Skai

Commencement: A Pacific Royal Collegiate & University RP

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_{Location: Southern Plateau - PRCU}

Welcome Home #1.089: Sky Betty

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_{Interaction(s): Aurora @Melissa, Harper @Qia, Lorcán @Lord Wraith}

Previously: Flock Together

Haven stretched her arms high above her head as she reached the edge of the campsites. "That was a piece of cake." She said to Aurora at her side. "I'm ready to stuff my face and relax by the fire for a bit, now."

"Shut up, Tad." Haven added to the collective with a chuckle before she turned to Aurora.

"Hey, I gotta find Harper. I'll catch you later for a smore." Haven said with a salute as she began moving again.

She snagged a bottle of Hyper-Aid as she made her way to the food tables. A smile came to her face as she noticed that the person she'd just been looking for stood at the end of the line. She slipped through the crowd of Firebirds gathered, tucking her wings in so they didn't bump any shoulders. She certainly noticed a different flash of autumn red hair among them. A few of the rest she recognized from parties, and she offered polite hey's and hi's as she made her way through to the line.

"Hey, Harper." She said as she stopped next to her. "Have a good time today? I can't wait to see what you all came up with for the theme." She tucked the Hyper-Aid under her arm as she prepared to grab a plate. What little she could smell of the food already had her stomach growling. "This food is about to revive me."

“Hey!” Harper responded, her face lighting up with a warm smile as she turned. “You know, today was actually pretty…eventful. Calliope and Mei brought some brilliant concepts to the table for the theme. I really think we’ve made something that the new students this year will enjoy.” Harper’s eyes danced over the spread of food. “This does look pretty good.” she concurred, a playful growl from her stomach punctuating her words. She brushed a lock of hair behind her ear, a sheepish grin on her face. “I guess I’m hungrier than I thought.”

"It's been a long day." Haven returned with a smile. She stepped in a little closer, reaching for a plate after Harper had grabbed hers. "Soo, I talked to Banjo earlier. No fun with that until we know more about who we're dealing with. He's holding his cards for now." She glanced into Harper's eyes to gauge her reaction.

Harper’s eyebrow arched in astonishment, and she hesitated briefly before responding. “Seriously? Banjo’s putting a pin on things?” Her tone carried a subtle note of letdown, blending with her astonishment. Granted, caution was prudent in their situation, and she had said that they would have to play the long game.

But Banjo championing restraint? That’s not the twist she’d anticipated.

A gentle laugh escaped her as she shook her head, disbelief playing across her features. She grasped a serving utensil, her smile lingering. “Well, life’s full of surprises, isn’t it?”

"He's thinking more rationally than I am." Haven mused. She put a few tortillas on her plate. "He did give me an idea, though. We should talk to a transfer about their time at the Foundation. He said Alyssa from Firebird might talk to us, if we ask in the right way."

Harper paused, a flicker of realization crossing her face. “I guess there’s truth to the saying that even a broken clock is right twice a day,” she mused, her hand automatically reaching for a taco. “I’m on board with approaching Alyssa, but count me in for that conversation this time.”

Haven grinned as she also began fixing her plate. "Come sit with me. We can sit near her and hopefully share the same fire for a 'smore."

Harper’s nod was resolute and, while clutching her plate of food, she followed Haven’s lead to a cozy nook not far from their person of interest, who was lost in lively conversation with her companions. They nestled into their chosen spot, the warmth of the fire brushing against their cheeks. Harper leaned closer to Haven, her voice a hushed murmur, “How do we broach the subject with her? We can’t exactly just blurt out questions about her past, especially not about her previous school.”

Haven settled into her spot carefully, her wings tucking in behind her so that they wouldn't drag on the ground. "I have no idea. Hopefully something will come up that can be our way in." She took a bite of a taco, her expression determined and thoughtful as she chewed.

Harper’s gaze was fixed on Haven, detecting the quiet resolve that lay beneath her companion’s easygoing facade. As she indulged in a bite of her taco, the rich tapestry of tastes provided a momentary distraction from the task at hand.

With a contemplative silence hanging between them, Harper finally broke the stillness. “How about we start with something light? We could ask for her take on the year so far,” she suggested, her voice low and thoughtful. “If the conversation naturally steers towards her previous school, we’ll follow the lead.”

Haven agreed with a smile. "That's perfect! We'll join them once we're done eating, then." Haven took her Hyper-Aid and tapped it against Harper's water bottle ceremoniously before going back to her food.

Amongst the crowd, Haven heard a familiar bromance apologizing to each other. She glanced their way, a soft smile spreading as she spotted Rory standing with Lorcán. She tried to mind her business as she continued eating, but a few key words stood out to her.

“I had no right to make jokes about your abilities or your relationship with Haven.” Haven's brows quirked. What did he say?

"Though, maybe not tonight. I think the gals have us starting for different teams tonight." Haven paused mid bite, cleared her throat as she shifted her wings behind her, and took another bite. Does that mean he...? She let the thought settle into the back of her mind for later.

The approaching SUV she'd noticed among the buzz of the campsite came to a stop, none other than the man himself stepping out to join them. Yet with his welcome arrival came bittersweet news. Haven was glad to hear that their degrees were safe; if hers was ever in jeopardy to begin with, she still wasn't sure. The "other changes" didn't settle well in her stomach. She watched Rory for his reaction, wondering if the announcement would take the invisible weight off of his shoulders he'd been carrying since this morning.

Haven recognized Lorcán by his footsteps, quickly approaching her. He was the only one in the camp wearing flip flops, but even with dress shoes she could tell how he walked with purpose. She waited until he tapped her shoulder to look up at him. She set her last, half-eaten taco down on her plate as he spoke and then took a breath, glancing over Ror's way as she tried to think of what she could say.

"I heard what you said to Rory... and I can see why you went off like that. I considered ditching today, too." She pressed her lips together before looking up at him, glancing between his sunset colored eyes with her own earthy tones. He'd said something about Rory's relationship with her... but what did he say that could upset Rory? If it's important, Rory will talk to me about it, right?

"I told her to hear you out before making any assumptions." She tilted her head to the side, her gaze turning firm. "But I heard people talking about it behind her back, and it wasn't kind. I think you should give her an explanation before their gossip gets to her first."

She offered him a forgiving smile.

"I didn't really need the apology, but Rory did. So, I appreciate it." She wiped her hand off on a napkin before holding it out to him. "We're all good, dude."

"I'll totally be sure to talk to her this evening then, the last thing I want is to hurt the Lady Dude." Lorcán replied gratefully, slapping his hand against Haven's palm before hooking their thumbs to make a pair of wings. He half-smiled before looking out around the plateau at the numerous campsites.

"Shame these mainlanders don't leave gossip behind when they come to the island, there's no need for it here."

Haven smiled at their secret handshake. She popped a loose bite of tomato into her mouth while he looked around. "I feel like we're all too old for gossip, too." She said around her tomato. She swallowed, looking up at him with a smile.

"Did you hear O'Neil earlier? Our degrees are safe. I'm not sure what he had to agree to for it, but at least that's a weight off our shoulders."

"It's enough to keep us afloat," Lorcán replied pushing his bangs up under the backwards ballcap on his head. "Hopefully the sea doesn't send any more chunder our way, Sky Betty. Things are still likely going to be choppy for a bit. Can't say I've ever talked to a Foundation Student before you had anything swell to say 'bout that place."

"What have they said about it?" Haven asked as she picked up her taco again. She took a bite, her gaze travelling towards Alyssa. She'd never thought to ask someone about the Foundation before.

Lorcán let out a wry chuckle at Haven's question.

"It's what they don't say, brah. He replied, "They don't like to talk about their time there, both Bettys I've spoken to don't like to talk about the Foundation. Not exactly peachy memories, they tend to resent being asked. There's almost an element of fear to it. Not exactly sure what the Foundation does, but I'm definitely sure it isn't choka."

Haven frowned as she finished chewing. She set the taco down once more. She wasn't sure what choka meant- Lorcán's slang always sent her through a loop, but she assumed it wasn't a good word. "I get why they want to leave the past in the past, but... Wouldn't they want to warn us about their school's skeletons?"

"Maybe they can't, Lorcán added after a minute. "Remember Summer Carlyle was arrested for assisting Kowalski in maintaining his facade as Jonas by manipulating the memories of those closest to the imposter chancellor. " He looked at Amma and then Alyssa before turning back to Haven.

"Wouldn't be that farfetched that a rival school with a malicious agenda to put a mental block into those Bettys. Brah, they could like totally be sleeper agents or something."

"That would be crazy," Haven murmured, her eyes glancing at the transfers with a sudden empathy to them, "but we live in a world of crazy anyways."

"When you were off with Amma, did she speak about it at all?" The question was innocent, even though Haven had heard him mention that Amma had never used her abilities for herself earlier.

"Like I said, Sky Betty, it's what she didn't say," Lorcán answered with slight shrug.

"Even the Queen of Darkness didn't want to speak about her time there. All I know from talking with her is that for all their talk of individuality, their halls are more like hospital, stark white, sterile and void of personality. But yeah if a topic makes Miss Gloom and Doom stall out for a second, I'd hesitate too."

Haven's nose crinkled as he described their campus. A brief flash of the girl's home appearing before she shrugged the memory off with a shift of her wings behind her. "I feel like you'll say they live underground next." She joked halfheartedly.

"Nah, brah, that's the kicker," Lorcán stated, "Whole Institute is situated in these floating pods out in the Southern Atlantic. Only thing I like about them." He tried to joke back.

"Though I'm not ruling out underground tunnels. Torres has moleperson written all over her."

