[Closed] Not much of a welcome`

[Jake Redford]

AND YOU'VE GOT NOWHERE ELSE TO GO
and you're lost within your own home
YOU'RE TRYING TO HARD TO WIN - - -

Jake was not a deep thinker. Well, not most of the time. Most of the time he was with his friends, doing whatever he wanted without thinking too much about it. Perhaps as a child he'd been more conscious of his actions; before Ludus Elementum he'd been your average shy guy. But three years - about to become four - at the school had changed him into someone quite unrecognisable to his former self. And he liked it. Life was easier when you didn't think so much about everything you did. And so Jake, on his first day of the new year at school, had come down to the lake, on a whim.

He hadn't been here since his first year. It hadn't changed much, though; it was still not quite beautiful but rather peaceful. The main reason Jake had come was because his friends had not yet arrived. And without his friends he somewhat reverted back to his old, quiter, self, and liked to be on his own. The walk over the fields to get here had been tranquil compared to the noise he would be making in a few days when the others arrived. It was different. Jake wasn't sure he liked all the quiet - it meant he thought more, and he wasn't used to considering everything. The reason he'd been early was because his parents had needed to 'urgently' fly to Italy for their annual post-summer holiday. Never mind that Jake had been out there with them for three weeks at the start of the holidays. That was the perk of being rich, Jake supposed, although he didn't take advantage of his wealth most of the time.

Despite it being the end of the summer, it was still warm, and since Jake didn't feel the cold much anyway, he simply wore a shirt and jeans and left it at that. He was definitely a summer person. He knew that in a couple of months when the winter really started to move in, he'd be feeling somewhat depressed, and so had decided to make the most of the weather while he could. It was mid-afternoon, and since lessons did not start for another four days when everyone would have arrived, he had time, and most of the school, to himself. He could remain undisturbed for as long as he wished, unless someone else had had the same idea as him. Jake sat on the bank leading down to the river, and laid back, hands behind his head. This was the life.

TAG OPEN !
WORD COUNT 424
NOTES (:
OUTFIT clicky!
LYRICS walls - the rocket summer
TEMPLATE justlikefalling at caution 2.0!
[/blockquote][/blockquote][/size]

[Cate Orenberg]

( IF ONE DRINK COULD MAKE)

[/font]
tonight slip my mind, then I should drink up[/color][/font]
SO I CAN FORGET THAT , I HAVEN'T LIVED MY LIFE[/font][/center]

Cate was on her own, not for the first time that day. She'd been on the beach all morning, though not so much soaking up rays as soaking up her own self-pity. The sun was shining, though; there was just enough wind to combat its warmth and it was quite obvious that they were losing the summer, fast. In the summer proper Cate had been on the beach in Weston Super Mare, where her family owned a small holiday cottage. Cate often begged her parents to let her stay there on her own with friends, or her younger brothers, but of course they always refused, never quite trusting her enough. She hadn't been giving them enough reason to lately, often sneaking out, or not returning to the house til morning on weekends. She knew it creeped them out. But she was just revelling in her newfound independence.

That was part of the reason she was glad to be back. She could do whatever she wanted at ludus elementum, and seemingly never get caught. Cate wondered, if she had been born a first degree, whether she would have set fire to the school at some point for kicks. Probably. Her impulsiveness in that respect, ironically, probably came from that very element. The element she couldn't even use, because she'd been born weak. Trust her to be the one with only one second-degree parent. Still, she still loved fire and would rather be unskilled than completely useless. Just because she couldn't create fire didn't mean she didn't just like matches and bonfires and the like. She felt at home with them, despite how dangerous they were supposed to be.

Cate was just passing the lake, on her way back from the beach. But what she saw made her do a double-take. A person. Finally, someone was at the school other than her. And she was in luck. Looking closer, she realised it was none other than Jake Redford. Alright, so he was more than a little popular. But more with Cate than anyone else, since only she seemed to appreciate how cute he really was. He was sitting on the bank, by himself, and Cate debated trying to sneak past, purely because she wasn't sure if her throat might dry up too much to make conversation. But he was only a person. And she was Catelyn Orenberg, the mini-socialite. She wasn't an immature first-year anymore. She was an adult. Taking a deep breath, she moved out from behind the tree so he'd be able to see her. "You're on your own too?" she enquired, and immediately hoped he wouldn't take it in the wrong way, since it probably sounded like she was saying haven't you got any friends? Damn it.

