#prowlinghalfstep

LITTLE: CO O O O LT

LITTLE: 4R3 YOU H3R3

COLT: Yeah, I'm here. -boofs from his music room. not that he's making much music at the moment, he's mostly been writing lyrics. or attempting to. the writer's block comes and goes way too easily, so it makes progress one hell of a time.-

LITTLE: -flops backwards on the floor.  SHE FINISHED HER STRETCHES.-

LITTLE: p1ck m3 up plz LITTLE: 4lso 1m supos3d to do som3 l3g l1fts or WH4T3VZ but 1m bor3d w1th s1t1ng h3r3 m4k1ng my dumb br4nch3s mov3 so o o o 

LITTLE: 1 w4n4 w4lk som3wh3r3 1nst34d 

LITTLE: w4n4 com3 >:?

COLT: -ears perk. walk?????? that might help him get those creative juices FLOWING, so he puts his stuff away and lumbers over to her, scooping her up off the floor.- Of course. 

COLT: Where do you wanna go?

LITTLE: HUP 

LITTLE: 1 duno o o 

LITTLE: out som3wh3r3 >:T 

LITTLE: 1 got4 do 4t l34st 4 m1l3 so uh 

LITTLE: m4yb3 w3 c4n go to town 4nd buy som3th1ng 

LITTLE: l1k3 4 p13 or thr3 hundr3d sk1tl3s

LITTLE: ... do you th1nk 4nyon3 3v3r m4d3 sk1tl3 p13

COLT: Hmm. I don't think anybody's been bold enough to even consider it. :P 

COLT: -carries her out the door, but he sets her back down once they're outside and offers his hand instead.-

LITTLE: COW4RDS 

LITTLE: do you w4n4 m4k3 h1story 

LITTLE: -GRABS HIS WHOLE ARM. its hers now.-

COLT: -TRAPPED. as if he minds. he just curls it around hers and starts to mosey.- I'd love to. 

COLT: Assumin' we don't botch it all up... I'm none too certain how to go about bakin' somethin' with skittles in it.

LITTLE: m4yb3 you m4sh 1t up 

LITTLE: w1th 4 mort4r 4nd p1stl3 LITTLE: or 4 mort4r 4nd GUN 

LITTLE: or just dump 1t 4l 1n 4 p13 crust 4nd 34t 1t w1th 4 spon

LITTLE: you got4 b3 1nov4t1v3

COLT: ... 

COLT: That don't sound too terribly appetizin'. But live and learn, I suppose. -it's just fun to cook, anyways. and it's hard to be wasteful when they're both garbage disposals.-

LITTLE: your3 r1ght 

LITTLE: gumy b34rs would work b3t3r 

LITTLE: th3yd m3lt >:O 

LITTLE: your3 so sm4rt

COLT: -snorts about that.- I'm always happy to help, darlin'. -wanders on down the road headed for town.- 

COLT: How are your legs feelin'? -fusses already-

LITTLE: 1 DUNNO  TH3Y SUCK ?

LITTLE: 1 m34n 

LITTLE: 1t 4lw4ys 1s sort4 sor3 4 l1tl3 >:T 

LITTLE: but 1ts g3t1ng b3t3r 4nd th4ts supos3d to h4p3n 

LITTLE: 1tl go 4w4y 3v3ntu4ly

COLT: Well, good... So long as it's gettin' easier. 

COLT: But if you get too tired or somethin' after we've walked a mile... Let me know... -though, she probably would anyway because why pass up an opportunity to be carried? still, he fusses.-

LITTLE: 1l just go l1mp 1n your 4rms

LITTLE: >;o

COLT: Oh, yeah. That'll work just fine. -grins a pointy grin and proceeds on down the road. he isn't really counting how long a mile actually is, but they do make it to the nearest little town from their house after a mile, give or take.- 

COLT: -there's a little locally owned grocery store that colt usually gets their groceries from. the owners are nice... they don't even comment on his ears and tail. when they're inside, he immediately gets distracted by... well, everything. his attention spans seems to have gotten much worse since becoming part dog. not to mention all his heightened senses. he just... :eyes: and sniffs everything.- 

COLT: ... Uhhh. Why don't we pick up some more groceries while we're here? -lil tail wag while grabbing a cart.-

LITTLE: ...h3y funy thought 

 LITTLE: do you r3m3mb3r how much 1 m4d3 fun of your roundy hum4n f4ngs th4t 4r3nt th4t po1nty

LITTLE: 1 gu3s w3 m1ght 4s w3l >:V

COLT: -gives her ANOTHER pointy grin.- Heheh. Can't make fun of me no more... 

COLT: -scoots the cart towards her.- Wanna hitch a ride?

LITTLE: Y3S ? ? ?

LITTLE: -CLAMBERS IN-

LITTLE: -sits.-

COLT: -she fits...- 

COLT: -pushes her along.- Go on and grab anythin' that looks appealin'.

LITTLE: -she's gonna use her stick to push things in as they pass- 

LITTLE: ok4 4 4 4 4 4y 

SNARLS: -curled up next to him on this bed in the living room that's entirely too small for both of them. it's probably too small for even one of them.-

LITTLE: -she's pretty sure that this is CUTE and all, but she's staring for about five minutes.  Maybe it's the news of what happened with Joel, which was on the newsfeed not too long ago, or MAYBE it's the fact that he smells like stinky dog. WHICH IS NO SURPRISE WHEN THIS BIG DOG IS PRETTY MUCH ON TOP OF HIM.-

LITTLE: -reaches over and... pokes colt with her stick.-

FINN: -its fun day Sunday and finn has mostly been keeping to himself. Today has been spent playing with sofia and watching tv in his room. however, he needs more milk for this tiny girl and her formula is in the kitchen so that requires him to go out and through the living room while holding sofia--wait a second. Glances between little and colt.- is he 

FINN: sleeping on the dog bed

LITTLE: h3s 4lso sl3p1ng on th3 dog

LITTLE: -poke poke poooke-

FINN: that's 

FINN: new

LITTLE: >:T 

LITTLE: 1ts not 4s n3w 4s you th1nk

LITTLE: c4us3 h3s b3n 4ct1ng l1k3 4 W31RD BOY

LITTLE: ...

LITTLE: H4Y GU3S WH4T SQU1R3LS ! ! ! ! !

COLT: -fidgets from the poking, but then when he hears the word "squirrels," THREE whole sets of dog ears perk up. that's also new.- 

SNARLS: -rolls awake before colt does and romps away to stare out the window at squirrels. squirrels??- BOOF! 

COLT: -now that there's no big dog in the way, there's a clear view of colt's handsome new features. he hasn't noticed them yet as he groggily turns towards them.- Mrg?

LITTLE: >:o

FINN: -staring-

LITTLE: -reaches over and GRABS THE EAR-

LITTLE: >:O!

LITTLE: H1 WH4T

COLT: -YELPS- AH! 

COLT: Not so loud-- 

COLT: ... 

COLT: ... 

COLT: ... -touches his other ear.- Um.

LITTLE: Y34H

COLT: Ah... -looks at his hand. he's got CLAWS too.- 

COLT: ......... -STARES up at little with wide eyes.- 8(

FINN: uh

LITTLE: uh 1s R1GHT

LITTLE: -SHAKES FINN-

LITTLE: 1 KN3W 1T OK

LITTLE: JO3L B1T H1M 4ND NOW H3S W3R3WOLF3D 4ND 1 KN3W 1T ! ! ! !

