• Will You Believe •

[Ryder Xavier Wilcox]

+ I'll be right beside you, Nobody will break you +

Ryder had known many girls over the course of his twenty years, but none had ever been like Aimee. She was certainly different, a good different to be sure. He couldn’t quite peg her. Once he thought something about her, she turned around and pulled this flirty vixen out of seemingly nowhere. He’d thought her shy, and was proven wrong almost instantly. “Oh, I’m sure you wouldn’t disappoint,” he said, still trying to flirt with her. She was so at ease flirting with him and he felt like every he said would turn out to be wrong. He wasn’t like other guys around New York, or the world. He didn’t just want into every girl in the city’s pants. He enjoyed being in relationships, he enjoyed doting on the women in his life. He wanted to know the people he was surrounded by. He wanted to have a friendship before he had a relationship. If that meant he went months without getting any, so be it. As crude as that seemed, it was the truth.

Already he had thoughts of another date racing through his mind. His ability to multi-task was a blessing and a curse, really. He laughed, nodding his head as seriously as he could. “Of course, it will be spectacular! You’ll be stunned speechless,” he said, only half joking. He really wanted their next meeting to be planned and executed perfectly. He didn’t know who she was, he didn’t know what she was accustomed to, so really his idea of beautifully executed and hers were probably completely different. But of course, he didn’t know that. And maybe he was better off not knowing what she was accustomed to. He was different from the rest of the guys in the world and their next date, because he thought of this as their first, was going to be at the very least, well thought out. Dinner, a walk around… maybe he could find a carriage. Too many thoughts were whirling around in that intelligent little head of his. So many that he needed to shake his head to clear them all. At the vendor, after rattling off his order, he looked down at Aimee with a wounded look on his classic features. “Well, I suppose it was too good to be true anyway,” he said as sadly as he could, trying with all his might to get that spark of laughter from his eye.

Ryder lifted their intertwined fingers to his chest and looked down at Aimee with sadness in his eyes. He wasn't the best actor in the world, but he could manage just fine. And it didn't matter to him if she saw right through them show, he was just playing around. "Yes, I'm sorry I didn't mention it before. You see, I'm in this sort of long term..." he paused as if looking for the proper words to use. "Well, I suppose relationship works well. It is a type of relationship after all. Well, to put it quite bluntly, I have a date with my mother. Italian sons absolutely cannot stand their mothers up. It's quite rude and shows a serious lack of respect. She doesn't look it, but she's got a nasty streak in her." She wouldn't kill him; especially since his grandfather would be there and neither of them were exactly fond of the old Army ass. Plus, he would never leave his sister alone like that. And at the moment, he was weighing the pros and cons of inviting Aimee along. His mother always cooked way too much food, with Ryder's aid, so he knew there would be more than enough food there to feed her as well. "Besides, I'm part of the cooking line," he leaned in to whisper as if it were a matter of national security. Their family wasn't like the average Italian family. Though his mother did dote on him, he was forced into the kitchen to cook as often as possible. And, though he did have his mother on a sort of pedestal, it was quite short and he tended to mention that to her often. They had a good relationship where they could joke about things like that. She often said something sarcastic about him and he often replied by calling her an ass; as lovingly as possible, of course. It was how they showed their love to each other; odd, but true.

The only problem he could see was all the Italian being spoken. Chances were, there would be a lot of it, it was his mother's maiden tongue after all. Did Aimee understand Italian? Did she speak it? There was a chance that he was going to be playing translator. That was alright, he was used to it when he brought friends home. His mother, shortly after Ryder started bringing his best friend, Allela over, did his mother start speaking English with company present. It wasn't her fault really, it was just habit. Ryder's parents often spoke Italian when they were sitting around the house. It kept them both fluent and when they were out, they spoke English. Maybe, if Ryder was lucky, they'd speak English solely for his grandfather's sake, and eventually Aimee's so she could understand their conversations. Mostly, they spoke a Frankenstein language whenever his grandfather was visiting. He did not like Ryder's mother's language in the least, and so as another way to annoy the old man more, they spoke it quickly and fluently so he had trouble understanding. Vindictive? Yes, hell yes, it was, but no one in the family cared.

<sub>+ TAG + His Future Cinderella <3
+ WORDS + 931
+ LOCATION + Central Park
+ CLOTHES + Be My Lantern
+ LYRICS + Beside you//Marianas Trench
+ NOTES + <3</sub>[/size]

[Aimee Elizabeth March]

Aimee liked this sort of date. She'd had all the over-expensive, cheesily romantic, and supposedly perfect dates for as long as she could remember. Hell, the first one she'd gone on had been to the most expensive restauraunt in New York with some hot shot guy Sophomore who'd thought she'd be "putting out" that evening after their date. Boy, had he been wrong. But, still, Aimee had been through all of the typical setups for dates. What she was on with Ryder right now, though, was about as different as could humanly be possible. But it was her favorite out of each and every one she'd ever been on. Hopefully, though, she'd be able to top whatever Ryder did come up with for their next date. Because, if she wasn't mistaken, they'd readily agreed to going out again. And possibly again after that, as he'd just said she wouldn't plan a bad date. Hopefully, he'd be right. And, hopefully, they'd be out on many more dates after that. "I'm sure you won't either, sweetheart," she winked back, smiling again. Aimee was a flirt by nature, but it was also shining through as a nervous habit now. She flirted well, and she knew that, so it was naturally what she fell onto when she got nervous. Her mother always said a little charm never hurt anyone, and Aimee practically lived by that now, especially in situations like these.

"I've got one condition for you, though," she stated, giving him a look that clearly said she was being serious. "You are not taking me to some fancy-pants place where everyone walks around with sticks up their asses and they serve food with names nobody can pronounce. Or, I promise you, I will leave the moment we get there," she smirked, joking now as the sparkles dancing in her eyes proved. Aimee wouldn't exactly leave, but she also wouldn't let her hatred of fancy places go unvoiced. She got enough of up-town, "trendy" cafes when she was with her mother or the social circle she forced into keeping up. With someone like Ryder, someone refreshing and different, Aimee didn't want that. She wanted normal; no high-society. Just normal. Because, maybe, that's what this relationship could turn out to be. As long as she didn't let him within a mile of her parents. Aimee couldn't hide her smirk at his words, and she ended up giggling again despite her attempts not to. "I think I might be able to make an exception for you... you seem special enough," she replied painfully slowly, pretending to think it over as she spoke. But, really, Aimee couldn't care less about his coffee order.

