Pinky Swear? (Emma)

[Jared Park]

Jared couldn’t help but laugh at the sight of Emma looking so confused about the place. “Haven’t you heard of Build-a-Bear before? Don’t tell me you don’t have toy stores back in your place too, ‘cause that would be extremely awful,” he said, taking a quick sip from his glass. Jared is one of those people who are said to have not grown up yet, not just in the emotional sense, but even in their mentality. A true child at heart, he enjoys the sight of toys, from stuffed animals to toy trains, action figures to gaming consoles. The only thing he doesn’t like are those educational toys for little kids (which he believes actually dumb down if used by older kids) and boards games in general (chess, Monopolly, etc; it involves a whole lot of thinking, which according to Jared, doesn’t really make sense considering you play for fun and all that). A trip to the mall would never be complete if Jared doesn’t pass by the toys section. “I had this thought once that they should just call themselves Build-an-Animal or Build-a-Zoo or something similar, but then it didn’t have the same ring as Build-a-Bear. And I think they started with bears and just branched out, that’s why.” He played with the condensation on the side of his glass for a while, drawing weird shapes and trying to write his name out on the said glass. “Why, do you have a particular animal in mind?”

He tilted his head in confusion. He couldn’t put his head on it but something about Emma’s statement made him confused yet enlightened all at the same time. “Make my mind blank yet focus on something? How is that possible?” To Jared, meditation simply means emptying his mind – to free his mind from inhibitory thoughts that could hamper his development. If he focuses on something, say controlling his power, it’ll mean his mind isn’t blank, which would mean his meditation is a fail. Is he taking things too literal then?

“Thank you,” he smiled as the waitress gave them their order. He grabbed one of the sushi plate As he ordered and put it on Emma’s side. “For you. That’s my treat so don’t you dare give it back or not eat it, ok?” he chuckled, sticking a tongue out to the girl. Hungry since the moment they stepped inside the restaurant, Jared quickly grabbed the soy sauce and poured quite the amount on his saucer then placed the wasabi nearby. Fortunately his grandparents taught him how to use the chopsticks well that he didn’t have a hard time grabbing a sashimi slice and coating it with wasabi and soy sauce. “I know right. We should come here more often,” he smiled, wiping his mouth with the napkin. “I love their wasabi. It has a strange kick to it.” He grabbed another sashimi slice, dipped it in wasabi and soy sauce, then held it out in front of Emma for her to eat. “Here, try it,” he said.

[Emma Hayes]

"I've heard of it, I've just never seen one." Emma remarked, smiling along with Jared's laughter even though she didn't know what he found so funny. "The local department store sells toys. We're not completely without fun back home." She tried for a joke, but it fell a little flat. Emma should probably work on that sense of humor. "Ah, I didn't have anything particular in mind. I was just surprised that there was a selection. But it'd be interesting to see if they had any cats." Emma may fear large animals but little creatures stole her heart. She'd always loved the calico her friend kept in the barn. Felines were beautiful and so powerful looking. And they didn't require constant attention like small dogs. Emma admired that.

"Well, I suppose it stops being mediation at that point." Emma relented, shrugging absently. She sipped her drink, thinking deeply. "That's what has helped me get by this past few weeks. You're not really thinking as in knowing that's what you are doing, but more like latching onto a feeling. It's like you focus on feeling in control and then you are and, um." She stopped, the hand she had been gesturing with falling to the table, and frowned. Emma was only confusing herself. She settled her chin into her hand, opening and then closing her mouth again. "I'm sorry, that doesn't really make sense. But I'm not sure how to describe it."

"Jared!" She exclaimed lowly, shaking her head. "Really, you should let me pay for it. Honestly." She took a piece anyway, because she was going to pay. Jared just didn't realize it yet. "Mmm-hmm." She agreed that this was a good place to frequent as she swallowed. She took the sushi he handed to her with a soft thanks and did as he requested. She blinked in surprise at the strong taste, washing it down with her drink. "That's got some bite to it. It's good but very strong." She commented, drinking more.

