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Semester Begins - January 15, 2017

“Party, party, party, right Caleb?" Samantha asked playfully hitting him with her hips as she walked by him towards registration. Caleb had known Samantha since his first day at BlackBrick and wondered why she had gravitated towards him. He was just a normal student when he arrived, at least he thought, and he didn’t feel as if he stuck out, but when he met her she seemed overly cheery and eager to meet him. She was an upperclassman, but had yet to play a trick on him.

“Yea I guess Sam,” Caleb replied as he moved in unison with Samantha. The girl wasn’t even looking in the direction she was walking which made him curious as to how she had avoided so many collisions on their way. “Are you bringing what’s his face?” Caleb asked smiling at a few girls that winked at him as he walked. He was focusing this semester. Last year he had gotten into a bit of trouble with his promiscuity. A slap and a reality check later and he found out just how vindictive people could be. Sighing, they turned down a hall and he realized that Samantha was still talking and he hadn’t heard a thing she’d said.

He looked at her and her voice came back in tune as he continued listening to the last bit of what she had to say.

“...In short we broke up but it’s cool,” she finished looking at Caleb with a look of someone who had achieved a great feat of some sort.

“You deserve better anyways,” she added as she nearly collided with a freshman who she simply eyed. The poor kid seemed to shrink as he scurried away from her. The look on her face would make even the toughest of men shudder. Caleb mouthed the word “sorry” to the guy as they continued walking.

“So what about you?” Samantha chimed leaning against him playfully as they continued to walk. He could see the registration office coming up.

“What about me?” Caleb asked looking at Samantha with a raised brow.

“Anyone knew in your life?” She asked with a smirk.

“No, I’m focusing on my work,” he replied quickly causing Samantha’s smirk to vanish.

“Damn, I had someone in mind too, he’s quite the cutie,” she said dancing around him gleefully.

“Oh God no, I’m good Sam, just me and my books,” Caleb replied as they entered into the office seeing the long line for registration. Caleb sighed and rubbed his temple. “This is going to take a while, mind going to get me some Starbucks?” he asked Samantha who scowled at him but knew that she wouldn’t say no to him.

“Fine, save my spot,” she said as she moved out of the line and hurried off to the cafe, “your usual?” she called back to him to which he nodded and she smiled. This was going to be an unusual year, he could feel it in his bones, but he couldn’t quite place it, but he hoped for the best. That was all he could do.

With a jerk, Ambrose rolled out of the bed. The slam of the dorm-room door had startled him from his doze, which was done by his aloof roommate. They somehow gotten off on the wrong foot in their first meeting, and now the two seemed to be at odds. It didn't bother Ambrose much he had already made an enemy at this new place, he just wish he didn't have to share a room with the guy.

Growling, Ambrose pushed the black curls out of his eyes and focused his gaze on the clock set upon the dresser next to his bed. With a yelp he sprang to his feet and stuffed his textbooks and other school supplies into a backpack then bolted out the room. He hustled out and onto the campus, he paused briefly when the sun hit his face. Taking in the fresh air, Ambrose took a moment to contemplate how normal the academy looked at first glance. Everyone looked like usual college kids; besides the magic they were performing of course. Other then that, college life matched what was on TV mostly. The dramatic chance of Ambrose's life was still something he hadn't fully registered yet.

Suddenly remembering why he was rushing in the first place, he picked up his pace again and jogged across the lawn towards the registration office. As soon as the young man approached, the long line immediately came into view. With a sigh he stepped into place, still panting from his run. Ambrose once again pushed tangled locks out of his tired eyes, shifting from foot as he watched a girl hop off, shouting back "your usual?" to the guy in front of Ambrose. Who nodded in response. Ambrose could only make out he profile of his face, and he couldn't but noticed the defined jaw. With that he was suddenly aware of his ratty appearance, adorned only in dark grey sweatpants and a black turtleneck.

Standing in line was the hardest part of any registration process. It was torture. There was nothing to do, which explained why most students usually came with a friend or two to accompany them. Caleb stood silently as one by one those in front of him were called in, sitting in front of a registrar who looked into their file digitally and asked them questions about the classes they had chosen. It reminded him that he hadn't filled out the document yet, and he cursed under his breath. He didn't want to get out of line to do it, and he didn't want to stand up and type on a 17" computer. His only other option was to read the classes off to the registrar from memory. He mentally kicked his own butt for forgetting to do it, but he had an excuse. There was a lot going on at home and he had to take some time to figure stuff out during the summer break.

