Half-Bloods R • 2 : Growing Shadows

C • 14 : Shadows and Flames, Beauty and Strength

Demi pulled him forward through the noisy streets, they'd been up since early that morning eating at McDonald's, walking through the dark streets, and laughing with each other. While they walked, the sun had risen over San Antonio, and the streets began to fill with more than just the homeless, lost, and potentially dangerous. Over time, Vaelan could see the auras of Anthraahlans and Humanths blinking their way into and through the crowds. He smiled, the War was far from over, yet peace was clearly possible, in front of him was everything he and the others fought for- Though his smile quickly dropped as his emotion shield took over.

"Hey Vaelan," Demi hugged his arm, "Wanna go shopping? We could find ya a new tea set."

He lowered himself, bringing him face to face with his girlfriend, "And you can buy yourself a bunch of unnecessary trinkets?"

"What?" She looked away, "That's Elizabeth's thing, you know that."

"Sure," he stretched.

He looked back at her, she was squeezing his arm and giving him puppy eyes. He sighed, "Alright, we can go."

Suddenly, he was being dragged through the crowd as Demi dashed along the streets. They passed dozens of storefronts and business names plastered on signs or even windows. Furniture stores, music stores, small restaurants, and hidden coffee shops that unless you knew it was there, it was likely that you'd pass by. Demi began laughing as she pulled him forward, eventually, after a moment of clumsiness, Vaelan caught himself and began running beside her. He watched her happily for a moment before looking forward, people were moving out of their way, and they no longer needed to weave through the crowds.

He grabbed her hands and spun her close to him, and for a moment, the two entered a short dance, moving their feet back and forth to a rhythm only they could hear. They circled each other for a moment, before stopping with Vaelan's back facing the storefronts. Demi's eyes lit up as she leaned into him, some pedestrians had stopped to watch, while some stared as they continued to walk.

"Vaelan, have I ever told you that I love you?" She asked, her hands on his chest as his arm wrapped around her waist.

"Only every day," he pressed his forehead to hers.

She kissed him and he relished the taste of her soft lips, "I love you, Vaelan Kemandarro," she whispered.

Before he could respond, Demi's eyes went wide, "We're here!"

He turned around and saw a glass window storefront of an antique shop. On the window was a painting of a crescent moon with the words Luna's Antique and Pawn Shop written next to it.

They walked in and were immediately greeted with a musty scent and kind words from a heavyset elderly woman behind the counter. They said their greetings and began slowly and cautiously making their way through the aisles of antiques. Along the way, they would pick up small items that they found interesting or wanted to show each other. Vaelan found himself looking at several old utensils and gilded tableware, while Demi began carrying an old metronome and book.

They exited the first aisle and began in stalls along the walls. Vaelan began looking through old records, cassettes, and CDs. He browsed through old albums until he finally found something to Anna's taste, a Linkin Park CD and cassette, and a Blink 182 cassette.

Demi smirked at him.

"What?" He tilted his head.

"Look at you, being all fatherly!" She wiggled.

"It's just a small gift for"-

"For doing so well in her training and being like a daughter to you?" Demi sped through the sentence.