"I think the two are mutually exclusive," she said, crossing her arms. "No matter. There's no need to look pretty in battle. I've always known that." * * * "You're killin' it, Sparky. What are you doing right now?" * * * She looked bewildered by this. "When was the first time?" * * * He sighed, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "It isn't your fault. I have... some things on my mind."
"Really? Why not distract your enemies?" *** She tilted her head. "What do you mean?" *** "Before I joined you." *** She folded her hands. "Is everything okay?"
She laughed lowly, tucking her hair behind her ear. "I would if I could, but I am unfortunately quite plain. It's no worry, though. I wear a helmet." * * * "Like, what is next on your agenda? Want to hang out?" * * * "Oh... right. That. I'm sorry, I'm not doing very well at studying." * * * "What?" he asked, looking down at her. "Of course."
He rolled his eyes. "Alright, then. Shall we?" *** She nodded slowly, looking thoughtful. "I'd like that." *** She shrugged. "Just making sure."
"Lead the way," she said, gesturing with her free hand. * * * He nodded, dropping her hand. "Great. Do you want me to drive?" * * * He squinted before softening. "How's it going at home?"
"Uh.. I'm not sure where to find them." *** "Sure," she said. "Where do you want to go?" *** "That's alright. I don't really mind anyways. Do you need a ride home?" *** She frowned. "At home? Uh.. Same as usual, I guess."
She looked amused before rolling her shoulders. "They might have gone home for the day..." * * * "Hm... want to go on a hike?" * * * She stood up, gathering her books. "No, that's alright, I can walk." * * * "So... better than it was?"
"Yeah, probably. Tomorrow, then?" *** "A hike?" she asked curiously, a small smile crossing her expression. "Sure." *** "Are you sure? I didn't bring the motorcycle." *** She looked mildly uncomfortable. "I don't know. It's fine. Are you going somewhere after this?"
"Good idea," she said slowly, yawning sleepily. "I'm going to try to drive home, then." * * * "Great," he said eagerly. "Do you need anything from home?" * * * This seemed to tempt her, and she hesitated before shaking her head with a small smile. "That's okay. I don't want to be an inconvenience." * * * "I was going to go on a walk. Do you want to come?"
"Try..?" *** She shook her head. "Nah. Let's go." *** He squinted. "Either let me take you or I'm walking with you." *** She nodded. "I'd like that."
"You said it yourself," she said sleepily, heading towards the parking lot. "I'm tired." * * * "Okay, well, I need stuff from my home. Do you mind if we take a quick stop?" * * * She sighed, raising one eyebrow. "I live a bit far away. You remember that, right?" * * * He nodded, sticking his hands in his pockets. "Okay, then."
"You're gonna, like, crash..." *** "I don't mind." She grinned. "I'm excited." *** He folded his arms. "I recall." *** She started walking, her gaze thoughtful.
"No, I won't," she said, waving him off. "I can see the future, probably." * * * "You should be. I know how to climb hills super well." * * * She huffed before relenting. "At least let me pay for gas." * * * He followed her. "Is your halo physical?"
"Can I drive you?" *** She raised an eyebrow. "Using your wings?' *** He waved it off, standing up. "You don't have to do that. Let's go." *** She reached into a bag and pulled out a round, golden ring. It was the color of gold but had the texture of glass. "I keep it in my bag because it gets annoying over my head."
"What? No, you don't have to do that. I can drive." * * * "Using my thick calves, Sparky." * * * She frowned, slinging her bag over her shoulder. "Please?" * * * "How do you hold it above your head? Just willpower?"
"Then I'll go with you," he said brightly. *** She laughed. "Alright, fine." *** "No, it's fine. Seriously.' *** She put it above her head, where it floated easily. "I'm not actually sure how it works."
"In my car?" she asked, sounding confused. "How will you get home?" * * * He headed out to the parking lot, approaching a green hatchback. * * * She frowned as they approached his car. "This doesn't seem fair." * * * "You're not? Some angel."
"As the crow flies." *** She looked up at him with a small smile. "How far out do you usually hike?" *** It was a sleek, black car that looked rather nice and clean. He looked up at her. "Oh well." *** She grinned. "How rude."
She sighed, looking over at him. “I’m not going to crash at the wheel.” *** “Oh, to the moon and back.” *** She blinked, frowning. “Why do you have such a nice car?” *** “You wanted this friendship.”
He grinned. "Alright, then." *** "Wow. That's pretty incredible." *** He raised an eyebrow. "What's that supposed to mean?" *** "Yeah, I know."