"That's even worse." Haven physically shuddered. "The island probably feels like a breath of fresh air." She couldn't imagine living somewhere with no land. "Maybe I shouldn't ask about it, then." She sighed and tucked her stray hairs behind her ears in a self-soothing motion.

"Your call, Sky Betty," Lorcán shrugged again, "I'd certainly wouldn't lead with that if you haven't spoken to either before." He joked with a small, playful elbow jab.

"If you're really curious though, I can break the ice with Alyssa for you, berah. Her Jake, RJ and my cousin Cass are total bros, I'm sitting over there by them, come over for dessert and we'll segway the convo and see what comes out."

He turned to leave, pausing to speak again.

"Afterall, no one can deny I make the best S'mores."

Haven shot Lorcán a grateful thumbs up. The second he had left, though, Haven turned in her seat to grin at Harper. "It's our lucky day, Harps."

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Commencement: A Pacific Royal Collegiate & University RP

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_{Location: Southern Plateau - PRCU}

Welcome Home #1.083: Flock Together

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_{Interaction(s): Aurora @Melissa, Rory @Webboysurf}

Previously: Birds of a Feather

"So, I was thinking that between grabbing supplies for the actual construction of the site we could bring everyone drinks and snacks?" Haven asked Aurora as they finished their first supply run of the day. The word Tad had used to describe their supplies was lost on Haven, but she was sure she'd recognize it when they arrived to pick it up. The crate was bulky, but not super uncomfortable.

Aurora wiped the sweat that had collected at her brow. She may have not needed to physically carry the large crates of supplies, but teleporting the sizable amount had taken some considerable effort. Especially given her mind was still not completely clear after this morning's ceremony, it only complicated things further and made a normally easy job more tiresome than usual. Once she had found Haven, the two had gotten right to work on the task at hand, not wasting anymore time than the redhead and Lorcán already had.

She turned to her winged friend and nodded, "Yeah, that'd be nice, I'm sure everyone would appreciate that. The coolers must be around here somewhere," The redhead looked around, students busy with their assigned responsibilities all around them. "I'm guessing that Robert, Tad, and the other faculty have that covered." Aurora stated, having a feeling that things like that were probably handled and under control, before smirking at Haven, "Why, feeling a little peckish?" She asked, dissolving into a delicate laugh at her own terrible joke.

Haven stuck her tongue out at her friend, her wings shaking out behind her in a playful threat. "I thought it would be nice of us." She said before giving a light shrug, her weight shifting onto one side and her hand resting on her hip. "Are you feeling jumpy about it?" Her nose scrunched as she grinned, as if she also knew how bad it was.

Aurora simply shook her head, another chuckle escaping from her lips, "Okay, I guess I had that one coming." She conceded, reaching up and gathering her hair into a messy ponytail and tying it off with an elastic in order to get it out of her face and off of the back of her neck. "Let's go see what we're working with here." She spotted the coolers a sizable distance away, at the other end of the campsite, and motioned for her friend to follow.

"So, are you going to tell me what happened or not?" The redhead asked, albeit a bit nosily.

Haven joined Aurora at her side, matching the girl's pace. She clasped her hands behind her back as she walked, a coy smile spreading as she tilted her head back and looked Ror's way. "Well... I'm going to tell you exactly how he asked, but I want you to think about who asked me before you jump to conclusions. Okay?" She brought her arms around front again, her hands spreading out in front of her as if she were a grand storyteller. When she spoke, her voice was low and rough in an impression of the man in question. "So, Barnes... you want to sleep together tonight?"

Aurora played Haven's game, nodding and watching intently as the girl set the scene. She was well aware that there was never a dull moment for Team Blackjack, so after hearing how this "mystery man" asked the brunette to share a tent, she shouldn't have been as shocked as she was. The redhead couldn't help but gasp, her eyes widening, "You're kidding." she stated in disbelief, "I swear, Rory just keeps on getting himself into these situations." Aurora shook her head, "So how'd you reply?"

"Well, I said yes." Haven started with a smile. "It took me a moment to realize what he actually meant, and of course my heart was pounding in my chest... but once it clicked that he just wanted to bunk with me and not- y'know, I figured it wouldn't hurt to agree without clarifying it." She brought her hands together, her thumb rubbing her palm absentmindedly. "If he figures it out before I tell him, that's great. If he doesn't, I'll know that I have to be the one to make the first move." Part of her wished that she had been direct with him from the first moment she saw him yesterday. The other part was telling her that she was crazy for feeling so strongly about him.

"I'm getting nervous just thinking about it, really. Dunno why."

The redhead's eyes nearly bugged out of her head, but softened as Haven explained her rationale, impressed with the girls' confidence surrounding the whole thing. It was a quality that Aurora envied, the ability to not overthink and be bold, as it was something she inherently lacked. She knew she was cautious, and for good reason, but sometimes she wished she could be a little more like her friends when it came to their self-assurance.

"I think it's justified to be nervous," Aurora expressed as they approached the stack of coolers, opening one of the lids and inspecting the contents. She grabbed a water bottle and passed it to Haven before taking one for herself. "I can't really relate, but if you feel comfortable enough with making the first move then more power to you." The redhead sighed, twisting the cap and taking a sip, "I just don't want you to get hurt, so I'd caution you to see what the vibe is before making the leap."

Haven gratefully accepted the water, standing next to the cooler as she listened to Ror. She mulled the advice over for a few moments, fiddling with the cap before she unscrewed it. She gave Aurora a warm smile. "I'm glad I can talk to you about this, Ror. Thanks." She took a swig of the bottle before capping it again. "I think I'd mess it up if I did this my way." Her smile turned into something lonely and yearning for a moment, before she took a deep breath and put her hand on her hip. All worries drifting away on a phantom breeze like a feather. "Let's deliver some waters and then check in with Tad. Hopefully the next supply run will be for something fun."

Aurora smiled back at Haven, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Of course, you can always talk to me. That's what friends are for, right?" The redhead affirmed. But she saw the way the girl's face dropped at her next statement, her eyes going glassy, and tried to lift her spirits. "Don't say that. You wouldn't mess it up. I just know that sometimes people act with their hearts and not with their heads. You know who does that?" She asked rhetorically, not waiting for Haven's guess. "Rory." Aurora disclosed, letting her eyes drift over to the construction site where many of the students, including the dark haired boy, were working.

She leaned down to grab a few more water bottles, carrying a handful of them in her arms. "That sounds good to me. It's warm out today, gotta keep everyone hydrated." Aurora concurred, as she began to walk towards structure being built.

Haven nodded in agreement. The smile that spread now was amused, and yet beaming with the warmth of knowing that Aurora had her back. She grabbed the rest of the water, and began to follow along behind Ror. Her wings lifted momentarily to avoid the coolers below, flaring at the promise of taking to the skies again soon. Her eyes moved to the construction site, scanning over each group until she spotted Rory... Hot. So hot.

"It is a bit warm today, isn't it?" Haven murmured halfheartedly. She then frowned lightly. "Weren't Lorcán and Amma supposed to be working with Rory?"

The redhead did a double take, letting her eyes scan the area. Her friend wasn't wrong, Lorcán and Amma were supposed to be paired with Rory, but upon evaluation, were nowhere to be found. It was odd, especially considering the sandy haired boy enjoyed this kind of work; she was convinced that the only thing he loved more than surfing was an architectural blueprint. Aurora raised an eyebrow, "Yeah, they were..." She trailed off, looking around once more. "Maybe they're taking a break?" She innocently theorized, not jumping to conclusions.

The girl closed the distance and approached Rory but as she neared, she could feel everyone's eyes on her. They were staring, but why? "Hey Rory," Aurora greeted, extending an arm out towards him, water bottle in hand. "Want a water?"

Haven cleared her throat softly as she approached, her traitorous eyes roaming his shirtless chest and abs before quickly lifting to those bright blue eyes. She gave him a bright smile in the hopes that he hadn't caught her staring, and then set down two water bottles for their missing teammates onto the table nearby. "You can have these if you need them." She said, looking around at the work that had been done already. "Sorry you're stuck doing all the work." She noticed the difference between Rory's steel and the clean cut lines of an elemental cut. It seemed like Lorcán and Amma had been here earlier, and yet... where were they now?

Rory nodded in thanks wordlessly for a moment as he finished a rough cut on one of the bars, turning the saw off and sitting it aside. As he saw Aurora and Haven, his eyes brightened up a tiny bit and he gave a weak smile. He quickly opened a water bottle and chugged half of it, before pouring the rest over his head to cool himself down. He looked back to Aurora, grateful. “Thanks, Borealis.” Rory then turned back to look towards Haven, seemingly oblivious and slightly delirious from exhaustion. He wiped some of the water and sweat from his face, running his fingers through his wet hair to part it back as he just seemed to catch her comment. “Yeah… it's, uh… it's fine. Hot Shot scooped up Amma and took off for the woods. You know how he gets sometimes.” Rory trailed off, seemingly lost in thought for a moment before shaking his head.

If Aurora had been mid-sip of water, she would have most definitely spit it out.

Lorcán had gone off with Amma? Into the woods? Together?

The girl could feel her heartbeat quicken, shock and surprise etched onto her face. She grew slightly warm, feeling the stares of nearby classmates pinned on her as if they knew something that she didn’t. The redhead choked out a laugh, clearly uncomfortable. “Oh, uh, he did? I mean, they did? That’s um… interesting.” She managed to say, not knowing how else to respond.

Haven had to admit she was impressed by Rory's work. She smiled as she watched him, admiring Rory's skill with the saw. Something was off about him, but she couldn't figure out what. Her mind went especially blank as he proceeded to chug the water, her eyes on the needy way he drank it. She braced herself as he lifted the bottle over his head, watching as it trickled through his glossy hair and down his broad shoulders and the panes of his chest. She quickly shut her mouth before she would start drooling, just in time for him to turn his gaze on her. The exhausted expression in them hit her in the chest, and yet she envied his hands as he ran them through his hair.

