4 - Comfort zone
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4 - Comfort zone
The Winter exam period was coming near, and stress was slowly piling up for some. Thanfkully, for whoever managed to keep a steady schedule, stress was quite bearable.
Carleen managed to make some time between her projects, studies, and dates with Horknath, but had to cut short meetings with her friends, only managing to meet up with Selena during their lunch breaks.
Theseus, however... Theseus acted like usual, as if he had all of the time in the world.
He tried to study sometimes with Asterius. They usually managed to stay focused for one hour on whatever he was asking his friend for help with, and then his attention would drift away. This was the fourth Saturday he was trying to direct towards 'sports with my new BFF' instead, and his attention span had been even worse. But he couldn't be helped; when nervous about something, he chose to bury it down instead at the bottom of his mind and avoid mentioning it altogether.
"Hey, Asterius, how do you feel about jogging by the river-" he suddenly said, while Asterius was probably trying hard to explain to him an umpteenth notion of sociology.
Carleen managed to make some time between her projects, studies, and dates with Horknath, but had to cut short meetings with her friends, only managing to meet up with Selena during their lunch breaks.
Theseus, however... Theseus acted like usual, as if he had all of the time in the world.
He tried to study sometimes with Asterius. They usually managed to stay focused for one hour on whatever he was asking his friend for help with, and then his attention would drift away. This was the fourth Saturday he was trying to direct towards 'sports with my new BFF' instead, and his attention span had been even worse. But he couldn't be helped; when nervous about something, he chose to bury it down instead at the bottom of his mind and avoid mentioning it altogether.
"Hey, Asterius, how do you feel about jogging by the river-" he suddenly said, while Asterius was probably trying hard to explain to him an umpteenth notion of sociology.
Mary- Potato queen
- Nombre de messages : 48503
Age : 32
Date d'inscription : 2008-11-09
Re: 4 - Comfort zone
Horknath too had been quite busy as the exams came closer and closer, looming over his head - thankfully enough he was a responsible young man, and cut on some of his extra sports hours to be able to properly prepare to his exams without having to give up his regular training with the rugby team nor a single second of his precious time with Carleen. Whose other friends, I'm sure, understood perfectly about her lack of time, and were just as buried in notes as she was.
Asterius, on the other hand, had grown more and more frustrated about not being able to properly help Theseus preparing for this session. Of course it wasn't something of easy solution, he had understood that the very first time he had tried to study together with his friend - but he had truly hoped maybe his good habits would have rubbed off on Theseus at least a little bit.
They hadn't.
But then, as on the previous Saturday Theseus ad enthusiastically reminded him to be punctual to their newly scheduled wrestling match on Monday, everything had clicked together in his mind.
He had a plan. And now, with this new fluctuation of his friend's ever-wavering attention span, it was time to put it in motion.
"Theseus", he interrupted him, looking stern as he turned to face him. "We won't be going jogging by the river. We need to study more. I had promised I'd help you."
Asterius, on the other hand, had grown more and more frustrated about not being able to properly help Theseus preparing for this session. Of course it wasn't something of easy solution, he had understood that the very first time he had tried to study together with his friend - but he had truly hoped maybe his good habits would have rubbed off on Theseus at least a little bit.
They hadn't.
But then, as on the previous Saturday Theseus ad enthusiastically reminded him to be punctual to their newly scheduled wrestling match on Monday, everything had clicked together in his mind.
He had a plan. And now, with this new fluctuation of his friend's ever-wavering attention span, it was time to put it in motion.
"Theseus", he interrupted him, looking stern as he turned to face him. "We won't be going jogging by the river. We need to study more. I had promised I'd help you."
Gravirei- Cute burrito
- Nombre de messages : 14799
Date d'inscription : 2016-01-24
Re: 4 - Comfort zone
Cutiiiies!!
Theseus groaned. Asterius was right, of course. Every single one of his brain cells dedicated to reason was telling him that yes, Asterius was right, and he was being irrational. Still, he hated it - he loathed just sitting around doing nothing that repeating phrases that didn't even get engraved into his skull- "How about a short break, then? I could just grab my weights and-" And forget about the passing time through exercise, like he had done the previous week.
Theseus groaned. Asterius was right, of course. Every single one of his brain cells dedicated to reason was telling him that yes, Asterius was right, and he was being irrational. Still, he hated it - he loathed just sitting around doing nothing that repeating phrases that didn't even get engraved into his skull- "How about a short break, then? I could just grab my weights and-" And forget about the passing time through exercise, like he had done the previous week.
