"You Know The World Is Ending When:"

[Your Mom~]

"---We'll be having people go up to read what they've said as soon as we're all finished... in five or so minutes. Then, turn in your papers to me."

Ugh, really? Just her luck...the exchange student hated speaking in public. Arielle was finishing up her page when the teacher called time. She felt it was inadequate, but it would have to suffice if they were going to read them in class. She placed her pencil down, a small frown on her face. Her English was good enough to understand, and she had more time to think though her writing than actual speaking, but it was still uncomfortable for her.

"Let's have our new student, Ms. St. Pierre. Go first."

Buhhhhhh....=_=''

Arielle stood, smoothing her skirt as she ripped out her page and headed to the front of the class. She turned on the heel of her maryjane, facing the desks and began to speak softly. Loud enough for everyone to hear her, but not so much that she was overly loud.

"In ten years, I would like to be finizhed of college and starting my career. I love to cook, and would like to own my own reztaurant where I can share my recipes weeth everyone. I do not know where I would like to be, eizzer in zis country or back in Frahnce, or even anywhere in the world. If I do not own my own reztaurant, I would like to travel. I want to see what there iz to zee and all of de beautiful places at in de world. Maybe I could like to be an écologiste, zomeone who will take care of de world and preserve eetz beauty."

She paused, looking about the class with a small smile.

"What I haff learned in America eez that der are plenty of opportuniteez for dose who seek dem. After all, it eez my country, too."

Azure hues fell on the white haired boy for a moment, as if to make her point. Her gaze them moved on to the rest of the class and then to the teacher, handing him her paper. She would then find her seat again, sliding into her chair silently and without looking at him.

["Unfettered"]

B.S. Stands For "BULL---SONVABITCH"

"Let's have our new student, Ms. St. Pierre. Go first."

"Gwahaha---"--->_x

Did he just chuckle that out loud? Granted, it was kind of under his breath, but she was sitting next to him. He'd then watch her as she'd get out, considering her. Granted, he was being a racist ass to her, but "Ms. St. Pierre" was indeed a proper girl from the get-go, if a little naive. Besides, hate-talk aside, she was easy on the eyes. That, and perhaps it was to satisfy everyone's curiosity on the new girl that the teacher made her go first. Something potentially sadistic or optimistic or both in there dear teacher's eyes? At any rate, the man was a genius, incidental or no, as it gave everyone the excuse to stare at the new girl, "Unfettered" included.

"In ten years, I would like to be finizhed of college and starting my career."

Typical choices, nothing overly ambitious (which was almost strange for a seeming new student from a different country)...

"I love to cook, and would like to own my own reztaurant where I can share my recipes weeth everyone."

Her accent became painfully obvious from here, and the German was almost certain he heard a few gigglings and other subtle disturbances (Did he hear cat-calls?), which the teacher would promptly hush down. However, "Unfettered's" thoughts had drifted elsewhere. In his indecision as to what to do with his own restaurant, he was on the verge of liquidating it. And there was a touch of nostalgia in how people would make fun of her accent. Heh, it wasn't like he was blind, deaf, and/or dumb. He knew very well of his own accent, and took pains to maintain it.

"I do not know where I would like to be, eizzer in zis country or back in Frahnce, or even anywhere in the world. If I do not own my own reztaurant, I would like to travel. I want to see what there iz to zee and all of de beautiful places at in de world. Maybe I could like to be an écologiste, zomeone who will take care of de world and preserve eetz beauty."

Uh-huh. The German was smiling, but while looking at her, a bit distracted. He was a touch wrong about her. She was more then easy on the eyes, which made her dangerous to him. Grunting to himself in what would come off as a scoff, he did have to consider this much.

It wasn't that she was being forced to do this. She chose to have a life. It wasn't that he was being forced to be an asshole, to be stuck here... He chose to stay planted here, in this school. A way in which he could consider her more alive... But he'd no regrets.---

---"What I haff learned in America eez that der are plenty of opportuniteez for dose who seek dem. After all, it eez my country, too."

Ow. OW. The German's face instinctively grew to a large grin, as their eyes locked on each other. But subconsciously, he began to cringe on the inside. Squirming, to the point where he was almost sure that his cheeks were slightly hotter than usual. Even after she was done psychoanalyzing the class with her sweeping gaze, he just kept on looking forward. The grin was on his face still, as they both ended up ignoring each for a moment. For a moment.

"...Vell, gut fraulen Pierre, you certainly know how to bite a man on the ass," he'd mutter quietly from the side of his mouth, appreciatively, even---

---"And taking a lesson from that, Mr. Winters, I think you should go next."

