[IC] The Battle of Sea Salt Bay

[Rhythmloid]

"Again." he demanded.

"Y-yes sir..."

She straightened her throat once more and began singing the same song that she has been for the past half an hour. Her new tutor had come over to give her singing lessons like her father had ordered. He told her that a young lady must learn how to sing properly. He didn't say why though. She just knew that she had to be perfect.

"Stop." The tutor said.

"Sir? Is something-"

"Yes. Something is wrong!" He snaps. "You just aren't getting it! Oh well. Our time is up. I will see you next week. And I better see an improvement. I will notify your father of your progress. Good evening."

The tutor turns around and leaves the parlor. He mutters to himself about incompetence and slams the door shut. Corinne sighs to herself. She should have done better. Singing wasn't her forté. Piano was more her thing. She could hear Charlie talk to the nasty man through the door. Talking about her and her mistakes.

She grumbles to herself as she marches to her room. How dare they talk about her behind her back?

"Happy thoughts, Corrine. Happy thoughts." She slumps down in her desk and sighs.

"You have seven brothers who love you very much. And you have nice new friends, you also have a party to go to on Saturday! Are you so lucky? Aren't you such a lucky girl? Other kids don't get to have nice things like you do, so shut up and quit complaining. You're very lucky!" She tells herself. Talking to herself has become a habit in recent years. She takes out her journal and records everything that had happened today; From her trip to the beach to her singing lessons. All were accompanied with cute drawings of her friends.

She took a look at her clock; It was 9:30. She decided to go to bed early. She slipped into her nightgown, picked up her lazy cat, Sebastian, and said goodnight to her brothers. She slipped into bed and gently dozed off.

[TwelveOf8]

"And that is a point to you young master!" shouted the fencing instructor.

"Oh, and please be a little more gentle with your thrusts. Any harder and you'd have to find yourself a new fencing instructor ho ho ho." he remarked.

Charles grinned with genuine satisfaction. There were few things he liked more than having his efforts acknowledged.

It had been quite a day for Charles. First the secret deal with Chet, then the hissy fit between those three bozos, then finally, that run-in with that annoying yet spunky little creature. Such a string of events have made the day a particularly interesting one for him. And such an interesting day proved rather invigorating. So much so that even Charles' sport coaches have noticed.

The last bout of fencing commenced without a hitch. A short yet intense match most definitely. Charles duelled as vigorously as ever. He darted back and forth. Thrusted quickly and repeatedly. Overall he employed a passionate and aggressive offence. Though his instructor wouldn't have any of it. One fateful parry followed by a quick and precise riposte had Charles knocked down onto his backside.

"Game set and match!" declared the instructor.

Charles ripped off his fencing mask. He looked visibly annoyed.

"I almost had you old man!" Charles yelled.

"That certainly isn't up for debate young master." said the instructor.

"But I was merely trying to stay alive. Your strikes are frightfully intimidating, if I do say so myself." he commented.

"Hmph" said Charles.

The fencing instructor extended his hand and pulled Charles back onto his feet.

"You can have all the talent in the world young master, and you do by the way, but it would only take you so far without patience. One must train oneself keep oneself calm , especially under times of duress." lectured the instructor.

Charles' indignation started to build inside of him. He took a deep breath to calm himself. The instructor was right after all. Even Charles had to admit that.

"Yeah, I know." replied Charles.

"That concludes our lesson for today. Why your father will marvel at the progress you've made." the instructor gushed.

"You're dismissed. Same time again tomorrow." said Charles.

"You can be sure of that young master." replied the fencing instructor.

Charles strode over towards the fencing sword rack that stood against one of the walls. He hung his favourite epee gingerly. Fencing was his favourite sport, by far.

Slowly now, Charles thought to himself. Patience is key, especially for the scheme he had cooking away in the back of his mind. As far as his enemies were concerned, they had no idea what they were in for.

Charles strode out of the epee room with a swagger in his walk. He felt very self-satisfied. For the first time in a long time, he was excited.

