A Chance Encounter (Flynn)

[Dhara]

Dhara She looked around and decided this was the perfect place. Setting the case down, she opened it and pulled out a violin whose cash value was in the multi-millions, but the sentimental value was priceless. She warmed up with her favorite, Moonlight Sonata and as she played the familiar song, her mind wandered.

She drifted back to a time not so long ago, a couple days really, sitting at an outdoor table at a little cafe. Across from her a rakish young man, with a secret smile and cryptic words. She had enjoyed the impromptu coffee ‘date’ and hadn’t seen him since. The mystery of it all kept her mind focused on him a good majority of the time. She snorted softly because she figured he would like that she kept thinking about him.

She gave a shake of her head and began to pick up the pace. The faster music had a crowd forming to clap along. She was much like Lindsay Sterling in the way she played and moved. Only smaller and far more energetic. Her black skirt flared, her white hair swung around her shoulders and the smile on her face was one of pure bliss. She tried to lose herself in her music, but a small part of her mind stayed fixed on a young man named Flynn.

FLYNN Flynn rubbed harshly at the back of his neck, trying in desperation to rid himself of the awful crick there. Today, work was much like a zoo, but where all the animals had free reign of the place. It was a wonder that any of them managed to complete their tasks, the way they all panic when things get a little busier. As it was, his level head put him at the top of his boss’s charts, so perhaps their lack of control was for the best. Still, that didn’t make it any less hard on the body as he sat hunched over papers and reports all day.

As he rounded a corner, a small commotion caught his attention a bit down the street. Curious, he moved in the direction of the group. The closer he got, the easier it was to tell that there was some form of street performance at the center. And it sounded a lot like a violin. At the edge of the crowd, he came up short as the image of a pixie-like woman with white hair came to mind, a violin case in her hand. “No way…” he muttered, maneuvering through the gathered people to catch a glimpse of the woman in the middle.

Just as he had guessed, there she danced. Completely in her element, she was quite the sight to behold. Rather remain in the same place, he shifted through the crowd until he was out the outer edges, once more, leaning back against the building behind Dhara. Patient. Waiting.

Dhara She played, she danced, she even sang a jaunty song or two, drawing the performance to a close with a gentle, soothing song. She bowed to the applause, thanked her audience and even chatted with one or two. Once the crowd had dispersed, she knelt to put her violin away. There were a few coins and a couple of bills laying against the royal purple velvet. Those were scooped up and tucked away. As she lay her violin down, she had the sense of someone still there. Her back stiffened and she spied a figure from the corner of her eye.

Priorities had her ensuring the priceless violin was safely in it’s case, along with the bow. She snapped the case closed and gripped it tightly, holding it against her body as she finally turned to address the shadow still watching her. “Good evening.” She said, trying for calm though there was the faintest hint of a tremor in her voice. She hated confrontation and now she was alone with a shadow figure and no one else around. The irony of the situation was not lost on her, for she’d willingly put herself in the same situation a few nights ago. She wasn’t afraid then, but she was now. And yet… yet the figure, shadowed though it was, looked familiar. She nibbled on her bottom lip, then spoke again, somewhat hopeful that she was correct. “Flynn?”

FLYNN During the performance, he split his time between watching Dhara and those around her. She had managed to draw quite the crowd, and though he hated to admit, he was impressed with how skilled she truly was. When she had mentioned street performances, he had assumed she only meant playing the instrument, not dancing with it in the process. His signature smirk never slipped, and he simply enjoyed the show with the rest of the spectators. And when it was done, the crowd scattering like bugs, he stayed rooted to his spot.

Once she noticed him standing there, she turned with a simply greeting. Even as she tried to hide it, he could hear that slightest catch, giving away her discomfort. It was only when she called his name that he pushed off from the wall and sauntered over, hands tucked away in the pockets of his dress pants. He didn’t greet her right away, instead watching as a small group of people passed them by. Once he felt they were a safe distance away, he focused on her, once more. “Dhara. That was quite the performance,” he said, smirk never faltering. “And how ironic, that I should happen by just in time to see it.”

Dhara She relaxed when he came into the light, blowing out a slow breath, a smile replacing the worried expression. “Thank you.” She said, her smile growing. “I suppose you could not resist the siren song.” She teased, looking him over from head to toe. “You look quite dapper this evening.”

She relinquished the death grip on her violin case, setting it down in front of her feet. Small but deft hands worked through her white tresses, whipping them up off her back and neck into a messy bun that somehow looked perfect on her. “I suppose now that I have you trapped, would you like some tea? I was just off to get a coffee myself.” She grinned up at him as she picked up her violin once more. He didn’t have to agree, but she secretly hoped he would.

FLYNN The tension leaving her body was obvious once she realized who he was. She had truly been that concerned, yet willingly followed him just the other night. Finding it odd, he cast his head to the side, giving her a once over while she pulled her hair up into a bun. It looked nice, of course, but he found that he missed the sight of her hair framing her face.

Before answering her, he glanced down at his business suit. “Ah, well...work does require a certain...etiquette.” If he had it his way, he might have gone to work in his pajamas. Others felt the need to remind him that it was ‘inappropriate.’ Not that he gave a damn. “It’s a bit stuffy, isn’t it?” The question came with a set wrinkle in his nose, clearly unhappy with finding himself in it.

“As for the coffee, that really depends. I really need to get home and get out of this suit. I don’t live far, if you don’t mind the detour?” He knew what he was saying. By asking if she minded, he was opening up a door that very few women were granted. His home was his business. But for the women who often got asked, it was for little more than a good time.

Dhara She shivered as the sweat dried on her skin, rubbing her arms with the sudden chill.”I do not think stuffy. As I said, I find it quite dapper. You look very elegant.” She smiled and then tilted her head. “However you also look a bit… stiff and uncomfortable.” She chuckled again, then he started talking about going to his place so he could change before going out for coffee. She gave his question some serious consideration as she rubbed her arms once more to ward off the chill.

She pursed her lips slightly, then tugged the elastic from her hair, letting it fall down her back now that she’d cooled off. It vanished into her pocket and her fingers played with the charm at her neck, fidgeting with a restless energy she never seemed to burn off. Throwing caution to the wind, she nodded her answer. “I do not mind the detour if you do not mind me knowing where you lay your head at night.” She looked up and down the street, then back up at him. “Lead the way.”

[Flynn]

FLYNN Flynn was an observant man, and he didn’t miss the shivers as a breeze kicked up around them. Though he liked to think himself less than a gentleman, he slipped his suit jacket from his shoulders and wrapped it around Dhara’s. “Don’t...mention it. Seriously, don’t,” he said with a smirk on his lips, but with seriousness in his gaze. “So long as you don’t become a stalker, then you knowing where I live in the least of my worries.” Rolling his shoulders, he swung his arm wide to point her in the right direction of his apartment.