[/font]

( TAGGED ) ( JAKE! )
( OUTFIT ) ( CLICK! )
( NOTES ) ( : D )
( WORDS ) ( FOUR FIVE EIGHT )
( LYRICS ) ( LIQUID CONFIDENCE - YOU ME AT SIX )
( LISTENING TO ) ( CRANK IT UP - ASHLEY TISDALE )
( GRAPHIC BY ) ( RORA @ HOS

[/b] )
( CREDIT TO )( RORA @ HOS[/b] )[/center][/size][/size]

[Jake Redford]

AND YOU'VE GOT NOWHERE ELSE TO GO
and you're lost within your own home
YOU'RE TRYING TO HARD TO WIN - - -

He had almost been enjoying being on his own, for a moment, being able to forget the new him and sink back into his old self, who liked being on his own, outdoors, with only birdsong and sunshine and the ripples of fish rising to the surface of the lake. Alas, his little bubble of relaxation was cut short by a voice. You're on your own too? Jake started, opening his eyes which he'd barely realised had been closed. A voice was not what he'd been expecting. Sure, he'd seen a couple of other early students wandering the corridors, but none that he knew. And so, when he opened his eyes and saw someone he didn't know, he was a little surprised. But pleased, because suddenly he was allowed to be his new, sociable self again, and that was much more fun.

"Alas yes," he replied with a rueful smile to the nameless girl. And then, while he pondered his next words, he looked at her properly. She was a distinctive little thing, with tendrils of pale blonde hair - real or fake, he couldn't tell - hanging over a very monochrome outfit. The only splash of colour was the deep crimson lipstick she was wearing. On most people, the black and grey overload and the clear heaps of make-up would have looked childish and ridiculous. But for some reason, it seemed to suit this girl, with her hands on her hips and a low, slightly drawling voice. Her clothes reminded him of a music festival. A rock music festival, for sure. Jake was pretty sure he'd seen her around the school before, but knew she wasn't in his year. How intriguing.

"Yeah, my parents have gone off to Italy and dumped me here." he continued, "Evidently, you're one of the lucky early birds too." his tone was sarcastic but he smiled again, so that she wouldn't think he was a horribly cynical person on first impression. Not that he was too worried; she looked just about dark enough for the both of them.

TAG CATE ORENBERG !
WORD COUNT 344
NOTES (:
OUTFIT clicky!
LYRICS walls - the rocket summer
TEMPLATE justlikefalling at caution 2.0!
[/blockquote][/blockquote][/size]

[Cate Orenberg]

( IF ONE DRINK COULD MAKE)

[/font]
tonight slip my mind, then I should drink up[/color][/font]
SO I CAN FORGET THAT , I HAVEN'T LIVED MY LIFE[/font][/center]

Cate hadn't expected him to be quite so friendly. But she guessed since people were thin on the ground right now, any friends were worth having. Wait til the first day of lessons, she thought, bet then he won't be quite so eager to talk to me. Still, she wasn't about to drop an opportunity when it was handed right to her, and she took another step towards him as she replied, "That's too bad. But yeah, I am. Mine don't trust me on my own in the house, so.. here I am." Cate realised, again belatedly, how lame that sounded, but this time was more non-chalant about it. His openness was reawakening her usual confidence. "Man, that sounds like I'm gonna slit my wrists or something. But don't worry, I'm not quite that psycho." She mirrored his wry smile. "I'm Cate. Cate Orenberg."

And then, with more confidence than she thought she had, she asked, "Can I take a seat?" and barely bothered waiting for an answer before approaching and sinking down next to him. She was suddenly fiercely grateful to know anyone; she'd hardly realised how lonely it was, having to wander the school aimlessly by yourself. It was too big to ever feel cosy, but at least it was better with a few hundred kids packed in. Cate remembered her first day last year, and was amazed at how different it was going to be this year. Last year she'd been a quivering first year, still in headbands and pumps and intimidated by all the tall and noisy third and fourth years and the cocky seconds. And now she was a cocky second year. Somewhere between then and now she'd found herself. Or at least part of herself. She couldn't quite believe her luck with stumbling across Jake Redford, though.

He was pretty stunning close up too. Cate wondered if he did any modelling, and then decided that was probably much too gay for him. His hair had grown since last year, and had been bleached slightly lighter by the sun. The summer obviously suited him, though. He was wearing a simple white shirt and jeans, and still managed to look highly casual. Cate just longed to throw a black leather jacket over the shirt and take him home with her. Instead, she gazed straight ahead into the lake, leaning back on her palms.

