Hopeless Hearts [Tagged]

[ARIADNE MICHELE DANIELS]

Ariadne brushed her hand back through her hair. The pink strands fell gently back around her face and she bit lightly at her lip as she bounced from foot to foot. She was waiting as patiently as she could but this place always seemed to be packed around 1. She hated that she only had time to duck in here now but if she was paying for the meal plan there was no way in hell she was going to skip any of the meals. So Ari stood as patiently as she possibly could in line for a slice of pizza. Sure it wasn’t the healthiest choice, but when you ran the campus basically every day it was ok to eat greasy food from time to time. At least that was the thought process in her head.

Finally she got to snag herself a piece of pizza before she stepped away from the line. Her light brown eyes scanned the dining area. She frowned slightly at how packed the place was and how utterly alone she was going to feel just plopping down at one of the tables in here. Panic started to build in her chest slowly and she had to close her eyes, counting to ten in her head. You would think that a girl who stripped to pay for everything wouldn’t have jitters about crowds. But there was just something about being alone that scared the ever loving hell out of her.

Ari opened her eyes slowly, realizing that she probably looked like a basket case standing there the way she was with her plate and bottle of water in hand. She then trumped off in the direction of the plaza outside. She pushed the door open with her hip and headed toward one of the empty picnic style tables out here. At least while she was out here there were less people. There would be more people walking by, but none that were grouped with their friends with the chance to sit there and stare at her.

She sat down lightly, placing her things on the table with just as much care. She was an overly graceful person with a light touch and that very rarely changed. Ari lifted the pizza easily from the plate and took a rather large bite of it, deciding that if she was going to have to sit by herself she was going to eat quickly so people wouldn’t gawk at her and see her stuffing her face as well.

TAG: Derrick
STATUS: finished
WORD COUNT: 419
NOTES: not my best but its a start

[DERRICK J MARTINEZ]

Derrick walked into the Union, first he headed to the restroom, he downed some aspirin and downed it with a sip of water. Stupid headache he thought. He of course knew the cause but right now wasn't motivated to fix the problem. Grabbing his book bag, he headed for the food court and the line for the pizza. Derrick looked around, and noticed the pink hair of women just up the line from him. Although he couldn't see the face, he could tell from her posture that she had a very nice figure.

Pizza was always a good choice for a young college student, but Derrick did try to make a visit to sandwich island at least twice a week. He was new in town from the Midwest, trying to get used to the dry heat of the Las Vegas autumn. He watched the pink haired girl order her slice of pizza, then go to the cashier line. While he placed his order, his periphial vision caught the girl heading to the outdoor plaza. He soon saw why because the indoor tables were already full of student chowing down on thier food.

Not interested in crowds, Derrick headed outside to enjoy the noon sun in the shade of the plaza. When Derrick got outside, he easily sighted the pink haired woman sitting by herself well away from the crowd. Hesitating only a second, Derrick walked over to the table. He put on a smile, "would you like some company, or would you like to be alone?"

[ARIADNE MICHELE DANIELS]

Ariadne took another quick bite of her pizza, actually biting off a bit more than she had intended. She held a napkin up to her lips to cover how full her mouth actually was as she tried to hurriedly get the pizza down. It was about that time that a guy walked up to her table and she pretty much felt like dying on the spot. Ari managed to swallow her pizza down and she reached for her water, taking a swig and then wiping her lips before she smiled up at the guy.


“Sorry about that. That had to look like a rude, uncivilized mess.” She chuckled softly before she motioned at the seat across from her. Some company would be nice even if she hadn’t planned on staying long. She had time to waste so might as well spend it with some company. Especially some company that certainly didn’t sound like he was from around here. She bit lightly down at her lip as she looked him over. “Company would be really great so feel free to sit down. It’s pretty boring out here without anyone to talk to….but maybe that’s just because I talk a lot.” Ari’s small shoulders went up in a shrug as she finished her statement.