"Wait, what?" It was like her brain jumped back to life at his words. "They really left you here to do this by yourself?" She frowned, and then looked over at Aurora, realizing what the implications might mean for her too. She heard hushed gossip from a group behind them and shot them the bird behind her back. "Give them hell when they get back for me, Rory." Haven said, giving Rory a thumbs up. "You're doing great, by the way."

Haven scooped up their remaining water and moved to stand beside Aurora. "We should probably get going. I think I heard Tad calling for us. We can drop these off to the others before we go on our next run." The gossipers weren't getting any water. Haven had made her mind up on that.

The redhead glanced at her winged friend, attempting to hide the confusion that clouded her baby blues. She could hear whispering behind them, what were they saying? Haven would know, but her inclination was that it clearly wasn't anything good. And that it was about her. Aurora turned her head towards the students and they immediately stopped, something like pity in their eyes as she looked at them, confirming her suspicions.

Definitely not good.

"Yeah, I uh, we'll see you later Rory." She practically mumbled, head spinning as they walked away. She had a million thoughts in her head, mostly surrounding the fact that her best friend had gone off with the terrifying new girl who she did not like in the slightest. Aurora didn't know where she was heading, but just needed to get away from that group. She opted to start walking towards where Mei, Calliope, and Harper were brainstorming the theme, hoping Haven was keeping pace. "What were they talking about?"

Haven remained close to Aurora, her expression as casual as she could keep it. "Oh, don't worry about them. It was just some stupid gossip." She stretched her wings out beside her, casually covering Aurora from the view of the people in question. "I'm sure there's a reason they took off. You went after Lorcán this morning, right? I bet he's pretty upset about the situations with our degrees."

Aurora sighed, “Yeah, he’s devastated. He was totally spiraling when I found him, it was honestly really hard to watch.” She recounted, unable to shake the memory of him panicking, which was very out of character for him. He had always been so sturdy, so dependable… it seemed as though today he was not acting like his usual self in any way, shape, or form. “I guess I’m just surprised he ditched Rory. Lorcán lives for this kind of stuff, I would have assumed he’d throw himself into the work instead of bailing.” The redhead tried to give him the benefit of the doubt, she wanted to. But between the hushed chatter of their peers, and Rory’s tell-tale expression, it was becoming increasingly difficult to.

Haven looked out over the construction site, trying to figure out a reason that Lorcan would have ditched his responsibilities. She took a breath, coming to a conclusion of her own. "Aren't you wondering if this whole day is meaningless now?" She began, her tone soft. "H.E.L.P. hasn't done anything to save the school and the Foundation haven't agreed to give us the credits either. I can see why he thinks it's ok to slack off now." She looked over at Aurora, giving her an encouraging smile. "They could be out there wrecking some trees just to let off some steam. It can't be easy for Amma to hear that the school she left is now coming for this one, and now Lorcán is under the impression he won't leave the island without a degree."

"Although, it's weird that he would leave with someone who said such awful things last night. That I don't understand."

“I guess,” She considered, Haven providing a good perspective. She had a solid point that it was possible Lorcán assumed all was null at this point given the morning’s events. “But his cousin is supposed to be running the course. You would think he’d want to make it good for her, make it matter.” Aurora noted. He had been so excited to be part of the construction this year, and hadn't stopped talking about it all summer, in fact. The winged girl continued and the redhead shook her head, “Yeah Lorcán told me what happened after I fell asleep,” She hesitated, taking a breath. Just thinking about Amma made her skin crawl, “I don’t like that she said those things… she really worries me. People like that don’t change, not easily.”

Haven nodded, a frown coming to her features as she remembered Amma's words. "I don't think she has any hope for the world. For us. It's not right." She adjusted the bottles in her arms. "Let's give Lorcán a chance to explain himself later tonight."

This time Haven really heard Tad calling for them. She turned her head towards the coolers way behind them, seeing Tad waving his arm in the air. She raised her left wing in the air to let him know she heard and turned to Aurora. "Now we're actually needed." The smile on her face revealed her white lie earlier. "Let's have some fun with this run. We can race to see who gets back from the trip first."

The redhead wordlessly inclined her head in agreement, both to Haven’s evaluation of Amma and the girl’s willingness to give the sandy haired boy an opportunity to explain himself. She wistfully looked back at the construction site, still not seeing either Lorcán or Amma present, before looking back to Haven with a forced grin. Her features softened once she realized her friend had lied to get them out of the situation, and appreciation shone in her eyes, before melting into a coy smirk at the promise of a challenge. “I don’t think it’ll be much of a competition, but I’d like to see you try.”

Haven bumped her shoulder against Aurora with a grin. "I definitely can." She said before she suddenly turned around, bolting towards where Tad stood at the coolers. Her wings beat against the air around her, ponytail whipping behind her head as her muscles worked hard to get her airborne. "Come on, slowpoke!" She called back behind her, grabbing for a water bottle that tried to slip out of her arms. She laughed, already halfway to their team leader and quickly leaving Aurora behind. She knew Aurora would beat her there, as she always did, but the distraction of a competition made her defeat taste a lot sweeter.

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Commencement: A Pacific Royal Collegiate & University RP

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H A V E N
H A V E N

&&

B A N J O
B A N J O

_{Location: Southern Plateau - PRCU}

Welcome Home #1.072: Birds of a Feather

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_{Interaction(s): Banjo @Hound55}

Previously: ... Gets the Worm?

Haven unscrewed the cap to the water bottle with urgency as she turned away from Rory. She lifted it to her lips, proceeding to chug it's entire cooling contents. Her heart calmed now that she was out of Rory's space. Her mind, on the other hand, briefly questioned what the hell she'd just done. It was daring, something she was used to saying, but with Rory? She swallowed hard as she lowered the empty plastic. There was a certain pride blooming in her chest now to have talked to Rory that way without restraint.

"Oi! Tyler! Move your bloody tent!"

Haven grinned to herself as she tossed the bottle into a trash bin nearby. She continued towards the plateau, not daring to look back in case Rory understood Banjo's quip. It was better to let him simmer this way. If he didn't get it now, he would soon enough.

Instead, she turned her attention onto Banjo at the front of the group. While he played off running into the giant faculty member, Haven was busy thinking about how she'd bring up her little plan to him. It was one of the rare occasions when Calli wasn't by his side. Calli's advice could help them in the future, but the law student might not approve of a prank to get their plan in motion. With that thought, it seemed like the perfect time to bounce the idea off of Blackjack's resident prankster. She broke into a light jog, and then her wings took her up about ten feet into the air so that she could catch up to the blondie quickly.

She reached him within seconds, touching down on the ground before she started to keep pace with him. Her wings tucked in behind her as she started the conversation. There was a mention of an Aussie rock song that Haven thought she recognized from Banjo's playlist before, and then a rock song she definitely recognized. The heat returned to her body, but she didn't let it distract her from her current goal. She put her feet back into motion, and soon was at Banjo's side again.

"I'm listening..."

"I want to know how you're feeling, about it all. I don't know if I should be angry and act on it, or jump ship and find my own way." She looked over his expression, knowing that of all people he would be the one to understand how she was feeling the best. There was a lot more she could have said, but she thought her words expressed enough.

Banjo looked at her as if she had two heads.

"I'm not one for tellin' anyone how they should feel about anything. But it's not like there's much that can be done at this point."

"Somehow they've roped us into a situation where they're hopin' to acquire us - their words... whilst they get to run some kind of audit on us. I'll be honest, seems like a massive conflict of interest to me, but given there's only really two schools on the planet like ours, there's probably some flawed processes around it by the sounds and you're stuck with each school policing each other. I assume."

"So anything we do at this point is just gunna reflect on the school and bring them that much closer to givin' 'em what they want." He spoke this last part with his hands, his frustration palpable.

"Now I don't exactly give two shits about this place, they could've rolled in here and said they intend to turn the whole damn island into a parking lot if they did right by everyone and their lives here in the process. But I do care about people. And they came in and fucked with my mob. So now I'm gonna have to find a way to make them eat it. But for now that means waitin'."

Haven sucked on her teeth for a moment, mulling over his words. A moment of disappointment crossed her features, before resilience returned in full force as she angled her head to look over at him.

"Soo... there's no chance you'll help me pull one over the reps?"

She quickly held up her hands in a gesture of peace. "I'm not looking to piss that woman off, as much as I want to. Nor am I aiming to make the school look bad, either."

"Even if we wait, like you said, for the perfect moment. I want to be in on it. I want to shove the whole cake down their throat."

"Depends on what it is 'n' when." He replied.

"Said it time and time again... I'm not in the habit of givin' pricks like these what they want."

"Mark that one down from the Book o' Banjo." He held up a single finger, as if he'd just delivered sage wisdom quoted from on high.

"'N mark my words. When I do act, it's gonna piss that woman and all of her sort off right to high heaven." He turned and gave Haven a broad grin. "And I'll enjoy every minute of it."

"So we're on the same page, then." Haven said with a mischievous smirk of her own. "You already have something brewing? Nothing I can think of would end right, trust me."

"Nothin' for right now." He replied. "This has kind of put everything I would have had on hold. Besides, I normally hold off until after their Homecoming. For some reason they get real on edge about doing anything 'round this time of year." He scratched at his temple.

"But you know me... A bunch of things on the easel in progress. This has just put everything up on blocks. There's no way to thread the needle and not make their job easier in takin' the school." He lamented.

"Don't know enough about these people."

"That's the problem." Haven murmured. "I'm hoping to find out how their school operates. I want to know why they're coming for the school now and not four years ago."

