Gisele DuBois's Story

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Landon had been party hopping all night. He made sure to make an appearance at a majority of the different little dorm parties that flooded the dormitory. It was obvious that it had just became midnight when everyone was making more noise than they already were and started grabbing whoever was closest, planting a wet one on one another. There were a couple cuties around him that were giving him the eye but he had something way more fun in mind they sharing his New Year's kiss with a random girl. Not that he wouldn't enjoy kissing them but he didn't want to lead anyone on. Deciding it was time for him to leave the crowd, he grabbed a red solo cup of mystery alcohol, chugging it's contents as he moved down the hall.

Landon tossed his cup in the trash near the stairs before heading up to the next floor. He grabbed hold of the banister, whipping himself around the landing, skipping every other step as he ascended the stairs. He was slightly surprised at how quiet the floor was. But then he realized that Synthia probably threatened everyone with a lifetime of school debt or something if they were too loud. The thought made him chuckle to himself as he headed down the corridor.

The only sound that could be heard was the clicking of his dress shoes on the tile floor. He smirked to himself when he noticed their door was open before he was in their sight. Being the peacock trickster he is, Landon pulled out his phone and began to play Old Time Rock and Roll. Just like Tom Cruise in Risk Business, he slid on the tile coming to a stop in Synthia's and Spencer's doorway. He then spun around to face them, flipping the sides of his blazer back as he strutted towards them. Moving towards them like he was in Saturday Night Fever, he bobbed his head side to side while mouthing the words to the song.

When the song came to an end Landon posed like he was dancing disco. He held the pose for a second or 2 before cracking up laughing, and plopping down on Spencer's bed. He did always like to make an entrance... At least he thought he was humorous. "So I realized that Hey, it's a New Year now. And I had some girls eyeing me, wanting me to be their New Year kiss. But being the gentleman I am," He put his hand to his chest trying to seem as sincere as he could be, "I had to save that pleasure for the one girl in my life..." He was looking at Spencer, but cocked his head towards Synthia with a mischievous grin. She always hated it whenever Landon tried flirting with her, which made him enjoy it that much more. "So what do you say baby? Plant one on me!"

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Gisele arrived much later than she had planned due to the snow. It wouldn't have been such a terrible drive if her mother would have let her get the SUV she wanted instead of a freaking Porsche. She hated how her mother shoved her wealth down her throat. She let out a sigh of relief as she parked her car and shut off the engine. It was like ESP or something because the second she removed the keys her phone began to ring. She bite the finger of her glove, pulling her hand out of the fabric so she could answer it, "Hello?... Yeah Mom I got here fine... er, Genova." She sighed. She had a horrible relationship with her mom, if you could even call it a relationship. The woman didn't even let Gisele call her mom and the last time they saw each other was shortly after her Father's death. "...I'll be fine... Yes! I can control myself Mother!" Her mom knew nothing about her except the fact that she spent the last 3 years in rehab. She didn't even care about her issues, she cared about the image it made on her fashion brand and life. Her Mother saw her as a burden and free advertisement... not a daughter. "Why do you care!?... That's right because you don't!... I'm on the other side of the world, be happy... Stop lying to me. I'm not a child anymore... Whatever. Bye Genova."

Gisele threw her phone into her purse, before slamming her hand into her steering wheel. The impact made her alarm begin to go off. "Oh shit!" Her hands fumbled around with the keys for a few seconds until she finally turned the alarm off. With a sigh she rested her head back against the head rest trying not to cry. After a second or 2, she brought her hands up to wipe away the tears that threatened to fall from her eyes, grabbed her purse and got out of her car. She nearly slipped once she stepped out in the snow, grabbing the car door with her hands. "Fucking heels..." Her Mother always insisted Gisele dress her best, and her best was always clothes from her Mother's line. Free advertisement. Once she regained her balanced, she grabbed her suitcase and headed inside.

It hit her like a wave. All the voices, real and mental bombarded her mind as she walked through the halls tugging her suitcase behind her while adjusting her duffle bag that rested on her shoulder. If her Mother wasn't so complicated she would have just stayed at school over the holiday break but she had to go to Paris. Even though she saw her mother not once the entire time she was there. Just a waste of time. It must have just turned midnight when she entered because people were kissing everywhere. It took all her concentration to weave through the masses of students without getting knocked over or whatever else, while juggling all the noises in her head. But when she heard one thought she stopped in her tracks. Her eyes locked on a male a few feet in front of her who was obviously drunk. But he licked and bit his lip at her as he began to stride towards her. She sighed and rolled her eyes. He wanted her to be his first kiss for the year and she was not feeling that at all. She smirked as she spoke to him through his mind, If you even attempt to kiss me I'll tell every girl at this school how small your dick really is. He took the hint well because he quickly turned the other way, stumbling through the crowd to get away from Gisele. She wasn't a mean person like that usually but she wasn't in the mood to deal with this type of crowd.

She wanted to jump for joy when she noticed she had reached her room. Gisele quickly recovered her key from her pocket and unlocked the door. She tugged her suitcase inside, pushing it aside before practically slamming the door shut. She rested her palms against the door, then her forehead letting out a sigh of relief. Some quiet. She turned around, leaning her back against the door, allowing her body to slowly slide down it until she was sitting on the ground.

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❝Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times.❞
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ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя✦#068481
тнσυgнт cσƖσя✧#868669

【Run ▮ Bring Me The Horizon】
【Power To Progress ▮ Darren and Stephen Loveday】

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"Happy new year!"

The words echoed through Ash's dorm room walls as the party next door hit a new level of loud. She could feel the thumping beat through the floorboards, and through the air. It vibrated throughout her being, but Ash was glad she wasn't a part of it. As much as Ash wasn't a party type of girl, Ash wouldn't have minded going to the party - but she felt it was more polite to wait for her best friend and give her a quieter welcome - one she would prefer. It could be quite uncomfortable for both Gisele, Blair, and Ash to be around loud noises - Ash and Blair could detect the vibrations, and Gisele could hear minds. It gave Ash a headache just thinking about it, let alone being a part of it. Kat, luckily, didn't have a problem with noise, but then again, Kat was just awesome in general. Ash had to admit, sometimes she was jealous of Kat's ability to not get headaches caused by powers.

Then again, there was the issue of boys, too. Ash was, admittedly, saving herself for someone, but she was losing hope of ever seeing him again. As much as she'd vowed to never forget his face, it was slipping from her. She could remember his eye colour perfectly; Ash held onto this knowledge tightly, in fear of forgetting. She couldn't forget the boy who saved her from drowning a second time.

