Ridiculous (Jared)

[Jared Park]

“Oh.” While Jared hasn’t been the most devout of followers, he’s never forgotten that there’s a God, or at least a higher power that’s been at work at his life. He may forget to pray before meals and sleeping, curse at life from time to time, but it’s never occurred to him to think of the world without a Supreme Being. Which only means Lani’s answer both enlightened and confused him even more. On one hand, at least it explains why Lani has no idea who David and Goliath are. Guess he shouldn’t really fault the guy for not knowing. On the flip side though, he wants to ask how he lives without one. Like, does he blame simple coincidence or fate-slash-destiny about what happens in his life. He opened his mouth, as if to speak, but caught himself quickly. They might delve into topics not really safe for casual talks like this, or at least those Jared’s not ready to immerse himself in (read: theology and the nature of God). Instead, he decided to ask about his sister. “‘She got sick’? Caroline? What happened?”

He puffed his cheeks once more when Lani mocked him for his age. Fine, not mocking, but teasing. Slightly different, but still. Being the youngest for so long, Jared has developed quite the relationship with age teasing. At times he likes it, playing the ‘I’m-still-a-kid-so-let-me-off-easy’ card, or when he feels belittled, he’ll do the ‘I’ll-turn-16-soon-so-I’m-more-adult-than-kid’ technique. This situation in particular calls for the latter, hence Jared employing the said words almost immediately. “Pshaw. Stop setting yourself so high up. In a few years time, I’ll be enjoying everything you are enjoying right now, probably even better,” he said with a smug smile, crossing his arms around his chest to complete his puffing-up act. “And what’s that, voting?” Like all ‘responsible’ teenagers, Jared really doesn’t care much about the political system. If anything, he hates it that when he becomes 18, he can be sent to jail. Not good.

The boy did retreat upon hearing Lani’s warning about his sister almost immediately. He could sense that he’s quite protective of his sister, and somehow, he could understand it. He believes he’s heard the tone be used by Jasper and Jeraiah at least once. “Oops, sorry,” he said meekly, smiling upon hearing the slight compliment Lani gave, “Thanks. I think she’s a lucky girl, to have a brother like you.” He leaned down slightly and gave Lani’s nose bridge a pinch. “A dorky and ticklish big brother, but a loving brother nonetheless.”

“Pshaw. Fine. I’ll give it to you the moment we get to my dorm room,” Jared laughed. He definitely will make Lani wear his tights when they arrive. Either his leopard print or one of his neon-colored ones. It would be hilarious. Would Jared have heard that compliment, he would’ve blushed rather strongly. While he does see himself as warm and accommodating to a point, to be called ‘most lovable’ is one heck of a comment. He’d truly keep that compliment close to his heart ‘till the day he dies. He wiggled playfully as Lani put his shirt on, shouting “YAH!” as Lani tickled him. “You’re such a cheater,” laughed the boy as he tried to stand up and tackle the guy. “Come now, you still have to play dress up for me when we reach my room.”

[Lani Hunter]

Lani glanced up at the question and took thoughtful for a moment as though trying to decide if he could tell Jared. For Lani telling people about his sister wasn't an embarrassment or pain he just hated the sympathy it drew from people. It made him self conscious, like he should do something about something that is already done. He took a deep breath and answered, "When Caroline was five she started getting really sick and the doctors found something in her blood. Leukemia." He sighed, "My family isn't very prosperous and so we had to struggle to pay for tests and her treatment. For a long time we couldn't afford to get her treated and my parents were afraid she wouldn't make it. The cancer got really bad by the time we started getting... donation," he smiled a little choosing his words with great care. "But she got treated and she got better, but she was sick for a very very long time. Thank you for asking." He added at the end.

Lani decided to take a cynical view on that next statement, "Yeah probably because you won't be stuck in here." He gestured around. He was likely to be here until he was eighteen at which time he was going to leave no matter what. When they could no longer keep him here he was gone. "I take it your not much into the political games?" He smiled, not a lot of people were. It was probably because his father lived on the political channels and more often than not the family watched what the father wanted. Lani smiled at Jared and closed one eye reflexively as he reached for his nose. Lani laughed, "Hey, who's the dork in this situation?" He ruffled the kid's hair and grinned.

"I'm practically giddy." He said flatly, his voice practically dripping with sarcasm. Lani shook his head baffled, "When did you decide this?" He demanded jokingly. Where in his crazy mind did Jared even think that Lani was ok with playing dress up? Not only a kidish but girlie thing to do. Lani rolled his eyes, "Lets go princess." He offered a arm to Jared to help support him. It was really too bad he couldn't move people that would be so useful. He gestured randomly and his bag and Jared's followed along like loyal puppies. "Which dorm are you in?" He asked as he kicked the door of the locker room open. Lani wasn't even sure where all the dorms were, he knew his but otherwise he had no idea. Chances were that the dorms were the ones right next to his but oh well.

Lani hesitated, "You know I still think you should go to the doctor first." He said and paused waiting to see if Jared would agree so they could move in that direction. He hated doctors but he knew they were necessary. They were just people paid to give other people bad news.

[Jared Park]

Jared could only sit still and listen as Lani narrated her sister’s not-so-fortunate experience. For those few moments, he felt really confused and puzzled. While such feelings of not knowing how to react properly does come unto him from time to time, this time, it was different. He wanted to show Lani that he feels for him and all that cliché ‘nobody should’ve gone through that’ thing, but something tells him he shouldn’t. Maybe it was the way Lani’s words came out forced and too calculated, like he’s trying hard not so sound like something, or maybe just the overall tone of his speech, that made Jared feel that he shouldn’t show sympathy, or at least not so much as Lani doesn’t really need it. “I’m sorry Lani. For asking that is,” he said, bowing his head slightly, gaze downward, a bit too embarrassed about asking about the whole thing. “At least she’s getting better now, right?”

