hide and seek {closed}

[Hidden]

If you had asked her before hand, Pippa wouldn’t have known why this particular wooded area was the one that she selected. Its name alone was enough to lure her to investigate. Rain forests always have a bit more wildlife then regular wilderness, don’t they?

She brought along a yellow bag, which could be mistaken for a purse, with the essentials and no more; just bottled water, camera, cell phone, and a copy of The Odyssey. It is exciting to her, hiking through trails with her new jeans and comfortable shoes. Even her hair, pulled up in its usual messy bun, feels more at ease today. The quiet stroll on well marked paths turns into a wild safari adventure for Pip. She is alone and obeying the rules that only she had laid down. This is the good life.

In fact the sheer joy of living simple was causing her to ignore the strange warning that the greenery gave off. Like the woods themselves were whispering to turn around, and she refuses to listen. Pippa’s confidence slips slowly into confusion, as she abruptly looses visual of the path. Her bag swings with her while she turns around and heads back to where she came. After another minute it is clear that tuning around was the wrong direction again.
Shoot… She mouths the word quietly and practices the art of staying calm. The once seemingly dormant woods now have louder voices. Every snap of a twig or the fall of a leaf echoed violently against her eardrums. This is it, she’s loosing composure. Panic slowly begins to snake around her, each tree blending in with the next. Pip closes her eyes, taking in a few sure breaths as well. It wouldn’t be hard to pull out the cell, dial her aunt’s number, and have a sure way to get back home- but not anymore. She’s done with depending on others to get her out of sticky situations, and this one will be no different.

Her eyes flutter open and survey the surroundings. A small opening of trees looks promising, and she’s off again. The ever silent hisses of the trees protest as she continues to travel deeper into real life.

[Kaleigh]

A large gray and white shape slunk through the forest, making little noise, if any. He could hear something ahead. A lost hiker? Probably. But there was no way to be sure until he scented it. But the wind was blowing in the wrong direction. He moved by a tree and stopped. The scent on it was human. Lost hiker. The scent was sweet, not like other humans.
Zack followed the path, he was hopping to scare said person back onto the trail. Brushing occasionally against bushes to make then move. He himself made no sound other then that, careful not to step on the sticks that littered the ground. Snapping sticks would over do it no doubt. Then he saw her, through a small gap in the underbrush he was slowly creeping through. She had only a few meters to go before she found the track, Zack could see it from here himself. She was small, maybe five feet tall, if that. She was slight looking - fragile and fair. Beautiful.
In the back of his mind Zack knew what was happening to him. It had happened before. But this girl was a complete stranger.
He turned and crept stealthily thought he undergrowth until he was maybe a hundred yards away. It was still easy to hear her, for a small person she made enough noise. It wasn't hard to undo the leather cord around his right arm, he was copying Jake with this now, it was a good idea though. He had brought a pair of shorts, that w as it. And he phased back and was changed in moments. Then he crept slowly through the undergrowth until he was son the trail. He could still hear the girl, she must see the trail now - right? Zack walked down the trail, barefoot and bare chested.
As he walked almost slowly down the trail toward her he wondered what he would do. It was hard to think about a plan, considering he could barley drag his thoughts away from the fact that it had happened to him. He realized he couldn't even say the word in his head. Imprint. It felt different from - from anything else. He could see her light colored hair now, just a few meters from the path, he couldn't see her face though - she was facing the wrong way.
"Hey, um you do know the idea is to follow the trail, right.." Zack said rather loudly, a few birds took off from where they had been perching in the trees. He mentally laughed at himself...

OOC: Horrid.. but It'll do.. I'm distracted lol..

[Hidden]

The forest was a very tricky creature, that’s for sure. First it makes her hear things, probably the beginning of panic as well, then makes her see the brush move, and as if it couldn’t get any more frightening; the scent of wet dog. Pip thinks through the many boring discovery channel shows about wolves and what to do when you come in contact with them. It wouldn’t matter even if she did know what to do- they could easily catch up.