FINN: -is shook and sofia is securely supported in his arms so it just feels like a very fun short ride in her opinion- 

FINN: wait joel seriously bit him is that 

FINN: is that what you're saying it wasn't just 

FINN: something else joel was involved in

COLT: -sniffles from where he lies, sprawled on this dog bed.- Guess there's no denyin' it now...

LITTLE: uh Y3S 1 just d1dnt s4y 1t b3c4us3 1 d1dnt h4v3 PROF

LITTLE: but th3 sho3s f1t th3 d1g1t1gr4d3 f3t

LITTLE: th4ts som3 fury bulsh1t by th3 w4y sof14

LITTLE: l1k3 p4ws

LITTLE: dog p4ws

SOFIA: -it sounds like a good time- 

FINN: wait what 

FINN: i never 

FINN: what

COLT: -he's distressed and blubbering like he always does. boo hoo hoo...- SNARLS: -plods over to lick the tears off his face.- 

COLT: You... -pats snarls' face- You remember the bite on my shoulder? When I got into the accident? 

COLT: Joel did that... And ever since that night weird things have been happenin' to both of us. And now this...

LITTLE: >:T 

LITTLE: now th1s 

LITTLE: you um 

LITTLE: ok 

LITTLE: 4s1d3 from cry1ng 

LITTLE: -actually the crying is normal. maybe even a good sign?-

FINN: why the fuck would he bite you 

FINN: i never came across this in my studies i have 

FINN: literally no idea 

SOFIA: -gurgles-

LITTLE: (w3r3 wolf )

FINN: werewolves aren't an actual 

FINN: that can't be 

FINN: ugh 

FINN: are you feeling okay colt

COLT: I haven't felt ok in weeks! Everythin' is so loud and my head hurts and I can see forever and now I have these stupid ears.

FINN: it's okay it's going to be okay 

FINN: if joel's being seen for the same thing they have to be working on a cure

LITTLE: -this sounds like premium werewolf talk though-

LITTLE: -petting his head a little- 

LITTLE: 4w b4b

FINN: -he's trying not to freak out. he hates being faced with medical concerns he has no knowledge of-

COLT: -tail wags when he's pet. WAIT WHAT GODDAMMIT.- 

COLT: Hhh. -GRABS his tail and... finds it deeply satisfying. for a second he relaxes.- 

COLT: Y-yeah, he's... They're workin' on somethin'...

LITTLE: do3s 4nyon3 3ls3 know 4bout th1s ? ? ?

FINN: is there anything that helps with the pain at all that you've noticed

LITTLE: L3T M3 S3 YOUR T3TH

COLT: Uh... I guess regular pain killers help with the headaches... Sometimes I get naueous and I gotta take somethin' for that... 

COLT: -looks up at little again and bares his FANGS??-

LITTLE: >:o

LITTLE: d4ng

FINN: oh fuck

LITTLE: 1 c4nt m4k3 fun of you for your l4m3 hum4n t3th 4nymor3

COLT: Ugh. -covers up his face.-

LITTLE: um

LITTLE: do you th1nk w3 should

LITTLE: ...

LITTLE: t3l som3on3

FINN: tell who

FINN: i don't want him to be quarantined too

LITTLE: W3L UM

LITTLE: w3 could um

LITTLE: f1nd som3 b4ckdor p3ps

LITTLE: l1k3

LITTLE: 1 duno

LITTLE: um

LITTLE: w3 know som3 p3opl3 r1ght ? ? ?

FINN: i'm 

FINN: a doctor

COLT: -peeks through fingers at them scrambling to come up with something.- ...

LITTLE: ...

LITTLE: (4r3 you 4lso 4 v3t)

COLT: ... - :unamused: -

FINN: no but 

FINN: i know about dogs

LITTLE: y3 um

LITTLE: ok m4yb3 y3s

LITTLE: do th4t

LITTLE: doctor th1ng you do

COLT: Umm...

COLT: -rubs at his eyes as he finally sits up.- No, I... I should probably go to the doctors on Skaia... 

COLT: They already know that I'm... Not well... It's only a matter of time till somebody finds out.

COLT: I don't think they'll quarantine me... But they might. Study me. 

COLT: They can't do that unless I say it's alright though... Can they?

FINN: -looks concerned- well they can 

FINN: if they think of you as dangerous

LITTLE: y34 m4n th4ts th3 probl3m w1th p3opl3 who 4r3 1n CH4RG3 of stuf

COLT: :( 

COLT: Maybe you're right...

FINN: -he looks worried- i can uh 

FINN: i can try to see what they've found out maybe 

FINN: and apply it to your case 

FINN: and compare 

FINN: if i can get access to joel's medical records

LITTLE: 1 b3t 1ts lock3d up t1ght tho >:I

FINN: most likely

COLT: ... Maybe my dads could help? I know they ain't crazy about everything they're doing to Joel... -none of this feels right, though. his ears droop.-

FINN: we could call them

LITTLE: ... you know th4td prob4bly work

COLT: Guess it's worth a shot...

FINN: want me to do it today

LITTLE: -a little frown-

LITTLE: 1ts up to you colt but 

LITTLE: 1m not pl4y1nt 4round w1th no w3r3wolf m4g1c

COLT: -quiet for a moment while he thinks all this through.- Go ahead and call them... -puts his head in his hand, ears drooping again.-

LITTLE: ok 

LITTLE: y3 god 

LITTLE: um 

LITTLE: th4nks

COLT: -nods, all weepy eyed again.- 

SNARLS: -slumps against him and whines. don't be sad... we are both dogs and all is well.-

LITTLE: -she still wants to pet him is that weird-

FINN: -he's gonna go make the call really quick-

COLT: -PLEASE PET HIM-

LITTLE: -she's gonna pile on her husband and dog anyways-

COLT: *by the time little's caught wind of what happened, colt's gotten settled in a hospital room. properly inspected and currently in the process of trying to make sure she knew he was here... everything is happening, and it's happening a lot, and he's only now regaining the clarity to make sense of it. sorry to little if she gets a barely coherent text, but the nurses helped escort her to the room,

COLT: anyway.*

LITTLE: -the nurses are being awfully patient, but that doesn't stop her from bursting in entirely.-

LITTLE: COLT HOLY FUCK

LITTLE: WH4T ! ! ! !

LITTLE: -FLOPS ON HIM ON THE BED-

LITTLE: WH4T ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

COLT: *HRK*

COLT: ... *looks at his comm, looks at her. that was fast-- wait no she was probably already on her way*

COLT: Uh... Hey.

LITTLE: YOU GOT H1T BY 4 C4R OR M4YB3 YOU H1T 4 TR3 1N 4 C4R 4ND

LITTLE: COLT

LITTLE: WH4T H4P3N3D

LITTLE: -SITS ON HIM AND SHAKES HIM A LITTLE-

LITTLE: -SHE'S KINDA CRYING-

COLT: Lil-- *SHAKEN* Hey... *rests his hands on her shoulders*

COLT: I'm ok.

LITTLE: ...

LITTLE: 1 w4s

LITTLE: r34ly wor13d

LITTLE: wh3n 1 r34d th4t

LITTLE: 1t

LITTLE: 1 just

LITTLE: mhph

COLT: ... *curls his arms around her and pulls her in close*

COLT: It's alright now. I hit a tree and bumped my head, but it's not bad.

COLT: *up close, though, there is a peculiar scar on his neck and shoulder, partially obscured by the hospital gown.*

LITTLE: -She sniffs, pushing back a little and putting a palm right on that mark.-

LITTLE: th4t

LITTLE: 1 know you

LITTLE: th1s 1snt l1k3

LITTLE: norm4l tu3sd4y colt ok ! ! !

