Dim the Lights, Will Ya?

[Alexandra Lawson]

Alex had been startled but the more she talked the easier to calm herself. There was still an unanswered question about her boyfriend and how they met but she'd been far too preoccupied with the distraction the juice box offered to pay much attention. She was still drawing the sweet beverage through the straw when her fascination with the childlike implement was pointed out and it caused her to laugh mid sip.

Laughter mingled with a sputtering cough. Alex leaned away from the table and covered her mouth with both hands. It had been such a sudden and unexpectedly hilarious comment Alex nearly lost control. Her face turned a healthy shade of crimson as she continued trading off between laughs and coughs until she was finally able to regain her composure.

"Yeah, we met when I was a freshman in high school." She breathed, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye. "It's a really boring story." Alex insisted as she issued one last sigh from the outburst. She rested a hand on her cramped stomach and stifled a bit of a chuckle. "We were friends until college then he asked me out and we've been together ever since." Alex gave a short shrug of her shoulders. The flash of fear that had overwhelmed her just moments ago and the sputtering, coughing laughter seemed to have faded away leaving the same red haired pixie as before. "And he has no problem with my juice box obsession." She added, bringing the straw up to her lips before quirking a brow slyly toward Rebekka. "He likes to watch." And she promptly took to the straw with an overly dramatic flair.

[Rebekka Knight]

Alex never answered her question, but Rebekka didn't care. besides, she was distracted. Alex started laughing. Then she started choking. Rebekka watched in mild fascination before she joined in. She didn't think what she'd said was that funny. Funny wasn't a word usually associated with Rebekka by anyone else. She called herself funny, but that was a biased opinion. Seeing someone actually choke and turn red-faced from something she'd said was a totally new experience. One Rebekka found herself liking a little. As rare as it was likely to occur.

Eventually they both gathered themselves. Alex finally answered her question. As Rebekka expected, they'd met in school. Although earlier than she thought. High school first before college. it was a boring story, according to Alex. Rebekka just snorted. "So far you've been the exact opposite of boring, shortie. So I doubt it." Really. Rebekka was surprised she was enjoying this as much without insulting and taunting Alex left and right. But she went on, and the two were together since college. Rebekka gave a low whistle. That was a long history in her book.

The little juice box comment had Rebekka laughing heartily again. Her stomach was starting to actually hurt from how much she was laughing. That was a very rare feeling to get. "Seducing with a juice box. Now I've heard of everything." Rebekka snickered again and shook her head. The concept was ridiculous, but people had their different ticks. Rebekka was no exception herself. She looked back up at Alex and quirked a brow of her own. "Well he definitely seems like a keeper if he can get past that." She pointed to the juice box with a wide grin. "So why don't I see a pretty little ring on your finger or something? And I'm actually curious here."

[Alexandra Lawson]

Alex fell quiet but only for just a moment and it was more in calm contemplation than any sort of nervousness or anxiety. She supposed it made sense, in a way. Nothing, it seemed, had been boring since she'd came to Bellefonte almost nine years ago. Sure, she had endured some events that weren't nearly as exciting as others but it was, in the end, all relative. She considered it all little more than the simple ups and downs of life. There was only so much she could control outside of herself which went a long way in determining her outlook.

Lips parted to continue speaking but no words came out. Alex clamped her mouth shut and watched Rebekka laugh with a wry smile. There were few feelings she held in higher regard than the one she got when she brought a smile to someone's face. It may not mean much in the long run and Rebekka could forget this entire conversation ever happened but at least for this one brief moment Alex had managed to brighten up someone's day and that felt better than anything in the world.

"He is." Alex confirmed with a faint nod. She'd thought that about the young man in question from the beginning. "We have a strange sort of love." She said a-matter-of-factly. "One based mostly on juice boxes, blanket forts and him leaving me alone on Sunday during football season."

