⎾ CLEVER ⏌

[xDarkWinterx]

☆xxx☆xxx☆
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Players
xxxx• xDarkWinterx & Pure Acid Dreamer

Characters
xxxx• Evie Mckenzie Walsh & Benjamin Mitchell Davis

 

[Pure Acid Dreamer]

It was a warm summer evening. One of those nights where the fire flies filled the backyard and his parents decided it was great time to have one last summer shindig. Like every summer they were all gathered out at his the family mansion in the Hampton's. All around him, he was surrounded by both his family and family friends. He glanced around the backyard. His youngest brother Samuel was hanging out with a group of his friends. Most likely discussing their last year of high school before shipping out to their destined colleges. Samuel had just turned nineteen and was being a bit more of a brat than usual. His second brother, Oliver, was a sophomore in college. He'd been home visiting them all summer and had made sure to fill them in on all the girls he'd been dating, the parties he'd attended, and how his classes were going. Unsurprising to him, Oliver was once again at the top of his class.

Across the yard, he saw more familiar faces. Some he knew better than others. Although he didn't really care all that much about. Benjamin walked through the throngs of people, loitering a bit here and there to eavesdrop on conversations. They were all so boring. Almost everyone was excited about some upcoming marriage, reunion, pregnancy, or other celebration. If you asked him it had gotten old a long time ago. Had someone warned him this was what it meant to be an adult, he wouldn't have been in such a hurry to grown up. After all, he was only twenty-three. Marriage was the farthest thing from his mind. Not that he had much choice on that either. He hadn't seen her, but rumored had it she was here. Thus his need to continue moving about the yard. He was single and most definitely not ready to mingle. At the rate he was going, he wasn't sure he ever would be.

Spotting his parents, he did his best to avoid them only to fail. "Ben!" he mother called, waving him over. He cringed. What on earth could she want with him? For half a second he thought of pretending he didn't hear her calling. But it was too late. He'd been seen and they knew he saw them. Plastering on a smile he walked over to join their little gathering. Next to his mother, stood his father, his grandfather, and three family friends he didn't recall ever meeting a day in his life. "This is my oldest, the one I was telling you about." she gossiped. Benjamin extended his hand as he was introduced. He made nice, showing the people the same pleasantries that were shown him. Taking back his hand he stood there quietly while listening to the mind-numbing stories of his childhood past. He looked around as people passed their group chattering away about god-knows-what. After about ten minutes, he'd heard all he could stand. Making the excuse of needing a drink, he politely excused himself and disappeared into the crowd. Once he was out of site, he plopped down on the outdoor couch next to the lit fire pit. He sat there for a few minutes, enjoying the silence. But for him, it ended all too quickly. On each side of him plopped his brothers.
"She's here." sang Oliver. Benjamin rolled his eyes. "Where?" he asked, sinking into the cushions. "I just saw her near our parents. Shouldn't be long before they start hunting you down again." said Samuel. Benjamin groaned. How he longed to flee away upstairs in his room. Too bad even there he was not safe. Although not too surprising. After all, they'd been engaged since he was four.

[[haven't finished with graphics. I'll add those in later.]]  

[xDarkWinterx]

Parties. They were never her favorite thing. She much preferred to stay home, cuddling with a good book after a bubble bath. It was a week before summer break ended, this evening however she was being summoned to a party at the Davis family home. Her mother had already phoned her twice and texted her three times to remind her not to be late.

Evie didn't yet understand her place in life. She had been promised to a man, she barely knew. Evie hadn’t even met him, although she had been his fiance since the age of four. She worried, that Ben wouldn’t like her.

There was still a few hours before the party. Evie was not as excited as her mother. She always loved a chance to flaunt her wealth and children, after all she still had two other children to marry off. The idea of marriage between two families was not unheard of but the practice was more for money and status than love.

As the hours ticked by, Evie was growing more and more anxious. Her mother had left another message that they would be picking her up, just incase she decided to skip out. Evie was not thrilled by the idea of being forced, but knew she had to. Her mother made the rules in the family, even if her father acted as if he was head of house.

