//------------------------------// // Aria: Irritating Search // Story: Going Our Own Way... // by Dreagknight-LostWriter //------------------------------// A few hours later and a notepad in hand, Aria had managed to find a few decent looking jobs to help get her started. It wasn't what she wanted, but she knew she couldn’t be picky given her disadvantages. Looking at the places she put down, she let out an irritated groan as she skimmed over them once more. The jobs itself is best considered as first timers, given most of them were at corners and groceries stores. With the end of a pen in her mouth and her hand scrolling down the webpage, Aria gave up on searching for any others that would pay better and ask less questions. With a slam, she closed the laptop and pushed it aside. “I hope those documents we forged still works or I’ll be out of luck.” She mumbled, resting her chin in her hand as she stared off at the wall. She couldn't help but let her mind wander off, back to when they first forged their documents to get their way into the school. It was so simple and easy at the time that she never gave it a second thought to look them over. Sighing, she lay back on the couch as her hair draped over her body. Then, in a fashion to just irritate her more, a painful thought came to her mind. “I’m probably going to need transportation as well… ugh!” *** When Quick had returned back home after hanging out with his friends, and doing a little study session, he found Aria laid out on the couch and half passed out. With one arm draped over her eyes and her lavender hair splayed over her arm, he almost didn't want to disturbed her. There was something enchanting about her that he just couldn't put his finger on. Maybe it was the way she was laying down, or the way the light from the window washed over her. Whatever the case was, Quick pushed the thought to the side as he dropped his bag to the floor and walked over to her. “Hey sleepy head, little too early to be taking a cat nap, don't you think?” He teased, earning a groan from the girl. “What are you doing back?” Aria yawned out, not moving her arms from over her eyes. “Oh I don’t know…” Quick started, snatching the notepad up as he took a seat near her, yet keeping his distance at the same time. “Short day, quick things, wasn’t planning to be out long. Oh you know, the normal stuff.” Even with her arms over her eyes, Quick could easily tell she was rolling her eyes at his statement given her response. “Oh har har.” She mocked in return, moving to sit up on the couch. “You didn’t say how long, so I didn't expect you to be back so soon.” She glared at him before noticing he was skimming through her notes. “Hey! What do you think your doing?” She hissed out, reached out and snatched the notepad up from him. Leaning to the opposite side to keep the notepad out of her reach, Quick looked over the notes she had written and the possible jobs she was trying for. After a few moments to read, he felt a sharp pain in his leg as Aria pinched him hard, causing him to drop the papers. Moving quickly, Aria snatched up the notes and shredded it in frustration. Holding the torn papers in both hands, she didn't look to Quick as her eyes were cast downwards and her fist shook in anger. “Hey… I’m sorry for taking the notepad and reading it,” Quick apologizes, reaching down to pick up the pieces that had fallen. “But… Are you able to actually get a job?” He asked, seeing the stores and places she wanted to try. “I am not trying to pry or anything into your life, but the places you choose, they don't pay much and don't ask for much other than a few identifications to put down or verifications that your older than eighteen. At least that’s what they claim.” Letting the rest of the pieces in her hands fall to the floor, Aria balled her fist up as she looked to the side. “A job is a job.” She deadpan, dismissing his worries. “You go there, you work and you earn a paycheck. That is all that matters.” She said through clutch teeth. After picking up the last of the pieces of papers, he looked to her as he took her hand. Forcing her hand open, he placed the papers back in her palm as he spoke up. “Listen… I didn’t realize that you couldn’t-” “Couldn’t what?” Aria snapped, whipping around to face him and looking him square in the eyes. “Couldn’t get a decent job? Can't get much of a job because I don't know if my documents are still valid?” She yelled, advancing on him as if she was ready to knock his lights out. “That I might not be able to pay you your precious money for letting me stay here? Or that I might just free load!” She growled, her tone darkening with anger as her eyes blazed with rage. “Don't you dare judge me of what I can and can't do!” She screamed, throwing a fist to hit him in the face. Quick however saw this attack coming the moment she turned on him and was prepared to defend himself. Leaning back, he grabbed her wrist, then the other one as she struggled to beat on him. At first he thought she had lost her mind and was in a frenzy, but when he noticed a tear falling he knew why she was lashing out. The girl was far stronger than he had thought, but he managed to keep a hold on her wrist until she had calmed down. When her breathing had somewhat slowed to a more calm pace, he slowly and wearily let go of her wrist. Aria, for her credit, gave up on the assault as she just weakly head butted his chest in an effortless attempt to satisfy her anger. “I’m not a failure. I can do this… I can…” She sobbed, almost as if her words alone would change the situation. “It’s just a setback, just a little… set back...” She cried, her sounds muffled in his chest, a sound that was akin to a desperate cry for help. Quick was taken aback by her actions and words, confusion and uncertainty clear across his face. He didn’t know what to do for the crying girl on his chest. Do he hug her and tell her it’ll be alright, pat her head and try to comfort her, or just let her cry and say nothing. The situation was making him very uncomfortable but he couldn't find a single given reason to actually pull away. Going with the most safest option, he placed a hand on her head, as if he was trying to stop her from head butting him. He just looked around the room, still unsure what to say or do as she cried. When Aria seem to have quieted down and her head butting had stopped, she just rested her head on his chest, not moving or daring to look up. For a second, Quick thought she might have passed out. When she had finally spoke, her tone was hollowed and depressed. “How long will you let me stay here before you kick me out?” She asked bluntly, her eyes focused on the floor. Choosing his words very wisely and carefully, he spoke slowly. “Well… I am not sure.” He said, wondering if he should pulled away. “I don't have any roommates, and we have not exhausted all of your options yet so…” Swallowing, he took a chance and stepped back. “Let see how things turned out in say... a week?” Staying put where she stood, she hugged her body like she was crossing her arms as she nodded. A week is what she had to see about getting a job to pay this person back and hopefully keep a roof over her head. Shuffling in her spot, she had a few ideas of what she could do if nothing came up, but she hoped she wouldn't have to go that far to make ends meet.