[/font]

( TAGGED ) ( JAKE! )
( OUTFIT ) ( CLICK! )
( NOTES ) ( : D )
( WORDS ) ( THREE NINE SEVEN )
( LYRICS ) ( LIQUID CONFIDENCE - YOU ME AT SIX )
( LISTENING TO ) ( CRANK IT UP - ASHLEY TISDALE )
( GRAPHIC BY ) ( RORA @ HOS

[/b] )
( CREDIT TO )( RORA @ HOS[/b] )[/center][/size][/size]

[Jake Redford]

AND YOU'VE GOT NOWHERE ELSE TO GO
and you're lost within your own home
YOU'RE TRYING TO HARD TO WIN - - -

"That's too bad. But yeah, I am. Mine don't trust me on my own in the house, so.. here I am. Jake half-smiled at that. He supposed it was too bad, although there wasn't really anywhere he'd rather be. The other schools in his area - the "normal" schools - had started again anyway, and Cornwall got pretty boring when one was on their own, even with all the beaches. The girl continued on quickly, Man, that sounds like I'm gonna slit my wrists or something. But don't worry, I'm not quite that psycho. Jake hadn't realised until that moment how her previous words really had sounded. He looked at her again, deciding he liked her quirky way of speaking. He guessed, then, that she'd been talking about rebellious teenage behaviour, which he could definitely relate to. The difference was that his parents didn't know about his. At home, he was still his old self; not cold, but withdrawn and more studious. Here, he was more of a riot.

I'm Cate. Cate Orenberg. The way she phrased it sounded as though instead of being psycho, she was Cate. It rather suited her. Orenberg didn't sound british but she was pale enough for it and he guessed the name had been adopted through foreign marriage at some point. It was definitely pretty regal. Redford was definitely more native; it was actually quite a famous name in the elementalist community, since Jake's father was a high-profile 1st degree Aqua, but since his mother was giftless Jake had been landed with a slightly less impressive 2nd degree skill. Still, the name had weight in itself even if Jake couldn't completely live up to it. He had learned confidence in his skills in the three years he'd already been at ludus elementum, and he could only get better.

"Jake Redford," he replied easily, and at her request he added "By all means," gesturing to the grass beside him which she was already making her way towards. He wondered idly if she was cold, with only long socks and such a little skirt, but he wasn't about to object to her having her legs out. Jake knew better than to question girls' fashion; it was all about the look and not about the comfort. Still, Cate seemed comfortable enough as she leaned back casually on her hands. Jake shot her sidelong glance, studying her more closely now. Somehow her porcelain skin looked even more flawless up close, her dark lips even starker. Well, she was definitely different. "Element?" He inquired simply, since that seemed the appropriate next thing to find out.

TAG CATE ORENBERG !
WORD COUNT 436
NOTES (:
OUTFIT clicky!
LYRICS walls - the rocket summer
TEMPLATE justlikefalling at caution 2.0!
[/blockquote][/blockquote][/size]

[Cate Orenberg]

( IF ONE DRINK COULD MAKE)

[/font]
tonight slip my mind, then I should drink up[/color][/font]
SO I CAN FORGET THAT , I HAVEN'T LIVED MY LIFE[/font][/center]

Jake Redford. As if she didn't know that already. Not that she was going to become a starstruck fan girl, even if he was the perfect gentleman with his by all means. She would be cool as cucumber, as usual, not getting flustered or phased by anything, least of all his beautiful hair. Cate had always been good at keeping her emotions under wraps. Her younger brother always attempted to be spite by calling her a 'rock' but that was how she liked it. Wearing one's heart on one's sleeve was all very well, until someone said something insensitive and your life crumbled around you. Cate would rather be insensitive herself, if only to survive that from others. She could have more of an attitude like this, anyway, and that was what made her Cate Orenberg. Taking no crap from anyone.

Element? Yes, she supposed that was protocol. It seemed strange now, to be back here, when with her friends at home it never even crossed her mind to talk about her element. It probably helped that she was a 3rd degree, and didn't have anything to show for her supposed 'gift', but she'd never really thought about sharing it with her friends. Weirdly, it seemed like something personal, even though here it was totally normal. "Ignis," she replied as simply as he'd asked, but she returned his sidelong look with her trademark wry smile. If she'd been the type to get butterflies, she'd have been getting them now with him watching her like that. As it was she didn't reallu feel anything in her stomach, except perhaps the first knawings of hunger. She'd skipped breakfast.

"You?" she just about remembered to throw the question back at him. And then, with another little smile, she added, "No, wait, let me guess.." She surprised herself that she didn't know. The Redfords were pretty big, she'd heard, but she'd never been curious enough to delve deep enough to find out any more information. She did often try to amuse herself by guessing peoples' elements though. He wouldn't be a Terra, she decided; if he was he'd be leaning into the grass more, and looking more at home with the whole nature scene. He didn't look uncomfortable, but she couldn't really see him being 'at one with the earth'. He didn't seem too Aeris either; he was a little too concrete and simple minded for that. Which left Ignis and Aqua. They were more difficult to distinguish between; both houses were about grace and power despite their elements being poles apart. Cate eyed him thoughtfully. "Ignis?" she guessed eventually, out of inspiration.