Mary- Potato queen
- Nombre de messages : 48503
Age : 32
Date d'inscription : 2008-11-09
Re: 4 - Comfort zone
Asterius frowned deeply at him. "It will not be a short break. You and I both know it. If you wish to stop studying right now, that's fine. I know very well I cannot force you in any way, or you'll go mad." He closed his own book, resting his back against the chair. He sighed. "I'm canceling our wrestling match of Monday afternoon."
Last edited by Gravirei on 24/12/20, 02:35 am; edited 1 time in total
Gravirei- Cute burrito
- Nombre de messages : 14799
Date d'inscription : 2016-01-24
Re: 4 - Comfort zone
Guilt was weaseling its way into Theseus' mind because of Asterius' calm observations, and it was even starting to eat him alive, but- thankfully he had a short attention span. "Wait- You're cancelling it? What happened? Did something come up?" Was he mad? Sad? Worried, betrayed, wounded? All at the same time? Why would Asterius even cancel a match in the first place!
Mary- Potato queen
- Nombre de messages : 48503
Age : 32
Date d'inscription : 2008-11-09
Re: 4 - Comfort zone
Asterius pressed his lips together. He wasn't taking any pleasure in doing this, but- in his heart, he did think it was for Theseus' own good. ... if he had told him directly, though, would he hate him? Would he yell at him, push him away? He took some seconds to think, and then finally answered, "I challenge you to win the right to fight against me on a ring", he proclaimed then, looking at his friend straight in the eye. Theseus had never backed down from a challenge. "I believe I have been conceding myself too easily. Don't you think a sought-after match, and then possibly a victory earned after a trial feels better? More satisfying?"
Gravirei- Cute burrito
- Nombre de messages : 14799
Date d'inscription : 2016-01-24
Re: 4 - Comfort zone
Theseus was torn between excitement and frustration. A challenge? Sure! He loved challenges! But there was an itty bitty tiny issue with that offer. He puffed his chest, grinning. "Well, I suppose it would, yes, but- what would that challenge be? Do I have to prove my worth to you every week? What stunt would be worthy of your admiration, then? Name it, Asterius! For there is nothing I shan't overcome!"
Last edited by Mary on 25/12/20, 01:11 am; edited 1 time in total
Mary- Potato queen
- Nombre de messages : 48503
Age : 32
Date d'inscription : 2008-11-09
Re: 4 - Comfort zone
Asterius was not the most expressive person - bull-person - around, but he definitely had to try hard to hold back a victorious smirk. "Not every week, no. That won't be necessary. My conditions, I think, are reasonable." He raised his closed fist. Lifted his index finger. "You pass one exam." He lifted his other closed fist, and raised his other index finger. "I will dispute a match with you. Not any match - one that will not end until one of us comes out victorious over the other. No interruptions." He crossed his arms on his chest, snorting through his nose. Waiting for a reaction - any reaction, really.
Gravirei- Cute burrito
- Nombre de messages : 14799
Date d'inscription : 2016-01-24
Re: 4 - Comfort zone
Theseus' expression had frozen on his face. And then his eyes widened, and he frowned in panic. "If I pass one exam! Ha! Any exam? I'll have you know I've passed quite a few already," he told Asterius with faked confidence - referring to the physical exams he had indeed passed. But as we've established before, he had never passed theory. Never. And it wasn't like he could focus on just one - if Asterius meant what he had just said, he would need to study for all subjects, to get the chance to pass at least one of them!
Mary- Potato queen
- Nombre de messages : 48503
Age : 32
Date d'inscription : 2008-11-09
Re: 4 - Comfort zone
"I know that", Asterius countered, calmly blinking at him. "And I know your results were outstanding. I never said I thought my condition was going to be impossible for you to climb over. I said it was reasonable, which it is." He tilted his head. "Nor am I asking you to obtain the same astounding results. Just to give your best - and I, in turn, shall give mine on the ring."
Gravirei- Cute burrito
- Nombre de messages : 14799
Date d'inscription : 2016-01-24
Re: 4 - Comfort zone
Theseus blinked a few times, and scoffed lightly. "Asterius, you don't seem to understand- I only have theory exams ahead of me. I can't-" He took in a deep breath. It was a challenge. Given to him by his best friend, who trusted him. Didn't he deserve Asterius' trust?! "You won't get back on this, then? If I pass one, we get to fight until one of us bests the other?" Now that gave him hope.
