Fun in the sun [Claire/Cheyenne/Open] (August)

[CLAIRE MCLEESTER]

While Griffin was talking to her and explaining his favorite part of the isles, she couldn't help but watch him. Her nerves began to calm down a considerable amount and she even gave a smile. Claire liked the way he talked. He seemed to talk less than she did, but when he did talk his words seemed almost.. passionate? Was that the right way to put it? He didn't waste words the way other people did. The way Claire did. He seemed careful to be sure he said the right thing.

"You like to be up high." Claire uttered, knowing exactly what part of the isle he was describing, having been there a few times over the years. It had been a while since the last time she'd visited that part. She only came to Megsy Isles to enjoy the beach and usually with her sister. It wasn't a trip she'd take by herself. She preferred to just stay at home and curl up with a book, but when it came closer to a full moon Claire loved to be outside. She couldn't stay indoors and would go to the park and walk around or go for a jog. It was the animal side of her that caused her to fall in love with nature when the full moon came around.

Claire looked at Griffin's outfit again and the realization that she was barely wearing anything set in again and she shifted her weight, moving her feet closer to her body and draping her arms around her midsection as if she were trying to conceal it from Griffin's view. "Yeah, you're not really dressed for the beach." She gave a laugh and shrugged. "It's okay though. Nobody cares what you wear at the beach just as long as you're wearing enough to make yourself look decent. I mean, nobody wants to see some old man walking down the beach in a banana yellow speedo, am I right?" She smiled awkwardly and gave a little chuckle but it faded quickly.

"What am I-- what am I ready? Well I have a few books, actually." Claire reached for her bag and tried to pull it towards her but it was stuck on something. She gave it a yank and that's when she realized one of the straps had been underneath the cooler. Only she realized it too late and when she yanked it free the bag and Claire toppled over. Everything that had been in the bag fell into the sand and on the beach towel. Clothes, books and a few accessories were scattered around them and Claire struggled a bit, trying to sit up again. She'd managed to get sand all down the left side of her body, her face and collected in her hair. "..bleck! yelch.." Claire stuck her tongue out, spitting some sand out and started to brush herself off. "Well.. take your pick. There's my books!" She said uncomfortably, all three of the books she'd brought with her out in plain view.

[GRIFFIN CARTWRIGHT]

"You like to be up high." The ever calm look on his face stayed put and he gave her a slight head nod, confirming that he did, in fact, like to be up high. Of course he understood why and wouldn't expect her to, but fortunately a comment like that didn't really need an explanation. Some people liked heights, some did not, some were indifferent.

He chuckled as she rambled about the way others dressed. She was sweet and he gazed at her in a way that showed he was comfortable and amused with the words she said. "I certainly have little desire to see any man, young or old, in a banana yellow speedo." He told her light heartedly, and it was true. Griffin had no problem with men and he was comfortable enough with himself to admit that some men were even attractive, but a speedo bathing suit? One would have to be very confident and comfortable with themselves to be seen waltzing around in such a small amount of fabric.

Griffin let his eyes wander down to the books she laid out for him to look at. He reached for one and picked it up, looking at the picture on the front cover and then flipping it to the back to see what, if anything, was written about the book and what it was about. "Three books is a little over zealous." He teased, letting his eyes flit up and meet hers with a mischievous smirk before looking back down at the book in his hands. "Water for Elephants. I think they made a movie about this one." He commented before tossing it back on the blanket gently. He leaned down on his side, propping his head up with his elbow and flipped to the front cover to read the synopsis inside.

"Rosie." He said aloud, again that gentle smile slipped over his lips as he looked up at Claire, his eyes squinting a little in the light as he looked into the wild features of her face. "Nice name for an Elephant. Is it any good?"

[CLAIRE MCLEESTER]

Claire laughed at the speedo comment figuring nobody would want to see a man in a speedo, especially not a yellow one. The very thought made her shuddered and stick her tongue out as if she had just tasted something disgusting. The thought was very repulsive. "Bleck!"

