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Zephyr and Lura, #2
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"Oh..." Avery was speechless for a moment. He really wanted to ask her questions, but he didn't want to push her. "I hope you're doing better now. I'm about to head to the bookstore. Want to come?"
What the hell did I just say? But Avery didn't regret it. It wasn't a date. It was an offer to talk more. Get to know each other better. Strictly non-date.
"You don't have to, of course. I'm sure your probably have plans with Ginger, or a boyfriend. Coffee's on me, though," he said, smiling again. He hoped she would accept, but he wasn't sure. She probably thought him an oddity.
^_^_^_^
"Thank you..." Kahea said, climbing into the passenger seat. Once Drake had gotten in on the other side, she spoke again. "A male siren is rare. A hatching defect, actually. Usually we feed them to... well, anything we need to make peace with or keep happy. However, when one is especially attractive, we keep it for breeding. Is that so odd?"
Sirens had extensive knowledge of outside worlds, but judging by most of the humans she had seen, they were oblivious about the siren's customs. "The alpha sirens get their pick of the bunch, female or male, and then the rest are sorted out. My mate and I were paired together though. For our looks and my smarts. He's not... very bright, I'll admit. He's a bit like a human."
What the hell did I just say? But Avery didn't regret it. It wasn't a date. It was an offer to talk more. Get to know each other better. Strictly non-date.
"You don't have to, of course. I'm sure your probably have plans with Ginger, or a boyfriend. Coffee's on me, though," he said, smiling again. He hoped she would accept, but he wasn't sure. She probably thought him an oddity.
^_^_^_^
"Thank you..." Kahea said, climbing into the passenger seat. Once Drake had gotten in on the other side, she spoke again. "A male siren is rare. A hatching defect, actually. Usually we feed them to... well, anything we need to make peace with or keep happy. However, when one is especially attractive, we keep it for breeding. Is that so odd?"
Sirens had extensive knowledge of outside worlds, but judging by most of the humans she had seen, they were oblivious about the siren's customs. "The alpha sirens get their pick of the bunch, female or male, and then the rest are sorted out. My mate and I were paired together though. For our looks and my smarts. He's not... very bright, I'll admit. He's a bit like a human."
Raven nodded, more than a little surprised. "Yeah, alright. I was thinking of heading over there anyway. See if they're hiring for the holiday season yet." So she could help her parents pay off the money owed for her months-long hospital stay.She had to smile at his added bit. "Nope, no plans. Ginger had to go to work, and I don't have a boyfriend." Yet. With the help of Ginger - and maybe Miss Donna - she hoped to get her schedule rearranged enough so that she wouldn't be in his class. She liked her schedule, and didn't want to change it too much, but if they got along as well as she expected them to, it would be worth it. Or maybe she could just be patient and wait until she graduated. Right. All that time in the hospital had killed her patience; she now had none.
"I'll follow you. What kind of car do you drive?" It would be really bad if anyone saw them leaving together, especially if they left in the same vehicle. She didn't want him to lose his job, which could happen. It would be someone overreacting, but she could see it happening.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Drake listened to her explanation of male sirens as he fastened his seatbelt, motioning with it that she should do the same. Hopefully she'd figure that out; she seemed smart. "Um, yeah. The feeding males to... whatever bit is odd," he replied when she asked.
He listened to the rest of her explanations as he waited for her to buckle up. He chuckled at her description of her mate, especially the like a human part at the end. "I should probably be offended by that, but as most humans are idiots, I'll choose not to be offended.
"But you should fasten your seat belt. I'm a pretty good driver, but, well, most humans are idiots, and most of them drive, so it's a good idea, just to be safe." Shut up, Drake, you babbling idiot!
No boyfriend? Score! Avery felt like a teenaged boy around Raven. He knew he probably looked like he was one, too. Which was weird. He had acted more mature during his teen years than was expected to. It had worked out well, though. Most people had ignored him and he had gotten good grades because of it. No one wanted to party with the anti-party type.
Turned out, around graduation, one of his so-called best friends admitted to him that he was never invited to any parties because all of the kids thought he would rat them out to his parents. He wouldn't have, of course. He mostly just wanted to be included at the time. But his grades were more important to him.
"My car?" Avery now said to Raven. "Oh, it's a red jeep. Actually, it used to be blue, but then some angry students of mine decided to prank me last year. Anyway, that's not important. It's red now. And yours?"
^_^_^_^
"Oh..." Kahea looked down, fumbling to buckle the seat belt like he told her. After hearing the clicking sound -the same sound his had made- she leaned back to the seat, now scowling. She had to remember that she was in a foreign land. When they were by the water, she felt she had the upper hand. Now...
Now, even with her knowledge of the human world, she had absolutely no experience in it. This human did. What if he just wanted to harm or kill her? Maybe he didn't believe that they could find the siren in their plan. Maybe he was just tricking her.
Sighing, she adjusted the belt around her hips to the handle of her weapon wasn't digging into her stomach. Remembering Drake's weapon, she looked over at him while fixing the strap of her dress so it wouldn't hang over her shoulder. Climbing into human chariots was a messy business. "How does your weapon work?" she asked.
Turned out, around graduation, one of his so-called best friends admitted to him that he was never invited to any parties because all of the kids thought he would rat them out to his parents. He wouldn't have, of course. He mostly just wanted to be included at the time. But his grades were more important to him.
"My car?" Avery now said to Raven. "Oh, it's a red jeep. Actually, it used to be blue, but then some angry students of mine decided to prank me last year. Anyway, that's not important. It's red now. And yours?"
^_^_^_^
"Oh..." Kahea looked down, fumbling to buckle the seat belt like he told her. After hearing the clicking sound -the same sound his had made- she leaned back to the seat, now scowling. She had to remember that she was in a foreign land. When they were by the water, she felt she had the upper hand. Now...
Now, even with her knowledge of the human world, she had absolutely no experience in it. This human did. What if he just wanted to harm or kill her? Maybe he didn't believe that they could find the siren in their plan. Maybe he was just tricking her.
Sighing, she adjusted the belt around her hips to the handle of her weapon wasn't digging into her stomach. Remembering Drake's weapon, she looked over at him while fixing the strap of her dress so it wouldn't hang over her shoulder. Climbing into human chariots was a messy business. "How does your weapon work?" she asked.
I must be imagining things. I'd swear he looked positively thrilled when I said I don't have a boyfriend. Must just be my imagination working overtime. Wishful thinking. I want him to be interested in me, so I'm imagining he is, imagining I see attraction in his eyes when he looks at me. That must be it. I mean, he is my teacher for crying out loud!"Dark green Ford Taurus, an older one." Same age as me, in fact. Old for a car. "I guess we should get going. I'll see you there." She smiled up at him, but made no move to leave. She wished the student parking lot wasn't on the opposite side of the school from the faculty lot; then they could at least walk out together.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Drake glanced sideways at her as he started up the truck and backed out of the parking space. "Same as any gun. Pull the trigger and a bullet comes out," he said with a shrug. He shifted into gear and headed out of the lot. "I don't know exactly how it works, just that it does. Have you never seen one before?"
