I wrote this for when words fail...

Malai Songjaerin and Nickeli 'Nick' Hemings




Carmine Larue and Jeff Ford

Malai kept checking her pink designer watch. "Effing fifteen minutes," she said disappointingly as she looked over to the nerdy looking boy in all black beside her. Of course, he was a random stranger, and he didn't care, but she felt the need to grip to someone. "It's fifteen minutes past and they still haven't opened the doors yet." She was sitting on the concrete sidewalk in front of "Da Hangout", a local venue where bands and musicians played every Friday night. It was also a bar, pool hall, and restaurant. This Friday night, Evolution Bridge, her favorite band, was playing. She had skipped school and sat out by the front of the venue since early that morning to make sure she was the first in line when the doors opened. The club should have been opened fifteen minutes ago, but alas, she, and all the people in line behind her, were still all sitting and standing on the pavement outside. She let out a heavy sigh. All of the employees were in there getting ready, probably chatting up with some of the acts playing tonight, too. It was a bummer. How much longer did they have to wait?

Finally, the doors opened, revealing one of the employees, who said everyone could come in. Malai quickly hopped up, went over to him, and handed him her ID to check and her ticket. She was stamped on the hand, and then she went in. She didn't bother ordering any beverages or anything. She had her eyes on the prize: the front and center spot in front of the stage. She rushed up to it, claiming her spot. Sure, she'd have to stand there all night, even during all of the lame local acts, but it didn't matter. For, when Evolution Bridge came on at the end of the night, she would be front row and center, and that's all that was important.

She took off her bum flap, a piece of cloth that she made herself that pinned to the back of her short shorts, and put it in her purse. https://img0.etsystatic.com/008/0/7282694/il_570xN.383699974_hum6.jpg

Though they weren't super common, a lot of punk rock kids were known to have them, since they were "protection shields" for the back seats of one's pants while sitting on cold, hard (and sometimes wet) concrete. It was a sign that she was a true concert warrior. She had been to many shows before, and she knew all the tricks, all the "Dos" and "Don'ts" of concert going to make sure she had the best experience at shows whenever she went. She rechecked her purse, making sure she had everything. "Everything" being a camera, a marker, and a copy of her favorite album by Evolution Bridge, or EB. She wanted the lead singer to sign it when she met him. Now, all she had to do was wait.

Soon, other people gathered around and the show started. The opening band that went first was so boring. After their set, another local band got on stage and started playing. She bopped her head to the beat; this band was actually pretty good. She smiled and started dancing in the crowd along everyone else. Hell yeah! This group was rocking! While watching them, she locked eyes with one of the members on stage. Her heart skipped a beat. Forget EB. They didn't even matter to her any more. This band that was onstage now was her new favorite band. And...that guy. He was so hot, way more than any EB member. She wondered what his name was.

---

[/line]

Jeff took a seat on a stool at the far corner of the Dixie Grill, a local burger joint that had amazing food and often would let musicians just walk in and play for the customer's enjoyment. He placed his guitar case at his feet, and opened it, revealing a beautiful acoustic guitar, his baby. He took it out and left the case open, just in case someone liked his songs and wanted to leave cash. "Thanks for having me," he said, looking back at the grill's owner, who was flipping a burger on the grill. He strummed his guitar a bit before starting. Hmm...what should he play? He played the song "Collide" by Howie Day as a warm up. He didn't sing the lyrics, though, just played the music.

It seemed as if the crowd enjoyed it, for some people were smiling, and someone had already put a dollar in his guitar case. Now, time for him to actually sing. He decided to one of his original songs. He played his song "Never Better Than Now" It was an uplifting song for all people who are scared to chase their dreams.

As he sang, he looked around the room. He locked eyes with a girl. Whoa, she was beautiful. She was like a flower, brightening up the joint. He wondered if she liked the song...

