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Cassie's eyes slid out of focus as Erron struggled to hide his shaking shoulders under the ragged cloak. The mask could only do so much to obscure the laughter when the youngest Cage decided to act up in Raiden's meetings. He crossed his arms and tipped his hat down over his eyes.
The Kombatants around the table were unsure as to how she got away with mocking the lightning god while his back was turned. It was almost as if he had a purposeful blind spot where Cassandra Cage was concerned.
Well… yes and no, in Erron's observation. It was more that Raiden didn't quite understand her brand of sarcastic humor or was being belligerently obtuse to it. It was quite similar to Johnny's, but she knew how to suddenly deadpan in a way that allowed her to snark circles around the god. It was one of the most impressive displays of insubordination that Erron had ever seen in his long lifespan.
She was currently pulling a good old Scooby-Doo bit of mocking Raiden's movements and exaggerating every facial movement. He was giving his usual rant about the safety and security of Earthrealm, arms outstretched in a display of strength and righteous fury. Behind him Cassie had struck a similar pose, hands up instead of arms, hopping back and forth between caricatures of a leader and a hapless, loyal soldier. Erron coughed as Raiden began to turn toward her, drawing his attention.
"Black, are you well?" the demigod asked, dropping his hands.
The nomad shrugged. "Sorry, sir. It's drier than Outworld in here."
Raiden gave him a hard look. "Right. Dismissed."
Cassie scooted out behind the gunslinger, keeping her face just as emotionless as Erron's mask. They wordlessly passed the crowd for the elevator, heading toward the enclosed stairwell. The soldier finally grinned as the heavy fire door closed.
"Thanks for having my back, cowboy," she said, adjusting the tablet in her arms.
Erron tipped his hat politely, dark eyes twinkling up at her as she took a few steps up the stairs. "Happy to oblige, ma'am. He was blustering on for way too long. Ain't his brother supposed to be the wind god?"
"I still can't believe that they're related," Cassie chuckled, grinning broadly. "I thought you didn't do loyalty favors."
The nomad thought for a moment. "I don't. I fully expect payment."
Cassie whistled. "Damn. Forgot my wallet in my locker. Could you settle for an I.O.U.?"
"So long as you're good for it." Erron stopped as she placed her hands on his shoulders, tilting his chin up to look at her.
"Are you seriously questioning my integrity?" she asked, cocking a brow.
"Give me a reason to trust the military and maybe I won't have any doubts at all," he replied, hooking his thumbs into his belt.
Cassie wrinkled her nose, glaring down at him from her higher step. Well, this was a turn. Usually, it was him looking down at her.
She bent down and gave him a kiss on the temple, bouncing back quickly. "There. That's your ticket. You can cash it in for a drink later."
Erron watched her bound up the stairs, ponytail swishing back and forth.
Yeah, he'd cash that I.O.U. in very soon.