Rocks in Our Boats

[Luxanna Viera]

Luxanna couldn't remember the last time she'd walked down these halls. Well, she could remember how long it had been since, just not the specific details. Nevertheless, about three-four years later and she was back. She'd missed so much, which was apparent with all the changes made. To think, so much had changes had been made during the few years she'd been in Switzerland and now, she no longer was a part of this magnificent community she'd once thought of as her family.

She felt oddly alien. She felt like some kind of outcast that didn't belong. As if she was overstepping simply by being here. She didn't belong. Not anymore. Although she knew how silly that was - these people had been nothing but good to her and would welcome her with open arms.

Lost in her own mind, the brunette continued walking down the hallway, minding her own business. She stopped outside one of the classrooms - one that was very familiar to her too; it was her old history classroom. Stepping closer, she opened the door and looked inside.

A boy - a very handsome boy sat by one of the tables at the back, seemingly staring aimlessly out of the window. The brunette recognized the look she thought she saw in his eyes. She had seen it in the mirror a thousand times herself.

Silently, she closed the door behind her. With her back pressed against it, she folded her hands and smiled. "It's nice to have a place to run away to sometimes, isn't it?" she asked, her voice soft and almost soothing.

[Jaxon Crain]

It was new for Jaxon to be sitting in a class room setting with a bunch of other kids. He had always been told "If you stop decking the first kid that you come across or using your powers to mess with your least favorite professors, then you'll go to school like everyone else." Of course, like most things of that time, he ignored them and continued to fester as a little spitfire full of anger.

But today had turned around for the better, actually. His history professor had passed back the recent essay he had turned in and was surprised by him grade. It was clear above his usually barely passing grade. A 80% was actually an upgrade. Jaxon's smarts relied on the streets not in the books. He'd been trying a bit harder lately after some severely astonishing grades. Today it had paid off.

After seeing it at the end off class, he started to think. Is this really what he wanted? A life a good grades and whatever else went along with it. It all just sounded so bland to him. Sure, compared to his old life, it might be bland. Was it what was best? I mean, recently, he felt good. Everything seemed to be coming together pretty well. He hadn't made many friends but then again it was his first week or so and he didn't find himself searching for them either.

Anyways, Jaxon stayed after the professor and everyone left, just staring out the window lost in his own thoughts. As he turned to the sound of the door opening, a girl popped inside and leaned against it. He listened to her calm words and shrugged. "Yeah, I guess. This is really the most ideal spot I guess, but - " He stopped and scanned the room and the beautiful view of the campus through the window. "It'll do for figuring things out."

[Luxanna Viera]

She watched the boy form his words and seemingly make up his mind about something. She'd always found it to be interesting, watching people think. She wasn't able to know what they were thinking, of course, but she could still see, just from looking at the way their expressions changed, that they were thinking. And some people just got the most intense looks - they usually lasted for only a second or so, but still.

"Yeah," she replied with a short nod. "I suppose this place is as good as any." Most people were usually out and about during the breaks between classes. She'd learned that when she'd attended this school herself - before Switzerland and before SPRITE. "I mean, at least it's quiet." 

The brunette turned her gaze towards the windows and took a few steps further into the room. She didn't want to bother the boy, of course, but this room held a lot of memories for her. If they boy told her to stop talking, she'd respect that, at the very least. She didn't wish to impose on anyone's quiet time. She knew how much they could mean.

Still, she was polite. "I'm Lux."

[Jaxon Crain]

As she walked further in, he continued to look of the window down at the chilly out doors. In his head he wondered why she was here. Did she want something from him? Was she some person sent from the therapist to see how he was doing? He knew he was probably just paranoid but he could keep his mind from thinking. No matter the reason, it was nice to have somebody's company once in awhile.

"Jaxon. Nice to meet you." He answered turning towards her as well as shifting his body in the seat. Max rubbed his eyes and face for a moment. "Yeah when I'm thinking, I just think and think until I'm so deep into my own head nothing can stop me." He staring off with that same longing expression and paused. He then snapped out of it and shrugged realizing that was a bit exaggerative. "For the most part of course." He tried to give a friendly smile but it didn't really work. It was more of a half grin. 

