in a place she wasn't allowed to be in. What would Mrs Lovelace say? Ananya bit down on her lip to stop herself from making any sounds, her ears listening out for the approaching footsteps of the guard nearby.

There was no way the guard [i]couldn't[/i] tell that there were tresspassers nearby: the swing was still swaying in the wind, the seat warm to touch, not to mention Ananya's boots were carelessly tossed nearby as well as the bottle of alcohol Lucas had bought from the store. If anything, the guard would probably look around to make sure that they were gone. Hearing the guard step closer towards the rock, Ananya pressed herself further against Lucas and the rock to avoid getting caught. The snake listened for more sounds, [i]anything[/i] that could tell her that they were in trouble. Her hand reached up to curl around Lucas's arm, tightening slightly as she wordlessly tried to warn him that the guard was still around - not that he needed any help to know that anyway. Several minutes passed before Ananya heard the retreating footsteps, the guard leaving. Trying not to be too hopeful, Ananya squeezed Lucas's arm in warning, waiting for a couple minutes longer just to be safe before letting go of his arm.

The two were now pressed close against each other. Lucas could even feel the heat of Ananya’s skin. No doubt she felt his. His heart was beating away in his chest because of the tension. Still, he kept his hand over her mouth, not knowing if even by instinct she’d make a noise. Gasping or breathing heavy would be enough for the guard to catch them. He couldn’t let that happen. A flash of thought past through him. Should they be found, he’d knock the guard out cold. He knew he could. But that was his last resort, so he shoved the thought away again. For several moments he didn’t hear anything. But the hand around his arm told Lucas that Ananya preferred to wait it out a little longer. Not a bad idea. He stayed there, with her. Holding her close but not moving an inch. He couldn’t see the light of the flashlight nor could he hear any footsteps. Eventually, after a few minutes. He released his hand from her mouth.

[color=662d91]“He may still be around.”[/color] He whispered close to her ear. His mind was racing. The fences were high, and every business was locked down tight at night. The only reason to put a security guard on patrol at night was to check for intruders in the park itself. He guessed that there weren’t too many to get caught it. Further, while Central Park had a lot of walkways, it also had a lot of ‘wild places’ where someone on the walkway probably couldn’t see you. Central park was, in fact, filled with these spots. Besides, the guards were probably lazy. Patrolling a place like this at night probably got pretty boring. [color=662d91]“When I say go, you dash for your boots and follow me, okay?”[/color] the bushes were the nearest spot. Beyond that was a bit of green covered by trees. From there they could still go either place they’d want. Or just stay there. Slowly Lucas crept from out of his hiding place, looking around. No light, no footsteps. He was gone for now. [color=662d91]“Go!”[/color] He said to Ananya, as he too got up from behind the rock and dashed towards the bottle. Looking around would slow him down, so he just hoped she could follow. Lucas managed to grab the bottle and kept running towards the bushes opposite of the walkway near the swingset. Jumping in. A few seconds later he saw the flashlight shining. The guard probably didn’t see him jumping in the bushes. He just hoped Ananya was just as lucky.

If there was any moment that Ananya was most grateful for her enhanced sight and hearing, it was tonight. Whilst her abilities weren't exactly at it's peak, she could still use it enough to determine when it was safe enough to make their escape. Ananya breathed a sigh of relief as Lucas released his hand from her mouth. She knew they were far from guarenteed safety, but this was better than nothing right? Ananya numbly nodded along to Lucas's plan, anxiety building up in the pit of her stomach. [color=wheat][i]'Why'd I have to take off my boots?'[/i][/color] She adjusted her position so she was ready to bolt towards her boots as soon as Lucas gave her the signal. And as soon as she heard him, Ananya sprinted behind Lucas, her eyes glued to her boots that were tossed about a metre away from the swings.

There was no time to think. She pushed Lucas out of her mind for a moment so all she could do was run for her shoes, but without Ananya's complete focus on the run towards it she failed to notice the protruding root of the giant oak tree, causing the girl to crash against the ground with a grunt. The fall caused her to lose her breath, and she lay still on the ground for a moment with her foot aching. The grunt and sudden rustle of clothing had caused the patrolling guard to look back once more, but Ananya rolled in her spot just in time as the flashlight illuminated the space she once occupied. This time there was no stopping the guard. Alerted, the officer came to investigate just as Ananya attempted to crawl around the tree, stumbling up onto her feet and pressing her back against the tree trunk. There was only one way out of this...