As time had passed, Samantha came skipping back to his side with a white mocha iced in her hands, large or venti as they called it.

"Thanks, sunshine," he said as Samantha turned around and looked at the students filing in behind them. It was then that she noticed Ambrose and quickly smiled.

"Well look at you," she began, "I've never seen you around here, are you new?" she asked causing Caleb to turn around and look. He took in Ambrose's curly hair and beautiful eyes. His jawline and his defined facial features and a smile slowly crept onto his face, though it seemed that a cat had his tongue for he couldn't say a word. He simply admired him as if he were a treasure until Samantha noticed the awestruck look he had and nudged him with her elbow ever so gently.

"Samantha," Caleb complained holding his side gingerly. "She's right though I haven't seen you around here. Anyways always good to make new friends, I'm Caleb and this is..."

"I'm Samantha," Samantha interjected moving a strand of blonde hair from her face, her beautiful sapphire eyes peering into Ambrose's soul.

"Calm down Sam, you're going to scare him," Caleb stated shaking his head.

"Oh hush you," she chimed smiling her usual smile. Caleb smiled warmly as Samantha continued her onslaught on the poor freshman. "What is your name cutie?" The entire time Caleb was shaking his head trying to figure out a way to help Ambrose out of the situation he was in.

@Catmint

Shifting from foot to foot nervously as the line slowly progressed further. It still seemed to go by agonizingly slow. Noticing the process of registration, Ambrose paused to dig through his backpack and pull out the form required. Thankfully he had completed it beforehand, but he was still unsure if he had done it right. It felt like the people who plopped him onto this campus just assumed he knew what to do. Felt like he was left to the wolves and had to figure it on his own.

Ambrose watched the loud girl bound back up to her friend, handed over the promised coffee. But he was quite surprised when she noticed and turned to him. "O-oh..." He sputtered, taken off guard. Ambrose seemed to shrink under the stares of the two, Caleb was practically staring a hole into him. Ambrose wasn't sure if he liked it or not

"Yeah, I'm new." He gathered himself, "Uh, he's right. You're scaring me a little." He said with a brief chuckle. His face heat up at Samantha's compliment, not used to such flattery. "I'm Ambrose." He said with a slight nod, and motioned to his stuffed backpack. "I'm a freshman, so... I'm not completely sure on how everything....works around here." He admitted up front, shrugging his shoulders.

@WindsOfFate

The poor guy looked as if he'd die. He seemed very uncomfortable with Samantha drilling him the way she was, but thankfully Caleb was there to take some of the heat off of Ambrose. Ambrose gave them his name and informed them that he was a freshman which they already knew, but a name was a great way to make friends. Caleb didn't say anything more as he listened to Ambrose talk. His voice was alluring, and his obliviousness was extremely cute, not to mention he was easy on the eyes, but Caleb had sworn off of guys and girls, focusing on school, at least that's what he told himself whenever he came across someone that peaked his interest. Ambrose was no exception, except for some reason he felt oddly attracted to him, and it made him slightly nervous, not visibly but enough to have him silent more than usual.

"It's okay Ambrose," Caleb interjected just as Samantha was about to say something. "There are maps to help you around campus, and of course there's also the app that I recommend downloading immediately. It's not an official app from the school, some of the techies built it from the ground up and it's a way to keep up with the know how here," Caleb finished winking playfully at Ambrose, "of course if you want to forgo all of that I'd be more than happy to show you around."

What was he doing? He was playfully flirting and he didn't even know anything about Ambrose. Softly smiling, Caleb turned when he heard the registrar yell "NEXT!" which meant that this process would be over soon. Caleb walked over to the registrar and sat down. There was an issue of course because he didn't have his registration papework, but he gave the registrar the information he could remember.

Samantha turned to Ambrose and smirked. "He's adorable isn't he? Quite the straight A student too. Comes from a wealthy family, but get this," she began, "he was a adult film star before he came here." Her eyes squinted playfully as she giggled softly. "So anyways Ambrose, you should definitely come to the party tonight," she began before the registrar yelled "NEXT" which indicated her time with Ambrose was up. She pouted and wrote down a number on a piece of paper. It wasn't her number, but it was Caleb's. She enjoyed playing these types of games. She placed the piece of paper in Ambrose' hands and waved. "In case you get lost boo," she added heading to the open seat to get her registration done.

