Brawl Stars: Lights, Camera, Brawl!

Part 2

Janet was rearranging the items on her makeup counter. She had spent almost forty minutes tidying her room. She always wanted it to be perfect for Fang's visits so they could relax properly and talk comfortably. Fang didn't care about the state of her room, but it was still something she could do to show how much she valued his time. Each time she tidied it, it just got messy again. She would toss items around looking for something, and things would start piling up.

Fang finally arrived. Janet led him upstairs and embraced him with all her might. Suddenly, she gagged and let him go.

"Oh... that scent," she complained. "Lola's perfume... oh, it smells so strong."

At this point, Janet was very well acquainted with the sickeningly sweet scent that creature wore. It smelled strongly of flowers— gardenias, perhaps?— with a hint of spice.

"Oh, I'm sorry," Fang said apologetically. "She hugs me a lot, and her perfume sometimes rubs off."

Why could Fang only see the good in Lola? Did he genuinely believe that was merely the way Lola liked to greet him? No– Janet knew better. She was trying to steal Janet's spot as the center of Fang's attention, since she couldn't stand the thought of being overshadowed by someone else in her friend's life. Thank goodness that would never work.

Janet examined Fang, taking him in for the first time since he entered. She frowned. "You've got something on your– hold on."

She walked to her makeup counter and returned with a makeup remover wipe. She wiped off the crimson stain from his cheek.

Fang had completely forgotten about that. "Was... was it noticeable?" he asked weakly.

"Yes, very."

What kind of desperate moves was Lola making to gain attention? Some probably thought that Lola cared about and needed Fang as a friend, but Janet knew the truth– Lola cared too much about herself and had to be everyone's first priority. How dare someone else be more important than her?

"I'm sorry," Fang said quietly. "I know you don't really like Lola, but she's been my friend for a while. I enjoy her company, even if she can come off as, well, strong."

"It's fine," Janet assured. "That's your business; I'm not gonna control who you hang out with. Besides, you have some nice friends, like Buster."

"Right, Buster! I'm so glad you get along."

"Yeah– he's great and seems to get you."

Janet was thrilled that Fang had someone who closely supported his specific interests. Janet did, too, but was nowhere as helpful as Buster, who had a far more extensive knowledge of film.

Fang was about to respond when the door burst open. Janet's sister came in and threw herself into Fang's arms. "Fang! You're here!" she laughed.

"Good to see you too, Bonnie." He patted her head and playfully spun her around. The child squealed in delight. He gently put her down.

"All right, you had your fun," Janet said, pushing Bonnie out the door. "Fang's all mine now– go do something else."

She shut the door behind her. "You've never carried me like that," she complained.

"Oh, really? Let me try, then." He wrapped one arm around her waist and the other around her legs. Janet threw her arm around his shoulders. He lifted her off the floor, her legs dangling in the air. He dipped her down, and she laughed delightedly. She felt a rush of elation and exhilaration, mixed with the relaxation and comfort she felt whenever Fang was around. Even the overpowering scent of gardenias faded into nothingness.

He gently set her down on her bed and sat on the comforter next to her. She put her arm around his waist and rested her head on his shoulder. What happiness she felt– and the night had only begun. How she loved Fang for making her feel this way all the time!