it won't break me, it won't break me

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Tim: For the first time in three years - three long, draining, confusing years - Tim left St. Ulric's for summer vacation. He trekked across country with Jesse to spend three months back in California, but obviously not with his blood relatives; he spent most of his time with Jesse and his mother, enjoying the beachfront house she lives in with Jesse's stepfather. So when he returns to the East coast in late August, his skin is sun kissed and tan - freckles over his nose and across his shoulders, and he's a bit more built out, having swapped his insufficient vegan diet with a more lazy vegetarian lifestyle and utilizing surfing as a means to stay in shape.


After being dropped off at the school's main entrance, Tim grabs his duffel bag and straps it over his chest, eyes casted upwards as he walks under the intricate ironwork above. He's anxious, no doubt, but feels relatively prepared to come back to reality, since St. U's has been his more permanent home over the years. After checking in with registration, he gets his new room assignment - it's a different floor, but the same building as last year's - and he grabs his slip with all of his registration information and heads in the direction of his new abode. There are a few other students milling about, but not many - classes don't start for a few days still - and he doesn't keep an eye out for anyone familiar, since he knows Jesse won't be arriving for another two days, and that's all he really cares about. Finding his new room, he twists the door handle and heads inside, looking around for any other sign of life. There is none, but he does see a few boxes near one of the desks; familiar items from his last dorm room are peeking out, things the school kept on hand to make it easier for returning students to not haul everything back and forth. Approaching what he assumes to be his desk, he distractedly starts untangling himself from his duffel bag, peering inside of the boxes.



Kellen: Likewise, Kellen spent most of his summer break at Leech's place in Boston, bar a couple terrible weeks with his mother. That ended so recently that he's actually still glad to be at the school as long as it means avoiding his family. Not counting Leech, naturally; he's been here a few days already trying to prepare for a new school year, which is why Kellen's early himself.


He's in the attached bathroom when he hears movement in the dorm room. It must be his roommate, but he sticks his head out to check. "'ey, Tim." Kellen's voice is a little muffled- because he's inexplicably holding a wad of lightly bloodstained tissue to his nose. "You're back early."



Tim: As he untangles, Tim turns a bit, following that voice and spotting Kellen's head poking out of the bathroom. He looks a bit surprised to see him, but that surprise turns to concern when he spots the bloody tissue. He doesn't rush over to the boy, but eventually turns around more fully, placing his duffel bag on his desk chair. "Hey -- you alright?" He moves his gaze over to the rest of the room, looking a bit more closely at what else is here; he starts to spot a few things that are very much Kellen's, and it starts to click. "Are we roommates?"



Kellen: "First rule of fight club is you don't talk about fight club." Kellen's eyes grow wide and serious over his tissue, which he then pulls away, swabbing at his upper lip before crumbling the thing up and lobbing it at the trash. "I'm good, just a nosebleed. Picking it too much or something." He heads back into the bathroom to wash his face, calling back at
Tim: "Yep, you're stuck with me this year! How thrilled are you?"



Tim: Tim snorts for that first remark; typical Kellen. After the ridiculousness that happened throughout last year, he's a bit surprised to see he's paired up with the younger boy - he would have figured that school officials would not want these boys anywhere near one another, in order to 'start fresh'. Still, Tim's a little vexed; on one hand, he doesn't have to deal with a new roommate and start that process all over again. But on the other ... well, it's complicated. Lifting a hand, he rubs at the back of his neck and tries for a smile, pacing over to the window to peer out and see what their new view is. "I won't complain. How was your summer?"



Kellen: It's most definitely complicated, but in his usual style of coping, Kellen seems okay ignoring that. Maybe he and Jesse got caught in too many after-hours ghost hunts to share a room again. At least if Tim's here, he'll be sure of seeing Jesse often. "Of course you won't complain, who could complain?"


Emerging from the bathroom with a clean face, Kellen shrugs loosely. "It was arrite. Stayed here - the apartment, I mean - most of the time. How 'bout yours? Is Jesse with you?"



Tim: Not bothering with answering that, Tim continues to look out the window; at least they have a decent view into the courtyard. He keeps rubbing at his neck - gently, just kind of out of habit - and then turns back around, heading towards his closet where he can deposit his lightweight zip up jacket. "Yeah, it was good. Warm." Since Kellen knows they went to California and all, he doesn't elaborate. "He's coming in a few days. We got back in town late last week, and he's spending some time with his dad. Do you know where his dorm is?"



Kellen: Though he kinda assumed Jesse wasn't here yet, since he'd be latched to Tim's side if he was, Kellen deflates some when Tim confirms it. "Dammit! I wanna show him this video I got in the basement the other night. I swear I got actual footage of the ghost down there. He's gonna flip." Knowing Tim isn't too interested in their paranormal investigations, he throttled back his own enthusiasm. "Ah, not exactly, no, but Leech said he's in this hall somewhere."



Tim: Tim breaks a little for that, laughing quietly as he shakes his head, working the jacket off of his shoulders. His smile is directed at the ground, but it's genuine nonetheless - he would have forgotten about their paranormal adventures if Jesse hadn't brought the obsession back with them to California; Tim endured one too many midnight strolls to the boardwalk to 'see if there's a ghost'. He reaches for a hanger and drapes his jacket there. "He's gonna be way disappointed he wasn't there to catch that." The mention of Leech doesn't effect Tim too much, but he makes sure not to draw any attention to it. Instead, he nods - pleased that his best friend won't be too far away. "Wonder who our suitemates are. I hope they don't suck." Because they were pretty spoiled last year.



Kellen: "Man, I so wished he was there. He's gonna freak the fuck out when he sees it." Kellen hops onto one of the desks and folds his legs up, glancing out the window. "Oh, they're Lovato and Maddox. I'm sure it'll be fine." The shit-eating grin spreads even as he speaks, giving away the lie, then he has to laugh a little at the thought. "Nah, I'm not sure who we've got over there. Which side of the room do you want?"



Tim: When those two names are dropped, Tim's head immediately snaps over, a momentary look of sheer horror across his face. Thankfully, he recognizes that grin for what it is and relaxes some, snorting once again for the cruelty. "Don't fucking scare me like that, dude. Could you imagine?" Wandering over towards the desk opposite of Kellen's, he shrugs a loose shoulder, peering around the room. "I can take the corner, if that's cool with you."



Kellen: For that look of horror, Kellen throws his head back and cackles gleefully. "Fuck yeah I can! Maddox would straight up murder him in under an hour, it'd be great!" But then he sobers. "Shit, but then we'd maybe be stuck with ghost-Tony forever. Fuck that."


He nods agreeably for Tim's request, promptly standing up on the desk to divebomb onto his own bed. Being in this empty school, and recovering from the visit with his mom, he's been a lot more downcast than normal. With Tim here and the imminent coming of Jesse he's finally starting to perk up.



Tim: Tim wrinkles his nose in further disgust, any mention of Tony automatically, unintentionally causing such a reaction. Still, he's able to chirp out more laughter, reaching to toss his duffel bag to the floor so he can occupy his desk chair. Sitting back, he peers around the room, maybe silently thinking about what it'll look like in four months, once they're more moved in and settled and Kellen and Jesse go on a spur-of-the-moment decorating frenzy. "Fingers crossed he doesn't come back this year." Which then makes the boy pause, thinking about other students he hopes to not see.



Kellen: Kellen stretches out comfortably on his bed, shoes propped atop the footboard. "Man, that'd be fucking awesome. I really, really hope he doesn't. Or if he does, he's in some other dorm hall and doesn't have any of my classes." There aren't nearly as many students that Kellen out-and-out loathes, but Tony has made the cut. Turning to look at his new roommate, Kellen hesitates for a moment, uncertain, before offering with a too-casual voice: "We were gonna order in some food tonight an' have a cheesy horror movie marathon, y'know, enjoy one'a the last nights of freedom. If you wanna come." He doesn't specify 'we' but the other person meant is pretty obvious.



Tim: "Dude, you and me both." Because needless to say, Tim despises that bleached fucker. He's grateful that he didn't receive any unsolicited notes from Tony over the summer (which was A Thing in summers past, when Tony knew Tim was staying at the school.) As he eyes continue to scan the room's walls, they eventually fall on Kelllen as the boy talks, and they thankfully don't give much away when Tim's insides clench. Things with Leech were somewhat patched up by the time he left for summer break, but that isn't to say that things were normal - or even comfortable. He squints an eye before bending down to rifle through his duffel bag. "Ehh ... " He trails off, not having a valid excuse to say no, since it isn't like he has anything to do tonight. Obviously. "You think that's a good idea?" He doesn't sound too dubious, at least.



Kellen: "Uh, yeah, that's why I said it." Kellen rolls his eyes to himself at the sheer drama that surrounds Lint. He pulls himself into a sitting position and plants his feet on the floor, though he at least doesn't look directly at the other boy when he gives up on his 'ignore it' policy. "I mean, you guys're gonna have to get used to seeing each other anyway, y'know. Might as well get started on it before you got an audience." Which is enough to say that however civil they managed to be, Leech isn't totally comfortable with the idea of being around Tim either. "Besides. Free food."



Tim: Tim isn't really looking for anything in particular as he rummages through his duffel, but it's at least a good distraction. And after a few passes through, he stumbles across a pack of cigarettes - something he took up more independently over the summer - and plucks it out of there. He pulls out one cigarette, and the lighter that was stuffed in the open pack, but holds off on lighting it right away. He's maybe about to defend himself, but then realizes that he doesn't have anything to really defend -- so he shrugs a shoulder. "I don't have a problem seeing him." It isn't a full lie, really - he maybe just assumes it's Leech who doesn't want to see him. Stuffing that cigarette in his mouth, he lights it quickly before tossing the pack - with the lighter back in it - over to Kellen. "I guess I'm in."



Kellen: Kellen watches Tim out of the corner of his eyes while he busies himself ostentatiously. He kind of expects to have to work harder than that at it, so the other boy's eventual answer is a pleasant surprise. Immediately Kellen gives one of those wide grins, pops up onto his feet. "Great! I'm sure we'll have a stellar time." Which even he knows is an exaggeration. Leech never has a 'stellar time' in any circumstances. But, Kellen can't help remembering, he was often in a better mood in Tim's company, and not only when they were...whatever they were. Since they seem to have gotten over the bitterness and mostly over the awkwardness, the kid hopes maybe they'll get back to that now.



Tim: Taking a few puffs to make sure the cigarette is fully engulfed, Tim exhales through his nose, snorting once again for that response because it's absolutely a stretch to think that it'll be a 'stellar time'. But he's grateful for the enthusiasm, surely it'll help a bit, and Tim stays seated for the time being, casually dragging off of his cigarette before he streeeetches to reach up and crack open the window just above his desk. "What's the movie lineup?"



Kellen: With his usual restless energy, Kellen prowls around the room, eventually taking Tim's lead and finding his pack of smokes inside his backpack. He lights one up, then shrugs for the question. "Hadn't decided yet. Thought mebbe the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre. You got any requests?"



Tim: After a few more puffs, Tim needs to ash his cigarette, so he gets to his feet and reaches over, flicking it out the window to dispose of the ash before taking another drag. "Not The Sixth Sense. Jess made me watch it - literally - sixteen times. In three months." He gives Kellen a Look, because surely the other boy can understand.



Kellen: Kellen laughs at that, because yes, he understands, and that sounds just like Jesse. "'kay, I'll scratch that one off the list. Not enough gore anyway. We need like floods, waterfalls of blood, the really fake lookin' stuff." He makes his way over to the opened window for the same purpose. There's the sound of footsteps in the hallway and Kellen quickly hides his cigarette behind his back, but the interloper is only that weird science teacher, Hunter, totally oblivious of any rules being broken.



Tim: "Isn't I Know What You Did Last Summer pretty campy? Has the dude with the hook for a hand?" He isn't too well versed in these sorts of things, but he seems to remember that one - probably because it's one of Jesse's favorites. Tim quickly exhales his smoke out towards the window as those footsteps approach, but when Hunter just keeps ambling down the hall, whistling, Tim rolls his eyes - as if he's forgotten just how fucking ridiculous the 'adults' here are.



Kellen: Kellen takes a couple ridiculously-secretive drags off his cigarette while he watches Hunter continue walking out of sight. "Hey, I don't think I ever watched that one! Good choice." With another drag, he flicks his cigarette out the open window, between the bars. "C'mon, let's head down. Not too many students here yet, an' too many staff. Y'know if Snider's looking to get someone in trouble he'll head straight for us." He grimaces comically for the thought of that teacher, then goes over to dig his hoodie out of the pile of clothes already accumulated on the floor.



Tim: "It's pretty terrible. You'll probably love it." This is said fondly, because Kellen really does remind him of Jesse, and it's endearing when it isn't straight up insane. At the instruction to leave, Tim's insides momentarily clench - he thought maybe he'd have a little bit more time to get used to the idea of seeing Leech tonight - but he covers that reaction up with a nod and one last drag. He tosses his cigarette out the window before closing it and, after glancing down at his boxes near the desk, snags one of his old baseball hats, stuffing it on his head backwards. Remembering how cold it is downstairs, he reaches down to grab a zip up hoodie that's neatly folded in his duffel - a study in contrasts compared to Kellen's current set up. Instead of putting it on, he holds onto it - staying comfortable in his sleeveless dark shirt and jeans - and ambles over to the door. "Was really hoping he went into an early retirement over the summer, ya know?"



Kellen: "I love it already." Kellen sounds completely earnest, and it's not even sarcasm. Campy, overdone horror stories make the best entertainment. Like Tim, Kellen just tosses his hoodie over one shoulder for the time being and leads the way out of their dorm. He gives an exaggerrated sigh when Tim speaks again, shaking his head dolefully. "No such luck. He arready got on my case for loitering. In the common area. I wasn't even doin' anything!" Both arms go up, descriptive of the injustice, before he has to lower them to push the doors to the stairwell open. Once they make it to the ground floor he exits, though instead of heading for the basement, he goes towards their guitar classroom.



Tim: There's a natural smile that comes from that reply, and Tim doesn't even realize it's there, although he does start to feel a bit more relaxed. He'd never admit to it, but he was a little nervous to see Kellen - not that his relationship with him was sour at the end of the school year, but it wasn't as casual as it once was. He rolls his eyes for Snider, since the guy is seriously the worst, and lightly jogs down the stairs. "That sounds about right. You know he wrote me up once for not being in uniform? On a Saturday?" Clearly, the asshole likes to enforce whatever power he has over the boys - justified or not. As they approach the classroom, Tim's stomach flutters briefly again, but he swallows it down as they enter the classroom and he works on blanking his mind in favor of starting fresh.



Kellen/Leech/Jimmy: Kellen might have felt weird about seeing Tim again, too, but he can only hear his brother call him a little bitch so many times before he has to get over the whole debacle. It helps a lot that Leech is on good terms with Tim now, too. Not great terms - but not so bad Kellen feels unable to mention the other guy's name around him.


He snorts derisively at that story and rolls his eyes. "Guy needs a fuckin' hobby." He turns into the guitar classroom which is lit by the lamp on Leech's desk and waning sunlight through the windows instead of the bright overhead lights. Leech is perched in his desk chair, focused on a game board, on the other side of which is Jimmy, but he looks up as the door's pushed open. Kellen gets a brief nod of greeting but the parasite falters when Timothy follows. He recovers quickly enough it's hardly noticeable. "ey, kids."



Tim: Following after Kellen, Tim snorts - plainly agreeing with the other boy: If Snider had a hobby, Timothy (and his friends) surely wouldn't have spent a good portion of last year in some form of punishment. As they enter the classroom, Tim keeps his head lifted, scanning his new surroundings and immediately spotting Leech. His insides clench again, but this time they lock; somehow, his legs keep moving. Not letting his eyes linger too long, he misses any break in the parasite's form, and keeps his gaze moving until they land on Jimmy. Once there, he's safe to respond. "Hey - how's it going?"



Kellen/Leech/Jimmy: Leech likewise doesn't watch Tim for too long, focusing back on the board and shrugging a thin shoulder. "Gettin' my ass kicked." To emphasize, Jimmy grasps one of the little horse-head figures and makes his move: "Checkmate, biiiitch." Leech seems generally unaffected by this victory, just sits back, lights a cigarette philosophically, and glances in Timothy's direction. "Ya just get in?"


Kellen rounds the table to loom over - and into - his friend's seated form, studying the board in bafflement. "Since when do you know how to play chess." Jimmy looks back, as if just noticing the new arrivals. "Whattaya mean? Is it hard or somethin?"



Tim: As they approach the other boys, Tim's eyes move down to the chessboard, scanning over the current play. Leech is very much losing, but Tim's more interested in the fact that Jimmy's winning, since it's a bit unexpected. He nods for that question and readjusts the backwards cap on his head. "Yeah, earlier today." Eventually standing back upright, Tim tosses his zip up hoodie over a nearby chair, but doesn't take any further action to get comfortable himself. He still doesn't look over at the boy, but his tone is such that he doesn't appear to be uneasy. "How about you guys?"



Kellen/Leech/Jimmy: Kellen can only snort for that reply, because while he has an idea that chess is hard, he has no personal knowledge of it. "You just keep unfolding like a flower, Jeremiah." He rubs the man's shaved head and ducks away from the expected flailing hit directed at him for daring to use Jimmy's full name.


Leech ignores this by-play, again shrugging. "Got here yesterday. Prolly should'a come last week, but I'd have to fix all Jefe's mistakes anyway. Figured I could wait til he made most of em first."



Tim: Eventually, Tim drags a chair over, positioning it an arm's length away from Jimmy, but close enough to not look stand off-ish. Popping his neck form side to side, Tim snorts out more laughter - something he just seems to do around these brothers more than anyone else, really - and leans back casually in his chair. "At least nothing's on fire, yet." Since last year, Kellen and Jesse had set a small fire near the chapel on their first official night here.



Kellen/Leech/Jimmy: Leech smirks, clearly recalling the incident. "We only got half the dream team so far, give it time. Although..." He looks sideways at Kellen and Jimmy as the latter is toppled from his chair, turning a playful slap fight rapidly into a no-holds-barred wrestling match. They might not be about to set anything on fire, but clearly Leech feels destruction is imminent.


So he picks up a chess piece to lob at them - without much effect - and raises his voice. "Knock it off!" Which also goes mostly unnoticed until he adds on: "Kellen, weren't ya gonna call for food?" This does the job; the younger brother disentangles and hops up to grab his phone. "Any requests, or are we gonna go with the Kellen special?"



