sixwordstories | (no subject)

What's not for five minutes?

The length of most of my relationships. I really should start timing them.

Oh, I'm sorry. That doesn't sound like a positive thing.

Mostly it is lonely...a little painful.

So it isn't deliberate?

No...[She shakes her head somberly.] It is not deliberate.

Hmm. [He watches her for a moment, rubbing his jaw in consideration.] Do you have any idea why? I mean, is it a gradual thing or out of the blue? I'm not very good with this subject, but I'll try and help. If I can.

I'm certain at this point the only reasonable explanation is that it is me. Love just isn't what it use to be. Or what I ever hoped it would be.

Alright. That's fair. Mind if I ask what it used to be? Or what you hoped? Nothing specific, I promise. Just generalities.

Specifics are fine so long as there is a drink involved. I had hoped for what most people hope for. Someone to share a life with. To love and to be given love. I am a simple woman with simple desires.

How about I buy you a coffee then? And that doesn't sound like an overly complicated wishlist.

I would like that, thank you. Hardly complicated in theory. However, the execution has been quite difficult.

You're welcome. Is there a coffee shop nearby? [His smile is a little rueful behind the glasses.] 'Easier said than done'. It's a saying for a reason, unfortunately.

There is a little cart just outside the park that is quite good actually. Are you adverse to walking or parks in spring time? [Her lips turn up in a similar smile.] Ah, or 'no pain, no gain'. My couch should be full of pillows with phrases such as these to remind me.

No, walking is fine, and I have a big soft spot for spring. [ Clark's amusement is more visible. ] There's a cottage industry for those, too.

Shame there are no swings, we would be in danger of a perfect afternoon. [Selene smiled at that and started to walk.] Personally I think someone should start crafting ones that real people can relate to. For instance, and please forgive my language, 'Zero fucks to give'. That would be a hot seller, I know it.

I don't fit into those very well, so maybe the danger isn't so imminent. [ He falls into step beside her, figuring she knows where she's going. ] Maybe. At least with the people who think they don't.

[That makes her laugh.] Your stature is quite impressive. Enough to strain a swing set. [She nods.] True. I suppose if you care enough to say you don't care...there is probably more there.

Not really. There are bigger people out there. I'm just not a kid anymore. Don't want to break anything, you know?

[ Clark shrugs. ]

Probably. Shakespeare wrote a line in one of his plays about a lady protesting too much. His language was more poetic, of course. But the concept is the same. Or close enough.

Come now, are you really telling me you are too old for swings?

By at least a dozen years, yes.

I refuse to believe there is an age limit on swings.

Size limit, then. I haven't been on one since I was a teenager.

Every time I walk through the park I swing. Keeps me young.

That sounds like a good habit. Does it work?

It helps yes. It is very hard to not let go of the days troubles when you are swinging.

Or you're worrying about the chains breaking instead. But, either way, you're probably right.

Was that the coffee stand we just passed?

The chains won't break! [She said with a laugh.] They are very sturdy. None of those backyard contraptions that tip over if you go to high.

...Yes. Yes it was. [Selene turned back toward the coffee stand.]

Maybe that's just me, then. [ He shrugs, letting a quiet chuckle escape the confines of his throat, and follows after. It's nice to know other people get distracted with conversations, too. ]

The sturdiness probably comes from the steel posts being sunk a few feet into the ground and set with concrete.

See. Steel posts, concrete. I think you might survive it after all. [It is easy to get distracted when the conversation is fun and light hearted.] What'll you have?

But they still aren't meant for a grown man. I'd rather not accidentally mangle a little kid's play space, you know? Especially if it's the only one in the area.

[ He leans forward to read the small, printed menu. ]

Half hot chocolate, half coffee. Medium sized.

Alright. I won't press. [His drink order makes her smirk.] To grown for the swings, still drinks cocoa. How interesting.

Oh, I'm not the only one who likes a heavy-on-the-chocolate café mocha.

[ He pulls out his wallet, extracting a twenty before tucking it away, and smiles at the vendor. ]

On second thought, make it a large, and whatever my companion wants.

I'm going to have to try it. I've never heard of such a thing.

I will have the same.

Two café mochas, then. [He slides the bill across the little counter and anchors it under the tip jar, then steps back and watches as the vendor puts together both drinks.]

Living dangerously. What if you're one of those people who ends up not liking the taste of cocoa and coffee?

Thank you. [She said quietly when he paid for their drinks.]

Then I will have learned a lesson and tried something new all in the span of a day. Which makes today a good day.

You're welcome.

[ He picks up one and hands it over to her when they're finished, picking up his own once the hand-off is complete. ]

Most days are good days, if you follow that line of thought. No single person can know everything.

Exactly. Everyday is a new opportunity to do something different or start over.