After several minutes, he held the door open to his apartment complex for her and quickly moved her through the lobby. Rather than wait for the elevator, he led them to the stairwell and up to the second floor where he lived. There was a moment of hesitation before he slid the key into his door, glancing at Dhara over his shoulder. “If you have any problems with dogs, you...may want to wait out here. If not, you can make yourself comfortable. I shouldn’t be long.” With that, he opened his door and marched inside, instantly greeted by a deep bark.

Before he had a chance to react, a large brown and white husky barreled into him, forcing him to take several steps back. “Oh, hello to you, my beautiful girl!” He leans down, giving his beloved pet all his affection before commanding her to follow him inside so that Dhara could get through the door if she chose to come in.

Dhara She burrowed down into his jacket, and opened her mouth to thank him when he pretty much told her not to. “Thank you.” She said anyways, drawing the fabric around her. She could feel the heat from his body in the fabric and a deep breath revealed that he wore a rather pleasant cologne or aftershave. She wasn’t sure which, but it was very nice.

His stalker comment made her laugh and she shook her head. “I solemnly swear I am up to no good…” She grinned, teasing him, “No wait… I solemnly swear I won’t become a stalker. That’s the one.” She chuckled and walked along with him, waiting in silence as he opened his apartment. She didn’t mind dogs, though she did flinch when the dog barked. The husky was beautiful and she took in the moment, watching him without his guard up. He seemed like a different person. The dog barely glanced her way.
When he walked inside, she followed, pausing in the doorway. She’d never been in a human’s home since being turned. He had invited her inside, but nerves made her pause. She blew out a breath and stepped across the threshold. When nothing happened, like being struck by lightning, she relaxed. She didn’t go far, after shutting the door, as she still had her shoes on. The dog came over and sniffed at her, probably wondering why she smelled like a mixture of her master and vanilla. She held out one tiny hand and let her sniff, then began to scratch gently behind her ear, looking around the apartment. “You have a nice place.” She said quietly, half distracted by petting the dog. “And you are so beautiful.” She said in a low voice, directly to the pooch.

FLYNN Flynn kept an immaculate living space. If there was one thing that seared his nerves more than anything, it was clutter. His apartment was spacious, but only had the one bedroom. He didn’t need a guest room, when his couch was probably more comfortable than even his own bed. Rather than immediately retreat to the bedroom, he offered her a quick gesture to the living room, “I like it. It has enough space for Athena to roam without feeling cramped, but small enough that I don’t feel like a bug in my own home.”

With a realization that he had not properly introduced Athena, he gestured to the gorgeous canine with a grand wave. “Ah, yes. Dhara, this is the queen, Athena. Athena, this is Dhara. A...friend. If she does anything funny...you know what to do.” A resounding bark followed, making him laugh as he moved off toward the bedroom.

With his bedroom door shut behind him, he immediately began to strip himself of the suit, groaning as soon as he was free of it. Due to being pressed for time, he laid the dirty clothes out on the bed to be dealt with later and moved into his closet. Finding his jeans neatly folded, he took a random pair and fished through his shirts only to come out, empty-handed. Without considering his actions, he stalked out of his bedroom with only his jeans and socks on, revealing his highly tattooed torso. “Do you have any pets, Dhara?” he called out on his way to the dryer. After shuffling through the pile within, he pulled a simple white t-shirt out. As he made his way back to her side, he pulled the shirt over his head.

As dressed as he planned to get, he made a face at Dhara. “Would you mind terribly if I offered you a zip-up, so that the suit coat can stay here?”

Dhara “Pleased to meet you, Athena.” She said, though her hand jerked back when the dog barked. She wasn’t used to being around dogs. She’d never had pets growing up and she didn’t now. And while she wasn’t afraid, they did make her nervous now again. She found herself left alone with the dog and smiled at her. Shrugging out of the coat, she folded it neatly in half in such a way that the lines of the coat would be preserved, and then draped it over her arm. She was speaking quietly with Athena when his door opened and she automatically looked up.

He had tattoo’s, was the first thing to filter through her mind. Followed quickly by the fact that he was shirtless. Her gaze instantly dropped to the floor and it took her a minute to realize he’d asked her a question. “No. No pets.” She finally answered, speaking to the floor. Her gaze would probably burn a hole through the wood. As he neared, she caught a glimpse of his well toned abs and she dropped her chin slightly, her hair sliding forward to hide him from view, though she heard the sounds of fabric on skin and realized he had pulled his shirt on. She exhaled a slow breath and blinked at his next question. She held out his neatly folded coat, finally lifting her eyes to his, thankful she couldn’t blush anymore. She cleared her throat and managed a smile. “No of course not. I’m quite warm now, thank you.” As soon as the coat left her hands, she toyed with the belled sleeves that fell over her fingers, her gaze dropping shyly again.

[Dhara]

FLYNN The way she hid her face from the sight of his bare torso was laughable, though he managed to reign it in. Once upon a time, he might have been a more modest person. Since then, his confidence had only grown and he how he looked, especially to women. Granted, she had also come up to his...bachelor pad, of sorts. What else had she expected of him? Rather than tease her about it, he simply cleared his throat and accepted his suit coat, which he quickly returned to his room. As he came back, zip-up hoodie in hand. “We have several options, and as the lady, it is only right that decision be yours. You can carry it, wear it, or I wear it.”

While she made up her mind, he knelt down beside Athena and nuzzled his nose against the top of her head. “Hey...would you mind if she came along?” he suddenly asked, lifting his face up to Dhara in question. “I usually take her for a run after work, after she’s been as cooped up as I have.” The last time he had left Athena too idle, he was forced to spend a small fortune on a new mattress. He had since learned his lesson. “I promise not to use her as a chick magnet for your benefit…” he drew out the last syllable of his sentence, clearly teasing.

Dhara She chuckled and took the hoodie. “Thank you.” She said, sliding into it. She zipped it up and as she did, she swore she could smell his cologne or aftershave. “But if you get a chill, you must tell me so I can give you your sweater.” She selfishly watched him with his dog, enjoying the unguarded interaction, though when he looked up at her she smiled.

“I do not mind at all. Not even if you use her to attract women.” She tipped her head and grinned, teasing him back. “They will probably think you are taking your dog and little sister for a walk.” She glanced at Athena, then at him. “The dynamic duo right there, dogs and little sisters.” She laughed softly, then lifted her violin case. He had trusted her, so now she would trust him. “Would it be a terrible imposition if I left this here and came back for it after coffee?”

FLYNN He waved away her comment about if he were to get cold, knowing that he wouldn’t say a damn thing about it. Besides, unless it was the dead of winter, he was never cold. In fact, he could be one of ‘those guys’ that wore shorts after the first snowfall of the season. She didn’t need to be bothered with that information, though, and so he smiled in gratitude before hooking Athena up to her leash. Bounding in excitement, she sat before the door, tail wagging.

