[attr="class","cian"]"not so full of dead people."

the bite behind her words is lost on him.

"mostly been training. there's the big tournament coming up in slateport; devon wants me to compete."

but he's not sure if he wants to. so he turns, seeking advice.

"should i?"

[attr="class","noodles"]drea oddmund

[attr="class","drea"]

[attr="class","drea b"]

[attr="class","drea i"]she just might become the first dead person to occupy his work. that is, if this run is really about to be six miles. god, her legs burn.

"sounds like a good work week, then." not for her, realistically, but for him? definitely.

an eyebrow raises when he turns, when he looks to her for advice. and despite wanting to bite a little harder, her response is kinder than usual.

"if you're uncertain you want to, then you more than likely don't." there's a hint of a smile somewhere on her face if he looks carefully enough.

"trust your instincts."

CIAN MAHER

[attr="class","cian"]"that's good advice. we're down to four miles."

see? play nice and it'll pay off.

"don't think i'll have much of a choice, though, but that's fine."

the contract they have him on can be pretty ruthless at times. he should've had it properly looked over.

"you gonna come watch me compete?"

[attr="class","noodles"]drea oddmund

[attr="class","drea"]

[attr="class","drea b"]

[attr="class","drea i"]"is it?" huh, she thought it was simple advice. the more you know.

thank god, two miles shaved off is a blessing.

"everyone has a choice," she retorts. everything in life comes down to choices, circumstances, fate. contracts are paper, easily replaced or burned if necessary.

the question makes her pause, single eye darting to stare at him. he... wants her to watch?

"why?" comes flying out before she can stop it.

CIAN MAHER

[attr="class","cian"]not everyone.

he feels her staring so he tilts his head over to meet her.

"why? i dunno. thought it might be fun to see me dumpster trainers."

or the less likely:

"or to see me lose."

[attr="class","noodles"]drea oddmund

[attr="class","drea"]

[attr="class","drea b"]

[attr="class","drea i"]she snorts at the thought.

"you need an audience for that?" an actual laugh escapes, then, as if it's the funniest concept she's heard today.

it isn't, really, but man, this guy's got jokes.

"are you saying you could lose?" she fixes him with an expectant stare, like that's what her decision hinges on.

"i'm not sure which one i'd like to see more."

CIAN MAHER

[attr="class","cian"]"no. just thought i'd try to be humble, at least."

with a shrug, his gaze returns to the trail that continues to stretch on ahead of them. how many miles left? like three? two?

"pretty sure you'd rather see me get my ass handed to me."

[attr="class","noodles"]drea oddmund

[attr="class","drea"]

[attr="class","drea b"]

[attr="class","drea i"]the concept has her fully showing teeth. aggressive, amused, she can't decide which.

"you, humble?"

she doesn't bother to focus on the run, not when her legs ache and lungs burn. the less she knows about the remaining distance the better.

"oh, absolutely," she lets out a laugh, soft and playful. "someone has to record it, right?"

CIAN MAHER

[attr="class","cian"]"not sure what you're on about. i'd say i'm pretty humble."

he could certainly be less humble, but that doesn't really help his losing argument.

"i'll make sure they stream it just for you."

and by they, he really means himself. it'd be good exposure regardless.

"no but really, you should come."

[attr="class","noodles"]drea oddmund

[attr="class","drea"]

[attr="class","drea b"]

[attr="class","drea i"]"you're as humble as i am athletic," which isn't much, if at all.

is that a thing they do nowadays, stream marathons? she always thought it was just video games and asmr... huh, the internet is an odd place.

"if you want?" she isn't sure how to respond, the evidence rising to her facial structure. there's an awkward unknown in the way her lips settle, as if she's not sure if she should be amused or embarrassed.

"why do you want me to go so badly?" her head tilts slightly, as if perplexed he'd really want to see her in the crowd.

CIAN MAHER

[attr="class","cian"]"dunno."

he shrugs, feigning a thought.

"guess i kinda like you."

[attr="class","noodles"]drea oddmund

[attr="class","drea"]

[attr="class","drea b"]

[attr="class","drea i"]caught off guard is not an expression she likes to show, especially in front of him. it bleeds through with bewilderment, a single blue eye widening.

"why?"

it's quick, blurted out almost moments after.

the concept of someone liking her feels... odd.

CIAN MAHER

[attr="class","cian"]"what's not to like?"

the bewilderment is registered and appreciated. he humors the thought with more words that look to add to it.

"you're smart, interesting, and you don't give a shit."

[attr="class","noodles"]drea oddmund