Nicholas
Mattias had a rare moment of peace, back up against a large wall of some unknown building and sketchbook settled on their bent knees. Whatever they were sketching it had no mass, whirling in a flurry of wings (*They worried about Frida— they'd need to call her, later*) and eyes and thick golden rings wrought with curving thorned branches. They were close to the main courtyard area, and could faintly hear the sounds of upbeat conversation between the various groups that loitered there. Their glasses, typically perched on their face, were instead slid down next to them on the grass. *To see the color better*, they rationalized, and not at all to enjoy the sunlight filtering over their skin. They stretched, curling like a cat, before wincing against the knot in their back. *Maybe it's time to move to a table.* With careful, sure hands they gathered their pencils and sketchbook and headed towards the more populated area. As they walked, they focused on funneling their pencils into their case, eyes down as they tried not to drop anything. Matti tipped their hand to add their last pencil— a bright, vibrant aquamarine— when the ground felt suddenly shaky beneath their feet. 

*Ah, shit.*

Their legs fell out from under them as something *Rolled*, pushing their body forwards and towards the hot concrete. Matti scrambled to catch themself with their forearms, letting out a small startled noise of surprise. *Fuck. Ow. Ow.* Their cheeks flushed red as they pulled their aching body up, glancing to figure out *What* Exactly had happened. First, their eyes fell on what had tripped them. A skateboard. Then, more forlornly, their aquamarine pencil, laying in two cracked halves next to their flat, gravel-studded palm. Their shoulders drew up and backwards, tension filling their frame.
Randy
It was Grey's second day at Newton's Cradle. They didn't have much time to traverse the facility on their own on day one, considering they were stuck in their room unpacking, or being dragged around by a staff member for a tour. Other than going to the commons to eat, Grey stuck to themselves. It was a new place, with new people, new emotions, new baggage to carry. They really wasn't looking forward to NC when they were on the way to Isakstad. But now that they were here, they'd have to get used to it. So they took the time to go skating.

Grey stood straight on their skateboard, going down a concrete walkway, wide enough for them to swerve around others. Adorned with only knee guards, they'd give a tight lipped smile to any who glanced his way as he made it down the sidewalk. The vibe was fairly okay in the area around them. Shockingly, for a facility that pretty much takes you away from loved ones for being a freak of nature, everyone seemed content. Like they found their place within NC. Grey wistfully hoped they'd find the same. Kicking off the floor, they sped up a little, the pathway clearing up for a moment, indirectly allocating space for Grey to move faster. Bending their knees slightly, they stayed staring ahead, watching their path. 

Something flashed in Grey's peripheral, prompting them to glance over. That wasn't the smartest, considering it was only a window reflecting the sun, and turning back revealed someone right in their path. "Watch out!" Grey's eyes went wide, quickly switching the direction of the skateboard as fast as he could. They managed to clear the person right before the skateboard flew out under their feet, flinging them back to slam onto their tailbone and elbows. They let out a pained grunt, eyes squeezing shut momentarily, before opening it and watching the skateboard hit someone else's legs and knock them forward. "Oh shit! I'm sorry!" They scrambled to their feet, shuffling to the person's side and holding a hand out to them.
Nicholas
Matti looked up, their broken pencil clutched like a shattered robin's egg in their hand. Their breathing stalled. Their eyes widened. 

*I'm sorry!*

Innocuous words. Simple. Deceptively ordinary. Because no feedback screamed from the person's voice. Not the warm tang of truth, not the bitter crackle of a lie. Blissful quiet. *Maybe the ability to cancel out other powers?* They thought distantly. The thought sparked a kind of muted worry, then realization. They couldn't tell if the words were a lie. *They couldn't tell if they were lying, oh god, what-* They shoved a hand forward to grab the figure's outstretched one, hissing at the scrape of skin against slightly-bloody skin. Good. Hopefully the pain and the contact would stop their limbs from shaking. 

"I'm not seriously hurt," They managed, exhaling shakily. "It was my fault, I should have been more aware of my surroundings." Matti aimed for a smile, hoping it would land somewhere in the socially-acceptable range. Once they were on their feet, they looked around the ground at their feet, picking up a newly-cracked pair of sunglasses and pushing them into their bag. They brushed themself off, and reset their hat from where it had been knocked eschew on their head. Satisfied they were presentable— as presentable as they could be, at least— they held out their hand again for a handshake. 

