An Afternoon Downtown (Saturday afternoon)

[Kat]

Her hand lightly resting around the cup her green tea had been served in, Jasmine looked around the front entrance to the Eaton Centre, the busy downtown shopping mall. She and Toffee were due to meet Lightning here at any moment. Bringing the cup to her lips, Jasmine took a sip of her tea and looked back at Toffee. "So, I spoke to Lightning last night and he told me about a girl he'd met just yesterday. Said she knew you." Jasmine sat straight in her chair, a picture of perfect posture and grace. She was very curious to see if Toffee would have anything interesting to say about Bells. Lightning had said that she was quite interesting and he'd thought she would fit in nicely with the group and she now wanted to know more. She'd found it quite odd that the girl had shown up so soon after Toffee though, her suspicions arising.


(I'm basing the Eaton's Centre off the mall here in Toronto, www.torontoeatoncentre.com/home/index.ch2 and I figured it would be a good place to have them meet, maybe they'll decide if they want to do anything more than just go shopping once they get together; I'll add the mall to the map this weekend, but it's right in the middle of the downtown area, so it's close to everything fun the kids might want to go and do; oh and I forgot to mention, right now they're sitting at a coffee shop called Timothy's, it's right out in the middle of the hall near the entrance Lightning is supposed to come in by, it's a more trendy chain of coffee shops, so most of the people sitting around there would be young and well dressed with money:)

[Cres]

[[sounds brilliant with the mall. I like the place, I'm sure Toffee will be totally at home there, and especially the coffee shop. Oh I wonder where he's left Coffee. Hmm. Well I'll figure it out later.]]

Toffee was enjoying himself in Jasmine's company. She was real classy, and he liked classy. There was that classiness in Bells too, but Jasmine had the whole exotic air to compete with. He was surprised that Bells even passed his mind at that moment, while sitting down with Jasmine like that. That was part of the reason why he was momentarily surprised when Jasmine brought the other girl up. He knew, of course, who she was referring to. He had made Coffee ring Bells up - of course Toffee wouldn't do it himself, he still had to keep his rep - and she had told him all about meeting Lightning. Well, enough for Toffee to put things together, anyway.

His air was not affected by the surprise more than to amount to a small uncomfortable shift in position on the chair, however. Toffee shook his head a bit, his expression fairly bored as he answered: "Oh, you must be talking about Bells. Yes, she knows me. We used to be friends back in, oh, I can't remember the town's name. We've moved a lot, my brother and me, I can't keep up with the places."

He was sitting on his chair with one hand over the backrest and one resting on the table, his fingers trailing languidly along the edge of the cup. His other leg was crossed over the other, and he seemed like he was well at ease. He always looked like he was well at ease.

"Still, I was surprised to hear she's moved here. She's got a job here apparently, as a model in a magazine or something like that. I have to admit the job suits her, she's got a good body." He smirked with an air of arrogance. "Of which I admit to having had a taster, but that's about all that ever was between us. I have a feeling she's still a little hung up on me though."

He wasn't afraid to shed light on his relationship with Bells. After all, there was nothing on his part in the affair that should not have been revealed. It was Bells who might have had objections toward being exposed.

[Kat]

Jasmine smirked at the mention of Bells still potentially being hung up on him, she could never understand the emotional attachment many girls created toward boys at their age. That was something she was proud to have never done. "I figured as much, found it a little odd she got here so soon after you." She took a sip of her tea and glanced at Toffee, a devious look on her face. "She's not the jealous type, is she?" In fact she was quite intrigued at the prospect of Bells and part of her secretly hoped that the girl was the jealous type. Aside from a few friends, Jasmine generally enjoyed toying with other people and jealous girls were high on her list. She'd even gone so far as to encourage Lightning to date a girl like that once briefly, long enough for her to be emotionally attached enough for Jasmine to shatter the relationship by making the other girl jealous of she and Lightning's close friendship. Her lips curved up in a devious smile as she thought about it. She'd definitely been able to twist her surroundings into something interesting during her time in high school.

