Michael H. Kettner's Story

Aiden looked up at the building before him, impressed and excited at once. So this was the school. This was where he'd be spending his next four years (barring vacations) around other people as weird as he was. It was pretty picturesque, especially in the morning light, with the sun right behind it like that. He'd made sure to arrive on foot - the limo parked and let him off about a half hour's walk away and he just ran the rest in twelve seconds. He knew from experience the kind of impression it made when you showed up to school in a limo. Not an experience he was going to repeat. Unfortunately, it seemed like his effort was wasted - there was no one around this early in the morning.

Well, that gave him a few moments to check his image. Fishing out his iPhone Aiden checked his reflection in the black screen. Hair? Perfect. Teeth? Perfect. Smile? Perfect. All up to his usual standards. Clothes for the day included a pair of faded, blue jeans (comfortable, casual and above all normal) a sharp, sky-blue jacket with blue-black flame decals (cool and totally his color) open at the front and a black T-shirt with white letters informing anyone who read "I'm too sexy for this shirt" (cocky, but pretty clearly a joke). He was also carrying a gym bag full of the basic essentials: laptop, iPad, change of clothes, poster of Keira Knightley, etc.

"Okay," he muttered to himself, "checklist done. Time to start the first day of the rest of my life." He grinned. Well, the first day of the next four years, anyway. Details, details! Confident that everything was the way he wanted it, he strode through the vast double doors to find his room, settle in and get to know his roommate.

...

Five minutes later he was still wandering the hallways and had absolutely no idea where he was. "Map," he said to himself. "That's what I should have packed." It wasn't that he was in a huge hurry; if he was, he could just search the whole place at super speed, though that would take a long time relative to him anyway. However, it was getting a bit embarrassing. Eventually he might have to admit he was lost - then the Man Council might revoke his card!

But before he could get too distraught he was drawn from his dire thoughts (hehe, dire) by a radiant vision of beauty just down the hall. A woman, older than him - early-to-mid twenties, by his estimate - fiddling with her phone and managing somehow to make even that act look stunning. Dark, wavy hair fell loosely around her shoulders and when she looked up he could see lustrous, brown eyes that matched it perfectly. And that was when he realized he had a perfect excuse to talk to her! Of course it would require him to ask for directions, but there was a hot chick like forty feet away. The Man Council would understand.

He crossed three quarters of that distance in just under a second before approaching her on foot. He cleared his throat. "Hey. 'Scuse me." Smiling a friendly, slightly embarrassed smile that was charming without being lecherous or cocky, he stepped up in front of her. For a moment he just stood there, letting her get a good look at him.

"Beautiful, I know," he said after a while, chuckling a little as he ran a few fingers through his hair. "The feeling's mutual, believe me. I'm Aiden Dyre, just got here this morning, and I am totally lost." He shrugged helplessly, still smiling and gesturing with his gym bag to illustrate the point, then extended his free hand to shake hers. "I was hoping maybe you could show me around a bit?" At that moment, as if on cue, Aiden's stomach rumbled to remind him that all that super-speed running had its price. He needed waffles more than he needed bed. "Maybe after we grab some breakfast?" He added as if he'd meant that all along. "My treat."



Jason Martin Blake



By some small miracle, Jason's morning routine proceeds uninterrupted. It's always a good morning when his roommate doesn't start holding up the bathroom past his allotted time or attempting to engage him in frivolous conversation. Perhaps his new roommate wasn't the type - they had only recently been paired together when Jason's last roommate graduated. Despite his petition to have a room to himself, the school wanted to make maximal use of the rooms they had. In theory, Jason couldn't blame them. If everyone who wanted a room to themselves was allowed one they might not have enough. But now he was stuck with an emotionally volatile fool for the next several months at least, perhaps more.