Snowball squealed in his cage just as something - or, more likely, someone - thumped against the adjoining wall. Ash sighed, sitting up on her bed, before getting up and walking around to his cage, scooping the small rabbit up, and resuming her place on the bed, cross-legged with the animal on her lap. She stroked him, making soothing noises to the ball of fluff, trying to calm her pet down. The screaming next door began again, and Ash clamped her hands over her ears while the small rabbit burrowed it's head into her lap. "Oh my god...." She groaned to herself, resisting the urge to flop backwards on the bed and pull the pillow over her head. "I am never going to get any sleep tonight." She told the rabbit, before picking him up and placing him back in his run with a treat ball. She was sorry she couldn't do anything else for the creature, but she was hoping he would curl up in his nest and fall asleep.

Aislinn was shocked out of her thought trail by the sound of a car alarm. She was surprised she could hear it, but she headed over to the window, opening it as wide as she could. She shivered as she realized how cool it was outside. Ash had been in California for just over a year now, but the milder seasons always caught her by surprise. Back in England, everyone assumed that California was hot 24/7. However, this was definitely not the case, and Ash caught herself rubbing at the goosebumps appearing on her arms. She threw on a cardigan quickly, before hurrying back over to the window, and sitting down.

Ping!

Ash's phone decided to receive a text just as she sat down. Sighing in frustration, Aislinn pulled herself off the window seat and grabbed her phone from the charging point on her nightstand, before typing in her code and flopping down onto her bed. She opened up her messages to see that she'd received a message from Mei. Sighing once more, she typed a quick reply.

Hey, I'm in my room at the moment. It's so loud.

She hit send on the phone and plugged it in, just as someone opened the door. Ash jumped, expecting it to be some drunken idiot stumbling in by accident, but to her pleasant surprise, it was Gisele. Ash squealed in delight, leaping off the bed in delight, before she noticed her best friend sink to the ground. "Are you okay? Rough journey?" She asked softly, sitting down next to her. She didn't want to push her, but wanted to make sure she was okay. The French girl had been there for her since Ash had arrived, and Ash reciprocated it towards her. She just wanted to make sure her friend was okay, catch up, and get to sleep.

What more could a girl want?

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"Mmm... Herpes. Delicious." Landon chuckled as he scooted off the bed and moved over towards Synthia. He leaned his right arm against the wall next to her closet. glancing down towards her as she gathered her things... or whatever she was doing. "Just because I enjoy pleasures of the flesh, doesn't mean I'm a man whore and diseased, thank you. Plus... I wasn't talking about Spencer, smart ass." He took a slight step closer to her, smirking down at her, "I was talking about you." He glanced over at Spence, giving her a wink. Being his best friend, she probably knew exactly what he was doing. He loved pushing Synth's buttons because he could. Plus they sort of had a love hate relationship. He loved how much she hated him, but deep down they're sort of friends. "Isn't it obvious that your the only one for me?"

Landon glanced from her closet to her, she was probably preparing herself to leave the room. But he honestly just more or less came to hang out, sex wasn't the motive... Entirely. "So what do ya say darlin'? If there was ever a time for your black heart to open up to me it'd be now.... Just one kiss?" Then his mischievous grin turned more menacing, "Or better yet... Hit me! Yell at me! Walk away! I love it when you play hard to get. I enjoy the chase!"

Landon raised a brow as Synth spoke. "Perhaps you should retrieve video evidence of Blackwood's devotion to you, Spencer. Much and many can be done between midnight and-... 12:11, especially considering Landon's stamina. What was it the last time? 1 minute and 51 seconds? Congratulations. I believe that's a new record." He shook his head while laughing weakly. "Last time I checked, I last at least a good 2 minutes, ok?" He put out his hand in a calm the hell down manner. He was clearly just playing along with her snide comments. He wasn't going to go on the whiny defensive like most guys. He knew how he was in the sack and didn't feel the need to defend it. "Plus, how would you even know cupcake? Unless you were observing or participating you would have no clue the extent of my stamina... See this," He ran his hand down his chest, "Is all flesh. Pure, non-hackable flesh. If you wanna know its secrets you gotta explore it yourself."

His eyes glanced down as Synthia began to pull up her stockings. He bit his lip shaking his head. "Now that," He pointed down at what she was doing, "That's mean." He shook his head again with a grunt before walking over to Spencer's desk. He removed his jacket, and laid it over the back of the chair. He pulled the chair out, throwing his leg over the seat so he was sitting on it backwards. He then crossed his arms and rested them on the back of the chair. "So Spence... Did the Terminator over here give you a New Year's kiss?" He nodded his head towards Synth when he called her a robot.

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"Are you okay? Rough journey?" Gisele didn't even notice that Aislinn was in their room. Of course she should have known that, neither one of them was the partying type. "Oh hey Ash... Didn't see you there." She reached her hands down to grab her shoes by the 4in heels, yanked them off and threw them on her bed. She sighed, pushing off the ground to stand up. She grabbed her suitcase and duffle bag, putting them on her bed and decided to unpack while she recapped to her best friend about what all went down.

"Well... I went to Paris, which you already knew, but of course the she devil couldn't carve out one single day to be with me!" It was obvious she was upset because she began to unpack her things viciously. "So I traveled halfway around the world to spend Christmas in a hotel room with pay per view and Godiva. Which reminds me," She grabs a decent sized wrapped present from inside her suitcase and walked over to Ash, holding out the gift. "Merry Christmas!" Inside was Godiva, because let's be honest no women says no to chocolate, and a couple dresses she bought while in Paris. She gave her friend a hug before moving back over to her bags. "So then she pretends to care about me driving in the snow. Which wouldn't be a problem in the first place if she realized that having a Porsche at my age is retarded. All the car is good for is attention... Which I don't like."

She was rambling. She did this when she was upset and Ash knew this. But Gisele knew her friend would listen to her complaints considering she couldn't call her while she was in Paris. International calls cost a fortune. "But she wasn't even worried about me driving in the snow in a god damn Porsche!" She sat down on the foot of her bed with a sigh, "She wanted to make sure I wouldn't regress being around everyone partying and celebrating New Year's. She thinks I can't control myself since I had to go to rehab and everything.... That's why she made me come to Paris. Not to see me. But because she couldn't trust me to take care of myself and not slip back into the hole that was my former self... And, I come back to a tsunami of noise in my head and a drunk trying to kiss me at midnight." With a sigh, she lightly slapped her hands on her legs, smiling slightly towards her friend, "Alright. I'm done venting." She laughed softly.