She had been so self-assured earlier, back when he stood on the beach and she was in the water. Of course, she had been in her element then. For all that she supposedly knew of humans and the human world, she likely had never left the ocean before. Or at least not in a long time. He didn't want to think about how old she might be. He was pretty sure sirens were immortal, or at least damn close to it, so she could be anywhere from 20 to 2000 or more.
((I may not be around for the rest of the weekend. I have a family reunion to go to later, assuming I'm not actually coming down with the cold my husband just got over...
Oh, and Sunday's our twelfth anniversary. ^_^ ))
((Happy anniversary!!!!!! ^_^))
"Yeah, we should." Avery stood there again for a moment. He wanted to keep talking, but he waved and turned around, heading back towards his car. He should have offered to carry her bag to her car for her, but that would've been lame. Definitely too flirty.
He unlocked the Jeep, getting in and starting it. He pulled out of his space and stopped before pulling out of the parking lot, looking to see if Raven was already gone. Her saw her car coming out from the other parking lot and, driving out onto the road once it was clear. The drive to the bookstore wasn't far, and he hoped Raven would be able to get a job there.
^_^_^_^
"No... No, I haven't." Kahea was still confused about it, but she wouldn't press any further. She wondered why they had never taught her about these 'guns'. Perhaps it was for their safety, or that they didn't want any falling into the wrong hands.
She quiet after that. If he wanted to continue talking, she didn't care, but she wasn't very good at conversation. Small talk wasn't required of a siren, thank the gods, because Kahea Selena would fail terribly with that.
Kahea now, though, was curious about her legs, but decided not to investigate further as it might seem unprofessional, especially for her kind. She tapped her fingers on her thigh, calculating in her head how long two or three human hours would be in her time.
Now openly staring at Drake, she pursed her lips, thinking about how close she was to a human for the first time without trying to kill it as soon as possible. He was strong, she noted. Obviously stronger than Kahea, without her immortality. He could probably snap her like a twig, though she hadn't ever seen anyone do that before. And, as her earlier thought, he was attractive. Maybe she wouldn't kill him. Maybe she'd just... keep him for herself. That sounded nicer.
"Yeah, we should." Avery stood there again for a moment. He wanted to keep talking, but he waved and turned around, heading back towards his car. He should have offered to carry her bag to her car for her, but that would've been lame. Definitely too flirty.
He unlocked the Jeep, getting in and starting it. He pulled out of his space and stopped before pulling out of the parking lot, looking to see if Raven was already gone. Her saw her car coming out from the other parking lot and, driving out onto the road once it was clear. The drive to the bookstore wasn't far, and he hoped Raven would be able to get a job there.
^_^_^_^
"No... No, I haven't." Kahea was still confused about it, but she wouldn't press any further. She wondered why they had never taught her about these 'guns'. Perhaps it was for their safety, or that they didn't want any falling into the wrong hands.
She quiet after that. If he wanted to continue talking, she didn't care, but she wasn't very good at conversation. Small talk wasn't required of a siren, thank the gods, because Kahea Selena would fail terribly with that.
Kahea now, though, was curious about her legs, but decided not to investigate further as it might seem unprofessional, especially for her kind. She tapped her fingers on her thigh, calculating in her head how long two or three human hours would be in her time.
Now openly staring at Drake, she pursed her lips, thinking about how close she was to a human for the first time without trying to kill it as soon as possible. He was strong, she noted. Obviously stronger than Kahea, without her immortality. He could probably snap her like a twig, though she hadn't ever seen anyone do that before. And, as her earlier thought, he was attractive. Maybe she wouldn't kill him. Maybe she'd just... keep him for herself. That sounded nicer.
(( Thanks!So I did come down with that cold and didn't make it anywhere today... :( ))
Raven sighed softly as she watched him walk away. But at least she'd see him again soon. Very soon. The very idea made her grin like an idiot. She pulled her phone out to send a quick text to Ginger - "call me after work" - as she walked towards her car. She was still grinning like an idiot as she pulled out onto the empty road. She sang along with her radio as she drove, not something she does very often.
Five minutes later, after hitting every traffic light red, she pulled into the bookstore's parking lot. She was able to get a spot fairly close to the door, which was nice as her side was starting to sting. She wasn't used to walking this much yet, and her scar was making its presence known. She'd been fine until she sat down and it started throbbing. At least now it had gone down to a dull sting.
She held her hand over it as she got out of her car and walked into the bookstore. She went right up to the front counter to ask if they were hiring, only to be told she'd need to apply online and the woman wasn't even sure they were hiring. She thanked her and headed for the small cafe off to one side, looking for Avery.
Mr. Zion. She was never going to remember that, at least not in her head. She was certain she could remember it at school since everyone called him that. Which was why she hadn't recognized his name at first, even Miss Donna referred to him as Mr. Zion!
~*~*~*~*~*~
"You haven't spent much time in the surface world, I take it?" Drake asked after several minutes of silence, glancing sideways at her. He hated making small talk, but the silence was driving him a bit crazy. If the radio worked, he'd turn it on just to dispel the silence. As it didn't work, that wasn't an option. And he didn't have speakers for his MP3 player, just headphones, so that was out too.
Truth be told, it wasn't just the silence that was driving him crazy. It was the way she tapped her fingers on her thigh, drawing his glance several times, making his mind go to obscene places. And now she was staring at him, her lips pursed as if ready for a kiss. She was going to drive him mad, he was certain.
He was already ready to pull off onto the shoulder and have his way with her, and they hadn't even gone thirty miles yet! Surely she could see the effect she was having on him, his cock ridged beneath his jeans, creating a prominent - and painful - bulge.
((Oh, I'm sorry! I hope you feel better!))
Avery's subtly lit up again when he saw Raven, and he stood from his chair to greet her. "I assume you like coffee, but if you don't, you can order anything you like. It's still on me." He flashed her a smile.
He had waited for her to order himself, but he already had a book at the table he'd been at. He was a regular customer at the store; most everyone knew him. "Have you ever been in here before?" he asked. Well, that was dumb. I probably would have seen her. It's not like I spend my spare time anywhere else. God, he wished he would ask her anything. He had a lot to ask her, in fact. But he didn't want to seem too forward, in a teacher-ly sense.
He desperately wished he wasn't her teacher, or too old for her in fact. Maybe it would be okay to ask her how old she is.
^_^_^_^
"Only a couple times. Once, with legs. I'm not very old, so I haven't had many opportunities." Kahea turned slightly so her body was facing his a bit more. She had, in fact, noticed his erection, and she smirked. So he hadn't been lying earlier when he thought me attractive. How nice. With the way this was going, she wouldn't have to wait for them to find and kill the siren before she could have Drake.
