{|ACIV:BF|} Over and Out {1-on-1 rp}

Charlie shrugged at her answer. He couldn’t imagine being walked all over though Mia seemed to know how it felt. Maybe he’d try to do something nice for her again soon, just in case she was relocated entirely. He hoped that with any information she gave to him soon would be enough to change things.

“Whatever you say, poppet,” he said with a wave of his hand. At least she was being more chipper now.

He was looking around for something to occupy their time that wouldn’t end badly. Normally he’d make a trip over to the tavern, or he would have weeks ago. Nowadays he was lucky if he could make a short trip there for a drink with having to keep an eye on Mia. He didn’t mention it much though, he’d rather not have her pestering him about just going or taking her with him or something.

“Shady, huh?” he echoed when Mia asked about it. There weren’t many places in the immediate area for that other than people’s front porches. “Might gotta wander for that…”

All the same he kept an eye out. Mia hadn’t been active in a long while, if this helped her then he’d indulge her. Maybe things would turn out better that way now that she was going to cooperate with them. Things could be arranged, or so Charlie hoped. He wouldn’t voice that hope out loud though, especially not to Mia.

For the time being he found he enjoyed spending this time with Mia even if she was trying to pick at him. Maybe she was just trying to make up for the weeks prior to this, Charlie couldn’t be sure. For the moment he’d play along or shrug it off, whichever one came first really.

----[x]----

Her face was hot and Karissa could only imagine how red she looked while she tried to distract herself with the clouds that drifted by in the distance. It did little to calm her racing heart as she’d muttered an apology and waited for Ah Tabai to respond. Several seconds seemed to pass in silence, leaving her nervous. At one point she almost glanced back at him, just to see what he might be doing.

Ah Tabai’s hand on her cheek caused her to start, his palm cool against her skin. That warm feeling return at his touch and she did little to stop him from having her face him again. Relief spread through her when she met his gaze; there was a certain look in his eyes that Karissa couldn’t quite explain well. If she had to she’d say it was a sort of tenderness there that left her feeling that warmth in her chest again.

Though he’d asked her why she’d bother to say sorry Ah Tabai didn’t leave her time to answer before catching her in another kiss. Feeling as though her heart was soaring, Karissa shyly returned the kiss, reveling in his touch. His hand was calloused from many years of training and fighting with weapons though his touch was gentle.

It felt longer than it was though seconds later they parted. Yet again Karissa bit at her lip, this time out of shyness than worry though she didn’t turn away to hide her face. At some point she’d shifted closer to Ah Tabai though she couldn’t be sure when. Despite the sticky humidity in the air Karissa liked the warmth she felt from him being so close.

“Ah Tabai, what now…?” she wondered, searching his face for an answer. He seemed content where they were now, sitting so closely together. Karissa didn’t want to pull away any further, their faces still inches apart as it was. If he noticed that she’d called him by name instead of “mentor” for the first time since they’d met Ah Tabai didn’t show it.

Despite the months being here, Mia hadn't gotten used to the heat. She knew she never really would. A part of her held out hope that it would just become a normal thing to deal with. That wasn't going to be the case.

She brushed away any droplets of water that still clung to her face. The taste of salt still clung to her lips. It didn't bother her so much. She expected it to taste worse.

"If we can't find anything, that's fine," she answered him, "I'll live either way."

She never did well in the sun. The months had passed by but she knew she still looked pale compared to most people. What was worse, she burned so easily that half the time, she was sure she had red blotches somewhere.

“Don't you have anywhere you'd like to go to?” she asked him.

Of course, she knew that was most likely a tavern. Despite her constant prods to just go, Charlie never did just that. She didn't indulge in drinking, never really had to stomach for it, but she didn't like the fact that he'd been pushing away any fun for himself. Mia was aware he was under orders. That didn't mean she just wanted him to be cooped up or needlessly wandering Havana for something to do. It wasn't as if she had many interests in what she passed anyways.

She rubbed the back of her neck, feeling heat there. It would no doubt burn later on. As uncomfortable as that was, she'd just have to deal with it.

“Just throwing out suggestions, of course,” she continued and spared a glance around. Somewhere, someone was playing music. A group of people sang songs. Mia took a little solace in it, calming her a little more.

----[x]----

Her lips were soft and sweet. It was hard not to find some fondness out of the moment. His heart swelled. He felt as if he was on top of the world. Something like this had long since been buried. It was almost strange to feel those foreign emotions again. Despite that, he found himself loving them.

