Thread Roulette: Courtney, Emma, and Fifi

[Event !]

Watch it, girls, she's after something.

[Emma Hayes]

Emma walked down to the courtyard with a spring in her step. The morning air was crisp and cold and just the way she liked it. She liked the crunch of frosty leaves beneath her feet and the clearness of the shy. The weather, along with the recent excursions with her new friends, left her in a pleasant mood.

She'd woken early, and deciding against sitting in the library all morning, she'd headed out side. With her, Emma had her blue notebook. She liked writing but had been busy ever since she arrived at Hammel. Right now struck as a good opportunity for pumping out a story.

She found a good place to sit under a tree, and settled down in hopes of a few hours of quiet. Instead, she realized she'd managed to drop her pen along the way. So she dropped the notebook by the tree and began retracing her steps.

[Fifi Hart]

Early.

Way too early for Fifi. That being said, it was before Noon on a day she didn’t have class until two. This was bullshit. However, she’d managed to wake up before her usual late hour, and couldn’t bring herself to get back to sleep. For this reason, Fifi was pissy. Pissier than her usual spoiled self. She just felt like ruining something (read: someone’s day) and Jinahi wasn’t around to shit with.

Fifi huffed a heavy sigh and paused before her purple high-tops squished a pen in the grass. She bent down and snatched it up shaking her head. What if she’d sat on it or something? God. Some people. The twirled the pen in her fingers for a few moments before she noticed a brunette heading towards her.

“This yours, puddin’?” She cooed, wiggling the pen near her cheek. The girl appeared to be looking for something…why not this pen?

[Courtney Ross]

Courtney wrapped her scarf a bit tighter around her neck and put her gloved hands into her pockets, humming to herself. It was quiet for once, a big deal, but the cold silenced the critters and kept the students inside. She was more than willing to shiver pleasantly if it meant she could have a little bit of quiet.

Courtney exhaled gently and a little earthbound cloud floated in front of her face, almost making her giggle. Not that she really giggled, but it was a great way to just relax. Her roommates were great, but a bit louder than she wanted to deal with that particular morning. Instead, she tried to just wander around campus in this blessed quiet.

Except for the fact that Fifi, one of the few people she had never really met and was terribly wary of, was suddenly standing a few yards away. And someone else was coming up, a bit too quickly for Courtney to just dodge under a bush and strike up exclusive conversation. Rolling her eyes, Courtney tugged on her scarf before approaching the two, smiling nervously. This would turn out fine, wouldn't it?

"Erm, hello." Courtney said, moving closer. "I'm not interrupting, am I?" Oh conversation. Her greatest strength. "Lovely day, isn't it?" And it just got stronger, didn't it?

[Emma Hayes]

Emma blinked at the short haired girl and the nickname. She smiled awkwardly, shuffling the last few feet to the other girl. "Umm, yes. That's mine. Thank you for finding it." She reached up a hand for it, but turned when someone else came near.

"Hello." Emma greeted, trying to keep her nerves in line. She didn't do well around other females. Emma had never been into girl approved activities or cared about her appearance and romance the way others did. That's not to say she hadn't made friends with girls before, it was just those girls were farmer's daughters or worked in shops and didn't care about girly stuff either. These two looked more feminine then Emma was used. But that didn't mean she would be rude.

"No, I don't think you're interrupting anything." She shifted, looking around. "Yes, it is. Autumn weather is usually nice." If the other girl was being sarcastic, Emma didn't catch it. "I'm Emma, by the way." She nodded to the both of them, waiting expectantly.

[Fifi Hart]

“I didn’t find it with the intent of giving it back to you.” Fifi confessed, plopping the pen into the shorter girl’s hand. “Had you not come looking for it, I probably would have kept it.” She said, putting on a winning smile. Though she sounded as if she were trying to make a casual joke, anyone who knew Fifi would realize her faux-jest was dead serious. “But I’m always happy to reunite loved ones.” She added, judging Emma a bit for going after a pen. Pen’s could be replaced. Lose one in the grass? Buy another. Done.

Fifi watched as Courtney approached, narrowing her eyes a bit in vague recognition. Ross was one of the girl’s in her dorm, and if Fifi remembered correctly, lived in the sweet next door alongside that fuckin’ adorable Sam Rixon. Her face wound into a slow smile. The other girl’s nickname.

“Creeper, isn’t it?” Fifi asked, tilting her head to Courtney. “Sorry I can’t remember your real name. I think we’re neighbors.” She explained, yawning a bit and refusing to engage in the stupid weather conversation. “Puddin’ here lost her pen.” Fifi jabbed her thumb in Emma’s direction. “Writin’ a novel or something?” She inquired.