@Catmint

Ambrose shifted restlessly as Samantha drilled him with questions, which was only interrupted by Caleb's interjection. Ambrose hung on to his every word, even though he hated that he was excited to have attention of Caleb. He blinked at the flirts from Caleb. Was it flirting? Or maybe he was just being arrogant and self-centered? Either way, a blush graced his cheeks at the comment. "Sure... I'll consider that, thanks."

Ambrose scooted up in line once Caleb was called over to the desk. Clutching his papers, he refocused back on Samantha. His eyebrows raised at Caleb's profression. "Wow, um, that's...interesting." He said, not completely how to respond or even how to feel about it. It wasn't really his business yet. "What party?" He asked but the phone number was shoved into his hand and Samantha had already bounded off. He was left there in line, still processing the interaction that just took place.

But snapped out of his pondering, the large women at the desk beckoned him forward with a sharp bark. He plopped down and began the tiring process of registration. Although he was prepared, it was still grueling and time-consuming. Finally, his classes were assigned and he was given his student ID. Ambrose sighed heavily as he stepped away from the desk, dismissed by a flippant wave of the hand.

Classes started tomorrow, but registration was today. It was mostly relaxed aside from the first years who were running around as if their lives were going to end. None of them knew much about BlackBrick Academy other than it was a school that taught magic as well as normal curriculum. The party that was going on that night was held by the upperclassmen. It happened every year from what Caleb and Samantha knew. Each year the parties got wilder and yet no one had died. That was the good thing about the parties. There were plenty of drunken college kids, but although alcohol was present at the parties, everyone was mostly high on magic and other stimulants. Caleb went his first year at BlackBrick and had a blast, but this year he didn't know if he would stay the entire time, perhaps pop in to show his face and then leave.

As he stood up to leave the registrar office, he caught sight of Samantha with a scowl on her face. Something was wrong, but he knew she'd tell him later. He noticed Ambrose as well. Damn, he was cute, but every time he thought about how cute Ambrose was he could hear his inner voice saying "you swore off it remember" which causes him to groan in misery at the position he put himself in. He smiled in Ambrose's direction as he exited the office and waited outside for Samantha. When she emerged he looked at her as she glared daggers in the direction of the registrar inside the office.

"Stupid ass," she exclaimed causing Caleb to laugh lightly.

"What happened?" he questioned unfolding his arm and walking beside her.

"She put me in the wrong class," Samantha said annoyed, "and now I have to come up here tomorrow to FIX IT!"

Caleb shook his head. "Calm down Sam, let's just get ready for this party tonight and have fun."

Samantha looked at Caleb when he smiled his infamous smile, the smile that would launch a thousand ships into battle. Rolling her eyes she reluctantly smiled and crossed her arms.

"So you might be getting a text," she smirked winking at him. Caleb looked at her and then turned his head back towards the office before catching up with her.

"Tell me you didn't," Caleb said looking at her as she perched her lips.

"You're welcome," she replied causing Caleb to groan. He wasn't that upset but he wished she would have asked him before giving his phone number out to strangers. Still, Ambrose had peaked his interest and his worry faded away without hindrance.

"Honestly though Sam, come on the guy's probably in a relationship or not even gay," Caleb said softly, "I'm probably not even his type."

"A simple 'thank you' would suffice CJ," Samantha replied as she strutted off heading towards her dorm leaving Caleb with a look of pure shock on his face. He had to admit she did enjoy toying with him.

@Catmint

Ambrose rubbed his eyes as he stepped away, noticing only Caleb briefly who was already walking away. He stared after for a beat longer before refocusing. He wasn't sure what he saw in the man, but all he knew was that he couldn't handle any kind of relationship. So he pushed those thoughts out of his head and pulled out his phone, downloading the app recommended by Caleb. On his way out, he passed his roommate. They both shared a scrowl as they met eye contact. His roommate was tall, graceful, and shiny blonde hair rested atop his head. Basically the opposite of Ambrose. The roommate went by the name of Anthony.