Aimee leaned against his chest just a little as he brought their hands up, and tiny pout on her lips as he spoke. She'd been hoping he'd be single and that this could really kick off. Though, with the quality of lots of guys her age and of the ones in New York in general, Aimee would end up as the "other girl" who had helped a guy cheat on some poor young lady. But, the second she heard it was his mom he was referring to, Aimee couldn't help laughing. It also answered another of her questions, though. He'd called her something in Italian before; that's what language it had been. "It gives me more time to plan our next spectacular date, anyways, if we don't go out tonight," she teased with a smile. Aimee's breath caught in her throat as he leaned closer, and she was surprised he couldn't hear her heart from how hard it was now thumping thanks to his proximity. "A guy that cooks; now that's something I like," she whispered back. Hesitantly, she reached up a little, pressing her warm lips to his cheek before pulling back and paying for their coffees. She paid the guy, leaving the rest of her twenty dollar bill in the tip jar with a very astonished looking guy staring after her as she pulled Ryder to the nearest bench.

• • •

WORDS: 750!
TAG: Her Future Prince Charming <3
LOCATION: Central Park!
MUSIC: Breathe by Faith Hill
OUTFIT: ZAP!
NOTES: <3 <3 <3

[Ryder Xavier Wilcox]

+ I'll be right beside you, Nobody will break you +

Ryder chuckled. He enjoyed the flirtations and the company a lot more than he probably would have it she had turned out to be one of those cold New Yorkers. But she wasn’t, she was soft and sweet and she laughed at his horrible jokes. Not even his sister did that to make him feel better most of the time. He considered himself a funny man, but funny man he was not in the slightest. A spark lit up his pale eyes at her comment but he didn’t say anything. He just nodded his head. And in the next moment, those pale green orbs were widening with an almost shocked expression. Alright, that was fine. Her requirements he could easily accept, no problem.

“Cold pizza from the place up the street it is!” he said laughing. Fancy dinners were out of the question anyway. Ryder hated those stuffy, up-tight places with the ridiculously low lighting and hour wait times. From the sounds of things, Aimee was used to those places and Ryder honestly felt bad. Who had she dated before that would put someone through such torture? He wasn’t the overly adventurous type, but Ryder had a feeling he knew something that she’d never done before. He and Nikki went regularly but that was because Nik loved it and no one else was ever willing to go with her. The gears were working in his head, wondering if Nik had the number for him to call.

His coffee order was long and sort of frivolous but Ryder knew he’d be needing the caffeine burst once he got to his parents’ home. Despite the fact his mother had a shiny stainless steel espresso machine sitting on the kitchen counter, his mother couldn’t make a decent cup to save her life, and Ry would be damn- or at least be sick for a few days, if he drank her coffee. It was amusing, since she was actually the Italian, but his dad could make a better cup. Both Ry and Nik had both tried their drinks, and the twins had picked their fathers each and every time. Ryder laughed, shoving his free hand through his hair, pushing it out of his eyes; he’d need a trim soon enough. He wasn’t able to keep up the charade of despair very long, clearly. “I’m pleased you feel that way. I’d hate to see this over before it became all thanks to a coffee order,” he said, still chuckling.

Ryder’s pale eyes widened as he looked down at her. And why couldn’t their next date sort of flow from the one they were on into it? Okay, sure it’d basically be one giant date, and a family meeting, which rarely happened on the first date, but these were unusual circumstances and why should they play by the rules? He was still thinking through all of that when she stepped back, paid for their coffees and her chocolate muffin. He accepted his large coffee and absently took a drink from it. It was hot and burned the tip of his tongue a bit, but he didn’t feel it. His mind was racing, thinking about what his parents, what his sister would think. They were a pretty open family. His mother, definitely would welcome her into the fold of the family easily enough; another hen to chat with, she’d say. So, why not? “Uh, thank you,” he said, remembering finally that he hadn’t said the words. He wasn’t exactly sure what was making his brain go mushy, her lips which were momentarily pressed to his cheek, or his though process where he was already picturing her at the family dinner table.

“Why not?” he accidentally said, out loud. Ryder looked down at Aimee, eyes bright with the idea. “Why don’t be continue this date a little longer and you come to dinner with me? I can promise you, it won’t be like any dates you’d been on before,” he suggested, knowing the truth of that without her having to confirm it. From what he’d gathered from their conversation so far, she’d been to a dozen high class, super expensive restaurants in and around the City. So, why not bring her home? Surely her previous dates hadn’t thought of something so, out there before. And, it would give him the chance to see how she’d interact with his family. That was a big thing with him, knowing if his future girlfriends got along with his family. Hold on, he’d spoken to her for less than an hour and he was already thinking so far ahead? “But, I still get to plan a proper date afterwards. You can attempt to surpass that one,” he said conditionally. He still wanted to go through with that previous plan.

<sub>+ TAG + His Future Cinderella <3
+ WORDS + 797
+ LOCATION + Central Park
+ CLOTHES + Be My Lantern
+ LYRICS + Beside you//Marianas Trench
+ NOTES + <3</sub>

[Aimee Elizabeth March]

From what everyone who knew the facts behind her name expected, Aimee was quite different and unusual. She was not one of the back-stabbing, snobby rich girls New York seemed to be filled with these days. The fortune had never really gone to her head too much; though, with her frivolous mother, even Aimee was surprised it hadn't. Sure, she shopped and spent a lot more than normal people, but it was also because she had to. If it'd been up to her, she'd be walking around the city in jeans and t-shirts all day, every day. But, unless she wanted to face the wrath of her mother, Aimee wouldn't dare. She knew much better than to get on her mother's bad side. It'd happened once, and she'd promised herself it never would again. Not only could the fashion-savvy mama be frightening, but she could also be more painful than any young teenager need feel.

"That sounds wonderful," she grinned, laughing softly with him. Cold pizza she could do, as long as he didn't put some freaky toppings on it. But, hey, she'd probably try it then, just to try and make him happy, even if it ended with her gagging on whatever disgusting topping he'd chosen to unknowingly torture her with. But, cold pizza wasn't something Aimee normally had on a date. She could already see it now, however. Her and Ryder cuddled up on a couch with a box of pizza and who knows what other junk food snacks spread before them. His arm holding her close, her head on his chest or buried in it as scary parts of the film played across the screen. It sounded absolutely perfect. But what was she thinking this far ahead for? They hadn't even gotten through this date yet. Part of her wanted it to be over though, so their already planned future ones could commence. She was looking forward to spending more time with Ryder, a lot more time. Aimee couldn't help a giggle, smirking up at him. "Maybe coffee dates aren't so safe, huh?" she teased, bumping her shoulder into him lightly as the guy prepared their lengthy and exact orders.