Well, he thought, as his new partner in this domicile began to stir, time to cut off the damage before it can be done. He waited until Michael was clearly awake and able to hear him properly, then began to speak. "I see you have finally awoken," he said flatly, beginning to pack the essentials for the day, such as his books and laptop, into his suitcase. He was already dressed for the day, as for every day, in his black suit complete with matching tie. "In case you were not aware, I am Jason Martin Blake, your new roommate. These will be the rules of the dormitory to which we will both adhere:

"There will be no loud music; fifty decibels is the absolute limit. The same applies to any and all electronic entertainment. There will be no shouting. No drinking, smoking or substance abuse will be tolerated without a medical prescription. Nothing will be left where it does not belong; each of us cleans our own messes or does not make one. Good hygiene will be observed at all times. Permission must be sought from one's roommate prior to inviting anyone into the dormitory for any reason. No visitors will remain past the hour of eleven P.M. And to save us both the time, you will never receive permission to invite any girlfriend, boyfriend or anyone else you intend to sleep with.

"For the duration of your stay here you will consider these rules inviolate. You can of course expect the same of me. Are there any questions?" He snapped his briefcase shut and looked directly at Michael for the first time since he started speaking, leveling a cold, piercing gaze at him to ensure he understood the weight of the announcement. These simple rules ought to be common sense, but after his last roommate Jason knew all too well that one could not assume that common sense would be present. But he had curbed the last one's barbarous tendencies. He would do the same here if need be.

Michael stirred to the sight of his roommate, Jason. The guy sat opposite seemingly waiting for this interaction. "I see you have finally awoken," Jason began, now sure of Michael's attention rose, walking towards his possessions. Michael though awake almost believed he was in a dream. Is he a blues brother?
"In case you were not aware," the boy continued no longer facing Michael, "I am Jason Martin Blake, your new roommate. These will be the rules of the dormitory to which we will both adhere:" He stated and Michael noticed that Jason had plastered several copies throughout the dorm as he scanned his whereabouts.

It'd been dark when Michael had arrived, and Jason had been asleep already. Michael as a result hadn't unpacked yet and his bags lay still hidden from Jason's view. Jason was continuing to inform Michael of his kill joy rules when Michael tuned out, he was entranced. The rooms curtains had been so graciously opened by Jason and while he was concentrating on packing, Michael's eyes now rested on a figure through a window not far from his. Who is she? Michael thought as he lifted himself out of bed.

"...you will consider these rules inviolate. You can of course expect the same of me. Are there any questions?" Jason snapped his briefcase shut. Jason turned looking directly at Michael for the first time since he started his long jaunt, blocking Michael's view. Snapping to, he realized Jason was deadpan and serious, looking straight at him.

"Yeah, gotcha... Question, could you move slightly," Michael replied shifting around Jason. The girl had disappeared from the window and Michael dropped his head, gah... Michael sighed and turned, noticing he had slept in his boxers and shrugged, "Sorry Jason, I suppose being this exposed breaks the rules. New rules... takes me awhile it seems." Michael commented half apathetically.

Michael moved and turned falling backwards onto his bed. This guy has a real stick up his... Michael's musing was cut short by the girl returning to the window, wrapped in a towel, Michael's jaw dropped as he sat up. Who is she? "I guess I won't find out by staring," Michael breathed, grabbing a bag from beside his bed and sieving through. Towel. Shampoo. Soap. Michael lifted himself up and made his way towards the shower.

[OCC: sorry duplicate post I've removed the content of.]

