CURSED│open to all rp levels discussion

An open garden located right behind the ball room.

Karly wondered into the garden admiring the fountain and greenery. She was all glammed up thanks to her mother and the team or hair and makeup artist she hired to make Karly presentable. She was still getting used to her gown and shoes, it always took her a while to warm up to her evening wear at events like this one.

The stylist had manipulated Karly's hair for hours to get it bone straight and then pinned the front behind her ears. Her mother demanded the style for two reasons, the first being it would "show off her beautiful face" and the second was to prevent Karly's bad habit of messing with her hair and always tucking it behind her ear. The style, however, didn't break the habit and she still attempted to tuck a strand back despite it already being pinned that way.

Karly was nervous. She didn't know why but there were butterflies pounding at her stomach. Why didn't I eat before I left the house she asked herself Oh right! Mom said it would make my dress look "unflattering around the stomach area" She was trying to blame the butterflies on that rather than nerves over her date. Karly rarely had crushes because she felt they were unreasonable since she didn't draw attention like that. Karly made her way over to a set of steps and sat on them carefully.

@madison

Some time in between getting her hair done and makeup done, Sebastian left Karly’s side to go get ready himself. He didn’t want to disappear too early because he knew that would be bad, but he didn’t want to be too late because that would also be bad. He still had to go pick up his suit from the place he rented it, because what dog owned a suit? After having to get it, he got dressed, stashing his other pair of clothes in the woods because that’s one of the places he hid his extra clothing.

Sadly, Sebastian couldn’t pick Karly up like he would have liked to because he didn’t have a car, nor drivers licenses to rent one. Come to think of it, he was lucky he managed to use the money he’s been saving up secretly to get this suit. I really need a part time job somehow, Sebastian thought to himself. But he wasn’t sure how that would work.

For now, he just told Karly he would meet up with her at the banquet. Adjusting his bow tie , Sebastian made his way around the place in search for Karly. He was starting to wonder if she didn’t come yet. After all, with all the things he saw the stylist do to her, he thought she would have taken hours to get done. But then an idea came to him as he remembered what Rela told her. Maybe I could pick up her scent. With that idea, Sebastian tried to see if it could pick up on the familiar shampoo and perfume scent that made up Karly. He was starting to give up, especially when he got to the garden where the air was filled with scents of flowers. But before he could turn around, his eyes landed on the person he was looking for. He walked up from behind and gently placed his hand on her arm. “Hey.”

Karly's stomach irrupted with butterflies as a hand met her arm gently. A familiar voice greeted her and she turned to see Sebastian making her grin. "Hey!" she greeted him warmly, her eyes took in how nice he looked in the suit, "The bow tie was definitely the right choice" she added lightly, a little shy.

It had taken Karly forever to get ready, it was pretty much an all-day process. Her mom brought in a whole team. First, there was a facial and spa crew who expertly applied various masks and creams to get the perfect glowy skin, not only to her face, they also waxed and treated her legs and any other skin that would be visible tonight. Next the makeup artist came in to make her look "naturally beautiful" which is silly because they put far too much makeup on her, before she left the house she wiped off the thick foundation and crazy lipstick they had applied. Halfway through the makeup routine, the hair stylist joined to give Karly bone straight hair. Lastly, a nail duo joined one person to give her a pedicure the other a manicure.

It seemed excessive, she would have been happy to go with her naturally wavy hair and normal makeup consisting of just mascara and lip gloss. The dress was the most excessive part of the whole deal, she had peeked at the price tag and it made her jaw drop. She could have reused a past dress but her parents insisted that this year had to top past years because she was "practically a woman" the words sent a chill down her spine. The way they looked at her when they said it made her feel like a cow up for auction. Lately, they had been introducing her to random guys, it seemed like they were trying to find some pre-med or law school student to set her up with. Actually, she KNEW they were, one of the boys they introduced her to got a little handsy too fast and Karly got yelled at for rejecting him.

Karly smiled thinking of how lucky she was to be at the ball with Sebastian instead of someone her parents picked out. As she thanked her lucky stars she caught herself gazing a little too long at him and turned her focus to the fountain not too far away. "It's really nice out tonight," She had just noticed that actually, "It's the perfect night for a Ball, there's a- I don't know exactly, like a spark in the air? Maybe it's just the excitement for a new year?" she shrugged, something just felt magical to her.

@Madison

Sebastian smiled happily when he found his Karly before him, well not really his Karly, because she didn’t belong to anyone. But in his dog form, she kinda was his owner, thus his. Ugh. What am I thinking about? Focus! Sebastian mentally yelled at himself when he found his thoughts trying to give him an excuse to what they were thinking. Really, he was just nervous and trying not to over think everything, even though it seemed like that wasn’t working.

Sebastian wasn’t sure if he should lean in and hug her, or kiss her cheek, or shake her hand as a way to great her. What did people do on their dates? He wasn’t even sure since most of his teenager years, he was an animal. This was the one time he wished he spent his time on social media or watched some shows that teenagers seem to be talking on about. Not knowing what to do, he just pulled his hand away.

“You look beautiful!” He comments as he gazes over her now that he was close. So this was why people had taken hours on her? If he were to be honest, she also looked beautiful with her natural hair and no makeup. But it didn’t matter to him how she looked, as long as she was with him. “Yeah. Thanks, even the guy at the place said it was good,” he moved to subconsciously adjust his bow tie.

Looking out at the garden, he couldn’t help but agree with her about how tonight felt. However, for him, it felt like it had a spark thanks to the fact that he was with her, his crush. “Yeah, it probably is that.” He agreed. He looked back to face her, just admiring her for a moment, before saying, “so ugh.... do you maybe want some drinks?” He offered, thinking that was the first thing to do.

