Ofenna and Zheil had many things in common that made them well suited as housemates, but they had plenty of differences that were often quite contrasting.

Ofenna sat in the cafe, sitting by a window on the second story, nursing the mug between her hands as she smiled, her gaze turned toward the busy streets. Zheil’s attention was buried in the laptop on the table in front of her, the drink she’d ordered sat half emptied. Though they were out together, at a first glance one might think them strangers from how far apart they sat, not talking or seemingly sharing company.

Zheil often came out here, it had become her preferred spot to write on days like this and she would always offer Ofenna the chance to join her, even though she’d be burying herself in work. That was how it was for Zheil, having someone nearby her was enough for her to feel social and content.

Ofenna however preferred an all or nothing approach. If she was to socialise she wanted to commit to it, if she wanted to do other things she’d prefer to be left to her own devices. Nevertheless she was trying something new with the wolf. The cafe was a newly opened place, still gaining clientele, which meant that the floor was mostly empty. Most people were more interested in take out anyway. The lioness kicked her feet gently in time to the music that she was listening to while her friend worked, it was a comfy spot in all.

Ofenna’s phone flashed as a new message arrived, she looked down, it was Lex, a snake who she’d met and had a few encounters with, all of which were pleasant enough that just the thought of spending time with him broke down her usual barriers and resistant outlook. She keyed in her reply getting a tongue in cheek response over how prompt it was, given her usual speed of was often ten minutes or more. She chuckled as she sent back an equally snarky retort before slipping to her feet and moving over to Zheil’s table.

The wolf held up her tail, the gesture familiar to Ofenna as a request for her to wait just a moment more. Her fingers struck the keys at a fast pace as she finished the spool of thought that she was weaving into place, and then let out a soft breath. “What’s up gurl?” She asked the lioness, looking up cheerily.

“Lex sent me a message.” Ofenna said, waving her phone lightly.

Zheil smiled and nodded, “Ah, well, thanks for joining me, it was an honest treat! So, going to meet him are you?”

“Actually, I told him where we were, invited him here. You cool if he joins us or you want us to bounce?” Ofenna asked in reply.

The wolf’s eyes lit up as she nodded. “Oh I’d be more than thrilled to meet him, and that gives you someone to talk to while I’m working!”

Ofenna smirked back, her hand reaching to tap Zheil’s cup. “I’ll wait for him downstairs, give you some minutes to focus just in case we end up being too distracting. Want me to fetch you something on the way back?”

“Oh, a refill of that! The chai here is fantastic.” She said, swiping up the cup and downing the warm contents to not waste any of it.

The lioness nodded, slipping away and back to the cafe front. She could get used to a place like this, everything about the ambience sat well with her, though she wondered if it would last when the place grew a reputation and the tables filled up. Either way, for now she was content, keeping her friend company while staying detached. It was a strange thing, around anyone else, even Lex, she couldn’t just sit there peacefully if there was nothing engaging on the cards. However, with Zheil, she was armed with the knowledge that she could slip away with no reason and receive no judgement if she grew bored. The simple freedom to go meant she was more willing to stay and just be.

She did wonder if Lex would be fine with sitting there in light conversation while a third party worked, but he’d seemed eager enough when she offered and disclosed just what he should expect. If she could introduce two friends and at the same time find a new way they could spend some time with each other, it would be fantastic.