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Sally was still excited that Drake had learned a bit more about his ability. So, not only was he unable to burn, but apparently he could conjure and control fire. Now she knew two fire starters. God she hoped that the two wouldn't get into a fight or anything. There was a good chance that they'd burn the school down. The thought made her chuckle mentally and she looked back up at Drake when he spoke again. He was bidding everyone good night, and in all honesty, it was a good idea. She was actually pretty tired. Her headache from earlier had vanished while she and Api had their coffee, and her exhaustion was quickly creeping up on her. It had indeed, been one hell of a day.

”Alright, good night, D.” Sally waved her goodbye, but it was cut short when he gave a military salute. The look of instant regret on his face was priceless. She laughed and shook her head, crossing her arms over her chest. Yeah, he seemed like he was starting to feel pretty good.

With a sigh, Sally turned her attention back to Cleo and Khloe. She hated leaving them, but she was so tired. ”I suppose I'm going to head out too, girls. I'm pretty tired so… I'll see y'all tomorrow.” With that, she offered a sweet smile, and waved. Turning, she began making her way back inside the institute, and to her room. As she walked, her mind replayed the day's events. The fight. Isaac attacking her. Waking up in that room with Mr Pierce. Her little snack with Api. Drake discovering a little more of his ability. New faces. God so much had happened, and that wasn't counting the actual school day. Before she knew it, she was at her room.

Sally went inside and shut the door, leaning against it. A smile started to break across her lips, and she couldn't help but bite her bottom lip. Bad boy, fire starter. She rolled her eyes at herself and shook her head. There was no way he would be interested in her. Not with all the other girls floating around. She was just so… plain. Oh, she could make things float. Ooohhh. With another sigh, she quickly shook her head, as if the action would clear her thoughts. It didn't, but the sight of her bag did. Sally groaned and headed straight for her dresser. Nope, homework can wait until after her shower. Pulling her drawers open, she grabbed a spaghetti strap shirt, some undies and a pair of cotton shorts. With those items, she went into the bathroom and shut that door as well. She set her clothes on the counter and brushed her teeth. After that, she stripped, setting her phone on the counter, and got into the shower.

Roughly twenty minutes later, Sally emerged from the bathroom drying her hair with her towel, her phone tucked into the waistband of her shorts. ”Alright,” she said softly as she made her way to her bag, tossing her towel into the dirty clothes. Picking her glasses up from the side table, she slipped them on them and sat down on her bed. Sally pulled out her books and homework, setting them all out on her bed, and looked at them individually. Calculus. Literature. Ugh… she grabbed her literature book, pulled her phone from her shorts, dropping it on the bed, and got comfortable. Sally leaned back against her pillows and opened the book up. Luckily, it was still early enough to finish it all without having to stay up too late.

”Let's do this.”

Api soon found the store he was looking for, the bike shop. Like any young man with a decent bank account her started with what could break the bank E-bikes priced at 7,000 + but then he pictured his mother’s face as he presented any of them to her. Sure they had all the bells and whistles, could go really fast and for miles and miles but he had a trick other biker’s didn’t; Aip could power the bike himself. The thought made him smile.

So practically and logic winning the day he found one of the lower priced machines and purchased it then decided he’d explore the Food Court while they assembled his purchase.

Exiting the bike shop Api soon found the Food Court where the scene was like nothing he’d ever seen himself. He estimated that there were at least 800 people eating and chatting in an open atrium under a greenhouse roof to keep out the weather; American astounded him at times. As he walked the left side of the court looking at what was offered he was aware of being appraised by others of his age. It was as common in his country but not the emotional content. Some of them wore what he called curiosity a natural position when seeing someone new but then there were the looks of suspicion, distrust and even hatred the later most shocking because he knew none here.

He hadn’t decided quite what he might like when he was aware of the approach of 3 girls perhap 15 to 16 years of age and very American; was it something in the water?

”Excuse me but are you Gunnar Grimsson 2nd place Alberta conference 2016?” asked the girl with raven hair cut in a shoulder style to emphasize her cute face.

”Ja that would be I” said Api with a gentle laugh to express his surprise she knew his name.

”I’m Janet and this is Lacy and this is Carla and we’re members of the Alameda Gymnastic team” said Janet the raven haired cutie.

”Very nice to meet you Janet, Lacy, Carla” said Api with a slight bow to each girl which caused a blush to pass through each in turn like some wave.

”You were ripped off” said Janet her expression slightly angry. ”Your executions were flawless and when you held the cross not a tremble between set, stance or recovery and they gave you a 9.78; it was perfect but they gave that to the guy from Quebec.”

”It was a questionable call I admit, I was sure I at the least tied him. May I ask how…. That’s when he remembered her

”You were there to support Cortney Sparks….You are her sister” Api laughed which caused a giggle to issue from the girls.

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Api stood with his coach listening to the judges scores being called out and how disappointed she seemed; he was certain if it were not for the rules she might have confronted those judges that gave him such poor scores. He accepted it as he did many things in his life knowing to fight somethings was wasted energy; besides the world of gymnastic was known to harbor such partisan displays.

So after his coach gave him the old “You fought the good fight” he ducked over where he saw Mai Qen a Taiwanese Gymnast he admired stretching he was suddenly stopped by a girl with her Black hair in a bun and eyes of amber and before he could say her recognized her she introduced herself.

”Hi I’m Cortney Sparks and I want to be the first to say they robbed you Gunnar; I’m with the US team said the very assertive girl adding at the end her team though Gunnar had that pegged by her uniform.

”Nice to be meeting you Courtney and I am happy to count you a friend of my performance.” he answered

”They gave the points to Trembling Thomas, he dipped his recovery too. I really thought he was about to fall and they gave him a 9.86 either it was a cheat or they have never seen a near perfect ring performance; numbers should have been reversed. Growled Cortney before Janet ran up telling her the coach was looking for her.

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He didn’t know her name having seen Janet as a dark haired cute girl from the American team but now he had a name to go with the face.

”I remember your sister gave a grand performance 9.17 if I remember; those judges were brutal” he said with a chuckle.

Then he noticed Carla looking behind him her expression unwelcoming so he turned to see 3 very large boys perhaps as old as he maybe even older and they sported matching T-shirts announcing that they were the Lions, a football team.

”Hey Janet baby” said the one with tight curly blonde hair and green eyes that were spotted with brown flecks. ”Why don’t you join me for lunch and discuss whatever pops up”

Unfamiliar with the idioms it wasn’t hard for Api realise the Blonde had said something offensive for Janet appeared ready to boil then she confirmed it.

”You’re an ass Brett and I’d rather be dipped in raw sewage than have to smell your breath” she snapped

Then a battle of wills occured and sensing an early loss to the sharp tongue of Janet Brett tried to get physical and grabbed her wrist to shake her.

Api could not permit the mishandling of any woman and the fact he counted Janet a possible friend cenched the deal so he grabbed Brett’s wrist at the top of the long bones and applied a vise like pressure which forced the big bully to release Janet. Api released the boy’s wrist and glared at the idiot marking his weak points.

Then they advanced on Api like a wall of meat the three boys who now acted as if this was normal for them; to assault a single foe as a team. Api couldn’t help but smile as he pictured all three flying away with a push weightless into the structures surrounding them but knew he couldn’t do that.
Spotting an opening Api went into a sliding split made pushing off with his back foot and through the wide stance of the biggest Gorilla. He stood as smoothly behind the big leaning back and causing him to stumble off balance and block his two friends.

Then one of them swung such a wide fist that Api thought of drinking a cup of coffee as he waited for it to near but instead ducked under it while lifting his hands to catch it so he could use the momentum and arm to throw his body high in the air and into a double flip. When he landed Api laughed at the confused bullies which urged them on and the fight might have gone on except for the appearance of two police officers appearing.

All those near were made to listen to a lecture by the older officer then told to disperse which Api did only to have Janet, Carla and Lacy catch up to him. They talked about how cool he was as he made the bullies look like idiots but adding a warning that the privileged putzs (A word he was sure compared them to the male organ) wouldn’t let this go so he should watch his back.

Janet told him her number saying she’d love to get together with him and get some coaching on working the bars. Lacy shyly told him it had been nice but Carla a caramel beauty had just kissed him calling him “My Hero Man” in Spanish then handing him a piece of paper with her number.

They giggled likely for his stunned expression as they walked away telling Carla she was priceless>

A few minutes later he was picking up his bike which was not charged but they said was still a good pedal bike and he thanked them for their hard work and pushed it out of the mall.

No battery power meant extra work for him but it would be a fun exercise so he carefully mounted the bike while controlling his balance and ground pressure with his gravitic control. It was easy to make himself so light he just touched the pedals and was propelled forward with ease except that the wheels seemed less authoritative so he settled down his weight to about 45 kilos and flew towards the Institute.

Al was going well till he became aware that a Dodge Charger was squeezing him to the steep shoulder; it was Brett.

Not enjoying being bullied by a fool Api formulated a plan then executed it. He allowed Brett to get very close and when he did Api punched the car hard letting him know he’s dented his machine and the hrekkjusvin took the bait and jerked his wheel towards Api no longer being subtle. Api slammed on the brakes actual and gravitic stopping behind the dodge just as he altered its weight balance towards the shoulder concentrating on the front passenger quarter making the steering drag the big yellow car off the road and into the ditch.

So it was a happy and Whistling Api road through the Institute gates.

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Sally had fallen asleep while she had been in the middle of her homework. Her calculus book was open, draped over her stomach. Papers were laid about, and her glasses sat crooked on her face. Her hand suddenly twitched, and the pencil between her fingers fell to the floor.

It was just her and Isaac. Sally looked around, searching for anyone to help her. There was no one. Absolutely no one. Everyone had gone, and there wasn’t even anyone in the distance. Swallowing hard, she looked back to Isaac. His face was twisted in pure rage. “Take it easy, Isaac,” she tried reasoning with him. He wasn't seeing any sort of reasoning. All he saw, was red, and Sally was in it.

With a cry of power, Isaac lunged at Sally. His fist connected with her face, and Sally cried out in pain. Her body jerked and twisted, and she hit the ground with enough force to knock her unconscious for a second. She felt herself being grabbed by her shoulder and roughly turned over. Still dazed, Sally saw that Isaac was standing over her. “No,” she cried out as she raised her hands in a pathetic attempt to try to block his hits.

The pencil that had fallen to the floor, and her glasses, began to slowly rise in the air. Her calculus book soon followed.

Isaac then began to rain down his anger upon her. Punches. Kicks. He even grabbed her head and slammed it down onto the ground. Hit after hit Sally suffered, until he suddenly stopped. He glared down at her bloody and beaten form, anger flashing in his eyes. Sally forced herself to turn over onto her stomach, a feat that was harder than she had imagined. She grabbed a fistful of grass, using it to try and help her move away from Isaac. A pained, choked sob escaped her bloody lips when she felt him grab a handful of her hair.

Sally slowly started to raise off of her bed, joining the several other objects that had begun to levitate. Her head, arms, and legs dangled lifelessly as she continued to rise into the air. Firey red hair seemed to sway slowly, looking as if it were underwater.

