Salt In The Air (For Zorzleth)

[Hitman45]

Location: A Beach in the Chiba prefecture of Tokyo Bay

The Beach in Question

Winter’s icy clutches were gradually beginning to slacken across the Northern Hemisphere. The frigid, heavy blanket of cold continued to lift with each passing day, taking with it the necessity to be cocooned in layers from head to toe every living, breathing second of the short, crisp days. The season of Spring was slowly but surely easing into the void left over by its frosty predecessor.

Tokyo, the bustling metropolis of Japan, and one of the many beneficiaries of this change in weather, saw the sunny weather return without the scorching heat and slimy, clammy perspiration that accompanied it. And instead, people were greeted with cool, chilly breezes and blooming flora all around them, the cheer and joy now palpable throughout the city, teeming with activity.

"One Blue Lagoon, on the rocks please." Clarisse placed her order, voice even. Her amber eyes skimmed through the menu on the bar counter, frayed at the edges, and an old stain of orange at the bottom. "Add a couple of orange slices as well" the Brit added, and made herself comfortable on the barstool.

”Gotcha. Coming right up…” The bartender nodded in affirmation, seemingly chipper about carrying out his responsibilities of serving people their requested concoctions throughout his shift. Clarisse observed him for a moment, hands moving around the station like clockwork to gather all the necessary ingredients for a truly tropical, refreshing cocktail, and soon veered her gaze away, adjusting her seating posture to sit sideways on the stool, one elbow propped over the surface of the counter as she took in her surroundings.

A Beach Shack

The doors to the shack had opened a while ago, and there had been a steady stream of beachgoers in and out of the establishment. It may not be as polished as a high-end bar, but it was precisely what this lively hotspot needed. The chatter of seated patrons, the clinking of glasses, and the crashing of waves seen through the large entrance, which was essentially one side of the shack completely open, immediately put her at ease. The air carried the scent of salt, alcohol, citrus, and the cool sea breeze tickling her exposed flesh, which was now at ease.

The day was fantastic for unwinding and getting away from the training routines and match practices, which took up the majority of her time every day. The Brit let out an exhale of relief through her nostrils, her bikini-clad physique visibly laxing from being in such a tranquil space, her honey-toned eyes coming to life from the sunlight filtering through the patched roof.

Clarisse's Beach Fit

It hadn’t been an easy change of scenery for the woman from Britain, who arrived in Japan to start afresh. But the past wasn’t something that could be outrun so easily, and Clarisse was learning it first-hand here, with her LAW career not getting off to the best of starts, with a string of defeats behind.

But she wasn’t worried about that, and rather was feeling content after a very long time, despite not looking like it from looking at her visage, when she mentally took stock, while idly staring at sea and sand, about how she managed to rebuild her life to an extent, far away from her old world, and live freely as she pleased all the while patiently waiting for the bartender to apply finishing touches to her order, her head supported by the arm on the counter….

[ZorzLeth]

Of course, what Clarisse would not foresee though was an unexpected type of encounter. One that took quite an interest in her as soon as he laid his eyes on her. The man in question, of Irish origin, had arrived on the scene. He had long, red hair, blue eyes and an amazing build for his height.

Spoiler

Jack Byrne, a.k.a. Blades, was wearing only a black, knee-length, swimsuit with a fiery pattern. Now, despite his history, he was actually minding his own business and enjoying some weather that was finally beginning to warm up; and start melting away the annoying snow and ice. Winter really lasted much longer than what it needed to.

He was of course going to keep going on with his day until he suddenly notice this woman at the beach shack that he was about to walk past. She had short-length grayish hair, amber eyes and a wonderfully, muscular toned body clad by only a bikini set. Smirking to himself, he figured he could have some fun. Though by the look of things, he gathered that she might be a tough cookie. But hey, those were the most fun.

Jack strolled up to the shack, took a seat right next to this woman.

"I'll have what this lovely lady is having, please." Jack said to the bartender with a polite tone as he turned to look at the woman.

"So, contemplating the world or just looking for some down time?" Jack asked the woman.

[Hitman45]

Clarisse was soaking in the sights and the aromas and having a really peaceful time when her reverie got interrupted by a masculine voice. The Brit craned her head up to look at the man, who seemed to be interested in having a chat with her.

He appeared physically fit and athletic, and sounded gentlemanly. The Brit contemplated internally for a moment about her response and whether to entertain the guy.

“Watching the sand and the sea, and hopefully have my drink in peace. So, the latter” Clarisse finally replied, eyes taking in the redheaded man. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see the bartender at work, both their drinks being prepped.

She met his gaze again as he got comfortable beside her, not giving much away from her demeanour. “What about you? Don’t think you chose this particular stool at random to drink in solitude…” and to make her point clear, she turned her head to look at the sparsely populated shack, and the empty chairs and table around…

[ZorzLeth]

Jack listened to the woman as she responded. It seemed clear that she had little room for small talk. Nonetheless, he chose to respond once she asked him about what he was doing here.

"Well, peace and quiet isn't always a bad thing." Jack responded, as he received his drink from the bartender, "But it would be nice for a challenge to come around." He raised his glass to the woman as a cheers before beginning to drink from it.

[Hitman45]

As expected, Jack wasn't here just to admire the sand and the sea. Well, that was a given; otherwise, he wouldn't have been here. But his words were strongly hinting at something more than drinking in peace with each other's company.

Clarisse caught that.

The cheery bartender passed both of their orders at the same time, with a nod of acknowledgement, before getting back to work. Clarisse eyed the glass for a moment, traced her thumb over its edges, before tentatively taking in a sip.

It was absolutely refreshing. The colourful drink washed down her throat to elicit a soft exhale from her. A drink guaranteed to lighten her up.

Finally, she would think about what this chiselled redheaded man was saying, outright and in between the lines, and chose to play along. He didn't look the part of a troublemaker for now, which inclined the Brit to engage. She reciprocated by clinking her glass with his, the sound akin to the chiming of a bell.

"It seems..." Clarrisse took another tiny sip, clearly looking to savour the delight of this drink for a while. "...that you think I can pose the 'challenge' you seek" she stated, her eyes never leaving his. The snow-haired woman could guess where this would be heading, but she still wanted to hear it from him before making any assumptions.

[ZorzLeth]

Jack smirked as they chipped their glasses. He went to take a sip from his glass, which was of course a strong drink that he always enjoyed. After he drew the glass away, and listening to what this woman had to say. He nodded before he would respond.

"You definitely look like someone that is more than capable of holding their own in a fight." Jack responded, "And I for one find those that can do that provide the best challenge." He took another sip of his drink before setting the glass down.

"Of course, I might be a little foolish to ask for the chance of a spar or a match of some kind with someone I met, Ms..." Jack said, leaving it open for the woman a chance to respond with her name if she wished.