#thread: 11

The past few days had been so amazing, and he could only imagine the rest of the week would be just as great. He and Sara had acted like a couple before - holding hands and almost kissing - but this was on a new and exciting level. They couldn’t keep their hands off of each other whenever they were together, and it was both exciting but almost excruciating when they had to leave each other. He hadn’t been able to go back to the organization yet, but he had plans on starting back the following week, which made him pretty happy. He wanted to get back into the groove of things and get back to work. After all, he still had that agenda from his family. Working with Sara would just be a major plus. He just had to stay professional and not try anything during office hours. However, tonight he had some special plans for her and he hoped that she was up for it. Getting in his car, he turned on the engine with a grin. It felt so good to be able to get himself around again. Sure, it wasn’t like his bike, but the car was pretty nice and would do for the rest of the summer. Once he drove to the restaurant and parked, he noticed that her car was still there. Grinning, he crept inside to find her.

He was sure that the second she saw him, she would be confused. He was dressed in an off-white button-down long-sleeve with navy pants and a tie. It definitely wasn’t a look she would’ve expected out of him, but he was bringing her somewhere really nice and wanted to look the part. After all, it was sort of the way he would dress in his younger days in the city. Walking into her office quietly, he saw her working tirelessly on paperwork. After a long week, she deserved to have a relaxing night. Coming up from behind her, he didn’t want to scare her. “Are you really doing this on a Friday night?” he said softly before leaning down to hug her from behind. Moving her hair away, he kissed her neck a few times before kissing her cheek. Moving to her side, he closed all of the paperwork and looked at her, figuring he should explain himself. “I have a better idea for tonight,” he told her. “Let’s get you back home so you can put on something nice, and then I’ll bring you somewhere . And I’m not taking ‘no’ for an answer. I already made reservations,” he told her with a smirk.

@euphoriabled asked:

"It's a lot smaller than I thought it'd be. Not that that's a bad thing! I can see how it's kept so secret, but ... where do I clock in?" Napoleon, From Annie Edison

Napoleon bit back how that was not a sentiment he often heard.

He angled his head down almost shyly and cleared his throat. "We've...only just entered in through the tailor's shop, this is...the lobby, in effect. It's not the whole of our operation..."

Head is angled back up, smiling softly. "That depends on what you're here for. Field agent onboarding? Reception gig? Section 1, 2, 3, 5, 9...?"

A few of those numbers were a test.

After everything that happened yesterday between, Steven and Hailee, well the brunette really needed to get out of his room, which strangely enough still smelled a little like her, even though she hadn’t been in it for at least a week now, and out into some fresh air. He decided a run would be a good idea. So after slipping a red ‘flash’ shirt over his head - duh, and pulling on a pair of comfy gym shorts, Steven pushed in his headphones and took off down the street.

“No, I’m 100% sure I can still do it.” Steven wasn’t sure why he all of sudden wanted to show Hailee he could do a hand stand, but here he was lining himself up to do just that. Only he didn’t — at least not fully and he ended up back on her bed, half his body still hanging off the side, laughing. “Well — I guess I won’t be making the cut for RIO this year.” She was off the bed now and walking around to expect his knew position with her own laugh. Which no way Steven was going to let her get away with — you know laughing at him and everything, so after wrapping his two arms around her legs he pulled her back down onto the bed. Yeah, this was much better.

Apparently there was no getting away from her. He sighed and picked up the pace.

He could feel her hands this time, either side of his face as she leaned in close, filling the space between them with her laughter. They’d somehow wound up under her sheets, because it was the only makeshift blanket fort they could make right now. Their heads the only thing keeping the sheet from falling all around them. She’d told himself about something that had happened to her in the studio last week and of course it was the most bizarre, ridiculous story Steven had ever heard and of course he 100% believed her. So he laughed back and brushed his hands over her shoulders, his fingers slipping under the straps belonging to her tank top as he did. They weren’t kissing, no they were just laughing and breathing the other in at this point. And it was little insane just how intimate that still was.

He looked up, the sky above him was all too clear, it didn’t match his headspace at all, which was the complete opposite. Cloudy, chance of storms, and most of all, turbulent.

“We should get this valued. The way the American economy is nowadays this is probably worth its wait in gold.” And okay, so he didn’t know much about economics at all, and he’d really just said it to tease her, because only she’d have an entire collection of coins from all the places she’d been to in a Mason Jar. He picked it up, shaking it, just as Hailee’s hands shot up to steal it back with a tongue poke. That was special to her clearly and Steven made a note to bring her back a penny he pressed next time he was in Chicago.

Steven couldn’t out run it. It was just there, constantly, Hailee, Hailee, Hailee. She now came pre-packaged with every single beat of his heart. There was no escaping it. Yet here he was trying. Trying so hard, he was breaking into a sweat and his legs were starting to ache. He just, if he let it catch him, he might never be able to shake it off. Which didn’t sound bad, when the thing he was talking about was Hailee, but what if she shook herself off. What was he suppose to do then? He turned a corner, his feet hitting the pavement harder with every step he took, yeah what was he suppose to do then?

So what, if his thoughts were just about, handstands, sheet forts and coin collections, right now? He knew deep down they were more than that. The type of ‘more’ that left your hands sweaty and your heart racing. So there’d definitely be more than just a few cuts or bruises if they let this get out of hand. He knew that. And it fucking scared the shit out of him.

It was already out of hand.

He was onto his fifth mountain dew, sixth if you counted the one she handed him in the kitchen. He smiled, as she popped another oreo in her mouth, and decided he preferred the taste of the one’s coming out of her bedroom fridge. He was cracking it open and letting out a satisfied ah, before heading back over and opening his mouth up for one of the cookies. He laughed as she opened it up and licked most of the inside out before she plopped it inside his mouth. He didn’t even mind too much to be honest. She was just so ridiculous it was kind of cute. Okay scratch the kind of, but shh, that ego of her’s could hear through walls.