@ SecretPiggyMafia
Nickeli smiled as the lights came on and he started to play his guitar his bandmate backing him up. Then he started to sing one of his favorite songs "Crash into Me". Nickeli started to sing looking around the crowd. He was around the middle of his song as his eyes meet the eye of a little rock beauty. She smiled at him and he sang for her. Nickeli was sad that they only got a few songs but it was better than nothing and with the way the crowd was acting it wouldn't be their last gig by any means. He ran a hand through his hair as he stood back from the mic as the song ended. He smiled and looked around the band trying to think of another good song for him to put out there. The way the girl in the crowd was looking at him he was feeling like he had a lot of power. He started to play his next song "Kryptonite". He smiled at her as he let his main guitarist take this song he and his second singer took the lyrics. He grinned as their tech guy got the lights going making the song and the band seem all that more mysterious. Nickeli loved to amaze the crowd.

After their band finished their set he headed back stage and he spent some time with the more famous bands getting some tips and thanking them for their complements. It wasn't long before he was board though. Nickeli slipped out and went out into the crowd headed to the bar. He ordered a drink and leaned against the bar as he watched the new band. He looked through the crowd wondering if that little beauty was still hanging around here somewhere. He wouldn't mind getting her number or maybe even going out for a late night tacos with that girl.

---

Carmine was waiting at the restaurant for her boyfriend to decide to show up to the date he had set up. She sighed feeling frustrated in her relationship with him. They just weren't the same as they use to be anymore. Carmine looked up as she head a familiar song. She grinned listening to the guitar. She hummed quietly to the song as she turned in the booth to watch the guy play. He stopped as the song ended and then started another song. It was cute to hear the story behind the song. It was a sweet song but she felt like he was holding back something. He intrigued her. Their eyes met and she felt a small blush creep onto her cheeks making her smile wider as the guy as he finished his song. Carmine turned as she heard the door ring with the bells as someone entered. She sat seeing her boyfriend. "Lee you're late where were you?" she asked and leaned forward as he sat down. That was when she noticed it. He smelled like perfume and nothing she would ever dare wear. Lee sighed. "I was trying to gather up the courage to talk to you Carmine. Please don't interrupt me." he said noticing she looked mad and was about to go off. "Look Carmine we had a good run and you are so sweet. It's not you baby it's me. I think we should break up. It has been fun." he said and suddenly it hit her. The lipstick on his shirt, the showers before he came over, and the random bruises. "You cheating bastard!" she yelled standing. "Now Carmine please don't make a scene." he tried to reason with her and she slapped him out of the booth. "Get the fuck out of my sight before I beat you unrecognizably!" she yelled and turned her face red and tears springing to her eyes. Lee stood and grabbed her shoulders. Carmine pulled back and hit him in the jaw knocking him to the ground before she ran out of the restaurant tears streaming down her face as she tried to push them away. Lee scrambled up. "Carmine!" he called but didn't go after her. He looked around and sighed putting a 20 on the table and walking out.

Carmine sat on the dusty curb in her little yellow dress her face in her hands as she cried silently. They had been dating 5 months and for 3 of them she knew Lee had been looking at other women but only this past month had she suspected there really was someone else. Carmine was glad he didn't try to talk to her again. She was willing to hit him again if she could. She was a spunky little thing but she was hardly ever like this. She was the sweet girl but look were that got her. Maybe she should just swear off men. Carmine looked up hearing gravel crunch under some boots. Her face was puffy to match her swollen eyes and shine red nose.

After the band's set ended, Malai looked around. She was hoping to see if that guy was hanging around the venue somewhere. For some reason...she just wanted to talk to him. Another band was taking the stage, but she didn't care. She stood around and watched all the other bands, but she wasn't interested in them at all. She didn't even care so much about the band she had originally came to see.

Soon the show ended. Malai made her way throught the crowd and went to the merch stands. She wondered in that local band had a stand. Turns out, they did. She smiled at the merch guy and bought an album by the new band she now liked. "Thank you," she said to the merch guy. Now, all she had to do was find that guy and ask him to sign it. She turned away from the stand and "Oof!" she exclaimed as she bumped into someone. "Oh, I'm sorry, I..." She stopped. Her eyes widened. It was him.

---

While playing in the grill, Jeff overheard a big argument going between the pretty girl and some dude. Jeff pretended not to notice and keep playing. It was a bit distracting, though. Apparently, judging by some of the things he heard them say, the girl was dating the guy or something, and he was leaving her. That, and apparently, by what the girl had yelled out, he was "cheating bastard." Jeff was surprised. What kind of idiot would cheat on a girl like that? Some men must not be smart enough to realize what they have, Jeff figured.