The ease smile from before faded, somewhat, as Dhara joked about meeting women. “Well, I know you are joking...I need to make something clear,” he began, opening the door for Dhara to pass through at her leisure. “I have never, and will never, use you as a pawn to get the attention of another woman. Regardless of where our relationship falls, that’s not a line I’m willing to cross. I don’t need a...wingwoman, as it were.” He finished it off with a small smile, but there was little amusement in his gaze.

Dhara She listened to what he had to say, realizing she had offended him. “Apologies.” She said softly, her hand tightened on her violin and she stepped into the hallway to wait for him and his dog. Her fingers toyed with the charm at her throat as she watched him. “I did not mean to cause offense.” She gave him a small, apologetic smile.

Only the tips of her fingers were visible beneath the sleeves of his sweater and the hand that clutched the handle of her violin case was totally invisible. She shifted slightly, looking up and down the hallway, searching for something to say. “What kind of cologne do you wear? Or is it aftershave? Regardless, it is very nice.” Yep that was the single lamest thing she could have said, but she wasn’t sure what to say as she was feeling a little tense since her teasing had gone the wrong direction.

FLYNN Her apology came and he began to shake his head, since she hadn’t needed to do so. He wasn’t offended at the joke, but more that the thought crossed her mind at all. Offended was perhaps the wrong word. But as he opened his mouth to say so, she was asking him about his cologne and wandering away from the door. It was then that he caught sight of the violin case, and her voice sounded in his head...the question he had completely forgot to answer. Keeping his apartment door opened, he closed the few steps between us and took her hand. With a pull on her fingers, he took the case in hand. “First, relax. I’m not upset. I just...I have a deeper respect for women, and thus...you, than my rakish playboy attitude may lead you to believe. Oh, and...of course you can leave the violin here.”

Turning around, he took her violin inside and put it safely on the kitchen counter. In only a moment, he was back by her side after locking door behind him. Wrapping Athena’s leash around his hand, he kept her close to his side as they made their way back toward the stairs. “It is always good to hear that you enjoy the way I smell, as well…” he added, bumping into her purposely with his shoulder. “But, its some expensive **** I sure as hell can’t pronounce. It may be best if I just show you the bottle, later.”

Dhara She spun around, hissing in surprise as her violin was stripped away. No one had ever physically removed her violin from her, and the shock of someone doing so sent adrenaline coursing through her. She blinked, looking ashamed of her reaction when she realized it was just Flynn finally answering her question. And who else would it be? It was just the three of them in the hallway. She thought about what he said and realized that she liked his attitude. She liked him, in just the short time they’d been hanging out and hoped their friendship would continue.

As they walked down the hall, she couldn’t help but chuckle over his cologne comment. “Careful, I could almost start to imagine you are finding excuses to get me back into your apartment.” She teased, when he bumped her, she squeaked and gripped his arm to keep her balance, laughing softly. She might be grace and fire and weightlessness when she was playing an instrument and dancing, but when she wasn’t, she was as clumsy as a bull in a china shop. She bumped him in return, though it didn’t seem to move him at all, a smile on her lips as she enjoyed the relaxed teasing.

As they headed down the stairs, she held her skirts in one hand, and his arm with the other. It was something she did without thinking, her head bowed to watch the risers so she wouldn’t trip. Once they were on the street again, she looked up at him, releasing his arm. “There is a pet friendly cafe about a mile from here, if you like. Alternatively there is a kiosk about six blocks away where we could grab something to go.”

[Flynn]

FLYNN Dhara’s reaction had made it obvious to him that violin was much like an extra limb. Storing the information for later, he simply let the moment pass. In the blink of an eye, she had relaxed once more with smile returning in full force. Flynn took her gentle teasing with only a smirk and glance at her from the corner of his eye. “My dear, if I wanted excuses to bring you back to my apartment, I assure you they would be much more creative,” he said, hand to his chest as if offended by her assumptions. “Besides...you don’t strike me as the kind to be easily fooled by such excuses.”

He didn’t mind her hold on his arm, though it gave a certain appearance of possessiveness. “Well, I’m not sure sitting down is exactly what Athena is looking to do…” he chuckled, glancing down at his faithful companion. “So, why don’t we grab one to go, and we take you to our favorite dog park? It’s open late, but no one else is usually there, so she gets the run of the place.”

With a strange glint in his eye, he smirked over at Dhara. “And look at you, trying to tell the man who has lived here his entire life where the cafes and kiosks are…Let’s remember you are in my neck of the woods right now.”

Dhara Her hands vanished into the sleeves as he talked to keep herself warm, his comment made her laugh and she shrugged. “Well, it looks like you figured me out. I am not easily fooled by such things.” A pause and she looked up at him impishly, “But I hear some men, not all, but some are.” She turned slightly in the direction of the kiosk. “I have never been to a dog park. Does she need a ball or a frisbee to play with?” She glanced at Athena and smiled warmly. If nothing else, she absolutely adored the pooch, even if she had just met her.

His next comment made her look up at him with a smile. “I did not realize you were a native. In fact, I believe you are the first person I have ever met who is from this particular town.” She started walking with him towards the kiosk, noting he seemed either have slowed down or shortened his stride because she was having a much easier time keeping up with him this time. “Have you travelled at all or just stayed here? I know people who have never left home. They have never seen things like snow or the oceans.” She glanced up at him, giving his face some serious study. Serious enough that she tripped over a crack in the sidewalk and started laughing as she regained her balance. “I think you have travelled.”

FLYNN Dhara says she had never been to a dog part and his steps slow, that hand that covered his heart squeezing into a fist, “Never been to a dog park? Oh, just kick me while I’m down…” he replied while shooting her a killer smile. “I never leave the house with Athena without bringing her supply bag,” he explained, patting the compact drawstring bag off his wrist. “It has a ball, a pop up water bowl piece of **** I never should have bought, and bags to clean up her messes.” It might seem strange, but he liked to be prepared. At least he also knew what he needed.

Now that they were walking, she seemed almost giddy. Her laughter came easy, even when he didn’t join in with it. As he spent more time around her, he was realizing how impossible it was to remain in a sour mood. When she stumbled, he reached out as if to help but dropped it once she quickly recovered, laughing all the while. “I have traveled...here and there. Amsterdam, Beijing…” he listed off his top two to date, picking up to their previous pace. “I guess you could say that I don’t believe in shifting my roots. This is my home, and I made my peace with it a long time ago. I don’t search for reasons to leave.”

Dhara His comment about searching for reasons to leave hit home with her. She’d been on the run from her life since she was 16, not that she ever told anyone that. Well, there was one person who knew. “Never been to a dog park. Truth be told, this is the longest I have been around a dog.” She smiled at the kit he had with him.

She saw him reach for her when she stumbled and secretly wished it was for another reason. Hard on the heels of that thought was what in the world was wrong with her? She barely knew the guy. She rolled her eyes and sighed to herself. Those thoughts were certainly a sign that she had been alone for too long. And she was determined to stay that way. At least romantically, though there was no harm in a little flirting.