@Fayza

Karly was taken aback by Sebastian's compliment, blood rushed into her cheeks making her turn bright red. She tried to cover her blush stealthfully with her hands and she fixated on a spot on the ground in an effort to avoid making eye contact. "Oh thank you," she said quickly trying to tuck her hair behind her ear again despite it being pinned back.

"It is good, I mean you look good- handsome- You look handsome I mean." She mentally kicked herself for tripping over her words. What is up with me lately? She asked herself, she was usually really good at being cool around people, she's been playing this part for her parents for years. What was it about him that made it so hard to play the cool girl suddenly?

"You know, I'm really glad I'm here with you," She tried to suppress a giddy smile. "I've never had a date- Or uh Someone to go to an event with so I'm really happy, and um it's cool that it's you," she added quietly, her voice revealing her bashfulness. After she finished speaking Karly peeked over at Sebastian to catch him looking at her. She felt a little embarrassed by how intimate the moment felt but couldn't look away until he spoke.

Karly stood up from her spot and dusted herself off partly to make sure she didn't have any dirt on her dress, but mainly to brush off some odd thoughts and feelings that had come into her head. "Yes, I would love something to drink" she smiled hoping to hide what was going on in her head. Thoughts that could ruin a genuine friendship with a good guy who seemed to understand her despite the mask she usually wore.

@Fayza

Jax Sanders stood by the fountain in the middle of the garden. Lit by angel lights, the garden had a beautiful delicacy surrounding it. The sound of the water instinctively made Jax come towards it. He didn’t know why water had been the closest thing he could refer to as a friend. It calmed him whenever he dived in, made the muscles come to life. Now, it was a distant memory, the casual reminder of its betrayal by the stiffness in his back. It had been a year after the accident, since then the title of ‘swim regional champion’ was long gone. His parents tried to get him back into competitions, to train again and build up what he’d lost. But it didn’t feel right. His back would cramp at its contact and his arms would heave as if carrying bricks. So he stayed perched on a lifeguard chair by the local pool. That was his life now.

Staring at the fountain, he ran a hand through his blond hair. The wind fought with the gel and in the end, a few strands had escaped to cover his forehead. Jax didn’t bring a date. Not that he minded. He was more of a social being, striking up conversation in a large group than with one individual for the night. It was helpful that the ivory of his suit made him stand out. He had been talking to a few high school friends and danced a while. But Jax for some reason, was pulled away by the mundane fountain he stood in front of.

He sighed, shaking his head. Leaning down he took a pebble from the ground. The action was tough and he moved slow to not wince from the pain. The doctors said it would last a year. But he thought they were lying in their calculations. But, boy, were they right. He curled his fingers over the pebble and threw it in, wishing for something, anything to change the man he now was. “Here’s to the new year” he mumbled.

@Iggy

Anna shut her phone and placed it in her clutch after having to text one of her dads that she was having a great time and was glad she ended up coming to the event. As if. She did feel guilty for lying, but they had encouraged her to go out, have fun, and had even taken her out to buy her dress. Of course, they both wanted to her have gotten something with sparkles, but she went with a simple pink long dress that made her pink hair stand out. She actually liked it. It was simple.

So here she was, trying to please her dads by having a good time. However, she couldn’t stay too long inside. It got too stuffy and she was afraid of bumping into someone and having a drink spilled on her. That would be bad. So she went outside where it was cold, but at least she didn’t have to worry about bumping into someone.

She looked over the garden, taken away by its beauty. She had to admit, the set up of the event was beautiful, with the decor and architecture. But the garden, that was a whole other story, and what really made it stand out was the fountain and the water in it. She couldn’t help but make her way towards it, not noticing someone on the other side. As much as she wanted to sit on it, she didn’t want to take a risk. So she stood before it. It wasn’t until she was close that she heard someone speak. “And something new,” she said to herself.

As much as Anna loved being a mermaid, her life was a bit bland. She needed something new, something to make her smile. Don’t take her wrong. She was happy and thankful for life, but it’s been boring lately, minus the mermaid part. But keeping that a secret to herself, it too got boring. She was just telling herself that hopefully college would be different.

Remembering that she heard a voice, Anna moved around the fountain to find a younge man in a creamy colored suit. Well, that’s new. she softly giggled at the irony, but noticed what she did and hoped he didn’t notice.

Jax heard a melodic giggle and a glimpse of pink. His eyes narrowed trying to figure out what was on the other side when he saw a petite frame on the other side of the fountain. “Hello?” He said curiously. He walked to the other side, hoping she wouldn’t go the other way and in the end they’d find themselves going in circles. Had the fountain not been filled with water, he may have just walked straight across to see who was there.

His surprise was evident when Jax laid his eyes on the girl. From the pink in her hair that tumbled over a beautifully painted face, to her eyes shining an deep ocean blue. Only later did he look at the dress, but it was her features that caught his attention. “Hi” Jax let a soft smile grow on his face. “I, um…” He looked back to where he stood then back at the girl. “How long have you been there?” He laughed, rubbing the back of his neck with his hand. “But I guess I would’ve noticed” he murmured, catching her eyes in his.

It was a pleasant surprise, and him the ever social character was happy to strike up conversation with her. “I’m Jax” he chimed. But he felt his voice flatter, unwilling to carry on speaking. Call it a flutter in his stomach that made him particularly nervous. Clearing his throat, he motioned to the surroundings. “Quite amazing how they decorated this place” he commented. “Looks like a fantasy” Jax wanted something to be fictitious in his life. But the accident ceased that dream. He knew very well, too well, that dreams were just thoughts and anything from story books were a lie. There was just the harsh reality of life and death. Nothing else in between. Least that’s what he forced himself to believe everyday.

