I can do this! (open)

[Angela Chambers]

Angie sat at the edge of the pond, watching the fish as they were gliding through the water. It was cold enough that she was wearing a coat over her long sleeves. And boats that she’d been told were intended to wear only indoors… And not in public. So she supposed that kind of made them slippers too. But what did she care. They were comfortable, no matter how ugly they were.

Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath. She’d been practicing for about an hour now and wasn’t getting any closer to being able to use her ability on command. But before she began trying again, she scooted herself back away from the pond. It was an honest fear of hers that if she managed to get a finger to come off, that one of the fish might eat it if it fell into the pond.

“Come on come on come on.” She muttered, exasperated with herself. “You’ve done this before. You can do it again. Just…” Taking another deep breath, she did her best to relax. And it helped some. Her stomach seemed to have fewer knots in it. And her shoulders, which had been tight and raised, slowly moved back to their place. Finally, the tell tale sign that Angie was stressed, her bottom lip. Angie chewed it. Right now, it was red and a little puffed.

She mentally pictured it, pictured her thumb just popping off her hand and laying in the grass. Than it wiggling around there. She imagined what it felt like to have a finger missing from her hand. Slowly, and careful not to mess up her relaxation, she peeked her eye open.

And saw nothing. Her thumb was still in its rightful place on her hand. “Damn it!” She screeched as anger flooded through her again. Immediately though, she regretted it and quickly looked around. She really hoped a teacher didn’t hear that, she didn’t want to get in trouble.

[Bell Kent]

Concentration was Bell's siren call. The more Angie concentrated the more eager he was to jump on her. He knew how to be quiet when he needed to be. The best prankster was the one the was the most quiet. The snow didn't help though as the crunching had to be done so quick that by the time he was close to Angela he was already exhausted. The can of whip cream was held tightly in his hand. They'd been all out of fake snow when he'd arrived at the card and decorations shop so he'd settled for this. Whipped cream which was really a lot more fun then face snow.

The teenager was bouncing again in eager anticipation, his target in view. He paused for a moment frowning at her as she hissed her words. Was she trying to get the fish to leap out the water or was she hoping a wish would come true. Come on? Bell leaned to the side curiously. Damn. Were girls not the most confusing creatures on God's green earth or what? Bell sped closer, finger on the trigger and camera at the ready. Then Angela had to scream. Bell came to an abrupt halt behind her and screamed as well. His hand pressed down on the trigger of the spray can sending the cream into the air.

Of course the speedster jumped out the way in time before gravity pulled the cream downwards. It would not land on him at least. He pulled his camera to his face and snapped at Angela.
"Say squirty cream!"
Bell called before he snapped three times in succession hoping to catch something good. This was for Christmas bloggage and although He loved Angela dearly as a friend, she was one of the best targets imaginable.

He never did anything bad to her. Well, compared to what he normally did to other people. Maple syrup, chicken feathers, old fish in a bag put in beds so that when someone bounced in bed they'd get the shock of their lives. That stuff stenched like mad. Horrible pranks were kept for people he didn't like... People who pissed off his friends for some reason or another.

[Angela Chambers]

The scream that came from behind Angie made her jump. Her eyes bugging out as she squirmed away, back towards the pond. How had somebody snuck up so close behind her without her noticing? Was she really that unobservant? Or was this person just… different? And then white stuff… “What’s going on?!”

Directly hitting her in the face! It wasn’t snow… It was slimy. And sticky. And tasted yummy. The complete confusion of what exactly was happening was scaring her. Somebody screamed and this stuff was on her face and she couldn’t see. And somebody was yelling to her to say squirty cream. Was this a cruel prank somebody at the school was playing on her? “Why are you doooing this?”

She lifted her hands to wipe her face clean and to stand up. But the fact that Angie had been sitting there for about an hour, the snow underneath her melted. It was wet and slick. And sent her flying. She felt her clothes instantly become soaked and half a second later she heard the splash of water underneath her.

