It's Called Blind Love, *Austin and Penny*

[Kristen Parker]

With her delicate fingers, Kristen held her cellular phone against her ears talking persuasively to the person on the otherend "You're at Waterfront already? as pretencious as her exclaimation was, to anyone else it was genuine "...I'm really sorry Austin, but I think I'll be running a little late. I pulled an all-nighter yesterday and overslept" Kristen made an excuse, before waiting for her reply. "Great, I made a registration under your name, it should be the table by the river. Oh, and before I hang up... make sure your collar is down and under your blazer!" and with that final statement she hung up.

Kristen was by that time at the train station waiting or Penny to arrive. This was it, the day where Penny's dress was of use, and where she'll find her ultimate happiness, and for Austin. Well, it would be a great present. Kristen was adorning a red dress that slited at the bottom from the left to the right the shortest part stopping just below her knees. If she was to fool Penny into thinking that she was having a party with herself in such fancy clothes, Kristen had to at least dress the part or suspicion will arrise.

When the girl finally showed up, a wide grin crawled on her lips. Oh was kristen proud at her creation, and to think she will be the mastermind behind the love of two great people. "You look amazing... oh, wait" Kristen managed to stop short, taking a wet wipe out of her bigger-than-average clutch, and wiped off the excess eyeliner. "Now you look truly amazing" she said once breaking away from the gap between them. "You ready for dinner?" and without even waiting for an answer, Kristen grabbed Penny and apparated them just near the King Street Bridge

[Penny Quinland]

It had been weeks since she had seen Kristen and in an odd way, missed the older girl. While normally when going on a date, her idea of nice clothes was a pair of jeans that weren't ripped and a slightly more fitted shirt, Penny was slowly growing more confident in the dress that Kristen had picked out. Penny did like it, she admitted that to herself inwardly, but she had stubbornly refused to get it, for a little while at least.

Now making her way to meet Kristen, she pulled at the black dress she wore and adjusted the wide, white belt she wore around her waist. The shortness of the dress and the off the shoulder cut was easy enough to deal with, it was just her lack of balance when it came to peep toe pumps she wore. Secretly practicing to walk in her room back at Tally, she had gained more balance and poise than she thought would have been possible on the uneven flooring there.

"Kristen," she said, finally finding the girl int he crowd. She was talking on her cell phone, giving a warning to the person on the other side of the line and hung up. Penny blushed slightly, proud that she managed her makeup so well, but she had left in a rush, he hadn't given herself a final glance to make sure everything was alright. Of course Kristen helped her, and looked nice herself.

Penny nodded when asked if she was ready. Shortly after she felt as if she were being squeezed through a two inch bendy pipe and then suddenly, she was in a completely different location. The disorientation was only temporary and soon she realized that that was appearation. She shivered only a little before regaining composure. She tucked some loose strands of hair behind her ear and patting at the loose pun she had put her hair up in. It looked rather nice, not too made up, and there was a hint of color. A pop of electric blue that was almost hidden, but from the right angled, it was clearly visible.


"Are you going to be staying too?" she asked curiously as she turned tot he older girl. She hoped that Kristen would so Penny would have that comfort there. She had no idea who was waiting for them in the restaurant and that made penny nervous.

[Kristen Parker]

Kristen had apparated many times before, well... maybe not as much, but she have been practicing by getting out of tough situation such as being to drunk to take any public transport, and 'poof', or when she got paranoid of someone stalking her 'poof'. However, she didn't knew how Penny felt about it, and Kristen didn't really thought of the girl approving being apparated, and it didn't cross the brunette's mind to ask. Until now. "Hey, are you okay..." the girl asked worriedly "...If you haven't done this, here's the d.l. you'll get a little woozy, but everything would be fine in 5 minutes or so". Hey, Kristen's been through it!

