A Taste of Home (River)

[Carleigh Davidson]

Carleigh made her way down to the Hammel pool, humming under her breath. She didn't frequent it all too often, preferring salt water over chlorinated water. It would do though, since she wasn't in California.

The blonde threw her hair up in a messy bun, knowing that it would end up in a wet mess at the end of the time in the pool. She slipped off the dress she had worn as a cover over her swimsuit, tossing it aside next to her bag. Her eyes glanced across the massive room, not a single person in sight. Carleigh sat near the edge of the pool, dipping her feet into the cool water, with a slight shiver. It had been awhile since she'd been to the pool, forgetting how... cold the water was. She played around with the water, swirling her feet as she waited for River to show up.

He was still going to show up, right? They had made plans almost immediately after the idea came up in the dorms... Carleigh brushed the thought aside, not wanting to linger on that awkward moment. They would have fun, without any awkwardness. 

[River Tseung]

River, on the other hand, loved the Hammel swimming pool. Not only was he on the swim team, but it was much better than braving the chilly bodies of water up in his native country, so he hadn't got to experience warm beaches and salty ocean swims. He just knew cold and more cold.

He was practically skipping as he made his way to the pool, having thrown a towel and other gear into a duffel bag slung over his shoulder (along with his always-present candy stash). Once he reached the chlorine-smelling room, he plopped the bag underneath a chair and pulled off his shirt, leaving him in his knee-length, bright teal and grey swimming trunks.

The bubbly boy glanced around the room before spotting Carleigh sitting on the pool's edge. A grin lit up his face, and he bounced over, waving all the while. "Hey sweetheart!" he chirped, plopping down next to the blonde and dipping his legs into the water as well. He glanced over her swimsuit and, innocently, complimented,"I like your swimsuit! Pink is definitely your color." He remembered her saying it was her favorite, and it didn't surprise him that she was wearing it.

[Carleigh Davidson]

Carleigh shivered, unsure as to how she was going to deal with the cold water. Usually, she went swimming in the summer, where the coolness was refreshing against the skin. She reached out, dipping her fingers, then eventually her hand into the water. After a minute, she removed her hand and rested it by the side of the pool. Despite the chlorine smell, the water reminded Carleigh of home.

She pushed aside the thought as Carleigh heard River approach. Smiling, she turned to face River... woah. Carleigh found herself staring at the shirtless boy, thinking about what she would do... okay, not appropriate. Definitely not appropriate. Blushing, Carleigh tried to not think like that, as if River could hear her thoughts. She waved in return, smiling. "Hey you, nice to see ya. Never realized the water was so cold." Carleigh said with a giggle.

Tilting her head to the side, Carleigh gave her newfound friend a confused look. "Is that some sort of guy code for liking my boobs?" she asked, serious about her question. Sometimes, the blonde lacked a proper filter from thoughts to mouth... and this was one of those moments.

[River Tseung]

River was quite oblivious to the effect his shirtless figure would have on the opposite gender (or, really, even the same). He just ran and swam because he wanted to, and also because he would likely be super chubby from all the sweets he ate anyway. Oops. "What, this warm thing?" he teased, sinking his legs deeper into the pool. "It feels boiling to me!" Of course, that was a slight exaggeration, but he grinned and nudged Carleigh's shoulder to show he was kidding. He was used to the pool, so it didn't feel too bad to him, but he could understand why someone used to sunny California beaches would think otherwise.

But... Ohhh, no. River's face went blank at the question, for a long moment, and then immediately flushed deep pink, as he gaped and averted his eyes, as though he'd been staring at something he shouldn't. He hadn't been looking at... That wasn't why...! "N-no!" he squeaked, trying to backpedal, but at the same time not wanting to cause offense. "I-I mean they're great, there's nothing bad, I just wasn't... That wasn't what I...!" In mortification, he slowly let himself sink into the water, relieved for the cool water on his suddenly roasting skin. "I just liked the color," he mewled, finally managing to look at Carleigh again, though this time he made sure not to let his eyes drop somewhere that might be considered naughty. He wasn't like that! ".... I'm sorry...!"

Good going, River. Real smooth.

[Carleigh Davidson]

"Warm?" Carleigh yelped, shaking her head. "If that didn't show how Canadian you are, I don't know what else could." Unless River admitted to riding down to Hammel on a polar bear, chugging maple syrup and waving a hockey stick around... that would be pretty Canadian. Playfully, she nudged him back with a giggle. "Maybe I'll have to come down here more often with you." She beamed.

