blue_eyed_obsession (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
blue_eyed_obsession) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
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
no subject
Later-!
[He snapped tersely]
.. Fine, let's just.. get out of here.
[Already dreading the stairs. Still, he made the attempt to walk unhindered. It was a painful experience]
no subject
[ She huffs at him and looks away sharply, at least his attitude means that he can't be that seriously injured. ]
Yeah, okay...
[ ...She stares at him for a moment, though. ]
...Do you need me to carry you?
[ She's being serious here, Seto. She is fully willing and able to carry him... ]
no subject
[He backed off in as much as he didn't audibly respond. It wasn't his intention to seem ungrateful for her attentions but she was making a scene]
No.
[Responding without hesitation, even if it would have made his life easier. Pride demanded that he leave the area upright, and with dignity.
Could she really carry him....? Sideeying her briefly, he made his way slowly to the stairs. Once they were a little farther off he offered some reassurance.]
... I'll be fine, Takamaki. I just got careless.
no subject
Mm, if you're sure...
[ She eyes him a little skeptically, because he sure is gimpy -- and yes she could carry him. She's a LOT stronger than she looks, thank you very much! ]
That's not like you... what happened? I wish I would have gotten to you sooner.
no subject
I'm sure.
[It's obvious that there is a problem with his gait despite his efforts to insist that there isn't. One way or another he'll make it to this damn apartment under his own power]
If you keep asking questions before we get there I'm just going to go silent... fair warning.
[Was he being too harsh... maybe. With a sigh.]
If I had reacted sooner I wouldn't be in this mess and that idiot would be the one sprawled on the floor. [Taking each step one at a time, he looked around before utilizing the railing. It felt like such and arduous climb, as if it was a mountain instead of one flight]
no subject
...
[ If this were any other time, she'd snap at him for that comment. But she doesn't, because she's genuinely concerned, and she doesn't want him to go quiet on her. ]
Take it easy... [ He grabs onto the rail, and she moves to his side, wrapping an arm around him to better stabilize him just in case he goes down again. ] We'll take our time up the stairs, one at a time, okay? When we get you back up to your place, what do you want me to go get for you?
[ Because she doesn't want him to even have to think about leaving again, and she is more than willing to run around getting things for him should he need them. ]
no subject
...
[To be honest, he half-expected her to do just that but apparently Ann could tell that he was in no mood to play 20 questions and she mercifully took the hint]
I don't need the encouragement, I have climbed stairs before.. [Definitely extra prickly with a side of snark. Kaiba paused only briefly when he felt her arm around him. It was such a bizarre thing to do. Normally he would have pulled himself away but a jerky movement would have wrecked him.. again.] ... Sorry. I'm not used to ...this. [There, she got an apology. He knew how he was being, and he didn't really want to direct his negative emotions to her]
Ice, and plenty of it.
[If it's even acquirable. The trip up the stairs gave him plenty of time to fixate on her proximity to him. Why was she going to all this trouble? He had full use of his legs, he would get there eventually. That actually seemed to make the task go faster with his mind otherwise occupied. They reached the next floor before he expected to]
no subject
She hums as he snarks at her, but she ignores it. It's just how he is, and he's hurt, so, she's expecting it. What she's not expecting is that apology, though, and she quickly shakes her head. ] It's okay, I get it. You don't need to apologize, you didn't do anything wrong. I'm sorry that you're hurt. [ She sighs and slowly continues up the stairs with him, glancing off to the side with a small frown. ] That guy's lucky that people showed up when they did...
[ Because she may be small, but she's got fists of fury and she was ready to strike that young man down with the might of fucking Zeus himself. She's going to need to... reign her nasty temper in instead of jumping on people in the future, probably, but she hadn't been able to stop herself. ]
Of course. Anything else?
[ Once they reach the top of the stairs and she knows he can probably make it the rest of the way (and you know, not end up falling backwards back DOWN the stairs), she slowly removes her arm from around him, allowing him his freedom and space again all while being very grateful that he even allowed her to help him. ]
I'll help you into bed, and go get that ice, okay? And whatever else you decide you may need. I wish that our phones worked right now, you could just text me...