"Ze fricken...!"

Begrudgingly, the German slowly stood up, to get in front of the class, paper in hand. Yes, he knew the teacher didn't exactly like him, but today was not a good day for his own bullshit. Turning to face all the students. Sweat was piling in the back of his head, making his hairs stick together. The look on his face looked positively pleasant, smiling even, but it was the sharp look in his eye as he looked at the class that made him wonder what the others actually perceived him as. A bully? Possibly. He'd accept that.

"...Ja, vell..." he'd start off slowly, coughing for a moment to clear his slightly stuffy voice, "...Ten yearz from now, I vould imagine myzelf to still be here. As a teacher."

"I have... a desire to cook, but my views and styles are limited. I have a desire to make for change, but I have a burning distaste for politicians. I vould zay I'd like to help people, but you know me better zen zis. So, I vould become a teacher, here," not even looking at his own paper anymore.

'And because I love Public High School #259.'

Not exactly in a mood to share his feelings aside from shallow distaste, he'd fold his paper and hand over his paper to the teacher. Hesitantly. That paper would come back to haunt him, and he knew it. No smartass comebacks, no references back to "Miss Pierre"... Nothing. The teacher looked at him, slightly annoyed, taking obvious note that he wasn't even looking at his paper, shook his head, and snapped the paper from his hand, making "Unfettered" rip it a little bit, considering how tightly he'd been holding onto it.

Silently, he went back to his seat and sat down. And honestly, embaressment aside? It was times like this that he was glad, with no complaint. That authority that Mr. Johnson had? The way he could teach and make a point without actually saying anything? The man was a strong teacher, though the German wouldn't say anything to it. Kek. He respected the man.

Might as well take it to heart.

"...I have a strong dislike for you and hate your country for no particular reason. Do you vant to hang out after class?" he'd mutter under his breath from the side of his mouth. Not even looking at her.

OOC: ...Sorry. Its hard to tell when I'm using font 0, since that appears to be the overriding default text, but aside from when he's speaking to class, please just assume he's whispering it (you can quote to check to see where I used font 0 at).

[Your Mom~]

Arielle had heard the comments from the audience, and only causing her to pause once. When she made her way back to her seat, a dark haired boy whistled at her, and she resisted the urge to step on his feet that were sticking out from under his desk. She shook her head, taking her seat back next to the German bully.

And taking a lesson from that, Mr. Winters, I think you should go next."

A lesson? Her paper was far from exemplary, but she was flattered that the teacher liked it. Perhaps she would do well in this school after all. It wasn't too surprising because Arielle was very studious, but the language barrier was a bit of a challenge.

She was surprised, however, when her neighbor stood up to walk to the front of the class. He was Mr. Winters? Fitting name, she thought, because that was the exact greeting that she had gotten from him.

"...Ja, vell...Ten yearz from now, I vould imagine myzelf to still be here. As a teacher."

A teacher, hm? Interesting choice, she wouldn't have pegged him for someone who would want to teach. Granted, she knew very little to nothing about him, so that could explain it, but also because she didn't have all that good impression of him.

"I have... a desire to cook, but my views and styles are limited. I have a desire to make for change, but I have a burning distaste for politicians. I vould zay I'd like to help people, but you know me better zen zis. So, I vould become a teacher, here,"

A brief comment about cooking before he moved onto politics. Had he written that? He wasn't looking at his paper, so she wasn't entirely sure. It was almost coincidental that she had talked about cooking, and here he was adding a side comment of his own, making note of his lack of creativity.

The thing about helping people was interesting too, and made her quirk an eyebrow.

And without so much of a stirring conclusion, he finished, handing his paper over to the teacher.

And then he was back in his seat next to her, and surprisingly enough, whispered over to her.

"...I have a strong dislike for you and hate your country for no particular reason. Do you vant to hang out after class?"

"Well I haff a strong dislike for you and don't comprehend how an intolerahnt garçon moyen would want to help people."

She paused.

"Sure."

Call her optimistic, say she has a habit of second chances. deep down, she was just about as curious as she was unimpressed with him. It was an odd combination.

["Unfettered"]

French Acquaintence

"Well I haff a strong dislike for you and don't comprehend how an intolerahnt garçon moyen would want to help people."

The German shrugged. Guess not---

"Sure."

Now it was "Unfettered's" turn to raise an eyebrow, even going so far as to looking at her incredulously, in a "Are you sure you're not crazy?" sort of way. But at the same time... he was smiling.