[Jared Park]

“I’m not saying you don’t know fun,” Jared laughed, finding the defensive Emma rather amusing, “I mean, you’re the one who’s attended all sorts of crazy barn parties and rode ATVs regularly, how can that be not fun?” Apparently Jared still remembers the stuff they’ve exchanged when he first met Emma back in the library. “Which reminds me, you promised right? ATV? When we find one,” he said, using his chopsticks to point and remind Emma of their ever-so-important pinky swear promise. “I think they have cats. Though I think they’re more of the jungle lion-tiger-leopard type cats than housecats. We can probably find a Garfield stuffie if you really want one,” he added as he swallowed another sushi piece whole. (Nope, apparently chewing wasn’t popular in Jared’s world, especially when you’re hungry). “I didn’t know you liked cats. I love cats but I’d prefer a dog really.” A cat simply curls around a corner and sleeps all day; Jared needs an active pet that can keep up with his boundless energy, and he feels like a dog’s just the perfect fit.

Despite the whole process being confusing for the boy, he did try and make points meet based on Emma’s explanation. “Nope, it’s no problem at all.” Jared knows the problem of putting your feeling into words. “It’s actually much harder when you try and type it all out,” he says, knowing firsthand the problem it is with verbalizing words, ideas, memories and other mental images. It’s what he experiences almost every week whenever he tries to tell his parents and/or siblings about his personal experiences. “Don’t you worry, it makes sense, somewhat. Especially about the ‘feeling holding on to that’ thing.” Not that his trainer didn’t help him much, but somehow hearing meditation tips from a fellow student somehow made sense. The high falutin words just won’t cut to him just yet. “I think I’ll try that next time. And I guess I’ll try meditating outside, not on top of my bed.”

“I am not having this conversation Emma,” he giggled, noticing the apparent weirdness of their conversation. Fine, she’d let him think that he’s going to make her share for the moment, he’d just snatch the tab later. No sense fighting over it instead of enjoying the meal. “So Emma, food aside, have you met anyone who’s caught your eye yet? A boy in our grade or even higher perhaps?” Yup, the greatest conversation topic: love life. Good job Jared.

[Emma Hayes]

" A lot of people would find those things boring, you know." She commented, smiling at Jared's humor. She was a little surprised Jared remembered her mentioning those things, but she was intent on keeping her promise. If Jared wanted to learn to ride, Emma would have a lot of fun teaching him. "I'll be sure to get you out on one Jared. I think you'll enjoy it."

"Hmm, I guess we'll see when we get there." The Garfield toy sounded better then a large cat. They might be toys but Emma didn't particularly like being reminded of her fears. Toys of small animals suited her better. "I've always liked cats. Most of my friends had both, but the dogs were always the hunting kind. Really loud and big. The cats didn't make as much noise." And they didn't try to knock her down to lick her, which usually freaked her out. Which would be completely embarrassing. She let out her next statement with a shy smile, leaning over bit like she was revealing a secret. Which to her it kind of was, she didn't know how cute meshed with her tomboy image. "And I've always thought cats were really cute."

Emma nodded, glad that Jared understood what she was failing at saying. "I can image that typing would be hard. But why bring that up?" Apparently Emma didn't make the connect that typing must be how Jared communicated with people outside of face to face interactions. If she did, she'd feel terrible for him. "Just make sure there isn't anything to distract you out there." She warned. Last time she'd wandered outside for some quiet thinking, Emma had been interrupted repeatedly. That was something Jared wouldn't need if he was seriously trying to concentrate.

Emma just smirked at him in an almost devilish way, that did not belong on her face. They were so going to have this conversation, but Emma could relent until later. But any mischief that had crossed her mind was wiped completely by his innocent question. Boys?! He wanted to talk about boys? Emma's eyes widened, her face flushed and she looked down quickly, dropping her chopsticks into her plate. Jared had just brought up one subject that Emma was completely lost on. "I-I, well, a guy? M-maybe, I don't know. There might be this, er." Thank you Jared for turning Emma into an inarticulate mess. All her fancy words and mannerisms flew straight out the window.

In her embarrassment, and in hopes to take the heat from her cheeks, she turned the conversation back on Jared. "A-and what about you? Who's the girl you've got an eye on?"

occ: I'm sorry this is so late, but the question's thrown the poor child for a loop and I had to think of a good way to respond.

