| |
This is a fucking joke, her Master snarled in her mind sometime later.
Just bear with it, Master, Zari managed to say soothingly while struggling to keep her face straight. It was so unlike Alexandru to rant - he was usually cool and charming 24/7 - but then again, he was also used to living and working in less crowded towns and cities.
Such places, she thought humorously, didn't require her Master to pretend he was without powers that allowed him to move faster than, say, the New York subway.
Alexandru's mood visibly improved when they were finally aboveground, but then she saw how his lip curled every so often, and when she realized why that was...
Alexandru was puzzled at the way his pet had suddenly burst into laughter. "What's so funny?"
"You," Zari managed to say between giggles.
"I beg your pardon?"
A fresh peal of laughter escaped Zari. I just can't believe how everyone thinks you're this great and mighty hunter...
"I am that," Alexandru pointed out reasonably.
"Indeed, Master," Zari agreed obediently, "but I wonder if your most ardent admirers also know what a spoiled little boy you are?"
"I beg your pardon?"
Her Master's voice practically dripped with ice this time, but it only made Zari laugh anew since his attitude completely proved her point.
"Your lip keeps curling up every time you smell pee—-"
"That's what normal people do," he retorted.
"And when you accidentally touched that wad of gum stuck by the train doors—-"
Alexandru couldn't help wincing at the rather gross memory of his fingers encountering a substance whose origins he never wished to know.
Zari, seeing her Master's expression, was tempted to laugh again, but since they had already reached their destination...
She pointed to the pawn shop across the road. "That's Station 4."
Trick or Trade was the registered trademark AGNEX used to run their service-and-supply stations, and Zari couldn't help feeling uneasy at seeing the place practically crawling with trappers.
Not normal procedure?
No, Master.
Mm. Alexandru observed the way the trappers watched their approach. They appear more hostile than usual, pet.
I'm hoping it's because they found out I'm living with you in Sky Tower while they're doing daily commutes from Brooklyn.