Why Don't You Surprise Me [Open]

[Landon Park]

Landon had made his way down to the Lake after he gave up yet again on looking for a job. One would think that by no he would have had one. Even the dang McDonalds didn’t want to hirer him. This was all getting to the point of being ridiculous. If he didn’t know any better he would have started to think that this was a conspiracy to get him to go back to Japan and join their research program. He now had nothing else to do with the rest of his day, not having a job and all. He would go home if that was an option, go crawl back into bed and be lazy for the rest of the day, but it wasn’t. He knew that that would just lead to him being lazy, which did not appealed to him. He wanted to be out and about doing something.

So, instead on this cold March day he decided he would go to the Lake. He had learned quickly that not many people visited the place in this weather; it was more of a summer hot spot. The place was calling to his muse, and that meant he might be able to finish a song today. The place looked as if it had been long forgotten by many and he doubt many would be there. The closer Landon got to the gate the more dead and barren it looked. There was no life, except for the few plants that could survive through such cold weather. The majority of the bushes laid leafless seemingly dead. The tree’s branches were barren. Most would call it ugly, but the combination of the appearance and cold made it more alluring in Lan’s eyes. It gave the exact atmosphere the boy needed to finish his song. It put him in the mood and mind set he needed to be in.

He made his way to the tree closest to the water. The blond boy brushed off the light layer of snow that covered the ground. The boy’s back leaned against its trunk as he slid down. He took out a pen and a few pieces of paper and set it down beside him. Landon started to play his guitar going over what had already been written. Something about the song no longer felt right to him. He played the second verse over a few times trying to figure out how to change it.

Tags ;; OPEN!
Song ;; Surprise Me ; Disco Curtis

[Mason McQueen]

As far as Mason knew, it was very much public knowledge that teachers love long breaks and the occasional class suspension too, much like their beloved students. They are after all, human beings too (despite their students’ insistence on them being descendants of Godzilla from time to time). Christmas holidays, snow days, summer breaks – the man looked forward to them with much enthusiasm, if not more, as a ten-year old child. (Then again, this might be due to the fact that ever since he entered the industry, his breaks have been far and in between. He frequently tells Angela that she envies her back then, with all her frequent breaks and stuff).

So he was very much shocked, and a bit embarrassed, when his students called out his rather excited behavior during the last day of class. While most his of his co-teachers were busy giving out last minute exams, collecting projects and all that, Mason had his class lounge around. He simply brought his laptop and projector to school, played a movie (he just got his DVD copy of Tangled and is very much excited) and told his students to do whatever they want, as long as his stash of chemicals aren’t involved.

And now that’s spring break’s officially started, Mason decided to explore Pilot Ridge some more. Granted it wasn’t really that big, but being a relative newcomer to town (he just celebrated his fifth month in Vermont a few days ago), he hasn’t seen much. His work pretty much eats most of his time, and his December break was eaten up by Andrei’s insane Christmas parties (he says those are the perks of being a lifestyle writer). Andrei’s told him about a lake nearby, and despite being warned that due to the cold weather he can’t do anything but stare at it, he still decided to go. Angela’s been bugging his mind lately, and he figured he needs some time to think. And since the lake’s rather unwelcoming this time of the year, maybe he can find his much needed solace there.

So the man drove up the lake and settled down on a bench not far from the beach. It was a bit cold, yes, but not enough to make him pack his bags and leave. He was happily reading the new devotional guide his parents’ sent him last Christmas (hooray for minister parents really) while eating his strawberry jam sandwich when he heard something from the distance. It wasn’t really much of a noise as it was…music. He briefly looked around and saw a blonde not far from him. He squinted a bit to see if he could make out the image, and boy did he look familiar. He promptly stood up, grabbed his stuff and walked quietly towards the boy. “Hey Tabi, what brings you here?” he asked with a smile, lightly patting the boy’s shoulder, “I didn’t know you can play the guitar. And I thought you were going down south for spring break. Your parents forgot to pick you up or something?”

Mason, something tells me you should really pay attention to your students’ faces more.

ooc:
Heehee. Sorry if it was late. And I do hope it isn't too sucky for you Chaos. ^_^
- Jam

[Landon Park]

The blond male played the notes one more time listening again to see if it all flowed together with the words.

“Padocheoreom buswojin nae mam
Baramcheoreom heundeullineun nae mam
Yeongicheoreom sarajin nae sarang
Munsincheoreom jiwojiji ghana
Hansumman ttangi kkeojira swijyo
Nae gaseumsoge meonjiman ssahijyo (say goodbye)*”

He had written these lyrics the last time he was home for break two years ago. The Korean words felt unfamiliar and awkward to him. However, it was not for the reason of the song having been stashed away for so long without a glance. It was more for the fact that he had not said a word of Korean out loud in months. He was still use to writing and reading it from the constant emails he sent to his parent, but for the past year he hardly had time to call them. While in Japan he had spoken nothing but Japanese and now here nothing but English. Saying words in his home language now kind of made him miss it.

