Realistic or Modern Spellbound

[xrakkax]

Granya pulled up the collar of that old trench coat. Talking so much had her vanishing inside her jacket. But, thick wool muffled her answer to where Theo mentioned it would not do to cover her face. Knowing this would be an issue the whole time if she didn’t make a change, and interested in how people outside her world in her room knew about games, Granya sighed inwardly and decided to come forth. Using Theo as a cornerstone Granya sat in his lap and pulled her knees to her chest. The young woman wasn’t a tiny creature. But enfolded in the arms of her goliath of an uncle, she seemed to shrink into a little girl. Theo set his chin on her head and supported both of their weight with his hands firmly on the grass.

“I am not a rogue NightElf.” Granya repeated blandly. “I’m a Hunter. A human.” She shifted her eyes between Willow and Molly. There was no telling what was in her head. But she hadn’t slinked away so far.

“That’s great, honey.” Molly encouraged me. “Sounds like it fits too, your family has a lot of pets. Got a lot?”

Granya nodded.

“What’s your favorite?”

Granya shrugged a shoulder, “They are all good in their way.” She explained. “But I often have Jurai, my wolf, with me.”

They waited a moment. Molly watched expectantly, thinking she’d go on. Most people do elaborate. But the pause lasted, so Molly asked, “What level are you?”

“Ninety-five.” Granya murmured. After the congratulations for getting so high because of her dedication, there was once again silence. Theo wiggled his chin to get her speaking. Those plump lips widened in a pout that hid her amusement. Sighing, she said, “I spend most time traveling with RawR. When RedBlade42 comes on she makes us go to the Quel’Thalas, where the Bloodelves live. She likes it there.” Granya kept her eyes to her fingers where she fiddled with a loose button on her cuff. “HunterX and YAASBIRCH come, we do raids.”

“Wasn’t there another?” Molly asked.

Granya nodded, “Randomando doesn’t like WoW.” She told them. “She likes ES5.”

 

[Soliloquy]

It was like picking teeth trying to get little scraps of information from Granya. Obviously, even a half sentence here or there was more than the silence they were given previously or sulking behind people and trying to vanish. Willow'd take the little foot in the door and slowly over time use it to nudge the door further and further open.

"Silly me, I was way off," she said when Granya proved her guess wrong. Granted, maybe it was just the girls timid behavior and slinking behind others that led Willow to her guess. That and the fact that there wasn't a lot she remembered from the game, although Molly was quick to help her fill in the gaps, back to prying for information.

The second game had taken her a moment longer to decipher the acronym, but she grinned when she got it. "I haven't played Skyrim myself, but I've heard good things. Did you know they're supposedly coming out with a multiplayer mode? Might not be for a couple of years, but they were talking about it at E3." She paused, wanting to really make a connection but also afraid she was going to scare the girl off. "Do you make your uncle play with you?"

 

[xrakkax]

A brief smile conveyed no hard feelings about Willow’s guess. The talk of the ESO project took more of her attention. “It is out. It came out in 2014, in April.” She told her, the faintest smugness in her green eyes for knowing they were not as well versed in the gaming world as they may have tried to impress on her. “We play there too, but we like to play our own server.”

Granya explained that, through some tricky tech and programming, they managed to rig up their own multiplayer of Tamriel. Most of it was done by RawR and HunterX. She did help from time to time when they hit a wall. “The six of us do all kinds of quests together, and we made a system to build up communities. We earn our titles of nobility and the right to rule the lands we fight for, it’s really fun.” Granya seemed to be drawn out by talk of Elder Scrolls.

Theo sighed when Willow asked if he was made to play, “Yes, all time.”

“Not all the time.” Granya chuckled, her green eyes flicking up. “You work, work, work, all the time. Sometimes I get you to play with me.” She corrected him.

“No, no, is all the time.” Theo argued, closing his eyes and scrunching his nose.

“Uh uh, no, is not!” Granya insisted. “No lying, Дядя.”

Chuckling, Theo gave in, “Fine, not all time. But too much.”

“Not enough.” Granya shook her head. She looked to Molly and Willow. “He doesn’t do it enough.” They began to overlap their arguments with Granya continuing to say so, and Theo standing by that it was too much time to ask of him. “And you promised, remember? Once every weekend you would play. But we go to the family Olympics and then Sunday you left to shop, shop, shop.”