Her brown eyes ran over him several times before she decided that he seemed safe enough honestly to spend lunch with. Ari lifted her pizza and took another bite though this one was much smaller. It was about that time that she realized that he had picked up pizza as well. She grinned at him and giggled lightly. “Nice choice of food buddy.” She nodded her head once to show she meant it though her tone was teasing. “So where exactly are you from, because it sure as hell isn’t here?” Ariadne quirked one brow at him, actually curious about him.

TAG: Derrick
STATUS: finished
WORD COUNT: 313
NOTES: meh

[DERRICK J MARTINEZ]

The woman when he spoke, obviously surprised at his approach. Even with chipmunk cheeks, Derrick saw that her face was quite attractive framed by her pink hair. After she swallowed her pizza, she gave a pretty smile and apologized. Derrick laughed, "My fault, I didn't mean to surprise you and you did make a rude, uncivilized mess quite attractive though." He blushed after saying this wondering if it was too soon to flirt.

She then motioned at the seat in front of her, and Derrick put his food down and took a seat, grabbing a water bottle from his backpack. He took a sip of water and then a bite of pizza. He sat up straight, not leaning on to the table, so he wouldn't crowd her space. "Well, time does seem to go faster when you have someone to share it with" Derrick replied. He himself was shy and found it difficult to open up.

Derrick watched as she gave him a closer inspection, he hoped he wasn't too red-eyed by now, she made a glance at his food, then kind of teased him about it good-naturedly. Derrick laughed with her, and returned a smile. "I see, we both have good taste and it does contain all the food groups".

She then asked about what he did. "Well, you are right, I am from Illinois, grew up on a farm. Just came to see what life is like in the desert. I am a business major. I am going to try to get a job at the pool as a lifeguard somewhere." he then smiled and paused to take another bite of pizza and give her a chance to talk.

[ARIADNE MICHELE DANIELS]

Ariadne grinned broadly as him as he started to flirt with her. Sure she got flirted with all the time but usually it was because she was working and that just kinda came with the territory there. If you didn’t have some creepy old guy hitting on you or some skeezy young dude then obviously you weren’t doing your job right. But to be hit on outside of work was a totally different experience and one that she actually enjoyed quite a bit. So of course, she couldn’t help the light pink flare on her cheeks as she blushed as his words. But after seeing him blush as well the heat radiating from her cheeks died down a bit.

“Well thank you. I’ll make a note of it to keep you around when I’m eating so at least someone will find it appealing.” Ari grinned as she said the words though there was laughter in her voice. She nodded her head at his next comment. That was about as true as it got and honestly that was why she thought that her days went by so slow. Either that or it was always that she dreading going to work so horribly that the days just dragged on in her mind. Sometimes it was better to have the days drag on….though today she was thinking very differently because she had rather attractive company.

She laughed softly as he said he was from Illinois. That explained just about everything. “So really you came out here to see what the big city of sin was all about, right?” She smiled though it was warm and teasing. That was the reason after all that most people ended up here. Something about the sin pulled them in and then most of them never left or managed to get out and never really spoke of their time here. She was hoping to fall in that second category in the end. She was tired of being a stripper and she hoped that with her degree she could finally get the hell out of here.

“Business major huh? So you’re going to be all suits and quick wits?” She quirked one brow at him though the smile never left her face. “I suppose that’s one way to hit it big time and keep the dough rolling in. What kind of business, if you don’t mind me asking? Or do you plan on opening up one of your own and going the freelance style with it?” She suddenly felt like she was asking too many questions so she cleared her throat lightly and took a quick drink of water. “I apologize. I don’t want to seem too nosy….i’m just curious. So don’t answer anything you don’t want to.” She smiled before taking another bite of her pizza.

TAG: Derrick
STATUS: finished
WORD COUNT: 468
NOTES: ha there it is. a decent post.