Standing in her closet after a quick shower, she didn’t have much time left. Evie sighed as she stood there. All the clothes in the world and she still felt as if she didn’t have anything to wear. She wanted to look beautiful, yet comfortable, especially with the weather being hot. Evie finally settled on a Blue Off-The-Shoulder Long Tulle Overskirt Dress.

Once dressed, she did her makeup light, not wanting to overdo it. Evie never understood women who liked to pound the make up thinking they looked beautiful. She also pulled on some sexy blue pumps. Evie wasn’t short but nor was she tall, just the perfect height.

Arriving at the party, Evie wanted nothing more than to go hide until it was over. She was forced to stay close as they entered the backyard. Evie walked around with her family, as she was introduced to a few friends. She kept her eyes bright and smile on, pretending to be happy.

As they continued around, Evie finally saw her chance and took it. She excused herself and left the party heading toward the door. Evie passed a few men on a couch, as she made her way inside. She needed a breath of fresh air, but more importantly from all the excitement. Evie let her feet do the walking as she entered the house, not sure where she was going, but didn’t care. She wasn’t into large crowds, she preferred small quiet places.

Evie eventually found her way into a library. She breathed a sigh of relief seeing no one in there. Evie walked toward the bookshelves, letting her fingers walk along the spines. She sighed a little, as she looked around. Evie knew her mother wouldn’t wait long to find her, or send one of her siblings. She just wanted time to herself, if only.

 

[Pure Acid Dreamer]

If he could he would love nothing more than to become one with this couch. Seeing as that was not possible, he settled for sinking further into it. It didn't surprise him at all that his parents had invited her family. They were expected at some point in their lives to form a union. It was long decided before he could have any say on the matter. Since that time he could count on one hand how many times they had met. Once after the pact was made. Twice, when their families had gathered for Christmas when he was seven. Thrice, when she came to his tenth birthday party. Since then their meeting had been irregular and brief. It was a bit understandable. Benjamin had been busy with his soccer teams, chess club, cello lessons, the school orchestra, debate team, and so much more. Back then it seemed like he was lucky to get any sleep. But somehow he managed.

The three brothers scouted the surrounding areas. Her flaming red hair shouldn't be hard to miss. It also helped that she was a bit taller than most of the women here. It was a shame he didn't know what she was wearing. It would certainly help to be able to pick out one specific color among the rest. But he did his best to keep his eye out for her. If she was here, he didn't doubt her parents were as well. And her parents were here well, he might as well kiss his bachelor life goodbye. When ten minutes passed and he still didn't see her he made a choice. He informed his brothers to tell their parents that he was in the bathroom with a touch of nausea. If they asked more than once, assume he got sick.

Rising from the couch, Benjamin quickly crossed the yard and walked through the kitchen door. He smiled politely at the kitchen staff and carefully walked through the kitchen. Heading down the hall he passed the living room, the dining room, and through the foyer to go downstairs. In the game room, as they called it, was a small bar against the back wall. A large sectional, taking up much of the room, facing an artificial fireplace with a television mounted over it. And in the center was a sleek pool table. There were also a few cabinet in the room filled with dvd's and Samuel's video games. There were two consoles as well as their controllers sitting on top of the fireplace.

Coming around the sofa, Benjamin sat down on the sofa.Pulling out his phone, he typed out a message to both of his brothers, "Be back in an hour". Once the message had gone through, he set his phone aside and laid back against the cushions. An hour to kill. Surely that would be more than enough time to prepare himself to go meet her. He couldn't dance around the issue much longer. People already questioned why they weren't properly dating. Eventually at some point he was going to have to try to get to know her. For now, he was fine with hiding out in the basement.

 

[xDarkWinterx]

The idea of going back to the party did not appeal to her. She knew her mother wanted her to get a rush on the wedding. Evie however wasn’t ready for that. She had been content being engaged, but the idea of marrying a stranger scared her. Evie hadn’t spoken much to Ben growing up, after all they both had their academics to worry about.

