Starlight and cigarettes. (Joss)

[siane]

Siane laughed softly "Wanting to drown someone and actually doing it are two completely different things. I've wanted to drown a lot of people. People I've actually killed that way?" She shrugged, contemplating the horizon for a moment. "There are less of them" One actually, and that had been an accident. She'd been 16 at the time and inexperienced. She'd lured him too far out of his depth. She supposed that actually, it was two if you counted Robert's brother. And it wasn't as if she'd actually been directly responsible for that. She'd left him to drown, she'd had nothing to do with getting him into the water. For all Siane's complete disregard for the normal codes of society the drowning thing had made her feel a bit odd. She wouldn't say guilty..not quite, Siane didn't do guilt. Not if she could possibly help it. But regretful..yes, slightly regretful. She hadn't let it affect her much. Shit happened, as her neighbor was prone to saying when things went wrong. Oh yes, there were plenty of people she wouldn't mind seeing drowned, but Joss wasn't one of them and that confused her a bit.

She let her voice return to normal and shifted an inch further away from him, a little uncomfortable about the fact that as much as she made him feel odd, he affected her the same way, not as strongly maybe, because she didn't feel drugged exactly, but it was still there, that dangerous attraction that she was fighting so hard to suppress, lingering just under the surface. That wasn't supposed to happen as far as she knew, and it annoyed her no end.

She contemplated his question for a moment. "Other merpeople are completely resistant as far as I know, and judging from your reaction I'd say that supernaturals aren't as strongly affected as humans. Then again, I'm not in Mermaid form. That's when it becomes almost irresistible." She laughed again and turned back to face him, wondering if he'd come to his senses yet. "As for your last comment. "You're not awful looking yourself"

[jossur]

A dazzlingly handsome grin took over Joss' features at the compliment. The demon knew how to take a compliment and he relished them. A hand raked through his hair and he chuckled under his breath. His mind was definitely back to normal, that was for sure. "Am I to take that as a compliment?" The brunette asked smoothly. "I think you've taken a liking to me, Miss Mermaid. Am I right or am I right?"

This was an odd situation to be sure. A demon and a mermaid, toying with each other like prey. Neither one had proven a real desire to hurt the other. It was all just messing around and showing off, as far as the blue eyed demon could tell. It was rather amusing. Even free of the spell of her voice, Joss felt strangely attracted to the mermaid. She wasn't his normal type, but that certainly didn't mean that he couldn't play this to his advantage.

"I could use another smoke," He said easily, tipping another cigarette out of his pack. "Can I get another light?" The demon tipped his head to the side in a quizzical, sort of cute motion. He was having fun and that was really all that mattered.

[siane]

Siane raised an eyebrow "That's a loaded question," She replied with a chuckle before giving him an equally dazzling grin of her own.

She was surprised to find herself enjoying their conversation so much. He was right, in a way. She HAD taken a liking to him. Thinking about it she wasn't quite sure that liking was the right word. She felt oddly drawn to him...that was it. She wasn't quite sure why. He had a nice smile though...quickly she dismissed the thought before it led into awkwardness.

For the first time in a very long while, Siane didn't feel the need to analyze everything that was happening and scientifically explain her feelings. She was content just to be in the moment. Firmly she told herself that it was quite natural, after all, why should she be so bothered with someone she'd just met? Although if she was being honest, the attraction thing probably figured into. She pulled out her cigarettes and frowned slightly when she saw there were none left. Had she really gone through a whole pack already? She smiled wryly. Maybe she should add 'occasionally chain smokes with out realizing it' to her list of failings. It was an amusing thought, her family would freak out. " Trade? Light for a cigarette?" She offered. "I've run out" Their hands brushed as she passed him the lighter and her eyes snapped to his for a second, before she pulled away and looked back up at the sky, now beginning to cloud. "Damn" She murmured "It better not rain" That wouldn't be good. On the other hand....it might be sorta fun to see what kind of an affect she had on demons in her mermaid form....

[jossur]

He was all grins and chuckles. "A loaded question which you did not answer, I have noticed. If you're not going to answer my questions, I don't have to answer any of yours." That trademark smile was transforming into a cheeky grin.

Seriously. What was with this? He had just met this girl and already he couldn't stop grinning. This was ridiculous. She wasn't at all his normal type, but he couldn't find the motivation to move. Just sitting and laughing and teasing. Ooh! A chance to be a gentleman. "But of course, m'lady. What sort of man wold I be if I couldn't offer a vice to a pretty woman in need?" Removing the box of cigarettes from his pocket, he shook out one more and passed it over. "A trade." He mused.

The thought was cancelled out, however, by the sound of thunder. "Oops. Sorry, Miss Siane. Looks like you might be in trouble." He cast a glance to the heavens and shrugged. Well, no one could ever say that this night hadn't been interesting.

