Noises filled the air of the busy shopping district as the masses thronged through like schools of fish weaving through the currents of the ocean. People talked, laughed, gossiped and caroused wares, crammed greasy food into their maws and showed off their latest purchases to their friends. All around the atmosphere was an upbeat one on this warm sunny Saturday. The public was happy, and why shouldn’t they be? All around things were pretty great in their fair city. However amidst the hubbub and bustle, two figures were not so cheerful.
“Eugh, can you stop complaining? We weren’t in there that long.” From out of a particularity premium boutique store came a green haired girl, Brittany DuPont. Wearing a stylish short-sleeve white turtle-neck shirt with accompanying brown shorts, oversized belt and sun hat, all brand name and beyond expensive, she cut quite the figure. As she turned to scoff at her companion, the single small shopping bag swung lazily around her forearm. “I think you’re exaggerating a bit Cat.”
In contrast, the blue haired lass who followed her out looked plain. Catalina Acosta had set out that day donned in simple denim jeans and a black shirt with the words ‘Ave Dominous Nox’ written across them in white lightning bolt streaked letters. She would have worn the shirt that said “From the blood we are made.” But opted for the former, knowing her friend was probably the only one in their group who could at least appreciate the Latin. Unlike her companion however, her arms were laden with several bags. Several large bags in fact. And each of them weighed a ton. It was days like this she was grateful for the enhanced strength and endurance that came with their powers. None of them had it quite like their friend Amanda, but they still outclassed normal people now by a mile and then some. “Four hours.” Catalina growled. “Four hours in one store. You didn’t need to spend so long, you already found the shoes you wanted ten minutes after we got in.”
“Well duh, of course I did. I know what I want as soon as I see it.” Brittany turned away, tossing her short green hair as she did so in one of her trademark rude gestures. “But I had to be sure. And what better way to be sure than to try on every single pair in the store? And I came away buying an extra eight pairs that I wouldn’t have found otherwise, so…” The green haired girl gave a smug shallow laugh with all the condescension she could muster without even looking at her as she set off walking. “I think it was worth the time, don’t you agree?”
Cat plodded along behind her, arms up so as to lot let any of the fancy bags drag across the floor, though she was tempted. “No, I don’t agree. And now I’m starting to regret agreeing to come along on this trip. It’s been torture this entire time! Like, how do you this every damn week?! I’m still not even sure how you managed to convince me…” She begun to slow down now, trailing behind her friend going slower and slower as the despair of it all had begun to take hold of her. Upon realising just what was happening, Brittany spun around on her heels, a hand raised with an accusatory finger pointing at her.
“Oh no you don’t! We had a deal Catalina Acosta! You be my tag along and help me with my shopping, and I buy you one of those dumb little robot model things you like so much.”
“Gunpla”
“À tes souhaits, whatever. Look are you gonna be a sourpuss all day?” The blue haired girl didn’t respond, she merely stared silently back at her, expression blank as a slate. This lasted several seconds with neither girl uttering a word. Passers-bys watched in confusion as they awkwardly worked their way around the two statuesque females.
The silence continued.
“Eughhhhhhhhh.” Brittany broke the silence as she slumped back where she stood, groaning aloud and most definitely unladylike. “Fiiiinneee, if you cheer up and stop complaining, I’ll buy you a second stupid little child’s toy-”
“I want a third.”
“Sure, whatever, but I expect actual feedback when I try something on and not just ‘yeah, good’ and ‘no, bad’ like you’ve been giving me all day.”
There was a blur of blue as Cat barged right past the green girl in a surge of movement, almost knocking her off her feet with the force of it. “Deal! Now c’mon, you wanted to head into that store next? Let’s get this over with, momma got her eyes on the Zeta Tank…” Now it was Brittany turn to chase after her companion, arms raised as she called after her.
“Hey, wait up! Slow down you ass!” She was actually having to jog, the gall of it! “You know Amanda never had to be bribed to tag along!” She grumbled just behind Cat.
“I’m not Amanda. I still don’t understand why she would always join you on these trips.”
“The girl was never one to pass up a free lunch.” The rich brats voice was as flat as board, but it was telling.
“Yeah that sounds like her.” The other replied in a tone just as dry. “Remind me, why couldn’t she make it today? These shopping trips are like whole rituals for you and her.” Turning, Brittany simply shrugged.
“I haven’t the foggiest. She just said she was busy doing ‘stuff’ today. Whatever that means.”
“Huh, weird…”
“Very weird...”