As he examined the girl, Jaxon continued to wonder why she was there but didn't want to be rude and scare away him first encounter with someone - just talking - in ages. But, he couldn't stop himself rom asking. "So uh - what being you here? To this specific class room?" He examined her further, "You don't seem like your in school here." He commented. "No books or anything." 

[Luxanna Viera]

In a way, Lux actually enjoyed the exaggeration. Maybe because she was so used to Jack's dramatic ways, it felt... Normal. She wasn't sure. "I suppose I can relate to that," she began. "For the most part," she added with a smile. Well, she probably was the worst person to ask about thinking too much. She usually acted without doing just that. But then again, given what her life had been before, maybe it wasn't that weird. She studied the boy though; he looked sad, but not the 'about to cry'-sad. More... Lonely, maybe.

His question had the brunette chuckling and she looked around the room. "And no uniform either," she reminded him jokingly. Although, the question did make her feel even more out of place than what she had earlier. "I used to be a student here," she added with a simple shrug. She saw little reason in explaining things further. Either she'd overstep her boundaries or the boy wouldn't care. "This was my history class room."

She walked over to her old desk and let the tips of her fingers run along the surface of the cool wood. "I guess you could say I'm a little sentimental." The smile she wore was sad; she missed her old life. Or at least, parts of it.

[Jaxon Crain]

He looked down at the way he was dressed. A disgusted look crept accost him face. Jaxon was sure that he'd never get used to the uniforms. It wasn't that he was one of those that craved to express them selves through clothing. It was the uniform, cookie cutter look that drove him crazy. He shook his head in disapproval. "Yeah this shit is so uncomfortable." He looked up at her. "I bet you're glad to be out of it." She walked over to the desk a few over. He shook his head again and scoffed. "I sure will be." 

When he saw the obvious longing for the school he kind of regretted his last words. Jaxon guessed some people really loved this place. He could hardly see why. Everything and everyone was so controlling. Then again, the boy didn't know a life here without the trouble and strict parole-like agendas. 

"Never really been myself." He shrugged as he remembered back. "I guess I never really had anything to be sentimental over. Always moving. Go fast and don't look back, ya know?" He stared off and let the silence sit for a moment. "I guess it's easier like that sometimes."

[Luxanna Viera]

She had to smile at the expression that swept over his features; a lot of students didn't enjoy the feel of the uniforms and in many ways, she could understand it. However, when Luxanna had been a student here herself, she had marveled in the idea of being anonymous and being lost in a crowd of uniforms where no one would ever notice her. Now she felt a lot more comfortable being her own person. "In some ways, I guess I am," she replied with a small smile. "In others though, not so much." She couldn't hide the sadness in her voice; her power had been a struggle, sure, but now that she no longer had something that made her a part of this community, she felt more alone than ever before.

Chuckling softly, the brunette turned towards the boy. She nodded slowly, before her smile grew. "I guess that it is. At least in some ways, but then again, having something - or someone to be sentimental about sort of makes it worth it." She looked towards the window then, the previous sadness replaced with something warm. "I used to think that being alone was for the best, so I pushed everyone away." She felt silly about sharing this with a completely stranger, but it made it easier, she supposed. Sharing something to someone who couldn't really judge her based on her past. "But when I finally got what I wanted, I realized just how much I was missing out on."

She took a seat by her old table, the tips of her fingers running over the smooth and cool surface. She wondered if there was ever any chance of returning to the life she once had - even if she didn't have her powers anymore. She knew she could never return to the school as a student or repair some of the broken relationships she had cut her ties to, but there had to be something worth saving, right?

[Jaxon Crain]

Jaxon just sort of sat back and listened to the girl talk. He realized that he'd already said enough. Lately, he'd gone soft. Following school schedules, cooperating in therapy, and opening up to random people was just all too much for him. He wasn't sure what was happening other than that for some reason he didn't feel the need to be an asshole-punk.

