𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐘 .•* 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐊 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐘𝐒𝐎𝐍

𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐈

A Walk in the Park

•••

"And that's why I think it's important to consider the implications and intent behind your actions. Because we look at good actions like saints, even if you've got bad intentions, but bad actions are always seen shitty even if you have good ones," I explained, taking a bite out of a granola bar I brought for breakfast.

"That thing must really be brain fuel because this is the most enthused I've seen you in weeks," William remarked, a soft smile forming on his lips.

Our feet hit the ground in tandem as we walked, making our way downtown. I had practically begged William to hang out with me, in part to make up for how much I'd been missing out, but also because I was in desperate need of a friend.

I was doing a lot better, but it still hurt to think about the loss of my team. It wasn't anything I could talk to William about, but to just know he was there with me was enough. If he had an aura, it would be yellow. Or maybe a really friendly orange.

"Yesterday was a pretty good day. This morning hasn't felt too bad, either."  I smiled, a tangible upward infliction in my voice.  Stretching out my shoulders, I crossed each arm through the other as I walked.

"This is why you have to sit with me at lunch. Imagine how much better your life would be!" William pressed, a self satisfied smile filling his lips.  "One day on 'lunch with William'.  Your life is good."

"I'm glad I caught the new wave early," I joked.  "I'd hate to be put on a waitlist.  As far as sitting there again... I'll think about it."

I had already thought about it.  I was definitely coming back. 

Not just for Mark, but because I realized it was the chance of a lifetime to get quality time in with William, without so much commitment to the day.  When villain activity was peaking, a good example would be now, it was easy to miss talking to him.  Seeing him at lunch created an instant win-win.

I guess I hadn't realized how much I was missing out on by eating off campus for lunch.

"You'd better," William chirped. "I think you'd be a great addition."

"I do, too. Maybe we can start creating potions in our milk cartons again," I suggested with a laugh.

"I bet I could convince Mark to drink it for a dollar."

"I wouldn't even smell that for a dollar. I think you're underestimating the bacteria in that stuff. Doctors would pay thousands for a sample."

"Don't lie to me. You're too curious, you'd smell it for free. And I think you're severely underestimating the value of a dollar to a teenage boy. It'll build his immune system."

We continued walking, talking about various topics and ideas. The most prominent was William's current suitor, Rick. William had nothing but praise for him, and it made my heart swell to know he'd found someone worthy of his love (on the condition William wasn't sugar coating). Nobody deserved the world more than him.

The wind blew gently through our hair, pushing away the temperament of the beginning fall heat as we walked. Leaves rustled alive and birds chirped as we breathed in the crisp air. Beautiful was the best word I could use to describe it.

Still, the minute we passed a relatively clean park bench, William was eager for a breather.

"Can we sit down for a second? I love walking with you, but don't you think it's a little early for cardio?"