Aimee sat down on the bench, smoothing her skirt out so it sat nicely and "properly". She took a sip of her coffee, enjoying the scorching liquid as its warmth spread through-out her freezing body. Wearing dresses in winter wasn't exactly the brightest idea. She opened up the bag her muffin was in, breaking a piece of the chocolate delight off and popping it into her mouth. Ryder's words just barely made it through her brain, and it took her a moment as he realized what he was saying. He was inviting her to meet his mother... That was definitely not something Aimee did a lot. Sure, she met mothers, but they were usually her mother's friends and she was introduced to the sons after she'd met their mothers, who were all hoping they'd get lucky and "win" Aimee as a daughter-in-law. After a long moment, she finally answered, "Are you sure? Wouldn't I be intruding or something?" Truthfully, she did want to go, just so she could maybe spend some more alone time with him afterwards. Surviving a dinner really couldn't be that difficult, right? And, if Ryder was anything like his mother, Aimee was pretty positive she'd like her. So, really, it couldn't be entirely terrible. And she'd get to see Ryder more. Yeah, she'd go. "So you get to plan two dates if I go?" she laughed, taking another sip of her coffee. "I guess I'll allow it. But your second one better be amazing," she teased, winking at him before ripping off another piece of muffin and nibbling on it.

• • •

WORDS: 700!
TAG: Her Future Prince Charming <3
LOCATION: Central Park!
MUSIC: Breathe by Faith Hill
OUTFIT: ZAP!
NOTES: <3 <3 <3

[Ryder Xavier Wilcox]

+ I'll be right beside you, Nobody will break you +

He’d been joking about the cold pizza, but it could be done, if he planned it all out properly. In fact, he already had it all planned out, he just needed to make a few phone calls. With just one exception; the pizza would not be cold. As much as he loved a good slice of cold pizza, he wouldn’t eat it for dinner; breakfast? Absolutely, but dinner? Not likely. He was odd like that, and Nik made fun of him for it, but she was his twin; it was her job to poke fun. Before this date occurred however, he was going to have to ask her topping preference. He ate pretty much everything but olives and sticky dead little fishes on his pizza; call him fickle, but gross.

Ryder laughed, swaying dramatically as Aimee’s shoulder pushed into his. “Probably not; no! You can tell a lot about a person’s coffee choice, you know,” He said, not knowing if that were true or not. And if it were, what would his coffee preference say about him? European for sure; who else could handle that much espresso? But what else? He sure didn’t know and he figured you’d probably need a PhD to figure it all out. And what would the shrink say about his thoughts on wanting to spend more time with a girl he’d just met? Because, he did want to spend more time with his intriguing, beautiful girl, and get to know her. He wanted to prolong this meeting so they could be together just a bit longer. But of course, that wasn’t really probably. He couldn’t stay in the park with her, talking until the sun set. He had a dinner to attend and he promised a couple people he wouldn’t miss it.

The coffee went down smoothly, searing off half his taste buds along its journey, but Ryder didn’t mind in the least. Sure, he was going to miss half the tastes at his parent’s house, but this meant that at least he’d be awake to eat in the first place! There would be no need to sneak off to his old bedroom for a little cat nap with the triple shot he’d ordered. He sat, still running through his own words. He couldn’t believe he’d asked her to his parent’s house, and yet, he could because he had. It was basically a test to see if they could last for more than this casual coffee date. If she could even have a good time with his family, they’d get along famously. But he already believed they’d get along well. His mother had a love of pretty things; and people. But she also had a penchant for smart things and people; intelligence. And Aimee was both and she was funny and sweet and take charge; his mother would like that. She didn’t like codependent women very much. Yes, his mother was a hard case; that much was for sure.

Ryder turned his head to look at Aimee. Her eyes were phenomenal. His smile was easy, pleased and excited nervousness all rolled into one. “Of course I’m sure. I wouldn’t have invited you if I didn’t think it was a good idea. Plus, with you there, my sister will have someone our age to talk to besides me. And we get to be together longer, which, if I must say, was the basis to this plan all along,” he informed her as if this shouldn’t have been obvious and needed to be explained; although, it really didn’t need to be explained at all.

Ry sipped at the burning dark liquid as he waited for her answer to his compromise. Well, it wasn’t really a compromise, was it? When he got to plan basically everything and she got to sit back and enjoy the hot mess he came up with. Finally, Ryder lifted his cup in a mock salute and laughed happily. “Great! Then it’s all set! We just need to pick a day, and I’ll call you when you put your number into my phone and give you all the information you’ll need,” he said, because he wasn’t going to tell her everything right then and there; especially when he hadn’t made those phone calls, and he didn’t know which days were good for her. Speaking of, Ry pulled his phone from his pocket and checked the time; his eyes widened. How had the time passed so quickly? It had seemed like he’d just left the apartment ten minutes ago and he was already due back!

Ryder stood sharply, jostling the guitar case he’d forgotten he had on his back. It was such a constant weight that he often forgot about it until someone else mentioned it. “So, you’re going to come with me, we had better start getting back to my apartment to pick up my sister,” he said, adjusting the cases straps. “Which basically means, we get to sit around for another half hour and wait until my sister deems herself ready to go,” he refrained from adding, “because we have to far to go” sarcastically; but that didn’t stop him from thinking it. Who knew, maybe this time, she’d be ready when they walked through the door; two miracles could happen in a single day, right?

<sub>+ TAG + His Future Cinderella <3
+ WORDS + 883
+ LOCATION + Central Park
+ CLOTHES + Be My Lantern
+ LYRICS + Beside you//Marianas Trench
+ NOTES + <3</sub>

[Aimee Elizabeth March]

Aimee couldn't stop herself from laughing as he looked down at her again. He must've really wanted her to go to this dinner thing. Which, apparently, his sister was going to as well. Wonderful. But, she'd pull through somehow, especially since she'd just heard her desires echoed back to her by Ryder himself. So he did want to spend more time with her tonight. "You better make it worth it if you're dragging me to some pit of old, boring people," she joked, giving him a pretty smile before eating another piece of her muffin. It was really quite delicious. But, then again, she typically ordered these muffins here because a) who doesn't love chocolate? and b) muffins go wonderfully with morning coffees. And afternoon/evening coffees, actually. Aimee was kind of glad she'd gotten one now that she'd found out she was going to dinner with Ryder and his family. Having a bit of extra anything in her body might help her through it. Though, the thought of spending time with Ryder probably would've done the trick just as well.