Tim: Tim half smiles, fond of the callback to Jesse - but then that leads to Michael, and Tim catches himself, pulls back the small grin and blinks away that thought. Shifting a bit, and taking a cue from Leech, Tim unearths his own pack of cigarettes (a more common habit these days) and lights it up, blowing smoke up towards the ceiling before lolling his head over to look at Kellen. "Where are ya ordering from?"



Kellen/Leech/Jimmy: Kellen pulls a very expressive thoughtful face, looking up at the ceiling. "I'm feeling Indian. How 'bout you?" Jimmy, sprawled on the floor where he's been abandoned, has no input - he's probably already had his meal for the week - but Leech comments as he gets up to mess with the television on the wall. "Get me some tandoori fish."



Tim: "Sounds good to me. Can I get some palak paneer?" What's this - Timothy with an appetite? Another drag and he exhales fluidly, the smoke billowing up towards the ceiling in a lazy, wafting spiral. The hand holding the cigarette lifts to rub at his other bicep, maybe a little twitchy but trying to play it off, so he starts another conversation to go alongside the dinner discussion. "Did you guys already pick the first movie?"



Kellen/Leech/Jimmy: Kellen salutes for both of those requests, moves off a little way to make the call. Though Leech doesn't comment, he's secretly gratified by Timothy being interested in eating. He hasn't failed to notice that the boy looks much better than when last seen, and he's not about to inquire into the reasons behind it, but he is glad. He looks back for the question, shakes his head. "You can have the privilege." He tosses the remote underhand at the kid.



Tim: Catching that remote, Tim's a bit dumbfounded; since he's spent over three years here, he isn't as well versed in the latest technologies and assumed they'd be working off of DVDs. Nonetheless, the controller kind of looks like the one in Jesse's mom's basement, so he presses a few buttons until he's on a streaming service, and then goes to the search bar to start slowly typing something in, recalling his earlier conversation with Kellen. "Have ya seen I Know What You Did Last Summer? It's pretty terrible, and pretty great."



Kellen/Leech/Jimmy: The fact that he himself has no idea what to do with that remote may have something to do with why Leech passes it off. He shakes his head at the query and smirks, well aware of Kellen's movie genre preferences. "Sounds perfect." He kicks idly at the prostrate Jimmy in passing, but this backfires when his ankle is unexpectedly snatched. He kicks that leg a couple more times in an attempt to break free but all that accomplishes is Jimmy latching on with the opposite hand, then giving him an overdone leer while voluptuously caressing the boot-clad calf - which finally cracks the parasite's displeased mien enough for him to give a low laugh. "Lemme go, you creepy fuckin limpet."



Tim: Zeroing in his focus to the screen, Tim works on typing out the beginning few words of the movie title, smirking a little bit when the movie pops up as a selection - and for Leech's response. He presses a few more buttons to queue the movie up, but holds on starting it - waiting for Kellen to rejoin the group. His own chair maybe isn't the most comfortable seat for a movie, but Tim just slouches down further in it, legs spreading out comfortably. But when he takes another hit, he notices the need to ash, and glances over to Leech, some fondness maybe showing in his eyes for the two other boys' interaction. "Where can I...?" He kinda motions with his hand, and then shifts a bit to try to locate where he can safely deposit the dead end of his cigarette.



Kellen/Leech/Jimmy: "Whatcha gunna do if I don't, Mister Dean? Gunna punish me? I heard stories." Akin to the leer this is said in a would-be seductive tone, and though Leech knows he's probably referring to stories about his job, it's undeniably infuriating with Timothy right over there. So he leans down to punch the offending arm while Jimmy laughs. "C'mon Leech, step on me."


"Ferfucksake, go take a hit and turn back into a zombie." One more punch and Jimmy finally releases him, still laughing. Leech, trying to conceal his semi-flustered state, looks up at Timothy's question. "Put it out in this pedophile's eye." But he does slide a mostly-empty soda can across the desk as an alternative.



Tim: Tim side-glances that exchange, amused until he can't be. He distracts himself with his cigarette, taking up that offered soda can and finally ashing into it. Almost immediately, he takes another drag from it, kind of obviously in need of something to do while he's left alone with these two. Turning his focus back to the screen, he blankly looks over the credits slide displayed there and attempts for a subject change. "Did you have an all right summer?"



Kellen/Leech/Jimmy: Leech is glad to distance himself from the freakshow on the floor; instead of returning to his desk chair, however, he moves the chess set out of the way and hops onto the desk itself, folding his legs comfortably under himself. He reaches over to ash his own smoke, glances at Timothy. "Ah, it was - " and he falters, actually thinking about the question. He doubts the boy wants an in depth answer, though, so he shrugs and continues in a less relaxed tone. "It got kinda hectic."



Tim: Leaning over, Tim ashes once again into that soda can, the hot embers sizzling a bit when they fall to the bottom. He only glances back over at the parasite when he falters, and he maybe even squints a little bit for it, silently trying to figure it out - just not very hard. He makes a considering noise for that response and rolls his lips together. "That's ... " Well, what? Good? Bad? Indifferent? Timothy has no clue. Instead, he tries: "How's Duster?"



Kellen/Leech/Jimmy: Leech makes an odd noise in his throat when Timothy trails off, almost like he's agreeing with the unfinished statement. Yeah, that is. It certainly is. He smirks a bit at the mention of Duster, since his summer was just as hectic, but: "He's good. Things calmed down so he's just enjoying being a family man. He's got yer friend Lars helping hold down shit at the shop so he's got more time with the baby."



Tim: Grateful that the subject is fairly seamlessly changed, Tim nods for that response, but can't bring himself to look at the other boy - especially now that he's a bit closer and Timothy can better make out his features. There's a bit of a smile on his lips for the mention of Lars, and he nods again - the question about Duster was pretty stupid, in all honesty: Lars has kept him fairly up to speed on the dude and his growing family. Still, Tim stays mute on that in favor of having a normal conversation. "Yeah ... kinda seems like he's been loving the additional responsibilities." Since Lars spent a good chunk of their commute from the airport to St. U's detailing his summer experience.



Kellen/Leech/Jimmy: Leech hums somewhat dubiously while dragging off his cigarette. "He might be, not sure I can say the same fer Duster. Told me a while back, he misses the practical side of cocaine. Not that he doesn't love the thing, but he says havin' a baby is worse than dealin' with - " a short, barely noticable pause as he course-corrects. " - with an ADHD drunk person with grabby hands."


Speaking of which! Kellen finally re-enters the room, shoving his phone in a pocket. He picks up the pace and dives at Jimmy, still prone, aiming with an elbow for his diaphragm. But he evidently forgets just how skinny his friend is because he misses and hits the wood floor instead. "Fuck!" His momentum rolls him off the man, who predictably is laughing while Kellen mutters strangled curses and holds his arm to his chest. Jimmy curls towards him to attempt to kiss the elbow better, impeded some by his continued cackling. Meanwhile Leech sighs, casts his eyes up in a search for patience, then gives Timothy a speaking look as much to say 'you see the kinda shit I have to deal with?'



Tim: No doubt, Tim notices that pause - probably notices quite a bit, but he'll never admit to it anyways - but he looks off to the side for it, not letting it penetrate. Instead, he just snorts (once again) and nods that adorable head of his, eternally grateful for the living distraction that is Kellen. When the younger boy dive bombs - literally - into the scene, Tim shifts to watch, rolling his eyes a bit at the injury because this kid is seriously almost identical to Jesse. And if he's being honest, he's quietly looking forward to their reunion, if only because it's bound to be ridiculous.


Looking down at the younger boy, Tim extends a leg out to nudge at him. "Don't injure yourself too bad - you still have Jesse to attack in a few days." This is followed by a quick glance at Leech, in time to catch that look, but he doesn't allow himself to linger, and instead looks back towards the screen. Reaching up, he fiddles with the controller and confirms with the group: "Show time?"



Kellen/Leech/Jimmy: Kellen opens a squinted eye to look at Tim accusingly. "This is why you shoulda fuckin brought him with you!" If it wasn't apparent before, it's undeniable now: three uninterrupted months with Jimmy, Leech, and whatever other unsavory people they magnetize has brought Kellen's accent into full flower. "I'm gonna end up dyin' and he won't even be here to see it!"


Watching his brother critically, Leech appears to decide if he's that vocal and mad, he probably doesn't need serious attention. He nods at Timothy's question. "Go ahead." He looks as if he'll take any excuse to distract these hellions long enough to catch a nap, really.



Tim: That accent makes Timothy grin even when he doesn't mean to, oddly endearing while also wildly comical. He kicks at the boy again, gentle but with enough force to disrupt his movement, but it's all in jest. "He's visiting his dad before he gets stuck here for a few months. He'll be here tomorrow night." This is offered as a consolation, since clearly Kellen and Jesse being separated for a few months is just way too long, and Tim absolutely noticed the shift in his best friend's behavior, whether Jesse realized it or not.


Clicking another button, Tim starts up the movie and then settles himself comfortably to watch it, finally dropping his cigarette into the soda can to kill it entirely. His hand goes back up to rub at his bicep, distracted, but he takes the opportunity of the opening credits to add on: "Ya probably won't even recognize him anymore."



Kellen/Leech/Jimmy: Way, way too long. Kellen's reaction to having to wait a whole twenty-four hours, or even more, to see Jesse is just a drawn out "Uuuuugh..." of despair. He rolls to the side and hides his face against his arms. Therefore his response to Tim's next words are muffled: "'course I'll recognize him! Can you forget the shape of your soul?" But then he lifts his chin to focus on the screen, continuing more prosaically. "Besides, he sent me a selfie like yesterday. He's hella cute as a blond!"


More or less ignoring the histrionics, Leech slithers off the table to drag the blinds over the windows, blocking out what sunlight is left.



Tim: The more Kellen talks, the more Tim's grin spreads, and it's final form is an actual, bright smile that he tries to tuck into his own shoulder to hide. Whatever is going on between Jesse and Kellen is innocent enough, but perhaps is starting to take actual shape; Tim lost count of the times Jesse would flop over lazily next to him and complain about missing the other boy. He focuses his eyes on the screen, but keeps the conversation going: "Yeh, it looks good on him. And the nose ring."



Kellen/Leech/Jimmy: "Fuck yeh, it's so adorable." If anyone can make body piercings cute, it's Jesse. "Did Lars do it for him?" Kellen's sort of peripherally paying attention to the movie, but nothing's happening yet, so conversation takes precedence, especially on such a topic. "I'm still pissed I didn't get to go back to California after Spring Break. Had to hang out with this grouchy asshole all summer."


Leech gives his brother a Look for the epithet, but doesn't comment. Instead of returning to his desk he drops on the floor near Kellen (and not too near Jimmy).



Tim: “Of course he did. Ya think Jesse would do that on his own?” Because as much as the kid likes to think he’s adventurous, when it comes to body modification, he’s still a bit timid. Similar to Kellen, Tim is loosely following the movie as it starts to unfold, but rolls his eyes in jest for that response. “I’m sure there’s worse company to hold.” Because surely Kellen isn’t all that upset about spending his summer with his brother and the antics they tend to get into. Still, he pipes back: “Jess was bummed - he kept on talking about how much he wanted to go surfing with you again.”



Kellen/Leech/Jimmy: "Nah, I meant mebbe someone else did it." Kellen unfolds his arms enough to wave off the miscommunication. "I jus' hope somebody was there to hold his hand." He returns Leech's Look by sticking his tongue out and popping both eyes wide open. "Yeh, there's worse, an' I got to meet all those fuckers too." Leech gives an inarticulate grumble at that, clearly disinterested in playing catch-up on summer vacation. So Kellen continues to hold up the conversation alone: "Man, that was so fun! But maybe this winter we can go snowboarding instead."



Tim: "It was Lars' idea, actually. He kidnapped him for an afternoon. Then took him out for ice cream after, since Jess wouldn't stop complaining about how much it hurt." There's a smile around his mouth as he recalls the late July afternoon, and it's genuine. Loosely crossing his arms over his chest, Tim redirects his focus on the TV, quite used to the give-and-take from the brothers - it would make him smile if he didn't feel awkward. Still, he talks while watching the movie. "That'd be cool. I've heard snowboarding is quite a bit different, though. More painful from impact." Since the ocean is a bit more giving, and all.



Kellen/Leech/Jimmy: Kellen grins at that, because it's so characteristic of both boys, and it just makes him miss his erstwhile roommate that much more. "Well yeah. There's ground under the snow. But the balance is similar an' you're usually all padded up, too."


He kinda gets sucked into the movie then, letting conversation taper off, until his phone beeps with a notification. "Ah, food's nearly here!" Before he can bounce up, Leech stands. "I'll get it." He's plainly already bored of this movie and its hair-thin excuse for a plot.



Tim: Nodding distantly for that, Tim's more rattled by the parasite's interjection that Kellen's exclamation, and he watches the older boy slink out of the room from his peripherals. He waits a moment or two - not wanting to appear as if he's waiting for the other boy to leave in order to speak - before lolling his head to the side to look back at Kellen. "Have you heard any details about our fall trip?" Because surely, if any student has an inside scoop, it's Kellen - and Tim wouldn't mind mentally preparing for whatever fresh hell they will be thrown into for an extended weekend.



Kellen/Leech/Jimmy: Perpetually restless, Kellen has by now squirmed around to mostly lie on his back, propped up on both elbows to see the screen. So he drops his head back to look at Tim upside-down. "Ahh, I don't think so? Not yet. I'm sure Leech will be bitchin' about whatever it is soon as he's done bitchin' about the start of the year so I'll let you know when that happens." He pauses a moment, turning back to the movie, then adds: "As long as we don't get stuck in a cabin with the same group from last fall."



Tim: Peering down at Kellen, Tim's eyebrows raise a bit, somewhat analytical of the upside-down creature. There's more of a resemblance to his brother right now - he isn't quite sure why - but Tim blinks away that thought. This time, his snort transitions to a laugh, amused for the familiarity there. "Sounds good." Back to the TV, Tim watches as a group of traditionally 'good looking' people look to be joining forces; the era and its tiresome poppy camp making this movie so wildly predictable. His nose wrinkles a little as he talks: "... yeah, that'd be preferred. Can't imagine they'd set that up again." Because after the mischief he and Mike got into on several occasions last year, the adults would probably never house the two in the same location. "Plus, I doubt he'd even be back." Because of course they're talking about Michael.



Kellen: "I fuckin hope not." Kellen, for whatever reason, does not have Ness in mind. Instead he's thinking of Tony. He gives an exaggerated sigh. "Sorry to disappoint, but he is. Or, will be. Leech was bitchin about that earlier. At least he won't be in guitar class again, though."



Tim: Immediately, Tim's eyes shoot back down to Kellen, his face going blank until his eyebrows furrow a bit, confused. "Wait, what?" He blinks, rolls his lips to hide any expression there. "Mike?"



Kellen: "Mike?" Likewise, Kellen looks confused, though his face darkens in a scowl. "Fuck no. Isn't he in jail or something by now? I meant Tony."



Tim: Tim blinks away, back to the TV, inwardly cursing for being so damn apparent. He scowls a bit, as well. "Thank fuck." Because, really. He sincerely doubts Ness will be back - he was fairly insistent (and convincing) on never returning to St. U's before their world exploded. His shoulders' flex shows his stress.



Kellen: Kellen grunts agreement. "Good fucking riddance." He turns back to the movie still glowering, though after a moment he smirks wryly. "We won't be totally bereft of attempted murderers though. Maddox Reed is back. Doesn't have anywhere else to go, I guess. Maybe he'll off Tony for us."



Tim: Tim's eyebrows do a thing that clearly show his agreement; he's settled with never seeing Michael again, especially not here. The mention of Maddox makes those eyebrows furrow again. "Fucking great." Because naturally, the psychopath would be back. "Hope he isn't one of our suitemates."



Kellen/Leech/Jimmy: Kellen actually laughs for that, turns to look at Tim again. "You kiddin'? They wouldn't put him in a shared dorm. He's in one'a the isolation rooms downstairs. Gots it all cozy, has his drum kit set up and shit." Because of course, Kellen makes friends with the violent maniac. Up until this one stabs his brother, at least.


Leech pulls the door open, take out bags balanced on either arm which he goes to deposit on the desk. Now Kellen bounces up, after punching Jimmy in the shoulder hard enough to wake him up.



Tim: There's a bit of relief that takes over his form, but it eases away so gradually that it's hard to see it in action. It's nice to know Maddox won't be near them - but then, the isolation rooms are close to a certain staff members' dwellings, and ... well. Tim's thoughts are interrupted by the arrival of food, and he blinks a few times quickly, bringing himself back to focus, and he gets to his feet much more slowly, one hand going to adjust the backwards baseball cap on his head. "I uhh, I can pay back and shit. I've got cash upstairs." Since Lars is obviously taking care of him.



Kellen/Leech/Jimmy: Laser-focused, Kellen starts digging through the bags, popping open various containers and lining them up buffet style. Plainly he got enough food for many more people than the four of them.


Since Leech knows how Kellen is about food he steps back and clears the field. Timothy's offer gets a hand flicked dismissively. "'s fine. I did promise the doctor I'd feed you." A little throw back to early days last year, before things were so inextricably complicated. "'sides, we'll be lucky if the bottomless pit leaves us anything."



Tim: With Kellen spiraling into a food tornado, Tim doesn't rush to join in - similar to Leech, he keeps his distance to let the boy do his thing. Tim's eyes look over to Leech when that wrist is flicked, but they don't land on his face - maybe it's more like at his hair. He forces a bit of a smile for that, unsure if that's a happy memory or not. Looking back at the other boys, Tim attempts to keep the conversation going. "I'm fucking starving."



Kellen/Leech/Jimmy: "Yer liable to keep starving." Leech directs this comment more at his brother than Timothy, and Kellen looks back at him, mouth already full of some appetizer. "Fug'ff." He does move, though, creating a styrofoam container overflowing to reclaim his place on the floor. While awake now, Jimmy has yet to move, so Kellen spears some sort of dumpling with his fork and veers it toward Jimmy's face, making plane noises.


Leech smirks faintly at the pair of them as he steps in to claim his fish with much less enthusiasm than the teenagers. He also attempts to keep conversation moving for civility's sake"Ya looking forward to institutional meals again? All those half-thawed veggies and watery oatmeal..."



Tim: Chirping his laughter, Tim keeps the natural smile on his face as he steps forward, picking a bit at the food to load up his own dish but sticking only to what he ordered - plus some extra naan bread. "Oh yeah. Fucking sucks when you remember that food can actually taste good." Because certainly, having spent such an extended period of time at the school, Tim was pretty used to the lackluster meals. "How's Cat?"



