(open) A New Beginning...

I walk, well, hobble through the dormitory, giving nods to all that I pass. I try not to let anyone see my confusion, I have literally no idea where I'm going; I can't remember what room number I was assigned. Was it the third, or the second floor? I simply have no clue. I manage to find my way into what appears to be a common room. A few of the other boys living in the dorm are sitting around. I work up the courage and approach the boy in the nearest seat to me and begin to ask where a spare room is, when all of a sudden I hear a small cough behind me...

A somewhat tall boy in crutches appears behind him "You need something friend?"

I glance over my shoulder to find a boy missing a foot, and immediately feel a connection. At least I know I'm not the only one around here who can't give an old age pensioner a run for their money in a race.

Turning to face the boy I say "Hey, I'm Tiberius, but you can call me Hawk. I'm new here and I've, er... forgotten my room number. I should have written it down, it was to be expected..."

Glancing around I notice that not everyone in the room has such an obvious outward disability as the boy in front of me; isn't everybody here supposed to be disabled? I'll have to ask someone... not now though. It's a bit rude.

"Pleasure to meet you Hawk." He bow in respect of meeting someone new "I'm Yuuji. If you need anything just let me know.Also your room is right next to mine, second floor. I have been hearing of someone new joining the school."

Darn!I forgot the bow! With a clumsy bow I thank Yuuji.
"Thank Yuuji, I'll go drop my bags off there now. Which way should I go?"

Then, as an afterthought, I add: "Say, I've never really stayed too long in Japan before, and the customs are... different to what I'm used to. Is there anything I need to know to help smooth my transition?"

"Well... You could either take the stairs on your right or the elevator on your left, You chose.I'll escort you if you want" Yuuji thinks for a moment New friend already whats that make 6?
"Also don't worry about. Respect goes a long way in this school." Yuuji smiles

"Mm'kay, I might have to ask my grandparents over the weekend; just to make myself feel at home y'know? And thanks for the offer of an escort."
Starting towards the door I then add, "I think it would be better for the both of us to take the elevator, don't you?" motioning to our legs, and let out a small laugh.
I immediately regret the joke; what if he doesn't like to talk about it? Hell, if he doesn't I'll just blow it off... I never was a stickler for first impressions anyways. That being said, he is seemingly the only person that's noticed me so far...

Yuuji looks at his leg then back to Hawke and laughs "Just because I have a missing foot does not mean i can't walk up some stairs" Yuuji gently nudges him

"Heh, I'm still getting used to dragging this damned leg behind me... but I don't think I wanna subject myself to the torment of stairs"
Already my leg is in agony, there's no way I am subjecting myself to more horror. the words of the doctor echo from my memory "it's dangerous out there, take th-" Wait, no... Something about not letting the pain hold me back? Striving to exercise it as much as possible?... Maybe tomorrow.

I pick up my bags and motion to the door, "Shall we be off?" and hope in vain that this friendly character can think up some small talk; conversations with a guy were never my strong point. Hell, I'll need to get to know him if we're neighbours... For all I know he could be a crazy misogynist with a vendetta against all women. That wouldn't bode well... I also resolve to ask him at some point about the girls at this school; I need to get back into the game.

"Let us go then..." He hurt his leg...i wont ask how maybe when we become better friends even though the others did tell me right off the bat eh...I'll hold off
They both enter the elevator
"Tell me Hawke does your grandfather live near by?"

After a great deal of internal debate, I push the button for the 2nd floor, I turn to Yuuji and answer his question: "Yeah, in the town just down the hill actually. He lives with my grandmother, I moved here about... um.. 3...4?...I don't remember... I moved here from England recently after... the accident. I came here for the school; I guess it was pure luck that my grandparents live so close to a school that could cater to my needs."

I begin to wonder if I should go into greater depths about my accident... Is it polite to steer clear of the topic? Is everybody's disabilities the proverbial elephant in the room? I guess there's only one way to find out...

"So, Yuuji... how did you end up at Yamuku? I'm assuming it's because of.." I make a motion toward his foot and put on my friendliest smile.

"Yea it's beacuse of this" Yuuji moves is right leg " I don't mind telling so here it is birth defect, if you were expecting a long, tragic story sorry wrong person" Yuuji laughs as the elevator door opens

"I was just curious man, didn't mean to cause offence..."

Dammit, I need to be more tactful, and then an idea strikes me "Listen, do you wanna come over in a couple of hours or so? I brought an xbox with me from back home and I thought we could order pizza or something and get to know each other... my treat. Lemme get settled in first though."

"Don't worry you didn't offend me I'm just messing with you" He laughs once more "I'll take your offer I have some time to kill anyway." They both reach Hawke's room "Here we are Hawke. Go ahead open it."

"Thanks buddy, I'll see you in a few hours! If you could find out a number for some sort of deliver service I'll order it to arrive for then."

I walk in and take in the scene, a fairly plain room with minimalistic furniture and a nice view of the school grounds. I begin by placing my painkillers on the bedside table, and then the experimental drugs for my memory loss next to them.

Following that I unpack all my clothes and then get to work on unravelling the mass of cables in my bag in order to set up the xbox for Yuuji's impending visit.

This is it. A new beginning. I hope I'm happy here.

I then sit back on the bed pondering of what this new life will bring while I await the knock of my newest friend.

A thought pops into my head and I stick a note under Yuuji's door asking him to bring any friends he think I'd get along with; the more the merrier!