Tweak shrugged, and then looked back to her work. "I'm sure you'll get it right in the end," she mumbled under her breath, her fringe of dark hair falling into her eyes as she focused on her painting once again.
"Just remember that those paints don't mix well," Jesse called to a different student, and then slowly meandered on over to Rhianwen as she raised her hand. "Yes, little miss Gerlich?"
-

Jayce nodded when Miles said his name, and then chuckled. "At least you aren't in any circumstance where you'll drop a grade." He smiled again, and then nodded to the boy in farewell. "My pack calls," he said with a slight wave. "See you around." Jayce didn't bother with trying to remember the kid's name - chances were he wouldn't be talking with him again, sadly. Not soon, anyway. After all . . . being popular pretty much sucked your attention up with everything going on around you.
Since it was lunch time, he merely headed out with the jocks and cheerleaders - his usual posse - to grab some lunch and lounge about at the tables in the middle of the cafeteria.

((What's the weather like? :XD))

Rhianwen frowned at the teacher. Why oh why did everyone call her small. She wasn't that short. She may only stand about 5 feet, but the redhead was tall enough, right? "I-I'm not little!" corrected the female before continuing. "Sir, I-I was given a detention today. I-I'm not trying to get out of it! I will accept and fulfill it, but please, is there any way you could talk to Mrs. Pasternack for me and reschedule my detention? I-I have drama class after school, and I can't miss it. Please...is there a way I can reschedule with Mrs. Pasternack?" pleaded the student, hugging the source of her detention gently in her arms. Soon enough, the bell for lunch rang, signaling the art students to put away their supplies.

Miles sighed as he finished filling his lunch tray, walking over to a table off to the side. While he wasn't a total outcast, Miles never was part of the popular crowd. Sitting at his table just next to the loners and emos tables, the young male sat down with his 3 best friends. They consisted of another bookworm, a video game critic and fanatic, and a somewhat out of place punk girl who loved DnD and card games, also a scientific type. Looking over at the ever crowded and noisy jocks and cheerleaders, Miles wondered what they thought about and if being popular was as enjoyable as they made it out to be.

((:XD SOrry. I have to go! I'll post later! Remind me . . .-_-'))

((allrightzer XD ))

Glancing up at the clock when the bell rang, Jesse ran a hand over his short brown hair. "I'll speak with her for you," he said slowly, "but no guarantees. Come back after lunch, girly. I'll have your answer."
Bella had just finished stashing her paints and brushes in the drawer beside her desk when Mr. Lockwood walked away, and she leaned over to pet the kitten once again.
"Lunch time," she said to no one in particular. Glancing to the paper sack that sat on the corner of her desk, Tweak sniffed before picking it up, digging around inside of it for a moment. Pulling out a smooshed jelly sandwhich, she grimaced. "Yum." The pale youth unwrapped it as she lifted her bag, slinging it over her shoulder. "Where are you eating?" Tweak asked Rhianwen, tilting her head so her dark hair fell away from her eyes. Taking a bit, she chewed in silence, staring at the kitten.
It seemed that the kitten was a good bonding tool for the strange girl. . . .
-

((Aaaaand Jayce is still in the middle of the cafeteria with his posse. ;)))

Rhianwen stopped, hugging her little friend with her as she waited for the girl called 'Tweak' to be ready to go to lunch.
Somewhat startled at the question, the shy girl answered none the less. "Well..um, I usually eat by myself in the far corner near the table with the three smart kids, or I go outside sometimes...or the nurse's office..."
Seeing her distaste in the sandwitch, Rhianwen felt bad for her new companion. W-would you like some of my lunch? Mom always packs enough for 2 or 3...so you can have some if you want." By this time, they had entered the noisy dining hall.

Miles blinked as he looked up, seeing a lone girl who tended to sit at a table not far from him and his friends. Ocassionally she sat with him and his buddies, but usually she was too nervous to do so. Upon taking a second glance, the dark haired male noticed the yellow sweater from earlier. 'Tweak'! or...what was her name? Oh yeah! Isabella...or..something like that..or was it just 'Bella'? Idly playing with a sugar packet, the stuidious Miles raised a brow as the female at his table mixed a nasty gllop out of uneaten and undrunk portions of her lunch, snickering all the while and adding things at the encouragement of the others.

