Snippet #2474767

"Definitely the red blondey. It makes your hair look sexy." Amanda chipped in as they ransacked Arey's wardrobe.

"It's a rave party Amanda, I thought you're supposed to wear bright neon colors or white to catch the black light." Arey said dismissively, in no mood for her friend's teasing. Her hair and makeup were done with casual loose curls that had taken an hour to achieve and a playful smoky eye look she'd done over three times in an attempt to either look less like a tart or virgin. Unsurprisingly, it was a difficult balance to strike. Now she just needed an outfit to match, and it was crunch time at seven forty.

"True but you're gonna seem out of place with that 'posh' English accent of yours. 'Ye'll look cheap slummin' wif da seurfs m'am!'" Amanda joked, doing a terrible impression of and East London accent.

"Insisting on proper grammar does not make me posh." Arey bit back as she pulled out a sleeveless white lace top that she liked. It was pretty, but easy to move in, and was date nice, but not too dressy either.

"Sure thing grandma. The only lace you're allowed to wear on a hot date needs to be lining the unmentionables unless you want it to be the last date sweetie." Amada replied, snatching the top out of her hand.

"Here, I'll let you borrow this since we're the same size." Amanda said sounding aggrieved as she pulled out a hot pink bustier top complete with compromising back straps. "All in the name of getting you laid." She finished with a wink. Arey's face turned bright red at the sight.

"No way. I am not trying to look like a stripper either!" Arey replied immediately, to which her friend scoffed. "I got you covered. Literally." She said rolling her eyes as she pulled out a set of thin ripped white tank tops. "He'll get a peek at the goods not the full show."

*

"Thanks Shane. You know I'll have your back if you need it."

"No worries man. I owed you one and if we can't count on each other to help out, who can we count on?" The voice from the phone sounded cheerful and sincere. Arin found himself again wishing Shane was one of them. Sometimes people were great with each other without needing some historical connection.

"Preaching to the choir. Have a great night, see ya," Arin hung up the phone. He had immediately called Shane after finishing up with Arey. Sitting in his room, he took mental stock.

Rave? I've heard so many people talk about them. Galaxy just wasn't that kind of place. So, should I go for the role or just show up like I always would?

It didn't take long for him to realize that comfort on the bike would win out. He had offered to pick Arey up and he needed to be dressed for that. He would much rather have Arey comfortable behind him than show up to 'fit in' to a rave. However, he did have something that might cross the two worlds. He went to his closet and dug out some older racing leathers. They were a bit tight now that he'd been focusing on his workout and swordplay but they still fit. The black leather pants with white racing stripes would go well with the rave. He grabbed a plain white t-shirt that clung well and his blue, black and white leather jacket. Finally he made sure to take the extra helmet and headed out to his bike. He would have to make a few adjustments to set up for a passenger but would be on his way shortly. Showing up a few minutes early wouldn't be horrible. It would let him take the long way to the rave with Arey holding on.

*

Arin had no trouble finding the dorm. He made sure to make a noticeable entrance, letting his bike rev high and let the high pitch growl of the exhaust announce his presence. He pulled in front of the building Arey mentioned and killed the engine. He pulled the helmet off and ran his hands through his hair to try and restore some of the spikes. He dismounted, securing his helmet on the handle bars. With an ease he only partly felt he approached the door and buzzed.

In the end, Arey took the ripped white tank, but rejected the bustier, to which Amanda have proclaimed her a prude. Instead, Arey paired it off with a lime green tank top with the ripped white one over it and a pair of comfy jeans and her white running sneakers. Arey felt more comfortable in them than in heels, and at a rave, she figured it was the better choice. She'd just finished pulling everything on when she heard the sound of a revving engine.

"Hey, you didn't say your date was with sexy bar tender!" Amanda called from the window, laughing lightly when she heard Arey stumble in her haste to leave the bathroom.

"He's here?" She asked dashing over to the window. Outside she could see Arin dismounting from his bike, and nervously she turned to her friend. "Be serious ok, do I look alright?" Arey asked stepping back for her friend to examine.

