William A.

After stepping foot off the plane to Orlando, Noah wasn’t sure where she was going. She’d realized fairly quickly that her phone didn’t really work there in the US, which was a bit of a problem when trying to get in contact with the girl she’d flown there for. She wasn’t that bothered by it, ultimately, though, and had trekked out of the airport with her rucksack and an address that probably, eventually she’d find. After an hour of walking, however, she was still good and lost. Taking a step half into the rather empty street, Noah lifted an arm up to flag down the next vehicle, putting on a charming smile to the person as they slowed down. “Totally potentially trying to hitchhike here,” she opened up with, a pleasantness to her accented voice that usually worked in her favor when trying to get what she wanted. “But, mostly I just need some help with directions. I’ve got this address and a phone that I don’t think works here, so if you could at least point me in the right direction, that would be stellar.”

☀️🌙✨ tarot questions ✨🌙☀️ 

the devil: do you enjoy thunderstorms?

“I do, yes, despite my boys not being so fond of the rumbling thunder and crackling lightening. It always reminds me of home and great weather for curling up and reading.”

the empress: do you think you will ever get married?

“I hope to, yes.”

the lovers: do you have a crush?

“Presentation matters, sure–as they say, you eat with your eyes first. But at the end of the day, a souffle is gonna taste good pretty much always.” She giggled lightly, leaning forward to hear his story. Lia was intrigued with his french neighbors and their Sunday morning tradition. It sounded like such a sweet way to spend a morning, She could only imagine all the conversations and stories passed around that table. “Crepes? Oh man, you had it so good—a savory crepe? I can’t say I have, I’ve always been more a sweet person myself.” She nodded and smiled. She caught his sigh and a swell reached her heart–he was simply adorable and she genuinely could not get enough of talking to him. “Well, I’m sure I could arrange that.” A smirk danced on the corners of her lip as she heard what he considered his own flaw. “I see no issues with being a homebody. It just means that anyone you spend your time is special.” She grinned wider at his outburst and agreement–and of course his laughter. “Wow, that’s quite a thing to say. Do you think you’ll want to keep up such a job?” The blonde teased lightly, finding herself more and more comfortable with the man as the time passed. “did you just say a skosh more? I don’t think I’ve ever heard that before, but I love it. I think its the only fitting word to use in this situation.” Her blue eyes sparkled with amusement and interest. 

Another time had called for the man to partake in a photoshoot. It’d been roughly a year or so but for some unexplained reason a prestigious magazine wanted to do an article on him and his career. Complete with an artistic spread in which a rather reliable woman whom he’d worked with before was at the helm. Entering the whare house of photographic needs and such, he walked over to the busied woman with a professional hand out to shake in greeting. “Josephine. It’s a pleasure to see you ahead. Please, use your skills to once again to make me looks somewhat decent. What’s your vision for today?”

“Mmmm, cheese souffles. Those are one of my favorite breakfasts–sometimes, if I open the bistro on the weekends, they let me have one of the ruined souffles so they don’t waste them–its such a shame that they are so picky the height on them, because even a sad souffle is a tasty one.” She let out a giggle at her diagnosis, realizing just how silly it sounded. “Did your parents used to make you souffles when you were younger?” Lia enjoyed the thought of his parents making a meal for the three of them, something that looked a little different at her own home growing up. A slow smile spread across her lips, a light laugh passing through. “Oh trust me, I have flaws–I can’t sing to save my life, though I tend to try anyway. Mostly about things that I’m doing, and mostly when I’m not paying attention. But you know, the same could be said about you–the whole not being able to find flaws moment.” She grinned, the wine having relaxed her slightly to where she didn’t quite mind sharing so much. “A muffin after every meal–I’ll remember that. Are you more of a blueberry or poppyseed kind of guy?” The blonde paused for a minute, imagining the thing he was saying. “I am a fan of typography, since I like words so much. That’s really not a bad idea at all.”

