Just a little meet up, right? [Tristen]

[Cassie Locklere]

Cassie sat with her knees tucked to her chest in the bay window of the Paparazzi Cafe, like a porcelain doll set on display. Her fingers moved though, typing quickly on the small handheld device that was clutched in her hands. Yes, it was in fact a cell phone, and a nice one at that. She'd been texting Layne all day.

'Yes, I'm meeting Tristen at the cafe, is that okay?'

She entered, jamming the 'ENTER' key with her thumb before slipping the phone closed and sliding it wearily in her white and navy bag by Fendi. Since moving to Orange County, it seemed as though the only thing her cousin and parents were concerned with was her whereabouts, and frankly, she was tired of it.

She pulled her hair up in a messy but high fashion pony, sliding a thick navy headband wrapped in vinyl over it. It seemed to Cassie like no outfit was complete without a headband, lately. But mostly because she simply found them to be so practical.

Sighing, the youthful gal laid her head against the wall that half-enclosed her in a trapezoid shaped seat. Expressive hazel eyes fluttered closed, savoring each minute they were sheilded from sunlight. Things in Milan had been amazing, as expected, but left her exhausted. It was a good thing she didn't have a steady job to attend to, like Layne.

A white courdaroy vest with cording and a vintage look adorned her torso, stopping a bit short as to expose the area of skin just under her bellybutton. She rather liked the shirt, for it was one of the many purchases she'd made in Milan, and it was more than likely that no one else would be strutting down the boardwalk in this. Lowrise dark wash skinny jeans hugged her in just the right places, tapering off at white open toed pumps.

The realization of meeting up with Tristen made itself known to her again, screaming out "OPEN YOUR EYES". But Cassie was content to just stay where she was, ignoring the buzzing from her purse for the time being.

[Tristen Palmer]

Bringing the sleek, black subcab pickup truck to a halt in one of the free parking spaces provided, the male located on the driver's side leaned against the seat for a moment. His thumbs drummed against the wheel, his gaze switching to his watch to check the time. He wasn't late, but he wasn't early either. More than once he'd contemplated not showing up, sending the female a text message with some excuse as to why he couldn't meet her that day. But the problem was that he wanted to see her. And no time like the present, especially since it had been a few days since the trip, on which they'd have quite a bit of fun. He hadn't paid much attention to anyone else if it could be helped.

Sliding from the vehicle, he set the alarm before heading over to the entrance of the Cafe. He didn't come to the place much, being as it was where the rich bitch socialites usually congregated. He had no want to be on any of their lists -- A-ss kissing list, B-ogus list...they meant nothing to him. They were just made up by people who wanted to separate themselves from others so as to feel important. What was the sense of being friends with someone because of what their wealth could do to your social status? Befriending genuine people was much more important to him. He wasn't lucky to be invited to Milan and be with people he would never see again on a regular basis...he could have gotten there on his own money, with his true friends. As simple as that. A person didn't have to be rich and stay in the spotlight. He was lucky to have real friends.

Catching a glimpse of Cassie through the window as he passed it on the way to the doors, Tristen smiled a bit. For some reason, she managed to brighten his day just by...showing herself. Pushing the doors open, he stepped into the cool interior, pulling down the arms of his black long-sleeved shirt as he did. They had been scrunched to his elbows prior, since outside was warm. The sun was going down though, since night was fast approaching. However, the light that shown through the window from the descending sun, only served in creating a glowing effect around the girl, emphasizing her fine features. She was a beauty, and definitely didn't need no crazy-ass label. Which human in their right mind wanted to be called a Queen Bee anyway? An insect that was specially fed in order to be sexually mature. Like what the fuck? Yes, he did take things into their literal meanings, for it was like saying everyone else around this proclaimed Queen Bee was a worker bee. Right. And that one was only good for breeding, in...more decent, fancier terms. After all, they had no control over others... But this was just his thoughts, and didn't need to be taken into consideration. It wasn't from jealousy, envy or anything. Just him being his usual practical, logical self.

