Who would've thought [open]

[ldaydreaml]

Gabriella hopped out of her black jeep wrangler and headed for the sandy beach. Who would've thought that she'd end up here? She certainly didn't think it. She was from Benton, ME - freezing cold and a small town. Now, she was in the exact opposite place of where she came from. It was all so new and exciting yet she didn't know if she wanted to open up to it. To leave her old life behind. Granted, she knew she needed to break out of her shell and live like she was actually a teenager. It wasn't her fault she had to grow up fast and her parents practically abandoned her.

She was out for one of her favorite hobbies, running. It was the ultimate high and stress reliever, at least for her. She made it a point to run at least once a day and to just break away from life. Her hair was pulled up into a messy ponytail as her bangs grazed her forehead. She had on her signature black v-neck t-shirt, gray yoga pants, and a black north face fleece. It seemed like summer here practically, at least compared to Maine. She smiled at the warmth and took off.

Her ipod was tucked inside the fleece's pocket which she quickly retrieved. She unwrapped the headphones from around it and pushed 'shuffle' as her finger spun to turn it up. She tucked the buds into her ears and picked up the pace already becoming oblivious to everything around her.

[landon miles carter]

<sup>Landon had a massive headache. Normally he would probably have taken a few ibprofen and layed down with his covers over his head. Unfortunately there were a few people in his room because of his roommates so jogging was the next best thing. Exercise was supposed to be good for headaches even though he just really wasn't in the mood. Oh well he knew hed feel better in the end about it. Dressed in a white t-shirt that had a bunch of stick figures in several different sex positions. On top it read: Several Positions available: Apply Within. He had on a pair of blue jogging pants with a stripe down the side.

Landon had his ipod with him, but he hadnt put his ear buds in. His mind needed to release and he couldnt focus on music right now when his mind needed to just fly. Then again he knew he couldnt get very far like that so he was saving the music for later. After making sure his shoes were laced tight, not too tight of course. He then set off.

He actually really liked jogging. Other then it being good for you, it just... i t was a nice work out. He liked to keep in shape he just hated the work that followed so he tended to slack at times. Jogging though wasnt work to him. It was something that was relaxing and he tried to do it everyday or at least three times a week. Sometimes he didnt like to get out of bed when he didnt have to be up for school. Who liked doing that anyway?

This was a good place to do that as well, and other people seemed to think so as well. He saw a couple people not many, one pair running together and then a girl up ahead, jogging by herself. Licking his lips he sped up enough to catch up to her. He reached out and poked her to get her attention when she didnt notice him. He saw she had earphones on, could be why she hadnt heard him.

He waited till she looked at him before giving her a smile and a wave, wondering if shed talk to him. He debated on motioning for her to take her ear phones off but he figured if she didnt do that in the first place then clearly she didnt want to be bothered. He needed a good distraction right now.</sup>

[ldaydreaml]

At first, Gabriella did not notice the boy running up to her. It was only until she felt a poke on her skin that made her jump, scaring her. She was in her own little world before that and broke out of it. She fingers quickly pulled the buds out of her ears and she examined him for a moment. "You nearly gave me a heart attack!" She gave him a smile back and slowed her pace down, eventually coming to a full stop.

This would be the first person who went out of there way to talk to her here. No one seemed to bother with her in school, then again she didn't exactly give off the look like she wanted to be bothered. All she could think about now was that she needed to be friendly and push her shyness aside.

Her small hand reached out to meet his. "I'm Gabriella... do you go to Concord High?" She tilted her head at him in a questioning manner. She wondered if he knew she was new. Back in her home town everyone could pick out the new student within seconds. Maybe it was because the student population was only 500 or so.

She wrapped the headphones back around her ipod, now having someone to talk to, and shoved it into her fleece's jacket. Her hands went up to her ponytail as she tightened it.

[landon miles carter]

<sup>Landon laughed at that and gave her an innocent look. Mmm... I've gotten that reaction before... though it wasnt from looking at me. he joked a bit. Sorry though, I would have thrown myself in front of you, but then I thought about how I could possibly injure myself and that wasnt too appealing after that. he gave a small shrug. When she slowed down so did he, stopping as well. He tilted his head, dark brown eyes looking her over, before nodding at her earbuds shed just pulled out of her ears. What were you listening to? he asked.

Running a hand through his dyed blond hair he, stopped a moment, realizing what he was doing. fuck! he hated doing that. It was such a natural reaction that he always forgot not to do it. His hair might be styled messily but it didnt mean that he liked to mess that mess up. He tugged at it a bit, trying to fix it but not like he could really see what he was doing. Landon was very particular about the way he looked. Call him a girl... okay dont do that, he hated that, but really he just didnt like looking like shit and he loved to smell good. You can always guarantee that Landons hair will look amazing and have that really soft feel to it and that he will smell amazing.