It was all fun and games until someone mentioned the dreaded 'M' word. Alex froze like a deer in headlights, the smile stuck on her face. She dropped her eyes to her left hand, furrowed her brow then shrugged. "I, uh..." She trailed off as she gave the question a bit more thought. This wasn't the first time this had been brought up and she didn't know what to say before either. The two of them hadn't talked about it much, though her month long stay in a hospital over the holiday season and subsequent rehabilitation had stunted much discussion of her relationship. "I guess we're just taking our time." Alex said truthfully. "I don't think either of us are in a hurry to take that kind of step, you know?"

[Rebekka Knight]

Alex went quite for a moment. She seemed contemplative. But soon it was gone and she was smiling once more. Rebekka had to marvel at it. Didn't the girl's face hurt after a while? She knew hers would. Although Rebekka could hold a smirk for a long time. Alex seemed about ready to say something. But she stopped. And the moment was gone. She nodded again. Mentioned their "strange sort of love" as Alex put it. Generally Rebekka thought of all love as a strange sort of love. But that was just her. She laughed at the base of their relationship. "Sounds solid." She teased. Not that she cared all that much. it wasn't like it involved her, so why would she?

But then Alex outright froze. Rebekka raised a brow. Watched as Alex's gaze dropped. Her smile almost look plastered on with the expression she had. She hesitated. Thought on the question. Rebekka sat waiting patiently. it was clear the topic was something Alex was unsure of. The signs were splattered all over her body language. It was almost comical how Alex's confidence had gotten swept out the window. She looked so unsure. Finally she spoke. They were taking their time. Hesitating on taking that last bit step. Rebbekka didn't blame them. She chuckled instead.

"Take all the time you need, shortie." She responded, resting her chin in her hands and her elbow on the table. "From what I know, that's a pretty big commitment. Pffft, but that would mean I knew something about relationships at all." Rebekka laughed and tapped her lip. She observed Alex for a while. Then she grinned mischievously. "So you two living together already then?"

[Alexandra Lawson]

Even during just a simple conversation between two co-workers meeting for the first time the entire scale of human emotion seemed to be playing out on Alex's face. There was never any doubt as to what she was thinking or feeling at any given moment. Every tiny little nuance of her internal monologue was written plainly on her features and in her demeanor. It was nice that people rarely questioned her intentions but the habit did make Alex an absolutely horrible liar.

"Yeah. We're not in a hurry." Alex nodded faintly even though it was apparent in the way she eyed Rebekka that a few questions had drifted into her mind. Once again Alex had to pause, this time to deliberate whether or not it would be prudent to turn the line of questioning around and get to know her still largely unknown co-worker. "What about you?" Alex said finally. She glanced down and pushed the straw down into the now empty juice box and pushed it aside. "No one around that's caught your eye?" She smirked a little. "Or someone who's eye you caught?" She actually had to pause at the one as she went over the sentence in her mind to make sure she'd gotten it right. After a moment she ultimately decided she had said it correctly and nodded in satisfaction.

[Rebekka Knight]

Alex nodded and confirmed what Rebekka already knew. But then Alex seemed to regard her curiously. Rebekka raised an eyebrow and stared back. It was beyond obvious something was on her mind. A question or few most likely. And Rebekka had a feeling she knew what kind. Which was why she wasn't surprised when Alex asked. Instead she smirked. She even snickered again. Anyone who caught Rebekka's eye? Or the possibility she'd caught someone else's? It was laughable. Which was why she did.

"Sorry shortie, but I don't think that's really an option." Rebekka replied after she'd stopped laughing. Again with the mirth! What was it about this girl? "See, I'm not exactly the type people go for." Rebekka smirked at her. "Take a look at yourself. This tiny pixie of pure sugar. I knew about three sentences in you had someone wrapped around your finger." It was everything about Alex that clued Rebekka in. "And even if you didn't I knew you'd get picked up like that." She snapped her fingers together, chuckling. There wasn't a doubt in her mind it was true.

