Undergrowth (Log 07)

**PhoenixAshes**

"Maybe he'd want to see you again, but I'm not sure how that would go." The pixie was vague as she looked back at Aunty and then to Vivica. Her glance to the witch was pleading. She didn't have the courage to say so, or at least was unsure if it was their place to say.

Viv nodded and sighed, taking on the heavy duty of explanation. "He doesn't react well to humans--me included. This," She motioned to her face and changed features, "is a glamour spell. He nearly uprooted a tree when he first met me."

**FrankenSoul**

Yes, it seemed as if there was something going on. Vivica had mentioned a few things, plus the fact that Franky had his eyes covered and now the sudden sadness. So he didn't react well to humans... Perhaps the interaction with the mob, and other things she was unaware of, had hardened his heart. Aunty couldn't help but stiffle a mind giggle at the thought of anyone pulling a tree out of the ground. It seemed impossible, but the serious face on the others faces silenced her quickly.

"O-Oh. I see. Well then..." She breathed, running a hand through her hair and glancing up at the stairs. "I won't lie. I am saddened by the idea of not being able to meet him when he's so close again. But, the well-being of my old friend takes priority. Don't fret over it. Maybe it would be easier to simply not tell him, hmm?" She looked towards the women, forcing a cheerful smile.

**PhoenixAshes**

"Maybe you still can see him," Ciya piped up, still ever hopeful even if worry was flickering across her face like the light between the shadows of leaves moving in wind. "I think he'd like to know you were well."

Vivica nodded in agreement at this, but was also watching her friend carefully. Something seemed different about her care in this. The pixie seemed more invested.

**FrankenSoul**

"But..." The woman hesitated herself, her hands becoming busy as she reached for an already clean glass to begin wiping it down again. She didn't want to cause him any pain. Then again, she supposed it was only right to let him choose. Surely nothing could go too wrong? Although, if he was truly strong enough to uproot a tree upon seeing a human... It sounded dangerous. She bit her lip, obviously torn. "I am willing, but I am afraid for my inn and customers. Is there any way to insure safety?"

**PhoenixAshes**

Now that. That was an issue. Ciya sighed and plopped gently into a chair. Had the barrier not been in place when he'd met Vivica who knows what he might have done. "I'm not sure."

" I could reverse a small barrier." Vivica suggested, her fingers curled thoughtfully at her chin. "So you could go in and out but he would remain inside--" Her frown signaled she didn't quite enjoy the idea. It would be tricky something so small containing Franky in his rage state may not hold as well as they wanted.

So there was no way to do this without causing a lot of trouble. The woman sighed, exasperated and suddenly feeling very tired. Now that she thought on it, it wasn't fair to talk about this with the poor man upstairs, unaware that he was the center of the conversation.

"Well, for now why don't you go and wash up Ciya? Then I'll heat up this food for you, and when you're refreshed and full you can go and talk to him about it, hmm? Get the big guys thoughts and we'll work from there. How does that sound?"

The pixie looked at the speaking woman and smiled softly. "Oh, that's right. I came down here for that didn't I?" She laughed softly. With all of this she'd practically forgotten.

"Yes," Anne answered with a light chuckle, her mind working. She wasn't highly educated and some might say she was simple. She worked hard with her hands and did her best to take care of all around her, and that was enough. Still, she wished she was wise enough to understand how to meet her old friend again without causing him pain.
Her mind occupied, the woman made a motion towards the door that led to the bathing room. "The water should still be warm and there's soa- AARGH!"

The words evaporated, replaced by a borderline scream as the woman double over, clutching the area of her stomach. Her face contorted, showing deep distress. The sound was blestedly short though as Anne grabbed the counter, giving a few short breaths and already trying to utter a low apology.

"Ah... ah goodness I'm so sorry... Don't mind me."

She began to push herself to her feet, still mumbling apologies under her breath. How embarrassing. "Just a bit ill, it causes me some trouble at times."

There wasn't much time to explain on it. The moment her short cry of pain had been heard upstairs by Franky, his paranoid mind locked on to it and heard it as Ciya's voice, calling out for help as the evil humans tried to harm her. A cluttering sound emitted forth from his room as he fell forth from the bed, hurying to his feet and eyes wide as he dashed out the door and towards the stair. Ciya! The stairs didn't hinder him as he pratically sprang down them, a deep growl in his chest as he arrived at the first floor. If he had a heart, it would have been beating out of his chest. His bright eyes were frantic, searching to see- Ciya. She was okay. Thank the gods, she was okay. And with her was Vivica and-

And a human woman, doubling over in pain.

Franky's body became frozen in place, his expression slack as his mind attempted to catch up upon the situation. It would most likely be only moments before his body began to react without him.

**PhoenixAshes**

The pixie headed for the door Aunty had motioned to. She was right about this, it was best to ask Franky how to proceed first. After all it was his past that was being handled, and Anne's too. " I've got it from--" A flicking look over her shoulder and the smile she'd meant to give quickly faded at the sound of the innkeeper's pain. Ciya, with her light-footed swiftness was more than halfway back to the human before she spoke again. "Are you alright?"

Vivica had stood, voicing a question of concern, and having been a little closer than the fae was near enough to offer help to the briefly pained woman immediately. " That didn't sound like 'a bit ill' could cover it."

Ciya's attempts to help, paused when the sudden sounds from upstairs, caught her attention. When Franky appeared his expression, that perked look intermingled with protection and fear, it was clear that time was limited.

**FrankenSoul**

How kind these people were, Auny had thought as they rushed to her aide. She didn't have much time to think further on it, her attention drawn to the stairs like all the rest when Franky arrived. Her surprise was matched with his own as their eyes locked. His were as bright as she remembered, and still so full of confusion. But hadn't these two said something about him reacting strongly to humans? And by the look of it... Ah. A pang of sadness she didn't expect reverted through her for a moment as she saw he didn't recognize her. There were bigger things to worry about right now. "Franky, it's okay!" Her cry had alerted him then. She saw his surprise at his name being spoken, and quickly anger and fright was shifting info his expression.

However, the dark skinned man's hands moved to his face to cover his eyes, turning to the side as he grunted and whined. His body was shaking, from tension or fear though it was unknown. He seemed to at least be trying to clear his mind by not looking at her, the poor woman in pain that he would easy break if he lashed out at her.

**PhoenixAshes**

For a moment, the pixie felt a twinge of hope when the two made eye contact only for it to vanish when she began to see his turn away and shaking. "Viv." The sound of the witch's name was barely finished when the pixie began her hurrying over to Franky on the stairs.

