Quoted By:
You took a moment to drink in the praise of your audience before turning to address Abe.
<span class="mu-r">“Winning was worth the wicked headache I’m going to have for the next hour. I know that was more brutal than it looked.”</span> you said.
<span class="mu-b">“You’re telling me! I’m pretty sure that at some point we performed the exact same move, three times in a row, back to back.”</span> Abe said, laughing despite himself. <span class="mu-b">“I’m less frustrated about the loss than I am about having to play against…well, me.”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“Of course. I wouldn’t have challenged you in the first place if I thought you’d be a sore loser.”</span> you replied, turning back to the crowd.
<span class="mu-r">“So, remember everyone: Good always triumphs over evil in basketball, so that makes me the good one. People have <span class="mu-s">gotta</span> start keeping that one straight!”</span>
There was clear confusion in the faces of those who didn’t know you very well, but you could clearly see Callisto and Matt shaking their heads. And they were even giving a light round of applause.
Alright, Callisto’s was noticeably more lazy than his, but you liked to believe that she was genuinely impressed with your performance. And you weren’t the only one who played your heart out here.
You reached out to grab Abe’s wrist, and raised it into the air. You got the impression that he was equal parts amused and surprised. Even though you were pretty sure that he was the whole reason this crowd had such a powerful reaction to your victory. You’d bet a mil that he was secretly hyping them up with his empath powers.
<span class="mu-r">“But, good or evil. Game recognizes game.”</span> you declared.
<span class="mu-b">“Word up.”</span> Abe added.
You shared a nod, and released your grasp on his wrist.
<span class="mu-r">“Oh, and as winner of this little competition,”</span> you continued, in a quieter voice this time. <span class="mu-r">“I get to make one request of you.”</span>
The eyes of Abe’s mask narrowed.
<span class="mu-b">“Damn. I need to learn how to wipe people’s mind’s like Webb does.”</span>
Considering the fact that he was a low-level psychic, the probability of that happening wasn’t absolutely impossible.
<span class="mu-r">“By this time next week, you’ll have gone on a date with someone who you’ve never asked out before. I’m gonna ask for details, so make it happen.”</span>
Abe’s shoulders sagged as he let out a sigh.
<span class="mu-b">“Is this about Doreen again? What’s your obsession with me dating Squirrel Girl?”</span>
You put a hand on one of those saggy shoulders.
<span class="mu-r">“Because she’s a cute, nice girl, and you need someone who can do something about that dark cloud you’ve got hanging over your head all the time.”</span>
Abe stared at you.
<span class="mu-r">“It doesn’t have to be her. I was just making a good suggestion. You need someone you can open up to.”</span> you said.
<span class="mu-b">“Like you with Anna.”</span> he said in a tone that was impossible to interpret.
<span class="mu-r">“Uh…right. Yeah, like that.”</span>
<span class="mu-b">“Hm.”</span>
What was that even supposed to mean?
(Cont.)
