at your own game [caleb]

[Rani Khan]

SHE ACTS LIKE SUMMER AND WALKS LIKE RAIN
reminds me that there's time to change
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

There was never anything to do in the summer. It drove Rani mad! She was so used to busying herself with tons and tons of activities and classes that having it all drop in a blink of an eye left her a bit dazed. She had decided to stay on the island because she figured there would be more to do than back at home. She wasn't right on that though. Apparently during the summer everyone else just relaxes. It was a rather odd idea. Sure, there was Summer Madness,' But that only kept you occupied for so long. Rani had decided to go to the library that day, to look fro a book to read or perhaps look over some things for next semester. She had a problem with being a bit of an over achiever.

Rani walked into the campus library and took off her sunglasses, placing them atop her head. As she entered, Rani was greeted with dead silence. Not just because you were supposed to be quiet in a library, but because it appeared quite empty. That didn't bother her though and she walked into the familiar setting. She felt at home and moved in the direction of the medical science books but stopped halfway there. Sure. She could be studying, but there was time for that and the idea of curling up with a good Sherlock Holmes novel was really starting to sound like a brilliant plan. So, not feeling much guilt about it Rani changed her direction and headed toward the fiction section-classics.

It wasn't all that difficult finding the old, grey book and she removed it from it's home on the shelf, taking it to one of the lounge areas on the fourth floor scattered about the immense library. There was a large window that Rani took a moment to look out of, the view was beautiful and calming and soon had Rani lounging in her chair, legs hanging over the arm of the big red leather thing, swinging lightly. A few minutes passed and Rani had settled into the story when a sound caught her attention. She ignored it at first until it came closer. Sure. Rani wasn't one for horror stories, but the doe was an easily spooked creature and she was quite alert. Rani's brown eyes scanned the library floor from what she could see and put the book back in front of her face. Her imagination starting to drive her a little insane.

Sometimes it just plain sucked to have suck a skittish animal as a shift. Her heart pounded in her chest and Rani finally just laid her book down upon her chest and had a good look around. Nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary though and Rani let out a breath she didn't know she had been holding. This was stupid. It was the middle of the day in a library; nothing was amiss and he, Rani, knew it. But the doe seemed to be on high alert. "Probably just a carnivorous shift somewhere in the building that I can't see. So the doe is frightened." Rani thought to herself. "You're jut being dumb, that's it." She said to herself and settled back into her chair in that 'oh so lady-like' way when the sound of a book falling off of a shelf startled her into an upright position. Okay. Now she was just mad.

Rani hopped up from her red leather chair, holding Sherlock in her hands unconsciously. She headed in the direction that she figured the sound came from but wasn't quite sure. Thats when she saw the book on the floor. 'History of Genetics' the cover read. Rani furrowed her brow at the large, and very out of place book while picking it up off of the floor. Her brown eyes looked over the shelves it could have fallen from and immediatly felt like she had become a detective like Holmes. A small smile played on her lips as she spouted off an answer to this mystery. "So. This book, which is two floors away from where it should be, has been placed on a shelf quite carelessly by someone who had carted it around and they carelessly placed the large book on the edge of a shelf, after a while it finally fell! Nothing out of the ordinary." Rani seemed very pleased with herself and her conclusion as she turned around to walk back to her red leather chair by the window. Before footsteps caught her attention. Seriously?!

[/font][/color]

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
SINCE HER RETURN FROM HER STAY ON THE MOON
she listens like spring and she talks like june

tagged; caleb hanson word count; 753
muse music; Unstopable by E.S. Posthumus
outfit; here lyrics; drops of jupiter by train

[/size][/blockquote][/size][/color][/font][/center]

[Caleb Hanson]

On such a beautiful day, one wouldn’t usually be found headed for the library. But, despite most of the many physical outdoors activities to be had on the island, Caleb was uninterested. Well, he was lazy as well as picky. He only liked one sport, just that one sport. Everything else he shunned. If he just didn’t like it then he just didn’t like it. So, there was only so much sleeping to be had. He had laid on the beach and then he napped on his bed. Then he shifted into his saltwater crocodile and laid in the forest, then in a creek. If it was comfortable, somewhat shady and long enough for him to lay down, he was there. Caleb was a sleeper and a napper, but now he was a bit tired of acting tired. Of course he could venture to do his only interesting physical activity, competitive swimming. But he wasn’t in the mood for that, the picky senior was in a different kind of mood.