Landon was usually an outgoing person. Well as long as the person was attractive. Call him shallow, but its true. He usually doesnt talk to a person unless he finds them attractive. Besides the fact that she was jogging alone, she was very attractive, and clearly liked to stay in shape. Not that it mattered if people worked out. As long as their body looked good with or without working out, he didnt care.

Landon smirked a bit taking her hand and shaking it. Landon and.. yes I do. You a native or...? he raised one of his eyebrow curious. There were so many people in California that you could never be sure if a person was new or if they have always been there but this was the first time you saw them. Then again there were others that just gave off a strong vibe of being new. It wasnt as if she was looking around with big brown eyes wide with wonder. That definitely would be a tip off.

You usually jog around here? he asked. If so he figured he should have ran into her by now at least, but you never know.</sup>

[ldaydreaml]

She couldn't help but to laugh at him and his thought to throw himself in front of her. "That may have worked in your favor, I would have felt horrible and would nurse you back to health." Gabby grinned at him and replied, "Theory of a Deadman among other various artists." Most music appealed to her but it had to match her mood or she would switch to a song that did.

A small smirk crawled onto her lips as she noticed him rearranging his hair after he had messed it up. It must have been a habit, a bad one for him, because he was clearly disgruntled by the appearance it had caused. She thought it was cute, kind of messy. "Here." Her fingers reached out and she brought the strands of hair back down to their places, how they were before. A dab of color came to her cheeks as she realized how seriously she was taking her commitment to be friendly. "Er, sorry..." She looked up and smiled at him.

Gabby knew how it felt to want everything to be in its place. It was the old her, the perfectionist. It was what she was striving to get away from because it just created a lack of fun in her life. She would spend hours on her room and homework making sure everything was perfect. Her parents suggested she may have OCD but she knew she didn't, she just cared about herself and her things.

"Wow it isn't obvious? Nope. I'm new here, just moved in this weekend actually." Her things were already unpacked and in their place, of course. The things she hadn't sorted out was how she wanted her life to be here. There was this internal pulling for her to stay good and responsible but she so badly wanted to feel free and normal.

She shook her head at his next question. "Nope, first time actually. I usually go everyday so I should have been here before this but just no time yet. I really like it though, peaceful and beautiful." Gabby wondered if she'd bump into him more here and secretly hoped she would.

[landon miles carter]

<sup>He smirked. Im sure it would have.. he said, But theres far more things that could possibly have been left and being nursed by a beautiful woman would not have made up for it sadly. he said. It was probably an extreme thought, but what if he had broke his arm, or the fall went bad and he ended up getting scars. He hates hospitals, hes never had a broken anything and so far hes managed to get by with barely any scars. He wont even get a piercing or tattoo for the sheer fact of messing with his body. He likes being flawless, okay maybe flawless is too perfect, but he likes to think compared to some people his skin is pretty damn flawless. No offense of course, because if I were nursed by anyone I would definitely choose you. he grinned with a small wink.

Landon hated being caught in that position, even if he was the one choosing to do it in front of people. When she said here and reached out he scowled, his lip coming out in a pout. hm... he watched her as she fixed his hair. He was... a little thankful. At least now his hair didnt look like shit... as far as he knew. he noticed the dab of color on her cheeks and his scowl turned into a smirk giving her a shrug. No sweat, beautiful. You're lucky I dont usually let people just randomly touch my hair... well unless its under different circumstances. he smirked. But ... ... hm.. you might be an exception. Besides that shade looks really cute on you. he reached out brushing her cheek with the tips of his fingers before drawing them back and crossing them loosely in front of him.

Landon shrugged again. Well.. in my defense you were jogging in concentration. That didnt exactly scream 'NEW' to me. he said. But hey... welcome to Cali. How you like it so far?' he asked. So she was new. ... Interesting.... Where you coming from?' he titled his head inquisitively.

Ah... he nodded when she said it was her first time but would have been out before if she'd had the time. Heh.. well hey maybe we can make a routine of this.' he nudged her lightly, playfully with an equally playful wink thrown in. "jogging buddies... always fun right. he smirked.</sup>

[ldaydreaml]

Gabby quickly picked up on his scowl after she had fixed his hair. It made sense though, he took pride in how he looked, simple as that. It was a little too forward of her to just reach out but nothing to do now. "Hmm, an exception, huh? What else can I get away with then?" She smirked at him and gave a compliment back. "Thanks. And your hair - it looks great either way. So don't worry about it getting a little messy."

