alexander-cooper

[alexander-cooper]

I think you'd look good in sweaters. But then again, you'd also look good with or without any article of clothing. 

I love sweaters.

I honestly don’t think that I could ever have too many. 

[alexander-cooper]

Leighton, huh. Immediately Alex searched his memory to see if he had ever been with someone with that name, but couldn't find one. Well, for everything's a first. "Well, the pleasure's all mine, Leighton." Conjuring a grin onto his face, he supported a little of his weight on the piano, cocking his head as he listened to the blonde talking. He often found that girls would like you more if it looked like you were listening, even though most people (Alex included) were perfectly capable of listening while doing other things. Who said men couldn't multitask? 

"Ah, on the stage, huh? Did you enjoy it?" It was quite obvious that her answer would be yes, but still, he felt like asking it, if just for the sake of conversation. "And if you ever need help focusing on yourself, I'm a volunteer." Alex spoke smoothly, raising his eyebrows as a mischievous glint appeared in his eyes. 

Summer || Leighton & Alexander

Leighton gave him an awkward gaze.  She figured she must have looked like a complete idiot, what with knocking over the bench, and having been in the room alone in the first place.  But she thought for a moment and then smiled, finding a strange sort of kindness in the way he finally introduced himself.  

"I’m Leighton.  It’s nice to meet you." She said.  She looked at the piano, wondering if it made any sort of sense why she was in here.  "Audition songs." She said, remembering his question.   "I was auditioning for musicals in New York before I came here.  Regional…Broadway.  I never got cast- not in a Broadway show.  But I was Hope in ‘Anything Goes’ in a small theatre in Manhattan.  But I thought it would be a good choice to come here instead.   Take some time off and focus on myself."

[alexander-cooper]

A snigger almost escaped Alex's lips when he saw who stepped out of the lift. He had been watching with a mild sense of anticipation as the number had slowed to the number that matched the bar. It would mean he got to stay and didn't have to do anything for company that night. He hadn't been expecting the shy Blair to get out of the elevator and look around with a look of shock, as if she wasn't expecting a bar (although it was indicated). A small snort did pass through him when she looked at him with a shocked expression. Still, a promise was a promise, although Alex had never said it out loud. He was going to stay and make sure that the shy girl kept him company. 

I'm up for a challenge. Raising his glass and cocking his head, Alex winked at Blair, curious to see how she would react. He was bored, and he had found his, well, to be blunt, victim for the night. Even it was just bothering her and getting her all riled up, he would be able to call his 'lady friend' to come and visit. He was hoping that Blair would make her way to his little table, although it looked like she didn't want to be in the bar in the first place. Why is she even here? And if she didn't, Alex would leave alongside with her and keep bothering her. 

Seeking Company || Blair & Alex

Blair had spent most of the last week locked up in her room studying for her midterms. There had been a stack of essays to write, anthologies she had needed to read cover to cover, and an endless amount of historical information that she needed to memorize. It was during exam weeks, especially finals, when she regretted being a Lit major. Now that her midterms were over, Blair found herself wondering what she should do with all her extra time. She had taken a week off from work, so there was no need for her to drop by the bookstore either. Maybe she could finally do some exploring on her own.

She made her way down to the third floor, but when she stepped off of the elevator, she was greeted by a sight that she hadn’t been expecting. Instead of an empty room filled with comfortable sofas and the warm glow of reading lamps, she was met by an equally empty room with bright lights and a fully-stocked liquor shelf. This is definitely not the coffee bar. Her brow furrowed and she turned to ask the lift attendant if she was on the wrong floor, but the sliding doors of the elevator were already shut. She turned back around, a little sound of surprise passed her lips when she noticed Alex sitting off to the side of the room.

[alexander-cooper]

Seeking Company || Starter

The bar in the complex was empty, if you didn't count the bartender who was watching Alex with a slightly reproachful look. He didn't care at all, for Cooper International's heir had come to the Toy Box for fun and games, and not to find an empty bar. He was considering to just dial some of the people he knew in Seattle and meet them somewhere in the vibrant city. But that would require going out in the rain, and that would probably just dampen his spirits even further. Although he could get a cab, it would just take time. 

So, the idea formed in his head that he would sit there for another ten minutes and nurse his drink, and if by then nobody had joined him, whether it be man or woman (he was up for any kind of company, really, although preferably someone of the opposite sex), he would leave and call for some exclusive company to join him in his room. Taking another sip of his gin tonic, Alex positioned himself so he could see the entrance with from his sitting point at the bar. 

[alexander-cooper]

"Audition songs?" He had no idea what she was talking about, so Alex raised inquired with this eyebrows raised. It was nice to have such a lovely hobby. He had always liked music, but didn't have the dedication to it to learn an instrument as well. Sure he knew the basics, and could play one small song by heart, but that was nothing compared to what some people could do. 

But what would the blonde standing in front of him do auditions for? She could be dancer, probably with that body, or some other form of theatre. Realising how impolite he must have seemed, barging into the ballroom and approaching her, Alex lowered his head for a moment. "Ah, sorry, my manners seemed to have abandoned me. I'm Alex." It was alarming how little the people in the building knew about him, or how little comment they made anyway. 