He had a greed and hunger for studying. A little knowledge would refresh his mind and touch up his senses, he was sure of it. So why not go ahead and lead off to the library? He was nearing it, wearing board shirts and a t-shirt. It was comfortable and cool. Plus, it gave the option of swimming whenever the urge was needed. Caleb was inside the library by now. It wasn’t a moment before entering that he realized the place was basically empty and deserted. But that was a given. They were on a beautiful island, it was summer, most were young, inviting, and all having the ability to shift into an animal. Who in their right mind would be in an abandoned library? Caleb.

He basked in the quiet surroundings, heading to Forensics and then stopping. No, medical science…. He headed a few shelves down and then stopped. Genetics. That’s what he was in the mood for, Genetics. He found a book about the history of genetics and crossed randomly through a few aisles of books. He’d probably find a quiet place to read, or just take the book and read it elsewhere. Whichever was more comfortable and convenient for Caleb. He stopped in mid strode though, as he caught someone beginning to read. A small smirk appeared on his lips and his eyebrows came down together in a furrow. She was here reading… Hm… Rani Khan, of course. It was as if she knew he was going to be studying… Was she studying? He looked at the book cover carefully but couldn’t see between the shelves what exactly she was reading… Well, maybe he shouldn’t be spying on her, psh. Yeah right. He wasn’t spying, he just stumbled upon the scene of her reading. Well, might as well have some fun.

Curious to her reaction, he walked back toward a few more shelves, his book in hand. He dropped it on the floor, so it would make a loud boom and hopefully Rani would stand and go to figure out what or where the noise came from. But of course he wasn’t sticking around for that. He immediately turned and skipped up a few more aisles to continue to peak through the books and spy on her. She began to smile…Strange. He was hoping to startle her a bit and then, she began to walk back off. Hmph. He frowned and moved into sight, behind her though, moving to catch up with her and slowing down behind her. “Stealing my misplaced book? Are you that eager to learn of my study skills, Rani?” he had that expression, looking at the back of her head, the one where he intentionally (and obviously) looked as if he was holding back a crude smirk.

[/size]

[Rani Khan]

SHE ACTS LIKE SUMMER AND WALKS LIKE RAIN
reminds me that there's time to change
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

There was a very satisfied smile on Rani's face as she walked away from her crime scene. It was nice to calm her mind with some good old facts, of course until the sound of some person's footsteps reached her ears. They were close, which could very well prove her wrong. And Rani didn't like being proved wrong. “Stealing my misplaced book? Are you that eager to learn of my study skills, Rani?” And being disproved by that infamous Caleb Hanson was especially irksome.

There was no mistaking that deep voice, filled--no; overflowing with ego and there was a sneer to match no doubt. There was always that sarcastic, cocky smirk on his face whenever he talked to her. And boy did it make Rani's blood boil. For a doe, she could get pretty rowelled up. Guess thats what happens when you live with all boys and the family business is racing. Rani's more impulsive side immediatly told her to spin around and yell at him. But that would give him the idea that he won by breaking her temper. So she took a breath and put on a calm and collected face. He was going to lose this one. Whatever this one was.

Rani turned to face the 'dashing' Caleb, pah, Rani always felt the need to rub dirt on him and make him unappealing to all, and not just her. He was dressed casually, more so than she was, but that just meant she won that one. Dressed better than Caleb today. Rani one, Caleb... his points are all lies. Because he doesn't beat her. The brunette let the flurry of thoughts fall out of place as she handed the big book of genetics back to Caleb. "Aww Hanson, you're such a joker." Rani said with a slight glare that disappeared as quickly as it came; sarcasm and slight humor dripping from every word. "We both know that I don't need to study as much as you. I'm pretty sure I was here first anyway. And seeing as the library is a place of learning I will assume that my study skills are superior." Just as the smart aleck comment left her mouth Rani's brain rushed to the leisure read book in her hand. Showing itself off to the world. Aw crap. Maybe he didn't notice though!

