Hope Is Here In A Plastic Box [nini] [finished]

[Asia Nicole Sedgewick]

The sound of the approaching waitress gave Asia an excuse to pause her intense note-taking and sit back in her seat. She pushed aside the empty plate that had held a massive Greek salad. The waitress set down another plate in its place. Asia smiled and thanked her, letting her eyes wander for a moment before getting back to her homework. The restaurant wasn't especially full, since most people's lunch breaks were earlier in the day. It was mid-afternoon, so too early to draw the dinner crowd. Because it was so empty she had asked for a booth, despite being alone and not expecting any company. That was also why she'd chosen to bring her homework. No risk of being hurried out if there wasn't anyone waiting for your seat. The view outside was unremarkable, just pedestrians and cars. It was a bit hazy so you couldn't make out much more than that.

Turning back to her food Asia looked over this new dish. Fish and chips: a classic. She picked up a French fry and pulled her open history textbook closer. The Junior could pack away enormous amounts of food without repercussions. A high metabolism and an extremely active lifestyle permitted it. She burned through all of the energy she could get, so more food just translated into more energy. Besides, she had missed lunch, so it wasn't like this was just a snack. She did try to stay away from sugar. Good genes only take you so far, and she didn't want to push her luck.

Asia was careful to keep her school stuff away from the food, but that was about as aware of her surroundings as she was. Her eyes darted from textbook to notebook, jotting down notes here and there with some unnecessary underlining thrown in. It wasn't as if the material was interesting. Most days, Asia felt like being buried alive was preferential to American Government. The fact that there was so much American History mixed in just drove her insane, because she had just taken that last year. There was also a ridiculous amount of dates and names and policies that she had to remember, and the only way to do that was to write everything down. So, no, the material was not riveting. Far from it. Asia's frenzied attitude toward her homework stemmed from a desire to be done with it and to regain her freedom. As long as there was work hanging over her, she felt weighted down.

Chapter completed, plate empty, Asia sat back again. She stacked her books on top of the others she'd brought and narrowed her eyes at them. Feeling triumphant, she looked around the restaurant for her server. The waitress wandered over again and asked if she had any room left for dessert. It was a regular question; servers always asked that. But this lady sounded so sarcastic. Asia smiled politely, but her eyes were quizzical. It obviously wasn't a serious question, which made Asia instantly want to take it seriously. ”Sure. I'll have a piece of chocolate cake.” She kept her expression even, watching the flash of surprise pass over the older woman's face. She was too professional to let it linger for long, though, and quickly buried it. As she hurried away, Asia sat back and interlaced her fingers behind her head. She should be feeling really good today. Excellent food, homework done, easy day of school. For some reason, though, her mind kept twinging toward a more cynical side. And she was inexplicably tired. Too tired to stay positive, anyway. Since there wasn't anything to break up the flow of her thoughts, she stared off into space and let them come.

[CANYON HART PIERCE]

Canyon was starting to get tired of the all-too-familiar routine he had managed to easily fall back into since his leave of absence near the second semester of last year. He couldn’t say he missed this mindless way of living, but he was a little grateful he wasn’t stuck at the hospital any longer. No matter how mind-numbing this… this charade was, he would rather go through with the everyday dance than fight cancer again. That didn’t make it any less boring though: get up early, go to school, sit through classes, go back to track when school ends, run until you throw up, go back to dorms, shower, get dressed, go to work, go back to dorms, sleep, repeat. Of course, he managed to weasel in his homework here and there and then there were those days he didn’t have to work, but god forbid a curve ball gets thrown in there every once in a while. It had gotten to the point that he started to go to work early in hopes of something happening. He didn’t know what it could be, he just wanted it to be something.