Her heart is a hummingbird’s wing as she picks up a faster pace. She is stopped short with a rugged voice shaking the stillness around her. Small birds flutter for safety, a trick that Pip now prayed she had. There was no flying away from whoever had just spoken. In another moment the startle settles, and she turns around to face what is sure to be a mirage. No one from around here would be wearing only shorts. She was chilled enough walking in jeans and long sleeve blouse.

Well if Mother Nature was going to throw a curve ball and make her see visions, then why not have a little fun being insane. She takes a few confident steps closer, but is careful not to step foot on the trail. Was he really not wearing any shoes either? Good grief his skin isn’t even white with cold. There is no doubt in her mind now that this is why her mother always preached to never loose composure- must make you see things.
Actually, I see my own trails. Pip has to bite on her lower lip to help stifle laughter. She taps a finger against the side of her forehead- I have a sixth sense. One string of laughter escapes as she turns on her heels and marches off away from the trail. Her strides have exaggerated spring. Take that, Mother Nature. See if I fall for any of your silly mind games.

Pippa listens intently behind her to see if he had followed. Something inside her, I believe they call it intuition, was screaming to her that walking away was bad.

[Kaleigh]

Zack watched her turn. She had fine cheek bones and beautiful eyes. She made her way to the edge of the trail and Zack watched, trying not to seem overly attuned to her movements, and trying not to stare to longingly at her. She stopped short. Crap, why wasn't she moving onto the trail?
Her voice was confident sounding, her tone was light.
I see my own trails. She tried not to laugh. Zack smiled. Okay - so she was an explorer. She continued and tapped her temple. I have a sixth sense. This time she did laugh, and Zack chuckled with her. He imagined how odd her must look - especially if he compared himself with her. Here he was, no shirt, no shoes, just some shorts. And there she was - it almost looked as if she thought this mild weather was cold. Did she? She turned and walked away, and didn't glance back. Stubborn was the first word that came to mind.
Zack didn't hesitate to follow her. It didn't take him three long strides before he was at the edge of the trail where she had disappeared. And it took him two more strides to catch p to her. He let it go an even five seconds before he let himself start making the noises someone his size in the forest probably should make. He stepped on a few branches.
"A sixth sense about trails? Never heard of that before. Does it come with a good sense of direction?" Zack asked, as if he were really interested in it, he was to a point. For the most part he just didn't want to loose her - she smelled of smog but she couldn't be from Seattle, could she? There were plenty of trails between here and there so why choose this one? Zack could see over her head easily, the undergrowth thinner out up ahead under the pine trees. Good. He fell into step with her, a few feet behind her.
"Well miss compass, I'm Zack." He said conversationally - hopefully he could find out more about her. He wanted to, but more then that, more then anything else he didn't want her to leave his sight. he knew that was odd - and if eh said it out loud she'd probably think he was some kind of stalker so he kept it to himself. But he couldn't help himself, there were a few others in his pack that had had this happen to them. Sam, Jared and Quill. They all had.. Imprinted. Zack knew how they felt about Emily, Kim and Claire. Even if Claire was only three years old now, now there was a twisted little story.
"And um, where exactly is this trail your following? I can't see it.." Zack said, his voice a little quieter, he was inviting her to say something...

OOC; Better.. lol.

[Hidden]

Well I’ve always wanted a pet, Pippa thought to herself lightly. The ones her friends had back in Maryland would follow their owners to the end of the world. It was something that she, of course, had begged for; but was denied every time. Somehow his following behind brought back the memories of her friend’s dogs.
With each step she became more aware of the possibility that he wasn’t a mirage. No, imaginary friends don’t make this much noise when they walk. Actually, they probably don’t make any noise at all- since they technically aren’t walking…

