Anti-Ball [Jalon]

[Admin Courtney]

Talon nodded; she understood the feeling completely. She understood him completely, and she wasn't even trying.
"I hate sympathy. I don't need it from anyone, but everyone things that's all I need. That their sympathy will fix things. This isn't fixable," he ranted. "Understanding and maybe being left alone is good enough." Yeah, he was fine with being left alone.

"Maybe she triggered your powers. Like you had them all along, but it wasn't until you needed them, until you needed to see your sister that they kicked in," he mused. "Powers make no sense."

He shook his head at her. "No, that makes perfect sense. I never really thought if it that way, but now that I am, it's making sense," he told her. "It's kind of ridiculous to think we fall in love with a gender. That's like falling in love with people who have blonde hair or people who are short. We might have a preference, but it's the person inside who we love." He made a face at how corny that sounded, but it was undeniably true in his mind.
"I hope for his sake he does figure it out, though. I don't think he and I will work," he admitted. "But once he becomes comfortable with who he is attracted to, it will help him out a lot. He's really guilty," he added as the song changed over to a loud one, drowning out his quietly spoken words. He frowned, not wanting to have to yell when he spoke to Jade. And so he sat up and made his way over to her and sat next to her.
"He blames himself for this," he then said, holding up his bandaged arm.

[Admin Sydnee]

Jade nodded at him. They understood each other and that's what she liked about getting to know him. "It's possible that it could have triggered my power. You're right, they certainly do work in weird ways. I try to see it as a gift because it is nice to see Lanie, but any spirit hoping to get in contact with somebody flocks to me. It's hard sometimes."

She sighed and then smiled at him when he understood her point of view. "Exactly. Sounds sort of cheesy when you put it like that, but I believe it. I've dated a few girls," she admitted. Dakota obviously just didn't see things that way. It could be for a number of reasons. She didn't have a psychology degree to figure it out. "I think he just needs time and just because things didn't work out between you two doesn't mean that you can't be friends after all of this. In fact, he might be grateful that you helped him out." She shrugged her shoulders as the song switched over to a louder one and Talon moved closer to her, sitting beside her and leaning up against the desk with her. "It wasn't his fault. We all....we all have problems and sometimes the simplest of things can push us over the edge. I know from experience."

[Admin Courtney]

"So they can tell?" Talon asked. "I mean, they know you can see them? Is it something they sense or do you have to make eye contact with the spirit, and then the spirit is like 'hey, that chick can see me'?" He could see how that could be overwhelming, and he did not envy her power, even though a part of him did wish to see his sister. He was perfectly content with his power, however. Turning into birds helped him get away from reality for a while. It was just to just ride the air currents and forget about responsibility.

"You have?" Talon asked. "That's awesome. See, a lot of people aren't even open to the idea of dating someone of the same gender. But there is not anything wrong about it. Now dating your cousin or sibling, yes. And that's legal in more places than it is to be with someone of the same gender. The world is ridiculous."

He nodded solemly and dropped his arm. "Yeah, the simplest things can. Looking back, I'm glad you didn't let me die that night. Dakota would definitely never forgive himself if I had died. And I got to meet you." He looked over at her and smiled. "So that was cool. Even if I did hate you at first." He did not apologise for that; he knew she would understand.

[Admin Sydnee]

"Yeah," Jade replied. "They can sense it. I don't know exactly how it works, but they know that I can see them. They spend a lot of time trying to find somebody who can see them, because I'm an outlet into the living for them. I understand why they want to communicate with family and such...it's just hard on me, you know? But...if I get to see Lanie, I guess it's worth it." She'd learned a lot from having the ability for the last few years, but she still felt like she was learning everyday.

"Yeah, her name was Alicia. It was...sort of a fling, I guess. But we ended up just wanting different things, I guess. I mean, I don't date a lot of people anyway. The whole medium thing gets in the way. I guess talking to your dead sister is a turn-off." She shrugged. "And the world is ridiculous, but then again, I never expect it to make sense." Having a power, you didn't expect anything to add up.