Evie thumb through a few books, before finally gathering her courage. She set the book back on the shelf as she left the room. Evie hadn’t realized in her walk around the house, she had taken a wrong turn. She was never good with direction. Sometimes she would get lost just walking down the street from her place to the store.

As she continued down the hallway, Evie eventually found her way toward a door which lead to a basement. She couldn’t help but be curious. Evie liked adventure and exploring. She wasn’t so sure what lay ahead of her, but it would give her an excuse as to why she got lost.

Walking down the stairs, she grew more curious as she arrived at the landing. Evie took in the sight of the game room. She barely noticed the man on the couch. Evie continued inside the basement curious of her surroundings. She couldn’t help but want to hide down here as well. Evie walked past the couch, as she made her way toward the pool table.

She had never really played before. Evie ran her hand over the table, grabbing one of the balls as she rolled it across the table watching as it smacked into another knocking it across the table. She continued around the table, looking at the room with interest however video games were never her things. Evie was usually stuck in books, not a world of electronics.

 

[Pure Acid Dreamer]

This party was the last thing he wanted to be apart of. If it wasn't some dull conversation he would be forced to listen to. It was his mother's nagging about how it was high time he properly met his fiance. Being engaged had been easy. He'd only had to meet her a couple of times growing up and didn't even have to pretend he liked her. He didn't know enough about her to have much of an opinion. But now.....now it was a mess. He was not ready to be married.

Picking up his phone again, Benjamin scrolled through the list of names in his contact. He stopped at a name labeled as "Princess". A nickname he had given her a long time ago. Back then it was just to tease her. But now it seemed rather fitting. Smart, rich, beautiful, and to top it all off she would being marrying someone of equal status. It sounded like something out a Disney movie. All they needed now was a good villain and a few catchy musical numbers. He thought of texting her, finding out where she was. But somehow it seemed a bit inappropriate. Their first conversation in months and it was through some random text message?

He set his phone back down and laid back. Closing his eyes he breathed deeply and slowly. All he needed was to get his head on straight. Once he was calm he could find his parents. His parents would find her parents, they would share pleasantries, and they would likely then reintroduce him to her. They would make small talk about their lives. He would ask her how school is going. She would probably ask about work.......And then they would fall in to the most awkward of silence because that was about all they knew of one another.

Sighing, Benjamin opened his eyes again. He laid there quietly for several minutes. It was long before he heard movement. He wondered if one of his brothers was already coming down to find him. Just because he had said he was going to be away for an hour did not mean he was going to get that full hour. On the other side of the room he heard the soft thuds of feet on the stairs. He stayed on the couch as he strained to hear who was in the room with him. Whomever it was, they were light on their feet. Not like Sam, who was a bit clumsy and always in a rush. Nor Oliver, who had tended to walk a bit heavy at times much like their father. He didn't think it to be any of the staff. Most of them were to busy to even think about roaming the house.

Hearing the click of the pool balls knocking into each, his curiosity got the better of him. He wanted to know who was in there with him. Sitting up, he was surprised to see the very person he was trying to avoid. Of course, just his luck. "Hey," he said awkwardly. "Shouldn't you be out making nice with my family?" Stuffing his phone into his pocket, he rose from the couch and walked around towards the pool table. "You play?" he asked.

 

[xDarkWinterx]

Evie barely noticed the man on the couch. Her mind was aloft with things she had never done before. Evie wasn’t a video game person, nor did she like games, unless you count the classics; like monopoly or clue. As she pushed the ball across the table, she heard it clink and push a few balls in different directions. Evie heard a voice, nearly making her jump as she wasn’t expecting anyone down her, especially when a party was going on.

The very person, she seemed to be avoiding was also hiding it seemed. Evie had seen him in passing, after all it was hard to get a face. She listened as Ben spoke, and couldn’t help but laugh. ”Shouldn’t you be doing the same?” Evie teased as she moved around the table. Her eyes drawn to Ben, after all he was a man of power, but a man of interest.

