stuff us in boxes that's where you want us

cardboard is boring, we brought our matches - look how it burns

Alright, Harley had to admit as the warlock went to live up to his claim of being a pro mini-putter, and the claim of wanting to impress her. The tell-tale edge of playfulness danced within his voice when he did. He certainly had swagger, it was more than in the way he talked, it was how he moved too. A little bit of casual glancing never hurt anyone and Mihai was unable to rat on her. Sly took that shot with all the confidence in the world, one that didn't quite translate into his first hit. That ball had a mind of its own, going straight into the gutter. It would likely take him one shot to get it out and another to try and make the hole.

He seemed to hold true that his shot was, excellent. Were they looking at the same ball? Harley gave the blond warlock a clearly skeptical look, she was not born yesterday. He claimed it was 'close'. Her lips pulled into smirk, well if Mr. Daring and dangerous professional putter played like that, she just might actually just beat him. Or at least have a chance. It was a flicker of fire, a quick blur of movement that zipped across the putting green like a comet that snagged her attention.

Mihai. The sneaky familiar took the shape of a jovial Spaniel and stole that rogue golf ball only to drop it into the hole where Sly declared a hole in one. The raven-haired spitfire was certainly supposed to feel far more cheated than she actually was. Amusement sparked as the cute spaniel form that Mihai took seemed utterly delighted in himself, his all too canine form taking on the mannerisms of a perky pup whose tail wagged furiously, those flames struggled to keep up with the wild tempo. That look upon his face when he returned looked nothing short of prideful like he said, 'see! I did a thing.' Those two were quite the pair, working synonymously together effortlessly. Even though, technically they were one in the same. Perhaps it shouldn't have been news and yet, naughty behaviour included, it was cute to watch. Even she hadn't become that callus it would seem. Good to know. Sly seemed to reinforce the behaviour further with a brief scratch. That wry grin then seemed to pull at the witty warlock's lips as he was quick to reply to her faux-offended words.

He argued that he didn't really cheat. That it was moved by natural forces outside of his control. Maybe Mihai deserved his own ball and win against them both. Perhaps it was too late for that suggestion.

Harley lightly rolled her eyes and slowly shook her head at those so-called natural forces that were at play. "Ah, I see what you mean.. But these natural forces only made it that much harder for you. You set the bar, really high." Her vivacious, violet eyes flicked downward to the flaming familiar before she voiced that she thought they were friends. Mihai barked in response and she swore... she saw that wry look within those canine-like features. How the flaming canine seemed to appreciate her words as his chest dipped toward the ground into an adorable play bow that caused her lips to quirk upward. Its almost like that flaming familiar liked her.

She didn't have much time to consider it for too long before the warlock stole her attention with a challenge. How could she say no to that when he had so thoroughly piqued her interest? It was almost like he knew her weakness. Now he flirted with that very knowledge. Hm. 2 shots. He bent the rules so there was no reason why she couldn't too. Not that the woman was very good at obeying rules to begin with. Although, she wouldn't call her use of metal manipulation... natural forces.... But she would like to see him try to call her out on it. She perked up with a confident sort of cockiness that clearly was not hindered by her height as she took the metaphorical stage. She swore she could feel his bright blue eyes upon her as she lined up that first shot. She was almost curious enough to catch that gaze, but she had a task to do. She needed to focus, at least a little.

Her first hit. Well, it could have gone better, but it was better than his 'technically' first and that was all she needed, just to clear the maze of plastic animal legs so she could use her powers without obstruction. An all too smug look crossed her features as she looked over at the blond over her shoulder with a clearly mischievous expression as she declared... 'One'. He was watching, they both were with an almost uncanny similar look upon their faces. Maybe she was imagining it, but she did not linger long, only to see that Sly's lips turned into a grin as he uttered those 'fighting words' Beginners luck. HA! A snort left her lips. "So when luck fails...."

Once set up for that obvious next shot, with that purposeful pause dangling there as she used her powers to 'possess' the metal putter and gently urge that ball into the hole. It required a little bit of focus but how pleased the raven-haired woman was with her own shot. That required at least some talent. She was certain. In fact, she would argue it was better than any kind of beginner's luck she could manufacture. That ball slipped into the hole victoriously with Sly's ball and she straightened her spine with clear confidence before concluding her words. "Resourcefulness is key." Two. She uttered those words before eyeing her companion as he claimed he should have seen it coming.