LITTLE: wh4t h4p3n3d ?

LITTLE: you w3r3 t4lk1ng to jo3l r1ght ?

COLT: *winces and looks away at the mention of joel.* I was comin' back from his house, yeah. We talked.

LITTLE: >:/

LITTLE: just

LITTLE: just th4t ?

COLT: I...

COLT: I'm havin' a hard time rememberin' what happened.

LITTLE: oh...

LITTLE: w3l

LITTLE: ok4y

LITTLE: 1 gu3s you D1D h1t your h34d

LITTLE: -She sighs and leans back in again.-

COLT: *buries his face against her hair, falling quiet. in reality, the images in his head are far too vivid. the problem is that he can't, and doesn't want to trust that they're real.*

COLT: *she smells nice though... casually snuffling at her hair. SNIFF SNIFF.*

LITTLE: -...-

LITTLE: uh

LITTLE: h4y

LITTLE: 1ts my r3gul4r sh4mpo >:T

COLT: Huh?

COLT: ...

COLT: *removes nose from hair*

LITTLE: wh4t do you m34n HUH

LITTLE: do 1 sm3l funy

COLT: No... You smell nice...

LITTLE: OK BUT YOU W3R3 R34LY SNUFL1NG

LITTLE: you dont norm4ly DO th4t

LITTLE: -puts a hand to his head-

COLT: Urgh... They said I'm fine but I can't help feelin' like my brain got really scrambled.

COLT: *flustered* ... I think I was growlin' at Finn earlier.

LITTLE: th4ts

LITTLE: ...

LITTLE: 1 m34n 1 know h3s K1ND4 SQU1R3LY

COLT: *snort* It's still a weird reaction...

COLT: *knits brows, thinking about the mark on his shoulder.*

COLT: I... Um.

COLT: Finn said I had a bite wound too... But it started healin' on it's own.

LITTLE: >:I

LITTLE: -she leans towards the weird mark again and DOES HER OWN SNIFF ON IT-

LITTLE: just l1k3 th4t ? ? ?

LITTLE: c4us3 th1s 1s 4 sc4r 4lr34dy

COLT: Yeah... I don't really understand.

COLT: *pauses again* I remember bein' bit... I just don't remember what did it. Or... Well... *he trails off, afraid to admit what's on his mind.*

COLT: It doesn't make sense.

LITTLE: wh4t do you m34n ? ? ?

LITTLE: 1 m34n

LITTLE: th1s pl4c3 h4s b3n

LITTLE: fr34ky

LITTLE: you know ?

COLT: *knits his brows and he sighs, shoulder sagging.*

COLT: I can only remember Joel.

COLT: He jumped at me but-- But he wouldn't just do that. He wouldn't... *trails off again, because he knows how it sounds.*

LITTLE: >:I

LITTLE: H3 WOULDNT WH4T

COLT: He wouldn't hurt me like that.

LITTLE: ok w3l 1 r34ly hop3 your3 th1nk1ng 4bout how th1s loks

LITTLE: c4us3 1f h3 b1t you 1m4 b1t3 h1m

LITTLE: h1s WHOL3 BUS1N3S >:O

COLT: I know how it looks...

COLT: But I don't wanna complicate it further... If he... If he did, then somethin' wasn't right. Like you said... things have been strange lately.

LITTLE: th4ts SUP3R not r1ght though

LITTLE: th4ts l1k3

LITTLE: 1 f3l l1k3 b1t1ng h1m would prob4bly s3nd 4 m3s4g3

COLT: No... No more bitin'.

LITTLE: sh

LITTLE: hon3y

LITTLE: you bonk3d your nodl3

LITTLE: your3 not th1nk1n str41ght

COLT: *looks at her like little PLEASE.*

COLT: ... Has anyone heard from Joel?

COLT: Jace was here earlier... He didn't say nothin'. But I didn't think to ask.

LITTLE: 1 d1dnt 4sk >:T

LITTLE: h3 m1ght fl4g my 4count

LITTLE: you know l1k3 h3 do3s

COLT: *now he just looks sad... he doesn't have the energy to be angry about all that anymore.* I'm just worried... But I reckon he wouldn't wanna hear from me anyway.

-- prowlingHalfstep [PH] is now an idle chum! --

LITTLE: hf

LITTLE: w3l th4ts f1n3 w1th m3

LITTLE: 1m just

LITTLE: gl4d your3 ok

COLT: *leans into her again. if he had puppy ears, they'd be drooping. haha, can you even imagine...*

COLT: I'm sorry for worryin' you.

LITTLE: w3l god

LITTLE: dont g3t hurt 4g41n 3v3r ok >:p

COLT: Ok. *manages a little smile* I'm usually pretty good at avoidin' it.

COLT: ... Hey. *squints* Did you come here without your wheelchair?

LITTLE: ...

LITTLE: 1 um

LITTLE: w4s R34L conc3rn3d ok13

COLT: *rumbles... which isn't unusual for him, but it does sound a little more growly than usual.*

COLT: I guess I can't fault you for wantin' to hurry. But we're wheelin' you outta here when we leave.

COLT: They want me to stay the night... To make sure I don't fall asleep, on account of the bumped head and all.

LITTLE: ...

LITTLE: w3l

LITTLE: 1 c4n k3p 4n 3y3 on you

LITTLE: just 1n c4s3 >:o

COLT: ... *nuzzles at her and squeezes his arms around her middle.* Ok. Thank you.

LITTLE: -She squeezes him right back, nuzzling against him... and petting his head a lil-

COLT: *the head pets make him feel like a good boy... and okay he catches onto how weird that is almost immediately. he's just going to repress this and focus on enjoying the fact that his wife is here to keep him company in this depressing place.*

COLT: -navigates through all this STUFF to get to the cock pit. he pauses in the doorway for a second before clearing his throat.- 

COLT: Hey there. You've been at this for a while...

LITTLE: w3l w3r3 4LMOST h4lfw4y

LITTLE: w3r3 go1n !

LITTLE: 4lso no on3s tr13d to shot us y3t >:p

COLT: ... Is that an immediate concern? -leans over her shoulder-

LITTLE: do YOU l1k3 g3t1ng shot 4t sm4rt guy ? ? ?

COLT: Not particularly... 

COLT: But I think we'd be alright even if you rested for a lil while.

LITTLE: -She pushes the controls forward and climbs up onto the chair, leaning over the back to sniff at him.- s4ys th3 sw1s ch3s3 m4n ONC3 h3 g3ts shot f1fty t1m3s

COLT: ... -holds her face- We ain't gonna get shot.

LITTLE: BY M3T3OR G4NGS

COLT: -squishes her cheeks- Nah...

LITTLE: BY TH3 4CTU4L M3T3ORS

COLT: ... The meteors are gonna shoot us.

LITTLE: Y3S

LITTLE: dont you know how sp4c3 works >:o

COLT: Gosh... Guess I don't know as much as I thought I did... 

COLT: Or maybe you're bein' a lil paranoid?

LITTLE: 1 4m not !

LITTLE: 1m just c4r3ful !

LITTLE: L1K3 4LW4YSLITTLE: 1m b31ng r3spons1bl3 4bout

LITTLE: br1g4nds 4nd stuf

COLT: Mrgg... 

COLT: Reckon there ain't nothin' wrong with that. -kisses her forehead- But if you're gonna be cautious, then maybe we should make a pit stop or two?