That’s what he needed right now… Mountain Dew. Only his pace that kept getting faster told him it was rather a who than a what right now that he really needed.

“God, are you serious!?” Like he got having a Backstreet Album or two, but the Christmas album and in vinyl…  “No just no. You’re lucky that 90% of your music taste is good. Otherwise—” What? He’d stop kissing her? Nah it wasn’t that bad. “—I’d have to go out buy you an entire new collection.” Flipping through her collection, Steven’s hand found an album he loved. Death Cab, seriously this was classic. He slipped the vinyl out of its casing and laid it down on top of the turn table. Walking back over to her, Steven stood there in front of her, telling her with a few lyrics of the song playing behind him that he needed her ‘so much closer’ and he was glad she agreed. Apparently they were going to spend the entire afternoon making out. But hey, who was he to put up islands where they shouldn’t go?

There was a small V shaped print of sweat starting to form at the base of Steven’s t-shirt collar, as he took another sharp corner and really, really started to run. Sure he’d been running before, but now, now he was sprinting.

They had the animal crackers that he’d had bought over earlier out now and Steven was putting on a whole damn nature show for her, all in his best David Attenborough voice of course. “And the lion sees the hippo, grazing beside the waterhole…” Hailee’s belly button of course. So yeah her tank shirt had been converted into a make shift boob tube at this point. “he sees her, and licks his lips in anticipation.” Of course Steven ended up licking his own as well. “the lone lion gets lower, till the tips of his mane are the only thing creeping up from the long grass. A moment passes. She continues to drink. She pauses. She’s heard something, but its too late. And, and, and… DINNER TIME!!” Steven covered her stomach with his fingers and kisses, as Hailee squirmed in protest. The cookies he’d been playing with before falling out of his hand, because for once he didn’t want food. He wanted Hailee.

Legs burning, Steven moved his arms quicker beside him, as he desperately tried to find enough air to fill his lungs. He couldn’t breathe, like he literally couldn’t breathe, but like yesterday he couldn’t stop either.

Knees pressed together, Steven swallowed another bite of cereal, ‘Fruit Loops’ of course, Hailee hadn’t turned on her dishwasher yet, so they had to make do with a frying pan and a wok. Steven had the wok. It was a little huge, but that just meant more cereal, so he wasn’t really complaining. “Hmm, desert island… 3 things, hmm. I don’t know I suppose I’d take you to keep me entertained and shit, maybe some sort of weapon, because we’d need to open up coconuts, and a hammock.” He knew the last one wasn’t exactly super practical, but now that Hailee was on the island with him, he wanted some place for them to keep making out on. “Now, Shoot, Marry, Blow… Obama, The purple ninja turtle (nobody like Donatello), smurf.”

Run. Run. Run. Run.

They were back under her sheet again, only this time her fingers were pressed into the lines of his smile. She was just beautiful and he couldn’t believe he’d never looked at her this long before. His smile grew bigger and her thumbs sunk deeper into the folds, before her lips were back on his and his were back on her’s and the sheet was falling down like they were.

RUN. RUN. RUN. RUN.

Hair over her lips. Nope gone. Kiss. Hair over her lips. Nope gone again. Kiss. At the sound of her giggles, Steven grabbed her hand, the one that kept blocking her lips from his with her own hair, and wrapped his fingers around it… stopping it from her covering them up again. Yeah nope not this time. Kiss. Kiss. Kiss.

Steven closed his eyes, as he desperately tried to push his legs faster, could he mange it? Yep, he managed a small burst and had opened his eyes back up to see just how far it had got him, only to see a tree standing in front of him instead. Yep a fucking LA palm tree. And it was all too late to do anything about it. Smashing right into it, Steven fell down to the ground, a mess of iPhone head phones and sweat. His breaths coming out in short and desperate puffs, as he tried to push away the ringing in his ears. Reality had hit. Quite literally. Like in the form of a fucking palm tree. That level of literally. He couldn’t out run these feelings anymore. They’d been there the day he met her and what had burying them back then done for them besides have him hit into a damn tree?

Ow.

"Hello... Could I get an english breakfast tea with a biscuit please?" Voice soft, green eyes finally flickered up to meet the others gaze, a small flicker of a gental smile curving his lips.

The eager excitement of someone who had just started working shone in Grell's eyes and in her smile. The other waiter looked bored, like he'd rather be somewhere else, completely unnaffected by Grell's bubbling enthusiasm. And fate would have it that someone she knew would come into the store! What a fine way to show off that she was now working.

"That would be five pounds, sir," she announced, beaming her best smile at him. "Will you be having it here or on the go?"

"To have here please." he replied, her enthusiasim widening his smile.

"I haven't seen you about before. Have you just started here?" He plucked out a five pound note, handing it over and sliding his wallet back into his pocket, another and going to the back of his neck, palm of his hand rubbing against the skin.

"I have, yes," Grell nodded, tucking the bill he handed her into the register maching, producing a receipt and handing it to him. "It's my first day! I just hope I won't mess anything up." With a slight chuckle, she nodded towards the table he had put his coat on, "I'll take it to your table, if you'd like."

"Well, beginners luck, eh?" Smile widened to a grin briefly, offering her a tumbs up.

"Ah, yes... If you could do that, it'd be greatful, thank you." A nod of his head, and he moved back to his table. Thane wasn't a fan of small talk. It was awkward and brief. No, for him, it was much easier to speak to someone he knew, and in more depth than just such a short hello.

A few minutes later, Grell sashayed over to his table, a spring in her step and a tray in hand. "Here you go," she said, laying the mug of tea and the biscuit on the table in front of the other, ever so careful so she wouldn't spill anything. The book he had caught her eye but she thought it would be rude to comment on it just yet. She was working, after all. "Is there anything else I can get you?"

