Weeds are flowers too...once you get to know them (Rod)

[Glads Thompson]

Glads had one baby blue earbud in as he strolled through the courtyard that day. It was unusual that there were so few people fussing about and talking. The place was practically empty for a spot usually coveted for teenage gossip and make-out sessions. Not that he was unpleased with the lack of the kissing. It's not that he didn't like to see others being happy, it was just one of those small reminders of how fast he had to grow up. Which, now that he was away from Georgia, seemed like he could finally be a teenager. Or least a facsimile there of, considering curtain feelings for an older guy had popped up again. 

The young man swallowed those feelings and the fear with a smile as placed a flower, that he had picked earlier and was in fact a chickweed, into one of his curls. The stem tickling behind his ear a little as he walked. Turning a corner into a slightly underused section of the courtyard, his nose was hit by the scent of cigarette smoke. It was not an unfamiliar or unpleasant smell, just something he knew shouldn't be happening on school grounds. Though, he was no snitch. Being as sociable as he was, there were several instances where Glads had come in contact with something that lay outside the rules of the school, and he turned his back. This however, could very easily be caught by a teacher.

Rounding another small corner, in a slightly hidden area, Glads found the origin of the smoke. It was a handsome, although, sour looking young man. He had seen him around school before, but never spoke to him. The guy always seemed to like to be alone. Which was fair enough. However, Glads was not the type to just let someone possibly get into trouble, so...he cleared his throat as he moved a little closer.

"Scuse me.." His southern draw called out, but not to loud. "Not here to complain, just sayin' ya could get yourself in trouble. I mean..the courtyards pretty empty...kinda easy to track down the smell." With that, Glads added a friendly smile.

[Rodrigo Santos]

Rod, for a change, was in a good mood. A really good mood actually. He smiled as he closed his eyes and took in a deep gulp from his cigarette. But that good mood came with one particular worry that'd been eating him away, the reason he'd looked for a moment of peace and quiet. He needed a job and quick. He'd promised Syd he would be taking her out on dates, which only meant he needed money and that always meant work. Well, he guessed he could take her to some cheap, non expensive, non spending places, but what kind of man would he be if he did that? Besides, she deserved the best, and he wanted to be the best, particularly after she'd planted that idea in his head that she could want to hide him, or that she was embarrassed to be seen with him. He frowned around his cigarette as he stretched out his legs, thinking just of that. He'd been sitting on the grass, his back to the wall of the nearest building, hiding behind the ruckus that usually were students. It was a good spot to think. And now... he needed a spot to think, considering how his thoughts kept landing on a certain girl. He stared at his sneakers and growled under his breath. Yeah... Maybe they needed some dusting and probably some... replacing. They were old and used and dirty. Give him a break, they were the only pair he had and he used them every day! He thought of how prim and proper Syd always looked, as if everything she wore cost a fortune. Or maybe she just had the kind of perfect posture that made her seem rich.

He took the cigarette from his lips, leaning his head back and blowing out the smoke slowly. He was so screwed. What was he going to do now? He needed a job, but that meant time away from training and school work and time away from Syd. He wasn't willing to ignore any, especially Syd. Well, maybe school work, but he already ignored that one.

Someone talked and he opened his eyes to see some random dude that'd walked up to him. Oh, perfect. Just what he needed. Interruptions. "That's why I'm hiding." Said Rod carefully, eyeing the guy suspiciously. He didn't like men. Hell, he usually didn't talk to them unless it was to look for a fight. But he'd been happy and relaxed enough to not stand immediately and yell at the guy until he left. This was his territory after all. He took in the guy as he smoked.

"Ye got trash on yer hair, dude." He said after a moment, nodding his way as he noticed whatever it was among the guy's curls. It looked like a flower, but he didn't know any self respecting man who would place that on their head on purpose. Must've fallen from a tree or something. "Whatever." He added, lifting his cigarette, "Thanks fer the tip. Now fuck off." He really wanted to be alone. "Got too much in my mind to deal with ya."

[Glads Thompson]

Glads eyed the other cautiously. It wasn't as though he was naturally suspicious of people, but certain postures and ways for speech definitely had an impact on him. Mostly because of things he went through back in Georgia and it was these moments he was happy for the experience and yet, wished he never had them. "Well yeah..I figured that's why you were here. Good place to hide really." He decided that being calm and polite was the best way to deal with this person. Besides, he was not the kind to fight. Oh, he could if he really needed to, but he'd rather not.

At first he figured the guy must have just been generally grumpy, but his next reply said other wise. The words were short and cut a little. Not at Glads' feelings, just seemed to cut the air, which made him flench just a little. He did not visible show, just pretended to straighten himself up. "Oh." He glanced up at the flower/weed in his hair. "Yeah, I liked it..so I picked it and put it there. It's a flower...well technically it's a weed, but I still think it's kinda pret..." The guy cut his words off and that actually irritated the curly haired youth for a moment. Rudeness was not something he would abide by, but he held his tongue. Obviously this guy was having a bad day.

"Hey man, I was trying to help...never hurts to be friendly ya know." Glads was still smiling. He was not going to let this guys bad mood affect his good one. "Well, um...If you ever need someone to talk to..I'm always around to listen." He shrugged a little. "I know we don't know each other, so you don't have to go into detail...but I'm a good listener." Again, he smiled. "Name's Glads...by the way."

[Rodrigo Santos]

He picked up a flower and placed it there. Rod stared at him as if he was crazy. And he had to be, right? What kind of guy did something like that? Hell, what kind of person? He knew little girls did that kind of stupid stuff, but he'd never actually seen it. There weren't many wild flowers where he was from and, to be honest, he never truly paid attention to the kiddies in Hammel. At least Rod managed to shut him up. It wasn't something he wanted to hear, nor he cared enough to wait and listen.

This dude called him out on his rudeness and Rod rose an eyebrow, staring at him. So what? It wasn't like people ever came close, so who cared if he was rude? He looked down though, flicking his cigarette to the side. Syd had called him a jerk more than once. Maybe she was on to something. Never hurts to be friendly. "Uh... sorry." He said, obviously not used to even say the word to anyone other than his grandmother.

Did he need to talk? He was taught to never really discuss anything with anyone. Feelings were to be felt, not shared. But... well, maybe the guy knew of someone looking for someone like him to do whatever? Ugh, this was hard. "Uh-" But before he could say anything, the guy introduced himself and Rod was once again left without words. Why wasn't he leaving like everyone else?

"Rod." He said back, still looking at the guy as if he was an alien. "And- uh. Thanks. I- uh." What had his grandmother said to tell people when they met? "Nice meeting ya." Something like that. This was weird. Rod ran a hand through his hair and licked his lips nervously, turning his gaze to the sky. He liked sunny days. It reminded him of home.

"I don't- uh." He had no idea how 'talking' worked apparently. How did someone start something like that anyway? "Sit down, man." He waved at the grass, as if meaning 'sit anywhere'. Rod was pretty used to just flop down on the floor wherever he was anyway, no need for fancy things. Speaking of which. "Just- just money problems..." He said the last in a low, grumpy voice, looking down at the grass and picking some out.