“I have to buy thing from shops.” Theo complained, shrugging, but gave in, knowing he did indeed promise. “Ok, after Moon-Fishing, I take off work Saturday. We play all day.”

Granya perked, “Just you and me?”

“Da, just you and me.” Theo chuckled.

Micha, who had been enjoying the show, said, “Eh, why not invite me?”

“Because you don’t play, you flirt, flirt, flirt!” Granya pouted. “And I died and I lost my items. It's your fault.”

“Ha ha ha, it was one time!” Micha argued.

“Twice, Дядя Micha, it was twice. But one is enough.” She stuck her tongue out at him.

Molly glanced at Willow. Maybe this was another inch through that door. “Why not give us a chance?” They may have to make accounts if they don’t have them already. “I haven’t played ESO but I would be willing to try.”

The pressure. It was felt all around. Had this been planned? But then again, was it really bad that she could have new playmates? And it would give her a chance to see how they were on her turf. Granya smiled lightly, “Alright. . .”

Theo felt this was a win. He wiggled his brows in triumph while she still couldn’t see his face. “Wonderful. Maybe Monday, October nine?”

Granya shrugged, “Yeah okay.”

 

[Soliloquy]

A different sort of blush came when Granya asserted her superior gaming knowledge. Still, she wasn't truly that embarrassed by a child, only wanting to be able to converse with her. "Has it now? I must just be out of my mind," she remarked, leaning back to stretch her torso as best as she could. In her defense, once Billy and her had cut ties she hadn't gamed nearly as much, and definitely not since she had graduated. Granya could have the upper hand here, she didn't object.

"Imagine that, Micha was flirting?" she said with clear sarcasm. It felt like it was the natural state she knew him in at this rate, granted she'd also been around Molly each time she'd seen Micha. "Does that mean Molly's going to have to keep you on a short leash so you aren't chasing after anyone and getting poor Granya killed?"

The prospect of their gaming play date was only slightly intimidating. Willow hoped she could scrounge up any skill she had gathered years ago to try and not make a fool of herself. "Just make sure you go easy on us old asses." An idea struck her, at least as a fail safe plan. "And just in case we are terrible and get you killed, I could bring over some crafts to do? If you want to, of course."

 

[xrakkax]

“It was long time ago I played. I don’t do that now.” Micha agured. “I am a good guy.”

“Oh stars, if I got a dollar for how many times I heard that.” Molly scoffed, taking a swig of kvas. Thankful for the vodka Jovan added. “Short leash, huh? More like stowing you in a cage.”

That was it, wasn’t it? The doubt that lingered in her. Perhaps the easy way he flirted. The witty comebacks. Maybe she had to believe Micha wouldn’t chase another, prettiery skirt if it came swishing along by. Like a couple of other guys had before.

Micha stood up to the plate, clearly confident, “Just see, Myska.” If he was given the chance, he wouldn’t disappoint her.

Molly was skeptical, but only shrugged. They had already established that she didn’t outright reject him and he was hopeful for the future. Molly would wait though. She’d wait for her brow to come in and mark the beginning of his tests.

Granya heard ‘crafts’ and her viridian eyes snapped up to stare directly into Willows. Intense, eager eyes. But her tone was forced to be casual, “Oh yeah? What crafts?”

There was little Molly had to do with crafting, so she let the girls hash that out and engaged with Micha instead. Both of them ping-ponging again. Each trying to pin the other verbally with a gobsmacker to get the other to submit.

 

[Soliloquy]

While the lovers quarrel between the to-be lovers was taking place, it felt like Willow had struck gold getting Granya's attention. Theo hadn't been exaggerating at all when he spoke of his niece loving crafts, and that meant there was a good chance of a back-up bond, should her thumbs not live up to gaming expectations. Silently, she was thankful for all those high school and college productions where budgeting meant the cast was also responsible for stage and prop productions.

"Just about anything, really. I think it's just fun to take a pile of odds and ends and turn it into something useful, something beautiful. I've done scrapbooking, pottery, jewelry, woodworking - alittle bit of everything." Going back to her first-ever meeting with Theo, a proud grin slipped across Willow's face as she gave a small boast. "I was actually the one who told Theo which kit to get you, months ago. I'm glad you liked the soap set; your uncle said you were great at it. What other crafts do you enjoy, Granya?"

