[FF] Firing

[Elsa Bellefonte]

The fireworks festival was a big tradition. The food, the bonfire, the students, even a few students stepping forward as performers to entertain the crowds. Mutant abilities did have a tendency to make performances all the more appealing, and the school had provided quite a few people who were quite willing to step up and perform. Of course, the big draw was the fireworks, again, especially with mutants standing nearby to make it well and truly amazing.

Of course, that did require there actually be fireworks present.

Elsa sighed and looked around. This was definitely where the fireworks were supposed to be: there were even a few empty crates. Yet Elsa couldn't see any actual fireworks anywhere. She sighed and ran her hand through her hair, pulling back a few strands. Not a single firework.

"Wonderful," she mumbled, letting her hand down and looking around. Elsa extended her mind slightly, testing the area. When she got a ping, she headed that way, throwing back the curtain for the fireworks tent. "You! Stop right there!" she said. Elsa stepped out, and could only hope that she'd found someone who could actually help solve this mystery.

[Riley Coleson]

You'd think that after attending this kind of thing for a few years, Riley would learn to keep his boyish games away from these kind of events, but he really hadn't. It seemed to be just his luck though, getting caught by the headmistress herself whenever he was breaking some kind of rule.

With some of the fireworks still in his hands, Riley's head turned at the oh so familiar voice of the Bellefonte princess. Quirking his brows, he attempted at his most innocent puppy dog-doe eyed look, though, he knew better. Well, he should have known better, anyways. "Errrr," he said, or tried to as he turned around, dropping the fireworks on the ground.

"What's up, gorgeous?" he added, grinning. "You know, you're going to give someone a heart attack if you keep yelling like that." He was screwed. Oh, so very, very screwed. "Looking good as usual, misses."

[Elsa Bellefonte]

Was it just Elsa, or did Riley actually look more handsome than she remembered? She paused and blinked, not quite believing that she'd run into him yet again. He seemed slightly different, but it had been a while since she'd seen him... prom? Or somewhere around there... when he'd stood up Vera or something along those lines.

They're having difficulties, which gives you the perfect opportunity to slide between them. Then you can just pick up whichever one looks more appealing at the end.... and this is why people think you're a sociopath.

"Those," she pointed at the fireworks, "are meant for everyone to enjoy, Mr. Coleson." Elsa looked up at him, her brows raised. "Or were you perhaps planning on taking them somewhere they could be launched?" Which Elsa somehow doubted... but at the same time, this just didn't seem like something Riley would do. It struck her more as something Jack McCarthy would do... or possibly those twins, but Riley? He didn't generally do this sort of thing... did he?

[Riley Coleson]

Elsa had always intrigued Riley. She was one of those girls he'd like to get to know better, but always knew he had no real chance of actually getting. Yes, yes, it was a dick thing to be thinking, considering him and Vera was... Something. But he never once claimed that he was a good guy either. And it wasn't like he could change himself overnight. And he prided himself in at least being honest with himself; and come on. It was Elsa freaking Bellefonte. He wouldn't have stood a chance even if he was the last man on earth.

Looking down at the fireworks, Riley smiled sheepishly. "Well, technically everyone would enjoy them." He looked back up at the girl and flashed her a grin. "What can I say, gorgeous; boys will be boys." He wasn't sure what he'd do with the fireworks once he'd taken them. Maybe launch them, maybe not. It was yet another one of those moments where he acted impulsively without no real plan.

Which pretty much summed the boy up fairly nicely.

Now that he was caught however, he was fairly certain that the game was over, and he'd might as well give in. Putting the fireworks down on a nearby table, Riley turned back to face the gorgeous brunette. "Am I in trouble, Miss. Bellefonte?" He couldn't keep the smug smirk off of his face.

