kissed by the wild.

☾ — 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖒𝖎𝖘𝖙𝖗𝖊𝖘𝖘 𝖔𝖋 𝖆𝖓𝖎𝖒𝖆𝖑𝖘

the ridges on the highest mountain tremble, animal cries echo horribly in the dense forest, the earth shakes and the fish-ridden sea. stout-hearted, she whirls around, slaying the race of wild beasts.

the mortal sun has risen and set a thousand thousand times, and ARTEMIS is yet bound to the earthly realm, the reincarnation loop continues. this time their mortal coil has taken the shape of SIMONE ASHLEY, a human born on AUGUST 1ST, 1994, a LEO and named MYSHA PATEL. 

            𝖔𝖕𝖊𝖓; 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖓𝖊𝖜 𝖘𝖕𝖗𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖊𝖛𝖊𝖓𝖙

when — either the night of or the night after, whatever suits the best, around 1am

where — heading home from a night out, likely at olympus nightclub, they’re walking home at the moment

estella had been feeling uneasy, though a little time had passed… there was still a strange, foreign and very slight trembling that stayed somewhere deep down in their chest.   that was why she decided to take her heels off, let them dangle from her hands as she walked home.   though it was about twenty minutes away, estella needed it.  the fresh, sea air filled their lungs with each deep breath, and (because estella KNEW the way home like it was hardwired into her DNA) — most of the time she was walking was spent with her eyes upturned to the open, vividly starry sky and drank in the calmness that the night ALWAYS brought.

soon enough, though, her eyes turned downward to a normal sightline estella noticed someone approaching the opposite way, and out of pure and a deep curiosity, asked… “enjoying the night?”

As soon as the sun set Mysha had been awake. She thought about swinging by Olympus while she was out, knock down a drink or two with Auggie, but she wasn’t ready to run into Alex just yet. She managed to not say anything she was sure she would regret at his birthday party, and she wanted to keep things that way. So, for now staying calm meant throwing on her running shoes and hoping a late night jog would help lull her back to sleep. Doubtful. It didn’t trouble her though, quite the opposite actually, as she found she enjoyed being shrouded by the nighttime. She’s going so fast she doesn’t notice the way certain animals stop to watch her, or she chose not to notice. Going by the water always calmed her down. There was something so peaceful about seeing the moon and the tide. 

Her pace slows down when she notices somebody’s gaze falling right onto her. The other was still a good distance away from her but Mysha didn’t need to be that close to tell. She gets closer as their paths inevitably cross. “Yes, actually.” Her hands rest north of her hips. “I thought the other night would leave me on edge but I had to get out of my apartment.” A shrug. “What about you? Doing alright?”

the whole earthquake thing had shaken a lot of stuff, including, seemingly, his mind and brain. his head felt like it wasn’t screwed on right since then. so when the possibility to leave the city for a few days to go camping with mysha— well he wasn’t about to say no. the whole day had seen him feeling a bit off, bouts of energy mixed with something akin to…loss? loss of something he quite couldn’t put his finger on, but a feeling he’d kept for himself.

mysha was in excellent form today and auggie was feeling a bit jealous, to be fair.

back to the campsite, they seemed to be in agreement as their conversation died down, auggie taking the moment to lie down, arms under his head, eyes on the stars, mysha sitting on the other side of the fire. a sudden noise brought back an edge to him he didn’t quite like, all defences up and ready to fight— but the whole scene, the stag and mysha within inches of each other, left him speechless. her voice broke the silence between them, and auggie continued watching her, awe and surprise on his face. “i’m not…against it. but, do you realize what just happened?”

Running off to the woods with him was exactly what she needed. She felt safe, secure, and very in her element. The whole day she was running faster and climbing higher without even breaking a sweat. Auggie kept up just fine, but it never stopped her from provoking him throughout the day. She wished things could always be this way and she could always feel this content. The instance with the stag didn’t phase her, if anything it enhanced her experience. There was a shift when the moon came out as well that she knew only she felt. “What?” Her eyebrow quirks up. “There are people in these woods all the time Auggie. He’s probably used to walking through campsites.” That wasn’t it, though. She could almost feel Artemis scoff at her dismissive comments. To disregard her sacred animal like that felt disrespectful. “Or maybe I’m entering my Disney princess era.”