The witch nodded and took to helping Aunty by herself, although the worry and the occasional flicks of her dark eyes gave evidence of her remaining fear. Regardless, she was attentive. "Does it help you to sit after the pain?" Or maybe move out of the room entirely? The thought crossed Vivica's mind.

**FrankenSoul**

Oh gods, oh gods. He had made a mistake, he was so sorry. He hadn't meant to do this, but he had been so worried about her and he thought she had been hurt and- He felt her move close to him, or he hoped it was her. He moved his hands out towards her and pulled her close, a protective shield for him and for any others. The deep whine of his throat built and became louder, and his shaking had grown to occasional twitching of his fingers and hands. Please, please Ciya, help him calm down before something really bad happened.

Aunty watched the scene and snapped out of it only when Vivica spoke to her and began to try and move her. "I'm fine, thank you," Aunty murmured lowly before looking back once again. It was shocking to see her old childhood friend like this. There was some guilt in her chest as well. "Wait, one moment please," she straightened her back, pressing a hand against her stomach as she observed the two of them. He seemed to be trying to calm down with her. "I-I'm sorry," She spoke towards them, taking a few careful steps forward. "Will he be okay?" With his face pushed against Ciya's shoulder and his arms around her, he seemed to be in his own little world as he tried to tune out everything else.

**PhoenixAshes**

Ciya had been reaching out as she approached, a precaution. She was going to speak to him, let him know it was she, but he took hold of her so quickly that none of that could be done. If he had any doubt that it was she, the tightness of her hold and the smallness of her frame should have been reassuring. "Easy, Franky." He was clinging so tightly to her, it was almost hard to breathe. "We're still safe. Everyone is okay. Aunty Anne suddenly felt bad is all." The pixie spoke softly, soothing but not undermining.

"Are you sure you're alright?" Vivica asked, prepared to catch her or anything if Aunty started over in pain again. She followed the older woman's attention to the pair. "I think he might be." It was a long shot to say Ciya could calm him down, the only time the witch had seen her successfully keep him from going off was when they came in here. So one out of two was chancy but it seemed like luck may be on their side today.

**FrankenSoul**

She was telling him all of this, but part of him wouldn't believe it. The feelings of danger and anxiety called for his body to move, to take action before something happened to them. They were surrounded by enemies! The sounds he emitted were so high pitched that they were almost lost, like the whimpering of a lost puppy.
He could feel the eyes of the others on him, and he was very aware of how out in the open they were. Even in such a state, he was aware of the tightness of his hold on Ciya, and with difficulty tried to wrench his arms loose so she could breath.

Anne watched them, biting her lip so strongly she almost broke the skin. She wanted to help, but was unsure. Her help could easy be turned into hinderance. Still she spoke before she could stop. "Franky, it's me. I'm happy to see you, though I'm sorry that it caused this reaction..."

The undead flinched at the unfamiliar voice, the whine evolving into a growl and his arms once again tightening upon Ciya. The harsh reaction caused Anne pause, but only for a moment before she continued on. "I just wanted to speak to you for a moment, my old friend. You must not even know who I am. The little girl that found you all those years ago? It was me, Franky. I'm glad you found someone to give you peace. Hah," She smiled, carefully placing a hand on her stomach.

"I surely never forgot you. My husband and I even agreed on a name for our baby, if it's a boy of course. Frank Jr."

She smiled again, the expression reaching her eyes.

Where he stood, Franky's reactions had grown oddly still. His whine had cut off, and his trembling has stopped, though his grip remained stable. Still, where he pressed his face again Ciya, his eyes had opened and grown wide. No. Surely not. That little girl... Was here, telling him that she was having a little one of her own?
He pulled his face away from Ciya and on instinct almost looked at the one who had spoken to him, but stopped himself and instead looked away at the wall. His hands were trembling again. But this time for a different reason. He moved to wipe at his suddenly wet eyes, making low noises in his throat. "Hmmmgmm, mhmg," He complained, suddenly very pained he couldn't speak and yet was smiling all the same.

**PhoenixAshes**

As he struggled through, Ciya remained where she was. Trying to sooth him with even brushing of her hand half down his back and up again. His whimpers tightened her hold communicating safety. Unintentionally she tensed when he warned in the throaty way.

Poor Anne, this must be hard to watch. Wait, Anne was--the pixie turned her head at the mention of the baby only to smile at the name. "It is her, Franky. I think she really is." Anyone else, someone posing would have given up the facade by now, but Aunty Anne she was risking all here just to talk to her old friend.

As Franky stilled the pixie became cautious but held fast, waiting to see what he'd do. What did practically melted her heart.

**FrankenSoul**

Ah... Ah gods he was such a mess. And a child. One moment he was ready to bolt and destroy things, and with a few words he was ready to cry. What was wrong with him? This woman had vanquished his fear and need for action in a few seconds. And sweet Ciya had been here trying to sooth him. Taking a few deep breaths and careful to keep Anne out of his sight, Franky smoothed the hair away from his face and smiled at Ciya. Really her huh?

It was a shame he couldn't look at her. Especially now. She had soothed him with the knowledge of who she was, but he wasn't going to risk harming an old friend and her child. Gods he couldn't believe this. And it was so frustrating! Grunting lowly, he quickly looked upstairs. His writing supplies were- ah wait a moment, of course, he had put the back in his jacket. Taking out his booklet and the small nub he called a pencil, he attempted to write. It was hard though, considering his emotions seemed to be on some sort of ride at that moment. Turning it, he showed it to Ciya while wiping at his eyes once again.

'Tell her congratulations for me. Please. And also I'm sorry for causing so much trouble to all of you.'

**PhoenixAshes**

The pixie's hand lifted to Franky's face so her thumb could brush away the remaining wetness higher on his cheek while other carefully took his words to read. She turned and looked from what was written to Anne. "He says 'Congratulations' and he's 'sorry for the trouble' to us. " Her honey eyes flicked to Franky; wanting to make sure she'd spoken right for him.

Vivica hadn't said a word yet but her expression looked worried. Pain like that shouldn't be happening to Anne, and especially not that severe.

**FrankenSoul**

Anne lifted a brow as she watched her old friend writing and actually communicating. She smiled further, her cheeks almost hurting from the expression. Oh he could actually talk back now! Not normally perhaps, but still! Her heart jumped slightly. When she had been a child, he hadn't been able to. She had tried to teach him to write and read but she barely understood such things herself back then.

"Thank you! It's good to see you too, my old friend. But I think our catching up will need to wait." Sadly, despite how badly she wanted to speak with him.

"You look exhausted, and poor Ciya was about to take a bath and eat."