She grinned at him, nodding in response. "I have to check my class times for the week, but I should be free for you," she smirked. Aimee knew she had lectures this week and probably some helping out at her mother's studio, though that would be blown off as smoothly as possible for Aimee's sanity's sake. Besides, if she had the excuse of a date, her mother couldn't question it too much, especially if she didn't give away who the date was with. Aimee grabbed Ryder's phone before he could put it away, easily pounding away at the keyboard as she put in her name and cell number. She handed it back to him with a smirk, "You make it sound like we're going on some secret mission. Call after three and I should answer," she added, knowing how horrid school was. Most of her classes were in the morning or early afternoon, though, and she was home by three our out of school, anyways, where she wouldn't get barked at for talking on the phone during class.

A frown took over her lips as Ryder stood up so quickly and she followed after him in a second, thinking something was wrong before she realized he was probably late. Well, not something she didn't do half of her life. It was "fashionable" after all. "You're positive nobody'll mind me coming?" she asked again, eating the last piece of her muffin and tossing the wrapping into the trashcan next to them. Aimee slipped her hand back into one of his, sipping at her coffee once again. She bit her lip as he spoke about his sister getting ready, already envying the girl for that. If this had been up to her, Aimee definitely would've had them take a de-tour to her apartment so she could change into less dressy clothes. Besides, her puppies would love Ryder, and she knew it. Plus, the little darlings needed someone to feed them. Looked like she'd be making a phone call later. "Take it easy on her. It took me at least an hour to get ready this morning," she joked playfully, taking another long drink of her coffee and letting the fire run through her already cold body once more.

• • •

WORDS: 600!
TAG: Her Future Prince Charming <3
LOCATION: Central Park!
MUSIC: Breathe by Faith Hill
OUTFIT: ZAP!
NOTES: <3 <3 <3

[Ryder Xavier Wilcox]

+ I'll be right beside you, Nobody will break you +

Ryder laughed. Of all the descriptions of his parent’s home, old and boring were so far from the top of the list; hell, they weren’t even on the list. Childhood in the chaotic household was anything but dull and boring. And, thinking about it, he should have warned her how her parents pretend as though they’re talking about people, but are really saying such trivial things; just to see how said person would react. But Ry didn’t think he’d have to worry about that, he didn’t think she’d react they way they all did. “What I have brewing in this wonderful mind of mine will blow you away,” he said with a smile, before shrugging, “Or, you’ll run away and never speak to me again. Only time will tell how you’ll react. As for my parent’s house, “boring” and “old” are two words you might come to eat when you get there.” Okay, maybe not the old, after all, his grandparents were going to be there; but definitely not the boring.

Ryder’s grin was wicked, “I like the sounds of that,” he said, chuckling. And before he could slip his phone back into his pocket, Aimee snatched it out of his hand and entered her number into his contact list. He should his head, laughing. “You’ve got some serious ninja skills,” he said, accepting his phone back and slipping it into his pocket. He looked over at her with mischief in his eyes. “Oh, but it is a secret. Very cryptic, you’ll only know the day before, maybe two. Just enough time to get ready,” he said with the slightest hint of secrecy in his voice. He made a mental note of the time, knowing he’d probably call once and leave cryptic text messages that more than likely weren’t very cryptic.

Ryder shook his head, “They won’t if they know what’s good for them, anyway,” he shook his head, laughing. “Really, though, they won’t mind. My mom and I tend to make too much food anyway,” he said with an easy shrug. There were always leftovers at the Wilcox’s house. Ryder squeezed Aimee’s hand, comforting her as much as telling himself she was still there; like it was shocking. And really, it probably should have been. It should have been shocking that he’d invited her to his parent’s house that he wanted to be so close to her having only been around her for a short time, and yet it was so natural; like it had always been meant to be. It was starting to appear like his books, only this was real, and not some fictitious world. “I really don’t understand how it takes most of your gender so much time getting ready for the day. Get up, get coffee, get shower, get dressed, get out; done.” He said, laughing at his “oh, shit! I’m late” routine. When he woke up on time, he took a little more time and care into getting ready for the day, but not as much as his sister.

<sub>+ TAG + His Future Cinderella <3
+ WORDS + 505
+ LOCATION + Central Park
+ CLOTHES + Be My Lantern
+ LYRICS + Beside you//Marianas Trench
+ NOTES + <3</sub>

[Aimee Elizabeth March]

Already, Aimee was envying Ryder for the relationship she'd never had. He seemed so close to his parents, like a real family. And he had a sister. She'd always wanted a sister, or just a sibling in general. Instead she'd gotten puppies and a "we're sorry, sweetie, but we just can't handle another baby". Yes, Ryder had the one thing Aimee's whole, entire fortune would never be able to buy: a family. "Even if it was that bad, I'd never run. These heels would bring me to my death if I went faster than a jog," she smirked jokingly up at him. Aimee hadn't been to a real "house" for awhile now. Mainly, her time was spent in nifty apartments/penthouses, vacation homes larger than the apartment buildings themselves, or the gated community that held mansions only slightly bigger than the vacation homes. "Houses" were foreign to her. And, frankly, one would've probably been able to fit in her closet at her parents' home. "So you'll keep me entertained, huh?" This time, Aimee couldn't hide the flirty side of her, the side that was longing for more of him.

When it came to gossip, Aimee was more used to it than she cared to admit. She'd been raised in the rumour mill and had watched, and listened to, people talk about her while she was a mere three yards away. It was part of the social circle; eat or be eaten, spoiled heiress edition. She'd learned long ago how to hold a poker face, and how to hold it well for long periods of time. Acting really was no issue for her; playing a part was what she'd lived on for all her life.

"Well, if we are going on some secret mission, ninja skills might come in handy," she joked back with a smile. Aimee pulled her phone from a pocket of her coat, holding it up for him. "Do I get your number, or is not knowing part of this plan?" She giggled softly, bumping his shoulder again. "Secret spy mission it is then." Aimee wouldn't mind playing into his little game, as long as he followed her one condition. Anything other than that, and she was up for it. But, she would need to know what to wear, if not where they were actually going. Wearing heels and a dress rock climbing or on some other extreme date? No thank you.

She sighed softly at his threat, laughing after. Aimee didn't want to cause any problems; she only hoped he knew that. If this was a special event in their family life, she'd wait her turn for his time and call him tomorrow to try and plan something. It didn't matter to her all that much, so long as she got to spend time with him, even if it wasn't at this very second. "If you say so," she smiled up at him as he shrugged. "And, I am so watching you cook. I won't believe it until I see it," she smirked wickedly, squeezing his hand in return. "What am I getting introduced as, then? Your personal Central Park klutz?" Aimee didn't know what to exactly call this. They were clearly past the "friend" stage; their intertwined hands proved that. And, yet, how could they logically be anything more? They'd just met!

"Let's see. Make up, curling or flat ironing hair, then styling hair, then applying various products to hair, more make up, picking out clothes, picking out shoes, picking out accessories... the list goes on," she laughed in return. "Girls have it much harder than guys when it comes to looks."

