[[ mixed muses-verse // ben-tiwa ]]

[almosthonorable]

whitetextiswhite

[ "we could go someplace where you're not wanted" ]


He caved.

(Caved like a dynamited rock tunnel.)

His only stipulation had been that Tiwa had to wait for him to move his door to Mexico.

Which is why he's smirking as he strides into the bar and finds Little Miss Magic curled on one of the couches.

"Found us the perfect place," he says, tipping his head toward the Front Door.

Ascensión awaits.

Comments

[almosthonorable]

"I like how you think that fools an old dog like me."

[piwakawaka]

Now she does goes after him to tickle him right where his shirt is riding up,

"Old dog, sure you're not that old."

[almosthonorable]

He gently takes her wrists to ease her hands away.

(He doesn't want her to see or feel any half-dried blood.)

"Careful, you're supposed to be sittin' still, little bird."

[piwakawaka]

Its too late since she noticed it while they were riding and gives him a look up,

"Need to get yourself cleaned up too and I am, didn't stand up."

[almosthonorable]

"Like I said, I'm just fine -- this little scratch ain't nothin' to worry about."

Nonetheless, he pulls the unused handkerchief from his pocket and stands to inspect the graze.

[piwakawaka]

"I'm allowed to worry about you so shush and is that clean?"

She peers down to check out the scratch.

[almosthonorable]

"Clean enough."

Mostly.

He swipes at the thin red line, cleaning up as best he can.

"Probably won't even scar."

[piwakawaka]

"I'm sure it won't, now eat up."

[almosthonorable]

"I'm eatin', I'm eatin'."

Though he passes Tiwa a scone before tucking in.

"S'good -- these yours, or y'get 'em from Miss Bar?"

[piwakawaka]

"Mum's, always grab a bag when I can."

She gets to eating it and snags his hat as she flops down on her stomach,

"So what did you do last time you were in Mexico?"

[almosthonorable]

Dry as the surrounding dust, "I wore my hat."

[piwakawaka]

Tiwa is very mature and sticks her tongue out at him,

"I wear it better."

[almosthonorable]

He resists the urge to roll his eyes as he polishes off what's left of the scone.

"I reckon I can't argue with that, little 'un."

[piwakawaka]

"Probably be best not to or else I'll dunk you when we get to the ocean."

[almosthonorable]

He shoots Tiwa a Look (though, of course, since this is Tiwa, there's no real threat behind it) and stands carefully, brushing his hands on his chaps.

"You ready to ride?"

[piwakawaka]

"Could I fly for a little bit?"

His Look is greeted with a grin as she hops up and puts his hat back on him.

[almosthonorable]

Adjusting his hat, he gives her a once-over.

"You feelin' up to it?"

[piwakawaka]

"Course, told you its not that bad, just a scratch."

[almosthonorable]

"And I also know what you say and the way things are ain't always quite one and the same, Little Miss Pooka."

[piwakawaka]

She sighs at him and ducks behind Gabe before flying over and landing on his shoulder.

[almosthonorable]

He doesn't protest.

He does warn her when he's about to mount up, and Gabriel tosses his head and snorts as they make for the coast.

[piwakawaka]

So she circles around him as he mounts before flying just over his shoulder and even singing to prove to him that yes, she's fine.

[almosthonorable]

He isn't entirely convinced, which is why he keeps a careful eye on her as he sways in the saddle.

If she shows the slightest sign of pain or fatigue, he'll be coaxing her down faster than either of them can blink.

[piwakawaka]

Being a bird makes everything so much easier and she keeps flying just ahead of him and Gabe.

[almosthonorable]

An hour passes, then nearly two; Ben squints at Tiwa's feathers.

"Reckon we'll set up camp in another hour or so -- you need a breather before we do that, little 'un?"