Once straightening her dress as it was disrupted from the apparation, Kristen looked back at Penny just as the girl asked he a question. "Of course!" Kristend exclaimed, "I may have the reputation of a puppy... but no one should really believe what they see really". Oh how contradicting she would sound when she realizes that her plan would soon blow up in her face. "It's just a friends bash... you'll be fine!" the brunette reassured, lying straight through her teeth. She was glad to put her acting to good use.

Patting her clutch to make sure she has a camera, Kristen nodded and linked her arm with Penny's as they headed to Crowns, and into Breeze where both Austin and Penny's faith awaits them. "Connors" Kristen told the maitre' d. But before the he led them to the table, Kristen stop short "I need to go to the ladies, why don't you head to the table first" she says before rushing off away.

This post has been edited by Kristen Parker on Mar 8 2008, 11:29 PM

[Austin Connors]

After getting off the phone with Kristen, Austin made his way to the maitre' d, not before adjusting his collar into a smarter look. Why was it so important how he dressed anyway, it wasn't like they he was on a date or anything of that such. Besides, it was only dinner with Kristen... which he felt guilty of calling it off so many times just because his father demanded him to come back for the winter holidays. Of course when he went back, he barely even saw his father.

But now he's back, and ready to make-up for his dinner with Kristen. To think to find such a time because Kristen had so many classes for a Uni student, go figure! The maitre' d led him to a table just by the river as Kristen had said over the phone, and took a seat on the table for two. A year ago and Austin would be hell nervous, but now that Kristen and his relationship was resolved to merely friend terms, he was quite relaxed.

For two minutes he was seated, Austin suddenly heard footsteps coming his way. Getting up from his seat, he waited patiently as what he thought was Kristen's approaching,m but when the face was slowly revealed from the rays of the moonlight, Austin couldn't help bu exclaimed, "You!"

[Penny Quinland]

Penny nodded to Kristen, still just slightly dizzy so she leaned on her for support while she wore her high heels. "Yeah I figured, just next time, warn me please." She really was alright and she just wanted to get to the restaurant so she could sit down and have some water.

She had to admit though that she was slightly confused. Connors? Well maybe one of the people they were meeting made the reservation. Kristen left her though and Penny was on her own to meet these people as well as maintain balance and what little confidence she had gained while wearing her new outfit.

Upon arriving at the outside table, Penny looked around. There seemed to be only couples out here. Apparently dinner at night and outside by the river was a popular thing for dates and Penny's stomach gave a lurch. Kristen had set her up with someone.

She jumped though when the boy seemed to be addressing her in a slightly annoyed manner. "Yes me!" she answered automatically in her defense. It wasn't until she noticed who it was that her eyes narrowed and her face grew angry. She was fighting to keep control so she wouldn't draw any attention to the fact that she was a witch and cause any type of trouble. Great, the guy from the club. The chances of them meeting again were like, not very good, and here he was.

Determined to be the better person here, she took her seat when the maitre' d offered her a seat. "Thank you," she said politely and then stared at Austin and silently cursing Kristen to the end of the universe.

[Austin Connors]

Austin can't believe what he was seeing, instead of the familiar face of Kristen Parker, he was met with the face that he had tried so very, very hard to forget. He just didn't know why, but somehow the blonde just attracted and angered him at the same time. He couldn't understand it, as much as he have tried to refused to feel anything with her, the more appealing he felt of her. Austin was standing there, angered, but partially hoping she wasn't on a date with someone else.

But he was rather surprised when the maitre' d pointed her to his seat. Wait? It finally sanked, this was no casual dinner with Kristen!! It was a blind date, setted up by her. Austin couldn't believe he felt for her scheme, and how many times has he watched her do it, and yet he still fell for it. But did he hate her for that, somehow, he wasn't. Slightly glad, that he got to atone for what he has done.... that is if he tries. Austin would be too ignorant to do it first however, but either way, he took a seat anyway. "Kristen brought you up to this?" he asked, "So you knew about this date, what? Couldn't get enough of me?" Austin was unaware at his cockiness towards Penny, but who could blame him, he was just plain annoyed!