"Now take a look at a person like me." Rebekka pointed to herself with a thumb. "A volatile bitch with a penchant for being sadistic and a mouth to go with it." Rebekka laughed again and shook her head. "Not exactly something that screams 'date me!' does it? And the few people that like that kind of girl can be creepier than all hell. So no, I doubt I've got anyone eying me for anything other than a quick glance over. Or at least anyone I'd actually consider." Rebekka shrugged. "You might as well label me undateable. Or whatever people call it now."

[Alexandra Lawson]

Without realizing it Alex's eyes would always widen just faintly whenever she was listening to someone else. It was subtle but only served to add to the youthful appearance of the redheaded girl as it made it seem as though she was watching with a sense of childlike wonder and awe regardless of the conversation topic. Today was no except. She nodded very slowly, barely blinking while Rebekka divulged a little more about herself. Alex did genuinely hang on every word, though, as she had always found other people's stories utterly fascinating.

Even if she didn't quite believe them.

Alex issued a snort of disbelief and waved a hand. "Nooooo." She said, stretching out the word a few more syllables than normal. In spite of her ill-tempered displays there was no denying Rebekka's dark eyes and sharp, defined features made Rebekka one of the most gorgeous women Alex had ever met. Likewise, there was something about someone who took charge of their surroundings and didn't take anyone's crap that appealed to Alex. The other woman might have been older (although Alex really couldn't tell, everyone looked far older than her) Alex could easily see qualities in Rebekka that belied her spoken words.

"I don't know if I believe you." Alex spoke warily, eyeing Rebekka. "You're gorgeous and I know a lot of guys who like sassy women." Alex nodded because her logic was infallible. It didn't matter that she barely knew Rebekka, Alex just had a gut feeling and her gut feelings were only wrong most of the time.

[Rebekka Knight]

During the story Alex's eyes widened. It was so much like a kid's would that Rebekka had to smile. She was still fairly certain Alex was just a bundle of childlike joy somehow given form. The way she reacted to everything was so different from her. Unjaded and sweet instead of skeptical and bitter. Maybe that's what was drawing her in. Maybe that's why Rebekka found it impossibly easy to laugh around the girl. She certainly didn't feel that way around anyone else she knew. The few that came close usually got her mocking laughter. The harsh, taunting, and somewhat cruel guffaws Rebekka had developed.

Alex snorted and dragged out a word. Rebekka observed curiously. From her expression alone, she could see doubt. Which stunned Rebekka somewhat. What, did Alex actually believe Rebekka could end up with someone? Apparently so, as she spoke. Rebekka was, according to the girl, gorgeous and sassy. And somehow that appealed. Then Alex nodded, as if that settled things. Rebekka stared for a while, barely believing Alex was serious. But when she realized she was, Rebekka couldn't hold back her chuckling.

"Oh really?" She asked, her grin mischievous and big. She was entertained, that was certain. It also did feel oddly nice to have someone believe in her. Even if Rebekka knew the belief was ridiculous. "Yeah, you find any of them then tell me." She snickered and shook her head. "Because I've got a feeling they'll get one taste and go running for the hills. Probably go after some sweetheart like yourself. Thanks shortie, but I'm not convinced. Even with all your pixie enthusiasm."

[Alexandra Lawson]

Alex did, in truth, want to contest Rebekka's assertions with frank, honest opinions but she couldn't bring herself to. The last comment Rebekka had made struck Alex in the gut like few utterances had and she couldn't help but clamp her hands over her mouth to stop the laughter that immediately bubbled up. If only Rebekka knew that Alex had been described many times over as an 'acquired taste' it may change her opinion.

"Right." Alex still had that youthful smirk on her face even as she rolled her eyes. "Do you know how hard it is to find a guy who wants to play Mario Kart all night instead of going out?" Alex let out a sigh and shook her head a bit. The struggle had been real. "Or stay up until dawn binge watching Friday the 13th?" She leaned back in her seat and crossed her arms defiantly across her chest, the faint traces of a pout beginning to touch her features. Even when discussing a decidedly adult topic (albeit with childish factors), Alex couldn't help the youthful way she went about things. "Trust me. Until Ezra came along I was not on anyone's radar."

