Van ****ed his head to the side, and forced his muscles to relax. It wasn’t a very convincing gesture, really, but doing so helped Van re-organize his thoughts. “Senrin”, eh? Whatever that means, he’s teasing me with it, baiting me... And I am not up for that kind of sh*t!
“Cute,” Van spat, “But I think the lady disapproves. You’ve overstayed your welcome, anyway.” He felt as if it was a great effort just to act normal, but he desperately needed to save face. He gripped the rifle, and thrust it lightly, indicating that he wanted Rathien to move aside.
Then, Van grinned, and licked his lips, “If things go well, and you want to get along, we won’t see a fight. Shall we ‘get along’, Hunter? Besides, I’m not your precious target, am I? Mmm, it’s no use dirtying your hands on an unfortunate distraction.”
He doubted that his assertion was true, but the bluff made him feel better, and far more confident. An energetic surge of pride raced through his body, and he felt renewed.
Now, his muscles finally relaxed, and his eyes gleamed with a familiar look that anyone back home would recognize. Item number 1, ‘Step up my game’? Check.
Heh. Just one little bluff changes it all… Even if he says I’m wrong, I don’t think I’d care. I mean, what’s wrong with me, anyways? Even if I am being hunted, that’s part of the deal in this line of work, eh?!
Seeing it that way certainly helps. Man, it’s going to be a real pain just to climb out of this hole! It’s no use being mopey, now: I have a reputation to not only keep up, but to make!