[Kristen Parker]

Instead of going into the ladies, Kristen moved to her allocated seat that was booked under Parker. It was the perfect seat as it was allocated at a vantage point, the wouldn't be able to see her, and she could perfect see them. It was just too bad she can't hear them, or not. Good thing she made use of muggle technology and slipped her un-turned off phone into Penny's purse so that Kristen could monitor their conversation as if she was right next to them.

What came through the other end heowever shocked her, these two were fighting it off. Did they knew each other? Wait... was Austin the guy that Penny was crying over. Oh poo! She was dead, oh definitely, and to think she was helping Penny and Austin here. Why did she had to be so smart and make a muck of everything... Kristen was too caught up in self-regret that she didn't realized she shut her phone off. Until it suddenly rang, it was her parents. This time, Kristen actually went into the ladies to answer her phone.

[Penny Quinland]

Yes, she was angry at both of them but she couldn't help but have that angry look still on her face while Austin spoke to her. She didn't like holding grudges, but she still was a little upset about the time at Night Life. And still, there was that attraction. A confidence that she had most of the time, when she wasn't in a dress and shoes that she really couldn't walk in, and of course looks, but there was also arrogance and that definitely made her angry.

"Did she put me up to this?" she laughed. "No, she took me shopping a little while ago and convinced me that a girls night out was the proper occasion for a dress." She shook her head now and folded her arms. "I shoudl have known something was up." Her eyes snapped back to Austin and narrowed. "Cheeky," she said and then sighed. She might as well make the best of the situation.

"I do believe you are required to tell me your name now," she said with a smile, though it was of course in no way friendly. Austin had promised Penny his name but penny had left the club angry and still clueless.

[Austin Connors]

Well he couldn't blame Penny for long, or at all. No! He had to blame her, she had humiliated him... but he shouldn't. Austin was so confused that rather not think about it, and just went with whatever pops up in his mind, which was clearly forgiving the girl. Attraction usually need no thinking, "No, I should have known..." he stated, "I've been helping her set up blind dates ever since we started dating. This is what she considered fun..." he trailed, his voice became softer for the next line "But most of the people she has helped are as happy as ever at the end result", Austin sub-conciously hoped this would too.

"I'm glad you still want to know..." no, Austin had to try not to be arrogant. Penny was being nice, and he was just being an ass to show off for the public bloodlust. But considering where they were allocated, it was quite empty, and most of the patrons were over the age of 60 anyway. "...After what I did, sorry." he apologized. This was the difference between him and Kristen, he could apologize, she wouldn't even try! "I'm Austin, Austin Connors." he introduce, "And I don't believe I got yours?" like he would forget her name if she did tell him.

[Penny Quinland]

As Austin spoke, an image of Austin as Cupid popped into her mind and she raised an eyebrow as she successfully held back a giggle. "Ah, so I take it you pride yourself in your abilities?" She was hoping that this would turn out well. Already she was relaxing considering there was no one of importance around that she needed to impress. She was on unfamiliar territory. Austin was probably used to nice dates like these. With Penny being a student with little pocket money, it was hamburgers and the club, or even just sitting by the creek.

Penny remained quiet not, not sure what to say. Austin was slowly making his way onto Penny's good list for apologizing like that. She knew it took courage to admit you were in the wrong. She was smiling once again though.

"I already gave you my name," she said. "Though I suppose the music was to loud then. Penny. Penny Quinland." It was at that moment that their waiter arrived and poured water into the empty glasses that sat beside their plates and gave them menus.

"Is there anything else I can get you two at the moment?" Penny just shook her head. "I'm fine thank you." She greatfuly drank her water. She was feeling a little light headed but it wasn't from appearating any more.

[Austin Connors]

Austin smirked ever so lightly, "Trust me, my abilities ends there." he admits vaguely "But it's just what you do for love I guess" or puppy love since him and Kristen were no more, thanks to him and his stupid idea of desperate fun. Austin's smile faltered slightly when he noticed how uncomfortable Penny was. Probably his presence which was obvious of course after what he did to her. How will he able to redeem himself? Austin would love to, love to show Penny that he can be the man that isn't arrogant! What is he talking about? Kristen paid full fare for the date, and Austin Connors ain't no skipping out on a free meal.