Somehow, Jared’s gained a little more understanding on why Lani seems so gruff on the outside. He’s gone through a lot, quite a bit for a teenager his age if you ask Jared, but he’s managed to pull it all together. He seems so collected and centered to Jared, and considering what he’s been through, it’s amazing. Lani is really one heck of a guy, that’s for sure.

“Hey, Hammel’s amazing,” he smiled, “If I could stay here forever, I would. Kidding!” While indeed Hammel gives quite the experience of the lifetime, high school drama plus all the fantasies one could think if, Jared knows what Lani feels, somewhat. The occasional suffocation and other whatnot. Thinking about it actually, Jared somehow sees why Lani would see the school as a prison. That the four walls may not be to protect them from the outside world, but actually to protect the outside world from them. He shivered slightly from the thought, finding it too dark and dreary for his wee soul. “I think I’ll probably go and try my luck to be a Hammel staff when I graduate actually. You think I’ll do good as a teacher?” he chuckled, finding the abrupt detour he’s taking a bit off, but necessary as he feels like Lani’s going to go to some self-depreciating stance again, which Jared doesn’t find amusing or necessary.

“Nah. The most political I’ve been in is playing ‘Battleships’ against Jeraiah. And losing badly each time.” Not really such big of a connection, but he figures since it’s a war game, and he feels all WorldWar2 when playing that, it counts. “You really want me to answer that?” he teased.

Jared could taste the sarcasm Lani’s been spreading in the air and it made him giggle all the more. Yes, he giggles. “Just now, seeing that you so look forward to playing ‘Disney Princess’. I could feel your voice jumping from you already,” he winked. Oh he is so making Lani dress up with that tone. It’ll be so much fun. He grabbed Lani’s arm and nearly jumped on the guy as he stood up. “Co-ed dorms. You know where that is?”

“I’m fine,” he insisted. He’s sore, but he can still talk and somehow speak, so it works right? Though Lani is free to drag him wherever he pleases, seeing that Jared does need someone to lead him.


ooc:
So sorry Izy that is is sooo late. RL happened. Sorry. D;.
- Jam

[Lani Hunter]

((It's good I totally understand. RL has a way of doing that to people ))

Lani smiled and nodded, "Yeah she's just as healthy as any other girl her age. Everyone has a heart attack when she has a doctor's appointment but she's fine." Lani gently punched Jared's shoulder, "Don't worry about it." He grinned thinking about it. Sure the dreaded doctor's appointment always freaked everyone out but in the end it always ended up alright. That what what got him through the days more often then not. He would fret himself into illness over it then when the doctor called to say that there was nothing Lani would relax and be able to move on at least until the next appointment. Jared would love Caroline, she hated Lani's drab outfits and would probably just die to see these pants. She would probably feel inclined to make Lani dress more creatively. Lani of course would oblige because it would make her happy. Then feel humiliated and go into hiding for a few years until everyone forgot about it.

He raised a brow at Jared's claim about staying at Hammel for life. Lani felt like he would rather die an early death than have that happen. Though if L.C. was right and he had a life sentence he had to start thinking more seriously about making his escape. Lani smiled and considered Jared as a teacher, "Hmmm, I think you would do well especially with a lot of those younger kids." Part of Hammel's problem was that they had angsty teenagers who wanted nothing to do with authority in with elementary school kids who just hated to be away from their parents and often times the attitudes of the older students rubbed off on the little ones that looked up to them and soon they had a much younger bunch of students who started talking back a lot sooner than a lot of them should. And in a school where everyone had 'superpowers' that tended to get people hurt and into serious trouble. Lani could only thank whatever was out there that he had not gotten his powers any earlier or god only knows what kind of havoc he would have brought upon the world as a young impressionable telekinetic.

Lani laughed, "Oh don't worry you will become obsessed with the problems of our world soon enough, young grasshopper." He grinned and shook his head at Jared, "So you're admitting to it?" He guffawed and made a gesture of triumph. Lani took any not answer as an affirmative answer when it was convenient for him and as a negative when that was convenient for him as well. Lani was one of those annoying people who insisted on being right all the time. He absolutely loathed being proved wrong or someone pointing out one of his mistakes. Especially if he already realized it himself. Then they were likely to get their head taken off. Even Lani who was relatively mellow sometimes got that fire in him that brought terrors upon people.

Lani raised a brow again at this. He pretended to think deeply about this whole dress up thing for a while. "Hmmm, I'm not really feeling the Disney Princess scene right now. Did that last week." He rolled his eyes at the younger boy then yelped as unexpectedly Jared decided to pounce. He struggled to keep his balance and gave Jared a scathing glance. "Yeah I know where that is." He supported him. "Alright, if you're sure." He said skeptically, "You know you're probably right if you are well enough to jump on people." He grinned at Jared, letting him know that he was joking. They turned toward the co-ed dorm building. He sighed, "Please tell me you live on the first floor or that there is an elevator."

[Jared Park]

Jared breathed a little bit easier when Lani replied in seemingly good spirits. He could still feel the wariness he had in his voice, the careful choice of words so divert any over-sympathy anyone might give, but at least he didn’t react as negative as Jared would’ve expected. Either Lani was simply in a good mood, or Jared’s doubts were unfounded in the first place. He sincerely hopes it’s the latter (though Lani being in a good mood isn’t so bad either). Though Lani’s absentminded punch, as playful as it is, did seem a little too hard in his opinion (then again, he is still sore, which may explain the increased perceptiveness to pain, touch and pressure he’s feeling for the moment). “Doctor appointments are indeed dreadful,” he added jokingly, “I mean, you’d think I won’t be afraid of the hospital ‘cause my mom’s a doctor, but there’s just something with those incredibly white marble walls and the myriad of lab coats that makes me shiver to the spine.” And yes, he left out the part where he has this irrational fear of needles.

