The Viper's Kiss

Chapter 4: Encounter with Tai Lung

As Crane finishes up your haircut, he steps back to admire his handiwork, clearly proud of how it had turned out. You take a look in a small pocketed mirror he provided you with, and you were equally as impressed with his skill as he is proud.

Y/N: Damn, this is a nice haircut you gave me, Crane. Thank you.

Crane: Aw, don't worry about it. It's nice to do something like this for someone. I usually trim Tigress' fur, so I guess my experience comes from that.

Y/N: Well, your skill is second to none! Back at home, even a seasoned barber pales to your skill. If I may, is Miss Tigress squirmy when you clip her fur?

Crane: Oh, sweet pea, you have no idea. She's like a firework whenever I try to clip her fur down. She hates it so much!

Y/N: Interesting. Anyways, what is next up on the agenda for today?

Crane: Agenda? What's that, Y/N?

Y/N: Well, it basically is another way of saying to-do list or tasks that are to be done.

Crane: Wow! Such interesting words! I can't wait to learn more from you, Y/N!

As you hear Crane's genuine excitement, you could not help but think about him looking rather endearing. He is akin to a child in a candy store whenever you speak. Speaking of, well, speaking, Crane quips up with a question, his curiosity evident in the way his head tilted at a slight angle, his beak clicking.

Crane: Y/N, why don't you shorten words when you speak? I've just noticed, and it's strange.

Y/N: Well, it becomes a habit. My parents spoke like this around me, so I just picked it up from them.

Crane: Ah, I see.

As Crane nods in understanding, you know that your current priority was to shield your allies from the tumulus life back on earth. The last thing you wanted was to ruin any form of trust you had with them and they had with you, so, for now, at least, are going to continue putting on a brave face. Suddenly, you and Crane hear a very frustrated anthropomorphic Green Tree Viper call the two of you, indicating that you are late to whatever is next, which is breakfast.

Viper: Crane, Y/N, hurry up in there! We don't have all day!

Crane: We're coming!

You and Crane exit his barrack and approach Viper. Viper shifts her gaze between the two of you in irritation, silently demanding an explanation for your tardiness.

Crane: Sorry, Viper. I was cutting Y/N's hair. It was messy, so I thought I'd clean it up for him. Also, I learned that humans don't have fur. Isn't that interesting?

Viper then turns your way, and once again, she blushes. The immaculate style of your hair and the way it was clipped down gave you a rugged yet elegant look. Your hair was a length of three on the sides and back with scissors, and the top was also trimmed down with scissors, mainly because things like razor machines were obviously not a thing. You then remembered your Glock-9, and you feel your right hip, and much to your relief, the gun is safely nestled in the holster there. Viper was also interested in Crane's fun fact about you and your kind. 

Viper: Y/N, I really like your haircut. It suits you. (Oh, darling, you sexy, sexy hunk... rail me silly and fill me up with your sweet, sweet offspring~)

As the three of you make your way to breakfast, you feel an urge to go use the restroom. Having no choice, you whisper to Crane.

Y/N: Crane, I need to go and use the restroom.

Crane, understanding your need to go, nods silently, and he points to the men's bathroom. You mouth him a thanks, and you scurry off to relieve yourself. After a minute or two, you re-emerge from the restroom feeling much, much better. You approach Crane, and he leads you to the mess hall of the temple, where the rest of the gang and their master are eating some food.