However, Austin overcame himself when Penny smiled. Her smile made him smile, it was the right smile to Austin. Perfect consistency, natural, sweet, and meaningful. He adored her smile... but before she noticed, he diverted his attention to the river. He whipped his head back to Penny just as she clarified her name, he was sure that he's never head it before... he was sure. Because he would remember it by heart. "Penny... that's..." nice name? "Ordinary name I suppose." why was he in denial?

Austin just can't explain it, he doesn't commit anymore. Maybe out of peer pressure, or maybe Penny was making him feel somethinbg that he's afraid to feel, especaily what he had done to Kristen. He doesn't want to make the same mistake... no, not this time. Austin told the waiter he's fine, "Don't you have a boyfriend or something Penny that should missing you tonight?"

[Penny Quinland]

Wow, already bringing up love. This boy really was interesting and apparently had an ability for sending Penny's emotions swinging to very different extremes. "Yeah I guess."

She looked over the menu now, wondering who was paying. She didn't know that Kristen had already arranged to have the meal already payed for. "Gee, thanks," she said looking up. "My dad named me I'll have you know." She left it at that. In her expression, it was clear that the subject of her dad was one that she would not discuss any further.

"I don't have a boyfriend." she said looking back at the menu. "And if I did and he was upset because I was going out with friends, which I was under the impression that I was, then there are some serious issues there." There was pasta on the menu and she decided that a chicken alfredo would be nice.

[Austin Connors]

Austin noted the hint of loss when Penny mention her father, as if she never want to bring the subject up. This only strike Austin's curiosity only making Penny much more appealing to him, she was like chinese puzzle box, with hidden comparments but you'd just have to find the right combination. But should Austin be that person to solve her combination, as much as he would like to, he'd rather not... for each of their sakes. Respecting her privacy Austin only nodded, "You're luck to have a dad who loves you" he mentions, not elaborating any further.

"Whoa!" Austin raised his hands, as if asking her to calm down. "Cool it woman! Was just wondering if there someone significant" he tells her as he too browse through the menu "Just wanted to be sure that a guy won't be coming through those doors and punching the life out of me.". Austin wondered how a pretty girl like Penny not have a girlfriend, she was a looker, and an awfully nice girl... just too much of a waste though. But Austin would never admit that to her of course.

[Penny Quinland]

"Yeah," she agreed quietly. Her dad did love her, and so did her mom. Pushing those thoughts away now, she looked around for Kristen. "Where is she? She just said she would be right back..."

"Look, you are the one who brought it up. You should have known better." she smiled through, trying to imagine someone beating Austin up. Austin wasn't exactly small so she found that hard to picture.

"No, no boyfriend," she said more civilly this time. "And you? A girlfriend? It wouldn't surprise me if I was one of many one a list." It was just like her to be bold with statements like that. But what if I want to be the only person on the list? she thought to herself.

[Austin Connors]

Austin followed Penny's gazed as it darted around the room, looking for Kristen what Austin slowly deduced "If you're looking for Kristen, forget." he told her, before explaining why. "The girl don't just pops up after a blind date kay, she either goes home and get footage from the restaurant straight to her HDTV back in cali, or she finds a table and listens in on a phone she slipped on either pockets. But it would be hard to find her in this over-populated restaurant though". With that, he nodded hoping Penny comprehended everything he said. "You good?" he asked for reassurance.

"Why not? In that tiny school, I betting you're probably the best looking girl out there." okay, maybe he was being charming... not complimenting at all. CHARMING. "I don't believe you didn't at least had one boyfriend before?" why was he so engrossed in her personal life, why did he care if she had any boyfriends before. WHy? Austin couldn't stand this, he has fallen for Penny, but he's too afraid to admit that. "girlfriends.... nope, none as of yet..." he paused for awhile, "...Just you" he made a sidesmile and winked in her direction.