One of those days [open]

[Cassidy Mitro]

Friday. It was friday lunch time and Cassie was allowed to run outside to what had become a very regular haunt until darkness fell across the land and made it slightly more impossible to see anything. Cassie then had to move closer to Hammel building so she wouldn't be blind for the next few hours. Cassidy was as depressed as ever, despite seeing Faye at dinner the evening before.

So the girl was growing on her just a little and she didn't mind having a friend that was a little more naive then her. She cold totally convince Faye to do just about anything if she added the words '... but it's so cool.' at the end of a sentence. Deep down inside Faye was just like her. Uncertain and trying to fit in in a world she was not entirely familiar with but unlike Faye, Cassidy didn't welcome this strange new change to her life.

New rules, new authority. She already was starting to miss Max because Max had made her feel good for a little while. She missed her mom most of all. Cassie stared into the water where the fish were swimming contentedly up and down before she pulled her hands from her lap and stared at them. Her first training classes had been this week and she'd done okay she thought. Right now it was all just theory and blabber but enough of that had sunk in and made Cassidy believe that this was a gift she could control rather then a curse she loathed. Cassie closed her eyes.

Concentration came easily to the girl who'd been taught to meditate with her mother from a young age. It wasn't that her mother was that spiritually inclined. It was that her mother felt it important to teach her daughter how to calm herself down which seemed to have worked in her favour now. Cassie opened her eyes and looked down at her palms. Nothing...

The little girl then lifted her hands and shook them like one would shake a flash light...
"Work..."
She demanded from her hands not having heard that someone was doing a very good job of approaching her without her knowledge of it.

[Sage Ersilia]

Night had fallen for another day, and Sage did not have much to look forward to. Although it was difficult for him to see in daylight, the night time was not much better, and darkness had a tendency to mess with his mind. Without being able to see past the shadows, he felt as if anything could come out and catch him off guard. It was not as if he did not trust anyone in the school. On the contrary, he trusted just about everyone, but there was always that strange uncertainty and unease that the dark brought with it.

However, when outside, he could at least see the moon and stars on a clear night, and nights like those made him feel much more comfortable and less vulnerable. On this particular evening, the sky was adorned with dazzling stars that reflected into the still water of the pond. Sage was practically gliding across the ground, a large grin planted on his face as he mirrored the moon, glowing with a similar brightness. As he continued to stroll around the pond, he soon came across young Cassie, who was frustrated and shaking her own hand like it was somehow broken. Sage laughed lightheartedly as he saw her attempt to force her power out, and he approached her, gently taking her hand in his.

“Cassie, light should be handled gently. Think of something that makes you happy…”

His emerald eyes gazed into hers, and he extended the light from his body and onto her hand. This wasn’t necessarily always easy for him to do, but Cassie’s body was so well accepting of his powers, since they shared the same ability.

[Cassidy Mitro]

Cassidy started when she heard Sage's voice. His hands took hers and her blue eyes flicked up to meet his. There were many guys at the school that were good looking and she'd only been there a month or so but in that time she'd come to realize that the good looking ones were Jackasses. Sage, she'd met about a week ago in power training classes and after a brief conversation she'd felt like she could trust him completely. They'd had lunch together a couple of times as well since she'd been sat all alone by the giant table without anyone to talk to.

Each time he'd smile at her butterflies would go around in her stomach. She never thought that he'd be her first crush but it turns out that he was. Her very first crush. He took her hands and her cheeks turned rosey. Sage was still a kid. Sage didn't act all grown up like everyone else did around her. Sage was sweet and caring and he was there to help her when she really needed him. Cassie dropped her eyes quickly. Her mom had always said that a person's eyes were the windows to their souls and Cassidy couldn't afford Sage seeing into her soul right then.

That would be disasterous. Cassie finally closed her eyes and tried to think of something amazing, like Sage suggested but she didn't even need to close her eyes. He was holding her hands. Her eyes fluttered opened and her powers activated themselves instantly sending a soft glow spreading across her body. She lifted her eyes and fixed them on Sage and a smile spread across her face when she felt his power warmth flow into her palms, her hands, up her arms. Then she remembered how she'd burned her mom when she'd used her powers and she gasped.