Kellen/Leech/Jimmy: "Yeh, I don't know how anybody lives on that shit." A pause, a glance at Kellen stuffing his face and intermittently feeding Jimmy. "Even the human garbage disposal over there." Leech clears a space to perch on the desk while he eats. He shrugs at Timothy's question, swallowing before replying. "She's arrite. No chance of her starving. Vet said she could stand to go on a diet."



Tim: Tim's eyes follow over to Kellen, too - his expression showing some amusement for his eating, and feeding, habits. Loading up his plate, he has a healthy portion to devour, and he immediately starts tearing and dipping his naan into the palak paneer. He talks in between bites. "She always had an appetite." Which, unfortunately, makes Tim's insides clench again - memories of feeding her, having her eat leftovers back at the apartment.



Kellen/Leech/Jimmy: "Mm. Never been too picky either." He's definitely found the creature sharing pancakes with Kellen as easily as devouring her own food. And Kellen never stops her. Leech picks at his own food with less enthusiasm; it's good, he's just not into it. Not into the movie either, so he does his best to continue the conversation, awkward as it may be. "How 'bout yer pup? Lars still got him?"



Tim: Tim watches the movie, playing a bit of catch up on the very basic plot. He takes another bite, licking at the corner of his mouth after he swallows. He glances back at Leech, to show he’s still talking, but his eyes don’t linger. “Cooper? Yeah, he’s with Lars. He’s good. Pissed at me for going away for a few months .” Since the dog is absolutely passive aggressive. He looks back at Leech - his scalp, mostly - before dropping down to his eyes. “Your hair isn’t pink.”



Kellen/Leech/Jimmy: "Yeh, Cat gets pissed everytime I go away. Even just overnight." Leech is focusing mostly on his food as he picks at it, though he only occasionally conveys a bit to his mouth. At the comment he rolls his eyes upwards, as if to peer at his own hair, shoving a hank of it away from his face. "'s very perceptive of ya. Kellen cut off the last'a the bleached part a couple weeks ago."



Tim: “It looks good. I mean.” Stopping himself, Tim scrunches his nose and hopes this just passes, because he’d rather not go down that path. Stuffing his face with another bite, he goes back to the TV. “It’s nice.”



Kellen/Leech/Jimmy: Leech manages to appear unruffled by that unexpected compliment, giving a small nod. "Thanks." He doesn't explain that it wasn't really a choice, he just stopped dyeing or cutting it for a few months until Kellen insisted on cleaning it up. Neither does he say that Timothy looks good, though he's surely noticed the healthier changes in the boy's appearance. Instead he reverts to the previous subject. "If you wanna bring him here sometimes, you could. I think Cat enjoyed the company."



Tim:Grateful that the moment oases, Tim again dips more bread into his plate, stuffing the piece in his mouth so he doesn’t have to respond further. In truth, the dark hair is interesting to Tim - he wants to continue to stare - but he refuses to give in. Instead, he bobbles his head a bit like an agreeing nod, only talking once he’s swallowed his mouthful. “Yeah, thanks - I’m not too sure he’ll want to come. He’s apparently found a new best friend.” It’s said jokingly, but he does kind of wonder; the dog is incredibly close to Lars now.








Kellen/Leech: A couple days later, and more students are starting to appear. Like several other boys enjoying the tail end of summer weather, Kellen is out on the lawn by the school's main entrance, tossing a baseball back and forth with Tim. He's not a fan of the game, really, but he can at least catch and throw, and he's more interested in Jesse's imminent arrival anyway. "Didn't he say two? It's gotta be three by now."

It's not. It's barely after two. Leech is not enjoying the sunshine, but he's outside too, in the shade of the portico and getting new students sorted.


Tim: Since it’s August and Boston, it’s hot - humid and sunny and the air thick with the smell of freshly cut grass. Given the temperature, Tim is casual in a sleeveless shirt and his typical baseball cap, but this time it’s facing forward, helping to block the sun from his eyesight. He catches Kellen’s throw, fits the ball in his own hands, but pauses in throwing it back - instead, he speaks up, louder than usual given their distance. “Dude, it’s been like ten minutes since you last asked. Chill. He’ll be here.” And with that, he lofts the ball over to Kellen, not nearly the same force he does for actual baseball practice.



Kellen/Leech: Tim may not be using the same force, but Kellen still has to pace backwards to capture the ball from the air. He too pauses before throwing it back. "What if he got kidnapped?" This is not something he's genuinely worried about, but he makes it sound as if he is. "He could be in the trunk of some asshole's car right now, getting farther away every minute." Distracted by movement in the corner of his eye, he can tell it's not Jesse even as he looks thanks to the person's lazy, almost slouching progress. Though disappointed in his main hope, he perks up slightly and calls out - that loud voice having no trouble covering the distance to the gates. "What's up, Puget!"


Tim:A smile cracks across Tim’s face for that, because it’s endearing to see someone as entangled in the (very strange) magnetic pull Jesse has. “He’ll be here. Promise.” He knows this because Jesse texted him a half an hour ago saying they were stuck in traffic. Easily catching the ball, he twists it in his hand, squinting to recognize the other boy Kellen addresses.



Jade:Jade doesn’t look too different - maybe a bit taller and a little bit more filled out, but his skin is just as pale as ever. He’s walking along the sidewalk when Kellen calls out, and he looks over at him in his typical sense - no expression on his face and his voice lacking any tone of emotion. “I want to fucking die.”



Kellen/Leech: "I'm holding you to that." Kellen says it like it's a threat, like he's going to challenge Tim to a duel at dawn if Jesse doesn't show, squinting in a very parasitic manner. For Jade's greeting, on the other hand, he nods enthusiastically. "Awesome! Leech is up front, I'm sure he'll help ya out with that."


Tim:When Tim throws the ball again, it’s with a little more zing, comical in response to that half threat. Unbeknownst fo both of them, Jesse’s car is pull up, but it’s behind a number of other cars, nondescript within the chaos.



Jade:Jade keeps walking, his dark sunglasses covering his eyes - which may possibly show some sort of amusement there, if someone paid close enough attention. As it is, he just nods, his arms full of luggage and his guitar around his back, but sticks out his tongue to show the boy the ecstasy pull dissolving on his tongue - something he popped in there upon exiting his drop off vehicle.



Kellen/Leech: Kellen has to leap to catch the ball this time, and of course he gets dramatic with it, twisting in mid-air and almost but not quite falling down when he lands, stumbling a few steps. He sticks his own tongue out in response to Jade, before catching on to what the other boy's showing him. "Y'ever think your serotonin levels might be less totally fucked if ya laid off once in a while? I mean just take a break for a day or two. Something to think about!" Bounding forward a few steps, Kellen leaps up and pelts the ball back at Tim as if he's playing hurling instead, complete with a high-pitched gaelic shriek.



Jade:Passing the boys, Jade pulls that tongue back into his mouth wordlessly, unapologetic for it all because he really just can’t with this place. He snorts for that suggestion and calls out behind him: “See you in there.” This is said pointedly, as if a reminder of what fresh hell they are going back to. He continues forward, eventually approaching the wide staircase leading inside.



Tim/Jesse: Caught flat footed, Tim has to scramble to dive for that ball, a bit impressed with the speed it curves in. He can’t catch the ball without giving into the fall, so he stretches to snag it while mid air, tumbling down to the ground rather safely. It doesn’t look painless, but Tim only mildly grunts for it.


Across the way, Jesse is out of his car and weaseling between the other vehicles, not patient enough to wait this out. He’s the only kid enthusiastic to be running towards St. U’s, and there are a few people watching him in confusion. “KELLEEEEEEEEEN!” He’s shouting and running and just an ecstatic source of light and smiles and glee.



Kellen/Leech: When his unorthodox throw ends with Tim diving into the dirt, Kellen's torn between amusement and guilt. So he's cackling even as he jogs toward the older boy asking, "Holy fuck, are you arrite? I'm sorry!" He means it, too, even if he is laughing.


But of course he's distracted a second later when he hears Jesse and his path diverts from the possibly-injured Armstrong. "JESSEH!" It's even louder than his hurley shrieking was, causing the few people who hadn't looked up at Jesse's screech to do so now. And since he has the entire lawn to cross, he flings his arms out and takes longer strides, transitioning into the cliche romance flick slo-mo when he gets nearer. There's still enough momentum for him to pick the other boy up when they collide and spin around, however. "Jesse-love! I can't believe you're finally here! You took forever!"



Tim/Jesse: After a half tumble on the ground, Tim flops onto his back, the ball secure in his hand. He’s all smiles - which is unusual - but maybe this sort of activity is exactly what he needs: familiar. He snorts as Kellen approaches and tosses the ball at him in jest. “Just fine. Don’t apologize.”

Jesse’s introduction makes Tim crane his head back, looking upside down at the approaching boy, as he remains laying on the ground. He smiles but doesn’t work towards getting up to greet him, himself.

Jesse, now running through grass, drops his suitcases and continues running full speed at his friend, immediately pouncing on him as they collide. He wraps around him not unlike a monkey would, and smiles so brightly as he tucks his head down against Kellen’s shoulder “I know! There was traffic! I threatened to start walking but they had the child locks on and everything!”



Kellen/Leech: Maybe this is Jade's real problem: he doesn't have a Jesse in his life. Or enough Jesse, anyway. Kellen ceases spinning and instead ruffles the other boy's hair, not seeming to mind the fact that he's supporting his weight. "Of course they did! Can't have the baby playing in traffic. But you should've come when Tim did! We've had two whole days without you and you missed our last horror marathon."



Tim/Jesse: Still slowly spinning, Jesse starts to detangle himself, feet searching for solid ground while his arms stay wrapped around Kellen like a hug. “I had to see my dad! Since he’s like, paying for everything and I stayed in California the whole summer. But I’m here now!” Once solidly on his feet, he pulls back and shines brightly at his friend, eyes scanning his appearance. “You’re still green!”



Kellen/Leech: Kellen snorts, dismissing Jesse's father's right to spend time with his son with a wave of the hand. He's much more important, obviously. "And you're hella blond. It looks even better than the picture you sent." Abruptly recalling what he was doing before Jesse's arrival, Kellen finally releases the other boy entirely and turns to seek out Tim. "Oh, shit! I think I mighta accidentally broke Tim with my awesome baseball skills!"



Tim/Jesse: A hand raises to Jesse's head when his hair is mentioned, and the boy rubs it back and forth, disrupting the already disruptive style there. He's all smiles, but his face drops a bit in concern for the mention of his friend; immediately, his head snaps in the direction Kellen is looking, expected to see Timothy dead on the ground. And while Tim is still on the ground, he's at least moving a little bit, in an attempt to get to his feet. "LINT!" In a flash, Jesse is sprinting, and then flailing, and then re-tackling Tim to the ground, a glob of excitement - as if he'd gone three months without seeing him, instead of (literally) three days. Tim 'oofs' appropriately when he's tackled back down, but he loops his arms around the boy and pulls him in with a laugh.



Kellen/Leech: Reassured, Kellen follows at a slightly less frantic pace, jogging instead of running. He doesn't bother to repress his own grin and, as might be expected, when he reaches the pair he dives on as well, turning it into a dog pile. "Oh good, you're still alive! And everybody's here!" He gnaws on Jesse's hair, affectionately, ruffling Tim's mohawk with one hand, until a thought visibly strikes him and he halfway sits up. "Except Lars! We should invite him for another horror marathon!"



Tim/Jesse: Neither boy is all that surprised when Kellen joins in on the fun, and it's a mass of limbs and laughter. Tim's arms are no longer wrapped around Jesse - instead, he's trying to tickle the poor kid - and Jesse is wriggling and weaseling and trying to snake away. He eventually gets far enough away to sit up as well, and he smiles brilliantly at Kellen. "He'd love that! I'd love that!" And then, because he can't help himself, he goes to tackle Kellen back to the ground, sprawling around him in a half hug. "I missed you so much it actually physically hurt!" Tim, sprawled out on the ground, looks over at the two and when he smiles, he means it.



Kellen/Leech: "Fuck yeah!" Kellen is all for another horror night, with the always-appreciated addition of Lars if he can be talked into it. Jesse's tackle catches him off guard and elicits a burst of that loud, infectious laughter as he wraps both long arms around the other boy to squish him. "You don't gotta tell me! I was stuck with Leech and Jimmy all summer, it was like hangin' out with a couple'a depressed zombies. I don't know how I'm gonna cope with not seeing yer precious little face whenever I wake up."



Tim/Jesse: Generally nuzzling into the other boy, Jesse's arms pull him in tighter, breathing him in, and his ever-present dazzling grin fades a bit for those words. He pulls back, putting some appropriate distance between himself and Kellen, and looks at him with a tilted head, like a confused puppy. "But it's Leech! He's fun when you make him fun!" And then, remembering that their room assignments are different this year, he wrinkles his nose in thought. "Dude, it fucking sucks we aren't roomies again. I'm gonna write a strongly worded email, ya know?"



Kellen/Leech: Kellen looks exceptionally doubtful for that claim. "Not lately, he's not." He pushes up and sits back on his heels, glancing over to where Leech is still parked, waiting for new students, looking dour in a pair of 80s style sunglasses. Dismissing his brother's moods for the moment he focuses on Jesse again. "I know! I wanna cancel my fuckin subscription. Do you know who you're stuck with? If they're horrible you can move in with me and Tim, we'll build you a bed in the closet and hide you."



Tim/Jesse: "Oh --" Jesse's eyes follow Kellen's, and he squints a bit to look over at the parasite, but not sure what exactly he should be looking for; for as long as he's known Leech, Kellen has been able to get him into marginally better moods. "How come? Maybe we can make a Leech welcome back care package!" He sounds completely serious about it. Shifting a bit until he's more comfortable, Jesse works to get to his feet before offering a hand down to Kellen. "Justin and I are rooming together. I got the confirmation letter like, a few weeks ago. I haven't heard from him but like, that's whatever." Looking over at Tim, who is still sprawled out on the ground like a rag doll, he points at him rather ... pointedly. "Be prepared for your best year yet, Tim. Kellen is an excellent roommate and I am jealous beyond words."



Kellen/Leech: "Oh, it's..." Kellen trails off, waving a hand, as if that explains anything, but he seriously does not want to go into Leech's issues right now. "Stuff. I'm sure he'd appreciate a care package, though." Taking the offered hand he hauls himself to his feet, then hauls his pants back up to his skinny hips. "You're rooming with Hollywood?!" Kellen can't help but cackle at that prospect. "Oh man! He's gonna recruit you into satan's army. Could be worse, though." Glancing down at Tim, who shows an offensive lack of enthusiasm about his best year yet, he raises both eyebrows. "Wanna go give Lars a call, see if he's up fer another boarding school party?"



Tim/Jesse: "I bet the art studio still has my paper mache gargoyle from last semester ... we can include that in the package!" Because certainly, the parasite is someone who would appreciate such a gift - which was actually Jesse's final project for his art studio class. He tugs Kellen to his feet, making sure he's upright before stepping over towards Tim and offering him the same assistance. He talks over his shoulder to Kellen: "Yeah dude! It's gonna be wild. Just wait until we start our dead-animals-on-the-wall installation." Because that's definitely a thing those two would do.

Tim takes Jesse's offered hand without a word, rolling his eyes because while he doesn't hate Kellen, living with him will be an exercise in patience. That look is extended to Kellen when the boy addresses him, but it's mostly playful. Looping an arm around Jesse's shoulders, Tim pulls him in, giving him a proper greeting and kissing his temple as they start to move towards the school building. Walking in sync, he arches an eyebrow over at Kellen. "What, now? Tonight?"



Kellen/Leech: Kellen cackles more for the mention of the gargoyle, which he may have helped with a little bit. "He will treasure it, I'm sure. The resemblance is pretty strong." And indeed as they approach him, Leech looks not unlike something you might stick atop a fancy gothic building - barring those bright pink sunglasses. Kellen grins, bright and undaunted, in response to that haggard look from Tim. "Hell yeah, tonight! Why not? We've gotta start classes in a couple days, need to make the most of our freedom!"

Leech watches the little group approach, nodding minutely to Jesse in greeting when he's close enough and offering him the usual encyclopedia-size packet of rules. "Yer in B hall this year, Michaels, one floor up."



Tim/Jesse: Blinking over at Kellen, Tim takes a moment to consider - it isn't necessarily a bad idea, but kind of proves his own quiet point: With Kellen as his roommate, he can kiss quiet, normal nights to the curbside more often than not. He shrugs a shoulder and then raises the hand - the one resting on Jesse's shoulder - to scritch the boy's hair affectionately before dropping and digging into his pocket to retrieve the phone. "Yeh, I'll give him a call."

Jesse quite possibly looks the happiest he's ever been, with Tim's arm around him and Kellen nearby, that he's actually beaming a bit as they approach Leech. He doesn't even try to hide his smile as he reaches for that packet, tucking it under his arm and fidgeting a bit. His eyes don't leave the parasite's face. "Hey Leech! Can I hug you? I really wanna hug you."



Kellen/Leech: "Yes! You're the best, Tim!" Kellen hops a bit in place (the whole performance makes Leech deeply suspicious) then comes to a stop as they reach the entranceway to check Jesse in.

Leech looks up from his clipboard, and though his eyes are hidden, it's not hard to guess that they're blankly nonplussed. He's forgotten a little how intense the kid can be, apparently, but he's distracted by Tim blatantly flaunting his contraband phone. "Be a little more discreet, Timothy." He doesn't sound harsh, though, speaking in a conspiratorial undertone. He turns back to Jesse, deciding at length: "If ya have to."



Tim/Jesse: Similarly, Tim's eyebrow arches a bit for that excitement, because he severely, severely doubts that Kellen would ever think of him as "the best". But he doesn't make it a thing, probably because of Jesse, and instead steps back to dial Lars, putting the phone to his ear as the other hand adjusts the baseball cap he's wearing. When Leech calls him out, his shoulders hitch - he hasn't heard Timothy in months - but he turns a bit to face Leech, the hand on his hat falling into a comical looking shrug, like he has not idea what he's even talking about.

Jesse, watching everything and all the things with his dazzling smile, hops a little bit in place when Leech gives in and then immediately goes after the boy, striding up the few steps to him and totally enveloping him in a big hug. But then his previous words hit and he pulls back, all wide eyed and aghast. "Wait, B hall? That isn't even the same floor as everyone! Tim and Kellen are in A -- Tim texted me earlier this week. What the fuck!"



