KISSING BOOTH [OPEN]

[LOGAN ANDREW STONE]

The weather was absolutely perfect. No clouds, no rain. Just pure sunshine drenching the Town Square, making the red bricks sparkle underneath Stone's feet. Usually, he would be on a walk, but today he was on a mission. An involuntary one at that. Three kisses in the middle of town square, and he was done for the day. He sighed. Screw Valentines Day.

Psh. Valentines Day. An excuse for everyone to go at it in every cliche manner possible. Couples go on their cute moonlit walks, and single people scramble to buy roses and chocolates for a random prospect so they do not go another lonely year without someone to cuddle with. What was Stone doing? Why, he was setting up his kissing booth in the middle of Town Square!

Now, Stone is not a pathetic loser. He actually lost a bet with his good friend, Drew. They were having a cooking contest. Whoever made the best california roll wins, and well, he fell short when his rolls unraveled just before judging. So here he was, adding the finishing touches to his kissing booth. It was a small, dark table, and he just stuck the sign "kissing booth" with duct tape in the front. Three kisses, Drew's voice repeated in his head, And you're done for the day!

Torture, absolute torture. Stone moved to the seat, and propped his feet up on the table. He was not particularly a reader, but he would not mind a nice, short novel to get him through the day. He sighed lightly, glancing around the Town Square. He really was pathetic. Why did he let Drew talk him into this?

[penelope june tates]

She shouldn't have let Chuck talk her into taking the day off! Penny was fretting as she walked through the streets of Charoite, wating all the while wanting to just be back at the store. It was Valentine's day, which meant people would be scrambling for flowers! It would be crazy, and she needed to be there. She was the one who knew which flowers represented what. She was the one who knew how to make breathtaking flowers. It was a little conceited, but she was the one who knew how to run the place! Penny loved her brother and her dad, but when it came to flowers... they were men.

It Valentine's day, her brother had argued. You're young, go out and have some fun. Never mind that he was younger than her, but Penny had sheepishly agreed. The day was beautiful one and she hadn't wanted to spend it inside... alone. Valentine's day always filled her with sadness. A glaring reminder that she was alone. In the past, she had always tried to lose herself in the hustle and bustle of the shop so she wouldn't have to dwell on it. And that's where she wanted to be now, but her brother's face flashed in her head. He would be dissapointed.

It was strange, she really should have been taking care of him, instead, he took care of her. Chuck was far too mature for his age. She blamed herself. If she hadn't been such a mess after what had happened... There was no use dwelling in the past. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, people in love were all around her. It was beautiful.

After purchasing some chocolate (for her family), Penny wandered over to the town square. She'd heard talk of a fortune teller who would look into the future for you, and Penny was eager to meet her. She wanted to know about her future, who didn't? But the fortune teller didn't seem to be around. Or if she was, Penny had missed her. What she didn't miss was a small booth with a sign taped to it. Kissing Booth, it said.

Wait, what?

"Ki- ki- kiss- kissing booth! Wh- w- what..." she spluttered, turning red as she read the sign again and again... and again. Her eyes travelled to the young man sitting behind the booth and turned even more red. "T- that's so indecent!" she said, addressing the man. Penny wasn't a prude, just... ignorant.

[LOGAN ANDREW STONE]

Finally. His first prospect came into view. The first thing he noticed was her long, silky black hair and small, feminine frame. It did not take long for someone to wander in his wake. A smirk creeped up the corners of his lips. Maybe this would not be so bad. Oh look, she was coming towards him. One kiss down...

Ki- ki- kiss- kissing booth! Wh- w- what... She sputtered. What? T- that's so indecent!

Stone blinked for a moment, and lowered is feet from the table so they were flat on the red brick below. It took him a moment to register what had just happened. He set his elbows on the table, and began laughing. Really? Had she really thought that this was a serious venture? He would tell her that it was just a bet, and that one kiss will get him a third off the hook. Or....

He could play with her and have some fun.

"One kiss, free of charge." Stone smirked, trying to stifled the rest of his giggles, "Unless of course, your boyfriend is waiting for you." There was always the possibility. Even though there is a goalie, does not mean ya cannot score, right? "I won't tell."

