sheep_game | [JUST A MINUTE!]

[omg]

I don't think this is the kind of thing that Morgana's nose can sense.

[starts walking towards the street where the fox vanished, looking behind him to make sure Ann is following]

Was it the Wilton?

[she is following! Though, the further they get from the vending machine...wow are her legs looking transparent?]

Nooo not the Wilton this time. It's a dessert bar, except they serve students! We can't drink of course, but everything else is on the table. Ooooh, they have desserts I can't even pronounce. . .

[and as soon as he notices the transparency in her legs-- he stops short]

Ann--?

[a slight bit of alarm in his voice??]

[sorry he'd love to talk about the dessert bar but HER LEGS]

--woah! What's wrong, I almost ran into you!

[then, a look of concern]

. . .seriously, what's up? Did you see the fox? But, you look kinda pale.

Your legs-- can't you. . .?

[CAN SHE SEE IT, TOO??]

[Nope! She puts her hands on her hips]

If that's leading into a fat joke, do Not.

Anyway, for reals, are you okay? Look, I'm not actually mad--just everyone ditched me and you could have at least given me a heads up. I get you all have your own stuff going on, and I'm busy a lot too, with modeling an all. . .

But try not to forget we're still friends, okay? You don't get to save the world and then leave us behind.

[she points]

I'm willing to wait, but I reserve to right to bitch about it, too!

[. . . stepping close to her, reaching out for her hand, taking it tightly in his own]

I would never leave you behind, Ann.

Not for a second. No matter where I go, or what I do-- I'm always going to come back to you.

[and everyone else! 'cause he's a sap!]

. . .

. . .

[brings a hand up to her mouth to stifle a giggle]

Okay, wow you got really serious there for a second. I just want us all to hang out more, okay? It's not like I think you're gonna just, disappear on all of us.

And--huh?

[she's cut off, and she points behind him.

Slowly, a door is materializing in the middle of the street]

Whaaaat's going on? Hey, your app's not activated, right?

[. . . slowly blinking at the door]

[and then pulls his phone from his pocket to check the app]

I don't think so??

[checks hers too, then backs away, tugging Lupin with her]

Okay, freaky much?? I'd say it was a trick but. . .[THEIR LIVES THO??

Anyway, it's just a door. Just hanging.

BUT if Odin and Tyr have dealt with their shadows, the door finally swings open. It's the exit--Thistle's barn is on the other side.]

Okay, doubly freaky, let's go back!

[stumbling after her, though once he catches his footing he digs his heels into the ground so he can't be pulled away any further]

[A SHARP EXHALE]

Ann. . .

[looking over at Odin and Tyr]

Remember when I said I was preoccupied?

[nods at the door]

That's where I need to be right now. But I'll come back, okay?

Just like I promised.

[As she pulls away in the opposite, her legs become more solidified. She looks to the two strangers and back to him, confused]

Are you in trouble? Let me come with you!

[he knows the answer to this.]

Edited 2024-09-28 01:56 (UTC)

I wish you could.

[and he means that, because having even one of his thieves at his side would mean so much. but. . .]

You can't. Not now.

You have to trust me, okay?

[DOUBT.JPEG. . .

but, after a squeeze, she releases his hand, taking a step back.

Her body is completely solid now.]

When you get back. . .

You're treating us all to the dessert bar, got it?

[a small, but bright, grin]

Ten times over, if that's what you want.

[. . .]

Ann. . .

I really miss you.

[a tilt of her head. In her mind he's just been gone for like a couple hours.]

That's sweet, but you won't get off the hook that easily.

[then a wink and bright smile]

If those shady guys you're hanging with do anything uh. . .shady! You've got my number--we'll all come help, okay?

[and if he looks over her shoulder. . .his other comrades have appeared in the distance, congregating at the vending machine as well.]

[THAT'S GOOD NEWS HONESTLY!!]

[. . . also don't mind him as he chokes up just a bit at seeing everyone on the horizon. gods does he miss his team. he wishes they were all with him. that they could all meet his new family-- Thistle-- too]

I know you will.

[. . .]

[BRB GIVING ANN A HUG]

And don't worry about those shady guys.

They're no shadier than you and I are.

[STILL LIKE ????? AKIRA?? BUD, U GOOD?? but you know what, she'll just share the good vibes, and squeezes him back, sincerely, before stepping away.]

. . .not sure if that makes it better or worse, but that's how we roll, right? [said cheekily]

Well, we'll be waiting. I'll let you know if I see anymore weird foxes.

[LEAVE HIM ALONE HE JUST HAS SO MANY FEELINGS!!]

That's how we roll.

[Ann is cheeky, but Lupin is so, so fond. he lets her go and takes a few steps back, giving her a mock salute]

And I'll give you the entire story when I get back. Promise!

Over dessert!

[SHE WON'T LET HIM FORGET--!!

But, a bit of a bittersweet smile, as she rocks on her feet, hands behind her back, before she turns to head back to the alley, surprised at the others gathering there, and calling out as she waves to them.

Thistle is free to return.

Lupin will remember their names upon exiting the door.]

[JUST A MINUTE!]

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