"Hey," he greeted her warmly once right next to her, his thumbs going to hook into the loops of his faded blue jeans. Blindingly white sneakers covered his feet and completed his apparel. "What's up?" he asked, standing out of the way of passing people, gazing down at her and examining her features. She seemed distracted, as if something bothersome was on her mind. [/color]

[Cassie Locklere]

The girl stirred slightly as a soft, melodic voice broke the quiet of the small place. Besides the occasional clanking of coffee mugs, it was pretty silent in there. Not many customers came through, being as it was indeed getting late. However, Cassie was a total night person, having the urge to stay up each and every night without end. It was mornings that posed a problem for her. A smile crept its way unto her lips briefly at the noise, knowing who it was before having even seen him. Tristen had a voice that was enchanting; plush as velvet. There was no mistaking it. Her eyes flickered open, appearing fully rested and gushing with the same hazel energy content they always contained.

"Hey,"

She almost whispered, sitting up with her head still to the wall, wrapping her arms around her knees, which remained tucked to her chest.

"Not much,"

She added, patting the area next to herself in an invite for him to join her. Cassie was definitely intrigued by the boy, but didn't want to give him the impression that she was falling head over heels for him, either. He most definitely didn't seem the type to find that cute by any means, and it'd probably drive her further away from him in the long run. But Cassie did like Tristen.... quite a lot, to be frank.

Her eyes took in his wardrobe in a swift glance, undetectable by most guys. Next, her eyes moved back to his face, taking in each and every expression. With a smile, she looked up at the clock hanging above her head.

"And yourself?"

She asked. He appeared to be in a pleasent mood. And by seeing him that way, it brightened her disposition already. Cassie was ready to devote her attention to him, anyway.

He had that affect on her.

[Tristen Palmer]

As the smile formed on her lips, a faint one flickered upon his own. Now that's what he liked to see. When it faded, his expression returned to neutral, and he seated himself next to her. Positioning himself at the next side of the window, he leaned his body against the wall, his gaze focusing on her. He'd already examined her in full whilst her eyes were close, but he mostly remained at her face. The girl on a whole was lovely, but he liked looking at her face quite a deal more. Additionally, he didn't believe for one second she'd appreciate him staring way below eye level while conversing with her.

"Same," Tristen replied, nodding a bit. "I got a job since Milan though. Working at this place my dad just purchased a month ago. Its a training facility," he informed her, lifting one of his legs to into the window with him. It laid on its side though, propped atop his other leg in the way men crossed their legs; like a figure-four -- there was nothing pansy about it. "My dad's really into athletics and everything that has to do with it, so I wasn't surprised when he bought it. Since I wasn't doing anything, I figured taking a job there wouldn't be so bad. And its doing very well actually." He didn't have to work, with his parents being so affluent, but there was no feeling of accomplishment by spending money one didn't earn on their own.

Twirling one of his graduation rings around his finger, he glanced away from her briefly, scanning the group of people littering the inside of the Cafe. Most people were sitting alone, reading magazines and tapping away on laptops. The strong aroma of coffee drifted to his nostrils, mingling with his liquidmint/woodsy scent. Now he wanted a cup. "Hey, want some coffee, sweet bun, or something?" he asked, being as he was going to get himself some. Lightly wetting his lips, he slid his hand into his back pocket as he hoisted to his feet, checking to see that his wallet was present. Otherwise travelling to the counter would be completely futile. [/color]

[Cassie Locklere]

Cassie nodded, toying with the ends of her hair occasionally. She knew she wasn't being the most attentive listener, but for some reason she just couldn't keep focus. Her thoughts kept her on track though, reminding her to pay attention whenever her mind drifted back to her overprotective cousin. Cassie was the older of the two; so why should she have all these barriers?

"Sounds interesting. What kinds of sports?"

She asked, leaning forward a bit as to prevent having to raise her voice. Gosh, this really wasn't typical Cassie. Normally so bubbly and excited; and you'd think she would be, considering she'd been with Tristen now, but for some reason she just couldn't seem to get wound up today.

Smiling faintly, she looked to her purse then back to Tristen.

"Sure,"

She replied, suddenly craving a warm cup of coffee. After all, anything with that much sugar would most definitely wake her up. And it was an excuse to get up as well. She stretched her legs out, grinning brightly as she slid them out from the window and glanced back to him. With one hand she patted his knee, appearing almost overly excited about this coffee. Great, just what she wanted to come off as -- an addict.