"Hello, my name is Mattias Gates."
Randy
With a heave, Grey hoisted them onto their feet, glancing at their hand and frowning slightly at the blood that spotted their hand. Peeking over the person's shoulder, they watched their skateboard hit the wall and stop. Sighing, their eyes looked back at their face. "No, it was *My* Fault. I should've paid more attention. I'm glad you didn't get too hurt at least." Grey gave them a smile back, watching them bend over to grab their items. "Oh- here, let me help you." They assured, kneeling down to help grab some items, stacking it onto their bent arm. An ache on their lower back reminded them of the fall they'd just taken. "Jeez.. I'm really sorry man, I got distracted." Eyebrows furrowing, they stood straight when the person did, still holding their items in their arms. 

They stuck a hand out, Grey's eyebrows lifting, before realizing they wanted a handshake. Scrambling to move all items on their left arm, they reached out, carefully shaking it. "Mattias... Oh! I remember now! We talked on that uh.. On that groupchat thing! I'm Grey. Grey Ackers. Nice to meet you." Grey offered a sheepish smile, hands moving back to hold out Mattias' items. "Here you go." They watched Mattias' face, realizing the minute shock on their expression. Grey's smile slightly dropped, making eye contact, trying to get a read on how they felt. Surely Grey didn't shake them up *That* Bad.

Blank. It was nothing. For once, Grey didn't get that weird effect when they focus on a person. He didn't get a reading, for some reason. No indication. No weird senses shit. Just.. Quiet. Grey's face twisted a little, glancing around. He still got an idea of the emotions in the area. His powers weren't *Gone*. So why didn't it work on this guy?
Nicholas
Mattias smiled. Another student. Another student and *Their powers still weren't working*. Bastard twin spirals of fear and intrigue rose up behind them, curling over the nape of their neck to choke off any immediate response. Instead, they simply... *Stared*. Their eyes roamed for a moment, glancing upward— ***Fuck**, another tall person*— and flickering over various bits of metal. They felt like a magpie, or a crow. *Shiny.* Then, finally focusing. *Pretty*. "Don't worry about it. It was an accident. More importantly, are you alright?" 

And then— the *Intranet*. *Fuck*. Matti felt like they transformed into their stupidest self the second they touched a keyboard. Their grip on their emotions either too loose (*Yelling, screaming, swearing at Gabe*) or too tight (*Shakespeare, formal shit, English teacher*). Mentally, they scrolled through to figure out if they'd said anything particularly embarrassing, or anything that might make the person— Grey— hostile. Their query came up blank, but the slight anxiety lingered before once again being drowned out by curiosity. "I have some basic first aid supplies in my bag." They motioned to their satchel, which sagged slightly more empty than usual after forcibly parting with its contents. "If you want, I can find a bench and give you some? I need—" They floundered for some other incentive. "—some time to put my materials back in my bag, anyway." Technically true. They *Did* Need time— just not much. Matti had been unpacking and repacking the same satchel for *Years*, and were confident they could name and replace everything within it in under a minute. But they needed (wanted) another chance to study the phenomenon. Even as the other person continued to ramble, even on *Nice to meet you*, they saw only Grey. No lies, no truth. Their mind quietly catalogued this new blindspot as a threat. *Be cautious*. 

Simultaneously, it urged them forwards. *Learn more*, it said. *See*.
Randy
Grey refocused on what Mattias was saying, having been distracted with their own thoughts. "Oh, uh, I'll be fine, I don't think I hurt myself too bad." They reassured Mattias, lifting an arm to rub their own nose. Right after they assured Mattias, they spotted blood trickling down their elbow. "Whoops. Maybe I did. I'll be fine though!" Grey dropped their hand to their sides, giving them an awkward smile. Besides the shock of the blood, the aftershock of his powers not working on this guy didn't feel right. They averted their gaze, staring and focusing on someone else for a quick moment. Using his own abilities on them. After a moment, a waft of sweet smelling baked goods tickled their nose. It smelled lovely, the pastries present filling his senses with joy. That was enough to return the smile on Grey's face, a minor boost of euphoria. 

They snapped out of it when Mattias talked, gaze returning to them, eye contact held for a little longer than usual. "..Oh! Uh.. Yeah. I wouldn't mind, thanks. Just, take care of your own hand first." Grey pointed out, showing Mattias their own right palm, dotted with the blood they left behind. They dismissed themselves, going by Mattias and jogging over to his skateboard, lifting it up and tucking it under their arm. Moving back to Mattias, they nodded towards a bench on their left. "Let's sit there." They affirmed, Grey having a head start and reaching the bench first.

