[img]https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/737065257234858036/1036570687676108820/CDA13C17-83BD-46B3-9E13-43EBB40ECD95.png[/img]
[right][sub]location: Sinful Temptations
interactions: [color=lightsteelblue]Fenrir[/color] | [color=f7976a]Psyche[/color]
mentions: [color=FF446E]Eros[/color] [/sub][/right][hr]

[color=silver]The wolf was in a good mood. It was rare that he met anyone who could give his thieves back as good as they handed out. Even rarer still for that person to be downright gorgeous. He'd need to ask Tlaz about the bartender next time he saw her. How rude of her to keep such a gem from him. 

But he had another goddess on his mind right now. Fenrir hadn't attended the festival and he knew someone else who wouldn't have either. He wanted to check in on her, knowing she often pulled herself away from such events for fear of facing love. So after he'd left the Jade Jaguar he'd headed over to her bakery. Only partly motivated by the rumbling of his stomach. Who could blame him? He and his pack of thieves practically lived there. 

The sun was just beginning to set, casting crimson and vermilion tones across the sky. An occasional droplet of rain fell atop his dark mop of hair but it was to be expected...it was Seattle afterall. A smile darted across his face as he approached the bakery, it was always a welcoming sight and he could still catch the lingering scents of baked goods. He sniffed eagerly like the wolf he had once been. With a skip in his step, he approached the door. Resting a hand against the frame, he rapped briskly hoping that Psyche would be there. 

The noise pulled her attention to the front, halting her dough making process as she started wiping her floured hands onto her apron while heading out of the kitchen. Distracted by the prepping checklist in her mind for the next day and the after tidying up bit, she hadn’t quite looked up yet as she began to speak the normal spiel for [i]those[/i] kind of customers that couldn’t read a sign. [color=f7976a]”I’m sorry but we’re…Fen!!!”[/color], but that line of words died when she saw who in fact it was as she glanced up and pure delight lit up on her features along with a dazzling smile. She threw open the door, waving him in quickly, [color=f7976a]”Come in! Come in! I didn’t think I would get the pleasure of seeing you today. How are you? You didn’t walk in all that rain did you?!? Have you had dinner yet? If not I can make you something but I did save some of those pastries you love so much.”[/color]

She continued to chat with him while making her way back to the kitchen as she spoke, Psyche knowing she was free to continue her work while also having the best of company. One of those that didn’t walk on eggshells around her or give pity looks which she greatly appreciated. He was here usually for good food and sometimes juicy goss to share which she would never pass up. 

[color=lightsteelblue]“I like walking in the rain. It feels nice on my fur--I mean skin.”[/color] Fenrir laughed at his slip of the tongue, a bright smile to match her own lighting up his face as he followed her into the kitchen. [color=lightsteelblue]“I haven’t eaten and I would kill for a pastry. No-one else makes them as good as you.”[/color] He stopped beside her, happily slinging an arm around her shoulders as he had done with his sisters earlier that day. The wolf pulled her in for a side hug that he suspected she would need, head easily resting atop her own given their differences in height. [color=lightsteelblue]“Did you know you are an absolute gem Psyche? Because you are. An absolute gem.”[/color]

[color=f7976a]”Well, a tiger can’t change its stripes as they say so I guess that would make sense. Just don’t go getting a cold on me cause I won’t be babying you….okay, maybe I will a little bit but you should be careful. You are a bit lacking in fur nowadays after all.”[/color], she replied, glad he was still doing the things he loved without letting anything hold him back. She knew he missed out on a lot and she did want her friend's happiness. He deserved nothing less after what he had gone through. [color=f7976a]”Oh stop, you’ll make it go straight to my head. I’m sure there are better chefs and bakers than me.”[/color], she chuckled before pulling out the packaged pastries and placing them out. She leaned into the sudden side hug, giving one in return and grateful for it. This time of year was always rough for her, reminding her continuously of the fall and all she lacked. The deep seeded loneliness clawing at her, the same one that Eros had saved her from originally. [color=f7976a]”I don’t know about all that…but, it is nice to hear. Enough about me though, what made you come to surprise visit today?”[/color], she asked, pulling away before tears tried to build up at the sweet and kind words of her friend. He always seemed to sense when she needed a pick me up. Psyche wondered if it was left over animal instinct sometimes. 