[Jared Park]

“They have both and they don’t like, fight eat other or something? That’s awesome.” Apparently Jared’s part of the select few who still believe cats and dogs are eternal enemies – that the two beloved pets can never live together harmoniously unless there’s some kind of special treatment given to them both. He played around with the wasabi on his sauce for a while before continuing, “I’ve never seen a hunting dog before, but I think I’d prefer one over those little toy dogs. I mean, Scooby Doo’s a Great Dane and Great Danes are hunting dogs, right?” But that doesn’t really mean he won’t jump for joy when somebody gives him a Shih Tzu (‘cause he will). It’s just that being a city kid, he’s seen toy dogs like forever; the largest he’s ever seen walking around the street goes up to the owner’s knees.

“That’s exactly my problem with cats. They don’t interact with you much unless they need you. So user friendly.” He let out a small chuckle as it just occurred to him that it’s like he has some deep resentment towards the cute furry creatures. “Not that I hate them or anything. But I just love the expressiveness of dogs. You know, licking you and trampling you over when you come home and all that,” he said with dreamy eyes, remembering the movies and commercials he’s watched that includes the particular scene. “You know the movie ’Marley and Me’? I loved that movie so much.” Emma had nothing to worry about her apparent tomboy image and her sudden deviation with her confession, primarily because Jared has never really seen her as one. Jared’s older sister is a very ‘girly’ girl in the sense that she’s quite conscious about how she looks and all that, but she’s also part of her school’s volleyball and basketball team. So in Jared’s eyes, what Emma is saying/showing is nothing out of the ordinary. And besides, you can’t expect people to be one-dimensional only right?

“’Cause you said something about having a hard time saying what meditation is and all about and I kind of think it’s like when I talk to my parents over email ‘cause I can’t be heard over the phone,” Jared said shyly, scratching the back of his head and becoming a wee bit incoherent. Guess he shouldn’t have mentioned it in the first place. “Yup, no distractions,” he nodded faithfully.

Jared would’ve apologized for making Emma so flustered and derailed but her stuttering made him crack out. He hasn’t seen this side of her and he would be lying if he’d say that he wouldn’t want to see her embarrassed like this again. So much for good-natured Jared. “Oooh. I knew it,” he teased, gulping another sushi piece in his mouth, “So, do I know him?” Yup. Nosy and curious. Add with a little bit of innocence and you have Jared in your hands.

Unfortunately for Emma, Jared is rather calm about the particular subject. Probably because he doesn’t feel like he’s feeling anything of that sort yet. “Nah. Hormones aren’t telling me anything. I think I’m asexual really,” he laughed, remembering the conversation he had with Lani once.


ooc:
No need to apologize Kiki. I probably reply late to most of the time too and all that. :3.
- Jam

[Emma Hayes]

Emma laughed, shaking her head. "Dogs and cats can get along, Jared. Their rivalry isn't what the movie show them to be. Even if they didn't, most people keep their hunting dogs inside a fenced area." She commented, looking amused. "Yeah Danes are hunting dogs. But most the people I know get blood hounds or retrievers." Emma hadn't been around small dogs before. She would know what to do with one and would probably be afraid to touch it, just in case she'd hurt it. Smaller dogs were usually more excitable, or at least that is what movies told her, and she wasn't that used to balls of energy. Though Emma, could see were one would suit Jared.

"Umm hmm." She agreed, taking a bite of sushi. "I suppose we'll have to differ on this. I couldn't handle a small dog licking me all the time, nor do i think I'd ever have the time to devote to one." She shrugged. "But they are cute."

"Oh." Emma said, looking down. "Sorry to bring it up then." She smiled softly at his agreement to try out her ideas, taking a drink to settle herself before launching into the next order of business.

"Jared." She almost whined, still fairly red. She smiled slightly at Jared's laughter, realizing how she must look. Emma wasn't the type to get so flustered normally, but the topic was unexpected and she doubted her cheeks would cool off anytime soon. "I don't know if you call it anything. I'm not even sure what I think about him." Well, that part was truthful. Emma tried very hard not to think about things like that. It messed up perfectly good friendships. "He's older then us, I don't know if you would know him."

