Park

Tai

You manage to clean dry off your face before the small towel's too damp to be much more use. Once you're done, Mattea takes it back and carries it. "So... that was quite a reaction," she says as she leaves the park with you.

Tai

"Nutty being nutty, you mean." Mattea grins and checks her phone. "I'd offer to let you come over to change, but your place is probably just as close. And I doubt you'd look too good in a dress and heels." She leans back and cocks her head. "Then again..."

Tai

Mattea smiles. "You really need to start figuring out when I'm fucking with you, or you're just going to keep volunteering for shit you don't want to do. Eh. You ever decide you're interested in giving it a shot, let me know. Bring a friend if you want." Once you're out of sight of the others, she gives you a kiss. "Goodnight, Sweetie."

Floyd hops off the bus and begins doing his stretches "So I'm thinking that we run the blue trail through the woods and if you haven't opened up by then we talk while we do some post-run stretches, sound good?"

Floyd wears a serious face for once "You need this more then I thought no more talking for now just enjoy the moment" he says as he grabs Sam's hand and starts running down the path

Floyd jogs out the woods first stopping just a moment to properly stretch before taking a seat under one of the park's canopies. "So....feel a little better now? Nothing like a good run to get your blood flowing now tell me everything!" He asks giving Sam a reassuring smile

Sam comes jogging out of the woods but she is breathing heavy. "Note....too...self....need....run....more," Sam huffs out.

Sam looks for a nice clearing where she can just plop onto but enough for Floyd to join her.

Sam lays their for a bit trying to catch her breath.

"Not.....sure.....better,". "Just.....more......out....of.....breath,". "And..... apparently......out of......shape," Sam huffs out.

Sam takes a couple of moments to catch her breath again and to gather her thoughts. She then pats the grass next to her for Floyd to come join her.

Floyd shrugs and hops off the bench and onto the grass with Sam

Sam begins to get a solemn look on her face. She takes a couple of breaths to compose herself. She then looks towards Floyd and has a serious look in her eyes.

"First off let me tell you why I am really here in Vitcity,". "Just know your the second person I told the truth to,". "The first person I told was Raine," Sam has a bit of a pain look.

"Just know that it's very personal,". "And the fact I am telling you is just a show of how much you mean to me,". "It means your someone I trust,". "Someone I consider precious to me,".

Sam closes her eyes and begins to try and compose herself.

"The real reason I am here in Vitcity is because,". "I put my former best friend Jess in the hospital,". "Jess was the daughter of my dad's boss,". "Jess's dad and my dad were best friends growing up,". "Floyd I ruined my dad's life.

Sam proceeds to tell Floyd about everything from her past.

"So their you have it,". "That's my story Floyd,". "I will tell you the same thing I told Raine,". "It's okay if you want to flee from me,". "I am a losse cannon after all," Sam tells Floyd.

Sam buries her face in her hands almost afraid to see Floyds reactions.

Floyd listens intently to the story when she finishes he opens his mouth to speak but, instead fails to stifle a laugh. "Sorry sorry it's just..... you really think I'd do that to you? You aren't a violent person Sam you were just pushed over and over and over again with no one to support you when..... you know. No, it wouldn't be OK and even if it was I wouldn't do it because you're my friend and I stick by my friends" He reassures her

"Thank you Floyd,". "Thank you for understanding,". "I was always afraid to tell the truth about what happened,". "Part of me has been carrying that guilt all this time,".

Sam moves a bit closer to Floyd and she seems more relaxed.

"I have been carrying this guilt for what happened to Sarah,". "What happened with my dad,". "What happened between me and Jess," Sam says to Floyd.

"Jess before she became my biggest bully,". "She was like my sister,". "We were so close,". "In fact she was the first person to make me feel comfortable with my silver hair,".

"Then to see her turn on me and Sarah like that,". "Just some wounds are easier to heal then other Floyd,". "I much rather Jess was just physically abusive to me,". "Then just methodically reach into mt chest rip out my heart and tear it int two like she did," probably why part of me always has been down on myself and just a hard time trusting myself and others.