"There has to be something they want out of this besides a second campus."

"Well, first part's simple. We've got a bunch of kids at this school who've transferred from over there." He bounced back to Haven.

"I'll level with ya. New girl puts more wind up me than five cans of baked beans and a box a' bran flakes... but there's another team right on over who had a girl who went there. Ranga-- err-- Redhead girl. I'll be honest, what little I know you'd probably have a tougher time stoppin' her talkin' than gettin' her to start." He suggested as an alternative to the daunting option of questioning Amma, remembering Team Firebird had a member who came from the Foundation as well.

"Might be worth tryin' to see if we can combine campfire stories for the night... Besides, after today's assembly, more friends might be better than less."

"I don't know if Amma would talk to me about it or if I'd lose a few feathers trying." She said with a chuckle. "What's the other transfers name? I haven't mixed with Firebird since the end of summer party last year."

"Aww don't do that to me, I barely know our names..." Banjo replied, as if being put upon.

"She's about ye' big..." He held his hand up. "Ranga bird. You'll hear her before you see 'er. Keeps calling me 'Andrew Olyphant' no matter what I tell her. When I said my name was just 'Banjo' it practically broke her brain."

"Ah, so I'll tell her Andrew sent me?" Haven was the one with the shit eating grin this time.

"No. Like the full name, Haven Barnes. 'Andrew Olyphant'. Not to be compartmentalised or broken up for parts in any way, Haven Barnes."

Haven's brows knitted together for a moment. "What if I haven't told her my full name?"

He raised an eyebrow in disbelief. "You think I introduced myself as 'Andrew Olyphant'? When's the last time you caught me doing that? She's a sociable one. Probably has us all memorised by the yearbook or somethin', or heard it somewhere."

Haven laughed. "I'm gonna crack if she says my full name."

"Like an egg, Galah." Banjo stuck his tongue out at her. "And she will. Just you wait and see."

Haven scrunched her nose as he stuck his tongue out. "What's a Galah anyways?"

"Well, they're like a cockatoo... but pink and gray. Google it. I'm the one without a phone."

"And I've got a flip phone." She teased before realization hit her, smacking him lightly on the arm. "Oi, watch the bird jokes too."

Banjo's tongue was wedged deep in his cheek. He'd had a question running through his mind since she said she wanted to talk about it. He thought he had a pretty good feel for the people he knew, Haven in particular.

"Level with me. You've already got a bag packed. Haven't ya?"

Haven took a deep breath, reaching up to clear a few stray hairs out of her face. Her breath came out more of a puff than a sigh. "Yeah." The smile she gave him was bittersweet. "How'd you figure that?"

"Birds of a feather." He smirked.

"Been here five years. Never unpacked."

Banjo dropped his head with a smile, and kicked loose stones as he walked.

"Don't know if I'd have it in me to jump anymore though. Least not by myself." He sighed.

"Got myself too tied in. Never thought that'd happen. But you heard last night. It's been heading that way for a while... but, can't believe things are getting put out in the open."

Haven watched him carefully as he spoke. The bird comment almost earned him a real smack on the arm, but the meaning behind it was why Banjo had never really irritated her. She saw the rawness behind his punky demeanor. Where Calliope understood it and loved it, Haven felt it at her core and respected it.

"It would definitely break my heart to go, yeah." She said, the thought hitting her in the chest. "You have a really good thing going with Calli. I'm sure she would jump with you if you asked."

“I wouldn’t though. Well, unless we’re talking about a threat to life thing again… but really, what are the odds of that happening again?” He spoke with his head down still, a smile slowly creeping across his face, thinking of her.

“She has BIG ambitious plans. Ambitious plans she’s worked hard at to make possible… and they actually are. Me? I’m not someone who can dream so big. Well… I can remember when just thinking about becoming a lawyer was pretty big in and of itself. Every plan I’ve ever had for myself was something I could get anywhere, because I’ve never really known where I’d be.” He stopped and turned to her, an earnest look crossing his face.

“You know what’s really weird? Despite how she carries herself. The way she walks, expensive tastes, the way she was brought up, and the family she was brought up in. There’s no condemnation about her, never been any judgement about anything beyond me. I haven’t really said anything about my family to you – to be honest with you, I only know what I’m told and I’m not entirely sure how much I can believe – but I’ve told her. And my family is pretty much half a step above pond scum. Like, not scraping the bottom of the barrel… the black mould which is growing underneath the barrel. And I’m more scared of havin' a family than she is… like I’m not saying I wouldn’t. But my genes scare the shit out of ME, and she looks at me and just still wants—”

His demeanour had darkened dramatically as he broached the subject of his family, but by the end he chuckled to himself.

“She’s never seemed to judge me beyond who I am and the stuff I do. And I grew up getting bounced around boarding schools. Some of 'em wealthy and for the 'elite'. They don’t breed people like that. I used to eat shit getting bounced to city schools as being too country, I’d cop it from regional schools as being a ‘bloody townie’ or city kid. Everyone had shit to say. They could tell I wasn’t from much. She’s never thrown that in my face. Even when we’ve disagreed on stuff.” The earnest expression was back. It really was remarkable to him. He had a personality that could grate on people, and sooner or later, he'd found people would throw anything they could at him in frustration, desperation or rage.

“So nah. I couldn’t ask her to jump when she’s so close now. I couldn’t up-end her life when she’s actually that kind of person. Just on a hunch. I grew up relying on my intuition, but I couldn’t do that.”

Haven, meanwhile, had been watching Banjo go on and on with a wide smile. It was obvious that he was madly in love with Calli. A trait that Haven admired, and also set as a standard for her own future partner. As he finished, she sighed softly. Her hand reached up to push her stray hairs away from her face again. This time it was an act of self-soothing rather than a learned habit.

"You're completely right." She began, realizing that Banjo had decided to stay and fight for Calli and their future. Yet when she thought about Rory the way Banjo thought about Calli, she realized that she would throw herself into the fire if it meant he'd have a better chance at happiness. Could she hold her temper back, if she wanted to stay long enough to be his happiness?

"I'm happy for you, Banjo." She started with a sincere smile his way. "I think you'll both carve out an entire chunk of the world for yourselves regardless of who your family is or how much you've gone through to get there."

She turned to point at him, her smile turning into a grin. "And I expect an invitation to the wedding."

"I'll make sure you don't get served the chicken." He deadpanned. Before taking a few well timed steps away, and dodging a punch to the arm. A cackle escaping his own grin.

"You got lucky with that one." Haven said with a smile that promised retribution. She shook her head, her gaze turning towards the site as they approached it. "I guess it's time to get to work, huh." She slowed to a stop, sucking on her teeth for a moment. "When we run it, you'll already have an advantage knowing the layout. So let me know if there's any tight spaces I'll have to watch for, yeah?" She looked over at him and offered a half-hearted smirk. "I can't finish my first trial with a clipped wing. Would be pretty bad for my reputation."

"You'll probably get a better look than I will flying overhead. I'm just working on the foundations and inner structural work. The layout will be a shell on the inside." He replied.

Haven raised an eyebrow before nodding. "Gotcha. I'll let you know if I peek anything of interest, then."

"Thanks for the chat by the way. I'm feeling a bit better about it now."

"Likewise. Better shoot through, but. Or Katja's liable to get her knickers in a twist."

"Catch ya later this arvo, if Rory's lettin' ya stay upright."

Banjo went right on back to singing 'Shook Me All Night Long' as he picked up his pace to the construction site.

"I'll move your tent to the other side of the field, plucky! I mean it!" Haven shouted after him. Despite the threat in her words, she was grinning from ear to ear. Rory might not have meant it that way, but she still felt the fluttering of wings in her stomach when she thought about it. She was still grinning as she turned back towards the campsite, her eyes searching for a certain maple red flash of hair.

---

Commencement: A Pacific Royal Collegiate & University RP

---

H A V E N
H A V E N

_{Location: Southern Plateau - PRCU}

Welcome Home #1.063: ... Gets the worm?

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_{Interaction(s): Rory @Webboysurf}

Previously: Early Bird

Haven had noticed Rory's exit from the Mintoaur. His usual plucky demeanor had hers lifting, her smile broadening as she watched him take a tent towards the edge of the camp. What's he planning?

She turned to check that her final tent had righted itself properly, in time to hear Rory's tease from across the site. An unexpected laugh erupted from her throat, but she quickly covered it with a cough. It was funny that they'd gotten together in a similar manner, years ago. Still, Haven didn't feeling comfortable thinking about what they got up to in their tent. She regained her composure at that thought, turning in time to see Rory sauntering over to her.

The grin she gave him was almost scolding, her eyebrows raising at him, but the gleam in her eyes revealed the amusement behind it. She reached for the water bottle, her smile softening at the gesture.

Yet the moment he looked towards the tent she'd chosen, she felt her heart begin to thump in her chest. She kept the water bottle in her hands, not daring to take a drink of it until he finished the thought he was working on. She didn't want a repeat of yesterday. It was clear when he made up his mind, his confidence shining on his features like the midday sun. She held her breath, seconds seeming to stretch into minutes as she waited for him to speak.

"So, Barnes... you want to sleep together tonight?"

Haven's brows twitched in shock. Her body instantly heated. Her PT shirt and shorts suddenly felt too tight, like she was wearing way too many clothes. Her back muscles tensed, but she held them in place should her wings decide to fluff up again.

He's not this forward, right?

Hell, she didn't mind it if he was. Haven suddenly wanted it. He could have it right now, if they weren't expected to meet with Tad and Robert soon.

Gil had choked on thin air by the Minotaurs.
"Smooth."
"We should really go and help bail him out. One of us, at least."
"No no. He needs to learn. Besides, it's more entertaining this way...and probably a better gauge if Haven actually reciprocates."