Chuckling under his breath, he stared her down, waiting for her answer. Creeping out the townspeople was actually rather...fun, and Drew will get a kick out of it later. Maybe this lost bet would not be bad after all...

[penelope june tates]

Oh my goodness. Penny could not believe it. She couldn't believe that someone in the self respecting village of Charoite would set up something as vulgar as a kissing booth. And on Valentine's day too! Maybe this person was just lonely, but this was the wrong way to go about getting affection, if you could even call it that. Penny found herself go from shocked to angry, not that anyone would have been able to tell, since the two states weren't too different for her.

And now he was laughing? Why was he laughing? She hadn't said anything funny! And if he was laughing at her stuttering, then he was just... not a nice person. What was she saying, of course he wasn't a nice person. Nice people didn't set up kissing booths. Penny was a little old fashioned in her thinking, but there was nothing wrong with that, was there? She firmly believed one should only kiss people they like, and even then behind closed doors.

"One kiss, free of charge." Penny almost melted into a puddle of disbelief and embarrassment right there. What- whait, what? Did she look like she wanted to be kissed or something? She didn't! Oh gosh. And.. "Yo- you expect people to pay you for kisses?" she asked, scandalized. Clearly, Penny did not fully understand the concept of a kissing booth. "And that's a no!" she added after a small pause, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Unless of course, your boyfriend is waiting for you." Her face was redder than a tomato at that. Oddly enough, she felt a little flattered at that. It obviously meant she was pretty enough to have a boyfriend... right? She looked down at her shoes, biting her bottom lip. She was easily swayed, Penny. You simply had to be nice to her and she'd go from hating you to being your best friend. It wasn't fake, she just believed in the best of people.

"I won't tell." But she didn't like this person's tone. Or the look of him. Maybe she was biased, but just... no. "I- I do not have a boyfriend, but that doesn't mean I'll kiss you." she said. quickly. "And... and I demand you shut this booth down!"

"Er, please" she added as an afterthought. There was no need to forget her manners.

[LOGAN ANDREW STONE]

Yo- you expect people to pay you for kisses? And that's a no!

This was exactly the kind of reaction Drew wanted Stone to experience. He needed to learn humility and embarrassment after all. Maybe he'll think twice before losing another bet to her. Oh, and he would definitely get her back for this. Definitely. But he cannot concern himself with what was happening in the future, because now he had to deal with this stuttering fool. Heh, at least she was kind of cute. Kind of a prude though. What did she think he had on his lips? A disease? It was a little insulting.

"Ouuuch." Stone said, sitting back in his chair. Shut down. "If it's free it's not exactly charging, sweetie" He added an extra bit of sarcasm to the last word. Surely this will get her riled up. He clasped his hands and put his feet up again. He knew she was not going to be his latest booty call any time soon.

I- I do not have a boyfriend, but that doesn't mean I'll kiss you. And... and I demand you shut this booth down! He blinked a couple of times. Er, please.

Seriously? Has Charoite become some sort of finishing school graduate landfill? Though, he does not really know anyone, but Drew of course, and this girl was practically his welcoming committee? Oh please, she was just making herself a challenge. By the end of the day, Stone will have a kiss. It was a personal goal.

What a tool. He only wanted to kiss her because she was making it so damn hard. Tease.

"And if I don't?" He smirked, "What could you do, little miss manners?" His words danced off his tongue in a singsongy tone. "C'mon hun, just one kiss. I won't bite." Much.

[penelope june tates]

At the back of her mind, a small part of Penny realized that this man was toying with her. Sadly, that part was overshadowed by her… well, the rest of her. And the rest of her was hovering somewhere between embarrassed, disgusted, and pissed. It wasn’t the booth. It wasn’t the request for a kiss. It was this person, whoever it was. She glared at him as he sat back down. In Penny’s eyes, this person radiated arrogance. It wasn’t pretty.

"If it's free it's not exactly charging, sweetie" If Penny had been a cartoon character, steam would’ve come out of her ears right there. She felt close to exploding as it was. He was mocking her. Now all of her was sure of it. Penny didn’t mind friendly teasing much. Not even mocking, as long as it was friendly. But this wasn’t. Her arms now hung limply at her sides, her hands curling into small fists. ”I am not your sweetie” she said, her voice quivering a little. She wasn’t used to this; confrontation. She wasn’t used to standing up for anything.