[Rhythmloid]

Another day at school. It certainly wasn't as interesting as her first or even her second. She found herself staring at the clock much more often than usual. Every second feels longer than the last and the day just won't end soon enough.

The moment the bell rings Corrine dashes out of the classroom and she nearly ran all the way back home. Finally! She gets the rest of the day to herself! What should she do first? Practice piano? Draw? Read? She couldn't wait to get home!

She swung open the door to the house and took off her shoes. It was unusually quiet. Normally, Jacob and Andy would be watching the television set or making a mess around the house. Even Wilson would be making a bit of a racket as well. She searched around the house, looking in everyone's rooms, outside, in the garage, but no one was there. She peaked into the library to find Oliver sitting in his chair with pikes of books around. Typical Oliver.

She quietly walks over to him and taps his shoulder. He jumps up and drops his book.

"ACK! Oh, Corrine?! I told you to stop scaring me like that! Oh dear... I lost my page!" He grumbles.

"Aw, sorry big bro. Didn't mean to. I just got lonely and I couldn't find anyone else home." She chuckles.

"Ah, so they left already I see. Well, more free time for me I guess." Oliver says. He picked up his book once more and began to read where he left off.

"You aren't going to ignore me are you? That's mean!" Corrine pouts.

Oliver rolls his eyes and puts his book down again. "Well, what do you want? I don't like wasting precious time without being productive." Corrine sighs and looks down at her feet. She didn't think Oliver would actually pay attention to her. He grumbles at her lack of a response.

"Ok, I'll make a deal with you. Get out of your uniform and put on your regular clothes. Come back down here and I'll let you ask me three questions. Deal?" He asked. That should keep her quiet for a bit.

Corinne nods and rushes to her room. She quickly changes into her house dress, which was a cat inspired dress covered in piano keys and paw prints. She raced down the stairs and to the library, sitting down with her legs crossed. She loved playing the 'ask three questions to Oliver game'. It was fun becuase he never lied and she got to ask anything she wanted.

"Hm, that was quick. Alright then, ask your first question. Make it quick." Oliver snaps.

"Ok, um... you said Mama was a princess right? Was that true? I know you said it when I was little but..." Corinne starts.

Oliver was taken back by her question. He didn't like talking about their mother. It hurt too much to even mention her name. But he had to answer or Corrine wouldn't be quiet about it.

"Well, yes. She was a princess. That is true. She wasn't from this country, I'm sure you know that by now. Her parents ruled their town, and she was next in line. But when Father came over for a trip, they both fell in love. She loved him so much that she moved all the way over here. And later, she had all of us." He answered, hoping that she would be satisfied.

Corrine nodded and smiled, but her smile faded quickly. I miss my mama, she said to herself.

"Alright, I answered your first question; What's next?"

"... What was Mama like?" Corrine asks her second question.

Oliver was, again, taken back. What was with all of these questions about her mother? It wasn't like Corrine to be this way.

"Well, let's see. Our mother was a very kind woman. She smiled every chance she could get. She had such a positive attitude and a wonderful sense of humor." Oliver began to feel his face become hot and his eyes water up.

"She loved everyone and everything, no matter how horrible they truly were. She had the purest heart in the world. She was a wonderful woman. I miss her so much." Oliver began to cry. Corrine layed her head down on his lap and did the same. Even though their mother had been gone for a little more than a decade, no one was done grieving. Death had taken such a wonderful person.

"Oliver?" Corrine sniffed.

"Yes Corrine?" Oliver sniffed back.

"Why did Mama have to die?" Corrine asked.

"Come, now. You know why she left. She got sick and passed away." He wiped away his tears and sighed. "Your three questions are up." Oliver stood up and sighed once more. Corrine stood up as well and straightened her dress out.

Before she could say anything, Oliver gave her a hug. He never gave anyone a hug. He didn't even high five anyone. He hated physical contact. He must've been very upset, she thought to herself.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry you had to grow up without a mother and I'm sorry Father is so harsh on you."