[color=lightsteelblue]"It took me a long time to get used to having no fur. You guys are so naked."[/color] Fenrir frowned down at himself as if once again surprised by his human form. [color=lightsteelblue]"So weird…"[/color] He shook his head as she pulled away, sensing the ever so subtle change in her disposition. He hated that she had to suffer so and it took a lot of self-control not to throw Eros off the nearest skyrise. [color=lightsteelblue]"I came here to see you of course! I missed my friend and well…I knew you wouldn't be at the festival. You never are."[/color] His sharp blue eyes looked down at her fondly, full of their usual watchfulness but softer, calmer. [color=lightsteelblue]"Though something happened."[/color] Fenrir paused, desperately not wanting to break the news to her. She was so loving to everyone, he knew it would hurt her deeply. Taking a deep breath, he leant back against the countertop, arms folded across his chest. [color=lightsteelblue]"Two people, two gods, died…"[/color]

Psyche felt herself tremble, physically sitting herself down at one of the island stools as she wasn’t sure she could keep standing with news like that. She looked to Fen, tears spilling over and sliding down her cheeks for the ones lost and those that were grieving, not even knowing who they belonged to. She had been mortal once, the thought that she might have or possibly would die was a lot less frightening as she would imagine this was for everyone else who had never had to really face that fact unless they chose to since the fall. She opened her mouth to ask more when a hideous thought popped into her head, her words choking as fear crawled into her chest. What if? She felt panic, rapidly standing so fast that it knocked the chair over as she lightly gripped the wolf’s arm. Psyche summoned all of her courage, steeling herself and actually able to keep some strength to her voice as she spoke, [color=f7976a]”It wasn’t him, right!? Please!…Please…tell me which immortals?”[/color]

Fenrir took her hand between his own, clasping his fingers tightly around the soft skin. He could feel her trembling. [color=lightsteelblue]"Sorry, I should've been more specific. He's very much alive as far as I'm aware."[/color] His eyes narrowed a little as he spoke of the god of love and passion. If he actually was dead then maybe Psyche would be able to move on with her life and be happy. Wishful thinking perhaps. [color=lightsteelblue]"It was Hades and Perses kids…Macaria and Zagreus. I wasn't there so I don't know all the details but I think they suspect foul play."[/color] His shoulders shrugged not in a movement of indifference but of uncertainty. [color=lightsteelblue]"But!"[/color] He added quickly, [color=lightsteelblue]"I'm sure they'll figure it out and we'll all be grand!"[/color] The wolf attempted a smile, though even for one so adept at deceit, he had always found it hard to fake his emotions around Psyche. 

She cried harder as she felt a flood of relief soothe her frayed nerves and the twist of knots that filled her guts. Persephone and her were not on the best of terms, their start a rocky one at best but she would never wish this on anyone. No mother should have to bury a child let alone two. Her heart went out to her but she wasn’t sure how she could help or even if it would be appropriate to do so. Psyche tried to wipe her tears away with her free hand, not ready to let go of Fen’s own yet as it was a nice comfort. She looked up at him during his last comment, squeezing his hand before speaking softly. [color=f7976a]”It’s okay to be worried. You know, I’m here for you and we will all try to figure this out but it’s still okay to be worried about the ones you love….Now, you have told me the bad news, where is my good news?”[/color], Psyche asked, trying to lighten the mood.

[color=lightsteelblue]"Good news?"[/color] Fenrir shot her a wry grin. He was as keen as Psyche to stop talking about such sorrowful matters, especially if it halted her tears. [color=lightsteelblue]"Oh I don't know…"[/color] He pulled a face of mock concentration, a hand moving to rake through his thick hair. [color=lightsteelblue]"Well I did meet someone at the JJ earlier. Had to go and deal with Fruitcake…he'd been upsetting the wrong people as per usual."[/color] He let out a half-laugh though it lacked his usual humour. As a rule Fenrir tried to look after his thieves but that one was nothing but bad news. [color=lightsteelblue]"But yeah, she was pretty hot." [/color]The wolf shrugged as if there was nothing more to say on the matter. 

