The Siren Cafe

[Hikari]

Seira looked around the busy cafe. It was no wonder Meria asked her to work the night shift. It was open mike night. She figured that they were trying to play into that calm artistic vibe to draw in customers. It seemed the plan had worked and there were people everywhere and it was a good thing that there were tons of magical beings, willing to work there and start a resume. She walked over to a booth by the window with a man sitting at it and went to take his order..

"Excuse me sir.. What can I get for you?"


He seemed to be looking at the waves role onto the shore and then turned to her. Her notebook and pencil dropped from her hands onto the floor.. His eyes.. By the gods.. His eyes were the same as that boys.. She stood there staring in shock and quickly went down to pick up the notebook and got to her feet.


"Have we met somewhere before?" he asked.


She nervously answered..


"Well I work here all the time.. There's a good chance you could have seen me then.. I'm Seira.."

 

[musicankane]

"Sam Jones." He held out his hand and looked into Seira's eyes. He shook his head. "I'm pretty sure I've seen you somewhere else...not here a while ago. I can't remember." He smiled. "Hey maybe you just remind me of that cheerleader who dumped me in high school."

 

[Hikari]

She looked at his outstretched hand and remembered that hand shaking was a formal greeting and she did so.

"I'm pretty sure I've seen you somewhere else...not here a while ago. I can't remember."

"Oh.. Umm.. I.."

"Hey maybe you just remind me of that cheerleader who dumped me in high school."

"Is that a good thing or a bad thing Mr. jones?"


She readied herself to take his order and tried to act normal.. Of all nights to see him again, why did it have to be this one? He still looked the same and she tried to hide how fast her heart was beating..

 

[musicankane]

He laughed. "That depends on weither or not you plan to kick me in the balls." He laughed again at the confused smile on her face. He waved his hand dismissing the words. "Nevermind. I'm sure you have other things to do than here me ramble. I'd like a pepsi and a small salad to start please." He said.

 

[Hikari]

"Nevermind. I'm sure you have other things to do than here me ramble. I'd like a pepsi and a small salad to start please." He said.

She scribbled the order on the notepad and smiled.

"I'll be back shortly.."

She went to the back and placed his order, then was stopped by Meria in the hall.

"Ser.. Can you do me a favor?"

"Sure what's the favor?"

"Well I know you used to sing and there's a bit of a problem with the act we were supposed to have for tonight.. You see their singer got the flu and now we don't have an act. I was wondering if you could work your magic on the crowd and do a little kareoke.."

"Ha Ha.. That's funny! You have a real sense of humor.. I haven't sung since I came to the human world and you're asking me to risk my cover to save your ass?"

"It's your ass too! We can't risk an uproar and I'm asking you nicely to get on that stage and do what you do best.."


She took off her apron and handed it to her boss.


"You're lucky that I can't afford to lose this job.."


She stepped on the stage and everyone stared at her as she took the microphone and brought it to her mouth.. She couldn't think of a single damn song to sing.. She searched through the songs and couldn't find a single one she knew.. So she stood there and sung the first thing that came to mind..

I look
in your eyes
that place for my soul

deep in the dark
I lose all control

bring back to that place that I know

The place I can't stand to go

I can't live this way
with a space
that's never closed

and I'll be waiting here for you..


The crowd went crazy when she stopped.. They wanted more and she had no idea what to do. She ran to the back and freaked..


"Meria! They liked me! I can't go back out there and give them more! I just made that song up.."


"Here, switch clothes with Willa and just pretend your a customer for the rest of the night... Then leave.. You did very well.. I can't wait for your next performance.."


"You're a really good kidder.."she said as she changed and put her hair up.


There was nothing to do now but try and find a friend amongst the crowd. Unfortunately, all of the people she knew came there in the day.. She sat at a booth without looking and put a pair of sunglasses on. She turned to see Sam across from her.. He'd already gotten his salad and was eating..


"Oh hi.. Please don't draw any attention to me.. They were acting like I'm some pop idol.. I do apologize for not being the one to deliver your meal to you.."

"You're the waitress from..?"


She covered his mouth..


"Shhh!! I'll explain later, but finish your salad and pretend I'm your girlfriend.. I need to get out of here.."

 

[musicankane]

Sam was completely confused. This girl had a great voice...her...voice...he had heard it somewhere before...the voice of an angel. It took him back years ago. Something clicked in his mind...He remembered the look on his face melted away from confusion to recognition. He leaned forward toward her.

"It's you!" He hissed. "You're the..." He looked around. "The mermaid....do you remember me? You ssved my life, four years ago...everyone thought I was crazy but here you are! Right here!"
His voice got a little too loud but luckily no one noticed who he was talking too. "That's why people got crazy after that song...you did some kind of magic trick or something."

 

[Hikari]

"It's you!" He hissed. "You're the..." He looked around. "The mermaid....do you remember me? You ssved my life, four years ago...everyone thought I was crazy but here you are! Right here!"