He brought himself back to the fountain with the beautiful pink girl before him. Jax walked a bit closer to her, trying to get a better view with the fairy lights around them. “I like the pink” he grinned.

@Iggy

Anna heard a voice, and soon the figure she had noticed stood up to look at her. Man. He heard me. Anna straightened up and looked over him. Wow. He’s hot, Anna couldn’t help but notice. He was tall, with long blonde hair and blue eyes. Ugh, and his smile. What a charming smile. However, was his looks enough to have her give herself up to him and fully emerge into a conversation, no. She was a bit too shy to do that, and there was always the worry of exposing herself, especially since she was so close to water.

“Hey... ugh...Sorry, I didn’t mean to eavesdrop. I was just passing by.” She moved her hand that was holding the clutch to gesture the path she had just been on.

Anna was thinking of apologizing again and excusing herself, seeing no reason to stay, but then he introduced himself and started a conversation. She wasn’t sure if she was pleased or not. But he seemed like a nice guy, and maybe a small chat wouldn’t hurt, as long as she didn’t get wet. “I’m Anna,” she smiled sweetly. Her eyes looked over the garden with him, her too mesmerized by its beauty. “It really does. I didn’t think our little town owns something as beautiful as this.” She agrees.

She glanced back to him to see him move closer, and hearing what he said brought a slight blush to her cheeks. She normally didn’t get much compliments about her hair. If she did, it was normally from people her age- if any- which made her wonder how old he was. Hopefully he wasn’t a lot older than her, that would be weird. But he didn’t seem to be. “Merci,” she thanked him in her native language, gently pushing a strand of her hair out of her face subconsciously. Many people thought she dyed her hair, but really, it was because of the fact that she was a mermaid. I guess you could call it a side effect? She still wasn’t sure how it worked, but she actually liked it, and it took her parents a while to like it too. “I like the suit,” she admits and gestures to it. “Very bold.” Was that weird to say?

@Fayza

“Hold your horses, I didn’t accuse you of anything” he lopsided smile. “Yet, anyways” he teased. Jax glanced around her, finding that it was just the two of them in the cold outdoors. Of course, a few couples had passed by, hastily, probably to do something in crazy in the privacy of the bushes. That just made Jax recoil at such thought.

From the curiosity in his stare, he noticed the an internal debate in her mind. Jax didn’t want to make her uncomfortable either. Giving her the most warmest smile, he listened to her speak. Her voice just a lovely as that giggle that he heard before. “Anna” he repeated, testing out the name on his own lips. It didn’t sound the same as when she said it. Anna had a cute way her lips moved to a smile as she spoke. “It’s really beautiful” He agreed. “Though I think our town has another thing beautiful” he said, motioning to her. He laughed, rubbing his face with his hands. “Ugh, that sounded way better in my mind…I swear I’m not a creep” he reassured with a sheepish grin of his own.

His tension created by his words eased when she replied. Jax’s eyes lit up at hearing anything that wasn’t English. If he thought her voice sounded sweet when she spoke, the French that flowed out was like honey. “Parlez-vous Français?” He replied, using the basic French he’d learn from extra circular. It was enough for a basic conversation, or if he wanted to discuss unusual life scenarios like the environment, or school.

Jax’s eyes swept over her again, seeing closely the pink her hair was. The hair had a healthy sheen, looked surprisingly natural. Unlike the other dyes he’d seen some girls use. When she complimented his suit, he couldn’t help but adjust the collar of his shirt. “Oh stop it, I’m blushing” he jested. “I thought it’s a bit over the top” He confessed, with a light crimson appearing on his cheeks. Jax chewed the inside of his cheek. “Care to walk with me?” He asked. The fountain was soothing but having it behind his back sent a shiver down his spine. Uneasy.

@Iggy

Anna couldn’t help but laugh at almost everything that he said. He was funny, she had to give it to him. Even if he wasn’t trying to be funny, he still was. She wasn’t sure what it was about him, but the warm bubbly aura around him welcomes her and made her stop worrying for a moment. Maybe it was his smile or his teasing. Or his gentle eyes. But she liked it, it was kind of cute, and to make this even more special, he flirted. Now that was really cute. She just watched him rub his face, looking embarrassed. “For a moment I thought you were going to name me another place,” she admits. “But thank you. That was actually very sweet.” She assures him.

Her eyes widened when he asked her a question in French. “Oui. Je parle Français,” she replied back, a little too eagerly. It was rare that she ever found someone that spoke her native language, beside her parents and French teacher. Of course, the students that took the class didn’t really know the language to well to have a full conversation with her, so finally finding someone that spoke it excited her. But then again she was probably jumping to conclusion. Maybe he just knew a few words.

Anna found herself smiling widely again as he acted bashfully. “Maybe a little,” she found herself teasing back about how bold the suit was before following it with another laugh. Who would have thought she would find herself laughing so much today at the event, and all in just a few minutes? Jax was very social, that much was obvious, and he was good at it. After all, she found herself actually agreeing to walk with him. “I’d love to,” she smiles. At least this way they wouldn’t be so close to the water. It would be a small walk to last some time, and then they would go their separate ways, that way she could past some time. No harm. No risk. At least that’s what she was telling herself.

@Fayza

Jax’s smile widened when she laughed. He felt as if he accomplished the world’s hardest task. Making people feel good, especially laugh, was what made his day a little better. Probably what he’d call his purpose in around Warwick. An insignificant purpose some might say, but it was enough for him. From the gaps between his fingers, he met her eyes. Then lowered them showing off the smile he had on. “Where would be the fun in that?” He retorted. “Plus I made you smile so guess it was worth it” Jax shrugged before reaching for a fairy light, tapping the bulb gently.

