(1812) Rhodes and Seraphina

[Seraphina]

She smiles, “Then it’s settled.” She certainly wouldn’t complain. "But I warn you, I'm not known for my tea skills, so I cannot guarantee how good it'll be."

Her jaw tightens as she realizes he was right. Part of her wants to shut down, but this wasn’t the time or place. “There’s part of me that knows you’re right. And maybe someday I’ll be able to.” If she could let go of that part of her. That part that defined her for so long. Somethings took work, and time. A laugh then, lighthearted and musical, “Oh, you’d know.” And if she did, then things were going bad.

The Nix looks thoughtful for a moment, “Really? Interesting. Guess I never put a whole lot of thought into it. I wonder if the opposite could be said, some decided not to join due to not wanting to accept their own Fears.” She muses out loud, still looking thoughtful. But what he said next she wasn’t expecting, and her heart fluttered a bit. She feels herself tense slightly, at a loss for words her mouth opens slightly before closing. And she scolds herself, reminding herself not to read into anything. “As sweet as that is, I don’t want to burden you with anymore. I think I need to face them, and overcome them, truly free myself from them.” Otherwise it was kind of like cheating.

Nodding, “They didn’t have whatever he’s doing last year, so I’m new too.” A shrug. “Sure!” and it was a way to show support of the Season. “New is good!”

[Rhodes]

"Sera, you run a shop that sells tea, you can't be that bad. But you should know by now I'm there for the company, not the tea."

Rhodes runs his thumb over her fingers. "Caring doesn't mean giving everything, Sera. Keep your secrets. I still have mine. But that doesn't mean we can't, or shouldn't, enjoy ourselves." He smiles, a hungry look in his green eyes. "Maybe you should use that Siren song after all. Though you might want to save that for a more private meeting."

He pauses, breathing deeply. "When you help someone seek joy, do you consider it a burden, a duty, or a pleasure? Overcoming Fear is just a way of accepting it and living with it." He gives her a small smile. "I won't force it on you. But if you want help, or a pleasurable few hours distraction, I hope your won't forget me."

Rhodes slips the arm from back around her, and offers a hand to help her rise. "Shall we?"

I suppose we head off here?

[Seraphina]

Smiling coyly, “But it would be poor form to be a bad hostess.” A nod.

He was right, it doesn’t mean giving everything. But at some point, it came up. It always did. But from which side this time? That’s what unsettled her the most.

Laughing, “Oh, I couldn’t do that to you. Besides,” she adds, leaning slightly closer, “I don’t have to.” her eyes lingering on his before leaning back.

Blinking a few times as she thinks, “Well, to be honest, it depends on the situation. But usually, it’s a pleasure for me. Helping others brings me happiness.” But he made a good point. “I’d never say no to a distraction.” Her Fears were still hers and hers alone. She wasn’t sure about trusting him with them. Not yet.

Accepting the hand with a smile, “We shall!” she was eager to see what was going on.