Like Lani, it does go into Jared’s mind from time to time that Hammel may not let him out of his walls even though he’s already finished high school. After all, most students, even the most volatile ones he knew from the beginning of the school year, have all been making progress in their powers training. Small steps as it may be, at least they have something to hold on to. Jared’s power on the other hand, posing no threat to anyone but to him alone, had shown little to no change over time. Not once did Jared manage to make himself show in front of the camera his trainer set-up. Nor did he successfully make another thing within his immediate vicinity disappear. And these are the times when he would really like to give up on life really. Or at least the hope of living a normal life again.

But then the whole ‘a quitter never wins’ line gets him every time. Seems his sister’s constant nagging with the line worked for him. Hence the young kid’s continuous hoping that before graduation, he’d get great hold over his power already. And as for Lani, with the determination he’s feeling from him, he sincerely believes the boy will be out in no time. “You think so? I have a strange feeling I’ll just lead them all to hell,” the boy chuckled, still having trouble seeing himself as an instructor despite thinking of the idea himself, “That is, if the administration accepts me in the first place. If I may ask, what university course are you planning on taking anyway? Before your power showed itself and all that?”

“Nah. Politics are one of the few things I won’t bother messing with. Reading novels is another.” Two of the things that Jared thinks are absolutely boring and unimportant in life, at least for his anyway. He’s just never a fan of books with few or even no pictures, complete with the small font, 50-lines per page book, or debates about taxation and inflation. And then Lani caught him in a deadlock. “You sneaky fox!” he shouted in defeat, big grin in his face as they walked along the Institute grounds. And he thought he could turn the tables around with his supposedly witty comment. “Meanie,” was all he could say.

“I knew it! You were the crossdresser I saw last time! Love your legs by the way,” the young boy teased as Lani carried him on his back. He was having quite the time of his life actually, missing the feeling of riding his brother’s back when he was still a kid. “Don’t worry. We can go, what’s that show again, Strawberry Shortbread (was it?) if you like.” Blame TV for all these weird names the boy is suddenly blurting out loud. “N’aww. Do you have an elevator in yours? Apparently we’re too poor to afford such an amenity. My room’s on the second floor though, third room to the left.” He gave Lani a playful poke before adding, “I’ll promise to cut down my carbs so I won’t be too heavy next time.”


ooc:
Jammerson apologizes for another late post. >.<
- Jam
[/color]

[Lani Hunter]

Lani laughed, "You would think that was terrifying." He teased thinking only of Jared's crazy outfits. "Really, your mom's a doctor? What does she think of all this?" He asked curiously. He had an eerie feeling that every doctor wanted to dissect him or at least his brain. Lani shook his head, "For me its more the, we're gonna find something wrong with you no matter what. Like if it isn't something major then its something about how you should keep an eye on that random spot on your back." He shook his head but smile none the less, he hated doctors. They were the worst. Some were people who liked to inflict pain for 'medical reasons'. He shook his head at the thought. If he didn't need to he absolutely avoided the doctor's office at all costs.

Jared was indeed one of the most interesting people he had met in his time here. No one at his old school would be caught dead wearing anything like that. Even Lani who kept mostly to himself outside of his small group of friends was bullied for being too unusual. They always made comments about how Lani was to be blamed for everything but never caught because of the impish grin he had. Sometimes they were right, like that infuriating English class when he had pulled the fire alarm and then rushed out of the building acting just as shocked as everyone else. He didn't risk anything here, the security here was better than his old school, and besides it is a very practical worry considering some students could accidentally set a building on fire. Lani just wanted to stay under the radar for now and make a grand escape later. One he was eighteen they could no longer legally hold him.

Lani laughed, "No, you'll probably be one of the better teachers." He shrugged unhappy about the question but it wasn't unreasonable. "You know, I never had a plan, I just always wanted to go and get away from everything." Lani pondered the question a little more, "I considered the military more than once. I have a lot of skills they could use. But I think there is a whole moral thing about having metas in the army now." He shook his head, "Either way, I don't think I would want to be used as a weapon, even if I was to join." He looked back at Jared, "What about you? I mean you can still graduate and go. Would you want to be a teacher?" He wondered. He really thought Jared had the qualities of a wonderful elementary school teacher. He would be the right balance of teacher and best friend that was needed at that age.

"Ditto at that one!" Lani laughed about the novels. "Though that new English teacher is getting to me, I think I almost caught myself smiling while reading the other day." He shook his head with a short snort of laughter. He winked at the kid and grinned like a loon, "I do my best." Jared had no idea how close his comparison was to the truth. Lani had a million things he could have said but thought better of it and let Jared have the last word. Lani pondered a little while his thoughts turning back to that new English teacher. He had really been different. Lani grew quiet for a moment and almost meditative as he allowed his mind to touch and wander the idea.

"Huh?" Lani exclaimed as Jared threw out that random statement. "Cross dresser? What the hell are you talking about?" He shook his head, "Has anyone ever told you you're a little bit psycho?" He raised a brow at him and laughed. He had given his sister enough rides Jared was hardly any different. Even now when she was bigger and heavier he never said no. "Strawberry Shortcake." Lani corrected and suddenly flushed bright red, "My sister watches it." He added quickly knowing he might as well just lay down in his grave now cause if he dug it any deeper he might find China. Lani laughed, "Nah, and make sure you do, you're no feather!" He teased. He found the building and entered, one thing about this that was odd was none of the dorms were locked only the doors. He came to the stairs and shifted a little forward to avoid knocking backwards. "This one?" He asked coming to the third door.