[Elsa Bellefonte]

Well, it was certainly a good thing that Elsa was the mind-reader here, otherwise no doubt this relationship would be very different indeed. She still smirked at the boys would be boys comment. It didn't surprise her all that much, though part of her was tempted to try and pry a more specific answer out of Riley. The boy's thoughts weren't giving her much more of a hint either: there didn't appear to be anything resembling an actual plan.

in trouble? Tell him his punishment is private detention, and he doesn't wear a shirt.
...
Elsa Bellefonte, you clearly need to sleep with someone.

"I don't see any particular reason for this to get you in trouble," she said, pointing at the fireworks and sort of waving her finger about a little. "Considering that you're about to go back and put those where you found them," and she raised her brows, practically daring him to question her.

[Riley Coleson]

"Am I now?" he replied with a smirk. For a second, he looked as if he was actually considering it, but Riley was nothing if not a fan of playing with fire. Moving closer, the boy rubbed his chin as he nodded. "Aren't you just dying for someone, anyone to go against your orders and for a change actually give you some challenge?"

He was curious. He'd always been curious about the Bellefonte twin. She wasn't as bad as the rumors made her out to be. Sure, she could be blunt, sometimes pretty mean and well, a little spoiled. But he was sure she had some redeeming qualities too. Apart from having a great ass.

Putting his arm around her shoulders, Riley offered her a lopsided smirk. "What happens if I don't? Will I get in trouble then?" Somehow, getting in trouble from her, didn't strike him as such a bad thing. Of course, he'd probably end up regretting thinking that, but hey. At least there were worst chances he could ever find himself taking.

Well, at the very least his words were mostly innocent. Mostly.

[Elsa Bellefonte]

Oh great, he moved closer. Elsa didn't give ground, because of course she wouldn't. Instead she kept a level, steely gaze on the man all the while. "People go against my orders all the time," she said. "Haven't you met any of my siblings? Or perhaps my so-called bodyguard? Or Ellen Banks? Honestly, I think less people follow my orders than disobey them."

And it also irritated her somewhat, if she were being honest. Most of the people she'd listed had some sort of emotional pull on her. If she could only eliminate that, separate her emotions from her self and operate solely on her logical thoughts, then everything would at least be easier.

And now he was putting an arm around her. Elsa raised a brow and looked up at him. "It doesn't matter because you won't," she smiled challengingly, "because deep down you know that you quite like taking orders from me. And if that's not enough, there's the fact that too many black marks on your record and we'll have to send you away from the school, perhaps to the one in India. I'd give Director Kaur about ten minutes before she drags you into a bedroom, if there's even the slightest hint to the rumors," Elsa then moved and with two fingers plucked the hand off her shoulder, delicately moving it back to Riley's chest where she gave it a few nearly condescending pats.

[Riley Coleson]

"Huh, is that so," he responded, nodding sagely. He furrowed his brows for a moment, studying Elsa's face. "That's a shame; though, I think it might do you some good too." His expression was replaced by another sheepish smile and he gave Elsa's back a playful pat. Elsa always seemed so tense to him, and he was curious as to why. But if Riley had learned anything, it was not to dig. Especially not when it came to the queen of the school. She was a loose canon, and he'd rather not have her blow up on him. He had never experienced it, but he figured getting mindfucked wasn't such a pleasant experience.

Taking note of what Elsa said, Riley pursed his lips. Was that really what she thought of him? That he was some kind of masochistic boytoy? Sure, the latter was true, but the first? Naaah. He'd never be the type to let anyone walk all over him. He was far too carefree for that. Laughing at both her words and her moving his hand away, Riley grinned. "Really? Do you happen to have her number? I've had my fair share of cougars, and let me tell you, there's nothing quite like an experienced woman." He grinned at that. But, alas. That wasn't what he was here for. Besides, Riley was trying his best to be good, with Vera in mind and everything. No, he didn't need some old, washed up cougar to satisfy him.