When they reached the kiosk, she laughed again. The barista had poured a black coffee and there was a cup with a tea bag string hanging out of it. He must have seen them coming. Before Flynn could move or object, she paid for both of their evening beverages. Pushing the sleeves of the hoodie back, she wrapped her hands around the cup with a sigh of pleasure at the warmth. “What is your favorite place to have gone so far? And will you teach me how to play fetch with Athena?”

FLYNN Flynn stared at Dhara, then. The longest she had been around a dog? How was that even possible? They hadn’t been together that long, yet. Before he could question it, though, they arrived at the kiosk. He hadn’t even grasped what was happened before she had already swept in and paid, earning her sour glare. “Excuse me, but I believe that was supposed to be my job. And in return, you would learn the patience of following around a dog in said dog park. It may surprise you to learn, that it isn’t as relaxing for an owner as you may think.”

Taking his tea, he shot her grateful grin. “But, thank you. We’ll even start a system. You paid tonight, I pay some day down the line, etc.” The fact that he wouldn’t really let her pay for him next time, regardless, was irrelevant. Or her’s, for that matter. As they stepped away, he brought the cup up to his lips, testing the temperature. It was at the moment Dhara asked him how to play fetch that he froze, staring at her over the rim. He wanted to think she was kidding, but from the look in her eye, it was genuine curiosity.

“There isn’t much to teach, but...sure. Come on,” he finally said, gesturing with his head for her follow him. They had only walked for a couple of minutes before they came upon the large enclosed park, the sign welcoming owners with their bright red rules that never actually got enforced. OPening the gate, he let Dhara through and followed behind with Athena. A quick glance around revealed that they were very much alone. Moving them further into the park, he found a bench and set his bag down so that he could release Athena from her leash. She waited patiently for him to retrieve her favorite tennis ball, even as her rapid tail wagging gave her away. “Can you throw a ball?” he asked, offering it Dhara.

[Dhara]

Dhara “Well, but I invited you. And since this is not a date, and we are friends, and I did the inviting, I should be paying.” She smiled at him as they walked, taking a long swallow of her hot coffee. She followed him into the park, waiting just as patiently as Athena. She chuckled at the look on the dogs face and the way her eyes followed the tennis ball from his hand to her’s.

She nodded at his question, holding the ball. She carefully unzipped the hoodie, folding it neatly like she had the suit coat. She lay the hoodie on the bench and pinned back her sleeves, Athena watching the ball the entire time. “Sorry for the wait, Miss Athena.” She said with a smile. She set her coffee down, turning away from Flynn she drew her arm back and let the ball fly, her underhand toss sending it halfway across the park. The dog shot off and Dhara could swear that her tongue was somewhere around her tail as she ran. Dhara laughed in delight, retrieving her coffee to take a long swallow, her eyes following the dog. “I think I might have to start visiting you all the time now, just to play with your dog.” She teased, raking her hair behind her ear and watching as Athena came running back, ball firmly in her mouth.

FLYNN Flynn watched the ball fly away wide eyes, surprised an underhand throw had so much strength behind it. Actually, he was fairly sure no human could achieve that with an underhand toss. Dhara’s delighted laughter brought him back from his thoughts, his gaze landing on the bright smile. He wasn’t sure how something as simple as playing fetch could bring her so much joy, but he couldn’t fight the grin that formed while watching them. Athena was completely enthralled with the woman, being the current ‘thrower’ of the ball, and he was temporarily forgotten.

Her comment about coming around for the dog’s sake made him shrug with an easy going smile, “Beautiful woman coming over? I guess, if I must, I won’t complain.” Shooting her a wink, he settled back on the bench with tea in hand. Vanessa had never taken much liking to Athena, though he couldn't blame her. Athen had been less than friendly with his ex, and Flynn hd vowed to trust her when it came to one’s character. And here she was, completely at ease with Dhara. In silence, he considered that information, his eyes trained on the blonde.

Dhara She laughed softly at his comment, holding her hand out for the ball. She wasn’t sure how to get the ball back, but Athena dropped the drool covered thing in her hand, which only made her laugh again. She knelt down to be on eye-level with Athena, reaching out to scratch her behind the ears. “What do you think, Miss Athena? Is it alright if I come to play fetch with you again?”

The dog barked and Dhara laughed. It could have been ‘yes’ it could have been ‘throw the damn ball’. Standing straight, she tossed it again, sending it just as far. She wiped her hand on her skirt, not caring that it left a drool streak on the black fabric. Picking up her coffee, she perched on the edge of the bench so her feet would still touch the ground. “She is beautiful. Really. How old is she? How long have you had her?” She sipped her coffee, taking the ball when Athena brought it back, tossing it again. She could do this all night… or as long as Athena decided she wanted to play.

FLYNN He shifted to keep an acceptable distance between the two of them, but still offered her a grin as she sat down beside him. It was getting harder and harder to keep him hard exterior in place around her, and that alone could be cause for alarm. It meant he was comfortable, and getting comfortable was very...unlike him. “She is beautiful, isn’t she? I got her 3 years ago from a breeder up north. Paid a pretty penny, too. But...she was worth it.” He looked away to find his beloved dog bounding back to them, dropping the ball directly at his feet with tongue lolling out the side of her mouth.

With a mischievous grin, he acted as if he threw the ball out across the park, laughing as Athena began to chase it before realizing she had been tricked. Jumping back around to stare at him, he finally tossed it in the opposite direction. “She’s really all I have. My family...doesn’t bother with me much, anymore. And having her around keeps me grounded...reminds me why I can’t be like said family.” That probably didn't make much sense to Dhara, but it at least got the point across.

Dhara She laughed as Athena ran for the phantom throw, the look on her face when she realized Flynn hadn’t thrown the ball made her laugh even more. She thought of getting a dog for herself, since she was having so much fun with Athena. But she also realized she didn’t have time for a dog, with working three jobs. She wondered if Flynn would truly mind if she came over to see Athena.

She listened to him talk about is dog and his family. Nodding in agreement. “I do not have any family to speak of either. At least, none who I interact with.” She wouldn’t pry into his family life and hoped he wouldn’t pry into hers. She didn’t like talking about it. “I have been on my own since I was 16.” She took the ball when Athena dropped it on her knees and tossed it again, grinning as she ran after it. “Would you really not mind if I came to see Athena again? And you?” The last added almost shyly. She didn’t want him to think she was using him just for his dog when she truly enjoyed his company.

FLYNN He didn’t pry, as it was hardly any of his concern. If she wanted to tell him someday, she would. And the same went for his family. Maybe he would tell her, or maybe not. Only time would tell. “I left my parent’s house as soon as I could, which in my case was 18. And I never looked back…” he agreed, casting his gaze to his side where she was seated, tossing the ball again for Athena. It was obvious that she enjoyed the time with his darling canine.

