#bergen_county

"I know." He keeps her gaze as he sits back.

"I like the direct kissing we did, too." Boldly.

"Oh, so did I." She plays with the straw. "You don't mind that it was hyped up on glamour? I mean, it was great, everything that came of that, but it was a bit overdrive. I can't promise that, ah... energy on the regular. Just plain ol' normal Piper."

"I wanted to ask plain ol'normal Piper out before.... you know. All of what happened."

She raises a brow, but smiles. "Well, here I am, plain ol'normal Piper. What do you think so far?"

"I like her. I'd like to go to a lakeside bonfire with her. I'd like to drink hot chocolate and eat popcorn and watch movies with her, 'cause I want to know what kind of movies she likes. I'd like her to come to a basketball game and see me. I'd like to go swimming with her the summer, and put sunblock on her." He flashes a smile, "I'd like to kiss her."

A throaty chuckle. "I like those things. You're a real sweet-talker, anyone ever tell you?"

A shrug. "It's true."

"So tell me a little about Adam. Who were you before you came to Bergen, opened your eyes and saw what there was to see on the shiny side?"

"You know where we went? On that holiday, with the combat?" He speaks circumspectly given the setting. "That area is where we moved here from."

"Hmm, okay." She frowns a little, remembering. "Well, it was a good time, even if the.. ..rich folk, there are a bit pushy." A shrug. "Are you sure it's okay to be out funnin' it up with all the.. the Whatsit going on? I mean, this is lovely, but I feel a little guilty."

Another shrug. "Hey, if they ask I'll do... but why not relax in the down time?"

Her brow wrinkles a little, and a niggling conscience wants her to say something, but then she shrugs. Let the trolls worry about duty, that's their job after all, isn't it? She sips at the sweet drink, alternating offering it over to Adam.

He grins, pleased, and takes a drink as the food arrives.

"Oooh." She leans over the table inhaling the rich and delicious scents. "Mmmm. Even the chicken smells good! I'm not gonna eat it, but I can admit when it's been cooked just right!"

Adam is delighted at the new experiences in front of him. "Wow.... this is cool. Thanks, Piper."

She rips off a bit of the garlicky bread and reaches over towards his mouth. "Ahh-"

His eyes light up and his mouth opens up.

She pops the bite into his mouth and grins. "Don't worry, I won't care if we have garlic-and-onion breath. This is worth it." As she scoops up a bit of her spinach and cheese curry on a bit of bread and takes a bite. "Mmmmmm."

Adam chews, enjoying the flavors and watching her eat for a moment before digging in himself.

"Hey.... wow, this is good!"

"Mmm-hmmm! You know how to pick a good joint!" She says between bites, offering to share her dish if he wants to try the veggie option as well. She tries the spicy mango pickle condiment, but then pushes it aside. "Woo-" Fanning her tongue. "That's too much for me. Hot!"

Oh, he absolutely will try it! Both a bite of her meal and the chutney.

"So.... how come you moved here from California? Me, it was dad's job."

She picks up a piece of bread, though she's already getting full, and tears a little piece off, then toys with that. "Oh, it was just one of those things. I'd dropped out of class and my parents thought I was gonna fall into the bad kids crowd, they wanted me to get a fresh start. I'm a reverse fresh prince, but I'm with my Auntie and Uncle in Rivervale rather than Bel-Aire."

Adam laughs; its a nice laugh. "Ok, that's cool. Was it when you, you know..... changed?"

She gives a little shake of her head, then holds up a hand in a wiggling, 50/50? gesture. "One of my mom's is a Satyr and the other is kinain, so they pretty much knew what to expect. I guess I just ran a little wild and loose for a bit, and they had to rein me in like one of those fae horses at the lodge."

He puts two and two together. "Ohhhh..... you have two moms. Gotcha."

"Well, it's good you had parents who understand. And, I guess, family that understands in general."

"Yeah, I really did luck out." A hint of wistfulness. "Maybe they'll come visit sometime. I'm sure Auntie Em would be glad to get the fam together."

"So Mrs. Wayburton is the sister of one of your moms?"

"Yep! You think trolls are clannish, you've never seen a Satyr family reunion. The partying is CRAZY, ...AFTER they've finished cross-referencing the who's-who of who's related, who's a plus one, and who just got drawn in by the music and free booze."

A giggle. "Not that we're technically supposed to know what goes on at the "Grown up" parties." A roll of her eyes.

"Zane took me to the Gloaming once." He offers; about half the food is gone. This boy can pack it IN.

A grin at that. "I'm excited to check out the next one that comes along. I have to see if you midwest kids know how to party or not."

"Mid-West???" Pointedly, and he snags a bit of her food.

She snorts. "You're all midwesterners to me. We're not all the way to the other ocean - the LESSER Ocean, mind!"

Adam cocks his head. "You've never been down the shore, have you?"

A shake of her head. "Not yet. It's been one thing after the other since I got here. And... I mean I'm sure it looks nice and all... but it's COLD." A grin.

Adam lights up, but slow. "I'm going to take you."