CMYK drabbles

Festivals weren’t one of Reese’s favorite places to be. They were loud and had way too many people. Strangers would bump into him while they were running to whatever boring event they wanted to see next. People bothered him as he walked by to ask him if he wanted a sample of whatever they were selling, and he’d just have to shoot them a death glare and pick up the pace. Usually he’d never be seen here, but he had friends now.

Viero and Beetle were a few steps ahead of him, excitedly chatting about the purchases they’d just made. Viero wore a kitsune mask on top of his head that he’d got for his collection, and Beetle was gushing about a pair of gold elytra earrings he’d found at a handmade jewelry booth. They both had something to show for this whole energy-draining endeavor, but Reese didn’t.

He thought it might be a lost cause until they wandered into the carnival games section of the festival. Children yelling, balloons popping, and glasses clattering were agony to hear… but he saw something incredible.

Over one of the dart-throwing games was a giant stuffed catfish with familiar grey skin and dark spots. Reese stopped to admire it, and his friends stopped not too far ahead of him after sensing they’d lost one of their group. Beetle perked up when he saw what Reese was so entranced with. “Oh, it looks like Hershey!”

“Yeah… I want it.” But that required actually playing the game, which seemed like hell. These things were rigged, and he didn’t know if he could stand the shrill sound of balloon pops long enough to get as many points as he needed for a plushie that was almost as big as Viero.

Said small squid noticed Reese’s pained expression and downward turned ears, and gently tugged on the sleeve of his jacket. “Hey, cover your ears. I got it.” Vie gave him a warm smile, and Reese looked away shyly before reaching in his pocket to give him some admission money.

The money was exchanged to the shrimp vendor for five darts. Reese promptly covered his ears with his hands and Beetle stood by excitedly. The first dart Vie threw landed between the balloons. So did the second and third. The fourth one hit the balloon, but somehow slid off. The fifth one finally hit for real, causing Reese to jump a bit and Beetle to cheer loudly. Viero did a little triumphant fist pump before pointing to the plushie he wanted. The vendor pointed to a sign just beneath the cat. 10 points to win.

Viero groaned but Beetle quickly rushed to his side and pulled some money out of his pockets. “We can do this! Between both of us we can get it in no time!” Beetle’s energy was contagious, perking Viero back up. With fresh darts, they both set out to rack up as many points as they could. Most of the darts missed or seemingly magically skid off of the fragile balloons.

Reese watched, feeling awkward that his friends were putting so much effort into something for him. “You don’t have to try so hard just for my sake.” He reminded them, but Viero just looked back at him, determined fire in his eyes despite some clear annoyance at the game’s rigging.

“I’m not leaving this booth until I win that stupid stuffed animal you want.” The next dart he threw much harder and managed to get a loud balloon pop in return.

It took a lot of rounds, dollar bills, and tests of patience before the two boys were able to get 10 points. The vendor congratulated them and handed Beetle the giant Siamese catfish plushie. He handed it off to Reese. “Here! Just for you!” Reese was a little beside himself as he held the huge toy but for some reason he felt… warm. His friends smiled at him before turning back around and walking in the direction they had before. Viero stretched his throwing arm while bragging about what a good job they did, Beetle did the same but with a lot more laughs and animated hand moving.

Reese trailed behind them, holding his new cat close. Festivals sucked… but his friends made it well worth it.