"Oh, well then." Jared got off lucky in that respect. And Emma was a bit put out she couldn't turn her embarrassment around on him. It would have been fun to fluster the boy. But as it was, he was being all mature about it. "You've got plenty of time to decide on that. You're still young, you'll be grabbed by someone eventually."

[Jared Park]

“Well don’t blame me, blame those apparently misleading cartoons they show every Saturday morning,” Jared laughed, wildly waving his hands in front of him to prove his innocence. “And I’m guessing birds don’t say ‘I tawt I taw a puddy tat’ whenever they see a cat prowling around.” He stuck his tongue out and gave Emma a wink, telling her that he knew it wasn’t true – that it was just a rhetorical question. He may seem like a naïve and gullible kid (and for the most part, he is), but he’s definitely not that dumb to believe that non-parrot birds could speak. Unless of course they’re meta-birds. Which would then creep and amuse the teenage boy.

“Cool. I love Great Danes. If I could only get a real live Scooby Doo, my life would be complete.” Jared loved cartoons when he was a kid, and Scooby Doo was one of his faves (since he was a child, it didn’t matter that the storylines are pretty much repetitive and quite shallow). He even dressed up as Shaggy during Halloween last year (he would’ve wanted to go as Scooby, but they couldn’t find him a decent dog costume; his consolation is that his lanky frame somehow matched Shaggy’s built perfectly). “Though a Dalmatian would be nice too. Or even a Pomeranian.” Aside from his love for the cartoon character, Jared fears that he might step on his dog if somebody gave him a smaller one. He’d be too scared that he might crush it while cuddling it, or even drop something on it. And the fact that those little critters would be able to hide in places he couldn’t even think of looking (he does have a habit of losing stuff). At least he could limit the places if the dog is as big as him.

“Aww? You don’t like licks and tramples? You are really missing a lot Emma.” Not that it’s a bad thing. Jasper also finds dog licks rather repulsive (he stays away from their cousin’s Dachshund whenever it’s around). Jared on the other hand, being the ever-expressive and touchy child that he is, enjoys being drooled by a dog all over the place. “I’ll take it that you’ve never seen Marley and Me then?” he asked, putting another sushi piece in his mouth, “You’ll love dogs when you see that one. We must add it in our movies-to-watch list then.” The next thing you know, Jared’ll be inviting Emma to paint their nails and have pillow fights.

Jared clutched his stomach as it’s starting to hurt from all his laughing already. Hearing her whine and seeing her blush was really epic. Epic indeed. “If he’s not from our grade and I may not know him, then what’s the harm in telling me? Come on. Do tell. I promise I won’t tell.” He smiled and did a cross-my-heart gesture.

If he knew that Emma returned his question to make him flustered too, he would’ve acted like he was embarrassed for a bit then drop the act immediately, teasing her to no end. But as oblivious as he is, he saw it as an innocent question, much like his earlier. “Meh, I’ve given up hope,” he chuckled, “I’ll just force myself to reproduce asexually. Just imagine me splitting into two every hour or so. I’ll fill the world in no time,” he said, giving Emma an attempt at a sinister chuckle (which sounded more like a cat in agony) Yup, it doesn’t bug him that he just compared himself to a bacterium.

[Emma Hayes]

Emma laughed along with him. "I suppose they don't." At least not usually. Emma had no doubt that some meta out there had the power to make a bird talk. Though that would be a very strange power. "Danes huh?" Emma couldn't say that she watched much Scooby Doo as a kid, but she at least knew what he was talking about. Which was more then she could say to half the other childhood staples Jared hads mentioned since they met. So Jared liked dogs. She filed it away, already trying to formulate Christmas ideas. She might not be big on holidays like Halloween, but she still got gifts for all her friends in December.

"I've never seen it. I don't go to the movies a lot." She waved her chopsticks at him, smiling. "We're getting a list?" Emma was endlessly surprised that Jared kept offering to spend more time around her. It was kind of strange, making a friend this easily and quickly. She couldn't complain, she rather liked the present company, but she was still a little shocked at his openness towards her. She should start thinking of things to invite him to do. Jared was the one extending all these invitations, and Emma thought it was only poliet to plan something nice for him in return.

