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Cool breeze in the air packing some leafs aboard. the creatures of the stage chatting with each other in gibberish. The shadow of the swimming whale above covered the grassy land. And the sound of Aero Acrobat popping the floating balloons in the background as the three friends sat on a picnic blanket, drinking hot cocoa and enjoying some sweets. the calmness was disturbed by Haoyu’s loud slurping. “Ew nerd where are your manners?” Lolo, disgusted with her friend, didn’t notice the flying creature in the air trying to catch her attention by popping the colorful floating balloons. “ THROWN OUT THE WINDOW CAUSE OF THIS DELICIOUS COCOA!!!” drinking his own cocoa although with more respect, Attilio lowered his cup looking at Lolo. Eyes wide with amazement “ he’s right, this tastes delicious” the guide giggled and mumbled a string of ‘oh you two’ and ‘it’s not that good’ bashfully, receiving weird looks from her two friends, “ you guys are flattering me too much-“ another shy giggle although followed by a mischievous smirk “I made it.”
“Suddenly the cocoa isn’t very good.”
“HEY—“
Attilio chuckled at his two friends antics, he reached out for a sugary dipped sweet in the small container and threw it in his mouth, closing his eyes in bless, he put a hand in his face shyly, munching on the square candy as the fruity flavor melted in his tongue, and when he finished he proceeded to grasp another one. he ate quietly listening to his friends argue “-apparently this genius learned the whole periodic table but not some manners.” offended, Haoyu gasped “ first off I’m an engineer not a chemist! and don’t bring my outstanding brain into this—“ Lolo had to hide a big cackle on this one “second of all, I do have manners! I just give them to people who actually deserve them—“ another loud gasp this time from the young girl, getting an egotistical smirk on the small engineer.
Attilio glanced between his friends not wanting to waste their rare outings together with arguments, decided that this is enough for now. But before cutting his friend’s ego competition he noticed the balloon popping sounds stopped. looking around trying to find the original maker of the noise. he found Aero Acrobat standing a couple of feet away from their picnic spot, behind Lolo looking at her in a disappointed look a face glued with a smile can manage. “Guys...” the clown’s whisper ceased the argument, both looking at where Attilio’s stare was directed to. they both saw the discouraged look on the creatures face, it caused Lolo to let out a small heartfelt “awh~” putting a hand to her heart, she then got up gently from her sitting position on the blanket, not wanting to frighten the creature away.
she slowly approached them with her arms extended out, “wats wong wittle fella??” the creature still had that devastated look on their face. they got the attention of the guide but for the wrong reason. When she got close enough she opened her arms in an invitation “ du youw wanna jwin us?” The pleasant expression that plastered the creatures face when she said that was the only confirmation she needed before scooping the thing playfully in her arms, giggling hysterically, happy sounds leaving the creature as they were thrown in the air, then got caught . She went back to the blanket, sat down with Aero sitting vertically on her lap. reaching out to the container full of sweets that’s near Attilio, she took a couple in her palms, giving them to the creature in hand. one paw holding the sweets, the other taking one by one, the creature dived in with no hesitance. she brought her focus back to her friends, one was creeped out and the other was touched. She coughed in her fists “anyways where were we?” Haoyu was still staring at his creature weirdly. “I’ll never understand the Love between the creatures of Wonderworld and you.” Lolo mumbled a “you don’t need to understand it” then moved her attention to Attilio, while reaching for her own cup of cocoa “sooo... how were you guys the past few days? you know with the sudden schedule change and all?”
Attilio now in his 9th sweet, he swallowed first then answered “I had a lot of free time that I didn’t need” he looked at the creature laying in Lolo’s lap “it was a bit boring that our hangouts had to suddenly halt, cause that was my only free time. the past week I’ve been taking care of the theme park nonstop. Cass would come by for company, and I will introduce her to the new meals, toys, rides. But I’m still technically working even though I’m free?” He gained an understanding nod from his friends. Lolo percked up “ that reminds me! did you leave a sign that you’re not available in your stage?” That made Attilio let out a small chuckle
“yes, don’t want to find Cass asleep at the entrance like last time.” Reminding the group of when they all retreated from their last hangout to the theme park and found the creatures of the stage piled like a colorful mountain over little Cass, who’s laying at the gate snoozing. erupting a laugh from the three friends. When it ceased down Haoyu threw a comment in the air “imagine not owning a stage.” The comment sinking in but not being fully understood. The confused guide spoke seconds later “ Uh-Cass has a stage?” “I’m not talking about Cass” trying to think of the only person who doesn’t own a stage in Wonderworld, she gasped. “YOU!”