[Jared Park]

“Indeed. Haven’t I told you about her before? Weird,” mumbled Jared as he was led up the flight of stairs. Like almost every other kid, Jared went through the phase wherein his parents’ jobs were the coolest of all jobs around. However, unlike his peers, he never grew out of it. Or at least for her mom’s job he didn’t. “Mom’s a doctor specializing in genetics. You might call her a geneticist. And apparently she’s focused her research on meta-human genetics,” he nodded, pride evident in his voice as he told his mom’s story, “She’s actually working in Kocher right now. You know, the Swiss counterpart of Hammel? Whether it was through her research or maybe just because of her connections, I forgot. But I do know she isn’t meta-human, not one bit.” He rubbed his nose for a bit, feeling it all tingly and threatening to release quite the sneeze. Thank goodness it didn’t. “She was actually the one who discovered I’m a meta. Or rather confirmed that I’m one.” And yes, he does feel a little bad that he wasn’t able to go to Kocher and study with his mother, as she told something about the pre-eminent clash of pro-meta/anti-human and anti-meta groups happening anytime soon. As a mother, she said, she’d rather he stay safe and away from all the instability than risk being with him through all that. He could still transfer to Kocher anyway when times get better.

Should Lani tell Jared about his bullying experience, the young boy would likely sympathize with him, and it’s not just because he feels bad for the boy. Indeed, his not-so-usual tastes and manner of dressing earned some ire from the more reserved and close-minded individuals of society. For a few weeks since he entered high school, he was mocked and tease. It was during this time that he felt that really, having older siblings, and prominent ones to beat, were useful. His older brother, aside from being one of the top students in their school, was also a student council member. His sister, on the other hand, is the drama club president. Not only do they have influence over their same-age peers, they also have some sort of ‘control’ over the rest of the student body. In just a span of a few weeks, teasing came down to almost null.

He blushed slightly at the compliment Lani gave him. Truly, while it doesn’t take him much to shower a friend with praise, he finds it hard to find any redeemable qualities in himself that would merit him one. This is perhaps one of the things he really needs to work on as he grows. “Meh. I doubt I’d get into Mr. Tonaya’s level. Have you met him yet? He’s awesome.” Despite hating History with a passion, he finds Mr. Tonaya so endearing that he’s growing to like, or at least tolerate, the complicated and convoluted American history (it doesn’t really help that he’s been taught Canadian history for the past few years of his life). “Well, doesn’t the military have like, what is it again, a don’t ask don’t tell policy?” Hooray for confusion. “That will prove to be a problem. Then again, I hate wars and all kinds of meaningless use of force, so yeah.” He gave Lani a light hug as he became a bit too moody about his future once more. He can’t say he has a definite answer for the boy, as he himself is a bit confused about Lani’s possible career path now that he’s in Hammel, but he’d like to keep the hope. “Don’t worry, I’m sure Hammel will think of something. It’s your right to study right? They’d have to help you get through post-secondary, I’m sure of it.”

“New English teacher? The great British dude? He looks so scary,” he nodded. Then again, he haven’t met him before. Maybe he’s just a little too proper, at least in North American standards. “But then, if he’s got you smiling, he must be great. Either that or he’s a loony like me too.”

He cracked up as Lani became a little bit defensive, in his opinion. “Nope. You’re the first one actually. Surprised I found you out underneath the thick make-up? Nice legs, by the way.” Making stuff up just to tease people is indeed fun. Or at least that’s how he sees it. “Oh. Strawberry Shortcake. My mistake,” he giggled slightly as Lani blushed, giving the guy a slight poke on the side, “You don’t have to be shy. Even if you tell me you watch the Barbie anthologies, I won’t think of you as less of a man.” He nodded slightly as he slid down from Lani’s back and began fumbling through his bag. “Indeed,” he said as he tried to look for his key. Why does he have a feeling he’s left it somewhere again?

[Lani Hunter]

Lani nodded thoughtfully, he hadn't ever thought that Jared's parents might be heavily involved in the meta world. He hadn't had a clue it existed until he himself had been thrust into it. He wondered what he would be doing down the line, if he would have integrated into the human world of if he would stay in the meta world. Something tugged at Lani's unconscious telling him he had falling to do before he would be able to come to a conclusion that would do well for himself and those around him. "That's cool, at least you kinda knew what all this was before they threw it at you." He laughed a little, "Though I still don't think I believe it. I mean what if I'm in a coma somewhere just dreaming all of this up." Lani shrugged, he had never thought that was a valid point but that was certainly a fun argument to bring up if one wanted to stump the other person.

Jared's blush was not missed. Lani grinned a little bit glad to finally find something that would make the boy blush. He shook his head at the reference. He hadn't even heard of half the people at this school, which was probably pretty bad at this point. It was almost halfway through the year and he hardly knew any of his teacher. Perhaps he should really start going to class. He shrugged it off and turned his attention back to Jared when he realized the boy was still speaking. He dropped his head into his palm when he realized what Jared was going for. "Wrong rule. That's for gays." Lani laughed and shook his head, "But I'm pretty sure that is getting repealed. And I think the same thing applies to metas." He shook with anger at the thought, did that mean people thought of them as less than human? Sub-human?

"Wars are never justified," Lani agreed, "But the common soldier doesn't fight the war he fights so his children don't have to see their world come to an end." He had always had a great deal of respect for the military. They were probably the only people who could get Lani to show them immediate respect. Lani shrugged, he certainly hoped they would help him out. All things considered that was the least they could do. If only Lani knew that there was nothing out there for a young meta. Foolish mistakes and secrets wore on the soul. But if people found out about your power they generally had two reactions, fear or greed. Those that feared distanced themselves and Lani didn't blame them. Those others sought to use the meta humans for their own purposes. Those were the worst of people.

Lani laughed, "Yeah, he's awesome. He's possibly the best at this school." He shook his head a little bit thinking of the man. Jared had a point, the man was kind of a loon. "He's takes a little getting used to but then again he is a little loony. He's one of those people you can count on to always be there for you." Lani said. That came out of nowhere. He had never had a crisis situation but then again he found himself going to see the man more and more. Lani shrugged, who knew what the future held.