Her jaw dropped in mock surprise. "You calling me predictable?" A dark brow rose a fraction in an almost daring expression, that playful hint to her own tone unmistakable. Harley then moved to grab her putter and pluck both balls from the hole, ready for the next course. Hey she didn't regret a thing... she wanted the information he dangled like a carrot in front of a horse. He had to know that she would show up to that challenge with bells and whistles. If he didn't, he would now. It probably didn't help that she could be a little competitive when those irresistible moments rose.

However, as Sly drew toward her to collect his own ball she took a step backwards placing those balls behind her back as she wanted him to make good on his deal. Those narrowed eyes certainly were a look enough that made most men nervous. Not Sly. In fact, he almost seemed more relaxed, perfectly, unflappable just like he'd been that night they had met, at least for the most part. A good-natured chuckle escaped him as he conceded to their deal. He leaned onto his own putter easily, making it seem like he naturally rested in that position all the time. He nodded toward his flaming companion that remained at his side as Harley listened intently to his explanation of his routine. Sly moonlit as a street performer!

"I admit, I did not see that one coming." How many questions burned into her mind at that moment as she eyed him with open curiosity. How big were those creatures he made? What kind of stories were they? "That does explain all the knowledge on mythical creatures you have. That must really come in handy for your show. Do you make up your own beasts and lore or is it something you read?" Did he dress in a costume? Suddenly his confident swagger all seemed to make sense. A showman at the core. Surely it hadn't been a mistake that he mentioned the actual night and where it was.

Sly continued on that it was quite the treat for most people, the show being PG to keep it family-friendly. Hm. Although he mentioned that it was less enjoyable for his own community he admitted gave him some trouble. A frown settled upon her features. "I feel like there is way more to that story." Wasn't there always? " You can always count on someone to try and rain on your parade. But what I don't get is... The magical community sells spells and all kinds of magical stuff, right? So what if you use your magic? It's not hurting anyone." Kind of hypocritical. They were really going to give him shit for a couple of hundred dollars and wowing the crowd with Mihai? What the hell were some people's problems? She could see the clear frown upon his attractive features as if the thought bothered him. It only confirmed that those disagreements were slightly more than 'nothing serious'. It wasn't her place to pry and yet she damn well wanted to. In fact, she felt that second-hand irritation for him. Which was rare considering she had heard of a lot from all kinds of people.

Regardless, it didn't seem to stop Sly from continuing his show. That said a lot about him.

Sly then steered that conversation back to the game at hand as he gestured to the next one, the pair moving toward the next course. Some 'little life on the prairie' kind of scene with a windmill obstacle included. He claimed that if he could get the hole in four shots, a far more realistic goal than his first. Especially considering this one seemed far more elaborate than the last. But what he wanted to win was something 'good' about her. What did that even mean? Something more personal? Like her musical taste? A story? Something that not many knew about? Well, there were plenty of choices to choose from. Too many. Some that clearly shouldn't be brought up. Although, what was considered good seemed... subjective. Although she had to admit that she liked that he had no qualms working for it.

The warlock claimed she just couldn't say her star sign. He then came forward as a Leo, and they explained they were supposed to be theatrical. Well, a Leo suited him then. Brave and had bravado like a lion. "A theatrical magician.. Who would have thought?" She quipped. "You are so lucky I don't know squat about astrology besides what my clients tell me. Do you know some people use that to know if they are compatible with someone? Like they don't know themselves? Although, I am a Taurus, so take what you want from that. Willful? Stubborn? Pfft." She eyed the next course briefly before agreeing.

"Alright. Four shots or less without Mihai's help seems fair." She stepped forward to offer him his hostage ball back. "So if I can get my shot in.... roughly the same. You have to show me a taste of your performance, later. Sound good?" Later made sense. They didn't need to get thrown out before the second hole. They had only just gotten started and she was clearly discovering a new talent she didn't know she had.

She leaned in just a little so her shoulder gently bumped into him. Her voice kept low for just his ears alone.

"You sure you don't want to bump it up to five without Mihai's help?" It looks like she wasn't the only one capable of fighting words.

Harley Westward