jakeberensonrp

[jakeberensonrp]

Jake felt oddly calm, even with the lack of prey instincts from the fly he normally had some form of pre-game jitters, from basketball or from a battle it never really mattered. 

As he demorphed he didn't think about the transformation, his mind focused on the task at hand, trying to see all the possibilities to keep his friends safe. He knew it was the easiest way to get into the pool, but the more he thought about it, the more he wanted to call it off.

But they were in too deep already to give up and turn around, plus they had a promise to keep ti Illim who was putting himself incredibly far out on a line to get them a chance. 

As Jake stepped out of the stall, his morphing suit making him feel underdressed even with everyone else in the same boat, until he looked at Ax. Well it was more of a glance really before Jake pointedly looked away from his body, being sure not to stare as he leaned against one of the sinks.

"Yeah, I'll need a spare so I can get that sludge." Jake said, pausing as an idea struck him. "When we get everyone back from the pool, one of you just kick me in like it's Looney Toons, Easiest way to get the sludge without being suspicious." Jake said, shuddering at the idea of diving into the pool.

Jake nodded at Cassie's question. "Unless anyone has an pressing matters, you're up Cass." Jake said, feeling his heart jump like it had been over the past few weeks since he realized that Cassie would have access to his every thought and memory, even the ones about her. Jake squashed the sudden urge to move and grab Cassie's hand, wanting to calm her obviously frayed nerves.

"Everyone remember the plan?" Jake asked, taking a deep breath. "Frolis, get in separately from each other, do some recon, and get out with some pool goop." Jake said, his voice soothing as he outlined everything. "Easy, right?" Jake said, looking over the group, taking care to keep his eyes trained on Ax's face.

Panic! At The (Pool) Party

[jakeberensonrp]

Well no, I don't succeed often, but I tried, and therefore no one should criticize me. Fine then, you Marco and Cassie are in on it together. And you and Cassie being telepathic even outside of morph is oddly terrifying to me.

Who said I was talking about Jordan. It's her older sister that's worrying our family. Wait, are you saying Jordans struggling? What's going on there?

Mmm…I guess you do try, but do you ever succeed? That’s really what matters. But Jake, don’t be silly, Cassie and I aren’t in a conspiracy. You need at least three people to make a conspiracy that’s just like, the definition of the thing. Cassie and I are just best friends. It’s much like a conspiracy where girls are involved, only moreso. Think of it more like…telepathy.

Ohhhh, Jake. Why are you being so mean to Jordan when she’s not even here to defend herself? Bad form, my friend, very bad form.

[jakeberensonrp]

You wound me cuz, At least I try for jokes that aren't just at Marco's expense. And is there some conspiracy going on with you and Cassie? I am not a dad joke waiting to happen, and I do not 'dad' this team either. And I expect nothing less from you Rachel.

I guess it's just a family thing. I mean, my formerly straight A cousin is slipping, getting B's, and even the occasional C. We couldn't be more disappointed if we tried.

Isn’t “the straight man” pretty much, like, your whole role in life? Certainly when Marco’s around and I mean, heck, even Cassie drops more humor than you. You are like…a dad-joke waiting to happen, seriously. It’s almost sad. Don’t think I won’t be checking with Cassie to make sure you’re sorting things out though, all jokes aside.

Exactly. You’re just such a disappointment, ugh, why are you so lazy? Lame.

[jakeberensonrp]

"Good, because not only would Rachel maul me, I think I would probably die from embarrassment anyways," Jake said honestly. Jake pulled a face of mock horror, "Don't tell Mr. Winte that, we're doing poetry in English right now, and he might expect me to come up with something." Jake joked, grinning slowly. "Hey! That was uncalled for," Jake said. "It just came to me. Are you and Rachel teaming up to make me sound like a lumbering doofus?" Jake asked, grinning through the tirade.

"I can totally pick and choose. Especially when it comes to strange alien cultures," Jake said, leaning back in his seat. "And I don't really wanna think about you and Pierce Brosnan," Jake said, giving a small shudder.