"Its Ok, Oli-" She started.

"No. It's not. No one should ever have to say goodbye to their mother at such a young age." He let go and sat back down in his chair. "Sorry about that. N-now run along and do your homework." He was clearly embarrassed about his crying. It's not like him to sow so much emotion.

"But its Frid-"

"Just leave."

Corrine sighed and walked out of the library. He needed some alone time anyway. She was about to head up to her room before she heard the front door unlock. Everyone must've come back home. Was it that lasts already? She walked over to the door, smiling.

"Hey everyone." She greeted. Well, almost everyone was there. They all gave a grumbled hello and walked in. They were all about ready to sleep.

"Uh, where's Antonio?" She asked.

"He's probably out doing something illegal as always. He'll probably be home tomorrow morning if we're lucky." said Lenny, obviously annoyed at his younger brothers reckless behavior.

"We brought home dinner for you. It's just a burger and a lemonade. Hope you don't mind." Charlie handed a paper bag to Corrine.

"I don't mind. Thank you." She smiled.

"It's getting late. You should go ahead and go to bed. But if you eat in your room, don't forget to clean it up." Lenny orders.

"Ok. Night everyone." She gives all of her brothers kisses and heads off to her room.

[TwelveOf8]

It just wasn't the same without those loveable clowns around. The mood was quieter and more somber at school with the absence of Rolo, Switch, and Divo. They were all suspended for the rest of the week due to that little dispute of theirs. Chet wished that they would've settled it more privately, though who could say no to a pissed-off Rolo? Alas, a passionate heart wasn't always a sensible one.

It was during recess that Chet decided to uphold his end to his secret deal with Charles. The rest of the Salt Bay Turbos were as apathetic as ever. No words of support nor objections this time around. Being a leader was a lot less fun without the dynamic trio, that's for sure. Chet sighed, he really wished they were there. He needed them more than ever.

The operation would commence at lunch time that very day.

[Rhythmloid]

Corrine woke up to the sun shining on her face. She groaned as she sat up from her princess-like bed. What time was it? She asked herself. She turned to look at the clock to see it was already 9:30! She missed breakfast with everyone! It must've been cold by now. She quickly puts on her house slippers, grabs her teddy bear, and walks quickly down the stairs.

The dinner table was mostly empty with everyone's empty plate still on it and a couple of bottles of syrup. She missed Charlie's special pancakes. What a great start to her morning. She sat down at her normal seat and ate some of the table scraps off her brothers' plates.

Before she took another bite, a plate was placed in front of her. She looked up to see Charlie still in his apron and his face covered in flour.

"Good morning Corrine. Looks like you slept in this morning, hm? It's not like you. He smiled.

"Charlie! You didn't leave for work yet?" She asked.

"No, I took the day off to do chores around the house. It's getting quite messy around here and someone has to take care of it."

He shrugged, putting his own plate down to sit next to Corrine.

"Sorry for not making you pancakes like everyone else. I ran out of pancake batter, so I made you eggs on toast instead. I hope you don't mind." Charlie apologized. He knows how much she loves pancakes.

"Its ok! Whatever you make is still good!" She smiles and takes a bite.

"Aw, thanks sweetheart. Now hurry up and finish. I hope you don't have plans today because you're doing chores with me."

Corrine groans and finishes her breakfast. What a great way to spend her Saturday. Having such a large house wasn't always the best. Especially when it came to cleaning. The two spent the day dusting, sweeping, washing, and organizing the whole house, excluding everyone's room. The family made it a rule that it was their job to take care of their room. Corrine didn't have to worry about facing Charlie's wrath because she cleaned up her room everyday.

After they were done, Corrine looked at the clock. It was only two in the afternoon. This day was going by too slow! She had a party to go to. It wasn't until tonight, so she needed a way to sneak out. The only brother who would let her go out so late would be Antonio, but he wasn't very reliable when it came to keeping quiet.

