Everyday drowns in lethargy. [gabriel]

[Maxwell Green]

A young man strolled casually down a cement pathway, carrying two books under his right arm and a cigarette between his index and middle finger on his left hand. He walked slowly as he always did to his third period class, trying to savor his last moments of freedom before he was chained in hell for forty-three minutes during his biology class. How he despised science. He wanted to be a musician one day, not a chemist. He didn't need to know the periodic table of elements, nor the law of conversation of mass. It was a pointless class and a waste of forty-three minutes.

But, he had something to look forward to afterward: he had his band class right after that, the one class he enjoyed and loved going to every day. It was fun; everyone was so outspoken and the teacher was so laid back he didn't care. It was the one class you could talk freely in and not have to worry about being screamed at. The one class he was able to go something so spectacular and beautiful -- play music.

Maxwell Green loved music. His mother was always encouraging him to play, and it was her who convinced him to pick up the piano. She also was the one who bought him his first bass guitar with the money she was going to buy a new dress for herself with. He sighed, his green eyes floating sadly to the ground as he thought of her. It was a shame she wasn't around anymore. A deep pang of sorrow shot through his heart as he remembered her. Her kind nature, her cheerful disposition, her selfless giving, her compassion, her smiling face, her determination... It was a darn shame.

He tried to push the depressing thoughts from his mind as he looked up again. He threw his head back, moving the soft, luscious black hair out of his eyes and face with one flick of his neck. The silver chains hanging from the belt loops of his tight, black pants clang together, making a soft 'click' as they hit each other. Max was never one for bright, pleasant clothing. He mostly wore darker colors, like black or red. Not to be dismal or completely goth, he just preferred that look to that of a blue or green color. He wore a rather plain, red T-shirt with a grey and black striped sweat jacket over it that matched his black and grey striped belt and black converse shoes. The perfect definition of the stereotype of an 'emo' or 'goth' kid.

Underneath his green eyes, along with dark circles due to lack of sleep, was black eyeliner. Yes, eyeliner was makeup, and makeup was for women, not men or boys at the age of fifteen. But Max liked it. He liked the way it looked. It wasn't a lot, just a thin coat, but it was there and visible nonetheless. His father would probably call him a homo or something else that was crude or disapproving if he saw his son like this. Luckily, Max never had to worry about seeing him again. Or so that's what he hoped.

Finally, he began to pass the playground just as the bell to start classes rang out loud and clear through the silent, early afternoon air. Max stopped walking and looked toward the building. shoot. Late again. He shook his head. This wasn't the first time he was late to science for getting lost in his daydreams. He was sure his teacher would be pissed, even more so than last time, and he didn't want to deal with a cantankerous teacher for the second time in a row today. After his run in with his algebra teacher this morning, he didn't want to deal with it in another class. Especially his biology class.

He looked at the ground again in silent debate as he messed with the ring on the right side of his lip with his tongue. Maybe he should just skip it today. It was one class, and Max didn't skip very often. What would that get him, a demerit or two, if any? Whatever. He looked up again and pursed his lips in thought. Whatever. He shook his head, making the decision to not go to biology today. He wouldn't be missing anything special; just some notes that he never took any other day. So really, he wasn't missing anything. He looked toward the playground, listening to the creaking noise the swings made as the wind pushed at them gently.

Max walked over and sat down on an uncomfortable, wooden park bench, sighing softly. He set his two books beside him, suddenly taking notice of the cigarette he had in between he fingers. He looked at it curiously, as if he had forgotten he had lit it and was smoking. Perhaps that was for the better if he ever wanted to get rid of this addiction.

He pressed the white and yellow cigarette in between his lips, inhaling deeply. He closed his eyes for a moment, letting the taste and feeling that filled his body settle. After a few seconds he opened his eyes again, taking the cigarette away from his mouth as he exhaled quickly, emitting a grey smoke into the air. A fifteen year old already caught in the addiction of smoking. What was the world coming to?

Max's black hair fell over his eyes as he set his left hand on the edge of the fountain beside his body. He taped the cigarette lightly with his index finger, ashes falling from the lit tip onto the dirt ground. He yawned. Maybe he could go back to his dorm and sleep for forty-three minutes. Like that would really help him feel any less lethargic and tired. No, he decided he should stay here. Maybe if he got caught smoking they could expel him and he could get out of here and go make something of himself.

