Archive of Our Own ^beta

Vee was regretting her life choices.

She was out of breath; her heartbeat was racing, and she could already imagine how sore her muscles would be for the next few days.

And it was all her fault.

Hunter suggested running in a much slower pace, but she insisted otherwise.

"I'm a fast runner, remember?" She told him, "Plus I got more than enough muscle power!"

She knew that most of her muscle mass (somehow) goes away when she shapeshifts into her human form, and that being a good sprinter doesn't mean she can run long distances, but she just didn't want her adopted big brother to go easy on her.

Of course he still went easy on her (great cardio was one of the only 'perks' he got out of being raised a child-soldier), which was why she was so close to home and still standing.

"C'mon Vee-vee," he softly said with a smile while patting her back.

"Just five more minute 'till we get home!" He assured her.

Vee looked ahead and no; While she could see the house, it definitely didn't look like it will take just five more minutes, especially when her body felt like it was already breaking down.

"Why did I agree to this?" She asked with an over-the-top long-suffering sigh.

"Because it will help with those 'Batball' trials you and Luz signed up for?" Hunter replied and looked at her with puzzlement. "Also… It was your idea, not mine."

Despite still feeling winded Vee found herself chuckling.

"Baseball you big goof! And I know it was." She laughed and looked ahead, mentally preparing herself to continue, or at least try to…

Feeling better at his little sister rejuvenated spirit, Hunter decided it was time for one more piece of encouragement:

"When we get home, first thing I do will be preparing a steaming hot bath for you!"

He knew well by now that Basilisks (and also Grimwalkers) especially enjoyed scalding water.

Vee turned to him smiling and offered her pinky.

"With bubbles?"

"Of course." Hunter replied and interlocked her pinky with his own.