She laughed slightly and only turned to look at him seriously when he'd said that he was glad she'd saved him. There was a look of shock on her face, just noticeable. "See, once you give me a chance, I'm not that bad." She grinned at him and then tried to fall serious. She was truly glad that she'd gotten the chance to know him, even if it had all started with her finding him bleeding in the girl's bathroom. "I didn't think you were so pleasant at first either, you know."

[Admin Courtney]

"I can't imagine it's easy to turn them away. Like if their loves ones are somewhere out of your way," he said. "Do most understand, though?" He hoped they did. Being harrassed by lost spirits must be stressful. He was glad she had Lanie, though. Her sister seemed to get her through.

He frowned. "Turn off? People are judging you because of your power? That's ridiciulous. I'm glad for your sake those relationships ended. You don't need people like that in your life."

He smiled at the shocked expression on her face. He had not been grateful to her at all, when he probably should have been. But he had not wanted to be saved. It was only now, when he sat there next to her and really thought about it, that he realised he was grateful to still be alive, that Jade had saved him. And he was glad it was her and not someone else. Anyone else might be hounding him to make sure he was okay and acting like his saviour or something, but Jade wasn't. She had become someone in his life who actually understood where he was coming from and what he was going through. She was a great friend and he was already beginning to care a lot about her, despite his previous rule not to get close to anyone. He couldn't help it.

"You're not so bad; you're right," he said, smiling back at her. "And yeah, I doubt I was anywhere close to pleasant. I was trying not to be." He took another drag of his cigarette, then admitted aloud, "I like to push people away, but I can't seem to do that to do. I don't think I want to. So don't die on me, okay?" he said, trying to joke, but his smile never reached his eyes.

[Admin Sydnee]

"It's not. I feel horrible doing it, but sometimes I can't help them. I can't spend my life looking for people these spirits left behind. It's not my job. Although I wish I could help them sometimes." Jade hated to admit it, but it definitely took a toll on her. "Sometimes they understand, but a lot of them are so desperate to see their loved ones that they are bitterly angry with me."

"Don't people judge you by anything?" Jade asked, laughing slightly at it. "Anyway, it doesn't matter. If I want to talk to Lanie, I will. That's like telling somebody else not to use their power. So what if mine is a bit different?" She sighed, letting the frustration ebb away before she turned to Talon again.

"You weren't pleasant, but I understood why. You didn't want to be here anymore and you were trying to be as rude to me as possible so I left you alone. Believe me, it makes sense. I used to do the same thing. If I pushed everyone away, nobody would suffer when I died." It made sense at the time to her. She smiled at him not wanting to push her away. "Well, I'm glad that you don't want to push me away because if you did, I'd probably have to let you do it. I have no reason to be butting into your life. I'll only butt in as long as you want me to. I mean, excluding the fact that I saved your life. And I'll try not to stay alive. Adding it to my personal goals." She mimicked writing in the air and then leaned back as the song changed again. "I love this song." She exhaled smoke again, as "Bad" by the Cab started up. She couldn't help but start to sing along.

[Admin Courtney]

He admired her for being able to handle such a tough power. It was not just a power she had to deal with, but real people. Real people who were dead, but still. Real people.

"Of course people judge me," he said with a grim smile. "I'm the guy who wants to die. The guy who can't handle his own pathetic life so he keeps trying to take the easy way out. The poor, sad guy who drowns out the world around him with loud music." He shrugged. "People are so judgemental. Then again, I can be too. Still, I don't like most people. But they shouldn't judge you for your power." He shook his head, disgusted at what a disgrace some people could be.