”You should have stayed out of it you dumb fucking cunt.” An evil grin crossed Isaac’s lips, then slowly turned into a snarl, baring his teeth. Before Sally could say anything, Isaac slammed her face into the ground, then pulled her head back. He slammed it down again, and again. Her blood started to stain the grass, and she felt unconsciousness creeping up on her.

Her eyes snapped open, pupils so dilated, that her iris’ couldn't be seen. She stared at the wall, upside down, her gaze unfocused. And then, within seconds, she woke up. Immediately, her pupils shrank until they were normal again. Then, Sally and the objects that were in the air with her, all fell. She hit the bed, grunting as she did, and laid there for a moment. Her glasses hit the floor. One of her books hit the floor. The other hit the edge of her bed, and tumbled over. That weird feeling that had swarmed throughout her body when she attacked Isaac earlier in the day, had started to dissipate.

Even in her sleep.

Even when she slept, it was doing things she was unaware of.

Sally:

Sally sat up in her bed, breathing hard. She was covered in a sheen of sweat and her hair was tousled. She whimpered softly and brought her hand up to her face, partially covering it. What the Fuck was happening to her? She came to this school in hopes that they could help her control her ability, and it seems to have only gotten worse. As far as she was concerned, it had never been activated while she slept, yet here... Sally had woken up, literally levitating above her bed. It wasn't just her though. It was various items around the room as well. It was getting out of control, and she was terrified she was going to hurt someone. A choked sob forced its way out, and Sally hurriedly threw the covers off of herself. She leapt out of bed, not even bothering to get her robe, and darted out of her dorm. Sally had to talk to someone. She couldn't stay here. She had to leave before someone got hurt. It was all she could think about as her bare feet slapped against the institute's floor at a rapid pace. There was only one person she could think of to talk to, and that was Professor Pierce. Her feet carried her to his office without so much as slowing down for anything. Only did she ever stop, was when she came upon his door. Even then, she wasted no time knocking on his door, still fighting back the tears that threatened to spill out at any given moment. "Professor Pierce? Professor Pierce, pleas open. I really... I really need to talk to you." It took everything in her to remain as calm as she did, and even then, one would be able to tell that she was in despair.

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Adam Pierce:

Adam had tried to sleep for hours. He had always struggled with calming his tactical mind to the point where he could find rest. It had gotten to the point where he had to rely on sleep aids. Tonight though the medication wasn't working. He sat up in bed, running his fingers through his hair and beard with a nervous frustration. Standing and making his way across his room to the door to his office, Adam decided if he couldn't get rest he'd finish up some work. The staff's rooms were connected to their offices, which made working late much more convenient. Adam didn't bother putting on a shirt as he took a seat at his desk, pulling out the files that he was working on. Moments later he heard the cries for help coming from outside of his office. He recognized the voice as Ms. Hendricks. He jumped up and made his way over to the door quickly. "Sally..what's going on?"

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Sally:

Sally wasted no time. As soon as the door opened, she rushed inside and made her way to Pierce's desk. She leaned against it and covered her face with both of her hands, trying to calm her breathing. She was shuddering and her breaths were shaky. "I can't... I can't stay here. I can't stay here, I have to leave. I have to leave before someone gets hurts. I don't want to hurt anyone Professor Pierce." Her words came out in a rush, and when she finished, she finally removed her hands from her face, looking up at him. It was then, that she noticed he hadn't had a shirt on, and when she realized she had been staring, she quickly averted her eyes. "I'm sorry, I must have woke you. I'll go," she said as she began walking to the door, keeping her eyes on the ground.

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Adam Pierce:

She was clearly panicked. Something must have happened. Adam listened to her words with a calm, but questioning concern on his face. Once she was finished speaking he let out a thoughtful sigh and replied. "Hey...take a breath Ms. Hendricks." He put on a calming smile. "Tell me what happened and we'll figure this out. I assure you there's no better place for us than here at the Institute. Whatever's going on I'll find a way to help. He remembered that he was shirtless about the time that Sally noticed she had been staring. "Wait right here and I'll go put on a shirt. It'll take me like ten seconds and then we can talk...okay? Adam jogged back into his private room and returned with a plain white tee-shirt. "So what exactly is going on? What is making you feel like others are in danger?

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Sally:

Pierce's words stopped her, but she remained turned around as he ran to another room. It had been only seconds before he returned, a shirt on. It was horrible that she was slightly disappointed, but she quickly pushed the thought away and sighed heavily. After a moment, she finally turned, unshed tears in her eyes. "Me! I'm a danger to them." Sally motioned to herself with her hands and laughed sarcastically. "Things have been going on with my ability that have never happened before, and I'm scared to death I'm going to hurt someone, or worse! Do you wanna know why I'm here," she asked as she began pacing around his office. "I'm here because my ability seems to have a mind of its own. I was sleeping, dreaming... And when I woke up, i was... I was literally levitating above my bed! Sally stopped pacing and looked up at Pierce. "When I woke up, I fell back onto the bed. Things fell from the air onto the floor. I just... I'm so... scared."

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Adam Pierce:

Adam could sense just how afraid she was to see her powers evolving and coming into their own. He, on the other hand, was ecstatic. He had witnessed the shock wave that she produced during the day's incident, and it seems that her mutation has been active in her subconscious ever since. She was clearly more powerful than they were initially aware of. Adam's eyes broke away from hers as he pondered how to respond to her concerns. He wasn't always the best when it came to moments like these. Honestly that was more the concern of Ms. Everose, but Adam was who she came to...and so he would do what he could to help her with her fears. "I understand that all of this can be frightening. Especially when things are out of our control. He paused for a moment to gather his thoughts before continuing. This was a delicate situation and he feared that he would fuck the whole thing up if he wasn't careful. "What's happening to you is scary...it's intense, and weird, and not the best part of life here but I promise you that we can all work through it together. This place is designed to have powerful mutants living within it. Myself and the rest of the staff know what we're getting into with all of this. Things are going to happen, but that doesn't change the fact that this truly is the safest place for all of us to be. His eyes met hers once again. "Sally...you woke up floating in the air stuff levitating all around you. There is no way for me to make that feel normal, but what I can do is tell you that I am here for you. Kaylee, Dr. Ashford, and everyone else. We are all here for you.

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Sally:

Sally knew that he was right. She knew he was right, but that still didn't stop her from being afraid. It wasn't so much that it scared her because it wasn't normal, no. She knew she wasn't normal, and had come to accept that. Even so much as embrace it, but it was starting to terrify her. Sally shook her head and gave another sarcastic laugh. "Yeah, are y'all gonna be there when I let loose another... whatever the hell it was I did earlier... in my sleep and hurt Khloe? She felt terrible for being kind of an ass to him, when he was trying to help her, but she couldn't help it. She also felt bad because he was clearly not in his element in situations like this. He was their defense professor, not someone who dealt with teenage girl's emotions and raging abilities. Sally drew her lips into a thin line and let her head sag, a silent tear rolling down her cheek. After a moment, she sniffled and angrily wiped it away with the back of her hand. Looking back up at Pierce, she took a deep breath. "Who do I talk to about getting a dorm change? I think it would be best, if I stayed, that I have my own room. At least until I can get this under control."

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Adam Pierce:

She lashed out at him. He knew that he didn't have the right words to comfort her. His head lowered as he considered her request. It made sense. They didn't have many empty rooms but he was sure that they could figure it out. He looked her in her eyes, seeing the tear before she wiped it away. He remembered what if felt like when his powers were first growing. It was the scariest time of his entire life. He'd seen combat all across the world and had taken lives on the battlefield, but the most afraid he'd ever been was when he didn't know what was happening to him back when he was around her age. Adam swallowed deeply.

"I bet we can make that work. If you're going to stay that is. We would...I would hate to see you leave. Inside these walls you are surrounded by people that can help you. I'll get with Ms. Everose and see what I can do about the room." He let a smile cross his face. "It's going to be okay Sally. I promise."

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Sally:

It greatly relieved her when Pierce mentioned trying to get her, her own room. At least that way, she couldn't hurt anyone while she slept. That was assuming something like this happened again. She was sure it would, just unsure of when. And then, he said something that caught her off guard. He had said that he would hate to see her leave. He had begun to say that they, everyone else, but changed it to, him. As quick as the thought emerged, she pushed it away. It didn't mean anything. Other than he would hate to see her leave. That's all it meant. He mentioned getting with Ms. Everose to see about getting her room changed, and couldn't help but let out a relieved sigh. His smile was somewhat contagious, in that she couldn't help but let a small smile grace her own lips. Sally looked down and nodded her head in response to his last comment. Swallowing hard, she looked back up and chuckled, scratching the back of her head. "Thank you, Professor Pierce. I'm.. I'm sorry I bothered you. I was just... It scares me knowing that theres a chance I could hurt someone without even knowing it." She wanted so bad, to go and give him a hug, simply because her words just didn't seem grateful enough. "I'll uh... I'll go ahead and go now." With that, she turned and let herself out of his office, gently shutting the door behind her. Sally crossed her arms over her chest and, with her head down, began walking back to her room.

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Adam Pierce:

He listened to her words, and was ecstatic to see a smile on her face. He nodded as she thanked him, though he felt like he honestly hadn't done much other than listen to her. Sometimes that's all someone needed; to be able to talk through their issues and just have someone there to truly listen. Adam watched as she turned and walked out of his office. He let out a long sigh of relief realizing that he didn't entirely fuck things up. That surprised him, but he was grateful. She came to him instead of the other staff members. Adam wasn't sure how to feel about that. He just simply smiled, closed his door, and got back to work. What a fucking day.

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After everyone had dispersed, Khloe decided to not stay in the courtyard no longer. It was just her, she didn't know why she was still just stood there but suddenly she felt like it was when she first landed in America. Her smile disappeared and her cap went on to her head, her eyes could not even been seen unless the person was significantly shorter than her. As Khloe took her step, she tread lightly making sure no contact to anyone was made. It hit her like a truck; She is a Korean in America, and the culture between the two countries was drastically different but since she had only stayed in the country for a little more than week and yet the people she knew were limited.

As she quickly walked to her room, thoughts raced into her head as the ground beneath her changed, from the brick of the courtyard to the hardwood floors. She walked pass everyone in the halls, even accidentally bumping into some other person and leaving a bit of ice on their jacket. Since Khloe was walking so fast and wasn't really looking straight, she didn't even know who she bumped into.

She turned and immediately went into her room, she was glad that her roommate wasn't there. "Good no one's here to see my 정신 분열 'jeongsin bun-yeol' (Mental Breakdown)." Said Khloe, but as she was about to get on with the said mental breakdown, there were a few letters on her bed, she wondered what it could be.

As she stepped up to the side of her bed, she saw that the writing was in Korean, so it was obviously from someone back in South Korea; and based on how bad the writing was, it was from her best friend, Bae Ji-Eun (배지은). When she opened the letter and read the whole thing she suddenly didn't want to have that breakdown anymore, it was a little piece of home that cured her woes. The letter even had a few selfies of the two of them when Khloe was back in Korea.