Gisele's gaze moved past Ash to look out the window and saw that it was still snowing pretty heavily. Then it hit her. She quickly jumped up from her bed and walked over to her roomie, "Why don't we have our own lame PG fun tonight!" She held out her hand in an over dramatic fashion, "Be the Elsa to my Anna... And let's go build a snow man!" Gisele had a slight obsession when it came to Disney, that's all she watched while she was in rehab because who doesn't love Disney. She didn't wait for Ash's response before she hurried over to her wardrobe and began to pull out more winter appropriate clothing. "It snows maybe one day a year here. Let's make the best of it!" She had no issue changing her clothes in front of Ash, they'd done it hundreds of times. But the idea of playing out in the snow like she was a kid made her happy. Plus it'd give her a chance to get away from the parties and noise that was slowly giving her a headache.

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═══════════════════════════════
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
❝Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times.❞
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя✦#068481
тнσυgнт cσƖσя✧#868669

【Run ▮ Bring Me The Horizon】
【Power To Progress ▮ Darren and Stephen Loveday】
【Outfit】

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Ash pursed her lips as her friend tore off her heels and chucked them onto her bed. She realized that this meant that her friend was upset, and as she began unpacking, Aislinn couldn't help standing up with her and shuffling over to the bed, sitting down and crossing her legs. Gisele began talking about her trip to Paris, and as much as Ash knew Gisele hated it, she was secretly a little jealous. She decided to cut the thought from her mind as quickly as it appeared, and instead replied with a quick, "As much as that sucks, I wish I could have visited Paris. Is it as pretty as the pictures?" before realizing that they were getting off topic and making a gesture to continue.

Ash's face split into a huge grin as her friend turned around with a box in her hands. She took it and placed it on the bed, before digging under her bed for the item she was looking for. It was a box, too, but slightly thinner and lighter. Inside, Gisele would find a scrapbook of English Flora, with little pressed flowers included in the book, gently sellotaped on the corners. Underneath that was a woolen shawl for cold nights, and alongside that were a couple of bars of clotted cream fudge. She placed the box on Gisele's bed before flopping back onto her own bed, trying to ignore the rowdiness of the party next door.

Just then, her phone pinged again. Ash rolled her eyes at her friend, holding up a finger in a one-second gesture, before reaching over and seeing it was Mei. She texted back quickly.

{To: Mei}
Sorry, G just got here. Gonna hang with her for a while!

She sent the text and turned back to her friend, mouthing a silent apology before placing the phone back on the nightstand. "She wanted to make sure I wouldn't regress being around everyone partying and celebrating New Year's. She thinks I can't control myself since I had to go to rehab and everything.... That's why she made me come to Paris. Not to see me. But because she couldn't trust me to take care of myself and not slip back into the hole that was my former self... And, I come back to a tsunami of noise in my head and a drunk trying to kiss me at midnight." Gisele continued her rant, and Ash listened to her, letting her best friend vent. "Welcome to the Academy." She muttered sarcastically, a grin across her lips. Her hand was on her ring, holding it gently. Gisele's mention of her mother - however much she bothered her - had reminded Ash of how much she missed her own, and it was out of habit that she was holding the ring now. She dropped it quickly before smiling at her friend again.

"Why don't we have our own lame PG fun tonight! Be the Elsa to my Anna... And let's go build a snow man! It snows maybe one day a year here. Let's make the best of it!" Gisele suggested, and Aislinn found herself moving towards her drawers before she could stop herself. "Hell yes!" She grinned as she dug through her drawers, finding some thicker leggings grey in colour and patterned with white and pink aztec designs, and she threw a grey jumper over the tank top she was going to wear to bed. She pulled on a pair of pink uggs and put a thin pink scarf on to top off the outfit.

Ash's phone received another notification, much to her annoyance, at the same time as Gisele's; her annoyance faded as soon as she realized it was Kat, and Ash sent one last text to her other best friend before turning off her phone.



With text sent, Ash turned to Gisele with a cheeky smile on her face. "I'll race you out! Three, two, one, GO!" She yelled, before turning around and hot footing it out of the door. The corridors were rammed with people, making it difficult to move - or breathe. Ash tried to ignore it, but found herself slowing to a walk anyway, and gently pushing her way through the crowd. Other party goers, obviously completely wasted, formed what seemed an intangible wall between her and the outside world, but Ash was determined to win. She focused on keeping her breathing even as she fought through the crowds, and was disappointed to find not one pair of golden coloured eyes. She didn't even realize she was searching, but she pushed through, only stopping to push those hungry for another's attention away. At one point through the Party Corridor, she was kissed on the cheek, but a quick push and a glare was enough to get him to turn away and pursue some action elsewhere.

Finally, Ash reached the outside world, where the cold bit into her skin and went through to her core. She shivered, but ventured out into the snow, reveling in the fact that she'd won the race. The fireworks lit up the sky above her, turning the snow every colour Aislinn could name. She held out a hand, catching snowflakes in her hand. Just then, she heard something move behind her, and Ash turned towards the patio, realizing that someone was sat there. He - or she - was silhouetted, so Ash couldn't tell who it was, and she hoped that they hadn't seen her.

Time to have a little fun.

Ash scooped up some snow and patted it together into a ball in her hands. She made sure it wasn't too compact, so it wouldn't become ice, and she was glad to find that it was the right consistency to make a decent snowball. Her hand felt the sting of the cold, and she sneaked closed to the patio. Finally, with a grin on her face, she yelled, "Snowball fight!" threw it at the unknown person, hoping that they wouldn't mind too much. She giggled as she watched the snow explode on impact, showering them with the substance, and ducked down to make more of the soft projectiles, laughing as she did so.

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Gisele was happy to be out of her blouse and pencil skirt. She always enjoyed looking nice but it wasn't the most comfortable attire in the world. She turned around to face her roomie and couldn't help but chuckle when she realize they were both wearing grey and pink. "You know... Eventually some day someone is going to ask about our strange friendship." She smiled as she pulled on her white beret just as her phone dinged. She grabbed her purse and it took her a minute or two to search its contents for her phone. She hated and loved technology. She didn't like how everyone was so dependent on them these days but it also gave her an excuse to avoid people's minds.