Emma was now ignoring her red stained face and gave Jared a look that was definitely a pout. She hated talking about stuff like this. It was so embarrassing. And Jared was having way to much fun with her squirming. "I never said I liked him." That was her way of both warning Jared and giving in to his demands. Her voice lowered and she cast a quick glance around the restaurant for anyone from school. "His name's Garth." The name came out as barely a whisper and surely Emma's face couldn't get an redder.

"Multiple Jareds?" Emma lifted a hand to her mouth in mock horror. "I see what you're going for. Planning on taking over the world. I never knew that you were secretly a dastardly villain." Looking more serious, she added. "You really shouldn't give up hope if it's something that you want to happen. Like I said, we're still in high school. There's no rush on that kind of thing."

[Jared Park]

Should Jared know that Emma’s filing stuff about him for possible Christmas ideas, he’d most probably jump across the table and give Emma a bear hug (and probably a gleeful cheek-to-cheek kiss in too). Jared loves gifts. He’s a real kid inside, looking forward to every gift-giving occasion. And while he does believe in the ‘it’s better to give than to receive’, hence having presents for almost all of his friends (as long as his budget allows him, which usually does anyway), he still giggles in glee more when he receives something than when he sees the satisfied face on the person he gives a gift too. Even if it’s a small trinket, he’ll still treasure it like crazy (at least for the next few months anyway, his attention span is a bit too short for so much sentimentality with a lot of objects). Childish or selfish, he doesn’t really care; just the thought of receiving a gift makes him wag his imaginary tail like crazy.

“Seriously? Then we should go out for a movie if we still have time today,” he stated, his voice containing at least a tiny bit of finality. He looked at his watch and, well, they still have a lot of time. It’s just a little over noon anyway. “I wonder what’s showing now. I forgot all about the trailers already,” he huffed as he absentmindedly took another sushi piece to his mouth. He munched for a bit then continued, putting the large, partly chewed piece to the side of his mouth, causing it to puff up for a bit. “And yes we are making a list,” he smiled, “How are we going to keep track of them all if we don’t? I know that’s what happens to my homeworks.” Jared doesn’t really mind inviting people over. In fact, he likes it. Makes him feel more accepted and comfortable in his present environment. If he can’t invite anyone, it means he has no friends right? And Jared would do anything so as not to be considered a loner. It just doesn’t seem like a nice thing for anyone, in his opinion.

“But you haven’t told me that you don’t like him either,” he teased, apparently having so much fun seeing Emma turn red. He remembered when he and his older brother first discovered their sister had a crush on one of Jasper’s friends. She turned into a tomato easily like Emma too. He just hopes she won’t beat him to pulp like what Jeraiah did to them before. “Garth, Garth, Garth. Where have I heard that before,” he said, rubbing his chin like the ones he sees in movies, “I know! The funny guy in school!” At least Jared thinks he’s funny. He hasn’t had a personal encounter with a guy, but from what he heard (and eavesdropped on), he thinks Garth’s rather witty. “Whee. Invite him over when we have our movie marathon ok?” Another mischievous grin was formed on the boy’s face, his mind slowly making plans for the said night. Hopefully the two can handle Jared’s teasing.

“Being a supervillain is much more rewarding that superheroism you know,” he laughed, wagging a finger in front of Emma. Not that he feels he has the right state of mind to be one. He’d most likely be a comic relief villain than a serious one if ever he decides to fight for the dark side. “And pshaw, I’m not rushing Emma,” he chuckled, finding Emma’s concern rather amusing. “I mean, I’m not so serious about the whole thing anyway. I’d rather help people find their ‘the one’s first,” he winked, giving Emma a rather playful smirk.

[Emma Hayes]

"Ah, if you want to." Emma said, mentally tabbing their time. They should have enough time to catch a movie and still get in all the shopping Jared had mentioned. "I'm not sure what's out now either, but we can always just decide when we get there." She reasoned, shrugging. Or Jared could just choose. Emma didn't care much about what she watched. She did love horror films, but after seeing Jared's reaction to her mini zombie, Emma strayed from mentioning that.