Franky grunted. Well he wasn't physically tired but it wasn't a good idea to keep straining his self control. As long as he didn't look at Anne and think hard about her species, and concentrated on who she was he seemed to be fine. Still, this was an accident just waiting to happen. A stray glance or if another human came in right now, the disaster they narrowly avoided would lash back at them. He placed a hand on Ciya's shoulder and smiled tenderly towards her, eyes warm. He could manage his way back to the room. She should go and bath then and do whatever else she needed to do. He'd... try not to come rushing back out again like that.

**PhoenixAshes**

She placed her hand over his a moment, understanding the touch and the look. " I won't be gone too long." Her promise was as good as gold. "We can figure out a way for you two to safely meet face to face then." As she began to speak again her attention flickered in Anne's direction but she didn't turn her head completely, since there was always a tendency among sentient things to look the same way another was. "Does that sound alright to you, Aunty?"

**FrankenSoul**

"Sounds wonderful to me." She agreed, turning her gaze towards the mess of black locks that belonged to Franky. So much for having a careful first meeting. He had sniffed and cried though... Always a gentle soul, wasn't he?

Franky leaned down, folding Ciya in a tight embrace once more as if gathering strength for a journey. Reluctantly, he released her and began his climb towards the stairs, hand tight on the handrail. His steps were stiff and careful, his head ducked low. Anne didn't realize she was holding her her breath until the door to his bedroom closed with a thump behind him. Gently shooing Ciya into the bathroom so she could bath, finally Anne turned back to her kitchen with a long breath. "Ah now the food's gone cold.... I'll try to heat it again. What an exciting morning, eh Vivica?" Her tone light, Auntie moved back behind the counter, her own steps slow and her smile present and cheerful. Perhaps her many years here had made the look her default expression.

"You must be tired too. Don't worry about me. Why not go and rest yourself after all this?"

**PhoenixAshes**

When he embraced her again, Ciya responded quickly feeling that this affection would be short and had just enough time to place a kiss on top of his shoulder where her head naturally tucked into before he slipped away. It was well a hidden action so it was likely only Franky would know for now. She'd planned to linger just a moment longer with Aunty Anne and Viv, but the sudden shooing was convincing enough to send her on her way.

"A very exciting morning." Vivica watched the woman carefully; her warm, dark eyes seeming to know what she was going to say next. This kind woman, Anne, she was going to try everything to ease everyone back into normal--or at least seminormal-- comfort. "I'm fine, Aunty, really." The words were ressuring but it was clear enough that the witch had more today. "How long have you been having those pains?"

**FrankenSoul**

Yes, she had sensed that Ciya might want to stay but she wasn't going to have her stress more and lose any more of the heat in the bath. Let the dear rest, and then have a belly full of food. Loving her or not, even Anne could see that Franky was a handful and Ciya was going to need her strength.

She reached for the food and glanced at the fire. Now, perhaps if she placed it in a pan for a few minutes to warm it again... She too could predict what Vivica might say before she said it. "Oh," She frowned slightly, the expression feeling strange due to its rarity.

"For a few months I suppose. But it's... nothing, I'm sure."

**PhoenixAshes**

Vivica nodded, knowing she'd have to take that answer for now. The pains could be harmless and normal but if she remembered anything from what little her grandmother had told her about it, they could be miscarriage's warnings. Still, she couldn't be sure so it was best not to worry the soon-to-be-mother. " Even so, you shouldn't be working too hard." The concern was still there but it was accompanied by a friendly tone. "How far along are you?" It seemed like it was early on, since Aunty Anne was either not showing yet or barely showing.

**FrankenSoul**

Don't work too hard she said. Though she meant the best, Anne still smiled and moved to heat the food. Sadly, if she didn't work then no one was going to work around here. Though she would remember to be more careful next time. How far? A good question.

"Also a few months, judging by a few signs." A hand moved to gently press against her stomach where it had only just begun to pudge. She had not... "been a woman" during that time, and the doctor mage that passed through their town every so often agreed with her suspicions. He had left before she could question him about the pains. No matter. She wouldn't linger on them. There wasn't much she could do anyway. She would rather become excited for the thought of a child.

She turned her face towards Vivica, the bubbling emotion coming forth past the mild fear that had been lingering. "I'm not sure if I should hope for a boy or a girl. My husband and I have tried for so long. And I meant it when I told Franky about the name. If it's a girl, I'm not sure what to call her but... But ah I would love a girl also. But of course, I suppose the gender doesn't matter." She would love them no matter what. Brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, she beamed towards the other. "Have you... experienced such a thing before?"

Perhaps it was rude to ask, as Vivica looked too young to do so herself, but perhaps she had known others to perform the miracle.

**PhoenixAshes**

The witch listened to Anne, smiling warmly as the woman seemed to go back into her normal excitement with some extra energy added. Once the question of the name for the girl came up, she went to pondering. Was there a feminine form of the name "Frank" or "Franky"? The other question caught her off guard and the smile she'd had feel a bit. "Sort of? My grandmother's friends had children that had babies but--I was never really around them. And no siblings either." Her mother had gone long before she could be given the chance to have another one. "At least I think I don't have any..." This last bit was muttered more than said outright.

**FrankenSoul**

"Oh," Replied Aunty, her smile fading somewhat. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to pry."

She wasn't sure how to approach the topic, as she was unsure about the other woman's own feelings and emotions regarding it all. In no way did a woman need to have children, this much Aunty knew. Those who at once felt pity for women who wouldn't have them should be scolded. Still, the last sentense that Vivica had spoken seemed almost sad. Had something happened to keep her from the knowledge of her family? Perhaps they had cut her off. Perhaps they were gone. In any case, she wasn't going to dig further and instead paused to reach out and squeeze the others hands briefly, giving a kind smile. "Well, if you ever travel through these parts again, how about I bestow the honorary title of 'Aunty Vivica' to you?" She gave a cheeky wink. She was sure her child would adore to have her own Aunt witch that popped by every so often.

**PhoenixAshes**

Vivica shook her head slightly. "It's okay, you weren't prying." It was just the way things were for her. Her mother had left and she grew up under her grandmother's care. It was a fact for the witch, which was all. Having it be so made Anne's sudden hold of her hands a little surprising. The suggestion that she be "Aunty Vivica" made her laugh. "I'd be honored." She joked back. "Although I'm not sure how often I'll be this way." A small shrug. "Maybe Ciya and I should make a habit of it."

Not much further into the conversation, Ciya reappeared, clean and dressed again. The vine markings up her arms now showing little blossoms and much greener leaves. Eventually all had settled back to as normal as the little group could get.