It was a perfect time to cross her arms 'oh-so-casually' and turn the book in her right hand between her forefinger and thumb around. So it was pretty simple to just play it like a magician. Slide of hand, keep him occupied with something else. Rani knew that he was studying, and she wasn't. A win for him. She didn't like that very much either. Pulling her mouth to one side in a scrunch before speaking Rani thought it over in a split second. "Why misplace a book anyway Hanson? That seems a little dumb to me." Dumb indeed. She had a rather short temper and it got even shorter around the 'stupid, stupid boy. It always ended up with a colorful explosion from one side or the other and it had been going on for so long that Rani didn't really know what started the rivalry between the two.

Her mind pondered the past for a few seconds while her big, brown eyes iced over and still remained fiery. However that was possible is probably beyond explanation. It was in Rani's nature to be competitive; to fight for the top dog spot. And until Caleb Jerkface Hanson nobody ever wanted to stand in her way. But since he had come barging in with his stupid right answers, his stupid study skills, and his stupid crocodile Rani had been scared she had met her match. It was a bit of a shock to find someone who could make her work so hard to be better. But work she did, and she was sure that she was going to beat him in the long run. Once again, whatever the heck it was they were battling for-may it be the best grade on the test or who got the better choice for lunch goodness knows Rani would try to beat Caleb. Stupid, stupid boy who made her feel so very stupid sometimes.

[/font][/color]

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
SINCE HER RETURN FROM HER STAY ON THE MOON
she listens like spring and she talks like june

tagged; caleb hanson word count; 706
muse music; Highway to Hell by Glee Cast
outfit; here lyrics; drops of jupiter by train

[/size][/blockquote][/size][/color][/font][/center]

[Caleb Hanson]

Caleb was always curious and eager to hear a comeback from Rani. She never just backed down though, which he found quite annoying. Others give up eventually, but not Rani. He assumed for a while that she had always been the best or similar to that standing until he challenged her. Caleb wasn’t really interested in being the best at everything, he was just interested in being better than Rani. Two very different things in fact. So as his dark eyes stared at the brunette, he could feel the sneer oozing out of him. It was a good thing he decided to return for the summer, otherwise little miss goody two shoes would be studying and what not and by the time the new year started he would be royally screwed. No, now he could keep an eye on her, in case she pulled anything over the summer… If she didn’t, he would.

The tall male found himself licking his bottom lip casually as she turned to face him. Now he could better take in her appearance… He was somewhat underdressed… No matter, for now. He took the book she handed back to him, pleased to see her oblige so easily. He couldn’t really see her running away with his book anyways. It would be amusing though, and just something more to tease her about. He held the book loosely in his hand by his side, brushing against his thigh and focusing on her words that held more humor and sarcasm than he would appreciate. “Assume what you will, but I’m sure your studying skills will prove themselves when exams are to come. They always do.” he smirked subtly. She could have gotten perfect grades on her exams, but the way Caleb spoke of them, he was completely offending her. As if she were another common idiot who couldn’t pass a test. The most stubborn part about Caleb was, he made himself believe what he wanted to believe, after that there was no changing his opinion.

He was simmering secretly and silently at her comments though. Of course they angered him, but he only let her see the effects when the comments became nastier. These were subtle for now, merely greetings really. She spoke of what he said a few moments ago, about misplacing the book. He made a dramatically fake frown at her. “Well I’ll admit I lied.” he spoke as if sorry or speaking to a child. “I hadn’t misplaced the book. I had merely caught a glimpse of you with your own and figured a loud noise would scare you off. Similar to your shift.” He looked very smug as the words left his mouth. Doe’s were scared of almost any noise, or at least that’s what he had learned, but a crocodile? It wouldn’t run off from a loud noise, certainly not. He wondered how a slightly lower blow would take to her. How long until she snapped? Or would she get to him before he could get to her? That was the ultimate failure, when she made him more flustered and pissed than herself. Then again, that only made him (most of the time) come back with something worse to say, which escaladed an argument. But it was quite the failure when he was speechless, which wasn’t too often.