The girl left the grill, and she looked pretty upset. A girl that beautiful should never hurt, Jeff thought, so he wanted her to feel better. He wanted to be the one to make her feel better. He quickly packed up his guitar and left. He went outside and went in the direction he saw the girl go.

He found her sitting on the curb. He hesitantly approached her. Not knowing what exactly to say, he decided it was best not to say anything. Instead, he just reached in his pocket for a pack of tissues, and he held it out to her.

@ Jinx...

@ SecretPiggyMafia
Nickeli smiled as he stood before the girl. He grabbed her elbow to keep her from falling over after bumping into him. He had just been heading back to the band and saw her at his stand. Nickeli took a step back and let his hand fall from her elbow. "Hi." he said and smirked at how she looked at him. It was cute really. Nickeli watched her fumble with a pen and handed him the cd and pen. He smiled and took it signing it but didn't give it back yet. "Come with me." he said softly and took her hand and took her back stage. He walked up to the band and introduced them to her though he still didn't know her name. "This is all of us really. Though you meet Calvin at the stand." Nickeli said and looked down at her for a moment. He had the band sign the cd case. Nickeli handed the pen and cd back to her. "So you gonna introduce yourself or should we just call ya sugar?" he winked at her and was rewarded with a brilliant smile. He liked this girl already. She was something else.

Nickeli shared her for a little while sitting next to her on the couch with the rest of the band. He watched her interact with the group his arm behind her over the couch. He leaned in his mouth next to her ear. "Let's get out of here." he whispered and smiled as she looked at him with those eyes. He took her hand and laughed as they guys made stupid remarks about him running off with the girl. "Come on Nick... Nicky!" Riley called his arms open wide. "Share the little love!" he said and laughed as Riley hit his arm. "Get our own girl Tucker!" Miles said and playfully kicked his leg. They were a bunch of brothers really. Nickeli slipped into the back alley with her and lead her out to his motorcycle. He picked up his helmet and slipped onto his bike. "Let's go for a ride." he said and pulled his helmet on.

---

Carmine looked up and at his offered tissue. She pushed a tear from her cheek and gently took the tissue and cleaned herself up. "Thanks." she said softly and sighed looking down. "I am sorry I ruined your show..." she mumbled and hiccuped as the tears started again and she hid her face in her hands again. She tried to muffle a small sob but failed. She hadn't really loved Lee but it still hurt. Carmine had been hurt to many times by men to easily fall for guys. She looked over as she felt him sit beside her. She sniffled and laid her head on her arms in her lap. Carmine looked at him wondering why he had come out here when he had a show to do. It was hard to get gigs. She knew because she had tried to be a musician once but she wasn't cut out for it. Instead she worked in a little cubical crunching numbers for some cooperation.

Carmine gave him a soft smile as she heard him speak. It was a sweet sound. Even his speaking voice was kind and beautiful. She knew she was probably a mess at the moment but he was being so kind. "I'm Carmine." she said softly and looked at her hand. "I would shake you hand but I don't want to give you a hand covered in tears." she said and sighed. How was she so stupid to think Lee could be different and she could actually find someone to fall in love with. Carmine took a deep breath trying not to start crying again.

@ Jinx...

Malai just did what he said and followed him, no questions asked. He was so entrancing. She happily looked down at the cd he signed that was still in his hands as they walked. Wow. His band were all really nice, and they all signed the cd for her. She smiled when he called he "Sugar." "I'm Malai," she told him, smiling. His band members were all some really cool, chill dudes. She picked up on how they all interacted like family. She liked that. She couldn't believe it when he told her to come with him. She agreed, ready for an adventure. She followed him outside. "Wow, your motorcycle is really cool," she said, "But, what about me?" she asked, pointing to her head, "You wouldn't want me to hurt my pretty little head, would you?" She gave him a cute pout.