Gisele chuckled at her phone, glancing up to see that Ash already replied. She wasn't as quick at texting as her roommate.



Gisele clicked send, then tucked her phone into the pocket of her plaid skirt. She hadn't even had the chance to put her shoes on yet when Ash said, "I'll race you out! Three, two, one, GO!" "Hey! Wait you cheater!" She shouted after her roomie who disappeared into the crowd of people in the hall. She quickly grabbed her white boots, bouncing on her left foot as she tried to slip her right boot on. Once that one was on she did the same with the other shoe, but fell over into her wardrobe. "Dammit..." Quickly regaining her balance, she got her shoe on and rushed to the door. She made sure to grab a room key because chances were that Ash forgot hers.

Gisele slammed into someone the second she got out in the hallway, "Oh... Sorry." She weaved through people as quickly as she could but it wasn't very easy. She turned around the corner and that end of the dorm was rather quiet. There was a few people disappearing into their rooms but no blonde prepared for a snow battle running away. With a sigh, she slowed down as she walked down the hall, adjusting her clothes and hat. She came to a halt when she saw a door open to a room. Wondering if whoever was in there might have seen Ash, she slowly walked towards the open doorway. She was surprised when she saw the lights out. At first she thought someone just forgot to close their door but as she looked inside she saw someone laying on a bed.

She contemplated just continuing on but she honestly had no idea which way Ash went. So Gisele took a deep breath and moved into the doorway, raising her hand to knock on the opened door. She used her hand to brush back her brunette locks while clearing her throat. She hadn't realized that the male had his iPod in until she could slightly hear it throw his thoughts but the fact that all she could hear from his head was his music made her brows furrow. She didn't want to enter his room uninvited so after a moment she spoke, out loud while simultaneously in his mind, "Hello... Sorry to bother you..."

Gisele waited until she had his attention. She smiled softly towards him as she asked, "Didn't mean to interrupt your... Listening." She motioned her hand towards his iPod. "I was just wondering if you saw Aislinn fly past here not long ago? She thought a race would be a good idea but I quickly lost her. And these big buildings still confuse the crap out of me." She laughed softly while scratching her head at her own confusion.

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Reed stared at Aislinn from where he had just stood. He had seen Synth walk out a few minutes ago, but ignored her since the two had a sketchy relationship. She had her blond hair like he remembered and the beautiful features that weren’t outright, god how are you not a model look to everyone, but screamed out in Reed’s head.

Reed was about to speak when she pelted a snowball at him. He laughed as he ducked for cover. Reed picked up a snowball of his own and threw it right back over the back of his chair before moving low and quickly towards her, running low to the ground. As he approached, he picked up another snowball and tossed it at her, lightly packed.

As he was a few feet away, he stood from behind his cover and called out gently, ”Aislinn Mae, is that you?” He walked forward cautiously, as if expecting her to throw another snowball at him in any second. He stood with his hands up as if in surrender as he approached her, not believing he was actually seeing her again.

He had seen her a few years ago when he had saved her from drowning. He remembered the night clearly. He had kissed her and she had given her a note which he cherished and held onto all the time. He had it by his bed upstairs and it was clear it had been folded and unfolded a bunch of times by the reader.

Reed stood before her, holding his arms out in a way that looked like he was presenting himself in a way but could appear to be offering a hug or something else. Reed couldn’t believe it. His breath coming out in puffs was visible but he was too distracted by the sight of Aislinn to even care or notice one of his favorite things about Winter.

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Galen had just moved from listening to music to listening to an audiobook Reed had loved reading when he sensed someone near his door. He pulled out the earplugs and sat up, looking curiously at the girl. She knocked and Galen smiled, finding it a little funny that he had known she was coming before she had even announced her presence.

”Hi,” Galen stated simply. She responded and he shook his head with furrowed brows, indicating she wasn’t bothering him at all. It was merely the beginning of the book so there was no real issues.

Galen nodded his comprehension of her words before she continued on, waving away her slight apology. Galen thought back but shook his head slightly. ”Aislinn, Aislinn, Aislinn… Sorry, I actually don’t know an Aislinn,” He stated simply as he stood and walked towards her, trying to think back to why the name was familiar. He leaned against his doorframe as he looked down at the girl, but his eyes didn’t focus on her, causing them to look slightly off behind his glasses.

”Probably doesn’t help that I’m new here. Galen Lewis. What’s your name?” He asked curiously, offering his hand to her. She was a few inches shorter but he didn’t have to look down much. From the shade of the shadows her hair was darker rather than blonde and he wondered, not for the first time, how people would appear to him if he could see the more detailed features.

He looked for what she was wondering about him in his own mind, curious, but found nothing at the moment. He frowned slightly, confused, but gave a smile that showed he was just a little confused as to something else that she could ask about but he wouldn’t offer without question. It was clear he was comfortable with himself and that he didn’t mind her interrupting him, but was still a little confused as to what was happening, and why his head felt a little different than it did most times.

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Landon smirked when Spencer replied, "My great idea is doing all of those at once. Perfect way to start the new year." He began to step towards her while his hands started unbuttoning his shirt. He had gotten his shirt completely unbuttoned to reveal his muscular torso when she got a text. "Leo's in trouble at the bistro. Some idiots decided to lay a hand on my brother." His eyes widened as he moved across Spence's room, grabbing his jacket off her office chair. He knew that they'd be off to go help or whatever you want to call it. "Whoever hurts the most bad guys gets oral from the loser." She was out the door before he was able to grab his car keys from his pocket. "Well... I was going to offer to drive us..." He sighed to himself, slipping his jacket on and running out of her dorm with his shirt still wide open.

Landon ran down the stairs, skipping 3 at a time until he reached the ground level and bursted through the door. He ran over to his truck, yanking open the door and sliding into the driver seat. Without putting his seatbelt on or anything, he put the key in the ignition and started the engine. Within seconds he was barreling down the road to the dinner.

Usually a 15 minutes drive and he made it there in a few minutes. Thankfully the school was sort of in the middle of no where because if it wasn't he probably would have wrecked or gotten a ticket by then. He pulled into the parking lot, seeing the action inside and outside the Bistro. He parked his truck in a spot near the entrance. Just as he went to exit his truck, he saw one of the gang members or whatever they were run out into the parking lot. Just as the guy was going to pass his truck, Landon opened the driver's side door, slamming the guy in the chest and knocking him to the ground. He smirked to himself as he stepped out of the truck, closing the door. "Timing is everything."