He found solace as she leaned back into the kiss. Carefully, he caressed her cheek.. Her skin felt soft against his palm. She seemed to lean into the contact a little more. The kiss was so innocent and sweet, as if she didn't really know what to do or how far to go.

Ah Tabai wouldn't push her further than that. If she was comfortable with more, then she would voice it. For now, they broke apart. Her cheeks were still dusted red. This time, she didn't look away. She scooted closer to him, content to remain near his side.

The question left him thinking to himself. What was next? It had been such a long time and most figured he was done with the idea of romance. He had been convinced of it himself, if he was honest.

“That is a good question, mi'lady,” he answered her. His hand trailed down her arm, incited by softness of her skin, “What do you think should be next?”

Karissa was still very much in a vulnerable state. She was healing bit by bit. Those who would push her away rather than stay with her was another matter. He worried about protests from them the most.

“I suppose as long as you are content, we may take things slowly,” he finally said, “There will be little need to alarm anyone else, especially in this current time. Eventually, they will come to terms with everything.”

He studied her expression. She didn't look to be so worried now. She shifted a little as if trying to get that giddy feeling out of her. Ah Tabai spared her a smile. He very much knew what that feeling was like in the start of it all. In some sense, he was happy to see her looking so cheerful. It warmed him more than she would ever know.

Charlie shook his head and waved away Mia’s words. “We don’t need you all burnt up, poppet,” he argued lightly.

Shoving his hands into his pockets he kept his pace even. There were many people out and about, as always, but Charlie was adept at walking through the crowds now even if Mia still looked awkward about such things. He kept an eye on her from the corner of his eyes just in case any trouble reared is head however.

Soon enough Mia was asking about his own wants at the time. Charlie was quiet for a moment before offering a shrug. The tavern was out and so was sailing so that left finding something to do around Havana. It was easier to keep that to himself rather than to mention it to Mia though; she’d just push him to go anyways. Mia was his priority and he’d rather not have her fussing about it again.

“You should worry ‘bout what you want more,” Charlie muttered, glancing around. There still wasn’t much besides people’s houses in this part of Havana.

Honestly, Charlie wasn’t sure what Mia would like other than those violin players who took the street corners or played from their porches. She was passive more times than not and rarely spoke up if she liked something when they walked. It made it hard to determine what part of Havana held the things she favored. Charlie bit his tongue on that matter though. Pushing her might not do him any good.

“’Sides, I’ll live,” he continued after a moment.

----[x]----

Her heart still felt like it was beating fast, butterflies accompanying the rhythm it set in her stomach. Karissa couldn’t believe she could feel this giddy from just a little kiss and yet it was enough to make her forget about her worries for a short time. Karissa wasn’t sure she wanted this moment to end, well aware that eventually it would have to.

The silence that had stretched between them didn’t bother her as she waited for his answer. Karissa couldn’t recall a time when she felt this happy to just be with someone, the fear that she would be pushed away gone. It was a weight that had been heavier than she’d thought it was but now that it was gone she was thankful; she had a lot to worry about as it was.

His touch was light as it trailed down her arm, as if he were afraid she might break otherwise. Carefully she reached up to take his hand in hers, threading her fingers through his. His hand was larger than hers, a comparison that she paid only marginal attention to as Ah Tabai spoke up.

Karissa shook her head, unsure of what she thought should be next. For the most part she was content with how things were now. The most experience she had with relationships had been a six month one back when she’d been in high school and the most that had happened then was a simple kiss and holding hands. In that vein, she had a lot to learn she supposed.

“I’m not sure,” she admitted though it might have been obvious enough without having to.

Karissa listened as Ah Tabai spoke again glad that he proposed moving slowly. As much as she hated to admit it, she still was trying to bounce back from everything; in a way, she felt like she wasn’t in the best situation to be making long-term plans as it was.

“I wouldn’t mind that,” Karissa agreed. She leaned in again to place a shy kiss at the corner of his mouth then, as if that settled it all.

Charlie seemed intent to at least get them somewhere that would shield her from the sun. She didn't have much of an argument against that not that she wanted to argue anyways. She didn't enjoy sunburn as it was.

Like many times before, he told her to focus on more of what she wanted. That was hard to do when she didn't really know what it was she wanted at all. She hadn't exactly spent time focusing on that however.

"Well," she started, thinking it over, "I don't think you can find me a horse around here. And unless you want to fetch me a violin so I can learn, there hasn't been a whole lot else I've shown much interest in."