Lani rolled his eyes at Jared as he slid off his back. "You are one to talk, Mr. pants not even a clown would be caught dead in." He laughed and ruffled his hair. He twitched away and gave him a mock annoyed look. "My sister watches it!" He protested and crossed his arms waiting for Jared to open it. Lani tapped his foot impatiently through five minutes of Jared searching. "Did you forget your keys?" He threw his head back from the impact of his palm on his forehead. "What are we going to do with you?" He sighed, "Here, watch out." He slipped in front of Jared and touched the handle. He felt the lock and moved it. He felt and heard a satisfying click and pushed the door open. "Comes in handy doesn't it?" He winked and helped Jared inside.

[Jared Park]

While Jared wouldn’t attest his ready acceptance to his meta-human nature as being due to his mother’s influence entirely, he does agree that it played quite the role in making him feel a bit more comfortable and believing about the existence of such special brands of humanity. “She’s been working in Kocher since I was seven. Which would make it around, seven or eight years already? Maybe. I’m not that good in Math so yeah,” he shrugged slightly. It was a bit hard for him to part with his mother so early, especially since his dad left them around the same time to work in the Middle East to, but over time, he’s learned to cope with it, somehow. Probably one of the reasons he’s all so bubbly and cheery everyday; he’s trying to distract himself so as not to think about how far he is from his family. “I actually couldn’t understand what she’s talking about at first. I think I only got them when Jasper gave me an old Fantastic Four comic book of his.” Indeed, that Fantastic Four comic book had been the start of his superhero-superpower fascination.

“Ooops. My bad,” answered the boy, sticking his tongue out slightly in embarrassment. “Not my fault they sound so…alike.” Well, you couldn’t really blame him, can you? It’s not like he really cares about American history and current events. After all, despite being in the country for quite some time now, he’s still Canadian, so he doesn’t really find the use of delving much into American culture (indeed, he still claims that Canadians are different from their next-door neighbors, and despite his seemingly passive nature, would get into quite the argument just to prove that the two countries are different). “Repealed? What does that mean?” Sorry Lani, Jared does get lost on big words from time to time. “And if the same thing applies to metas, wouldn’t it be called the same though?”

Well that gave Jared a whole new perspective. If the people in World War II didn’t fight, well, the Nazi’s may have just taken over the world and well, who knows what might have happened to everyone now. Then again, seeing how most modern wars right now (Vietnam War, Korean War, the latest Afghan War) are quite dubious in their nature already, it’s really hard to see things that way. “You’ll be a great soldier Lani,” he smiled, a bit too lost on what to say really, “I just hope everyone who joins the military will have the same thing in their minds.” Well, if he recalls his conversation with Ann before, not everyone is indeed all idealistic and seemingly nationalistic, but if a few more people like Lani would enlist, well maybe, just maybe, his whole perception of war may fully shift.

“Hmm. Interesting. If only I had stalker abilities, I just might stalk him.” Then again, Jared still has to finish around two or so years of high school, so he’d probably bump into the supposedly loony Mr. Dalton some time soon. “It’s nice you have someone to talk to already. I mean, other than this noisy brat you’re carrying on your back now, that is.”

He stuck his tongue out to Lani once more, even shaking his head a bit to emphasize his teasing. No, his pants were fine and Lani will get a chance to wear a pair like his too, he’ll make it be. He won’t let Lani out until he’s tried on at least two, even if he has to undress the boy himself. Or at least that’s what his apparently amused mind is thinking right now. “Riiiight,” he said with a mocking gaze. Not that he’d persecute Lani for watching a cartoon of that sort, but hey, since Lani’s been all macho-machismo on him for the past few minutes, hearing such an unexpected quirk from him is something Jared won’t just let pass.

He was jealous of Lani’s power even before he saw a demonstration of his might, and now that the boy effortlessly opened the lock, he was even more envious of the older guy. “Man, are you sure you somewhat hate your power? ‘Cause that is totally awesome!” As they went into his room, he felt a wee bit shy, if only because he’d forgotten to clean this morning and the common room is still quite the mess. “Yeah. Sorry for the mess I call the dorm. Want something to drink at least?”

[Lani Hunter]

Jared was certainly an interesting bird, but having a mother as a doctor was the last thing Lani expected. He frowned deeply, “I’m sorry.” Lani couldn’t imagine a mother who would abandon her child for a job. At least take them with you or find some way to keep in better contact with them. His mother, thought he sometimes wished she would go away, he knew now that he would miss her dearly, considering how much he missed her now. “What is Kocher?” He asked as a side note. He laughed out loud at Jared’s next admission. “Really Fantastic Four? You have a mother who talks about metas, real life super powers and you’re more interested in the comic book ones?” He chuckled in good nature.

Lani laughed, “Yeah they kinda do. Well whatever.” He shrugged it off. He hoped if he did join the army it wasn’t to prove something to anyone, but for himself. “Repealed?” He repeated wondering if Jared was serious or not. He shrugged it off, “It means that it no longer counts. Like now gays can serve openly in the military. And I highly doubt metas are the same thing.” Lani shifted his weight and made a half shrug. “From what I’ve heard if they find out you’re a meta they either kick you out or make you stay in and they use you. The military is a very good thing but they get away with a lot.” That was Lani’s fear. Being found out and used for him power and having to use his power to kill. Of course even without them knowing about it he would use it but knowingly using it to hurt hit him the wrong way.

