THE DATE

~MYRIAD~
* He was practicing in his mind what to say, how to say it. He had all kinds of speeches and odes ready. Finally gathering the courage, more than it took to face those GUARD scum at the fair-grounds. He decided that something too mushy would make her laugh at him, something too detailed would make him look like an obsessed freak, something too vague would make him look stupid, so he decided on a " Dude um I think I'd like to get to know you and stuff, so like wanna go get something to eat?" was the best bet. Before that his speech went something a little more like "I'm not good at these feelings things. You know? It's like rare for a dude like me to meet a dudette like you, and it ain't even the knockers. I mean you ARE beautiful you know? But you're smart, talented, funny, sweet, and you're like a heater. Before you even like say you're old enough to be my mom or some pedophilic shite like that dude hear me out. I adore everything I know about you and you're a heater too. I'd like give anything you know to see you smile, or something, and it's like not even to get you to sleep with me. Weird huh?" But he decided to save /THAT/ special speech for later. At a more /intimate/ time. Her present In his pocket, he'd give that to her tonight, and he even had some flowers. He actually faced the Lair, and tried to find where she was staying. Looking down countless pathways that led ABSOLUTELY nowhere. Finally screaming of all people then Spaz found him, and told him where to go. Figures that freak would know this place. Prolly trying to find a working phone. Finally when he was about to give up all hope he found the pit, where Mica was doing whatever the freak /does/ calling out, in a VERY sarcastic tone * What's up Ludo? * Vanishing again before the ass could get a word back. That keeping him satisfied again for another 25 minutes before again getting utterly /lost/ then calling out at the top of his lungs. * DUDE!!!! Like. . HELP! * Finally in a fit of frustration sliding down a wall and sitting there, deciding, now was as good of a time as any to smoke. Looking at the flowers that were now wilting, and sighing. Lighting the smoke and puffing a few times before trying again. * Duuuuude I'm LOOooost. . .

~WHITFYRE~
*Lyeth sits in her room reading a Game Pro magazine, her CD player softly exuding the chants of "The Mysterious Voices of Bulgaria" in the background. Her green eyes are narrowed with concentration... she had always enjoyed watching games played, helping out, figuring out riddles and secret passageways, etc.., and liked to keep up on strategies and such. Granted, of late she`d fallen behind, and so was catching up, especially since so many in the place enjoyed playing the video games, and heaven forbid if someone wanted her to play and she didn`t know the MK5 death moves and super ultra 15-hit combos. Turning the page to follow the rest of "Fear Effect", she hears a faint cry from the corridors beyond and blinks a few times. What on Earth--? Sitting up, she slides off the bed and steps out the door, listening. Were they under attack? Adrenelin surges (she HATES that, leaves her shakey) and her flames come to her as bidden, just in case, fists wrapped in flames while she stealthily crab-walks down the hallway. She knew that voice, she`s sure, and senses are open, scanning. A sudden heat flare-up... a steady, smaller one afterwards. Smell of smoke. But it smelled... frowning, she follows it, down the hallways that led to exits or the laundry rooms or closets or dead-ends, and peers around the corner to see... she stifles laughter and ducks back behind the corner, certain he hadn`t seen her yet. Then, in an explosive burst, she leaps out, aflame, yelling...* NO SMOKING ZONE!

*Looking at the flowers, deciding almost to give up and simply resolve to grow old and die there. Tossing the flowers a bit down the hall and grumbling. Until the heat, the searing heat and flash, then the yelling. Falling over backwards, and sitting up smoke falling from his lips as he screamed. ** I DON'T WANNA DIE! ** Covering his face with his arms, and then blinking up, seeing as he wasn't burnt to a crisp, blinking and easing his face from behind his arms. Seeing her enflamed, smirking. Well well, good luck for him. Saying simply, as calmly as he could, as shaky as he was. * Hypocrite. Shite dude you were trying to kill me or some shite huh? * Picking up his smoke, taking one last drag, and smooching it under his shoe. He actually dressed nicely, even got his hair cut for the occasion. Looking back up at her, hands still quivering as he used the wall to prop himself up. Finally wandering over to the flowers, which had completely wilted from the heat Still smoking, a bit, he handed them up to her, a very flat expression. * Dude these /were/ for you. * Shoving his hands in his pockets, then folding his arms over his chest, then realizing the stupidity of the situation. * Dude, that was like *He began to chuckle, and then shake his head. * So un-cool. Don't do that again. . . * Giving her a long sideways glance, before leaning against the wall, looking most everywhere but her. His embarrassment was /very/ apparent, cheeks almost as red as his hair, ears too. * So, um, like how are you and stuff?