She yanked her hands away from his and fell back staring at his hands.
"Did I hurt you?! Please tell me I didn't. I didn't mean to!"
Cassie flustered with her words and quickly brought her hands to cover her face whimpering at the thought of having hurt him at all.

[Sage Ersilia]

Sage understood what it was like to be frustrated and so lacking in control. He had gone through exactly the same thing Cassidy did when he first came to Hammel, and he recalled a few incidents where he had passed out from overheating. After years of practice, he managed to get this under control for the most part, but he knew there was still much to learn. And poor Cassidy…she had only just gotten here, so there was no doubt in Sage’s mind that she was struggling.

The blond smiled at the shyness she showed as she lowered her gaze, but right on cue, her light began to come out. Sage found it truly beautiful as it stretched out across her body, and he closed his eyes gently at the warmth it provided. It was soothing; very comfortable to him, but it did not take long for Cassie to panic and pull away. There it was. The fear. He remembered how he had felt and the way he still felt every time he used his powers. However, she was quite upset, and Sage was quick to respond.

“Shhh. It’s okay, Cassie. I’m fine. You didn’t hurt me at all. You did wonderfully…really…”

He gently pulled her hands away from her face and knelt down to her.

“Try and stay calm, okay? If you get overexcited, you might overheat”

Sage was no trainer or anything, but he at least understood this, and he would have been terribly concerned if she fainted on him.

[Cassidy Mitro]

Cassie flinched when Sage again touched her, pulling her hands away from her face which was now flickering brightly with the strength of her emotions. The moment Sage took her hands from her face, her eyes locked on his face and she saw in his face a warmth that made her calm down when his words told her to calm down and his voice was soothing enough to make Cassie relax completely. Her glow dimmed and her eyes fixed on his glowing emerald ones. Oh he was so handsome. He was so handsome and he didn't call her little or kid.

Not once... so far... Eventually they all called her kid and annoyed her. Eventually she would wanna punch him too and this stupid little crush would disappear and vanish. She hated thinking about him like this because the moment he called her little kid or cute, she'd loose all desires to wanna be with him or wanna touch him or have him touch her. He'd look down his nose at her eventually. He was so old and she was so young and Cassie knew he had every right to look down his nose at her. Cassie sighed and dropped her head.

"I did wonderfully because you're here..."
Cassidy muttered almost resentfully at him. She was such a fail at being a kid. Why couldn't she just be a kid? Why couldn't she just run around and get muddy and messy and be free. Cassidy's eyes flicked up to meet his.
"Are you going back home for thanks giving too?"
Cassie whispered then dared to cling to his hands. This time she wouldn't let go.

[Sage Ersilia]

Sage smiled again when he saw Cassidy beginning to calm, and her light faded to a dim glow, which was much more manageable for the young meta. She was such a fast learner, and he was overjoyed that she was getting the hang of her abilities. Oh, he couldn’t wait to see how she shined after some time in Hammel.

Although he could tell that she was happy to have gotten herself somewhat under control for the moment, but she seemed a bit distressed. Sage tilted his head as he watched her lower her head and mutter that she had only done well because of his presence. The girl was so quick to discredit herself, and Sage shook his head in denial.

“You did that on your own, Cassie. You’re much stronger than you think”

She asked if he was going home for Thanksgiving, her hand clinging to his, and he did not think much of the gesture. He wondered if she was somehow going to be stuck at Hammel for Thanksgiving.

“Yes, but I’ll be back soon. What about you, Cassie? What are you doing for Thanksgiving? Are you doing anything special?”

Sage moved to sit on the ground beside Cassidy, his hand still in hers.

