[CENTER][COLOR=F796A9][sup]________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________[/sup][/COLOR][/CENTER][center][img]https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1224910842424725665/1226328034244690040/callibanner_copy.jpg?ex=66245dfb&is=6611e8fb&hm=42038bf9149c2fd18f9fe5a7beb03c512a29dddcff93fc7f7973016b25484d8f&=&format=webp&width=710&height=302[/img][/center][indent][sub][COLOR=F796A9][B]Location:[/B][/COLOR] [I]The Beach[/I] - [I]Pacific Royal Campus[/I][/sub][sup][right][COLOR=F796A9][b]Welcome Home #1.020:[/b][/COLOR] [I]Cooling Off[/I][/right][/sup][/indent][COLOR=F796A9][SUP][sub]____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________[/sub][/SUP][/COLOR][indent][sub][color=F796A9][B]Interaction(s):[/B][/COLOR][I] Banjo ([@Hound55]), Lorcán ([@Lord Wraith]), Rory ([@webboysurf]), Aurora ([@Melissa])[/I][/sub][SUP][RIGHT][COLOR=F796A9][b]Previously:[/b][/COLOR] [COLOR=GRAY][I]When Hot And Cold Meet[/I][/color][/right][/SUP][/indent]
[color=darkgray]

As the others began milling and drinking, Calliope relaxed on the towel she had set up. She glanced over and saw a figure approach. He began to frame her with his hands like a photographer and Calliope couldn't help but smile. Banjo never ceased to make her feel better. What others often felt was an annoyingly goofy persona Calliope knew better. Inside the Class Clown was a kind heart. He never stopped making her feel special.

Once safely beside her, she leaned over and kissed him quickly. [color=F796A9]"Hello love. Things are good."[/color] Calliope wanted to begin speaking on her debate progress as well as her moving within Mock Trial, but now was not the time. They were on the beach, which on a normal day she would detest and stay far away from, but she was amongst friends and others, as well as her love, so she would suffer through it.

Calliope was content to sit there leaning into Banjo's warmth when she began listening into the other's conversation. It wasn't difficult due to their relative location. Lorcán was standing there after being whiffed by a ball thrown by Rory. Haven and Harper were there. Harper seemed authoritative, more so than was usual given her new work as a lifeguard. Good on her. She also noticed some art supplies and had to admit she was curious. Across the way, Amma was standing there and looked to be conversing with Katja. Calliope had to admit, the two of them didn't seem like a likely friendship. Amma was concerning, but Calliope knew from personal experience that looks were often deceiving. And if Katja liked her, then that was enough.

Pallyx also made an appearance. The girl seemed out of place on the beach also and Calliope had to give her credit there. Going out of your comfort zone was not easy. Though perhaps she was assuming facts not in evidence.

[I]Get out of lawyer mode Calli. Enjoy the dang beach!"[/i]

Her attention was drawn back to Lorcán and Aurora. God the two of them had it bad. It didn't take an expert in body language to see, though why neither bit the bullet was beyond her.

[color=#8ecdb7]“Catch any good waves this morning? And what about Ripley, is she here yet? I can’t wait to meet her.”[/color]

Ok the conversation was going well.

[color=darkgoldenrod]"I don't understand... pandas are easier to get together."[/color]

Calliope nearly giggled but held it in. It was easy to lose herself when Banjo was nearby. She'd have to address that at some point.

[color=F796A9]"Not everyone is as loud and open about their feelings as you"[/color]

That got some silence from Banjo (a rare occurrence) so she assumed he conceded on her point. Banjo had secrets, sure. She did too. But he often wore his heart on his sleeve for those he cared for. Her's was a little more hidden. Hidden underneath layers of scars. 

[color=darkgoldenrod]"..."
"...I guess.  Well, Rory's going to say som-- BAA HA HA HA HA HA!"[/color]

Spoken at the same time that Rory, the Golden Retriever Good Boy (tm) that he was, interjected himself. [color=#04cf3a]"Hey Red, Hot Shot over here just reminded me... there's this senior dance after the Homecoming Trials. You want to go?"[/color]

[color=F796A9]""Oh shush. He's trying at least. Though that was bold, even by my standards."[/color]

Callipe nearly facepalmed. She got Rory's intention: he was hoping Auoroa would say no because she obviously wanted to go with Lorcán or Lorcán would speak up in defense and ask her out also, leaving Aurora with choices, one of which was obvious. This plan had clearly not been approved or thought through given Lorcán's reaction. Calliope saw the tenseness in his neck, the holding back of a frown or a scowl.  Lorcán didn't seem like the type to ever get angry or upset. Despite his powers, he was no hot-head. Still, Lorcán clearly was not a happy camper. 

[color=#fe650d]“And like totally save me a dance, dude!.”[/color] Calliope couldn't hear everything, but Lorcán had spoken softly to Rory before making a break for it to the cooler, in which time he had toppled over it and fell to the sand.

Calliope saw Banjo was trying and failing to contain his obnoxious laughter. [color=darkgoldenrod]"I'm gonna need a minute or five..."
"Oh shit, there he goes! In the drinks!"[/color]

Calliope couldn't let this go on further. No one was enjoying this (despite Banjo). She stood up. [color=F796A9]"Okay, I need to step in. Lorcan is...not doing great. Save my spot, won't you love? And try to hold in your laughter until he's in a better mood to reciprocate it?"[/color] [color=darkgoldenrod]"For you, I'll put it on ice.  Speaking of.."[/color]  He held his warm, half-finished bottle out, for Calli to add a chill to, with a pleading wide grin. Calliope rolled her eyes and touched the bottle, sending a chill through it enough to ice it up.

[color=darkgoldenrod]"Ta, love."[/color]

Calliope walked over to Lorcán and offered her hand. [color=F796A9]"Hey, are you okay?"[/color] Calliope would help Lorcán to his feet before helping brush off the sand. [color=F796A9]"Hey, I couldn't help but overhear, but it also didn't take much to see what Rory did got to you. You and I both know he meant well. You're smart, you're attractive, and you are one of the sweetest guys I know. Whether or not Aurora sees through this thinly veiled attempt to get the two of you together, she likes you too. It's a girl thing, trust me."[/color] She patted his shoulder before turning to the group. [color=F796A9]"All good. Let me fix this."[/color] Calliope reached for the cooler, sending a chill through it with noticeable ice on the inside. [color=F796A9]"All right, that should keep it cool for a good bit. Rory, can you come over here and mix me up a martini, please? We can perhaps talk and catch up."[/color] She'd have a conversation with the good-meaning bonehead. She waved at Aurora also, hoping the girl could see what was happening.[/color]