An open-ended question and on a topic the girl seemed to love. If that didn't get at least a good five minute minute conversation going between them,Willow wasn't sure what she'd do to keep her attention. It seemed like boxes of this and that from days that had more leisure time would have to come out of storage, if for nothing else than to be donated to the teenage girl living at home who needed to be kept busy.

 

[xrakkax]

Theo snorted to keep in a laugh, just seeing a glimpse of Granya’s alert expression from the downward view he had. The girl went from wrapping her arms around her knees against her chest, to outstretching them and shifting slightly to better face Willow. Even the upturned collar was batted away. Better to talk. The resulting floof of her hair got in Theo’s face. He sputtered and she paid no mind.

“Da, I loved the soap kit. I sold many of them on Etsy.” Granya told her with pride. The opportunity to regale someone with her hobby took flight like a bat out of hell. “All kinds. Wallets, carving candles, marbling paper--” She began. Theo contentedly listened, watching his niece opening up. “--I make reusable zarfs for coffee cups, reusable tea bags, I once made a cooler to look like a treasure chest--” Granya appeared quite happy about that last one. “--but I enjoy making cards best, I think. The people order special messages and designs for loved ones. I like reading their kindness. Sometimes I get requests for mean cards, but I don’t like those.” Granya scrunched her nose at the memory of these particular times. She dropped her eyes to the grass and picked at the green strands. “There is enough of that, I think.”

 

[Soliloquy]

Willow listened with visible interest as Granya blossomed like a beautiful daisy right before her eyes. She was excited and so full of life, things that were admirable from youth. Too often she felt herself bogged own with the weight of exhaustion that life brought that it was easy to take everything wonderful for granted. Maybe she'd be able to re-experience that happiness with this family she seemed to have found her way into by sheer accident.

"I can't say I've ever made a wallet, but I'd love to try. You'll have to show me things you've made, if there's any you haven't sold already. I hear Etsy can be a real gold mine," she continued on, leaning forward so they could converse better, hands on her knees. "I agree, there's plenty of meanness in the world without anyone adding to it. Some people can be cruel, but I believe that most are good. They just need to be reminded of it from time to time."

Finally, unable to sit any longer, she eased herself up onto bare feet, using her head to nod toward the water. "Should we give Theo's lap a break? We can walk in the water and you can tell me more about what you've made. A cooler as a treasure chest takes a very creative mind so I know you have a lot you could teach me, Granya."

 

[xrakkax]

Finding someone as eager to craft as she was excited Granya. She told Willow she’d love to show her her inventory, how to make a wallet, and more. Willow's opinion on there being enough meanness satisfied Granya, but she did not give her opinion on most people being good or not. Granya gave no indication how she felt, it had happened too fast, and besides the offer to stroll with Willow came up to sweep the moment away.

“Oh.” Granya looked at the shoreline. Indecision played on her features.

“Call Finn.” Theo suggested gently.

The movement of Willow caught Molly’s attention and brought her out from finishing a thought.. Micha had to be hushed so she could pay attention as she pieced together what was happening. The question if this next step in trust and bonding would be taken was too interesting to gloss over. Molly figured she’d only have to fret over her relationship with Granya if Micha worked out. For Willow, the subject was an immediate concern. Out of all the family, Theo held the most care and responsibility for Granya. This dynamic may well set the mood between them. Tension between family members in the infancy of their relationship could spell doom.

“A-alright.” Granya upturned a hesitant smile. She got up with Theo’s help and swiped away a stray grass or two from her hair and clothes. Then she whistled, high and sharp. With a last look at Theo, who smiled and shooed her, Granya followed Willow toward the water. Upon reaching it, Granya stepped just until the cool sea reached her ankles.

The position of leaving her comfort zone dimmed the security Granya had felt. She hiked her collar and put her hands in her pockets.

Willow had said to talk about what she had made. Granya thought it would do well to help her nerves calm. Inhaling, she said, “So. . .I uh. . .I make lamps sometimes.” She slowly began to describe her method of crafting cloud-lamps.

A flash of shadow above them signaled Finn’s arrival. The bird came swooping to Granya’s shoulder where he perched. Granya visibly relaxed. She smiled at her albino raven and slipped a brown nugget from her pocket to give to him as a treat.

"I wish I could show you." Granya said, peeking at Willow through her hair, head slightly turned enough to see.