"Hmmm, well I guess I can live with that then," Jake said. "I mean if I don't make you blush then you might actually come up with something bad to talk to Rachel about the date, and I don't want that." Jake said, taking a few bites of his own, wondering at his mouths ability to get away from him. "Well I'm certainly glad I'm doing better. I'd hate to be falling behind Marco in being able to woo someone." Jake said, again looking down in embarrassment and taking a bite of food. "Guys write mostly the same thing. Who's the best kisser, who does what on the first date, I've never seen a who grew hotter over the summer though, but there have been a lot of So and So is a tramp."

"Same here about the parent talks," Jake said, quirking his lips. "Me and Marco actually have a system set up if we get caught. Marco says he was out with me and that we walked around and talked about life." Jake said, his brow furrowed. "I don't really know to be honest with you Cassie," Jake sighed. "Like, I wouldn't mind spending more time with you like this. But if you don't want the label we don't have to put a label on it. But I don't wanna go back to how we were, just like... dancing around each other. I don't want that." Jake paused for a long moment, taking a small bite of his food. "Unless you wanna go back to that, in which case we can. It it'll make you more comfortable or whatever."

Bella Notte || Cassie/Jake

[jakeberensonrp]

Jake laughed out loud once, stifling the sound with his fist, biting on the knuckle. "Sorry Cassie, the only time I've ever heard the term 'meaty bits' was in reference to something that I'm under threat of mutilation from Rachel if I talk about. Or even jokingly mention probably," Jake said, his face still breaking out into a grin every so often even as he looked somewhere else to regain his composure. "And we have legs, I just didn't talk about them. Those are Elfangor. He's the one that gave us the power to fight, the power to move forward with all this. So I think he's the proverbial legs with all this."

"No way, you can't use my obligation to Ax to make me accept the awkwardness of being called prince," Jake replied, smiling. "And you and Tobias certainly are alike, I've gotta agree with you on that. And I guess Marco takes after whoever the dad is supposed to be?" Jake said, grinning back at Cassie. "Or adopted works I guess."

"But if I don't go completely over the top how am I supposed to make you blush?" Jake asked innocently. "Paid who? Marco? No, you never told me that. And I didn't take any advice on compliments or anything from Marco. If I had, I probably wouldn't be as worried about putting my foot in mouth as I am." Jake replied. "And what exactly do girls write on the bathroom walls? Cause I know what guys write, and I really doubt it's similar."

Jake paused, taking his own bits of pasta as he thought through what he wanted to say. "I think... I think that it was a good policy at first, trying to not seem like we got really close to fast, especially right after since we had been at the mall and it made sense that we might've been at the construction site. But I think that now, it's been two and a half years. We've gotten a lot of teasing, and a lot of stuff like that, and most importantly, time. Us doing this doesn't seem sudden, it doesn't seem like we fell for each other over night. We have a good defense of reason why we'd be dating, so I think that continuing to do this might be a good idea. Not just for our ability to not have to hide as much, but also, for us. It gives us these moments where not everything is on the line and we can be kids for a few hours." Jake shrugged, taking a few bites of his food, chewing thoughtfully. "Although the downside is that it might lead to our parents being more suspicious if we're out late at night."

Bella Notte || Cassie/Jake

[jakeberensonrp]

"I hope we would still have this," Jake agreed, blushing a bit. "And I agree, it's made all of us more intense, everything about us is more intense. The relationships, the trust, the love I have for all of you guys is so strong, but I think that's the only thing that wouldn't have changed, with or without this war." Jake said, shrugging. "So I'm like the torso? The middle of the body?" Jake mused, his eyebrows furrowed together. "That would make Marco the brain, and Tobias the eyes. Rachel I think would be the arms, holding us up, Ax would probably be the hands for us then, he's delicate, but he's also able to do so much for us that we wouldn't be able to without him. I guess that would make you the heart then, huh?" Jake asked, glancing up at Cassie.

"You what?" Jake asked before he saw Cassie looking down, obviously thinking of something. "You don't have to tell me you know. Sometimes my mouth works faster than my brain." Jake said, mentally berating himself for his lack of thinking. "And I'll take Rachel, we're related already, but I've gotta take Ax too. I'm his Prince, I can't just leave him. And would you really leave me with three kids to your one?" Jake joked, nudging Cassie's foot as he smiled. "Although you can take Rachel if you want."

"Nah, no need to worry. Marco has made it clear I'm really not his type," Jake replied, grinning back. "Although I'm curious how you and Rachel planned to 'dispose' of Brittany and co." Jake wrinkled his own nose, thinking. "I just mean that you think things through more. You don't just fly by the seat of your pants. You're... deliberate in the stuff you do."