Shaking his head as he stepped back out onto campus, he wondered what he should spend the rest of his day doing. Maybe visit the library to throw himself into studies? Or finally getting around to finish that one painting? Ambrose held his backpack closer, sitting down on the edge of a fountain with a sigh. The magic world was exciting and new, almost addictive, but Ambrose still felt out of place. Like he always had. Maybe he really did need something to take the edge off, possibly something like a party. Ambrose took out the scrap of paper with the number on it, pausing a moment before deciding to punch in the numbers. He waited nervously as the phone began to ring.

Caleb was alone standing in front of the cafeteria. He had been walking after separating from Samantha, not really concerned with a destination, but whether what had happened while in the line for registration. Ambrose was an attractive man. He was Caleb's type, but from what Caleb could gather about him while observing him during their conversation, Ambrose seemed more like an introvert which was fine, but Caleb was an extrovert, meaning he enjoyed crowds, he enjoyed parties and he loved having fun. He wondered how they'd clash or if they'd mix at all. Then again what made him think that Ambrose was even interested in him? Furthermore, he doubted Ambrose would even remember him from their conversation. Shaking his head, he moved towards the dorms, opting to wait to gather his books after classes began.

He turned and looked towards the sky. With a few quick maneuvers of his hand, he produced an orb of light that hovered above his hand for a few moments. He smiled when he realized he had accomplished it while walking and he hadn't collided with anyone. Along the way to his dorm, he was stopped and asked questions from various students who knew him. He was rather popular because of his knowledge in spells. He was among one of the tops in his grade, but there had been talking about him participating in the upcoming tournament. Truthfully he hadn't thought twice about it, but the talk along had spiked his popularity. He wasn't a conceited guy. He enjoyed the finer things that was true, but he never let it get to his head. He was average, and he didn't flash his status. Still that didn't stop people from calling him "uppity" or whatever other words they cared to use.

As he neared the dorms, his phone suddenly began to ring. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the phone, glancing to see if he recognized the number. It was new. His mind started working, trying to piece together who might be calling him. Then he made an assumption that made him smile softly. He answered and began to speak.

"Hello?" he said trying to maintain a straight face.

@Catmint

@WindsOfFate

Ambrose tapped his foot impatiently as the phone rang, fidgeting with a stain on his pants. Finally a hesitant voice on the end called out a tentative "hello". Ambrose was silent for a moment, throat dry and his mind blank. But he regained his bearings and huffed, standing up to pace back and forth. "Er, hi. This is um Ambrose, from earlier today... Samantha gave me this number?" He said uncertainly, unsure if he even had the right person on the end of the line. "I was invited to the party tonight and well... I was wondering about it. Not sure where it is or even when it starts." Ambrose admitted with a huff, finally he stopped his babbling to wait for the reply with baited breath.

@Catmint

Listening to Ambrose talk on the phone was interesting. He didn't want to interrupt him, he just wanted to hear him talk, but as he listened he could tell how uncertain Ambrose was with the entire experience. Caleb was an upperclassman and Ambrose was a freshman. It was easy to get overwhelmed with BlackBrick. There was so much to do, so much to learn and final exams were hell. Caleb recalled seeing the library at capacity when it came to final exams and remembered having to take his books to his room to study. He had to admit he wouldn't be where he is now in his experience with magic had it not been for the Headmaster taking an interest in his learning. Caleb was well versed with his use of spells and was still learning. There was a moment when he didn't hear anything come through the phone and figured Ambrose had finished talking.

"Oh hey Ambrose, it's Caleb," Caleb said with a smile that he hoped Ambrose could hear in his tone, "yea Samantha does that a lot, but I'm glad you called. I'm always here to help," Caleb added remembering his promise to himself. He closed his eyes and exhaled lightly before continuing, "The party is tonight around 9 pm for the early goes or 10 if you wanna start late. It's off campus so you'd have to know how to travel or apparate. Traveling spells aren't that hard. I can show you if you want? If you don't want to go alone, just meet me and Sam in my dorm, room 702 in the upperclassman dorm at 7:30."

Caleb stopped talking and wondered if he was being too forward or crossing too many lines. He waited patiently for a response from Ambrose.

