Crow met Penelope’s lips once more as she pressed a parting kiss to his lips. “See you then,” he smiled, watching as she walked away to return to her own camp. Once she had disappeared from his sight, he turned to head back as well, slipping past the waterfall to step inside the cavern behind it. He yawned tiredly as he put away his cloak and boots, already finding it difficult to stay awake. They had stayed out later than usual that night, and he was ready to get some much-needed sleep.

 Walking over to the sleeping area, he glanced at Rikki’s bed as he wondered again if she had told the others about his relationship with Penelope or not. Of course, her soundly sleeping form told him nothing, so he laid down on his own mat and closed his eyes. There was no point worrying about it now. If she had told them, it was too late for him to do anything about it, and if she hadn’t, he would just stress himself out for no reason. Either way, he would find out for sure in the morning.

--

The next day, Crow awoke closer to the end of the morning, a bit later than he usually did since he had started returning to a normal rhythm of sleeping. However, the detail didn’t worry him since he guessed he had probably just overslept because of how late he had stayed out with Penelope the night before. He sat up in his bed and was mildly surprised to see that Rikki had left him a plate from breakfast. After what she had done yesterday, he would have thought she would distance herself from him again. Apparently, he had been wrong.

Part of him contemplated not eating the food she had left for him out of spite, but his growling stomach quickly weakened his resolve, and picked up the plate.

“Good morning.”

Mouth full of his first bite, Crow looked up to see Rikki sauntering towards him from the cave entrance. He noticed right away that she was wearing a more provocative dress than usual and seemed to be intentionally swaying her hips as she walked. He narrowed his eyes at her. “I see you haven’t given up on your plan yet,” he said accusatively.

“I’d appreciate if you didn’t speak to me like I’m your enemy,” she frowned, looking hurt as she sat down at his side. “I know you think I’m out to get you, but I’m not. I’m just trying to help you see things more clearly, Crow.”

“You can help by keeping your nose out of my personal life,” he glared at her.

She lowered her gaze for a moment before looking up at him again, her eyes flicking to the plate in his hand. “How’s your breakfast?” she asked, offering him a friendly smile. “I hope it’s not too cold.”

“It’s fine,” he said plainly, finishing off the rest and setting his dish aside.

Rikki’s smile wavered faintly. “Here, let me take that for you,” she leaned forward to reach across his lap, but he caught hold of her wrist firmly in his hand.

“Come on, love,” he rolled his eyes. “You think I don’t know that trick? I’m not stupid.”

“What do you mean?” she blinked at him innocently. “I was just going to wash your dish for you.”

“I’m sure you were,” Crow snorted. “Just give up already. I’m not going to sleep with you.”

Rikki smirked at him, breaking her virtuous façade. “You say that now,” she said. “But I know you can’t hold out forever. It’s only a matter of time now before you can’t wait any longer, and I’m the only one around who can meet your needs.”

“I met with Penelope last night,” he said suddenly, meeting her gaze with a wry grin. “I can dance with you as long as you’d like, darling. You’re never going to break me.”

Rikki frowned, studying him for a moment before clicking her tongue. “Very well,” she rose to her feet and looked down at him with a stern gaze. “I just hope you figure out soon that you’re making a big mistake.” Her expression softened slightly. “When you do, I’ll still be there for you, Crow. Please don’t ever forget that.”

The thief averted his gaze coldly as she walked away. He wished she would just mind her own business, but it seemed like she was intent on trying to change his mind about Penelope. He glanced at her back just before she disappeared around the corner of the cavern opening and gave a small shudder. Something told him she was still far from giving up. He just hoped her next attempt to get between him and the knight wouldn’t be any more successful than the last.

Now alone in the camp, Crow stood up from his bed and picked up his plate, heading out to the river to wash it off by himself. [i]At least she approached me early,[/i] he mused as he stepped outside. [i]With any luck, she’ll leave me alone now, and it will be a peaceful day.[/i]