0 comments/ 22560 views/ 2 favorites A Hunter's Dream Ch. 01 By: Blissful Fanatsy It was a pleasant scenery to the everyday eye. Magnificent oak trees waved their leaves gracefully to the rhythm of the late afternoon breeze, drawing delightful little sighs from the visitors of the park in the hot midsummer sun. Children chasing around the playground, their laughter and giggles echoing in the air, mothers sitting chatting on the benches near a little pond, elderly couples walking around hand-in-hand in silence. Tristanna took in the idyllic scene, resting her chin lazily in her hand. She flashed the waiter a dreamy smile as her second round of cappuccino had been served and added a generous tip to his reward. At moments like this, all her worries seemed far away as she pursued her favourite hobby, watching people. There were times when she used to go for every single detail, wrinkled noses, shades of mascara, crocked grins, open shoelaces, simply everything. Back in those days she was determined to learn as much about the human kind as possible, which turned out to be a nice challenge at least for a couple of years, but as time passed she became more an more aware of their way of thinking, discovering certain stereotypes, foretelling their actions and motivation, even without the trouble of invading their minds. When she had entered their world, she didn't think about her exile as a true punishment, though its circumstances had been anything but pleasant. She felt very much thrilled by the thought of getting a chance to study these unique creatures in their natural environment, so to speak. As she grew up, she heard many tales about the struggles of mankind, their curiosity, variety and ever changing world full of passion and all kinds of intense emotions. It sounded ever so intriguing to her, drawing her attention and desires in their direction. Back then she couldn't have imagined ever getting tired of observing, studying and maybe ... maybe even interacting with them. Well, I guess I haven't ever been much of a seer, she thought sighing as she remembered her mentor's words from long ago. "Huh! Mortals and their emotions!", Grey used to grumble over her enthusiasm, "Both very dangerous without proper control. And humans are nothing but weak, hardly even able to handle their on short and simple lives ... They aren't worthy of interaction with our kind." "Hypocrite!" she shot back in fierce rebellion as she caught his melancholic thoughts drifting back to the memories of the time he had once spent among them. His own stories had set the spark of the fire that kept burning within her for so long, longing for the day when she could finally take off to her own journey and explore that strange world her people kept mocking about. Grey had felt responsible for her unconventional desire ever since, trying to warn her so many times, eager to get such crazy ideas out of her mind. He wouldn't be able to suppress a triumphant grin, no matter how tough he acts, if only he knew how bored I have gotten in the meanwhile, Tristanna thought as a sad little smile curved the corners of her own mouth. Right next to the café, where she preferably spent her afternoons these days, two little girls with straw blond pigtails dragged their mother along, holding onto both of her hands tightly and whimpering in fake dismay, while their pale blue eyes shone brightly, focusing on the huge painted ice scone at the entrance of the café. So selfish and so predictable, even at such a tender age, Tristanna sighed again, shaking her head. It hurt her pride quite a bit to admit that the only thing her enthusiasm for human kind earned her was nothing but disappointment, at least on the long run. Their world might have been exciting and ever changing at first sight but its inhabitants turned out to be pure boredom and hardly ever worth a second glance. At least the scenery is still captivating, she thought her mood lightening somewhat as she took her purse and rose from her seat, heading for the park. Nature was something she didn't plan on, but fell in love with immediately. The rotation of seasons, the variety and diversity of the weather and how well the plants and animals responded to it set her imagination again on fire. Letting her heart sink into the beauty of the park, her thoughts found an effective way to escape the disappointing reality around her. It might have been a mere illusion: walking around under those huge shading trees as sunshine shimmered through their rich leaves, smiling at people she didn't know, pretending to be one of them and simply enjoying the moment. No matter how bored she had gotten over time, there were still a few moments like this when part of her kept admiring and even a tiny bit envying the mortals' world and their lives, despite or perhaps even because of all their weakness and simplicity. Suddenly a high pinched shriek caught her attention through the soothing bubbling of water coming from a nearby fountain. As she turned she almost got knocked off her feet by a red bicycle flying by. - Damn it! If I still had the power I would curse that bastard! - she muttered under her breath after regaining her composure. As her boiling anger subsided with the passing moment her attention returned to the concerned thoughts of a mother, which had been pretty loud in her panic. Even some of them should be able to hear her, grant