Of course, she didn't mention that she'd never really picked up a violin in her life. She knew that the sounds beginners made were less than pretty and were more likely to give a person a headache.

"I could learn more about ships too, if you wanted," she pointed out, "But I can't promise that I won't get violently seasick on one."

Mia had found even little sways beneath could make her ill. Here, that was the main way of transportation. She wasn't sure how she'd do on a long trip at sea. Now that she wasn't so afraid of the water, the thought was a little enticing.

----[x]----

She seemed comfortable with where she was now. There was still heat on her cheeks. It was slowly fading to a less prominent color. He wouldn't have taken her for one to be so shy. Karissa had been rather bold with her actions, after all. There were still things he was learning about her however.

She was content at his side. Ah Tabai hadn't taken to the company of another in such a long time. he'd forgotten what it felt like.

Her admittance was a simple one. She wasn't sure what direction she really wanted to go into yet. In some sense, Ah Tabai took relief in that. She was still picking up pieces, after all. There were still rather important things to deal with.

"I believe we will be fine taking things slowly," he said after she'd agreed on it. She leaned in, kissing the corner of his mouth. A smile tugged at his lips upon the contact.

"I would have not thought of you as one so affectionate," he pointed out, if only to tease her a little bit, "You were so focused on the idea of training and never batted an eye at anyone else."

Now that he thought about that, there was a lot of particular attention on him. A chuckle left him at that realization.

"Unless it was me who had your eye all this time?" he guessed.

Their conversation died for a while when Charlie told her to just focus on her wants. He didn’t bother to break her out of her thoughts for the time being. Instead he kept an eye on their surroundings and those around them. Since those assassins had left no one had caused them trouble but Charlie didn’t want to be lax again; he’d learned that lesson already.

Nothing jumped out at him from the crowds around him, Charlie even kept an eye on the roofs but saw nothing but the occasional soldier up there. They were stiff looking guys, moving with purpose.

“Eh?” He blinked, turning to glance at Mia when she spoke up without warning.

His brow furrowed when she mentioned horses and violins. ’Where the hell am I supposed to find those?’ Horses were mainland animals, not seen in cities along shorelines and a violin that was another matter entirely. Charlie wasn’t the musically inclined type and wouldn’t even know where to begin to find one. ’Well, aside form stealing it…’

Charlie shook his head, heaving a sigh. “You’re so picky and particular,” he pointed out finally. “Where do you even find those things?”

When he glanced towards Mia she seemed at a loss for that answer as he was. Charlie hated the idea of having to do research to find out. He wasn’t even sure if he’d be successful in those endeavors. His reaction must have been enough to put Mia off as she quickly started mentioning learning about ships. He shook his head at that.

“You’re talkin’ too much,” he complained, reaching out to wrap his arm around her shoulders and pull her close. Mostly this was just to tease her a little, making it a little harder for her to walk momentarily though she didn’t seem to mind. “Don’t suppose that’s a bad thing though…”

----[x]----

In a way Karissa figured it might be a good thing that she’d fallen for Ah Tabai. He was one who wasn’t all that pushy, instead guiding others. Karissa wasn’t one who was al that great at long-term plans even when she wasn’t distracted trying to pick up pieces of herself, taking things slow and seeing where they went seemed like the best plan to her.

She felt like her heart soared when Ah Tabai smiled again. She’d never really imagined that she’d make someone happy like this; the feeling left her feeling lighter than air. It was a feeling she liked a lot.

Karissa chuckled, ducking her head a little at his observation. She’d always kind of longed for someone to be affectionate with like this though had always been rather picky about what kind of guys she’d like to be with. Now it seemed like none of that mattered, it had all led up to this whether for better or for worse.

“Surprise,” she joked quietly. It wasn’t like she needed to speak loudly with how close they were sitting to one another. Karissa didn’t want to end this moment if she could help it. Ah Tabai was warm and she enjoyed the feel of touching someone and being touched even if it was something as simple as just holding hands at the moment.

When Ah Tabai chuckled Karissa glanced back up at him, biting her lip again. It was quickly becoming a habit in this moment though she paid more attention to Ah Tabai’s words. She’d wondered if he’d ever realized it but it seemed he hadn’t, not until now at least. Her face felt hotter again, a little embarrassed that she’d been that obvious when she’d thought she’d done well to hide it.

“Maybe,” she answered. It must have been more than obvious though. Summoning up her courage she continued on: “Could you blame me though? You are really handsome and kind.”

