Imagine the opportunity to spend a few weeks on a Cruise through the Mediterranean Sea without having to worry about any expenses. But I’m not talking about any Cruise, no I’m talking about the Lonely Hearts Cruise. Yes, you have heard right! Who doesn’t know the famous Cruise responsible for some of the cutest celebrities couples such as Prince William and his beloved Kate or soccer star David Beckham and his wife Victoria. So come on board and if you are lucky you might find our own Prince Charming or your Princess Charming...

Link to external image

Welcome to my first Story Writing contest on Like a Fashionista!

This contest will have 5 rounds where your characters will hopefully have a lot of fun, meeting cute and hot singles and might find a new chance at love.

I don’t care how much you write - I’m myself someone who has a hard time keeping it short XD - write what you feel is enough for you. As long as you have fun during writing I don’t care about the length at all.


Now onto the rules:

* Each of the 5 rounds will last 72h
* Banners will be given at the end of the contest; for every round, overall and also for participating
* The contest is Edit and Non-Edit; whatever suits you the best and helps you to imagine your character better
* You are allowed to do one character and please keep her appearance and personality during the contest.
*Remember that no one is perfect. You're not going to win every fight and ace every challenge. You're human and you have flaws.
* Remember that all the forum and contest rules apply
* Please keep my characters the way I wrote them and follow Tonkolina's Lucifer rule please!

Tonks' Lucifer Rule

Going Out of character.
So I've got a description of my character:
Mr. Lucifer is the ruler of darkness who brings his wrath and envy upon all living creatures, creating chaos on earth.
And now someone writes:
Mr. Lucifer blushed when I I winked at him.
...
No...He did not blush.
So watch out for that.  They have their personalities, just as you have yours.

Round 1 Requirements

*Name:
*Age (+21):
*FC:
*Home Country:
*Sexuality:
*Occupation:
*Personality Traits:

*How did you end up applying for the Lonely Hearts Cruise? - Did you apply yourself? Or did someone else did it for you?

*Story about your last break up - Why did it end? Who ended the relationship?; Whatever else you want to mention
or
*Story about your lack of love life - Why was your character in a relationship yet? No luck? Too busy with work?

*Story about your first day on the Cruise - You arrive in the late morning in Genoa (Italy), after settling into your Luxury Suite, there is a time for exploring the Cruise. In the evening a welcome Party has been prepared for you in the Viking Star Restaurant. The perfect opportunity for mingling and meeting the other Singles

*Optional: Anything you'd like to add - backstory, the day your character applied for the Lonely Hearts Cruise or the reaction after finding out that he/she got a spot; conversations while exploring, socializing with the extras at the party

*Outfits - Arriving on the Cruise and for the Welcome Party; Optional: Any other outfit you'd like

*A maximum of three 3 Romantic Interests

Round 1 closes around 8pm on the 4th October

Last edited by schoggettchen (01/10/2017 at 20:14)

More Info

Lonely Hearts Cruise

Captain Laura and her First Mate Gwen welcome you on board of the Lonely Hearts Cruise



The Suites








The Pools & Spa







The Restaurants & Bar






The Viking Living Room, Theater & Winter Garden





The Viking Star Lounge & Explorers’ Lounge

Contestants

Last edited by schoggettchen (02/10/2017 at 17:44)

Extras


FC: Kevin Trapp
27 years old - Paris, France
Sexuality: Straight
Sport Journalist

Antoine Giroud

Traits: outgoing, funny, nice, hardworking, social, perfectionist, bad at flirting, athletic, stubborn, chocolate addict, morning person, likes to make bad puns, orderly at work, messy at home, 

Personality:
Funny, nice and outgoing, that is typical Antoine. Don’t be surprised if he welcomes you with a big and warm smile or even a hug. He had never problems with making friends or approaching new people. If you are in the need for some fun and jokes just look for him and maybe you will have the night of your life. Antoine is currently single after ending a long relationship although women seem to love his green eyes or his cute smile. But he is looking for something serious; he wants someone who will love him for being himself. He can be a bit dense and not always notice when a woman is flirting with him. As funny Antoine can be in his free time as serious he is when he is doing his job. He has worked hard to get his far and once you start reading one his articles it is hard to stop. He puts his heart in everything he writes probably spending more time than necessary but he is a bit of a perfectionist and won’t stop until he is completely happy.

Likes/Dislikes/: sport, especially soccer, jogging, working out, funny movies, music, a nice party // cooking, sleeping long, coffee, being late, meat, smoking, being stressed

Break Up//Love Life: Antoine broke up 10 months ago with his long-term girlfriend; they have been together for nearly three years and everything was good in the beginning but then she tried to change him and interfered too much in his work; after fighting a lot he ended their relationship

How did he end up on the Lonely Hearts Cruise: Antoine applied himself though he is a bit sceptical about the whole Cruise; to him it sounds too good to be true but he will try to make it best out of it and if he finds someone he won’t complain

FC: David Harper
26 years old - Dublin, Ireland
Sexuality: Straight
Bartender

David Harper

Traits: serious, responsible, grumpy, rarely smiles, cares a lot for his sister, can’t stand people prying in his private life, overprotective of those who are close to him, intelligent, calm, honest 

Personality: David might be 26 but sometimes you get the feeling he is a lot older, acting like he is almost 40 but that is just how he is – responsible and serious. Since he was a little boy he always looked after his younger sister and he never stopped not even after moving out. Every time money he earns he always sends her a bit, providing his part for a better future for her. He always hoped that she would have it easier in her life than he did. David rarely smiles but if he does it is a beautiful sight making girls go crazy over him. But somehow he hardly shows interest in them, at least not in a romantically way. He doesn’t mind if he is just a good friend for them, someone they can talk with it but maybe he is just waiting for someone to drag him out of his serious shell and show him the fun side of life…

Likes/Dislikes/: his sister, a good book, smoking, crossword puzzles, having his peace, history, old movies, his motorcycle // prying people, people telling him what to do, romance stuff, too drunk customers, anyone who tries to push his sister out his life

Break Up//Love Life: David and dating hasn’t worked out yet; probably because he wants to take everything slower instead of rushing straight ahead into a relationship; David wouldn’t say no to a one-night stand and he had a few in his life

How did he end up on the Lonely Hearts Cruise: His sister sent in his application wanting to show him that there is someone out there waiting for him; and she was a little bit annoyed by his constant overprotectiveness

FC: Jackson Rathbone
29 years old - Moscow, Russia
Sexuality: Straight
Assistant District Attorney

Dimitri Kirillov

Traits: ruthless at court, cold and takes time to warm up, intelligent, charming, charismatic, sarcastic, dedicated, gentleman, better listener than talker, takes some time to open up about his past, proud, terrible at jokes, has a hard time relaxing 

Personality:
Dimitri had it planned out all in his life. He worked hard to become a Detective like his father had been, planned to marry his high school love and wanted to settle down with her. But one night changed everything as his fiancée was killed by a drunk driver. Dimitri had a hard time coping with everything, stopped his detective training and spent most of his time at home. In the end it was the lawsuit against the drunk driver that pulled him out of the misery. Dimitri couldn’t understand the verdict and told himself that he would make sure something changes. He started studying law with the goal to become a prosecutor one day. Over the past years he has been working hard and after graduating he was hired as Assistant District Attorney. Dimitri is known to be pretty ruthless during lawsuits and his biggest strength is his intellect always trying to find a way to get the information he needs.

Likes/Dislikes/: winning a lawsuit, black tea, pies, cakes and cookies, going to the opera, Leo Tolstoy's books, walks in the evening, // drunk driver, people drinking too much, office parties, cats, crowded places, people laughing about his accent

Break Up//Love Life: Dimitri’s fiancée was killed over 9 years ago and yet it seems that he is still not over her death; he has tried dating and his longest relationship lasted almost 2 years; they broke up because she claimed that he was still in love with his fiancée

How did he end up on the Lonely Hearts Cruise: his co-worker Mikaela signed him up claiming that it is the best for him but truth to be told she has hates seeing him alone since she knows that Dimitri is a good man and deserve someone

FC: Nadine Leopold
23 years old - Stockholm, Sweden
Sexuality: Bi
Model

Freya Kristoffersen

Traits: kind, funny, social, helpful, clumsy, a bit naive, romantic soul, acts without thinking sometimes, competitive, caring, lazy during her free time, messy, not always punctual, easily scared

Personality: Freya was born in the heart of Stockholm with a silver crib. Her parents were wealthy enough to give the young child anything she wanted and make her spoiled but instead they raised her like any good parents should. They thought her what it meant to fight for what she wanted, to work hard and to respect others. Always having great grades in school and a charming smile on her lips Freya easily became popular. But as she went further into teen hood, the woman developed a clumsiness that went from adorable to plainly annoying. She would trip with the tiniest of rocks, she would spill almost every drink she had in her hand and most of the times it was into one of her friends' outfits. It didn’t stop her from trying to live her dream and she managed to become a model… it was hard work though and Freya always tries her best to keep concentrate on the catwalk to avoid another of her accidents. She loves to smile and joke and party. She has a kind heart and loves to help others even if she sometimes just ends up making things worse.

Likes/Dislikes/: her family & friends, travelling, seeing a lot of the world due her job, smoothies, designer clothes  // her clumsiness, the bad side of her jobs - she tries to ignore it; sweets, mean people, people using her to become famous, dark clothes, thunderstorms

Break Up//Love Life: Being a model and dating at the same time isn’t exactly easy; she has tried a few times but ended it as soon as she realized that they were only using her; her last serious relationship was before she become a model; she hopes to marry one day though

How did she end up on the Lonely Hearts Cruise: Freya signed up by a complete accident thinking that it would be just for a vacation - she seriously needed one - but after realizing her mistake it was already too late; she will go there with the main goal to relax and maybe flirt a bit

FC: Alex Pettyfer
27 years old - London, England
Sexuality: Straight
Real Estate Agent

Jasper Bates

Traits: spoiled, selfish, doesn’t settle for the second best, determined, extremely stubborn, can’t admit that he is wrong, wants to be needed, big ego, vain, hard-working, over achiever

Personality: Jasper is a wealthy young man that wants nothing less for himself than what he believes to deserve. And that means on most of the times, the best of the best there is. From daily objects to life objectives and even to romance, “average” doesn’t cut it for him.
He is extremely determined and fights hard for what he wants, he doesn’t wait around for it to fall on his lap. He doesn’t like being told what to do or someone telling him he’s wrong (even when he is) so one could say he has problems with authority but inside Jasper keenly defends justice. He can’t stand people who ruin others’ lives and he does want people to trust him and to depend on him, not just to boost his ego but because he likes the feeling of being needed. He is a heart-breaker although half the time that’s not what he intends but he is aware he is good looking, it’s just a pity he hardly finds someone he thinks it at his level.

Likes/Dislikes/: his family & wealth, his job, himself, signing a contract, cigars, designer clothes, relaxing at the fireplace, puzzles // losing, coming second, unpunctual people, his brother when gets too nosy, people overstepping his boundaries

Break Up//Love Life: Jasper has a hard time finding someone who is worth him; he has tried for settling someone less but it never worked out because he keeps telling himself that he can do better

How did he end up on the Lonely Hearts Cruise: His older brother signed up after having enough of Jasper’s behaviour; he doesn’t believe this whole cr*p about not finding someone worth him thinking that if he can’t find someone on a boat full of singles maybe Jasper is doomed to be alone

FC: Lily James
24 years old - New York, USA
Sexuality: Lesbian
Art Student

Juliet Temple

Traits: quiet, observing, creative, closed off, blunt, takes time to open up, genuine, independent, loyal, sarcastic, cruel when people annoy her too much, not a morning person, thinks before she acts, often rolls her eyes   

Personality: Quiet and Observing, there are no better description that fit Juliet better. Her whole life, her past, her family, just everything about her is a big mystery. And so far no one has been managed to solve it. Over the years many have try to find out more about the mysterious and beautiful woman but Juliet has ignored them all. If someone gets too annoying, curious and pushing for her taste she usually make a nasty remark and then leaves. Bothering her too much or forcing her to talk with you is definitely not a good idea since she will ignore you and that maybe even forever. This doesn’t mean that she has no friends - she has a few and those know about her life - she just doesn’t see the appeal of sharing all the details about herself with complete strangers. A few women have shown their interest in Juliet since her break up but so far she hasn’t once showed that she might be feeling the same.

Likes/Dislikes/: Painting, watching old movies, crime books, photography, art galleries, rain, coffee // pushy people, alcohol, people who think they know more about art than she does, romance novels, chocolate

Break Up//Love Life: Juliet broke up with her last girlfriend 7 months ago after being with her for one and a half year; it was a good relationship unfortunately she got an offer to advance her studies in Europe and Juliet told her to accept that; they tried to make their relationship work besides the long distance but in the end it didn’t last

How did she end up on the Lonely Hearts Cruise: Juliet applied after losing a bet with her best friend one that she regrets a lot; she tells herself that she can enjoy the Cruise without having to take part in this whole Find your true love stuff

FC: Chris Pratt
34 years old - San Francisco, USA
Sexuality: Straight
Zoologist

Peter Grady

Traits: womanizer, flirty, snarky, sarcastic, cocky, has a good poker face, loves to have fun, animal lover, loves to talk about himself, independent, tends to care more about him than others, takes good care of himself, doesn’t like talking about relationships or the chance of one

Personality:
Peter is a ladies man with a way to play with words that leaves you mesmerized. His sexy smile, his green eyes and the muscular body also calls the attention, something he is quite comfortable with. Peter is snarky, sarcastic but likes to have a good laugh too. He is a bit cocky when it comes to his job believing that it isn’t every day that you meet someone working with wild animals such as lions, tigers or panthers. He is proud of what he does and can sit down for hours and just talk about every animal he has worked with so far. Peter likes playing card and poker is his speciality but also any good-looking that makes him laugh can be entertaining enough. He doesn’t have a certain type as long as she interesting enough for a night. Peter is the type of person that grows bored easily and once the challenge is accomplished he moves on and he can safely say he never fall in love nor he does he plan on it.

Likes/Dislikes/: animals, card games, beer, good-looking women, a good challenge, one-night-stands // clingy women, being bored, relationships, cold weather, too serious people, children

Break Up//Love Life: Peter and relationships are practical non-existing; he doesn’t do anything else than one-night-stands and has no serious interested in settling down

How did he end up on the Lonely Hearts Cruise: Peter applied himself thinking that a Cruise full of single ladies is the best opportunity to have some fun and he is sure that he will find a few who are willing to spend the night with him

FC: Chris Hemsworth
32 years old - Berlin, Germany
Sexuality: Straight
IT Technician

Sebastian Draxler

Traits: a bit of a bad boy but learned his lesson, impulsive, hot-headed, animal lover, daring, outgoing, ambitious, good liar, self-confident, kind of rebellious, cautious when meeting someone new, impatient

Personality: Sebastian might have the looks of an Angel but he definitely isn’t one. On the contrary he is one of the best examples for a Bad Boy, always getting in trouble. In fact he had spent his youth with rebelling against his parents, breaking rules and a few times even the law. He had to spend two years in jail for robbery and these years changed him. Sebastian might not be wiser nor does he finally act like an angel now but he has learnt his lesson and never broke the law again. He ended all his friendships with those who got him into this mess. Soon he started working as an IT Technician since computers always have one his biggest passion. He can spend hours in front of a screen either working on a new code and playing some video games. Sebastian also likes to enjoy a cold beer now and then with his friends. He has a huge heart for animals and is known for picking up strays from the streets trying to find a new home for them. He doesn’t always succeed and currently owns 2 cats.

Likes/Dislikes/: all kind of video games, computers, binge watching TV shows, cold beer, animals, tattoos, action movies, smoking // being reminded up his past, coffee, being bored, drugs 

Break Up//Love Life: Sebastian’s last serious relationship ended two years ago when his girlfriend broke up with him claiming that she can’t be with someone who was in jail once; he thought he could trust her but in the end he got his heart broken

How did he end up on the Lonely Hearts Cruise: Sebastian signed up himself; he finds the idea pretty funny and interesting and while he isn’t completely convinced that he will someone he thinks it can’t hurt to try; he is looking for someone who can accept him how he is including his past

FC: Tyler Hoechlin
28 years old - Madrid, Spain
Sexuality: Straight
Personal Trainer

Sergio Vásquez

Traits: romantic, athletic, friendly, outgoing, kind of shy around women, needs a bit time to feel comfortable around them, grumpy without his cup of tea, likes to talk as much as he likes to listen, has no sense of direction at all, cares for his friends, loyal, not always punctual when meeting his friends, takes care of himself,

Personality: Sergio might not look like it with his muscular body and his sometimes grumpy expression but he is a very friendly, outgoing and romantic man. He has no problem with admitting that he is one of those people who actually believe in love at first sight even if it didn’t happen to him yet. Working as a personal trainer means that he has met a lot of people over the years some of them turning into good and close friendships. Sergio acts a bit shy around women especially when meeting them for the first time. During his work he tries to stay professional in private though it is a bit different. He will open up over the time and feel more comfortable. Sergio takes good care of himself, working out almost every day although now and then he takes a lazy day and doesn’t leave his apartment unless it is absolutely necessary. There is one constant in his life and that his Odie, a black Labrador. They two are inseparable and Sergio tells himself that a relationship could only work out if Odie can accept the new woman in his life.

Likes/Dislikes/: working out, healthy food, sunsets, crime & thriller books & movies, soccer especially Real Madrid, black tea, his usual morning jog, Odie (his black Labrador) // people who only think about themselves, fast food, sweets, coffee,

Break Up//Love Life: Sergio had a few relationships in his life, some serious others not; he is looking for something serious though cause he plans on settling down one day

How did he end up on the Lonely Hearts Cruise: Sergio would never admit loud but he signed himself up; he is a very romantic person and finds the concept very fascinating; he hopes that he is one of those being lucky enough to find someone

FC: Cintia Dicker
25 years old - Salzburg, Austria
Sexuality: Bi
Librarian

Vanessa Fischer

Traits: dreamer, girly, romantic, intelligent, social, awkward around men, naive, gets lost easily, orderly, unpunctual

Personality:
Vanessa is a dreamer. She gets lost in fairy tale books, dreaming of worlds that don’t exist and princesses and dragons. She created a bubble that she lives in and doesn’t like to get it burst all that often. She only sees the good in people or their potential to be good, which often got her teased by her friends. She likes anything that looks fairy tale-like or girly and she loves to stare at the full moon or take a walk during the night.
She isn’t a shy person despite everything, if she sees something or someone she likes she has no problem walking up to him or her and just compliment on the thing she liked seeing. She makes friends easily although they are mostly girls since she acts a bit around men especially when she tries to show her interest in them.
She is intelligent though, never think otherwise. Vanessa was the best student in her class despite the fact she never really studied a lot; what she caught in class, what the teachers said, was always enough to get good grades and pass her exams. She could have gone to a university if she wanted but instead to choose working as a librarian and she loves her work a lot.


Likes/Dislikes/: books, fairy tales, daydreaming, making friends, talking walks, animals, children, hot chocolate // insects, spiders, rain, snow, early mornings, alcohol, animal abuse,   

Break Up//Love Life: Vanessa hasn’t been in a real relationship before; most of them didn’t last longer than a month probably because she starts wanting too much and too soon

How did she end up on the Lonely Hearts Cruise: Vanessa applied herself; she finds the whole idea of the Cruise very romantic almost like a fairy tale and she hopes that she will find her Prince Charming

FC: Roman Bürki
26 years old - Bern, Switzerland
Sexuality: Straight
Primary School Teacher

Yann Arnold

Traits: loves children, patient, cares a lot for his friends, trustworthy, relaxed, laidback, organized, over-punctual, has trust issues, blunt, decisive, has a hard time forgiving someone

Personality: Yann is that kind of guy that is not quite like meets the eye. At first glance one would say he is one of those that care about appearances with his worked out body and tight clothes and well-kept hair but in fact the man couldn’t care less about it. He is extremely laidback, hating drama or any kind of exaggeration of reality. Yann either likes someone or he doesn’t. What comes out of one’s mouth is the first impression he’ll make of the person and if it doesn’t suit him then he won’t even take a second look. With this said it’s easy to understand how Yann has very few friends in his life but he is very loyal to those he trusts and would go to hell and back for them. He likes sports and playing soccer in his free time. He is proud of his job and while others might think it is boring he loves work with children, glad that he can always teach them something new. He gets that most parents only want the best for the children but he prefers a different approach still helping them to learn but letting them be kids at the same time. 

Likes/Dislikes/: black coffee, sports, soccer, enjoying his free weekends, Christmas, his grandma’s cookies, tattoos,  // parents who demand too much, dogs, his favourite soccer team losing, social media, drugs, smoking, parent-teacher conference,   

Break Up//Love Life: Yann doesn’t like to think about his relationship; he broke up with his girlfriend after discovering that she has cheated on him with a good friend for almost 3 months; it broke his heart since he thought about marrying her

How did he end up on the Lonely Hearts Cruise: Yann applied himself after seeing the advertisement; he decided that it was time to change something and stop being miserable; a free cruise might be exactly what he needed combined with the chance of meeting other singles, making friends and maybe finding someone interesting

Last edited by schoggettchen (02/10/2017 at 18:07)

Emerald “Emma” Hernandez
FC: Emeraude Toubia
  26 years old (18th October)

Country: Illinois, US (currently living in NY)
Sexuality: Heterosexual
Occupation: Veterinarian

Personality

Lively: Emma likes to make the most of every situation; Soft-hearted: Emma is a softy inside, she likes to help those around her and is a mushy potato at certain movies; Spontaneous: Another perk of being lively is that she has no problem doing unexpected things. She's always up for an adventure as long as it doesn't screw up her own moral values, which are a few; Self-confident: Emma has been building this trait since middle school where she was bullied for her height (she's 1.57m). With the help of friends and growing up she started to overcome her insecurities and has enough self love to not give a damn about someone's opinion of her even if sometimes she does feel a sting inside her chest when someone doesn't like her;
Hard headed- the good thing of being spontaneous is that you're always up for something if it interests you... the bad thing is when it doesn't. Emma is pretty stubborn about the stuff she doesn't like or feels she won't like even if she never tried it, whether it is food or an activity or even someone she doesn't like. It's almost impossible to make her change her opinion or apologize for it which sometimes gets her into nasty arguments; Grudgy: Ever heard of the motto "forgive and forget"? Emma hasn't. She hardly forgives anyone who wronged her unless it's someone she really really likes (like her family or Harry) and she never forgets anything. She might put up a fake little smile for someone if they bump each other on the street but never, ever be honestly friendly with that person again.

Although those are the biggest dark spots of Emma's existance there are many other things she considers as flaws, or things she really sucks at. Some of those consist of: swimming (she'd drown in a 1.70m pool if she fell in it head first), singing (she sounds like the cats in pain that she helps in the clinic), drinking (has like 10% of tolerance for alcohol, not that it ever stopped her from drinking in college), texting (she can't keep her eyes on her phone for more than a minute, she actually lost count of how many smartphones she lost in the last two years only and Harry has given up on texting her).

How did you end up applying for the Lonely Hearts Cruise?
Harry, Emma's best friend signed both of them to the cruise since they're both single and both like to see hot men.

Past love life: It will be on the actual story

Interests: Antoine, David


Arrival                                             Welcome Party

Lonely what?

I heard the door open but didn't bother to look back. I was far too interested in my magazine and I knew who it was, aside from me only one person had the key to the apartment.
“Hey you!”
Harry's cheeky voice did make my brow rise.
“What did you do this time?” I knew he had done something, he had to, all the time he used that “hey you” he had something up on his sleeve.
“Gosh chill out, what makes you think I did something?” He asked jumping onto the couch by my side.
“Well for starters there's your greeting and secondly... just look at that grin. Come on, you're so obvious.” I chuckled because really what else could I do?
Harry has been my best friend since...well, forever. Our mothers were friends and so we're friends since the uterus because of that. I don't even know what I'd do without him in my life. He's totally gay by the way so he's like the female and male best friend all in one. Oh and he does a mean pasta so yeah he's the perfect housemate too.
“Okaaay, so maybe I'm obvious but I have all the reason to be happy!”
His smile was contagious but I knew better.
“Come on, spit it out H.”
Harry grinned, curling himself into a comfortable ball in the couch. - “Here.” He handed me a pamphlet.
Oh my god- “What?” I actually voiced out as my mouth dropped to what I believe to be ground level. - “Lonely hearts cruise? What the actual hell?”
“Okay hear me out first!” H raised both his hands defensively while I shot him what I know was my killer glare. It never actually killed anyone but if I could that one definitely would.
“So you've been single for half a year now...” He started, making my head tilt in an are you serious type of stare, because really, was he serious?
“So you've been telling me for the past six months!” I told him, rolling my eyes.
“Shush. *Ahem* So you've been single for the past 6 months now and as you've mentioned I want to see you getting out there again and find a new love of your life...”
“I don't believe in finding the love of my life,” I interrupted him, - “And I'm perfectly fine without getting myself out there thankyouverymuch.”
“Just shut up Em!”
I shut up but only because he was getting on my nerves so I wanted to see just where he was going with that conversation. - “So, like I WAS SAYING” - he lowered his voice then - “I want what is best for you and that means meeting new people. So I bumped into this event which is actually a cruise trip with single men and women and I signed both of us up!” He clapped his hands as he ended to which I only stared. I sighed, not even sure how to begin to crush his pink fluffy cloud of excitement.
“Honey... Come on...” I held his hands while watching him nod excitedly.” - “I don't want to go on a cruise and even less when the event has The Lonely Hearts in its name. I mean my heart isn't lonely, be serious here. Not to mention my job, my resposibilities - our responsibilities - and everything else.”
“Oh my god Emma it's just a name! And you need to get over that douchebag Stephan and find yourself a hot guy. And I'll find one too since I'm at it.” He grinned but I only stared.
“Stephan isn't a douche H, we simply grew apart and decided to go our separate ways.” I shrugged. Yes I was happy he was defending me and all but no need to be unrealistic here.
“Yeah you date for three years and grow apart.” He huffed.
“It happens, love. I don't mind, we both decided it was best... Come on, do you really think I need this cruise to find love?”
My story with Stephan didn't have anything worth mentioning really, we met four years ago at campus and a few months later we were dating. He was fine, I was fine, we were both fine but that wasn't really what I wanted in a relationship. I mean, you're supposed to be fine with a college mate, with a teacher, with the housekeeper... Not the man you love.
After three fine years we simply decided to look for something better, someone who would make both of us feel more than just fine. Unfortunately for me that still hasn't happened but I'm not complaining.
“Of course I do.” H's voice called me back to Earth. - “I mean why wouldn't you find it there, isn't it as good of a place as any other? At least there you know all the guys are single and not married scumbags.”
I actually laughed at that, one would be surprised by how many people did actually pose as single while in fact being married for years, sometimes even with kids!
“Okay so what happens if I find the love of my life and he's from, I don't know, Egypt or something?”
Now it was Harry's turn to laugh even if he rolled his eyes at the same time.
“Well then, I was always curious to see the pyramids.”
“Wait... who ever told you I'd take you with me there?” I grinned mischievously.
“Well duh, it's obvious I'd go, you'd have no meaning to your life without me.”
Yeah that's why I loved that guy, always so humble.
I let out a sigh, knowing he had his way, once again.
“Alright... when do we leave?”

Link to external image

All aboard!

