Wait, You Want Me to do What? (Les.)

[Jacelynn Heron]

How long had it been since she left the confines of her dorm room? Weeks, months? It felt like forever. Carter was gone, Jackson had a life, even Lani wasn't any fun to bug anymore. What was the world coming to? She'd gone from social butterfly freak to spunky hermit that never felt the desire to go anywhere. It was a wonder she even dressed herself. What was the point when she didn't have anyone to show off for except herself? Sure it was clean and whatever, but that didn't mean she had to do it.

It wasn't until she got a random phone call from what she'd always thought was more of a casual dating guy that she even bothered dolling herself up. Granted, Les was actually a pretty good friend of hers, but they'd met over some set up date and it turned out being sort of a bust. Not because Jace didn't think he was gorgeous and modelesque, but more because she was hung up on someone else at the time and she couldn't really get her mind off of him when he was still so close. That was until he up and ditched out on her. God knew where he went.

Either way, she was glad to have gained a decent friend out of it and who knew, maybe he'd pull her out of her slump. He wouldn't even be able to tell she was in a slump when he saw her though. The way she looked was like a million bucks. Well, a million bucks that was dressed for a picnic. Only she would wear something so fashionable and so completely irrational to a picnic. But hey, it was a way of expression and as an artist, she felt the need to express.

Upon walking out of the dorm building, she spotted his car and climbed in with a bright smile on her face, "Hey Les!"

[Alessandro Ricci]

Beautiful women made Les nervous. When his friends had set him up for that "date", well, it felt like her mind was focused on something else completely. Or maybe someone. It was always hard to read someone's mind if you didn't have the power to do it. He sometimes wished he was a Meta, but the lifestyle was hard, so very hard and it didn't seem like a good idea when he thought that. He parked the old, red Kia in front of the dorm room, waiting for Jace to come out.

His mother had helped him pack a perfect picnic. Jace was the perfect woman for him. She was bubbly, happy and absolutely beautfiul. Though the beauty didn't matter, it was a definite bonus. She came out in heels and a dress. Was that appropriate for a picnic? His mother had also helped him dress. She picked out something simple and easy to move in. Were things going to get serious between him and Jace? Would this officially be their first date? Then if it was, then it would be tradition for him to bring her home to meet his parents. Of course, that was supposed to be the other way, but Aless was innocent and grew up a little more fem than most men.

Aless stepped from his car to open her door. "You look lovely," he said in his deep, clear voice. After getting behind the wheel, he headed towards the lake. It was a warm spring day, which meant people would be populating the lake. Would he be able to find a nice, secluded place? But would she think he was going to harm her? Aless couldn't harm a fly, literally. "Are you ready for our picnic?"

[Jacelynn Heron]

As she stood in front of him, she wondered why she hadn't fallen for him before. He was sweet, sweeter than most guys she knew. He was sort of shy, but that was always better than being brash and arrogant. Overall he seemed like Prince Charming, so why hadn't she gone for him when given the chance before? What made Carter take precedence? She still didn't quite understand it, but now that he was out of the picture and out of her mind, she found herself fairly attracted to the tall boy in front of her.

Les was hot, extremely so and it didn't take much to make a hot guy look hotter, but his fashion sense was definitely helpful. Granted it was a simple ensemble, less flashy than what she wore, but either way he made it look flashy. Her eyes traveled from his shoes up to his eyes and she graced him with a real smile instead of her overly happy fake smile. Today was going to be good for her, and hopefully for him, too. As he opened her door, she kissed his cheek and smiled wider, "You look smokin,' babe." Jace laughed as she climbed in and adjusted her dress.

Of course she had to pick on him, all in good fun. He was just so quiet and shy that it made things fun. She glanced out the window and back to him when he spoke. "Oh yeah! I'm excited, well as long as there aren't too many people crowded around. I'd like to stay out of the personal lives of others today," Jace answered jokingly. Clairaudience was awesome of course, but it got her into trouble more times than she'd like to admit. "Are you excited?" She asked, as she looked at him.

[Alessandro Ricci]

Aless blushed profusely. Of course there was going to be a lot of people, how could she? Then he saw her smile. She was joking. Joking. The Adonis was always so innocent. It was hard for him to know if someone was joking or being sarcastic. Many times, he took someone seriously and concern wrote all over his face like a book. He flashed a smile in her direction, careful to keep his hazel eyes trained on the road. "Of course," he said in his quiet way. "I'm taking a beautiful girl out on a picnic."