[Cres]

Toffee glanced at Jasmine with more than a hint of a smile on his face. He could see where that question was potentially leading to, and he rather liked it. He had no problem whatsoever in being the toy two cats fought over, so long as neither of the cats fancied owning him. Not that he could see Jasmine precisely fighting over him, but Bells would. He mused how it would feel like to annoy her by really hitching up with Jasmine. That might get interesting. The girl needed to be reminded of who owned who, anyway.

"Gee, I really wouldn't know," he replied. "You'd have to find out." He winked. "I do know she's been known to get vicious with competition though."

[Kat]

Jasmine smirked, curling the fingers of her other hand around her cup of tea as well. "Intriguing. I quite love jealous girls, they're a lot of fun to play with. I made Lightning date one once, just so I could play with her. Women who allow themselves to become so attached to men need to be taught a lesson, after all. I enjoy being the teacher." She grinned as she brought the cup up to her lips, taking another sip.

"Perhaps we'll have to play with this girl a little, if you don't mind. Lightning did mention me to her after all, I wonder if she thought much about me? I wonder if she's already concerned that we're getting close. It would certainly be a nice spot of amusement for me. Is she the type to be openly vicious, or just subtlely? I must take all of these things into consideration before investing time in a battle after all. I want to make sure it will be worthwhile."

[Cres]

Toffee smiled, rather pleased of the thought Jasmine was up to playing a little with Bells. He agreed, clingy women needed to be taught lessons.

"She isn't open about it," he said, eager to enter a conspiracy like this. "And I daresay she's quite experienced on the line of destroying other people. She helped me on many occasions, though I do think she was rather more eager whenever we went against other girls. She really doesn't take competition very well." He chuckled and picked up his cup, taking it to his lips for a sip. Then he gazed farther away while setting the cup down again. "I dare suspect she has already targeted you. The way she asked my brother on the phone yesterday about my new acquaintances makes me think Lightning has said something to make her think we are quite the item already. It should be amusing indeed, to play with her a little. She would make so much more convenient plaything if she were a little less clingy."

[Kat]

Jasmine smiled devilishly. "Oh she won't stand a chance against me, girls always crumble before me. Skills passed on from my dear mother. Not to mention, I do have another friend you'll be meeting soon, Bambi. She and I make quite the pair and she'll be up for playing with Bells as well I'm certain. Lightning will probably even play along, regardless of whatever sort of bond he's forged with her. He enjoys the decimation almost as much as I do." Jasmine set her cup down on the table, her hands still linked around it.

"However, we also have others on our plate let's not forget. I do so want to screw with Princess this year and Lightning did mention potentially using Bells to help him play around with Chase, his ex-best friend. You know, Ace's lackey. And of course if we could manage to pull something over on the golden boy himself, my life would just be that much sweeter." Jasmine sat back in her chair, her posture still perfect as she pressed her back into the chair, her cup now held on her lap. She looked at Toffee admiringly. "Have I mentioned how pleased I am that you'll be playing soccer? To have that access to the boys, it's wonderful."

[Cres]

Toffee smiled behind the tea cup as he sipped on it while Jasmine talked about Bells and Bambi. Oh, yes, he was going to thoroughly enjoy this. He realised he had better put in a word of warning concerning Bells however.

"Bells does think she can make me jealous by latching onto Lightning, I think. I have to warn you though, if she decides to own Lightning it might not be advisable for him to shrug her off at least right away. She might turn on us, and I rather not see her joining the other side. They have enough allies as it is, and Bells isn't totally useless."

He smiled when she said she was pleased about him playing soccer. He had to grit his teeth a little, however, when Ace was mentioned. He set the cup down on the table and corrected his posture. Ace got under his skin far more than he cared to admit. The boy was simply too popular. If he only could have found a fault, a way to him, a weakness...

"Oh, yes, my chance obsession over soccer is proving out useful it seems. Mother never could stand me kicking that ball around, so originally I chose the sport just to annoy her, but since it has quite grown on me. But you can bet I'm all for taking down the Goldilocks and his company."

[Kat]

"Oh don't worry, we'll be keeping Bells around for a while, until we get our use out of her. Lightning is a smart boy, he knows he'll likely have to play along with her for now in order to help out to greater good." Jasmine smiled and sipped her tea again.

