---
"Oh no," Fizz said, eyes huge with theatrical innocence. "What could I possibly think? Two lips attempting a tongue shake... Two mouths playing chicken. The air calling for a referee."
Sera found the shred of steel that had survived the blush. "Fizz."
He spun, fork lifted again as if it could serve as a baton. "Please schedule your scandal after I finish my pie. I can only handle one intense experience per room."
"Stop," John said. He reached out, caught the small creature with one hand, and pressed his fingers across Fizz's mouth. "Enough man."
Fizz's words compressed into muffled syllables that still somehow managed to carry sarcasm. "Mmmf. Mmm. Mff. Umma."
John looked at Sera, and the apology came easily because it was the only thing that could stand upright in the room. "I am sorry. I did not mean to put you in a position that could harm your reputation. I do not want gossip to put its hands on you. Forgive me."