---

"I'm Jeff," he said, taking a seat next to her, "Don't worry about the show. No biggie. They let me play there all the time." A few seconds of awkward silence went by. "So uh..." he began, not knowing how to put it, "That guy...cheating boyfriend, huh?" An uncomfortable chuckle slid from his lips. Realizing that it might sound like he was laughing about what had just happened, he covered his mouth. "Sorry," he apologized, "N-Nervous habit. Sorry." He looked down at his shoes. That's when he laid something kinda heavy and philosophical on her. "There's no reason to cry over someone like that. You're not losing much. In fact, you're probably better off without him. Because...if he loved you, he'd never hurt you. And, he'd never, for sure, never, go looking for love in other places. You would be all that he needed. But, guys like him, I've met a plenty, and they're nothing but jerks who are never satisfied, with anything."

@ SecretPiggyMafia
Nickeli chuckled. "Aww right." he said and pulled off his helmet and took her hand pulling her closer. He adjusted it onto her head and smirked. "Looks cute on you." he said and smirked bulling on his leather jacket. "Hop on Malai." he said and offered her a hand to help her on. Nickeli was trying to decide were best to take her. "You feel like tacos?" he asked and smiled looked back at her when she got on his bike. He took her hands and pulled them so she was hugging him tight. "Press your thighs tight to me." he said and and pushed her thighs together around him. He turn his motercycle on and smiled happily. This girl was entirely letting him take her out and she didn't even know him. It was the greatest feeling really. Nickeli backed out of his parking spot and then roared down the street making sure she was holding on tight as he started his drive.

---

Carmine smiled softly as he let out a nervous giggle and apologized profusely for it. She listened to him speak and grinned. "That sounds really poetic." she said and rested her chin on her hand looking at him. "Thank's Jeff. You are really kind." she said softly and looked him over. "I really liked to hear you sing..." she said softly. "Do you play anywhere else besides the dinner? I am sure that they don't give you much musical range." she wondered why he was out here talking to her. "So what made you follow a crying girl onto the dusty curb to talk poetic things to?" she asked softly a gentle yet sad smile on her face. She wished it was easy just to ignore and forget Lee but that would take a little time.

@ Jinx...

Malai smiled as Nickeli put the helmet on her. It was so sweet how he would rather have her protected than himself. She took his hand and got on the bike. She smiled as he wrapped her arms around him; it felt good embracing him. "I've never had any before," she said honestly, "But, I'd love to try them." She blushed slightly as he touched her thighs and moved them around him. She held on to him tightly as they took off. She rested her head against his back and took in his amazing scent, as they world sped by them.

---

"Well, I am a song writer after all," he laughed, "Being poetic is in my nature. Thank you. I try my best. Well, sometimes, I open up at really small local venues. Nothing big, though. I'm not even signed yet." He rested his chin in his hand. "It's cool, though. I get to make music and share it with people. That's all that really matters. I don't care if I'm able to make a living off of it or not. I work, so it's all good." He moves a strand of hair out of her face. "Well, you seemed sad," he said, "and a girl as pretty as you should never cry."

@ SecretPiggyMafia
"Never had tacos?" Nickeli scuffled and shook his head. "We will have to change this situation pronto." he said and grinned. He drove down a winding path to one of his favorite taco stands. He parked and waited for her to get off. He got off and stood in front of her stooped down to remove her helmet. He grinned and set it on the bike. "Alright then my treat." he said and took her hand leading her to the stand. When they cot to the window the girl at the counter light up happily. "Nickeli!" she grinned. "Pa it's Nickeli!" she called back into the truck. Nickeli chuckled. "Hi Candy." he said and she chuckled. "I told you a million times it's Caddy." she said and they laughed together. Nickeli looked at Malai and became serious leaning into the window. "Caddy we have a serious problem. An old Spanish man came to the window quickly leaning in to hear the talk. "This is Malai..." he said glancing at her and winked before looking back at the man and his daughter. "And she..." he looked around like it was a huge secret. "She has never had a taco." he said and shook his head like in disbelief. Caddy played along and gasped before smiling. "I will ring in tacos pronto." she said and Nickeli handed her the cash telling her to keep the change. The old man let a grin crack his serious face and in the most accented voice it almost made it hard to understand he spoke, "Malai, mi flor, I shall make you tacos that will make up for all tacos you should have had." the man spoke and kissed her cheeks as he leaned out the window than disappeared into he back. Nickeli grinned and lead her to some park picnic benches. He sat across from her and grinned like a fool. He was kinda cute being all goofy.

