Book 6: Chapter 38: I Don’t Glower
After he finished coughing and wheezing, Sen threw the fox a death glare.
Why would you even ask me that?
The fox arched an eyebrow at Sen. My amusement.
Sen opened his mouth to say something with acid in it, paused, and then nodded. Yeah, I guess that was a stupid question. Still, what if I had seduced her?
The fox shrugged. You probably would have choked a bit more? Id say congratulations? Im not really sure what youre getting at.
At an utter loss, Sen stood up and said, I have a formation to finish.
He got most of the way to the door before it opened and Misty Peak stalked in looking annoyed. Sen paused long enough to nod at her before he slipped past her and out the door.
Youre leaving? she asked to the empty air.
Yep, Sen shouted back over his shoulder.
Wait! she shouted. I have questions.
Nope, said Sen. We did that part already. Its formation-building time now.
Sen heard the fox woman grumble something to her grandfather and then the telltale sound of very light footsteps racing to catch up to him. The fox woman came alongside him and leveled a hard look his way. Sen ignored it. Hed already been through one round of questions and wasnt feeling especially filled with joy at the prospect of another.ReAd latest chapters at novelhall.com Only
If you keep glaring like that, your illusions face will get stuck that way, observed Sen.
Im not glaring, said Misty Peak.
Fine. Glowering.
I am a fox. I dont glower. I give penetrating looks, she said while glowering at him a little harder.
Uh-huh, said Sen.
Youre doing that whole be aggravating so Ill leave thing again, arent you?
Is it working?
No, declared Misty Peak.
Then, I definitely wasnt doing that.
Very amusing.
See, said Sen, pointing at her. Look at me being all funny and not aggravating.
The pair fell into an awkward silence for a little while. Sen waited until they got to a particularly rough patch of terrain.
Your grandfather thinks I should seduce you, said Sen in an offhand manner.
Wha- Misty Peak started to say before she tripped over a root and fell.
Watch your step there, said Sen without breaking stride. Lots of exposed roots around here.
Making me fall off that tree, of course. Or the wicked things you said about my ancestors. Or making me run through this awful place. You decide which.
Oh, for the gods sake, muttered Sen.
Dont bring them into it. Now, pay up.
Sen thought about arguing, but he had the feeling that the fox woman would enjoy that just as much as extracting a kiss from him. And he had actual work to do. He took the path of least resistance and just kissed her. She made a happy little noise and untangled herself from him.
Now, said Misty Peak, about my questions.
Sen just looked at her for a moment, before he snorted and started walking toward where hed left off with the formation. She trotted after him and, when he didnt even try to engage her in conversation, she elbowed him.
Does that ever work? asked Sen.
Sometimes.
Really?
No. Why wont you answer any of my questions about your advancement?
How about because its personal.
Thats a terrible reason, complained Misty Peak.
Why is that a terrible reason?
Because its very inconvenient for me. Plus, keeping secrets after you kissed me like that. Very unchivalrous.
You made me kiss you, objected Sen.
Made you? Please. From what I hear, nobody makes you do anything, even when its the sanest course of action. Besides, why get all hung on trivial details.
Somehow I doubt youd call them trivial details if I made you kiss me.
Misty Peaks came to a stop, turned to Sen, and tilted her head back. Im ready. You can make me kiss you now.
Sen reached up and pinched the bridge of his nose. I need to meet new people.
I am new people.
I need to meet new, new people.
Well, talk like that is no way to get a kiss. Why are we out here anyway?
Im out here to work on that formation, said Sen. Im not sure why youre out here, other than to pester me with questions I dont plan on answering.
Oh, that sounds boring. We should do something else.
Like what? asked Sen, throwing the fox woman an exasperated look.
I dont know. Fight that thing, maybe, said Misty Peak, pointing ahead of them.
Sen closed his eyes and muttered. I really, really need to meet new people.