Harry and I ran down the marina, or better said I pulled H with me as I ran towards the cruise ship that would leave in two minutes.
"Oh S*it we're going to be late!"
Of course we thought it was a good idea to go sightseeing since we were in Italy and completely lost track of time.
I threw my luggage to the deck and helped H get on the cruise while trying not to let our tickets fly off in the wind and was happy to conclude we made it without being thrown over board.
I was breathless and my calves hurt but hey we made it.
"You're so going to pay me for this idea." I huffed under ragged breath to my friend who just laughed with a tomato red face.
"It will be enough payment when you get out of here with a boyfriend."
I rolled me eyes, sure, a boyfriend. I was lucky enough if I didn't leave with a calve distention.
"Woah!"
I flinched as I hit something, or someone, feeling steady hands on my shoulders.
"Sorry!" I smiled being greeted with a not so smiley face so I bit my lip and moved away, followed by Harry's amused laugh.
"First two seconds on the cruise and you bump into a hot guy. Nicely done sis."
"It wasn't intentional and I didn't even catch much of the guy. I was too busy trying to recollect myself."
Well I saw he was hot, I do have eyes after all.

Harry's suite was right next to mine so after he threw his bags on the bed we moved to mine.
"Oh my god." I murmured in shock as I took a look of my own reflection. Messy hair, sweating forehead, ruined mascara... - "You could have told me I looked like a raccoon."
Harry laughed, pumping down on my bed.
"But you're a pretty raccoon."
"Gee thanks."
I grabbed my key card and gave the spare to H while taking his.
"Is it true William and Kate got together here?"
Harry shrugged his shoulders. - "I don't know. Rumors say yes."
"I somehow doubt it." I eyed the pamphlet.
Harry heard my sigh.
"So shall we explore?" He waggled his brows - "After you put yourself presentable again that is." He added which earned him a pillow in the face.
"Can we start exploring already?" I turned to the mirror, fixing the disheveled hair and the ruined makeup.
"I think so, I mean if not now then when?"
He did have a point. I looked down at my clothes and figured it made no sense to change, sure I rushed over to the docks but I was fine like this.
"Exploring it is then." I grinned to my friend as I grabbed my phone and key card.
"Let's find us some fine male specimen" He added linking his arm in mine. I laughed.

Link to external image
Yes I'm making this a thing.

During the afternoon...

So the cruise was huge and it didn't take long for us to decide it was better off to sit somewhere and keep exploring as the days went by.
“Happy I signed us up yet?” Harry grinned as we approached the pool bar.
“Not yet. You managed to score a room number from a guy, not me.”
“Not my fault you don't take the first step.”
What he called taking the first step translated into whoring himself around in my book and the stare I gave him said all the words that didn't come out of my lips.
“I need a drink.” I shook my head, approaching the counter. I felt H poking me on the side like an excited little squirrel.
“Look who's here.”
I followed his attentive gaze into a stool a few seats away from us where the guy I bumped into earlier was sitting with a book in a hand and coffee on the other. I took my time to take a good look at him now that I wasn't all late and clumsy.
He was good looking, tall (but really who wasn't taller than me?), had nice hair, nice cheekbones and seemed pretty absorbed on his book that he didn't notice the two dorks staring at him (aka H and me).
“Go talk to him.”
“Why?” I turned to Harry with wide eyes, earning myself a dead stare instead.
“Well let's see.” He leaned on the counter, thanking the barista for the drinks, - “You are in a romance cruise for singles... He is in a romance cruise for singles... We can assume you're both single and both looking for romance... And you have the perfect excuse to talk to him.”
“I'm on a romantic cruise for singles because YOU signed me up.... Who knows if someone else didn't sign him up too?”
“Em, don't be stupid.” Harry rolled his eyes. - “Even if someone did sign him up that means someone thinks he should find a woman so there.” His smug face didn't convince me the least.
I mean I'm not shy or anything but I'm kinda uncomfortable in making conversation with a total stranger knowing what that cruise was all about... It seemed forced maybe? I don't even know the word to describe my feelings.

Unfortunately (or fortunately?) I didn't have to think too hard about that because when I noticed Harry was already strouting his way to the guy. I opened my mouth but no sound came out of it so I just followed him, afraid I'd look like a fish if I tried to say something.
“Hi!”
The man rose his gaze from the book to my best (and probably soon-to-be-dead) friend, - “I'm Harry” He extended his hand in hopes that the other man would take it but he didn't seem bothered by the least when he didn't, - “And this is Emma. She bumped into you earlier.” His bright toothpaste commercial smile made me facepalm because there was no readable reaction on the other man's face. - “So now that it's all settled I'll leave you to it!” He grinned, turning to me and gave me a small pat on my shoulder. I swear to God I wished I could drown him right there and then.
Instead I put my best apologetic smile.
“I'm sorry for my friend.... He's... enthusiastic...” I tried to say, being completely aware of how awkward I looked. And his uninterested face didn't seem to make it any easier. - “Like he said, I'm Emma. Emma Hernandez.”
I didn't extend my hand, that whole thing was awkward enough, I didn't want him to ignore my hand like he had done with H.
“David.”
So he did speak.
“David... Good... No last name?” I smiled, turning my glass of cocktail in my hands.
The moment I heard him sigh I knew this had been a bad idea.
“Look...Emma, I'm sure you're a nice girl and everything but this is not my thing.” What thing? - “I didn't want to come here, I don't believe this whole find your soulmate thing, I was signed up so if you want to find romance you'd better look elsewhere.”
I was shocked by his words but thankfully my latina blood started to boil and took over me before shame ever could.
“Well, excuseee mee David No-last-name, but I didn't come here to find romance nor was I approaching you with that intent (kinda). I came to appologize for earlier, for bumping into you, for not seeing you and all but now I wonder how I managed that since it's hard to imagine how such an ego doesn't pop out of your head, it's easy to see miles away.”
The guy actually set the book on the counter to properly stare at me but I was way too into my hands-on-hips latina mode to stop. - “And not that it matters but I'm not here to find romance either, I was signed up just like you, funny how the world works huh? I do wonder what would make anyone sign you up for this, I mean who'd think that a guy with this attitude could actually find a woman who put up with him?”
Okay I was panting... and I might have said a few things I might regret but David continued pretty much unfased... At closer inspection I'd actually think he looks more entertained? I must be seeing things.
“Now I know why mexican soap operas are so famous. You people have a natural talent...”
I couldn't decide if he was provoking me or he was just that much of a clueless jerk.
“I'm gonna go now before I throw you over board.” I mumbled and turned my back to him.
“Like a pirate with a plank, shouting spanish curse words at me?”
I threw my hair behind my shoulder and gave him one last glare but I could swear I saw the littlest hint of a smirk on that face.

“So how did it go?”
I approached Harry by the pool and I could see my angered reflexion on the water which invalidated his question. - “Not so good?” He added.
“Yeah, not so freaking good. I want to drown him. Or leave him in a desert island.”
“Wow so much sexual tension!” Harry giggled with excitement. Tension? Sexual tension? Like what the h*ll was he talking about?
“You're crazy if you think I have any kind of tension with that guy.”
“It's seeping down your pores honey, don't deny it.”
“Shut up H.”
“You know I'm rig-”
“- SHUT UP.”

Link to external image

A reason for drinks

“Oh come on, you're wearing that to the party?”
Of course Harry would dissaprove of my outfit as he clearly expressed when he burst into my room.
“It's not a party H, it's a welcome drink.”
“It's still a party.” He approached me and put his hands on my hair, pulling it up. - “At least tie your hair a bit, make it sexier. You know first impressions are everything!”
I side glanced at him and his red bowtie. - “Like that tie that screams gay s*x god?” I laughed, earning a light slap on my bare shoulders.
“Behave. I look presentable but sexy with my skinny jeans to show my curves and still be ambiguous although screaming ”Men I'm here for your dark fantasies”.”
I think he's the one having fantasies but I wouldn't say that out loud, not when he was the only person I knew in that ship. - “There, looks much better now.”
I glanced at the mirror and saw my messy bun.
“So I went from natural curls to a messy updo, careful, people might faint from the sexyness.” I chuckled shaking my head lightly. I looked at my bag but really, on a cruise with everything free what did I need my purse for? I put my room key on H's back pocket and was good to go. Even my phone stayed behind, not that I took it around me anyway.

It was hard to admit Harry was right. It was a welcome drink but the event looked more like a party and I was surprised to see some people actually dressed like they were going clubbing. I blinked a few times to adjust to the led lights and grabbed the first glass I saw being passed in front of me by a waiter.
“Oh I love thissss” I heard H laugh delighted as he spinned in his shoes to the beat of the sound. I smiled and sipped from my champagne when I felt a hard shoulder hit me.
“Oh I'm so sorry!” I stared at the redhead with wide eyes while she handed me all the napkins she could find to dry the stain on my white shirt.
“It's alright, it will dry.” I smiled warmly at the woman, mistakes did happen and I wasn't going to be a rude *ss like David. Speaking of the devil I didn't see him yet around the place. Maybe he did want to avoid social activities?
“Oh let's hope it won't stain, it's such a pretty shirt...” I smiled at the compliment and the woman smiled back. - “I'm Vanessa.”
I took her extended hand.
“Emma Hernandez. And it's okay really, I just need to dry it off a bit or I'll smell of alcohol the whole evening.” I chuckled.
“Do you need any help?”
I shook my head, using the napkins Vanessa had given me to soak the drink stain. - “But thanks anyway.” I glanced at Harry who was dancing with a guy on the middle of the restaurant.
I approached one of the sidetables and grabbed a few more clean napkins to try and minimize the mess.
“So you come here in search of guys and the first person I see you being friendly with is a girl?”
I rolled my eyes at Harry but he gasped seeing my stain.
“Oh you stay away from me, don't want alcohol scent on my gorgeous outfit!”
“Yes I chose such an understanding and caring best friend.” I sigh dramatically just to mess with him but H knew my routines by now.
“I know right?” He laughed amusedly as a tall blonde we saw before pulled him back to dance.
I smiled, deciding to just give up on my stain and grab a new glass of, well, something.
Thankfully another waiter was walking by, this time carrying cocktails.
“Are you going to drink that one or wash the shirt with it too?”
I glanced at my side, not recognizing the voice and after seeing where it came from I realized I didn't recognize the owner either.
“Well, I don't know, I guess it depends on whether people will continue to bump into me or not.” I chuckled. The man took that answer as a sign I wasn't going to bite so he approached a bit more.
And gosh was he handsome. He was tall (so what? I have a thing for tall people, sue me), with bright green eyes that I'm sure one could get lost for ages, a nicely built body and that french accent was just delicious as H would put it. Not that I'd ever use that word to describe someone. Not out loud at least.
“Well if it helps I have no intent on bumping on you tonight.” And he had a great smile too. Seriously like he put H's commercial smile in a corner.
“Thanks, that is a start actually.” I couldn't help but give him a warm smile. Finally someone that looked decent on that cruise. - “I'm Emma... Emma Hernandez.”
“Antoine Giroud.” He flashed that gorgeous smile again with an extended hand. Didn't French people kiss on the cheek? I wouldn't mind kissing him on the cheek.
But yes I ended up shaking his hand instead with a dork smile on my face.
“Your friend has quite the dance moves over there...”
I followed Antoine's gaze towards Harry and my heart sank. That can't be. It's way too much for me to bear.
I'm sure the guy could read my stare since I didn't even try to hide the disappointment in it. Did Harry trick me into coming to a gay cruise? It would explain David's rude behavior if he liked other guys and not women. But it was a very sick joke to have this seemingly perfect man talk to me only to be gay.
“I should borrow that bowtie.” I murmured
“Hm?”
“Sorry, I meant he learned to dance quite some time ago.” I tried to smile as Antoine nodded.
“You came together to the cruise?”
I nodded, taking a large sip from my cocktail because his accent was just adorable.
“He signed us up actually. I mean, I don't even know who would sign themselves up for this kind of thing so...”
“That would be me.”
My mouth dropped as I stared at him. Wonderful Emma, just wonderful.
“I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend or be rude or anything...” I stumbled on my words trying to apologize to the man but he just smiled.
“It's alright... I do understand where you're coming from... I suppose it would be hard for some people to accept that sometimes it's good to have some help.”
Well I never thought about it nor did I believe but after my screw up I remained shut and just nodded. Maybe for gay men it was different?
“So... do you want me to call H or something?” I wasn't sure how much more of this conversation I could screw up so it was better if I let the guys have their talk without me.
“Erm... sure...” I had the reflex of tilting my head at his expression but nonetheless rose my hand to call Harry. Not two seconds later he came butterflying his way to us.
“You called and I came.” He grinned, promptly ignoring me in favor of the french hottie by my side. - “And hello to you! I'm Harry.” He extended his hand and Antoine shook it with a smile. - “Oh I love your shoes by the way! Manolos 2016 right?”
“Erm... I don't know... My mother bought them for Christmas...” He glanced at me but I just rose my hands, I knew nothing of men shoes nor was I going to ruin that conversation.
Harry stared at Antoine for a couple minutes before turning to me.
“Honey why don't you go dance a little?”
I stared at him with furrowed brows. - “Because I don't want to....?” What was his deal?
“Of course you do! Antoine dear I'm sure you'll be happy to make this girl use her cute heels right?” He turned his doe eyes to the french man who took turns looking at me and Harry before he nodded with a little smile.
“Sure, I'd be glad to.” He extended his hand to me and I stared at him in confusion.
Just what the hell was going on? Shouldn't Harry be the one dancing with him? Unless he had more interest in the blonde guy and wanted me to keep Antoine busy? I was so completely confused but I took his hand nonetheless. Heh, I knew he was just pretty to look at but at least I'd have some fun dancing.

“I can't believe you... you took phone and room numbers from guys far worse looking than Antoine...” I fell on my bed after the party was over, feeling H snuggle by my side.
“Yes... but they were actually gay.”
“Yes, just like Antoine...” I turned on my side to look at my friend. - “Was it his accent that scared you?” I chuckled
“No, it was the fact that he was into you!”
What?
“Say what?” I repeated aloud. Harry rolled his eyes.
“You'd think I'd miss a chance to be with a hot guy like that? No darling, the only reason I didn't take his number is because he doesn't play in my team.” He grinned, - “He does play on yours and he looked preeeetty interested.”
“No way... he was even the first one to bring you up in conversation!”
“Duh, of course, you need an excuse to start a conversation... I mean come on, the guy didn't even know the brand of shoes he was wearing!”
No way that was the case. Just no way. No, Antoine was gay, a very very hot gay but gay. Wasn't he?

Link to external image

DONE

Last edited by hhgurl1 (05/10/2017 at 00:13)

Name: Leilani Malei'a Kalawai'a
Age: 31 years young
FC: Nathalie Kelley

Straight and ready to mingle.
Home Country: Honolulu, Hawaii but lives in Auckland, New Zealand
Occupation: Publicity agent

Personality Traits:
Adventurous, Creative, Impulsive, Punctual, Out-spoken,
Flirty, Hyper, Independent, Emotional, Forgiving, Easily jealous.
How did you end up applying for the Lonely Hearts Cruise? Her grand-mother applied her.

Story

My heart is bleeding

Once or twice was enough and it was all in vain
2 years previously

The door opened while Leilani was slowly sipping on her red wine.

“Where were you, John,” Lei asks slowly looking at the man she had giving so many chances.

“With friends drinking, Lei, I told you that before I left,” John replied loosening his tie looking innocent.

“Why are you lying,” Again Lei kept calm.

“Leilani, How many times do I have to tell you, to start trusting me,” John replied exasperating with a huff.

Leilani held up his phone in her fingers.

“Did you stole my phone!” John said shocked.

“No… rock scientist you left it in your jacket pocket,” Leilani replied glaring at him.

“Give it back,” Leilani ignored him. “I will ask you one more time, where were you, John!” “I was with Christopher and some other friends,” Leilani's glass flew to his head but he dodged it.

“Leilani, what the f*ck,” John replied cursing while breathing heavy.

“No! You assh*le you weren't drinking with friends, you were sleeping with one of your side wh*re's, once again,” Leilani snapped when she saw his surprised face she continued.

“Christopher called to ask you to come drinking with them as soon as you left,” Leilani saw the remorseful face but she had enough.

“Damn it, Baby, She means nothing you know it,” How did she manage to stay so long with this man.

“I am tired and done with this, I have known you for 5 years, 4 of them I have been engaged with you, you b*sterd and you keep ch*ting on me!”

“Leilani,” John tried to touch her but she slapped his hand away.

“Do not touch me,” Leilani replied slapping his hand away.

“Leilani, let me fix this,” John replied remorsefully.

But Leilani had forgiven him more than enough she was a forgiving person but this time she had enough he was breaking her and her heart had been bleeding more than enough.

“No, I am not going to cry over you once again you will never change, It's time for me to take my defeat,” Leilani grabbed her bag and walked to the door.

“Leilani, where are you going?” John asked.

“We are done and I am leaving you I don't want to kill you,” Leilani replied.

Before Leilani left John called her back once again.

“Leilani, I need the engagement ring back it's a family heirloom,” Leilani pretended to think about the answer than grinned.

“Oh that old thing, I flushed it through the drain,” The shocked face that Leilani received was the best face in their whole empty relationship.

The relationship had been far too long and Leilani still has scars from it.

Working is Boring

Leilani was bored, she hated working she rather be climbing, hiking or even surfing any second of the day. But that didn't mean she was bad in her job, on the contrary, she was one of the best in the bureau. It just meant that she couldn't sit still for too long. She only worked three days in the week and that was already too much in her mind but she had bills to pay. So with that thought, she continued with her assignment.

A week later

"Leilani, what does this mean?" Lucas Leilani's boss was asking holding up her vacation permission paper.

"I am taking a well-deserved vacation," Leilani replied simply while looking on the web to book a flight as soon as possible.

"No, you are not! You already had your vacation this year and you still have tons of work to finish," Lucas replied.

"No worries, Lucas, the assignments for this month I already finished last week and be the way I will only be gone for 1 week," Leilani replied.

"Leilani, A week is too much the busiest month will be coming," Lucas said ticking with his foot.

"Yes, last minute tickets in the pocket," Leilani was so happy she was going to see her family and do some surfing while she was at it.

"Leilani, I am serious this time, if you leave you're fired," Lucas treated but Lei had heard it more times than not.

"Lucas, don't be like that you know I love you right, Your the best boss I can wish for," Leilani replied blinking with her eyes making her eyelashes look bigger.

"Leilani, I really think you should re-think it," Lucas replied throned.

"Give up boss she's going," one of her co-workers said making Leilani smile.

Her boss signed "I know,"

Leilani smiled knowing she had won.

"I will come back with great ideas," Leilani tried to ease her boss devastated face it was so upsetting really but Lei needed this break.

"If you do come with some ideas that are great for love, it's almost valentine days after all," Leilani shuddered she has been cured of the word love.

"Will think about it," Leilani replied and grabbed her bags she had two hours to pack her stuff.

Home is where the love is

Aloha 'Aina

Leilani always loved her home and travelled a lot from New Zealand and Hawaii but she hated the flight it was always long and as soon as she lands the first thing she always does is take a dive into the sea or ring one of her family member up to bring her board this time wasn’t any different, yet it would change everything she had planned.

“Brody, sweet brother of mine,” Leilani said when the phone had been picked up.

“What do you want?” Her brother replied grumpily properly just waking up even though it was 3 in the afternoon.

“Bring my board to the sea please,” Leilani replied with a smile she had missed his voice.

“Don’t tell me your home,” Her brother sounded shocked and Leilani frowned.

“Yes, I am, what’s wrong?” Lei asked him.

“Gran, she was going to notify you but I didn’t think you would accept,” Brody replied still shocked.

“Brody? What are you talking about?” Lei replied confusion dropping from her voice,

“Gran, she always tells you to get marry and give her grand-children right?” Lei hummed in conformation.

“So she applied you to a single cruise, I think the name was Lonely Hearts Cruise,” Brody said and he sounded amused.

“Brody, Repeat that!” Leilani replied shaking she better have heard it wrong.

“Gran, applied you to a single cruise?” Lei laughed thinking it was a joke.

“And mum helped her,” Lei stopped laughing and growled.

“Why do they always keep bothering me?”

“Because you're the only one without men or even kids,” Brody replied.

“Oh sh*t it, Brody,” Lei replied, While her brother laughed at her misery.

“Come bring me, my board,” Lei continued when his laughter didn’t subdue.

“What about the cruise?” Brody asked which made Lei’s eyes twitch.

“I will fix that later,” Lei replied hanging up the phone.

And Leilani really did try, she asked, refused, begged and even tried to bribe but the female side of the family was set on making Leilani go to the cruise to get a man she had been hurt in the past but she had to move on, they wanted her to be happy.

“But I am happy,” Leilani lashed out at her mother and regretted it immediately after.

“Bullsh*t,” Her grandmother spoke up thought making everyone mouth fell open, the old woman was raised properly and hated cursing after all.

“Mommy?” Leilani’s mother asked but the old lady already had Lei’s hand in hers.

“Come with me,” She said pulling Lei with her.

They were walking along the beach quietly when her grandmother stopped and looked at her.

“Not every man is like that bast*rd you know,” Her grandmother said and Lei reprimanded her which her grand-mother just huffed at claiming she could curse as many times she wanted.

Lei shook her head and replied “I know that not everyone is like him,”

“Yet you refuse to let anyone else in,” Her grandmother replied.

“Because I am not ready,” Lei replied crossing her arms.

“Bull, you were ready before you dumped him, you are just scared,” Her grandmother replied.

“Of course I am!” Lei replied frowning.

“So you are weak? Are you not going to jump off that mountain anymore? I thought your parents thought you not to give up easily,” Lei glared at the older woman she hit a hard spot.

“I am not weak!” Lei replied but she felt like she was.

“Than show it! Go on that cruise and open your heart one more time,” Her grand-mother replied softly.

“And if I don’t?” Leilani asked and when she saw her grand-mothers smile she knew enough.

“You will get blind-dates just like Keli’l had,” Leilani shuddered.
Blind-dates can be horrible but it’s way worse when your family is setting you up and present at the date to judge how it all goes to give you feedback afterwards. No Lei made her mind just then, she signed not liking it one bit,

But it seemed without her consent she would be on that cruise regardless of her feelings and doubts because meddling family was worst than having fun on a cruise and maybe fall in love. Lei looked at the darkened sky, who was she kidding she hoped her heart will survive.

Punctuality is my thing|| Vanessa

Leilani’s family forgot to mention that she had to be in Italy in three days. They also hadn’t mentioned that Lei should be selected.

But thanks to Lei’s punctuality she made it in time to catch her cruise.

She should have been relaxed but the flight had been horrible long and tiring but the worst part is standing before the cruise Lei was shaking terribly.

Just when she was about to take a step to finally go on the ship someone bumped into her.

“Oh I am sorry didn’t see you there,” Leilani waved the red-heads worries away.

“I am sorry for standing in the way please continue,” Lei mention for the woman to get on, the woman nodded and made her way before turning back around.

“Wait is this the lonely heart ‘s cruise?” Lei nodded at the woman trying to calm herself once more.

“And are you getting on?” The woman asked her and Lei nodded slowly.

“Yeah, eventually,”  Lei replied biting her lip when the woman gave her a curious look Lei explained.

“I am just a little nervous,” The woman’s eyebrow went up.

“But why? I am totally excited,” Lei laughed at the enthusiasm.

Lei could do without she needed some courage however and like the woman could read her mind she held out her hand.

“Come on we will get on it together,” Lei was too surprised to decline the woman so she just took her hand.

When they finally arrived at the reception and signed in they got their room-keys and a warning to please not lose them then they got a notification that there would be a welcome party later that night, Lei wanted to explore the cruise before the next day.

“I think I will be leaving I want o see the cruise before it get’s late, I may see you later on…?” Lei thought about it and remembered she didn’t know the woman’s name.

“Vanessa and what’s your name?” The woman replied with a genuine name.

“Leilani,” Lei replied smiling also.

“What about we meet here again in an hour and then explore the cruise together?” Vanessa asked.

“That sounds like a great idea,” Lei replied.

“Good till later,” Vanessa replied walking to the right while Leilani went to the left.

When Lei opened her door she gasped the room was so luxury but mostly comfy looking she would love to sleep here.

She took a quick shower and re-dressed an hour later she was ready to meet up with Vanessa once again.

Just Cruisin'|| Yann, Sebastian, Juliet

Where, baby, I don't care

Leilani was waiting for Vanessa but it seemed like the women had stood her up. She should have asked for her room number.
Leilani let another sigh escape.

“Hey, you're okay? You have been letting out a lot of air,” Lei looked at the handsome man and nodded.

“I am just waiting for someone,” Leilani replied to the guy.

“Already fell in love? A little too soon don’t you think,” Lei threw the guy a skeptical look.

“No not yet and not planning to, to be honest just would like to have a good time. Just waiting for a friendly face we were going to explore the cruise,” Lei replied feeling at ease all of a sudden the guy gave her a sisterly feeling really.

“Oh, then why not explore it with me?” Leilani smiled and shook her head.

“I would like to wait for her,” Lei replied smoothly.

“But you clearly have been stood up,” The guy replied.

“Are you always this harsh?” Lei asked surprised.

“No but honesty can be brutal,” Lei had to smile at that.

“Then show the way,” Leilani replied she wanted to have fun, after all, she would meet Vanessa later she hoped.

“Call me, Yann,” The guy said and Lei nodded.

“Yann, cute name and Leilani for me than,” The guy's smile was really breath-taking.

“I think yours is way cuter,” Lei chuckled and followed him.

Walking around with Yann was pretty fun they talked pretty much the whole time giving stupid comments and what they hoped for the cruise Lei was already happy to have company the cruise was big as hell and it was indeed more fun to explore I with two people they took their goodbye to get ready for the night party. Lei took a detour just to be amazed once again by all the things. She was whistling a tune when she heard next to her.

“What are you whistling?” Lei looked at the blond male surprised.

“P!nk-Raise your glasses,” She replied.

“Hmmm,” was the only answer Lei received.

“Sorry did I bother you?” Lei asked surprised at his grumpy behavior.

“No, it sounded like something else reminded me of home,” The male replied simply but with more words maybe he likes talking about his home.

“And where is your home?” Lei asked curiously.

“Why should I tell you that?” The male replied but didn’t seem to mind walking next to Lei.

“Because we are having a conversation right?” Lei replied simply walking to her room.

“Germany,” The male replied simply.

“I would love to go there once,” Lei replied dodging a plant.

“Are you flirting with me,” The man seemed to hate the idea a lot.

Lei chuckled a little.

“No, I love to travel even though is mostly between my birthplace and living place,” Lei replied.

“You must live in the US,” The male noted but Lei shook her head,

“No, I live in New Zealand beautiful country great for adventure even thought in Hawaii is the same but love to see new things after a while,” Lei stopped at looked at his companion.

“I am sorry for the babbling,” Lei said embarrassed she loved to talk about New Zealand and Hawaii after all.

“I don’t mind, I like your voice,” Was the response and Lei smiled at him while turning around she caught the eyes of chocolate eyes they made her heart melt even though they belonged to a woman, who turned away a second later.

Leilani had to shake the feeling away she was straight but she wouldn’t mind getting to know that woman.

After chatting some more with her companion who seemed fine with listening to her babbling and only responding once they arrived at Lei’s suit.

Lei was surprised to see that the guy had followed her to her room.

“Thank you for bringing me to my room, Sebastian,” Lei thanked him for getting his name when she asked him earlier.

Sebastian looked at her weirdly than nodded and walked further down the hall.

Let me tell you is fun time|| Vanessa, Juliet, Sergio, Peter

Then you should make me your girl, your girl
Added Dance to original

After Leilani changed clothes once again she went to the party she didn’t stay too long it was too busy for her tired mind.

She went to the bar, she sat on one of the bar chairs taking a sip of her coke-whiskey.

“Leilani there you are!”

Lei turned around to see Vanessa.

“I searched for you everywhere I was late and then I got lost this cruise is big,” Lei didn’t know if the girl was being honest but she really looked apologetic and Lei had to forgive her.