---

Carmine grinned more and listened to him. She nodded and touched his free hand. "I think you will be able to make it big." she said and then let her hand rest back on her knee. She watched him and was very still her eyes widening in surprise as he moved a hair out of her face. She blushed hard at his words and smiled. "Jeff..." she whispered his name and looked away shyly. Carmine really liked Jeff but she needed a week to sort out her feelings. "I should come and see you play again somewhere." she said and bit her lip. "Do you want some hot coco?" she asked and bit her lip as she looked back at him. Carmine wanted to get to know Jeff more.

@ Jinx...

Malai thought it was cool how the taco truck people knew Nickeli by name. They were really nice people. She laughed at the way Nickeli made a big thing out of the fact she had never had a taco before. He was a cute, funny dude. She loved how Caddy and her dad played along, too. Just the who show they were putting on made her feel special.

She sat at the picnic table, and looked around and smiled. She lifted up the taco, put it to her beautiful lips, and took a bite. Her first taste of tacos ever. She smiled. "Mmmmm..." she exclaimed in delight. It tasted awesome. She swallowed. "Oh my God, this is the best thing ever!" she said loudly, getting excited, "I've been missing out." She continued eating, smiling as she did so.

---

Jeff smiled. "Yes," he said, "I'd like that. You should come see me play again." He was surprised by her offer of going to get coco. It seemed kind of unexpected. But, then again, him randomly approaching her and talking to her and comforting her had been unexpected, too. "Sure. I'd love to. I love coco." He stood up and reached for her hand. He helped her up. "Which way, m'lady?" Oh, geeze, did he just say "m'lady?" They just met; it probably came off as creepy. "Uh...I-I mean..." he stated awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck, waiting to see ho she'd take it.

@ SecretPiggyMafia
Nickeli smiled as they sat and Caddy brought out the tacos. He thanked her and watched Malai. He laughed joyfully at what she said. He nodded and took a bit of his own taco. He finished his mouthful before speaking. "You have indeed been missing out but have no fear Nickeli is here." he winked and laughed just enjoying Malai's company. She was funny and sweet which made it easy to be around her even though she had the group feel at times.

Nickeli finished his food and sat there for a while with her talking. "So where are you from?" he asked thinking she couldn't be from around here taco's were like a staple food. He leaned in waiting for her to reply. It was nice to be out in the warm air and sitting in a nice park next to a pretty girl.

---

"Well you will have to text me and let me know where you are playing next." Carmine giggled at what he said. It was corny and adorable and yet endearing. Carmine looked back at the dinner. "I don't really want to go back in there... but I am not sure were the nearest coffee shop is... they usually have hot coco." she said softly and looked up at him. Carmine smiled as he helped her up and suggested a different place. "Yeah I like that idea." she said and dusted off her dress and pushing her hair back behind her ear before quickly braiding it back. She looked cute even with her nose still red from crying. Jeff made her feel really special even in the emotional state that she was in.

Once they were seated at a nearby coffee shop Carmine looked around. "I would love to sing at a little place like this... But I don't think I would ever be good enough... but you are." she said and sip her drink getting ripped cream on her nose. She giggled and wiped it off with the back of her hand. "Opps." she said blushing. Carmine smiled at Jeff. "So Jeff tell me more about yourself." she said softly.

@ Jinx...

Malai smiled when Nickeli made that joke. "Will you always here whenever I need you?" she teased, "Or only for my taco-related needs?" She giggled. "Um, actually," she said, answering his question, "I'm Thai-Canadian. My parents are Thai, my mom being full Thai, and my dad's Thai and white, but they moved to Canada and I was born there. When I was three, we moved to Thailand. And, just recently, about a year ago, we moved to the US. I'm fluent in both Thai and English." She nodded. "How about you?" she asked, "Where are you from?"

