Phoenix's face betrayed him as it flushed a dark red. He wasn't used to being complimented or flirted with.
Does this even count as flirting? he wondered, not familiar with the concept. Maybe the stranger was this charming to everyone he came across.
His thoughts raced around like a hurricane in his slightly hazy mind, unorganized, random, and intrusive.
Was talking to me a dare or some sort of prank he's pulling on me?
His smile's really nice, even if his teeth look a little sharp.
Why did he approach me out of all people? I'm far from being a good-looking person.
"Phoenix," he answered as he tried to dismiss his thoughts, becoming very self-aware of how horribly unkempt and exhausted he looked in the presence of this lovely angel. "And you?"
“Ishtar Peregrine. It’s lovely to meet you, Phoenix.” the fake name slipped out of Elle’s mouth easily, with no pause or cause for concern. “Now, what is a man of your caliber doing in this rundown of a town? I’d think a man of your rugged good looks would be out and about the earth, not lost in a forgotten town.”
"Oh, I'm just here for a job," Phoenix replied distractedly, still hung up on the beautiful man's name. Ishtar Peregrine. Even his name is just as intriguing as he is. "The mayor promised to pay me double if I stayed around a while longer."
Elle stared, intrigued. He’d known this town to be inhabited by other monsters, but none that couldn’t be controlled. So, logically, if this man was a monster hunter (which the case seemed to be) he was likely after Elle. All the reason to try and get closer, so nothing would be suspected of his more dubious and downright disgusting behavior. “Hmm. Well, feel like taking your mind off of things? I know a good place to have some fun.” technically that part of the town was more dangerous, more prone to flooding and sirens, but Elle was sure he’d be able to keep this little lamb safe from the other wolves’ clutches.
Phoenix tilted his head, his eyes shining with interest.
"I didn't realize this piss-poor town had anything remotely resembling something that would be 'fun'," he grinned, ignoring any sober, reasonable thoughts he had telling him to not go off with someone he'd just met. "Although I suppose that depends on what your definition of fun is."
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