When he picked up Water for Elephants she nodded her head. "It's a really good book. When books are turned into movies I like to read the book before I see the movie. Movies spoil books because they can't grasp every thought and feeling the author portrays in a book for their characters. I also have Memoirs of a Geisha and To Kill A Mockingbird.." She picked up the other two books, waving them a little to show the covers to Griffin in case he didn't believe her. Then she stacked them on top of one another and set them down next to her. "I've actually read all three of them already. When I'm not sure what I want to read I just bring a few with me and pick my favorite parts of the books and read them. Yes, I'm a total geek I already know." Claire rambled a bit, not exactly ashamed of her little quirky book thing, in fact she didn't care what other people thought about that anymore. She'd been doing it since she was young and plenty of people made fun of her for it already. She'd heard it all before.

"Have you read To Kill A Mockingbird?" Claire asked, knowing that some people read it in school, but most hadn't. Advanced English classes read it sometimes. She'd wanted her English teacher to read it in high school but the teacher refused. Claire couldn't understand why. It was one of her favorites. "You follow a child and her perspective of the events that happen around her." She explained to him wondering if he knew what she was talking about.

[GRIFFIN CARTWRIGHT]

His focus stayed intently on Claire as she spoke about the books, looking briefly at the novels as she held them up, but not allowing them to distract him from what she was saying. He chuckled when she called herself a geek and shook his head. "I assure you, you are no geek." He said, genuinely meaning it. She was far from the nerdy sort she thought she was, and if that really was what she was, than so was he and he was fine with it, and found that quality becoming on the redhead.

When she asked if he'd read To Kill A Mockingbird he didn't get a chance to answer before she gave a quick synopsis of the book and he smiled up at her. She was so eager and excited! He loved seeing people so passionate when they spoke of things they truly loved. Claire very obviously loved the stories she read, and he admired her ability to not only read a novel but to want to read them over and over again for the sheer love of the characters. She probably grew up admiring little Scout Finch, the story's brave little hero, and likely cried for poor Boo Radley.

"I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do." Griffin quoted, spinning the bottle he had been drinking from in the sand, the bottom getting coated in a layer of sand. "Atticus Finch was one of the smarted southern men in literature." He said with a genuine laugh and shook his head. "Well, I'm sure there are a great deal of intelligent southern fictional characters, but I've always been a fan of Atticus. I read that book when I was a boy." He explained to Claire reaching for it and flipping through the pages. "You know this was her only novel?" He asked looking up at Claire. "Harper Lee? The only book she ever wrote. It's a shame. I think she's done a lot for literature."

Griffin placed the book down and looked at the other novel Claire had brought with her. "I never read that one." He explained, "But I've read many things on Geisha's and have even visited Japan. I didn't meet any Geisha there, but the culture I hear has changed quite a bit. Now women don't become Geisha's until they are adults." He explained. "In history they would begin their training as young girls living in an Okiya, but now many live independently..." He was about to go on when he stopped himself and looked apologetically at the young lady he was with. "I'm sorry." He said softly letting out an embarrassed laugh. "I know a little about a lot of things and sometimes my mouth gets away from me. You're not the only one guilty of that." He teased gently. "My apologies, I'm sure you know all about the Geisha, assuming that book is about them. It's a truly interesting culture."

[CLAIRE MCLEESTER]

Claire couldn't believe it! Griffin not only knew what To Kill A Mockingbird was, but he was able to quote it! "Mrs Dubose won, all ninety-eight pounds of her. According to her views, she died beholden to nothing and nobody. She was the bravest person I ever knew." Claire spoke the next three lines of the book with her eyes closed, picturing it in her head to make sure she got it right. After she quoted it she opened her eyes and knew that she had nailed it dead on. A big smile grew on her face and she tilted her head to the side happily. "You've read it. Not many people know of it and it's a shame. It's such a great book."

As he spoke more about the book she couldn't help but keep grinning like a moron. It was one of those books that she could read until the pages disintegrated in her hands. Then she'd march right on down to the store and buy herself another copy! She loved little Scout and she always cared about Boo Radley. It was one of those stories where it wasn't wrapped up in some cheesy romance like a lot of books were today. Isabella Swan couldn't hold a candle to Scout Finch's story!

