(Untitled)

[alsoagreengrass]

If the day is nice enough, why not spend it outside? That's how a few people in Milliways think and Scorpius happens to be one of them. And it was with that thought in mind, he had grabbed his Arthimancy book and his book-bag and headed out toward the lake

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[alwayshaveaplan]

Half an hour later, a familiar blonde girl will be approaching him.

That's what happens when you're out for a run and you happen to spot someone lying stomach-down on the ground.

And, given everything, her first thought is that he's unconscious and injured, not that he's asleep.

(But a quick check confirms he's very much alive. Thank the gods.)

She shakes his shoulder gently.

"Hey. Scorpius."

[alsoagreengrass]

Scorpius resists at first, murmuring something in his sleep as he tries to bury his face in the crook of his elbow.

But, gentleness is a hard thing to resist. It pulls him out of his dreams and he's soon stretching beneath the touch.

He blinks, waking up.

And she definitely wins at being a good something to wake up to.

"Hullo."

[alwayshaveaplan]

"Hi," she returns, offering him a small grin. "Or maybe I should be saying 'good morning'. How long have you been out here?"

[alsoagreengrass]

"I don't, er - I don't really know," he says, stifling a yawn.

He stretches again, this time disturbing Red who jumps from his legs with a disgruntled look. She curls into a new spot in the grass as he turns over and sits up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

"Not long, I think. Why, you haven't been trying to wake me up for an hour, have you?"

Because that'd be embarrassing. He's not that deep of a sleeper.

[alwayshaveaplan]

Annabeth laughs.

"No, don't worry. I just saw you a few minutes ago," she replies, gesturing to where she'd been before she spotted him. "I didn't even know it was you at first."

[alsoagreengrass]

"It's only that, uhm - I'm beginning to think, because this is the second time you've caught me half awake, maybe I ought take more naps," he says, following her gesture. "And what were you doing over there?"

[alwayshaveaplan]

"Or maybe the Bar and I just have really weird timing," she also suggests.

Because - yeah.

It's weird how she always seems to find him when he's half-awake, or in his pyjamas.

Oh, well.

"I was out for a run," she answers, gesturing to her clothes (sweatpants, tank-top, sweatshirt hoodie). "I like the new change of scenery from Camp."

[alsoagreengrass]

"Maybe," he agrees with a lazy grin. "But, I don't know. I think I fancy the idea that my naps have a, er, way of bringing you to Milliways, personally."

He stretches again.

"Did you want to, uhm, continue your run? I could join you."

Because he isn't doing anything else?

[alwayshaveaplan]

Annabeth blushes a little.

She is still not entirely used to compliments like that. Not that she doesn't enjoy them, particularly from Scorpius, all the same.

"Only if you're up for it," she says cheerfully.

[alsoagreengrass]

"I think I could handle a little. And I'd like to prove to you I am not a lazy sod," he jokes as he jumps to his feet. "Maybe give me a minute though?"

He gestures down at his school uniform. Which are not exactly the most comfortable clothes to be jogging in for longer than a handful of minutes.

"I'd prefer a change. I could catch up with you."

[alwayshaveaplan]

"Hmm ... yeah, probably a good idea. The robes might not be entirely conducive to going for a jog," she says solemnly, nodding.

"I could wait for you, if you want."

[alsoagreengrass]

Scorpius shrugs. "I won't be long," he says, gathering up his book and bag. He'll leave those with Bar.

Red seems hesitant, not knowing whether to follow Scorpius or stay with Annabeth. She settles for sitting at the girl's feet when he takes off.

He really won't be gone that long.

[alwayshaveaplan]

Annabeth nods, watching him set off before she turns her attention on Red.

Whom she hasn't properly had the chance to greet until now.

Scritches should do quite nicely, yes?

[alsoagreengrass]

Scritches are great. Red, like most cats, loves them. She's soon purring and pawing at Annabeth's hand.

Scorpius, meanwhile, is as quick as he said he'd be. He grabs some clothing from Bar - shorts, a t-shirt, and a pair of proper trainers - and changes in the bathroom before leaving his things at the counter.

He doesn't think he's interrupting when he rejoins them.

"Ready?"

[alwayshaveaplan]

By now, Annabeth is seated on the grass, better for giving kitties attention.

She looks up at him and smiles.

"You look way more prepared for running," she says approvingly. "Though now I'm not so sure your cat will let us go. She's grown pretty attached to my masterful scritches."

[alsoagreengrass]

Scorpius makes a face.

Now is not the time, Red.

"She needs to learn to share and not steal. It'd be a good lesson for her if you tossed her in the dirt."