Third floor common room [morning]

[makemyownway.livejournal.com]

Cade hadn't noticed anything was different yet today, which was why he'd gone through his normal Saturday morning routine: thinking about jogging (deciding not to), shower, then into the common room for a box of Cocoa Puffs in front of whatever was on the television at the time.

It was a thrilling life Cade led here. He was (weirdly, for him) more interested in hearing about your day today.

And then leveraging that information to his own benefit, naturally. How Peter Wiggin of him...

Comments

[makemyownway.livejournal.com]

"In that case, add chocolate chips to the pancakes," Cade said. "I want to die happy. How have you been?"

[craftyladyparts.livejournal.com]

"So you wish it, so shall it be," Jessica said, going to the cabinets to find some chocolate chips. "I've been... good, recently. I had some personal stuff a few weeks ago, but I can't complain too much right now today."

[makemyownway.livejournal.com]

"What kind of personal stuff?" Cade asked, looking concerned.

[craftyladyparts.livejournal.com]

"My cousin was killed. It was bad in all kinds of ways," Jessica said. "But I'm well into the acceptance part of grief."

[makemyownway.livejournal.com]

Cade, who was not that far along in the grief process several years after his father's death, looked a little dubious. "You sure?"

[craftyladyparts.livejournal.com]

"Let's just say this kind of thing is something I've had to deal with before," Jessica said.

[makemyownway.livejournal.com]

"Me too," Cade replied. "Doesn't make it easier when it's repeated."

[craftyladyparts.livejournal.com]

"Yeah, well, I'm so good at coping they should put me on a roof," Jessica said.

[ARCHITECT JOKE!!!!!]

[makemyownway.livejournal.com]

Cade didn't know enough architects look confused. "Okay?"

[craftyladyparts.livejournal.com]

"Coping. It's the metal thing they put on the edge of... never mind, it doesn't matter," Jessica said. "Point is, it sucks, and the world's kind of a vastly different place for me now, but at this point it's just another thing to add to the bundle of neuroses. It might not be the best kind of dealing, but it helps me get on with things."

[makemyownway.livejournal.com]

"I generally go with bar fights and shots," Cade said, "so yours sounds way healthier."

[craftyladyparts.livejournal.com]

"There were a few days where I would have taken that choice if anyone offered it," Jessica mentioned. "But in general, I figure that any solution you can take that doesn't make someone call 911 is the better solution."

[makemyownway.livejournal.com]

"Seems a little boring to me," replied Cade, which explained at least some of his scars.

[craftyladyparts.livejournal.com]

"Yeah, I know. And between that and the tattoos, that's why we call you a 'bad boy,'" Jessica said, making finger quotes. "But it's okay. You'll pick up some life lessons in Space Juvie."

[makemyownway.livejournal.com]

"They'd have to catch me first," Cade said with a laugh.

[craftyladyparts.livejournal.com]

"Well, until then, have fun learning no life lessons at all," Jessica said. "It's part of your charm, after all." SHE KIDS. SHE KIDS. Well, not really. BUT STILL!

[makemyownway.livejournal.com]

Cade grinned at her. "I have charm?"

[craftyladyparts.livejournal.com]

"All part of the bad boy thing that some girls like," Jessica said. "Not me, though. Sorry to get your hopes up."

[makemyownway.livejournal.com]

"They weren't up that high," Cade lied.

[craftyladyparts.livejournal.com]

"There's a trooper. Here, have some extra chocolate chips in your pancake," Jessica said.

[makemyownway.livejournal.com]

"You're the best possible murderer a guy could ask for," Cade replied.