“Well, 97% percent is not bad–still an A if we talk scholastically.” Lia let out a chuckle and took the last bite of her food. She enjoyed listening to him share his favorite french dishes–some of which she recognized from her work, and some sounded sounding foreign but beautiful. “Wow, those sounds spectacular, truly. Souffle–I suppose sweet over savory? Or do you enjoy both?” Lia thought for a moment before proceeding. “I really love the Coq Au Vin they serve at the bistro, but I absolutely adore their mille-feuilles, even though i only get them on very special occasions.” She replied, thinking wistfully of the small rectangles. At the mention of dessert, Lia nodded excitedly. “Just as you mentioned, I too am an avid fan of sweet, so that sounds delightful. Have you a go to after dinner bite that you prefer?” She asked, her blue eyes locking with his as she smiled. “An entire scroll? I don’t even know if I could get one, but that does sound tempting. Addictive? Wow, I didn’t know they were so dangerous.” She threw a smirk at him as her eyes moved toward the dessert menu to read over it. 

voiceofmischief: Someone is ready for story time. #hades

“You know, I might just have to do that.” A small smirk appeared on her lips, growing wider as she heard him let out a laugh. She could feel herself melt a little more at how melodic his laugh sounded–laughter was one of her favorite sounds, and his laugh was one of the best. Perhaps she was biased–maybe–but she enjoyed it all the same. “So you’re saying that I can find authentic French food in Orlando, made as well as any food made in French proper?” She raised an eyebrow. “I mean, what you say makes sense, but I suppose I’ll have to take your word for it, seeing as that I’ve never been to France. But–passion is an ingredient we can’t rule out.” She grinned, biting her lip slightly to keep from a wider smile breaking out. As he mentioned her cheeks, she felt herself blush even more. “I–well, thank you.” She replied, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear. “I can’t say that anyone has ever told me that before–that’s really sweet of you to say.” Lia had never been fantastic at accepting compliments–especially not from attractive and sweet gentleman like Will. But it wasn’t to say she didn’t appreciate it, nor that it didn’t make her stomach erupt in more butterflies. She could tell he was also nervous about the compliment–and she appeased him by switching topics back to tattoos, though it wasn’t likely she would forget the moment anytime soon. “Please do.” Lia nodded, taking a moment to sip her wine before proceeding. “Well, I really like ‘What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us’ as an option, but I also think that ‘I cannot remember the books I’ve read any more than the meals I have eaten; even so, they have made me’ is also fitting. But then again, I’ve alway liked ‘have courage and be kind’ from Cinderella too–so who really knows what I’d pick.” She let out a small laugh.

There was a slight difference in the smile he wore this time–she couldn’t quite place the adjective, but she liked the way it lit his face up. The blonde laughed and shook her head in a fake sadness. “No-no, though I think they missed their opportunity on that one. Though I can’t say it would make doing my job any easier, but I am all for a dedicated theme.” She grinned and took a sip of her wine. “Well, you’ve also probably had authentic french cuisine too, which I am sure is far different than French a la Orlando, Florida. But I have to agree, food–like books–is another great way to travel without ever having to leave your door. it tells a pretty interesting story too.” She smiled, taking another bite. Honestly, Lia only knew anything about good because of her obsession with cooking shows–and she thought it was something dorky about her. But she also didn’t think he’d mind hearing about it, which was a really nice feeling. “I mean, I think so. Because you have to be just as animated when reading a story or the effect of the author is lost, y’know?” She suggested, noting the red on his cheeks with affection. “No, no–don’t apologize. I like learning about the things you do.” It was her turn to blush, for a moment feeling slightly vulnerable to admitting that. “that’s truly incredible–seriously. i don’t think i’ll ever be that creative in anything.” she smiled, nodding. “I’d like to see it, one day, if you ever find one. And I like that tattoo idea–it fits you well. Do you know where you’d get it?” Lia tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear, thinking about his question. “Well–I don’t know if I’d ever get a tattoo. I’ve never loved needles, per se. But, I’d probably get a quote since I like words–maybe Austin. I also really enjoy Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essays, and some of his quotes so maybe something by him? I just had so many things I like, y’know? Its hard to pick one to encapsulate just a part of you.”

Looking over at him as he spoke, the brunette nodded in thought. “I never think to get the tea, weird enough. I’m a huge coffee drinker, though. I have to have it really strong or it does nothing for me. I think my years of the medical field and being a mom made weak coffee pointless,” she shrugged as she took a sip of the coffee she had in her hand.

Laughing, River shook his head. “Oh, come on, don’t give me that,” he joked. “We can’t all be true gentlemen like yourself. Some of us are only able to play at the role.” River knew he was a good dude, though he didn’t always make the best decisions. He figured that was what being a gentleman was all about. “It…really does seem like a smart system,” River replied,eyes wide with the new information. “I’m so surprised I’ve never heard about it before, but…well. I guess it’s true what they say. You really do learn something new every day.”

