Time Warp: Hooked on a Feeling

[Michael Blaise]

August 28, 2013

Turning twenty-one was supposed to be a big deal, and, in theory, it was. Truth be told, Michael was excited. The ability to walk into a liquor store and purchase alcohol was equivalent to the powers of the gods to a college student. Really, he was happy to be turning twenty-one, but he had little intention of getting completely shitfaced on his first day as a full, legitimate drinking adult.

However, his friends had a completely different plan in mind.

Fortunately, the eldest Blaise wasn’t the only person celebrating a birthday. Someone thought that it would be a great idea to throw a huge party as a two-for-one sort of deal, even if he hadn’t even know this person.

Still, Michael walked up to the bar, ordering himself his first legal beer. Despite having had drank before, it was nice to be able to flash an ID instead of having to go through others to get it. He glanced over to his friends – a people already starting to goof off – and looked to the bartender. “Two, actually.”

Grabbing the glasses, he walked over towards the small crowd, quickly spotting a redhead being congratulated. The Brit flashed her a quick smile, extending a glass to her. “Your birthday too, eh?”

[Sienna Reid-Estrada]

It was a Wednesday, roughly about a week and a half before her 22nd birthday. The date wasn't really something that she wasn't expecting to celebrate, especially since it was a relatively unimportant age, except for the fact that she was going back home for about a week and spending some time with family.

Of course Sienna didn't have much planned except packing and preparations for the trip, but it was a part of the schedule she had written out for the day. A schedule she enjoyed sticking to. A knock at the door captured her attention and she found a group of good girl friends standing outside. The minute she opened the door, she was dragged into her closet and told what to wear, being informed that she was going to be taken to her 22nd birthday celebration. Only when she stepped into the bar was she told it was a mixed event celebrating a guy's 21 and her 22. She didn't even know him.

Happy Birthdays were said, and congratulations was thrown around, but Sienna was glad when a beer was brought her way. She definitely needed one. "It's on the eighth, but I'm going out of town, so," The redhead offered with a lighthearted laugh. "And I'm guessing you're the one celebrating his big 21?"

[Michael Blaise]

Michael’s smile widened as the beer he offered was accepted. “Oh man, they can’t even get the day right.” He joked lightly raising his eyebrows once. His pale eyes glanced around the crowd briefly, trying to figure out who the mutual friends between them were, or, at least who planned the combination party.

But his attention was quickly brought back to the red head, “Yes! That would be me!” Running a hand through his hair, he shifted on his feet slightly. “The twenty-one year-old.” He laughed lightly, placing the glass to his lips, however, he faltered when realizing he was missing the usual custom. Raising his beer slightly, he tilted it in the girl’s direction. “To turning twenty-one, and to remaining twenty-one for another eleven days.”

[Sienna Reid-Estrada]

"Don't tell them I told you this, but they always have been a little air headed," The redhead teased, shaking her head slightly at the Brit's words. Her friends were lovely, always with the best intentions, but sometimes enjoyed throwing her off of her schedule. Something, at times, she hated, but most other times she loved. Like now.

Honestly, there were few familiar faces surrounding them; some faces she knew from classes, others some she knew from brief meetings, and some she didn't even recognize at all. There wasn't even a clue of who set the entire thing up, but Sienna had a feeling the reason why they did that was not only to celebrate birthdays, but to possibly get Sienna to hook up with someone. It wasn't the first time, and she doubted it'd be the last.

She raised the bottle, "And to being old enough to buy your own drinks." The redhead pulled her hand away and took a sip, glancing around to see if she could find any of the group she had come with. While she couldn't see them, she had a feeling they were around somewhere, eyeing her like a hawk. "I didn't even realize this was a joined party until they told me when we walked in. Hell, they didn't even tell me your name."

[Michael Blaise]

Michael tipped the bottle to his lips, taking a swig. Beer was not exactly the nicest of drinks, but he enjoyed it regardless. Letting out a light laugh he glanced again at the crowd. “They must know my friends then.” Really, who planned things in this sort of way?

“That makes two of us.” He replied with a nod; “I didn’t even know there was a party until about an hour ago.” Michael watched the redhead carefully as she turned her attention away. He was always curious of others, and this woman was no exception. His own gaze traveled the line of her neck and up to her eyes – stunningly blue eyes. A smile pulled at the corner of his lip as he took another sip of his beer.

To his friends – and they were most certainly watching – it likely looked as if he were hitting on the girl. “Well then, I’m Michael.” His smile grew, taking on a warmer tone. "I'm afraid they failed to mention your name, too."

