18854/Boardwalk of Second Chances

Boardwalk of Second Chances
Date of Scene:	17 August 2024
Location:	Coney Island
Synopsis:	No description
Cast of Characters:	Aria Seraphine, Joshua Foley

---

Aria Seraphine has posed:
Strolling alongside Joshua, Aria's hand slips into his as they approach the Coney Island boardwalk.

The cool breeze from the ocean plays with a few loose strands of her golden hair, most of which has been pulled back into a high ponytail. Her outfit is casual but stylish -- ripped jean shorts paired with a flowy white blouse that catches the wind just right, and a pair of comfortable yet trendy white sneakers, and there's a certain lightness in her step today, a far cry from the tension that marked their last visit.

What should have been a sweet, playful moment had turned into a near-disaster the last time they were here, but it's in the past now. Aria had asked Josh to come back with her -- to face the bad memories instead of letting them fester, determined to replace them with new, happy ones that don't carry the weight of all of that misunderstanding and doubt.

As they near the boardwalk, the familiar sounds of carnival games, laughter, and the distant roar of the roller coasters fill the air, mingling with the scent of salty sea air and fried food. Aria glances up at Joshua with a playful smile, her eyes reflecting the bright sunlight.

"I love you," she says softly, squeezing his hand a little tighter as they approach the entrance. She can't help but feel a flutter of excitement in her chest as she looks around, imagining the fun they're going to have.

Today is about second chances, about rewriting that chapter with something beautiful. The sun is shining, the waves are crashing, and by all accounts it looks like that plan is set up to be a rousing success.

Joshua Foley has posed:
Joshua, admittedly, is a bit nervous. No about being out out with Aria. While true that she is well out of his league, it was more the loation. This is where he nearly torpedoed the relationship before it ever left the docks. All because of his stupid mouth and stupider actions. So as they walk, his hand tightens it's grip in hers. But feeling how relaxed her heart rate and blood pressure are, it calms him down considerably.

Wearing an Oxford T-shirt that fits snuggly over his torso and giving hints of the definition of his abdomen and pecs, matched with a pair of straight leg blue jeans and skating shoes with s graffiti design on the canvas part of them, he takes in the sights of the Boardwalk.

The scent of salty sea air mingles with the tempting aroma of hot dogs, popcorn, and cotton candy is mixed with the sounds of the wood Cyclone, the screams of joy of families, the music of street musicians and barkers hawking their games, the crashing of waves along the boardwalk.

And off in the distance is the Wonder Wheel - where Josh hopes to be able to get Aria to today as he presses against her shoulder for a moment. "I love you too. Just remind me not to get a ring pop or any ring shaped item here this time." he says with a glance down, his cheeks darkening for a moment.

Aria Seraphine has posed:
Aria's smile widens as Joshua squeezes her hand. She's aware of his nerves, can feel the tension in his grip, but it only makes her affection for him grow. She leans in, letting her shoulder press against his, a soft laugh escaping her as he mentions the ring pop incident.

"Don't worry," she teases, her voice soft and affectionate. "It wasn't the ring pop that was the problem. It was me. And, if you ever _did_ ask again... you might be surprised by the answer." She pauses, then, a blush touching her own cheeks. "In a good way."

She glances up at the Wonder Wheel in the distance, its colorful lights twinkling like stars against the dusky sky. The colors in the sky are still bright and vibrant, the breeze cooling and carrying salt air across them. The scent of the ocean mixes with the smells of carnival food, and it smells sooooooo good.

Aria tilts her head back, letting the breeze play with her ponytail, her gaze drifting over the boardwalk. "It's great here, you know?" she says softly, her fingers tracing circles on the back of Joshua's hand. "I'm really glad we came back. It feels like we're... rewriting the story, making new memories."

She nudges him gently with her hip, her eyes sparkling with a mix of mischief and affection. "So, relax, okay? We're not who we were back then. Things are.. different, now. I mean... we live together. It's not exactly like you have any question about how I feel about you." Her lips purse. "I hope."

As they continue to walk, she pulls him a little closer, the warmth of his body reassuring her that they're in this together -- no awkward misunderstandings, just the two of them enjoying the evening.

"So what do you want to do first?"

Joshua Foley has posed:
"Yes, we do." Joshua feels his heart swell at the idea of this absolute angel that lives with him now. "But you'll forgive me if I wait a bit longer. I know you're already my girlfriend, it's the future to look forward to." His eyes follow hers to the Wonder Wheel. That's the night csp. The piece de resistance that will make her swoon and want to drag him home.