"Nah, can't listen too much or they might start getting actual expectations of me. I can't have that happen, now can I?" Jake joked. "And I did kinda wait for that moment. I didn't mean to make you feel bad, I'm sorry. I'll save my next completely over the top compliment til you're not taking a bite of anything, okay?" Jake said, suddenly completely serious. "But I really do think the company is part of why this meal is so good, seriously. And I never take relationship advice from Marco, or Ax. Too many soaps and too much Baywatch for me to trust them with something as important as our date."

Bella Notte || Cassie/Jake

[jakeberensonrp]

Yeah, I know you were teasing, but it so much easier, and funnier, to play the straight man to you. And believe me, id like to talk about it with Cassie, and I plan to before the end of the week, I just don't wanna rush into anything. Plus, I can give her time to decide how to deal with the change.

{Gif to be added later unless I forget again}

Yeah, I'm totally not busy with annnnything else. Not like I'm trying to help save the world with my best friends or anything.

[jakeberensonrp]

"I'm what?" Jake asked, leaning forward. "If you don't wanna tell me, you don't have to, I just, I think maybe that we'd all still be friends without the thing we aren't talking about, maybe not as close, but I think maybe the overall relationships would be similar." Jake said, glancing down, embarassed. "Ah, I see," Jake said, feeling a blush creeping over his skin as he thought about his joke, sudden half formed images flashing through his head, of Cassie in the dress she wore the day after the bear incident, his mind going faster than his mouth could keep up. "I didn't realize that the idea was that terrible to you," Jake joked, trying to cover up his thoughts. "Although that does beg the question of who's mine and who's yours. I'm not taking Marco if that's the case."

"I dunno," Jake replied, "Marco's a pretty cute guy." Jake gave an involuntary shudder at the word posses, images of yeerks crawling in Rachel's ear replacing the much more pleasent ones. "I don't think you're stupid, or weird," Jake said with a shrug. "Or if you are weird, at least you realize it. Plus, you're smarter than I am."

"I've never seen a distrustful puppy in my life, so I can't really comment on that," Jake said, his own half grin forming, enjoying the back and forth. "And he doesn't seem too impressive, bet I could take him in video games. Although if he's actually good at basketball, he has that on me at least," Jake said, snickering at Cassie's comment about Rachel. "Don't worry. Sometimes basketball confuses me too."

"Hey, weirder things have happened recently. I mean, did you hear about that bear attacking the school?" Jake asked, making his eyes wide, feigning surprise before getting serious again. "Sure, but fair warning, I'm probably terrible at this," Jake said, taking a deep breath, trying to remember any prayers he'd heard on TV. "Um... dear God, uh, heavenly father, thank you for this food and thank you for the wonderful person I get to share it with. I pray that it nourishes our body so that we may do your will. Thank you and uh, amen."

"It's awesome," Jake replied after swallowing his second forkful messily. "My dad told me this place was good, but I didn't expect it to be this good," Jake paused, waiting for Cassie to take a bite. "Although, that may just be the company I've got."

Bella Notte || Cassie/Jake

[jakeberensonrp]

Yes yes, you're very scary cousin. I'm shaking in my boots.

{Gif to be inserted later since I'm on mobile.}

And I didn't mean anything by that. My intentions with Cassie are totally innocent. I just meant like... I don't know if were "going steady" or exclusive, or whatever the phrase is. You have no reason to stomp me, worry not. We just haven't really had a chance to talk about where we stand.

Its not... terrible? I've managed to scrape by with a B- so far, this could help me a lot.

[jakeberensonrp]

Jake nodded at Cassie's words, smiling at her. "Hey, if I didn't keep us focused, who would?" Jake asked, tapping his fingers against his thigh. "And I think all the pieces would work together just as good without me. I like to think I'm just facilitating it a bit.And I guess that's true about someone needing to do it" Jake turned his hand on the table, his fingers brushing against her palm, curling his fingers to hold her hand. Jake snorted, trying very hard to keep a straight face. "Did you just take us from a first date to married Cassie?" Jake asked, his eyes twinkling with mirth. "And here my parents were telling me that I should be the one being careful to not rush you."

