>>5793265“Well it kept me alive, didn’t it?” She counters as you roll over some bumpy road! “I um… I <span class="mu-i">did</span> used to film some stuff with my toys and stuffed animals, though… probably why I got so attached to my <span class="mu-s">CAMERA</span>...”
No kidding, you remark in growing disbelief–like what… dramas or something?
“No… they were, like…” Pepper begins before pausing to find the right words, “Fake news shows? Sharky was the Sportscaster… Nelly was the Weather Girl…”
Holy shit, you mutter under your breath, she’s… she’s not kidding, is she? Does she still have the footage?
“Oh man, probably buried in the closet in a box full of harddrives…” The girl replies with a nostalgic laugh! “There were so many…”
Well shit, you grin, you know <span class="mu-i">EXACTLY</span> what you’re doing for the next date then–<span class="mu-s">NEWS REPORT MARATHON!</span>
“Already so sure of Date #2, ey?” Purrs your date with a coy smile in her tone! “Hope you’re ready, sandcrab–the reports <span class="mu-i">definitely</span> got darker when I hit my teens… they balanced out again later, but, y’know… watcher beware…”
You’re looking forward to it, you remark as you try to imagine <span class="mu-s">TEEN ANGST PEPPER</span>. As the image slowly forms in your head, you’re roused out of it when Pepper clears her throat!
“I also, uh… well my mom taught me some needlework when I was little…” She adds in a cautious tone, “And being alone in High School a lot I spent a lot of time, um…”
Doing what?
“Sewing… little <span class="mu-i">dolls</span>.” Pepper sighs as if giving in to torture! “I didn’t get an allowance, you know? So I’d sell ‘em on that <span class="mu-s">CRAFTSY</span> website…”
You nearly plow the bike into a <span class="mu-s">FRUUUUIIT CAAA-</span> erm, FRUIT CART! Is… is she <span class="mu-i">SERIOUS!?</span> Why didn’t she say so earlier?!
“I was worried you’d think I was a <span class="mu-i">weirdo!</span>” Sputters Pepper as she recovers from the near-miss you just pulled! “Like, ‘<span class="mu-i">ooh, look at that girl! She stalks her classmates and makes little dolls that she does fake news stories with!</span>’ Not exactly prime dating material…”
Bullshit, you counter, she’s… c-can… can you have a doll?
Your date responds with a smug laugh before pressing herself against your back again! “Well well… I suppose we’ll just have to see how the date goes, won’t we?”
Bring it on, you snarl! You’re ready!
“Points for enthusiasm!” The girl chirps! “Keep it up!”
Wait… isn’t it kinda rigged if <span class="mu-i">she’s</span> keeping score?
“I could answer that… but it’d affect your <span class="mu-s">score</span>!”
This girl…
>CONTD. 