xp_logs | Angelo and Alex, Tuesday afternoon

They meet by chance in the grounds and play basketball.

Alex was outside on the basketball courts, shooting hoops by himself. He liked the peace and quiet and was able to just concentrate on the ball and the hoop and nothing else, which wasn't an easy thing to do in a place like this.

His peace and quiet was about to be disturbed, but not hugely. Angelo had chosen to bring the puppy this way for a change. They could be heard before seen, as the puppy barked excitedly at everything that moved.

Alex turned in surprise at the bark and then was tripped up by a brown blur weaving between his legs.The basketball went rolling away as Alex laughed, trying to regain his blanace. "Wow there...Hey little one." '

Angelo laughed, coming into view. "Hey, Alex. Sorry about that - she's gettin' strong, keeps yankin' the leash away when I'm not payin' attention."

The blonde looked up from where he was kneeling, trying to avoid the happy tongue. "it's no problem dude. We're just getting aquainted."

Angelo looked down, grinning. "Forgot you hadn't met her yet. This is Joyita, she loves the world."

Alex finally let her lip his nose. "She's a lab, she's supposed too!" He stood up as he scratched her behind the ears. "She's lovely Angelo."

Angelo beamed, crouching down to continue the puppy-petting, then scooping her up to talk to Alex with them both on the same level. "One of the best presents I ever got."

Alex's hand went back tot he puppy's ears after she'd been picked up. "I can imagine. I had to do a lot of Lorna calming that month. She thought between Joyita and Frank, her kitchen was doomed."

Angelo grinned. "She's a good girl, aren't you, chiquita?" he answered. "Stays in the doorway an' everythin', when I'm in there."

"Good, I'll make sure Lorna knows that." not paying attention, he got another slimey kiss on the nose. "Damn, she's got good aim!"

"They all do", Angelo observed, amused. "Gotta watch yourself, or you get washed."

Alex laughed as he finally tore himself away from the puppy and retrieved his basketball, dribbling a bit. "Wanna shoot some hoops? I'm sure Joyita will have fun tripping us up and making it more interesting..."

"Sure thing", Angelo answered cheerfully, putting the puppy down and holding her still for a minute. "No goin' runnin' off, 'kay, Joyita. Stay here."

Alex had to stifle a giggle as the puppy looked up at Angelo with a pathetic look. Then he tossed the ball at the other boy. "Let's go!"

Angelo caught it easily and moved into play, dribbling the ball towards the goal. "'s been too long since I did this."

"Hey it's just a little one on one. No one cares how you play...as long as you play." He winked as he stole the ball and did a quick layup.

Angelo grinned, catching it as it came back down. "Not too strict on the rules, then?"

"No powers, but besides that go wild." Alex caught the grin and returned it.

Angelo nodded. "No powers. Much as it'd be fun, it wouldn't exactly be fair - yours wouldn't give you much of an advantage here."

Alex shrugged. "Plus I might be gettign control but not that much. Wouldn't want to hurt your little darlin' by accdient." Alex moved to get between Angelo and the basket, ready to block a shot.

Angelo dribbled the ball casually, looking for a way past Alex's block. "True enough. You'll get there, though."

Moving to attempt to steal the ball again, Alex just smiled. "I know...But let's play ball!"

Angelo grinned. "Ball it is."