• • •

WORDS: 700!
TAG: Her Future Prince Charming <3
LOCATION: Central Park!
MUSIC: Breathe by Faith Hill
OUTFIT: ZAP!
NOTES: <3 <3 <3

[Ryder Xavier Wilcox]

+ I'll be right beside you, Nobody will break you +

Dinner, his waiting sister, his grandfather waiting to belittle him, none of that even crossed his mind at the moment; Ryder’s thoughts were all consuming and they were all about Aimee. But all good things must come to an end, and eventually the topic was on his family, and the dinner he had to attend. He had ulterior motives for inviting Aimee along. He absolutely wanted to spend more time with her, he didn’t want to just leave her now, but he also wanted her to meet his family. That was big for him, even if she didn’t know it. His was an Italian family, but the men were not treated like gods and the woman as though they belonged in the kitchen. In fact, it was usually the opposite. It was often Ryder in the kitchen with his mother, or grandmother cooking while his sister got to sit around with their father talking, playing video games or whatever. If it weren’t still so chilly out, they’d probably spend the afternoon outside playing a scrimmage game of soccer.

“I don’t think I’ve been more thankful for those death traps as I am right now,” he said, laughing. He squeezed her hand gently, reassuringly, knowing it was probably a little scary meeting some well, strange guy’s parents having just met him earlier that day. But he also knew she’d be fine there, and probably fit it better than some of the twins’ friends. It was his father, who was American, that tended to be more taken aback by the straight forward, overly blunt questions and answers while their mother, who was born and raised in Verona who laughed and was laidback about the shock factor of American Culture. “I can promise you, it won’t be dull,” he said, shaking his head. His mother and sister would be all over her shoes, they were obsessed, and his father, well, for someone who tended to be shocked by the shock factor, he was too blunt for his own good and would probably just put his foot in his mouth.

Ryder pictured himself crossing his fingers and hoping for the best. He really didn’t want to bring home a girl and it be the one and only time in as long as he could remember that the house be chaotic and disorderly. He was thankful that the conversation was so smooth and could switch so easily from his parents home and the impending dinner to their now semi-scheduled date. Ryder was quick to laugh, at almost anything funny. Even if it wasn’t funny, but it was just so stupid you couldn’t help but laugh. And this, joking around with Aimee, having fun was no different and it felt so right to the young Italian man; he really didn’t want any of this to end. “You may need ninja skills, it all depends. But, you won’t know until the day of,” he chuckled, loving the fact he could be cryptic and she didn’t know him so well that she could practically read his mind. With his phone securely put away, he took her phone from her delicate hand and added his number as quickly as she’d added hers before giving it back. “But I do promise to give you a minimum of twenty-four hours notice so you can prepare accordingly,” he said, all proper and held back the laugh that wanted to escape because of it. He was seriously such a nerd.

He nodded, “I do say so,” he said, hopefully ending her concerns for this. It wasn’t some special dinner and if he’d thought about it, he probably would have invited his friend along, but he hadn’t given it much thought before then. “There’s plenty of room in the kitchen and plenty of things to do. If you’re not careful, you’ll be recruited to help out.” He was going to suggest she stay out of the kitchen for the most part but pop in to visit every now and then, but thought better of it. Besides his sister, whenever they got back to the apartment to introduce them, he’d be the only one there she knew. She’d probably feel more comfortable if she stayed close to him anyway. And lord knows he’d feel better knowing his asshole of a grandfather was digging into her.

Ryder looked down at Aimee, as if contemplating the answer to her question. “Well, I was going to introduce you by your name, but if you’d prefer that instead, I’d be more than happy to oblige,” he said, tensing for a hit he wasn’t sure was coming. His sister would have hit him, Allela would have hit him, but he didn’t know about Aimee and figured it was best to be prepared. He wasn’t sure how he was going to explain, they’d known each other for how long? And yet, it was clear there was something deeper going on between the two. Logical or not, Ryder wanted to dig deeper and get to that more there part of the program. If that meant they were speeding through this like a freight train, so be it. He just hoped it didn’t end like a Wild West story; with the train at the bottom of a ravine, a black cloud filling the sky as flames shot up from the burning mass.

Ry shook his head, still unable to wrap his mind around the hour minimum the female half of the species could spent in the bathroom, primping. He shuddered at the thought and was once again so thankful he was a guy. There was so much less hassle for almost everything. “Yep,” he said, voicing his thoughts. “I am so thankful I’m a guy,” he said, moving away from the bench towards to nearest exit; which had been the entrance he’d used to get into the park. When he went on little trips like this, he tended to stay close to the entrance he used, so he could get back to his apartment as quickly as possible. Now, though, since he was waiting on his sister, he probably could have taken another route, taken longer to get to the house. But he also had Aimee in mind, and guessed she’d probably want to check her appearance before they left; which meant getting home faster.

<sub>+ TAG + His Future Cinderella <3
+ WORDS + 1 052
+ LOCATION + Central Park
+ CLOTHES + Be My Lantern
+ LYRICS + Beside you//Marianas Trench
+ NOTES + <3</sub>

[Aimee Elizabeth March]

Aimee was used to being introduced to people, so she wasn't too extremely worried about Ryder's family. What she was worried about was them somehow convincing him that she wasn't good enough for their standards, and him then dumping her. It was kind of how her parents were, and she'd just begun assuming everyone's were like that. If they didn't like her boyfriend, more likely than not, he'd get the boot. But, then again, Aimee usually wasn't this head over heels for her boyfriends, no matter how long they dated or how long they'd known each other. Ryder, however, was a lot different. She had a feeling her mother wouldn't approve of him, mainly because he wasn't sporting some fifty thousand dollar suit and cuff links to match. Her father, though... she didn't know about him. The man wasn't as appearance obsessed as his wife, which was one thing Aimee definitely loved about him. He'd base his judgement off of how Ryder treated his priceless daughter and nothing more. And, of course, if he was a good match for the fortune that would one day be trailing behind Aimee like some pathetic, diamond-collared puppy.

She laughed, "I'm sure you'd catch me anyways, even if I did try to run." Aimee gave his hand a light squeeze once more, turning her charming smile on him once more. She hoped he knew she wasn't too nervous, just a bit about if she'd ruin some traditional family dinner. "And afterwards?" she questioned, raising an eyebrow curiously at him. Aimee wanted to know what they were going to do after this. She had a couple ideas... most of which were coming from that side of her that wanted more than anything to be closer to him. A lot closer. Though, she didn't know why they kept eating at her like this. Normally, Aimee wasn't someone to rush into relationships. Hell, she never did that. They were always proper and what her social society expected; never as unique and unusual as this. But, then again, she'd never met anyone like Ryder before.

