Metanoia, a Ghost Bird Fanfic

Nice... face?

^Slate's drawing^

"Nice drawing." I hear 'Gabe' say while I feel a tap on my shoulder. I turn my face and wow, he's leaning way too close. His bright blue eyes caress my face for a while, I don't know what else to do so I just stare back. Well this is awkward.

Oh, he's waiting for me to respond.

Tche, social interaction, que the internal cringe. But I do need to answer him.

Ok so what would a guy do in this situation? Thank him? Probably grunt. Hey, it's not my fault the only examples of guys I've been around or either kids or teens. A lot of them probably would start a fight, but that's ludicrous. I could compliment him back, I mean he's a work of art himself. I can hardly believe his features are real.

Oh my god Sang stop staring at his face.

Ok, you've got this, just say thanks.. and introduce yourself. Act cool, act normal.

"Nice face." I blurt out.

He just stares back at me, probably regretting talking to me.Why did I say that? What kind of person just says that?

I don't know if I should laugh or slam my face against my desk. Actually could the world please just open up and swallow me whole right now? Yeah that doesn't sound too bad.

"I mean.." Fudge, what do I mean. That I want to giggle and give you a proper compliment, but I can't because you're so beautiful i can't think straight. Pun not intended. Oh and also I have to pretend I'm a dude so sorry, I can't.

Yeah I can't say that.

I decide to not finish my sentence and just focus on finishing coloring in the bird instead. He's still looking at me, my shoes drag against the worn carpet as I try to not look up again.

"You mean.. what?" He vocalizes, I can hear the grin in his voice. Don't say anything, don't say anything.

Screw it.

"I mean, you're face is nice, I guess" I say.

"What he means is," The guy, Luke, behind me interrupts, "He doesn't know where you got your face from, but he hopes you kept the receipt."

Gabe glances at him, "Funny"

"I know I am." Luke says.

I can't keep myself from saying "Guys remember, looks aren't everything."

A moment passes while Gabe's grin grows, eyes dancing.

Luke gasps dramatically, "Gabe! He said my face looks funny! My feelings, can't continue.... go on without me brother."

He then proceeds to make a lot of unidentifiable noises that sound like an ostrich dying and I try not to laugh or turn around and look at him.

Gabe nods his head solemnly, "Sounds like you broke him. Ten minutes into class and Luke is already lost to us."

"I'm sorry for your loss." I reply in the same tone.

"Luke, stop dying." Kota orders dryly, still turned around in his seat. I'm trying to contain my giggles... Wait.

When was the last time I wanted to laugh?

I don't want to try to recall the answer, as far as I know it's been years since I've cracked a genuine smile.

Gabe's voice pulls me out of my thoughts, "I'm sure you already know this, but that's Kota, Luke, or what remains of him, and I'm Gabe."

"Oh, um, I'm Slate."