Lexie snorted softly at his little tangent about the katana. Lexie had no doubt that he probably would be pretty good with one if he ever managed to get one. After all, if it fell under the category of "athletic," it was a pretty sure bet that Nick would pick it up sooner or later. He was pretty incredible like that, and Lexie had always made it a point to tell him that. Often. "I'm sure you'll think of something," Lexie said, smirking.
Yes, whispering secrets into Nick's ear had become considerably harder since his growth spurt. She's topped off a little over 5'5'', but Nick (of course) had shot up like a beanstalk. Fortunately the considerable height difference had never been much of an issue, except in uncommon cases like secret-whispering. "Well thank you Nickles, but that's simply not true. There are tons of talented musicians on this island! Starting with my sister! Has she given you a copy of her album?"
Although there was a smile on Lexie's face when she responded, a seed of doubt still lingered in his eyes. She didn't say it, of course, but she could never be sure of her chances, especially since she hadn't been accepted for auditions and any of her undergraduate choices, even the safeties. As confident in her abilities as she'd been in high school, Lexie's self-assurance had been badly shaken, which is why she'd redoubled her efforts in college. A lot could change in four years, though, which is why she'd had the courage to apply again for her master's.
Nudging him gently, Lexie pursed her lips at him and took a slightly different tack than he expected. "Well then you're obviously a horrible big brother!" she declared, trying very hard to sound serious. "Sarah is lovely! And loveable. Although I guess she might hit you if you told her that, so I guess you're in the clear."
As Nick leaned over the cage, Lexie rolled her eyes. "Alright then, Mr. Tough Guy. What do you want instead? A guinea pig? A gerbil? We came here to look at mice..." she wandered away from him a few paces, glancing at the cute little animals in their cages, until one in particular caught her eye. Letting out a little squeal, Lexie zoomed over to the cage and carefully lifted one of the animals out, cupping it carefully in her hands as she reported back to Nick. "Nickles," she told him seriously, "I have found your new pet." Opening her hands, she showed him the baby chinchilla. "Go on, resist those eyes. I dare you."