Jake shrugged a bit, leaning on the table a bit, catching Cassie's eye. "I don't have anything to say to that. I guess I've never really interacted with someone who really only liked me for my interests, well other than Marco, but he really doesn't count." Jake said, pausing. "Put those guys, that look at Rachel like that, they look at her like that because they don't really know her. She's an ideal to be won, something on a pedestal to be admired, and you know how she'd hate that. Looking at someone like that, I don't think it means a thing unless you know the person."

Jake grinned, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. "Oh really? What's so funny about this guys concentration face? And what are these oh so amazing talents he has?" Jake asked, deciding to play it up a bit.

Jake grinned at the emotions playing over Cassie's face. Anyone outside of the animorphs would've missed it, but Jake was good at teasing out the emotions of everyone. "Thank you very much," Jake said, nodding at the waiter with a smile. "I guess so," Jake replied, pausing til the waiter was out of ear shot. "I mean, if you're really feeling that we could always get this take out, and go sit in the back alley in morph." Jake said with a grin, nudging Cassie's foot with his, pausing to say grace with her.

Bella Notte || Cassie/Jake

[jakeberensonrp]

Haha, you're hilarious cuz. And I think that some part of you likes having Marco around. You guys play off each other really well. And you can't expect me to believe that you guys like each other than little.

That's true. Although I bet if you ask Marco the fact that me and Cassie are actually dating, or whatever it is that we're doing, he'll say that that's something seriously wrong. And I sometimes expect you to kick me even if I do everything exactly to your desires.

I'll head over with you. I need to make sure I get the right board. It's the really thick kinda foam board, not the just reagular poster board that I need.

Who wants to go shopping after school?

[jakeberensonrp]

Jake blanched at Cassie's words, shuddering after a moment at the dad comment. "Yeah, let's uh, let's play it safe. I wouldn't wanna get kicked out of the restaurant. And I do not Dad you guys, seriously, am I really that bad?"

"Yes," Jake replied, grinning. "Both. And I'm sure it's more than just five guys, give yourself some credit. And what's wrong with them liking you for your interests?" Jake asked, quirking an eyebrow. "And I really hope not, if you feel in love with Marco he'd be totally insufferable." Jake replied, laughing, mentally taking another deep breath as he kept going over "normal teenager" things in his head, remembering Cassie and his deal from earlier.

"Oh..." Jake said after a moment, glancing down at the table. "I'm curious who this super awesome guy is, must be quite interesting," Jake replied, grinning.

"No reason to thank me," Jake replied, reaching out and taking both of Cassie's hands in his, squeezing softly. "I care about you a lot Cassie, and other people that wanna be weird about it, well, ignore them."

Bella Notte || Cassie/Jake

[jakeberensonrp]

"You say that now, but just wait until you actually get to the hassle of planning something, and then see how you feel about it." Jake replied.

"Fair enough, better safe than sorry though, yeah?" Jake replied, shrugging.

"Yeah, Cassie's great. And Rachel is just protective because I'm her cousin and Cassie is her best friend," Jake replied, shrugging again.

The Patron Saint of Liars and Fakes || Kathryn/Astrane & Jake

"Thanks for the heads up," Kat smiled. "I sure could use the help though, so it’d be worth any promblems in planning!"

She shook her head. “Don’t worry, it’s not something I would bring up. I’m not That Person,” she added with a small, sad smile, her minds wandering at the thought of Marco’s loss.

She grinned at Jake’s confession. His face said it all, even if his words were carefully phrased. “Well, I’m glad you’ve got her to help you out. I’ve met her once, and she seems really sweet, and Rachel is certainly protective of you both so you guys must be doing something right!” She laughed softly.

[jakeberensonrp]

Come on Rachel, no need to rag on Marco when he's not even here to defend himself. That takes out most of the fun of it for you doesn't it?

I like the first idea better. But I guess that your newest idea makes more sense, as much as it pains me to admit it.

Who wants to go shopping after school?

[jakeberensonrp]

"He might be able to help some," Jake replied. "I know that he sometimes gets really busy last moment with stuff, so you might wanna try to schedule stuff well in advance."

"Yeah, Marco isn't very open about it. And you didn't hear it from me about that," Jake said, suddenly guilty for not asking Marco if he could share his story first. "He'd much rather laugh about it than cry, Marco's strong like that, everything's a joke, so when he gets serious, it's gotta be really serious."