Floyd nods "Yeah I get it betray is a hard thing to get over but, I believe you're strong enough to do so and if you aren't we'll just have to help you until you are. You're far away now from anyone stupid enough to be rude about your hair which isn't even in the top 5 wackiest ones in our school and no one is going to hurt you here"
Floyd looks around to make sure no one is in ear shot before leaning in and whispering "You know besides Monsters, angels, and armored but, we can handle them together to"

"Yeah your right about that," Sam replies.

"It sucks the circumstances on why I had to move,". "But because of that I got to meet you, Raine, Fox, Marenna, Katie, Freya, and everyone else,". "For once I actually started feeling happy again,".

Sam leans into Floyd and just rests against him.

"I had people who excepted me for me,". "I had friends and others who I could rely on". "I have those that I could turn to if I ever needed someone to talk to,". "I actually felt like part of something,". "I felt like I belonged somewhere for once,".

Sam's tone turns solemn again.

"Then this weekend happened,". "Me, Tia, Freya, and Raine went to the beach area to look for stuff,". "I forget where we saw it but someone had a special bathing suit maybe it was Tia,". "She pointed out that to get one we needed stuff that could be found at the beach,".

"So the four of us went and it wasn't that bad at first,". "The stuff wasn't hard to find and it wasn't nothing we couldn't handel,". "But then we ran into a really tough octopus," Sam tells Floyd.

"We were struggling a bit with it,". "So Tia did something where she turned into a giant snake lady thing,". "Then I had a panic attack and had a hard time keeping my composure,".

"You see when I was a little girl before I met Sarah and Jess,". "I was playing in the backyard of our house when a ball rolled into the garden,". "Before my parents could warn me or grab me I went to the garden to get the ball,". "I didn't know their was a snake inside of their,". "I also didn't know why it was a big deal that it was red, yellow, black (the poisonous Coral snake),". "So I went to reach for the ball and it bit me in the arm," Sam says clinching her arm.
"I didn't realise what happened because my parents grabbed me,". "We rushed to the hospital,". "At first the bite was painful,". "But as we got into the hospital I couldn't breath and I was getting light headed,". "Floyd I nearly died that day because of that snake bite,".

"So ever since that day I have a big fear of snakes,". "So seeing Tia turn into a giant snake lady thing like that,". "It caused me to have a massive panic attack in the middle of a battle,". "My heart and everything just raced seeing that so up close and personal,". "I was able to barley compose myself because Raine was in danger,".

"After the battle i just felt incredibly light headed and my heart was going all over the place,". "I fainted in that place of all places,". "I put Raine, Freya, and Tia in danger,". "I can only imagine how poor Tia feels when it wasn't her fault,". "I can only imagine how Freya felt,".

Sam tells Floyd while just leaning on him not rough but more or less for support

"Phobias will do that to you that's what you get for going adventuring with Raine without me but, seriously though everything turned out fine I'm sure no one blames you"

"Well umm it only turned out fine because half of the people from the school,". "Umm the meeting tonight is well umm the people who showed up,".

"So now having to explain to them how I came into that thing,". "How and what I know and umm,". "Why I thought it was good idea to faint and have a massive panic attack in the other world,".

"I was able to make to the beach safely because Freya and Tia carried me their,". "While Raine,". "While Raine,".

Sam grips Floyds arm a little tightly.

"While Raine used her self as bait,". "After we defeated the octopus and I fainted,". "Raine, Freya, and Tia they had to carry my fainted body while being chased by a giant worm, or something,". "Freya and Tia carried me to the beach,". "Raine used herself as bait,".

Sam seems a bit down.

"So everyone else from school showed up, because Freya texted Naomi,". "So they showed up and we broke up into 3 groups,". "One group stayed behind to keep the portal clear,". "Another group went to scout the area,". "And me, A girl named Alice, and another recent transfer student named Nora, and a guy named Tom went to go save Raine," .

