Location:Field House
Interacting with:The team and Alexander

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Russ looked around the locker room. It almost had a festive feel to it. Someone had brought a Bluetooth speaker and were playing hip-hop and rap music. This was what the team listened to pump themselves up. Not some lame soundtrack that the glee club thought they would like. Russ was wearing his jersey. He loved wearing it on game day. Everyone already knew he was on the team, but it was a symbol of his status. Russ liked to think there was more to him than just football, but on game day he was focused. His head was in the game and the only way he was going to do well was if he got into his zone early. The game might be in a few hours but the pre-game was just as important as what happened on the field. He looked around at the group of guys in the room. Coach wasn't in there with them at the moment so everyone was relaxed. They still had the pep rally to go before the atmosphere had to change.

Suddenly, someone punched Russ on his shoulder. It was Alexander. Alexander was his roommate, the quarterback, and the captain. He was also the person Russ felt closest to. "Lighten up dude. No reason to start getting ready this early. You'll wind yourself up too tight and then you won't be able to run. And we need you tonight. Try and have some fun!" Russ turned to him and smiled. "Don't hit me again or I won't block for you on any of the pass plays tonight. We'll see if you're still smiling when you're flat on your back." Russ smiled at Alexander. Russ knew he was trying to just motivate him and Alex knew Russ would never do anything to jeopardize the game. Even though Russ transferred in, he and Alex had become fast friends. There was little that Russ did that Alex wasn't right there next to him.

Russ went around to other teammates and joked around with them. He was basically killing time until the coaches came to fetch them and lead them into the gym where the pep rally was at. They were playing their rivals tonight. They were also the only competition in their conference. If they could win tonight, it would set them up to be conferene champs which would keep them a good seed come playoff time. They were good enough that going to playoffs wasn't a question. It was a matter of if they would go undefeated or not. Russ tried not to let the nerves get to him. He had played in big games before. This was no different. The nerves kept him sharp. Alex was right though. If he let himself start to shut everyone and focus on the game this early then he would be too tense when it was time for the game.

Russ shook his head and rolled his shoulders. He knew why he was nervous. Football was easy and he was confident that they were the better team. He knew that they would win. He was nervous about who was watching. He didn't resent Alex at all. In fact, no one would ever see him if Alex was no good. What he really wanted was that Meghan was wearing his jersey instead of Alex's. It was petty and he wouldn't let it affect his game. But for some reason it was still on his mind. His usual smile had disappeared earlier that day when he saw that she was wearing Alex's number instead of his. Sure he had his admirers, but she was the one that had caught his eye. And he thought he had caught hers these first few weeks, but he guessed wrong it seemed.

Alex walked over to where Russ was sitting. "You're doing it again. Cut it out. Come over here with us." Russ got up and joined Alex and the offensive line in a corner of the locker room. They were engaged in typical locker room talk. Russ smiled and joined in. His two favorite topics: football and girls. They sat and passed the time until the pep rally.

---

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Throwing a pill into her mouth, she looks down at the little container. Benzodiazepines. Sheesh, the name made it sound so damn intimidating. Her doctor had already told her “Only 4 to 5 a week. No more than that Alvrentasia. You know what happened last time.” With that thought in mind, Alvrentasia throws another into her mouth and swallows. She places the container into her small pouch which she carried around 24/7. It would be a bother if someone found the thing. It looks like straight up drugs. Well, not that Aster hadn't found out. Ugh. But whatever, him lecturing her wasn't too bad until he had a... blind moment or whatever. It made her feel worried but it would probably be better if she didn't involve herself in his shit. He had baggage. Any goody two shoes like that did. And she wasn't up for that on the day that she witnessed whatever happened.

On this day, Alvrentasia had on a white button up blouse along with a smooth caramel shade skirt that was just the right length. Not too long and definitely not too short. Her shoes were a pair of simple white flats that gave her feet much comfort and another plus, she could run in them. An outfit that screamed nerd but a face that said otherwise. Applying a bit of mascara and eyeliner, Alvrentasia had her dark red lip tint to finish up the look. A simple makeup that wasn’t too much.