Jake blushed at Kat's question, looking down at his food. "Yeah, something like that. Cassie's really great, smart too. Marco and her are most of what's keeping my grades afloat right now."

The Patron Saint of Liars and Fakes || Kathryn/Astrane & Jake

Kat glanced up and met Jake’s eyes, finally giving him her undivided attention. The corner of her mouth turned up slightlyat the mention of Marco. “Yeah… Maybe. I’ll have to see if he’s willing to tutor the clueless English girl,” she said lightly, her smile growing.

Her face froze at the revelation about Marco’s mother, before moving into one of pity. “Oh… Oh my gosh. That’s awful. I had no idea…” She felt a pang of emotion from both her and Astrane,as both thought about how much he had lost. To look at the boy, you would never know the trauma…

She shook her head lightly. She needed a subject change. “so… Rachel tells me you and Cassie are more than just study mates?” She asked, her tone joking.

[jakeberensonrp]

Jake shrugged one shoulder, tucking his hands in his pockets. "No one said that. I guess I was just hoping that the prettiest girl I know likes me at least as much as I like her though," Jake replied, ducking his head down.

"Hey, I do not Dad you guys, at worst I'm like a stern uncle," Jake replied, trying to ignore his embarrassment and keep the tone light. "And I'd like to help Rachel avoid murder charges, so I agree, let's just play it safe." Jake said.

"Guys are stupid," Jake said mildly. "Trust me, I'm an expert on guys." Jake paused for a moment, tapping on his thigh. "And just because Rachel attracts guys that only focus on her doesn't mean that there probably isn't a bunch of guys around school that would love to talk to you." Jake shrugged again, looking down, unable to meet Cassie's eyes. "Oh, Marco isn't your celebrity crush then?" Jake asked, looking back up at Cassie, grinning slightly. "What about his awkward gangly best friend? Do you think he has a shot with you?"

"Sounds good to me," Jake said after a moment. "And I don't think the animal movies would be a very good idea unless we were sure to be alone, wouldn't want my parents or Tom overhearing something and either freaking out or getting suspicious. And I agree about Ax, although if it's gonna include Ax, we could just do that at his scoop and make it a little bit easier for us overall."

Jake stared at Cassie for a long moment, confusion clear on his face. "I don't..." Jake began, following Cassie's gaze to see an older couple moving tables, farther away from them. At that moment, Jake felt a ball of lead form in his stomach, about to make him sick. "Cassie, I don't care one bit about you being... a vegetarian," Jake replied, following Cassie's lead. "You're who you are regardless of anything else. And I like you for you, even if I am... a carnivore and you're a vegetarian."

Bella Notte || Cassie/Jake

[jakeberensonrp]

"Your vote of confidence is astounding Cassie, I can see why you like me so much, what with my bone headed words," Jake teased, sticking his tongue out at Cassie playfully.

Jake kept his cheek gently pressed against Cassie's hand, relaxing into her touch, a little bit more. When Cassie finally moved her hand back, Jake's head moved toward it minutely, just barely moving before he snapped back to himself, sitting straight again. "I hope so," Jake replied, glancing at Cassie for a moment before back down to the table. "I figure everyone would be more than willing to give me a few good licks." At Cassie's final comment, Jake grinned, a glint in his eyes. "Hmmmm, well if I get to be ice cream ala Jake, I'll just have to give you a big hug, spread the love and all that. Although, I'd hate to ruin such a pretty outfit with ice cream stains."

"Okay, now I'm curious about these guys you mentioned," Jake said after a moment. "Because as far as I know, other than your dad, Me and Marco, there aren't that many human guys you interact with," Jake pulled a mock horrified face, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Oh goodness, Cassie, don't tell me it's Marco?" Jake paused, a grin splitting his face. "Hmmm, so Jeremy Jason McCole is the standard for being a hottie that I'm trying to hit?"

"It's so much fun, you should come over sometime and do it with me," Jake said, adding after a short beat, "The script thing, not like... anything else. And I don't want to think about Ax trying to overlay dialogue with movies, it'd be crazy space alien stuff."

Jake smiled at the waitress, handing her his menu. "Thank you," Jake said after a moment, showing the waitress his appreciation.

Bella Notte || Cassie/Jake