With everything loaded into the fridge, the camera rigging set, and the dry ingredients covered, the two cooking stations Danni claimed for them were set for the epic shenanigans this collab promised to be. Danni bounced back on his heels and beamed, snapping shots with his phone to send to Dee and Rillie. It was shocking when Leah suggested cooking. He still wasn't certain how Leah felt about him, she was so hard to read, but clearly better than he thought! All his pushy attempts at friendship clearly were working and if she was asking for hang outs, it sounded like she wanted it to continue! Danni laughed to himself.

[color=E948FC]“I always knew t'ere was a squishy little ‘eart in t'at big, rough exterior! Actually, yeah t'at skin needs a little love next. Our next activity will be spa day!”[/color] Danni stated to the empty room. He did a little spin, pirouetting out of the room, and bolted down the hallway to wait for Leah outside. Now he just had to remember [i]not[/i] to tell her he was shocked she could cook! 

Leah had, admittedly, completely forgotten about most of the clubs that existed at the school. They didn’t really work out for her when she tried them a few months ago. Going “home” for Christmas was a new experience for her. In fact, she was having a lot of those lately. And now Leah wanted to do things differently back at the school.

So she did the unthinkable and made time to hang out with Danni, between studying magic and learning how to properly wield Sjafnamarr.

[color=ffcb00]”Hey.”[/color]

[color=E948FC]“‘i, ‘ello, bonjour! ‘ow are ya?! Dee caught me up on your adventures in Asgard and lemme tell you, I was so jelly I tots cried. Where's y'e sword? I want ta see it! So unfair ya didn't send photos ta t'e group chat. And t'e gift shop sounded so fun! I really liked t'e mag t'at Spicy got me and t'e plushes? I lit didn't stop ‘uggin’ t'em for like t'ree ‘ours. T'en Amélie woke up and was ‘ell jelly I was ‘uggin’ t'em and not carryin’ ‘er and who can say no ta t'e princess of t'e ‘ouse? So t'ey ‘ave been sittin’ on t'e shelf in my room.”[/color[ Danni beamed at Leah, talking a mile a minute and gesticulating faster, before he popped open the door to the building with the club room inside. [color=mediumspringgreen] “Okiedokie! Come on down, t'e water's fine! Its a bit o’ a walk but t'ats all fine. Just means I get ta talk more before we reach it! So I got us all set up ta cook somet'in’ t'at's spicy AF! Totally whateves you wanna make but t'en we're swapping plate and tryin’ t'e ot'er person's food! I got us a decent spread o’ stuff, includin’ Carolina Reapers, Dragon's Breath, and some Trinidad Scorpions! I am sooooooooo excited ta try what you're makin’! Not gunna lie wit’ t'e way ya always talked, I kinda sorta maaaaaybe t'ought ya just ate microwave meals or like foraged for food like a squirrel![/color] 

Danni paused at the Home Econ door and threw it open, bowing dramatically for Leah. [color=E948FC]  And ‘ere we are! It's not very sexy, but its a solid set up!”[/color] The room inside was longer than it was wide, with the front half of the room mostly small tables and a few sewing machines against the wall and the back half with small kitchens set up. Six stations, each with a stove, oven, microwave, sink, and cookware, were available for use and the two closest had cameras rigged around them, a large tablecloth covering the counters and strange shaped objects beneath it. A fridge and freezer combo hummed loudly in the back of the room. [color=E948FC] “Weeeell, I ‘ope you aren't camera shy, cause we got a lot of them. Don't worry ‘bout bein’ too perfect on camera. Dee'll edit it up and take out the worst of the bumbles and you can see t'e episode before we post it if you want!”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”Why- Who said anything about cameras?”[/color] There was a non-zero chance those cameras bugged out and picked her up as a glitchy mess. She didn’t really do social media stuff, even if her friends were all way better at it.