[ She is genuinely concerned for his well being right now, but she doesn't see blood and she can at least breathe a sigh of relief for that. ]
no subject
Seto was essentially like a wounded animal right now, and lashing out with his verbal claws. She was being very understanding about the whole thing.] Heh- you can say that without knowing the whole story? You don't know for sure- I could have been the instigator. [Although he would later insist to the contrary.] ... [When her statement about being sorry rolled off her lips, he went suddenly silent. It felt peculiar some how to hear. Granted, Ann was in the habit of apologizing needlessly but somehow this seemed more genuine and it stunned him.] You would have destroyed that coward. He's below your level.
[Was that the hint of a smile? Just envisioning her wailing on Iwa was a pleasant thought]
Nothing else. What, are you thinking about fetching takeout and coming over for a few hours to make sure I wasn't lying about my condition?
[He's kidding. Feeling her slip free, he resumes moving under his own power. Missing the warmth of her embrac- it wasn't an embrace! It was just.... some.. assistance.]
You don't need to go that far, I can get into bed myself. [If he so chose to do so.] You and me both. It would be endlessly useful.. not just for this, but in general.
[When they reached his apartment, he got the door open and walked inside.]
no subject
She sighs, smiling slightly. ] Yeah, I can. Because even if you instigated, he shouldn't have kept it going. Somehow, I can't see you going into attack mode right away. Not physically, at least. [ At least, not enough to throw the first physical punch, either. Verbal beat down? Absolutely. But since Seto's not willing to come clean with what happened yet, she can't really tell for sure. His words at least have her laughing quietly, looking almost a little embarrassed. ] Truthfully? Nothing would have made me happier in that moment. Seeing you like that... it scared me.
[ Seto's a big, strong man, and seeing him downed like that was horrifying, honestly. It made her heart drop to her stomach, it stole her breath in the worst way possible, and she just... snapped. ]
...Yeah, kind of, actually. I'm worried about you, Seto.
[ It's easy enough to admit, at least, how worried she really is for him. She doesn't like how he's limping, or that he's in pain at all. Just knowing that he's hurting, and there's little she can do for him? It bothers her. A lot. He walks into his apartment, and she walks in just far enough to lean against the door frame. ]
Okay. I'll be back in a little bit, just try and get some rest. It shouldn't take me long, I'm sure that there's some ice in the cafe. If not, we'll figure something else out. [ She keeps an eye on him for a few more moments, before she pushes herself to stand straight. ] Agreed. But we'll make do for now. I'll be back.
no subject
[What was this sensation he was feeling, as the words wouldn't form immediately and his throat felt like it was drying out]
... I won't try to stop you.
[Making sure he was not looking at her when he uttered those words]
.. I literally couldn't right now. [Said with a bit more volume and less uneasiness. It seemed like a suitable cover.. for.. whatever that was]
Yes mother. [Having hit some limit to the coddling. Not that he knew what it was really like to have an actual mother in his life. What he could vaguely remember about his biological one was positive but even his memory had failed to fully capture an imprint of just what sort of person she was. It was likely even harder for Mokuba to recall...] Mm... [He used the available furniture to lean on as he moved over to the bed. He was planning on reclining there, but not just because she told him to.
Sure, Seto]no subject
Maybe it's the adrenaline that's still coursing through her veins that's giving her more courage speak up, but she's taking advantage of it while she can. ] I care about you a lot. More... than I think you'll ever realize. So, yeah... it really scared me to see you like that. I was really worried that he'd done something really bad to you.
[ Not that what happened wasn't fucked up. Probably. She's still convinced he got punched in the stomach, but she's just grateful that's all. ]
No? Good to know. Food and ice it is... and maybe some coffee, if I can balance it all.
[ Because, yes, she'd be very grateful to be able to sit here and keep an eye on him for a little while longer so long as he'll allow it. ]
...I wouldn't want you to. What I want you to do is just hang out here and relax. [ She shifts a little bit. ] ...I know you don't want to tell me what happened, and that's okay. As long as you're not like, dying on me... then you don't have to say anything.
[ There's that sarcasm of his. She smiles and sticks her tongue out at him. ] Good, stay put, and I'll be back.
[ And that's all she has left to say as she leaves. She's got quite a few tasks ahead of her, tasks that she plans on fulfilling even if it kills her. She's gone for a while, too -- because true to her word, when she does come back, she's balancing a whole lot in her arms. She's got an entire pillowcase filled with ice from the cafe, along with some curry she's not sure he'll like or not, but food is food and who knows, maybe he'll enjoy it.