---

Jeff took Carmine to a coffee shop he knew of. "Really? You think I'd be good enough to sing here?" He shook his head, "I doubt it. Are you interested in singing? I have a vocal teacher that I could hook you up with, if you'd like. " He smiled when she got the whipped cream on her nose. It was adorable. He chuckled. "Don't be embarrassed," he said, "I'm a bit of a clumsy eater myself." He then intentionally dipped his nose into the pile of whipped cream in his cocoa. His nose was completely covered in while. He smiled dorkily. "See?"

@ SecretPiggyMafia
Nickeli blushed and rubbed the back of his neck. "Well depends I guess but I will always help you with your taco problems." he said and smiled. He listened to her story of travel and he grinned. "Well, that is amazing... I really don't have that interesting of a story. I was born and raised here in California. Though I did visit my nana in Spain a few times when I was younger." he said and smiled. "I guess I was the original surfer boy so to say turned rock wannabe star." he chuckled. "I think the band and I will get there though." he said and smirked. "So fluent in Thai huh? Hmm... will you say something for me then in Thai?" he ask interested.

---

"Defiantly." Carmine said and grinned shaking her head. "You should give yourself more credit." she blushed as he offered to introduce her to his vocal coach. She shook her head. "I love to sing but I really just can't." she said but it wasn't the truth really. She smiled as he said not to be embarrassed. He intentionally dipped his nose in the whipped cream and she laughed lighting up everything about her glowing and catching the attention of those around her. Carmine covered her nose and mouth with her hands laughing into them her eyes sparkling with laughter as she looked at him. He was a huge adorable dork and Carmine didn't know how she had lost someone and yet felt like she was gaining someone even better not even a few hours later.

@ Jinx...

Malai was really interested in his story, even if he didn't find his own story that interesting. Her ears perked up when he mentioned Spain. She wondered what it was like. "Okay, I'll make a deal with you," she said, "I'll say something in Thai for you, but only if you promise to tell me about your trips to Spain. " She tried to think. What could she say that would impress him? Wait...he was a musician, right? Well, what's the best way to impress a musician, than with a song? So, she sang/rapped to him a popular hip-hop song in Thailand "Let Me Catch You" She chose that song because it had a really flirty message to it. She even got up and danced to it, not caring who saw. She practically turned the taco stand into a concert venue all by herself. People stopped to watch, really getting into it. She ended the song with a seductive lip bite and a wink. So...she said, taking off her denim vest, revealing her crop top, I bet you wanna know what means, huh?

---

Jeff smiled as Carmine laughed. Her laugh was so pretty, he could hear it all day, and never grow tired of it. He chuckled like a dork and wiped some of the whipped cream off with a finger and ate it. He cleaned the rest off with a napkin. He called the waitress over and got her to bring a slice of cake to each of them. Why? Because the cake there was delicious, and she needed to try it. "So," he began, "You told me to text you whenever my next show is. Are you gonna give me your number, then?" He winked. Just then, the cake came. He took a bite and ate it. He looked at her, "So, you like it?"

@ SecretPiggyMafia
Nickeli smiled. "Alright you got yourself a deal." he said and waited for her to say something for him. Nickeli watched her impressed as she sang for him unapologetically even getting up and dancing. It was adorable like she was. "Yes I would love to know what that meant." he said and smirked watching people leave after clapping for her. She was really a lovely woman and interesting to boot. He leaned forward wanting to catch that lip the way she did in his own teeth. He smirked getting her sent as he stopped close to her but far enough away not to make it strange.

---

Carmine smiled giggled as he ate off of his own nose. "Cake?" she asked and grinned liking how he ordered the sweet things as if life really was short and you shouldn't wait for the good stuff. Carmine grinned thinking he was extraordinary. "Well I guess I will have to won't I?" she asked and smiled pulling out a pen from her small hand purse on the table. She watched him take a bit of cake and she copied his movement taking her on bite. "Mmmm." she said and closed her eyes. The cake was amazing it was warm and flakey yet gooey. It was done so well she felt that she could eat an entire cake. She took his hand and wrote her number on his palm by his thumb. She grinned and looked up at him nodding. "Oh yes it is very good." Carmine said and giggled. "So Jeff do I get your number back or am I going to have to wait on your call?" she asked playfully.

