Perl whistled as they entered an extravagant room. Marble pillars and gold accents while large portions of the floor were lush green grass. Troughs that were connected to large barrels of wine while cushions and pillows were piled high. Mares rested all around the room, on the pillows or grazing.

“A horse living in the lap of luxury...why am I not used to weird things like this?” Perl questioned.

“Yeah,” Shiro said. “Why are you still surprised. Anyway…” Shiro takes a deep breath and cups his hands around his mouth. “Hey Slippy! Get out here!”

A loud voice boomed from somewhere in the room.

“Call me that again and I’ll crush your skull!”

Perl jumped at that and grabbed Shiro’s arm. Shiro smirked at her.

“Just had to find an excuse to touch me huh?” Perl smacks his arm and lets go, stepping back blushing. That was when she noticed the sound of hooves on marble and looked up to see the multi legged steed. She takes in the horse’s majestic form with stars in her eyes.

“So the prodigal son returns,” Sleipnir said. He eyes Perl. “So, this is the girlfriend you brought.”

Perl blushed and shifted nervously.

“I’m….not his girlfriend.”

“We are just here because we have a proposition for you,” Shiro said. “We wish to prank my brothers but as it would normally make her a bit uncomfortable, Perl only agreed to do it if she was given the chance to ride you.” Sleipnir looked interested.

“And exactly what type of prank are you planning to request this of me?”

“Well, Perl is going to flirt with them and right when they think they are about to get lucky…” Shiro looked at Perl who smirked.

“Exit, stage right!” She said as she dashed behind Shiro. Without breaking stride, from the other side of Shiro, Micro slid out. “Ta Da!”

Sleipnir let out a short whinny of laughter before turning back toward Shiro.

“Make sure to record it and they can ride me all day.” Sleipnir tilts his head to the side. “Or at least that Perl one can.”

Micro face palmed at that. It was bad enough with Shiro.

“Is something the matter boy?” Sleipnir said and Micro jumped, thinking he insulted the mighty steed.

“No! I’m sorry…” He hesitated. “What is the proper way to address you?”

“Your highness will do?” Sleipnir said and Micro slightly bowed.

“I’m sorry for any implied insult your highness.” Shiro scoffed.

“You aren’t royalty you damn pony.” Shiro said.

“Bitch I’m more regal than you could ever be,” Sleipnir responded. Micro laughed before switching back to Perl.

“I think Shiro might just be jealous of certain horse-like qualities you have,” Perl said. Sleipnir raised an eyebrow.

“Despite my joke before, you aren’t my type.” Perl went crimson from her joke being turned on her.

“That’s not how I meant it you-!” She held her tongue as she didn’t want to insult him. Sleipnir and Shiro laughed.

“See, I told you they were easy to tease,” Shiro said.

“You’re right. This is fun.” Perl crossed her arms and pouted which caused Sleipnir to whinny in laughter. “And adorable to boot. I can see why you are so keen to sleep with her.”

“Let’s...move on,” Shiro said, for once the slight dusting of blush came to his cheeks. Perl felt a bit better at that.

“So the mighty facade of Shiro falls before a horse,” she chuckled. Then she paled and turned to Sleipnir. “Not to insult you by comparing you to a simple horse your grace.” Sleipnir stared at her.

“Don’t be a kiss ass girl.” Perl chuckled sheepishly and rubbed the back of her head.

“Um...shall we go?” Shiro nodded and Perl walked off with him. A message to the rest of the group told them that things had moved to an entertainment room where Magni and Modi had decided to share some of their battle stories with the group.

“Ok,” Shiro said. “I’ll go in and make up some excuse about you needing to leave and then say how Perl is coming. You send them a message to play along.”

“Got it,” Perl said as she sent out the message.

“You sure you’re up for this?” Shiro asked. Perl shifted a bit nervously.

“Well...do you think they will be handsy? I mean, Frida is teaching me a bit about seduction, flirtation, and everything else. She even suggested taking me on a mission before to get information. And what if they get upset and Magni tries to crush me?”

“Don’t worry about that,” Shiro said. “Those two are way too awkward around women to touch them without express permission. As for the crushing… isn’t your DEX over 400 with all your boosts. You’ll be fine. Trust me, they aren’t that fast.”

“That’s...good to know,” Perl said, her eyebrow slightly twitching. “Oh...and Shiro.”

“What’s up?”

“Thanks for no making things awkward. I’m...I’m glad that things are back to normal between us.”

“You mean me flirting and you blushing?” Perl, fittingly, blushed again and nodded. Shiro smirked. “Anytime.”

“So,” Perl said as she prepared to force her awkwardness behind her Gamer’s Mind. “Should I go full flirt or build up to the lewd comments?”

“Build up. You might need to be a bit blunt with them though as they admittedly aren’t the sharpest tools in the shed when it comes to dealing with lovely ladies.” Perl rolls her eyes.

“How does Sweetie deal with you?” Perl said.

“She gives as good as she gets.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “In every sense of the word.”

Perl was left mouth agape as Shiro entered the room the others were in, leaving her to prepare for her entrance.

Author's Notes:

The fun really starts next chapter. Enjoy!