Charlie was keeping an eye on their surroundings. That wasn't too hard to see. He'd been doing that a lot when they were within Havana or at least, today. She didn't care to think too much as to why, fully knowing what left him so cautious.

When she did speak up about her interests, Charlie looked confused. Was he so deep in thought that he forgot he told her to focus on her wants? Maybe that wasn't it at all.

"Well, you told me to focus on things that I like," she stated in a matter of factly tone, "At least...that's what I thought you meant..."

His words stung a little but she pushed it aside. She could only offer a shrug in response. She really wasn't sure where he could find one of those here. Despite living here for months, she didn't know Havana all that well.

She mentioned learning about ships afterward. Charlie didn't seem interested in that however. Instead, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. She stumbled a little into his side, letting out a startled sound. She lightly pushed him back though it had little weight to it. Mia was still too tired to do much in terms of rough housing.

"You could just say you're revealed," she pointed out, sparing him a small smile, "Or, you know, I can just be quiet again. If that's what you want."

----[x]----

Ah Tabai was going to take care about how far he would go with her. Unless it was alright with Karissa, he would take baby steps. For the time being, that seemed to be for the best. She was still in a rather fragile state.

That familiar pink dusted her cheeks again when he smiled at her. It was nice to see this other side of her. The softer side was rather cute.

He couldn't help but chuckle a little at her joke. Despite that, she seemed a little shy admitting it. There were parts of her she didn't want others to see. He knew that very well.

"Well, it is certainly a surprise," he answered her, "though, I do not mind it. This side, it suits you in a good way."

He rubbed her back lightly as she ducked her head again. Maybe he'd hit the nail on the head. Ah Tabai had been so busy with training, he hadn't quite noticed. It wasn't until she left did his worries intensify.

A quiet laugh left him and he shook his head, "Handsome?" he echoed, "I would have merely thought of myself as an old man. No one would quite take interest. But I admit, it is nice to hear. You are a very pretty young lady, yourself, mi'lady."

Again, she seemed to shift a little bashfully at that. Honestly, he was finding a lot of this shy behavior now. It really was cute. He would love to see more of it given some time.

Charlie scrunched up his nose at Mia’s response. She seemed like she was going to get all apologetic for mentioning horses and violins as her interests. Charlie tried not to let that get to him. He wasn’t normally swayed by that sorta thing but with Mia she seemed to make things easier to respond to in ways he wouldn’t normally have before.

He shook his head. “Didn’t think you’d pick expensive things though,” he pointed out.

Maybe Mia was someone who enjoyed the finer things in life. That thought made sense to Charlie with some of the harmless nagging she sent his way about his home. For now he tried not to dwell on it but worried about how to keep her content if not happy if that really was the case. It wasn’t like he was swimming in money.

Only when he’d pulled her closer did Mia pick at him, trying to get him to admit to more. Charlie allowed a scoff to escape him accompanied by a shake of the head. Mia liked to tease, that much he’d learned quickly. If it kept her mind off of things he’d play along.

“Now why would I do that or want you to get all quiet again?” he argued. “You get mopey when yer all quiet.”

With that observation out of the way he reached up to lightly tug at her ear lobe. It was a playful action though he wasn’t sure if Mia appreciated it. Maybe she just thought of it as annoying. Either way, Charlie would wait to see what she actually said about it before prodding her further like that.

----[x]----

Karissa couldn’t wipe the smile from her face even if she wanted to. She couldn’t recall ever being this happy, just sitting and talking to someone like this. In time she knew that giddiness would dull but for now she took it in stride. Spending this time with Ah Tabai helped more than he might ever know, allowing her to forget her troubles for the time being.

“You’re just flattering me now,” she accused teasingly.

His free hand rubbing her back was comforting when she’d grown bashful enough to duck her head again. Karissa still braved looking up at him through her bangs when he laughed. It was a quiet sound and it didn’t last long before he was speaking. It was her turn to shake her head then, the smile not leaving her face.

She couldn’t imagine someone not noticing Ah Tabai being handsome, even at his age. In fact, Karissa would say that he aged gracefully though keeping in shape as the mentor to the assassins here would’ve have helped immensely.

“Well, their loss,” Karissa confirmed simply, ducking her head a little at the compliment she received in turn.

It was a simple thing to rest her head on his shoulder to watch the clouds pass by. So long as nothing came up that he had to see to Karissa wouldn’t mind spending the afternoon like this. Upon coming here she never would have imagined she’d actually be with Ah Tabai like this.

“Thank you, but I’m just cute at best,” she protested eventually.