 

[Soliloquy]

Granya's delayed acceptance brought a wide smile to Willow as they gradually made it to standing and then heading toward the ocean. It felt like a huge leap to her, even if it was only a few steps to go. She felt like she'd wiggled her way into that half open door, and now just had to be mindful that it wasn't going to wind up slamming behind her.

"A cloud lamp?" The idea was wonderful and as Granya explained the process, she imagined it would look just as beautiful. The sudden approach of Finn only semi-startled Willow, taking a half step to the side so the birds feathers wouldn't bump her if they were ruffling about.

The tide felt wonderful brushing against their ankles while the wet sand collapsed with each footstep. It truly was a gorgeous day and she was grateful that they had invited her and Molly."I'd love to see them. The lamps and everything else," she said with the utmost sincerity. "You can show me when I come on the 9th, or another time if you'd prefer. I could bring some of my old stuff, although I'm sure none of it could compare to a cloud lamp."

 

[xrakkax]

“Yeah, I guess. The ninth will be fine.” Granya silently inhaled and exhaled. Finn helped her anxiety, but it wasn’t quite enough. So she imagined Willow was just another player on the other side of the world. This seemed to help.

Not only did she stay indoors most of the time, but Granya rarely met other people face to face. Get her behind a screen, though, and she could bounce in and out and around the world. Here, in the open, Granya felt the vulnerability. Hunters could be anywhere. Could be anyone. As much as Granya didn’t like Kellsy, she felt safer the further she walked into the sea. This thought drew her into the water without realizing it. By now her calves sloshed against the tide.

“Maybe we can craft that day too. And maybe you can show me some of your crafts. . .” Granya hesitated to say more. Somehow she could not think of what else she could say about crafting. Worrying she may have created an awkward situation, Granya said, “Finn, don’t be rude. Say hello.”

Finn titled his head slightly at Willow, “Hello.” He said. The vocals of the white bird rang pleasantly. Not too high, not to low. But the slightly muffled sound indicated the work his throat had to do to form the word.

 

[Soliloquy]

Out the corner of her eye, she could see Granya slowly moving further into the ocean. Clearly she was no child, but there was a fear that she would lose her footing or the waves would get too strong. The same fear of rising tides she thought she had quelled years ago. Willow wouldn't assert herself in the position of telling Granya where she could and couldn't walk, but she was overtly aware of where she was walking. Just in case.

"Of course. I haven't had someone to do crafts with in a long time," she agreed, clasping her hands behind her back as they walked. "You tend to lose time for the things you enjoy as you get older and the list of things you have to do keep growing." A sad realization as thirty was looming closer and closer.

But she was fortunate, so she couldn't really complain. Besides, there was an introduction to take place. She looked up at the white bird, expecting a caww or chirp, visibly surprised when instead at his vocal ability. "Oh. Um, hello Finn," she said, sheepishly grinning at the girls shoulder. "Did you teach him to speak?"

 

[xrakkax]

“No--” The words escaped her before she could think about them. She felt her heart quicken. Recovering, Granya said, “--not just me.” That would have to do. It didn’t place the burden on anyone in particular. “Finn can sing too. But he doesn’t like Russian songs. We think he had lived with an Irish family before us. We found him, dirty and alone, in a house half crumbling in Ireland on the way over here.” She quirked a smile and looked up at Finn. “You want to sing, Finn?”

The albino raven flicked his beak.

“Hm, not today then.” Granya held no grudge. She offered him another treat and stroked his feathered head. “How about a joke?” She said. “A joke, Finn.” Granya spoke a little louder.

“Knock, knock.” Finn caw’d.

“Who is there?”

Finn paused, “Nana.”

“Nana who?”

“Nana your business.” Finn followed that with a staccato ‘hah’.

Granya chuckled, thinking that was a clever joke. Willow wouldn’t know it hadn’t been taught to him, so she had to play it off like that was one of a couple tricks, “Finn is a smart bird. He can do a lot of different things.” She perked, “Do you have pets?”

 

[Soliloquy]

"Aww, you poor bird. No gentleman should have to go through that, Finn." Her somber tone was quick to vanish though, the infectious smile from Granya helping her recover. She didn't think she'd ever heard of a raven singing before. Then again, for some reason the most she felt she knew about ravens involved madness and knocking. Not exactly Discovery channel content.