*Lyeth half doubles over in laughter at his expression, in his oh-so-unique mercy cry, and the coupe de grace, his "hypocrite" comment, which she found clever, and she loved clever. She steadies herself against the wall with one palm, holding her stomach with the other arm, gasping for breath as she finishes her laughing fit* Oh MAN, you shoulda seen yer FACE! Priceless! *A few more giggles, tears wiped from her cheeks... she`d enjoyed that way too much... and then gathers herself back together, finishing with small breaths of soft, sliding chuckles* Naw, naw... If I`d meant to kill you, you`d be dead. *her grin is still broad and white, lighting up her whole face* We-HELL... *she blinks as she finally really /looks/ at him. One brow shoots upward, her glance appreciative* Wut-woo! What YOU all dressed up for, hotshot? Looking sharp there. *A noticable blink of large, rounded eyes, the green quite pronounced, as he hands over the wilted flowers. As she slowly takes them, she notes his trembling hands* For... me? *she smiles* Serves you right, got you back. *her own hands are shakey from the adrenelin rush she`s coming down off of, one major reason she`d probably laughed too much... a nervous kind of energy, it had to be released somehow, and her normal way was through laughter. Or tears. Lyeth hated adrenelin. She didn`t act quite right when it was coursing through her, but she was calming now. Both brows raise as she looks the flowers over* They look like they were very lovely before I got to them. *a smile as she tips her chin up to gaze at him* Thank you, Mark, but why? Not that I don`t like them, I do, just that... *she stops when she sees his full body flush, red and heated cheeks, eyes that won`t make contact, nervous embarrassment, and she hides the toothy grin that spreads over her lips by shoving her face in the damaged flowers, as if to smell them* I`m doing well, thanks. How are you? I didn`t burn you did I? *She knows she didn`t, she has more control than that, but if his clothing was particularly flammable, it could have been singed*

Nah I'm tougher than that, I think. * He added a bit of nervous laughter and cleared he throat, a smile still pressed on his lips because she /noticed/ he was dressed up. /She/ noticed. * Well I'm not /dying/ on a couch like more pathetic than Spot you know? * Looking still at the ground, hands back in his pockets, almost instinctively. He hardly noticed these small nervous give-away.* Nah they were nothin'um they're like fer helpin'me when I was sick you know? * He lied shrugging, finally pressing from the wall taking a deep breath and stammering out. A very shaky. * Yeah they were pretty. * Blinking, not exactly what he intended to say, but it worked. This was not at all going as he planned. Glancing back at her and then shrugging. * Yeah it's good you're doing fine. . . um I needed ta ask you something you know? * Blinking back up at her and then looking around the hallway and hearing his words echo through the hall. * Like did you wanna go get. . . help. . . me find my way out of this maze? * Shaking his head at his own self - defeat and then fiddling with the small box in his pocket. No no no no no no no this was not going at all as he planned. Pressing again against the wall, finally managing. * After I mean since there is no food in the house thanks to like Paul, The Spaz, and Ludo, maybe we could actually get like some food you know? * Pressing his luck as he spoke, finally looking at her a lopsided grin as he continued. * Catch like a movie, I dunno, There's like miniature golf, the Arcade, lots of things to do I am like sick of being in the house. * He was still sick, much, very much better, still sniffles, still coughing, but at least he was mobile. * So you can take a fireblast, but not a little cold? *her mioue is one of pure teasing, she knows it was far more than a cold that put him down, she was there for Leanne`s assessment, but she can`t help playing with him. Well, with that utter embarrassment and shyness he`s trying so hard to overcome, who could? She`s charmed by his actions, the way he`s dressed, the flowers... very few have ever acted this way around Lyeth, and like every girl, she likes the attention and his nervousness. She`s not being mean, just coy... flirting in her own, odd way that not many people ever realized /was/ flirting. Usually it was thought of as mental cruelty* Well, you`re wlecome for the help. I enjoyed doing it. *again, she hides a grin by looking to the side, down the hall. When she glances back at him, its with a twist of the lips, like an insufferable smirk, though she`s just greatly pleased his attempts* Sure, I`ll help you out of this "maze". Didn`t realize you weren`t issued a map upon arrival. I`ll get you a starter`s kit later. Then she blinks widely* Ludo? Who`s Ludo? I mean, besides the guy in the movie. *She lowers the bouquet of flowers and beams broadly at Mark, a spark in her eyes, delighted, and maybe too pointedly asking--* Why Mark, are you asking me out on a date??

Yeah I'm a wimp when it comes to being sick, dude I just like alla tha pury girls all over me. * His voice dead sarcastic, then utterly flat. The color drained from his face. He didn't care if she was joking, too many people thought he faked the whole damn thing. It was simply cruel. He didn't mention this though, instead he just added off handed. * Yeah that rock jerk, my new name for him. Ludo. * Smirking a bit glancing a bit sideways. * Big, stupid, too much hair, calls on rocks, I think that like it's like too much a like to be a coincidence. And I got the map, but like I kinda used it as a coaster and then tossed it you know? * Falling silent as she spoke, not saying a word, instead glancing at her, looking at her grin . She was going to laugh at him just like when he wasn't serious asking if she was single or something. He felt his heart sink from the upper atmosphere to somewhere near his feet. Waiting then for her to simply stomp on it a few more times and then hand it back with the flowers laughing. Though it was a /very/ very cute laugh. Shrugging and saying very lightly. * I dunno, maybe. I mean if /you/ would call it that. I dunno. * Maybe's were definitely safe. Glancing back towards her and then clearing his throat, feeling about 2 inches tall. What happened to the confidence that he had walking in here? Crap, no girl ever turned him down, well there was Mydia, but that girl didn't count, and besides she was a petty bet. This was so vastly different. Kicking at the ground for a moment and taking a deep breath, before she could really shoot him down. * See, I kinda like ya, and well though that maybe that we could get together, and like I dunno do stuff. * Blinking back at her, again trying before she could say no- or even worse the dreaded hell no- * I think you're really great. You're smart, pretty, and yeah I guess it kinda would be a date, and stuff. *There he said it, there was no turning back now. Almost wincing waiting for the inevitable. Damn was he rusty. *

