you place your bets on the other ones--

[baited]

WHO: Astral (soulbonder) & Shark.
WHERE: MAC, places
WHEN: 24th.
WARNINGS: zexals bein zexals
SUMMARY: The misadventures of Glowman and Fishboy.
FORMAT: words




In Shark's opinion, 11am was too early to be out of the house unless a Duel or life-threatening situation was involved. Often, these two coincided, which completely justified leaving the comfort of the indoors. However this morning Shark had been promised neither card games nor potential safety hazards, and was thus feeling kind of unfulfilled. And tired. Was he ever tired.

But, like a good friend(?!), Shark had dutifully cleaned himself up and downed two mugs of heavily milked coffee before the clock hands had even hit 10:55. Astral had suggested they do something together, and Shark - for once recognising his own hermitesque tendencies - had somewhat dejectedly agreed to it. There had been no real discussion of what they would do, but Shark had felt that even attempting to formulate some kind of plan would leave him nowhere when dealing with Astral in this way.

All he had to do now was rub the tiredness out of his eyes and wait for a little bit longer.

Comments

[soulbonder]

Fortunately, drinking coffee beforehand was a very good decision. At 10:58 AM, Astral was already knocking on Shark's door; he had the habit of being early rather than late. He never wanted to give anyone with the wrong impression. While he waited for Shark, he adjusted his back and double-checked the amount of money he brought along with him. It was enough for bus fare, lunch, and admission to the aquarium.

Out of all of Yuma's friends, Shark was the largest puzzle to Astral. Since Yuma and Shark were in different years in school, they hardly ever "hung-out." This was an opportunity for Astral to learn about him in a far more personable manner.

But there was another reason for this, Astral needed to show Shark that he wasn't dangerous and wouldn't hurt Yuma anymore-- the effects of what happened in November last year were long gone, and 96 was sealed again.

[baited]

Shark didn't bother suppressing a sigh as he went to open the door for Astral. He knew his apprehension was mostly unreasonable - it's not like he was worried about anything actually important. This time he was to spend would have usually been used up moodily skulking around his apartment anyway. The loss of skulking hours was not a great one.

Astral had been an ever-changing entity in Shark's life. First a mystery, then a hope, then a danger... now, it seemed, a friendly presence. It was probably this wild card-like factor that was making Shark uneasy, but he'd told himself again and again that the change seemed to be more permanent this time.

He swung the door open to admit Astral briefly as he collected his final belongings in preparation.

"What's the plan?"

[soulbonder]

"There is a new exhibit at the aquarium that I've yet to see. So, we will go together," Astral was certainly to the point. "Unless, of course, you would rather go somewhere else..?"

[baited]

Shrugging, Shark slipped his shoes on and tugged down his jacket sleeves. He hadn't been to the aquarium since the day the fish had followed him. Now he had an awareness of his powers, he assumed - hoped - the same thing wouldn't happen again.

"No, that's fine with me. What's the exhibit?"

[soulbonder]

"It's called Shark Life. It's about sharks."

He's leading the way to the elevator.