Summer || Leighton & Alexander

Leighton eyed the stranger as he neared her, and said nothing while she talked.  He presented himself in such a way that he meant no harm.  She allowed herself to loosen up, watching the movements of his hand as it glided across the keys of the piano.  She said nothing for a moment, until she was sure he was done speaking.

"Thank you." She repeated in a quiet voice.  The acoustics in the room were quite intense, anyway.  "I’ve been playing on and off since I was little.  It’s just a hobby, but it comes in handy while I’m picking out audition songs.  I have a ton of sheet music up in my room; I just didn’t think to bring it down." She said, giving him a smile.  

[alexander-cooper]

Well, don't overreact. Alex thought dryly, rolling his eye at the falling chair and the loud clang that echoed through the otherwise empty ballroom. I mean, sure it was shocking if you found that somebody had been listening to you play when you thought you had privacy, but then you should've closed the door. Alex raised his hands in a warding motion as to show that he meant no harm to the pianist.

He noticed how she didn't meet his eyes, and instead studied his simple jeans and plaid shirt, and he in turn gave the blonde a once over, taking in the sundress and the face framed by blonde locks. She looked quite lovely, he noted, although he wondered who would wear a dress in Seattle.

"Well, it really was lovely. Do you play for fun or for work?" Alex said as he took a few steps into the room, reaching the piano and letting his hand glide over the smooth black surface. He eyes his distorted reflection for a moment before pulling a hand through his hair. 

Summer || Leighton & Alexander

As soon as Leighton was finished with the piece, she heard a voice from the doorway, and to her surprise, someone was clapping.  Startled, she stood up quickly, the legs of the piano bench scraping on the marble before toppling over backwards.  She scrambled to pick up up, dropping to her hands and knees to shove the bench upright.  She checked for any scratches on the floor, and thankfully, didn’t see any.

Finally, she got the chance to eye the figure in the doorway.  Not that she felt confident enough to meet his eye- she was embarrassed by knocking over the bench, and was crouched down on the floor.  She didn’t exactly feel presentable.  But nonetheless, she stood up quickly, dusting off her sundress. 

"Thank you." She replied to the man’s compliment, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.  She honestly didn’t even know if she was allowed to be in the ballroom.  Maybe the man was on staff and was about to kick her out.  He didn’t look like he was an employee, but she was beginning to feel irrationally awkward and nervous.  

[alexander-cooper]

Maybe you should take off the dress then, darling.

I have dog hair all over my black dress

Yeah, I like your dog. Just not the fact that my dress is covered in dog hair.

[alexander-cooper]

Alex had been exploring the building again, wanting to get a feel for the complex before he left for his afternoon classes. The best part up until now had been the bar that Cooper International had funded, since the blasted researchers had wanted to make the apartment without any form of bar or café. Finding that unacceptable, Alex had made sure that something like that would be there. Still, as he wandered the halls, taking in the details and thinking about some of the tenants he had met, he was looking for something else. 

Whatever it was, he didn't find it, but another sound did reach his ears. Delicate notes that were being carried like frail gifts drifted through the otherwise silent hallway, causing Alex to stand still in surprise. He hadn't been expecting to hear someone in the ballroom, since it had been empty the first time he had looked, although now there definitely seemed to be someone inside and playing the piano. Or someone had put in a CD and was dancing by her- or himself. 

Leaning against the doorframe, watching as a lovely blonde let her hands flit along the white keys of the piano, notes filling the air with a calming tune. Her face was relaxed and composed as she played effortlessly, her hands moving on their own accord, it seemed. When she stopped, Alex clapped slowly before trailing into silence. 

"Well, that was lovely." 

Summer || Leighton & Alexander

Leighton yawned, the brightness of the sun making her feel sleepy.  She had survived day one, and she considered that a plus, and she hadn’t gotten lost since last night.  Being the new girl was never easy, but it was totally worth it.  After all, now she was in a place where she might actually…belong.  Plus, she was here for a reason.

True, she was fairly lonely, but she tried to keep her hopes up.  After all, she’d only been staying at the mysterious hotel for a day.  But when passing through the empty, silent, halls of a massive hotel, seeing a beautiful, white grand piano in an unoccupied ballroom is like finding an oasis in a desert.  Her jaw dropped open.  There was no way she would be able to resist.  She looked over her shoulder before shuffling hastily into the beautiful room, shutting one of the tall, double doors behind her.  She took a seat at the bench and ran her hands over the keys.  They were a bit dusty, but the particles seemed to shimmer on her fingertips, illuminated by the sunlight streaming through the giant glass windows to her left.

She closed her eyes and began to play.  The only tune she had memorized was called “Summer” by Joe Hisaishi.  But it had been one of her favorites for quite some time.

The acoustics in the room were marvelous.  She had never heard anything like it.  Soon she was looking down at her own hands as if someone else was playing and she was simply observing.

