Page 66 of Steel & Thunder
I can’t bring myself to tell her that I’m probably the reason for that. It would explain why he’s seemed so off. Our fight and the “renegotiating” of our...relationship probably left him feeling all kinds of shaky. Hell, not even just that, but the way I drugged him, robbed him, and nearly got him fired…he’s probably feeling completely thrown off. “I think I understand that too.”
She nods to herself. “So, is he treating you well?”
“Oh. Yeah. He... We’re good.” I don’t think anyone’s actually asked me that before, and I’m not sure how to answer. This whole night has felt like it’s just a step away from something normal, then I get asked something about how my owner treats me, and I’m thrown off again.
“Good. We all knew he would, but you know, gotta ask.” She smiles and shrugs. I really wish I knew what she meant, but I don’t think Khazak would appreciate it if I told her about our recent issues.
“Can I ask you something that might sound rude?” It’s at least something that won’t get me in trouble. “Why is the way you speak Common so different from the rest of your family?” She’s a lot less formal than most of the other orcs I’ve met.
“I’ve spent most of the last ten years away from them. You travel the world, you pick up a few things.” She grins. “I speak eight different languages, but the one that pops up the most is Common. Especially the cursing. So versatile.”
“I feel a strange amount of pride in my people for introducing the word ’fuck’ to world.” Can’t wait to tell Khazak about our amazing accomplishments.
We both laugh, standing there looking into the night sky a little longer before I feel the need to use the little human’s room. I only drank the one, but that ale has already worked its way through me. “Where’s the bathroom?”
“Go left when you go inside and it’s the last door on the right,” she directs me as I head in.
“Thanks.” The “for more than just the directions to the bathroom” goes unsaid.
I walk back inside, and you’d never guess that nine people just had dinner in here. The table has been cleared and looks spotless. I hear noises coming from the kitchen, but I don’t see anyone. Nature is still calling, so I make my way to the bathroom, spotting Yogik coming at me when I turn into the hallway.
“David.” He meets me halfway and stops.
“You remembered.” Let’s hope he keeps it that way.
“Just having a little fun.” He winks at me before leaning in closer. “So tell me, has my brother started sharing you yet?”
“Uh, what?” What does he mean by “sharing” me?
“I will take that as a no. Pity.” He frowns, still standing way too close.
“Um. I gotta...use the bathroom.” I awkwardly walk around him,
Peeing is more difficult than it should be after that weird encounter but somehow I manage. When I finish and head back to the dining room, I see Khazak and Ayla talking together. Hopefully making up. I step over to join them.
“I missed you, Khaz.” She leans in to hug him.
“I missed you too, Lala.” Aww, he has a nickname for her. “How long are you in town?”
“Not sure yet.” Ayla shrugs. “No real plans, so it looks like I’ll be crashing here for a while.”
“You are staying?” Did his voice just crack?
“Don’t sound too disappointed.” She scoffs but she’s still smiling.
“I am not— I did not mean—”
“Calm down.” She hugs him again. “You’re still too easy to work up.”
“And you are still a pain in my ass.” He returns the hug nonetheless. They finally notice my presence when they separate. “David.”
“He’s a sneaky one.” Ayla takes notice of me as well. “Might want to tie a bell on him.”
“It was great meeting you Lala,” I grumble. I thought we were friends!
“Low blow, David.” She shakes her head.
“I think we are just about ready to go home, eh David?” His hand lightly squeezes my neck.
