Bridge Jumper Comes Back To Life For Help: The Century Curse

028

Downtown Cleveland's streets were always busy, if not with traffic, then with construction. In all the times he'd been down here, he'd never seen it calm once. Then again, he'd never dare to walk the city streets at night. But the sun just left its peak, providing tons of light yet to be burned.

It was unlucky calling Hanna while she was at work, but fortunately, she described it as the stars aligning, as she was able to leave work early. Excitement filled her voice after she heard Ian on the other side of the line. When he was on the phone earlier, Reity had heard her through the phone's speaker, "Ah! Reity gave you my number? Great! I got so distracted the other night, I forgot to give it to you. On my way!"

But after they'd finished their conversation, he bolted to Citrus' car, leaving Reity to watch over the house. But before hanging up, he made sure to tell the detective the first place he deemed fun. At first, it was between the batting cage and the aquarium, but after seeing her interact with the lightning bug the other night, he felt the one full of animals was the right choice. Plus, the beach just outside had a few places to try coffee. It wasn't what Lake Erie was known for, but he knew the dark liquid would make her happy.

To top it all off, he was quite fond of the pier leading out over the water, and thought it'd be a nice place to have a conversation. Ian honestly felt bad for scheming all of this out, but if his bond with Astuo had to grow, Hanna was the one he knew would be willing and available if she knew the situation. Not to mention, he felt genuine care for Hanna, and wanted to show her a good time, maybe help her de-stress.

Surviving all the traffic and successfully rounding dead man's curve, he arrived at his destination.

"Seem confident. Do you believe this will work?"

"You said I had to experience emotions of love or lust, right? Well, Hanna is awesome and though we're just friends, forging love with your friend, in turn making your friendship stronger, qualifies I'd say." Ian tapped his foot excitedly, his belief in his plan growing.

"Honestly. Love is a forign concept to me. I could explain lusting over someone, but I feel I'd be wasting my time." Once again, her tone was dry, but Ian could feel the disappointment behind Asuto's words.

"Don't worry, I got it all planned out. Creating this loving friendship is just one part of my plan! Since it's you, Astuo, disciple of lust, who's bound to me, that means the person who was behind it, must've had plans involving one of those two emotions. Meaning, if they catch me on this 'date' we grab' em and learn who they are together! Two birds with one stone!" When the entity in his head was silent, it usually signaled to him that they were on the same page. But this time, Ian couldn't help but feel Astuo's lack of trust in his plan.

As he leaned against the wall next to the entrance, he watched awkwardly as families walked past him through the aquarium doors. Doubt began to flood his mind the long his patience strained.

Did she stand me up or get busy at work?

Suddenly, a tap on his shoulder spooked him, sending him shaking like a certain great dane. He turned around to find, not a woman in her work attire, but one dawning a blood red black dotted blouse. Her hair was done up in her familiar battle braid that now reached down to the back side of her skin tight blue jean shorts.

"Hey, Ian! Sorry I kept ya waiting. I went home to change into something more comfortable. I hope you're not made." Hanna stood, a nervous look on her face. But as he went to reassure her it was fine, she stepped towards him, arms spread. There wasn't a lingering smell of sweat like you'd find on someone who just left work, instead, she must have many scented candles throughout her home, different flowery scents filled his nose as she embraced him. Though it was the end of summer, the heat unbearable somedays, her body cooled him down as he returned her hug.