That enjoyment was only confirmed when Dhara asked once more if he would mind if she visited, but it was the end ‘and you’ that made him stare with lips parted, like he had something to say, but couldn’t force the words out. It wasn’t that he didn’t want her around, but he wasn’t used to others wanting to be around him. Specifically, women who wanted nothing from him. Once he had managed to find himself, again, he nodded. “I don’t mind. Though, a call first would be desired,” he added with a grin, “Who knows what you might walk in on? The scandal!”

Dhara At first, with the way he stared, she thought she had over stepped and an apology was on her lips, swallowed back when he finally spoke. She toyed with the violin at her throat and watched him, her ever present smile gone, face serious. She listened intently and the smile returned, like the sun bursting through the clouds. “That would be a dreadful thing to happen. I do suppose I should ask you for your number then?” She poked around in her satchel and pulled out the most basic of cell phones. It wasn’t a smart phone, but it did have a slide out keyboard. She offered it to him. “Flynn, may I please have your number?”

She chuckled as she watched him and she wasn’t sure why, but she felt compelled to explain her desire to see him again. “I realize this is going to sound very pathetic, and possibly desperate… but I do not have many friends. I quite enjoy your company and I would like to count you as a friend.” There it was, out in the open in all it’s pathetic glory. She gave him a small smile, internally bracing herself for the laughter.

[Flynn]

FLYNN The cell phone she offered him looked far too old to actually function, but when he took it in hand, it lit up like any other. “This...cannot even be called a phone, Dhara…” he teased, carefully setting up a contact with his information. Once he confirmed it was correct, he closed the phone before holding it back out to her. But, before she could grab it, he pulled it back to him and quickly sent himself a text message, so that her number would register on his phone. “There. I will add yours to mine, as well. Though, I wouldn’t expect too many calls from me.” The tone of his voice never changed, still playful, but quiet.

When the blonde pushed on, claiming it would be pathetic and desperate, he paused in tossing Athena’s ball. Instead, he bent down to pet her with his face practically buried in her fur. Once the words were said, though, he didn’t laugh. In fact, he didn’t say anything, at first, but continued petting over his canine. After a moment, he sat back and sighed with a small nod. “I suppose you could call me that, if you like. At least I don’t bore you to death, hm?” he replied, glancing at her out of the corner of his eye.

It was then that he decided to tuck the ball away, much to Athena’s disappointment. But, he soon materialized a water bottle and pop-up bowl for her to get a drink from, and the ball was soon forgotten. “I can’t promise you that I know how to be all that great at the whole ‘friend’ thing, though. That isn’t in my particular skill set.”

Dhara She reached for the phone, blinking when he took it back. She chuckled when she realized what he had done and nodded at what he said. “I prefer texts to phone calls myself.” She sipped her coffee, watching him pet the dog. He didn’t laugh and that was relief to her, but something had her on edge suddenly. A looming feeling that she’d really put her foot in it. “You do not bore me at all. Quite the opposite really. And it seems I do not annoy you to death, either.”

His next comment confirmed the looming sense of dread she’d felt when she confessed to her pathetically lonely life. She toyed with the silver ring on her finger, looking down at her hands. She wasn’t sure what to say to that. How could he not be good at being a friend, she wondered to herself, a slight frown curving her lips as she analyzed his words. Finally she looked up at him, curiously, head tilting to the side. “What is your particular skill set then?” She asked instead.

FLYNN Flynn laughed at the question. What was his skill set? Well, his skill set was particularly useful when trying to pick up women. He knew what to say and what to do to gain her interest and reel her in, and he was even better at cutting it off at the source the next morning. “My skills...are the kind that women ***** about to each other, about never being about to find a nice guy, or something…” he mumbled, waving a hand dismissively. There was no shame behind his words, because he had no reason to feel ashamed of it. He didn’t have friends, he had relations. And what Dhara was asking for, he wasn’t sure that he knew how to give. “The fact that I haven’t actually tried anything with you, yet, is….well, kinda a small miracle.”

Once Athena had finished with her water, he tossed the remaining on the ground and folded the bowl back up and tucked it away in the bag. “What do you say, should we start heading back to my place? Athena looks like she could nap for days,” he joked, trying to shift the conversation, even temporarily.

Dhara “Yet.” She teased with a small smile. She finished her coffee and found the trash bin to deposit it in. Picking up his sweater, she shrugged into it and zipped it up, pulling her hair free. “May I hold the leash?” She asked, wanting to try walking the dog. “As for women gossiping, not my cup of tea, though I do know what you are referring to.”

She smiled at him as he sat there. “I figured you had not ‘tried anything’ as you put it, because I am either not your type, or you were taking a breather since you mentioned only being recently single. My money though, was on the first one.” She grinned, teasing him again, “You are a rakish playboy after all.”

FLYNN She asked to hold the leash, and he willingly gave it up to her. Moving in, he carefully wrapped it around her hand as he had so that Athena couldn’t pull away. Flynn wasn’t worried, knowing that his pooch was perfectly trained and knew better than tug and pull at her leash. Still, he wanted Dhara to feel at ease and that meant making sure that Athena was on her best behavior. “Think you can handle this lady at the wheel, baby? Better hope she doesn’t walk you into a telephone pole…” he suggested playfully at the animal, receiving several slobbery kisses in response. Wrinkling his nose, he wiped viciously at the slobber.

“Oh, and for the record…” he stopped wiping at his face, looking at Dhara in all seriousness though his smirk hinted at his amusement. “Women are my type. Why bother being picky, when that severely limits my possibilities?” When it came to finding women, he generally went with the ones that felt they graced their earth with their presence. Why? Because then they met him, and learned the hard way what guys like him were like. Perhaps it even humbled a few of them, he couldn’t say. He rarely, if ever, called them. “As for Vanessa...I really thought I had something with her, but whatever it was died several months in. I got tired of trying to find it again, so I left. I’m not hung up about it. As...awful as that may seem.”

With that, he stood from the bench and took in the sight of Dhara leading Athena. Laughter threatened to bubble up at the image, only because she hardly looked big enough to keep the dog under control. “Come on...before Athena gets any ideas on how to make this walk way more interesting for me, and a little less so for you.

Dhara “Your hands are very warm.” She blurted, then her eyes closed and one could almost see her mentally kicking herself for the stupid comment. “Apologies, I am not used to being touched.” And there was another idiotic statement. What was it about him that had her putting her foot in her mouth so much? It was like she literally could not control what came out of her mouth at times. She licked her lips, sighed and shook her head at herself.

“Well… at least you stay open to the possibilities, and I, for one, do not think that is a wrong thing to do. As for Vanessa? It sounds like only one person was putting in the work and that is why the spark died. However, I am certainly no relationship expert.” She chuckled softly, walking with him. Athena was excellent, probably taking pity on the petite woman. The occasional sigh let Dhara know that the dog was used to a much brisker pace, but she didn’t pull or try to run, which was nice.