And to meet his parents at the end of the picnic, if she agreed. He hope to God she would agree. Aless pulled into the lake. It's shores was full of families with small children running and splashing in the cool water. He slowed down to ten miles an hour, looking for a secluded spot with some shade. The sun poured heat down on the earth and he could see some of the people in the water already beginning to burn.

Les stopped when he found the perfect glade. A small creek ran along the glade, making small trickling, and laughing sounds. "Bubbling creek," he stated, smiling and pointing it out. He got out of the car and got the wicker basket from the back hatch. "Are you ready?" The tall man had no troubles laying out the checkered blanket and the food and drinks he had helped his mother prepare. There was fried chicken, finger sandwiches, homemade tea and orange juice along with cute little cups, plates and silverware.

[Jacelynn Heron]

Jacelynn laughed at his confused expression. He'd get used to her sense of humor eventually. At least she hoped he would. All he needed was time around her and her sarcasm and quirkiness would become something he knew very well. After all, it was what made her so fun. She hadn't been expecting his answer though and it caught her off guard. Someone taking her by surprise was rare, but she encouraged it. She needed someone to keep her on her toes. Jace blushed and turned her face towards the window to hide her bright smile. "If you say so," She said softly.

Her eyes wandered around the busy lake. Seeing kids out in the water, playing and laughing with their parents sitting on the shore just watching over them, it made her think of her own childhood. The difference was that she wasn't in the water, and her mother was suffocating her under the mask of sunscreen. Heaven forbid she get even the slightest bit pink. Oh no, Llana was determined to make her white as a sheet. Jace shook herself mentally and refused to let these thoughts cloud her good day.

His voice broke her reverie and she looked out to where he pointed. It looked nice, romantic even. Her stomach tightened and she bit the inside of her cheek. She could do this, romance was part of dating. And yes, she wanted to date him. He was a good guy. Sliding out of the car, she smoothed her dress and gave an enthusiastic nod before following. He set everything out and she was surprised at how elaborate the picnic was.

Sitting down on the blanket carefully, she crossed her legs and smiled, "You really went all out huh?"

[Alessandro Ricci]

Aless blushed. "I...uh..." He was at a lost of words. Actually, he had only wanted to bring some sandwiches and tea, but his mother insisted that if he wanted to impress this girl, he had to go all out. The fried chicken was still warm and moist. The sandwiches were wrapped individually.

"To prevent germs," his mother had said while she packed the basket. "And make sure she's comfortable. I know how uncomfortable the ground could be. She'll be wearing a dress."

Les blanched. "What makes you think she'd be wearing a dress?!" Bumble jumped onto his shins. He reached down to pet her soft ears.

"Cause I was a girl once Lessy," his mother laughed. "Now, go have fun!"

A high-pitched scream pulled him back from the thoughts. It was one of the children down at the river. "Amazing, they could scream that loud. So... Do you have any pets?" Bumble was his baby girl. He took her almost everywhere and wasn't sure how Jace would respond to her being a pitbull. That breed usually got a lot of bad rep from the fighting done in the streets and gangs.

[Jacelynn Heron]

Jacelynn smiled as he stumbled for words. It was cute, him being all shy and nervous. Few guys acted that way when they were around her. Or rather, she was rarely around guys that got shy and nervous. She had to admit, she could get used to it. Though, she didn't want him to always be shy and timid around her. If he was like that, how would she get farther than a polite handshake? She wouldn't. Luckily, she was good at making more bold moves.

Wincing at the squeal, she bit her lip. Jace loved kids as much as the next person, but gosh were they loud. Sensitive hearing didn't favor her around children. How was she going to make it as a mother when she had kids? Well, that was a long way away from now, so she'd try not to dwell on it at the moment.

"I have a puggle named Bubbles," She answered with a smile. Just recently acquired thanks in large part to her father. And she was the cutest puppy she'd ever seen! "How about you? Any pets?" Gosh she hoped he wasn't a cat freak, they were scary people.

[Alessandro Ricci]

"Of course!" Aless said. While he rambled on about his pet, Bumble, his face became animated and opened up. He was no longer shy and timid, his eyes beamed with happiness and he couldn't keep the smile off his face. "She's so sweet. You'll like her when you meet her, though, warning, she jumps. Oh and she's a pitbull."

He pulled out two sandwiches for both of them and put some chicken on the plates. He poured tea in one cup and orange juice in the other. Jace could have her first pick if she wanted too. "I know pitbulls get a lot of bad rep on the streets, but I promise she won't hurt you."