Taking a seat, they leaned their skateboard against the bench, and patted the spot right next to them. "Sorry about your glasses by the way. I really should've focused better."
Nicholas
Matti shrugged, sitting down and pulling a few large bandage patches from their bag, and then a set of alcohol wipes. The sting of their own hands had started to lessen already, nothing more than minor scrapes. They flicked gravel out of their palms carefully before turning back to their companion. "It's not a large trouble. They aren't prescription glasses, and I have extras." They glanced over to Grey's injuries. Their typical Sight was one thing— spotty at best, always seeming to flare up or quiet down just when they didn't want it to. But Providence... 

Well. They could test it, if they could contact Grey again. They didn't exactly want to reveal their powers— not many knew (or at least not many had been *Told*), and ideally they'd keep it that way. But doing anything underhanded still felt wrong. Not quite lying, but another shade of deception. 

"Could I touch you for a moment?" They asked, before regretting the straightforwardness of their wording. "I'd like to test something. It won't hurt you, to my knowledge." 

They held one hand out, palm up, while the other fidgeted anxiously with the strap of their satchel. At least if this went wrong, Grey seemed the type to let it go and give them their things back. It would be unfortunate— they'd to add an entire new class of threat categorization regardless— but they likely wouldn't be thought of as anything other than a little strange. As they waited, their eyes drifted around the edges of Grey: the collar of their sweater, loose curls of their hair, the scuff of their boots. Nothing was *Anything*, not closed concealment nor open honesty. *Is this what it's like for everyone else?* They thought to themself, slightly horrified. *How can they trust **Anything?***
Randy
Grey nodded, momentarily glancing at both elbows. Only one was really bad, his left arm, fresh blood trickling down his skin and beading at the wound. The other elbow got away with a scrape. Grabbing a packet of alcohol wipes, they tore it open, before tenderly taking it to their skin. Letting out a hiss at the alcohol burning the wound, they continued wiping. Cleaning as much as they could around and on the scrape, they grabbed another wipe for one more go over. After they were done cleaning the wound, they slapped a bandage on it, giving Mattias a sheepish smile. "Thanks, you're pretty prepared." They complimented, sitting back and propping themselves with their arms. 

Their eyebrows lifted up once Mattias requested to touch them, giving them a look. They quickly rephrased however, and Grey shrugged, lifting a hand and starting to move it over. "Sure. Wait, to your knowledge?" They pulled their hand away before they could touch, feigning a look of worry and fear, before chuckling. "I'm kidding. I trust you." They claimed, letting their hand sit on Mattias'. Their eyes stayed on their face, Grey wanting to see if there was any openings to maybe check how they felt. Maybe it wasn't working at the moment. They've never encountered this before. Maybe it's part of their powers? Their eyes flickered down to Mattias' other hand, watching it fidget with their satchel. Something was still bothering them, or maybe they were anxious. Eyebrows furrowed once again, Grey staring down at the other.
Nicholas
Like a duck ruffling its feathers, or maybe like a cat atop a ledge, Matti rolled their shoulders and pushed their hair back with a flick of their head. They pressed their hand a little heavier into Grey's, and without more fanfare, opened their Sight.

At first, it was a little like being underwater. Everything was magnified, and time was curled, like it normally was when they Looked. But this was different. They could almost feel their body drifting downwards, *Sinking*, see flashes of fish in taste and color moving by. Kelp pulled them down, thick forest green and lime-amber that refracted sunlight from the surface. The water was suffocating. Comforting. Joy and boredom and disgust and anger and excitement thrashed and rolled and floated in the bubbles around their head. When they hit the sea floor, it felt like being cradled by something large and faceless. As they looked up, it was towards the sun, the light and fire that burned above the silent sand.

Mattias blinked, their eyes feeling heavy. And burning. And *Burning*, *Fuck*. "Ow. Fuck," They cursed aloud. Their body felt unmovable as shoulders sagged into their spine. Deep breaths stretched their steel frame. Phantom silt settled in their soul. They waved away remaining poetics, and once they had recollected themself enough they spoke.