[siane]

Siane chuckled. "Observant. Very observant" She said, still not really giving an answer. She accepted the cigarette with a nod and a quiet "Thanks", The sudden roll of thunder had put a slight damper on her enjoyment of the evening, only briefly though. She shrugged and smirked slightly "Trouble? Maybe. Or not. It might be fun to see what sort of effect I have on demons in mermaid form"

She found she didn't really want to move, despite the threat of rain. She knew she couldn't really stay out once the skies opened. Not only was it awkward to move about on land without legs, but also ,if someone other than Joss happened to see her....it wouldn't end happily. She estimated she had another couple minutes anyway.....she'd gotten good at judging how far away storms were...she had to be. Still perhaps she shouldn't risk it.

Reluctantly, she sat up, hugging her knees to her chest. Turning to look at the entrance of the park she wondered where the closest place was that she could find shelter. It was late and most cafe's and places would be closed. Damn, the demon had a point. She could be in trouble. She sighed glancing at him for a second. Funny, how most of the odd situations she got herself into involved men. This time however, she was free to leave. She just wasn't, not for now anyway.

[jossur]

For the next couple of minutes, Joss watched Siane quietly. She still hadn't answered his question, but that was not the priority now. The priority had suddenly become watching Siane's reaction to the rain. Was she going to suggest they go somewhere else? Was he even going to invited along at all? If he was honest, Joss was rather interested to see what her mermaid form looked like, He would do just fine in the rain. After all, he wouldn't melt or change forms. So it became her call.

"Whatcha gonna do?" he asked softly, glancing up to the heavens. She was probably running out of time to choose and he was getting rather curious. "I mean, I can protect you if that's what needs to happen. Oh, man. You're not going to try and drown me, are you? Because that would be a pretty shitty way to pay for my protection." He laughed at his own joke and cocked his head a bit to the side.

"Really, though. The thunder's getting closer. You better decide quick, Miss Mermaid. It's totally your call."

[siane]

Siane looked at Joss for a long moment before smiling. "The waterfall isn't far from here" She murmured softly. “And I think that's probably safer...and nicer than the pond" She wanted to change. It had been a long time since she'd really had the chance to swim. Splashing around in her bathtub didn't really count, although she did love lounging in there for hours, covered in bubbles. It had driven her roommate crazy, when she’d still shared a flat with her.

She stood, brushing the grass from her jeans and looked down at him "So how about it? Want to take your chances and come along?" She was teasing him, she wouldn't really drown him. But that did raise the question of what she was doing, inviting someone to see her in her true form. And a man! Siane decided that if any problems arose afterwords she was going to plead temporary insanity, at the moment, she just didn't care. She was curious about what his reaction would be, and she was looking forward to being in the water again.

She tilted her head at him in question, mimicking his position, a winning smile on her face. "If you're coming we'd better go. Otherwise you might have to carry me. Tail and all.....and I'm thinking that could be awkward"

[jossur]

So it seemed that she'd made a decision and that decision was to take him along for an adventure. Joss grinned wider, if that was possible. "Alright! Let's do it." He couldn't recall ever seeing a real mermaid in true form. Sure, he'd seen paintings and what not but that wasn't a good tell. He wasn't a red being shrouded in flame, so Joss didn't really see why he should trust art for representations of other supernaturals.

He was up inhumanely fast, brushing off his pants. The night, seemingly in spite of the clouds, seemed unnaturally bright. Good for adventuring. Excellent.

"I'm following you." He said easily, shoving his hands into his pockets. It wasn't like the mermaid was going to run off and leave him, though if she tried he could probably catch up. It seemed the two were tied together for now and the demon seemed rather okay with this fact. They were going to a waterfall where he was going to see a real and true mermaid. Exciting!

[siane]

\Siane wasn't at all sure that she hadn't completely taken leave of her senses, but something about the night...and about Joss made her just not care. She was still slightly nervous though and shot him a dazzling smile to hide it. Her hands were shaking ever so slightly and to still them she placed one very gently on Joss's forearm, guiding him to their left. Once they were moving in the right direction she removed it and walked easily besides him, the silence comfortable rather than awkward.

"You're very trusting" She said slowly after a moment. "Isn't that a bit unusual for a demon? Or do i labor under a misconception?" She glanced up at him, the corners of her lips lifting in another playful smile.
With every step she took closer to the waterfall, Siane let go of a little more control. She felt lighter almost, the closer she was to water. More at ease.