And the grin from their playful banter quickly faded from Carleigh's face. Her cheeks flushed hot, turning as pink as her swimsuit. God dammit why did she say that out loud?! She felt like dying on the spot, both from her own mortification and River's. Shifting, she crossed her arms across her chest as her cheeks continued to turn even pinker. "I.. I... I'm sorry it's just that... that seems like a guy code for.. liking... those." Carleigh managed to stutter out. She couldn't believe how... how flustered she was! Normally overconfident, the blonde was struggling with what to say and do in this situation. Damn her mouth!

Did he just say her boobs looked good? Carleigh straightened, her ego momentarily stroked as she cleared her throat. "Don't apologize... it's my fault for misinterpreting your words. I... I'm really sorry." she apologized, dipping her legs further into the pool, her entire body hot with embarrassment. "I.. I like my swimsuit too." Did she really just say that? Carleigh stared down at the water, ashamed to meet River's eyes.

[River Tseung]

"What are you talking aboot, eh?" River replied in his best (worst) stereotypical Canadian accent, before breaking into giggles. He did love maple syrup though. Mmmmm... "Oh, yeah, totally," he agreed, excited by this idea. "You could join the swim team! I mean, if you... You know, like swimming," he added as an afterthought. River really wasn't all that competitive himself; he just enjoyed the companionship feeling of the team.

Well... If anything, Carleigh looked super adorable with her cheeks all pretty and flushed, but River was still mortified by his own blushing and didn't know what to think. "No, it's okay, it's just..." River searched around as though the answer was in the water. "I... I'm not like... A lot of guys..." he mumbled, tugging a damp hand through his hair. "I mean... Gosh, I know how much I'm trying to make myself sound different, but... I don't really... Think about that stuff... A lot?" River hoped Carleigh understood what he was trying to say. "Er, more like... I don't think about it at all," he admitted. "I don't know if something's wrong with me or... Or what." Because from experience, it did seem like most boys his age only cared about... What did they call it? Getting laid. And River was just off in his world of sunshine and candy.

In any case, he tried to lighten the atmosphere by mustering a bright smile up at Carleigh as she apologized. "Don't worry about it!" he chirped, eager to get back to their playful banter. "You're super pretty, in any case, so... There!" River stuck out his tongue and treaded water a few feet further out into the pool, before giving a cheeky giggle and splashing at the blonde.

[Carleigh Davidson]

Carleigh echoed River's giggles at his attempt of an accent. Entertaining. Luckily, the blonde knew Canadians didn't actually talk like that. Shrugging, Carleigh smiled at the cheerful boy. "I like swimming... but I don't know if I would be able to last too long in this cold water." she admitted. "I'll just stick to it casually." Plus, she was already on cheerleading club and needed to work on her grades. She didn't have the time for another extra-curricular activity.

She felt like her entire body was pink. Carleigh lowered her body, slowly, into the pool with a gentle sigh. Ahh, the only time she appreciated the cold pool water. She nodded, allowing River the chance to explain himself before embarrassing the two further. "Ah.. yeah, I get what you're saying." Carleigh nodded. It was a bit unusual to hear a teenage boy admit he didn't... think about that sort of thing. The blonde assumed that everyone did, with the raging hormones and all. Then again, the more she thought about it, River didn't seem like the type to be preoccupied with such thoughts. Carleigh smiled, the colour finally fading from her cheeks. "There's nothing wrong with you." she insisted, laying a gentle hand on his shoulder as she tread the water.

Carleigh grinned, giggling at his compliment. Gosh, he was such a sweetheart. "You're prettier." she insisted, gasping as the cold water splashed in her face. "River that's cold!" Carleigh whined, splashing him in return.

[River Tseung]

“Ahh, I gotcha,” River nodded, accepting this reasoning. “I think I’ve heard of like, this polar plunge thing they do in the north somewhere during the winter, where people compete to plunge into freezing cold water for charity or something,” he told her, grinning. “Maybe I should do it! Sounds like fun, right?” He giggled, sure that Carleigh would cringe at the idea.

