Jake Santoro
December 10, 2006 5:03 PM
The aftermath by Jake Santoro
Instead of going to the Hospital Wing like Jake had initially intended to do for the sake of Professor Williams, Jake ended up storming from the classroom and in the opposite direction from where the medic was located. He was so angry with what had just occurred between Jennifer and himself that Jake needed time to think. Time to breathe.Naturally, his first instinct was to get on his broom and whack a few bludgers around just to get some aggression out, but with it still being time for lessons, Jake doubted he would be able to get away with that. So, instead, Jake took to running around in the paths. If he happened to run into Tellerman, he doubted he would get into much trouble.
He had thrown his belongings beside the fountain, removing his robes as well. Wearing a t-shirt and jeans, Jake took off into the paths with his thoughts still on the fight. He knew that the fight had been stupid. If only he had kept his mouth shut, or pretended that everything was okay. If only he had gotten his head on straight last year before this Felipe person could have ever made a difference.
But, who was he kidding?
Jennifer didn't even like him. She as good as told him so in class. And who was she to say he wasn't good enough? He was a Santoro. He was proud of who he was and where he came from. The fact that Jennifer, who's opinion above anyone else's mattered to Jake, thought he was nothing compared to her father's secretary's son, made Jake question everything about himself and everything about his family.
His feet slapped the ground hard with every step he took. His shirt clung to his body from the sweat perspiring from his pores. Thoughts, both angry and depressing, ran through his head as he ran. The more he thought, the faster his feet would fall. His legs burned wit the need to stop, but he went on. He wished he could run and never stop. Run and leave everything else behind.
Halfway through his fourth trip around the paths, Jake's legs decided to give up on him. He tripped and fell hard to the ground with a rough groan when he hit. Not only was he covered in sweat and now dirt, but Jake was still as angry as he was when he had first started running.
By the looks of things, classes were over and the sun was soon to set. He had no idea how long he had been outside or how long he had been pushing himself in the paths. He was exhausted and now ached from head to foot. Finally sitting up from the ground, Jake sat there staring at nothing.
Sometime later, he could hear the steps of an approaching person. He hoped against hope that it wasn't a professor coming to scold him. Even more, he hoped it was neither Jennifer nor Lizzie considering the mess he was currently in. Even more so, he hoped that whomever it was just kept right on walking, but...knowing his luck lately, he knew that wasn't likely to happen.\n\n
6
Jake Santoro
The aftermath
42
Jake Santoro
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Lexi Stafford
December 19, 2006 10:55 PM
Don't hurt the (for once) innocent by Lexi Stafford
Of all the places to be outside of class, the labyrinth gardens were probably her favorite. There was something about the wildness of this particular section of the school, what with the seemingly random pathways, the spontaneous scuttle of desert creatures crossing the path, which appealed to her tremendously. And, of course, this was the place, even more so than the pitch, where people came to get a work-out done, in whatever fashion they so chose.
Lexi’s style, though, was one that wasn’t seen very often at a wizarding school. Yes, she sometimes did the basics that everyone else seemed to do, running, chin-ups on the statues (alright, she’d only seen that done once or twice, but it was still rather cool), etc. But her most common pastime out there on the pathways, after it had become habit during her first year, was to grab her lacrosse stick and play some wall-ball.
She wasn’t quite sure why she had continued to bring her stick to school at all. It wasn’t like she still ever played anymore outside of school. During the summer before her second year, she’d learned she wasn’t welcome anymore on her old club team, since she spent two thirds or more of the year in God-knows-where, Arizona, at a school that didn’t even have a team (her old friends being muggles, she couldn’t quite tell them that it was because she was in training to be a witch, and that the only sport that the school offered was played on broomsticks with enchanted balls).
Yet, for some reason, she just kept making her father shrink it so it could fit in her trunk before each new term, along with a few balls, and she headed out to the gardens with it, still shrunk while she was in the building itself, because, even though she didn’t care what anybody else thought, it was still going to attract some attention, and the times she brought it out were the times when, for the most part, she just wanted to work out her problems.
It was amazingly therapeutic, the continuous motion of slamming something solid and rubber into a solid wall (generally smoother statues, since the one time she’d tried it on the hedge, she’d immediately lost the ball, and still swore that something in there had eaten it), then catching it, and starting over. While it wasn’t quite as good as hitting around a bludger, since this didn’t fight back, it was still something, and quidditch practices hadn’t started yet.