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Kaylee’s eyes roamed her office as she held the phone up to her ear. She hadn’t talked to her mother in weeks and knew that there would be a lot of her listening in the conversation. That’s how her mother was; talkative, intent on sharing every inconsequential detail to every story she told. Kaylee was used to it by now, but as much as she loved her elderly mother it made phone calls a chore. She let out the occasional uh-huhs and forced chuckles as she listened to the story about mishaps at the local grocery store. She remembered hearing this same story before. Her mother’s mind hadn’t been what it used to be for awhile now, but there was definitely a progression in the wrong direction. It saddened Kaylee to think of her intelligent mother losing some of her faculties, but it was part of life. Just as her mother got to the midpoint of the story there was a knock at her office door.

”Mother...I hate to interrupt but I have a visitor at my office. I’ll have to call you back.” She watched as the student entered, recognizing her as Aya. “I love you too Mom. Talk to you soon.” Kaylee heard the students request to chat, and smiled at her as she placed the phone down on the desk. ”Absolutely Ms. Germain...come on in and make yourself at home.

Ala blinked, surprised the teacher knew her name. Slipping through the door, she closed it behind her, pulling her suitcase along.

”I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb you,” she said. ”I just came to say…” what? That she was bailing the school without even giving it a chance? After they’d been so accommodating? Aya closed her mouth and swallowed. ”I’ve decided to not attend Ashford this year,” she forced out in a rush. Aya’s grip on her suitcase handle tightened, the nerves tensing her up.

Kaylee’s smile transitioned into a look of shock as the girl’s words left her mouth. She wanted to leave already? Kaylee understood that things could be overwhelming but desperately believed that all of them were better off here than trying to walk through life alone.

”Oh no...I’m sorry to hear that you’ve come to such a decision. Let’s talk about this for a bit before deciding anything. Her smile returned along with a beckoning gesture. ”How about you come in and sit with me and we can chat. I would never stop you from leaving, but if we can work this out it’s worth the time.

Guilt at the professor’s concern was already coursing through Aya. She hesitated before stepping forward, leaving her bag where it was by the door. Perching on the edge of the chair, she said, ”I just… think maybe coming here was a mistake -- for me, I mean. And I haven’t been to any classes yet, so it’s not like leaving would really have any impact.” Her voice grew softer and softer as she spoke, her explanations feeling inadequate. ”I’m sorry,” she tried again, ”I’m grateful to the school, I just…”

”Too overwhelmed?” Kaylee looked the young lady in the eyes, still wearing her gentle smile. “I get it. Trust me. This whole process can be intense. Growing up in this world is hard enough without the extra layer of being a mutant on top of it.” She placed a friendly hand on Aya’s arm in hopes to comfort her. “You’re technically right. You could walk away from here without much impact on your education. However, the education that you could receive here goes far beyond what is available to the rest of the world. I don’t want you to feel any added pressure here. No one is expecting you to dedicate yourself to a life of fighting crime. You aren’t required under oath to become a member of the X-Men. You are here to learn, to grow as a person, to be among people that understand the struggle that our kind faces every day. Of course things here are different, but at least we can be ourselves. At least we can be safe.”

Aya looked down, shrinking away from her words.

X-Men.

Our kind.

Her kind.

Tight coils wrapped around her throat, constricting. All the pain her mutation had already caused… Aya just wanted to be human again. ”I never wanted this,” she whispered, more to herself than to the professor.

“I understand. None of us asked for the cards we were dealt. However, if we keep running from them they will only keep catching up with us.” She let the right words come to her before continuing. “I know that sometimes things would be easier if we were all just normal like the rest of the world. However, that’s not the case. Our gifts make us different, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. If I remember correctly from your files you can do some form of Astral Projection….is that right?” She smiled at her again. “That means we have something in common because a part of my mutation allows me to do the same.”

Aya glanced up at her. Some part of her clung to this new connection, this shared experience that made her feel a little less alone.

”How do you… control it?” Her eagerness was tamped down by her nerves. How do you turn it off was what she wanted to ask, but she didn’t think that would be well-received.

Kaylee understood the weight of Aya’s question. She remembered saying those words herself once. She lived it.

“I wish I had an instant answer for you, but I don’t. It took time. It took practice. However, I didn’t have a place like this to help me control it when I was asking that same question. I was alone. You don’t have to be alone. I can help you.”

Aya was quiet for a long moment, the professor’s words washing over her. She didn’t want to be here. She didn’t want to be in this situation… but if she didn’t have a choice, if she was stuck with this ability no matter what, then… well, she’d chosen to come to the Ashford Institute for a reason.

Without looking up, Aya nodded, a quiet acceptance of Professor Everose’s offer.

Ms. Everose leaned back with a bit of relief seeing Aya’s nod. She could see a lot of herself in the young woman. She remembered the days of such doubt and confusion. Holding a gentle smile Kaylee stands and walks over to her desk. She searched through her desk quickly and returned with something in her hand.

“When Charles Xavier first found me I was a mess. I could feel the presence of other mutants for miles and miles. I was projecting in my sleep not knowing how to come back or what anything I was seeing meant. He took my hands and he gave me this.” Unfolding her fingers she revealed an old, weathered, wooden butterfly. It was painted beautifully but had faded over time. “It helped me remember that I wasn’t alone. That there was someone out there that cared for me. I know it may seem a bit cheesy, but I would like you to have it. If you ever feel overwhelmed or afraid I hope it reminds you that I’m here to help you.”

Aya took the butterfly in her hand and looked down at it. Her fingers passed over the smooth wood, worn from being handled over the years. Coils tightened around her throat again. Aya tried to swallow around it. She looked back up at the professor, hand curling around the butterfly. Silence hung in the room as she tried to find a voice for her chaotic thoughts.

”I…” Aya closed her mouth and tried again. ”Could you help me? Between classes, or something? When you have time?” Her heart thundered in her ears, nervous anticipation building.

She wanted help. She didn’t want to struggle through this alone, and the realization struck her with a force that was almost physical.

Kaylee’s eyes widened as she listened to the desperation in Aya’s words. Again she found them all too familiar. Her smile fell into a caring, but serious expression.

“Absolutely. We can find times to work together. Even if you just need someone to talk to I’m here.”

Aya gave a small nod, looking back down at the butterfly. She was quiet for a long moment. She knew it was time to leave, to get on with her day and let the professor get on with her’s. But that would mean leaving this small bubble of safety and moving forward. It meant going to school, being a mutant...

Aya took in a deep, slow breath, her fingers tightening around the butterfly. She forced herself to stand from the chair.

”I’ll let you get back to your day. Thank you, Professor.”

Ms. Everose watched with a smile as Aya looked down at the small butterfly. She nodded at her words and stood up from the chair with her. Her hope was that she provided some comfort to her students, but to be able to truly relate to one and help guide them a power that she understood was something she hadn’t expected, and that made her feel so grateful to be in this position.

“Anytime Aya...don’t hesitate to stop by.” She stepped forward and offered a friendly hug. “Oh, and before you leave I actually have something I needed to inform you about. Your room assignment has changed a bit and I need to give you the new documentation.” She stepped over towards her desk and grabbed a piece of paper before returning and placing it in Aya’s hand. “You’ll be rooming with a young woman named Uná, she’s a sweetheart and I think the two of you will get along wonderfully. Other than that I hope you can get some rest and we’ll talk soon.”

Aya returned the hug, first out of politeness. But the feeling of another person’s arms around her… something cracked. Aya closed her eyes, her own arms squeezing a bit tighter.

But then she forced herself to pull back. Aya took the offered piece of paper and looked down at it, reading the new room number. She nodded before looking back up at Professor Everose.

”Thank you again.” Hand clutched tight around the wooden butterfly, Aya turned, grabbed her suitcase, and left the room.

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Uná looked up from across from Nikolai where she had her nose buried in homework, as Nathan said that it was just them. “Yepperz. Just us it seems. We started on Calc if you're up for it. I brought several other subjects just in case. You didn't see any of the others on the way did you? I'm almost done with it. Come on.”

Uná beckoned him over smiling. “Nik is actually pretty good at this. He started slowing down once it stopped being equated to physics.” She looked over at Nik's paper. She shook her head at him. He'd been on the same problem for longer than the other ones. She was already on the last one on the list when Nathan walked in. “Having issues? We did set this up so we could help each other.”

"Nope I didn't see anyone. I think it's just us this time."Nathan walked over cautiously and sat next to them, looking over the problems they were working on. He pulled off his backpack and placed it down next to him; digging the materials he needed out and placing them in front of him. He looked at Nik with curious eyes but then looked over at Uná with a smile. "Sorry it took me so long to get here...The nurse was extensive."

Uná smiled back at Nathan eyes twinkling. "Bet she was. How's the prognosis? Will you live?" Uná mock frowned. "If not what is your dying wish?"

He wasn't always good with sarcasm, but Nathan got it this time, and decided to answer her questions with his own. "It doesn't look good." He turned his face into a frown that was almost too convincing. "Since I might not make it...my dying wish is for you to do my Calculus homework for me." He laughed, letting his face relax and release the tension that it normally carried. He then looked up at Nik for a moment before breaking eye contact to look back towards his paper.

Uná laughed at that. "No can do boy-o, but I'm in the mood to help. I'll not be giving you the answer but I'll help ya to it if you need it."

Nik has his eyes practically glued to the paper. He was more interested in seeing the interaction between the two. With a few quick scribbles, the last problem was finished. He brushed his books aside to again place his feet upon the desk, pulling out his phone and scrolling through social media, seeming to ignore the others momentarily.

Uná watched Nikolai finish up and hop on his phone. She smirked and finished with her Calc homework and put her book up and pushed Nikolai's feet off the table and points to a vacant chair. "Come on chair, I'd rather not get on the librarians bad side in the first week of school. You never know when their knowledge could help."

Nik rolled his eyes, flashing a smile move his feet over towards the chair instead. ”I’m not exactly here to write a thesis. Just looking to get by and become a superhero. The classes are a formality because apparently even fighting crime requires a god damn GED.” He continued scrolling through his phone.

Uná nodded. "Well now a days if you don't want a menial job you get an education. More the better. For all you know you could affect the world by having an astrophysics degree. But if you don't let yourself reach for it you're robbing the world of change. Besides that if you're in a high enough position then you can make things happen. But that's just one way to look at it." Uná set her elbows on the table and rested her chin on her hands.
Looking at both of the guys she smiled and said with a flippant attitude. "Or you could just surf all day."

Nathan tried to focus on his work, but found his attention drifting to their interactions. This day had been overwhelming in so many ways and he simply didn't know how to feel about...well...anything. He smiled back at Uná as she teased Nik with a comment about surfing. Nathan had never been surfing. He hadn't even been to a beach or the ocean. That sunk in for a moment. Every now and again he realized something about himself that reminded him that his upbringing separated him from his peers. He didn't have the kind of childhood that most American children did. She...made sure of that.

He shook his head aggressively, purging the thoughts from his head. It was honestly better to just not think about it. He was better now. He had this school, people around him that understood what it was like to be different, and he had Uná. At least he hoped so. He decided to speak up.