[/font]

( TAGGED ) ( JAKE! )
( OUTFIT ) ( CLICK! )
( NOTES ) ( : D )
( WORDS ) ( FOUR THREE NINE )
( LYRICS ) ( LIQUID CONFIDENCE - YOU ME AT SIX )
( LISTENING TO ) ( CRANK IT UP - ASHLEY TISDALE )
( GRAPHIC BY ) ( RORA @ HOS

[/b] )
( CREDIT TO )( RORA @ HOS[/b] )[/center][/size][/size]

[Jake Redford]

AND YOU'VE GOT NOWHERE ELSE TO GO
and you're lost within your own home
YOU'RE TRYING TO HARD TO WIN - - -

She looked at him when she spoke again, with this slightly conspiratorial smile which made him think she was probably more complex than she seemed. And so... collected, all the time. Nothing like the girls he usually hung round with. Okay, that was cynical. To be fair, he did know a fair few deep girls. But a lot of them were just giggly, high-spirited ones with perfectly proportioned bodies. And they were fun, sure, but Jake would never have considered having a real conversation with them. Half the time he was too afraid they would jump him. He had never thought of himself as arrogant, but he'd definitely gained something of an ego since being at Ludus Elementum. For some reason, this was where he came into his own, and was suddenly that guy, with all the charisma and sex appeal of a celebrity. It was difficult not to let it go to his head.

Which was why this girl - Cate - confused him. She seemed slightly detached and not so interested in him. Except that perhaps she was, because was there a hint of flirtatiousness to that wry smile? Jake couldn't be sure. At her reply, though, he nodded thoughtfully. Ignis. Weirdly he hadn't thought of her as an ignis. She seemed more cold than warm. But perhaps that was just a facade. She was outgoing, for sure; after all, she was talking to him, still practically a stranger. Her element just made her seem all the more complex. She looked at him thoughtfully as she tried to guess his element, and Jake watched her, trying to work out her thought processes. Ignis? He smiled, feeling strangely smug that he wasn't too predictable. Leaning forward, towards the water at his feet, he trained his eyes on a small patch of the liquid and concentrated. "Proventus," he said quietly but authority, and the water, just a couple of square centimetres, rose up in a little globule and hung, suspended, two inches above the surface for a second. Then Jake leaned back again and it fell back into the lake, causing more little ripples to branch outwards.

It was only at the end of last year that he'd begun to learn how to remotely control elements. He would never be able to do it from more than a few metres, and it took more energy and concentration than having it in his hands, but he had managed to master it, a little. Jake looked at Cate again. "Aqua," he corrected a little softly, feeling a slight lethargy descend on him in the aftermath of expending some energy.

TAG CATE !
WORD COUNT 437
NOTES (:
OUTFIT clicky!
LYRICS walls - the rocket summer
TEMPLATE justlikefalling at caution 2.0!
[/blockquote][/blockquote][/size]

[Cate Orenberg]

( IF ONE DRINK COULD MAKE)

[/font]
tonight slip my mind, then I should drink up[/color][/font]
SO I CAN FORGET THAT , I HAVEN'T LIVED MY LIFE[/font][/center]

As he leaned forward, Cate echoed his actions, intrigued as to what he was about to do. She knew as soon as he said the word that she'd been wrong, but was still curious. The little droplet of water floated upwards and hovered for a few seconds, trembling a little, the green of the grass reflected in its tiny, mirrored surface, and Cate was lost in it for a moment before it dropped back into the masses with a little plop. The moment passed, and Cate let out a breath she hadn't realised she'd been holding. Jake sat back. Aqua. Yeah. She'd gathered that much. And presumably, a second degree, since otherwise he might have created the water from his hands. Cate felt a little swell of the usual jealousy and bitterness rise in her before she quelled it. These people, all around her, could do such beautiful things. And no matter how many beautiful words Cate learned, she'd never have anything more than a love for fire, which was what any old arsonist had.

Cate masked her pang of longing by raising a brow. "Alright showoff," she remarked, but with enough of a smile to ensure he didn't think she was actually being spiteful, "I'm pretty sure that's against the rules." She wasn't just 'pretty sure'. Day one, Ludus Elementum. The first thing that little first years learned: commands were not to be used outside the classroom until after graduation, or at the discretion of a Magister. But then, Jake must be a fourth or fifth year already; he wasn't one to be held down by teachers, some of which were only a few years older than him. And he hadn't been doing anything outrageous. "I guess I won't tell, though, since that was pretty entertaining." Cate ran a hand through her hair and leaned back on her hands again, like him.

The whole scene still seemed a little surreal, but Cate was becoming used to the fact that he was a completely normal guy. She had almost expected him to be overly arrogant, or at least a little dull, but he seemed alright. Now at least when she went back to her social climbing she'd be able to share the fact that she'd shared a whole conversation with Jake Redford, and that he'd actually been nice to her, if only because his usual crowd weren't around. Cate wondered if he'd been trying to occupy her like one would a child, but she wasn't sure if he knew how old she actually was, since she was doubtful he'd be talking to a second year if he had known. Ludus Elementum had always been a little cliquey like that. Perhaps this was Cate's big break, though.