*The moment Lyeth sees the color drain, she backs off the subject, obviously a sore spot for him. Maybe later, even much later, she`d discuss it with him, and files it away for another time. She won`t use the issue again, even for fun. Instead, she laughs in her silvery manner and shakes her head* Oh. /Heath/. *a small chuckle* Heath`s not stupid. *she grins at she says this, a bright, open grin with bright, open eyes, as open an expression as she can muster so no misunderstandings can be incurred* Just... tactless. *again, she smiles broadly, not taking her eyes off him, but lowering her head so she has to look up at him through her lashes. There was no map. She takes a breath and keeps watching him* Well, yes, I`d call it a date. two people setting a time to go to a place together. That's a date, an excursion pre-decided upon even if the decision comes two seconds before they go out. Friends can make dates, parents to kids. Its just a /date/. Sometimes it can mean more, tho. *Of all the things he stammers out, she catches onto one phrase and lifts her head, head tilting to the side, eyes still riveted to his face, her lips pulled into a much softer smile, but noticeable, nonetheless. /Get together and like I dunno--* ...."Do stuff"? *its an oddly intense gaze she gives him, and perhaps a strange thing to clamp onto, but to her, its important*

Heath?! huh his parents must have hated him more than I do dude. . .he's a doof. Tactless my ass, he's a damned pud, * Saying very quietly, finally mock shuddering at this and getting all weirded out. Still looking around then blinking back at her as she didn't give him an exact answer. Shrugging then at her question saying even quieter. Catching the gaze and shying away from it completely. Saying stammering out. * Yeah like eat, or dude I dunno like golf, movie, or something. . . I'd pay and stuff. . . * Trying to cover himself from the sheer embarrassment, and near anger that seemed to lightly touch everything. * Aw Just forget it, nevermind. * His tone growing fainter, flatter. * It's like not a big deal anyway. * The heart sinking more from the feet deeper into the ground somewhere near 500 below sea-level. At least it was harder to kick there. Finally just turning around, hand clamping very tightly, white knuckles, sweat over the small box. His eyes narrowed, thinking of how stupid he actually was for thinking she'd ever consider anything. Even with that very very sexy smile. Parents and kids, friends riiiiiiight. He's heard the next line before he's used it several times himself. ~ You're so sweet, such a nice friend ~ OR something to that effect. He just remained silent then.'excursion' ? What the heck did that mean? Pre-determined? Whatever. Shaking his head, 'Just be yourself' his white hairy. . . blinking then as he realized what he /just/ said. Blinking again and then very slowly pulling out the box, and handing it to her. * This is fer you too I guess, I mean if you don't want it it's okay. * Holding out his hand, waiting for her to take it, or simply walk away. Either way figuring his chances were blown, and well she could at least enjoy the present. Inside of course, was a very expensive, very beautiful white solitaire. He figured it was a silver chain, but indeed it was white gold, small spiraled. The rock that was on it, about the size of his pinky nail, wasn't a high quality diamond, but incased too by white gold, that swirled around the diamond. It was pretty, almost as pretty as her. *

Mark... *She ignores the proffered gift for now, instead reaching a hand for his shoulder to lightly lay her hand on it, smiling gently. Oddly enough, she looks /pleased/ by his response* No need to get defensive. I wasn`t trying to trap you or anything, just a little... clarification. I`d love to go out with you and... whatever. *she smiles broader until her eyes are half-closed by it, and bright, like green gems* I haven`t been on a date in, gosh, three years or so. More I think. Golf or movie, those sound great. And food. I`m starved. *she breaks into a full grin, white teeth showing, small and straight. She holds his gaze a bit longer, then drops her eyes to what he holds in his hands, again blinking a moment at it before reaching out to take it, slightly bemused* Another thing for me...? *Tucking the dying flowers under one arm, she opens the little velvet box after a flick of an inquisitive glance up at him, then back down. Her eyes widen immensely as she sees the necklace, the diamond, the whitegold. Her favorite. A sharp jolting look back to him, back down, and she's speechless for a moment, taken aback and by surprise* ...I... I don`t know... *she stammers inelegantly, shakes her head, smiles, frowns and stares up at him again, a wave of emotions and thoughts visable over her face* --What to say. It`s beautiful. I mean, it`s really beautiful. But you shouldn`t have... this was expensive, Mark. I don`t think I`m... worth this. You don`t owe me anything, you know. I-- it really /is/ pretty. Why--? *flabbergasted, she can`t think of a coherent sentence, stunned. She blinks at him repeatedly, wide-eyed, almost expressionless*