"That's confirmation then. I couldn't See you." They glanced up, nearly making eye contact. "What are your abilities?"
Randy
Grey's eyes glanced down to their hands held together, Mattias pressing their own a little more firmly against his. Pursing his lips, his eyes moved back up to Mattias' face, just before a strange weight fell onto their own chest. Grey's eyes fluttered, his breath hitching for a moment. Seemingly, Mattias didn't take notice. A burning feeling spread over their chest, causing their breath to stagger once it picked back up again. Something felt uncomfortably close to their lungs, as if a hand was reaching down in there itself. Almost like a premonition, Grey felt something trace along his left ribs. A gasp caught in their throat, eyes going wide. It felt invasive, *Violating*. Like a hand moving to feel his ribs, chest tightening with every sliver of touch. They almost urged to rip their hand out of Mattias', but they couldn't. Their body refused to move.

The paranormal hand tracing between two ribs finally moved, only to push in deeper. Reaching past their ribcage, the pressure stopped, but Grey was still bracing once again. They felt no contact on their lungs, yet they held their breath nonetheless. Eyes squeezed shut, teeth grit, jaw clenched. Whatever Mattias was doing, it didn't really hurt, but it felt like *Hell*. Their brain was screaming at them to let go, to pull away, to rid of the anomaly encroaching on his chest cavity, because it damn well felt like they were causing it. But their hand didn't move an inch. The pressure stopped for a while, almost wavering, causing Grey to relax almost a little.

But just as Grey was contemplating on if it was over, the hand closed around their heart. A soft hold, that ripped Grey away from their senses.

_ _
They gasped once more, eyes opening wide. Just as fast as it started, it was over. Grey sat, eyes pointed just slightly above Mattias' head, chest heaving. Their eyes went back down to meet Mattias' eyes, noticing the bright glow through a blur. Wait, a blur? Grey blinked, a new wetness trailing quickly down their cheek. Did they cry? Grey pulled their hand away, and moved a forearm up to wipe their eyes, face twisted in surprise. "Wh.. What was that?" They could barely get their words out, voice breathy and cracking. Grey didn't even realize their body was shaking, arms at their face trembling. "*Fuck*, that was bad." Grey grunted, holding onto the bench for leverage.
Nicholas
Grey was crying. Grey was *Crying.*

Oh god, this was bad. Matti frantically tried to look for physical ailments, and came up empty aside from minimal, surface level damage from his fall. Their hands rapidly reached up towards their *Own* Eyes, stinging, but not with tears. *Is this how Gabe felt? When—* 

Come to think of it, they'd never resolved what had happened that day. Their ears bleeding, the *Scorching*, any of it. Was this just what happened when they interacted with a parahuman with similar... Non-physical abilities? They hoped not. They *Prayed* Not. 

"I didn't think this would hurt— it's never hurt anyone before, they don't even notice— are you alright? I didn't mean to do something bad, I'm sorry." They tried to let their sincerity ring through in their voice— Grey hadn't yet known them long enough to understand their compulsive truth-telling, so it was better to act more like a normal functioning human person. A *Regretful*, semi-functioning parahuman person. Their hands hovered like hummingbirds, flitting around Grey's shoulders. "What should I do? I'm *Sorry*. This hasn't ever happened before." 

Anxiety crackled along their back like static electricity. What if... Their powers were turning against them, somehow. If they were doing things *Wrong*? What they had told Gabe had been the truth— whatever was watching him, it wanted him to *Perform*, at least in the most likely case scenario. But Mattias was different. They were supposed to *Watch*. And they'd been doing a lot more than watching recently. They had *Friends* Now. People they would close their eyes for. A sick feeling clawed its way up to their throat, as they watched Grey shake and buckle as if under an invisible weight. *You did this,* A voice whispered in their mind. It sounded like a dead dog.
Randy
Grey focused better on Mattias, trying to clear their head. They looked panicked. An inch of self doubt festered in Grey. They didn't mean it, did they? Sighing, they wiped their face completely, nodding in response to Mattias' worried query. "I'm fine! No, I'm fine. It was just.." They trailed off, averting their gaze for a moment. What *Was* That? Even after it's passed, the ache in their chest was still present. Holding a hand to their chest, they took a couple of deep breaths, shaking their head. Maybe their powers were just clashing hard. 