Maybe he’ll actually have time to eat something today. Of course he ate lunch but that always vacates his body in the most violent way possible after he runs so much, he makes himself sick. Which he did almost everyday and today was no exception. Though, despite the tossing of his cookies, he wasn’t exactly hungry. Maybe he could get his homework done early before he began his shift at The Ravenous Pig. He didn’t really have enough money to order much of anything, anyway. He never really realized this before but… his way of living wasn’t exactly healthy, was it? No wonder his immune system was shot to pieces. That’s one mystery solved. Maybe bad habits ran in the familiy? His mother followed pretty much the same pattern when she was in school. At least that’s what she said. Though, while she was running just to run, he was running to regain the strength and endurance he once had… and to escape the problems he now faces…

Canyon decided with a sigh that he was going to try and get his homework done before his shift began today. After his shower, he dressed in his work attire and lugged his book-bag down to The Ravenous Pig. If he couldn’t finish before his shift, he’ll try during his break. If he couldn’t accomplish to finish that either, then it looks like he’d have another late-nighter. The students are told to get a good night’s rest but they can’t because of all the crap that’s loaded on to them. Oh, the joys of being in high school…

He trudged into the restaurant and despite everything, he still wore his naturally friendly smile. He greeted anyone that looked at him with a little nod of his head as he proceeded to the back of the restaurant so he could find himself a lonesome table away from people. He didn’t want to be a bother, after all, and he knew he’d just get distracted if he sat near anyone. Though, he still paused as he passed a booth with a familiar face. He stared ahead of him a moment, lips pressed into a little line. Was that…? Slowly, he turned around and after finding out that it was in fact Asia, he in greeting smiled. “Hey!” Canyon completely turned to face her. Maybe… he didn’t have to sit alone just this once. “Mind if I join you?”

[/blockquote][/blockquote][/justify]

[Asia Nicole Sedgewick]

Asia had completely lost track of time as she sat immersed in her own thoughts. People had come and gone, but her eyes did not shift from the piece of wooden trim that they rested on, but didn't see. She hated to let her mind run when she felt so powerless against the onslaught of dark thoughts. At times, Asia felt like she was being drained from the inside out. Try as she might, there was not amount of time she could sleep, no distance she could run, that would shake the waves of fatigue that left her scrambling to pull together a cheerful front. All the while, she was kicking herself because it was all so stupid. She knew her problems were trivial. She should be able to shake them. She could shake anything. And yet.

Asia didn't notice when yet another person walked by her booth. She also didn't notice when that person stopped right beside her. Her situational awareness was not exactly running at peak performance today. At the familiar voice, she mentally perked up. Her mind hauled itself away from whatever it had been moaning over and started to put things together. She looked up at Canyon's face, dropping her hands onto the table as she did so. She took a second to process his question, then visibly brightened. Her expression fell into its familiar, open and smiling set up. "Hey! Not at all!" She waved her hand to the empty bench seat opposite her. She slid her stack of school books toward the wall so that they'd be out of the way. "Sorry it took me a while to recognize you. I was sort of..." She waggled her fingers in the air. "...spacing out."

Straightening up from her slouch, Asia looked Canyon over. He looked like he was in a good mood. And in all honesty, if he could manage it, what was her problem? She had no idea how much her own mask mirrored his, figuratively speaking. Judging from his books, he'd come to do some homework. Some vague memory reminded her that he worked here, so she refrained from asking what he was doing at the restaurant. Instead, she asked something that she actually wanted to know. "How has your day been?" To herself, she added, "Did you try to kill yourself on the track today?" She had noticed his insane habits at practice, but so far hadn't brought it up. She knew he ran on his own, too, and most likely pushed himself even harder then.

[CANYON HART PIERCE]

Canyon wasn’t really surprised when Asia took a while to respond. She seemed pretty lost in her own little world. The senior hoped he hadn’t disturbed her. If he had noticed she was spaced out, he might not have bothered her… Actually, he was pretty sure he would have still asked for her company. The shifter didn’t like being alone and even if he shouldn’t, he wanted a little bit of a distraction. It made schoolwork more bearable after all. He just shook his head and smiled wider as she attempted to apologize: “Completely understandable. I become a space cadet when I’m here on a slow day, too.” He tossed his bag into the seat opposite hers and slid in after it. His homework couldn’t escape even if it wanted to. Though, sometimes he wished it wanted to. Wouldn’t that be an interesting thing to tell your instructor? See, I would have my homework but it grew legs and ran away. True story. The idea amused Canyon a little.