"We found Raine tied up in some web and again I felt powerless because I put her in that situation,". "It was my fault she was their and it was my fault other risk their lives,". "Raine told me that we could go on a date to help get me out of my funk,".

"So we saved Raine and beat up the lava monster that was beneath us,". "Then we all left,". "I haven't spoke to anyone about that day,". "I assume they secretly are cursing me behind my back,". "I don't blame them," Sam sounds kinda of dour at the moment.

"All i want to do is apologize to Freya and Tia for everything but I haven't seen them,". "They probably hate me right now,". "But at least I was finally going on a date with the girl I love,". "It couldn't have been all bad right Floyd," Sam says to Floyd

Floyd nods along to the story "OK well a few things there I doubt anyone is going to ask why you thought it was good idea to faint that's a silly question second off sounds like you and Raine helped each other out of a serious jam guest starring a bunch of people I didn't know were wrapped up in this tres I'm sure the Captain doesn't hate you and I'm like fifty fifty this Tia girl is feeling just as guilty as you" He replies counting off comments on his fingers

"Your right Floyd but it just feels like one thing after another with me," Sam laments.

Sam just leans in on Floyd shoulders and makes her self comfy.

"So Date night happened and me and her went to go to see a horror movie,". "Never would have though Raine was so into horror of all things figured she was a rom com kinda of gal,".

"Anyways Horror isn't my favorite but it's something I will watch,". "I told her let's go see that,". "We had a good time at the movie,". "I might squeaked a couple of times,". "Afterwards we went to get ice cream,".

"We were just sitting their chatting and it seemed like it was going well,". "She asked things that go well together named off some things,". "Raine made a suggestion and about us,". "I said very softly me and her almost like a whisper,". "Raine said not to be scared and she even but a bit of Ice cream on my cheek and kissed me," Sam says blushing a bit.

"But again,". "I....," "I she,". "Raine said not to be afraid of her,". "I...,". "I....,". "I said I was scared of pushing her away, and tried to kiss her back,". "That's when all of a sudden it just got I don't know," Sam's mood starts to change as she's telling Floyd.

Floyd pats Sam's head gently "No... no horror movies make sense but, hey take a deep breath for me real quick and start again after Ice Cream you kinda lost me there and not just because I'm getting hungry" He says

"Oh right sorry, the wound is still fresh so it's hard to talk about,".

"Afterwards I tried to go in for a kiss myself,". "I thought if their was a time that was it,". "Especially since she was the one that said we were great together,". "Since Raine sorta of kissed me first,". "I was afraid of doing what I did," Sam say but her voice is trembling a bit.

"I was afraid to make any moves on her at all,". "I was afraid that I would chase her away,". "And my greatest fear came true," Sam tears up a bit at the mention.

"Maybe I didn't see the signs,". "Maybe their was no signs to see and she didn't know how to break it off any other way,". "I went to kiss her and she stopped herself and said she's a horrible person,". "Like completely out of the blue,". "I asked her why she felt that way considering everything we been through,". "The fact I told her I put my former best friend in the hospital,". "The fact half the school showed up to save her because of me,". "I asked what could she possibly have done," Sam says her voice a mixture of frustration and sadness. Sam is yelling or isn't incomprehensible but Floyd can tell it's starting to get to her.

"She just said she's a horrible person and I deserve better,". "Raine looked like she wanted to say something,". "But couldn't and reverted back to be a horrible person," Sam says to Floyd.

Floyd strokes his chin in thought "Hmmm.... I think I get the picture, people can be really good at hiding their feelings but, Raine isn't really one of them she's got a lot on her plate even if she holds it with an impressive amount of grace most of the time I'm not surprised she'd say something like that...... So what are you going to do?"

Sam just looks at Floyd with tears in her eyes. Sam then hugs Floyd tight and buries her head in his shoulder. The tears Sam was trying to hide she can't anymore and all it just comes out.

