Denise
*And then... The piece of wood hit her head- Then she started to rub it a few times over.*
"What's your problem-? Who *Hurt* You?" *She was mildly aggravated by the sudden flick of wood to her face, that much was obvious. And it seemed as if she hadn't gotten the best control over her temper, either.*

*With a little more pushing and annoyances? Reaper probably could get her to fight him, more than likely-*
*But, that would require him to actively pursue that fight and it looked as if she was mostly harmless anyhow-*
*It would all come down to Reaper and whatever he would have to say or do next.*
Paul
*That was the goal alright! Although, considering his recent endeavors, he wouldn't mind a break, either. Whatever the case, he had an inkling on how to prod her.*

*And that was with an oh-so rude poke of his needle!* "Not looking to deal with any kids today." *He casually approached and repeatedly poked at her feet with the tip of his needle.* "Goodbye." *His defenses were down and his prodding lazy.*
Denise
*The more pokes he would give, the angrier she became. Her nose began to wrinkle up as she growled and then finally released some pent up aggression- Kids!? She wasn't even a kid! Excitable? Sure! But, this 'mon and how he was? It was just a bother!*

*She couldn't tell that this lazy prodding with his lack of defence was more than likely a rouse to play her up and get her angrier, but... Alas- She wouldn't understand that. She would simply attempt to flick him away with one of her paws, wanting to not cause too much trouble, but not let him get away with being an aggravating nuisance to her! Besides? She had been having a good-ish day! It wasn't like he could ruin her mood that badly, right?*

*WRONG! She was getting heated, and it was clear that a little more could push her over the edge and quick-*
Paul
*This was it. This was the moment.* I could do it. She looks... Excitable. *As she went to flick him, he gained a look of alertness and raised his needle- even if it was a minor gesture for her, a flick was formidable to him, and as such it requires deflecting.*

*With a* Twing, *He claw bounced off, and the mouse took a few steps back- only to blur away using a `Quick Attack`, forgoing the actual attacking part of the move to utilize its speed and, with a dart to her left, then up, then with a graceful plop-*

*-He landed on her nose, giving her a light kick to the eye (not withstanding should she react).* "Is that the best you can do?" *He smirked, lighthearted, stance serious but feigning a look of summer whim.*