[Courtney Ross]

If Courtney had been in a slightly less cheerful mood, she would have thought that she had just walked into a fight over a pen. That, of course, was ridiculous, which meant that she could get rid of those thoughts quickly. Emma seemed nice enough, and autumn weather did have a very pleasant feel to it. Besides, she was supposed to be meeting new people and making new friends. Maybe her impression of Fifi was just warped, and she was really a perfectly pleasant person.

When Fifi mentioned her nickname, Courtney flinched slightly - a habit she thought she had gotten rid of by now - and tried to figure out where Fifi could have found out. Not many people knew, other than her doom buddies and a few teachers. Fifi did live nearby. Still, Courtney didn't introduce herself very often, and Fifi had probably just heard the nickname in passing, something far more interesting than her actual name.

"Actually, my name's Courtney." she managed to muttered, tightening her scarf nervously and trying to tune out the gentle sounds background conversations. "And, uhm, its nice to see you found Emma's pen for her." Oh, this was going nowhere good very fast.

[Emma Hayes]

She didn't intend to give it back? Well, that threw Emma for a loop. But she had gotten the pen back, which meant all was well enough to her. The girl was definitely strange, and Emma didn't really know how to respond to her jokes. She was saved from trying to think up an adequate reply by the strange creature focusing on the nervous looking girl.

"Yeah, glad to have gotten it back, Courtney." Emma only repeated the name because she looked distressed about being called Creeper. Emma couldn't blame her; she wouldn't want to be stuck with a name like that either. It sounded negative. Emma wondered what Courtney had done to get called that.

"Not a novel really, more of a short story." Emma trailed off, glancing back at the notebook she'd left at the tree. She shifted, the nervous energy that Courtney was radiating only agitated Emma's natural uneasiness about people. And it most certainly didn't help that the shorter haired girl was making her feel like turning tail and running. But for the sake of niceties, because Courtney did seem nice enough and maybe she was all wrong about the other girl, she persisted. "Umm, what brings you two out here this early?"

[Fifi Hart]

A flinch. A nervous tick. It was all like watching ballet for Fifi. Proof that she could get to someone just as easily as she always could. For now she brushed it off, figuring she could bring up the unsavory nickname at anytime if she got bored. “Courtney. Cool.” She lied, smiling and extended her hand for a handshake. “Nice to meet you.” She added.

Fifi tilted her head at Emma. “Short story, huh? For shits or for class?” She inquired. As far as she knew, she’d never had to write an entire story for an English class, though there did exist a creative writing elective where she was sure such an assignment might exist. Not that she really cared, but pleasant, humane conversation was necessary to convince people she wasn’t a complete bitch (which she is).

A frown crushed her features. “Ugh. Don’t remind me. I shouldn’t have been up until like…one.” Fifi grunted, crossing her arms and glowering at Courtney and Emma as if were directly their fault she didn’t sleep in. “One of those mornings where you just wake up despite trying your hardest not to.” She shifted, one hip jutting out to the side. “So we know why Ms. Hemmingway is out and about, what’s got you moving, Creep--- Courtney?”

[Courtney Ross]

"Nice to meet you as well." Courtney replied politely, smiling. "Nice to meet both of you, really." There was something about Fifi that was just off, but it was most likely just her own imagination. Ever the polite one, she extended her gloved hand to shake with Fifi, because really, what harm could a handshake do? She suppressed a shiver and tried to not seem too Southern. It was cold all the time here in Vermont, something that most of the students seemed perfectly fine with.

"A short story?" Courtney echoed, feeling forever the parrot. "That sounds really interesting Emma, what's it about?" Her word choice probably seemed forced and insincere, but she hadn't stuttered or slurred, which was about as good as it got. Being anti-social had some very well defined downsides.

Courtney had woken up at her normal time, but she could sense that Fifi's bad mood probably wouldn't appreciate that tidbit. And her nickname was creeping back again. Really, Courtney was most worried that her nervousness would cause some sort of swarm, the last thing she needed at this point.

"Oh, I was just looking for a bit of fresh air." Courtney said lamely, hoping she didn't seem completely boring. "And its much more calm out here." Because she couldn't well say she was looking for quiet while talking to people, now could she?

[Emma Hayes]

Emma played with her acquired pen, blushing slightly. Was it strange to want to write without it fulfilling a class need? "It's not for class, it's just because. Um, it's kind of a fantasy story. Magic and creatures and whatnot." She directed to Courtney. Emma was oddly embarrassed of people seeing her writing, and that extended into even talking about it. Fear of judgment still had a strong hold on the girl.

Emma was a bit off put by the glare. "Oh, I understand." Lies, Emma didn't know the meaning of sleeping in. Even at her sickest, she got up at least by ten. But that wasn't for this conversation. Instead she tried to comment to Courtney, which fell short because Emma was failing at keeping this conversation flowing. "It usually is calmer out here."

And Emma was left standing awkwardly again, looking for an appropriate topic. "I haven't really seen either of you around. But I haven't been here long so I guess that's normal." Where was she going with this? Emma forced a smile, berating her ranting in her mind. She may have been told that she needed to be more social, but someone really should had told Emma how to not look like a fool in front of others. "So, have you been here a long time?"