"I've never been surfing before. What's it like?"

Uná looked over at Nathan as he asked what surfing was like she lost focus of the world around her and closed her eyes her head tilted back. "It's like nothing I've ever experienced before. When you get that wave that you just mesh with its like you're invincible. Your world narrows to the water around you. You feel the pull and sway of the ocean. You feel her might, rage, peace and love. I'm sorry I can't accurately describe it."

Nik sat back, raising his eyebrow. She seemed incredibly passionate about surfing... the same level of love and description he shared for stories. For Action. But he continued scrolling his feed, not turning his eyes over to the others. "I suppose learning could be of use. But I think I'd rather just be an X-Man. Maybe teach gym or something if they require me to work. Doubt that requires me to study Astrophysics."

Uná opened her eyes and looked at Nikolai. "Nikolai there must be something that speaks to you the way being in the ocean speaks to me. Or dancing. Or the stars. What is it? I'm not gonna guess. I'd probably never get it right." Uná was interested and looking at Nikolai with the full force of her personality.

Uná could feel the awkward tension. She was talking to Nikolai because he was more vocal. At least around others. Nathan was possibly more vocal alone. Besides she was pretty sure he wasn't big on sharing his thoughts out loud with more than...well her really. She'd flirt to break the ice but she didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings. Nathan looked so disappointed when she was flirting with Joseph and Nikolai. Like he was shown a glimpse of what he must wanted but was just out of reach.

On another note the History work and English Lit wasn't due till later in the week. History was easy enough that she'd finished it in class. English Lit was a dissection of a poem of their choice. Uná decided that she was doing Lady Shalott by Tennyson. Romantic but tragic.

Nik shrugged, stretching his arms out as he moved his feet off the chair to stand up. With a move only smooth enough for fiction, his arm slid his notebook and textbook down into his backpack, which he zipped up and swung over his shoulder. He gave a brief look over towards the other two, raising his eyebrows slightly as he gave a two-fingered salute. "Well, I'll leave you two lovebirds alone. I'm going to binge a movie or two and then pass out. Seems like a fitting start to the semester." With that, he began walking away as he shoved his hands into his back pockets.

Uná looked up from her notebook as Nikolai started to put his books up. She grinned as he saluted. It faded as he said lovebirds. She never should have told him about the kiss. "Well I'm gonna finish up English so I don't have to worry about it later. See ya tomorrow." Uná smiled at Nikolai got up and gave him a brief hug before he could react then went to sit back down.

Nik raised an eyebrow at the quick embrace. He wasn’t much of a hugger, typically preferring others to be slightly outside of his personal space. Though, by the end of the hug, his arms twitched to return the embrace. But Uná broke it to go sit down. Nik places his hands back in his back pockets before giving a nod towards Uná and a brief, cocky smile in Nathan’s direction.

That smile. What did it mean? He knew what we was doing, and Nathan felt a surge of anger deep within him. His eyes didn't leave Nik until he was out of sight. His jaw clenched as he tried to calm himself down. Why did something so simple as a hug get him so worked up? It was that fucking smile. Eventually, he looked up to Uná and forced a pathetic excuse for a smile.

"What a guy huh?" . He pushed his homework away and leaned back; not ready to focus again.

Uná watched Nikolai leave and turned back to Nathan. She noticed the muscle in his jaw was tense. That smile that Nikolai shot at him before he left was a little on the cocky side. That couldn't be it. There was no way. She'd kissed Nathan. Twice. All she'd done was hug Nikolai. She looked Nathan over and raised an eyebrow. Then he looked up at her and gave an attempt at a smile. She smiled back at Nathan. "Interesting to say the least. So what's up?"

"That may be the most loaded question I've ever heard." He laughed genuinely at her question realizing how insane his answer was. "Well not much, I got pummeled by a dick head that's basically unstoppable. I got helped to safety by this really cute girl. I kissed her... So, you know just a normal day." His smile was real this time, as crooked and shy as ever. "I think this has been the best and worst day of my life."

Uná grinned at him. "Unstoppable guy. And you kissed a really cute girl. And that's a normal day? Well Zorro whatever are you going to do tomorrow? Defeat the undefeated and make out with the most beautiful girl in the world?" Uná looked concerned. "How are you holding up? Warden tell you no taking on the bad guys?"

Nathan was pleased that she seemed to get his sarcasm. It definitely wasn't his strong suit. He blushed a little as his response came out. "Well I've already kissed the most beautiful girl in the world so that just leaves the undefeated. How can I ever defeat it if I can't even finish calculus." He chuckled before turning to her more serious question. "I'm okay. My ribs hurt like hell and my knee feels a bit iffy, but my mutation helps me heal a little faster. I'll be okay though." He leaned over and bumped her playfully with his shoulder. "As long as you're there to save my ass."

Uná blushed deeply and laughed with Nathan. "You know the one that saved you is the same one you looked like you wanted to punch just a minute ago. So what is this I hear about a power that helps you heal? That sounds nifty and apparently useful. Calc wasn't too bad."

She had noticed his resentment towards Nik. His heart sunk a bit, but he accepted it. She implied that Nik saved him, and he remembered that other than her and Sally Nik was the first to act. Guilt twisted his stomach at the thought but he couldn't help it. That little smile pissed him off. "Yeah my Haemokinesis has an upside when it comes to getting hurt. It's like my body knows how to use my blood more efficiently than normal. Wounds clog faster so that I don't bleed as much and stuff like that. It's basically the only good thing about my powers." He smirked at her last comment. "Maybe to a genius like you, but Calc is awful for imbeciles like myself."

Uná knew a change topic when she heard one. "I'm no genius by any stretch of the imagination. Math is just consistent. We do it all the time without thinking about it. And you're not an imbecile. You just wanted to get to know a pretty girl. Don't be so hard on yourself. You're not the only guy in history to be turned by a pretty face...with freckles no less. So unless you want to get behind in Calc I suggest we get you started. By the way you're going to need to try harder than that too make me blush. Calling me smart is something I already know." Uná smirked laughter dancing in her eyes. She pulled the book back in front of them.

Eventually they got Nathan's work done and Uná finished up her dissection of The Lady Shallot for English. The silence was a little awkward when they were going their separate ways and Uná gave Nathan a hug just like she gave Nikolai. Uná went to her room and took off her shoes and changed into bike shorts and a tank top. She was going to run herself into exhaustion so that she didn't have any dreams.

Sitting on her bed she stared off into space...

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Uná got back to her room to notice that it was empty on Temperance’s side. She sighed and shook her head knowing that the girl’s temper got the better of her. Uná wondered if she’d have a room to herself or if she’d get paired with another girl. She hoped so. Every night felt like a sleep over only thing missing was the ocean. If there was something from San Diego, besides her parents, that she missed it was the ocean.

It was at that moment the door opened. A head of dark hair poked through, black eyes taking in the room. They fell on Uná and blinked.

”Oh,” came a soft voice. ”Hi. Sorry. I should’ve knocked.” The girl pushed the door open a bit wider, revealing herself and her luggage. ”I’m Aya -- your new roommate, I guess.” She didn’t move from behind the door frame.

Uná smiled at Aya. “Akaw...I mean great. Sorry don’t mind me. I was hoping to get a new roomie. My name is Uná. Come on in I don’t bite.” Uná motioned to Aya to come in her eyes sparkling. She was sitting on her bed with her legs crossed indian style.

Aya gave a small polite smile and forced herself to enter the room. This was it. She was really doing this… going to mutant school. She replayed her conversation with Professor Everose over and over again in her head as she moved, berating herself for not just saying no thank you and ditching. But… maybe it wouldn’t be so bad. Her roommate seemed nice, she supposed. Aya glanced at her out of the corner of her eye as she moved to the empty bed, pulling her suitcase.

She was a pretty girl, with bright, fiery hair, sparkling eyes, and a smile that seemed to light up the room. She was young -- maybe a year or two younger than Aya (though Aya supposed Uná probably thought the same about her). Uná seemed to be the outgoing type though, which meant Aya would likely have to get creative with her excuses to not socialize. It was going to be a tiring year.

Aya set her bag near her bed when she reached it. She paused then, unsure of what do.

What else was there to do but unpack?

She looked over her shoulder to see Uná sitting on the other bed, watching her.

”Um,” Aya started, knowing it would be polite to make conversation. ”How was the first week of class?”

Uná looked down at her feet and sighed. Never lie. No matter what it is. Then you don’t have to remember what you said later. She heard that in her mother’s voice. “It was fine I guess. I was spared the rigors of homework till this week. Didn’t really get to know anyone but my previous roommate though till this week. I was being careful.” Uná flopped over on her bed staring at the ceiling blowing out a breath. “Should have stayed in my own head and kept to myself.” She looked over at Aya. “But that would mean I’d have to regret something about...well today and I can’t.”

Aya opened her mouth to respond -- it felt like she should respond, like the other girl had just revealed something personal. But Aya was at a loss of what to say. She closed her mouth and turned to her luggage.Look busy. She kneeled to open it up and start taking out her few belongings.

Uná popped up and sat on the edge of her bed. She tilted her head and watched Aya as she seemed at a loss of what to do. Uná stood up and realized that Aya was actually shorter than her. She immediately thought of Api and grinned. Walking over to the dressers she indicated hers. “This one’s mine. So...I guess I can ask the over done questions that everyone, myself included, has asked just about everyone that we’ve met. Where are you from? How old are you? What kind of powers do you have? And the most important...are you single? You would not believe how many people I have met today that are.” Uná grinned at Aya and waited for her to answer.

Aya blinked at the way Uná rattled off her questions, her hands pausing over a pair of jeans in her bag.

”Umm, yes. I’m single.” She’d never not been single. Never had the time or the nerve to even date anyone before. Aya forced her hands to pick up the jeans and place them on her bed with the rest of her clothes. ”I’m eighteen. Just graduated in the Spring.” Aya’s mind spun, trying to recall the other questions. Where she was from, and what her power was. Her pulse quickened. ”I’m from Hawaii,” she said, knowing that was usually a crowd pleaser. People tended ooh and ahh and tell her how lucky she was and how much they wanted to visit. Aya looked at Uná over her shoulder. ”What about you?” she asked, hoping her home state and getting Uná to talk about herself would distract her from the fact that Aya had only answered three of the four questions. She stood to start organizing and refolding her clothes.

Uná tilted her head but shrugged she tapped out a tune on her dresser as they stood there. “I’m from San Diego. I’m sixteen and I’m pretty sure I’m single...I think.” Uná looked perplexed at the idea then shook her head. Aya raised an eyebrow but didn’t comment. “It’s okay if you don’t want to talk about your powers but I have to let you know about mine. It could be vital to your life to know about them. I manifest illusions that can interact with reality. But I can’t control them consciously. My dreams and nightmares become real.” Aya had paused in her folding, eyes glued to the dress in her hands as she listened. Uná walked back over to her bed and sat down on the edge. “I almost killed my parents.” She whispered as she leaned her elbows on her thighs and put her head in her hands. Aya looked back at her from across the room. “I could have hurt people today. If something weird happens wake me up and hopefully it’ll go away. If it doesn’t then we’re in trouble.” Uná laughed without humor and shook her head. “Didn’t expect someone like me to be dangerous, huh? Well you know what they say about books and covers.”

