I need a freaking cup of coffee (open)

OOC: Hey ^^ Hope you don't mind me joining...x)

kirin youngblood.

Freedom comes in all shapes and sizes. But to me, it came in the form of a dirt trail leading into a patch of trees.

It was early. Way too early for me to be up, but late enough for me to break into a nice pace without yawning like a creep. I kept at that pace for awhile, wondering when I'd have to be home before my parents found out what I'd done, pondering on the many jobs I would have to work the coming afternoon. And then, of course, my brother's welfare. I was thinking about that as well.

Sure enough, I managed to get myself out of the trees and into a familiar area. I could see the dead grass scattered about, as if some giant had come around and trampled all over it. Even the trees were sagging and old and broken. Nothing like the trees I'd just come from. Nothing like the trees that surrounded the hidden path a few miles down from my farmhouse. The park of District 8. How nostalgic.

I slowed down to a walk, tugging at my black T-shirt that had once belonged to my brother. It was still slightly big on me, but I was growing into it. But then the T-shirt was the least of my worries. There was a boy. A boy, sitting on the bench in the dead park.

"Why," I began slowly, "are you at this particular park at this hour?" Once those words had come out though I immediately regretted them. Stupid. Stupid and reckless. I didn't even know this guy, though he did look around my age, possibly older. And he didn't look particularly dangerous. Still, I'd been stupid enough to act rude, and now I'd have to face the consequences. If, of course, there were any to face.

OOC: Uh huh, perfectly fine ^^

It was so late, it was early. I looked around nervously, but not nervously enough for the boy--let alone anyone else--notice my expression. I strained to keep my face impassive despite the fact I knew what he was thinking; I'd already been too defensive. And besides, the dark sky with the brink of light in the distance? That just made things even more eerie.

I took in a deep breath and faced the guy once more. "I normally don't just sit around when I go to a park, actually." The words spilled out of my mouth, uncontrolled and reckless once more. But this time I kept my face normal. His own words were strange--too calm and too casual. Weird. "And I doubt people go to the park right now."

There. I'd made my point. For a brief moment I considered telling him my name. After all, he was definitely an insomniac. I wasn't one myself, although I was known for staying up very late--or early--in my family. It was moreso from habit and determination than natural-born skills. Even so, I kept my mouth shut. If we were going for introductions, I was going to make sure he was to say them first.

This guy was strange, I noted to myself, but no stranger than me. I felt suddenly sheepish and suppressed a grimace. Here I was again, being hypocritical and stupid. This situation was definitely messed up. Why in the world was I even talking to him right now?

"My name isn't Neighbor-person," I said automatically, even though I was positive he already knew that. "It's Kirin." Then I paused, briefly, before adding, "And yours?" We might as well got to the naming already. He could call me Neighbor-person, but I had no substitute for him. I sucked when it came to names, although remembering them was easy.

Still, I decided to answer his other question. "I'm here because I couldn't sleep. But I'm not an insomniac." That was vague enough.