My Weapon is a Hula Hoop...

[Leif Adamson]

Leif accepted the piece of paper, looking down at it before she slipped it into her pocket. Her smile had faded at his compliment however. It had been so long since she had heard something like that.

Turning her attention back to the city beneath them, she took a deep breath.

"Smiling because difficult when you've seen and done some messed up stuff," she said with a little shrug of her shoulders, her gaze thoughtful for a moment. "But thank you."

[Djoser Aneksi]

"I hear that a lot. I personally find it much easier, though... I guess we all find different masks."

He'd let out a sigh.

[Leif Adamson]

Leif chuckled softly, staring out at the city. She fell quiet for a moment, before asking, "What is your opinion of this city, DJ?"

[Djoser Aneksi]

Dj would look out to the city with her.

"I think it is a vast improvement to what was. Infinite potential is incredibly nice."

He would pause.

"Though it has been very lonely for me. Very hard to adjust."

[Leif Adamson]

Leif glanced over at DJ, offering him a soft smile.

"Me too," she said quietly. "Its been... hard. I'm used to being alone, but adjusting to... all of this. Its been difficult."

[Djoser Aneksi]

"The change in environment had me in tears. To think I wasn't in a dying world where I was destined to be miserable was quite special."

He would offer a soft smile back.

"I just struggle so much with socializing. I have never been on a formal date, I am just now starting to try making friends, which has been a very mixed bag."

[Leif Adamson]

"A mixed bag, huh? Whys that?"

Leif returned DJ's soft smile.

[Djoser Aneksi]

Dj would sigh and chuckle.

He'd dramatically lay down on the room's edge.

"First there is WR, who doesn't like me at all. I respect them because people I respect like them. They are pretty intense, but insanely talented. The amount of skill they have is actually insane, but unfortunately we don't have anything in common."

"Then there is Shiloh, who I trusted way too quickly and ended up accidentally hurting her because of it. We haven't spoken since. The sweetest person I've ever met who instantly disarmed me. A mistake I will not make twice."

"Followed by Adelaide, who is deeply in love with Shiloh and who barely tolerates me. A real skater chick with mid 2000's style and an affinity for smashing faces. She and I are only connected through Shiloh, which sucks because she's a badass and I love it."

"Next up is Gidget, WR's partner. Has something special about her. A quality that draws people to her in a way I both envy and admire. She has a tough act she puts on. When she realizes just how much stronger she is with it off, she'll be unstoppable. I have only met her twice and neither time was as friends. Simply an advice machine and a 4th wheel on a date."

"Finally is Drake. He is a lot like me just more forthcoming. He is rough around the edges but is really a good guy with a good heart. He has a way of really making me feel special in a way I never thought I could feel. We flirt around a lot and he is the only person I really feel comfortable around. It's a shame that it's just flirting and no deeper connection or investment. Which right now, I guess I'm okay with, but I would really like to be a friend to him."

He would say before running his hands through his hair. All through that giving awkward wording and soft embarrassed blushes. He shouldn't be opening up, but he always tries to tell the truth.

"That's all..."

[Leif Adamson]

Leif remained sitting up on the roof, staring out over the city in an attempt to make DJ more comfortable as he opened up. The intensity of having somebody completely focused on you could be overwhelming. She hummed quietly along with what he said, showing that she was still paying attention, and nodded her head.

"Would you like to hear what I think about it? Or would you prefer it if I just listen right now?"

[Djoser Aneksi]

"I always prefer to be told what people think. You're opinion even more so."

He would say still looking up, trying to avoid eye contact. He found Leif quite smart and her advice immensely helpful.

[Leif Adamson]

"Alright. Then I'll go one by one. The first one, the one you think doesn't like you... Sounds like an amazing friend. Having nothing in common with somebody means you can constantly learn from each other, constantly teach each other. One of my closest friends, I had NOTHING in common with, and I probably miss her more than most others...

The second. You said you cared too much too fast, and... I don't think so. Caring about somebody is never a problem. So you scared her... so what? You apologize, and you move on. If she is really the kindest person you know, she will forgive you. She probably already has. And the one that is in love with her will as well, which opens those friendships up for even more growth.

The girl who acts tough is probably the one who is hurting the most. She sounds like she needs patience... somebody to not give up on her. You seem like the kind of person that can do that. You could probably change her entire world. Make her realize that potential. Lovers are great, but there's nothing like somebody who is just calmly standing there, through all of the tantrums, until you break down. Somebody who can stand there and see through the rage to the pain underneath.

And the last one... If its such a shame, then change it. Be the one to take the initiative. That is sometimes what they need the most."

Leif chuckled and leaned back, bracing herself and staring up at the sky. A smile graced her lips, and her eyes shined suddenly.

"They sound like my group of friends. And you seem like you don't realize your importance. Your worth. Your ability to change literally all of their lives for the better.... just like I was. You're doing amazing, building a group of people to surround yourself with, to love and learn with. You could do so much good for their worlds, DJ. And if you can't change the whole world, fine. That's a lot of responsibility."

She took a deep breath, and in that moment, Leif shined. She was relaxed, and she seemed to show her true self... and she was beautiful. Kind. She looked so bright, like all of the scars of war had just melted away for a moment. Like maybe this was how she was before the world beat her down.

"So... change the world for these people. You can do it. Just by being yourself. You got this, Freedom Fighter."

[Djoser Aneksi]

There was a switch that flipped in Dj when he saw her as she really was. Suddenly all of his doubts and inner demons that rose about what she said were silenced. He would offer a very simple phrase, with total honesty.

"I'll try my best. Thank you."

It was genuine and warm. He would smile and tear up a bit. That was really the first time anyone really believed in him. The first time someone valued him without him having to prove himself or offer something first. He didn't have a clue what to say or do. He didn't even move because he was afraid of the next moment taking it from him.

[Leif Adamson]

"No prob, man."

Leif smiled up at the sky, closing her eyes and basking in the starlight. She let the silence fall between them, comfortable and companionable.

[Djoser Aneksi]

Dj would sit there quietly for a while, enjoying the silence. After a while though he would turn to Leif

"I have to go get ready for work, but I would love to hang out again."

He would give a warm smile and for a quick moment lay his head softly on her shoulder.

"Thank you, I'll be sure to update you whenever I get the chance."

Then he would jump off the building, at the last second teleporting forward and walking away.



Qi Uses: 3 of 30

[Leif Adamson]

Leif reached a hand up to gently rest it on his head before he took off. She stayed up on the rooftop, staring down at him with a smile.

Well. That was nifty.