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Everyone gathered around you, taking two or three slices each, with the exception of your mutual friend. You all turned to stare at Iara, who was eyeing the pizza so intimately that you were afraid to be the one standing between her and the table.
<span class="mu-r">“Uh…which one would you like?”</span>
You asked, picking up two boxes with two different toppings and presenting them to her. She stared at you, dumbfounded, her mouth agape, and she gratefully accepted both boxes. And without further ado, she proceeded to stuff an entire pizza into her newly enlarged, gaping maw.
Her eyes lit up as she chomped and chewed, and the other two Morlocks were forced to back up a bit, or risk getting cheese, marinara and pepperoni on their clothes. Iara, in particular, was wearing a skintight dark blue bodysuit that left very little to the imagination. Glass had given her his hoodie to wear, just so that she wouldn’t feel cold or exposed.
<span class="mu-r">“I guess she hasn’t lost her appetite.”</span>
You said with a light chuckle. Glass joined in as well, and some of the unease that he felt before slowly started to melt away. Joy looked pleased by her reaction as well. If anything, watching the shark girl eat was somehow less horrifying than watching Glass eat. You could actually <span class="mu-i">see</span> his chewed food sliding down his throat!
After grabbing your food, you sat down beside Iara and dug in. There wasn’t a whole lot of talking during this time. Just quiet appreciation of the food and each other’s company. You got up to grab the drinks from Koa a few minutes later, who, as you suspected, hadn’t managed to get very far since the last time you’d checked on him.
<span class="mu-r">“Alright! Who wants to watch a movie?”</span>
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It went without saying that none of you had any real intention to actually <span class="mu-i">watch</span> the movie. It was just meant to be on in the background so that you had something to listen to while you talked. Also, it just so happened to be a comedy that Iara enjoyed.
Every now and again, you managed to get a smile or a chuckle out of her. But there was a marked change in the way that she smiled now. Her jaws were wider, for one, and her protruding snout gave her an appearance not dissimilar to a cartoon mascot. It was simultaneously jarring and just a little adorable.
Joyce took a deep breath, preparing herself for the conversation that you asked her to have with her friend and mentor. You didn’t know if her words could rattle something loose in Iara’s memories, but you had to try.
<span class="mu-b">“Hey, Deep. Do you…remember me? It’s Joyce. You gave me that name. It…it made me really happy.”</span>
She paused for a moment, wiping at the corners of her eyes. You and Glass just remained silent and watched Iara for any sort of reaction. She had mostly been paying attention to the movie up until now, but she started glancing at Joy every now and again, noticing that something was clearly wrong.
(Cont.)