And there it was, just the reaction he had been hoping for. It seemed that she hadn’t noticed him at all until now, leaping up with such a start at the sound of his voice. As she turned to look at him, hand over her chest from the shock, he let loose a bout of laughter. Blue eyes closed for a moment as he laughed. That had been perfect! His laughter slowed down and his eyes opened back up when the girl finally managed to speak up. She was apologizing to him? Well wasn’t that just precious. The boy shook his head as he spoke. Haha, no, man, no. You’re good, he said, a pleased grin spreading on his maw. Ah, I’m sorry, just couldn’t resist getting a good scare in, ya know? You were just so zoned our there.
He glanced over at the ocean horizon that had so captivated her for just a moment before turning back to her. Jackson supposed he should try to use some of those manners he had, now that he’d had his fun. So, hey, I’m Jackson. Resident trickster and firestarter here in Anathema, he said. That damn grin was still on his maw—but man, had he gotten her good! Look at all the fun he’d been missing out on while being a lonely hermit in the forests the past few weeks.