He looked up from his book, settling a bookmark within the pages and setting it to one side, offering a smile again. "Thank you. That's all I'll be needing. A good cup of tea can help with many things." Long slim fingers wrapped about the mug, and he took a sip. "Ah~ This is perfect, thank you."

Grell staggered for a moment, knowing she should return to her post behind the counter. But things were slow, there was barely anyone else in the shop, and there didn't seem to be many clients coming in soon. Besides, there was someone else at the counter. So, after a moment of hesitation, she asked, "Excuse me, but, I feel like I've seen you around. You work at that book store down the street, don't you?"

He paused, mid sip, settling the mug down to peer up at her. "I do, yes... I'm sorry." An awkward chuckle. "I usually tend to get wrapped up when I work. Have you visted at some point?"

She nodded, smiling at him. "I have, yes, on a few occasions. It's such a lovely place to be. I actually thought of looking for work there at first but I figured I'd get too distracted with the books to do any proper work," she chuckled, offering him a sheepish smile.

"Ah, I see." Seeing her smile, he couldn't help but smile back. "Would you mind if I ask what genre you're into? I do come here often. If you'd like... Perhaps I could bring you a book?"

"At the risk of sounding horribly cliche, I like romance novels," she said, very nearly laughing at herself. "And classics, too. Shakespeare is my favorite, admittedly. Well, I'll leave you to your tea, then. Thank you for the offer, though! It's very kind of you."

"If you're here tomorrow, I'll bring you something." He offered, chuckling. "Romance novels are quite enthralling, in the aspect that uh.. Well, romantically, it's ones dream come true, so in some sorts, you live through the main character, feel what they feel and so on..." His lips pressed together, eyes settling on his tea instead.

"...Apologies." He mumbled. "I shouldn't keep you from work too long, or your manager might not like it."

She listened raptly to his every word, her smile widening as he spoke exactly what she thought of those novels. Many a night did she spend awake, sighing over a prince that would not come for her. "Oh, it's... It's alright! My shift is nearly over anyway. But yes, I will be tomorrow. Thank you again," she smiled, "I look forward to seeing you then."

An ackowledgement of his head, and he returned to his book, sipping his tea and nibbling on his small snack.

When it was time to leave, he returned to the counter. "So uh... Yea. I'll see you tomorrow then if you're on. I usually come in for my afternoon break for a tea. Thank you again." Awkward wriggle of his fingers in a good bye gesture as Thane shrugged his coat back on, and he was gone, trudging back in the cold to the bookstore.

To say that his visit had brightened Grell's day would be an understatement. She was smiling all the time when she returned home that day, looking forward to going to work the next day. Once she did get there, time seemed to slow down. From what he had said, his break was close to the end of her shift, so she had to wait a few very long hours for him. When the front door bell rang and he entered, though, her face lit up like a christmas tree. "You came!"

He chuckled, shaking rain off him as he withdrew his arms from his coat, again draping it over a chair before approching the counter. "Of course I did. This is quite a lovely place to just relax with a tea and a book. Do you ah, perhaps remember what I ordered yesterday by any chance?" He plucked his wallet out, waiting for her reply.

"You said you'd bring me a book~," she cooed, nodding. "I didn't think you'd actually remember, though! Well, what will you be having today?"

"Ah, you're over eager." A chuckle. "Who is to say I didn't bring you a book? I'll take the english breakfast tea with a biscuit again, please."

"Can you blame a girl for getting excited when a handsome face offers to bring her something?" She asked, chuckling as well. "That'll be three pounds fifty." She said with a wink. "The rest is on me."

He looked somewhat shocked when she refered herself as female, when she clearly wasn't, shaking it off by quite literally, giving a small shake of his head. "No no, it's all okay. You've just started this job, it's best to play up to the manager before doing things like that." Thane offered the fiver to her.

"Well, if you're sure..." She said, almost pouting, tucking the note away on the machine. While she did catch the surprise in his eyes when she addressed to herself as female, he didn't say anything, which allowed her to breathe a little easier. "I'll bring you your tea in a moment~."

"Thank you." Thane murmured, occupied with his thoughts. Shifting to the table, he brought out his book, the same from yesterday, the bookmark in the place he left it at when he left. He opened it, yet couldn't seem to concentrate on the words, mind left to wonder about the redhead.

Unbeknownst to him, Grell too was thinking about him. She was sure she knew him from somewhere else but she couldn't for the life of her remember his name. "Here you go," she said, bringing him his order with the same care as she had  the day before, "English breakfast tea and a biscuit. Is there anything else I can get you?"

Hearing her voice brought him out of his thoughts, fair lashes fluttering as he turned to offer her a small smile. "No, it's all right. that's all for now- Oh, one moment." Reaching into the pocket of his coat, he pulled out a small paperback book, handing it to her. "Here, as I said. A romance novel for you."

"Ah, thank you so much!" She grinned, taking the book in her hands. She recognized the title as one she had been meaning to read but hadn't managedd to get her hands on yet. Fantastic! Tucking it into the pocket of her apron for the time being, she nodded. "Well, I should leave you be. Unless, maybe, you'd like some company? I get off in about," a pause to check her watch, "three minutes."

"Uhm, sure." His hands moved, closing the book he was attempting to read. "Company would be a nice change." Thane took a sip of his tea, a faint sigh of content exhaling through his nose. "Ah tea, how wonderfully calming after a days work."

"It really is, isn't it?" She asked, smiling at him. "Excuse me, I'll just go get my things and I'll meet you here. I'll be back in a moment." Excusing herself, Grell moved to the back room where the put her apron back in her locker and fished out her coat, switching the book to its pocket. A few minutes later she joined him with her own cup of tea and a smile on her lips. "Sorry to have kept you waiting!"