OCC:I apologize for Emma, she's been terrible lately.

[Fifi Hart]

Oh god. This. Was. So. Boring. Fifi’s displeasure with the whole situation wrote clearly all over her face. Shy girls and boys were boring..especially when they were so covered up. Fifi had hoped to stir up trouble as she usually did (by shaking hands) but was a bit put out when she realized Courtney was wearing gloves. How lame.

She let Creeper steer the conversation for a bit, plucking at the hem of her coat and yawning pointedly. Christ girls were boring these days. Some people just needed to let loose. “and what’s the whatnot?” Fifi prodded. “Plot details?” She winked, only pretending to be interested to see if Emma would squirm more than she already was. “Or can I not have spoilers?” She gasped suddenly and made a face of disgust.

“Wait wait. If it’s about vampires, I don’t want to hear it.” She raised her hands. “If I read, see, or hear about one more fuckin’ vampire novel I’m going to Ralph on my shoes.” Fifi said, sticking out her tongue in a gagging gesture. Fifi was a snob in general, but many people were surprised to find that she was literary snob…and Twilight was just an abomination in her world.

[Courtney Ross]

"Fantasy?" Courtney echoed, looking at Emma with interest. Among the many, many things Courtney read, fantasy and science fiction were both definite favorites. She had never really met anyone who wrote fantasy, and she stored that fact away with Emma's name. "What sort of fantasy, magic and wizards or..." Or unicorns would have been next, but that would have been painfully childish and Fifi already seemed to have a petulance for mocking her. "Ah, whatever you're writing, it sounds interesting."

Fifi's quick volley of words kept Courtney quiet for a blessed moment and almost surprised her. She had read Twilight and even though vampires weren't her favorite subject, she hadn't minded. The book wasn't bad, exactly, just not very good.

"I've been here just since the beginning of the year." Courtney said, replying to Emma's inquiry. "Its been a while but things still feel oddly... new." Oh, not just new, but alien and cold. Really, why did Vermont feel so much colder than just a normal winter day? Maybe it was the strangeness but Courtney couldn't stop shivering. "Ah, how have you been adjusting to life here at Hammel? Do you... like it?" Though the question was directed to both girls, Courtney was wary of Fifi's answer.

[Emma Hayes]

Emma only felt more nervous when she picked up the look on Fifi's face. Clearly the girl wasn't happy with something and Emma had the feeling that something meant the one or both of the girls in front of her. Fifi's pretend interest, certainly fooled Emma and the little illusionist did in fact squirm. She looked off, fiddling with the pen self conscientiously. At least Country looked mildly entertained. "Yeah, fantasy. About a knight and a dragon, and uh, no vampires at all." She looked to Fifi at that bit, then back down feeling stupider as she talked. "And there's a warlock. And a kingdom to be saved." She gave Courtney a smile. "Thank you."

Emma nodded at Courtney, shifting as she spoke. "I understand. I've only be here a couple months now, it's still a little strange. "It's great here though. I really like it." Which was nothing but the truth. Here was better then home, and Emma was rather grateful to have been whisked off to this place. She waited for Fifi's answer, wondering how the girl who looked rather displeased with them would like a place like this. She wondered if she should ask about the other girls' powers, since that seemed like an opening topic around here. "If I may, what are your powers? Unless you'd rather not say." She had learned that some people didn't like talking about their abilities and if she was going to ask that question, Emma should provide a way out of it.

[Fifi Hart]

The tall brunette could hardly believe how new these girls were. Creeper only a year in and Emma having barely dipped her toes into Hammel’s waters…no wonder they were so obnoxiously spineless. It also explained why she hadn’t really seen them around, Emma in particular. “I’ve been here way longer than you girls, apparently.” She explained. “Three years, that is.” She added, surprisingly without being too snotty. She didn’t really care how long she was at the school. For now, it was convenient, and was a good cover for her to work with MSAD. Fifi remained silent on if she actually liked the school or not. Wouldn’t want to be incriminating. “Once I get a good hold on my power I’ll be outta here…if I ever pass chem.” She grunted.

Fifi sneered. “Cute!” She chirped sarcastically at Emma’s plot recounting. It sounded cliché, boring. Like at least twelve other books Fifi had read before. And yes, she did read that much. Though she supposed there was hardly an original story anymore, Emma could have at least been a little more enthused about it.

Picking at her painted nails, Fifi wiggled her fingers in Emma’s direction. “Contact High.” She said cryptically. “Keeps me warm, at least.” She added with a wink. That was a lie. She was just as cold as everyone else when it got chilly, but her power certainly took her mind of things. “I think they big wigs upstairs call it ‘Tactile Intoxication.’” She explained, jamming her thumb in the direction of the research labs.