This train of thought occupied her for a moment, but it seemed much longer. She was brought back with him stating, no, mocking her so called ‘sixth sense’. Pippa was about to come up with something witty to snap back with, but found herself clinging to a branch instead. Well that’s dandy. Here she was making herself out to be a trailing expert and a root caught her ankle. Brilliant.
She pushes herself off the branch quickly, not about to let on that even she had noticed. A glance back is stolen once, out of curiosity, but returns back to the undergrowth; wouldn’t want to trip again. Do imaginary friends have names..? Yes, they do, but the maker always gives the name; and Pip certainly didn’t pick the name Zack. Ok, fine. He isn’t a mirage but that doesn’t mean there isn’t still something fishy about him.
I’m Pippa. She would have said more, but suddenly she didn’t feel quite as confident as before, seeing that he’s a real person and all. With his questioning of her trail seeing abilities she stops walking and allows another glance at him. He looked like one of those unworldly Abercrombie guys, standing there without a shirt and forcing her to do a double take. It just occurred to Pip that she was alone; in a strange town, in uncharted parts of the woods, with a man.

This realization brings a deep red to her cheeks. This is a story she will surely keep from Mother.
Oh, its… Pip looks around and tries to focus on a certain point; everything looks the same to her. somewhere over to the left, or right… She sighs and turns around to face him again. Actually that is a very good question.
Brava, Pip. You just told a complete stranger that yes, you in fact are lost in these woods alone with him. Even now in such a dangerously sticky situation, her own thoughts ooze sarcasm. That always seems to happen when a single strong emotion takes over; she turns sarcastic. Not the most becoming trait for a lady, I might add. The wilderness comes alive again with fury animals and song birds, but Pippa is too focused to take notice. She’s waiting intently to see what he will do.

[Kaleigh]

She tripped and fell forward a little. Zack would have caught her, had she not steadied herself on a branch that Zack hadn't noticed was there. Quick reflexes. He unconsciously noticed. She was an interesting character. Oh crap, he was starting to sound like Jeff. She seemed not to notice her 'almost falling stunt' and continued on, she let go of the branch, which trembled a little.
Zack continued his following, still hopping she'd enter the conversation. Her name was Pippa. Zack had heard the name before, on TV or something, he'd never actually met someone with the name. Not that he minded her name, it just sounded a little odd to him, but who really had any say in their name? He watched her glance at him, then much quicker, more surprised look. He kept his features unsurprised, as if he hadn't noticed, he looked past her, as if there was something over there that was really more interesting than she was. At least now he could put a name to the face he would probably never forget.
Her reply made Zack want to laugh, but he did nothing more then smile slightly and allow an amused chuckle escape.
"Well, that must be a very twisty little trail." He said as she looked around, then turned back to him. The fact that she turned back to face him made him happy - okay this was just stupid.
You barley know her and yet already you don't want her to be more then a foot away from you. It would have been nice to have a say in this. Not that it mattered, the way Zack felt, he doubted that he'd be able to stop thinking about her unless someone - Sam or Jacob, or the rest of the pack when he phased again, told him to shut off his obsession and focus.
Zack moved past her, a few strides farther away from the trail - which wasn't all that far away. He backed into the thinner undergrowth, never taking his eyes off her, like he could. Well he could if he wanted to, Zack dragged his eyes away from the almost midget like Pippa and focused them on the trees almost directly above him, but his eyes were drawn like a magnet back to her. He could feel a casual smile spread across his face; he hoped he didn't seem to friendly.
"Are you sure about this sixth sense of yours? I don't think it's very good." He said and raised his eye brows in a doubtful look.

[Hidden]

Pippa watches him carefully while he walks ahead a few feet. He was probably just looking for the trail, but she couldn’t help but wonder if he was actually looking for witnesses. Both actions matched the way he peered over the trees and around brush. She listens to him question her sixth sense again, and another sarcastic thought taints her mind. Pip begins to wonder if he comprehended that she was joking, and she laughs quietly again. There’s a full smile on her face in spite of the current situation.