Danni stopped at the threshold and blinked at Leah. [color=E948FC]“Yeah, duh. I'mma put ya on my channel! You gotta get some good vibes out t'ere silly! Beanie's doin’ all t'is ‘ard work ta cleanse up our images - and no t'rist traps don't count as good - ‘cause we're gettin’ put next ta t'e YA as like t'e face of  new ‘eros and stuff and t'ey are not ‘oldin’ back. So, Beanie called me and Dee in ta discuss and ‘ow ta deal wit’ it and she said a lotta big, important, serious t'in's - please don't tell ‘er but I only got like… ‘alf of what she said - but she made it real clear we need ta work on people's fun and friendly stuff soooooo t'en you wanted ta cook, which like yay we're friends!, and t'en I was like, [i]omg, I can show off ‘ow cool Leah is![/i] and bam! ‘ere we are so we can show t'e world ‘ow I see ya instead of uh… ‘ow t'ey saw you at t'e… contest?”[/color] Danni offered up hesitantly and then he rushed to explain, waving her into the room. [color=E948FC] “And its not just you! Its all o’ us. Spicy was not doin’ great eit'er. T'ey're callin’ ‘im a bully and t'ey're wonderin’ if Beanie and Dee can really be ‘eroes when t'eir powers are kinda villiany and t'ey're wonderin’ ‘bout me ‘cause I tried ta burn Tommy alive and they're comparin’ ya ta Eli and Teddy cause t'ey're big brawlers top but ‘ulkin’ is super protective and nice and Eli's whole jam is supportin’ t'e team and you kinda took some cheap shots and said some.. woof, but anyways, t'e whole team's gettin’ put in t'e dirt and we just wanna put out some stuff t'at just kinda reminds everyone we're still just people, ya know? We're still just kids at t'e end o’ t'e day and like, t'e Leah I know is fun and chill and a little confused but t'at makes her cute and yeah, deeeeef a little closed off, but t'ats okay ‘cause we love ya all t'e same!”[/color] 

[color=ffcb00]”I…”[/color] The opinions of most people weren’t that important to her. Leah didn’t see being a hero as someone who just smiled and waved at a camera, she was far more worried about actually fighting people. Maybe she had gotten heated during the Contest, but she was working on being better than that.

Being on camera felt weird. But… If it made Danni happy, then sure.

[color=ffcb00]”Okay, sure. But those cameras are probably going to get finicky when they’re pointed at me.”[/color]

Danni gave her a mischievous little grin. [color=E948FC]“Sounds like a Dee problem really. ‘e edits most of my footage for me so unless ‘e's really busy, t'en its a ‘im problem and not an us problem!”[/color] Danni skipped further into the cooking areas all set up. [color=E948FC] “I didn't really know what ya are comfy cookin’ so I got a bunch o’ stuff for us! Just ignore t'e cameras and ‘angout wit’ me! Anyt'in’ real personal or embaressin’ we'll cut out and you can def look at t'e footage before I post - I don't wanna put anyt'in’ that'll make ya uncomfy! But yeah, we're just gunna vibe, cook some deli deli, and t'en see if what we made is gunna kill us! Sound good?”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”Yeah, that’s fine.”[/color] Leah walked over and quickly started perusing the stuff they’d be working with. [color=ffcb00]”Whenever I make anything, it’s usually something with a lot of heat. I used to go up into the mountains a lot between school periods, and just used a fire to cook. I guess heat doesn’t bother you, does it?”[/color]

Danni cheered, flicking on the three cameras, and skipped over to tear off the covering on the dry ingredients. [color=E948FC]“Nah, t'e ‘eat doesn't bother me anyway!”[/color] Danni sing-sang. [color=E948FC]“Okay, so we ‘ave t'ese peppers: Carolina Reaper, Dragon's Breath, and The Scorpion! T'ey're t'e ‘otest peppers I can get my ‘ands on too! And t'en we ‘ave rice and pasta and couscous, but I'm ‘oppin’ you don't pick it ‘cause it's genuinely t'e worst. T'en we ‘ave all t'e norms in t'e fridge and spices and flour in t'e cabinets and pots and pans and [i]knives[/i]. And I t'ink I gotta enough? Pops t'ough I went a little wild. ‘e told me t'at I ‘ad been allowed one grand ta spend from the contest and when I got ‘oke from shoppin’ for t'is, Pops said I ‘ad almost spent all of it! Idk what a grand is t'ough; I t'ought we used dollars but ‘pparently Pops buys stuff with grands and its very confusing, so I just tap t'e magic card and get t'e stuff!”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”This is a lot more than I’m used to working with.”[/color] Blank Canvas Syndrome was setting in. Leah often just got her hands on edible plants or cooked something in advance before leaving. [color=ffcb00]”What sort of things do you usually cook?”[/color]

