Pre-Jump Earth Literature

[aestrix]

It's a new term, and the end of the break between terms most students have been enjoying. But time marches ever on, and so at 1:00 PM, just after lunch, twenty-six students all around the age of fifteen are finding seats in an obnoxiously decorated classroom. It's one of those classrooms that tries very hard to be peppy and inspirational, and only succeeds at being very out of touch, and kind of creepy.

Soon it will be time to read about things long-dead people wrote.

Comments

[poll_the_stars]

"I will take you at your word," she agrees. Pause. "So, want to be friends, only other Barrayaran at this school?"

[thisvorlunatic]

...Miles snorts. "What am I going to say, no? I'm sorry I dropped my heart and soul in your lap, let me just pick it all up and bugger off? Come on."

He looks her in the face again with a broad, friendly, genuine smile that only carries a little pain around the edges.

"Yes, I will absolutely be your friend, Yvette Vorlaine."

[poll_the_stars]

She laughs.

"Hey, I had to be sure! Good, I have someone to trash talk Betans with, that's important."

[thisvorlunatic]

"Trash-talking Betans is a vital pastime."

[poll_the_stars]

"Unfortunately lacking in participants on Beta Colony itself. Pity, there are so many Betans to trash talk."

[thisvorlunatic]

"It's so true."

[poll_the_stars]

She snickers.

"Do we want to start trash talking Betans right now?" she wonders. "Because we can!"

[thisvorlunatic]

"God help me, there are some Betans I would dearly love to trash-talk, but so far I have avoided literally crying on you and I'd like to keep that up," he snorts.

[poll_the_stars]

"You are allowed to cry on me," says Yvette. "I'm insoluble in water, promise."

[thisvorlunatic]

...He cracks up helplessly.

[poll_the_stars]

She grins.

"Even salt water."

[thisvorlunatic]

Too many giggle. Cannot respond.

[poll_the_stars]

"Can't promise certain types of acid though, if you cry acid tears I'll have to pass."

[thisvorlunatic]

"I do not," snicker, "cry acid tears, my God."

[poll_the_stars]

"Are you sure? Have you checked?"

[thisvorlunatic]

"I would have bloody noticed by now, trust me!"

[poll_the_stars]

"Okay, well, in that case, you are hereby approved for crying on the individual known as Yvette Vorlaine. Congratulations."

[thisvorlunatic]

He splutters.

"You're ridiculous. It's amazing."

[poll_the_stars]

"Thank you, I try!" she says, without a hint of modesty.

[thisvorlunatic]

[poll_the_stars]

[thisvorlunatic]

"Let's be best friends and save the galaxy together," he says impulsively.

[poll_the_stars]

This startles a laugh out of her.

"I um, okay, sure? I haven't had a galaxy saving best friend before." Pause. "Or, actually a best friend in general, unless my sister counts."

[thisvorlunatic]

"Me neither, not really. But I don't see why I should let that stop me."

[poll_the_stars]

Snort.

"Well! I'm sure we'll figure it out."