Anyone else would call it a day. The pale moonlight wasn’t going to be enough to do any sort of tracking. Not to mention the dangers of running around the woods at night, where anything could happen—. “So, you’re down?” Mysha grins. Truth be told she would have gone after the animal regardless of his reaction. Tracking, or maybe hunting would be more appropriate, something down suddenly became very appealing. Maybe she should have brought Nila with them or at the very least her bow. The though alone makes her even more excited. “I mean it’s dark now so if you want to stay here instead of doing something fun then I completely understand.” The statement was more obligatory. A disclaimer she decided to share with him and, in a way, it added to her challenge.

    if you asked alex, he won’t even remember what it was that he said this time to piss the other guy off so bad — but it wasn’t an unusual thing, for alex’s smart mouth to get his ass beat by someone who was clearly larger than him. he knew he wasn’t going to win this one, as he usually never did. but hell, he’d put up a fucking fight — kicking punching and jumping until he feels like he got somewhere. though, there was an abrupt stop to the fight at the demand of someone else, a voice that he didn’t quite recognize at first until he saw the familiar face staring down at him from his place on the floor — probably the last face he’d want staring back at him right now. instead of acknowledging her, though, he looks back to the other guy who had stopped, clearly getting his shit together. “ — so all that size and that’s all you got in you ? ”  he provokes, never really knowing when to shut the fuck up. thankfully, the guy was a lot less childish than alex was, and walked away instead. he began to stand up, groaning a little as he did, the pain in all the places he got punched and kicked finally kicking in. “ fuck me… ” he mumbles, using the table next to him to stand up. he looks at mysha again, all kinds of mixed feelings bubbling up inside of him. “ hope you enjoyed the show. come again next time. ” was all he could manage to say with a small scoff as he plops down onto the chair, the blood trickled out from his lip — god, that same fucking spot just won’t heal. or more like, alex won’t let it heal.

A part of her had half a mind to let the two go back at it. It wasn’t her problem if he couldn’t get his shit together. She was still mad, and it showed. “Shut up.” To Alex. “You can go now.” To the other man. “Seriously, you do not want to fuck with me.” She stares him down, eyes narrowing, as if to say she would not be afraid to throw a punch if she had to. The earthquake had Mysha feeling almost unstoppable yet restless. She was feeling more like herself but lost at the same time. When he begins to finally walk away her full attention turns to the person in the chair. At least he got himself off from the floor. “Not much of a show when it isn’t a fair fight.” She scoffed. If she was more able to hide her feelings, or more forgiving in general, then maybe they could have laughed at her comment. Instead, her expression remains neutral as she steps closer to inspect his face. It grows silent but rather than it being comfortable there’s tension that you could cut with a knife. Walk away. “You look like shit.” It wasn’t just from the fight, he looked tired. When was the last time he slept? “You won’t need stitches or anything, but you should get that lip checked out.” All she had to do now was to turn around, shoot Auggie a text, and head home. She knew that they would have to talk about things eventually. Mysha could hold a grudge though like it was a secret talent. She’s certainly cut people off for less. “Hey.” The woman sighs. “Get your stuff together. I’ll take you home.” Whatever it took to keep him out of any more trouble for the night. Her tone was cool and her intentions were clear. He was only going to get the offer once.

Closed Starter: @agrrotera··

Where: Hidden Falls

Levina always tended to stick to herself. She was a loner by choice. With what had happened earlier, she was curious what else she could do. Not wanting to bring any attention, the Latina made her way out to the falls.·

She sat down on a rock in front of the water, a hand coming over to wave above it, watching the water ripple. Levina was amazed that she could do something like that. She was doing that, right? It wasn’t her imagination tricking her.·“I wonder what else I could do.” Most might be shocked or panic with powers, but to her, she only wanted to learn more.·

“You are being loud.” She could hear feet crunching on dried leaves and tree branches.·

For some reason, it always came back to the woods for Mysha. It gave her this newfound energy that she didn’t get when she was out in town. She was running faster than she ever had before, she was navigating the windy paths as if she had been there her whole life, and as strange as it sounded it felt like she was one with the wildlife. Rather than running away from the human, many had come right up to her or paid her no mind. Truly it was like she was finally in her element. When the sun set and the moon came out was when she knew there was some sort of connection. She tried to have an open mind this time around but it was still difficult.·

“Or I wanted you to hear me so I didn’t scare you.” A small smirk comes across her lips as she emerges from the trees. Of course she knew better than anybody how irritating it was to be disturbed. Mysha strolls over to the other women casually. They knew each other, she was sure of it.·“Did I interrupt something?”

