Welcome to Gaia! ::

Ryan grinned when he saw Rena start to joke with him a bit and said with approval, "Touché." He let her get up and walk down the isle before he rose from his seat, grabbing the strap of his backpack and casually slinging it over his shoulder. As they both met Mr. Leshner at the front of the room, Ryan stuck his hands in his pockets, awaiting the teacher's response.
"So I got a note from the counseling office and, due to scheduling, you two have the same classes. I believe this was done both purposefully and randomly." He began to explain. "See, because you are a new student here," he stated, gesturing toward Rena, "they wanted to assign you a class schedule that matched another student's assigned classes so that you would have someone to take you around to help you get to know the school and other students better. And they randomly chose one of my first period students." He glanced toward Ryan. "That's where you come in, Ryan. You are going to be showing Rena around. And please don't be getting her into any trouble," he winked.
Ryan gave a husky laugh and nodded. "Yes, sir." He smiled, the freckles dotting his face rising as his rosy cheeks did.
"Now get outta here, you two—don't be late for second period," Mr. Leshner smiled. "And do me a favor, Ryan, and open my door and put the door stop under it." He shooed Ryan off and Ryan smiled, jogging toward the door to do as his teacher said.
But before Rena could go as well, he stopped her, placing a hand on her shoulder and speaking to her on the side. "Don't worry, he's really not a bad kid." Mr. Leshner smiled. "You're in good hands." He could tell she was a bit worried with the way she nervously spoke to him. "Give him a chance."

Ryan had already started making his way down the hall and he paused to look back for Rena. He turned and smiled at her, his teeth shining from between his lips. "Well, miss, what are ya doin' back there, hm? Let's not dodder [waste time], now!" He playfully placed his hands on his hips and perked up. He knew how hard it was being in a completely new environment—after all, he did come from an entirely different country—and he wanted to make it as painless as possible for her. He was there once and he managed to make many friends, so if he could help out another student he was willing to spend time showing her around.
As he looked back at her, people passed them in the hall, weaving around, bumping into each other, and several people saying hello to Ryan. He gave his best smile, waving to others, fist bumping a few, and nodding to some. He then took another look at Rena and grinned.

Ryan's smile slowly faded from his face and he let his hands drop from his waist. He stood there, seemingly emotionless, as he waited for her to finish. Once he was sure she was done, he let out a short breath and took a few paces toward her. Standing an arms length away from Rena, Ryan let his head droop ever so slightly to the side, an almost defeated expression lying about his mug. "Look, I know you don't want ta be any trouble, but the truth is I really don't mind." He let his hand run through his red locks as he spoke, looking off to the side and just above her head as he searched for something settling to say to her. "I mean, if it really pisses you off [annoys you], I'll give ya th' space you need. But you should know t'at you aren't putting me at a disadvantage." He sighed and leaned in closer to her. "Look, Rena," he began, "I know yer not a puss face [bad-tempered person] but ya need ta lighten up! It's not so bad here." He straightened himself out again, leaning back away from her and smiling sincerely at her. "I promise."

Ryan couldn't help but let a small smile escape from his lips. He let out a laugh when she had finished, not because he was laughing at her, but because he didn't expect all that from her. She seemed so quiet. "I like you," he nodded in satisfaction and approval. He took a breath and let a hand rest on his side as he prepared to answer her question. "Ta answer yer question, miss, this is th' only school I've been at since I moved to th' country. But before that my ma' and da' moved around a lot. T'is is my fifth or sixth school." He smiled and added with a wink, "Which is why I'm so outgoing."
The hall was starting to become less crowded.
"As fer yer practice room, I could show ya th' music hall... But if you don't want me to help....."