[color=E948FC]“Oh, ‘onestly whateve's makes me ‘ungry! Chicken korma, marry me gnocchi, beef buorguignon, goulash, picadillo, tonkatsu, pork schnitzel, bulgolgi, gumbo, stir-frys! I really liked makin’ comfy food ya know? A little heavy, a little warm, like a little ‘ug for your mout'!”[/color] Danni thought about it. [color=E948FC]“We can do a noodle fry! It's easy, it's pretty quick, and we can make it pretty complex real easy! Do we ‘ave… Yeah, yeah I got eggs. Whatcha t'ink?”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”Hmm… Yeah, that sounds pretty good, actually. Let’s do that.”[/color] Leah reached into the fridge and pulled out some eggs and bell peppers. [color=ffcb00]”Let’s see. Gonna need a pretty big container. Noodles… Got them here. Okay. What do you want to do first?”[/color]

[color=E948FC]“Okay, okay, okay, I always do noods first and t'en we make a sauce and t'en we do carrots, peppers, mushroom, and t'e cabi. T'ough, I wanna use t'ese peppers ‘cause I want it extra spicy so I guess I can make t'e sauce and add t'e seeds to it so t'e oils are all in it. Are we usin’ rice noods or like, pasta noods?”[/color] Danni asked, grabbing the pot and the skillet and popping them on the stove. Danni grabbed a small bowl, a knife, and cutting board and pulled out chili paste, garlic, soy sauce, sugar, ginger, and pulled over the Dragon's Breath peppers. Danni snapped on gloves and cut into the pepper, separating the seeds from flesh and humming a little tune. [color=E948FC]“Whatcha t'ink? We want it ‘ot as ‘ell or only meh? I'm t'inkin’ ‘ot as ‘ell ‘cause who else can ‘andle t'e ‘eat like us?”[/color] 

[color=ffcb00]”All in, I’m thinking. It’s just us eating it, or else I’d use less heat.”[/color] Leah grabbed some empty bowls and then a pack of rice noodles. [color=ffcb00]”Let’s use rice noodles, they should keep it from getting too thin. I’ll cut them up and get them ready.”[/color]

[color=E948FC]“Okie dokie artichokie! I love t'at for us. I wish more of t'em liked t'e spicy stuff ‘cause its soooo goooood, ya know? Is is really good food if it ain't fightin’ your mout’?”[/color] Danni laughed, finishing up with the Dragon's Breath and then picking up the Carolina reaper and repeating the process. [color=E948FC] “Are we doin’ veggies only or we want a protein? Dang, I shoulda soaked t'e stuff in t'e sauce overnight; I didn't t'ink of t'at. Let t'e stuff slinking deep inta t'e meat and get all nice and tasty! Mmmm, tender meat.”[/color] Danni drooled a little bit at the thought but shook his head before he messed up his fingers. 

[color=E948FC]“Soooooo, what's goin’ on wit’ you Leah? Update me. I ‘aven't ‘eard from ya in a ‘ot second. What's goin’ on? ‘ows She-’ulk treatin’ ya? She as funny at ‘ome as she is all ‘round? T'ats gotta be a fun time!”[/color] 

[color=ffcb00]”It’s.. Uh. It’s been a lot of things.”[/color] A knife went [i]thunk[/i] onto a cutting board, as Leah started chopping up rice noodles. [color=ffcb00]”She Hulk is fine. She’s way nicer than I’m sure she acts in a courtroom, and I owe her a lot already. Things have been hectic, really damn hectic lately. But it’s fine. “[/color]

