forum The Siren and the Chimera (with @Dances_with_Shadows)

Started April 12, 2019 by @PrettyLittlePyro

tune

"Oh, we wonder all over the place. The park was a good place to just take a small break." He tried for a small smile. "Seems like we got more than we bargained for."

Tempest smiled back slightly. "I guess so."

He sighed and leaned back, running his fingers through his hair. "I like you, Tempest. I really do. But… I'm not really good at… this. I'm sorry."

Tempest blushed. "You're fine…"

"If you say so, " he mumbled. "So, what's your recommendation?" He asked as he gestured to the cafe. "Any specific thing you think I should have?"

Tempest thought for a minute. "Well, their food is really good…"

He cracked a smile. "So just food in general? No favorites?"

Tempest laughed. "I guess I was distracted. I love the scones. They remind me of the kind my mother used to make."

He nodded. "Then I guess I'll have to try the scones."

"Okay, then." She went to go order the food.

He watched her go, still silently cursing himself for being a bumbling mess around her.

Tempest payed for the stuff and waited, examining Lance from a distance. What was it about him?

Bored, he picked up a napkin and started folding it into an origami creature of no real origin. He didn't notice Tempest examining him and slightly poked his tongue out in concentration.

She giggled slightly, watching him.

He froze and slowly rose is eyes up to meet hers, pink staining his cheeks.

She grinned. "Don't let me distract you, go on. I thought it was really cute."

The pink turned to red. "I'm not cute," he mumbled, avoiding eye contact.

Tempest grinned slightly, though she was blushing hard. "No? Well, that's your opinion, and while I respect it, it's wrong."

He ducked his head but went back to folding the napkin. He changed the shape to a complicated swan, long and nimble fingers easily making the tricky folds.

Tempest tilted her head, watching. "How do you do that?"

Lance looked up again. "Huh? Do what?"

"Make that." She moved closer to him, staring at the bird. "Mine always look like misshapen paper airplanes."

He huffed a laugh with a small smile, then held up the bird. "Practice and patience. And a good eye for detail. It helps that I've had quite a bit of time to practice."

"That does help. I wouldn't know, I'm not nearly as old and wise as you are."

"Wise is an overstatement of my knowledge, " he said with a smile directed at her.

"Fine, old. Happy now, Grandpa?" She gave him a small smile.

He shook his head with a chuckle. "Just get the food."

Tempest mock saluted. "Of course, Your Oldness."

He mockingly scowled at her.

With a grin, she went to go get the food.