we know its broken, but here we are

The girl's reaction is different than he is used to. She's bold, audacious, nearly reckless. He can tell that she's assessing, calculating, being careful, just enough that it won't get her killed, but definitely toeing a line. Being so close to her, their breaths intermingling, her campfire and sage scent invading his nostrils, he has to hold back the rumble in his chest. She too is prettier than the girls back home, he can't deny that.

His smirk lingers, enjoying the way she nearly purrs the donned nickname. Jiro can tell she's younger by her shape and behavior, but it won't be long before she comes into her own, he can tell she'll wear it proudly. Her own bestowed nickname, Freckles, elicits a hearty chuckle from him. "Yes, I am quite adept at the healing arts," Jiro replies, gaze still lingering on her fiery pools, unmoving as they stare each other down.

Before he can make anther move or speak another word, she's lashing out at his chest. Bright, white teeth gleam in the dim light, barely giving him time to register. Fortunately for her, his body is bulky and being fast is not his forte. Her teeth grasp around a clump of fur and tug hard before being released. This time, he does unleash the rumbling growl from his throat as he steps closer, fully invading her space, chin tilted downward to look directly at her.

"Did you enjoy that?" Jiro's heady voice is low and dark, a hidden meaning behind what he says as he lowers his face closer. Taking another step forward, his knee brushing against her chest, firmly pushing her backward until she's backed against the nearest rocky wall. Though he limps, the splint limiting his movements, it won't deter him enough to allow her to try and push him around. Lifting his paw to press it against her shoulder, pinning her to the wall, he slides his lips and nose along her cheek until it rests beneath her ear.

"They may allow you to do that wherever you come from, Inferno Princess, but it will be the last time you try anything stupid with me," he pushes danger into his tones, nearly hissing as his warm breath spreads across her ear and cheek. A smirk curls the edges of his lips before he pulls away suddenly, lowering his paw back to the stone floor and moving a few inches out of her personal bubble.