[Cassidy Mitro]

Cassidy frowned. Good. Boys were stupid enough not to catch subliminal messages behind girl's words and that was a slight relieve right now. She didn't want him to think she was lame ot anything though she knew better then to think he'd be all sweet about her liking him... well crushing on him. She thought that he might freak out and tell her off for liking him. Tell her she was far too young for him and stuff like that. She was in such a hurry to grow up. Sage sat beside her and she smiled at him when he said he'd be back soon. She wasn't worried about that.

She just wanted to change the subject since she felt... translucent right then which could turn out horribly and she couldn't afford it. Cassie nodded slowly.
"I'm going home... thank goodness. Did I tell you about the time I ran away and made Lyne go fetch me? I was gonna hitch hike right back to New York. Do you think I'd have made it?"
Cassidy smiled and tilted her head at Sage staring up at him. She so badly wanted him to hold her but she new the soft glow would leave her warm... and tired...

Cassie let out a long yawn and sighed softly slumping down and staring at the water.
"Look... the fish like us."
Fish often liked the light. They seemed drawn to it. Then again, every creature on earth happened to be drawn to light.

[Sage Ersilia]

Although Cassie was a child, Sage still found her quite mature for her age. However, he couldn’t help but worry for her since she was constantly running away from things that were unable to be changed. Her lack of faith in her powers was something he understood, but he knew there was nothing he could do about it, so he tried to live each day optimistically. The reason the girl probably struggled to control her powers at the immediate moment was probably because of the doubt within herself. Cassie then told him how she was returning home for Thanksgiving, but she brought up a past story that worried him.

“Why did you run away, Cassie? Have you been having troubles with your family?”

The girl asked him if he thought she would have made it on her own on such a journey, and he nodded and smiled back at her.

“Yes. I do think you would have made it. You’re a smart, resourceful young lady”

Sage watched as the girl yawned tiredly and her eyes were drawn to the water. The surrounding fish had caught an interest in the soft light they were emitting and he laughed lightly at the reactions of nature around them.

“I suppose they do, don’t they?”

The blond gently moved forward and touched his fingertips to the surface of the water, releasing some of his light along with the ripples, which formed illuminated rings in the water that slowly faded away. He seemed amused as the fish followed the glowing ripples, and he quickly moved back to his place beside Cassie.

Despite the warmth that their light brought them, it was still incredibly chilly outside, and Sage wondered if Cassie had been at all uncomfortable, especially since she didn’t have full control yet.

“Cassie, are you warm enough? I can lend you my jacket if you’re cold”

He imagined she was probably fine, since she had not complained, but the girl was not one who brought up her problems often. He felt somewhat responsible for her, and she was a girl who kept things to herself for the most part.

[Cassidy Mitro]

Cassidy shook her head quickly when he asked if she'd been having trouble back home. Oh Nothing of the sort. She'd run away to GO home. Didn't she mention that part?
"Nooo... I loved my home. I love my home. I wanted to go back. Back where I had my mom and dad and violin lessons and green beans."
Cassidy made a disgusted face at the thought of green beans then as if on queue heard her mom say 'eat those beans.'

Then her father add 'If you do, I'll take you flying...'. Cassie smiled at the fond memory and the thought that she'd be seeing them soon. Her mother had always hated it when her dad took her flying. It didn't make her all that happy but for her father, all that mattered was Cassidy most of the time. Sure he loved her mom and she could see that but maybe he knew that their time was short and that he had to make the best of it. It made her feel incredibly good when she heard Sage say that he was sure she would have made it all the way there.

She was delighted and entrawled by the idea of hitch hiking home. It would have completely shocked her parents that was for sure, but after her mom had calmed her anger Cassie knew her mom would have been so glad that Cassie was back as well as her dad. Cassie grinned and bit into her bottom lit glad for the confidence that Sage showed in her. She watched the child like boy move forward to play with the fish in the water and she gave a little giggle watching his amusement at them. Seee?! He was only 15 mentally...