Sorry * He managed and nearly melts when she actually touches him. Not hearing much of anything until she starts stammering, watching her, and almost flushing with pride. Oh thank /GOD/ she liked it. It took him literally HOURS to find, it was that or the stupid oversized teddy bear. He hated teddy bears, especially over sized. Content that she managed to say his name twice in the same paragraph. Not sure what to say about that either. * I didn't get it because I owed you anything. I just though . . you'd like it. * And that was about as honest as it could get. There were so many reasons he got it for her, to impress her, to prove he just wanted a piece of poontang pie. Coughing a bit and then saying. * I can help you put it on if you want. . .* A bit unsure if she'd go for that or not. Finally blinking at what she said before the necklace even. She said /yes/ His heart quickly stopped digging it's own grave and soared, nearly exploding from his body. Sprouting wings, and wound up somewhere near Jupiter. Feeling almost a bit faint, dry mouth, and it passed as quickly as it came. He instead simply watched her for a long moment. * I kinda got it, well because I like you Lyeth . . .* Sniffing a bit, still suffering from his 'illnesses'before folding his arms over his chest again. Remembering too they were /still/ in the Lair. Not wanting to ruin whatever kind of moment this was by mentioning this either he held his tongue. *

I love it... *she breathes, elated by the gift and oddly suspicious, too. People didn`t just go around /giving/ someone stuff like this, did they? Cautious by nature and paranoid by necessity, she doesn`t even touch it for a long time, just looks at it. She smiles again, softly. It was gorgeous. She just doesn`t know how to take this. He likes her, he said it himself. And this was a gift, to prove it. She did the same for others, bought them little things, but... she suddenly becomes animated again, glancing around her. To put it on herself, she`d either have to lay the flowers down or hold them between her knees, and either seems a bit disrespectful, so she nods and hands him the box back, turning to face her back to him, holding her hair out of the way so he could easily clasp the necklace* Thank you, Mark. I`ve never had anything so lovely. *it makes her feel... /glowy/. Shiny. Special. Stupid things to feel, yes, and they`d fade soon enough, but for the moment, she revels in it. Then a huge, cheshire-like grin where he can`t see* So... where we going to eat?

Calming h is hands fully then and very gently, as if he were handling a new-born kitten clasped the necklace on her. Making sure the chain clasp was directly in the middle too. Surprisingly he didn't fumble at all. Quickly then removing his hands and taking the box back and sliding it into his pocket for good measure. Shrugging then adding a quiet. * I dunno, I mean what do you like to eat? Italian, or like Chinese? There's a really good restaurant I heard of is like not too far from here. *He shrugged again now at a loss what to do and say, he hadn't actually planned this far ahead. And desperately finding he wanted another cigarette, if anything to calm his nerves. Resisting the pressing urge, and saying, in a very light hearted tone. * Like I think we need to find our way outta here first you know? Do you like need a jacket er something? *Doubting she really got cold with her powers, but one never knew. Taking off his Jacket, just in case, folding it over one arm just if she did need it. Leaning to face her indeed it looked lovely on her. Smiling at this too, before ripping his eyes from her looking to the left and to the right. Still at a loss of which way to go. * This way right?

*Lyeth can feel the gentleness with which Mark works and she smiles at it, noting quite keenly when/if his skin ever comes in contact with hers, but it never lingers... he was being a gentleman. She can`t stop smiling.Soon as he`s done clasping the necklace, she lowers her hair and turning to face him again, or partially so* Gosh, anything. Chinese.. sure, let`s go there. That sounds good. *she gives a silvery peal of laughter and turns a bright eye to him, grinning* We`re near an exit. Tell you what, stay here for just a sec. I have to go put these in water before its too late, maybe ask Stevie to doctor them up a bit. *she`s already started down the hallway, twisting back to call out to him* Stay right here! Don`t go away, i`ll be right back! Smoke or something while you wait. *then she vanishes for a few minutes, but not overly long. She`s back about 7 minutes later, just enough time for a smoke. She bounds back up to him, smiling broadly as she has the entire time, wearing a different shirt that was chosen only for its longer sleeves. She doesn`t pause as she passes him, but takes him by the arm to turn him to follow her, then lets go* This way, exit 9. Takes us out close to the roadway. /Nothing/ is close to this place, but I can get us there. *She takes them down what seems to be a very dark, winding passage. Surefooted, she knows the way, and shortly enough they`re rewarded with a soft breeze tinted with the scent of pine trees and night. She`s been glowing a bit the entire way, enough light for them to see by, and here she becomes brighter, indicating the exit, which is a very well hidden trap door in the side of a small hillside* A small climb, but I can give you a boost. *she herself floats up to the door, which is about 5 feet up the side of the end of the passage. Striking the right place, the door flaps open silently and she hovers out almost horizontally... he`d need to crawl out, but there are shallow footholds for him to use on his way up. Oustide is dusk, the sun had just set, and Lyeth is happy with this* I can TK us most of the way there. How you feel about flying?

