Kuromaru's head whipped around, his single ear flattening back, shoulders rounding. Tsume buried a steadying hand in her pup's ruff. "We thought it was attractive. What have you been doing while you were out?" She could verbally dance with the best of them, and if he wanted to distract with questions she was happy to play--and go right back to hers.

The fact that he hadn't answered was interesting. The fact that he'd upset Kuromaru meant all bets were off.

The pub she'd been steering them toward loomed on her right. She led Kuromaru in, marking his no longer wagging tail, and found a booth in the corner.