Perhaps he could use the sickness that nearly killed him to his advantage. If he claimed he was recovering from a brain tumor, would they make him work as hard? Eh… The second he thought of it, he regretted it. It was a horrible idea and he couldn’t be he had been the one to think of it. Slowly, he pulled out a random book from his bag and then went about searching for the work that went with it. Though, it wasn’t like anyone know what type of cancer he had gotten and only the staff was aware of it…

He snapped out of his thoughts as Asia asked him how his day was. Canyon’s gaze flickered up to her, that friendly smile still plastered to his mouth despite the thoughts that had been swimming in his mind only minutes before. It was an infectious thing of his, clinging to him nearly all hours of the day, just waiting to brighten up someone else’s life. “It was… the usual,” he replied with a little shrug of his shoulders after a moment of thought, “Went to school, went to the track, went to the dorms, and now I’m here. Same old, same old.” He purposefully didn’t mention how he ran himself out of his lunch. It wasn’t like she needed to hear that, anyway, right? Who wanted that kind of information? “My shift starts in a little but I thought I’d work on my homework first. What about you?”

[/blockquote][/blockquote][/justify]

[Asia Nicole Sedgewick]

Asia's smile and entire expression warmed when Canyon dismissed her apology. There was something so unfailingly friendly about his demeanor. She wondered, briefly, if she would be able to tell if it was an act. How many people must float around though life, interacting with other people, and all the while be hiding how they really felt. She knew that she wasn't always hiding. She was a positive, happy person, but there were times when old wounds that she had thought were healed came to the forefront again. Part of her motivation for keeping it all inside was shame. What did she have to complain about, in the big picture? She was surrounded by fantastic people, went to a fantastic school, and had a fantastic gift. All of her problems were behind her. And that is what she told herself now, very firmly, as she watched Canyon slide into the seat across from her.

Asia didn't say anything as he relayed what he'd done that day. She merely arched her brows slightly and set her chin in her hand. That was a rather bland retelling of a bland day. Did he really do the same thing every day? That must get old fast. Come to think of it... School, run, shower, homework... It sounded familiar, but she always ran and did her homework in different places each day, and she didn't have a job. "Kind of the same, I guess. I didn't go the track, though." She smiled and said, "Still, it was a good day." And it had been, for all intents and purposes. It was Asia who was responsible for bringing on this bad mood, not Asia's day.

Track practice was always at the track, but when she ran on her own she usually just took off into the city and went wherever she felt like going, until she was tired. Not planning things always broke up the monotony. She brightened, looking at the Senior and thinking about something. "Hey, why don't we ever run together outside of practice? Wouldn't it be better than going around and around and around all by yourself?"

[CANYON HART PIERCE]

Canyon never really was one to act. Hiding his emotions was a challenge to him because he was so… honest. He was true to the world and he felt that not expressing how he felt was like lying to himself. Yes, there were times when Canyon pretended that he felt better than how he felt and that was draining mentally, physically, and emotionally mainly because he was sick when he pretended. He didn’t want people worrying about him all the time so he simply acted as if he needn’t any worrying. Canyon wasn’t afraid to cry in front of people. He wasn’t afraid to talk. If something bothered him, he needed to talk about it. Canyon just… rarely ever felt bad. He honestly was happy most of the time because he’s glad to be alive. Yes, when he’s in his dorm room – when he actually starts to pick at what’s on his mind – a wave of depression can sweep him up. But that’s only to be expected after everything he went through. As far as he’s concerned, he is still the completely optimistic, energetic, happy thing he has always been.

Even if he was stuck in a routine that he needed to break. He just had to figure out what he was going to do about it. Though, absently he wondered if Asia had the same problem… If she did, maybe they both could do something about it. “If you were at the track, you’d have to be a chameleon or something,” the smile of his had become so infectious, it could clearly be heard in his voice even when it wasn’t present on his lips, “No one was at the track today. Kind of peaceful.” Canyon almost preferred to be alone when he ran. No one was there to see him work himself so hard. But he still wanted a partner to run with.

