Nahida & Wanderer In HXH

°•°An Exchange For A Favor Granted°•°

Now, there's a day left before this part of the exam ends, and Nahida is still missing two badges. They haven't encountered anyone yet, and it was starting to annoy Wanderer.

The poor river and the rocks around it suffered his wrath. He kicked each pebble into the water, even hitting a fish swimming about, making the water turn red before it floated up.

Nahida sighed, both at his actions and the death fish.

"You were the one that said we had time. Why are you so stressed?"

He kicked another pebble, making it lodge inside a tree trunk. Wanderer huffed and turned his head towards her. Frown growing with each word.

"Time? We have one more day, and we're not any closer to getting you the badges!"

Saying it out loud made his anger worse. He turned back to the river and kept kicking the rocks. Nahida sighed, lowering her gaze and entering her mind.

Many scenarios appeared in her head, possible ways to gain those badges within their limited time. All of these included finding Shishito's badge, encountering an examinee with two badges on them, but each scenario required luck. Which they seemed to have run out of.

She stood with a sigh, watching Wanderer release his anger on the water. All the 'splashes' and his damp clothes made her sigh once more.

"Come on, we don't have time. Let's keep moving and hope for the best."

Wanderer groaned, kicking the water one more time for good measure before jumping towards her.

Nahida looked up at him, waiting for him to pick her up and fly off… But he crossed his arms without moving. Gaze elsewhere.

Nahida blinked, at the realization. It seems, she's grown used to being carried… Interesting.

Before arriving, Wanderer had never picked her up during their walks. Only whenever it rained, or if they needed to fly. Hmm, this didn't seem like a bad habit...

Wanderer raised his brow at seeing her so deep in thought.

"What?"

She smiled and looked up at him.

"You know, I was actually expecting you to pick me up."

Wanderer paused for a moment, before he smirked.

"Ha! Really?"

He grinned and knelt, finally at eye level with her and their eyes met.

"You got used to it? Why am I not surprised?"

Nahida smiled at his playful expression.

"What can I say? It's quite nice."

He hummed and closed his eyes, before gently scooping her up without a word, Nahida giggled as he placed her above his shoulder.

She took his hat and placed it on her head, the sudden breeze threatened to take it away from her grasp. But it was refreshing, and swept past their faces.

"I miss being tall, and being able to look at people while talking. Without having to stretch my neck out just to make eye contact."

She heard Wanderer hum as he walked forward.

"You're not missing out on much."

Nahida chuckled at that.

"Well, I do not think you are someone that can tell me that."

He narrowed his eyes on her.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Her giggle made him huff, his gaze softening slightly.