[It's not too often that Tom sees a kid just sitting there by the fountain. Carefully making his way over, he then glances at the fountain before taking a seat next to the kid.]
Yeah? [He snorts, leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees.] Thinking's good for the soul sometimes... or so people claim.
I don't know about you, but... whenever I'm down, I usually go a round or two with the punching bag. [beat] Or swim. Neither of which's probably mentally healthy, but it gets your mind off things.
Thinking helps sometimes. [He snorts.] It's dwelling on it too much that doesn't.
I'm Instructor Tom Bronson. [At this, Tom extends his hand for a handshake.] It's good to meet you, kid. If you ever need Boxing lessons, I'm your guy.
[He shrugs a little and reaches out to shake Tom's hand.] Not really, I just kinda miss home. And I guess I don't get to pick when I go back, so thinking about it pretty much doesn't do anything.
In that case... yeah, it'd be pretty rough. [Not that he doesn't sympathize! This place isn't much like his homeworld either, so it was a rude awakening for the first few months or so.]
Heh, glad to hear it. My Pops used to be a heavyweight champion, so he insisted on teaching me... and I figured I'd return the favor.
Both, actually. [He can't help laughing, just a little. It's nice to know people actually respect it here!] I teach it as an elective in the afternoons, but I can also give private lessons if you're too busy for those.
... You alright, kid?
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And a little embarrassed that somebody caught him. Somebody he's never met before, even. He straightens up, trying to grin.]
Hi! Yeah, just - [that attempt at a smile is looking pretty pathetic by now, so he gives up.] Just thinking.
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I don't know about you, but... whenever I'm down, I usually go a round or two with the punching bag. [beat] Or swim. Neither of which's probably mentally healthy, but it gets your mind off things.
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[Pause.] And I can't swim that well. I guess you're right, thinking doesn't help much... [He casts a glance at the other guy.]
I'm Lea. By the way.
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I'm Instructor Tom Bronson. [At this, Tom extends his hand for a handshake.] It's good to meet you, kid. If you ever need Boxing lessons, I'm your guy.
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Boxing, huh? That's cool!
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Heh, glad to hear it. My Pops used to be a heavyweight champion, so he insisted on teaching me... and I figured I'd return the favor.
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Whoa, your dad was a champion? Seriously? So... is that a class you teach or is it just [waving a hand] for the heck of it?
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You mean you've been here long enough to graduate and everything?
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