forum The Siren and the Chimera (with @Dances_with_Shadows)

Started April 12, 2019 by @PrettyLittlePyro

tune

Lance tilted his head as he thought about it. "Well, they're currently busy with staying in Hera's good graces and entertaining all of the gods and demigods. And Aurae's there, so that helps."

Tempest made a face. "I don't like Hera, and Aurae is messed up."

He opened his mouth to say something, then closed it again. "Aurae… has her own coping mechanisms to her past that might come across as such to most."

"I feel bad for her though," Tempest said quietly. "What it must be like."

He tilted his head. "What do you mean? 'What it must be like'?"

Tempest shrugged. "Long story." What she meant by that was that she didn't want to talk about it.

He nodded. "Understandable. Anyway… What do you enjoy doing? Since I'm such a bore."

"Well, I don't know if I enjoy it, but I'm good at singing."

He nodded. "Because you're a siren–that kinda comes with the territory. Your voice is beautiful, by the way. But what do you like to do?"

"Read, go for walks. Boring stuff."

"At least you have things you enjoy doing," he pointed out.

"True." She flashed him a mock hurt look. "And you don't enjoy doing this?"

He smiled at her. "On the contrary. I'm enjoying it immensely."

"Me too."

"Anything else you want to do today to avoid a cranky Hera?"

"Well, we could go for a walk."

He nodded. "Sounds good."

Tempest stood. "Come on. I have a great place."

Lance raised a brow but stood as well. "Oh? And will you allow me the privilege of knowing what this place is?"

She shook her head, a small smile on her face. "No. But I think you'll like it." She held out her hand, not realizing what she was doing. "Come on."

Without hesitation, he grabbed her hand and moved to her side. He looked down at her with a small smile of his own. "Lead the way."

Tempest realized what she had done, and blushed slightly, but kept hold of his hand. She led him from the cafe and down the sidewalk towards the park.

"We're going back to the park?" he asked skeptically. He didn't want to doubt her, but he was certainly confused.

Tempest shot him a smile but said nothing. She led him through some trees to an open place, where a table, bench and fountain were. "Recognize this place?''

He tilted his head as he looked around. "I think?" He looked back down at her, still confused.

Tempest laughed, letting go of his hand and sitting down on the bench. "This is the place we met."

He looked around, his lips forming a silent, Ooooh. He looked at her sheepishly. "Sorry I didn't get it at first." He loved her laugh, though.

She grinned. "I know." She stood, walking back to him and putting her arm through his.

He smiled down at her and tightened his grip on her. He was smiling a lot more with Tempest than he's ever smiled before. Something about her just made him… happy.
Her smile, her laugh… it was all contagious.

He didn't realize he was staring until it was too late.

Tempest looked up at him. "What?" She asked. His stare was intense.