{ after the hunt / with Thalia }
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Hayes exhaled slowly, watching the smoke curl and twist before dissipating into the air between them. He didn’t believe her… not for a second but what reason does he have to call her out on it? He let the silence stretch, his gaze dragging over her like he was searching for the truth beneath the lie she just offered him. Thalia was many things, most good things he could recognize in a person, but she didn’t seem like a good liar. Not to him, at least.
”Celestial science?“ Hayes repeated, this time with less skepticism… more casual interest. There was a soft smile on his lips and suddenly he was playing along. ” Yeah, makes sense. I mean, who doesn’t want to return a book in the middle of a party? Real considerate of you.“
He leaned against the pillar, tilting his head slightly as if the idea was growing on him.
”Actually… That’s funny, because-“ A soft chuckle as his cigarette burned out. Taking a few slow steps to the closest bin, he let that last word hang in the air…becauuuuse… Throwing that cigarettes bud, he simply glanced back at Thalia. ”I’m here for the same reason.“ His voice had shifted - lighter, almost friendly, like this was just some normal coincidence between two normal people. Like he actually believed her. ”I was supposed to meet someone too. Big celestial science fan, you know how it is.“ He waved his hand like this was all completely natural. ”Crazy timing, huh?“
Then, as if the thought had just occurred to him, his gaze flicked to her bag. ”So you got the book on you? Can I see it?“ A friendly smile still on his lips he walked over to Thalia, just one more step in between them. His words were smooth, effortless. A simple request. A harmless question. He watched her closely, waiting for the tell - that hesitation or flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. ”Just curious,“ he added, voice still light, easy. ”Gotta make sure we’re not waiting on the same guy, right?“
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@Kristi