Strange + Stranger [Liam&Jerry]
She’d always liked Autumn. The air was crisp and cool, the people were genial and festive; it was a last hurrah before the world became barren.
She wasn’t fond of Winter.
Halloween decorations hung in shop windows and dotted dying lawns - the bright colors put her in a better mood. While she’d only recently made her way here, Jerry was already smitten with the cozy atmosphere of Salem. Being so close to the ocean was also a huge plus…as long as she didn’t run into Nemo.
She picked at the hem of her shirt, and wondered if the weather constituted switching to her favorite jacket - the white one, with mouse ears on the hood. It could also function as a costume; gods, how many years had she dressed that way for Halloween?
She remembered long ago, when she’d masqueraded as a feline -
Jerry paused in her musings, catching the scent of baking bread. She followed it, treading lightly on the delicately cobbled walkway. Lo and behold, she’d come across a square, various establishments encircling a lovely gurgling fountain. Jerry took a seat on a nearby bench, resting her feet. The streetlamp snapped on next to her, throwing back the growing shadows and encircling her in a pool of yellow light.
Contentment.
Liam hugged his leather jacket closer to his body, watching in interest as a nearby child chased around a paper bag. He’d always been generally fond of children - though he did do his best to steer clear of them because of the noises they made. Children were easier to be around. They lacked the deeper, more painful memories adults often carried.
The little girl caught the bag, squealing in delight as she ran over to show her brother. The scene send a familiar wave of melancholy flowing through Liam. His mind drifted to Azrael, who he’d left at home despite wanting to bring her outside. Next time, he’d be more insistent.
Liam was so wrapped up in his thoughts, he was late to realize there was a pair of feet in his path. He stumbled over them, thankfully able to keep his balance.
“Sorry.I wasn’t really looking.” He said, once his initial surprise died down.
