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"Question for a question," he repeated.

“I’m sorry for your loss.” There was moment of silence. Mir broke eye contact to stare out at the waves. “I was thinking of someone I’d lost. And how I wanted to paint them wearing pearls.” Laughter echoed across the waves and merfolk could be seen bobbing on the surface not too far from shore.

"Someone you lost."

“You mentioned someone oddly specific earlier. Who were you picturing?”

"Hmm. I'll answer that question if you answer one for me."

"No, that's not what's in my head. It wouldn't be a fair trade." He pulled off another piece of pretzel. "These are the best soft pretzels in town."

His smile disappeared. "You think I think this is a trade? That I think you owe me? I buy you a pretzel and you sleep with me?"

"You make it sound like I'm trying to murder you." He gestured back up to the boardwalk. "There are tables with umbrellas. You look clammy. And yes, rum straight."

"Rum. I always keep at least two bottle of my favorite at home. It's from a small brewery, I can never find it in stores. But it's the best I've ever had." He pulled a piece off his pretzel and ate it. "The sun isn't too much, is it? We can find someplace shady."

"I pick up strange women in other places," he responded with a relaxed smile. His eyes traveled to her unsteady hands. "Your favorite drink?"

Mir led them through the town until they came to the boardwalk that overlooked the beach. At this time on a school day it was quiet, but certainly not empty. He brought them to a bakery where he ordered pretzels for the two of them. "It's good to break habits now and then, don't you think? I...

"A beautiful name. I know I was the one who asked, so don't think I'm pointing finger here, but, what has you willing to drink so early?" His relaxed smile became more of a smirk. "Or am I just more your type than you thought?"

"That's a shame." He turned and started walking down the street. "I didn't get your name. Mine's Mir."

He gave her an incredulous look. "I can't tell if you're coming on to me or clueless that I was flirting with you." He shrugged. "I'll still by you that drink if you want it. Or I'll just get out of your hair."

He tucked the pearl back into his pocket. Apparently unfazed by her rude remark, he still had a relaxed smile. "That's too bad. I'd guess you prefer strange men with free liquor and cigars. I can be that if you'd like."

"Scared of it?" He held it out between his thumb and pointer finger, turning it so that the light would shimmer on its silky surface. "You said you hadn't seen many. Now you've seen one more."

The man reached into his pocket and produced a lumpy, asymmetrical pearl. Unlike the white pearls in the window, this one had a blue and silver tint to it.

His smile widened and he let out a small chuckle. “That is funny.” He looked back at the pearls. “I was just thinking that natural pearls look much more beautiful.” He looked back at Ciel again with a smile. “It’s a shame they’re so rare.”

“If what you’re thinking is so funny you ought to share it.” His voice was smooth and calm.

The giggle caught the man’s attention. He turned his gaze from the pearls to Ciel. His droopy brown eyes fixed on her’s and small smile played on his lips. A slight tilt of his head asked a silent question.