LITTLE: -SIGHS A LITTLE- w3l l l 

LITTLE: 1 could prob4bly pul ov3r 

LITTLE: for 4 L1L wh1l3

COLT: -smiles- Alright. Good.

LITTLE: your3 not g3t1ng 4l cop3d up 4r3 you >:? 

LITTLE: 1 m34n th1s 41nt my f1rst rod3o but youv3 only b3n on th3 B1G sh1ps

COLT: Nah... It doesn't really bother me. 

COLT: -pets her hair a little before drawing away-I just wanna make sure you get some rest.

LITTLE: -She grumbles as she starts to climb off the chair and grab onto him.- w1l you just LITTLE: m4k3 sur3 th3 4utop1lot st4ys on tr4ck th3n 

LITTLE: 1 m34n just 1N c4s3

COLT: -strokes her hair more while she's in his proximity again to comfort her- Of course I will.

LITTLE: ok13 

LITTLE: 1ts my f1rst t1m3 fly1ng s1nc3 LITTLE: you know

COLT: I know... 

COLT: But you got me as your co-pilot this time. I'll look out for you. -leans down to smooch her head again-

LITTLE: -coos a little as she lays against him- 1f w3 d1dnt h4v3 work 1d br1ng you to on3 of the r34ly pr3ty pl4n3ts 

LITTLE: d3w 4nd gl4s 4nd qu4rtz 4nd m3lody

LITTLE: 1ts CR4ZY how th1s stuf 3x1sts

COLT: -hums- Maybe on the way back home we can stop someplace nice for a day...

LITTLE: ok13 

 LITTLE: but 1ts gon4 b3 4 surpr1s3 >:o

COLT: That's the kinda surprise I don't mind. -smiles, then gives her back a pat- Now get some rest, darlin'.

LITTLE: ok4 4 4y 

LITTLE: 1f you s3 on3 of thos3 sp4c3 d1n3rs pul ov3r

COLT: I'll be sure to. -also because he's into the whole diner aesthetic. honestly he digs this whole space trucking thing...- 

COLT: -tilts her head up to give her one more kiss, this time on the lips-

-------- 

It's one of those ports that the old ship would never really get the chance to stop at because the old ship is roughly the same size as this port-- built into an asteroid like all good shady truck stops in the middle of the milky way, with a few artificial gravity probes and force fields to keep an atmosphere POSSIBLE. When they land it's probably close to three in the morning by their time, but it's a decent enough place to eat while the ship refills it's solar batteries.-

LITTLE: -YAWNS as she plods down the ship's ramp, sniffing the air and glancing around. Some glowing neon signs advertise a burger joint, but there is a space Dunkin' donuts (meaning they're probably in the Space Northeast) and a watering hole with some vague, shady, vaguely shady types drinking.-

LITTLE: H4Y 

LITTLE: W3R3 H3R3

LITTLE: -KNOCKS HER STICK ON THE SIDE OF THE SHIP-

COLT: -he's dozing by that point, jostled awake suddenly by the thunk of wood to metal. gathering himself up, he ambles to meet her outside, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.- 

COLT: -then he glances around- Gosh... Ain't seen many ports like this before. -it's so back water... he loves it-

LITTLE: h3 h3 h3 LITTLE: th3r3s l1k3 4 M1L1ON 

LITTLE: -There's a very small atrium. A kiosk selling communicator cases and sunglasses, a closed candy desk with one of those sliding cages on it... little things like that, mainly.- 

LITTLE: -Grabs his arm and leans all up ons, no less.- w3 should buy som3 cr4p >:o

COLT: Yeah. Ok. -walking past the kiosk, he instinctively reaches for sunglasses...- 

COLT: -picks up a big red pair and places them carefully on her face.-

LITTLE: -SQUINTS- 

 LITTLE: 1 LOK L1K3 MY MOM

LITTLE: >80

LITTLE: -She grabs a com case that appears to be decorated with lisa Frank style horses in a sparkly valley.- so YOU got4 g3t th1s on3 now 1f your3 gon4 b3 m4k1ng m3 lok l1k3 4 hundr3d y34r old l4dy

COLT: That's just fine. 

COLT: I like it. It ain't exactly my aesthetic but close enough. :P

LITTLE: 1TS PR4NC1NG PON13S SO 

LITTLE: -She is gonna dig some more through what they've got. She enjoys stickers and decals in particular, grabbing up a BUNCH of those. As she busily does this, a pair of trolls wander out of the bar nearby-- a couple of scarred-up Seadwellers, one male and one female. One has a very prominent gun holster at his hip. They seem to be muttering something to each other, half drunk, as one points in the vague direction of the kiosk.-

COLT: -while he's content to watch little peruse, he's always been wary of his surroundings... so of course he picks up on the seadwellers staring in their general direction. he isn't one to jump to conclusions but he also can't help his natural inclination to stare back at people judgmentally. after eyeballing the pair for a second, he turns his attention back towards little, putting his arm around her shoulders.-

LITTLE: -She peeks in that direction too... And there is certainly a change in her direction. The second his arm is around her shoulder she is tugging at him.- 

LITTLE: H3Y YOU KNOW WH4T 1 4M 

LITTLE: HUNGRY 

LITTLE: 1 N3D TO BURG 

LITTLE: LETS BURG

COLT: Alright. -he won't question it... but he might squint once more in their direction before shuffling with her to the burger place.-

[ They DO look suspicious... And little is definitely nervous. ]

LITTLE: -But she drags him PRETTY Hard and Plops into a seat, lifting a menu and practically burying her face in it, as though to hide.-

COLT: -doof. he nestles into his own seat, and now that they at least have some distance from the others, he peers over at her with concern.- Is everythin' ok...?

LITTLE: M4YB3 

LITTLE: WHO W4NTS TO KNOW

COLT: ... Please. 

COLT: Quit hollerin' and tell me what you're all worked up about... 

COLT: Do you know those two out there? -frowns, glancing in that direction-

LITTLE: -sweats as they peek in the window...- 1 h1r3d 3m 

LITTLE: th3yr3 k1nd4 dr1ft3rs

LITTLE: >:x

LITTLE: 4 wh1l3 4go 1 m34n to h3lp m3 h4ul cr4p 

LITTLE: 1 m4y h4v3 d1tch3d th3m wh3n th3y st4rt3d g3t1ng cr3py

COLT: -so they ARE the creepy trolls she had been traveling with... he squints MORE.- Mmmg... -rumbles- 

COLT: Well they better drift on outta here.

LITTLE: OK w41t 1 h4v3 4n 1d34

LITTLE: ord3r two hot bl4ck cof3s ok

COLT: -now he's eyeing her curiously- Alright... -he does it without any further question, when their waiter comes back around soon after-

LITTLE: -sniffs the coffee as it arrives...-

LITTLE: ok13 so wh4t w3 do 1s w3 t4k3 th1s 4nd th3n w3 throw 1t 4t th31r dumb f4c3s

LITTLE: th4ts th3 pl4n >:o

COLT: -LOOKS INTO THE CAMERA- I mighta known. 

COLT: -and yet... he doesn't seem to be objecting... the look on his face is one of deep consideration-

LITTLE: -WOW HES REALLY CONSIDERING IT- 1 w4s 4lso th1nk1ng th4t w3 dr1nk th3 cof3s 4nd cl1mb out th3 b4throm w1ndow

COLT: ... That's probably smarter. -he almost had a lapse in judgement there... almost-

LITTLE: 4nd TH3N w3 g3t n3w cof3s to throw 1n th31r f4c3s 1f th3yr3 h4ng1ng to clos3 to th3 sh1p >:o >:o >:o

COLT: That sounds reasonable. 