Apparently timing is everything because he arrived in time to see Spencer run right into someone. Typical. Landon shifted his gaze back to the guy on the ground before him. "You should probably get lost." He grabbed the guy by his shirt, lifting him up off the ground and pushing him in the direction away from the Bistro. Once the guy was gone, he made his way into the diner coming up to stand beside Nathaniel who seemed a little too pleased with himself. "Scaring the shit out of people per usual?" Landon lifted his arm to rest on his friends shoulder as the guy bit into the apple he was eating. He flinched slightly as he felt a breeze on his torso. Glancing down he realized his shirt was still wide open, he merely shrugged his shoulders not caring.

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The guy sat up, "Hi." Well that's a start. Gisele thought to herself when he responded to her. She didn't realize how strange it probably was having a random girl come knocking on your door. But on a positive side he wasn't ignoring her. ”Aislinn, Aislinn, Aislinn… Sorry, I actually don’t know an Aislinn,” He said in response to her question. She sighed softly, nodding her head in understanding as the guy got up from his bed and moved towards her. She tried to snap her fingers in a dang-it type of way but her gloves just muffled the noise. "Dammit..." It wasn't long before she slightly regretted asking if he saw anyone pass by his door. She could tell by the way his eyes never seemed to really focus on anything that he was blind, she felt bad but something about him felt like he still had his perceptions which made sense as to why he could see her.

”Probably doesn’t help that I’m new here. Galen Lewis. What’s your name?” Gisele chuckled softly at his comment seeing his hand extend towards her as he introduced himself. She quickly brought her hands up to remove her glove from her right hand, before gently placing her hand in his. Regardless if he was blind or not, she glanced up into his eyes with a smile. Eye contact was important in her opinion. "It's ok... I haven't been here much longer than you. I know just enough to get myself lost, obviously." She laughed softly at her own comment before adding, "I'm Gisele... Gisele DuBois."

Gisele glanced over the guy as she slowly retracted her hand and put back on her glove. He was definitely attractive and didn't seem to be like a douche bag like half the guys in the school. But it was weird... When she tried to listen to his thoughts to see what was really going on in his head she only heard fragments, like radio static. Her brows pulled together as she tried to focus. She half raised her hands to reach out towards his face but froze mid way and let her hands drop. That'd probably be a hard first encounter to explain, not to mention invade his personal space. She was just curious why his mind seemed so different.

After a little bit of silence, Gisele cleared her throat. "So I'm assuming being new... You haven't met that many people. I was actually heading outside to play in the snow... Because I'm 5." She grinned while chuckling. "It might be more fun then laying around by yourself listening to music." She pointed towards his dorm room, "You're more then welcome to join. I just have to warn you... I'm like a world champion in snow ball fights, and I don't play fair." She smirked, "Or if you asked me really nicely, I might consider joining forces."

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Gisele watched the male before her run his hand through his hair. The gesture didn't seem like anything but her eyes widened slightly at the sight of the scars on his wrists. It triggered a suppressed memory as her right hand went to grab her left wrist, her thumb brushing across her sleeve that hid her own set of scars. It made her wonder how he had gotten those scars... The same as her? Or maybe something else. Her brows furrowed as she tried to snake her way into his head. She generally didn't use her ability on others but she felt that asking a personal question like that the moment she met him might not be the best first impression.

”Gisele, you can ask me what I’m thinking if you want to know,” Gisele froze momentarily that she probably was acting strange but chuckled softly at the realization that she was caught. Her cheeks flushed and it was the one time she was thankful that anyone was blind so he couldn't see her blush. She brought her hand up to brush back her hair. "I'm sorry... I'm just fascinated by your mind." She put everything aside as she stepped towards him, cupping his head in her small delicate hands. She held his head as if she was examining it, standing on her tip toes as she rotated it slowly. "Why can't I hear you?... You're thoughts I mean. It's just... quiet." She quickly released his head when she noticed how strange she was acting, laughing nervously. "I'm sorry... This is just... Well I've never been around someone where it's... normal." She smiled softly while letting out a soft sigh, "It's nice."

Gisele chuckled when he said he was a kid too and his comment about audiobooks. She waited for him as he grabbed his jacket and closed his door. "Well..." She said playfully as she walked in step with him. "Actually, I don't think I have any audiobooks. You'd think I would. It'd definitely make Shakespeare more fun... Ya know with all the different voices and stuff." She smiled. "I thought about getting some to listen to while I drive. But I generally read while listening to some Bach... Or Mozart. Generally which ever suits my fancy at the time."

"Oh... No way..." The exclamation caught Gisele's attention, causing her to quicken her step to catch up to him. "What?" She allowed her gaze to follow his as he spoke, ”Would your Aislinn possibly be a girl named Aislinn Mae? I do see her in fact, she’s outside and she’s hanging out with my brother who looks like an idiot right now.” She stepped up on her tip toes to glance over his shoulder, giggling when she saw the two outside. "Yep that would be her... Wait your brother is the famous Reed?" She looked over towards Galen with a smirk, "Well that explains a lot. I've heard a lot about him... But not you." She playfully bumped his shoulder with her own. "Guess I'll have to figure that out on my own."

Gisele bounced lightly down the steps after Galen, rubbing her hands together evilly as she prepared to submerse herself into the battle. Just as she was about to run outside, she was stopped by Galen's out stretched arm. It was good timing because if she would have ran outside she would have been covered in a blanket of snow with Sam. She brought her hands up to cover her mouth as she giggled at him. Galen had headed outside asking Sam if he needed help while she walked up to Sam, playfully rubbing the hair on his head, shaking out some of the snow. "I think you're under there somewhere." She laughed softly, looking over at Galen just as he threw a snow ball at her. She was just barely able to step out of the way. The snow ball going past her and hitting Sam. She cracked up before trying to be serious but playful as she yelled at Galen, "No friendly fire!!" She grabbed a handful of snow, running over to him and smashing it on his head before quickly making another snow ball and pelting it at Ash.

She had flown overseas a couple of days ago causing her to miss New Year's with her family which wasn't as upsetting as it should have been, she noted as there was only a minor hole in her stomach. Evie needed the escape and the whole family needed a break from her and her abnormality. Maybe there would at last be a chance for things to cool over and Evie to get her powers under complete control while she was here.

