"A Tragic Backstory"

Absidae sat in the lounge, after Paris had taken Cedar and Sinclair to the second story of their wing to do a combative evaluation. She and Orion formed a comfortable silence, she reading a book on helpful versus harmful plants to be used in potions, and he leaning back in a reclined chair, his eyes closed peacefully. Sid looked over to him, marked her page quietly, and shut the book. "I'm sorry I made you run barefoot in the snow," she murmured, looking over to him, obviously nervous speaking. 

    Orion shrugged, peeking out from under his eyelid. "I don't care, honestly. I just know what it's like to be alone…it's something no one needs to go back to. If I can help with that, then I will," he smiled, and Absidae noticed for the first time that his teeth were crooked in an endearing, sweet way. "Besides, I can't be the only one here with…what does Sinclair call it?" Orion paused, pondering a moment. "Oh, yes! A 'tragic' back story, that's what he says," he chuckled, shaking his head. 

    "You know mine, though," Absidae noted. "So, what's your story?" Orion shrugged, and Sid realized she had touched a nerve. "It is fine; you don't have to tell me." Without another word, Orion stood from his chair, and retreated up the stairs. Sid listened, hearing him pad up to the third floor and into his room. She sighed to herself, recognizing that she had pushed the young man too far. Returning to her studies, Absidae pushed the thought to the back of her mind, excitedly focusing on the new task ahead of her.