((hehehe, and they meet . . . :lol:))

Tweak eyed Rhianwen for a moment before looking toward the table she referred to. "Mind if I . . ." she paused, frowning. She usually holed away in the art room to eat, but didn't mention that. "Can I . . .?" Sit with you? Glancing over to see the kid she'd bumped into earlier that day, Bella narrowed her brown eyes, but since they were practically hidden beneath her dark hair, it wasn't very noticable. Sharing lunch didn't sound so bad, the more she thought about it, the better it sounded. It had been a while since she'd sat with anyone worth sitting by, after all. . . .

((Indeed they do!))

Nodding, Rhianwen led them to the small table beside the one occupied by the three studious, socially akward and somewhat dorky students. Still making her concoction, the snickering female nerd was obliviouis to the looks Miles was giving Isabella.
After some inner debate, Miles gestured that the two girls join their table. "H-hey, um, you guys can sit here with us, Sound ok to you?"

Savior! "Sounds good to me," Isabella said quietly, shrugging her shoulders. Glancing to Rhianwen, she headed over to the table, sitting next to Miles. It suddenly struck her that he smelled . . . clean. Like laundry detergent and soap - nothing like she was expecting. Frowning, the pale girl turned her gaze back to Rhianwen, unsure of what else to say. Biting her lip gently, the emo-themed youth looked down at the table, tugging at the sleeve of her yellow sweater for a moment before shifting to lean forward against the table's surface, her forehead hitting it with an audible thunk.

Miles blinked in confusion, a slightly worried look on his face as he noticed the dark emo-ish female let her head drop to the hard surface of the table. "H-hey, are you all right?" he inquired, gently patting her shoulder. Looking at the packet of sugar in his hands, Miles got what he hoped was a good idea. "Excuse me miss, but, you dropped your name tag." he pointed to the word "SUGAR" typed on the body of the small paper packett.

Rhianwen sat at the same table, but with a fairly decent amount of space between her and the others, still nervous. She motioned to Isabella and handed over the promised portion of her lunch: home cooked fettuchinni alfredo and a side of ceasar salad. As several loud conversations and bursts of racous laughter reached her ears, the young red head turned to see the source, seeing none other than the two popular kids tables.

Slowly lifting her head, Bella was blushing furiously by the time her brown eyes met the words on the packet that Miles was holding out. Immediately a smile spread across her face, and Tweak laughed quietly. Boldly nudging Miles, the dark-haired girl snatched the sugar and set it on the table. "Bella," she said quietly, holding her hand out for the boy to shake awkwardly.
When Rhianwen pushed a good portion of food toward her, the emo-girl raised her eyebrows, gladly taking what was offered. "Thanks," she said, another smile spreading over her features.
-

Glancing over to the other tables, Jayce laughed with one of the guys, pushing him back after receiving a shove. They weren't the most quiet group . . . far from it, actually. They had been told to quite down a few times, sadly. Glancing about, his gaze met Rhianwen's . . . and he gave her a small wave accompanied by a smile.
"Hey," he mouthed, nodding. His attention was snagged by a fellow jock then, but his gaze kept returning to Rhianwen as the lunch hour moved on.

((Should I have have Jayce approach? :XD))

Miles smiled back, relievedc she seemed to like his little idea. She was cute. Holding out his hand and taking the one offered to him, the young man felt his spirits rise considerably. "Miles. Nice to meet you. You have a very pretty name, and it fits." Feeling his face flush a bit, Miles continued. "Bella, or Beauty."

Although his friends were surprised to see Miles acting so bold and interested, the three shrugged and proceeded to try and annoy the popular crowd by flinging things in their direction and making faces.

Rhianwen nodded at the thanks, smiling slightly until she felt someone's eyes on her. Looking back at the popular table, she saw none other than Jayce, waving and smiling at her. Feeling her cheeks begin to burn, the senior quickly spun to face away from them, not wanting to have people notice her red cheeks and tease her.

