The Lounge's Summer Pool Party

[saysalice]

Stiffening slightly, almost imperceptibly, on the lounge chair as she watches him - she doesn't blink - and sees him come just a little bit closer, just to the other side of the bar, and then stop. She swallows, and her cheeky smile falters at his words. She ducks her head just a bit, and her teeth catch her bottom lip and clamp down hard, at his last comment.

"It is a pretty dress," she mumbles, almost sullenly.

"It's my Canada Day dress. I would be sad if it got...stained, or...torn, or anything."

Looking up again, her cheeks in full bloom now with so many people about, she smiles at Noon, the first to partake of her frozen yummies, and turns her attention belatedly to LitShark.

"I've fallen so out of touch - I wouldn't know who to recommend, honestly. I'm sorry. There are so many amazing writers, here - I'm sure any one of them would be a wonderful fit."

Feeling antsy all of a sudden, she gets up again and stalks restlessly to the bar to take up one of her daiquiri pops.

"These are all going to melt! Don't make me and Noon eat them all!"

Turning her gaze bravely to face Scuttles again, she sets her jaw and makes herself smile sweetly at him.

"Why don't you have one? Help yourself."

 

[thestruggle]

This time, she hasn't bothered with shoes. Her previous forage had yielded nothing except the aforementioned beach ball and maybe some scraps of her dignity. So, bare feet this time, with maybe a small wince of regret for her recently pedicured soles. She boots the beach ball with questionable skill over to the pool and blows her bangs out of her eyes.

Hi! How's everyone doing?

She checks over her dress to make sure her little punt hasn't knocked anything out of place, but all seems well. She wanders over to the bar - pausing to land a stealthy smooch on Alice's cheek! - and eyes the array of bottles with a bemused expression.

What's doing? Canada Day dresses? Canada Day -

She spies the watermelons and squeaks.

CANADA DAY WATERMELONS!!

 

[Noon_Shadow]

He smiles quite genuinely toward Alice in appreciation of her watermelon treats, enjoying it rather happily as he's enjoying the company. He grins at Alice as she goes to grab one and attempts to get others to partake in them. He's certainly not above sweet, fruity flavored treats. His eyes followed alice thoughtfully for a moment. Oh, indeed, you shouldn't make us enjoy them all. They're quite fantastic. Truly...I think many people need to sample Alice's treats.

He gives a rather wolfish grin as he studies her dress even while she's discussing it, then gets distracted as a beach ball rolls past him and settles into the pool. This causes him to take note of the other new entry to the pool party, causing his grin to widen even further.

If the quality of any gathering is gauged by the excellence of the company, it seems this party is a smashing success! Welcome, Tess. He grins as he finishes off his popsicle and slips over to the bar to toss away the stick, intentionally brushing past Tess as he does so. Oh, indeed, there are Canada Day pops. I think you should definitely have one. He smiles widely and pulls Tess in for a hug. And welcome!

 

[Scuttle Buttin']

He watches Alice's reaction with a bit of a bemused expression, his eyes following hers down when she lowers her head. It wouldn't be the first time he'd looked openly, it certainly won't be the last. His gaze lifts back to her face with the rising of her head, and his grin grows a bit, though hidden behind his glass as he takes another sip.

"A rip would be a terrible thing, yes. Probably best to..watch your step."

His eyes follow hers to the new arrivals, and he gives a nod of greeting to each before returning his attention to her, turning on the barstool as she moves behind the bar so he's still facing her. He smiles, broadly, as she faces him once again, jaw set, eyes focused.

"Help myself?" he asks, brows raised again, head tipping slightly. "You say that like I needed permission or something..."

His words trail off as Tess enters his fired of view, and he can't help the little laugh that passes over his lips.

"Almost like she was summoned..."

 

[LitShark]

His words trail off as Tess enters his fired of view, and he can't help the little laugh that passes over his lips.

"Almost like she was summoned..."

*Looks up from his stack of work with excited eyes.*

Summoned indeed! I should ask first, Tess. Are you interested in taking on new projects at the moment? I have a role I know you'd be perfect for, if that is you're interested. If so, I'll draft up one last offer letter.

 

[Britwitch]

Approaches the decking and watches the gathering from the side for a little while with a smile. It's lovely to see so many faces having fun together.