Cassie wasn't though. However, she /was/ excited to be talking face to face with someone. All day she'd been yelling at a screen, which got rather boring after awhile. She was just lucky enough that the face she had the chance to be with was that of Tristen. As he rose, she snaked her arms around his neck loosely, touching their foreheads.

"I'll come with you,"

She cooed, smiling once more. It was the first display of affection she'd shown him all day, and figured it'd make him happy if he wasn't for some reason before. How thoughtful, right?

[Tristen Palmer]

Seeing as she was playing with her hair, Tristen was unsure if she was even mentally present. She seemed…vacant, which was far from the norm for her. But then she posed a question to him, and he promptly responded with, “American football, mostly.” His thoughts of worry about her clutched him in a strong chokehold once more, and he finally decided to make an inquiry as to her being. “Are you alright?” he asked, inching his brows up slightly. “You seem distant,” he picked his word carefully. He reached a hand out, brushing his thumb over the back of one of hers, a short gesture of comfort since he’d retracted his hand just as easily.

“Cool,” he said casually when she’d accepted the offer. And she wasn’t going to pay for it either, not only because he’d suggested it, but also because the gentleman in him was of the belief that males should pay. No, there was nothing chauvinistic about it. About to turn away and go get them the coffee, he paused, being as her arms had wound themselves around his neck, and her forehead grazing his. He removed his hand from his back pocket, entwining his arms about her waist. Softly touching his lips to hers, he glanced into her eyes as he pulled back his head. “Mm, okay,” he murmured, smiling at her want to come with him. Hooking just one arm around her waist now, he looped his finger through the loop of her jeans on that side. Walking alongside her to counter, he didn’t release her, mainly because he liked her close by. “Whatchu want?” he asked Cassie, he himself perusing the options up top as they waited in the small line.

ooc:}} short. blech. [/color]

[Cassie Locklere]

Ever hate it when you know what you wanna say, but you can't talk?

Cassie swallowed hard; the enormous grin plastered on her face wouldn't budge. She nibbled on the inside of her bottom lip, yearning for another taste of his lips. The kiss had been so sweet, she regretted the fact that it had ever ended. But despite her sadness for it being over, it reminded Cassie how much something that simple could mean. That any kiss he gave her would be treasured.

Occasionally glancing back at Tristen, she found it hard to just move on right away. But seeing as he had, she took it like it was nothing, shifting her gaze to the illuminated sign which dangled from the ceiling on cords. Before making her choice, however, she made sure the item wasn't insanely priced. Although she would've paid on her own, Tristen seemed to have no problem paying. She still didn't want to choose something that was too fancy for the occasion, though. Plus, she wasn't that thirsty anyway. As they approached the front of the line, she made up her mind.

"I'll have a caramel frappucino with chocolate drizzle, small please."

She said to both the cashier and Tristen, smiling faintly. She felt comforted by his arm around her waist, and let her head fall leisurely on his shoulder as they waited. He had behaved very sweetly since she'd seen him, and the thought of how things would progress throughout the night pleased her further. She remembered his question concerning her behavior from earlier.

"I'm fine now,"

She began, looking up and into his eyes.

"Layne's just been hounding me."

Hounding was an understatement. She'd been downright instigating her! And for no real reason, either. If Layne were to have some sort of love interest Cassie certainly wouldn't bother her about it, so why should it matter that she did? And it's not like she and Tristen were dating... were they?

Shaking away her thoughts, she sighed happily. Whatever was going on with Layne didn't matter right now. Cassie would make sure.

[Tristen Palmer]

By the time Cassie placed her order, they were located at the front of the line, and he therefore didn't need to repeat it to the young lady behind the counter. "Medium French Roast and a sticky bun, as well please," Tristen murmured, then blinked. He'd said...please. Maybe this girl was having a greater influence on him than he'd originally noticed. For the better though. His fingers messed with the ends of her hair while they waited to be served, and he absentmindedly stood there, listening to the various sounds floating around them.

Frowning at the mention of her cousin, he turned his head to look at her. "Hounding you? As in...worrying about your whereabouts?" he asked, producing his wallet from his back pocket when their order was placed on a cupholder tray in front of them. Sliding the bill over to the cashier, he dropped the cash he received into the little jar labelled 'tips' next to the little machine. "Thanks," he told the girl, lifting the tray unto the flat of his free hand and then scanning the room for a suitable place to sit. His palm was set upon Cassie's lower black, the fingers splayed there. It was almost a silent declaration of...possession. Not in the sense that he owned her, but that she was his. In his eyes, they were dating, and he was starting to fall for her whether he liked it or not. And he liked it, though didn't know that yet. His past hurt was making it difficult for him to accept what was building within his heart.