At least the splash had cleared her vision. Self-pity was about to settle in, convincing her that nobody at the school liked her. But then she remembered the fish. She hoped so dearly she hadn’t squished one. Jumping up, teeth chattering and body shaking, she climbed out of the pond. “If I h-h-h-hurt….. A fffffish Imma be sooooo m-m-mad at you.” Finally, she saw. Bell. Even if she did hurt a fish, she wouldn’t be mad at Bell. Not for long at least. He was sweet. And fun.

Leaning over the pond, she stared into the water. She didn’t any injured fish. They all seemed to be swimming fine, their fins waving back and forth as all fishes fins do. “Yyyyou’re luckkkky.” Standing up, she opened her arms to Bell. Because she was so obviously shaking from being wet, anybody would think she just needed warmth and was hoping he’d be kind enough to help her. But if she was going to soaking wet, he would be too. “Thaaaaat was v-v-very mean. You owe…. Me.”

[Bell Kent]

Bell burst into laughter when he pulled the camera away from his face to see what had happened. He saw Angela's face covered in whipped cream and a deep rumble of laughter burst from his chest. She started getting to her feet whining in her Angie way whenever he pulled a prank on her but then she started flailing. Bell's eyes widened and he reached forward.
"Don't move or you'll..."
Splash!

Bell winched and held up his hands in defense allowing the droplets to hit him which wasn't that much to be honest. Bell moved a little closer, cautiously as she started moaning about the fish in the pond and not wanting to squash one. Bell leaned over the pond too, standing a bit away from her then -click- another picture of the soaked girl beside him. She was trembling all over. Bell ducked away when her hands flew open and he tilted his head at her slowly shaking his head.

"Uh, do I look stupid to you? I ain't getting wet... But...."
he slid off his thick, long jacket from his shoulders and stepped closer to her slipping the jacket around her shoulders and doing the buttons up so quickly that she'd have both arm locked inside the warmth of his jacket. He slipped an arm around her shoulder and directed her toward Hammel building.

"Awww booboo. We'll make it all better when we in the lounge. You're all whine booboo. What's the matter?"
He gave her a playful pout then stepped away from her and flailed his arms and mimiced her face before bursting out laughing again.
"You ... were hilarious! You should... have seen that..."
Bell huffed between spurts of laughter.

[Angela Chambers]

The worst part… He was taking pictures of her through the whole thing. Drenched and that icky sticky white stuff dripping and running down her face. “What was that was on my face? It’s really kinda sticky.” She probably looked horrid and Angie feared what he might do with the pictures. “And what do you plan on doing with those by the way?” She quickly asked. “I’m sure they aren’t flattering” she mumbled, because she assumed that was the point.

“No. You don’t look stupid to me. But you could be enough of a gentlemen to preeetend you are and let me get some kind of revenge on you.” Angie teased and was tempted to stick her tongue out at him. Though she supposed it was very gentleman-like of him to give her his jacket. And button it for her. So she suppressed the urge, for the moment at least. She pulled her arms in from the sleeves and wrapped them around her body. The arms of Bell’s jacket laid limply against the two of them as Bell turned her to the building and they began their trek back.

“Oh no, nothing is the matter. I utterly enjoy being soaked to the bone and have sticky stuff all over my face.” Angie said in a sarcastic singsong voice. She watched Bell as he made fun of her, flailing himself and basically acting foolish. But it was making her giggle. “You’re thoroughly enjoying yourself, aren’t you?” This time, his mockery encouraged her. So, much like a child, she stopped in her place, squeezed her eyes shut, and stuck her tongue out at the boy.

Giggling, she shook her head and kept heading toward the building. The heat would be turned on. And she could get a fresh change of clothes. “Well if I was so funny, let me see the pictures.” Angie stuck her arms back through the sleeves of the jacket, though they were still much too long for her. Struggling, she freed her hands of them and reached for Bell’s camera. “Come on, hand it over. I want a good laugh too!” Of course, that wasn’t her sole purpose of getting his camera.

[Bell Kent]

Bell smirked at her, his trademark Gotcha smirk when she asked what was on her face. He reached out and took some of it on his finger then popped it in his mouth and licked his lips appreciatively.
"It's whipped cream. They were all out of fake snow at the shop so I had to get something else. Whipped cream is soooo much better, don't you agree?"
Bell lifted his camera innocently and waved it in just out of her reach, just in case.