She felt heat flare throughout her cheeks as he smoothed his hand over them. "Looks like I'll be wearing this color a lot." The words were muttered quietly and she tried to relax. Back home she had grown so comfortable to everyone there, she forgot what it was like to meet someone new, someone so handsome. She had dated a few boys there but nothing ever got serious, she couldn't commit. After that, they all felt more like buddies or brothers. Now meeting someone who was clearly neither she found herself all flustered.

"It's different. I'm not used to the heat and the city but I'm sure it'll grow on me." She shrugged and brought her gaze to his. "I'm from the little town of Benton, Maine. Probably haven't heard of it." It could only cause bad things to happen - the good girl from the small town now in the big city full of opportunities just pulling at her. She was scared and anxious to get out there and explore.

She nodded to him. "Yeah, that'd be nice seeing as I don't know anyone here." Her arm looped into his and she pulled him along as she started to walk, getting fidgety from standing still. "Jogging buddies, sure. Depends on you if it is fun." She grinned up at him.

[landon miles carter]

<sup>Landon raised a brow and smirked. Wouldnt you like to know. he sand and then grunted a bit. Guess you'll have to figure it out hmm.. he wiggled his brows at her. His implying that she would have to spend more time with him. He wondered if she was quick to pick up on stuff or if she was the oblivious type. He wasnt sure which he was hoping for or if it would matter either way. Might change how he put things out there. Hes worked with both types so he could handle which ever one she was.

He grinned when she complimented his hair. He liked compliments. There were times when he hated them but it really depended on the situation and if he knew the person was sucking up or not. Sometimes he did want the person to suck up and sometimes he got really insecure and demanded compliments. It made him feel better but there were some things that happened that not even compliments would help. I know.. he said. Yes he was cocky and you could call him on it but he would just shrug. Whatever, he was what he was and if someone didnt like it then they could suck it. I just had it a certain way today... i didnt want it another way. he said simple as that.

Landon laughed a bit catching the muttered words. Well at least it looks good hmm.. Besides a blushing girl is very cute.. lets a guy know his charms are working... for the most part anyway. he said. Would you rather me not tell you what I think? he asked, I mean.. so you dont blush? his brown eyes showed amused teasing.

Landon listened as she told him about where she had been from and how small it was. He gave a slow nod. Yeah.. I guess that would be a huge change. I've never really heard of it, but I cant imagine going from a small town to a big one. I have always lived in big cities. I am really not sure I could live in a small town. Too cramped... get claustrophobic. What about you? Prefer the small town or the big city?

Landons brows rose. No one? he shook his head. I find that hard to believe. People are usually quick to jump on the new hot girl. he smirked. Well then Im damn lucky to be your first. Heh.. i took your people virginity.. or... something like that.. whatever. he waved his hand a bit. He looked down as she looped her arm through his and pulled him along as she started to walk. Well now this is not jogging, but I think right now I'm preferring it. he looked back up at her.

Landon had to laugh at her last comment. Oh darlin' Im always fun. he smirked at her. Just you wait. he turned his attention ahead. So where are we heading?</sup>

[ldaydreaml]

"And I am sure that I will." She shot him a confident smile, a challenge, it was interesting. If Gabriella came off as oblivious, it was only because she was faking and playing with you. Pretending to be dumb was not one of her favorite things to do. She was a smart girl and she used that to her advantage at times.

She chuckled at his comment and presumed that he knew all too well how good looking he was. He probably used that as his advantage. "Well, like I said either way. So just relax and quit worrying about it." It was easy to catch on to that not only was Landon confident but he was very particular in things.

"Oh they're working alright, I'm sure you assumed that much though." She grinned at him. A lot about who he was was easy for her to read. He clearly liked attention and had his way with girls. "No, I like people who speak there mind. No reason to hide what you have to say." She couldn't help but hope though, that maybe he was deeper. You couldn't just judge by how a person acts the first time, even though it counted for a lot.

She scrunched up her face while she thought. The city was nice, new, and exciting but she missed her old town. Maybe she'd get used to it here but it would take some time. "Definitely a small town girl at heart. I'd be lost here without my GPS. But maybe something or someone will change my mind." She laughed at herself then, the GPS was the only way she had gotten around these past days.

"Hmm. I think my first was a good choice then. It's too big here for people to notice who's new. At Benton High you would know even before they got there." A smirk spread across her lips. "You couldn't keep up to me if we were jogging anyhow." Gabby was clearing warming up to him and his cocky attitude was wearing on her as well.

Her eyebrows raised at him. "I'll be waiting." She chuckled quietly. "On an adventure." It was her intentions to come here and jog, maybe explore the area a little. She really had no clue where they were headed though.

