Rapido!

Chapter 5

Why? Why are you so dumb Octavio?

He should have stood up to Crypto, he looked weak. That was not how he wanted to look to Wattson.

(Flashback)

Octavio followed Wattson and Crypto at a distance, they seemed to be talking about a project of some sorts. He would follow a bit and then duck into a doorway to hide and wait a few moments before going back out, several times they turned around to hear whatever sound that Octavio made tripping. They went down two more hallways and then finally into the lab room. But as they walked in, Crypto stopped, said something to Wattson and ran off towards the door. Octavio hid while he passed, then he stepped out of his hiding spot and approached Wattson. He tapped her on the back and she jumped, "Désolé! I'm sorry, I didn't see you there!"

"Nah, that's my fault, I should have said something." Octavio said.

"Are you Octane?" She asked.

"Sí, I am."

"Oh. I heard about your crash... I'm sorry. How are your legs so far?" She said and looked down at the metal legs that were quietly clicking when he moved.

"Thanks, but they are actually really good! I can move faster now! Can't say I'm happy about being in a crash and having a coma though. By the way... thanks for the letter, it meant a lot."

Wattson blushed a little, "Of course, it's the least I could do."

"What do you think of the games?" Octavio asked.

"I enjoy competing in them. The fame is a little hard to deal with, but I like it nevertheless."

"Ah Si, I can't wait to get back in there myself. I may have only competed in one game, but I'm determined to be the best!"

Wattson giggled, "The best? That will be tough, especially with me in the ring."

"Wel- Okay big shot! Lets see how you do against the Octrain!" He laughed and ran in place. Wattson pushed him a bit and laughed as well they talked for several minutes, Wattson talked about her lab research, and Octavio about his running and stim discoveries.

"You accidentally discovered it?" Wattson laughed, "How?"

"You see," he began, "My great uncle was a crazy science guy of sorts, one day he left his lab door opened with half of an experiment done, I was looking at it all and accidentally knocked a bottle over that spilled into his experiment and created a cool green color. Being the daredevil I am.." He put his hand on his chest and flashed a smile, but she couldn't see becuase he had his mask, "I put it into a syringe shot thingy and Eroupa! Erm, whatever you scince people say."

Wattson put a finger to her chin and thought for a moment, "You didn't accidentally spill it."

"I- wha-"

"And your Great Uncle wasn't a scientist."

Octavio started.

"You stole the stim and copied the recipe huh?"

Octavio was frozen, "H-h-how did you..."

She laughed, "Just guessing. You shouldn't steal, you know." She walked around to the other side of the counter and Started working on something, Octavio thought she was just pretending. She was perfect, her face, her personality, her smile and laugh made Octavio want to run million laps and sleep at the same time. She was funny, and Octavio thought she was hot. But that seemed like the wrong word, Extraordinary! No, beautiful. Simply beautiful. Hermosa.

"You are-" He stopped, what was he doing!

"Hmm? What was that?" She asked.

"Nothing Chica, forget it."

"Chi-?" She began but someone cleared their throat, it was Crypto.

"Would you excuse us Octane? We have stuff to do." He said Octane like he was choking on the word.

"Si." He turned to Wattson, "Adios Hermosa, good luck with your project."

"Her- Goodbye Octane."

Octane walked out of the room while Crypto gave him the cold stare. He went down the hallway and into the Cafeteria, he got hungry when he was depressed.

(End Flashback)

The Cafeteria food was good for once in Octavio's life, at schools and businesses it sucked. There were tacos with refried beans and coleslaw and alcohol. Octavio leaned on the table and sipped his beer while he fumed about not standing up to Crypto. He watched the doors into the cafeteria in hops that Wattson would walk in, but she never did. Octavio decided he was going to get to know her real name soon. The door opened and Mirage and Mary came out. Octavio waved at them and they came over after getting their food.

"What's up O?" Mirage asked.

"Eh, could be better, time is too slow, and waiting for the games to start is annoying." He replied.

"Ay," Mary said, "It seems like it takes longer an longer each week."

"By the way Mary," Octavio said, and they looked over at him, "My real name is Octavio."

They both stared for a bit, "Aaaand," Mirage began, "Why are you saying this so suddenly? Didn't you hear of the rule that you can get kicked out for saying your real name?"

Octavio stopped for a moment, "What."

Mirage started rolling on the floor laughing hysterically. Octavio's made a disappointed face, annoyed he fell for the trick, and annoyed that Mirage would laugh when he told him a personal fact.

"Sorry, sorry." Mirage said wiping tears from his eyes.

"Well thanks for saying Octavio." Mary said and they both eyed Mirage, who looked back and forth at them.

"What?" He said, Octavio rolled his eyes and started to walk away, "Ok ok, my name is Elliot."

Octavio smiled, "Thanks man."

"Sure, sure." Elliot said, "Hey, how do you feel about some spicy tacos and beer tonight?"

"Ohhhhh yes! Let 's do it amigo!" Octavio high fived Elliot and they walked off planning what to do. Mary stood there processing what just happened. Pathfinder walked over,

"Would you like to try some of my cooking?" he asked her.

"Gladly!" she replied, she took a bite of what looked like a casserole and her face scrunched up.

"It's not very good is it?" Pathfinder asked, shoulders drooping and hs sad face appearing on his screen.

Mary shook her head, "But I would be happy to teach you how to make some good food! Then you can be the best cook in the games!"

Pathfinder gave her two thumbs up, which made him drop and shatter the tray he was holding.

"Really? No way man, like what?"

"She did! I swear here." Octavio handed Elliot the note that Wattson gave him.

"Dude, that's sick. So you do like her huh?"

"Si. She's special."

They sat in silence for a bit before Elliot cleared his throat, "So... what are you gonna do?"

"Well," Octavio started, "It's obvious that Crypto kinda likes her, but I want to ask her out soon."

"Dude," Elliot said, "You can totally beat him, your way better."

"Thanks man."

Suddenly Octavios phone rang,

Hi Octane! It's Wattson. THis may be weird to ask, but do you want to hang out?

Octavio's jaw dropped and he showed Elliot, who eyed the door, "Umm, what the heck? Dude, tell her yes! She can come eat spicy tacos with us!"

Octavio typed quickly, Hey Chica! Of course! Come on over to my place and I'll cook some food for you!

They both watched his phone for a few minutes... and then, Ok! I will be over in 10 minutes!