LOCATION: Olympus Nightclub

It hadn’t been long since the earthquake and honestly Mysha wished that was the strangest thing that had happened. She remembers how she felt during the Pink Moon, lost and delirious and in denial of something bigger, and she unfortunately remembers the person who helped ground her. No matter, she could hold her own. The only saving grace had been how at peace she felt after the sun went down, how underneath the moonlight she knew she was safe. Awake and full of energy she figures Auggie would still be at Olympus and she thought it might be a good time to iron out some details for their camping trip. A part of her couldn’t wait to be in the woods again. She could deal with Alex there if it meant being distracted from the voice in her head. A lousy exchange, but she’d take it. The club is fairly empty as it was close to last call. Some movement captures her attention as she walks in and her eyes widen. A fight had broken out, not an uncommon sight and normally Mysha wouldn’t interact until she saw who was in the middle of it. “Hey. Hey!” She calls out, voice booming as she immediately throws herself between the two. “Stop! I SAID STOP IT!” 

The sun had finally set and after a long day of hiking trails (and racing on them) with Auggie, the two found themselves back at their campsite. It really only consisted of two sleeping bags and the firepit they had made together. Mysha always preferred to be under the stars. Whenever she needed somewhere to get away, the woods were always there for her, and she was thankful to have some companionship. She didn’t want to think about Alex or the earthquake that happened the previous night or the third thing that was bothering her. Something she wasn’t sure if she could share with him. Something, admittedly, she had only talked with Alex about. The moonlight helped, she felt more at ease, more confident rather than lost. The conversation falls to a comfortable silence before a rustle of leaves captures her attention. 

A stag emerges from the bushes. Mysha puts a finger to her lips to signal for him to be quiet as the beast approaches them curiously. It walks right up to her, sniffing her a few times. She reaches a hand out, placing it on the animal’s snout and rubbing it gingerly. All she can do is admire it, speechless, before it huffs and walks away and gives the two one last look before running off into the forest. “Hear me out,” she starts immediately without really processing what had happend, a smirk forming on her lips, “last one who catches up with the deer buys lunch for the week.” 

Bellamy wasn’t sure if the offer was real or not, but he’d bite. With a casual roll of his shoulders, he held out his arms. The inked scales on his arms peeked out from under the simple t-shirt he had, his professional attire retired for the day, in anticipation of meeting what it had mimicked. He’d come as a means of bribing event coordinators to let them use the zoo as a venue for the next event held by the foundation, but he found himself distracted by the exhibits. The reptiles had been the only break in his fixation to those that still had feathers.

“Go ahead, pass him on,” He grinned, a small challenge under the wrinkle right above his nose. 

She knew Bellamy was the last person to step down from a challenge and their dynamic had grown into one trying to out do the other. Mysha always became a little more confident, a little bit cockier, when she was in her element. Work was work but the zoo was someplace she knew she would always feel comfortable in. Being exceptionally well with the animals didn’t hurt her experience anyway. “Don’t make any sudden movements or he will eat you.” She laughs. “I’m joking. Maybe you are as tough as you look...I don’t know. I’m still not convinced.” Her eyes arrow in on him as she gingerly lifts the reptile up from his shoulders. It coils around her arm but appears to be content. “You just made every twelve year old in here very jealous. I guess that counts for something.”

IT had been a mild winter … now barely trickling coolness into the new spring season.  perhaps there was a chill on the air; the higher up one went on the island, and there was certainly still a note of winter in the waters.   however, the sun was OUT and the warmth was as pressing & pleasant as the scent of the blossoming jasmine that clung to the ruins and some of the other cliff and rock faces.  she’s plucked a few during her climb, hair coiled in a now-messy bun with sprigs of the fragrant white flowers.  val had pulled herself up and over an easy cliff climb, her regular for this time of the day … the sun kisses her back and shoulders.   she’s CERTAIN she clipped her water bottle to her little climbing belt, not noticing the empty clattering on the gravel over small grunts of happy-exertion as she stretches out her arms overhead.

