The Moon Rises... ((End))

<div align=center>The coast was clear, wasn't it?

With a quick glance to the left and one to the right, it seemed to be.

Dusk had fallen upon the campus grounds only a few minutes prior, the school enveloped in a serene twilight. It was that odd time of the way when the stars faintly peeked out from the dying rays of the sun and the moon was soon to make its claim to the sky. Students had primarily shut themselves down from the premises for the day; either at their respective dorms, parties, or night time classes. Either way the courtyard was now a husk of it's formerly bustling self. Which was perfect news to the young Nephilim.

He wasn't the freshest newbie off the block, but he still was getting the hang of how things worked around here. Instinct still told him to bundle himself up in black-brown leather jackets and layered flannel. It was rather toasty, but he was used it. Besides, it was spring, and the oncoming night was bound to get colder. At least he was ready to uselessly meander around when he was finished his task.

Speaking of which, the boy's fair hand clutched dutifully to the polished yet worn oak handles of a guitar case. He was headed to what so far he decided his favorite spot was to practice- the courtyard fountain. The marble surrounding the elegant structure acted as a pathway for the tall young man to where he was destined to go. On the ledge guarding the crystal clear water the teen finally sat, clicking open the case to reveal his most prized possession inside.

With careful yet acquisitive hands he pulled out the light burgundy instrument and set it upright gently upon the ground. He sealed the case back again and put it against the ground as if to ward off any onlookers with any potential tips. Besides, that was for later, and he was too lazy to try to work for any. With that out of the way he placed the instrument back on his knee, got himself into position, and began to strum.

"White lips, pale face, breathing in the snowflakes..."

Now, he wasn't exactly one to go for popular music at the time, however the song itself was soothing and didn't require strenuous vocals. Within seconds the boy found himself in that familiar trance that associated itself with his most favorite hobby. It was as if he was in his own realm of sorts, and his own voice sweetly created it.

"And they say she's in the Class A Team, stuck in her daydream..."

The once occasional glancing up ceased once he solely focused on his own self and the instrument he linked to. It seemed as if nothing would take him out of this self-wrought Eden...

But of course, not even he thought that was true.</div>

<div align=center>"...For angels to die."

With that, the young man concluded his song, his hands resting from the frets to give himself a drink of water. After refreshing himself he screwed the lid back on, just about to continue once more. Perhaps after this he could open himself to performances in cafés and the life around the city. But nowhere near campus. It was just a thing with him that evoked slight discomfort by seeing someone he knew of barely knew watch a hobby of his that he held near and dear to him. Not yet had he met someone who was willing enough to understand his passion, or motifs behind this and other endeavors. But he couldn't complain. He had enough acquaintances at home to last him a lifetime, and at least being able to make small talk was good enough for him.

To continue his rare moment of solitude he geared up to play another song. However before that he felt something... Odd. Something swept over his brain in an indescribable sensation. He felt... Curiosity of sorts. Well, it certainly wasn't his.

His mind's abilities that reached beyond his own plane of consciousness allowed him to take in an read the emotions of others. Someone gave him that feeling. But who? The courtyard was empty, except...

With a roll of his neck the young man looked behind him, his rusty maroon hair blowing discreetly in the breeze. He squinted to see what looked almost like... A young woman? He couldn't tell from so far away, but whoever it was had his attention.

He noticed that the presumable she looked at him to watch him play. Funny, he hadn't expected an audience. "Uh, did you hear all that?" He asked in a yell, wondering why they were watching him. He had tried not to be rude but... It wasn't like him to let others watch him like that. But this stranger wasn't someone he saw around classes. Or anywhere, to be honest. Who was she? And why did she look so transfixed? </div>

<div align=center>As the person from across the field addressed him, the young man placed his guitar once more upright against the ground so that he could still listen to the stranger. Whoever it was was more interested in him than usual onlookers were... And, despite his insistence on keeping total solitude, he found that he really couldn't complain all that much. He did like attention... When allotted properly.

"Well, I-" What was his reason for stopping? He didn't want to outright say that he wasn't comfortable playing for a crowd of people that potentially went to this school. It was an odd little thing of his, and it came from someone who acted a fool in school and at social gatherings. Maybe he didn't want to demonstrate that he was a lot more gentle than he allowed other folks to see. Well, on any case, he didn't want to lie to a stranger. But he didn't want to spill out everything either. "I suppose no reason really... I'm just not used to having an audience here, and I heard you coming sooo..." His voice trailed off as he watched them approach. "Yeah." He chuckled a bit.

The stranger was interesting to say the least. As they came into closer clarity the terms of how he should address them became all the more ambiguous. Thank god he didn't outright address them as 'sir' or 'ma'am' from afar. That would be rude, and to be honest he didn't feel like possibly getting punched in the face as happened one time when he misgendered someone. Still, they stood not too close, and perhaps he would be forgiven if he did. But whoever this person was, they sure had a supernaturally charismatic air about them...

He blinked to force himself from staring and smiled a crooked smile when they complemented them. He didn't blush either, but it was almost natural for him to look down as he muttered a "Uh... Thanks.". He was used to being told that by his mother or maybe a stranger at a club, but not a potential classmate. Well, the stranger seemed nice enough, and handed out a compliment. Which was just good enough in his book.

"You don't have to stand so far away. I don't bite, y'know." He teased a bit, gesturing them to near if they want. He wasn't sure if he caught the stranger at a bad time or not, but on any case they seemed rather interesting... He needed to learn more about them. </div>

<div align=center>With the stranger acceptance to his invitation he smiled, sitting his guitar aside depending on how close they were going to get. In an almost undetectable sort of way, he could tell the stranger had some hesitance... Being as he was personally outgoing, he wondered why. Surely he wasn't intimidating, right? He hoped not. Besides, this stranger was rather... Attractive, to put it lightly.

With his lighthearted comment, he too chuckled a bit. "Oh well then, guess I have to watch out." He brushed off the comment playfully, though wondered if it alluded to something much larger. Ah, probably just over thinking things. "Of course not." He replied, the sentiment mellow yet sincere. Practicing could always come later, for it was like the young man to always talk when given the opportunity.

With that, he figured he ought to give the stranger a proper introduction. Maybe then he would know how to address them if he knew their name. He held a hand out, as if to request a handshake, the other arm leaning on his guitar. "Oh, I'm Jericho. Jericho O'Malley." He grinned almost suavely, his head tilted just a little. "What's your name?" The question was asked with inquisitiveness, his tone curious. </div>

<div align=center>He took the stranger's hand gladly, shaking it once before resting his own. "Pleasure to meet you Ettein." Damn. That didn't solve anything. Which raised yet another question- did he or she have a last name? He figured it wasn't important, but it was just a little something to find out about his new acquaintance. After all, maybe it would be useful in case he'd look for them later. Maybe.

"I gotta say, that's a pretty interesting name you have right there." He commented lightly before shifting a bit. His back was beginning to hurt a bit, but he didn't want to show his discomfort. He couldn't wait to go home and take his bindings off, as he didn't want to with a stranger. "What brings you out here this late? Everyone already seems to have gone to bed or somethin'... Not to be nosy. Just curious." He asked with nonchalance, still trying to figure out the new person. What sort of power did he have exactly...? Whatever it was, he hoped it was interesting. "Can't say I blame you for whatever it is, sure is a pretty evening out..." After all, it was the truth. Crickets were chirping, the air was pleasant, and the sky beautiful. It wouldn't last long, so it was best to take it in for as long as possible. </div>