But this person rubbed her the wrong way. She couldn’t exactly put her finger on it. He was arrogant, yes, but there was something else to it too. Penny shook her head slightly. It was a headache trying to figure it out. "And if I don't?" … Well, she hadn’t thought of that. While Penny didn’t always get her way, she did… quite a lot. So she didn’t know what to say here. The words hung in front of her like a challenge.

"What could you do, little miss manners?" He was enjoying this! Penny almost wanted to cry, right here, right now. Her eyes started to tear up a little, but that would be like giving up! And she wasn’t ready to give up just yet. ”I’ll speak to the mayor” she said, her voice more calm than she felt. She wasn’t sure if that would worry this person or not, but it seemed like the only logical, peaceful option here.

"C'mon hun, just one kiss. I won't bite." Every fibre in Penny’s dainty frame itched to slap him across the face, but somehow, she managed to hold her composure. Her eyes flashed a little. ”Over my dead body.” And that was said with an air of finality. She was certain he’d drop the request after that. She didn’t want to kiss him, so help her, she never would. The thought was utterly repulsive.

[LOGAN ANDREW STONE]

I am not your sweetie.

Woah. This chick needed a chill pill. Desperately. Stone did not think that this kind of freak out would happen, especially on Valentines Day. Did she not know who she was dealing with? Stone was... made of stone. He did not care whether she kissed him or not. Honestly, he could say he did and call it a day. Then make up the other two people he had to victimize.

I’ll speak to the mayor! Seriously? Just one kiss, it didn't hurt. Over my dead body. Bitch.

Resting his elbows, Stone mentally sighed. Was this really the end of his fun? It was not an enjoyable time, since the chick was not playfully angry with him. She was legitimately angry with him, and the added drama did not fly well. "Look, do you really think I'm dumb enough to set up a stand in the middle of the Town Square to get some ass?" He asked, rolling his eyes, "I can get the chicks without the effort."

So the rejection singed his pride a little, but whatever. He knew he was right. He was Stone after all. Ex-gang member, living life to the fullest. Girls dug that kind of thing. If he could not score with whats-her-name here, that was cool. He practically had a harem in the village, with no strings attached.

Stone gave her a small smile. He still wanted that one kiss, though. He wanted to feel accomplished. Maybe he would have to sweet talk her for this one... "I lost a bet." He admitted. "I'm Stone. If I can't get a kiss, can I at least have your name?" ugh, it was like flirting kindergarden style all over again.

[penelope june tates]

Maybe Penny was overreacting to the whole situation, but that was just her. She was... sensitive would be the kind way of putting it. Nevertheless, the whole taking things seriously bit was what she did. Jokes, she could handle some of them, but most of the time, Penny really took things to heart. Like this whole kissing booth, arrogant guy affair. Maybe it had started as her doing her duty as a member of the community, but now, it was personal.

"Look, do you really think I'm dumb enough to set up a stand in the middle of the Town Square to get some ass?" Penny couldn't help but make a face at his choice of words. Really, did he have to curse? There were other ways to get the point across without resorting to foul language! She almost told him that, but stopped herself. What had he called her, Miss Manners? She didn't want to reinforce that image! "I can get the chicks without the effort."

At that, Penny let out a little giggle. How big of a head could you possibly have? He probably didn't have any... well, he was probably a loner. That had to be it. And he was acting pompous to cover it up? Penny was no psychologist, but her analysis made sense to her. And made her feel a bit better about her own... situation. "Yes, because they all love your sparkling personality? Because otherwise, I can't see why anyone-" she stopped short of completing her sentence. As much as she didn't like this person right now, she didn't want to be mean or rude.

She supposed he had some feelings too.

And then Penny felt totally confused. He was smiling at her. "I lost a bet." Well, that explained things...? Though she couldn't imagine what sort of twisted person would put someone up to something like this. The tension in her shoulders relaxed a little. "I'm Stone. If I can't get a kiss, can I at least have your name?" She studied him suspiciously. Penny was pretty naive, but she wasn't that blindly trusting. "Penny Tates" she said warily, and after a few beats, a small smile touched her lips.