COLT: ... But only under these circumstances. I think I oughta emphasis that...

LITTLE: - LEANS TOWARDS HIM- th4t ? ? ?

COLT: That... you shouldn't make a habit of throwing coffee on people. :P

LITTLE: HORS3 4PL3SLITTLE: 3V3RYTH1NG 1S 4 W34PON

LITTLE: 3SP3C14LY hot 4c1ds

LITTLE: wh1ch cof3 1snt but st1l

LITTLE: ...4r3 th3y st1l w4tch1ng? ? ?-they do not appear to be, but little regardless isn't looking-

COLT:  They don't seem to be. -keeps an eye on them anyway while giving her shoulder a comforting rub- 

COLT: We can probably sneak past 'em... But do you wanna grab some food before we skedaddle?

LITTLE: mph h h  1 gu3s 

LITTLE: but m4k3 1t to go 

LITTLE: w3l 34t 1n th3 sh1p. . .  -The two of them appear to have wandered off, for now.-

COLT: Alrighty. -hrms when he sees they've disappeared. they better stay disappeared... I tell you hwhat.- 

COLT: -once their food is ordered and boxed up for them, colt takes it upon himself to escort them out of the burger place, sticking close and squared up protectively. it's not like he actually wants to fight anybody, but the last thing he wants is for little to feel unsafe.-

LITTLE: -They make their way out a bit-- and the two of them are arguing, as usual, out in front of their ship.-  >:T 

LITTLE: (ok13 just run ov3r 4nd shov3 3m ov3r 4nd w3l t4k3 of l1k3 R1GHT NOW)

COLT: (I don't wanna instigate nothin'... But if they try to come at us, that's a different story...) 

COLT: -he's staring entirely too much even as he starts to guide them back to their ship. looking like this: >:B very threatening.-

THE DEUCE: -TURN AROUND SUDDENLY- 

LITTLE: >:T -they are approaching- 

LITTLE: -right up to the ramp..- 

THE DEUCE: I KNEW IT WAS YOU! 

LITTLE: ! 

LITTLE: -she just.  RUNS AHEAD AND SHOVES.  The two of them stumble over each other as she scampers up the ship.- 

LITTLE: SUCK 4 D1CK DUMB SH1TS ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

LITTLE: COM3 ON!

COLT: -oh geez... there she goes. she's spooked. he scrambles after, but not without POINTING at the two trolls.- You best keep away if you know what's good for ya. 

COLT: -AND THEN HE ALSO SCAMPERS.-

LITTLE: -ALREADY IN THE SEAT TAKING OFF... they only charged about HALFWAY but she's not looking back to see their reactions.-

LITTLE: >:T

LITTLE: W3L GOD

COLT: -wobbles into the cockpit while they take off, leaning over her seat.- Oof-- 

COLT: ... We sure showed them.

LITTLE: . . . 

LITTLE: wh4t k1nd4 burg3 d1d you gr4b

COLT: -produces the burg and hands it to her- Barbecue bacon cheeseburger.

LITTLE: >:o -SHE CONSUME-

COLT: -right out of his hand I hope-

LITTLE: -DONT LOSE ANY FINGERS COLT-

COLT: -it's a miracle he hasn't already...- 

COLT: -once she's got her meal in her clutches, he settles in to sit and eat as well. he's quiet for a good long moment, trying to vocalize his concerns.- 

COLT: Hey, Lil-- Ah... You don't think... they'd follow us?

LITTLE: pf 1 duno 

LITTLE: th3y d1dnt h4v3 th31r own sh1p 

LITTLE: th3y pr3ty much l1v3 1n pl4c3s l1k3 th4t

COLT: Oh, good... 

COLT: Then... We should probably make another stop soon. -leans over at her- We didn't get much fuel.

LITTLE: ...1 gu3s 

LITTLE: -SNARFS THE WHOLE BURGER-

LITTLE: bluh 

LITTLE: of 4L pl4c3s

COLT: ... I know. -tilts his head to bump against hers while he's near- I'm sorry.

LITTLE: -baps his face with a greasy hand- 1ts not l1k3 1ts your f4ult 1 just 

LITTLE: guh 

LITTLE: 1 h4t3 r3m1nd3rs

COLT: -his beard is not a NAPKIN. and no baps can stop him from kissing at her.- Then let's forget about it. 

COLT: We can put this on auto pilot for a lil while longer, can't we? 

COLT: You should come hang out with me in the back...

LITTLE: -Sniffs once and glances at the screen... and nods.- y3 OK

TE: *he is at peace...*

PH: -leeeans over his back-

PH: -leeeeans towards his face-

PH: -presses RIGHT up into his cheek-

PH: s34b1scu1ts sound l1k3 gros fod

TE: ... *side eyes* Hey... Seabiscuit is a hero...

PH: why would 4nyon3 34t 4 s34b1scu1t >:O

PH: 1s 1t m4d3 of KR3LP

PH: -She ROLLS OVER THE COUCH and flops across his lap-

TE: You wouldn't... Because Seabiscuit is a horse. *pets her hair*

TE: And horses ain't for eatin'.

PH: would you STOP m3 from 34t1ng 4 hors3 ? ? ?

TE: Of course I would... That's just the way it's gotta be...

PH: WOW

PH: TH1S M4R14G3 1S 4 SH4M >:O

PH: 1m 4low3d to 34t 3V3RY m4m4l

PH: oth3rw1s3 wh4ts th3 po1nt ! ! !

TE: I'd like to think there's plenty of other things that matter a lil more. :P

PH: 3V3RY

PH: M4M4L

PH: 1m 34t1ng for two >:O

TE: ...

TE: No you are not.

PH: WOW

PH: TW1C3 1N ON3 N1GHT !

PH: i c4not 3v3n b3l13v3 you

TE: You know I'm a stick in the mud. *pats her tum*

PH: w3l 1M gon4 b3 your sug4r m4m4 from now on

PH: so you b3t3r g3t us3d to TH4T

TE: Oh? *peeps at her in interest* Did you get yourself fixed up with some work?

PH: y3

PH: 1 m3t 4 b1g rock

PH: w3 h4d 4 l1tl3 t4lk or wh4t3v3r

PH: you know how 1t go

PH: 1 ch4rm3d 4L h3r qu4rtz3s 4nd sh1t >:p

TE: ... Sure. That's about how these things go.

TE: What are you gonna be doing?

PH: noth1ng to d1f3r3nt >:T

PH: 1m not sur3 WH4T 1m gon4 b3 run1ng y3t but th3y n3d m3 to c4ry stuf 4nd 1 told 3m 1l b3 work1ng from h3r3 4nd 1 got my own sh1p

PH: s1nc3 not 3v3ry pl4n3ts got 4 f4ncy r3l4y y3t

TE: *nods as he listens* Well, that's good anyways...

TE: I'm thinkin' I'd still like to do somethin' here... *even if he doesn't necessarily have to... sometimes he forgets about his family's IMMEASURABLE WEALTH.*

TE: But while I'm figurin' that out, maybe I could tag along with you whenever you head out?

PH: w3l th3r3s gon4 b3 rom 4nd stuf >:p

PH: 4nd th3 f1rst job 1snt 3v3n 4l th4t f4r

PH: 1ts pr3ty much th3 n3xt pl4n3t ov3r !

