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tabularasa_rp2020-11-04 08:28 pm
blue_eyed_obsession) wrote in tabularasa_rp2020-11-04 08:28 pm
blue_eyed_obsession) wrote in tabularasa_rp2020-11-04 08:28 pm
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[djgkdlgjd POSSIBLY. At least she's in the target audience for such flicks. He totally has not seen it and would snark about the amazingly creative name. Also, he's never been more glad to be lacking some form of technology.]
[That seems to be mutual, as the winged-giraffe is one of the gently animals in the forest. It clearly didn't hold any sort of grudge related to the collision. After looking for something to graze on it walked closer to the arguing pair, looking curiously down at them]
Clearly, you don't know anything about track and field. [Not that he bothered to explain anything to her. It's not like he's an expert on that subject either but he's pretty sure veering off the central course would also be considered cheating.] .. I said forget him! [So much for taking the beast into consideration. It flipped it's ears a bit as it listened, they were a bit too loud..] It's an entirely different story and your diverting away from the point! [Nope. No name]
'No excuses' wasn't a rule either. [Splitting every single hair presented] You can't just make up a bunch of rules to suit you after the race!
[She recoiled swiftly as if she was afraid he was going to reach out and commence the procedure himself] If you're fine, and you don't want me to go back on the bet... then accept defeat, Takamaki! You lost and you know it! The guidelines were to race from here, to the void, and back. First one crosses the finish line being the winner. That's it! I started to add provisions beforehand but you didn't seem interested..
Like it or not, I expect you to show up for our date. [Sounding snootier about it than he should]
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[ The moment they get access to movies, she's forcing him to sit through the CLASSIC. He'll deal with it. D a t e n i g h t? ]
Excuse you, one of my good friends happens to be a former track and field star. I know a lot about it! [ Like. Not a lot, but whatever, it's too bad Ryuji's not here. ] Hey, don't be mean... he didn't do anything. He got stuck in this situation because you made him! And I am NOT diverting, I'm asking a question!
[ JEEZ MAN. ]
Dammit, Seto, it's not making up rules and you know it! I mean it, I want a rematch, whether it's now or later!
[ Oh, she's not recoiling because of him, really. She's more or less concerned he's going to pick her up and drag her, it's happened on more than one occasion at home and she is NOT about being embarrassed here, thanks. ] I am fine, don't worry... and we both know that you totally cheated, but if it gets you to stop freaking out on me, then fine, whatever, you won.
[ UGH it hurts to breathe, but she forces herself to straighten up, because she is not chancing being forced to go... wherever to get checked out. ] Why WOULDN'T I? I'm excited...
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[Oh dear gawd. No. Are you serious?! Is this going to be one of these compromise things? He'll have to watch chick flicks while trying not to have his eyes roll completely out of his head]
Knowing someone isn't the same as participating in it yourself. That's like me saying I know someone training to become a professional dancer- that doesn't mean I inherit their skills and knowledge on the subject. [Ann's friend could have filled her in on some details but he was pretty sure she was just trying to one up him] He knows I don't mean anything by it... [Maybe? I mean, it's hard to tell. The beast was moving closer to the treeline to sample some leaves] .. no, he doesn't have a name.
[Seto was certainly displaying some fine sportsmanship right here]
We'll see.. only then we will set ground rules. [If she just wanted a chance to redeem herself, fine. Re-doing this one, no]
[LOOK. He considered picking her up, but he hadn't made a motion to.] ... Good. I'm glad that's settled. [Straightening up, and taking in a deep breath while still shooting her glances wondering if she was really fine.] At least you admitted it... [It only took tenacity to get it out of her]
[Shrugging noncommittally to that, he was mercifully silent for a change. Then he strode over to recollect his pokeball. After leaning over and snatching it up, he recalled his monster mid-chew.] .. You weren't kidding about being able to run in those heels...
