Overload [Kendra/Cecil]

Kendra hadn't lost the intense look, seeming to somehow become even more determined than before. Really, any normal person would've been tipped off that Kendra never stopped trying to do what she wanted after Kendra physically dragged somebody much taller than her around, trying to hide any signs she was struggling.

"You're at least going to give me your address. Or phone number." Once again, any normal person would realize they sounded like a stalker once they spoke those kinds of words so forcefully. Kendra, however, thought she sounded like a mature and responsible leader. The contrast between what Kendra imagined and what her actions said would confuse most people if they were able to read her thoughts.

She looked around again, as though she was sure she heard something. But it, really, was nothing, and Kendra just needed to stop thinking too hard about everything. "Talk to me about what you're going to do instead of studying. Tell me what you plan to do for breaks." The girl looked ready to bolt, like she was once again planning on dragging Cecil behind her as she attempted to be helpful.

Ok...lines were crossed there. His head hurt like hell, but he was not letting that one pass. "Or...what? You're going to follow me home? Find out my address? Wake up early in the morning to stalk me to and from a school you may not even go to, and hound me as I go about my life? Because that wouldn't be creepy at all. No way that'd get you arrested."
She...didn't really have any right to make such a demand.

He was starting to get more exasperated. The last demand had shifted the tone, and with it, his attitude. "Do...I get a say in any of this? I appreciate not being stuck in the festival, but this is still my life you're trying to commandeer here. We met...20 minutes ago at most."

Kendra's temper chose that moment to begin to flare up. Really, it was her fault for not really understanding personal boundaries, for trying to take over the life of a stranger, but why was he trying to interfere with her attempts to help him? "Seriously? Fucking seriously? I'm not some goddam stalker for some guy I just met and was able to drag around. How low do you think my standards are? Secondly, I'm just trying to help. You should really just listen to my advice, because then you might actually get better!"

She felt better after her outburst, but she began to think about her previous actions. She had been really forceful. Other people liked to say she was controlling, but she just was trying to help. Still, what she had been asking was similar to what a stalker would ask. The realization hit her, and she knew she had to stop. It was hard stopping, but she was more than strong enough to.

She got up, looking at Cecil. "You should be able to get out of here if you take a left, go ahead, then take a right, go ahead again, then take two lefts. You're right. Sorry. I was too focused on trying to help that I didn't actually take your needs into consideration." The bitter words came out almost robotically from the many times Kendra had said some. It wasn't that she wasn't sorry, it was just she felt she was in the right. "For now, we should just part ways. I think that would be best. Good luck dealing with your headache."

He wanted to stare her down, but all he could do was wince. Her voice was bigger than she was, and oh god his head did not appreciate it. The outburst sent him reeling as pain flared in his mind.

It took him a few moments to recover from that.

He rose, rubbing at his head. "...me too. Thanks for the help, and I appreciate the sentiment but...not like that, please. Even if you think you're helping...people's lives aren't exactly yours to dictate, you know." He groans, and slips on his headphones. "Bye."

From there, he stepped off, making his way away from the noise and lights to sweet, sweet freedom...
And pain relief.
Oh god he wished he had some painkillers.

Kendra watched Cecil leave for a few moments, feeling a little bit of sadness. She thought she really had been doing well all things considered. Still, things didn't end as badly as they probably could've, and that was always a good thing.

"You were better. Next time you'll be helpful." Maybe mumbling to herself about it was odd, but it was reassuring. A promise of sorts.

Kendra went back the way she had dragged Cecil, listening to the noises of the festival grow louder. Maybe she'd end up going to the river. The dojo? She wasn't going to go back home. Regardless, Kendra marched her way through the side streets, ready to get back to being on her own, silently thankful for her vaguely pleasant encounter with Cecil.