Sun Mote Copse Brave as a noun

She didn't seem terribly pleased by his acceptance, which baffled him. He had given his apology previously, when they had talked before, and she had outright rejected it. Phox didn't see the need to make that apology a second time, considering her reaction on the first go around. Even now, he didn't make the connection as to why she was huffing and puffing, but he had a feeling she just wanted...

Oh, there it was. She wanted him to yell at her. Phox gave her a incredulous look. Who in their right mind would prefer that? He supposed he had his answer to that question. Ah, was all he could manage. Phox licked his lips, then let his hindquarters rest on the ground. I don't really do that. As if that wasn't obvious enough.

All his usual conversational go-tos like kids were off the table right now, at least with her, and he struggled with what to say next. Is that, uh, something you need? "In a partner" was implied, although he didn't push it in that direction. Phox was finding that talking to her was more like walking on sharp rocks.