"You don't seem very old for a human though... I would guess... maybe twenty four? Five?" Kahea nodded, not giving him the chance to answer. "Good. You still have the possibility of living a long while. Well, for you, at least."
Avery's subtly lit up again when he saw Raven, and he stood from his chair to greet her. "I assume you like coffee, but if you don't, you can order anything you like. It's still on me." He flashed her a smile.
He had waited for her to order himself, but he already had a book at the table he'd been at. He was a regular customer at the store; most everyone knew him. "Have you ever been in here before?" he asked. Well, that was dumb. I probably would have seen her. It's not like I spend my spare time anywhere else. God, he wished he would ask her anything. He had a lot to ask her, in fact. But he didn't want to seem too forward, in a teacher-ly sense.
He desperately wished he wasn't her teacher, or too old for her in fact. Maybe it would be okay to ask her how old she is.
^_^_^_^
"Only a couple times. Once, with legs. I'm not very old, so I haven't had many opportunities." Kahea turned slightly so her body was facing his a bit more. She had, in fact, noticed his erection, and she smirked. So he hadn't been lying earlier when he thought me attractive. How nice. With the way this was going, she wouldn't have to wait for them to find and kill the siren before she could have Drake.
"You don't seem very old for a human though... I would guess... maybe twenty four? Five?" Kahea nodded, not giving him the chance to answer. "Good. You still have the possibility of living a long while. Well, for you, at least."
((Thanks.))Raven couldn't help but return Avery's smile. She loved that he stood up as she approached like men always used to do for women. She wasn't sure if that would be considered chivalry or just good manners, but whatever it was, she liked it.
"I do like coffee, but I don't drink it very often. It's a bit hard on the kidneys. I have been here before, but only a couple of times last spring," she explained with a small shrug. What she didn't mention was that she'd purposely come during the school day so no one from the school would see how weak and pathetic she was right after the transplant. She'd only just gotten her curves back in the past three months; right after the surgery, she was little more than skin and bones because of how long she'd been sick and how little she could eat or drink without working kidneys, how little she wanted to eat or drink.
"Have you ordered yet? I'm not sure what I want. I haven't been in the cafe part of the store before." Her parents had forbidden her from drinking coffee right after the surgery, and had only relaxed that a couple of weeks ago. She'd had all of one cup of coffee since her surgery and it hadn't been very good, so she was really looking forward to having a good coffee drink.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Drake nodded. That was pretty much what he'd figured. He wasn't sure he liked the smirk he could see out of the corner of his eye. She looked far too self-satisfied for his piece of mind. She definitely knew he found her attractive, she'd noticed the bulge, not that he could do anything about it at the moment.
"Twenty-three actually. Bounty hunting's a hard job, it ages you." He paused, letting the rest of what she'd said ink in. "What the hell are you on about now? Why should you care how long I'll live. We're only teaming up to go after psycho siren, then I'll be out of your hair forever." Though he wouldn't mind fucking her at some point, just once, just to get her out of his system.
((I apologize for the general suckishness of my last couple posts.
Also, sorry for this one in advance.))
"I haven't, actually. I was waiting for you," Avery replied. "Ladies first," he said, gesturing to the counter. As they got in line, he shot for a different question. "You seem a little young to be worrying about your kidneys. Too much hard partying?" it was a tease, and he didn't mean anything by it, but he was curious.
He decided it had been the wrong thing to ask. Damn it, did he have no filter? "I- ah... Never mind, sorry," he said before she could answer. Maybe inviting her to coffee was a bad idea. It wasn't that he minded it, but if he couldn't keep from creeping her out, or annoying her, then what was the point?
"So, what did the front desk have to say about you getting a job? Are there any openings?" Safe topic. Yes, good choice, he practically gave himself a pat on the back. He didn't, of course, but thought it.
^_^_^_^
Kahea's smirk widened slightly, and she continued to stare at him, not caring if it made him feel uncomfortable. "I'm not sure if your future is your decision, Drake. You shouldn't, either. No, wait, let me guess. You have the rest of your little life mapped out."
She narrowed her eyes slightly, feigning a hard thought. "You think you're going to kill this siren that hurt your family in whatever way, then you'll get married. Have what you envision to be a meaningful life. Children, perhaps? A good job? Anyway, humans only think about themselves. That's why you don't get to choose what happens in your life." Kahea nodded, now satisfied.
Also, sorry for this one in advance.))
"I haven't, actually. I was waiting for you," Avery replied. "Ladies first," he said, gesturing to the counter. As they got in line, he shot for a different question. "You seem a little young to be worrying about your kidneys. Too much hard partying?" it was a tease, and he didn't mean anything by it, but he was curious.
He decided it had been the wrong thing to ask. Damn it, did he have no filter? "I- ah... Never mind, sorry," he said before she could answer. Maybe inviting her to coffee was a bad idea. It wasn't that he minded it, but if he couldn't keep from creeping her out, or annoying her, then what was the point?
"So, what did the front desk have to say about you getting a job? Are there any openings?" Safe topic. Yes, good choice, he practically gave himself a pat on the back. He didn't, of course, but thought it.
^_^_^_^
Kahea's smirk widened slightly, and she continued to stare at him, not caring if it made him feel uncomfortable. "I'm not sure if your future is your decision, Drake. You shouldn't, either. No, wait, let me guess. You have the rest of your little life mapped out."
She narrowed her eyes slightly, feigning a hard thought. "You think you're going to kill this siren that hurt your family in whatever way, then you'll get married. Have what you envision to be a meaningful life. Children, perhaps? A good job? Anyway, humans only think about themselves. That's why you don't get to choose what happens in your life." Kahea nodded, now satisfied.
((Oh, please, they haven't been sucky. Anyway, as long as it's more than one line, it's fine. One line replies - especially after I post paragraphs - annoy me.))Raven smiled at his continued politeness, letting her go first. Then he asked that and she blushed crimson, mortified. She recovered fairly quickly, before the lady in front of her even finished ordering. She turned around and looked up at him. "It's alright. My kidneys were why I was in the hospital last year."
Before she could answer his next question, the woman working the counter cleared her throat. She glanced over her shoulder and saw there was no longer anyone in line in front of her. So she turned back around to order. But first, she wanted to ask again about their hiring situation. Which she did, and received much the same response as she had before. But at least this woman told her to call a couple of days after she submitted her application. And if that she was in the store often, she'd have better luck. Raven grinned and thanked her, then went on to order.