… ❝I’M sorry?❞ val replies, turning to the sound of a voice in a moment of confusion … her hand goes to feel for her water bottle, it’s gone and that’s what the woman is holding up.   she jogs the short distance over, ❝thanks, i didn’t even notice it fell off … i swore i clipped it in,❞ it takes her those few moments to recognise the unfamiliar but familiar face … they had likely crossed paths DOZENS of times by now, but in passing. for some reason, it seemed to become awkward that neither had broken the metaphorical ice after a period of time … 

❝WELL … i would say ‘come here often?’ but i feel like that would just make it more weird given we both know the answer to that, so … hi, i’m valentina, or VAL.❞ 

Under any other circumstance she would have been much more annoyed at another person’s carelessness. Instead she sighs and tries not to hold onto any negative emotions. Mistakes happened. "Let’s just be thankful you were close to the ground and that I played a lot of sports in high school.” It wouldn’t be Mysha’s first hiking mishap and it certainly wouldn’t be her last, she was sure. “Maybe try your bag if you can fit it in there.” She gently chides. Slowly but surely she learned that there was a time and a place for a lecture and truth be told she wanted to make a good impression. When she thought about it, it sounded silly how she always noticed Val whenever she went to the Ruins yet never approached her. “For the next time though, you can just say hey if you want my attention.” Because she was sure this wouldn’t be the last time they saw each other. They were clearly similar in some capacity as they both kept to themselves but shared a presumably shared respect for each other.  

Whether it was chance or some sort of subliminal messaging (most likely the former), there was no time like the present to finally have a proper introduction. “A little but it would be very meet-cute of you to have asked.” She gives Val a grin. “Mysha. It’s nice to finally meet you. There aren’t too many other regulars that come out here. How long have you been climbing for? I’ve always wanted to try it out.”

    say the word and i’ll show up. somehow, he could tell that she meant it — and that revelation alone was probably better than any gift she could have given him tonight. all he’s been wanting since they met is for mysha to look at him in a way that wasn’t… how alex looked at himself. it was fucking tough, not caring about most people’s opinions but somehow finding that one person that for some reason, their opinions would make or break you. he used to think it was because he saw goodness in mysha, something that he really respected — and maybe that much was still true. but now he’s thinking it’s because he can’t stop thinking about what it would be like to hold her close, take her out… kiss her. “ i’ll keep that in mind. ” he responds with a soft, small grin.

   “ oh i’m the funniest. ” alex scoffs, letting her pull herself in and wrap her arms around his body, to which alex immediately responded by coming closer to her like two magnets. his own hands came to wrap around her waist while hers rested at his shoulders — and for a moment, while they were intertwined, neither of them really went for a hug — instead, alex realizes that this new newfound closeness allowed him to see some of her features in the dark room; beautiful, ethereal features, eyes that he could get lost in for the whole night. it felt right, didn’t it ? that was the last thought he had before he slowly closes the distance between them, letting his lips find hers.

She’s about to roll her eyes, again, and make some snarky comment about how his own cockiness is ruining the moment because Mysha always had to get the last word in. It would be harsh but lighthearted enough that he would be able to tell it’s mostly a joke, the both of them knowing if she couldn’t stand his ego that much she wouldn’t be standing there. Then, she would suggest that they go and join the rest of the party downstairs despite how selfishly she wanted to keep Alex alone. There was more than likely a long line of people waiting out the door to meet with the birthday boy and she was sure to slip out to the kitchen before chaos ensued. She’s even humor him later in the night and they could do a shot together and maybe if begged enough he could get a dance out of her. Even though she said she’d only stay for an hour, she knew she would be helping Auggie until the end of the night to make sure everyone got home safely. They would watch the sunrise and drag a most likely passed out Alex out of the house.

Except, none of that happened, nothing happened the way she thought it would. He goes in for the kiss. It’s warm and gentler than she would have expected from him. Sometimes, in the quiet hours of the night, Mysha would think about a moment like this. She didn’t do crushes though, feelings, any of it. It was too complicated. A small yet demanding voice that she’s heard since her childhood whispers to her, what are you doing? Maybe at another time, or if he had let her come to him, then things would be different. Mysha hated being caught off guard. The thought is more than enough to make her pull away, expression unreadable as she stares. She slaps him. Not that hard, but it was her first instinct. There’s so many words that she wanted to say but couldn’t and couldn’t say but she wanted to. This wasn’t the first time something like this has happened, however, it was the first with someone she felt as close to as Alex. “Don’t follow me.”  

