"I thought almost everyone liked the smell of lavender." Des experimented with some gentle prodding to bring about a different level of interaction between them. "It's such an inoffensive smell."

His nose crinkled as they passed the counter to reach a magazine stand and he caught a denser waft of the smoke. "I can't help it. Peppermint's always made me feel a little queasy but something about lavender just wreaks of a funeral to me. I've never liked it."

She had never thought of it in that context and couldn't help but wonder what could've caused such an association. "I guess that's fair then."

Whenever they transitioned back onto the street to find another shop, they were bombarded by people; tourists and locals alike. Some were out-of-towners that carried bushels of plaintains, limoncillos, and whatever else they had either brought from their farms or picked off the many trees that lined the rural roads. Each time, the pair had brushed past them, politely declining offers. This time around, she caught Nico eyeing a young boy carrying a basket of mangos. 

"Do you want one?" Her question brought him out of some sort of trance and he quickly shook his head. 

"I loved them when I was a kid but," There was something off about the pause he took but she didn't comment on it. "As I got older, I developed an allergy."

Her lips curled to a frown. "That's awful. I'm sorry."

He shook his head and returned her comfort with a small smile. "It's alright." He urged them forward into a used game shop. 

This was a favorite place of Des and her family whenever they went into the city. The shelves were lined with board games, card games, video games old and new. The wide variety was incredible for such a small place. Nico found himself drawn to the cluster of arcade machines lined up against the back wall. One in particular that flashed with the bright blues and yellows of an ocean rescue game. 

"Let's play this one." Des offered and put money into the machine. At first, Nico was content to watch her play, but she managed to get him to try a few rounds. They eventually had to yield the machine to a boy that wandered over and asked for the next turn. 

"Oh, wow." Des stifled her giggles as they watched a child clear a level in mere seconds that Nico had been trying for five minutes. 

He stuffed his hands in his pockets and didn't say a word but the subtle scowl he wore was just as telling. Des laughed before she guided him away from the machine and out of the store. "Don't pout. I imagine it's a bit difficult for anybody to like something they're bad at." 

He gave her a pointed look to which she only smiled. "I just prefer being outside, that's all." 

Another giggle flitted out of her chest and Des relished in this new air of comfortable interaction they had developed. However, as they drew further into the night and the time came where they finally reached the venue her mood began to dampen as she realized they were getting closer to saying goodbye. She tried her best not to show it but somehow, she felt Nico had picked up on it one way or another. Whether he would act upon the knowledge had yet to reveal itself.