"I'd like an iced mocha, please." She then stepped to the side to let Avery - Mr. Zion! - order his drink. They could talk more once they were seated. And she was pretty sure she would actually tell him everything, even if he didn't ask. She wanted to tell him, now more than ever. Sure, she'd only known him a day - not even, a little less than eight hours all told - but she had a good feeling they could have a future together. Not that she expected forever, but even a few months would be nice. Hell, she'd be grateful for a week!
~*~*~*~*~*~
Drake shook his head. He didn't have anything planned beyond finding and killing the siren who'd killed his father. He'd considered going to college, but wasn't sure he could go back to school, that he could stay in one place for a month, much less a semester or more. Then she went on further and he started laughing. By the time she was done, he had to pull off the side of the road. He was laughing so hard he had tears streaming down his face and couldn't see.
After a few minutes, his laughed calmed to a mere chuckle. What she said hadn't been all that funny, but he'd been in need of a good laugh, mostly for stress relief.
"No, I don't have any plans beyond finding and killing that siren. I have some vague ideas of things I might like to do someday, but no plans." He had stopped laughing by the end of his first sentence, and his voice was cold by the end of that little speech. But he wasn't done, not quite yet.
"But I believe I have more say over my life than you do. I could kick you out of my truck and leave you here by the side of the road. Don't make me do it." He wasn't entirely certain he would do it, but he wanted - no, needed - her to belief that he would.
((Blech, I hate when that happens. Or it's not a very good story, and it starts out detailed but then drifts off.))
Avery stepped forward to order, a slight blush creeping on his face. She had been sick? Why had I forgotten about that? Honestly, it felt like something he should have been informed of, as her teacher, without Raven having to mention it.
"I would like a caramel macchiato, please," he told the barista at the counter and paid for their drinks. He led her to the pick up line, tapping his foot for a moment before speaking. "I really am sorry, Raven. That was a stupid joke on my part. You're feeling better, now, though, right?" It was genuine concern on his face. Not the, Oh, sorry dear, I didn't know you were sick. Well, look on the bright side, I can make a pie for your parents when you die. Hell, Avery didn't even cook. He was really bad at things involving sugar.
^_^_^_^
Kahea frowned when he started laughing, and it deepened into a ugly scowl when he pulled over because of it. She quickly wiped it off when he started explaining it, arching her eyebrows. "Fine." She unbuckled the belt from the seat and opened the door of his truck, getting out and standing on the side of the road, barefoot. She leaned against the open door, though, placing a hand on her hip.
"You think you can find this siren without me? I don't care. I'll find it long before you do, and you won't even know I have. Leave me here, and neither of us will get to take care of our lustful urges. Not that I mind." She placed her free hand on the door, getting ready to swing it closed. "Have fun on your meaningless quest."
Avery stepped forward to order, a slight blush creeping on his face. She had been sick? Why had I forgotten about that? Honestly, it felt like something he should have been informed of, as her teacher, without Raven having to mention it.
"I would like a caramel macchiato, please," he told the barista at the counter and paid for their drinks. He led her to the pick up line, tapping his foot for a moment before speaking. "I really am sorry, Raven. That was a stupid joke on my part. You're feeling better, now, though, right?" It was genuine concern on his face. Not the, Oh, sorry dear, I didn't know you were sick. Well, look on the bright side, I can make a pie for your parents when you die. Hell, Avery didn't even cook. He was really bad at things involving sugar.
^_^_^_^
Kahea frowned when he started laughing, and it deepened into a ugly scowl when he pulled over because of it. She quickly wiped it off when he started explaining it, arching her eyebrows. "Fine." She unbuckled the belt from the seat and opened the door of his truck, getting out and standing on the side of the road, barefoot. She leaned against the open door, though, placing a hand on her hip.
"You think you can find this siren without me? I don't care. I'll find it long before you do, and you won't even know I have. Leave me here, and neither of us will get to take care of our lustful urges. Not that I mind." She placed her free hand on the door, getting ready to swing it closed. "Have fun on your meaningless quest."
((Raven just told him she was in the hospital when she first moved to town, back in post #51. While it's been a few days in the real world, it wouldn't have been but about half an hour, possibly less for them. ^_^ ))
((Ahh, yes. I forgot about that. I'll fix it. ^_^))
((Thanks.Just to let you know, it my be a few days before I can reply again. I've got to finish editing a story. I'm supposed to get it back to him later today! Oops.))
Just as soon as Avery's back was to her, she laid her hand over her scar once more, wincing slightly. Yeah, she'd definitely overdone it today. The next few days would be better as she was starting to learn her way around the school. Less getting lost equals less time on her feet equals less likely to overdo things.
"Oh, yes, I'm better now," she said, smiling up at him. She'd started to remove her hand from her hip, but decided to leave it. It was slightly below her hip, but not enough to be noticeable unless one was paying close attention. She could only hope he wasn't paying such close attention.
The real concern on his face made her heart soar. He did care about her, but was this merely the concern of a teacher for one of his students? Or could it be something more? She hoped it was the something more, and she had good reason to suspect it was. The way he'd acted when he first saw her, and the way his face brightened when she joined him in the cafe... She took those as positive signs. Yes, she would tell him everything, just as soon as they sat down.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Drake frowned as she got out. He hadn't been serious about leaving her here, not really. Of course, she'd over reacted.
"I'm sorry, alright. Gees, I was just stressed. That was why I laughed. And, well, maybe a bit annoyed by your talking about me as if I'm some lesser being just because I'm a human and not some... supernatural being. That's why I said all of that.
"Wait, lustful urges? Don't you have a mate for that? Wouldn't he be upset if you had sex with some other man? I sure as hell would if I had a mate as gorgeous as you. And, yes, I did just call you gorgeous, but you already know you are, so there's no point in pretending like I don't find you attractive." Not that she didn't know that already; he'd seen her eying his crotch. And if he understood correctly, she wanted him too, she'd as good as admitted it.
((I'm really sorry, but I won't be able to reply to this until tomorrow night... I would have last night but I got roped into a horror movie marathon :P))
((Thanks.))
"Well, I'm very glad to hear that," Avery replied to her earnestly. When they were called up for their coffee, he handed Raven the one she had ordered with a nod. Looking around for an empty table, he spotted one off to the side of the café lounge.
He walked up to it and pulled out a chair for Raven, smiling and sitting in the one across from hers once she had sat down. Geez... she is gorgeous, Avery thought before he could stop himself. He gave himself a mental forehead smack. Heads up, Avery. This isn't a date and it's not turning into one. So quit looking at her like that! he chided himself.
"So, um..." Avery had no idea to find a new conversation. He didn't want to keep prying about the whole sickness thing, or start talking about the class. "Yeah... I don't know where I was going with that."
^_^_^_^
"You do not want me to give you a list of why I would rather have sex with you, a human-" Kahea stopped for a moment, "Ah... sorry, someone who is not my mate, I mean, rather than my mate. Unless that was an actual question, instead of... What's it called? A rhetorical question?" The siren narrowed her eyes. "No, that's not it.