[catsrule]

A teen dressed in torn nlue jeans and a short sleeved white t-shirt walked through two trees. Gabriel knew he was suppose to be in class but he didnt care hed skipped almost the whole week this week so what would it matter if he missed one more day. Gabriel let his dark hair that he forgot to spike fall in his eyes and stay there. A deep frown layed upon his lips as he soaked in his depressing past and failing grades. Its not like the teachers like me or even care if im there he thought to himself. A strong wind blew making his hair messed up, he didnt care, These days Gabe didnt care about anything just getting to class, skipping class, and going back to the dorm. If anyone got his way he'd just walk on by or give 'em a reason why not to get in his way anymore! Gabriel sat down his back leaning against a tall tree.

[Maxwell Green]

Max lounged casually on the bench, though it was starting to hurt his ass already. He hadn't even been sitting for five minutes and already he was in pain. But he'd probably be in more pain if he had to sit through another biology class. Heck, he'd probably be dead if he had to sit through another biology class. He sighed, putting the ciagrette in his mouth again.

A young girl, younger than Max, walked down the pathway by the playground. She smiled as he stared at it, remembering her childhood. She never really got a chance to play on a playground. She was tempted to stop one day and swing on the swings or something, but today was not that day. She walked leisurely, a pleasant, calm, look over her pale face. Her green eyes were bright and cheerful, a faint, humble smile over her face.

She was wearing dark clothes that matched Max's; nice, black jeans that were torn in the right knee, along with a black and red (slight gothic) coset top, a long-sleeved fishnet, mesh top underneath it. A thin, red belt ran around her waist underneath her belt loops, that matched the red in her shirt. Her long, straight, black hair was up in a pony tail that moved back and forth with every step. A silver nose ring was pierced through her left nostril. Over her feet were long, velet boots that ran up to her knees with a small heel at the bottom.

Suddenly, she spotted the boy sitting on the bench, her green eyes lightening up for a moment until she realized what he was doing: smoking. Her jaw dropped and her eyes narrowed faintly in disappointment. Nina Green hated to see her brother smoking, for she knew the damage it was causing him, emotionally and physically. She trudged over, frowning at him, "Max, please put the ciagrette out." She pleaded softly, standing in front of him.

Max narrowed his eyes. Oh, great. As much as he loved Nina, he wasn't in the mood to hear her again. This was his life, he could do what he wanted. He took the ciagrette out of his mouth, blowing smoke nonchalantly in her face with a smirk.

Nina stepped back, coughing softly into her ashen hands. She closed her eyes tightly as she tried to catch her breath again. Jeeze. She sighed, opening her eyes again, her expression growing even more sorrowful. She pouted innocently. ".. Please, Max?" She begged sweetly. Nina was very good at playing the 'cute little sister' card. She didn't like to do it, but it was for his own good, right?

Max stared at her, long and hard, his eyes cold. Oh, dammit, not that face. He glanced at the ground then up at her again, his eyes softening suddenly as he gave into her. "Oh, fine." He muttered in that of an unpleasant hiss. Despite Max's hostility, Nina seemed thrilled. A smile cross her face, snatching the cigarette out of his hand and throwing it on the ground. She stopped on it daintly, for fear she would step on something other than the cigarette and trip and fall. God knows she was very uncoordinated in heels.

"Thank you, Max." She said appreciatively, looking rather pleased with herself and her brother. She had a feeling he was skipping class again, but she didn't mind this as much as she minded him smoking. "So, what class are you supposed to be in right now?" She asked, a teasing tone to her voice. This was her free, so she decided to take a walk somewhere. She wasn't sure where she would go, but it would be somewhere nice, she was certain of.

Max shrugged, his eyes turning away from her as he mumbled, ".. Biology." He said, still looking unhappy. Nina chuckled at this. "I should've guessed." She understood how much Max disliked biology. Actually, she didn't, really, since, she loved it very much, but she tried. She tried to help him get better, but she wasn't much good at explaining things. As much as she loved kids, she was forced to cross 'teacher' off her list of things to do when she grew up.