Mia had to pout as he scrunched his nose at her. There were a lot of things she liked to learn but a lot of those things, she'd been too poor to really delve into. She lived pay check to pay check back home. It was still a little hard to adjust to the fact that she didn't have that responsibility anymore.

"Ah, I suppose that's mostly my fault," she replied, "I wanted to do a lot of things but never had the money for it. Being dirt poor kind of sucked."

It was a fleeting thought and nothing more. She wasn't in any worse position, at least not at the moment, so why complain? Until her housing arrangements were brought forward, she couldn't say much.

"Course I do," she answered him, "Quiet gives me too much time to think. Too much thinking makes me worry. That makes my anxiety run on end and then I get mopey."

Despite this playful explanation, he tugged at her earlobe. She pushed his head away from her though not at all that hard. She didn't want him to lose his footing.

"No," she chastised, "Bad. Stop that."

----[x]----

A smile lit up her face, making it look brighter than he'd seen in days. He was glad to know it. She needed some sort of happiness in her life now. She seemed to have lost so much in such a little time.

"Nonsense," he replied, a bit of lightness in his tone.

She really was modest when he got down to the bare bones of her personality. There were things that she seemed to bury deep. This side of her personality she really didn't want others to see.

Karissa seemed to calm a little with his touch. A warmth spread through him at that. It was hard to believe he could have this kind of effect on someone again.

A sort laugh left him and he shook his head good naturedly. She was rather blunt about that statement. He didn't mind it however. The words were rather funny, if he let himself admit it.

"Yes, well, I have not had my eye on anyone in a long time," he replied, "So I suppose you are merely a lucky one."

Again, she showed just how modest she was. It almost looked like she didn't think of herself as much. Ah Tabai resisted a shake of his head at that.

"Please, you should give yourself more credit," he teased in response, "You are prettier than you seem to think."

Charlie couldn’t blame her for wanting finer things he supposed. In fact, he knew he couldn’t. In that vein they were very much alike; Charlie had grown up poor as well before he’d run from that life, just taking what he wanted afterwards. He shook his head at that revelation.

He didn’t dwell on that for too long before he prodded about Mia moping too much. At the very least she seemed to realize she did it. Charlie supposed that was a good thing, better to know one’s faults and all that. He chuckled at that, ignoring how he was berated for toying with her ear soon after. At least she was feeling light-hearted now.

“Ah, c’mon! You love it,” he joked, reaching up with his other hand to toy with her hair. It was the same sandy color as his own, actually.

Before she could swat at his hand he pulled it away grinning cheekily at her. Mia seemed to be in higher spirits now; maybe just being like this was enough for her. Charlie couldn’t say for sure though, perhaps whatever revelations she’d come to helped matters as well. He shook that thought away. It was one he could brood over later anyways.

“You getting’ all shy on me, poppet?” he teased.

It seemed like she did off and on though he hadn’t bothered to mention it before. As of late she’d been so busy hiding away and moping that it hadn’t cropped up in some time. Relief swelled through him to see it now though he made no outward mention of that.

----[x]----

It felt like years since Karissa had sat down and just talked with someone like this when realistically it probably had only been weeks. The weight that had bore down on her shoulders was forgotten for the time being. Ah Tabai seemed just as content with things as she was at the moment, his teasing a surprising thing though not unwelcome. He’d always been amicable but he hadn’t gone about teasing anyone before now, not really anyways.

Talking so openly with him, even as her face felt a little hot, was odd though. Who’d have thought that being accepted like this would have been enough? Karissa didn’t want to question it much; she enjoyed being able to be this affectionate with someone.

“Then I’ll count my lucky stars,” she joked.

It had been a thought she’d mulled over plenty of times after all. Though no one had outright told her here she had plenty of knowledge about some key figures thanks to what she’d known before her trip back in time. Ah Tabai had always been the sort of person she’d figured was more focused on the assassin cause than actively looking for someone to replace his late wife.

She waved her free hand briefly and dismissively at his comment about her looks. It wasn’t like she’d been taking care of herself all that well in terms of appearance lately, focusing more on training or on her thoughts. Still, it was flattering to know that he thought she was good-looking all the same.

“Maybe if you see that you’re still quite handsome I’ll give myself more credit too,” she bargained teasingly. Tentatively she took to running her thumb over his, their hands still clasped.

Charlie seemed in a better mood now that he wasn't spending his time worrying over her. She knew very well that was the case. When she seemed settled, so did he. In some ways, she was flattered by that.