"Nobody would suffer when you died, and you wouldn't suffer when anyone else died. Theoretically," he added, knowing it was difficult for people to not become attached to others. If anyone he knew were to die, he would be affected by it. But that did not prevent him from continuing to push people away. Well, most people, anyway. He wasn't trying any longer to push Jade away.

"Well please continue to butt into my life," he said with a small smile. They then fell into a conversation silence as Jade sang along with The Cab. He listened, closing his eyes and smoking, before feeling compelled to join in. At first he muttered the lyrics under his breath, but by the time the chorus came around, he was singing as loudly as Jade was. He was not a good singer, but he wasn't terrible, either. But it did not matter. It was music, and it was loud, and it was a distraction. It was a moment in his life he did not hate.

[Admin Sydnee]

"Everybody is judgmental to a certain point," Jade agreed. "But at least I understand the other judgments. My clothing taste is something I choose. My power is not. That's the difference." Still, she couldn't stop humanity from doing what they did best: judge others.

"Exactly...It feels much easier. But I'm glad that you've finally let somebody in. Who would've thought it'd be the girl who saved your ass?" She grinned in his direction. "And I will butt into your life, as long as you approve of it. But there are some things I don't want to know, got it?" She laughed before allowing the comfortable silence overcome them as the music drowned out everything. She was practically screaming the lyrics, leaning her head up against the desk. A smile was plastered onto her face and the smoke from their cigarettes was spiraling into the air. Now this was a good time.

She looked over at Talon as he began to sing at the top of his lungs with her. Sure, she didn't have the voice of an angel, but it wasn't about that. It was about having a good time, about being with somebody you didn't completely hate who could share the experience with you.

[Admin Courtney]

"I like your clothing choices," Talon said, even though he knew that was not the point. What she wore complimented her nicely, he thought.

"I'm cool with you butting into my life, I think," he said. "Aw, come on. What wouldn't you want to know?" he teased. "FYI, I don't sleep naked. Well, sometimes," he admitted. "Only in the summer."

"I think I'd kill to see these guys in concert, but I don't think they ever come to Canada," Talon said with a sigh after the song ended. He could only imagine how great it was to sing along with the band playing live. Then again, singing with Jade was probably right up there. In face, maybe it was even preferable. This thought pleased him, and he began to sing along with the next song on the album. Endlessly was one of his favourites. They were all his favourites, come to think of it.
If they spent the entire night just singing along to great albums like this, Talon was fine with that. He glanced over at Jade and grinned.

[Admin Sydnee]

Jade wrinkled her nose at him, not used to the compliments, but then attempted a smile anyway. "Thanks. You actually have good taste." She couldn't help but look at him and dress him up in her head. She did it with a lot of people. Sure, Talon was nothing short of attractive, but she always found herself picking out the perfect wardrobe for people in her mind. Talon's was sort of rugged and grunge. White-washed denim jeans with rips in the knees, a black thermal sweater under a worn military style jacket. Although leather would work too. And scuffed black boots. She shook her head at herself. Doing this always helped her keep calm. It was something she'd gathered from therapy that she didn't share with people much.

She laughed and then shoved him in the shoulder. "That is way too much information," she told him, but she couldn't stop smirking. "What is this, honesty hour?" At least he'd been honest about it though. And besides, as much as she loved clothes, Jade knew that sometimes not wearing any was the most comfortable.

"Enough bands do and who's to say we can't travel to the states?" she asked him, looking over at him before they both started singing again.

[Admin Courtney]

Talon smiled. "I know," he said, though not pompously. "I used to be really into fashion, but it's hard to keep up with styles when you don't have any money. I really like jeans and sweatshirts now, though. I make-do with what I have." He shrugged, glancing down at his clothes. He loved what he did wear, and was glad Jade liked his taste. He liked hers as well. They seemed to be on the same wavelength.