She took her cell phone out of her pocket, checking the time. She only had about twenty minutes left of the period. She put it back in her pocket and turned to Max, "I'm gonna go, okay?" She said jovially. Max looked at her suspiciously. He was always very protective of Nina, since she was the only one of his family that he had left -- to Max, anyway. Nina smiled at this, amused by his defensiveness. ".. I don't know. I'm taking a walk." She said with a shrug. Max shook his head, "Fine." He answered in displeasure.

She nodded, "I'll see you later, okay? Don't get into to much trouble." She warned jokingly before turning and walking off. She crossed her arms over her chest. Where would she go? To the lake, perhaps? Into the forest? Perhaps into town for twenty minutes? There were a few places she enjoyed going. She looked up again, just in time to realize she had tripped over some kids foot.

He was sitting by a tree, and Nina, not paying any attention to where she was going, tripped over him and ended up falling to the ground with a gasp of surprise. Oh, Jeeze. d**n these heels. She pushed herself up slowly, sighing softly. Ah, well. No harm done. Hopefully. Her eyes went wide. What if she had hurt that boy? She turned around quickly, "Oh my gosh! Are you alright?" She asked, her tone greatly worried and a little spaztic.

[catsrule]

Gabriel's eyes slinted as he hissed "Im fine". Gabe crossed his arms and moved over a bit so no other kid would trip on his shoes. He settled his eyes on a bug crawling on te ground the frown still on his lips but now a bit of anger mixed with it. Gabe got up and tied his shoe and leaned; hopefully no stupid person would trip over him now!

[Maxwell Green]

Nina sat there, staring up at him, confused by his sudden harshness. Oh, great, she pissed him off. She felt terrible, her heart sinking for a moment. She watched as he tied his shoes, a frown crossing over her soft, pink lips slowly. She rose to her feet, stumbling a little in her heels. She wasn't sure why she bothered wearing them if she was going for a walk. She looked at him, sincerity and innocence washing over her face, ".. I'm really sorry." She apologized quietly, looking up at him cutely from under her eye lashes. "Are you sure you're alright?"

Max watched from the park bench, his eyes narrow. What the hell was she doing now? He leaned forward a little, being semi-obvious about his spying on his sister, but it was only because he cared greatly for her. He didn't want to see her get hurt. He wasn't normally this spaztic about Nina, but then again, she normally kept to herself and didn't talk to people, so there was never really much to worry about.

[catsrule]

"I SAID I WAS FINE JUST GO AWAY GEEZE GIRL!" Gabe screamed and packed all his stuff in his book bag since he was carrying some. Gabriel turned around gave Max an angry glance as if to say 'Get her away from me!'

[Maxwell Green]

Nina's heart jumped in her chest as she yelled, a completely startled look over his face at his outburst. She stepped backward, her jaw dropping in shock. She looked hurt by his tone, and the elevated volume of his voice. She never liked being yelled at. It scared her, and made her feel terrible. She looked down and nodded slowly in obedience. There wasn't much more she could do, for she feared saying any more would simply cause more trouble. She turned her back to him, beginning to walk away from both Max and the other boy.

Max narrowed his eyes, also looking surprised by the boys yelling. His jaw tightened in annoyance as his eyes grew hostile, his pale face suddenly twisting in anger. Oh, that little... He made a fist in his right hand, glaring at the boy, locking on his gaze, staring into his eyes aggressively. He stood up quickly, walking over with hate in his eyes. "Hey!" He called as he walked, his voice edgy and agitated.

Nina stopped suddenly at the sound of her brothers voice. Oh no. Oh God, no. She looked worried now, concerned not just for her brother, but for the boy as well. She turned around, looking horrified as she watched the two. She was unsure what to do at the moment, but she would most definitely need to stop anything from happening, since.. she assumed quickly something would.

"Don't you ever talk to my sister that way, you little punk." He snarled viciously in the boys face, looking like he was ready to kill something... or someone. He was tall, average height for his own age. A bit taller than the other kid, for their ages were different. Max was older by two years, making him seventeen.

Normally, Max was not a mean person at all. Nina would vouch twenty times for this. He was not violent, nor was he aggressive or easily annoyed. Well, sometimes he got a little impatient and on sucky days he could be a bit of a jerk, but never had he acted like this before toward anyone, even his parents. Never, had he fully snapped like this.