So that will wait for now as they walk down the boardwalk. "As for what I want to do first..." hs hand leaves hers to slide around her slender waist and pull her tightly to him. "Is for me to take a crack at winning that plushie for you." he says with amusement, seeing a booth with various plushes, promising three balls in hole wins 'Choice'.

His grey eyes that are usually so cold when he's working are warm with affection for her, as he nods. "New story. New chapter. Let's start it off right." He steps ahead of her, turning around to face her as he walks backwards, his hands in hers. And as the hair is blown by the wind and makes the angelic effect on her, he doesn't need an aura to influence him - he falls for her all over again as he leads the way back over to the booth.

The barker snorts. "Hey. It's the kid that blew it with the candy ring!" he calls out, drswing eyes towards the golden lad. "Dude, she's still with you? She must be a glutton for punishment! What you say girlie? When he blows this again, wanna go out on a date with me?"

Joshua lays a five on the counter. "Three balls to shut you up, your mouth looks like it can gargle that many."

The barker /snorts/. "We'll see kid." he as he hands over the balls.

Aria Seraphine has posed:
Aria's cheeks warm with a soft blush as Joshua pulls her close, the familiar scent of the sea and carnival food mixing with the warmth of his body. She can't help but smile at his words, eyes sparkling. "Take as long as you want," she muses, a grin tugging at one corner of her lips. "I've got all the time in the world..."

And really, she does.

When the barker calls out, though, her smile tightens. She's about to open her mouth to say something, but her eyes sparkle with amusement as Joshua takes the challenge head-on. "I'm definitely a glutton for something," she quips back, her voice practically lewd there's so much sensuality in it, her gaze locked on Joshua as he prepares to throw.

She's hovering close by, and as Joshua's collecting his game apparatus, she's starting to sing, eyes first focused on that barker... but it's not a 'normal' song. There's a sense of calm that comes with it -- of focus and determination and inspiration. She takes the normally 'poppy' feel of the song "Don't Call Me Angel" and seems to weave it into something a bit more sensual, more groove, more feeling...

o/~
"You sizin' up my body
"Don't you know that I bite when the sun set?
"So don't you try come around me
"Might work with her, but not me
"Don't you know that I bite when the sun set?
o/~
"Keep my name out your mouth
"I know what you about"
"So keep my name out your mouth (oh yeah)
o/~
"Boy, don't call me angel
"You ain't got me right
"Don't call me angel
"You can't pay my price
"Ain't from no Heaven
"Yeah, you heard me right
"Even though you know we fly
"Don't call me angel..."
o/~

Then she's looking back towards Joshua, a smile lingering at the corners of her mouth as she sings the next part directly to him instead. She doesn't seem to be trying to stop what he's doing, but she's lingering there near him, singing, and drawing a little crowd in the process who now seems fascinated by the spectacle -- between the barker's taunts, the angel's song, and the golden-skinned man's determination to win a prize.

o/~
"I appreciate the way you watch me, I can't lie
"I drop it down, I pick it up, I back it off the county line
"I fell from Heaven, now I'm living like a devil
"You can't get me off your mind
"I appreciate the way you want me, I can't lie
"I drop it low, I back it up, You know you better know you're mine...


A sharp-eared observer might notice she changed this lyric on the fly from "I know you're gonna think you're mine".

"Baby, I totally get it, you can't guess so
"You can't get me off your mind
"We in it together, but don't call me angel..."
o/~

Joshua Foley has posed:
Kissing Aria's cheek, Joshua smiles. "For luck." he murmurs, before stepping into place to toss the balls. With Aria's song backing him, he feels a swell of confidence. They can do it together, and he swears he can feel Aria's hand in his, guiding his tosses.

The first ball arcs gracefully through the air and drops cleanly into the container with a satisfying clang. "Oh look, another ring pop!" the barker taunts as Joshua prepares the next throw.

The second ball ricochets off the rim with a resounding ping, hesitating for a moment before clattering in.

And now, with Aria's song in it's crescendo, Joshua prepares his last toss. The final ball sails effortlessly through the air and through the hole, dropping into the container with barely a rattle.

"Not bad, kid. Two out of three. You can pick her out a keychain plushie!"

Wait, two out of three?

"The second ball bounced out and then back in. Doesn't count." the barker adds smugly as he sees Joshua's confused expression. "You can try again if you're feeling froggy."