And she was fifteen mentally... Cassie bit back a groan when he came to sit beside her, looking away from him until he spoke asking her if she was cold. She was about to say no, because she really wasn't cold but he offered his jacket! Cassie's head shot toward him and she bit into her bottom lip to keep from grinning then nodded quickly. Once she was sure her grin wouldn't be a give away she spoke.
"Oh I'm freezing... brrr...."
She faked a shiver and rubbed at her own upper arms.

"But you'll be cold... I don't want you to be cold..."
Cassie said quickly.

[Sage Ersilia]

Sage could tell that he had boosted Cassidy’s confidence a bit, but he did not feel pride for having done so, only because he knew he had not told her anything untruthful. She most definitely could do anything she put her mind to, and she was very mature for her age. He smiled at the way she spoke of her family, and it was clear that her parents meant a lot to her. Sage felt a bit nostalgic himself, and he was excited about going back home for Thanksgiving.

The blond became concerned for her when she rubbed her arms and told him she was cold. He could see the girl visibly shivering, though he did not notice that she was faking it. Sage didn’t see any reason why she would anyways. He frowned and was quick to pull of his jacket, resting it gently over her body. Cassie showed some worry for his own well being, but he smiled at her to reassure her.

“I’ll be fine, Cassie. I’ll just light up a bit more. Besides, it won’t be too much longer before we reach our curfew. In the mean time, tell me more about your family”

On cue, his light brightened, and he lay back onto the grass, staring up at the sky.

[Cassidy Mitro]

Cassidy watched as he pulled off his jacket, almost bouncing, instead of shivering, in anticipation to be able to have his scent around her and on her as it would surely rub off. She smiled and quickly accepted his jacket around her shoulders which was hot and warmed her up so well not that she was cold in the first place. Cassidy's eyes quickly shut at the feeling and the smell trying to not let Sage see how happy she was to just be wearing his jacket. It would be considered awkward if he knew that she was crushing on him.

Cassidy watched him lay back across the grass and followed him, laying beside him. Her eyes flicked to his hand and she sooo wished she could hold it. It would feel really good to be holding his hand. Her eyes quickly flicked back up to the profile of his face when he asked her to tell him about her family. She smiled softly and hummed a little wondering what she should tell him.

"My parents are Metas. My dad has retractable wings and my mom can teleport. She can get to me real quick if I need her to. What about your parents? Are they meta like mine? "
Cassidy questioned. Who cared about her? It was him that she was dying to hear about!

[Sage Ersilia]

Cassie seemed more than willing to accept his jacket, and he smiled as she relished in the warmth that it provided. She must have been very cold to have been that happy. At least, that’s what Sage believed to be the reason for her joy. The girl laid down next to him on the grass and spoke about her family, who she seemed to have great affection towards. Cassie told him how both of her parents were metas, and that was clearly the reason why she was as well.

“They sound wonderful. Their powers must be amazing too!”

Then, she turned the question to him, and he smiled at her interest in his family. He found it sweet that she cared to hear at all, and he slowly nodded gratefully.

“My parents are also Metas. My mom can see the future, and my dad can make force fields. My mom can’t really control hers, and my dad doesn’t use his powers very much, since he doesn’t really have to. My sister Stella isn’t a meta, but she’s a great actress and going to graduate from high school soon”

Sage missed his family. He had not seen them in a while, and he was really excited about going home for Thanksgiving. The boy smiled at Cassie and shivered once as a cold wind blew over them.

“Maybe we should head inside. You can warm up easier indoors”

[Cassidy Mitro]

Sage told her about his family and how his parents were metas too. He had a sister called Stella who was not a Meta which was curious. She didn't understand how the whole family were Metas except for Sage's sibling. It was a very curious thing for her to realize indeed. It was good to know they both had parents who loved and cared for them. Many Metas didn't have that. Especially the ones who were the only metas in the family. Her dad had explained this to her one day. She knew her parents would do anything to protect her from Meta haters and she also knew that it was something they both should be thankful for.