END.

     is that how long you’ve had a crush on me for ? he could feel the heat around his cheeks and his ear at that comment, and if anything… it’s this reaction right here, right now, is when alex finally realizes and accepts that maybe he does have a crush on mysha. all that chasing her around, trying to get her validation without knowing why he wanted it, trying to get closer — is that what that was ? a crush ? usually, any feelings creeping up for anyone would have alex freaking out and running for the hills… but maybe alex felt a little more comfortable here. and maybe it was because mysha was so different than everyone he ever got involved with. thankful for the darkness so that she couldn’t see the pink on his face, he shrugs, “ just.. couldn’t think of anyone else that they’d suit more, that’s all. ” he grins, watching her put them in and take out the ones she was already wearing. it felt nice, that she enjoyed his gift. 

     his heart rate sped up a little as she handed him his gift, and it felt a little like an unwelcome feeling — a feeling he always associated with getting hurt in the end… lux, gigi, and everyone before and in between that never even lasted more than a month. but the way this was going ? maybe this one will turn out a little different ? he opens the box, met with the new pair of shoes, and mysha explaining that he can use it for his runs — even inviting him along. he looks up at her, sure that he was smiling ear to ear. “ it’s a really sweet gift, mysha. ” his voice is just a tone higher than a whisper, although they were all alone in this room. “ you know, that was my first run again in years — so… it’s nice to have a motivator behind me. ” he pauses, putting the box down on the bed, “ — would you let me give you a hug ? or is that a different level that i need to unlock with you ? ” he teases.     

She can feel his eyes on her. Sure, they were the only two people in the room but this was different and the party felt like it was a million miles away. As if the way he acted didn’t give it away but Mysha knew how Alex admired her. He was fond of her from the start even if the feelings weren’t entirely mutual until recently. So rarely did she try to make deeper connections, especially with someone like him, when she was traveling so often. In her heart she knew she was settled in Magnetic, as if she had finally come home for the first time. There wasn’t any harm then in becoming close with her fellow islanders. “I mean, if you knew another archer, not going to lie, I’d be a little jealous.” She scoffs. Things are still, peaceful even in the bedroom they were sitting in. It was nice to have Alex, constantly surrounded by people to the point where it could be overwhelming and chaotic, all to herself even it was only for a few minutes until they had to go back to the real world. 

“Don’t be too scared to say that you don’t like them. There’s a gift receipt in the box. I promise I’ll only hold a little grudge.” It was fun to tease him and whenever they were together the words just flowed off of her tongue so easily. Mysha wanted to believe that this Alex wasn’t the one who was constantly forcing himself to be funny and upbeat, but rather the one who could take a breath. “All you have to do is say the world and I’ll show up.” She pauses, letting the silence take over for a beat. “For anything.” Those who knew her knew how much she would do for her loved ones and it was becoming clear that the other had somehow made the cut. “You think you’re so funny, don’t you?” Her eyes roll back at him. It’s not enough to ruin the moment as she moves in closer, wraps her arms around his body, and gazes at him. It was intimate, the most intimate that two of them had every been.

🥳          "practising  a  conversation  in  the  mirror.“  dora  admitted,  blushing  slightly.  "i’m  always  having  to  reassure  people  that  i  like  them  and  half  the  time  i  end  up  giving  them  a  complex  about  something  else  so  i  rehearse…  never  really  had  the  talent  of  choosing  my  words  carefully.”  she  started  fidgeting  with  the  pendant  on  her  necklace.  “you  shouldn’t  waste  your  hour  shut  away  in  a  bathroom  with  me.”

"Yeah, sometimes I think my mouth works faster than my brain.” And her actions. If Mysha was anything she was reactionary. “I don’t want to overstep here but I do hope you don’t mean that literally. I mean I get wanting to make sure someone you like knows it’s mutual. It’s just also like how much more straight forward can you be?” She gives Dora a sympathetic smile. “If this speech is for someone specific then you’re more than welcome to practice on me. I’ve been in here long enough anyway I’m afraid I’m committing now.”

    “it’s fine really, i would be pissed off if someone disregarded the job i’m doing, too. especially if it’s one that’s helping the community over here.” he clarified with a sympathetic smile on his lips. he knew exactly what it’s like to have complete strangers completely ruin your day out of pure malice and he wouldn’t wish that on anyone else. mysha’s actions were more than justified to him, but her intentions were even better. if it takes one person to upset someone, it must take another to cheer them up. “i like that, we could use more people like you around here. how have i not met you before mysha? it’s a pleasure to.” he beams with enthusiasm, inspecting the gloves with curiosity for a few seconds before he puts them on and taking a look around them. he can definitely see why so many people are needed, regulation seems to be lacking. “i never noticed just how much thrash there is around here. i think this beach has a lot of potential, it is beautiful, but it’s not well taken care of. do you come here often?”