it they actually ever took the time to listen, Tristanna thought bemused and curious again. Her mind drifted a couple of seconds back as she noticed a little boy sitting at the ground near the fountain in soaked clothing. He was clenching his right knee and Tristanna could clearly recall the image of him climbing up one of the slippery horse shaped statues at the side of the pool. His feet barely reached two or three feet above the ground before he fell but managed to hurt his knee nonetheless. A casually dressed man was bent over him, trying to get a closer look at his injury, towering over the sobbing boy like a giant even after he squatted down. -Daniel! Daniel! Come right back here, will you?!! - the mother demanded out loud, glaring at the child. She reached his side and grabbed one of his arms, pulling him to his feet in one quick movement. - Do you not ever listen?! How many times did I tell you not to talk to strangers?!! - she continued, shooting the hostile look of a protective tigress at the straightening man as she dragged her son away from the fountain. No wonder Grey became such a hypocrite living among them, Tristanna concluded sarcastically. Her gaze travelled to the unwelcome knight in shining armour, who just stood there for a while, staring after them in disbelief and allowing her to take closer look at him. Tristanna played her usual game, of which she had meanwhile become a true master, 'show me your outside I'll tell you your inside', she grinned to herself narrowing her eyes on the newest subject of her interest. He stood fairly tall, easily 6' 4'' or even higher and was rather on the slender side, except for his broad shoulders. Visor type dark sunglasses, light brown hair cut way too short, a stubborn chin, rough masculine features that just didn't seem to bring any kind of harmony around, or what was more commonly considered as 'beauty' among the mortals. Probably in his mid twenties, she guessed unimpressed. There was hardly anything exceptional about him, save it his height which turned out to be a handy feature as Tristanna's gaze tryed to keep following him after he started to walk away. She was just about to look behind the curtain, when she saw him shoulder his backpack, duck and then reappear on the side walk, mounting a rather familiar looking red coloured bicycle. That bastard! Tristanna's eyes narrowed on him dangerously. First almost blowing me over, then playing the good Samaritan, she hissed inwardly but her anger faded soon. The myth of that certain piece of literature which was referred to as the Bible and its effect on peoples' lives had fascinated her long before she even held one in her hands. I'm already sounding like one of them! came the sudden realization to her along with a bit of a shock. For a split second she felt almost grateful for most of her powers having been taken from her as she entered her exile, otherwise she was pretty certain the man would never mount anything again in his earthly existence! However, grace to the Emperor's wisdom she was hardly able to do anything else of the extraordinary than read peoples' minds, mostly gaining thereby only the confirmation of things she had already known before by simply looking at them. The only active power she was granted had been the one to remain in control of her own fate, choosing her appearance, guarding herself from illness and harm, however she had lost all other privileges of her high birthright and pure noble blood as a shadow. Just for the protocol, she mentally noted as she focused her attention again on his nape from afar. And then it happened. Or more precisely it didn't happen! Seconds later she could feel sweat braking out on her forehead while she concentrated desperately, but all her efforts seemed useless. She couldn't receive a single mental picture, not a thought, a sense or at least the hint of an emotion. There was Nothing with a capital N! Panic overtook her actions as she turned her attention to the next best subject she could find, focusing first on a grumpy garbage man then a burping baby on a white haired lady's arm. The reassurance came quickly, and she exhaled suddenly deep, not even being aware of the fact that she was holding her breath up until that moment, however her racing pulse still wouldn't calm down. Her eyes searched and found the tall figure driving out of the park. There was nothing wrong with her, it was him! For some reason he was different and unreadable, which for sure stirred her interest but at the same time she also felt a soft breeze tickle lightly over her skin. Only a second earlier she was determined to follow this stranger to find out what exactly had or more precisely why the inevitable hadn't just happened between them but that simple touch of air brought her to a sudden halt. A mere caress of the wind and yet it felt so familiar, so well known to her senses. Tristanna closed her eyes and knew immediately that he was around, somewhere in the air, in the park, in the crowed, getting closer and closer until she could feel his hand resting on her shoulder. She turned and found herself blushing as she met the most dazzling pair of clear grey eyes, shimmering in the glow of the late afternoon sun. Grey. He was standing right next to her carrying a warm slime on the smug face of a well groomed gentleman who seemed to be in his late 50s. Such a hypocrite ... almost