**FrankenSoul**

Aunty was happy to finally serve up the breakfast Ciya had been waiting for as the non-human visitor came back to them. With fascination, she noted the vines change upon her arms and did the best not to stare at the wonderful things. Aunty moved somewhat slower than before, pressing her hand against her stomach when she faced away from them, but she couldn't afford to rest now. It was morning and the inn was just waking up. Soon others would join them, she was sure. Until then, she continued to cook and made small conversation, smiling as she moved.

Sure enough, the familiar creak of steps could be heard as someone moved down to join them. She looked past her two female customers to welcome the next person, noting the strange smile on his face as he approached. Moments later, a hand appeared on both Vivica and Ciya's shoulders from behind. A familiar, oiled and friendly voice spoke. "Well well, stalking me are you~? I'm flattered!"

Slick grinned at the two of them, releasing them to brush his hands through his unruly hair. He was dressed in common clothes that almost appeared too tight for him. A pair of britches hosting a pair of legs adorned him, along with a slightly unbuttoned cloth shirt to show a peak to an obviously hairless chest. His features had changed somewhat too. His slightly pointed ears had vanished and dulled, his slit eyes becoming utterly round and mammalian. The famed 'slicked' hair that had given him his name was now a mess, framing his defined face and his crooked grin. At least his smile and merriment hadn't changed one bit.

**PhoenixAshes**

Neither the pixie or the witch had expected to be touched at all, since the form was human-esque they hadn't expected the new comer to be someone familiar, and so both jumped and looked. Vivica shrugged the hand off her shoulder quickly as she turned completely while Ciya just turned her head.

At first, confusion was painted across both faces, Ciya tilting her head slightly as she felt a familiarity but couldn't exactly place it. On the other had Vivica's dark eyes went a little wider when his hands flattened his hair. "Slick?" Her attention flicked completely over him. How could it be? He had legs now?

"Slick!" The pixie grinned once her friend's question had jolted the recognition. "Wait...where's your tail?" She asked in a nearly child-like innocence.

**FrankenSoul**

What, they didn't know him? Surely he hadn't become less handsome, had he? Crossing his arms across his chest, he scanned all present faces. No surprise that Vivica seemed somewhat startled, and Ciya far more puzzled. Behind them, 'Aunty' was only surprised and was silent as she observed.

Aah there it was! His grin widened, and despite not having his sharp fangs, it was as smug as ever. Flamboyantly, he tilted a hand and moved his fingers across his chest as he lifted a curved brow. "Oh, that old thing? I ditched it. In my experience, it's not wise to enter a human town when you're a snake. So I took a page from Franky's handbook and 'borrowed' some clothes after changing my form, and this darling woman didn't charge me to take shelter from the storm." He gestured towards Aunty, who merely gave a somewhat nervous smile.

Slick twirled on his two, opening his arms wide as he came to a stop.

"What do you think? I know it's not nearly as perfect as my real form, but I'm sure I'm still attractive, eh?"

**PhoenixAshes**

Ciya jokingly gave a little wolf whistle at him when he stopped spinning and prompted for imput on his new form. Which Vivica laughed softly at, not willing to admit at the moment that a legged Slick was actually rather attractive.

**FrankenSoul**

Hue. Slick gave a small bow at the jesting of his friends, giving a wink of his own. "Thank you, thank you~ Watch it there Ciya, or I'll tell Franky his girlfriend is thinking of cheating. Say, where is the big guy?"

By their current states, he assumed that they had gotten caught up in the storm too. He was glad they didn't question his own presense here. Honestly, he had been far in front of them after dropping off that Lin fellow but... he had turned back to meet up with them on the trail. He wouldn't admit it, but he had missed them.

**PhoenixAshes**

Ciya smiled a bit too wide at being called Franky's girlfriend. "He's upstairs in the room we stayed in." She replied, glancing that direction. "Actually I should go check on him--he's a little tense here."

The witch remained quiet for now, mostly staring at Slick's legs. Partially because it was just strange for him to have them, plus she was trying to figure out how he ended up with them at all.

**FrankenSoul**

Oh so they had brought him inside! A bit risky, and he questioned their ability to keep him from going on a rampage. Still, for now all seemed well, despite the surprised look of doubt over his features. "I can only image he's tense," Slick offered with humor, even chuckling after he said it. "I never thought I would hear the day when he willingly entered a village. But yes, go to him then. We can catch up later, yes?" He smiled, his eyes shifting to Vivica who had yet to stop staring at him.

"Also, witchy-poo, if you want to touch my legs all you have to do is ask~"

**PhoenixAshes**

The pixie nodded, smiling warmly as she slid off her seat and thanked Aunty for breakfast and everything else she'd done this morning and then headed back to Franky.

Vivica tensed immediately when he'd noticed her stare. "I wouldn't--wait.." Suspicion hit and she narrowed her eyes at him. "Didn't you say that about your tail too?"

**FrankenSoul**

Aunty waved as Ciya left, smiling to herself before turning and resuming her work. There were dishes to be cleaned, and these two friends seemed to want to speak in private. She would stay until she was needed.

Slick's smile slid a bit wider, seeing the look in her eyes. He batted his eyelashes at her innocently, teasing her lowly, "Come now Vivica! It's not as if I can wrap you in my legs as I could my tail. Well..." He looked off to the side, face shifting into mischievousness. "I suppose humans DO pin each other with their legs, but they need to be in a specific situation for that. Hue." He winked once more, chuckling lowly before adding in an afterbreath, "And plus, I wouldn't do such a thing again anyhow, knowing it would make you so uncomfortable."

**PhoenixAshes**

Again he'd caught her in an indirect section of their conversation. Her face flushed, the color of her cheeks darkening. Did he have to go and take things that way? Well, she'd have to use this against him now. That is if she could. "I would be uncomfortable, yes." She agreed stilling herself, now looking strait at his slightly infuriating but ever so likable face. "But I'm sure if you strut about town for a while there's bound to be a girl or two willing to be 'pinned' by you."

**FrankenSoul**

"Oh I'm willing to bet," He agreed with her readily, his grin never faltering as he leaned against the counter that was still littered with breakfast items. He had smelled the food the moment he was awake, but that could wait for now. "But my standards are far higher than random village girls."

He left it at that, as he wasn't one to talk about his own private nature. In any case, she had tried to embarrass him just now. She'd need to try a lot harder than that. He also noted that he had spoken wrongly and given her the wrong idea. He hadn't meant that she would be uncomfortable if pinned by him. He meant he wouldn't want to make her as uncomfortable as the first time he had surprised her. As it were, he had felt a flicker of guilt when he had touched her shoulder.