Thane glanced up from the table, he had occupied himself for the brief few minutes that she was gone to sip more of his tea, and play with the biscuit crumbs on the plate after he had eaten it.

"It's all alright. You didn't keep me for very long."

"So, what are you reading?" Grell asked, smiling up at him as if this was the first time she ever got the chance to talk to someone who actually seemed to not mind having her around. "Oh, where are my manners! I'm Grell, by the way."

"A book on the human anatomy." A smile turned the corners of his lips up. "Currently reading about muscle. The way they flex and stretch and curve when one moves is just... Well, interesting." Poor choice of words to finish a scentence, he chuckled at himself. "Actually, just the way the human body adapts, and works in difference scenarios is astounding."

Thane offered a hand. "Pleasure to meet you, Grell. I'm Thane."

With a grin, Grell took his hand in hers and shook it. "The pleasure is all mine." She said, before leaning back on her chair and sipping her tea. "Anatomy, hm? It really is fascinating, how everything is connected to allow us to move like we do. It is interesting."

"Oh, it is. I enjoy learning about it. Helps me with drawing." a chuckle, and he relaxed back into the chair, picking his mug up to sip out of.

"Oh?" She perked up, her eyes squinting slightly while she played with her mug. "You're an artist, then?"

"It's just a bit of a hobby." he mumbled, a faint pink caressing his cheeks.

"Hobbies are interesting! I would love to see your work, sometime. If you're okay with showing it, of course!" She said, smiling back at him.

"I'll see if I can bring some tomorrow, if you'd like." Thane offered, fingers circling his mug. "What about yourself?"

"You mean, what about my hobbies?" Grell shrugged. "I like photography. Acting. I do some fashion designing too but that doesn't make my parents too happy..."

Head tilted to one side, silver hair fell over his shoulder from its hold. "Why not? Fashion design sounds intriguing."

Grell had walked right into that one. Well, she had already caught his surprise when she announced herself as female, so she figured the cat was out of the bag already. "It's for girls, they say." She said, lowering her voice. "They say I shouldn't."

"Nonsense! There are plenty of male fashion designers out there." A shrug of his shoulders, green eyes narrowing as he observed her fall quieter. His brow furrowed. "... Is something the matter, Grell?" His voice lowered as well, softened in concern.

She lowered her eyes to the mug, spinning it around in her hands for a minute before answering. "I don't... I'm not... That is so say-- I don't...really...identify as male."

"Ah..." Silence settled between them, his own eyes peering at his hands. The clock ticked rather loudly in the corner as time passed.

Thane cleared his throat a minute later, lips parted. "Well then, er... Care I ask how you identify then?"

"Female," she replied, voice still quiet and almost meek. She was fidgeting then, her lips pursed and expressionless. Still avoiding eye contact, she continued, "I should. Probably go. I probably don't want to spend time with a freak like me."

Hands gripped the mug tighter, he fumbled for something to say. His mouth opened and closed like a gaping fish, brow furrowing as he grew more frustrated with himself, not abling to find words to reply.

When he said nothing, Grell took it as cue and nodded. "Well, it...was nice meeting you, anyway, Thane. I'm sorry. I guess I'll see you around." With that, she stood, picking up her coat and draping it around herself. "Thank you for the book, too. I'll drop by the book store later to return it if I don't see you around here." She said, assuming he'd want to steer clear of her.

"I... I..." Thane winced as he stuttered, teeth biting into his tongue accidently cursed him to silence once more. Hearing her walk away, he swore under his breath, peeling his fingers from the mug and allowing his hands to simply sit in his lap, shivering.

Shit. Shit shit shit. Why did she have to blow it up like that? Things had actually gotten off to a good start with Thane, and Grell had already messed up. She sat up all night reading the book he had brought her, finishing it by the time dawn came. She barely got any sleep, and to make matters worse, Thane didn't come in at all that day. Part of her wondered why she still hoped he would come in on her shift after she had scared him off like that. With a sigh, she packed up her things at the end of the day and closed up shop, pulling her coat tighter around herself as she walked out of the store.

In one sense, Thane had been scared off, only though, thanks to himself for failing to pipe up at all, and stumbling horribly over his words. He had quite literally buried himself in the books all day, working on shelving new additions, handling the register and checking the books that customers had on hold.

By the time he actually paused, having to stretch, he saw a flash of red pass, emerald eyes widening.

A curse under his breath, he swung to face the grandfather clock that stood next to the door, a hand meeting his forehead rather squarely as he made a fumbling dash to snag his coat, calling out to the other on duty that he'd be back in five, then bolted out the door, coat not even on right.

"Grell!" He called, breath coming out as white puffs from the minus tempratures.

Her heart very nearly skipped a beat when she heard her name being called. She recognized that voice. Turning around, Grell saw Thane coming her way, and frowned. What was she supposed to say?

"Oh, uh. I suppose you want this?" She said, fumbling in her coat for the book he had lent her. "It's a very good book. I couldn't put it down. I, er...suppose that's all you called me about?"

Racing about the back end of a car he crossed the street, hair flailing about in the wind behind him, he acted, rather than spoke. Reaching her, his frozen hands cupped her face, lips pressing against hers.

Caught off guard by the sudden kiss, it took Grell a moment to realize what exactly was happening. He was kissing her. Very nearly dropping the book, Grell's hands went up to his chest, fingers lightly curling themselves on his coat, and she kissed him back, her eyes falling closed.

He broke away, breathless from the mad dash and the kiss. Leaning his forehead against hers, he breathed.

"Sorry... I... I didn't know what to say yesterday." A small, awkward chuckle rumbled in his throat.

"I-it's alright!" Grell said, stuttering slightly herself and chuckling. "I... Nobody had ever...kissed me like that..." She admitted, looking down at their feet to try to hide the blush that crept onto her cheeks. Biting her lower lip, she looked up at him and offered him an awkward smile. "What... I mean... What drove you?"

