Arkin knew that the weight of his stare could be disconcerting, especially for a stranger who had no experience with the length it took to be measured. A specimen mentally dissected, character pulled apart by invisible strings of reactions to every measure Arkin could imagine taking. That drive by smile becoming bolder under a warm tone and generous attention. Her screams like cracking electricity through the air, nearly lost in the roaring wind as he caged her. A hot flush of pink brushing over her cheeks after an unexpected burp from eating both apple turnovers. Suspicion turning her eyes into closed doors at questions about her family. These fragments of information coalescing in his mind and laying her bare. Power now identifiable as well as her strengths and weaknesses; a useful tool in need of a proper purpose and sharpening.
“Every action has a consequence that makes it matter,” Arkin replied to her dismissal of the barista’s error, offering a lopsided smile to seem conversational, polite, benign. “Today it was coffee. The result? Us meeting and a reason to stop sitting by myself.”
The suggestion that they would continue to share each other’s company unsaid, but firmly implied. Arkin picking out two of the individually plastic wrapped apple turnovers and handing one over. Waiting for her to take it before he lifted his free hand to pull off his sunglasses, revealing tired, but understanding eyes as he added in what would seem like an innocuous comment to any eavesdropper, “Today chivalry is just a little hungover. If you don’t mind the company perhaps we should sit outside? It’s a better place to catch an errant strong wind.”
While the teen had previously been smirking now a new found stillness grew about her as the true meaning of his words sunk in. Arkin maintaining his friendly demeanor as he watched the strings around her begin to vibrate; a choice and action soon to be made.