grinning like a dog who had just stolen a chicken. It was a far different attitude compared to the one the day before. Something had cheered Miska up instantly.
"What?" asked Linsan warily, though she was hoping that it wasn't a cruel smile plastered on Miska's face.
"I didn't think you two were a couple," she said in a playful tone.
Brook and Linsan both tightened their grips.
Even though they said nothing, Miska's smile grew wider. "Oh, that happened last night! You finally got together? That it your first? No wonder I didn't like either of you yesterday."
Linsan blushed hotly. She squirmed and fought the urge to hide her face.
"Oh, tell me you had to share a bed. Was it the beating hearts? The closeness?"
She couldn't help but look away. In the corner of her vision, she could see Brook doing the same thing.
Miska slapped her thigh. "So wonderful when two beautiful women find themselves. Just like that book with the apple fair."
Linsan stared at her friend in shock. She had never heard of the book but she couldn't imagined Brook would have read one if she didn't have to. Then a wave of guilt hit her, she didn't know what Brook had been doing in the years since they parted.
"Yes! That one! Oh, that's where I heard the term..." Miska's eyes glittered with amusement. She made a show of snapping her fingers, though the leather bound digits made no noise. "... what was it..."
Brook quivered. A quiet whimper escaped her painted lips.
Then Miska looked up with a wry grin. An expression of triumph. "Let me guess, only one of you really like peach pies?"
Brook's hand tightened as she inhaled sharply.
Lisan shrugged. "They are okay, but peaches are expensive."
Brook didn't respond. Instead, her cheeks grew redder and her grip tightened.
Lisan leaned over. "What's going on? Does it mean something else?"
"I-I... I'll tell you later," stammered her friend. Brook pulled her hand away from Linsan's and stepped away, her cheeks red with a flush.
Miska smirked and patted her gloves against her apron. Her eyes focused on Brook and her smile softened. "First time seducing your companion?"
"I did not!"
Lisan coughed. Brook had seduced her, though there wasn't much before they kissed.
Cheeks burning as hotly as Linsan's, Brook sighed. "Fine, yes. But she was willing."
Miska's gaze focused on Linsan.
Confused but still somehow embarassed, Linsan nodded.
Miska gave a nod of approval. "Well, you two have good tastes then. Maybe we can be friends."
Linsan had nothing to respond. She watched helplessly as silence grew between them.
---
Miska shrugged. "If it gets rid of the fire boys. Besides, how often do I get to mess with a pretty peach's engine?"
