An Eagle Without Wings (Pinger)

[sora]

Riku knew he was caught. "I didn't say that," he said, trying to cover up for it. How ridiculous would that sound? A demi-god falling for a halfing. Yeah, very nice. His eyes met hers and he knew he was revealing things to her. His eyes shone with energy, green lights seeming to swirl in them revealing anger and...hesitation, confusion and a bit of longing. "What do you care anyway?" He snapped back, shifting the conversation to her.

[guoping]

Natayla blushed and bristled. "Well why do you care what I do with my body and blood?"

She was obviously trying to evade his question. The young halfling wasn't sure she was ready to admit her feelings to herself. Her blush darkened a few shades and she took a small step forward. "Maybe I care, a little, about... what you think of me."

[sora]

Riku thought about it for a moment. Should I do it? Yes...wait...no...aww fuck it! He pulled Natayla close by her arm and put his other arm around her waist, pulling her into a kiss. Every vein in his body felt like it was on fire but it was definitely a pleasant warmth. He finally broke away, realizing he needed air. He let go of her wrist, putting that hand on the back of her neck. "I care a lot," he said, his voice just above a whisper.

[guoping]

Natayla went rigid for a moment but then melted into the kiss. Her whole body was on fire. When Riku pulled away for air she looked into his aqua eyes. She was speechless. This was too much for her to process. She was in love with a demi-god she had met a few days ago and he loved her back? Maybe not love but cared for her.

"...C-come inside," she whispered back, dragging him into her shop and locking the door.

[sora]

Riku had no choice but to follow her as she dragged him inside. The shadows seemed to part for their way and he could have sworn something or someone was staring at him through them. He brushed it off though. "Natayla, I..." He really didn't know what to say but he was very pleased when she kissed him back. His mind was thinking a thousand things at the same time. Would this work? She clearly loved him back but...was it even allowed? Would Hades punish him for being with some half-ling. He didn't care earlier but maybe he thought it was just some crush that wouldn't last.

[guoping]

Natayla wrapped her arms around Riku's neck and kissed him deeply. She had a few doubts but at this moment she didn't care. With reluctance she pulled away, needing to breathe. Just as she was about to ask Riku something someone knocked on the door.

She looked back and forth between Riku and the door. Hesitantly she answered the door, just opening it a crack. "I am sorry we're closed for the night."

"But-"

"I'm sorry. We'll reschedule for another time." and she closed the door in the vampires face.

She walked back to Riku, the mood kind of ruined. Natayla kissed his neck and rested her forehead on his shoulder. "Well that ruined the mood."

[sora]

Riku sighed, his arm unconsciously going around her waist. "No kidding," he mumbled, shuffling slightly to get more comfortable. "Are you sure that you want this? I am the son of Hades. Things are going to be after me all the time. Do you really want to put yourself through that?" Can I put you through that? A part of him silently hoped that would end their relationship. He knew, as a demi-god, all manner of creatures would be after him, regardless of who's son he was. He still wanted her to be with him...but maybe now wasn't the best time.

[guoping]

Natayla looked down at her hands. She hadn't thought about the danger she could be put in just for staying close to Riku. She was used to people trying to kill her, but they were usually humans which were easy to handle or vampires which she could also deal with just fine. But who knew what kind of creature would be after Riku?

"I... I want to be with you," Natayla said in a quiet voice. "I really do, but... Maybe we just need to... be... careful about things..."