((Your call. If you want. XD ))

"That's right," Tweak said with a smile. "Beware the beast that so oftenly occupies beauty's time." Her brown eyes gazed at the boy beside her through the small curtain of hair, and she slowly reached forward to push Miles' glasses back up the bridge of his nose. When she blushed madly, Bella turned her attention to the food in front of her. "They were slipping," she explained, and then nibbled on a bit of the salad.
-

Feeling something hit his arm, Jayce frowned, and looked over to where Rhianwen was sitting. It was the others, throwing french fries, as usual . . . but it was a good excuse to look at the girl. She was blushing, looking the other way to hide it, and failing. With a slight smile, the young man stood, brushing his friends off.
Sure, it was unusual . . . but it wasn't against the rules. Right?
Taking a seat beside Rhianwen, Jayce smiled at her. "Mind if I sit here for a moment?" A few hoots of laughter could be heard from the populars, but he seemed not to notice. "I need to escape my current crowd for a while."

It was Miles' turn to turn a faint scarlet hue in his cheeks, smiling sheepishly at the female beside him. No worries, I appreciate the gesture. Thank you miss Bella." Thinking he sounded corny or pathetic, the dark haired bow slapped his palm to his face. 'Great response Miles. 'I appreciate the gesture?!' What the heck is that?! Gosh I sound like a moron!' he thought in dismay, feeling like a first class loser. He didn't even notice Jayce come over or his other friends scowling at the popular male.

Barely managing to not gasp or squeek in shock at Jayce coming over to sit by her, Rhianwen looked away so she could try and calm down and lose the blush- not that it was helping. Part of her hoped he was just genuinely interested or being friendly, but the redhead knew better. The hoots of laughter made her even more uncomfortable. "Y-you may sit here....I won't stop you, you're allowed to sit anywhere you want." Looking over at his tables, she frowned. Though her voice and body language portrayed her as meek and easy, her eyes held the truths, her real thoughts. Right now, her brows were furrowed and her teal gaze was fixed in a dissaproving frown. "I-I don't know how you stand them. I don't like your choice of friends....they aren't very nice at all."

"You're welcome," Tweak said with a vague smile, and then turned her attention to the food in front of her. Glancing up at Jayce as he approached, she frowned at him, and then swiftly stuffed something in her mouth to keep herself from speaking. I've had enough experience with their crowd.
She ate quickly, ignoring the fact that she looked like a glutton. She was thin enough to tell the truth - no gluttony problems there. At all.
-

Jayce shrugged, politely ignoring Rhianwen's blush. "They aren't that bad," he said in his group's defense, smiling a bit. "They're just a bit rowdy and . . . weird, as people around here say." Turning his green eyes to the girl beside him, he chuckled slightly. "But everyone has a different definition of weird." Smiling a bit, the popular male leaned his elbows onto the table before speaking again. "Like me. I haven't seen anyone in this school that I would consider weird," Jayce said with a grin. "No one is running around shooting ice out of their fingertips or popping out clones. We're just all a little bit prejudice against other people's cliques."
Brushing away a french fry tossed from his own group of jock friends, Jayce glanced about the table. Nodding to Miles, he then looked back to Rhianwen. "So how's that kitten doing? Giving you any more hassle?"

Miles watched the emo themed female with interest and concern, wondering if she was just eating fast out of habit or nervousness, if she had a big appetite, or if she wasn't getting enough food. He hoped she was getting enough food, she looked thin. For a moment, he almost feared she suffered from anorexia or bullemia. But no, she wasn't thin enough or malnoureshed for anorexia, and she always had a lunch with her. And her teeth were pretty, perfectly fine, and she never retreated to the bathroom after eating as far as he could remember, so those were ruled out. Maybe she was just hungry? Miles smiled at her, placing a hand on her upper back. "Careful Bella, Don't eat so fast or you'll hurt yourself, you'll feel rather ill, trust me, it sucks."

Rhianwen considered the jock's words carefully, looking down at the kitten when he mentioned it. "He seems ok, b-but I may have detention today...I- I hope I can reschedule, I don't want to miss Performing arts...." murmured the girl as she pet her little fuzzy friend, handing it a piece of chicken. Looking up at his friends, she shook her head. "W-weird is nice and fine...a-and rowdy is ok...b-but they tease people, they pick on those who are different, and that's rude...and you know..y-you can tell a lot about a person, by who they choose for friends..." the redhead looked him square in the eyes this time.