[/font]

( TAGGED ) ( JAKE! )
( OUTFIT ) ( CLICK! )
( NOTES ) ( : D )
( WORDS ) ( FOUR FIVE SIX )
( LYRICS ) ( LIQUID CONFIDENCE - YOU ME AT SIX )
( LISTENING TO ) ( CRANK IT UP - ASHLEY TISDALE )
( GRAPHIC BY ) ( RORA @ HOS

[/b] )
( CREDIT TO )( RORA @ HOS[/b] )[/center][/size][/size]

[Jake Redford]

AND YOU'VE GOT NOWHERE ELSE TO GO
and you're lost within your own home
YOU'RE TRYING TO HARD TO WIN - - -

Alright showoff, I'm pretty sure that's against the rules. She did that little smile, the one that Jake couldn't be sure was quite as innocent as it seemed. He wasn't sure if she was laughing at him, or whether she was generally this sarcastic. He felt like he was being toyed with, and wasn't sure if he liked it or not. She seemed harmless enough, though, once you got past the cynicism and eyeliner. At least she was someone to talk to. Jake had been having withdrawal symptoms from socialising lately. Even the few words he'd share with Cate was like an adrenaline rush, giving him a mood high. That was probably the reason he'd 'showed off' in the first pace. It felt good to be the one with the attention on him; the one who could impress people.

And it seemed he had impressed her, since she remarked, I guess I won't tell, though, since that was pretty entertaining. Jake smiled and inclined his head, "I'd appreciate that. Considering I wasn't about to destroy anything, I'm pretty sure I'm alright." He shot her that sly smile this time. Their conversation had turned into a battle of snide remarks, but it was weirdly enjoyable. He felt comfortable around her, as if they'd been friends for a while. And apparently she did, too, since she didn't seem to want to impress him particularly. She was quite refreshing in her lack of effort. Jake tried to imagine ever having this sort of conversation with another random stranger, and decided it was pretty unconventional. A breath of fresh air. Not that anymore fresh air was needed, since the wind was picking up. Jake felt a little sad that summer was ending. Summer put everyone in good moods. It was when all the big things happened. And it was a time without school.

Although, Jake did like school these days. Ludus Elementum had never quite felt like school to him. Here, he learned things that no one else anywhere in the country would be learning. Even after three years, and with another two to go, the novelty factor hadn't worn off. Jake glanced at Cate again, wondering if she felt the same. But the fact that she hadn't retaliated when he'd demonstrated his powers meant that she was either prudent about school rules, or she was a third degree. And since her skirt was probably metres above school dictation, he guessed it must be the latter. He almost felt a little guilty for 'showing off' as she'd put it, but if she had been jealous she'd masked it well.

TAG CATE !
WORD COUNT 437
NOTES (:
OUTFIT clicky!
LYRICS walls - the rocket summer
TEMPLATE justlikefalling at caution 2.0!
[/blockquote][/blockquote][/size]

[Cate Orenberg]

( IF ONE DRINK COULD MAKE)

[/font]
tonight slip my mind, then I should drink up[/color][/font]
SO I CAN FORGET THAT , I HAVEN'T LIVED MY LIFE[/font][/center]

I'd appreciate that. Considering I wasn't about to destroy anything, I'm pretty sure I'm alright. Cate smiled again. "I guess so," she agreed, although she supposed there had to be a line. If every kid at Ludus decided that using their powers outside lessons was harmless, there'd be absolute chaos. That sounded like a lot of fun to Cate, but she could see where it could go wrong. Only a few minutes ago she'd been thinking of arson, for goodness sake. Just one example of how teenagers were probably the most dangerous species on earth. Cate was surprised there hadn't been more big accidents at the school, but then, she supposed, that was what Ludus Elementum was for. If they were at regular high schools around the country, it would be a different story. The whole point of limiting these more-dangerous-than-usual teens to the Cornish countryside was that they would wreak less havoc on each other than on poor defenseless humans.

Cate glanced up at the trees, watching the sunlight filter through. She loved how long the days were in the summer, but already the rays were beginning to slant more, and dusk was touching the grounds earlier than usual. Glancing across at Jake, Cate noticed acutely how the early evening rays glanced off the planes of his face, making him appear a little radiant. Not that he didn't most of the time anyway. She'd somehow, in their short conversation, lost the surreal feeling though. Now it felt kind of normal to be talking to him, as though they did this often, sitting by the lake, bouncing remarks off each other and leaning back in the warm grass. The water probably wouldn't be quite so warm, although Cate knew of people who - and had, once, herself - swam in it, usually June or July though, just before the holidays began so that if they were caught, it was easy enough to avoid punishment until the holidays. And after them, the teachers were all in good moods from their holidays and always decided to let it lie.