Mary- Potato queen
- Nombre de messages : 48503
Age : 32
Date d'inscription : 2008-11-09
Re: 4 - Comfort zone
Asterius raised his chin. "Are you asking me if I am a man of my word?", he asked defiantly. "This is the condition I've set. You pass an exam, you get to fight with me to completion. One exam passed, one match. It won't be negotiable, for you nor for me." He raised his brows at Theseus. "Will you answer to my challenge?"
Gravirei- Cute burrito
- Nombre de messages : 14799
Date d'inscription : 2016-01-24
Re: 4 - Comfort zone
Theseus raised his chin. "Alright. I suppose that's reasonable. I accept your challenge, Asterius!" He offered his hand for Asterius to shake, and then offered to bring them drinks and... keep on studying.
And although he seemed to be physically in pain for the rest of the afternoon, he remained sat on his chair for as much as he could, and tried his best to focus which was a real feat coming from him.
And although he seemed to be physically in pain for the rest of the afternoon, he remained sat on his chair for as much as he could, and tried his best to focus which was a real feat coming from him.
Mary- Potato queen
- Nombre de messages : 48503
Age : 32
Date d'inscription : 2008-11-09
Re: 4 - Comfort zone
Asterius couldn't believe that Theseus had actually accepted his challenge. He couldn't, but at the same time he was so glad and relieved that he had that he decided not to pose himself any question.
He was, once again, thoroughly impressed by Theseus' iron will (really, once there was a challenge in the middle, nothing seemed to be out of his reach) as they passed the afternoon actually studying and doing nothing else. "... remember not to overwork yourself too", he gently reminded him as he got ready to get back to his apartment. "And that if you wish, we can keep studying together. And I can keep helping you with the notions that you can't grasp fully yet."
He was, once again, thoroughly impressed by Theseus' iron will (really, once there was a challenge in the middle, nothing seemed to be out of his reach) as they passed the afternoon actually studying and doing nothing else. "... remember not to overwork yourself too", he gently reminded him as he got ready to get back to his apartment. "And that if you wish, we can keep studying together. And I can keep helping you with the notions that you can't grasp fully yet."
Gravirei- Cute burrito
- Nombre de messages : 14799
Date d'inscription : 2016-01-24
Re: 4 - Comfort zone
Theseus nodded automatically, and forced a smile. "Sure thing, Asterius! Ah- thank you for your help so far, my friend." He couldn't hold a grudge against Asterius - his friend was doing what was best for him. Theseus didn't have to like it, but a challenge was a challenge. And being driven by the promise of a fair match, that would finally end upon the victory of one of them upon the other, as well as the threat that further matches might be canceled altogether if he failed, surely was helping.
But Asterius' help alone wouldn't be enough, and he clearly needed to step up his game and study as best as he could to pass at least one, if not more exams, to secure more matches.
But Asterius' help alone wouldn't be enough, and he clearly needed to step up his game and study as best as he could to pass at least one, if not more exams, to secure more matches.
Mary- Potato queen
- Nombre de messages : 48503
Age : 32
Date d'inscription : 2008-11-09
Re: 4 - Comfort zone
Asterius smiled at him. He could see from a mile away that his friend definitely wasn't enthusiastic about how this had all turned out - but as said. He knew Theseus wouldn't have given up, if it meant having a chance to see him on the ring again.
He really admired his spirit. And the fact that this was making him feel kind of important - to be the reason for Theseus to seriously pick his studies back up - had probably nothing to do with his happiness at all, right?
"You're welcome, my friend", he answered in kind, resting his hand on his shoulder. "I know you'll give nothing less than your best. Like in everything you've shown me so far."
He really admired his spirit. And the fact that this was making him feel kind of important - to be the reason for Theseus to seriously pick his studies back up - had probably nothing to do with his happiness at all, right?
"You're welcome, my friend", he answered in kind, resting his hand on his shoulder. "I know you'll give nothing less than your best. Like in everything you've shown me so far."
Gravirei- Cute burrito
- Nombre de messages : 14799
Date d'inscription : 2016-01-24
Re: 4 - Comfort zone
Theseus grinned at Asterius, his confidence coming back in a rush as he laid a hand on the one pressed on his shoulder. "Worry not, Asterius. I always give everything my best. And if this year it means outpassing myself, then so be it! I'm looking forward to that match, and the many more to come. For I take your word for granted! Don't expect me to stop at only one exam. If I want to best you physically one day, and if that shall go through training my mind, then consider this challenge fullfilled."
