Jeans and a few other things[Jeremiah&Joseph]

[CHARITY NELSON]

Why was she at the mall again? Oh, right, she needed some new jeans, since her old pair she had used for riding had gotten trashed when Charity had taken a spill when Dillon refused a jump. And now, she needed a pair to replace them. Now, here Charity was, on her way to American Eagle to get herself a pair of skinny jeans- the skinny ones worked best with her boots. Of course, the journey to American Eagle was taking about five times as long as it should have, since Charity kept getting distracted. So far she had stopped at five different stores and tried on multiple articles of clothing at each.

Of those dozens of pieces of clothes, she had bought a pair of dress slacks, three shirts, a pair of shoes, one bracelet, and two necklaces. And that was only a quarter of the distance she needed to cover to get to the American Eagle. Well that was fantastic. And now her stomach was growling. With a slight adjustment of the bags she was holding, she headed to the pretzel stand to get herself some cinnamon sugar pretzel bites. Dang Charity and her sweet tooth. She always had to have something sweet.

Once she had her excessively large cup full of sugary, carbohydrate full goodness, she headed over to a railing where she perched herself to start munching on them in a rather dainty fashion. No need to eat like a slob, even if she was a pig and planned on eating a large order of cinnamon pretzel bites all by herself. Dillon would be complaining about the extra pounds tomorrow, that was for sure. Charity didn't care though. She'd run it off.

Nibble, nibble, munch, munch, watch the people around her, and repeat. That was the routine for the next while as she worked her way down to the bottom of the cup. It wouldn't take her long, considering the pretzels were just about her most favorite food in the world. If you ever needed to bribe Charity, those pretzels would be the thing to do it with. She nibbled on another pretzel, brushed her curly hair out of her face, and then returned to her people watching routine. It was turning out to be a great mall trip, even if it was on her own.

[mugs]

Malls were crowded, noisy and filled with useless junk that no one really needed.

So naturally, Joey had wanted to come here.

It isn't too horrible, Jeremiah thought, leaning against a banister on the second floor. At least it keeps Joseph entertained.

Oddly enough, Joey was even more like a child at the mall. He would constantly be running around, hiding in the clothes racks, playing with the toys and have big, wide, excited eyes.

Jeremiah sighed and stared at the entirety of the mall. So many shops and stands. And half of them were selling the exact same things.

He turned away from the view to look at his brother, who was happily sucking down a cup full of caffeine.

Jeremiah's eyes widened in horror. No. Not caffeine..

"Joseph! You can't have caffeine, remember? No more!"

He leaned over his brother's arm to snatch it away, but missed as Joey pulled it out of his reach.

"No way, Jose! I'm seventeen! I can do whatever I want!"

[CHARITY NELSON]

Charity really was happier than a turtle on an escalator. Nothing could have made her happier than her pretzel bites. There wasn't a whole lot that could make her upset either. Except losing said pretzel bites.

Unfortunately, just that happened as she moved to avoid a pair that seemed to be fighting over a cup of something caffeinated. Which apparently, the younger of the pair was not allowed to have. Of course, that movement made her center of gravity shift just a little to far back, sending Charity back with a squeal into the dirt of the large potted plants that resided behind the railing she was perched on. The way she fell so easily off that rail, you'd never guess that she had one of the best seats when riding a horse. It took a whole heck of a lot to get that cowgirl off a horse. She could barrel race, jump, and do pole bending bareback even. She couldn't rope, but that was only because she lacked the saddle horn to anchor the rope, so the cows would pull her off.

The only thing that was worse that falling, was the fact that the rest of her pretzel bites had been spilled. Charity made a pouting face as she examined a new scrape on her arm to add to the one she had on her knee from when she was thrown off of Dillon. It wasn't anything too serious. So, she pushed herself to her feet then, preparing to guilt the pair into buying her more pretzel bites, even though she was almost done with the ones she had anyways, but she stopped when she saw who it was.