"What's on here is going on the blog baby. You're my little star of inspiration. My deepest gratitude."
Bell bowed elegantly to her before letting the camera hang loose around his neck. He'd be quick enough to grab it from her if she did anything anyway. He was sure she wouldn't be able to stop him.
"Don't worry, Sweetstuff. I'll make sure you'll know if it's flattering or not. Right now, it kinda is. I wanna lick you so bad!"
Bell licked his lips slowly smirking at her.

Bell wrinkled his nose as if pondering what she'd said about being a gentleman and hugging her to keep her warm then shook his head.
"Nah, Rather keep dry and be a total prat instead of being a gentleman and getting wet."
Bell grinned when she asked if he was thoroughly enjoying himself, at least getting a giggle from her because giggles were what he was all about.

"Damn straight sweetstuff! I am thoroughly enjoying myself all thanks to you!"
Again Bell burst out laughing at her face quickly snapping it up in case the moment faded. He bounced a little on the spot.
"I love that face! That is such a cool face!"
Angie wiggled free from her trap and reached for the camera but she wouldn't get it. He wouldn't let her get to his camera.

"Nuh uh. "
He darted behind her the back to the front door steps of Hammel hovering there.
"Come and get it sweetstuff!"
He winked at her before pulling out a leaf of mistletoe and holding it over his head wiggling it.
"We can do an exchange if you want?"
He pulled out some chapstick, covered his lips with it then popped a stick of chewing gum in his mouth puckering his lips to see if he'd get a kiss.

He might get slapped instead but then he was used to that. His eyes twinkled playfully as he watched her.

[Angela Chambers]

Angie watched, surprised as Bell ate the white stuff from her face. She honestly hadn’t thought it’d be edible. Silly string is what she assumed. But whipped cream? Immediately, she did the same, scooping some onto her finger, then popping it in her mouth. “Oooh yummy.” And her head began bobbing up and down. “Whipped cream. Much better. You have permission to use whipped cream from now on.” But she almost immediately regretted it because it was Beeell after all. “Though I’d prefer you didn’t make me look this silly with your pranks.”

Blog. “Uuugh…” She couldn’t stop the groan. “Bell. Honestly. Why can’t you be normal and do scrapbooks or something? Photo albums?” And while, yes, the thought of trying to snag that camera from around his neck while he bowed to her was playing in her head, she knew he’d stop her. He was like… The Flash. So it was completely pointless.

And her eyebrows shot up and into her hairline, ignoring the kind of flip/dance thing her stomach did when he called her that pet name. “You wouldn’t. That sounds really unsanitary anyway. And I have makeup on.” Another cheap buy that she had thrilled her. She’d never had make-up before. Of course, she felt silly learning from magazines and online how to put it on without making herself look clown-esque. “Well… Had actually. But still. Unsanitary.” Angie wasn’t a germaphob. But that was just basic hygiene. When she noticed the smirk he was wearing, she promptly realized he was teasing her anyway and that he probably didn’t have any intention of licking her.

Prat? Prat… Angie’s forehead scrunched in thought, causing wrinkles to appear between her eyebrows. She’d never heard that word. But… She didn’t really want to ask and seem stupid. Though she doubted Bell would ever intentionally make her feel stupid. That wasn’t like him. But she’d make herself feel stupid. And she was already doing that. So instead she just giggled and let herself be hugged, laying her wet and cold hair on his shoulder.

Then the flip/dance thing again! She didn’t think she liked Bell, though he was nice. And cute she supposed. But… When he called her ‘Sweetstuff’, her stomach kinda freaked out on her. Then again, she’d never really been called anything but Angela or Angie before. So perhaps it was just the terms of endearment that was making her stomach act out of whack. But she snapped back to attention to catch what he was saying to her. While rolling her eyes at him, she said “Oh well thank goodness I’m of some use to you then Bell.” She smiled a little again so that he would know that she didn’t mean to hurt his feelings or harm his emotions in anyway.

Of course she made a mad dash for Bell. “Give me that camera or I’ll take it Bell!” She yelled at him, giggling and smiling as she ran at him. This time she completely ignored the feeling in her stomach. If she pretended it didn’t exist, it’d go away eventually, right? Had she noticed the mistletoe, she might have stayed frozen where she was.