 

[thestruggle]

She blushes at Noon's welcome and returns his hug on tip-toes.

Aw, thank you, handsome. How have you been? And I agree, I think a test run of this fruit ingenuity is def required.

She nabs a watermelon pop and admires the maple leaf design before taking a chomp with little white teeth. She sighs contentedly, mumbling something about summer fruit and stupid seasons before leaning companionably against Noon.

Alice! These are awesome! And freakin' genius! And they probably slyly knock you on your ass after you eat a few, but what a way to go.

She takes a few more meditative tastes as she shrugs at Ruffles, hastily remembering to grab a napkin to capture any errant juices.

Well, you know, I heard there were pretty ladies. And that pool! And of course, some very charming guys who certainly aren't troublemakers. I see the dolphin flippers aren't making a return this year, what gives?

She waves at Angel and catches Shark's query.

Oh, hey! Summoned by watermelon, yes.

Taking a bite of her popsicle, she realizes he's offered her an opportunity and she coughs a bit before croaking,

For sure! Wow, thank you for asking. It was a crazy few months and my attendance was spotty, but I'd definitely be interested in talking about something. What'd you have in mind? Well, I mean, send me whatever, obviously. That'd be great!

She nudges the pan of popsicles in his direction.

Eh? Want a rum soaked watermelon maple leaf? God, Alice, I'm sorry, I'd never make it as a food writer.

ALSO, hi, gorgeous Witch!

 

[saysalice]

At Scuttles's cool retort, her smile slips again, and this time she can't get it back.

"Probably best to...watch your step."

She frowns, staring past him, at nothing. Thinking. No, not even thinking - that's the problem.

Putting the bar between them made it a little better, but he seemed entirely too amused at the thought of needing her permission.

I made them, she thinks to herself stubbornly, and takes a breath, ready to blurt something petulant when Tess's surprise kiss, cool against her hot cheek, makes her pause to shiver. Or perhaps it's the pretty girl's sudden presence - and perhaps she finds herself blushing a little deeper. Isn't it hard to tell, in this twilight? She turns her face, grazing her lips against Tess's passing cheek - it's been so long since she's really seen - anybody.

Glancing down at herself in momentary confusion, self-consciously, she smooths out the wrinkles of her red dress and pinches up the hem to spread the skirt to show Tess.

"This is. My Canada Day dress. Isn't it nice? I don't know why - I probably shouldn't have - worn it, tonight. I don't know...why I try to wear nice things, here..."

Her face spreads into a relieved smile at the other girl's exclamation, and she pushes the tray closer to Tess.

"Yes, they're - they are! They have rum in them, but it's not very much. Please - "

She stops again, hearing Noon's sly recommendation from the pool area, and she turns her head to glare at him, playfully shaking a finger in reprimand - but she's sweating, just a little bit. It's so hot. Summer.

Pushing her curls up off her face, she tries to keep the strain out of her voice and continues, "Yes, everybody - have some. Watermelon. They're yummy."

She picks up the stick nearest to her end of the bar, glancing up at Scuttles very briefly, glad for the excuse to stop talking, and puts the softening, maple-leafy end in her mouth. Looking up at the sound of another person approaching, her face spreads into a grateful smile at the latest arrival.

Happily, through a mouthful of watermelon: "Brit!"

 

[Britwitch]

Grins and crosses the boards until she's in the middle of the friendly group near the bar, tight hugs and warm kisses for all

"Hi everyone! So glad you all found your way here. Evil time zones mean I'm typically going to miss what looks like an awesome evening...I soooo want to try those, Alice, but alcohol and working with children...probably not such a good idea!"

A giggle and a contented smile.

 

[LitShark]

She blushes at Noon's welcome and returns his hug on tip-toes.

Aw, thank you, handsome. How have you been? And I agree, I think a test run of this fruit ingenuity is def required.

She nabs a watermelon pop and admires the maple leaf design before taking a chomp with little white teeth. She sighs contentedly, mumbling something about summer fruit and stupid seasons before leaning companionably against Noon.

Alice! These are awesome! And freakin' genius! And they probably slyly knock you on your ass after you eat a few, but what a way to go.

She takes a few more meditative tastes as she shrugs at Ruffles, hastily remembering to grab a napkin to capture any errant juices.