Aya stood on her side of the room, looking at Uná, small and scared on her bed. She knew that pain -- the fear, the self loathing that came from hurting people. Aya wasn’t thrilled that apparently her life could be in danger every night but… she supposed if something happened to her, she deserved it anyway. She let out a slow sigh.

Mutant school.

Aya put down the dress and slowly walked to Uná’s bed. She sat down on the edge, as if afraid it might pop under her weight. She lifted a hand and paused. Then she rested it on Uná’s slim shoulder. Aya gave her a light squeeze. Her mouth pulled into a small, hesitant smile.

”We’ll figure it out,” she said after a moment. It didn’t feel adequate -- Aya had never been great with other people. She didn’t know how to comfort or connect.

Aya pulled her hand back but didn’t get up from the bed.

Uná glanced at Aya and smiled weakly. “Thanks. Don’t happen to have boy advice to go with that do you? That’d just be amazing. Cause I’m feeling like a kook getting worked over and tombstoned and I just can’t get a bomb all I’m getting is messy water.”

Aya blinked. She’d understood maybe a third of that. ”Sorry,” she said, with a small laugh, ”I’m not really the person to go to for that sort of thing.” Aya pushed herself up from the bed and walked back over to her side to see about putting her clothes away, now that Uná’s mood seemed to have passed. She went back to her clothes and started seeing about actually putting them away.

A thought came to her then. She turned back to look at Uná. ”Sorry, but would it be alright if I borrowed whatever notes you had from class this week? Just so I can catch up.”

Uná looked over at her notebook and leaned over to grab it. “Sure.” She handed the notebook over to Aya. “The classes are separated by the dividers. I'm gonna go run for a bit I'll be back later.” Uná headed to the door and went out shutting it softly.

Aya opened her mouth to say goodbye, but Uná was already gone. She spent a moment looking at the closed door, then down at the notebook in her hand. Opening it, she flipped through the first few pages, filled with her notes. Aya sighed and placed it on the bed. She’d go through it after she finished getting settled in, she supposed. Aya looked down at the notebook, her clothes laid out on her bed, and her half-empty suitcase.

There was still time, she supposed, to back out. But no, the time for that had passed. She was stuck here. Aya wasn’t sure she wouldn’t come to regret it. With a sigh, Aya went back to unpacking her suitcase.

Api looked at Joey’s bed and wondered why his roommate was blowing off school; what was the point of coming if you didn’t use it for what it was?

Shrugging he shouldered his school bag writing it up to thinking with the smaller head then headed to his first class Applied Physics.

They started the class off with a dull recount of the Theory of General Relativity but things got interesting quickly.

They discussed the idea that according to GR the sum of all known radiation, visible matter, and dark matter should be exerting a “Tug” on the universe slowing down the rate of expansion. They talked about how it was actually accelerating and because of that the physicists were forced to consider three possibilities all of which used the loosely accepted idea of “dark energy.” the first and simplest which explained it’s favor was the existence of a cosmological constant or vacuum energy which was contracting gravity by exerting a constant negative effective pressure. The second imagined that the cosmological constant is actually dynamical. The last was that gravity behaved differently in large scale but that would require a modification of GR.

When the small class reached that point in the discussion they all turned to look at Api as the professor said

Class we are in luck on this mark because Gunnar is likely more sensitive a gravity wave detection scanner than anything any university has available. He may not be able to detect the distant effects we’d like to observe but he will be critical in helping us locate and shield any background noise that might interfere with our goal. We will be building a detector array so we can observe the recent discovery of a gravitational wave and light emitted by a distant Binary neutron merger when they arrive in 7 months and 6 days.

Then he pointed at the lectern’s monitor displaying the findings of the LIGO and Virgo experiments that had picked up a loud signal 2 s of the event of another merger like the one they were going to study.

The event was known as GW170817 and found by the Fermi gamma-ray satellite which detected a short burst of gamma rays which Follow-up observations from across the globe confirmed that the gravitational wave and gamma rays came from the same source—a binary neutron star merger in the NGC 4993 galaxy, approximately 130 million light years away from Earth.

It was after class that Api learned that the others he shared the class with held abilities that needed a good grounding in physics to use properly or that they were future mutant scientists. He was so happy to meet people he might be friends with he barely noticed they didn’t think of him as more than someone they attend class with that might help them write their master or doctoral thesis.

When he realised that was the case he also noticed most were 7 years his senior and of course they didn’t want to hang out with a kid.

He attended two other classes before lunch and saw the people that were sort of in his school group and it didn’t take him long at all to see he was even among them the strange short guy. It wasn’t that they were doing it on purpose they had just formed their groups aligned either by sex, nationality or romance it was a common condition in groups and it was a common consideration he’d learned to live with.

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Api had a meal before him that he couldn’t figure out was too large a portions, strange combinations, or both as he found a table that was out of the common foot traffic paths in and out of the dinning hall. It was situated in a shaded area and at an odd place in the table arrangements which assured he’d be alone; he didn’t want company.

It wasn’t that he was depressed, angry or just off he just knew that if anyone sat down with him he’d want to talk and then he’d get his hopes up only to discover he was somehow too awkward for real friends so he did as he’d always done his entire life; he open a book.

The Hidden Reality by Dr. Brian Greene

It was a fascinating book on String Theory and while complex written for people who had a minor grounding in the field.

Api was stunned when he finished his meal and realised he’d also committed the books pages to memory so that he could drag out his whiteboard later and work on some of the math puzzles presented in the tome. The real stunner was he was late for his next class so he floated his dishes to the proper cleaning station then rushed out.

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Api finished classes and hurried to the library to pick up some new books and rushed to the section on Physics looking for Dr. Jan Ambjorn and his book on Causal Dynamical Triangulation. Then a book by Dr. Julian Barbour on Machian Physics a book that examined the Machian approach to physics that discussed analytical dynamics in a systems future evolution by observing particle positions and momenta which Barbour believed eschewed the momenta velocities of those particles though there was no way he or science in its present state could directly observe and must as it did in many other area predict the effects it would have on observable phenomena.

These weren’t books required by his physics professor but they were books he wanted to study because they touched on area of his power which could prove useful and they also occupied his mind so he didn’t focus on how out of place he was.

He was going to read the books there in the library but he noticed people who would distract him so he hurried to his room.

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Even though he knew he was falling into the same old patterns Api didn’t care he had books that opened his world and expanded his mind; he could always make friends after graduation. So with that thought he lay back on his bed floating CDT above him while he read it but he was still distracted by his situation.

It was supposed to be different, he was supposed to come here and meet people like himself and use their common shared concerns as the way to forge friendships… he thought just before the heavy book crashed down on him because he allowed himself to become maudlin.

A few choice words that would have drawn his mom’s disapproval and he lay the book on his bed and looked over at the bed of his roommate. It was empty, it was cold and its promise that he’d at least have someone close proven a lie. So sighing Api went to his closet and changed into a light bluish gray pair of gym pants, gray shirt, and a gray hoodie.

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Api opened his window and looked outside making sure the coast was clear before slipping on a Balaclava and a pair of warm gloves. Then he focused on a point in the sky that had no trees in his path and gathered up his power like a coiled spring thinking here goes a make or break exercise in his ability; could he stay conscious at 10 G?

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Drake stared at the number for longer than he cared to admit. Sally Hendricks... 555- He could barely make out the rest. His vision was far too blurry at this point. Drake forced himself to put the phone down. It was a bad idea. He needed to get his mind off of it. Laying in bed wasn't going to help things. He pushed himself back to his feet, tucked the refilled flask into his back pocket and slipped his phone into his front one. Maybe a stroll would do him some good. It was better than nothing, he concluded.

Drake left his room and shut the door behind him before walking aimlessly down the hall. He didn't even have a destination in mind. It was time to go wherever his feet decided to take him. As he made his way down the hall, the color scheme changed. Perhaps he was in the women's dorm area now. As soon as his mind snapped to this, he paused. This was an even worse idea than the phone call...

After another moment, Drake tried to turn around much faster than his body was prepared for. His equilibrium was not in a cooperative mood and his feet suddenly forgot how to do their jobs. Drake managed to trip over his own leg during the spin and, in an attempt to not fall flat, he started forward in a mini-sprint before colliding with one of the closed doors that lined the hallways. With a massive THUD Drake did his best impression of a bull versus a matador, only it was his head versus the heavy wood of the door. The door won. Drake landed flat on his butt on the opposite end of the hallway, his eyes wide in disbelief, unable to accept what had just happened. You tripped... on yourself, you friggin idiot?! He looked left and right. It did not appear as though anyone saw it. What little was left of his dignity might still be intact.

Aya was nearly done putting her clothes away when she heard a loud noise that seemed to rattle her entire room. She jumped, letting out a high pitched yelp before slapping a hand over her mouth. Eyes wide, she spun, trying to figure out the cause. Her room appeared to be intact. Aya crept towards the door, not sure what to expect. Fingers curling around the knob, she turned it and pulled the door open --

The door that a man had apparently been leaning against on the floor.

Drake's back support instantly vanished and he fell to the ground. Looking up he saw a pretty, upside-down lady. "Uh... heh..." He was at a loss for words. Any sort of explanation was bound to sound stupid. "Soooo... I'm Drake," he said, still lying flat on the ground. He then raised up a hand as if offering to shake, even though it would be impossible from this position. "You're pretty cute. I don't even care if you're backwards."

Aya jumped back to keep from getting her feet smashed when the man fell. Laying there was a bearded man with different colored eyes, who reeked of alcohol and smoke, holding his hand up to her to shake. Aya could only stare, perplexed. She looked up and down the hall, as though an explanation would just appear. The door across from hers had a crack spider-webbing out from a space in the middle.

She looked back down at the man. At a loss for anything else to do, she reached down and hesitantly took his upside down hand.

"Are... are you alright?" she asked. "Do you need help or something?"

"Oh wow, you must use lotion," Drake said, feeling the softness of Aya's hand. He kicked his legs and tristed himself up, having to release his grip of Aya to put himself on all fours, belly down. Alright, on three... one... two... Drake pushed himself up with his hands and tried to straighten his legs at the same time. He managed to spring to an upward stance, but it was a little too fast. He started leaning backward and his eyes went wide again. He grabbed for Aya's shoulders and pulled, hoping to use her to stabilize himself. In all the effort, he succeeded in not falling, but ended up putting Aya into his torso and instinctively wrapped his arms around her in a bear hug to keep from falling.

"Nah," he eventually said, responding to her offer to help. "I think I got this now. Thanks, though!" He released his wrap on her and pulled out his flask. "Any chance I can help you," he said, giving his flask a wiggle.

Aya gave a strangled yelp when he yanked her into his chest, arms locking around her, only to release her just as quickly. Aya was still trying to orient herself, a hot blush already making its way up her neck when a flask was waved in her face.

