Chapter 8 – First Class
Alexis sat in class, doodling pictures of various Grimm battling stick figure versions of her, as professor Zaffre continued to explain, at lightning fast speed, the details of some old battle. Alexis wondered how useful it would be in the field, to know that some old class of ship, they don't even make anymore, was ineffective against Nevermores.
Alexis thought back to yesterday, how their first lesson had involved having a student taking on a Boarbatusk, she knew it was too much to expect that every lesson, but that didn't stop her being disappointed, especially when the lesson was this boring. Alexis thought the young huntress who fought the Boarbatusk skilled, but was disappointed to learn how the leader of team BLND had treated some of the other students, including Lia. Hexi had been particularly vocal in her dislike for the girl.
Alexis' train of thought was interrupted by a tap to her shoulder; she turned to see Nelim holding out a small piece of paper. Alexis took the small piece of folded paper, to see her sister's name written on the front. She quickly passed the note along to its intended recipient.
As Alexis passed her the note, Netes' hand was a blur as she struggled to keep up with the professor. Netes' hand was thankful for the rest, as she stopped to read the message. Alexis watched as her sister's face lit up upon reading the note, only to quickly turn to shock as the professor cracked his ruler against the desk. "Something you care to share with the class Miss Cadman?" He asked.
"Um, no sir" Netes answered, as she used her semblance to push the note out of phase, allowing it to pass through the desk, and land in her lap, safely hidden from view.
The professor took a sip of his coffee then replied, "Alright, but please pay attention." He took another mouthful from his mug, before continuing to talk about the uses of Dust throughout history and their implications.
"Ugh I'm glad that's over." Rian declared, as the students poured out of the classroom.
"What? You mean you weren't completely hooked by how ancient cultures used to fight off Grimm?" Uluka jested.
"No."
"I-I was being sarcastic." Uluka explained.
"Uh Huh, suuure. I bet you remember every word. You were the one that was 'completely hooked', you big nerd." Rian teased, despite the fact that he found Uluka's attitude toward learning adorable.
"What, no. I was bored too. Honest." Uluka attempted to defend himself, as the pair moved away from the classroom.
As Cole's scroll vibrated in his pocket, he took it out from his pocket and after taking a quick look at the screen, he excused himself from the group to take the call.
"Hey I was thinking about going into town, since we've got the rest of the day free, anyone want to come?" Netes asked.
"I think I'll pass thanks." Xeek replied.
"Sure thing sis" Alexis cheerily accepted the invitation.
"I'm never one to turn down a trip to the shops" said Uluka. As Rian attempted to slip away, before being roped into joining, Uluka quickly hooked Rians hood with his finger, pulling him back. "Fine, I'm coming too."
After, Hexi and Lia agreed to tag along, Cole return to the group. "You coming?" Alexis asked.
"Where?"
"We're heading into Vale." Alexis responded.
"Sure, why not." Cole answered.
As Lia dragged Hexi through every clothes store in town, and Hexi reject every item Lia suggested she added to her wardrobe, Uluka and Rian found themselves looking at a selection of hats. "Ah? What do ya think?" Rian asked, wearing an overly tall top hat.
"You look ridiculous. Take that thing off." His boyfriend retorted.
"Fine" Rian did as ordered and removed the hat. He then picked up a burgundy fedora and held it against Uluka's sleeve, "They match. Try it on." He suggested as he placed it on Uluka's head. Uluka repositioned the hat as he stepped in front of the mirror. Rian came up behind him, resting his hands on Uluka's hips, and his chin on his shoulders, "It suits you."
Uluka examined his reflection, adjusting his head slightly to get a view from different angles, "You think?"
"I do."
"It does go well with this outfit. Alright, I'll get it." Uluka took of the fedora, as the couple made their way to the checkout.
Alexis and Cole followed behind Netes, as she stepped it out, neither of them knowing her intended destination, only that wherever it was, she wanted to get there fast. "Hey sis, where are we going?" Alexis called ahead.
"Antonio's" Netes called back.
"The hairdressers?" Alexis mumbled to herself, confused as to why getting her hair cut was so urgent. With that the duo sped up, to catch up to Netes before entering Antonio's.
