On Common Ground (Abel)

[Aeria Gonzalez]

There really wasn't much on Aeria's mind as of today. School had just ceased, but she had yet to return back to her apartment. And though she should have been searching for a job, the blonde had decided to sit and brainstorm for an hour or two in the confines of the Student Lounge. 

What she was brainstorming was currently a mystery, but she'd soon discover what once she sat herself down and began to think. By the time she reached the student lounge, two ideas were harbored in the confines of her mind: where she wanted to apply for a job, and what topic to choose for her most recent Drama assignment. Both were great ideas, but if she tried to battle with both, the blonde would surely lose patience. Ultimately, she decided on the job, being that it held a bit more importance. She had bills to pay, after all. 

Upon arrival, she noticed there were few in the lounge; some played pool, while others were actively chatting and socializing. It didn't bother her any, and frankly, the fact that there was some noise was actually comforting. Silence was anything but golden; it was absolute torture. 

Noticing the lack of occupancy on the couch, Aeria made her way forward. "Is this seat taken?" The blonde asked, not making a move to settle down until the boy opposite her gave her the okay to do so.

[Deleted]

Abel looked up as a voice pierced the haze of his consciousness. He had completely lost all track of reality, as he tended to whenever he started thinking. While he hardly ever found the confines of his own mind more relaxing than the world around him, Abel had been subject to a stressful day, and could not wait until it was deemed 'acceptable' for him to fall asleep and not wake up till morning.

"Oh ah, sure," he exclaimed, shifting aside to leave more room than was necessary for the girl. Crossing his legs he shifted to the side to face the girl. "Sorry, I didn't see you there." he apologized hastily with a bashful smile. 

"I'm Abel," he introduced, then winced slightly. "Ah but you didn't ask, did you? I apologize, would you rather I shut up?" he asked shyly, rubbing his head in embarrassment. He always managed to get carried away and scare people away.

[Aeria Gonzalez]

In response to his smile, her own lips quirked upward into an amused smile of her own. She didn't mean to disturb him, though with the way he was speaking to her as she sat, it was clear he didn't mind. Well, that was good.

"No, not at all," The girl attempted to reassure him. "I was going to start conversation, but you managed to beat me to it." It was a nice change of roles being that Aeria was the conversation initiator more often than not. She placed her backpack on the floor, pulling out a binder and pen before turning to speak to him once more.

"Aeria. I'm Aeria."

[Deleted]

Laughing, half in amusement and half in relief, Abe draped his arms over the back of the couch and leaned back, now much more at ease. It seemed that the girl -whoever she was- was just as comfortable as he, and that thought encouraged Abel. It wasn't often that he found someone not taken aback by his forthright attitude, and he enjoyed the companionship.

"That is quite a beautiful name, Miss Aeria," he complimented with a gentle smile. His gaze was momentarily distracted by the notebook in her hands, and a frown of worry crossed his features. "Were you planning to study? If I'm bothering you please, feel free to tell me off. I can take it," Abe assured her with a crooked grin.

[Aeria Gonzalez]

It was nice to see that he was laughing, as opposed to the nervous behavior he had just displayed. It was her goal, at least to some extent, to get others to be comfortable around her. Aeria was an extrovert, and it came with the territory. She had done her job, thank goodness.

However, his next comment had gotten her cheeks to burn. "Thank you," She responded with a small laugh. "You have quite the interesting name yourself." Her eyes fell to the blank page, scribbling down the word 'Bookstore' as it randomly passed through her head.

"Oh no no!" She said, placing the pencil back on her lap and turning to face Abel once more. Really, his presence and the potential conversation was a blessing in her eyes. She didn't want to lose that when it barely even started. "I was just brainstorming job ideas. I live on an apartment off campus that my parents won't pay for forever."

[Deleted]

Leaning back, Abel lifted his legs and folded them onto the couch. "You're quite welcome," Abel chuckled, embarrassed by Aeria's own embarrassment. It was a trait of his to compliment people, and address females as 'miss', it just seemed polite,, and that was how Abel had been raised.

Leaning forward to sneak a peak at the notebook, Abel frowned. He'd never had a job himself, had never needed one. It was disappointing actually, and he often wished for something so normal; but he had no need for money. This was a fact constantly pointed out to him.

"A young lady in school shouldn't have to worry about money," he noted with sad disapproval. Of course it didn't really seem like she had much choice in the matter, but already he was quite certain he'd worry for her. "Make sure you take a job somewhere safe, and well-lit, ok? Especially if you finish late." Crossing his arms, he pouted slightly. He was in no place to be saying such things and new it.

"Sorry, I tend to overstep my boundaries."

[Aeria Gonzalez]

"My mom and abuela agree," Aeria spoke, twirling a strand of hair on her index finger. It wasn't that she didn't have the income coming in, but the fact was that she didn't want to rely on her family any longer. She had already put them through enough when she manifested, making them move from Florida to Montana. To say it was hard for them to adjust, she meant it was quite a few annoyed winters.

"You know, some people would probably think that would be annoying, you expressing your concerns about a subject to a complete stranger; but I find it pretty endearing. Thank you, I'll be sure to do that." And there he went apologizing once more, which Aeria had not a clue as to why he was doing that. He had done nothing wrong.

"You really don't have to apologize. I'm not going to criticize you for displaying concern for someone or something. That wouldn't be right of me."