human, Tristanna thought but was unable to suppress the delight their unexpected reunion caused. -Mylady. - he bowed slightly, releasing her from his hold. -Long time no see. - she responded finally with a polite smile as she took his offered arm. - Tell me, old friend, what has brought you along? -Concern for your well being, Mylady. As always. - came his answer along with a soft chuckle, recalling so many dearly cherished memories from her childhood. - I received word and order for your return to be planned. Tristanna's dreamy expression turned into the excitement of an impatient child, drawing another chuckle from her former mentor. - The days of your exile will come soon to an end. - he repeated, but Tristanna sensed his uneasiness despite the good news flattering around in her mind. - The Emperor decided that you have had enough time to think about your past actions and their consequences. His Highness is expecting the repentance and absolute submission of a wise and responsible young lady, ready and willing to honor The House of Tristan and generously offers you forgiveness for the sins of a wild minded child in return. - The House of Tristan?!! - she demanded jerking her arm free from his. - How does that bloody traitor brother of mine dare to disgrace our father's heritage! I'd rather spend an eternity in this devastating world than to succumb to his name! - she shouted at him, not caring at all about the passers-bys turning their heads into their direction. - Easy, Mylady! It isn't wise to crave so much attention! - Grey warned grabbing her arm and pulling her down on a yellow little bench, further away from the side walk. - Easy for you to say! - she snapped back immediately. - You can tell His Highness, my dear brother or mother, whom ever you want just the same: I'll never ever return on such conditions! - she declared feeling oddly bold and alive again even if her hopes for justice had been utterly shattered only brief seconds ago after such a long time of waiting. - I wasn't sent to make you an offer of any kind or as a messenger for negotiations. - Grey replied in his usual calm manner. - Oh! - Tristanna said a little taken aback. - So ... why did you come then? Why taking such a risk? Even though she couldn't invade his thoughts with her true powers gone, Tristanna was able to tell that she had hit a nerve with that question. - Your mother. - Grey spoke softly. - She had been concerned and grieved since you rebelled against your brother. I've been watching over you on her behalf every now and then from the day on you entered this exile. Mylady, she loves you! Both of you. As he looked up shyly the cold and reproachful look in his beloved student's eyes caught him off guard. Tristanna stood slowly, efficiently slipping out of his grip as he reached again for her hand. - Enough. - she said equally coldly, trying to remain in control of the hatred and disgust that flooded her very core. - I will not hear anymore of her, nor on her behalf! Not from someone who shares such a traitor's bed willingly. Leave, before I say something I might regret! - You misjudge her. - Grey said with sorrow darkening his features. - You have read my mind often enough to know that I had never speculated on Mylord's death nor have I been eager to cause him any harm. However, certain feelings do not simply disappear ... I was hopeful you had understood that by now, having spent so much time among humans yourself but ... - his shaken voice trailed off, there was nothing more left to say between them. However, as Tristanna walked away from him determined not to turn back, she could still clearly hear his thoughts echoing in her head. Not because she wanted to, not because she desired, but because of his will. She had hurt his most sensitive spot and yet, he wanted to warn her, wanted her to know what was lying ahead. The Emperor had sent the first hunter of The House of Tristan, the unmerciful Smilodon to track her down and take her back. No negotiations, just a simple assignment to be carried out, even by force if required. The noble daughter of the once so mighty Tarad wasn't even left as much as the choice of her own fate anymore. A Hunter's Dream Ch. 02 Chapter 2: Smilodon Tristanna sat in her small office tapping a pen on her notepad unconsciously. Her expression was one of sympathy and concentration, her head nodded from time to time in understanding at the plumb little lady sitting in front of her and telling endless complaints about her marriage drying out. Mrs. Watkins was what Doc Valentino labelled a hopeless case, though he wasn't even quite sure himself if his statement referred to her problems or more to his own ones whenever seeing her name appear on his daily schedule. Tristanna had worked for the downtown psychologist, a specialist for relationships, for more then two years now. Her empathic gift, as the doctor used to refer to her certainly unique talent among his trainees, turned out to be a quite convenient way of earning her daily living without drawing too much attention to herself. She became his best and most successful employee within the period of two short months. She seemed to be able to understand exactly the patients' hidden needs and inner desires for guidance, acceptance, praise, encouragement, approval, an open ear or whatever else they were craving. In the case of Mrs Watkins that should be a