Strings of Fate

Aaron 4- Talking and teasing

“I wasn’t sure it was you at first, but I don’t know anyone else who falls asleep in a club.” Penelope says. My eyes fly open as I feel her dropping down onto the couch beside me. She’s sweating a little from the stage lights but she still smells like the ocean. I have to fight not to sniff at her. I always liked the beach. Tonight her hair is in a braid resting over her left shoulder. I nod to confirm my identity and she snorts out a laugh.

“I was right, just as quiet as a person. Although I guess maybe you don’t mind my company since you’re not a cat today?” She adds, her words a question. I give a slight nod. Can she tell how awkward I feel right now? I’m usually fairly comfortable with my silence, but something about Penelope makes me feel like I should be trying harder to answer.

“That’s great. I was worried I’ve been bothering you. My teachers always told me I don’t know when to keep my mouth shut and leave well enough alone.” I raise an eyebrow and she just laughs.

“Yeah, I know. She told me to talk less so I went out and decided to make a living with my voice. I always did like to be contrary.” She jokes. Penelope chatters at me for a while longer, telling me about her music and how she hopes she can make a proper living with it one day. She admits that she struggles a bit right now and that she occasionally has to borrow money from her parents to cover her bills.

“Thankfully they’re really supportive and don’t mind that I’m a bit of a mess.” She concludes.

“You’re not a mess.” I mutter quietly.

“He speaks! And here I was starting to think you really didn’t talk.” She says with a smile. Her face falls as she glances at her phone.

“I should probably be heading home though. I drove here at least. I used to take the bus and that was the worst.” She adds. My protective streak flares up. She used to take the bus this. late at night? Alone? That can’t be safe! She stands to leave and I find myself getting to my feet as well. Penelope looks at me strangely for a minute.

“You look kind of upset.” She says slowly. Then shakes her head.

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Aaron 4- Talking and teasing

“No, wait. Not upset. Worried. Are you worried about me Aaron?” She asks and I nod.

parked right out front.” She promises. I stare flatly at her and offer her my arm. I’m about to drop it when I remember that she probably doesn’t know what the gesture means to Shifters, but

to walk me to my car? What a gentleman!” She says cheerfully. We head out. together, Penelope waves and says goodbye to all the

car. It’s small but seems serviceable enough. Penelope squeezes my arm

for Penelope’s entire performance, although once again people try to approach me. I end up closing my eyes while

her assumption that I was sleeping. Does it really matter if she knows if I’m awake or not? It doesn’t seem to affect whether she approaches me or not. I give her a nod as a greeting then internally kick myself. Is it really that hard

job you have that has you so tired all the time.” She prompts me curiously. I try to think of the best way to describe

to a non–Shifter.

going with. Penelope raises an eyebrow and looks.

at me speculatively.

you’d be good at. Who do

2/4

Talking

to ask that?” She asks curiously.

don’t know if she even

answer.

Alphas are super important right? So I guess your job is super important too. I bet you’re good at it, they wouldn’t pick you if

“Volunteered.” I comment.

means you like your job, or at least. you have some goal in

packs in the past. What’s that like? Oh, I hope I’m not annoying you. You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to. Although something tells me you never talk unless you actually want to.” Ah, so she is taking a page out of Alpha Ryann’s book and asking questions I can’t answer with a nod. Oddly enough I find I don’t mind answering Penelope. I try to think of an accurate answer. It’s sweet that she’s concerned about my pack given all the rumours she probably hears about Shifters, we ARE pretty private. But I think back to Alpha Ryann force feeding me cake and pestering me into relaxing whenever possible and how Alpha Kane dotes on her, his sister and their adopted child Kiara. They treat me like I belong there, like my own family does. I don’t want her to think poorly of

them.

noisy family.” I conclude and she smiles

if your work isn’t the problem then why are you so tired all the time?” She continues her interrogation. I’m not sure I know the answer to that question.

answer, although it comes out like