Thread: Big Bad, Little Red, and the Hunters. (Fates.Gamble and Gunner)

Catty's eyes widened some as he mentioned the loss of a family member. Her eyebrows pinched and raised, her expression falling. It was a good ploy on his part. I'm sorry, she said gently as she laid a small, gentle hand on his arm. Suddenly she was glad she didn't mention her ex. His week had likely been far worse than hers with such a loss. At first she didn't quite understand how the loss of a phone fully factored in. That was rough but they were easy enough to replace and it seemed to pale in comparison to a family member. Then she understood. He was here alone because he couldn't reach out to anyone. Made sense. The poor guy. Though he managed a smile and Catty flushed some. Well...I'm glad I could make your week a little brighter, she said with a sheepish grin as she pulled her hand away from his arm and sipped her drink. Glancing back up Catty caught the very end of that look he gave her. Warm, tingle shudders raced down her back. How did he do that? It was a fleeting look but it burned right into her guts, setting a small fire aglow. Most guys were fully unabashed, staring at chest or rump. She honestly wouldn't have been surprised if she saw men actually drooling at times. Such dogs. No, that wasn't fair...to dogs! Her new companion, Zeus nope, still couldn't settle on a name, would never behave like that. He had more manners in his paw than most men had in their entire body. Poor Loki, all alone at home. She felt a brief whirl of guilt as she stood there with Aeric while Hephaestus was left behind. He even gave her that sad whine before she left. Why was she thinking of her dog right now? Her eyes refocused on Aeric as he sipped at his drink for a moment. Yeah, definitely a better place for focus. She was unabashed for a few quick looks at the rest of him. Tall, strong, lean. That simple t-shirt did wonders on him, even the jeans. She could fully ignore or forgive such a simple outfit out at a club if they fit the man so well. It gave him a very...roguish look. Web design. Boy how interesting. Catty gave him a sort of wan grin as he spoke of his work. Well she had asked. At least that meant he was somewhat smart. She would consider herself quite intelligent but coding and just anything computer related in general gave her a headache. He couldn't even seem to talk web design up as anything exciting. His dry comments on it made her give a short, high laugh. Something maybe closer to a giggle but grown women don't giggle. You make it sound so thrilling, she quipped with a cheeky grin. He, apparently, lived close by but didn't bother to comment further. That was...strange. If he lived in the city she thought, perhaps, he would give a general direction. She was sure he didn't live on her side of town, eight blocks east. Maybe he was just cautious? She wouldn't tell him where she lived, not yet. Hell even if she felt safe enough to tell him she wasn't sure she wanted him to know where she lived. It was kind of the hood and her apartment wasn't very nice. She imagine a web designer had a much nicer place to lay his head at night. The irony of her thoughts was utterly lost on her. I'm a Veterinarian, she said before taking another small sip of her wine. She was determined to nurse the drink, not wanting to get too stupid. I....can't entirely say it's always fun. It's never dull that's for sure, she said with a small laugh. I've been bitten and scratched and....well....it's not always a clean job either, more laughter. She had settled somewhat with talk of something familiar, feeling a little more at ease even if the butterflies were still wreaking havoc in her guts. It can be sad something too... No, don't mention the euthanasia earlier in the week. He just lost family. But it's really rewarding. I...kind of acquired a dog recently. It's a weird story but...I found him on the road. Someone had beat him up bad, he was bleeding and almost gone. So I got him home and fixed him up...he's beautiful and...massive! Biggest dog I've seen...well maybe not. I've met some very big great danes...but the biggest sort of...I don't know...shepard I think? No collar, no chip and he was hurt bad. Being able to save a life is a reward itself but now I've got this beautiful, massive, very intelligent dog. Here... she pulled out her phone but stopped. Huh...I just realized I never took any pictures of him. Just busy making sure his wounds heal right. Catty's chatter suddenly came to a grinding halt. A long, low groan reverberated in her head. Sure Catty, babble at the hottie about your dog. You sure are a catch. Crazy dog lady. Uhm... Had to recover. Sorry, she said with an awkward laugh, lightly rubbing her neck. Did you...hear about the craft festival this weekend? Over at Greenbriar park? Basically a huge art fair and craft brew festival. Can't say I'm big into beer, maybe the occasional wheat beer but nothing too dark or sour...or hoppy. There'll be wineries too, more up my ally, she add with another laugh. Musicians too, not entirely my taste of music sort of...hipster rock? I don't know, never heard of the bands before. Yes it was unlikely an art fair was going to feature death metal artists. Anyways I uh... Despite the ease of chatting only a few seconds ago her tongue and throat were suddenly swollen. Catty cleared her throat and looked away from Aeric. The alcohol helped with a feeling of ease but not at the moment. Why was it so hard to hear? Her ears burned painfully, blood rushing so hard she couldn't think. I was, ya know, going to go...maybe bring my dog. If, ah...if it was something you...ah...might be interested in? Literally the smoothest offer for a date ever. Not really a date of course! No that was stupid. Just an art fair. Yeah. Walking around an art fair. Her phone suddenly vibrating made her jump and nearly toss her phone in panic. With a couple close call fumbles she managed to hang on. It was Jess. Right on time. Still alive. Not entirely well, her face burned with embarrassment. Just once it would be nice to be able to maintain her cool. She tried to be a little proud of herself at least. It took a certain amount of bravery to ask someone out. Especially a someone like Aeric. A sick, twisted part of her brain waited for the rejection. It was all fun and games at the club but he seemed so far out of her league they might as well be playing a different sport. The fair would be fun enough with Cerberus.