He brushed past the thoughts, not wanting to bring the conversation back to them again. Instead he lifted a brow and felt especially smug, allowing the emotion to seep through. "Now, are you jealous that someone else in our party is able to do magic? Just a little bit, at least. I haven't used this trick in a long while, but it's useful and will last for a week or two."

**PhoenixAshes**

"Alright, so you're very selective in who you pick." Vivica smiled, unable to really help it. His grin was catching. She may have jumped when he'd caught there attention but that was just because she hadn't known who he was, but now that he'd stopped flustering her with his comments, she was at ease with him. "Jealous?" She laughed. "Not at all. Honestly it's really interesting..." Now some bashfullness appeared. "I'm actually wondering how you do this though." Her hand motioned at his legs.

**FrankenSoul**

How? Well, magic of course! He wasn't too sure about the technicalities. Or was she asking about how he initiated the magic, and the process? He mulled it over in his head on how to make sure of this, while at the same instance moved to sit upon one of the high stools placed carefully by the counter. He swung his feet, enjoying the breeze against his toes. He wore no shoes. He disliked them.

"Well I suppose I coooould tell you," He mused, stroking his chin and smirking. "But you owe me one for sharing this information. It's rather simple, though. It's like a reflex. A... feeling of something that one can tap into. All I need to do is will it to begin while 'tapping' the source of it, and viola. I shed my tail to find a pair of legs formed under it, and the rest of me changes to follow suit. It doesn't feel wonderful, I readily admit, and it takes time while leaving me vulnerable. The first time I did it, I was getting loose from a trap that hunters had placed out."

**PhoenixAshes**

His move to sit was oddly fascinating. The fact that he was so fluid on his legs was impressive. Vivica's smile pressed more into a line when he swung his bare feet. Slick with toes and ankles and knees. Such a strange sight and yet not unsettling. A glance back to his face revealed his pondering and she moved to sit again as well, her feet resting on the rung of the stool. Her eyes flicked down again studying. Toes,knees, thighs, even hips--did he have hips as a naga? She couldn't quite remember.

"Okay. Deal." The witch replied to the suggestion that she'd owe him. Her curiosity was too great to refuse. As he neared the end of his explanation a slightly worried expression crossed her face. "That was probably terrifying."

**FrankenSoul**

He almost felt as if the other was undressing him with her eyes. He had heard the human comment before, but now fully felt the meaning of it. Sure he understood that his legs were new and it was different to see them, but still. He took it as a compliment and hummed in agreement to her last statement, turning to scan the table and see if he could spot a human, alcoholic beverage. No? No, there seemed not to be. Oh wait, breakfast wasn't the time for that, was it? Still, he would need to taste one before he left.

"Oh yes, very scary. I had to seduce their leader~" He stuck his tongue out at her, not split, in childlike teasing. Was he telling the truth? Only he would know. He glanced towards the stairs, ear twitching as he heard footsteps.

"But, I think we should continue to talk in private. I can update you on what happened to me, which granted... interesting news about that man, and you can tell me how long have Ciya and Franky been dating. Your room, or mine?"

It wouldn't be wise to talk about the undead, sprites, magic, and other matters with villagers around. Plus, yes, he wanted to discuss how strange Ciya had acted at Slick's teasing her before in regards to Franky. Surely she had picked up on it too.

**PhoenixAshes**

Oh, she didn't believe that for a minute. Then again, Slick probably could seduce someone, with relative ease in fact. Talk in private? It was only after the suggestion that she heard the footsteps too and nodded. "You noticed that too?" Vivica asked, slipping off the stool, wating for him before deciding which room to go to.

**FrankenSoul**

"Oh yes! In just the few short minutes I talked to her. Something's different..." He moved to follow her move, more careful this time to place his feet down. For a moment, as he shifted his weight he almost leaned forward too much and fell flat on his face. Wobbling, his hand darted out to grab Vivica's shoulder in order to keep balance. In the moment, his eyes widened as his mind on reflex told him to let go of her. She didn't like touch!
This of course, caused him to continue his downward swing until he was on the floor.

"OOF!"

He thudded down and at once felt his face begin to flush red, his legs sprawled awkwardly. Trying to recover, he plastered a sheepish smile on his face and moved to brush his hair from his face. "W-Woops... I'm not entirely used to them yet."

**PhoenixAshes**

"I know. It's been more apparent after you left." She explained watching with some amusement as he slipped off the stool. His carefulness with his feet seemed child like. "She kept him calm the en--" The words cut when he wobbled, for a moment it seemed he'd be fine and then. Any amusement that had come from the caution or his wobble vanished immediately. An exclamation of shock and she immediately crouched down to him. "Are you alright?!" That was a rather hard thud and then his reply. Ah, Slick. Slick, Slick, Slick. She couldn't help it, she laughed softly. "I guess not. "

**FrankenSoul**

Gods, someone kill him now. So much for his smooth reputation.

"Yes, I'm fine, I'm fine. The only thing hurt is my pride. Although..." His smirk turned into a crooked smile, his lips pressed together and his eyebrows moving upwards. "I'll trip more often if I can hear that laugh again."
He groaned, moving to rub his backside. He did miss his tail. Reaching towards her and extending his fingers, he widened his eyes and innocently asked, "Little help? Might need you to grab me too, if I try to do that on the stairs. THAT might hurt more."

**PhoenixAshes**

"Keep being amusing and you will." She replied, not laughing but still smiling. Poor guy. Then she noticed the reach. He'd done that when he was falling too. Reached and stopped. "You know it's okay." She told him, taking both his hands and crouched, preparing to pull him up. "You could have grabbed me to keep from falling."

**FrankenSoul**

"Aaaaah," He had hoped she hadn't noticed that brief clasp upon her shoulder. It had been a reflex more than anything, a snap thought. He grunted lowly as she helped him up to his feet. He noted Aunty smiling and watching them, but she was turning to greet new people who were entering. Good, he felt like right now he'd rather not have anyone watching.

His sheepish expression remained. "It's just that, I attempt to not wrong anyone twice. And- oh." He released her hands, realizing he was still holding them.

"Sorry. But, yes. Reflex called me to leave you be. It's not important." He felt himself becoming flustered for some reason. "Come, let's go. Are you upstairs? My own quarters are. We can retire to either one."

**PhoenixAshes**

A light pull and they were both up. She hadn't noticed Aunty's attention; she'd been too busy watching the look on his face. When he took his hands back she was almost disappointed. "Yeah I'm up stairs." She turned heading for the stairs and made sure to wait for him incase he lost his balance or something else happened. "You don't have to let yourself get hurt just to make me feel comfortable." She assured him. "And I know you won't do it on purpose."