And it sounded like Asia was willing to be that partner. His gaze was fixated on the book in front of him as he slowly flipped through the pages and looked for the right one but obviously was in no hurry to find it. “I like the way you think, girl,” a playful edge started to lace into his voice, “Circles are boring anyway. I wouldn’t mind running around with you. Lake Eola would be a nice change of pace,” he paused and pursed his lips when he managed to stumble upon the right page. He could feel procrastination tempting him now. “Where do you normally go?”

[/blockquote][/blockquote][/justify]

[Asia Nicole Sedgewick]

Asia laughed lightly, then said, "No, I just have the one shift. I'll let you know if I suddenly develop the ability to change into a chameleon though. Imagine all the spying you could do..."

She watched his face carefully while he studied the pages in front of him. She knew she ought to shut up and let him work, but her idea was blooming into something that actually sounded really appealing. She didn't mind running alone, but she was a pack animal through and through. And they were both social people in general. Not to mention the fact that she'd like to check if Canyon was running himself into the ground outside of practice. Win-win.

Her smile widened into a grin as he considered her proposition. "I don't really plan it out. I know how fast I run, so I'll just go as long as I can or want to, then check the time to see how far I went. I usually take off in any direction and aim for a loop of sorts. I haven't been by the lake in ages, though." Her informal style seemed a little out of character when compared with her usually well-organized and under-control way of doing things. But running, for her, was a total release. She went to track practice and did the wind sprints or whatever else they had scheduled, but when she was going on her own time it was completely different. It was for fun, to relax, even to escape sometimes. It kept her sane when there was no other outlet.

Judging from the Senior's retelling of his repetitive schedule, Asia thought that he could use some variety. She felt a twinge of guilt at distracting him. Judging from his expression, she was doing a good job of it, too. The rest of her day was completely free, but he clearly had homework and a job to get to.

Quite suddenly her cake was placed on the table in front of her. Asia jerked back slightly in surprise. Dear God, you are out of it today! Aloud, she asked Canyon, "Hey, do you want anything? I feel rude eating when someone else isn't."

[CANYON HART PIERCE]

Spontaneity sounded like quite the appealing thing at the moment and Canyon wouldn’t mind a little bit of it. He had to say that Asia knew how to add a little flare to a simple work out. Why hadn’t he teamed up with her before? They could make quite the pair of running buddies and considering Asia actually had a decent personality just made it seem more logical to him. In fact, befriending a lot of people has come across as logical to him. He’s never been so social in the previous years he’s attended school. Sure, he smiled and was friendly to everyone but he had always just stuck within an extremely small circle of people. In fact, it was a triangle and a broken one at that. Graham and December were all he had before… Because December prevented him from making too many friends… Now he had Jin and Caleb added to his list. He was even willing to consider Asia a friend already. He didn’t want to think that anything good could result from her death but, being the optimist he was… he couldn’t help but notice it.

Maybe… Maybe he could believe this was what she wanted…

He offered Asia a gentle smile: “I wouldn’t mind a test run at Lake Eola, then.” Canyon started to work on his homework for a moment before he absently added with a little, teasing lilt to his voice, “We shouldn’t be running off all willy-nilly at first. You might lose me if you can’t keep up.” Asia probably wouldn’t have too much trouble keeping up with him. Not in the condition he found himself in at the moment. He had long strides on his side but he couldn’t keep up the speed he had last year any more. IT was what he was working towards. He wanted to be just as great as he was last year – if not better.