River appreciated her understanding though, and was glad this didn’t seem to throw any sort of wrench into their relationship. That would have made him incredibly sad. He gave the blonde a softer smile, showing how glad he was that she was accepting of him. “Thanks, Carleigh,” he murmured, feeling warm where she touched his shoulder. Despite his lack of… Sexual desire, she was sure starting to seem like someone River could develop some sort of feelings for regardless…

He brushed the thought aside, focusing back on the present. “What? I’m not pretty!” he retorted with a rather girlish giggle. “I’m super manly and… Stuff!” He flexed his (actually rather toned) arms before he started splashing Carleigh, still giggling as she splashed him back. “I don’t know what you’re taaalking about, it’s so warm~” he crooned, stopping his attack. “Okay, okay, cease fire!” he pleaded, holding his hands up in ‘surrender’. “You win!”

[Carleigh Davidson]

Carleigh wrinkled her nose at the thought, as well as shivering in response. Brr! Who would willingly participate in something like that? Ice cold water in the middle of winter, and as predicted, visible cringed at the thought. "I mean.. if you like that then yeah, go for it." she said with a giggle. "I'm sure it'll make this pool feel like a hot tub." She joked, grinning at River.

"Again, real sorry." Carleigh hesitated bringing up what had happened, but she did feel bad about it. She gave him a gentle smile, before removing her hand from his shoulder, feeling all tingly. She couldn't explain the feeling he gave her.. but Carleigh wanted to spend all of her free time with him. "And no problem River."

"You can be manly and pretty." Carleigh insisted, squealing as River splashed her. "Riverrrrrr." She pouted, not ceasing her splashing even though she was complaining about it. She stared at his arms for a moment, shaking her head. No. Carleigh wasn't going to think like that again. Tilting her head away, the blonde continued her rapid fire with a small giggle escaping her lips every once in awhile. Finally, River waved the metaphorical white flag, and she stopped, smirking. "Ha ha! I won that battle! Bow down to me!" She lifted her arms, smiling at him as always.

[River Tseung]

River puffed out his chest jokingly and gave a wide, dorky grin. "I just might! I mean, that'll impress all the ladies, right?" Yeah, because that was what he was all about, obviously. He broke into laughter a moment later and deflated, shaking his head. "Nah.... I think that's a little extreme even for a cold-blooded Canadian like me," he chuckled.

"Don't apologize, really, sweetheart," River replied, all light-hearted and happy despite what had just happened. Carleigh was accepting, at that was all that really mattered.

But... He would defend his manliness! Even if he dyed his hair auburn and had some girlish tastes... He was still manly! "... Okay, fiiine," he agreed anyway, unable to keep up any sort of argument, even this silly. "Carleeeeigh!" he giggled back, but he had to close his mouth to keep himself from sputtering at the splashes. Thankfully, she stopped when he admitted defeat, and he gave a half-squinted grin at her now that his hair and face were doused. "Okay, okay, your majesty," he relented, bowing as much as he could in the water. Then, without warning, he disappeared under the surface. A few moments later, he popped up behind the blonde, hooking his arms under her shoulders and heaving her a few feet out of the water before letting her drop again. "I bet I can beat you across the pool!" he challenged, giving only a second's pause before starting to stroke towards the opposite side, laughing all the while.

[Carleigh Davidson]

Carleigh echoed River's laughter with her own distinct giggle, shivering at the thought again. Really, who would willingly do that? "I think it's a little extreme for any sane person." As she finished her sentence, Carleigh sweetly smiled at him. She was extremely relieved that their little awkward moment wasn't going to ruin their friendship or anything dramatic like that. She felt at ease, even comfortable, despite being in cold water. Carleigh wasn't focused on it anymore.

Instead, her attention was on River, grinning as he agreed with her. "Yeah, that's right." Carleigh said jokingly, ceasing her splashing soon after. She could have continued but where was the fun in that? Carleigh giggled, smirking as he bowed down in front of her. She basked in the dramatized glory, waving her hands in the air. "That's right, I'm your queen." Carleigh gave River a quick wink. Then, he was gone. She brought her arms down, looking around in confusion. All of a sudden, the blonde was lifted out of the water. "River!" She squealed, squirming for a moment before being dropped back into the water, screaming. Carleigh dunked under the surface, her head emerging from the water with a gasp. Touching her now soppy bun, she pouted as River raced off without warning.

"Oh I'm gonna get you!" Carleigh said, but doubted that she could actually catch up. She could swim, but wasn't the strongest. She began to chase after him, giggling.

[River Tseung]

Yup, River was still all smiles and laughter despite the moment of awkward. He was good at bouncing back like that, especially since Carleigh seemed to want to put it in the past, too. It made him like her even more. Yeah, definitely someone he wanted to hang out with on a regular basis.