He simply hummed in response to her. The entire ordeal was embarrassing and he'd rather they moved past it for now. Though, he would surely remember such things for future events. For now, he concentrated on placing his feet on the stairs and not tripping. Going down them had been easy, but now he also had to make sure he didn't look like a fool. Luckily, there were no more shameful events and he followed her to her room. Upon entering, he saw it was similar to his own. So then, the rooms were all alike. Interesting.

Turning to her and smiling, he plopped himself down upon the edge of her bed.

"I do love human inventions. Beds are one of my favorites. So soft, and far better than sleeping on the ground. I believe sleeping on my own tail ranges somewhere between those two extremes."

Vivica paused a step behind him on each stair, if his feet misplaced or a knee buckled he could fall back to her and it wouldn't be a problem. Thankfully, all was well. "I guess it would be." Her gaze flicked down, half expecting his tail to be there still. When she found it wasn't, she bit back her show of amusement.

**FrankenSoul**

Once again, looking at his feet!

"Woman, your stares are starting to make me blush," He commented lowly, his grin appearing as he leaned back somewhat upon the bed. "Do you doubt the legs are real? I say again, you can touch them yourself if you want. Though they're still somewhat sensitive due to being relatively new, so I ask, please don't pinch."

**PhoenixAshes**

"Oh really?" She laughed softly at both his statement about blushing, since he didn't seem to be blushing and so easily offering up his legs. "Sorry, I just keep expecting your tail to be there." A bite at the corner edge of her lower lip signaled a curiosity.

**FrankenSoul**

"Well, if one of you suddenly decided to be a naga, I think it would take a while for me to adjust too." He chuckled lowly. She honestly acted like she had never met his kind before. Or for that matter, anything else magical. Surely her sprite friend was far more interesting then himself.

Moving somewhat to the side, he pat the blanket and smiled. "Why not sit down? It is your room after all. And remind me; have you ever met one of my race before? You act like a child, presented with an interesting puzzle." He laughed, openly amused by her antics. Then again, he almost felt she wanted to dissect him. It wouldn't be the first time someone had tried to, though.

**PhoenixAshes**

She came and sat where he'd made room. "I haven't met a naga other than you," she replied. "I read a bit, but the books were old and the information vague." The witch shrugged. "I'm sorry if you see it that way it's just there's a lot of things I don't know and I'm curious about, well, everything."

**FrankenSoul**

"Ah no, it's not an insult in any way," He replied happily, easily keeping his amused composure pieced together. He was very at ease with her and held a feeling she wouldn't harm him in anyhow. The feeling was mutual.

"It's refreshing in fact!"

He rocked in place, bending and crossing a leg over the other so he could tug at a toe. "Most people who meet us don't view us in such a nice regard. Social stigma of snakes and all. It's so shocking, but most people believe I'm a sly backstabber!"

He gasped in mock disbelief, poking fun at himself as he grinned.

**PhoenixAshes**

"Is it?" The excitement which he seemed to have that she was simply curious and not judgmental surprised her slightly. Her expression showed so as she listened to him. "There is quite a bit of mythology against you." The line of her mouth became apologetic in his smile. "But that many people really believe that of you?"

**FrankenSoul**

He paused, looking at her closer now. Oh dear, had he come across too eager? Too excited, like a child being praised for the first time? He deflated and attempted to collect some degree of self-respect, suddenly feeling self-conscious. So much for a degree of mysteriousness if he continued to be so open. Still, he meant what he had said.

Chuckling, he shrugged and looked towards her sideways. "And you don't? You've only known me for a short time, yet here I am in your bedroom. The scary naga might bite you when you're not looking."

**PhoenixAshes**

Interest crossed her at his sudden reigning in of himself, not yet knowing why he had. His chuckle added further to this and slowly her expression of surprise from earlier eased. There he was, Slick was back. However Vivica simply smiled at him. "Slick, you just said you won't touch me without permission, I doubt you'll bite me."

**FrankenSoul**

"Ah drat," he mildly scolded himself with mirth, shaking his head and uttering another low laugh. "I've been found out. But before we dwell further on the truth or falseness of social stigma," He eased his foot back down to the ground and turned his body so he might more easily face her.

"We have a few more important things to discuss, hmm? Such as the strangeness of Franky and Ciya, and what I witnessed with that weird man. Which would you like to lead with...?"

**PhoenixAshes**

Her smile remained in place but brightened slightly at his self scolding. Her attention flickered between his motions and his words when he shifted, but it fell back to his question. "All I know is that they've gotten even closer between the time you left and your return." She settled on the subject of the other two in their traveling party. "Ciya helps him some how, I don't quite understand it."

**FrankenSoul**

"And...?" He questioned, waving for her to continue. She seemed so passive about many things. He couldn't read her very well.

He could tell very easily that Franky and Ciya had already developed a stronger bond, and he hadn't even seen them together yet. Tilting his head so that he might see her better, he motioned for her to continue.

"How do you feel about it all? Worried perhaps? Relieved? I don't know the nature of your relationship with Ciya, but I assumed it is almost sisterly. Such rash emotions and actions in so short a time poses an emotional danger. Personally, I worry they're not thinking of the long-term consequences."

**PhoenixAshes**

His motion for more information was amusing, but not enough to keep the worry that was slowly seeping into her face at bay. The shadow of it darkened her eyes and set her index finger on one hand to nervously tap on the thumb of the other. "She is a friend, a close one--" A sigh.

"Yes, like a sister."

They'd been close for a while. Both had lost or, in Vivica's case, lost contact with, their families. Having eachother as the only reliable bond after such things had stregthened it.

"I don't know what to think. Ciya's not reckless, I'd trust her judgement in most things, but this does feel a bit fast." She was in agreement with Slick on that at least.

"It's just--She soothes him." This fact was undeniable, particularly after the events of today. "When we came into town Ciya kept him calm, and even today when he came down unexpectedly and saw Aunty Anne..." A drift in her words signaled her combing over the events she was speaking of, gathering details. "He was on edge but nothing like what happened when he first saw me without the glamour spell."

**FrankenSoul**

So he had been correct to assume such things then. As he watched Vivica now he at last saw past her surface as the shadow allowed him a glimpse. She loved the girl like family, but there was more. It was almost as if Franky had been adopted into such a family. Was she feeling struggle regarding her emotions for him to? If things ended on a sour note, then both would suffer or perhaps even despise the other...

His eyes visible widened as he heard the next bit. "Wait a moment, he visible SAW her then? And the building is still standing? That is... a remarkable improvement."