When Miles' hand rested on her back, Tweak slowed down for a moment, watching him as she chewed. "I'm not eating that fast," she said through a mouth full of food . . . though it came out sounding more like "ohm not eaten dat fasht." With a slight blush, she finished chewing, and then swallowed. "You're probably right," she said, frowning. I don't usually eat this fast. "I'll slow down." Taking a drink of the water bottle she pulled from her bag, the youth set it on the table. Thanks for worrying. Not many ever do.
Lowering her gaze, Isabella sighed, and then sent a momentary glare over to Jayce before standing up. It looked like she was getting ready to leave, but instead she just pulled out her Ipod and headphones. "What kind of music do you like?" she asked in a gruff tone, trying to be nice. I wonder if he's being nice because he pities me. . . .
-

"Well," Jayce frowned, looking back over to his clique. "I didn't really choose them. They chose me." With a mirthless smile, the jock shrugged again. He then turned his green eyes to Rhianwen. "Do you think I'm like them?" he asked earnestly, tilting his head in worry and watching the jocks as they terrorized some kid to hand over his chocolate milk. It was true that he didn't like what they did, but he never did much to stop them. He was the quiet observer when it came to their "brave" and "I'm-stronger-than-you" acts.

Miles smiled as she slowed down, glad she was taking her well being into consideration. As she stood, he looked worried, wondering if she was going to leave. Relief flooded his features as she sat back down and revealed her music. Despitre her offer, her tone was gruff, more bitter. Had he upset her? He certainly hoped not! "I'm sorry, have I made you upset or uncomfortable? I didn't mean to. And..as for music..I like most things, but I love classic and alternative rock, jazz, and techno."

The red haired female looked over at him as she finished a bite of pasta, eyebrows narrowed slightly. "Y-you do not discourage their behaviour....a-a-and you do not show them any dissaproval, so...you are no better." Gathering her courage, Rhianwen approached the jocks as they terrorized the innocent underclassman for his milk. "Y-you cut that out! L-leave him be!"

"That's quite a spread," Isabella said quietly, and then handed him one of her earphones. "Good thing we have similar interests, huh?" She completely ignored any bit of his question, knowing it wasn't that bad. After all, he wasn't' trying to mess with her. At all. Quite the opposite.
Turning up the volume, Tweak smiled a bit, stuffing the other white earphone into the ear closes to Miles. "Got any preferences?" she asked, glancing up at him as she pointed to her playlists.
-

When Rhianwen stuttered out her bold words, Jayce stiffened, falling silent. He watched in curiosity as she got up to address the other jocks, who merely laughed and acted like they were intimidated.
"Look at this! A little mouse who wants to play rough, huh?"
One of the guys poked Rhianwen's shoulder, snorting. Glancing back to his friends, the boy laughed again. "Won't get too far, will she?"
Jayce stood, slowly moving around until he was behind the brave girl. Shaking his head at the group, he placed a hand on Rhianwen's arm. "Come on guys."
"Now you stand up for the mice, eh?" One of the jocks chuckled, and someone else ended up spraying their milk across the table. "When did you fall for her, Jay?"
Looking uncomfortable, Jayce shook his head again. "Is this worth it?" Pushing Rhianwen back a bit, the tall boy met his friend's gaze steadily, trying not to look like he was ready to just walk away. Reaching for the chocolate milk that one of his posse had snagged, he handed it back to the tormented student before moving toward their table again. "You're going to get us all in trouble."
A few of the jocks poked the other kid for a few moments before losing interest and heading back to the "popular" table where Jayce had seated himself. Here it comes. Questions, prompts, and uncertainties were brought up, and the green-eyed youth merely shrugged, his gaze on Rhianwen for a while. She certainly has bravery.

Miles smiled at the girl, scooting a few milimeters closer so she wouldn't need to strain her head over or stretch her headphones too far so they risked pullling. Looking at the list, the male closed his eyes and smiled. "You go ahead and choose. Surprise me."

Rhianwen swallowed hard, about to protest, only for Jayce to step in. Face flushed bright pink, she gathered her lunch and ran to the art room, deciding she wanted her answer sooner. That, and she could avoid the popular students.

Closing her own eyes and hitting the button, Tweak laughed quietly. Basshunter (don't know if you've ever heard of them, but I like 'em. ;)) blasted into their ears, and she quickly turned the volume down to a tolerable level. Completely ignoring everything that was going on with the jocks, Bella focused on finishing her food before the bell rang. She didn't seem to mind one bit that the other end of her earphones were with Miles. If anything, she almost looked . . . brighter. For an emo kid, anyway.
-

As soon as Rhianwen stepped into the room, Jesse looked up from the paper he was scribbling on. Seeing who it was, the art teacher smiled a bit, and resumed writing. "I'm guessing you're hear about your detention?" he said absent-mindedly, finishing his note. Setting it aside, he ran a hand over his short hair before leaning back in his chair.