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[ This is what happens when you call her a loser for liking chick flicks. Even Ren sits through them with her. You can, too, and you can love it! While she cries like a baby!! ]
Oh my God. I give up with you right now. If Ryuji ever shows up here, I'm making him show me all of his tricks and tips so I can really wipe the floor with you next time. And there will be a next time. [ Because guess what, Seto? Every time she sees you now, you're going to get harassed about a rematch. Now you'll know how Yugi feels whenever you tell him to duel you! ] Still, it's hurtful! He doesn't deserve that. And he needs a name...
[ UGH. This is the MOST annoying thing ever. She hates losing... ]
First ground rule, right now: no tossing monsters in your opponents direction so they ram into them because you want to cheat to win. [ Settled, huh... she folds her arms under her chest, shifting just a little bit because she knows she's going to be sore in a few hours... but, at least she can sort of breathe normally again. DO NOT PICK HER UP. ] Because you wouldn't shut up about it! Don't think I believe for a second you actually won. Next time, I am going to run laps around you.
[ He's suspiciously quiet... she glances at him as he picks up that pink giraffe ball. ] Mm? Oh, yeah... actually, I thought I was going to fall flat on my face a few times, and I kinda wanted to rip them off after we hit the turn-back-point. I figured if I can jump around high ledges and stuff in a skin tight suit in the metaverse, I can run down a beach full of trash here, you know?
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It's forever a pokeball to Kaiba.] The person you're trying to share it with isn't female...[Ugh, I don't care what that coffee-clerk does in his spare time, I'm not him. I am not sure what is to love about it.
Crying makes him feel a bit uncomfortable since he doesn't do it himself][Somehow this sounded more like a win too, his lips betraying him as he nearly chuckled at her exasperation. It was odd but he actually found the exchange oddly endearing. With a shake of his head he resumed his usual expression.] Sure, there will be. It's not like my training plan included one race, and done. You'll get your chance. [He'd created a monster without realizing it] I think he's got thick enough skin to handle it. A name would be easier to reference... what about winged-giraffe. [Seto no]
[As did he as evidenced by the lengths he resorted to in order to obtain victory]
Eh- seems a little on the nose, but I won't argue with it. [Teasing her a little, unsure of how much she'd let him get away with. Ann still seemed fairly miffed, but Kaiba was starting to wind down. At least she doesn't seem to in an overabundance of pain, which was the one thing preventing her from being scooped up and carried to the apartments.] Agree to disagree, Ann. [.. because he TOTALLY KICKED HER.... He won] Next time, we'll choose a different course, without shortcuts and deviations built in. It'll be a test of pure speed.
[Mostly because he's not sure what to say now. The adrenaline declining, and his mind reminding him that he had a date to plan. It wouldn't be something he started here, in her presence... what would she even like...?] Mm, right. [Still, only a little distracted] That's preferable though. Considering what challenges might await.. [us] you- you'll be ready for it.
... Unless it's a giraffe.
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Hahahaha you're gonna get kicked in YOUR loveballs] The person I'm trying to share it with doesn't have to be female to enjoy pink nails...[ You should, because you're going to take Ren's place for these things soon enough, just watch and see... also, there's EVERYTHING to love about it!
Just sit there and pretend it's not happening, that's what Ren does lksjdfIt's a very good thing that he is winding down, because now Ann's all fired up. She CANNOT believe this crap, but also... she is sort of glad it's over, even if her win was absolutely stolen from her. Not to mention she's also glad that this little argument of theirs has died down, too. ] Good, because I want to race you again. And paint your nails. [ She hums, squinting at the ball in his hand. ] ...You should name him Spot. Or Toby.
[ Is she still a little miffed? Yes. Mostly, she's just trying to even out her breathing... at least she's not hunched over anymore, a goo sign. ] Perfect, I'm glad to hear it. And a different course sounds nice, too... and hopefully, different shoes can be... a thing. We could try the mountain next time, maybe... that might be even more of a challenge, considering the terrain and the whole uphill thing. [ HE DIDN'T KICK HER, HIS GIRAFFE DID!! ]
I guess so... [ She looks down to the aforementioned heels, before suddenly smiling again, glancing up at him slyly. ] ...Want me to teach you how to run in heels, too? [ Because she will, Seto. This can be a life lesson, maybe it'll save your life! She groans and pouts at him, though, at that quip. ]
...At least it was cute... I still can't believe you did that...
