Rydia lives in a four story apartment complex at a upscale part of the city. The building is made of red bricks and located in a cul-de-sac. To reach the front door, you must walk past an intricate garden that clearly has been handled with care.

They took the stairs up to the third floor and stopped in front a door with the number 333 printed on it.

Before they were about to enter, the door opposite Rydia's opened, and a man in his thirties stepped out.

"Oh hey Rydia, I was on my way out. I haven't seen you for a few days. did you take a holiday somewhere?" It was pretty obvious the man just wanted to talk to Rydia because he was still wearing his slippers.

"Yes, I took a short break from the aquarium and went on a holiday. good to be back" Rydia said with a charming smile.

The man was eyeing Jackel with distaste that betrayed jealousy. However, he did not acknowledge him.

"Well, If you need anything let me know" The man offered and proceeded to walk out while wearing his slippers.

Rydia lead Jackel in his apartment and gave him an innocent smile.

"You work at the aquarium?" Jackel asked while ignoring the awkward encounter.

"Yes, as an entertainer" Rydia replied.

"which means?" Jackel insisted.

"I put on a mermaid's tail and dance in a tank with the dolphins. It pays well." Rydia said looking a little embarrassed.

"Ah, entertainer" Jackel concluded.

"Better than my previous job as a professional snuggler" Rydia teased.

"What? Like an escort?" Jackel felt a short pain in his chest.

"No just paid to snuggle people" Rydia said leading Jackel on.

"Is that even a job?" Jackel asked flustered.

"Look it up" Rydia said mischievously.

"you are joking right?" Jackel said wishfully.

"you will never know" Rydia winked.

After Jackel was thoroughly flustered and Rydia was satisfied with her retaliation, Rydia went in to the kitchen to make afternoon tea.

Lounging in the very cozy living room, the two were silently sipping away.

Jackel periodically stole glances at Rydia and was caught each time. Rydia would simply flash a charming smile at him.

"Remember when I was able to control my ability" Jackel started.

"Yes, I am so proud of you." Rydia cut in.

"Right, I meant when you said you would go to the abyss to pull me back again. What did you mean by that?"

Rydia set her tea down and looked out the window.

"you told me you studied various religions right? Rydia asked.

"Yes, to find an answer for my "illness"." Jackel replied

"In many of these religions, wasn't there a common story of a goddess journeying down to the underworld to plead back her love?

"Yes, I can think of three religions that told the story that were all similar to the theme"

"Well, Maybe the goddess loved him so much she was willing to face all the torments of the underworld to save his love. even submitting to the lord of the abyss. Rydia said while looking tired

"Saving him to be reunited only to find he is infatuated with diving in to the abyss over and over and over. her heart shattered for him. Rydia said with her head turned.

Jackel had a feeling Rydia was telling him the story of their past but did not suggest anything.

"Well, Religion can leave out the most tragic parts so it doesn't offended the mass. "

With that said Rydia left the topic and smiled charmingly at Jackel.

"Want to sleep in my room?" Rydia teased.

"Um, I can take the couch." Jackel said flustered.

"Your sure, I am a professional snuggler you know" Rydia winked.

"I thought you were teasing" Jackel replied.

"I don't mind you to think that" Rydia smiled with the hint of a mischievous grin.