“As for not being hung up, that does not sound wrong. To me it would seem that it was just not that real. And that probably sounds insensitive.” She paused a moment and blew out a breath, staring straight ahead. “When my fiance left me… I was a total mess. We were on holiday in Italy when it happened. I came back to Harper Rock and spent… weeks… locked in my apartment. Alternately crying my eyes out and being unfathomably angry. It took a lot of time to heal. Sometimes…” She trailed off and shrugged, hoping he would understand. “Sometimes I still think of him, but everything happens for a reason.” She wondered if she should mention she had been married and decided in for a penny, in for a pound. “On the other hand, when I got divorced, it was quite amicable. We had grown apart and we realized that we were far better as friends than anything else. I still work for him and see him nearly everyday.”

[Dhara]

FLYNN Their pace was slow on the way back to his apartment, but he wasn't sure which of them was entirely responsible for it. If it was to prolong their time, or just more interest in the conversation, he couldn't say. It didn’t bother him, though. So he kept up the pace as it was. Keeping his eye on Athena as they walked, he thought on what Dhara had said. “I wouldn’t say only one of was trying. I know how much she cared. I just couldn’t lie to her anymore by pretending I was still invested. She’ll be alright…” his voice trailed off, as if lost in thought regarding his ex.

But rather than mention her again, he looked to the petite blonde with wide eyes. “Engaged and divorced...wow,” he began, trying to imagine going through either one. The way she spoke indicated the difference between the two relationships. “Your fiance just left you in Italy? What kind of man does that? I can hear it, he meant a lot to you. I’m sorry that happened.” While marriage was the last thing on his mind, he couldn't imagine leaving his fiance while on holiday. Then again, he didn't know the situation, and it was wrong to assume the worst. “At least your divorce went without drama, though. And that you are still close.”

Dhara She glanced up at him, and though she smiled, there was something missing in her eyes, even as she shrugged casually. “He got the opportunity of a lifetime, but it would require him to not only stay in Italy, but to travel around the world. And though I am a world traveller, the type of work he was doing… even if I had gone with him I would never see him. He was a good man, in spite of how things ended.”

She fell silent as they walked. She hadn’t thought about how her relationship with Calen ended in a long time. Thought about him and how happy she had been most certainly, but she never thought about how it ended. As she prodded the memories, she realized it was still an open wound that made her jumpy and unforgiving. Maybe a little paranoid, too. It certainly had a lasting effect on her outlook when it came to romantic relationships. She realized that her own memories were leading her down a dark rabbit hole and she wasn’t ready for that, so she shied away from those thoughts. She saw the kiosk come into view and glanced up at her companion. “Would you care for a tea?” She asked waving a hand and the small stand.

FLYNN Flynn didn’t need her to say much else. There was almost haunted look to her eyes, like she couldn’t get past the memories. And from the sound of things, this fiance probably hadn’t wanted to make the decision any more than Dhara had. “Well… I am sorry that you both had to close the chapter on your love story, then. It’s always unfortunate to see a good couple forced apart,” he added, shrugging up his shoulders as if he even remotely understood that level of commitment. He didn’t. In fact. He was positive he had never felt a love like that.

His eyes followed her gaze to the kiosk, chewing on his lips in contemplation. “Nah, I think I have had enough for the day. But, please, get yourself a coffee if you like.” He shot her a small grin, stopping by the kiosk to let her grab one. “Or, if you like, I do have a coffee maker.”

Dhara She nodded faintly to his comment and shoved the memories aside. She paused by the kiosk, debating, then he said he had a coffee maker. She chuckled at that and moved past the kiosk. “Well then, coffee at your place sounds perfect.” She crinkled her nose and looked up at him, her face serious. “I do not know how to use a coffee maker…”

She walked with him, wondering how he’d take that. Would he be able to tell she was joking? The thought made her smile to herself. It wasn’t long before they entered his building, taking the stairs. This time, she held up her skirt with the same hand she held the leash, and her other hand gripped the banister, eyes fixed on the risers. Then they were standing outside his door, and her small smile had returned, her amber eyes alight with humor once more.

FLYNN Her statement caused him to jerk around to look at her, eyes wide, like she had just told him that she had killed a man and drove 1800 miles with him in her trunk. But, when he caught the smile on her lips afterward, he wrinkled her nose and pointed at her, “Oh, har har, Dhara. Don’t know how to use a coffee maker…” he mumbled, turning back around with a subtle smirk at the joke. If she had been serious, he wasn’t sure what he would have said to her. First, fetch and then, coffee makers.

Once they reached his apartment, he unlocked it and let her pass by with the dog first, as a gentleman should. Closing it softly behind him, he held out his hands in an offer to take the hoodie from her and put it back where it belonged in his room. “Would you like to start the coffee up, or should I?” he teased, raising a single ‘brow, playing along with the joke. “We wouldn’t want you to mistake the grounds for dirt or something…” Laughing, he bent down to release Athena from her leash and unwrap Dhara’s hand. Hanging it back up securely on the wall, he gestured to the apartment. “Make yourself comfortable. Mi casa es tu casa.”

Dhara She laughed at his expression, and once they were inside, she handed the leash over. The hoodie came off and was neatly folded, then passed over to him. She debated for a moment, then took her shoes off and left them by the door. It was a habit she’d developed from spending so much time in Japan and she only hoped he understood. “I think I can manage not to plant any flowers in the coffee.” She teased. When he went to put the hoodie away she went to start the coffee.

Finding everything was easy enough, and soon the coffee maker was burbling away, dribbling the black elixir in the carafe. Mugs were another problem as she couldn’t reach. She frowned faintly, Athena just watching her. Glancing around as if she were a thief, she hopped on the counter, kneeling there she began opening cabinets that she could reach, peaking inside each one, hunting for his coffee cups.

FLYNN Since he was already putting his hoodie away, Flynn decided to change into his pajamas. It was finally his time to relax and he planned to enjoy it in comfortable clothing. That meant trading his jeans for plaid pajama pants and losing the socks altogether. Taking an extra minute, he placed his suit among the hangers to go to the dry cleaner and his jeans in the hamper. Only then did he return to the kitchen, coming up short at the sight of Dhara on top of his counters. Blinking, he leaned against the doorframe and simply watched in amusement. There was a first time for everything, and this was definitely a first.

Clearing his throat to get her attention, he gestured to the cupboards. “Can I help you with something, Dhara?” There was no hint of anger at seeing her crawling all over his counters, only stifled laughter. Pushing off the frame, he walked over to her side and barely had to look up to meet her gaze. “You know, that is still pretty ballsy in a relative stranger’s home. I’ll give you an A for that.”

Dhara She flinched at the sound of his voice, the cup she’d been reaching for tipped out of the cabinet and she thankfully caught it, making a small karate master noise as she did, proud her reflexes worked for once. She clutched the mug and smiled faintly. “Apologies…” She said softly, setting the mug down. Since she was already up there and had found them, she got a second one and put it on the counter, in front of him so she wouldn’t knock it down. She swallowed hard and looked over at him.