Especially as silly as she was! River had no problem 'bowing down' to the opposite gender, despite all the teasing. It was all in good fun. "I guess I'll have to start calling you m'lady now," he joked, smiling widely. Oh, he would totally play that up, pretending to dote on her and treat her like a princess. River was great at that sort of stuff, and who wouldn't enjoy it?

But for now, she was still his 'competition', and he was treating it as such. River giggled as she protested at being picked up, giving her a quick tap on the head before he took off. "Betcha can't!" he called back, quickly closing his mouth again to keep water from pouring in. Being on the swim team, and having swam a bunch back home, River was a very strong swimmer, and likely would reach the other end of the pool before Carleigh did. Once he tapped the wall, he gave an overly dramatic victory whoop and swiped his hand through his now-drenched hair. "Now who's the que- er, king?" he joked, flashing a grin at the blonde. He automatically reached down to his swimming trunks to grab a candy... Before realizing, duh, he didn't have any while he was swimming. He pouted. "... I need sugar..." he complained.

[Carleigh Davidson]

Giggling, Carleigh soaked in the praise. She wasn't going to say no to River's compliments, or tell him to stop. She liked hearing it from him. The blonde laughed even more, a wide grin spreading across her face. "M'lady? I don't think I'd object to hearing that everyday." She joked. The thought alone was enough to make her internally squeal with delight. River would be the perfect boyfriend... it was a shame he wasn't potentially into that sort of thing. didn't stop the blonde from thinking about it, though.

She tried, with vain, to shake out her soaking wet hair. It would be pointless at this point. Carleigh instead focused her attention on chasing after River. Her defeat was inevitable, as he was a way stronger swimmer than she ever was. She occasionally swam recreationally, but nothing competitive. Seconds passed, and Carleigh reached the other end of the pool as well. Pouting, the blonde did a small bow towards River, giggling soon after. "You're the king. Of swimming, at least."

When he mentioned sugar, Carleigh's own sweet tooth went off. "You going to die?" She asked, exaggerating. Though, in his case, it was probably true.

[River Tseung]

It wasn't that River wasn't into the idea of having a significant other - he watched far too much Disney not to believe in love and getting married and all that jazz - he just... Didn't like to think about it without getting close to someone first. He wanted that person, whoever it ended up being, to be his best friend before anything else. "Well, good, because it's your new nickname," he teased with a wide grin.

River didn't realize how far ahead he'd gotten until Carleigh finally caught up; he couldn't help but feel a little bad. He hadn't really meant to show off, that wasn't like him. "Yeah, well, I... I practice a lot," he told her sheepishly, rubbing the back of his wet hair so the ends sort of stood up.

His eyes sparked as she replied about the sugar, and he nodded mockingly gravely, clutching a hand against his lean stomach. "I just might pass out from sugar deprivation," he agreed sadly. "Hold on." He quickly hopped out of the pool and ran over to his bag, rummaging around until he produced a Snickers bar. He dried his hands off and skittered back over, sitting at the pool's edge as he unwrapped the candy and broke it in half, offering one side to Carleigh. "Want some?" he asked with a grin while he began to devour his own.

[Carleigh Davidson]

"I could get use to that." Carleigh said with a giggle, the thought making her feel like a Disney princess. And come on, that was the blonde's dream. Who wouldn't want a nickname like that? "I'll find one for you." She promised, noting to herself to keep her eyes open for any potential nicknames for River. Her lips curled into a smile, her fingertips brushing the top of the water with trepidation. She really liked him, and was glad that they were getting closer.

No, she wouldn't ruin what was going for them.

The blonde eventually reached the end, heavy breaths coming from her lungs. She adjusted the mess of hair on top of her head, grinning. "No kidding." Carleigh chuckled, shaking her head. "You were so far ahead of me! Not fair." She pouted.

"Now now now, we can't have that happening here." Carleigh joked with a wide grin, watching as her friend raced off to find a source of sugar. She stayed near the edge of the pool, lifting her arms out of the water and resting them on the ledge. Carleigh didn't know what she expected him to bring back, but grinned at the realization that it was a Snickers bar. "You're not you when you're hungry." She recited, from all the late nights of watching television shows and commercials. Shaking her head, the blonde sweetly smiled at River. "No thank you, I'll pass." She said politely, giggling as he devoured the bar. "Little bit hungry there?"