"Mmes?" Sheena said as best he could with his face squashed into her palm.

"What did I tell you?"

"Mmut..." Sheena sagged, his arms going limp by his sides, hanging from Valeria's hand like she was the only thing holding him upright.

Valeria sighed and recited, "I don't care what you do, as long as you stay alive, don't get into trouble, don't make Toran or your father look bad, and don't hit on me."

"Mmut..." Sheena said again, one brown puppy-dog eye shining at Valeria between her splayed fingers. Valeria scowled and tightened her fingers until Sheena's cheeks bulged out between them. Sheena hummed out a muffled yelp and fell silent.

"Stand here--" Valeria shoved Sheena backwards by his face until his back smacked up against the stone wall. "--and watch the people go by--" She loosened her fingers experimentally. "--and don't bother me." Her hand fell to her side. Sheena slumped against the wall, giving her the full benefit of both puppy-dog eyes now, a perfect pink handprint shining on his face.

"But--"

"No."

"Not even a--"

"No."

"Not even one--"

"No!"