“-Wrong answer!”
“HOW DARE YOU!”
When they started bickering again Attilio let out an exhausted breath. he took the heated liquid container keeping the cocoa’s temperature warm and reached his other hand for Haoyu’s cup. “More cocoa?” The other boys face went from confusion to child like joy “DUH!” After pouring for his friend and successful distracting him, Attilio looked at Lolo in the eyes “if it’s not too personal, what caused you to cut our outings suddenly like that? hope it wasn’t something big...” the guide looked taken back for a second, then let out a nervous chuckle scratching her arm and looking away “I-uh, had to fix some damages I caused in the theatre...” Attilio looked surprised but also confused “did you break something?” She looked at him nervously
“no—“
“she broke Leo.”
A couple of seconds full of silence. Lolo didn’t like how blunt Haoyu was, but also wondered how he knew. giving her attention to the boy in her right she questioned “ who told you??” He looked at her like she was the most stupidest person he ever met, which might be true. “ it happened in MY stage??? I heard the screaming and ran to check it out.”
“You were there...”
“ yes and it was quite a show” he started slurping his cocoa again while the guide let out a deep breath. The way Haoyu described it made the clown worry. “well THAT happened” Attilio stared in anticipation as the guide explained in details what accered. Haoyu cutting in then in there explaining what he saw. After they finished the story Attilio became silent. He opened his mouth a minute later “....and?” Lolo looked awkwardly at the creature in her hand, it was grinning at her happily, getting a small smile on her lips
“And...
.———————————-.
“ you two know why I sat you here.” It was a statement not even a question. The clown wasn’t pleased when he heard the story from young Emma and his mood got worse when he witnessed how the children were handling the situation. Leo had been ignoring Lolo and everyone around her with the exception of Emma. ignorance isn’t an answer, and would only cause more sorrow. meanwhile Lolo on the other hand wouldn’t bring herself to be in the same room with Leo, her intention was for the sake of his comfort but that won’t really fix anything.
Balan was pissed.
Looking at his right, Leo was there at the end of the table. Arms crossed looking at the side, glaring at the floor with an annoyed expression. To his left Lolo was in the same position, although the expression she had was more of an angry guilt. they haven’t uttered a word since they came back after that adventure, 4 days ago.
“Nothing said or done would be judged, Leo. you can express your emotions all you want.” Silence. Leo’s glare hardened. Balan new the boy doesn’t want to get attached more then he is now. he had trouble with friendships, it’s the reason why he’s in Wonderworld. although the kid was getting better, the accident reminded him of why he was a distant person.
“How about this...” the two teens didn’t budge, “I’ll be asking each one of you a question. You have to answer that question truthfully and honestly, and don’t you dare use the silent treatment on me.” His voice wasn’t the usual warm echoing voice, no. It was demanding.
“Lolo...” the teen looked back at her father with a guilty look, but he only moved his head to Leos direction, an unspoken statement. that look should be directed at Leo. “ is there something that Leo needs to hear?” The girl let out a sigh then looked at the seated boy in front of her “I’m sorry....” her knuckles tightened in her lap, she didn’t know what else to say. This wasn’t exactly fair for she forgot to tell the boy death doesn’t exist in here. She can’t really control her messed up memory anyways so she can’t promise something similar won’t happen again. this felt awkward. “And?” But of course she has to say more. “And..........—“ her mouth stayed agap, she really didn’t know what to say. Looking up at balan for an answer, he mouthed at her ‘just be honest’.
“.......and I.....I hope you don’t hate me..., cause I care about you. And I still want you in my life..., I feel really guilty ” at this time she was just throwing all the embarrassing things she means in a messed up sentence that’s not even grammatically correct. Balan nodded then looked at his right side to Leo, who still won’t let his guard down. “Leo, how do you feel about this?” Silence, Leo still not letting his guard down. His fists tightened on his sleeves.
“Leo—“ “what!” The scream made her flinch “you want me to tell you how I feel? How I witnessed her throw herself like some rag doll or when she slipped from my grip INTENTIONALLY !?” He stood up from his seat, pointing a finger at her. the chair falling backwards “I thought you DIED, I thought I just witnessed second hand death!!. that, that was gonna be my last memory of you!!” Lolo’s face was lowered. She won’t allow herself to speak. he could scream at her all he wants, she deserves it. The boy started agitating. His hands went to his hair and fisted it. “...I-I thought I lost you, and I....I can’t loose you like I l-lost him.” At this point some tears started falling, although it’s obvious they aren’t welcomed and are being bottled. “Ugh..!” His arms desperately wiping the slipping tears. She looked up only to be met with a panicked face “You scared me!”
