Eva steps toward the rooftop bar instead of retreating. She places herself beneath the warm lights, where nearby patrons can see her, while the scorched smell of Johnny's jacket thins in the wind.
Eva Flame
Charm is not proof that I am interested. Touching me is not proof either.
A couple at the bar glance over, then deliberately return to their drinks. Eva keeps her attention on Johnny without stepping back into his reach, her glow sharp around the edges.
Eva Flame
You heard me say no, and you treated it like a line in your performance. That is what I need you to understand.
Eva Flame
If he listens now, perhaps there is still something beneath all that swagger worth speaking to.
She rests one hand against the bar, using its solid edge as a boundary rather than an invitation. Her expression stays angry, but she does not leave.
Eva Flame
Listen. People overlook what I carry, what I have survived, and what I am trying to protect. If you want to know me, start there.
✓ Quest Accepted
Keep Eva engaged in conversation
“I tell Eva she's cute.”
FAILURE (Terrible Willpower, rolled -1)
Johnny Bravo
Eva, you're cute.
The compliment lands without the warmth he intends. Eva's glow flares across her face, and she removes her hand from the bar, putting another careful step between them.
Eva Flame
That is exactly what I asked you not to reduce me to.
A server pauses near the bar, watching the distance Eva has created. She notices, too, and angles herself toward the visible crowd instead of the rail.
Eva Flame
You had one chance to listen, and you turned it back toward my appearance.
Eva Flame
He is not hearing me. He is waiting for permission to keep performing.
Eva folds her arms, the hard edge returning to her pale-yellow light. Whatever curiosity kept her here remains buried beneath a plainly stated boundary.
“I wrap my arms around her again, catching fire for a second time.”
FAILURE (Good Strength, rolled +1)
Johnny lunges into another embrace. His arms close around Eva for a heartbeat, and her pale-yellow glow erupts hot against his jacket before she slips sideways out of his reach.
The flare dies almost as quickly as it appears, leaving a fresh curl of smoke and a scorched sleeve. Eva plants herself behind the bar's edge, keeping the solid counter between them.
Eva Flame
No. You do not get to turn my no into a second attempt.
Her voice shakes with anger, but she remains instead of fleeing. The nearby server watches silently as Eva points toward the empty space he has failed to cross.
Eva Flame
If you want anything from me, ask what I am protecting. Then keep your hands to yourself.
Eva Flame
He keeps proving he can reach for me. Perhaps he can still choose to listen.
The counter now marks a clear alternative to pursuit: conversation at a distance. Eva holds his gaze, guarded but present, offering that narrow opening without softening her boundary.
“I say "You know, I saw you fly onto this rooftop. Which means you could have flown away at anytime. And since you stayed, that must mean you're into me." as I try to kiss her.”
FAILURE (Terrible Willpower, rolled +1)
Johnny Bravo
You know, I saw you fly onto this rooftop. You could have flown away anytime, and since you stayed, that must mean you're into me.
Johnny leans over the counter, turning the claim into an attempted kiss. Eva's glow flashes between their faces, and the heat forces him to stop a breath short.
Eva Flame
No. Staying here meant I was giving you one last chance to listen, not permission to kiss me.
Eva steps back behind the bar's edge, keeping the counter firmly between them. Her pale-yellow light settles into a guarded band across her shoulders.
Eva Flame
I am protecting the people who sheltered me. The Sun-Crown is lost, and without it, the ancient fires will ruin their kingdom.
Eva Flame
If he can stop reaching for me, perhaps he can finally understand why I stayed.
The failed kiss leaves no ambiguity now: distance is the only way forward. Yet Eva has offered a real subject for conversation, if Johnny chooses to meet it without touching her.
Quest Complete
Keep Eva engaged in conversation
Attribute Upgrade: Willpower Terrible→Poor