Fear is an emotion she can’t make herself feel at the moment. That isn’t a normal reaction, she was sure. Pippa doesn’t even know why she’s not afraid- a more realistic girl would be. She folds her arms across her chest.
As a matter of fact I am beginning to question that sixth sense. There’s no use hiding her doubt. Surely he’s able to already see that. The sheer impossibility of this moment almost sends her laughing again. Well do you have anywhere better we could go? Her statement is horridly bold of her. Pip tries to banish away the second blush caused by her own words. Now wasn’t the time to be modest, considering she hadn’t a clue where or how to get out of these woods. She finds herself sending up a silent prayer that he knows the forest well.

Pippa stares curiously at him. Her mind begins trying to name the expression on his face, it almost looked like, adoration. How strange. Her efforts to halt it are no match for the new pool of blood in her cheeks at this.


ooc: omg! i posted under 300 words -has heart attack- im so sorry =/

[Kaleigh]

She didn't seem to be afraid. But then Zack wasn't the best at reading people. He admired her for the fact that she didn't seem to be to nervous, being along in the woods with a strange guy, who was shirtless, who was bigger. Ha. There was a whole list of things wrong with this picture. A rational girl - woman - whatever would probably be backing away slowly - then turning and running. Well that would be an interesting reaction to report when Zack knew the pack would find out about it. The girl he imprints on runs away. Oh, a crushing blow to the ego.
She continued the conversation on the sixth sense. Well at least she could carry on a conversation about nothing - considering there was no way there was a trail through there, even an animal trail.
"I'm glad to see I'm not the only one." He said as he watched her - he wondered what expression was on his face, considering other then his tone and his stance he wasn't exactly sure what he looked like at the moment.
Her next statement nearly made Zack shake his head in disbelief - but he held back and allowed only the surprised look that should be there go. Then he smiled a little - in the usual amusement as she blushed. The pooling blood in her cheeks made her look younger. Not that she only looked like a small twelve year old to begin with. (That was nothing. Quill imprinted on a three year old).
"I'm not sure I follow your train of thought. Perhaps it'd be a better idea if we found the actual trail." He said as he shrugged and waited, hoping she'd give a cleared idea of what she was thinking about.

[Hidden]

Pippa’s momentary high of confidence slips suddenly out from underneath her. She’s never spoken like this to a complete stranger. To friends, of course she had. Most people, when comfortable with the company that’s around them, do loosen up. But with a stranger that is a different story all together. Then again, Pip had also never been alone like this when she met someone. Everything has somehow been flipped upside down with these ten minutes.

Zack didn’t follow what she had hinted in her far too bold a question. He is safe, it was decided. Pip had just given him a window to take her somewhere, and he declined. Maybe out of cautiousness or just to make sure she meant what she said. Whatever the reasoning, he didn’t take advantage of her open statement. This was a good sign- perhaps she would leave the woods alive after all.
Oh, never mind. Forget I said anything. Pippa sizes up the muscles on his arm and becomes acutely aware of how fragile she is. One hit would undoubtedly leave behind horrendous bruises. She contemplates backing up, but the intuition was mind numbing. Her conscience somehow told her that there were more dangerous things in these woods then the man in front of her. Instead she takes a step closer and gives a worried glance back at the brush where she had been standing. Her voice is soft and quiet, keeping her eyes on the floor in defeat.
And, I don’t know where the trail is. I must have walked off of it a while ago. One look up is stolen to see a reaction but is quickly returned back to the floor. Please. Don’t leave me here though. Her words have unintended double meaning, but she doesn’t notice. More then anything Pippa doesn’t want to be abandoned while she is off of the trail. Who knows what creatures lurk in these parts of the world.

[Kaleigh]