[Sienna Reid-Estrada]

Sienna wasn't much a drinker, and with that fact in mind, she realized this more than likely would be the first and last time she would have a drink. She knew how to have a good time without alcohol coursing through her system, and it was a reason why she was brought along to parties. Great fun and a designated driver was something nobody would ever pass up, and Sienna was happy to oblige when it came down to it.

"They showed up when I was taking a break, forced me into a dress, and brought me here. I hope for your sake that you weren't as roughed up as I was." There wasn't any doubt that he was taking in her figure, at least somewhat, when looking at her, but to be offended by such would be hypocritical. It was natural to be curious about who you were speaking to and taking in as much physical information as you could upon first meeting someone.

She was doing the same.

"I figured as much," Another sip of the drink was taken before speaking once again, "I'm Sienna. So tell me, Michael, am I the only one out of us two that believes that this party wasn't just to say happy birthday?" She glanced back, taking note of two people continuously staring in their direction with smiles before turning away once they noticed her staring. Lovely.

[Michael Blaise]

Michael raised his eyebrows at this girl’s almost horrifying story of being brought here. “Nah, I was just got a text telling me to show up and not wear anything embarrassing.” He laughed lightly, bringing his free hand to the back of his neck. And judging by how his friends stared at the pair, he was pretty sure he knew why they said such.

He quietly smiled at her name. It was pretty, and suited her from what he determined in the few minutes of meeting her. The smile grew into a grin as she pointed out just what he was thinking, and he gave a short nod, glancing back over at the group.

“I believe you’re right.” He replied, “I’m sorry if that makes this a bit awkward. I’m afraid they do this a lot to me.” When his gaze returned to Sienna, he took another sip of his beer. “Sounds like you have a similar problem, though.”

[Sienna Reid-Estrada]

"Well lucky you, then." Sienna apparently had more aggressive friends than the two - but then again, when it came to altering her schedule, it took a more aggressive approach. "But maybe that's because it takes more to get me to do some of the things they want me to."

The redhead decided to just focus on Michael rather than worry about how the others were chatting excitedly about how their plan was going brilliantly. Some of her greatest friends came from some of these set ups, and so she never closed off her mind to such things.

"It's only awkward if you make it," Sienna offered with a shrug of a shoulder. "Im taking this as a great opportunity to meet some new people. In the end, it's my plan and not theirs, you know?"

[Michael Blaise]

“Maybe.” Michael agreed. He certainly was laid back when it came to these sort of things, although there were nights when he wanted to be alone, he was almost a bit of a pushover when people asked him to go out. “I sort of expected they were planning something. God forbid I stay at home for my twenty-first.”

Just as the redhead had, Michael decided to ignore those who were clearly watching with interest. It wasn’t worth the effort or their satisfaction. “They were a bit upset when I told them I wasn’t going to get sloshed.”

He tilted the bottle neck at Sienna and nodded. “Exactly!” He liked how this girl worked already. He hadn’t been sure just how many times he had been set up awkwardly only because someone made it so. “We can agree not to make this awkward, then?”

[Sienna Reid-Estrada]

"You see, it's going to be my 22nd so I wasn't really planning on a big party. There's no significance to it." 25? Maybe. 30 most definitely. It was the reason she was taking a relatively easy trip back home and spend time with those who she hadn't seen for years. It made the most sense.

"But my 21st was definitely a trip." And that was all she was going to say about it, a knowing look in her eyes.

Another sip, and the liquid ran down her throat. It would be a while until she felt the effects, if at all, but she was glad for a drink - the number of people and the warm temperature made the beverage such a relief. "And then after this, we can part as friends and call this a success, not on their standards, but our own. The redhead ran her hand through her hair before speaking up again.

"So I'm assuming you're attending UVM?"

[Michael Blaise]

“There’s always significance to making it through another year.” Michael replied. He waited a beat, eyebrows twitching together briefly as he continued; “That wasn’t meant to sound so somber. I mean, it deserves something of a celebration. Even if it’s a small one.”

He was immediately reminded of his sister, who actively tried to not celebrate her birthday simply to avoid the attention.

The look she gave hadn’t gone unnoticed, and Michael gave an understanding smile in response. “I’m hoping this one doesn’t get too crazy.” He admitted. The Brit loved going out, but partying hard was never something he could fully do.

He leaned in slightly, dropping his voice as he raised his eyebrows to the redhead. “Hope you don’t mind, but I might have to use you an excuse to get out of here if it gets out of hand.” Michael pulled back, switching his beer to his other hand before taking another sip of it.

“Ah, yes! The great UMV.” Sarcasm lined his voice; it wasn’t that he had much issue with the school, but he was ready to be done with it. There was only a year left for him. “I’m taking interior design, so you know who to call if you need a room revamped.” He gave a definite nod, “And yourself? Still in Uni?”

