ℜ ➳ ⟨ “Oh man, you totally got me!” He laughs back— it’s nice, to have friends. To be a normal kid, for a second. The difference between most people and Raz Is his crazy super strength, and massive endurance. Growing up in the circus does things to you. But he keeps the race close, for Wendy’s sake. ⟩
She huffs in mock anger, knowing she might not win this race. It was downright freaky how fast Raz could run, but at least it meant she didn’t have to worry as much about him being in the forest so often. “I’m pretty sure you’re breaking a speed limit,” she laughs at her joke, now just trying to keep up with him. Dang, the kid was fast.
ℜ ➳ ⟨ “You know I don’t pick on purpose.” Raz huffs, in mock anger. “We are friends, in a way— he’s my mentor. That’s about as close As he’ll ever let me get.” He explains, “That’s just how he is. And, well— the invasions of privacy are just how I am.” ⟩
"Oh hush, you know I’m kidding.“ This statement is punctuated with a light punch to his arm and a breezy chuckle. "I just don’t want you to get singled out for dangerous missions all the time. I worry about you, y'know?”
ℜ ➳ ⟨ Raz shakes his head vigorously— ”You don’t know Sasha.” He laughs, “That’s the worst idea.” He crosses his arms, giving his old friend a smile, now. ”Like literally the worst idea to ever be thought— He’s very closed.” ⟩
One green orb crinkles at the corner; Wendy is beyond amused by his reaction. “Here’s a novel thought.” She talks slowly, thinking over how to phrase what to say. She leans on her axe, one hand lazily scratching her chin. “Have you considered befriending your boss instead of trying to pick at his brain?”
ℜ ➳ ⟨ “No I just occasionally giggle and he eventually catches on.” Raz explains, “He’s got this mass of tacky lamps in there— the stained glass sort of— They’re weird. I’m still trying to dig around, figure out where they’re from.” ⟩
Wendy can’t say she’s surprised by this explanation—she had also experienced Raz’s talents throughout high school. She was curious as to whathe had dug up on his boss, but she wasn’t going to pry. “Tacky lamps? Maybe he just needs an interior designer, dude. Have you ever tried just asking him about them?”
ℜ ➳ ⟨ “If I knew, I’d tell you!” He laughs, “But I don’t. Maybe I’ll remember after I beat you at Fight Fighters.” He jumps from his perch, giving her a devious grin— “Last one there’s player two! Race you!” ⟩
"Then you’ll never remember!“ She laughs at her own joke before tearing off after him towards the town. They were pretty evenly matched considering their heights and Wendy was pleased by the challenge—none of her other friends were willing to run ever. Even in the face of danger.
ℜ ➳ ⟨ “Totally! That’s what friends are for, right?” He offers her a smile, “There was something else, but I think I forgot what it was— oops.” ⟩
“You can’t just say something like that and not expect me to get curious!” Still, she’s laughing—she knows she might never know what he had in mind, and she’s okay with it. “Wanna go to the arcade and play a round of Fight Fighters?”
ℜ ➳ ⟨“That’s brilliant, Wendy! I’ll get her a cactus. Lili would love that. The sort with a little flower on it, too— I forget what they’re called.” He gives the girl a wide grin, "You’re a genius.” ⟩
“It’s nothing.” She bows her head modestly, secretly pleased that he likes her idea so much. “Seriously, it was a no brainer. You’d do the same for me in a pinch.”
ℜ ➳ ⟨ “We’ve been together seven years— so you’re starting to see my problem, right? What do I get her that I haven’t already?” Raz laughs sheepishly. “She’s— Independent and strong and she loves plants. She’s sarcastic but witty, and Talents, she can do anything she puts her mind to. It’s just— like What do you get the girl who has everything?” ⟩
"Hm…” Wendy taps her chin in thought as she ponders this problem. She’d have to meet this mystery girl at some point, but right now she was going to help Raz come up with a cool gift. “Yeah, I see whatcha’ mean. You could get her a cactus. Cactuses are pretty neat.”
ℜ ➳ ⟨ “I had a question. About girls— ” She’s the only other one he knows. I don’t know what to get my girlfriend for her birthday. Think you could help a dude out?” Well, he could call Crystal— Or Kitty, or Chloe or one of the other girls, but— they were never much help. ⟩
“Yeah, no problem! What’s she like? How long have you guys been together?” Wendy was flattered that he had come to her for dating stuff—she wasn’t the girliest girl or anything like that. “Like, it’s not too hard to think of a good gift if you know her well enough, y'know?”
6 years ago