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DON'T REMIND ME, OH SOOTHSAYER] I don't paint my nails. [Dropping the subtly and coming right out with it][If he put up with all those sorts of movies it's no wonder he's gay.
Seto no. Maybe by that point tablets will exist and I can work on other things while you watch the movie.That's a lot of time to be idle, I'll go mad!][It would be more difficult if they were both still irate, there's no doubt about it] I really don't get the obsession, you have your own nails to paint. What's so special about mine? [He too looks to the pink ball briefly] Spot? That's just as bad as my sugg- Why Toby?! [Surprise overtaking him at the sheer randomness of the simple name]
[Don't think he isn't still watching, Ann, so you better hope you don't display anything that might be perceived as a more severe symptom] Mm. [Even his own boots weren't necessarily the best for this sort of activity. He could get by with them easier than her heels, but still] Agreed, the mountain would be a better test of our skills. No using the cave system for a shortcut. [WELL- that checks out]
I'd rather you didn't. [Shaking his head disapprovingly, but with a knowing smirk. It was only natural that she'd ask that next]
I don't take competitions lightly, I play to win. [Ok. Maybe he takes it too seriously, but he was raised by a guy that impressed upon him the sage words of "Losing is akin to dying"]
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SETO. Sure whatever, I'm sitting on your lap and watching the movie, good luck trying to work on other things....
you'll be fine! Don't be a baby!]Because seeing you with your nails painted is an amusing thought... [ And he is getting a manicure, whether he consents or not. He has to go to sleep sometime, thanks to the Void. ] Spot makes sense! And Toby is adorable, his name is Toby now. Toby McStuffins, First of His Name. [ Congrats, we just named the baby, Seto!
NO! Stop that! This is why she is glad to stand around and chat for a little while longer, okay. She's... pretty sure she's okay, and even if she's not, she can take care of it herself! She pauses, squinting again. ] That's right, no cave system. We are using nothing but our bare hands and skills. Also, we'll be scaling part of the mountain. [ ...This is just going to keep escalating... ]
Are you sure? It's a nice thing to know how to do... you never know~ [ Listen she doesn't think you can stuff your feet into her shoes anyways, man. You're lucking out right now. ]
It's fine, because the next time we do this, I'm throwing a hippo in a tutu and ballet slippers in your way. To counter Toby. [ She won't. Probably.
...Maybe. ]
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Wouldn't advise that unless you want him to snap at you constantly!] I see no practical reason for it, and I would be a laughing stock if I did. [His image was very important to him, maybe too important][Envisioning the expression on his face in that eventuality is priceless. Then he'd still try to contort himself enough to work on something and ultimately fail.
I'm not a baby, I'm just really fussy about certain things.]You have a low threshold for humor. [Are you sure you want to start a prank war, Takamaki? That goes both ways. You'll have to sleep sometime too.] I'm glad I recalled him, so you couldn't insult him to his face with that nonsense. There's no way I'm calling him Toby... Mcstuffins. It should at least be dignified if not descriptive.
[The result of her slamming into the giraffe at full speed at least got Kaiba to reconsider his actions. Not openly, nor did he apologize but it was a start. There could have been an alternative way to react that didn't involve potential physical harm... Still, it had gotten results.] So, an obstacle course then? [Not outright shooting it down. Little did she know that he had experience scaling steep cliff faces, sometimes one-handed while juggling his briefcase] ... I'm listening. [It also sounded more dangerous, and enticing, really. A greater challenge]
I don't think it'll ever come up, so thanks but no thanks.
There aren't any hippos here. [.. because THAT was the important thing to take away from her dialogue. ] If you do, I will turn it to my favor without running headlong into it.... Just so you know.
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Better not move too much, Seto. Ann will probably fall asleep, you wouldn't want to wake her up, now would you~?