Blinking as she left, nearly falling to a pile of goo on the floor, and instinctively lighting up a smoke. Actually going through two by the time she got back, he noted the different attire, and grinned. She actually was getting fussied up over /him/ Standing and then feleing her drag him along with her. Smiling, almost stumbling, as she lets go. Blinking and managing a very confused. * Exit number nine? Dude you see why I stay in the house then. * Moving down the dark passage finally scrambling up the narrow passage. Trying to remember how they got there and the place she hit. Aw screw it he'd get her a cell-phone, nothing was worth this. . . well Looking up at her and grinning. Then again. . .* Dude like being born all over again. * Standing up and brushing himself off before blinking as she hovered above him . . . The golds that raked across the ground receding as he blinked, the sun long gone, the sky still a mild blue. Looking up at her, and shrugging. * Why not, as long as you don't like drop me or something. . . * He finally managed to relax a bit as well. The jumble of crap he was feeling subsided and he could actually sort out things, well as logically as Mark could that is. Closing his eyes, waiting for something, anything. Creasing his eyes open to see that he was already in the air, no great gush of wind, no weird feeling, just the ground was gone. Feeling just as stable, just as comfortable. Grinning, ear to ear, looking back to her. * Bitchin'

*She laughs gently and gives him a look* We didn`t always have the house, you know. We`ve gotten too brazen, I think we`ll have to leave soon. I know Jakorri`s already looking for a new place, some new land. *she sighs* It`ll suck, leaving this place. Its been our home for so long, but we`re too... open... with the house and junk. But! be that as it may! *she drops the subject and moves onto a nicer one, and she chuckles* I won`t drop you... long as you`re a good boy. *Lyeth winks as she hovers him closer, speaking softly* I`m using TK only, no bright lights that way. No loud noises either, mind you, no yelling or screaming and keep arms and legs inside until we land, please. When yer better, I`ll take you out to /really/ fly, if you`d like. *Inside the TK bubble, she regulates the temperature and atmosphere, making the fact they are moving fast unaffecting and comfortable. She cruises over the land high enough up to be difficult to make out in the night sky, some distance above the treetops* Give me directions, I don`t know where we`re going. *They`re in the same bubble, but she doesn`t touch him, doesn`t have to hold his hand to make him fly too. The city lights are up and bright, dots below and before them, the stars out overhead. Night flying is always lovely and serene*

Blinking in awe at the sheer thrill of flying, that and well LYETH flying him, he hardly noticed her talking until she mentioned a good boy. Narrowing his eyes a bit and raising his chin. * Dude I'll be like the best 'little boy'you've seen. Heck I didn't know you were into that sort of thing. Huh huh. * Feeling quite comfortable and not even sure /where/ they were at that point. Finally orienting himself and pointing towards the city in the distance. * It 's that way, I mean we could walk once we get to The Mall, I know where everything is from The Mall. . . * Thinking about this for a moment, and then realizing they couldn't feasibly just land- on the roof or anything, they couldn 't just fly on up there, it would most likely require a lot of walking. And well, really not the walking type, offers. * Or you could drop us off at the first payphone dude, we can like, call a cab or something. . . *His cheeks still flushed as he glanced at her, then finally focusing on the city lights. Anything to take away from the throbbing of his little heart. Almost a bit sad she didn't have to grab on to him to make him fly, that would have /made/ his night. His mind racing on all the things they could do, wanting to do everything with her. Heck he'd even manage to go to a fancy art museum and behave! Smirking and saying off handed. * I mean we could go dancing, what do you want to do?

Hey, I have my little secrets. *Lyeth winks, grinning broadly at Mark from the corner of her eye, then non-chalantly flips over onto her back, so she can see him better, still flying, then flips back onto her belly as he points down to the city, her ease and grace in flight one born of a great deal of experience. She tips her head, nodding* Near the Mall? Okay *a brief frown of thought* I wish, sometimes, I still had Aerik in my head using telepathy to shield anyone from seeing me land or fly was so handy. Can`t do that anymore, tho, and its rather frustrating in a lazy-kinda` way. *a soft sigh* Yeah, there`s not much coverage down there. It`d be a good mile or two of walking if I wanna be careful which I DO. *another little grin thrown over to him, and she nods* I know of an out-of-the-way payphone, just a 5 minute walk from where we can safely land. 15 minute taxi ride or less. Sure you can afford all this? *Lyeth was forever in a `thrifty` mode, just the way she was raised. Extraneous spending was an alien concept to her* Chinese and dancing? *three quick blinks* I haven`t gone dancing in gosh, I don`t think I ever have. Aerik wouldn`t let me and after that I just kinda stayed to myself. There`s an under 21 dance club across town, not too far, called "Thirsty`s". We can go there, I hear it`s a hip place, 18 and over, young crowd sorta thing. Sound okay? *She makes her route for the safety zone, an under-developed suburb housing area that still claimed a good deal of coverage with Pine trees and such. The touch-down is gentle, of course, and she points up the street once they walk out from behind the trees* Right up ahead, about two blocks, there`s a payphone at the Circle K. This area is still central to the city, so a taxi won`t take long to get there. Thank God Spokane is still so urban.