Canyon’s gaze was transfixed on his homework even though most of his attention was focused on the junior in front of him. He only glanced up when he heard a plate click against the tabletop. That cake looked absolutely delicious and even though Canyon wasn’t really hungry, he kind of wanted a slice as well. Though, when Asia asked if he wanted anything, he simply just shook his head. He wasn’t hungry so he probably shouldn’t eat. Not to mention the fact his wallet was closing in on the empty side of the scale. “Nah,” he huffed and frowned down at his book, “I’m fine. I’ll probably eat something when I get a break if I’m hungry. Anything you suggest I should have?” Yes, he did work here but it wasn’t like he spent all of his time in the kitchen. He knew what was served and was capable of naming quite a few meals that were good but he still hasn’t tried everything the restaurant had to offer.

[/blockquote][/blockquote][/justify]

[Asia Nicole Sedgewick]

Asia had heard the rumors. She'd gone to Sabal Palm since her Freshman year; how could she not have heard? She remembered the way the news had spread like wildfire, and her frustration at trying to get any sense out of the excited students. Seriously, who got excited about death and disease?

---

"Did you hear about the double suicide?"

"It wasn't a double suicide! Someone committed suicide when their boyfriend died of cancer."

"What now? Who died?"

"No, he didn't die! But she still committed suicide."

"Because he had cancer"

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?"

---

The Junior frowned at the memory. It had taken weeks before she felt like she had the story straight. She didn't know Canyon well last year. He was just a guy that ran on Track and was nice to everyone. Then he was the guy that used to be on Track but wasn't, because... no one really knew. This year he was the guy who survived cancer and lost his girlfriend. If she had her facts straight. And in high school, you never really knew. She thought that he was more social this year. He hadn't really seemed interested in making new friends in previous years, apparently happy with whichever ones he had. For her, friends were a necessity. She needed regular social interaction, or at least the promise of more in the future, otherwise she fell into a lonely downward spiral. But no one needed to know that. All the same, she was happy at the opportunity to get to know Canyon better.

Asia smiled at his proposition, already looking forward to the change of scenery. Her smile changed to a smirk when he tacked on his next statement. Her eye narrowed, but the laughter in them was plain to see. "Hey, you're talking to a champion long-distance runner here. I think I can manage." She laughed lightly. "That sounds great though. I haven't run with a partner... all of this year, actually."

Before digging in to her cake, she drew her brows together in a silent question of "Are you sure?" Asia shrugged, then started on her dessert. Between bites, she said unabashedly, "Oh God, I think I've eaten everything on the menu." She paused to think for a moment. "If you want something light, the Gatherer salad rocks. Something more filling.... the Wahoo. Hands down."

[CANYON HART PIERCE]

It looked like he wasn’t the only one that had been without a partner. Over the years, Canyon noticed that it was more common for someone to team up with another person that matched their endurance and speed so they could work together to improve. It usually turned out to be a competition in a way – at least a friendly one. Sports have always been about winning, after all. Even something as simple as track. Canyon had to admit that enjoyed the thrill of winning despite the fact that he mostly joined track to get that ‘runners high.’ The adrenaline that pumps through his veins during that perfect state reminds him he’s alive. And, lately, he’s needed a reminder constantly.

Now that he thought about it… Could his habit of running until he’s sick be a different version of self-mutilation? Does he really run to get stronger or to feel that weakness at the end?

He pushed that thought aside. He was going to pick at it later tonight whether he wanted to or not so he might as well save it for later. Right now his main focus was Asia. And his homework… But mostly Asia. Any attention paid to the open book before him was unwilling and painfully boring. He just grinned at the girl’s proclamation and raised his gaze to meet hers. “You think you’re the only champion? Baby-doll, this right here is all runner,” Canyon then made a point to lean back to show off whatever parts of his body that were peeking above the table top. Even though they were hidden beneath his clothing. With a playful laugh to show he was only joking, he leaned forward in his seat again and crossed his arms over his work. “It does sound good. I haven’t had a partner, either.”

