Shenanigans!

[phaselocknroll]

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[phaselocknroll]

[ She breaks off from the road, heading out into the wilderness, just in case someone happens by. There are large enough trees a short distance from the edge of the road to keep them hidden. Honestly, she just kind of picks a direction and goes. ]

Doing okay?

[nostalgiabomb]

[ He keeps up with her, walking side-by-side toward the forest. At her question, he gives her a slightly puzzled look and a small smile, then slips his hand into hers. ]

Pretty sure that’s my line, actually.

[phaselocknroll]

Maybe it's both of ours.

[ there's a pause, as she turns her gaze upwards, looking at the glimpses of sky showing through the trees ]

I'm... better. Is it weird that I think that whose excursion helped a little?

[nostalgiabomb]

[ That-- actually makes him kind of peer at her thoughtfully, but then he shrugs. ] I guess it’s kind of like, an immersion therapy type of thing. So-- it kinda makes sense, in a way.

That, and like, I guess shooting down a bunch of red shirts must’ve helped, too.

[phaselocknroll]

Could've done without the part where I thought they were gonna brainwash you, though.

[nostalgiabomb]

-- Well, you swooped in and saved the day yet again, right? It turned out okay. [ He tries for a reassuring smile, batting his eyes in true Disney Princess fashion. ] My hero.

[phaselocknroll]

It this the part where I sweep you off your feet and take you away to my castle so we can live happily ever after?

[nostalgiabomb]

[ That stops him dead in his tracks as they reach the edge of the overgrowth, and he feigns a look of astonishment. ]

Hang on. Is this the first time I’m hearing about your castle? Have you been holdin’ out on me all this time? Because "I have a castle" is totally something you should tell someone on the first date.

[phaselocknroll]

[ Totally deadpan: ] Yes, Peter. I have pretended to be a lowly commoner all this time. It was the only way I could escape the pressures of castle life.

[nostalgiabomb]

[ With a knowing nod, ] Somehow, I’ve always known. Your secret is safe with me, Lady Maya.

If you’ll excuse me, though, I believe I have some fire and brimstone I need to call in. [ And then he bows low, sweeping an arm out, before withdrawing his helmet attachment from his digistruct and stepping away. ]

[phaselocknroll]

Go forth, noble sir.

[ she gives him a mock curtsy in response to his bow, and moves to sit on a nearby tree stump. While she's there, she clips her shield back to her belt, just for comfort's sake, and takes her sniper rifle in hand again.

You know. Just in case. ]

[nostalgiabomb]

[ She may overhear snippets of his conversation, which includes a lot of choked-off expletives and Sorry, Nova Primes, and Yes, ma'ams. Clearly Peter would never thrive in a professional setting.

When he steps back, he-- blinks at her and the rifle. ]

Did I miss something?

[phaselocknroll]

Just keeping us covered. How'd it go?

[nostalgiabomb]

They'll be here in the hour. Any longer than that, though, and I'm pretty sure we get our money back.

[phaselocknroll]

I didn't realize that the Nova Corps had a "sixty minutes or less" guarantee.

I guess we just hang out here in the meantime?

[nostalgiabomb]

[ He answers that question by plopping down, his back against a tree and facing away from the facility. ]

Like I said, we let them do all the hard work. The guys should be landing with the Milano along with the rest of the troops, so we can take it easy till then.

[phaselocknroll]

Works for me.

[ She falls silent for a moment, shifting her rifle to sit across her knees ]

... I didn't know you were claustrophobic.

[nostalgiabomb]

[ He answers pretty quickly. ]

'Cause I'm not.

[phaselocknroll]

[ she sloooowly raises an eyebrow ] Aren't you? You were freaking out pretty bad after that laundry chute.

[nostalgiabomb]

[ That gets him to pause, but only for a brief second. ]

Well, we were getting chased by brainwashing sociopaths, so I think I deserve some leeway, there.

[phaselocknroll]

Okay, first of all, there's nothing wrong with not liking small spaces.

Second of all, kind of something I need to know before I suggest we throw ourselves headlong into a long, dark, cramped tunnel.

[nostalgiabomb]

It's fine. I'm fine.

[ A beat, then, ]

And maybe I was freaked out by, like, the laundry, for all you know.

[phaselocknroll]

For the love of- what's the big deal here?

[nostalgiabomb]

[ His tone is sharper than he means it to be. ] Maya, it's fine. Can we please just drop it?

[phaselocknroll]

[ That... well, it startles her, for one. It also hurts a little, because she thought by this point they could be honest with each other.

Maybe he has to be honest with himself, first.

Her reply is quiet. ]

All right. Fine. It's dropped.

Sorry for bringing it up.