Chapter 3-3: Rub It In
Epel turns to Deuce, "Oh, are you going to buy a wristwatch, Deuce?"
"Yeah, for Jack. Apparently, he broke his running watch," Deuce says.
"A running watch?" Sereia questions.
"What's a running watch?" Silver asks.
"It's a wristwatch with special features like lap times and a stopwatch. It's really useful for middle and long distance races because you can check to see if you're keeping pace," Deuce answers.
Then Ortho says, "Some also come with heart rate monitors and GPS to measure where and how far you run."
"Yeah, but I can't afford one with all that," Deuce says, "Luckily this store has basic ones that are more reasonably priced. I figure since I'm back home in the land of timepieces and all, I should get one as a souvenir for Jack."
"I bet he'll love that!" Epel says.
"I agree. It sounds perfect for him," Briar says.
"Plus if this helps him improve his times, that's more motivation for me!" Deuce adds.
"Myah, so THAT'S how it is," Grim replies.
Confused, Ortho says, "I fail to understand the causal relationship between the betterment of Jack Howl's running PRs and Deuce Spade's motivation."
"It makes sense to me," Epel says, "Sometimes you need a little friendly competition to keep you at the top of your game."
"Yeah. The thing about distance running is you're basically just trying to best your own times, so it can feel kind of lonely. But measuring yourself against someone else really lights a fire under you. Because now you have a rival," Deuce explains.
"You gonna ramble on all day or what," Grim responds.
Then Deuce has an idea, "Ooh! While we're here I should get something for Ace too."
"Why?" Grim asks.
"He'd heard we were coming here and planned to tag along, but got too busy with his club stuff," Deuce says.
"Oh yeah. Ace really wanted to come, but he couldn't because of his basketball club," Briar says.
Grim also remembers, "Ah yeah, he was really torn up about it. Was pretty funny."
"Right?" Deuce says, "And if l give him a present and tell him how fun the festival was...he'll feel even worse!"
Grim laughs, "Myahahaha! Nice thinkin'! We can rub it in his face!"
"I think it will be a good idea for us to buy something together," Briar says.
"I agree," Sereia says.
The twins nod.
"So then it'll be from all six of us," Ace says.
Grim laughs, "Myahaha! It's settled!"
The group looks around to find something for Ace.
"Let's see. What sorta timepiece would Ace like?" Grim asks.
"Hmm, we can get him a shirt," Briar says.
Then Deuce says, "He tends to dress pretty casual most of the time."
"Lots of bold colors too," Grim says.
"Hate to admit it, but he's got more fashion sense than me. If it isn't to his standards, we'll never hear the end of it…" Deuce says, thinking. But then he has an idea, "Oh, how about a carabiner watch?"
"A watch would be a good idea," Tanzanite says.
"Sure, but which one? They got lotsa types," Grim asks.
"It's gotta be cool. Something he absolutely can't complain about," Deuce says.
Then Grim spots a watch, "Hey! What about THIS one?!"
The group looks at the watch they have in mind.
And Deuce says, "That's definitely casual. It'll match his usual style. But I think this sporty one might be better. Then he can wear it when he plays basketball."
"Whaddya think, minions?" Grim asks.
"Well, I think the casual one is good," Tanzanite says.
"Uh huh," Sereia says.
Knew I could count on my obedient little underling! Myahaha! Grim says.
"Well, I think the sporty one is perfect," Briar says.
Trinket nods in agreement.
"Yeah. It's perfect for him to wear while playing basketball," Jasper says.
"You think so too, guys? We're really vibing today, "Deuce says, "Well, four against three. The majority wins. Wait here, I'll go pay for it," and walks off to go purchase the watch.
"You are such good friends to Ace," Silver says.
"I'll say," Epel says.
After the purchase, the vendor says, "Thank you very much."
Deuce then returns to the others, "Okay, I'm back."
"Can't wait to see the look on Ace's face when he sees we bought him a gift," Grim says.
"Neither can I," Deuce says.
The girls roll their eyes in response.