Amanda paused for a moment before replying. "You look good Arey, don't worry about it." She said smiling one of her rarely genuine ones before her eyes turned serious. "And if he says anything otherwise I'll break his arm for you."


"Thanks...I think." Arey replied with a smile before heading for the stairs when she heard the buzzer. Arin was waiting there at the entrance door when she made her way down, and she had to shoo Amanda away, who was making kissy noises from the top of the stairs before opening the door and stepping outside to give them more privacy. Amanda meant well, but sometimes obnoxious was just...obnoxious.

"Hey!" Was her first less than witty greeting.

Arin looked up at the sound of her voice and smiled, both in greeting and in pleasure at the sight. He watched her walk down the steps as if it were a performance just for him. Though the clothes were typical rave she wore them very well, accentuating her curves in all the right ways. Something about the makeup and hair highlighted her eyes perfectly and Arin found his gazed locked until she stood in front of him.

"Oh... uh, hey back," He blinked and became aware of his staring and realized he hadn't even responded yet, "You look amazing."

"Thanks." Arey tried to reply smoothly, though the blush that spread up to her cheeks ruined the effect. Arey wasn't really used to compliments, and Amanda constantly teased that she blushed way too easily, so she was a little self-conscious about it. Getting a good look at Arin in all that leather was kind of intoxicating as well. Arey had a bit of a type, and the common factor tended to be leather. "You look great too." She replied with warm cheeks, hoping she hadn't been caught staring at his bum. It was just hard not to notice was all...

He looked down at the helmet in his hand and back up at her hair with trepidation, "I should have warned you not to do too much with your hair. It looks gorgeous, but this," he held out the helmet for her, "Will create a style all it's own. Sorry."

"It'll probably be too dark to notice anyway." Arey assured with a smile before taking the helmet and strapping it on. "Besides, I probably would have spent an hour doing it anyway. Kind of a girl thing." Arey joked as they walked back to his bike and they both got on.

"However, I promise you, the ride will be worth it. Exhilarating speeds, engine vibrations, the feel of the open air. Just be sure to hold on tight and move your body with mine so the balance isn't thrown off."

He was looking forward to taking a little extra time to get to the party. He wanted to show off his riding skill and give her an exciting, and memorable, start to their date. Having her holding onto him the whole time was not something he was looking to end quickly, either.

"Okay." Arey replied, almost nervously circling her arms around his middle. He smelled like grass and fresh water, and there was some kind of spice there she couldn't identify but found instantly comforting. Almost as soon as she touched him, Arey felt more comfortable, a sense of acceptance and rightness settling over her. "I'll hold you to that then, but forewarning, I'm a 'jock' so it takes a lot to get my adrenalin pumping." Arey teased, circling her arms around him a little more tightly.

Arin chuckled as he pulled his helmet on, "Okay, jock, let's see how you handle not being in control then?" He fired the engine and revved high a few times. The bike rumbled pleasantly under them. He turned his head and asked, "Ready?"

Arey wasn't sure why that comment sent such a shiver of anticipation down her spine, considering she was usually suck a control freak, but it was kind of thrilling.

He patted her left thigh just above the knee as a signal and then they were off. An easy start but he kept the revs high at first. Partly to show off the sound of the engine, nothing like a high powered engine being used well, and partly to keep the bike vibrating. Adrenaline or otherwise, now that Arey challenged him he planned to keep her attention.

He navigated quickly through the residential areas before finally getting onto a highway where he could really open up. He had had Kat rig up a fancier radar detector. Nothing like this existed on the market. So he knew he had some clear sailing and could really push it. He lowered his left hand and grabbed Arey's hands around his waist, signaling her to hold on tighter. Once he was sure she was ready he twisted the throttle moving from fourth to sixth gear in a matter of seconds. He slalomed through traffic that seemed to be standing still. Horns blared and curse words that couldn't be heard were hurled their way. Arin wore a huge smile but his focus was all on the flow of the traffic. He watched for openings and movements, always one step ahead of the other drivers. Soon they were leaving the city limits and Arin knew he'd have to turn around if he ever wanted to get to the actual party. He choose the next exit and pulled off. Finding a nearby parking lot he slowed and pulled in. He wasn't quite ready to head back and wanted to find out how Arey was. The bad thing about riding two is it is difficult to have conversation.