Squeezing her eyes shut, Ananya imagined her snake form. She thought of her second half, her Nag form and before she knew it her body started reacting. Numbed to the pain, Ananya felt her bones break and reform, her tanned skin slowly hidden under shiny black scales. Her eyes grew wider, and by the time she opened it, she could see much clearer in the dark. Ananya slid out of her dress, her body sliding against the ground and up the tree just as the guard turned around. Her lower half curled around a branch, high enough to be away from the guard's eyesight, and hidden just enough in case luck wasn't in her side. The guard approached the tree, his flashlight shining against her dirtied dress before he tutted under his breath, mumbling something about indecent teenagers before walking away. The nag waited, her eyes watching the guard disappear long enough before the snake slid back down along the body of the tree and the process begun again. Ananya returned to her human form, quickly and quietly changing into her clothes (and grimacing at how dirty the white fabric had become) before peeking around the corner of the tree and running towards her boots. This time she had more luck with grabbing her boots and hurriedly wandered into the direction Ananya last remembered seeing Lucas disappearing off to.

When a moment passed and Lucas still didn’t see Ananya jumping in the bush near him, he looked back. He saw her, just rolling away back towards the tree. [color=662d91]“Damn it.”[/color] He whispered to himself. He already prepared his first. Was he willing to do it? Saying he would was one thing, but doing it was something different. That was assault. There was no preparation for it, no people to fall back on here. It was an evil thing to do, knocking someone out. But he was a villain, so he figured that yes. The next logical step after bullying would be actual assault.

But then he saw something… strange. Ananya began to transform. Her body shifted that made Lucas grimace. It couldn’t be healthy. But when she slid out of her dress, Lucas' heart jumped and he looked away. [color=662d91]“What the…!?”[/color] he exclaimed softly, to still not alert the guard. Did she just turn into a snake!? Shoving away the shame he felt for almost seeing her without clothes he looked back, the guard was shining on the dress. For a second Lucas had to grin. What would the guard be thinking? When Ananya came back down again after the guard left (Lucas kept an eye out for him) he did look away again for a second. Not wanting to spy on a girl that was getting dressed. Or did he? He was a guy, he couldn’t help it. Sometimes he turned his head a bit, just to see her from the corner of his eyes. Until he realized what he did and forced his head to look away again.

Eventually, she reached the bushes, and Lucas quickly crawled towards her.[color=662d91] “Okay, first off, that was awesome. Turning into a snake.”[/color] He said. [color=662d91]“And secondly…”[/color] he opened the bottle of booze and handed it to Ananya. [color=662d91]“…you deserve this.”[/color]

Ananya didn't exactly expect her plan to actually work. Even as she stumbled behind the bushes that Lucas was hiding in, she was still expecting the guard to suddenly notice the missing boots from beside the swing and come looking again. But when the guard disappeared around the corner, leaving the two alone again for that moment, Ananya let out a sigh of relief before collapsing, laying on her back with a soft groan. Shifting was always painful, even if Ananya was used to the pain by now, but it still hurt even today. Her joints felt sore, and all Ananya wanted to do was curl up forever. When Lucas offered her the alcohol, Ananya let out a breathless laugh before she sat up (still mindful to keep low enough to avoid detection) to take the offered bottle. [color=wheat]"It was either that, or play hide and seek around the tree until inevitably getting caught."[/color] Then Ananya's face grew red. [color=wheat]"Wait!"[/color] she whisper-yelled, eyes wide. [color=wheat]"You [i]saw[/i] that? [i]Everything!?[/i]"[/color] Oh boy. 

What other cliche was Ananya going to do? Getting drunk for the first time and breaking into a closed park wasn't enough, now she had to dress in front of Lucas!? Ananya took a swig out of the bottle, pressing her dirty palm against her mouth to muffle her cough. [color=wheat]"If I give you this bottle, will you promise to forget whatever you saw?"[/color] She avoided looking at Lucas as she pushed the bottle in his direction, the top of her ear (and pretty much her entire face) still inflamed.