The thought of the list made her smile widely, which she hide by sipping her drink. "Hmmm. I guess it is easier to deal with that way. but we shouldn't make a large one, or we'll never get around to it." Of course Emma was referring to making a physical list, which she would undoubtedly do when she got back to the dorm.

The blush that stained her cheeks was bound to become permanent at this rate. "I'm neutral." She said indignantly, still pouting. Emma was hoping that he'd let this go and let her die in embarrassment elsewhere. The more they talked about it, the more likely she'd say something she shouldn't. and , oh God, Jared knew him. She sighed. "So you can tease me?" She asked, propping her chin on her hand. "He's just a friend. If he came, that would be the extent that he knew of it." Emma stressed the last part, clearing not wanting this to go further then Jared. Emma didn't know how to deal with her maybe crush and was waiting for it to die painfully. Getting the object of her not affections involved would just make it messy.

Emma tried not to laugh. "Ah, I can just see it. I'll turn on the news and the big story will be a a surprisingly cheerful rouge has taken control of the UN or something." The thought was amusing enough. But his way of turning the conversation back to her embarrassment was not. "Jared." She whined, fiddling with her chopsticks. "Maybe someone should take the job of getting you, your 'one', hmmm?"

[Jared Park]

“Then let’s!” Jared’s eyes widened in anticipation. He even clapped his hands to show how excited he is. He hasn’t watched a movie for so long, he could’ve sworn he’s completely forgotten how a movie theater looks like. Or at least how popcorn smells and tastes like. “Let’s drop the shopping for next time,” he nodded, taking a quick sip of his drink, “I mean, Halloween’s still more than a week to go. We still have time for another trip.” And there he goes again, making plans even before their current one is finished. Sorry Emma. “I think we should watch a scary one,” he said, smiling like crazy. Jared knows he gets scared, queasy and grossed out easily (as most horror films have that gore factor that they just simply can’t do without), but there’s something about screaming that keeps the boy still watch the said movies. “Just don’t laugh when I scream louder than you, ok?” he added shyly, sticking a tongue out to the girl across him.

He couldn’t help but laugh boisterously once more when he heard Emma talk about the list in such a practical fashion. “Oh gosh, you are serious about the list are you?” ‘Cause Jared was just joking really. Indeed he’d like a list to remember what they would watch or not, but he hasn’t really thought about writing it down. (Confusing? In behalf of Jared, I want to apologize). “Fine, I knight you, Sir (or would you be a Lady now?) Emma Hayes of List-making,” he teased, using his chopsticks as a makeshift sword and doing the shoulder-to-shoulder tap. “You may now rise.”

Indeed it is Jared’s intention to make her blush rather permanent. Or last longer than half an hour. “So are you like Switzerland now?” Apparently some of he could still remember some of his Geography/History lessons. Seems Mr. Tonaya was an effective teacher after all. “You know the more you deny, the less likely I’d believe that you don’t like him,” he chuckled, “And if you agree, then I’d win. You just can’t win. Not with me you can’t.” He almost choked when Emma asked what he’ll do in case she invites him over. “That’s like one big duh Emma. And I thought you’re smart.” Sorry Emma. If there was just any way of extracting who he likes from his brain right now, I’d tell it to you so you’d be even.

“Not just the UN Emma. I’ll take over all governments. Then I’ll proclaim myself king of the world. Hopefully my clones won’t have a problem on deciding who Jared-prime is.” He has this huge image of his clones fighting over who will be the ultimate ruler. Which is just proof on how comical he’ll be if he decides to join the dark side.

“Would you like me to delegate you to be my wingman, or wingwoman, then?” Not that he’d ever bother Emma if ever he encountered love problems anyway (well he might, but he does have his sister). Maybe if Jeraiah’s too darn giddy about the whole thing (aren’t big sisters just like that?) he’d ask for Emma’s help, if he overcomes his shyness anyway. “Shall I knight you as my wingwoman then?”

Oh Jared, when will you grow up?