When she reached him, she stopped when the word ‘exchange’ registered in her mind. “Exchange?” Covering his lips in chapstick and chewing a piece of gum made her think… that he wanted… But she was probably being presumptuous. It was Bell after all. He was probably playing some trick on her.

But his lips were puckered. And Angie’s face was a deep shade of red. Though she still thought it might be a trick. She eyed him suspiciously. Surely there had to be a banana cream pie behind his back. Or maybe one of those electric shock thingies people put on their fingers? And he’d take her hand while she kissed him and shock her. Whatever he had planned, she knew it wouldn’t be cruel. At least not intentionally.

Taking a deep breath, her face still redder than a strawberry, she stepped up to Bell, and stood on her tip toes. Of course, he was still a little too tall. So she took a hold of his shoulders to bring him down to her.

At the last possible second, she chickened out, and planted a kiss on his cheek.

[Bell Kent]

After telling her it was cream, she came around as well pretty quickly, herself, desiring to lick at the whipped cream on her face. He grinned when she gave him permission. Was she actually appreciative of the pranks he could play on her with whipped cream? Ooo Result! Jared and he pranked one another all the time but they took turns. Bell was already thinking up a new way to prank Jared somehow even though it had only been last week when the get in the bed incident happened. Wow... he'd heard that the smell had taken at least three days to clear out of that dorm room.

He had to wait for Jared to prank him now before pranking Jared. He hoped it would be something cool. Pie in the face or dog doodoo in the shoe. That was alway a funny one. Bell bounced at the thoughts.
"What's fun about a prank where the other person doesn't look silly? That's what pranks are for. To make people look silly."
He explained to Angela who was so obviously not paying attention to the concept of pranks. Bell flashed her a smile when she said about being normal.

"I'm from a whole other world. A different dimension. I'll open your eyes and when you're ready to go, I'll lead you into the light..."
Bell sang the line of Katy Perry's ET which kinda suited him, he thought. People did keep asking what planet he was from and saying he should just try and be normal... His parents even gave him a time limit. 'Just for ten minutes.' 'Just for an hour because my boss is coming for dinner.' 'Just for half an hour so people in the mall won't stare and point.'

Of course this was to be followed up by blackmail. Bell would say 'Sure! If you...' and there would be a sure fire agreement. AND that was how Bell became a brat! But the best kind of Brat. A sorta, sweetheart brat or something along those lines. Bell slowly shook his head when she said she had makeup on and that it was all unsanitary to be doing the licking because aparently she had makeup on. He quirked a brow.
"You don't need make up. You're pretty already."
He frowned at her in a disappointed way shaking his head.

"Make up's for forty year old women trying to pick up thirty year old guys and besides, in the long run, make-up's gonna give ya wrinkles but I'll lick your make up off as well if you want me to."
The thing he loved about Angela, was that she could so easily take his jokes. She did laugh at herself sometimes. Those were by far, the very best people to tease so he'd happily surrounded himself with those people. He'd made sure he had friends that didn't mind being trashed with fish guts or getting their homework actually eaten by his dog.

A little BBQ sauce made everything edible. Especially for dogs it seemed. Bell smirked when she stopped waving the mistletoe once more above his head and waiting for her to say either yes or no to him. She came to a stop before him and his eyes widened. No slap yet. So far so good. She went up on her tiptoes and his heart skipped a beat. Seriously!? He was about to get his first kiss before his sixteenth birthday?! Result!! Bell gasped as she pulled him down... then kissed... his cheek. He'd tensed up, eyes wide, only to flop back down again.

"Fail..."
He muttered, his own cheeks now red and he wiggled from under her hands.
"You don't get the pictures but thanks for not slapping me. Guess you like me then huh?"
He wiggled his eyebrow playfully at her.
"Aww sweetstuff. I never knew."
He patted her head playfully.