At least a third of Gil is thoughtful.

Her mouth opened, as if to answer, but she held her tongue. Gil's words repeated in her mind, and she realized he'd hinted at the beach incident. Finally, thank the heavens, Haven realized what he really meant.

Her heart still beat fast, but Haven was confident as she took a step towards Rory. She smiled up at him, and her head tilted to the side ever so slightly. "Sure thing, Rory." Her voice was low and as smooth as velvet. Quiet enough that the others would have had to strain to hear it.

Even if Rory wasn't thinking about it that way. Even if Haven didn't expect it to happen at all, surrounded by their teammates on the plateau. She didn't want to squash any hope that it could happen in the future. Not when her skin still felt so hot just thinking about it.

Maybe later one of their teammates would talk to him about the way he'd asked her. Maybe he would then realize that she had agreed to both scenarios. The idea was exciting, but Haven didn't put any bets on it. If she wanted it to happen, she'd have to get it for herself. Just like she had with plenty of others.

---

Commencement: A Pacific Royal Collegiate & University RP

---

H A V E N
H A V E N

_{Location: Southern Plateau - PRCU}

Welcome Home #1.058: Early Bird

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_{Interaction(s): Tad, Robert @Lord Wraith}

Previously: A Matter of a Pinion

Haven soared over Dundas Island, closing her eyes for a few moments to relish the feel of the wind against her skin and feathers. She inhaled deeply, filling her lungs with more air than she could ever need. She hadn't felt her body relax until she left the ground.

The previous anger was still there. Just stashed in a pack in the back of her closet, along with some clothes, survival gear, and what little money she had saved in the four years she'd been at PRCU. She didn't intend on leaving PRCU, but... it was better to have a go-bag ready than to pack in a rush.

She had a few minutes left of this precious feeling until she reached the meeting point on the Southern Plateau. If it weren't an obligation, Haven would have spent the day near the cliffs to clear her mind. It was a little exciting that the seniors would be able to run the trial they built. Considering she'd never done it herself, Haven saw it as a reason to show up. She refused to acknowledge why she'd missed her own Homecoming Trial, if only to keep herself from thinking about Torres comment earlier in the day.

She saw the trial site before the campsite, her eyes spotting Tad standing in front of a man she hadn't met before. She looked him over as she began her descent towards them, delighted to see another hype with such obvious physical markings. And what a physique he had. He towered over Tad, reminding her of Katja, and the thought had her itching to see how the two would interact together. She could have continued on until the campsite, but she had to know who the man was.

Haven chose to land a few feet away from the men. She tucked her wings in behind her once her sneakers touched the ground, looking their way. "Looks like I'm the first arrival." She said as she tucked her stray hairs behind her ears. She closed the space between them, adjusting her bag's strap against her shoulder as she held out a hand towards the hunk.

"Haven Barnes."

"Barnes, Wings, this matches what Thaddeus said." Robert replied extending a hand that engulfed Haven's own. "Robert Arkwright, I'm the Graduate Student in charge of organizing the build."

"Robert has opted to pair you and Aurora together as supply runners, if that works for you, Haven." Tad interjected. "You'll need to head back over to our campsite beside where Firebird is set up. Set up a tent, choose a bunkmate and then grab Aurora and head down into the construction site." He instructed.

"Yeah, that sounds great." Haven smiled at the two. "It was nice to meet you, Robert. Let me know if you need anything lifted. I can manage the aerial coverage, too."

She pointed with her thumb towards where she assumed the campsite would be set up. "Campsites this way, yeah?"

"Yeah, just back that way," Tad nodded pointing in the same direction. "Jess should be floating between the two campsites, you'll also likely see the Minotaurs with our spade on them. If you can relay the message to set up to anyone else who arrives that'd be great."

"I gotcha. See you guys later." Haven gave Tad a thumbs up before walking in the direction of the campsite. She picked up the pace, and before they knew it she was off. A graduate student, huh. She tried to imagine that he worked on the island because he loved it here so much, instead of the alternative.

The campsite was below her within a minute. She waved down to the dark haired Jessica as a way of greeting before she planted her feet on the ground by the Blackjack Minotaurs. Looking around, she could only think about her first night on the plateau years ago. It probably wouldn't be an issue for her to sleep here tonight, but... What would her other veteran Blackjack teammates think of it?

She busied herself with putting a few tents up just to get her mind off of it. There was no harm in helping the others out when the alternative was just to sit and wait. She tossed her pack into a random tent, along with the PT jacket she'd had tied around her waist. She was smart about the tent she chose. Just far enough from the treeline that she could take off in a rush... Just in case. She lined the tents in a large circle around the campfire. Her need to stay busy had her working quickly, and she was almost finished with the last by the time she heard others arriving.

Who would she pick for a bunkmate? She wasn't sure. It had to be someone brave enough to risk getting whapped by a wing in their sleep. It wasn't something she did every time she had a friend over, but there was always a chance. She didn't want them touching her wings, either, but she didn't control them when she slept. It was like they had a mind of their own at night.

She turned her head towards the arrivals just as the last tent was setting itself up. She made an attempt at a smile as if nothing had upset her earlier at all. "Grab a tent, guys. We meet up with Tad and the trial's build organizer once you're ready."

---

Ju-V

I'm definitely still invested!

I'm looking forward to getting this back on track.

Commencement: A Pacific Royal Collegiate & University RP

---

H A V E N
H A V E N

&&

_{Location: Chimera's Lair - PRCU}

Welcome Home #1.053: A Matter of a Pinion

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_{Interaction(s): Harper @Qia}

Previously: Ruffled Feathers

"Haven, wait up!"

Haven heard Harper's shout behind her, but the open sky outside of the stadium was also calling to her. She could feel the muscles in her body bunching up. Like they were ready to propel her into that open space, to answer the call to let the world disappear below her. To just be free and endless for a while with it.

If she stuck around, would it be worth it? It wouldn't be the first time she cut and ran from an uncertain place. She could make a quick stop at the dorm to change... collect her things into a single bag... and then she'd be off to find her future again.

Haven's legs stopped moving just outside of the stadium. She hastily went to work on her wings. A feeble attempt to smooth out the feathers that threatened to reveal her soul to the world. She stretched them around herself, running her fingers through the plumage until she could hear footsteps reaching the entrance to the stadium. Her wings snapped behind her. Unfortunately they looked just as rough as before.

Her eyes turned towards the open sky as she took a breath, and then she turned her head towards Harper as her friend emerged. "That was a shitshow, huh?" She began, a terrible attempt at a joke.

Harper, ever the stoic, approached with measured steps. Her expression was a mask, concealing any emotion that threatened to break through. Her voice, when she finally spoke, was a controlled monotone—a tightrope walk between restraint and frustration. "To call it a shitshow would be putting it politely," she stated, her eyes never leaving Haven’s face. She waited, knowing there was more brewing beneath the surface. Harper was willing to give her friend the space to vent, even if it meant absorbing some of that frustration herself.

Haven couldn't deny herself the words that emerged next. Her small form of word vomit few had ever had the pleasure of experiencing. "How could they let her speak to them like that? She made a party joke about Hyperion. The guy took O'Neil's arm, and she talked about it like he spilt a drink on a new rug.”

Harper’s response was laced with shock and disgust. “Appalling,” she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. The memory of the representative—whose name Harper cared not to remember—speaking about Hyperion as if it were a minor inconvenience that needed cleaning up made her blood boil. She hadn’t been present during the attack, but the pain and trauma of the people who called this place home were evident. The thought that someone could make light of such a horrific event was sickening to Harper. She clenched her fists, nails digging into her palms, and vowed to find a way to channel her own frustration later.

But for now… for now, she would focus on Haven.

“What… are you planning to do?” Harper’s voice held an intensity, a quiet fire that burned beneath her controlled exterior. She wanted to know Haven’s resolve, to gauge whether they were both on the same path or not here.

Haven looked towards the crowd of students as they began to file past. Her eyes scanned them for an answer to Harper's question. The older faces expressed haunted memories, triggered by the mention of their past tormentor. The newer faces displayed uncertainty of their future. How could Haven make a difference, if her own past was haunted? When her own future was as uncertain as theirs, with or without a degree?

"If it didn't mean jeopardizing our careers, I'd put that rep on her ass." She huffed, her wings shifting behind her as if to say they were ready. She looked into Harper's eyes, searching for reason that she knew Harper could provide. "I want to save the school so we don't have to answer to someone like that... Do you think there's a more subtle way to get what we all want?" The question was inviting Harper's intensity to come forward. There had to be a balance between the fire and reason, right?

Harper’s response was measured, her voice a low undercurrent of intensity.“As much as I’d love to see her get what she deserves, we need to be smart about this,” she cautioned. The representative, infuriating as she was, held sway over corridors of power that could crush them if they weren’t cautious. Their careers hung in the balance, threads woven into the fabric of this institution.

“We risk jeopardizing everything we’ve worked for,” Harper continued, her gaze drifting toward the stadium’s exit. The students flowed like a river, their futures uncertain. The weight of responsibility settled on her shoulders—an anchor she bore willingly.“But,”she added, turning back to Haven,“I’m not opposed to subtlety. We need a plan—one that won’t endanger us or the school needlessly.” But first…she needed to make sure.

Harper’s eyes bored into Haven’s, a silent question.“Are you with me on this? Even if it means playing the long game?” she asked. The fire within her burned, but it was a controlled flame. Patience, strategy—they were their allies now. The stakes were far too high for any impulsiveness.

Haven's hands flexed at her sides. The anger within her had calmed to a simmer. She could already feel the muscles in her wings relaxing, her feathers starting to smooth out. She considered Harper's words for a moment before giving a curt nod. "I'm with you."