Lani glanced up in surprise at his new friend. He was touched. He didn’t know what to say, so instead he went with, “Thanks, Jared.” He smiled warmly, he had never had someone give him such a compliment, and meant it in a good way. Of course he had gotten, ‘wish we had more like you Lani,’ but in reference to robbing people and stealing. Lani felt a stirring of hope, maybe he would join the military. Be the man his family, Jared, and Dalton wanted him to be. For once being pushed in a direction didn’t set him off. It was like a single good word latched onto a thought about his future and nurtured and let it grow.

He shook his head at Jared, “Or you could just say hi.” He laughed, “I’m sure he’d like you.” Perhaps it was unfair to call Dalton loony, but in Lani’s eyes every adult who treated him like a man, like an adult was loony. Dalton was getting to him though, he wasn’t sure if he liked it or not. He didn’t want to miss people when he left here. But then again it was probably already too late. He was already thinking about missing Jared’s crazy obsession with meta powers, Dalton’s calm attitude, L.C.’s independent strength, Emma’s wisdom beyond her years, Ann’s observations. He had promised not to make attachments here, but he couldn’t help it. He was going to miss these people when he left. He felt a surge of sadness thinking about it. But it needed to be done, eventually.

Lani made a face at Jared’s response to him knowing the cartoon name. His sister did watch it. He did have an excuse. But something told him none of them were going to get by Jared now that he had this information. Lani shrugged, “I guess it’s growing on me.” It was a really awesome thing to be able to do. He laughed endearingly at Jared’s excitement. “Goof.” He said affectionately ruffling his hair. Lani looked around, it didn’t look any worse than his room, “Nah its good, looks familiar.” He shrugged, “Sure, water? I really hate the fact that gym takes it outta you.” He laughed a little and looked around. Yep, he could imagine Jared living in this place. He smiled a little taking in the memory.

[Jared Park]

“About what?” Jared asked, confusion apparently becoming his most used expression out of late. While he did feel bad about his mother leaving them, especially since his dad left just a few months before her, he’s all over it now. It did well for them in the long run really, as each of his parents’ salaries are more than enough to make a brood of three live (they’re not exactly rich, but more on the upper middle class side of society). And it’s not like his parents’ doesn’t keep contact anymore. They make it a point to at least be home for the holidays, and if possible, their children’s birthdays or during the summer (with his mom working at a school, it isn’t that hard to arrange a summer break really). They also send emails and chat through Skype at least once or twice a week; unfortunately for Jared, with such an uncontrollable power, having video calls is an option unavailable for him, at least in the mean time. “Kocher’s the Swiss Institute silly, much like Hammel’s the American one and Eisai’s the Japanese.” Nerd alert, nerd alert. “Hey, don’t hate!” he laughed, giving Jared a jokingly offended look, “Not my fault comic books are a whole lot more interesting than real life. And besides, in comic books, even people with the lamest powers can become superheroes.” It all falls down back to his disappointing power, doesn’t it?

The young boy listened in wide-eyed wonder as the older telekinetic explained to him stuff he thought he knew. Apparently he has a whole lot of misconceptions regarding the military. “Ohh, I knew that,” was all he could say, at least for a bit. If a fly went flying past them, it would’ve gotten inside Jared’s mouth, his mouth open the whole time. “So they can’t serve openly before? So what does that got to do with–ahh. Don’t ask, don’t tell. I understand it now.” He gave Lani a little nod of accomplishment, “I wonder who thinks up of all these things, they’re so witty!” Nope, he could never imagine himself as a military cooperative. The military would probably eat him alive, maiming him physically and mentally even before he even finishes the training. Lani, on the other hand, seemed all suited up for it. To Jared, he has the maturity and strength (of body and spirit) to get through anything. Not to mention a mighty power the military would definitely see as useful. “Yup. I’m just happy Hammel isn’t like Odarennyĭ, the Russian Institute. I hear students are forced to serve at least two years in the military after graduating. I’d just die if that happens.”

Jared would be happy to know that he gave Lani a glimmer of hope with his words. If he can’t be an effective meta, at least he can be an effective ‘friend’, if Lani considers him to be one already. “But simply saying ‘hi’ is boring,” he replied, laughing as he did, “I mean, come on, don’t you think wearing camouflage make-up and twigs on your hair is more exciting than simply presenting yourself to the man?” Indeed, rely on Jared to think up of crazy ideas, especially about clothes and all that.

“Familiar? You live in the dorms too? Where?” Lani should think twice before giving the kid his address though; Jared’s got this crazy plan of visiting Lani already whenever he feels bored (or he just finds the need to bother someone with his outrageous clothing choices). He weakly walked towards their common refrigerator and threw a bottle of water towards Lani. “Catch!”


ooc:
I'm sorry it was a bit crappy near the end. I almost lost muse and all that. >.>
- Jam

[Lani Hunter]

Lani shrugged, “I don’t know I just know I would feel really lonely without my parents around.” He and his parents never really saw eye to eye after Caroline got sick but then he wasn’t really expecting them to be supportive of their son’s less than honorable hobby. At least they talked and they had never hated him and he had never hated them. He knew Jared probably didn’t want his pity but he had it none the less. He shifted awkwardly in the short silence unsure of what to say next. Jared seemed to be ok with the idea of his parents being so far away and they were in contact at least, so why try to tell him otherwise. He nodded listening and making notes. So Hammel wasn’t the only place out there like this. Interesting. That led him to wonder just how many meta humans there were in the world. Tons probably. And before being a meta had shoved its way down his throat he had never been aware of a thing. Lani laughed, “You know your power is amazing actually. You could be like Batman or something. And you wouldn’t have to worry about people catching you on film.” He grinned at Jared. He only wished he had that power. He could stroll into a building rob a safe and no one would ever know.