TE: Oh, ok. Then I'll definitely tag along.

PH: h3 h3 h3 h3

PH: m4yb3 you c4n g3t som3 work from wh4ts h3r but to n3xt t1m3 1 s3 h3r

PH: l3t YOU g3t 4l prod3d 4t th1s t1m3 >:p

TE: Mmnn... Maybe... *makes a face. would he literally be prodded? any kind of prodding is bad prodding though.*

PH: d4w h3y

PH: 4t l34st 1 w4rn3d you

TE: Yeah. Thank you for that. *pokes at her side*

PH: -SQUIRM-

PH: you know

PH: 1ts k1nd4 n1c3 sl3p1ng on th3 sh1p som3t1m3s

PH: you n3v3r s3 th3 s4m3 st4rs

PH: 1 th1nk youd l1k3 1t

TE: *smiles, brushing his fingers along her cheek* Yeah... I think I would too.

PH: -LIL NIP AT HIS FINGERS but slow enough... she wants to give him a chance, after all.-

PH: so um

PH: wh4t would you w4n4 do ?

PH: 1 m34n

PH: 1 gu3s 1 k1nd4 kn3w but

PH: 1t w4snt r34ly 34sy f1gur1ng th4t out >:T

TE: Pff. *the lightest of nose flicks for biting at him.*

TE: I don't got a clue, to be honest...

TE: I liked... volunteerin' at the wildlife preserve, though. Reckon I could get used to doin' things like that. *but naturally he doesn't seem super confident about it.*

PH: w3l you could try 1 m34n

PH: why not ? ? ?

PH: th4t b1g f4t b1rd th1ng l1k3d you >:p

TE: Heh... I liked him too... :')

PH: h4 h4 los3r >;p

TE: Guess I'll uh... Consider my options.

TE: ... Which might be easier if I talked to this "rock lady."

TE: Mmrrg. We'll see.

PH: sh3s n1c3 sh3 just

PH: knows to much >:o

PH: 1 th1nk you should

TE: *of course she does... such a supportive wife. he smiles about it and leans over her to kiss on her face once or twice.*

TE: Alright, fine.

PH: >:3

PH: ok13

PH: -she squirms and rolls onto her side- 1 w4n4 know

PH: 4l of th3 th1ngs 4bout th1s hors3 >:o

PH: -she points at the screen-

LITTLE: -SHE JUMPS AT HIM, dropping a cloth-lined wicker laundry basket on his head.-

LITTLE: PR3Y ! ! !

COLT: ... -stands there with a basket on his head, vaguely resembling a tall standing lamp.- 

COLT: Howdy. I'm home. -eyeballs her after lifting the basket enough to look at her.-

LITTLE: 1f th1s w3r3 4 r34l 4t4ck youd b3 d34d >:T

COLT: I'll keep a better eye out for more ravenous wicker baskets next time... -scoops it up and plops it over her head instead. he's off to get cozy.-

LITTLE: H4Y !

LITTLE: -TOSSES it aside as she hops after him, flopping over the bed and LAYING on a side pose at him-

LITTLE: so wh4ts up

COLT: Nothin' much... I was helpin' my dads move some things into storage. -plops next to her.- 

COLT: Think we're probably goin' back to Skaia soon...

LITTLE: y3 um

LITTLE: 4bout th4t

LITTLE: th4ts 4 th1ng

LITTLE: wh4t do you th1nk 4bout 1t ?

COLT: Well... -kicks off boots and sinks to lounge.- It'll be strange but... 

COLT: I think I want to uh... Consider my options? If we're gonna have to relocate anyway. -twiddles thumbs.- 

COLT: Maybe I could... get my own place somewhere. -peeks at her curiously.-

LITTLE: y3 3 3 3 3 ?

LITTLE: so not your3 own hous1ng proj3ct th1ng th3n r1ght ? ? ?

LITTLE: 1 m34n 

LITTLE: w3 c4n lok for som3 pl4n3ts >:o

COLT: ... -looks off with an expression that says "I'm definitely imagining building a log cabin with my own BARE HANDS." but then he just smiles at her.- 

 COLT: Yeah... I was thinkin' we could do that. Joel wants to do the same thing... He's lookin' into a place called... Odimist, if I recall correctly... 

COLT: I thought it sounded nice. But... I'd be happy just about anywhere you wanted to go.

LITTLE: -wrinkles her nose- wh4ts th4t pl4c3 l1k3 ? ? ? 

LITTLE: n3v3r h34rd of 1t

COLT: How'd he describe it... 

COLT: Not real populated... Lots of evergreen forests. 

COLT: So... The kinda place you'd expect me to wanna live.

LITTLE: >:T 

LITTLE: SO NOT D3C1DUOUS

LITTLE: your3 gon4 h4v3 to s3l m3 on th1s on3

COLT: We can check it out and see how we feel... Not like I know much else about it other than that.

COLT: I'm sure we ain't lackin' in isolated, forested planets to choose from, anyhow... :P -idly plays with her curls-

LITTLE: m m m m 

LITTLE: y3 

LITTLE: w3l LITTLE: sounds qu13t 4t l34st 

LITTLE: ... 

LITTLE: 1 st1l got th3 sh1p 

LITTLE: w3 c4n go lok 4t 1t

COLT: Yeah... I'd like that. -wiggles closer to wrap an arm around her.- 

COLT: You're really ok with doin' this?

LITTLE: m4n WH4T3V3R 

LITTLE: 1 l1k3 n3w th1ngs 4nd n3w pl4c3s 4nd b31ng som3wh3r3 th3 sky OP3NS UP

LITTLE: som3wh3r3 th1ngs 4r3 B1G not l1tl3 h4lw4ys bu1lt for l1tl3 p3opl3 m41nt41n1ng m4ch1n3s 4l d4y long

LITTLE: you know?

COLT: Yeah... I know what you mean. 

COLT: I'm... tired of hangin' around here. It never did suit me much... 

COLT: I think I'm ready finally. To let myself do somethin' different.

LITTLE: W3L 1TS NOT 3V3N 4 QU3ST1ON 1S 1T >:O

COLT: Guess not. -smiles toothily and fixes her with an adoring stare. they're doing this...- 

COLT: So... That's all settled then...

LITTLE: SO YOU W4N4 BU1LT 4 RUST1C LOG C4B1N 1N TH3 M1DL3 OF NOWH3R3S just so w3r3 cl34r >:p

COLT: ... -sweats- 

COLT: Of course I do.

LITTLE: wh3r3 you c4n wr3stl3 wolv3s 4nd t4m3 thoroughbr3ds or SOM3TH1NG

COLT: I wouldn't wrestle a wolf...

LITTLE: uh why not

LITTLE: wh4t 1f 1t w4s try1ng to 34T M3

COLT: I don't think a wolf would just try to eat you unless you were harassin' it first.

LITTLE: 1ts st4rv1ng 4nd 1m d3l1c1ous >:O

COLT: -SIGH- Fine... I'd wrestle a wolf only under those specific circumstances. -he still wouldn't.- 

COLT: But I'd still be more worried about the wolf if he was up against you. -nuzzles at her hair.-

LITTLE: w3l y34 but ST1L

LITTLE: you h4v3 to d3f3nd my honor >:o

COLT: I think you just like imaginin' me wrestlin' things...

LITTLE: 1 th1nk youd b3 sh1rtl3s

COLT: Wow... That's a shockin' development. 

COLT: Wouldn't you rather think about me pettin' a wolf? Or ridin' a horse... -daydreams.- 

COLT: ... Shirtless, I guess.