"Floyd I just don't know what to do anymore?". "I just don't know what to do?". "It seems like I am just not meant to be happy or be loved," Sam is trying her best to speak through the tears.

"Everywhere I go and everything I do,". "I just make things worse,". "First Sarah ending up getting beat up like she did protecting me,". "Jess turning her back on me,". "My parents wouldn't even look at me anymore,". "Now Raine." Sam cries into Floyd.

"So at this point I just don't know what to do?". "Maybe it's better this way,". "I can't ruin Raine's life,". "Raine may be better off without a screw up like me,". "Maybe you be better off to without a screw up like me Floyd,". "But it feels like your the only one left at this point,". "Floyd please,". "Please don't abandon me also or throw me away," Sam is just very crying and is just crying away.

All the emotions and tears she has been hiding is just flowing out at once.

Floyd pats Sam on the back "Course not Sammy of course not. Now look from what you've said I'm sure this Sarah girl would just want you to be happy, your parents and Jest suck hard like real hard, and Raine is just scared of a relationship scared of being the next person who hurts you"

"Floyd do you have any advice because right now I just don't know what to do," Sam asks Floyd.

Floyd shakes his head "There's no sure fire strategy in love you gotta figure out if you really want to pursue this kind of relationship now that you realize it won't be easy for now just use the space to think through your feelings and if at the end you decide you really need Raine in this way you'll know what to do at that point..... or well more likely you'll have no real clue what to do and just make it up as you go along based on your feelings but, either way I'm sure she'll find it real cute"

"Do you think she be happier with you?" Sam asks.

Floyd chuckles "You're kidding right she thinks I'm a kid she's like the sisters I no longer have I'd ask if she said something but, I'm sure she wouldn't have"

Sam chuckles in response to that.

"Okay then I am willing to give it a shot,". "But I need your help though,". "If I am going to stake her out I need a partner,".

Sam is starting to feel better and an idea crosses her head. Sam looks around to see if anyone is around. Sam then chuckles at an idea that pops into her head.

"You know it's ashame your not a girl,". "Heh heh maybe we can start dressing you up like one,". "Ha ha ha snort,". "Oh get you a wig and a skirt,". "Oh you would look so pretty and snort snort haha,"

Sam is now on the grass rolling around laughing at the idea of Floyd dressing up as a girl. Everytime she starts to calm down another image of Floyd in a dress pops up in her head and she starts laughing even harder.

"Oh my I can only imagine," Sam snorts.

"Staking her out isn't real-" The words die in Floyd's throat as Sam moves onto the next thought he looks at her dumb founded for a bit before letting out a less intense laugh of his own "I'm not sure what that'd solve but, if it brings you out of this slump so easily I'll be whatever you need"

"Oh well you know I am gay and everything,". "If you were a girl then maybe,". "I don't know have you ever even though of what it would be like for me and you if we were dating?"

Floyd shakes his head simply "Nope"

"True I guess you wouldn't really think about it,". "I have been focused on Raine,". "But is it because of the whole being gay thing?". "You never though about it,". "Or maybe if I was a little more attractive and didn't have this cursed Silver hair?"

Floyd shakes his head more vehemently "No, I've never thought about dating anyone you're attractive I mean you realize you aren't even the only one in school with silver hair right"

"Well sometimes it does feel like your alone,". "Especially when your entire life,". "Especially when your always picked on for it," Sam sighs and starts poking at the grass.

Sam then has a though cross her mind.

"Floyd umm,". "No never mind it's a stupid idea,". "It would also probably just make things more awkward,". "Forget I said anything," Sam is starting to get flustered and not looking at Floyd in his eyes.

Floyd tilts his head inquisitively "What's a stupid idea?"

"Oh nothing it's a stupid thing to think,". "I mean no,". "The last timed I tried the person became a horrible person and she ran off," Sam is now jabbing the grass with a stick.

