SEBASTIAN DIDN'T QUITE know what to think of this girl.

She was leaning toward him - uncomfortably close, he thought, catching a whiff of some kind of fruity scent. Her flame-toned hair was pulled into a high ponytail, and it hung in front of her left shoulder as her bright, inquisitive eyes studied his face. "What's your name?" she chirped. "Where did you come from? Why did you move here?"

Even though there were only three, Sebastian felt as though he was being interrogated. He answered her questions, forcing words past the lump of anxiety in his throat, clogging up his airways and making it hard to breathe. "Um, Sebastian Revenant." He only had time to answer that question before she rattled off a few more - but she was thankfully interrupted by the screeching of a bell.

Azmia studied the new guy as he looked at the teacher, who was standing at the front of the room. Sure, the mask would make him seem intimidating to some people. She could see that easily enough. But there was something deep in his silvery eyes that instantly made her want to befriend him.

When the teacher gave them the opportunity to work, Sebastian quietly flipped to the right page in his new textbook, hoping that the girl - what had she called herself? Amzia? - would be too busy focusing on her own work to continue her lengthy inquiry. "So," she said, propping her chin on a fist. Those clear blue eyes never left his face. Did she ever blink? "What's your favourite colour?"

What a random question. Why did she need to know? What urgent situation required her to know what colours he liked? Why did it matter at all, to anyone? He didn't voice the questions, and instead answered truthfully as he looked down at the sheet of paper in front of him. "Black."

"Black?" There was open dismay in her tone. He got the impression that she wasn't the kind of person to ever conceal her emotions. "You can't choose black! It's so boring and dark and gloomy! Choose something else."

"Grey?" he suggested, glancing toward her only to find that she hadn't looked away. He had to drop his gaze again.

Azmia could tell that he was a little nervous. It was in the way his eyes flicked, in his hesitation before he replied. She resolved to be a little more careful. Sebastian wasn't going to be a easy nut to crack. She did want to be his friend, but that didn't mean she couldn't view it as a challenge. He just didn't need to know.

"Grey," she went on with disgust, "is just as bad. Try again. And you'd better not say white."

Was that a hint of amusement in his silver eyes? It was gone before she could decide, but whatever that flash of relaxation or happiness or humour had been, it was something good, ad it made pride swell in her heart. "Blue," he offered in that warm tenor voice. He'd make a good singer. Mysterious vibes and a rich, sultry voice? Perfect. She pushed the thoughts away and flashed him a smile. "Better. I approve. Now, do you have any siblings?"

To her satisfaction, Sebastian didn't push her away for the rest of the block no matter how frequent her questions or how insistent she was to get an answer. He was patient - or maybe her plan was already starting to work. The poor guy didn't seem like he was used to a lot of human interaction. She'd change that soon enough.

"What's your next class?" Asmia - no, Azmia? - asked when the bell finally rang, signalling the end of class. Sebastian stood up and collected his books, then consulted his schedule, retrieving it from his pocket and unfolding the neat rectangle. "English."

A bright grin spread across her face, making her eyes sparkle. "Room 28? Me too! I'll help you get there. It's kind of hard to find."

Sebastian followed Azmia as she marched down the hall, passing unfamiliar students and teachers. He supposed that it was a good thing to have a guide, even one that would be an excellent medieval torturer. (And she wouldn't even need the devices!) Maybe she would make his first day at this new school not quite so bad. He lengthened his strides, catching up with her, and allowed the questions to start flowing again. At least, he thought, he didn't have to speak as much. Sebastian allowed himself to internally smile at her curiosity about his interests. Maybe this school wouldn't be so bad after all.

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Kinderartifact4
I hope you don't mind me writing - without your knowledge or consent - about your character. I wanted to do something in return for all the drawings you do, and I hoped it would give you some inspiration for Azmia.

If you hate me for this I understand it and I will delete it immediately. It's bad anyways.

Just in case, I'm sorry.