#actslead

* so. * you came into my store and loitered for 20 minutes and then just * didn’t buy anything? * wow. * you must be real stingy, huh?

“There ya are, you nerd.”

It was said even as Susie practically lifted the other off their feet, grinning at Kris before setting him back down. She wasn’t entirely sure how to behave considering, but it wasn’t going to make her excitement any less palpable. It did, however, leave her hands drumming at her sides as she considered what to say next. It was hard to pick a single topic when you were so excited, after all!

The words still echoed in back in her mind, even after days passed since that dream... that dream... had filled her mind with fear and whimsy and nostalgia. That magical adventure that her sleepy brain had somehow cooked up, where somehow... the most memorable parts weren’t the danger or adventure. It was the little things.

Like those two little words. A simple statement, said with such obvious honesty by someone... someone she’d so badly wanted to hear them from. More than she ever knew did, by how it had felt in that wonderful moment; how her face had reddened and she’d felt the lightest thump, thump in her chest as those two words reached her ears, and saw that truthful look on her childhood friend’s face... her best friend’s face, the smile that came with it.

They’d moved on, they’d completed the adventure, she’d been rescued and rescued her friends in return, the dream had ended.

And yet, those two little words had lingered. She couldn’t get them out of her head, no matter how much she tried to write it off as nothing more than a bit of wishful thinking on behalf of her subconscious. Fanciful thoughts of a better time...

... but... if she really wanted that better time back, if it was really such a strong desire that her own brain would dream up a scenario where she could have it back... maybe she should follow that dream.

Once upon a time, not too long ago, she’d be far too afraid to reach out, fearing rejection or resentment... but, not anymore. Not since that dream had bolstered her confidence. Enough to push past the fear.

“... h... h-hey, um, Kris?” Her voice rang out over the distant rabble of all the other kids released after the bell had run, from behind as the other had just exited the school; Noelle having been waiting at the entrance for them, arms hanging low with her hands clasped together; sheepishness clear as ever in her stance, but... different. More steady than usual.

“I hope you don’t mind me bothering you, I just...” Words trail off for a moment, that familiar tightness tensing in her chest; before, with a breath, she steeled herself. “... could I ask you something?”

     her focus had been on them for so long, watching them complete the pattern on the wall. it seemed so natural, the way they punched in the correct code. so refined, so quick, so... void of hesitation. automatic, even.

     that’s how she wound up revealing her location, by deciding to ask them about it. unfortunate for her that it piqued her interest.

       “  Darling, I can’t take you seriously let alone hear your questions with that slouch.  ”  Hands find his hips as he comes closer.  It’s not just their slouch that’s prominent but their tone - they’re not the most social of people, so he’s picked up thus far.  

             If they would stand straighter, maybe follow him as he carries on to find himself a seat to powder his nose, the idol would be more inclined to hear them.  “  Now, as you were saying?  ”