Forever Luna

Hook-up

verb ~ to begin a romantic or sexual relationship with someone

POLLUX

The next day, I was in the city looking for something to do. I ended up staring at the store front of Uptown, hesitant in approaching the girl inside.

I didn't want to traipse around this damn city longer than needed. I hated the claustrophobia and the stench of... everything. Sweat, grease, gas, bodily fluids... They really had it all, and people willingly lived here, despite the fresh air forest mere miles away.

Fuck it. Inside I go.

The shop had changed slightly with the season. Gone were the shorts and summer colours, and in their place were jackets, beanies and boots. I grabbed a basket, knowing I'd have to either throw away my summer clothes or buy a bigger or separate bag. I'd rather not throw my things away, especially the shirt Claude stole for me.

I say stole. I don't think Antoine minded.

Sighing, I took hold of a winter coat with a frown. I didn't want to, but if I wanted to be human in a civilised place, I'd need a coat. My fur can keep me warm in the forest, but not in the open. That was signing a death warrant.

"Hello, sir. Find everything you needed today?"

I blinked, realising the clerk was talking to me. As my green eyes met their blue, a faint glimmer of recognition passed over their gaze. Harriet hesitated, watching me approach her.

"Pollux." She breathed.

"You remember." I mused.

"Of course." She blushed. "A strange name for the man who wore boots in the summer and handed a stranger his brand-new phone."

I laughed. "Material possessions are not for me."

"Must be nice." She laughed at my frown. "To not worry if someone is going to steal from you."

"Hardly." I shook my head. "It does not bother me if it gets stolen because I don't care for it, anyway."

"Interesting." She hummed and rang up my clothes. "What brings you back?"

"My feet." I shrugged. "It seems I've turned back."

"A change of heart?" She wondered. "You should've called me."

I laughed softly, shaking my head. "To be completely honest, I've not been in the right mind for civil conversations."

If only she knew I meant because I was literally a furry beast.

"Oh? Love nature that much, hey?"

"My phone has been dead for two weeks." I hummed. "So, I'd say so."

"Two weeks?" Her eyes widened. "So, is this another one-night stay?"

"Yep." I nodded. "Just need these."

Her eyes dropped to the clothes in her hand as she scanned it. "I see."

"You seem disappointed." I probed.

Harriet blushed. "I... Sorry."

"What are you apologising for?" I mused. "Do you like me, Harriet?"

Her cheeks flamed, scoffing. "I hardly like a man who thinks he can ask a question like that."

"How else am I supposed to know whether to continue my pursual?" I grinned as she squirmed and pressed total. "Why else would you give me your number?"

"In case you needed someone to show you around." She narrowed her eyes. "Your total is two-sixty-four."