She's also got a second pillow under her arm. She barely manages to knock before she lets herself in and shuts the door quietly with her foot, quickly moving to carefully set the items she's brought down. ]
Sorry it took so long, I made a pit stop back to my place. I thought maybe I had some ibuprofen or something in my bag from home, but I didn't... I'm sorry. I brought you an extra pillow, though, and as much ice as I could grab. [ You know, before Ren came back. She doesn't feel like bumping into him again just yet, thanks. ]
no subject
[There are not enough ellipses in the world to convey just how blown away he was by her admission. When it was broken down by the individual components it wasn't all that damning, but still you had to account for timing and delivery as well. Ann had selected this moment for a reason and it couldn't be coincidental, and she had her previous actions to affirm the statement]
...
There's my apartment.
[Smooth, Seto. Smooth. He nearly fumbled with the handle as he released the lock and swung the door open. Internally he was still playing her words over in his mind]
Mm. Fine.
[What was going on here, why did he agree to this. It would be annoying to have someone else in his apartment underfoot as he tried to fully recover. He also didn't think far enough ahead, what good would the ice do him with an audience?]
.. You're infuriating you know that? [Though he didn't sound all that torn up about it. Along the way he had mentally prepared himself to provide some details and now she was over it. No more Q&A.] Go, shoo.. give me a few moments to decompress.
[As the door closed behind her he took a turn looking between it and the floor. Then since he was sure no one could possibly see it he allowed himself a genuine smile. It was bizarre but somehow he felt considerably better then when he'd first woken up to that buffoon in his space. Could this be... because of.. her? Some of the glowing feelings subsided as he shifted wrong and was reminded of the throbbing pain, and delicate origin of it. A variety of choice curse words followed, and then he managed to eventually situate himself on the bed.
Ugh- what an unsightly position to be in. He propped his pillows up enough behind him that he could at least sit up. As the adrenaline crashed so did he. Her errands taking longer than expected he reluctantly drifted off to sleep, arms crossed over his chest.
When she returned, it startled him awake and he visibly jumped, then groaned and winced. The pain had lessened but apparently it hadn't been long enough] Are you in there under that mound of stuff...? [Her arms cradling so many items, avoiding admitting that he had no idea how long it had been. Everything she had done, and was doing for him was above and beyond what he requested.} Relax, it's fine. I wasn't timing you.
no subject
[ She's glad when he doesn't shoot her little confession down or laugh. She's mostly glad that he doesn't comment on it at all -- some people may find that awkward, but not Ann. Sometimes, saying nothing is better. ]
Yep, there it is.
[ He goes in and gets himself situated, and she's already mentally ticking things off in her mind that she needs to go and get for him, and get done while she's out and about. ]
Yeah, I know. [ She smiles at him again, at least, pushing her hair out of her face and tucking a stray strand behind her ear. ] Yeah, yeah, I'm going.
[ And go she does. When she returns, she's... more than a little guilty that she woke him up. She winces at the realization as she carefully settles things down one by one, though she does make a point to at least place the ice down close to his bedside so he can reach for it and... do whatever with it when he feels up to it. ] I am, and sorry that I woke you up. Go back to sleep, I can leave the stuff here and let you get some rest.
no subject
[That would explain the previous infatuation with Ren. The other male tended to be less vocal on the whole]
[After a brief exchange, Ann headed out to accomplish the errand running. The time it took was irrelevant and when she returned, she seemed quick to depart again. Kaiba was getting a ton of mixed signals right now. Did she want to stay, or did she want to leave. She wasn't a prisoner ot an employee she could do whatever]
No- I didn't want to sleep in the first place. [Sitting up a little more and readjusting the pillows] Heh, you'd think the coma was plenty. [Feeling a little groggy, he scrubbed a hand over his face. Truthfully he'd prefer to go back to never having to sleep again] This is what happened.. [So get comfy, you asked a dozen times and you're getting an answer, Ann]
When I came to I was blocking the exit on that floor- that idiot with the volleyball started asking a lot of questions devoid of any level of respect. I refused to give him the time of day until he rectified this, then when the conversation reached it's conclusion he proceeded to complain about where I was standing without bothering to get out of the way.