Kellen/Leech: Leech submits to the embrace patiently, perhaps patting Jesse atop the head a couple times - ignoring how the kid's already taller than him. When Tim turns to him, he makes an expressive (for Leech) face and motions next to his ear with his free hand in the universal sign-language for 'phone' in explanation. He draws back from Jesse then, shakes his head reassuringly. "Same floor, jus' the other hallway. Don't ask me, Jefe labeled the halls; we're lucky he kept the letters in order at all."

As soon as Jesse steps back, Kellen pounces, hugging Leech as well just for the hell of it. And maybe because he thinks Leech needs more hugs. Leech makes an undignified surprised noise at the force he's being squeezed with but otherwise doesn't react, continuing to address Jesse: "Oh yeh, by the way, yer roommate's not coming back. I dunno what that means fer you yet."



Tim/Jesse: Tim knows very well what Leech meant the first time around, but playing dumb tends to work for Kellen and Jesse more often than not, so he figures he'll give it a go. He walks backwards a bit, away from the boys once Lars picks up, and then ducks his head a bit, talking to him quietly so as to not raise suspicions.

Still completely disgruntled, Jesse peers down at his packet, wondering what else is going to change this year. It's one thing not to room with Kellen - and another not to share a dorm with Tim - but now he's not even in the same hall as them? Unacceptable. He's maybe about to pout more, but then Leech just adds more fuel to the fire, and this time Jesse actually stomps a foot, looking like his entire world is crumbling. "Wait, what? Justin's gone?" He actually groans and looks panicked when he focuses back on the bearer of bad news. "Leech, stop. If you share one more bad piece of information with me, I'm gonna keel over and die, I swear to god."



Kellen/Leech: Leech actually looks moderately concerned, though it's hard to tell behind the sunglasses. "If it helps, he's not coming back cuz he got accepted into Juilliard's pre-college program." Of course, it doesn't help much. "Mebbe you'll get lucky and ya won't have to share with anybody."

Kellen looks absolutely aghast at the idea of Justin's departure, leaning away to gape at Leech, then turning the same face to Jesse. "No dead animals on the wall! This sucks!" Evidently deciding Jesse's need is greater, he releases the parasite to cling to his friend instead.

"Who's putting dead animals on the wall?" Quiet as always, Malachi Marchand has come up behind the group, hauling his belongings from his now-leaving taxi.



Tim/Jesse: Jesse is probably the only person at this school that would see a solo dorm room as, quite possibly, the worst case scenario possible. His mouth actually drops open. "Wait, what? I need to have a roommate! Who will I talk to? I can't be alone from like nine-o-clock at night until seven in the morning! I'll go insane!" He actually, legitimately sounds concerned, and his eyes snap over to Kellen, because that's what he did. He molds himself into Kellen's clinging, feeling moderately secure there, but his face stays focused on Leech's face - maybe he's only joking?

When Mal approaches, Jesse loops him into the conversation seamlessly. "Me and my future roommate, whomever it may be."



Kellen/Leech: Leech narrows his unseen eyes, not having expected a bad reaction to solitude. He can barely stand sharing a whole apartment with another person, personally. Given that Jesse liked sharing a single room with that same other person it's safe to say Leech does not get it. He shrugs in his restrained way, moving only a hand. "We usually get a few last minute transfers. We'll see what happens."

While Kellen pets the side of Jesse's head soothingly, Leech reaches past them to give Malachi his obligatory paperwork, quietly amused by the boy's look of horror at the idea of dead animals as wall art. "Not you; don' worry. Yer rooming with Puget. A-6."

"Oh! Thanks, Leech." Mal takes the packet, kneeling to stuff it into his already over-stuffed duffel. He watches the staff member for a long moment, almost searchingly, a concerned look Leech wants no part of. The boy appears to sense this, because he stands up, shoulders his bag and starts toward the main entrance. "I'd better go get settled in then." In passing he accepts a one-armed hug and cheek kiss from Kellen, who regardless is still more focused on comforting Jesse.



Tim/Jesse: Jesse just blinks for that information, feeling as if he's stuck in limbo and waiting for the rest of the puzzle pieces to come in. The parasite's words placate him for now, but he still can't stop himself from burrowing into Kelle's chest, clutching at his sides as he groans out again. "This is going to be the worst fucking year ever." Jesse: A tale of extremes.

By the time Tim approaches the group again, Mal is luckily trotting off to get settled in, and Tim discreetly slips his phone back into his back pocket. He compulsively fixes the hat on his head and slinks closer to Kellen, his voice low. "Lars is in."



Kellen/Leech: Kellen re-tightens his grip on Jesse, swaying a little from side to side. "No way! We'll make it awesome. You can camp out with me and Tim til you get a roommate, and then I'll still wake you up every morning by dive-bombing your bed!"

Leech already has sympathy for this non-existent roommate, and he wonders if maybe he can talk to Jefe about the room assignments and get these two back together. Surely, Timothy would appreciate a solo dorm. But this is all pushed to the side for now. Though he speaks low, Leech catches Tim's words and despite himself asks: "In fer what?" While Kellen gives a double thumbs-up behind Jesse's back.



Tim/Jesse: In typical Jesse fashion, the boy makes a mountain out of a mole hill, talking directly into Kellen's neck - which is where he's be burrowing. "Promise you won't forget me. And you have to fill me in on all the inside jokes." Because that's certainly the most important thing here.

Though cavalier, Tim shoulders twitch when Leech catches on, and he side glances at the other boy while rolling a casual shoulder shrug. "Oh ... uh, for a visit. Sometime." He doesn't specify when - doesn't want to get in trouble - and surely Lars is technically allowed to visit. Just not after hours.



Kellen/Leech: "Jesse! If I didn't forget you in the last three months, I'm not gonna forget you when yer in the next hall!" Kellen sounds exasperated but fond. He stretches onto his toes to kiss the top of Jesse's head, then squishes him extra tight. "We make all the inside jokes."

Leech tilts his head to the side, looking like he doesn't buy that vague answer at all. He's much too well aware that he can't demand honesty from Timothy, or anything else, so after a moment of silence he dismisses it and looks away, scanning the empty lawn. "Think I'm done fer the day." He starts gathering his materials - clipboard, absurdly heavy box of student info packets, smokes, phone, drink. "Try not to get in trouble tonight, kids. I got a bottle'a wine I wanna get to know."



Tim/Jesse: Although buried, Jesse smiles into the other boy, relieved; he totally recognizes how ridiculous he's being right now, but the excitement he had for coming back to St. U's is being squashed by the minute, so he's compensating. Eventually, he snuffles out of the boy's neck, but remains close to him, draping an arm around his shoulders affectionately. "Just don't forget that!"

Tim knows his cover isn't all that great, and especially doesn't expect Leech to buy it fully, so he's grateful when the older boy doesn't push for more. He nods a bit for the parasite's words, also scanning around the front entrance - most of the new students are already inside and getting acclimated, leaving this gaggle and a few others hanging around outside. "See ya." It's casual - probably obvious in trying to be casual - and Tim steps back in sync with the other boys, heading up the wide stairs to the entrance. Tilting his head, he looks at Jesse: "Jess, where are your bags?"

For that, Jesse stands up a bit straighter, eyes wide in momentary panic. "Oh!" A quick scan shows his bags out across the way - back where he dropped them in favor of getting to Kellen - so he detangles himself and starts scampering across the lawn. "Don't go in without me!"



Kellen/Leech: "Never ever ever!" Kellen covers Jesse's cheeks and forehead and nose with quick kisses as the other boy unburies himself. Then he looks back at his brother for the mention of wine, finding himself once again in the absurdly reversed position (from his own antics last year) of worrying that Leech is drinking a little too much. But he doesn't address it here in front of everybody. "No promises, Leeballs!"

He starts towards the door with the other two, then snorts amusement when Tim speaks up and Jesse darts off. He looks at his new roommate, eyes widening as if in awe. "Surprised he managed to get here at all without you leading him by the hand." Speaking of which... he peers at Leech, still trying to juggle his various things, plainly not wanting to make more than one trip. "Ya need some help with that?"

Leech pauses, gives Kellen a dark look over the top of his sunglasses, then nods reluctantly. Stifling a grin, Kellen hefts up the chair and small folding table he was using, leaving Leech to pile the rest in the box with the handbooks and lift it with both hands, getting everything settled as Jesse finally comes back.



Tim/Jesse: Jesse is gone and then back within seconds, a flurry of bleached blonde hair and some ridiculous tie-dyed t-shirt. He looks every bit the Californian - right down to the ridiculous shell necklace he's wearing. He comes back to the group with his arms full, and Tim reaches for the guitar case he's barely holding onto wordlessly. Snorting at Kellen, Tim looks fondly over at his friend. "Nothing short of a miracle." Because, really.

Jesse seems to catch on to the conversation, because he kicks over at Tim for that comment, and then nudges into Kellen before he gets occupied with Leech's things. It's all done in jest, and he instinctively stays close to his former roommate as they start to ascend the stairs. Missing the by-play between Leech and Tim, Jesse pipes up innocently: "Leech, are you gonna hang with us? It'll be fun!"



Kellen/Leech: "Where's this stuff going?" Kellen is constantly rearranging the chair and folded table as he walks, trying to find a better way to haul them. For all they're not heavy, they're unwieldy. Eyeing this, Leech keeps a few paces behind his brother to avoid being hit. "Jus' put it in the guitar class. Gonna need it again tomorrow."

Kellen accepts the direction, turning down the hallway leading to Leech's classroom and the basement. The parasite doesn't immediately respond to Jesse, just eyes him uncertainly, so Kellen joins in: "Yeah, you should! We're way more exciting than hanging out drinking alone." This last is said somewhat pointedly.

Leech snorts, looking away from Kellen and incidentally at Timothy...then away at nothing. "Think one night a week's all the excitement I can handle, thanks."



Tim/Jesse: The boys follow along after Kellen, arms full but still easily mobile. Jesse keeps his eyes darting back to Leech, because things are always more fun - or at least more funny - with the parasite's unique humor in the mix. And it's part of Jesse's DNA to include everyone, although sometimes that does bite him in the ass.

"Yeah, Leech! C'mon!" Jesse is earnest in trying to convince his teacher, but Tim notably stays quiet, maybe rolling his lips to keep from saying anything. "And this would be your one night! Make it worth it!" Since clearly, the movie night doesn't count because Jesse wasn't there, and all.

Turning into the music room, Tim holds the door open for everyone to enter, and when Jesse passes through, the younger boy lights up like a light bulb - thinking that Tim's friendship with Leech can help play a hand here. "Even Tim thinks you should join us. Right, Lint?"

This, naturally, makes Tim's eyes snap up, but they don't go to Leech - they stay on Jesse, because what the fuck - until the immediate reaction of PANIC calms down. He talks around a bit of a force chuckle, slinking into the room once all the boys are in. "Yeah, 'course."



Kellen/Leech: Kellen rolls his eyes in annoyance at Leech's denial, weaving past Jesse and setting his burden down, leaning the table against the wall. "'sides, we're gonna be using yer classroom anyway. You better come just to make sure we don't break anything."

Leech may be about to point out that he already did one night this week, and it was quite enough, but Kellen interjects before he gets there. Dropping the box heavily, he glowers at the kid. "Oh are you. If you break something, I'll break - " But his threat cuts off when Jesse brings Timothy into it. Leech looks at him briefly, then decides he should really organize the stuff he brought in. Right this second.

His mouth might tighten some for Timothy's unconvincing agreement, but as he's crouched down, it's not too noticable. "Hate to be a disappointment, but I am." Kellen immediately opens his mouth to argue, so Leech goes on in a sterner voice: "Look, it's been a long day, I been around too many people. I'd just bring you all down. I'll bring you guys some food in a while. Tell Lars hi for me." Because of course he put the pieces together about that.



Tim/Jesse: "Leech, you're never a disappointment." This is said to sweetly, all earnest and truthful, like this is the truest thing Jesse has ever said. He knows the parasite well enough - or at least his tones - to know not to push it much further, and he's a little disappointed that the Tim card didn't work more in convincing the eldest boy to join in. To that end, he gives it one more go: "If you change your mind ... come to us first before you go and hang out with anyone else. We're the cream of the crop, you know."

The back and forth between Kellen, Jesse and Leech has made Tim a bit more uncomfortable than usual, so he hovers near the door and takes the opportunity of everyone being distracted to watch Leech, the way he's keeping busy when normally he'd just be storming off. And maybe because Jesse is being so earnest, Tim's speaking up before he realizes it: "You should. Even just for a bit."

At Tim's addition, Jesse is back to his megawatt smile, and he's nodding in encouragement (as if that'd do anything to convince the parasite.)



Kellen/Leech: Jesse sounds so sincere that it actually coaxes a half-smile from the depressed parasite, who can't help but wonder what it is about this kid, and again be silently grateful that Kellen has at least one friend who's worth something. Nonetheless, he's relieved that Jesse doesn't push any more. "Don't worry, you'll be my first choice."

And he is about ready to storm off - or skulk off, in this instance, when Timothy speaks up again. Leech is surprised into looking at the boy, scanning his face briefly like he's searching for some tell, something that proves Timothy actually wants him around. Kellen seems to catch on to whatever's happening under the surface; instead of speaking up, he watches the pair of them uncertainly until Leech finally looks away, stuffing his phone and smokes into various pockets, starting for the door. "Mebbe later." And more to the group as a whole: "Ya can't expect me to endure the hysterics without at least one glass of wine to fortify me."



Tim/Jesse: Tim wasn't expecting the other boy to look at him - maybe in his general direction, yes, but as evidenced from their horror movie night, Leech can barely look at him, nevermind meet his gaze. So Tim rolls his lips and raises his eyebrows, as if to show that he's being truthful, that he really does think Leech should join in. Tim blinks his focus away after Leech goes back to his rummaging, and on instinct a hand raises to adjust his hat and then drop to his neck, rubbing at the muscles there.

"We'll see you soon!" Jesse offers up an actual wave to the parasite before turning to Kellen, all too pleased with himself. "C'mon, let's go find my dorm so we can count how many steps it's from your guys'."



Kellen/Leech: Leech merely nods at Jesse before heading out the door and down to his basement lair. Kellen watches him out of sight, pensively, then turns to Jesse and snorts. "C'mon, man, don't try to edge in on the melodramatic despair angle, Leech has that covered. How 'bout instead we rig up one of those tin can telephones from our room to yers and run the wire over top of the roof?" Slinging an arm around Jesse's shoulders, Kellen leads the way out of the room and upstairs.



And, maybe an hour and a half later, he leads the way back down, to a rarely-used back door, which Lars has been given exact directions to. Being unnecessarily stealthy - it's not even close to curfew yet - he sidles up to the lock, then crouches down like he's going to pick it. Instead of use the keys he got from Leech. He holds hand up to his mouth, muffling his voice, as if he's using a walkie-talkie and Jesse isn't right behind him. "Agent Suntan, this is Regal Eagle. In position. Give me the word when all approaches are clear. Over."



Tim/Jesse/Lars:In true Jesse form, he did count the steps between the two dorm rooms, his spirit dampening a bit when the number exceeded one hundred. Still, he settles into his room just fine, despite not yet having a roommate, and reconvenes with Tim and Kellen before heading back downstairs. Tim diverts to the music room, thinking one less student sneaking around is for the best, but Jesse sticks close to Kellen, a bundle of excitement. He actually chirps his amusement, talking in the same walkie-talkie voice and gesture. "Regal Eagle, copy that. Coast it clear. Prepare for landing, over."

On the other side of that door, Lars can hear their muffled voices, and gently kicks at the door in protest. "Hurry up, ding dongs. I've got a couple two liters and these plastic bags are gonna rip."


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: Thrilled as ever when Jesse plays along, Kellen suppresses his grin and talks into his hand. "Fzzzt. Copy that. Regal Eagle, moving in, over." And he finally inserts the key into the lock, shielding the action with his free hand. In a few seconds he pushes the door open and pirouettes away to flatten against the wall, as if he expects gunfire from the other side of the door.


Tim/Jesse/Lars:Unlike Kellen, Jesse isn’t able to suppress his grin, and he starts giggling even as he aligns himself against the wall, pretending to be in the midsts of a covert operation.

In a study of contrasts, Lars casually walks through the opened door without any lack of swagger, his arms full with plastic grocery bags - mostly liquids, but there’s some gummy worms for Jesse and some other snacks for the inevitable munchies. He grins his Larsy grin, a dimple peeking out from the side, and rolls his eyes for the boys’ theatrics. “Imagine being the idiot twenty one year old sneaking in to a reform school.”


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: Still splayed against the wall, Kellen squints an eye at Lars. "You know you fuckin love it." Though he's seen Lars now and then over the summer, he'd probably pounce on the guy if his arms weren't full. Instead, he takes one of those overloaded grocery bags from him and picks through the contents. "Ooh, whiskey and Goldfish! I knew it was a good idea to invite you!"


Tim/Jesse/Lars:For that, Lars' grin grows - showcasing his teeth and deepening a dimple. He winks over at Kellen and proceeds further into the school, obviously accustomed to sneaking his way into most places. He hands off one fo the bags easily and, now with an empty hand, reaches over to grab Jesse off of that wall and into a half hug; it's been a few weeks since he last saw the kid.

Similar to Kellen, Jesse grabs another bag and starts riffling through it, adding on: "And sour gummy worms!" Which naturally makes Lars laugh, shaking his head.

"You two are way too easy to please. Where to?"


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: "Oh I'm very easy to please." Said with a smirk and suggestive tone, naturally. Kellen waves with his free hand to indicate their path, away from the main halls. "Guitar class. Easier to get away with than stuffing everyone into one of our dorms."


Tim/Jesse/Lars:There's a throaty laugh from Lars, and probably some sort of weird squawk from Jesse, for that suggestive tone, but the older boy accompanies it with a friendly nudge over to Kellen. "Careful there. That isn't always something to brag about." Said knowingly, of course.

Jesse, finding the opportunity to change the subject, keeps himself tucked under Lars' arm and his face buried in that grocery bag. "Know what I miss? Those gummy coca-cola bottles. They're like, fizzy? And so good."


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: Nonchalant, Kellen rolls off a shrug. "Better than bein' impossible to please." Reaching the classroom he shoves the door open, calling out as if the room contains more than just Tim: "The objective has been accomplished!"

He sets his bag down on one of the random tables - the room of course lacking anything like desks for the students - then turns to Jesse. "Dude, those are badass. Do they still make em?"


Tim/Jesse/Lars:Lars crooks his head to the side, a half nod, as if agreeing with the younger boy, but eventually lets the conversation die. As he slinks into the classroom, he drops his arm from Jesse and peers around, spotting Timothy lazily relaxed back in a chair, guitar in his lap, playing the chords to Pale Blue Eyes quietly.

