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At some point during the conversation, you reminded Wanda that the person sitting across from her was none other than the “Amazing Spider-Man”, prompting her to resume her fangirl behavior, and giving you enough of a distraction to slip around Abe and sit next to Pei. This little maneuver didn’t go unnoticed by her, but she said nothing for a while.
You waited until the others were too engrossed in a conversation to notice what you were saying.
<span class="mu-r">“Thanks for agreeing to help Cindy. Even if the training session didn’t go too well.”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“No, it was an enlightening experience. She is very talented. With the right training, she will be a great warrior someday.”</span> Pei concluded.
<span class="mu-r">“I’m glad to hear it. I was actually sort of hoping that you’d be interested in hanging out with her again.”</span> you whispered. <span class="mu-r">“You see, I think she needs more people around her age that she can open up to. Wanda’s her friend, but she’s like…Cindy’s apprentice, you know?”</span>
Pei gave you a curious look out of the corner of her eye.
<span class="mu-r">“You are very involved in her life.”</span> she noticed.
<span class="mu-r">“I'm sort of her work dad. I helped her out after the incident with her parents, so I occasionally lend a hand with the stuff that her foster dad doesn't know about.”</span> you explained.
Pei nodded to herself.
<span class="mu-r">“And you wish for me and her to regard each other as equals.”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“It'd make me feel a hell of a lot better if you were looking out for her too.”</span> you said. <span class="mu-r">“And…I can make sure that Cindy stocks up on your favorite junk food of choice before you go to hang out.”</span>
Pei's expression grew contemplative, her gaze shifting between you and Cindy for a moment.
After a while, she gave you a thumbs up.
<span class="mu-r">“Okay.”</span> she agreed. <span class="mu-r">“There aren't very many people that can keep up with me like she can, and I won’t have to lie to her like my other friends.”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“Exactly.”</span> you added. <span class="mu-r">“And maybe you can continue sparring with each other in the near future.”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“That’s entirely dependent on her.”</span> Pei said, closing her eyes. <span class="mu-r">“She must seek balance in her life.”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“Fair enough.”</span> you conceded, taking out your phone and offering it to her. <span class="mu-r">“Did Iron Fist ever give you one of these?”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“Of course.”</span> Pei scoffed, pulling out a slim, flip phone that looked like it barely had half the functions of your Os-berry. She seemed proud of it, though, so you let the matter drop.
>”Pei” has been added to your Contacts list.
—--------
<span class="mu-r">“Hey.”</span>
<span class="mu-s">“Hey.”</span> Cindy replied, looking a bit awkward.
<span class="mu-r">“Wanna go for a walk?”</span> you offered.
<span class="mu-s">“Sure.”</span> Cindy agreed.
She informed the others that you and she would be leaving for a while, and accompanied you to one of the nearby walking paths.
(Cont.)
