Page 67 of Cerulean Truth (Sapere #1)

For a moment, we just stood there, the sound of the river around us, the sun filtering through the trees, which is when I realized this was probably one of the most human conversations we'd ever had, if any. No training, no translation, just two people getting to know each other.

"So," he furthered, "what else do you want to know about me?"

I smiled, feeling more at ease. "How about something simple? What's your favorite place you've ever been?"

James's face lit up. "That's easy. Antwerp."

My jaw dropped. "Antwerp, Belgium?"

James nodded. "Yeah, the Diamond City is actually the capital of the whole magi world.

It's where the United Chiefs and the Board of Directors reside, so I've been there a few times since.

.." His voice trailed off. "Anyway, Antwerp has a gorgeous railway station.

It's a stunning blend of styles, with Neo-Renaissance and Art Nouveau elements, and that massive dome over the waiting hall is just breathtaking. "

He paused when he noticed me smiling. "What? Shocked this airhead loves architecture?"

I let out a snort. "Not at all... I've actually been to Antwerp a few times myself. Aside from their amazing railway station, they sell the most incredible cookies in the shape of?—"

"A hand," James finished my sentence.

I grinned. "Guess we have more in common than just steak, Scotch, and cigars."

"I can't believe you've been to Antwerp. It's not like it's a famous city or anything."

"What it lacks in fame, it makes up for in beauty." I winked.

James remained silent for a second. "Maybe one day I can take you there," he mused.

"I'd like that," I said, feeling warmth spread through me.

We continued walking. It was a perfect day, and for the first time in a long time, I felt truly happy.

"So, what did you like most about Antwerp?" James asked, breaking the comfortable silence.

"I liked the people actually," I confessed, surprising even myself.

James raised an eyebrow. "The people? Aren’t they considered mostly vulgar and arrogant?"

"Not in my experience," I said, shrugging. "I found them warm and welcoming."

"That's surprising," James admitted. "I've always heard the opposite."

I hesitated for a moment before continuing. "I used to be like that, you know? People often thought I was arrogant."

James’s demeanor turned serious; his brow furrowed, and his mouth set into a firm line. “Ambition and success are often labeled as ‘arrogant’ by those who fail at both.”

“That might be true, but I was still lonely.” I smiled sadly. "I didn’t even have many friends back home. I mean, I had a few—mainly Lisa, my best friend, and Martin, my childhood friend who moved away before I hit puberty. I loved them both, but besides them, I never made any really good friends."

"I understand," James said softly, his expression sympathetic.

"We're not so different, you and I," I said, realizing the connection. "Both distrustful of others, in our own ways."

"Seems like you might have a point there," James said, his tone pensive.

"Wait a minute... Did you just admit I'm right?" I feigned shock.

He arched a brow.

"That's got to be a first for you, right?" I teased.

"It is," he replied gruffly, "Which makes you right again. That's twice in under sixty seconds. A personal best?"

"Well," I huffed, "I did try to make a career out of it."

He laughed. Loud. Then, an expression of shock crossed his face, as if he hadn't expected his own body to produce such a sound.

"Yeah... sorry about ruining that."

I shrugged. "It's fine. If you hadn't, I wouldn't have met you."

I’d intended it to sound all breezy and teasing, but it came out heavy and honest.

As it was.

James raised his eyebrows, that elusive slow smile spreading across his face.

"Careful there, Miss Thomson, or I might start thinking you're glad for that."

I hesitated, then opted for honesty.

"I am." Two words, a thousand nerves.

"Really?" His voice softened as he took a step closer.

"Truly," I whispered, matching his step.

“Well,” he attempted to reciprocate, “I’m not too crippled by meeting you either.”

I snorted out a laugh. “That supposed to be a compliment?”

His smile vanished and his expression turned serious while his features remained soft. His eyes never left mine as he gently pushed back a string of hair behind my ear. "No, a compliment would be..." He paused, clearly about to say something significant.

"James!" a voice interrupted, breaking the moment.

Oh for fudge’s sake.

We both looked up to see a woman in a striking black fighting outfit, with sleek, armored segments. It was unmistakably Offensive gear, a stark contrast to James’s relaxed look today.

“Rachel,” James said flatly, barely masking his annoyance. “What are you doing here?”

Rachel, seemingly oblivious to the tension, smiled brightly. “I’m on leave from Kanata C. Just visiting some old friends.” She glanced at me, her eyes curious. “And you?”

“Emma,” he said without much enthusiasm. “This is Rachel, someone I trained with at Cyclos in the Advanced Academy classes.”

I extended my hand. “Nice to meet you, Rachel.”

Rachel shook my hand firmly. “Nice to meet you too, Emma.” She looked at James expectantly, clearly awaiting further elaboration.

James sighed, clearly uncomfortable. “Emma is my, uh, friend.”

I smiled to ease the tension. “We’re on a date, actually.”

What the flap? Why the heck would I say that?

Rachel’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “Ah, I see. Well, I didn’t mean to interrupt. It’s just a surprise to see James looking so... different. In a good way.”

James nodded curtly. “Trying something new.”

Rachel nodded approvingly. “It suits you. Well, I’ll leave you two to your date. It was great running into you, James. And nice meeting you, Emma.”

“You too, Rachel,” I said, watching her walk away.

James ran his hand through his hair, looking detached. “Sorry about that.”

I chuckled. “She seems nice. And it’s good to know more about your past.”

James nodded, his gaze distant. “Yeah. Now, what’s all this about a date?”

I swallowed. My nerves were instantly shot. Me and my big mouth. “Well, uhm. Just like, you know…” I mumbled under my breath, not meeting his gaze.

James surprised me by barking out a laugh so genuine, I took a few steps back. “Your face is priceless,” he grinned and grabbed my hand. “It’s an honor that a woman like you would even consider a man like me worthy enough to go on a date with. But Emma, this isn’t a date.”

My stomach dropped. “It isn’t?”

“No Emma.” James smiled. “When I do take you on a date, I will ask you out properly and actually plan something for us to do. Not hijack a navigation-mishap.”

I snorted but didn’t miss how he’d said “when” and not “if”. There were some seriously winged insects flying around inside my stomach.

For the rest of the day, we immersed ourselves in the city's vibrant atmosphere, sampled mouth-watering barbecue, and laughed off our portal misadventure.

By the time we were ready to return to Cyclos, any lingering friction had melted away, replaced by the effortless connection which I hoped would define our relationship from then on.

Stepping through the green portal home, I couldn't help but smile. With James at my side, even getting lost had its undeniable perks.