"I fail with words at times." His thumb brushed against her cheek, his own face pink from the cold. "Spent the entire day trying to figure out how to tell you I don't mind. Male, Female... I don't. I just care about you. A-And you're... different. Interesting. I like that."

"You are too, you know? Different. Unique. I quite like that as well," she said, hesitantly reaching out to touch his hand. "Would you, perhaps... Do it again, maybe?"

"Hm? Do what?" He pulled back, brow furrowed as his eyes searched hers, a hand shifting to brush crimison strands behind her ear.

"...kiss me." She whispered, avoiding his eyes again as she blushed.

"Oh." He chuckled, pink deepening as he lent in, nose brushing hers before his lips found hers once again.

She brought her hands up to his face this time around, letting out a soft moan against his lips. When he pulled back, she nearly sighed. "You're...a really good kisser..."

A grin rippled across his lips, brows arching in surprise. "I'm a what now?"

"That's right, take advantage of the girl's shyness! I said, you're a really good kisser."

"Ahhh no, why would I do that? Take advantage of one's shyness, hm?" removing one hand, Thane gently poked her nose, grin now wide and crooked. "Well, you're rather good yourself."

With an impossibly bright grin on her face, Grell shifted her weight and reached forward to tangle her fingers in his. "Would you like to grab something to eat, maybe?"

He welcomed the warmth of her fingers, holding her hands within his firmly. "Ah.... Uhm. You see, I sort of ran off on the job." An awkward chuckle. "I should probably get back. I've only half an hour to go though. You're more than welcome to wait. I'd- uh, with your permission, I'd like to walk you home."

She nodded. "I would like that very much. I'll go with you, then. There are a few books I'd like to take a peek at." Grell said, tightening her hold on his hand and walking back to the store with him. "I'm glad you called for me. Very much so. I thought you didn't want to see me again."

"I'm not ah, good with small talk... I have a horrid tendancy to just grow incredibly awkward. Apologies about that." His free hand raised to rub the skin at the back of his neck, tugging at their joined hands to lead her back to the store.

"It's alright," she shook her head, "I probably talk too much anyway. But, I'd like to more know about you. If you'd like to share, that is, of course." Thankfully, the store was warm, and Grell was able to open the coat she was wearing. It was freezing outside. The warmth was very welcome.

"As long as you share, as well." Once in the store, he pulled his hand back, removing his coat and hanging it up. "I'll be right back." Disappearing behind the counter, he went through the door, having a discussion with his boss.

When Thane moved out of sight, Grell turned to the nearest bookshelf, ifly reading titles, though her mind was elsewhere. Her heart was swollen with infatuation, and there was a smile on her face she couldn't-- and didn't want to-- rub off. Humming a cheery little tune to herself, she picked up a random book to read the summary in the back, but it proved a hard task when the only thing on her mind was how Thane's lips tasted and felt against hers.

"...I know. I'll be here early tomorrow." Thane called, a large box in his arms. Pushing it onto the counter, he took a breath, closing the door to the back room.

"I just need to stock these, then I can clock off early." He called to Grell, crook grin flashing at her as he opened the box, sorting the books out and marking off a list.

"Do you want me to help with that?" Grell offered, stepping closer to him and peeking into the box to read some of the titles inside.

"Ahh nono, I'm perfectly fine. You rest, you've just gotten off work. There's a cozy chair at the back of the store if you want to rest and read till I'm done here." Picking up an armful of books, he disappeared through the packed shelves, silver hair streaming behind.

Doing as he suggested, Grell moved to the back of the store with a book she had fished out from one of the shelves earlier and sat down with it. She had picked Paradise Lost to read while waiting for him, but again, her mind was elsewhere.

Thane continued to stock the shelves, muttering under his breath as a few books fell out as he stocked, going up and down and sorting the books into their proper places, strightening the spines and tidying up. Just about an hour later, he found Grell absorbed in the book, and peered over, silver hair mixing with red strands, his head resting against hers.

"Interesting?"

Grell nodded. "Very much so. It's one of my favorite books, actually. The topic interests me a lot." She said, looking up at him. "How about you? What're your favorites?"

"Hmm." Thane pulled back, to squat next to the chair. "I do like some crime. Currently though, I'm going through medical books." A shrug. "It's horribly intriguing."

"For research, for your artwork?" She asked, reaching over to tuch a length of his hair behind his ear.

His mouth opened and closed for a moment, surprised by her motion. "I er... Somewhat. yes." His tongue loosened. "That and I just enjoy learning what happens in specific circumstances."

"Oh yeah?" She asked, raising an eyebrow and smirking slightly. "For instance~?"

"How the body reacts after death, the symptoms just before one dies from say, ah, a stroke, or while in a coma, or cancer... Generally everything I guess."

"So you have a fascination for death, hm? My my... You really are interesting."

"A little, yes." He chuckled. "They body only holds so much interest while alive. There are so many things you can find out about a person after death, perhaps more than if they were alive and speaking."

"Well, I think people are also very interesting when they're alive. Especially people like you," she said with a wink.

"Ah true true, like yourself." He chuckled. "But, what I mean is that you can see their life plain there. In their bones, if they broke a bone while learning to ride a bike. Or if they had a favourite sport, how they were treated... Sometimes the dead can speak more than the living."

"Well," she smiled, "sometimes the living don't need to speak to let others know them." With that, she leaned over to press a chaste little kiss to his lips.

"True that." He murmured against her lips, pressing a kiss back before standing. One hand behind his back, the other out towards her, he bowed. "My lady, it would be my pleasure to now escort you back to your castle~"

"I'd be delighted to~!" She grinned, standing up and taking his arm, grinning like a fool. Wrapping her coat tighter around herself, she hummed a little tune while they walked, her head resting on his shoulder. "How old are you, Thane?"