That was the main reason she was out there currently. No problems or anxieties, unless one counted the incident in charms, which she kept trying not to think about, just a need to be active. And, of course, a free period with no other options available besides working on homework.
She’d gotten in a pretty good workout, too. By the time she’d finished, it was nearly sunset, and she was fairly exhausted, her face and uncovered arms turning slightly pink from forgetting sunscreen, and wisps of her hair escaping from the hasty ponytail she’d put it into. Despite the exercise, though, she hadn’t been very hungry, and had every intention of merely returning to her dorm to take a shower, and then actually get started on the homework she’d conveniently forgotten about when she came upon another person, this one sitting.
Entering from behind whoever it was, it took her a second to figure out that it was Jake sitting there. Of course, as grungy as he looked, he was a far cry from his usual self, at least from appearances sake, so she felt less embarrassed about it as she might normally have.
“Hey, Jake, are you okay?” she asked, leaning her stick against the hedge, and moving closer to get a better look at the older boy. “Take a fall, or something?” That was the only explanation she could think of for why he would look the way he did, and be sitting on the ground, even if that didn't quite sit right for some reason.
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0
Lexi Stafford
Don't hurt the (for once) innocent
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Lexi Stafford
0
5
Jake
December 20, 2006 9:44 PM
innocent? *snorts* by Jake
He had been staring at the ground when the footsteps ceased. His eyes glanced sideways to see a set of sneakers not so far from where he sat. If he closed his eyes, perhaps they would just walk away. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. Even more so, he knew the voice speaking to him."Er-" Jake mumbled, glancing up at Lexi for a moment. She looked as though she had been working out just as hard as he was. He wondered if she was having as hard of issues as he was. But, he doubted it. Knowing her, she'd just kick whoever-was-upsetting-her's butt and wouldn't be having the same issue that Jake was currently having. "Yeah, legs gave out on me." Jake answered.
He moved slightly to get a better looked at her, and groaned inwardly as his body ached painfully from having gone from over-use to no use at all. His legs were killing him as he shifted them to lay straight out in front of him. He should have stretched first. He'd definitely be regretting running so much in the morning.
"What are you doing out her, Lex?" Jake asked, trying hard to forget his own reasons for being there, covered in dirt, and in pain-in more ways than one. "What's that thing?" He asked her, indicated the stick she left by the wall.\n\n
6
Jake
innocent? *snorts*
42
Jake
0
5
Lexi
December 20, 2006 10:36 PM
<I>I</i> happen to be completely innocent in this one by Lexi
She knew it was unkind, but she couldn’t stop herself from having to bite back laughter as Jake admitted his legs just gave out. Yes, it wasn’t a funny situation, and there had been loads of people she’d seen that happen to (not in the least NYC socialites in five-inch heels), but it was just amusing to picture. Of course, she remained polite enough to make sure it wasn’t an audible laugh, at least while Jake was within earshot.“Hate it when that happens,” she replied simply, before watching him try and move. She debated inwardly for a moment before asking, “Do you need a hand up?” Yes, he was older, and bigger, and probably stronger than she was (and possibly had more pride, although there were some that argued it wasn’t possible), and she wasn’t sure how he’d respond to be offered what some could perceive as being pity, but it at least sounded like he was in some pain, if her previous experiences of working as hard as it would probably take to make one’s legs give out were any indication.
Hesitating before moving any closer, she shrugged when he asked what she’d been up to in the garden. “Nothing much. Just playing some wallball, doing some basic work-out stuff, things like that. You know, trying to get exercise in whatever ways possible since someone hasn’t bothered to start quidditch practices yet.
“And that thing, as you so eloquently labeled it, is a lacrosse stick. It’s a muggle sport, where players have to get a solid rubber ball from one end of the field to another and shoot on a goal, and only being able to carry it in the pockets of said stick.” She grinned. “It’s a lovely sport, incredibly violent. I used to play back before I came to Sonora, when I thought quidditch was a pointless waste of time.”
She paused again. She’d never really talked to Jake outside quidditch-related activities, and this was slightly awkward, at least for her. Still, it wouldn’t be considered prying if she just asked the same type of questions he had. “So, how about you? What have you been doing out here?”