He glanced down to the book she shielded with her arms, he assumed it was just how she held the book. “And what is it you are studying?” he asked, mildly curious. Medicine? Surgical practices? Or something generic like mathematics? Hm… He glanced at the book, finding the cover quite old in appearance but not actually being able to make out the title because of her hands being in the way. He wondered if her book was better than his. History of genetics was quite impressive, unless she was reading advanced surgical practices or specific category. He glanced to her book and then to her eyes, as if to say ‘Well?’

[/size]

[Rani Khan]

SHE ACTS LIKE SUMMER AND WALKS LIKE RAIN
reminds me that there's time to change
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Why? Why? WHY?! did jerks like Caleb even exist? It seemed he was his very own species that was discovered during her high school years. Not a crocodile, but a first class pain in the--well, we won't go there. Rani's lips were pursed without her knowing as he smoothly snatched the book from her hand and held it without any effort at all. but the rules to the game were that neither was to show that the other bothered them. Even though they both knew that the other did. And the two think themselves smart, pah!

She let her lips relax as Caleb licked his casually. She just had to keep the unwritten rules to the game in the back of her mind, keep a picture of Caleb being punched in the nose in the front of her mind. Then everything would be much better. “Assume what you will, but I’m sure your studying skills will prove themselves when exams are to come. They always do.” The eighteen year old boy said with an air that didn't please Rani in the lease. But calm, cool, and collected was the way to go in this game. He wasn't even slightly phased by her comments now though. It was a bit disappointing not to see the predator flash in his eyes. It was proof that she was pushing his buttons, and he was unable to hide it. The doe didn't mind not seeing it though. That was for sure.

Okay. So he was going to try a little harder than usual today. He spoke of her grades as if they were throw away things. Rani cherished her A+s and gold stars. She was a bit arrogant, and that was the wood to her fire. But here comes stupid, stupid Caleb the Crocodile man spraying water all over her ego. Rani's fingers tensed around the old book in her hand, the tips of them turning white with the pressure. But it was a small gesture that she physically told herself to let go of. The doe was becoming a bit skittish. They both knew that they were not prepared for a Caleb Hanson encounter this summer and she knew it. Didn't he usually go home!? The fact that he was going to remain on the same spot of land with her for the summer as well as the school year unsettled her. Oh why did he come when he had her defenses down!?

"We both know what will happen around exam time. I will kick your butt on every single medical exam." She said quite pointedly, a hint of anger was creeping into her voice. Ah crap. Crap, crap, crap! She didn't feel like losing to the brute today. And apparently he might have known it too because the next comment had the Doe in her quaking and it took a great deal of will power to just stand her ground against crocodile boy. “Well I’ll admit I lied. I hadn’t misplaced the book. I had merely caught a glimpse of you with your own and figured a loud noise would scare you off. Similar to your shift.” Oh boy oh boy. Rani took a deep breath and opened her mouth slightly, waiting a second before speaking. Perhaps it looked like a dramatic pause. It was her trying to gather her nerves. "Well then Hanson you must be awfully bored this summer. Dropping books to scare off someone. Why don't you go drop book on someone your own size and leave me alone for once. Hmm?" There. Maybe he'd actually scram and let Rani gather her marbles for a new attack plan, now that she knew he was staying the summer.

Rani was building back some confidence as a second or two passed. Okay, maybe things aren't that bad. She'd beat him even though she was completely un prepared. "After all," she reasoned with herself, "he did basically plan a sneak attack. He had surprise on his side. It's like war." The simple thought that Rani was holding her own (if only on shaking Doe limbs) pleased her. She was the winning in her mind. It would all be okay. That is, unless he mentions the--“And what is it you are studying?” NO! Rani didn't let a single emotion show on her face as she kept her arms in place and cleared her throat.