Grey decided to fess up. At the very least, they could get that out of the way. "You're... Unique. I've— I'm not sure if it's just for *You*, but my abilities... They don't work on you." Their voice still slightly trembled, but they were still, hands holding their knees. Staring ahead, almost in perplex, before glancing back at Mattias. "Has it been any weird for you?" Grey noticed their eyes were normal again, staring for a little while at them. Did it hurt for them? They seemed pained later on.
Nicholas
"And... What are your abilities?" Mattias probed unsubtly. They were starting to become more wary with the confirmation that they couldn't See Grey. They couldn't trust anything he was saying. For all they knew, they had already inferred Matti's powers weren't working and were trying to gain sympathy. Or report on their abilities. Or about their connections to the Angels. Or murder them. Or-

*God, this is the worst. How do other people cope?* They sighed, pressing their nails slightly into the top of their thumb. "But yes. My abilities aren't working normally. I would say 'at all', but..." But whatever had just happened, for Mattias if not for Grey, served as evidence enough. They still *Had* Their abilities, but they were... A step to the left. Working in strange, esoteric spirals when they worked at all. They pulled their handbook out of their bag, flipping to a new page in preparation to take more notes.
Randy
Grey turned to look ahead again, eyebrows furrowed. They never really wanted to tell people about it. Other than the fact that back then, it was strange and wasn't normal. But the fact that it felt wrong to know so much someone. They sighed, thoughts interrupted by Mattias explaining that the same was happening for them. That their abilities weren't working normally as well. Grey scoffed, head hanging momentarily before glancing back at Mattias. "Weird that we both have these weird things going on. Is this a common thing here?" They inquired, eyes shifting to their handbook. There were a lot of pages already filled, the contents unknown. Class notes? Likely.

Remembering their first question, their gaze tore away from Mattias, watching a tree sway in the wind to distract themself from the strangeness of this all. "Um, y'know, considering they don't work on you, maybe it's not a problem telling you. Just, keep it to yourself, could you? In return, you tell me what yours is." Eyes went back to Matias, filled with curiosity. "I won't tell anyone either. Swear." Their left hand lifted, as if they were swearing under the court of law.
Nicholas
Mattias weighed the pros and cons. On the one hand, information. On the other... Nothing, really. Matti didn't exactly hide their powers, even if they didn't advertise them. They could understand the anxiety though— mental powers were feared. Even by people close to you. It was something in the eyes, they thought idly. Something that couldn't be hidden. The way sometimes people would *Watch*, like a zookeeper locked in a room with a tame wolf. They'd seen that fear drive people crazy before. Be it the power user or the people around them. 

"Sure," They finally conceded. "An informational exchange." They wrestled with themself for a moment, pressing down steadily mounting wory while they searched of a concrete way to describe their abilities. Poetics and metaphors rotated through their mind like a carousel, each flashy and bright and not much of anything at all. 

"I'm... Drawn to hidden things." They started. "There's not a good name for it. When people try to hide things, they jump out at me more. I can't exactly read minds, but in terms of secrets I can come fairly close through clues and inferences." It was a lacking description, but an apt one. Privately, they started shelving the explanation with their other attempts, steadily approaching whatever true root their powers stemmed from. "And you? Something mental, I assume."
Randy
Grey bit the inside of their cheek, eyes running along the grass underneath them as they process what Mattias said. They talk pretty fancy for someone who looks younger than them, that's for sure. Wasn't really a problem however. Made them interesting if anything. 

They glanced back at them, nodding. "Yeah. I can, uh, get an insight on how someone is feeling. But, I don't really *Read* Minds, like you. I instead feel it through my senses, if that makes any sense." Grey glanced over at Mattias, hoping they understood what they meant. "Like, erm, It's like I'm perceiving the emotion instead. And through that, I get an idea of how they feel." Their hands moved as they spoke, trying to gesture what they meant. Letting it drop to their thighs, they sighed. "I'm like, what? A human mood ring. Even though those things are a scam."

Raising an eyebrow at their new companion seated beside them, they made a little quip, changing the subject. "So.. You can tell lies? Is that apart of your thing? And, you said some of it *Worked*. What did? Was that when your eyes were glowing?"
Nicholas
"I think mood rings are cool," Matti muttered, scribbling down symbols in their handbook before Grey's words really registered. They paused. Took a moment to reload and reset. Because surely they'd misheard-

"My eyes were *What*?" They blinked rapidly, almost as if by doing so they would suddenly glow again. "I-" They took a breath. Explaining took precedence over... Whatever Grey had hallucinated (it *Had* To be a hallucination, or a product of his powers. Otherwise, why wouldn't anyone have *Told* Them?). 