Lucas was far too far away to even care for whatever he did. To him, whatever he did, he just did. He didn’t think about it anymore. It took too much effort. He had to think about every word he said for days now. As if every syllable could be used against him in the court of law. But now he was exhausted. He couldn’t keep the façade. He silently took the bottle off Ananya and took a swig. [color=662d91]“I saw some of it.”[/color] He answered, in a neutral voice.[color=662d91] “Which part you want me to forget?”[/color] he asked before taking another swig. Finally, he felt serene. It was such an alien feeling to him. But now, as the cool midnight wind rustled the leaves of the trees above them, and the small spec of darkness gave them an open view of the silver dotted sky between the green above them. What else could one feel, if but for a moment, but calm and peace. He looked over at Ananya and for a second got worried. Because she looked as if she wasn’t feeling that.

[color=wheat]"All of it, preferably. I did just give you that entire bottle as a bribe."[/color] Ananya grumbled. Ananya then stifled a yawn, her eyes stinging as she tried keeping an eye out. It would be best not to bring that topic up again, Ananya knew that if she thought about it any longer, she'd combust from the embarrassment. [color=wheat]"So are we planning on camping here or try to get outta here?"[/color] Ananya asked. No matter how much the Nag wanted a warm, comfortable bed to curl into, Ananya could tell that she wasn't going to be able to fight off the urge to sleep for long. Shifting into a snake had drained most of her remaining energy, and now with the fun seemingly over because of the damned guards there was no reason for Ananya to try and fight her exhaustion much longer. 

She  was tired. He saw it in her. In the way she spoke and looked. It got  even more obvious when she asked if they’d camp there. With both of them  so exhausted, and him having to wake up early, sleeping in Central Park  might not be such a good idea. For one, it got cold and he didn’t want  Ananya to get sick. Why did he care so much about the girl? He just  shrugged it off. [color=662d91]“I got a better idea. Just euhm, stay  awake a little longer.”[/color] After that he pulled his phone from his  pocket and quick-dialed 1.

[indent]
[i][color=a0410d]“Lucas, it’s 1am. What the hell!”[/color]
[color=662d91]“Happy to hear you too, sis.”[/color]
[color=a0410d]“Idiot. Got into trouble again?”[/color]
[color=662d91]“Euhm… Yes but-“[/color]
[color=a0410d]“Where?”[/color]
[color=662d91]“Entrance of Central Park on 59th and 6th?”[/color]
[color=a0410d]“Why the…!”[/color]
[color=662d91]“I’ll explain later. I just need someone to get us back in Mayweather.”[/color]
[color=a0410d]“Us?”[/color]
[color=662d91]“Talk to you later! Love you! Bye!”[/color][/i]
[/indent]

After  that quick phone call, he pulled up Ananya from the ground and tried to  support her as they snuck towards the nearest gate. On their walk,  Lucas asked: [color=662d91]“You got a room yet at Mayweather?”[/color]  if she didn’t, he wouldn’t mind letting her sleep in his bed for a  night. He heard the couches in the recreation room were pretty soft.  Eventually, they reached the gate unnoticed. But it was locked and  Ananya was in no way to climb over the fence.  [color=662d91]“Crap…”[/color] Lucas looked around for a moment. No cops,  no activity, not even cams. Nobody would see them. He took a deep  breath and a golden force enveloped his right hand. With one slam the  metal bent a little. With the second slam, there was a sizable dent in  the lock. After 3 hard punches the lock finally gave in and he could  open the gate. [color=662d91]“That’s going to be in the news…”[/color]  Lucas said to himself, as he and Ananya get out of Central Park and  awaited their transport.

[url=http://i.imgur.com/U4FRX00.jpg]Lana  Farweight[/url] was pretty ‘used’ to having to pick her baby brother  up. He got in all sorts of trouble. Constantly. And she saved him up.  Constantly. But that’s what family is for. Oh, he’d definitely get a  scolding. She’d do it tomorrow when he had a hangover. Just to make it  worse. But she would come. Always. Family cares for each other.  Eventually, she arrived at the entrance. Seeing the gate slightly ajar.  She knew better than to ask. She saw her baby brother and… a girl? Not  one of Gianna’s gang. She certainly wished he’d stop talking to that  monster. Did he? [color=a0410d]“Hey! You two! Get in!”[/color]