"I'm eighteen," she blurted instinctively. She clamped her mouth shut, fighting to get her mind in order.

She realized she was still standing very close to him. The blush had reached her ears.

Taking a step back, out of the hall and into her room, she said, "I'm sorry, are you a teacher, or?..." she trailed off, because of course that was a stupid question. The beard made him look older than a normal student, but he was also drunk off his ass, offering her alcohol.

Drake laughed, overly amused with the question. "Yes," he said finally. "Professor Plum, at your service," he announced with a goofy bow. "I never did catch your name, though," he noted as he straightened up again. While he waited for an answer, he twisted off the top of the flask and took a quick swig before resealing it. "What do I call an upside-down eighteen year old lady who doesn't like a drink?"

Aya cracked a smile, despite herself. "Professor Plum" was... oddly charming, for a drunk. But then, she supposed most drunks were.

"Aya," she answered. "I'm new. And it's not that I don't drink -- I mean, I do, sometimes," she babbled, before clamping her mouth shut. "I just... don't think you're supposed to be offering me any." Her gaze moved from his flask to his odd eyes to the crack in the door behind him.

"So, Professor," she said, her smile growing ever so slightly, "there a reason you're stumbling around the girls' hall?" Aya could guess the answer.

"Is that where I am?" Drake looked around, feigning stupidity. "I knew I took a wrong turn somewhere..." His eyes then reset on Aya. "I've been here a week and I'm sure I would have remembered seeing that face. New, I take it?" He looked Aya up and down, trying to get any clues about her. "You're in a special kind of school with special kind of people. What special kind of thing can you do?" Please don't say telepathy...

Aya quirked an amused eyebrow when he asked if she was new just after she'd introduced herself as such. But then he asked about her mutation and she stiffened.

Giving a quick shake of her head, she said, "Nothing special." He was the second person in a row to ask her that -- it was like the go to ice breaker question here, wasn't it? Dread filled her stomach. She'd be dodging that question with every new person she met. She knew intellectually that the simple thing to do would be to just tell people her power. But... she'd never said it out loud before. And she never wanted to. "I don't really belong here," she added with an awkward smile. "Just... didn't really have anywhere else to go."

"Huh..." he said thoughtfully. "You sound like me, only yesterday." Yesterday, he was just fireproof, embarrassed of his 'ability' and wanting to keep it a secret for as long as possible. Today, however, Drake had the potential to command an inferno. "Look," he said as he broke personal space and wrapped his arm around Aya's shoulders, his hand still gripped on the flask. "Don't ever be ashamed of who you are, because who you are today might not be the same as who you are tomorrow. Sometimes you gotta get passed the awkward shit to get to the good stuff." He gave Aya a one-armed squeeze. "You don't gotta tell me," he said then, "but know that you can. Anytime. It'll be cool, I promise." He then looked around the hall again. It would be awkward as hell if a certain someone happened to come out.

"Well, Aya, it's been a pleasure," he said as he released her from under his arm. "Anything else I can do for ya before I mosey?"

There was something hard and tight curling around Aya's chest at the sudden show of compassion, and a lump caught in her throat. She gave a small nod as his words passed through her. He released her and Aya felt a burning behind her eyes. She blinked up at him.

She opened her mouth to say thank you, to tell her how much that meant even if she didn't understand why she was getting so emotional but instead what came out was --

"Your eyes." She stopped, her mind catching up with her mouth. Aya looked back up at him. "Were they always like that?"

Drake huffed lightly through his nostrils with a crooked smile. He then drew his face in close to hers, their noses nearly touching, as he attempted to give her a better look. "Ever since I was born," he said, his tone much softer than before. After that, he let the silence permeate, studying her eyes as much as she was studying his. They were dark, looking nearly devoid of an iris. "Yours are a little extraordinary, too, eh?" he said.

Aya was barely breathing, caught in how close he was. His eyes were vibrant, bright crimson and blue -- the blue one had a sliver of red in it, she noticed. At this distance she could see the small landscapes that made up his irises, the detailed hills and valleys as his pupils shrank and grew.

”They used to be green,” she finally answered, her voice just as soft as his.

I miss them...

Aya snapped back into herself and took a step back.

”Umm... thank you. For talking to me, I mean. I’ll let you get back to your...” drunken stumbling “evening. It was nice meeting you.” She cracked a wry smile. ”Try not to break any more doors.”

"Mmhmm," he said, amused. Drake didn't have a hat to tip, but he dipped his head in a similar manner all the same. "Don't be a stranger, Miss Aya." With that, he turned and started walking back the way he came, with his free hand waiving in the air as he walked. "I keep a close watch on this heart of mine," he started singing obnoxiously. "I keep my eyes wide open all the time..." he then took a turn out of sight. I think I like her, he thought to himself.

Aya watched as he all but sauntered away, singing all the while. She listened as he turned the corner, his voice filling the hall when she couldn't see him anymore. A bemused smile found its way to her face and she let out a small huff of laughter.

Finally, Aya moved back into her room, closing the door softly. She turned, leaning her back against the door. Aya tilted her head back and looked up at the ceiling. Her smile grew, a warm feeling spreading in her chest. Maybe mutant school wouldn't be so bad. She wasn't certain it was the right choice yet, but...

"Don't ever be ashamed of who you are..."

Her smile drifted away. Aya pressed her lips together and looked down. Kainoa's face flashed through her mind and Aya gave a harsh intake of breath. She tried to exhale but it was shaky and forced. She squeezed her eyes shut, as though she could block out his face if she just blinded herself to the rest of the world.

But he lingered.

Aya opened her eyes and pushed herself away from the door.

Look busy.

She moved back to where her suitcase was, laying at the foot of her new bed. Aya blinked down at it. It was empty. Turning her head, she saw the closet filled with her clothes, all hung neatly. She hadn't realized she'd finished already. Reaching over, she pushed the closet door shut.

Aya was officially moved in to the Ashford Institute.

---

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Sally:

Pierce was going to try to get her another room. One where she would be alone and, should her ability decide to flare up, wouldn't hurt anyone. It was such a relief. It would suck not having someone there, but she could always invite someone. So long as they didn't stay the night. She was so deep in her thoughts, her eyes still down at the floor, that when she heard someone singing, it didn't really register. At least, not until she rounded the corner to the girls dorms. She immediately looked up, halting her steps, and saw Drake in the halls. Sure enough, it had been singing she had heard, and he was the one doing it.

She couldn't help but smile. What the hell was he doing here? With a slight shake of her head, she leaned against the wall, on her shoulder and crossed one ankle over the other. An amused eyebrow rose as she watched him stumbling. Yeah, he had quite a bit to drink from the looks of it. "I'm probably going to have to help him back to his room," she thought to herself with a sigh.

---

Drake

"...because you're mine, I walk the li-" Drake stopped as he recognized the image of Sally in front of him. Excitement and panic hit him at once in equal parts. She seemed to look tickled upon seeing him, which was comforting. Better than any alternative, anyway. "A wild Sally appears," he exclaimed with a grin, amused by his own nerdy reference, as he sauntered over. "You..." he began, but trailed. He knew what he wanted to say, but was still struggling to decide what he should say. "Hey, you," he said finally. As he got closer, he mimicked her pose, letting his shoulder drop to the wall and crossing his legs. "What's a pretty girl like you doing in... erm..." His eyebrows furrowed for a moment, trying to find the words to the rest of the cliche. It was a a dumb cliche and now he couldn't even remember how it went. Screw it, dude, bail! He snapped back into focus. "Hi. You're super pretty. I have whiskey and I like you."

Nailed it.

---

Sally:

Sally's grin only grew as she listened to Drake trying to figure out what he was wanting to say. He had finally settled on "Hey, you." Her blue eyes, which remained on his red and blue one's, watched in amusement as he approached her, copying the pose she was in. He then tried saying something else to her, a saying she had heard many, many times, and knew exactly what it was. He however, seemed to have forgotten. Which worked for her, because she really didn't want to try to explain why she was up too. Both of her eyebrows raised, while his furrowed in thought. Sally had to fight back back a laugh.

And then, his last few comments, she couldn't help but laugh. Not because she was making fun of him, but because it was just too damn cute. "I know ya have whiskey. I can tell you've been drinking more of it. And thank ya for... saying I'm pretty," she said with a little shrug. She could feel a blush creeping up her neck, but quickly ignored it. He was just buzzed, if not drunk. Surely he didn't really mean that. "You're not too bad looking yourself there, big guy," she said with a playful wink. And in truth, he really wasnt. He was gorgeous, if she was being honest."Lets get ya back to your room, I'll walk ya." Sally mentally grimaced at the way she sounded. One thing she hated about her accent, was that it seemed to get heavier when she was tired, or had been drinking. There was more twang in some of her words. It drove her nuts. Kind of like it was doing now. Made her soumd like an uneducated red neck.

"Come on," she urged as she started walking in the direction of the boys dorms. After a moment of silence, she looked up at Drake, that smile still plastered to her face. "So, you're a Cash fan, huh?" Her eyes glanced down and she searched for his flask. In all honesty, if he had it, she would probably steal some more. After the night she'd been having, she would need a little bit. And hell, if he didn't have it on him, she remembered he had said he had more in his room. Which was where they were headed. Maybe if she kept herself inebriated, her ability would be too confused to flare up. Or it might make it worse. Better not chance that.

"What the hell are ya up and about in the girl's dorms, anyways," she asked with a playfully, curious glance in his direction.

---

Drake:

Drake's crooked smile grew wider the more they talked. "Mmm," Drake said affirmatively, nearly grunting, in response to the question about Johnny Cash. The Man in Black was a classic. He struggled to answer her next question, though. "I..." He took in a slow breath as he walked. Then he just abruptly stopped and stared at Sally for a moment, with a look of mild thoughtfulness and caution as his eyes locked with hers.

---

Sally:

Sally's eyes remained on the path ahead of her while they walked. Drake, who had seemed more than happy to talk moments ago, had gone a little quieter. It was moments later that out of the side of her eye, she noticed that Drake wasn't beside her. Sally turned her head, he wasn't there. In fact, he had fallen behind a bit, so she turned to face him. Furrowing her brow in concern, she met his eyes. "Hey, are you alright," she asked as she took a step towards him. God She hoped he didn't barf or something. She'd still help him, but it would just be gross. Sally took another, cautious, step towards him.

---

Drake:

"Yeah, I'm just..." His mind was racing, weighing the variables of his next move as best he could under this amount of alcoholic influence. ...just trying to decide if I'm about to make the rest of this year totally awkward or possibly much, much better. Drake took another step forward toward Sally and his mouth opened to speak, but words failed to escape his lips. Fuck it.

Gears switched. Drake's face took on a new look as his eyes became more focused and alert. In a liquid motion, he swept Sally's waist with his left arm and pulled her in, pressing her body against him before his right hand went to the back of her neck, bringing her lips to his. There was no turning back at this point. It was warm and soft as velvet. He wanted to live in this moment indefinitely, but knew he couldn't. As their lips departed, Drake gently pressed his forehead to hers, his eyes still closed. In a whisper, he said "So, yeah. There's that."