Yeah, that worked out perfectly. Quickly he jotted down the notes quickly before he forgot them. Once that was done he continued on with the next verse.

Landon sat there listening to the stranger’s footsteps in the snow. However chose to ignore them. At some point the sound of who’s ever feet it was stopped. Landon knew that the person must have sat down on a bench somewhere, unless they were crazy enough to be like him and sit on the frozen ground. It didn’t matter to the young man though as long as he was left in peace there could have been a group of people coming to enjoy the tranquil scenery for all he cared.

He continued to work on his song. At the rate he was going at it would probably be the first one he would finish in a long time. That made Landon smile.

His finger strummed the last notes of the song when he noticed the man standing in front of him. “Just finishing up a song,” he said as he looked up with a smile. “And no one forgot to pick me up. I take it you’re a teacher, but I’m definitely not a student. I graduated from college in Japan last. And the name’s Landon by the way.” Putting his right hand out for a handshake.

Notes ;; Blah. That is all.
Song ;; *Haru Haru ; Big Bang

[Rhett Goddard]

Damn it was one cold day, but apparently Rhett didn't care. It was one of those when the sky actually looked quite... interesting to look at. And Rhett loved that, looking at the sky. It's a good day to see the stars... That was all he could think about. He always wondered why he liked looking at the stars so much, but everytime he started thinking about it, the only conclusion he could end up with was: They're just so beautiful.

And so, not caring about the cold, he went out to town trying to look for a reserved and sort of away place to spend the night later on. He packed his blanket, an extra jacket and a pillow and left. Even though he was low on money, he took a cap to Pilot Ridge and visited a tourists outpost that was stationed near a plaza, there he was informed of the existance of a lake nearby I never heard of this before. Thanks ESP. Whatever...

Taking another cab, he arrived, after more than half an hour, to the lake. It was cold. Really cold... But it was ok, bearable. Later in the night he would just use his extra jacket and the blanket and it'd be ok. Or so he hoped anyway.

There were only two people around. He knew one. A teacher. Bummer. Wasn't I supposed to meet with him afterclass one of this days? I hope he doesn't remember that... After thinking it for a moment, or actually several moments, he decided to approach them. That kid's hair looks so funny and obviously fake... I like it... Wait did I just say I like something fake? I don't like it. No. No!

"Mr. McQueen." He said while a couple of steps away as he walked closer. "I didn't know teachers had a life outside school." As Rhett managed to stand just next to both of them, he took a closer look at the unknown boy. Umm... this... looks... weird... "Wait... Am I... interrupting something? I could leave..." It wasn't like he was trying to imply something, but it passed through Rhett's mind that they were the only two people in a lonely and, maybe, romantic place. Ok I feel awkward...

[Mason McQueen]

Mason was just about to sit down beside the boy and offer him a sandwich when Tabi the blonde boy spoke. “Oh shoot,” he muttered under his breath, immediately removing his hand from the boy’s shoulders and walking a few paces back. A small blush of embarrassment quickly crept through his face when he realized that the boy doesn’t look like Tabi at all. Tabi was a lot taller, a bit bulkier and has a huskier voice than the blonde in front of him. Not good, not good at all.

He promptly bowed down and gave the boy a weak smile, saying, “I am so sorry for disturbing you. I do hope I wasn’t much of a bother.” He was actually ready to leave and all, when the boy introduced himself, even offering his hand for what seems like a friendly handshake. “Sorry ‘bout that Landon,” he said, returning the gesture, “From a distance you looked like one of my students. I’m Mason by the way.” Normally he’d add I teach in Hammel after that, but after hearing a little something about putting the staff on high alert due to recent events, one involving the Head of Recruitment and the other with Mr. Dalton, he’s been trying to remove that part from his usual spill.

While normally he would’ve ran off already, out of guilt and shame, Landon’s been extremely friendly and calm with his blunder that the man’s actually considering staying for a bit. Maybe just to return the welcoming vibe the boy gave, share him a sandwich (he doesn’t look like he brought anything to munch on while he’s here anyway) then go back to his brother’s house. “Japan huh? I stayed there for a year in during my high school. Before I moved here to finish my schooling anyway.”

“Mind if I–“ He was just about to ask if he could still sit and stay with Landon for a bit when he heard someone call him. With his surname, at least. Now this boy knows his full name and all that (not that he looks dangerous and all anyway, but still). “Hi Rhett,” he answered as he flashed a smile towards the boy’s direction, “And yes, teachers do have lives you know.” While he didn’t pick up on Rhett’s implications, he did feel a little awkward, at least for Landon. Having a big guy ruin his guitar-playing is one thing, but having two people may be too much for him already. “No, you’re not interrupting anything Rhett. At least nothing that I’ve already interrupted before anyway.” With a sigh, the man turned to Landon and continued, “I guess I should take this as my cue to leave then? Sorry Landon.”

He would’ve wanted to stay really, but he doesn’t want to abuse the hospitality the guy’s shown him earlier. So much for having a peaceful alone time in the lake.

ooc:
Sorry 'bout the crappiness. >.<
- Jam