She would have to arrive a bit early to the party and make up an excuse for being home late. Her brothers would always believe her if she said she was at the beach. She'll make a quick stop there and pick up some shells as proof. Yes! This plan was perfect! She might get a bit of a scolding but it's better than getting into trouble for going to a party.

She ran upstairs and into her room. Now, what should she wear? She didn't want to ruin any of her dresses, so those were out. It was too cold to wear shorts at night so those were out too. For fifteen minutes she tried on different outfits, from casual to fancy. She decided to go with a long, navy skirt and a long sleeved polka dotted shirt. She layed her clothes on her bed and decided to read until it was time to go.

[TwelveOf8]

"Ready boys?" asked Chet.

"Yes boss!" replied Rolo excitedly.

"I sure am Chet" affirmed Divo.

"Oh I am so ready for this!" Switch declared gleefully.

"Light em up!" cried Chet.

It was around a quarter past two on a Saturday afternoon. Quite a warm spring day, even for Sea Salt Bay. The four friends stood at the end of the Main Street. In the middle of the road. During one of the few brief moments when traffic was absent. Amongst them stood several motorcycle tyres lined with oil soaked rags. They were about to send a message to the town. Despite the absurdity of what they were about to do, the message they were sending wouldn't be lost on any of the locals. All part of the plan.

The three friends, alongside several other members of their gang, had their lighters at the ready. On Chets orders, all their tyres were lit ablaze. They each jumped back when their respective tyres were ignited. The heat from them was too much to handle up close. The sight of those rings of fire was enough to intimidate anyone. They worked exactly as intended.

"Into position!" cried Chet.

A unified and spirited roar met his cry. Each of the Salt Bay Turbo members stood behind each of the tyres. A single foot placed on their sides, ready to launch.

"It's getting really hot around here. Hotter than Divos mums bedroom" announced Switch.

He issued his trademark loud and abrasive hyena laughs. As always, it was accompanied by the laughter of those around him.

"Hey shut up!" shouted Divo.

"But yeah, it's getting really hot around here. I don't think I can take it much more. Could we please just launch now Chet!?" pleaded Divo.

"Shut the hell up you little nub! We'll hold as long as we have to!" yelled Rolo.

It was a few moments later when everyone finally got into position.

"Launch!" yelled Chet.

Each of the tyres were kicked at exactly the same time. All the tyres rolled down the Main Street in unison. The Salt Bay Turbos roared in triumph.

"Now let's get out of here boys! Before the pigs show up!" announced Chet.

"You don't have to tell me twice" said Switch.

"We're splitting up then laying low until tonight, right fellas?" asked Rolo. He was absent whilst the stunt was being planned.

"That's right big fella. Now let's split." answered Divo.

All the Salt Bay Turbo members scrambled to their motorcycles then screeched off into different directions. Chet himself stayed until everyone was clear.

"Oh lord! What in heavens is going on!?" some woman nearby exclaimed.

"It's happening again." answered an old man standing nearby.

Damn right it was, Chet thought to himself. This town had no idea what it was in for.

[Rhythmloid]

Corrine sat in her room, reading until time passed just a little bit faster. She stole one of the romance novels from Oliver's library and decided to check it out. It was about a vampire who had fallen in love with a human, but they couldn't stay together because the sunlight would kill him. It was such an awful story, Corrine didn't know how Oliver could stand this stuff.

The only way to make it interesting was to day dream as insert herself in the characters place. She imagined herself as the woman in the book. She would be an adult of course; Maybe even prettier now that she's grown up. But, her skin looks slickly and her teeth are much longer.

She snuck around the bushes, waiting to catch her prey. She could feel the wind rush by her as it ran. They would have to get tired eventually, unlike her. She could almost taste the blood from here. But she needed to pick up the pace. It was nearly dawn.

She heard a loud grunt followed by a thud. They must've fallen! Now was her chance to catch her dinner! She quickly caught up to her prey. There was something familiar about them. Slicked back hair, tall, quite large...