Bumble was about nine months old, not even up to his knee, though he was a tall God. Not really. Even in the shade, his shirt stuck to his back in the heat. "I think you'll like my mama's food, it's the best in Italy, everyone could tell you that."

[Jacelynn Heron]

Jace smiled wider as he spoke of his puppy. She sounded like her and Bubbles would get along great and Jace couldn't wait to get the two puppies together for a play date. The idea had her blushing slightly because she realized that in order for the two to get together, her and Les would have to get together as well. And she liked that idea a lot more than she thought she would.

"I love pitbulls! They're sooo cute! Reps aside, I've never come across a mean one. They're only mean when they are poorly treated. Otherwise they're so sweet, just like any puppy. How old is she?" Jace asked brightly. Talk of animals always made her happy and she loved that he seemed to open up more about it. He really was adorable.

Taking the plate of food and the tea, she took a sip from her drink. "Well I'm sure I will, anyone's cooking is better than mine, I'm sort of terrible," She laughed softly. Gosh was she terrible.

[Alessandro Ricci]

Aless laughed. "She's nine months. Not even close to be full grown. She has these spindly legs and is constantly tripping herself!" Jace? A bad cook? No one was a bad cook, they had to follow the instructions right or it would turn out burnt or...bad. He would cook for her. This thought made him blush, his entire face turned red.

"I'd...I...I would cook for you," he finally spit out. Why was it so hard to talk to a beautiful woman? Why couldn't he be self-assured? More like his Papa. His Papa had been so confident with his Mama. Why couldn't... Aless shook the very thought from his head. It was no use to complain about not being like his Papa. He was his own person and he would grow with time and with her, if he had his way.

He took a bite of the chicken. It was pure heaven. After he swallowed his mouth full of food, he stared intently at her. He had specifically gave her one of the finger pieces he had made. It was his first and Mama reassured him that it would be fine. His hazel eyes kept flickering to her hands. They were so delicate and refined. How had he not noticed that before? "I...uh...have a question. My parents want to meet you and...I was...wo-wondering if you would li-like to meet them?"

[Jacelynn Heron]

“Awww! She sounds so cute! I can’t wait to see her. Gosh her and Bubbles would be best friends, I can already tell,” Jace giggled and bit her lower lip. Note to self, get him to talk about animals more. She loved seeing the way he was just so bright and vibrant when he was talking about something he was comfortable with. She was going to find other things that made him light up like he did now.

The color of his face turned to that of a tomato and she tilted her head to the side as he struggled for words. She had to admit, she didn’t understand why he was so nervous around her. She wasn’t scary, she wasn’t even all that intimidating. It didn’t make much sense, but she wasn’t going to question it. When he finally got what he was trying to say out, she smiled and scooted closer to him a little. “I’d like that, a lot. Maybe you can teach me?”

She nibbled at her food, eyes traveling along the shorelines. The food really was good, better than her mother’s cooking that was for sure. Jace closed her eyes as she continued eating and sighed, “Whoever made this is a genius.” Her eyes opened again as he began speaking, stumbling more so than he had before. Jace’s eyebrows pulled together and she reached for his hand, hoping to make things easier for him with some comfort.

And there it was, a question she wasn’t sure she could answer at the moment. Her throat tightened and she unconsciously squeezed his hand. Jace breathed slowly and tried to clear her mind of all bright red signs saying DON’T DO IT. What was he even asking? They hadn’t even started dating until now? Wasn’t this something that should be saved for an engagement thing? Oh gosh, what if that’s what he planned? It took a few moments until Jace realized she’d been quiet for a little too long, “Uhm, yeah. Definitely.” Wait…what? She had just said yes.

She said yes to meeting his parents….

[Alessandro Ricci]

Aless didn't notice her panic. It wasn't his strong suite. "Really?" Oh, she had made him the happiest man on the world. How could he expect her not to say yes? Mama'll love her! And so would Papa! They would approve and then they could get married and... He shook his head. That was moving a bit fast wasn't it?

He reached across the picnic set up and pulled her into his chest. "You've made me so happy!" he said, giving her a rash kiss. Aless pulled back, his face as red as a tomato. His parents had taught him to wait to kiss her. He had to get permission and he hadn't. "I.. I'm so sorry!" She was changing him. It was only slightly obvious, but not to him. How could someone not see? Aless was blind, yes.