Danni finished up with the Dragon's Breath and moved onto the Scoripion. [color=E948FC] “Mhm, mhm, mhm. T'in's ‘ave been ‘hectic. I was involved in two kidnappings! It was wiiiiild. We'll, not really kidnappings, but like friendnappin's ya know? When I was gettin’ stuff for t'is, I went ta my favorite grocery shop right? Not'in’ ever works, t'e place smells liek bags, and t'e food? Def questionable but damn, do t'ey always ‘ave what I need. So I went wanderin’ and when we were in t'e contest, I tots almost ‘xploded inta t'e stands and ‘it a person and I ran inta t'em at t'e shop, so we started talkin’ or rather- Ya know, I t'ink you and Ben would def ‘it it off. ‘e gives t'at I-can-chill-in-silence energy you give off and obvi, I can't so I start talkin’ a mile a minute and it's just so easy ta talk ta ‘im so we wander ‘round until t'e speaker starts talkin’ ‘bout somet'in’ ‘bout an adam and t'at means t'e ‘rent t'inks t'eir kid was kidnapped. ‘is Uncle is pretty cool t'ough. Chilled once I chatted ‘im up!”[/color] Danni laughed. [color=E948FC] “‘e's comin’ ‘ere t'is semester too! I'll introduce ya when everyt'in’ is back in full swing!! ‘e can make bugs do ‘is biddin’! ‘e's t'inkin’ ‘bout openin’ up a et'ical bug control business or whatever ‘e said. It was fancier t'an t'at but its def the gist.”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”Bugs? He mind-controls bugs?”[/color] That sounded like a weird superpower. [color=ffcb00]”No idea who that is. How does that even work, do they have to have six legs? Do spiders or moths count?”[/color]

[color=E948FC]“Oh idk! I know t'at spiders don't count ‘cause they're arcanids or somet'in’ and t'ose aren't bugs. ‘e finds t'em creepy. I didn't know t'at spiders weren't bugs until t'en so idk what counts as a bug any more.”[/color] Danni shrugged, continuing to separate seeds. [color=E948FC] “But, ‘e's fun! He's a little cutie too! Really cares ‘bout ‘is family and loooots of ‘omesickness since ‘e's from overseas and all t'at. I def can relate. If I couldn't see t'e fam for a long time, I'd probably cry all day. And t'en- Wait no, I gotta set t'e scene. I just woke up, it's like 9 am. I ‘ad a lovely shower, still workin’ on a cup o’ coffee, and I'm paintin’ my toes, makin' t'em look all cute. I'm in my HotShot bootie shorts, I'm in pink fuzzy robe, I got t'e music rockin’, sunshine's tricklin’ it, I'm just really feelin’ myself, ya know? And t'en [i]bam[/i].”[/color] Danni slammed his hands on the counter for extra effect, diving for the bowl of seeds he'd accidentally jolted off the counter. 

[color=E948FC]“Oop, all good!”[/color] Danni cheered, holding up the bowl from the floor. He popped up and cleaned up his mes, measuring out chili paste and soy sauce into a small glass bowl. [color=E948FC]“It's ‘ella dark, I'm in t'e schooliest bedroom possible - like, I t'ought t'at it was school until I realized t'ere was a bed, right? No decorations, sooooo many books, a desk - okay t'at was kinda a fancy desk - and t'en you'd never guess who kidnapped me. Guess, guess!”[/color]

Leah wasn’t getting all of that.

[color=ffcb00]”I don’t know. Ultron.”[/color]

[color=E948FC]“Pssssh, nooo. Ultron isn't real, silly! I didn't know you joked like t'at!”[/color] Danni giggled. [color=E948FC]“No, no, no. It was someone even weirder. Spicy! Like, I t'ought ‘e low-key ‘ated me but t'en turns out, ‘e needed some ‘elp gettin’ ready for a big date so ‘e t'ought of me first and alt'ough I did nearly burn down ‘is ‘ouse, it was all gucci! We went ta France and did some goooood clothes shoppin’. Oh, also, what is a grand? Appa said t'at we could only spend like… 10 of t'em but I don't know ‘ow to get grands. I tried searchin’ it but it said it somet'in ‘bout dollars and stuff and I was real confused so I went a bothered Rillie and Dee until they got annoyed. Do you ‘ave any grands and if so, what country are t'ey for? Oooh, are t'ey like a special money?”[/color] 

[color=ffcb00]”No, when people say that, they mean a thousand. That’s ten thousand dollars. And-”[/color] Leah blinked. [color=ffcb00]”What the hell are you spending [i]that[/i] much on for a date? Was he trying to get Dorian a ring made of vibranium or something?”[/color]