When she spoke again, a fluent French flowed through. His eyes widened at the challenge, but straightening his back, he would try his best. “J’aimerais mieux te connaître.” He said. In his mind, he stumbled to piece together more French phrases that might impress Anna. “Je ne parle pas bien français…mais je fais de mon mieux” He laughed softly, another run of his hand through his hair. This time the few strands that were loose didn’t fall back, just fell against his forehead. He was glad he took Advanced French in high school. He learnt the language young and fell in love with it. It was probably because of the stories his mother used to read, like the Three Musketeers or Bluebeard. Yet it had been a while since he practiced.

Jax extended his hand to motion towards the path before him. “After you, Mademoiselle” he winked. Then he followed, matching her stride so that they were walking side by side. When he left there was a few hours until New Years. She would probably want to get back to her friends so he tried to make the most of the time he had with her. After all, a beautiful pink vision was not common around the ordinary Warwick day. “Enjoying the party so far?” Jax asked, striking up the questions for a conversation starter. “Not keeping you away from anyone, right? But then again, I suppose it’s their loss and my luck” he winked.

@Iggy

If Anna could smile even more, she did. Hearing him speak in French really did make her happy to have bumped into him. Yeah it took him a moment to gather his words, and she could see him mentally trying to piece the words together, but it was cute that he was trying his best. Could this guy get any sweeter? Saying making her smile is worth it and wanting to know her better.

Even though deep down, she knew nothing could come out of this. After today, she wouldn’t see him again. She couldn’t risk having close friends and couldn’t even allow herself to develop feelings for someone because of her secret, a problem she’s come to think of over the past few years when she started to notice boys. It sucked really because what girl didn’t have crushes or friends. She just told herself she couldn’t do anything about it. Yet here she was, willingly walking with him down the path. She liked his company enough to dismiss that idea for now.

“Très bon. Your the first person I’ve met that speaks it well besides my parents and my French teacher,” she tells him as she began to walk. Standing next to him, she could see how he was taller than her, almost a whole foot taller. “And no, you're fine. I came here alone anyways.” She assures him when he asked with a half hearted shrug, once again making her feel special. She couldn’t even bring herself to meet his gaze at this point because of how much he was making her smile. Instead, she moved to look around the garden as they walked, teaming a few glances at him. “Actually, I was thinking of leaving. I only came because my parents wanted me to come.” She was pretty sure she sounded lame now, wanting to go home and not having anyone here with her, a true loner.

@Fayza

Jax beamed at her compliments about his French. It felt the pointless long hours of tutoring after training to be worth it. French was key in helping him bring up his GPA. That along with maths. He bowed his head in modesty, looking down to the pebbles crunch as they walked then back to the piercing blues eyes that would occasionally meet his.

“Thanks. I thought I was butchering the language.” He laughed. “So it means a lot to here it” His brows furrowed in thought. “You’re a native speaker” he said as the realisation hit him in the head. He scoffed, his grin growing wider. “Now I’m glad I focused hard on my pronunciation in school” Jax used to hang around big crowds. Him at the head of the pack. But soon after the accident, he started to keep his social circle smaller. Some friends turned out to be more interested in the prestige Jax received on his swim meets, or bumping up their grades with his help. Now his circle, a tight ten that were friends he’d made from childhood and earlier swim meets. But even so, they had their own agenda tonight. Most of them, like the couples in the bushes or interested in practising their dance moves in the grand ballroom.

When she declared she came alone to the ball, he tilted his head to one side, watching her. She seemed the one to prefer being alone, though he was curious to why. “Self choice or are people just blind?” He asked. He felt the cold and wondered if she was bothered by it. Shrugging off the creme suit jacket, he put it around Anna’s shoulders. His hands softly grazed her shoulders as he let the fabric fall onto her person. “It’s a cold night” he murmured quickly. Jax wasn’t particularly annoyed by the cold. When he was young he used to swim in icy waters of the lake against the currents to grow strong.

“Leaving? I hope I can change your mind” he drawled. “If only for a short while” His eyes lit up. “What about until midnight?” He beamed. “A prince heartbroken by the loss of Cinderella” he jested, his arms widening at the exclamation. Jax let his arms fall after the idea that he’d announced, putting them behind his back. “Same for me, if I’m honest…my parents and friends thought it would be nice to do a big ball thing” He shook his head as a soft chuckle escaped him. “Though after last year’s, I did announce to the whole world I wanted to go every year” Last year Jax had gotten too much to drink in his system. His friends had spiked the punch and champagne was offered, next thing he knew he was on a table screaming his love for his friends and hoping to come to the ball every year for the rest of his life. It was amazing they let him come back this year.

“But I’m glad you did”

@Iggy

Anna noticed how he really cares about what she thought . She just assumed that that’s how he is as a person, caring about how people thought about him and trying to please everyone. It wasn’t a bad thing. If anything, it presented him as a really nice guy, someone she would acquaintance herself with. However he did come off a bit flirty, which did make her laugh, but she convinced herself it was just his personality.

“Yes, I am. I moved here seven years ago, when I was ten, from France.” She explained, which also gave her age. In those seven years, she could say time has passed rather quickly. With nothing but school, home, and being a mermaid, there wasn’t much to her life- well the mermaid part was pretty cool, especially the first few years. No best friend, no relationships, and definitely no drama, which for the most part, made life easy for her. At his question to why she was alone, she answered “Self choice.” She didn’t bother to explain why because she couldn’t. Telling someone that she couldn’t be their friend because if water got onto her she would grow a tail. They would definitely call her crazy. So she just kept to herself and pushed people away if they got to close. It wasn’t healthy, but she didn’t have another choice. After a while, her classmates stopped trying. At least she wasn’t fully antisocial. She still talked to people, and got along very well, she could just never allow anyone too close. Staring at the pathway, she couldn’t help but ask herself if she was okay with what she was doing, like she did many times before. She just reminded herself that she didn’t have a choice.