Dripping Michael made his way out of the shower molding his hair with the towel; fortunately Jason had left. Some of this stuff really needs a home Michael surmised, whilst tipping rucksack upon rucksack of belongings onto his bed. "Ah! Boxers, great start." Michael contently began. Leaving the mess to air he turned to a worn case which was tucked slightly underneath the bed. There's no way you belong there. Lifting the case up onto a desk Michael twisted and flicked the locks opening the lid. Beautiful. It was a classic 1920's vinyl player, faded but with a new needle. Michael removed the box from the case and position so it sat by the sill, finding a plug. "Drat, I know I have one somewhere," Michael turned throwing items off the bed, "Yes." It was a converter, from two to three prongs and Michael fixed it to the socket and plugged the English vinyl player in. "You have no idea how much I need this," Michael smirked to himself. "I think something modern and new for my new begining," Michael decided pulling from a travel case now unzipped a vinyl marked Mayday. "In my head," played as the needle scratched at the rotating disk and Michael began bouncing around as he chucked clothing in drawers on his side of the room. "You'll see a side of love you've never known!" Michael screamed along with the track, pulling a sweater closer to his chest before discarding it into a draw.
Throughout the song Michael had managed to partially dress, and after hopping into the a sock he was just missing a top. The contents on his bed had dwindled, just nicnacs, some leftover food from the journey and straighteners remained, a few items of clothing hung from the end of his bed where he'd been undecided as to their home. "Ah," Michael grabbed a jumper and tucked it over his head, arms through, "Just the other... There." Now Michael donned two socks and they matched. Luck.

Picking at an orange Michael decided against going to the canteen, Tomorrow, and he flicked his straighteners on, resting them precariously on his bedside cabinet. Michael hung his towel, I am an awesome flatmate, Michael self-praised for his mostly tidy area, turning his attention back to hair.
The vinyl stopped half way through and Michael had to finished straightening in silence, he struggled as his head began speaking to him. Do you think you're ready for this?, the voice crept in, You know what happened last time... "Stop it," Michael protested, cringing inwards and lifting his hands to his head. You know what we had to do last time, it's likely to happen again, the voice chimed. "No, shut up! Everything is different now," Michael dropped to a knee shaking his head. You're not different though... Michael's grip loosened on the straighteners and burnt along his arm. Recoiling Michael tore the cord out of the socket and threw the straighteners into the shower cubicle. "Blast!" Michael swore, running to the taps and submerging his forearm in cooling water.I hope Jason doesn't notice that burn in the carpet, Michael thought staring beside his bed concerned.

Leaving the ruined jumper on his bed his chose a white tee, White and beige, I'm genius...



Michael's phone alerted him, the day had truly started and he was due in class. Swiping his phone to silence it, he stepped toward the door snatching his keys from his bed side table. Don't forget our conversation Michael, Michael's inner voice whispered as he closed the door behind. Michael raced off. I have to find some one.

“I teach theatre arts. You know, singing dancing, acting... The fun things people like doing in school not like history and all that boring stuff.” Ariana explained jovially, swiping a smirk at Eric. Lowering his head slightly he grinned, Touché. The glancing attention amongst the pawing teens was an art, Eric decided; though he edgily noticed a certain chef’s glare from the serving counter.

“As should you, Professor Caydon.” Ariana was looking to him again, though Eric had been momentarily distracted again by the chef glaring at him from the other side of the service counter, and as a result Eric missed the previous undirected words that explained what he was supposed to “should” do. He smiled almost uneasily, filled with concern. I’ve forgotten something, haven’t I? Eric stood mimicking several others around, pushing his chair back, still clutching what remained of his orange.
Aiden beautifully interjected Eric’s thoughts "I should probably mention that twenty minutes ago I was wandering around the halls completely lost and I never actually found a map. I could use a beautiful guide to show me around the school." The Academy’s bell unfortunately overlaid the end of Aiden’s plea after the word “beautiful”.

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrriing!

”English!” Eric exclaimed in relief letting out a chuckle, ”I’m gonna need a better system then just attempting to remember these things… Besides your prompts that is,” Eric grinned thankfully. Note to self: Find suitable English teacher.
He turned to look at Aiden, ”Dyre, next time specify "female", you’re with me it seems; aren’t you the lucky guy today.” The side of Eric's mouth raised up into a smirk glancing back to Ariana who it seem was on the move as well.
”It was nice, Ariana,” Eric said in all serious, ”Seeing you at the start of the first day.” And with the pleasantries concluded Eric moved to exit the canteen Please tell me Qadira's ceased her death stare, Eric checked in his peripherals noticing the chef hadn't budged. If she had powers Qadria would definitely be cyclops, I can literally feel the back of my head melting!