Haven saw a flicker of acknowledgment in Harper's eyes, as if the emotions within her burned brighter. They'd found a twin flame within each other. Harper reached for her shoulder, the touch gentle.

"Good," Harper said, her voice firm and resolute. "Our first step should be to gather as much information as we can about the rep and her plans. Knowledge is power, and we need all the power we can get on our side."

Haven nodded in agreement, watching as Harper scanned the crowd again. Members of Blackjack were already making their way out of the stadium. Harper's gaze returned to her, a hint of caution within the intensity of her eyes.

"We should keep this between us for now," the brunette added. "The fewer people who know, the less chance there is of word getting back to the rep. We need to be cautious and strategic in our approach, and we can't risk any leaks."

Haven pressed her lips together. It didn't feel right to hide this from the team. "I don't trust Amma, but... what if the others want to do something about this too?" She asked carefully, in case any of them were already heading their way. "How far can we take this before we need their help?"

Harper looked thoughtful, her brows furrowed as she listened to Haven's concerns. While she understood where the other was coming from, she knew that they couldn't afford to take any risks. "I get it, Haven," she said, "but we have to be careful. The fewer people who know about this plan, the better. The last thing we need is for the rep to catch wind of what we're doing and shut us down before we even get started."

Harper was fully aware of the delicate and uncertain situation they were in concerning their academic pursuits. She knew that the risk they were taking by pursuing their plan was significant and that their school would be unlikely to support them as well, especially if it meant jeopardizing its already questionable reputation. Despite the odds stacked against them, the brunette was determined to keep going. She had already come too far to give up now and giving up would be akin to surrendering in defeat. She refused to succumb to the pressure and challenges they were facing and was prepared to do whatever it took to achieve their goals.

Her goals. Quitting was not an option.

She took a step closer to Haven, her voice low and intense. "This person… I get the feeling she'll probably do whatever it takes to protect herself and her interests."

Harper paused, her gaze sweeping the area as well while paranoia etched lines on her features. Her eyes spotted nothing out of the ordinary, so she turned back to Haven, her next words a lifeline.

“As for how far we can take this,” she continued, “it depends on what we find out. If we uncover concrete evidence against the rep, we’ll bring the rest of the team on board. I promise. But until then, we have to tread lightly and keep our eyes and ears open.”

Haven looked Harper over as if she was really, truly seeing her. "I feel like you could do all of this on your own, if you needed to." She murmured, before a hint of a smile etched onto her features. "What's the best way to get this information, then? We both have the eyes, and I have the ears. You think there's a chance I can get close to the Foundation reps without being detected?" She frowned lightly. "We need to find out what the bitch's ability is, before we continue."

"She could have precognition, or something worse."

Harper's wry smile at the compliment faded, replaced by a steely expression that spoke of her determination. "Yes, finding out her ability has to be our top priority," she agreed. "Perhaps we could create a clever decoy or some kind of diversionary tactic. If it's erratic or difficult to comprehend, it might throw her off, even if she could see a part of the future." Harper's smirk hinted at a plan that was slowly coming to fruition. "And who do we know on the team that's a master of unpredictability?"

Haven's lips pursed as she mulled over the question. It took her a moment, but when realization dawned on her she gave Harper an amused look. "Banjo? Hasn't he been on a good streak recently?"

Harper’s response was laced with a hint of amusement, her dry wit peeking through her serious demeanour. “Yes, he has been surprisingly quiet lately,” she said, allowing a small smile to play at the corners of her mouth. Banjo-level reliable, at least. “Perhaps he’s been saving up all his unpredictability for just such an occasion.” The thought of their clownish teammate acting as a wild card amused her. Besides, if there was ever a reason for him to break from his recent impassivity, it would be in defence of his lady love—Calliope, with her seemingly unwavering commitment to justice and helping those at their lowest. For Harper, it was a rare moment of connection with the blonde.

Loyalty to her teammates and an unyielding determination to protect them fueled her every move.

“We’ll have to wait for his move first, though,” Harper continued, her gaze steady. “And hope that he goes big. The fewer connections he has to us at that time, the better.”

Haven took a breath, noticing that the last few stragglers were exiting the stadium. She nodded. "I could always ask him to pull something for me. He's the only one I can think of that could get away with a prank. Plus, he wouldn't mention my involvement if he gets in trouble."

Harper’s gaze remained steady, assessing the risks and rewards.

“That could work,” she acknowledged, her voice measured and thoughtful. “If you think he’d be willing to take the fall for us, it could create the perfect distraction.” Banjo, however, was an enigma even to those who knew him best. His unpredictability was both a strength and a liability. “But make sure he understands the gravity of the situation. I don’t want any of you getting hurt…”

"I don't think he'd do anything reckless. Plus, Banjo's pranks have never gotten anyone hurt." Haven began with a light shrug. She frowned for a second, before giving Harper a determined look.

"I'll take the fall for everything... if we get busted." She started, her tone holding a quiet strength to it. "I can handle my own, and you're going to do great things after graduation. So, I take the fall. Got it?"

After a brief pause, Harper spoke up. Her tone was sombre yet sincere as she addressed Haven.
"While I appreciate your willingness to take one for the team, we're in this together, and I can't let you shoulder the burden alone," she explained quickly, holding up her hand to stop any interruption. "I understand your need to protect. Trust me, I do. But we need to have each other's backs here.”

Harper's words were firm, leaving no room for argument. She knew that they had to do things her way, or not at all. "You're also going to do great things later, Haven," she added, with a hint of encouragement in her voice.

"Thanks, Harps." Haven smiled at Harper. She was fully aware that the brunette would admit to helping her, if it came down to it. "I'll get with Banjo at the plateau. Hopefully he's already planning something."

She turned away from Harper, her eyes returning to the open sky. A quick flight to the dorms to change, pack, and then she would be high above the campus and it's problems for a while. It would give her time to think... or just to forget about it all for a little. She broke into a light jog, and then her wings lifted her up and into the space above campus. Thank the heavens for bike shorts. She thought.

Little did Harper know, Haven didn't intend on letting her friend fall with her. She'd crashed plenty of times before, metaphorically and physically, and she still chose to take flight again and again. She trusted herself to do great things with or without a degree. This was the world Haven was used to. The world she'd accepted and vowed to make her own. She would carve out a space for herself somewhere. Even if the world wasn't ready for her yet.

---

Commencement: A Pacific Royal Collegiate & University RP

^{| 0600 hrs // University Dorms}
Haven was up with the sun. The first morning light trickling through her window to warm her wings where she laid. Her bed sat in the middle of the far wall, so that when she stretched her feathered limbs the tips just barely grazed the walls on each side. She'd gotten to bed early last night, having thrown on a baggy tee as soon as she made it back to the dorm and collapsed on the bed.

She dressed in a pair of her own workout shorts and tee now. Picking a lucky hairband of the day off of her dresser, she threw her hair up into a tight ponytail. She opted for a window exit today. As she opened the window as wide as it could go, she perched herself on the sill for an easy takeoff. The morning air felt amazing in her lungs, and she smiled at the awakening dorms in the square. This time of morning was always so peaceful. It offered Haven a chance to slip out before the usual cacophony of students filled her ears.

She looked skyward now, towards a brightening blue sky. Her legs tensed, the muscles building up momentum before she launched herself into the air. Her wings snapped open to catch herself just as she made it past the roof of the dorms. They began to pump, bringing her higher and higher until she could see the entire campus below her. Salty Pacific air blew against her to her right, already pulling a few baby hairs from her ponytail. It would be a mess by the time she made it back to the dorm.

Haven tilted her wings, her body dipping a few feet as she turned towards her usual morning flight path. She soon left the campus behind, swapping buildings for the forests of Dundas Island. Her legs stretched out behind her, and her arms out beside her. Her wings did most of the work, really, but the muscles in her arms and legs had to withstand holding themselves up. She could hit the gym all she wanted, but a true workout meant regular morning flights to keep her body trained for flight. Otherwise her limbs would hang limply below her, gravity pulling them towards the earth.

The outer cliffs on the North side of campus were soon in sight. While most students walked the trails, Haven used them as a natural guide to follow. She'd walked them a few times before with her teammates. The cliffs were beautiful from the trails, but they were gorgeous from her own point of view beside them. She could watch the water crash into the rock below, and watch as the sun shone through the trees on the top.

When she reached the edge of the cliffs, Haven tucked her arms in tightly to her sides. Her wings followed suit, allowing her to dive right over the side. A rush of adrenaline filled her veins as she hurtled towards the water below. She grinned at the feeling. The speed she reached in a dive was addicting. When she first heard of people cliff-diving, she thought they were nuts. Yet when she first let herself dive off of a cliff she understood why they did it.

She had no intention of reaching the water today, though. As the sound of the crashing waves became too loud, Haven stretched her arms and wings out beside her to catch the wind. It stopped her about twenty feet from the water. She quickly banked left, coasting on the sea breeze as she turned herself towards the beaches.

She found herself thinking of last night as the sandy shores came into view. Her teammates hopes after graduation. Rory's whisper in her ear, and the softness in his eyes. The sun wasn't the only thing warming her wings as she remembered their intimate moment by the bonfire. The only things to ruin her happiness sitting there were her own teammates.

First there was Mei's subtle show of jealousy. That ball of silk hadn't gone unnoticed. The only physical indication that Haven had seen it was shown in the way her wings flinched behind her. She didn't want to find out how well Mei's silk would stick to her feathers, or how painful it might be to remove. Haven noted the meaning behind it, however, and she'd turned her head to face the fire instead of Rory. Her eyes watched Mei knit her silk for some time, until the other teammate to ruin the quiet evening spoke up.

