Expectations When Expecting

Chapter 11

"HA! A full day? If I remember correctly, you wiped down exactly one name plate." She teased playfully, enjoying the satisfying feeling of watching the liquid be wiped off. She paused before turning.

"Just... Try and learn from this experience. Okay?" She stated.

"Hmph. Fine." Grim groaned, using his hind paws to push against the floor, dragging the rag against the lower windows. "Ya know, what's buggin' me is, Ace ain't even here yet! To make us wait, after what he did..." Grim released a low, irate growl before continuing.

The pair cleaned in silence for a while, managing to get a little over fifty windows before Grim became impatient again.

Grim threw his rag down. "And now he's super late! I bet he up and bailed on us!" He bristled.

Yuu paused for a bit, considering something. "... If you can promise me that you won't cause anymore trouble, we can go look for him." She bargained.

"Me? Cause trouble? Never!" Grim denied, earning an eye roll from Yuu.

"Promise me that much and I'll personally drag him here by the ear." She stated, watching a small amused sparkle appear in Grim's sapphire eyes.

"... Fine. Ain't no way am I doin' his punishment for him! C'mon, Yuu, I don't care if we gotta drag him kickin' and screamin', he's washin' those windows!" Grim put his rag into the bucket before marching ahead of her.

.

.

.

"Hey! Ace! Get over here! Try to hide from me, will ya!"

Yuu cringed as she heard Grim's cocky tone echo through the empty classroom. "Huh... Maybe there's really no one here?" Grim turned to walk out when an odd voice erupted from the silence of the empty room.

"Oh, I wouldn't say that, I'm here."

Yuu jumped, and Grim turned, his fur standing on end.

"Bwaaah! That painting just talked!" He yelped, seeing the portrait. Grim scrambled behind Yuu, whose eyes were wide.

"Yes, and...? Is a talking painting really such an oddity at this school?" The man in the painting remarked, looking at the pair. Yuu shook her head in an attempt to drag her soul back to her body. He's got a point, but holy schist.

"The lady in the portrait on that wall talks too. As does the gentleman in the portrait on this one. As long as a painting has a mouth, why wouldn't it be able to talk? Is that really so strange?" The painting spoke in a tone that appeared to be insulted.

"Right... Sorry." Yuu, finally being able to snap herself out of it, finally made eye contact. "It's just that I'm not used to talking paintings."

"Ah? Is that so? Well then, it is a pleasure to meet you." The man in the painting gave her a slight smile.

"It's a pleasure sir." She chirped. "You certainly are amazing!" She complimented, awestruck at the existence of a talking painting.

"My, what a charming child you are! Now, you appear to be searching for someone." The man in the painting remarked, earning a nod from her.

"We're lookin' for this guy called Ace. He's got messy hair and a heart drawn on his face." Grim demanded almost snarkily.

"Grim..." She warned, asking the cat monster to tone it down. She watched him yelp.

"Ah, I know the one. He is a new student, I believe? Today was his first day at school. I think he went back to his dorm a while ago." The painting confirmed. It took all of Yuu's will not to let her anger show.

"Ah." Was what she mustered before taking a breath. Be rational. Don't wanna upset the baby.

"So it's true! He's tryin' to ditch us!" Grim snarled indignantly before turning his gaze back up to the painting. "Do you know which way he went?"

"The door to the dorms is in the eastern building." He informed the duo.

"Let's chase after him, Yuu!" Grim sprinted out of the classroom, practically smoking from the anger.

She hesitated for a moment. "Thank you very much for your help sir. We'll be on our way now!" She gave a quick bow before leaving behind Grim, shouting out one last, "It was a pleasure meeting you! I hope we'll meet again!"

"Likewise!" The man in the painting returned her words. She smiled slightly, feeling the light wind against her face, listening for the nasal complaints from the small dire beast and following the distinct smell of smoke.

I hope this won't end in disaster...