It did not matter. She needed food; She was starving! She leaned over her prey and brought her fangs out. She look a quick look at his face and blushed. He was certainly scared to say the least. The boy underneath her could tell it was the end.

She hesitated before closing her mouth and moving away. She couldn't do it. He was different from the rest. He didn't try to shoot her or burn her. He just accepted his fate.

'Who are you, human?' The vampire asked.

'T-the names...' He replied.

'Hm. Human what have you done to me? Why can't I drink blood from you? Have you castes a spell upon yourself? Maybe you casted a spell on me!'

'I didn't do anything. I know one thing though; I wanna get the hell outta here!' He stated.

'No, stay! You're different than the rest of them.' She yells holding down his shoulders. Her face is flushed red and her heart is pounding. What was wrong with her? Was this love at first sight? She had never wanted to protect a human so much before. She knew it was wrong and maybe even impossible, but it felt right.

She leaned down once again toward his neck. She bore her fangs, just barely touching the boys flesh. It sent chills down her own spine. She gently sunk her teeth in, hoping not to hurt the boy. His blood was intoxicatingly good. So sweet yet so tart. She wanted more. She reluctantly pulled herself away from the human.

The spell the human casted upon her made her feel strange. Her mind was foggy; It became hard to think. She slowly lifted his-

Corrine tossed the book onto her bed. What was Oliver reading this time?! Such a lewd story! But why did she imagine Rolo in place of the poor victim? What did that even mean? Ever since she bumped into Rolo on her first day of school her thoughts have been wandering. Her face was red and hot. Imagining those sort of things from a book was lecherous! But he's such a sweet person. And he is pretty cute... Corrine! Get your head out of the gutter! She said to herself. Why was she having these thoughts?

She stood up and paced back and forth. Why him? Why Rolo? Why did her heart pound whenever she thought of him? Just mentioning his name got her heart a flutter. Every time she thought of him she grinned.

She plopped down her her bed and smiled. Maybe this was what her brothers were talking about. Maybe she did have a stupid highschool crush. It definitely felt nice to fall in love. Maybe it felt even better to have someone love you back. Well, she was going to ask him about that rumor Chet was talking about. Maybe she could tell Rolo what was happening to her. But that was a bold move. She didn't want to scare him away.

She took a look at the clock. Just three more hours before she had to leave. But she knew how to pass the time. She picked up the book she tossed and happily continued reading.

[TwelveOf8]

"Ya know, Charles may be a weiner but ya gotta hand it to him. The guys got taste." commented Chet.

He wasn't the only one who was impressed with the venue, far from it. The clubhouse had changed noticeably since the last time the gang was there. It was renovated no doubt. Dressed to the nines, so to speak.

"Whoah! There's a dance floor now!?" asked Switch.

The table and chairs in the middle of the room were no longer there. They were replaced by a checkered dance floor. It almost spanned the entire place. No doubt ready for some big parties.

"Can't wait to show the ladies my sweet moves." said Switch.

"What moves? The grope grope? Cuz she be doing the nope nope. Then it's loser city for you pal." said Divo.

A few of the other Salt Bay Turbo members had a bit of a laugh. Chet and Rolo merely rolled their eyes. They knew what was coming.

"Oh yeah!? Care to put your money where your mouth is little man!?" Switch challenged.

"Damn right I do, bean sprout." countered Divo.

"Whatever ladies. I'm going to the bar to get away from your squawking. A maybe get a little hammered. If you'll excuse me." announced Rolo.

"Ha! That's the smartest thing I've heard all week. I'm coming with." said Chet.

Switch and Divo hardly recognised Rolos jab, for they were formulating yet another bet. Or as they like to call it, a "manly rivalry challenge". Chet and Rolo left Switch and Divo to their bickering, boasting, and betting on the dance floor.