[color=E948FC]“Ooooh! I don't really get money. Seems silly when Pa can just make whatever I ask for!”[/color] Danni put down his mixing bowl and whipped out his phone, pulling up the photos of Percy he sent himself. [color=E948FC] “We'll I t'ink we used more t'an 10 grands tbh, but we got ‘im clothes and shoes and some beauty products! And t'en, I got ‘im to wear t'is piece t'at was def a little outta budget ‘cause when Spicy went ta t'e talk ta Raphie, I t'ought ‘e might faint! But I def added some of t'ese shots ta my portfolio. Like, t'e open back on Spicy looked good and t'at bow style? Excellent. ‘e looks good in t'at soft formal look, ya know? Like, everyone ‘as an aspect t'at you ‘ave ta incorporate inta t'e fit and I can't really t'ink of Spicy [i]not[/i] in a shirt wit’ a collar ya know so it was nice t'ey ‘ad somet’in’ like t'is. Tbh, Raphie is kinda spooky for t'e people t'at don't know ‘im so maybe Spicy was just spooked. ‘e's easier ta spooky t'an ya t'ink'[/color] 

Leah glanced over his shoulder. [color=ffcb00]”That’s a lot of stuff. I don’t really get money either. There’s math stuff involved and I get [i]that,[/i] but the rest is just… Nah, to me. Wait, did he say ten thousand in American money or French money?”[/color] She asked, bunching up the noodles and setting them in a bowl.

Danni shrugged, prepping garlic and ginger and measuring out just a touch of sugar. [color=E948FC]“Idk. Spicy said ‘e'd use ‘is contest winnin's for it. ‘e just wanted me ta give ‘im some direction. Money doesn't make sense ta me. Like, if peeps want peeps ta ‘ave it, just let t'em ‘ave it and if peeps need it, just let t'em ‘ave it, ya know. Makes way more sense.”[/color] Danni dropped the ginger and garlic and sugar and whisked it together before grabbing the seeds. Danni could feel his mouth water at the smell of the oils on the seeds. 

[color=E948FC]“And yeah, money doesn't make sense. Pops said I could ‘ave one grand ta spend and t'en t'e rest would go inta somet'in or anot'er. Investors, savin’s? Idk, ‘e sat us down and explained it all and I didn't real get any of it so I'm just lettin’ Pops ‘andle it!”[/color] Danni plopped the seeds into the mix, whisking it again, and covering it to place in the fridge. [color=E948FC] “Okay! Sauce done! Noodles gotta get boilin’ and t'en we can get t'e veggies all set up!”[/color] 

[color=ffcb00]”Yeah. These are ready.”[/color] Leah sat the bowl to the side, and then grabbed a pot. [color=ffcb00]”What do we want for vegetables?”[/color] 

[color=E948FC]“Okay, okay, I recommend carrots, t'e spicy peppers, mushrooms, and t'e cabi!”[/color] Danni offered, bringing over the chopped up peppers and putting them next to the stove. [color=E948FC]“Anyt'in’ else ya like ta eat?”[/color]

It sounded pretty damn good already. Leah pondered for a moment. [color=ffcb00]”Hmm… Oh, I know what else it needs.”[/color]

She rummaged around in the stuff they had. And she found some garlic cloves. Then she snatched up a smaller knife and chopped it up, removing the skin and washing the pieces off. Two pieces of garlic chopped into quarters. [color=ffcb00]”That’ll do. Boiling time.”[/color]

Danni snuggled right up next to Leah, letting Leah handle the noodles and getting the skillet all set up for a good old fry. [color=E948FC m] “Yeah, garlic is great! Always gotta use more t'an recommended ot'erwise it's just bland.”[/color] Danni agreed heartily, chopping carrots and mushrooms as the skillet heated up. [color=E948FC]“Oooookay, just gotta get all t'is fried up and t'en you can plop in t’e noods and t'e sauce and we'll be ready to eat!”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”Alright, good.”[/color] She was enjoying this. Leah used to hate being around Danni because of how much energy he had. It was like overstimulation trying to keep up with him. But… He didn’t seem to hate her. 

That made this a lot easier.

She slid the noodles over to the skillet, then the garlic and then grabbed the sauce. She was doing her best to not be weird about the way he was up against her like a cat against a radiator.

[color=ffcb00]”Maybe next time, we tone down the spice and make enough for the others.”[/color]

Danni nodded even as evil crept into his mind. He rested his head against Leah as he worked and gave her a mischievous little grin, popping carrots into the pan to fry. [color=E948FC] “Ooooooor, we make two batches - on like t'is and t'en a regular one and we serve everyone t'is first and watch t'em try oir deat’ noods.”[/color] Danni giggled at the thought, mushrooms hitting the pan next. 