"Do I have to wear heels again so I can't run away?" she teased back with a smirk as he chuckled. Aimee wasn't going to run, not unless he turned into some freako serial killer, though she highly doubted that would happen. Plus, she could probably run decently enough in the heels, and it wasn't like she'd be wearing a pair like this to their "actual" first date. Though, it might be a good idea. She already felt like a doll compared to him, and she had quite a few inches added onto her height. Without the heels? Yeah, maybe she would be recycling the shoes. "I might need that long to find something to wear," Aimee laughed, taking her phone back from him. With a few swipes of her finger, she turned the phone onto vibrate before tucking it back into her coat pocket. She honestly didn't want to hear from her mother, who was no doubt dealing with some "big crisis" that would more than likely eventually involve Aimee. And, at the moment, she was in no mood to play model.

An expression of shock crossed her face when he said she might be cooking. For her, "cooking" consisted of ordering food from a menu or heating leftovers up in the microwave. She'd never had to truly cook a day in her life! "Me cooking isn't such a good idea," she laughed, shaking her head at him. "Unless you'd like my version of cooking, which usually involves a phone and take out boxes." It wasn't like she didn't have the money to eat out all the time, and she rarely had the time to cook between school and dealing with her mother/her company. Besides, with as much walking and moving around as she did, the calories practically burned themselves off when she got something other than a salad.

Aimee wanted to know what he was calling this... this thing going on between them. Was it an actual relationship? Some friends with benefits type thing? Or, what was there some new name for these strange feelings that kept coursing through her? "Oh, thank you," she said sarcastically, sticking her tongue out at him. Aimee took a step in front of him, smirking up at him as the heel of her stiletto came down relatively hard against his toes before she continued to walk once more. The smirk stayed on her face as she dragged him along again, a smile fighting its way onto her lips. "You should be thankful. Otherwise, we wouldn't be here right now," she laughed softly, walking through the gates of the park with him. She'd find her own way home later that evening, when she wasn't so caught up in everything about Ryder. Besides, it wasn't like she couldn't call her dad and have him send a car to whatever location her and Ryder were then at. Though, if things went as well as her animalistic side kept begging for them to, she wouldn't be calling for a cab tonight.

• • •

WORDS: 933!
TAG: Her Future Prince Charming <3
LOCATION: Central Park!
MUSIC: Breathe by Faith Hill
OUTFIT: ZAP!
NOTES: <3 <3 <3

[Ryder Xavier Wilcox]

+ I'll be right beside you, Nobody will break you +

Ryder shrugged, laughing. “Well, I don’t mean to toot my own horn, as the saying goes but…” he said trailed off with laughter. He’d been playing soccer ever since he could remember as a forward player. If she decided to run, he could chase after her and apologize until he was blue in the face. And after meeting his grandfather, Ryder wasn’t altogether sure he wouldn’t be doing just that. It wasn’t his parents, his sister or even his grandmother who he was nervous for Aimee to meet; it was the old man that worried him the most. He was a real jerk and Ry really didn’t want something the sour puss said to get to Aimee. Maybe it was a bad idea to invite her along for this specific family dinner, but he didn’t want to wait for the next one, next week. Curiously, he didn’t want to have to say goodbye at all at the moment. He wanted to take her along on some little adventure around Manhattan.

Ryder thought about that, and a crooked grin grew on his face. He had a few ideas in mind for afterwards, but he was going to keep those in check; for the time being at least. He liked the girl; he didn’t want to go rushing that fast into something that strongly. “Maybe I’ll let you decide,” he said instead of voicing his thoughts. Actually, he was trying to shove those thoughts into a tightly closed box until after the family dinner. His mother could read him like a book, and wouldn’t hesitate to ream him out in front of Aimee; in English and Italian. He really didn’t need that, especially since he was still in the stage of trying to impress her; couldn’t do that if he was being scolded like a five year old.

He laughed, liking that she was still enjoying herself and still with him. “Absolutely! I can’t have you running away at the surprise. Although, I’d say running shoes would be easier to flee in,” he smirked, teasing her. But he wouldn’t do that, or hold her against her will. If she didn’t want to do what he planned out, wanted to do something else, or realize he wasn’t the guy for her, he’d be upset, no doubt but he’d let her go without a problem. Ryder shook his head. If she was anything like most of the girls’ he knew, she probably had at least three outfits for every occasion securely tucked away in her closet to be set out at a moment’s notice.

Cooking in the Wilcox’s house was like a rite of passage. Both he and Nik had to make dinner once a week after their mother, and grandmother during the summers, taught them everything they knew. No matter how hard Nik tried, Ryder was still the better cook. The whole family used to joke that if Nik didn’t learn how to read a menu or snag herself a man who could cook, she’d starve to death. It was all fun and games, none of them meant anything by it, but not a dinner went by where someone didn’t say something about her cooking. Ryder lifted their joined hands to his chest, over his heart and gasped. “Maybe we’ll get you to cut the bread or boil the water or something… safe. And as far away from the phone as possible,” he said, shaking his head. His eyes were wide as if the shock was too much, but after a moment, he relaxed, lifted their joined hands higher and placed a kiss on the top of her head, like some sort of prince out of a fairy tale or something equally overly romantic.

He chuckled, enjoying teasing her. He was going to tell his parents the truth, by using the name he’d called her earlier. They knew what that nickname meant coming from him. They’d bombard him with questions, he knew that was a definite, but he was okay with that. People had fallen head over heels in less time with less information than he and Aimee. His eyes didn’t widen at the realization that he was already falling head over heels in love with the girl because he was already so far past that. He was falling alright, but he knew he’d keep falling. There was no “in love” it was always going to be “falling” because there was always something new to learn about people, no matter how long you’ve known them for.

“You are quite wel…” his words died of on a rush of air as the thin heel of her shoe met the top of his shoes. Damn that hurt, he thought but did nothing more than force out a laugh. He deserved it, or something like it, so he really couldn’t do much more than laugh. He shook his head, the pain in his foot already gone. He looked down at Aimee, with all the appreciation in him showing through his eyes with just a hint of the desire he felt mixed in there as well. “Oh, I am. So very thankful,” he said, tugging her against his side, in a quick move. He kept up an easy pace down the three streets to his apartment. When they turned down his street, he tugged his keys from his coat pocket so he could easily unlock the door. Outside, he did just that, and held the door open for her. He led her through the little “lobby” and up the stairs, the fastest way to the apartment. He didn’t bother checking to see if the door was unlocked, he knew that even if he’d locked it when he left, odds were, the door was already unlocked again. He tried the knob and it turned easily. “Benvenuto nella casa Wilcox,” he said in Italian before translating his words for her loosely; very loosely. “Welcome.”