Babies are also fussy about certain things...]Sure I do. I might even have some press on nails in my purse... [ She's not scared of you, Seto! Go on, bring it. Do your worst. ] I'll bet he'd love that name. That's definitely his name, it's very dignified! Toby McStuffins, First of his Name. It's very regal, Seto-kun. Sir Toby McStuffins. Stuffy for short.
[ This is probably not a good time to be planning race number two... and yet, here they are. ] Yes, an obstacle course. We should probably write down what we're doing, where it's taking place, and the actual rules this time around... [ Sighing, she shifts, cocking her hip to the right and placing her hands on them. ] ...We could make it into an entire marathon, if we wanted.
[ She grins at him. ] But Seto-kun, I thought you were up for a challenge~?
[ That grin widens and she laughs. ] How do you know? We might have hippos. Maybe we just haven't found them. If we don't, I'll throw the biggest threat in nature at you instead: the Canadian goose. You may be able to flip the hippo against me, but the goose will not be swayed. [ ...What? ]
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[Then he would be trapped. Again. Ann would be sleeping, while he would be stuck trying not to groan at the rom com and it's formulaic plotline.
Takamaki... no (but they so are)]Now those would just look cheap. [The press on nails that is. Don't tempt him, because he would. You might go to sleep in your apartment and wake up on the Chicago L, or worse] He also seems to enjoy being stuffed into a tiny compartment, I'm not sure that implies that he has the best sense of taste. [The winged giraffe doesn't get a say] .. Now you're just trying to annoy me. [He muttered when she got to the part about 'stuffy' for short]
[It was as good a time as any from his standpoint] I have plenty of paper back in the apartment, we can draw it all up and make it official. I wouldn't want you to cheat again. [
Despite being the biggest cheater] If it's going to be that long, then it will be a while before you get that rematch. After a month of inaction, I'm going to want to get in enough training beforehand.Not one that makes me look like an idiot. [So there]
They might not be what you're envisioning either.. they could be miniscule, no bigger than a fist at maximum growth and live only in the most remote section of the void. [Cue the incredulous look] .. If I didn't know better I would think you had to be on something right now. A goose? Singular? Not that a multitude would do you any good.. but one goose wouldn't be much of a hindrance, if any.
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Not all press on nails look cheap... did you know that some nail artists decorate them and sell them for ridiculously inflated prices? Smart for them, and convenient for people on the go... [ Has she bought these things before? Absolutely. Not that she needs fake nails. Her own nails are still miraculously long and unbroken, thanks. ] Toby might not like being in there, though. Wasn't he forced into that thing? [ ....Irritating him over the name of the stupid giraffe is what he deserves after the stunt he pulled, honestly. ] I guess that means Stuffy is an appropriate nick name... are you ever going to free him, or is he your pet permanently? I am not trying anything, Stuffy is a really cute name! I don't hear you coming up with anything better. I'll bet I can get him to follow to Toby....
[ At that accusation, she HUFFS. ] I didn't cheat, you did. But, yes, let's make sure we write everything down. And it's okay, that gives us time to hash everything out... aha, I want to train, too. I don't think... both of us dying on a mountain mid-race-marathon-whatever would benefit either of us, honestly. [ ...Even if the visual of the pair of them, laying out on the terrain out of breath is an amusing image. ]
I don't think anything could make you look like an idiot! You're too smart for that. [ She's not even teasing right now, either. She means that. ]
Or maybe they're bigger than Toby. And have big, jagged teeth made out of glass. [ Why are they doing this again? ] Maybe it's the lack of oxygen since someone broke my ribs... wait. You've never... dealt with geese before, have you?
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I wouldn't know- I'm not a connoisseur on something so frivolous. [You know- nails aren't as important as card games.] It proves one thing though.. there's a sucker born every minute. [Anyone that was willing to pay top dollar for something so temporary and tiny was nuts- unintentionally insulting Ann in the process apparently since she had bought some herself.] Then he should have broken the ball like the others did.. [It's a minor annoyance to be ignored in future] It means no such thing.. and I haven't decided how long to keep him. [Kaiba has many questions about these pokeballs and how they work] It wouldn't be hard- doesn't most animal training involve rewarding them with treats. [Actually, now that he thought about it, convincing Ann to comply with a request of some kind might be better accomplished by offering her sweet treats too. Then he looks at her pointedly] Don't do that..