Truth be told, she hadn’t expected to be so understanding. At the very least Mysha figured he’d mutter something under his breath before walking off. “Exactly. I wouldn’t go to his workspace and make a mess. Well, I’d probably give him a good piece of my mind.” It’s hard to tell if she meant that or not. Still there wasn’t any point in chasing anyone down when there was still so much work to be done. She had even planned to do two other sweeps before going back to work. It was simply in her nature to care despite the fact she had been on the island for less than a year. Marco’s compliments makes her laugh a little. “You know what? I agree.” Humility was never her strong suit. Whatever defensiveness that was in her tone dissipated almost immediately. Mysha could be cooled down just as easily as she was riled up. A friendly face helped, stranger or not. “I’ve only been here for a few months but truth be told Magnetic isn’t that small. What about you? If I knew you so enthusiastic to help I would have tried to get your attention to help me when I moved in.” She nods in agreement to his observations about the beach. “Don’t get me wrong, it’s great so many people came out. There should really be more money going into keeping the land here clean though. I’m more of a woods girl, actually, but it’s hard to live on an island and not visit the beach every once in awhile. Right?”

Typically, Mysha didn't help out on tours. Truth be told she didn't love to work with the general public and a good thing about the animals is that they never talked back. The only exception she made was when there were plenty of children. She always liked kids, she loved interacting with them and listening to what they had to say with every ounce of seriousness. There's a few families in the crowd who watch in awe as she takes out different creatures from the reptile section— a green tree frog, an Madagascar hissing cockroach, a chameleon. The eight foot long python was always saved for last as it was a spectacle in it’s own right. As her co-worker gives the group different facts, the snake rests on Mysha's shoulders. When the spiel is finished, she eyes the crowd. "Does anyone want to hold him?" It’s a half joke that elicits a few laughs. Very rarely was she ever taken up on the offer, with most opting to pet the animal's head. She spots a familiar face and can't help but grin. "What about you? Hm? He's lighter than he looks."

    “ me, at your party with my presence not being against your will ? i think i’d sooner see pigs fly. ” he teases, giving her a playful nudge with his elbow. lately, alex’s muddled up feelings that he’s been having for mysha have finally been coming to light — or was it the way that mysha looked with a small smile on her face in this light, holding onto a gift that she brought for alex specifically ? there was just something about tonight, or maybe something about mysha. for once, he wasn’t worrying about what that may mean on alex’s end. “ of course… just ‘cause i don’t have to, doesn’t mean i don’t want to. i’ll give you the satisfaction of chucking them right back at me if you don’t like them, i promise. ”

    they finally find an empty room, thankful that they didn’t have to walk in on anything that no one needed to see. once the door was shut, he turns to mysha. “ okay, okay, i’m making you open my gift first just because i’m way too excited. ” he grabs the small box with a white bow on it from out of the pocket of his jacket, handing it over to mysha with a wide grin on his lips, an excitement in his eyes. “ — it’s nothing too special, really… i guess i just thought of you immediately when i saw them. i actually bought them like… two months ago ? ” oh my god, stop fucking talking now. but for some reason, he was nervous, and now he couldn’t shut up. “ i guess your birthday was a good excuse to finally give them to you. ”

"The first sign that that was a lie should've been that I said I would have a party in the first place." Mysha liked where her and Alex were at now, even if she was resistant about him being in her life. He proved to be harder to get rid of than she anticipated and had managed to wiggle his way into her heart. That was the best way to truly befriend her- by being intentional. He ended up being kinder than she gave him credit for. "Oh, don't worry. I'll make sure to throw it out right in front of you." She matched the teasing energy with ease, even laughing as she said it. Her definition of fun was definitely different than most, but she could always dole out a clever quip.

The woman doesn't stop him as he pulls the box out, amused at his excitement. It was cute. "Two months? Is that how long you've had a crush on me for?" She gingerly takes it from him. "I don't think I've ever seen you act so flustered. I don’t bite." Of course Mysha picked up on how shy he got all of a sudden when they were together. It was different from the more confident and cocky Alex she first met. In a way it felt special, to be able to experience this side of him when they were alone. She was always brought back to the night of the Pink Moon, the first night they really got to know each other. "They're perfect Alex. You did good." Her expression softens upon seeing the earrings and she immediately takes out the ones she was already wearing, putting the new ones in without a second thought. "I'll toss them later but now it's my turn." Handing him the (poorly) wrapped box she arrived with, there's a pair of brand new running shoes on the inside. "I noticed your old ones were pretty beat up. Maybe if you're up for it you can join me at the Ruins one morning."