don't forget to source properly [open]

[endurancepoint]

WHO: Alex Rider & OPEN
WHAT: Studying... or trying to
WHERE: Library
WHEN: Thursday afternoon
WARNING(S): n/a

Hunched over a table tucked in a back corner of the library, Alex tapped the tip of his pencil against the paper in front of him. Several books were spread around him, open and marked with Post-Its covered in notes. He'd been trying to be a good student and get a head-start on his final paper for his history class, but actually getting started was always the hardest part.

Slowly letting out a breath, Alex started scribbling down an outline. He probably wouldn't actually finish the paper until the night before it was due, but he was going to make an honest effort.

Comments

[tiamaris]

"I.... do not fully understand how to use the phone they gave me," he admitted, carefully holding the books to one side, and aiming his head down as he breathed, as he spoke.

He didn't quite want to admit that he had half melted the phone and it only worked a little now.

[endurancepoint]

"Ah, first smartphone? Well, there's always the website. Here, it's called 'Goodreads.'"

He holds out his phone so the screen can be seen.

"See? Those are all recommendations based on books I've already read. It doesn't mean I'll necessarily like them, but it's an easy place to start."

[tiamaris]

"First phone..." he admitted, looking at the screen, holding his breath carefully. "And" he realized he should have leaned away, so he did so, careful to breathe on anything but himself, "And the library has all of these books?"

[endurancepoint]

Alex could not make sense of this guy. His breathing was all wrong, as if he kept holding his breath, and the way he'd keep tilting his head away from things...

"Probably not all of them. You'd have to cross-reference with the library catalog, but at least you wouldn't have to aimlessly browse for new things."

[tiamaris]

He hesitated, nodded, looked down to his chest to breathe, then looked up again. "I will remember the names, and look them up next time, you have my gratitude," he said carefully.

[endurancepoint]

"Don't mention it."

Alex turns to go, then stops and turns back.

"Are you all right? You should go to the infirmary if you're having trouble breathing."

[tiamaris]

A hint of red flashed into his eyes. I'm not sick," he said a bit too sharply.