Well, you know, I heard there were pretty ladies. And that pool! And of course, some very charming guys who certainly aren't troublemakers. I see the dolphin flippers aren't making a return this year, what gives?

She waves at Angel and catches Shark's query.

Oh, hey! Summoned by watermelon, yes.

Taking a bite of her popsicle, she realizes he's offered her an opportunity and she coughs a bit before croaking,

For sure! Wow, thank you for asking. It was a crazy few months and my attendance was spotty, but I'd definitely be interested in talking about something. What'd you have in mind? Well, I mean, send me whatever, obviously. That'd be great!

She nudges the pan of popsicles in his direction.

Eh? Want a rum soaked watermelon maple leaf? God, Alice, I'm sorry, I'd never make it as a food writer.

ALSO, hi, gorgeous Witch!

*Smiles at Brit, acknowledging the arrival of our beguiling host before abandoning her response to pen another offer letter for Tess.*

I'll send you an offer, any of these others could likely give you a broad-strokes summary though. All will be explained... *feverish typing.*

OMG--so close! Students already lining up... faculty in place! I've got a schedule to build, lesson plans to format, a campus to lay out! It's really happening.

 

[Noon_Shadow]

He smiles, letting his hand rests playfully on Tess's hip for a moment as she leans again him. He responds to her query as he smiles at her, watching her biting into the watermelon and enjoying the little bit of juice that escapes her mouth for a moment, before she wipes it up with a napkin. I have been doing really well, lately, to be honest. Things are good, and summer is nice. If only summer were not so damned hot.

He shakes his head as Alice gives him a little admonishment, clearly not at all rebuked by her wagging finger as she gives a quick kiss to Tess. He smiles as he sees Brit and gives her an enthusiastic wave.

Well, it's a our beautiful, charming, and delightful hostess. I'm glad she could drop in to see so many delightful people here!

He laughs at Alice's comment. Aboslutely...so many delightfully love and tempting ladies. It would be really, really unfortunate if the men who shows up were inclined to make some sort of trouble. The ladies might find themselves in quite the wicked predicament.

He nods to Lit as he slips behind the bar, brushing against Alice briefly as he goes rummaging for a beverage himself, before he decides to linger at the bar for a while. He watches the pan of watermelons becoming the center of attention even as he's already had his fill. Those are quite delightful Alice. Makes my think about my sister, she'll be moving out of Canada pretty soon. She's relocating, returning back to the states.

He smiles and then nods over toward Litshark. It seems you do have quite the cast of professors and TAs for your school, Lit. I'll be sure to keep up with the news just to see how well this venture goes. Hopefully it will prove to be a rousing success!

He chuckles at Brit's comments and then grins wickedly at her as he pulls her into a hug, kissing her cheek. Well, some might suggest that alcohol is near necessity when working with children for an extended period. Grinning broadly.

 

[Angeleyz]

*finishes her drink and takes the glass back to the bar*

I think I'm going to go get lost in more tumblrs before seeking my pillows. Sweet dreams for those of you close to bedtime, and have a fantabulous day to those getting ready to start theirs.

 

[Scuttle Buttin']

He can't help but to laugh, loud and happily, when Tess mentions his absent flippers. It's a happy sound, a good one, and he allows it to roll easily of his tongue.

"You know," he says, his attention momentarily diverted from Alice, "You're the first one to mention them, this year. I should've know, If anyone would've it would be you."

Alice's fumbling for smooth conversation draws his eyes back to her, and he watches for a minute, content to let her flounder for words. In truth, he's more than content with it. He's amused, entertained, and he makes no effort to hide it from his face. Lifting the glass to his lips, the wedge of pineapple on the side, his eyes remain on her as he drinks. The glass makes a quiet little clink as he sets it down, a sound lost in the growing murmur of the quickly swelling..crowd..and he lives his attention fixed firmly on Alice.

No intention of letting her off the hook so easily.

"Everybody?"

He pauses, scans the crowd, makes a bit of a show of taking a quick head count.

"A torn dress may be the least of your worries," he says, eyes back on her, "if you can't even walk after."

 

[thestruggle]

She finishes off her treat and idly licks her fingers, considering Alice's words before she crumples up her napkin.