Well whatever he said it must have worked. She looked uncertain but she came a little closer, even if she looked away back up the imaginary trail she had been following.
She studied him a little, he stood there, silent but hopefully friendly looking. She seemed to become aware of something, did she suddenly seem less confident? Sure the male gender was supposed to be confused by the opposite sex but this was just.. Impossible. He actually wished he had Edward Cullen's ability to read thoughts - that would come in handy. He had little trouble hearing what she was saying, even thought she was turned away from him. Zack wanted to turn her around so she would look at him, so he could see her eyes. Okay this was getting a little obsessive on natures part, what with making ti almost impossible to be human and allow her to grow a little more used to him. Honestly he just wanted to have her close to him, closer then she was now.
He didn't comment on her 'never mind'. Alright, he'd forget it. She stole a a glance at him, and he tried not to look as amused as he felt when she said she forgot where the trail was. And he truly had trouble restraining himself when she asked him not to leave - okay, now he really had trouble restraining the impulse to pull her closer. Stranger - in the forest - alone - not a good idea, especially when she was how much smaller? Ha. Like a toy poodle and a St.Brenard.
"The trail is back that way." Zack pointed casually behind her, like it was old news, he hopped she didn't feel to embarrassed at having an apparently poor sense of direction.
"No way I'd leave you here. No worries." His tone was reassuring, and warm. Zack had no idea where that came from. But it was to late to take back. He felt suddenly very self conscious. He supposed there was good reason for it as well. He blushed, though the skin on his cheeks just turned very slightly darker..

[Hidden]

Pip turns her head to see if the trail is visible, but no such luck. It’s obviously well hidden behind the moss clothed trees. She’s still searching carefully when he promises not to leave. This pleases her, since the heavy green scenery suddenly seems more intimidating. Her sides rise and fall with a sigh, giving up the search for the trail and returning her attention back to him.

Pippa does a double take when his face turns a slightly darker shade. A crocked smile works its way as she notices that he’s every bit as nervous with the situation as she is. She starts to say something, to question why he looks at her in such a strange way, but banishes the thought before the words can form on her lips. Wouldn’t want to make this any more awkward for him, or her.

Right, well thank you. I think I can see it now. She waits a minute or two before continuing, no longer staring at the ground but studying him curiously. Pip can’t put her finger on it, but there is just something unworldly about the entire scene and how it came to play. Maybe I should be going now… She rises from leaning against the tree, readjusting the bag on her shoulder and giving him a weak smile. Leave it to her to make a pleasant conversation turn awkward. Curse her lack of social skills. If he was anything like the guys she knew before, this was a signal to leave.

She had been raised, ‘properly’, as her parents liked to call it. The basic foundation was there for your modern day rich man’s wife. Rise when someone older enters the room, offer them your seat. When out with parents and their friends, do not speak unless spoken to. Never wear too much makeup, but wear enough to look your best. And most important rule of all; never be outside if the street lamps are on.
It was a sheltered life, and being in Forks was allowing Pippa to realize it. She hadn’t touched a mascara brush since she arrived. Sadly enough, it makes her feel rebellious. She keeps walking carefully through the train wreck of roots threatening to trip her again- and soon enough the brush parts away to reveal a well beaten path. A sign worn with rain points the direction back to where she came. It isn’t too long a walk from there to her house. Once the exit is well within sight, her walk slows noticeably. She cant help but wonder if he is trying to catch up.

[Kaleigh]

OOC: Frick! I posted like three days ago... okay apparently I didn't post..

He watched her search for the trail. He couldn't see it through the undergrowth, yet she said she could. Well she's lower to the ground. Was all he cold think - he would have laughed but it's not exactly polite to laugh at something when no one else knows whats funny.
She did another double glance, great. He thought as he felt himself go a little darker. She probably felt a little better now, knowing he wasn't the only one who felt awkward.
Zack almost stopped her as she turned up the trail - he almost did. Why did she have to feel the need to go? HE wondered. Sure it was a little awkward but that never really hurt anyone did it? Maybe she just wasn't used to it - Zack was used to awkwardness, when your part of a pack you tend to have a few moments like that, he was used to the feeling of embarrassment by now.
She headed though t he undergrowth at a slow pace, Zack had no trouble keeping up, though he stayed a number of paces behind. As she came to the trail he slowed even more. She made good time on the path, but as the break in the trees appeared she slowed noticeably. What was she waiting for? Zack wondered as he continued his pace toward her. He brushed past her and took another two or three paces before he to stopped, he glanced over his shoulder.
"Any particular reason you stopped?" He asked casually.