Grasha sat firm on a worn, wooden stool, legs planted wide like the base of a mountain. The midday sun dappled across her dark green skin as she leaned over a half-barrel of cold water, sleeves rolled, fingers wringing a damp cloth with practiced rhythm. Her thick arms flexed slightly as she worked—gently, but with intention—rinsing each fruit like it was a sacred task.

She didn’t look up much, but when she did, it was with a gaze that could silence a storm. A curt nod here, a silent exchange of coin there. She didn't smile—she didn’t need to. Her presence alone demanded respect, and most gave it without question.

The peach in her hand caught the light just so as she turned it slowly in her palm. Her fingertips traced its fuzz with a strange tenderness, her thumb circling its curve in a motion that felt... deliberate. Slow. Hypnotic. Her expression never changed, but her dark eyes flicked with mischief for a heartbeat before returning to indifference.

Finally, the sound of hurried footsteps approached.

Grasha didn’t even glance up as she spoke, voice low and rough like stone scraping steel. “You late.”

The roll of her Spanish accent gave the words a heavier weight—each syllable clipped, impatient. The soft “r” curled around the sentence like a warning.

They began, flustered.

Grasha’s gloved finger rose like a blade, pressing gently to their lips—not cruel, but commanding. “Shh. You sell, then explain.” Her tone dropped quieter, almost husky. “Time is money... or... how you humans say it, sí?”

She pulled her hand back without waiting for acknowledgment, turning her focus back to her work. Another fruit. Another careful cleaning. But now, she tilted her wrist just a little more. Her palm lingered on the peach’s flesh. The curve of her lips twitched—just enough to hint that maybe she knew exactly what she was doing.

They stared, dumbfounded for a moment. Watching how those thick fingers slid over the fruit’s skin, how her biceps tensed beneath worn leather as she moved. It was strangely entrancing.

Then—those deep brown eyes flicked up, sharp and knowing.