"Kool. During lunch or after school? In the courtyard, or on top of building D?"

...Whispering as other people went up to say their speeches, and to avoid the evil eye Mr. Johnson was enjoying to give him in his free time. "Und... was [prounouced 'vas'] ist 'intolerahnt garçon moyen' mean?" enjoying himself perhaps a bit too much. Possibly at her expense, or maybe just liking the conflict on a pleasant, sarcastic level this was going about in a seemingly healthy undertone.

OOC: Sorry. Short, but to the point... I can begin a *skip time* after your response.

[Your Mom~]

[ooc: okay :3]


"Afterschool...de rooftop is fine, but I will haff to find zis building D.."

Seeing the whole campus from the roof would be helpful and interesting to her. She flipped the page of her notebook, doodling as other students made their way to the front of the classroom to read their five minute papers.

"Eet means, intolerahnt mean boy."

She added with a shrug, dragging her pencil across her paper with a flourish.

Why she agreed to meet him after school, she still couldn't figure out, and she pondered this rather than listening to the other students presentations. Arielle had a difficult time actually hating people, and often gave them the benefit of the doubt, and looked for the good in them. Was there good in this boy? She didn't know, but it wouldn't hurt to get a second opinion.

["Unfettered"]

OOC: Delays, delays! Sorry, the past few days have been... Well, I blame QC. I EVEN STARTED RE-READING SOME PARTS. Sorry, yeah, no excuses... D:

Always With The Nostalgia

"Afterschool...de rooftop is fine, but I will haff to find zis building D.."

The German would just smile and nod at that... Not like he was going to tell her where it was. She was determined to grow, or at least he was determined to make her, let her ask people where what was what.---

"Eet means, intolerahnt mean boy."

..."Unfettered" had to drop his pen and clasp both his hands over his mouth, as his eye went wide. His entire body shook as he attempted to withhold the laugh. Although...

"...Zat... is... a horrible zing to say," he'd say in between stifled gasps of air to keep as quiet as he could. Sure, probably causing a disruption and probably getting that evil glare from Mr. Johnson. As he'd continue staring at her with his only eye, leaning forward, setting his left elbow onto the desk in front of him, and resting the left side of his face on his left fist as the grin kept up. "And completely true."

* * * * * * Afterschool * * * * * *

The German stood, watching as the remainder of the students trickled out from the buildings in a slow stream of constantly moving bodies. As opposed to earlier, he had on in addition his Hades coat, scarf, and other things, making him look more ready for war in a medieval-esque manner than anything else like so (Credit To Bastille). Laying against the fence that protected students from falling off the sides lay his unzipped backpack, and next to it, the head of his hammer, the handle following the practice. "Unfettered's" right hand was pocketed, as his left hand, fingers sprawled out and groping, was clinging onto the fence, with one finger to a metal square. Just staring and surveying in seeming deep thought.

Not like he'd just come up here simply to talk, though. He'd saved his lunch (much too large, anyways, habit of feeding the other Militia member's he'd used to hang out with), and he had a small, fresh, unused notebook and pen with which to take notes with, all apparent at the opening of his backpack, bulging to pop out.

Perhaps one of the most notable things, however, was the fact that his hair was tucked behind his ears. Meaning his eyepatch was in plain sight, Nazi-symbol and all. Every now and then, he'd have to remind himself why he still did this. Did he really just enjoy setting bad first examples of himself for others? Yes, he knew he was naturally secretly defensive, but to what freakish degree? On and on, the German would muse silently, in complete stillness, as he seemed far too engrossed in his people-watching and thinking to possibly notice the door open or hear anyone talk to him. So engrossed, in fact, that he might freak or jump if someone tried to physically or verbally get his attention---

[Your Mom~]

Arielle looked at him expectantly when she told him what her slur of French words had meant, but his reaction caused her to quirk her eyebrow, her mouth turning into a small 'o' of confusion. What in the world was he doing? He looked like he was somewhere between laughing and having some sort of epileptic fit. Though the hands over his mouth communicated surprise and shock.

Shock? Really?

"...Zat... is... a horrible zing to say,"

Oh, he was laughing. The mixture of curiosity and confusion melted from her face, and she felt the corners of her lips tug upward in a resistant smile. She had to look away from him though to keep from laughing herself...it was contagious after all, and the absurdity of the situation didn't help. Mr. Johnson gave them a displeased look, and Arielle slouched in her chair ever so slightly, hiding her eyes behind her bangs.

