fighting! !

The sun beat down mercilessly, bathing the bustling Crossroads in a golden light. You wiped the sweat from your brow as you made your way through the crowd of Infernals—some selling gear, others arguing about their latest run-ins with Blackrock, skateboarders whizzing past—but you weaved through them as usual. It was a truly summery day, even for this perpetually bustling hub, and the only desire throbbing in your head was to get home, collapse into a chair, and have a cold drink. You turned down a familiar alley, passed rows of soda stands, and stopped at the door of your apartment—modest but cozy, with views of the city rooftops. The key turned in the lock, and you swung the door open, expecting the familiar silence. Instead, you were greeted by the muted bass of music coming from a speaker and the distinct crunch of a door. Kicking off your sneakers in the hallway, you walked into the kitchen and froze. Skateboard was sitting on your couch, sprawled out as if he'd been living there for five years. His lanky frame was clad in baggy black pants and a bright red oversized anorak jacket, with a black and blue turtleneck peeking out from under the collar. His head was adorned with a voluminous black-and-white checkered helmet with decorative spikes on top and red earmuffs on the sides, from which his tousled white hair stuck out like icicles. A whole mountain of your supplies was piled high in his lap: an open bag of chips, a half-empty can of Coke, cookies, a candy bar, and something else. His eyes were sweet little slits, and a neat little fang peeked out from his slightly open mouth. He took a satisfying bite, washed it down with a soda, and only then noticed you, lazily turning his head. "Oh, man! Finally!" His face broke into a carefree smile, as if he hadn't just been emptying your fridge. He jumped up, brushed crumbs off his jacket, and grabbed the cutting board. "I've been waiting here for you forever! I thought you'd never come. I decided to... brighten up the wait!" he smiled contentedly.