Anna was brought out of that thought when she felt something on her shoulders. She looked up to see Jax placing his jacket on her. She didn’t even notice him take it off. Hearing his explanation, she was reminded of how cold it was, which she forgot about for a moment. But she was warmed up by any body heat that was still left on the inner part of his jacket. “Thanks,” She said softly and pulled his suit jacket tighter around her for warmth, picking up on a manly scent too, which most likely made him up. It smelt nice, something she could get use too.

Now brought back to the moment, Anna smirked at what he was saying. “I don’t know. I could stay here a little longer.” She looks up to him. “As for staying till midnight, you would have to do a really good job at changing my mind.” Come to think of it, he would actually try to do that. He’s such a flirt, she thought with a small laugh to his reference.

“Every year? Good luck keeping up with that.” She gave a small shake of her head. She would never get herself into something like that. Hearing what he said last, she looked away shyly. He couldn’t really mean it. She was just a semi-ordinary girl that happened to over hear what he said. She was pretty sure he would have found another girl much more interesting than her and said the same things he had said to the other girl. This was one of the ways Anna managed to convince herself that she was okay with not getting close to people, and for the most part, it worked.

“How come your not hanging out with your friends?” She asked him in return since he did say his family and friends convinced him to come.

@Fayza

Jax was a social creature that was for sure, but when he flirted, it wasn’t aimed mindlessly. He didn’t have the same player personality that most of his friends had. He saved it for someone who he thought was worth it. And he thought Anna was someone special. Not only by her eye-catching appearance, but the softness around her. The melodic voice that carried her words. It was incredibly cute.

He listened intently at her mention of France, moving to Warwick. I’m two years older he calculated. But what impressed him more was living in another country. Jax did go on vacations, but it was only destinations that were on a drivable distance. His parents couldn’t afford luxury getaways, and his mother was afraid of flying. “France?” He murmured. Jax’s mind filled with questions about the world: what was it like? The weather? The people? He’d scroll through instagram pictures and pretend he was there, soaking the rays in the Caribbean or strolling through the cobbled streets of London and Paris. So the question he asked was: “Do you miss it?” He asked. Jax held back the bomb of questions that were racing in his mind. He wouldn’t want to frighten her by his curiosity.

He smiled warmly, in a way letting her choice of being alone was nothing to be ashamed about. Jax didn’t enjoy it, he needed a group to be around. But that didn’t mean he would judge those who preferred to be surrounded by themselves. He knew that being around friends could be overbearing, loud and frustrating. “Well, if you never change your mind…” His eyes met hers, and he gestured to himself. “I’ll be happy to oblige” he laughed.

“Does it really warm you?” He raised an eyebrow. “I mean, maybe I should’ve let you put in on instead of just dumping it on your shoulders” he said, smiling while biting softly his lower lip.

The raised eyebrow expression moved higher to his hairline when she said he’d have to convince her to stay longer. “Huh, a challenge…I have time” he winked.

He put a hand to his breast, “My friends?” He mused. “Well, there one over there by the bushes,” nodding to some rustling plants, “others are doing the worst dances moves on the ballroom floor, and some have probably headed home” He answered.

Jax put his hands into his pockets as he walked, his shoulders hunched in an almost nervous posture. “And I’d rather hang out with the mysterious pink girl” He hoped what he said wasn’t too weird. If anything he had been honest with Anna. “Sorry, I tend to say what’s on my mind instead of…filtering myself” giving a half smile.

@Iggy

At the question of missing France, Anna couldn’t help but feel homesick, even if it’s been seven years. Paris will always be home for here, a familiar place with music in the air, pastries in glass cases, tall vintage apartments. Just those little details made her wish she was in France. She grew up there, and it would always have a special place in her heart, especially since she couldn’t go back to it because of the curse. “Très. Everyday I wish I could go back there.” She admits. “But this town isn’t so bad, too.” She adds, because one thing did turn out good, and it was becoming a fantasy creature.

She glanced down at the crème colored jacket that hung loosely on her petite figure before looking back up. “No, it’s fine. It’s keeping me warm.” She reassures him with a smile. For a moment, her blue eyes glanced over to his lips, seeing him bite his lower lip, and she couldn’t help but think of how cute it was. Garçons. Why do they always look cute when biting their lips? She looked away shyly when she noticed she was staring longer than she should.

She laughed as he spoke about his friends, wondering if they were true or he was trying to make her laugh. She glanced over to the bushes that he gestured too and noticed the leaves rustling. Ew. Sometimes, she was thankful she wasn’t in a relationship.

Anna’s smile faded a little when she heard him call her mysterious. Oh no! Does he think I’m different? He doesn’t know. No, he can’t. He’s only saying that because he just doesn’t know anything about me. She tried to reason with herself, but the reality of what she was getting herself into was surfacing. She knew this was wrong, that it wouldn’t go anywhere, and that she couldn’t risk herself unless she wanted to end up on a lab table. “Ugh.... no, you're fine. Really. It’s better than being fake, and besides, I’m not mysterious at all. I’m just an ordinary girl. Nothing different or special about me.” Anna found herself rambling and had to bite down on her lip to keep herself from going on as she avoided his gaze.