“Is okay Nessa I almost got lost too,” Lei looked behind her to see the same chocolate eyes, glaring at her this time, Lei was surprised.

“Good, thank you!” The girl hugged Lei tightly.

“Oh yeah, this is Juliet and Sergio they saved me,” Lei waved at both the girl just nodded and the guy smiled shyly which Lei though was cute.

“Juliet, let’s go dancing,” Juliet mind have disliked the idea but she still followed. They seemed to walk more in the darker place of the bar.

“uhmmmm….” Sergio looked rather out of place.

“Please sit want something to drink?” Lei asked him and the guy nodded.

“Sergio, thank you for saving Nessa,” The guy shook his head, however.

“She just grabbed my arm and demanded me to show me to the reception when we arrived you weren’t there anymore, she was really upset,” Sergio replied softly.

“I thought she stood me up, I should have waited longer,” Lei replied remorsefully.

“Don’t be sad she dragged me along in search of you actually,” Sergio replied and Lei raised an eyebrow

“Are you trying to hint that I should apologize to you?” Lei asked him amused.

“No of course not,” Sergio replied shocked.

Lei chuckled at his outburst.

“You have a beautiful Laughter,” Lei turned to her left to see a beautiful specimen sitting next to her drinking.

“Thank you, sir,” Leilani replied.

“Can I ask your name?” the male asked.

“Leilani Kalawai’a and yours, sir,” Lei asked him.

“Peter Grady, Ma’am” Lei smiled at him turned to introduce Sergio but he was gone.

“If you're looking for the guy he went that way,” The guy pointed at where Juliet and Nessa disappeared to not too long.

They started their chat or more like he talked about himself and Lei would have hated it but she found him amusing and didn’t mind his babbling about himself.

She laughed a lot that night and felt at peace maybe she could get him in her room for tonight she would be spontaneous and let loose for once.

“Want to come to my room?” Lei interrupted him.

Peter didn’t seem surprised by the invitation.

But he seemed confident enough to know what he wants.

“I think it’s too soon and I am easily bored,” Lei raised an eyebrow.

“You clearly haven’t met me yet,” Peter smirked knowingly.

“What are you good at?” He asked.

“Dancing,” Lei replied.

“Okay we can do that keep me entertained,” Peter said.

“So if I can keep your attention, we will do something naughty tonight?” Lei wanted to finish her night with a bang.

“I am really hard to please,” Lei laughed once again and stood up.

“Then I should entertain you right,” Lei replied simply walking to the dance floor.

The song of Rihanna- If it’s lovin’ that you want came up and Lei was down for it.

Being raised in Hawaii she had the hip roll in control she always liked hip-hop and caught on the shaking with the ass too so keeping his attention was easier than she tough it would be. After the third song which had been Rihanna- Work.

He seemed to have more than enough.

“So your room or mine,” Lei laughed and grabbed his hand it would be her room for the night.

Outfits

Arriving, Exploring, Welcome party
Romantic (Interests)
Sebastian, Peter, (juliet)
Done

Last edited by NinaJones (04/10/2017 at 21:33)

Name: Lyla Prescott
Age: 25
Home Country: US (She's only half American)
Sexuality: Straight
Occupation: English Teacher
Personality Traits: Curious, Overthinking, Trustworthy,Encouraging, Valiant, picky.
Romantic Interest : Dimitri Kirillow
FC: Sushar Manaying
Link to external image

Story of application:

Since my room is bigger than my sister's, she's been bugging me to switch rooms for a few days so that she could have this huge sleepover with her school friends. Naturally, I refused so when she saw the advertisement, she sneakily applied for me to get me out of the house, saying that I could use some love in my life. When I got an email saying that I've been accepted I was confused. My sister confessed what she did and now we're not exactly on good terms since I'm practically terrified of the ocean.

Story about lack of love life:

It's not that I don't want to have a boyfriend. However, I'm rather picky so I have never met someone who I think is right for me. Actually I did, but they didn't have an interest in me. That's bad luck. Besides that, unless I have a guarantee that someone or something is gonna stay in my life, I don't like to get attached.I see it as a waste of time and a waste of tears. I think when I meet the right person I will feel it. There's no need to rush.

Story about first day:

I felt so anxious getting on the cruise. The ocean makes me feel uneasy. A cruise is the worst holiday for me. My parents wouldn't let me waste it though so I had to come. The worst part of this is that I don't know anyone and have to spend the time alone in a place I'm not comfortable at. After settling in, I explored the cruise for a bit since I had time on my hands. I must confess, it looks astonishing. I got an invitation for a welcome party that was taking place that evening. I made my way there and was shocked to see that everyone was very good-looking. Another reason to feel conscious about. I didn't know what to do when I saw everyone talking to each other so I started to stuff myself with food. I heard a laugh behind me so I turned around and saw that a man was watching me. Immediately I blushed and swallowed all the food that was in my mouth. "I see you like to eat a lot." He said. I shook my head. "I just don't have anything to do. I'm not a party person." I told him. "Neither am I. My name is Dimitri. what's yours?" He asked. I told him that my name is Lyla. After that someone pushed me from behind and knocked me into Dimitri. "Already trying to make a move, I see." He told me with a charming smile. My face turned red and I felt extremely embarrassed. I did not like that comment at all. There was something about him that I just did not like. So I apologised and walked away, trying to avoid contact with him for the rest of the party. Nothing much happened after that. I didn't stay there for long because I get bored easily.

Link to external image Link to external image

Arrival Outfit                              Party Outfit

DONE

Last edited by BearHugs6 (04/10/2017 at 14:16)

FC: Scarlett Byrne

Link to external image

Luna Pelletier
Age: 29
Home Country: Marseilles, France
Sexuality: she assumes she's bi, but she still figures herself out
Occupation: network administrator
Personality Traits: grumpy before her first meal in the day; overly punctual; works well under pressure; does her thing and owes up to it; anytime she has a chance she either plays video games or listents to music(or both); appears disinterested and bored; can talk for hours about video games and gaming strategies; independent; careful; supportive and humorous, when you get to know her better

Interests: Dimitri, Sebastian, Vanessa(might include some other extras at some point)

How did you end up applying for the Lonely Hearts Cruise?
Guys at my department(mostly married) kept pestering me about finding my special someone, providing me with few dating projects. So... I signed up under peer pressure.

Love life: ... Rather lack thereof. Luna doesn't seem to be interested in dating, but to her credit, each one of the very few dates she went on were set up by either her family(when she was speaking to them) or people she knows closer. She'd rather look for it herself rather than being set up by someone with someone she hadn't even met. So far, she hadn't succeed.



"We're here" Guillaume parked the car on one of the lots. We all could finally breathe when he did, all that driving from Marseilles to Genoa was a torture.
"Thank God" Leon muttered, blindly searching for the knob. I sighed, waiting for either him or Yves to open the door and get out. Being squeezed between those two wasn't good for my health. You know, they're not twings.
"Nico, wake up" Yves unbuckled his seatbelt and poked Nicolas, who was sleeping in the front seat. He and Guillaume were drivers for this trip. It was just few hours, but I knew that Nico was up way early than he supposed to be. "Car is safe. We... not so much."
Nico mumbled something and Leon finally got out of the car. I followed him and not so long afterwards we all were outside, most of us gasping for air or fighting the nausea. Guillaume, of course, was pouting.
"You do not understand my driving" he said, puffing his cheeks like a child. Middle-age crisis?
"All we know is that it's terrible" I muttered, stretching. Hours in the backseat? Worse than deskjob. "Remind me, why I agreed to let you drive me all the way here?"
"Because we're irresistible?" Leon grinned.
"We wanted to see you off, of course" Guillaume still looked like pouting kid.
"And to make sure you won't chicken out" added Yves, much to my chagrin.
"Yeah... That resulted in ganging up on me yesterday, I remember now" I rolled my eyes on them. Those guys were married! Married, I repeat! Yet they still acted like some other co-workers... "And now, without me, the whole net would come apart..."
"Luna, you've eaten already, stop whining" Nicolas also rolled his eyes, but more at me than at the rest. Oh yeah, I got a snack earlier, good to remember. "Let's get you on board."
And that was a sound idea, instead of complaining. To be honest, though, I was in mood for complaining. It certainly was a strange view, a single young woman, escorted by four guys to a love cruise. Even now this sounds strange. Like very, VEEEERY strange.
"Call us" Leo smiled. "And ask us any advice you need..."
"...'cause who knows love better than French" I completed the usual response they were telling throughout the work. "Yeeeah, I'll remember that..."
"I'm sure you will" Yves patted my head. Oh, how I disliked that thing. "Have fun there and don't forget to introduce us when we'll get back for you."
"Assuming I'll find anybody that would be brave enough to face all of you" I smirked. I just had to add this. Who knows, maybe I'll find myself a shy, withdrawn person and these guys are having tendencies to behave like overprotective older brothers(training for their kids in teen age or having any?) and being a bit loud from time to time. They could intimidate anybody if they wanted to.
Don't get me wrong, I love those guys, I've been working with them for few years already. Buuuut... well, they are pushy and some of their wives aren't exactly on good terms with me. The crew that drove me here was only half of the whole group that peer-pressured me into this. Yeah, figure.
I can't say that I wasn't nervous. I was. Stepping towards the ship, everything in me wanted to run away. I didn't dislike the sea nor ships, but it was a cruise full of singles and if I ended up alone that would mean things.
"Welcome to the Lonely Hearts Cruise" a red-haired woman greeted me as soon as I was in very close proximity. "My name is Gwen and I'm first mate on the ship. May I have your name?"
"Um... Luna Pelletier" apparently it was for the accommodation list, as the woman checked the papers she had with her.
"Pelletier, Pelletier... Ah, there you are!" she smiled to me, handing me a white envelope with a logo. "Congratulations. Here is the map of the ship, with your suite marked, the schedule of the events and general schedule of the cruise. If you have any questions, please, don't hesitate to ask the crew. Enjoy your stay."
That I certainly wanted to, now that I have no choice of backing up, guys were still there from what I recalled.
It took me a little while before I found my suite. This ship is huge! And it's probably the only time I'll ever get to travel the luxurious ship... I sighed. Now it was just contradictory.

~*~

Taking a nap was crucial, since I couldn't have one during few hours of the ride. Then I could walk around the ship, exploring and maybe meeting some people, just to scope up the possibilities. I'm pretty sure, I'll be distracted from finding love by simple relaxation. I haven't taken any leave since I can remember...
But my plans were interrupted by phone. THere had to be a limit for stupid things! Unfortunately, that wasn't the case this time, as another co-worker called... Surely, there had to be a replacement at the administration... or company just cut the costs and implored one of the department workers to do the thing... Did I mention that I had paid leave? I probably shouldn't take my work with me, but some of the technical problems were beyond guys' capabilities.
Turns out, I was right and they asked Clemont to take over my duties for the time I was cruising. He was barely out of internship, but unlike me, he studied IT at university, while I was after courses did during my tenure at acting college. Apparently, studying gave him nothing since there was a problem he couldn't fix and called me. If I was at a party or date, I'd probably have no chance of helping him out. It took a bit of my time, I was passing him a possible solutions until one worked out. By the time we were done with the conversation, I noticed a rather surprised stare coming my way from the blond, blue-eyed man... well, wow.
"Something I can help you with?" I asked.
"No, no" he shook his head. "I overheard you talking on the phone."
"That doesn't explaine the surprise" I pointed out.
"Never expected to meet somebody who's also in IT, that's all" he explained. I wondered if hearing terms from a woman was that rare.
"I'm Luna" I introduced myself, coming closer to him, stretching out my hand. "Can I safely assume that you don't see many women in IT as well?"
"Yeah, that's it" he shook it. Now that was a firm handshake. "Sebastian."
"Pleasure" I gave him a crooked smile... and then the message came. I haven't silenced my phone, so the ringtone was at full volume.
"Zelda?" he asked, it seemed to me that he was rather amused.
"Yep" I nodded. Now it was my turn to be surprised. "Can't find a decent replacement, so I'm sticking with it now." For three years, actually, but that wasn't necessary for him to know. "So, do you play games?"
"As a matter of fact, I do" he smiled. Wow, that was game changing... He had a nice smile, that I had to admit. "Haven't you guessed from my knowledge?"
"Pfft" I snorted. "Can't be too certain about things. I might be up for some LAN matches, one on one, if you're interested."
That I hadn't expected. A person who also plays games and is working in similar area... That was too god to be true, honestly. He was cute, but maybe I should also look for a different set of interests.

~*~

Short dress? Checked. Straight sleek hair? Checked. Nails? Checked Heels? Definitely checked. You could tell that I was ready for a party. I wondered, how many parties will be throughout the cruise and how many times I would look presentable enough to actually get a decent conversation and not go straight to the first base... or the third. Maybe I could go with longer dress...
"Excuse me" somebody came up to me, almost patting me on the shoulder... almost. I turned to see a redheaded woman in close proximity. "I'm looking for someone..."
"There's a lot of someones" I replied almost automatically. "Could you precise a bit?"
She gave me a basic description and it took me a minute to process it. I shook my head.
"Nah, haven't seen anybody like that yet" I said. "I just came here, so we could look for her. Luna, by the way."
"Oh. Vanessa" she smiled. "Thank you. I like your nails, they're really pretty painted."
"Um, thanks" that took me a bit off guard. "Took me a bit of time." Especially when I had to change the color. I swear, my life got shorter just because of the nails.
And so we went inside. People were already gathering and I wasn't certain where to go first. The bar seemed nice as the starting spot, but then again, why would I go straight to drinking?
"Where are you from, Luna?" Vanessa asked me with that curious look. It was kind of cute.
"France" I replied. "One of the proclaimed countries of love." Alongside Spain and Italy, of course. Probably the first choice in that label. "You?" I wasn't really curious, but I had to get the small talk going at least for the first day.
"I'm from Austria."
"Have you signed up or someone else did for you?" and now I was a bit curious about that fact in general. Cruise for singles to find love? That was not an ordinary thing and could be used as a prank.
"I did it myself" she admitted. Not pressured, hmm... "This is very nice idea, to find your love on a cruise."
"Mm... I'll see about that. If not, I might make some friends."
Speaking of friends, I noticed the woman going by Vanessa's description. I pointed her to the redhead and she was happy to see her...
"Would you like to join us?" she asked me, but I shook my head.
"Nah, I'll check if the bar serves something non-alcoholic" I smiled.
Maybe small talk wasn't what I needed, but a glass of juice certainly was. Vanessa left to meet up with her friend and I was left to my own devices... which was cool. This was only the first day, I have time to meet everyone...
... or maybe it was a bad idea all around. Right now it was well into the party and I wasn't feeling so energized anymore... I felt rather overwhelmed. But it was mostly because of me sitting and scoping up the crowd. Alright, first person I spot... There. A guy. My freaking luck. He seemed bored, which wasn't right up my alley. Actually, have I ever identified myself as social? Well, time to start, them.
"I'm Luna, is that seat taken?" I tried to sound confident and pulled my most signature smile... which looked a lot like crooked one. But hey, be confident. Even if you go with the most cliche line.
"No, it's not" he replied. It went well.
"Mind?"
"If you wish to" oh, so he was giving me freedom of choice... And a warning that it won't be an interesting conversation... Oh well, I use what I get. Even if he'd stand up and leave.
"So nice of you" I sat down, having a great look at his face. Cute, handsome, dark-haired... Mhmmm... "I didn't catch your name."
"It's Dimitri." Dimitri? Was he Russian? Interesting, he didn't strike me as one.
"Pleasure" I went for a softer smile. Time for small talk. He didn't seem to look all that pleased... "Did someone sign you up?"
"Yes" oh, I got it.
"God, I can't even imagine... I managed to avoid that" maybe it wasn't a good opening, but I had to roll with the topic.
"And someone made you sign up to this" I nodded to his statement.
"Yep, ten guys, most of them happily married" he raised his brow up at my statement and I rolled my eyes. "In my life of work you don't see that many women."
"And what is that you do for a living?" It was going rather well in my book, but he probably was trying to be nice... oh, there go negative thoughts...
"I'm a network administrator for a business company, currently on a leave" I said. I sounded rather laid-back, which wasn't really my intention. I was switching back to bored and disinterested. Not good. "What is your profession?"
"I'm assistant distric attorney" he replied. A lawyer then... Now that was something I'm not particularly fond of... Usually lawyers hired by the company are pricks. I must've rolled my eyes, since there was a subtle change on his face. "Trouble with the law?"
"Nah, just never seen attorneys outside work. That might be interesting..."
Or it wouldn't be. We shall see. So far I've managed to see potential acquaintances turned possibly friends or maybe a date material. I'm not really into it, but I might as well go for it and see how it turns out. We shall see if love is actually for me when I look for it myself...

COMPLETED

Last edited by Siri (04/10/2017 at 21:04)

Name: Valentine Cross

Age: 25

FC:Zoe Kravitz

Home Country: United States

Sexuality: Sexually fluid

Occupation: Fashion blogger

Personality Traits: Impulsive, "selfie-centered" and intelligent.

How did you end up applying for the Lonely Hearts Cruise? - Did you apply yourself? Or did someone else did it for you? With a name like Valentine there are certain...expectations, the clearest of which is that being single is sort of like being cursed. Everyone wants to know "why?" or "for how long?" because they assume you're some sort of hopeless romantic. And the truth is I'm just not. I applied for the cruise because it'll look great on my socials and who knows maybe my #ManCrushMonday or #WomancrushWednesday will like my #OOTD...

Story about your last break up - Why did it end? Who ended the relationship? One word: branding. My last boyfriend just didn't understand that, and he wasn't willing to learn. Why would any of my 50,000+ followers trust me to guide their sartorial choices if the guy I was dating couldn't even be bothered to listen to me when I gave him basic advice. So after 6 long months of me having to crop him and his logo emblazoned t-shirts out of my shots I finally shut things down.

First day on the Cruise:

As I settled in I immediately took note of how good the location was going to be for my socials, it's like the setting was made for Instagramming and I of course had the perfect outfits.

I spent the day making mental notes...and of course I took about 1,000 images, even though I only ended up posting two.



The welcome Party:

By the time I walked into the welcome party I felt instantly at ease. A lot of the women were dressed in predictable club wear so it was clear I stood out in something more casual. Scanning the room the first person who caught my eye was a man talking to a beautiful woman and while in the real world I would have invited them both back to my room, this wasn't the real world and even if I wasn't, some of these people may actually be looking for true love. Continuing to scan the room I noticed both a stunning brunette and a man who looked like he had far too much on his mind. Challenge accepted, I thought as I walked toward the man who was standing on his own.

"You know there's a pirate legend that says if a man refuses to dance with a woman on a ship that he'll be cursed with a peg leg." I said as an opener.

The man looked annoyed at being disturbed, but managed to tell me his name: David.

"Valentine." I responded unphased.

"Valentine?" He asked. "Is that your real name?" He said with more enthusiasm.

"Yes." I said with a small laugh. "It's the actual name my parents chose to give me."

"So what is this about a peg leg?"

"It's just a legend of course, one I actually just made up, but who knows it could be true. So...dance with me?"

"Sure." He responded, and if I wasn't mistaken it looked like he was shaking his own head in disbelief.

***

"That should keep you peg leg free." I responded with a smile once the song was over.

"Is your name really Valentine?" He asked.

"I can show you my i.d. if you'd like. But I don't have it on me so it'll have to wait. Breakfast tomorrow, I can give you my room number."

"How do I know you won't make it up like the pirate legend." He asked.

"I'm good...but not that good."

I quickly told him my room number and invited him by tomorrow to check for himself.




Romantic Interests: David, Peter, and Juliet

Round complete

Last edited by Dare (04/10/2017 at 14:22)

Round 1 is now closed. Banners for all the rounds and participating will be posted at the end of the Contest.

Round 2

Your first week on the Lonely Hearts Cruise has passed and there have been already two stops along the way. The first one was in Marseille after spending three days on Sea, followed by Barcelona which you reach after two days. During each stop you were giving the opportunity to either stay on the Cruise or use a few hours to explore the Cities.

On Sunday - as the Cruise is on its way to Malaga - it is time for the first event part of the whole Find your Prince or Princess Charming Program.

So get ready for the Speed Dating!

The rules are pretty simple. You get 10 minutes with everybody from the Extras to find out more about them and maybe to get to know them a bit better. After every date you can provide me with a little resume if you want… it might be helpful for me to see whom you like to have a date with later
And just one day later Captain Laura and her first mate Gwen invite you to the Lonely Hearts Cruise Costume Party!

The motto is Pirates and all the shops on the Cruise will gladly provide you with the perfect costume. The Extras will be in costume too so expect to see a few Captain Jack Sparrows

Round 2 Requirements

* Name and age of your character
* Round Status (ex. R1 complete, R2 in progress)
* Romantic Interests (max 3, don't need to be the same in every round)
* Story about the Speed Dating; adding a short resume if you like; of course you don’t need to describe the speed dates with all the extras; make sure you mention those who are an interest of yours
* Story about the Pirate Costume Party; Optional: Story about the week that went by, interactions with the extras ( you will get Impressions for those you mention), anything else you wanna add
* Outfits for the Speed Dating and the Pirate Costume Party; Optional: Any other outfit you'd like for the story

Round 2 will close around 8pm (Forum Time) on the 7th September.

Last edited by schoggettchen (04/10/2017 at 20:56)

Impressions

They will be based on your interaction with my characters. I have more to work with if you interact with the characters more often in your stories.

Leilani Kalawai'a

Peter - That wasn’t how he imagined his first night to go on the Lonely Hearts Cruise but he wasn’t going to complain. Leilani looked good enough to keep him interested for the night and watching her dance just for him sure has been a pleasant sight. As Peter takes a sip from his cold beer he thinks that usually he prefers a good challenges though and she has made it a bit too easy for him. He doesn’t mind being hunted instead of hunting himself. But not that he already had Leilani for a night and knows what he she is capable off he will keep himself entertained with others.

Sebastian - Leilani sure liked to talk a lot but he doesn’t mind. This way he can avoid talking about himself especially since he doesn’t know what to make of her. She seemed like a nice person though and it helped that she looked good. He wouldn’t mind getting to know her better. Sebastian figured with the Cruise just having started there will be plenty of opportunities.

Juliet - The woman takes a sip from her coke spotting the same black-haired woman from earlier again. She doesn’t Juliet the vibe of being to woman not that she believes in any of this Find your true Love nonsense and if it weren’t for losing the bet she wouldn’t even be here. The only reason Juliet hasn’t complained yet is that everything is free and she doesn’t need to worry about anything. And who knows it might not be this boring in the end.

Optional Plot:
(it is up to you whether you do those task or not; it might help you to develop a better relationship with the extras; but if you have no time or interest you can skip them)

Peter will show less interest in Leilani now that they have slept with each other; he will strike up a conversation when he sees her the next time but he will make it pretty clear that they won’t sleep with each other again
Sebastian wouldn’t mind getting to know Leilani a bit better so he will invite her to a City Tour in Marseille; he will still be a bit cautious but slowly open up except about his past
Juliet will spend some of her time on the Cruise to work on a few new paintings; if Leilani happens to see her she can strike up a conversation but remember Juliet might not talk much about herself

Lyla Prescott

Dimitri - He still doesn’t know what Mikaela was thinking when she signed him up for this cruise. Lonely Hearts Cruise what a ridiculous name he thinks to himself as he spots Lyla during breakfast. Their first conversation has been pretty awkward and he couldn’t shake off the feeling that she has been trying to avoid him which he thinks is pretty silly. He wonders what Lyla is doing on a Dating Cruise if she gets easily embarrassed not that he is curious on finding out.

Optional Plot:
(it is up to you whether you do those task or not; it might help you to develop a better relationship with the extras; but if you have no time or interest you can skip them)

Dimitri is still sceptical about the Cruise and it shows. When the Speed Dating Event is announced he will be in a bad mood and spend the day cursing at everyone and everything. If Lyla sees him it is up to her to ask him what is wrong, he will her his opinion about the Cruise.

Valentine Cross

David - He stares after Valentine still surprised how quickly she had given him her room number. Of course there remains a little doubt that she hasn’t been telling him the truth just like she has done about the pirate legend and David doesn’t know if he wants to take the risk. After all it wasn’t his idea to sign up for this Cruise but he has to admit that Valentine seems like an interesting woman and he does wonder if it is her real name. There is only way to figure it out.
Peter - He lets his gaze wander around the room during the Welcome Party noticing a few women who manage to capture his attention. One of them is a good-looking blonde in an outfit that doesn’t leave much room for any imagination. Peter takes a good and long look at her legs barely hidden by the skirt she is wearing. Smirking to himself he thinks that he wouldn’t mind to spend a night with her if she proves to be interesting enough.
Juliet - Sitting at the counter she wonders why she even went to this stupid Welcome Party. She doesn’t want to be here and wouldn’t be here if Vanessa hadn’t dragged her here. Letting out a sigh Juliet looks around the room spotting a blonde woman and she has to admit that she is pretty judging from her outfit someone who is confident in her looks and seems like a lively person. Exactly the opposite of Juliet then who thinks of Opposite attracts shortly… not that this is going to happen to her

Optional Plot:
(it is up to you whether you do those task or not; it might help you to develop a better relationship with the extras; but if you have no time or interest you can skip them)

David is glad to be off the Cruise even if just for a few hours. He will explore Marseille on his own visiting some of the tourist spots before stopping for a coffee. Valentine is free to join him if she is exploring as well. He will answer a few questions about himself without giving away too many details.
Peter will approach Valentine during one night sitting down at her table without asking. He will strike up a conversation being his usual cocky and flirty himself. He will mostly talk about himself but will also ask questions about her.
Juliet can be usually found sitting at the main deck all by herself. If Valentine wishes she can strike up a conversation with her though Juliet might not be in the best mood to participate in their talk.

Luna Pelletier

Dimitri - He spots Luna the next night at dinner sitting all by herself and he thinks back at their meeting during the party. He wouldn’t say that it was a pleasant conversation but at least she hasn’t bothered him with endless questions. Dimitri has to admit that it isn’t what he has expected but it is a nice change though. And he figures there could be worse ways to start his free vacation because that is how he is going to see the whole Cruise… he doesn’t care about the True Love part.
Sebastian - He still can’t believe that he found someone who works in the same field like him and that on the Lonely Hearts Cruise. If he were someone else he might thought that this is a sign but he is still Sebastian and pretty realistic. Talking with Luna was nice though and sharing the same interests made it easier for him. Still it seems a bit too good to be true but then again he wouldn’t mind talking with Luna again.
Vanessa - She couldn’t stop smiling since she first stepped on board… this whole place was magical exactly how she pictured it. Vanessa already managed to meet some interesting people like Luna who she thought was kinda cute and pretty. Their first conversation has been a bit too short for her taste and she definitely wouldn’t mind to spend more time with Luna.

Optional Plot:
(it is up to you whether you do those task or not; it might help you to develop a better relationship with the extras; but if you have no time or interest you can skip them)

Dimitri doesn’t feel like exploring Barcelona instead he will stay on the Cruise spending the day all by himself. If Luna happens to stay on board as well she can find him in the Winter Garden reading a book. Not exactly in the mood to talk but he isn’t going to send her away if she approaches him. 
Sebastian will approach Luna one day asking if she wants to drink a coffee with him, he will ask her about her work and about her favourite video games while sharing his own worst customer experiences and admitting that he prefers classic video games over the modern ones.
Vanessa will get lost during while exploring Marseille on her own and will be very happy to find Luna asking her to keep her company for the rest of the day. She will ask a few questions about the brown-haired woman sharing details about her own life as well.