Years before, the mere mention of a human being was enough to edge him into a hysteria. Ciya had a stronger effect on Franky then she knew. Slick sighed, moving pushing his fingers back through his loose hair to temporarily move it from his face. He frowned, looking down and deep in thought.

"It is obvious that she is good for him. But I worry if he is able to help her in return. I mean... What sort of future is there for them? I mean, surely she wants a semblance of a normal life, yes? And in regards to any offspring, well..." His frown deepened and he shook his head, the matter leaving a sour taste in his mouth. Poor Franky.

**PhoenixAshes**

The surprised in the now legged Naga's voice brought her gaze purely back to him. "Just for a moment." She confirmed. "He turned immediately away after." As far as the witch could tell, Slick was as worried about them as she was. The apparent care was actually rather touching. "I think he might in a way we don't know." Vivica shrugged at this. It was a guess, but she knew Ciya. "As for a normal life I think she may want it but if she's happy elsewhere she'll give up the hope of it."

**FrankenSoul**

True. They didn't know what was going on inside their heads. Perhaps Franky was provind some sort of support to Ciya that they were unaware. In anyone's position, unfiltered love and adoration was welcomed.

Slick physically bit his tongue to stop himself from speaking on it further. But offspring. Did Vivica and Ciya both realize that...? No. No he wouldn't say anything about the area if they hadn't thought on it and if Franky himself did not tell them. That was not his business. "Yes, well..." Slick sighed and shrugged helplessly with a mild smile.

"I suppose all we can do is give them our blessing and hope for the best, eh?"

**PhoenixAshes**

Vivica watched him closely with her dark eyes before speaking again. For a moment reading him or trying too. "Slick," His shrug and smile wasn't convincing to her, "you're still worried." She wasn't opposed to a blessing and hope for the two, but the naga's concern on something that she'd glossed over was her focus. "What is it?"

**FrankenSoul**

Oh was he so bad at covering his thoughts now? Perhaps being "human" was weakening his ability to correctly behave. Or, maybe Vivica was just good at reading others. He glanced towards her once again, debating on how to respond. Carefully, he spoke,

"It's... not my place to say anything if he has not decided to tell you himself. But, it does effect Ciya."

He groaned, moving his hands through his hair once again as he tugged at the strands in frustration. Perhaps it was fine. Vivica could keep a secret or deem it valuable enough to share. It seemed unwise to not provide all available information to her.

"It's just that... well, think on it. He's DEAD. Whatever he has in his chest, it is not a heart with blood and a heartbeat. He's unable to provide any offspring because he is unable to be intimate in 'that' way. He will not be able to provide Ciya with anything more than holding her, unable to fulfill base desires. He'll never be truly a lover and partner."

Long ago when Slick had met and lingered with Franky at Jozef's home, this had been brought up as they attempted to understand what he was. He had originally had no concept of how birth and that closeness functioned, and through debate and basic logic, well...

Even then, he had obviously become uncomfortable with the subject and tried to avoid it. He obviously didn't fully understand and must have felt broken. Poor boy.

**PhoenixAshes**

Even when he said it wasn't his place, Vivica scooted closer. Just a bit, so she wasn't invading his space, but enough to indicate she wanted to know. For a moment, when Slick groaned and roughly raked his hands through his hair, she thought to reach out, but kept to herself. She waited patiently and listened.

What she heard set a heaviness in her. She hadn't thought of that. She'd been so set on understanding what was going on between Franky and Ciya that she hadn't even thought of extending it that far. She almost didn't want to let the thoughts go that far. "Ah." What could she say to that?

**FrankenSoul**

"Yes..." He responded with a grimace. 'Ah.'

Perhaps it was awkward to think on this, but he liked to think things through. He was content with having no sexual activities unless under certain circumstances, but what of Ciya? She was a woman after all and Franky was no 'man' in this way. Slick attempted to view this connection between them in the long run to avoid problems that could spiral into much bigger issues. He rolled in shoulders in another shrug.

"As I said, he has not brought it up himself. Perhaps he will in the future when it becomes more dire. I apologize if this seems crude to think on, I only want to help them both."

The witch waved off the apologetic remark about crudeness and seemed to slip into thought, her hand coming up to her chin as she mulled over things. "I doubt he's thought of it." This was awkward to think about but it was concerning for the apparently budding couple.

"Do with it what you will." He responded mildly as she thought over it. He wouldn't claim to know what went on in Franky's head. Perhaps he had thought of it and simply didn't wish to say anything. He had seemed rather blocked off from the topic long ago, but maybe that's changed. And perhaps he just hadn't thought of it as Vivica said. Right now it was none of Slick's concern, as he handed the responsibility over to Vivica for the topic.

Leaning further back upon the bed, he decided that he was done talking about it for now and moved on to the next thing on their list. "Now about that Lin fellow... did he seem odd to you before? Because I believe we've stumbled into cult's activities by accident."

That would surely get her attention.

The witch sighed softly, clasping her hands together on her lap after she shifted so she was sitting cross-legged on the bed, her attention on her hands now rather than Slick. This was not really her business either. Yet questions came up. Would Ciya be all right if Franky couldn’t be that way with her? Even if Vivica knew the pixie well this was something they hadn’t really talked about, but she knew for a fact that if Ciya did feel as deeply for Franky as they suspected, this was going to be tough.

Slick’s last statement bolted her out of her thoughts, her dark eyes fully on him and wider than usual. “What?”

**FrankenSoul**

Well that got her attention. He openly grinned, making a low sound of contentment. "There you are. Thought you'd be stuck in your own head for the rest of the day. You see..."

He yawned and stretched his arms over his head. How strange it was not to feel the shiver from it travel down his tail.

"When I was moving to go drop him off, he told me to stop. And I did, but we were in the middle of the woods. There wasn't any village anywhere near us. We had passed this one a while ago and it looked like we were just traveling deeper into wilderness. But he tells me to let him down, so I do. Suddenly I feel a chill and I swear to you I felt NO ONE close by moments before, but out from the woods walk these figures with cloaks and hoods pulled over their faces. The Lin fellow smiled and greeted them, waved and thanked me, and vanished out of sight with them. They simply radiated strangeness, and I still haven't felt fully safe after seeing them."

**PhoenixAshes**

As his tale continued, the shocked and wide eyed look became more severe. A chill passed through her from it's prickling beginnings at her neck all the way down her spine, vertebrae by vertebrae.

"How far and which way into the wilderness?"

That area should be avoided, she decided. It wasn't worth the risk. She could handle a magic user or two if she must but from the sound of what he related even her abilities couldn't help them. Their travel group had a pixie and a reanimated man with them, the witch knew that either of those would be interest to anyone, but particularly to cults. That Lin character had taken interest in them too.