It would make for a decisive victory however. [He's kidding. Probably.] If dying is even possible in this environment. [Look, he doesn't know about the two deaths in Mementos]
Glass would be ineffectual for prolonged use. Unless it's reinforced in some fashion- should go with something more durable. [I have no idea. To that next line, his eyes widen briefly as he sucks in a sharp breath.] Are they really-? [Then a moment later, once he's realized he might have shown something awful- like concern -he adds on] You're exaggerating. They aren't broken. [Forgetting the geese for an extended period of time...]
What do you mean dealt with geese? Why would I ever need to? I run a company centered around technology, not livestock.
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That's because you're not a girl. You're not a connoisseur of that stuff, but I am. It comes in handy when you've got a modeling gig that gets booked last minute and no time to get a manicure. [ Also, they're Extra. And every now and then, Ann enjoys being a little #Extra. ] Guess I'm a sucker for convenience, then... [ HMPH! ] Wait, I didn't know they could break out! That means Toby was meant to be your new best friend. Maybe he won't want to leave! And you're right, positive reinforcement generally works, especially if food is involved. [ Seto Kaiba if you try that on her............. she won't care because it's food and also sweet food so, it's fine. ] Why not~? It's his name now, he should follow to his name.
It would! Except, if we both die at the same time, how will we know? [ Ah, she should... probably let him in on that, actually, since he seems oblivious to the fact. ] I can confirm... that dying is possible. Or rather, it was in the dream world. Do you remember when I told you that something came up and I had to go? Crow [ Still not Akechi, she's not going to give him up -- ] was killed by a gunshot to the head...
[ Ann stares at him for a moment, before 'hmmmm'ing. ] It might be crappy for the long run, but also they can probably regenerate their glass teeth, so it's still okay. [ Oh... she blinks a few times, feeling her heart fluttering again, because even for a brief few seconds there he did seem a little concerned for her well being. ] No, no, it was a joke, I'm sure they're fine... [ And there he goes, falling back to his usual self. Despite her own mind screaming at her not to, she ignores it for once as she steps forward, leans up on her toes, and presses a lingering kiss to his cheek. ] Even though you broke my ribs in multiple places, you're still sweet. Thanks for the concern.
[ He should NEVER forget the geese-- ] Geese don't discriminate, Seto. They don't care about who runs what. Have you never encountered one in a park or... anywhere? If not, you're lucky... I have. And it wasn't fun.
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Didn't you spend several minutes taking me to task that some men do have work done on their nails? Now you're excluding them from having knowledge on fake nails? [Her explanation made sense though. For a photo shoot all you had to do was fool the cameras. Look- if she was wearing them and they happened to be in a pattern he could get behind he likely wouldn't say anything disparaging about them] ... Guess so. [Lips quirking up in smug satisfaction at her admission. Was he teasing her? He totally was.] .. Or it was a fluke, or he wasn't strong enough to break free. [Making a mental note to try this positive reinforcement with Ann sometime.] .. It's not his.. forget it, I'm tired of this argument.
The likelihood of that happening is low- I know how to pace myself. [To anyone that knew Seto well they would know this wasn't true. He was always pushing himself, harder and harder- working long into the night if need be. He did not in fact know how to pace himself. What she said next gave him pause] ... Yeah, I remember. [At least having the sense not to fire back with something witty on this subject. He didn't even point out that she shouldn't be using the codenames outside of her disguise. There likely wasn't anyone within earshot but sound travelled differently] ... [Crow. The name wasn't one he'd heard before so using the process of elimination that only left so many suspects. Joker and Panther were known quantities, so that left Akechi and Kasumi.. so.. Akechi then.