He felt her eyeing him, and was going to say something, but then she shoved his shoulder. He grinned, biting back a laugh. It was amazing that he had to hold back a laugh; usually he never felt like laughing, but just spending time with Jade made him feel happier, for the most part.
"We could do honesty hour if you wanted," he offered, not sure if he was joking around anymore or not. He didn't mind a little honesty here and there. "We could play a little truth or dare. Or is that too 13 year old girl sleepover?" he asked thoughtfully, taking a puff of the cigarette between his lips, then exhaling slowly and letting the smoke trail out.

She was right; travelling south to the USA was always possible. If he could afford tickets, anyway. And travel expenses.

[Admin Sydnee]

"I've always been into fashion. It comes easy to me, I don't know, but just so you know, I might be compelled to add more to your wardrobe. My list of goals is getting pretty lengthy," Jade told him, laughing at herself. Clothes were something she liked to concentrate on. She liked mixing and matching outfits and going to the vintage thrift stores in Cranbrook. Maybe she'd take Talon with her some time, there stuff was rather affordable.

She raised an eyebrow at his suggestion. "Okay, Talon. I'll play this game," she said with a smirk. It was something to do and maybe she'd get to know him a little better. Besides, she was feeling devious. They'd broken into the coach's office and were smoking cigarettes over awesome music. She'd be fine sitting in silence with him as well, but the idea of Truth or Dare amused her.

Jade shifted on the floor, turning her body to face him, exhaling once more and giving a look that said she was all business for this game.

[Admin Courtney]

Talon looked over at Jade interestedly. "Add to my wardrobe? What did you have in mind?" he asked, then added, "It's kind of funny how your goals all suddenly have to do with me. Am I a project?" he asked inquisitively, not sure if he liked that or not. He did not want his association with her to be because she wanted to mold him or anything. Up until now he was positive that wasn't it. Even now he was positive that wasn't it, but he wanted to be sure. Even if he did trust Jade.

He smiled and leaned back comfortably against the desk when she agreed to play the game. He had never played with anyone before, but the game seemed fun enough. "All right," he said. "Choose, then: truth or dare?"
The night could get very interesting with this game.

[Admin Sydnee]

"Just a lot of ripped jeans and grunge looking sweaters and shirts," Jade offered with a shrug, exhaling smoke into the air. "They have some great thrift stores in Cranbrook, you know. You don't know awesome clothes until you go digging for them. And they're cheap." She smiled at the thought. For a girl with such a rough exterior, she loved a girly thing like shopping. It just showed that Jade wasn't strictly one thing. She liked that about herself and was beginning to notice the same thing about Talon. "And I have a lot of weird goals. Not all of them have to do with you. Some have to do with my friend Rafi, others with spirits." Really, she just thought about these things to keep her busy. "Anyway, I do really want to get you on the swim team though. We could use you, even if we do keep kicking Spiritus' butt." She smiled before tapping her chin seriously. "Truth," she said. "Since it's honesty hour and all."

[Admin Courtney]

Talon nodded approvingly. Her choice of clothes for him sounded perfect. "I haven't been shopping in a while," he admitted. "It just lost its appeal to me." He looked down at his sweater, trying to remember when he had bought it. Was it last year? No, longer than that. He could not recall, but it had to have been months since his last trip into a clothing store. His only new clothing came from his parents as Christmas or birthday presents. Their choices were fine, so all was well. He just wished he still fit in the shirt his sister had given him as a birthday gift before she passed away. But he had grown, and it was far too small for him now. Still, he had kept it. He had not looked at it in a while, but he had it. He would never throw it away.

"Well I'm relieved to hear I'm not the only one in your goals," he said, relaxing. He wondered who her friend Rafi was, but did not want to waste her truth on it. He could always ask later.
"Truth it is," he said, then thought for a moment about what he wanted to ask her. "What do you sleep in? Clothing-wise," he added, in case she tried to get away with saying 'bed'. "Do you sleep naked too, or is that just me?" he teased. He kept the first question light; he did not want to game to get too heavy or personal right away. One had to ease into these things.