Circus Tricks (Kale)

[Reira]

Well, it wasn't exactly just a circus, it was more of a carnival. A carnival with all the wondrous games that they have including the circus, fortune telling, and a few rides. Reira loved that stuff. She loved how everything was gathered together in one place. That just means she could enjoy everything all at once! Yeah, she can be a real kid sometimes, but it was a good way to take some time out of the busy highschooler life and relieve some stress. Reira had only found out about this after seeing a flyer on her way home and in the grocery stores.

Normally she didn't pay much attention to flyers and ads, but this one had a giant lion and fireworks adoring the giant flyer and she couldn't help but notice it. Reira decided to go right away, but she didn't exactly have many friends here at phs 774. So far she'd only met Kale, Cain, Farren, Elena, Zen, Kazuya, and Figaro but she never really talked to the majority more than twice and it would be weird to just call them out and ask them to go to the carnival with her when they were merely strangers. One, she didn't exactly get along with Kazuya or Elena. Two, Cain and Zen were an item, it would be weird. Farren and Figaro were interesting people but she didn't get their contact info....

But of course, she'd ask Kale, but Reira couldn't help but feel a bit awkward with just the two of them. Wouldn't it be like...like.. a date? Of course subconsciously she would rather it be a date but she just didn't want to admit it. It was the first time she was genuinely interested in someone, and actually taking the initative! Somehow she felt like the dude but that's okay, afterall if you want something you have to chase after it and give it your all, right?

Hey, its me again, I hope you don't think i'm annoying...or anything but ugh, there's the carnival in town and I don't exactly have anyone to go with...so...wanna come?

-Reira

She sighed, hoping it didn't sound too desperate or anything. Maybe it was obvious for everyone to see, but it took her a good twenty minutes to come up with a text that wasn't too direct or awkward! Either way, she'd await Kale's reply.

[Kale Armitage]

Kale had just barely heard the sound of his phone going off, the tone played that identified whenever he got texted by someone. Rarely did the phone ever go off at all, he didn't really have too many friends as it was. And hell, he could only think of a select few that he had actually given his contact number to. He had been busy pumping a little iron, the 45 pound dumbbells were just his warm up but it seemed he was going to take a short break to check out who it was. After all, Kale was growing a little bored with the same routine every day.

Hey, its me again, I hope you don't think i'm annoying...or anything but ugh, there's the carnival in town and I don't exactly have anyone to go with...so...wanna come?

-Reira

Those brown hues would stare at the message for a little bit longer before he'd drop his phone down on his couch once again, return the dumbbell back to the floor before settling those eyes upon his form in the mirror, settling upon the 5 o'clock shadow that was growing in. He didn't really feel like shaving, but he was definitely going to have to shower if he wanted to go. Otherwise he was going to stink like sweaty ass. And that surely wasn't going to impress the lady. Kale would wander back toward the couch and pick his phone up again before he would start texting her back.

Sure. I'm craving some cotton candy.. And don't worry about it, you're not bothering me. Lemme shower and I'll give you another call when I get to the place.

-Kale

Just as he had done the night of Emil's party, Kale would throw himself into the shower and come out in a relatively short amount of time. Unfortunately though, the junior was going to have to walk or take a subway to get to the carnival since his uncle was working. He figured it wouldn't be that big of a deal, after all she couldn't be expecting him to get there in a blink of an eye. After he got dressed, a simple dark gray button up shirt, with a few of the top buttons undone to reveal a white 'wife-beater' beneath it. A pair of dark blue jeans hanging on his hips before he finally made his way out of the apartment and toward the Carnival. Lucky for him he had seen the fliers himself earlier, so he knew the address and wouldn't get completely lost.

About 35 minutes later Kale would pull his phone from his pocket and dial Reira's number, waiting for the ringing to stop and her voice to come. Those chocolate eyes would glance about at the sights he saw, a little wonder in his eye. He couldn't even remember if he had ever been to something like this before. If he had, he would have been a baby.

"Heey Reira. Sorry about the wait.. Just got here now. Where are you?"

[Reira]

Great!

