Author's Note: Written for 10 Days of Narumayo!
"I should have known it was about Steel Samurai." Phoenix muttered as Maya snapped a silver, expressionless mask over his face. Around them, crowds pressed against attention-grabbing booths, selling shirts, hats, art, DVDs, and other merchandise.
"Well, duh!" She replied through her own Pink Princess mask. "It's the convention I've been waiting for all year. I've even saved up my money for the past month!"
"I was wondering why you stopped asking for burgers."
"I can sacrifice a month of burgers for this!" She gestured to their surroundings. "Look at all the goods I can get!"
I think my wallet just shuddered.
Nevertheless, he followed her as she maneuvered through. There was a noticeable skip to her step, and he was thinking it was cute when she suddenly stopped and gasped. "Nick, we have got to go there. That person has the best art." She pointed to a stall nestled in a distant corner.
"In that case, here." He lifted his mask and reached into his pocket. Forty dollars should be enough. "Of course, I wouldn't mind if there's change."
She stood, frozen at the amount he handed to her. "A-are you sure?"
He grinned, rubbing the back of his head. "Yeah, go ahead. I'm kind of thirsty, so I'll buy water while you find what you want."
She recovered instantly. "Okay!" With that, she sped off.
By the time he returned with two water bottles, she was chatting with a group of cosplayers. Her mask was askew, and she clutched a sizeable bag. Well, there probably wouldn't be any change, but she deserved it.
After a year, he hadn't realized how much he needed her by his side in court. She seemed to enjoy it too, considering the isolation of Kurain Village. A small part of him had worried that they had drifted apart, but it was as if time had never stopped for them.
"Nick, get over here!" She vigorously waved at him.
"Alright, I'm coming." Still, he smiled. He was happy enough, to see her so excited.