The bar to the right of the doors was a dream of carved mahogany, brass, and crystalline glasses. The bar stools themselves were of the same mahogany, topped with leather padded seats. A comfortable place to take a seat and drink your problems away. A far cry from the old plain looking pinewood bar that was there before. No doubt the alcohol selection improved alongside the bar itself.

"What'll it be fellas?" asked the bartender. A youngish looking guy with a slight faux hawk and Buddy Holly glasses. His red slacks were draped over his black t-shirt as they held up his blue jeans. As hip as hip could be.

"One Hammerhead Lager." ordered Rolo.

"You're actually gonna start drinking now big guy? The party has just started. Most of the guests aren't even here yet, for Christ sake." said Chet.

"So? I can hold my own boss. No need to worry about me." replied Rolo.

"Dude come on. I told you just call me Chet. But yeah, you got a point. I've seen how much you can drink." relented Chet.

"This guy drinks as much as an alcoholic rhino." said Chet to the bartender.

"Man, Charles isn't gonna like this. But what do I care." he replied.

"Cool, make that two then." ordered Chet.

"Great, you gentlemen have got excellent taste. Not many people ask for the Hammerhead. Underrated brew if I do say so myself." explained the bartender.

"Damn right it is." intoned Rolo.

Chet grinned to himself. This was obviously a trap, but he wasn't gonna fall for it. Chet was way too smart. He could see right through Charles. That guy wasn't that difficult to figure out, Chet thought to himself.

A few moments later, two schooners of said lager were served up with very little froth.

"There you go gents, enjoy." said the bartender.

"cheers" thanked Chet.

Most of the guests should arrive by the end of the hour. The cool kids liked to be fashionably late of course. Despite the obvious trap, Charles couldn't help but think that this whole thing was gonna be a blast.

The curtains parted at the back of the miniature stage. There stood a band which consisted of a female lead singer and three other guys. They promptly began to play their music.. No doubt the swinging jazzy number turned out to be a hit with the partygoers. A few wolf whistles and an oww sound were issued as a sign of admiration. One of those was unmistakably Switch. No doubt he admired the lead singer more than the music itself. Who could blame the guy really. The only thing hotter than her was her music.

"Cool band." remarked Chet.

"Charles spares no expense." replied the bartender.

Rolo nodded gleefully to the music. His thoughts were finally free of Corinne, if only for a moment.

[Rhythmloid]

Corrine had finished the book she stole from Olivers library. Oh, what a horrible tale of romance with a side of extra cheese. One more look at the clock signaled her to head off. She put on her clothes she had layed out, grabbed some sea shells to prove her fake story, and slipped outside before anyone could say anything. She hated lying to her brothers, but it was the only way to get to that party.

She tightly held on to her bag as she walked through a particularly not-so-nice neighborhood. It was the shortest way possible to the clubhouse without possibly being seen by her brothers. The neighborhood was bad news. Most of the houses looked like they haven't been taken care of in a very long time. Their lawns were gold instead of green, some littered with garbage. Oh these poor people, the thought to herself. She felt like something was following her and she needed to get out of there, fast. Her walk went from a jog, to a run, to a sprint.

She ran and ran until she spotted a hill. She new she was going in the right direction! Just around that hill should be the club house. A few minutes up and down the hill and she was right, there it was! She quietly walked to the door hearing music come from the inside.

"Maybe I should've dressed a bit nicer..." Corrine said to herself. But it was too late now.

She slipped through the door, hoping no one would notice her. Her father said making a grand entrance to a party that wasn't hosted by you was impolite. Of course, she followed those rules respectively. She snuck to a corner of the clubhouse and let down her hair to make herself look a little nicer. She admired the clubhouse for a bit. Whom ever decorated the place had good taste. A bar, a dance floor, and a little stage? Oo la la!

She hummed along to the song. The audience was hollering at the woman singing. Corrine rolled her eyes. Such boys.

As she continued to sing she noticed a familiar face and immediately shut up. There he was, already drinking and the party has barely begun. He'd get drunk before anyone else would. Should she go over there and stop him? What if she says something stupid? She should at least greet him and tell them she's here.