[Sienna Reid-Estrada]

"You're right," She admitted with a bit of an embarrassed flush. It wasn't as though she felt celebrating another year was unwarranted, but there were ages that seemed more significant than others. But the fact still remained that she had lived -almost- another year, and there was a reason for it.

She raised a brow, eyeing him with a look of pity. "Hopefully not, but it is your 21st. From what I can tell,," She glanced in the direction of the mixed crowd, waving a bit at no one in particular, "Your friends definitely have plans."

So his plan to use her wasn't entirely odd and unwanted. Hell, she could leave them thinking something happened for a short while and then break it to then gently - their plan hadn't work, or at least the way they wanted it to go. She shook her head at the thought, amused. "Well then I guess I just have to let you. We can go to my apartment and I can show you my..." She paused. "Cat. Holly loves visitors."

His sarcasm surprised her, if anything, but she realized that school wasn't the most enjoyable for everyone. She was in grad school, however, so that didn't really apply to her. "Ahh, well then. I'm an English major, but I'm studying for my masters. I have about a year or so left until then." Another reason why she was told she needed to go out - the redhead had a habit of overworking herself. But it was how she was. How she felt she would always be.

[Michael Blaise]

The flush in Sienna’s cheeks hadn’t gone unnoticed, and Michael raised his eyebrows once at the fact, curious if she was embarrassed of just a light drinker. He had considered offering to buy a second round, but tucked the thought away for later. He himself wasn’t a heavy drinker, but he’d rarely pass up having a few beers.

His gaze followed the trajectory of her hand, watching it wave as she motioned to the crowd of people who he were sure some of where already halfway to passed out. “Oh, I’m sure they do.” He agreed with a definite nod, “But we’ll see if I choose to follow them.” Likely not. He’d been drunk enough to pass out a few times already, and he had no interest in doing it again.

Michael’s eyebrows twitched together at her pause, hadn’t they just agreed to keep this as a friendship? He already wondered what her intentions were – oh, a cat. He grinned immediately. “I love cats.” He was all but oblivious to the tone he took, but Michael was certainly a cat lover. “I was never allowed pets as a kid, but I had always wanted one.” He had just claimed his own apartment, however, so getting a little furry creature was no longer out of the question.

Masters? Impressive. He tipped pointed the bottle of his drink to her again. “Smart cookie, you are then.” He was sure that he’d never reach such a level of education. “I’m surprised you have time to come out, then.” The Brit added teasingly, “Don’t they say graduate students have no lives?”

[Sienna Reid-Estrada]

"A man with his own agenda," Sienna mused, a light laugh - no more significant than a sharp exhale on the word 'his' - laced her words. She appreciated the fact that he wasn't, at least from first glance, a follower of what everyone expected of him. Sienna went along with certain things, sure, but never were they going to impose anything on her. They knew that.

His response to her cat comment wasn't surprising in the least, but what with the tone he took on, she wasn't sure if he was being serious or not. However, with his explanation, she came to the conclusion that he was, and that in itself was enough for Sienna to find him a little more interesting. A man who openly admitted to loving animals - cats, as it were - was something that Sienna found intriguing. Most men wanted to appear 'macho' and 'tough' in that sense.

She scoffed then, taking another sip of the beer with a roll of her eyes. It was true she had very little amount of free time, but she had excellent time management skills, so she wasn't too stressed about taking such a day off, even unexpected. "I make some time," even if that time was at 3 in the morning after a long study session. "I'm a partially Hispanic redhead, 21 and in college for her masters, what makes you think I'm anything stereotypical. Honestly." Her words were entirely lighthearted, airy at most. This was turning out to be a wonderful night.

[Michael Blaise]

“Oh now you’re making me sound mysterious and cool.” He chuckled. Although really, he knew he was far from. It was a nice act to try and play, though.

His grin grew as she rolled her eyes and fought the stereotype. This woman was brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. “Almost twenty-two.” He raised his eyebrows. However, he couldn’t deny that the redhead was impressive, and certainly didn’t fit the average stereotype. Time management was one of Michael’s worst flaws. It hadn’t mattered how hard he tried, there never seemed to be enough time. And for Seinna to do it so evidently well was exceptional.

“Beating the stereotype.” He tilted the beer to his lips, finishing the bottle before setting it aside. “I feel that.” Maybe not to the same extent, but he’d still offer a bit of information on himself, seeing as she did so first. “I’m English and not an avid tea drinker. Nor do I like Shakespeare.” He laughed at the stereotypes associated with his home country.

"Things aren't always as people make them out to be."