"Anyway, my mate is useful to me only for breeding. Even then, I feel no emotional connection to him. I'm not capable of that. If he did some how find out about this... affair speak, he would have no way of doing something about it other than punishing me. You wouldn't be affected." Kahea climbed back into the truck, closing the door behind her. She leaned forward, towards Drake.
"I've already told you I find you attractive, and I am aware that you find me beautiful, as you've already admitted." Her voice dropped to a whisper, and she smirked. "The question is, what are you going to do?"
"Well, I'm very glad to hear that," Avery replied to her earnestly. When they were called up for their coffee, he handed Raven the one she had ordered with a nod. Looking around for an empty table, he spotted one off to the side of the café lounge.
He walked up to it and pulled out a chair for Raven, smiling and sitting in the one across from hers once she had sat down. Geez... she is gorgeous, Avery thought before he could stop himself. He gave himself a mental forehead smack. Heads up, Avery. This isn't a date and it's not turning into one. So quit looking at her like that! he chided himself.
"So, um..." Avery had no idea to find a new conversation. He didn't want to keep prying about the whole sickness thing, or start talking about the class. "Yeah... I don't know where I was going with that."
^_^_^_^
"You do not want me to give you a list of why I would rather have sex with you, a human-" Kahea stopped for a moment, "Ah... sorry, someone who is not my mate, I mean, rather than my mate. Unless that was an actual question, instead of... What's it called? A rhetorical question?" The siren narrowed her eyes. "No, that's not it.
"Anyway, my mate is useful to me only for breeding. Even then, I feel no emotional connection to him. I'm not capable of that. If he did some how find out about this... affair speak, he would have no way of doing something about it other than punishing me. You wouldn't be affected." Kahea climbed back into the truck, closing the door behind her. She leaned forward, towards Drake.
"I've already told you I find you attractive, and I am aware that you find me beautiful, as you've already admitted." Her voice dropped to a whisper, and she smirked. "The question is, what are you going to do?"
Raven can't help but grin at his nervous attempt at conversation. "I wish I wasn't one of your students," she murmured, her voice the barest whisper of sound. She cleared her throat, took a sip of her drink, then repeated what she'd said at a more normal volume. "I really wish I wasn't one of your students." She blushed lightly."I asked Miss Donna not to tell anyone about my having been in the hospital last year, about how long I was there, about how old I am. But when I asked her that, I... I didn't expect this, this attraction between us." She bowed her head, her blush growing brighter.
"I'm 19. I was born with a rare genetic defect, a kidney problem. My kidneys never worked quite right." She paused to take a sip of her drink. "The first time my kidneys nearly failed, I was only 5. I was supposed to start kindergarten in less than a week, instead, I ended up in the hospital. By the time the doctors could figure out the right mix of medicines to regulate my kidneys, nearly half the year had gone by. I started school a year late.
"I had several other scares through the years, but nothing too bad. Until May of last year. Two days before the end of the school year, I collapsed. I had to be airlifted to the hospital here. I was there eight months, waiting for a kidney. In January, I finally got one. A week later, I went home. That was the third of February. I'd missed so much of what should have been my senior year that I wouldn't be able to make it up by the end of the year. Not to mention I couldn't have walked around the school then. I could barely make it across the room.
"I turned nineteen while I was in the hospital. I'll be twenty by the end of the semester." She gave him a sad smile before taking a sip of her drink.
"So you don't need to worry about being attracted to someone who's too young for you," she said with a wink. She took another sip of her drink, blushing crimson as a thought struck her.
"Oh God," she whispered. "I hope I didn't misread things. I... I'm sorry if I assumed too much, if I read too much into things. If you aren't attracted to me," her voice nearly back to normal volume by the time she finished speaking. She knew the signs of physical attraction, and he'd displayed all of them. But, gees, she hoped he didn't think her conceited for assuming he was attracted to her!
~*~*~*~*~*~
Drake remained silent through her entire tirade. Until she got back in the truck and asked him that. He leaned forwards and kissed her, right on the lips. He kept it brief, though, and smiled as he pulled away.
"I am going to drive to Oregon." He thought, but didn't say, and find a motel so I can fuck you senseless. Repeatedly.
"After that," he shrugged, "well, I guess we'll see, won't we?" he asked with a grin. He knew what he wanted to do, but that attitude of hers was annoying. It should be a turn-off as well, but it wasn't, not much of one anyway. Besides, she'd have a hard time being insulting with his tongue down her throat. Or better yet, his cock. The very thought made his erection throb. Yeah, he wanted her. He'd prefer to be between her thighs, but he'd settle for her mouth and throat. At least at first.
((I'm sorry for the whole jumping around thing and taking forever to reply, but I don't think I'll be able to until sometime tomorrow. >_< Sorry again.))
((It's fine. I can be patient. Take your time.))
Avery listened intently the entirety of her story, only taking drinks of his coffee when she did so he could watch her while she spoke. Hell, that's kind of creepy. Even if she is pretty, he thought when he realized what he was doing.
However, when she started blushing and made the comment about him being attracted to her, he nearly choked on his coffee, his face red as well. He held the back of his hand to his mouth, mortified.
"You're nineteen?" He dispelled asking about her noticing him, well, noticing her. He shook his head before she answered, tapping his fingers uncomfortably on the table. "That was a stupid question, you just told me you were. I just didn't know." He cracked a smile, tilting his head. "I guess I should read more about students I particularly like.
"Speaking of which... Was that obvious? Because I swear, I am so sorry. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable or anything." Ahh, great. Now I'm just babbling. I bet that's attractive, Avery thought before speaking again, "Did it make you uncomfortable?"
^_^_^_^
Kahea sat back into the seat, smirking before buckling again. "I suppose we will," she replied, arching one eyebrow.
As Drake drove, she thought about this situation. It was obvious they both had sexual desires for each other, but what occurred to her was that it hadn't been her idea in the first place, and it irked Kahea. Usually she was in charge, and she wanted to feel that way, but she was not in her natural habitat. At they drove farther away from the beach she had come from, she began feeling weaker. It wouldn't have been noticeable much, other than the excruciating silence.
As it grew darker, Kahea braided her long auburn hair over her shoulder, keeping her eyes on the sky. It was beautiful on the mainland. Stars began peeking out, and she had a faint smile on her face. She was determined to enjoy her visit above the water, even if it was to kill one of her kind.
However, when she started blushing and made the comment about him being attracted to her, he nearly choked on his coffee, his face red as well. He held the back of his hand to his mouth, mortified.
"You're nineteen?" He dispelled asking about her noticing him, well, noticing her. He shook his head before she answered, tapping his fingers uncomfortably on the table. "That was a stupid question, you just told me you were. I just didn't know." He cracked a smile, tilting his head. "I guess I should read more about students I particularly like.