Tim, having heard the boys approach before they actually entered, smiles a little to himself for Kellen's exclamation, but visibly warms when he spots Lars. He carefully removes the guitar from his lap and gets to his feet, ambling over. "Hey -- welcome back." Lars snorts and moves to envelope the other boy. "Same to you."

Jesse grins at their reunion, because all he's ever really known is Lars and Lint, and he follows Kellen over to one of the tables, depositing the bag he was carrying. "I think so! Maybe. I had some in California, at least." Glancing over at Kellen, he tilts his head curiously, his question coming out more like a statement: "Best gummy of all time - go."


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: Kellen watches the older boys embrace with a grin, because clearly this is all his doing, he has the best ideas ever. Aside from which, he's noticed that while Tim isn't nearly as moody as last year, he's been a little downcast, maybe just because he's back at the school; hopefully Lars will dispel that for a while.

Looking back at Jesse's question, he squints and sucks a breath through his teeth because this is a hard choice. "I dunno, man. You know my love of sour patch kids but, all time? Gunna have to go with the classic Haribo gummy bears. The green strawberry-flavored ones."


Tim/Jesse/Lars:The hug between the two eldest boys lasts longer than any casual hug between friends would, but Tim breathes him in and Lars feels for tension, both boys eventually parting, looking relaxed for companionable. Reaching over, Lars grabs one of the spikes of his mohawk, which is styled up but not very long, maybe just a few inches off his scalp. "This looks good." Which earns a smile from Tim before he playfully shoves that arm away. "Jess insisted."

"Why have a cool haircut and not show it off? Not like you can wear it like that to class!" Jesse retorts, obviously eavesdropping. He smiles at Kellen, appreciating the thought process there and then rolls his eyes up to the ceiling, appearing deep in thought. "Hmm ... green Haribo gummy bears ... a challenger approaches!" He ponders for a moment, obviously very conflicted. "It's like, really hard to pick between that and like, sour straws, you know?"


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: "Damn right!" Kellen agrees with Jesse's first statement, his own deep green hair standing out from his head in its usual manner. He starts unloading snacks from the bags, though he leaves the booze in them for some largely useless concealment. "Yeh, I hear you, but when you're like really high there's nothing better than a big bag of classic gummy bears."

The door inches open enough to admit the slender form of Malachi, who has gotten rid of his own 'cool' haircut over the summer and now sports a much shorter simple style. He smiles when he sees Jesse and Kellen closer to the door, then waves at Lars and Tim. "Jade decided not to come. I think he's um..." He just gestures rather than explaining that his roommate is out of his fucking mind on ecstasy.


Tim/Jesse/Lars:At the mention of being stoned, Jesse's eyes go wide, and he completely detracts to another subject. "Dude." He blinks. Then blinks again. "I tried the craziest vape in California. It like, lit up with LED lights and shit. It was insane. I meant to send you a video of it." Because certainly, Kellen would have appreciated it. He's about to continue, but then Mal is entering the room, and there's maybe something tight in his stomach now, but Jesse's pretty good at ignoring it. Instead, he smiles brightly at the boy. "Hey! That's okay. C'mon in. Want some gummy candy?"

Not feeling like he needs a snack right now, Tim returns back to his seat, but doesn't grab his guitar quite yet, content to sit back and watch the boys interact. He gives a brief nod of a greeting to Mal, but doesn't go further than that. Lars, on the other hand, heads over to that table, reaching for one of the sour gummy worms that Jesse opened up and snapping it between his teeth. He drops his heavy backpack onto the table; it contains a few more bottles of liquor, which is wildly irresponsible because there are already two large bottles available. He glances over at Kellen. "Are there any cups around?"


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: "That's wild! I dunno though, think I still prefer regular joints. That steam stuff doesn't feel right." Most likely, Kellen's opinion is influenced by his brother who's so staunchly traditionalist that he doesn't even own a CD player. He grins at Mal, waves off the comment about Jade - who he'd included in the invite mainly for Mal's sake - and hugs the shorter boy briefly.

Mal glances at the gummy worms with slightly pursed lips and shakes his head, but doesn't proselytize again about how they're made with horse parts. "No, thanks. I brought some homemade trail mix, though, if you want some. It's got wasabi peas and chocolate chips." Drawing a large plastic baggie from a pocket of his hoodie, he adds it to the other snacks, then makes his way farther into the room.

The glassy clink as Lars sets his bag down makes Kellen grin wickedly. The question has him looking around the room, though he knows the answer perfectly well. "Nah. I can go get some from Leech? Are we feeling too classy to drink from the bottle?"


Tim/Jesse/Lars:Jesse slurps one of those sour worms into his mouth as Mal speaks, his face still quirked up into a smile even though that trail mix sounds fucking disgusting. He quickly glances over at Kellen, amused, before he grabs the previously mentioned goldfish bag and works it open, grabbing a handful. "Yeah, sure, maybe later!"

Lars rearranges all of the bottles and looks over at Kellen without lifting his head, a smile playing on his lips. "I'm fine with it. Just not sure if you're gonna get your girlfriend to drink like that." He means Jesse, but with Mal here, it's debatable.


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: Kellen squints an eye uncertainly at Lars' quip. "But my girlfriend just said he's fine with it." Meaning Lars, of course, he's refusing to understand the comment in any other context. He does know, however, that some of the group might prefer mixed drinks, so he rolls his eyes, grabs a handful of goldfish, and heads for the door. "I'll go get some. See if I can drag Leech outta his wallowing enough to join us fer a while."

Malachi meanwhile drops cross-legged on the floor near Tim. He nods at the guitar. "Are you playing?" He's vaguely aware that he's not Tim's favorite person, though he doesn't know why; since they're sharing a suite this year he figures he ought to make some attempt to bridge the gap.


Tim/Jesse/Lars:Lars gives a quick air kiss for that, appreciating the joke but not letting it change his mind whatsoever; Jesse has A Thing, and Kellen probably as A Thing, too, and he's pretty curious to see those things converge. Cracking open the bottle of whiskey, Lars makes it readily accessible once those cups are retrieved, and calls out to the departing boy: "Can ya see if he's got a deck of cards, too? I forgot to pick that up at the corner store."

Leaning back in his seat, Tim pulls out his phone and is scanning through it mindlessly when Mal quietly approaches; so quiet, in fact, that Tim doesn't even know he's there until he starts talking. His eyes quickly scan to find that body, and then flick to his guitar. He shrugs a little bit. "Ahh, I mean. Not currently. You want to?" He's at least trying.


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: Kellen spins and salutes Lars for that request before banging his way out the door, obviously done with his clandestine movements.

Somewhat pleased to get a reply, though it's not the most encouraging, Mal shakes his head. "I'm afraid I don't have the knack yet. I'm starting guitar lessons this year, but I'll be in with the other newbies, not with you talented folks." He glances at Jesse to include him in this comment.


Tim/Jesse/Lars:Jesse and Lars occupy themselves with snacks after Kellen appears, the former maybe already feeling the munchies from the few hits he did with Kellen before they left his dorm room.

Tim watches Mal as he talks, noting the haircut, but not bringing it up. He really isn't too interested in having a full fledged conversation with the kid, but is maybe a bit more patient with giving him a chance. "You'll pick it up quickly. You know music." Because it's pretty obvious that Mal has some semblance of how it works - or at least how to tie in vocals, since he very often joined in their guitar class to jam with Kellen. The idea of him taking a class with Leech makes something in his gut twist, but just like his best friend, he's pretty used to ignoring that feeling. Instead, he shrugs a shoulder. "I'm not taking it again this year. Jess and Kellen are, though."


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: Malachi gives a faint smile for the compliment, glancing down bashfully where he's toying with the ties of his hood. "Thank you. I hope I do." When Tim goes on, however, he looks up in open surprise. "Oh!" He has better manners than to ask personal questions of someone he hardly knows, however, so he doesn't. "That's a shame. But you're very good already, I'm sure you can carry on by yourself without classes."

A few moments later Kellen returns, Leechless, but with a stack of mismatched tumblers and a Cat draped around his shoulders like a fur stole. She's grown quite a bit over the summer, though still small for a housecat, and seems as comfortable as ever in her perch. "No dice - or, no cards actually. Leech wasn't down there an' I dunno if he even has cards." He sets the plastic cups down near Lars' impromptu bar.


Tim/Jesse/Lars:Malachi is so genuine that Tim can't, at the moment, remember why he dislikes the kid so much. He catches that surprise but doesn't let it sour the mood, rolling a shoulder casually. "Yeah, that was kinda the thinking. Fill up the space with another elective class." He doesn't recall what his schedule looks like, but he's got a few other classes that aren't the typical academic studies.

Lars' nose wrinkles for the bad news, because he was totally banking on playing some drinking games to get everyone in a good mood. Still, he can't be too upset - not with Kellen being as cute as he is - and he reaches a hand out to grab one of those plastic cups, working on a drink. Jesse smiles and bounces over, reaching to skritch at Cat's head affectionately. "Cat! She's gotten so big!"


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: Malachi nods easy agreement. "Broaden your horizons, and all. You're still captaining baseball though?" For all Mal doesn't care about sports, he does care about gossip, and probably knows more about even the new students than anybody else. At least his gossip is rarely malicious.

Kellen likewise snags a cup, looking over the selection with a bit of a glint in his eye. "There's a chess board, if that helps." He nods to Leech's rarely used desk. "'parently Jimmy's a secret chess master." Turning to grin at Jesse when he arrives, Kellen tilts his head down, rubbing his cheek against the cat's back. "Cuz she never stops eating!" Indeed, she's eyeing the snacks with much the same expression Kellen directed to the booze. "Like me. We just sat around all summer, missing you and eating, getting fatter and fatter."


Tim/Jesse/Lars:Tim's eyes flick back over to Mal, because he really didn't expect the kid to know anything about him, and it's maybe a little suspicious. But he holds back by leaning forward, grabbing his guitar and repositioning it in his lap. He nods while he fingers find their placement. "Yeh ... of course." And then, in an attempt to not suck, he adds: "Do you play any sports?"

Pouring some vodka into a cup, Lars then reaches for the Ruby Red Squirt, making an obscenely sweet drink for Jesse to actually enjoy. He adds a gummy bear for garnish before offering it over to Jesse, then working on a second drink. "Never been one for chess. More of a poker guy myself."

Still skritching at Cat, Jesse rolls his eyes, a smile still playing on his lips. "That's not true. You're not fatter!" To reference, he reaches over to quickly and playfully slap at that tummy.


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: Since this is more like a real conversation now, rather than Tim begrudgingly noticing his presence, Mal leans back, propping himself on his hands. He shakes his head with a hint of a smile. "No, not anymore. I used to play tennis with my mother, but neither of us were that good, to tell the truth. She's taken up golf now." A delicate face of disgust says what he thinks of that.

Kellen gives Lars a speaking look of agreement, but is forestalled in replying by his belly being slapped. "Hey! Maybe you can't see it, but emotionally I'm like five hundred pounds overweight!" His eyes widen with sincerity, though only for a second before he mixes up something fairly tasty and ambles over to hand it down to Mal. "Here ya go! Totally vegan, I promise."

Mal gives him a suspicious look. "I'd hope so. What are you putting in yours, beef broth?" He sniffs at the drink thoughtfully before taking a little sip.


Tim/Jesse/Lars:He's not entirely sure why, but Tim isn't at all surprised when Mal mentions tennis - it's a pretentious enough sport for the boy to partake in, and the fact that he played with his mother ... well. Tim smirks, hiding the expression fairly quickly, and instead turns it into an amused chirp. "Well, sounds like you're taking up guitar now, too. That can be your new sport."

Endlessly amused by Kellen, Jesse smiles fully and then takes a drink, the expression not totally disappearing once that mouth meets cup. "We can jazzercise to drop the emotional baggage we've endured!" Because certainly Jesse had quite the summer bringing Timothy back to life, not that he would ever say it. Following the boy, he goes to crawl into a chair near Tim, hovering like a bird. Lars follows along, and this time delivers a drink to Timothy - the same one he made for Jesse, but maybe a bit stronger because Lars has an agenda. He flicks his gaze over to Mal and, appreciating the boy's new look, smiles. "Hey there."


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: "The blood of my enemies," is Kellen's response to beef and booze, which earns a giggle from Malachi, who thinks he's clearly absorbed more of Leech's personality. But not too much: At Jesse's suggestion Kellen jazz-hands enthusiastically, then begins doing jumping jacks while managing somehow to progress sideways and return to the table of liquor.

Mal looks back at Tim and tilts his head to the side, still smiling at Kellen's antics. "One I'll hopefully be better at." When greeted by Lars, he gives a wider smile. "Hi, Lars! Are you teaching this year, or can you just not stay away?" Said with a playful intonation, of course.


Tim/Jesse/Lars:Tim eyes lift to look over at Lars, first in gratitude for the drink, which is set down near his Converse-wearing foot, and then transitioning to amused as he watches the older boy take stock of Malachi. The simple greeting makes Tim roll his eyes, but he just sticks with his guitar playing.

Grinning further for that response, Lars gets back upright, heading back towards the drink table while glancing back at Malachi. "Ahhh trust me, nobody wants me as a teacher. I'm only here for the cheap thrills." He waggles his eyebrows over at Kellen as an example, and then goes about making his drink.


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: "What better place to find them?" Mal raises his cup in toast-like fashion but again only takes a small drink, because he's nowhere near being able to keep up with the rest. Kellen, who has ceased jazzercising in order to mix his own drink - which is less a mix than a bunch of whiskey and a tiny bit of coke - gives Lars a ridiculously haughty gaze. "Excuse you, my thrills are incredibly high class."

He's in an ebullient mood, obviously, but before he gets too into it he turns serious, steps closer to Lars and lowers his voice. "Have you heard anything more from Duster 'bout... his friend?" He means Ruckus, but doesn't want to draw attention to his name or even Leech's in current company.


Tim/Jesse/Lars:"The highest of class, good sir!" Jesse pipes in in a very proper voice, animated as if he's a regal man agreeing with his company. There's probably even an invisible pipe he's puffing from. Taking another sip from his drink, Jesse takes over talking to Mal, since Lars saunters off and Tim's mindlessly playing the guitar. "Mal, did ya have a good summer?"

Pouring his own drink, Lars makes it similar in ingredients to Jesse's, but like Kellen, it's much stronger - heavy on the vodka and gummy worms, and light on the soda. He grins as Kellen steps closer, maybe even leans into it a bit, but then the topic is that and his eyebrows furrow a bit. "Ahh, uh. Other than he's in the hospital and awaiting sentencing ... no. What's up?"


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: That's the latest information he's heard too, so Kellen sighs, then shrugs. "Nah, nothin. Leech has been kinda extra gloomy the last few days so I thought mebbe something was goin' on, but he tells me nothing." Evidently putting the matter out of his mind, he taps his cup against Lars' and takes a big drink before going to join the others, calling out to Jesse: "Pip pip, old chap!"

Mal has turned easily to Jesse since Tim's not the best conversationalist. "It was okay. But my god, Arizona is hot. I hardly ever went anywhere during the day and I still felt like melting. How was yours?"


Tim/Jesse/Lars:Lars hums for that, not at all surprised. "You don't say." He nods his head quickly in the direction of Tim, just assuming that Leech has probably been dreading seeing the boy again, and contributing the guy's mood to that. Timothy hasn't said much to Lars about coming back to school, nothing substantial at least, but he fully planned on doing some digging at some point in the evening.

Jesse shifts in his seat and leans into Tim, who stiffens his body so he doesn't slump over from Jesse's weight. From there, Jesse looks relaxed, smiling. "I can see that!" Because Mal is as pale as ever, of course. "Mine was good. California was great, but would've been greater is someone had come with." It's so obvious he's talking about Kellen, but it's comical - not laced in innuendo.


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: Kellen...actually hadn't considered that angle, so he gives Lars a confused, pensive backwards glance before dropping onto the floor between Jesse and Mal. The latter of whom is nodding sympathetically. "I can relate; I didn't have the best of company either."

"I'm sorry!" Kellen wails - outright wails - when he picks up on Jesse's meaning. "I wanted to come, there was jus' too much going on here." A flight could have been made pretty rapidly, but Leech refused point-blank to either fly or let Kellen go alone, no doubt imagining scenarios with Kellen in trouble all the way across the country that he couldn't deal with. "I swear I'll make it up to you!"


Tim/Jesse/Lars:Lars has been expecting some fuckery to take place with the school year starting up, and is a bit grateful that it doesn't seem too bad quite yet - Tim's here, and Mike isn't, and Leech is ... at least existing. He snags a few more gummy worms before heading to join the group, dangling one of the candies in the air for Jesse to grab at with his teeth.

Talking around his gummy, Jesse ruffles Kellen's green hair. "I'm just joshin' you. I get it! Besides, I had Lint to keep me company." Which results in Jesse nudging into Timothy enough to disrupt his playing. The older boy rolls his eyes, nudging back.


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: "You forgive me?" Kellen nearly falls backward in expressing his dramatic relief but catches himself at the last moment. He looks a little sideways at Tim, trying to repress a grin. "Ah, right. Lint the Loquacious. Betcha hardly had time to miss me with all his chattering." Because Tim's just not that talkative, but his words are playful more than anything else. So he ignores Mal's quiet "be nice" and carries on. "Did you say you're not in guitar class this year, Tim?"


Tim/Jesse/Lars:"Always, ya dummy!" Jesse keeps on scratching at that head, the action just general affection. He smiles when he looks over at his best friend, because he really did enjoy his summer with him, and Jesse's pretty good at being the one to do most of the talking, anyways.

Before Jesse can respond, Tim reaches a foot out to kick at Kellen gently while his hands still work themselves around that guitar. "Jackass." He blinks back down to his fingers at that other question, but keeps his tone casual. "And yeh. Kinda maxed out on guitar classes." Since he took them for two years straight, even though he didn't really need that much instruction to begin with.

Settling opposite of Tim, Lars relaxes back into a chair, but crosses his outstretched legs at the ankle. He looks completely dubious, but in his own Lars way. He takes a gulp of his drink before deadpanning: "That's too bad."


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: Kellen grins, cocking his head towards the scratches until Tim kicks at him. Then he takes a page out of Jimmy's book and catches his foot by the heel. "Guilty." This, in response to being called a jackass. "How could ya ever have enough?" He yanks Tim's sneaker off and tosses it to the back of the room, onto the small stage. Lars' comment has him nodding enthusiastically. "With Tim bailing, Justin leaving an' everybody else gone, me and Jesse will have to do duets all year!"

Ever interested in new information, Mal looks at Kellen curiously. "Where'd Justin go?" He changes the look to Jesse after a moment since he and Justin were somewhat close.