Hearing Ben question her, Evie shook her head. ”No, I’ve never played.” She spoke smiling at him, coyly. Evie ran a hand over the table, ”Do you?” She asked not wanting to assume that Ben knew how to play. Evie knew it wasn’t very hard, a simple hit of a stick and the balls flew where you wanted them to.

 

[Pure Acid Dreamer]

Of all the people to run into he didn't think it was going to be her. His brothers, maybe. His parents, without a doubt. But certainly not her. She didn't strike him as the type to skip out on these sort of functions. Especially during such an important time in their young lives. The same could be said about him. But he simple could not take it anymore. He had his fill of mingling. When he spoke he hadn't meant to scare her. Luckily she didn't seem bothered by it. He listened to her laugh and repeat his own question. Ben shrugged. "I think I've schmoozed enough with your folks." he replied honestly. He couldn't think how much more a** he could kiss.

After making his way towards the pool table he watched her walk around the table. It didn't surprise him that she didn't know how to play. He didn't think too many people did. He had to admit though, he found her smile to be quite fetching. "Only when persuaded." he replied. Ben knew how to play. When he was younger it was one of the few games that could keep his brothers occupied during the summer. He didn't play as much anymore but the knowledge was still there.

 

[xDarkWinterx]

Evie much preferred a one on one. She didn’t like crowds and wasn’t looking forward to kissing butt either. Her parents could do that for her. Evie wasn’t all that thrilled to be marrying Ben, not that she hated him, but she barely knew nothing about him. She wanted to get to know him, at least before marriage. However she didn’t know how Ben felt about all this. Would he even want to marry her, given the choice?

As she questioned him, she took amusement out of his answer. Evie nodded, ”Yes, I’m quite sure I understand...I don’t think I can make nice much longer either.” She responded, as she walked around the table. Evie felt Ben’s eyes on her as she walked. She turned walking toward the pool sticks running her hand over one of them. ”My father enjoys the game, after all it’s a game of strategy...I never learned the appeal.” Evie spoke stepping away from them, as she turned back toward Ben.

 

[Pure Acid Dreamer]

Benjamin didn't mind getting to know her one on one. It would certainly make things easier. Not only that, it would be refreshing to hear something straight from the sources mouth. He lost count how many times someone else would tell him some random fact about the young woman. It was always, "Oh Evelyn loves this" or "Evie loves that". Not once in near twenty years had he learned something about her for himself. If he was being honest, it had become quite annoying. He had a limited window before they were to be wed and she was still no more than a stranger to him. He didn't even know if she liked him. He couldn't say he was all that thrilled about her either. That wasn't too say he hated her. He didn't know her. If left to his own devices, he wasn't sure if he would want to marry her. Would he know her any better than he did now? He couldn't say. At the end of the day he had accepted his fate a long time ago. And in time, his brothers would follow their fates as well.

Benjamin smirked as she spoke again. It was nice to know that they at least had that in common. He watched her walk around the table, her fingers grazing along the cue sticks. When she spoke, he nodded. He could understand. "My youngest brother is the same. He says that games and puzzles help him think. I think he just likes to kick our a**." he replied. He watched her then step away from the cue sticks and turn to face him. "Can I get you a drink?" he asked, gesturing towards the bar.

 

[xDarkWinterx]

Learning about someone was always best if you heard it from their own mouth. Evie had heard things about Ben, but she didn’t know what to believe. She didn’t want to make a judgement without actually talking to him first. Evie also had to assume that Ben felt the same way. She knew in a circle of those who were close to both families, had to at least spread some half truths and lies about each of them. Evie honestly didn’t know what to believe.

Turning back toward Ben, she saw him smile at her words. Evie had to think they were on some level of understanding. She walked around the room a little, finishing her explorations. Evie turned back toward Ben as he spoke of his brother. She nodded a little, after all she had met Sam, but didn't know him well, only in passing.