@Fayza

Jax now wondered why she didn’t go back. Maybe she couldn’t afford it, or a personal reason holding her back. So he didn’t press the topic of France any further. “Yeah, there are some things here that you can’t find anywhere else” he agreed. Warwick had beautiful natural sceneries, and the best pizza around. He had tasted some from neighbouring towns, but none compared to the greasy, melting mess that was Warwick pizza. “Any favourites?” Wondering what she would say was her favourite things about Warwick. He doubted it would be the lake, too cold for many people who preferred heading there only in the summer heat. As such the lake was a lonely, quiet place in the months of September to mid-March.

He noticed her eyes on him, and Jax moved his head to her. The glance on his lips, that he ceased biting and looked away just as she had, with shyness and a small smile tugging at the corners.

Jax brought his fingers to his lips and let out a high-pitched whistle. It was a signal among his mates in case a teacher, adult or the police would bound up near. He, of course, did it for the sake of Anna. The disgusting thought that near the perfect decorations was a couple of horny kids. He laughed when he heard the voice of his friends, and the sight of bodies running away. He covered Anna’s eyes with his hands. “Yeah, this is indecent” he tsked, playfulness coating the scold.

He felt he’d said something wrong when her smile flattered. In his mind, it raced for a red panic button for the situation. But on the exterior, only his eyes flashed with worry. “Sorry,” he muttered, his hand coming back to groom his hair. But Jax listened to her rambling. The crease between his forehead deepened in confusion. “Alright” he said slowly. “I take it all back then” He offered a lazy smile. “I prefer to be with the perfectly ordinary, nothing different or special girl” he said, repeating her own words into the sentence. “Better?” He asked. “I barely know you, so mysterious was the best word I could think of” he chuckled.

@Iggy

Anna was starting to think of ways to get out of this mess, already having to forget about the whistle, the running bodies, and Jax’s attempt to cover her from the scene, though that had been very sweet and funny of him. Now, she was just thinking of what to say that would be a reasonable excuse to leave. She couldn’t just up and go, that would be too rude, and as much as she would like to leave, she wouldn’t do that. The thing was, she really enjoyed their small conversation, and really enjoyed his company. He was funny, sweet, kind, and let’s not forget, very hot. But the longer she stays, the more she would be digging her own grave. It was better to be safe than sorry by ending all of this and leaving. She could act like she got a text, say she remembered that she had call someone, or make up a lie about her dads wanting her home.

But as she was trying to think of something, Jax quickly spoke to fix his mess. Hearing what he said and using her description of herself in order to make her feel better with that lazy smile of his made any excuse she had thought up just disappear, once again hiding the small voice in the back of her head that saying it was a bad idea and letting her heart take control. He only called her mysterious because he didn’t know anything about her, that’s all. So everythinb was okay. Yup. This was going to be hard for her, even though she convinced herself it’s going to be okay.

Going back to smiling, Anna finally said, “It’s alright. As for your earlier question, I really enjoy Coffee and Crumbs Bakery. They have good pastries. It’s the closets thing I could get to feeling like I’m in Paris, but our pastries will always be better.” She said proudly as she spoke about the food back in France. “I also like nature, a lot. I find myself going to the lake and the waterfall. So those are my favorite things about Warwick.” She tells him. But as she thinks about it, she wonders if that was even a good idea. She shouldn’t pair herself with anything that had to do with water. It doesn’t matter. We won’t see each other after this anyway, she reasoned with herself as she pulled the jacket tighter on her for warmth and comfort of his scent, as weird as that sounded. It made her feel safe like she was taken care of. It probably had to do with the fact that whenever she was held by her dads, she would always pick up on their manly scent, thus resulting in feeling safe.

“What about you? What’s your favorite? And have you been outside of Warwick?” She asked him.

@Fayza

Jax was in a fit of laughter seeing his friends run into the depths of the night. Though a part of him did feel bad for being to expose them this way, and give them the fright of the new year. Either way, now he felt better to be around Anna, and hope she did the same way. Now they could be relaxed, in their own world without the worries of their surroundings. At least that was what Jax hoped.

He hadn’t noticed Anna’s silence, only when he composed himself, blinking away the few strays tears that had escaped during his moment of happiness. Jax found her rigid, in her mind thinking, seeing the way her eyes were calculating something underneath. He felt guilty almost. Probably that it was crude to have done that prank. But he kept that insecurity back with a half smile.

He heard the Coffee and Crumbs Bakery. Ah, a foodie then. Jax was into food himself, with the training and competitions, he had the pleasure of indulging his palette in sweet treats, and pastries were the best thing. “Of course, they wouldn’t call it a Culinary Capital for nothing” he nodded in agreement. “Warwick probably is way down the list…I wouldn’t know though. I have only travelled to the nearby towns” Sometimes Jax wished the accident didn’t happen. He would probably have gone to nationals, then perhaps if he trained, a shot at the Olympics, could’ve travelled the world. Experienced the pastries in France that Anna was talking about. It was a blow to his stomach realising that he wouldn’t get the opportunity now. He beamed again. “So, I guess that you’re my expert on the international world” he teased, lowering his shoulder and lightly bumping it against her arm.

And then she told him about the lake. Jax’s eyes surveyed her, almost doing a double take to see if she was real. No one was that crazy enough (Jax excluded) to enjoy the lake. It was a nice spot for parties, but to like it, like Jax did? He could only do a slow nod to her words. Wonder if she goes to the lake in the winter?Maybe I could see her again…should I ask? Those thoughts buzzing in his boyish head.

“Me? I’m Aquaman” he joked. “No, I just have this strange pull to water, so anywhere that has a water source…fountain included, I’m drawn to it” He confessed. “But, water and I, are a bit in a slump right now” he said softly. He was referring to the accident. It wasn’t the water’s fault, just a bad calculation on his part. But now, he was tentative of going into a lake, or even a pool. His mind would freeze and his body would forget to move in order to remain afloat. So now all he could do was admire it.