Tim/Jesse/Lars:Tim tries to pull his foot away, but Kellen has a sensible hold on him, and any further strength on his end will only result in injury. When the shoe is tossed, he follows its path, eyes narrowing a bit when they land so far away. Eventually, he wiggles his foot free, and then uses it to toe off his other shoe, this time forcibly flicking it over to Kellen' specifically at his head. "I can still play without taking a class, ya know."

"That class was good for you." Lars is deadpanning again, but he at least looks kinder, taking another deep gulp of his drink; he certainly has the highest tolerance here.

Jesse slithers his way out of the chair and down onto the floor, not unlike an eel. He finally removes his hand from Kellen's hair and favor of getting comfortable. "He got into Juiliard, I guess. Which like, good for him and it's amazing, but now I'm hunkered down in a dorm all by myself and not even in the same hall as these two." He motions towards Kellen and Tim, and then cranes his head back to look at Mal. "Where's your dorm room?"


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: Kellen leans back enough to catch that shoe with a hand instead of his face, then immediately tosses it in the opposite direction, barely missing Leech's piano. "Yeh, but how satisfying is that gunna be? You'll be missing out on all that extra time with me and Jesse!" And Leech, which he imagines Lars is getting at. He's not going to say it outloud, though. When Jesse slips onto the floor next to him, he loops an arm around his shoulders, using the other to take a large drink from his cup.

Malachi blinks at Jesse's reply. "Wow! That is amazing. Perhaps you can ask Leech to reassign you to a different dorm." He hesitates almost guiltily before going on, glancing down. "I'm in the dorm next to theirs, actually. With Jade."

"With Jaaade." Kellen pipes in as he emerges from his cup, giving Mal a shit-eating grin. "How excited are you!"


Tim/Jesse/Lars:"I think I'll be just fine." Tim gives Kellen a pointed look, because surely Jesse is going to spend practically every waking minute in their dorm. And while Tim very much loves the boy, he isn't expecting a quiet, easy rolling senior year. He doesn't bother to get up and retrieve his shoes, but he does pull his legs up, securing them on his seat, and he shifts the guitar around a bit so he can still play it while his legs are tucked up against his chest.

Jesse's maybe about to tell Mal that he already sorta-talked to Leech about it, but then that other information is divulged and he groans, turning it into a whine as he shifts his weight and pushes into Kellen's side. "Wait, you guys are all suitemates?!" Another groan. "That's like the best dorm set up ever! I'm gonna die. This is it. I can feel it."


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: Mal just narrows his eyes at Kellen's insinuating tone, likely the dirtiest look he ever gives anyone. Kellen sets his cup down in order to wrap both arms around Jesse when he lists against him. "Yer not dying! We'll just find a mannequin to put in your bed and you can come live with us - or, hey! Lars can take your place, then he'll never be too far from his cheap thrills." He beams at Lars like this is the best plan ever and of course he'll agree.

Malachi might have offered for Jesse to take his place - he does like Jade, but the guy's a fucking mess and Mal doesn't know if his liking will survive so much enforced proximity - but he doesn't want to try to talk over Kellen's loud voice. So he corrals Cat into his lap and pets her placidly, taking occasional small sips.


Tim/Jesse/Lars:"DYING, Kellen! I think I feel my kidney failing." There's probably a part of Jesse that actually believe what he says, but he doesn't give into it - just leans into that embrace. He does perk up for that idea. "A mannequin could work! With a blonde wig." Since he's changed up his hair since last semester. "I bet there's something in the theatre we could jack. I could keep it in my closet so that the stiffs don't find it."

Piping in, Lars eyes suggestively at Kellen, but shakes his head. "Hard pass. But I'll visit ya any time you'd like, pretty."


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: "Nooo!" Kellen moves a hand to Jesse's shoulder, shaking him, looking grief-stricken. "Do not go gently into that good night, Jess! We'll get another one, I bet Lars knows people in the black market!" If he were less involved with Jesse's melodrama, or more drunk, Kellen might blush for the pet name and suggestive tone. As it is, he merely winks, a quick grin ruining his earnest look.

Waiting until he might actually be heard, Mal finally speaks up. "I could swap with you some nights, Jesse. I've been thinking about bleaching my hair anyway." It's about the same length as Jesse's on top, though shorter on the sides. "And I'm sure Jade won't mind. He's always so upbeat." - actual sarcasm there from Mal, complete with an eye roll.


Tim/Jesse/Lars:"I can swap with you too, Jess. Can just wear one of your beanies to bed." Tim speaks over his guitar, adding another solution to Jesse's current - and ongoing - predicament. He changes his chord progression and starts in on something by the Stones, but it's lazy and carefree. Overall, the younger boy looks relatively pleased with all of these solutions, but doesn't lessen in his affectionate clinging - something that Lars most certainly watches from behind his solo cup. From somewhere near Kellen's bicep, Jesse calls out: "Perhaps I shall see the light of another day."

Popping another gummy worm into his mouth, Lars takes another drink, mixing the candy with the alcohol. "How's that tattoo doing, Kellen?"


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: When Jesse capitulates, Kellen raises both arms like he just finished a marathon, letting the other boy rest on his chest unsupported. "Yes! We have found a cure!" While Mal watches on with a smile, likely having forgotten how ridiculous these boys are.

At Lars' question, Kellen's eyes pop wide open. "Man, it's perfect! Jesse, you gotta see this masterpiece." Leaning away from his friend he unzips and pulls off his hoodie, revealing a Bass Pro Shops t-shirt that his father for some reason got him, which has been altered not only to be sleeveless but now reads 'I sucked a stranger's dick in the Bass Pro Shops bathroom'. It also reveals the childish rocket ship inked on his right arm, surrounded by star outlines, and he immediately thrusts his arm out for Jesse's inspection. "Look! Just look. Is it not worthy of da Vinci?!"


Tim/Jesse/Lars:Jesse's attention shifts dramatically, less focused on his own wallowing and immediately interested in this new tattoo. Kellen hadn't mentioned it before, so this is New Information that the boy needs to understand in full detail immediately. He squirms around until he's sitting upright, and snags that arm to pull it in close and inspect it. "Dude!" He sounds genuinely delighted, which for whatever reason makes Lars smile. "This is so cool! You should get an alien next." Looking at it closer, Jesse's face is nearly on top of that exposed skin. "Did it hurt? Did Lars do it?!" He snaps his focus over to the older boy.

From his seat, Lars grins and then wrinkles his nose, amused. "Nahh, your boyfriend doesn't trust me with his precious skin. That's all Duster."


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: Kellen smiles for Jesse's reaction, a genuine smile with no undertone for once. "Fuck yeah! You gotta draw it for me, though. Jimmy designed this one." If you can call doodling idly on Kellen's arm with a Sharpie 'designing'.

He idly flips Lars off, unaffected by the boyfriend comment. "Y'know I was just giving him a distraction, yer welcome to any of my skin anytime." This all taking place during one of Ruckus' pre-trial things which, with his characteristic consideration for everyone's feelings, Ruckus had forbidden Duster or Leech from attending. While Leech was pale and silent with nerves, Dust was pacing and chewing his fingernails to the quick until Kellen had asked for the ink.

Speaking of Leech, he abruptly slinks through the door as if avoiding detection. But when he finds the room lit up and full of people he stares at them in a wide-eyed way that enhances his similarity to Kellen, and also says he likely forgot they would all be here. He might be considering just darting right back out.


Tim/Jesse/Lars:"We could get matching alien tattoos as a declaration of our never ending friendship!" Jesse says this so earnestly, that the absolutely ridiculous nature of the idea is lessened down to something rather adorable. He continues looking the tattoo over, one finger tracing the outline. He pipes in, curious, at the same time that Leech opens that door: "Distraction for what?"

Lars makes a motion with his hand that shows him catching that middle finger and stuffing it in his pants pocket for safe keeping. "I'll call dibs on the next one." Because surely Kellen will get more ink the older he gets, and Lars absolutely plans on being the one behind the needle for at least one of them. Looking up at the door, he spots Leech and visibly brightens up, amused and pleased. "Hey, there he is." As if they were talking about Leech the whole time. And of course, Tim cranes his head, spots the other boy standing there hesitant. He doesn't say anything, but also doesn't look on edge, continuing his guitar playing.


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: If possible, Kellen's smile grows even wider. "That's a great idea." Like he would say anything else with Jesse making that face. "Uh, just..." Caught without an explanation, he's glad when Lars speaks up again and twists around to see the door, not having noticed Leech's entrance. "Leech!" Mal also turns, smiling at the cornered-looking parasite but saying nothing.

Leech narrows his eyes at Lars when he as it were announces his presence and prevents a quiet retreat, but scans the small group and gives in to his fate. He paces over and wordlessly leans down, steals Kellen's drink and downs half of the remainder. Then promptly coughs and wrinkles his nose. "Gross." He hands it back, nose wrinkled. "The fuck are you all doing, having a Cub Scout meeting?" Referring to the way they're all sitting in a circle, with Tim playing guitar and Lars the only other one on a chair. He opts to take Jesse's abandoned chair beside Timothy, drawing his knees to his chest immediately.


Tim/Jesse/Lars:Following Kellen's outburst, Jesse straightens up, looking over at Leech and smiling brightly at him. "Leech! You made it!" Because it was kinda questionable, and Jesse was really hoping he would - usually Kellen's mood is better when his brother is around. "There's gummy candy on the table if ya want some. Lars even got the good sour worms." He doesn't mention the alcohol because he's mostly interested in the candy, of course.

Lars' smile widens for that narrowed glare, acting innocent. He watches the other boy pace into the room, and maybe arches an eyebrow for the way he immediately goes for that drink, but decides that a drunk Leech is probably better than a somewhat sober one. "Can I make ya a drink? I'll make ya a drink." And with that he's back on his feet, heading back to their makeshift bar to prepare something tasty. And potent.

Tim's playing slows down as the parasite enters, eventually pausing all together when the older boy takes a seat near him. But Tim doesn't let his face linger and instead adjusts the guitar in his lap, going back to some lazy, melodic plucking that serves as good background noise.


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: "We were waiting on you to start the kumbaya." Kellen winks harmlessly at Leech, who snorts in return. It's fairly obvious he didn't intend to be part of this shindig, but he's here and that's good enough for Kellen.

Leech's gaze goes from Lars, answering his own question, to the line of liquor bottles on his table, none of which looks particularly appealing. But he gives in, dropping his chin to rest between his knees. "Jus' not whatever Kellen's drinking." Malachi offers his own cup, because he isn't much of a drinker and maybe hopes Leech will finish it, but Leech shakes his head at the silent offer.

Kellen sighs heavily, flopping onto his back, disapproving of everyone's silence and especially Leech's obvious mood. "This is supposed to be a celebration, y'know."

Leech, who moved on to watching Timothy's fingers on the frets, doesn't look away but speaks in his habitual blank tone. "Celebrate this: I jus' got done checkin' Lovato into his new dorm." Which probably explains the drink he stole.


Tim/Jesse/Lars:"We'll be giving out merit badges at the end of the night." Lars calls out from that table, making a very strong drink for the parasite; it's got more than vodka in it, but a decent amount of mixer to make it bite less. He drops a few regular gummy bears in for good measure, as well. He shuffles over to offer it to the parasite, and then quirks his head at Timothy and talking quite pointedly. "You, too. Drink up." Because that cup by his chair leg has gone untouched so far.

Tim rolls his eyes up to Lars, making a face that shows he isn't all that impressed, but momentarily stills his playing to grab a quick drink and then get back to mindless playing. There's probably a part of him that can feel those eyes on his fingers, but he doesn't let that thought swell.

Plainly agreeing with Kellen, Jesse reaches for his drink - which he placed carefully off to the side - and takes another drink, nearly half gone. He dips his head back on his shoulders to look back at Leech upside-down. "Leech, if you don't tell me that he isn't my roommate right this second I'm going to scream. Scout's honor."


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: Kellen pops back up to look at Leech, mouth and eyes both wide open in horror, but Leech calmly pretends not to notice at all. Even Malachi, usually the politest kid on campus, gives a low groan for this information and takes a longer than usual sip.

Jesse on the other hand gets the reassurance he wants. Leech looks at him and tilts his head to the side. "I wouldn't let 'em do that to ya. He's stuck with some poor freshman, down in F hall." Taking the drink from Lars, the parasite looks down into it and frowns. "There's stuff in here. Candy." He looks sharply over at Lars in accusation, as if the guy's trying to roofie him with gummy bears.


Tim/Jesse/Lars:Jesse visibly calms down for that, his shoulders slouching and relaxing. He weasels a bit to the side so he's better facing the group. "Oh! Great, F hall is like super far away." He seems pleased. He nudges a leg out to Kellen to get his attention. "Could you imagine? I almost had a heart attack." Certainly there is no worse possibility.

Reclaiming his seat, Lars smiles at Leech and nods, reaching for his own drink and taking a quick sip, like he's parched. "Yeh. It's good, promise. Total panty dropper."


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: Kellen grabs the knee nudging him and squeezes it bracingly. "Fuck that. We'd have to get Maddox to kill him for sure." Although, he's not dismissing this possibility in the long term. Lifting his head like a hunting dog sniffing the air, he peers belatedly around then looks at Leech. "Where is Maddox?"

Leech has turned his head to give Lars a cock-eyed look for that descriptor. "Think my panties're fine undropped." For Kellen's query, he shrugs a shoulder carelessly. "Killing Lovato? Downstairs, prolly, I dunno. Why don't ya go an' check while ya get something worth drinking from my room. I am not drinking gummy bears." With all the dignity in his tiny body, he gives Lars another Look. "Do I look like I'm sixteen?" Then immediately: "Don' answer that."

Kellen has already popped onto his feet. He drains his own cup and takes the one Leech is holding out, clearly happy to fetch whatever his brother wants as long as he sticks around instead of holing up alone.


Tim/Jesse/Lars:"Is Maddox here?" Jesse finds this information very important to know, since Maddox is a loose cannon and he distinctly remembers the brawls the kid would routinely get into. He makes a face, not pleased when that's confirmed, and maybe looking over at Mal to commiserate.

Smiling around the brim of his cup, Lars ignores that correction and talks with a chirp in his tone. "Sometimes, yeh." Out of the corner of his eye, he spots Timothy looking a little uncomfortable, so he goes back to the other conversation, trying to catch up. "Who's Maddox?"


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: "Maddox is always here," Kellen quips on his way out of the room, using a spooky voice like he's taking about the boogeyman. Mal catches the look from Jesse and shrugs in commiseration. "At least we're rooming on the top floor, someone might take him down before he gets to us." - in his evidently inevitable murderous rampage.

Leech rolls his eyes a little for all of this, unfolding to pull the carton of smokes from his hoodie and light one. He answers Lars without removing the filter from his mouth. "Future serial killer with a suicidal ideation fetish." Which he doesn't actually believe - at least not the first part - but he may as well play along. He exhales smoke through his nose, pulls his legs up again. "Y'know, like the rest'a my friends."


Tim/Jesse/Lars:Jesse snorts a little bit of laughter for Mal's feedback, not used to the boy being so outspoken. "That's a good point. We'll be the last ones to die."

As the Maddox conversation comes back around, Tim reaches down for his drink again, this time taking a bigger gulp of it - noticeable if anyone was paying attention to him. Lars probably catches it, but he doesn't address it - just takes it as additional information that Maddox isn't well liked around here. Smirking at Leech, Lars tilts his head curiously. "Ah, so he's your friend."


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: "We can dive out the window to make it easier on ourselves." Mal says this way too cheerfully, like it's a real consolation, and smiles encouragingly at Jesse. If he hadn't been drinking, he likely wouldn't say anything so fatalistic.

Leech does notice Timothy's grab for his drink - is paying much closer attention to the kid than he lets on - but he only cuts his eyes sideways at the movement before glancing back at Lars, giving another restrained shrug. "I'd say so. He prolly wouldn't." Finally removing the cigarette from his mouth, he ashes it carelessly on the floor. "Truth is, he's just a kid who's had a real hard time of it, doesn't wanna be here, but wants to be sent home even less. Nobody gives a shit about him, but I don't think he's ever tried to kill anyone except himself." He may sound a little defensive...which doesn't really help his case.


Tim/Jesse/Lars:"We should just go to the roof and hold hands while we do it. All for one and one for all!" It's pretty morbid for the boys to be talking so casually about something pretty fucked up, but there isn't anyone here to monitor the boys, and Jesse tends to go to extremes when left unchecked. His next drink helps to make it half empty, and the boy licks at his lips afterwards.

After he's done with that drink, Tim quietly props his guitar up against the chair on the other side of him, not making his stopping much of anything other than not wanting to do it. Instead, he shifts his hips a bit and pulls out his phone; he doesn't have much in way of messages, since most everyone that cares about him - Jesse, Lars - are here. But still, he busies himself.

Listening to that intently, Lars catches on to that defense, but doesn't play into it much. He just nods his head and downs the rest of his cup, then shaking his cup a bit to try to empty the sticking gummies into his mouth. "Ahh, I see." He doesn't really, but knows how to play his cards, and instead glances over to the door to spot if Kellen's near.


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: "If we go down, we go down together." Mal can't help giggling for Jesse's addition, though he ducks his head, feeling mildly guilty about the subject matter.

Undoubtedly, Leech realizes he went too far when Timothy ostentatiously busies himself, and he's glad Lars doesn't question him further. Next he'd find himself saying Maddox is 'a good kid really' or something equally unbelievable. Instead he takes a long drag and sighs smoke dismissively. "Speakin of people biting off more'n they can chew, how's Dust doing? Haven't had time to catch up with him in a couple weeks." He leans forward to reach for Tim's guitar, giving the boy a casual querying look that probably doesn't fool anyone. "Can I?"


Tim/Jesse/Lars:"Are you excited to live with Jade? I know he's sometimes a downer but he's like, usually pretty funny." Jesse probably isn't too aware of Mal's sorta-obvious crush on the boy, and wouldn't really know what to look for as an indicator. "Plus, I'm pretty sure one of his suitcases was actually just like a, a turn table. Maybe you'll get some sick beats out of him."

Lars snorts for that segue, one hand raising up to rub over his leopard-print hair. His nose wrinkles again, not exactly pleased, but not willing to lie, either. "What, too busy?" He sounds doubtful, maybe a little hectoring, but doesn't wait for a response before continuing. "He's doing all right. Baby's good, and that's mostly what he cares about. He's been handing over more appointments, I think just to catch some more sleep." He doesn't exactly want to bring up the details about Ruckus - he purposefully hasn't told Timothy anything. The younger boy, lifting his eyes to watch that guitar, softens a bit for the question but nods and goes back to his phone. "Yeah, of course."