Walking over to the table with the fireworks, Riley picked them up. For a moment, it probably looked as if he was going to listen to her orders, but that wasn't quite what he had in mind. He walked back towards Elsa and pushed the bundle of fireworks against her chest and let go, taking no regards of whether or not she lifted her hands to catch them. "There's your fireworks, Missy. If you expect me to be your doormat, then you're wrong. But since you're the only one here who really cares where these are, I suggest you put them back yourself." With that, the golden haired boy leaned forward and planted a kiss on the brunette's cheek. "Always a pleasure, gorgeous."

[Elsa Bellefonte]

"I do, actually," drawled Elsa, not at all surprised to hear Riley asking. She opened her mouth to continue, to possibly give the number or suggest that he simply remove his shirt and stand in the international hallway, that Ms. Kaur's instinctive senses would just pick up on him and cause her to attack. however, as she did, she found that she really didn't want Priya to get her claws into him. It caused he to stand there, dumbstruck and trying to hide it, for several seconds.

Which gave Riley all the time he needed to pick up the fireworks and shove them at her. As she was startled, Elsa couldn't quite catch all, or even most of them. She didn't have the reflexes to grab onto the pile and fumbled, grabbing perhaps a few. The comment stung more than the push, though it certainly stung too, and for some reason, Elsa found herself retorting:

"I don't think you're a doormat," she insisted. She shifted, her eyes narrowing, clearly irritated that he'd done something to make her say as much. "I just know that you're actually better than you like to let everyone think, more than just another pretty face. I also thought that you actually liked me," she let out a dry laugh, bending down to begin picking up fireworks. "I don't know what I was thinking."

[Riley Coleson]

Watching her, Riley's eyebrows furrowed slightly. He took her words into consideration, but as always, that wasn't too surprising. Riley -- despite his often displayed confidence -- didn't think very highly of himself at all. He kneeled down next to her and rested his chin on top of his knees as he watched her in silence. He didn't say much, or anything, for that matter. He was busy processing her words.

It took a few seconds before he replied. "I do like you," he said, his tone serious. "Doesn't mean I'm going to do everything you tell me to though." He sighed at that, letting his blue eyes wander, avoiding looking at her. What else was there to say? Claim that he was just a pretty face and very little else? That was all he'd been up until now, and as much as he wanted to change, he didn't really believe it was going to last for long. He wanted to change not only for Vera, but for himself too. Maybe part of him really wanted to be the person Elsa thought he was as well.

"I'm sorry if I offended you," he said. He leaned forward and placed his hand on her shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. What was it about this girl and always making him feel so damn conflicted? It surely wasn't easy being around her. "I really do like you though." He wondered if the right thing to do was leave her alone. She clearly didn't want him around.

[Elsa Bellefonte]

I do like you and now Elsa was pretending that she didn't feel butterflies fluttering in her stomach at the words. Why couldn't she just be attracted to someone who wasn't attracted to someone she happened to be attracted to? The whole mess was far too soap-opera esque. really, Elsa should just say something cutting, point out that of course Riley liked her: she was pretty. But she found that she couldn't muster up enough venom, especially not when he looked at her like that.

"An apology now?" she did manage, laughing. "I must really look pathetic," Elsa shook her head, reaching a hand up to pull her hair back and away from her face. "I'm sorry it's just-- things are complicated any more and--" and she didn't have anyone to support her, not like Erika did. Technically Elsa had friends: ironically Riley and Vera, but also Roxana... and there was her Council, but, well, when it came down to it, she still couldn't help but feel stretched.

Elsa looked down at the fireworks, letting out another laugh. "See, it's just like this. I'm standing here freaking out about fireworks when everyone else, including my sister and her fiance, are out there," she flicked a hand toward where nearly everyone else waited, "waiting to watch the magic." She sighed, looking that way, feeling her heart pull again. Dammit, this had to be Riley's fault. She should just hit him, put the fireworks back, and be done with it.