This girl sure seemed to need someone to talk to. Jaxon sure knew he wasn't the one for it though. He stayed quiet and watched her as she made her way to what seemed to be her old desk. He could tell something came over her as she sat and he didn't want to disturb her. 

When she spoke once again, Jaxon listened and took what she said into account instead of blowing it off. Inside, he felt like that was what he was going through. Blowing everything and everyone off didn't make him feel any better when it all came down to it. He was tired of the whole badass, mystery guy thing. He never really planned on giving that facade but that seemed to be what people thought of him.

He just nodded and stared longer out the big open window as they both sat in a calming, thought driven moment.

[Luxanna Viera]

The silence fell over the two of them and it probably shouldn't have felt as uncomfortable as it did for Lux. She couldn't quite help but shake the feeling she'd overshared. In truth, it wasn't all that strange. Especially not considering how during the last three years, all she'd had to talk to was other sick patients staying at the same hospital she did, nurses and doctors. They didn't exactly make for exciting conversation.

Looking over at the boy, Lux issued a low sigh. She then rose to her feet and offered the boy a smile, whether or not he was looking at that point. "Well, I better head out. It's sort of creepy for a non-student to roam the halls," she offered with a light shrug. In truth, she felt she was barging in on the guy's personal space when he was only trying to get some alone time. And she was clearly not helping much with that.

For obvious reasons.

"It was nice meeting you," she added with a pleasant and friendly smile. With that, she started backing towards the door, trying her best not to crash into anything as she moved.

[Jaxon Crain]

The telekinetic wasn't paying full attention when she announced her exit. He did however catch the last part. Shrugging, Jaxon could agree that it was creepy to reminisce in an empty school. He figured once you were gone, you were glad to be that way. Apparently not for this one. 

"Hey wait." Jaxon called before she could make it out the door. He grabbed his bag and left the desk. "This has been all too awkward and depressing, really." He wasn't afraid to state the obvious. "For me this is a usual. But you seem all too put together to be this gloomy. I uh - i'm usually not one for going out of my way to hang wit someone but you look like you need some fun." 

The boy dug out the nasty keys from his pocket and out came the cigarettes with them. He showed her the keys taking them with the other hand as to ignore the cigarettes. "Drinks?" He offered with a shrug. "Or uh-" He held up the pack of Camels. "Smokes?"

[Luxanna Viera]

The brunette's green eyes widened and she found herself freezing in place when the boy told her to wait. Still, she offered him her attention, yet she couldn't help but feeling slightly awkward about it. Yes, this seemed... Awkward and depressing; she could very well agree to that. However, the part about her seeming all too put together had her snorting. Well, that certainly was one way of looking at it.

"Ah, okay," she replied, stuttering as she watched the boy draw closer. Then her eyes fell to his hands; keys and cigarettes. She didn't mind, though, everyone had their bad habits. She lifted her gaze once more, momentarily confused at his request. He offered her a choice, one bad habit after the other, but the brunette was never one to turn down a chance of making a new friend, so she supposed she'd have to pick the better choice of the two vices.

"Drinks," she finally said after a pause. Then came the bright smile that seemed to light up her entire face; she loved meeting new people and more than that, she loved making new friends. Even if that meant having to get a drink with them. Though, she wasn't a prude by any means - just... Careful. 

She gestured towards the door and started moving again. "Do I really look that gloomy?" she asked with a sheepish smile.

[Jaxon Crain]

He kind of perked up with she accepted him offered. Jaxon wasn't really expecting it. Usually people just saw him as too brooding and blew him off. He could tell, however, that she was seriously contemplating which one to choose. It wasn't really a choice but she obviously felt the need to make a decision. 

When he said drinks, Jaxon shrugged and pulled out one of the bent, soggy cigarettes. "I'm taking both." He pursed the camel in-between him lips and made his way ahead of Lux, pushing the door open. He gestured for her to follow and then he cracked a smile when she questioned him. 

