◊6th Ride◊ 29 Ghosts -- I'm Going Mad [ Monday post droning]

[last_to_kneel]

[Action 773 Bunker Street]

[Like any other morning, Varon woke up early this time he is in the kitchen making breakfast for everyone and not just for himself. Yes, this also includes Sgt. Frog, Varon affectionately calls him.

Setting the plates first, he begins his preparations. In a large way, Varon is making up for his destructive behavior.]

[Fujino's House / Before School]

[In his hand he has a neatly folded piece of paper. He taps the paper to his thumb as he sits in the car outside her house and debates if he should give it to her or not. Deciding against it, he puts the car in park and turns it off. He'll handle this personally instead of using a letter to take care of his problem.

Approaching the front door, he confidently knocks on the door.]

[Mayfield High / lunchtime]

[Varon went about his business as usual. He internally guarded himself in case anyone started rumors of his droning. He thinks about the conditions and his actions. He didn't want to think that he is that soft but maybe it is something that he hid away ever since he was little.

He thinks on a possible way to balance the two. Now that he's not under the influence of the Orichalcos, he takes his time thinking. He picks a spot away from everyone, waving off and ignoring everyone around him.

While he munches on his home prepared sandwich, he takes out his notebook and pen and begins writing.]

Comments

[fujigglephysics]

[Odd. She wasn't expecting anyone to come over, much less at this time. Maybe it's one of her not!dad's friends?

She shook her head at that thought. It couldn't have been. Besides, she would've heard if he did plan to have one of them over.

Though she's readying herself for school, she opens the door. Her lips soon curve into a smile when she sees who it is.]

Oh, good morning Varon! What are you doing here?

[last_to_kneel]

[He scratches the back of his now messy hair again.]

Thought I'd give ya a ride to school and we need to talk...you know...about the other day. I feel weird about it as it is.

[fujigglephysics]

Oh...yeah, it was...odd, to say the least.

Are you worried that I'll stay away from you now because of it?

[last_to_kneel]

[His face takes an expression of mild shock.]

Yeah...you're pretty perceptive. Guess you'd know since you were here before. It got me to thinkin' though. It's pretty much a given that I like you...a lot, right?

1/2

[fujigglephysics]

Mm. It was a little unnerving, to say the least. But, it's good that it's tempor-

[fujigglephysics]

[Wait what did he say just now]

...um, pardon?

[last_to_kneel]

I didn't hit my head or anything so that's not the cause of my admission. I said I like you.

[He's more firm this time. He doesn't want to undergo another droning since it's bad enough he has to clean up and clear out the damage done.]

It's not just liking you as friend either. Been thinkin' 'bout it since Valentine's Day...hell before that!

[fujigglephysics]

[Jaw drop, cue the blush!]

B-Before?!

[last_to_kneel]

Yeah...

[He notices that blush and wonders if he said something wrong.]

When we first met, I started likin' ya then. It really didn't start gettin' on me until after Valentine's Day. Then I got to thinkin' when I was talkin' to Ambrosia at the bon-fire that I should be more attentive to you.

I wasn't sure at first if what I was feelin' was strong enough to be remotely considered but the more I tried to ignore it, the worse it became.

Fujino, would you consider bein' my girl?

1/??? I am so sorry for this combo

[fujigglephysics]

[Fujino thought processing...

Processing...

Still processing...]

2/??? You'll find out why it's horrible

[fujigglephysics]

3/??? I mean, look at this combo

[fujigglephysics]

4/??? It'll be so hideous

[fujigglephysics]

5/??? Because it's long

[fujigglephysics]

6/??? Now we're going past the checkpoint

[fujigglephysics]

7/??? Should be almost done, though

[fujigglephysics]

8/??? ALMOST DONE...

[fujigglephysics]

I...er- well...uh...

Um...!!

9/9 DONE WITH THIS HIDEOUS ICON COMBO

[fujigglephysics]

[AHDLSLSDK

NEARLY FAINTS AND ALMOST HITS THE DOORFRAME

HELP, WHAT IS HANDLING AN ACTUAL LOVE CONFESSION TO FUJI OF ALL PEOPLE]

LOL Oh boy...XD

[last_to_kneel]

Grk-

[He zooms in quick in an effort to catch her before she hits the door frame...]

She's seriously never dealt with this before. xD

[fujigglephysics]

[She lands softly in his arms, but it doesn't stop her heart from beating any faster. Her cheeks heat up as she looks at him, while her mind takes in his words, letting them repeat over and over in her head, and staying silent on the outside.

One part of her says it's just a crush, that it's too soon. But, another half interjects, urging her to pursue her heart's desires.]

Varon, I...

He's just as scared. The last time he tried this, he was rejected in the worst possible way. XD

[last_to_kneel]

[His own heart pounds and he's forced to swallow down the possibility of being rejected again. He readies himself for a very firm "no".]

Yeah?

[His mouth became instantly dry. If there is one thing he's scared of, this would be it. On the outside, he seems cool and collected, on the inside he feels like a turtle about to shove it's head back into its shell.]

A-awww, the poor guy ;3;

[fujigglephysics]

['Say yes. Say yes!!' her mind screams out to her.

But, it won't come out. Even if she does, it doesn't feel like it's enough to convey how she truly feels about him.

Fujino glances over to his hand, staring at it for a long while, before she slips her fingers in between his, and closing around them. She then lifts her head up to look at him once more, her eyes filled with her intent.

There wasn't any need for words. Her answer is already known.]

Yeah, he's had terrible luck.

[last_to_kneel]

[The moment she took his hand, he let out the held breath that causes his body to suddenly relax. Keeping his arm around her, he looks into her eyes to see his answer right in front of him.

The familiar feeling of understanding filters back into his mind, calming him.