Alex let out a little huff for emphasis then shook her head again. "I still don't know." She admitted. "Seems to me like you've got it all figured out." Alex was being absolutely serious. Women like Rebekka simply exuded an air of confidence and control that Alex could only dream of. "You know what you want and that's... something that's hella cool." Another pause followed Alex's assertion but it didn't last long. Her brow furrowed then she nodded. "Okay." She said, nodding. "I can so do that. Give me your number and I'll send them your way." Yes. The look on Alex's face showed her to be 100% serious.

[Rebekka Knight]

Something had set Alex off. She covered her mouth, presumably to hold back laughter. Rebekka didn't know why. Had she said something particularly funny? But eventually she couldn't help but chuckle at how hilarious Alex looked trying to hold it all in. Then she was smirking and talking about Mario cart and Friday the 13. Rebekka's chuckle turned into full out laughter again. "Hey, if they don't like the 13th, than that's just the issue of them having bad taste not to appreciate it." Horror movies were more Rebekka's things. Mainly because they barely scared her, and the few that did she treasured.

"Sure, shortie. That or no one else was brave enough to come up and try catching your interest." She responded. Rebekka very much doubted that no one had been interested in Alex. They were probably just shy. Or thought the exact same as Alex. That they couldn't be on anyone's radars. Kids these days. Alex huffed and Rebekka grinned. To Alex, Rebekka had it all figured out. Which was sort of true. For the most part Rebekka was content. Although there were some things down the road she knew she had to prepare for. Rebekka had to laugh at Alex's wording. "Hella cool?" She repeated, grinning now. it was funny actually hearing it from someone who claimed to be an "adult." Although from Alex it didn't seem as out of place.

Alex nodded. She actually looked serious. Rebekka was baffled. She was actually offering to find someone for her? The fact this complete stranger was willing to do that made Rebekka throw back her head and laugh. It was absolutely preposterous. But at the same time Rebekka found herself pulling out her phone and sliding it across. She grinned. "Sure thing shortie." She did it more out of amusement than anything. She highly doubted Alex would actually find someone. "All I've gotta say is: good luck."

[Alexandra Lawson]

"Exactly! Right?" Alex waved a hand and nodded in agreement. While Rebekka may have been largely joking in her assertion about horror movies Alex was actually serious. Horror movies were definitely her thing. At least being accepting of them (especially the terrible, low budget ones from the 80's) was a flat out deal breaker for the young redhead. "I keep saying that but no one believes me."

Alex let out a snort and stifled a self-deprecating laugh. She'd never been anyone's leading lady but she felt she had taken to the 'quirky sidekick' role well. "I don't know if I'd go that far." She said, even though it was flattering to have someone say it. "But it's not like I'm complaining. It all turned out for the best." Alex couldn't argue, of course, seeing as how Rebekka was right and there had been someone who came along.

"Shut up." A chuckle did escape as Alex reached out to pluck the offered phone off the table. "That's how we talk in California!" She protested while tapping her number into Rebekka's phone. It certainly hadn't been the first time she'd been called out for using such a word. "Anyway." Once complete, Alex slid the phone back to Rebekka. "Don't doubt my capacity to attract tortured artists." She warned with a mischievous glint in her eye. "They love getting their asses kicked. Especially good looking ladies."

[Rebekka Knight]

Alex nodded and waved her hand, causing Rebekka to chuckle again She was so enthusiastic in everything. It was more than entertaining. Besides, Rebekka could easily agree. She even laughed again. "Pffft, what? I believe you. What am I, chopped liver?" Rebekka wasn't offended. She was still technically a stranger to Alex. She doubted her opinion would matter much. Still, it was nice to find another horror movie lover.