LITTLE: F1GHT1NG 4 WOLF SH1RTL3S ON HORS3B4CK

COLT: Now that's just excessive.

LITTLE: 1TS OUT FOR YOUR BLOD COLT LITTLE: F4NGY F4NGY B1T3

COLT: Oh... That's nothin' new to me. 

COLT: I'm surprised you ain't demonstratin'.

LITTLE: >;)

COLT: ... 

COLT: -leans in closer to her and very gentle and very carefully fits the tip of her nose between his teeth. this is how you bite.-

LITTLE: >:O!

LITTLE: -BAPS HIM- 1 C4N F3L YOUR BLUNT CH3WSTUBS

COLT: -snickers as he's bapped.- All along... The vicious one was me...

LITTLE: 1ts not v1c1ous 1ts just W31RD 4ND NOT PO1NTY >:P

COLT: They don't gotta be pointy to be deadly. -nibbles-

LITTLE: uh huh 

LITTLE: but YOU 4r3nt d34dly 31th3r so o o o

COLT: Yeah... I know. 

COLT: I don't mind. There's other ways I'd rather be. 

COLT: Like... cuddly. -squeezes her into a hug. feel the love.-

LITTLE: th4ts SO MUCH WORS3 -YELPS-

LITTLE: -It'S COLD. she likes snow but she's not so much about the FREEZING and the STANDING SOMEWHERE SHIVERING parts. Especially because this isn't much like colt at all. She pretty much immediately suspects something fishy.-

LITTLE: -eventually she just shouts-

LITTLE: H4Y SO H3R3 1 4M

LITTLE: 4LON3 4ND UNSUSP3CT1NG

COLT: *SHE IS THERE and now she's yelling... dang it. oh well, it'll still be funny when he aims a snowball at her butt from behind a tree.*

LITTLE: -SHE SNIFFS THE AIR and squints... slooowly leaning down and scooping up a handful of snow.-

COLT: *she's onto him....... once his snowball flies he's immediately ducking back down to hide.*

LITTLE: 1 H34RD TH4T! -BAPPED with a snowball but she is going to LUNGE JUMP to fling one at his face-

COLT: Ack!! *SPLORT. he takes a snowball to the face, and part of it gets in his hair. thank goodness for all this fuzz to cushion the blow. he's snickering a little as he tries to scurry away to find cover again.*

LITTLE: -IT IS A GOOD HIT. she COMMITS to her plays ok. She can't really SCURRY LIKE THAT though and it does take her a second to push all the way back up to her feet.-

LITTLE: 4 H4

LITTLE: much 4s 1 SUSP3CT3D

LITTLE: you should know b3t3r by now

LITTLE: b3c4us3 1 know B3ST by now

LITTLE: -SNIFFS again and pokes her stick into one of the nearby bushes-

LITTLE: 1s th4t you

COLT: It's still funny... :P *announces as he pops out behind a tree again, tossing another snowball at her side.*

LITTLE: 4H

LITTLE: h3y ! ! !

LITTLE: -SPLAT as she shakes herself off-

LITTLE: 1 must4 sm3l3d 4 b34r or som3th1ng b4ck th3r3

LITTLE: SOM3TH1NG B1G 4ND FUZY

LITTLE: -FLINGS ONE AT HIM as he pokes his head out-

COLT: :O ! *hides just in time to avoid it, then pokes his head out again to SMILE.* :)

LITTLE: ...

LITTLE: -THROWS ANOTHER IMMEDIATELY AFTER-

LITTLE: H1 4G41N

COLT: *DOOF... ok, he wasn't so lucky that time. he shakes it off like a puppy dog and snickers some more. he's just so tickled... but it's time to face his foe head on, plodding out from behind shelter straight at her.*

LITTLE: >:O

LITTLE: YOU GON4 PUT UP YOUR DUK3S

COLT: Nah... :P *SCOOPS HER UP*

LITTLE: WH4T !

LITTLE: -she is SCOOP-

LITTLE: but w3 w3r3 go1ng 4t 1t !

LITTLE: w1th F1GHTS

LITTLE: how 4m 1 go1ng to f1ght you l1k3 th1s ! ! !

LITTLE: -waggles her legs-

COLT: Well I ain't done yet. *starts kneeling and then plops over carefully to squish her into the snow.*

LITTLE: GUH

LITTLE: 1TS NOT F41R WH3N YOU US3 YOUR F4TS

LITTLE: -she sNORTS and giggles as she grabs a handful of snow and just. slaps it against his side.-

COLT: Pff. *squeezes her tight and rolls them onto their sides. there, now they're both covered in snow.* I think it's plenty fair.

LITTLE: -She blows her hair out of her face as she is FLIPPED over now. So long as they're both cold she's fine, she's just gonna. CREEP IN CLOSER to steal his warmth.- of cours3 YOUD th1nk so

LITTLE: 1 thought you w3r3 som3 k1nd4 honor4bl3 cowboy m4n !

COLT: I suppose I had to get tough... Now I'm more like-- *snorts* A... vigilante cowboy man-- *it's too ridiculous. he's leaning into her to wheeze gently about it.*

LITTLE: how c4n you b3 4 v1g1l4nt3 1f 1ts th3 front31r ? ? ? ?

LITTLE: TH3R3S NO L4WS Y3T

LITTLE: 1TS 4L HORS3S 4ND SN4K3S

LITTLE: -nips at his hand. is he wearing gloves? he should be it's COLD-

LITTLE: th3y both b1t3

COLT: *of course he is. he weren't raised no FOOL.* Somebody's gotta look out for the horses... *plarps her face with his gloved hand.*

LITTLE: -chews on that glove now that it's on her face.- mf

LITTLE: bleh

COLT: *moves his hand to cup her cheek and leans in to kiss the other.*

LITTLE: >:o

LITTLE: -she nibbles his cheek. GENTLY THOUGH. she's not trying to hurt him, yet. -

COLT: *he better distract her before she does try...* Do you wanna go get warmed up? *pauses. he should clarify...*

COLT: There's a bakery I was scopin' out... They've got hot chocolate and hot cider. And sweets, of course.

LITTLE: y3

LITTLE: but you got4 c4ry m3

LITTLE: >:3

COLT: That goes without sayin' at this point. :P *starts pushing himself up and then offers her his hands when he's on his feet.*

LITTLE: -She just LATCHES ON. She even just uses her leg to push herself up enough to wrap it around him. She is CLING-

LITTLE: uh huh

LITTLE: but 1t do3snt go w1thout do1ng so put your h4nd on my but b3for3 1 sl1p

COLT: *huffs. he does just that, securing her in his hold but trying to dust snow off her at the same time. he gives up almost immediately.* Alright, fine... *with that he starts carrying her back into town. he's so used to this, but he still hopes nobody stares...*

LITTLE: -let them stare and BE JEALOUS also-

LITTLE: f4rm p3opl3 h4v3 th3 b3st b4k3r13s

COLT: Of course. They got all their ingredients right here. *he sets her down OUTSIDE the building so he can brush the rest of the snow off her and himself. he doesn't want to track all that inside... that'd be rude...*

LITTLE: -She shakes her VERY MUCH hair off-

LITTLE: br

COLT: *adorable... once he's satisfied, THEN he opens up the door for her.*

LITTLE: -SHIMMY inside to go peep up at the pastries- >:o

LITTLE: wh4t you w4nt t4lst4cks

COLT: *peeps also, looming behind her.* ... *weeps internally at these mini pumpkin pies with leaf and pumpkin shaped pastries in the center of them.*

COLT: Those. *points*

LITTLE: >:0

LITTLE: w3l t4k3 t3n

LITTLE: TW3LV3

COLT: That's... a lot. *and yet they could probably eat them all.*

LITTLE: 1 would4 s41d 4l of th3m but 1 dont w4n4 forc3 3m out of bus1n3s >:c

LITTLE: you got4 th1nk 4bout th3 l1tl3 p3opl3

COLT: Oh, right... So generous. *snorts. he's gonna pay the nice troll behind the counter for all those little pies. and for some cider too.*

LITTLE: -little also puts a WHOLE DOLLAR in the tip jar as she plops onto one of the chairs-

LITTLE: th3r3s l1k3 4n unspok3n folksy cod3 of conduct you know

COLT: *smiles to himself and nods as he scoops up everything on a tray and carries it over to their table.* I gotcha.