Well... it's a very lovely dress, which you look very lovely in! And I think you know exactly why you wear nice things on nights were running into trouble is any kind of possibility. After all, people tear wrapping paper on Christmas, don't they? And then it just gets -

She aims a three-pointer into the trash with her napkin and popsicle stick.

- thrown away.

She smiles a little cat-in-cream smile Alice, before snagging a glass of ice water and - augh, damn watermelons! - another popsicle.

Thank you for the treats, pretty girl. Hope you've been doing well.

She returns Brit's hug and kiss with her hands full, but no less smilingly.

And YOU, it's still so good to see you! Need to catch up very soon. I don't blame you for not having one of those popsicles but I hope you get one later, because you deserve it after a busy day.

But Noon! It's gotta be hot in summer! Okay, granted, not Texas humidity, please. But the June weather is pretty nice.

She sips her water and tilts her head at him, the red waves swinging over her neck.

And also why do I feel like your "really, really unfortunate" translates to "scary fun?" Well, at least for you.

She pokes her tongue out at him before grinning at Ruffles.

Come on! You were so proud of them! I had to!

She checks something on her phone and darts over to Shark, conveniently vacating a path around the bar.

Heyyyy! This is awesome! I had read through before and heard some mentions but whoa! That's so cool, I'd love to. I'll look everything over and give you a more detailed reply, unless that's adding too much to your work load. I can poke around otherwise. Eeeek! Thank you!

She somehow manages to give him a hug without losing her popsicle - and more importantly, not messing up any of his paperwork. Very smooth.

And night, Angel!

 

[LitShark]

*Fires off an offer letter to Tess and places "Free & Easy" back on top, sticking with his inverse order method. Glancing back periodically to watch the situation with Scuttle and alice develop, thinking of it like a preview into their classroom chemistry. Hugs Tess back in a last minute edit.*

I should bring more watermelon tomorrow.

*So meta. Much subtext. Wao.*

2nd edit Re: Workload-- I've mentioned it a time or two, I'm deliberately stacking up. I need renewed purpose. I graduated from school and now I've gone from writing and workshopping roughly 40 hours a week, to exclusively what I'm doing on here.

I crave more excuses to dance my fingers more!

 

[Britwitch]

"Make sure someone leaves me a popsicle then!"

winks and slips away as quietly as she came, sighing softly and hoping she'll be abable to be around next time everyone's there

 

[Noon_Shadow]

He chooses to ignore the obvious tension rising between Scuttle and alice for the moment, knowing that it will play itself out. It would be more fun to pretend to be surprised when that tension breaks the surface and becomes something much less subtle...and far more primal. Tess' words rang true, however: pretty things should be destroyed when they were concealing treasures.

Tess, I know about Texas humidity. Well, Georgia humidity, as it is, but yes. Sitting outside for 15 minutes means your face is covered in sweat. He laughs softly. Yes, the heat is part of the fun, which is why engage in delightful little pool parties. But there's some record-setting heatwaves right now.

He grinned and then let his eyes follow Tess. Oh, you're absolutely right. Exciting and scary fun. But you only know that because you completely agree with me, don't you? He winked at her wickedly as he watched her pale legs treading away, toenails flashing. He finished off his beverage before he began to tread back toward to the pool, wondering where his sandals went.

 

[saysalice]

Her eyes widen slightly, looking back at Tess, at the other girl's comment about...wrapping paper. She watches her toss the balled up napkin easily into the trash, and she's not sure, anymore. About the dress or anything.

Her face falls in disappointment at the news that Brit can't stay - sneaky time zones - but she returns the hug and kiss warmly, and whispers in the pretty witch's ear: "I'll save some for you..."

Then steps back, cheeks flushing hot again - not sure, not quite sure anymore, if she's making some dirty innuendo, or not.

She takes her time finishing her pop, nodding and smiling enthusiastically at LitShark's proffered invitation, and waving to Angel as she makes her way out.

And then Scuttles, across the bar, has to put in his low comments. She just stares at him, a slight frown around the eyes. It takes her a beat too long to form a reply.

"Watermelon," she repeats quietly but clearly. "Watermelon. Watermelon."

It's a funny coincidence that in her high school drama productions, when background characters were to stand around making small talk at a party, they were instructed to murmur quietly, "watermelon, watermelon," so as not to distract unduly from the spoken lines of the main characters. Absurd, but she wishes it was that easy, right now.