Lia nodded, a small smile playing on the edge of her lips as she went to take another bite of food–he spoke French too? Was there anything this man couldn’t do? “Yes, The Little Sheep–the owners thought it’d be cute. It’s like one of those rustic french cafe type things? A little odd in the middle of Orlando, but they tried.” Listening to him laugh, she found it to be one of the best sounds she had heard–deep, rich, full of warmth, her entire being erupted into butterflies. She would do just about anything to hear it again and again. Suddenly, her eyes flew back to her date and her heart stopped beating for just a moment. He called her princess. With not an air of derision, of mocking or anything else. Nonchalant, but it was just enough to make her melt. Oh, the girl had it bad–and although she wanted to be cautious when it came to dating, romance and all of those things–the more time she spent with William, the more likely she was willing to throw caution to the wind. She let out a chuckled and nodded. “We all have our strengths–one of yours being the art of storytelling, and theirs being science. Our differences are what makes the world more unique and dynamic.” She replied, taking a sip of her drink, her eyes watching as his cheeks warmed. Lia quite liked it when he blushed–it was cute and charming, and drew her even more in. Though in response to his own words, her cheeks also reddened. Tucking a piece of hair behind her ear, she spoke quietly–her eyes meeting his. “I think the best people are those who bring out the best in others.” She knew it was risky to meet his eyes–the likelihood of getting lost in them was far to high for her to also be able to continue a conversation, but she did so anyway, a slow smile spreading across her lips. “Well that’s still impressive. I’d think even faces would be hard to remember when you see so many of it.” Magnolia paused, and tilted her head. “An entire sleeve–of signatures? That’s dedication, and that’s amazing. I–wow. It sounds like you are quite loved across the world.” She breathed, completely floored by the woman’s love for such an organization. “Would you ever get a tattoo? Or I guess, do you have one?” She asked, chewing on her lip when she realized that might have been to personal a question. “You–you don’t have to answer, I didn’t mean to pry.” She rushed to say. 

River frowned, hand coming up to press against his mouth. “Goodness, I actually don’t,” he said, kind of disappointed with himself, “I need to start doing that. Thanks for the idea!” He blinked in confusion for a moment, before he laughed, shaking his head. “Oh! Gosh, that did sound kind of bad. Not just my Mama, no. My Dad too, but he’s going to be pretty easy to convince, if I had to guess. He’s pretty good with settling anywhere. He’s from New York originally, a real big world traveler.” It was how his mother had become the woman she was today. “That’s good though! I’m glad you get to see them when they visit. Family’s important,” he said with a firm nod of his head. His eyes popped wide at then new information, eyes flitting back to his phone screen. “Really?!” he asked, “That’s…I didn’t actually know that. I just assumed she’d had it torn in a fight with some other animal or something. Huh. That’s very good to know. If  see a stray with a cut ear, I’ll know she’s perfectly fine.”

“Oh right! Yeah, a small french bistro over by the corner of 2nd and 40th. It’s called Le Petit Mouton. Super random name, but its a cute place.” Lia grinned, and shook her head. “Oh no, you’re not prying! That’s part of my job, to know the name of the place I work.” She let out a chuckle and smiled as their food came. She was surprised, since she had been so caught up in their conversation that she forgot they had ordered food. it was just as delicious as he had mentioned it would be. “I have to agree–I mean, i enjoyed biology in high school, but I didn’t really want to read about it more than I had too. I just had a hard time…imagining what was happening? I don’t know, that probably sounds weird. But its definitely not for everyone–just like Jane Austen or Emily Bronte isn’t for everyone either.” Most people, the more she talked about it with others. “Well, if it’s any consolation, I think you’re well on your way. I mean, I think you’ve displayed all of those characteristics each time we’ve met, in some shape or form.” She smiled, her cheeks turning slightly red at her admittance. But it didn’t mean she didn’t believe what she said–because she did. She hadn’t met a single soul that made her feel the way he did, not just because she liked him and he was kind to her, but also there was a sense of an appreciation of the world they lived in and the people around them. Lia had often found people to be more and more self-absorbed constantly, and her attention to people felt out of place in this world. But William wasn’t like that–and she found herself equally as attracted to that as much as his good looks and kind temperament. Perhaps more, if she were being honest. “Regulars? That’s amazing–do they dress up the same every year or do their costumes change?” Lia thought it was incredible the dedication of those people to come year after year–but then again, if she had ever gone to a Comic Con she might understand better. She imagined it was like some people and Disney World.