As they exited he grabbed his coat and settled it about his shoulders, free hand clutching it about his chest.

"Ah... How old I am?" Cool winds danced between the two, running down the street, carrying the whisper of the rain the clouds above promised.

"To be honest, I don't keep track." A laugh and a grin. "But I know I'm not that old."

Grell laughed as well, nuzzling against his arm for warmth. "Not keeping track sounds like a really good idea, to be honest," she said, letting out a soft sigh, her breath coming out as a white puff due to the weather.

"How old are you?" He inquired, letting go of her arm to wrap his arm about her shoulders, pulling her closer for warmth.

"I'll be seventeen in April." She smiled, her heart skipping a beat when he pulled her closer. To think that such a handsome guy would take a liking to her of all people was nothing short of a miracle.

"April.... When abouts?" He peered at her, a brow arched. "Perhaps tomorrow we could sit over a cup of tea and get to know each other a little more?"

"I would like that very much," she nodded. "On the fifteenth. Guess that makes me an Aries. Back to the tea-- it's my day off tomorrow, though I work the rest of the week. Where shall we meet?"

Thane hummed as he thought. "...What about, I treat you to lunch? My lunch break is about an hour long. I usually just work through it though. What do you like; Italian, Chinese, Turkish, Japanese...?"

"Oh, I couldn't let you treat me to it! We can both pay for our own, and we'll see where this goes. If this goes somewhere, then I'll let you treat me. And for the record-- I would love for this-- us-- to go somewhere. I would like it very much." Grell admitted. "I am partial to Italian and Japanese. How about yourself?"

"Alright." he chuckled. "We'll split the bill then. I'm not terribly fussed with food, just as long as it tastes good and I can eat it."

"Sounds good! Italian, then?" She asked, steering them down a side street on their way to her home.

"Italian it is." He agreed, grin returning to his features. "How's 11:30am?"

"Sounds perfect. Shall I meet you at the book store?"

"Probably a very good idea. I have a bad tendency to get my head stuck in a book or several while working at times. I write up small reveiws so I don't need to bother with customers asking what a good book is."

"Ooh~. Such an attentive store keeper," she cooed, leaning her head against his shoulder and letting her eyes fall closed for a moment. "Ah, we're here. This is my place," she said, once in front of an average-sized two story house.

Another chuckle broke free from his lips. "More like lost in books." Thane came to a slow halt, looking up at the house. "Nice." He commented, eyes swinning down to Grell. "Well, I guess this is goodbye for today, hm?"

"I am afraid so..." She said, letting go of his arm but still gently lacing their fingers together. "I...I am looking forward to tomorrow! I can't wait."

His brow furrowed, free hand cupping her face. "Whats wrong, Grell?" His thumb brushed over the back of her hand, fingers squeezing hers gently.

"... I don't want to let go," she mumbled quietly, avoiding his eyes. She knew what was waiting for her at home, and Thane was kind and nice. She didn't want to go.

A frown settled upon his face, unsure what to say. "Grell..." a soft sigh, Thane tickled her under her chin. "Please look at me."

With a frown set on her face, Grell did as he asked, bright green eyes looking up to face the other with a worried glint to them.

A flicker of a smile graced his lips. "Hello." he murmured, resting his forehead against hers.

When he smiled, she smiled in return, her hand coming up to rest on top of his hand. "Hello to you too," she said, quietly, letting her eyes fall close and enjoying the warmth of his hand on her face.

"I'll be working, but you can come and sit inside the bookstore until lunch. How does that sound?" He bumped his nose against hers with a small grin.

"I'll be there," a small nod. Grell tilted her face forward, as if she were moving in for a kiss, but hesitated, stopping herself midway, her lips barely brushing his. Why she had stopped, she wasn't sure.

He leant forward, brushing his lips against hers before pulling back. "I believe then, it's called a date." He chuckled at the little joke.

"It's a date, then." She nodded, pressing a chaste kiss to the corner of his lips before pulling back. "I'll see you tomorrow, then?"

He pulled back, stepping away to bow to her. "Tomorrow it is, indeed my lady."

"Then I guess it's goodnight," she said, "Parting is such sweet sorrow~."

"Ah it is, but without it, we could never meet again now, could we?" grasping her hand, he pressed his lips to the back of it, before letting go and standing. "Until tomorrow, Grell."

"Until then. Goodnight, Thane. Take care of yourself." With that, and a last kiss to his cheek, she moved towards the steps, waving at him one last time before disappearing inside her home.

Hands in his pockets, he turned on his heel and trudged onwards.

Early in the morning, just after the book store opened, a very cold Grell walked in, all but shivering from the weather outside. Pulling off her gloves, she looked around until she called out, "Thane?"

A stocky woman glanced up from the counter when Grell entered, brow arched. "He's out back with the boss."

"Oh, well, I'll wait for him here, then," she said, awkwardly moving towards one of the nearby chairs with a book in hand.

The girl ignored Grell, scowling at the paperwork in front of her as she switched between a calculator, scribbling things down, and reading off another list.

It wasn't too long before Thane appeared from the back, empty boxes in hand.

"Your friend is waiting for you." The woman behind the counter grunted, shifting so he could fit past her.

"Ah, Thanks." Just before he disappeared out the door, he winked at Grell, and a box toppled out. "I'll come back for that one." He disappeared out, going down the alleyway to dispose of the boxes.

Instead, Grell stood, putting the book back on its shelf, and moved towards where he had gone with the empty box. "Good morning to you too," she greeted with a smile.

Puffs of white cloud exhaled from his mouth as Thane stomped on the boxes, squishing them down to fit in the bin. "Morning it is indeed~ Care to help me out?"

"Sure!" She nodded, joining him on squishing the boxes down to stuff them in the bin. When the last one was disposed of, she turned to him and smiled, "How are you, today?"