[DERRICK J MARTINEZ]

Derrick noticed the blush on the woman, when he flirted with her, he gave a smile happy that she was comfortable. Derrick kind of hoped that her response was a promise to try to get together when they could over lunch, but he knew time would tell if that would come to pass. Derrick took a little time to give her a once over, she seemed to dress modestly which was rare for college girls, who seemed to try to leave little to the imagination. But Derrick could see the potential of an attractive figure hiding under her clothes. He moved on to the face, the most drawing feature of course was her hair. He kind of thought of it as her signature touch, that made her stand out and get noticed. Her face was very attractive and easy on the eyes. The eyes showed that she was intelligent. Derrick appreciated that in a woman, looks could only get you so far. He already knew that she had a great sense of humor.

When she found out he was from Illinois, he heard kind of challenge about being curious about sin city. There was kind of a draw to be in Las Vegas, the rules here were different from other places. "Are you an insider, maybe we can get together sometime and see a couple shows together? Maybe keep me out of trouble" he laughed, he was kind of serious because he wanted to test the waters, but kind of knew nothing would come of his offer.

Derrick took another bite of pizza, and a sip of water. He hadn't really thought about life after college, where he would take his degree. "No, you aren't being nosy, I honestly haven't decided what I will do with the degree yet, I am still exploring options. Entrepeuneurship is the way to find the big money, do you have any suggestions." he responded with a smile. "By the way, my name is Derrick." he held out his hand.

[ARIADNE MICHELE DANIELS]

Ariadne grinned broadly at him as he asked if she wanted to see some shows together or if she could keep him out of trouble. That was generally what she did with her friends as it was. She was like the mama bear half the time, keeping them from doing something stupid and landing their asses in jail. So what would one more person be to that list? An added bonus she thought honestly because he seemed like a pretty decent guy and she wouldn’t mind having him around more. Getting off work to go to the shows would be a problem here and there but she was pretty sure that she could manage that as well.

“Actually, Id love to go to some shows. I’ve lived here my whole life and honestly haven’t spent that much time doing things like that. I mean….I’ve hit up the casinos and everything but not really much else. I was always taught it was a waste of time.” She giggled lightly though she was sure he would realize that she honestly did want to go. It would be something new and with someone new and she wasn’t the kind of person to just pass up chances like that. “As for keeping you out of trouble. I’ll do what I can.” She nodded her head once though the smile never left her face. “I’m tough though so if you start putting yourself in idiotic positions, I’ll leave you to fend for yourself.”

Her eyes widened a bit as he offered his hand and gave his name. It hadn’t even crossed her mind to formally introduce herself. At least one of them was paying attention enough to realize it. “I’m so sorry. Ha I didn’t even think about giving you my name.” She grabbed his hand firmly and gave it two pumps before she dropped it. “The name is Ariadne. But I much prefer Ari….plus its easier on everyone.” Ari beamed at him before she shook her head. “And as far as business goes, I’m awful at it. That’s why I work most nights…gotta pay for school because I wasn’t smart enough to save when I was younger.” Her shoulders went up in a tiny shrug, showing that she was rather okay with the situation she was in for the time being.

TAG: Derrick
STATUS: finished
WORD COUNT: 387
NOTES: sorry for being slooooww.

[DERRICK J MARTINEZ]

Derrick was glad to have someone to go to the shows with. Vegas was one of those towns, where it was best not to be out alone on the town. This woman appeared to be one who knew where not to be at the wrong time. Derrick did occassionally play the casinos, if he was careful it was a great place to get great comps. "Don't worry I don't plan on getting into too much trouble"

Derrick smiled when she shook his hand with her soft hand, it really seemed that she was a people person. "Ari is a pretty name, and it fits you so well" Derrick did wonder what she did at night and in Vegas that could mean a lot of things. Derrick tried not to let his imagination run but her relunctance to tell him made that difficult. That said, he didn't let it show what he was thinking. "Life as a student is tough with school work, I am glad things are working out for you at least", he offered a smile.

[ARIADNE MICHELE DANIELS]

Ariadne laughed lightly as he said that he didn’t plan on getting into too much trouble. That was always the problem with people around here. They planned on getting into some trouble. It was never that they wanted to stay away from it completely, because I mean…where was the fun in that? And she realized that because she had her wild nights as well. But it was hard to keep up with people who all had the same mentality (a little bit of trouble hurt no one) which just led to trouble it always seemed.