Emma Hernandez

Antoine - He wonders if he has done or said anything wrong as he spots Emma and her friend during dinner next day. Their conversation started pretty good even if flirting wasn’t his biggest suit and then suddenly it went in the wrong way. Which was a shame cause Antoine did enjoy dancing with her and he wouldn’t mind a second chance for a conversation. Not only because he wants to find out where he went wrong in the first place but also because he wouldn’t mind getting to know her a bit better… maybe without her friend.
David - God what was her problem he thinks to himself. He was only explaining himself and making sure that she understands his intentions before she tries to make a move at him. Though he has to admit he was surprised to find out that she hasn’t signed up herself as well. David had assumed most people are on this Cruise because they want but that still doesn’t give Emma the right to talk with him like that. It had been an interesting sight though seeing someone small getting this angry.

Optional Plot:
(it is up to you whether you do those task or not; it might help you to develop a better relationship with the extras; but if you have no time or interest you can skip them)

Antoine is curious about Emma and her strange behaviour during the Welcome Party so he will approach her one day at the pool (with our without H is up to you) and ask her if he did something wrong; if she tells him the truth thinking that he is gay he will find it funny
David will not exactly apologize to Emma for his behaviour but he will be less grumpy and in a better mood to talk; he will admit though that he was surprised that she was signed up as well admitting that it sister did it for him

Last edited by schoggettchen (05/10/2017 at 17:55)

Name: Leilani Malei'a Kalawai'a
Age: 31 years young
FC: Nathalie Kelley

Round Status
R1 complete, R2 Complete

Romantic/ Friendly Interests
This round Interest Sebastian, Peter, Sergio
(Vanessa, Juliet, Yann)

Story

After a one night stand|| Peter

When Lei woke up the next morning she was surprised to see Peter was still sleeping next to here. She had expected to wake up alone.

He had seemed like a playboy that knew the rules of a one night stand. Maybe he wasn't which would be bad Lei just had wanted something fun for yesterday.

While yawning Lei looked at his face for a while before shaking her head and standing up she was going to take a shower.

While standing under the warm water stream she thought of the cruise. Maybe she should give it a change. Her grandmother may be right not everyone will be same as her ex but opening up to complete stranger seemed so not her but then again sleeping with a guy she just met was also not her even though she could be impulsive she never was reckless.

Lei released another yawn before turning the stream a little higher. Should she gave Peter that change and open up.

A couple of minutes later while re-entering her room after her shower. she re-thought that, he clearly had just been a one-night stand Lei thought. Holding up a note in her hand that thanked her for the previous night.

Lei smiled maybe she could read people better than she knew after all.

Smiling in the night|| Sebastian

Lei's days started slow and ended late she had a blast with Vanessa and Yann they knew how to have fun that was for sure.
Peter seems to be done with her which was fine Lei liked the fact that he didn't flirt with her anymore, it hurt that he wasn't talking much with her either but after seeing him go each night to someone else room Lei was little upset with him but didn't voice it the man could do whatever he wanted. Juliet still acted cold towards her but Sergio was opening up to her his shyness was cute. The only person Lei hasn't talked to or seen was Sebastian.

And yet here he was standing before her.

"Leilani I was wondering if you would like to a company me into the city," Lei was to surprise to answer so she nodded.

"Wait why are you nodding don't you want too?" He asked confused properly already consumed to my babbling.

"Of course I would love to explore the city with you, show the way," Lei smiled and followed him off the ship.

The tour guide for the city tour was kind of hot and fun making jokes here and there but Lei's eyes were on her companion the whole time she tried to talk to him but stopped after some other guest shhh'ed her. Sebastian had laughed at Lei's shocked face how could they be so mean. So afterwards she kept quiet and listened to the guide.

When they had some time together Sebas took her to a small café.

"I never thought you could keep quiet for that long," Sebas said speaking up while they were waiting for their order.

"That's not nice to say to a woman, Sebas," Lei replied with a smile.

"I never said I was nice, Lei," Sebas replied.

"That's because you never say anything about yourself." Lei accused him.

"Do you find it annoying?" He asked looking in Lei's deep eyes.

"No...more time for me to talk," The laughter that escaped Sebas had Lei's heart melting it really was music to the ears.

"You always surprise me with the things you say," Sebas replied after calming down.

"Is that bad?" Lei asked him.

"It's refreshing," Sebas replied.

Lei smiled and looked up at the waiter.
She silently but the food before them and walked off.

The food was delicious and afterwards, they kept chatting forgetting the time. Which made them lose the second half of the tour but neither minded. The walk back to the ship was quiet but Lei still found a way to sing her home anthem softly.

"Thank you for walking me to my room I had a lovely day," Leilani replied hoping to keep him a little longer.

Out of nervosity, Lei started to play with her hair.

"Your welcome I had a lovely day too," Sebas replied with a smile.

"I am sorry you couldn't see the whole tour because I made you forget the time," Lei replied still playing with a streak of her hair which Sebas took from her and put behind her ear.

"I didn't forget Lei, I just like to hear your voice more," With that said he walked off, leaving a surprised Lei behind but the smile on her face said it all.

Laughter in the sun|| Juliet, Yann

Lei really was enjoying her vacation and yes she saw this cruise as a vacation maybe better yet as a pass time to get inspiration she needed for work if she would have any when she got back.

Lei was dressed in a pink dress ready to go explore Barcelona but stopped for a second and looked inside a cafe to see Juliet painting. The painting was in a beginning stadium but was really beautiful already.

"That is beautiful," Lei spoke up when she was closer.

Juliet looked up and back down at her painting.

"If you think so," The woman replied uninterest.

"I really do," Lei replied with a smile.

"Not everybody is going to be your friend you know," Juliet said not looking at her.

"I know that," Lei replied with a raised eyebrow.

"Good I belong in that category," Lei was to surprise to have a comeback.

"Leilani, come on! Let's go exploring," Leilani turned around to see a smirking Yann which made her own face light up.

"I am coming," Lei looked at the woman one more time wanting to say something but she shook her head and walked away it was time to have some fun after all.

If Lei had thought Yann would love shopping seeing how he liked to dress she soon found out he could care less.
Which made Lei gave up on shopping and soon they were just exploring the city with Yann at her side it was in and all laughter, smiles, and fun.

They walked for hours even bumping into Vanessa twice who also seemed to have a blast.

They were on the ship before dinner time and they enjoyed it with Nessa another girl and Sergio who seemed shyer than usually due to the new girl but Lei still tried to get him in the conversation once or twice. Yann, on the other hand, seemed to want, everyone, to relax which was certainly working for Lei after the dinner.

Lei took a quick shower and made her way to the bar for another late night.

It's called one night for a reason|| Peter

Lei looked around taking a sip of her cocktail. She should have known that her dress would get lookers it was way too sheer but then again her body was nothing to be ashamed of.

She turned to her left when she recognized Peter voice he was clearly flirting with the next girl for the night.

The blond, however, wasn't biting at all even though she was just as good as Peter in the flirting.

Lei sipped at her drink and followed there conversation it was pretty funny and a great tv subject.

"Another drink," The bartender asked and Lei smiled.

"Yes please," Lei replied simply but her focus was on Peter and the girl.

Lei liked her pit and to her surprise, she wasn't jealous which Lei knowing herself found strange. Soon after the girl left without Peter, Lei snickered getting the attention of Peter.

"So casanova what did you do wrong?" Lei asked him when he came sitting next to her.

"Nothing, she wants me to chase and I am going to," Lei took a sip of her drink and nodded at his words.

"Not everyone does make it easy for me," he clearly but explanations on the word easy.

Lei raised her eyebrow.

"I know but now I don't have to worry about STD," Lei replied Peter looked surprised than smirked.

"Auwch if your jealous, I may give you another go," Lei looked him up and down stopping at where his dick should be.

She gestured for the bartender to come closer.

"Thank you for the lovely night," She stood up from the bar.

"And Peter, No thank you, is a reason why is called one night," With that said Lei smiled at him once again before leaving the bar and going to her room.

It's her worst nightmare|| Juliet, Sergio, Dimitri, Peter, Vanessa, Sebastian

Lei hates dating but then she's taking more about blind dating maybe speed dating would be fun with that in mind she walks into the room it is being held.

But speed-dating started really awkward for Leilani and not even because she had forgotten to colour in that she was straight but because before her at an annoyed Juliet who didn't open her mouth once and Lei was getting annoyed by her attitude. But before the date was over Lei opened her mouth.

"I don't like you either," Was Lei's only words to the woman.

It was a surprise to see a smile on the woman's face when she went to the next table.

Yann had been next and Lei couldn't take him seriously even though he really was trying to impress.

The reeks of the next persons just flew by because Lei couldn't remember any. But then someone she sees daily sat down.

"Hey Sergio," Lei smiled at him.

"Hey Lei, you look beautiful," Sergio started but looked nervous saying that Lei smiled to relax him.

"Thank you how is it going?" Lei asked him.

"Horrible," Lei frowned.

"Why so?" Lei was truly curious.

"I get too nervous and can't say anything," Sergio really looked apologetic.

"But you are talking to me?" Lei replied not getting the problem.

"I know you, is easier," Sergio replied.

"You think you know me, I may be a thief for all you know," Lei smiled at his disturbed face.

"Are you a thief?" Sergio asked making Lei laugh.

"No but if you want to know more of me start asking questions," Lei replied but Sergio still seemed nervous.

But he asked some question and when the bell rang to change he seemed more relaxed.

One person Lei, surely remembered was Dimitri he seemed too cynical about love to be on a cruise ship for the love of your life. He really complained a lot and at some point, Lei just wanted to stand up and walk away. He really was the Grinch of love. Point is Lei still knows nothing about him but got a headache from him.

"If it isn't the jealous woman," Lei huffed but smiled anyway.

"Still not jealous Peter," Lei gesture for him to sit.

"They all say that," How old is this guy really 34 sounded too old.

"How are your dates going?" Lei asked him.

''Boring, yours?" He seemed sincerely interested.

"A lot of fun," Lei replied thinking about all the ones she had but couldn't remember.

"So you're on the hunt again?" Peter's grin made Lei's eyebrow go up.

"I only hunt animals, I, however, seek out men," It was Peter's eyebrow that went up that time.

"But please tell me more about yourself," It was meant as sarcasm but Peter didn't need more encouragement.

Lei listen but was extremely happy when he left seriously what had she been thinking but when he stood up she smirked certainly the ass, she had been thinking about that ass.

After Peter had left Vanessa was the next the two had more of a friendly laughter than anything else the love click just wasn't there. The drunk that followed put a damper on Lei's happy mood and she just wanted to leave.

When Lei saw Sebas however she kept sitting in her seat.

"Hey what's wrong gorgeous," Lei still had a smile left it seemed.

"The person before you threw up on my shoes and was a lousy companion," When Sebastian face morphed in one that would be laughing soon Lei glared at him.

"Don't you dare laugh, Sebas," But the guy was already laughing.

"Your so mean," Lei replied but had to laugh too.

"Sorry, but your face," Sebas replied after he calmed down.

"What's wrong with my face?" Lei asked shocked.

"You looked like a kid that lost her candy," Lei blushed and tried to hide her face.

"Don't do that your to gorgeous," While saying that he pushed her hair behind her ear.

"Thank you," Both smiled at each other.

"We only have one minute left," Sebas noted.

"Let'make the best of it," Lei replied back.

When the bell finally rang Lei threaded the next person she had enjoyed her time with him but he didn't stand up like the rest even glaring at the guy that wanted his place.

"Sebas the next person is supposed to sit," Lei reprimanded him when he kept in the seat.

"I think  I deserve another 3 minutes," Lei looks at him surprised than chuckled.

she wondered who of them surprises the other the most.

Getting ready|| Vanessa

Lei loved this cruise and his parties, this time the invitation said pirate's only allowed with a map to the location. It also stated that a shop would be open for costumes. it really was the right amount of cliché.

Lei had to think hard before she came up with her outfit. She would love a Hawaiian halulu party too.

The next morning Nessa stood before her door.

"Time for shopping," Lei smiled and stepped out of her room.

While walking to the shop they chatted.

"How did your date's go?" Nessa started the conversation.

"Nice, I think I forgot most of them and yours?" Lei replied.

"It went great so many searching for love...." Lei laughed and zoned out after all she was still babbling about how lovely the people acted.

"You really love the feeling of love don't you?" Lei asked interrupting her.

The big grin and twinkle in her eyes said it all.

Lei laughed.

"Found your love already?" Lei asked her and Nessa shook her head.

"But will find her or him," Nessa replied with a faraway look.

"I am sure your princess or prince is present," Lei replied with a chuckle.

"Aww Lei," The kiss on her cheek was a surprise.

After a long day shopping with Nessa, she found exactly what she wanted but she hoped the outfit wouldn't get too warm.

Worrying about that Lei still left her room in the costume.

Argh! I want whisky mate|| Sergio, Peter, Sebastian

Lei was chilling after she had some round of dancing the party was in full swing. Sergio sat next to her.

"How are you?" Lei smiled at the guy.

"good, great and you?" Lei answered Sergio looked around uncomfortable but still smiled.

"You look great tonight," Lei noted how he dodged the question but she didn't mind at all.

"I think you always like how I like," She replied with a chuckle instead.

When his cheeks turned red and he kept quiet Lei spike up once again.

"You look great too, come let's show it off on the dancefloor," before he could protest Lei had him dancing with her he could certainly dance.

Dancing the tango with him was the best.

"You can dance Sergio," Lei said when they both walked up to the bar for a refreshing drink.

"Not as good as you," He replied.

"Thank you for the flattering but this was all thanks to my partner," Lei replied elbowing him in his side. 

Before Lei knew it a woman snatched him to the dance floor once again making Lei shake her head that was so not fair.

She was enjoying her drink in peace when a grooming Peter sad next to her.

"Women are boring," Was the first thing to leave his lips.

"Okay," Lei replied taking another sip of her drink.

"I think I had every type of woman already ones," Peter replied.

"Hmhmmmm," Lei answered not really caring.

"They act all the same they want more I don't want to give them more," Peter complained.

"And the light skinned blond," Lei asked pretty sure the woman would make him work for her attention.

"That's my dessert for the last day," Peter replied with a grin.

"Duly noted," Lei replied bored.

"Wait," Lei turned to look at Peter and raised an eyebrow.

"Yes," She asked him.

"You are the only one that understood the obe bight in one night stand," Pete looked like he had a genius idea.

"Let's sleep with each other again," Peter finished.

Leilani took the last sip and gave him her attention.

"No, like you already said I understand the one in a one-night stand," Lei deadpanned seriously she liked him but sleeping with him again, wasn't going to happen.

"Why are you acting so difficult we slept with each other already is not like you will catch feelings," Lei snorted.

"Not afraid of that I just had you already so what's the point," Lei replied and stood up walking back to the dancefloor.

At midnight or sometime earlier Lei had it too warm and her eyes started to blur she knew she was about to faint but two arms warped around her and raised her from the floor.

"Come on gorgeous time for some fresh air," Lei opened her eyes when they were outside to see Sebas smiling down at her with a grin and a big fat pirate hat.

"Your hat is stupid and you can set me on the ground now," Lei said when she felt better.

"You are exactly where you are supposed to be," he simply responded.

"So you will not set me on the ground?" Lei asked him Sebas just shook his head.

"No," Lei smiled at him.

"Fine," saying that Lei snuggled more in him.

"Can we go back to the party?" Lei asked while yawning.

"Also negative," Sebas replied.

"And what are we going to do then," Lei asked feeling tired.

"I am going to take you to your room," Sebas replied but Lei didn't want to leave just yet.

"No," she replied.

"Why not," Sebas replied.

"Want to go to your room," Lei replied'

"No," Sebas said fast making Lei frown.

"Why not and if you say no or negative one more time, I will go back to the party," Lei replied looking like a Mouse trying to scare a Tiger with her glare.

"We can't go back to my room," Sebas replied with a grin.

"Who do you think is going to win this," Lei replied and the big guy huffed.

After some more back and for Lei one the debate and went to his room which was decorated with electronica wherever you looked making Sebas say told you so, after a long chat (with you guessed right) Lei babbling.

They fell asleep fully clothed next to each other with Lei holding his hand tightly even though it was nihil the change he would disappear from his own room.

Outfits

Date with Sebas, flirting with Pete (chair of google), Speed dating, Pirate Party
Done

Last edited by NinaJones (10/10/2017 at 17:06)

Luna Pelletier
Age: 29

Round Status: done

Interests: Dimitri, Sebastian, Vanessa(still alphabetical, don't know the importance yet)


Marseilles, speed dating, party

Marseilles!
Well, I was excited to get off the boat to my home. Getting properly unpacked, I missed a few things, laptop including. THankfully, Sebastian hadn't took me up on my offer for a LAN match, so I had time to actually prepare for it... assuming we'll have any. He hadn't seemed that interested in test of skill for now or noticed I'm kind of anxious... Nevertheless, I can get it today!
On the way, I noticed Dimitri. I offered to show him the city, but he refused... apparently, he wasn't keen on getting ashore with anybody... Can't blame him, really, he gives the vibe of not wanting to be here. Given that I know that he was signed up for this, I'm not surprised. At least he did that politely.
I had few hours to kill, before getting on the ship again. First, I went to my home and packed necessary things: laptop, extra towels, longer dress just in case... I may show my legs way to often when it's warm, but those are legs for days...! Well, that's what I think. Nevertheless, a longer dress won't hurt.
Actually, this was the only reason why I got ashore. I wouldn't do it if I had everything properly packed. Blame the gang.
I was maybe halfway to the ship or more, when I noticed very familiar red hair and it's owner strolling... Or I don't know what she was doing, but certainly she seemed relieved when she spotted me.
"Luna, thank God you're here" yep, it was Vanessa.
"Hm?" I rose my brows at her... If she was having that kind of reaction... well, that must mean few things. "You got lost or something?"
"Ummm... yes, I did" she admitted. Well, that explains things. "I somehow ended up here... And what were you doing?"
"Going back from home" I replied, having that 'well, duh' tone. "This part isn't that interesting for tourists."
"You live in this district?" she caught the gist.
"Not exactly this one, but yeah, I live here, in Marseilles. You need a guide?"
"Would you?" she smiled. There, she brought the cuteness.
"Can't say no" I grinned. "I have what I need, I might as well do it, when I'm still living here."
I wasn't that amazing in knowing Marseilles by heart, that has to be mentioned. However, I know my ay around... and I usually use a map when I'm lost, which is happening less and less with time.
"You haven't lived in Marseilles all the time?" she asked.
"Nope. I was born in Lille, actually and lived there for a while" I explained, earning a nod from her. "And what about you? I can't seem to reckon anything about that."
"I haven't mentioned it yet" she smiled. Seriously, this is just too cute. "I'm from Salzburg. That's in Austria."
"Never been in Austria yet" I said. "Might change, depends on where life will take me after this."
"You meant, when you meet your other half?" Vanessa surely seemed to belive in meeting prince charming on the cruise.
"Uuuh... I'd rather not say 'other half'" I wrinkler my forehead. This was a little tricky. "Few weeks of a cruise is too short for that, I'd rather wait a bit longer before confirming" jumping fast on the love train isn't for me. Nobody can't blame me for getting to know a person better than jumping to conclusions. "I'm treating the cruise more like a vacation than dating site, you know what I mean."
"Of course" she was still smiling. "I do love the idea though."
"Mmm..." I hummed. "Me... not really. I'm kind of expecting going back empty-handed... or with contacts to new friends than love."

~*~

People happen to miss their meals... And I did just that the next day. I woke up after the breakfast time... Hungry and tired. And no, I wasn't playing games through the night nor had a guest in my suite, none of these things. When I realized that I don't have to get up early for a while... I simply slept like a baby. And when I woke up the sun was shining through my windows and it was almost time for lunch. So I rolled out of the bed and took laptop with me, so nobody would bother my head about anything until I ate. Usually people would do just that, stay away. I don't know if it was my hunched posture or just overall aura of 'don't even try to bother me', but it did her job... usually.
I managed to sit down without being bothered... and that was all.
"Can I join you?" guess which blonde cutie decided to join me.
"Okay" I breathed out. I had no chance of even taking a bite! Seriously... guess the laptop will have to wait.
"Haven't seen you in the morning, what's u...?"
I interrupted him, giving a halt sign with my hand.
"Let. Me. Eat. Anything. First" and I punctuated every word, so they were sounding like separate sentences. People here don't know me and I forgot this vital thing.
He seemed to be taken aback, but wasn't talking, rather observing me. I had half of the plate down when he spoke again, probably thinking that it's safe.
"So what's up?" he asked, no hesitation or anything. "Haven't seen you in breakfast."
"I slept like an infant" I admitted. "Probably making up, dunno" I shrugged. That could be the case since my alarm clock is always waking me up early, no matter the day and when I went to sleep. And I don't have my alarm clock here with me... I know I could just set the alarm on my phone, but I don't bother.
"So, which games do you like?" he asked. "Hadn't caught that yet."
"Because I hadn't shared" I snorted. "RTS, TBS, and roguelikes are my favorite, but I don't mind shooters or platformers when I really need to think less. Buut..." I grinned. "I usually play what I can, so I can be versatile if I want to."
"But you're falling to 'one more turn' syndrome?" he returned the grin and I nodded. "Classic or modern?"
"Both, actually" I admitted. "You?"
"Classic. More appealing to me."
"Yeah, I can get that" I nodded. "We can play Heroes, I managed to get my laptop while in Marseilles."
"The third one?" he smirked.
"Why not go to the first?" I laughed. "I kid, I don't have it installed. Right now I have both Starcrafts, third and fifth Heroes, Doom..."
"First one?"
"Indeed. Oh, also first two Civilizations. Gotta love those abandonware sites. I have more, but those are just to kill my brain cells. I need this after a long day."
"I get that..." he smiled. "As a technician, I deal with people who had no idea how to care for their hardware."
"Don't mention that stuff" I groaned. "I'm network administrator and some people were thinking that I won't notice downloading X-rated stuff on their private disks... I just hope nothing else will pop up, otherwise I'm doomed."

~*~

I should stop foreshadowing. Really. Instead of exploring Barcelona with people, I'm stuck with my work. And since sun is shining right into my suite, I decided to solve Clemont's problem somewhere else. There was a part of the ship called Winter Garden and given that people went ashore, I had peace and quiet... Damn this mail...
But when I got there, I wasn't alone. My luck that Dimitri also decided to stay... and yeah, I was a bit sacrastic here. But you use what you get.
"Hey there" I greeted him, landing on the sofa in close proximity to the man. At least I can enjoy the silent company.
"Morning" he replied. Only then I noticed he was reading a book.
I opened my laptop, looking at the cover... but it was in Russian, judging by the alphabet, so I had no idea what he was reading.
"Don't mind me here" I said, opening my laptop. Well, I plan to talk to him during my work, but that shouldn't interfere with what I'm about to do.
First minutes were silent, in you won't count me typing and him flipping pages. But those are only few minutes when I got frustrated. Clemont's problem-to-solve was basically one of the easier things, so it wasn't due for long. And what should I do next?
"What are you reading?" I asked, half-turning to Dimitri, interrupting my work for a bit. Just a little bit, because after two seconds I got back to typing.
"Anna Karenina" he replied after the third second, which caused me to stop typing for a moment. That clicked somewhere.
"Tolstoy?" I guessed. I mean, seriously, something clicks from random web search from time to time.
"You haven't read it?"
"Nope, last book I've read was a coding manual. Go figure."
"Oh wow, you looked it up on Wikipedia..." he was sarcastic here, I could tell.
"Yeah, because I really have time to search titles on the internet" yep, I was typing again and trying to be sarcastic. "And while Wikipedia is a good site to get the basics and look up for the source materials, I prefer not to rely on it."
"So...?"
"You've never done random web search for completely unrelated topics?" I looked at him, breaking away from the laptop. He didn't seem to respond, so I got back to work. "I guess it's just me..."

~*~

Speed dating wasn't unfamiliar concept to me, I went there a few times, but haven't been picked as potentially interesting by people I picked. It was a bummer so I stopped and relied to typical go and meet tactics when I had a chance. Apparently, I wasn't the girlfriend material... I don't have walls that up high, seriously! I have a fence.
Ten minutes talk with each other wasn't a bad thing and I enjoyed talking with few people. There was Antoine, right from the capital. And Sergio, guy that had a bit hard time to get talkative. And Freya, a model who had quite a punchlines that I almost fell of my chair laughing. I expected a bummer going at least once...
"Who signed you up?" and I was at the table with Dimitri. It was challenging for me, since I was aware that he didn't want to participate but had to. "I'd like to know and compare notes."
"My co-worker" he replied after a few seconds of silence.
"So we have luck on co-workers insisting on us finding love" I rolled my eyes at the statement.
"You did mention that" he pointed out and I nodded.
"Yeah, odds were against me that day. Half of them having longer marriage tenure, two were fresh out of honeymoon so to speak and the rest had long-term fiancees..."
"They may have hated you."
"Their girls?" I rose my brows. "Yeah, that makes sense, I'm the only single female in the department." And this was a bummer. We had a two or three, but they were taken. So being the only single, I could pose a threat, especially since I actually was hanging out with the guys. "And changing the subject, what do you like to do in your free time, besides reading?"
I might've been crossed from his book when I admitted I'm playing video games. He seemed more on the finer entertaimnent from what I pieced while I've never been in opera or theatre - minus school trips. Or I haven't even been there in the beginning. Oh well...
I can't say this wasn't productive time. After all, I endured a challenge and there was something worse. Jasper was not on my list and he'd never be. I'm surprised how we all manage to live with his ego around...
"God, that was horrible..." I commented on him to Vanessa who was my next partner. "He's out" I decided.
"Aren't you crossing him too early?"
"Well, maybe" I admitted. "All the part of play, selection process. The only bummer would be if nobody would express the interest."
"I doubt that" she said, smiling. "I've seen you with Sebastian the other day, you've been in rather lively conversation."
"Common interests help" I smiled back at her. "We both like video games and we both work in relation to IT, so..."
"Oh yeah, I forgot to ask what do you do..."
"I'm a network administrator. You?"
"A librarian."
After that it went rather easy, finally landing on Sebastian. And here, we had a bunch of subjects... actually, we've been exchanging the most challenging and worst work experiences.

~*~

Pirate themed party was the worst thing. Of course, happened the day after speed dating. Costumed party were something I avoided, but this time it wasn't up for debate.
I managed to be social to some people, but at one point I felt rather unwell. So I separated myself from the crowd and took a breather, a bit of fresher air. Navigating through the costumed people while wearing costume myself had to be interrupted. This was the end of it. A few breaths and I can go up to my suite.
"Are you okay?" I managed not to jump when hearing Vanessa's voice.
"Need a bit of fresh air" I sighed. "Costumes are not my thing."
"Why not?" she asked.
"I don't know, just they aren't" I shrugged. "It's a mystery" or maybe I disliked costumes in general... "I'm fine now."
"Let's go back?" she asked. I shrugged.
"Sure."
Maybe leaving early wasn't good idea. After all I promised myself to enjoy the cruise. And I managed to talk to some more people. Just like now, I've been relying my multiplayer experience to Sebastian.
"And I'm like 'what the hell, dude, get those cannons first'" I sighed, recalling the idiot. "He had battlecruisers and one Yamato could take photon cannon easily... but no, pylons first... and everybody knows that photon cannons are powered by more than one pylon..."
"That's sound strategy, so when the other one is hidden by FoW, cannon still fires."
"Exactly. On the other hand, when you eliminate pylon, Protoss' buildings in its range stop working. So my strategy is usually cannons first, pylons next..."
And that's how I spend the night before I retired. Talking things and no alcohol, because I actually forgot about it.