Her eyes bounced between Finn and Granya as the two followed the familiar pattern of a knock-knock joke. By the end, Willow admit she let out the spoff, despite how bad the joke might have been. It was still impressive, considering it had to take hours to have taught him to repeat it so fawlessly. "Clever bird indeed," she agreed, pausing to bend over and pluck a seashell from the sand just shy of the water's edge. It was a calico scallop, one of her favorite types, and purple to boot. She brushed the sand off with her thumb, shaking her head to Granya's question.

"No, I don't have any pets. Not unless we count the cockroach that was apparently in my apartment until Bandit ate it." A momentary look of disgust was on her face before she shook it away. "My parents didn't like pets and then, I guess I just never had one since I grew up and moved away. And now here I am, working with practically an entire zoo!" It was a nice change, although now she felt that a pet would be left home alone for such long days, which wouldn't be fair at all.

 

[xrakkax]

“Serendipitous.” Granya said wistfully. The Russian teen tended to listen more than she talked. Or perhaps she found what a person said often needed no elaboration. Though all she had to say was a single word, Granya believed it conveyed her thoughts well enough; while all of Willow’s young life she had lacked the company of animals, happily, providence gifted her with many all at once. “Maybe one day you’ll bond with your own.”

Granya leaned in to look at the purple shell. Finn adjusted accordingly. “You could wire that to a bobby pin. To make a hair accessory.” She murmured. Granya surveyed the sand as well and then dipped down to pull out a small junonia. “Pairs like these make for pretty earrings.”

“Bark, bark!” Familiar woofs drew Granya’s eyes up. There was Bear. Tongue wagging in the wind, a little spittle flying off to the side. Wherever he had gone he certainly had fun. “Oof, Bear!” Granya complained when the large doggo’s trotting sprayed them with water.

“Bark!” Bear snuffled around their ankles and then burst out again toward Micha.

Granya held no malice, but she did glare at Bear. That glare melted into a jovial laugh, seeing Bear tumble into Micha. Her uncle was all limbs and shouts of dismay. Granya reached out and gave Willow’s arm a gentle tug, “Do you see? Oh that’s funny! Look at that!” It occurred then that Granya had touched someone other than family for the first time. And without a tremble in her hand. Still, worried this may come off as an intrusion of privacy, Granya stowed her hand back. “Oh sorry.” She shuffled her feet in the slushy ground.

 

[Soliloquy]

For someone considerably younger than her, she had quite the impressive vocabulary. Not to mention also a very positive outlook on life. She couldn't see herself with a giant dog like Bear or a snake coiled around her neck. It felt more like that was their life and not her own.

Willow ran her thumb along the top ridges of the shell before holding it up to the sun. She could see it as a hair clip or maybe even as a fun summer necklace. "I will take the artists opinion on just what these can do," she grinned, tucking the scallop in the pocket of her dress. Whether or not she'd ever get to making into jewelry or if it'd just sit on a shelf in her apartment was to be seen.

The sight down the shoreline had her chuckling, feeling that Bear and Micha looked like a scene from a cartoon. All they needed was a cloud of dust! The tug on her arm barely even registered as anything other than just a tug. It wasn't until she apologized that Willow fully looked down at her. Another laugh as she lightly nudged Granya's shoulder with her own. "Don't be sorry, silly. It's fine. I promise," she said, nodding toward the chaos by the blankets. "Want to head back to your aunts and uncles?"

 

[xrakkax]

Relieved, Granya tucked one side of her frizzy hair behind her ear. “Yeah.” She answered, smiling briefly. Her feet were getting cold anyway. On the way over she dragged the chair from the water to the blankets.

Quietly, Granya kept pace with Willow. Content to just be. Finn stayed with them until they got a few yards from the blankets. A flurry of white feathers marked his departure. Granya would need to help. Time had come to gather up the gear and get going. Finn handled the occasional jerk or bend, but this would try his patience.

Grandpa Lyov had woken from his nap. Theo helped Grandpa Lyov up and fixed his jacket for him. Then he helped steady Grandpa Lyov while they walked off of the blankets. Upon seeing Willow, Theo’s mouth couldn’t help but quirk into a smile.

Natalia and Jovan led the packing, pointing out what Amalia could do. Molly was no help though. Bear had occupied Molly by switching his attention to her. It wasn’t as bad as when Bear initially arrived. He was less wet, but still smelling like a soggy doggo. So by the time Molly recovered and stood up she had grass bits all over, the musky scent of ocean dog, and Micha couldn’t stop laughing where he rolled on the floor. Making him just as useless.