"I think she had the right idea not making any more books. I mean, she had the sense to know when to stop. Take a look at some of these writers these days. We have authors who put time and dedication into their stories early in their careers, but then as time went by they're just publishing junk. And they're collaborating with other authors! When an author has a new book every other month you know it's time to call it quits. There is no story, just words about some random characters slapped on paper." There were authors she had liked, like James Patterson! Violets Are Blue was one of her favorite books of his with Detective Cross seeking out a serial killer. But then Patterson started making more and more books and eventually they just weren't interesting anymore. She hated when authors did that.

Claire decided to shut up and stop thinking so much so she could listen to Griffin tell her about how he'd been to Japan. The thought of travelling, going someplace like Japan or Africa! She'd love to see Africa! There she'd be able to run with the cats of the wild in her animal form which would be exciting. "I'd like to travel someday. Memoirs of a Geisha is a beautiful book. It was just written beautifully. There's a movie based off the book, but I don't think any movie would be able to do it justice. But it's awesome that they aren't using children anymore. Seems cruel if you ask me. I'd hate to have someone PAY for my virginity. Could you imagine? Staying a virgin until some old dude decides to pay so much to get it on with you? Gross." She shuddered at the thought of it and then realized that somehow the conversation took a turn from Atticus Finch to losing your virginity to old men like a high quality prostitute.

"......" Claire thought about it for a second and then just shook her head, looking up to the sky. How the hell did he manage to stick around and talk to her when she just ran her mouth constantly and about different things?

[GRIFFIN CARTWRIGHT]

He was completely engrossed in the words that danced out of her mouth. Griffin loved how passionate Claire was when she spoke about things she truly cared for, things that meant something to her. It was easy to tell when she enjoyed a topic because she spoke about it with such ease and grace, like a ballet dancer who had been dancing the same routine for months and knew every step by heart and could perform the entire dance in her sleep. This was how Claire spoke of books; with love and gusto and she completely captivated Griffin. He treasured this quality in some and it was rare he found it in humans. Avisaille could often speak passionately about the arts and travelling and things others deemed as cultural, but that was simply who they were as a species. Claire did not strike Griffin as a fellow Avisaille, so this quality about her fascinated him and in a kind way amused him.

"You speak very deeply about literature." He told her, a gentle, calm smile plastering his face. "It's refreshing. I enjoy hearing you speak about it." He complimented, hoping it would ease her anxiety when they moved on to topics she couldn't speak so freely about. She was a high strung person, but Griffin was under the impression that she wasn't always this way. If only she could talk so calmly about everything else! Maybe it was him? He didn't know, but it didn't matter. What mattered was that Claire was content now to speak freely, and he enjoyed every moment of her that way.

He chuckled softly when she mentioned selling her virginity. He himself could not imagine selling his virginity, something he still held after all these years. Sex wasn't something that was important to the man, and he had never found another of his kind that he could share that moment with and want to. Making love was simply that; an intimate act of love between two people for the sole purpose of procreation. Sure, it was fun, and he was certain that once he experienced the act with the person he cared for, then he would want to continue, but he had yet to meet anyone that he found special enough for that. Especially since he would only end up with a fellow Avisaille. No sense dating someone he couldn't settle down with, and he couldn't share his secret with just anyone. No. He would have to wait.

"I would imagine it would be very traumatic for the girl, especially considering her age. If I remember correctly their virginity is offered not terribly long after they have become pubescent. During that time and in Japan it wasn't uncommon for girls to be with men when they would still be considered illegal by our standards. No child is mentally capable for that, and they were still children in many respects. I'm sure it took a mental toll on many young women, but what choice did they have? Mizuage was considered common practice and the only way for a Geisha to be accepted as an adult." He spoke freely as if he had rehearsed this conversation, but of course he hadn't. "But then again, what do we know? We're certainly not young Japanese girls from the forties, now are we?" He grinned again, teasing gently.

