there are several boxes of take-out, all from a local diner, spread out across the top of a picnic table. most have only a few bites taken out of them, with almost the entire dish still left.  but lokiâs picking at all of them, not sticking to just one and eating it full through. thereâs a moment of discomfort when they can feel someoneâs gaze on them, and they turn to stare back.  âwhat?â loki asks, peering up at the other over the top of their sunglasses, âdo you think if you stare long enough, iâll share some with you? because i wonât. iâll need a bit more incentive than staring.â
ââi wasnât trying to stare..ââ melinda managed to say while her golden retriever puppy looked up at her feeling her anxiety. she held the leash close to her as she thought of the next words to come out of her mouth. she didnât know this guy but she felt something not very friendly about him. ââi just wanted to sit..â she bit down on her lip as she waited to hear his reply.


















