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</a><br/>"So, you've made it back in one piece. How do you feel?" Clase chuckled as he watched Meric return to the safety of the back of the café.<br/><br/>Meric ignored the knowing snickers of his fellow kin around him and settled down to finish his meal. "She's nice and very talented. Leave me be, why don't you."<br/><br/>His roommate raised a hand to the others, stopping their giggles short. "You know, I was only teasing, but I truly am concerned about your feelings… your control."<br/><br/>Sighing, Meric calmed his tone, "I'm fine. She's still alive, as you see. I wasn't bothered by the hunger, and control is intact." Meric took a few bites of his meal, scanning the café, wishing to leave quickly to find sanctuary at the library. Any place was better than sitting there listening to the mature vampires laughing at his immature fangs. "Look, I've got to drop off a few books at the library. I'll meet you at the event," he stood up, tired of the atmosphere.<br/><br/>Clase sensed his frustrations and began to collect his things. "No, don't," Meric glanced his way with enough calm to stop his roommate's actions short. Clase settled back down in his seat, "I trust you, of course, but are you… sure?"<br/><br/>Without a word, Meric picked up his tray and left the atmosphere, heading to the exit to drop it off, throw away his trash, and head outside. As he crossed the cafeteria, his senses wandered around the room, a normal, unconscious action he tends to do in large crowds or uncomfortable atmospheres. It wasn't that he was frightened or nervous, just curious about the people around him – wondering if there were any hidden agendas or secrets beneath the beats of their hearts. It was a simple method of keeping an eye on potential problems before they became a problem. Case in point, as Meric scanned, he picked up the heightened pulse of a particular creature – out of place, it seemed. She was dressed in a high-ranking uniform, which was an awkward sight since the high-ranking students had their own luxurious restaurants and cafeterias to enjoy. What was her reasoning for dining down with the middle and low-ranking members on campus?<br/><br/>Tossing his trash, Meric continued to focus on her pulse, even when turned around. He didn't have to watch her actions to know what she was doing. She was in a hurry but was avoiding making a scene… Quite difficult when her presence alone already made such the moment she walked into the place. She wasn't moving towards the front doors, but towards the side exit near his location. Strange… Meric turned to head towards the side exit, eyes targeting the front door. There was a guy there who was scanning the room as well, looking for someone… It wasn't difficult to put two and two together. It was obvious she was attempting to avoid the guy.<br/><br/>Now, Meric is not one to butt his nose into anyone's business, but he was also a man who cared less to see someone in need or in danger. Unsure what drove this young lady to go through these lengths, but he can tell just by the scent of her blood radiating the atmosphere that she was anxious to leave unseen. Meric draped the hood of his cloak over his head with a decision on his mind.<br/><br/>"In need of assistance?" Like quicksilver, Meric was by her side before anyone could bat their eyes. Just as fast, he slipped her hand into the bend of his elbow, tucked his arm around her waist, and quickstepped them both out of the café's side door before anyone wondered where the sudden brush of air passing them came from. The side door opened and closed with a soft puff, and the two were instantly outside in the snowy oasis beside the café. The outdoor sitting area was empty since no one cared to eat outdoors in the winter wonderland. So, there were no prying eyes seeking the young woman out. Several steps away stood the library – his choice of salvation for the moment.<br/><br/>Turning towards the girl, Meric bowed his head slightly in respect, "Please forgive, I didn't mean to pry, but I noticed your discomfort and decided to assist. Are you alright?" He gently released her and took a step back to give her space. Not a lot of people felt comfortable in the presence of a vampire, especially alone. Getting used to understanding the emotions of others was a tricky thing for him, but he understood that those small actions were appreciated by others. He just hoped he didn't scare the girl by spiriting her away like that.