They were all trying not to make it worse on Molly by laughing as well, but it came through like a water crumbling away a dam. A good sport most of the time, Molly snorted in admitted amusement for the situation. “Yeah, alright, alright.” She waved them off.

Micha finally got up, wiping away his eyes, grinning like mad. He picked up one of the wicker baskets. Jovan took the other. Granya helped Grandpa Lyov to the chair she brought back so she could help fold blankets. Theo and Granya went about that while Micha did the other with Amalia. Molly gave him a whack with her hand on his shoulder, not unkindly, when she passed him by to the blanket she and Willow brought.

Once it was all collected they began to say their goodbyes and their hopes for future park days with the girls.

Theo picked up the cooler the girls brought. “Granya, take Grandpa?” He asked. The young woman silently agreed. To the others, Theo said, "I'll catch up."

 

[Soliloquy]

It was a comical sight as they approached the rest of their group that was starting to pack away for the day. Seeing Micha and Molly interact only proved Willow's modestly voiced belief that they were a cute couple, despite her dear friends attempts to keep it from happening. After all the duds she'd gone through lately, she needed someone who could make her laugh and give her a day like that. Not to mention his cooking was definitely an upgrade from any other guy she'd been with!

"You are going to smell like a salty wet dog the whole way home," she called to Molly, peeling away from Granya with promises of their gaming/crafting date in two weeks. Everyone felt so jovial and warm, she actually felt hesitant to leave. She didn't want to lose that sense of security their presence gave her.

Oh, what a coincidence that she and Theo would be left behind as everyone was beginning to head to their cars. Again. Molly had the folded up blanket and cushion already handled, so there wasn't more she could say she was needed for. Comfortably, she fell in step with him, shoes in hand while she waited for the worst of the sand to be wiped away padding through the grass.

"I really liked this," she commented as they were left as the two stragglers of the group. "Seeing you outside of the pub, spending time with everyone, the ocean. Thank you for inviting me- inviting both of us."

 

[xrakkax]

“Stars, I’ll need a shower and a bath.” Molly chuckled. She held the blanket they brought under one arm and the pillow on the other. While the other two talked she went to busy herself with unlocking the car and stashing their gear.

Theo held the cooler in front of him, cradled by his arms. Though the car was not far away, he took his time. “So glad you come.” He smiled, “Happy to see Granya get along. She has not been far from family. First time in a while to walk with new person.” He was excited to hope that one day she wouldn’t be new. That she would be someone else Granya trailed after too. That Willow would be comfortable just showing up to their house, or spending Sunday with them without having to ask. “Come any time. We love have you two here.” Theo insisted.

 

[Soliloquy]

His smile was utterly infectious and she didn't understand why so. Surely at this rate her mouth was going to simply split in half if she kept this up. She could feel hers slowly growing from the moment she spotted him but those pearly white teeth had her feeling like she needed to take a dip and cool off. Maybe after a few more weeks that spark of excitement would start to calm down, but for now it left her feeling like an eleven year old girl at her first dance.

"Granya is sweet and so smart. Finn, too!" No matter how slowly they walked, it wasn't going to take that much longer for them to get to the point where they'd have to say goodbye. Drawing things out a little bit longer, she stopped, turning to face him with a crane of her neck, not missing out on just how wonderful his tanned skin looked with the ocean behind him. "I will definitely come soon," a simple agreement suddenly felt like it needed clarification, especially since she'd been around Molly and her suggestive comments so much lately. "Come to the beach soon. Or not. We can go anywhere you want and uh.. I'm gonna go now, but I'll see you at the pub tomorrow." Each fumbled sentence had her cheeks darkening further, now a victim of her own thoughts and proximity that was close enough she could smell the salt-infused musk he put off. Utterly distracted, she turned to walk off, completely forgetting the cooler he still held.

 

[xrakkax]

Theo kept his amusement light, to not bring embarrassment to her. Apart of him had wanted Molly to hear, just to see how that would have gone, but he left it alone. And anyway, Willow did it to herself. “Da, see you tomorrow, Willow.”

Molly popped her head out of the window. “Wanna give us the cooler?” She chuckled.

“Oh right.” Theo smiled. He put it in her trunk. Then he took a few steps back and watched them drive away. Theo sighed, stuck his hands in his pockets, and turned to make his own way to the van.

