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She stood in the middle of the lawn in front of one of the main libraries, alone but surrounded by groups having picnics or talking between themselves. In the pathways, people walked to their destination. The hydrokinetic found herself alone, kicking a hacky sack around with her foot. For the most part her aim brought the bag back in the air, and she kept it in her general direction. It flew a few places, sure, but it hadn't hit anyone. Her lips pulled into a grin, her teeth showing, and her ponytail bounced back and forth with every sudden move.
Rya knew that her luck would run out eventually, and sure enough, she kicked the small bean bag into the walkway of moving people and it hit someone - In the head - before she could get it back under control.
"Fuck," The Brit cursed before running over, "You alright?"
Eli was sure Brodie said he had an interview around here somewhere today. Something about connecting with the young meta population or whatever. He liked the idea of surprising his brother mid-interview. Not to mess with him, but to always show encouragement when he could. His brother was doing great things, and that was worth being proud of.
As he wandered like a lost soul through the grounds, something small clocked him in the side of his head, completely catching him off guard. Eyebrows furrowed as he glanced down at the little thing that managed to haul all his attention out of the clouds.
"Oh yeah, I'm okay." He said, his eyes settling on the girl with the familiar accent. Though he was born in Ireland, he spent his entire school life at St. Bethany, and it subsequently melded his accent. He grinned as he shook his head; "I mean, I could have a brain injury, but if I do, that'll kick in in a couple of minutes. So you could keep me company while we wait and see. As payback only, of course."
Rya prided herself on her athleticism, but the fact that the hacky sack landed a direct hit to the side of a stranger's head was impressive even for her. She offered a variation of the two-fingered salute once the recipient of her 'gift', so to speak, turned towards her. Her eyes traveled up and down his body without apology and returned the grin shortly after, "Unfortunately, holding a hand through anticipatory pain is not my thing."
Certainly, she did come over to see if this person didn't get hurt from her momentary lack of coordination, so how could she deny him company should he request it? The brunette had nowhere to be, while the guy in front of her didn't seem too keen on going anywhere. "But I guess I can stick around as an apology or something."
"No need, I can hold my own." Eli pointed out. And then he did; one hand gripped the other in front of him to pass the time without contact from a stranger. All the while he grinned.
"Well, I wouldn't dream of asking for a real apology. Accidents happen." And he seemed in far too good a mood to actually care. That, or he was always like that. Perhaps she'd never know. He waited in silence for a few seconds, like he really needed the time to be sure.
"I feel like I'm okay." He reasoned with her finally, offering a firm nod to what seemed like a fact.
He held the hacky sack out to her, settling it in the palm of his hand; "But just to be sure, how 'bout a game?"
"A self sufficient man. I can appreciate that," Rya raised her brow, but this hardly was the strangest thing the hydrokinetic had seen, even today.
Her shoulders relaxed and her hands sat in her pocket. "What a relief," she laughed, "They're definitely not my forte." And suddenly, his silence overtook them for just a moment, all the while the look on his face displayed his intention. He was funny, she had to admit.
Rya grabbed the hacky sack in her hand and tossed it up once, catching it, "After I beamed you in the side of your head? Yeah, sure." The Brit pulled back away from the walkway and back into the grass, extending her arm, "You ready?"
It was rare in this world to find anyone willing to forgo the need for an apology, but there he was. Eli might have only just met her, but reading people didn't take much effort. Apologies didn't look like they fell out of her mouth everyday, so there was no point in trying to ask one. At least she admitted it.
He lost the hacky sack with ease, and he didn't fight her for it. It was hers, after all. He followed her with a special kind of grin to his face.
"Almost." He said finally, stretching his arms up above his head; "What's your name?"
He treated this like a serious game, stretching accordingly. Rya had to wonder just what ran through his mind, but she just made it out to be blind enthusiasm or simply a good day. She considered it a welcome reprieve from bad moods and shit talking that she had been dealing with lately.
As she waited, she continued to toss and catch the sack in her hand. "Rya," She offered. "You?"