[Emma Hayes]

Emma was getting used to Jared's enthusiasm, and just chuckled at his jumping to the occasion. "If you'd like to, then that's fine with me." It'd give her time to finalize the costume ideas anyway. She needed to get some references from that movie, so she could help Jared have a really good costume. "I won't laugh if you scream. that's what horror movies are for anyway." Though she couldn't guarantee she wouldn't laugh at the screen. To Emma scary movies might as well be a comedy. She found the actors reactions hilarious.

Emma looked a bit sheepish at his rightful assumption. Practicality was a huge part of her nature. She always did things in a organized, logical manner. List making ranked up there in the top tens of her most frequented actives. Jared's knighting ceremony would have normally bothered her a bit, but she was in a good mood. She told herself this wasn't an attempt at making fun of her, and just played along. With a small bow, she grinned at him. "Thank you, my Lord. I hope I ye shall serve as your list maker."

" I'm Switzerland." She said stubbornly, still pouting. But fate had decided to make her embarrassed and there was nothing she could do about it now. So, Emma attempted to back out of the situation entirely. "You're forgetting the third option: I can just pretend I have no idea what you're talking about." She wasn't about to concede just yet.

"They'll have to duke it out to decide who's the boss. It will be know as the great clone war of, er, 20-whatever. All our children's children will be reading about it in the history books." Emma lamented, shaking her head. Truthfully it did paint a very funny picture and she had to be careful about her powers taking hold. That might be okay around Jared, as she was learning, but it wouldn't be okay in a crowded restaurant. They didn't need to be outed here.

"You may indeed have me as a wingwoman." She smiled, looking him over. "But I don't think I'll be much help. You can talk to me about it anytime, though." She meant that. Her door was always open to the people in her life. She wanted to see them happy and she was willing to let them rant at her if that is what it took. Emma might not be qualified to give advice in the love department, but she'd try if Jared ever asked her.


(ooc: This is late and I'm sorry.)

[Jared Park]

“Yey! We’re going to the movies!” Jared clapped and shouted with glee like a little kid who finally persuaded his parents to buy him that bright green toy truck displayed in the store (not that Jared lked toy trucks anyway). “I haven’t seen the movie in ages.” Truth be told he just saw a movie a few weeks ago, but with new movies popping around like mushrooms, it might as well been a lifetime ago. “Gee, thanks Emma,” he smiled, “Because of that, you’re welcome to tease me after the movie.” Though he somehow expects that even without his ‘permission’, Emma would tease him still. Isn’t that how people are really? “And just so we’re clear, we’re going to watch a horror movie, right? Not some hack-and-slash gore one? ‘Cause if we do, you are so going to see these sashimi slices again.” He let out a small chuckle, not realizing how gross he sounded back there, especially since they’re eating still. Hopefully Emma wouldn’t mind.

Jared simply laughed harder at Emma’s continuous attempts to discourage from him from teasing. It was so precious that it only made him tease her more. “Really? Even if I tell him, you’d still act like you don’t know? You’re a tough cookie Emma-kins.” Nickname giving wasn’t really Jared’s forte, so forgive him. “Fine. Invite him over and I’d tell him then. We’ll see what happens.” Seems Jared isn’t going to back down easy too. Hopefully Emma won’t get mad at him yet; to Jared, being able to tease someone freely is a huge mark in their friendship. Combined with her openness with him earlier, Jared’s mighty confident that truly, he’s got a friend in Emma (not that he doubted it before anyway).

“A clone war? Haha. So Star Wars.” Yes, that’s Jared for you. He’s not that versed in George Lucas’ universe, but he does get by with a few references from time to time. And he thinks JarJar Binks is just awesome. “I just hope at least one of my clones will survive them. My evil scheme would be really wasted if they just all poof in thin air after the Clone War.” And the last thing Jared needs now is to be remembered as a washout supervillain. In his eyes anyway.

So he has a wingwoman now? Awesomesauce. “Fine. I’ll tap on your wings whenever I feel like I need saving then,” he winked, finishing the last of his food. He knighted her as wingwoman again, careful not to put the chopsticks too close to her shoulder as it still has some traces of soy sauce on it. “You are now Lady Listmaker and Lady BirdWoman. Two titles, amazing.”

