So We Actually Meet, Huh?

[Riley Forrester]

It was a lazy day, Riley acknowledged that. of course, she should probably be studying up some more, but her muse was too strong for her to ignore. So, she got herself dressed and grabbed her acoustic guitar before hitting the grass and walking to find herself a nice spot to relax and play some tunes. Most of the others in the student body seemed to be off doing their own thing, so she figured she wouldn't run into any body. Especially if she went out to the lake. Who's gonna wanna be here near sunset when it starts getting colder anyways? She figured with a slight smile. But once she reached the lake and sat down on the shore, she figured that if nobody else would be there, photographers would. That or just artists in general honestly. It was truly a site to behold, seeing the golden rays just starting to play out over the waters.

And of course, a perfect place to sit down, open up her guitar, and just play. And as Riley took a few experimental strums, she couldn't help but look out and think of Zoe with a smirk. She'd just die to see this. Seriously. Maybe I should take a picture or something. Riley debated as she leaned back against a tree and played the first thing that  came to mind as she looked out over the lit up waters. it was truly a sight to behold, and she didn't feel like breaking the image with words.

Eventually her song came to an end, and she was just about to start up on another one when she had the feeling someone was watching her. Who would be out here though? Riley thought as she looked around... only to find a familiar looking girl standing pretty close. Of course, Riley jolted just a bit before blinking. "Whoa! Hey there!" She acknowledge before settling again. She scrutinized the girl. Where have I seen... Oh! "It's you! Alex, right?" Riley asked with a lopsided smile. "From koala hugging Ezra." She added, chuckling a little. 

((Tag: Alexandra Lawson ))

[Alexandra Lawson]

Alex always loved the lake. Even when the weather began to grow cold she found herself drawn to it. There was something relaxing and calming being around what many people considered to be her 'opposing element'. She didn't feel the sort of connection with the subject of her mutant power like many of her peers. Fire had always been a beautiful, yet frightening thing to her. Even as a little girl she feared drawing too close to campfires and even dormant fireplaces tended to creep her out. But when she was near the calm, crystal clear water she felt safe and at peace. This was the only place she'd freely used her power without feeling that overwhelming panic that seemed to rest just beneath the surface at all times.

Tonight, her mind wandering off to other things, Alex moved slowly along the water's edge. She was clad in a simple pair of blue skinny jeans, sneakers, and a large, over sized hoodie sweatshirt that bore the logo of the San Francisco 49ers. Her dark, expressive brown eyes looked out over the water as the sunset shot its colors across the shimmering surface and she gave a faint, albeit inwardly directed smile. So much had happened in such a short amount of time but for the first time in a while she truly felt as though everything was going to be okay.

The music, as unexpected as it may have been, was more than welcome. Alex didn't question it at first as the notes wove their way around the thoughts that were mulling about in her mind and allowed the rare calm that had settled over her to sink in even further. After a few moments it occurred to her the music meant there was someone else nearby. She turned, eyes scanning the beach until she spotted the figure and slowly made her way toward it. Anyone who could fill the air with such sound was more than worth peeking in on.

"Oh!" Alex recoiled as Riley caught sight of her. The tiny, redheaded girl had crept closer and closer to the guitar player. She hadn't meant to draw so close but, as usual, she found herself captivated by the musician. "Sorry." She said sheepishly, taking a couple steps back as both hands found their way into the front pocket of her sweatshirt. "Yeah!" She nodded, her face lighting up as Riley spoke. Alex hadn't recognized the other girl at first but it all came back to her. "That's me." She said with an innocent shrug of her shoulders. She almost felt bad that Ezra was stuck with her now. Almost. "And you're Riley." Alex said with a decisive nod. In spite of the Skittles that had made their way into her face during the brief interaction, she'd remembered the name. "I had no idea you played." She said, gesturing with her pocketed hands toward Riley's guitar.

[Riley Forrester]

Alex seemed just as startled to find Riley there, judging from the way she jumped once Riley noticed her. She recoiled a bit and apologized, but Riley waved her hand to dismiss it. Wasn't like Alex had really disturbed her or anything. And the girl had seemed nice, so Riley wouldn't mind her company. "It's fine girl. Forget it." She said with a warm and friendly smile directed at her, hoping to disarm her and make her comfortable. Don't scare the girl off, Riles. Obviously she's close to Ezra, so a friend of a friend is a friend you haven't made yet Her brain instructed.

