John
Despite being one of the biggest rooms on campus, the library doesn't feel all that big. It's not terribly far to the ceiling, and the bookshelves provide just enough space that no one feels claustrophobic when browsing. If you know where to look, there are even a few cozy little hideouts scattered throughout for residents at Newton's Cradle to read their books in a quiet, comfortable environment.

One such hideout can be found by taking a right when entering, then another right at the far end of the library. In the very corner, hidden from sight at most angles, is an alcove containing a spiral staircase leading to the library's 2nd floor "Nook" By the study rooms. It's furnished as comfortably as any room can be in the concrete monstrosity that is Newton's Cradle, with soft cushions lining every possible surface one could sit on - and even more scattered haphazardly around the room, just in case someone should want an extra cushion.

On one... Or two... Or three of those extra cushions sits Fennel, trying their best to read a book. They were never *Bad* At reading about more complex topics, but they were never *Good* Either, and chewing their way through a dense treatise on the spirituality of the design of public spaces was not particularly easy, no matter how fascinating they found the theme of the work. It made their head hurt a little.

They considered taking a break. Maybe a nap. But it was evening already, and they weren't about to wake up in the library in the morning, so they decided to just look up from the book for a while. Maybe a distraction would be better.
Stacey
The library is his happy place. His favorite place. He knows other people frequent here as well, but he's found some comfortable spaces to sit. He has another (gay) romance novel tucked under his arm as he approaches one of his personal favorites. 

...Someone's there. There is someone in there. On three cushions. He stands there for a few seconds, not entirely certain on what to do.

And then they look up. And Moru is standing there, staring. His face reddens a bit from embarrassment of being caught. "Er- sorry- my bad- I didn't know anyone was- here right now." He stammers out. *God I'm such an idiot I should have left as soon as I saw someone here why didn't I why am I the way that I am-*

"I'll just.. Find a different place to sit."
John
Fennel notices Mamoru before Mamoru notices them. A head of green hair poking up from the stairwell. In Fennel's mind, just the distraction they were looking for - and perhaps even an interesting person at that. They smile, happy to see someone. Of course, that all changes when Mamoru does notice them and *Completely* Freaks out.

Mamoru's voice shakes. His face looks like it's about to shatter. His soul, too. Oh dear. Without thinking, or even realizing that they're doing it, Fennel lets themselves reach in and soften Mamoru's emotion a little - not so much that it's gone, or even so much that it's not still dominant, but just taking a little bit of the edge off. "Honey," They quietly say, "It's okay. You didn't interrupt anything, don't worry."

It takes them about three seconds after that to realize, at another glance at Mamoru's mental state, what they've done. Again. Their first time at Newton's Cradle, at least that they know of. The cops and teachers did say something about this, they think. About them using their powers on people without thinking. But they don't remember what, exactly. They just remember a harsh tone.

They decide to pretend it never happened. "You wanna sit down for a bit? Take a few deep breaths? I don't bite."
Stacey
He calms down without realizing. He has no idea Fennel had anything to do about it.

He grimaces a bit at being called "Honey," But knows it's probably just how this person talks. Part of the panic was because of the book under his arm. He knows he doesn't have to hide who he is here, but he can't help but feel scared when people catch him indulging in some of his interests. If people back home knew, they'd never let it go. But... Moru's worries seem to dim a bit. *It's fine. Remember, things are better here. I've been on edge lately, but that's it. It's fine.*

It's fine.

"Alright uh... So long as I didn't interrupt.." He clears his throat, embarrassed at how panicked he was a second before, for literally no reason at all.

Mamoru sits near Fennel, but not right next to them. He moves his book to his lap, positioning it so the back cover is face up and the spine isn't visible to Fennel. It's a habit. Hide his guilty interests. Say that it's just because they're private, but in reality, Moru's just embarrassed with himself. Amazing.

"People uh.. Aren't usually in this specific area. But I really shouldn't be surprised someone else found it."
John
"Oh, I see." Fennel nodded sagely. "I'm kinda new here. I didn't think this was gonna be someone's little hideout." It seemed, to Fennel, like the kind of place where groups of friends would meet up. But they supposed it must be rather hidden away if they and Mamoru were the only ones. "I can see why you come here. It's nice."

They try to sneak a peek at what Mamoru is reading, but fail. Suddenly, something clicks. *Oh.* They probably shouldn't pry.

"I'm Fennel. Nice to meetcha."
Stacey
"I'm relatively new as well- a few weeks now." 

Fennel isn't *That* Intimidating. This is fine. It... Does seem like a place where groups would meet up, but Moru doesn't have a group. He has a few scattered friends. Maybe they'll interact at the Halloween party that's being planned. Hopefully they'll get along.

He wants to read the book but... It's less hard to try and talk to this person.

"My name's Mamoru."
John
"Mamoru," Fennel muses. "I'll remember that." They will.

Though Fennel knows they shouldn't pry, they still find Mamoru's embarrassment around the book he's reading very intriguing. What could be so embarrassing in the library? Surely they wouldn't have anything inappropriate in the library, would they? They can't get themselves to *Ask,* But... Maybe they could sneak a peek. No harm if Mamoru doesn't notice, right?

They decide to move on. "Let me know if I'm bothering you. I can go somewhere else if you'd like." They open their book again, trying to see if it's less difficult to read, but the words still dance on the page. They look back up at Mamoru.

"Oh, uh. What's your pronouns?"
Keith
Uh
Mark unread and mute for an hour so itll pop up
Stacey
"What? No- you're not bothering me." He shakes his head.

Then they bring up pronouns. He breathes an audible sigh of relief, immediately wishing he hadn't done that but it's too late. He needs to stop assuming the worst of people- he *Knows* That- but he can't help it.

"He him." He responds. "Yours?"

This is good. This means that this person wouldn't judge him for the book he's reading. He stops leaning on the book so much. The details still aren't visible, but Mamoru isn't guarding it anymore.
John
Fennel chuckles warmly in response to Mamoru's sigh of relief. So that's what it was. Not that they couldn't have taken an educated guess, but it was nice to know, and it was nice to see Mamoru relieved.

"They/them," They returned. "What are you reading?"
Stacey
*Woo,* Okay, that's a relief. He is interacting with another queer person. 

"It's- ...Embarrassing." He tucks a strand of hair behind his ear. 

When it comes to gay romance novels, Mamoru feels that there are two things people could potentially judge you for. The fact that it's gay, which he won't have to worry about with Fennel probably.
And the fact that it's a *Romance novel.*

Especially when you've spent so much time being othered for your "Less masculine" Interests, it's hard to completely come past that.

He may as well come out (haha) and say it, though.

"Okay- so- this is going to sound weird but sometimes I like uh.. You know, skimming through a romance novel, just to see if it's any good."
Lie! Lie! He's a liar! 
He loves reading about people who find support and an overall balance in their lives. People who get to be happy. Because they start out so normal in a lot of cases, or act normal at least, but then they get something so wonderful. And he wants that.
John
—————————————————————