"Speaking of which... Was that obvious? Because I swear, I am so sorry. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable or anything." Ahh, great. Now I'm just babbling. I bet that's attractive, Avery thought before speaking again, "Did it make you uncomfortable?"
^_^_^_^
Kahea sat back into the seat, smirking before buckling again. "I suppose we will," she replied, arching one eyebrow.
As Drake drove, she thought about this situation. It was obvious they both had sexual desires for each other, but what occurred to her was that it hadn't been her idea in the first place, and it irked Kahea. Usually she was in charge, and she wanted to feel that way, but she was not in her natural habitat. At they drove farther away from the beach she had come from, she began feeling weaker. It wouldn't have been noticeable much, other than the excruciating silence.
As it grew darker, Kahea braided her long auburn hair over her shoulder, keeping her eyes on the sky. It was beautiful on the mainland. Stars began peeking out, and she had a faint smile on her face. She was determined to enjoy her visit above the water, even if it was to kill one of her kind.
Raven smiled. "Maybe a little, but only at first. Besides, you weren't all that obvious. I just know what to look for; I've been attracting the attention of men since I was... fourteen or fifteen." She shrugged. "It's only been really bad for about three years now, ever since my curves filled out." Her cheeks had almost gone back to their normal color, but now went a couple of shades brighter again.I bet that's all he's interested in. That's normally the case with men in their twenties. She had no idea he was closer to thirty than to twenty. Not that I would mind him being my first. Quite the opposite in fact. I want him to be my first. I've never been so attracted to anyone before, nothing even close to the way I want him. The way I have since I first laid eyes on him. Her cheeks brightened even more at the direction her thoughts had taken.
"So, um, what do we do about this?" she asked, motioning between them once again. "I'm guessing nothing since I am one of your students." She sighed softly before taking another sip of her drink. She gave him a sad little smile as she sat her drink back down. Maybe Ginger was right, maybe she should look into transferring to another class.
~*~*~*~*~*~
The drive took longer than expected and it was nearly full dark when they reached the state border. He began looking for a motel, but not just any old motel. He wanted a nicer one, one where they could be sure the bedding had been washed and that the entire room had been cleaned.
It would be another half an hour before he saw signs for a national brand motel that he trusted to be clean. It helped that he'd stayed in this particular one before, a couple of years ago when he'd been helping the feds hunt down some sick fuck of a serial rapist turned murderer. He'd been unhappy about their insistence of capturing the man alive. Had it been up to him, he would have slit the idiot's throat. He shook himself out of that train of thought, his blood pressure was already starting to skyrocket.
He pulled into the motel parking lot, found a spot near the office and killed the engine. "You might want to stay out here. If the same guy's working who was last time I came through here, well, I might end up hurting him. He's a misogynistic bastard."
Originally frowning when she talked about men paying attention to her, Avery thought, Great, she must she think I'm some kind of perverted creep.
He nodded at her question, biting his lip for a moment. "I wish that weren't the case, trust me. The only way to make... anything work, really, would be for me to quit my job, or you to switch classes. I don't want to force either of those." He paused to take a sip of his coffee, thinking.
"You can call me Avery, for starters. Well, maybe not at the high school, but anywhere else would be fine. Unless, of course, you don't want to." He stopped talking, realizing that she hadn't said anything about attraction on her part. Just his. He cleared his throat. "I hope you don't mind me calling you Raven.
"The thing is, I'm still quite a bit older than you. I'm twenty-nine. Wouldn't you prefer to be in a relationship with someone more your age?" He hoped not.
^_^_^_^
Kahea Selena scowled, crossing her arms over her chest without thinking. "I am capable of taking care of myself. I thought that had been obvious to you." She rolled her eyes, sighing. "Okay, fine. Do whatever you need to do." Though I wouldn't mind watching you fight, she didn't bother to add.
As she watched him head into the office, she huffed in a laugh. Gods be damned, she thought, eyeing his movements carefully. He would make a good warrior. He looks strong, and not clumsy at all The absentminded tapping began on her thigh again. Though that stupid weapon of his would need to be changed.
I cannot wait to get my hands on him.
Kahea would have followed after him had she not had in mind the idea that she should stay as far out of sight of the humans as possible. She didn't want anyone suspecting anything, even though she looked fairly normal. Well, aside from the small armory she carried on her person.
He nodded at her question, biting his lip for a moment. "I wish that weren't the case, trust me. The only way to make... anything work, really, would be for me to quit my job, or you to switch classes. I don't want to force either of those." He paused to take a sip of his coffee, thinking.
"You can call me Avery, for starters. Well, maybe not at the high school, but anywhere else would be fine. Unless, of course, you don't want to." He stopped talking, realizing that she hadn't said anything about attraction on her part. Just his. He cleared his throat. "I hope you don't mind me calling you Raven.
"The thing is, I'm still quite a bit older than you. I'm twenty-nine. Wouldn't you prefer to be in a relationship with someone more your age?" He hoped not.
^_^_^_^
Kahea Selena scowled, crossing her arms over her chest without thinking. "I am capable of taking care of myself. I thought that had been obvious to you." She rolled her eyes, sighing. "Okay, fine. Do whatever you need to do." Though I wouldn't mind watching you fight, she didn't bother to add.
As she watched him head into the office, she huffed in a laugh. Gods be damned, she thought, eyeing his movements carefully. He would make a good warrior. He looks strong, and not clumsy at all The absentminded tapping began on her thigh again. Though that stupid weapon of his would need to be changed.
I cannot wait to get my hands on him.
Kahea would have followed after him had she not had in mind the idea that she should stay as far out of sight of the humans as possible. She didn't want anyone suspecting anything, even though she looked fairly normal. Well, aside from the small armory she carried on her person.
"I've had to keep reminding myself not to call you Avery all day. After all, that was how you introduced yourself to me this morning," she said with a little smile. "I rather like hearing you say my name." She blushed yet again.She grinned at his next question. "Oh, please. Don't make me laugh. Guys my age are... immature. Only after one thing. Besides, I feel older than nineteen, with everything I've been through." I think you're the perfect age for me. The perfect man for me.
"Is there another senior history class first period?" She didn't really want to change her schedule too much, so she hoped there was one. Otherwise, she might have to change everything around. "Last period would work too." That would mean giving up her art class, but she was sure she could find a different elective she would enjoy. Large as the school was, they had to have tons of electives.
He'd as good as said he wanted to be in a relationship with her, or at least implied it. She wanted to jump for joy. She wanted to kiss him. Actually, she wanted to do a lot more than that, but they were in public. And had only met this morning.
~*~*~*~*~*~
"Oh I know you can," he said with a grin. "But killing is generally frowned upon by the authorities." He left it at that as he closed his door and went inside. Yep, same little jackass as before. He was glad she'd stayed outside. If she didn't kill the idiot, he likely would.