[CLAIRE MCLEESTER]

She liked it when Griffin did the talking. She liked it when anyone that wasn't her did the talking unless it was Cheyenne. When Cheyenne spoke she'd have a nervous breakdown half the time hoping that her sister didn't say something totally ridiculous or embarrassing for Claire. When Claire spoke, she'd get anxious and concerned she'd say something embarrassing all on her own so she preferred to listen to other people talk. That's why at the museum she'd chosen the job as secretary and not as a tour guide. She couldn't handle talking about the different exhibits in the museum without rambling continuously. A twenty minute tour would turn into forty-five minutes if she were the one leading it.

When she was complimented, Claire looked away from Griffin and here eyes scanned the beach. Where had her sister gone off to? She just needed to NOT look at him for a moment or else she was going to say something completely off the wall and stupid then feel like a moron after. "I just like literature. It's like I'm addicted."

Griffin seemed quiet and nice. He also seemed to know a lot about Geisha! He also knew her favorite book of all time. Griffin was definitely scoring high marks in Claire's book. Although she was still anxiously fidgeting between topics, she'd remarkably calmed down enough to not knock anything else over. "I know that you always remember your first time. It doesn't matter if it was great, bad or in between. You'll always remember it. I guess I feel bad for those who had to experience that. I wouldn't want the memory of the time I lost my virginity to be some Joe who is old enough to be my dad who happened to have the highest bid." Claire's head tipped to the side and her shoulders raised in an easy shrug. "Then again that isn't considered normal here. They're raised that way."

"A different culture means different beliefs and traditions. Like here. In this city we celebrate a tree. A tree! There's this giant tree in the heart of the city and we have celebrations and incorporate it in our studies." Claire decided talking about virginity had definitely run its course and it was time to set that in the 'never talk about this again' section in her imaginary mind vault. "It sounds ridiculous, but I like it. Weird, huh? I mean I totally put it down sometimes but then I like to sit near that tree and read my books. It's relaxing." She confessed and she glanced at him before looking away and her hands fidgeting in her lap again.

[GRIFFIN CARTWRIGHT]

When Claire spoke about things she was interested in, her statements and opinions were both clear and concise. She was so talented in that area that Griffin felt like he might agree with her even if his own opinion differed, which in this case it did not. He liked that. It was a rare quality, but she was captivating when she wasn't going on and on about something awkward. Griffin found himself nodding his head in agreement as she made her clear argument about the Geisha and their difference in culture. It made a great deal of sense, and he couldn't argue with such well reasoned logic. It was simply their culture, and they might not view it as traumatic as a girl growing up in, say, 21st century America would.

He caught on that she wasn't interested in continuing that thread of conversation, so he allowed her to move on, noticing her eyes moving away from him and looking around. Griffin got the distinct feeling that maybe she was growing impatient, or he had again managed to make her uncomfortable, which seemed far too easy to do with this particular young woman.

"The tree is relaxing." He agreed softly, his attention still on her as he struggled to figure her out. Claire confused him. "It's nice to have something to bring our city together like a community. Common adoration for a single thing. Like we discussed the other day; to some it's spiritual, to others it is not. Either way it instills a sense of community in a large city where often residents don't have an excuse to mingle or find things in common. Like all the events that take place in September. It bring us together as a community, all in the name of the city we live in, namely the love we share for a tree."

Griffin sat up and took a swig of his drink which was now about half done and looked down at it as he pushed it back in the sand to try and keep it cool. He took a deep breath and looked around for Claire's sister. "So, where did your sister run off to, anyway?"

[CLAIRE MCLEESTER]

Claire couldn't agree more with Griffin about the Tree. Maybe it was the myth of the tree that was the reason, but crime wasn't as high in Scriptor Bay as it was in some of the neighboring cities. They had crime like everyone else but it wasn't as bad. The superstitious believed the myth like it was a religious belief. She thought that was ridiculous. The tree could be considered spiritual but to use it as a religious means was too much in her opinion. She knew it was a portal, and maybe it would open again someday like it did once before in the past but she was pretty sure it wouldn't be in her lifetime. If it did open she didn't know how she'd feel about that. This realm, world, Earth, whatever - was all that she knew and she didn't want to leave it for something unknown.