The girl confirmed that she was, indeed, Alex. She also confirmed that Riley was, indeed, Riley. Even nodding a little. Riley had to grin at the girl's antics. In a way she sort of reminded Riley of Zoe. Only no one could match up to the sheer cuteness and lovability that was Riley's girlfriend. Was she a little biased? Nooooo..... Well..... Yeah no I'm definitely biased. But this girl does have an adorable charm to her. Riley thought as Alex pointed to her guitar.

"Oh, yeah I play. A little too much maybe. But, eh." She shrugged and then grinned at the other girl. "What can I say? I love music." Seriously. But now she was curious about the girl before her. "So why are you out here, if you don't mind me asking. I just came out to do what you found me doing." Riley stated, patting her guitar fondly.

[Alexandra Lawson]

Alex's head shook as she sent a skeptical gaze in Riley's direction. She just wasn't buying it. Not one bit. "There's no such thing as playing too much." She pointed out, though in spite of the seriousness on her face there was an unmistakable playfulness dancing in her large, expressive brown eyes. "That's kind of why I snuck up on you." She admitted with a sheepish smile. "I got distracted by your playing. I wasn't going creeper. I swear."

Riley's question was mulled around with for a moment. Alex glanced out over the water. Even as the sun slipped further down into the horizon they could still take in the splash of color that spread out across the lake. "I like it here." She said finally, turning a warm smile toward Riley. "I guess it kind of reminds me of home. We had a lake we'd always go camping at in the summer. It's always so peaceful here." She smirked a little and glanced to Riley. "The music helps with the whole relaxing vibe."

[Riley Forrester]

Riley had to chuckle at the girl's response to Riley's comment on how much she played. While the girl might've looked serious, her eyes gave everything away. Another thing kinda like Zoe. But then the fake seriousness was broken by a sheepish smile as Alex admitted she had snuck up on Riley due to her playing. She also swore she hadn't gone creeper, which made Riley laugh and shake her head. I gotta say, I should be flattered by how many people like my playing. Riley mused internally. "Thanks." She said with a smile. "And I'm not worried. You seem too cool to be a creeper."

Alex seemed to mull over Riley's question for a bit, looking out across the lake. Riley couldn't help but look too. It really was beautiful. No wonder I've got so much muse right now. Riley thought with a soft smile before glancing back at Alex when she answered. She liked it here, and it reminded her of her home. Apparently there was a lake she'd go camp at that was really peaceful. Riley could understand that. Then there was a smirk and Alex claimed Riley was helping with the atmosphere.

Which made Riley grin as she shifted slightly and leaned back again. "Well I can play another for you then. Got a helluva lot of muse right now." She offered, already thinking up a song. She wanted to play anyways, so this was just a good excuse. It only took her a second or two to pick a song off the top of her head before she began playing again, smiling faintly.

[Alexandra Lawson]

"Yeah, well, you know." Alex gave an exaggerated shrug as she beamed a bright smile in Riley's direction. She knew many artists and performers who didn't like being snuck up on a few who didn't usually take kindly to an unannounced audience. Alex could relate. As much as she loved music, and despite the assertions she had nothing to fear, she simply had trouble getting over her stage fright.

The moment Riley mentioned playing again, Alex positively lit up. She looked much like a child who was told they'd be getting a special bedtime story just for her. She even went so far as to wiggle in place a bit and clasp her hands together in glee. With eyes bright she watched, attention focused suqarely on the dark haired girl as she started to play.

The moment the notes began to waft through the air the wide, gleeful smile faded to a thin, contented one. Eyes closed as she allowed the music to wash over her. She wished she knew the song so she could sing along, though she wasn't sure how that would go over with Riley. Either way, the usually manic, redheaded pixie was visibly soothed by thw music that drifted around her.

[Riley Forrester]

The moment Riley mentioned playing again, Alex seemed to light up like a Christmas tree. She even did a little wiggle dance of happiness she was so excited. Riley couldn't help but chuckle a bit at that before she had begun to play. Riley sort of just lost herself to the song, almost forgetting Alex was there as she played. The girl stayed silent the whole time, and Riley did glance over once to she the other girl's eyes were shut with a content smile.

Once the song ended, Riley smirked. Her muse was still high as all hell. So why not take a request? "Got any songs you'd like to hear? I think I've got one more in me to be honest." Riley admitted with a grin. She wouldn't mind playing for a gal that seemed to appreciate her music well.