Amma had spoken everyone's worst fear out loud. Haven had frowned at her, her brows knitting together to show her displeasure. The worst part of it all was that Amma hadn't lied to them. The world was a cruel place, especially for those who couldn't hide their differences. She didn't know everyone's trauma fully, but she was sure that she had dealt with more prejudice than most of the group.

Yet she had survived in the cruel world Amma spoke of for years, and she had found happiness in it. There was a silver lining out there somewhere. Amma had no right to crush her teammates spirits like that. She would have argued with her, if it weren't for Gil's attempt to continue the group's conversation. His optimism brought the group back to life. She wasn't sure if he had saved Amma from her own wrath, or he had saved her from getting the brunt of Amma's negativity thrown her way.

The thought had Haven glaring at the beach beneath her, her hands curling into fists beside her. She wasn't scared to bear Amma's full focus. The girl had issues, sure, but she wasn't evil incarnate. If Amma wanted to drag everyone into her negativity, Haven would be the light that pulled them back out of it. She would make herself the team's silver lining.

Haven finished her morning flight with gusto now, and made it to the mail office ten minutes before her assigned community contribution time. She made the deliveries into training, usually. The short bursts of flight to get the packages and mail delivered were also great practice in quick landings and departures in small spaces. If not for a previous record set by a superspeed alumni, Haven would've been considered the fastest mail service student at PRCU. She finished in no time, considering it was the first day of the semester and the mail pile had been small. It left her with just enough time to head back to the dorms to shower and change.

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H A V E N
H A V E N

_{Location: Mess Hall to Chimera's Lair - PRCU}

Welcome Home #1.043: Ruffled Feathers

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_{Interaction(s): rory @Webboysurf, Gil @Roman, Lorcán @Lord Wraith, Neighbor in Stadium}

Previously: Unexpected Turbulence

Haven tugged at the collar of her button-up as she left the dorms. The first day wearing the uniform, after a whole summer in tanks and tees, had never gotten any easier. She'd opted for the white dress shirt today. Her blazer bore the Strigidae house emblem and the Blackjack armband, a subtle display of her school spirit. They were only expected to be in uniform for the morning, so she chose to wear the black pleated skirt (with a pair of bike shorts underneath should she need to take flight) just because she had a chance to dress feminine. She even wore knee length black socks with her loafers to complete the look.

She grabbed breakfast in the mess hall before their meeting. A hearty meal, since lunch seemed so far away with the Homecoming Trial preparation on her mind. She invited any other Blackjack teammates to sit with her if she spotted them. Breakfast went quickly, and soon she was walking out of the mess hall to meet with the rest of the team.

The first person she noticed was Rory, standing next to Gil. What a sight he was, dressed in his uniform. She paused where she stood to admire it with a sly smile. Her attention hadn't even traveled south until Lorcán ran up behind the guys, planting a solid smack onto their cheeks. Haven's brows rose, playing the moment over in her head before she nodded in approval.

She moved over to join them, a smile on her face as if she hadn't seen the bromantical moment they'd shared. "Hey, boys." Lorcán's pants fell around his ankles, but Haven kept her eyes on their faces as if it hadn't happened. "Ready to build the freshie's course later?"

Tad's voice turned her attention to the front of the group. She began to follow as he lead them towards the stadium, glancing towards Rory so that she wouldn't bump into him as they walked. Not that she wouldn't mind it. "I always seem to forget how handsome you look in uniform." She murmured from beside him.

They reached the stadium before Haven could butter him up even more. Soon she was seated in her usual spot, unfortunately not next to the boy she'd just complimented. She sat on the edge of the row so she only had to mind her right wing beside her. With the whole student body gathered, it wasn't safe to sit a stool in the aisle to accommodate her.

O'Neil delivered a strong speech. Haven grinned as he made a joke meant for Banjo. The two newcomers on the stage caught her attention long before O'Neil introduced them. It was weird that the Foundation was here to survey the school, but Haven didn't think much of it. Instead, her heart dropped as she heard that several degrees were no longer valid. She turned her head towards her teammates that would be affected by this, her brows furrowing as she wondered if that included her own degree. To think that she'd studied so hard all these years to pass her classes just to leave empty handed. Or that she'd have to transfer to a different school and start all over again. Amma's words echoed in her head as she caught sight of the dark haired transfer and she frowned.

She'd just turned back to hear the rest of Jim's speech when the Foundation representative chose to interrupt the school's favorite faculty member. "What's with this bitch?" She murmured to her neighbor.

“As many of you are already aware, the Alexandria Foundation is here this year to audit Pacific Royal and to bring it up to our standards. We’re interested in acquiring this school and helping it move past that, what would you call it Mr. O’Neil? Little faux-pas with your previous Chancellor.”

Haven's expression turned deadly. The muscles in her back tensed as a shiver crawled up her spine and to the tips of her wings. Her feathers ruffled involuntarily. Yet the bitch continued on, as if she hadn't mentioned a terrorist in front of a student body that still bore the scars of Hyperion's acts. O'Neil regained control of the speech soon after, giving Haven a moment to take a slow and intentional breath through her nose.

"I'll give her a really nice Pacific Royal Welcome after this." She muttered under her breath.

Lorcán was the first out of the stadium. She'd heard his excuse to Aurora, among the student's murmuring, before the shuffle of his feet. When O'Neil had finished speaking, Haven was the next one to go. Her feathers were still embarrassingly fluffed out of frustration. She was itching to give the woman a piece of her mind, and yet she knew there was nothing she could do. She could always find something else to do with her life, without a degree. She'd done it before, although not as legally as she should have. It was the fact that her friends careers hung on the rep's say-so that burned her. It meant Haven would have to play nice for their benefit, and she surely would. Hopefully her temper wouldn't muck it up for them, should the Foundation truly decide to take over the school she'd grown to love.

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Commencement: A Pacific Royal Collegiate & University RP

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H A V E N
H A V E N

_{Location: The Beach - PRCU}

Welcome Home #1.031: Freebird

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_{Interaction(s): Lorcán @Lord Wraith, Aurora @Melissa, Rory @webboysurf, Banjo @Hound55, Others-Indirectly}

Previously: Unexpected Turbulence

Just when Haven thought she was safe from any more embarrassing shows of emotion, she just happened to catch Mei's approach to Rory when she heard the dark haired woman tap his shoulder. “Hey Rory! So..uhh.. Would you like to go to the dance with me?”

Haven's heart sputtered out like an engine that just hit a family of geese. She sighed through her nose, and proceeded to chug the rest of her seltzer before Rory could reply. The can was soon empty, just before she could hear Rory say...

"I'm sorry, Webs... I'm not really in the mood for jokes right now."

Haven's gaze immediately moved over to Rory. Instead of feeling relief from his answer, her heart sputtered back to life and twisted. The way Rory hung his head as he walked away from a potential, real date to the dance... He seemed pretty upset.

“Sky Betty, dude, I don't drink and surf.”

"Oh, you're right. My bad." She said as she tore her gaze away from Rory, giving Lorcán a small nod. She was wise not to drink too much if she expected to fly, either. Although there were plenty of nights that she'd had a bit too much, and was forced to stumble home or convince Banjo or Katja to give her a piggy-back to the dorms. For the record, that happened rarely.

Haven would have to check in on Rory later.

“Can someone tell me what just happened?” Haven heard Aurora's voice to her side.

Haven turned to Aurora to give her own explanation, as Calliope and Gil, or Gil copy, handled the boys. When she saw the state Aurora was in, sympathy filled her eyes. Her poor friend's face was almost as red as her hair. Although Haven had heard Aurora's rambling, she hadn't expected her to look this flustered either. She kept her voice low, so that neither Rory nor Lorcán would hear her answer.

"I'm not really sure myself." Haven replied as she shrugged and gestured towards Rory. "I thought Rory asked you out, too, and that's why I, uh..." She sighed softly. "Anyways, he just told Gil he didn't mean it like that."

Aurora shook her head with a small laugh before taking another sip of her seltzer. "If that's the case, Rory needs to practice thinking before speaking. I know he means well, but man, sometimes I wonder what goes through his mind." The redhead sighed, turning to Haven "What I'm also wondering is why you didn't tell me that you were into him sooner... you know I hang around him and Lorcán all the time, I could've done some stealth work if I knew you were interested."

Haven blinked, processing Aurora's words for a moment before a small grin spread across her lips. "Was it really that obvious, just now?" She held up the empty can of seltzer to her chin as she glanced over Rory's way once more. "I wouldn't have been mad if you said yes, by the way. Though I would have been jealous." Her grin grew wider as she looked back.

“I put two and two together,” Aurora shrugged, “I heard you choke on your drink.” She smirked at Haven before taking her hand reassuringly, her playful demeanor dissolving into sincerity. “I would have hated myself if I made you feel that way, I could never do that to you.”

Haven squeezed Aurora's hand. "I feel the same way. I'm not saying I'd be a good wingwoman," She paused to shake her head at the irony of that statement, "but I'll try my best if there's anyone you have in mind for yourself."

“Oh, uh- I don’t know if I need any assistance in that department right now.” The redhead felt her cheeks grow warm again. “I meant what I said before, I don’t know if I want to go with anyone. Kind of scares me if I’m being honest…”

Aurora let go of Haven’s hand and tucked a strand of her copper locks behind her ear. “Let’s just focus on getting you to the dance with Rory. I’ll ask Lorcán later if he knows anything.”

Haven pressed her lips together, glancing over at Mei where she stood. There was no doubt Mei was going to ask Rory again. Especially after he confused her question with a joke. "It's not the dance I'm worried about... It seems like Mei has feelings for him too," she murmured softly. She leaned down to grab a cider and Aurora's drink of choice out of the cooler, and shrugged as she turned back towards Aurora with a smile. "We can't let this perfect day go to waste, so either drink up or let's get in the water."