Aerik? In your head? *Not even going to ask about that one, he heard of the pointed ear freak, even was stuck near him when they Big Battle ensued, drew a picture of him once, shuddering at the thought of a telepath, any telepath. Watching her practically roll over and trying to not watch her at the same time. Believe me it was difficult. * Under 21? Whaaa? Dude I have like Id's that say I am 30 something, . . . *blinking up at her and then nodding. * Yeah but those under 21 clubs are like. . . good. *Blinking again at the mention of the dude and then adding. * Is really easy dudette. Urban. . . right. Boring is more like it. * Before he even knew it their short trip was over. Setting down and blinking, looking, knowing this Circle K /very/ well. This is where Rocky and him stole that pack of smokes, making the police chase them had to get her damned jacket back from the cops and wound up stealing the drugs and the bike. Trying to muffle his laughter at this brief memory then pausing in the happy memory. Figuring Rocky was dead, he hadn't allowed himself to really think about it for a very long time. Blinking and grabbing the phone, and the phone-book, popping in the 35 cents and telling the cab where they were. Hanging up the phone, he wasn't about to ruin the evening by bringing up Rocky, instead he shoved his hands in his pockets, after lighting another smoke, narrowing his eyes, not too sure what to talk about at this point. * SO, um like, what do you like to do? Not that there's much to do at the house. . . besides starve.

*She giggles a moment and rolls her eyes slightly, smiling the whole time* Well, Mr. Cross, if you`d like to go to a more adult club, just lemme know. I`ll accommodate. *as they walk for the Circle K, she chuckles and glibly adds, off-handedly* I know its not the most exciting city, I think that`s what Jakki had in mind when she chose it at first. Now it`s a hotbed of activity and growing more each year. Not sure if that`s good or not, to be honest. Never safe anywhere *she trails off tho as he picks up the receiver and dials for a cab. When he`s finished, she resumes* I`m not really sure what I like to do anymore. My excursions outside the Lair have been limited by necessity. *she frowns delicately and shrugs after a moment* I go to movies. I watch them at home. I read a lot, sketch a little. I love to fly, have to do that at night tho, and keep under radar range, stuff like that. I practice my gymnastics and tai kwan do, I cook when we have food. *a little frown over a twist of lips* Which we always use to have around, before that Spikey kid we never lacked so much as we have in a looong time. I like video games watching them, anyway. I like playing fighting games, but not RPGs. I just like watching those. And I can kick butt on Castlevania, any number, and Mega-Man! *old ones, she knows* Um I like looking at art and have always wanted to go to a concert of some kind. I love symphonies. *a pause for breath and she looks at him curiously* What about you? What do you like to do?

* He shrugged, and leaned against the phone box. Looking at the clouding sky. * Nah the under clubs are okay. * Listening for a while, literally snapping his head down as she spoke. Trying so very very hard not to interup, until she was finished. * No way! I love video-games! I am the king of video games. . . Dude, I rule the Arcade! *The rest of the interests still logged in the back of his mind, symphonies?! Tai-Kawn Do? Uhhh suuure. * Dude I have Metal Gear Super Solid, All the square games dude, I just picked up the PSX3, with the money Spikey gave me for thrashin'my TV. . . dude I have top score at alla the games at the arcade, well except Resident Evil 8, the final last chapter. . . It's got a bug or some shite. . . I have alla the MKs, Streetfighers, I mean. . . craaap dude, you shoulda told me you liked games! *Pausing as not wanting to seem like an obsessed freak, but so few girls actually /liked/ video games let alone played the fighting ones! Blinking and then thinking what his other interests were. * Dude back in Cali I 'd blade, surf, skate, I was getting'pretty good too 'til this crap. * Thinking for a bit scratching his chin with the hand holding the smoke. * I like TV, Soap Operas, dude don't laugh, I liked Jerry before like he totally died, *Shrugging and thinking more. * I really dig you know the whole new club scene, anything but classical, and like country. I like smoking, sleeping, eating. . . * Though by how thin he was you could hardly tell. Extinguishing the smoke as he finished and shrugged again. * I dunno I 'm kinda boring you know? Not like totally 'cultured'I guess. . .*Raising a brow and adding if anything trying to impress her a bit. * I'm like real good a chemistry and stuff though. . . it's kinda lame but, *Looking as the Taxi came, quicker than he thought. The grin back on his face as it approached, stopped. He pulled open the door for her, just like the dudes in the movies. * Peking Palace dude. .

