Somewhere between Val's satirical humour and her acquiescence to his leadership - he was not sure which, and not willing to admit the latter - Cecil realized he was enjoying her company more than expected. And as much as he hated to admit, he hoped she was finding comfort in his stoic façade, though in actuality his stoicism was only willful ignorance. He gave her a small, rigid smile.

	Indeed, the screams earlier, combined with the haunting and dreary atmosphere, had scared him. It felt like a horror movie, with the exception that horror movies never phased him; they were only movies, and not strange and unnatural calamities occurring quite literally in your back yard.

	He hastily brought his mental shield back up. [i]This is nothing. Just some weird coincidence and a long-ass eclipse. Focus on the task at hand.[/i]

	"The main caf is nearby," Cecil said. Cafeteria 1 was the largest by far, and held the biggest portion of the food stores. "We can check it out. It's probably some preteens hoping for a snack."

	A consistent shuffling sound suddenly donned in his ears, and Cecil noticed to his remorse that Val was trembling. He cursed inwardly at being so dense as to not notice it earlier. His first thought made him take off his jacket. It was thin - more meant to break the wind than anything else - but it held his body heat, and at least had sleeves, not like the girl's t-shirt.

	"Here," he said, holding the coat out. He noticed disdainfully that he, as usual, couldn't meet Val's eyes. "I, uh...I just thought...I'm fine, guys generate more heat...might be a bit big, though..."

[@Andromeda]