Crocodile man had The History of Genetics in his hand, and here she was, clutching the tattered cover of Sherlock Holmes. Not a comparison when you read the rules. So she decided the Doe was right. Perhaps she should run... but quietly. "This? Oh I'm sure it's something that wouldn't interest you Hanson. Now leave me alone." Retreat, retreat! Rani turned on her heel and moved the book so that the cover was still hidden against her chest, and her hand held the spine. The doe was not pleased with turning her back on a predator. It was almost like inviting the croc for some kind of chase. Not. Fun. She just hopped her rival decided to be dumb today. Fat chance though. You had to be a cunning one to compete with Rani. She knew that. And it just so happened Caleb Hanson was that cunning.

[/font][/color]

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
SINCE HER RETURN FROM HER STAY ON THE MOON
she listens like spring and she talks like june

tagged; caleb hanson word count; 876
muse music; Bruised and Scarred by Mayday Parade
outfit; here lyrics; drops of jupiter by train
notes; -hugglescaleb- i love this character! even if rani hates him. he's giving me crazy muse, lovelove <3

[/size][/blockquote][/size][/color][/font][/center]

[Caleb Hanson]

What a quick and witty one she was, but not quick enough. He had wondered idly if Rani was going home for the summer? It could be a good and a bad thing if she did. Good because he wouldn’t have to worry about bumping into her all over campus this summer and bad because who knew what she would be doing at home? Honestly, there were certain upbringings which made people more intelligent than others. Of course, there were those diamonds in the rough who just happened to want to study on his own, but other’s came from the making’s of intelligence. For all he knew, she could have some genius uncle who would unlock secrets to increase her knowledge. No, he didn’t want any surprise attacks when the semester started again.

Caleb focused on Rani’s words. It seemed he had to speak in riddles around here, carefully not to tread on a booby trap. The simplest statement could quickly backfire on him. Basically they would use everything and anything against each other and he wasn’t going to give her insulting ideas. As she did speak, about exams, he gave a little snort as if to say ‘yes, I’m sure’ with a large dose of sarcasm. But, what was that hinting in her tone? She didn’t sound as calm as before. Maybe the pitiful doe was becoming angry? Oh how that would please him. Her anger. Hah. He would love for her to snap at him, but if she did, she would have to watch herself. Who could snap back better than a crocodile with a short temper?

At his insult to her shift, he awaited pleasantly, almost sadistically excited. Maybe her face would turn red? She could start chewing her lip and snarl. Alright, he was a little dramatic, but it would be quite funny to see. The pause was surely interesting enough. But to annoy her that much more, in her second of the pause, he extended his neck a little as if to say ‘Weeeeeeeeell?’ Hah. She couldn’t even begin to process a sentence without thinking ahead. All that studying must really be getting to her.

“Now now. I thought that if a book were to scare anyone off, it would be you.” said Caleb completely innocently. He was far from innocent, especially today. “Someone’s a bit cranky too. What’s wrong Rani? Not enough sleep? Did you hear a cricket outside your window last night?” another smirk, another attack. He knew one thing was for sure, he wasn’t going to let her go that easily. Why walk off or let her walk off when he could keep on with his attack? It was interesting, amusing and entertaining. Better than television! His book would always be there, but surprise attacking Rani was something rare.

He was eager and curious to hear what she was studying. But as he glanced to her book while she responded to him, he raised an eyebrow. She was just leaving? Just like that? Maybe it had something to do with the book. What was so special about what she was reading? Was it some secret book of intelligence? Obviously that didn’t exist, but maybe a new addition to the library, brand new and she was being greedy? But that book looked old and tattered, so that wasn’t the case. Hm.. then an old book, but of what? He realized he had been thinking about it when she had turned and continued on. He moved to catch up with her, oh no, it wouldn’t be that easy.