"Jeremiah?" She hopped over the fence then to start gathering the bags she had dropped. "I never pegged ya as a mall-goin' kin'a guy. But then agin, I guess I shouldn' be jumpin ta conclusions." She shrugged a little, then turned to look at the other guy that was with him. He was about Charity's age, and looked quite similar to Jeremiah, "You mus' be th' brother Jeremiah tol' me abou'." she held out a hand then, "Name's Charity."

-----
Outfit, minus the camera...

[mugs]

Just as Joseph was attempting to wrench the drink out of Jeremiah's hand, he heard a shriek behind them.

Jeremiah turned to see a girl, who had gotten knocked over by them. His eyes widened in shock and he knelt by her to assist her, only to stop when he recognized her.

"Charity?"

Fantastic. This was just perfect. Why did he need to run into her with Joseph? Making friends was going to be difficult with Joey around.

"Jeremiah? I never pegged ya as a mall-goin' kin'a guy. But then agin, I guess I shouldn' be jumpin ta conclusions."

"I-uh.. I'm not, really. Just here with my brother," he said grudgingly, shrugging. "I'm really sorry that we knocked you over. That's so embarrassing. I apologize."

[josephmarshall]

MY CAFFEINE!!!! Joey inwardly mourned as his drink fell into the hands of his older brother.

While his brother's eyes scanned the mall, he took his chance and stole back the cup, taking a large gulp.

Ah, that was heaven. A sweet, throat-corrosive heaven.

Jeremy tried to take it back, but Joey shoved him away. It took a few seconds for him to realize that they had hit a girl during their squabble. Her possessions were now lying on the floor.

Joey got onto his knees and started picking up the bags and clothing that had fallen out. Quite the shopper, she was.

The girl was chatting absently to his brother while she also picked up the items. He looked up when she said,

"You mus' be th' brother Jeremiah tol' me abou'. Name's Charity."

Joey stared at her, as she smiled, with her hand out.

She knew Jeremy?
Damn, she was pretty.
Was she waiting for him to talk?

"Oh, uh, hi," He took her hand and shook it, "I'm Joey. Funny, Jeremiah hasn't mentioned you. At all."

Joey sent his brother a look and finished grabbing her bags. He set them by her, then scooped up the remaining sugary pretzel pieces.

"Sorry. Didn't mean to ruin your food. Or even knock you over. I'll get you another one."

[CHARITY NELSON]

Charity was grateful for the help. From both brothers. Jeremiah had helped her up, and Joseph was already starting to pick up her things. She smiled a little, shaking her head at Jeremiah's mortified expression. It was an honest mistake. And really, she shouldn't have been sitting on the railing anyways. Besides, no blood no foul, right?

She shook her head, "Well, as long as yer here, we migh' as well figger out when we're gonna go ridin'?" She gave a little smile, "Yer still gonna come, righ'?" She then rolled her eyes, "An' really, don' worry abou' it. I've had worse falls'n tha' fer sure." She ran a hand through her hair really quick to smooth out some of the curls, and then she looked to Joey who had finished scooping up her clothes and what-not and had set them by her. When Joey introduced himself she smiled again and nodded, "Nice ta meetcha, Joey. Jeremiah didn' say much abou' you, bu' he did men-chin tha' he had a brother... I jus' assumed. We only met 'bout a week or two ago... So I'makes sense tha' he didn' talk 'bout me. We're new friends, ya'know." She took the cup from him when he had picked up the pieces of pretzel, tossing it into a nearby trashcan. "Don' worry 'bout it. I was pretty much done anyway." She shrugged, then, starting to grab her bags, deciding that she might as well be annoying and tag along with Jeremiah and Joey. It's not like she had much else to do. Maybe she could drag them along to be her consultants for jean fits. Maybe.

"So, what'd ya come ta the mall fer? Anythin' specific, or jus' cuz?" She looked from Jeremiah to Joey, then back to Jeremiah, continuing to gather the bags she hand and hook them on her arm so as to better carry them all.

[mugs]

Jeremiah grinned down at her. She was so nice. She wasn't even mad that they had knocked her over and ruined her food.

