"Did you request that the schoolyard bullies apologize to you?" he asked cockily. "I thought you just beat them up."
She stood right in front of him, a frown on her face before resting her forehead on his chest. "Uggghhh, but I'm lazy."
She would be able to hear his heartbeat quicken, and he laughed lightly. "Right. You're lazy. Not scared."
"Well, your heart is beating to keep you alive, but I'm not sure why it's quick." She cocked her head.
He only watched her, either unwilling or unable to say it. His eyes were soft as they studied her features, running over her brown hair and the feather that perched there. Finally, they met her gaze and he cleared his throat. "Come on," he said. "We're probably about to row out to Quelien."
She followed, poking his back after a moment. "What're you gonna do once we get there? After the important things?"