[past] Where the wild and weird roam

Oh, love, no thanks needed, Danny said with a lopsided grin, shaking his head as he leaned against the bar. Bloke like him’s all bark and no bite. Seen his type a thousand times—fancies himself the big bad wolf, but give him a proper shove and he’ll go running with his tail between his legs. He paused, then smirked. Though I gotta say, you handled him like a bloody pro. Ice queen act? Top shelf, that. Nearly had *me* quaking in my boots.

He reached for the glass Maika had poured him, raising it in a mock toast before downing half the drink in one go. Danny let out a satisfied sigh, slamming the glass back down on the bar with enough force to make the bottles rattle.

Now, about this free round. Don’t tell Cooper, eh? Fella’s already got me on thin ice, what with me knack for stirring up trouble and all. He winked, the mischief in his tone as thick as the whiskey on his breath.

Then his face turned serious—well, as serious as Danny ever got. He leaned closer to Maika, dropping his voice low enough to avoid prying ears. But seriously, Maika. Bastien? Bloke like that doesn’t wander into a place like this just for the scenery. If he’s sniffin’ around, it’s not good news. You, Cooper, the whole bloody family—you need to keep your eyes peeled. That kind of rot? It spreads fast.

He leaned back again, the grin sliding back into place, though his eyes retained their edge. ‘Course, you’ve got me now, and I’m a right bastard when it comes to keeping the wrong sort out. Stick with ol’ Danny, love, and I’ll make sure that tosser thinks twice before poking his nose where it don’t belong again.

Danny gestured for another drink, still grinning, but there was a quiet steel in his demeanor. Whatever storm Bastien might bring, it was clear Danny was more than ready to meet it head-on.

@Maika Arainai