On impulse Cate lay back all the way, so that her pale hair splayed out on the cushioned grass and she felt the ground beneath her. For a brief moment she appreciated the beauty of the sun through the leaves overhead and the smell of grass and the gentle sound of ripples in the lake, and reveled in it, wondering if this was how Terras felt all the time. It passed, though, and Cate's mind immediately and instinctively flicked to the thought of burning it all; the dry twigs crackling and singing, the grass like a carpet of fire, and felt much more at home, and then immediately regretted being so destructive. She'd heard a rumour that 3rd degree Ignis kids were more likely to have those sorts of violent tendencies than their more powerful counterparts. Perhaps it was the powerlessness that fed such thoughts? Cate put it out of her mind, instead deciding on something spontaneous again and reaching out to knock one of Jake's hands out from beneath him with a giggle.

[/font]

( TAGGED ) ( JAKE! )
( OUTFIT ) ( CLICK! )
( NOTES ) ( : D )
( WORDS ) ( FIVE TWO ONE )
( LYRICS ) ( LIQUID CONFIDENCE - YOU ME AT SIX )
( LISTENING TO ) ( CRANK IT UP - ASHLEY TISDALE )
( GRAPHIC BY ) ( RORA @ HOS

[/b] )
( CREDIT TO )( RORA @ HOS[/b] )[/center][/size][/size]

[Jake Redford]

AND YOU'VE GOT NOWHERE ELSE TO GO
and you're lost within your own home
YOU'RE TRYING TO HARD TO WIN - - -

It felt like a calm had descended on them. Jake was glad he didn't get too awkward during silences, and apparently Cate didn't either because she amused herself by surveying her surroundings. Perhaps the reason Jake felt pretty comfortable was because he felt they'd crossed the 'stranger' barrier. They'd done the introductions, and although they could probably only be classed as 'aquaintances' right now, Jake felt like they were moving towards friends already. He didn't feel pressured to keep conversation going with her like he did with other girls and sometimes even his friends. Perhaps it's because her lack of trying-to-impress him was rubbing off. Sub-consciously, all the time, he was trying to prove himself to be that always-fun, lively, funny guy. Sometimes it was nice just to step back and not really care if the person thought that or not. Jake wondered if it was because he'd probably never speak to Cate again once the others arrived. And then decided it probably wasn't, because he felt like he'd probably like to share such a relaxed conversation again. If he could ever find the time and the space. Perhaps he should be cherishing these moments more.

She lay down, and Jake watched her, her blonde hair giving her something of a halo against the bright green of the grass, and watched how she kicked idly with her long legs and let her eyes wander around. She was quite cute, actually, once you got past the gothic exterior. He had had her down as one of these smouldering, sexy types (although more unconventional than most in that class, admittedly) but now he wondered if she wasn't more.. cute. Some of her mannerisms were almost childlike. And despite all her makeup her face was smooth and her eyes big and round. Jake realised he was probably staring at her and glanced away with a casual smile, looking at the lake again. That was when she caught him off guard. He had been leaning on his other hand, so when her arm swiped out of nowhere and hit his arm it actually did buckle and he ended up twisting sideways and instinctively trying to save himself with the same arm before he hit the ground.

He was laughing, though, and so was she. The result of his awkward attempts of salvation landed him on his side, balanced so that he'd almost fallen right on top of her. Jake hadn't realised she'd been so close until he found himself basically leaning over her. It had happened a little too fast and he felt his brain catch up with her tricks as he looked into her face, his confusion slowly fading. And she stared back, raising her eyebrows a little and giving him a hint of that sly smile again. She'd pretty much owned him. He didn't particularly want to admit he'd gotten taken out by a girl though. And he felt that he ought to move, but for a second he was mesmerised by her face and its proximity. He hesitated a moment too long and his boyish instincts took over as he reached around with the hand he wasn't leaning on to cup her chin and bring her face up to his. As his lips touched hers, Jake wondered for a split second why this didn't feel very odd. And then he decided he didn't particularly care. Until his consciousness and sense caught up, he was going with it.

And when they eventually did, about two seconds later, Jake suddenly pulled back, blinking a couple of times and steadying himself with a slight frown. He felt a grip loosen and realised suddenly that Cate had been holding onto his collar. "Woah." He couldn't quite put his amazement, confusion and embarrassment into words. "Woah. Sorry. I really... did not mean to do that." He glanced away and moved back a few centimetres, not quite wanting to look at her yet. This could make things awkward.