gag! Ahh, wishful thinking, Tristanna murmured to herself as her thoughts trailed back to that picture, which actually even caused a small smile to flatter over her lips. It was wishful thinking indeed but not hers! It came from someone else, or more precisely from the other side of the glass door. She broke into a bright grin and rose from her seat, heading straight for the door to her patient's great astonishment. - Oh! Doctor Shadow? Is there something wrong? Would you like me to get you a glass of water or ... - her voice died off as Tristanna gestured for a bold middle aged man waiting patiently outside to come in. Mrs Watkins always claimed that it would be way too embarrassing for her better half to come along to the counselling session, although he used to drive her most of the time. Tristanna found that to be an honest conviction of hers, so she never questioned it before, but a quick check on Mr Watkins' thoughts indicated that he wasn't half as narrow sighted and up tight as his wife believed, spreading another broad grin on the Doc's face when Tristanna told him about their accidental breakthrough later that afternoon. Being done with her daily assignments she headed for home. Home? she thought sighing, since Grey's visit it seemed further away then ever before. Vehicles were something she still couldn't get used to and therefore preferred to walk whenever in town, her apartment being only on the other side of the park. She skipped her usual rounds of floaty cappuccino at Angelo's Café and walked along without even noticing her surroundings, trying to block out all the thought that came flattering her way. She was positive that she should have felt unsettled because of the received news from her family and yet it wasn't fear that engulfed her mind, keeping it off her daily routine, rather a melancholic, somewhat longing flair that took control of her heart. It had been three days, since Grey appeared, three days or even longer since the Smilodon had entered the hunt. And yet, no signs of him around. True, she had a very special connection with her mentor, who knew her probably even better than the members of her own House, so he might have found her fairly quickly, having been watching over her all the while. But still, the Smilodon was a master of his art, he should have found her by now no matter where she'd tried to hide. The dim hope that the Emperor might have changed his mind or that perhaps Grey had talked to her twin brother, had both occurred to her, but she discarded both ideas almost right away, neither of them serving the interest His Highness had in preserving the sensitive balance of power among the noble Houses of his land. The Smilodon had been unleashed, she was certain of that, yet refused to run away. How much time would it gain her anyway? Not more than a few hours and much disapproval to face at home. So the days passed, one after the other, ever so slowly. And Tristanna's mind kept travelling back in her memories, recalling the first and only time she had met the bred beast, as she turned the key arriving at her apartment. She went over her daily routine, securing the lock, dropping her bag, flipping off her sandals and headed straight for the bathroom after grabbing an icy soda from the fridge. She run the water and prepared for her cool bath, like every single day after work. The summer was getting this year especially hot, though it had been only early June, but already making her feel filthy and disgustingly sweaty after a long day. She followed her routine, however her mind returned through time and space to the adorable picture of a little boy with tousled hair, black as the darkest night and the most iciest pare of pale blue eyes she had ever come along, which still caused shivers run down her spine. He wore such a stern look, knuckles turned white as he held on stubbornly and in rage to the bars of the rustic cage. One could tell from a mile how much he disliked being put on display. Tristanna let out an unconscious sigh of pleasure as she eased her body into the cool water. She for sure missed a lot of her gifts and power from the time previous to her exile, but as for it's physical sensation and sensitivity the human body turned out be quite a treat in moments like this. However, her thoughts soon wandered back to her Smilodon. He had been exactly that, her own and choice, if only for the shortest of time. She recalled walking around the slave market, with her father's hand resting on her shoulder. Tristan had wandered off, as usually, giving Grey and the guards a hard time finding him. Tarad allowed his daughter to pick or at least suggest some of the newest subjects he was about to purchase. He seemed quite pleased with her obvious growth of power and skill as she scanned through the 'mindless beasts' with curiosity and care showing. She was indeed the apple of his eye, growing into a rare pearl of talent, obedience and grace, that already seemed to show in her along with her great potential at the tender age of a child. The contrast to his only son and heir couldn't have been any more eye-catching, trying his patients often and earning their mother a lot of effort of convincing him of the values of such a rough diamond as Tristan had been. She remembered walking up to the cage boldly, which was deposited atop of another as the little beast caught her attention. Oddly enough, she