All of his family were already buckled in, including Granya who snugged against her Grandpa. Theo took his place beside her. Amalia got shotgun this time. Jovan drove them out of the parking lot. They waved when they passed by the Accord.

Granya peered over at Theo when he sat down. “She is nice.”

“Da?” Theo grinned, buckling. “What you talk about?”

“Crafts. She said she’d make some with me when she comes for games.” Granya told him, her fingers fiddling with that loose button of hers. The chipped gold edge felt smooth for how many times she ran her finger over it. “She found a purple shell. It was pretty.”

“That’s good.” Theo pat Granya’s cheek with the back of his hand. “How do you feel? You walked a long way, eh?”

“Fine.” She smiled briefly. “I was a little worried. But it was ok.” Finn swooped through the open window and came to perch on Granya’s shoulder. “How do you like her Finn?”

The white raven tilted his head, “I like her.” He said, in a more controlled, less animalistic voice. These kinds of familiars had the unique advantage of speech. Parrots were another. But ravens seemed to have a slightly increased intelligence. “Willow is kind.” There was no argument there, but Finn was not done. “Let us hope she is not harmless.”

“Why?” Granya asked, curious.

“Harmless person not mean good person.” Jovan called back to her.

That certainly confused her, so Natalia decided to chime in, “A bunny is not good by virtue of not being a threat to a wolf. Neither is a wolf not good by virtue of being a threat.” She explained. “Great power, in voluntary control for the wellbeing of others, is good. We hope Willow is capable of great power, but wise to know when to exercise force, and when to exercise restraint. ”

“How can the harmless bunny be good too?” She asked.

“Being food.” Amalia said, turning to flash a playful grin.

“Da, food.” Natalia agreed.

Granya frowned, “What about as a familiar?”

Natalia said. “A familiar is never harmless, Shchenok.”

True, Granya had to admit that much. They moved past the topic onto others. Theo animatedly spoke of his impending career at the children's hospital, Micha admitted to sending in for new menus, Amalia merely tended to her boa, Natalia said she may invite Kobayashi to the Pub some day, Lyov fell asleep again, and old Jovan told Granya an old story of their ancestral home.

=

Meanwhile, Molly Malone couldn’t stop herself from teasing Willow. She sat, smelly and grassy, with a grin on her face. “A sunset would have made the moment all the better, don’t you think?” She poked Willow’s thigh. “Where do you think he’ll take you on your date?”

 

[Soliloquy]

Her absentmindedness was quickly attended to after Molly had pointed it out, watching sheepishly as he put the cooler in the trunk. "Whoops," she breathed, openly willing to admit she had been distracted. "Tomorrow," she agreed before sinking into the chair, partially from embarrassment and also the faintest hint of exhaustion settling in. She waved to the van before letting out a long sigh that quickly turned into grimace when the next breath in was full of ode de beachside Molly.

"Two showers," she said with a stern finger, moving to roll the window down as the car started up. One last good whiff of the salty air as they drove away from the beach and back to the city. "A sunset would have been gorgeous...but don't you think that's cliche? Standing in the sand, barefoot with the sun behind him," she had started off cynical but her tone quickly shifted gears to a dreamy one. If there had been a sunset, well Uncle Jovan probably would have had reason to bark. She was human and was only going to take so much of this waiting. "How about we get through the next week before we guess about dates? Don't need to go jinxing it on me or anything. What if he changes his mind, Molly?"

There was minimal concern that he would, but that didn't mean it was impossible. There were still a good seven days of opportunities for her to blow it and him to conveniently forget to mention the testing period was over. But he won't. The voice in her head was clearly more confident than she gave off.

 

[xrakkax]

“And with special soap.” Molly added. Perhaps it might take two showers to get rid of wet dog. At the comment about a cliche sunset, Molly shook her head, “Not at all, honey.” There was no way she could be told otherwise. “And even if it was, and someone gives you flack for it, tell them to fuck off.” Molly dared someone to say so to their faces. The talk of jinxing drew out a snort, “ There’s got to be some pretty crazy dark magic to stop that man.” She laughed.

Oh Molly, how she will reflect on her quips later in life. For now they chittered and chattered, with Molly’s usual teasing, and eventually trailing off when Micha was mentioned. Willow got dropped off to her house, Molly drove home. While it disturbed her to see the crows and the curtains open, she said nothing. Molly brought out her beebee gun and shot the crows. Unfortunately she missed them. But for the nights thereafter she saw none perched by her window and her curtain stayed shut.

