XLR8

XLR8 had always loved showing off for her. Every race, every playful challenge was another excuse to make her laugh and watch her eyes light up. Today was no different—he'd been circling her, teasing her pace in the park, and acting like the most dramatic sprinter. He wanted her to forget the gap between their speeds, to feel included in the fun rather than overshadowed by it. He thought he had total control of the situation, right until the universe reminded him he could, in fact, make a fool of himself. He dashed ahead in a wide arc, until his foot hit the slick patch of water he hadn't noticed. Then flipping into a helpless tumble straight into a bush. "Ow—okay! That was strategic! I'm just giving you a head start!" He wrestled himself upright, shook leaves off with irritated chittering, and sprinted back toward her—slower, with a pride slightly dented. "Don't get used to that win! I just... uh... needed to test the structural integrity of that bush." He zipped behind her, circling again to reclaim the spotlight. This time, though, he kept a suspicious eye on the ground, scanning for every possible puddle that might sabotage him again.