[color=f7976a]”That boy, always getting into such trouble! You really do give him too many chances but hey, meeting someone new is always nice. Did you ask her on a date or is this more a romp in the sheets and move on kinda thing? Cause if it is the dating kind, then you have to bring her here so I can give you two an amazing date night….and also secretly judge because you deserve the best!”[/color] She chuckled softly with a weak smile, giving her friend a nudge before trying to push away the tears that wouldn’t stop falling. She looked at her phone, biting her lip lightly and glancing at Fen before nervously playing with her fingers. [color=f7976a]”Speaking of too many chances…I can’t just turn off how I feel about Eros but um, well, I’ve been chatting with a mortal online. I didn’t say anything because I didn’t want it to be a thing but I…he seems really nice and..do you think I should give it a shot? Like online date or maybe asking them on a real date? We have been chatting for months and I thought, maybe this would be a good chance to try to, I don’t know, move on?”[/color]

Fen looked nothing short of perplexed. He hadn't considered any of those things. He hadn't really considered much besides the fact that she was both extremely good-looking [i]and[/i] very capable of holding her own. Shaking his head, he couldn't help but let out a bark of a laugh. [color=lightsteelblue]"Damn Psyche, I have no idea! I don't even know her name."[/color] His nose twitched as he sniffed at the air, momentarily distracted by the smell of cooking pastries. Steak and ale if he was correct. [color=lightsteelblue]"I don't know if I'm really the serious dating type."[/color] He continued, pulling his attention back to the goddess beside him. [color=lightsteelblue]"There's too much human stuff involved and well…I'm a lowlife thief. Not exactly something most people are looking out for."[/color] He let out a small sigh. No, he was too wary to ever get [i]that[/i] close to someone, be it mortal or god. He had been burnt one too many times. [color=lightsteelblue]"But more importantly…you've been talking to someone for months?! That's great!"[/color] He nudged his shoulder against hers. [color=lightsteelblue]"I hope he's less of an asshole than you-know-who."[/color] The words slipped out before he could register them but he didn't regret it.

[color=f7976a]”I would ask how but this is you we are talking about so I won’t question it too hard. It’s a shame though….you are so much more than just a thief and any woman would be lucky to have your heart. Heck, if only I didn’t view you like a brother.”[/color], Psyche teased, trying to keep it lighthearted but it made her a bit saddened to think her friend only saw himself as this. She wished she knew more about this girl, maybe she could play ‘Cupid’ for once. She was pulled from her tempting thoughts at the shoulder nudge and blushed, partly at the feeling of being caught as if he could read her mind but also at the positivity of having been chatting with Eli. She suddenly felt her heart drop a bit at Fen’s next statement, her smile falling a bit as she played with the countertop pattern. She didn’t blame him for the words. It seemed many had choice words about the subject of her lover. 

[color=f7976a]”I know how you feel but he really isn’t. He was under a spell and I was living in a fantasy. The spell is gone and what I stupidly thought was love was clearly just on my side. I can’t blame him for wanting to continue the life he had before me. I just….it would be nice if he didn’t run and just told me the truth but we had so much time together, I get him not wanting to hurt my feelings. Avoiding me is probably easier even if it hurts.”[/color], she said gently, forcing a smile though not even realizing that tears had started spilling down her cheeks. She turned away once she noticed, a little too late as she desperately wiped her cheeks as she spoke, [color=f7976a]”Gosh, I need to clean this place better! Keep getting flour in my eyes…I’m hungry! Are you hungry? I’m sure you are! I should check on dinner! That's right, we should definitely do that!”[/color]

Fenrir simply offered a grunt in reply as she spoke of Eros. There was little he could say, no point really. He did not want to upset her further and he knew Psyche only ever saw the good in people. Nor could he even drag the fool over, it would undoubtedly not go down well. Greeks were mostly assholes. That was the simple conclusion that he had come to a long time ago. [Color=lightsteelblue]"Yeah, I know…"[/color] He muttered, unhappy but willing to drop the subject.

At the mention of food his stomach grumbled once more as if eager to confirm his hunger. It was Psyches fault for making it smell so goddamn good in here. [Color=lightsteelblue]"Ravenous."[/color] He grinned, moving to grab some plates and cutlery;  he knew where they were kept. Reaching up to open a cupboard, he turned to look back at his friend. [Color=lightsteelblue]"Go on then, tell me all about this mysterious mortal."[/color] The wolf raised a questioning eyebrow. [Color=lightsteelblue]"What questions am I meant to ask? Is he… like totally cute?"[/color] He mimicked her gentle voice as he spoke the last three words, a mischievous glimmer in his eyes. 

