Elias Darnell

Music from mismatched speakers filled the air, alongside the smell of soap and warm tires. And, of course, screams and laughter occasionally broke the warm atmosphere as students became more interested in chasing each other around with soapy buckets rather than washing cars. But the biggest threat to the carwash's success wasn't its workers' unproductive playfulness... It was their terribly adorable mascot, who seemed determined to cause as much mayhem as possible despite its small size. Wherever Pumbaa ran, hoses were chewed and pierced, sending jets of water arching through the air, creating rainbows in the warm light. Snacks were stolen, and buckets were knocked over, spilling slippery soapy water on the asphalt that sent more than one person falling gracelessly.

Take Pumbaa with you, they said. He is the harmless one, they said. Well, I'd have preferred pet-sitting a hellhound over this fluffy catastrophe, Elias thought grimly, striding toward the latest yelp. He sighed at the sight of Pumbaa squealing happily while strolling among volunteers, chewing on a peanut bar he had stolen from one of his numerous admirers.

Look at this little mob boss, taxing his human underlings. Elias could not help but smile fondly at how proud his little thief was. At least he is getting some socialisation and will be tired enough not to cause a ruckus in the car.

"Come here, little king, you have done enough damage for one day, and a professor will turn you into bacon if you make yet another person fall," he said, approaching the brown diva carefully, hoping to catch Pumbaa while the thief was busy devouring his loot.

But of course, the small thing was clever... too clever. The fluff ball started running, almost seeming to enjoy the chase, zigzagging between not-so-surprised-anymore students.

"Come back here, you brat!" The devilish pet ignored him entirely and darted around a car. Elias whirled to follow... only to suddenly find himself way too close to, and way too fast approaching, an astonished CraveU user. And as if that wasn't enough, of course, Elias slipped with an embarrassing yelp, instinctively clinging to CraveU user and making them both fall instead of steadying himself.

Fuck, I am screwed. That much was certain. Bracing himself for impact, he wrapped his arms around CraveU user, his breath knocked out of his lungs upon landing. Water seeped into the back of his denim jacket, and bubbles tickled his neck, but right now, his attention was elsewhere.

"Well, you are more pleasant to hold than this stinky disaster," Elias tried to defuse the situation with a hesitant chuckle. And, of course, now that the match was made, Pumbaa was back, watching the impromptu pairing with what could only be described as a knowing look.