To The Ones Who Can't Dream

chapter 92 - She Had Never Been Able To Leave

TW: brief mentions of sexual assault (referencing old memories of Seren's)

Avoiding things was what Seren did best. So, she was currently in some bar in Velaris. She couldn't remember the name of the place. Or even how long she had been there. All she knew was that her drinks kept being refilled. She simply sat at the bar, sipping her drink and staring absentmindedly at all of the different bottles.

"Which one's your favorite?" came a voice from beside her.

She turned her head to see a male sitting next to her. She gave him a half-smile, "What if I like them all?"

He smiled back at her, "Well, then I would say you're not very picky."

Seren gave him a nod of agreement, before turning back to look at the bottles again. "The name's Zurali," the male said.

His hand was extended, as if he intended to shake her hand. Usually, Seren would be annoyed that the man seemed to ignore her clear dismissal. But today was his lucky night. Or maybe it was just him. He was exceedingly average looking. Not too tall, blonde hair, brown eyes, freckled running across his nose.

Maybe this was exactly what she needed. Someone to help her forget Rhys and all the complicated feelings she had for him. And he seemed eager enough to help out.

So, she smiled and took his hand, "Seren."

"And Seren," he started, "What do you do around here?"

That gave her pause for a moment. He didn't know her?

So she asked, "Are you new here?"

Zurali chuckled, "How'd you guess? I just moved here last week from the Dawn Court."

"Oh, why'd you move?"

"My brother lives here and we just wanted to be with each other during this War. Tough times, nowadays. You need to make sure you spend the time you have with those you love. For all we know, we could be dead in a couple of days."

Seren mulled this over for a bit and before she could respond, his eyebrows dropped in concern. "Well, I didn't mean it in that way. I promise I'm not always that dark," he stammered, "It-It's just these are unpredictable times and all."

Seren raised an eyebrow at him and his cheeks turned slightly pink, "I'm sorry. I swear I'm usually better at words than this. I just think you are really beautiful."

His face dropped, "Shit, I didn't mean to say that out loud."

Seren laughed, "I understood what you were trying to say the first time around. But I do admire your way with words."

"Are you...Are you being sarcastic?" he asked.

She grinned at him, "Partially. I actually do like how you speak what's on your mind. I know too many fae who don't, and I like the transparency."

His body relaxed and he gave her a small smile back, "Well, thank you."

Seren was slightly confused on one aspect, "Don't you find my eyes creepy though?"

Zurali looked into her eyes for so long that she started to get fidgety. He finally said, "Nah. I think they're pretty cool. If you got mad about something, I'd bet they would make you look kind of scary though. Lucky for me, I don't get scared very easily."

She looked at him for a moment, appalled. But then she let out a snort, "I knew I liked you for a reason."

"Sooo," he took a sip of his drink, "Are you ever going to tell me what you do around here?"