Alex snorted and tried to stifle a laugh. Rebekka didn't and laughed freely. Alex seemed to doubt the facts. Rebekka just scoffed. She knew to be true, even if Alex didn't think the same. Still, the girl seemed flattered. It was almost like a compliment. Or at least as close to a compliment as she could get. Alex wasn't complain. As she said, things were going well. Rebekka smiled and nodded. In the end she'd been right. There was someone.

Rebekka grinned at the little command Alex gave her. She could see it was in good fun. According to Alex that's how they talked in California. Rebekka rolled her eyes. "Remind me never to go there. I think I'd go insane if that's how you all talked." Not that Rebekka had any plans to go anywhere. Sure the idea seemed pleasing. But Rebekka didn't have a group or anything to go with, so there was no real motivation. She took back the phone once Alex slid it over. Then arched a brow. "Tortured artists? What, is that the type you'd think I'd go for?" Truth be told, Rebekka had no type. Having a type meant she'd actually have to have experience with dating people. Then came the last comment, and Rebekka snickered. "Do you mean by good looking ladies, or are good looking 'tortured artist' girls especially into ass-kicking?"

[Alexandra Lawson]

Alex's latest bit of laughter trailed off with a sigh. She leaned back a bit and let her eyes wander out over the courtyard. The number of students milling about had dwindled with the starting classes leaving the two women to continue speaking in relative solitude. "Hey now." Alex's gaze fell back to Rebekka and the ever present smile on her face widened. "Be nice. We say 'hella' and 'dude'. It's not that bad.' Alex fell silent for a moment and then shrugged. "Okay, yeah, it's pretty bad." She admitted.

It took a long while for Alex to speak again. She peered across the table at Rebekka, eyes wide and blinking. She was, without a doubt, beginning to lose herself in her own mind as she thought over Rebekka's question. Alex didn't know Rebekka all that well despite falling into a comfortable, easy conversation (a rarity for Alex) but Alex was also a bit of a hopeless romantic and sometimes unbearably optimistic. "Uhhh... Yes?" Alex's head tilted curiously, much like a curious puppy would. "I think the idea of having a 'type' is... limiting, you know?" Alex was starting to wax philosophical which was a strange sight to see, though that didn't stop her from trying. "There might be someone out there you never expected." At least for now Alex was sounding reasonable so she gave a satisfied nod at that.

"By." Alex corrected herself with a faint frown. "Then again, I don't know. You'd probably make the artsy guys I know cry. They're kind of... wussy..." Alex glanced upward as she thought about that a bit and let out a short giggle at the image in her mind. "But that would be funny."

[Rebekka Knight]

Alex's gaze traveled over the courtyard. Rebekka hadn't even noticed how empty it was now. She didn't mind though. Less kids meant less flying balls. Alex looked back and protested. She insisted it wasn't that bad. Rebekka just gave her a look. Stared while Alex fell silent. then laughed when she admitted it was bad. "It reminds me of the stereotypical 'bros.'" Rebekka responded. Thinking about it made her snicker all over again.

Alex went blank. For a moment Rebekka thought she broke the girl. She frowned and was about to wave her hand in front of the girl. But then Alex spoke. Yes? She thought that was her type? Although Alex didn't sound so sure when she said it. She tilted her head. Having a type was limiting according to her. Rebekka had to smirk. Suddenly Alex seemed to be getting philosophical. From the childish way she acted earlier, it was hilarious to watch her try. She pointed out that Rebekka might find someone she didn't expect. Rebekka laughed outright. "Yeah, you're right." She replied with a toothy grin. "I don't expect anyone."

Alex corrected herself. By. But then she frowned and pointed out how Rebekka might make the boys cry. Rebekka was already laughing when Alex giggled. "Yeah, I'd be no stranger to that happening." She was grinning widely again. "I've managed to get a few 'manly tears' out of guys. Apparently I can be scary." Like she didn't know that already. "How tragic."