Seeing that he and Emma are both (almost) done, Jared raised his hand up to get the attention of one of the waiters and motioned for the check. No point sticking around that much anyway, not when they have a full-packed day ahead of them. “Thank goodness the sun decided to show himself today,” he said as he looked outside, “Else we would have such a hard time trying to find the local movie theater at the same time dodging the raindrops.”

To say that Jared’s excited for the day ahead would be an understatement.


ooc:
Meh. You don't have to apologize Kiki. Not when I'm late too. Sorry. XD
- Jam
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[Emma Hayes]

Emma smiled indulgently at Jared's excitement. Movies were something of a treat back home, so she was a bit excited too. "I promise not to laugh too hard, then." Emma winked, finding it fun to have something to tease him about. It wasn't exactly turning the tables, but it was something. "No gore, those are kind of boring. Do they make you sick?" Blood and guts in movies didn't bother Emma in the slightest, other than the plots were never entertaining. She liked to be scared, not stare at someone's innards.

"Ignoring the problem has always worked for me before." She shrugged, shaking her head. "It's not being tough, just being stubborn really." She finally fought off the blush, grinning at Jared. "So tell him and I'll just deny, deny, deny." For the record, she wasn't mad. It had been awhile since someone had taken the time to tease her like this. It was nice, even if the subject matter was embarrassing to her.

"One will survive. Your hard work towards dictatorship shall not be in vain." She reasoned, going along with his schemes. Star Wars? At least she got that reference. Emma was a bit proud that she wasn't totally out of the loop when it came to pop culture. "You'll be remembered as a great villain, no doubt of it."

Emma laughed at the thought of little paper wings and scotch tape. "I'm just racking up the titles today. I must be in good favor with the king to be knighted so much." Emma noticed Jared looking for the waitress and she started shuffling through her purse. She teased lightly, "Afraid of a little water, Jared?"

[Jared Park]

Jared laughed slightly when Emma told him she won’t be laughing. How can she be so mature about all this? Most of his friends would’ve teased him about it right now, even before they even head out to the theaters and buy their tickets. Truly Emma’s one of a kind. “Stop trying to be so nice,” he chuckled, “Now I feel bad for telling you not to laugh at me. Fine, you can laugh at me now. Just don’t laugh too much ok?” After all, if she won’t tease him, where’s the fun in that? “Sick is an understatement,” he stated with a tone that means he’s really serious about it. Gore is just one of those things that the public assumes (and somehow, in Jared’s opinion, forces upon) that boys like but Jared finds absolutely ridiculous. “I am never meant to be a doctor. Nuh-uh,” he nodded, “I’d scream and squirm on the first sight of insides. I just can’t watch plain gore. It’s like, I dunno, my imagination’s too strong that I feel as if I’m the one being tortured or something.” He shivered slightly, remembering the past movies he’s seen. “I don’t know why people like seeing other people in pain. And I mean brutal pain.”

“Fine. You’re no tough cookie then. You’re a stubborn cookie. Or wait, isn’t there a more appropriate image?” He became for a silent for a moment, thinking of that one image that fits so well with being stubborn. “I remember now. You’re a stubborn donkey. Hee haw, hee haw,” He laughed, putting his hands on his head as if long donkey ears and making funny donkey sounds (or his closest interpretation of one at least). “I will tell him,” he smirked. Just wait for that overnight Emma, he thought.

“Yey! I just have to disarm the nuclear weapons first though. I mean, I don’t want them governments to start a nuclear holocaust just to get rid of me,” he added, taking one last sip of his drink, “Would you aid me, Lady BirdWoman slash Lady Listmaker? I promise you, your effort will be rewarded.”

“I’m not scared. I just don’t want to replicate a little too early. I’m part Gremlin you know,” he winked. Jared saw Emma’s shuffling and smirked. She’d be crazy if she’d think I’d let her pay. “Mine,” he said, reaching his arm out when the waitress arrived with the bill, “Thanks.” He gave Emma a look that says ‘In your face! I got it! *sticks tongue out*’. “Hmm. Not bad,” he smiled as he put the tab down and opened his bag to get his wallet.