Even though she'd playfully pushed him away, Charlie wasn't deterred by the act. He instead toyed with her hair lightly. Mia tried to quash the butterflies that erupted in her stomach. It was hard to do so however.

"Yea well, maybe I do? What of it?" she answered him, a roll of her eyes following.

She didn't get a chance to swat his hand away. He pulled away, out of her reach before that could happen. Mia's cheeks felt hot despite her playful prodding. Even then, it had been weak.

When he pointed out how shy she'd gotten, she rubbing the back of her hand over her mouth. It did little to quash the blush on her cheeks.

"Shut up!" she replied, her tone cracking a little, "You're taking way too much satisfaction out of that!"

----[x]----

He had some hopes that this short time spent together helped her. She had a weight on her shoulders even if she wasn't admitting it. Ah Tabai knew that it would be difficult to heal. In some manner, maybe he could help with it.

His fingers trailed over her arm again. She seemed to take solace in those little touches. If anything, it left her content. He was glad to see it. She needed a break from everything that had happened.

"Hmmm, despite the bumps in the road, it seems you may have been blessed with some good ones," he pointed out.

Of course, she might disagree. Ah Tabai wouldn't push more than that. He felt that she was meant to be here however. He hadn't considered himself this fortunate in a long time.

A soft chuckle left him as she spoke up again. He shook his head a little. That seemed like a fair trade. As long as she seemed to give herself a little credit.

"I think that can be agreed upon, mi'lady," he replied, his tone a little lighter.

He gave her hand a squeeze, aware of how small it was in his own. The difference seemed almost surprising. Her own hand was much softer than his. He quite liked to run his thumb over the back of it, feeling the softness of her skin.

Charlie wasn’t too surprised or put off by Mia’s response. Despite the obviousness of her feelings she was still trying to keep her bearings, or so it appeared. Charlie didn’t bother to be offended by being pushed away, the act itself playful. Instead he reached over to sling his arm over Mia’s shoulders, drawing her close.

“Well, then I just might need to do it more!” he crowed cheekily.

Mia seemed to grow shier at this, her face turning bright red the more he prodded her. A chuckle escaped him at this sight and he had to remind himself to take it easy on her. She wasn’t like the other girls he took to teasing. Nah, Mia was rather prudish in comparison though Charlie was finding he didn’t mind that so much.

He reached out with his free hand to ruffle Mia’s hair again. For the time being he’d ease off but he did find himself a little content with her pressed close to his side. If she didn’t push him away or just pull out of his grasp then Charlie would leave it as is even if walking like this might be a little awkward in more crowded parts of the street.

“Aww, maybe I am! What’re you gonna do ‘bout it, poppet?” Charlie teased, raising an eyebrow. Sparing a quick glance at her, Charlie could tell Mia wasn’t sure about how to answer that just yet.

With any luck things would stay like this and she wouldn’t be relocated far away. Something in him told him to fight if that decision was made anyways. Charlie wasn’t one to ignore a gut feeling.

----[x]----

Though it was hot and sticky Karissa didn’t let this bother her, being close to Ah Tabai like this. She enjoyed his touches especially when he took to trailing his fingers over her arm. It left a pleasant feeling stirring in her chest in answer. The conversation might have been a little sickeningly cute to others though Karissa didn’t mind it at the moment; there wasn’t anyone around to overhear them anyways.

She laughed quietly when Ah Tabai agreed to their impromptu bargain. It seemed so unnecessary and yet Karissa felt like it was a little important. Just because he was older didn’t mean he was unattractive, after all.

“Then we have a deal,” she noted simply, glancing up at him with a smile.

Hands still clasped, Karissa was very aware of just how dainty she was compared to Ah Tabai just by the fact that his hand was so much larger than hers. Being with him like this made her happy and brought with it a feeling of safety. At any moment someone could come seeking Ah Tabai out but Karissa was determined to enjoy this time with him without worries weighing in on her.

He’d taken to running his thumb over her hand, sending a flurry of butterflies loose in her stomach. If more moments like this occurred Karissa figured she might be able to handle everything else.

“You’re going to end up spoiling me like this,” Karissa pointed out lightly.

The shove had been a gentle thing. She didn't want to actually make him stumble or trip. More so, she didn't want him to get angry with her over little things. She was feeling light for the time being. Mia wanted to enjoy that.

"Please," she answered playfully with a roll of her eyes, "Maybe I just won't let you."

Despite what she said, her face felt a little warm as he slung an arm around her, tugging her a little toward his side. She tried to blame the sun. Mia knew it wasn't that however.