"Well, as long as yer here, we migh' as well figger out when we're gonna go ridin'? Yer still gonna come, righ'? An' really, don' worry abou' it. I've had worse falls'n tha' fer sure."

"Anytime is fine with me, honestly. My roommate just arrived about a few days ago.." He grimaced, "She's... ah.... well, a nightmare, really. And I know, but still. We could have been more careful."

He looked at his brother, who was gazing at Charity like she had taught him to breathe. This would not do.

[josephmarshall]

"Nice ta meetcha, Joey. Jeremiah didn' say much abou' you, bu' he did men-chin tha' he had a brother... I jus' assumed. We only met 'bout a week or two ago... So I'makes sense tha' he didn' talk 'bout me. We're new friends, ya'know. Don' worry 'bout it. I was pretty much done anyway. So, what'd ya come ta the mall fer? Anythin' specific, or jus' cuz?"

"I dragged him here," Joey said beaming. "Jeremy hates noise and crowds and happiness!"

His brother scowled darkly at him and Joey laughed, "You should be thanking me for dragging you out of 'The Cave'."

Joey looked back at Charity, "What are you here for? Mind if I tag along with you? Jeremy isn't a fun person to go out in public with. He doesn't get excited. He and I are total opposites. He's quiet and boring and I'm happy and entertaining."

He smiled at the girl, hoping he wasn't intruding. Jeremiah glared at him for insulting him in front of the new friend.

Bugging Jeremy was so much fun!

"So do you go to Baum? I suppose you do, since Jeremy knows you. What class are you in?"

[CHARITY NELSON]

Charity shook her head a little, "Sorry yer roommate is bad..." She still didn't have one, so she didn't have that problem, which was nice, but still, she could sympathize. She shook her head again, "Really, it's not a big deal. Stop worrying about it." She never thought much of falling- it was always a part of every horse person's life, so if you didn't get over it quickly, then you wouldn't have a very good time riding.

Charity looked up at Joey as he commented, saying that Jeremy was boring, and she raised an eyebrow, "I don't think he's boring at all. Quiet maybe, but definitely not boring. He's different. He's a Gentleman." She didn't want to make things awkward, but even so, to illustrate her point and sort of test his reaction and see if he pulled away, or what, she slipped her arm through Jeremy's, seeing if he'd move his arm to escort her, or if he would freak out or something. She had a feeling he might be more likely to escort. "Bu' yeah, you two may join me. I need some consults fer my jeans shoppin'. My las' pair o' ridin' jeans go'trashed when Dillon refused a fence an' I fell off."

She looked up at Joey, a little confused at first- didn't Jeremy go to Barrie? Why would she have to go to Baum in order to know him? She shrugged, "Oh, I'm a sophomore. Jus transferred there about two an'a half weeks ago. Or something like that. I honestly can' quite remember. The days jus' sorta melt inta one another now."

[mugs]

"Sorry yer roommate is bad...Really, it's not a big deal. Stop worrying about it."

"Yeah, well I'll make it work. Okay, I guess, if you're sure."

"I don't think he's boring at all. Quiet maybe, but definitely not boring. He's different. He's a Gentleman."

Jeremiah smiled widely at her as she defended him. That was very thoughtful of her, considering the short time they had known each other. And considering that most people took to Joey, since he was more talkative and outgoing.

He smirked a little at Joey, who looked a bit flustered, having been told off. He felt Charity's arm link with his and froze.

What should he do? She obviously moved her arm there, but for what purpose?

He decided to wing it.

"Well Joey, if you're coming, then you had better carry the lady's bags and tell her how fantastic she looks in her new jeans," Jeremiah said, taking the bags from Charity and placing them in his brother's hands. He then led Charity down the walk, listening smugly to Joey's frustrated mumbling.

[josephmarshall]

"I don't think he's boring at all. Quiet maybe, but definitely not boring. He's different. He's a Gentleman. Bu' yeah, you two may join me. I need some consults fer my jeans shoppin'. My las' pair o' ridin' jeans go'trashed when Dillon refused a fence an' I fell off."

Joey stared at her, both embarrassed and awed. He hadn't ever been told off for teasing Jeremy. Not even by his aunt.