COMPLETED

Last edited by Siri (07/10/2017 at 15:03)

Emerald “Emma” Hernandez
  26 years old (18th October)

Interests: Antoine/David
Round Status: R1 DONE, R2 DONE

Tiny and dense

Okay so something important to remember for all eternity – or as long as I'm alive: never again take on a cruise. Like ever.
Of course I didn't know that, I wasn't exactly rich or anything that nearly resembled that, especially being a student for so long so I had never taken a cruise in my life. Worst idea ever.
“Maybe it's because you're so tiny, there's less of you to fight the sickness.” H laughed after seeing me wash my teeth for the third time after vomiting.
“This is your fault.” I walked past him and out of my room, trying to take a deep breath but the scent of the ocean didn't make things any better.
“Look I never thought you'd get sick, I just thought about the guys and the places to visit and the guys some more.”
“All I know is that I'm glad we're going on actual land tomorrow. Three days of open sea are just killing me.”
“Oh shush.” Harry walked to my side, throwing an arm around me, - “You'll get used to it for sure! And if not we can always buy some kind of medicine for sea-sickness, I'm sure I read somewhere that they exist.”
“Sure...”
I left him behind because at that moment I couldn't hear anything other than my own murderous thoughts and the damned waves crashing against the ship.
Thankfully there were some places where we could forget we were on a ship and I intended to take full advantage of that and try to ease my stomach.
I found an indoor pool with a bar and lounge area and if I tried really really hard I could even momentarily forget the swinging floor I was standing on.
I sat with a chamomile tea and opened a magazine but really the words seemed only to knot my stomach even more so I just decided to let it go and watch people swim.
I saw Antoine even before he could see me, he looked gorgeous as always but that's the usual with gay men, unfortunately for me.
When he smiled I didn't expect him to join me at my table so I felt surprised when he did. I returned his smile of course.
“Hi Emma! Hm, tea? Are you feeling unwell?”
“You could say that” I forced a smile and took another sip from my tea. If there was one thing I didn't want to do was to vomit in front of a cute guy, gay or not. Antoine's curious and sweetly worried look made me smile, a little bit unconfortable. - “I'm feeling sea-sick.” I told him with a shrug of my shoulders. I took another sip of my tea just for precaution.
“Oh! Yes that's really bad....I mean I was never sea sick but I've seen some people having to spend a whole trip lying down on their beds... Most of them can't even enjoy a cruise”
“Thank you Antoine, for making me feel so much better.” I laughed nervously while taking a couple more sips.
“Oh sorry...” He put a hand on my shoulder and a shiver ran down my spine. He had really soft hands... Like any proud gay would. - “I didn't say it to make you feel worse. Really sorry.”
I shook my head lightly before another shiver could run down my spine due to his touch but thankfully he retreated his hand.
“I suppose now we're even after my horrible mishap at saying no one decent applied themselves to this kind of trip.”
Antoine chuckled and it was a pretty sight to see. Which made me realize he should go, I was not going to start crushing on a gay man, no way in hell. - “Erm but were you looking for Harry?”
“Harry? Why would I be looking for him?” He looked confused which only made me confused too.
“Well, I saw you approach and I thought maybe you could be looking for him.. Guess not.” I chuckled in an incredibly awkward way. God could I say anything worse to this guy?
“Yeah... I'm not interested in him...” He explained and I stared at him. Okay I know Harry is a bit childish and he's no Brad Pitt (not that I like a 50 year old like him anyway) but he was nice and the other men usually liked him. Maybe he was just not Antoine's type?
“I see...” Yeah I didn't know what else to say really except to smile, which seemed to be a good enough answer to Antoine since he smiled too and I felt like I was melting due to him and the hot tea together.
I heard a phone ring and looked at Antoine, wondering why he didn't pick up his cell. Maybe it was a fanboy? I'm pretty sure he has fanboys, I mean, even fangirls with that face.
“Aren't you going to answer that?”
My eyes widened at his words and I glanced at my thrown bag in the chair next to me. Right, it was mine.
“Oh, right!” I scrambled through the bag until I found the phone and saw it was from the clinic I worked at. - “Just a second...” I saw Antoine nod with a big smile on his lips so I rose to my feet and moved a few feet away to speak with the other vet I worked with.

“Sorry for taking so long, we had some complications with our pregnant mare...” I sat back into my spot, seeing Antoine's curious eyes.
“You have a pregnant mare?”
Oh right, I didn't tell him what exactly my job was.
“Yeah... she's not mine but I work as a vet in a clinic and I specialized with big animals like farm ones so my co-worker was letting me know how my patient was.” I smiled.
“That's...awesome.”
“I know.” I chuckled, - “And what do you do when you're not trying to find true love on a cruise such as this?”
“Nothing nearly as cool as you... I'm a journalist.”
“Being a journalist can be pretty cool too, if you get to cover the big news about wars and major events.”
“Well I'm not quite there yet...” It was either the lights or I think I saw a small blush appear on his cheeks which was pretty endearing.
“Oh you'll get there!” I cheered up for him. Well I had no idea how good of a journalist he was, never heard his name before but then again it was hard to read news about a french journalist when you're living in NY.
I saw him laugh and felt I had at least accomplished a little bit of cheering.
“Well I don't know how I would jump from being a sports journalist to a war journalist but thanks anyway!”
“Well you never know unless you try! Maybe you have a thing for tanks and guys in uniforms.” Maybe that was why he didn't find Harry attractive? Maybe he had a thing for military men?
“I don't think so. And I enjoy doing sports reports.”
Oh then he liked jocks.
“I see...” I whisper half to myself as I finish my now-cold tea. The ship trembles and the floor under me shakes like an earthquake while I try to remain sitted.
“What is this?” But before Antoine could reply I could her the captain on the speakers.
“Dear guests, we have finally arrived in Marseille. We will remain docked for the next 24 hours so do take your time to enjoy the city if you'd like.”
Oh nice!
“This is great! Land at last!”
Antoine laughed while I rose from my seat.
“Remember to buy sickness tablets since when you're out there!” He shouted as I ran out of the lounge.

Link to external image

La Marseillaise

After a quick change of clothes I was out of that ship as fast as a bolt stricking a tree.
“Land, oh how I've missed you.”
I would kiss the concrete floor if it weren't, you know, nasty and stuff.
We had a tour guide waiting for those who left the cruise and in my rushed pace I forgot to drag Harry out with me. I searched for my phone but apparently I forgot that one in my room too. Not that it mattered much.
I glanced at the tour guide while he greeted some of the other people.
“Bonjour ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to Marseille. You are in Old Port and flanking the entrance you can see Fort Saint-Nicholas and Fort Saint-Jean.”
I looked at both forts in awe.
“Let us begin our tour.”

It didn't take long for me to get distracted over a street shop to get lost from the tour group but this way I felt I could look at things at my own pace and enjoy them even though I was sure I wouldn't learn as much.
The main street from the port was beautiful and the vendors were so nice.
“Une glace s'il vous plait.”
The man tending the ice cream truck smiled and nodded and I felt proud of my extremely rusty french.
“Chocolat, fraise ou vanille?”
“Fraise et vanille s'il vous plait.”
I grabbed my huge ice cream and it was sooo good. I turned and spotted a familiar frame approach the truck.
David's eyes widened and he started to turn away.
“Wait!” I ran to him, the bags in his hands catching my attention. - “You don't need to turn away just because we bump into each other.”
“Last time you bumped into me you created a huge monologue.”
Well he was right about that. Not that I'd let him know that. But I guess I should apologize.
“Sorry about that.” He could see how reluctant I sounded and it irritated me to see a little smirk on his lips. - “Sometimes when I start talking I can't really stop.”
“That I have to agree on.”
I narrowed my eyes at him but I wasn't going to continue this sh*t, we were both adults and needed to start acting like it.
“Alright...” I sighed, - “I think we got off the wrong foot. How about a fresh start?”
“That sounds alright I suppose.”
“Good.” I tried to erase the last three days from my mind and flashed a warm smile, extending my hand. - “Hi there! I'm Emma Hernandez, and you are?”
When I saw David facepalm I wasn't so sure a fresh start would work.
“I know your name, a fresh start doesn't need to be a new introduction...” Despite his words I could see he was amused.
“Just humor me, come on.” I plastered my smile back on, waiting for him to answer my question.
When I heard him sigh I knew I had won.
“David Harper.” He lightly shook my hand, earning himself a big a*s smile.
“Ah no longer David No-last-name!” I chuckled because the face he made was just too funny.
“I thought we were going to forget what happened before.”
“We are.” I kept grinning as I stepped aside so he could buy an ice cream for himself.

To my surprise David wasn't half bad. Okay he didn't talk much but he didn't leave me without an answer either and he was actually buying quite a few things on our trip down the main street.
“Oh it's so pretty!”  I leaned over the shop stand, loving a silver bracelet with small charms. It was one of my favorite accessories, I rarely used watches or necklaces but I never left my house without rings or bracelets.
“Do you like it?” He asked with curiosity in his voice as he grabbed the bracelet to inspect it.
“Who wouldn't?” I smiled, admiring it in his hand.
David turned to the vendor and gave him ten euros for the bracelet. My mouth dropped as I stared in awe at him.
“You don't have to buy it for me” I told him, feeling a slight tug on my chest.
His confused expression told me I just said something stupid.
“I'm not buying it for you...” He slowly replied, - “...It's for my sister..”
So, is there a hole somewhere to bury my head? If there's a time when I'm glad for my latina heritage and tanned complexion this was definitely it. I know I was red as a tomato but thankfully that couldn't be seen by David's eyes.
“Right!” I mumbled, completely awkward. Could I just die? - “That's sweet though, that you'd buy a gift for your sister.” Yes, I was changing the subject as fast as I could.
“Yes... I thought she'd like it... Since you seemed to like it and said anyone would.”
“Right...” I nodded with more enthusiasm than I should. - “She's a lucky sister.” I chuckled though all I wanted was to throw myself at the sea and swim back to the US. - “Look I gotta go, I just remembered I was supposed to buy something for Harry and I saw something really nice back there...”
“Want company?” He asked with a serious face, a bit confused by my sudden will to leave.
“Nah, it's okay! Talk to you later.” I nervously smiled and scampered out of his sight.

As I told Harry the story he nearly died laughing. It only stopped when I smacked him in the head with a pillow.

Link to external image

Ciudad Condal

The next two days were a mix of awkward encounters with David as I tried (and failed) to forget the fact that I assumed the guy was going to buy me a gift. Well that and the fact that it didn't help me forgetting when Harry mentioned it as a joke every time we crossed his path.

I was happy that I remembered to buy sea-sickness pills in Marseille with all the fuss so at least I was free of that terror.

“What are you doing?” Harry's voice reached my ears and I peeked over my magazine.
“I'm clearly baking a cake.” I wasn't a big fan of sarcasm but really, I was lounging on a chaise longue by the pool, in my bikini, sunglasses in my eyes and a magazine at hand. It was a stupid question.
“Someone's grumpy.” He plumped down by my side with a big grin. - “Not going to explore la ciudad condal?”
“No, yo me sinto enferma, así que me voy a quedar aqui.” I grinned to his clueless face.
“That's not fair.” He pointed a finger, raising to his feet. - “Suit yourself!”
“I said I wasn't feeling well so this time I'll stay here.” I shouted to his back but Harry just made a nasty hand signal and left. Yes I was lying, I wasn't sick or anything, I just didn't feel like going out of the ship.

After a couple of hours I got bored from reading so I went to my room and put some decent clothes.  Walking out the door I saw a familiar face that brightened with a smile at the sight of me too.
“Emma... Good afternoon.”
“Hey Antoine!” I smiled, - “How come you're not exploring Barcelona?”
“Well I wanted to but I missed the tour group and I'm really bad at Spanish.” His face got slightly colored which made my smile grow. It was cute. Still a shame he was gay.
“I suppose you're just with terrible luck then!” I linked my arm with his with a confidence I would never have with a straight guy but with him there was no harm. - “I just happen to be a near native Spanish speaker.” I grinned.
“Right, you're half Mexican if I remember correctly”
“Colombian actually” I saw him smile embarrassed so I chuckled. - “But it's okay. You'll have a tour guide now.”

We walked out to the docks, enjoying the fresh breeze.
“What are you smiling at?” Antoine asked, glancing at my face.
“The people...” I replied, closing my eyes. “Feels good to hear the crowd speak in Spanish, it reminds me of the vacations I took to my mother's town.”
“I can only imagine how nice that is.”
I opened my eyes to stare at his blue ones.
“I'm certain you know how that feels, we were just in Marseille a couple of days ago.” I chuckled.
“Yes but since I live in France I'm always hearing people speak my language. I don't know what it's like to live in a country with different language for so long and then visit one's birthplace with the native tongue...”
So I realized I had to explain my past a little better.
“I wasn't born in Columbia you know...” I mumbled as we walked down the dock into the busy streets, my arm still linked in his. - “My mother moved to Illinois two years before having me. She met my father a few months later because they lived across the street from each other and they realized they wanted to live even closer.” I chuckled - “As in the same house kind of closer.”
Antoine smiled and I continued. - “Then I was born. Five years later my brother was born too and that's basically it. I went to Columbia with my parents every summer since I was a baby and my abuela thought me how to speak Spanish since she knows just a couple of English words.”
“That's sweet, that you'd learn a language for the sake of your grandma.”
“I suppose.” I chuckled, - “Even if I didn't have much of a choice, my abuela is a very stubborn woman.”
“She seems like a nice lady.” Antoine replied which made me laugh. Yes she was a nice lady when she wasn't grumpy about everything and anything. She was extremely old fashioned. Not to mention homophobic. But that I wasn't going to mention to a gay guy.
“Oh look! Let's have some sangria!” I pointed to an outdoor sign for a cafe.
“Sangria?” My mouth dropped at Antoine's inquiring tone.
“You've never tried sangria?” When he shook his head I purposefully let my mouth drop even more.
“I've heard about it but never really tried it...”
I clapped my hands, flashing a big grin. - “Then I suppose you're not only learning some Spanish today but also trying a new drink!”
I dragged him inside the place. I had to.

It was a funny bit, scaring Antoine with all the fake ingredients of sangria until he got the courage to try it and see it was just some wine mixed with fruit punch. It still got us some laughs and a few stories about our lives outside of the cruise. He was a sweet guy and he really liked his job. When I said goodbye and entered my suite I was actually feeling sorry that he liked men instead of women but tried my best to brush it aside from my mind. I was not letting myself crush on a gay man.

Link to external image

Speed or blind date?

I sat on the table, smiling across the room to Harry as we parted to go to our first speed date. First as in ever, in our lives.
I'll admit I wanted to die when I heard we were doing this. I couldn't imagine what I could say or ask someone I had never met but I decided to tackle it just as I did when I was in college: I made a list of questions and interesting facts. I'm sure that would have to be handy...somehow.
Now sitting by the table before the clock started ticking I felt somewhat nervous. It was ridiculous but I was actually nervous. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath before I heard a bell. A few seconds later a guy sits in front of me, looking as embarrassed as I was.
“Hi...”I started the conversation because otherwise we'd probably stare at each other for the whole ten minutes. - “I'm Emma.” I extended a hand and was happy to see the man take it.
“Yann.” He replied and followed a couple of short questions that I had memorized from the list. He was cute, from Switzerland so he spoke French aside from English, even if it wasn't that sexy French like Antoine spoke. He was a teacher which was also cute and somehow fitting to his image, he did look like a guy who would handle kids very well. Yes I wasn't interested in him at all and when the ten minutes ended and we both rose from the table I started to actually question if people met their soulmates in that cruise. It all just seemed to random and weird.
My next date was actually a woman. Vanessa. I had met her before, at the welcome party/drink thing but alas I wasn't gay. I told her right away and we used the ten minutes discussing the guys we've seen around because apparently she was Bi so she did find men attractive.
My third date was a very hot guy who I actually wondered if he was latino like me.
“Emma.” I smiled extending my hand and his smile was as hot as he.
“Sergio.”
“I sense a south american vibe from you.” I chuckled, seeing him laugh too.
“Spanish actually. I would say the same about you due to your looks but your name doesn't sound very latin.”
“How about my surname? Hernandez.” I grinned. I liked the guy.
“Now that is a proper latino name.” Sergio chuckled, looking at me with his gorgeous hazel eyes. So sue me, I liked seeing a handsome man who wasn't gay. It was a nice change.
“So how did you come to this project?” I had enough of a burn with Antoine by saying no one in their right minds would sign themselves to the cruise so I remembered to add this question to the list.
“I...” I saw him waver in his answer which got my curiosity spike. - “I thought it was interesting to see how this works, how they find people for us and match us together.” He replied. Okay there could be people interested in the science of it. I wasn't one of them though.
“So you think this actually works for some people?” I didn't try to hide the fact that I didn't believe in the whole soulmate thing.
“Maybe...” He smiled warmly which was again, cute.
I asked a few more questions and exchanged phone numbers with Sergio even if I rarely kept my phone with me, which made me regret not giving my room number or something.
The next date was with an older guy, a tall blonde man with blue eyes and an amiable face. I immediately smiled when I got to the table where he was already sitting. We introduced ourselves and I learned his name was Sebastian, he was 32 years old and worked as a technician. He seemed a bit too old for me even if he was a handsome 32 year old man but I liked the fact that he loved animals and helped those who crossed his path.

I laughed when I got to my next day which was with no one other than Harry.
“So how is it going? Anyone interesting?” He waggled his brows and I laughed.
“Everyone's interesting in their own way. Not all that attractive to me, can't imagine having a relationship with any of them but yeah...they're interesting.”
“You're so boring.” I saw him rest his chin in a hand. - “I met so many cute guys but most of them are straight. The organization should have separated us from the straight people, it would make things so much easier.”
“I know... I already had a date with a bisexual girl...”
“Any hot guys?” H returned to his waggling-brow self.
“For the moment one, really cute, but he's Spanish so that's never going to work.”
“Unless to move to Europe.” Harry grinned.
“Not happening.” I poked him in the nose with a grin. Yes I didn't think I'd find a guy in there and I wasn't even sure if I wanted to but it was rather fun to get to know those people. It made a very different afternoon.
“So our time is up! I want to meet the next hottieee” Harry rose from his seat like he had a metal spring in his bu*t.
I shook my head as I glanced at my next date and which table it was.
Another guy, clearly older was sitting when I approached the table.
“Emma Hernandez.” I plastered my mechanic smile and shook the guy's hand.
“Peter.” He eyed me from head to toe which made me feel completely uncomfortable.
Turns out he was 34 years old, was actually from the US as me but from his talk I could tell he was a womanizer. Did I ever mention how I hated those?
I heard him brag about the people he met and how they all adored his job as a zoologist. He then proceeded to explain how to brush a tiger's teeth.
“Fun.” I replied, clearly not entertained. - “Except you shouldn't brush a tiger's teeth. Or their fur. Or even be near them. The more contact they have with humans the more used to the scent they get which can get them killed by random hunters if they ever return to the wild.”
He just stared at me in silence before I told him I was a vet specialized in big animals. Then he proceeded to tell how different his job was from mine, and how vastly dangerous and thrilling his was compared to mine. I was actually glad when the ten minutes were over. He wanted my room number but I pretended I hadn't memorized it because no way in hell I'd be close to him again.
Next I had another girl, some Juliet something. After the bragging guy I was just turning off my attention and was actually bored. This girl was full lesbian so when I told her I was as straight as a pole we decided it was best to use our date time as a pee break. I managed to also get a drink while waiting for the next date cause I had the feeling I would need it with the way things were going.
Next I had another blonde guy. I was already sitting with my drink when he approached, also eyeing me from head to toe but at least he didn't give a smug smile or anything of the like.
He actually seemed as bored as I did.
His name was Jasper, he was a real estate agent from London. He had a nice British accent and did have a decent conversation but something was off with him even if I couldn't really pinpoint what it was.
“So why did you come to this project?” I asked the same question I had repeated to the others and saw him slouch on his seat.
“My brother decided it was a good idea. Not sure why really, but he believed I'd find someone for me here.” He rolled his eyes and I had to smile. Yeah I knew the feeling.
“Don't worry the same happened to me, just not my brother but my best friend... I don't think I'll find my prince charming here..” I chuckled.
“Heh, not here nor anywhere.” He mumbled and I tilted my head. Like excuse me? - “I mean me, not you.” He clarified.
“Oh... why do you say that?” I asked confused.
“I don't think there's a girl who can give me what I need.” He simply replied, crossing his arms and looking bored as ever.
“You mean physically or....?” I was confused really. Yes I had trouble believing there was a soulmate out there for me but even I knew there were people who could give me what I needed when it comes to a relationship, I just didn't expect to find them in that cruise.
“I mean in every way. Younger women are childish, older women are whiny and demanding. There's no one who would make me happy.”
Ok that was a sad guy. I couldn't really ask much of anything else after that question so I just made small talk until the ten minutes were up. None of us bothered to ask for phone or room numbers.

When I saw the next name I chuckled and walked to the empty table. Not two seconds later I see David coming my way.
“Hey there!” I smiled when he sat down in front of me.
“Don't say we need to introduce ourselves again.”
“Of course not... So how are things?” Yes that wasn't a question from my list but he wasn't exactly a stranger anymore so some of the questions didn't apply there.
“They're okay. I sent my sister the bracelet, she liked it.” He actually gave a little smile which was a rare sight. I'm not sure if it was due to all the crazy people I've met before but he actually seemed handsome smiling.
“I told you she'd like it.” I smiled, also glad he wasn't addressing the issue of me thinking the bracelet was for me. - “So, I suppose we should get to know each other a bit better.”
I asked him his favorite color, sports club, hobbies, all the little trivia questions I had memorized for my list.
“Is it true you didn't apply yourself to the cruise?” He asked then when all my questions had been answered.
“It is.” I nodded, - “Harry signed me up thinking I should find love.”
“Do you think he's right?”
I thought a bit about that one. - “He's not entirely wrong but I don't believe I'll find it here. I mean we are all from different corners of the world, what would be the odds of finding anything that resembles a soulmate here?” It made no sense.
“I agree.”
“It was your sister who signed you up wasn't she?” Something told me it was.
“Why do you say that?” He seemed interested in my question, at least a little bit more than the trivia ones I had asked.
“Well, you don't seem the type to come to a cruise due to a friend... I don't believe your parents would send you being a grown a*s man yourself and you'd have to really like the person who sent you so my guess is your sister.” I grinned, proud at my own logic.
He actually smiled a second time which felt like hitting the jackpot or something, making me smile too in return.
“She did sign me up. She was tired of me I suppose.”
I chuckled, seeing him raise his eyes to me.
“I'm sure she loves you. You're clearly an adoring brother. I sorta know women since I'm, you know, one, so I'm sure you have some arguments like any brother and sister but she loves you.”
He didn't reply, instead just stared at my face, starting to make me feel uncomfortable.
“You have siblings?” He asked.
“A younger brother.” I smiled, grabbing my purse and showing him a photo of him.
“A photo on a wallet? You know there's something called a gallery on a phone.”
“I know, I know... I have a terrible confession to make.” I raised both my hands like I was calling truce. - “I can't pay attention to my phone for more than five minutes. It's true.” I nodded to my own words, seeing David's gaze.
“You must be fun to find.” He murmured which made me chuckle.
“I like the face-to-face part of socializing. I don't like to text or do everything in a digital device. I like to see the expression on peoples' faces and the shine in their eyes, there's so much you can learn from a person aside from what they're saying when you can just look at them.”
“I understand.” He replied, surprising me by the fact he wasn't mocking me for it. It made him look better in my book.
The ten minutes were over and I was surprised to see they pasted way faster than in the other dates. I almost wished I could continue talking to him.
“See you later then.” He rose from his chair which I mimicked.
“See ya... Oh and David?” He looked back at me. - “Smile more. Looks good on you.” I smiled.

Link to external image


The next person sitting with me at a table was yet another woman. Freya, an avatar like model with blonde hair. She was 23 and bisexual. When I told her I was straight I earned another drink break which came in quite handy.
The other guy coming after Freya was weird. Not that you'd see his weirdness when you first looked at him but there was something weird about him for sure. His name was Dimitri, he was 29 and an attorney. I wasn't sure if it was due to him being a lawyer or Russian but I didn't particularly like him. I felt rather sorry for him knowing he had lost his wife and everything but by the time the ten minutes were up I didn't really felt the desire to speak to him again.
I looked at the list of dates and was surprised to see who was up next. I smiled, approaching Antoine and sat in front of him.
“Hey...” He greeted me with his usual warm smile.
“So, what do you think of your dates so far?” I chuckled, sipping from my glass of wine. I noticed Antoine had one too, but his had fruit slices. I laughed. - “Is that sangria?”
Antoine nodded with bright blue eyes. - “I asked the barman to make some... It's actually pretty good.”
“Not fair, you should have invited me to share!” I took his glass and tasted it. It wasn't as strong as the one we drank in Barcelona but it was rather good. - “So the dates?”
“They're.... okay I suppose...” He shrugged his shoulders, smiling as he took back his glass. - “Better now though.”
I stared at him with a confused expression, seeing him take a big sip of his sangria.
“You're not seriously saying this is a better date than the others before with cute men! Are the gay men in this cruise really uninteresting for you?” I lowered my voice cause I didn't want to offend any walkerby.
“Erm... yes, I believe so.... Especially when I don't find men attractive.” He slowly explained, making my eyes wide at each word.
“Wait...” I rose a hand because I was either dumbing down or getting drunk, or both. - “You're not interested... in guys?” I stared at him like he was an alien, seeing him nod.
“I'm straight Emma.... Wait, you thought I was gay??” Now it was his turn to look confused. Well perplexed was the better word.
I felt like throwing myself out the ship. I had been acting like that man was like Harry, linking my arm with his, being completely at ease because there was no awkward feeling of a man and woman being friends because he was gay. Except he wasn't....gay.
“You really thought I was gay.” He mumbled with wide blue eyes when he saw my unresponsive self. - “What did I say to make you think that?” He asked then, to which I could only answer with pleading, shameful eyes.
“I'm really really sorry Antoine... I... I don't even know what to say.” I was freaking stuttering. I never stuttered. I felt like a dork. - “When we first met... You commented Harry's dancing and I assumed...” I couldn't even finish the damned sentence. - “I'm really sorry...” Oh my freaking Jesus what had I done?
But to my surprise Antoine chuckled. I stared at him doe eyed because it was the only thing I could do.
“I'm not going to say I'm not disappointed that you thought I was gay... but it is a bit funny...” He chuckled again. Well at least he had a sense of humor. I would have it too if it weren't for my desperate need to just dig a hole and hide. Instead I just downed my wine as it were water.
“I'm sorry...” It's like those were the only words that could escape my mouth. He kept on chuckling though.
“Like I said, it's okay... I'm glad that's out of the way though.” I looked at me with a warm gaze and I realized something.
Antoine wasn't gay. He was straight. Which means he likes women. Such as myself. Maybe. So I wasn't crushing on a gay man. I was sorta crushing on a straight man. Which made it okay, I suppose. But didn't make it any less embarrassing.
“Right...” I mumbled, apparently unable to form coherent words again. - “I should get another one of this.” I waved my empty glass and prepared to raise myself when his hand found my shoulder.
“Calm down, you don't need to run. Like I said I'm not angry or anything alike.” I stared at him with big eyes, wondering if I could make a coherent phrase now.
“I know.” I started, slowly and carefully - “I just... this is so weird.” I ended up blurting, feeling my face heat up. - “I was acting so at ease around you because I thought you were... you know...”I didn't want to repeat it again.
“I noticed you acted at ease around me and I was happy that you did. It felt good.” He smiled and I felt even more embarrassed.
“I'm sorry,” I mumbled again, - “It's not how I usually act around guys... I mean straight guys...” I wasn't sure if I was burying myself further down or what but I couldn't really gain control of my thoughts or my mouth. I really needed another drink to cope with that.
“It's alright Emma. I'm still the same guy... Just don't ask me to check out a guy's as* or anything.” He laughed, which somehow made it feel a bit better.
“Right...” I chuckled too, still a bit embarrassed. - “No, you're right... You're still the same guy.” I repeated even if more to myself than him. He was still the same guy I danced with on the first day. He was still the same guy I talked to every now and then and the same guy I showed Barcelona around and shared sangria. He was the same guy, just someone actually dateable. And that was the whole reason of my embarrassment.