@WindsOfFate

Ambrose breathed a sigh of relief as he finally finished his blabbering. But he tensed up as Caleb's voice seeped through the phone. He had honestly expected the perky Samantha picking up. But honestly, he should have expected something like this. And for some reason the trickery didn't upset him like most situations would. It felt more like a favor.

Ambrose listened carefully, taking in each detail that was heard through the receiver. The voice was silky, and felt like a smile was behind it. It sounded like he paused to sigh lightly, and a small shiver was sent down Ambrose's spine as he imagined Caleb, eyes closed and mouth slightly ajar. But failing to notice Caleb had finished his offer, Ambrose had remained silent for almost a full minute.

"Oh! Um, yeah sounds good, I guess I'll see you then. Bye." He blurted and abruptly hung up the phone, panting. Why was he so flustered? Ambrose stood there by the fountain, pondering it before deciding that it didn't matter. Shaking the black curls out of his eyes, Ambrose started off towards his dorm. He wondered if he even had anything suitable for a party setting.

[timeskip to 7:30?]

@Catmint

7:30 PM Monday - Time to Party!

Time seemed to quicken its pace as Caleb lingered in the common room of the dormitory. He was excited. This was the first party of the semester and they were always worth the time. He had been practicing spells and studying lore through various books, but he hadn't expected time to fly by as he sat there maneuvering his hands and producing various charms. When his phone started beeping, he looked at it with a smirk. It was 7:30, the party would be starting in just an hour and a half. That meant he had to start getting ready soon. He already knew Sam would be knocking at his door by 8:30, but he didn't know what time Ambrose would show up, and he would rather not be in a compromising position when he arrived.

Standing to his feet, he scurried off to his dorm. Stripping of his clothes he jumped into the shower and allowed the warm water to cascade over his nude form as he began to apply product to the sponge that Samantha got him for his birthday last year. It was amazing. It exfoliated the skin and left a slight glow. As he showered, he began to sing, allowing his voice to filter out of his room and into the hallway of the dormitory.

He pulled the comb through his curls for the hundredth time, and again failing to make the hair atop his head any tidier looking. Finally he sighed and glared into the mirror, spending a few moments cursing his looks before he realized the time. "Oh shit!" He cursed to hmself as he hopped up out of his chair, gathering his phone and keys. He ignored the glance of disapproval from his roommate, pretending he didn't notice the glare. He had too much on his mind to worry about that.

The clock clicked 7:30 PM as Ambrose came up upon the upperclassmen dorm. Voices could be heard from inside as Ambrose pushed in, making his way past crowds of older students conversing among themselves. They played little attention to the freshmen, only sparing one disinterested glance before turning back to their own business. Ambrose stepped up along the stairs, down the hallway before he stopped in front of the 702 dorm room. Faint singing could be heard drifting from inside, and against his better judgment Ambrose knocked before creaking the unlocked door open.

He poked his head in before allowing himself fully inside the room. "Hello?" He called out softly, but was only answered the pattering of water from the bathroom. From which steam drifted from the cracks of the bathroom door. "This is Caleb's room right?"

Caleb hadn't quite finished his shower when Ambrose showed up. He didn't even hear Ambrose come into his room. He had his own room of course, but the dormitory was shared between two others, both guys who got along well with Caleb and enjoyed having fun. Caleb had finished showering and had turned the faucet off. He thought he heard something, but paused to see if he did. When he heard nothing, he dried off with a towel and wrapped it around his lower half. After brushing his teeth and flossing gently, he gargled and spit the green liquid into the sink before drying his face and swooping his hair to the side nearly covering his left eye. He moved towards the door, exiting the bathroom before realizing that Ambrose was in his room. Caleb was completely shirtless, and the towel that was draped around his lower half hung loosely and very low on his waist, low enough to be dangerously revealing.

Caleb gasped in surprise and yet managed to smile before moving to the foldable room divider that sat in the corner near his nightstand that had all his underwear.