I encouraged him to step aside, and once I was able I passed by him with the intention of returning here, to my apartment, but the smartas- [Trailing off for a moment] -the imbecile then decided to lob his volleyball in my direction. When it struck me, I lost my temper and slammed him into the door- he broke free. I was on track to maintain control of the situation when that pokedweeb distracted me and started recording.
Volleyball-loser having no scruples attacking someone from behind or an opponent whose attention is split... then... [Here was the fiddly bit..] .. he proceeded to kick me.. between the legs. [There. He did it. Hopefully she could get all that from the no pauses he took. With the cat out of the bag, he grabbed the pillow case of ice and began figuring out how to best line it up. She really did get a lot of ice...] You know the rest.
no subject
Once she's returned and things have been settled down properly and as neatly as she can, she picks up the spare pillow and fluffs it up, adding it to the ones he's already leaning against. ]
Still, I'm sorry. Do you feel any better at all? [ She hopes he does, at least. ] Are you hungry? I smuggled some curry from the cafe. I didn't have enough hands to balance coffee though, sorry. [ She pauses, though, because Seto has decided to regale her with his tale. Which is... surprising. What a day this has turned out to be -- not only did she get a rare apology from him earlier, but now, he's actually giving in and telling her what happened.
So, she stops bustling here and there long enough to just sort of plop down onto the floor, propping herself up against the wall and pulling her knees to her chest to make herself comfortable. As she listens, she's quiet, not wanting to interrupt, and she looks... thoughtful. Seto's making it sound like he was a saint through all of this, and yet, even she knows that words like encouraged meant that he was probably snapping at the other boy and being sarcastic.
What she's gathering from this, is simple: both of them were stupid as hell and lost their tempers. Typical. Except... a volleyball was thrown? And Seto at least admits to slamming the other kid into the wall. Okay, then. That's... nothing can really prepare her for what comes next, though. Her eyes widen, and she looks horrified. ]
Oh my God! Seto, that's awful! [ Now, Ann doesn't know a whole lot about the male anatomy. She does know, thanks to watching Ryuji get hit in the balls several times, that it hurts. Just by watching Seto she knows it hurts. It's almost a trope, really -- how many videos exist on the internet of dudes getting hit in the nuts, after all? But that worry from earlier is escalating rapidly. ] Should... should you see someone about that? I don't even know who... I don't think anyone here has any sort of... medical degree...
[ Is she suggesting he get his junk looked at? Absolutely. But she means well! ] I don't know how this sort of thing works [ THANK GOD ] but that is awful and I'm so sorry... w-wait, Blue-san was recording? On what, his phone? You know... I could probably break into his apartment and steal it for you. If it's password protected, then I'd imagine you'd be able to figure out how to hack into it, right? To uh... destroy the 'evidence', so to speak.
no subject
This is weird, he thought to himself as she inserted the new pillow in with the others.] Quit fussing. [Replying with the only thing he could think off on the fly, not that the pillow wasn't appreciated. He made no motion to remove it]
Marginally. [Answering truthfully and succinctly.] I thought the food was for you. [Something to pass the time as she hovered over him like a hawk. Curry wasn't his favorite dish, but he made do with what was available here. His tastes ran towards pricier dishes, and nothing here was up to that standard.] It's fine, I didn't ask for coffee, did I? [It would have been an added bonus but really he just wanted to tend to his wounds and peace then worry about the rest. It would have been only too easy to clam up and take the out she'd offered him but since she went that far in trying to defend him, and was assisting him now it was easier to convince himself to fess up. Besides, she'd kept his other secrets thus far. As for the apology, that was the only one he's ever issued in the void. Savor it, because the next will be a long time coming]
[Encouraged, was actually a code for I shoved his stupid jock body aside, but yes, the way he related the story made him sound more innocent. It wasn't that he was intentionally trying to mislead so much as he genuinely thought himself to be in the right. It was as skewed as Iwa's retelling would likely be, and the truth lay somewhere in between.
Ann's assessment was the most accurate. It left out such nuances as Seto was feeling extra prickly because of the whole waking out of a coma thing, coupled with the recovering from the immersive nightmares, and being otherwise exhausted. As for Iwa, he was new blood- out of his element and confused having the misfortune to run into a less understanding party.]