---

Sally:

She noticed that he took another step towards her, looking as if he wanted to say something. Sally's eyes instinctively glanced down at his lips as they parted, but quickly looked back up.

Just in time, as there was a sudden shift in the atmosphere. Something in Drake seemed to snap. His eyes seemed to come back into focus just as he moved towards her. Sally was frozen, unsure of what to do, say, or whether she should react at all. In the blink of an eye, Drake had wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her body against his. At this point, her heart began to beat faster. His other hand came to rest at the back of her neck, and before she knew it, his lips were on hers. Sally's knees went weak and she couldn't help the soft moan that was drawn from her. Her hands came up, running up the length of his biceps. It seemed like only seconds, before Drake broke the kiss, resting his forehead against hers, his eyes closed. Swallowing hard, Sally stared wide eyed up at the man.

Her mind raced. What had just happened? Why? Did she like it? Hell yes. Did she want more? Oh God yes. Was it appropriate? At this point, did she care? Not really. Before her nerves were lost, Sally grabbed Drake’s jacket, pulling him even closer to her, capturing his lips this time around. His kiss had been soft, sensual. Sally's was a little more heated. There was more fire, and her mind went to places It probably shouldn't have. It was insane. It was insane, but God she didn't care. And in an instant, she suddenly realized that they were still in the halls. It was so hard to do, but Sally quickly broke the kiss. She stared up at Drake, her breathes coming quicker, his jacket still in her hands.

”So yeah… there's that,” She repeated his words back to him, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips

---

Drake:

Drake took in a slow breath. His eyes darted between Sally and each end of the hallway. The pump of adrenaline had sobered him up a few notches. Quickly, Drake took Sally by the hand and said, "Come," before leading her down the hall to his room at a slightly accelerated pace. Nik, if you're back in there, I swear to God...

Drake grabbed the knob of the door and flung it open, immediately inspecting the room. Apparently, Nik had not quite made it back, yet, from the library. "Fucking thank you," Drake uttered out loud before turning back around to Sally. He shot her a look that a wolf would shoot a rabbit before he attacked. Drake moved in very quickly and lifted Sally off the ground, grabbing her by her thighs and pushing her back up against the door, closing it in the process. He pushed his lips to hers again, disregarding any bashfulness, and went in deep. Gingerly, he bit her lower lip before his hand shot up and started dancing along the wall, seeking the light switch. After a few moments, his fingers found what they were looking for. CLICK

---

Sally:

The second Drake took her hand, Sally just knew that things were about to go down. She couldn't help the grin that had begun to pull at her lips. Normally, she wouldn't let something like this happen, nor continue. The Hell with that. Tonight, she was throwing caution to the wind. Tonight, she was going to let herself go. Even if it's just this once. Sally followed closely behind Drake, her hand tightening in his.

And then another thought hit her. What if Nik was in there? Her heart skipped a beat, and she nearly stopped Drake. There was also a chance that he wasn't. They would just find out when they got there. Easy, girl. Calm down. That was much easier said than done at this point.

Once they reached the room, Sally stayed behind Drake while he checked the room for Nik. Apparently, he wasn't there, because when Drake turned and looked at Sally, good God. Just the look alone made her heart beat harder against her ribs. Seconds later, she found herself being lifted off of the floor, Drake’s hands holding her thighs. He pushed her back against the door, shutting it, his body moving and settling between her legs. His lips came crashing down on hers, and she more than happily obliged. This time, it was go big or go home. Drake was the wolf, and Sally was the rabbit. Her arms had gone around his neck, pulling him closer to her. Just the contact with their clothes on was nearly enough to send her over the top, and he had more on than she did. That's when she felt teeth on her bottom lip. Drake had given it a nip and forced an almost whimper like sound from her. This was it. She was fuckin putty in his hands, and there was absolutely no going back now.

Seconds later, they were shrouded in darkness, following a soft CLICK

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Nik sighs, tired as he makes his way back from a brief visit to the gym. Sweat glistened on his forehead, and he checked his watch to see it was getting relatively late. He figured he had enough time to get in a quick film before passing out for an early start. He reached his room, placing one hand on the door handle while knocking with the other. He didn’t exactly wait for an answer as he opened the door and began moving towards his own bed to collapse from exhaustion...

Drake's eyes flew wide open at the sound of the door opening. He laid in the bed, covered, but unclothed while trying to execute the dinosaur rule. If I don't move, maybe he can't see me. Realizing the stupidity, he went to plan B and forcefully pulled Sally's pillow out from under her head and placed it on top of her, hoping the darkness of the room shrouded her enough for the play to work. He wanted to whisper 'Sorry' to Sally, but it would ruin the deception. Instead, he said overly loud "Hey, buddy! Good night?" while patting Sally's shoulder, trying to tap out a silent distress signal.

As soon as she had heard the knock, Sally's eyes widened comically and she went to roll out of the bed. This was not happening. Before she could move though, Drake had yanked her pillow out from under her head and put it over her. At first, she was a little shocked, but the more she thought about it, the funnier it became. She had to put her hand over her mouth to keep from laughing. Squeezing her eyes shut, she shook her head from under the pillow as easy as she could, fighting not to laugh at Drake's overly eager sounding welcome. And then he seriously started patting her shoulder? What the hell was she supposed to do!? For now, she'd stay hidden. Maybe Nik would go to sleep relatively quick.

Nik plopped onto the bed, twisting in mid-air to land on his back. He reached down towards the side of his bed, where his backpack leaned against the bed frame, and pulled out his laptop. Within but a moment, he was able to stuff his pillows against the wall to sit up as his laptop laid open on his lap, Netflix already open. Nik’s eyes turned over towards Drake, the faint glow of his laptop preventing him from seeing much of his roommate who was shrouded in darkness. ”I suppose...”

He turned his eyes back towards his screen before pausing and looking back. ”Ok... so I’m in a tight spot. I... never mind. It’s nothing.”

"Aw yeah? I hate being in tight spots," Drake admitted, scanning the room for possible escape routes. This was going to be tough. Drake shifted the way he was laying, moving to his side to allow for his shoulders to better hide the person buried behind him as he looked toward Nik, seemingly giving him his full attention. "Hit me with it."

Are they serious right now? Sally felt the bed shift, Drake obviously moving around. They were going to have a conversation right now? Drake, knowing she was there... under a pillow... was going to start a conversation? Well, even though she had briefly been around Nik, she was actually, genuinely curious, as to what was going on. So, hidden under the pillow, Sally slowly removed her hand from her mouth and rolled her head to the side so that she would be able to hear a little better. Might as well get comfy, she thought to herself with a heavy, but silent sigh.

Nik shifted uncomfortably, closing his laptop and setting it aside as he turned to face Drake. ”Alright... so you know how you just look at someone and know that there’s just something about them? I had that moment with... someone today. But she kissed another guy and that guy seems into her. But she seems to like me AND him. He needs the confidence boost... but... I don’t know what to do man.”

"Well..." Drake started, with a huff of laughter. "I get what you're saying. If it were me," Drake paused to find the words. If it were me, I'd get liquored up and grab the bull by the horns, apparently, he thought. "If it were me, I'd do what's best for you. It's cool that you're empathizing with this other dude, bro, but if you want her, get her. Don't gift her to some schmo with confidence issues." He let a moment of silence pass before ending with, "If she means anything to you, explore it."

Nik leaned back, nodding slightly. ”I don’t know man... wouldn’t just being friends work first? Like... we just got here. And I’ve got classes to focus on, and we have to train to be actual heroes... I just don’t want to rush it.” He pauses for a moment, trying to think how to work it. ”I think she could be like... someone very special. Not someone I would just hook up with on day one, ya’know?”

Drake 's eyebrow began to raise and a grin formed on his face. Is he fucking with me? He gave a cursory look over his shoulder, just to see if anything was obvious. He returned his gaze to Nik, undecided. "I suppose it depends on your endgame," he said finally. "If you want a new lady friend while your skittish eskimo brother gets in some quality time, then laying low may be the way to go." His eyes scanned for any sort of reflection on any of the walls or objects, trying to see if there was a tell that Sally was here. "But if you don't want this speciel girl spending her time with Captain Confidence, I would suggest doing something about it early."(edited)

Nik gave a slight nod. ”Right... I... didn’t think about that. I need to at least... stop him from getting too close to her. Make him jealous, make him act out...” Nik immediately reached for the laptop. ”I’ve got a few ideas, but I need to do some research.”

As Nik’s fingers cracked against the keys of his laptop, he turned his gaze to his roommate. ”You have your eyes on anyone yet?”

"Eh... yeah..." Drake began to answer. How the hell do I play this? "There's a surprising amount of great people here. Um... what a day, right?! Soooo... anywho," Drake turned, rolling to the opposite side. "I'm pretty tired," he called back, a look on panic on his face, now looking toward the lump named Sally. "I think I'm gonna call it a night, bud. Good luck with the research and let me know if there's anything I can do."

Nik gave a nod, popping in a set of wireless headphones as he began to play a film, turning the brightness down to be considerate to his roommate.

While Sally laid there, she thought alot about what was being said. Nik, was clearly having trouble with a girl that he liked, liking another guy, as well as him. But at the same time, was hesitant to make any moves. She understood this, as this was how she normally was. Apparently not tonight, she thought to herself as she squirmed a bit. His attitude towards the whole situation with her and Drake irked her, but she understood where he was coming from nonetheless. Drake however, seemed intent on trying to get Nik to go for the girl. The pair were quite different when it came to women and relationships. Her thoughts continued to race as the conversation continued, until Drake finally mentioned going to sleep. Of course, she knew it was bullshit. Finally

After a moment, Sally turned her head in the opposite direction, and lifted the pillow just enough for her to see Drake. He had turned to face her, and the look on his face made her snicker. She slapped her hand over her mouth, glancing over his shoulder. A few moments went by, and she felt confident enough to remove her hand. As she did, her eyes met Drake's, though they were hard to see in the dim light coming from Nik's laptop. Seconds later, she quickly leaned up and planted a quick kiss to Drake' s forehead before slipping out of the bed. She surprisingly, found her clothes rather quickly, and put them back on as quick as she could, her eyes never leaving Nik's form. Just in case she needed to drop suddenly

As soon as she was dressed, Sally slowly slinked to the wall, walking along it and staying in the darkness. Still, her eyes remained on Nik. Jesus, please don't see me, please don't see me,, she kept thinking over and over as she continued moving along the wall. And then, she fuckin stumbled on something. There was a low thump caused by whatever she hit, and it clattered on the floor. She froze, her eyes widening, looking up at Nik. He never looked up from his laptop. Sally's brow furrowed in thought. Whatever he was doing, he was really into. And then, her lightbulb went off. Headphones.

Probably one of the most amazing inventions ever at this moment. Sally sighed in relief, then continued making her way to the door. It wasn't long before she found the knob, and as soon she felt it in her hand, she grabbed it and turned it. Sally opened the door just enough for her to slip out, glancing in Nik’s direction one last time before slipping out and closing the door. Sally release a heavy sigh of relief mixed with a chuckle. She ran her fingers through her tangled and tousled hair, then broke out in a speed walk, heading towards her own room now.