"I'm sorry about that," he called from behind the divider pretty sure he had just scarred Ambrose with his half naked form. To make matters worse, he had a feeling that he wasn't Ambrose's type and hoped that he wouldn't ruin Ambrose's night. He wanted Ambrose to have fun and enjoy his time at BlackBrick. Caleb returned to Ambrose's line of sight with only underwear on. He sighed realizing that his clothes were on the dresser next to Ambrose. "I...umm, my clothes are right in there," Caleb said as he moved towards Ambrose hoping to not stir up unwanted reactions. Caleb pulled out a shirt that had "CASH ME OUTSIDE" on the front and "HOW BOUT DAT!" on the back. It was in a beautiful magenta and the lettering was in a dark rose. He pulled the shirt on and grabbed a black pair of skinny jeans and a white belt. His underwear was white and pink and the rim of them stuck out above the waistline of the pants. The white belt added a certain flair to the entire outfit.

Caleb finished dressing and looked over at Ambrose. "You look cute," he said with a smirk taking in Ambrose's outfit. He put on a matching leather wrist cuff on his right wrist and ran a hand through his hair. "Samantha should be here soon," he began before checking himself once more in the mirror. "Are you excited?" he asked with a sly grin, "should be fun, just some pointers. Don't take drinks from anyone, always make your own. Even still, all the drinks will be spiked with some sort of alcohol. If you get uncomfortable let me or Sam know and we'll help you out. Just want you to have a good time is all," Caleb admitted.

@Catmint

Ambrose had been shifting from foot to foot anxiously, and had checked the room number twice by the time Caleb finally stepped out. Their eyes met across the room as he stepped out of the bathroom and Ambrose physically struggled to keep his gaze from drifting downwards. "I-I'm sorry!" He sputtered, face gone beet red at the intrusion. "I wasn't sure what to do, and well, uh..." He trailed off and glanced away As Caleb pulled on underwear behind the divider.

This time Ambrose gave in and shamelessly stared down at the white and pink underwear. Okay, unexpected choice of color. He scrambled out of the way, "Sorry again..." He fidgeted and hovered near the door of the dorm. "Heh, thanks, you don't have to lie though." Ambrose responded, shrugging off the compliment. He was just being nice. Ambrose was still dressed in dark colors, ripped black jeans and the same turtleneck splattered with various shades of paint. "You're outfit is much more...interesting." He said, eyes lingering on the eye-catching shirt. Ambrose admittedly didn't understand the reference, thinking it some obscure magic lingo.

"Right. Thanks again, I um, haven't been to a party in a while. Sorry if I'm unbearably awkward." He tousled his hair, "Might need a few drinks to loosen up," He grumbled, the last part was mostly to himself.

@Catmint

Caleb could tell that Ambrose was slightly nervous especially when he had walked out with only a towel wrapped around his lower extremities. Then again it would've been hard for Caleb not to look if Ambrose had done the same. He did catch Ambrose's eyes trail to his underwear and yet he said nothing about it. The poor guy was already flustered, and calling him out on snatching a peak wouldn't be the best thing to do, and would probably cause Ambrose to shrink even more into his shell. Caleb listened to Ambrose talk and he smiled his genuine smile, the smile that had melted many hearts, caused people to fall in love, and cloud the very senses of genders, male, female and all inclusive alike. Caleb was Caleb. He didn't apologize for the fact that he oozed charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent, and he didn't apologize for simply being a sex symbol, though he did tone it down significantly since his arrival at BlackBrick.

"I'm not lying," Caleb said as he approached Ambrose once again. "You can wear this if you want," Caleb said holding a rather expensive looking bracelet that somewhat matched what Ambrose had on. Caleb did like to accessorize. "Overall I think you're rather attractive, and your outfit is cute," Caleb added being rather straightforward with Ambrose in that moment. Ambrose had thanked him for allowing him to tag along to the party, and Caleb shrugged.

"Look, you're a freshman, I get it we've all been there, and who am I to look down on you? We're all here to learn right? Besides we're here, might as well have fun," Caleb said as he made one last adjustment to his outfit before sitting on his bed, "Sam's big mouth will be here soon, but tell me about you Ambrose, what brings you to BlackBrick? Aside from magic of course."

Ambrose wanted to just melt right there at the grin Caleb flashed him, but instead he pursed his lips into a hardened line. Trying to hide how much Caleb affected him. Ambrose had encountered people like Caleb before, but none of them have quite affected him the same way. Perhaps it was all just mere physical attraction. Whatever it was, Ambrose was displeased he could be influenced so easily just because he found some other guy attractive.