“Noted. Keep an extra special eye on you to make sure you don’t get into any trouble in the first place.” She grinned at him to show that she was only teasing before she finished off the last of her pizza. She was a quick eater and she did know that. If food was set in front of her, it never really stood a chance. She had been known to scarf down huge amounts of food before actually even realizing how much she ate. It was a wonder she managed to stay thin. She supposed she had stress and her dark secret of a job to thank for that though.

Ari beamed. “Well thank you! That’s very sweet of you.” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’ve never really thought I was as pretty as my name.” She chuckled before she shrugged and took another drink of water. It never too much to flatter her though. She had at least learned that in her line of work. “Oh well thank you. I tend to be a hard worker so it all does work out. I’m pretty tough on myself.” She grinned. You’d never guess how hard she really was on herself though unless you sat around and watched her a lot. She didn’t let much show to the outside world. Unless it was something superficial, in which case she flaunted the hell out of it. It was nice to appear normal now and then.

TAG: Derrick
STATUS: finished
WORD COUNT: 342
NOTES: sorry for being slooooww.

[DERRICK J MARTINEZ]

Derrick laughed, having Ariadne's on him would be nice. It meant that she at least cared. He of course knew that she was teasing him at least a little. Derrick took another bite of pizza as Ariadne finished off her pizza, taking another sip of water. He liked to take his time to eat, to let it settle. He didn't need to stress his stomache anymore than he already did with his habit. He found her amazing to be with, and couldn't believe how attractive she was, he knew he was lucky to be able to talk to her.

She accepted his comment with grace, with a casual brush of her hair. "so do you work out very often? Your body looks great" Derrick blushed almost wishing he didn't mention it. woman can be very sensitive and a comment like that could easily backfire if it was taken the wrong way. He cautiously took a sip of water and waited to see what would happen.


s

[ARIADNE MICHELE DANIELS]

Ariadne started to laugh almost hysterically. She couldn’t help herself though and she quickly clamped her hand over her mouth, trying to stop the laughter from spilling out any more. Slowly she gained control back and shook her head. She had been told that she needed to work out actually but it hadn’t made her start. And it sure as hell hadn’t stopped her from shoving every greasy food she could get her hands on down her throat. She had an insane metabolism and even with the foods she ate she never seemed to gain anything. She also didn’t drink soda though and she thought that probably helped…at least a bit.

“I….sorry.” She started to giggle again and shook her head. “Thank you so much.” Her cheeks were burning bright from being flattered as well as from laughing as much as she had just then. “I don’t mean to laugh I just…” She grinned broadly at him. “I was just told last week that I should work out more. So its really kind of hilarious that you told me that.” She felt like hugging him tightly and then going to stick her tongue out at her boss. And now she couldn’t seem to wipe the smile off of her face. “You really are just too good to be true. I might keep you around just to flatter me all the time.” She chuckled though she was simply teasing him.

Ari tilted her head at him slightly. “Are you staying on campus this semester?” She quirked one brow at him in curiosity. If he wasn’t then she was definitely going to suggest a party at his place to get him some reputation built around here. Plus it would give him more of a chance to get to know everyone.

TAG: Derrick
STATUS: finished
WORD COUNT: 298
NOTES: sorry for being slooooww.

[DERRICK J MARTINEZ]

When Derrick set down his drink Ariadne started to laugh, Derrick chuckled with her not really knowing the reason. When she finally stopped, she grinned at him with red cheek and barely able to keep from laughing. Derrick considered taking a chance and touching her hand but held back remembering that he was trying to created a freindship . Then she complimented him. Derrick laughed, "That would be a very nice and easy job at least, I couldn't think of a more pleasant activity." he took another sip while she asked if he was staying on campus. "Yeah, it is too expensive any other way too late for me to come into and look for roomates, money is still an issue with me." That and his habit made it hard to make ends meet