*She keeps silent as he totally goes off on video games, and smiles at it, looking away a moment to keep from chuckling aloud. Then she looks back up, head tipped to the side, eyes bright* I`ve never bladed. Only roller skated. I was good at it and all, but would love to try blading. Even ice skating, tho the cold doesn`t agree with me very much. And no where around here to surf, period. *she chuckles lightly, grinning* I don`t do soap operas, can never get into em. I LOVE classical music, but not country. *again, she chuckles, nodding* I`m kinda boring too. Don`t get out much, don`t have any special interests or hobbies but reading my Game Pros and comics and such. Um I write. A little. Nothing major. I really live a pathetic life, only gets exciting when the GUARD comes around to beat the crap outta us or something. And that`s a little too serious, so *She blinks, brows raising in surprise* Chemistry? Really? I`ve always been fascinated by genetics and genealogy, myself. But that`s not quite the same. Still, I find science of any kind very interesting. I took a test once, to see what side of the brain I was you know, scientific or creative, and I was equally left and right brained. I dunno what that means, but I wanna find out sometime. *She turns to watch the taxi approach, impressed when he opens the door for her that scores BIG points and slides inside, seat first, then swinging her long legs in last. She`d read somewhere that it was the most graceful and appealing way for a lady to enter a car and had done it for years now. Exiting a car was the exact opposite*

GUARD can bite me. *Hushing about that as he hopped into the cab. Blinking again as she continued. * Duude you like comics? No way. . . Most girls are complete like nerds who like comics. I would have never have though dude. . . * He didn't notice her 'most appealing'way to enter a car, instead he was too thrilled they have more than one thing in common, and that was GUARD. Still beaming, as he sat back, buckled the safety belt, and rolled down the window a tad. Knowing enough about cabs to know funky smelling stuff could come from the back seat. Glancing at the Your Driver's Name is Abieeb- and snorting lightly. * Figures, yeah Chemistry is kinda boring, it's like all numbers, though it was fun blowing crap up. . .*Looking at her and grinning to prove he was kidding. Shrugging at the classical music, his mind on a billion subjects at once. * Dude it's like so boring man it like all sounds the same. *Shrugging again. * I never could get into it you know? *Listening to her about the tests and grinning, he knew what she was taking about but had no experience in the area. Instead saying lightly. * I think it means like you are perfect or somethin'. I think I'm front brained. Or that's like what my guidance counselor told me. *Finally taking a very deep breath, actually finding he hadn't breathed for quite sometime offering a soft. * Woah. *Brushing the strands of hair that managed to fall in his face, away. It was much cleaner, much shorter now, and actually looked /decent/ . * Dude a lot to talk about. . .* Looking then out the window for a moment, watching the streets go by, the street-lamps. Wanting to talk about things they really couldn't here, but that was okay. * You have a TV in yer room? I mean you can borrow the PSX3, and a few games and stuff, I don't mind. I mean I don't have a TV, and the one in the front room, kinda. . .died.

*Lyeth grins brightly as he mentions comics again, a subject on which she was quite knowledgeable* I don`t mind being called a geek or nerd for liking comics, I grew up on them. I diversified a few years ago, into some indies and small press now, but I love them. *she says the next softly, as if afraid she`ll be ridiculed* That`s what I write. Comic scripts. I do several different genres. Maybe, if you`re interested sometime, I mean, you can read a few of em? Tell me what you think? I haven`t really shown anyone else and would love some input. *she waves a hand then and laughs lightly* Chemistry is cool, I just have no math skills beyond fractions and long division. Tried chemistry and couldn`t quite get into it, but quantum physics is kinda cool. When I can understand it. And biochemistry. *she nods briefly, also fastening her belt, rolling her own window down just a tad* A lot of people think classical all sounds the same, but it doesn`t. Just like anything else, it has variety. My fave is Beethoven, and I know how `small minded` that sounds, but he`s really the coolest of them. I like anything orchestrated. It holds such power, you know? Yeah, I have a TV. The Pit has the huge entertainment center tho, and Kevin and Heath play their games on it all the time. I just sit and watch them, doodle a bit and write and watch them. Its cool, relaxing. I kick their /butts/ at Mortal Kombat, tho. They hate playing with me. I fight dirty. *she grins at that* Um I`ve only read about a lot of the games you mentioned. Maybe one day you can show em to me..? I`d like to see em. *They arrive quickly enough to the Peking Palace, Abieeb not smiling as he asks for $5.30. Lyeth smiles as she peers out the window and glances at the place. Its been awhile since she`s been out to eat anywhere besides Pizza hut*

