Already, Dennis' breath was beginning to hitch as he ascended the steps. He had been forced to run as a kid, sure, but that was [i]as a kid.[/i] And even then, getting last place was a lucky shot. Now he was surviving on a diet of Chinese takeout and cheap gas station coffee, with the occasional apple when he was feeling 'healthy'. Not the best thing when you had to run up a hundred too many stairs. Still, there was a competitive air as everyone was making their way to the top. It was a little intoxicating, and Dennis found himself moving faster. The young man quickened his pace as he practically jumped over the occasional step. He didn't have to be first, but so long as he wasn't the last.

[color=#a7e590]"I look forward to working with you all,"[/color] Dennis managed to say in between heavy breaths. It never hurt to be polite, even when racing up stairs. His spirits perked up as he caught sight of the end of the stairs. [i]Thank goodness.[/i] He could feel his heart pounding, and his once clean shirt was a rumpled mess. Still, that did little to quench his cheer. Gathering what was left of his dwindling energy, Dennis powered up the remaining steps.