You have to start somewhere.

Writing note: Lex's story uses third-person past tense.

“Now make sure that you don’t make any trouble for your Prefect or your teachers. Eh, not that I have anything to worry about, you’re always such a good boy.” Lex’s pale cheeks flushed a deep crimson at his father’s words, especially when the taller man leant over, wrapping one arm around his shoulder as he gave the boy a kiss on the head. Lex wanted to protest, to say something about being embarrassed in front of an important person, but all that came out was a cute little squeak. “I know dad… don’t worry about me, I’m going to be fine.” The petite redhead snaked his way out from his father’s embrace, offering the man a bashful yet genuine smile as he straightened his own robes which he’d been given in preparation for this day.

“I know you will. And don’t worry, I’ll be sure to embarrass your sister just as much when it’s her turn.” The man added with a wink, taking a step back and looking over his son one last time before they each nodded to the other, a mutual if silent goodbye. With that, the man opened the umbrella again, shooting off into the dark sky, leaving Lex and the Prefect standing alone on the otherwise abandoned deck of the ship. Up until that moment Alex had been ready to be left alone. He’d been dying for the chance to finally go to the academy and had been heartbroken when certain circumstances prevented him from starting the previous year. This was a dream, everything he had worked and waited for… but now that it was here, he realized that he was actually on his own. Sure, there were people who’d help, teach, and care for him, but none of them really knew him. From now on, every decision he made, every relationship he forged, would be by his own hands.

Speaking of which, he was currently on the deck of a ship alone with the Prefect of his house. And, she did seem like a rather nice lady… He wanted to at least approach her, see if they couldn’t be on good terms, but at the same time he didn’t want to develop a reputation for brownnosing on day one. If the other new students caught him trying to cozy up to an upperclassman, he’d be the target of a lot of ridicule… but right now, there was no one else there. Wouldn’t be for at least an hour if she was to be believed.

“Uh, Prefect Clawson?” As the petite boy stepped up to the older woman, he wore the cutest little bashful expression, something that made him look younger than even his diminutive frame already managed. “Hm? Oh, is that a no on the daisy chains then?” The raven haired Prefect looked back at him with a wry smile on her lips, another soft chuckle escaping her.

“Ah, yes, I mean no…” He stammered for a moment before taking a deep breath and forcing himself to look up at her, his dark emerald eyes sparkling in the moonlight. “Sorry again, I’m not good at meeting new people sometimes, and I just wanted to introduce myself in person. Hello, I’m Alexander Halladay, but everyone calls me Lex, or Lexi.” He added, a light dusting of pink remaining on his cheeks as he extended his hand in a formal handshake. After a moment of consideration in which Pipistrelle glanced back and forth from his eyes to his outstretched hand, she reached out and took it, giving the boy a brief handshake.

As she did, her smile softened a bit, seeming more open and genuine as she looked over the shy, effeminate boy. “Well, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” Her eyes met his again, finding them a bit calmer, more relaxed in the face of her reciprocated gesture and friendly, somewhat slapdash tone.

“Thank you. And, I just want you to know that I’m not looking for any special treatment just because of who my family is. I came here to learn and make a name for myself.” He continued, his expression becoming a bit more self-assured, verging on but never quite reaching confidence. “But… I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t a bit nervous starting new in a place where I don’t actually know anyone… so, if it isn’t asking too much, it would be nice to know that I have at least one friendly face where I’m going.” He finished, dark eyes sparkling, his face a look of innocent hope and optimism as he continued looking into the Prefect’s eyes.

Pipistrelle had to pause as she looked back at him, reading in between the lines of his speech, as well as gauging the sincerity in his eyes and tone. After a long moment’s silence, a brighter smile stretched across her lips, one seeming to match his in gentle exuberance. “Well, I won’t be giving you any special treatment… but, if you ever need help during your time in Minerval, I’ll certainly see what I can do.” She added with a slight wink, giving his hand a playful squeeze before letting go and excusing herself to finish the rest of her actual duties which would need to be done before the other students arrived.

Mechanics:

• Lex has an ENCOUNTER with the Prefect, on a 10+, Pip is pleased to go along. Lex takes +1 Forward on his next Move.
• Lex ASKS FOR A FAVOR from Pip. On a 10+, she is happy to grant a FAVOR he can call on later.

Lex now has a FAVOR from Pipistrelle Clawson, third-year scholar and Prefect in House Minerval.