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: Mal's mouth twists as he considers that question. "I don't know if I'd say excited... I'm not displeased. Although I can't approve of all his habits." Allowing for Mal's usual politeness, this means something like he had to deal with an hour of Jade on ecstasy and he's already so over it. His expression fades back to the usual smile, however. "Maybe so. I hope he'll be able to help me with guitar lessons, but maybe I can rely on you and Kellen for that." Because they're really just one entity much of the time.

Leech jerks his head to the side in qualified agreement, muttering. "You try organizing a hundred degenerates into classes where they won't kill each other an' putting up with Jefe's plans fer field trips..." but this isn't loud enough to require an answer, maybe not even loud enough for Lars to hear it. He gives a grunt of appreciation toward Timothy, settling the guitar in his lap. "Yeah? That's good. He's always had a hard time sleeping, having a baby up at all hours can't help. Did he ever hire that new piercing artist he was talking about?"

Kellen abruptly pops back into the room, his (stolen) cup in one hand and a bottle of wine with an opener in the other. Seeing that Leech has a guitar now, he reclaims his place on the floor and sets his drink down in favor of opening the wine.


Tim/Jesse/Lars:Jesse hums for that, contemplating; he isn't exactly against the heavier drug use that Jade indulges himself in, but that isn't to say he'd be comfortable living in close quarters with him, either. Still, he tries to find a silver lining. "We can all jam out together! That'd be fun. You'll totally be better than me in no time." Because while Jesse is enthusiastic in his playing, he isn't by any means a natural talent; his exuberance is what brings his playing to life.

Opposite of Leech, Lars maybe hears some rumblings but doesn't try to decipher what is said, more focused on the brother that reappears and takes a seat in the empty space in front of him. As he talks, he's lazily watching Kellen work that wine bottle open. "Ahh, I don't think so. She came in for a trial but I think she fucked it up or something, 'cause he wasn't too impressed afterwards. She was wicked hot, though." He shrugs a lazy shoulder. "I'm bummed that Jess didn't have me pierce his nose." Which earns a little defensive squawk from Jesse, and a chirp of amusement from Tim.

Without looking up from his phone, Tim adds: "Maybe if you weren't busy hitting on the shop clerk, they would've let you."


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: "Oh, I sincerely doubt that." Mal shakes his head bashfully, recalling past performances he's seen. "But it would be fun to play together, once I know how to."

Kellen, trying to catch onto the conversation that's gone on without him, perks up at this. "Are we having a jam session?" He continues struggling with the wine opener, since Leech usually handles this sort of thing and he's more used to twist off caps.

Leech rolls his eyes at this appraisal, because of course that's what Lars cares about. He looks up from the strings he's lazily plucking at to survey Jesse's nose piercing, not having noticed before, though naturally he makes no comment on it and focuses back on this playing.

"Ooh, busted!" Kellen laughs for Tim's laconic input. "Lars, are you just amassing a harem of would-be body mod artists?" Finally getting the wine open successfully, he hops up to fill one of the tumblers and sets it down by Leech's boot before reclaiming his place between Mal and Jesse. "Cuz y'know, I could take some classes if so."


Tim/Jesse/Lars:Jesse shifts a bit more to wordlessly bring Kellen more fully into the conversation, his body rearranging so he’s sitting with his legs criss crossed. “Yeah! Once Mal’s got a few lessons down, we’re totally gonna jam. Maybe even Leech will join in! It’s always so cool with his piano.”

Tim smiles for Kellen’a input, still not looking up from his phone but very much looking amused. He’d nearly forgotten how much fun it was to not be the brunt of the joke all the damn time. Meanwhile, Lars flicks his gaze to Kellen’s and grins again. “Oh yeh? Was almost thinking you might be better suited as a hair stylist.” He nods up at the boy’s green hair, amusement showing in his own dark eyes.


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: Leech looks up at Jesse for the mention of his name, taking a moment to sort out the rest of the boy's words and squinting dubiously at this idea. If you look close, though, there might be the tiniest bit fondness somewhere in his gaze before he lowers it, notices the wine, and pauses playing to drink some.

"Oh, yes!" Malachi seems genuinely enthused about this musical project, though his voice never reaches the volume of Jesse's. "And Jade can bring his turntables to throw them in the mix."

Kellen reaches up, tugs at his grass-like hair. "Only if I get to practice on you, Cheetara. We'll go fer zebra stripes next time." Leaning forward, he steals the cigarette ignored in Leech's left hand. If he didn't know their history, he might find it funny, the way Leech and Tim are sitting there pretending to be totally comfortable and oblivious to each other - as it is, he wonders if Mal or Jesse are catching on to the awkward vibes.


Tim/Jesse/Lars:“We can be an 80s goth synth wave band. It’ll be amazing. We can do covers of Depeche Mode!” Jesse looks so pleased, maybe even wiggles a bit in excitement. The chances of this actually happening is low, but he can joke about it all the same.

Instinctively, Lars raises a hand to run it through his short hair, maybe looking the faintest bit bashful, until he opens his mouth, of course. “Jungle cat and jungle green.” There’s some sort of innuendo in there, who knows what, and Lars finishes up his cup’o’liquor but holds back on getting to his feet, probably in an attempt to pace himself. Eyes zeroing in on Tim’s much too full cup, he whistles to gain attention and then quips. “Another.” To which Tim looks over, rolls his eyes and reaches for his cup, holding on actually taking a drink just so it doesn’t look like he’s Lars’ bitch.


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: Malachi fucking lights up at that, even raising his voice to a level where anyone in the room can hear it. "I love Depeche Mode! Dave Gahan is so incredible, and Martin Gore's writing is absolute poetry." Kellen is drawn from his interminable flirting with Lars by this interjection, and he shares a brief, blank look of horror with his brother before they go back to their separate amusements. Luckily, Mal doesn't notice.

"Jungle love?" Kellen suggests cheekily, lifting his own cup to take a long drink of the frankly terrible mix Lars made for Leech. It's got plenty of booze, so he's satisfied. "You should go as Tarzan for Halloween, man. For real. You could totally pull it off." The suggestion might seem untrustworthy given the way he's grinning, but perhaps he's only considering Lars in nothing but a ragged loincloth.

The whistling again draws Leech's attention from the song he's picking out, and he watches Timothy reach for his cup. "You drinking fermented gummy bears too?"


Tim/Jesse/Lars:Jesse can’t help but maintain a smile as Mal lights up; subconsciously, he’s starting to realize why some people are pulled towards the other boy, especially Kellen. “They sound cool, yeah. And maybe we could do like a ska song or something. I love that kinda stuff.”

Lars let’s out his laughter for that quip, finally dropping the hand from his head. “I don’t engage in illegal activities.” This isn’t said with malice - just a bit of a joke, but he has kept his distance, relatively, for that very reason. And to contradict what was said, he chirps up: “would you be my Wendy?”

Tim’s got the cup halfway to his mouth when that question comes, and he smirks before taking a sip. Since it’s so incredibly full of sugar, Tim licks at the corner of his lips before glancing over at the parasite. “Just working on my cavity.”


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: "Oh, my god, they're so good." But evidently realizing he sounds like a fanatic, Mal manages to throttle his admiration down. "Ska is fun, too. I've always liked the early stuff, Toots and the Maytals and that sort of thing. But I don't know much about it."

Focusing on the guitar more closely, Leech starts hunting for a particular progression. He's not too intent to catch the reply from Timothy, however, smirking for the small instance of humor. "Shouldn't take long."

Kellen snorts, loudly, at Lars' assertion that he doesn't do illegal things. "That is such total bullshit." But he doesn't seem offended, at least. Shuffling around so he can lean back against one of Leech's legs, sparing himself the necessity of holding himself up, he squints at what comes next. "...thought her name was Jane?"


Tim/Jesse/Lars:“Yeah! Or like, Desmond Decker. Tim plays that all the time. That was like our beach music.” His reference goes back to the lazy days in summer where the boys would sleep in late and catch a few hours of surfing before coming in for dinner and a bonfire. He smiles for the memory and cranes over to look at Tim, maybe hoping to catch his eye. Tim’s distracted, so the look never comes - but that doesn’t seem to bother Jesse all that much.

One quick sip turns in to two more, Timothy not letting the sugar stay in his mouth for too long, lest he actually get a cavity from it all. He stuffs his phone in a front pants pocket and then moves to put his drink back down, one hand encircling the opposite wrist and just kinda rubbing - nothing harsh, but just sorta mindless. “What’re you playing?” Because the melody sounds familiar but he can’t place it.

Snickering first that first comment, Lars continues to watch Kellen move about, not really paying much attention to anyone else. He flicks a wrist out, noncommittal. “Always been terrible with names.” Not true - he remembers names when he feels like it. Squinting at the other boy’s shirt, Lars tilts his head. “What’s your shirt say?”


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: Mal tilts his head thoughtfully. "I recognize the name, but I don't think I'm familiar with the songs. You'll have to play some for me." Finally finishing his first drink, he looks over at Kellen plaintively, holding the cup out.

"Sure, man. Bet ya use that excuse all the time." Taking Mal's cup, Kellen hops up, ruffles the other boy's shorter hair and goes to mix a new one. At least he knows better than to make it too strong. For Lars' question, though, he spins around and holds his arms out so the shirt can be read in full, wearing that typical wide, feral grin of his.
When Timothy doesn't reply right away Leech focuses on his playing again, obviously not satisfied with it enough to play loudly, often stopping and starting over. When Timothy does speak up again, a shoulder twitches, not quite a shrug, and he gives a quiet, almost self-conscious laugh - realizing a little late that Timothy might not like what he's playing. "Bait." This doesn't seem to be a song title. "'s not quite right, but..."

Halting once more, he taps his heel several times then begins again, more loudly, a driving sort of rhythm that can be recognized - at least by Malachi - as the acoustic version of Depeche Mode's Personal Jesus. Mal looks up with a delighted, surprised smile starting at the edges of his mouth, and Leech shrugs jerkily again, looking down. "Can't go to many clubs before yer familiar with some of it." Especially, though he doesn't say so, not S&M clubs.


Tim/Jesse/Lars:“For sure! You can visit my dorm, I’ve got a whole bunch we can listen to. It’s the best.” Jesse is all smiles again, getting to his feet. “I want some freaking goldfish. You want anything?”

Lars lifts his hips to retrieve the soft pack of cigarettes he has in his pocket, pulling one out with his teeth and lighting it. He never really looks away from Kellen during the process, but his eyes do widen some in order to read that shirt. His cheeky grin returns, and he puffs out his smoke towards the ceiling. “Nice. You make that yourself?”

Leech’s response is a bit confusing, and Tim squints his eyes as if that’ll help him understand. That doesn’t work, but once Mal shows his glee, Tim connects the dots, albeit heavily weighing on the thought of Leech baiting Mal in more than just music. He hums back in response and then grabs his drink, nodding his head over at Lars. “Can I have one?” To which the older boy tosses him the pack and his zippo.


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: Malachi turns his smile back on Jesse for that, his toes tapping in rhythm with Leech's playing. "I'd like that. And I can play more Depeche for you. Maybe I should just stay in your extra bed whenever Jade..." He trails off, but his meaning is obvious - wherever Jade is too fucked up to be around. "Oh, will you bring me that trail mix, please?"

"Mostly! Leech had to help me spell the hard words." Still grinning to himself, he turns back to the table and his mixology. Overhearing Jesse and Mal discussing snacks, he pauses to snag the bag of goldfish. "Heads up, Jess!" He tosses it underhand across the room, following it up with the bag of peculiar trail mix.

Kind of expecting that response, or lack thereof, from Timothy, Leech continues playing with no apparent annoyance. Malachi takes the bait, of course, and begins to sing a few bars later, looking contented.


Tim/Jesse/Lars:Jesse is already in his feet by the time Kellen is tossing over that bag, but he smiles in gratitude and still meanders over to the table to look at the beverage selection, not that he knows what to do with it. He looks back over to Mal and nods - “Yeah! That’d be good. I really don’t wanna be solo all semester. That’d like, suck.”

Laughing throatily for that, Lars moves his attention to poor lost Jesse, and hauls himself to his feet to go and help the kid out. “Here. Lemme help you.”

Tim drags off of his cigarette - a steady inhale - and exhales through his nose, looking out to the other boys as if watching kids on a playground. Jesse spent an entire summer getting Tim to indulge himself a bit more, and it shows in his skin tone and more filled out form, so it’s a little easier for the boy to give in to the desire of inebriation and he takes a healthy drink from his cup, not looking bothered.


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: Malachi also catches his snacks mid-chorus, beaming gratitude at Kellen. In one of the vocal breaks he asks Leech: "Do you know Mephisto?"

Looking a little confused, Leech shakes his head. "I've heard he's charming."

Mal rolls his eyes. "The song, not the demon. It's this beautiful, tragic piano piece. I think you'd like it." Leech only makes a thoughtful noise and continues to play, taking the opportunity to switch to a different song, so Mal looks back to Jesse, raising his voice enough to be heard across the room. "We won't let you be alone, Jesse, don't worry."

When Jesse joins him, Kellen leans over to hip check him, then offers the bottle of vodka he's just finished pouring. "Look, it's cherry flavored! Goes great with those green gummy bears we were talking about." But then Lars arrives, so Kellen dramatic lifts his hands away. "Oh, I'll say no more, the expert's here. Show us some of yer crazy mixing skills."


Tim/Jesse/Lars:Tim uses that brief conversation as a distraction to break away, although there’s a hidden part of him that really just didn’t want to hear it. So he half skips his way over to the table, standing opposite of Lars and tuning in to his bartending expertise.

Lars grabs at one of the bottles and a new cup, unsure of where Jesse put his last one, and gets to work on a new drink for the boy. “If by ‘crazy mixing skills’ you mean I know how to mix one thing with another, then yeah, sure.” He laughs a bit and does just that, throwing in a few of those mentioned gummy bears as he continues to smoke his cigarette by keeping it between his teeth.

Jesse, after he hip checks Kellen right back, then looks up at the boy with wide, fun eyes. “We should do shots.”


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: "Riiiight. Listen to Mister Modesty over here." Kellen uses his elbow to nudge Lars playfully in the ribs. He watches the mixing, which admittedly is not very impressive, but doesn't seem displeased. "And now you light it on fire. Or juggle it or something." Because that sort of thing happens in bars all the time right?

"Or that!" He turns to Jesse with enthusiasm, ignoring how there are no actual shotglasses. They can improvise, surely. When Tim joins them he grins at the older boy. "Lint, you pick, what're we taking shots of?"

Leech maybe watches Timothy move away, but does his best to distract his mind from whatever weird tension there is there by again switching songs, playing some Morrissey which, as expected, starts Mal singing again.


Tim/Jesse/Lars:“Modesty is my middle name.” A wink accompanies the words, and Lars maybe bites his tongue in amusement. He adds some chaser into the cup - this time it’s just regular Sprite - before handing it off to Jesse without a word. The younger boy takes it with two hands, bringing it to his mouth to take a sip and smiling when it tastes like a melted jolly rancher.

Tim watches this all in amusement, but that wanes a bit when the idea of shots come up. He kind of scrunches his nose at the thought, but eventually reaches for the vodka, because that’s kind of the most kind drink here. For this, Lars beans and grabs the bottle before Tim can get to it, and then holds it up in the air. “Maybe we make a game of it?”


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: "Yer middle name is Erik." Of course Kellen remembers this. Thinking of that fuzzy conversation, however, makes him remember Jimmy's full name, and he starts snickering to himself. It turns into full laughter before long and he has to lean against the table for support, managing to explain his amusement (to Jesse) by choking out between laughs: "Fitzwilliam."

Leech overhears that laughter, since it nearly drowns out his playing. Although looking at the little group doesn't tell him what Kellen finds so funny, he smirks a bit to himself at the sight of the kid's amusement.

Managing eventually to get himself together, Kellen straightens up again. "Yeah, that always goes well!" No doubt recalling some of their previous drinking games. "What kinda game?"


Tim/Jesse/Lars:“Erik Modesty.” Said seamlessly, as if it’s totally true. Still holding that bottle up, Lars wiggles it in midair, clearly expecting someone else to come up with a game. “Ehhh, I dunno. I don’t think your brother would be up for spin the bottle, hey?” He’s looking directly at Leech as he says it, but he doesn’t sound anything other than amused.

Jesse offers the drink over to Kellen to taste, because it’s strong and delicious and they share most things, before joining in on the giggling. “Jeremiah was a bull frog —“

Finding an abandoned cup, maybe one used to help mix a drink, Tim ashes his cigarette in there before flicking his eyes up to Lars, a quiet warning. Which Lars ignores completely and goes to finish his cigarette off in that empty cup.


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: "Nah, prolly not..." Kellen looks at Leech as well, giving an exaggerated sigh like he's unbearably disappointed by missing the chance to make out with his brother. He seems to overcome with admirable fortitude, however. "He won't play anything anyway, though, so it doesn't matter. How do you make that into a drinking game?"

Unaware he's being discussed, Leech just continues with his miniature 80s night. Malachi possibly steals his wine, since Kellen never brought him another drink and the wine is probably safer.

Kellen takes Jesse's cup and takes a thoughtful sip. Before he can give an opinion - but thankfully after he swallows - the mention of the hated song starts him laughing again.


Tim/Jesse/Lars:“We could make it truth or dare. Spin the bottle and you ask the question or make the dare for that person.” This is said contemplative, Lars kinda squinting at his own handiwork as he makes another drink. This doesn’t solve for the drinking portion, though. “Or ... eh, fuck. This is why we need a deck of cards.”

Jesse smiles wide for that laughter and reaches back for his drink before it winds up on the floor. Before he can continue, Tim pipes in, voice a little sing song-y. “He was a good friend of mine...”

Hearing Tim, of all people, chime in makes Jesse’s and Lars’ eyes snap up, amused, before Jesse belts out “I never understood a single word he said, but I helped him drink his wine!” And then turns dramatically to point at Leech, since he has wine and all.


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: "Oh! We could make it Kiss or Dare? Or Truth or Kiss..." Kellen contemplates this for a moment, until Tim's singing also takes him by surprise. Neither Leech or Mal appears to catch it, but they can't ignore when Jesse continues the song. Both look up - Mal amused, Leech bewildered enough to stop playing - and their expressions are enough to make Kellen laugh again.