Aye Aye Captain

“You look so hot!” Harry grinned watching me leave the bathroom.
“I look like a slut.” I replied, pulling down the skirt of my skimpy costume. The thing is, when I pull the skirt down the top also goes down, revealing a big as* clevage.
“Don't be silly, you look like a pirate and a pirate struts her stuff!” He waggles his but* in his striped pants.
“First I cannot unsee that.” I raise a finger - “And secondly I am not strutting my stuff.”
The idea the captain had of throwing a themed party could be interesting but couldn't we just have themed drinks and like pirate statues or the waiters walk in costumes? Why did we have to dress as pirates too? It was just silly. If the captain were a man I'd be certain he just wanted to see some skin but I can't, for the life of me, understand why a female captain would like to see men with fake wooden legs, hooks playing as hands, pointy hats with feathers and dreadlock wigs paired up with terrible fake Jack Sparrow accents.

“I need a drink for this.” I stated as soon as I set foot on the hall and spotted all the pirate dressed people.
“Remember you can't hold your licquor down.” Harry waved me goodbye, running towards the now familiar male blonde whom he apparently now shared his room sometimes. Yes I definitely needed a drink.
After staring at the bottles I ordered a random strong something while trying to keep my skirt at decent length.
“Vodka?” David's voice came to my ears as I grabbed the glass from the barman. Not surprisingly he was dressed as a pirate except he ditched the Sparrow wig, thankfully.
“I know the pirate life calls for rum but I don't think I can stomach that.” I smiled seeing him sit by the stool on my side and order white wine.
“I don't blame you for that.”
He seemed a bit more cheerful than I remembered seeing him. I narrowed my eyes at him trying to spot the difference.
“Did you speak to your sister today?”
He thanked the waiter and grabbed his glass, sipping from it. Apparently he was thirsty. - “I speak with her every day...why?”
Hm so that wasn't it...
“Nothing...” I mumbled, continuing my examination. - “You like these themed parties?”
“Don't dislike them but I'm not crazy about them either... Is there some reason for this interview?” He took another large sip of the wine and my head tilted. Although he asked that question he didn't seem all too bothered while before he would nearly rip my head out for sticking my nose where I didn't belong.
“How many drinks did you have today?” I asked instead, looking at his eyes attentively.
“Erm...” He looked absentminded to the wall behind me; I think he was counting. - “Around five?” He looked a bit confused at me. - “Maybe six...”
So that is why he looked so.... relaxed.
“You're drunk.” I chuckled, taking his glass away and David frowned.
“I am not drunk. I'm just... alcoholically satisfied.” He smiled, taking the glass back and sipped from it.
“That's not a thing.” I grinned, taking his glass again but yeah he was smarter and just took mine instead. I tried his wine and it was sweet. I could imagine myself drinking more than I could handle, the sweetness of the wine disguised the alcohol.
“This is really good.” I commented after a few minutes, surprised to see that David had already finished my vodka.
“I know...” He shrugged his shoulders, - “I have good taste”
I chuckled, seeing him grin. It was nice to have him this relaxed, a part of me wished he was like that all the time but I knew this wasn't really him.

Okay so that wine was really really good. Before I knew it two bottles were drained even if in my defense I must say David helped me finish them. I knew I wasn't completely in control of my senses when I rose from the stool and felt the floor spin a bit but now that it was in my stomach I couldn't do much else. I grinned at David and pulled him to the dancefloor.
“No, I don't dance.” He shook his head lightly, retreating his hands from mine. - “I'm not drunk enough.”
“I say you are!” I grinned again, starting to dance around him, enjoying the beat of the music. - “I didn't get all hooker dressed for nothing.” I added, hearing him actually laugh. It had a nice sound to it I think.
“You don't look like a hooker.” He replied making me smile.
“Awww thanks!! You're turning into a softy” I teased, hugging him before continuing to dance. David didn't reply nor I needed him to, it was good enough that he didn't tell me off yet.
Weird as it looked when the song changed and I stopped dancing the floor apparently didn't. I shook my head lightly and decided to ignore it but it was starting to become rather hard.
“You okay?” David asked a few moments later.
“Of course.” I flashed a big smile, trying to hide just how much a lie that was. Maybe I shouldn't have drank that eight glass of wine... Nor any of the others that followed.
“Woah, you're not okay...” I felt his arm moving over my waist as he tried to steady me. Apparently I had tripped over something. I really didn't feel it and if it was there then it was the organization's fault. Why keep stuff on a party hall where people can stumble upon them? - “What is your room number?” I heard David ask and furrowed my brows at him.
“Woah there captain, you think just because I'm a bit tipsy you can crawl into my bed?” I heard him laugh but didn't really register in my brain.
“I'm just taking you there. You're completely wasted.”
“Like you're any better.” I huffed, grabbing my bag even if I wasn't sure why I brought it in the first place. - “Aye aye captain, follow me.” I tried to steady myself as I walked out of the hall. I caught a glimpse of Antoine in his pirate costume on the other side of the room and I really wanted to go to him but the look David gave me told me otherwise. I was already making a fool out of myself but at least this one was almost as drunk as me. No need to scare away the sober one too.
“There... the ship's ahoy!” I grinned, opening the door to my suite.
“Do you even know what ship ahoy means?” He shook his head, pulling me inside the room. I fell on the bed, hugging my pillow and saw David gazing at the stuff that decorated the shelves.
“I don't like to see empty shelves or walls so I decorated them.” I explained but I was sure half the sounds that came from my mouth were muffled by the pillow. I saw him glance at me and then back at the photos on the shelf.
“This is your brother?” He asked, grabbing a frame of the two of us in a summer camp three years ago in our abuela's town.
I nodded, trying to take my head off the pillow.
“It's me and my bro and our abuela.”
“You look like her.” My mouth dropped but he was still looking at the photo.
“I do NOT look like a 70 year old woman!” I rolled my eyes, seeing him side glance at me before shaking his head.
“I meant like facial features, not wrinkles!”
“Oh.” I shut up, feeling I was saying stuff that was probably dumb. I just hoped he had drank enough to not remember any of this tomorrow.
“I'm gonna go.” He told me, placing the frame back in its place. I rose to my feet, kicking off my shoes before I walked to the door.
“Thanks for bringing me here.” Yes I knew it was more than I probably deserved.
“Man you're small.” He suddenly commented making me blink as I stared at him. - “I never saw you barefoot.” He added, approaching me to compare the height.
“Yes I know, I'm a minion, want me to climb onto that chair?” I pointed at the desk and its chair and hear David chuckle even if he tried to hide it when I glanced back at him.
“No, that's okay...” He approached me even more and placed a hand on the top of my head. He took the pirate hat and chuckled again, this time not hiding it. - “You're even shorter without the hat.”
“I know...” I murmured between closed teeth. - “But there's nothing a small girl can't do!” I grinned, seeing him still stare at me.
“I trust you.” He smiled a little, extending a hand to reach for the door. The look on his face made my heart (that was already rushing due to the alcohol, mind you) start to beat even faster. I knew I was going to do something stupid but Harry had been right. There was this tension that was just baffling.
I didn't think when I placed a hand over his shoulder. I didn't think when I tiptoed to him and cursed under my breath my short height. I didn't think when my lips brushed over his, in something that I couldn't properly call a kiss but resembled one.
I tried not to think when he just stared at me and walked out of the room.

DONE!

Last edited by hhgurl1 (08/10/2017 at 00:59)

Name and age: Valentine Cross, 25
Round Status: R1 complete, R2 complete
Romantic Interests: David & Peter

The morning after the welcome party

I'd just finished pinning my long braids up and bundling them into a turban when there was a knock on my cabin door. Dressed in the swimsuit I planned on showing off poolside I answered it and was pleasantly surprised to find David standing there.

"Did I catch you at a bad time?" He asked and I couldn't tell if he was trying to avoid staring at my barely there swimsuit or if he was trying to take furtive glances at it.

"Just headed to the pool." I replied. "I suppose you came to see my i.d.?" I asked with a smile. "See I told you Valentine was my real name." I teased as I pulled my i.d. off of the dresser.

He seemed to be holding back a smile as he handed me back the small plastic card. I replaced it carefully before I grabbed my sandals and headed out of the door.

"Going my way?" I asked David, not inviting him to join me, but not ruling out the possibility in case he wanted to.

He told me he was headed back to his cabin to call his sister and I told him I hoped I'd see him when we docked in Marseilles at which point he invited me to join him for coffee there.

I counted the entire exchange as a "win" as I headed toward the pool.

***

Headed toward the pool I spotted the stunning brunette from the night before. She was sitting on the main deck alone and I decided to casually pass by her and see if I could strike up a conversation. We exchanged names but she didn't seem interested in much beyond that. I would have told her that I hoped she'd find her Romeo but truthfully that whole story was a tragedy and I wouldn't wish it on anyone...even this sullen Juliet.

Exploring Marseille

When the ship docked in Marseille I couldn't wait to get off the boat, stretch my legs and put something completely different all over my socials. The city proved a perfect backdrop for my animal print pants and the shopping was better than expected. Also while I'd decided to give David a bit of distance to do the tourist thing on his own we did manage to coordinate a meeting for coffee. When I arrived at the cafe he'd selected he was already seated even though I was 15 minutes early and he was surrounded by shopping bags.

"Can I ask?" I said gesturing to the bags.

"Gifts for my sister." He said.

"She's one lucky girl." I said looking at the bags.

"She's not really materialistic," He responded defensively.

"I wasn't saying she was lucky because of the gifts." I clarified, "But because she has a brother who's clearly thinking about her, it's sweet."

David seemed to relax a little after that, and we managed to have a pleasant afternoon even though it was clear that both of us weren't revealing everything.

Interlude

I had a headache the day the shipped docked in Barcelona so I stayed in my cabin all day but by the time dinner rolled around I was ready to get glammed up and head to the main dining room. As I sat alone at a table sipping a cocktail, I was joined unexpectedly by one of the attractive men from the welcome party. He introduced himself as Peter and I responded my name.

"As in 'Be my Valentine'?" He asked flirtatiously.

"Exactly." I smirked even though it was a joke I'd heard 100 times before.

"So what exactly does that take?" He asked as he continued to flirt. "For you to be mine, I mean."

"More than punny pick-up lines." I replied coolly although not cruelly.

"Just break my heart why don't you?" He joked.

I downed the rest of my drink and got up to leave.

"Wait don't go." He said as he reached out to grab my wrist.

"Give me a reason to stay." I offered.

"What I'm not enough?" He asked with a smile.

"Not really." I said as I looked him up and down and pulled my wrist away.

"The bat is the only mammal that can fly." He called after me.

"What?" I asked laughing as I turned around.

"The bat is the only mammal that can fly." He repeated.

"Assuming I believe you...and I will Google it, how..wait no, why, do you know that?"

"I'm a zoologist." He said proudly.

"Seriously?" I asked as I sat back down. "Tell me more."

I listened intently as Peter told me more about his profession, and was pleased that rather than being one-sided he asked me questions about myself as well.

"What time is it?" I asked after I realized the dining room had cleared out around us.

"Apparently some time in the morning." He said as he pointed out the rising sun.

"Well someone talks a lot." I teased.

"Yes, you do." He teased back.

"I should head back to my cabin." I said.

"Is that an invitation for me to join you?" He asked.

"I've already kept you up all night." I replied flirtatiously before getting up to leave for good.

Speed Dating

I'd never been speed dating but seriously it seemed perfect for me, a quick q&a, an anonymous survey and as few hurt feelings as possible.

I was most excited about getting some clear one on one time with both David and Peter.

With David I wanted to know more about his relationship with his sister. It may have been a weird subject for date conversation, especially a speed date but seeing those bags in Marseille I couldn't help but be reminded of the last time I'd seen my step sister Olivia...I wasn't ready to tell David that story yet but I did like how open he became when talking about his own sister...

"The female lion does ninety-nine percent of the hunting." Peter informed me as soon as we were face to face.

"That sounds right." I responded with a smile.

"So I'm waiting for you to pounce." He said with a smirk.

"I know better than to look at you as prey...you're most definitely a predator." I responded.

"A predator?" He asked feigning outrage. "How can you say that?"

"Because I'm a predator too." I leaned closer to him to whisper, "Like recognizes like."

If he was caught off guard by my admission he didn't show it and our flirty banter continued until e were signaled to switch partners...I couldn't wait to see who I'd ultimately be paired with on the date.

A bit more about Valentine

*Born and raised in NYC, she currently lives in a rent controlled apartment on the Lower East side, it's small but she can afford it without roommates.

*Her blog ClothesMinded has 50,000+ followers and she's a brand ambassador for several indie brands and an influencer for 2 major brands.

*She has a younger stepsister, Olivia who she hasn't seen in 3 years since their parents got divorced and Olivia's mother forbid it.

* Her favorite color is turquoise

* Her favorite movie is "Breakfast at Tiffany's" (but she prefers the book)

* Her favorite book is "Love in the time of Cholera"

* Her favorite dish is eggplant parmesan 

* She has an admittedly irrational fear of garden gnomes

* Her favorite season is fall

* She loves the smell of clean laundry

* She graduated from FIT with a degree in fashion design and has an MBA from Wharton, her eventual plan is to have her own clothing line.

Costume Party

Every fashion blogger knows that costume parties can be amazing or awful and there's very rarely any middle ground. I was a little skeptical by the fact that the costumes were being provided but as soon as I saw the selection I relaxed knowing that my selfies were safe...well at least they were safe from bad wardrobe.

I'd barely taken half a dozen snaps before some random drunk managed to spill something red and sticky on me. I took a few quick pics punctuated by a sad face emoji before heading back to my cabin because vacation or not stains are never in season.

Last edited by Dare (05/10/2017 at 08:36)

Link to external image

Lyla Prescott
25 years old
Romantic Interests: Yann & Dimitri
Round 1 complete, R2 Done

Speed Dating

Speed dating? I had never done something like that before but I guess it saves a lot of time than when going out with someone for hours only to realise you never want to see him again. This past week I had the best time visiting Marseille and Barcelona. There was so much to see! I had to admit, being on a cruise is not as bad as I had previously thought.
I made my way to the speed dating event and I felt so nervous. How was I supposed to make people like me? I only came on the cruise not to waste a free trip not because I actually wanted to find my prince charming.
My first date was with Yann Arnold.
"Hi." I said with a smile. We both introduced ourselves. "So what do you do for a living?" He asked. "I'm a teacher." I told him. "So am I!" We actually found out that we had quite some things in common.  The ten minutes only felt like five seconds talking to him. He's a guy I wouldn't mind talking to again. When I first saw him I thought he would be one of those guys who think highly of themselves because of how they look but he wasn't and I was glad.
Most of the other people were fine but none of them really caught my attention. I noticed that Dimitri wasn't in a very good mood that day because I heard him throwing people off many times. I was actually scared to approach him.
"Are you okay?" I asked him before he could say anything to me. "Oh, look who it is. I'm fine. Do I not look fine to you?" He asked with that usual charming smile. I shook my head. "Not really." I said. "But we have ten minutes if you want to tell me what's wrong." I tried to give him an encouraging smile. He took a few seconds to start talking. "I don't want to be here. My co-worker signed me up for this because she thinks that I should find someone. Well, if I really wanted to 'find' someone I could have done it at home. There was no need for all this nonsense."
"I know how you feel. I didn't sing up for this either. My sister is the one who signed me up so she could use my room for a few days. Pathetic." We smiled at each other and I realised maybe we could actually be friends. I told him a bit about myself for the remaining of the time and he just listened and made sarcastic comments here and there. He didn't tell me a thing about him, however.
Link to external image

Costume Party

A day later we were invited to a costume party. We had to dress up as pirates. I love costume parties! I went excitedly to get a costume and I couldn't help myself but try on all of them.
There I saw Yann again. I didn't notice him before but I guess now I'm keeping a look out for him. I really think he is a nice guy. "That costume really suits you." I told him. "Thanks, you too." He said with a smile. I blushed because I blush with the simplest compliment. As we were talking he started to dance a little with the music and I noticed how laid back he was. I liked that in him. We talked a bit about our teaching experiences. I told him about how hard it is sometimes to keep the attention of certain students and he told me how funny some of his students are. I told him how I like using comedy as a key in teaching. I like people I can laugh with. Yann was one of them.
I also had the chance to talk with Dimitri again. "Are you gonna tell me something about yourself?" I asked him.
"What do you want to know?"
"Anything"
"Hmmm... My name is Dimitri." I rolled my eyes at that and turned around to leave but he stopped me as he laughed. "Wait, wait. I'll tell you something. I like books. There, that's something you didn't know." I smiled at that.
"I like books too! Who's your favourite author?"
"Leo Tolstoy". Who's yours?"
"Good question. I guess I don't really have one because there's so many that I like." I was relieved we found something we could talk about. Books are my favourite subject. We actually talked for quite a while and he told me that he likes opera, another thing we have in common.
When I went to bed that night I was glad that I had the chance to talk with Yann and Dimitri again. Yann is a great guy and I would love to know more about him. And Dimitri, well, I thought he was worse but he's actually not that bad. I'm excited to know if I will actually catch feelings for one of them.
Link to external image

FINISHED 

Last edited by BearHugs6 (06/10/2017 at 18:51)

Round 2 is now closed. Impressions will come soon

Round 3

After two more days on the Lonely Heart Cruise, you finally reach Malaga where will be staying for three days. There have been Suites booked for everyone at the Gran Hotel Miramar Málaga. Instead of using those days for exploring it is time for the first dates. The Speed Dating resumes have been looked at by our Love Experts and it has been decided that everybody gets two dates. Where you go in Malaga, what you do and how long the date lasts is all up to you.
One of the Extras is going to ask you, the other must be asked by you.

Dare aka Valentine - Peter on Thursday (will be the one asking you) and David on Friday (has to be asked by you)
Bearhugs6 aka Lyla - Dimitri on Thursday (has to be asked by you) and Yann on Friday (will be the one asking you)
Siri aka Luna - Vanessa on Thursday (will be the one asking you) and Dimitri on Friday (has to be asked by you)
Hhgurl1 aka Emma - David on Thursday (has to be asked by you) and Antoine on Friday (will be the one asking you)
Nina aka Leilani - Sebastian on Thursday (will be the one asking you) and Sergio on Friday (has to be asked by you)


Round 3 Requirements

* Name and age of your character
* Round Status (ex. R1 complete, R2 in progress)
* Romantic Interests (max 3, don't need to be the same in every round)
* Story about the Dates; how did you ask the Extra; how did the Extra ask you; what did you do during the Date; did you enjoy yourself or was it a complete disaster; how did the date end
* Optional: Story about the two days on Sea, interactions with the extras ( you will get Impressions for those you mention), anything else you wanna add
* Outfits for the Dates; Optional: Any other outfit you'd like for the story

Round 3 will close around 9 pm (Forum Time) on the 10th September.

Last edited by schoggettchen (10/10/2017 at 17:58)

Impressions

They will be based on your interaction with my characters. I have more to work with if you interact with the characters more often in your stories.

Valentine Cross

David - Valentine was indeed her real name he was still surprised about that one. Seeing her in the swimsuit has been the second surprise and while not one he had expected he couldn’t find himself to care. She did look good that was hard to miss and so far he was surprised that she hadn’t tried to pry into his private life yet. For a moment he thought that inviting her for a coffee in Marseille had been a mistake but it turned out to be a pleasant talk in the end.
Peter - An interesting name for an interesting woman he thinks to himself. He couldn’t remember the last time he had to spend hours talking with the same person and just not about himself but asking questions as well. It wasn’t Peter’s preferred way to spend the night with a good-looking woman but in this case, he wasn’t going to complain. Maybe Valentine could prove to be a good challenge and he was in the need for one.

Lyla Prescott

Dimitri - So he did meet Lyla again and he has to admit it was less embarrassing than their first time. As much as he has to admit that her sister signing her up for the Cruise just to get a bigger room is pretty pathetic. Talking with her during the Costume Party has been a kinda pleasant especially since Dimitri hasn’t thought that they would have anything in common. Not that it matters in the end since he was still not convinced by the find your True Love part. And now with the Dates coming up his mood isn’t exactly getting better. Dimitri wonders if Lyla would want a date with him but shakes his head at the silly thought.
Yann - A fellow teacher and the one who was this cute and pretty. He still couldn’t believe his luck but the Speed Date with Lyla has been a pleasant one. Yann wonders how he hadn’t noticed her before but the Cruise isn’t exactly small and he hasn’t been looking during the first week. He wouldn’t mind finding someone otherwise he wouldn’t have signed himself up but that doesn’t mean he will jump on the first person he means. Still, Yann wouldn’t mind getting to know Lyla better.

Luna Pelletier

Dimitri - Usually he was the one being called workaholic but Luna seemed to top him and yet she still found time to talk with him. Not that he would call it a real conversation since he was trying to read his book and she was typing. It has been better during the Speed Dating though Dimitri isn’t surprised by their lack of common interests. He never understood the point of playing video games for him there are other ways to spend his time with. At least now he knows that he isn’t the only one suffering from annoying co-workers. Maybe there will be a better opportunity to talk about this.
Sebastian - He still surprised how much they have in common… maybe a bit much for his taste. It isn’t anything personal and he did enjoy talking with her about the games they liked to play or their horrible work experience. It made the Cruise better though something he hasn’t thought would be possible despite signing up himself. But he worried that it might get boring if they kept talking about the same stuff all the time and he dislikes being bored. The Cruise was also supposed to be a bit of a break. Sebastian will just wait and see what happens next.
Vanessa - If she hadn’t found Luna Vanessa would be probably still lost in Marseille which would have meant the end of her fairy tale Cruise. She is grateful not only for finding the way back but also for the private tour she has gotten. She likes spending time with Luna, talking with her is easy even if they didn’t seem to share the same belief about love. But now with the first Dates coming up she feels taking another step hoping to spend more time just with Luna. 

Emma Hernandez

Antoine - Gay… she really thought that he was gay and it would explain a lot about her behavior around him. He wasn’t mad at Emma, in fact, he did find it funny and he had to admit that she looked cute when she was embarrassed. Antoine hoped that nothing would change between them now because he liked that she had been at ease with him. Exploring Barcelona together with Emma had been great fun and he thinks without her he wouldn’t have enjoyed himself as much as he did. Not to mention that thanks to her he discovered the great taste of a Sangria.
David - She had kissed him just like this but he tells himself that she was drunk, or tried to kiss him… in the end, it hasn’t been more than her lips brushing against his. David tells himself that she only did it because she was drunk. It is strange that he was the one to bring her back into her room but it felt like the right thing to do. They might have had a rough start but since their start over he felt more comfortable in her company and actually enjoyed talking with her. It made him wonder what else would happen next.

Leilani Kalawai'a

Sebastian - The tour together with Leilani had been fun and he didn’t mind at all that they missed a part of it. It had been nice to spend time with her and to get to know her better. Speeding Date had been fun too even if he had been a little bit skeptical in the beginning. But it had been a good opportunity to talk with those he hadn’t got the chance yet but also a good way to spend more time with those he knew, like Leilani. Sure she still did talk a lot but no matter how crazy it might sound to others he enjoyed listening to her.
Sergio/b] - He tries not to think about too much about the Speed Dating… he is sure that he must have been horrible at it. And then there have been those 10 minutes with Leilani where he actually managed to enjoy himself and didn’t feel completely out of place. He liked that he had found someone whom he could open up to and tell more about himself without acting like his usual shy personality. And now with the dates coming up he wouldn’t mind one but asking her… Sergio wasn’t sure if he could do that.
Peter - Desperate that is the only word he can think off as he watches Leilani walk out of the bar. Normally he can appreciate a look showing off curves but in this case, he would beg to differ. She wasn’t even bothering to hide anything making her look easy in his eyes. Too revealing clothes takes the fun out of things. There was no room for imagination... not that he needed any in Leilani’s case. Sleeping with her again wasn’t on his to-do list but that doesn’t mean he can’t enjoy himself while flirting with her.

Last edited by schoggettchen (10/10/2017 at 20:19)

Name: Leilani Malei'a Kalawai'a
Age: 31 years young
FC: Nathalie Kelley

Round Status
R1, R2, R3 complete

Romantic/ Friendly Interests
This round Interest Sebastian, Peter, Sergio
(Vanessa, Juliet, Yann)

Story

Cheer up|| Yann

Leilani was relaxing at the poolside in her swimsuit thinking about the night before. Sleeping next to Sebas felt really nice and talking with him was so easy could she finally open up to someone? Maybe she should give it a shot. She just hoped he wouldn’t ignore her after she tells him. But then again the only thing Lei does around him is talk and he hasn’t ignored her once sometimes she wonders if he is just pretending but looking in his eyes she is sure he listens to every word she says even the ones that make no sense howsoever.

“Hey,” Lei turned her head to see a gloom looking Yann.

“What’s wrong with you?” Lei asked him.

“Do I really come across as a playboy?” He asked softly.

“Yes,” Lei replied simply.

“Lei I didn’t want to hear that,” Yann grumbled.

“But your not and if people don’t want to get to know you they aren’t worth the cool, sweet, nice guy you are, Know stop mopping and tell me more stories about your student’s,” Lei replied and saw a smile break upon his face.

Even though Lei had asked him to tell something it wasn’t too long after that she was the one talking and babbling about her co-worker and boss. Yann noted that she was spoiled by her boss and Leilani responses with that she knew that but she couldn’t help being her and like give the old men a headache. Which Yann found mean and Lei agreed.

They talked some more with Lei trying not to think about Sebastian but it was harder than she thought it would be but gave her some credit she did cheer up Yann which was a side to behold the guy was sexier with a smile.

In Love|| Vanessa, Sebastian

Lei was having breakfast with Vanessa they were chatting about the party. Vanessa telling her how lovely a girl was, she had met Lei was truly happy for her.
"So there's love in the air?" Lei asked while sipping on her tea.

"I think she's so pretty and with that, I mean her inside and out," Lei didn't know if she should take Nessa serious but the girl seemed so sure about love who was she do push her cynical feelings upon her.

"That sounds lovely," Lei replied therefore with a big smile.

"And what about you?" Nessa replied with a smile.

"I am not sure yet but I want to fall just as deeply as you," Lei replied to her surprise meaning those words but Nessa was paying more attention to something behind her.

"Seems like you also have an admirer," Lei frowned but turned around to see Sebas with a grin on his face.

Lei hoped he didn't hear her saying such corny lines.

Lei looked at his closed hand curiously.

"What's that in your hand," Lei asked him when she sees he still has it's hand close.

When he opened his hand up there sat an origami flower.

Her mouth fell open "Sebas that is so beautiful."

"It reminded me of you, would you like to go on date with me gorgeous?" Sebas asked while putting the origami behind her ear.

"Ohhh, that's so romantic," Vanessa replied with love-sick eyes.

Lei shook her head this woman she thought to herself before looking back to Sebas. Who looked annoyed at Nessa properly because of what she said.

"Sure midst you tell me how you made it?" Lei replied pointing at her ear with the flower.

"Youtube," was his simple answer.

"Then I would be delighted to go out with you," Lei replied standing up to hug him.

The Truth|| Sebastian

“Are you ready?” Lei smiled at Sebastian.

“Yes, I am ready,” Lei replied taking his hand in hers.