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Lexi
<I>I</i> happen to be completely innocent in this one
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Lexi
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5
Jake
December 21, 2006 9:11 PM
You, maybe, but not your Author by Jake
Jake looked at Lexi's hand for some time. He was trying to decide whether or not he should take it. At first, he hadn't planned on getting up at all. He was going to sit there until long after dark had fallen, probably after curfew had passed. But now that he was thinking about it, and with the way his body was aching, he doubted that if he stayed he'd be able to move at all when he eventually wanted to."Thanks." Jake responded, taking a hold of Lexi's hand. When he actually made to stand up, he put most of his weight to his legs (despite the pain) and off of his hand so that he didn't take Lexi out and pull her to the ground. Standing, he was actually able to ignore the ache in his legs as he looked up at the sky for a moment. "Yeah, sorry 'bout that. I'm waiting for Pepper to either sign up or come to me with an explanation as to why I now have to train another Keeper." Jake replied, looking back down at Lexi. "Either that, or beg Dill to join the team again. Though, I doubt he'd agree."
Jake raised an eyebrow at Lexi before smirking, "You playing a violent muggle sport? Never" Jake teased before giving Lexi a slight push to show his jest. Despite hardly ever speaking to Lexi outside of Quidditch, he thought highly of the girl. "And it's blasphemy to speak of Quidditch in such a manner" Jake added, this time half joking.
The frown returned to him when Lexi questioned his motives for being out in the garden. For a brief moment, he had forgotten the fight he and Jennifer had been involved in. He knew that he was wearing jeans, so saying that he came out here to run would have been a flat out lie and Lexi was sure to be smart enough to pick up on it. "Got into an argument with Jennifer-the Captain of the Crotalus team-and decided it was best to hang out around here to cool off for awhile." Jake said, being honest, but still keeping the fight between him and Jennifer.\n\n
6
Jake
You, maybe, but not your Author
42
Jake
0
5
Lexi
December 22, 2006 3:14 PM
I don't associate with my author by Lexi
Apparently, Jake’s pride wasn’t too great to accept her offer, so Lexi dutifully helped haul him to his feet; then dropped his hand as soon as he appeared to be reasonably balanced. “It’s cool,” she replied simply, going to pick up her lacrosse stick from where she’d left it against the wall before returning back to the older boy. “It’s still early in the term, and all. I’m just...well; my mom keeps claiming I have some undiagnosed hyperactive disorder, even though my dad claims they don’t exist. I just like having something to do. You know how it is.”She looked up at him when he mentioned Dill. “Do you know why he quit in the first place? I never really understood that. He always seemed fairly good, didn’t he? It’s just…weird, that’s all,” she shrugged. “I can’t imagine quitting quidditch, for whatever reason.”
She contemplated whacking him on the shoulder with her original favorite weapon when he made his sarcastic comment about her and violence, figuring it would only prove his point, but then deciding he’d been the first to get physical with his shove, so prodded him in the shoulder, not quite gently.
“That’s not a very nice thing to say about a member of your team,” she said, trying to look offended. “I am horribly, deeply wounded by that. Even if it is true.” Giving up trying to look serious, she giggled. “I swear, though, I could find the cure to cancer, or something equally important and heroic, and there are still going to be people who will remember me foremost for taking two chasers out of the championship game. And don’t give me that about it being blasphemous. I know that now, silly. It was just the easiest way to drive my brothers crazy growing up. I’m the baby of the family, and the only girl. It’s my job or something to make them batty. You know how it is.”
She glanced up at Jake once more when his mood shifted to bleaker one. She nodded, though, when he explained he was just trying to work off some anger. That explained a lot more than it didn’t, considering the way she’d come upon him, and the abnormal clothes for a run. “Oh, right, you are friends with her, aren’t you? That must make things slightly awkward sometimes, like with the game last year.” Harnessing her natural curiosity, she didn’t question him about whatever the fight was, even if the idea of Jake having a fight with anyone did seem a bit strange. She didn’t know the other captain at all, really, as much knew of her, but it was hard to think of someone more easy-going than the Teppenpaw captain, which implied there was something major going on between the two.