Sunday October 1st​

Some days lasted longer than others. The groove of the week went about the same as last though, with occasional arguments between Molly and Mr. Chekov, silky Russian hair being adjusted, Micha awkwardly preventing Ethan from coming into the Pub when the menus arrived, and although Willow and Molly forgot to bring the cello that Friday, it was on the top of the priority list for next week. Or so they thought.

“Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday are off.” Jovan told the girls before work during Sunday breakfast.

“Oh.” Molly frowned. Guess they’d wait for the 13th of October for Willow to play the cello. “Stars, why three days?”

“Moon-Fishing.” Amalia told her, finishing her drink.

Micha began to clear his plate, “We come back Saturday afternoon.”

Jovan popped a brow, “Is problem?”

“No, no.” Molly shook her head. She didn’t want to ruin the surprise. “Just forgot to expect it, is all. Stars, that will be a nice break.”

“Alright, is eight. Work now.” Jovan shooed them into action.

When Molly crossed paths with Willow, she smirked, “Tomorrow is the last day, Willow.” She sang in a low voice. She couldn’t stand to chat about it because she was bring in hot plates, but she was too excited not to girl out over it. Just another day. Or so they thought.

When the doors of the Old Bear closed at noon Molly swa Theo in some deep conversation with Jovan. The elder grimly wiped down the table while listening to his nephew. By the time lights were being turned off Jovan’s mood seemed to lighten up. Whatever Theo’s point, he made it. The Russian Rogue’s grin could not be denied.

Micha brought out the money for the girls, “Here.” He said, handing it off.

Molly took it with no hesitation, “Oh bless it.” She murmured.

“See you, Myshka.” Micha winked.

“By Kisa.” Molly said with all intent to irritate him. A couple Babushkas had recently been calling him that, or so she pieced together, and the few times Molly saw it happen he hadn't Been a fan.

“Bah.” Micha waved his hand as if it could wave away the nickname, frowning briefly. Then he grinned. Something about it bothered her, but she couldn’t place why. She watched Micha leave with an unusual pep in his step.

Theo came walking up to Willow and Molly as they made their way to the car, a secret delight tucked in the corner of his eyes. “So, Molly, may I take Willow home today?”

Molly stopped at her door and tilted her head, “Oh well, I mean--” She shrugged a shoulder and looked at Willow, then back at him, “Stars, it’s not up to me, honey.” Molly couldn’t think of why, except for one possibility, but she was not sure she was right. “Willow?”

 

[Soliloquy]

While they might have longer shifts on some days other than others, the week felt like ti went by in the blink of an eye to Willow. It was likely because of the upcoming Monday and what it would entail. She and Theo seemed to have gotten much better at containing their flirtatious behaviors..or more likely they were simply better at hiding it from Jovan's gaze.

The news at breakfast was well received by the girls. Sure, they'd have to wait another week to do their little musical surprise, but that also meant she'd have significantly more time to practice. Four full days off work that week gave her little excuse not to fine tune things. Come another nearly two weeks, she'd have it down flawless, or so she liked to hope. Knowing how laid back the week would be made the rest of their already short shift fly by. Willow had just accepted her own split of the daily earnings, paying little heed to the back and forth between Molly and Micha when the question was popped, surprising to say the least.

She looked up to Theo and felt that unstoppable smile spreading. "I don't see why not," she said, looking just past him for a moment before returning her gaze to his face. "I take it a certain uncle is aware this is happening?" She didn't imagine he'd trying to do so without speaking to Jovan, but there was a small part of her ready to agree to the ride home regardless.

 

[xrakkax]

“Хорошо!!” Theo beamed and told her Jovan knew about it. “See you, Myshka.”

“By Krasavchik.” Molly chuckled. She winked at Willow, “See you.” The Accord pulled out with one passenger that day.

Theo stepped closer to Willow. His hands pressed together at his chest, his fingers shuffled. “Willow, I will drive you home,” Theo assured her. He had planned to be suave, but it quickly fell a part as he tried to find the words while looking into those chocolate eyes, “But I want to ask-- do you want-- maybe we make side trip before--” None of the words he worked on were entering his mind. Theo smiled and shook head, “Willow, will you go out on a date with me?”