She glanced up at him and thought for a moment. "So, tell me something about yourself. Make it interesting. Something you wouldn't typically tell someone." She wanted to get to know him better, barely knowing anything at all.

[landon miles carter]

<sup>He gave her an interested look. She was making cocky comments now. He liked that. He liked it when they werent always one way, whether its shy or cocky. He liked the little throw in surprises. Well now.. getting a bit cocky arent we? he smirked. Guess we'll just have to see about that. he tapped her nose lightly and then smirked again. Aren't you warm in that? he nodded to her fleece. He would probably be in his trunks already if he hadnt been just jogging.

Landons eyes narrowed when she told him not to worry. I hope you're not trying to get into my pants with that attitude he said, his tone clearly joking even if his face looked serious. Because niceness is the key... niceness and... food. Home baked brownies to be exact he nodded firmly. Cause that is the answer to everything... almost. I mean theres other things too of course but right now I am seriously craving a brownie... home baked and I have none. hmm.. he licked his lips. How well do you bake?'

He gave a small shrug. Well... really. If they werent working I'm sure we probably wouldnt still be talking right?' he said and then nodded in agreement. Id say honesty is a big thing. I mean seriously whats the point in not saying what you truly mean. Just tends to get you where you dont want to be if you lie. Landon did have a lot to him. He rarely ever put it out there. He usually just put his top layer out and never... ever let anyone in past that. It took a lot to get through to him just because for him thats a place that should never see light. He doesnt like dealing with whats underneath, though because Landon is so obvious about his moods if certain events happen the underneath can show quite a bit you just have to know how to catch it. Gotta keep a look out for it. Usually people dont get around to that because he is the way he is and thats how people perceive him.

Landon laughed a bit at that. Mmm.. was that a not so subtle hint? he tilted his head his fingers going to the back of his neck just touching the hair at his hairline, rubbing his fingers through it a little and then not. That was safe, that didnt get messed up, it was too short. Im sure you'll catch on real fast. I could show you around and you can just toss your GPS out the door. Ill give you my number and if you ever get lost in the future you can always call me he told her.

Heh... are you trying to say Im too slow to keep up?' he asked to her comment. Doll I am the running man Landon put his hand onto his hip cocking it out a bit. Though I wouldnt challenge me at that only because I would hate to prove you wrong and then make you sad, cause... that wouldnt be good for our first day. Maybe tomorrow though.

hmm... something about me? he said. Interesting? he used his free hand to make a show of tapping his chin in thought. Well... I wear vanilla deodorant... and it smells amazing... wanna smell me?' he asked. he smirked. It probably wasnt what she was wanting, but the point was he wasnt about to just start talking about things he wouldnt normally tell anyone. That was private and he just met her. What about you ell?</sup>

[ldaydreaml]

She was warm but had been too preoccupied with talking to notice. She was well overdressed for the weather here. She pulled the fleece off and wrapped it around her waist. "I'm just used to it being a lot colder. Feels like summer here." It would probably cause for a complete wardrobe over-hall, less would be more in this case.

She scoffed at him and stuck her tongue out. "No, I don't move that fast. They have to have proven to be special enough for that." Gabby had her own record of hooking up with guys but sex, that was different. She'd only been with one guy before and it ended badly, never letting anyone that close after it. Gabby could thank her parents for leaving her to fend for herself because she was an awesome cook and baker. "I just happen to be the best at baking. You name it I've made it, or can." She looked up at him and smiled. "Maybe I'll whip you up a special batch, sure you'll be hungry after this."

"Mm, we might. I wouldn't want to be entirely rude but there would be hints if I wanted you gone." It wasn't in her nature to be rude to someone. If they were trying to talk to her she'd give them that satisfaction but nothing more. "Honesty is the most important thing." Liars- the biggest issue that created the commitment issues for her. Still, she trusted too easily and let others in. Always hoping for the best and being optimistic.

"Ah, you caught that, huh? It might have been." She smirked as she noticed him carefully maneuvering around his hair to not mess it up. "And might that have been your not so subtle hint? But I'll take you up on that offer. I haven't seen much yet." Her eyes met his and she smiled. "I may be a smart girl but when it comes to directions, I'm a lost cause. So expect me to be calling quite a bit."

"Actually." She gave him a fake surprised face. "That was exactly what I was trying to say." She smirked as she ever so lightly attempted at pushing his buttons. "Oh, I don't mind a challenge. You may be proven wrong. You haven't met a girl like me before." Running was the one constant in her life, the only thing that grounded her. She nodded as he said maybe tomorrow and could tell they would go at it one day.

