Just like old times

Ria is all smiles as the two of them walk down the street together. Almost immediately after heading out the door, she took Kael’s hand, and shows no signs of letting go. Not that Kael minds.

She gives his hand a squeeze as they walk. “So, how does it feel, out on a date and leaving your cute little elf behind?”

Kael chuckles. “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel a bit odd about it, but you both seem so excited. And I certainly can’t complain about being with you again.”

Ria looks at him sidelong. “Are you saying you missed me, big guy?”

He rolls his eyes. “Of course I did. I never stopped caring about you, Ria. It just felt…I don’t know. Like I was being split. My love and my duty.”

Ria nods. “I understand. But it’s different now?”

Kael sighs. “It is. And I can’t say why, but…it’s different. Evie is…special.”

The redhead leans in and kisses his cheek. “That’s cute, you know that? And I won’t pry, at least not yet, but I know there has to be a reason things are different, but if you’re keeping it secret, I won’t press you.”

Kael smiles. “You always were too smart for your own good, Ria. And yes, it’s a secret. I’m sure I’ll tell you someday but…not yet.”

Ria smiles back at him. “I understand. I trust you, big guy. But anyway, enough of the serious stuff, time to have some fun!”

Ria grins at Kael as she practically drags him towards a nearby door, the sign above it proclaiming it as “The Blazing Steed”, complete with a painting of the horse with a fiery mane. How appropriate for the fiery redhead on his arm, Kael thinks to himself. By the wink she gives him, Ria is clearly thinking the same thing, and she leaves no doubt about it when she whispers in his ear.

“Later tonight I’ll be your fiery steed, big guy…”

The tone of her voice makes him shiver, and she’s laughing as she pulls him through the door. Inside, it’s clearly a popular place, with people seated at most of the tables. Ria pulls Kael through the crowd to find an empty space, her passage drawing looks from many. Kael can’t blame them, she looks incredible as always, with her tight clothes showing off her muscled, but still very feminine body. Coupled with her eye catching hair and boisterous personality, Ria commands attention, no matter what she’s doing.

The two of them find a table, and soon a barmaid comes by to get their orders. Ria orders for Kael, and soon the barmaid has two large glasses of beer, one for each of them. Ria raises her glass, amusement in her eyes.

“To us, once again.”

Kael chuckles, raising his glass as well. “I’ll drink to that.”

And so they do. More drinks follow, and some conversation, about nothing substantial. At some point, food is ordered, and eaten, along with more beer. Kael is amazed by the way the two of them have seemingly picked up right where they left off, and neither of them have stopped smiling once. Though he’s hardly drunk, the **** has given Kael a pleasant buzz, which only adds to the overall feeling of happiness.

Ria looks at him with amusement once again. “Are you already feeling it, big guy? Turning into a lightweight, aren’t we?”

Before Kael can respond, he feels something rub against his leg under the table. It’s a foot, specifically, Ria’s foot. There’s a different light in her eyes now, a hungry one, as her foot rubs up and down against his calf. She leans forward, holding him with her gaze, and slowly licks her lips.

“What do you think, should we get out of here, big guy?”

There’s a different emphasis on her pet name for him this time, and it makes Kael shiver slightly, a pleasant thrill running through him. “Yeah, I think that’s a good idea…”

Ria smiles, leaning back and draining the rest of her drink. The two of them stand, and make their way back outside. This time, her arm is around his waist, and his around her shoulders, their bodies swaying together as they walk back towards his house. It’s not long before her hand is on Kael’s butt, giving him a squeeze as they walk. There’s no conversation this time, just shared glances and a sense of anticipation that quickens their pace. It’s not long before they arrive at Kael’s house, and hurry toward the door.