.————————————-.
“Woah...” Attilio muttered. They all didn’t know how to react to the story. No more sipping sounds from Haoyu’s side as he was deep in his thoughts. The creature in the girls lap broke that silence and started cueing. apparently the sweets that were in their paws are no more. Lolo reached out to the container that’s now in Attilio’s lap, peeking inside only to find a couple few left. she took all the ones left giving it to the creature and breaking Attilio’s heart in the process. She then threw the empty container in the basket behind her. Taking out another container filled up with the same sweets, gaining an instant smile on the clowns face. He dragged the new container a bit closer to his spot across the blanket and dove in. “Leo doesn’t like making friends right...?” While his hands and mouth were busy eating, Haoyu’s words gained the attention of his ears. “But for a reaction this big to spawn, I think he’s slowly getting attached to you Lolo..” Attilio pondered on that for a moment then responded while munching “ I think anyone would have a reaction this big while witnessing a friend fall. If I was in Leos place I would have fainted...” the clown’s words being thrown there for laughs also carried some truth. “Well-Yeah duh!, but I’m not talking about his reaction during the accident. I’m speaking about his behavior after.” That got the two to look at Haoyu. Wanting to see where this was going. “Listen what was Emma’s reaction after the accident??” The boy desperately threw the question at Lolo who slowly answered “well aside from a small break down she’s been glued to me for a couple of days. wanted to check if my jump caused some scratches and asked me about how I feel on a daily basis— I don’t understand. how does that have anything to do w—“
“-you said he didn’t ignore Emma right....?” a nod on that from the problematic guide “that’s because he caught himself getting too close to you! And tried cutting you off to not suffer with his emotions. Yes Leo and Emma are close but it’s not like what you and Leo have. Emma and Leo are like acquaintances, both in the same journey in Wonderworld, can be seen helping each other during difficult times. A friendship above sea level, not dangerously deep. But what you and Leo have is something else that cannot be labeled as acquaintanceship. A bond that isn’t over sea level and that is becoming deeper and deeper the more you two are around each other. And that scares him!!” The young engineer looked at his friends who were giving him unamused looks, Seeing that Haoyu was in one of ‘those’ moods now. dropping the young boy’s excitement with spilling out the truth. “C’mon!! I’ve seen how you two interact! and comparing it to how Leo and Emma interact? you two are in it deep!”
The sound of the wind being the only noise that can be heard “Oooooor....” the guide looked at her clown friend to her left “he’s just angry cause I was careless.” Attilio gave an agreeing nod and a warm smile. eyes squeezing shut in the process “that’s much more believable, you are a little hard to deal with”
“see! Yea-......wait what”.
Haoyu although grumpy because his friends won’t listen to him, still looked impressed on how Attilio said such a heartbreaking statement with a heartfelt expression. “I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that” the girl mumbled. Gaining a confused look from the clown and an unheard “huh?” She started patting the creature in her lap on their helmet. Getting back to Haoyu “I think you’re looking too much into this. Leo is Leo, a behavior like this is expected after such an experience”
She reached out for her hot cocoa again. After gulping down the sweet warm liquid
She let go eventually and a blessfull sigh escaped. “Anyways another topic! How have you been spending your free time nerd? Other then being nerdy.”
The engineer still salty for being dismissed, scoffed laying a hand on his upright knee. The other behind him balancing his weight “I’ve enjoyed my vacation away from our meetings thank you very much!” The girl beside him bursts into a fit. cackling loudly, making Haoyu mumble something about being accused with bad mannerism “oh really!” She giggled wiping an invisible tear from her eye. then crossed her arms sassily and leaned in raising an eyebrow “then how did you spend it?” He gave her an uninterested look “besides finishing some projects, I’ve wasted most of my time at Fiona’s stage” his expression changed into excitement “ we have a lot in common! And she’s so easy to talk to. She’s actually interested in my work and even helped me in brainstorming for upcoming stuf— why are you guys doing that.” Attilio and Lolo were clinging to each other far away from Haoyu. the creature laying on the picnic blanket looked confused as to why the guide set them down. “Doing what?” Lolo wheezed and Attilio let out a couple of pathetic sniffs.