Leading her over to a table in the back, he took a seat, setting her drink in front of her. Something was bugging him though, and he had to ask. "What do you...consider this?" he questioned, pointing from her to himself. "Are we...together?" He wasn't in the mood to be another forgotten summer fling, like he had been to Laney. If so, he'd just work his magic, get into her pants, and leave her. Actually, he couldn't see himself doing that to her... Even if she managed to hurt him. [/color]

[Cassie Locklere]

Cassie smiled, moving with him to the table he'd pointed out. She was reluctant to leave his arms, but did so in order to take her seat across from him at the table. Lowering herself into the chair, she slid her cup across the table slowly, curling her fingers around the warm mug. She inhaled the aroma, closing her eyes at the scent. It seemed like no matter how warm it was outside, a heated beverage was always comforted. Her eyes opened more though, when Tristen spoke.

"Yeah,"

She began, raising the mug to her mouth and taking a small sip. She looked over the rim into his eyes, nearly smiling into the cup. Lowering it, she spoke once more.

"For some reason they expect me not to have a life."

Biting the inside of her cheek, she rolled her eyes lightly. Whom she chose to be associated with was /her/ business, plain and simple.

Focusing more on his next question, Cassie looked away briefly, thinking her words over carefully. Despite the tough persona guys put out, she knew they still had feelings like everyone else. But the question was... were they? Cassie certainly hoped, but what if Tristen didn't feel the same way? She hoped that by the kiss they'd shared earlier, he meant that this was the real thing; not an excuse to get her in bed.

Glancing back to Tristen, she unlaced one hand from the mug, reaching across the small distance they sat from each other and grabbing his hand.

"I don't want this to end,"

She said softly but intensly, locking gaze with him.

"Not anytime soon, at least,"

She added, smiling briefly. Tristen had had an effect on her none-the-less, and each moment they spent together clarified that change. She wanted to be with him, there was no doubt.

[Tristen Palmer]

Dumping two packets of sugar into his coffee, Tristen smirked slightly. "I wonder why," he murmured, replacing the cover -- he'd opted to get his drink in a disposable cup. "Guess they just making sure you're okay in a new place," he added, though he could understand her being fed up. It really did become annoying after a while. His mom used to do it all the time when he was still a teenager. "It'll end soon enough, I'm sure."

Pausing with the cup to his lips, Tristen looked down at their hands, his own closing almost tenderly around hers, fingers threading together. He didn't speak for a while, merely sat there holding hands with her. She wouldn't know how important that was, how much it meant, as he hadn't done something so 'couple-ish' in years. "Honestly, I'm starting to feel the same way," he confessed, staring right into her eyes as he said this. Oh, this was getting a bit sappy, but whatever. "Can't promise anything just yet though. We'll just go day by day and see how it goes," he murmured. All in all, he wouldn't be trying to bed any other girls whilst he was with her. Once he found someone he really liked, he was rather devoted, but temptations did linger out there, he knew. He hadn't cheated yet, and he wasn't about to start now.

Not releasing her hand, he re-lifted his coffee cup to his lips, taking a sip of the slightly sweet mixture. "What you doing later?" Maybe they could hang out a bit more after they left the Cafe. He'd like that, but maybe she'd think they were spending too much time together. Then again, this was their first meeting since Milan a few days ago... [/color]

[Cassie Locklere]

Cassie smiled faintly at his small gesture. It was nice to see that he enjoyed sugar just as much as she did. Most guys saw her figure and jumped to the conclusion that she was a vegetarian and that was that. When actuality she was just as much of a carnivore as anyone else. Laughing slightly at the thought, she nodded.

"I just feel like they don't get it,"

She explained. She wanted to be with Tristen -- she was with Tristen, and that was all that mattered now. His hand in hers was relaxing, which showed when her thumb brushed tenderly across the back of his a few times. Sipping from her mug once more, Cassie let her head fall loosely to the side, taking a moment to simply examine him. On the outside it was obvious that he was the I'm-too-sexy-for-my-own-good type, but inside he was in fact kindhearted and affectionate. It was like she had the best of both worlds.