<sub>+ TAG + His Future Cinderella <3
+ WORDS + 985
+ LOCATION + Central Park
+ CLOTHES + Be My Lantern
+ LYRICS + Beside you//Marianas Trench
+ NOTES + <3</sub>

[Aimee Elizabeth March]

A lot of Aimee's life had always been face paced. She lived by the rule that she had to pick things up on the first try, or suffer being left in the dust if she didn't. It was just how her always bustling mother worked. And, having modeled for her mother on more than one occasion, Aimee was definitely used to picking up and doing things at a rapid speed. Wasn't fashion always an insane whirlwind, though? Relationships, though, were quite a different world from fashion. Hell, they were an entire new universe. But, it didn't mean the same rules didn't apply. You were confident in fashion, you were confident when trying to impress someone. You showed your best and played your poker face, you did the same on a first and second date. However, never in her life had Aimee wanted to run with a guy like she often ran after new trends or styles. Never in her life had she felt this easy and open - and ready for anything this night might hold for her.

"Oh, I only get a maybe?" she smirked back at him, bumping his shoulder as he grinned down at her. Aimee felt a very light blush tickling her cheeks as she realized he might be reading her ideas in her eyes. Her confidence was usually sound as a board, especially around any and all males. But, right now, she could feel her knees buckling ever so slightly and could distinctly hear her heart thrumming in her throat. Why the hell was she so nervous? She had no reason to be nervous. Ryder seemed decently interested in her; she could work off of that. And it wasn't like she didn't work guys often enough... this should be easy. But, there was something different here that none of those other guys had caused. Aimee was actually afraid that this guy would reject her and, therefore, all her usual tricks were going to the dogs. If this had been a "normal" guy, she wouldn't have cared what he thought. Suddenly, though, she did care. She cared a whole friggin' lot.

Aimee giggled as he teased her, smirking right back at him. "They would, but I'm sure you'd like the heels better," she answered coyly with a suggestive spark in her eyes. Hell, any guy would probably prefer heels over tennis shoes on a girl. The stilettos worked wonders on the legs. Plus, for Aimee, they boosted the height she lacked on most occasion. And, standing next to Ryder, that was realized more fully than ever before. She felt like a Barbie doll, for gosh sakes! She really shouldn't be complaining, though. Aimee had always gone for guys that were taller than here. Never quite this tall, but, hey she was fine with it. Besides, it made the idea of cuddling into his arms even more inviting when she knew he'd be able to cradle her with ease.

One of her penciled eyebrows rose as he said she'd be doing "safe" cooking. Even "safe" cooking seemed daunting to her, the girl who rarely stepped foot in the kitchen other than to get something from the fridge. Rarely, in her life, had she had "home cooking", let alone actually helped cook that food. Apparently, she'd be doing a bit of learning tonight. "And when I burn myself or do some other horrible thing, you will be the one to blame," she laughed, smiling as he kissed her hand. Aimee ran her fingers over his cheek for one quick moment, her smile softening as she did so. Just as soon, however, she was walking again, keeping their hands intertwined in the sweetest of ways.

She couldn't mask a snicker as she heard the light gasp from her stab at his toes. Aimee turned a sweet, innocent smile on him, eyes sparkling yet again with fun. "So're you," she answered with a laugh teasing her lips. Part of her hoped she hadn't hurt him. Though, really, what could tiny her do to him? A lot... in many different categories of "things". Aimee shook the thoughts off, laughing as he pulled her against his side. She snuggled up to him as best she could while they were walking, enjoying the warmth of his body soaking into hers. Plus, they were closer, and, already, she knew this was all she'd ever need to put a smile on her face.

As she climbed the stairs to what she assumed was Ryder's apartment, Aimee couldn't help herself from looking around. This was definitely different that what she was used to. But, then again, everything about most people was "different" to her. She walked through the door as he opened it, giving him a disbelieving look as he translated the elegant phrase he'd just said into one word. "That is so not what you just said, you liar," she laughed, shaking her head at him and smiling again.

• • •

WORDS: 877!
TAG: Her Future Prince Charming <3
LOCATION: Central Park!
MUSIC: Breathe by Faith Hill
OUTFIT: ZAP!
NOTES: <3 <3 <3

[Ryder Xavier Wilcox]

+ I'll be right beside you, Nobody will break you +

Did she know how stunning, how breathing, how adorable she was, he wondered. And that blush! He didn’t think he would ever get enough of her. Not to mention the fact that she was just too easy to get along with and he could just drown blissfully in those wonderful eyes of hers. Call it clichéd or overly romanticized, but she was definitely someone he felt like he needed in his life. They’d been speaking what, all of an hour? If that, really, and he was already being pulled to her, like magnets. Ryder laughed, “Maybe is a good answer!” he informed her as if this were a known fact, when even Ry disliked being told “maybe”. It was a non-answer. Something a parent would say to get out of having to take the kids somewhere. And yet, he used it all the time.

Ryder nodded his head rigorously as he took in Aimee’s appearance. It was true. He’d never been so appreciative of those sky scraper shoes as he was right now, or could ever be. If this was to be there first and last meeting, he’d hold the image of Aimee and her mile high legs forever in his mind; burned there to his memory. “I really do like those heels more and more with each passing minute,” he said, returning his emerald gaze to her baby blues. But he had to admit, as much fun as those shoes brought to the view, they didn’t matter. He had a snaking suspicion that she could have stumbled over him in a track suit with her hair up in some sort of mess girls called fashionable and runners on and she’d still be the most beautiful girl he’d laid eyes on.

Ryder looked down at Aimee with a perfectly raised brow to mimic her action. “Of course not!” he said with a laugh, “If you cut yourself, it’ll be your own fault. But I’ll happily play doctor and make it all better,” he said with a wicked glint in his eye. But if she was that concerned about it, he would happily turn the afternoon into a cooking lesson she’d probably never forget. Though, the moment Mama Wilcox found out their dinner guest couldn’t cook, she’d fawn over her and immediately start teaching her how to do this or that. She’d done it a few times with Nik’s friends. Thankfully, he only ever brought Allela home, and the cooking lessons had only happened once. “Seriously though, don’t worry, I’ll protect you from the big bad oven,” he said teasing her.