[color=E948FC] “Spicy ‘as some spice tolerance but this'll probs be a touch too much for ‘im, Rillie and Dee are a coin toss, Beanie would def die - RIP your girlie - and ya know, I t'ink Andy would do t'at reaaaaaaaaal macho t'in’ where its too hot but ya gotta keep up the face, ya know?”[/color] Danni tapped a mushroom, nodded, and the rest went into the skillet, garlic and cabbage last so they didn't burn, noodles, sauce, and Danni flipped the mixture a few times on the heat, turning off the burner and putting it to the side. He dished some out - a bigger bowl for Leah than himself - and offered her the food. 

[color=E948FC]“But I'm so down ta cook for everyone! Food's an easy way ta show ya love people. Def one reason why I love cookin’. T’at and food is deli deli!”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”Yeah. Never had a reason to before, but I can imagine it would be.”[/color] Leah didn’t usually cook for other people, oddly enough. She cooked at home with She Hulk since that barbarian of a woman seemed to think takeout was acceptable on holidays. Usually, there wasn’t anyone around for it when she cooked.

Leah took the bowl and stuck a fork in it, twisting some of the fry around and taking a bite.

Danni paused while he tried to gauge Leah's reaction and he was a little put off by how stoic she seemed. He thought it was going really well but that must mean it came out like trash. Danni pouted as he stabbed the noodles and shoveled it into his mouth. It was everything he expected from a stirfry, ginger and garlic and veggies and soy sauce and - Danni's eyes started to water as the heat from the three hottest peppers he could get finally scorched his tongue and he laughed through a mouthful of food. 

[color=E948FC] “Omg, its so hot, I love this!”[/color]Danni cheered around a mouthful of food, definitely sweating a little bit. It was so good he couldn't help himself. [color=E948FC]“Imma regret t'is later but t'at's future Danni's problem!”[/color] 

Leah took another bite, then another, then another. And she nodded along. It was pretty god damn good. Nice and thick, a bit of crunch from the vegetables. [color=ffcb00]”Oh yeah, this came out [i]great.[/i] Should’ve done this with you sooner.”[/color] Her eyes [i]weren’t[/i] watering. She just enjoyed her bowl and the heat coming off those peppers. It made her feel more than one kind of warmth. She grinned at Danni. This wasn’t so bad after all.

Danni, if his eyes weren't already watering, would have certainly been on the verge of crying. [color=E948FC]“Omg, I feel like I just got a present. I know we ‘ad our little bondin’ moment after like, we all learned t'at we all died and t'en didn't die, and you did real cool magic stuff wit’ t'e runes and t'e flowers and - good luck, btw, cause I lit never wanna touch magic again in my life, it was [i]rough[/i] - but t'en like we didn't really ‘ave anot'er t'in’ or ‘an'out so I was like noooo and t'en stuff got spicy wit’ you know what and t'en trainin’ for t'e contest and winnin’ t'e contest, hehe, and now we're gunna ‘an'out more. I'm so ‘appy!!!”[/color] Danni babbled on, through food and tears. [color=E948FC]“We can do a picnic next time wit’ everyone, yeah! We can do t'e real big sammies and we can make pie - try, I don't bake well tbh - and we can do pot roast and we can do [i]s'mores[/i]. Ong, please tell me you've ‘ad a s'mores?! T'ere so good, we gotta do it and we don't even need a bonfire ‘cause I can brin’ t'e fire and ooooooo, I wonder if we can do t'ose real fun cookin’ stuff where we go out campin’ and we still make like nice steaks and veggies and tacos and stuff. T'ough, campin’ is a little ‘it and miss wit’ me if only ‘cause showers and morning/evening routine stuff is ‘ard ta do, ya know? Like, I've always meant ta ask, do you ‘ave a morning or a night routine? What do ya use? I don't think you do but wit’ your skin texture, maybe you ‘ave a really special one? Or, maybe our next ‘an'ou’ can be t'e beach? Idk, its so cold and I kinda want a nice, ‘ot beach wit’ sand and tanning ‘cause I def wanna get a little darker ya know? Opens up a whole different part of my wardrobe, but winter always gets me back to snow white levels again, ya know?”[/color]  

[color=ffcb00]”Uh. I guess?”[/color] She scarfed down another mouthful of the food. [color=ffcb00]”I just… Wake up, sort out my hair, hit something heavy, and do whatever I’m doing that day. I don’t do anything like all of that.”[/color] It’s not like she usually needed to. She was in the sun a lot, even when she looked human. And she was scarred all to hell and back, it wasn’t like that needed to be fixed.