She saw other students around the school once she pulled up in her car, of course. Did I not get here early enough? I guess not. She didn’t hate people or anything. Some people thought that when they were told off for speaking to her at times. Alvrentasia just hates all of the noise that they produce. Especially gossiping. She liked to save her skin from the corrosive acids from the mouths of toxic people. The entire walk, she had shown no expression and she didn't acknowledge anyone around her at the time and simply passed on by them. In Alvrentasia's hands, she held her violin case in one hand and her black bag around her shoulder. A Stentor violin. In her eyes, it was just a beaut. The elegant aura that it emitted even if it was in her Bam France 2002XL Contoured Hightech Black Carbon-Look 4/4 Violin Case. The sexy velvet interior as well as that sharp interior. The case itself already cost Alvrentasia around $578 for it but oh well. Her and her damn vio-sexualness.

Once she got inside the building, she headed over to the band room which was empty due to the fact that there was no band today. She satisfyingly sighed, setting down her violin case on a chair near the middle. The exit door was cracked open a tiny bit because of the fact that she hadn't made sure to close it and the entrance door was properly closed. She opened her violin case and carefully took out her violin, placing it onto her left shoulder. Next, she took out her bow and strikes the first cord gracefully, beginning to play. It was days like these when she could just begin to play the violin early in the morning that made her feel calm. Her eyes closed as she drifted into her own universe. If someone barged into the room at times like these, she'd usually not notice. That was the extent of which she blocked her surroundings out. It was a great day for her as of now. She wouldn't be going to the football thing and instead she could just relax and play on her violin. Either that, or get drunk. Well, either way.

---

The two siblings were going back and forth talking about random things. They were not using pure English, mind you, rather a combination between the international language and their mother tongue. Although if one were to at least have some little knowledge in Filipino, they would manage to understand that Max was actually pretty worried about his sister. She was, in fact, sick in bed and had decided to call her brother who she knew wouldn't be busy today. It was that day that Max couldn't entirely understand. For someone who doesn't exactly like football as much as the Americans did, it wasn't a day he was too excited for. "Yeah, I'll call you later when I have the time." The call ended after that and he stood up to look out of the window.

The area was already bustling with activity. People were scurrying here and there, most likely those who were actually involved in the pep rally itself. Then there were the others who were just out and about, checking the preparations and such out of sheer curiosity. Usually, he would be down there, trying to help however he can but that call from his sister prompted him to stayed inside for the meantime. Actually, he was ready to get going before the call. Now, he felt lazier than ever. If the pep rally wasn't a mandatory attendance, he would've stayed inside his room.

Closing his laptop, Max placed it inside his laptop bag. He, of course, carried the laptop everywhere he went considering a moment of inspiration can strike at any time and who knows when he might need it. He also carried around a notebook inside and a pen in his pocket. He looked around. Everything looked neat and tidy. Holden had already left the dorm room earlier because of his position at the Glee Club. And Max was pretty sure that there was something going on in the club, some complications. Whatever it was, there was nothing he could actually do to help.

He was about to leave since he had everything ready when he noticed that he left his phone on his bed, silent too. Max sighed and went for the object and noticed the message that was sent to him. Speaking of Holden, he sent a text. Enjoying the pregame activities huh? He should've been.



With that, he put his phone on vibrate, slid it into his pocket and went outside. The halls weren't particularly busy save for the occasional person passing by and saying hello. It wasn't long until he got outside of the dorms and out into the open. It wasn't soon until someone came up to him and asked for his help. While waiting for Holden's reply, might as well help out right? Right.