On the night approaching the new year, Evonne decided to navigate her way to the mansion while the streets were packed with club and bar hoppers, people crossing streets to congratulate each other for making another year alive and rushing around to view the fireworks. Her father's words before departure was "be safe and look out for those who hunt." Obviously, it caused some skepticism but she drew that it meant hunters and the other kind of predators on the streets. So it made more sense for her to move at night with a "normal" reason to avoid gaining unwanted attention. It certainly had it's downsides with all the intoxication that quickly tainted the streets, including an overly friendly drunk female. The girl dragged Evonne off rambling about "how no one should be alone on New Year's. Great House Party. What about your new year's kiss?" She was a hyper individual but pleasant and hospitable in her own way. She offered drinks and food and even recommended who Evonne should try to target for the new year's kiss. Darling as she was, and handsome as her recommendation was, Evonne had to at least find the mansion first. Not that they'd know a new girl was missing. But for her own peace of mind. Evonne took the girl's hands gently "Thank you so much for literally being the sweetest person for me to encounter yet, but I have to find this place and meet up with others." "Oh at least give me your phone number and take some pictures with me!" she said urgently. Swelled with delight and slightly awkward about it, Evie complied.
"Don't get too drunk so you forget whose number that is," Evie warned then smiled. Though it was likely. But Evie genuinely wished her as a friend.


Eventually, she had found the place with lesser complications than she dreaded. Which meant it was only a matter of time before all that luck went south. Seeing as it was the first of a fresh new year by the time she reached the school, it meant she had plenty of chance for her luck to turn around too. As she approached, she heard all kinds of laughter and yelling, slowing cautiously. Evie didn't know what to expect. A more strict and groomed school that didn't encourage maniac behavior she supposed.
Evie scratched her arm awkwardly and saw the war zone a snow ball fight had become. "Oh my..." she broke off. It was the furthest thing from safe crossing and would sneaking around it really work? Probably not She was plastered in place. She tried to tell herself that participation was always a good thing but starting by hurling snow balls at people didn't seem that tempting or her place exactly.
She could always waltz through with her shield up but that'd be kind of grinchy. It'd subside or at least slow down soon enough. Plus, the show was kind of entertaining. A small smile curved on her lips. It was good to see such free-spirited people.

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Galen nodded slightly at her words, understanding. He was feeling the same way with her when his thoughts changed and he saw her reach up to touch his face. He froze, unsure what to do, but nearly positive she wasn’t getting anything still.

She moved his head as she seemed to study it. He smiled at her as if she was being a little strange but he didn’t mind. ”My ability is perception. I’m hyperaware of nearly everything around me, including telepathically,” Galen explained. He opened his thoughts to her briefly, sending between them a simple ‘Happy New Years’ before shutting it off again almost instantly.

As much as she seemed to be cool, he was not willing to open up and allow her to see all about himself and his brother and what they’d done and hadn’t done. ”It is nice isn’t it? I can’t really hear yours either…” Galen admitted as if it was an interesting problem they could solve if they thought about it.

As they walked, he listened, tucking his hands into his pockets as he did so. Galen nodded. He knew how to read. He had been taught it. But since he couldn’t see the words unless the were literally carved out, and books never were offered in that form.

Galen nearly stopped walking when he heard she liked classical. ”Do you really listen to Back and Mozart or did you ask my brother what music he downloads for me?” Galen asks with a look that indicated he knew she hadn’t but held the joking accusation.

”As odd as it sounds, I love listening to Tchaikovsky, and I know it’s weird since he wrote ballets, but they just… I don’t know, they’re classic,” Galen stated with a smile, as if searching for the words but not entirely certain he was finding the right ones to describe his feelings.

He smiled as she asked about Reed. He nodded as if it wasn’t the first time he had heard those words. She bumped into him and he pretended to stumble before walking normally and chill. She was cute, and different, and like him all at the same time.

She seemed ready for a snowball fight as she prepared to walk outside, then waited as Reed’s rain of snow fell on Sam. He laughed as she dumped snow on him, moving to grab a snowball to throw at his brother. Neither twin had snow gloves since they lived in California, but they both had old leather gloves they had left in their room, not thinking they’d need them.

"Your version of showing off is almost completely idiotic and ineffective." Annabeth commented from the passenger seat as she turned her head towards Nathaniel who was in the driver's seat of his car. "You should've done the disappearing party trick when Chris was still around instead of standing there gawking at Landon's chest." Nathaniel rolled his eyes and started the car. "Now why would I need to worry about that..." He smirked and put a hand on her thigh. "When I've got you, Annie."

Annabeth arched her eyebrow at him and a surge of pain flooded to his head until he let go and began to scream. Annabeth smirked and let go. "Stop being an idiot and drive back to the mansion." Nathaniel mumbled something before pulling out of the parking lot and heading back to the mansion. Annabeth pulled out her phone and began typing away. "Stop at the liquor store before hand and get something good. Apparently everyone's favourite speedster is having a party in his dorm." She looked up from her phone. "Might as well make it fun."

Nathaniel rolled his eyes and stopped at the liquor store like she asked. He grabbed a few cases of beers, some vodka, tequila, and used his powers to make the clerk think he paid for it before getting out of there. Annabeth began to text everyone in her contacts list about the party going on and made sure to inform them there'd be alcohol. It seemed that booze was the only way to get a bunch of teenagers all together for a good time.

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Landon couldn't help but chuckle at Nathaniel as he caught him checking out his chest. "Go ahead... Touch it... I know you want to." He whispered in a seductive tone to his friend before adding a wink and growl. As Spencer began to talk to Nathaniel, he moved his arm off his friend's shoulder and began to button his shirt. Once Spence threatened Nate, Landon took a step back, holding his hands up like he was innocent. "Dudes... I'm Switzerland." He motioned to himself, "Neutral territory."

Spencer then turned to him as she spoke, "Well now... I'd say race you back but I don't feel like running. You're driving me back and we're finding something fun to do. I also won." Landon smirked, "You lazy ass. Be prepared to work for that ride... I don't do charity." He then added as she started to walk out of the dinner, "And it's 1 and 1... Learn to count. I got one with my truck door thank you." As she walked out to his truck, he couldn't help but watch her ass. Nathaniel got his attention when he spoke up, "Well lad, I suggest you go after that before you lose your window of opportunity to get the best New Year's shag. Or second best since we all know I'm the best." Landon grinned, "Are you offering to be the best?" He raised his brows suggestively towards his close friend, "And I'm not worried about losing my window. I get the luxury of tapping that whenever I want... Thank god she has a high libido like me." He patted Nate's back before heading out to his truck, hoping into the driver's seat.