“You did say to make myself at home…” She teased, chewing on her bottom lip. “I made coffee…” She waved a hand to the pot of coffee, turning around she eased herself into a sitting position. She was going to jump down, but didn’t want to step on him accidentally. She took in his attire and blinked, feeling mildly jealous at how cozy he looked. “Apologies.” She said again, easing off the counter by lowering herself down slowly, braced by her arms. “I did not mean to overstep.”

FLYNN To his credit, Flynn did not roll his eyes at the formal way she spoke, as if he was reprimanding her for being childish. His arms did fold over his chest, however, and he watched her through a narrowed gaze as she slid off of the counter. “I did say that… though, most probably don’t make such an offer if they think someone is about to scale their furniture…” he mumbled, tone still teasing despite the expression on his face. “I have to admire a woman that takes her independence so seriously.” At that, he laughed, his entire demeanor relaxing.

As the coffee burbled away, he turned to the refrigerator. Grabbing his half-and-half creamer, he set it out on the counter, followed up the sugar from a jar on the island. He had already noted that Dhara took her own coffee black, which meant that the cream and sugar would only suit him. “I am not sure if it is a good or bad thing that this will be my first coffee after 4pm in...well, years.” He was more than capable of doing tea, but rather than take the time to make something different, he simply would have to hope that he managed to sleep tonight.

[Flynn]

Dhara She laughed at his teasing, craning her head back to look up at him. “Well, I am not sure if it is independence, or habit. Houses and apartments are not built for short people, and I am quite used to climbing around the counters in my place.”

She bumped his arm lightly with her shoulder, as if to emphasise the difference in height between them. As she watched him get the cream and sugar, her amber eyes widened. She placed a hand to her heart and sucked in a sharp breath. “How could you….?” She breathed, looking wounded. “You...you… you monster!” She pointed at his choice of coffee flavoring, still teasing. “Heathen! We might have to reevaluate our friendship now.” She chuckled, pushing her hand through her hair to get it off her face. “Also, if you feel you will be up all night, I am perfectly willing to keep you company.”

FLYNN Her teasing as to his coffee flavoring had his hand going to his chest, as if wounded by her desire to reevaluate their friendship over such a trivial matter. “You hurt my heart, Dhara. You would throw away a friendship with the most charming guy around due to cream and sugar?” He pursed his lips, unbelievingly, eyes narrowed. The coffee maker then beeped three times to let them know it had finished brewing and was ready. Turning from her with a playful huff, he grabbed for the pot and filled them both, handing over her mug in all its bitter glory. “Here, take your...bean water…”

Nodding as if that were the best insult to the coffee he could come up with, he began to add the cream and sugar into his own cup. He hummed until it turned the perfect shade of light brown, the spoon clinking against the sides as he stirred. Satisfied, he placed the spoon in the sink and took up the mug, letting it warm his hands. “There is a fairly good chance that I will end up staying awake all night, but, at least I have the day off tomorrow and can sleep until noon?” That was a lie. He couldn’t sleep in until noon, even if he tried. He was accustomed to waking up early for work, and his internal alarm clock never allowed him to sleep past nine.

Dhara “Bean water?” She said with a laugh, wrapping her hands around her mug with a word of thanks. She stood quite close to him, watching him mutilate his coffee. She made soft tsk-ing noises as his drink went from black to tan. Giving a small shake of her head, she sighed dramatically. “It is a good thing I like you, for I am willing to overlook this grievous treatment of coffee to be your friend.”

She grinned up at him and sipped her coffee. As close as she stood, he could probably feel the way she relaxed over the hot brew sliding down her throat. “Noon sounds like a good time to get up. I usually sleep from 8 in the morning to noon. It works for me.” She smiled again, spying her violin and gliding over to lift it off the counter. “Thank you, for keeping this safe.”

FLYNN “Oh, well, thank you for liking me enough to continue our friendship, despite our differences…” he replied, shaking her head with a low chuckle. Taking his first sip, he nodded his appreciation. When it came to coffee, he required the perfect flavor and sometimes, he went a little overboard on the sugar. Even though he would still drink it, the enjoyment of it was usually lost. “And I even made it perfectly, I’m impressed with myself….” he said with a single nod. Half tempted to dump some into Dhara’s cup, he stared over at her. Only then did he realize just how close she actually stood.

Flynn opened his mouth, prepared to say something about it, and just as quickly shut it. She wasn’t bothering him, and he wasn’t uncomfortable. Clearly, she wasn’t, either. So, why make something awkward when it didn’t need to be? “Well, when you work three jobs, I suppose sleeping until noon would be rather easy, wouldn’t it?” He barely had the heart to handle his own job, and managing to get through three just seemed like a whole lot of determination.

As she mentioned the violin and reached for it, he nodded his head in acknowledgment of her thanks. “I was considering selling it online for some decent money, to be honest…” he mumbled, though he was obviously kidding. Now, if the violin had been Vanessa’s...he might have been serious. “You are very talented. Have you thought about going professional, at all? Joining a symphony, or something?” He always had had a love for classical music, but it was a guilty pleasure.

Dhara She opened the case after having perched on his couch. “You would make millions.” She agreed, knowing he was teasing so it didn’t frighten her. “There are not many of these violins in the world.” She set her mug down and lifted the polished instrument out, holding it lovingly in her arms.

“I thought about it, joining the symphony. I even auditioned for the Berlin Philharmonic and the Staatskapelle Dresden. Both called me back and offered first chair. But I just could not give up my love of travelling.” She smiled at him, then at her violin, caressing the would. Her fingers were long and calloused from all her years of playing. “My father insisted I learn the violin, because my mother was teaching me the lute, which he found very unlady like. Fortunately I love both of those instruments. “She glanced up at him and smiled warmly. “Would you like me to play for you?”

FLYNN His eyebrows rose in surprise, and there was no point in hiding it. He knew that she was talented, she had proven as much. But to audition for two well known symphonies and be offered first chair? That was no small feat. And she had turned them down...for a love of travel. With a dawning realization, he frowned and gestured to her with a hand as he sat in the chair opposite of her. “For someone who loves to travel, you seem fairly settled where you are. Three jobs and all. So, what is stopping you from joining a symphony, now?” It seemed like a fair question, and one that wasn’t too invasive.

After his question, he glanced down at the instrument in her hand. “You are, of course, welcome to play to your heart’s content. I can’t complain, when I would receive quality and private entertainment, right?” He offered her a small smile, gesturing for her to go on. He sat back in his chair, quiet and attentive. He had heard her play once before, and he had no doubt that he would enjoy whatever she played for him.