Jared’s light bulb made Lani chuckle. He nodded and grinned as Jared answered his own question. He laughed at Jared’s expression and warned, “Open your mouth wider and you’ll catch flies.” Lani got serious very quickly hearing about the Russian school. “What? That’s terrible! Could you imagine? The things they’d make us do.” Lani shuddered at the thought. What if in a time of war Lani or Jared had been there? Jared would be invaluable, Lani would probably be weapon. He paused having a vision of his icy blue eyes blinking as he cut down a man without so much as a flinch. No. If he ever became like that he didn’t want to be alive anymore. “God, I am so happy Hammel found me and not that place. Yay, America.” He scoffed a little at that. Lani loved his country but at the same time its government was annoyingly slow and full of finger pointing politicians just looking for a reelection.

Lani laughed, “Well for you yes I can see that.” He laughed remembering the old man hailing him from afar and scaring him out of his skin. Jared’s plan made Lani almost fall over from laughter. “You are crazy! Though stalking him like that would just give him a glimpse of what he’s in for when he gets you as a student.” He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, “God, I think the best part is that I can see you doing that.” He shook his head at his new, and slightly crazy friend. “Be careful he’s prone to using sophisticated language,” Lani complained, “Sometimes I wonder how someone can speak that properly. I would get so tired of it.”

Lani nodded catching the water bottle. “Yeah, across the courtyard in the boy’s dorm. Somehow I just can’t seem to keep my floor from drawing things to it.” He laughed. He was sure his roommates thought he was a recluse, half because he was either never there or always there. But often times when he was holed up in his room he was actually making his way out into town searching for something fun to do.

[Jared Park]

“It is,” Jared shrugged. But then again, he had his siblings to turn to back then, so he didn’t really feel that lonely. Not to mention they were in the care of his awesome grandparents. Looking back, he know how hard all four of them tried to make sure he didn’t feel lonely or angry with his parents and their decision to work overseas. “It’s even harder now that I’m all alone.” No matter how hard he tries not to think about it too much, he still finds himself randomly crying at nights, hugging his pillow a little too hard, wishing his parents, or at least his siblings, were beside him to comfort him. Being a teenager isn’t easy, especially when you’re all confused about your meta-heritage and you don’t have your family to beside you, that’s for sure. “But hey, I’m trying, so that has got to count for something, right?”

He simply laughed at Lani’s suggestion. That actually occurred to him before, seeing that he’s a comic book geek and all. One problem though. “I have no utility belt,” he stated plainly, wagging a finger in front of the telekinetic. “If I would be a superhero, I’d need some sort of gadget you know. Green Arrow has his arrows. Batman his gadgets. Mr. Terrific with his weird orbs. Jared has none,” he chuckled, making a ‘none’ gesture, his palms facing upward and his shoulders rising and falling in a rather exaggerated manner.

The young boy quickly closed his mouth, even covering it with his hands, when Lani suddenly brought it up. “There you go again, hating and being a general meanie,” protested Jared, but since his hands are in front of his mouth still, his words came out as a series of groans and clicks, barely understandable by even the keenest listeners (not including metas with superhearing and telepathy, of course). When Lani mentioned about the things a military school might make them do (his tone implicitly stating that such things meant not-so-pleasant deeds), Jared couldn’t help but shudder. Considering the number of comic books he’s read, he could just imagine the severity of such tasks. Not good. “It’s more like ‘thank goodness Hammel had jurisdiction over you’,” he nodded as he corrected Lani. Hopefully he won’t sound like some show-off know-it-all; he is, after all, saying this in good faith. “If you lived within the former Soviet nations, as my mother explained once, you’d most probably be in that Russian place. Thank goodness you were American.”

“Well, it’s a win-win situation then. I get to feel all secret agent and all that, while he gets the chance to prepare for my coming. Awesomesauce,” laughed the kid, Lani’s encouragement only making him more driven to do so. “Oh my, he does have something to use against me. I’d black out when I’ll hear him speak.” With Jared having ‘durr’ moments with small words, his brain would probably turn into mush even before Dalton can finish his second sentence.

“Boy’s dorm? Awesome! That means I can pop in any time to bug you!” The young boy’s voice practically overflowed with enthusiasm. Guess he’s found his surrogate older brother in Hammel after all. “Pshaw, I don’t mind the mess. Makes it cozier in my opinion.” Having everything in order, while pleasant, has a tendency to make Jared feel so stiff and uncomfortable, making the very random him feel out-of-place amongst the organized items. “What room specifically Lani?” And yes, his mind’s all made up already; he’ll pop in and he doesn’t care much if Lani’s roommates would mind (hopefully they won’t).

If there’s any consolation, at least the room-talk took his mind off Lani’s fashion show. Or did it?

[Lani Hunter]

Lani nodded but refrained from saying anything more. It wasn’t his place to say how a person should feel about something. The loneliness had been something he had been trying to avoid, Jared admitted too. “Not all alone,” he said gently, “You have tons of friends here.” Lani smiled brightly to emphasize that point. Lani had never had to be alone in his life he had chosen that path on his own but never had he been more alone than he was here. It was odd, how much he missed talking to people even if it was about trivial things. At least there was camaraderie. Here there was a little bit coming and Lani thoroughly enjoyed the new people he met but he was terrified of getting attached to the place. “I’m sure it does.”

He laughed, “I stand corrected, but Batman had to make his own utility belt, huh?” He raised a brow at the youngster and grinned, “We’ll just have to find your gadget.” He scratched his chin in thought and snapped his fingers with a sudden idea. “I’ve got it! You’re invisible. Think about it.” This was stuff that Lani got excited about and it was clear from the way he spanned his hands out like viewing a screen. “Someone is in trouble. The... uh villain? Villain has them in a technologically advanced facility and there are cameras everywhere around that trip traps when someone is seen. You could just stroll right up unopposed.” Lani grinned, “Widen your mind Jared you are a superhero in your own way.” He felt slightly like he was ridiculous but if that was how Jared’s mind worked then that was how this issue of self-unimportance needed to be addressed.