She might as well put 'sucker' on her forehead.

[LOGAN ANDREW STONE]

Okay, so maybe he had stretched the ladykiller part juuuust a bit, but either way it got his point across. This girl should be lucky he was even talking to her, let alone not biting her head off. If she really knew who he was, she would either be scared or at least more attracted to him. He was in a gang after all. If she knew that, she would not be so lippy.

Yes, because they all love your sparkling personality? Because otherwise, I can’t see why anyone-

That’s right, bitch. You better quit talking.

Stone took one long breath in, knowing if he blew up on her now, her chances of succeeding today was slim to none. So much for little miss manners. So she had an ugly side, which made her a lot less annoying, but a little more attractive. The prize in the end would be worth it.

Penny Tates

Hah. Phase one complete. He at least got her name and he laughed gently, ”Well, Penny,” He began, ”My sparkling personality only shows to people that want to see it. You obviously just wanted me get out of your sight.” It was true, but instead of being malicious he just laughed gently, ”But…I’ll let it slide for now. You’re pretty, and I can’t get mad at a pretty girl.” Commence phase two. In truth, he kind of wanted to punch her in the face. Ah well, this will be a funny story to tell Drew.

[penelope june tates]

Penny was surprised that Stone... (what an odd name) hadn't bitten her head off for her cheeky comment. She hadn't been meaning to get him riled up or anything, but, from his earlier actions, she had guessed he'd be less than pleased. And honestly, she'd sort of wanted to be reprimanded for that. Because it had been totally uncalled for. She was already feeling guilty about it. But... why should she? She couldn't be sugar and spice and everything nice all the time!

”Well, Penny,” She wasn't sure if she liked him saying her name or not. Not, Penny decided after a pause. Though Stone didn't seem to be... angry, snarky, the like, right now, Penny couldn't fully believe him. It wasn't in her nature to be suspicious, but ugh, it was like an itch she couldn't ignore. ”My sparkling personality only shows to people that want to see it. You obviously just wanted me get out of your sight.” She... couldn't deny that wasn't the truth. She had wanted to get him out of her sight as soon as she'd seen the kissing booth sign.

"Sorry" Penny said, sincere. Though really, she hadn't even seen any sign of a sparkling personality upon first speaking to him, but that was her fault... probably. Penny had to admit, she was a tad judgemental. First impressions meant a lot to her.

”But…I’ll let it slide for now. You’re pretty, and I can’t get mad at a pretty girl.” She couldn't tell if he was kidding or pulling her leg. Either way, Penny blushed. It wasn't everyday she was called pretty! Actually, she was never called pretty. So it wasn't her fault she was swayed by the compliment! "Er, thanks? You're... not ugly!" Well. That had come out all wrong. Penny wasn't used to giving compliments, and she didn't know what to say. Especially to a guy, she could hardly call him pretty, now could she?

Stone wasn't ugly though, that much was true. She liked his hair... Oh goddess...

This was so so weird.

[LOGAN ANDREW STONE]

Sorry

Really? That was the best she could do? She had just completely dissed him for the booth. Her apology really sucked. If she had been a guy, she would have been thrown across the square. Though, if she was a dude he would not be bothering her for a kiss. Stone does not roll that way.

Er, thanks? You're... not ugly!

Stone blinked for a minute, until he realized what she had just and he bursted out laughing. His abdomen seared with pain and his eyes began to water. Not only did she suck at apologies, she sucked at compliments too! Now now, this would not do. He leaned back in his chair and rested a hand on his diaphragm, though the pressure did not ease the pain.

Shaking his head, his bout of laughter began to cease. "Thank you, I guess." He was not sure if he should be angry at her or just brush it off. He did not exactly call him attractive. Whatever, he did not need some chick to tell him he looks good. He already knows. "Looks like you need a lesson in complimenting."

"Of course, only if you want it, Miss Penny." He offered, chuckling under his breath. It was a useful tool, especially when first meeting people.