[Dhara]

Dhara “Well…” She said thoughtfully, sliding her hair over one shoulder and lifting her violin. She plucked the strings with her fingers, looking thoughtful. Then lifted her bow out of the case. She made the strings cry as she dragged the horse hair across them. A soft, mournful sound. “Because I honestly never really thought about it. I am still prone to just taking off when I want to. Which does not work well with a symphony.”

She chuckled softly, then focused on what she was doing. Her eyes glazed over slightly as she played, the song was one of her own composing, the melody speaking of heartache, losing a piece of one's soul in a way that could never be mended. It was a song that reached into the depths of memory and dragged all the sadness forth. She hadn’t intended for anyone to hear it, but was so relaxed she also hadn’t realized what she was playing. By the time she caught on, she was near the end so she finished.

She cleared her throat, not looking at him, and switched to another song, one she sang along to.

“Lost and defeated, but still I stand. My heart in pieces will beat again. There is a story written in the stars, that makes it worth it just to bear these scars. Left foot forward and then my right, it’s not over I’ve still got fight. You get that feeling when you cross that line, like it was worth it just to take what’s mine. Brave enough to be broken, can’t see but keep going. Brave enough to be broken, there’s no more fear inside. I threw my heart in the fire, I’ve never fallen from higher, but I’m still here. Oh I’m still here.”

From there she switched to Fur Elise, followed by Moonlight Sonata. Her coffee long since cold and forgotten about. She glanced at him, smiled shyly and lowered her bow as the last notes faded. She had probably played for an hour or more, lost to the music though she could sense him in the same room. She figured he’d have interrupted if he wanted her to stop. “That will be two thousand dollars for a private performance.” She teased him, taking a swallow of the cold, bitter liquid and making a face at her mug.

FLYNN While she played, Flynn say back and simply enjoyed the music. With an occasional sip from his coffee, he relaxed into his chair, tapping his foot along with the music once he managed to catch on. Of course, the tone of the song suggested quite the depressing story, and he made a mental note to ask her about it once she was finished. But, until then, he was content to be a silent audience. As she finished playing the first song, he gave her a polite round of applause before she launched into the second, this time adding her voice to the mix.

He hummed, appreciative of a good voice to accompany good music, though he had no doubt that it would have been just as good had she not sang along. It wasn’t a song that he recognized, and so he took extra care to listen to the words so that he might understand it better. It seemed to be another rather sad song, but one with a better ending than the last.

Fur Elise was a well known song among classical lovers and it made him smile to hear her play it. And only when she was finished with that did he set up mug down and stand from his chair, clapping wildly. “Oh, Dhara! You are so amazing! Yaa!” While they were far from a concert hall, he could at least give the woman a standing ovation. She was deserving it, in the least.

Dhara She smiled shyly and packed her bow and violin away. “Thank you.” She said with a soft laugh, smiling at him. She snapped the case closed and held her cold cup, not wanting to drink out of it, but not wanting to appear rude. “I did not know you were a fan of the classics.” She smiled at him, tilting her head. “Learn something new every night.” She teased, then set her mug down.

Glancing around, she spied a clock and realized it was getting late. Somehow the time had flown by and it was now nearly midnight. She should probably say good night and let him get some rest, if he could with the coffee he’d been drinking. She picked up her mug again and emptied the contents in the sink, rinsing it clean and setting it aside. Coming back, she perched on the couch and smiled at him. “I suppose I should go… let you get some sleep, if you can given the coffee…”

FLYNN Her shy acceptance of his praise was cute, and a little intriguing. Did she not receive praise very often? Either way, it made him smirk to see her flustered over something so simple, and made a mental note to remind her of her talent more often. If only to see if she would ever become more comfortable with accepting it. “There is plenty you do not know about me, Dhara. We have only spoken two times, after tonight. Who knows what mysteries lay beneath..?” he teased, wiggling his fingers, as if they might be magic.

As she got up to deliver her mug to the kitchen, he simply watched her from his reclined spot in his chair. He even went so far as to kick up his heels on the coffee table, mug still in hand. She soon settled down on the arm of the chair and offered to leave for the night. Glancing over at the clock on the wall, he winced at the time. He really did need to try and get some rest, especially after the day he had had. “As much as I do love your company, I should try and sleep...caffeine buzz or not.” Sitting up, he stretched and stood, offering her a hand to help her to her feet. “I can walk you out, of course.”

Dhara She slid her hand into his and rose to her feet. Her other hand picked up her violin case and she smiled up at him. Moving to the door, hand in hand, she realized she was nowhere near tired. The kiosk would still be open, so she thought she’d grab a coffee and finish the book she’d been reading.

“So… last time you said it kept the mystery if we did not change numbers or even make plans. Now that I have your phone number, does this mean we can make plans? I would… oh!” She set the violin down, releasing his hands, she darted over to Athena. Giving the pup a kiss on the head, she scratched behind her ear and promised to see her again soon.

She moved back over to where he stood, tugging on her boots and pulling her satchel across her body, she picked up her violin again and looked back up at him. “As I was saying, do we get to make plans now? I would love to see you, and Athena again.”

FLYNN Holding her hand in an entirely platonic light was a different experience for Flynn, but one that he found he didn’t mind. Whether he wanted to admit it to himself or not, he did enjoy her company. So, when she started asking if it was fair to make future plans, he had started to nod his head. Except, before she even finished the question, she was gone.

Blinking rapidly, he looked around behind him to find her with Athena, kissing the dog goodbye. His mouth dropped open in shock. How was it that his dog managed to get a goodbye before even he did, and one that Athena clearly loved if her tail wagging meant anything...which, it did. And then Dhara pranced her way back over, as if she hadn’t just abandoned him for his canine. “Oh, no! Now, we can’t ever see each other, again. You just made Athena a priority over me, and that right there is crossing a line, woman…” he sighed, shaking his head in mock shame. “What a terrible thing…”

Fighting back his smirk, he opened the door and ushered Dhara outside and toward the elevator. While the stairs were just as easy, he figured she could take the easy way back down. Pushing the down button, they waited together for it to arrive and he turned to her, tucking loose strands behind her ear. The hand froze as soon as he realized what he was doing, and it fell, quickly. He offered her a small smile, but one that was oddly guarded.

The ‘ding’ signaled the elevator’s arrival just as the doors opened. “I’ll call you. I promise.”

Dhara She had laughed and walked with him, surprised when he lead her to the elevator. Though without Athena, and it just being her, it was probably the best idea. “Well, it was a lose lose situation, you see. If I had not said goodbye, then we would not be able to be friends. But if I had said goodbye, then I made her a priority over you and we cannot be friends. See?” She chuckled softly, but went stiff as soon as his fingers touched her hair. She didn’t say anything, not wanting to make it awkward.

When the elevator dinged, she stepped back inside and smiled up at him. “Your word is your bond.” She teased, pushing the button for the bottom floor. “Can’t wait! Good night!” And the doors shut, taking her down to the lobby where she headed for coffee, a bounce in her step as she did so.