She frowned at him and sighed. "What are you afraid of?" Gabby stopped walking and looked up at him as she spoke. If it was one thing she learned it was that she should take chances and just live a little. Everything always turned out okay in the end. She thought for a moment, really wanting to give him something good, to prove it was doable. The only thing she could think of was the one thing she wanted to change. "Well- I've never told a guy I've loved them before. I just have a tiny little problem with commitment." Her fingers were brought together and held up a few centimeters apart, tiny.

Gabriella was all about being open and letting everyone in, to a certain point. She didn't really know what her shut off point was or what triggered it. But she just didn't want to be let down, so she let them down.

[landon miles carter]

<sup>He grinned. thats the beauty of california baby Landon smirked. He loved cali. He didnt care what anyone said, then again who came to california and said it was crap? He sure as hell had never heard that before. If they had, then clearly there was something wrong with them.

Landons brow rose with curiosity. Oh really? And how does one prove to be special enough for your graces in their bed?' he asked. When she said she happened to be the best at baking his stomach growled in approval. 'You need ingredients of any kind? I'll get 'em. he said, brown eyes lighting up. Home baked brownies! seriously... he hasnt had that in... well he couldnt remember. Okay no.. maybe he did have some a few months ago, but that ended badly, so that wasnt to be mentioned... ever.

Landon laughed a bit and shrugged. Well i wouldnt offer you my number if i didnt think you'd use it. call me any time..' he told her. Do you have a phone on you or do i get to do the traditional, whip out a pen and write it on your hand or arm or.. well i suppose usually the girl does that to the guy, but someone failed to offer theirs first so... I guess the roles are switched for this particular occasion.' he grinned charmingly. Landon had one of those grins that were hard to resist at all.

He gave her his own surprised and offended look then poked her in the side. Just you wait, you'll be eating your words. he told her. and... you still have yet to prove to me you're not like all the other girls.' he tapped her nose lightly. Im sure it wont be too hard mm...

He knew by the look on her face that she wanted something else. When she actually directly asked him something he tilted his head a bit Hm... good question.. he said. oh.. i know... Lions... tigers ... and bears........ oh my. he gave her a playful innocent look. and everything that goes bump in the night. he could be very aggravating when eh wanted to be.

At her small confession he gave a show of rolling his eyes. PSh! Darlin, who doesnt have an issue with commitment, he told her And really. Isnt love overrated? Besides, do you really believe in it? Is that why you havent told a guy that before, or...?' h tilted his head raising his brows. hmm?</sup>

[ldaydreaml]

Gabby paused for a moment. She never really thoughts about the specifics of why she slept with a guy. They just had to have chemistry, know she wasn't going to get an STD, and all of the typical standards. They just had to click. She smirked and looked up at him. "They usually prove it by taking a risk and telling me a their deep, dark secret. So I guess that crosses you off my little list." She said as she tapped her head with her finger, the internal list. Of course, she was just playing with him. She knew he was the type of guy who typically got what he wanted and it might irritate him a just a little. Spice things up.

She smiled as she saw his eyes light up, the softer side of him coming out. "Hmm. Should have everything we need there. Usually how I lure boys in, so I'm well stocked up." She laughed at herself. There was always baking supplies in the house. It was a stress reliever for her and yes, she liked to pig out sometimes, which was countered with running.

"It would be cute if I wrote it on your hand, old fashioned, maybe. But yes, I have a cell phone. Here's mine, 674-332-5101. And yours is?" She slipped her arm out from his and pulled her cellphone out of the fleece's pocket and clicked to 'new contacts'.

"Oww. Geez!" She faked as he poked her in the side. "I'm delicate." She smiled at him innocently. "A delicate flower, in fact. And we shall see, tomorrow!" Her head titled to the side for a moment and she thought. "You will see, sooner or later." She shrugged.

She narrowed her eyes at him and sighed. "You, Landon, will be a hard one to figure out." She ran her finger down his chest to his heart. "I know there's something deep inside there." She smiled at him. Everyone had another side of them, typically the better one, that people never got to see. It was deep, honest, and real.

"Well, in Maine they pretty much expect you to figure out who you love pretty fast. I guess I shouldn't have figured it was the same here. I'm sure it's a little different." She grinned at him. In Benton, people were usually getting married right out of high school, another reason moving here wasn't so bad. She didn't even know if she wanted to get married. "Oh I'm sure there is a thing as love. I've just never seen it for myself yet."

Gabriella turned on her feet and began to walk back in the direction she came, picking up the pace a little wondering if he'd keep up with her. She figured he would, if not for her company, for the brownies that awaited.