She knew those blue eyes; the full, pouty lips, the curve of his cheek, and the considerate tilt of his head.
The man stared back; Inna could nearly feel his gaze, sliding down her body like warm honey, eliciting a sensation she couldn't name.
His clothes were ordinary enough, if not a size too large. Woolen sweater, the color of faded strawberries, and jeans that had been washed too many times. Hair, light amber, messed by the sea wind. He wore no shoes, sinking his toes into the cold sand.
Inna didn't know how they'd met, if ever they had.
She didn't understand the soft shine of a hope found, swimming in pools of cerulean.
"I'm sorry, I-I didn't mean to-"
"No, please, it's quite alright," The man breathed, English accent lilting his words. He smiled, standing up; Inna took a small step back. "I was...lost in this view.
She didn't reply, looked towards the ocean, tucking her hands in the sleeves of her sweater.
"I'm Elliot."
"Oh, um..." She faltered, still turned away and stricken with phantom tension, "Inna."
She couldn't help but think that he already knew her name.
Another smile, handsome and warm. It knocked the very breath from her.
"It's nice to meet you, Inna." He stepped forward and held out a hand.
Although she didn't feel threatened, Inna trembled as her small palm met with his.
"Do you not have any shoes?" She asked, hand lingering. Elliot's cheeks flushed, and she felt nauseous with delight, completely taken.
"It's been a long time since I've felt sand beneath my feet."
"You'll freeze."
"Long time since I've felt the cold."
Inna pulled her hand away, hugged herself against the numbing breeze. An uneasy sadness pooled at the bottom of her heart.
"Not from the island?"
"No, but I could spend a lifetime here," He replied thoughtfully. The girl felt curious; it was a new, undiscovered awareness.
Especially considering the object of her cautious fascination.
"Are you from the United Kingdom?"
"Originally, yes. I was in the-" He cut himself short, laughed nervously, "yes, United Kingdom."
Inna felt herself smile, despite how much she fought against it.
"I hear that it's beautiful there."
"There is much in this world that is sacred and beautiful." Elliot looked at her, conveying something unspoken. "And you? Is this your home?"
"Yes, but I..I've been away for some time." Elliot slid his hands into denim pockets.
"Would you like to walk with me?"
"It will be dark soon," She replied quietly, brushing wind-strewn hair back from her face.
"We have some time yet, Miss Inna."