[At least Ann didn't laugh when she heard the nature of his injury, but her emphatic response might have been worse. It was a tough call.] You're telling me? [He was the one who had experienced it] ................................ [See someone?.] Who in the hell would I see for that?! [It slipped out before he could stop himself] It's not serious. [Most likely it isn't. Though he didn't know the statistics on this injury he did know that most like incidents didn't require medical attention or hospitalization. There were always exceptions but he was betting on the fact that the concept was too difficult for the void to subject him to]
[Not a soul is getting a peek at his junk] You shouldn't. [Not having the equipment] Mm- the... [
bastard] coward. He always has others fight his battles for him. [Recalling the incident with Red at the void party] What I wouldn't give to see him get his...[Wait. Back up a minute] Not sure what the device is called but I can describe it. [Pokegear looked a bit different afterall] I certainly could. He's a simple person with a simple mind, cracking his code wouldn't task me in the slightest, if he even bothered to set one. [Pondering over this scheme thoughtfully] You'd do that? [Sometimes it pays to know a thief] .. Heh- that won't dig the hole deeper between you and your friends? [Ren and his unanimous decision comment flooding back to mind]
no subject
[ As she fluffs and adds pillows until she feels better about the position he's sitting in and his comfort level, she flashes him a small smile. ] No. Now shut up and deal with it. [ One more fluff for added measure, too. ]
Marginally is still a little better than earlier, at least. [ She thinks. ] No, because you need to eat, too. Even if you don't eat now, it'll at least be here for you to nibble on later, so you don't have to worry about leaving again until you're feeling better. And no, you didn't ask for it, but I did want to bring you some. [ And hover she shall. At least, until she knows he's actually going to be fine.
She can laugh at a lot of things, but this particular thing is most certainly not one of them. She's horrified at the prospect, and grateful once again to have been born a woman and not a man. She cringes and shakes her head, the frown she wears deepening even further. ]
I mean, I dunno! [ ...Has he even looked to check the damage? She doesn't want to think about it, and yet, there's really no other choice. Is she going to voice these concerns? Maybe. Just... not now. ] I dunno, just... make sure you're okay, you know? Ugh... that's so horrible. I'm so sorry, Seto. I... didn't think guys did that to other guys.
[ The 'bro code', isn't it? Or maybe that's all just a bunch of bullshit. Either way, that 'code' has definitely been broken. ]
...So this wasn't your first go around with Blue, either, then? [ Ah, no wonder Blue had looked so smug... until he saw her storming down the hallway, at least, which was a smart move. ] Tell me what it looks like, and I'll do what I can to break in while he's asleep. I need to make a lock pick or something similar first, though, but that's fine. It gives me a little bit of time to follow him and see what he gets up to when he's awake, and when he falls asleep. Maybe if I'm lucky, I can just... manage to get him to let me 'borrow' it. [ She twirls the end of a pigtail around her fingers, nodding. ] Yeah, of course I would. [ For you, she almost adds, but catches herself before it can become more than a thought at the tip of her tongue. ] ...What they don't know doesn't hurt me, right? [ She'll... deal with Ren later. And whoever else is going to inevitably get involved with whatever talking to she's going to get. ]
no subject
[Ann was persistent and ended up getting her way, the look she shot him was one of triumph- he thought -but it was also strangely endearing.
Ugh, maybe he did need his head examined] This isn't really fair since I'm not really in a position to argue with it.I'd be better if it didn't happen at all. [Still, he was never one to dwell in the past too long- unless he had a score to settle -so he would stop pouring over the alternative scenarios that could have happened instead.
He would just focus on delicious revenge] I would think after being unconscious for who knows how long, you would need sustenance more than I would. [A commentary on her eating habits? Maybe, slightly. Curry wasn't her go to though. Not sweet enough] You're acting as if I'm completely incapacitated. I'm not. I'll be able to maneuver just fine in... a .. little bit.[Seto was glad she was born a woman and not a man but that was a whole other issue to be addressed at a more appropriate time. Maybe]
Make sure. [He repeated haughtily with a huff and a stern glare. That clearly fell into the 'it's none of your business whether I did or didn't' category and he was letting her know it. Please, don't try to visualize what might have occurred while you were absent Ann, really.] Only brainless barbarians aim for such a cheap shot. He clearly falls into that designation.