This boy was causing her to get in trouble...she had never been a trouble maker, but here she was disrupting class laughing over something that really wasn't that funny. Or was it?

----

She spent the rest of the day getting to know the school and the people in it, asking questions about different things about the school. During lunch she pulled out her 'Welcome to PHS #259!' folder and actually read the material given to her. In there was a map of the school's buildings, and clearly labeled was that building D. Alright, well that was simple enough.

Arielle managed to make a few new friends in her other classes, it was a good idea in case she was sick and needed notes, or visa versa of course. A lot of the students were put off by her accent, but many were also intrigued by it and wen out of their way to talk to her. Arielle almost felt like she was in a zoo at some point, the students tossing peanuts at her or something, but that was what happened to those who were different than the Long Beach born-and-bread.

Finally the last school bell rang, and the French girl headed to her locker, placing her books in her blue and white tote bag, checking to make sure she had everything before heading to building D. She took her time, most of the students had cleared out by the time she found the staircase to the roof. Mounting the stairs, she pushed open the metal door and blinked as the sunlight reached her eyes. The fresh air was nice, and as she stepped out onto the roof, she noticed that the view was rather beautiful as well.

Her gaze fell to the only other inhabitant, who seemed to be lost in thought, his back to her. She recognized the white hair, even if his clothing of choice was a bit..odd? He was wearing a coat and scarf in this weather while she was wearing and white shirt with black ribboning and blue jeans.

"Eezn't it a leetle warm for zat?"

["Unfettered"]

HOMGWTFBBQ

"Eezn't it a leetle warm for zat?"

"Eh----Vat, vat?"

Alright. Perhaps he was observing the students from below a little too intensely. Reacting suddenly (and basically jumping), his shoulders thrusting up and backwards as he tried to bring his momentum into a quick turn---Ah. And there she was. Took a moment to adjust, to realize who he was looking at again. A curious smile took to his face, as he raised an eyebrow at her, letting his arms slowly rest at his sides.

"Ah, you came.---Vell... zis actually perfectly comfortable temperature for me," he'd say as he slowly let his right hand crawl up behind him to hold the back of his head in a sort of "leaning backwards" motion.

But he stopped to stare at her for a moment, his face growing serious and neutral for a moment, as he considered her.

"...I'm having a hard time figuring you out. Vy didn't you hit me or anyzing, back in ze morning?"

He'd wanted to ask "Do the French schools teach cowardice?" or something when he'd actually mean to say, "Does France have the corporal punishment system established?" but he was just slowly working his way back into her good side, and he hadn't decided yet if this is where he'd like to keep her. That, and... he didn't want to seem so out of touch with his European roots as he was obviously becoming, in spite of a lot of stubbornness on his part. Instead, he'd slowly pocket his hands, and take a few steps towards her---enough to give her some room.

[Your Mom~]

Arielle jumped when Unfettered jumped, she hadn't expected him to react in such a shocked manner. That didn't surprise her as much as the smile that was on his face...why was he smiling? Usually when someone smiled upon seeing someone, it was because they were glad to see them, or that seeing them invoked a sense of happiness. Haha, that certainly could not be the case.

When he stared at her, she returned the look with a similar deep blue gaze. The silence stretched between them and she felt a growing sense of awkwardness. That is, until he spoke.

"...I'm having a hard time figuring you out. Vy didn't you hit me or anyzing, back in ze morning?"

Well, he wouldn't be the only one then. Arielle was having a difficult time understanding the boy in front of her. At first he was pushy and irritating, and now he was almost civil...? Arielle didn't know what to call it.

"Perrhaps eet eez because you underrestimate me. Or perrhaps I am a good perrson. Does zat surprize you?"

["Unfettered"]

Good People? In 259? HA---Oh, Wait...

"Perrhaps eet eez because you underrestimate me. Or perrhaps I am a good perrson. Does zat surprize you?"

"...Gut person...?"

The German's steps led him to a stop in front of the French girl. He looked at her, observed her as he listened to her say her retort in turn. It was always women (and with good reason) that confounded him the most. They were always unpredictable creatures (typically, there were exceptions), the type of unpredictability that he...

All the while, the German's smile did not falter on the boy's face. He eyed her, no longer as a French girl, but as the attractive person that she really was. His eyes lit with a fire of amusement and wonder.

Stereotypically, this would be the moment, as he got closer and closer to her that he should say something sweet, cool, and make/force a move onto her that would result into a kiss. Stereotypically, in this sort of romantic-fiction scene, this is where he'd throw away his idealistic uses of racism and embrace this sweet little thing as some new way and mannerism of life---

CUE UPPERCUT ATTEMPT TO THE STOMACH.

