Game On.

Wild cat

Cat stared at him in surprise. She most certainly hadn't been expecting that answer. Her mouth opened and closed like a fish as she struggled for words. "Wha... why... y... You can't be serious! I... wha... why?"
She found it hard to concentrate, he was currently at eye level with her and was gazing intensely into her eyes. She turned her gaze away, covering her face as she felt it heat up.
Immediately, she felt long, cool fingers peeling her hands away from her face. "Aww, your blushing!" He teased, chuckling. Cat growled quietly, glowering. Julian grinned widely, and growled back, baring his teeth. Gently, Cat placed a hand on his chest and pushed him back a couple of steps.

Julian smirked, laughing at her response. He was having lots of fun. He had forgotten what it was like, having not been the same since he was resurrected. The fight had gone out of him, been extinguished by sadness and loss. Something about this girl had reignited it, set him ablaze once again. She reminded him of fire, one moment crackling away unnoticed in the corner, the next burning tall and bright and powerful. She was unpredictable, like him, and he liked it.
He looked at the frustrated expression on her face. She looked so determined, it was adorable, like an irritated kitten. Not a tame kitten either, she had this defiant, wild streak. A wild cat, that's what she was.

"A kiss. That is my price. Unless, of course, your too proud and think you'll find the Piper wandering aimlessly around in the tunnels." He shrugged casually. "Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe you will find him on your own. But how can you know? Are you really willing to take that chance?"
He watched her face visibly shift as she thought it through. He could almost see her weighing up his deal. Then her expression changed again, settling into a neutral smile, giving away nothing.
She looked up at him, tilting her head to one side. "One kiss, and then you'll show me the way to the piper?"
"Yes."
Her smile widened just a little, and she tilted her face upwards to meet his gaze. "Swear it." She said "Swear it on... I dunno, something binding."
Clever girl. Julian couldn't help but be proud of his little kitten. She'd grown up smart and cunning.
He placed a hand over his heart, mockingly matching her smile with his own. "I swear on my name, carved into the runestave, that I will show you the path to the piper in exchange for a kiss."
Slowly, Cat pulled herself off the wall and approached him. "Well then," she whispered in a soft, velvety voice. Smiling seductively, she put her arms around his neck, pulling him down to her height.
"In that case..."
And she guided his face down to hers, whilst she reached up to meet him...
And placed a swift kiss on his forehead.
"And now the path, if you please." Her face bore a smug look. Julian, instead of being angry, threw back his head and laughed. Really laughed, a deep, rich laugh that hadn't been heard in a long time.
When he stopped, he looked down at her, admiration clear on his face. "Well played kitten, well played" he smirked. "Ah well, a deals a deal."
And with that, a tunnel opening materialized beside him.
Cat trotted off down it, feeling pleased with herself.
As he watched her retreating form, Julian called out after her.
"Now I know you can play, I won't go so easy next time!"

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