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Although it was three in the afternoon Cassius was in dire need of coffee. Fifteen minutes ago he was still sound asleep and comfortable in his huge bed. In the unlucky event of Cassius' father coming home early, that meant that his son was literally thrown out of bed while the 'adult' laughed and bickered. The sight of his father was revolting, and Cassius left his house as quickly as possible. He would have comfortably relaxed and made coffee himself if his house were empty. But his home was now a death trap. And cafes were made for this saving reason.

When he was close to The Local Cup he strung his hands through his hair and made sure he looked fine. In truth he wasn't that worried. His hair had a mind of it's own and it preferred to look good at all times. He would have showered and tried harder to look nice but when he needed coffee, he needed coffee.

He made his way inside and managed to order an extra large drink, just black. When the warm cup was in his hands he found a cozy seat in the corner and managed to bring himself back to life. There happened to be many people in the coffee shop and luckily he didn't know any of them. With gulps and chugs his bitterness and grumpiness seemed to wear away. He was back to feeling like his normal self again. And it was time to investigate this place for interesting people.

There were a lot of guys at the cafe. He wondered where the sudden sausage fest came from. He did spot a few girls around, most looking incredibly young and middle-schooly. There was a brunette in the front who wasn't bad. But his eyes quickly changed directions when he saw the blonde in the middle. He hadn't noticed her before because of the prepubescent 'guy' that was blocking her from view. She was definitely close to his age, more mature, and WAY out of that kids league. Plus she looked unbelievably unhappy in her current predicament. Oh girls had it so rough.

He could have sat there, finished his coffee and left. But that would have been boring, wouldn't it? Plus he couldn't pass up the opportunity to meet another blonde. Blonde girls were always fierce in their own way. He enjoyed that about them. Plus he realized days earlier that he needed to meet more people his age. This was the perfect opportunity.

When he finally got up from his chair he made his way towards the center of the cafe he placed himself right in between the blonde and the child. When they both realized what was going on, Cassius was comfortable enough to speak. He enjoyed the awkwardness. They were both so surprised. "Darling, I've been looking for you everywhere. Did you go to the wrong cafe?" He tilted his head ever so slowly and tisked playfully. "We had a date, dear."

Her personality was obviously intelligent and thankfully she was also quick enough to understand the situation without him trying very hard to fix it. As the gal rose from the table and left the other boy, Cassius couldn't help winking at the redhead just to rub it in even more. Hopefully the other child could learn a lesson or too from this experience. But if not, that was his loss.

Once they had arrived at Cassius' table he moved the girl's chair out so she could sit down and soon joined her once she was comfortable in her seat. He enjoyed watching her eyes, for they were so green and kept reminding him of the bundles of money he could potentially make later. He was quick to snap his focus back to the beauty at hand and leaned against his chair in a comfortable manner. "So why exactly were you even talking to a guy like that? That seemed odd to me." Cassius was always very straightforward when it came to speaking so it was no surprise that he asked her that question first. "Plus you looked uncomfortable and sort of unhappy." He would have punched himself to get out of a similar situation.

"But anyways, my name is Cassius James. Thanks for joining me." he bowed his head down gently before putting his silver eyes on hers once again. "I wonder if I'll end up boring you as well. But really, if you're looking for stimulating conversation you should look for other adults, not all these children." He frowned lightly while glancing around at the cafe with disgust. He was still visiting the places he went to in his youth as if nothing had changed. Things had most definitely changed.. and he was becoming an actual adult now, as weird as that always felt.

He smiled back at the girl when he realized he had paused for too long again. "So are you in school, and do you live around here?"

Half of him liked what he heard when she spoke so honestly. He was worried she'd say something like 'oh, I thought he was cute' or 'he had a good personality so I was enjoying spending time with him'. But no. She had a purpose and it was to use all of those silly brutes money. But now, the other half of him worried if she would want to use his money as well. That was so typical female. They could never do anything for themselves. Before he could bring his negativity into the situation, he realized that wasn't exactly how he felt. He loved taking girls out to nice dinners or even to buy little gifts all the time. He liked having that power over them. His money made him much better then most of them. "If I were a girl I'd probably do that too." he finally added while stringing his hand through his hair. But in truth- he had no idea what he'd actually do. Thank goodness he wasn't a girl...