"Yeah. Pretty much a dark cloud of depression." Obviously, he was over-exaggerating and sort of half kidding. He smirked and shrugged again. "Nah, but for real, I just figured that both of us need some fun. Plus, I haven't really hung out with anyone in..." Jaxon trailed off. He hadn't hung out with anyone pretty much ever since he came to B.A. His insecurities stepped in as he spoke. "...Awhile." He lied.

As they strolled through the hallways and came to the exit doors, Jaxon sent a small burst of telekinetic energy towards them. They swung open half way, he didn't put enough umph on it but he didn't want to shatter the glass and show her that he was out of control or anything. He caught the door held it open for her. He stopped right outside and his lighter tugged out of her pocket and floated in the air. It flipped open and lit his cigarette as he puffed out a couple times to get it started. The lighter latched shut and slipped back into his pocket, exchanging his keys. He grabbed them out of the air and clicked the unlock button. 

The old thing barely ran but the rust bucket's headlights flashed. "Sorry, she's not the prettiest but uh..." Jaxon cracked a smile. "She'll get us around." The truth in the matter was maybe on the outside she wasn't terrible but... the chevy barely ran.

[Luxanna Viera]

She had to smile a little at that; She'd never been called that before, she'd always been that ray of sunshine that did her best to cheer everyone else up. Had she really fallen so far into this hole of self-pity that she'd lost yet another big part of who she was? Or maybe she'd just grown out of her old self and was in the midst of learning herself all over again. She wasn't sure. "I get that," she replied with a smile. "I haven't really." Well, unless a bunch of sick kids and doctors counted, but she figured that they didn't.

Lux watched curiously as the boy used his powers. Now more than ever, they fascinated her. There was so many powers to look at and study; they were all as unique as the person carrying them. It was cool, even if she'd drawn the less than lucky straw for her own power, she still missed parts of it. But, she wasn't going to dwell on it. At least, not right. The boy had gone out of his way to show her a good time and she'd be damned if she didn't at least try to pay him back by not brooding.

"I like her," Lux replied honestly as she looked over the car. It wasn't the most fancy thing out there, but it had its own kind of charm. Besides, Lux had always appreciated the unseen beauty of things. Most of the times, the things that appeared broken down or useless, were the most priceless things to be seen.

She then circled around to the passenger seat and patiently waited for the boy to open his own door and climb inside; she didn't want to be rude. It was his car, after all.

[Jaxon Crain]

Jaxon scoffed at her attempt to make him feel good about the lump of rust that sat before them. He pitted her though. It was a good try. Instead of mocking her, he replied with a simple, "So do I". He smirked as his low profile black boots clicked off the curb on into the street. He tapped his cigarette a few as the ashes fell to the ground. This was a roughing up type outing so he figured no chivalry was needed. 

He took a hard jerk at the door and it had jammed again. The telekinetic sighed calmly and grabbed the handle. He placed the smoke onto of the car and threw his foot up against the side of the vehicle. Giving a finally wrench, the door came loose and he climbed in. The other door was a bit clammy too so he reached over and pulled the inside handle and pushed it open with his best efforts from the other side of the truck. 

"It drives just as crappy as it looks." As the pulled away out of the lot, the small cigarette dropped off the roof and fell to the ground. He stopped and huffed. "I knew I forgot something." He said skating his head. "What a waste." 

[Luxanna Viera]

The response, as simple as it was, had the brunette grinning from one ear to the other. She always felt happy when her gestures were met with any semblance to acceptance. She was pitiful like that - always seeking acceptance. Even from strangers.

Watching with utmost curiosity as the boy attempted to open the door, she almost forgot to open her own. At least, until she felt the door open and gently tap her foot as he'd opened it for her. Offering him an apologetic smile, she climbed inside and carefully closed the door behind her. She pulled the seat belt on before turning to look at him once more.

There, she felt much safer now.

She was tempted to tell him that smoking was bad for his health, but she doubted he'd listen anyway, so instead, her green eyes moved towards the window as she smiled. "Where do you want to go?"