"Somewhat tired." He admitted, wrapping his arms about her. "And I was smart with leaving my coat inside." Thane added in a mutter.

"Rough night?" She wondered, returning the affectionate hug and resting her head on his shoulder once more. "Come, let's go back inside. It's warmer there."

"I was up all night reading and I forgot to set an alarm so I could get a decent amount of sleep." He admitted, a hand resting on her head. "That and it was a mad dash to get here. I forgot my tea."

"Oh dear," she chuckled, nuzzling against the side of his neck slightly, a smile playing on her lips. "What were you reading that was so interesting~?"

"Uhm... Well actually I was drawing." he confessed. "But I had to look some things up."

"Ohh, I see~. I'm still looking forward to seeing your drawings. If you'll show me, of course."

"Ah... It's not much to see, really. Just scribble." Thane mumbled, a pink gracing his cheeks. Reaching the door, he let go of her, holding the door open. "If you head to the back, pick a book or a few and I'll let you know when I'm on my lunch break."

"I will," she nodded, stealing a kiss before she walked away to find some books to read to pass the time.

"Alright, all done and ready." Thane sighed, coat in his hand. "How about you, Grell?"

Grell nodded, putting away her books and standing, fishing her coat from the back of the chair. "I am too. Let's get going~?"

"Indeed... I need a tea." He offered her his arm.

"Well, it's a good thing we're going out for lunch now, then, hm~?" She cooed, gladly takng his arm.

"Oh indeed." He agreed, leading her out and down the road. "It's just a small restaraunt, I hope you're expectations aren't too high."

She chuckled, "Worry not, I only expect to have good company-- but I think you've assured that already."

"Ah, good... I think?" Brows arched, he gave a shrug.

"I don't mind where we go, so long as I get to spend time with you. I do want to get to know you better," she nodded.

"As I do with you." Thane agreed. "Do you have your question cards ready?"

"Oh, I'd rather ad lib it. Do you~?"

"Well, I might have a few..." He confessed.

"Yeah~? Well, why don't we get settled in inside, and then you can ask me all you want, hmm?"

"That sounds like a plan." He agreed. "It's just a bit longer to the restaraunt though...Are you hoping for snow soon?"

"I am, yes," she nodded, "I enjoy playing in it. Are you?"

"I do enjoy the weather. Its nice to rug up and curl up next to a fire with a book and just relax."

"Mmn, I quite like that too. With some hot chocolate and a significant other next to me, preferably."

"I haven't actually uh... had something like that before."

"Alas, me neither," a sigh, "But I hope to fix that someday~!"

"Well, perhaps if you'd like, some day you can come over? I have a small fake fireplace? I put the heater there."

"My my, Thane, already inviting me to your place? Aren't we moving a bit too fast?" She chuckled, but leaned over to kiss his cheek. "I'd love to, if you'll have me."

"... I did say some day." He pointed out, his face growing pink.

Grell laughed, "I know, I know. Don't worry, I was merely teasing you~."

"Ah... Right, right." He murmured, face reddening in embarrassment.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you blush," she said, nuzzling his cheek.

"I-I'm not blushing!" He protested, a hand shifting to fix his silver hair to hide his face.

Grell giggled, tightening her grip  on his arm and letting out a soft, content sigh. "You're impossibly adorable."

"Shhhh." He mumbled, covering her mouth with a finger. "No one needs to know my weakness!"

"Don't worry," she whispered, kissing his finger, "Your secret is safe with me~."

He chuckled. "Good good. Well, we are here~" Coming to a brief halt, he opened the door, offering Grell to go in first.

She thanked him quietly, stepping inside and unbuttoning her jacked. It was quite warm and cosy inside, and soon enough a waiter lead them to a table. Grell put her coat on the back of her chair and sat down, waiting for Thane to be seated as well before speaking. "So you said you had questions?"

Thane followed Grell in, thankign the waiter as he rested his coat on the back of his chair and sat, elbows resting on the edge of the table, figners interlocked and his chin resting atop. "I do, ranging from the types of flowers you love most, to your family. Bit of a broad question, but do let me know if there is something you wish not to tell currently."

"No, go right ahead," she said, "I'm comfortable with anything. If there's anything I'd rather not answer, I'll tell you. How about you? Any topic that's off-limit?"

"I'll let you know if something comes up that's off limit. It is a little hard to think of anything when you're trying to get to know someone." He confessed. "Shall we order first though? Good food goes well with talking."

She nodded, and they waited for a waiter to come while surveying the menu. Grell made idle talk, commenting on how delicious some things in the menu sounded, though the eventually settled on lasagna. When their drinks came, she raised her glass slightly in a toast. "To new friendships."

Thane chuckled. "New freindships." He agreed, lifting his apple juice to gently bump against her own glass. Taking a small sip, he sat back in the chair. "So, ladies first." He offered, gesturing to her with a hand.

Putting down her glass and swallowing her cherry cola, Grell nodded. "Alright. So, you told me you liked to draw. How long have you been drawing for? Are you thinking of doing art for a living?" A pause. "What kind of art do you do, actually? Drawing, painting...?"

"I've been drawing for a long while. It's a hobby on the side, and I'd like it to stay as that; it's only just a few scribbly sketches and notes here and there on things. I have other interests in mind for a career,  I've just not settled on one yet." A brow arched. "How about yourself? Any hobbies or careers in the future?"

"Well, I love acting, so that's one possibility, though, well... Showbusiness, it's a gamble." She shrugged. "I'd also love to get into fashion designing. And if that doesn't work out, well, I'll go down the reaping path, I suppose."

"I believe you'd be a wonderful actress." Thane complimented with a crook grin and a wink. "You already have the looks."

Grell couldn't help but blush and smile at the compliment. "Well, if we're going by looks, then maybe you should consider a carreer as a model~."