Jared’s reaction was priceless. Lani just grinned. He laughed even harder at Jared’s attempt at speech around his hands. Lani was glad for the lighter joking atmosphere within all this talk about dark Russian military schools. He would sooner rather have been stuck at Hammel for the rest of his life than at a military school like that. Lani could deal with people yelling and training for war but only if it was his decision to do so. He glanced at Jared as he recovered from laughter and was able to listen to what he was talking about seriously. He shrugged, “I suppose.” He looked off into space imagining for a moment what would have happened if he had been recruited by a school that was that strict. Lani would either be dead or wish he was so. They would either break him mentally and make him into a puppet or use someone with a power to do so. Then would it even be fair to call Lani alive anymore? “God that’s a scary thought.”

Lani was able to shake off that unsettling what if when Jared’s comments turned lighter again. He smiled, “Well, there you go.” He couldn’t hold back a laugh, “Oh, I know right? Sometimes I feel like I should carry around a dictionary when I talk to him. But either way I’ll look stupid anyways, asking what a word means versus looking it up. At least looking it up will make it look like I’m trying.” He laughed, Dalton certainly was a fan of long winded speeches that often times were laced with these fifty cent words. It had Lani’s mind spinning trying to focus on what he was saying and figuring out what he was saying.

Lani made a face at the mention of bothering him. He mock winced, “Um… I think I’ll be… um… washing my hair… conveniently… every time you come over.” He broke down into soft laughter unable to hold the guise any longer. Lani nodded, “My point exactly, that’s why when I Skype my parents I point them toward the wall where they can’t see any of the rest of the room.” Lani gave Jared a long look as if debating whether it was a good idea or not to give him his room number. He took a swing of the water and shrugged, why not? “503.” He was sure from there he could find his door out of his roommate’s. “And I already know where to find you.” He gave Jared a stern look, “Now don’t do anything to dangerous. And try not to sleep until you’ve made sure you have pain killers next to your bed. I’m sorry, but its gonna hurt tomorrow.”

[Jared Park]

It was only when Lani spoke that Jared realized, somehow, the severity of his words. He should really learn how to look before he leap, or in this case, think before he speak. It’s not that what he said was wrong or anything, but he didn’t really want too much sympathy on his side. After all, considering most people in Hammel, his history wasn’t as much tragic as the others were. He still had his family intact, it’s just that they were separated for the moment. Thank goodness Lani’s response wasn’t as ‘sympathetic’ (in this case, such a word is used in the negative sense) as he was expecting it to be. In fact, it was quite encouraging, to say the least. “Aww, thanks Lani,” said the kid, smiling brightly as he did. Overwhelmed by gratefulness, he leap forward and just grabbed the older boy into a tight embrace, “You’re really the best. But I betcha you’d look a lot more awesome in tights.” No, he can’t be too sappy. Thank goodness the memory of making Lani play dress-up came into mind, no matter how irrelevant it is.

Lani just won’t give it up, wouldn’t he? The young boy simply shook his head in glee. In some ways, the two boys were more similar than they put it up to be. They both think of themselves a little too low than usual, but wouldn’t let the other do that to himself. It’s amusing really. “Fine,” Jared replied, finally admitting defeat, “I’m a superhero. Hoorah hoorah.” He flopped messily on the couch and tapped the space on his side, beckoning Lani to come side beside him. “Now I just need a superhero suit. Help me find the best underwear to put over my pants? Or should I just go with not pants at all?” Lani, please don’t let Jared go all kid Robin circa Dick Grayson around school. Not that he doesn’t have the legs for it, because he just might, but it’s not that appropriate really. Not one bit.

“Definitely a scary thought,” Jared nodded pensively. It may be a bit unfair on the Odarennyĭ staff, and possibly its alumni, seeing that Jared really has no prior contact to such people before, but then again, just the sound of ‘military’ is enough to give the little boy creeps. While Hammel broke down the whole science fiction-inspired perception he has of meta-human schools, he can’t shake the feeling that Odarennyĭ would just reinforce it. Hopefully not. “Anyway, we’re not really enrolled in Odarennyĭ, so it’s better we stop talking about them already. Who knows, they might’ve bugged Hammel and hunt down those who spoke against them. Kidding!” Let’s just hope such an assumption doesn’t have a ring of truth in it.

He must admit, the whole looking up versus asking analogy was a win. The boy made a mental note to use it somehow next time. “Pfft. I’d just ask him. Looking it up is too much work. And it’s not like I bring a dictionary with me all the time. Or wait, do you think he does?” The more Lani talks about this Mr. Dalton, the more interesting he becomes in Jared’s eyes. Maybe he should hire the supposed Hammel snoop to spy for him. Hrm. N’ah. Too much work for such a simple task. Never mind. “Anyway, I’d still ask him even if he has a dictionary with him always. Instant gratification it where it’s at you know!”

“You wash your hair? ZOMG. The world’s going to end soon! Hide your kids, hide your wives!” Jared almost died laughing. Not that he thinks Lani is such a dirty kid, but the excuse was so lame (heck Jared, it was supposed to be lame) that he found it extremely funny. 503. Hopefully he can still remember that number after Lani leaves. He’d be super disappointed with himself if he doesn’t. “Pain killers? Do I have those?” he asked himself, scratching his chin as he tried to remember the stuff Jasper stocked on his supposedly medicine bag, “I think I do! Yey! And yes mother Lani. Teehee.” Not that he feels such a show of affection is unnatural (he actually likes it), it’s just that seeing Lani like this is oh-so-amusing. “Please don’t tell me you’re leaving already. You still have three to four pants to try on for me! Not to mention some of the tops that goes along with it!” Seems like Lani’s not getting off easy.


ooc:
Another late post. I am so so sorry. *gives gun to shoot me nao* >.>.
- Jam