TAG CATE !
WORD COUNT 661
NOTES Oh megalolzzz.
OUTFIT clicky!
LYRICS walls - the rocket summer
TEMPLATE justlikefalling at caution 2.0!
[/blockquote][/blockquote][/size]

[Cate Orenberg]

( IF ONE DRINK COULD MAKE)

[/font]
tonight slip my mind, then I should drink up[/color][/font]
SO I CAN FORGET THAT , I HAVEN'T LIVED MY LIFE[/font][/center]

Cate hadn't expected him to fall so hard. She was used to batting guys arms and never making an impression because, despite her strength of will, she was pretty weedy physically. So she was quite delighted when Jake was caught unawares and ended up falling down. She was, for a split second, convinced he was actually going to squash her, but he managed to catch himself and twist round so that rather than falling on her, he sort of fell over her. Cate hadn't expected that much of a reaction though. She looked at him for a few seconds, slightly bewildered. Then she smiled slowly. He had been owned by her. She'd managed to throw him completely off balance, and off his thoughts apparently since he was looking at her as if he was still trying to work out how she'd managed to get him to move that quick. His eyes searched her face for half a second, and suddenly things seemed to slow down a little, somewhat like in that Spiderman film when the guy tried to punch the other guy, and Cate was staring at him too, at those pretty eyes and those lips and..

And then she was kissing him. Or he was kissing her; Cate wasn't sure who'd initiated it. He'd been close enough for them to barely think about having to lean in though. Perhaps that's why it had happened. Proximity did strange things to one's brain; regardless of the person, if you got close enough to a member of the opposite sex you usually started to go a little strange in the head, especially when your lips were inches apart and the guy was ridiculously attractive. Cate instinctively brought her hands up to his collar, ignoring the fact that she now had to support her own weight without them. It was more important to be close to Jake, to keep her lips pressed to his for as long as possible. She'd forgotten within the first millisecond that she wasn't supposed to know him. Their relationship was lopsided; while Cate had many times imagined this moment, he didn't even know who she was. But that had faded into the background the moment they'd made the stupid decision to melt into each other.

It didn't last long. He seemed to realise what was going on, and pulled away. Cate reluctantly loosened her grip on him, returning slowly to the reality that what had just happened was a crazy whim. Well, it was the first time she'd ever kissed someone after sharing a grand total of about twenty words with them. It was an odd feeling. Cate thought she liked it, though. It fitted in well with her general spontaneity. And boy, he was hot. He looked possibly even cuter now, as he looked away and backed off, obviously completely disorientated. Cate could still feel his mouth on hers. Woah, he mumbled; Cate's thoughts exactly. Woah. Sorry. I really... did not mean to do that. Cate couldn't help but smile a little. This whole situation was pretty hilarious. Cate sat up, pulling her knees up and draping her arms over them, the picture of casualness. "Hm." Her tone of voice, if anything was pleasantly surprised. She looked out across the lake, and it was suddenly as if nothing had changed. "That was certainly interesting." She glanced across at him, but he wasn't looking her way. She wondered if he was an awkward person. He had never struck her as one though. Perhaps he was more afraid that she was. Oh, the bad times of knowing someone who didn't know you at all. "Do we need to talk about that? the question was phrased in Cate's trademark non-chalance.

[/font]

( TAGGED ) ( JAKE! )
( OUTFIT ) ( CLICK! )
( NOTES ) ( : D )
( WORDS ) ( SIX TWO OH )
( LYRICS ) ( LIQUID CONFIDENCE - YOU ME AT SIX )
( LISTENING TO ) ( CRANK IT UP - ASHLEY TISDALE )
( GRAPHIC BY ) ( RORA @ HOS

[/b] )
( CREDIT TO )( RORA @ HOS[/b] )[/center][/size][/size]

[Jake Redford]

AND YOU'VE GOT NOWHERE ELSE TO GO
and you're lost within your own home
YOU'RE TRYING TO HARD TO WIN - - -

Jake was still feeling a little disconcerted. If there had been a drink around, he would have sworn someone had spiked it, because he was feeling distant, as if he were watching the scene and not quite a real part of it. This was probably a good thing, since if he concentrated too much he'd feel more guilty. And if he'd been concentrating at all in the first place, it would never have happened. Jake glanced at Cate. Was that what he wanted? A kiss was harmless, after all, and it had been enjoyable while it lasted. Jake was never one to pass up a cheeky snog. He just hoped Cate felt the same way, since otherwise she'd probably have him down as some sort of despicable sexual predator. But she'd kissed him back; or maybe she'd even helped close the distance, maybe it had been mutual. Mutually impulsive, of course, since they didn't even know each other.