Lily Murphy

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Lily pushed back her brunette hair and she reminisced about yesterday. Uná nearly bowled her over and Isaac and Nathan got into a fight. So much drama. Then Eugene said something about Nathan and Uná kissing. Lily shook her head. She’d never seen herself as kissing someone. She was far too shy for that. Plus she was much more interested in knights and chivalry. She refused to give up on the SCA and was attempting to contact the Barony of Lyondemere if she could get it passed through the Headmaster. She might even try and recruit some players.

Crossing the lounge she stopped at the windows that gave a view of the courtyard. Danny had been busy. It didn’t look like an open dirt crater the grass had covered it and she watched the sun finally crest the horizon. She liked to be up early. She saw a flash of brilliant red hair and knew that Uná was up and running as usual. That girl was burning the candle at both ends. Up early and out late. Lily shook her head and went to make herself a cup of tea in the cafeteria. She’d seen Uná around and the girl nearly landed on her yesterday doing her tumbling nonsense. Uná had scared the crap out of her and she was still a little bit miffed about it. Walking into the cafeteria Lily grabbed two mugs and put on some tea. Either Danny or Uná would be coming in but she was surprised to see the blonde boy that was in the courtyard yesterday.

She had been watching yesterday to see what had happened and she was surprised that they had all worked together as a team so well. It reminded her of her and Danny. They were a duo of misfits. So far she hadn’t connected with anyone else then again she hadn’t tried. Most of the guys were typical teenage boys with the attitudes to match. Yeah one or two of them could rub along well but she wanted something more a deep connection. With someone like Mr. Bingley from Pride and Prejudice. A down to Earth, sweet, gentleman.

Shaking herself out of her own head she decided to go for it and talk to the blonde boy. They were the same height but she was very delicate looking in comparison. “Good morning. I’m Lily. Would you like a cup of tea? I just made a pot.” She took the kettle off and set out sugar and milk in case he liked it the same way she did. She smiled and waited patiently for him to respond.

A soft groan escaped Aya as she drifted back to consciousness. Her eyelids pressed tightly together against the morning sun. It was early. Why was it so early?

Aya cracked her eyes open to see an unfamiliar room. Confusion drifted through her mind.

This isn't my--

Mutant school. She was at mutant school. With something that sounded suspiciously like a petulant whine, Aya squeezed her eyes shut again.

Twenty minutes later Aya was up and presentable, if not fully awake yet. Aya hated jet-lag. A quick look at her phone told her that at least she wasn't late for class yet. She even had time for breakfast. Looking over her shoulder at her bed, Aya sighed wistfully. But no. She'd committed to this school. She couldn't just sleep through classes as much as the idea appealed to her.

Her roommate had apparently already left for the day. Aya supposed she should count her blessings that there hadn't been any dream-power scares. Than again, maybe it would've given her an excuse to miss class.

With a yawn, Aya rubbed at her eyes. A pang shot through her stomach, letting her know it was time to eat. Aya gathered her bag and headed out the door.

She looked up, squinting at signs to tell her which way to go. The school's layout was simple, but still unfamiliar. Eventually she figured out which way the lounge (and hopefully the kitchen) was. Aya yawned again and blinked through the drowsiness as she turned a corner--

And walked right into someone's back.

Aya stumbled, suddenly alert.

"I'm so sorry," she managed, "I wasn't paying attention. Just... looking for the kitchen. Are you ok?"

@Almalthia



It had been an interesting past two days even if it was familiar in many ways but that was how things worked out. He was alone in the company of many the Huldufólk in this far away place. It is strangely comforting even if he still feels the chill of solitude, the breathless air of solitude; it is his place.

Because of his condition he pulled out a pen and an old Journal his uncle had given to him and began to write his right hand touching a silver amulet dedicated to Freyja he’d had since his 15th birthday.

He writes in small but precise strokes of a pen that was made for the captain of a ship washed ashore in 1926 after a storm. It is yet another quandary that is Api, he likes old tools and treasure them.

Api writes new rules in his journal
27 - Some people are so violent they lose track of their humanity and should be thought of as beasts on two legs - rabid beasts.
28 - Uncle was right about trying to figure out women, along that path lies madness; men and women are as different as dogs and cats

Then as he’s concentrates on writing he’s surprised by a voice, a girl’s voice.

“Good morning. I’m Lily. Would you like a cup of tea? I just made a pot.”

She had dark brown hair and green eyes and was perhaps 85 maybe 95 pounds, maybe shorter than he and her tone was gentle for an American.

”Ja, that would be nice” he said closing his pen then pulling the blotter cloth from his journal’s inside pocket

Lily Murphy

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Lily smiled and made poured a cup of black tea for the boy. Lily didn’t really know how to make small talk so she kept busy by passing him the milk and sugar that she had already added to her tea. She was going to scramble eggs and make toast so since he was here might as well ask if he wanted some. “Uh...would you like something to eat? I was going to make scrambled eggs and toast. I can make more if you want some and I could add bacon or sausage? Actually an omelet sounds better now. I’m sorry I didn’t get your name?”

Lily sipped her tea and watched the blonde boy. He’s cute. And I can’t help but be intrigued as to what he is writing. That is a very beautiful journal and that pen looks like it’s an heirloom. And he has quite an accent, but it suits him. Lily moved to gather the things she would need waiting for his response.

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Drake opened his eyes, finding himself standing naked in a dark room, though he admittedly could not see any walls or ceiling. The air was still and eerily silent. Small movements could be heard, like the sound of scuttering along a hard surface. Each noise, no matter how small, carried with it an echo. Drake furrowed his brows and tried to squint as if that would help his night vision.

"Hello?!" he called out. His only response was his own voice, trailing softer and softer. "The fuck is this..." he said in nearly a whisper. "HELLO?!" He then shouted, louder than before. Still nothing. He began dipping his left foot out, tapping the ground with his toe, trying to get an idea of his surroundings. The floor felt cool to the touch, like granite, but porous and rough. Where is everyone? Where the hell even am I? Frustration was starting to build. He was getting tired of this. His fists curled into balls as he lashed out one last time for answers; "WHERE AM I?!"

Suddenly, light was shining under his chin. He looked down and saw both of his fists ablaze, illuminating his naked form and pushing back the darkness around him. Oh, right, he thought to himself. He's only been able to do that for a few hours. He nearly forgot he could.

As he looked back up, he heard something walking slowly in the dark. Each step was slow and heavy. Ka-thump... Ka-thump... Drake raised his flaming fist above his head, attempting to shine the light of the blaze even further. As the thing got closer, he could start to see something glowing in the distance.

"Who are you," Drake demanded to know. The Other cared not. It's steps continued, getting louder the closer they got. "I'm serious, who are you? You're starting to piss me off!" Drake snarled. The fire from his fists grew in size, enveloping his forearms. His shoulders even began to glow with embers. The extra flame pushed the darkness back even futher. The Other stopped, just outside the sphere of light. The glowing from before had separated into two spheres. The flame's light danced over the facial figures of the being ahead, giving away that those crimson orbs were its eyes.



A repetitive hiss escaped The Other's clenched teeth. Is it laughing? Drake's confidense was a little shaken and as such, the flames on his body began to shrink, giving The Other it's shrowd of darkness back, though the red eyes still remained unblinking. Nonononono! Drake thought to himself. Then he heard the footsteps again, drawing nearer, faster. No! Get mad! Get mad now before it-



"AAWWWHHHH SHIT FUCKING COCKWAFFLES!" Drake found himself sitting up in his bed drenched in sweat. He looked around, frantic. This was his room. His room is safe. But what the hell was this feeling? This was aweful! Before even looking to check on Nik, Drake pulled himself out of bed, threw on some boxers, jeans, and a white tanked undershirt and nearly ran out of his room, desperate to get out in the open. It was daytime. There was sunlight. That was a plus. Light is good. But this feeling... this... Drake ran his hand through his hair, which was moist from perspiration. He needed some water or orange juice or something.

Hurriedly, his bare feet pitter-pattered along the ground of the dormitory hallways until he finally made his way to the hall that connected to the student lounge. His body was still heating up, beads of sweat still forming. He needed water now. He stopped for a moment, looking down the hall and froze. I left my friggin wallet... The thought was sobering. Just as he was about to turn and go back, he felt a shove from behind.

"I'm so sorry. I wasn't paying attention. Just... looking for the kitchen. Are you ok?" Drake turned around to see a familiar face and was suddenly elated.

"Aya, right?" he said, trying to recall events from last night. "Do you happen to have any money or a gallon of gatorade on you? Like now?!" His face was formed in an uncomfortable smile while his voice was that of sheer panic. Drake didn't burn. This feeling of heat was new to him and it was coming from within. He looked on at Aya with deranged hope.

Aya blinked up at the person she'd run into. She recognized him -- it was the man from last night. But he wasn't the charming, clumsy drunk from the night before. His mismatched eyes were panicked and he was covered in sweat. Aya took an involuntary step back from his intensity.

"Um, yeah I have my wallet," she answered, eyebrows pulling together. Aya realized then that she could feel heat radiating off of him like a stove. Eyes never leaving him, Aya reached into her bag, fingers grasping for her wallet. "Are you ok?" she asked again. "Do you need help or something?" She took a step towards him again, concern and confusion mixing in her blood. Her hand found her wallet and she began pulling it out of her bag.

She distantly realized that she still didn't know his name.

@Almalthia


Api listened to Lily talk and couldn’t help but get the feeling he was only part of the conversation; she reminded him of Vessi a friend back home who was shy after being sheltered by her family. He considered telling her he’d had Hafragrautur (A course oatmeal) this morning about 5 but he could tell she was trying to be friendly so her smiled and said

”I’ve never had an omelet before, breakfast at my mother’s table was a simple affair.” he paused to chuckle at the thought of how most Americans would see the way people ate where he was from then remembered she’d asked his name.

”I am Gunnar Grimsson but my friends call me Api, I am Icelander”

Then with his usual slight smirk a facial trait he always wore when trying to understand others took a sip of his tea neat.

It was a lovely blend and reminded his of a school trip to England though he preferred extra strong coffee his mom made which an English officer visiting described as needing to be stirred with a concrete trowel.

As he studied Lily he wondered when she’d tire of his company then banished such thoughts because it was first counterproductive and second she might be able to read minds the later thought making him think in poetic verse describing her as he saw her now.

Lily Murphy

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Lily moved around getting things ready and looked over her shoulder at him. “Nice to meet you Api. Did you have a nice trip from Iceland?”

Lily mixed the eggs together and deciding on no bacon just omelette and toast. She put the butter in the pan and set it on low to warm. She got cheese out and a knife. She seemed to know where everything was. She handed the block of cheddar cheese and knife to Api. “Can you cut that for me, please? I’ll get the chives and mushrooms. Unless you don’t want either.” She got out another knife and two cutting boards. Lily slid one over to Api. She smiled and started cutting the handful of mushrooms that she had gotten. She quickly finished with those and started on the chives. Done with that she placed the mushrooms in the pan to saute them.