Claire didn't know where her sister went off to. She'd completely forgot that Cheyenne had even come along she'd gotten so involved in her conversation with Griffin that she didn't even bother to look around for her. But when he mentioned her Claire's ears perked up and she sat up straight, looking past Griffin towards a group of people that it looked like were doing a keg. Or something. "Probably over there." She squinted a bit and pointed the group out to Griffin. "She's the social butterfly. I was hit with the book worm gene, apparently."

[GRIFFIN CARTWRIGHT]

His eyes moved to where Claire had pointed out and he looked at the group of people as they drank and laughed. He didn't see the other girl, but that didn't mean she wasn't over there. She could be anywhere. "She's the social butterfly. I was hit with the book worm gene, apparently.". Griffin chuckled and turned his attention back to Claire.

"You say that like it's a bad thing." He joked before dropping his gaze to the blanket they were on. "Never be ashamed of who or what you are." He advised with another little smile up in her direction before taking a deep breath. The hot sun was beating down on him and he was beginning to grow uncomfortable as he sat there with her, wanting to pull his jacket off but knowing that wasn't a good idea. She could easily spot his harness through his shirt in the position he was sitting with her, and that could cause some awkward questions he wasn't much in the mood to answer.

"Anyway.." He started, getting to his feet and brushing the sand off. "I probably should head off. The suns making me a little uncomfortable and you have a lot of reading to do." Griffin gave Claire a genuine smile as his hands found his hips. He squinted down at her, getting a good look at her kind, pale face. "Enjoy the rest of your day here, and try not to burn." He chuckled, sliding a hand over his eyes to shield them from the beating sun. "I'll be stopping into the museum in a couple of days. I guess I'll see you then?"

[CLAIRE MCLEESTER]

Claire wasn't ashamed of who she was. She loved who she was! Well, she could have done without turning into a large cat and been just dandy but it was who she was. She couldn't change that no matter how much she wanted to. "Yeah it's fine. I'm glad I wasn't blessed with being very sociable. Or I wouldn't have time for my Atticus Finch." Claire picked up her copy of To Kill A Mockingbird and waved it in the air a little and chuckled softly to herself.

She tucked her hair behind her eat and watched him stand up before realizing it was rude that she was just sitting there staring up at him. Not to mention that blasted sun was in her eyes! Claire scrambled up to her feet and dusted herself off, feeling the rough sand that had stuck to the side of her thigh and some was even embedded in her hand. Stupid sand.

"Hey that sounds just peachy. I'll see you at the museum then. Maybe you could come close to noon. We could grab some lunch." Claire shrugged her shoulders, her bottom lip sticking out to make it sound and look more casual, since that's what people did sometimes. "Whatever." Claire wasn't good at playing it cool though and she got nervous again and started to shift her body weight from one foot to the other. "I should... probably spend some time with my sister. You know, since she's.. my sister." She rolled her eyes at the thought of actually going over and spending time with Cheyenne while she was flirting up a storm.

Although she'd be proud that Claire actually asked Griffin out to lunch. Not like it was a date or anything! Not a date date anyway. Just.. two people having lunch. It would sure beat sitting with the loading guys who found it funny to spit sunflower seeds at her sometimes.

[GRIFFIN CARTWRIGHT]

Maybe you could come close to noon. We could grab some lunch."

Griffin was taken a little aback by the comment, not expecting it. Not because it seemed date-y, in fact that was the farthest thing from his mind, but the very fact that Claire seemed so uncomfortable around him half the time made him almost sure she wouldn't attempt to make plans with him. A warm smile took over his features once more as he watched her endearingly. She was sweet, and he liked her company very much. When she was being calm, anyway.

"I would love to meet you for lunch." He said in a kind voice, grinning lightly at her still. "And I think spending time with your sister sounds like a great idea. She is who you came to see today." He reminded playfully with a chuckle. Griffin peaked over his shoulder and looked for the blond but didn't see her. Claire would surely be able to find her sister, though.

He took a deep breath and nodded at the bottle in his hands. "Thanks for letting me spend some time with you, and for the drink. I had a nice time." He said slowly before taking a step back. "I'll see you at the museum." He again offered that friendly, smooth smile of his and backed away again, giving a gentle wave of his hand before making his way away from the girls little site. He felt content with the run in, and excited for his lunch with the girl.