She slowly walks over to him and covers him eyes with her hands, giggling.

"He,he,he... guess who it is!" She said, doing a bad job of holding in her laughter.

[TwelveOf8]

"Wha!? What the!?" said Rolo, who was clearly startled.

Chet grabbed Corinne around the waist and pulled her back a couple of feet. She would've been clobbered by Rolos flailing arms if he hadn't. Rolo flailed his arms around wildly like a mad man. He then spun around on the top of his barstool. A passing observer would've thought that Rolo was being attacked by ghosts. As far as Rolo was concerned, he was.

Rolo then opened his eyes, he couldn't believe what he saw. His jaw literally dropped.

"You shouldn't sneak up on the big fella like that Corinne. He startles easily." warned Chet.

"Oh uhh, sorry C-c-Corinne. Did I hurt you?" Rolo stammered.

"You most certainly did not." replied Chet.

If it wasn't for Chet though, Rolo so would've hurt Corinne. But Chet felt that not calling attention to that would've be the classy thing to do. He didn't want to humiliate Rolo in front of his crush anymore than he already had.

"Your beer wasn't so lucky dude. There wasn't much left so ya know." stated Chet.

During his wild flailing, Rolo knocked his schooner of beer over. There was only one eighth of a glass left so the spill was small. It only left a little puddle on the bar. The bartender himself took out a rag and quickly wiped it up, sighing to himself.

"Oh" replied Rolo. Color was clearly starting to show on his cheeks.

"Don't sweat it brother!" placated Chet.

"Yeah dude. You're like one of my cleaner, more classier patrons. You have no idea the amount of shit I have to put up with as a bartender. But it's all worth it. Good music, good people." he interjected.

"See? It's all good." placated Chet further.

"Oh, uh ok." replied Rolo.

"Doesn't Corinne look amazing tonight!?" asked Chet.

"You're damn right she does boss." replied Rolo enthusiastically.

"Simply stunning." intoned the bartender.

"I'll leave you two love birds alone." said Chet.

He gave them a wink before leaving Rolo and Corinne at the bar. Chet quickly found a rather nice looking girl in a white dancing dress covered in red polka dots. By the looks of things, they were gonna cut the rug in more ways than one.

"So little lady. What'll you have?" asked the bartender.

[Rhythmloid]

"Oh, I'm sorry Rolo. I didn't mean to scare you that badly. I thought I would just surprise you." she giggles as Chet sets her down. She felt a little bad for scaring the poor guy, but it was funny to watch him flail around.

Her cheeks blush at the barrage of compliments she gets. Rolo thought she looked pretty? She didn't look that nice, did she? It wasn't anything fancy and she never puts make up on. It makes her face itch like crazy. But she'll take a compliment any day, no matter what.

"T-Thank you. I-I, uh..." She's at a loss for words until Chet leaves. What did he mean by that?!

"Chet, what in the world are you-?!" but he was already off chatting up a girl he had found. She pouts and stamps her foot. How rude! You can't walk away when someone is talking to you! She mutters to herself until the bartender catches her attention.

"Drinks? Oh, that's a good question. I don't drink alcohol very much so I don't really know." She takes a seat next to Rolo.

"The only drinks I've had is the champagne from New Years and Daddy's beer on his birthday. I only get a little sip because Daddy is afraid I'll get addicted. She giggles sheepishly. Her cheeks are still red from the compliments; especially Rolo's.

"If you have anything sweet, I'll take it." She adds.

[TwelveOf8]

"Well little lady, you're just about the sweetest thing here." replied the bartender.

"You don't drink Corinne? Well I'm not gonna drink to!" announced Rolo.

"Yeah that'll be the day." joked the bartender.

"What was that!?" asked Rolo.

"Umm I said uhh, what!? No way! How noble. This guys a real knight in shining armour little miss." said the bartender.

"Well, only to Corinne he he." said Rolo.

