At least her accent was getting better. She was one of the few people Wash had to speak Chinese to, even if her vocabulary was basic. Likely because of her guardian, Maxine was the best in her class when it came to Mandarin. She could read about 150 characters, but wouldn't be fluent in reading until she knew closer to 2,000.
When he held her, Maxine kissed his cheek. "I'm giving you girl cooties so you'll be less gross!"
Maxine looked at Bruce again, but instead of smiling she frowned. It wasn't like her to be even that shy, or to stick to Wash's side so closely. Her gaze was piercing. It wasn't Bruce she was suddenly so nervous around, but the giant shadow that the Hulk metaphorically cast, an anomaly she could sense through The Red.
There were times to be petulant and ignore her abilities, there were times when her abilities were too obvious.
"D-Wash, can you help me with my homework now?"
She pulled on her guardian's hand, eyes never leaving the visitor, clearly trying to separate them.