He took a step back as Caleb approached, distrust flashing in his eyes. But it was only a fancy bracelet that was offered and Ambrose tentatively accepted the offering. It wasn't half bad, and it looked nice as he slipped it on. "Uh, thanks for this too I guess..." He trailed off, has Caleb continued on to compliment him further. "Right." Was all he could squeak out, face once again assuming its beet redness and a furrowed brow. Was Caleb being straightforward? Or just messing with the blundering freshmen? He was so damn nonchalant about it.

Ambrose nodded, getting ahold of himself as Caleb went on talking smoothly, and Ambrose got comfortable by leaning against the wall. "It's a long story." He huffed, "I just kinda got....thrust into this world. Not even sure why it accepted me either." He shrugged and glanced away, not really wanting to get into the full story. Not yet. "I have to admit though, its a strange place, but I don't want to leave it anytime soon."

@WindsOfFate

@Catmint

Caleb was silent as Ambrose gave him just a sample of his life but not going into full detail. He couldn't blame Ambrose, they had only just met and Caleb was sure Ambrose didn't trust him enough to give much information about his life. Meanwhile Caleb was an open book. Asked him a question and he'd tell you without much restraint. He didn't have anything to hide. Even his adult film career had been the talk at one point in time, but only between those he truly knew like Samantha. When Ambrose had finished talking, Caleb looked up at him, his eyes had drifted to the floor for a moment while Ambrose was talking, but now his piercing beautiful eyes were staring straight at Ambrose.

"I remember when I first got here. Scared was an understatement, and I didn't know I could do the things that I've been taught. Furthermore I didn't know this place was real until the headmaster brought me here," he said a gentle smile still present on his face. "You'll love it here, at least I hope you will. After all, where else will you learn to do this..."

He moved his hands in intricate patterns before producing a orb of fire that hovered just above his palm. Clenching his fist shut the first was extinguished and replaced with a beautiful rose. As he opened his hand, the crystal rose shimmered in the light and he held out his hand to Ambrose.

"Don't worry, I won't bite you Ambrose," Caleb joked. "This world has a way of bringing out the good and bad in people. Best remember who you are Ambrose so that you don't lose that glint of humanity that hovers ever slightly beyond your eyes, hiding amongst all the shit that I'm sure you've had to deal with in the past. Trust me when I tell you life can be a bitch sometimes, but I find the journies are always worth it in the end."

Just then a knock came at the door and Samantha came strolling in. When she saw Ambrose leaning against the wall she looked between the two and a grin appeared on her face.

"NOTHING HAPPENED SAM," Caleb immediately said wanting to diffuse any attempt she had at claiming anything.

"Oh I'm sure," she replied with a wink in Ambrose's direction. "Well what are we waiting for? Let's go. Ambrose did Caleb show you the transportation spell?"

"I didn't get a chance to," Caleb interjected causing Samantha to roll her eyes.

"Fine, then he's tagging along with YOU!" She stated as she performed the transporation spell without a hitch, vanishing in a matter of seconds from their sight.

Caleb sighed and looked at Ambrose. "I am so sorry about her accusations," he said, "but I can show you the spell, or you can just grab ahold of my arm or something and I'll get us there."

Ambrose frowned slightly as he finished speaking, observing Caleb's reaction. The more time he spent with this charismatic creature, the more he realized how different they were. And the way Caleb's eyes pierced right through him, it distracted from his train of thought multiple times during their interactions. "Yes... From what I can tell the headmaster is a kind person." He nodded.

Ambrose stared wide eyed, obviously impressed by the theatrics. His mouth slightly opened as he watched the orb of light completely transform. "Jeez, that is... Beautiful, I have to admit." He chuckled and took the rose tentatively. He opened his mouth to respond but was cut off as Samantha waltzed in. Ambrose quickly shoved the rose back into Caleb's hand, face heating up. Crossing his arms over his chest, narrowing his eyes at Samantha in response to her wink. He wasn't sure he even liked the girl, he got the feeling she knew a little too much about people and knew how to play behind the scenes.

Ambrose breathed a sigh of relief as she disappeared, turning back to Caleb. "Uh, you can show me later. I'm not that practiced so I'll just hitch a ride." He responded and shuffled to his side. Ambrose hesitantly took a hold of Caleb's arm, feeling the bicep. Okay, maybe he just wanted to touch the hot guy. But it would be faster this way.