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Lexi
I don't associate with my author
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Lexi
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5
Jake
December 30, 2006 5:31 PM
Must be an Awkward Relationship by Jake
"Ah..." Jake paused in thought when she asked about Dillon. To be honest, Jake wasn't entirely clear with Dillon's decision to quit the team. From the conversations since his decision, Dillon has made comments about how much he missed playing, but whenever Jake asked him if he wanted back, Dillon always refused the offer. "I think he said something about studying. To be honest though, I think he wanted to let his sister have something for herself. He always says that when she plays Quidditch, she feels apart of something...er, I think, anyway." Jake said, his face scrunched slightly as he tried to remember the words."But, it could just be that he likes to read more than play. Or maybe some girl...he's been spending a lot of time outside of the commons, so I can't say for sure." Jake stated, more of a joke towards Dillon than the honest truth. Though, for all he knew, Dillon might actually have a crush on someone.
Jake laughed at the punch in a semi-we're only joking but it still hurt- sort of way. Rubbing his arm, "Not really, I'm not the youngest nor am I the only girl in my family." Jake jested. "Bella would probably be more understanding on that end then me. Course, she's always had a love for Quidditch, but she does drive us crazy with her guitar." Jake stated, stretching slightly to rid of some of the kinks that had formed from sitting for so long.
"Er...yeah, we are...were...it's complicated." Jake said giving Lexi half a smile in an effort to try to lighten the mood again. "I'm friends with a lot of our rival players. Like the Craven twins, Stephen, Liz-er" He stopped then cos he really wasn't sure if he was still to be friends with Lizzie. He didn't blame her for saying anything about Jennifer's love life. It wasn't like Liz knew how Jake felt, but, she was Jennifer's best friend and if he and Jennifer were no longer friends, did that mean Lizzie and him weren't either? "You know, I don't really know the Aladren Captain at all, but Zack's a friend of mine." Jake added, to cover up any weird questions that might come for his sudden stop in mid sentence.\n\n
6
Jake
Must be an Awkward Relationship
42
Jake
0
5
Lexi
January 05, 2007 10:21 PM
You have no idea by Lexi
Lexi nodded as Jake explained Dillon’s reasoning for giving up quidditch, respect for the other boy mounting. “That’s kind of him, doing that for his sister,” she said, incredibly impressed. Somehow, she couldn’t see either her or Ben doing something like that for the other. Well, perhaps Ben would, if it were really important to her. She was a bit too selfish to give up something she loved so much. She laughed a little at Jake’s next comment, assuming it was a joke, even if she didn’t know Dillon at all, so maybe it wasn’t.Feeling slightly guilty when Jake rubbed his arm, since she hadn’t meant to poke him enough to be painful (well, not really, anyway), the sheepish feelings died down when the fifth year seemed to be intentionally being difficult. Although she was tempted to whack him again, she settled for rolling her eyes. “You know what I meant,” she replied exasperatedly. “And Bella plays the guitar?” Then she remembered the band notice that had gone up at the start of term. Of course Bella played the guitar. It said so right there on the sheet. “Actually, forget I said anything. Just…completely lost my mind there for a second.”
She wasn’t quite sure what she was supposed to say as Jake listed all the people he was friends with on the different teams. She also didn’t miss the pause he made when talking about who she assumed was Elizabeth Lavine. Perhaps she was not quite as focused as others she knew were, but she wasn’t dumb. Lexi pondered the idea of Jake not mentioning Elizabeth because he didn’t want to make Lexi feel guilty, since the Pecari was the one that Lexi had probably injured the most, and she had felt plenty of remorse over it, at least after the game. Somehow, it didn’t seem to fit, but it was the best answer she could come up with.
“It makes sense, you being friends with so many of them,” she said after Jake finished with Zach. “I mean, besides you being the poster-child for Teppenpaw qualities- don’t deny it. You know you are. But your year just always seemed much closer in general than a lot of the others. I mean, sure, most people seem to get along well in my year, but then we have the lovely Crotali that ruined our reputation in general.”
She grinned, then took another look at the sun, which had slipped almost entirely beneath the horizon. “Alright, I’m heading in to go clean off and then see if anything’s left at Cascade. Are you coming in, or are you going to stay out here for a while longer?”
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Lexi
You have no idea
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Lexi
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5