Mary- Potato queen
- Nombre de messages : 48503
Age : 32
Date d'inscription : 2008-11-09
Re: 4 - Comfort zone
Asterius chuckled. "I'd be severely disappointed if you only stopped at one", he remarked, almost fondly. "I'll have more reasons to be proud to call myself your friend." It was truly incredible the way Theseus and his boastfulness had quickly wormed their way into Asterius' heart - there was just something about how the other man's eyes sparked with life any time he was challenged, or interested in something. "I'd better get going", he heard himself say then as he let go of Theseus' shoulder - breaking the spell a little. "I'll text you when I arrive home." It was definitely not necessary for him to do that, but his friend always insisted so much.
Last edited by Gravirei on 24/12/20, 01:26 pm; edited 1 time in total
Gravirei- Cute burrito
- Nombre de messages : 14799
Date d'inscription : 2016-01-24
Re: 4 - Comfort zone
"Sure! I'll text you as well, Asterius. And I'll make you proud, don't you worry!"
He felt a knot in his chest while he watched Asterous leave, and actually sighed when he was out of his sight, deflating slightly. Oh, how glad he was to have found such a friend in Asterius! But why did the joy brought by their friendship turn to such a sorrow whenever he left!
Still, he promised to make him proud. And he would hold onto that promise.
By the next day, Carleen was already asking Asterius what he had done to get her brother to study on his own.
A week later, he was still at it and it was a miracle, but he looked drained.
By the time they were on the Sunday before the exams, Carleen took a picture of Theseus and sent it to Dean. He had dark circles under his eyes, his hair wasn't as fresh as usual and definitely not combed, and he was hunched over their kitchen table, books around him, and he was oh so obviously working.
"Two weeks, Dean. He's been studying for two weeks. He asked me to interrogate him on some of his lessons, and said he wasn't ready enough. He ditched his morning jog. I think someone is impersonating my brother!"
Joke aside, she felt proud of her brother, and was hoping that his efforts would pay, or else she feared his reaction.
He felt a knot in his chest while he watched Asterous leave, and actually sighed when he was out of his sight, deflating slightly. Oh, how glad he was to have found such a friend in Asterius! But why did the joy brought by their friendship turn to such a sorrow whenever he left!
Still, he promised to make him proud. And he would hold onto that promise.
By the next day, Carleen was already asking Asterius what he had done to get her brother to study on his own.
A week later, he was still at it and it was a miracle, but he looked drained.
By the time they were on the Sunday before the exams, Carleen took a picture of Theseus and sent it to Dean. He had dark circles under his eyes, his hair wasn't as fresh as usual and definitely not combed, and he was hunched over their kitchen table, books around him, and he was oh so obviously working.
"Two weeks, Dean. He's been studying for two weeks. He asked me to interrogate him on some of his lessons, and said he wasn't ready enough. He ditched his morning jog. I think someone is impersonating my brother!"
Joke aside, she felt proud of her brother, and was hoping that his efforts would pay, or else she feared his reaction.
Mary- Potato queen
- Nombre de messages : 48503
Age : 32
Date d'inscription : 2008-11-09
Re: 4 - Comfort zone
Asterius had debated whether or not he should answer to Carleen's question, before opting for a cryptic "It's between me and him".
In the following days, he admittedly saw Theseus very little. Between their exams approaching, their training and whatnot, time for extra-University activities was scarce. He did make sure to text, though, telling his friend that he knew he was studying hard and that he was proud of him.
Dean - who was holed up in his own apartment with Castiel, both keeping each other company as they studied - had taken a short break to have a snack and hopefully rest his poor, overused brain from all those notions of mechanic he had been spoonfeeding it for the past two hours. "Seriously, what the hell's happened to him? I've never seen him with a book in his hands since the day he arrived in the campus!", he typed back at her.
In the following days, he admittedly saw Theseus very little. Between their exams approaching, their training and whatnot, time for extra-University activities was scarce. He did make sure to text, though, telling his friend that he knew he was studying hard and that he was proud of him.
Dean - who was holed up in his own apartment with Castiel, both keeping each other company as they studied - had taken a short break to have a snack and hopefully rest his poor, overused brain from all those notions of mechanic he had been spoonfeeding it for the past two hours. "Seriously, what the hell's happened to him? I've never seen him with a book in his hands since the day he arrived in the campus!", he typed back at her.
Gravirei- Cute burrito
- Nombre de messages : 14799
Date d'inscription : 2016-01-24
Re: 4 - Comfort zone
"I don't know! The only thing I'm sure of is that it has something to do with Asterius. You know, his new BFF." she glanced at her brother, and started to boil some water for tea - they would probably both need some. "He wouldn't tell me, but I'm amazed someone got Thee to study on his own."
