[b]"Hey, relax - I'm off duty! I'm not going to tell you to leave,"[/b] The man spoke, [b]"I just figured I'd say hello and make sure you were safe. Occupational obligation, y'know? I was just taking a walk and saw you over here. If you haven't noticed, there's nobody else on the beach,"[/b] He looked around the beach while saying, [b]"A meeting was pretty much inevitable,"[/b]

[b]"I guess I don't have one on me, sorry. I'd be happy to walk you back if it would make you feel better. Or I can leave you be. Doesn't matter."[/b] He began, putting in a slight pause before adding, [b]"It's...nice to meet, you, Claire."[/b]

Claire smiled at his attempts to calm her. She could tell he was... maybe a bit flustered. [b]"Oh, well... I need to leave anyway. Unless..."[/b] She began, looking down the side of the beach. [b]"Unless you'd like to join me on a walk?"[/b] She asked him. She looked over at where her stuff was and then to the moon. She lifted her shoulders in a shrug and smiled over at the stranger. [b]"Well, there's enough moonlight... I guess I'd feel safe walking around with you... A complete stranger."[/b] She teased him, laughing at herself a bit. [b]"Because... You know, most people introduce themselves to someone they've been introduced to. I told you my name, why don't you tell me yours?"[/b] She continued, walking over to him.