"Me? No, never." He chuckled. "I couldn't. when I was younger, I was playing in some dense woods and gained a nice long scar to remind me of the thorns that dwell in such beautiful places." As he spoke, a hand hovered over his chest, resting against the healed and knitted flesh that lay beneath his shirt.

"Well, it just so happens that I find scars highly attractive," she teased, winking at him as well. "You've very handsome, anyway."

Pink tinted his pale cheeks, hand falling from his chest to rest in his lap. "T-Thank you." He murmured, grinning a little like a fool.

"Of course~! The truth is meant to be spoken, right~?" She chuckled, taking another sip of her drink. "So what do you find attractive hm? Oh my, is that too forward?"

"I must admit, your hair, your eyes... Well, you in all are quite beauitful. But your hair is so vibrant."

Grell legitimately blushed at that, her cheeks turning nearly as red as her hair. "Thank you! I-- I don't know what to say. I'm really flattered."

"You look like a rose in bloom, so vivid and alive, teasing the other flowers in the garden, taunting the insects and birds with such beauty." Leaning over the table, a finger tipped her chin up so he could peer into her eyes. "That's what I'll call you, if you'd like. My rose. My darling red rose."

With a smile, she reached up to take his hand in hers, leaning against his touch and letting her eyes fall closed for a moment. "Roses wilt, though," she said. "They have thorns and they wither away. I don't deny that I have thorns, but I hope I never wither. Will you keep me alive and tend to me?"

"Everything wilts. Everything dies." Thane breathed sadly."It's the nature of things. But, when a rose bush grows back, it grows back stronger than before. It survives the harshness of winter, and it springs back with double the roses, and the thorns to protect." Catching himself rambling, he exhaled softly. "Wilt as you might, I'll do my best to see you grow and thrive amongst the other flowers." Pulling her hand to him, he brushed his lips against her knuckles. "But none will ever ascend past you, in terms of beauty."

"'But my rose, all on her own, is more important than all of you together, since she's the one I've watered. Since she's the one I put under glass, since she's the one I sheltered behind the screen. Since she's the one for whom I killed the caterpillars (except the two or three butterflies). Since she's the one I listened to when she complained, or when she boasted, or even sometimes when she said nothing at all. Since she's my rose.' Antoine de Saint-Exupéri." She quoted. "Will you make me your rose, then? Will you tame me?"

A chuckle. "I will make you my rose. However, to tame is to take away spirit. When I look into your eyes, I can see a lot of emotion. Yet, I also see spirit. I don't wish to break that."

A little grin blossomed on her lips, "I take it you haven't read The Little Prince, then? In it, to tame is defined as establishing ties. 'But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world'. Though-- you are already quite unique to me. Perhaps you have tamed me already."

"Ah right." An embarrassed quiet laugh, Thane's cheeks and ears turning red. "Well, in one sense, then yes. Though perhaps you are right. But what if you have tamed me? Hm~?"

"Perhaps I could read that book to you while we sit in front of the fireplace, hm~?" She suggested with a wink. "Have I tamed you, my darling? Am I unique to you?" She squinted slightly, her smile turning devious. "What am I to you, for that matter?"

"That does sound nice." He agreed with a smile, which froze a moment later, as he stared at her. "...Thorn." He choke whispered, withdrawing as his shoulders shook, hiding his mouth behind his hand as he laughed. "I-I was not expecting that!"

Going along with it, Grell mock pouted, acting intentionally dramatic. "Wh-- I'm a thorn to you~?" She cooed, bstting her lashes at him while trying to keep herself from smiling.

"Well, that little minxy side never showed up before." He replied with a small grumpy expression briefly. "But see, a rose is never without thorns for protection... Or flirting."

"Mmn, very true," she nodded, "Sometimes people need a little pricking to make sure they don't stray off their path, too. So tell me, Thane-- do you live alone, with your parents...? What of your family?"

"I have a small place of my own." He chuckled once again. "And I mean it. It's tiny." The food arrived, and he paused to sit back, thanking the waiter.

Mouth watering, Thane peered over his meal of veal boscaiola, and with a nod of his head, plucked his cutlery up in his hands and cut a small piece of the meat, chewing as he thought.

"My family ah... Well, I barely knew my father. I know we used to live out deep in the country side. We had a small farm with pigs and chicken and sheep, not many, but enough to get us by. My mother had a garden too. From what I am told, my father died from being crushed under a massive tree that blew over during a storm... My mother moved us to Oxford after that. Picked up a job at the grocery store part time, did reaping as well. I'm... Not sure really, where she's gone for the past few months. She just called me to tell me she had a job to do."

"Oh dear. I'm so sorry for your loss," she said, quietly, reaching over to rest her hand  over his for a moment. "Isn't it lonely though? To live on your own at such a young age? You're what, twenty, at best?" She offered him a smile, squeezing his hand before withdrawing hers. "Well, I'll keep you company, if you'll have me."

"I do have a pet." He chuckled. "It's not terribly lonely with her and all my books. But... yes." thane smiled back. "Thank you."

"A pet?" She repeated. "What sort of pet is she~?"

"She's a lovely little corn snake." He grinned, watching for Grell's reaction.

"Ooooh, a snake~? I love snakes!" She grinned. "Can't say I'm familiar with corn snakes, though. Is she very big?"

"Ahhh good." His grin widened. "Usually when I tell people I have a pet snake, they freak out a little. She's a tiny little thing. only about three feet."

"Aww, what a cutie~! I can see why others wuold be put off, but I'm a tough girl! It's not my favorite animal, but I'm quite fond of them! Their scales are so pretty~!"

"Heh, well, I'll introduce you to her when you come over then, hm?" Thane took another bite, then looked over their meals. "... Would you mind at all if I ate? I'm rather hungry."