Ryder shrugged, laughing. "It was the condensed version. And not exactly true either way since this isn't really a house," he said, shrugging again. It was his first language but like any person who knew their language, he messed up and switched words around; but it was mostly just to make things easier for those who didn't understand. He chuckled as he shut the apartment door. "Don’t worry an afternoon with my family and you'll be just as fluent as we are," he said teasingly, tossing his keys onto the coffee table before falling back onto the leather couch. “Nik! I’m back!” he called out and received a muffled answer. She was frustrated, he could immediately tell. It was the only time in their apartment that she rambled, yelled or cussed in Italian; most other times she was all English, all the time. As far as he could tell from the muffled response, she’d lost one of her shoes and was blaming the dogs for turning it into one of their toys. Nik must have said something else, because not a second later, Baxter, Ryder’s Scottish terrier was yipping happily and racing down the short hallway. He was well aware he wasn’t allowed on the couch, but that didn’t stop the little doggy from jumping up and onto Ryder’s lap excitedly. “Aimee, I’d like to introduce you to Baxter. Baxter, shake,” he said and watched as his well trained pup lifted his paw for Aimee to shake.

<sub>+ TAG + His Future Cinderella <3
+ WORDS + 677
+ LOCATION + Central Park
+ CLOTHES + Be My Lantern
+ LYRICS + Beside you//Marianas Trench
+ NOTES + <3</sub>

[Aimee Elizabeth March]

Aimee hit his arm lightly as he laughed. "You're still a liar, either way," she retorted as he shrugged at her again. By the time this date was over, she was sure she'd pick some Italian up eventually. Though, really, that wouldn't be a bad thing. It would really help if she ever went to Italy. And, knowing her mother, that may be likely at some point in time. Or, maybe it'd be with Ryder instead. The thought shook her a bit as she kept the pretty smile on her lips. Aimee never day dreamed about going anywhere with guys, or with anyone for that matter. She didn't like traveling all that much because, normally, there was someone (or more like someones) tagging along after her under her mother's oders. But with Ryder? Now, that could be a vacation Aimee would gladly go on, Mommy Spies and all.

She followed him farther into the little apartment, untying her coat as she walked. Aimee had on one of her more "dressy" dresses, one that was considered proper. But, that didn't mean she still couldn't show off a little bit of her womanly assests with it, though the coat had covered most of it until now. "I dunno. Maybe I'll need private lessons," she smirked back, sitting down next to him on the couch. Aimee crossed her legs like the lady she was, that suggestive smirk still teasing on her lips.

As he called out to what he assumed had to be his sister, her spine straightened. How was this going to look? Him just showing up here with her, some chick he met in the park, and her actually agreeing to it? Gosh, she'd have to do some damage control. Lots of damage control. She was about to open her mouth and question Ryder about it, when a black furry creature was offering its little paw for her to shake. Aimee couldn't help smiling as she shook the terrier's hand. "He's so adorable," she grinned up at Ryder. Her own puppies would probably be wondering where the heck she was, but they had plenty of food in their dishes when she'd left. And, it wasn't like the spoiled babies would starve. They had more of anything than dogs really honestly should have. But, hey, they were Aimee's darlings and she wouldn't trade them for the world.

"We're going to have to run back to my place later so I can feed mine," she said, turning her eyes off of Ryder to scratch Baxter's head affectionately. Aimee wouldn't mind changing outfits later, too, if they were planning on spending the entire evening together after dinner. Though, she did feel a bit over dressed compared to him. But, they may have just been her earrings and the fact that she was in a dress... "And, maybe, I'll let you taste some of my cooking," she smirked. There had to be leftover something in her fridge. Plus, cold pizza was always a save just in case she decided not to eat and do her mother proud. That was one of the stupid rules Aimee had been raised by. "Don't eat too much if you're a guest. You can always pig out at home." Her mother would never phrase it like that, but, right now, it was one thing her daughter could live by.

• • •

WORDS: 612!
TAG: Her Future Prince Charming <3
LOCATION: Central Park!
MUSIC: Breathe by Faith Hill
OUTFIT: ZAP!
NOTES: <3 <3 <3

[Ryder Xavier Wilcox]

+ I'll be right beside you, Nobody will break you +

Ryder laughed, “I prefer saying I stretched the truth a little bit,” he said, with his finger and thumb an inch between them. He’d never much thought about what he said. It was just there, in both languages, ready to slip past his tongue. Thinking about it now, he really should start thinking before he opens his mouth. Not for obvious reasons, but because when he spoke Italian, and had to translate it, the literal was never exactly the same. He’d rarely thought about it, really, since it was just something he did, like breathing or music; it was just done.

Ryder’s eyes darkened, barely. Was it too soon to say something as crazy as he was falling? Appearance wise, no. Personality, yes; and yet, here he was. Here they were, sitting on his couch, flirting suggestively. She was smart, funny, completely charming, and beautiful; it was the icing of an already decadent cake. Hm. Maybe he should have gone into writing in stead of Architecture and Music. “That,” he said softly, “can definitely be arranged.” His voice was the slightest bit rough and he coughed to cover it up. He needed to get a grip. And thankfully, when Baxter came barreling down the hallway, Ryder had something else to occupy his mind. He had to, eventually, search out a couple leashes and toss their bowls into a bag to bring along. There were plenty of dog toys at his parents’ house thanks to their own dogs, so he didn’t have to worry about that, minus Ruby’s stuffed Teddy she was never without.

Ryder’s heart swelled. He was ridiculously happy that Baxter had taken to Aimee so quickly and so well. He was a good dog, very friendly and happy, but even he was temperamental when it came to meeting actual people. With other dogs, he was like any other child, made friends easily. “Thanks. He’s really taken to you. Giant flirt that one is,” He said, chuckling. Ryder liked the sight of Aimee sitting on his couch with his dog curled in between them. As Aimee looked down at Baxter, scratching his head and basically making him fall as hard as his owner, Ryder watched her. She was smiling, clearly amused with Baxter. And she was stunning; he couldn’t help but keep thinking that. The dress she was wearing was probably expensive, Nik would know, but she wore it as if it was something she could go play footy in.

“You have a dog?” he asked, thinking he’d wished there was more time to stop off at her place to pick the dog, or dogs. But there was any, unfortunately. Whenever Nik finally decided she was going to give up looking for the missing shoes and choose another pair, then it would be time to go, and chances were, they would already be late. And since their parents moved out to Brooklyn when the twins went to college, it was going to be a bit of a mess getting out over that damn bridge. Who knew, maybe there’d be a next time where they could bring along Aimee’s pets as well. Ryder was going to say something about her dog, but stop short when she spoke again, and started laughing. “I don’t know about you, but I don’t think heating up leftovers count as cooking.” He leaned closer. “Nice try, though,” he said, shaking his head.

<sub>+ TAG + His Future Cinderella <3
+ WORDS + 580
+ LOCATION + Central Park
+ CLOTHES + Be My Lantern
+ LYRICS + Beside you//Marianas Trench
+ NOTES + <3</sub>