"Ah darling, it is wonderful to be seeing you again." The flamboyant Faunus said, as he placed a kiss on both of Netes cheeks. "Take a seat, I'll be with you a moment."
"Well?" Alexis said, awaiting Netes explanation for why they were at the hairdressers, as they sat in the waiting area.
"Well what?" Netes responded.
"What are we doing here?" Alexis explained.
"I would've thought that was obvious, I want to get my hair done." Netes continued to evade the subject, earning her an irritated look from her sister. "Yes, but why?"
"Well, if you must know, I-I was invited out by Ezri… on a date." Alexis squealed with joy at the revelation, "And you wonder why I didn't tell you."
"This is great. Ok, you have to look perfect for the day, when is it? How long do we have? Where are you going? We'll need to get you a new dress, and a manicure, and a pedicure, oh and a new pair of heels-"
"Ok, ok calm down. I'm not going overboard; I just want to get my hair done. I've already got a dress; I don't need a new one. And I'm sure I can get you to do my nails?" Netes interrupted her sister, before she passed out from excitement. "And to answer your question, she asked me out for tomorrow night, and we're going to dinner."
"Ok darling, what are we wanting today?" Antonio asked as he approached the sofa. "Just the usual please Antonio. You know, just take an inch off, and shave the left side down."
Cole examined the magazines that were laid out on the table in front of the sofa, all were about hair or fashion or the worst of the bunch celebrity gossip. Disappointed with the selection, he slumped back on the sofa. Alexis leant forward to pick up one of the magazines, but not one that Cole would have expected; it was about men's hair and fashion.
Alexis turned her back to the arm of the sofa, so she faced Cole, and crossing her legs, put her feet on the sofa. Cole gave her a puzzled look, as she stared back and forward between him and the magazine. After a few minutes had passed Alexis stopped flicking through the pages of the magazine, and turned it around to reveal a picture of a male model, with dark black hair and an undercut with short, slightly messy, hair on top. "This would so suit you!" Alexis exclaimed, thrusting the magazine at Cole, "Why don't you get Antonio to do your hair?"
"I suppose I could do with a haircut, I have let it get a little… unruly." Cole replied as he ran his fingers through his hair. "But I don't know, that style it, it just doesn't…"
"Trust me, it'll look great. You won't regret it, and if you don't like it I'll… I'll buy you a wig." The pair broke out in laughter, "Alright if you insist, I'll get my hair cut. As for the wig, thanks but no thanks."
Netes returned to the waiting area to see Alexis and Cole sat close together, Coles arm resting across the back of the sofa, as the pair looked through the magazine, laughing at the thought of hairstyles on people that they would look terrible on. The pair didn't even notice Netes had returned until she spoke, "Ready to go?"
"Wow you look amazing!" Alexis said as she jumped up off the sofa. "But no, we're not ready to go. Cole's going to get his hair cut too."
"Oh?"
"Yeah, your sister convinced me." Cole explained.
After Antonio had finished sweeping the floor, he approached the trio, but before he could say anything, Alexis thrust Cole and the magazine in Antonio's face, "Make this, look like this." She ordered.
Antonio took the magazine looking at it for a moment, before examining Cole's hair. "Hmm I can make this work."
"Thanks Antonio, you're the best." Alexis said as she took the magazine back.
"Follow me" Antonio ordered Cole, "Leave the coat."
"Oh right" Cole quickly took off his coat handing it off to Alexis.
Alexis placed the coat on the sofa next to her as she sat. As Netes took a seat beside her sister she asked, "Not getting your hair done?"
"Na, I only got it done a couple weeks ago, and unlike some people I don't have a date to look good for." Alexis jested.
"No? Ok, well if and when you do, I'll be sure to help you with your nails." Netes smiled. Alexis let out a small laugh before replying, "Thanks".
Netes big sister instincts kicking in she added, "That being said, don't feel you have to until you're ready. Start dating I mean."
"Ok, Mum." Alexis replied. The girls sat in an awkward silence for a few minutes, until Cole returned. After paying Antonio his Lien, Cole put on his coat and turned to the girls, "Ready?"
As Netes stood to go, Alexis looked Cole in the eye as she spoke, "Ready."