Canyon decided there was no way he was going to get his work down. Looks like procrastination had scored a point this evening. As Asia told him about a couple of the dishes on the menu, he put his book and homework away in his bag. “I’d like something like but with meat in it. Is that even possible?” Canyon paused on the thought for a moment, “I’ll figure it out.”

notes: sorry it's so late >: one of my teachers thought it would be a good idea to give us a shit load of homework on the first weekend

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[Asia Nicole Sedgewick]

Things were looking promising. Feeling the last brooding thought evaporate from her mind, Asia's expression took on an air of pure contentment that no one would have known had been missing. Asia was a person who genuinely liked people. Each one was different, each one had a different set of experiences, preferences and opinions. And she liked to help people. It made her feel good, feel useful, feel loved even. Her friends made up the foundation and walls of her carefully constructed life. Probably most of the roof, too. Each new one she made just added to the beauty of the structure. She didn't know how much she'd be able to help Canyon, or even if he needed anything, but just being able to find a running situation they were both happy with brought a little smile to her face.

The Junior held Cayon's gaze long enough to be sure that he'd see the exaggerated rolling of her eyes at his comment. Grinning, she leaned back in her seat and looked out the window. Thinking they ought to be responsible and figure out a day and time, she looked back at him. "When do you usually run? I can go whenever, because my schedule is... nonexistent." Her only limiting factors were school and practices. Her grey-blue eyes stayed focused on his as she waited for an answer.

Realizing she had just won a competition against Canyon's homework for his attention, Asia felt that twinge of guilt again. She had wanted to make conversation to distract herself, and it had worked, but at the cost of causing the Senior to forego his own work? How selfish was that?

"Oh, they have plenty of burgers and steaks. It's just that right now I can't thing of anything that heavy and recommend it because I am. So. Stuffed." She pushed away her last empty plate and flipped open the little black book that had been deposited neatly at the edge of the table earlier. Looking it over, the Junior smothered a look of surprise and pulled out her debit card. She slid it into the pocket and flipped the book shut again. Food that good (and in that volume) came at a cost. She made a mental note to check on her account online when she got back to her room. Like most teenagers, Asia's money came from her own pocket. She didn't have a steady job, but whenever she went home for the summer she worked her ass off to pass the time until she could go back to school. Her parents paid for her tuition, and since boarding school had been their idea Asia didn't protest. But she never asked for anything more from them.

[CANYON HART PIERCE]

With his homework well out of the way, Canyon sat forward in his seat and crossed his arms over the table top. A gentle, friendly smile still clung to his lips even after Asia had rolled her eyes at him. It probably would be the best to set up an actual time for them to join forces and take off around Eola. Canyon… didn’t exactly have that much of a schedule, either. There was school… and then track… and then work… But that was kind of it. He only worked part-time so it wasn’t like that was much of an issue. This kind of made him… sad. He always had something going on or something to do before when… she was still around. Was she that that big of a piece of his life? Maybe he’ll get back into the social life… With Jin.

“Mmm…” he hummed as he thought about his little schedule. “I normally run after school. What about… Thursday afternoon? I don’t have to work and I don’t think there’s a track meet that day.” He looked at her with his lips pressed into a thin, contemplative line. It seemed like a good plan. He didn’t have anything planned with anyone else. “We can meet up in the commons after school and then head down to the lake.” Though, they’d have to come back early enough for Canyon to shower and do his homework. A weekend would probably be a better idea but he had to work on the weekends.

Speaking of work, his gaze dropped to the watch on his wrist. He’d have to start his shift soon and as soon as he realized it, he huffed a sigh. He can worry about what to eat for dinner later. “Ugh, work. Go away.” He normally didn’t mind his job but he just wasn’t in the mood to do anything at the moment, which was a rarity. He was always so active and ready to do something. He absolutely hated just doing… nothing. But nothing was exactly what he wanted to do at the moment.

notes: sorry it’s so shooooort ;-;

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[Asia Nicole Sedgewick]

After thinking back quickly to make sure she hadn't made plans for Thursday, Asia nodded confidently. "Thursday works." Before she could ask about a meeting place, Canyon suggested the commons. It was centrally located, but right after school there would be a steady flow of people exiting the building. Perhaps by the time she'd dropped off her stuff and changed it would be empty. All the same, she wanted to plan ahead to avoid any difficulties later. "Sure. If it's still crowded I'll be by the side door."