Soon enough they came into sight of the waterfall and it's deep pool, half hidden by foliage and rocks. There was no one else about,perfect. Still not quite believing she was going to show her true form to a virtual stranger she had to restrain herself from running and jumping straight in. She stopped a few feet from the water and turned once more to Joss. "I'm assuming you can swim?" She asked, mock seriously "You know...just in case" She was almost shivering with excitement. How long had it been since she’d last gone swimming? A week? Two?

[jossur]

Joss couldn't help but return the smile that Siane gave him. Something about the girl was oddly... disarming. He didn't feel threatening and he wasn't quite bored. When she placed a hand on his arm, Joss could feel that the mermaid was shaking. He found that odd but did not verbally comment. His only response was to place his hand over hers briefly. The demon didn't want to spook her. That wasn't really his purpose and he didn't really enjoy conducting business with women that way. Men were fair game for spook tactics but women were soft and delicate. That just wasn't right.

"Oh, no. You're right." Joss said easily. "I'm just no threatened by you. I see no reason not to trust you, so here we are." He smiled back, rather amazed at his own good mood. How very strange he found this whole situation...

Upon arriving the waterfall, the demon had to marvel at their surroundings. The place was breathtakingly beautiful, that he had to admit. The water was startlingly clear and he imagined that it was cool. The thrumming noise of the waterfall was comforting and Joss shut his eyes briefly. Blue eyes reopened, however, at the question. "What? Oh. Oh, yes. I swim quite well, actually. Like a fish, I'm told." He smirked at his own little pun and made a shoo-ing motion. He was interested now and she as wasting time. "Well? Go on then. Let's see what you've got."

[siane]

Siane smirked "Like a fish hmmm? Maybe I should test that claim out" She turned and made her way behind a large rock to change, She certainly wasn't about to strip in front of Joss, no matter what tactics others of her kind might occasionally try. Besides which, the thunder was coming closer and it was a real pain to try and wiggle out of jeans while in tail form.

She shed the jeans, not bothering to fold them and lowed herself smoothly into the water. The change happened as soon as the cool liquid touched her toes, her long legs morphing into a shimmering tail covered in iridescent scales. Siane had found that mermaid's tails often changed hue very slightly depending on their mood. Her was tinged very slightly pink. That was odd, she'd never seen it that color before, she supposed it must signify a mix of excitement, caution and joy. She gave an experimental flip and grinned, it was still in perfect working order. She shed her shirt, keeping the bikini top she almost always wore under her clothes, just in case, on. Diving deep and skimming the bottom she relished the feeling of the water gliding past her, of being able to let her true form show. She laughed as she surfaced and swam slowly towards Joss, keeping just her head and arms above the water. Smiling as she came to a stop in the shallows and rested on her elbows staring at him for a long moment before she spoke. "Well? Coming in?" She felt on top of the world, it was the only way to describe it. It was always that way when she first changed back into her mermaid form. Her voice had changed as well, become clearer and more musical. A Siren's voice. She looked up at him, one eyebrow slightly raised, waiting for his reply.

[jossur]

Joss was quiet as Siane disappeared into the darkness. He was familiar with shadows and trickery, so he was always a bit on edge when someone disappeared now. That was the case currently, so he sat rather quietly and tried to be patient while she changed. He would give her all the privacy she wanted, so long as his curiosity got satisfied. He'd be happy with whatever as long s he got to see what he wanted: her tail.

Eyes narrowed slightly at the sound of water moving. Apparently, she was done. Blue eyes scanned the water and found nothing which gave him quite the shock. When his companion surfaced near him and propped herself up, he grinned. Her voice was different... Quite lovely, actually. This could be fun.

"Am I coming in?" He asked with a raised eyebrow. "So long as you promise not to try and drown me. I will defend myself if anything happens." A slight growl ended his sentence, feral nature coming through for just a moment. After that quick flash, he was back to grinning. Just a warning, it seemed. He had every intention of going into the water, but he was going to take his sweet time about it because he could. Easily, the demon removed his tie and unbuttoned his long sleeved shirt. He was lean, that was for sure. Perfectly balanced as far as tone was concerned. As far as pants... Well, he really had no choice there. He wasn't going to get naked in front of a woman who could potentially drown him. That would just be an embarrassing way to die.

Shooting the mermaid a glance, Joss rose and walked to the edge of the pool. He raised his arms over his head and hit in the water in a graceful swan dive, hardly making a splash at all as he entered the water. The temperature was perfect, just cool enough for a warm night. He surfaced with a quick stroke of his arms and blue eyes sought out the mermaid again. Brushing wet hair out of his face, the demon laughed. "Now we're in your element, it seems." Above him, thunder rolled. It seemed the storm was quite through bothering them. It would erupt before it quieted down. It was just a matter of when.

