[ x ]

she's heavy. it's the first thing he notices, unprepared for the weight he's now carrying upon his back. this was not to say the weight was unbearable, he simply hadn't been prepared for her to leap on him in such a manner, leading him to find the added weight uncomfortable and rather substantial. then again, perhaps it was only because he couldn't recall the last time he'd even given someone a piggyback ride that was leading him to believe she felt like a giant boulder hanging on for dear life, or maybe he was just out of shape. both were likely answers, especially the latter as he hadn't step foot in a gym in several months nor did he partake in any real physical activity outside of walks here and there. he adjusts her on his back and mentally notes he should really start working out again, but chooses not to voice it as he only huffs instead.

"remind me again why we're doing this?" he questions, craning his head around to try and catch a glimpse of tao's face, but at this angle it was impossible so he gives up with a sigh and resigns himself to continue with his duty of hauling her to their next location, wherever that was. if she'd told him, he'd already forgotten, but the more he thought about it, he found himself wondering if he'd agreed to this without even knowing why she required him to carry her in the first place. what was he getting out of this, anyway? that part didn't really matter, if his friends asked him to eat dirt he probably would, and he was the kid who'd certainly jump off a bridge if his friends did, despite his mother's disapproval.

if she answers, his inner grumbling drowns her out, so instead he hoists her higher and allows her to lead him wherever she pleases. by now, the added weight is unnoticed, and once he returns from his own jumbled thoughts they easily fall into their typical back and forth. it's when she calls him little meow meow that he's tempted to shake her off, but something about her demeanor tells him she'd probably have him in a vice grip if he attempted, so he chooses to continue to carry her instead. unlike some of his peers, she was easy to talk to. something about their relationship was simple, though he couldn't exactly place his finger on what exactly made him feel so at ease, despite the fact he easily bickered with her more than any of his other friends. though, there was never any real harm in it, and perhaps that is where he found solace. he'd always preferred the simpler things.