Landon started his truck. He heard his phone chime and dug it out of his back pocket. "Soooo... Party in Sam's room. You in?" He looked over at Spence as he asked the question. "We could always grab that crazy roommate of yours. I'm sure she'd be the life of the party." Before he drove them back to school, he started a new message.


He then put his truck into gear and drove them back to the dorm.

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Gisele was glad that Galen didn't seemed phased by her as she examined his head. ”My ability is perception. I’m hyperaware of nearly everything around me, including telepathically.” She grinned once she understood, "That makes so much sense... That's why you move as if you're not blind at all... Fascinating." She was truly intrigued by him. It's amazing the capabilities of the body to adapt to compensate for it's weaknesses and turn them to strengths. She then had noticed that he allowed her own mind to slither into his for only a moment to wish her a Happy New Year. She giggled. ”It is nice isn’t it? I can’t really hear yours either…” "Wow..." She whispered, "It's crazy to think that we are probably the only other people in the world that we can have utter silence with." She liked that idea, someone she could spend time with and actually enjoy company with silence, like she was normal. She could see herself, in the future, finding sanctuary with him her personal oasis of peace.

Galen nearly stopped dead in his tracks when she mentioned classical music, ”Do you really listen to Back and Mozart or did you ask my brother what music he downloads for me?” Gisele chuckled, "You know... Popular to contrary belief I have never met your brother. But, I am far more interested in you." Quickly after saying that she realized it could misinterpreted, "I mean as a... not like what you think... Ummm..." She began to ramble as she brought her hand up to scratch her head before quickly recovering the conversation. "I uh... play the piano. So I have had an appreciation for classical music since I was young." Gisele was surprised, Galen was the first person she was able to have a genuine conversation about classical music with. ”As odd as it sounds, I love listening to Tchaikovsky, and I know it’s weird since he wrote ballets, but they just… I don’t know, they’re classic.” "I don't find it odd at all." She walked in step with him, "I'll tell you a secret... I listen to the score from Phantom of the Opera when I do gymnastics." She smiled as she glanced over at him.

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It wasn't long after they were outside that Gisele realized she chose the wrong side to be on. Only a few seconds after she saw the waterfall of snow fall onto Sam's head, Chris sent a wave of snow towards him as well. And of course, Gisele was standing in the range of fire as well. With only a second to think, she ducked her body behind Galen's just as the snow hit them. She clapped her hands together as she laughed softly. They had only been outside for maybe a minute or 2 when she heard Ella shout, "Party at Sam's dorm!!" And just as quickly as everyone poured out into the snow, then all filed back into the dorm building.

Gisele sighed, "Man... Barely got to enjoy all the fun." She caught sight of Ash and Reed walking inside hand and hand. She couldn't help but smile slightly. She was happy for her friend. There's nothing easier then having fate push your towards a guy because he saved your life. Gisele hoped that someday she'd be so lucky... To find a guy, not almost die. She slowly turned around to face Galen. "Well now I feel bad. I dragged you out here and then the battle ends the second we arrive." She laughed half heartedly. "I'm sure Ash would want me to go, but I don't know if I'm feeling the whole third wheel situation.... Wanna join and keep me company so I don't go insane from everyone's minds?" She smiled towards him. She still had a lot to get to know about him, but so far she enjoyed his company. Plus having someone there for her to talk to so she didn't have to sit back and watch Ash make goo-goo eyes at Reed was always a bonus.

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[ song; my medicine ] [ hex; #779F6D ] [ outfit; the immutable cold ]


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XXXShe stared at the hand Blair offered,
XXXand placed the coffee mug in her palm.
XXX"Mmm," Synthia mused. "And here I was, hoping you'd disagree."


From: Woody Womb-Pecking Wanker
Zeus blew up another cell phone... Down right genocide. If you wanna kick his ass he's at Sam's. But it's a party... So don't bust in here being a vacuum, suckin' up all the fun.


