Chris and Zeven rode out on horseback into the little town. Hitching their horses to the post outside Brennan's house, he ushered her over to the carriage that was stopped a little ways on.
He offered his hand to her, helping her up into the carriage. She took it with a soft smile, placing her palm in his larger one.
When she was safely up, he followed suit. Hoisting himself on the foot step and then inside.
It was a lush compartment. Crushed velvet seats, padded on both the bottom and the back. Dark curtains to keep out prying eyes. And a light at the crest of the roof that showed down in warm tones.
Zeven wasted no time once the carriage began moving. He removed his shoes and sat them to the side on the floor before stretching his long legs up on either side of Chris.
"Is that really how you sit?"
"Is there something wrong with it?" He shifted his weight as he leaned back against the plush bench.
"I thought you were just being an ass the first time you did that."
Zeven let out a stiff laugh, "I was. But truth be told, carriage rides make me sleepy… something about the rocking and swaying. Besides, we have a few hours to kill unless you have a better idea that involves rocking and swaying." He lifted his head just enough for her to see him wink suggestively.
"No thanks."
"I'll table it for another time then." He yawned, sliding further down in his seat. His legs kept Chris from moving much more than a few centimeters to each side. And with each bump she felt him brush up against her.
He shifted in the seat again causing his knee to knock into her side.
"Enough, sit up like an adult and put your legs down."
Zeven moved slowly, drawing his legs back in one at a time. He didn't put them back on the floor, instead he kept them curled against his chest. Leaning forward, he rested his chin on his knees and looked at Chris. Trying his best to look pitiful.
It worked, with a sigh she amended her previous statement.
"Fine. You can stretch your legs out, but I don't want them touching me. Scoot over and just put them off to the side."
"But I like feeling you close."
"Well I don't like it, it makes me feel caged."
"Then," he stood up as much as the confined space would let him, keeping himself steady with a hand on the wall and switched over to the same side Chris was on, "Is this better?"
"For now, but I'm sure you'll find a way to ruin this too."
"Probably," he laughed softly, his voice growing sleepy. Without pause, he leaned to the side. Using his arm to slowly guide him down into her lap.
"Hey, who said you could do that?"
"Shhh. I'm sleeping."
"Then why are you talking?"
Zeven made an obnoxious snoring sound, before cracking open one eye look up at Chris who was already looking down at him.