Story - Camp Life [Part 8]

[Author's note: Sometimes I go through weeks before I can get a story part published...other times I put out two parts within the same day. It's weird like that sometimes. Then again, I'm also enjoying the comradery between Addams and Mirei. This feels like a natural continuation from part 4 and I'm very pleased with how it came out. Speaking of Part 4, the events in this part come a little after what was said in Part 4 Also, I did want to mention that the favor Addams references in this piece was previously mentioned in part 15 of Welcome to Outlaw Country] -- We return to Addams, Mirei, and Mei-Lin. Addams and Mirei are inspecting yet another vehicle while Mei-Lin has fallen asleep (due to the boredom of hearing two adults talking at length). Previously, Mirei was trying to subtly get information from Addams, regarding Morris, but her efforts weren't very successful. She now thinks she should forget about subtlety and just ask Addams what she wants to know. “Hey Addams?” “Yeah?” “You've known Morris for a good while, right?” Here it is. Here's the moment Addams was expecting, but he was not expecting Mirei to be this blunt about it. Perhaps it was his earlier teasing that has caused her to be more direct? “Yeah. We met before the Russo Federal Union War started, so that puts it around seven years ago...” Addams turns to Mirei and gives her a knowing look. “...well, I've known him long enough to know you're going to want to use that favor I owe you, that is if you're really looking to win him over.” Mirei is shocked. “W-what? I didn't- I...that's to say...what made you think I... As Mirei stammers on, Addams crosses his arms and gives Mirei a knowing smirk. Mirei sees this and decides to give up and speak honestly. “It's just I- I...ugh, forget it. Yes! I'm want you to help me win over Morris! But...how did you know?” Addams is dumbfounded by what he just heard. “How did I know? HOW DID I KNOW?! Mirei, if we can be 100% honest here...you weren't exactly subtle earlier today. You do remember earlier today, right? When Hardev and I came back to see you wrapping yourself around Morris's arm like a python. Please don't tell me you thought that was being subtle!” Addams has a good laugh while Mirei facepalms and groans in despair. “ARGH! Oh god, how could I have messed this up so much! UGH!” Addams puts a supportive hand on Mirei's shoulder and tries to talk her down. “Relax Mirei, no harm was done. As a matter of fact, I can tell you, with 100% certainty, that the only two people unaware of your 'subtleties' were 1) You and 2) Morris himself.” There is hope in Mirei's eyes. “So...you don't think he knows I was flirting with him? “Lucky, or unlucky for you, Morris is incapable to knowing when a woman is hitting on him. It's almost like a very stupid superpower a bad superhero would have. Years ago, back when he and I used to bar-hop, he would always liken himself to a 'tiger on the prowl' when looking for a woman. However, when a woman shows interest in him...he can't see it. You holding onto his arm like you did earlier? He probably thinks something stupid, like 'wow, the women here in Outlaw Country are really friendly, aren't they?'” The two have a good laugh and continue on with their conversation.