“You’ll be going to college soon, I’m guessing?” He said. The happiness in his voice returning, attempting to change the tense subject of water.

@Iggy

Anna giggled when he gave her a small shove and just rolled her eyes at him. “I don’t know what much,” she points out to him. But she thought it was pretty cool that at least he left Warwick before. Though, it made her wonder, was that recently? Because if that was so, maybe he wasn’t effected by the curse. But then again maybe he just changed? She could be wrong, and probably just over thinking it. However, hearing him say he was Aquaman, she came to an abrupt stop and looked at him with a confused look.Is he... like me?

Noticing she probably looked weird with the sudden stop and her gaze, Anna was quick to move again with him. She didn’t want him to think she was weird or something and stop talking to her, shockingly- especially if what he said was true. So she answered his question in hopes to move on from the previous subject but still be able to think to herself about it. “Thats the plan, but I still don’t know what I want to major in.” She moves to push a strand of her oink hair out of her face but it fall back to where it was, causing her to give up on it. “What about you?” She still didn’t even know his age or if he was in her school or not.

But there was also the mention of his love for water that she had just learned- and was much more important than his age- that made her want to know if he was truly like her. Could he be a merman? For Anna, that would be the best thing ever. A guy that she could be friends with and have a secret to share. That was too much to ask for. Maybe he was just saying it as comparison for his love of water. He did say he was in a slump, which he wouldn’t be had he been like her. Ugh. I’m over thinking this. Should I just ask him? No. I can’t. Maybe give a hint? What am I even talking about?

@Fayza


When Anna topped walking, Jax skidded to a halt, almost tripping on his long, clumsy legs. Then when she moved again, Jax took a while before continuing. The crease between his eyebrows deepened. Trying to figure out why or what had caused the unexpected reaction from Anna.

“Well, what are you interested in at school? History? Literature? Sciences?” He asked, thinking it was a way of helping her choose, or giving another prompt to which their conversations could go in. He smiled bashfully, a bit shy at remembering that he hadn’t talked much about himself. Jax saw the piece of stubborn hair that didn’t want to leave Anna’s face. Tentatively he reached out, brushing it softly. And then blinked twice before pulling away quickly, leaving a distance between them. He blushed. “I graduated high school..two years ago. I was supposed to go to college but I can’t leave Warwick” he said. He couldn’t leave in the sense that after the accident, his parents kept him under close surveillance, and the offer to go study at Duke; be part of their swim team was out of the table. So now he had to stay in Warwick, try to find something else with his life. “I was supposed to major in business” he added. Letting the information sit for a while before perking up again.

“But plans change” he smiled, leaning towards an annoyed smirk than the carefree smile from before. “Anyways, when will you be jetting off to college, mon amie? Start off your new adventure” Jax felt jealous spring on his stomach, but pushed it down, annoyed at the thought of being jealous of Anna. He should feel proud that someone was able to leave the town that many were strangely trapped in it.

“Guess I should also be thankful. If I went there I wouldn’t be able to find water for a few miles except the artificial pools” he joked.

@Iggy

God, he’s going to think I’m weird. First I freaked out when he said mysterious, and not I’m stoping and staring. Way to go Anna. she argued within herself, even though she knew she shouldn’t be impressing him.

Anna then thought about his question. “I like science, and psychology. To be honest..... I’ve been thinking of doing something in the medical field, I really like helping and making people feel better ... but I don’t know,” she gave a defeated shrug. Over the time she’s noticed herself leaning into that major, to be honest, but because of her secret, it wouldn’t work out. She would be surrounded by water, that would be for sure, so the idea of hers seemed impossible. That was one of the downsides of being a mermaid, it made doing this she would have done as a human impossible.

Anna was feeling a little down as she thought about that, something she hasn’t really admitted to anyone or herself. But then she felt Jax's hand brought a strand of her hair out of her face to hook itself in her long locks. The gesture was unexpected but extremely sweet, that eventually, she found herself blushing like him and looking away shyly by his action. She listened to what he was saying as they continued on to their conversation. He gratitude two years ago? That makes him either nineteenHey or twenty. I hope it’s nineteen. It’d be reasonable for me to hang out with him without my dads freaking out. Who am I kidding. They’ll still kill me for being with a boy. Wait... what am I talking about? This won’t go anywhere. Ufff. I need to think straight.

However, she left one stressful thought and took on another one, or one that she had previously thought about. He can’t leave Warwick? So he is cursed! I should ask him. But what if I’m wrong? I would risk my secret. What do I do? Anna bite at her lower lip on thought. So much for having a relaxing walk through the garden. I can’t ask him. Ill just have to let it go, she finally decided.

“I'm sorry to hear that. But maybe it is a good thing, especially since you’ll be so far away from your girlfriend, water. I’m sure you’ll find a way to pursue that major.” She teased and smiled up to him to ease his sadness because she knew that feeling too well. “I won’t be leaving Warwick for college, especially since I don’t know what I want. I may take a break after high school, even though my dads won’t be happy with that.” She explained, bringing up her parents which usually left people looking at her differently.

@Fayza

She said she wanted to help people, make them feel better through medicine. Jax thought her reason was so selfless, and he was slightly embarrassed about his choice to major in. He chose business with the sole aim to pursue money, try to get a better, richer life than what he had now. Never in his mind did the thought of helping others, pass. If anything, the only thought regarding another person was he would no longer be an economic burden on his family. He would have an own life that no one would tell him how or what to do with it. “Well if you love helping people, then you shouldn’t let anything stop you” he said. “Not to mention, doctors saved my life” Jax had to look away when he said this, it was hard to share something that brought both good memories, him being alive, but also bad ones, him unable to feel anything but pain for months. Maybe that was what made him still feel alive.