"Lies are a part of it. But it's also— say two people were talking a couple hundred feet away. I wouldn't be able to hear what they were saying. But if they were whispering? Trying to hide it? It's the act of concealment— it amplifies my senses. Focuses them. And, to be narrative, there's rarely anything we hide more than ourselves. I can... Touch things. Objects, people. And I know their names. It's simple, and has no side effects, so I thought it would be a safe test to confirm my abilities didn't work on you." They inhaled, phantom water filling their veins, emotion swirling in eddies somewhere behind their ribs. Phantom limbs. "It didn't work. I didn't See your name. Instead I got... Imprints. I was drowning. Not dying, though. There was so much around me— sounds and sights and tastes— it was unsettling." 

And Matti *Looked* It— unsettled. *What* They had seen didn't have so much bearing (alright, it had a lot of bearing, what were they supposed to interpret about looking into someone's true nature and *Drowning* In it) as the fact that they'd Seen it, like a vision or a prophecy. Usually, they'd get names, inked out in careful black letters in their mind. This had been, in a word, overwhelming.
Randy
Grey raised a brow. "Yeah?" They only managed to utter one word before Mattias took a breath. Seems like they didn't wanna talk about it. 

The boy had their body facing Mattias, listening keenly to what they said. Often times, looking down at their notebook. They drew symbols rather than words. An interesting way of note taking, that's for sure. Their abilities were fairly interesting as well. Grey refocused, watching Mattias' reaction when they recollected what's happened to them. "Drowning?" Grey tilted their head, eyebrows drawn together as they tried to find the links to water. "And it messed with your senses too. That makes sense considering my weird ability. But, that's really weird." Staring into the distance once more, they let out a drawn exhale. "The fact that our abilities are.. Weird around each other. That your thing didn't do what it normally would. Gosh, you're the first person I've actually met, too. Ain't that strange?" Leaning back on their arms, they didn't break their eyesight from the horizon. 

"You must be wondering how it was for me, I assume. It was.. I don't even know how to explain it well, it just felt like someone was going through my bones to hold my heart? In like, the weirdest, most violating way ever. Like you said, you didn't know it was gonna be like that. I'm not mad at you at all if you're worried." Grey glanced over to Mattias, watching for their reaction.
Nicholas
Mattias cringed. They knew people could be... Discomforted, by being Seen, but truly they'd thought it was mostly psychological. The instinctual, primal fear of being watched, combining with the more modern one of being known. They'd never had it be *Physically* Uncomfortable, or at least no-one had ever told them so. *Not exactly an outstanding data pool.* Margo had barely noticed when they'd used Providence on her, though, which meant it was likely yet another twist of their powers. Warped.

*Violated*, Grey had said. The word echoed through the hollow spaces in their body before fading back into memory. 

Their mind turned back to the root of it all— the cause. Much like when Matti'd interacted with Gabe's powers (a moment they *Never* Wanted to relive), *Something* Was making a difference. It didn't escape their notice that both situations included mental abilities, though Gabe's were more projecting outward, pushing for attention, radiating an aura that pulled senses in, while Grey's...

*Oh. That could be it.* 

If Grey's abilities were as they described, taking *In* Sensory input, reaching *Out* To seek it, Gabe's powers were pushing *Out*. Directing focus *Inwards*. Like whirlpools spinning two different directions. *It probably didn't help,* They thought, *That both their ability sets and mine have to do with senses.* Following their hesitant theory, Mattias' powers were more input than output. Which meant *Both* Their powers and Grey's were trying to take information in, but neither was emitting it. That explained why they were able to See Gabe, and not Grey— and maybe why things were warped. Matti's abilities *Pulled* Information, pulling from an inward spiral, things could have been lost. Displaced. "Like a rubber duck on a current," They murmured quietly, quickly scratching out their thoughts onto their handbook.
Randy
Grey took a moment after explaining it to Mattias, a short silence falling between them. They must've been thinking it through. Whatever was going through their mind, this entire ordeal had Grey driven up a wall. First damned interaction with a person, second day in this institution, and there's already weird shit going on. All that went through their head was the concept of them having doing anything else that didn't have them *Here*. Kicking their legs out so their heels were propped up on the concrete and they were leaned back, the back of their hand met their forehead as a heavy sigh escaped their lips. 