Reira took a few minutes to prepare before she took the bus to the carnival. She just straightened her hair, put on lipgloss, slipped in a pink t-shirt and put on some black jeans and a pair of sneakers before heading out. Reira had a small hobo bag with her to keep her keys, wallet and other necessities in. The bag could also double as a messenger bag too since she could sling it across her back. Either way, she was ready to go, and it was the first time she looked so casual in front of Kale. The two times that she saw him she was pretty dressed up with her signature leather jacket, sick accessories, styled hair, medium amount of make-up and all. Now she was pretty much going all natural. No heels, only lipgloss, brushed hair, y'know the really natural look! The only thing that was different? She painted her nail a bright pink to match her shirt. She's random like that.

Reira got to the carnival around thirty minutes after the text message. She got ready as quick as possible and would rather wait for Kale than to have him wait for her out of courtesy sake. Afterall she called him and to make him wait? That's awful. Either way traffic was pretty congested so she made it there to the entrance around the same time Kale called her. The familiar ring and triple vibrate brought Reira to her senses after she indulged herself in the carnivals' decorations.

"Hello?"

"Heey Reira. Sorry about the wait.. Just got here now. Where are you?"

"Oh hey, no worries, I just got here not too long ago. I'm actually just at the entrance...hmmm oh I think I see you..."

Reira's eyes would catch the big guy and she'd wave before disconnecting the call. She'd walk over swiftly and poked the guy's side in an attempt to scare/tickle him if he didn't see her. If he did, well, she'd try to just poke-tickle him anyways!

"Heh, thanks for coming! You're quite easy to spot aren't you? Hehe. It's a good thing, that means I can always find you in this crazy crowd."

Reira, realized she was much, much shorter than him today with her heels. She felt tiny, but it was good in a way, it made her feel like she was protected in a weird way. Reira unconsciously linked her arm around his and pulled him towards one of the food concessions. A giant smile graced her features, Reira didn't think she'd ever feel so happy before. She was with someone that made her feel comfortable and happy. The carnival was full of laughter and fun, and the main point is, she wasn't home and she was here with Kale.

"Let's get you some cotton candy, big guy"

[Kale Armitage]

Oh hey, no worries, I just got here not too long ago. I'm actually just at the entrance...hmmm oh I think I see you...

Kale would scratch at the left side of his head lightly as he heard the tell-tail sign of Reira hanging up on his call. Those orbs of his would glance around, from person to person in his immediately area but it seemed he just couldn't find her through the sea of flowing people. Soon enough though, Reira would find him. Kale would feel his side poked, his body twitching slightly from the unexpected touch. He wasn't going to lie. He was a little ticklish.. SO WHAT?! Just because he was big, manly and an asshole, didn't mean he couldn't be ticklish!

Heh, thanks for coming! You're quite easy to spot aren't you? Hehe. It's a good thing, that means I can always find you in this crazy crowd.

"Yeaah. Doesn't really work so great when I actually want to hide from someone. And thanks for inviting me.. Though it's kinda weird, you're always asking me out instead of the other way around."

He'd give the girl a small smirk as those chocolate hues drop down as he caught her arm's movement, the girl hooking her arm around here before she began to drag him off in a direction unknown to him. Kale soon realized they were heading toward one of the snack stands, and his mouth would start to water slightly at the thought of the food in this place. They probably had all the really good, really bad for you, kinda foods that he enjoyed from time to time.. They probably had fried dough, homemade french fries, ice cream, hamburgers and they would definitely have to have some..

Let's get you some cotton candy, big guy

COTTON CANDY! Fu-ck yeaa.

"Sounds like a plan."

Kale's head would turn so that he could settle those eyes of his upon her face. Of course he had noticed the female wasn't dressed up the way she had been his two previous encounters with the girl. Some guys might have been thrown off, but Kale kind of found it pleasing. She was still beautiful, she only proved that she didn't NEED the make-up to look good. He preferred the laid-back look anyways, because it suited him a bit more. He wasn't really one to dress up and get all that fancy himself. He noticed he was staring a bit too much, but at least Reira had been leading the way, because they would approach the stand and his eyes would slide to the cotton candy machine.

"Uhh.. Can I get some blue cotton candy. what do you want, beautiful?"

[Reira]

"Yeaah. Doesn't really work so great when I actually want to hide from someone. And thanks for inviting me.. Though it's kinda weird, you're always asking me out instead of the other way around."

Reira only blushed and just smiled, pretending she wasn't affected by it by giving a 'you got that right, and no problemo!' kind of look. But to be honest he was right and he caught onto her which means it was time to retreat! Reira couldn't bring herself to think that she was actually chasing after a guy y'know!? It was just so out of character for her to be assertive and taking initiative, but perhaps it was a good change. But anyways, the plan for now is to not make her interest in him obvious- duh. Not yet anyway.