"Yes, we will."

Cassie said tenderly, smiling warmly. She was ecstatic, but her expression was that of bliss; not excitement.

Reaching her free hand out, she clasped her fingers around a skinny coffee straw, dropping it into her mug and swirling around the contents. She was nearly finished, and too wondered about what they'd be doing after this. Cassie thought for a moment, inwardly going over her agenda for the day. When nothing seemingly important was present, she responded with

"Nada, you?"

and looked back up at the clock. It was around 8:00pm, and the sun was just finishing setting. She always admired how slowly the sun sat in the summer. It was as though it took the entire evening for it to fully dissipate. Smiling once more at him, she took a final sip of her coffee, remembering her purse was still sitting by the bay window.

"Eek, I'll be right back,"

She said softly, shuffling out of her seat and turning to walk to the window. Thankfully she'd remembered, and looped her arm around the handle of the bag as soon as she spotted it. Making her way back to their table, she smiled.

"Wouldn't want to forget this."

[Tristen Palmer]

Not uncomfortable by her scrutiny, Tristen took a couple more sips of his coffee, allowing the warmth of it to spread throughout his body. It was a welcome, what with the cool air that had settled within the Cafe due to the air conditioning. "Found what you were looking for?" he asked lightly, teasingly, and meaning in her inspection of him. She didn't have to answer that though.

"Ditto. I got off work from four so I'm pretty much free for the rest of the day," he informed, showing her he was open for anything. Nodding slowly at her as she got up and left, he brought his palm back to the other side of the table. It felt empty without hers nestled within his grasp. Taking a bite out of his bun, he didn't see her return until she'd spoken. "You left that over there?" he asked, not knowing many ladies who would, especially since women tended to carry important stuff in their purses. The only crap he needed was in his wallet or his truck's glove compartment. "Well, lucky no one took it," he added, knowing how sticky some people's hands tended to be. Might do her well to look through it and ensure everything was still in there.

Finishing off his bun, he wiped his palms off, sitting back and enjoying both his coffee and Cassie's presence. "Anything you wanna do?" he asked, giving her the chance to suggest something. There was nowhere he wanted to go above any other though. If she didn't as well, then they could go hang out at the boardwark, or go back to his place. Didn't matter him much. Not to say anything overtly physical would occur at the latter, as he was thinking more along the lines of popcorn and a movie. See, he could be a good boy at times.

{{ooc:}} ha, this sucks -.- [/color]

[Cassie Locklere]

She laughed, her eyes still on the boy she could now call hers. With a childish nod, she bit the inside of her lip, nestling her head on her forearms, which crossed over one another on the tabletop. It was fun for Cassie to look up at Tristen, talking completely through her eyes. A happy sigh escaped her closed lips as she kept her gaze on him, now relaxed by the coffee.

"I think I have,"

She said softly, a smile still present on her face.

"I see,"

Cassie replied, nodding briefly. It reminded her that she really should be looking for a job. Despite her parents' wealth, she knew it could only take her so far and that she'd never make it on her own without independence. And if she wanted the independence of being in a serious relationship without the hassle of her cousin, then she'd need to take matters into her own hands and find work.

When he mentioned her leaving her purse by the window, she laughed a bit, propping herself up on her elbows and cradling her face in her hands.

"Yep, I swear I have the attention span of a mouse,"

Cassie said lightly, leaning down to pick it up. Once up on the table, she opened it, quickly eyeing the contents.

"Trust me, I'm more concerned about the bag itself than the contents."

With a smirk, she retrieved her phone, sliding it open very quickly and sighing at the '4 NEW MESSAGES' bolded at the top of the screen. She knew by the over exaggerated use of exclamation points and question marks that they were from Layne, so she put the device away as quickly as she'd taken it out.

"I'm up for anything,"

She said casually, returning her face to her palms.

"As long as it doesn't involve going back to Layne's apartment."

She didn't have a problem going back to his house, per se, but the thought of going to a place that was littered with Layne's belongings -- and most likely Layne herself -- wasn't at all a good idea in her book.

"I don't think there's any good movies out right now, but we could always rent a cheesy horror flick. I'm a sucker for those."