Underestimating Kasumi? You betcha] Is he still...? [Swallowing a bit before proceeding. It's not like he cared all that much about the boy he barely interacted with but it was a sensitive subject] Like- dead, dead? He's gone?[Her willingness to continue talking about these ridiculous fake creatures let him know that she was alright. To some extent] We should take the glass shards and use them for various applications if they can just grow more. [The worry was genuine, since he wasn't sure if she would be honest if she had actually been injured.
He wouldn't have been. The jest could have been a slip] ... [Not a very funny joke, in his opinion but he managed to keep that to himself. When she takes a step forward, he's not sure what the intention is, he debates recoiling backwards but doesn't, intrigued and not wanting to appear as if he's afraid of retaliation. When she leans up and presses her lips to his cheek he is dumbstruck. Again. Everything from the soft texture of her lips, to the feeling of her breath brushing lightly against his cheek a mere moment before seems etched into his mind. His mind races with possible reactions, essentially locking him in place. Maybe he should have- pushed her away? Shouldn't he let her know that this sort of behavior was not acceptable?! Was it acceptable?! It shouldn't be. Right? Riddled with contradictions he could feel his face burning where she had kissed him- was she wearing lipstick? Not to go jogging, surely! Although he wanted to reach up and cup a hand to his cheek he managed to stop himself, letting his arm drop back to his side.] .. Whatever- don't go... losing your head about it. [Did that seem casual enough? Despite the halting nature of the delivery? Why was he so apprehensive?!][He was almost glad for the subject change now] I'm just saying they don't have much of an opportunity to run into me. Probably? I don't really recall, they didn't leave an impression. What did you do to incur their wrath?
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I mean, I'd imagine that most of those particular clients probably don't get fake, press on nails... [ Or maybe they are, who is she to judge? Also, if she were aware of his line of thoughts, and if they had access to artisan press on nails, she'd certainly find a set he approved of. For... reasons. ] It's okay. They serve their purpose... sometimes. [ At least he isn't totally turning his nose up to the idea! ] Maybe... he seems pretty docile, though. Either way, he seems content! Which is a good thing. [ Please do, Seto. Please do. ] I win! His name is Toby McStuffins first of his Name! [ She pumps a fist into the air to celebrate her VICTORY. ]
Uh-huh... [ She doesn't believe that for a second. There's NO WAY he's clawed his way up the corporate ladder, all the way to the top by pacing himself. ] Let's work on staying alive. Mm... [ She looks down -- it's unfortunate that their pleasant conversation has turned to this, but also... it's information that he should be aware of. ] No. When we came to, he was breathing, but he won't wake up. We've tried everything... I don't know what that means for him, but I don't think it's anything good. [ It had been a relief, at least, to see him breathing. ] We should be careful... if it's possible in the dream world, it may be very possible outside of it now, too. But I'm afraid that if it happens here, we won't get so lucky.
[ Damn right she wouldn't be honest, the last thing she actually wants is anyone to be concerned for her, not when she can take care of herself for the most part. ] We could probably make their teeth into weapons. Like spears or whatever, and we could hunt like primitive void cave people. [ That kiss had been a total gamble, honestly. She wasn't sure how he'd react, and her mind had been telling her don't do it, anticipating some sort of horrible reaction and fallout from the bold move. To her surprise, he doesn't draw back or freak out on her, but instead stands there and lets her press a warm, tender kiss against his cheek. She does draw back after a few moments, stepping back a few paces to give him his personal space back, and she can feel her own cheeks heating up. She's a little embarrassed, yes, but mostly she feels satisfied that he let her do it, and that even though he's playing it so cool, he, too, seems to be just the slightest bit flustered. She almost wants to do it again, but she's not about to push her luck, either. If he'd let her, she'd happily shower him in affection...] I appreciate your sweetness and concern, though.
[ Ah yes, goose trauma... ] Consider yourself lucky. It's not so much what I did... back in middle school, we took a big class trip to Shinjuku Gyoen to see the flowers, and we had a picnic. There were geese hanging around, like a whole family of them. They were pretty easy going until a classmate sitting close to me decided to try and pick up one of the babies... I've never run so fast to a bus in my life. All I heard was angry honking getting closer and closer...