While they were agreeing on a time the slim bill holder was returned to the table. Asia slid it toward her now, signing the restaurant's copy and mentally wincing at the total again. She retrieved her plain silver card, put it back in her wallet, then shoved it back into her book bag. Her eyes lingered on the bag for a moment as she remembered her jobs back at home. She tried to work as much as possible, typically from dawn until well past dark. It was less about the money (although that was an excellent motivator) and more about being out of the house. Even on her days off she'd go somewhere else to relax. The dwelling was not a place of comfort and safety for her. The end of the school year for her meant going back to work and seeing a few of her old friends, not her family. Snapping out of the memory-induced trance before it started to look strange, Asia turned to look at Canyon again.

She frowned sympathetically at his comment. "Hey, at least you get paid." God, was that the best she could come up with? Realizing that she should probably get her stuff together if his shift started soon, she began piling her textbooks and folders back into her bag. "Running's going to be awesome, though. I'm looking forward to it. A change of pace is always nice."

ooc:: Oh God, this is such a bad post. Sorry!

[CANYON HART PIERCE]

Now that they had it all set, Canyon had something to look forward to besides… homework and work and all that supposedly fun stuff. He couldn’t wait to start running with someone. He was so social and he couldn’t stand being alone so this should be absolutely fantastic. As long as he didn’t hurl in front of her, that is. Even if he wasn’t trying to impress her, he didn’t doubt she already know about his habits in practice. He didn’t want her to be too concerned about him. She probably had something more important she should be worrying about. Canyon hated when people fussed over him. He always wanted to do the fussing. The needs of others have always been more important to him than his own needs. Was that… bad?

“The side door might be better, anyway,” he nodded a little, “Let’s just meet there.” It made sense to him. Though, with his giant height, he could just bulldozer his way through a crowd. No one could miss him and they usually just stepped out of his way. It was kind of amusing. He couldn’t help but wonder how all the short people got around. Like Jin. How did he zoom through the crowds? He was pretty tiny… Maybe he just dived below everyone and scurried out of the way. It was an interesting idea…

“I do like getting paid,” he smiled as he snapped out of his little thought bubble. “I just don’t like the work. And I’m not in the mood at the moment,” he sighed and glanced around. “I should probably go soon…” his thought trailed off and though he said that, he didn’t move. “I can’t wait for Thursday. It’ll be a lot of fun.” As was everything that involved his friends.

notes: really, really short and really, really late. i’m so sorry, seven >: i suck

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[Asia Nicole Sedgewick]

OOC:: First of all, you do NOT suck. School is school. And my post is just as short. Also it's super awkward and bad.

Asia stood up, pulling her bag along the bench seat with her. She smiled sympathetically at the Senior when he mentioned he'd have to go to work soon. For a brief second she considered suggesting that he skip work and go do something more appropriate to his current mood. Only for a second, though. She thought Canyon was far too honest to do such a thing, and in truth, so was she. There had been a time not too long ago when she wouldn't have hesitated to act on that sort of impulse. She had learned, though. You had to hold on to things that were important to you, not skip out on things you cared about. Those things had a habit of slipping away while you were busy avoiding them. She didn't know how much he cared about his job, but having a job was the embodiment of responsibility. And responsibility was definitely an important thing.

The Junior slung the strap over her right shoulder and waited for the Senior to stand. As soon as he was upright she stepped forward and gave him a friendly embrace. Stepping back, she said, "I can't wait! Survive through work and school, then we can have fun." Looking at his face carefully, she decided that she would make every effort to get to know this guy. He was a good person through and through, and she wanted to do what she could for him. If a joint run would brighten his day then she would wait excitedly for Thursday. Asia was a helper. It was what she had morphed in to as a teenager, and it had helped her to help people. And he was such a pleasant, relaxing person to be around that she would appreciate his company. "Good luck! Don't work too hard!" Flashing a grin, she made her way toward the exit, waving back at Canyon before stepping outside.