As they took off, the speed was impressive, and Arin definitely delivered on the promise he'd made for a thrilling ride. By the end of the ride, face half planted against his shoulder, she'd been laughing merrily and grinning like a loon.

After shutting down the bike he raised his visor and turned his head, "So, what'd you think?"

"I think you sir, are a man of your word." Arey said popping the visor up on her own helmet. "I've never been on a motorbike before, but that was incredible!"

Arin felt a flush of pride when Arey made the seemingly throwaway comment of being a man of his word. He knew why it would make him react that way, of course, but this was a little more intense. It felt more like he was being recognized rather than complimented. And it seemed a little odd. He shook it off quickly because it was still a good feeling, regardless, and brought himself back to the situation at hand.

"Good to know I didn't disappoint on the first impression of the date. Now, let's see if I can live up to saving my lady from the 'distress' of being at a party. Shall I take it easier on the way back?"

"No way." Arey said grinning as she pulled the visor back down. "The ride here was way too much fun to go slow now."

"I'm happy to hear you say that."

They rode off again. This ride not quite the exact repeat of the previous one but it was close. Arin made sure to find a few sharp corners where he could really lay the bike down as he turned. He felt Arey move with him like she could read his mind. It was easier, more comfortable, than any other passenger he ever had. He was hyper aware of her presence but she had almost no effect on how he had to handle the bike.

Finally they pulled into a lot near the party and dismounted. He collect the helmets and locked them to the bike. Once again he ran his fingers through his hair quickly to restore the disordered spikes.

"Now. Let's see if the rest of the night can hold up on the thrilling excitement," he grinned.

"Sure thing." Arey said shaking her hair out a little before pulling a hair band out of her pocket and throwing it up into a quick ponytail, guessing it was going to be hot in there. Feeling a little bold, Arey slid her hand into his as they walked into the party, that warm feeling from earlier spreading through her more.

Arin took her hand with a comfortable grasp. It felt like it belonged, as though they had known each other for a long time already. The warm feelings of comfort and friendship were welcome. Arin felt quite attracted to this woman. Yet, the instant pull, the overwhelming desire that he remembered from the dream with Guin, wasn't there. He didn't think about it too long. It wasn't important. He was happy that they were hitting it off right away.

The music was loud, and it looked like the other party goers had already gotten a substantial head start with the alcohol. Arey was more of a social drinker, so wasn't really inclined to head straight to the bar right away to catch up. "You wanna dance?" She asked smiling up at Arin. Raves weren't really her sort of thing, but if they didn't take the whole scene too seriously, then it might just end up being fun, especially with Arin here.

Arin took in the crowd as they walked in. He always liked to survey his surroundings. Viv always told him to be prepared for anything, anywhere, and this seemed like the place that would attract unwelcome attention. Still, he didn't want to miss out on anything with Arey. So after a quick look he nodded, "Of course. The bike was a good start but I don't think I've had nearly enough of you being close." He followed her into the crowd, trying to carve space for themselves.

Arey smiled, silently pleased by the compliment. The music picked up to a quicker beat, and the crowd pushed in more, forcing them to stand practically on top of each other. One of her hands landed on his hip, and there was a sudden flash of light. For a moment she didn't see neon or black lights, there were stars and a giant campfire. Instead of alcohol and hairspray, she smelled horse and earth, felt companionship and contentment. And then as quickly as it had appeared, it was gone. The glare from the disco ball shining in her eyes she blinked hard before shaking it off. That was weird...and a really random daydream to be having on a first date she been freaking out over all day.