Aria Seraphine has posed:
Aria doesn't seem to mind -- or even notice -- the little crowd of spectators who had gathered to watch Joshua throw during the impromptu performance. Her only concern, her only object of attention, is Joshua, and as he makes his throws, she claps for each one.

She is -- she may always be from this point on -- his biggest cheerleader.

And that whole 'two out of three' thing? Well, her song has finished, and she's clapping again at the mention of the type of prize, absolutely _delighted_.

"Ooh! Keychain!" Aria makes her preference known, rushing up to slip her arms around Josh and lean up to kiss his jaw, his cheek, hugging herself close. "It's perfect! I'll have something I can put the key you gave me on."

She blinks up at him, biting her lower lip and failing utterly to hide the intensity of her smile.

"Please?"

Joshua Foley has posed:
As much as Joshua was getting ready to go off on the barker, when Aria slips around him and presses herself close to him, any thought of him fighting for the choice lessens as he grins and blows out a sigh. "You heard the girl. She wants a keychain." He turns the choice over to Aria, arms around her shoulders to hold her to him.

"I think your song helped me out, Sera." he teases. "It was really pretty." comes his admission as he dips down to kiss her properly, no hiding his affection for the gorgeous blonde.

The barker snorts and rolls his eyes. "You two should get a room already." And he gestures to the box of plush keychains. "If you can untangle yourself from hime, come pick your prize."

Aria Seraphine has posed:
"YAY!"

Aria actually _bounces_ excitedly, beaming up at Josh with a smile that could light up the entire boardwalk. Sure, she's basically INFINITY years old, but think about it -- in alllll that time, no one has ever won her a stuffed animal. In fact, only two times anyone has ever won her anything, it has been Josh doing it.

Two for two, Joshua. And, yes, she still has that ring pop in a box under her bed.

Of course she does.

Even if it ended up in Josh nearly leaving her, it's still the only time anyone has ever proposed any kind of commitment to her. And.. he gave it to her.

"I'm glad," Aria croons softly, returning that kiss with a warm smile up at him.

But then there's that snide suggestion to come pick out her prize, and she turns to look at the barker. "Nu-uh. He's going to pick it out," she says, grinning. "Besides... you should be careful. Envy is one of the seven deadly sins. I'll untangle myself from him when I feel like it."

She clings a bit more to Josh, but not so much that she would keep him from moving, if he wanted to either pull away or take her with him.

Joshua Foley has posed:
Since Aria is making it clear that she is not letting him go, Joshua gives up and walks with Aria up to the counter to look over at prizes. Even tangled together, the pair seem to be able to move with ease - mostly because of Aria's dance steps.

Arriving at the prizes table, he looks it over, and picks a little kitten keychain and offers it to Aria. "...for the stray you decided to take in?" he asks her curiously as he presents it to her. "I love you." he says with a grin and a little nuzzle.

"So, what what would you like to do next?"

Aria Seraphine has posed:
It does help when you're used to dancing on a pole in five-inch stilettos. Suddenly having a boyfriend that's hanging on to you while he moves a few feet doesn't seem like that big of a deal, and it isn't really -- she moved as gracefully with him as if she wasn't there at all. A consumate dance partner.

It might also help that she's a trained fighter -- though Josh has never actually gotten to see that part of her before. By the time he'd gotten back to see her demonstration here on Coney Island, the fight was already over and she was kneeling on the man's chest, holding him by the throat. And then, of course, in Mutant Town, Josh had been dead...

"You mean the one who was unceremoniously dumped on the street and wandered into the store?" Aria asks as she reaches up to curl her fingers around it, smiling and bringing it up to look at. "Who was taken in and given a saucer of sweet cream, a warm place to sleep, and all the cuddles she wants?"

She's closed it in her hand, now -- gripped it like it's her most prized possession in the world.

"You mean that stray?"

Her eyes slide closed as she returns that nuzzle, sighing in contentment.

"I love you, too."

She pauses at the question, though, and looks back at the barker with a small little smile.

"I know life can be difficult... but don't be so quick to dismiss true love. Once you've found it, it'll take more than a misunderstanding over a ring pop to break it up."

She winks, then she's already tugging Josh away, clipping the little kitten to her belt loop as they go.

"I don't know! I'm up for anything. Should we do hot dogs for dinner before or after we ride the cyclone?!"