**FrankenSoul**

She was really spooked wasn't she? Just by the tale alone. Of course, he was doing his best to describe to her what he had seen and felt. He had felt they were going to attack him, but the Lin fellow remained aloof and relaxed or even cheerful. As if nothing was wrong. Then again, was Slick imagining things? He normally didn't, and humans didn't normally hide their faces unless they were up to no good. Ugh.

"Oh, it was a trail going west," He told her, beginning to point them stopping himself as he realized he couldn't tell which direction was which right then.

"But don't worry, we'll be heading in a different direction, through the mountains. And I'll have my strength and tail back soon, so I'll protect you little darlin'~" He winked and gave her his best grin in an attempt to lighten the mood. He wasn't nearly as worried as her. He had seen Franky fight alone before, and even a dozen humans held no hope against him. They had the best bodyguard in the business.

**PhoenixAshes**

A nod and she seemed to be back in her own mind again. West from here. She didn't know much about the area, then again she hadn't seen a map since she'd found the little place where she and Ciya had been living. Either way, avoidance was the best option.

At Slick's reassurance and wink a hint of a smile softened her expression slightly. "You have a tendency to be familiar with people right from the start, you know that?"

**FrankenSoul**

"Whaa?" He asked, puffing his cheeks in a playful pout. "And that's a bad thing~?"

He behaved in such a manner because it was easy. And most of the time people reacted far kinder to those who pretended that nothing shook them, aloof and outgoing. Though there were obviously some that wouldn't react well to it. Slick found it was a 50/50 chance when meeting another that they would either take to him or want him gone immediately.

**PhoenixAshes**

"No, not necessary " She shook her head. "It's just odd to me." It usually took Vivica time to warm up to someone. She clearly wouldn't be outright rude, or unfriendly, she just wouldn't be very open or affectionate so the way that Slick handled himself with openness and already calling her "little darlin' " was something very new to her. At the moment she couldn't recall if he'd given her any other monikers in the short time they'd known eachother, she was sure he'd called her "Viv" before.

**FrankenSoul**

"Ah, well I hope you are aware people may call each other such things without truly meaning them?" He asked her, stroking his chin and smiling mischievously at her. "Words are just words. I've seen others use them to get what they want frequently with no deeper meaning behind them. Of course, human society seems to frown on such behavior. It can easily lead to misunderstanding and hurt feelings, hm?”

Not that he was saying his words were false. But perhaps they were. It had become habit to throw away titles and words when it suited him. He meant no harm by it, but it was frequently a tool to ensure his own safety. Because didn’t everyone want the gentle, well-spoken fellow to live?

**PhoenixAshes**

The witch nodded, all too much understanding in it. "I'm aware." She was acutely aware of that fact. Even with his mischievous glint, she couldn't match it with anything other than an even, factual face. He may have forgotten by now, with all that had happened between, but the reason she was closed off was the same reason she knew this. "I know someone who could use it easily."

**FrankenSoul**

Oh. Yes, he had forgotten and his tongue had slipped. But it slapped him in the face heard as he heard her speak. He balked, sitting up straighter where he sat and physically bit his lip, as if punishing himself for saying such a careless thing. Damn.

Hurredly he spoke as he turned towards her, “Forgive me, how stupid to joke or even converse on the topic. I was only meaning to talk on human customs and intelligent beings in general. Let’s talk about something else. Like as to why-”

He picked one of his feet up and frowned, wiggling the toes as he held it.

“I get a sudden JUMP when I brush my feet against certain things? A cat pressed against it last night and I almost had a fit.”

**PhoenixAshes**

His sudden perk surprised her and the seriousness slipped into minor confusion for a moment. Then the apology and swift change of topic. "It wasn't stupid." She replied, making that the last mention of it. From there observance of his frown and toe wiggle. "How do you mean jump? Like just being startled at the contact?" A well hidden glimmer of amusement, hinted that she knew exactly what it was. "Or was it more like--" She started to reach but paused. "May I demonstrate?"

**FrankenSoul**

No, it was more than being startled. The sensation was strange but familiar, but he just couldn’t place it. Wait what was that look in her eyes just now? He didn’t trust it, and showed it by narrowing his eyes and curling his foot protectively.

"Hmm...”

Demonstrate? On herself or him? He wasn’t sure he liked this. But eh, why not? He extended the end of his limb, watching her carefully. “Suuure darlin..."

**PhoenixAshes**

Vivica watched him and kept an even face, and simply smiled. While she actually smiled to keep from laughing at the way he seemed to guard his foot, it made her look completely innocent and harmless. He could trust her, at least by experience he could.

He'd probably regret that permission. Once given she reached and ran the flat front and a bit of the edge of her nails on her index and middle fingers from the middle of the heel pad all the way up the arch of his foot.

**FrankenSoul**

Okay, so what was the big deal here...? Why was she smiling like that? She didn’t smile like that normally did he? He couldn’t be sure. Was she going to do something horrible for the mean things he had said earlier? Crap, she was wasn’t she? OH CRAP SHE WAS.

Unprepared completely, Slick yelped and jumped from the sensation of panic and lightning that shot out from his foot, and against his will he felt himself begin to smile. A laugh burst from his chest, sudden and blunt with a faint hiss to it. As soon as it started he slammed his mouth down and jerked his foot away to hide it under himself on the bed, looking at her with wide startled eyes as if to say, what the heck was that??

**PhoenixAshes**

She was smart enough to move back so if he failed he wouldn't hit her, and within the motion she covered her mouth, unable to contain her laughter. "I'm sorry!" The apology came between giggles. That reaction was probably the best thing she'd ever seen him do. "You're ticklish!"

**FrankenSoul**

What, she was laughing at him? This was funny, his sudden attack of panic? He glared at her, but the look held no real weight and slowly a soft smile touched his lips. He uttered a few low chuckles himself, blinking as she used the word. Oooh that’s right! That’s what they called it! Tickling!

“Oh, of course! I forgot about that. I have that on my tail too, but I’ve only been ‘tickled’ once or twice my entire life. It seems my feet are more sensative...” He shook his head and smirked, slowly easing his feet back out again. “I’m glad you enjoyed it! Torturing me so!”

**PhoenixAshes**

"You're lucky I stopped with one swipe." Her giggles had mellowed, allowing for her speech to be clearer. "If I really wanted to torture you I should have just held on and kept at it." Apparently human skin was more sensitive than the snake-like naga skin. That and feet were particularly sensitive anyway on most people. Even more so on Slick, considering he didn't really seem to have a callus layer that came from years of walking barefoot.

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