Before he could think about the situation further, he was relieved when she introduced herself. "It's a pleasure, Rhiana." She really was lovely. Her face retained complete elegance as she spoke and there was no flaws to her light and wonderful skin. He wondered if she came from a privileged family or something, especially in the way that she said 'Daddy'. Heh. How nice that would have been, to actual enjoy one's father. He really was learning so much just by the way she was speaking. "Funny, I am supposed to be going to Sovereign Heights as well. Nice to know that now I'll see a familiar face." And a prettier one at that. Maybe it was an incentive to actually go to school... yeaaah, no. Staying in bed was still better then everything in the world.

"I live a few blocks away myself and have also lived in these parts my whole life." he quietly added, while adding on an additional unfortunately in his mind. It wasn't that he didn't like the area- he was just bored most of the time. Things were always the same, even when he'd roam around in the middle of the night looking for trouble. He needed more, but wasn't sure how to obtain it.

And so it began... "It's not often that I have such a lovely conversation with a blonde female." he couldn't help himself- she could have taken his humorous stab as either an insult or a joke. Truthfully he wasn't worried how she'd take it. But it was true, most blondes he'd met couldn't even spell their names! "Rhiana DuRagon. You might be the most intriguing female I've met in awhile. But are you a complete goody two shoes? I can't tell, even if you are a daddy's girl." His smile turned into a slyer one and he wanted more information on her. What was she hiding in those green luscious eyes. He'd most definitely find out.

Aw. So she was a good student? He supposed most people he'd met were. He was just the oddball who completely disregarded all of the important things in life. But really, why must he waste his time with school, let alone morning classes? It wasn't gonna happen. "I'll make sure to appear there eventually." he then added, while shrugging lightly. Maybe he could meet her for lunch or something. As long as it was later in the afternoon. He did also enjoy her uniform comment. That meant she had good style and taste.

He froze up when she mentioned that her mother had died. What? What kind of weird coincidence was this? "My mother died awhile ago too." Well ok, was murdered. That was all he said to her, but his expression was showing everything he was thinking. His eyebrows were raised and his mouth was sort of open. Most people he met had perfect families, and here he thought hers was too. Good lesson for him not to judge so quickly and to slow down with his accusations. She was a daddy's girl because of this, and it was completely understandable. Whereas Cassius wished his father died every day.

He supposed her next question was appropriate, since they obviously were having more of a conversation then he usually had. Maybe she could guess that or tell? Plus Rhiana seemed curious about his ways. "That is usually the case." he finally said, while grinning at her naturally. "I think most of it is like a game for girls. In high school it would get sort of bad at times. But I'd be an idiot if I was complaining any of it." At least he never had to chase girls back. That was WAY too much effort, anyways.

To put it frank, Rhiana was right on the ball. He was trouble. Thank goodness she was smart enough to tell.

"So what about you? Are you one of those 'I'm dating a twenty-five year old!' people?" He couldn't read her very well. She seemed interested in him- but not the normal interested. He could only tell that she was happy to meet him and yet distant at the same time. He assumed that meant she had a boyfriend (of course). Things were usually that simple. At least to him.

"Please don't worry about it."

Cassius just couldn't believe there was such coincidence between the two of them. It might have been a weird thing to have in common with someone, but in a sense it sort of brought them together. Cassius just glanced at her and respected a brief silence for a moment. There was nothing they could do about their past in general- except just remember and love what was lost. Plus the both of them had moved on, even if it was hard at times.

He was glad that they were back on track with a less emotional subject when she spoke of school. He grinned when she expressed a sense of boredom and concern. "I'm sure there are interesting clubs you could join if you wanted too." Not like that was his sort of thing. But he did know it worked for other people who needed things to do.

He was a bit shocked to hear she didn't date. Really? Well, her stance just changed everything! Now he was interested.

"Yet another thing we have in common. I don't get attached to anyone either. Never have." And hopefully, never would. That was usually a harder thing for females to accomplish. Cassius wasn't doubting Rhiana, since now that he looked at her he could sense that kind of confidence from her. He just knew that everyone always said that they never got attached- but it was actually a hard thing to avoid once in awhile.

"We should compete to see who gets attached first. I'm betting you will find someone and then come to me begging for forgiveness." One could always tell when Cassius was loosening up- since he'd throw little sarcastic jokes around. He then put his hand through his hair not knowing at all what was going through Rhiana's brain. Yes, he probably did scream sex. That was just the benefit of his looks. "And I agree, we are most definitely not cattle. More like unicorns I'd say. The best out there. The primmest meat." He realized then that Rhiana was a cool girl to hang out. Especially since he was lightening up so well. "Like, look at all of these couples at this place." He turned and laughed at a few of them and how awkward they were interating. "The whole thing is so forced! I don't know who invented these awkward stages of coupling." Some other species of animal, perhaps? Humans were such copy cats.