[alexander-cooper]

A sly grin decorated Alex's lips as he saw the blush creep up on Marissa's features, the confirmation of the effect he had on people not lost on his ego. It was always fun to see how much he could rattle women and girls alike, some collapsing like a house of cards, other resilient like a concrete building. Still, the simple things like a blush or a laugh that he could wring out of people was fun to see. When she in turn took in his features, Alex raised his eyebrows in a 'like what you're seeing' kind of way. "Well, I thought almost everybody was at work, currently. Speaking of, why aren't you?" 

Of course Alex didn't work, since had already had as much money as he needed, and he had already had his morning class, since today only offered him one class. He already had done all that needed to be done and was allowed to spend the day as he pleased, and he had planned a brunette named Céline, although they might have to be canceled if his current blonde companion had something interesting to offer. He took Marissa's compliment with a nod, the same grin still on his face, only reinforced by another blush. "I just came here to admire the view." Alex let his eyes slip down for a moment, lingering long enough to make his meaning clear, before gesturing to the city. "Seattle's a lovely city, if you don't count the rain and fog." 

Thoughts Above the Clouds || Marissa & Alexander

Marissa noticed Alex was taking in her features, and couldn’t help but blush slightly, she was thankful for the fog. Marissa gazed around, watching the ripples in the pool as dew dropped into it. She had the urge to take a swim then, but she restrained herself. She turned back to Alex and took his features. Seeing his muscular chest through his thin shirt, she couldn’t help but smirk. “What, just because the sun isn’t shining?” Marissa teased, raising an eyebrow, leaning over the balcony further and watching the people down below walk along the pavement, looking like ants.

She gazed back up at Alex and smiled, showing her pearly white teeth. “Well, I could say the same.��� She replied, flicking her fringe away from her face as the wind had blown it into her eyes. There was something about Alex that drew her to him, and it wasn’t just his looks. He was a charmer, sure, but he seemed down to earth at the same time, and a genuine guy, she felt. Marissa blushed once more, tugging her jumper around her a little, knowing full well Alex was taking advantage. “Oh you know, I just wanted some fresh air, clear my head. What about you?” She asked, looking him in his deep chocolate brown eyes. Marissa was yet to have a guided tour and to look around the complex, so that was what she was actually doing, but what she said wasn’t a lie. She looked over Alex once more, taking in his body language, realising he was there for a similar reason.

[alexander-cooper]

You're the roommate, right? Because I think those are Oakley's hairs... 

I have dog hair all over my black dress

[alexander-cooper]

I'm Alex. Nice to meet you, darling. 

I guess I should be social

Plenty of things. So do you have a name?

[alexander-cooper]

A beautiful name for a beautiful face. I'm Alex, nice to meet you. 

Online shopping should have a warning

[alexander-cooper]

So, what do you give much thought, darling? 

I guess I should be social

I haven’t really given it much thought.

[alexander-cooper]

Depends, do you like flirts? 

I guess I should be social

You’re a flirt aren’t you?

[alexander-cooper]

Alex cast a sideways glance at his blonde companion, taking in her features before swinging his gaze back to the lighted pool. A roof pool was very nice and all, but not if the weather was terrible. Luckily the complex seemed to have people who closed the pool at the first sign of rain falling from the skies. Luckily, all Seattle offered them today was wind and some low hanging clouds, which were also called fog. "Well, wasn't expecting company." Alex turned his head again to Marissa. 

"Still, you're a pleasant surprise." The brunet nodded appreciatively, showing that he wasn't put off by her presence. Marissa had an air of intelligence, or, it seemed like she did. So far, she hadn't said anything stupid. And she was definitely not lacking in the physical department. That always helped. Eyeing her up and down appreciatively, Alex smiled. "So, what brings you to the roof?" Not many people had taken the time to visit all the luxurious facilities the Toy Box offered, and Alex took his time to explore all of them. They were often found empty, either because people were busy working or studying, or Alex had too much free time on his hands. Still, he had people on speed dial who could change that. 

Thoughts Above the Clouds || Marissa & Alexander

Marissa had been working to excess lately, and she needed some time to chill out and relax, otherwise her fuses would surely snap, and that was never good, especially when she lived in such a close complex. Marissa looked out of her window on the second floor and sighed. She had wanted to go for a swim in the rooftop pool, but it had been gloomy and foggy all day, and the weather had not lifted, and neither had her mood. Marissa grabbed her coat and wrapped it around her; there was a slight chill in the air. She made her way up to the rooftop where she would just stand and look out over the magnificent city of Seattle. She hoped she would be alone up there with her thoughts, but this was not to be.

The wind howled around her, echoing in her ears as she stepped out. In the fog, she could just make out a shape of a gentleman across from her, leaning on the rail, probably having had the same idea she had. The wind blew Marissa hair into her face, becoming entangled as always. She brushed it aside and tucked it behind her ear as she approached the figure. Marissa saw it was none other than the handsome guy Alex she had met the other day. A smile came to her lips as she stopped beside him, leaning also against the railing, looking at the pool behind her. “Oh, fancy seeing you up here?” Marissa said softly with a cheeky grin.

[alexander-cooper]

Any time, Miss –? 

Online shopping should have a warning

[alexander-cooper]

You have a lovely face, is what I mean. 

I guess I should be social

A face like that? What do you mean?