[color=E948FC]“Well, you lemme know and we'll knock out a skin routine for ya. I got Spicy on one last week too. Beanie's got good skin, Dee ‘as ‘is own stuff, I got Rillie some stuff for Christmas, and idk what Andy does but Imma get my ‘ands on ‘er sooner or later. She's my neighbor now so she can't run away from me forever.”[/color] Danni cackled evilly, a manic look in his eyes. [color=E948FC]“Everyone's look [i]perfect[/i]. T'ough, t'e growt’ spurt looks good on ya. You're rockin’ - hehe get it? - it so far! Love t'e real confidence you've been showin’ ‘bout it!”[/color]

Confidence? Her?

[color=ffcb00]”I don’t really have a choice. This was an accident. My dad did something to me before I was old enough to start remembering things. Made me look like a human. Apparently, I was born like this. Weird stony skin and all.”[/color] She took another bite of the [i]wonderful[/i] fry they’d cooked up. It was great, really great.

[color=ffcb00]”I can be an ass, sometimes. But you’re pretty okay to be around, you know.”[/color]

It felt like little bubbles in his stomach, thousands and thousands and thousands threatening to bubble up and spill over if he didn't get some sort of physical affection in [i]right now[/i]. And this time, there wasn't even a shower to jump in! He jumped out his chair, almost running in place. [color=E948FC] “Pleaaaaasaase let me ‘ug you. I ‘ave so many big feelings, I gotta let t'em out!”[/color] 

It was funny how she used to be pretty untouchable.

[color=ffcb00]”Sure.”[/color] She moved her bowl to one hand and [i]carefully[/i] put an arm around the tiny spiced up golden retriever boy.

Danni wrapped himself around Leah like a koala, uncaring of the scrapes her skin left him. Danni started sniffling and his voice was watery. [color=E948FC]“T'at's t'e nicest t'in’ t'at you've ever said to me! You're normally real gruff and t'ats okay ‘cause I love ya but its so nice to ‘ear it Imma cry!”[/color] Danni blubbering. [color=E948FC]“I love ‘an'in’ out wit’ you and I wanna do t'is more wit’ you! You ‘ave ta come iver ta t'e ‘ouse next break too and we gotta get you somet'in’ ta text wit’ t'at won't break in like five seconds so I can send ya photos and memes or I can like get ya scrapbooks with a buncha stuff and I can just talk you t'rough t'em and… and… and… T'ank you for bein’ my friend!”[/color] /color]

She couldn’t keep the smile from creeping up on her face. Her chest was fluttering. She hugged him a bit tighter. This was nice.

She felt like a dumbass for not letting this happen the last two years or so.

[color=ffcb00]”Th-Thanks for being mine. I didn’t know you were.”[/color]

Danni gasped. [color=E948FC]“[i]No[/i]. We've been friends for years! Our friendiversary is in 6 months, 16 days, and…”[/color] Danni checked his phone. [color=E948FC] “8 hours! I just t'ought you didn't celebrate friendversaries! Wanna celebrate t'is year? We're do ya wanna go? We can go anywhere in t'e world! ‘ow ‘bout Cancun? It's ‘ot, it's fun. Or we can go ta Peru! Machu Pichu is kinda borin’ but t'e mountains trek up is ta die for!”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”That sounds fun, actually.”[/color] Did people actually celebrate that kind of thing? Curious indeed. [color=ffcb00]”Speaking of things that sound fun, you still hungry? Gonna grab some more of this fry.”[/color]

[color=E948FC]“Oh, yeah, go ‘head!”[/color] Danni waved Leah off, using a napkin to scrub the tears off his face. [color=E948FC]“Nah, I'm good wit’ what I go. I ‘ave ta work on flyin’ later so I don't wanna overfill or Imma get queasy AF!”[/color] Danni laughed, shoveling a nother fork full in his mouth. 

Leah wasted no time in swiping up another bowl-full. Then she stopped. [color=ffcb00]”…Weren’t we supposed to record this?”[/color]

The fork fell out of Danni's hand. 

[color=E948FC]“Fuck!”[/color]