Anna looked away with a light crimson on her cheeks and Jax felt himself doing the same, only a hand pressed behind the back of his neck in a shy posture.

When she mentioned the word dads as plural instead of singular, Jax had surprise in his face. But it was quickly changed to realisation and turned soft, affectionate once more. He was better than to judge someone for their parents, and moreover, he was raised to be better than that. “Oof, that must be tough” he smiled. “I bet it’s also difficult for your boyfriend…double the interrogation and protection” he laughed. Though the pressure of being up against two dads instead of one sent a light shiver up his damaged spine. “Well breaks are good, maybe gives you time to figure out who you are in this whole world” he suggested. Though Jax had done nothing but lounge around all day or go to work instead of figuring out who he was. So much for following your own advice. “But thanks. I hope so too”

He tsked, doing a little shake with his body. “Ok. Enough sad stories!” He grinned widely. “Let’s do something fun” he announced. Not sure what would be fun to do, but he wanted to change the subject before it turned more serious. “New Year is soon, and I want to be laughing into it” He took her hand, letting his fingers cover hers before placing it on the crook of his elbow. “Want to dance? Maybe not inside but we can get a bit close to where the speakers blast it”

@Iggy

If only it was as easy as he made it look like, not letting anything stop her from doing something she loves. But it wasn’t that easy. So much for fairy tales and their happily ever after. Yes, she was pretty content with life, living comfortably and having amazing parents. But was it really living if you didn’t do what you love and find someone to love? Instead, she pushes people away. The thought really did sadden her, but she told herself that at least she was a mystical creature.

At the mention of having a doctor save his life, Anna couldn’t help but wonder what had happened to him that had caused him to almost die. Looking at him right now, Jax seemed perfectly healthy. She would have never assumed that he came close to life and death experience. But she was glad he hadn’t died because she got to meet an amazing person like him. She thought it was best not to ask, knowing she wouldn’t want to speak about something so personal.

“You have no idea. If I’m late three minutes, I get separate thirty minutes lectures from them.” She softly laughed as she admitted. She loves her dads, but the amount of protection she got from them was just too much. At the mention of a boyfriend, she just bit her lower lip shyly and shook her head before saying, “I actually don’t have a boyfriend.” She wasn’t sure if she should be embarrassed or relieved.

After having to move on from the sad topics, which Anna was thankful for, she couldn’t help but perk up a little at the mention of doing something fun. She wondered what Jax had in mind, but before she could ask, she felt him move to take a hold of her hand. She felt her heart skip a beat from his touch before he moved it to the crook of his elbow, feeling warm despite the cold breeze. Anna tore her gaze away from their contact to look up to him when he suggested dancing. “J'adorerais,” she said with a sweet smile. “Maybe the patio?”

(U could have ur post there if that’s okay with u)

((posted :) ))

@Iggy (( I’m going to make it a little short to finish faster))

Elizabeth was filled with rage. Anything Richard has said about her being easy or him being a gentleman didn’t even faze her now, not when all she could think about was her brother, who refused to come with her, that came with her best friend, who hadn’t spoken to her in a week and knows Renny is an asshole. She wanted to scream, or burn something down. Her hands were itching to release flames at something. She had to flex her fingers a little to release some built up energy in them. Lizzy was acting a bit childish, all stubborn and self-centered, but she didn’t even notice it. Once she was outside, she tried to take a deep breath so the cold air could calm her down. “Fuck them. Ugh. I don’t even want to talk about it.” She tells him. If she were to speak to him of what they did, then it would be all too real and there was no way she could control her powers after that. She moved to stand next to the wall with her arms crossed on her chest, her heel moving to anxiously tap the floor.

@Fayza ((good plan))


Richard stayed by the entrance between garden and castle. He caught the glimpse of moonlight peeking through the shadows of the night. Keeping his cool, he crossed his arms over his back. “Honestly, if we are doing a wild goose chase, might as well do something inside rather than out here in the cold” he smirked. His head moved against the doorframe, relishing its coolness. “Are you really going to let other people ruin this night?” He asked, shaking his head. “You give up too easily. Let it get in your head” he muttered, stuffing his one hand in his pocket and the other going to brush her hand. From a distance he felt the heat radiate from it. “I can help with that” he suggested, letting the words hide their true meaning.

@iggy ((ooofff I’m dumb. I meant to have him at the patio so he could use the walls to hide. I’m dumb. lol let’s just act it’s there.))

“I don’t give up too easily,” she snapped. Hearing him say that wasn’t helping with her mood. Besides, what is it with him talking all weird. She actually picked up on his behavior but kept telling herself she was over thinking it. It was kind of creepy. But he was right about her letting it ruin her night. Who could blame her? Salem went against the best friend code and came with her bother. Everyone knew a best friends bother was off limits, especially when the two were in a fight. She looked at him when he came closer, moving her arms lower and feeling his hand brush hers. She looked into his eyes, which were a lighter blue than hers. Still holding a stubborn tone, she said, “and how do you plan to help?”

@fayza ((lol! yeah no worries, we can make it happen ;) ))

He observed her with a mixture of amusement and cockiness. "Really?" Richard's lips upturned in dry humour. "You avoided confrontation and ran to the garden with your tail tucked between your legs" He noticed her eyes burn into his. He met that gaze with a bored one of his own, a silent challenge buried beneath. Richard didn't mind her stubbornness, yet he did mind the continuing teasing that the clouds were giving him. Going by fast to cover, then uncover the pale moon. He placed his body in front of hers, his back to the garden and his right arms planted on the side of Elizabeth and his left hand tracing her jawline.

Before asking Elizabeth, his lips softly landed on the side of her jaw, he pulled away to meet her gaze. "What do you think?" He murmured.