Arin felt it coming. He had learned to recognize the build up by now. The flash of light and scene change was almost second nature. The campfire was a bit less expected. He couldn't remember a time when he and Guin had been around a fire. It vanished before it could really develop into something. He saw the confusion in Arey's eyes, but she seemed to recover quickly. He didn't want to press anything just yet. He felt it might be better to let her experience on her own before he put ideas in her head. He wanted her to come to the conclusion on her own and not try to live up to some expectation he had set. However, that didn't mean he couldn't help it along a bit. He pulled her closer and moved his mouth near her ear.

"I do think this is quickly over taking the excitement on the bike. I'm quite enjoying our evening so far," he could smell the perfume and under that, her. It was strangely attracting. Not strange, like he didn't expect to be attracted. Rather, strange in that he didn't feel the expected, deep seated, Lancelot, attraction. He was quite attracted to this girl, Arey. It felt odd to feel something as Arin only. He didn't know if it was weird or if he enjoyed the lack of predetermination.

"Me too." Arey said returning the smile. "So what's your favorite color?" She asked out of the blue. She had the urge to really get to know Arin, and the own attraction she felt toward him only intensified that feeling. She figured that was a safe first date question.

Arin chuckled, "Currently, purple. It changes though. But fair enough. I'm moving too fast," he backed off just a little bit, but now he could look her in the eyes.

"You mentioned you're a jock. What's your best sport then?" Arin genuinely wanted to know more about Arey. He had been so wrapped up in Guin that he'd sort of skipped past that in his mind. Being reminded was a good thing. Focus on this pretty girl in front of you, man. Not the one in a past life.

"Soccer." Arey replied without hesitation. "I play forward at Ambrose."

"What about you? Obviously you have some wicked skill on a bike, what else are you interested in?" Arey asked.

"Soccer? With that sexy accent you didn't call it football? Stooping down to my Yankee level?" He grinned. He just wasn't able to pass up a little teasing.

"Yes well you yanks all seem rather defensive about it. Practically gave my coach a heart attack when I told him I had no idea who the bloody Jets were." Arey teased back

"Yeah, I tend to focus on what I want to be good at. Then I get really good. Bike. Mixing drinks. Swordplay. Other activities that may, or may not, be pertinent at some time," he winked. Talking about himself was something he was quite comfortable with. He knew it often came across as bragging but he could back any claim he made. He enjoyed being good at what he did and didn't see the harm in talking himself up a little. He tried not to go overboard.

"Mostly I do the bar. Do the swordplay thing. I tend to read a lot of history books. I like to research the various battles and tactics. Always fascinated me. Also, my sort of sister gets me some real cool, hard to find stuff," Kat had been able to really did into the archives of some old libraries and get him digital copies of super rare books. She was a total enabler of his focus on fighting and tactics.


"Swordplay?" Arey asked, that being the thing that jumped out at her the most. It was an unusual hobby, but strangely she could picture Arin handling a sword, sweaty and shirtless with muscles bulging...

"H-how'd you get into that?" Arey asked clearing her throat quickly as he face turned into a tomato. Good thing it was dark.

"I'm a bit of an odd fellow. Like I said, history, battles, fighting. Always been of interest to me. I got hooked on medieval combat. Knights in armor, riding horses, that kind of thing. One main reason I went to the bike angle. Anyway, I found a local place that did some recreation of historical battles and took it from there. Of course, it all started by being controlled and looking good for spectators at fests and things, but I wanted to learn the real thing. More books. More research. A few of us all got together and just started doing things a bit more seriously. We actually get armored up, plastic and foam, not real metal, and beat on each other. Fun times. Excellent practice. Interested in joining up?" He grinned. He knew he'd be baiting her. Yet, now was as good a time as any to start getting her used seeing the fighting that will likely have to happen.

Arey chuckled at the picture he painted, and another feeling of warmth came over her. "Sounds like a lot of fun." Arey admitted.

"Soccer at the school. When you aren't playing, what are you studying?"

"I haven't declared a major yet, but I'm thinking either medicine or law. It just depends on what I end up liking better I guess." Arey replied, somewhat embarrassed.

"No reason to jump the gun. Figuring out what you want is better than struggling through because it's what someone told you to do."