“Why would I leave you alone? It’s polite to accompany a young lady out of a building and since you’re something that looks like a young lady, I’ll do as so.” he spoke slightly arrogantly, walking next to her and glancing down at her book. “Now, don’t be ridiculous or rude, let me see what your reading.” he walked a little ahead of her and stopped in front of her, stopping her in her tracks so she would show him the book. But, just in case, he extended his hand, to grab the book from her clutch.

[/size]

[Rani Khan]

SHE ACTS LIKE SUMMER AND WALKS LIKE RAIN
reminds me that there's time to change
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Things were never ever supposed to end up with her running from him. Never! But things were escalating to a place that she didn't like, even if it was only visible to her eyes. Caleb seemed to be attacking like any predator when they sense they're winning. Even when they don't really know it. She watched him warily as he spoke. “Now now. I thought that if a book were to scare anyone off, it would be you.” One jab. “Someone’s a bit cranky too. What’s wrong Rani? Not enough sleep? Did you hear a cricket outside your window last night?” And then the next. The Indian girl raised one eyebrow and pursed her lips. Somebody was not please, and three guesses as to who that is.

Her mind thought of a few good things to yell at him, and she almost did. But it was so close to a good getaway where neither won or lost that she wouldn't risk it. A tie always goes down better than a loss. At least for whoever was on the losing end of the spectrum. So Rani just stared cold daggers at him before answering in that voice calm as a pool of water. "No. Hanson, and I'm pretty sure you knew that." She said before ending her statement. "Going back to fifth grade with the comebacks are you now? She knew better than to use the word 'we' there. That was a verbal trap she could have set up and fallen into all by herself. She was already losing this stupid argument about nothing and wasn't going to humiliate herself any further. No thank you.

Thats when her cue to leave came and Rani walked away from Caleb and his sneers. her back to the reptile. She was still tense with him behind her but she knew just a little bit further was that big red leather chair with the huge glass window and the relaxing atmosphere. She could attempt to stay in the lounge area and go back to reading her book. But Rani knew that was nye impossible. She couldn't go back to reading her lesser book (no offense to the great Sherlock Holmes or Sir Arthur Conan Doyle of course) with that predator lurking in the shadows of the shelves. Probably dropping more books. The idiot. But lurking none the less.

But then again, maybe not so much. As Rani started escaping the croc was right on her tail. He startled her and Rani's head spun in his direction with a glare. “Why would I leave you alone? It’s polite to accompany a young lady out of a building and since you’re something that looks like a young lady, I’ll do as so.” Oh the nerve of the brute. She had her fill of Mr. Hanson for the whole summer, perhaps the whole year! Heck, while we're at it lets just bump it up to her entire lifetime. She could go that long without ever feeling a bit of pain that she didn't get to see Caleb Hanson's sneering face. "Good one Hanson. That hurt." Rani said in a very dry tone, holding onto her little novel for dear life. And in a sense it was true. She wasn't sure what the crocodile would say, but she was sure that it was going to be something that will seal her losing fate. Nu-uh. not gonna happen. “Now, don’t be ridiculous or rude, let me see what your reading.”

Rani ignored his last statement and kept talking until he walked in front of her and stopped in his tracks. "Anyway. The reason gentleman walk ladies places is to protect them from brutes like you." At the end of her sentence her voice raised a bit as she stood in front of the towering Caleb. Her small frame seemed incredibly frail in comparison. The doe was not comfortable, and if Rani was being honest with herself she wasn't either. She didn't like being backed into a corner. She didn't wan't to show him her book. She wouldn't show it to him.

The big red lether chair was in sight through the bookshelves. A haven. Then Rani's mind created a way to not give up the book. Perhaps she panicked... a little but she went through with it. Rani slid the book to her butt and sat on the floor. Indian style right on top of old Sherlock, her arms laying on her knees. "Oh, well I changed my mind. I think I'll stay here. I want to sit. You go on ahead though. She said to him, the doe was freaking out at sitting in front of a crocodile, being so small and defenseless. Perhaps she was being a bit rash. But what else could she do? Rani would rather die than lose to the likes of Caleb Hanson. "Don't worry I'm sure I'll find a nice gentleman to walk me out considering there aren't any here. Hopefully we wont see each other again. Toodles!" Rani said waving him off as her brain recalled that stupid book of genetics. It was the crocodile and genetics that caused this nonsense. Suddenly genetics was the least appealing class on her schedule next term.