[It was effective as a tactic, but lacked class. It should be only be reserved for a desperate act when someone's life might actually be in danger.... because it is against all the codes of regular combat!]
[Having outted himself, in a sense, Kaiba huffed again and looked straight ahead to focus on the opposite wall. He did not go into detail about previous altercations with Blue. At least he had the pleasure of watching Blue retreat like a startled rabbit when Ann appeared.] I can do even better than that, hand me that pad of paper over there.. [Nodding to the side table] .. and I'll draw a diagram. [He reached into his coat and pulled out a pen, twirling it with a flourish because getting back at Blue would make his day] Oh- you could. I'm sure he'd just hand it over to you in time. [You can be pleasant to people, I can't. To that last line he smirked, appreciating that she could think and act on her own independent of her friends.] When I'm in a position to- I'll see that you're compensated for your efforts. [In whatever form that takes. This was Kaiba- showing gratitude, in the only way he knew how]
no subject
I think it's very fair. Besides, once I'm sure you're fine, I'll be out of your hair, so chill and enjoy your pillow fluffing. [ Yes, this is entirely fair, and she's very much enjoying herself, thanks. It's been a while since she's had anyone to take care of. ]
Agreed! But, at least it's over, right? [ His quip gets him a snort, though, and she places a hand on her hip. ] Please, I spend days in a place that's made up entirely of cognitive [ She wants to say bullshit here, but she refrains-- ] thoughts of the nastiest variety. I don't need any sort of sustenance... you, on the other hand, have not only been unconscious, but immediately had to expend energy in a brawl. [ Because she definitely didn't expend energy doing shit, okay. She was running on pure anger at that moment. ] And yes, I'm very aware that you'll be fine after a little while. But the option is here, at least, if you don't want to go out again.
[ The look he gives her has her putting both hands up in a placating gesture, because yeah, she's not going to comment on it again. It's his problem at the end of the day, and if he thinks it's fine, then, it's fine. ] I think... had the things that we'd just been through not have been so fresh, things may have turned out a little differently for both of you. I think that you were both in the wrong place at the wrong time, unfortunately.
[ Because, yes, she does feel a little guilty about jumping a stranger, especially a newbie who had clearly been confused and upset and running on his emotions. Wrong place, wrong time indeed. ]
...That bad, huh? [ Now she just looks amused, because she can't even begin to fathom what Seto and Blue have gotten to here. She's never seen either of them interact up until this point, and Blue had ducked back into his apartment before she could unleash her ungodly rage on him, too. Humming, she shifts around enough to be able to grab the pad of paper he's requested, before she hands it over to him. ] Perfect. If we can do this, he'll never even realize anything's happened to his stuff, other than he suddenly doesn't have a video of what he probably thought was a funny ordeal. [ Heaving a sigh, she moves to sit properly again, although this time she tucks her knees off to the side to sit more like a lady, at least. ] Just... feel better, and that'll be compensation enough for me, thanks.
no subject
[Grunting to that, he made his mild displeasure known, but he didn't inhibit her pillow fluffing further.]
A small consolation. [.. but it isn't over. Not until he says it is. This is the beginning, one small ripple radiating out from the center.
Iwa will be a dead man. Metaphorically speaking. It might not seem like it, but he's noting the additional information he's receiving about the cognitive verse. It's like those gamers that get too invested in their mmos to take regular breaks.. granted more serious. The enemies the thieves faced certainly wouldn't let them call a time out to take care of their other needs.] You're so stubborn.. [One to talk.] Right. Fine. It's there in case I have a sudden hankering... [Huff][Her defensive stance does the trick of getting him to drop his penetrating stare, but he's none too pleased with the excuses that follow either.] I have a feeling, anywhere that guy shows up is the wrong place and the wrong time.
[Iwa totally deserved what he got, and more. Own it.]
That bad. [He affirmed. Accepting the paper and implement he takes to sketching along the top page. He's so focused on the task that he doesn't look up until it's completed. Oh, he liked the way she was thinking. The stealthy approach would protect them both from immediate retaliation. Blue would never figure out what happened to it and have no one to blame.] That would be for the best. I only lament that I won't be able to see the look on his face when he realizes it's gone. [That's pushing it though, so he won't harp on it. Passing the sketch over to her, he met her eyes with his.] I can come up with something better than just that. Don't worry about it.