---

"So, they're ready, right?" Aster clicked his pen before ticking off one of the checkboxes on his list that hung from a clipboard. "So, streamers and the sound system are good." The Vice President mumbled on as a few students walked beside him as he continued to make sure that everything had been prepared for this event. It has been quite some time before St. Mary's has become this lively, and this event was more than just a show of their school spirit. It was also an effort to entice the students to stay. Unfortunately for him, those airbag A-Listers were doing a good job of driving off those who never met their standards. But, sadly for them, Aster intended to make their 'bitch' lives harder. "Of course we need that mascot suit! Ain't no game complete without a mascot. How long would that arrive?" Aster grumbled as the student replied that the costume would arrive in an hour. "As long as it arrives before the rally ends."

Aster sighed as he waved off his colleagues before slumping near one of the lockers. He folded the sleeves of his white polo, rolling them up before sealing the cuffs a few inches below his elbow. He pulled out his phone from the right pocket of his blue fitting jeans before slamming it near his ear. "Talk to me," It was during these times that Aster shone as one of the pillars of student excellence. He perfectly handled most of these campus-wide celebrations and the teachers loved him for it. Every move calculated and every decision backed with research. Fortunately, he had done his share of research and study. As long as he could make the freshmen feel at ease during these events, he could make sure that about 78% of the new students would remain here until their senior years. He just had his newest paper submitted to Scopus about the feasibility of school events in promoting student loyalty to an institute. And, by all things good and holy, he would get that 78% inside this school. "Chi is doing what?!" he exclaimed. Oh, he should have expected that Meghan Chi to be already making some of those C-Listers feel out of place. "I swear I'll shove a cookie up her nose if she doesn't stop with this A-List Elitism. No matter, ID that student for me and I'll get to her in no time. Also, make sure that-- Wait, please hold," Aster received another call. "Hernandez is throwing what?!" Also, Hernandez was the epitome of a guy who will literally die if there wasn't a party every five seconds. Why do A-List idiots always cause trouble for him? "Contact maintenance at local 611 to clean up those posters. If some freshmen sees those and raise it with their parents, there goes our enrollees for next year. Got it?"

"Sorry for the hold... Talk to me," He switched back to the Chi Incident. "Make sure that the cheerleaders are in top shape. Some of our guests are coming and I do not want them falling on top of one another while lifting each other and doing a pirouette." Aster placed his phone down as he sank to the floor, pinching the bridge of his nose with his thumb and index. "We're almost there, Aster. Almost there." he stood up before checking his list. "Cheerleaders, done. Now, it's football. The stars." Aster jogged to the field house, popping over to the locker room as he tapped one of the metallic lockers with his clipboard. "Sorry to pop in unannounced, gentlemen. I just want to make sure that everyone's got their heads in the game. Those suckers at Trinity won't show you mercy, and neither should you. Also, your coach called in late. He's stuck in traffic, but he assured me that he would arrive in time for the Pep Rally." Aster ticked off the football team before taking off his glasses. "You're this school's pride, gentlemen. Show everyone why you're known as the best who spit out the rest. Take heart. Oh, and some college benefactors are attending to scout for some talent. Give them a show, especially the both of you, Alexander and Haynes. If you, gentlemen, need anything don't forget to give me a holler. You got my number, right, Haynes?"

With that, he marched of back to the campus. "Pep Song," he clicked his tongue. "The Glee Club." With a huff, the dutiful vice trotted off to the choir room. Before he entered, he took a moment to catch his breath. He had just been running all over the campus! Jesus, he should join the track and field team. As he entered the room, the cold air blasting back his sweat, sending nerves tingling down his spine. "You, singers, re--" Aster paused as he realized that they were in the middle of a vocal exercise. "Sorry for intruding," he bowed before looking at Montgomery. "No song yet? Don't worry about it. We've got plenty of time before the rally." Aster noted down the status of the Pep Song in his clipboard before realizing that everything was blurry. As it turned out, he forgot to wear his glasses! Aster chuckled before sliding his glasses over his eyes before waving off to the glee club. "I'm looking forward to your performance this afternoon, singers. Show Trinity that we've got the better vocal chords."