A little longer? She could do that. Probably. Ananya stifled another yawn before nodding, letting Lucas pull her up. She didn't let him do all the work, last thing she wanted to do was make Lucas drag a [s]dead[/s] sleeping body towards the gate when the chances of being caught by another patrolling officer was high. Ananya eyed him from the corner of her eye when he asked about her room, nodding slightly. [color=wheat]"I don't recognise my roommate though. Amelia? Yeah, Amelia something. Huh. It's strange how I don't even know many Mayweather students. Is that weird?"[/color] She was barely aware that she was rambling. It was the only thing that was keeping her awake, except for the lingering fear from almost getting caught. [color=wheat]"I should stop hiding in the training room and library so much. Maybe that's why I don't have many friends. OH god I was supposed to get names for that tourna-thingie. Y'know that one-"[/color] Her rambling grew quieter as Lucas broke the lock open to let the two of them out. It was only a matter of time before someone came to pick the two of them up. Vaguely aware that it was possibly the person Lucas was talking to on the phone earlier, Ananya could barely raise her arm in a limp wave before sighing. She didn't need to be told twice to get in. The quicker she could get to a comfortable surface, the better. [color=wheat]"Another friend? Hello. I'm snake. No. I'm Anananya."[/color] She huffed as she said her own name wrong. [color=wheat]"Wow, I don't even know if this is the alcohol or the sleep talking. Hey. Since we're friends, you should know that this guy is a peeper. He watched me get dressed. How rude, right? I paid him with alcohol to shut him up so..."[/color] She prattled on, her voice growing quieter as her eyes grew heavier. She couldn't stop herself as her head slowly leaned towards the side, resting on Lucas' shoulder before mumbling something that sounded like [i]comfy[/i] before growing silent.

[color=a0410d]“Nice to meet you, Anananya. That’s a pretty name.”[/color] Lana was always genuine with her compliments. Especially now as Lucas finally brought a good looking girl with him. Not that she thought that Brenna or Gianna weren’t good looking. They just weren’t looking like they were up to any good. Then again, she had no doubt Lucas got the poor child into some trouble they needed to be saved from. Her brother was such a bad influence. Always had been since… well… Her. When both the kids got seated, Lana started the car and the short trip back towards Mayweather. The girl was definitely a cute one as she mumbled on about roommates and friends.

[color=a0410d]“He did what now!?”[/color] Not even a few seconds into the ride and she already threw a furious gaze in the back mirror towards Lucas. Who sat there petrified. [color=662d91]“I-I can explain!”[/color] He stampered, clearly fearful of his sister’s wrath. But then he realized literally everything they did was pretty much illegal. The more Lana would know, the worse. Especially now. What if Mrs. Lovelace was still awake!? The thought was stupid, should he be sober. But his drunk brain was already panicking. [color=662d91]“I –euhm- we…just.”[/color] No, he couldn’t find an excuse. For one he was drunk and tired. So lying already got harder. But him lying to his sister? That was just impossible. [color=662d91]“Sorry..?”[/color] he stampered out, in a way of half-hearted apology as he didn’t know what else to say. [color=a0410d]“Oh you’re going to get it tomorrow. You better charge that phone!”[/color] It was clear Lana was not at all pleased.

But in secret she was. The two in the back were total cuties. Whatever Ananya said, she clearly trusted Lucas as she was now literally sleeping on his shoulder. Maybe he finally found a good girl for him? She’d have to stick around for this. Family day would be the perfect opportunity to get to know the girl better.

After a trip that felt like it took ages, Lucas and Ananya were finally dropped off near the dorms. But to Lucas, it was far too clear Ananya was in no state to even move. So he could do only one thing. Gathering up all the power he had he lifted her off her feet and carried her up the stairs. [color=662d91]“Oh god, this was a mistake.”[/color] He mumbled to himself. Luckily he knew Amelia’s room number. Only for the sole reason that she was the only one who knew he got hurt so bad. If she leaked it, he would know where to find her. But now he knocked on her door for a whole different reason. The girl that opened up, though, was not the beautiful ray of sunshine that he saw at the infirmary. [color=9e0b0f]“It’s 2 in the morn- oh… Oh come on in.”[/color] the girl sniffled. Her make-up was smudged with long lines of her cheek. Clearly, she had been crying. A lot. In fact, he was fairly sure she still was. Silent he walked in, put Ananya down in her bad and finally covered her with her blanket.