---

Haven's sneakered feet touched down on the sand for the second time today. This time freshly showered, wearing a brown tracksuit with a white tank underneath. Half of her hair was held back by a hairband to make sure the night breeze wouldn't blow it in her face. She looked over at the group, all sitting by the fire looking cozy. A bit behind them sat Rory, looking just as solemn as earlier in the day. She moved towards him, hoping she could get him out of his slump.

"Hey, Rory." Haven murmured from Rory's right as she sat crisscrossed beside him. She gave him a small smile as she looked his way. Into those sky blue eyes. In the growing darkness, it seemed like his eyes held storm clouds within them.

"How're you doing?" Her tone was casual, although her eyes showed her concern for him. She turned her head to watch the group mill about, stretching her wings out behind her as she rested her elbows on her knees. "The first day back is always so busy, catching up with everyone."

Rory had chosen a spot a little farther back from the fire, resting in the sand with one knee raised. He leaned forward, one elbow on the raised knee as he ran a thumb over a broken seashell resting in the sand. He seemed a bit startled as Haven approached him, but flashed a faint smile in acknowledgement. Despite the cold chill of the night, he felt sweat beginning to gather on his palms. But that feeling subsided, replaced instead by a modicum of comfort. He leaned back slightly, resting his free hand behind himself so he could turn and face Haven. He was silent for a moment, taking in the view of her illuminated in fire light as he thought for a moment. "I think I'll be ok... I'm just getting sick and tired of messing everything up all the time." He paused, turning his gaze away from Haven to look towards Lorcán by the fire. "It's like I'm playing a different game than everyone else most of the time. Or... maybe like everyone else knows the rules but me. And I just keep drawing fouls over and over, but the rules keep changing. So every play is the wrong play, y'know?

Haven chuckled softly, turning her head towards him once more. Her smile faltered a moment as she noticed where his attention had gone to, but she decided not to bring it up directly. "I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one who feels that way."

Rory tilted his head, yet again confused as he looked back towards Haven. "I don't follow. You always seem so..." Rory paused, staring into her eyes as he searched for understanding, "Free. And you don't seem to fumble things up the way I do, from what I've seen." Rory turned his gaze away from Haven instinctively, looking at the ground a moment as he weakly tossed the shell away from them.

Haven reached over to pick up the shell, admiring it for a moment before she set it down between them. "It's taken a lot of mistakes to get to where I am now. I've learned it's best to be patient with myself. There are still plenty of new feelings and experiences," she looked into his eyes, because she knew that Rory was at the center of those feelings now, "that are just as exciting as they are scary." She didn't want to make this about herself, so she decided to breach the topic that made him so upset in the first place.

"We all know you meant well, earlier." She leant towards him and spoke softer now, so that the rest of the group wouldn't hear her. "That's all that matters. You've always been hard on yourself, and it shows how much you really care. I hope you can give yourself the same patience as I do with myself."

Rory chuckled softly as he looked to Haven. "I thought I was the psych major." He looked towards the others around the campfire, shaking his head. "You're right. It's something to work on." Rory climbed up to his feet, and held a hand out to Haven to help her up. "We should join back with the others before we get too sappy."

Haven beamed up at him, already glad to see that he was feeling better. "Sounds good, Rory." She took his hand, feeling it's warmth around her own. That warmth spread throughout her as she let him pull her to her feet. "Wanna sit next to me?"

Rory nodded, pulling Haven up with relative ease. His hand held on to hers tightly for a moment, before he just quickly let go and moved a free hand to rub the back of his neck. He was hoping she didn't see his cheeks grow a shade darker in the dim light, and simply nodded towards the fire. "Lead the way, freebird."

Haven giggled at the nickname, and headed to join the group. She stuffed her hands in her jacket's pockets to keep herself from reaching for his hand again. The little squeeze and the flush in his cheeks hadn't gone unnoticed, but she didn't want to push him when Mei's invitation to the dance still lingered in the back of her mind. Pushing that thought to the very back of her conscious, she aimed for a spot between Banjo and Gil that looked big enough for her wings and for Rory to sit next to her.

"I'm hoping to volunteer for the U.S. Forest Service this summer, before I start my career." Haven responded to Lorcán as she sat on the sand next to Banjo. She dapped the blondie on the shoulder as a greeting, and looked at the rest of the group. "It depends on how friendly they are with hypes, but there has to be at least one Ranger out there that will accept me." She shrugged as if the comment wasn't as heavy as it seemed. "If I go, feel free to visit me in the states, Lorcán. The American National Parks are gorgeous."

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Commencement: A Pacific Royal Collegiate & University RP

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H A V E N
H A V E N

_{Location: The Beach - PRCU}

Welcome Home #1.026: Unexpected Turbulence

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_{Interaction(s): Rory @webboysurf, Pallyx @Bartimaeus, Calliope @PatientBean, Gil @Roman, Lorcán @Lord Wraith}

Previously: A Shorebird for a Day

Haven couldn't deny the way her heart fluttered as Rory came to stand next to her. His blue eyes were like a wide open sky. The way she had to tilt her head back a bit to see them when he stood this close gave her the same sensation as the freeing moment when her feet first lift off the ground. It was a feeling she hadn't felt towards a person before.

Then he was complimenting her, in his own bashful way. Her smile widened as he did so. When it came to compliments, Haven didn't blush and shy away. Instead, the rush of heat that would have gone to her cheeks spread from her shoulders to her the tips of her wings and toes as he gestured to all of her. Wings. The nickname he gave her years ago had once been an insult to her long before her time at PRCU. When he said it now, it made her proud to have it.

Rory had turned his attention away from her, which gave Haven's skin a chance to cool as she turned to smile at Aurora. In her peripherals she could see that Rory was wiping sweat off his forehead. An implication that he had also experienced the same heat wave that she had. The thought made her wish that Rory hadn't given up the effort so quickly.

Unfortunately, she also noticed the subtle way that Rory's face fell when Aurora asked about his brother. She glanced over at him, before Aurora turned to her now. Haven nodded. "I could be out there all day if I wanted." She responded before Aurora, as Haven expected, turned her undivided attention onto Lorcán. She glanced between the two, a knowing smile growing on her lips before she decided to give them their space.

She turned to Pallyx, who was already sipping on the cider Rory had handed over. "I don't know why I grabbed this." She held up her seltzer. "Cider is way better." Pallyx's eyes were on the other three at the coolers, undoubtedly thinking what everyone else thought when Lorcán and Aurora were speaking to each other. She could even hear Calliope and Banjo discussing it where they sat. Haven simply shrugged, and decided to down half of the seltzer just to finish the drink quicker.

She lifted the drink to her lips, the coolness of it refreshing. Her head turned as she continued to chug, to watch as Rory approached the two shy lovebirds. For a moment she wondered why he hadn't thought to join her and Pallyx. Although it seemed like he had an idea, and was set on accomplishing it before something distracted him.

"Hey Red, Hot Shot over here just reminded me... there's this senior dance after the Homecoming Trials. You want to go?"

Haven nearly choked on her drink. Her wings flared behind her as she tried her best to swallow what she had left. She lowered the can away from her, her left hand coming up to wipe away the bit of seltzer that dripped from her lips. Then she gave Pallyx a thumbs up, in case her sudden reaction caught her friends attention. In the distance she could hear Banjo's cackle, and Calli's mention that Rory was at least trying. Trying to what, though?

“Bro, _{I don’t know what you think you’re doing}-,” Haven could hear every word Lorcán was saying as she quietly coughed to clear her throat, “-_{But I’m pretty sure you’re doing it wrong.}”

She recovered from her shock just in time to hear Lorcán's words to Aurora. What did Aurora think of this? _{She won't say yes, right?} ... She has every right to say yes if she wanted to. Suck it up. There was no reason for her to get jealous like this. Pallyx sucked in a breath beside her, and Haven glanced towards the trio in time to see why her friend had cringed.

As someone who has always had to pick herself up, Haven thought that Lorcán didn't need to know that she also witnessed his fall. She could already hear Calliope and Gil on the way to help him, whether he wanted it or not. So Haven turned her eyes away from the scene. Almost desperate to hide her own reaction to Rory's question, anyways. Why had he asked Aurora?

Why am I letting this get to me? She thought. These feelings for him hadn't even taken flight until last year, and he wasn't the only one on her mind these days either. The reason she hadn't been with anyone in Blackjack before was because they were her friends before anything else. So if Rory wanted to take someone else, then she was happy for him. She could handle it, like she had handled many disappointments before.

The hardest part of having enhanced hearing was that even though Haven was trying to mind her business, she could hear everything Calliope was saying to Lorcán as she helped him to his feet. "You and I both know he meant well. You're smart, you're attractive, and you are one of the sweetest guys I know. Whether or not Aurora sees through this thinly veiled attempt to get the two of you together, she likes you too. It's a girl thing, trust me." Suddenly her heart felt much lighter. She breathed a soft sigh, and finally moved her eyes back over to Rory. He hadn't said "with me" when he asked Aurora. He would have said them, right?

"What would we do without 'er, huh?" Pallyx chimed in beside her, having caught onto the situation as well. Haven's returning smile expressed her own relief. She turned towards Calli, Gil, and Lorcán and decided to adopt Pallyx's cheerful disposition. "Thanks, mom and dad." She teased Calli and Gil. "Maybe get a water for Lorcán, too. He might have had enough drinks for the day." Hopefully joking that Lorcán was drunk would save him from explaining why he fell over to begin with. Maybe her jokes would hide the fact that she'd been as upset as the fire bender as well.

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