Part 890: Olivia B
......
Sigh... Let me guess. You're in this one today?
Eep! I-Inigo?! Er, what a coincidence!
Yes, you just happened to find yourself hiding in a barrel. What ARE the chances? Mother, PLEASE stop trying to spy on me while I practice! You've climbed trees, hidden under bridges, painted yourself in ridiculous camouflage... The time you jumped out from that waterfall nearly gave me a waterfall in my pants!
But I want to see you dance!
Random people from the camp keep coming across you and raving about it! I'm your mother, and I haven't seen you dance even once! How is that fair?!
I'm sorry, but having people see moves that I'm still working on is mortifying. You're as shy as I am. You HAVE to know how I feel. ...Don't you?
Oh...
W-well, if you're so shy, why do you spend each day hitting on every girl you find?!
Heh, you of all people should know the answer to that one. After all, you're the reason I developed this flirting habit in the first place!
What?! I most certainly am not!
Yes you are! When I was little, I was even more shy than you are now. I came to you in tears asking how to be more comfortable around people. And you said the fastest way for a man to practice bravery was to talk to women!
...Oh, gods. What in the world was my future self thinking?
I believe you said it was advice a good friend once gave you. Anyway, I gave it a try, and it worked! ...Surprisingly enough.
And then it became a habit?
Apparently so. But whatever you want to call it, I owe it all to you.
I'm sorry...
What? Why? Don't apologize. If I want to help people with my dancing, I need to become as alluring as possible. If I can't talk my way into a date or five, I know I've still got a long ways to go. Flirting is another part of my training. ...With its own benefits, naturally. So, really. I'm thankful.
W-well, I suppose as long as it's helped you...
It has, and it does! So you don't need to worry about me so much, okay? Now, come on. It's nearly time for supper. (Leaves)
It's such a relief to hear he has good reasons for all that skirt chasing. Hee hee! Though I'd love to see a girl's face when he says his mother sent him...
But wait-I still didn't get to see him dance today! I lugged this barrely in here and everything. ...Ugh, how embarrassing.