Closing their eyes, they pondered some more about the state of affairs going on at the moment, well, *Has* Happened, before Mattias ripped them out of their train of thought. "Huh? Like a what?" They echoed, attentive eyes turned to their new ally. Hopefully. Mattias seemed to be smart and knew what was going on at the least. So, sticking with them would be advantageous for their time here.
Nicholas
"Oh, well." Mattias flushed slightly, digging a blue sharpie from their bag. "Do you mind if I draw on your skin? I could do mine as well, it's just slightly more difficult." They looked up at Grey from where they were slightly hunched over, hat tilted slightly and on the verge of falling of their head. "It's for a good reason, I promise. For explaining. I find it works a lot better when you have a physical representation."
Randy
Grey raised a brow at their companion, before raising the closest arm to Mattias up, back of their forearm displayed for their work. "Be my guest."
Nicholas
Matti lightly grabbed Grey, moving their own body so that the backs of his hands could settle on Matti's knees. "Alright." They uncapped the sharpie. "So, our powers work with primarily sensory intake, correct?" They drew a small arrow on Grey's palm, travelling inward with the point stopping just past their wrist. They quickly drew a matching arrow on their own hand, then flipped it over and drew an outward facing arrow. 

"Now with normal people, they emit the things our senses pick up. For you, emotions, for me, things they're trying to hide, right?" They placed their hand palm-down in Grey's, so that the two arrows faced the same direction. "So if I were a normal person, or a normal parahuman, you would pick up on my emotions as sensory input, and they'd travel to you." They flipped their hand back over, to reveal their own inward-facing arrow. 

"But when two people who both intake sensory input like we do interact..." The arrows on their arms faced different directions— both pointing inward, but neither following the other. "There's nothing *To* Intake. Or well, there is. But. Imagine we have psychic energy. That psychic energy can either flow inward—" They traced the index finger of their opposite hand along the line on Grey's wrist. "—or outward." They flipped to show the arrow on the back of their hand. "Not both. What I said earlier— it's like a duck in a current. My power- Providence, works as if I throw a duck to the other person, and it floats back to me on the inward current. But when we *Both* Have inward currents, it's like getting caught between two whirlpools. It drowns." 

They smiled triumphantly up at Grey, seeming only then to take stock of their position— moved close, one hand overtop of theirs and the other tracing lines on their skin. With a small start and a red face, they pushed themself back. "Or. That's my hypothesis."
Randy
Mattias met no resistance to pulling Grey's hands around, the latter's interest piqued. Watching the sharpie tip press into their skin and leave trails of ink, Grey made a reminder to himself to clean that off later. Glancing up at their companion, they nodded in response to Mattias first question, adding an assuring hum. So far, as Mattias explained both their abilities, it had made sense. Like a sponge, they'd absorb information from others, both subconsciously. Their brows drew in together, glancing up at Mattias' face for a second. What their abilities meant finally dawned on them. Their lips parted, going to speak, before Mattias unknowingly cut him off.

Mattias' hand was laid on top of Grey's, both arrows facing opposite directions and pointed towards themselves. Mattias continued to explain how their powers worked with each other, and how it would clash. Like Mattias said, a duck in a current. Grey's eyebrows furrowed, nodding. "Like a magnet almost. Polar opposites attract, but when the same poles are put together, they push away from each other." A pause, and then, " Although, your analogy is better." Grey added, Mattias' analogy having made the best sense. 

Grey watched Mattias as they looked up with a cheeky smile, Grey reciprocating with a grin. It must've been the wrong gesture, because they made some space, making a point that it was only a theory. Grey shrugged, pulling their hands off of Mattias' lap. "Yeah, we wouldn't for sure know if this is the truth. But, it makes a lot of sense." He assured, holding his own hand palm up to gaze at the arrow. At least something was answered.
Nicholas
Matti smiled hesitantly again, slightly mourning the loss of contact. Pride and accomplishment shone through instead. Yes, it *Did* Make sense. The logicality of it grounded them, the ability to quantify and qualify. They reached on ink-stained hand up to readjust their hat, eager to expand on their theory. 

"I have a— friend. His name is Gabe D. Trahan, he's an actor. A good one. Anyways, his powerset is essentially an attention director. It's what first got me thinking about the entire concept of psychic powers interacting— when I tried to use my powers, while he was using his, I kind of... Overloaded? It would be interesting to run more experiments, but the experience was slightly unpleasant," They explained. "Using your magnet concept, if we—" They motioned between themself and Grey "— are repelling poles, than our powers and Gabe's are like extra strength magnets. A pull so strong it can shatter you." They shivered slightly, balking at the memory. The *Burn*, their ears feeling as if they would shatter, their eyes...

They shook their head almost subconsciously, clearing the reminder from their thoughts. 

"Anyway you're— the power interaction is incredibly interesting to me, if you haven't figured it out already. If a bit unsettling. I'm used to knowing when someone is hiding something. It's jarring to have to fend for myself." They laughed, genuine, but also an attempt to alleviate the tense, academic air they'd unintentionally cultivated. "How do normal people manage?" 

