[u]Vera[/u]

Chris' emotions read faintly on his craggy face, but projected so clearly in their proximity that she didn't have to look at him to know what he was feeling. She felt her own pang of sympathy and from the relief that washed him. As much as it pleased her to help him feel better, she couldn't imagine all the stress he was under all those years alone.

Suddenly, he drew her into a hug and she was instantly overcome with all of his emotions. Unprepared for the contact, Vera lost her breath feeling all of Chris' sentiments as if they were her own. The relief was a welcome, long awaited change from the persistent sensation of guilt and remorse- A beat passed before her training kicked in and she disentangled what was him and what was her in her emotional space quickly, coming back to reality in time to return his embrace with both of her arms. 

Unbidden tears sprung in her eyes, but she couldn't tell if it was from him or herself. "I missed you too, Chris," She replied, tenderly patting his back. 

"Really, Chris. A small cut like that? It's no trouble at all for me these days." His insistence still brought a smile to her lips. Vera threw a look back to Deborah when a new student approached their table. They seemed to be engaged in some discussion about their powers. She wouldn't disturb her with her conversation with Chris.

"Walk me to class and I'll fill you in on everything," She suggested lightly and stood, taking her mug with her. She threw another look back to Deb and bade her a, "I'll see you later." 

[u]Ethan[/u]

A rush of warmth fell over Ethan, giving his skin a very faint glow. He offered Theresa a sheepish smile before placing himself in the seat next to her. It took some practice keeping up with the pace of her conversation making, but Ethan liked to consider himself an expert now. He was pretty sure she didn't like him as much as he liked her- as friends, of course, but he didn't blame her. He never had much to say, preferring to listen to Tess chat.

He tucked into his meal as she rattled off something about Vera- her name involuntarily making him flush imperceptible a shade pinker. He nodded knowingly and flashed her a grin.

"Nice to meet you, Poppy." His voice didn't carry well over the din of the cafeteria, but he hoped he heard her. It hit him just as Tess told him what having a female roommate implied. "That's wonderful, Tess! I'm so happy-" Then the topics were switched abruptly on Tess' part. Ethan shot a quick look and found that her initial enthusiasm had faded somewhat. Oh. Well, then. Hopefully no problems would arise between the two of them. Or else, Ethan would be at Theresa's defense in a heartbeat. 

"Yeah, I'm just thrilled. Can't you tell?" Ethan replied in a flat tone, then quickly stifled a chortle with a hand over his mouth. Sometimes Tess' sarcasm rubbed off on him, inspiring him to make comments that he otherwise wouldn't. "I mean, I like learning more about how to control my powers, but Mr. Blackmoore is always so.... strict."