Just a few minutes later, he was back outside. He'd managed to avoid the dumbass guy's rather pointed questions, so he wasn't in too bad a mood. He got back into the truck and drove around to the back of the building. He'd gotten them a room up on the top floor, right next to the stairs and elevator.
"We're up on the third floor. 302. First room on this end," he said, pointing up towards the room. He got out and hurried around to open the passenger door for her. He still had a raging erection, which was starting to make his jeans very uncomfortable. They'd been uncomfortable for a while, but it got worse the hornier he got. Now that they were at a motel, and he might just get to be between her thighs as soon as they were in the room, well, he felt ready to burst.
Avery leaned back in his chair, chuckling when she made the comment about guys her age being immature. When she asked about any other history classes, he thought about it, narrowing his eyes as he sipped his coffee.
"I think there is one during first, but I'm not positive." He leaned forward, tapping his fingers on the table for a moment before taking her hand. It was risky in a public place, but so far, he hadn't seen any other teachers in the bookstore around the same time as him. Or students, for that matter.
"When's your free period? I could help you get it switched to first, if there's a history class during that time." He smiled at her. "There's only one other history teacher, but she's pretty nice."
^_^_^_^
Kahea smirked at Drake, still aware of the source of his discomfort. She took her time dropping out of the truck, even though she frowned a little when he opened the door for her. "My hands are not broken," she muttered, almost inaudible.
Just to annoy him, she was slow with almost all of her movements. Adjusting her belt, fixing he braid over her shoulder. She placed her hands on her hips, staring up at him. "Humans first," she prodded gesturing towards the building with a slender hand.
Kahea knew he was only holding back because they were outdoors, in sight from others. But it made her want to chuckle, when he was in such a hurry. She'd do anything to make this agonizing for him.
"I think there is one during first, but I'm not positive." He leaned forward, tapping his fingers on the table for a moment before taking her hand. It was risky in a public place, but so far, he hadn't seen any other teachers in the bookstore around the same time as him. Or students, for that matter.
"When's your free period? I could help you get it switched to first, if there's a history class during that time." He smiled at her. "There's only one other history teacher, but she's pretty nice."
^_^_^_^
Kahea smirked at Drake, still aware of the source of his discomfort. She took her time dropping out of the truck, even though she frowned a little when he opened the door for her. "My hands are not broken," she muttered, almost inaudible.
Just to annoy him, she was slow with almost all of her movements. Adjusting her belt, fixing he braid over her shoulder. She placed her hands on her hips, staring up at him. "Humans first," she prodded gesturing towards the building with a slender hand.
Kahea knew he was only holding back because they were outdoors, in sight from others. But it made her want to chuckle, when he was in such a hurry. She'd do anything to make this agonizing for him.
Raven smiled when she felt his larger hand on hers. She glanced down at their hands before turning hers to better fit against his. She grinned up at him. She knew she probably looked a little silly - maybe even a little crazy - grinning like an idiot as she was, but she couldn't bring herself to care.He was the first man to ever hold her hand. Other than her father, of course, but that didn't count. His hand was large and warm and strong and fit perfectly around hers, at least to her mind. She wouldn't mind staying like this for a while.
"I don't actually have a free period. I signed up for an art class instead. That's what I have last period, which is why I mentioned it as a possibility. Art relaxes me, so I'd really prefer to keep it, but, well..." she let her voice trail off as she looked down at their hands, blushing again. "I'd rather be your girlfriend," she whispered after a couple seconds of silence, making herself blush just a shade brighter. Your lover. The mother of your children, she thought to herself. She couldn't very well say that out loud; they had only just met today!
She was surprised to hear there was only one other history teacher as there had been at least a dozen classrooms in the history wing. She nearly smacked her forehead when she realized he meant there was only one other teacher for senior history. "Nice enough to let me into her first period class if she has one?"
~*~*~*~*~*
Drake nearly groaned. She was being slow on purpose!
Once she was out of the truck, he locked it up and shut the door. He could come back for his stuff later... Or in the morning, depending on how things went. He took her hand in his after she gestured towards the building and led her to the elevator. Luckily, they didn't have to wait for it. Once they were inside and the doors closed, he turned them so that her back was to the wall, trapped their by his larger body. Then he kissed her, hard and passionate.
All too soon, the elevator dinged to signal their arrival on the third floor. He groaned, but didn't break their kiss. Instead, he picked her up and turned to leave the elevator. The elderly couple waiting for the elevator just grinned at them. He could hear them talking about when they first got married as they went into the elevator. He would have smiled had his mouth not been busy dominating that of the siren he held.
He only sat her down long enough to unlock the door to their room. He broke off the kiss and picked her up bridal style to carry her into the room, kicking the door closed behind them. "Bed, wall, or door?"
Avery shook his head. "I don't want you to give up something you like, especially over being my girlfriend, Raven."
He chuckled. "Though, I think I can talk to Mrs. Sorrel about you switching classes -she's nice enough for that. Especially if I offer to take one of her more rowdy students." Avery leaned forward on his elbows, nodding his head at this decision. "She taught the juniors last year, and she had that kid that was bothering you earlier. His name is Josiah. She'll understand you not wanting to be anywhere near him.
"I hope he didn't bother you anymore today. He's pretty much been like that since sixth grade." Avery rolled his eyes, hefting a sigh. "Did you have any other periods with him?" He was worried that if he had to deal at all with Josiah bugging Raven again, he'd bash the kid's face in. How professional was that? Not teacher-ly at all.
^_^_^_^
Hmph, married, Kahea thought, hearing the older couple's comment. Not even close. When Drake carried her into the room, at first she didn't answer his question, instead dropping herself out of his grasp and unclasping the belt around her hips, standing up higher to kiss him, even more intensely than a moment before. She relished the taste of his mouth on hers.
She only broke it off to say, "So I've seen. What about them?" with a smirk, tugging at his shirt for a moment before pulling it up and over his head. She began kissing him again, one hand on his chest and the other behind her head, fumbling for the hook that kept the halter of her dress in place.
He chuckled. "Though, I think I can talk to Mrs. Sorrel about you switching classes -she's nice enough for that. Especially if I offer to take one of her more rowdy students." Avery leaned forward on his elbows, nodding his head at this decision. "She taught the juniors last year, and she had that kid that was bothering you earlier. His name is Josiah. She'll understand you not wanting to be anywhere near him.
"I hope he didn't bother you anymore today. He's pretty much been like that since sixth grade." Avery rolled his eyes, hefting a sigh. "Did you have any other periods with him?" He was worried that if he had to deal at all with Josiah bugging Raven again, he'd bash the kid's face in. How professional was that? Not teacher-ly at all.