She looked a little confused at his comment about Baum.

He shrugged at her confused look, "I kinda assumed you didn't go to Barrie, because you look to small to be in college, but I suppose that appearances are deceiving. Also, Jeremy and I don't travel a lot, except to London and back, so where else would he have met you? Your dialect tells me you're from the south, probably around Oklahoma or Texas, so you'd either be visiting or living here temporarily, which ties in with a boarding school. Baum would be the only one I know." He rattled off cleanly, looking quite casual at his lengthy explanation.

"Oh, I'm a sophomore. Jus transferred there about two an'a half weeks ago. Or something like that. I honestly can' quite remember. The days jus' sorta melt inta one another now."

"Okay. Well that's cool, I'm a junior!" (muahahah, my epic fail has been deleted!!)

He watched with disbelief as Charity and Jeremiah linked arms and walked away from him, with her bags in his arms.

"You have got to be kidding me," he grumbled as he hurried to catch up.

[CHARITY NELSON]

Charity nodded a little as Joey explained his reasoning, the story sounding familiar, since bits and pieces had already been told to her by Jeremy at the club. She knew they had been to London, and she knew that Joey's accent wasn't as strong as Jeremy's because he hadn't spent as much time in the UK as Jeremy. Not that any of that was of any specific, life changing importance. Joey was a Junior though. That bit of information had been new. She smiled and nodded, "Cool." When he had shared, and then she had slipped her arm into Jeremy's.

Charity had been right. As she slipped her arm into Jeremy's, he seemed to freeze up for a second, then he switched to escort mode. He even went so far as to take her bags from her and give them to Joey. She was going to take them back, but Jeremy was already leading them down the hall, and Charity shrugged a little to Joey, mouthing the word Sorry, since Jeremiah seemed intent on keeping Charity from carrying her own bags.

As Joey hurried to catch up, Charity shook her head, reaching for the bags that belonged to her, "I can carry my own bags...."

[mugs]

Jeremiah snickered at his brother who jogged up to his side with the bags in his hands.

"Aw, Baby Brother, have you been finding your sizes alright? I hope you find a dress that will match your skin tone."

Joey punched his arm roughly, but chuckled as well.

Ah, brotherly love.

He rolled his eyes at Charity attempting to take her bags back.

"No. He can do it. Relax. It's not every day that two older brothers wait on you. Enjoy."

[josephmarshall]

Joey shrugged and smiled at Charity mouthing her apologies at him. It was't a big deal.

"Aw, Baby Brother, have you been finding your sizes alright? I hope you find a dress that will match your skin tone."

Joey punched his brother's shoulder and stuck his tongue out. Jerk. Oh well. Thats what brothers are for right? They annoy the crap out of you, and vice versa, but they love you and they're there for you all the time.

"I can carry my own bags...."

"No. He can do it. Relax. It's not every day that two older brothers wait on you. Enjoy."

"Jeremy's right. It's fine. They barely weigh a thing anyway. It's not as if you're forcing me into manual labor."

[CHARITY NELSON]

Charity rolled her eyes and reached for the bag again, but stopped when Jeremy told her to leave them and Joey agreed. She kept her arm linked with Jeremiah's, but she used her body weight to push him to the side a little as they walked, "Fine, fine.... I still feel bad though." She let it be for a minute, then looked up at Joey, "Are ya sure?" She didn't want him carrying all of her stuff if he didn't have to. She was weird that way- she wanted guys to be gentlemen, but then she still wanted to do things herself.

As they arrived at American Eagle, she pulled Jeremiah into the store, assuming that Joey would follow in. Thankfully AE was one of those stores that had couches in it, so she could leave Jeremiah and Joseph there to wait while she went to try on some different pairs of jeans. And she grabbed a shirt for Jeremy and Joey each to try on in the process.

She threw the shirts at them, not saying much more than "Y'all should try these on...." before she went to try on her own jeans. She put on a pair of darkwash, almost black, legging style jeans, coming out to ask the pair what they thought. "D'ya think they would work fer ridin'?"