"Wow, just wow. Two pints of pub squash, comin right up!" announced the bartender.

"If things get any sweeter around here I'm gonna get diabetes" he joked.

[Rhythmloid]

"Oh Rolo, you don't have to do that for me! You can go ahead and drink all you want! I won't be offended, honest." Corrine said.

She gives one of her signature cute smiles and blushes slightly at his nice gesture.

"Well, that was real sweet of you... but don't let me ruin your fun!

[TwelveOf8]

"You're all the fun I need Corinne baby." replied Rolo.

Her smile, there was something about it. Sparks flew and colours dazzled every time he saw it. Like a cacophony of melody from a song long forgotten but missed fondly. Rolo never felt this way about a girl before. He thought he did once, but she turned out to be the very last thing Rolo needed in his life. But Corinne was different, Rolo was sure of it.

An awkward silence took place between them for what felt like an eternity. Rolo was way too shy to say anything further, in the hopes of not having Corinne be spooked. Although he did try to give her an endearing smile. He hoped against hope that Corinne would say something nice.

[Rhythmloid]

Corrine sighs. "Rolo, why are you always so sweet to me? I feel like I don't deserve any of it. Always being so nice, complimenting me...Why do you do it?" she looks down at her lap as her face grows more and more red.

She tried asking in as subtle way as possible. Chet said something the other day about Rolo and she wanted to make sure it was true. Maybe he was just a nice person, or maybe he really did like her. There was only one way to find out!

[TwelveOf8]

"Corinne, it's just that I err, It's just that I..." Rolo stammered.

"Two pub squashes!" announced the bartender. Unknowingly cutting Rolo off in mid sentence.

"One for the lord of the manor." He said handing one of the glasses of pub squash to Rolo.

"And one for his lady." The bartender continued. He then handed the other glass to Corinne.

"Enjoy! And good luck." said the bartender.

"Thanks man." replied Rolo.

[Rhythmloid]

Corrine jumps as the glass is placed infront of her.

"O-oh my, thank you!" She says, trying to be polite. Oh what a better time to give her her drink as Rolo was about to answer her. Oh well, she'll just have to ask again.

"Hey, Rolo. What's a 'Pub squash?' Does it have alcohol?" She cocks her head to the left. She's never been one for drinks, so she's learning quite a lot.

[TwelveOf8]

Rolo let out a sigh of relief. A distraction and a change of conversation was what he felt he needed at the moment. Even amongst people he held most dear, Rolo had a difficult time expressing his fondness of others. It took him a little time to find the right words.

"Well Corinne. A pub squash is a lemon flavoured soda. Don't confuse it with lemonade. It tastes different. It's my favourite." Rolo said gleefully.

He then picked up his glass. It felt cool and moist to the touch. The bright yellow colour mixed with ice cubes and accompanied by a cocktail umbrella made for a particularly cheerful looking drink.

"Cheers." said Rolo while holding his drink out to Corinne.

[Rhythmloid]

"Cheers!" She takes her glass and gently touches it against his, making a small 'clink!'. She takes a small sip and her face lights up.

"Mm~ I like it! It looks really cute too!" She takes another sip, then a gulp, then finishes off the drink. She realizes that she finished the drink in one go.

"Oh... oops." Her face turns pink with embarrassment. "I can see why you like it!" She takes an ice cube and munches on it.

[TwelveOf8]

"He he, yeah." replied Rolo.

It made Rolo truly happy, knowing that Corinne enjoyed his favourite non-alcoholic beverage. He remembered how he'd always have either a glass or a can whenever he felt blue. It never failed to brighten his mood. It reminded him of happier times. Now the drink could could hold yet another pleasant memory, thanks to Corinne.

The band finished their song. Their performance was met with raucous applause and wolf whistles. The lead singer herself beamed with joy. The whole band genuinely enjoyed their gig so far.

They then began to play yet another one of their jazzy numbers.

Rolo began to nod along to the song, clearly enjoying himself.