Alois Touch:
Question 32: A dilute, aqueous potassium nitrate solution is best classified as a…?
"Homogeneous mixture," the boy murmurs aloud to himself, tapping the correct choice on the screen. A green check appears, informing him of his correct answer before moving on to the next question. Pausing, he raises his arms over his head and stretches, exhaling as he does so. He brings his elbows back to the table and reads the next question carefully.
Ciel studies in a secluded part of the library, out of sight from any teachers or library aids. He prefers it back here. Shelves of books surround him completely, preventing those who with nosy eyes from finding him. Students tend to stray away from the area, especially at this time of year where the faulty heaters fail to warm the entire room properly. Ciel doesn't mind the cool air so he stays there, content to study with his iPod in peace.
He makes it through another onslaught of question with ease. Academics have never been difficult for him, though science has always required a bit more work than history or math. He just makes it to question fifty when he feels and sees lean arms wrap about his shoulders loosely. A nose presses into his neck and he feels goose bumps rise on his flesh as the person inhales. Ciel doesn't need to turn to see who it is.
"Get off, Alois."
Yellow hair tickles Ciel's skin when the intruder lifts his head. His arms remain where they are and he peers over Ciel's shoulders to the iPod's screen, frowning.
"That looks boring," Alois says wryly, watching Ciel press choice 'd' and get the answer right.
Ciel tilts his head away. "I said get off," he repeats, lifting his free hand to grasp Alois's forearm in attempts to push him away. Alois doesn't move.
"Hey, take a break from that and come to the cafeteria with me," Alois suggests, paying no heed to Ciel's words. "The hall monitor won't stop me if she sees you."
"I'm busy. And quit hanging on me all the time."
Alois lets out a small whine, still not unwrapping himself from his friend. "You're such a bore sometimes Ciel! You study too much."
"Maybe if you studied once in a while you'd actually pass a class, idiot." With an irate sigh, Ciel lifts Alois's arm off his shoulder and slips out from underneath it.
Ciel can hear Alois put his hands on his hips and huff. "I'm not stupid. I just don't give a fuck. There's a difference." A hand swipes into Ciel's vision and whisks the music player from his fingers. He jerks around in surprise.
"What do you think-!" he begins.
The blond pockets the device neatly. "You're taking a break. Come on, I'm really hungry; I didn't have lunch because old Phelan gave me bloody lunch detention. Even though the whore deserved to have pen thrown at her face…"
"… You're insane, Alois."
"Pretty much, yes." Alois makes an exaggerated turn to leave. "I'm going to die of hunger if I don't get out of here now."
Ciel quickly realizes that he won't acquire his iPod until he caves in to Alois's wish. He makes a point to put his books in his bag with extra force, a perfect display of his irritation. He strides past Alois, muttering loud enough for him to hear, "If I don't kill you first."
Alois brightens. Catching up to Ciel, he purposely bumps into Ciel's side and glances at him.
"Stop pouting. I'll buy you cupcake from the line."
"I don't need you to buy me anything. Unlike you, I enjoyed my lunch on time."
"Whatever."
They remain silent, neither speaking a word as they journey through the halls. It is just before they enter the cafeteria that Ciel speaks up once more.
"… chocolate. With chocolate icing; the biggest one they have."
Alois smiles. "You didn't have to say anything; I was already going to get it."
"Yes, well…" Ciel folds his arms over his chest and waits outside the cafeteria. "Hurry up."
Giggling, Alois sticks his tongue at Ciel, skipping away through the doors and towards the lunch line.
Oh Alois…