The hallway was a bustle, the first day meant the students were all super-charged and nervous as well as mostly lost; Eric paused and raised his voice, "Students!" The horde slowed as some stopped, Eric shouted again, ”Students, new and old,” he continued as most of the remaining nearby students took notice, ”Good luck with your first day here or back; just a slight heads up, most of the classes have changed room the prevous year - first years with me - that is all.”
The silence erupted as a lot of the older students cursed, it amused Eric infinitely to keep his students on their toes but in truth the process leveled the playing field somewhat for first years and gave them all a mind-bending task to engage their minds. First room's free first years, Eric mused whilst navigating the corridors.

Second note to self: Find English teacher, or is that still the first note... Make it first and second. One of Eric's eyes squinted at the chalkboard in the room, the board read:

It was in bold and squiffy writing, My handwriting is a bomb. The majority of the chairs were empty, except Aiden who had nipped around Eric, seated himself and was already copying out the module heading. A few students that had followed after the speech start filtering in moments later. Now... Where did I put the chalk?

Opening out into the vast corridors Michael soon found himself encompassed by students, the bell had sounded only moments ago. Now where was it I’m meant to go? Michael stilled getting barged as he looked around, English but where… "Excuse me," Michael tried but several of the recipients just shoved past ignoring his request. "I’m trying to find the English class," Michael tried turning his head to students as they past without success.

”… first years with me - that is all.” Michael faintly heard a corner or two away and with reserved strength fought through the jumble sale of students. I could do with a locker… Michael observed students as the he made his way down another hallway, though he realised it wasn’t as if his room was far away and some students could be living off campus. Michael shrugged and turned a corner to where the announcement had been given in time to collide with - The mother of all beefcakes – getting knocked squarely on his arse. ”Watch it Freshie,” the enormous tank boy growled, "I bring the pain in all colours of hell," he warned, then scoffed, unimpressed with Michael before finally moving off.

Picking himself up and ignoring the new burns he’d some how accumulated Michael scanned ahead but the speaker had vanished, along with the first years. ”Awh come on!” Michael complained racing forward but he skidded to halt when the corridor split three ways. ”Now what?”

Michael exhaled deeply and looked around, only older students now loomed, ”Anyone know where the English room is?” Michael asked in a raised voice but the remaining students at the very least acted as if they were busy. I know it’s loud out here but someone could at least share this information with me” he stewed grinding his teeth a little.
Suddenly the hall felt wavy and it was as if purple streaks flowed out, when it touch the nearest student, an older blonde, she turned to Michael, ”It was announced only recently that all the classes have moved from the rooms of the previous years, sorry.” The girl suddenly snapped to and looked at Michael puzzled before frowning, slapping him and walking off. ”What was THAT about?” Michael questioned, slightly dazed, rubbing his cheek with a hand.

Is this so complicated!? Michael stood frustrated as the corridors began to clear. He hung his head shaking it and running both hands through his hair. Composing himself and looking up he noticed a girl rushing towards him with what looked like - A slice of pizza? – She seemed to recognise him which Michael found strange as he was new and hadn’t. –

Michael swallowed and his heart quickened. Hh..How? Wait. Did she see me looking from my room? Michael pondered wide-eyed still unsure if he'd been knocked out by that enormous man boy thing a corridor or so back; though the pizza she carried wasn't exactly on the fantasy short list.
"Hi," Michael managed to stutter out, "English?" he asked.

Samantha let out a depressed sigh realizing that she was really late for breakfast, she had not noticed just exactly how late it was until she saw that everyone was already either finished eating or just waiting for the class to start at the cafeteria. She spotted a few familiar faces but didn’t say hi to anyone, after all that could wait but her demanding stomach could not. Sam always had a big appetite but as she used more and more her shifting abilities made her hungrier more often than before.

