She looked over at him in surprise, a little bit of her mischievous light back in her eyes. "...really?" * * * He glanced over at her, one brow raised. "You're a bit of a badass."
She paused, a slow grin slipping over her lips. "Are you sure?" * * * He seemed confused by the question. "What do you mean, 'why'?"
She returned to him, tilting her head curiously. "I should head back now, but... I'll be back tomorrow. Okay?" * * * He squinted. "Yes. And...?"
He nodded. "Okay. Me too." *** She laughed slightly, tucking a piece of her hair back. "I don't know.. I just didn't expect it."
She smiled and went over to the tea candle, blowing it out before leaving. * * * "Don't compliment you in the future. Got it."
A few days later, Dahlia was sitting crosslegged on the floor, recounting a story for Osiris. "And I dropped the entire bulb of garlic in. God, 'Siris, the cook was so angry." * * * "You're not being very clear," Victor said smoothly, looking back down at the injured mouse.
"It's because I sneak away in the middle of the night," she said pointedly, leaning back against the window. "I'm actually an excellent cook." * * * "Well, too bad. You're never getting one again."
She huffed, tilting her head. "That soup you had when you were in the cell? Yeah, that was all my making. Try and tell me that wasn't good soup." * * * He glanced outside, pursing his lips for a moment. "I should probably go..."
She kicked at him playfully. "It was the best soup you've ever had and you know it." * * * He stood up, picking up the injured mouse. Most of the others crowded around him, although Caly stayed in her lap. "I'll see you later, Nascha."
He laughed, scooting away. "Whatever!" *** She looked down, gently picking up the mouse and setting him on the floor, urging him to join the others before standing. "I'll see you later."
"It is a well-known fact," she said haughtily, sitting up straight, "that soup eaten in isolation is the best soup in town." * * * The mouse looked up at her sleepily before joining the rest of his family. Victor gestured with his head and the mice began to leave.