Still scowling at him uncertainly for a moment longer, she puts the tray of popsicles down between them with a sudden clatter, swiping up a few to stash back in the freezer for Brit to enjoy later.

Then, a little too loudly, "Isn't it hot? Is anybody hot? I'm just - ha - sweating, wow."

Breaking away shakily, she hurries over to the pool, wading down the first few steps and exclaiming as the cool water rises to her ankles, shins, knees: "Ooh, it's nice..."

Blinking belatedly in dismay as the hem of her dress begins to drag along the surface. "Oh - "

Too late now.

A small war plays out across her features, and after another moment, she whisks her dress up over her head to set it on the deck beside the pool. She's not wearing anything underneath. She turns her head over her shoulder with a defiant little smirk at Scuttles, now that she's put a safe distance between them, and splashes down into the water, up to her neck.

"Much better. It's nice, you guys!"

 

[Noon_Shadow]

He sighed regretfully at Brit having to leave, and gave her a wave, sad he couldn't get more than one quick kiss before she left. I hope we'll see you again soon, beautiful. I'll try to make sure that you don't miss all the fun.

His search for his sandals by the poolside gave him a prime view as alice scurried over to the pool's edge, apparently eager to cool off, but forgett to save her pretty red dress. He raised an eyebrow in amusement as he saw her internal struggle about how to respond...before she made the sudden and surprising decision to strip down to the nude and toss her pretty little red dress away. He couldn't help but follow her cute little ass as she went back to the water to hop back into it, recognizing the dare she offered toward Scuttles.

Well, perhaps it was inevitable, given the company, that Alice's evening would become interesting. He'd expected this moment to come.

Indeed, Alice, do you promise that it's quite nice? He wet his lips as he considered her position.

 

[LitShark]

Her eyes widen slightly, looking back at Tess, at the other girl's comment about...wrapping paper. She watches her toss the balled up napkin easily into the trash, and she's not sure, anymore. About the dress or anything.

Her face falls in disappointment at the news that Brit can't stay - sneaky time zones - but she returns the hug and kiss warmly, and whispers in the pretty witch's ear: "I'll save some for you..."

Then steps back, cheeks flushing hot again - not sure, not quite sure anymore, if she's making some dirty innuendo, or not.

She takes her time finishing her pop, nodding and smiling enthusiastically at LitShark's proffered invitation, and waving to Angel as she makes her way out.

And then Scuttles, across the bar, has to put in his low comments. She just stares at him, a slight frown around the eyes. It takes her a beat too long to form a reply.

"Watermelon," she repeats quietly but clearly. "Watermelon. Watermelon."

It's a funny coincidence that in her high school drama productions, when background characters were to stand around making small talk at a party, they were instructed to murmur quietly, "watermelon, watermelon," so as not to distract unduly from the spoken lines of the main characters. Absurd, but she wishes it was that easy, right now.

Still scowling at him uncertainly for a moment longer, she puts the tray of popsicles down between them with a sudden clatter, swiping up a few to stash back in the freezer for Brit to enjoy later.

Then, a little too loudly, "Isn't it hot? Is anybody hot? I'm just - ha - sweating, wow."

Breaking away shakily, she hurries over to the pool, wading down the first few steps and exclaiming as the cool water rises to her ankles, shins, knees: "Ooh, it's nice..."

Blinking belatedly in dismay as the hem of her dress begins to drag along the surface. "Oh - "

Too late now.

A small war plays out across her features, and after another moment, she whisks her dress up over her head to set it on the deck beside the pool. She's not wearing anything underneath. She turns her head over her shoulder with a defiant little smirk at Scuttles, now that she's put a safe distance between them, and splashes down into the water, up to her neck.

"Much better. It's nice, you guys!"

*Ceases hammering keys long enough to appreciate the view.*

I'll be damned if the squirming isn't the best damn part half the time...
*that was under his breath, but not really.*

 

[Scuttle Buttin']

The glass is half empty by now - more, really, when you consider the way the crushed ice raises the level of the liquid - and he pulled the chunk of pineapple off the rim and bit into it, halving it in one go. Dropping the rest into the glass, he swirled it a bit with his fingertips as he watched Alice and Brit say their goodbyes, giving the freckled one of the pair a pineappley smile and a wave as she reluctantly slipped away.