XXXHer eyes flickered across the invisible screen as she read the message, releasing a long, exasperated sigh.
XXXTitanium. The phone Synthia had built for him had had a titanium shell, mixed with nichrome alloy, a concoction that had the electrical resistivity over a hundred times that of copper.
XXXHer eyes nearly rolled into the back of her head.
XXXTitanium. She'd wasted titanium.
XXX"I am considering investing in a Birthing Simulator," she murmured to herself. "57 Del Units of pain might shock the thundering brute into being more careful."
XXXShe walked out of Blair's room, without seeing if the other girl would follow. The students parted for her, nearly plastering themselves to the wall in their haste to escape. It seemed knowledge of her threat towards Lucas had spread. It was somewhat amusing to Synthia, who realised her companions, including Blair, had powers much more conducive to inflicting biological harm.
XXXBut most injuries, and certainly pain, were things people could recover from.
XXXA criminal record, a butchered reputation, a collapsed family dynamic... Those, those were much harder to mend.
XXXAnd she supposed Blair had a kindness she lacked. A sweetness she could never replicate. Blair was an Autumn tree - gentle and altruistic even when her leaves collapsed, beautiful in the end.
XXXAnd Christopher had an immutable sense of morality and justice that prevented him from harming any who did not deserve it. People did not fear his unpredictability, because they knew he would not threaten any who did not threaten what he cared for.
XXXLandon's words repeated in her head.
XXXVacuum.
XXXVacuum.
XXXVacuum.
XXXIt pulsed like a second heart, or her first, considering the vacancy in her chest. She did not know why it bothered her. Surely she knew she was a black hole. Self-pity did nothing. And yet her mind stumbled and raced, turning through memories and knowledge and thoughts that screeched louder than the scrape or clang of metal and factories.
XXXSamuel, who could easily rob a bank or wreck havoc, did not. An innate agreeableness rested in him. He endeavoured to please and communicate; too friendly to be feared. Most of the time.
XXXAislinn was an angel incarnate. She walked on stardust and clouds and the softest silk. Her concern for others was a tangible thing. The students admired her, would protect her. She had no enemies Synthia could name.
XXXKatherine, who saw in Synthia something so few did, she was hopeless. Hopelessly trusting and optimistic. It frustrated Synthia at times, who could see only demise and exploitation, but she knew she was isolated in that opinion. Katherine's innocence was endearing. She was.
XXXEven Elizabeth, whom Synthia harboured no love for, might be considered friendlier than her. Her Darker ego was a thing of nightmares, but at least beneath it, the Light simmered, an ever-present flame that no amount of darkness could extinguish.
XXXShe supposed even Nathaniel might be considered more approachable, if only because he welcomed many into his bed. At least his sexual partners did not wonder if he would butcher them in the middle of an encounter, or perhaps they did, and that was part of his allure.
XXXHis sister, whilst possessing a malevolent streak, had a natural charm that drew people like moths to a flame. Fools, Synthia thought, but she thought that of everyone.
XXXAnd sweet, shy Leonard. Synthia could not name anyone who did not find the boy adorable. Even if he did remind her of a toddler - helpless and slippery - albeit one that looked less like a root vegetable. He was charming, she supposed. He brought her coffee.
XXXHis sister was less naive, but no less charming. She'd seen the eyes that followed Spencer where she went, hungry and desperate. Even those who did not desire women desired to be her. She had a way of speaking to anyone and everyone. A natural charisma that pulsed and hummed with every breath and word and gaze, that only robots were immune to.
XXXEven Meilani had her own charm. An quirkiness to her that made people want to know more. Synthia supposed she did not see it because she saw humanity as a singular whole. Meilani's optimism drew people. She tugged at heartstrings. No wonder, Synthia thought, for she had no heart that could be moved.
XXXAnd Darren who lived like a flower that did not seek attention or approval, but merely bloomed, possessed more patience than Synthia had believed possible. In the rare epochs when he shivered and exploded, he somehow drew together again. He was too unassuming to inspire fear. Not yet.
XXXSimilarly, Evonne's quiet warmth pulsed like the first rays of dawn, a kaleidoscope of lavender and amber hues that reverberated with her every word. Even her shields could not keep affection away.
XXXGalen, meanwhile, did not even require an explanation. Synthia imagined she was the only person he did not quite get along with. He'd been magnetic when they were children, and he was magnetic now. Did he sense the admiration that crawled behind him? The souls that would do anything for a mere brush of acknowledgement?
XXXEven his twin had no shortage of admirers. His loyalty burned like a supernova, brilliant, wild and roaring. She supposed she was the only one blind to it, the only one who saw him for a dying star, who prodded and dissected at everything that was lovely until she could see nothing but rock and gravel. Others looked at Reed and saw a star. She saw a sight that was too little, too late, because the star had already been vanquished, their eyes seeing only the remnants of a constellation that had long collapsed.
XXXWhilst she felt no quick desire to meet Landon, she saw that others did. Pretty words flowed from him like fresh water from a mountain, even his sarcasm had an ethereal magnetism to it. He filled the room, and walked like a lord through his kingdom.
XXXSynthia could even see Gisele's charm, objectively speaking. Her strength was a tangible thing, a moon cratered with imperfections, but beautiful in its way.
XXXHuman. They were all so hopelessly, wonderfully human.
XXXThe thought sat like a piece of broken code in her chest, jarring and disrupting every step and thought. Come back, it said. Come back and simmer and rage and burn with everything you are not.
XXXIt was the medication, she told herself. The toxic static that hummed in her veins from Chris' touch. It was driving her mad. Temporarily.
XXXThe earth was littered with the corpses of civilisations who believed they were eternal.
XXXShe would not become one of them.
XXXShe would not believe in something that could never be.
XXXLove was a weakness.
XXXFriends were a weakness.
XXXDistracting. They were all distracting.
XXXBut what was her probability of death?
XXXHow many things had been said to last? How many of them had collapsed?
XXXHow many units of pain did ostracism invoke? How many were self-inflicted?
XXXHow did machines pretend to be human?
XXXHow fast did she need to run, to run from the end to the start again?

XXXAnd why did she always, always ask questions she already knew the answer to?

XXX"I brought some light reading," she told Chris by way of greeting as she dropped a 313 page manual on electrical stimulation and its effects on technology in his hands. "Except a quiz later this week.
XXX"Landon informed me of the sizeable explosion you impelled," she said. "Do consider the full-body rubber suit I suggested." Said suit was horrendously ugly, a neon yellow monstrosity that made any who wore it look like Big Bird from Sesame Street, or a discoloured capsicum. She took a step forward in search of Chris' mangled phone - she could save some spare parts - but a bout of nausea attacked her in that moment. She tipped forward. Blair and Chris were closest to her, but she shifted in the last moment and caught the edge of a table. She swallowed.
XXX"The floor is slippery," she excused. "Can't imagine why," she said dryly, lips curling in disgust.
XXXHer eyes caught that of another student's. He froze under her emerald stare.
XXX"Uh... Did you..." he murmured. "Can I..."
XXXSynthia nodded at the plastic cup he held in his hand. He followed her gaze, and blinked.
XXX"Uh," he started. "This is a Jaegarbomb."
XXXSynthia merely raised her brow.
XXX"Like, vodka. And Red Bull," he clarified, furrowing his brows in confusion.
XXX"Also known as a Turbojäger or Fliegender Hirsch. Yes, I am aware," she deadpanned.
XXX"Are you-"
XXXSynthia grabbed the cup from his hand, and devoured it all. She scowled at the empty cup, though from disgust at the taste, its emptiness, or because that was her face, one could not be too sure.
XXXThe boy stared at her, a look of shock and something akin to admiration in her gaze. He did not move.
XXX"You are dismissed," Synthia said, before mulling over a thought. She returned his cup to him. "Unless you wish to retrieve another."
XXX"Wow, I mean, yeah. Yeah, sure, Ro- Shit, I mean, Miss Faye," he said.
XXX"You may call me Synthia."
XXXHis eyes widened.
XXX"Um, yeah, sure, M- Synthia," he corrected slowly, as if the name were a foreign language he could not decipher. Synthia lifted a brow as he merely stood and gawked. She jerked her head in dismissal, and he retreated hastily.
XXXSynthia turned and snatched the drink of the nearest person to her as she was waiting, and drank that too. Synthia, who insisted fermented yeast was the concoction of the devil, sent to decimate brain cells and liver function, who condemned any who so much as partook in a sip of a celebratory drink. She gave Landon an expressionless stare over the rim of her cup, as if asking, who's the vacuum now?
XXXThe boy raced back with not one drink but two. Synthia took both, and downed them too.