Leaving the nest (Howler01 and Anguijenn)

[Anguijenn]

Tara was slightly surprised that Derek had walked over to her and managed to grasp her hand yet again. Usually, she'd pull away and shy from a boy's touch but.. this felt right. His offer seemed genuine as he spoke it and his words were sweet but awkward coming from such a man. It was hard to believe someone that looked as dark as him could speak so beautifully. She blushed openly at his compliments and had to hide her rosy cheeks by looking down at the floor for a moment.

Get a grip, Tara. It's just another boy looking for something more than you'd ever give. He's looking for a one night stand just like all the rest. Her mind said sardonically. It was almost mocking her naivety. With a small swallow, she began to ponder on the offer. It was obvious that his mind was processing something to by the look on his face. He seemed.. nervous. Seeing his smile and slight blush made her feel suddenly anxious.

The offer of a milkshake almost made her giggle. She thought for sure he'd say something more intense than a milkshake. The boy in front of her was definitely intriguing. In fact, one could say he was a paradox. Tara was consumed by thought until he made his confession. Luckily, he didn't make her answer right away, instead, he guided her off of the stage and into the chilly night air. The crisp air made her feel more at ease as she took in a calming breath.

Seeing the motorcycle, she had a momentary look of panic. He must have noticed it as he mentioned the helmets. Feeling foolish, she looked down at the ground again. Now was the moment of truth. The time where she had to make a decision. To go against her normal and take a chance at the strange or to stay safe and cozy behind the wall her parents built up in front of her. Nervously, she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and then looked up at him behind her eyelashes. "I've never been on a motorcycle before.. She confessed quietly. In all honesty, she has never been on a regular bike before either. Her father always told her that she'd get hurt and that it would be safer to walk.

Biting her lower lip slightly before adding "And a milkshake does sound pretty good.. As soon as the words escaped her lips, her mind began to punish her for betraying her father's lessons. Who was to say that he wouldn't try something or cause her harm? She didn't know anything about him. He could be someone on America's Most Wanted for all she knew.

[howler01]

Derek smiled brightly at her and handed her a helmet. He said,"It's easy. Just hold onto me and keep your feet on the pegs. Lean into the turns as I do and we'll get there. No worries. i'm not going that fast, promise. He chuckled a little at how safe and protected her speech was. It seemed the poor girl had lived in a box for most of her life, doing and saying good things. Derek couldn't understand the reasons behind that, but he didn't try. She was who she was and he wasn't going to change her. He knew that. They said people changed, and maybe she'd change too. But, it would take time, he knew that.

He hopped on the bike started the engine. Once the bike was sufficiently warmed up and started, he gestured to her to hop on. He rode on into the night and he knew that there were two places that served milkshakes at this hour. McDonalds or a mom and pop cafe. Derek thought about where he should take her as he rode on down the block. He decided on the small cafe, less chance for her to get busted or in trouble or something. he knew that trouble was somewhere in the back of her mind; it had to be. Derek pulled into the smaller cafe and frowned. The lights were on, but from parking, he couldn't tell that the place was even open. He did love the way their shakes were made.

Derek parked the bike and killed the engine. He turned back to her and smiled. "We're here. This place has much bigger and better shakes then Golden Arches. Besides, you want home made ice cream or processed crap? He laughed and took off his helmet, stepped off his bike, and set hi helmet on one of the handle bars and locked it in place. He held out a hand for her. Once she took his hand, he walked with her into the cafe, sitting into a booth and grabbing a menu.

Looking over the menu, Derek scanned each choice. There was the main flavors; vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, but Derek was here for the mint, coconut, and the other "weird" flavors that weren't normally served by the big chain restaurant. Derek waited for the girl in her apron and dress, as the "uniform" of the place. He then gestured toward Tara and let her order first. When she had done so, he said,"I'll have the chocolate, coffee flavored one please. When she'd gone to get them, Derek said,"Gotta take care of my throat and whatnot. i'd go for some harder stuff. I've got the harder stuff, don't worry, just not in the mood for it at the moment. I hope that's okay. So... I'm sure you have to get home at some point? I mean, I don't want to keep you out super alte, but, if you want, you can stay on my couch for the night.

Derek folded his hands on the table and waited to hear what she had to say. This would determine how the night would go. He had at least offered, that was the best he could do.