"That's why people got crazy after that song...you did some kind of magic trick or something."


Her eyes widened and her mouth hung open. Since when did humans become this perceptive?


"I.. You see.. I mean.."


Gods.. What could she say to that? She had to get out of there before word got back to the elders. Mermaids were not to sing in human form for fear of being revealed.. People were not supposed to know of these things, but his eyes were so happy and excited about finding her. She had the same feeling she'd had when she'd first seen him and she knew that all the warnings she'd been given would fall away if he kissed her..


"Get me to the beach and I promise I'll explain.."

 

[musicankane]

He smiled and reached across the table to take her hand. "Come on." He slid himself out of the booth and pull her close so no one would look at them. Or if they did, they'd only see a couple leaving the cafe. The cool night air teased their noses with the smell of salt water and sand, it was peaceful. When they were far enough from the cafe and there was plenty of sand in their shoes he let her go, but felt an almost emptyness inside at releasing her.
"So is it true? You're really a mermaid?" He asked looking at her. Her beauty almost stole his breath away. She was small and beautiful and shy and sweet and innocent and a hundred more things all at the same time.

 

[Hikari]

"So is it true? You're really a mermaid?"


She was silent for awhile and looked away from him..


"It's been such a long time.. Forgive me.. There's tons of things I had planned to say... For some reason I just can't find those words.."


She looked into his eyes..


"There was a storm and I went to watch the sea churn and toss.. Then I saw you... Something just made me feel pity. You were so out of place and I couldn't let you die out there.."


She smiled sweetly and looked downward..


"I hope you can forgive my babbling.. It's just that I always hoped I'd see you again.."

 

[musicankane]

He smiled and gently took her hand in his. Looking into her eyes he said. "I only wished you had stayed around so I could say thankyou. That's why ive been coming to the cafe everyday, i thought one day I might see you out in the waters. Is there anything I can do to repay you?" He brought her hand to his lips and kissed the back of her hand softly, barely grazing his lips across her skin. She smelt like magic and flowers, her touch seemed to warm him.

 

[Hikari]

"I only wished you had stayed around so I could say thankyou. That's why ive been coming to the cafe everyday, i thought one day I might see you out in the waters. Is there anything I can do to repay you?"


A blush filled her cheeks.


"Well there are two things.. First I need you to not tell anyone about this.. It's very important.. Second.. I.. I mean.. Well.. You see... I've never been kissed before.. and.."


She sat into the sand feeling completely embarrassed.. Many mermaids of her age already had mates or had atleast been kissed, but she'd been very sheltered because of her mother's status. She was able to escape when she came of age, but she'd never told her mother where she was going..

 

[musicankane]

He couldn't help but chuckle. "Never been kissed? Sound's like a movie I know." He plopped down in the sand next to her and turned his head to look at her. "Well, I'll tell you what, I'd be honored to be your first kiss." He paused and raised a finger in warning. "But only because you've saved my life, that's all. I hate kissing drop dead gorgeous women." He grinned to show he was kidding, just in case she didn't get it.

 

[Hikari]

She couldn't help but smile. She knew how corny it must've sounded to him and even she wondered how she'd ended up going through her life without such things.. She had always feared to meet him again. She was afraid that he'd never be as great as she thought he was. Yet here she was beside him and he was just as wonderful as he was the first time she'd seen him.. She wanted so badly to feel his lips against hers and a fire was burning within her chest that could not be contained.. She smiled again..


"Well I'm glad that you are willing to make an exception.."

 

[musicankane]

He looked into her eyes. He could see how badly she wanted him to get her, yet she seemed to shy from him at the same time. So he took a risk, he slid his hand along her cheek until he gently hand his hand around her head. He couldn;t wuite plae what her hair felt like, soft and smooth but beyond what a human's hair could possibly feel like. Slowly he pulled her to his lips. Very lightly at first, then when she did not pull away he melted into a real kiss.

 

[Hikari]

His lips provided a warm feeling that traveled throughout her body. It was absolutely wonderful and she couldn't get enough of it. Her arms rose up and wrapped around his back. She didn't know why she wanted him so close. Every bit of it was a mystery, but it felt so right and it was like she needed it. It was so right that it even scared her a bit and she pulled back. She was panting and looked very unsure of herself..


"I am sorry.. Perhaps I went too far... It's getting late and I should be getting back to my apartment."


She frowned a bit and got up to leave..

 

[musicankane]

He reached up quickly and grabbed her hand. "No wait, don't go. What's wrong?" The look in his eyes pracitcally pleaded with her to stay. He was begging her with his eyes, but his feelings were the magic of the mermaid could she really take advantage of him like that? Every part of him begged her to take him to heaven.

 

[Hikari]

She saw his eyes and knew that she'd been wrong. He hadn't been offended at all..


"I thought I had been a bit too forward.. Of course I shall stay.."


She sat beside him once again and smiled brightly.