Miles smiled brightly, tapping his foot and drumming his fingertips on his arm in time to the beat, happy to be sharing music with someone. He found the girl's company to be raather enjoyable.

Rhianwen nodded, hugging her kitten close as she watched the art teacher. "Yes sir."

After the first song ended, Tweak grinned, giving Miles' earphone a tug. Pulling it away from him and sticking it into her own ear, she gave him the other one. She had originally given him the wrong one, but it wasn't too big of a deal. Barely leaning against the boy, Bella laughed as she did a little dance that went along with the music.
She had a huge blush on her face, but she did her best to look like she didn't care. She was enjoying being with Miles, the boy who seemed nice and caring, who smelled like her favorite kind of laundry detergent, and who seemed to be someone who actually cared. It would be a first.
The bell signaling the end of lunch time rang, startling Isabella so much she jumped. Her good times, dreams, always ended suddenly. It was like she was flying . . . and then ran straight into a brick wall. Splat.
"What class do you have next?" the emo-themed girl asked, slowly wrapping her headphones up and putting it all into her yellow pockets. Brown eyes looking at Miles through her heavy bangs, Tweak tilted her head a bit before standing and gathering her trash and bag.
-

Jesse Lockwood smiled, reaching up to give the kitten a small pat. "You're lucky. I got Mrs. Pasternack to change the date of your detention. Tomorrow after school it is." The teacher glanced to another student that meandered into the room, floating about as though he had a question. "Be sure to keep all small creatures outside of school from now on, alright Gerlich?"
The art instructor leaned back in his chair, smiling at the next person to enter his small office . . . which was technically just part of the classroom, but a little more secluded.
"No more cats."

((And I'm thinking that Jayce will be in detention for stopping a fight or something that involved Miles. :yes: So . . . I'll start a fight, and Miles will get involved. ^_^ And then Jayce says something, thus bringing him into the fight in which he takes the hits for Miles. Jayce gets in trouble, where Miles just gets told to stay out of fights (because he was never one of the people throwing punches). And then Jayce and Rhianwen can meet after school for detention! :lol:))

Smiling as he tapped his fingers, Miles closed his eyes. She was odd, but that wasn't a bad thing at all, he kinda liked it. So cute in such a mysterious, quirky way, not like other preps or any bookworm types. Once the music was done and her belongings packed up, Miles had to confess to being secretly dissappointed by this rude interruption of their company.
"Math next. Yourself Bella?"inquired the man.

Bowing her head a bit, slightly pink in her cheeks, Rhianwen nodded. "Y-yes sir, Thank you very much. I'll be here after school tomorow." she made no move to assure or promise to not bring in or rescue any animals she may come across in her future.

((Sounds good.))

Bella smiled grimly, looking about ready to die. "Math with Dem-Dem," she said with a shrug, moving to throw her trash away before situating the bag on her shoulder. "Is he your teacher too?" The young woman couldn't remember seeing Miles in her class, but then again . . . she wasn't the most attentive individual on earth. Especially when she spent most of her time with her head down in the back row.
-

Jayce was on his way to history class when his friends decided it would be funny to pick a new bit of prey. Tweak was looking a bit too happy, apparently. So they chose her. Just as Miles and Isabella moved out of the cafeteria, they were assaulted on all sides by jocks and popular idiots. At first, Jayce lingered in the background, not wanting to get involved.
"So cute!" one of the larger boys said with a mocking laugh, yanking Bella away from Miles with a rough tug to her sweater. Tweak dropped her bag, belongings sliding across the smooth floor in every direction. As she started to struggle, a few others chose to push Miles around, laughing as they shoved him down the hallway.
"Get on to class. She won't be needing you, hero."
They turned their attention back to Bella, who was sounding absolutely pissed, but could do nothing about it as she attempted to slip from a jock's grip. Slut. Whore.Words echoed through the hall, making tears spring to Tweak's brown eyes - not that they would see them. It was one of the reasons she kept her bangs so thick and long.