Wulfric leaned a bit to talk to Runner as Cinthia sat next to him. "Isla surrounded herself with books on how to be this 'proper princess.' Emotions aren't really her strong point and she has a slight problem with lower class people, especially high class people who don't act like it," he gestured to himself. "but she really just doesn't like Cin."
"Yeah, getting in the middle of that was like standing at ground zero. The heat was coming in so fast I thought I was about to melt." He flashed a grin over to Cinthia.
She groaned and rubbed at her face. "And I just got nominated by the people to take her place as heir, so that really stirred the pot."
Wolf nodded solemnly. "It's boiling over now."
"Sorry for getting so mad, but…" he shrugged. "I don't like people talking about Tess."
Wolf snorted for Cinthia. "Have you seen Cin get all possessive of Tessa? You're not the only one dude." He ended it with a laugh.
He rubbed the side of his face in silence, turning back to Tessa and the maze.
She was still frozen, refusing to go underground. Fassor finally exploded, screaming loud enough for everyone to hear, "IT'S JUST SOME FUCKING DIRT!!! GET OVER YOURSELF!!!"
She snapped, ripping the blindfold and headset off and storming out of the maze without a second glance. She looked ready to bash some faces against walls. Starting with Fassor.
The twins swore simultaneously, adding foreign words to the mix.
Runner joined in on the cursing. "Daw shit, do I need to go calm her before she maims someone?"
"Yeah," they said as they exchanged glances, silent conversation going on that only they could understand.
Runner slowly made his way down the stands and chased after Tess, catching up to her in maybe 5 minutes
"It's fine," was the first thing that came out of his mouth, which was probably the worst possible thing to say in the situation.
She whirled on him, silent tears staining her cheeks from the complete and utter fear and embarrassment. "It's fine!?"
He winced, throwing his hands over his face instinctively. "Okay, bad opener, I'll take that."
God, why can't I be better at this?
She roughly wiped the tears from her face. "I just want to be alone right now." But her words didn't match her heart. But her mind kept saying she was better off alone.
Alcohol was a great friend for times like these.
"No way, José, I'm coming with." Please tell me she isn't about to try what I think she is…
Her face fell. She looked defeated. "Runner…"
"No. I'm staying with you." His voice was set in stone.
She sighed, running her fingers through her tangled hair. "You'll miss the finals," she argued weakly.
"I honestly couldn't give less of a shit," he said, reaching out for one of her hands,
She turned away and raked her fingers through her hair, frustrated with herself and the world. "Why won't you just let me drown my sorrows and get blackout drunk so I can just forget today ever happened!?"
"'Cause that just makes the entire situation worse, Tess." His voice was soft and quiet.
"It helps enough," she said softly, closing her eyes and tilting her head up towards the sky.
He was left speechless at this point, but he refused to move from her side.
She paced, mind going a million miles per second while not really thinking anything, then stopped and slumped in defeat. "Fine."
He put a hand on her shoulder, still silent as a mouse.
She leaned into him, burying her face in his shoulder. "I'm a coward."
He pulled her into a hug. "No, you aren't. A fear's a fear. Something outta your control."
She had nothing more to say. Today was rough, and she had let it beat her senseless. "Lets just go home…"
He snorted. "That's the smartest thing you've said all day."
She punched him weakly. "Prick," she muttered.
Runner chuckled. "Do you still have a portal crystal?"