While Reira distracted herself with those thoughts and led Kale to the food stand she zoned out until she heard Kale order his food.

"Uhh.. Can I get some blue cotton candy. what do you want, beautiful?"

She smiled before she took a quick look at the menu, "I'll get...mini donuts."

Yum, she missed those, they were 12 sugared old fashioned mini little donuts that had the sweet smiling aroma. They were so delicious! They were fresh and Reira could smell'em how could she resist!?

And while they waited for the person to process their order she then realized that she was still clinging on to Kale. With a deep blush, she separated herself from him and just smiled, pretending nothing happened and she was just naturally unwinding her arms from his. Dududu. Act natural. Now she should just distract him with....her evil plans! Hah. No, not really just with carnival ideas.

"Where should we go next?"

[Kale Armitage]

I'll get...mini donuts.

Kale would nod after she spoke and then pull out the cash and place it down near the register, turning his attention back to the female at his side. His chocolate hues would just barely catch the blush before her arm release his own, and she pulled away with a smile. The arm she had been holding would lift and his hand would rub at the small amount of scruff on his face. The teenager was beginning to feel like maybe, just maybe that Reira had a thing for him. Or at least seemed like it could be developing. Then again, he wasn't the best at reading people's emotions or thoughts. It didn't bother him, but he felt a little bad. He wasn't so sure he could indulge her. He had his reasons..

Where should we go next?

"Hmm.."

Reira's words would pull him from thought once again and those eyes would soon shift to glance about the carnival. There were certainly plenty of choices of things to do. There were the games that you could try to win stuff at, the rides that weren't always the safest in the world, but could still give you enjoyment. He was sure there was other entertaining things spread throughout the place as well. He figured they could start off with some rides first, then switch up when they got bored.

"Let's check out what they have for rides."

Order up. Here ya go, kids.

Kale would turn after he spoke, pointing down toward the cash near the register and grabbing his big blue ball of cotton candy on paper cone, and the donuts that Reira had order, handing her the box be taking a small bite of his yummy snack. He always thought it was weird how it seemed to dissolve in one's mouth. But maybe that was just he who had those kind of thoughts.

"What do ya say? Anything interest you?"

[Reira]

"Thanks Kale," she'd say when Kale would pay for her. She wanted to fight for the bill, well not fight literally, but y'know she wanted to pay for them seeing as he had treated her to the shots the other night, but Reira knew it was a pointless argument. She'll repay him back somehow later on tonight, or some other time.

"Let's check out what they have for rides."

Reira nodded as she took a quick look around before she saw the 'Hellevator'. It was a pretty tall free-fall type of ride and she knew she had to go on it. To have her legs dangling over the edge and falling at random times while taking a whole look over the carnival and its pretty lights at night!? Why not!? It was definitely more fun than the ferris wheel- it was much more thrilling. What was it with couples and ferris wheels anyways? Then again, Reira was just a bit wary of carnival ferris wheels... she didn't trust them.

"What do ya say? Anything interest you?"

"That thing!" Reira would say holding her donut up so that the hole focused on the target. The Hellevatorrrrr!!! "Hope you're not scared big guy!"

Reira would joked as she nudged him with her elbow before she popped the little mini donut in her mouth savoring its taste. Good stuff. She also took a quick look around to see what they could possibly do after...and then she realized what they could do, but she rather not do- not really. The haunted house.

It was thrilling, it was fun, but Reira didn't do well with dark creepy places, not really. She was already unnerved by dark places, but add the creepy sound effects and random pop-up creepers and people that follow you around!? It sounded..fun but Reira had to think about it, unless of course Kale was into that stuff, then hey, they could go. Its like watching a horror movie, people usually watch it and find it awesome but later get super paranoid and scared at home.

[Kale Armitage]

That thing! Hope you're not scared big guy!

Kale would glance toward where she pointed with her donut as a small smirk slipped on his face. His eye would fine the large structure and watch as the ride took off, launching toward the top, only to drop down a bit and launch back up. It would repeat the process a few times, and then Kale would glance toward the female and give a nod.

It had been a long time since he had every been to anything that resembled an amusement park. It seemed he had missed out on a lot when he was younger, and even in recent years with his lack of friends. But tonight he was going to try and let loose, have fun without worry about anything. Try was the key word, because it definitely wasn't always easy for him to do such things. He had a lot of worries that constantly haunted him. But he'd just have to try and let 'em slide.

