* 𝑪𝑹𝒀 / 𝑩𝑨𝑩𝒀

     paiton definitely has a point but the last thing marty is expecting is to be called out so openly. “oh. i guess i am alone too, huh? not anymore!” she muses, holding up an index finger with a beaming smile. she doesn’t wait for an invitation before plopping down next to the other, hands planted on her knees. “someone ditched you, then? that’s so mean. don’t they know you’re like—the nicest person in the world? that’s stupid.”

     “i’m not really sure either, if i’m being honest. a lot of the stuff most people think is not good, i really like. but i also kinda just like everything so that could be why. mario kart really is the best, though. it’s the most pure kind of fun. except when koopa shells are involved but i promise i throw them with love,” she beams, lips parting to show off a cheeky grin. “i definitely didn’t sleep at all when i was taking math classes. numbers don’t really make sense to me so i’d stay up all night studying. and then i’d fall asleep in math class and have math nightmares. horrible stuff.”

     “i still don’t really know how to swim that well. or at all, really.”

     “i really like the price is right and wheel of fortune and all those old people shows like that.”

MARTY: that's you now

     marty was no stranger to solitary evening strolls in the park. perhaps it wasn’t always the smartest idea but she continued on time and time again nonetheless. the cool fresh air helped the girl clear her head which could be difficult sometimes, so when she found something that worked, she stuck with it. she hadn’t meant to sneak up on or startle paiton, but it was clear she did by the way the other whipped around. “i’m sorry! sometimes i’m just really sneaky when i don’t even need to be,” she offered her version of an apology with a little shrug. “are you here alone? that’s not very safe, you know!”

MARTY: your apartment is always beautiful, be quiet!!! 😑

     it’s not often that marty hears her name being called in a pubic place so it catches her by surprise and she nearly drops her shopping bag onto the floor. as noor catches up, she flashes a beaming smile as if she’s been expecting her company all along. “mm—nope, i’m here by myself! just picking up some supplies,” she admits, lifting the bag in her hand and wiggling it around. “pretzels are good. and jeans too, i guess, but they don’t make your tummy all warm and full of love.”

     in marty’s defense, she’s not really paying attention to her surroundings and that perhaps makes her the perfect target for an attempted pick-pocketing. she lets out a little sound as the other bumps into her gaze darts up immediately so she can apologize even though she’d done nothing but stand there. she hasn’t even noticed that he’s swiped her card holder until he’s practically waving it in her face and her her brows knit together slowly as a look of confusion crosses her face. “huh?” there’s a pause while the reality of the situation sinks in, although not fully. “are you tryna blackmail me into a date or something? ‘cause that’s not really a good way to do it, i don’t think,” the girl mutters, lips pressing outwards. debating the options she’s been offered, her head cocks to the side. “what are you even gonna do with a bunch of my business cards if i say no anyway?”

MARTY: we can do something else!!!! MARTY: i’ve already seen this one anyway

     “every girl i’ve ever met!”

     “i don’t think so! people like all different kinds of things. you don’t have to only be friends with people that like the same stuff. so i would HOPE my interests don’t put people off? i’m really nice! i’m a good friend, i promise.”

     “the guilt of every bug i’ve ever squished in my lifetime keeps me up at night.”