start of something new // a&f
Though he was strange, he seemed kind. Petunia eyed him still, though. She’d read enough novels and enough newspapers to know that there were those who were dangerous out in the Real World. He could easily be one of them. So–she’d keep her space, a little. Be vigilant, like many of her heroes. “Thank you,” Petunia repeated, swallowing thickly and stepping towards him–on accident, as someone had shoved her a little. “S-sorry–”
Petunia steadied herself by grasping at the first thing near her–which turned out to be his arm. “Sorry,” she spat again, gaining her not-even-out-on-sea legs for a moment. Petunia tucked her hair behind her ear and cleared her throat, “No it would…” Again, she thought of her stories. She could defend herself if the need arose–and companions made journeys so much better. “We’ll see. This trip will be taking a while, right? So–we’ll… Get to know each other…”
This women seemed very shy and timid to Alex had to remind himself not to be so himself. He had to tone it down. Since they were going to be on a small vessel for Poseidon knows how long, he wanted her to be comfortable. They weren’t even on the boat yet and she was stumbling and tripping over her feet. For a moment he thought maybe she was actually a mermaid too, but that was silly. He helped her keep straight.
“You don’t have to say sorry! You didn’t do anything wrong.” He smiled softly at her, trying to keep his voice soft and quiet enough to not startle her. It was like his older sister would take her to watch the school of fish in the coral reefs. He had to be quiet so they didn’t rush off.
When she mentioned getting to know each other, his eyes lit up. “That sounds fun.” He said, “I’m Alex! I know I said that earlier but I’m not sure if you remember.”