Evie watched as Ben gestured toward the bar, as he offered her a drink. Was it bad to want something alcoholic.? She thought not as she thought about what she wanted to drink. Nothing fancy, but something simple. ”Sure, a glass of chardonnay would be nice.” Evie responded, as she moved to walk toward the bar to take a seat.

 

[Pure Acid Dreamer]

Out of all the things he had heard about Evie he had no idea what was real and what was not. He liked to think that the things he heard from her parents were mostly true. Anything else was simply hearsay as far as he was concerned. He could only hope she took whatever she had been told the same. Especially when it came to his brothers. There was no telling what those two might be telling people. Ben watched her nod as he spoke. Gesturing towards the bar, she seemed in need of a drink about as much as he was. He didn't think it was bad. They were both consenting adults and if they were to get to know each other, a few drinks might help them open up.

He walked around the pool table and over to the small bar. Behind the counter was a small wine cooler. Lucky for Evie, he knew exactly what she was drinking and had no problem finding a bottle. He pulled out a clean glass and filled it about half way. Closing the bottle, he placed it back in the cooler and pulled out a bottle of red for himself. "Has your mom said anything to you about a wedding date yet?" he asked, pouring a glass for himself.

 

[xDarkWinterx]

Perhaps it would be easier to get to know one another if they were by themselves. Evie had so many questions in her mind, and yet none of them had ever been answered. She knew the basics of the man, but not the man himself. Evie wondered if it would appear rude of her to ask. She watched as Ben went around the bar, pulling down two glasses. Evie patiently waited as she watched him work behind the bar. She eyed him beneath her lids trying not to stare, but she found it hard not to.

Taking the glass that was poured before her, she thanked Ben as she took a sip. Evie enjoyed the taste of the white wine. She watched as Ben poured himself a glass of red wine. Evie had never learned to enjoy such a taste. She found that red wine had a hint of odd flavors, while white was more citrus and fruity. Evie took a sip, as he watched Ben, listening to him speak. She shrugged her shoulders, ”Hmm, well as soon as possible. Nothing in the summer, preferably spring she said.” Evie spoke shaking her head a little. She knew her mother liked to rush things, now that she was of age and becoming her own woman.

 

[Pure Acid Dreamer]

If being alone was what it took to get to know his future wife, then he saw no problem with it. So far she seemed alright. For the most part she was polite and attractive. Anything more remained to be seen. Coming behind the bar, he poured a glass of wine and then one for himself. As he did so, he could feel her eyes watching him. It was a bit odd, but he didn't find any offense to it. He was used to getting stared at. Mostly by his female colleagues. It was harmless.

With their drinks soon ready he picked up his own. Unlike Evie he preferred red wine. He found the flavors to be more bold yet not overpowering. Whereas white wine was weak in his opinion. He wasn't fond of the fruity flavors and had yet to find a food combination he liked it with. Ben took a sip after asking his question. He found a bit of amusement in her answer. "At this rate we might never be married." he teased, smiling at her. "My mother has been pushing for an early fall wedding for awhile now. She's even been showing me pictures of this bed and breakfast in Connecticut that in her words would be just darling." His own mother wanted to hurry things along as well. But the problem was that she wanted them done her way. It would take a lot of persuading for her to see otherwise. "What about you?" he asked. "What kind of wedding do you want?"

 

[xDarkWinterx]

Evie didn’t mean to stare, however she found it hard not to. She watched Ben, but let her eyes wander. Evie looked around the room, as she set her glass down. She found little appeal in the room. Evie wasn’t all that interested in electronics, it made her wonder if Ben was. She could only guess that he was, seeing as he had been hiding down here first.

Turning back toward Ben, she heard him respond to her words. Evie couldn’t help but laugh softly at his teasing words. She listened to Ben speak about what his mother wanted. Evie could understand, her mother was already having her look at wedding dresses and venues. She shrugged lightly, ”Simple, something more personal not to many people.” Evie spoke talking about what she wanted. She didn’t like things to be big, she much preferred a small family wedding, not something public.