She didn't get to put much thought into it. He'd ruffled her hair afterward and she ducked her head a little. Mia reached up, trying to fix her messy, wavy hair.

"You're such a brat," she teased in response. She tangled her fingers into the back of his coat. It felt a little damp, no doubt form the moister that clung on his shirt, "Maybe I'll just have to back off a little, hmm? Make sure you don't have any fun."

----[x]----

Karissa was comfortable pressed against his side. For the first time in a long while, he felt content with someone as well. He hadn't allowed himself to become close to another woman. Karissa was a special case, he found.

Things would run smoothly as long as they kept it a bit of a low key relationship. He was a private person and due to Karissa's own current problems, this might be best. There was no reason to spread more rumors about.

"Perhaps," he answered her quietly, "Though I believe you may be due for some spoiling, mi'lady."

She had dealt with several few problems these passed few weeks. Karissa needed more than just a little break. What was worse, Ah Tabai was aware that some of these problems were not yet buried and may never be. Being a Misfortune's Child would isolate her in ways she might have already realized.

"At least it will put your mind on better things," he pointed out afterward, "You have been spending too much time brooding and throwing yourself into training."

That worried him. If she continued on this way, her body might give out on her. He'd rather not see something like that happen.

“You wouldn’t. ‘Sides, I think you like the attention, poppet,” he pointed out, maybe a little teasingly. Despite that she hadn’t pulled away so he gathered Mia must’a liked it at least a little. Then again maybe she was some kinda masochist, Charlie couldn’t tell for sure yet though he had his doubts about that possible theory.

He could feel her fingers tangle into the back of his coat. Maybe that was all he needed to know Mia liked this sorta thing. Well, Charlie had no problem supplying it.

Once more, Charlie snorted in answer to her. Backin’ off now? Charlie didn’t peg her as that sort’a gal but who was he to say? He was truthfully still learnin’ a thing or two about her. He wondered how much more there was to see to her before he shook the thought away. Now wasn’t the time for that sort’a romantic crap.

“Even if you did I think you’d come back anyways,” Charlie teased. It wasn’t like she couldn’t with arrangements as they were but that was beside the point.

Ah, but he really shouldn’t be thinkin’ about these sorts of things. At any moment Mia could be moved away for her own safety and Charlie’d be off on his own until his services were needed again. That’s the way it’d always been for him since joinin’ the Templar Order after all. Still, worrying about the future wasn’t his style. He preferred living in the here and now.

----[x]----

It was still quite muggy, as if to try to coax the two apart, but the gentle breeze helped combat sticky air. Karissa found she didn’t mind much either. It felt like ages since she’d just sat down much less like this with someone. She heaved a contented sigh even as Ah Tabai spoke further, his voice light and yet still thick with that accent she loved listening to.

Still, the fact that he had easily caught on to the way she’d been rather broody and distracted left her offering a weak chuckle in response. She wasn’t exactly subtle when it came to what she felt, so it was no doubt obvious. Still, outright talking about those things wasn’t something Karissa was entirely used to much less comfortable with.

“Well, maybe I have,” she relented all the same. She couldn’t deny that she was tired, her body most likely in more need of rest that she might even realize. Still, it’d been easier this way then letting things get to her all the time.

Despite those thoughts a content sigh escaped her. She could very well have been dealing with this entirely alone with Mia so far away now. However even the stigma of red-colored eyes hadn’t driven everyone away. For that Karissa was very grateful.

“Besides, you’re the Mentor; if you say to break from training then break from training it’ll be,” Karissa pointed out matter-of-factly. It would be a strange change of pace but she could spend time learning other things in that time. At least, she hoped so—it’d keep her mind off other things.

A soft, amused scoff left her. Of course he would always tease her. Honestly, she didn't mind it. A man paying her mind that was actually her age was refreshing. Then again, she had never fallen this hard before either.

"Please," she said in response, rolling her eyes a little, "You think you've got me all figured out."

It was a light prod though not untrue. He'd seen a lot of her but mostly, those were the more passive sides. If given time, and she hoped that she would have that time, he might discover more. Who knew how things would end up for them in the end, however.

Mia tried not to think about it. Maybe sticking to the here and now was best, worry about the rest later. The Templar's taking their good old time though? That was agonizing...

"Well, I could always just find that one handsome guy," she teased, ignoring the look she received, "Hilary, was it? Though, I think you'd get lonesome without me."

