Thankfully Collision hears him and responds immediately. In spite of Gent’s foul mood, hearing the friendliness in Collision’s tone lifts his heart a little, and he returns Collision’s infectious smile. At the overo stallion’s question, Gent snorts more water from his nostrils and tosses his wet forelock out of his face.

“Swimmingly,” he replies sarcastically, his blue eyes motioning to the sky. “In fact, if this keeps up that might take on a very literal meaning.”

Gent takes a moment to imagine the Lagoon becoming a water world in which the bachelors all have to adapt by growing gills and fins. Wouldn’t that nicely upset Cullen’s plans? Gent’s lips twitch with amusement at the thought before he returns his attention to Collision. He searches the stallion’s face for any indication that he has an idea of why Gent had wanted to talk to him, but of course there is nothing: nothing that he can pick up on, at least. Why would good old honest Collision suspect anything?

Honest, Gent thinks, and reminds himself to be careful. Much as he likes Collision, he doesn’t want him unwittingly letting anything slip to Cullen.

“And how are you?” Gent asks him. “All prepped and ready for the big fight yet?”