She confessed, grinning. Cassie wanted to take the opportunity to spend time with Tristen while she could; she didn't want any regrets.

[Tristen Palmer]

“Oh?” Tristen asked, inclining his torso foreword, his face a mere inch from hers. “And what exactly did you find?” His voice was soft, his gaze connected with hers, a glint of mischievousness sparkling within it. Brushing his lips over hers in a soft, brief peck before she could reply, he pulled back, reclining against his chair, which he started to rock slightly on its hind legs. A small smirk gracing the corner of his mouth, he waited for her to speak. At first, he’d intended to give her a deeper kiss, but they’d have probably gotten some ‘get a room!’ comments tossed their ways. But he’d have just flipped them the bird and continued what he was doing. He wasn’t going to embarrass the girl though.

Lifting and dropping his shoulders in the smallest of shrugs, he really couldn’t say what was so special about the purse. To him, a handbag was a purse was a container for items. He couldn’t tell one distinguishing trait of one from the other. When he went shopping for girls, he usually just got the opinion of one of the other women shopping. “So I take it’s an expensive purse,” he murmured. “Other than the price, what’s so special about it?” he inquired curiously. It wasn’t a question out of rudeness, as he was genuinely interested in her reply. He’d never understand girls when it came to their accessories, so he had to ask these things quite a lot, especially with his sisters. Hm. They’d probably get along quite well with Cassie. She’d have to meet them sometime. He…wait, rewind. Was he actually thinking about taking a girl to meet his family? She must be something pretty damn special.

“Hmm, anything?” He lightly drummed the tips of his fingers against the table as he turned his empty cup in his free hand. As he thought about what they could do, he was interrupted by her next statement. “Your cousin can’t be that bad” he chuckled, shaking his head. “Maybe it’s not so much the fact that you’re going out, but the fact that you’re going out with me,” he murmured. His reputation could have very well preceded him. The last few years, he hadn’t been Mister Steady Relationship. Not even close. It was time for a change however.

“Sounds good to me,” he grinned, setting the cup back down. “How about we rent one then go back to my place then?” he suggested. “Can’t promise my sisters won’t be there, and won’t start questioning you though,” he chuckled. “It’s been too long since I took anyone back home.” Well, merely for date purposes, but she didn’t need to know that. No need to turn her off just yet. Now if she learnt about his little collection... He didn't even want to think about the consequences of that. "Eh. I figure they'll like you though." [/color]

[Cassie Locklere]

Just as Cassie was about to respond she was cut off by another kiss. Shaking her head teasingly, she finally said

"You enjoy teasing me, don't you?"

And smiled bright as ever. She'd actually found it quite cute, and wanted very much to come join him on his side of the table... but she could wait.

When he asked the question about her purse, Cassie reached for it once more, setting it atop the table. She looked carefully at it, hinting where she'd marked it with pen by accident, or little specks of dried rain had landed.

"Well,"

She began, glancing from the back into his eyes.

"Me and this purse have been through a lot. I mostly love it though, because my mom and I bought it together for my graduation gift. She'd had such a hard time finding something I'd actually like that she invited me to come along and help."

Smiling at the memory, she set it back down. Normally she wouldn't have gone into that much detail, but Tristen seemed genuinely interested, so she had no problem explaining.

"I'll let you decide for yourself when you meet her."

She remarked, smirking. If it were up to Cassie, Layne would never get the chance to meet Tristen; for she'd keep him all to herself. But if Cassie actually planned on living with Layne she'd have to lighten up on her and let things go. Forgive and Forget.

"I'm sure it has nothing to do with you. She's just either jealous, or lonely. And there really isn't anything I can do about that."

As she spoke, the harshness of what she was saying set in. Perhaps she'd gone too hard on Layne. After all, she was only worried about her for her own good. What could be so wrong with that...? Ahh well, she'd have to apologize later.

Once he'd made the suggestion of renting a movie, Cassie grinned excitedly. She hadn't watched a scary movie in forever, and the thought of meeting Tara and Trischelle enthused her further. The fact that Tristen was comfortable enough with her to invite her back home and meet his sisters was good news enough. It almost made her wish she had a sibling to acquaint him with. Patting the top of the table lightly, she looked up into his eyes.

"Shall we go then?"

She questioned, reaching for her now-empty mug.