----[x]----

Karissa really did wear her heart on her sleeve at times. At times, she attempted to hide them away but even so, they often re-surfaced. The stresses she faced were no doubt weighing down on her. Ah Tabai could not find reason to blame her for those feelings.

For a moment, that trouble expression returned and disappeared. If there was anything he could do to ease it, he would. He reached out, ruffling her hair carefully.

"Things have a way of sorting themselves out," he advised, "Do not fret too much."

It was all still rather troubling for her. Her friend not returning with her, overcoming what she was now, on top of all of the business with the assassin's. Their lives were full of turmoil but none so quick.

Ah Tabai offered a soft chuckle in response to her words. It seemed she would be fine provided she had the right attention and company. She was isolated now, true, but hopefully that isolation would lessen.

"Yes well," he started to reply, a slight teasing tone to his voice, "I do hope in time you will call me something more."

Charlie offered a simple shrug of the shoulders,, nonplussed by rebuttals. He’d dealt with sharper tongues in his short life; still, it was fun all the same. Mia was strangely close to his heart, much as he might hate to admit that. It just meant one more thing tying him down in a single place.

Ah, but that was a worry for later.

“’Course I do, poppet!” Charlie scoffed lightly. He reached out to pat her shoulder, as if this somehow confirmed it. “How else would I get under your skin so well, eh?”

To Charlie that’s really all he needed. He was one who teased and caused trouble for the fun of it. Anything else about a person was just icing on the cake. It was necessary to him half the time and so Charlie didn’t dwell on it often. Perhaps with Mia he might learn more but he didn’t expect to. Too much goin’ on in life after all.

He hummed at her ‘threat’. Findin’ Hilary, huh? Charlie shook his head offering another scoff after the thought properly sunk in.

“Who’d wanna be around that killjoy for long?” Charlie argued.

----[x]----

Karissa blinked, wondering what Ah Tabai was up to as he took his hand from hers only to squeak in her surprise as he ruffled her hair. It was nice, however, her hair already tangled from the sea breeze. Then again, she’d always been fond of people playing with her hair, however brief it was.

She hummed briefly in answer, reaching up just long enough to bush her bangs out of her face. “I suppose that’s true,” she relented. All the same it didn’t always feel like it.

For the moment maybe it was best to allot some time to just focusing on other things though. Besides she wanted to enjoy this short time with Ah Tabai. There was no telling when someone might come seeking him out for something or other after all. Some folks might not want to see a child of misfortune cuddling up against the Mentor either.

His answer to her successfully drew her thoughts away from all else. Karissa could swear her heart skipped a beat and her face might have gotten a little hotter. It was hard to tell in the muggy weather.

“W-Well, we’ll just have to wait and see, huh?” Karissa answered, perhaps more sheepishly than she’d intended.

A snort left her, though there was no need for much more of a response. He seemed to be rather convinced of those words. Mia had managed to surprise him a couple of times. It wasn't often but there were still some things he didn't quite know about her.

"Yea, yea," she answered easily, her gaze falling on something else for a moment, "You just think you know everything."

Truth be told, the general over confident attitude at times was endearing. She didn't admit it out loud however. That attitude was something of a draw, reminding her of people she used to like to be around. In a way, it was actually really nice to experience all over again.

The pat on her shoulder was a friendly gesture and she spared a small smile in turn. Her prod had taken a moment to register. A scoff finally left him as he mentioned Hilary being a stick in the mud.

"Women who like peacocks?" she answered for him, "People who like charm and class? I don't know, those tend to be the type, I think."

----[x]----

Karissa seemed to grow comfortable, though she was lost in thought here and there once again. This was somewhat normal, he had noticed. Ah Tabai did not break those thoughts if he didn't have to. She had her stresses, after all.

She seemed comfortable at his side. Ah Tabai did not move, taking in the sights and the smell of the salty air. It was not often he got the chance to sit back and relax. His duty was very important, after all.

"Time will only tell," he answered easily. He knew that something like this was not so accepting of many people, even the assassins. While Ah Tabai frowned upon this, changing minds was extremely difficult.

Ah Tabai sighed contently. How long had it been since he'd sat down like this was someone he'd cared about? It felt like an eternity. Still, it was a comforting kind of feeling.

A short chuckle left him as she spoke. Her voice seemed to jump a bit, cheeks colored pink. She truly was quite the bashful type despite her brash behavior.

"Yes, we shall see, hmm?" he replied, a little bum in his tone, "Though you already seem content enough. Perhaps I should set more time aside for you. I feel that may be best."

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