Psyche laughed as she pulled the steak from the oven, hoping it hadn’t been left in too long with the unexpected and welcomed arrival of her guest. She placed the cast iron pan down before uncovering the mixed veggies that had finished earlier than the rest of her planned dinner. [color=f7976a]”You are awful!”[/color], she stated, chuckling a bit while undoing the pressure from the pressure cooker, letting the steam rise as she turned to her friend. [color=f7976a]”I don’t know what he looks like but his personality is what has me thinking about maybe changing that. He is so honest, which is refreshing to not have to play double meanings and is willing to apologize if he thinks he is making me uncomfortable. I always find myself smiling and laughing when we talk. I feel giddy when I actually receive messages from him, wondering what the next topic we speak of will be. We have touched a bit on talking about Eros and he seems to take your side with the whole him being an idiot thing. I don’t know, there is just something about him that has me wondering, curious, like when I first didn’t know who Eros was or even looked like but that charming energy that drew me in. It feels almost the same so I figured, maybe this means I’m ready to move on. He is mortal so it’s a baby step but a step is better than standing still.”[/color] 

That said, she turned back around to pop the top off the pressure cooker, adding in a few last minute ingredients with a stir before taking the plates Fen had placed out for them, cutting the large steak in half and splitting it between them, scooping out the buttered parmesan mixed veggies, and also placing a good portion of garlic rosemary mashed potatoes from the cooker. She placed their meals down, working on drinks for the two of them as she spoke up once more. [color=f7976a]”I don’t know, do I sound crazy? Am I wrong for not wanting to feel lonely anymore? Have I not waited long enough?”[/color]. She sat down after placing their drinks down, looking to Fen for advice on this important matter. He was her best friend in her opinion and she trusted his advice. 

Fen listened as she spoke, sitting down eagerly in front of the food but waiting until his friend accompanied him before he started. It had been Psyche who had taught him such human manners and he tried to keep to them…at least around her. [Color=lightsteelblue]"You never sound crazy."[/color] He grinned, tearing his gaze away from the steak. [Color=lightsteelblue]"Maybe it's the human in you but you're the most sane god I've ever met."[/color] He paused, considering what she had said before. [Color=lightsteelblue]"Look, I say go for it. Just…don't forget that they're mortal. There's only so long you can pretend that you have a really really good dermatologist."[/color] Fenrir let out a laugh; it was the eternal dilemma of the gods. How long could you befriend a mortal before they questioned your pretty damn obvious lack of aging? Not very long in his experience. [Color=lightsteelblue]"But I get it, I really do. I've spent a lot of time alone and it's rough. I wouldn't wish it on anyone."[/color] He leaned back in his chair, hands running through his hair and leaving it a wild mess. [Color=lightsteelblue]"Bring him round to my club sometime. There'll only be like a…50% chance of him getting hurt."[/color] 

[color=f7976a]”Thanks, Fen. I’ll try to remember your advice. I don’t want to cause any suspicion after all or cause anyone one else trouble by being found out but I feel much better about taking a chance now. Aaannddd, if the initial meeting goes well, I definitely make sure we visit the club so I can introduce him.[/color], Psyche smiled and pulled out her phone, not wanting to chicken out later and working on the confidence she was currently feeling. She quickly shot a text message, knowing it probably wouldn’t be seen right away at this hour but at least the invite for coffee or tea was out of the way. [color=f7976a]”Well, no turning back now…the worst that can happen is that he says no, right? Then we can continue as is.”[/color]

A vigorous nod of his head was all the god could offer in reply, his mouth too full of buttery mashed potato to speak. He closed his eyes for a moment, cast into bliss by the taste and scent of the food. Finally, after swallowing he could talk once more. [Color=lightsteelblue]"He's not going to say no. And he's a fool if he does."[/color] He speared a small piece of steak onto his fork. [Color=lightsteelblue]"But more importantly, did you put crack into this food or something?! It's fucking amazing!"[/color]He smiled, happily content now he was eating. The saying ravenous as a wolf still applied even when one was no longer a wolf. [Color=lightsteelblue]"I need the recipe! Well Jorm does. She's the better of the three of us."[/color]

[color=f7976a]”If you say so.”[/color], she smiled, starting on her own meal which she instantly almost ended up choking on in laughter at his enthusiasm over her cooking, taking a moment to cover her mouth and recover. [color=f7976a]”I’m so glad you like it! I’ll be happy to send the recipe Jorm’s way so she can spoil you with it more often though I am sure you could manage this one on your own if you wanted.”[/color]
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