could sense anger and hate radiating from him with such an intensity that it scarred her despite the bars and the secure feeling of having her father right by her side. But as he saw her, she immediately felt his change of temper, along with a change of heart in her own bosom, which caused her to cross the security lines and step up right next to the strange creature. Tristanna was flooded with curiosity, her own and his as well as she reached tentatively through the bars to touch his face. He felt so real. He was just another 'mindless beast', born and bred to be a thoughtless servant in the Land of Shadows, a warrior, a guard, or a hunter. Nothing more. He will live without the power to chose his own fate, as the loyal and mindless possession of one of the noble Houses. Ready to kill himself at a single thought of his future Master, never experiencing what seemed to her own kind as natural as breathing to him, reading and controlling the minds and actions of such like him and determining one's own fate. It was the first and only time she met him, the first and only time she pitied the mindless. It lasted but a mere second. As she pulled her gentle fingers away from his cheek she felt a sharp, white hot pain run through the back of her hand. It happened so quickly, while his disappointment seemed to shield his true intentions from her inexperienced exploration, that she couldn't find the time to erase the thought of attack from his mind. She cried out as blood started to drip down into the sandy dirt of the market from her delicate fingers. The damage was done. Unshed tears made her emerald eyes glassy as her father knelt next to her, examining the wound. If he hadn't been so concerned about my well being, I wouldn't have all this trouble now! He would have killed him in a second, Tristanna murmured remembering, as she stroke her fingertips along the scar the Smilodon had scratched upon her hand. She could have it made disappear easily by the power of the healers, she knew, but somehow she had just kept it. She told herself it was a sign to warn her never ever to pity a mindless again. As her father scooped her up in his arms, carrying her personally towards the healers' tent, rather than making a guard do so, she glanced back at the caged boy who wore a hurt expression on his face. Perhaps the unknown sensation of pain was taking over her senses back then, but she could have sworn that there was at least a hint of satisfaction among his intense emotions as well. Smilodon, which he became called upon her very idea, was bought by the mighty Tarad and trained at the School of Hunters for many years in a distant province. After he completed his training with excellence, his instincts being highly praised by his mentors as well as his obedience, he was given as a gift of honour to the Emperor, since Tristanna's father felt it to be a great waste to simply discard the life of such a talented beast, but still didn't want to have him anywhere near his House. - He had been such an adorable little boy ... with dimples. - She giggled, splashing some water around as she got out of the tub with goosebumps forming on her skin. And still ... had become the unmerciful, she thought her heart falling. The first hunter of the House of Tristan, grace to His Highness the Emperor, Tristanna frowned inwardly. Actually it was an ironic twist of fate. His future became sealed the day she chose him from among so many on the slave market. Now he would get a perfect revenge in hunting her down and forcing her to return home and face her own fate-to-be, chosen and forced upon her by the power of others, as if she wasn't even herself more than a common, mindless beast. A Hunter's Dream Ch. 03 Author's note: I apologize for not having been able to submit for such a long time. But now I'm back with fresh enthusiasm! Thanks for your patience and for the encouraging comments to everyone. Please keep the critic and support coming, it is very helpfull and much appreciated. Enjoy! :-) Chapter 3: The Hun's heir "Excuse me. Is this seat free?" a soft yet determined voice called out tapping him lightly on the shoulder in order to distract him from the book he was buried in. The man looked up to find a smiling young woman gazing down at him expectantly. He simply nodded and took in her appearance at a single glance. She looked a bit overdressed for a regular student, wearing an expressionless grey suit, reminding him very much of a business attire. She had raven hair, pulled into a tight knot at her nape, wore no jewellery or make-up as far as he could notice. A curious pair of unusual looking dark green eyes captured his attention. Her look seemed so intense upon him that he started to feel truly nervous under her bold stare. She could be actually pretty cute, if she went for a couple of contacts instead of the dark framed glasses which covered most of her face, he remembered thinking. She seemed young, too young to be a visiting professor, although there was a flair of self-esteem and superior grace around her that simply seemed to scream for respect and made him shift rather uncomfortably in his seat. - Is there something wrong? - he managed to get out finally as her focused attention on him became even for his patience too much to bear. He was surprised to see another small smile enlightening her face at his annoyed sounding question. "Indeed, there