^_^_^_^
Hmph, married, Kahea thought, hearing the older couple's comment. Not even close. When Drake carried her into the room, at first she didn't answer his question, instead dropping herself out of his grasp and unclasping the belt around her hips, standing up higher to kiss him, even more intensely than a moment before. She relished the taste of his mouth on hers.
She only broke it off to say, "So I've seen. What about them?" with a smirk, tugging at his shirt for a moment before pulling it up and over his head. She began kissing him again, one hand on his chest and the other behind her head, fumbling for the hook that kept the halter of her dress in place.
Raven smiled, blushing lightly as he said he didn't want her to give up something she likes for him. He really is a good guy. I knew he would be. I'm so glad he likes me the way I like him. Well, maybe not quite as much as I like him. It is a bit early in the relationship for that... For me, too, but I just know he's the one."A couple. But Ginger put him in his place. They're neighbors or maybe cousins or something like that. She said she'd go talk to his mother and tell her everything. The look on his face... Wow, he was terrified. I almost felt sorry for him. Almost." She smiled at the memory. Ginger had been royally pissed when she'd told her what he'd said during first period, which she did after he sat behind her in their very next class. Ginger had simply turned and lit into him; from the sound of things, it wasn't the first time she'd done so either. And likely wouldn't be the last.
"Should I come in early tomorrow so I can go with you to talk to Mrs. Sorrel?" Or would she be able to figure out the real reason I want to switch if she saw us together? she wondered to herself. Miss Donna would be able to, she was certain of that, but she didn't know this other woman. Not everyone was that perceptive.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Drake growled at her question, frustrated by her obvious teasing. He helped her remove his shirt, then had to close his eyes when she laid a hand on his chest. Her hand - just her hand! - felt far too good. He eagerly returned her kisses, soon opening his eyes as he could hear her fumbling with her clothes. He reached up and found the hook of her dress, quickly undoing it so that the top of her dress fell to pool around her hips.
He eagerly pushed it down off her hips, then went to work on the fastenings of his own pants, more than eager to be naked and between her thighs. "Where do you want to be fucked?" he asked when he finally broke the kiss. "On the bed? Against the wall? Or against the door?" Not waiting for her to answer, he kissed her again, wrapping his hands around her waist and lifting her off her feet, pressing her nude body firmly against his almost nude one.
((PM? Or skip? Or is she going to tease him some more?))
Avery finished off the dregs of his coffee while listening to her story of what had happened. He laughed when she explained how Josiah's reaction to Ginger's tirade. "He deserves it. He probably won't stop until something legal concerning the matter comes up. Which it most likely won't." But keep Ginger on your side and he'll no longer look at you. Hopefully, Avery thought but didn't add.
"You can come by early if you like. That way I can show you which classroom you'll be in." Unfortunately, that particular teacher had tried to start a fling with Avery a little over a year ago, before the woman had been married. It hadn't ended very well, him not being interested and her taking it the wrong way. He hoped she wasn't upset anymore over it, though, being that she had gotten over it enough to marry someone else.
Avery shuddered at the thought, but shook it off. "I should probably warn you that she doesn't like me much. But I'm sure she won't take it out on you. I'll tell her that I think you'd benefit more under her teaching."
"You can come by early if you like. That way I can show you which classroom you'll be in." Unfortunately, that particular teacher had tried to start a fling with Avery a little over a year ago, before the woman had been married. It hadn't ended very well, him not being interested and her taking it the wrong way. He hoped she wasn't upset anymore over it, though, being that she had gotten over it enough to marry someone else.
Avery shuddered at the thought, but shook it off. "I should probably warn you that she doesn't like me much. But I'm sure she won't take it out on you. I'll tell her that I think you'd benefit more under her teaching."
Raven smiled at his laugh. Just the sound made her feel warm inside. She couldn't explain it, but it was true. By that same token, her face fell when he shuddered. When she heard his explanation, she frowned. "Then I probably shouldn't go with you to talk to her. She might be able to figure out that there's something between us. If she really doesn't like you, well, she might not be willing to let me switch to her class. So it would probably be better if you talk to her alone."I can still come in a little early so you can show me where her classroom is. Or if I did come in before you talked to her, I could wait in your classroom I guess. I would prefer to not get lost again." She stopped talking and picked up her drink. She took a sip, then made a face; almost half of the ice had melted so it tasted funny. "Next time I get one of these, I need to remember to drink it faster." She made that face again, then smiled.
She jumped a bit when her phone vibrated against her hip. She pulled it out of the pocket of her skirt and glanced at the screen. "I should answer this. It's Mama. She'll be worried. I forgot to call her earlier." She gave him an apologetic smile before answering her phone.
"I'm fine Mama." She paused while her mother spoke. "Just at the bookstore." Pause. "With a friend." Pause. "Oh... um, okay. Now?" She blushed as she laid the phone on her leg.
"Mama wants me to invite you for supper. Tonight. She, um, wants to meet my new friend." Her face nearly glowed with her blush, it was that bright.
"Yeah, I'm fine now. When I first moved here... Well, let's just say I spent some time in the hospital," she said, and even managed a small smile, despite the fact that memories of being in the hospital made her want to cry. She was being vague on purpose, but if he asked why, she'd probably tell him everything. She already wanted to tell him everything, just not out here where anyone could hear.
She didn't want everyone to know just how old she was. She suspected she'd be made fun of for still being in high school at her age. Never mind she was in mostly honors classes, so it should be obvious she wasn't here because of having failed repeatedly. Bullies aren't logical, just jerks. "Miss Donna is best friends with my mother, so she visited me a couple of times while I was in the hospital." More like a couple of times a week. Saying that would give away her having been in the hospital for several weeks.
She'd been there for almost eight months, waiting on a kidney. None of her family could donate one as they all either carried the mutated gene responsible for the disease that made her kidneys fail or simply hadn't been a compatible donor. Such was her luck.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Huh. She finds me attractive? Drake was, quite frankly, shocked by that revelation, more so by her admittance of same. He barely noticed she let her thought trail off. He figured he didn't want to know the rest of it anyway, so he didn't ask.
He snorted when she referred to his truck as a chariot. The Rust Bucket, as he fondly thought of his truck, was about as far from a chariot as it got. She'd find that out soon enough. "You have a mate?" he asked, sounding shocked. He was shocked. "So there are male sirens?" He shook his head in confusion. Who knew there was such a thing as a male siren?
"Oh, um, I'm Drake. Drake Richardson." Smooth. Real smooth. Introducing yourself like Bond, gees, how cliché can you get? he thought to himself.
In just a few minutes, they were at his truck. The large vehicle had once been black, but was now mostly the color of rust. It ran, and got him where he needed to go without breaking down, so it was good enough for him. At least for now. Someday he'd get a newer truck, one that got better mileage, but that day was still a good ways away. He unlocked the passenger's side door and opened it for her, glad he'd remembered to stow all his stuff behind the seat for once.