"Forgive my nervousness.. I'm not used to being around males on an non-professional level.. Especially not with one so attractive..."

 

[Mystical Avalon]

Sida-Lee sat in what she hoped was a dark corner of The Siren. She had yet to order anything to drink and tonight was open mic night. She had given a lot of thought to what she might sing if she so chose to sing at all. She listened and tried to close in on a voice close to where she sat.

She had been blinded at birth so there was never a problem of adjustment. She had lived a full life but often felt out of place. When she would go to the pier with her father, she could often hear sweet almost sorrowful sounds coming with each crashing wave. She often attributed the sounds to birds or people on the pier until one night about two years ago.

She sat on the pier lonely as always feeling used and helpless. Her boyfriend of six months decided he was ready for a change and had left her on the pier. The air was crisp and the night clear. Suddenly, the sounds became words.

Love is but a wondering cry
A song sang for those who will
One of want. One of need
Lovers rest where lovers lie
A lovers heart never dies


The verse was so clear, yet short. It brought tears to her eyes. That was when she found the Siren.

Waiting patiently, she knew someone would be along soon. Maybe Siera was working tonight for she was always polite to Sida.

 

[papillon24]

Taliah

Taliah swam thought the waves. They were the only thing that blocked her from the land. In this form, her true form she was fast and extreamly graceful in her movement though the water.

Up ahead she saw Siera sitting with a human boy.

She swam in the other direction as to not let her cover be blown.

Near the dock only afew feet from shore she changed into her human form, pausing for a moment to let her arms and legs adjust to the movement. She inhaled a deep breath before comtinuing up to the shore and emerged unseen from the water.

She shook herself dry quickly and straightened her silvery hair before heading the last hundred feet down the beach.

She could hear the music from inside.

The closer she got themore she could see. Figures of humans. She loved the sight of it. as shestood next to the window.

Taliah made her way into the Siren and found a seat the bar.

"Can I get you anything Taliah. Rum and coke perhaps?"

"No Thanks Greg. I'll stick with water. I havea long journy tonight."

He nodded and walked away to the next customer.

Taliah sat and watched the croud as they milled around her.

 

[musicankane]

He laughed warmly, filling the air with it.

"I'm the attractive one?" He smiled. "I thank you but compared to you I'm a very light bulb next to the sun."

He wraped his finger with hers, holding her hand on his knee.

"I could sit and just look at you for hours." He told her, looking deep into her eyes.

 

[Hikari]

"I thank you but compared to you I'm a very light bulb next to the sun."

"I could sit and just look at you for hours."


"I don't see how.. I'm actually considered homely where I come from.. Plus I'm not even using any magic..."


She blushed a deep red.

 

[musicankane]

He laughed. "If you're concidered homely, I dont think i want to see what the good looking ones look like." He put his arm around her and together they watched the surf. He didn't know what else to say, so he stayed quiet simply enjoying the moment with her.

 

[Hikari]

"If you're concidered homely, I dont think i want to see what the good looking ones look like."

She smiled.

"Well you see.. In our society mermaids with blonde or reddish hair are far more revered because it reminds them of the sun.. Dark hair like mine reminds them of bad kelp and sludge.. It's probably why my mother was unable to marry me off.. I'd rather not discuss her though.. I am glad that I've been able to see you again.."

 

[musicankane]

He smiled, "Well, blonde's are stupid, Red heads are whores and brunettes, like you, are the idea women. Perfect girls to marry and have kids with. So how to do feel about that?" He brushed his hand through her hair, caressing her cheek as he did so.

 

[Hikari]

"Well, blonde's are stupid, Red heads are whores and brunettes, like you, are the idea women. Perfect girls to marry and have kids with. So how to do feel about that?"


She jumped up and hugged him. No one had ever been so sweet to her. Especially someone she barely knew. She couldn't help but take in his scent. While she couldn't place what the smell was, she knew she liked it and somehow it was driving her crazy. She pulled back a bit and looked into his eyes with a strange passion. She pushed him onto his back and began kissing him with a fire burning within her. All of her actions seemed to be like they were going on autopilot, it was so strange. Then it hit her like a ton of blocks. It was the first full moon of the Summer. Somehow all of her kind around her age were wired for mating season at that time.
"Damn it!" She thought.


"No wonder I'm like this.. I can't do this out of lust and instinct.. I can't just..."


He was kissing her back and pulling her close. No wonder Meria had let her go so easily.. She pulled back suddenly, fearing her body would betray her on that beach, and she quickly got to her feet.


"Umm... I have to go.. I... just remembered something I have to do.. I promise I'll see you again soon though.."


She began running off and she knew he was running after her. What was she going to do? She couldn't possibly tell him the truth.. The fact she was a mermaid was strange enough, it would be quite a stretch trying to explain mating rituals or the effects of the moon.. It would be better to explain after the whole thing had blown over.. Yet still he was running after her.. She then tripped and fell on her face..


"Ow..."