A grin grew on his face at the change of subject, even after so many years it still pained him to remember what had happened to those he’d held dear. It was a balm to see someone again from those days, though it was bittersweet, “But of course, would you really expect anything less from me?”
He began to walk again, arm securely back in its place around her shoulders as he lead her down the street. Though instead of continuing down the sidewalk he gently ushered her down an alley instead, ignoring the few looks that were shot their way. It wasn’t until he glanced back to check if they were alone that he gave her a hint of why they were there.
“Remember how we used to travel?”
“Never,” she whispered. “You’ve taught me all I know about elegance, dear. Maybe one day I’ll take you to my place and you’ll see.” That had its own implications, but they were left for another day. Another meeting. Seeing him again stirred caged feelings within her, ones she wanted to scope out before freeing it from its cage.
Love was a wild thing, after all.
When he nudged her in the alley, she maneuvered as subtly as he did. With a nod, she wrapped her arms around him, snakes rustling as they pressed against his chest. “Ready when you are."