[Angela Chambers]

Angie bit her lip to not laugh at Bell. He was reciting Katy Perry for god sake. While it wasn’t exactly surprising, it was still funny. And the lyrics fit him so perfectly. “Really Bell? I would’ve never guessed to describe you as from a different planet. It’s not like you’re completely unlike anybody else.” She said to him, her voice dripping with sarcasm. Because he was. Bell was so unlike anybody she’d known before. He was nice to her, sweet. And he’d bothered to even talk to her and try to know her. She’d always been ‘the weird quiet girl’ and the other children hadn’t wanted anything to do with her. And the fact that Bell had… Just proves his unlikeness from other people she knew.

Pretty? He thought she was pretty? And he’d just said it like it was nothing. Embarrassed as she was, she couldn’t make eye contact with him. She was more red than a… Redder than a… Something really red. “I’m a girl. Girls wear make-up. Or they’re supposed to at least.” And he brought up licking again and Angie couldn’t help but laugh out loud, forgetting completely she was supposed to be flustered. “Well Bell, if my face looks so appetizing to you, please, feel free Bell. Lick away.” Of course, she was kidding. She didn’t think he would. But now she was kind of challenging him. Yeah, he kept saying he would. But she wasn’t sure she believed him.

Though she did thoroughly find his wide eyes and gasp to be entertaining. She thought maybe she should’ve kissed him. Maybe she wouldn’t have really minded. No, she was sure she wouldn’t have minded. It was Bell after all. Girls wanted their first kisses with somebody nice, and sweets, and cute. Right? So maybe she’d made a mistake. And even though she was giggling at how he’d responded before she chickened out, her stomach was still in knots and heart was kinda racing. And her thinking was kinda scrambled too.

“Of course I like you Bell.” Angie said smiling, trying hard to get her cheeks to no longer be red, but failing miserably. “What’s there not to like?” She asked as she carefully walked up the stairs to Hammel. Right now would be the worst possible time to slip and bust her face on the stairs. Bell would never let her hear the end of it.

Stopped at the top of the stairs, she looked at Bell. And smiled at him. “But don’t give up yet. I think you should try again tomorrow. You never know. I’ll expect the same deal though. I give you a kiss, you give me those pictures… And no funny business. If I get a pie to the face, either before or after this ‘kiss’, you will not be allowed to lick me.”

To say that she was proud of herself for being witty, and a tad flirty, was an understatement. She had quickly turned from him so that he would not see the thousand watt smile radiating from her face, then opened the door, and walked into the building. Thinking about it while it was still fresh in her mind, she thought she could’ve been a little smoother, but figured it was an overall success.

But the red was still planted on her face, though slowly fading. And of course her heart being knotted and flippy and brain being jumbled weren’t a great help in the scenario. Though still, a little more bounce in her step.

[Bell Kent]

Bell smirked when she denied that he was totally an alien. He made a pondering face, even rubbing at his chin for a bit and staring off into the great blue yonder for a few seconds.
"I think we are all aliens. Metas with the special gifts and unique talents. We're all aliens but I happen to be the king bee because aliens totally have king bees rather then queen bees. "
Bell informed her tilting his head at her and nodding so he was sure she would agree with him. Bell always nodded when he wanted to make something radical that came from his lips turn into fact.

No, seriously. He was awesome. He just needed to get the LAADIES to see that too. Especially the sexy blonde ones or the really dark haired ones... or the auburn ones or the brown haired ones or... oh you get the picture. Bell only then noticed that she was red and he had to point it out of course.
"ZOhmygod! I made you blush!"
He slide closer to her and leaned in to better hear her answer.

"and hooooowwww did I do that? The exact precise words that I said to make you blush were.....?"
Bell whipped out a piece of paper and pen and started to scribble some of the things he'd said then waved his hand dismissively pulling a face at her words about make up.
"Oh crap. That's crap. A nice big heap of it. Girls don't NEED to wear make up. They are pretty as they are. Besides... girls cry or whatever and they start looking like they just finished a scene in the crow because of make up...so there."

Bell corrected her stuffing the pen and paper back in his pocket. Bell quirked an eyebrow at her challenge and eyed her for a moment.
"You really want me to lick you? Can I choose where I get to lick you or are we keeping it to your face and NOT venturing below the belt?"
Bell winked at her really rather wanting an answer and totally NOT teasing right then. Oh the fun they could have with a can of whipped cream.