She listened as he mentioned Ace, smirking at the nickname. "Goldilocks. He'll just love that. His friends all call him Blondie, so Goldilocks will greatly annoy him to no end if you use it. Just to let you know." Jasmine winked, "I do like that you chose soccer to annoy the woman. I admire that." She grinned and looked over to the door, sitting back up and placing her cup on the table. "Well, there's Lightning now." She spotted him first, then suddenly her eyes fell on the girl walking next to him. "Well well, would that happen to be Bells with him, by any chance? He mentioned yesterday he was thinking of bringing her."

[Cres]

Toffee chuckled. Oh, yes, Ace would get his good share of Goldilocks as soon as he'd meet him the next time. A perfect name, anyway. He might have said something, when she noticed Lightning. He looked over to where the big boy was walking toward them, Bells at his arm. He smirked as he recognised her.

"Oh, yes, that's my girl," he said with a chuckle and then turned to look at Jasmine, placing his hand on top of hers, pulling it on the table. His eyes had a twinkle as his fingers caressed the back of her hand a little. "Shall we give her her money's worth, my dear?" and at the last question, he winked and planted a short but elegant kiss on the back of her palm. Then he got up and let his hand slide off of Jasmine's, meeting Lightning and Bells with a friendly, charming smile.

Bells never let her smile stir when she saw what Toffee did as they approached. Oh, she wouldn't let her win that easily. She had come prepared, but still the burning fury made her heart black as she evaluated Jasmine. So, this was her new competition. Exotic, elegant, most eloquent probably too. Damn. Exactly the kind of class Toffee liked, she knew. She kept her sigh to herself, however, and a smile came over her lips as she stopped close to the table with Lightning.

"Toffee," she said with the most benevolent and polite voice. "I'm glad to see you have some leisure time, finally." Her voice had just the tiniest bit of sharpness to it. "Your brother told me yesterday you're very busy, beginning new school and everything."

Toffee smirked.

"Yes, I've been busy. Bells, darling, it's nice to see you again. Coffee told me you're here for a job at a magazine. I knew you'd get around to putting that body of yours in good use eventually." He winked in a good-humoured kind of way, then looked at Lightning and offered out his hand for shaking. "And you must be Lightning. Pleased to meet you. Toffee Sullivan - in case my lovely lady here hasn't already mentinoned my name."

[Kat]

Jasmine grinned as Toffee took her hand and kissed it, quite amused that he was indeed so willing to make the other girl jealous. Remaining in her seat, Jasmine watched Toffee greet Bells, wondering if the lack of any physical greeting was grating on Bells' nerves even more. He'd kissed her hand and was now shaking Lightning's. Jasmine eyed Bells and nodded in greeting to her, deciding not to say anything to the other girl yet. She was especially determined not to bother standing to greet Bells. The other girl would simply have to get used to her way of social interaction.

As Lightning walked up to the table he smiled to himself, wondering if Toffee and Jasmine were simply playing with Bells. He knew Jasmine's love of toying with other females and it always kept him amused. He shook Toffee's hand when it was offered, a firm shake, but not too strong. Jasmine always ensured he knew how to interact properly with others in order to make himself look good and it was times like these that he was thankful for having such a prim and proper best friend. "Lightning Harper, and I share your pleasure. Bells has indeed mentioned you and I thought it would be nice if the four of us got together, which is why I invited her along. Thought it would be nice for the girls to meet." Lightning looked down at Jasmine, who he could tell from experience was quite amused. "Speaking of which, Bells, I have the pleasure of introducing you to my closest friend, Jasmine Daigle." Lightning then leaned down next to Jasmine and kissed her on the cheek, their usual form of greeting.

"That was indeed a lovely idea, darling. You're ever so thoughtful." Jasmine smiled at Lightning, her eyes twinkling mischievously. She then focused on Bells again, finally deigning it the proper moment to greet her formally. "Bells, lovely to make your acquaintance. Toffee has told me all about you; I look forward to your friendship." She then extended her hand in greeting, knowing that if Bells prided herself on any kind of social etiquette, she would accept the handshake even though Jasmine was seated- even though that would insinuate that Jasmine was of higher social standing than she was. Also by extending the offer of friendship first, Bells would be forced to be friendly to her lest she appear rude. Remaining on top of the social ladder was one of Jasmine's favourite games to play, after all, and she quite excelled at it.