[/font][/color]

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
SINCE HER RETURN FROM HER STAY ON THE MOON
she listens like spring and she talks like june

tagged; caleb hanson word count; 868
muse music; When I Grow Up by Mayday Parade
outfit; here lyrics; drops of jupiter by train

[/size][/blockquote][/size][/color][/font][/center]

[Caleb Hanson]

Besides the two witty students having what one might call a conversation, everything else was dead silent. Was there even a librarian inside the library today? He hadn't seen anyone on his way in and he was pretty sure some of the hallway lights were off. Hm. Maybe it was because it was just that nice out. No matter, he didn’t take the signs that he should be outside as serious. If anyone, Rani should be outside! Caleb wouldn’t mind her partaking in nothing but summer activities, maybe becoming too distracted and losing a bit of knowledge from the summer fun. That’s how normal students worked at least, but oh, not Rani. She always seemed smarter after the summer! Probably from all that free study time. Hmph. Well, that was Caleb’s goal. To keep her from doing so and if he could help it, distracting her at all costs.

The witty girl made a comment about his comebacks reverting back to fifth grade. He rolled his eyes slightly but wouldn’t comment further. It was a little blow but he wouldn’t let it phase him too bad. Did she want his comments to get nasty? Well. Caleb avoided swearing with Rani at most costs. Not because he viewed her as a child (though he would compare her to one just to piss her off), he just found it to appear immature and less intelligent. He wouldn’t give her that satisfaction either. A few swears and a hot head and he can lose, she would deem herself better because he wasn’t able to form less than simple words and that would be it.

As she walked away, he was still getting over the shock that she would be walking away. He could see it fine if one of them surrendered in a conversation when they had something else to do. Such as, an emergency. He didn’t know what exactly, but she hadn't given an excuse really and he found that as a weakness. Attack, attack, attack. That’s what his mind told him to do. A part of the predate and crocodile was coming out of him. It was like seeing a wounded animal near the water’s edge. How could he give up such an opportunity? He couldn’t. He had lurked, made a surprise attack and now it was time to finish it.

Staring at her, face to face, he wondered what she might do. A thought flashed in his mind, of Rani booking it the other direction. If she did so, would he really chase her among the book shelves? Maybe. It would be a bit childish and extreme just to see what she was reading, but if she was concealing it with so much effort, maybe it was worth finding out. He was completely convinced this book was something of great matter. There was a big secret within it, something special, there had to be. She wouldn’t have made such a big deal otherwise.

“Why are you being so dif-” he was mid sentence, but had to stop. Why did he stop mid sentence? Because Rani started to move closer to the ground. Now, you would think because they run into each other often, they would be a little more comfortable with each other, well maybe not. But at least not awkward. However, the fact that she had made her way to the floor, sitting on the book, made Caleb feel awkward and stiff. He gave her an expression that read she was slightly insane. “I would expect you of most people to sit on literature, but at least not in the middle of a library.” he tsk’d at her. But, he wasn’t going to leave her in the middle of the floor, he wanted to see what that book said damnit!

He made a ‘ohhh good one’ expression at her gentleman comment, still not moving. Instead, he crossed his arms over his chest and began walking around the little doe slowly, looking ahead and then back down at her. “I didn’t know a doe could be so stubborn.” he stopped walking behind her, to give that intimidation fact such as, what is he doing? A man who can shift into a crocodile is standing behind your back while you’re squatted at a low position on the floor, that was just a smidge risky. He moved his foot to kick the book lightly under her as if to remind her, more of a nudge. “If you’re going to sit here, maybe I should shift to keep you company at a lower level.” a small smirk at his offer was all he gave.

