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Sarad shook his head, "i think you over did it. all you had to do was buy the seperate couples ticket and she would have known we weren't going together. protesting too much just adds suspision." Sarad sighed, "look, only lies have details. you looks to nice to be the type of guy that is just trying to get laid." he ran a hand through his hair, the bauble jingling softly, "it doesn't matter. she can think what she likes. just-next time, don't be so blunt. trust me, i've had to perfect lying to people that are excellent at picking them out."

Sarad touched the bauble absentmindedly, "i do have my traditional atire for when my family is having celebrations or special events. there is more jewlery, and a lot more cloth, but i won't be wearing that for the dance. i would stand out a bit, don't you think?" he smiled and shook his head, not even wanting to think about it. "yes, i do take it out, i don't want to damage it." he lowered his hand, "it was my mother's...it's the only thing i have left of hers. my aunt and uncle took the rest." they were near their dorms and Sarad sighed, "now, shall we pretend to do homework or is it time for bed?" he asked, not sure what Dale was planning and still tired from their game earlier.

Sarad chuckled, "it's not all that bad. if you need help just ask, i can probably guide you through it." they walked up the stairs and Sarad tried to not think about what Dale had said. an arm of friends? what good would that do him? they would all be underage, just like himself. they would be of no use legally where his family had control. he wasn't sure that there was anything anyone could do, not until he turned eighteen and was able to claim his inheritance. until then he had to be good and do as he was told. maybe he could make that army of friends after that. "only sixty problems isn't going to take all night if you know what you are doing. i'm waiting on a book for my research paper so i'm free right now. it should be fast with me helping you." he opened the door of their dorm room for Dale and walked in after him, "sound good?"

Sarad shut the door and head for his desk, "my final, i want to make sure i get it done properly so i've been working on it for the past month. i'm researching the use of various alternative medicines such as herbal teas and infusions in alternation with the current manufactured ones. if at all possible, i'd like to work with mostly natural medications when i begin my practise so the subject is important to me as well." he sat at his desk and pulled out a paper and pencil, "alright, let's get to work on your problems. if you get stuck, let me know and i'll help, ok?"

Sarad chuckled as he moved to sit next to Dale, "yes you do, you just are intimidated by the amount you need to do. one step at a time and you'll be surprised by how much you know." Sarad spent the next two hours carefully guiding Dale through his homework, making him do most of the work but helping when he was truly lost. finally the last problem was finished and Sarad stretched, his back popping, "see? i told you, you were able to do most of those without my help." he smiled warmly and patted Dale's shoulder, "good job. you might want to take a break, though. i think your brain is smoking." he winked to show he was teasing and stood up, "hmmm, a nice bath in the boy's soaking room sounds good. what do you think?"

Sarad nodded, "that sounds nice. a little relaxation after hard work is always welcome." he began to gather his things, humming softly under his breath until he was ready. he'd have to be careful if there were others in the tub. he would simply keep his back to the wall and make sure no one saw, but he was used to that. if asked he could always say he fell into a bush when Dale wrecked his bike and hadn't yet healed. the story of Dale's state when they had returned had spread like wildfire and maybe he could get away with it, but that was a last resort. "ready when you are," he said from the door, his bathing things in hand

Sarad shrugged, "i'll let you decide." he was glad to see they were the only ones in the bath when they arrived. it made things easier for him. he undressed and folded his clothing neatly away, his hair decoration going on top of the pile, before rinsing off and stepping into the hot water. he sighed softly as he lowered himself into the water, his eyes closing at the pure visceral pleasure that was a nice hot bath. "mmm, nothing could beat this," he sighed happily, his hair floating all around him like a silky curtain, "i'd happily live in the water if my skin would allow it."

Sarad opened an eye and watched Dale slowly sink down, grinning at the other's commentary about living in the water. "i wouldn't mind being a jellyfish," he said softly his eye closing again. "no bones and toxins injected at a touch? sounds nice to me." he shifted slightly as he started to float, "there are immortal jellyfish, did you know that? i read an article about them the other day, i'm too relaxed to remember much, though. i wonder what memories they could tell us if they were able to speak." were there some that had seen the dinosaurs? had they been living in the depths of the ocean since the beginning of life? what kind of changes would they have noticed or was it simply the same thing over and over with just a varians on the types of fish surrounding them?