Whew. That's done. Aster sauntered out of the room. Suddenly, his vision tunneled and flashed. "Fuck, not now." He continued walking without a real direction and, before he realized it, he was standing a few feet behind someone! It was a miracle that he hadn't bumped into the person. He forced his hazy vision to clear, realizing that this was Santos! "Oh, Santos! Good to... see... you..." Aster blinked furiously to make the lad appear more than just a wad of pixels. "I... uhh... yes." he stammered. "Stay out of trouble." Aster dashed away from the scene, bumping into a trashcan or two. He didn't really know where he was going, and good thing that the students were flocking to the gymnasium... or else, he would have smacked into a whole class by now.

Then, everything became dark.

He suppressed a scream before he pushed against a random door, stumbling inside a random room in the process. "Holy shit holy shit holy shit holy shit holy shit holy shit holy shit," Aster rambled as he crawled to the nearest corner before curling into a ball, waiting for the darkness to fade. "Calm down, Aster." he began to hyperventilate, but ultimately, he managed to calm down as his vision blurred slightly before steadying. Then, the sweetest mesh of lullabies flowed through his ear as Aster got his heart to beat slower. He still panted like crazy, but at least he was in no danger of passing out now. As his eyes became crystal clear, Aster stood up from a distance, observing the musician who looked so entranced, so focused on the world of melodies that she had created. "Devine?" he whispered to himself before hiding against hiding beside one of the cabinets that held some of the instruments. "Band room, huh?" Aster sighed, resting his back against the cabinet. Devine must have been so distracted that she even failed to notice his rather panicky entrance. Aster could go out now and join the festivities, but this symphony enticed him to stay for a while longer. Both he and Devine had a truce: no speak, no contact. Well, technically, he was just here to enjoy the moment of peace.

After he had ran almost all over campus, he deserved a break. He earned it. He earned it.

---

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She continued to play the sweet melody and nearly finished but stopped abruptly, producing a loud screeching noise. "No no. It's not right. It's off. Something's not right with it." She says, frustrated. To anyone else's ear it could be heard as practically perfect but not to her. It was never right. Ever. Alvrentasia took out her pouch and quickly and throws a pill into her mouth. She groans from taking too much but swallows it fast and sets the pain aside. Alvrentasia heard a distinct noise and shoves the container back into her pouch and into the black bag, turning her head rather quickly. She couldn't view whatever was there so she took a few steps back and started walking towards one of the cabinets to see what or who it was. She gasped and then exhaled quickly, looking over at Aster with a bit of a pissed off expression. “Oh, bloody hell! Ash?! You scared the shite out of me.” Her British accent bled through for the first time in a while, something that only showed at certain times and something that she had been suppressing a bit. Calling him Ash was accidental but oh well.

With that, she shook her head and gently put down her violin. “..Anyways. What do you need Aster?” She asks, completely forgetting the fact that he could have seen her swallow the pills. Alvrentasia had heard the little truce that Aster had proposed to her. No speak no contact? I can talk to whoever I want. And besides, why not? It's weird to deliberately avoid someone at times and it usually ends up in awkwardness, that's not something that she welcomes.

Alvrentasia scratched the back of her head slightly before raising an eyebrow. She leaned in, viewing his face clearly and getting in his personal space. His eyes were somewhat dilated and he looked… strange to say the least. Alvrentasia sighs before backing up some. "Have another little… moment?” she mumbles, biting her lip. She didn’t want to get in his business and she didn’t want to seem like she was worried but she was.

Alvrentasia looked up at the clock for a second and checked the time. She had to go to the children's hospital in a while. The last time she was going to volunteer somewhere, she figured out goody two shoes Aster was the one organizing it. Well, she couldn't go since she got sick anyways. Either way, this guy just loves organizing that stuff. She didn't know why she kept quiet about it. Maybe because her parents always called stuff like that a waste of time. Or maybe she just isn't used to people thinking that she does does like that. She looked up at him slightly since he was only a little bit taller than her and waited for his response. Because of experience, she was hoping he didn't see the pills.