Meanwhile, in Dean's apartment, Castiel took a short break too, seeing as Dean had left shortly, and took out his phone to take a picture of the unfilled application form that he had stacked among his lessons, for a nursing school, and sent it to 'Batman'. He had been mentioning his former dream with Bruce a lot lately. Hell, he had even talked to Eileen about it on his advice. She'd support him of course, no matter his decision. But he needed one final push- discarding everything he'd done so far felt terrifying.
Meanwhile, in Dean's apartment, Castiel took a short break too, seeing as Dean had left shortly, and took out his phone to take a picture of the unfilled application form that he had stacked among his lessons, for a nursing school, and sent it to 'Batman'. He had been mentioning his former dream with Bruce a lot lately. Hell, he had even talked to Eileen about it on his advice. She'd support him of course, no matter his decision. But he needed one final push- discarding everything he'd done so far felt terrifying.
Mary- Potato queen
- Nombre de messages : 48503
Age : 32
Date d'inscription : 2008-11-09
Re: 4 - Comfort zone
"Oh, you mean your boyfriend's brother, right?", Dean answered, teasing her a little bit. "Wow, though. This dude must have a lot of power over your brother to make him get to study this much." He hesitated. "Are we sure they're only BFFs, though? I mean. From what you told me, Theseus talks about him like, twenty-four-on-seven." Well, someone could have suspects right?
His phone pinged way too soon for it to be Carleen answering him - and he automatically smiled when he saw a message coming from the dating app. It could only be Robin! "Ooh, is that an application for the med branch that I see?", he typed quickly. "Are you thinking about changing faculty for good?"
His phone pinged way too soon for it to be Carleen answering him - and he automatically smiled when he saw a message coming from the dating app. It could only be Robin! "Ooh, is that an application for the med branch that I see?", he typed quickly. "Are you thinking about changing faculty for good?"
Gravirei- Cute burrito
- Nombre de messages : 14799
Date d'inscription : 2016-01-24
Re: 4 - Comfort zone
Carleen remained silent for a bit, and took the time to serve tea for herself and Theseus, and discuss with her brother for a bit. He welcomed the distraction, so she wouldn't reply to Dea right away.
"I am. But it's terrifying", Castiel replied, more honest than usual given who he was talking to. "I want to do it, but I don't want to let down my family, so- I'll have no choice but to succeed, I suppose. And I'll have less time for a part-time job, so- I hope I can make it, and that my roommate won't reconsider our agreement because of it." He hadn't told Dean nor Bruce about each other yet, but- he felt the need to, by now.
He needed someone to complain to about Dean going around shirtless and distracting him from his studies.
"I am. But it's terrifying", Castiel replied, more honest than usual given who he was talking to. "I want to do it, but I don't want to let down my family, so- I'll have no choice but to succeed, I suppose. And I'll have less time for a part-time job, so- I hope I can make it, and that my roommate won't reconsider our agreement because of it." He hadn't told Dean nor Bruce about each other yet, but- he felt the need to, by now.
He needed someone to complain to about Dean going around shirtless and distracting him from his studies.
Mary- Potato queen
- Nombre de messages : 48503
Age : 32
Date d'inscription : 2008-11-09
Re: 4 - Comfort zone
Dean stared at the messages a little bit, thinking about what to answer that would put Robin more at ease. "Everything will be alright", he typed. "From the way you've talked about your parents, I'm sure they would support your choice and the path you choose no matter what", he added, trying to transmit some confidence to his virtual friend. "As for your roommate - well, are you close to each other? Do you think they'd be an asshat and kick you out because you can pay them less rent?" Hell, if that happened to Robin, he could offer him to crash at his place a little bit - if he was alright with sleeping on the couch until he found a new apartment. He was sure Castiel wouldn't have minded!
Gravirei- Cute burrito
- Nombre de messages : 14799
Date d'inscription : 2016-01-24
Re: 4 - Comfort zone
Castiel sighed, looking at his phone. "No, you're right. I've got an amazing roommate. Aside from the fact that he walks around half naked in the morning." He smiled. "Alright, then. I'll fill it out, and if I get in, I'll tell him about it. Thank you, Bruce. I don't know what i'd do without you.
Sometimes, Castiel wished he could meet that amazing guy, but- he always chickened out for some reason. What if he was... really, really nice? And good looking?
... wait why did it matter if he was good looking?
Sometimes, Castiel wished he could meet that amazing guy, but- he always chickened out for some reason. What if he was... really, really nice? And good looking?
... wait why did it matter if he was good looking?
Mary- Potato queen
- Nombre de messages : 48503
Age : 32
Date d'inscription : 2008-11-09
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