The Reconstruction of Plaza [Crankshaft Rafflesian]

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

The three of you wrap up at the sleepy little joint, paying your bill and making quick work down the street toward the glow of the mall and surrounding boardwalk area. 

The town exists in perpetual twilight while the sun is up, so there's something uniquely safe and warm whenever the night falls. 

Even if there are huge gaps in your memory, it feels like you've known the moon's light and lure of the lantern covered path forever. 

You feel a little out of place right now however:

Kurt and Lex talk like friends who've known each other forever and you're just a guest they've invite on a whim.

Is it really that easy? 

Lex turns her head toward you with a warm smile. 

Your permanently painted on grin is betrayed by the nerves in your eyes, her head tilting with just a touch of concern. 

Lex: You okay back there? 

Dotty: Me? 

Lex: Yeah you, who else? 

Kurt: I'm always okay. 

Dotty: Sounds fake. 

Lex: It's true, but just always okay. 

Kurt: Nothing more and that's alright. But you? 

Dotty: I'm.. managing? Just trying to catch up to speed on everything, you know? 

Kurt: Ah, a homebody. 

Dotty: Yeah, little bit.. 

Lex: Feel that, sometimes gotta push myself to go and do this. Usually pays off. 

Kurt: Mostly. 

Lex: Majority of the time by a slim margin. 

Dotty: Oh? 

Kurt: This one's a bit scrappy. 

Lex: Get into fights a lot... 

Dotty: Registered or-

Lex: Uh.... bit of everything. 

She did a little tap on the side of her head, one of her eyes wobbling off center. 

Lex: Eye can track but can't actually see, too many times getting it cracked. Don't bother to get repairs anymore. Managing fine, less stuff to cover. 

Dotty: You're a troublemaker then. 

Lex: Not as much these days but... 

She shrugs. 

Lex: Don't want to risk my dueling license, you know? 

Kurt: Aye, a career woman. 

Dotty: You make any big waves? 

Lex: Did pretty good last season, solid this one. Trying to push to get a invite to one of the big rings. 

You wonder to yourself... 

Would it be bad to check her records? You *do* have access to the but-

No, not without asking. 

Kurt: You've been putting in the work, think you got a chance this time. 

Lex: Maybe! I mean.. I kinda have to. Won't be able to keep this up forever and all... 

Dotty: You got any sort of second job or... 

Lex:... No. Kinda rely on earnings and odd gigs.  I'm doing enough to make it through...

Kurt: We help cover for her on occasion if needed. 

Lex: Wish you didn't so much... 

Kurt: Just trying to get you on your feet. Besides, maybe this one'll help you out too. 

Dotty: Could see if there's a opening at work... 

Lex: Maybe, can't you like.. not join dueling season ranks if you're working on the safety committee though?

Dotty: Conflict of interest clauses. 

Lex: Maybe if this season doesn't go well... stuff has to be hard though, yeah? Like they usually go for tougher construct types or former pros... 

Dotty: I guess... You'd be surprised though, not enough people want to handle the job and it's harder when they expect you to do commentary too. 

Lex: I can try. Like... I dunno, something to sit on. Don't want to have to this early though.. 

Dotty: Most of them aren't your age anyway. 

Lex: You're kinda young for that sort of job too though, no? 

Dotty: Complicated.. 

Kurt poked your shoulder with his elbow. 

Kurt: So like, maybe you can hook me up or-

Lex: Can you even fight..? 

Kurt: I can hurt feelings. 

Dotty: Got plenty of those.. 

Kurt: Assholes? 

Dotty: Yeah. Not going to lie though, between the current ones and you.... 

Kurt: So there's a chance. 

Dotty: I mean... gonna have to second your friend's question there. 

Kurt: In the office in general though?  

Dotty: Doesn't pay as well, you're probably better sticking to what you've got currently. 

Kurt: Figures. 

Dotty: So what's the uh.. friend you're meeting up with like? 

Kurt: Bunny. 

Dotty: That doesn't tell me anything.

Lex: It means he's a bunny. 

Dotty: Yeah but like.. so are the two of you?  

Lex: Doesn't have to be the same kind.

Dotty: So he's not a dopple..? From off island or-

Kurt: Nah he absolutely is, sorta. About as much as you're a uh... 

Dotty: Cat-based, pretty loosely though. 

Lex: Also broad, there's plenty of cats. 

Dotty: It's more of a loose idea of one-

Kurt: You're being vague too! 

Dotty: I mean I wouldn't know? I didn't make me. 

Kurt: Excuses dude. 

Dotty: Just like... so he's a dopple but not a normal one. 

Kurt: What is normal-

Lex: Oh my god stop! 

Kurt: Bit too long? 

Dotty: Yeah. 

Kurt: Keeping this in the pocket for later then. 

One of the glowing entrances to the building drew near, immediately eye-catching with its bright sign and shifting hues. 

Lex: I kinda want to go right for the Arcade today not gonna lie. Like...

Kurt: We go in there and you're not gonna want to leave. 

Lex: I guess but-

Kurt: Should at least grab Spice first, yeah?

Lex: Yeah... 

Spice, hell of a name...

Dotty: I could go with you while Kurt gets your friend-

Lex: Really? I mean... would ya'll both be okay with that-

Kurt: Long as you don't make it hard to find ya'll after? Sure. 

Lex: You go on ahead then, stay safe? 

Kurt: Yeah, same to both of you. 

Kurt turned his glasses covered gaze toward you.

Kurt: Gonna need you to promise me you'll keep an eye on my buddy here-

Lex: I'll be fine-

Kurt: I just gotta make sure with our guest here. No problems? 

Dotty: None.. I'll protect your friend with my life. 

Kurt: Serious one... I'll take it. 

He gave you both a huge wave and started running. 

Kurt: See you again soon!