After the near kiss Angela had challenged him to try the next day nearly shattering the poor boy. All this trying was exhausting. Damn women. You kept trying and you kept getting petted for being cute at trying. Well... she was NOT getting his pictures. They were totally his. His and his alone. Besides, his almost kiss girl was something special now right?

[Angela Chambers]

Angie knew he was kidding, about Meta’s being aliens. And that it wasn’t true. But a little bit she wished it was true. First of all, how incredibly awesome would that be? She’d still be a freak, in her own eyes, of course. Though, this time there’d be a reason, not just random happenstance like genetics and kind of ‘luck’ of the draw. Laughing, she nodded along with Bell. “Yes Bell, if Meta’s turn out to be an alien race, I will allow you to be my King.” She couldn’t help but roll her eyes. He was… Completely and utterly ridiculous. But also completely and utterly interesting and fun. And really the ridiculous made the interesting and fun all the more interesting and fun.

It was actually surprising to her that he hadn’t managed to somehow wrangle himself a girlfriend yet. She didn’t really understand it. He was nice, funny, smart, and cute… Wasn’t that supposed to be what girls liked? Though she thought she might’ve had an idea as to why. Not all girls liked the pranks… Or his abrasiveness, like pointing out she’d blushed. It only made her blush that much more as she felt up to her scalp start to burn a fiery red.

Turning her face so he couldn’t see the now redder color dawning her face, she shook her head. “Nu uh. No you didn’t… I-it’s really cold out. The wind chill. Yeah. That’s making my face red.” Of course it was a lie. And she wasn’t much of a good liar anyway. Never before Hammel did she dare try to. “I’m not telling.” That was that. He could torture her if he wanted, but she would not tell him what it was he'd said. For one, he'd most likely use it against her forever. And for two, it was embarrassing.

“We may not need it. But we feel pretty when we do wear it.” Thinking to herself, she asked, 'we are supposed to feel pretty wearing it, right?' Really, she was just arguing for the sake of arguing. Angie didn’t really like the feel of it on her face. It felt like… Thick flour. Or thin batter? Maybe paint? Either way, gunk on her face. “… I don’t know what that means. What’s the crow?” He’d said scene? So movie? Play? Either way… She’d never seen much of either.

Then her mind went blank. Was he… Did he just… She looked like a deer in head lights after he said that, eyes wide. And the red drained from her face. “W-what?” Her brain felt like it was short circuiting. If there was a way to simply pop the top of her head off, she was positive you’d see sparks flying. After clearing her throat, she asked “....... So you think the cafeteria has some hot chocolate?” holding the door open for him. “I could really use some, I’m still cold. I hope they have marshmallows.”

[Bell Kent]

Bell thought she'd just leave him there on the step after her challenge for him had been set but then she was spluttering at his words and a smirk twisted across his face but he didn't turn to look at her. He stayed with his back to her waiting for her to do something else. She held the door open for him and invited him to hot chocolate. Bell slowly turned to look over his shoulder, dimples forming as he smirked at her.

"That's not a date is it? Sounds like a date to me. Sounds like something I'd be interested in persueing. Yum."
He wiggled his eyebrow at her and slowly turned to fully face her before zooming to beside her.
"Do I get to hold your hand when we walk in there? "
He held his palm open for her then turned and twisted it around.

"See? No buzzers or anything that could hurt you. You've had your prank today. You're safe. "
He assured her.
"So tell your king what you were umming and ahing about? You find it interesting that a guy wasn't to go all kinky with you? We could always do that after I show you the Crow? You'll like it. I'm sure!"

Again the nodding to tell her she WAS infact going to watch the crow with her. It might put her off make up... a good thing in his opinion. He hated the stuff so much anyway.

[Angela Chambers]

A date? What in the world was going ooon? Did she just ask somebody out on a date? She hadn’t thought so… What exactly had she said? She asked if he wondered if the cafeteria had hot chocolate, right? Was that supposed to be a date? Frick! This had to be another sort of prank, right? Bell was just teasing her. But… He’d also said he’d be interested in pursuing it.