She had somehow gotten lost even though she had already entered the school for a few weeks before, it wasn't her fault that the institute was huge after all. Even when she had already been to school she would have to start in the first year mostly because she was a transfer student and because according to the school, 'it was the most appropriate' thing to do given the circumstances, whatever that meant. Of course, Samantha was not happy at all but there was nothing she could do, besides her mind was worried now about what she would have for breakfast or if she would even have one at this point instead of concerning over anything else.

Finally, she finally made her way towards the cafeteria. She had a silly grin like a child opening a Christmas gift, a look she always had whenever it came to food. Apparently they had pizza on the menu and, contrary to what Sam thought, there was still a lot of food left. She couldn't fight her grin and came closer finally grabbing a few slices when suddenly the bell rang. Eating as fast as she could she walked slowly toward her first class, English. Having her policy of, 'Do not leave any slice behind' she simply grabbed her slice and walked towards class.

People had already begun to walk towards their classes and Sam waited patiently not wanting to get caught up in the crowd. Finally when it wasn't nearly as crowded she spotted someone nearby, she recognized him as she had seen him a few moments before. Sam had forgotten something back at her room so she had to run back to her dorm, it was then when she saw him walking not too far from the place. She had never seen him before, so there was a chance he was new, but then again the campus was huge so maybe he had been around before and she never noticed.

Samantha came closer and noticed that he had also somehow recognized her, being a bit curious she moved closer to him with her pizza on her right hand and her left hand holding onto the strap of her backpack. Finally when she was close enough he suddenly asked while stuttering, "Hi, English?" Samantha smiled and let out a small laugh, "Actually It's Sam, but English is fine too you know?" she teased a bit with a smile.

She wanted to ask if he had seen her before but for now they had to get to class, "I'm guessing you're a first year too. English class is actually over here" she said pointing in the right direction, waiting for him to follow her. While they walked to class, her curiosity wouldn't leave her be so she finally asked, "so, have we meet before? It looked like you had already seen me before and I doubt it was only my delicious looking pizza that you recognized" she asked joking a bit and with a smile. She would wait for him to say anything before they got to class where she would probably sit down in the first seat she could find and maybe even finish her delicious slice of pizza .

The girl laughed a little, "Actually It's Sam, but English is fine too you know?" she smirked. Michael contained a laugh and smiled looking directly at her, How does she make beanies look so beautiful?
"I'm guessing you're a first year too. English class is actually over here" Sam continued pointing down a corridor; a door a way down, Perhaps we won't be too late after all, Michael mused but he was glad now, bumping into her had turned today around.
Whilst walking along side Sam, Michael chanced a look, Busted! Sam caught him but either she didn't mind or didn't show it, "so, have we meet before? It looked like you had already seen me before and I doubt it was only my delicious looking pizza that you recognized." Sam was still smiling at Michael and Michael blushed slightly, pulling his arm up and round grabbing the back of his neck, "I... erm." How do I explain THIS!? Michael panicked inside letting out a nervous chuckle. Taking a deep breath and then letting it out he confessed, letting his arm drop back to his side.
"I sort of saw you this morning," he began before quickly explaining, "My roommate was berating me about some sort of law he has going and I well... drifted off a bit, to the window." He could see Sam was still waiting for all the dots to connect, "...and so, well, you were through the window... technically two windows." And there it was, Michael's half-guilty confession. He bit his lip. And only moments ago, I wouldn't have been anywhere else, now anywhere else would do!

They'd paused before the English door while Michael had explained himself, but she didn't seem mad, maybe stunned Michael thought, But that could mean anything...
Professor Caydon could be heard muted through the doors, "...temporarily stuck..."
They both turned to see the Professor; he was looking directly back at them! The sudden obligation cut short Sam and Michael's discussion, and he pushed the door to, sound erupting form inside as he held the door for Sam. He followed after a short sigh and entered, seating himself beside her.

