WHEN BOTH OUR CARS COLLIDE ; OPEN

[pierce]

What he was doing outside at the lake so early in the morning was just as mysterious to Pierce as it was to anyone else. It wasn't horribly early, of course - everyone else had just gotten up for breakfast and were probably eating at that very moment. No doubt some of the girls had noticed his absence and were scheming and deducing, but it was not the first time this wayward teacher had skipped a meal for some alone time. He could always just go to the kitchens before class and have the elves whip up something for him. As far as he knew, he was the only one willing to do so, as he'd seen not another soul ever since he'd set foot on grass. Pierce hadn't had any specific destination, had simply walked until he found a place he wanted to be - and that just happened to be here.

For a while, he seemed to simply peruse the perimeter, walking around with his hands in his jeans. His teaching robes were just an accio! away, so he saw no reason to wear them when he was outside alone. Instead, an old pair of faded blue denims and a simple form-fitting black t-shirt suited his fancy, and everyone who knew him also knew that that was all that was required. He did what he felt like, wore what he felt like, went where he felt like going whenever he felt like going there. Got him into trouble, sure, but in his opinion, it wasn't a bad way to live at all.

Even though he seemed laid back, completely at ease, even dazed, Pierce was completely aware of his surroundings. His ears, sharper than average thanks to his extended time as a leopard and trained to be paranoid for the same reason, picked up every little chirp of the birds or crackling of a leaf falling on a stick. His eyes were constantly scanning the area, focusing on the edges of objects because instinct had taught him that was the easiest way to spot something out of place. For a few seconds, he simply stood there, absorbing everything about the world around him - and when he confirmed that he was, in fact, alone, he laid down on the grass that was still damp with morning dew, his arms behind his head and closing his eyes. The world was officially blocked out - a very rare occurrence for him, but one he supposed he needed every once in a while.

[ed]

How was he here?

He couldn't quite remember, but here he was, lying on his back, shirt half on, empty bottle of firewhiskey by his feet, a nasty taste in his mouth and a throbbing in his back and cheek. HE managed to sit upright and snagged the bottle, tipping it upside down and trying ot get the last lingering drops with his tongue. There weren't any to be had though. He gavve a small disappointed groan and then clutched his jaw. He remembered it all in sudden startling clarity.

Girl, botttle, bra clasp, half bottle, bra straps, shirt, and then a resounding smack to his cheek when he'd slipped his hand up her skirt. She was stuck up anyway. Her boyfriend would have been a better choice. He wouldn't have led him on and then decided he was raping her. He looked behind him and found the source of his back pain. A second equally empty bottle of cheap muggle vodka. That would account for why he was passed out alone.

His stomach rumbled. Breakfast....that's what he neeeded, and some coffee or some more alcohol, just enough to take the edge of what was probably some sorry-bastard drinking becoause some girl who wasn't even that hot anyway wouldn't let him get into her pants. WEll he ddin't need her.

He stood up, pulled his shirt closed around him and started to slowly walk ina mostly straight line towards...oh..wrong direction...He did a quick about face and started off past the lake side, pausing once to stretch and awn, cracking his back, and feeling nauseous and crippled by the shooting pain in his spine. He needed to sleep in a proper bed next time. He didn't want Digers to see that he'd fialed though....MAybe he's make a pillow of some sort with his wand. HE checked himself and found it was missing, so he returned to his previous spot and looked about. Being a muggle-born, Ed often forgot about magic when he wasn't actively using it.

HE realised that he could just summon it. So he tried. It smacked into his elbow, but with his cricket and, so he told Diggers, perfect for chaser position reactions, he managed o grab a hold of the wand, feeling a small thrill.

He then started towards the castle. Again.

He was just nearing the lake side when he spotted another sleeper. Nice body too. clothes showed off his figure. If Ed hadn't been feeling so awful, and probbably looking the same, he might have tried it on with this stranger.

Or not....

The stranger was Professor MAsters. Admittedly, Ed wouldn't pass up a chance to try and offer favours for a grade increase, and maybe just because the professor was not the usual old hag they had teaching here. MAybe he should just wander over and wish him good morning...

Moving slowly so as not to betray his hangover and cricked back, he approached the jeans clad figure.

"Morning Professor...." It didn't come out as brightly as he'd hoped, it was still slightly groaned. but hopefully the Professor wouldn't notice and if he did maybe he wouldn't say anything. So he hoped.