"Sounds like a hell of a time."

Since she had chosen the ride already, Kale's right hand would lift to pat against the middle of her back to signal that he was ready to move if she was, his hand settling there briefly. But the large male didn't plan on keeping it there long. As they continued to walk toward the Hellevator, his mind began to wander slightly, those feelings that always seemed to float about in his head whenever he started to feel like he might be getting close to someone. Doubt and fear. He was often afraid to get close to people. You could say it was mainly due to his family's history, which he still kept hidden from just about everyone he ever knew.

His hand would drop to swing by his side as he continued to walk at her pace, maneuvering through the crowds with his shoulder bumping against hers occasionally. Kale's left would lift to allow him to take another bite out of his cotton candy just as they reached the line for the thrill ride. With a small twist of his neck, Kale would settle his eyes upon Reira once again.

"So.. Why me? Why did you want me to come with you tonight?"

[Reira]

Reira felt his large hand on the curve of her lower back and she turned to look at him. It was the first time that he had really, not to make it sound wrong or anything, but the it was the first time that he acted out kinda friendly towards her in a physical manner. For Reira she wasn't too afraid of physical affection. She was a hug giver, a shoulder squeezer or what not. Reira can be good with words for academic purposes but when trying to convey her emotions she was best displaying them through her actions. So when Kale had put his hand there on her back she was surprised. As she turned to look at him she couldn't help but wonder what was going to through his head.

She wasn't some kind of mind reader but she was quite sensitive to people's emotions and facial expressions just like most other girls. A few thoughts ran through Reira's head as she thought that he might be feeling a little insecure for some reason. She didn't know why but she could only joke around thinking that he's scared of the ride although she knew for certain that it wasn't the case. It seemed as though something was weighing his mind- some concern was slowly consuming him. Then again, Reira would just keep it in mind, she wasn't exactly one to prod until she found it necessary. Reira decided that she'll ask later after they have some fun and see if it still bothered him then.

They manuevered through the crowd of people weaving in and out while eating their treats. There was the occasional bumping into each other due to the carnival being so heavily populated at this time around Spring Break. Once they reached the fairly long line up for the ride Kale came to ask Reira something that for a second, her face would almost pale. It was as if he caught her in the act of doing some kind of crime. But Reira was more so thinking that he found out about her interest towards him.

"So.. Why me? Why did you want me to come with you tonight?"

"Why you...huh?" Reira would say as she could feel her heart pounding against her ribcage threatning to break out of its hold. She let out a sigh after a long moment of silence and placed her hands on her hips, donut bag in one hand against her hip.

"Kale, you're a cool guy and the only guy that's treated me well since my brother. I never really got along with people so..genuinely I suppose. It's relaxing to be around you. I feel comfortable as if I don't have to worry about anything except only having to worry about having fun." she paused before dropping her hands.

"I constantly feel as though people are judging me and theres pressure from school, my family and everyone around me, but when I hang out with you, I don't need to worry about it..." Reira would continue with a smile as she gave a pat to the side of his arm, "So what about you big guy, why do you agree to hang out with me, huh?"

[Kale Armitage]

Kale, you're a cool guy and the only guy that's treated me well since my brother. I never really got along with people so..genuinely I suppose. It's relaxing to be around you. I feel comfortable as if I don't have to worry about anything except only having to worry about having fun.

The brown haired male would glance away from the girl, down the length of the line for the ride as he listened to the words she spoke. He had to admit that he had a good time with Reira the first time he met her, and so far things seemed to be starting off well this time around also. Kale certainly didn't find it hard to relax around Reira, and it helped that she was more talkative then most people he usually met with. It made things all the more easier for him.

I constantly feel as though people are judging me and theres pressure from school, my family and everyone around me, but when I hang out with you, I don't need to worry about it... So what about you big guy, why do you agree to hang out with me, huh?

"Well.. I don't really get out all that much. You're one of the few people that attempts to hang out with me, and I've enjoyed the time I spent with you before.. So I figured why the hell not. You seem to know how to have fun."