Dude I'd love to read anything you would write! Man I bet our lives like could totally give you something interestin g to scribble down eh? * Blinking as she then mentioning she never told anyone else. Feeling incredibly special at that point, practically glowing. * Man like I totally blare I am good a chemistry, yeeeah riiiight. Well dude they need to try me sometime, I would wail on alla ya'*Grinning a bit of pride, and male machoness shining through. * Yeah man I can lend them to you too if you wanna. Dude when we get back we'll have to play. * Fishing out a 10 and just giving it to the guy saying. * Thanks dude. * Be fore scrambling out and leaving the door open for her. Tilting his head. * Not like totally great fer style, but hey better than walking and stuff. * Glancing at the Chinese place that Sonic first met Rocky at. The place he usually gaffleled a free meal f rom. He still managed to buy enough from them they never suspected. Opening the door to the restaurant for her too calling out over the loud crowd that was there for dinner. * Yo'Mei Wassup? *Waving to the hostess over the crowd who turned and smiled. An older lady that Mark actually liked. She showed them to a booth offering them the beers of the house Mark ordering one, and then glancing at the menu. * Dude, they like have the best Kung-Pow chicken man, spicy as hell but it kicks serious bootie. * Looking over the menu and then back up at her, a small sinking feeling creeping over him. This wasn't a pity date he hoped, oh he hated those. His mom made him go out with her pal's daughters alla the time. But looking for the benefit of the doubt, and offering a timid-ish * Um thanks fer going to dinner with me and stuff. . .

They do! It`s where I get most my ideas from5 change the names and stuff of course. I`m not the best artist, but I can do well enough. Um, Aerik kinda got tired of my crap drawings and boosted a few things in me. "There, now you will not /suck/", as he put it. *she gives a weak grin and tries to push her cousin out of the conversation, coughing a bit as how much she mentioned him. Hard not to, really, he was a huge part of her life for so long and she has to admit to herself, she was concerned about his whereabouts, not that he couldn`t handle himself, he /could/ but instead, she grins at his boasting and arches a brow playfully* You think so? Well, the challenge is accepted. I`ll whoop yer butt at MK. Long as I can play Mileena. I`m a WIZ with her. *She winks as he holds the door open for her and she slides out as elegantly as she can muster, feeling just slightly "on the spot" a date. She`s rusty. As they enter, she realizes immediately he`s a regular, and smiles to herself, inwardly. He was really going out on this one, eager to impress. And being very cute about it, too. She shrieks to herself, mentally. What was she doing?? He was almost 3 years younger than she, not even legal to drink. //3// years younger. Was she humoring him? Or herself? What was she doing? Getting his hopes up? Maybe her own? Why even go out? Why do this to either of them? She forces practicality and fears aside just enjoy it. Enjoy it, Lyeth, allow yourself this just /once/ at least. Live in the now. She calms herself and sits at their booth, politely declining the beer and asking instead for a coke* Sorry, I just detest beer. Never got the taste for it. Not much of a drinker at all, I`m afraid. *she makes a small face at the mention of how spicy the dish is and then again gives an apologetic look* I know I`m a Pker, but my stomach isn`t. I can`t handle spicy. I`m a wimp when it comes to spice. I LIKE spices, mind you, flavor is great, I just can`t handle the /heat/. *she offers a small laugh* Pretty wussy for a fire girl, isn`t it? I love almond chicken tho, can I have that? Oh, oh! This combo here, number 5 almond chicken, fried prawn, sweet and sour pork, fried rice. Perfect! *she glances up at him, smiling gently, genuinely* Thank you for inviting me. It was a pleasant surprise.

This Aerik guy is a real prick, why would you listen to like what he says anyway? He's obviously jealous and shite. * Blinking as her face faultered and decided to drop the subject, though she brought him up like 3 times already. Obviously he was important. Blinking ?Oh great don't tell me she dated the prick. His gaze narrowing as she changed the subject. Leaning back. * Oh puh-lease, Meeleena is such a cheeser character! * He said teasing pouring his beer into the glass and shrugging. * I think it's an required taste or somethin'you know? I hated it fer a while til *He started to chuckle. * James and I used to go out and like take our boards down Harbour right? To Mile, High, well not like you know where that like is, and anyway he used to work there, and we'd think were soo cool dude, we'd score a 40 from the owner man who was a total lush man, and act all cool in the back of the store slamming it down. Heh, anyway I think that's like how I got to liking it in the first place. I was like never brave enough to tell him it tasted like goat piss. * He rambled for a bit and coughed, looking at the menu almost laughing aloud at her not liking hot foods. * YOU don't like hot foods? Dude you are a walking contra. . diction I think you know? Crap . . .* Smirking still looking at his menu, * No smoking. . . heh. * He manged to shake his head and glance up at what she wanted. Smiling and nodding, nearly unable to contain himself from bouncing, clamoring on top of the table and dancing. Smiling as the waitress as she approached. * Hello dudette Faa, *She shook her head, hand on her hip almost looking like she was going to reprimand him, instead she just shook her head and went to take their order. * Um like she wants the number 5, and I want the number 12, extra spicy please! *Giving her a very genuine smile before handing her the menus and glancing back at Lyeth. * Dude honestly thinking about it, I didn't like think you'd even take me seriously and stuff. But I'm glad you did! *The last part seeming very upbeat. He wanted to just talk, listen to everything she had to say. *