*Oh god, they'd just assumed Grey was the same, since their powers were similar, and they'd mentioned empathic abilities; what if Grey could control everything, and they were really exposing how inexperienced they were?* Matti did their best to keep their internal panic from their face, instead distracting themself by studying the bits of metal that had captured their attention earlier.
Randy
Grey sat back once again, absorbing Mattias' words. So this wasn't the first time something weird has happened. "Gabe, huh?" They muttered, staring to the side momentarily. "I guess that means if *Our*, like, me and Gabe's power were supposed to interact, would it be like how ours did?" Their nose scrunched up. "On second thought, maybe it'll be as unpleasant. But.. I guess it wouldn't hurt to try, maybe." Grey gave Mattias an uncertain smile, before tearing their gaze once again.

Mattias continued on, talking about the experience they had to endure without hearing lies. Grey's eyebrows lifted, turning to watch Mattias. "Mm, we're different people of course, but I think having to hear lies- or, what people are hiding, would get.. Y'know, almost hurtful?" They mumbled, before almost regretting everything they just said. They literally just explained they were different, so why did they have to butt in with their experience? "I mean, for me, It *Is* Awkward not knowing how someone is feeling. But, just means I gotta work extra hard with you. And I don't mind."
Nicholas
"Oh, well, I ended up bursting my eardrums I think, but it may not be as bad for you. My powers focus my attention, and Gabe's do something similar, so I think it was worse." Matti gesticulated as they spoke, but never came close to hitting Grey. It was clear even when they lost part of their mind to theorizing, they were still cognizant of the world around them. "It could be, though, I wonder what would happen if all three of us used our abilities at the same time..." 

They cut themself off, nodding at what Grey explained. "When you mention it in that way, it's not always the best experience. I get overwhelmed very easily and I don't—" They cringed, remembering *Several* Bad first impressions on their part "— always see the best in people, even if it's there." They shrugged. "I believe I'm fairly emotive, I just don't always make the correct facial expressions. I will endeavor to be more transparent, to compensate, and I'll always tell the truth about my emotions, if you feel the need to ask." Balancing conversations without their Sight felt like walking a line with crutches: awkward, uncomfortable, and with the constant fear they were being judged. 

"I suppose I'll just have to pay closer attention. And trust you to tell the truth, of course, but that may be a given due to the... Bonding? Over power malfunctions." They gave a small smile, trying to abate some of Grey's obvious discomfort.
Randy
Grey relaxed in their seat, offering a genuine smile to Mattias. "Yeah, we should be friends! Our powers malfunctioning is a wall but, we can always bond over that. Besides, this way, we both gotta try in the friendship. No easy way outs like with my emotion reading. Good old human interaction..." They paused, their voice shallowing out towards the end, to the realization of their words. Their body language changed, Grey almost sulking. "Oh, yeah. Parahumans. We're that now." 

A silent pause from Grey, before they glanced at their companion, clearing their throat. "Uh, how long have you been here? Have you gotten used to.." Their hands made a wide circle motion. "*Everything*?"
Nicholas
"I think I'd enjoy being friends. And you know, in a way, we've always been parahumans, and in that way we're also humans still." They nodded at Grey— from the sound of it, they needed the reminder. Satisfied, they went along with the subject change. 

"I've been here... Around a month. Saying it out loud makes it seem stranger, I suppose. It's been a month." Matti sighed, fixing their eyes just shy of Grey's left ear. "I wasn't the happiest, most stable person before coming here. You may have guessed. I essentially spoke to no-one, save for a teacher who has not contacted me since the move, and my daily routine consisted of keeping myself alive and taking note of all the secrets occurring around me. It wasn't much *Of* A life, in retrospect. I think nearly anywhere would have been better: Newton's Cradle certainly is. The reason I adapted so quickly is because I had mostly positive things to adapt *To*. Healthy human interaction, being one."

They turned to study Grey, attempting to understand the root behind the question. It was friendly enough, they supposed, but they couldn't help but feel there was something underneath it. Not for the first time, they wished their abilities worked. The desire was quickly pushed down, though, by some other force they couldn't quite name. It was nice, maybe. Talking to someone without the burden of knowledge. Matti made eye contact for a brief moment before they went back to focusing on the background. 

"And you? Why are you here, if you are amicable to answering? You mentioned you were new, but has anything happened before our slightly catastrophic run in?"