[sub][h3][center]Archie[/center][/h3][/sub][hr]"You're right, you won't."

Archie smiled at this. Lynn believed in him, too. His apology was successful.

He followed her out of her room, content to let her lead the way out of the hospital. They were nearing the exit when he excused himself to the little boy's room. [i]That[/i] had been interesting. More interesting than squeezing the lemon had any right to be. He turned the little ball in his hands a few times- inspecting it's surface, then pocketed the item. He was still unsure of what to make of that.

Normally when he was anxious or the threat of danger was nearby, and sometimes just for the hell of it his chest would heat up. He had come to recognize it as a warning sign. The hotter and more painful his chest became, the closer he was to an unfortunate accident. He placed his hand on his chest, trying to calm his racing heartbeat, and was surprised that he didn't feel the normal heartburn that was so often associated with the feeling of danger. It had become commonplace, and honestly? It was somewhat comforting to know that if he really, [i]really[/i] needed it he had the nuclear option. Since the cafeteria his chest had been still. It had not hurt or burned- it was just... normal.

Archie had mixed feelings on this. He shook his head and left the bathroom and continue after Lynn. She didn't need to worry- he was fine and that's what had mattered. If she had seen Freaky D, she had [i]hopefully[/i] not seen him come out of the bathroom. That would take some explaining and he was suddenly very tired from the whole ordeal. It was beginning to get darker now- or at least dark enough for some of the light posts to come on. It was only 7:30ish but when one is surrounded by the dark void of space, the light of the lamp posts was welcome. Archie and Lynn walked in an easy silence, Archie for once in his life was content to shut up and enjoy the moment. He had stuffed his hands in his pockets and simply kept pace with the smaller girl. This had all gone over easier than he thought it would. Hopefully Natalie would go well enough, too. He cast a sideways glance at Lynn and the edges of his lips curled upwards at their situation. She had just walked out of the hospital, and in most cases the person in his position would be the one making sure [i]she[/i] didn't get hurt. But of course that wasn't the case here. No, he was quite sure that of the two of them [i]he[/i] was the damsel in distress. At least, in his current state. She had more than proven capable of handling herself and if her attitude was anything to go by she would do it with gusto.

As they walked, Archie elected to try and start up conversation.

"So..." he began, kicking a rock off of the sidewalk. "What was your home like? Before this?"
[hr][@He Who Walks Behind]