“that thing with you’re faces.”
“You mean being hurt?”
Haoyu had the urge to slap his 2 companions right then and there. “He’s been cheating on us while we were mourning for each other- ” Attilio cried out “-how could you!!” Lolo’s nose started running “shhh that’s fine. Don’t cry. It’s okay. I’ll be signing the divorce papers immediately-“ “divoRCE WHA-“ “- someone like this creep doesn’t deserve our love and affection” Haoyu was mortified but also not surprised “you both are sooo weird ugh-“ Lolo let out a painful gasp “ shut up creep!” Haoyu needs more cocoa, he can’t deal with his friends roleplay without it. He took a big gulp from his forgotten cup “cut the act. I have the right to spend my time with others and have other friends! Just because you two are my best buds doesn’t mean I can’t make new ones too!” He then added with his arms crossed in a confident manner “I did nothing wrong. My 2 buds were busy-“ “I wasn’t“ “-so I found new company. And yes Attilio you busied yourself” that made Attilio shut up ‘fair enough’
Lolo got back to her place and gave Aero Acrobat more sweets as an apology. But her hand flew to Aero’s face smashing his cheeks softly together and bringing their faces closer to look them in the eyes “Now I don’t think your new friend is able to remind you of how much evwyone is wucky to have such adowable cweatures, oh yes you! You awe the adowable cweature—“ the guide started giggling when the creature responded with a shy but excited boop on the nose. Getting Haoyu to shiver in disturbance “thankfully yes” His reply making Lolo snort “ great to know I’m unique”
The friends then went back to their normal pattern for their outings. They played some cards, shared jokes, told gossip......mostly from Haoyu’s side. And argued a LOT. Until Lolo felt a tap at her shoulders. Aero glanced up wanting to see who disturbed their free pets of love, spotting a blond teen wearing a blue bandanna. Leo Craig stood awkwardly behind Lolo. Shocking the two other boys around, Speak of the devil. His expression spoke, he didn’t want to be here. it felt like he didn’t belong. “Balan needs you back at the theatre” then he turned around and started walking away, trying to give the impression of not caring if the girl followed him or not. although his shoulder glances weren’t missed by Haoyu. The girl got up, putting the creature that was previously relaxing on her lap to the ground. “Aww does this have to end early?” Atillio spoke up disappointedly. it had been a while since they all got out like this, and it’s ending earlier then usual. “Sadly yes..” Lolo gave the clown a sad smile
“if Balan called on me during my free time then it’s definitely important,......although this method is unlike him” she mumbled the last part to herself. Attilio reached out to pack the basket and it’s containers until Lolo’s voice stopped him “ oh no! you can keep all these, I’ll come by later on to pick them up” she ran a couple of blocks to Leo’s direction until Haoyu stopped her “Hey!” She looked behind her, puzzled.
“Remember what I said! “ Haoyu’s words made the girl tilt her head a little, she suddenly perked up, then shrugged him off with a wave of her hand “Pfft— yeah sure” sprinting ahead while screaming her farewells to her friends, she caught up to the blond who stopped halfway to the portal, pretending like he’s distracted by something and is not waiting for her.
When she arrived besides him she elbowed him in the stomach, an annoyed “oW” left him while the girl besides him just giggled, making him raise an eyebrow “what?” “Nothing I’m just happy to see you” that although didn’t show in his expression, made his stomach flutter. He looked away hoping his face isn’t red. “ is something bad happening in the theatre??” Lolo asked, genuinely concerned about her dads behavior. Leo went ahead of her a bit, waiting for his face to cool down.
“Lance is at the theat—“ “LANCE IS AT THE THEATRE!?” She pushed him from behind and started dragging him by his back to the portal “ why are we walking then!?”
Her pushing almost made him trip but he caught himself, picket up a bit of speed while the guide dragged him from behind, letting out a soft giggle “hold up Lance isn’t hurting anyone” the girl joined in and chuckled, not slowing down the slightest “still I want to see this!”. Feeling a bit mischievous he let her drag him for a couple of seconds then twirled out of her hold and started running around
“A-Hey!” Running anywhere and everywhere that’s not near the gigantic door “Get back here, Balan needs us!” the guide started chasing him, trying to get him back on track.
And as the two ran in the portal laughing, Haoyu never moved his eyes away from the duos direction throughout the whole thing. Forcing Attilio to watch in fascination, the exchange of teases, giggles and chasing until the 2 blobs disappeared after entering the glowing door.