Chapter Text
Jules yawed, stretching her hands over her head. She looked out to the night sky while her hands moved to adjust the goggles on her head. Her body shook in reaction to the cold air. Though Jules wanted to stay in the pond longer, she had to get home. She covered her mouth to yawn again while she watched Mave dry off her hair with a towel next to her.
"You're not going to wear these?" Mave questioned, pointing to the gloves and hair ties poking out of Jules' trouser pockets.
"I'm good," Jules sighed, counselling another yawn. "I'm going straight to bed the moment I get home, and I'll probably throw the silver glove away." She pushed some hair out of her eyes. "You can't do much with a metal glove. Good thing I have spares for situations like these."
"Shame you have to leave. I was enjoying your company."
"Good things don't last forever. That's why we got to enjoy them for as long as we can," Jules' eyes grew heavy when another yawn escaped her lips. "The sooner I get home, the better."
"Where do you live exactly? Hopefully not too far from here?"
"I live in Retail Row, so yeah, it's pretty far. You know, I wouldn't be surprised if I accidentally fell asleep in the taxi on the way home."
"I can take you home if you want. It'll be quicker than a taxi."
"What are you saying?" Jules questioned with a confused expression on her face, trying to keep her eyes open.
"I mean that I can take you home," Mave answered with a smile. "By the looks of it, you seem like a lightweight, which will be easy for me."
"Sorry, I am completely lost. How can you take me home?"
"Remember earlier in the pond. I mentioned that the Wildheart has three forms. Snake, Shark and Harpy. You've seen Snake and Shark, but can you guess what Harpy is?"
Jules put a finger to her lips, her exhausted brain slowly thinking for a logical answer. "Let's see, Harpy, Harpy. It sounds familiar," Jules hummed to herself. "Harpy. Oh! Isn't it that creature from Greek mythology where the bird has a women's head?" She looked back to Mave for clarification. Her eyes widen when she saw the sight in front of her. Mave had two gigantic bird wings sticking out of her back. The feathers were coloured pink. "So that's where the feathers came from," Jules murmured in a whisper, still staring at the wings.
"You like?" Mave smirked, her wings slightly flapping for a quick second.
"Mave, they're incredible," Jules complimented, walking closer to her.
"So, you still want me to take you home?"
Jules suddenly put together what Mave was saying in her head. She squeaked. "Ah! Oh, Mave, you don't have to do that."
"It's ok. I'm as fast in the air as I am in the sea. You'll be home in no time. Plus, I needed to stretch my wings out anyway."
"Well, If it's alright with you, I guess it isn't a problem."
"Great, you ok with being bridal carried?"
Before Jules could react, Mave giggled, picking up Jules with ease, carrying her in a bridal style. Jules grew flustered again. "Hey," Jules squeaked while a small laugh escaped her lips. "Does it have to be bridal style?"
"Well, there's no way you're going on my back. You comfy?"
Jules only answered with a nod of her head, snuggling deeper into Mave's arms.
"Good, then let's fly." Mave held onto Jules tightly. Within seconds they were flying in the air.
Jules marveled at the sight in front of her. She held onto Mave for dear life while her eyes danced around the night sky that surrounded her. Trusting Mave's grip, Jules reached one of her hands out to the sky, her fingers loosely dancing within the clouds. It was magical.
"So, which house is yours?" Jules was interrupted by Mave's question. She looked down to see the vast array of houses below her. She was back in Retail Row. Jules looked around before making visual contact with her home.
"There," Jules pointed. "The one with the white roof." She held on tightly as Mave started her descent towards the house. "Hey, is it ok if you drop me off on the balcony?" Jules asked, pointing to the silver balcony, surrounded by flowers.
"Yeah, I can do that for you," Mave answered, slowly reaching for the balcony.
Before Jules knew it, her and Mave's feet were inches away from the balcony floor. Taking her time, Jules let go of Mave and jumped to the ground. She turned around to see Mave gently touch the bottom with her boots. The moment she made contact, her wings disappeared in a glittery smoke.
"Nice place you got here," Mave grinned, her eyes looking around the balcony and through the glass doors. Jules smiled at the compliment while she unlocked the door in front of her.
Jules stepped inside her bedroom. It was dark, only being briefly illuminated by the moonlight. The only sound heard was the mechanical snores from Ohm. He was sleeping on his perch. "Oh, Ohm," Jules whispered sweetly. She quietly dashed over to her friend, gently stroking the top of his head. "I'm here, buddy. Sorry if I made you worry about me." Ohm snored louder, which caused Jules to chuckle under her breath. She looked up to see Mave leaning by the door frame. "Thanks for taking me home, Mave. I hope I can repay you."
"It's no problem," Mave reassured her in a quiet tone. "I glad we were able to spend some time together."
"Me too. Again, I'm sorry if I acted like an awkward mess. I'm not usually like that."
"It's alright. You weren't awkward at all. I liked seeing how excited you got when I showed off my powers or talked about my home. Not to mention the flirting about how I was as beautiful as a rose."
Jules blushed, brushing the hair out of her eyes. "I panicked. I wanted to make a good impression. Have you ever flirted with someone?"
"Yes, for example, I've flirted with you."
"What? You've never flirted with me."
"What do you mean? I've been flirting with you all day."
"You-you have?"
"Yes. You didn't notice?"
"Oh," Jules' eyes widen, looking back on the day with Mave, recounting everything she's said to her. A laugh escaped her lips while she covered her mouth with her hands. "Oh, my goodness. I can't believe myself, I have silver hands, yet I'm as dense as gold." Mave laughed along with Jules, following her comment.
"You're quite the character, Jules," Mave remarked, turning away and walking towards the edge of the balcony. "I hope our paths cross again."
Jules could feel her heart beating faster. She bit her lower lip, and her hands clasped together. They were both nervous and excited over what they wanted to say. She listened to her heart. "Mave, wait."
Mave turned around, looking back at Jules. "Yes, Jules?" Mave questioned in her familiar soft voice.
"Do you want to hang out again soon? I could take you someplace to eat, or I could show you around the Apollo landmarks if you like, maybe get something to eat together." Jules watched with intensity, waiting to see Mave's response.
"Jules," Mave began, never looking away from her. "I would love to hang out with you. We could arrange something tomorrow if you like."
"Sounds perfect. I can't wait."
"Oh, and Jules. If you ever want to visit, I'm always in Hunter's Haven. If I'm not there, I'm probably by the shipwrecks near Catty Corner."
"I'll keep that noted."
"You know Jules. You look breathtaking with your hair loose. Goodnight." And with that, Mave jumped over the balcony, her wings appearing from behind in a flash of glittery smoke. She flew up into the sky and straight towards the clouds.
Jules stood there motionless for a second, taking in Mave's words. She watched as Mave's feathers slowly danced towards the floor. Once Jules finally registered what Mave said to her, she shook her head with a flustered squeak. Jules walked to the balcony to close the doors, but not before stopping to pick up one of Mave's feathers. She stared intently at the feather, watching the moonlight reflect off the pink feather and her silver hand in a mystical hue. A smile grew on her face. They yawned as she walked over to her wardrobe to get dressed for the night. Jules had a feeling she was going to have a peaceful night.