[Cres]

Toffee was quite pleased with Lightning's handshake and the way he carried himself. Yes, worthy ally, he decided. Though he liked less confidence in his male friends, but he supposed Lightning would have to do for now. He stood aside while Bells was introduced, however, only enjoying the show. He could tell she was annoyed, however well she hid it. They had quite the history, after all.

And annoyed Bells was, especially when Jasmine didn't get up to greet her. However, Bells too had class, and she too knew her manners. Forcing down the acid reply she put on a smile and stepped closer to Jasmine, taking the extended hand as though she were greeting the best of friends.

"So wonderful to meet you," she said in a friendly voice, though if one could have penetrated those dark hazel eyes. "Lightning has told me about you as well. I see you and Toffee have become good friends." She gave a laugh that had all the appearance of lightness. "And whoever is in such good terms with darling Toffee, must be in my good graces as well."

But her thoughts were far less friendly: I'll make sure you choke on that smile, bitch.

[Kat]

Jasmine was certain Bells was playing the game now, her friendliness definitely the same mask Jasmine herself liked to wear when conducting this sort of business. She recalled Toffee's comment though and glanced at him when Bells spoke of her being on such good terms with him. "Oh yes, it's actually a little unbelievable how close we've be come already, isn't it, darling?" Jasmine looked at Toffee with affection in her eyes, knowing he would play along perfectly. Just how close should she appear to be, though? It should definitely be kept on a polite and proper level, perhaps allowing no more than soft caresses this afternoon. She didn't want Bells to think she'd slept with Toffee yet, that wouldn't be in the course of action for a proper lady of her station. So the sexual attraction must be kept to a minimum on her part for now, but the emotional attachment could be brewing already.

Lightning watched Jasmine perform, a smile on his lips. He could tell by the actions of Toffee and Jasmine that the two must have decided to interact so affectionately in order to annoy Bells, since if there had been anything serious between them, Jasmine would have mentioned it. He just wondered if Bells would expect him to fawn over her now in order to keep up her appearance. It was something he wouldn't mind doing, for she was very attractive after all and he was hoping she would be interested in helping him with his plans.

[Cres]

Toffee smiled back to Jasmine as she spoke to him, and sat back down, letting his hand caress over her shoulder gently as he did so, with no more than the slightest indication of familiarity, but nothing sexual yet. Not so quickly. Else Bells might be fooled to think Jasmine was just a fuck, and he wanted to lead her own to worse conclusions than that.

"Indeed, my dear," he replied to her as he took a seat. "I have to say I am quite pleased that I ran into you on my very first day in school. I am hoping for a... fruitful friendship." He let his eyes linger on Jasmine's figure for just a moment until turning them back to Bells and Lightning, knowing that probably all of those present could read exactly what he wanted them to from his behaviour. Of course, Bells was probably the only one truly fooled.

Bells held her temper well as she watched the affectionate looks and words exchanged. Oh, really? Well, she could play this game as well. She looked at Lightning with a warm sort of a smile.

"I'm happy to have met this handsome fellow on my first day as well," she said casually. "Imagine the coincidence."



[[slightly lame >.< But I'm coming down with flu and am slightly low on intrique energy at the moment.]]

[Kat]

Lightning had his answer, as he returned Bells' affectionate look and put an arm around her shoulders. Since they were standing, the movement was still polite enough to not make it look as though there were anything more involved than the beginnings of a potential relationship. "Yes, it was luck indeed. We just came across one another by chance last night and by the end of the evening, I felt as though I'd known her for ages. Such a lovely girl." He winked at Bells before glancing back at Jasmine and Toffee. He hoped he was playing the game well enough.


Jasmine grinned as she watched the other two, pleased with Lightning's actions toward Bells. Jasmine was feeling quite mischievous though. "You know, I suppose then today will be something a bit like a double date, don't you think?" She looked over at Bells, an excited smile on her face. "It's just so strange that I happened upon your Toffee, while you and my Lightning met up. It's a bit like fate, don't you think?"