They had walked for hours in the city and Lei was enjoying herself, Sebastian was for the first time also showing pieces of himself. Lei was more drawn to him that she remembered and it scared her she became quieter and quieter the more they walked. And some point Sebastian stopped talking at looked at her.

“Everything okay?” Lei looked at his eyes they hide so many things will he ever show himself truly, Lei wondered.

“Yes, I am fine sorry, what where you talking about your work?” Sebastian still seemed a little worried but he didn’t comment on it.

“Let’s go to the real date,” Sebas replied taking her hand once again.

“Wait, exploring the city wasn’t the date?” Lei asked confused.

“No,” Was his simple replied with a small smile.

“You can keep such secrets? I would have said told you long ago,” Lei grumbled and followed them.

Sebas laughed, “I am sure you would have,”

Lei smiled and thought to herself was she capable to love again, it was a scary thought but maybe Lei could start with her secret she hoped he won’t disappoint her.

Not too much later they were on a hill looking over the sea.

“Wow,” Lei replied stunned by the side. 

“Speechless, I like the side,” Sebastian replied after seeing Lei’s speechless face.

“Don’t be mean Sebas,” Lei replied still looking at the side.

Sebastian chuckles and warped his arms around her also looking at the view.

Lei was quiet after that.

“I am missing your voice what are you thinking about,” Sebastian whispered but Lei heard him.

“I think it’s time,” Lei replied as softly.

“Time for what?” Lei turned around to look him in the eyes.

“When I told him, my ex, that I couldn’t receive children the normal way, he lost it told me I deceived him the whole time, that I wasn’t a real woman,” Lei told him softly.

“Lei,” Sebastian said but Lei was in her own world.

“He starts to cheat on me right after,” Lei continued a tear rolling over her cheek.

“Lei?!” Sebas tried again to get her to focus.

“Sebas, I believed everything he said every bad thing, I ruined myself image, I broke myself constantly and every time he cheated on me, I blamed myself, I was so lost and it seems like I still am,” Lei said tears were rolling harder down her face.

“Lei? Why are you telling me this?” Sebastian asked.

“Because I am falling for you and I don’t know what to do,” Lei replied biting her lip while looking deep in his eyes.

“Please Leilani I can’t see you like this, stop crying,” Sebastian told her but Lei was in sorrow and the tears kept coming.

Thinking about her past always seems to make the time stop she would have loved to have children running around her while being home and waiting for her husband to arrive from work.

Lei smiled weakly, “You said my whole name for the first time,”

Sebastian hugged the woman to him, “I thought you liked your nickname that’s what you told me,”

“Out of your mouth I like my full name,” Lei whispered while crying his shirt wet while Sebas kept whispering her full name in her ears.

“Leilani your beautiful, a chatterbox and apparently strong this are the things I like about you,” Sebas whispered softly.

Those where the last things Lei heard before waking up the next day in her room sleeping next to her Sebastian and Lei never felt more peace in her life than at that moment.

In Sports|| Peter

“Hey, hot-shot why all the clothing?” Lei smiled at Peter.

“Because I am going to the gym,” Lei replied ready to get some steam go out.

“Do you mind some company?” Lei looked at Peter and signed.

“Going to stop flirting?” The glance Lei received was all the answer she needed.

Lei signed she couldn’t ask for the impossible.

“If you promised no jokes about going to bed with you once again then you can join me,” Lei replied therefor.

“Who said those where jokes,” Peter replied smirking.

“Please, I know sarcasm,” Lei replied with a smirk also.

“Alright I promise I just want to see those jiggle around,” Lei raised an eyebrow at him but didn’t comment.

“Your so charming,” Lei replied walking to the gym with him trailing behind her.

To Lei’s surprise, Peter could be a good friend even his flirting was after a while quite funny especially when he started to ask a straight Lei to comment on ladies. Which Lei found tasteless but she couldn’t help herself she started to the fend the girls that he was throwing in the trash. All in all, Lei loved her sports time which was strange because she hated to sport always getting aches from her extreme impulses when she wants to explore New-Zealand once again because she never sports.

When walking back to her room she saw Sergio sitting at the bar alone and smiled.

“Would you like to have dinner with me?” Lei asked when she was closer to him.

“Ah sure,” Sergio replied looking surprised.

“Good pick me up in an hour I need a quick shower,” With that said Lei left to go to her room.

Toast on Love|| Sergio

Like on clockwise an hour later someone knocked on her door and Lei opened up.

“Thank you for showing up on time,” Lei replied at a neatly dressed Sergio.

“Thank you for inviting me Lei,” Sergio replied with a smile.

“Of course Serg know let’s, go fill my belly,” Lei replied walking out her room.

As soon as they arrived a waiter stood next to them with the menu and a notepad to write there drink order after ordering Lei looked at Sergio.

“You should open up more you know to get to know more people that you may fall in love with,” Lei told him she knew he was shy but he had no reason to.

“I may fall in love with you,” Lei smiled but shook her head to him.

“I can’t keep you on this line and gave you hope like that Sergio I like someone already but I see you as a friend I truly do,” Lei replied feeling like an ass but she had to be honest.

“You like someone?” Sergio looked a little taken aback.

“I know right I believed the least in this cruise and only saw it as vacation,” Lei replied a little ashamed of herself.

Sergio laughed, “I am truly happy for you Lei,”

Lei smiled at him.

“So what about a toast to love,” Lei nodded on that Sergio.

Why not after all.

“That we both leave with our other halves,” Lei told him clicking her glass with his which made Sergio smile.

“I don’t think I can do that Lei,” Sergio replied softly at her.

“You can I believe in you,” Lei replied with a smile and wink.

Sergio looked at Lei and smiled.

“I hope he knows how great you are,” Sergio replied softly taking a sip of his glass.

Lei laughed but also hoped she was doing the right thing Sergio was a great guy after all. But Lei couldn’t deny the fact that she was falling for Sebastian and she wished she wasn’t because she truly had to admit she was scared.

Outfits

Date with Sebas& Date with Sergio
Done

Last edited by NinaJones (13/10/2017 at 22:47)

Luna Pelletier
Age: 29

Round Status: done

Interests: Dimitri, Sebastian, Vanessa(pretty much the same, yep, still no importance)


dates: Vanessa, Dimitri

Morning grumpiness was inevitable, as was another problem. Clemont was slacking off and I kept copies of e-mails he had been sending me on separate disc just in case. As far as I was concerned, he had no idea what he was doing... And so I was stuck at listing up the most effective upgrades... while eating breakfast and listening to music. So the view of me eating and on laptop was there and I've earned few glances.
"One more time and I'm sending those..." I muttered, irritated. At one point I will stop aiding him... And there it was, I was being workaholic without even realising it.
"What's up, Luna?" Sebastian sat down at my table.
At this point I took a spoonful of my breakfast, so I muttered a greeting while holding it in my mouth. He chuckled at me... and I waved the spoon at him two seconds later.
"What are you doing?"
"Actually, making sure that my replacement won't take credit for my work... a.k.a. workaholic mode on vacation."
He shook his head. He wasn't working, I could assume.
"Emergencies?"
"Uhuh" I nodded. "His loss, since I know how to do it and he doesn't, he only gets finished things. And that's why I'm saving mails in case he gets fishy."
"That's cruel."
"That's life" I shrugged and popped out an earphone. "So, plans for Malaga?" I certainly didn't want to talk about my work ethics, so I moved to another topic.
After speed dating we've been informed of the potential interests that matched our picks and I was suprised at one particular name.
"I think I'd ask Leilani out" he says and I nod. "You know, dates."
"Yeah, I know."
"And you? Any date plans?"
"Hell if I know" I snorted. "Maybe, once I figure it all out."
"Don't loose whole Malaga time to think" he snickered and I did quite childish thing of sticking my tongue at him.

~*~

"Ah, there you are" I finally managed to find Dimitri around the ship. Jesus, he's practically impossible to find if he doesn't want anybody to be around... just a guess, but it's kind of hard to decently talk to him.
"Luna" he nodded towards me. Acutally, if I was to guess, he wasn't hostile towards me, which was a plus. "Why have you been looking for me?"
"Because I managed to get some last minute opera tickets and I want you to come along?" I smiled, tilting my head. "How about that?"
"Sounds like you're asking me out."
"Mmm... Yeah, required dates. And?"
"You've never been to opera before, you told me so."
"Yeah" I admitted. "So?" I still wanted to hear his logic. "You could show me the ropes, so to speak. Hey, let me hang out with you, opera, food and a walk."
"Fine" he agreed, so that was a plus. "When?"
"Friday. Opera is around eight, so six thirty."
"You're excited" he pointed out.
"Yeah, this might get interesting."
So that was one thing. I got what I wanted, so the only problem were proper clothes... And I wasn't inclined on buying anything here. It was not shopping vacation or anything like this.
A few hours later I was on the pool deck, just relaxing and playing on the phone.
"What are you doing on Thursday?" Vanessa asked me out of the blue, approaching me when I was having my solitude time... Well, I've been having my solitude time quite often here, but I wasn't barking at people for interrupting it.
"Nothing as far as I know" I replied, pulling down my headphones. Yeah, quiet music. As usual.
"Then how about going out together? We could eat something, see what's worth exploring or..."
"Sure" I nodded. Thursday wasn't colliding. "That might be cool, but no running tou much, I'm wearing a dress."

~*~

"I love your dress" Vanessa said the monet I joined her.
Given the fact that we're supposed to hang out, it was also a date. Vanessa was on the short list I was given and I was also on her list, otherwise I wouldn't be even mentioning it.
"Thanks" I smiled. "That's the longest dress I have in my closet, picked it when we were at Marseilles. You know, from home."
"Yeah" she smiled. She was utterly cute with that smile. "I haven't thanked you for the tour back there."
"Don't mention it, it was nothing, really." I knew some places and took her there. Finding here was complete coincidence that turned out great. No complaints.
"I mean it, Luna" she insisted and I laughed, a bit embarrassed from that.
"And it's not because I'm not wearing shorts or short dress?" I joked. She laughed. "Figured."
It was just that. There was practically nothing to it, but hey, who said I can't especially that I'd probably won't be wearing it anytime soon.
And it was just plain fun, talking. Just talking, since we were actually out. First stop? Somewhere to eat.
"Anybody that caught your eye? Not counting me." I asked rather humorously.
"Yeah" she smiled and I couldn't help, but feel a teeny tiny hint to compete... But I scratched the thought. Competitions aren't good here and I'm facing particular challenge, so... no. "There has been a few people. And you? I mean..."
"Apart from you... Maybe, I have no idea."
And I wasn't having any idea, really. Maybe I could just go with it... If it wasn't for the fact that I'm not really here to find love.
"I'm a victim of peer pressure" I shrugged. "But could be worse."
"Like what?"
"They would sign me up" I grinned.
Cute time. I could describe the whole thing as cute time. We walked after eating, saw some sights she was able to see without running and talked some more. That's how I could describe it. And again, cute time, it was pleasant talking to her. I hadn't felt forced to tell things, so... what would that mean?

~*~

That was definitely interesting. Not only because I've seen opera first time in my life - and not counting clothes, they were elegent in my opinion, but maybe others thought otherwise, no matter, I looked elegant IMHO - and it was first time I've seen Dimitri watching something with interest. Well, I didn't understood a thing that was sung, but I could get everything from what was happening on stage. Okay, back to Dimitri. He was interested and he was enjoying it. I battled with myself to tease him a little bit, but dismissed the thought.
"This was definitely interesting" I said when we were walking through the streets. He smirked.
"Is that so? You were confused half of the time" he seemed to insert a little bit of humor. Or just pointed things out, I couldn't tell.
"And you, mister, were no help at all" I snorted. "But nevertheless, the whole thing was interesting. I might go again one day."
"If you won't be playing games" yeah, he didn't get the appeal of those.
"Nah, I've been working, working and working, I don't have that much time to play" I shrugged. "And you know with whom I deal on daily basis."
"Ten taken guys" he recalled and I nodded, smiling.
"Precisely. Glad you remember. So what was the excuse?" I asked, earning a look. "I mean, your co-worker had to come up with an excuse why. What was it?"
Safe subject, something we could connect with. Actually, we probably had the only common point in this.
"That it's the best for me" he frowned. And I couldn't help but roll my eyes.
"Okay, so nowhere near my level... This is actually the lamest excuse I've heard."
"And what did yours say?"
"Not to lie, almost all of them said the same. That one that broke away said that couples get discounts at his wive's cafe, of which I'm frequent client and the rest... they want to dance at my wedding" I groaned, leaning on the barrier we've been passing and at the same time I've stopped our walk.
I was pretty sure that Dimitri was internally chuckling at their stupidity. But he said nothing about it.
"An unusual buch" he finally commented.
"You said it" I sighed. "But you know, it's like living with a bunch of nosy brothers... If I had any, they'd probably would be the same as them."
"You don't have brothers?" it seemed that it picked his interest.
"No. Last time I was actually able to check I didn't."
He wasn't saying anything. Nothing. I sighed again, looking far away. Then, he looked and there was a question. Or I imagined things.
"I don't have contact with my parents since I decided to abandon medicine completely minus one thing. They wanted me to be a doctor, so that hadn't sat well with them, to put it lightly. So... yeah, big quarrel and all that, all emotions pouring. I tried to call them when I got my current job, but mom hung up on me..."
"And why are you telling me this?"
"... Sorry... I guess mentioning family stuff makes me that way. Let's continue."
It seemed that he had something there, maybe suspected I could use that to lure out the most sensitive info... Not that I wasn't interested, but he is a guarded man, with walls up around certain subjects. Myself... I have a fence, easy to cross over.
We hadn't talked afterwards and it wasn't uncomfortable. Just silent walk back to the hotel.
"Hey" I said, when we were about to part. "THanks for the evening."
"No, thank you for taking me there."
Well, that was something...

let's say it's...
COMPLETED
but rushed

Last edited by Siri (11/10/2017 at 21:27)

Name and age: Valentine Cross, 25

Round Status: R1 complete, R2 complete, R3 complete

Romantic Interests: David & Peter

Scheduling the two dates

Following the speed dating and the costume party I was more than a little read for some one on one time off the ship. It was a bonus that I'd never been to Malaga and new it would be a great addition to my socials.

"Ready to get wild with me?" Peter asked the morning before we were set to dock.

"Innuendo Peter? Aren't you a bit old for that?" I responded playfully.

"It's not innuendo, it's an invitation." He clarified, "You, me and somewhere special in Malaga."

"If this somewhere special turns out to be a hot tub or your hotel suite I'm going to be pissed."

"It's not." he promised, "Just go out with me on Thursday night."

"Fine." I agreed."What do you have planned?"

"What would be the fun in telling you that?"

"How am I supposed to know what to wear?"

"As much as it pains me to say this I'm going to suggest pants."

"Pants?" I asked unsure if I heard him right

"Oh...and wear flats." he offered as the only other instruction before excusing himself to do some packing.

***

Still trying to wrap my mind around my interaction with Peter I went to go seek out David. Coffee in Marseilles had been nice, but it hadn't helped me to get to know him any better. I found him lounging on one of the decks and approached him.

"You know if a beautiful woman asks you out on a date in a foreign country it's impolite to say 'no'?" I started.

"Is that another legend?" He asked looking up at me.

"No, just good manners on the part of a gentleman." I countered.

"Really?"

"Really, and you strike me as a gentleman so I'm here to ask you out to dinner on Friday."

"Dinner on Friday." He repeated, "Sure, why not?"

It wasn't the enthusiastic answer I had hoped for but it seemed to be the only kind of answer he was willing to give.

Date #1: Peter

When Peter informed me that our date wasn't going to start until 10pm I was a little skeptical, and I flat out thought he was lying when he told me that we were going to a zoo.

"What kind of zoo is open at 10 at night?" I asked annoyed.

"The Bioparc Fuengirola" he answered without hesitation.

It really is open that late

http://www.visitcostadelsol.com/experiences/amusement-parks/bioparc-fuengirola-p25501

"The what?" I said regretting my lack of aptitude in foreign languages.

"The Bioparc Fuengirola." he repeated slowly.

"This must be one hell of a zoo."

"It's like nothing you've ever seen before." He insisted.

I was pleasantly surprised to find out that he was telling the truth, between the beauty of the zoo, Peter's expert knowledge, and the ability to explore by artificial moonlight, I found myself enamored to the point that I only took a couple of quick snaps which I didn't even bother to caption.

***

"That was incredible." I gushed as Peter and I strolled back to the hotel.

"I'm glad you liked it." He said sounding sincere.

"I like this version of you." I responded honestly.

"Enough to kiss me?" He asked, stopping to wait for my answer.

"Maybe just enough to kiss you." I responded before allowing our lips to meet.

"Enough to stay in my hotel room tonight?" He asked after the kiss.

"Not that much...not yet anyway." I responded. "But I think I like you enough to invite you for a late night swim."

"Skinny-dipping?" He asked.

"Swimsuits optional." I offered before resuming the course back to the hotel.

"Meet me at the pool in 15 minutes." I told him when we got back to the hotel.



"Hey. I thought you said this was a swimsuit optional thing." Peter called out from the pool when I sauntered in to meet him wearing a bathing suit.

"I'm a fashion blogger remember? So I opted for a swimsuit as something I could post in my feed." I smiled.

"You really are a predator." He laughed before playfully splashing me.

"So are you." I responded before slipping into the water with him.

"So if we're both predators then who chases who and what happens when the other one is caught?" He asked.

"You're the zoologist...you tell me." I challenged. "In the mean time though I'm totally willing to come after you for another kiss."

The rest of the night was spent talking and kissing in and out of the pool,and there were several moments when I bit my tongue on the verge of inviting Peter up to my suite. I hated to admit it even to myself, but I was starting to fall for him and without some clear indication that he may be feeling the same way I didn't want to ruin things with a one night stand.

Date #2: David

The success of my date with Peter only highlighted the failure of my date with David who I invited to dinner at a small restaurant. Whereas Peter was funny and open and easy to talk to, David was much more withdrawn disconnected. The only time he seemed to liven up at all was when I offhandedly asked about his sister.

"Where's that enthusiasm when I ask about other things?" I blurted out.

"Excuse me?" He said.

"When I mention your sister you brighten up, but with almost everything else you're so nonchalant."

"What do you want?" He asked angrily. "Do you expect me to trip all over myself complimenting you or raving about the food?"

"No." I began. "But you could have mentioned how nice I look, or given some option about the restaurant, or offered up the tiniest shred of conversation." I seethed.

"Sorry I'm not on all the time like you." He said condescendingly. "We don't all have an audience to put on an act for."

"It seems like you're doing a good job of drawing an audience now." I said gesturing to the other diners who were staring at us. "I'll let you enjoy them." I said as I threw a few bills on the table and stormed out of the restaurant.

I didn't expect David to follow me but I was curious as to why he agreed to go out at all if he had no intentions of even trying.

Last edited by Dare (09/10/2017 at 11:21)

Emerald “Emma” Hernandez
  26 years old (18th October)

Interests: Antoine/David
Round Status: R1/2 DONE



David // Antoine

The aftermath of alcohol

“Rise and shine sunshine!” Harry's voice flooded my ears after what seemed like about an hour since I went to bed. I felt my head explode as he opened the curtains of my room and I could only grab my pillow and bury my head under it. - “Oh no you don't!” Harry pulled away the pillow, stroking softly my disheveled hair. Yes it was a bit too late for a soft approach at waking me up.
“Whtimist?” I mumbled, barely opening one eye to glance at my friend who was, as always, fresh as a lettuce, carrying a big smile on his lips.
“Say what?” He grinned, plumping down by my side. He hugged my pillow so I couldn't steal it back so I just grunted to myself in the way I'm sure ogres do.
“What time is it.” I repeated as I dragged myself off the bed, feeling like I had been axed in the skull.
“Half past noon.”
I turned my head back at him briefly, giving him a dead stag stare before dissapearing behind the bathroon door.
I come out a few minutes later after washing my face, brushing my teeth and a pathetic try to brush my hair. I remember I showered last night to take the stench of the alcohol from me but somehow I still felt like I had fallen in a barrel of wine.
“So I want dirty details.” Harry grinned as I fell on the bed again, feeling like crap.
“Dirty details, go check my clothes, can't get dirtier than that.” I mumbled, a hand over my closed eyes because I was feeling a massive headache still.
“Here, take these woman!” Harry handed me the miracle pills of hangover. I downed them immediately. - “And you know what I mean....” He rolled his eyes but I decided I was better off with my own eyes closed for the moment. - “I saw David walk out of here yesterday.”
Okay I couldn't see him because my eyes were still closed but I know Harry. I know this freak. He was waggling his brows and making funny faces at me.
Sure enough I open one eye and my assumptions get confirmed. That is until my memory flashes back and I remember what I had done last night. At that moment no face Harry could make would help.
“Oh my god.” I whisper, covering my face with both hands because closing my eyes isn't enough.
“Uhhhhhh you did the dirtyyyy!”
I shot a glare at Harry for a few seconds before covering my face again.
“I did not!!” I took a deep breath, - “I kissed him. Oh my god I actually kissed David.”
“It's that bad? He's cute...”
Another glare.
“Yes he's cute and a whole lot of other complicated things too. The guy doesn't even say much about himself, I only found out yesterday that he's from Ireland so I basically kissed a stranger!”
Could I die? I'm sure if I jumped off the ship I'd die.
“Don't be a drama queen, that's my role. And besides, everyone we kiss in this ship are strangers! That's sort of the point of it all, to meet new people and to do the kinky with them.”
“I didn't come here to do kinky with anyone Harry. I came because you signed us up! Now I've made a fool out of myself.”
I snatched the pillow from his arms and buried my head underneath again. - “I'm going to stay here like this until the end of the cruise.”
“So you're not going to eat or drink?” Harry asked, amused.
“You're going to fetch those for me since you're the one responsible for the amount of shame I've gone through. I thought Antoine was gay and always acted and adressed him as such, I kissed David while drunk and I'm probably getting my period because I'm usually not this kind of drama queen so there.”
Harry laughed at my face, wanting me to actually choke him with my pillow but the need to hide my face was greater.
“Alright.” Harry rose from the bed. - “I'll get you brunch today but you're getting out of that bed missy.”
“Right right.” I waved a hand at him to leave my room and he actually did it after a girly giggle.
Yeah, like I'll leave this room before the cruise is over. Only over my dead body.

I did get out of bed when he brought me this amazing souflet and delicious orange juice.
So sue me.

Link to external image

Malagueta

So for the next two days I keep my word and don't get out of my room. Between room service and Harry I was good enough with my laptop and an endless supply of cupcakes.
When the ship docked in Malaga my intentions were to stay put in my room and maybe no one would notice my absence. Unfortunately Harry decided he didn't want to feed me anymore and so I had to get out of my hiding.
Then I had the amazing idea of getting off that ship as quickly as I could and check in at the hotel. I would never admit it out loud but I did want to see Malaga and if I ran away early enough maybe I'd be able to avoid meeting people.

My plan worked out perfectly at the beginning. I snuck out my bags from the suite unnoticed and checked in at the hotel before the others did; unfortunately I wasn't as lucky when it came to the early rising plot.

I walked inside the restaurant, ready to get my healthy breakfast (must make amends for the several cupcakes I devoured the last two days) when I saw only three people sitting at the tables, probably having the same idea as me. While I couldn't care less about two of those the third one did made me stop on my tracks. I unconsciously turned away before I could be seen and felt my heart rush when I stopped, away from sight.
Okay so breakfast plans were screwed. I tried to think of an alternative when I saw my reflection on the polished windows. And it downed on me.
I am a 26 year old woman. A grown a*s woman who is being all frightened to be face to face with a guy she drunk kissed. How stupid was I?
I cleared my throat, straightened my back and walked inside the restaurant, purposefully pretending to have missed David's presence in there. I went to the buffet and got some croissants and jam and with another deep deep breath I made my way towards the man.
“Hey...” I greeted, noticing my voice sounded far more awkward than I intended to.
“Morning.” He barely rose his head from the morning paper while bitting on a sandwich.
“Morning...” I replied back, my brows furrowing. We both drank a lot that night, maybe he didn't remember the whole thing?
But the way he was avoiding my gaze told me otherwise. I took a sip of water and decided to get it over with. - “Erm, David...” His eyes shifted from the paper to me, - “...I wanted to apologize for my behavior the other night...You know, at the costume party...”
“Apology accepted.”
Okay so that had been easy. I stared at him surprised.
“Erm... good. I mean, I didn't want to do anything you wouldn't want and offend you in any way...” I tried to continue but David didn't seem all too phased by it.
“Like I said, apologies accepted.”
I opened and closed my mouth enough times to probably look like a fish while no words came out of it. I couldn't tell if he really didn't care of if he was pissed enough to not even discuss it.
I took the easy road which was to accept his answer and just stuff my mouth with croissants before anything else came flying out from it.
“So.... you're up early...” I commented after some excrutiating silence. I'm sure we could hear a fly if it flew around us.
“I could say the same to you. Especially when you didn't show your face for nearly three days.” He didn't raise his head from the paper and he didn't need to. His tone told me all I needed to know.
He was pissed.
I cleared my throat, trying to sound as normal as possible.
“Yes, I was feeling sick after the party so I decided to stay put until I felt better.” I gave a nervous chuckle and felt like slapping myself.
“It's called a hangover you know...” Now he did lift his gaze to me and I could only stare.
Before another nonsense came out of my mouth I finished the croissant.
Okay so David wasn't the most outspoken person around. He didn't really speak much, not even before the kiss of doom (how I now call it) but I didn't want things to stay this way. It was just awkward and we were both adults.
I let out my breath when I finished breakfast and looked at David until he felt bothered enough to stare back at me inquiringly.
“Look I feel like there's still some tension here... And I don't like tension... I mean we were on a great track with our clean slate and I want to keep it that way...” He continued to stare at me. - “I'm going out to tour a bit of Malaga, do you want to come with me? You don't even need to talk to me if you don't want to, you can just keep me company and buy pretty stuff for your sister.” I gave him my best pleading look to which not even Harry resisted and although I hated the sigh he gave I was happy to know not even David could resist me pleading.
I smiled as soon as he nodded and rose from the table.
“It would be rather hard though to tour a place without speaking to the touring partner.” He pointed out as we walked out of the hotel and I side glanced at him, amused.
If he wanted to talk to me, I sure as hell wouldn't complain.

Some time later...

I'm a good person. A really good person. It's a pity David didn't believe me when I told him I want to see the wine museum and tour due to his work as a bartender instead of the free drinks (something I learned a few days ago).
Still he believed it was a good idea and it was interesting to see all the different wines both of us didn't know. I don't know how he thought we would get drunk since all the wines had like 1 ml in each glass. But they were really good. (like seriously).
Feel so tasted some wine with malagueta, which was spicy and really hot but I actually liked it (so did David even if he doesn't admit it).
By the end of our tour the guide rounded up the people he said his thanks and I noticed a wooden table with a different bottle of wine. The guide proceeded to invite us to try their homebred malagueta which was red as Snow White's Apple.
And what exactly is a malagueta? It is a freaking hot red chili pepper that burns one's mouth. And yes that is what he wanted us to try.
I glanced at David and he glanced back at me unsure of what to do.
The tour guide approached us then.
"So will this cute couple try our malagueta?"
I opened and closed my mouth like a fish for a few moments, surprised by the question.
"We're not a couple." David replied before I could, making the tour guide give us all sorts of apologies and still asked us to try the malagueta.
He probably assumed I said yes when I shrugged my shoulders because two seconds later he came back with two of those red portals to hell.
What comes next doesn't need to be explained. Quite a few tears, half a liter of milk and around a liter of water to soothe my throat. To say we regret trying the malagueta is an understatement (it was freaking horrible).
I had already tried some dishes in my Abuela's home that used malagueta but nothing was that strong. I was actually happy I wasn't the only one to think it was really strong because David had to hold back his own tears and chugged down a bottle of water as fast as I did.