[siane]

Siane watched as Joss dived smoothly into the water. he was a pretty god swimmer, considering he wasn't a merman. "Drown you?" She pretended to be shocked "Now why on earth would I do that" She tilted her head slightly and swam closer, circling him. "Don't worry, even though I think you might have a bit more trouble pinning me down in the water...." She gave him a playful grin "Drowning isn't on the agenda" She thought for a second “Although….you might not want to go in too deep…just on the off chance that a sudden murderous rage overtakes me” She was teasing him of course. This was so odd. She was swimming with a demon, making jokes and grinning almost non-stop. She was having more fun Than she’d had in a while though and figured there was probably no harm in just relaxing and enjoying the moment. He was certainly right about water being her element, she knew a few mermaids who seemed almost happier on land but it wasn’t so for her, water would always be where she felt most at ease.

He looked good with his hair wet and without a shirt, she had to admit, but now wasn't the time to get distracted. She dived again, coming up as the storm finally broke pelting their exposed faces with raindrops. Pushing her hair out of her face, Siane tilted her head back, welcoming it, and before she could think better of it , she opened her mouth the first few lines of an old song her grandmother had taught her flowing easily out. It was such a natural instinct for her, to sing when she was in the water. Suddenly remembering her companion, she hastily shut her mouth and looked at him, both concerned and curious.

[jossur]

Joss had laughed off the comments about drowning. He had decided that if she hadn't tried to capture him yet... Well, she probably wasn't going to. That meant he was safe, which meant he could relax! Swimming was a secret favorite activity of his, but he tried really hard not to let it show on his face. She might try to use it against him somehow.

When the storm had finally broken open, Joss laughed rather loudly. Too perfect! Swimming with a mermaid in the rain! He absolutely adored the sound that the rain made on relatively still water. It was easy to lose himself in such a sound and he found his brain getting sort of fuzzy... Wait! No! That wasn't the sound of the rain! That was siren song! Although his brain recognized the siren's call, his body was already lost to it. Joss swam effortlessly toward Siane, drawn in by her voice. When she stopped singing, though, he snapped out of it rather quickly. He was wary now, swimming backward to edge away. "Didn't you just say you weren't going to drown me? I was pretty sure you were joking about the whole 'in too deep' thing. Was I wrong?"

The blue eyed demon was considering removing himself from the water. All of sudden, he didn't feel safe and she'd been right about something earlier. It would be incredibly hard to pin her or make any kind of offensive move when in the water. She owned this world. He was just a guest. This made him very nervous, but again... He tried not to let it show.

[siane]

Siane watched him back away, both slightly regretful that she'd spooked him and amused that he was nervous. "Well, well....I do believe I have you on the run"

She smiled and swam back into the shallows. "You can stand here" She informed him "And I really wasn't trying to drown you....It just feels...natural...singing, I can't stop it sometimes...it just comes out. I can however control holding people under water." Her voice was soft and soothing "Sorry I scared you...I won't sing again while you're in the water, if it'll make you feel better" She turned to look at him, her expression sincere. She really didn't have any intention of hurting him.

Leaning back in the water she gave her tail a flick, watching the water droplets dance over the scales. A lot of people mistakenly assumed that mermaid tails were like fish...slimy. In actual fact they weren't, they felt more like snake skin...smooth. Siane loved her tail, she'd never been able to understand why some considered having a tail in place of legs repulsive. She supposed that being born like that probably helped.

She glanced up at the sky "It's beautiful here isn't it?" She turned to look at him again "Say...you're actually fairly good at swimming...for a non- merperson." She grinned at him "Have you recovered yet? I swear, I'm not trying to kill you. If I was I would have done it by now"

[jossur]

The soothing tone worked just about as well as the siren song. Joss swam his way over to the shallows she'd pointed out and stood easily in the water. He was still wary, but seemed to be relaxing. "Your voice is lovely, you know. I just... I just wasn't expecting it, I guess. I mean, you are a siren, so your voice should be beautiful. I just wasn't expecting the singing. It caught me off guard. And I'm not running. I'm just.. I'm rambling, aren't I? Damn it."

Man, this was so atypical. Normally, the demon was super cool. He was all slick and easy like Frank Sinatra in concert. Around this mermaid, though, it was all different. Strange.

Wow! Her tail... Her tail had flicked some water droplets into the air and he was transfixed. "Your tail is pink. Did you know that?" Of course she knows that, idiot. Way to go... Once more, he was given an out for the uncharacteristic awkwardness. "It is beautiful. Rain storm and all." The demon was quiet for a moment before he glanced over at Siane. Had he recovered? That was an interesting question. Sure, he'd shaken the drugged feeling from the siren song. This off-balance feeling, though... That was another story entirely. "No.. I'm alright. I sort of figured that you'd have killed me if you wanted. You just spooked me, I guess. I'm sorry for overreacting."