Sometimes she just wished she was like Stella though. She would have been able to stay where she'd been. In her family home life, safe from harm or hurt. Though she supposed, she was safe from that here too. She just wished she was open enough to make more friends. She was scared and cold toward other teens, especially when they were older then her. Cassidy glanced toward Sage when he said that they needed to go inside and she nodded. That was probably best for both of them. Outside, he was getting cold.

It was natural for him to wanna be in the warmth. They, as light manipulators thrived on the warmth inside so often provided. Cassie sat up slowly and nodded.
"Do you want your jacket back? I'm okay now."
His scent would linger on her all the way to her bed where she'd be cosy and warm for the rest of the night.

"I'm over my curfew anyway. I'm supposed to have been in bed already. I'm always over my curfew. I never had one back home. It's weird for me to have one now."
She'd been brought up with the desire to be better and her parents thought it best for her to decide when she was tired so when night came, they'd curl up on her bed and just allow her to read to them, whoever was home at the time, untill she could barely see her words anymore. It also didn't help that her tutor gave her the most boring books ever to work through. Like Hamlet of course.

Her mother often made the story more entertaining by putting in 21st age slang whenever a character dialogue was being read and her dad just made quibs about parts he found entertaining enough to comment on.

[Sage Ersilia]

Like Cassie, Sage was also curious as to how both of his parents could be metas while Stella was not. He was not sure exactly why, but he understood that it was entirely possible to happen. His sister sometimes wished that she could be, simply to experience it and understand, but at the same time, she felt fortunate to have her freedom as a normal human being. Sage’s power wasn’t really dangerous and hardly ever hurt anyone, but he still wished he could enjoy the things that a normal life had to offer. It was not strange to be happy with your life but still wish for something else, right?

Sage looked at his watch to check the time before nodding towards Cassie. It was time to return to their dorms, and although they were past their time, the boy didn’t imagine he would get a lot of trouble if he walked the girl back to her room. Not to mention, it was getting pretty cold outside, and Sage longed for the warmth of his bed.

“Let’s go back then. I don’t want you to get in trouble. I’ll walk you to your room, okay?”

The boy stood up and held out his hand to the girl to help her up as well. However, as he did so, he caught sight of a shooting star that streaked across the sky, and he lit up even more from his joy.

“Cassie! Look, a shooting star! Make a wish!”

Sage closed his eyes for a brief moment as he made his wish, and he looked back to the girl with a big smile.

[Cassidy Mitro]

See, if Cassie was just a bit older, it would not have been a problem that she was out this late but until she was 14 or 15 she had an early curfew which she always seemed to break. It was more of a rebellious thing than actually wanting to break curfew and stay up late. There wasn’t much to do around Hammel at night anyway. Older students were doing homework or fighting over television time or making out in the student lounge. It made her always escape to be outside, on her own. That was why Sage had found her here. She’d been hiding with the fish.

They didn’t make out or not see her or whatever the older kids did, ‘cept for Max cause Max always said ‘Hi’ to her and Max was all around Awesomeness who would graduate in June and never been seen or heard from again, to Cassie’s disappointment. She dusted herself off to make sure she didn’t go trampling in tell tale signs of her little excursion out of Hammel halls when she was supposed to have been in bed already. She reached out to take Sage’s hand but the moment she was about to, his attention caught on a star falling from the heavens.

Cassie’s lips parted at his enthusiasm and she watched him glow a little brighter, lighting the area around them in a soft glow and managing to make her smile softly. He was so beautiful when he glowed like that and it truly did fascinate her how innocent and child like he was. He was supposed to be the older one and he acted more like a child then she did, wishing on a falling rock that had entered the earth’s atmosphere to fall into the North Atlantic somewhere.

Cassie smiled back at him when he smiled down at her and slowly her hand slipped into his. She got to her feet and intertwined their fingers. Even if she did wish upon that falling star, nothing would have happened because it was impossible for her to age enough to even take a bit of Sage’s interest. He was far too oblivious anyway.
”I do so hope your wish comes true Sage.”
She half whispered before tugging at his hand and heading for the entrance of Hammel institution.