Ironically enough, it was hilarious that the two people that hated 'life's romantic ways' had sat down in their booth together on that single lie. Cassius knew this, but didn't want to bring it up. It was more hilarious to just ignore it and think of it as an added joke. "Well, thank goodness you aren't a whore or something. I would have been severely disappointed." Not that he didn't like whores- Rhiana just needed a higher class, and she most definitely carried herself better then most women did.

He wondered if Rhiana would forgive him for speaking so... openly. Cassius was not always such an gentlemen. That whole thing was just an act. "But me on the other hand..." He shook his head playfully as if saying no, but his expression was saying yes. He was notorious alright. He wondered if Rhiana could deal with his robust personality? If not, well, that was her loss. He had to at least try and throw it out there while they were connecting.

Cassius put his hand out so they could shake on their bet. That was the polite way to do it and at this point Cassius respected his contender. "All I want is sweet satisfaction. But fine, I'll buy you whatever you want." Rhiana was being a bit too cocky, but he was ok with that. It would be a hard competition and they'd both have to put their A-game on to win. Now things were getting interesting and Cassius loved it. He also enjoyed that she wanted him to buy something for her. He somehow felt like she'd get her way either way and demand quite a lot from him from now on.

He was ok with that. His money made him powerful and useful.

Her next statement was just great. If Cassius was drinking something he would have spit it all over Rhiana. Luckily, he wasn't, so he only stared when she talked about her fingers. Oh, she was a bold one! Cassius had no problems with the subject matter, he'd just never heard a girl talk about it so openly. Awesome. Just awesome. So this was who Rhiana was? It was wonderful how open she was about everything, as he was. Other girls could learn a thing or too from true confidence and wit. "I don't really think of it as having lots of conquests, since there are so many monsters out there you could end up with. But I like to go for the cream of the crop. I've had some great nights in my life and I like to think that I work hard for it." Was he trying to act modest? That felt so unnatural and gross. But really, he had scored some high numbers for himself.

At her request for him to go to school more, he supposed he could make an exception and appear every once and awhile. "Yes, I'll need to keep a watch on you and make sure your not sneaking around or anything." He could tell how difficult their bet was going to be for one of them to win- but either way it was sort of exciting. A new kind of challenge to enjoy in his life. "I will need a partner in crime to make fun of all the idiots at school too." At least with Rhiana he could seriously laugh at others as much as he wanted.

He wasn't even sure how he had lucked out in befriending this girl. Life was always new and surprising like that. He supposed people who were similar to each other meant to run into each other sooner then later. Or maybe it was just his luck speaking out again? That seemed like the obvious answer.

"I sneak around, yes, but I'm never hiding from anything." Most people who snuck around were so sketchy. Cassius just did it for the fun of the sport. Plus he was damn good at it. No one could punish him for that quality. Although he was amused and thankful when she agreed with him about idiots. "I'll have to find you on campus soon so we can compare class schedules and see who we are stuck with in classes." That was his way of saying, 'so I can see your schedule and show up when you are there', since... that was usually how it worked. His classes would be attended to in the afternoons when his teachers were yelling at him. If he had a class with Rhiana then he would be screwed. She'd definitely pester him and make him a better student. Wait, was that good or bad?

Rhiana would soon also find out that Cassius loved spending money as much as she did, and he also had plenty to go around. He supposed in the future 'shopping buddy' could be added to their already extensive list of good qualities together. He imagined that he would be the one purchasing everything for her, though. Luckily for Rhiana he would always offer.

"Eh, being late never hurt anyone." He was most definitely the expert on that philosophy. "But time does fly when you are having fun." He realized something quickly and dug around in his pockets for something important.

So far, only one other person had received it in weeks, and she was a lesbian. So Rhiana was a lucky broad! Cassius almost never gave his number away, since in the past he had experienced stalkers. "Here is my card, feel free to call me at any time to hang out or admit to your defeat." He winked at her then before placing the card in front of her genuinely. Had he made a friend? Today was a good day. Even if he had to compete against this friend at the same time. Let the games begin.

"Thanks for hanging out with me. And don't hesitate to call at any time." At least that part he meant, and it felt good to finally say that again after his encounter with Dale. Girls that were cool were a rare sighting- and so far he had been so damn lucky to find buddies. Well, wasn't that just ironic?