Kale would give her a small smirk as he turned those chocolate hues back to meet with his 'dates' own eyes. He would study her natural face for a little bit longer before he would lift his big cone o' candy to his lips and take another bite from it before dropping it back toward his size. The junior felt like he might know at least a little bit about how she felt about being judged by people. After all, he had certainly been judged throughout his whole lifetime. He wouldn't allow his mind to wander much past that though, before he'd spit out another little comment simply to see what kind of reaction she gave.

"Helps that you're smokin' too"

[Reira]

"Attempt? Nawh, we ARE hanging out, we're not just attempting buddy!" Reira would say after his response to her question.

Reira started thinking about how he phrased it. Its almost as though Kale doesn't reach out to people, its usually the other way around. And then it hit her- in a good way. That means he doesn't think she's hitting on him or anything, right? People usually ask him out rather than the other way around! Good. Good, that leaves the suspicion out of it and gives relief to Reira's constant paranoia about what Kale is thinking. While on a more serious note, Reira started thinking why Kale didn't reach out to others, what was it afraid of? Was he afraid? There must be some motive, afterall he clearly presents himself as a loner yet he yearns for companionship, or so it seems through their talks previously.

Reira was about to ask him why he didn't attempt to reach out to others until she was taken back when he said:

"Helps that you're smokin' too"

She looked flustered for a second before she punched him in the arm as a joke with a frown and stole a bite from his cotton candy.

"That's for teasing me!" Reira would wink and stick her tongue out at him after the candy dissolved in her mouth revealing the color stain that the candy left on her tongue.

"So, why don't you try approaching people? Too shy? I mean I love having your attention," she joked, "but why do you hesitate to talk to others?" Reira would ask after the laughs and silly behaviour died down, "I never really did give that advice to you did I? We got too drunk and started dancing last time, so let's see what your friend Reira has to say about this issue."

She was kinda curious and at the same time she was serious about it. Reira genuinely wanted to help the guy past all the jokes any everything.

[Kale Armitage]

That's for teasing me!

Kale would give a small, brief laugh when the girl punched him in his arm and then took a bite of his cotton candy. He couldn't help it, he always got a kick out of the way different girls acted whenever he made a comment like that. He had to admit he kinda found her reaction cute. But he wouldn't tell her that. Naw, didn't need to add to it right now. But soon enough it seemed that her playful moment to fall away and she's get a little big more serious when Reira's next set of words were spoken to Kale.

So, why don't you try approaching people? Too shy? I mean I love having your attention, but why do you hesitate to talk to others? I never really did give that advice to you did I? We got too drunk and started dancing last time, so let's see what your friend Reira has to say about this issue.

"I don't really approach or talk to other people because.. Well I've just kinda always been on my own. I'm use to it. It doesn't really bother me that much anymore. And I'm definitely not the most friendly person around.. And I just cause problems."

Kale's eyes would drop away to the cotton candy in his hand and the junior would drop his head to take another bite, completely avoid eye contact with Reira for the moment. There was a lot more to his story, but he wasn't about to tell her. She would probably just get scared and run away, that is if she believed him at all and didn't just dismiss him as some crazy nut. Now was certainly not the time to go about spilling the beans on his past. He was sure a better moment would arise in the future, maybe.

"Basically, I'm an asshole. That is the simplest way to put it, I guess."

[Reira]

Reira frowned as Kale gave her a brief explanation. It wasn't close to revealing the mysterious nature of this man, his curt response did not justify his past nor did it satisfy Reira's curiousity. Either way she'd promised that she'd find out one day soon enough and help him with this friend issue. Though she was sure there were many people out there that would reach out to him whether or not he remained the 'asshole' that he claimed he was. A few would reach out and only fewer would stay by if what he allegates is true. Reira decided that she'll be one of those that would do her best to stay by him no matter what.

"I see...well this is the second and maybe third time you called yourself an asshole. Don't be so harsh on yourself, you have to look at your redeeming qualities!" Reira would say directing the conversation to a cheerier topic.

If Kale didn't want to talk about it, Reira could only comply and make him happier through other means. One step at a time, right?

"And...you're not on your own now, are you?" reira would tease as she'd nudge her elbow to his side lightly. Right. That was the only thing she could do for him at the moment, not because she pitied him, and not because she wanted to 'fix' him...rather she cared about him. No, Reira wasn't suffering from the Nightingale syndrome, she genuinely liked the guy and was curious as to why he would keep calling himself an asshole and how he's so alone when he has such a charming personality.

"So...looks like we're almost there!" Reira would say suddenly as she'd point revealing twelve people infront of them.