It felt good to feel the breeze and I nearly wanted to open my mouth and put my tongue out to stop it from stinging.
"Do you still want to visit the rest of the city?" I glanced at David.
"Do you want to? I'm alright for now I suppose..."
"Well, I think I'm alright too and I really want to see the rest of the city."
"That settles it then" he replied starting to walk again.

The lights of a ferris wheel caught my attention and I stopped in my tracks. I gazed at it for a bit, completely in awe with the lights contrasting against the Nightfall.
David glanced at me as I smiled.
" I always loved seeing the ferris wheel. When I was little I watched cartoons and the girl would always ride one with the boy she liked and they usually confessed or stood in awkward silence..." I chuckled, seeing David's attentive gaze. - "Do you like it?" I asked seeing him stare at the ferris wheel.
"I don't mind it I suppose. Do you want to ride it?"
It was a surprise to hear that question.
"I...erm.. no, I... there's no need." I embarrassedly replied, starting to walk down the road again.
David glanced at his phone where he had his GPS on (he was lost, not me. Anything saying otherwise is a lie).
"The hotel is this way." He started walking the opposite direction to the ferris wheel and I kept glancing between them.
"Were you serious?" I asked then, stopping on my tracks again. He glanced back at me with a confused expression.
"About the hotel? Yes I am."
"I mean the ferris wheel. You really don't mind us going?"
"If I did I wouldn't have asked." well one never knows but I was going to trust him.
"Then please... Let's go."

I paid for the tickets and sat close to the window looking down at the city beneath us, all the pretty lights and the people who looked like ants.
"Check this out!"
David moved closer to the window and stared at the view. - "It's beautiful."
It was the most honest tone I had heard him use. I smiled, looking down at city as well. Who would have thought Malaga was this pretty? When David smiled he resembled the man I drank with the other evening and it made me remember everything that had happened.
Silence settled between us as David sat in front of me, close to the window, his gaze shifting from time to time from the window to me.
"Why did you do it?" He broke the silence, making my gaze turn to him.
"Did what?" I was utterly confused, did he mean the ride?
"Almost kiss me I mean." He clarified, sending a wave of shock through my body. I had no idea what to reply, none at all. His serious expression made me want to tell the truth but I didn't know what the truth was. I could easily blame alcohol for everything but it wasn't alcohol's fault. I continued to stare at him and open and close my mouth as a fish, unable to find an answer.
"I... I honestly don't know." I let out my breath, - " I was feeling good and I wanted to do it and that's when alcohol kicked in and didn't let me think things through..." I shifted uncomfortably on my seat, - "I really wasn't thinking then, I suppose."
"Hm."
That was seriously his only reply. I stared at him in silence, waiting for him to add anything else but he didn't. I felt a heavy weight on my chest and stared out the window.
"What do you mean by that?" I had to push him a little, that answer was basically no answer at all.
"Nothing." his one-word answers were irking me but I kept my mouth shut, wondering instead about it.

An actual date?

As I walked into the lobby I spotted Antoine's smiling face and he approached me. I glanced at David and back at the man, somewhat confused.
"Hi Emma, I was waiting for you, I tried to knock on your door but you weren't there so I just decided to wait for you here."
I smile at the Frenchman and see David walking away with one last glance, so I just wave him goodbye.
"Is something wrong? Are you okay?" I asked worried, trying to check for any signs that he wasn't well but he was just as handsome as always (like he would ever look anything other than that).
Antoine chuckled, - "Yes I'm fine I just wanted to ask your expertise on something..." - I furrowed my brows, waiting for him to continue. - " I want to visit some places in Malaga but as you well know I don't speak Spanish and since you do I was wondering if you would want to keep me company tomorrow..."
I'm pretty sure a lot of places in Malaga have English speakers, it is a tourist city after all but I didn't tell him that.
"Of course" I replied with a smile. Seeing the sights with a man like this one, who wouldn't want it? - "Do you know what you want to visit?"
"I have a few ideas but if you have any better ones i'd appreciate it".
Ideas are something I never lacked, I simply had to take away the places I seen today and try to find some that would be interesting for both me and Antoine. Easy peasy.
"Yes I do have some, you'll find them out tomorrow." I chuckled.
"Tomorrow then." his smile was contagious and I couldn't help but feel warm inside and nod like a dork.

I barged into Harry's room, finding him sitting by his bed texting someone on his phone.
"What's up?" He asked, noticing my embarrassed expression.
"I think I have a date", I told him, sitting by his side on the bed.
"Don't tell me David wants to complete the kiss you tried to give him." Harry teased waggling his brows, which earned him a smack on the shoulder.
"No I was with him today and he was quite the gentleman... As always. My maybe-date is with Antoine, he just asked me to see some places in the city with him and of course I said yes."
"Of course" Harry repeated with a grin, - "So what exactly are you doing here again? Don't tell me you're nervous, the girl who didn't believe in love or the purpose of this cruise is actually nervous to be going on a date."
"Well I wouldn't be if he hadn't told me he signed himself to the cruise to find true love. What if he expects me to be that person? I'm no one's true love Harry, I don't believe it myself."
"Just chill woman, it's a date, not a marriage. Go out, have fun, don't think about it." He shrugged his shoulders.
"But what will I wear?" Okay I know I was being silly but I couldn't help it. It was the first time I was going on a real date with a man that actually invited me. So I was nervous, sue me.
"You look great even with the tablecloth so just wear anything that makes you feel comfortable and I'm sure Antoine will love it."
"You're such a help", I let out my breath, falling on my back.
"Do you like him?" I turned on my side to face Harry and thought about it for a moment.
"Yes, I do, he's funny and nice, who wouldn't like him?"
"You know what I mean", he gave me one of his famous stares, rolling his eyes then.
"If you're asking me if I feel attracted to him, yes I do it's normal. He's a good-looking man and has eyes to die for. Not to mention abs", - I chuckled - "But I don't think there's anything deeper than that for now."
"It doesn't have to be, if you feel attracted to him that's enough, just go and have fun."
The thing is he wasn't the only person I felt attracted to, not that I would ever say it out loud. My mind went back to the evening I tried to kiss David and I felt a tug in my chest. - "I'm going to try and get some sleep."
Suddenly I felt like I needed to get away from there and just hide beneath my bed cover until the morning. I didn't want to think about anything else, just sleep.
And that is what I did.

Dancing tour

“Wow I like what you did to your hair.”
I blinked surprised as I met Antoine at the lobby, it wasn't every day that a man noticed when a woman tried to do something different to her hairstyle, so I was pleasantly surprised. - “Something wrong?” He added then as he saw me stare at him.
“No, not at all. I'm just surprised you noticed...” I smiled warmly, walking outside of the building with the frenchman.

One of the first places I thought for us to go was a medieval castle (mostly in ruins)  and was glad to see that Antoine liked the idea.
“So what are you expecting to do when you get back home?” He asked as he glanced over the wall of the castle into the amazing view of the ocean.
I turned to him, leaning my back on the wall.
“Well I didn't have much time to focus on the clinic, I mean I just finished my college degree and internship so now is the time to really work for it I suppose.” I smiled.
“Did you always want to be a vet?”
I chuckled, shaking my head.
“I wanted to be pretty much everything growing up. As a kid I wanted to be a singer. Then when I realized I couldn't sing to save my life I decided to be an actress, except I can't lie in a convincing way either so I had to put that aside too. Then I wanted to be a cook, a firefighter and lastly a vet. I ended up following the last path.”
Antoine laughed, holding my hand to help me walk through a bit of crumbled path (I suppose I chose the wrong shoes for this).
“That is quite a lot.” He nodded, letting go of my hand when we were in a safe path. - “So you have a pet I suppose?”
“Not yet. I want to have a dog though but for now I just couldn't give him the time I knew he'd need so I wanted to get school out of the way. Never had a pet either because my parents were allergic to fur and a sphinx cat was really expensive.” I chuckled.
“Okay but let's rewind a bit... You said you wanted to be a cook...”
“Yes?” I furrowed my brows even if I couldn't help but chuckle a little at his interest because he actually stopped on the path to face me.
“I suppose that means you're good at cooking?” He grinned.
“Yes, I'm no Ramsey Gordon but I do like to cook and no one ever had food poisoning so...” I laughed, followed by him.
“Then why are we here? You should cook us dinner, I'll even bring the ingredients.”
I let my mouth fall purposefully pretending to be shocked.
“Hey! If you're the one asking you should be the one cooking!”
“Yes I know...” we started walking again to the other side of the castle. - “But I have a confession to make.” He turned his blue eyes to me and I just couldn't help but chuckle even if I had no idea what he was going to say, - “... I'm a horrible cook.” - I laughed and he nodded - “It's the truth, I know it's terrible to say when you're in a dating program but I really can't cook more than scrambled eggs and fries.”
“Well that's better than nothing.” I teased, feeling happy that we were having a normal conversation. I don't know why I was so worried last night about the date, Antoine was the cutest person ever and not even once made things awkward. - “I'll think about that meal then.” I promised with a wink and saw him laugh.

After we had lunch in the heart of Malaga Antoine and I decided to visit the interactive music museum. It was fun since it had a great deal of different styles and an audio guide. Each room had space for people to try the different dances and I did have fun trying to teach Salsa to the man.
“As in all dances you must lead, you go in four steps, like heel-side-heel-back and repeat.” He grabbed one of my hands and put the other on my waist. I smiled as I heard the music start again from the beginning and tried to teach him how to dance the Salsa without actually being me guiding him. He was pretty much a natural because a few minutes later he was leading me pretty nicely.
“I think I got the hang of this.” He smiled, twirling me a bit through the room.
“You did even if this twirl isn't Salsa.” I chuckled, letting myself be led through the space.
“Well we can always invent something.”
That we did. It was fun and when the song ended we were both panting a little. I definitely should have brought sneakers and not heels but I didn't want to look more of a midget than I already did.
“Did you even try waltzing?” Antoine asked as we both heard a waltz in the next room.
“I learned a few steps for my high school prom but I can't honestly say if I still remember them.”
I saw him smile warmly, his blue eyes staring into my brown ones and for the first time in that date I felt a little embarrassed.
“You thought me how to dance Salsa. Now I'll teach you how to waltz.” He grabbed my hand and led me into the salon where a few people were already dancing with their partners. I smiled watching an old couple waltz tightly through the room. They were really good and even if they were around eighty I could tell there was so much love between them still. - “Emma.” Antoine's voice called my attention back at him. He extended the hand he was holding and put the other one on my back, pulling me towards him. I couldn't help but stare up at his face, making me realize just how big were his lashes. I wished mine were like that without mascara.
“Is something wrong?” He asked after I'd been staring at his face for a few seconds, making me turn my gaze to anywhere else.
“No, none at all.” I replied completely embarrassed but Antoine didn't seem to notice (thankfully).
“Just try to follow my steps.” He smiled, pulling us into the rhythm of the waltz and I recognized a few moves from my school days.
As we danced his hand (probably unconsciously) started to fall to the small of my back, which only pulled us closer but Antoine kept talking about stuff, paying no attention to that fact. It seemed like I was the only one hyper-sensitive.
As the dance ended Antoine finally took a step back from me but kept holding one of my hands. He made a really cute bow and thanked for the dance like he was some gentleman from the 18th century.
While I smiled I tried to do one of those curtsies ladies used to do back then (or as similar as I saw in movies) but it looked pretty ridiculous, making both of us end up laughing heartily.
While we walked out of the room and museum I noticed Antoine was still holding my hand. He didn't notice it or if he did he didn't mention it, he simply kept talking about chocolate and how he found some spicy edition in Malaga.
I wasn't sure what to say, should I just take back my hand, pretend like I need to arrange my hair or shirt or just leave it there? I glanced around the street to the other couples, walking up and down the avenue with hands or arms linked together. Did we look like a couple to those people as much as they did to me?
“...so I'm definitely going to buy quite a few of those to take back home.” Antoine chuckled, calling my attention back at him.
“I had enough spicy things for a lifetime, yesterday I ended up trying a malagueta and swore to never do it again.”
“Was it that bad? I never tried it raw.” He tilted his head as we made our way back to the hotel.
“It was pretty bad.” I nodded - “But I think we have spicy chocolate in NY. I mean there's pretty much everything there.”
“You have to give me a tour of NY if I ever go there.”
I glanced at him, feeling a bit curious. Was he being serious or just saying that to make small talk? He was from France, he was a pretty good sports journalist in Europe, why would he want to go to NY?
Then I reminded myself there are things called vacations where people go to somewhere different. Feeling rather dumb I nodded to Antoine's words.
“You can be sure I will. I might even make that meal you wanted.”
“What, only in NY?” He joked, faking a shocked look even if he was smiling.
“Yep. Only there.” I grinned, seeing the top of the hotel down the sidewalk.

As we entered the lobby Antoine finally pulled his hand away from mine, calling the elevator. He walked me to my suite like a proper gentleman would and stopped by my door.
“Thank you for going sight-seeing with me, it would have been a bore to go alone.”
“Oh it's okay! I had great fun too so it's a win-win.” I grinned, wondering if I should invite him inside since it was still early.
“We need to do this more often.”
“Yeah, definitely.” I kept glancing back at my suite and the man, unsure of what to do.
“Talk to you later then.” I focused on Antoine, ending up nodding to his words.
“Thanks for the fun day.” I smiled, seeing him shake his head.
“No, thank you for the day.” He smiled warmly, cupping my cheek with a hand. I nearly went short of breath when I saw Antoine lean down but to my surprise he planted a kiss on my cheek. I could only stare as he pulled away. - “See you.” He mumbled, waiting a few moments to see if I replied but I was static. He smiled and walked down the corridor towards the elevator and I just stood there, feeling my heart beat like crazy. Why did I think he was going to kiss me on the lips? I completely forgot Parisians liked to kiss on the cheek, apparently it was the norm in Europe instead of handshakes.

rushed but DONE

Last edited by hhgurl1 (15/10/2017 at 17:05)

Sorry I'm late.

Lyla Prescott
25
RI: Yann & Dimitri
Rs 1,2,3 complete

Breakfast

The morning after the party, breakfast felt a bit weird. I could see a lot of people eyeing each other ever since the speed dating thing and so the whole situation felt a bit stiff and awkward. I didn’t want to eye anyone so as usual I started to eat a lot to distract myself from that situation. “Why is it that whenever there’s food around, I always see you stuffing yourself with it?” I looked up and saw Dimitri standing in front of me with the usual charming smile. I gave him an awkward smile and wiped my mouth. He sat on the table with me. I don’t like it when other people see me eat. I feel pressured to eat like a normal person; neatly and slowly.  And I just can’t do that since I always make a mess with whatever I am eating. That morning Dimitri and I made small talk. I wonder if he sat with me just because he didn’t feel like eating alone because it certainly wasn’t to talk to me. What surprised me the most was that the next morning he sat with me again!

asking him

We reached Malaga and were informed that we had to go on two dates. A proper date! This felt nerve-wrecking since it wasn’t just a ten minute date like the last one and more than that because I had never ever went on a date before so I didn’t know what was supposed to happen. Who was I even going to go on a date with? I paced the floor of my suite back and forth wondering what to do. I felt so nervous that I thought I was suffocating. No one was going to ask me on a date. More than that, I had to ask someone? I’d get rejected for sure. The date was supposed to be on Thursday and when Thursday came I still had no date! So I build some courage and went to ask the first person that came to my mind.Dimitri. Not because I wanted to date him, is what I told myself, but because I had no choice. All I hoped was that he would accept and actually talk to me during the date. So I went to knock on his door and when he opened I said it. “Let’s go on a date! It will be fun!” He didn’t say anything and looked like I dropped a bomb on him. “Unless you already have a date. Or maybe you just don’t want to go with me which is fine. I just thought I’d give it a try. Okay, bye!” And I turned around to leave. “Okay.” He said from behind me. My heart skipped a beat. I wanted to smile but I couldn’t and once again felt like I was suffocating with nerves. “Dinner at the restaurant tonight, then. At seven.” He said. Oh no, not dinner! He has to watch me eat once again. Ugh! I gave him a nod and left quickly.

1st date

I had nothing to wear is what I realised. Nothing nice enough for him. I knew I shouldn’t have been feeling this nervous but for some reason, I was. After spending two hours grooming myself, I threw on the nicest thing I had. A bit before seven I heard a knock on my door and was surprised to see Dimitri when I opened. Was he going to cancel on me? I’m pretty sure I started to sweat at that point. He just kept looking at me without saying anything. “Weren’t we supposed to meet at the restaurant?” I asked him. “Yes, but then I thought ‘why not just go together?’ so here I am.” Okay, I felt relieved that he didn’t come to cancel. We made our way to the restaurant. “You look nice, by the way.” He said. Was this the first time he complimented me? I felt myself going red and fanned my face because I felt hot. He was such a gentleman, even getting out the chair for me, waiting for me to sit. During dinner he told me about his job and some basic things about him. Like all the previous times we spoke, I told him more about myself than he did. “Have you dated before?” I asked him. He didn’t say anything. “Have you?” He asked. I couldn’t understand why he wouldn’t tell me certain things. I mean it’s not like I was asking something personal. I shook my head no. “What about you?” I asked him again. “Yes.” He replied but stopped there. I wanted to know what happened but I didn’t push it. A lot of times I felt like I was the only one talking because he just listened and did not say anything. I don’t like it when I always have to find something to talk about. However, I had hope that if he got to know me a little better then he would eventually open up to me. After dinner and dessert we went back to the suites together and he gave me a kiss on the cheek goodnight.Link to external image

2nd date

The next day I felt happy that I had went on a date with Dimitri the previous day but now I had something else to worry about. The second date. I wasn’t going to ask someone again and thankfully I didn’t have to because when I went to have breakfast , Yann saw me and asked me join him for a walk around the city. For some reason I felt more at ease on this date than the one last night. I could talk to Yann more freely and I felt comfortable with him. I hoped he felt the same. He told me about his past relationships which I was happy about. Not because they didn’t work out but because he actually told me. Maybe he even trusted me a little. I was embarrassed when I told him that I had never dated someone before. He smiled but didn’t laugh at me. He told me how heartbroken he was about his ex and I felt bad for him. I wanted to make him happy so all night I tried my best to make him laugh. I felt like this date was an achievement. When we got back he also left me with a kiss on the cheek goodnight. For some reason, I felt like that wasn’t enoughLink to external image

Last edited by BearHugs6 (11/10/2017 at 16:31)

Girls since the round is a bit longer and only one of you is done, I will extend Round 3 for another 24 hours.

So instead of closing at 8 pm on the 10th, I will now close the round at 8 pm 11th.

Hope this will be the extra time you all need to finish and will avoid that you get behind too much. Those who are/were done on time will get extra points from me

Round 3 is now closed. Impression will be up soon.

Round 4

Love is in the air… or at least it feels like it especially when you see that Freya and First Mate Gwen are getting cozy with each other . Looks like at least one date has been a success. The others? I guess only time will tell and there will be plenty of it. The Lonely Hearts Cruise has left the harbor of Malaga and is on its way to Cádiz (1-day journey) and later followed by three days stop in Lisbon (2 days journey).
In Cádiz, you can once again explore the city on your own or if you wish you can always ask one of the Extras to join you or one of them might ask you. Or if you prefer you can spend your time on the Cruise as well.
In Lisbon, you will be staying in the Four Seasons and you arrived just in time for a Street Festival in the honor of Lisbon’s 870th Birthday including an impressive firework at 2 am.
For the Festival each of you gets two dates; one for the morning until the afternoon and one for the evening. This time all the extras will do the asking.

Dare aka Valentine - David in the morning/afternoon and Peter in the evening
Bearhugs6 aka Lyla - Dimitri in the morning/afternoon and Yann in the evening
Siri aka Luna - Vanessa in the morning/afternoon and Dimitri in the evening
Nina aka Leilani - Sergio in the morning/afternoon and Sebastian in the evening
Hhgurl1 aka Emma - Antoine in the morning/afternoon and David in the evening

Round 4 Requirements

* Name and age of your character
* Round Status (ex. R1 complete, R2 in progress)
* Romantic Interests (max 3, don't need to be the same in every round)
* Story about your time in Cádiz; what did you do; with whom did you spend your time with;
* Story about your Street Festival in Lisbon; how did the Extras ask you; where you happy that they asked you; what did you do during the Festival, did you enjoy yourself, how did the Festival end for you
* Optional: Story about the journey to Cádiz and later to Lisbon, interactions with the extras ( you will get Impressions for those you mention), anything else you wanna add
* Outfits for the Cádiz, Lisbon and the Festival; Optional: Any other outfit you'd like for the story

Round 4 will close at 8 pm (Forum Time) on the 14th October.

Last edited by schoggettchen (15/10/2017 at 21:06)

Impressions

They will be based on your interaction with my characters. I have more to work with if you interact with the characters more often in your stories.

Valentine Cross

David - He wasn’t going to lie… his date with Valentine had been a disaster and he knows that it is partly his fault. He knows that she has imagined something else and that she wants him to open up. And yes maybe she is right as much as he hates admitting that. Still, he doesn’t know what Valentine expected him to do. He has never been the type to shower a woman with compliments and gifts - except for his sister but she has always been the one big exception in his life. David lets a sigh still not convinced by the whole Cruise and find your True Love but at least he could make an effort and try to apologize to Valentine for his behavior.
Peter - He was glad that she agreed on the date with him - not that he was actually worried that she was going to say no. The date with Valentine went more than just well and he did enjoy making out with her at the pool. He wouldn’t have minded though if they had gone further but he also couldn’t deny that he simply liked spending time with her. They had this flirty banter going on and it made Peter curious of what else Valentine is capable off. He wouldn’t mind finding out at all.

Optional Plot:
(it is up to you whether you do those task or not; it might help you to develop a better relationship with the extras, but if you have no time or interest you can skip them)

David wants to make an effort and tries to open up after apologizing to Valentine; he won’t spill his whole life to her but he will give her some details about his work and what he likes
Peter will ask Valentine to spend a few hours in Cádiz with him; he wants to explore the city together with her, later followed by Lunch in a small restaurant; he will be his usual flirty self

Lyla Prescott

Dimitri - It could have been worse… the date with Lyla and, he was worried that she would act all embarrassed around him which was a funny sight but could get pretty annoying if it happens all the time. But it was nice instead even if he didn’t tell her much about him except a bit about his job and himself. Talking about his fiancée had never been easy for him. But Dimitri does wonder if he shouldn’t give it a try though just to see how she would react. 
Yann - He was happy that Lyla agreed on the date with him, after all, they did only talk during the Speed Dating Event. It has been a nice day, he enjoyed talking with her, even opening up about his recent break-up and he was glad that he did. Yann smiled when he thought back to Lyla cheering him up and making him smile. It was a nice change from the usual pity glances he got. He knows that he would love to spend more time with her.

Optional Plot:
(it is up to you whether you do those task or not; it might help you to develop a better relationship with the extras, but if you have no time or interest you can skip them)

Dimitri will ask Lyla to join him for a coffee during the travel to Lisbon. He will take the risk and tell her about his fiancée and the accident that killed her; he might react badly if she tries to pity him
Yann will get off the Cruise in Cárdiz and was hoping that Lyla might join him for a little tour around the city including a stop for coffee and ice cream; he will tell her more about his work showing how much he loves working with children

Luna Pelletier

Dimitri - Opera… she actually invited him to the Opera managing to surprise him with her offer. He still could remember his first time seeing an opera and he did wonder if Luna enjoyed it as much as he had done. And the more she talked about her co-workers and their excuses to make her go on this Cruise made him think that his situation with ending up on the Cruise might not be that worse. Dimitri hadn’t expected her to talk so freely about her family situation with him. She made it look easy and he wondered if he would feel the same once he tells her about his dead fiancée.
Vanessa - Spending time with Luna got easier and easier and she didn’t even try to hide that she had been enjoying the date. If she could only tell if Luna thinks the same… it would make things easier for her. Vanessa knows that Luna isn’t on the Cruise because she is expecting to find someone but that doesn’t mean she can’t hope that she might change her mind. And if not… at least she would have found a good friend instead. But was friendship really enough for her? The question pondered her more than she would like to admit.

Optional Plot:
(it is up to you whether you do those task or not; it might help you to develop a better relationship with the extras, but if you have no time or interest you can skip them)

Dimitri feels like it is time to share more about himself and will join Luna at lunch during the travel to Lisbon; talking about his dead fiancée is still a sore subject for him and it will show
Vanessa doesn’t feel like doing a city tour through Cádiz alone (especially since she might get lost again) and will invite Luna to join her; she will be a bit flirtier and later ask if she wants to join her for dinner

Leilani Kalawai'a

Sebastian - She was falling for him and he doesn’t know how to deal with it. He does like Leilani and he does enjoy spending time with her but he hasn’t thought it was this serious for her already. If Sebastian was being honest it did scare him a bit. He worried that she might be rushing herself into something and he didn’t want to hurt her. He had no idea if Leilani expected him to return her confession.. if she did he couldn’t, at least not yet. For now, Sebastian would rather just enjoy the remaining time they have together willing to find out what will happen next. And what would be more perfect than another date...
Sergio - Leilani asking him out had been quite unexpected though it surprised him more that she was falling for someone. He liked that she was being honest him but still, it made him wonder why she invited him on a date in the first place. Not that he minded because he liked spending time with Leilani and maybe she was right and he should open up more… only that it wasn’t as easy as she claimed to. With the cruise slowly approaching Sergio thinks about asking Leilani for another friendly date and maybe he can find out who she is falling for. 

Optional Plot:
(it is up to you whether you do those task or not; it might help you to develop a better relationship with the extras, but if you have no time or interest you can skip them)

Sebastian won’t act differently around Leilani, maybe more cautious because he doesn’t know how to deal with the situation yet; he will invite her for a private dinner in his room one day
Sergio is happy that he found a new friend and in an attempt to open up a bit more about himself he will invite Leilani to spend the day with him together in Cádiz

Emma Hernandez

Antoine - He wondered if there was any use in denying that he liked Emma. She was cute, funny, interesting and he enjoyed spending time with her. He liked being close to her during the date having a great time when she taught him how to dance Salsa… too bad their waltz didn’t last longer. If he only knew if she was thinking the same which was why he didn’t kiss her once they were back at the Hotel. Antoine didn’t want to scare her and ruin the friendship that was developing between them. He hoped that she wouldn’t mind spending more time with him, not only on the Cruise but also in Lisbon. For him, the festival can’t come soon enough. 
David - He knows two things after spending the day with Emma… he was never going to drink Malagueta again and he enjoyed himself. It was nice to spend time with her and he noticed that he was slowly opening up. Ending their date on the Ferris Wheel has been a pleasant surprise as well and he couldn’t explain why but he liked seeing Emma this happy and in awe. To be honest, David hadn’t expected to enjoy this date that much and yet he did. And it left him clueless not knowing what might happen next with him and Emma and somehow he wonders if she really told him the truth about her reason for kissing him. He only knows that they will be in Lisbon soon and that he wouldn’t mind spending more time with her.

Optional Plot:
(it is up to you whether you do those task or not; it might help you to develop a better relationship with the extras, but if you have no time or interest you can skip them)

Antoine will ask Emma to join him at the Pool one evening; he pulled some strings so that they are alone; there will be champagne and strawberries and Antoine will be more flirty and more open about his advances
David will ask Emma to join him at the beach in Cádiz; he has enough of sightseeing and would rather relax this time; he will tell her more about his relationship with his sister and share that he had been the only one looking after her since their parents didn’t care much

Last edited by schoggettchen (15/10/2017 at 20:54)