The Shadow Society // OxO // Closed

"It's good to see you." Tobias murmured to Oliver, not even glancing his way. He, too, wasn't a massive fan of certain people in the room, and the boy thought it was necessary to never take his eyes off them for fear of being hurt in some way—something Oliver never understood.

Oliver's back immediately straightened as the Headmaster entered the room. Another person that he didn't get along too well with, but they were on civil terms at least. The Headmaster was a tall, spindly fellow who appeared to lack any weight or muscle, but this didn't mean he was weak. As far as Oliver was concerned, the Headmaster was one of the wisest members of the Shadow Society within Hawthorne's walls and to cross him would be seen as signing your death certificate.

The Headmaster looked over the boys in the room, nodding respectfully to a few of them. "I assume you all know why you are here today."

"I'd like to start by welcoming the first generation members," The Headmaster glanced at several individuals, including William. "You have nothing to be nervous about. As for the rest of you, welcome back." he started slowly pacing, keeping his eyes on the boys who stared at him. "It's the start of a new term, which means I need you to be on your toes. Evil lurks in every corner of this world, and we don't want it within our walls. Be on guard, stay strong, and do your duty to the Shadow Society like your fathers before you."

Oliver, while looking sharp at the Headmaster, wasn't fully paying attention to what he was saying. He had heard this all before, it was feeling more like a broken record being forced to repeat itself. He knew it was necessary though, especially for the first and second generation members, to make sure they were as loyal as they were expected to be.

(Yeah that's fine, I was thinking that's where you were heading with it anyways)

Finally the Headmaster stopped pacing, the expression on his face was one of pride. He cared a lot for these boys, and it made him happy seeing the strong men they were going to grow up to be. He crossed his arms over his chest, allowing his stance to relax a bit, before taking on a more light-hearted demeanor. "Get to know each other, will you? You're going to be working together for some time and I think it would benefit you all greatly if you could at least know each other for the people you are rather than as just colleagues."

Upon hearing that, both Oliver and Tobias shot a look at each other that said what the Headmaster was asking of them was sure to be a challenge. The two of them didn't get along with most of the Hawthorne Shadow Society members, and now that they were being physically asked to get to know each other… Oliver, being the inquisitive person he was, wanted to raise this concern to the Headmaster, however when the man's eyes fell on him he already knew that speaking up was out of the question. He would just have to bear with it.

"That will be all lads, " The Headmaster confirmed, nodding his head. "I expect great things from you. You may leave."

When the meeting ended, Oliver and Tobias took their leave. Neither of them had any intentions of befriending any of the other members, especially when some of them looked like difficult individuals to place trust in. Besides, Oliver knew who most of them were already and wasn't inclined to know them on any other level.

As they left, Oliver's gaze fell onto one of the quieter lads–Theodore, was it? He was the kid who never really engaged with the others, something Oliver could respect in a person, though from how he was interacting with one of the new members it was clear that he had no issue making friends. He allowed his gaze to linger on Theo for a moment, his eyebrows furrowing slightly, before Tobias tugged at his sleeve.

(Just curious, is it the end of a school day or the beginning?)

A soft chuckle floated from Oliver's lips as he overheard the conversation between Theodore and William, though he wasn't looking at them anymore. Tobias had a hold of his sleeve and was pulling him down the corridor. When the two of them were alone, Tobias let go and shoved his hands into his trouser pockets.

The two of them were prone to walking in silence together, no words needed to be spoken for the two of them to enjoy each other's company. Today however, Tobias nudged Oliver's arm with his elbow, however he dared not look the man in the eyes. His hair sat just atop his shoulders, and from the way he styled it, his fringe covered the entirety of his right eye. "So, what do you make of the Greenies?"
Oliver stopped walking for a moment, looking out of the nearby lattice window. The crimson sunset bathed his skin in a rose-gold hue, sparks started to faintly glisten in his eyes. The gardens outside were hushed for this time of evening, though a few students could be seen talking among themselves. "I think they have potential, especially that boy William. I think they just need some guidance in order to make sure they stick to the right path."

Out of nowhere, Tobias pulled the taller man down and slung his arms around his shoulder. A bright, almost mischievous smile graced his lips. "I knew you cared about them, you can't keep up that tough guy act around me."
The only response Oliver gave in return was a soft sigh and a warm smile.

(Where should we go from here?)

(Sounds good. When were you thinking to?)

(Hmm. I think the dorm-mate scenario would be interesting, gives the chances to actually show how our characters act when they are alone together.)

(Would you mind?)

At the end of one of the two beds in the room, Oliver himself was perched on a chaise lounge with his eyes fixed on the thick hardback book in his hands. He hadn’t a clue who was going to be his dorm-mate his year, and after finding out that it wasn’t Tobias he felt rather put off, but he was willing to at least try and be civil with whomever his partner turned out to be——as long as it wasn’t that Russian kid.

He had already removed his blazer and cravat, and the top few buttons of his shirt were open just to allow his skin to breathe. The sleeves of his shirt were neatly folded back up to his elbows, and his hair had become a little fluffier than what it was earlier; perhaps due to Tobias messing up.

When the handle of the door began to turn, he marked his place and carefully closed the book, placing it down beside him. This was going to be interesting.

Oliver studied the boy as he walked to claim the other bed. There was something almost hesitant in his very movements, not something he expected from someone who had been so quick to talk to a new society member. He raised an eyebrow slightly at Theodore’s question and stood up from his seat. “I wouldn’t be here otherwise.”
He moved to stand in front of Theodore with one hand stretched out towards him. “I suppose we should be properly introduced. My name is Oliver Valentin Arquette, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

When Theo let go of Oliver's hand, he tucked both of his hands into his pockets and nodded his head while shuffling back over to his seat. He picked up the book and continued reading from where he left off, and crossed one leg over the other as if that made him any more comfortable. "I don't do much in the way of idle chatter, though if you have any questions I will be more than happy to answer."

(Should we do a time skip to the daytime and their classes or something, or did you have something in mind for the nighttime?)

(I don't mind, though did you have a specific lesson you wanted to be in?)