Study Hall -- Wednesday, November 2nd

[principalconnor.livejournal.com]

Sarah's at the front desk, staring blankly as she leans over a notebook and clutches her head. Her mind seems to be elsewhere, and it's probably a bad idea to talk to her.

The puppies are back, sleeping in the basket in front of the desk and available for people to cuddle for comfort.

Comments

[absolutesnark]

Piper wanders into study hall and watches the puppies. They are a welcome distraction.

[valentine-tart.livejournal.com]

Beka smiles warmly at Piper from across the room. Shaping her hand into a gun, she pretends to squeeze the trigger and winks, trying to cheer Piper a bit. No way she's letting anyone hurt her friends, non-human or otherwise.

[absolutesnark]

Piper smiles back at Beka, grateful that she was trying to cheer her up.

[valentine-tart.livejournal.com]

Beka nodded her head to the desk next to her, an open invitation, rather than a request to chat.

[absolutesnark]

Piper accepted the invitation and took a seat beside Beka. She could use the company.

[valentine-tart.livejournal.com]

"Hey," she said, voice gentler than usual. "How are you?"

[absolutesnark]

"Okay, I think," Piper said somewhat somberly. "Got a lot on my mind. You?"

[valentine-tart.livejournal.com]

"About the same. But I'm OK with most of it." Beka shuffled the papers on her desk. "Anything on your mind that's going to trigger power-blasts?" she finally offered with a game, but not unsympathetic, smile.

[absolutesnark]

"Possibly," Piper said, her voice steady. "Wish I knew who to direct it at, though."

[ooc: Sure. I have to study for a test anyway. *whimpers*]

[valentine-tart.livejournal.com]

Beka nodded, grateful for the opening. "I heard. I'm sorry."

[absolutesnark]

"I still can't believe it," Piper sighed.

[valentine-tart.livejournal.com]

"Roommates, right?" Beka asked gently.

[absolutesnark]

Piper nodded slowly. "I should have noticed sooner that she was missing."

[valentine-tart.livejournal.com]

"No." Beka shook her head and her tone was adamant, if quiet. "This is not your fault. If she's really dead, then noticing she was missing wasn't going to help."

[absolutesnark]

Piper nodded somberly. "I know, but I still feel bad."

[valentine-tart.livejournal.com]

Beka held out her hand for Piper. "Of course. But don't beat yourself up over it."

[absolutesnark]

Piper took Beka's hand, grateful. "I'll try not to. I do feel like hitting something, though. Or blowing something up."

[valentine-tart.livejournal.com]

"Offer's still open," Beka replied, squeezing her hand. "We could head down to the gym later. I'm not sure I want you throwing your magic at me until you can control it, but if hitting is on your mind, I can take a punch."

[absolutesnark]

Piper pondered that for a moment. "The gym, huh? Just so you know, I am seriously lacking in athletic coordination. If you're okay with that then I suppose it couldn't hurt to get my frustrations out without using magic."

[valentine-tart.livejournal.com]

Beka smiled, grim. "Wouldn't hurt you to learn some physical fighting skills. They'll help if the magic isn't enough. I won't mind, and if I still need to fight, I'll call Buffy or Bel or someone."

[absolutesnark]

"Yeah, I guess it couldn't hurt, especially with all the weird things that happen here."

[valentine-tart.livejournal.com]

"Athletic discipline may help with the magic; discipline and focus are discipline and focus. If you're game, I'll meet you there after classes."

[absolutesnark]

"Alright, sounds good to me."

[valentine-tart.livejournal.com]

"See you there, then."