Joshua Foley has posed:
She's such grace in motion - he feels like he lags behind sometimes. She's fluid and graceful, he only has that grace on a skateboard. There's lots that the pair have not learned about each other yet. She has yet to see the flipside of his powers, much less the fact that he does not usually want to fight anyone, which opens him up to getting clubbed in an alleyway. Or the full scope of his abilities, which he's still discovering. Hopefully she'll understand what all he can do and not thing her love is an abomonation against Him.

He laughs lightly. "Sera, darling, you still haven't found your book yet." he teases her lightly. "And you are not allowed to leave my side until you do." There's a wink at her, he knows she comes and goes as she wants and has accepted that. There's a playful tug on the toy and a whisper in her ear before he lets it go.

"It can be." he agrees with the life is difficult part. But I have not dismissed you. I invited you to my home, my life, my heart. I just still have a hard time believing how true you are to me. And accepting that you accept me for all I am, even if you could do much better."

Finally, a smile returns as she breaks away, tugging him along in the wake of her floral perfume. "Let's get some coneys and a funnel cake to share, then we can hit the Cyclone and the Wonder Wheel!" A glance at his watch. They have time.

Aria Seraphine has posed:
"Well, that's the _best_ way to get me to stop looking for something... tell me you won't let me go until I find it," the angel at Josh's side teases, grinning up at him and leaning up to place a loud kiss against his golden cheek, laughing softly.

The tug and the whisper, however, earn an even more pleased laugh -- a shy, almost nervous sound that brings heat to her cheeks as she bumps him with her hip (even though she's still clinging to him, so she's definitely not trying to bump him away). "Both. Definitely both."

It's his words that make her blink a couple of times in surprise, her smile lingering in a softer, more incredulous and sincere way.

"Joshua Foley-Crowe," she says deliberately, swinging herself around so she's walking backwards, guiding his hands to her hips and raising hers to his shoulders. She's looking up at him, not at all watching where she's going, eyes fixed on his and trusting him completely to keep her from just plowing into things or tripping over anything. "You better start believing it. You are the man I'm going to spend the rest of my.. hopefully.. very long life with. You are _perfect_."
No comment about the food. He can take that as tacit acceptance, though. That's her general style. He stated a plan, and she had no objections to raise. So, in her mind, that's just what they were doing.

Joshua Foley has posed:
"As long as you're happy, Sera." Joshua offers in return, cleaved to her side as if they're a matched set as he snickers at her response about the cream she enjoys, before she swings herself around to face him. His hands are settles on her very fluid hips as he walks with her, helping keep her guided as they manuveur throun the crowd.

She call him by his full name and he feels the heat in his own cheeks grow. "I know that somehow, someway, the powers that be are going to find some way to defeat what's coming... this Galactus. So yes, I accept that I'm going to be with you for a very long time." he promises her. "Even if I'm not perfect, and I like not being that way, because it gives me room to improve all the time."

And with that he stops to pull her back tightly to him, the press of her curves against him and his lips press to hers firm and warm as he drinks in her kiss. It lasts several moments before he pulls away. "You're might distracting, Sera." he admits to her quietly.

Aria Seraphine has posed:
"I'm happier than I've ever been in my life," Sera answers warmly and without a second of hesitation.

She squeezes his shoulders, still gracefully walking backwards as she listens, her smile plastered onto her lips like there's nothing that could shake it.

"I hope it's His will it should be so. I'd hate to think that it's me and my sudden streak of happiness that's brought the world devourer to Earth."

That's a terrifying thought -- that the Archangel Seraphiel (or worse, The Presence) -- has commanded Galactus to Earth like some kind of pet, specifically because Seraphine clawed her way out of the torturous circumstances she'd been dumped in.

That thought doesn't linger, though. It's swatted away by Josh pulling her to him, the lightness of her body guided easily to hers as her chin tilts up in pleased anticipation, ignoring the onlookers and the single, distant cat-call when their lips meet. Leave it to the two of them to continue attracting attention, but the only thing that existed in her world in that moment was Josh. And when the kiss finally breaks and she looks up at him, she combs her fingers through his hair.

"Me? You know, gold has always been a symbol of something special. In ancient times, it was reserved for royalty and gods because of its beauty and rarity. Even in alchemy, gold represented perfection and immortality." She gives a small roll of her shoulder. "It's like you were destined to stand out and be something extraordinary. Make all the changes you want, Josh. Learn. Grow. But know that you're already perfect in my eyes."