is something terribly wrong here ..." Tristanna thought bemused. She had been on her way to the office, crossing the park when she spotted him rushing by on his bike. She had not forgotten about the unreadable man, but with the threat of a hunter chasing after her, he hadn't been the focus of her attention either for the past few days. However, when she saw him, something within her made click. He was too far away to be scanned but suddenly an undeniable urge came over her to find out more about this man, or at least to get a second chance to spy on his mind. She had quickly discarded her fear of vehicles and waved for a cab, instructing the driver to follow the red bike. To her surprise he stopped only a couple of blocks further away at the main building of a well known scientific research centre. And now she was here, sitting right next to him, feeling her own frustration slowly fade away. She found at least a bit of comfort in the fact, which she had to confirm after another useless attempt: that human being was unreadable, at least to her. It wasn't her gift or concentration fading or an accidentally failed attempt. It was not HER mistake. It was simply ... an inevitable fact, something beyond her control. The lack of all the information she had gotten used to over the years about people around her, made her feel silly in his presence but also nostalgic in a unusual way. It brought back memories of her own kind and she found it fairly easy to pretend that he was an equal, rather than simply another mindless. In the mean time he seemed to become nervous and impatient, though he wasn't even sure why, being used to a well-controlled and mild temper. "Hey, um ... are you all right?" still no reply. " Uh ... I haven't seen you here before. You don't seem like a regular student. Are you new? Oh .. Uh ... I'm Andy by the way." he said, blushing at the uncertainty of his raspy voice and offering his hand. Anything to break that terribly silence! To his surprise she took it and gave it a firm shake along with a little squeeze before letting go. "You are a terrible liar." she said finally smiling at him playfully. He stared wide eyed, for almost a second or two before the insulted frown appeared on his face: "What are you at all talking about?!" he snapped back forgetting all of a sudden about his discomfort. "I'm sure you'll have it figured out by the end of the lecture" she replied sweetly as the professor entered the hall, causing all the chatting around them to die at the very same moment. A-man, as he had been called since childhood, couldn't remember ever feeling so distracted by a girl during classes. He was an academic shooting star and had been an outstanding student all his life, which earned him his nickname too. It took him much self-discipline to come so far and usually he had no problem with focusing on his studies, but right then in the advanced neuropsychiatric class, that strange woman was all he had on his mind. He became impatient, restless, glancing at the clock every second minute, hardly being able to take any notes or wait for the lecture to end. His torture terminated finally with the huge applause of the audience as the head of the psychiatry department left the lecture hall. He looked at his company's bemused face and got lost in those dark eyes. Students around them packed up and began to leave, but she just sat there obviously not at all bothered or motivated to follow their example. "So, care to tell me your name?" he asked finally deciding that taking the initiative should be the best way out of his misery. For he felt miserable and awkwardly uneasy around her. "Trust should be earned, don't you think?" she spoke in a surprisingly serious tone. "I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours." That hit him. For the past 60 minutes he struggled with labelling her crazy and storming out of the hall as soon as the prof had left, but he felt there was something in the way she declared him a liar that showed so much conviction ... However, he still couldn't put his finger on it. But now, as he slowly began to understand, a creepy feeling started to grow in his stomach. " Well, as I said, I'm Andy, Andy Newton. At least that's what people usually call me." she raised an eyebrow expectantly as he paused to take a deep breath. "Fine! If you have to know, it's Attila. And no, my parents didn't pick it from the menu in an oriental restaurant." he added stuffing his notes into his backpack, refusing to meet her eyes. "Sounds like a strong name, for a strong person" she commented standing and grabbing her own purse. That remark made him turn her way. His weird name had earned him many unwelcome jokes and teasing since primary school, so he simply decided to go with Andy after a while. Her reaction however, was anything but usual. But how did she know? "Don't make a face like I was the most wanted girl on the east coast!" she shot back smiling at his suspicious look. Trust had to be earned, on both sides, that was the first thing Tristanna had learned from her counselling experiences. "You should consider it an honour to be named after the Scourge of God. And not hide it." "European ancestors?" he asked grinning, her light-hearted mood seeming infectious. "Not quite." Tristanna smiled to herself. Her brother would be outraged if he had heard that one! "Just a history fan. And you are right. I