As he was adding the flames coming out of the dinosaur's mouth (well this one did have fire breath, so there) Aiden glanced up at the teacher to make sure he wasn't looking his way and chanced to notice a couple of students slinking in late. Checking to see that Head Bossman was still busy with the whiteboard, he gestured at the seats next to him, almost the only ones unoccupied by now. Whether they saw him or just saw the seats, the two new kids made their way over to them and sat down, the guy next to him, the girl on his other side.

Aiden flashed them both a grin. The girl was amazingly cute. Dark hair, largely swept to one side, about shoulder length, smoothe features and a carefree air about her that instantly endeared him. He resisted his first instinct to flirt with her, though - partly because they were in class but mostly because there seemed to be something between the two of them. The guy seemed nervous, constantly glancing at her as if trying to gauge her mood, like he'd done something bad and was worried she'd snap at him. Well, he had sat down next to her and she didn't seem about to change seats (and if she did, there was an empty one right behind Aiden) so she couldn't be too furious with him. Unless she just hadn't decided yet whether to be furious or not. In which case, that guy could be deep in it now.

Either way, far be it for Aiden to get in the way of another man's relations with the fairer sex. On purpose, anyway. Thus he had the courtesy to keep his fat trap shut for once and just watch them out of the corner of his eye to see how this unfolded. It was way more interesting than whatever the teacher was saying.


Jason Martin Blake



When all else was said and done, Jason made his way to the library with five minutes to spare for his appointment. Breakfast had been satisfactory, though he scowled at the sight of pizza on the table. Honestly, as if the school didn't serve enough unhealthy fare already, now there was pizza for breakfast? What kind of institution was this supposed to be? The new Health teacher should be focusing her efforts on the faculty almost as much as the students. Shaking his head at the thought, Jason stepped around a bookcase and smiled (a rare event) at Divinia Castiglione sitting at a desk and browsing several books.

They had met some years ago, before he became a graduate student, having been assigned to work together on a science project. Naturally the project was not only interesting but visually impressive, but more importantly he had found along the way an intellectual equal whose company he actually enjoyed, something rarer than platinum in the school. He had also found a strong infatuation - one strong enough indeed to persist to the present day. At first he had not recognized it for what it was, but once he did he had found much to consider.

Love was a subject that almost everyone spoke of at some point, usually in glowing terms. Still, for all its supposed virtues the drawbacks were also noted, and having seen them he viewed the matter in an entirely different light. While a certain sense of emotional fulfilment at the mere presence of another and the knowledge of her approval seemed appealing, it also implied a lack of fulfilment at her absence or disapproval. Furthermore he had found himself distracted, his mind wandering at any given moment to think of her. It was unhealthy, he decided, for one's happiness to depend so greatly on another person. Practically obsessive. For that reason primarily he chose not to pursue any relationship with her beyond that which they already had.

That was not to say that he avoided her, of course. He may not have any romantic notions or intentions, but he did enjoy their discussions and value her opinion greatly. They were, for lack of a better word, good friends. He had no intention of abandoning that simply because he could not cope with infatuation properly. Instead he freely took pleasure in her company - probably what had allowed that infatuation to remain over the years rather than dying out like a guttering candle - and simply exercised self-control where his emotions were concerned, as he always did. For all the artistic insistence to the contrary, following one's heart over one's head seldom brought joy or contentment. Usually it only resulted in disappointment.

On reaching the table he set down his briefcase and brought out his laptop, nodding cordially to Divinia. "Good morning," he said politely. "Enjoying your light reading?" It was nice to see they kept a copy of Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment in the original Russian. For all that the school failed to do in policing its students or looking after their health, it did provide adequate resources for education at least. Otherwise he would have left the moment he learned to master his abilities.