[/size]

[Rani Khan]

SHE ACTS LIKE SUMMER AND WALKS LIKE RAIN
reminds me that there's time to change
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

To nothing was going Rani's way today. Nobody had invited her to any upcoming party (if there were any), there weren't any classes that needed her immediate attention, and the only person that came to relieve her of her lonesome boredom was this sharp toothed idiot. “Why are you being so dif-” As her small self sat atop the brown book Caleb's face tensed. Was he nervous? That was odd, but it all registered as a small win. Still it was a weird thing for him to be nervous around her ever. She knew that neither register each other except on a 'professional' one. If not an extremely childish one. Not enough to be comforting though, as the tension disappeared from his face at least, rather quickly. Rani wasn't pleased with the way things were turning out and she was going to put her stubborn personality to use here. She was stubborn, an over achiever, and extremely talented-yet the crocodile in front of her always put up a fight. Sometimes one would get away, and other times another. Today was the Doe's turn to go down.

Rani felt more childish than ever as she sat atop the book. She knew that her brothers would have laughed, and her dad would end up scolding her for doing something so stupid. She was raised in a spotlight, her family was important and well know in both the shifter and human world. And here was Rani, sitting on books in libraries. What was this world coming to?! She glared up at Caleb as he decided to stick around. She had a small glimmer of hope that the croc in him would get bored. But nope.

Thoughts ran through Rani's head about what Caleb would do when he figured out that she was hiding an edition of Sherlock Holmes under her butt as opposed to some rocket science textbook. Maybe he would laugh at her and continue to torment her about it until the day that she died. The thought was a bit overdramatic and Rani mentally chided herself for thinking such foolish things. At least if he did torment her then after a point it would become a point reducer and every time he brought it up she wold feel that winning glow again. Oh that feeling was wonderful. Of course she could have already drawn it out to such an extreme that it would be a joke in itself. She could just picture it all. 'hey Rani, read any good books lately? Of course not, how silly of me, I forgot that you much prefer sitting on them.' He would say sneering with that stupid face of his and she would only be able to glare. Of course the same principle as before would apply here, but it would take much longer. Why did she sit on the book!? Why!?

An overwhelming feeling to bang her head against a wall overcame her as the thoughts settled and Caleb circled. Suddenly she was on high alert and sucked in an involuntary breath. Now. Nobody should mistake that Rani loved her shift. She appreciated the doe's alertness (at times) and felt graceful in her second form. Lighter on her feet than when she danced. It was exhilarating to run through the trees and spend a day in the forest. But those damn predators! She became nervous as Caleb stood behind her. He probably wasn't doing anything, but the fact that she could see him made her anxious and jumpy. Not extremely so, but she was more on edge than normal.

C aleb nudged the oh so secret book with his foot and Rani tensed. “If you’re going to sit here, maybe I should shift to keep you company at a lower level.” Rani was almost positive that he wouldn't shift in the middle of a library. There were people who could get him into trouble. Not that that even mattered to him. And just a moment, were there people here? The library was always open as a place to come and read, study and relax, but there wasn't always a librarian. It was a late Friday afternoon. Probably five o'clock so... no. No there wasn't any bloody librarian in the building! Whatever Rani had done to make this day so exceedingly horrible she quickly and silently apologized for.

She drew in a breath as her mind was made up. Rani stood up and grabbed the book as she did, turning to face Caleb again. The doe facing off with the crocodile. She looked at him and kept her collected face on. Despite the anger of defeat. "That won't be necessary Hanson. I'm very sure that you can find someone else to bother, I meant keep company." Rani said before leaning down and placing the book on the floor in front of him cover still down. She looked bak at Caleb for a few silent seconds before hardening her gaze and turning around. So she was running. Again. But this time it was just to the red leather chair by the window. Rani plopped down in the big thing and folded her arms in defeat. Damn the crocodile.

[/font][/color]

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
SINCE HER RETURN FROM HER STAY ON THE MOON
she listens like spring and she talks like june

tagged; caleb hanson word count; 860
muse music; Kisses & Cake by John Powell
outfit; here lyrics; drops of jupiter by train

[/size][/blockquote][/size][/color][/font][/center]