"It's stupid to even think and you may run off and think your horrible,". "Or it may just complicate things,". "More then they already are," Sam continues to jab at the same spot on the ground.

Floyd is surprised "Ohhh I see yeah that.... is a weird thought but, I mean I'd be willing to give it a try I guess"

Sam stops jabbing the ground and looks at Floyd.

"You sure?" Sam almost whispers.

"I don't want to impose on you,". "It's just I never kissed a guy,". "Well for obvious reasons,". "Just wondering what it be like," Sam says to Floyd.

"But again it's an awkward request and could make things awkward,". "So again you don't have to and we can leave it at that,". "Again this is completely voluntary,". "The last thing I want to do is complicate things more,".

"Or turn you away especially since you seem to be the last best friends I have,". "It's just something I always wondered what it was like,". "But again it's not worth chasing you away,". "Or making things needlessly complicated,".

Floyd shrugs "It's just like kissing a girl really I mean it's different but, like it's always different person to person sooooooooooo"

"Have you ever kissed a girl before?" Sam asks

"Uhuh" Floyd says rolling his eyes "That'd be a pretty weird reply if I hadn't"

"Oh look who's the lady killer all of a sudden," Sam chuckles.

"Must have all the ladies swooning over you," Sam chuckles again.

"So do you want to or not?". "It can be really quick and just done,". "Or we can leave the conversation where it is,". "Honestly I am such a bad kisser I chased away my best friend,". "The other one ended up in the hospital," Sam says kinda of blushing.

"Obviously I don't want you to turn into a horrible person,". "Or end up in a hospital bed because of what may happen,".

Sam kinda of looks at Floyd but also kinda of just looking around.

"Or if you want to try I...................,". "I......,". "I.......am,". "I.......am.......willing......to...try," Sam whispers.

Floyd gestures dismissively "I mean if you ask me I don't really see the point it's not like you'll suddenly fall for me you've got it bad for Raine and well like you've said I'm not your type so"

"Well you never know now will you,".

Sam backs away and sticks her tongue out at Floyd

"Maybe your such a wonderful kisser I will see the light,". "All of a sudden the. Raine clouds just lift away and all I want is Floyd,". "Floyd and his amazing umm err something,". "What was your weapon again?".

Sam starts giggling really bad and snorting.

"Just think you could solve all of our issues with one kiss,". "Ninja robots show up kiss them away,". "This angle lady everyone seems to be talking about,". "One kiss to solve everything,".

Sam starts giggling and laughing at that statement.

Sam stops giggling long enough to hug Floyd.

"You were right Floyd I really needed some alone time with you,". "I just have one more question for you,". "Why did you do this today?". "I appreciate everything you did but I am just curious why you did it?".

Floyd laughs "You already answered your own question you really needed it. What kind of friend would I be if I couldn't make time for you"

"Sorry I was just wondering to myself,". "You know I get into my own head sometimes,". "I was just wondering why your my best friend,". "I am a lot to handle at times,". "You know thiers nothing romantic,". "I am just curious if your other friends cause you such a headache.

"Have you met anyone but, Raine in this town Sam? Yes my other friends quite often cause me headaches but, they also help relive them so it evens out"

"Well I did meet Katie, Freya, Fox,". "Oh wait that was one of those rhetorical questions wasn't it,". "Good one Floyd,".

Sam then pulls Floyd into a closer embrace and gives him a bug old squeeze.

"Thank you for today,". "I really need this,". "Before we part ways though to get ready for the meeting,". "Let me just show you how much I appreciate it,".

Sam gives Floyd a quick kiss on the cheek before pulling away. Before Floyd can react she stands up and starts waking away.

"Okay Floyd I will see you later,". "Maybe we can meet up at the mall before the meeting,". "Anyways I am hungry and tired and so dirty,". "Going to head home and get ready,". "Later Floyd and thank you for today,".

Sam takes out a granola bar from her purse. Sam then begins gnawing on the granola bar like a dog would gnaw on a bone.