He smiles in relief. Comfort is taking control now. Panic that once plagued the back of his mind is washed away. This is a start of a new beginning. A reason to fight now is clear and not it's not just about himself anymore.

He leans forward slowly, embracing Fujino.]

Mayfield High / lunchtime

[the_end_run]

[Shepard's on lunch duty voluntarily. She gives the bullies the hard-eye, and makes sure both drone and non-drone students can enjoy their lunches in peace. Still, there's a kid who's sitting away from everyone, with a look on his face that's a cause for concern, at least for Shepard. After giving the last bully his detention, she heads over to the kid to check on him.]

Hi. You alright there? You look like you've got a lot on your mind.

Mayfield High / lunchtime

[last_to_kneel]

[He looks up from his work to address Shepard.]

Yeah, you could say that. Just takin' notes on a few things.

[The notes are seemingly innocent to the drones, but what could catch the attention of anyone else, it's a start of a strategy plan and a list of do's and dont's.]

[the_end_run]

[Yes, Shepard does notice what he's writing.]

You thinking of joining the Resistance in town?

[last_to_kneel]

I've been thinkin' 'bout it. I didn't wanna show up and not bring somethin' to the table.

I don't really know how old Varon is, I'm guessing 16-17?

[the_end_run]

Mind if I take a look? I'm part of the Resistance myself.

He's 17.

[last_to_kneel]

[He turns the notebook around toward Sheppard. Inside, the notes are very detailed explaining what he encountered while he was droned, the conditions that caused his droning and people that he has met that he talked to about the town in general.

There are notes about the Milk Production plant at the dairy farm, his speculations on Mrs. Johnson that he managed to gather from Lion, his !notfather and his plans after graduation if he makes it that far to become a mechanic and fabricator.]

Nothin' much at this point really but you're welcome to look.

[He takes this time to finish off his sandwich while she reads.]

Re: He's 17.

[the_end_run]

[She flips through the notebook for awhile before she hands it back to Varon. Color Shep impressed.]

That's pretty detailed. Good job.

[Now for probably the biggest hurdle...]

How old are you Varon?

[last_to_kneel]

Seventeen. Just turned in December.

[He closes the notebook and slips it back into his backpack, then he smirks.]

Guess word gets 'round 'bout me and my way of handlin' business. Ever talk to Ambrosia?

[the_end_run]

No, I haven't. I got here sometime in January.

[She takes a seat next to him and speaks seriously:]

I don't need to tell you about the dangers of being in the Resistance. You look tough, and I can tell you've been in a few fight of your own. And you're 17, which is around the age I joined the military academy, so I'm in no place to ask you to consider waiting for a year before you try for it.

However, what's important is what skills you've got. Have you ever fired a gun before? Fists are good and all, but a firearm, when used correctly, can protect you better.

[last_to_kneel]

[He speaks in a soft tone and seriously considers what she's saying.]

I can drive just 'bout anything, work on anything that has an engine and use anything that has a projectile. I'm not limited to just my fists alone. I have infiltration trainin' as well so a li'l B&E isn't beyond me either. Swords are another matter entirely. I didn't have the time to learn how to fence. I can use nun-chucks an' I'm a very fast runner.

So if you're askin' me to join, I'm in. Where would I go to sign up?

[the_end_run]

[She pauses to consider this, before she sighs.]

Look for a Major General Armstrong. She works at the flowershop. Speak to her and tell her that you're interested.

In my opinion, you're a little too young to be in the Resistance. I'm not doubting your skills; compared to some of the jokers I've met who want to be mercs back home, you look like you're serious and you've got the abilities to back it up. But there's a lot more to being in the Resistance than just fighting. You've got to be strong mentally and emotionally to deal with the psychological stress. Some of my old team mates couldn't do this; they just crumbled. These were people who had been trained in a military academy, graduated around their twenties. And just like that they snapped under the pressure.

I'm not saying that you won't be able to take it. But it might be worth thinking whether you'll be able to handle things if the worse happens. Because the Resistance isn't just for us to fight against the town; it's also about us fighting for everyone else. We're carrying the hopes of everyone caught here with us. So it's important that we make sure if we're going to do this, we're ready for it.

[last_to_kneel]

I know that it's more than just fightin' for myself for the sake of glory. I have someone that I have to protect. More than one, to be honest with ya.

Tell ya what, I'll speak with this General. I'll let her give that assessment before and see what she has to say about my age. If she turns me down, I'll try again on my eighteenth.

I'd give ya my history but that's not really the point, is it. Those that cracked, they hadn't learned how to detach themselves from the battle. That tears a person down real fast. I let out my troubles back at the point. I've got nothin' cloudin' my judgment now.

Heh, speakin' of psychological stress, I was in prison at thirteen if that means anything to ya.

[the_end_run]

[Prison at 13? Shep smiles to herself and stands up.]

You sound like a good kid, and you got your priorities straight. I think she'll like you.

I never got your name, by the way. I'm Shepard.

[last_to_kneel]

Yeah? I think we met when she shoved milkweed under my nose.

[He chuckles.]

Nice to meet ya, Shepard. I'm Varon. I think we'll be in touch.

[the_end_run]

You got caught up in that flower mess too?

[Shepard does offer him a hand to shake.]

It's good to meet a young man like you Varon. Not many kids, even in the 22nd century, think about the important things in life. If you ever need any help or training with weapons, or even just sparring partner, give me a call.

[last_to_kneel]

I can't name a person that wasn't.

[He shakes her hand in a firm, honest grip.]

I'll do that. Kick some bully ass.

[He smirks since he's done it more than once with the drones. He picks another book out of his backpack to start on his reading for class...which is nothing more than homework that he purposely neglected the night before.

He picks an apple from the brown paper sack and takes a bite as he reads.]