@ Jinx...

"Well," Malai said, sitting down, "I picked that song for a reason." She then explained it to him in English, and explained how it had both a male part and a female part in it. "Basically, what I'm trying to tell you is, "If you want me, come and get me. Though, it shouldn't be hard, cause I wont run." She let out a seductive giggle as she studies Nickeli, waiting for his reaction. She moved her hair out of her face and tucked it behind her ear. "So, what do you say?"

---

Jeff smiled, glad she liked the cake. A mischevious look came upon his face as he came up with an idea. He looked at the number she had written on her hand. "I'll give you my number," he began, "But only...if you come with me tonight, to watch the big firework show at the riverside." He nodded, satisfied at his plan to see her again tonight. "Will you?" he asked.

@ SecretPiggyMafia
Nickeli chuckled and took her hand kissing the back of it. "What do we need words for?" he whispered and in a blink of an eye his hand was in her hair and he pulled her close his lips on hers. He kissed her carefully his hand tangled carefully into her hair. He smiled and pulled back for a breath looking at her and playing with the tips of her hair. "See no words needed." he grinned deviously. Nickeli waited for her eyes to open and for her to react. He thought this cat and mouse game was fun. He liked how she played her game and he played right into her hands until he pounced ready to surprise her.

---

Carmine smiled and nodded. She blushed surprised by his invitation really. "I would love too." she said and looked down at the cake before taking another bite. She really liked Jeff. He was sweet and yet there seemed to be a side to him that she didn't know yet and that excited her. All her troubles seemed to disappear when she was with him. she was sure that when she got home she would realize everything that had been going on and think twice about this but for now she was just enjoying herself.

@ Jinx...

Malai let out a held breath that had caught in her throat as the kiss was broken. She opened her eyes and smiled. She poked out her tongue slightly and caught it between her teeth, making a cute, playful face. She gestured back to their table. "Finish you tacos, Nickeli," she said jokingly. Then, she sat down and continued working on hers. She smiled as she chewed, causing "eyesmiles" to form. Hehehe...playing with Nickeli was fun. She liked teasing him, but she would never hurt him.

---

"Great," Jeff said, smiling, "That's great. You'll have a great time; I'll make sure of it." He continued eating his cake. Carmine was a really nice girl. She just had this way of lighting up the room and making everyone feel a little bit better just by merely existing. That other guy was foolish to let her go. Jess thought about how lucky he'd be if he had a girl like Carmine.

@ SecretPiggyMafia
Nickeli chuckled and sat down and finished his tacos. He sat back watching her flirt with him. Malai was so cute Nickeli just wanted to get to know her. She was starting to inspire him already. He wondered how she would feel about being his muse. He smirked at the idea of it. He could see her laying in his bed covered in a blanket while he sat in his chair by the bed watching her between writing lyrics. Nickeli smiled as they finished eating. "Well it is getting early... feel like welcoming a new day in with me?" he asked and looked at the time knowing what time the sun would rise.

---

Carmine grinned and giggled. "You are sweet Jeff. I know you will keep your word." she said not sure hawse knew but she knew he would. She leaned back to full to eat another bite of cake. She grinned and watched him as he looked her over as if trying to memorize and understand her like an artist. She bit her lip suddenly finding her mind imagining what those hands of his could create. Carmine blushed and looked away. "So what time should I meet you and were?" She asked and leaned in looking into his deep eyes. She wanted to know more about him but was't sure how to ask.

@ Jinx...

Malai looked down and checked her watch. He was right, it was getting early. She thought about it. She shouldn't, but, she was having so much fun. "Okay, sure," she smiled. She finished up her tacos. She walked her black painted fingers across the picnic table over to where his hand was. She placed her hand on top of his and stroked it. "I'd love to see a new day with you."

---

"Thanks," he said. Wow, Jeff had never been called sweet before. He liked it, especially coming from her. "Well, it doesn't get dark until late nowadays, so it won't even start til nine," he concluded, "How you meet me at nine on the bridge that goes across the river? I think that way, we'll have the very best view. What do you think?"