A door slammed below, a familiar cheerful ringing throughout the house. "Loki-kuuuuunnnn!!!"

It -had- been a lovely afternoon to curl up with a good book...

The pink-haired girl bounced into the room, all smiles and energy as she rambled about the latest mystery she had found. She took a deep breath, nearing the end of her bubbling speech. "It's a-"

"-Fushigi Mystery." He finished with her.

She blinked at him, surprised.

He smiled back, eyes dimpled shut as the merest fraction of fangs gleamed. "Jinx!"

Another blink.

"... being jinxed means you can't talk until someone says your name three times." He explained patiently, still smiling, but kinder this time.

Mayura opened her mouth to argue with this and he cut her off, raising a finger. "Your father has also commented to me that your grades have been slipping slightly since you've started mystery hunting, and that he may not be able to allow you to continue coming over if your grades continue to fall. Perhaps this might be a good time to study, and we can solve a mystery at a later date?"

He smiled angelically at her at the last part, for he was all sweetness and light and would NEVER do anything mischievous or pranksterish for some peace and quiet, oh no, not him.

Her mouth opened again, throat muscles moving as no sound came out. She shut her mouth, looking vaguely confused. And tried again with the same result.

Finally she stuck her tongue out at him and stomped off back down stairs, presumably to follow up on his suggestion, fortified with some sweets and tea from Yamino.

Ecchan made a disapproving 'punyaaan' sound at him for teasing the girl like that.

He shrugged, picking up the book again.

After all, what was the use of being a Trickster God if you couldn't have fun with it occasionally?

And it was such a lovely afternoon to curl up with a good book...

-fin-

back?