Hm. That was certainly interesting. How did she manage to diffuse tension so effortlessly? Sure, Jake was good at it when he'd had a bit to drink and made out with someone and laughed it off. But in broad daylight, in stark soberness, and with nothing more than a hint of sarcasm, Cate seemed completely adept at making the best of a very odd situation. Jake saw her glance at him out of the corner of his eyes. Do we need to talk about that? She made it sound casual and unconcerned, as though their conversation could simply carry on regardless of that particular blip. And, Jake supposed, though he hadn't thought of it, it could. Perhaps they didn't need to talk about it. Perhaps they could just move on. Jake smiled, finally. He glanced across, trying to read her expression. Of course, it was the same ironic half-smile as always. The expression that had made him kiss her in the first place. But that was not important.

Jake suddenly wondered if she'd asked that because she wanted to talk about it. Maybe this whole facade, this whole cover-up attitude was masking something? He couldn't quite believe it; she was the least vulnerable person he'd ever met; but he felt obliged to cover his bases. "Do you want to?" he enquired, feigning the same casualness as her and leaning back on his hands again. Things seemed to be returning to normal. They had returned to their previous positions. Jake didn't suppose she'd try her little trick again. He couldn't quite shake the feeling of her lips on his though. And what they must have looked like, tangled up in each other by the lake. Inappropriate. Jake knew he was only dwelling on it because it had been such a novelty. Kissing a stranger; Jake better cross that off his life list.

TAG CATE !
WORD COUNT 469
NOTES :)
OUTFIT clicky!
LYRICS walls - the rocket summer
TEMPLATE justlikefalling at caution 2.0!

[Cate Orenberg]

( IF ONE DRINK COULD MAKE)

[/font]
tonight slip my mind, then I should drink up[/color][/font]
SO I CAN FORGET THAT , I HAVEN'T LIVED MY LIFE[/font][/center]

Once the initial bewilderment had worn off, Jake finally smiled again, and Cate felt more at ease. She felt a little guilty for enjoying it so much, since evidently Jake hadn't. Still, it was done; Cate had kissed Jake Redford and could boast about it to her friends whether they believed her or not, and he could forget about it, if he chose. Cate would not allow herself fantasies over she and Jake; it would be fruitless and depressing. Things could return to normal. Whatever normal was, between them. She guessed they could be acquaintances again now. He glanced at her as she asked him about talking. Do you want to? He now held the same nonchalance as her and it put Cate at ease. This was the Jake she knew, the ever-cool and calm and charming Master Redford. He leaned back on his hands again, and it was as if time hadn't moved forward since two minutes ago.

"I'm good," Cate replied with another little smirk, meeting his eyes briefly. It cleared the air. It also made her want him possibly even more than before. Some little piece of her mind was screaming I will make him mine! while most of it was rationally saying, not gonna happen.This amused Cate, but she glanced away in case Jake guessed too much from her staring. Cate glanced up at the trees, having not realised the sun was falling quite quickly now, and the slanting sunlight was dimming. Cate wondered if they'd changed the curfew this year. Though it was only her second year, she'd heard that it seemed to be getting earlier every year. Of course, it was different for the first years anyway so Cate would have a little more freedom now she was somewhat older. Not that she hadn't broken that rule last year anyway. Sneaking out was her style. Not getting caught was her style, too, but she didn't always succeed on that front.

As the breeze picked up a little, Cate shivered and looked out over the lake, which was glinting with the colours of early sunset. She could stay out, and watch the sunset with Jake, but that would be little too cliché and Cate didn't think she'd get anything more from him anyway. It had been nice, just to talk to someone new, especially someone older. No doubt in a couple of days time when everyone else arrived they'd get lost in the crowds. Cate liked to think that he'd recognise her, though, when he saw her again. How could he not, after the little episode that had somewhat tainted their conversation? Cate would deign to smile at him, of course, although she doubted they'd have many conversations. She didn't want him to see her as just another needy fangirl and she was sure they didn't have much in common anyway.

Cate pushed herself to her feet quite abruptly, feeling satisfied that she'd completed her thinking. "I'm going to head back," she told him casually, "I'll see you round, master Redford." she hadn't meant the last part to come out so blandly. Now she sounded as if she didn't really care about him. She debated asking him to walk back with her, but figured he'd probably say if he wanted to. Perhaps he hadn't finished his thinking. He nodded and smiled, and with that, Cate turned and started back towards the school, as the last of the afternoon sun began to fade from the sky.

[/font]

( TAGGED ) ( JAKE! )
( OUTFIT ) ( CLICK! )
( NOTES ) ( : D )
( WORDS ) ( FIVE EIGHT OH )
( LYRICS ) ( LIQUID CONFIDENCE - YOU ME AT SIX )
( LISTENING TO ) ( CRANK IT UP - ASHLEY TISDALE )
( GRAPHIC BY ) ( RORA @ HOS

[/b] )
( CREDIT TO )( RORA @ HOS[/b] )[/center][/size][/size]