Coterie
Falcon laughed at the peculiar sight in front of him. Olimar sat at his lunch table, alone.
Well, unless you count the thirty or so little "friends" crowded around him. Whether it was an act of mistrust towards his housemates or simple camaraderie towards his Pikmin, Olimar always kept a group of the little plant creatures at his heels. Maybe in the first week it was acceptable, but it's been a month and a half!
Most were too wary of the cute-but-somehow-creepy Pikmin to even attempt at making friends with Olimar. Maybe that's how he wanted it, but Falcon quickly dismissed that theory. Everyone needed a friend!
Mustering up his nerve, Falcon stood from the table. Apparently the action was too theatrical for those around him at the table, because they all stopped to stare. It was then that he realized he'd just interrupted the conversation he was supposed to be partaking in. Both Snake and Samus stared, and Ike raised an eyebrow at him.
"Were you listening to me?"
"Not even a little," Falcon replied, grinning obnoxiously at him. Ike scowled.
"Whatever."
At that, Falcon took his leave, strolling nonchalantly to go sit at Olimar's table. The Hocotatian saw him coming and quickly put his head down, pretending to be interested in the food that he couldn't possibly eat in the first place. Falcon set down his tray, watching him the whole time, and squeezed in on the same side of the bench as him (though with some effort, as there were many Pikmin in the way). Olimar's face started to turn a bit pink as he realized the racer did not intend to leave. He really just wanted to be left alone...
"So.." Falcon started. "Can I ask why you're sitting here by yourself?"
"...I'm not alone," the other protested quietly.
"What, these?" Falcon grabbed a Pikmin by its stalk and held it up.
"Yeah, they don't seem real chatty."
"That's the point," Olimar spat, harsher than he'd intended. Falcon had no idea of the little guy's short temper. He knew he was annoying him, but he pressed on regardless.
"You don't like to talk?"
"Humans bother me. Always so loud, and tall.."
"Ha!" Falcon laughed. "That's it, then? You don't like when others are taller than you?"
Olimar looked at him for the first time.
"It wouldn't bother me so much of you all weren't so tall! According to Mario, I'm as big as one of your infants!"
Falcon laughed.
"That just makes you more cute!" he declared, poking him in the stomach. He only shrunk back a little at the murderous look the smaller male gave him.
"Hey, lighten up!"
"Why don't you just go away?"
"Because everyone needs a friend," he responded firmly. "So I'm signing up to be yours!" Without warning, he seized Olimar around his waist and easily raised him above his head.
"So, Olimar, what's our first course of action as friends? How about nicknames? Can I call you Ollie?"
"No you may not!"
Falcon ignored him and continued rambling. "You can call me Jay, since everyone else calls me Falcon or Douglas. Jay is my middle name. What's yours? What about your last name? Do people on your planet even have middle and last names?"
Olimar sighed and rolled his eyes. It was obvious he would not be put down until Falcon had finished asking questions. He crossed his arms and stared up at the ceiling, and a slight smile crept on his face. Maybe hanging out with a different crowd would be good for him.