Outcast

One Step Forward: Chapter 1: Two Steps Back

The months rolled by like a wind through an open valley.

Late October turned the following year into early February in a near blink.

The holidays came and went.

Keith's relationship was Pico was growing. Ever since that day when he was rescued and took him back to his house. Him and Pico developed a bond unlike he had with his other two friends. This felt more personal and special to him. He has never felt this way about another person before.

On that faithful day after Pico finally ate his small slice of pizza he made, they decided on a game of Mario Kart. It wasn't hard to tell that the ginger's level of expertise with video games was not on par with Keith's. He was pretty bad at the game. He would constantly fall behind with every course. Sixth place here, fourth place there. They were only playing on 50cc, too, the easiest difficulty. Needless to say, Keith was constantly coming up in first place, and sometimes when he was unlucky at the end of a race with the blue shell, second at times.

Keith was very animated with his gameplay, while Pico sat there quietly and played. He never shouted or got upset at his losses. He was never irritated in the slightest. He seemed to be just enjoying the game for what it is, while blue hair jostled roughly with his movements. Keith would constantly be tilting his controller, tapping buttons loudly, and moving his entire body to the motions of the character on screen.

Pico seemed to find it rather amusing. Especially on a particular course where the ginger was falling behind, once again. They came across an item box and Pico ended up with a blue shell, Keith was in first. He was rather far behind in sixth place and managed to catch up to third still holding onto the shell, preparing for an attack.

Keith noticed the bottom half of the screen that Pico was controlling, clearly seeing the menacing winged culprit taunting him. "No-no-no-no, dude-dude-dude, come on...! I am so close to winning...! Don't-don't-don't!" Keith nearly pleaded, as he glanced from the corner of his eye and saw those pearl irises look back at him. Pico grinned, making a particular loud click of a button press.

That distinctive sound of warning blared through the television, a bubble of a blue shell showing up on Keith's top half of the screen showing his doom. The finish line was in sight, and then it was too late. Keith's character was struck, pulling him to a complete standstill as his ride flew up in the air and back down to the track. Keith saw Pico surpass not only him, but the second place NPC as they crossed the finish line.

"Awww, Duuuuude! Pico, that was so cold, man...! How could you...?!" Keith practically flailed, dramatically. The results shown on the screen, finally announcing Pico as a winner for once, as he came in third this round. The blue-haired male wasn't actually upset, but he put on such a show. Waving his arms around with a slight pout on his face. He was really proud. The orange-haired male learned fast.

A genuine and soft laugh brought Keith back down to earth, stopping his tirade. He saw those tired looking eyes shut with a smile, his hand covering his mouth in an attempt to hide his laughter. A chord struck across Keith's heart at that sight. It brought a smile to his face watching the normally depressing male laugh for once. It was a low-pitched chuckle that had the other's shoulders shaking. He could get used to hearing that.

After their video game escapade, Keith's parents came home at their usual time, making the sweater-clad male really nervous for some reason. His parents were kind, and introduced themselves to him, and he gave them a short greeting back with respect. He stated that he had to get home and booked it for the door.

The taller male had to stop him from jetting so quickly, asking if he wanted a ride home, or to help walk him back safely. It was getting rather dark out. Those incredible eyes darted up to meet his own, a small smile adorning him as he was gripping his left shoulder out of nervousness. "I'll be fine..." He stated, before turning to begin walking out the door.