"Good thing this room's arready sound-proofed." It's not clear if Leech refers to Jesse's singing or Kellen's laughter. He reaches down for his wine, doesn't find it, then spots the cup by Mal and narrows his eyes as he reaches to take it back. Only to find it empty. "Goddammit, Kellen, stop teaching your friends yer bad habits."

Grinning at Mal like he's just so proud, Kellen snags the wine bottle and hops over to refill Leech's cup, handing off Mal's new drink at the same time. "Don't blame me, I haven't seen him in months. You guys ready to play a game?" Which gets about the same reaction from each that Jesse's singing did.


Tim/Jesse/Lars:“Kiss or dare? You’re asking for trouble.” Lars doesn’t at all sound displeased, and he finishes up that cup before forcing it over to Timothy, maybe in hopes of encouraging the more laid back behavior.

Once that drink is in hand, Tim kills his cigarette and takes the new drink, sipping from it a few times in favor of the drink he abandoned. He shifts a bit to watch Jesse dance about, singing loudly but not terribly so.

The blonde keeps moving and shaking, inching his way towards Leech and Mal and then pointing at them, determined. “Are you guys gonna play?!”


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: "Damn right I am! Get yer fine asses over here and let's go!" Likewise, Kellen doesn't at all sound apologetic, flashing Lars a quick grin before crouching to pour the wine. Mal looks slightly abashed for his thievery, but not much, and he takes that cup from Kellen with a grateful smile.

Leech more or less ignores all this by-play, taking a couple reviving drinks of wine. Jesse is harder to ignore, however; the parasite eyes him dubiously then, instead of answering aloud, implies his non-participation by beginning to play rapidly and watching his hands. And Mal, almost automatically begins to sing along, though he nods enthusiastically at Jesse's question while he does. "Sweetness, sweetness I was only joking when I said I'd like to smash every tooth in your head, oh oooh..."


Tim/Jesse/Lars:Endlessly amused by Kellen, and probably just unfairly attracted to the kid, Lars quickly makes his own drink and then ambles back to their seated area, but makes himself comfortable on the ground and then slaps the ground near him, motioning towards Tim. “C’mon, Lint. Keep me company.”

For this, Tim rolls his eyes, dropping his quiet singing and rejoining the growing circle. He takes a seat next to Lars, but shifts further down until he’s laying, his head resting on Lars’ thigh lazily. Lars almost immediately goes to play with his mohawk, mindless and easy.

Jesse, unrelenting, starts to make his best doe eyes, even going so far as to pout at Leech. “C’mon Mister Leech, it’s so much fun with you. You and Mal can stop reliving 1986 and live in the now!”


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: Now that everyone's supplied with a drink, Kellen drops back to his previous place misusing Leech's legs as a backrest and folds his own up Indian style. Leech glances back up at Jesse, trying a mild glare though he knows well enough he doesn't scare these kids anymore. So he shakes his head discouragingly in time with the song.

Malachi, since he's a little tipsy and a little giddy, reaches up to catch Jesse's hand and peer at him soulfully, serenading so lovingly: "Sweetness, sweetness I was only joking when I said by rights you should be bludgeoned in your bed...and now I know how Joan of Arc felt, now I know how Joan of Arc felt as the flames rose to her Roman nose and her walkman started to melt..." As if this makes up for his continued living in 1986.

Kellen watches this display with a grin, but forces himself to turn towards Lars and Tim. "You first, Erik Modesty! Spin that fucker!"


Tim/Jesse/Lars:Jesse is probably gearing up his next pleading look, feeling fairly confident that he can get the parasite to give in if he has a few more minutes of ridiculousness. But he’s interrupted by Mal, and delightfully so, and Jesse takes that hand and holds it out, dancing with it as if he’s a princess. His movements are ridiculous enough that his new drink sloshes around, so he eventually tames and takes another sip.

Lars watches this all in amusement, and Lint probably less so, but the former blinks away when Kellen focuses his attention, his own eyes shimmering a bit in amusement. He drops the glass vodka bottle to the ground carefully and then spins it. The bottle spins and spins and spins until falling on, of course, Mal. And Lars smiles wide, amused, if maybe a bit disappointed. “Yo, Morrissey, truth or kiss?”


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: So pleased at Jesse playing along, even if he gets a little splashed, Mal continues to sing to him until interrupted by Lars. He looks over in question then seems to catch on, smiles charmingly at the older boy. "Oh, call me Steven, please." Pursing his glossy lips, he stares at the vodka bottle as if it will give him a hint, eventually saying decisively: "Truth."

When Mal ceases singing Leech continues, having joined in at the chorus in a raspy undertone. He doesn't raise his voice now, letting himself glance around the circle and wonder if he maybe should leave. It's one thing to drink with his students, another to be witness to this sort of thing. But Kellen - a little disappointed by Lars' turn too - nonetheless tips his head back to smile at Leech, leading him to the decision that he ought to stay to keep things from getting too out of control.


Tim/Jesse/Lars:Jesse ends his dancing with a pirouette, a smile plastered on his face. A little out of breath, he takes this break as an opportunity to sink to the floor, rolling his way into Kellen’s side . He peers down when that bottle stops spinning and lands on Mal, but since it isn’t directed to him, he instead looks over at Kellen to gauge his reaction.

Keeping his eyes on Mal, Lars smirks for the boy’s choice. “Figures.” Instinctively, Tim reaches up to smack his side, because Lars should just leave the kid alone. But Lars just tugs on Tim’s mohawk - gently - which makes the boy crane his neck away from him, before taking a moment to think. A bit of a lightbulb moment occurs, and he flicks his eyes back to Mal. “Scale of 1-10, rate Kellen’s kissing.”


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: Kellen glances from Leech to Jesse when he joins him, seeming unperturbed by Mal's and Lars' mild flirting, slinging an arm around Jesse's shoulders.

Mal shrugs carelessly because, yeah, he doesn't know Lars well enough to pick 'kiss' - though the fact that Tim is so close may have something to do with that decision. When the eventual query comes, Mal laughs quietly while Kellen picks his head up with a wordless squawk of protest, which in turn makes Leech snort. Mal looks at Kellen in consideration for a long moment, humming, just to unnerve the other boy, before giggling again. "Oh, ten, no question about it. Very passionate, great tongue action."

Kellen smiles in relief and raises his glass while Mal reaches for the bottle. He twists his wrist to send it spinning, watching it until it slows to a stop, just missing Kellen, though he doesn't seem to mind. "Jesse! Truth or kiss?"


Tim/Jesse/Lars:Feeling companionable with Kellen’s arm around him, Jesse looks half drunk but swimmy, a little flush to his cheeks. For that question, he makes a weird face, stupidly thinking that maybe the truth part of this game wouldn’t be sexual.

Lars is grinning before that answer even comes, eyes back on Kellen because there isn’t much interest in Mal, anyways. He wiggles his eyebrows suggestively, drops his eyes briefly to the mouth in question, and then takes a drink from his cup, all of which makes Tim laugh, amused at how relenting both boys are. “Good to hear.” Is all Lars says.

In contrast, Jesse stuffs his face in his drink because that’s Kellen they’re talking about, which is where he is when that bottle lands on him. He chirps and sits up straighter, then rolls his eyes because this shouldn’t be a surprise. “Truth, duh.”


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: Kellen laughs a little self-conscious at Lars' monosyllabic reply, but flicks his tongue in the guy's direction, then focuses on the game. He's not in the least surprised by Jesse's choice - nor by Mal's response.

"Aw, you sure?" But it's playful, harmless, unlike what he might direct at any other boy here. He rolls his eyes skyward in thought, finally coming up with something he thinks might actually help the younger kid enjoy the game. "Okay: have you ever really seen a ghost? And! If you have, what was it like?"


Tim/Jesse/Lars:Lars bites at that tongue, playful, but redirects his attention to Mal and Jesse, since this can’t all be ridiculous foreplay. Or maybe it can, but shouldn’t be.

Jesse’s eyes go comically big at that question, enough that Tim snickers, hides his face into Lars thigh. That gets an affectionate neck squeeze from the older boy, while Jesse blinkblinks at Mal, almost confused, before jumping onto that question before anything more can be asked. “No! I haven’t. Not like, for real. But like I totally think they exist and it’s only a matter of time before I do!” And with that, Jesse squirms and weasels until he can reach over Kellen and spin the bottle. It spins and spins and spins until it lands on Leech, which makes Jesse eye the parasite, curious, while Lars outright laughs.


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: Kellen's grin might turn a little goofy, so he raises his cup to conceal it. He perks up for Mal's question though, looking at Jesse with interest - maybe hoping he got more solid evidence over the summer. It also reminds him of something else. "Oh, shit! You gotta see this video I took downstairs, Jess. It's like a whole-ass FBA, I swear!" - standing for full body apparition, which Jesse surely knows even if no one else does.

Mal seems honestly interested in the answer, as well, not like he was only humoring Jesse. "I'm sure you will. Your turn now!" When the bottle finishes its spin, he looks at Leech doubtfully. Kellen also cranes his head back to do so.

The sound of Lars' laugh belatedly alerts Leech to the scrutiny he's under. He looks at each of the boys watching him in turn, at the bottle, then on obvious impulse he stretches past Kellen, grabs the back of Jesse's head to keep him in place, and plants a quick kiss on his forehead. Then goes back to playing. Kellen cackles at the whole thing. "You gotta take a turn now, Leeballs."

"Nope. I'm appointing you my proxy." Kellen looks a bit disappointed that Leech isn't playing after all, but he reaches out to take his turn instead. The bottle twirls around, coming to a halt pointed at Tim's midsection. "A-ha!" He catches himself before asking Leech if he doesn't want to take his turn after all - though the thought is plain in the way he looks back at the parasite again, then away rapidly. "Tim? Pick yer poison. But remember Mal said I'm a ten!"


Tim/Jesse/Lars:Once he’s done explaining, Jesse sits there looking proud, like he made it through the round unscathed. His eyes widen at Kellen and he squirms, reaching over at the boy as if he has the video readily available. “Say what? Dude! We should set up some hidden cameras and do some overnight watches.” Because surely there are more than just rats and Cat roaming around at night.

While that’s going on, Lars is watching Leech, gauging his moves. He’s pleased when the turn is completely bypassed, and actually raises his eyebrows when the kiss is given to Jesse, because no way would that have happened last year. Jesse, taking the compliment, just absolutely beams for the affection and smiles toothily once it’s done. Jess tries to keep it cool, but fails almost immediately: “I got a Leech kiss!”

Tim lazily watches it all unfold from his horizontal position, and probably takes the opportunity to watch Leech a bit more closely as he reaches for Jesse. He looks away once that mouth meets forehead, and sneaks in a little careful drink from his cup. Lars notices all of it, and squeeze that neck affectionately once again.

That spinning bottle lands on Tim and he glances down at it in question. He debates, doesn’t like either option, but ultimately decides that truth isn’t a safe bet with who the command will come, or the present company. So he starts to shift to an upright position, and then quirks his head in a motion for Kellen to get closer.


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: Malachi giggles helplessly at Jesse's exclamation. "I'm so jealous!" Not looking up, Leech gives a disparaging snort, so Mal amends: "Of you, Leech! I didn't even get a chance and now I have to compete with you?"

This is a tolerably obvious cover, but the parasite doesn't respond to it, keeping his head down and perhaps listening for Tim's answer.

Which isn't audible. Kellen's reaction gives it away, however. "Ooh, good call." He passes his drink to Jesse, but instead of getting up just crawls to the opposite side of the circle. And he continues crawling onto Tim, planting a hand on his chest to prevent him sitting up any further. He leans down, catching Tim's lower lip between his teeth for a second, then releasing it to press their mouths together. His is slightly open, but it's more like a stage kiss than anything - no 'great tongue action' yet probably looks convincing. Because whatever time's gone by, it's kind of weird to be kissing the dude who used to be with his brother. After a suitable interval that includes a low whistle from Malachi, Kellen draws back, sits up. "There ya go. One Leech-by-proxy kiss."

That statement, even more than the awkward silent interval, comes close to shattering Leech's composure. He manages to continue playing as if he's not even listening, however, while Kellen crawls back to his previous place.


Tim/Jesse/Lars:While pretty much no one believes Mal's cover, Jesse maybe feels some warmth in his cheeks, but luckily the color doesn't come with it. He looks down at his hands until the moment passes and that bottle is spinning, and his eyes twinkle a bit when it lands on Tim.

When Timothy makes it clear that 'truth' won't be the option here, Lars makes a surprised noise and shifts his weight, sitting back on his hands to give Tim and Kellen space to move around. The elder boy watches Kellen move, not totally unlike a jungle cat, and feels that pang of disappointment again when he remembers that Tim is on the receiving end of this. And with that reminder, Lars flicks his gaze up to Leech - who isn't paying much attention but is totally paying attention - and waits to see if curiosity is going to get the best of him.

Tim makes it up enough to where he's resting back on his elbows before that hand is on his chest, and he glances down at it before looking back up at Kellen. In a flash, his lip is taken, and Tim knows immediately that this is intentional, given Kellen's familiarity with he and Leech's relationship. And to make sure it's clear - to himself and everyone else in the room - that this was his idea, Tim reaches a hand out to grab Kellen's neck, pulling him in to expand the pressure before then dropping to the boy's chest and shoving him away at the same time he pulls away. Afterwards, Tim doesn't exactly look pleased, but he at least drops back to rest against Lars' leg again.

Kind of mirroring Mal's whistle, Lars makes some sort of throaty noise once the boys are settled again, kind of looking off to the side, probably rethinking what he just saw. Quietly, Jesse munches on another gummy bear, eyes wide.


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: Mal golf-claps for the kiss as Tim and Kellen both return to their previous places. "Ten, am I right?" Well really, no, it didn't look like a ten, but Malachi is a serious light weight and already tipsy enough to ignore whatever awkwardness some of the others may be feeling.

Kellen grins smugly at this as he flops back down and steals one of Jesse's gummy bears. He also subtly reaches behind him to pat Leech's ankle - the easiest place to reach - in something like reassurance. Equally unseen, Leech nudges his back with a knee. It's enough to make Kellen feel better about the whole thing so he calls out. "You gotta spin the thing before you get too comfy, Lint."


Tim/Jesse/Lars:Tim absolutely snorts at Mal, because yeah right, but Jesse at least laughs and Lars' snort is more out of amusement than anything else. When he doesn't speak up, Jesse pipes in from the peanut gallery. "That was weird." He sounds completely perplexed but fine with it. Once Kellen is back to his weird position, he tilts his head over at him like a puppy. "Right? Weird?"

Meanwhile, Tim settles back up against Lars but doesn't get too comfortable. He groans as he stretches to reach for that bottle, sending it spinning rather quickly - the force behind his wrist's movement strong. The bottle clatters before it comes to a rest on Lars, and the older boy laughs. "Nice." Instead of leaning down into a kiss, Lars stretches forward and reaches for Tim's shirt, yanking it up and place a very-innocent-even-though-its-Lars kiss on the boy's stomach. Tim squirms but doesn't force him off, just gives him a mild glare when Lars is sitting back upright.

"Here's hoping this is a good one." Really, there isn't a bad option to land on in this gaggle of boys, but Lars has his preferences. Reaching over, he flicks the bottle to start its spinning.


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: Kellen likewise laughs at Tim's snorting, unoffended, then wrinkles his nose up at Jesse's question. "Little weird, yeah." Then because he's Kellen, he adds on: "The kinda weird I could get used to, though." Followed by a joking wink at Tim.

He's relieved when the bottle doesn't stop on him, though, because then it would get weird. Both he and Mal make awww noises for Lars' belly kiss. Then he might sit up a little when Lars goes to take his turn.

Only to be disappointed: the muted chime that indicates students need to be in their dorms sounds, which in turn spooks Cat into leaving her hiding place. She bolts across the stage behind them headed for the door, gets distracted by the spinning bottle and pounces on the thing, interrupting its progress. Front legs around the bottle neck, both back feet kick at the larger part as if trying to disembowel it.

Kellen gives one of those loud, contagious laughs and Malachi joins in giggling. Even Leech looks up and smirks at the murderous feline, then sets the guitar aside. "Gotta do checks. I really hope no one's out after curfew." Said so earnestly, he's clearly joking, but he takes the opportunity to escape anyway.


Tim/Jesse/Lars:Cat pounces on that spinning bottle so quickly that Lars isn't quite sure what is actually happening. He kind of squints at the animal, confused, but gets a better understanding once Jesse calls out - "Cat!" and then launches into hysterics; clearly, he's feeling the alcohol.

The feline's interruption distracts the boys enough that there isn't much argument from anyone for the parasite to say. But Jesse makes sure to call out a "We'll miss you!" to Leech's retreating form, and he actually, truly means it.

Once Leech has vacated the room, Lars shifts a bit on his hands and then lolls his head from side to side, popping his neck a few times. "Guess that's the end of that game." To which Tim very quickly adds, as if to make sure that it is ended: "Yeah."


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: Leech makes no recognition of Jesse's parting words, but Kellen reaches over to ruffle his hair affectionately. Leaning forward, he manages to disentangle Cat from her prey, shifting to sit Indian style and plopping the creature in his lap. "What're we playing next, then?"

Mal, after taking a cautious sip from his drink - he knows he's had enough already - lowers himself back onto his elbows and stretches his legs out. "What's up with him?" He tilts his head at the door indicating who he means. Though speaking to Kellen in an undertone it's probably audible to everyone. Kellen only shakes his head and shrugs, however, indicating that nothing's wrong or maybe that he's not at liberty to talk about it. "He's jus Leech."


Tim/Jesse/Lars:"I'd suggest strip poker, but we don't have any cards." Lars says this with a straight face, but eventually cracks once Timothy nudges his head back at the guy in caution.

Because of his positioning, and the fact that everyone else in this room has eyes for somebody else in this room, Tim's able to watch Leech gather himself and exit. There's tension in his form - of course there is, because there was tension in their atmosphere - but there's something more to his presence that seems heavier than usual. He has to blink to chase the thought away.

Jesse shifts a bit when Kellen moves, and then gets comfortable again, stretching out near his friend and reaching a hand out to pet at Cat between the ears. "We should work on a welcome package tomorrow. Maybe someone super nice can even run to the store for us in the morning." He obviously means Lars, which the older boy snorts at.


Kellen/Leech/Malachi: Though he doesn't fully believe Kellen, Malachi says nothing, privately deciding to get to the bottom of Leech's mood later. "Are you always trying to get everyone naked?" He tilts his head in Lars' direction playfully, plainly remembering Kellen's birthday party in the theater.

The reminder of Leech's proposed care package causes Kellen to smile at Jesse. "Ahh, yeah. What do we need from the store, you think? We should go rescue yer gargoyle from the art studio too."