am not a regular student, just doing some research on a project. What about you?" she added as they waited for the elevator. "No regular student either. I'm working currently on my PH. D. at the neuropsychiatric department here at the Institute." "Sounds interesting, care to tell me more about it? " she asked casually as they entered the car. "Maybe." he smiled hesitantly feeling all of a sudden in an unusually flirtatious mood. "How about a coffee? I have no more classes in the morning, and could really use one, so if you had time ... I'd like to hear more about your project too." Ok, that was a pretty lame line. He frowned. "I guess I stayed out of the dating game for much longer than healthy" he reasoned. "High time for a change!" Attila decided glancing hopefully at his mystery girl. She gave him a reassuring smile and nodded, suggesting Angelo's place, since it was only a short walk away. Getting there he learned that Tristanna worked as a counsellor for Doctor Valentino, that she was quite the chocoholic with a slight tendency to bitter remarks, despite her outer cheerfulness, at least from time to time. She said she was doing some research for one of his articles in progress, but couldn't say more, the details being strictly confidential. She, on the other hand found confirmation for him being a bit of a lonesome person. When she enquired further about his name, he explained that he had been adopted as a baby by his family. The Newtons had already 4 daughters and decided to adopt a baby boy, since chances were rather low for an own son. His name was the only thing that came along with him. He grew up in a small town in Idaho and got a great scholarship after graduating from high school from the Henderson Institute covering all his educational and living expenses until the present. He felt very lucky and accepted it gratefully since the Newtons wouldn't have been able to support his medical studies or any further academic striving, at least financially. They were still pretty close, even though he had moved away years ago, he still visited the family on holidays. Tristanna found herself relaxing as he opened up. The morning turned out to be worth cancelling all her early appointments. Although she couldn't read him, she found it oddly easy to talk to him as he slowly crawled out of his shell. She forgot more and more about her previously set tactic of collecting as much information as possible about him and giving as little as possible about herself in return, though they still talked mainly about his life. They both seemed to have forgotten about the time. Suddenly a roaring sound caught their both attention. His face turned sheer crimson while she almost fell of her chair laughing. "That's not exactly polite or kind, you know." he said glancing at his watch to hide his embarrassment, just to find that it was already passed lunch time! "Damn "he swore "I've gotta go!" he declared jumping up from his seat instinctively but sank back slowly as soon as his hazel eyes noticed the hurt and disappointment on her face, just before she hid them behind the mask of a charming smile. He suddenly felt oddly desperate at that moment and decided against his better judgement or past experiences to go with his heart. He took her hand in his huge palms, dwelling for a moment upon the sensation of her soft skin. "Look, I really need to get going now. If I'm late, the head of the lab is going to make me the babysitter of the rats for the next month too. And I'm talking about night shifts! Anyway ..." he inhaled deep, then looked straight into her deep green eyes. "I'm not really good with words, but ... I enjoyed your company very much and would like to see you again. To get a chance to get to know you better." She could tell he was sincere by the look on his face. His cheeks were flushed but his ears were not red, unlike the first time he had told her his false name. Tristanna reached over and took a pen from his shirt pocket, scrabbling down something on her napkin, then folded it and handed both back to him. She took out a twenty and placing it on the table then just stood, smiling. "Call me." she said softly taking a last intense look at him and shaking her head before she turned and hurried towards the park. The young man was so excited waiting for her reaction that he almost missed her departure. When he recovered from his astonishment, there was only one question echoing in his head: "Hey wait! I don't even now your name!!" he shouted after her. It was in vain. She didn't bother to turn around, though he could see her shoulders tense at the sound of his voice. He sank back into his chair, gesturing for the waiter to bring the bill. "Did I just make a fool of myself?" he wondered, but then remembered the napkin in his sweaty palm. He unfolded it carefully and made a leap for joy, feeling like a school boy again. It read: Anna Shadow, followed by a local phone number. He barely noticed the air turning chilly around him despite the mid-day heat or the sudden changes of the wind's direction, which kept blowing right into his face all the while as he made a fast run for the Institute. He had trouble catching his breath by the time he turned the corner of the lab on the 4th floor but still wore a smug grin on his face when he became assigned to the night shift also for July, coming 10 minutes late to the weekly staff meeting.