He cleared his throat and leaned back. How lovely. He could already imagine her telling Mama that he had kissed her and he didn't have permission and how dare he?! The innocent man tried to keep his "red" under control, but the more he thought about the kiss, the more he wanted to touch her. Hold her. Keep her safe and that definitely didn't help his blushing.

[Jacelynn Heron]

It was probably best that he didn't see the panic or pay attention to it. She didn't want him to think she was completely against parents, it was just her parents (her mother in particular) that she was sort of against being around. Heck she knew some parents were cool, she'd seen them on television shows. She's just never been around one of the 'cool' types. Gosh, Jace couldn't imagine her mother as being 'cool,' she was far too uptight for that. If either of her parents would be considered cool, it'd be her dad, and that was only when he wasn't under her mother's reign.

Honestly, lost in her own mind, she was too distracted to realize what was going on. It wasn't until she was pulled into his chest, that she woke up from her personal daydream. At first she was speechless, but she relaxed slightly. He was so friggin ripped! And hot, very hot. She smiled and returned the hug, a little less enthusiastically, but only because she didn't think she could get that enthusiastic. And then he kissed her.

Her eyes widened at first, but she slowly eased into the kiss and cupped his cheek before he pulled away abruptly. Jace frowned as he apologized and shook her head, "Aless, you don't have to apologize. It was a kiss, not some kinky groping." She smiled and felt her own face burning. Not of embarrassment, no, but because he was one hell of a kisser. Jacelynn fanned herself and sat back as she watched him.

He looked so scared as if she was about to condemn him or something. It was adorable that he felt sorry for spontaneously kissing her. Most guys were all about the first kiss and shoving their tongues down her throat. That was when they should apologize, not for something small like an excited peck. She couldn't take it, he was sooo cute. Jace cupped his jaw and pulled him in for another kiss, lingering more so this time. "I'm going to say that was to get it off my chest seeing as how when I meet your parents I won't get a whole lot of time to do it," She smirked and sat back, sipping at her drink.

[Alessandro Ricci]

Aless turned red. She welcomed the kiss? What did Mama say about those girls? No, he wouldn't think of Jace like that. Just because she was more experienced in the dating scene didn't mean she was a...whore. His Mama wanted him to bring home someone...who was a virgin, someone who thought like he did. If he did bring someone home just like him, they would've been married within the next six months. He didn't to rush things. Jace had been hurt enough by men, some pushy, others just leaving her in the dust and Aless didn't want to be any of those.

The smirk on her face brought nasty images to his head. Images he had never thought of before. Images that would've landed him over Mama's knee if she knew what he was thinking. Thank God Mama was powerless. He took a shaky sip of his drink, trying to distract his mind and distract something else. How could he change the subject without coming off as...stand offish? Could he talk about his parents without her getting disappointed that he wasn't talking about intimate things? "My Mama and Papa will absolutely love you," Aless said. He grabbed her hand.

"This is so exciting! Come on, let's pack up the picnic. We can go see them now!" He had never noticed her hesitation before. He wouldn't want her to hesitate. He would want her to be as comfortable as she possibly can around his family and him.

[Jacelynn Heron]

Is it sad that what Aless' mom said about girls who welcomed kissing so early on was something Jace got called almost every day by her own mother? It was something she got used to after a while. Her mother constantly asking where her innocent baby with the glasses and braces had gone and when had this rebellious hooker with too much makeup and short skirts taken her place. Honestly she made Jacelynn sound like one of the cheapest prostitutes one could find with how she described her to people. It was like her mother never paid attention to what she really looked like, especially on days such as these.

His words created a lump in her throat that she couldn't quite swallow and she about choked on her drink, but she recovered quickly and what seemed as effortlessly. Her smile was genuine even if she was hiding her true feelings and the way her stomach was twisting into knots at the very thought of meeting his family already. What was he thinking? And how could he think that this was a good idea? He saw how she was, how off-color she was. She didn't fit in with his lifestyle.

He practically sprang up from the blanket and Jace had to smile wider at his excitement. She really did like seeing him so happy, now if only they were going to do something else instead. Meeting his parents was something she was definitely not prepared for and she could just tell it'd be a train wreck. If anything she wanted to spend more time with him, just the two of them and explore the attraction. Yes she found him sweet and kind-hearted, but if there was no real attraction there, what was the point in sticking around. Sure, the kiss had been heated, but was it enough to keep them intrigued by each other? "O-okay. If you want to," She said with a kind smile, trying to ignore her shaking voice.