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His head shot down the second their eyes made contact. Lighter Really was a troubled soul. He nervously pulled on his sleeves, biting his lip. Their walk was somewhat silent for quite a few steps.
“You should ty the hot chocolate at this place we’re going to. It’s really good. Especially with vanilla.” He mumbled after awhile, running another hand through his ginger hair. It was surprisingly well-kept given the circumstances he was in.
"Okay. I've never tried it like that before." Hope smiled. She rubbed her thumb over his hand. "Are you okay?"
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A nervous laugh left his throat. The sound was low and gruff. “Of course I am, I’m on a date with you aren’t I?” He replied, flashing her a very well hidden fake smile. Truth be told, he was expecting her to leave after a few days.
She couldn't help but smile. A charmer. She couldn't help but look into his eyes. They were beautiful. "Well yes." She couldn't contain her happiness.
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“Mm, that makes me happy enough.” He let her meet his eyes, a little weary. She was cute in her excitement and happiness. “I can’t believe you’ve only been on one date before this.” He commented. It was meant to be in his head. It came out his mouth.
"I guess I just haven't really found someone who's made me this happy." She replied, a deep red crossing her freckled face. "Plus, the only date I did go on, wasn't with someone I liked as more than a friend."
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“You only just met me today.” He teased, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. Lighter paused for a moment, leading her to a cross walk. The cafe was just across the street. “Well hell, you’re so… just cute in so many ways. I can tell you many guys enjoy cute.”
"Yes, but it doesn't mean I haven't noticed you before." She giggled. "Plus, I'm not that cute."
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“You’ve noticed me?” Lighter was shocked. Most people ignored him. He let out a strained laugh. “Lies.” He said simply, grinning brightly.
"How could I not. Dark and mysterious Irish boy sitting in the back of almost every class." Hope said with a smile. "I noticed you all the time. And I hope the dark mysterious thing isn't offensive."
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He chuckled, shaking his head. As they approached the cafe, he made sure she stuck by his side. “Dark and mysterious. I like it actually.” He opened the door to the small little place for her. The neon sign above named it as Black Bean Cafe. From what could be seen of the interior, the place was cozy. Potted plants hung from the ceiling at various heights and golden tables lined the cream walls.
"Oh this place is so lovely. How have I never come here before." She smiled up at him. "What a gentleman." She couldn't help but giggle as she walked through the door he held open for her.
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"It's not too known." He replied, looking around once he stepped inside. He shivered. It was always cooler in this cafe. "I like it because its not well known. It's always quieter."
"Well that makes sense." Hope shivered at the cold air that hit her. "Is it normally this cold though?"
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"Always this cold. It makes your warm drink better." He joked, wondering if he should offer his coat. He worried about his cigarettes. If she found them she might not be too happy.
"Okay, I guess that makes sense." She giggled. "Shall we order?"
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He nodded softly, humming to himself. "We shall. What would you like?" He asked as he moved to the counter, his order already in mind.
"I'll take whatever you're having." She replied with a smile.
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((Sorry for the wait, I got called into work last minute))
The cashier who took their orders was a skeletal male nearing his mid twenties. He seemed to recognize Lighter, giving him a light nod. It was returned. After ordering two Vanilla Cocoa’s, he turned to Hope. “So Hope, What kind of things are you into? Theatre? Sports?”
(It's no problem at all. I had fallen asleep anyways)
"I do love a bit of theatre, but mostly writing." Hope replied with a smile on her face. "What about you?"
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(Oof, just so you know, today and tomorrow I might be a little slow in replies or I might not. I have a birthday to go to and tomorrow I have a conference and work.)
Lighter bit his lip. He enjoyed things that might not be socially acceptable. Like smoking and gang-related things. “Well, I do play the violin.” He admitted sheepishly, his voice lowered.
(It's all good. I'll be pretty off and on as well)
"Really. Not to sound rude but I just never saw you as that type of guy." Hope smiled. "But that's so awesome!"
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“No one does. It’s a side hobby. I don’t like to admit it.” He was actually pretty ashamed of it. He was extremely good at it and spent hour sitting practicing sometimes. He’d always take his violin out of the house when he did so. He didn’t want his father breaking it.
"There's no need to hide it. If you'd ever feel comfortable enough, maybe you could play for me sometime." She gave him an encouraging smile.
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“Maybe some day.” He echoed, smiling softly at her. His name was called then. Lighter used that as a distraction and hurried to grab their drinks. He carefully offered Hope’s to her. “Don’t burn yourself.”
"I will try not to." Hope took a sip. "This is really good!"
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“It’s the best thing they have here.” Lighter said as he led her to a table near the windows. He liked to watch people pass. “Hope, how are your classes going?”
"Pretty good, just wish all the jocks would stop staring at me." She replied. "How are yours going?"
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“Honestly same. Except the jocks are glaring at me.” He chuckled. They all hated him. He had a lot of beef with them.
"Bit of a fighter, aye?" Hope giggled. All the jocks seemed to like to start things. Especially when there's a girl involved.