Eyes meet again, he holds her gaze evenly as the fruit is swallowed down, and his smile is saccharine sweetness, belying what lurks just beneath the surface of it.

"Mmhmm," he says, nodding with each word that drops from her lips, "Watermelon.. mmhmm. Of course. Watermelon."

He watches her, bent fingers rotating the glass first one direction, than back the other on the bar top, the condensation helping to lubricate the movement, make it glide more smoothly. His eyes follow the tray as she lowers it between them - drops it, almost - and then flicker back up to her, and he can't help but grin his terrible Cheshire Cat grin. Pushing the glass aside, a streak of water left behind on the bar, he reaches out and takes up one of the pieces of watermelon.

"Hot?" he replies, quickly, biting into the pop before shaking his head slowly, "No... no, I'm quite comfortable, really."

He cannot help the little laugh that escapes him when she hurries away - but let's be honest, he doesn't exactly try to, either, does he? Turning on the stool, his gaze follows her to the water, and then into it, curious at her plan. Curious if she even has one. His back moves off the bar, eyes on her face, watching intently until the dress is pulled up over her head and discarded.

"Oh, there she goes," he says, mostly to himself, popping up from his seat. "Alice, ladies and gentlemen, look at her!" he says, louder now, and begins clapping.

Applauding, really.

But his feet are moving now, too, still watching her as he approaches the edge of the pool. The distance is covered quickly, the space between he and the bar almost suddenly more than between he and the pool. Right up to the edge he walks, his eyes on her the whole time, watching her head bob above the water.

"So very brave. Really, bravo! I mean..."

He pauses, bends at the waist, and scoops up her dress, folding it carefully as he continues.

"I am curious how far that bravery will care you when it's time to get out, but..." the dress is laid over his shoulder, and his eyes find her again, "there's only one way to find that out, isn't there?"

He starts to turn away from her, away from the pool, when he pauses as if another thought as occurred to him, and he turns back.

"While you're having a swim, you should probably think about what it's going to take to get your dress back. Being a Canada Day dress, maybe I'll just have you stand out here, naked, and sing 'O Canada' for all of us. Seems fitting, no?"

He does turn away then, his hands slipping casually into his pockets as he begins to leave the pool, and over his shoulder he says:

"Or maybe we'll throw you over the bar, and put on a different kind of show..."

 

[saysalice]

OOC: On that note, I've really got to go to bed. Carry on - I'll just be here, fretting naked in the pool, I guess.

 

[prettyserpentine]

wanders in, sees Alice fretting and naked in the pool

Heh. I wonder who stole your dress. I could take three guesses and any of them could be right.

smirks

I have one more shift to do before I get to come and hang out. Ten clients, and I desperately need lunch!

runs off, in her little medical assistant uniform for an afternoon of on call

 

[fr33ks33k]

*His cheeks had started to hurt from laughing and smiling at the antics going on around him. His lemonades had gone from virgin to rum-soaked, much like the watermelon pieces. He'd even sampled a few of them despite his normal indifference to the fruit itself. A short nap later, perhaps closer to the wee hours than he'd thought, he awoke to the sounds of splashing and giggling and the shuffling of feet. The sun was well on its way to midday. With a yawn and a stretch he rose and strode past the pool to the oceanside deck and dove in without hesitation. A morning swim should be a good wake-up.

As he surfaced, his mind finally processed the sights he'd seen. He continued to swim but with a half-cocked grin. He wondered idly as he made his way out to an acceptable depth to tread water for a while if Alice would still be floundering when he returned.*

 

[Britwitch]

Brit arrives fully dressed and yet is dripping from head to toe and looking rather chilly as a result.

"S-someone needs to have a word with the w-weather in my part of the world, clearly n-no one mentioned we've had midsummer already and that the rain sh-sh-should stop!"

She pouts mid-shiver.

"I need the sun. And then one...or two...of those popsicles."

Disappearing into a changing hut she reappears a short time later, still damp but at least wearing a dry dress which is pretty and floral with a belt cinched in around her waist, and heads over towards the pool to sit in the sun and defrost for a little while before she can think about having anything made of ice.