Tabitha

He scowled at her phrase, tonight at least, not wanting to endure this more than that, but thinking he probably had no choice in the matter. “Wait, what artifact?”

“Why don’t you go ask her. Go.” Tabitha said before shoving him in her direction.

“Of course.” Collin chuckled. He reached out for her hand. “It’s just up the road. It was kind of packed when I was in there, so be warned.”

She slipped her hand in his. “Lead the way and keep me close so I don’t get lost then.” She teased.

Collin looked around the apartment. It was the complete opposite from what his home looked like. This reminded him of the hotels he stayed at on difficult missions, and not like someone’s home. But he could see pieces of a lived-in home– the pictures on the wall, the few decorations…it was just a little lonely. “So this is where you live.” He said as he looked back to her. “It’s very you.”

“Mmmm I’m not sure how to take that.” She laughed a bit looking at him perplexed.  “Unkept and empty?” She joked as she moved to take his hand and lead him farther in. “Can I get you a drink?” She asked as she waved her wand to pack up the mess suite case. 

“Then lead the way, Miss James.” Collin smiled as he followed her. “Just promise you won’t murder me with an ax.”

“Well the only ax I have at my place is three hundred years old. So I think you’re safe.” She joked as they reached the spot. She turned and wrapped an arm around his shoulders before apperating them to her place. Her apartment was small and mostly empty. It looked more like it was visited than lived in. Decorations spare and the space very clean. A suitcase sat on the coffee table, open as if that were how she got ready each day. Her decor was mostly old artifacts and books. One wall had photos, perhaps the liveliest wall in the apartment. It was covered in photos from her travels, different places and people she’d met. Attached to the wall like a messy collage of life. 

“Situations.” Zemira laughed, “Do I want to know about this recent ‘situation’?”

She smiled and shrugged like a secret she was keeping. “My trip to Arizona wasn’t as...lonely as usual.” She eluded. 

“Will you stop bugging me if I do?” He asked sourly, sending her a pointed look. “You know her? Well?”

“I will yes, tonight at least. GO! go go!” She laughed unphased by his look. “I know her. I wouldn’t say well but I went to her for advice on an artifact that’s in her field of study.”

“I have no idea. I guess I come across as annoying? Maybe too handsome?” Collin chuckled. “I’m glad to see she’s getting along with someone, though. Go Cass.” He grinned. “Yours or mine?”

“Mmm must be it.” She laughed softly as she took his hand and headed out to an apperation point. “Mmm mine.”

“I realize,” Collin said as he handed her the keychain. “It has the closest thing to your name I could find, Tammy. I was kind of upset they didn’t have your name. I plan on emailing the company when I get home.”

She grinned, laughing softly as she looked at it. “No one ever has my name. But Tammy is close I suppose. Wait wait, show me this shop! I need to pick one out for you!” 

Collin laughed, turning the keychain in his hands. “I like it. I found it in one of the gift shops. I was going to give it to you but if you don’t like it I can keep it.”

“I never said I didn’t like it.” She joked as she held her hand out to have a better look. “You are such a goofball. You realize that right?”

“Mingling loses its charm after a while.” Collin shrugged. He smiled and followed Tabitha around, his eyes going wide when he saw Cass talking to a man. “Oh my god, she hated me when I taught at the school.” He said quietly to Tabitha as they left the coat room. “Who was that dude with her?”

“My old professor and close friend. I’ve been trying to convince him all night to talk to her.” She explained as she pulled on her coat. “Wait, why did she hate you? What did you do?”

“I found this neat thing,” Collin held up a keychain. “Do you think it’ll be worth anything in a few years? Could it end up in a museum?”

@planestrainsandtabitha

“Mmm maybe a museum in your house. ‘Crazy man clutter collection.” She teased the man, kissing his cheek. “Where exactly did you find that?”

“I find that the food one enjoys while inebriated is telling of their character. I wouldn’t want to talk to someone who liked to eat kale chips. That’s just too healthy for me.” Collin chuckled. “I also remembered that your name is Tabitha, and you work at a museum.” He leaned closer to her, his voice lowering as he spoke in her ear. “I also remember that you’re wonderful in bed. I haven’t been able to get you out of my mind.” 

She grinned as he continued on about knowing her name and work. Her cheeks heating at his comment on their time together. “Well I apologize for the bother.” She teased, leaning in to him. His voice sent shivers down her spine. “And you, Mr. Carson own and operate Carson center of magizoology, if I remember correctly.”

Because just the thought of talking to Cassandra was making his palms sweat, he thought, but he didn’t say anything for a moment, his gaze drifting back to the woman in question. “The night is young, Tabitha. There’s plenty of time yet.” He said evasively.

Originally posted by kiwi1129

“Plenty of time can be gone in a second flat. Quiet dragging your feet and go talk to her!” Tabby pushed with a knowing smile. “She’s right up your ally.” 

“Please, tell me you’re not suggesting I steal something from an exhibit,” Zelda frowned as she watched her sister riffle through her bag. “And please tell me you’re not about to pass me some bank vault plans or something.”

“No, but that would be fun.” She joked. “Though I have keys and could easily just walk us in and out. No, I was looking for this.” She said as her arm reappeared out of the bag with a few old photos. “I found these the last time I went home to help dad clean the attic. It has nothing to do with greece but maybe we could make an album of them or something?” 

“You’re preaching to the choir.” Collin chuckled and danced to the music. “Uh, kind of. That was the case, but now she’s my ex-wife.” He frowned slightly, something he didn’t want to do around this beautiful woman, but Bridget always managed to sour his mood. “It’s in the past. Right now, I have a beautiful woman in my arms and I know almost nothing about her. Only that she likes to eat Taco Bell when she’s drunk.”

Tabitha frowned softly at his comment and change of expression. She hadn’t meant to bring up unpleasent memories. The frown turned to a soft flustered blush. “Of all that you could remember about me from that night it’s my inebriated snacking habits.” She shook her head looking back up at him, he honestly looked better sober than he had drunk.