“Um… I-I just want some hot chocolate?” She chuckled, her cheeks turning a slight pink again. Was this how it was forever going to be between them? Him poking fun at her about… in-intimate things and she blushing?

Feeling completely ridiculous and exposed, she grabbed Bell’s hand and tugged on his arm in the hurry to get something hot to drink. “I suppose… As long as we get hot chocolate though.” Normally, she would’ve actually glanced at his hands. Ya’ know, make sure he’s telling the truth? And possibly even empty his pockets. But… She wanted the subject to change.

Was Bell trying to kill through blushing? She doubted it was even possible. But if it were, Bell would be on trial right about now for killing her. “Bell for the love of god…” She sighed as, once again, her face was scarlet. Why was he talking so much about sex anyway? Was it true that all boys thought about… it all the time? And like what? The movie or the other thing he was talking about?

“Look… I just-” Angie tried to think exactly how to explain this to him. “ThethingisI’veneverreallythoughtaboutthingslikethathappening,especiallynottomeandIdon’tknow.” Speaking quickly, her words rushing together, she took a deep breath. “It’s not really ever been something I thought about before.” Not because she didn’t want to. But it wasn’t really an option before Hammel.

[Bell Kent]

Bell saw her blush and widened his eyes.
"Oh my God! Score again! Damn I'm good at this stuff."
He'd made her blush AGAIN! How fantastically excellent was he at this stuff. He did a little fist pump. If he knew what he actually did to make her blush it would make things all the more excellent for him now wouldn't it! Of course, Angela wasn't about to disclose that information so he just had to keep saying things till he hit the right notes.

Dates were blushworthy topics now. He was most definitely getting the hang of this stuff then. Bell's hand was grabbed and he was yanked toward the cafeteria.
"Whoa! "
Bell yelped as he was yanked away by a girl two years younger then he was. Damn. How come girls were even bossy when they were so young?! Bell could tell that Angela was getting annoyed and he gave a sigh and nodded.

He pulled his hand from hers and headed into the cafeteria without holding her hand.
"Okay so we forget I tried to tease you about it and just pretend it didn't happen. Hot chocolate then? "
Bell didn't look at her after his words as he searched the room to absentmindedly.
"I was just teasing, Sweetstuff."
He muttered to her.

[Angela Chambers]

He was getting too much joy out of turning Angie’s face red. Eyeing him, she yanked the hood up on her jacket. “I have no idea what you’re talking about Bell. Obviously, you’re seeing things. Wind chill, remember?” Though, the fact that they were inside where there was no wind chill made that probably the lamest excuse in the history of excuses. Tying the hood tight around her face, she insured he wouldn’t be able to see her blush. If he managed to. Which he seemed bent on doing.

At this point, her mind wasn’t totally on hot chocolate. Well, it was. Because she really did want some. But mostly Bell was making her head have all these confused thoughts. And embarrassing her and flattering her and… This was the first boy she’d ever spent any time with. Except for her brother and father that is.

When he pulled his hand out of hers, her hand felt oddly empty. And her stomach kind of tightened in an uncomfortable way. Turning her face to inspect his, a frown was set on her face. She wasn’t sure what she’d done wrong. Shoving her hands into her jacket pockets, she walked beside him uncomfortably. Of course, her intention had never been to upset him. And the thought that she had, well, she almost wanted to cry. But that wasn’t something she did freely.

“I know you were teasing Bell. I wasn’t seriously mad. Just… I’m not used to people talking about” She stopped speaking for a moment. She knew she was a bit behind in the whole not being socially awkward department. Plus Bell was older. It was kind of difficult. “About sex. But please… I have to get used to it. Right?” She tried to speak at a normal volume to him. For Angie though, that was easier said than done, and her words were rather meek.

It was something people talked about. Though the thought of talking about it was terrifying. If she were to think about the act itself, most likely she’d pass out from the blood rush to her head. But for now, she’d get used to hearing Bell tease her. And… Well… She took her hand out of her pocket and held it towards him. He’d offered the first time. And she’d been the one who offended him. So it was only right that she offered. Not that manners were the only reason she was offering to hold hands with him. She'd never actually held somebody's hand before. Well aside from her mother's when crossing the street. It was an oddly comforting thing, to hold hands.