Provided the hit landed (he'd only be using half of his strength), the girl would probably keel over the punch. And if she did so, the German would redirect his hands so as to catch her face---gently.

"Are you okay?"

Attempted kiss on the forehead, closing his eyes before gently pushing her face (and therein her whole body) back.

The German's grin never left his face.

"Punch me."

Fuck stereotypes.

---What the hell was on this German's mind?

[Your Mom~]

[ooc: Obv still playing Arielle for the time being since this was my Arielle account...>__>]

---

Gut person? He asked it almost as if the term was foreign to him...well, more foreign than the fact that it was English. Yes, good. It was a word, it did exist. Though, Arielle could understand the boys confusion. There was violence everywhere in this school...dented lockers, cafeteria brawls...even gym class was a war zone in itself. And she was the oddly duckly. (Not ugly, oddly.) The good girl. The kind soul. The kindred spirit.

She might as well have a target painted on her face.

...or better yet, her gut.

Oof!

Sapphire eyes widened, watering as she was forced to double over from the unexpected punch to the stomach. Arielle had been beat up a few times at her old school, but she was still very green to the whole concept. Coughing, she gasped in air like it was going out of style, her hands clasping her abdomen. A circular drop of wetness appeared from the waves of brunette hair, making a temporary salty imprint on the cement roof.

Slowly, Arielle straightened herself up, her mouth turned into a decided frown, though the irritation in her eyes lacked the blind fury he was looking for.

"Punch me."

"Non."

He did not need to know that she...actually...couldn't throw a punch. But regardless of that tiny little fine print insignificant fact, she didn't want to. If he was gonna beat her up, he was gonna beat her up. She'd probably try to run though, combat really wasn't her thing and she wasn't enough of a masochist or submissive to stand here and just take it like an abused dog.

["Unfettered"]

Good, Bad... Evil... Ugly...

"Non."

...Similar enough of a word and attitude to be recognized in any situation.

The German couldn't say that he was totally surprised. Then again, nor could he say that he was really expecting that much either. Instead, he just continued his former, slow advance to her.

...She... really couldn't take a hit, could she?

Yet still she...

"Then... can you sit down vith me und explain vy?"

If she'd let him get close... then yeah. If not... well, his breathing problems and overall low dexterity would prevent him from catching her if she was really determined. Still, he kept on smiling...

"...I von't hit you again."

"I promise."

[Arielle~]

After a moment, the French girl caught her breath, muttering a few words inaudibly in her native tongue. She couldn't believe he would just strike her like that...but then again she was stupid to let him get that close to her. The first rule, she was told back on the east coast as she lay crumpled on the gym floor, was to not trust anyone.

As he took a step forward, she took an accompanying step backward. She wasn't the kind of fool to get hit twice with the same joke. Your refrigerator's running, ha ha, funny the first time (kind of?), but now it's just plain ridiculous.

"...I von't hit you again."

"I promise."

Arielle pursed her lips in a 'I'm not sure I believe you' fashion.

"What, haff you never hear'd of 'uman kindness before?"

She asked, confused and a bit skeptical at his inquiry. Sit down and talk about why she wouldn't hit him, like it was some sort of scientific theory or something. If their encounter was any sort of equation, there would be chalk all over the board and about 30 different numbers that didn't line up. It as enough to give anyone a headache.

["Unfettered"]

Everything Has A Point...

Cruelty. A potential part or byproduct of humanity.

"What, haff you never hear'd of 'uman kindness before?"

The German's smiling stopped. This did not mean he began to scowl or frown upon the French girl. Rather... just a complacent look as he tilted his head to the side, stopping his advance.

"It iz not so much zat I have never heard of human kindess."

There was a touch of effort he took not to suddenly just throw off his overcoat and show her all his scars. That was the "shock-and-awe" effect that he usually went for, a stereotype he didn't want to associate with himself all the time.

Rather, he sat down, crossing his legs Indian style, hugging his arms about his waist. There was a lack of grace in how he did it, upsetting what was already a very unstable atmosphere of kindness and violence. There was no switch from angry to happy or whatever a person may perceive. Simple matter was... he hit her, she didn't hit back for whatever reason that may be. That only served to ground and reinforce the point of what "Unfettered" was suspecting to be her core traits.

"I just try not to assume."

"...Frauline 'Pierre' was it?" trying to recall her name from the class as he looked up at her from his sitting position.

"How vould you like me to apologize?"

...

...Was this all...

...Testing...

...?