Learning to be human

“Living obliviously to how things have changed here.” Maddalena reminded with a shrug before she noticed Anna’s embarrassment. “Well, I’m sure you know men can only think of one thing at any time.” she pointed out. “There are exceptions but, just from hearing you talk, it doesn't seem like Harry is one.”

She nodded at the explanation, understanding the need to have some time and space alone. Though her eyes sparkled with mischief as the mortal woman blushed. “Well, handsome is one thing but I hope you got to know him a little more than just that.” she teased.

Anna smiled sadly. "I know. I can only imagine how differently things would have turned out if we'd met before everything happened with Nikhail."

She couldn't help the quiet scoff she let out. "No," she answered, trying to keep the bitterness out of her tone. It didn't work. "He certainly isn't." More than once, he'd chosen his addictions over her. The gambling, the casinos, the risks. Whatever rush of adrenaline. And, of course, that was where he met most of the women he now slept with too. Just the thought made Anna swallow heavily and shift a bit to make herself more comfortable.

The teasing made Anna blush deeper. "I did. We talked for a bit after we got our drinks. That probably didn't help with how long I stayed out either. But I've never met a man like him."

Maddalena nodded thoughtfully as her usual mischievous smirk came to her face. “He probably would have been obliterated just for looking at you.” she giggled.

But she listened seriously to Anna’s answer. “Don’t punish yourself over him. The flaws lie with him.” she tried to comfort though she hadn't had much practice in a while.

“That's good. Considering how long you were gone, I would hope there would be more to this man than just his looks.” she teased. “So, tell me more about him. What’s he like?”

Anna couldn't help the grin that overcame her expression at Maddalena's comment. She giggled with the goddess and shook her head. "I would have liked to witness that," she remarked quietly.

"That's far easier said than done," she murmured. "But I know that now." Her eyes still shone with held-back tears, but the emotion behind her gaze was firm as Anna looked up at Maddalena. "I understand it."

Anna giggled and adjusted her hair slightly. "Well, for one, he travels. Very often and all over. He's in the area, so he stopped by London. And he also loves music."

"So would I." Maddalena grinned, knowing that such a task would be… near impossible in her current state and she honestly wasn't sure if seeing Nikhail would be a good thing for Anna even if it was to witness his demise on her terms.

The former goddess gently took her hand and gave a maternal squeeze, assuring her that it was all right. "There's no shame in tears either." she whispered.

"Oh, really?" she encouraged with an arched brow. "Has he been here before?"