[Riley Coleson]

"No," he shook his head. "I don't think you could pull off pathetic," he added, offering her something of a smile. He furrowed his brows as she continued, nodding a little, trying to understand. He wanted to, too, but it wasn't one of his better traits. He had been a tool for so long, taking other people into consideration was... Hard. "Complicated? You mean, with your new position?" He'd always thought that Elsa was born for that role, but he could see how it would be stressful, with her being so young and all. He was a firm believer that people ought to live their lives while they were still young, and worry about adult stuff later. Sadly, Elsa had been dealt a bad hand.

She continued then, and Riley's eyes followed to where she was gesturing and he nodded. She clearly needed some fun, and to stop worrying about everything else. "Well, then, Miss Bellefonte," he said and stood up, reaching out his hand to the brunette. "Allow me to show you a good time, and no--" he raised his index finger at her, as if he was scolding her. "--you can't say no, and if you do, remember who here has superhuman strength," he winked.

"You can worry about work tomorrow, right? It's not like it's going anywhere. And come on, you get the entire night with this hunk right here," he pointed at himself and grinned. "You can't possibly pass up on that. Come on."

[Elsa Bellefonte]

"And a wedding and Everett and people and---" and her own issues in the relationship department, which she definitely wasn't going to mention to one of the biggest... issues in that area himself. Elsa was already not quite convinced that he didn't find her whole little display pathetic and all. She just focused on gathering up the fireworks as best she could, mentally cursing herself and Riley.

who was now holding a hand out in her direction. Elsa stared at it as though it leaked poison. Her mouth opened to say "no" just as Riley raised his index finger. She did quirk a brow, obviously asking just what he intended to do with that super-strength if she refused... though Elsa really couldn't see anyone intervening if they saw Riley carrying her across the field.

Worry about work tomorrow; who didn't say that to Elsa? "I'm here to enjoy myself," she said almost reflexively, "but I could definitely--" she paused, closing her mouth. She fidgeted. "I have to get these fireworks back, or the show will be drastically shorter. So let's make a deal: you help me get these back," she held up what she'd gathered, "and I'll do whatever it is you have planned," short of some things that Elsa could definitely see Riley having planned.

[Riley Coleson]

He nodded slowly; he didn't really understand her problems, but how could he? He wasn't in her situation. But the least he could do was try and be there for her if she ever needed to talk. "Well, I'm not a very good listener or a comforter, but if you ever need to talk..." he trailed off and offered her a meek smile. "I'm here." He did care for her, even if she didn't want to believe it. He didn't understand it himself, the reasoning behind it, but he figured that he didn't really need to. He cared. Did he really need a reason?

Now, this was a deal Riley could get in on. Granted, he didn't have an idea for where to bring her, but he figured he could easily enough come up with something along the way. He grinned at her, the kind of stupid, wide grin that reached from ear to ear. "Alright!" Okay, so maybe he sounded a little too excited, but hell. She was actually willing to compromise, so that was a start for sure.

Picking up the rest of the fireworks and reaching his hand out for her hand, Riley rose to his feet. "Alright, come on gorgeous. You have a long night ahead of you, so we better get started then, eh?" 

[Elsa Bellefonte]

Elsa let out another soft laugh as Riley insisted that he'd be around for talking. She was tempted to point out that he wasn't exactly known for his consistency in that regard. True, he proved remarkably dependable if you caught him in the moment, but longterm? Not so much. Besides, Elsa still fully intended to give Riley and Vera enough time to develop, and her being around either of them would just cause problems in that regard.

Though said problems felt decidedly far away now, as Riley almost too excitedly began scooping up fireworks. Elsa gathered most of the ones she had in hand, trying and mostly failing to stifle her expression of surprise. Never in her wildest dreams would she have figured that spending time with her would count as some kind of incentive. She could still remember the disastrous "date" she'd gone on with Christopher O'Conner, who'd certainly thought it would be worth the effort.

"Riley," she said flatly, holding up her own armful of fireworks and raising her brows, "hands are full at the moment. Let's get these put away, and then you can attempt your cheesy romantic moves on me, hm?" and with that, Elsa headed back into the tent, balancing the fireworks in her arms easily enough.