COLT: Now... Don't eat these too fast... :/

LITTLE: 1 C4N SW4LOW TWO 4T ONC3

COLT: That don't mean you should. *sits across from her*

LITTLE: but wh4t 1f som3on3 st3ps 4nd tr13s to t3l m3 1 c4nt

LITTLE: l1k3 you 4r3

LITTLE: r1ght th1s v3ry s3cond >:O

COLT: *looks at her like please...* I'm not sayin' you can't... I'm sayin' it's ill advised...

COLT: Besides, just cuz someone's "challengin'" you, that don't mean you gotta prove 'em wrong. :P

COLT: Don't you wanna enjoy them? *like he's about to... come here pie...*

LITTLE: 1 3njoy V1CTORY

LITTLE: 1f you th1nk 4bout 1t your3 B4S1C4LY w1n1ng th3 ch4l3ng3 w1th th3 p13

LITTLE: 1t d1dnt 34t YOU

COLT: *stares and chews slowly* Golly... I never thought about it like /that./

LITTLE: 3v3ry m34l 1s you b34t1ng th3 un1v3rs3

LITTLE: SUCK 1T

LITTLE: -CHOMPS a pie-

COLT: *why is she so cute... it's just not fair.* We really overcame the odds here.

LITTLE: MPH

LITTLE: W3R3 ST1L OUTNUMB3R3D

COLT: Somehow I think we're gonna be alright... *sips cider*

LITTLE: oh sur3

LITTLE: 4nd 1M gon4 b3 th3 on3 bust1ng my hump m4k1ng sur3 of th4t >:p

LITTLE: -GRABBY HANDS at the cider- 1s 1t hot or cold

COLT: Hot. *pushes a cup at her.*

LITTLE: -she takes a sip of it, leaning halfway over the table- o

LITTLE: th4ts nic3 >:o

COLT: *smiles* Ain't it? *gosh... leans on one hand while looking at her.*

LITTLE: ...

LITTLE: y3 w3l

LITTLE: 1 k1nd4 forgot 1t w4s n1c3 to just

LITTLE: do som3th1ng norm4l

LITTLE: 4nd outs1d3

COLT: Yeah... I figured it was about time we got out and did somethin' fun. *creeps his free hand across the table to rest on her arm.*

LITTLE: ... 1 um

LITTLE: tr13d t4lk1ng to jo3l

LITTLE: k1nd4 d1dnt go so hot

COLT: Oh... :(

COLT: I think I... need to be the one to fix all of that.

LITTLE: >:/

LITTLE: sory

COLT: No... It's not your fault... I did somethin' that hurt him and I need to own up to it. *sigh* I just wish he wouldn't be so...

COLT: ... Joel...

COLT: To you about it.

COLT: *he doesn't really need to know what happened to know what happened...*

LITTLE: Y3S 1 KNOW WH$T TH4T M34NS

LITTLE: 1ts

LITTLE: SO frustr4t1ng

LITTLE: 1 duno how to d34l w1th th4t

COLT: I don't think you should have to... *looks down at the table between them sadly, rubbing at her arm*

LITTLE: why not though ? ? ?

LITTLE: 1 c4n com3 to th3 d1n3rs 4nd b3 4 p4rt of th3 f4m1ly but outs1d3 th3 confl1cts 1 w3nt 4nd st4rt3d ? ? ?

COLT: *pauses to think about how unresolved conflict has really become a norm in his family... it definitely makes dinners awkward. but he knows it isn't right.*

COLT: It's... it's more complicated than "who started it." I just don't think it's right he's holdin' anything against you. Even if he's worried about me... Even if he's upset with me...

COLT: It's still... a matter he should be settlin' with me... You know? *sniff. he's trying not to get too emotional, but here he is...*

LITTLE: -she frowns.- ok

LITTLE: 1 m34n

LITTLE: 1 g3t th4t

LITTLE: of cours3 h3 1s

COLT: And moreover I don't-- I don't think you need more reason to dwell on somethin' you regretted doin'. I want you to be able to move on...

COLT: I'm gonna be ok... And we're gonna be ok.

LITTLE: w3l

LITTLE: SUR3

LITTLE: you got4 34t 4noth3r

LITTLE: r34l f4st l1k3 ok

LITTLE: 1ts 1mport4nt

LITTLE: -she pushes a pie at him-

COLT: ... *please...*

COLT: Fine... *picks it up and just. stuffs his face.*

LITTLE: -SHE DOES THE SAME-

LITTLE: MPH

COLT: *trying not to giggle while he has a mouth full of pie. HE DOESN'T WANT TO CHOKE.*

LITTLE: -ONE FINGER OVER HIS LIPS- >:]

COLT: *goes cross eyed looking at her finger... with his hamster lookin' stuffed cheeks.*

LITTLE: 3njoy th3 mom3nt

LITTLE: you 4r3 th3 w1n3r >:o

COLT: *pfffff. he must REALLY look like a winner right now. he swallows quickly before he can DIE.* It's me...

COLT: *wheeze*

LITTLE: TH4TS R1GHT

LITTLE: T4ST3 1T CRUMBLY PUMPK1N CRUST

COLT: *grinning, he leans over the table to plant a big kiss on her face. taste that......*

LITTLE: -CHEEKY SO AND SO- >:O!

COLT: :)

LITTLE: your3 lucky th3r3s 4 t4bl3 b3tw3n us or 1 would G3T YOU

COLT: I'm surprised you're lettin' that get in your way, honestly... Er... *wait, he probably shouldn't be suggesting/EGGING HER ON.*

LITTLE: 1 WOULD BUT 1TD G3T P13 4L OV3R M3 >;)

COLT: ... That's true... *don't wink after saying something like that... he's just gonna take a big swig of cider now.*

LITTLE: 4 sp1cy p4stry >;0

COLT: *he blush* ... Quit your winkin'. *stuffs face with more pie.*

LITTLE: 4 S4SY PUMPKIN >;D

COLT: *ok, he does choke a little that time when he laughs.* Hrrrk.

COLT: Stop...

LITTLE: HOT HOT TOM4TO SOUP -this is clearly getting away from her-

COLT: Now you're just bein' ridiculous.

LITTLE: >;]

COLT: :P *holds a pie to her*

LITTLE: -STICKS HER FACE IN IT-

COLT: *squishes it to her face a little more. whoops. guess she's getting pie all over her anyway.* Hehe...

LITTLE: NOM

COLT: *ok, he has to fuss and dab a napkin at her face to remove stray pie crumbs. hopefully she doesn't bite.*

LITTLE: -she does LICK-

COLT: ://o

COLT: ... Thanks.