Nina immediately began to think something was wrong with him. Was he on drugs? Drunk? Some kind of undiagnosed disorder in the brain? She thought the third one more likely a after careful, less than thirty-second consideration on the subject.

[catsrule]

Gabriel's eyes grew angrier "Look I dont think ya wanna mess with me you can ask any of these retards here at the academy" he yelled stepping forward with his fist clenching and unclenching. The only days that were good for Gabe were days when some how he had a slight smile on his face.

Out in the surrounding woods Gabe's rottwieler Zeus sniffed the air for scent of his owner. The rottwieler's muscles slowly rippled as he took each step. Soon he picked up scent of Gabriel and followed it. After a short while Zeus was right behind the three students but still he was hidden by brush.

[Maxwell Green]

Look I dont think ya wanna mess with me you can ask any of these retards here at the academy. Max glared at Gabriel. "I don't give a %$@# what these retards say at this academy about you." He hissed harshly, his eyes black, narrow slits. Before Max could say further, Nina stepped in between the two, pushing her brother back a little. "Alright, knock it off, both of you!" She said, her voice strong but kind of panicky as her heart raced. She didn't want to see any kind of fight break out, especially with her brother involved. He was already busted a few times for smoking and skipping class, God knows what kind of trouble a fight would get him into.

[catsrule]

Zeus was watching each step and as soon as Nina came between the two he jumped out growling loudly. Zeus stood beside Gabriel his teeth gleeming.

Gabriel put his hand in front of Zeus. "Down Zeus not yet" he hissed eyes now shining with frustration. He saw Nina get inbetween him and Max. Gabriel didnt say anything just motioned to Zeus.

Zeus stepped up a little glaring at Max he didnt like anyone talking meanly to Gabe.

[Maxwell Green]

Nina let out a loud shriek of surprise as the dog jumping from the bushes and began to growl. Her face turned white, as if she had just seen a ghost. She grabbed Max's arm frantically, her breathing becoming heavy. She put her free hand over her mouth, trying to calm herself down. It was just a dog. A big, vicious-looking rottweiler type of dog, but still, just a dog. Nina actually liked dogs. There was nothing to be scared of. Yet, her heart began to pound with fear in her chest. Max pushed Nina behind him in a protective manner, looking from the dog to Gabriel to the dog again, unsure what to say or do. He wasn't going to run. He wasn't afraid of some stupid dog and his stupid owner. "You're going to let your dog fight your battles for you?" Max growled intimidatingly, almost sounding as sinister as the dog had.

[catsrule]

"Nope were leaving i dont have time to deal with this" Gabe said silently it was as if his heart had plumeted. Gabriel frowned he started to remeber his family and the time they used to spend together 'what difference does it make there dead and they always will be' he thought in his mind.

Zeus tilted his head he was confused why Gabe didnt want to fight.

[Maxwell Green]

Nope were leaving i dont have time to deal with this. Max continued to glare at Gabe, his jaw and muscles still tense. Was this some kind of a trick? Nina put her hand on Max's arm gently, looking at him, then at Gabriel sympathetically. She felt kind of bad for the boy. She smiled faintly as she walked away from Max, gently putting her pale hand over Gabriel's. Her eyes looked comforting and warm. "Thank you." She said gratefully, happy he hadn't gone along with the fight. Max crossed his arms over his chest stubbornly, watching unhappily as Nina spoke softly to the kid.

[catsrule]

Gabe glared he still didnt like any kid here at this school. He pulled his arm away "Leave me alone girl" he said silently without having a harsh tone he just wasnt in the mood.

[Maxwell Green]

Nina sighed, stepping back away from him as he walked away. Her smiled faded as her heart sank. She felt like she should help him somehow, but she wasn't sure how to get through to him. Ah, well. Perhaps in good time. Max shook his head, looking downward at the ground. He knew what Nina was thinking, and wasn't happy about it. Nina shook her head as well, but more of an amused way as she turned to Max. "Relax." She said with a shrug. "You get so worked up over nothing." She gave him a warm smile, as she had done with Gabe. Max sighed. "I'm sorry.." Was all he could think to say. Nina shrugged. "You don't need to be sorry, silly." She said with a child-like giggle.